Farmers Weekly NZ October 2 2017 by AgriHQ

5 New Zespri boss talks tactics Vol 16 No 38, October 2, 2017

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Wilson: Co-op strategy delivers Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com

ITH its 2017 financial results Fonterra demonstrated a high milk price and good dividend were not antagonistic. But delivering both at the same time required a whole-ofcompany commitment. Chairman John Wilson hailed the $6.52/kg milksolids payout for last season as the fourthlargest in the co-operative’s 16year history, comprised of $6.12/ kg farmgate price and 40c/share dividend. It was $2/kg better than the payouts of the two preceding years, during which all farmers suffered and many went deep into debt. The higher milk price put $3 billion more into farmers’ payments compared with the previous season. Fonterra’s milk payments totalled $9.4b and dividend payments $642 million. “We have demonstrated our ability to deal with variability in world markets and in New Zealand dairy farming conditions and deliver on our strategy,” he said. NZ dairy farmers had again become some of the highest paid in the world, equal to or better than European farmers on the doorstep of the wealthiest consumer markets. Wilson called the company’s performance in maintaining net profit at $745 million extraordinary, as the milk price rose 57% during the financial year. The co-operative held a 40c

DO BOTH: Fonterra chairman John Wilson says the co-op has been able to deliver both a high milk and a good dividend.

dividend, some 87% of the 46c earnings a share, despite negative stream returns and much higher milk input costs for its valueadded products. Whole milk powder prices increased 38% and butter prices 109% over the financial year, to July 31. High prices for the reference products compared with the non-reference products produced a negative $180 million impact for stream returns on earnings compared with the previous year (about 11c/share). Nine cents a kilogram had moved from earnings to milk price – 6c from revenue effects and 3c in company costs, because of lower interest rates and changes to the Milk Price Model (MPM). “Yet we still delivered 46c/ share earnings relative to 51c the previous year, which testifies to the transformation of Fonterra. “The business was able to

respond (to higher milk costs) far quicker and use its capital more effectively than it was able to in the past.” The Transformation delivered $2b worth of working capital improvement in two years instead of the planned three. The velocity incentive payments had substantially boosted pay for a group of senior executives, including chief executive Theo Spierings who received $8.3m in the 2017 financial year. New revenue streams had contributed to profitability, including those in a new reporting category called advanced ingredients – functional proteins, hydrolysate, pharmaceutical lactose, higher-specification milk powder and extra-stretch cheese. They grew by 473m litres or 9%, to 4.35b litres to be 19% of total external sales. Return on capital for those products was greater than 20%

compared with 11.1% for the whole company. Consumer and food service volume grew by 576m litres to almost 5.5b litres, to be 10% and 12% respectively of total sales. The combination of 1b litres more milk going into added-value products last year was ample evidence of Fonterra’s strategy and execution, Wilson said. Responsible and robust reporting on advanced ingredients was consistent with Fonterra’s message to NZ about innovation, adding value, sustainability and environmental responsibility. Fonterra’s loss of milk market share in NZ over the year was lower than for some time and its supplier and sharemilker numbers were down 300-plus to 10,267 and 2722 respectively because of farm consolidation. “We have to continue to provide flexibility for farmers and earn the right to their capital,” Wilson said,

after observing that farms had on average nearly $900,000 invested in Fonterra shares. At any milk price dictated by world prices, Fonterra continued to deliver higher and higher earnings, even though MPM adjustments had taken 45c/kg out of earnings since 2009. “At the start of the financial year we provided an earnings guidance of 50-60c and we delivered 46c.” The 40c dividend was a 6.7% yield (for the third year in a row) on the average share price during the financial year of $5.96. The new earnings guidance was 45-55c for the 2018 financial year, even though milk price was expected to go higher. “This business would not have been able to do that three or four years ago. “The success of Trading Among Farmers is shown in a strong balance sheet and subsequent company innovation and investment, which would not have been possible if we had been concerned about permanent capital.” The net finance cost was $355m compared with $499m the previous year and year-end net debt was $5.6b. “Fonterra has a conservative balance sheet and the directors are very comfortable with the gearing ratio,” Wilson said. The final milk price of $5.12, or $5.13 with winter milk and organic premiums added, was lower than the previous forecast of $5.15, mainly because of the stronger NZ dollar towards the end of the year. Although Fonterra’s milk collection fell 3% to 1.526b kg and its market share dropped to 82%, Wilson said the company strategy was to turn more volume into value, on which it had demonstrated success.

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NEWS

NEW THINKING

5 New Zespri

25 Nitrogen mop pleases

chief picks up reins

Only four days into his new position Dan Mathieson is having to think hard about how he will balance the local, supply-focused challenges of growing more fruit in Bay of Plenty and beyond with the rocketing market growth being experienced out of the company’s Singapore marketing hub.

10 Westland breaks even,

promises better

An aggressive drive to claw back costs has turned to an annual profit for Westland Milk Products, lifting payments to its farmer suppliers and producing a break-even result.

18 Marlborough has new top

farmers

Lower Awatere Valley breeding and finishing farmers Richard and Victoria Gorman of Dumgree Farming have won the Westpac Bayleys Marlborough sheep and beef farmer of the year competition and prizes worth $30,000.

