Farmers Weekly NZ May 7 2018 by AgriHQ

Welfare starts with farmers Vol 17 No 18, May 7, 2018

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7 Landcorp gains in relevance Vol 17 No 18, May 7, 2018

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Meat gets new brand T

showed a product’s country of origin is a major purchasing factor for consumers, retailers and the food service sector. “Taste Pure Nature is our unique point of difference and is central to our promise of the purest and most natural meat taste experiences in the world,” he said.

Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com

HE launch of Taste Pure Nature origin brand to differentiate New Zealand red meat will be followed by other initiatives designed to validate consumer trust and confidence in the product. Beef + Lamb NZ unveiled the brand for use by exporters on packaging and in advertising and expects it to start appearing on products in markets at the end of this year. Chairman Andrew Morrison said the organisation’s National Farm Assurance Programme provides validation and authenticity for the brand but will be enhanced by the impending release of an environment strategy. It reflects the reality nothing can be done onfarm in isolation and the assurance programme will verify NZ farming’s soft environmental footprint. The environment strategy will set a path to 2040 for the sector to address areas that need improving, further enhancing the Taste Pure Nature brand. “With our natural assets and farming systems NZ is strongly positioned at an origin level to establish a level of trust and loyalty with consumers that can’t be replicated by other origins,” Morrison said. Competing meat-exporting countries are making similar claims but Morrison said NZ farmers have to be confident their production systems stand up to

It’s critical NZ moves now to safeguard and enhance our position as a premium producer. Sam McIvor B+LNZ

scrutiny while also promoting the fact stock are grass-fed and free of hormones. Meat Industry Association chairman John Loughlin said a NZ brand underpinning sustainable wine-growing had helped that industry command premium prices. “We believe it has a lot of potential for our industry,” he said. As shown in the wine industry, there is benefit in having a national umbrella identity such as Taste Pure Nature, telling the NZ story, he said.

“A national brand is a good way of getting that national provenance story across.” It is up to individual companies to decide if they want to use it. It will start appearing as new packaging is printed. “I think there will be some early adopters and some followers,” Loughlin said. The country of origin brand was developed over 18 months by B+LNZ, industry and the Government partly in response to competing meat exporters investing heavily to differentiate their products.

“Australia, for example, invests around NZ$68 million per year in marketing its red meat based on the True Aussie brand and Ireland invests in its sustainability programme Origin Green,” B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor said. “It’s critical NZ moves now to safeguard and enhance our position as a premium producer.” The brand builds on the positive image consumers have of NZ but research showed consumer perception of NZ red meat marketing is weak in some highgrowth markets. McIvor said research also

B+LNZ has also announced two pilot programmes in China and the United States in conjunction with meat companies to build demand and visibility for NZ beef and lamb. Morrison said those two markets were chosen for the pilot because research showed they have potential to grow demand. “We are seeing strong demand in the US and opportunities for premium prices for NZ red meat such as in China and the Middle East.” It will involve in-market promotion of Taste Pure Nature to key distributors, food service and retailers and if successful, B+LNZ will work with processors to extend the promotion to other markets. Companies wanting to use the trademarked Taste Pure Nature brand must apply for a licence and meet certain standards.

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NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW We kick off this week with a change in our weather pattern. It’s all about high pressure to the north and strong westerlies to the south. These strong westerly quarter winds will surge in and out over the coming week bringing periods of strong winds, maybe gales, mostly around the Southern Alps but sometimes extending eastwards into regions like Canterbury. The winds affect the lower North Island with Wellington and some other regions from Taranaki to Wairarapa windy at times. However, high pressure looks set to dominate the upper part of the country. One of the highs coming in this week stretches wider than Australia so the pattern over the next week or two won’t be changing fast.

5 Farming’s low carbon future The rural sector is likely to lose population and services as livestock is replaced by up to 2.8 million hectares of new forestry so New Zealand can become a net zero carbon emitter by 2050. Early warning system welcomed �� 8 Blockchain wants farmer input now �� 13 Alliance beefs up offering �� 14

Rain

Wind

Showers move up the western North Island on Monday with patchy West Coast rain. Rain on Tuesday on the West Coast, some brief spits in Southland/Otago then showers in the western North Island on Wednesday. Dry Thursday and Friday nationwide, except the West Coast.

The week ahead is driven by high pressure to the north of New Zealand affecting northern NZ while windy westerly winds push in elsewhere. The winds might reach gale at times this week from Cook Strait southwards. For further information on the NZX PGI visit www.agrihq.co.nz/pgi

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature

New Thinking ��23

With mainly westerly quarter winds and high pressure dominating NZ this week we expect a generally mild week ahead. In fact some eastern areas will be much warmer than average with highs in the low to mid 20s.

World ��28

Rain, heavy at times on the West Coast, mostly south of Hokitika and mainly focused around Fiordland. Winds might be the main feature of this week with westerlies rising to gale at times.

REGULARS Real Estate ��31-35

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

Newsmaker ��22 Opinion ��24

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

14-DAY OUTLOOK

With a general drying out trend this week for most areas except the West Coast coupled with the westerly quarter winds, most regions should have another positive pasture growth week ahead. The West Coast will be wettest and coolest and Southland will also have some cooler days in the mix, however, plenty of sun, dry and mild winds should encourage good pasture growth across the rest of NZ. The windy weather should keep frosts away this week too.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 04/05/2018

Employment ��36 Classifieds ��36-37 Livestock ��37-43

48 Milk price to hit $7 A farmgate milk price forecast for next season based on futures market expectations for four main dairy commodities has risen above $7/kg milksolids, helped by a lower value New Zealand dollar.

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

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our pioneering

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Save water and cut effluent Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com A PARTNERSHIP between Ravensdown and Lincoln University has unveiled technology its creators believe will reduce farm effluent loads significantly while also saving billions of litres of fresh water. ClearTech, launched last week, has taken the dairy industry’s two biggest issues, effluent losses and water consumption, and dealt with both through a combination of simple water purification principles, managed by a computerised controller.

By our calculations if every dairy farm in New Zealand had one of these systems the industry would be saving 42 billion litres of fresh water a year, about 17,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Jamie Thompson Ravensdown ClearTech puts a coagulant into the effluent when a farm dairy yard is hosed down. It causes the effluent particles to cluster together and sink, leaving most of the water clear and usable. Ravensdown effluent technology manager Jamie Thompson said there are challenges to getting effluent to clot given the variable pH, turbidity and content of the waste on any given day. “That requires a flexible coagulant. In this case we have used ferric sulphate, commonly used for purifying drinking water. It puts a positive charge through

the particles, causing them to flock together.” But the true smarts for the ClearTech system lie in the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), a type of industrial computer that contains algorithms for constantly assessing the state of the effluent stream and adjusts the amount of ferric sulphate released depending on parameters like temperature and turbidity. “The trick is not to have too much coagulant introduced or you will just have particles separating because they are over-charged, carrying too much of a positive charge.” The algorithms were developed over three years research by Lincoln University soil professor Keith Cameron and his colleague Professor Hong Di. “These algorithms operate around very tight parameters and are at the heart of what makes this concept work consistently.” The coagulant separation process is claimed to kill up to 99% of micro-organisms including E coli and reduce odour. Thompson said a key focus for researchers and Ravensdown has been to develop a system that can be affordably retrofitted to a farm’s existing effluent system. “You would typically have a 20,000 litre clarification tank installed after the system’s sump, where the coagulant is injected. Once the effluent has settled twothirds of that clear water can be re-used for washing the yard down and the other third will contain the effluent, taking it to the pond for storage.” Thompson said the key benefits are twofold. “You then only need about a third of the storage area for your effluent while your water use will reduce significantly. “By our calculations if every dairy farm in New Zealand had one of these systems the industry would be saving 42 billion litres

BRAINS: The algorithms behind the smart effluent systems were developed by Professors Keith Cameron and Hong Di at Lincoln University.

of fresh water a year, about 17,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” Research by Waikato University master’s student Tom Macdonald found in 2014 that on average farmers in that region had invested just over $1 a kilogram of milksolids in dairy effluent management systems in the past five years. Indications are a further tightening since then in

environmental standards demanded further investment. Thompson said effluent pond upgrading and upsizing is a significant portion of the funds invested, with environmental spending accounting for 70% of total farm environmental spend. “What this technology does is it significantly reduces the size of the pond required.”

DIFFERENCE: Effluent before and after going through the new system.

While reluctant to put a price on the installation and running costs for the ClearTech system he said affordability was a key part of the project’s original brief. “We have been showing this system to key industry stakeholders prior to launch and in all cases they have said this is exactly what the industry needs right now. It has been very, very encouraging feedback,” Thompson said. Dairy Holdings chief executive Colin Glass said “This technology has the potential to transform the use of water in dairy operations and provides another tool for reducing nitrogen losses.” The system is expected to be available for farmers later this year.

See the video on farmersweekly.co.nz

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Farmers are being asked for millions Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz A SECOND case of Mycoplasma bovis has been found in the North Island and more are expected with farmers in the firing line being asked to stump up hundreds of millions of dollars to fight the disease. Landcorp-owned Rangedale Station, a sheep and beef property in Tararua District near Palmerston North, has been confirmed as having the disease. The property was identified through National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) records and is connected through animal movements to the Hawke’s Bay farm declared infected in December.

Two more sheep and beef farms in Southland have also tested positive for the disease bringing the total of infected properties to 35 with a further 53 under Restricted Place Notices and about 1400 trace properties involved. The Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed a number of farms in both the North and South Islands are under quarantine while testing is being done. Despite industry and farmer understanding quarantined properties in Waikato are testing positive and about to be declared infected properties MPI said there is “nothing further to report”. “While this is the second North Island detection it should not be considered a major turning point in the response,” MPI said.

LONG-TERM: Eradicating Mycoplasma bovis is now a five to 10-year job, Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Lewis says.

“This is just a further property uncovered through robust tracing activity. “It is highly likely we will find further positive properties as tracing continues,” MPI said.

Wairarapa MP Alastair Scott said confirmation M bovis had hit Wairarapa is of deep concern and devastating for local cattle breeders and dairy farmers. The property owner had immediately held a meeting to update neighbours on the situation and the actions being taken. “Farmers across the region need to know this type of information so that they can take proactive measures to protect their animals. “The MPI response to date has been feeble. It is not good enough,” Scott said.

Forcing farmers outside of an agreed mandate while they’re having to destroy their cattle herds and the banks are knocking on their doors is disgraceful. Nathan Guy National Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Lewis said it is frustrating for farmers, who like transparency. “We have been hearing about Mb in Waikato since February but given the time of the year the cows are a pretty happy lot, under no stress and won’t be giving a correct reading so testing is not accurate. “That is frustrating for farmers who like clean-cut.” Lewis questioned the fairness in that just a few farmers are bearing the brunt of the disease. “And is that at greater cost than if we accept Mb is here and manage it? “No one wants to admit defeat but let’s be rational about the way forward – this disease is more widespread than initially believed. “Yes, eradicate if it’s possible but is it now a 5-10-year programme, not one year.

“Talking to Australian farmers it’s not in the worst 10 things that have happened to them so it won’t be for NZ either. “It’s quite clear we have got to have a test that is 100% and we have got to find the pathway here. “If we are going to spend farmer and taxpayer money it needs to be spent with confidence that this disease is not coming across the border again,” Lewis said. A final decision on the future management of the disease is still to be made. Meanwhile, the Government and the farming industry are locked in debate over the response costs. National’s agriculture spokesman Nathan Guy said reports from the cattle industry being heavied to pay for Mycoplasma bovis are extremely concerning. “Even more concerning are the projected cost ranges industry has been given,” Guy said. Industry has been informed by Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor that $450 million is needed for a phased eradication, $500m for rapid eradication, $570m for long-term management or up to $1 billion to close out the response. O’Connor is pushing for the industry to pay 40%, maybe even up to 50%, of the cost. When the cattle industries confirmed initial response funding of $11.2m they did so with the understanding the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) was the model for cost sharing, Guy said. “The GIA established in 2013 set out a framework for costsharing between the Government of the day and various industry groups as and when biosecurity incursions arise. “The cost-share for any particular incursion was agreed at about 12%.” “Forcing farmers outside of an agreed mandate while they’re having to destroy their cattle herds and the banks are knocking on their doors is disgraceful,” Guy said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Farming’s low carbon future Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com THE rural sector is likely to lose population and services as livestock is replaced by up to 2.8 million ha of new forestry so New Zealand can become a net zero carbon emitter by 2050. A draft report by the Productivity Commission on transitioning NZ to a low emissions economy said those from agriculture must fall 30% for NZ to have a zero emitting economy by 2050, requiring the planting of forestry on “millions of hectares” of sheep and beef country to offset emissions. In an interview, commission chairman Murray Sherwin acknowledged the rural sector would be nervous by the report, but said there had to be change. “Given the country’s emissions profile, something has to happen in agriculture.” It estimated that between 1.3 million and 2.8m hectares of new forestry needed to be planted as part of “a substantial transformation” to lower carbon emissions through land use change, together with improved farming practices and technology. The report noted that Beef + Lamb NZ was assessing existing woody vegetation on sheep and beef farms “with preliminary indications that is in the millions of hectares”, land that potentially could support forestry for harvest and permanent planting. But it could come at a cost. “Increased forestry may also lead to falls in the rural population and loss of associated infrastructure such as schools,” the report warned. Sherwin said concerns about the depopulation of rural communities were real, but new permanent forestry planting would be in more remote areas. “There has to be change and there will be some disruption in some rural communities,” he said. Offsetting emissions through forestry would only buy NZ 30 years to find other options before land suited for planting was exhausted. Changing land to horticulture and arable was also expected, with the area of horticulture potentially increasing by 1m ha. NZ emissions were less than 0.2% of global emissions but the report said that did not

TRANSITION: Livestock must make way for trees to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint, according to a draft report from the Productivity Commission.

Given the country’s emissions profile, something has to happen in agriculture. Murray Sherwin Productivity Commission justify inaction, especially from agriculture which contributed nearly half of NZ’s emissions. Land use change was part of a suite of proposals contained in the commission’s draft report. It said agriculture should be included in the emissions trading scheme (ETS) but the transition should be softened by the allocating of free units to the sector and increased funding for pastoral greenhouse gas research. Introducing a price of agricultural emissions would make NZ the only country in the world to do so and the report noted NZ’s emission intensity was a quarter of the average farm globally and any reduction in

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NZ production could be filled by overseas producers. Fuel and energy prices were expected to soar as the price of carbon was increased from around $20 a tonne today to between $75 and $152 a tonne in a bid to influence human behaviour. Economic modelling showed the dairy sector would perform better than sheep and beef during the transition due to higher international dairy prices. The models assumed other dairy producers would also move to a low carbon economy. Sherwin said transitioning the economy while preserving living standards and the productive sector would be a challenge, but doing nothing was not an option. The degree of change required by the rural sector in the next 30 years to become a low carbon emitter was comparable to what it experienced in the last 30 years. “With sensible and supportive government policies and a successful rural-urban conversation the pace, direction and nature of land use change between 2020 and 2050 can

be managed without undue economic or social disruption,” the report stated. About 3m ha (30%) of pastoral farmland shifted to other land uses between 1990 and 2015, of which the largest proportion was for urban development, conservation and public uses. Plantation forestry increased 450,000ha, cropping 142,000ha and horticulture 60,000ha. The report acknowledged the lack of options for farmers to make significant reductions. It estimated reductions of 15% were possible from increasing productivity and more widely adopting existing lower-emission management practices such as lower stock numbers, reduced use of nitrogen fertiliser, once a day milking and stand-off pads, and still to be discovered new technology. Despite that, current production growth trends were likely to see 2030 agricultural emissions 5% to 11% higher than 2015. The benefits of including agriculture in the ETS outweighed the cost by factoring emission prices in to land values and

providing a more even signal for forestry and horticulture. The commission also discussed at length the point of obligation, concluding that it should be at farm level but only farms above a certain size should be required to report emissions. Monitoring would be by OVERSEER, which the report warned needed funding and assistance to improve its capabilities. The commission said legislation affecting emissions should also be addressed such as the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act. That act requires Fonterra to accept all supply from shareholders regardless of its impact on the company’s or national emissions, limiting its discretion to refuse new supply where this could inefficiently increase the use of fossil fuels in milk collection and processing. This was true in the South Island where Fonterra used a high proportion of coal to fuel its driers. Submissions were being accepted on the draft report ahead of a final version expected in August.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Landcorp board gets a refresh Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com

Traci Houpapa Landcorp

NECESSARY: Landcorp is increasing in relevance, outgoing chairwoman Traci Houpapa says.

cultural elements she believes are now being discussed by the wider industry. “It is a pointy and an uncomfortable conversation but one we need to have.” But the biggest challenge facing all industries is having a workforce of capable people. Houpapa said immigrants are part of the solution but NZ also has to grow its own workforce. She is proudest of how Landcorp grew and developed its people during her time in charge. “I am proud as a board, leadership team and company we invested in people and we’ll see

returns on that investment.” Running NZ’s largest farm, owned by the Crown, is unusual because everything Landcorp does is in the public eye and closely followed by the public. Houpapa is regularly stopped in the street by people willing to express opinions and thoughts about Landcorp and agriculture. Landcorp is increasing in relevance because of its philosophy and strategy which led to the creation of Pamu, the brand given to products created by the company, and new ventures. Questioning why the Government should own a

farming company is old thinking, she said. “It is simplistic, easy and smacks of old thinking to ask why the Crown should own Landcorp. They should be asking why not own Landcorp.” Its size and diversity allows Landcorp to trial new products and systems. Just 130 days after the board approved the venture Landcorp was milking sheep, it was also trialling milking deer, looking at opportunities with alternative proteins, how to better use land classes and ways to improve health and safety. “All of these and more are reasons for the Crown to own an entity like Landcorp.” Houpapa has several other directorships including Primary ITO and the Victoria University council.

Last muster lambs sell well THE Maniototo last muster lamb sale saw 17,000 lambs and some happy vendors descend on Central Otago last week. PGG Wrightson senior livestock agent Ryan Dowling said every pen in the yards was used to hold lambs for the sale and it attracted a strong crowd of buyers who competed for the high-quality offering of mainly forward store lambs. “There were fewer prime lambs on offer compared to last year but the prime lambs offered met good demand selling between $130 and $172 for the heavy weights.” After several wet and cold days leading up to the sale the sun came out on sale day and the temperature rose to give buyers

confidence and show the lambs off well. The sale attracted a strong attendance from Mid to North Canterbury buyers who competed with Otago buyers who have enjoyed good autumn growth following a very dry summer and were looking for good lambs to carry through winter. The yarding included a big number of quality halfbred lambs with a good number of blackface cross and crossbreds to provide plenty of variety for the big crowd of buyers. Top cuts of male halfbred lambs fetched $125 to $133, medium cuts $115 to $124 and lighter lambs achieved $100 to $110. Vendor S&N Francis sold a

NEWS BRIEFS Bell stepping down WAIKATO Milking Systems chief executive Dean Bell will step down on December 31. He said the organisation he joined 28 years ago is very different to today’s Waikato Milking Systems. The recent splitting of the chief executive’s role into domestic and international was a strategic move. Chairman Randal Barrett said “During Dean’s tenure the business has grown to become the dominant player in its home market and an established competitor in over 20 others.”

Hort NZ has four FOUR candidates will vie for two positions on the Horticulture New Zealand board. John Cook is standing down from the nine-member board. Mike Smith is offering himself for re-election while new candidates for the vacant roles are Kathryn de Bruin, Bernadine Guilleux and Lesley Wilson. Voting closes on May 28. Directors are elected for a three-year term and any active grower member of Horticulture NZ can vote. The election results will be announced on June 1.

Buswell honoured LONG-serving Te Kuiti general practitioner Keith Buswell is this year’s recipient of the Peter Snow Memorial Award, announced at the NZ Rural GP Network’s annual conference in Auckland.

Get tough CHOICE: The pens were packed at Maniototo’s last muster lamb sale. large number of halfbred lambs at an average of $126 a head, Greer Farms halfbreds averaged $124 and CMD Inder halfbreds averaged $124. Blackface and crossbreds sold well, also ranging from $100 to

$130 for good stores with a few lighter lines between $80 and $95. “It was a great success with happy vendors and buyers being able to source well-bred lambs that they can finish to good weights,” Dowling said.

Federated Farmers has appeared before Parliament’s Primary Production Select Committee suggesting courts be allowed to confiscate vehicles, trailers, dogs and other gear used to rustle stock, saying it would be a deterrent.

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FORMER Landcorp chairwoman Traci Houpapa was available for reappointment but missed out because the shareholding ministers wanted to refresh the state-owned enterprise’s board, she says. Her eight-year term on the board, of which three were as chairwoman, has come to an end, along with three other directors, Nikki Davies-Colley, Pauline Lockett and Eric Roy. Houpapa accepted her appointment was at the behest of the Ministers of State Owned Enterprises Winston Peters and Finance Grant Robertson. The newly appointed directors are Nigel Atherfold, Hayley Gourley and Belinda Storey. She said the Landcorp she joined eight years ago was very different to the one she has just left, with a different strategy, focus and operating model. Part of that was having the courage to stand up and say “We can’t continue to farm the way we used to farm,” she said. “We are extremely proud of that but we also put up our hand and say ‘we haven’t got it all right’.” Landcorp is focusing on the three elements of land: environment, economics and

It is simplistic, easy and smacks of old thinking to ask why the Crown should own Landcorp.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Early warning system welcomed Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz A BIOSECURITY intelligence team within government will be a good idea if it can provide earlier warning of biosecurity risks, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman says. “Being forewarned about where biosecurity risks are coming from and the likely pathways into New Zealand means that we can take actions to prevent the arrival of pests and ensure that the necessary protections are available at the border, he said. In announcing the establishment of Biosecurity NZ, Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor said that an intelligence team would be equipped to provide earlier signals of biosecurity threats. “This is good news for the horticulture sector where a biosecurity breach is the biggest threat to the ongoing viability of our growers. “Both the Prime Minister and the Biosecurity Minister have categorised biosecurity as the number one risk facing the primary industries in NZ. “The creation of Biosecurity NZ and in particular, the enhancement of its role with the creation of the biosecurity intelligence team, is giving teeth to this categorization,” Chapman said. “As with all restructuring, whether it achieves its aims will only become apparent with time. “It is important, as the Minister has said, for all New Zealanders to be aware of biosecurity risks and to be part of the whole of country’s response. “The creation of Biosecurity New Zealand will hopefully provide that leadership for NZ.” Minister O’Connor launched Biosecurity NZ last Monday as one of four new business units created within the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to create

Farmers happy

FOCUSED: A new biosecurity intelligence team will be equipped to provide earlier signals of biosecurity threats, Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor says.

As with all restructuring, whether it achieves its aims will only become apparent with time. Mike Chapman HortNZ a stronger focus on key areas of work. The other three units are Fisheries NZ launched on May 1, NZ Food Safety to be launched on May 7 and Forestry NZ set to be launched on May 11. Setting up the four units cost $6.8 million with operating costs of $2.3m a year, all funded through reprioritised spending within MPI.

“When I began this role six months ago it was clear biosecurity was our number one challenge with several responses under way including Mycoplasma bovis, Myrtle Rust, Ostrae Bonamia and Kauri Dieback, plus we began turning around ships carrying the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug,” O’Connor said. “With increasing pressures such as the growing scale of trade, more visitors from abroad and climate change challenges, we need a greater focus on biosecurity.” O’Connor said Biosecurity NZ provides a single point of accountability and leadership for New Zealanders, bringing together 900 MPI staff into one focused business unit which will provide the direction, resources and people-power to protect NZ from biosecurity threats and respond

quickly to any outbreaks. The new intelligence team will use new, smarter, technologies and skilled analysts to source and look at all available information on overseas pest and diseases. “Earlier signals of biosecurity threats will help our border staff to make better decisions to target air passengers and cargo that are most likely to carry risk goods, as well as those who deliberately flout NZ’s biosecurity rules.” O’Connor urged all New Zealanders to get involved in biosecurity. “Biosecurity is a challenge for us all – it requires vigilance from everyone and it is vital that every New Zealander is pitching in to protect our environment, way of life, primary industries and the things we enjoy as New Zealanders.”

FEDERATED Farmers is encouraged to see the Government take biosecurity seriously enough to give it its own department, the organisation’s national president Katie Milne says. The launch of Biosecurity NZ shows not only is the future of NZ’s primary sector taken seriously but the safety of every New Zealander is. NZ relies so much on the primary sector to keep afloat in the era of globalisation that any biosecurity breach could impact every member of the public, Milne said. “Our economy needs the best biosecurity protection to exist. “There is no NZ B. This is what we’ve got. It’s up to us as a community to protect it.” MPI director-general Martyn Dunne said the new business units provide increased focus on some of MPI’s core responsibilities and align structure to ministerial portfolios. “The business units are intended to lift the visibility of the valuable work we do in biosecurity, fisheries, forestry and food safety and increase transparency for our stakeholders and the public,” Dunne said. “Our new structure will enable us to deliver on MPI’s ambitious agenda for the primary sector and NZ. “Remaining one ministry allows us to continue strengthening the capabilities and expertise we have built since our formation.”

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Trump puts mockers on Iranian meat deals Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

SCARY: United States president Donald Trump has put the frighteners on Kiwi banks and meat exporters who might trade with Iran.

A LIFT in returns from rival markets and nervous bankers have kept sheep meat exporters previously sizing up a return to the once-crucial Iranian market largely on the sidelines. Last year Taylor Preston became the first exporter in two decades to return to the market, which, in the early 1980s, accounted for one in every four sheep processed in New Zealand. But industry figures show since that initial

shipment of 91 tonnes in June last year just 17 tonnes of sheep meat worth less than $250,000 was sent to the market by the end of March. Taylor Preston marketing manager Chris Pyke said the company shipped another 100 tonnes to the same customer after March. The trade came with extra costs including paying for the presence in plants of religiously qualified Iranian nationals as well as its veterinarians to oversee the processing of animals though the returns from the market had so far had justified the extra expense. The failure of the trade to fire more emphatically is despite the efforts of the last government including the signing of new veterinary protocols expected to ease the path for exporters. Industry heavyweight Silver Fern Farms participated in a delegation of exporters led by former Trade Minister Todd McClay to Tehran in 2016 and did significant due diligence ahead of an expected entry into the market. But acting group category manager Peter Robinson said the company had yet to do any business there.