Rising lamb prices near peak �� 3 Infected cows face the chop �� 4 New Zespri chief picks up reins �� 5 Spierings pay lower than peers’ earnings �� 8 Westland breaks even, promises better �� 10

Soil Moisture Anomaly (mm) at 9am September 29, 2017

farmers

60 Wetter than

The sixth iteration of Spikey, a tractor drawn urine detector and nitrification inhibitor, is in use on five commercial dairy farms near Rotorua.

OPINION

normal (mm)

28 Alternative View Alan Emerson says farmers need to change their thinking.

Editorial �� 26 Cartoon �� 26 Letters ��26, 29 Pulpit �� 27 Alternative View �� 28 From the Ridge �� 28 From the Lip �� 29

British farmers

Britain’s National Farmers Union has raised concerns about a European Union trade deal with Canada hailed by officials as a victory for farmers and growers.

-20

-30

-50

Drier than normal (mm)

Map reading tips This map shows the difference or anomaly in soil moisture level at the date shown compared to the average, generated from more than 30 years of records held by NIWA.

Job

REGULARS Employment �� 31 Classifieds �� 32 Livestock �� 32-35

MARKETS

of the

Week

50/50 sharemilker - North Waikato. Having converted the farm to dairy 21 years ago, the current owners are looking for 50/50 sharemilkers who can work to help them succeed and improve the farm productivity. For more information and a full job description visit the Farmers Weekly jobs site: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz and click on Sharemilker category. To find all other agjobs click on ‘All Categories’. #agjobs at your fingertips.

Fund arming students for waterway testing �� 13 Leaders wait for Peters to keep his word �� 14 Marlborough has new top farmers �� 18 Kellogg women bring wider view �� 20

NEWSMAKER

Onfarm investment decisions need to factor in the possibility traditional farming might not have the longterm horizons previously assumed by farmers and business professionals alike.

-10

30 ‘Victory’ in deal worries

Food firms want kiwi DNA test �� 12

GE-free

WORLD

Co-op return makes farmers happy �� 11

24 Kiwi farmers should rely on

40 Spike won’t last long A spike in United States beef prices in the last couple of weeks is expected to be short-lived ahead of more supply coming into the market.

Market Snapshot �� 36

our pioneering

spirit tells us

nothing’s

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

Back in 1860, exporting meat to the other side of the world seemed about as easy as nailing gravy to the ceiling. But a few determined kiwis took the bull by the horns and now our grass-fed beef and lamb is sought-after all around the globe. At AFFCO, we see the same pioneering spirit alive and well in farmers today. We’re playing our part too – exploring every opportunity to take New Zealand’s finest farm-raised products to the world.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Rising lamb prices near peak Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com LAMB prices in the sale yards continue at their impressive highs but PGG Wrightson livestock bosses think they’re close to a peak. As they came off the top they should remain high enough over the season for breeders to share in all the gains, unlike last season when finishers benefited from the way the market overcame a slow start. The gains should apply across a significantly higher lamb crop. South Island prices at major sales at Canterbury Park and Temuka on Tuesday were in line with schedule prices about the $7/ kg level. Temuka had a top price of $194 a head for a pen of Sufftex ram hoggets and Canterbury had a top of $184 a head for a pen of Suffolk ram hoggets. With very little inventory held in the market or domestically there was still some hope for upside based on the good outlook for lamb, with total returns possibly helped by an improvement in the negligible contribution from wool and pelts, Wrightson national livestock supply chain manager Jamie Molloy said. Processors would be busy through October and early November buying and processing lambs for the important United Kingdom and continental Europe Christmas chilled market, which would hold prices at elevated levels. Lamb prices would soften when those shipments were filled and again when the Chinese New Year shipping period finished at the end of December, Molloy said. He saw prices settling about the $5.70/kg carcase weight range into the main part of the season – a good gain on last season’s market. A key point this year was that breeders and breeder/finishers

LOOKING GOOD: PGG Wrightson regional livestock manager Grant Nordstrom inspects lambs before the sale at Canterbury Park.

The best money is for lambs up to 23kg. Shane Gerken PGG Wrightson would get their fair share of that return, Wrightson South Island livestock manager Shane Gerken said. This time last year markets were expecting a $4.50/kg main price through the post-peak season after Christmas and early store sales reflected that. However, solid market demand and limited supply held the market much firmer, with schedules forming about $5.10/kg to $5.20/

kg; the price uptick being gained by finishers who bought stores earlier at favourable prices. That gain had continued into the new season as the heavier lambs held over from last year came into the market. But that supply would end over the next month as those animals got closer to adult teething. This year breeders, as well as carrying some lambs through to processing, would be able to sell into the store market, which would reflect the higher price outlook – a schedule likely to be about $6/ kg into Christmas then stabilising about $5.70/kg. “Last year’s events knocked the confidence out of some breeders but they’ll have their turn this season,” Gerken said. Prices were giving sheep farmers a “real shot in the arm”.

Last year’s heavier lambs dominated in the yards but had reached a weight where there were more limited marketing opportunities. “Once they get up to 25kg the legs are getting a bit heavy for the UK and European Union markets, the middles are okay for the United States but they are at the stage you can only use part of the carcase for those markets. “The best money is for lambs up to 23kg,” Gerken said. As they became scarce over the next month this season’s lambs were really now starting to develop well in good conditions. Wrightson North Island livestock manager Tom Mowat said there were now quite a few store lambs in the sale yards and a feature had also been good numbers of ewes with lambs at foot.

They were fetching $85 to $90 for each animal but numbers had now peaked. Mowat also supported the estimate of a $5.70/kg main season lamb. Prominent sheep farming areas like King Country and Manawatu had been wet but the big number of lambs in the eastern North Island, through Hawke’s Bay and up to Gisborne, were getting excellent growing conditions. South Canterbury agent Jonty Hyslop reported lighter lambs at Temuka selling at $125-$149 a head, better lambs at $150-$169 and heavier lambs $170-$185 a head. Canterbury Park prices were largely in the very good range at $150-$180 a head, Canterbury regional livestock manager Grant Nordstrom said.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Infected cows face the chop Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com A CALL on the destruction of thousands of Mycoplasma bovisinfected cows in South Canterbury is expected to be made in the next two weeks. “Based on what I know today there is enough information to make a decision in the second week of October,” Primary Industries Ministry readiness and response director Geoff Gwyn said. “Clearly, we will not have all the information but we are at a point where we can make an evidencebased decision outweighing the overarching risks.” The key priority was acting in the best interests of farmers, community and animal welfare. “I don’t believe we will be at a point in the next couple of weeks to know 100%, which would be the ideal, but to have 90% of the jigsaw pieces available to us is enough evidence to make a decision.”

Despite intensive tracing and investigation there was no clear lead on how the cattle disease got into New Zealand. The ministry continued to work on analysis including disease transmission through semen and embryo imports and infected equipment. Imported semen was a suspect and testing was being done on the bovis strain to try to determine which countries around the world matched the strain of the NZ outbreak. The last thing MPI wanted was to destroy cows then find the disease in some other region. “At some point we have to make a decision. We can’t wait to know where it came from as we might never know,” he said. Eradication involved the depopulation of cows on all infected farms. At this stage he expected that to be about 3000 animals. Given M bovis was not a human health risk it did not necessarily

PICTURE EMERGES: The Primary Industries Ministry has enough pieces of the jigsaw to make a decision soon on destroying cows to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis, readiness and response director Geoff Gwyn says. Photo: Annette Scott

mean going onfarm and shooting cows. Infected cows could go to slaughter and MPI was in discussion with processing companies and industry stakeholders to plan for that to happen. Affected farmers would be eligible for compensation if loss could be verified as a direct result of the MPI response. Compensation could not be claimed if the loss was caused by the unwanted disease rather than the exercise of powers. Detailed information on compensation was on the MPI website. Veterinary technical supervisor Victoria Barrell told a farmer

meeting South Canterbury last week the multi-layered testing focused firstly on farms associated with the infected enterprises. “And we have been testing the hell out them – forward and backward tracing of animals,” Barrell said. Stock movements restrictions applied to 20 farms, including 16 owned by Van Leeuwen Group.

Surveillance in Waimate and Waitaki districts included screening milk and collecting samples from 260 farms while national surveillance involved bulk milk testing across the country. All positive tests had been traced back to the original source, leading MPI to believe the outbreak was contained.

Beef farmers express fears and frustration BEEF farmers concerned about the Mycoplasma bovis disease impact on their businesses packed a meeting at Waihaorunga in South Canterbury last week. “The opinion of experts we’ve talked to where the disease has been present for years is that M bovis would be unlikely to cause

significant production or animal welfare impacts on extensive sheep and beef farms – it may even go unnoticed,” the Primary Industries Ministry said. Farms that bought calves from dairy farms and reared them in close proximity took a bigger risk than extensive farms. On well-managed farms the

spread of M bovis could occur without clinical disease, MPI said. “Scientific literature suggests if established, the disease would not have significant, unmanageable impacts on beef breeding herds or calf rearers in NZ. “However, the NZ cattle

herd is understood to be immunologically naive to this bacterium and this together with how some of our industries are integrated could contribute to negating the otherwise protective effects of the management systems,” MPI said. Bull beef breeders expressed disappointment over “copping

the flack” in the loss of sales affecting their businesses. “As a beef farmer, I supply bulls. I have already been affected, it is unfortunate and unnecessary,” South Canterbury farmer Bill Wright said. The Beef + Lamb NZ director urged farmers to read the fact sheet on the MPI website.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

New Zespri chief picks up reins Zespri’s chief executive of nine years Lain Jager stepped aside last week for new executive and long-time company man Dan Mathieson. Mathieson spoke to Richard Rennie about where he sees the marketer going after a period that has included the worst of times and the best of times for the industry. ONLY four days into his new position Dan Mathieson is having to think hard about how he will balance the local, supply-focused challenges of growing more fruit in Bay of Plenty and beyond with the rocketing market growth being experienced out of the company’s Singapore marketing hub. To help achieve that he intended to spend his time split evenly between head office in Bay of Plenty and the Singapore base he had headed up as Zespri’s global sales and marketing manager. He said that split reflected as much about where Zespri was heading as it tries to manage growing demand for fruit as it did about the proportions of staff it employed. “We now have about 220 staff out of 500 who are based offshore and we will get to the point soon where we have more out of New Zealand than in it.” North Shore raised and educated at Auckland University of Technology, Mathieson spent much of his professional life offshore, firstly working for Japanese companies then moving to Zespri in 2003. He spoke fluent Japanese, admitted to some faltering Mandarin and was picking up Te Reo but brought a very Asiacentric view as the marketer’s new head. “Singapore is now proving to be a centre of excellence for our sales and marketing team, close to all markets. It also means we can focus on building those strong relationships with distribution partners and ensure quality is there right through the supply chain.”