Trump could say ‘nobody trades with Iran or your trade with us is finished’. Peter Robinson Silver Fern Farms

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While some sanctions had been lifted following Iran’s agreement with the West in 2015 to rein in its nuclear programme that had not extended to the banking sector, which continued to face impediments because of United States Treasury directives that make it illegal to deal with Iranian banks it says have links to terrorist organisations. Robinson said that introduced a degree of uncertainty for NZ banks fearful of losing their US banking licences should they be found to have repatriated funds on behalf of exporter clients via Iranian banks blacklisted by the US. However, possibly even a bigger factor holding back the trade had been the price Iran could pay relative to other markets. Robinson said SFF’s initial interest in the Iranian market had been spurred by the dramatic fall in returns from the United Kingdom in the wake of the Brexit vote in June 2016 but they had since recovered. “The Iranian price at the time was looking okay but the price they were willing to pay stayed static while other markets came up and leapfrogged it.” While SFF could look at the market again if it becomes more competitive, the riskiness of trade with Iran appears to be increasing. President Donald Trump is expected to announce whether the US will continue to support the 2015 nuclear deal or re-impose sanctions. “Trump could say ‘nobody trades with Iran or your trade with us is finished’. “What do you do if you have a thousand tonnes ready to put on the water … it is the sort of decision that he could make overnight. Of the four major exporters Affco is understood to be the only one to have done business with Iran. Director Rowan Ogg said the company sees it as a viable market that could improve still further as Iran becomes more comfortable with the standard of NZ processing plants and less stringent veterinary oversight is negotiated.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Honey standard woes continue HALF the mid-strength manuka honey tested by new standards has failed, prompting industry fears weaknesses remain in the controversial Ministry for Primary Industries standard released earlier this year. Analytica, approved by MPI to offer the manuka chemical marker and DNA test, did the survey. Report author Dr Terry Braggins said the many hundreds of samples test in its laboratory represent a good cross-section of typical honey thought to be monofloral and multifloral manuka from around New Zealand. But the tests produced some puzzling results across all levels of manuka strength. Among the high-value 20+ non peroxide activity (NPA) honey the survey found 100% could be classified monofloral. But in the next category down, 15+ NPA manuka, 95% was classed as manuka. The remaining 5% was classified as non-manuka on grounds it failed the pollen DNA test. And in the 10+ NPA category 10% was classed as non manuka. But the grade causing most concern in the industry is the majority of honey that falls in the 5-10 NPA category. Of all the honey tested 55% fell into the 5-10 NPA category. However almost half of it failed the MPI test, which classed it as either non manuka or multifloral manuka. Despite accounting for such a significant proportion of the crop, that honey appeared to fall through a chemical crack in MPI’s definition, being too high in one chemical marker but too low in another, pushing it into the lower purity multi floral or non manuka class. Further complicating the results, 21% of the honey sampled with NPA of less than 5 was

classed as higher-value monofloral manuka by the test. Typically, manuka with an NPA of less than 5 would be classed as a mixture of bush honeys, including manuka. Braggins said he is aware MPI wants more information from honey producers on how their samples are stacking up. “Also, people are comparing this data to what they have known in the past, based on NPA/UMF standards, so everyone has in their own minds that this is what manuka is. The conflicting marker outcomes and high failure rates confirmed fears raised by the industry to MPI as it developed its manuka standards. In a rare move in late January MPI revised the level of one chemical marker in its standards in response to industry pressure and concerns that if left unchanged it would have resulted in a significant amount of multifloral manuka failing the manuka standard. Independent honey industry consultant John Hill said the Analytica results confirm his worst fears about the MPI standards. In February he told the Primary Production Select Committee he was concerned the MPI manuka honey science team had not followed a process with transparency and accuracy to develop a robust, sciencebased criteria for identifying manuka honey capable of providing product assurance and demonstrating its authenticity and so had faults. “One of the key ones was the extreme regionality of a key chemical marker 2’-MAP (2’-Methoxyacetophenone). “This makes it unsuitable as the main chemical marker for manuka standards as the science is not robust, the outcome is not fit for purpose. “Nectar data shows 17% of the nectar would fail the definition

of manuka despite being direct from the manuka plant. The bulk of these fails were in regions with naturally low levels of this chemical yet the plants they were taken from were wholly manuka.” Hill also reiterated industry concern it is not possible for the combination of chemical markers MPI has used to offer a defence against fraud attempts. In a market awash with bulk manuka honey, beekeepers were very vulnerable to having their previously higher-value honey bought at a discount by processors who could capitalise by blending and selling the honey at significant premium. Cheltenham beekeeper Jason Prior of Downunder Honey said 25% of the manuka crop has crashed in price, dropping by half in some cases. “It would be interesting to know how much of this failed honey would have met the leptosperin test the UMF Honey Association wanted to progress as a definitive marker. “This has all caused untold damage to the industry and I don’t see the end of the tunnel.”

WONDERING: Beekeeper Jason Prior says it would to interesting to know who much of the honey failing the Primary Industries Ministry test would have passed the test the industry wanted to adopt.

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MPI aware some honey fails THE Primary Industries Ministry is aware not all honey previously labelled as manuka will meet its new definition. “This is an inevitable consequence when changing from a commercial grading system to a regulatory authentication system that must satisfy governmentto-government certification requirements.” MPI is working with the industry to monitor the performance of the definition and respond as appropriate. The response said the four chemical markers and DNA pollen test used by MPI are not related to the commercial UMF/ NPA grading system. MPI is aware some honey is not meeting the traditional manuka honey definition because of low levels of 2’-MAP and high levels of 3’-PLA. “However, this does not

represent a conflict between the markers as they contribute to the definition in different ways,” it said. While acknowledging the differences in chemical marker 2’-MAP between regions and even seasons in some regions, MPI maintains the differences are not substantial and is confident 2’-MAP remains a reliable chemical marker for indicating manuka honey. MPI also remains confident about the stability of 2’-MAP as a regulatory marker. In response to claims MPI has not had the science behind the markers peer reviewed, it said it has submitted a scientific manuscript for publication in an international journal, which has gone through the peer review publication process. It has been accepted for publication with its release being finalised.

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News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Pea weevil ban extended Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz EXTENDING the pea growing ban in Wairarapa offers the best chance of ensuring the pest insect pea weevil is eradicated, Wairarapa Federated Farmers arable chairwoman Karen Williams says. The Pea Weevil Governance Group announced the continuation of the production ban to Wairarapa growers at a meeting in Masterton, extending the two year ban by another 12 months.

weevil had been found this past growing season. “This announcement at least gives growers some certainty around making plans for the coming season,” Williams said. The growing ban and eradication programme was initiated in July 2016 after pea weevil was found in a Masterton seed store. Nationwide surveys over the past two seasons have not found the weevil anywhere else in New Zealand. Trap crops in the Wairarapa caught 1735 weevils in the first year of the ban with just 15 found in year two. To prove that NZ is free of the destructive pest, which if it got a hold here could seriously affect the nation’s pea growing and processing industries, there needs to be two weevil-free years in the Wairarapa. Growers were told at the meeting that there had been no alterations made to the Cabinet minutes approving ex gratia payments to eligible growers unable to plant peas. Williams said this had been taken as meaning such compensation will continue to be paid while the ban is in force. The ban is no small issue in the Wairarapa where peas had been a major crop for decades, with growers building up considerable agronomy skill. Growers have been putting in more wheat and barley and

HESITANT: Federated Farmers arabale executive member Brian Leadley says grain prices over the last couple of years, from a growers’ perspective, have been unsustainable for long-term returns. Karen Williams.

some different crops and trials of other crops is occurring. But none of these have This at least reached the commercially gives growers some successful stage of past pea certainty around crops. Williams urged seed making plans for the companies to look beyond the coming season. traditional focus for the region’s cropping farmers. “If there are any seed Karen Williams companies keen to grow Wairarapa farmer some alternative crops in the Wairarapa, and look outside the traditional focus on Canterbury, that would be a most welcome “After the 12 months we approach.” can then review whether a The Ministry for Primary continued total ban, partial Industries (MPI) is confident restrictions or other measures the response is on track to will be the best option going eradicate pea weevil from NZ. forward, based on what the “Our trapping programme trap crops show us,” Williams found only 15 pea weevils from said. two neighbouring sites this She said while the growers season,” MPI response manager had lots of questions, the Nicky Fitzgibbon said. decision to continue the ban “That is significantly down was likely expected given pea on the 1735 found across 11 sites last season. “It’s encouraging progress.” “We think that is largely due to the Controlled Area Notice currently in place which restricts the growing of peas in the Wairarapa up to Pahiatua. “We intend to maintain these Be quick for July! restrictions until we are confident that we can eradicate the pest from NZ,” Fitzgibbon said. “We understand the restrictions have had an impact on the pea growing industry and wider Wairarapa Finland extension option... community and MPI would like to recognise A great way to explore Scandinavia! Visit farming enterprises (incl. beef, dairy, their efforts and arable, forestry, energy) in these progressive countries. Scenic coastlines and support. countryside, majestic fjords and forested mountains. Charming cities of Bergen, “Growers have Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Plus beautiful architecture, sophisticated shown a great deal of design and fascinating Viking and sea-faring heritage throughout! flexibility by finding Farm To Farm Tours Discover some of the alternate crops to world’s best farming, PO Box 239, Victoria St, plant while we’ve scenery and experiences Rangiora, 7440 been working to get in the company of like info@farmtofarm.co.nz rid of this pest and minded travellers. Ph: 03 313 5855 that support has been in our success Ph: 0800 3838 747 www.farmtofarm.co.nz critical so far.”

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Arable farmers are cautious this autumn AFTER a tough summer arable farmers appear to be pulling back on planned autumn plantings. “The flat prices of the last few years are now rebounding a bit but growers remain hesitant to plant massive areas,” Federated Farmers Arable executive member Brian Leadley said. “With the buoyant demand from the livestock sectors (dairy in particular) we anticipate that milling wheat plantings will reduce as farmers plant feed wheat/barley instead.” “If farmers and other end users are wanting domestically grown and quality-assured New Zealandgrown grain they should contact their supplier. If the signals are strong enough and positive enough, there is still plenty of time for growers to change their intentions.” Leadley was commenting after the release of the Arable Industry Marketing Initiative (AIMI) April 2018 Survey. It showed average yields over the six surveyed crops were down 12% after a shortened growing season and early harvest marked by four seasons in one day type weather. Periods of high rainfall from June-August, when some crops were flooded out, was followed by the heat of October-December and periods of heavy rain hitting hit during key crop establishment periods. “With climate change, that’s part of the game I guess,” Leadley said. All the surveyed crops had been harvested by April 1. This is particularly unusual for oats, which are generally not harvested in Southland until well into May. “Southland had drought-type conditions into mid-January, which promoted quicker growth and earlier maturity. “That probably had a

detrimental effect around yield but it was able to be harvested earlier and may well have improved quality a bit,” Leadley said. “It was the same with all those late harvest crops.” The AIMI survey showed carryover stocks of feed wheat and feed barley are lower than usual, with virtually all harvest 2017 stock sold to end-users. Available stocks of 2018 harvested grain will also find a home. Despite the good conditions for preparing and planting crops, very little of autumn sown crops had been planted by April 1. The survey indicated that predicted autumn plantings will be back by about 3400 hectares (about a third), with milling wheat and malting barley back (reflecting poor price signals from those sectors), and feed barley up. “Grain prices over the last couple of years, from a growers’ perspective, have been unsustainable for long-term returns when investment in land, capital for machinery and so on is added into that gross income vs growing cost equation. “So it’s pleasing to see a bit of a revival in those prices,” Leadley said. “By the look of the survey results, those past poor seasons have pushed some arable growers to look at other options. The recent prices may have given room for more optimism. “The survey has given as a good mark on farmers’ planting intentions at this stage. The next AIMI survey in July will tell us whether those plans changed as a result of market indicators.”

A full copy of the survey report is available here: https://www.far.org.nz/resources/other_ resources/aimi

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Blockchain wants farmer input now Glenys Christian glenys.christian@nzx.com ALL Kiwi farmers will have to supply some information into blockchain, which underlies cryptocurrencies, within the next two years, KPMG global agribusiness head Ian Proudfoot says. The secure transfer of information from one entity to another is particularly appealing for consumers at the end of the supply chain and he was receiving two or three calls a week about the issue, he told the Agricultural and Horticultural Science Institute’s Auckland section. “Large companies are saying they will accept products only where they have that surety,” he said. “It’s a fast tech curve and farrners will have to supply some information into blockchain in two years.” Zespri is already passing on some information because European customers demand it. “It fascinates me how this will evolve.” After taking evolutionary, small steps the New Zealand primary sector is about to see a revolution. “Some of the change is confronting and some is a nobrainer,” he said. “Many parts of the industry around the world aren’t evolved and that’s a huge platform for disruption. The good news is that disruption is opportunity.” Proudfoot listed three big trends. The first is the emergence of protein-agnostic companies, a term coined by United States chicken producer, Tyson Foods. “They want a relationship with a consumer who might want to eat a plant-based product on Monday and cultured meat on Tuesday so they are investing in companies that are leading that development,” he said. The Impossible Burger,

initially targeted at vegans, is becoming a mass market product as the price comes down. Milk company Danone is investing heavily in companies producing non-dairy milks in a full-scale bet consumers will not want to drink just dairy milks. The second trend is big food going small where large companies are buying into unusual areas, for example, General Mills buying a company producing buffalo jerky with a cranberry flavour. “They are looking at what they can learn from innovators in order to get that nimble mindset,” he said.

We can’t afford to keep making people better so we have to work out how to stop them getting ill. Ian Proudfoot KPMG The third trend is health dominating everything. “We can’t afford to keep making people better so we have to work out how to stop them getting ill.” That involves shaping what food consumers eat that has positive impacts on their health. Nestle has just sold its chocolate business in the United Kingdom and bought companies involved in vitamins, bottled water and frozen plant-based foods. “They want to be a health company as much as a food company,” Proudfoot said. In this country it should not be a surprise if there is a small sugar tax included in the upcoming Budget. Food waste is a huge problem

with estimates that 40% of what is produced is not actually used while 815 million people around the world are hungry. In France it is now illegal for supermarkets to throw food away. Vertical farming can be done anywhere and as science develops people will be able to grow anything they want. Cellular farming can be in a closed, controlled environment in a sustainable way. NZ farming must be sustainable in all aspects of what it does, he said. “We have to think about it in a wide sense as the right thing to do. We’ve had a fairly laissez faire approach and in my personal view there needs to be a move to a rules-based system.” It is important to recognise consumers have many choices so might no longer want to buy what this country produces. “We will be able to produce natural protein in a sustainable way at a premium but only if we change what we do today,” he said. More value needs to be captured by farmers for their products rather than them just growing more value. “We’re looking at a value web where everyone is connected to and understands the consumer,” he said. Investment is necessary to get closer to high-value customers because standing out from competitors drives value. The future is in telling NZ’s primary production stories better from the angle of consumers, which involves spending more time in different marketplaces and looking at what they eat. “Our stories and products are quite unique,” he said. “We’ve got to move now. We can’t wait until the Impossible Burger has sucked up 20% of the market. “And we have some beautiful, exciting, poetic stories.”

ORDS SELL: KPMG gobal agribusiness head Ian Proudfoot, left, with Agricultural and Horticultural Science Institute Auckland chairman William Atkinson, says we have beautiful, exciting and poetic stories to tell.

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Lamb chop makes beehive stop A GIANT lamb chop was spotted at the Beehive last week in what must be the sweetest stop on the Lamb and Three Veg Tiki Tour so far. The chop is currently touring the country to celebrate National Lamb Day, which takes place on May 24. Marty Shanahan, aka the Backyard Cook, has been the busy worker bee in charge of towing the massive chop – which was christened Lambo after a social media search to name it – with his bright orange Lamb Rover Defender. “We’ve covered most of the North Island so far. We’ve stopped off at the big kumara in Dargaville, the L&P bottle in Paeroa, the giant carrot in Ohakune as well as ticking off the gum boot in Taihape before flying into the Beehive.

This has to be the tastiest tiki tour ever taken.” The date of National Lamb Day coincides with the 136th anniversary of when the Dunedin arrived into London, loaded with the first shipment of frozen lamb that left Port Chalmers on February 15 the same year, 1882.

That journey sparked an export industry that is now worth in excess of $8 billion a year to the Kiwi economy. To keep up to date with the chop’s whereabouts, head to the Beef + Lamb Facebook and Instagram pages or recipes.co.nz for more information.

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Alliance beefs up offering Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com ALLIANCE Group has launched premium branded beef under the label Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef. To qualify each carcase, irrespective of breed, is individually selected and visually assessed.

The product can be used straight away or dry aged further. Peter Russell Alliance It must have a high marbling score, low Ph range and extended wet aging. The launch follows three years of research and will be targeted at the New Zealand food service sector and overseas markets.

Alliance marketing manager Peter Russell said for the last year the co-operative has been trialling product with chefs and premium restaurants. Many chefs buy beef and age the product themselves for several weeks with varying degrees of success. “With Alliance effectively pre-aging the product it enables Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef to be delivered to a tight specification for a guaranteed high-quality eating experience. “The product can be used straight away or dry aged further.” Russell said only a fraction of the very finest beef is selected – certainly in the low single percentage figures. West Otago farmer Lloyd Brenssell said Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef will reignite the Alliance Group’s beef business by blending his role of producing the best animals and its role of processing it. A third generation farmer at Moa Flat, Brenssell runs 1200 breeding cows on 9500ha.

Loyalty payments total $5.9m

CHOOSY: Only a fraction of the finest beef is selected, Alliance marketing manager Peter Russell says.

ALLIANCE shareholders will get a share of $5.9 million in loyalty payments. The quarterly payments have been made to the co-operative’s Platinum and Gold shareholders who supply 100% of their stock to the company. The payments cover January to March and bring the total distributed to shareholders for the season to date to $9.8m, an increase of 4.7% compared to the same period of the 2016-17 season. Farmers supplying 100% of their lambs are paid an extra 10 cents a kilogram for each lamb, 6c/kg for sheep, 8.5c/kg for cattle and 10c/kg for deer. Chief executive David Surveyor said “Alliance Group is 100% owned by our farmer shareholders and we’re committed to offering a range of benefits above the price on the day including loyalty payments and yield contracts. We also provide other benefits such as priority processing and store stock facilitation.”

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16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Students jump in the deep end MADISON Keogan’s parents are happy she is sizing up an agricultural science degree instead of medicine. The year 13 Christchurch student was part of a Rabobank FX programme for city kids to learn about food and fibre. Keogan and 13 others from Christchurch schools were billeted with North Canterbury farmers for several days last month. The top-performing Hillmorton High School student said she likes science and her parents are happy she is lining up Lincoln University. She spent time on a dairy farm near Culverden and a sheep farm also running young dairy stock.

I have a better understanding about the good things farmers are doing to try and make our water healthier. Eseta Wadali Student The biggest novelty was the breakfencing, she said. Rabobank started the FX Programme in Australia in 2014 and extended it to a New Zealand pilot last year. The 2018 intake ended their farming odyssey with a visit to Greystone and Muddy Water wineries near Waipara, livestock genetics business Xcell Breeding Services near Rangiora and Carffields’ wool sample room and processing centre in Christchurch. The programme in both countries is meant to highlight the challenges of retaining and attracting youth and the need for agricultural education in schools. FX national co-ordinator Robyn Cox said the programme aims to give students onfarm experience and explore opportunities outside the farmgate like marketing, science and research, banking and environmental studies.

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Seven sheep, beef and dairy farming families hosted this year’s students and most posted their experiences on a Rabobank FX Facebook page. Eseta (Esther) Wadali from Papanui High wrote “I have a better understanding about the good things farmers are doing to try and make our water healthier. “A scientist from Soil Matters said that farmers are the best. They do unbelievable jobs. She concluded that farmers are their own accountant, manager, fence maker, driver of their own tractor and wise decision-maker. I do agree with her, farmers only get nervous when there is a drought, it would be a big loss for them but they can overcome any problems because they are wise people who only makes wise decisions.” Year 12 Hillmorton High student Swavikash Chand moved to NZ three years ago from Fiji. He grew up in Suva and his parents had a fishing background so farming is new to him. “I thought it would be good to check out how things work,” he said. Chand and a St Bede’s College student Thomas Pilkington stayed on a dairy farm, bringing cows in, milking them in the afternoon and feeding stock. “I told Thomas I would hope to work on that farm one day if I had the chance.” Pilkington, from Belfast on Christchurch’s northern outskirts, said he spent a bit of time around horses growing up and was keen for more farming experience. Cox, an experienced science and agriculture teacher, said Rabobank wants the students to do school presentations on their experience. Other farmers and agribusinesses wanting to host students were genuinely disappointed to miss out on the opportunity in the latest pilot, she said. Cox is also proposal manager for Living Fields Education, a trust promoting the idea of an urban educational farm in Christchurch’s earthquake red zone. The proposed farm aims to showcase sustainable farming practices and technology and educate young and old about the story of food.

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HANDS-ON: Madison Keoghan of Hillmorton High School experiencing what its like to work in a yarn manufacturing operation at CP Wool. Photos: Redbox Photography

KICKER KICKER: Schoolboys, from left, Thomas Bilkington of Papanui High School, with Callum Purcell and Ewan Callaghan of St Bedes College examining different wool samples at CP Wool as part of their farm experience.

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Now you can receive a midweek email update from Farmers Weekly editor Bryan Gibson who will set the scene for the news of the week. Enjoy reading this and our usual Friday night update where you can catch up on the top stories and read our virtual publication before it hits the printing press.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Scholar calls for a national food plan Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz NUFFIELD scholar and former agricultural journalist Nadine Porter is calling for a national strategy to fix the growing disconnect between those who eat our food to those who produce it. Now working for the British government as a European Union exit communications strategist Porter says New Zealand needs a national food policy that connects rural and urban people and is calling for the Government and the agri-food industry to develop a food strategy to fix the country’s broken food system. She believes New Zealanders’ growing disconnection with where their food comes from could be helped by a government-run food policy for the long term health of all NZ citizens and businesses. Porter spent a year visiting 15 countries across six continents and viewed food systems in developed and under-developed countries. “The opportunity the scholarship afforded made it clear that NZ must think of food as a connector and consider it as the nucleus of policy if we are to realise our economic, social and environmental goals.” The breakdown in urban-rural relationships and the growing disconnect from those who eat our food to those who produce it is a function of short-term thinking driven only from an economic imperative. “In other countries there is now a growing realisation that this compartmentalisation of issues surrounding food has led to the destruction of food systems. “Nowhere has this been more apparent than in the United States where the devaluation of food has been a catalyst for

burgeoning health problems and an industrialised food system that has eroded any semblance of a food culture. “We are all beginning to look sick as technology and automation drive food production systems without factoring in what it leaves behind.” Porter said NZ has prided itself on being an agricultural export nation with scant thought to what that means. “While we are rightly proud of what we’ve achieved as food exporters and have enjoyed the economic benefits, we are now about to face a new age that I fear we are not prepared for.” Competition overseas and the lack of global boundaries when it comes to trade mean NZ could end up embracing technology at the expense of jobs and the social fabric society was built on. She urged leaders to look at countries like France where, though an artesian food culture is celebrated, it was not necessarily the truth. “Post Second World War the French government ramped up agriculture – turned tens of thousands of farmers off their land and brutally promoted industrialisation of food. “Those farmers drifted to the city and their community and the cultural health of France itself was compromised. “However, they are addressing the mistakes of the past and are visionary in their aspirations to implement a human rights centred policy. “NZ is at the very same crossroads and has a very real opportunity for every citizen to benefit from the implementation of a food strategy.” While food strategies are a relatively new concept many Commonwealth countries are embracing the idea and developing food policy holistically because they

understand how food connects every sector of society. Porter urged the Government to call a Commonwealth summit on the issue and believes a NZ food council should be set up to consult all citizens on food. A food strategy could also provide big wins for agri-food producers. “If everyone is at the table and considering long-term food policy we wouldn’t see short-sighted policies that often look at an issue in isolation without considering all the implications.” It would also reconnect the disconnected in the food chain. “Canada’s consultation process on their soon to be released food strategy seems to have engendered a genuine admiration and pride for Canadian food producers because citizens have been empowered to share their voice. “This could be the same for NZ.” Agriculture might also have more research and development government grants available if the burgeoning food-related health issues are addressed by a food strategy – with less taxpayer money needed for health. Porter also believes there’s a significant farmgate dollar value in branding NZ as a country where food producers put citizens first and where natural, unprocessed foods are exported. “Imagine every citizen being proud of our food producers and sharing in a world-leading food strategy. “That could lead on to a powerful Team NZ marketing concept that would be unique and refreshing.” Porter but will be back in NZ this month to present her findings of the full report titled Broken Food Systems – Developing a Citizen Centric NZ Food Strategy.

GET READY: Nadine Porter says New Zealand is about to face a new age she fears it is not prepared for.

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Activate de-activated Glenys Christian glenys.christian@nzx.com FONTERRA has decided not to hold another Activate event this year, which it promoted as bringing onfarm innovation to the wider dairy industry. General manager of Farm Source Digital Evelyn Seewald told the MobileTech Conference in Rotorua that it had been decided this was not the right approach in isolation. “The primary objective of Activate was to bring the best of New Zealand’s innovative solutions to our farmers,” she said afterwards. “We feel we can do this more successfully if we tap into existing idea incubators and investors. We have not stepped away altogether, and this year instead of Activate we are sponsoring a similar event which is part of the much wider NZTech Week, called 10 Billion Mouths on May 23 in Tauranga. “This event will have international investors, much wider exposure and it’s still focused on uncovering ideas in the New Zealand agritech sector.” JobDone was the inaugural winner of Activate in 2015, which involved Rongotea dairy farmer Nigel Taylor’s idea of a cloud-based farm management solution which could be worked from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Through one app they could handle all aspects of staff management, work planning, timesheets and compliance. The company is now based in Auckland with reps in Waikato and Manawatu and is working on three new developments; a native app that works when farmers are out of internet coverage, a model specifically designed for corporate farms that enables lean management across multiple farming entities and building for a partner a paperless health and safety platform that can be remotely managed. General manager Simon Gillson said winning Activate had forced Taylor to get a business mentor to project what he was

PIVOT: Fonterra general manager of Farm Source Digital Evelyn Seewald says the co-operative will put its efforts into a different inovation platform this year.

able to do with a good idea. Since then it had been a case of getting constant feedback from farmers to further develop it so it was more suited to their needs. Fonterra wasn’t able to follow through apart from helping with a Farm Source story when JobDone was launched, he said. The Activate 2 winner in 2017 was AgriSmart software, which keeps track of staff working hours, rostered days off and annual and sick leave. Sales and marketing manager Mark

Crarer said the end of Actvate was “a bit of a shame” as being chosen as the winner from 23 entrants was fantastic. Because the competition was funded and run by a big entity it carried some kudos. Part of the prize was attendance at 2017 Silicon Valley AgTech Immersion Program and Conference which gave the “germinating” business the confidence to move forward. It is now based at the Waikato Innovation Centre with a steadily growing number of dairy farmer clients.

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Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com THE Taupo-based Greenlea rescue helicopter flew three rescue missions on Sunday April 24, underlining its importance to the central North Island, backers say. A last-minute deputation of mayors to Health Minister David Clark appears to have averted its likely demise as part of a national review of air ambulance services. That review by the Ministry of Health, ACC and National Ambulance Sector Office appeared to put at risk services in Rotorua, Taupo and Te Anau, to be serviced from Hamilton and Queenstown. Mayors David Trewavas, Taupo, Steve Chadwick, Rotorua, and Don Cameron, Ruapehu, met Clark recently to push the case for continued air ambulance coverage. They also expressed disappointment at the lack of communication with communities, for which Trewavas said Clark apologised. The three rescues from the popular

Tongariro Crossing highlighted the need to have an air ambulance close by because trampers could get caught by sudden weather changes. “That is exactly what we are on about. “By the time they realise they have hypothermia, they’ve had it for an hour before calling 111. “Add another 45 minutes flying time and they’re in real trouble.” The mayors learnt only in recent weeks their air ambulance services were under threat and Trewavas said the Philips Search and Rescue Trust was now belatedly preparing a tender to retain the Taupo helicopter. There is no certainty the trust’s tender will be successful and it could mean the community increasing its contribution to the $1.3 million annual cost from 35% to 50%. Trewavas also warned officials might also decide Taupo and Rotorua, which both have air ambulances, can be serviced by one. Federated Farmers president Katie Milne said saving lives is more

important than saving dollars and that should be reflected in decisions about siting rescue helicopter services. Acknowledging the concerns in the central North Island, Milne said communities in Te Anau, Fiordland and Haast were equally worried about the implications of being serviced from Queenstown. “That adds 20-25 minutes of flight time when we know every minute counts in the so-called golden hour after a serious accident or emergency. And that’s assuming the weather is playing ball and a helicopter from Queenstown can get up and over the mountains.” The service out of Te Anau included 40-year veteran Sir Richard Hayes. “Local knowledge of terrain and conditions can be absolutely vital when the search is on for an injured farmer, road smash victim or hypothermic tramper.” The review was prompted by an almost doubling in demand and the need to meet Civil Aviation Authority and clinical requirements.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Buffalo cheese takes top award Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com FAR from being a quirky livestock class, buffalo have cemented their place in the New Zealand farming landscape, helping claim one of the country’s top food producing awards. The Clevedon Buffalo Company has been awarded the Supreme Champion in the Outstanding NZ Food Producer awards, picking up top place with its marinated buffalo mozzarella cheese. Pastoral producers picked up the top two places at this year’s awards, with the Ara Wines Paddock Champion award going to Wairarapa-based Homegrown Farm Fresh Meats for their doordelivered gourmet whole lamb box.