Mathieson’s sound sales and marketing background reflected something of a shift in the company’s focus as it pivoted from a traditional collector-exporterseller of fruit to a branded food company. It was one that wanted to have an exact understanding of its consumer’s needs and the ability to control the category by retaining a branded premium, helped by guaranteeing surety of supply. Mathieson inherited an enviable dilemma from his predecessor as he worked to achieve that. Psa in 2010 chopped the burgeoning high-value Gold category off at its knees, more than halving supply for two years. However, thanks to one of the most rapid biological retoolings in cropping history anywhere, the industry’s 2011 regrafting of the Psa tolerant SunGold fruit had proved highly provident. SunGold tasted better, fruited heavier and packed better than the earlier version and had taken Asia, Europe and the United States by storm. Mathieson had been credited with managing the delicate balance of keeping supply constant to high-value markets despite tight supplies as the fruit volume continued to ramp up. That juggling act was likely to continue for at least another five to eight years as the industry chased a target of doubling to $4.25 billion of exports by 2025. “It is an ambitious target but the timing is good. “We are seeing an exciting trend in global markets for fresh food products and Zespri’s strategy fits perfectly with that, providing good

HERE AND THERE: Zespri will soon have more staff overseas than in New Zealand, new chief executive Dan Mathieson, who will be based in Tauranga and Singapore, says.

taste, convenient eating from a very safe food source.” But with the lift in consumer expectations delivered in a premium fruit brand came the need to ensure year-round supply. With that was another reason for Zespri’s chief to spilt houses between Singapore and NZ. “Consumers are saying they do not want Zespri product for just seven months of the year. “They want it all year round so our efforts have been on working to grow crop in the northern hemisphere in France, Italy, Japan, Korea and eventually China.” This week marked the start of the harvest of Zespri SunGold in Italy with volumes expected to kick up 25% on last year’s harvest to five million trays. About 15% of Zespri’s total crop was sourced offshore and Mathieson could see that ultimately forming about 30% of its total supply. “The fact is the Bay of Plenty remains a very special place for

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“The good thing is consumers want to have different eating experiences. “They like the higher fibre content of Green, the sweet flavour of SunGold and the extra food safety security of Organic.” Despite the growth, Mathieson was acutely conscious kiwifruit formed only 0.22% of global fruit consumption and to grow further would require significant, ongoing consumer and brand investment. “This year we spent $150 million on our marketing programme globally. “The main headwinds are likely to be more competition arising from other countries also growing kiwifruit.” He also saw that coming from other well-funded fruits, hence the importance of maintaining shelf space 12 months of the year. And the Chinese competitive spectre loomed. “Chinese people are very proud of China and the quality grown there is improving.”

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growing the fruit and will always be key for us.” He was aware of a recent report on the impact of climate change on Green kiwifruit growing in Bay of Plenty and the possibility it would be near impossible in 40 years’ time. “But the industry has always proven very innovative in the past in dealing with these challenges,” he said. Supplying Zespri labelled fruit from China was still some way off but the company was making inroads in small trial orchards. Into the future India might also offer potential as demand for the fruit started to ramp up there. But Mathieson was also conscious Zespri’s story could not be solely a SunGold fruit story. The “steady as she goes” nature of Green had to be maintained. “We want to keep a portfolio of products out there so we want to have a healthy Green business but we will see more steady growth, of about two million trays a year.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Tatua payout again tops rivals Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com TATUA Co-operative Dairy has paid out $7.10/kg milksolids to its 110 supply farms for the 2016-17 season, after directors made a pretax retention of 50c. Revenue was up 16% to $335 million compared with the previous financial year and earnings before interest and tax were up 14% to $114m, equivalent to $7.60/kg. Chief executive Brendhan Greaney said the increased revenue was seen mostly in bulk ingredients, particularly in anhydrous milk fat (AMF), which began the year at US$3800/tonne and ended about $6500. “The mix of ingredients delivered very good revenue and we are optimistic that will hold up this financial year.” All Tatua’s value-add businesses performed well and they tended to provide more stable returns in terms of product prices.

ACROSS THE BOARD: All Tatua’s value-added businesses performed well, chief executive Brendhan Greaney says.

They were capital and labour intensive and tended to be produced in short runs. Those products consistently gave Tatua farmer-shareholders a

substantial premium in milk price over other New Zealand dairy processors – last year it was $2.40 over Fonterra and this year 98c. Tatua’s milk collection was

down slightly to 15m kg MS, the lowest of the past three years. Each supply farm provided an average of 136,000kg, reflecting the less favourable farming conditions experienced through spring last year. Greaney said weather and soil moisture conditions in the company’s central Waikato collection area this spring looked likely to repeat and take the top off peak milk production. Farmers were trying to maintain cow productivity and minimise soil structural damage. Production of the value-added products, such as the specialised powders from its newest drier, D3, ran independently of the milk curve. Over time the percentage of milk going into bulk ingredients would fall, though the capacity was retained to enable prompt processing of high milk flows. Tatua remained very focused on maximising that income stream, for example the nutritional

The mix of ingredients delivered very good revenue and we are optimistic that will hold up this financial year. Brendhan Greaney Tatua protein products sold through the company’s subsidiary in Philadelphia, United States. The other offshore businesses, in Japan and China, had done well during the year. The company’s gearing at balance date was 35%, debt divided by debt plus equity, having gone into the high 30s during the building of D3. That number was calculated before the benefit of the latest $7.5m retention.