People are looking for a fresh product, and mozzarella can really only be enjoyed as a fresh made, local product. Helen Dorresteyn Clevedon Buffalo Company The award winners came from a broad stable of new wave food companies that included 186 food products from 100 producers, assessed by a panel of judges headed up by renown food writer Lauraine Jacobs. Helen Dorresteyn and husband Richard established the buffalo business 10 years ago and are now milking 150 head on their Clevedon, south Auckland property. While a novelty here in New Zealand, buffalo are common through Italy and Spain, and in recent years the Dorresteyns have sourced genetics from Italy in an effort to use artificial breeding to lift the volume of their herd’s production. “We have seen them on average go from about three litres a head a day to six litres. Ultimately we would like to achieve what the Italians are

achieving, which is about nine litres a head a day, that’s our aim,” Helen Dorresteyn said. The Italian-sourced genetics have also enabled temperament and milk let down to be improved in the herd. Dorresteyn said the general confirmation and frame of the animals has been significantly improved over the past decade. The herd’s foundation stock is partly based on some animals bought into Ruakura Research station over a decade ago, to be used in embryo transfer. Buffalo milk is typically high in milk solids – at 20% almost twice that of cows’ milk – and is claimed to be more suitable than cow’s milk for consumers with lactose intolerance or allergies. The Clevedon Buffalo company has focused largely on fresh mozzarella, ricotta and yoghurt production, and Dorresteyn said the marinated award winning cheese offered a valuable extension on the standard fresh mozzarella that had a shelf life of only about 19 days. While the award winning product offered a longer life cheese, the fresh cheese is enjoying a market stretched from one end of the country to the other, with a pizza maker on Stewart Island using their fresh mozzarella product. For Dorresteyn the award marks what she sees as a shift in New Zealand food culture as consumers start to become more discerning about the source, production and distribution of the food they choose to eat. “Maybe it is partly due to tourism growing, but people are looking for a fresh product, and mozzarella can really only be enjoyed as a fresh made, local product. If you are buying something that’s been shipped half way round the world, it will have been either snap frozen or gas flushed.” She compares the evolution in local cheese tastes to that of NZ’s coffee market, moving well beyond the instant coffee market in a relatively short period of time. The farm business has also enjoyed recognition for its cheese at the national cheese awards earlier this year, collecting the Artisan award for its Clevedon Buffalo Ricotta. She said she was also

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particularly proud to see the Clevedon Farmers Market claim the award for NZ’s most outstanding farmers market. She helped instigated and run the market for many years after establishing it in 2005. “It has really been the birth place of a number of food businesses that have grown from there.” Further south Wairarapa farmers Ali Scott and Dion Kilmister were recognised for their home delivered gourmet whole box of lamb. It was described by one of the judges as the “best lamb ever eaten”, standing apart for its colour and depth of flavour. The farms supplying the lamb run charollais-romney-texel cross sheep, sold in whole and half lamb boxes online.

ON TOP: Helen and Richard Dorresteyn milk 150 head of buffalo at their Clevedon farm.

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20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

DoC won’t give riverbed for dam Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com WAIMEA Community Dam project chairman Murray King is upbeat about the prospects for the dam’s future despite a decision by the Conservation Department not to hand over riverbed and conservation land critical to the project. Tasman District Council was notified by DoC in late March the request to acquire riverbed and adjoining land in the Mount Richmond Forest Park on the Lee River has been declined. The council wanted about 10ha of land from the Crown, via the Public Works Act. The letter essentially says the underlying reason is not for a conservation purpose and so would be illegal. DoC operations deputy director general Mike Slater also cited section 24F of the Conservation Act. It says where the Crown owns part of a riverbed adjoining any land and disposes of that land, that part of the riverbed or stream shall remain owned by the Crown. So the Crown could be at significant risk of a legal challenge if it allowed the handover. But King said further negotiations to acquire the land remain a work in progress. “That is a smaller part of the bigger jigsaw. We are still engaging in discussion with DoC on this. “I thought we had a reasonable arrangement right through the process and it went through the resource consent hearing. It has got conditions but they were acceptable. “What is frustrating is that it has been well supported until this news.” The decline comes just as the project has got over the hurdle of

UPBEAT: Waimea Community Dam project chairman Murray King hasn’t given up on using Conservation Department land for water storage.

getting commitment for 3000ha to be irrigated. About the same time project supporters learned it is one of three irrigation schemes to continue to receive Crown funding allocated by the previous National government. Tasman District Council chief executive Lindsay McKenzie said failing to acquire the land is a major roadblock that totally compromises storage capacity. “We have gone back to DoC with a number of proposals. We do not necessarily agree with all the points the department has made with respect to the Public Works Act.” Solutions proposed include allowing the land to be returned to the Mount Richmond Forest Park but still be flooded.

“We have had a meeting with the Minister (of Conservation Eugenie Sage) and we are hoping to head to Wellington to talk to department officials within a week. He is optimistic despite Sage being guarded in her response. “There were objections to the project at the consent process but these were resolved. “That included a $1.67 million contribution to a biodiversity package and $480,000 of pest management in the Mount Richmond Forest Park. So DoC is pretty embedded already in this project.” McKenzie acknowledged challenging the decision in court is not desirable, while pushing local government legislation to enable it would be time consuming. “We would prefer to follow a

more expeditious path.” He appreciated the irony DoC’s letter was a contrast to the decision that sank the Ruataniwha dam. In that project DoC agreed to a land swap only to have its decision reversed in a Supreme Court ruling sought by Forest and Bird. The Waimea project has also been bedevilled by constant cost creep over the 30 years since its inception. Originally priced at $20m, it was most recently estimated with 95% probability to cost $80m, plus a $13m contingency fund. McKenzie remains confident the price will hold. The project is in early stages of firming up costs with contractors. Forest and Bird environmental lawyer Sally Gepp, who fronted

the organisation’s opposition to DoC’s proposed land swap at Ruataniwha, said the decision in Nelson represents a definitive roadblock. “The only option would be to change the law. “It’s unlikely that New Zealand conservation law will be weakened for this project so we expect the dam company will be looking at getting an exemption via a local act. The outcome of that would stand or fall on Parliament voting for a specific law to allow this dam to proceed.” She noted the DoC letter states the Ruataniwha ruling did not set the precedent for this decision because a different mechanism is being used in the Waimea Dam case. “But at the same time there has been a precedent set in that you cannot make conservation decisions for a non-conservation outcome. Also, the Ruataniwha decision confirmed rules against giving marginal river strips away applied as much to DoC as to any other department.” She noted while DoC took a limited role in the resource consent hearing, the outcome is the result of a separate process where DoC is being asked as landowner to give conservation land away and it can do that only in accordance with the law. Waimea Irrigators and Water Users spokesman Brian Halstead said the decision from DoC is welcome in a project that had faced ongoing cost escalations and had only just managed to achieve its 3000ha threshold for irrigation area. He also pointed to ongoing issues his group had with the constraints the scheme would put on future water takes. The lowered take limits pushed smaller irrigators to a scheme they don’t need.

Funding cuts show bad faith Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com THE Government has been accused of not acting in good faith by cutting funding for three South Island irrigation schemes. The decision to end the funding from the Crown Irrigation Fund was a condition of the Labour Party’s confidence and supply agreement with the Green Party and means no money for the Hunter Downs, Hurunui and Flaxbourne schemes. However, funding remains for the Canterbury, Kurow and Waimea schemes. National’s agriculture spokesman Nathan Guy said farmers, growers and councils have invested in the schemes that are now suddenly abandoned. “Many of those I’ve already spoken to feel this decision by the coalition Government is not in good faith and a real kick in the guts.”

Farmers in the Hunter Downs scheme in South Canterbury have raised $40 million in funding knowing that if they met all the criteria they would secure government funding. “While this scheme was going to support 21,000ha of irrigation it was also designed to increase flows into Wainono lagoon and supply water to Timaru and Waimate townships. Guy said North Canterbury’s Hurunui community has battled three years of continuous droughts but after 18 years had got a water storage scheme close to design stage. “It would have turbo-charged the region with 21,000ha of irrigatable land - most of it for sheep and beef production. “The small Flaxbourne scheme of 2200ha east of Blenheim would have turned dry hill country carrying a handful of sheep into productive vineyards and arable crops.

“The dreams and aspirations farmers have had of mitigating droughts and growing high-value food have literally turned to dust.” Kurow-Duntroon Irrigation Company chairman Geoff Keeling said the 1960s constructed and designed scheme is no longer fit for purpose and needs new infrastructure to provide reliable water, reduce reliance on water from tributaries and to meet the expectations of regulators and the community. Government funding would be repaid with interest just as a private loan would be so taxpayers benefitted from the investment as well as the local community. At present 2000ha was irrigated via open races with water sourced from Lake Waitaki. The upgrade would expand that to 4200ha with water delivered by a pressurised pipe network and should be completed by next spring. National’s regional development

spokesman Paul Goldsmith said the ending of irrigation funding capped off a bad week for regional NZ. “This is occurring in a week where the Government has continued to put the boot into regional New Zealand by hiking road taxes and decreasing regional roading investment and then cancelling irrigation funding.” Green Party leader James Shaw hailed the decision to stop irrigation funding as a “significant step toward cleaner rivers and less climate pollution” and an end to Government subsidies needed to make the schemes viable but which resulted in intensive dairy conversions. “New Zealanders want clean rivers and lakes and they want to be able to trust the water coming out of their taps. “We also want to play our part in the global fight against climate change by significantly reducing our emissions.

DANGEROUS: Big irrigation prjects and dairy conversions put work to fight climate change at risk, Green Party leader James Shaw says.

“Large-scale irrigation projects and dairy conversions put all of that at risk. “The industrial-scale irrigation schemes subsidised by the Crown Irrigation Fund created dependency, increased farm debt and led to increased pollution,” Shaw said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Cut leaves water scheme stranded Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz THE canning of Government funding has left Hunter Downs Water sitting high and dry with its future now under threat. The South Canterbury water scheme proposers have been forced to rethink their project since the Government announced earlier this month it will begin winding down public funding for large-scale irrigation through Crown Irrigation Investments. In a memo to shareholders Hunter Downs Water asked for patience as it works through options for the scheme. Project manager Stacey Scott said the funding cut left the scheme scrambling becaue it understood it had a committed term sheet with CII. “And we were reliant on that,” Scott said. Communications were continuing with the Government, Morven Glenavy Ikawai Irrigation and scheme backer Rooney Group

to work through funding options that might secure Hunter Downs’ future. That process is expected to take a few weeks. The greatest challenge to securing the required funding continues to be farmer uptake. She urged farmers and potential shareholders to commit their support now. “The more support and evidence of future support that we can secure at this time only enhances our ability to secure the funding required to finally make this scheme a reality,” Scott said. She emphasised the water scheme is not just about farming. “This project has been packaged to provide for the wider community. “We had options to supply water to both the Waimate and Timaru District Councils plus augmentation of the Wainono Lagoon that would take pressure off associated streams.” Crown funding through a $1.37 million development

grant was approved for Hunter Downs in March last year but was dependent on securing the sufficient farmer interest in water shares. Shares initially fell short of the planned target and the scheme was redesigned and reduced from the initial 21,000 hectares to 12,000ha. CII then agreed to provide the $70m term loan, dependent on shareholder uptake of 9500 shares. That uptake was secured in December with construction expected to start early this year. The grant paved the way for considerable economic, agricultural and environmental benefits for the region, providing much greater resilience for the wider South Canterbury region, Scott said. But bringing the dream to reality is now uncertain. Meantime, two other South Island water projects have also been affected but will still go ahead.

STILL ON: Three South Island water projects are affected by the Government cutting funding. Two will still go ahead and the third is considering funding options.

Marlborough District Council confirmed provision is in place for the Flaxbourne scheme to proceed. Its cost will be fully met by subscribers with existing commitments to fund the investigation and early design phases to be honoured. In North Canterbury the $200m Hurunui Water Project is also forging on. “Without Crown funding it will be harder now to overbuild into the project,” chief executive Chris Pile said. While for shareholders it is disappointing, the product

disclosure statement for the issue of water rights will happen as scheduled by the end of July. A spokeswoman for Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones said there is scope for the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund to consider water storage projects on a case-by-case basis. Any proposed projects will be expected to meet criteria demonstrating strong alignment with the objectives of the fund and, in particular, must be environmentally sustainable and deliver benefits across a community.

Life on Smedley – a cadet’s story Smedley Station is the destination for young cadets to fulfill their passion for farming. It gives young farmers from all walks of life the opportunity to gain hands-on skills through accredited farming courses. Fergus Smith, a second-year cadet, talks to Craig Wiggins about life at Smedley.

Watch this inspiring episode of Farmer’s Voice farmersweekly.co.nz/farmers-voice

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If you have a passion for farming and are super keen, Smedley will be the place for you.

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22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Welfare starts with the farmers Farming livestock in New Zealand has become a complex and challenging occupation that outgoing NZ Pork chairman Ian Carter says needs to be addressed. Annette Scott reports.

ESPITE farmers having access to more science-based research and data than ever before, there’s an increasing disconnect between the realities of farming practices and the views of the public, retiring NZ Pork chairman Ian Carter says. Carter, who will retire this month after serving seven years representing the industry in both governance and management, said while the primary sector has to recognise the concerns of consumers and work closely with regulators to ensure production meets best-practice standards, ultimately farmers are best-placed to manage the complex needs of their animals. He said a prime example of the issue, and one of the most misunderstood and controversial processes in modern farming, is the farrowing system used by pig farmers. “The first farrowing crates or pens were developed by farmers over a hundred years ago and the reasons farmers built them then is the same basis on which they are used now,” Carter said. Despite being the subject of considerable research, testing and modification over this time, they are designed to care for the sow and her new born piglets. The most stressful time for any animal is when they are giving birth. “Whether it is calving, lambing or farrowing, this stage of the biological process is the most critical for both the survival of the newborn and the farmer’s livelihood,” Carter said.

BEST PRACTICE?: Farrowing systems used by pig farmers have become one of the most misunderstood and controversial processes in modern farming.

“Significant planning and resources go into this on every farm across the country, although for most species, this happens just once per year. “Like humans, pigs are not seasonal breeders and therefore require this level of resourcing to be available all year round and to manage all environmental conditions. “This allows the pig farmer to justify building extremely specialist maternity facilities to care for their animals.”

Publicly promoted debate fails to take into account the established science our industry has relied on. Ian Carter NZ Pork Farrowing systems have continually evolved with the adoption of new technology and materials and as farmers gain greater understanding of changing dynamics of modern pigs. “Farmers strive to provide the conditions that allow their animals to express their potential. “It is extremely satisfying to see experience and best practice, science, research and modern technology all combine to improve the outcomes for both the mother and her offspring – very much like we are continually trying to do in the human population.”

The maternity area of the farm is by far the most expensive area to set up. It is also the area that gets the most specialist care and human input for the sole reason of looking after the sow and her newly born piglets. “We go to great lengths to provide for the needs of the expectant mother by providing a warm, hygienic pen protected from predators and with a ready supply of fresh food and water to meet her needs. “She can focus on giving birth to her piglets without most of the stresses she would experience in the wild.” Carter said too much of farmers’ ability and right to farm is driven by misunderstood public perception. “A lot of the publicly promoted debate fails to take into account the established science our industry has relied on to inform the development of our modern farming practices. “Our focus is on putting the needs of the animal at the centre of the farming practice. “Provided those needs are being well met, we believe the farmer, with support from the industry body, research scientists and specialist vets, is the best placed to balance the needs of the animal, the commercial requirements of their business and the stewardship of their environment. “It is our view, reinforced by the established science, both here and overseas, that for farmers that choose this method, the farrowing crate provides the best balance between the needs of the sow and her piglets.”

MISUNDERSTOOD: NZ Pork chairman Ian Carter says there’s a disconnect between the realities of farming and the views of the public.

NZ Pork’s view is shared by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) which concluded its study of farrowing crates in 2016. In its review, which recommended farrowing crates be retained, NAWAC stated that “although NAWAC believes that the confining of sows in farrowing crates for this length of time does not provide for every behavioural need of sows, their use provides the best welfare outcome for piglets and the best total welfare of piglets and sows, based on currently available farrowing practices and scientific knowledge

and as appropriate to the environment and circumstances of the animals.” While many of the arguments put forward in public ignore the available science, Carter said it is more frustrating for farmers to see the attempt to undermine the local industry. “As local farmers will know, the standard of care provided to animals in New Zealand, underscored by the PigCare programme, is very different to a broad range of practices used in farming around the world. “This should be of real concern to local consumers, given 60% of pork products consumed in this country come from imported meat. “Our understanding is that few local consumers are fully aware of the volume of imported meat they have in their diet and it is likely that any concern they have for animal welfare would be more appropriately directed to the source of imported pork, which arrives in this country without any requirement to meet our animal welfare standards.” Ultimately the debate reinforces that the primary sector must work constantly to ensure consumers are able to understand the research, expertise and care that goes into producing the food they buy for their families. “But unless we can ensure consumers that our regulators and other stakeholders have all the information available we may lose the ability to choose farming practices we believe are best for our animals, our environment and provide a quality protein for New Zealanders in a sustainable manner.”

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Sticky robots help dairy farms Crawling suspended in space over multi-storied milk silos looking for cracks is not for the faint hearted. The job takes days and has risks and complexities that can’t be eliminated when a human is hanging on a rope. But a Canterbury University School of Engineering spin-off company has developed a robot that is at home scuttling over the interiors of soaring milk silos or creeping across the slippery skin of a jet. The firm now has $9 million to expand business. Richard Rennie caught up with managing director Neil Fletcher. suction, using very little power, “Our patent description is a gliding suction cup.” Invert developed the technology in 2012 and commercial opportunities soon opened up when Fonterra volunteered to be the first user, with the robot inspecting the insides of giant milk drying silos as a trial. “These assets were having to be inspected frequently for their integrity – they obviously do not want to contain any bacterial contamination and they can also crack from the constant heating and cooling cycles that milk drying requires.” Typically, inspection requires rope access, calling on a small, specialist pool of people brave and skilled enough to hover eight stories up, manually looking for any flaws in stainless steel for hours on end. “It is high risk but it also requires long periods of concentration to see and record any flaws and it also means a plant can be out of action for several days at least. “This is not such an issue with New Zealand’s seasonal shutdowns but it is in other countries where milk processing is 24/7, all year around. The sooner a plant can be back in operation the better.” Fletcher attributes Fonterra’s commitment to the groundbreaking technology in its early stage as a key foot up for a business that today services dairy operations around the world.

LATCHED ON: Invert Robotics employees James Robertson, chief technical officer, and Andrew Taylor, design engineer, evaluate a company robot on a milk silo.

Equipped with an ultra-high definition camera capable of identifying cracks only 60 microns thick, the robots are also capable of being loaded up with other high-tech equipment to enhance the camera’s capabilities. “That might include a thermographic imager or probes. The machine can carry 5kg of gear on it easily.” Fletcher said operational staff at companies like Fonterra appreciate being able to see for themselves the flaws and cracks the robot detects from the security of solid ground via a video feed. “It means they may also spot other problems like misaligned cleaning heads or seals that are failing.” Speed is appreciated with one

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Air NZ uses the robotic service and the company has just landed its first offshore contract with large Swiss based maintenance provider SR Technics. “Of course, for aircraft operators, the quicker and more accurately you can inspect and get a plane back in the air, the better from a cost perspective.” Ten robots are in use across the three sectors. A recent capital-raising attracted $9 million to take Invert forward but Fletcher was disappointed at the small percentage from NZ investors. “This is very much a Canterbury and NZ story. “We started with the original team of four and today employ 24 people with the machines all built here in Christchurch.”

Manila dairy operation having three driers and silos completed in five days, including repair, for a job that previously took two weeks. Over time more and more opportunities have opened up for Invert’s technology and Fletcher said the biggest challenge has been knowing where to specialise. To date the company has decided to focus on dairy/food processing plants, hydrocarbon facilities and aircraft. “Really, when you look at an aircraft its size is comparable to a large silo, it is non-magnetic with an aluminium surface rather than a silo’s stainless steel and again we are tasked with looking for miniscule cracks and flaws that may compromise aircraft safety.”

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NAILS’ secrets are the key to new robot technology now being used by Kiwi firm Invert to service dairy companies around the world. The challenge was to develop an inspection robot capable of clinging to non-magnetic surfaces, managing director Neil Fletcher says. It had to have enough suction to hold on while also being slippery enough to move around. “There are lots of robots capable of sticking to magnetic surfaces. “Unfortunately though, many of the materials we deal with in engineering, construction and factories are not magnetic.” Invert’s technology is a significant departure from work trying to imitate the movement and suction of lizards and cockroaches that stick upside down to surfaces. Instead Fletcher likens the Invert design to a high-tech snail that maintains constant contact with the surface via suction cups beneath the briefcase sized robot’s chassis. Drive comes through an endless crawler track system. While appearing simple enough, the suction cups represent the heart of Invert’s closely guarded intellectual property. The engineers have developed technology that provides enough suction to hold the machine to the surface but also enough slip to let it to move freely. “It uses what we call passive

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

EDITORIAL

Let’s get behind our new brand

VERYONE has a story to tell but some people do it better than others. There are those who’ll bail you up at the bar and wax lyrical about some escapade or other, at great length, but when it’s over you can feel a bit underwhelmed. There are other people who just seem to work away quietly, changing the world in their own small way but saying little about how. New Zealand’s sheep and beef farmers tend towards the latter. They’ve had a great story to tell for some time but until now haven’t put their heads together to agree on the plot. Until now. The Taste Pure Nature brand launched last week by Beef + Lamb NZ looks to give our red meat a real story to tell the world about sustainability, superior taste and great farming practices. It gives our disparate group of exporters some common ground. They will still market the qualities of their own products in their own way but this new brand will give some cohesion to NZ’s read meat exports and over time hopefully provide a point of reference for consumers globally. It’s the type of thinking we need to do more of as a small exporting nation. Sure, each meat processor has a story to tell and they’ll still do that. But as we’ve seen with our tourism industry, telling a national story can pay big dividends down the road. And some of our competitors in overseas markets, the likes of Australia and Ireland, are already well down the track in taking a unified, simple whole-of-nation brand to market. We have a bit of catching up do do. But think of it. If every package of NZ meat on every shelf wordlwide has its own badge of honour, one that seeps into the memories of consumers over time, what a profile we will have. Of course a great brand needs to be built on a solid foundation but compared to other farming systems we have that part sorted. Let’s get behind it.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Genetic reservoir is now empty THAT was a brilliant letter by Brian Chamberlain in Farmers Weekly April 9 about Landcorp. The executives clearly don’t know their history. In the 1970s when the Department of Lands and Survey was developing land for young farmers we boffins at the Whatawhata Hill Country Research Station (Doug Lang, Graham Hight and I) persuaded Alf Tinkham and then Eric Gibson, who were district superintendents, to start indentifying Romney two-tooth ewes with twins and Angus cows with top calves at weaning from the massive livestock resources around Taupo to form a nucleus flock and herd to breed sires for the settlers. It was a simple idea but not an easy sell because it threatened the Romney

and Angus stud industries and breed associations and especially the Lands and Survey Rotorua ram and bull buyer who saw his mana and whiskey supply under threat on his annual sire buying tour. But Gibson bought the idea, as the simple genetic theory of Group Breeding Schemes (GBS) introduced by Professor Al Rae at Massey University made commercial as well as scientific sense. It was amazing to see the enthusiasm of everyone involved in the practical work on the blocks as they saw the improvement in the paddock. It even got the keen support of Lands Minister Duncan MacIntyre. Scientists and breeders from around the world came to Waihora and other blocks around Taupo to see the programme in action and the results.

But we Whatawhata boffins had another barrel to fire. That was the concept that as taxpayers had paid for all this work this great animal resource should be recognised as a genetic reservoir for the nation in times of emergency, such as exotic disease incursions. This threat is even bigger today because of the growth of tourism, container movements and imported feed. It’s not if but when disaster arrives. The programme would be based on Moet (multiple ovulation and embryo transfer) so embryos produced from animals with top lifetime performance would have been on ice for when needed. Semen from some top bulls was easily collected and stored. But Lang and I (Hight died in 1979) got sick of banging

our heads against bureaucratic brick walls and when Landcorp was spawned it was an easy let-out for them to say that now being a state-owned enterprise making profits for governments, the good of the nation’s farmers was not its business. Lang and I hope to be gone before foot and mouth disease hits our shores, with 50 new outbreaks a day spreading on the wind, as in the last Unitred Kingdom outbreak, and breeders having to start again from where they were 50 years ago. Where would we import stock from, at what cost and who would pay? It doesn’t bear thinking about – and certainly nobody in the industry has bothered to do that. Clive Dalton Hamilton

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Keep calm and carry on dairying James Morrison

LARM bells are being rung with a general agreement New Zealand might have already gone past peak milk in the 2015 season. In the words of Fonterra Shareholders’ Council chairman Duncan Coull “The future of Fonterra as a farmer-owned heavyweight is at a critical point”. This echoes a recent analysis by industry expert Keith Woodford. Apparently the future is in now farmers’ hands so it is important to be clear what it all means. For decades, the dairy sector has enjoyed strong milk growth that has allowed development of new processing capacity and also allowed all participants to fill this capacity relatively quickly. The saying “a rising tide lifts all boats” applies to the performance of dairy companies. Unfortunately, the tide is now ebbing away and key problems are being exposed. Fonterra collected 86 million fewer kilograms of milksolids in 2017 versus the 2015 season, which is a drop of over 5%. Over the same period the independent milk processors increased their total milk collections by 17.5% or 49 million kilograms of milksolids. Clearly the independents have been winning milk away from Fonterra even while total production declined. The situation is made more critical because several billion dollars have been committed to new and upgraded milk processing capacity over the past five years in NZ. With less milk and more capacity, the dairy industry seems poised to enter a procurement war for raw milk not unlike the meat sector. This procurement war could be particularly fierce in Canterbury and Waikato, where the contrast between declining milk production and new processing

The

Pulpit

capacity is most extreme. Relatively weaker payout performance is a key factor. Fonterra has not matched the average raw milk price of competitors in the period 2012 to 2017, particularly when considering the cost of capital tied up in co-operative shares. Interestingly, the Tatua Cooperative is the best performer in this regard while the Westland Co-operative has lagged behind Fonterra. Investor-owned Oceania, Miraka, Synlait and Open Country have all averaged higher payouts than Fonterra.

Funding a protracted procurement war will be expensive.

It seems clear that right now the Fonterra situation calls for triage and Fonterra’s first remedy must be to increase the farmgate milk price to match or better competitors’ offers. This is actually great news for farmers, at least in the short term.