Synlait, A2 Milk get Chinese nod of approval Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com SHARES in NZX-listed dairy companies A2 Milk and Synlait Milk soared on news of confirmed access to China for their infant formula brands. Both companies had been confident of receiving the go-ahead and their share prices had risen strongly on that expectation on top of impressive sales and earnings growth. Synlait made A2’s flagship A2 Platinum brand infant formula at its Dunsandel plant in Canterbury. As the manufacturer, Synlait required the renewed registration.

That was required to allow shipments into China after January 1 next year. Synlait was now in a stronger position for future applications of other group customers, managing director John Penno said. The approvals were announced on NZX early on Thursday and the gains were immediate when the market opened at 10am. Soon after the announcement Synlait shares had jumped 54c to $6.40, a 9.2% gain. A2 shares rose 41c or 6.28% to $6.94. Synlait shares had risen 34% in September from a $4.78 start and 106% this year from a $3.11 start.

A2’s rise was headier still – up 25% in September from a $5.55 start and up 226% this year from a $2.13 start. It was now on a price to earnings ratio of 55.5, meaning it would take 55 years for the latest year’s earnings a share to match the share price. Synlait’s prices to equity ratio was 29. Neither company paid dividends and they were both being priced in for strong earnings a share growth. A2 was a double winner. In March it paid $3.27 a share for an 8.2% stake in Synlait. It had nearly

doubled the value of its $47m investment in just six months. Synlait said it had submitted its application to the Chinese regulatory authorities in May. The process included testing of raw materials and finished product and certification of manufacturing standards as well as packaging changes in response to labelling and branding requirements. Synlait delivered the A2 infant formula retail-ready, to be opened directly by the family consumers in China. A2 would now be able to continue expanding its business in China, managing director Geoff Babidge said.

STRENGTH: Synlait is now in a stronger position regarding Chinese approval of powders for customers other than A2 Milk, company head John Penno says.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Beingmate ready to make money Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com FONTERRA’S 18.8% stake in Beingmate Baby and Child Food Company of China remains a key investment but one with present difficulties, chief executive Theo Spierings says. Fonterra’s share of Beingmate’s losses totalled $41 million in the 2017 financial year, offset by a gain of $42m on the sale of half of its Darnum, Victoria, plant to Beingmate. Fonterra also took a limited impairment to earnings of $35m on the valuation of its shares in Beingmate, which were now trading at 10RMB versus the 18 Fonterra paid. Spierings said regulatory reforms by the Chinese government were affecting every dairy company in that market. Up to 2000 brands and up to 6000 recipes would be reduced to just 100, of which Fonterra and its Beingmate partnership had 15 registered already. That was an excellent base on which to build business in infant formula, growingup powders and advanced nutrition brands. “When the regulations are enacted on January 1 the much smaller number of registered options will create a vacuum and opportunities for sales growth,” he said. Until now all unregistered products had fought strongly, creating price competition and de-stocking, which affected

Beingmate’s sales and profitability. Total Fonterra sales in China accounted for 5.5 billion litres of liquid milk equivalent (LME), up from 4b LME in 2013. The China sales were close to 25% of total Fonterra sales and came 77% from NZsourced milk. Fonterra made close to $300m of profit from all China business, Spierings said. The volume going to consumer and food service in China had tripled to 1.3b LME, plus 0.2b into advanced nutrition sales of Anmum, Anlene and Beingmate infant brands. Fonterra’s own China Farms had produced 335m LME last financial year, from 35,000 cows, up 47% over the previous year. Sales revenue from that milk was $269m and the farms division had broken even financially for the first time. Sales of consumer and food service products into China grew by 46% along with useful gains in Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Milk collection in Australia was growing fast, with a gain of 0.5b litres annually over the past three or four months, wrested from competing processors. Because it had substantially reorganised, Fonterra Australia was now in pole position and would become the largest processor. Spierings predicted Fonterra Australia would grow from 2b litres annually to 3b while maintaining its new 11-12% return on capital.

And he wished Australian milk supply would grow above its current 8.5b litres, a figure that was the smallest for several decades. Overheads had been reduced by 22% over the past two years, unprofitable contracts and product portfolios had been taken out and the business was now centred on cheese, whey and nutritionals. Acting chief financial officer Paul Washer said the Oceania division made earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) of $101m, versus $97m the year before, after normalisation for the loss of the Tasmanian yoghurt business. Australian Ebit had risen but the NZ share had fallen, mainly because of a wet summer and higher short-term costs. Oceania sales volume had remained steady at about 1.75b LME after an adjustment for discontinued business. Spierings said Fonterra was watching the Murray Goulburn sale process closely. “We have put a lot of NZ farmers’ capital into getting the Australian business where it is now and we are not going to be distracted by anything else.” Brazil and Venezuela were problem markets for Fonterra because of recession and political unrest, respectively. While sales volumes in Latin America grew 18% to 735m LME, normalised Ebit fell slightly to $103m.