Matching competitors is not all straightforward. In creating Trading Among Farmers in 2012, Fonterra installed a milk pricing mechanism based on the value of standard milk being processed into common commodity products. The financial surplus from everything else that Fonterra does – presuming there is a surplus – is allocated to the Fonterra Shareholders Fund (FSF) dividend. Units in the FSF are owned by both farmers and external investors. Farmers who hold fewer FSF units than they are entitled to will be happy to see more money going towards the milk price. Those who held onto their units should be ambivalent. However, external investors are less likely to be enthusiastic. It might get worse for them. Funding a protracted procurement war will be expensive. In Australia when milk volumes dropped during successive droughts just over a decade ago and Murray Goulburn expanded capacity aggressively, a procurement war ensued. Australian farmgate milk prices averaged about 50 cents higher than on this side of the Tasman for a few years. Fonterra still has about 80% of the milk so a procurement war would cost it the most, especially as being a co-operative requires it to pay the same milk price to all suppliers. At 2017 milk collection volumes a 50 cent raw milk procurement premium across the whole supply would increase Fonterra’s costs by $763m a year. That would have accounted for more than the entire 2017 year’s profit after tax of $743m. It remains to be seen whether in this scenario the envisaged procurement war could also be funded with asset sales. So, why should Fonterra farmer suppliers remain calm? Fonterra is a co-operative with 100% control retained by farmers.

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WHO CARES? A falling Fonterra share price could be good for farmers and milk price with the cost borne by outside investors and exiting farmers and that’s not a concern for the future of the co-operative, consultant James Morrison says. Nothing should matter more to co-operative members than having their milk collected and paid for at a fair price. That will determine the way forward. There is also no need for farmers to be concerned if FSF values fall as a result. In fact, that would lower the price of entry to the co-operative and help Fonterra to retain existing suppliers. The only real cost would be to external investors and exiting farmers – and frankly that is not a concern for the future of the Fonterra co-operative.

James Morrison is the principle of James Morrison Consulting, a boutique strategy consultancy providing independent advice and project management to boards and senior management in NZ since 2005. He held strategy and sales and operation planning roles in Fonterra between 2002 and 2004. He has since advised many of the independent dairy processing and marketing companies and also developed industry strategies for a number of NZ’s primary sectors including leading the 2013 Strategy for Sustainable Dairy Farming.

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

Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

The kids are alright Alternative View

Alan Emerson

WHILE I accept there is an urbanrural divide among some in Wellington I do not agree it exists to any great extent nationally. Promoting that divide is in the interests of groups like Greenpeace, which can emotively slag off the agricultural sector for one farmer’s minor misdemeanour in a single location. It gains them revenue and that is their aim. My cynicism is compounded by the fact you never hear a supportive statement from them about the many things we do right. The divide is also promoted by some in the Green Party, which obviously believes that by pillorying farmers for whatever reason they can appeal to the shallow urban liberal greenie. Sadly, science does not enter the debate as witnessed by the Greens’ extraordinary position over irrigation. So I accept there’s an urbanrural divide in some parts of our society promoted by those groups. Society is like that. Think of the mindless bigotry over skin colour, religion and political persuasion

and apply that to our current wave of anti-farmer rhetoric. What I don’t accept is that it is a feature for grassroots Kiwis. To give you an example: Two years ago I wrote about the little village of Tinui, half an hour from Masterton on the road to Castlepoint. Tinui’s claim to fame is that it was the first place in the world to have held an ANZAC Day service and erect a memorial to the fallen at Gallipoli. Back in 1914 there were more than 2000 single men based around Tinui. Now, less than 20 live in the village yet over 1000 people turn up for the ANZAC service. Many of those leave the cities to come to the small rural haven of Tinui to celebrate ANZAC Day. Everyone mixes, there’s no discussion about the state of our rivers or agricultural emissions. It is about the event, the things that are important to people and of course ANZAC. Everyone is treated to a sumptuous morning tea provided by the Tinui Women’s Institute. It is amazing. There were visitors from Auckland, Christchurch, Tasmania, New Plymouth, the USA and Auckland that I was aware of. As they say, if you can’t get to Gallipoli, you’re welcome at Tinui. There’s a Ball – a Royal Affair, at Tinui on May 12th for those who missed an invitation to the Harry and Meghan do.

What really pleased me is that courtesy of the weather we couldn’t get the 4.5 kilometre track to the cross right for ANZAC Day. We phoned Wairarapa Young Farmers and they stepped up to the plate quickly and without fuss. A crew arrived complete with scrub bars, chain saws, spades and grubbers plus all the safety gear and went to work and work they did. Politicians who sit in Wellington and criticise New Zealand youngsters for being idle and on drugs should be made to spend some time with Young Farmers. They’d learn a lot. The work ethic of the group was exemplary. I was working with Tom and Emma who were on scrub bars and both knew how to use them. The track was professionally cleared in a lot less time than we estimated. Having a chat afterwards was a real pleasure. They were a relaxed and together bunch of young people who knew exactly which way was up. The Army in the form of Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles attended the service and mixed with visitors and locals afterwards. Like Young Farmers they were a group of well-mannered, totally together people who were happy serving our rural community. On the Friday before ANZAC Day an Army Cricket Team, the General’s X1, came to Tinui to play the local Tinui All Stars. The Army won by the narrowest of margins,

ON SONG: The ANZAC service at Tinui is always a cordial and respectful affair.

187 to 184, and it was a great game. In an interview with the Wairarapa News Chief of Army, General Peter Kelly, said the game of cricket was part of efforts to maintain relationship with the grass roots communities who contributed so much to ANZAC remembrance. “Tinui’s claim to fame is that it was the first place in the world to commemorate ANZAC Day in 1916,” he said. A small farming community lost 12 of their own in that preceding year and decided to mark the occasion and put a bloody big cross up the hill there for posterity. “This annual fixture is a way for us to say to the people of Tinui, we really appreciate what

your forbears did.” That to me is important. Two years ago the Army made the track to the cross all-weather by building steps and culverts. Despite the most appalling weather everything they did has held up. It will be great to have them back to further improve the track. The Wairarapa business sector and the local council have also been most generous in their support. Those are the things that are important.

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

Farmers are the best defence the hospitality shown to drovers, their stock and their dogs. County Councils had holding paddocks strategically situated for overnight rests. Drivers in vehicles knew how to respect and navigate through large mobs of stock and a lead dog was valued higher than a first born child unless he or she could be trusted to undertake the important role of the dog at the farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz front of the mob. Those were the 2IC (1) days a young man Assistant Manager (1) such as myself Block Manager (1) could only dream Dairy (1) about but for the Farm Manager (3) rare occasion General Hand (2) a mob of cattle Health and Safety Business Partner (1) heading from Livestock Representative (1) the sale yards in Shepherd (2) Raetihi to a station Shepherd General (3) on the Paraparas Stock Manager (2) would pass our Fencer General (1) gate. Four decades Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the later living here employment section of the Farmers Weekly in Ashburton the and as added value it will be uploaded to romance of horse farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or close of application. and dog have gone, however the Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 droving has not. or email classifieds@nzx.com The cattle have

BEING the grandson of a drover I grew up hearing stories of cattle drives from one side of the North Island to the other, from the small town of Raetihi to the freezing works in Whanganui. The trips home on a fast moving horse or

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changed in colour, stature and breed, they now shift from one milking platform to another or from a runoff to the main block or vice-a-versa. I still saddle a horse and ride behind a neighbour’s mob for my soul and the horse’s patience and training should the chance occur. However I think even this costeffective and often-used way of shifting large numbers of stock will prove to be the undoing of the dairy industry if it continues. Last week I travelled along a back road here in Ashburton and was held up by a mob of dairy heifers being shifted as they passed by a number of dry cows grazing a water race on the side of the road. Separating them was nothing more than a three wire electric fence. Not a steel wire fence but a typical hot wire and steel standards. This got me thinking about the current risk of spreading Mycoplasma bovis around the country as heifers and cows did what heifers and cows do over a fence. If my vehicle had spooked the mob on the road and mixed them up, sorting would have taken an hour or so, no problem. But what would happen if in a weeks’ time or a month one of the

herds was found to be infected? Even if not mixed up the risk of spreading the disease by passing along the road and licking each other over the fence is one risk this country does not need. MPI says it’s the owner’s responsibility to protect their own herd. I ask those with a road frontage – who has a two metre buffer fence holding their mob off the road fence right now? It needs to be permanent as often during the year mobs are moved during mating, grazing and property shifts take place. Who of you that shifts cattle check the route to see if there are any issues and warns farmers of your need to pass by? Let’s face it we all have a road gate to protect the wife’s garden from herds moving along the road for fear of the wrath that should follow if her roses get trampled, but have we, as moving day approaches, protected our herds? MPI tells us they believe they have M bovis contained to the original herds and their traceability around the country. Some in the industry believe the disease has already been here and has already seen a gypsy day. That’s a debate for another day but what does need talking about is what we need to do in preparation for the high numbers

The Voice

Craig Wiggins

of stock about to walk our road again on June 1. I implore you to take action on this issue yourselves, MPI are struggling to lock this disease down before June, and if this disease is to be contained we can’t take the risk. We have to hope MPI is right and M bovis is new to our shores. The message is simply to take care of your own herds. So again I say be warned and due diligence is your only defence. I hope we can talk about how we eradicated this disease in the future with the same pride I talk about my grandfather being the last of the real drovers, but I fear we will be talking about how easy we spread it from one side of the country to the other. Let us hope eradication and not management is still being talked about before the cups go on next season.

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Many stops along old rail trail From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

WE BEGAN cycling the Central Otago Railtrail from Clyde and headed alongside the Clutha River through the resplendent poplars lining the riverside option of the trail. We’d been warned that against expectations most people put on weight at the plentiful stops and abundant feeding stations but that wasn’t going to stop us having a late morning tea in picturesque Alexandra despite only 12km under the belt. By chance we bumped into Paul Dodgshun, an old mate of our travelling companions Gary and Mary Hope. Paul used to live in Gisborne and now dwells near Alexandra. He told us of his pecan and pistachio plantings on their small lifestyle block. They are just beginning to crop. I planted both species 35 years ago and they have steadfastly refused to give me a single nut. Paul thought it might be lack of pollinators. Despite only having 300mm last year he has access to irrigation water which he needs to put on when the nuts are filling out. We saddled up and with the prospect of a late lunch changed direction from southeast to northeast and hit the rail trail proper. We steadily worked our way up Tiger Hill with a gradient no more than one-in-50 to suit the trains from a bygone era but a decent workout all the same. Now we felt like we’d earned our late lunch and fell into the Chatto Creek Hotel. Conscious I needed to keep my fluids up I had

a second beer, which turned out to be a mistake because I soon had an overwhelming desire to hop off the bike and have a snooze in the grass on the side of the trail. I didn’t but vowed to limit the intake to just one beer at each of the pubs along the way if there was any more cycling to be done. Finally, we reached Omakau but travelled the extra few minutes so we could stay in Ophir at the famous Pitches Store, which, just by chance, has excellent food and no shortage of beverages. Certainly, the calorie intake was a little more than that being burnt off cycling but we were happy.

Conscious I needed to keep my fluids up I had a second beer. I soon had an overwhelming desire to hop off the bike and have a snooze in the grass. Next morning Gary and I cycled to meet Sam Leask, who religiously takes the weather readings at the NIWA weather station on his lawn at 8am every day. Sam gets a bit of media interest because Ophir recorded minus 21.6C during the 1995 winter, which is the coldest temperature recorded in New Zealand in the modern era though recently recovered old records show Ranfurly shivering through minus 25.6C in 1903. However, Ophir, with no thermometer then, could have been just as frigid. We watched as Sam read several thermometers, recorded cloud cover and other observations. Later Gary and I watched him march proudly in his fireman’s uniform in the Anzac parade in Omakau.

Quite a few cyclists attended and some of the children were invited to be part of the ceremony and laid flowers as the men’s names who died in 1918, the final year of that terrible war were read out. We were intercepted by Robert Gardyne at Ida Valley and he gave Gary and I a great tour up to a high vantage point on his farm from where we could see the whole of the valley. I gazed at his Glammiewinning lambs and pastures and smacked my lips at the prospect of dinner. Finally, we reached Wedderburn and I had a good chat with Stu and Lorraine Duncan who farm there and have used the opportunity of the rail trail to build a decent ecotourism operation. Their cottages were chock full. I had time to cycle to the Wedderburn Hotel for a cheeky cider. We stayed in Naesby so we could give curling a go. Sam Inder was our excellent driver and host and gave us a tour of this historic township. We did our curling in the indoor rink and after instruction were surprisingly dreadful. But it was great fun. Gary couldn’t get his over the foul line and mine all thudded into the back. The girls got ahead but male competitiveness wasn’t going to put up with this and we got in front and by our last end all looked pretty good. I asked Sam if Gary and I could enter a North Island team in the next bonspiel but he doubted it would happen. If any of the organisers are reading this, take this to be an official challenge. The next day’s ride took us through Ranfurly with an obligatory stop at the pub for lunch and just the one beer then a delightful cider at the Waipiata Hotel and onto Kokonga. Mark Button, the Waipiata publican, came and picked us up and returned us to the

CHALLENGE: Steve Wyn-Harris wants to enter a North Island team in the next bonspiel.

accommodation he and wife Nikki run. Later he showed excellent upselling skills by talking me into a bottle of expensive pinot over one of their great meals. The final day was a ride through Hyde and a visit to the scene of the derailing that cost 21 folk their lives and triumphantly into Middlemarch, Jane’s home town. We cycled around her old haunts and visited the excellent museum, complete with a submarine of all things, needing funds to be restored. Jane found the little building

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.

that was once the Straith Taieri Rabbit Board where her father and his mates planned the destruction of this pest. Of course, I felt compelled to visit the Middlemarch Hotel to raise a toast to Bruce before getting on the train that runs past their old farm and as we entered the Taieri Gorge the first rain fell for the week.

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

World

28 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Gene editing gets go-ahead in US UNITED States regulators have ruled crops altered using geneediting techniques do not need to come under the same restrictions as genetically modified organisms. Although there has not yet been a decision taken on the issue in Europe, scientists in the United Kingdom have greeted the US Department of Agriculture’s move with relief. Ahead of the ruling, UK researchers were concerned the USDA would put gene editing in the same lengthy regulatory process as GMOs. And they feared such a move would sway the European Union Commission towards adopting a similar stance. Now, though, there is renewed optimism, especially after the European Court of Justice suggested in January the simpler gene-editing technology was different to full modification. Professor Huw Dylan Jones of Aberystwyth University said GMO research had been frustrated for years by regulatory constraints and dogged by a negative association with the public. “The USDA decision sends a clear and positive message to the EU that gene editing should be treated differently,” Dylan Jones said. Gene editing involved making only small changes or cuts in a plant’s genes. “Gene editing makes use of traits that are already present within the same plant species so it is more like conventional breeding,” he said. The advantage is this form

of breeding could speed up the selection and development of a desirable trait. That could lead to savings in seed production costs, which could be passed on to farmers, he suggested. Among the farmers who could benefit are upland livestock producers who use tough ryegrass swards. Gene editing work on those species has already focused on early seed shatter – an issue that causes heavy losses during production and adds to costs. “With cereal crops, we have bred out early seed shatter over thousands of years. “But in ryegrass production growers either have to harvest seeds before they mature or use expensive recovery methods,” Dylan Jones said. “Now we have located the gene responsible in ryegrasses for early seed shatter, we can alter it simply to hold on to the seed longer,” he added. Other traits that could be bred more quickly are pest resistance, heat and drought tolerance and nutritional benefits. For example, in oats the genes could be altered relatively simply to boost beta-glucan production – a soluble fibre known to reduce cholesterol levels. Despite the call to see gene editing as a conventional or non-GMO technique, organic promotion body the Soil Association has said it will continue to oppose its introduction. Policy officer Honor Eldridge

OKAY: United States regulators have ruled gene editing techniques are not the same as genetic modification.

said gene editing is “exactly the same as with other GM crop breeding” and is banned from organic agriculture. “The position of the organic movement, which is represented by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements is clear. “All new genetic engineering techniques should be, without question, considered as techniques of genetic modification and all resulting products should be considered to

Study pumps up grass-fed milk A NEW research project into grass-fed dairy has suggested organic milk has 62% more omega-3 than non-organic milk and 17% more conjugated linoleic acid, which is reported to benefit human health. The project investigated enhancing the fatty acid profile of milk through forage-based rations. It found the higher levels of omega-3 and CLA could have metabolic and cardiovascular benefits to human consumers. Scientists from the United States, Britain, Australia and Denmark aimed to demonstrate how grass-fed milk could restore the balance of fatty acids in humans. The researchers said there are “well-established metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA” and “there are additional benefits for pregnant and lactating women, infants and children”. But they also said the higher nutrient levels are not typically consumed at the recommended daily amount by humans and are needed during pregnancy and lactation. The Soil Association drew links between its findings and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove’s vision of a high-quality and high-welfare future for farming. Association policy director Peter

Melchett said “This exciting new research confirms that Michael Gove is right to emphasise in the government’s new agricultural consultation paper that the food we eat affects our health and well-being. “Organic systems, which guarantee dairy cows are fed at least 60% of their diet on fresh grass, hay or silage will produce nutritionally superior milk.” However, NFU Dairy expressed concerns about claims that grass-fed milk is of higher quality. NFU Dairy chief adviser Sian Davies said “Basing such major health claims on one study is dangerous and the European Union Commission have strict guidelines on how health claims can be used and advertised.” Davies also pointed out that only a few years ago studies showed that organic milk was low in iodine – a key nutrient for pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers. “Milk and dairy products, regardless of their production system, are among the most nutritionally dense foods available. “Our message to consumers is to continue to buy and enjoy highquality British Red Tractor milk and dairy products which are produced to high standards of welfare, environmental care, traceability and food safety.” UK Farmers Weeekly

be GMOs.” She added the UK government should continue to exclude GMs beyond Brexit. “No trade deal should be agreed that could allow GM to enter into UK agriculture or allow GM food into the UK market. “As a result, all products produced using gene-editing techniques have to remain traceable, labelled, subject to a risk assessment and to the precautionary principle,” Eldridge said.

What’s the difference? IN simple terms, genetic modifications are created by introducing DNA sequences from other species. But gene-editing only changes a plant’s existing genome by locating it and making a small alterations through cutting and splicing the DNA sequence. Gene-editing is simpler and less expensive.

Retail merger draws buy-British plea Colin Ley BRITISH farming leaders reacted sharply to the news last month that United Kingdom supermarkets Sainsbury’s and Asda are planning to merge, urging the new, £51 billion business to buy British lamb, pork and bacon rather than relying on imports, including those from New Zealand. National Farmers Union Scotland chief executive Scott Walker said if the planned merger is allowed to proceed farmers will want to see the strongest commitment from the new retailer to sourcing more Scottish and UK produced food than they do now. “Our Shelfwatch work in 2017 and 2018, where secret shoppers looked at supermarket offerings of lamb, pork and bacon, showed that both Asda and Sainsbury’s could be doing much more to support the nation’s primary producers,” he said.

England and Wales NFU president Minette Batters adopted a similar stance, saying the union will seek a meeting with Sainsbury’s and Asda to ensure the commitment of the new business to British sourcing will not be affected.

That will set alarm bells ringing, not just for primary producers, but for other parts of the supply chain as well. Farming leaders were also concerned news of the planned merger was unveiled by the two would-be partners complete with a promise to shoppers that prices for many products will be reduced by 10%. National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker warned if price cuts end up putting pressure on the bulk of UK sheep farming families

and businesses, the UK could find itself with a very different countryside and rural community. The merger statement issued by the two retailers made it clear that their primary objective will be to lower prices. “That will set alarm bells ringing, not just for primary producers, but for other parts of the supply chain as well,” he said. With just over 31% of the UK market potentially being held in the future by just one company, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is likely to consider the impact on shoppers, according to Batters, adding that any such CMA examination needed to take full account of potential changes to supply arrangements. “The impact of the whole supply chain, all the way down to farm level, needs to be carefully assessed,” she said.

World

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

MPs want special farmers’ fund BRITISH MPs have called for a government fund to prepare farmers for Brexit. The recommendation is contained in a report called Brexit: Trade in Food, published by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. It says the government should consider creating a fund to support the United Kingdom’s agricultural sector as it adapts to the post-Brexit environment. The document also includes calls for an impact analysis on each agricultural sector and warns the government against trading off farming interests in favour of deals for other industries. The European Union is the UK’s most significant trading partner and there is no guarantee a freetrade agreement will be reached, the report said. “Government needs to support British farming and agriculture in preparing for business post-Brexit.

“Defra should consider providing a fund to support our food producing industry to adapt effectively to the challenge ahead.” In the event of no trade deal being reached between the UK and EU, reverting to World Trade Organisation tariffs would have a significant impact on agriculture, it said. That is because tariffs are higher for agricultural products than for other goods and services. Farmers need clarity on the government’s long-term vision, it adds. “When setting UK tariffs at the WTO, the government should understand that removing tariffs could put many UK farmers out of business and render the UK dependent on imported food.” Efra committee chairman Neil Parish said it was vital the government articulated its vision to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods

NZ products and Irish border Brexit issues Colin Ley THE British government’s postBrexit trade ambitions, including the possible movement of New Zealand farm products across a soft Irish border continue to be geared to finding an obstacle and friction-free solution to present concerns, British ambassador to France, Lord Llewellyn, says. He also told a gathering of British ex-pats in Calais, however, that precisely how such ambitions will be turned into reality remains to be seen. Llewellyn was responding to a question from a former agribusiness executive who previously lived and worked in Scotland but is now retired in the north of France. “After Brexit, with a soft Irish border in place, will there be any restriction on the movement of farm goods, including those originating from NZ, between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,” he was asked. “The whole question of the transport of meat, agricultural goods, food and so on is absolutely at the heart of phase two of the negotiation, which is about to start,” Llewellyn said. “All I can say is that it is being looked at, including the phytosanitary arrangements that will apply. “I can’t give you an answer beyond that because it hasn’t been decided yet.” With the soft border issue having led to serious complaints last year from some French farmers that Ireland could become a backdoor route for NZ lamb into the European Union, Llewellyn said

the issue will have to be decided between Britain and the EU partners during phase two of the Brexit talks. “So, where do you see it going?” he was then asked. “I hope it will fetch up in an agreement that allows trade, including in agricultural produce, to continue in as obstacle and friction-free way as possible,” Llewellyn said. “But precisely how that will be turned into reality remains to be seen.” The Calais meeting also included a sharp question on what would happen if the people of Wallonia in Belgium decide to reject the final United Kingdom/EU settlement in the way they initially objected to the EU’s free-trade deal with Canada. Although the EU/Canada deal was ultimately signed, the Wallonia protest came dangerously close to destroying seven years of careful trade negotiations. Llewellyn said the UK withdrawal agreement would be subject only to approval votes in the British and European parliaments, not the 27 member states. While agreements reached on any future UK/EU relationship will be subject to approval by all 27 member states it is not the UK government’s intention to persuade member states to sign up to terms they hadn’t already approved during the negotiating process. The Calais meeting was one of a series of Brexit briefing sessions by Llewellyn to speak to both working and retired British ex-pats in France.

while guaranteeing domestic food security post-Brexit. The first step in the process was to create an analysis of each farming sector before bringing the Agriculture Bill before Parliament later this year, he said. “UK agriculture will need to adapt to the changed trading circumstances following Brexit so the government should consider putting funding in place to enable farmers to do so. “It is crucial that the government takes positive political action towards new trading relationships as a matter of priority. “We should under no circumstances compromise on our world-renowned animal welfare, environmental and food standards. “Brexit should be an opportunity to improve not undermine our global reputation for quality,” Parish said.

DOUBLE BENEFIT: The British government must safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and guarantee domestic food security, MP Neil Parish says.

The government will formally respond to the report in due course but the report’s call for a government Brexit fund has already met a mixed response. Newport West MP Paul Flynn, who is a member of the Efra committee, said he opposed the recommendation, describing it as overkill. “Savings can be made by ending the income support for millionaires or billionaires in England who are only landowners – producing no food.” Money saved could be used to help keep smaller farmers

sustainable, he said. But Country Landowners Association president Tim Breitmeyer said the committee was right to signal the importance of transitional financial support for the farming sector. “Brexit will bring fundamental changes to farming, many of which are necessary and will benefit everyone in the long term. “However, a planned transition can help to avoid unnecessary and damaging shocks that would see farmers losing their livelihoods and with no capacity to adjust.” UK Farmers Weekly

Euro trade deal could deliver farm tech gain Colin Ley THE potential for New Zealand farmers to benefit from the European Union’s earth observation programme Copernicus is one of the highlighted outcomes of the recent trade talks visit to Wellington by European Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska. Tweeting recently, she said the meeting revealed a strong, shared conviction to help NZ enterprises take full benefit of mutually promising market opportunities that would be enhanced by a future EU/NZ free-trade agreement. Bienkowska said she is looking forward to more EU/

NZ co-operation in relation to space technology following a very broad and conclusive exchange with NZ Space Agency head Peter Crabtree. She also mentioned the potential for Copernicus to help NZ monitor environmental protection, agriculture and climate change. One key aspect of the Copernicus programme is the delivery of a land monitoring service providing farmers with geographical information on land cover, showing both the state of crops and the condition of the water cycle that might be available to them. The programme supports applications across a variety of areas including spatial planning, forest management, water management, agriculture and food security. Bienkowska also met

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi to discuss business co-operation, clusters and innovation. She later tweeted it was an impressive experience to learn from a country ranked first in the world in terms of ease of doing business. Back in Brussels, however, and speaking after of meeting of the EU’s Competitiveness Council, she revealed the size of the challenge facing NZ and others as they approach the task of actually negotiating free-trade terms with the EU. “The EU economy needs to remain open to free trade,” she said. “At the same time we should be very decisive, strong and fair towards implementing measures to defend our industry and economy and we won’t accept unjustified trade measures.”

Ooh, you sexy beast, you YES, you did read the headline correctly. From Valentine’s Day British farmers have been entering their cattle in a competition to find Britain’s Sexiest Cow. This isn’t a load of bull, it’s a real competition. Now is the time to show off your most charismatic Charolais, gorgeous Guernsey or handsome Hereford if you think they cud be in with a shout of winning, farmers have been told. Whether they admit it or not, farmers have that special cow they have a real soft spot for. Entrants will be shortlisted and presented to a panel of judges where one winner and two

runners-up will be chosen. Entries close on March 14. Aside from claiming the prestigious title, Britain’s Sexiest Cow will earn its farmer a spa weekend for two and they’ll get a photoshoot for their beautiful bovine. Two runner-up cows, undoubtedly in a bad mooood after not winning, will net their farmers a fleece waistcoat. Farmers can enter their udderly fabulous cow by posting a photo on Twitter or Facebook, using the hashtag #BritainsSexiestCow. This competition is being run by seed breeder RAGT.

MAKING EYES: One of the entrants in the quest to find Britain’s sexiest cow.

Photos can be seen on Twitter at @ragtseedsuk or on its Facebook page. UK Farmers Weekly

Real Estate

30 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Compliance tempers confidence Stephen Bell stephen.bell@nzx.com

ARM sales are reflecting cautious confidence from good produce prices tempered by compliance issues, Real Estate Institute rural spokesman Brian Peacocke says. While farm sales in the three months to the end of March were fewer than in the corresponding period last year they were slightly ahead of sales in the three months to the end of February. “Benevolent autumn conditions in most regions throughout the country have allowed farmers to catch up on the production that was heavily impacted by extremely difficult climatic conditions during the late winter/ early spring period of 2017. “As a consequence, buoyed by strong prices for beef, lamb and horticultural products and the improving prices being signalled in the dairy industry, farmers attitudes are reflecting improving morale and a cautious degree of confidence. “The caution referred to relates to the inexorable demands of the range of compliance issues and the far-reaching tentacles of the invidious livestock disease Mycoplasma bovis, which is sapping the financial and social resources of those within the livestock and property-owning chain who have been affected,” he said. Good autumn conditions now favour the rural market. In the first quarter this year sales were down by 11.4% or 50 farms on those for the same quarter last year. There were 388 farm sales in the quarter and 438 in the quarter last year. In the three months ending

February there were 384 sales. In all 1513 farms were sold in the year ending March 2018, 15.7% fewer than were sold in the year to March 2017, with 26.6% more finishing farms, 4.8% more dairy farms, 36.9% fewer grazing and 40.9% fewer arable farms. The median price per hectare for all farms sold in the three months to March 2018 was $27,428 compared to $27,509 recorded for three months ended March 2017 (-0.3%). In Northland/Auckland there was good activity and stronger prices on good beef finishing properties, with increasing interest in lower quality drystock farms as a result of regional financial incentives for forestry. Ongoing inquiry for land suitable for both kiwifruit and avocado plantings was constrained by a lack of water. Solid activity and prices on finishing properties in Waikato was backed by a strong surge of sales in the dairy sector throughout the region with moderate to high prices being maintained, including a particularly strong sale of a Tatua supply dairy farm. Sales activity is still evident late in the season. Horticultural sales again dominate in Bay of Plenty with the continuation of a strong market for kiwifruit properties. Prices for very good gold kiwifruit orchards are hovering around and above $1.1 million a canopy hectare and $450,000$500,000 a canopy hectare, inclusive of crop, for the best green orchards. There was a very strong response to Zespri’s tender process for licences for gold plantings with high prices and substantial areas of plantings being indicated. There was also reasonable

What your dirt is worth $17,540 Northland $40,757 Auckland

$103,324 Bay of Plenty

$42,681 Waikato

Gisborne

$34,226 Taranaki $19,373 Manawatu/Wanganui

Tasman West Coast

$12,572 Hawke’s Bay

$45,181 Marlborough

$19,995 Otago

Source: REINZ

All farms $/ha sales price medians – 3 months ending March 2018 activity around finishing farms. A relatively quiet Taranaki dairy market had a low level of listings and a degree of negativity contributing to constrained inquiry, indicating a shortage of buyers. Strong sales volumes were recorded for finishing and grazing properties in ManawatuWanganui with a solid contribution from the eastern area of Tararua. Inquiries for good, smaller support blocks from both the sheep and beef and dairy sectors were increasing but it was hard

Brian Peacocke Real Estate Institute

Wellington

$33,366 Canterbury

$24,372 $24,372 Southland Southland

The caution referred to relates to the inexorable demands of the range of compliance issues and the far-reaching tentacles of the invidious livestock disease Mycoplasma bovis.

work for agents on the remote properties and while quieter on the dairy front, a good autumn and strong livestock prices were contributing to a reasonably positive, albeit considered, tone in the marketplace. The Wairarapa/Wellington market was quiet with limited sales in the drystock sector. Nelson/Marlborough had a healthy market with strong inquiry for pastoral properties exacerbated by a shortage of listings and prices being paid reflecting external influences. Lower volumes but strong

prices were seen in the Marlborough viticulture sector when amalgamation opportunities arose, in spite of challenging harvesting conditions. Large areas of vineyard plantings are planned. The dairy market was difficult. Canterbury/West Coast had a reasonable level of sales of finishing properties but was quieter on the higher value dairy units. In Otago a continuation of solid sales and activity on both finishing and grazing units was in spite of an early strike of winter. Southland had good autumn conditions, good product prices and low interest rates underpinning returning confidence evidenced by busy activity and sales of finishing and grazing units but values were back by up to 20%. Dairy farms were now being taken off the market until next season. “Mycoplasma bovis and the ongoing management issues arising are a major issue in the region, particularly as that applies to owners of such properties seeking a sale,” Peacocke said.

Suitability for kiwifruit attracts premium value for dairy farm sale DEMAND for Bay of Plenty land suitable for horticulture was underlined recently when a dairy farm with potential to grow kiwifruit changed hands at more than twice the value it would otherwise have sold for. Ao Marama Farm, a 138 hectare Paengaroa property 19 kilometres south east of Te Puke, was bought by an existing Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower for $5.9 million, after selling one of their smaller fully producing blocks to finance the new purchase. Dave McLaren of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Te Puke, marketed the property. He said the suitability of around 80 hectares of the farm for horticulture attracted great interest. “After some initial earthworks to the dairy block, in horticulture terms 80 hectares represents considerable scale. This land is well located relative to some of the best kiwifruit orchards in the country, has reliable water, and a good proportion of the property has soils and contours that will work well in vines.

HANGING HANDS: Ao Marama Farm, running dairy cows, was sold to an exisiting kiwifruit grower.

“While as a dairy farm it milked 320 cows, producing around 110,000 kilograms of milk solids last year, once it is planted in kiwifruit it might produce more than 15,000 trays a hectare of gold G3 or 10,000 trays of Hayward green, which is a significant

quantity of fruit. While it is currently worth approximately $45,000 per hectare as a dairy block, its value for kiwifruit, even simply as bare land before any development or production, is more like $100,000 to $150,000 per hectare.

“Consequently, the farm attracted strong interest, and we were able to oversee a deal that works well for both parties,” he said. McLaren said with prevailing trends in horticulture, other suitable Bay of Plenty dairy farms

could similarly sell for conversion to kiwifruit. He was speaking to other local dairy farmers that are considering the possibility of taking advantage of the current bare land prices. “Such sales will reward vendors generously, likely at least at double the per hectare value that purchasers would otherwise pay. “Gold kiwifruit orchards are currently selling for more than $1 million-plus per canopy hectare. That has become established as the benchmark value for a fully developed orchard, producing at the premium level. “While that value reflects the scarcity of such land, it also indicates the financial returns that growers can achieve on those orchards. International demand for our kiwifruit is outstanding, Zespri is in the process of issuing new licences for growers to plant G3 vines, and yet the scarcity of land is limiting the number of orchards that can be developed to capitalise on that, indicating that bare land with the right characteristics will also command a premium,” he said.

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

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 7, 2018

By Tender

57.49 hectares

Matamata TOP SHELF

Tender Closes 4pm, Thursday 17th May 2018 (unless sold prior) View By Appointment Only ljhooker.co.nz/E8ZHR1

Peter Begovich 027 476 5787 Rex Butterworth 021 348 276

Matamata

Herein lies the opportunity to own a beautifully presented property showing outstanding results. Our clients are proudly offering for sale one of the best examples of a barn raised chicken farm that you are likely to encounter. The 6 shed site totaling 11,136m² (floor area) is fully compliant and has a secure long term contract with Inghams Enterprises. To be sold as a going concern with all the necessary consents in place. Three quality dwellings, the main home is five bedrooms on a private setting with an in-ground pool. Every detail of this property has been thoughtfully taken care of. If your quest has been to find a blue chip turn key investment, the search is over!

TOP SHELF

Tender Closes 4pm, Thursday 17th May 2018 (unless sold prior) View By Appointment Only ljhooker.co.nz/E8ZHR1

Peter Begovich 027 476 5787 Rex Butterworth 021 348 276

MATAMATA 07 888 5677

DAIRY FARM WITH OPTIONS

• Situated on Rangitikei Line west of Palmerston North is this 91ha parcel of land with option to purchase the adjoining 40ha. • Exceptional soils currently used for dairy farming and growing maize, but would suit market gardening, dairy or beef. • Deep lead irrigation bore to supply top water for up to 70ha. • Current dairy infrastructure in place including a modern 30 aside herringbone dairy and 400 cow feed pad. • Very good road access with central laneway system. • Call Les to inspect.

Sallan Realty

TOP QUALITY

• Situated in Konini, Pahiatua is this quality 66ha dairy farm with excellent soils. • Very nice four bedroom family home set in lovely grounds. • Current dairy infrastructure includes a modern herringbone dairy with a 300 cow yard. • Currently supplies Open Country, has produced up to 1220kgs/ms/ha, consented for dairy farming. • Shedding includes machinery shed and calf rearing facilities. • Your opportunity to own this outstanding dairy farm. Call Les.

Google ‘Sallan Realty’ Your Farm Sales Specialist

Tuatapere – Western Southland 225 McInerney Road This land only package has had extensive development completed. Would suit dairy support/ sheep and beef fattening and grazing. Panoramic coastal views, hunting and fishing on your doorstep. Good opportunity to secure grazing or local addition.

Deadline Treaty: Closes Wednesday 30 May 2018 at 4pm, Harcourts Office, 182 Dee Street, Invercargill. (Unless Sold Prior) View: By Appointment www.harcourts.co.nz ID# IV38639 Terry Forde M 021 361 516 P 03 214 4080 E terry@harcourtsinv.co.nz

Holmwood Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

• Situated due North of Foxton Township and North West of Foxton Beach is this premium 110ha of flat to gently undulating sand-flats. • Planted in 25-year-old pine trees currently being harvested and expected to be ready for you to de-stump and develop into permanent pasture at your leisure. • Two good driveway accesses and 7-8 wire post and batten road and boundary fencing. Great Wylie Road access and golf course views. • Your chance to own this great investment opportunity. For sale by Tender closing Wed 30th May at 2pm (if not sold prior). Call Les.

LES CAIN 0274 420 582

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. Connect with the right audience at LK0092564©

Grazing & Fattening Unit

131.5228ha

CHOOSE THE FARM’S FUTURE

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

LK0092558©

TR A NSF OR MI NG REA L ES TATE IN TO R EAL ADVA NTAGE FOR SALE WAITARERE FOREST WAITARERE BEACH, Levin, SNI Region

1,763HA PRODUCTIVE AREA MIXED AGE CLASS Waitarere Forest represents an outstanding opportunity for purchasers looking for a high performing yet simple to manage forest. With much of the crop now into its 3rd rotation, benefit from an attractive scale, established infrastructure, year-round ground based harvesting, positive stumpage from production thinning and Crown Forestry Licence tenure. Contact CBRE to obtain detailed information to support your evaluation. + + + +

Significant immediate harvest volume Domestic processing 7km from the forest (Mitchpine) 106km to CentrePort Production thinning generating positive stumpage revenue

DEADLINE EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Friday 1 June 2018 at 4.00pm

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

GERRARD WILSON

021 537 245 gerrard.wilson@cbre.co.nz

w w w.cbre.co.nz/212838Q28

FOR SALE FELTON ROAD FOREST FELTON ROAD, Mossburn, Southland

IMMEDIATE HARVEST VOLUME FREEHOLD LAND IN SOUTHLAND Felton Road Forest represents a great opportunity for a purchaser to secure a first rotation semi-mature forest in the heart of Northern Southland. 125km to South Port and numerous processing facilities located in close proximity, means this forest is well positioned to take advantage of both domestic and export markets. With freehold land and trees available the successful purchaser will have various land use options post-harvest so call today for further information. + + + + + +

134 ha freehold land 104.5 ha forest 19 - 25 years old Ground based harvesting Metal on site Post 89â&#x20AC;&#x2122; land with ability to earn carbon credits Available as Cutting Right only if required

DEADLINE TENDER Friday 1 June 2018 at 4.00pm

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

w w w.cbre.co.nz/212842Q28 CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 7, 2018

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

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. Connect with the right audience at

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

colliers.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

LIFESTYLE

RESIDENTIAL

FINAL NOTICE

Prime Dairy Unit This prime dairy farm of 92.5970ha is located on the town's doorstep. Currently being run as an intensive dairy farm and calf rearing property. The land contains good quality pasture with mainly flat contour. Farm buildings include a 40 bail external rotary with full complement support of farm buildings. The dwellings consist of an older three bedroom homestead and two bedroom cottage. Cows are milked year round with split Autumn and Spring calving. Strongly motivated vendor - call Martin Lee on 027 497 0830 for more information. pggwre.co.nz/CAM27461

Cambridge AUCTION Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 11.00am, Wednesday 9 May PGGWRE, 87 Duke St, Cambridge VIEW BY APPOINTMENT

Martin Lee B 07 823 0632 M 027 497 0830

Finishing or Cropping 33.9227ha 1500 Wellington Road • Good pastures throughout • Extensively tile drained plus mole drains • Marton silt loam • Water supply from Whales Line Water Scheme • Two large hay sheds, plus cattle yards and sheep yards A well located property with two road frontages and two titles with views towards the Ranges giving plenty of options for the future. pggwre.co.nz/FDG28184

martin.lee@pggwrightson.co.nz

Marton DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2pm, Wed 30 May

Wayne Brooks B 06 323 0709 M 027 431 6306

wayne.brooks@pggwrightson.co.nz

Doug Glasgow B 06 349 2005 M 027 204 8640

dougglasgow@pggwrightson.co.nz

Huntleigh Station

NEW LISTING Huntleigh

Strath Taieri, Otago | 6403.8684ha

Lindores

Three O’Clock

pggwre.co.nz/DUN28095 Huntleigh | 1911.788ha

Huntleigh | yards

Lindores | 2311.93ha

Lindores | pastures

Three O’Clock | 2180.15ha

Three O’Clock | stock water supply

Calling for Expressions of Interest Scale & Scope - Murchison 576.9797 hectares - For Very Definite Sale. Great opportunity to purchase a sheep, beef and deer breeding unit with scale and plenty of scope for intensification. Effective grazing comprises approx. 370 hectares including 80 hectares deer fenced. A wide range of improvements includes two large family homes, deer complex, woolshed, plus a range of other sheds and cattle yards. Annual rainfall ranges around 1,700 to 1,800mm per annum. Murchison Township is 19km away and provides most essential rural services and the district is an outdoor recreational pursuit’s paradise. pggwre.co.nz/NEL28158

Murchison $3.85M Plus GST (if any)

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited are privileged to offer for sale on account of New Zealand Pastures Limited, Huntleigh Station, a large sheep and beef operation situated in the Strath Taieri, approximately one hour from the city of Dunedin. The property is an amalgamation of three farms which in the past ten years have undergone an extensive re-development programme. The option is available to purchase the total property of 6403.8684 hectares or three separate farms.

Peter Evans B 03 543 8599 M 027 224 9798

This is farming on a large scale with plenty of scope, being well balanced with improvements in pasture cultivation, topdressing and re-fencing, including water reticulation over the majority of the property with a large holding dam on Three O’Clock allowing for huge productivity increases in recent years.

Joe Blakiston B 03 579 3702 M 027 434 4069

The many cultivated areas are predominantly sown in Lucerne, Ryecorn, Plantain Perun and Red Clover type pastures. The lane system, which utilises approximately 150 paddocks, accounts for easier control of stock movement and the overall management of the station.

pevans@pggwrightson.co.nz

jblakiston@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

For Sale By Deadline Private Treaty Closing 12pm, Wed, 30 May, 2018

Paul Thomson M 027 435 3936 Alan Turner M 027 454 4222 Graeme Bezett M 027 433 9119 Roger Nicolson M 027 886 0618

pggwre.co.nz

Employment

Fencer General CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER THE COMPANY Dairy Holdings Limited is a New Zealand owned professional, dynamic, and progressive corporate dairy farmer that operates throughout the South Island. THE ROLE The position of Chief Operating Officer has been created due to sustained growth.

A position has become available on a 800ha hill country breeding property, 6km from Mangaweka, situated between Hunterville and Taihape.

Applicants must have: • Experience in all types of hill country fencing both new and maintenance • Experience in operating all types of farm machinery • Ability to contribute with stock handling during busy times • The motivation and commitment to achieve high standards • An attitude which focuses on attention to detail • Good communication skills, being competent working on own or in a team

The role is predominately stock work so good stockmanship is essential. 3-4 good dogs will be required.

The successful applicant will be honest, reliable, organised and hardworking with good initiative. A tidy 3 bedroom house and competitive salary package will be offered to the successful applicant. Please send a copy of your CV with references to nerang@inspire.net.nz or phone Mark Hobson 06 382 5825

LK0092486©

Applications close 20 May 2018

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO: Please email your application letter and CV to: Chief Operating Officer jan@dairyholdings.co.nz All applications will be treated confidentially Applications close 4pm Friday, 11th May 2018

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→ Strategic thinking → Strong leadership skills → Excellent communication skills → Budgeting and financial discipline → Policy development → Staff delegation and motivation

Successful applicant will have the following skills: • Outstanding stock, animal husbandry and pasture management skills • Confidence to make decisions • High motivation and reliability • Computer literate • A genuine commitment to health and safety practices • Excellent communication and leadership skills • Precise record and reporting in a regular and timely manner

The role would ideally suit a person with several years experience, looking for the next level of management.

→ A long-term business, with a strong focus on profitability and sustainability.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Farm Manager required for 1390ha intensive sheep & beef finishing/breeding coastal property, on the boundary of Wairoa Township, with 370ha flats and 830ha hills.

A comfortable four bedroom home is available, and both primary and secondary school bus at gate. Competitive remuneration. For further inquiries phone Ian Allen 027 226 8892 Please send applications to: iallentorwoodlea@gmail.com Applications close Friday 25 May

FARM MANAGER

Send CVs with references to: Red Oak Weka Pass, RD 3, Amberley 7483 Email:redoakstud@amuri.net

→ A leadership role within one of New Zealand’s premiere dairy farming businesses.

Ohuia Station

Required for a 2800ha hill country property at Weka Pass North Canterbury, Red Oak Stud has a great location being 10 minutes north of Amberley and 66km from Christchurch.

For further information contact Rick Orr 027 245 7751

FEATURES OF THE POSITION

Farm Manager

Aspiring Manager Wanted

Red Oak offers good facilities including a brand new 3 bedroom house, close to local amenities and a competitive salary package to the successful applicant.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the role will be responsible for the strategic and operational performance of a number of regional farm hubs, including the development of the farm supervisory team.

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 7, 2018

LK0092620©

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Lochar Downs

EMPLOYMENT REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

An exciting Farm Manager role where you will be responsible for the management of 766ha property which has been intensified with 325ha under spray irrigation. The property is in Central Otago, between Cromwell and Luggate.

Please print clearly

The farming system is an intensive lamb/breeding and beef finishing model combined with dairy grazing, therefore the applicant must have experience in these areas of management.

RUN OFF

YOUR FEET?

You will have top stockmanship skills and will have direct responsibility for the stock and their livelihood, promoting production efficiency.

Turn to Farmers Weekly first for your employment advertising needs

You will need to have the ability to forward plan, to prioritise and complete set tasks. You will be responsible for completing farm data requirements, meeting health and safety and any legal obligations and contributing towards financial budgets and stock policy.

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

We are looking for someone who is reliable, honest and encourages a positive team culture, in return you will work in a supportive environment to achieve results. This is an opportunity to be involved in a progressive business and will provide a great challenge in all aspects of intensive pastoral farming. Please contact us for a full job description and / or send your application to hr@compassagri.com

Hawke’s Bay Shepherd Roles

Name:

Phone: Address:

Email: Heading: LK0085601©

Advert to read:

Closing date for applications is 25th May 2018.

Check out our latest opportunities below: 4 Shepherd – Reference #2454 Located 50km west of Hastings, this farming business runs 17,000su and is considered a market leader in breeding and finishing. With an emphasis on stock work, you will assist with the day-to-day running of this 1680ha (effective) property. The role requires someone who is passionate about farming and who wishes to operate within a modern farming environment, where career development is encouraged. Along with excellent accommodation, the position offers a place in a great community with schooling and ample opportunities for hunting and fishing nearby.

Finishing Manager & Hill Country Block Manager Due to a neighboring property being purchased and restructuring of roles, Willesden Farms requires a Finishing Manager and a Hill Country Block Manager to join the team. Willesden Farms covers 5300ha and is an outstanding balance

4 Shepherd – Reference #2455

of steep hill, developed downs and irrigated finishing country.

Are you looking to progress your skills within a semi-intensive breeding and finishing system? Our clients are in search of someone who is looking to strengthen their knowledge and as they progress, step up their level of responsibility with support from the Farm Manager and 2IC. This 2270ha property is based just 20 minutes from Waipawa. The infrastructure has been developed to a high standard with the farm running up to 9,500 breeding ewes as well as finishing lambs, cattle and deer. On offer is an excellent remuneration package along with a warm, tidy three bedroom home.

Running crossbred ewes, Angus cows, replacement and finishing stock. The key to your success in these roles will be your ability to be a self-starter who is highly motivated, well-planned and a strong communicator. You will have responsibility across all aspects of production including the performance of livestock, seasonal planning and a desire to introduce new practices onto the farm which will lead to continual improved results.

4 Shepherd – Reference #2456

If you are someone who is exceptional at managing people, stock and pastures one of these roles could be for you. Situated only 30 minutes outside of Christchurch, these roles offer large-scale farming with great hunting, fishing and recreational

To find out more about these roles or to view our other fantastic job opportunities please visit the Rural Directions website www. ruraldirections.co.nz or phone our team in confidence on 0800 475 465.

opportunities, including the local dog trials held on farm – so close to the city. We offer an attractive remuneration package which we believe will be at the top of the market. If you have a desire to be a major part of a developing and innovative farming business and you are looking for a new challenge, please apply!

RECRUITMENT & HR Register to receive job alerts on www.ruraldirections.co.nz

Please apply by email matt@willesdenfarms.co.nz with a CV with covering letter and 2 references. Job description available on application.

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LK0092598©

The owners of this farming business have a fantastic reputation in the rural sector both as operators and employers. They want to share their learnings and will offer support and encouragement to ensure the positive growth of your brand in the market place. This strategic finishing operation, located just 20 minutes from Hastings, utilises its competitive advantage smartly and is well planned across the five properties, totalling 900ha. An excellent remuneration package is on offer; assistance with accommodation may be provided if required.

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

Classifieds

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 7, 2018

ANIMAL HANDLING

ATTENTION FARMERS

FLY OR LICE problem? Electrodip - The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides. Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness. Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t r o d i p . c o m

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

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

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

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

DOGS FOR SALE SMITHFIELD PUPS from old working lines. Bob tail and long tail available. $400 each. Phone Hayden 027 255 7217. 5-MONTH-OLD heading pup. Well grown and very well bred. Phone 06 388 0212 or 027 243 8541.

CONTRACTORS

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

DOGS WANTED

DOGS FOR SALE

HEADING, HUNTAWAY, handy, backing dogs or bitches, 2-6 years. Top money paid. Phone Ginger Timms 03 202 5590 or 027 289 7615.

MAY DOG SALE: $500$1000. Guaranteed. Trial. Deliver NZ wide. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes. YOUNG HEADING and Huntaways. Top working bloodlines. View our website www.ringwaykennels.co.nz Join us on Facebook: Working dogs New Zealand. Phone 027 248 7704.

12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. NORTH ISLAND BUYING trip 12/5/18. No trial or breeding required! No one buys or pays more! 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

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

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

FORESTRY

PUMPS

WANTED

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

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

PROPERTY WANTED

FERTILISER

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

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

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

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.

SELLING

SOMETHING? PHONE DEBBIE 0800 85 25 80

CITRUS TREES

Combi Clamp Sheep Handler

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

The Combi Clamp …

Known for good sheep flow, has been tested and proven to be the fastest and most popular Sheep Handler sold in Australia, replacing many Automated Sheep Handler units on properties throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Cattle Handling Equipment

Standard Crush, Vet Crush, Weight Crate, Auto Head Yoke, Sliding Gates • Heavy Duty • Hot dipped galvanized • Efficient • One-man operation • Sure catch – never miss • Self-catching with auto reset • No weight limit • Easily adjustable width • Built to last • Full range of options available

LK0092572©

Specialists in superior field grown trees, all varieties grown. STANDARD FEEDER (C6 Pinned)

COPPERFIELD NURSERIES

LK0092561©

221 Snodgrass Rd RD 4 Tauranga

• • • •

1 x 6 foot bale 2m diameter 15 feed positions 15 - 30 animals

Ph: 07 552 5780

0 $ 85 +GST

OVAL FEEDER (S2 Pinned) • • • • •

3 x 4 foot bales 2 x 6 foot bales 24 feed positions 24 - 48 animals 4m long

$ 120+G0 ST

Fax: 07 552 4638 grant@copperfield.co.nz www.copperfieldnurseries.co.nz

100% New Zealand Made Quality Stockfeeders

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

0800 104 404 | www.stockfeeders.co.nz

New Zealand’s proven stock feeder for 24 years | 100% New Zealand Tensile Steel

Reliable Strong, ffi ient and E c

Find us National F at ield on site# C ays 92

0800 227 228

www.combiclamp.co.nz

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

Livestock

Hit the bulls-eye with advertising in the Farmers Weekly. Reaching over 78,000 rural mailboxes weekly we are the ideal space to engage with the right audience for your bull sales. Farmers Weekly also publishes an e-Newsletter while bull sales are on with top sale results from around the country, and other digital advertising options to link to your website and sale catalogue.

With loads of affordable advertising options contact Nigel Ramsden on 06 323 0761, 027 602 495 or email livestock@nzx.com to get the right solution for you.

farmersweekly.co.nz

Inaugural Rauriki Charolais Bull Sale 20 R 2 Charolais Bulls Open Day 2 weeks prior to the Sale 15th May 10am –2pm ‘On Farm Video Charolais Bull Sale’ is Tuesday 29th May at 11am The bulls will be penned at the selling complex for inspection on sale day. Contact: Simon: P 06 858 8045 M: 027 636 3243 Wendy: P: 027 280 3471 email: s.collin@xtra.co.nz

www.raurikicharolais.co.nz

LK0092548©

Price list available.

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Livestock

FLEMINGTON BELTED GALLOWAY HERD DISPERSAL

WAIROA COW & CATTLE FAIR

Farmed commercially in Kurow and Roxburgh over last 10 years. This is an opportunity to purchase NZ leading genetics from proven family bloodlines. Bulls are keenly sought after for the dairy industry, unable to meet orders for this market. All bulls sold as yearlings and 2-year-olds. 80 20 30 20

Special entries: A/c Mahurangi Stn 360 - Angus R3yr Hfrs vic Angus 20/10 A/c Tangihau Stn 100 - 8 1/2 yr Ang Cows vic Angus 1/12 45 days 150 - R2yr Angus Strs

Stud bull pictured, Flemington Graham 305. High fertility-ran with 70 cows this season on steep hill country, 67 PTIC, excellent temperament, easy calving, quick growing offspring. For sale.

A/c Okare Stn 200 - 8 1/2yr Ang Cows vic Angus 8/12 45 days 150 - R2yr Angus Strs A/c Te Tiki Stn 60 - R2yr Angus Strs Grand opportunity to purchase large lines of hill bred cattle. TBD The Above Entries are Annual Drafts from the Raglan, Waingaro & Te Akau Coastal Hill Country & Highly Recommended for Their Shifting Ability & Facial Excema Tolerance.

Owing to the interest in the Flemington Dispersal Sale, an elite female Helmsman Auction is being held. These cattle are part of the above sale notice. All of these animals are registered, or are able to be registered.

LK0092600©

Helmsman Auction 18 May at Kurow, North Otago

For more details, email: rodandsaddle@xtra.co.nz Phone Neil McKerchar 03 436 0220 or 027 505 1010

Red, White & Roans of our world

Wairoa Cow & Cattle Fair Thursday 17th May at 11am

ON OFFER: MA Cows - PTIC R3 Heifers - PTIC R2 Heifers - Empty Heifer calves

Comprising 30 Elite cows and 15 heifer calves Viewing from 12 noon – Sale commences 2pm, closes 4pm Prices plus GST – Sale catalogues available

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 7, 2018

Lot 1: Ruapuha Ace 16663

B+L NZ Genetics Bull Buying Workshop Thursday 3rd May Come and join us at our on-farm sale: Friday 1 June 2018 at 10:00am

Enquiries to: PGG Wrightson Ian Rissetto 06 8388604 or 027 444 9347

These animals are advertised elsewhere. For further breed information and to view full advertisement: www.nzgalloway.co.nz ‘stock for sale’

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Contact Russell Proffit Enquiries and inspection always welcome email: rnmwproffit@xtra.co.nz 2033 State Highway 3, RD Mahoenui, 3978 phone: 07 877 8977 or 027 355 2927 www.raupuhastud.co.nz

Helping grow the country

SHIAN ANGUS Annual On Farm Sale - Thursday 31st May 2018 @ 3pm

Are you looking in the right direction?