Spierings pay lower than peers’ earnings Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com FONTERRA chief executive Theo Spierings received $8.3 million in salary, superannuation benefits and performance pay during the 2017 financial year, during which it was claimed he delivered a company transformation. His total remuneration was equivalent to $800 for each of the 10,267 supply farms. Chairman John Wilson said the chief executive’s package was an eye-watering number but it was also the right number to reward the achievements of the past two years for the world’s biggest dairy exporter. “It was a very big number by New Zealand standards but by international standards it was not,” he said. He hoped farmers would discuss and understand what had occurred to produce the $8.3m outcome for Spierings, disclosed in the annual report. Wilson said dairy farm owners and their sharemilkers understood incentive-based performance. When the Transformation

HOW MUCH? Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings earned $8.3 million last year.

project began a sizeable group of the senior executives were offered a performance package contingent on delivering a deliberately high outcome over two years. It was called the velocity leadership incentive. “Under their management, the company has delivered more than what was expected,” Wilson said.

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Fonterra had benefitted from $2 billion of working capital improvement over two years, flowing into earnings and milk price. Operating costs had come down by 8% in FY2016 and another 6% in FY2017 as Fonterra had responded to the low payouts and made all possible savings on behalf of its farmer-shareholders. From this year the executive remuneration structure covering more than 500 employees would revert to a more traditional incentive programme, linked to return on capital, earnings per share metrics and aligned to farmer returns. Fonterra also benchmarked the pay and incentive rates using two independent advisers against peers in NZ, Australia and globally. “For our global business, our levels are still similar or lower to other peer companies.”

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MAKE HAY: Both Fonterra and Beingmate are ready to capitalise on Chinese regulation having 15 of the 100 infant formula brands that will be sold there from January 1, Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says.

Brazilian sales value fell by 15% but Fonterra was now number two in the market and well positioned for an economic recovery.

Nitrogen machine lacks the funds THE developer of a machine that could play a key role in reducing nitrogen losses from pastoral farms remains frustrated in his efforts to attract Bay of Plenty Regional Council funding for trials to prove its effectiveness. A trail of correspondence between Dr Bert Quin’s company Pastoral Robotics and the council highlights two years of efforts to gain some funding through the council’s Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund for Spikey, his nitrification inhibiting machine. “We have been seeking funds to conduct formal trials on the farms that are now using Spikey regularly, in order to verify the trials done at Massey that showed how effective this machine is,” Quin said. A letter late last year from said council funding was declined because the technology by itself did not take all nitrogen out of the system. Agencies labelled it a “band aid” approach. But Quin said the leaching could be tackled in two ways, either by lowering the nitrogen content of the pasture or by ensuring more of the urine nitrogen was recovered by greater pasture growth in each patch. “Lowering feed nitrogen content while maintaining production and profitability is a far bigger challenge than

most people realise. The Spikey technology takes the second option, ensuring more is utilised and is not a band aid.” The council told Quin the system had to be pitched in conjunction with wider system improvements. Quin said he had made no secret the machine could work alongside changes to farm systems, like lower stocking rates and stand-off pads. “But many of the changes needed require significant lifts in farmer skill sets, something not all farmers can achieve with staff. “This is simply a trailed implement that can at least provide some initial solutions to nitrogen levels while farmers get a chance to draw breath and look for other solutions alongside it.” The council also expressed concern at the long-term risks of chemicals being added to soils as inhibitors but Quin said the inhibitors simply converted the nitrates to a more plant available form of nitrogen phosphate. He remained optimistic funding and investment would come from other sources, including larger corporate farming businesses seeking sustainable ways to lower their nutrient footprint.

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10 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Westland breaks even, promises better COST-CUTTER: Westland Milk chief executive Toni Brendish found it was costing Westland more than other dairy companies to process its milk, chairman Pete Morrison says.

Farm Nutrition Column

N and K for silage and hay Dr. Jamie Blennerhassett PhD Soil Science, MApplSc (Hons) Soil and Water Management, Innovation Leader for Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

ith good nutrient management, conserving spring and summer growth as silage or hay is an effective way to meet a feed gap later in the season. If conditions for growth are right, then applying nitrogen (N) before you close silage/hay paddocks can increase yield. A response of 15-20 kg of dry matter per kilo of applied N is feasible in late spring. SustaiN is a good option if 5mm to 10mm of rain is unlikely to fall within eight hours of application to reduce N losses from ammonia volatilisation.

be returned in dung or urine if you feed the silage/hay on the paddock from which it was cut. However, if it is fed out elsewhere on the farm that potassium goes with it along with smaller quantities of phosphate, sulphur and magnesium. Replacing the nutrients removed will help prevent a yield decline in future silage and hay crops. This is in addition to your normal maintenance fertiliser. Potassium deficiency is more common than you think, therefore you may need to boost soil potassium levels in addition to replacing what the silage/hay has removed. It is best to do this after final harvest due to luxury uptake, which is when growing plants take up excess potassium without converting it to extra growth. You can discuss the best strategy for your farm with your Ballance Nutrient Specialist.