Meads Road Taumarunui

farmersweekly.co.nz

41 BULLS FOR SALE Enquiries & inspections are always welcomed

AUCTIONS LONG ESTABLISHED AB BRED HERD AUCTION DATE: Friday 18 May, 2018 ADDRESS: 663 SH12, Dargaville START TIME: 11:30am, d/c no. 18376 VENDORS: MS & JK Bracey COMPRISING OF: •

207 in-calf, well-bred Fsn/FsnX cows

•

BW 80/44, PW 108/62, R/a 84%

DETAILS: •

Calving from 22 July to LIC PSS 7 weeks

•

Tailed off Angus bulls, HB shed, herd tested

•

LONG ESTABLISHED AB BRED HERD AUCTION 460 MS/COW PRODUCTION DATE: Monday 14 May 2018 ADDRESS: Lower Duthie Road, Kaponga START TIME: 11:30am VENDORS: Merlac Trust –m/s E & S Green COMPRISING OF: •

110 mixed breed AB herd, BW 0, PW 40, R/a 74%

•

35 mixed breed in-calf hfrs, BW 0, PW 5

DETAILS: •

TB C10, inoculated for lepto, BVD clear

Calving from 27 July to Semex and CRV sires 5 wks

•

Low input farming, farm rolling contour.

Tailed off Angus bulls, bulls out 28/12, HB shed, herd tested

•

All cattle dry off end April, and blanket dry cow treated, cows in great order

TB C10, inoculated for lepto, BVD clear

•

460ms/ cow avge, system 3 feeding, som cell 150,000 avge

•

All cattle dry off end April, and blanket dry cow treated

PAYMENT TERMS: 1 June 2018. Catalogues available from auctioneers or online. Contact your local Farm Source agents for details and photos. FARM SOURCE LIVESTOCK AGENTS: Kevin 027 434 7561, Eric 027 233 1687, Noel 027 588 7632

Lot 4: Ruapuha Lockyer 16654

PAYMENT TERMS: 1 June 2018. Catalogues available from auctioneers or online. Contact your local Farm Source agents for details and photos. FARM SOURCE LIVESTOCK AGENT: Steve Quinnell 027 278 3837

Bulls Sired by: • Tangihau Kaino H29 • Merchiston Equate 395 • Turiroa 13740 LOT 1: SHIAN 16-714 • Matauri Ulong JO58 • Libido tested & semen evaluated • Lepto & 10 in 1 vaccinated • Shian 464 • TB C10, BVD tested & vaccinated • Free delivery North Island • Shian 446

Contact: Brian & Sharon Sherson 07 895 7686 Rob & Tracy 07 895 6694/ 027 230 8230 Email: b.sherson@xtra.co.nz www.shianangus.co.nz / Find us on

in conjunction with

Please note the new sale date!

9th Angus Bull Sale 27 RISING 2 YEAR OLD BULLS

10.30am Friday 1 June 2018 st

To be held at Vendor’s property. Inspections welcome from 9am

PETERS ANGUS

Teviot Valley Station, 1205 Teviot Road, Millers Flat, RD2, Roxburgh 9572, Otago. Phone 03 446 6030 or 027 364 1438 Carrfields LIVESTOCK

Roger Keach 027 417 8641 Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131 Donald Baines 027 328 8781 Brent Taylor 027 333 2421

PGG WRIGHTSON LIVESTOCK

Callum McDonald 027 433 6443 Chris Swale 027 442 5032 Paul Pearce 027 478 5761

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING EARN FARM SOURCE REWARD DOLLARS ON ALL FARM SOURCE LIVESTOCK PURCHASES & SALES* T&Cs apply. See nzfarmsource.co.nz/rewards

Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

farmersweekly.co.nz

LK0092475©

Livestock

RANUI Bull Sale

Rockhill Jerseys 195 Jersey cows (RA 98%) BW 108 PW 97 Plus 50 in-calf Jersey heifers BW 140 PW 123 • Long established fourth generation herd • OAD for the last ten years • A2 profiled • DTC 22 July 2018 • Free grazing available to 1 July 2018

3.00pm Thursday, 7th June Karamu, 662 Rangitatau East Rd,Wanganui

Bull Sale – 5th June

• • • •

12 noon, On Farm Tiraumea

Fully Guaranteed Service & Semen Tested TB Clear C10 EBL & BVD Tested & Vaccinated Free Delivery (NI)

All bulls are semen and service tested Scanned for carcase Independently inspected Cow herds run under commercial conditions

• • • •

Bulls displayed on concrete Hard surface in sale ring. Feet visible BVD Tested Antigen Clear & Vaccinated 3-year Guarantee for soundness & fertility

A quality OAD herd that will shift extremely well

LK0092493©

“Internationally proven from sea level to snow line” Enquiries to:

otapawa@xtra.co.nz Stuart Robbie 027 8484 408 Donald & Marlene Robbie 06 376 7250

Enquiries to Bruce ph 027 441 0924 LK0092490©

Lin Johnstone Phone: 027 445 3213 AY Lindsay Johnstone Phone: 027 445 3211 D N E OP ranui.w@farmside.co.nz 8 MAY PGG Wrightson Agents Callum Stewart Ph: 027 280 2688 Ken Roberts Ph: 027 591 8042

HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN ON FARM SALE

Sale Catalogue online: www.ranuiangus.co.nz

Thursday 17th May 12 Noon On A/C of Daniel Schat Ltd Sharlands Road Dunsandel, S/N 37404

Auahi Charolais

Est. 1981

Pio Pio

A fantastic line up of 160 high producing 2-8yr cows.

Henderson Partners

10 years of careful nominated breeding.

New Sale Date – 1pm Thursday 24th May

Very tidy udders and feet. These cows have been on target for 560m/s.

Offering: 28 R2 Bulls • 6 R3 Vic Heifers

DTC 4/8 to AI, tailed with Jersey and Friesian. Vendor is downsizing due to farm purchase.

Several standout Polled Bulls by AI Sire L.T. Venture

Contact for Catalogue and more details Matt Sanson 0275569928 matt.sanson@nzfll.co.nz

HAVE A SALE COMING UP?

C10 • Fully guaranteed • Bulls BVD innoculated • Good EBV’s

Inspection anytime Ph John 07 873 8477 or 027 633 1776 Selected replacement heifers synchronised AI 27/10/17 to ‘L.T. Venture’ and Australian Bull, ‘Easygain’

OUTSTANDING SPLIT CALVING XBD HERD AUCTION

livestock@nzx.com

TWO DAY SALE - MAY 14TH & 15TH On A/c B & J Corbin - 186 Mangapiko Valley Rd, Waiterimu. S/N 71851

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AUCTIONEERS: PGG Wrightson Regional Manager – Kevin Mortensen 027 473 5858 Local Agent – Wium Mostert 027 473 5856 Commission offer to the other Agents who introduce buyers

Call Nigel 0800 85 25 80

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livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

LK0092591©

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – May 7, 2018

GENUINE AUTUMN HERD Monday May 14th -12 Noon Comprising of approximately 200 complete genuine Autumn calving cows from this well farmed Xbred herd.

SOUTH ISLAND STOCK

Herd BW 46 (BW’s up to 140) PW 59 (PW’s up to 420) RA 94% WEDNESDAY 16TH MAY 12 NOON On A/c Greg Trail - 958 Tower Rd, Matamata S/N OCD094

Comprising: 220 high production young cows. DTC 17/7, AB 6 weeks, Tailed with Hereford out 5/1/18. C10, EBL Free, 440 MS/Cow, SCC 100,000.

Comprising: 120 x 2-8 Yr Friesian In Calf Cows, C10, TB & EBL Free, BVD Milk tested. Calving from 15/7 to Nominated Frs AI for 6 weeks. Tailed with PB Angus Bulls.

View listing WAI#58226 Contact Glenn Tasker 0274 777 345

52,000 total MS and 320 MS/cow on an all grass fed system. SCC 105,000. Herd has previously produced up to 76,000 milk solids on a level 3 system. 30 Top R1 Yearling Frs heifers, extremely well grown capital line BW 81 PW 88 33 IC Frs Heifers, will be very well grown and in top condition, Capital Line BW 51 PW 65 DTC 15/7

The cows will be dry on sale day and will be in top condition.

PHONE NIGEL RAMSDEN 0800 85 25 80

Delivery 1st June for shifting farm owners or sharemilkers. View listing #WAI58389 Contact Bryan Sweeney 027 869 2620

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LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

If you are after a very attractive Ambreed cow showing beautiful dairy type, then you need to attend this sale. The whole herd, including the young stock have been G3 DNA profiled, so you can buy with confidence.

150 Fantastic Hereford Friesian X and Angus Friesian X steers. 450kgLW approx. Sell in unit loads. $2-80/kg. 38 FrX R2 heifers. B&W to Black. BW117; PW107; RA100%. In-calf to Jersey bull (out 28/12), DTC 29/7. $1700. Listing # CEN54163 45 3-year-old A2 Friesian & Xbred cows. AI to A2A2 Friesian bulls. OAD since early March. Pick 45 from 75. WANTED: Annual Draft or older PTIC Beef Cows. Hereford, Angus and Angus HF X. Lighter cows okay Contact Matt Sanson 027 556 9928

Cows will come forward in great order and in milk on sale day. Refer to listing WAI58249 for more details

COMPLETE SPRING HERD Tuesday May 15th - 12 Noon Comprising Approx 450 In Calf Xbreed Cows BW 72 (up to 186) PW 98 (up to 405) RA 86% DTC 10/7, 4 Weeks AI, Tailed with Beef bulls. Cows are in great condition and will shift well. All DNA and G3 Profiled. The cows will be dry on sale day. Catalogues will be available or view listing WAI58249 for more information. We are privileged to offer this capacious Xbred herd which only comes to the market as our vendor is entering a new opportunity. The cows are on track for roughly 360kg MS/Cow this season. THIS IS A SALE NOT TO MISS! Contact Agent in charge Jono Wright 027 801 3052

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PRELIMINARY NOTICE Tuesday 22nd May 12 Noon A/c L & R Hunter Trust - RD 3, Morrinsville

BW 86 (up to 179) PW 118 (up to 407) RA 86%.

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LOVELY NOMINATED AMBREED FRIESIAN HERD SALE

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STRAIGHT FRIESIAN HERD SALE

440 Top Holstein Friesian bred cows. Producing upwards of 560kgms this herd will definitely work. Semex and WWS bred for the past 50 years. A.I to Semex A2 bulls and followed up with Herefords these cows are the whole package. $1800. 40 Large framed i-c Holstein Friesian cows. Have been A.I to small stature Semex bulls and followed up with genuine Angus Bulls. POA. 30 top quality Semex bred Holstein Friesian in-calf heifers $1575, plus 70 A2A2 in-calf heifers, $1800. All in calf to Jersey bulls, due from July. High capacity heifers. 40 R2 Very well grown i-c Holstein bred heifers. These are the large framed Friesian content of the R2 heifers. All incalf to Jersey and are calving from the 15 August for two weeks. $1550. Contact Hayden McCarthy 027 757 4727

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 7, 2018

Romney Stud Breeders and Stud Stock Agents Reunion

STOCK REQUIRED

PETER & CAROLINE FOSS

R.D. Aria, King Country Ph/fax (07) 877 7881 pcfossy@xtra.co.nz

Croydon Lodge, Gore Wednesday 8th August 2018

STORE LAMBS 28-36kgs

350 x ROM PERE X EWES

SIL OR RWR EWES VIC 3 & 4 YR ANGUS COWS

Sound well fleshed sires, Excellent temperament Fully breedplan recorded on Commercial hill country 20 Bulls Catalogued

ANG & ANGX HEIFER CALVES 18 MTH A. AX STEERS 380-420kgs

Join old breeders and agents for a day of catchup

Registrations contact: Nola Nevill, 4 Mayfair Grove, Alexandra

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and to share memories. Reunion dinner at night with guest speaker Sir Brian Lochore.

E-mail: nolanevill@gmail.com Ph: 03 448 5076

ANNUAL SALE THURSDAY 8TH JUNE 1PM, TE KUITI SALE YARDS

BULL OPEN DAY ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME WEDNESDAY 31ST MAY 1 - 5PM

For further information contact:

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Ken Bain 03 446 6500 or Murray Sheppard 03 445 4430

PHONE NIGEL 0800 85 25 80

Looking for a Beef Shorthorn? Check them out

Kerikeri Bull and Incalf Heifer sale 30 May, 11.30 09 401 9633 - Shane & Dot Whangarei Heads Sale June 29, 1pm 09 434 0987 - David 09 434 0718 -Will

Waimai

Aubrey

Waitomo Private Sale 07 873 6968 - Ron Smith

Bullock Creek

Browns

Morrinsville Private Sales 07 889 5965 - Hamish

Raupuha

Tahuna Sale

Mahoenui Sale June 1, 10am 07 877 8977 - Russell

Waitara Private Sales 06 754 6699 - Roger

Waipawa Sale June 7, 11am 07 378 8979 - Tim

Hiwiroa Sale

Waipukurau Sale June 7, 11am 06 858 5369 - Jim 06 855 4737 - Nick

Corsock

Ongarue Bulls for sale from 1st May-30th June 07 894 6030 - Allan

Hinewaka Sale

Mangaotuku

Masterton Sale June 6, 3pm 06 372 7615 - David

Stratford Private Sales 06 765 7269 - Jack

Maerewhenua

Oamaru Private Sales 03 431 2811 - Norman

Westwood

Tuatapere Private Sales 03 226 6713 - Anita

Orena

Katikati Sale May 24, 1pm 07 552 0815 - Ken 021 520 244 - Craig

Ngaruawahia Private Sales 07 825 4763 - John

Rough Ridge

Ranfurly Sale May 18, 11am 03 444 9277 - Malcolm

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

SPRINGDALE ANGUS BULLS WITH SCALE – TEMPERAMENT – SOUNDNESS – CONSTITUTION – FERTILITY

On Farm Bull Sale Thursday 31st May 2018 Ngakonui – 12 Noon

Sires of sale bulls:

Glenrossie

Taupiri Private Sales 07 824 6751 - Kelvin

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Lot 4 – Springdale Thor 555

Longview

Lochburn

RWR

PGG Wrightson Livestock National Video Sale Palmerston North Sale May 14, 4pm

• Rangatira 13-38 • Rangatira 13-118 • Kaharau 11-831 • Kaharau 12-40 • Kaharau 13-179 • Springdale Clarion 244

Lot 3 – Springdale Latitude 572

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livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Catalogue available online at: www.springdaleangus.co.nz or www.agonline.co.nz

ENQUIRIES AND INSPECTION WELCOME

Ian & Karenne Borck – RD 4, Taumarunui Ph/Fax: 07 895 3452 – Email: springdaleangus@outlook.co.nz www.springdaleangus.co.nz – or your local agent

KIA TOA CHAROLAIS On-farm Sale Est 2003

973 Troopers Road, Te Kuiti Using a n bull in Shorthor eeding ss-br your cro l increase wil program line up bottom to 20%

Glendhu

Heriot Private Sales 03 204 2052 - Fraser

35 GENUINE HILL COUNTRY BULLS ON OFFER Monday 28th May 2018 at 1pm

Renowned for great marbling producing top quality meat

www.shorthorn.co.nz

Contact: Paul and Claire Grainger 07 878 6458 – 027 209 1959 pcgraingers@xtra.co.nz ALL BULLS BVD TESTED AND VACCINATED TWO SEASON FOOT GUARANTEE

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Livestock

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – May 7, 2018

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

KAIRURU POLLED HEREFORDS

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

1447 Hereheretau Rd, RD 6, WAIROA 4196 www.kerrahsimmentals.co.nz

SINCE 1979

Jon Knauf

PROFIT-A-BULL EXCELLENCE

27TH ANNUAL THIRD ANNUAL ON-FARM SALE ONSALE FARM SALE

at Tangiwai Station, Wairoa - 1pm Tuesday, 22 May 2018

at Kairuru, Reporoa (midway Rotorua – Taupo) JUNE 6 AT 1PM

26th March at 1:00pm

28 R2YR BULLS

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HAVE A SALE COMING UP?

GET THE WHITEFACE ADVANTAGE

Call Nigel

0800 85 25 80

PREDOM

INANTLY POLLED PERF BULLS FO ORMANCE R AUCTIO N

livestock@nzx.com

KEVIN & JANE MCDONALD (REPOROA) 07 333 8068 • 027 451 0640 JEFF & NICOLA McDONALD 021 510 351 • kairuruNZ@gmail.com

CONTACT: Or catalogue

Phil Transom Jon Knauf 0274 420 060 06 838 6793 E: jsknauf@gisborne.net.nz PGG Wrightson

Ross Mitchell 0274 048 965 Fergus Rural

Angus Cattle bred and tested under

for you

249 Ruaroa Rd Kaitaia Date: Thursday 17th May 2018 Start Time: 11am Vendor: Ruaroa Enterprises

487 Pokapu Rd Morewa Date: Monday 14th May 2018 Start Time: 11.30am Vendor: T & M Hona

Comprising of: 410 Frsn/FrsnX BW71 PW103 RA89% VIC, 5 weeks AI, DTC 15th July Tailed with Angus Bulls, out 20th Dec.

Comprising of: 220 Frsn/FrsnX 2-8 yrs BW82 PW111 RA90% DTC 15th July VIC, 4 wks AI Frsn + 2 wks selected cows to AI Beef bulls. Tailed with Hereford Bulls, out 25th Dec. Details: This once a day herd is in great condition. Farmed on summer dry Northland steep to rolling Kikuyu country. Take these cows away from the long walks, the hard environment, they will flourish.

Wairarapa Bull Walk 17th May, 2018. All visitors welcome.

All enquiries to: Kris Sturge: Ph 027 510 4385

KEVIN & JANE McDONALD

07 333 8068

Use Limousin to add MUSCLE, higher VALUE cuts and improve YIELD whilst retaining EASY CALVING and good TEMPERAMENT BE PREPARED TO BE IMPRESSED COME ALONG AND SEE FOR YOURSELF 1pm on farm at Brian O’Connell’s property, Main Road, off Rakaia-Selwyn Road, Dunsandel. Auctioneers: PGG Wrightson, John McKone, PGW 027 229 9375 Contact: Warrick James 03 318 2352 or Gary Kennett 03 329 6380 Catalogue available at www.limousin.co.nz

410 Frsn/FrsnX BW71 PW103 RA89%

DTC 15/7 Very young herd, huge potential $1500

220 Frsn/FrsnX BW82 PW111 RA90% DTC 15/7 OAD herd long steep walks, will shift well $1500 145 Frsn/FrsnX BW78 PW93 DTC 15/7-25/8 Great condition, tight calving $1500 150 Xbreds BW89 PW98 RA97% DTC 20/7 6 weeks AB, In-Milk option avail for Sept. $1750 80 I/C Hfrs Frsn/FrsnX BW105 PW113 RA99% DTC 17/7 LIC Sire Proving, well grown $1550 28 I/C Hfrs Frsn/FrsnX BW130 PW135 RA96% DTC 18/7, 29 yrs breeding, well grown $1600

PHONE NIGEL RAMSDEN 0800 85 25 80

All enquiries to: Reuben Wright: Ph 027 284 6384

Short Notice In-Milk Clearance Sale

CRV bred herd dispersal LINDSAY JONESComplete Matamata Sale Yards

0274 528 603

Dairy Pavilion

Matamata Sale Yards Dairy Pavilion Waharoa East Rd Matamata Date: Wednesday 9th May 2018 Start Time: 11.30am

Waharoa Rd Matamata Date: Tuesday 15th May 2018 Start Time: 12pm

Vendor: AC & EM Hedley

Vendor: OJ & JR Wilkins

Comprising of: 190 Frsn/FrsnX 2 - 7yr in-calf Cows (Pred Frsn) BW 82/40 PW 92/37 RA 100% VIC, 5 weeks AI to LIC Frsn DTC 15th July Tailed with Jersey, Bulls out 10th Jan 57 Frsn/FrsnX in-calf Heifers BW112 PW112 RA 100% (Top Hfrs ) DTC 10th July to Jersey bulls

Comprising of: 135 Frsn/FrsnX CRV Bred Cows VIC, 3.5 weeks AI (CRV) DTC 20th July Tailed Rockhaven low BW Angus Bulls out 31st Dec 30 Frsn/FrsnX CRV bred In-calf Heifers VIC to Rockhaven low BW Angus DTC 27th July

Central & Southern NI Dairy Coordinator

Details: These capacious cows with good age breakdown are available from a closed herd (owned 38yrs +). The cows are in top condition and currently milked OAD from 20th April through a 28 bail rotary shed. Production avg the prev 12 seasons is 450kgs/ms. Herd tested 1983 to 2007. In 2008 cow collars were introduced for individual daily production records. Payment: 1st June 2018 unless prior arrangement has been made with Carrfields Livestock. Delivery: Immediate. For those without farm access, cows will go back to vendors farm to be Dry-cowed for 1st June delivery.

For extensive listings for all types of dairy stock visit:

All enquiries to: John Price 027 594 2544

All enquiries to: Craig Chamberlain Ph: 027 532 0253

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

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

Waikato BOP Heifers 152 Frsn Hfrs BW70 PW59 RA100% DTC 24/7 F12-F16 I/C Jsy bulls, will split to suit $1300 81 Xbred I/C Hfrs BW70 PW84 DTC 20/7 Nice line of medium cross heifers $1400

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Blanket DC with Cloxamp

60 Xbred I/C Hfrs BW130 PW142 DTC 20/7 Great line of top recorded heifers $1400 Philip Webb: 027 801 8057

Details: This long established CRV bred herd is available due to the owners exiting the industry. Over 25 years breeding with a mating program consisting of CRV nominated sires for the past 15 years. Farmed on summer dry Ohinewai sandy loam. Milked OAD from Xmas. Great dairy type. System 2 (40T PK) with 320ms/cow annually. Herd tested with yrly avg SCC 190,000.

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MONDAY 21 MAY 2018 1PM

Northland Cows & Heifers

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10th Annual Bull Sale

Dryed off 28th April

Registered Speckle Parks

Willie Falloon (06) 372 7041

SOUTH ISLAND

Great dairy type. System 3 with 350ms/cow annually. Herd tested, 3 test avg SCC 183,000.

7 heifer calves 7 bull calves www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz Blanket DC with Cepravin short acting.

Registered Polled Herefords

LIMOUSIN

Farmed on summer dry Northland rolling country.

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Final dry off 8th May

13 in-calf R2yr heifers 13 heifer calves PINEBANK

Joe Fouhy (06) 376 7324 Shaun Fouhy (06) 376 8869

Details: This young herd has over 180 second calvers and comes forward in great condition.

System 1, very tidy uddered, great dairy type.

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GLANWORTH

Sundries at 10.30am

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COMMERCIAL CONDITIONS

Complete Herd Dispersal

Complete OAD Herd Dispersal

Dryed off 20th April Blanket DC with Orbenin administered by vets.

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Clearing Sale

Livestock

HIGH INDEXING JERSEY & JERSEY Central CROSSDistricts HERD Friesian

Thursday 17th May 2018 12 noon Livestock, 11am Sundries Vendors: Membury Oak Farms Ltd (M/s B & S Lovell) 157 Steele Road, Manawaru, RD1, Te Aroha • Ph 027 783 3523 •

SALE TALK

Female Combined Vendor Sale

BW 143/50 PW 14th 161/67 RA at 100% Monday May 2018 11am (in top 10 All Breeds for NZ ) Sale to be held on M/s L Williams & K Fitzgerald’s property, 16 Mt Stewart-Halcombe Road, Feilding

Many cows contracted to LIC 2011 matings The offering willfor include: Due to27 Friesian calve ln from 16-7-12, 6.5 weeks calf heifers AB Jersey and Kiwi cross Sale to be held by kind permission of the farm owners 9 Friesian Cows spring calving • Estimated to Cows be autumn 420 calved cows after non 2 Friesian M/s R & S Singh on the property will comprise: 2 Friesian Rising one year heifers pregnant, culls, older cows & 5% rejection 30 Friesian cows (complete straight bred portion of the 1 Friesian calf • Production lastheiferseason 347kgs ms/cow, herd ) 41 head 1000kgs ms/ha, on rolling to steeper 7 Friesian in calf heifers This small select offering of fully recorded females 10 Friesian rising one year heifers & JERSEYcontoured farm, no meal, palm kernel or maize IGH INDEXING JERSEY offers farmers searching for genuine replacements 26 Jersey in calf heifers (CRL) fed. the opportunity to select from some very nice quality CROSS HERD 72 head TB Status C4, Lepto, blackleg, BVD vaccinated • Young replacement also available cattle. All have goodstock production backing and the offering Brad and Sarah have decided to relinquish their

plus a small range of sundry items.

Payment terms; Livestock due within 10 sale day. standing genetics & potential to days be ofone of Sundries on sale day by cash or Eftpos. countries leading suppliers of Genetics to Catalogues on lineFull at details dairy industry for years available to come. ilable. www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com or from the auctioneers, Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd.

quiries Contact to theMatt sole marketing Satherley Ph 0278 agents:

an 0272 410051 or 07 8583132

KAIMOA

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Are you looking in the right direction?

At the Sydney airport, the Irishmen catch a cab to their hotel. When they reach their destination, the cabbie says, “That’ll be twenty dollars, lads.” “Oh no you don’t! My dad warned me about you. You’ll only be getting fifteen dollars from me,” says one of the men. “And you’ll only be getting fifteen from me too,” adds the other.

To advertise

697 805, Brian Robinson Ph 0272 410 BRLL 051 or Kevin Hart Robinson Ph 0272 915 575

y Falkner sey Marketing Service 027 482 8771 or 07 846 4491

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have been sold leaving just a well grown line of in calf Catalogues giving all details are available online at the dairy industry for years to come. Full details www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com or heifers.contracted The straight bred cows whichmatings have Many cows toFriesian LIC for 2011 available. www.nzholstein.org.nz or contact the auctioneers, frames and very tidy udders are bred mostly Due togoodcalve from 16-7-12, 6.5fromweeks Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd overseas genetics. Calving is due to commence from Enquiries to the sole marketing agents: AB Jersey and Kiwi cross After hours Selwyn Donald the 20th July to Friesian and Jersey bulls. Production Estimated to be 420 cows after non Ph 0274 378 375, Neil for the 140 cow herd has always been in the vicinity of pregnant, culls, older cows & 5% rejection McDonaldBRLL Ph 0272 188 904 or 45-54,000kgs ms with cell counts always aroundBrian 50,000. Robinson Production last season 347kgs ms/cow, Brian Robinson Ph 0272 410 051 PH: 0272 410051 or 07 8583132 These cattle are recommended to discerning purchasers. 1000kgs ms/ha, on rolling steeper The small range of sundries includes; 3 to point linkage contoured farm, no meal, kernel or maize fert spreader, drench pumppalm and system, calving jack, hip Falkner Gary fed. lifters, Fleming topper, 2x Palm Kernel trolleys, Massey Jersey Marketing Service Ferguson Tractor 4245 (4000also hours), Motorbike trailer Young replacement stock available PH: 027 482 8771 or 07 846 4491

So two Irishmen are travelling to Australia. Before they leave home, one of their dads gives them both a bit of advice: “You watch them Aussie cab drivers. They’ll rob you blind. Don’t you go paying them what they ask. You haggle.”

includes daughters of well known sires. Well grown and in

BW 143/50 PW 161/67 RA 100% verygenetics good condition cattle are fully sharemilking job and exit the dairy industry. The Jersey Outstanding &these potential to recommended be one of to discerning buyers. (in portion top 10 NZ )heifers) of theAll herd Breeds (100 cows andfor 25 yearling the countries leading suppliers of Genetics to

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 7, 2018

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

On Farm Sale

2018 BULL SALES BULL WALK A great chance to see around 1100 R2 Bulls over five days that will be auctioned this season.

Monday, 21st May 2018 - 1.30pm

South & Mid Canterbury Tuesday 22nd May 1pm to 4pm

1775 MANGAONE VALLEY ROAD EKETAHUNA

Kakahu Angus & Centrewood Charolais, Geraldine

Gerald Hargreaves

03 6974858

Meadowslea Angus, Fairlie

David Giddings

03 6858027

Stern Angus, Pleasant Point

James Fraser

03 6147080

Merrylea Hereford, Cave

James McKerchar

03 6143332

Orari Gorge Hereford, Geraldine

Robert Peacock

03 6922893

Okawa Hereford, Mayfield

Nick France

03 3039749

Matatoki Hereford, Cave

Paul Scott

03 6129962

Tuesday 23rd May 10am to 4pm

Mark & Diana Eagle ‘Chessfield’ 1775 Mangaone Valley Rd Eketahuna p: 06 376 8256 e: eagleeketahuna@xtra.co.nz

Central Canterbury Wednesday 23rd May 12pm to 4pm

Kaimoa South Devons have pleasure in putting forward 20 Bulls in 2018 We are committed to producing meaty bulls with good frame, constitution and temperament. With clients’ needs in mind we have sourced new genetics from overseas to maintain the highest qualities in our bulls.