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Post-harvest applications of N can also improve yields from subsequent cuts. The size of the pasture response will depend on growth conditions, moisture often being the critical factor during summer. SustaiN K is recommended for this purpose, in addition to supplying N it also replaces some of the potassium (K). Silage and hay removes K in large amounts, SustaiN K helps ensure this doesn’t limit new growth. Every tonne of silage/hay removes a massive 15 to 20 kg of K. Some will eventually

Again, provided conditions are good for growth, N can be used to boost new pasture growth and reduce the time the paddock is out of rotation.

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Together, Creating the Best Soil and Feed on Earth

Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com AN AGGRESSIVE drive to claw back costs has turned to an annual profit for Westland Milk Products, lifting payments to its farmer suppliers and producing a break-even result. The company, New Zealand’s second largest dairy cooperative, aggressively slashed costs and improved efficiencies to recover from a loss in the year ended July 31, 2016, to breakeven before tax for the 2016-17 financial year. The result represented a total payout to its 342 shareholders of $338.7 million, a net average cash payout of $5.18/kg MS. Chairman Pete Morrison said the payout was effectively a break-even result for the Westland at $29,000 profit before tax. While it was a much improved result, Morrison acknowledged it was not yet industry competitive. But more improvement was expected, he said. “While this is an improved result on 2015-16 when our payout was $3.88/kg MS, it is still not industry competitive. “Shareholders expect their board and management to do much better this current financial year,” he said. “Both board and management warned shareholders after our annual general meeting last year that we would not be able to return the company to an industry-competitive payout in one season. “We committed to doing so for 2017-18,” Morrison said. “Our new ways of working and accountability from board, management and staff will make

a huge difference this year.” Morrison confirmed Westland’s payout prediction for this season in the $6.40 to $6.80 range. Recovery boded well for the future of the co-operative, he said. “When our new chief executive Toni Brendish commenced in September 2016 and quickly established a new finance team to work with her, she identified that it was costing Westland more to process its bucket of milk compared with other dairy companies in NZ.”

Our new ways of working and accountability from board, management and staff will make a huge difference this year. Pete Morrison Westland Milk Since then management had embarked on a campaign to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. “The result has been the removal of many millions of dollars in costs from the business,” Morrison said. Meantime, while Westland’s new UHT plant at Rolleston had got off to a slow start it was now beginning to perform. “It has been operating much more successfully in recent months with some good deals coming on board in China,” Morrison said.

The plant definitely had a slower start than forecast and while still some way of operating at capacity, it was now returning value to the Westland Group, he said. Rolleston UHT product had done particularly well in the baking industry with whipping cream especially attractive to the Chinese appetite. “The whipping cream, something we take for granted in out cream buns here in NZ, has been very well received and the market is doing very well.” Westland’s partnerships in China were progressing positively with Westland Shanghai now also returning a profit to the overall Westland Group. “The outlook is good,” Morrison said. Hokitika-based Westland made a profit of $1.5 million in the 12 months ended July 31, from a loss of $10.3m a year earlier, the company said. In 2015-16 Westland reported a $14.5m after tax loss. An adjustment to deferred tax for that year reduced the loss to $10.3m. Opening retained earnings for the 2015-16 year were also adjusted, resulting in a net improvement of $1.5m to retained earnings for the Westland Group, with no change to 2015-16 operating results, payout or cashflow. Revenue rose 7.1% to $629.7m even as the amount of milk received from suppliers reduced by 6% to 699m litres. Selling, distribution and administration expenses fell 9.6% to $107.8m while other costs of sales dropped 18% to $153.8m.

Maori dairy farm contest on MAORI farmers are being urged to enter the 2018 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Maori Excellence in Farming Award for dairy. The Ahuwhenua Trophy management committee chairman Kingi Smiler said it was a great opportunity for Maori to take up the challenge and enter. It would give them the chance to have a group of expert judges visit and work with them to give them a good idea about what sort of progress they were making on their farms, he said. The competition was launched at Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development in Ngaruawahia last week. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle, who officially launched the competition, said Maori values fitted well with

READY: DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle and Ahuwhenua Tophy management committee chairman Kingi Smiler have launched this year’s dairy farm contest.

his organisation’s philosophy of having a strong focus on a sustainable, competitive, profit-based system. It involves focusing on making a profit out of the actual business and not relying

on capital gains to make that profit. Entries for the competition closed on November 24 and entry forms and other details were at www. ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz.

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THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Co-op return makes farmers happy Fonterra farmers spoken to by Farmers Weekly reporters are generally satisfied with the overall tone of their co-operative’s financial results for last financial year but they are worried about the state of the Beingmate investment and have some unease over the size of chief executive Theo Spieriengs’ salary. GRANT ISBISTER is a much happier Fonterra shareholder. While this year’s annual result was in line with expectations, the North Otago dairy farmer was pleased the company was focusing on domestic production of new, high-value products rather than looking for overseas acquisitions such as China’s Beingmate. “I am happy with the direction they are going. “They are building factories that produce product people want, which is good.” While Fonterra’s strong financial result was welcomed, the return on his shares was what he focused on because it reflected the cooperative’s actual performance. Last year’s result met his expectations. “As long as it covers my interest costs, I’m happy.” Last season’s $6.52/kg MS payout and a forecast payout of more than $7 this season would enable him to catch up on deferred maintenance and environmental projects.