BULL WALK - Thursday 17 May 2018 th

9.00-9.30am

11.25-11.55am

Ross & Julie McLachlan, Rob & Lucy Thorneycroft

Waigroup Stud

Tapiri Stud Pinebank 9.55-10.25am

Te Whanga Stud Rob & Robin Borthwick & Jason Coffey

10.40-11.10am

Dandaloo Stud Angus & Trish Thomson

Willie & Angela Falloon

12.05-12.35pm Light lunch provided at Gladstone Inn Gladstone Inn – If intending

having lunch phone: Joan 06 3722838 or email: centralwaiangus@xtra.co.nz

1.10-1.40pm

3.05-3.35pm

KayJay Stud Glanworth Neil, Joan, Rod & Sam Kjestrup Stud

Joe & Lea, Shaun & Fi Fouhy

1.50-2.20pm

3.45-4.15pm

Oregon Stud Totaranui Stud Keith & Gae Higgins CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK AGENT

Daimien Reynolds & Tally Jackson

All welcome

PGG Wrightson John Griffith & Co Ltd Carrfields CR Nelson Ltd Kiwi Livestock Ltd Rural Co. Steve Wilkinson John Griffith Chris McBride Craig Nelson Ray Spencer Richard Williams 0275 94 5110 0274 83 6679 0275 65 1145 021 457 127 021 544 791 021 519 153

Sudeley Angus, Irwell

Andrew Laing

03 3291709

Richon Beechwood Hereford, Oxford

Rob Stokes

03 3124362

Rob Burrows

027 2633582

Brent Fisher

0272 514791

Silverstream Charolais & Hereford, Greenpark

North Canterbury Thursday 24th May 10am to 4pm Red Oak Angus, Weka Pass

Rick Orr

0272 457751

Grampians Angus, Culverden

Jono Reed

0272 580732

Hemingford Charolais, Culverden

Sam Holland

0211 814868

Kaiwara Angus, Culverden

George Johns

0221 983599

Grassmere Hereford & Riverlands Angus, Cheviot

Chris Jeffries

0274 608849

Capethorne Hereford, Cheviot

Greg Chamberlain

021 549229

Te Mania Angus, Conway Flat

Will Wilding

027 8264015

Marlborough Bull Walk Friday 25th May 10am to 4pm Matariki Herefords, Clarence Bridge

James Murray

027 4866699

Woodbank Angus, Clarence Bridge

Johnny Murray

027 7319430

Taimate Angus, Ward

Paul Hickman

021 575155

Waterfall Angus, Awatere

Charles Waddy

03 5757388

Burtergill South Devon, Koromiko

Richard Van Asch

021 1915584

Brackenfield Angus, Awatere

Angus Peter

027 4287906

St Arnaud, Wakefield & Rai Valley Bull Walk Saturday 26th May 10am to 4pm Lake Herefords, St Arnaud

Malcolm McConochie

021 2510078

Martin Farming Hereford & Angus, Wakefield

Richard Martin

027 2303098

Blacknight Angus, Rai Valley

Ben Maisey

03 5716271

Further Enquiries John McKone, PGG Wrightson

0275 299375

Anthony Cox, Rural Livestock

0272 083071

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings

Key: Dairy

Cattle

Sheep

Other

NORTH ISLAND HERDS FOR SALE

DAIRY HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE PGG Wrightson Dairy representatives are specialists at marketing and selling dairy herds. Benefit from the nationwide team that is dedicated to matching herds with the right buyers and achieving an optimal outcome for your business.

450 Frsn/ Frsnx/ Jsyx Cows BW 72

PW 99

296M/A Jsy, Jsy/ Frsnx Cows

$1,750+GST

BW 62

•

$1,550+GST

PW 78

96 M/A Frsn/Frsnx, Jsy Cows BW 83

•

PW 114

RA63% Calving 14th July. 40yrs One Owner. Allan Jones – 0272 240 768

RA87% Calving 23rd July. Good Quality Young Herd. Allan Jones – 0272 240 768

Agonline ref: 064376

Agonline ref: 063817

Agonline ref: 063793

BW 64

PW 82

110 MA Friesian Cows

$1,900+GST

BW 69

•

BW 63/43

•

PW 60/53

PW 88

$1,730+GST

•

RA94% Calving 15th July. Todd Van Berlo – 0275 297 748 Agonline ref: 063914

160 M/A Friesian Cows

$1,650+GST

PW 68

BW 68

•

RA86% Calving 15th July, New listing, Young herd will computer split. Dean Evans – 0272 431 092

142 2yr Friesian Cows

122 M/A Frsn, XBred Cows

$1,600+GST

129 M/A Frsn/Frsn X, Frsn/Ayr X Cows $1,600+GST

BW 44/44

•

PW 61/64

$1,550+GST

•

RA100% Line of R3s milked OAD all season in large herd operation. Andrew Leggett – 0220 383 216

RA91% This herd is very tidy, Grass only system. 50 years, one owner. Jeﬀ See – 0275 680 813

RA91% Excellent Uddered LIC Friesian Herd. Low Input System. Kim Harrison – 0275 010 013

RA92% Capital Stock, Small Herd Milked in Cold Climate on Grass Only System. Tim Pickering – 0274 469 963

Agonline ref: 063834

Agonline ref: 063824

Agonline ref: 063773

Agonline ref: 063418

NORTH ISLAND INCALF HEIFERS FOR SALE 115 Frsn x Incalf Heifers BW 102

PW 121

77 Frsn/Frsnx, Jsy/ Jsyx Incalf Hfrs

$1,520+GST

•

RA100% Calving 19th July. C.R.L. Will Computer Split. Dean Evans – 0272 431 092

BW 109

PW 113

$1,500+GST

•

Calving 14th July. C.R.L. Well Grown. Dean Evans – 0272 431 092 Agonline ref: 063456

Agonline ref: 064207

455 Friesian Incalf Heifers BW 99

PW 94

69 Frsn, FJX, JFX InCalf Heifers

$1,450+GST

BW 92

•

PW 97

$1,350+GST

•

Outstanding line of Friesian incalf heifers. Avg Weight 460 kgs+. Peter Forrest – 0275 986 153

Run With Low Birth Weight Angus and Hereford Bulls. Andrew Leggett – 0220 383 216

Agonline ref: 064491

Agonline ref: 064415

SOUTH ISLAND HERDS & HEIFERS FOR SALE 37 Frsn/Jsy X, Jsy InCalf Heifers For photos and more information visit: www.agonline.co.nz or contact:

PAUL EDWARDS

BW 69

PW 72

$1,350+GST

•

145 M/A Jersey Cows BW 61

PW 69

30 Jersey InCalf Heifers

$1,600+GST

•

BW 112

PW 90

$1,450+GST

•

RA80% Capital Stock Replacement Line of Ambreed Heifers. Craig Taylor – 0274 357 437

Located in Collingwood with high rainfall, OAD Milked for periods of time. Craig Taylor – 0274 357 437

Very Nice Uniform Line of Straight Jersey Heifers, Approx 380 Kgs. Andrew Upston – 0274 053 454

Agonline ref: 064465

Agonline ref: 064464

Agonline ref: 064204

National Dairy Manager Ph 027 442 5028

NATIONAL TEAM. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. FEILDING WEANER FAIR

OPAWA SIMMENTALS

Thursday 17th May 11.30 am

ANNUAL ON FARM BULL & HEIFER SALE 260 Rutherford Road, Albury South Canterbury Friday 18th May 2018, 1.30pm Inspection from 11.30am 20 2 Yr Simmental Bulls 50 2 Yr Simmental x Hereford & Hereford x Stabilizer Heifers PTIC low birth weight Hereford Bulls 13/11/17 (2 cycles). TB C10. Enquiries: Vendors - David & Jayne Timperley 03 685 5785 or 0274 375 881 John McKone PGG Wrightson 0272 299 375 Sam Bell PGG Wrightson 0272 040 499

A/C Ricky Alabaster Family Trust Taihape. Approx: 180 Ang & Ang/Hfd Strs 180 Ang & Ang/Hfd Hfrs Hfrs suitable for breeding None kept as replacements A/C Rangitane P/S Taihape. Approx: 100 Ang Strs 100 Ang Hfrs A/C C Alabaster Trust Taihape. Approx: 80 Ang & Ang/Hfd Strs 40 Ang & Ang/Hfrd Hfrs A/C Hardrock Station C/- R Pussell Waituna Approx: 60 Ang Strs All Cattle off steep hill country Late Born Further enquiries: Maurice Stewart – 0272 469 255

FIND US ON FACEBOOK Follow what’s happening out in the field, visit: fb.com/pgwlivestock

JERSEY INCALF COW & HEIFER SALE Tuesday 15th May, 11.30am Start Morrinsville Saleyards Comprising: 49 Incalf Jersey Cows 135 Incalf Jersey Heifers A/C Client 49 Jersey Incalf Cows, BW65, PW58, RA90%, Calving 11th July, Once a Day Cows. 35 Jersey Incalf Heifers, BW126, PW114, Calving 10th July, Jsy Bull. C.R.L. Well grown Heifers. A/C Client 98 Jersey Incalf Heifers, BW126, PW113, RA96% Calving 10th July, Jsy Bull. C.R.L. Outstanding Jsy Heifers for size, type and conformation. Catalogues Available. Contact Jason Roberts – 0272 431 429

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

IHC Calf & Rural Scheme IHC canvassers will be calling on farms from mid May to the end of July this year. Pledge a calf before 31st May, or donate two or more calves to go in the draw to win a mystery weekend for two. To pledge, head to: ihc.org.nz/calf-rural-scheme/pledge-form

FRIESIAN/ FRIESIANX INCALF COWS Monday 14th May, 11.30am Start Morrinsville Saleyards

FRIESIAN/ FRIESIANX HERD DISPERSAL Thursday 10th May, 11.30am Start

A/C SM & AM Walters Comprising: 150 Frsn/ Frsnx Incalf Cows, BW44, PW65, RA89% 24 Frsn/Frsnx Incalf Heifers, BW79, PW92 Cows calving 20th July to Recorded Frsn & Hfd Bulls. Bulls out 31st Dec. Heifers calving 5th August to Recorded Frsn Bulls, Bull out 31st Dec. Herd Ave 300M/S per Cow, SCC 215,000. TB C10, EBL Free, BVD Clear, Lepto Vacc, Rotary Shed. Farm sold, been in family for 40yrs, both LIC breeding & own bred bulls. Herd heavily culled down on low input system. Catalogues available.

569 Huihuitaha Rd, RD1, Putaruru

Contact Colin Saunderson – 0274 936 524

Jason Roberts – 0272 431 429

A/C Huitaha Ltd Comprising: 370 Frsn & Frsnx Incalf Cows, BW58, PW58, RA83% Calving 18th July, AB Frsn 4wks forward pack, 3wks B.O.D Frsn then 2wk short gestation Hereford, then tailed Jsy Bulls. Vendor has owned & milked for 21yrs on same farm. Herd comes forward in top condition. Very nice udders and conformation. Herd test figures available. Further enquiries

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Grain & Feed

MILK PRICE FORECAST ($/KGMS) 2017-18

6.55

6.32

AS OF 21/03/2017

AS OF 01/05/2018

Prior week

Last year

6.0 Jan 18 AgriHQ Spot Fonterra forecast

Mar 18 May 18 AgriHQ Seasonal

What are the AgriHQ Milk Prices? The AgriHQ Seasonal milk price is calculated using GDT results and NZX Dairy Futures to give a full season price. The AgriHQ Spot milk price is an indicative price based solely on the prices from the most recent GDT event. To try this using your own figures go to www.agrihq.co.nz/toolbox

WMP GDT PRICES AND NZX FUTURES

6.10

351

362

333

NI mutton (20kg)

5.00

4.85

3.70

379

378

321

SI lamb (17kg)

7.05

5.90

Feed Barley

378

328

SI mutton (20kg)

4.85

3.75

218

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 9.24

9.31

9.34

274

UK CKT lamb leg

Maize Grain

421

406

PKE

266

216

7.0

INTERNATIONAL

6.5 6.0 5.5

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Wheat - Nearest

250

239

216

Corn - Nearest

215

206

204

5.0

CBOT futures (NZ$/t)

4.5

South Island 1 7kg lamb

7.5 7.0

373

319

ASW Wheat

393

385

305

Feed Wheat

321

317

290

2500

Feed Barley

351

347

277

2000 Jul 17 Oct 17 Jan 18 C2 Fonter r a WMP

PKE (US$/t) Ex-Malaysia

110

NZ venison 60kg stag

6.5

600

$/kg

393

3000

Apr 18 Jul 18 NZX WMP Futur es

North Island 17kg lamb

7.5

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

APW Wheat

3500

6.0

500

5.5

400

5.0

300

4.5

Oct

Dec

Feb

Dec

Feb

5‐yr ave

NZX DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

7.20

Australia (NZ$/t)

4000

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3280

3325

3135

SMP

1915

1890

AMF

5900

Butter

5660

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Prior week

Last year

1895

Urea

523

507

3.26

3.24

3.68

5900

6125

Super

307

317

Nth Isl 37m

3.35

3.25

3.80

5505

5250

DAP

739

Sth Isl 35m

4.75

4.80

3.65

775

$/kg

c/k kg (net)

250

Sep

Oct

Nov

THE NZX 50 rose 1.5% in April, recouping losses seen in February and March. Globally, investors are digesting strong earnings results, however, concerns over the possibility of the Fed raising rates faster than expected have contributed to the shakiness in markets. The New Zealand dollar dipped back below US$0.70 this week as the US dollar continues to strengthen against all major currencies. Here the unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in March from 4.5% the previous quarter. This is the fifth consecutive quarter it has fallen and is the lowest in a decade. Average total weekly earnings for a full-time employee increased 3.9% to $1205 and was the largest annual increase since September 2011. The number of part-time jobs decreased 4.9% while full-time jobs increased 2.9%. ANZ Business Confidence dipped in April after the business sentiment index fell from -20 in March to -23.4 in April. The declines were led by the construction sector while agriculture saw a jump this month. The ANZ Own Activity Index was a mixed bag, slipping slightly from +22 to +18. The Own Activity measure tends to correlate very well with economic growth. Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

8547

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

8251

May 15

May 16

May 17

Feed barley

4 weeks ago

Sharemarket Briefing

22827

150 May 14

NZ venison 60kg stag

4.5

600

NZ$/t

US$/t

CANTERBURY FEED PRICES

3200 Aug

Coarse xbred wool indicator

5.5

350

16839

This yr

Last week

3300

S&P/FW AG EQUITY

Last yr

Aug

Coarse xbred ind.

450

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR

Aug

Jun

(NZ$/kg)

3400

Latest price

Jun

NZ average (NZ$/t)

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Jul

Apr

WOOL

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Jun

Apr

FERTILISER

Last price*

3100

Last year

7.30

c/kkg (net)

5.5 Nov 17

Last week Prior week

NI lamb (17kg)

Feed Wheat

Waikato (NZ$/t)

6.5

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Milling Wheat

PKE

7.0 $/kgMS

Last week Canterbury (NZ$/t)

MILK PRICE COMPARISON

US$/t

SHEEP MEAT

DOMESTIC

AGRIHQ 2017-18

FONTERRA 2017-18

Sheep

$/kg

Dairy

500 3.5 400

300 2.5 Oct Jul

Feb Nov

5‐yr ave

PKE spot

Apr Jan

Jun Mar

Last yr

Aug May

Jul

This yr

Dollar Watch

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

12.72

14.62

7.66

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.40

6.73

6.11

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

2.97 12.78 3.58 10.58 6.30 3.24 5.46 3.29

3.00 14.39 3.68 11.30 7.96 3.45 5.64 3.43

2.75 11.92 3.28 10.27 5.74 3.08 5.15 2.86

Listed Agri Shares

Dec Sep

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

12.720

14.620

7.660

Comvita Limited

7.000

9.210

6.550

Delegat Group Limited

8.290

8.500

7.510

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

5.760

6.660

5.670

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

3.000

2.250

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.390

2.450

1.840

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.610

0.640

0.560

Sanford Limited (NS)

7.720

8.500

7.350

Scales Corporation Limited

4.580

4.920

4.350

Seeka Limited

6.650

7.000

5.800

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

10.210

10.250

6.260 3.120

T&G Global Limited

3.120

3.300

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.140

1.240

0.810

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity

16839

14417

S&P/NZX Agriculture Equity

22827

18488

S&P/NZX 50 Index

8547

8608

8059

S&P/NZX 10 Index

8251

8368

7640

This week

Prior week

Last year

USD

0.7050

0.7057

0.6877

EUR

0.5878

0.5830

0.6328

AUD

0.9333

0.9341

0.9208

GBP

0.5190

0.5072

0.5328

NZD vs

Correct as of 9am last Friday

THE value of the New Zealand dollar could remain low for an extended period as international events put the United States economy and currency in the spotlight. BNZ currency strategist Jason Wong said the Kiwi currency has had a rough few weeks losing three cents against the US dollar as buyers flocked to strong economic news from the US. The renewed interest in the US dollar has seen the Kiwi weaken against our other main currencies and Wong said for the next six to 12 months the value of the NZ dollar could remain at low levels. Initially he believed there could be some consolidation with the US trading at 70c to 72c against the Kiwi compared to the recent band of 73c to 74c, 92c to 94c against the Australian dollar, back on recent trading of 94c to 95c, and the United Kingdom sterling could fall to 52p. The sterling was also being weakened by some concerns with the Brexit process. Neal Wallace

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

NI SLAUGHTER STEER

NI SLAUGHTER COW

($/T)

($/KG)

R2 ANGUS & ANGUS-HFD STEERS, 395-445KG, AT STORTFORD LODGE

($/KG)

($/KG LW)

5.35

379

4.10

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

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.35

5.70

NI Bull (300kg)

5.15

5.60

NI Cow (200kg)

4.00

4.30

SI Steer (300kg)

5.30

5.50

SI Bull (300kg)

4.95

5.00

5.15

SI Cow (200kg)

3.70

3.80

3.95

US imported 95CL bull

6.77

6.51

7.47

US domestic 90CL cow

6.82

6.77

7.05

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

North Island steer (300kg)

$/kg

6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0

South Island steer (300kg)

6.0

NZ venison 60kg stag

5.5

c/k kg (net)

$/kg

600 5.0

500 4.5 400

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)

10.60

10.45

8.60

NI Hind (50kg)

10.50

10.35

8.50

SI Stag (60kg)

11.00

8.60

SI Hind (50kg)

10.90

8.50

New Zealand venison (60kg Stag)

$/kg

11 10

NZ venison 60kg stag

500 8 400 7

300 6

Oct Oct

Dec Dec 5‐yr ave

Feb Feb

Apr Apr Last yr

Jun Jun

Aug Aug This yr

$120-$137

$130-$153

Good to heavy Heavy prime cryptorchid lambs at mixed sex lambs Stortford Lodge at Feilding

Rain brings in a few more cattle

HE overwhelming amount of rain in some regions of both the North and South Island did lift cattle numbers to sale, and while it was a benefit for some markets such as Wellsford, saturated paddocks around other yards limited the interest from buyers, especially for the Canterbury Park and Bay of Plenty markets. NORTHLAND NORTHLAND For a mixed yarding typical of this time of year demand was surprisingly strong at WELLSFORD last Monday. Two lines of R3 beef-Friesian steers made $2.57-$2.66/kg, but it was the near $3.00/kg price tags in the R2 steer pens which lifted a few eyebrows. Two lines of Hereford-cross, 319-333kg, proved to be hot property on today’s market, reaching $2.99/ kg, while all other beef-cross lines traded at $2.63-$2.72/kg. Dairy-cross lines were similar in weight and made $2.42-$2.52/kg for most. Heifers also made very respectable values as 371-403kg beef-Friesian fetched $2.65-$2.78/kg, while a line of 18 Friesian bulls, 428kg, achieved $2.57/ kg. Five Hereford-Friesian heifers, 235kg, made $732 to top the section, while most lines returned $470-$590. Hereford, 174kg, made the highest $/ kg at $3.39/kg. One line of five Angus bulls, 214kg, returned $660, while all other lines were of dairy origin and sold for $430-$545. A yarding of 1300 head were tough moving at KAIKOHE, as reported by Vaughan Vujcich of PGG Wrightson. Two-year Angus, Angus-cross and Hereford-Friesian steers were mainly $2.65-$2.70/kg, though some quality lines did make as much as $2.88/kg. Dairy-type 2-years were more like $2.40-$2.50/kg. A mainly beef and beef-cross mixture of 2-year heifers

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c/k kg (net)

600 9

3.05

high lights

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

SCENIC: PGG Wrightson Livestock auctioneer John Duffy looks for bids at the Last Muster on May 1.

were $2.65-$2.75/kg. The two-year bulls were Friesians and beef-cross, usually making $2.50-$2.65/kg. Weaner bulls with good weight to them were $2.90-$3.00/kg, but the lighter lines were more like $3.20$3.40/kg. Heavier weaner steers and heifers were $3.10/kg and $2.80$3.00/kg respectively, but the lighter heifers were at $3.20/kg. Vetted-in-calf and run-with-bull Friesian cows were $1.80-$1.88/kg, moving down to $1.60-$1.70/kg for medium boner cows and $1.40/kg for the lighter-end. COUNTIES COUNTIES Prices for heavier store cattle lifted at TUAKAU last Thursday, Kane Needham of PGG Wrightson reported. Good Hereford-Friesian steers and heifers in the 380-430kg range were up 10-15c/kg on the previous week, while other classes sold at similar rates.

The 450-head yarding included 505kg Angus-Friesian steers, which traded at $2.65/kg, $1340. HerefordFriesian steers at 460kg made $2.63/ kg, $1210, with another pen at 424kg earning $2.90/kg, $1230. A pen of 305kg Hereford-Friesian yearling steers sold at $3.25/kg, $990, and Hereford-Friesian weaner steers, 150kg, $700. In the heifer section, a pen of 496kg Hereford-Friesians traded at $2.60/kg, $1290, with 427kg Charolais heifers making $2.64/kg, $1130, and 416kg Hereford-Friesians, $2.51/kg, $1045. Weaner Hereford-Friesians, 205kg, $620. Last Wednesday’s prime sale drew about 750-head, with boner cows making up a big chunk of the offering. The prime steer market firmed. Heavy steers sold at $2.82-$2.88/kg and mediums $2.75-$2.80/kg. Lighter

Continued page 46

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Call 0800 87 50 50.

Markets

46 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018

Depopulation impacts dairy livestock market As the Ministry for Primary Industries’ programme to address mycoplasma bovis proceeds, dairy farmers are reacting on the livestock market. National Dairy Manager for PGG Wrightson Livestock Paul Edwards says the decision to depopulate properties infected with the condition prompted farmers to act and buy, rather than delaying buying decisions. “When the Ministry made this decision in late March, it persuaded existing buyers to purchase stock earlier than they would typically have done. Market activity has increased in all regions as a result. In general prices for dairy livestock have remained steady, though the lift in activity has brought forward several clearing sales, which were scheduled for May, turning them instead into paddock sales during April. “Good quality dairy cows are selling at firm values approaching $2000 per head, consistent with last season, while the average ranges from $1450 to $1850. Rising two-year-old in-calf heifers currently range from $1300 to $1650, also similar to last year. However, the situation around mycoplasma bovis has increased demand for rising one-year-old heifers, which are trading between $800 and $1000 per head this season,” he said. In the wake of the outbreak buyers have tightened their criteria for buying stock. “Understandably, traceability has become a key issue for some, while others are asking more questions about stock they are interested in,” he said. Favourable growing conditions and confidence around the payout has increased demand for external grazing, encouraging more farmers to graze herds off-farm than in the last two to three seasons, while the rate of boner cows taken out of herds and sent to the works or the saleyards is on par with recent years. Meanwhile, PGG Wrightson recently sold a record-breaking dairy calf. “In mid-April, we were fortunate to conduct the Busy Brook Gold Label Sale, where Busy Brook Doorman Hailstorm (Imp.ET), a sixweek-old daughter of the two-time World Dairy Expo and Royal Winter Fair Grand Champion RF Goldwyn Hailstorm, EX 97, 4 SBC created much competition and was finally knocked down to the famous Sherraine Holstein herd of Peter Sherriff and Family of Kaiapoi for $35,000, a new record price for a dairy calf in New Zealand,” said Paul Edwards.

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

Helping grow the country

steers made $2.68-$2.74/kg. The best of the prime beef heifers made $2.63-$2.67/ kg and light-mediums $2.58-$2.62/kg. About 600 cows were yarded, including good in-calf Friesians which made $1.95$2.17/kg. Empty Friesian cows in heavy condition traded at $1.75-$1.80/kg, with medium cows earning $1.58-$1.67/kg and lighter boners $1.45-$1.55/kg. Good beef bulls fetched $2.70-$2.82/kg and heavy Jersey bulls $2.55-$2.68/kg. WAIKATO Just shy of 500 weaners were yarded at FRANKTON last Tuesday. Hereford-cross steers, 183-203kg, lifted to $555-$610, $3.03-$3.17/kg, and 117-118kg, made $440-$460, $3.76-$3.90/kg. AngusFriesian, 217-237kg, were solid at $700$720, $3.04-$3.23/kg. Heavier HerefordFriesian, 197-266kg eased on recent levels at $700-$735, while lighter 133156kg lifted between 20-60c/kg at $640$665, $4.26-$4.81/kg. Angus heifers, 81-110kg, were solid at $340-$500, $4.20-$4.55/kg. Whilst Hereford-cross, 125-133kg, lifted to $455-$485, $3.46$3.88/ kg. Angus-Friesian, 152-207kg, also lifted to $475-$610, $2.95-$3.13/ kg, as did 135kg, at $490, $3.63/ kg. Hereford-Friesian continued this trend with 203-206kg, at $615- $640, $3.03$3.11/kg, 119-145kg all earned $500-$505 for varying $/kg. Weaner bulls were strengthened for most and five AngusHereford, 149kg, fetched $605, $4.06/kg. Angus-Friesian, 150kg, lifted to $600, $4/ kg. Friesian bulls were strong, with 210221kg, earning $700, $3.17-$3.33/kg, and 153-180kg all improved to $550-$635, $3.51- $3.74/kg. Lighter 135-146kg lines also strengthened to $590, $4.04- $4.37/ kg, as did 111-117kg making $470-$515, $4.23-$4.40/kg. A larger yarding of just over 800 cattle were up for grabs at Frankton last Wednesday and the market was steady for the majority with some lifts shown particularly for the R2 steers. Angus steers, 410-543kg, lifted to $2.64-$2.79/ kg, as did Hereford-cross, 438-485kg, earning $2.70-$2.79/kg, while 385-394kg were strong at $2.89-$2.97/kg. Heifers of the same breeding, 336-433kg, traded at $2.60-$2.66/kg, while Hereford-cross, 330-410kg, were steady at $2.30-$2.51/kg. Angus-Friesian, 394-400kg, maintained levels of $2.51-$2.61/kg, as did Hereford Friesian, 382-414kg, at $2.49-$2.53/kg. All autumn-born 1-year steers traded at $2.88-$3/kg regardless of breed, as did the heifers of the same earning $2.39$2.56/kg. Charolais weaner steers, 307335kg made solid returns at $900-$930. Hereford-Friesian weaner heifers, 153223kg, traded at $525-$600, and weaner bulls of the same breeding, 164-178kg, lifted to $545-$640. The prime market was steady with Hereford-Friesian, 490-638kg, traded at $2.63-$2.74/kg. Traditional prime cows, 435-572kg, made $2.02-$2.13/kg. Friesian boner cows, 457-581kg, lifted to $1.64-$1.81/kg, while cross-bred lines, 431-470kg earned $1.64-$1.69/kg. A line of vetted-in-calf Angus cows, 524-604kg, fetched $1190-$1290. BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY Cull dairy cows at RANGIURU last Tuesday grew to just over 300 head. Friesian over 500kg prices firmed to $1.65-$1.75/kg. Buyers were selective on 358-497kg lines at $1.51-$1.66/kg. Lesser quality lines in a 406-412kg range fell further to $1.48-$1.50/kg. Hereford and Limousin prime cows made $2/ kg. Hereford-Friesian steers, 615-674kg, firmed to $2.80-$2.84/kg, with the balance of the offering trading at $2.63$2.70/kg. Hereford-Friesian dominated the R2 store section and 416-526kg steers proved popular, firming to $2.61-$2.77/ kg. Heifer prices eased and 391-425kg

lines managed $2.52/kg, but most other lines sold for $2.37-$2.46/kg. Four Angus, 447kg, sold for $1240, $2.77/kg. Three Charolais weaner steers, 226kg, managed $705, but similar weighted HerefordFriesian and Friesian & Friesian-cross were well behind at $600 and $510 respectively. Hereford featured in the heifer pens but also looked buyable as 138-192kg fetched $400-$590. More spark for Hereford bulls saw them reach $590, $3.57/kg. Lambs had a very solid day, with 20 black face prime’s making $167.50, and store lambs selling to a top of $114.50. TARANAKI TARANAKI There seems an endless supply of cattle coming to auction at TARANAKI, with numbers climbing to 580 on Wednesday. Prices continued to soften and premiums of about 5-10c/kg were paid for in-calf lines, though the majority were empty Friesian and Friesian-cross. Better types sold to $1.68-$1.79/kg, while 440-475kg eased to $1.58/kg.

Source dairy livestock from across New Zealand

pggwrightson.co.nz/ dairyherdsales Much of the store section were off-type crossbred lines. Beef-Friesian steers, 416465kg, sold on a relatively steady market at $2.57-$2.64/kg, though a large portion edged down to $2.42-$2.52/kg. A similar trend emerged in the heifer pens, and the highlight was two Speckle Park-cross, 410kg, which achieved $2.71/kg, but the majority ranged from $2.20-$2.40/ kg. The top line of weaner steers made $660 for 176kg Hereford-Friesian, while heavier heifers of same breeding made $650. One line of Hereford bulls, 183kg, managed $710, while heavy Friesian, 285kg sold for $750. POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY MATAWHERO had 1860 penned on Tuesday. Most in-calf cows were to an Angus and/or Hereford bull, with bull dates between October 30 and December 15. A top line of Angus did manage to surpass $3/kg as they sold for $1400, with another heavier line of Angus & Angus-Hereford also reaching $1400. Straight Hereford sold for $1110-$1310, with Hereford-Friesian to an Angus bull earning $980-$1250. Cows with calvesat-foot were very good buying, with all making $1210-$1280 per unit. In-calf heifer numbers were limited and the highlight was a line of 30 Angus at $1500, with 13 South Devon also making that value. Despite limited opportunities to buy adult store cattle in the last month there was a cautious air over the pens as winter approaches. The steer market came through relatively unscathed though prices eased as Angus, 330-385kg, sold for $2.99-$3.06/kg, with one line at 375kg managing $3.12/kg. Good exotic steers traded at $2.82-$2.83/kg. Two lines of good Angus heifers, 375-415kg, sold for just $2.53/kg, while lighter types at 360kg improved marginally to $2.74-$2.78/ kg. Very few exceeded $2.65/kg, and lighter lines made just $2.17-$2.22/kg.

Charolais, 350kg, returned $2.57/kg. R2 Angus bulls were also good buying as 450kg made $2.51-$2.61/kg. Weaner prices were well back on fair levels as no lines exceeded $1000 and on average steer prices came back 60c/kg, and heifers, 50c/kg. Angus steers, 210280kg, made $765-$950, and exotic, 195270kg, $770-$845. Angus heifers, 235260kg, fetched $720-$760, and Charolais, 220-255kg, $600-$770. Good ewe lambs were $103-$115, down to $100-$106 for mediums and $81-$90 for lighter ewe lambs. Heavy ram lambs were $117-$126, easing to $109$113.50 for good male and ram lambs, with the lighter-end mostly $93-$108. Prime ewes were nearly all $121-$140, while a few mixed age and two-tooth wethers were $118-$141. Some lighter mixed age ewes made $89-$98.50. HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY The cattle market at STORTFORD LODGE on Wednesday was described by Redshaw Livestock auctioneer Will Maxwell as a buffet where you could get anything you wanted. On Monday very heavy ram, cryptorchid and male lines were sought after, earning $205-$206. Heavy males were close behind lifting to $155.50-$198, while very good types were steady at $141.50. Mixed sex were steady to lifting for the majority and very heavy lines lifted to $170-$170.50. Heavy types were steady at $151.50-$164, while good lines all lifted to $137-$144.50. Ewe lambs traded on a softer market though returns were still nothing to be scoffed at, and very heavy lines earned $175-$177, with heavy managing $148-$155. Very heavy ewes traded at $153-$165, heavy $140$141.50, and good types $125-$132. Medium to medium-good ewes earned $118-$120, and light-medium lifted to $99. Buyers were hard pressed to find big lines of any male store lambs for less than $120 on Wednesday, with good types selling on a lifting market and the balance heavier lines which all sold for $119-$135. Wethers traded at $107-$130. Better ewe lams sold at $100-$121, there was a slight softening for medium-good types to $90-$115. The last real chance to sell or buy adult store cattle at Stortford Lodge was on April 11. The market is headed towards winter mode now but the good cattle made good returns, as proven by a nice line of R3 beef-cross steers, 491kg, which achieved $2.89/kg, while two other lines sat at $2.73-$2.74/kg. One buyer from Manawatu almost made a clean sweep of the R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, taking home six of the eight main lines penned. This type of competition meant lines exceeded $3.00/kg, as 372-445kg traded at $2.97-$3.06/kg, though another buyer put his foot down for a line of 20 at 395kg, and they sold above that level at $3.11/kg. The Friesian bull market was steady to slightly firmer with the bulk 372-423kg and trading at $2.63-$2.73/kg. A line of eight Hereford bulls, 433kg, sold for $2.56/kg. Most of the bigger lines of R2 Angus & Angus-Hereford heifers were also south-bound and prices were steady at $2.68-$2.75/kg for 409-434kg. Hereford, 330-376kg, returned $2.58-$2.61/kg, though Hereford-Friesian tended to vary from $2.35-$2.43/kg up to $2.70/kg, depending on quality and demand. A specially advertised line of weaner Charolais steers were outstanding calves and at 269-310kg all stayed together for $1020-$1135, $3.62-$3.79/kg. A line of Angus, 277kg, managed $1045, while Hereford-Friesian dominated the heifer pens and at 165-222kg sold for $550$675.

Markets

A consignment of AngusHereford cows, vetted-in-calf, sold in three lines but all stayed together for $1037-$1157. MANAWATU MANAWATU FEILDING managed to sneak one more sale into April last Monday, bringing the grand total of sale days to 14 for the month. A respectable yarding of nearly 4400 lambs was offered and it was a successful day for vendors, as a better quality offering to the previous week and extra buyers meant prices improved $4-$5. A bigger, better end sold to top prices of $171-$1.79.50, with 11 mixed sex taking top honours. Very heavy male lambs made $158-$171.50, while most mixed sex were heavy types and traded at $130-$153. This was a similar range that ewe lambs fell into as well. Ewe numbers were once again low and added competition from a lamb buyer meant this market also improved. Most lines were very small, but one line of 81 twotooth’s made good value at $133, while the better mixed age sold for $123-$145. Cow numbers lifted slightly though the market moved in the opposite direction. Boner cows lost 5-10c/kg as the better end made $1.71-$1.75/kg, and medium types, 464-510kg, $1.66$1.69/kg. Prices continued to fall as the weight did and 409-436kg returned $1.51-$1.58/kg. Boner heifers fared little better with a wide range of prices posted, and prime cows traded at $1.76-$1.80/ kg. A yarding of 124 feeder calves sold with mixed results. Buyers chased the better calves and good Friesian bulls made $280-$310 and Hereford-Friesian, $340-$365. Medium types of both breeds sold for a relatively cheap $185-$230, while Hereford-Friesian heifers were very good shopping at $50$130. The two weaner steer and heifer sales at FEILDING were combined into one 2250 head offering, and although steers were steady, heifers did soften a little. While the weaners may have lacked the weights of earlier offerings, they were still well-presented. Angus steers, 255-275kg were $980-$1015, dropping to $850$925, $3.75-$3.90/kg for 225245kg lines. There were plenty weighing in under 200kg too, with 185-205kg Angus often $740$805, $3.90-$4.15/kg, and 160175kg making $645-$685. Lines with Angus-Hereford mixed in where similar though the heavier weights, but were a little weaker through the rest. Of these 230245kg were $865-$920, while 205-220kg made $770-$840 and 170-195kg went for $675-$705, $3.80-$4.00/kg. A few 230-250kg Charolais-cross and Simmentalcross made $890-$970, $3.80$3.90/kg. Straight Angus heifers, 205220kg made $670-$770, easing to $585-$650, $3.35-$3.60/kg for 170-190kg. Pens with AngusHerefords mixed in were similar, with 200-220kg making $670-$740 and 150-190kg at $550-$635. A few 235-260kg sold well enough at $800-$890, $3.40-$3.60/kg, but all 175-215kg exotic heifers were more subdued at $3.35-$3.45/kg, $600-$735.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018 A token offering of bulls were quite mixed in terms of quality and pricing, but some 215-320kg Angus and Hereford-Friesians were $3.30-$3.50/kg. It was a return to a more regulation sized store lamb yarding at Friday’s sale. The 12,000 lambs enjoyed the benefits of the smaller yarding with the market lifting across the board. With that said quality was down on recent week’s, pulling average weights down 2kg. Good ewe lambs were mainly $109-$119.50 but two lines were pushed up to $125-$132. Medium’s were usually at $96.50$111 and lighter-types $86-$108. Heavy-to-good male, cryptorchid and wether lambs were $131.50$140, light-to-mediums made $105-$120.50, and anything in-between was $122-$133. Two lines of ram lambs that wouldn’t have looked out of place at the prime auction topped the sale at $144.50-$150, with all other good and medium ram lambs proving popular at $119.50-$130. A few mixed-age and two-tooth ewes were mainly $122-$126, though two lines of mixed age ewe were at $147-$149. The cattle section was also a little smaller, and was definitely lacking in quality. R3 cattle were restricted to a few steers. Of these 545-570kg traditional’s were $2.85$2.95/kg and anything dairy-cross was around 20c/kg cheaper. Decent R2 Angus and exoticcross steers, 380-450kg, were $3.00-$3.05/kg, and anything dairy-cross was more like $2.70$2.90/kg across all weights. The better R2 heifers were 310-400kg traditional and Simmental-cross types, making $2.60-$2.70/kg. Good Hereford-Friesian’s matched the straight-beefies, but anything else was below $2.50/kg. R2 bulls were mainly 385-510kg Friesian’s at $2.50-$2.60/kg. Weaner Friesian bulls, 140155kg, were $3.75-$3.85/kg, falling to $3.30-$3.45/kg for anything 190-220kg. Angus-Friesian’s matched the dairy bulls. There was little consistency on the weaner steers and heifers apart from some 165-285kg Angus-cross heifers at $2.50-$2.65/kg. CANTERBURY CANTERBURY Lambs proved to be hot property at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday, as both store and prime markets took a lift. Store lamb numbers continue to be lower than required for the buying bench, and with just 1760 on the books a big bench of buyers had to work hard to secure lines. The market firmed for most, with real emphasis from buyers on the short term and medium lambs. Ewe lamb prices matched mixed sex for the medium to good lines, with both earning $92-$110. Better mixed sex sold to $122. The male lambs offered were mixed in quality which was reflected in their prices. Prime lambs continued the strong theme of the day as heavy types lifted $12, while overall prices were reported to be up $5 across all types. The best of the bunch made $175-$184, with the remainder earning $110-$169. The ewe pens were quiet which is typical for the time of year. Six very heavy ewes managed $222-

$232, and good and heavy types sold on a firm market at $147$180. Very few traded below $90, with the balance mainly earning $111-$145. A lift in interest for heavyweight prime cattle indicated that there may be space freeing up for these types, and the market responded with a lift also. Both heavy steers and heifers were the focus, and competitive bidding meant $2.90/kg was back on the table for steers, while good Angus heifers pushed to $2.74$2.78/kg. A larger offering of steers had most Angus making $2.90$2.92/kg, with heavier types of varying breeds also selling well at $2.79-$2.87/kg. Forward store types also had a reasonable sale and made respectable values similar to the heavy lines. Anything off-type or mainly dairy struggled with very limited interest for these types.

Specialists in dairy livestock marketing and sales

pggwrightson.co.nz/ dairyherdsales Heifer results were mixed - as said the heavy prime lines sold well, but local trade cattle were not on the buying orders this week. Bigger numbers were in to take the pressure off pastures and the market took a hit as most traded at $2.30-$2.46/kg. While the store pens offered up a reasonable number of cattle few lines could be considered to be good quality, and that was reflected in the prices recorded. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 425496kg, eased to $2.59-$2.63/kg, though lighter Angus-Friesian, 305-346kg, managed $2.77$2.79/kg. One standout line of Simmental-cross, 442kg, had a bit more quality to their frame and sold for $2.84/kg, but other lines struggled to make $2.40/kg. This was the biggest section of the store sale, with the remainder of the yarding a real mix of quality. Weaner Friesian bulls, 147177kg, looked to be good shopping on paper at $450, but this reflected their type and they were within their value. The finale of the CANTERBURY PARK calf sales saw 2080 mainly traditional and Charolais-cross calves trucked in from the latercalving country in Canterbury. For vendors it was a bitter-sweet sale as steers felt the effects of the general weakening in the calf market over the past fortnight, whereas heifers recovered to a more respectable level. Angus steers were sold in three cuts: the 250-280kg lines were $860-$1080, $3.55-$3.90/kg, 225-250kg made $845-$910 and 165-210kg went for $755-$820, $4.05-$4.35/kg. The 265-305kg Angus-Herefords made $1005-

$1060, easing to $860-$915 for 230-260kg and $775-$830 for 180-225kg. A decent number of 195-225kg Herefords were available, making $790-$870, while 150-185kg were $670-$730. Exotic steers were mainly limited to Charolais-cross, which made $940-$970 for 275-290kg, $3.30$3.45/kg and $700-$760 for 175225kg. Angus heifers, 205-230kg were $750-$790, $3.45-$3.60/kg, with 175-205kg at $630-$685 and 145170kg making $560-$620. AngusHerefords, 255-280kg made $825$850, while most 180-210kg lines were $670-$750, $3.45-$3.60/kg. Again there were a decent number of 180-265kg Herefords that were all $685-$810. Heavier Charolaiscross heifers couldn’t kept up with the traditionals as 240-270kg were $790-$860, $3.20-$3.35/kg and 210-220kg made $745-$760, $3.40-$3.60/kg. A few 255-270kg Shorthorn and South Devon-cross were $780-$800. There were also 80 predominately Hereford bulls available. The 295-315kg bracket were $940-$1040, $3.05-$3.35/ kg, while 230-290kg were mainly $800-$905. SOUTH CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY Boner cow vendors breathed a sigh of relief at TEMUKA last Monday, as numbers dropped and prices came up. Rain effected the volume of store lambs yarded, with three significant lines not able to make the journey. Despite three consignment unable to make the journey to the yards, there was still over 4000 lambs to sell. The market for the better lambs was very solid, with big lines of quality lambs fetching up to $120-$126, and second cuts, $114-$119. A larger instance of fine wool and fine wool cross breeds featured, as big consignments were drawn out from different areas. A consignment of nearly 800 mixed sex, fine wool lambs made the journey up from Wanaka and traded at $40-$94, while a further 600 mixed sex in one consignment were more consistent and sold for $91-$98, with most purchased by one buyer. Two lines of Merino also hailing from one property sold for $65-$79. The prime lamb market ticked off another week at very similar levels, with little to report on. The price range of $110-$146 covered all but 38 of those offered, with 25 head reaching $150. Ewe throughput was well below half of the previous week’s offering and all types sold on a firm market. $200 was reached for a handful of lines but in general the better end made $142-$160, and the balance, $82-$129. The smaller boner cow yarding meant buyers had to work a bit harder to secure lines, and while prices did not rebound back to previous levels, around 10c/kg was added back into the market. The firm tone was across all weights and evenly spread, as lighter Friesian and Friesian-cross lines, 398-468kg gained 10c/kg to finish at $1.26-$1.37/kg. Heavier types, 480-645kg, repeated that to trade at $1.30-$1.46/kg. Jerseycross, 395-429kg, fetched $1.10$1.20/kg, and Kiwi-cross, $1.20$1.36/kg, with the heavier lines making a premium.

There was little else to report on for the rest of the sale, with a small boner heifer section made up of mostly lesser sorts that traded at $1.52-$1.62/kg for 378-433kg. The steer section was limited in numbers and quality, and the highest priced cattle were four Devon, 498-540kg, at $2.62-$2.67/ kg, while Simmental-cross and Hereford-Friesian, 483-630kg, managed $2.50-$2.56/kg. Six Friesian bulls, 514kg, made $2.36/kg, and five Jersey, 440573kg, $2.22-$2.30/kg. One of largest annual in-calf heifer and cow sales in recent memory greeted punters at TEMUKA. At 1050 head it dwarfed last year’s sale by nearly triple, mainly due to some vendors looking to recuperate the money they paid for expensive weaner heifers last year. More than half the yarding consisted of R2 heifers. Per head budgets were clearly at play here with very little making over $1425. The 380-415kg traditional lines were mostly $1250-$1400, $3.15$3.45/kg, whereas 430-465kg were barely any different at $1300$1450, $3.00-$3.30/kg. R3 heifers were nearly all sold into the $1460-$1600 range though two lines from one specific vendor went under the hammer at $1800-$1850. Most 460-515kg pens made $3.00-$3.10/kg, whereas 525-635kg were $2.75$2.85/kg. Although prices weren’t outstanding, the MA cows probably fared the better of the age-groups. The bulk of the 530605kg range were $1200-$1350, $2.10-$2.25/kg, though a few managed to push up to $2.35$2.40/kg. All breeds appeared to sell for similar prices. SOUTHLAND SOUTHLAND Winter is fast approaching and the market at LORNEVILLE was subjected to cautious bidding for store stock. Prime lambs had a solid sale, though cattle prices followed the stores. A small yarding of store lambs sold on a softer market, easing $5 per head. Top lambs sold for $90-$100, medium $75-$85, and light, $60-$70. Very light lines were steady at $40-$50. Prices were very steady through the prime pens and heavy lambs earned $135-$169, medium $116-$128, and lighter, $100$110. A similar result for ewes had heavy lines trading at $128-$145, medium $107-$114 and lighter, $70-$90, with tail end types earning $50-$64. Two-tooth’s sold for $80-$94, and rams, $75-$120. Prime steers, 440-480kg, managed to hold value at $2.36/ kg, but the remainder of the cattle offering sold on a softer market. Bulls, 800kg, made $2.00/kg, while dairy heifers, 410-425kg, returned $1.90-$2.20/kg, and 350-380kg, $1.60-$1.70/kg. Cows were mainly heavier dairy but prices continued their downward trend as 500kg plus made $1.22-$1.26/kg, with 450-500kg at very similar levels. A small store section followed the trend of the primes. Good R2 Angus heifers, 393kg, eased to $2.59/kg, while Friesian bulls, 396kg, earned $2.27/kg. Weaner Friesian bulls with weight at 235kg made just $600 and 185kg, $470$480. Hereford-Friesian, 170kg, returned $520.

Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 7, 2018 NI SLAUGHTER STAG

SI SLAUGHTER COW

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

($/KG)

AVERAGE FOR TRADITIONAL HEIFERS, 200KG, AT FEILDING

($/KG)

($/KG LW)

10.60

3.70

7.30

3.42

cows, 460-615kg, at Matawhero Fair

Milk price to hit $7 Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com

FARMGATE milk price forecast for next season based on futures market expectations for four main dairy commodities has risen above $7/kg milksolids, helped by a lower value New Zealand dollar. AgriHQ dairy analyst Amy Castleton’s forecast for 201819 is $7.03/kg after running her computer model with the latest futures prices until next May, the most recent Global Dairy Trade auction results and an exchange rate of US70c. When the model for next season was last run, in April, the forecast number was $6.40 but the NZD has fallen US3c since, delivering about 30c/kg uplift to the milk price. Futures prices for whole milk powder, skim milk powder, butter and anhydrous milk fat are fed into the model along with actual commodity prices discovered from the May 2 GDT. Forecasts for next season’s milk price by other dairy analysts are in the $6.40 to $6.50 range and they might be awaiting Fonterra’s first projection, due later this month, before making amendments. Rabobank dairy analyst Emma Higgins said her $6.40 forecast used a US72c exchange rate.

OPTIMIST: AgriHQ dairy analyst Amy Castleton is predicting a farmgate milk price topping $7 a kilogram for next season.

We do tread cautiously as the (dollar) decline could prove temporary. Some weakness in dairy commodity prices is expected in the near term, followed by recovery in the second half of 2018. Higgins commented on the latest milk production forecast by Fonterra, now minus 2% for the 2018 season versus minus 3% previously, as good weather and pasture conditions in March prolonged the season. She also drew attention to the good GDT prices for SMP, up 3.6% for the index to

US$1999/tonne. NZ SMP prices are higher than European and old European Union stocks are showing some clearing movement. While dairy prices in the GDT auction are weaker than expected the movement in the exchange rate gave some cause to revise upwards both this and next seasons’ milk price forecasts, ASB rural economist Nathan Penny said. “We do tread cautiously as the (dollar) decline could prove temporary,” he said. Westpac senior economist Anne Boniface said her colleagues thought the fall in the NZD had a way to go and the bank forecast an exchange rate of US64c by the middle of 2019. A movement from 74c to

high $1150-$1400 $1250-$1450 lights Vetted-in-calf Angus Vetted-in-calf traditional R2 heifers,

64c would be worth about $1/ kg MS. GDT prices fell 1.1% overall on May 2, including WMP down 1.5%, AMF down 1.9% and butter prices unchanged. Along with SMP prices, cheese prices also rose 3.1%. Castleton said the milk futures prices for the September 2019 contract rose 30c last week and now sit at $6.60. ANZ Bank said higher dairy prices, up 2.7% in April and 7% year-on-year, are the main impetus behind the 1% rise in the commodity index for April. Among the factors are sluggish European milk production, lower seasonal supply from NZ and broadbased demand from China, the Middle East and other Asian countries.

360-485kg, at Temuka

Store lamb market going great guns IT IS hard to believe May is on us already but the evidence is in the preparation of the mai mai, claybirds being shot and ducks going into hiding. Bacon and egg pies are being made in Suz Bremner kitchens around the country as the AgriHQ Analyst nation prepares itself for opening weekend. Not all the talk at the yards is of duck shooting, though, as store lambs have been going great guns over the past month. We all know that numbers have been slower than usual to come out, given a favourable summer and autumn have meant farmers have been given a few more options. They have been flowing with regularity through April, with Feilding selling a massive 87,200 store lambs through the month, as well as a further 19,300 prime lambs, bringing the grand total to 106,500. That’s a whole lot of lambs to find homes for but it was in fact done with relative ease as buyers have been out in force to meet them and the market. Winter contracts are kicking in and optimistic outlooks for schedules are putting the shine right on the lamb pens with interest in short-term lambs high. Longer term types are not being left behind either as there is a decent number of buyers looking for lambs to winter. The Feilding market has eased each week through April but by only $2 a head so, given the volume of lambs going through the yards, a drop of $6 a head for the month is certainly not a worrying sign. If you were to head to the sales in the North Island to buy short-term male lambs you would need a budget of at least $110 to do so, with some lines selling as high as $140. Second cuts fit in that range also with most making $105-$120 and lines under 30kg, $85-$110. That’s variable between yards, of course, and South Island prices are slightly softer. A good ewe lamb at the moment will set you back $100-$120 though medium types tend to overlap in price at the bottom end, making $90-$105. suz.bremner@nzx.com

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3 Bay Lean-to S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

S H E D S ,

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

4 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

4 x 4.0m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

5 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

5 x 4.5m 9.0m (2 x 4.5m) 4.5 – 3.6m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

S H E D S ,

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

B A R N S

4 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

4 x 4.5m 9.0m (2 x 4.5m) 3.9 – 3.0m

6 Bay Lean-to

These prices include plans, PS1, H5 treated poles, SG8 verified timber (rafters, purlins and girts), cladding as specified and all fixings required. Spouting, clearlight, flashings and gates etc are at extra cost unless stated. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only. Sheds come in easy to construct kitset form.

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

Bays: Depth: Height:

6 x 4.5m 9.0m (2 x 4.5m) 4.5 – 3.6m

2 Bay Lean-to

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Incl. Rolle r doo r, fla shin gs & spou ting

3 Bay Gable

Bays: Depth: Height: S H E D S ,

B A R N S

EAL

3 x 3.6m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

S T A B L E S

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

S H E D S ,

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

Bays: Depth: Height:

3 Bay Gable

2 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 4.2 – 3.6m

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

Bays: Depth: Height:

4 Bay Gable

3 x 4.5m 9.0m (2 x 4.5m) 4.2 – 3.6m Inc l. P A

S H E D S ,

PAC K

doo r, fl ash ing s,

AG E s

pou tin g, 3

x ro AL

ller doo rs

S T A B L E S

Bays: Depth: Height:

5 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

PAC K

doo r, fl ash ing s,

AG E s

pou tin g, 2

x ro AL

3 x 3.5m 7.0m (2 x 3.5m) 3.0 - 4.6 – 3.0m

ller doo rs

Jersey Lifestyle Barn Bays: Depth: Height:

S T A B L E S

Bays: Depth: Height:

Hereford Lifestyle Barn

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

6 Bay Gable

4 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

Inc l. P A

S H E D S ,

Bays: Depth: Height:

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

5 Bay Gable

1 x 4.0m 6.0m (1 x 6.0m) 3.5 – 2.8m

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

2 Bay Gable

Bays: Depth: Height: S H E D S ,

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

1 Bay Garage

6 x 4.5m 9.0m (2 x 4.5m) 4.2 – 3.6m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

3 x 4.5m 9.0m (2 x 4.5m) 3.7 - 5.2 – 3.7m

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

Shield and protect your assets from the harsh NZ conditions with NLY - GET I EO M

Give us a call on 0800 2 GOLDPINE

Jump on to www.goldpine.co.nz

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