He had already upgraded his irrigation system and had his eye on a number of environmental projects on his Enfield farms this year. “There is nothing better for the environment than a farmer with surplus cash. You can’t spend money if you haven’t got it.” BRUCE MURPHY of North Otago says it’s good to see market conditions have changed with the pre-season outlook very positive for the next year as well. “As for the profit fall, we know Fonterra profits will always be squeezed because they are paying more for core ingredients. That aside, it looks to be a good solid result. And the $8.3 million chief executive Theo Spierings’ pay? “It’s a constant struggle for the co-op member to understand the corporate structure in terms of employment of executives. While it seems the way to move forward relevant to the evolvement of marketing, it is hard to come to grips with but if it’s delivering

results we have to accept that. “But this does seem like a really big number.” RYAN O’SULLIVAN of Fairlie says “It has been really good to see the Aussie business turn around to a profit this year after several straight years of loss. “Fonterra’s financially troubled Chinese investment partner Beingmate has struggled in a market that literally exploded but we now hear the Chinese government is regulating the number of infant formula retailers down from thousands to hundreds and as soon as January 2018, so give it 12 months and we would hope there is a turnaround there too. “Overall the annual result at 46c earnings per share and $6.12/kg MS, forecast to be 45-55c and $6.75 this season, gives confidence that reasonable earnings per share is achievable on a reasonable milk price. That’s the question I wanted answered. As for the $8.3 million chief executive? “Certainly it’s a lot higher than last year but at the end of the day the board and management set the incentive payment and so long as the process around that is robust and justified. We don’t know, we can only hope so. “He’s obviously hit the mark and that’s good for Fonterra and good for shareholders.” RUSSELL MEADE, a Whakatane sharemilker and Federated Farmers provincial sharemilker chairman, says “I still have some concerns over China and particularly Beingmate. I feel the losses they have taken there were a bit hidden in the numbers. “I know Beingmate took a loss of about $70 million this year. There are still a number of unknowns in there.” However, he took some comfort from the long suffering Chinese dairy operations breaking even for the first time. “But it’s probably worthwhile us having those farms there even if they are not making a lot, if it helps them to continue to sell our products there successfully.” He had little trouble with Theo Spierings’ salary. “We have to accept Fonterra is a big global company and to get the best people you have to pay the best salaries. If you look at some other big companies like Nestle, their CEOs are paid significantly more.”

EIGHT MILLION DOLLAR MAN: Farmers have expressed some unease and lack of understanding of Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings’ salary package.

STUART KING, a Hauraki Plains farmer, said while he retained his faith in Fonterra, it was being stretched in the wake of the latest financial results. “I can see that the ingredient business is at

the heart of what we do and that is performing well, as is the consumer and food service, which was up 30% in earnings.” However, he was concerned over the slower growth in the brands business and the issue of Beingmate’s slide in value. The Chinese milk company had taken a 45% hit in share value since Fonterra bought an 18% stake in 2015 for $756 million. Only a portion of that was acknowledged in the latest financial report, with an allowance of $35 million in write-down. King believed it would be better

to acknowledge a bigger hit and move forward. He also has concerns over chief executive Theo Spierings’ $8.3 million salary. King maintained Fonterra’s co-operative structure meant the risks for senior management were reduced, thanks to their ability to seek extra capital from farmer shareholders as lenders of last resort. “It’s a great business but after farmers have had a hell of a time and to me the question is just who is getting rewarded here, management or shareholders?”

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12 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Food firms want kiwi DNA test Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com

INTERESTED: Worldwide companies want to use a New Zealand-developed test in quality assurance, Professor Nigel French says.

FOOD companies are zeroing in on DNA tests that could save millions and the embarrassment of recalling contaminated products. A genome sequencing test developed by Massey University and state testing agency ESR identified campylobacter in sheep faeces as the likely source of contamination in the infamous Havelock North water contamination. ESR science team leader Brent Gilpin, a molecular biologist studying food and waterborne outbreaks and disease, microbial water quality, faecal source tracking, also specialises in diseases or infections transmitted from animals to humans. Gilpin has been involved in outbreak investigations and product recalls related to a number of organisms including listeria, E coli, salmonella and campylobacter. Genomic testing found a DNA signature on pathogens, making it easier to track the source of gastro illnesses like campylobacter. DNA sequencing helped food producers determine whether bacterial contamination was from a new source or an historic

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problem like poor cleaning. Eight years ago a genomic sequencing test took months and cost $40,000. Now it typically cost a few hundred dollars for a result in two to four weeks, he said. ESR tested Havelock North samples in just three days though it threw all its resources into that job.

Devices can now plug into mobile phones to do genome sequencing almost immediately. Professor Nigel French Massey University Food producers might soon be able to routinely expect results within 10 working days “for the emergency stuff”. Massey University food safety Professor Nigel French said Havelock North was probably the first time the test had been used for campylobacter and definitely the first time it had been applied to a major outbreak of waterborne bacteria. The campylobacter could theoretically have been from other animal faeces. Those other contaminants might have been found in samples but a DNA test

Farmers want two-year Brexit transition time Colin Ley

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conclusively found the source of the illness. “It was the most certain that I’ve seen for anything of this kind.” The test compared the campylobacter in the sheep faeces to that found in patients and the water supply. Out of 1.5 million molecules “in many cases there was no difference whatsoever”. Companies including the global food group Mars wanted to use the test for quality assurance, French said. The technology could help manufacturers identify problem batches to prevent product recalls and unnecessary waste of product. At the moment it took 48 hours to obtain results for a full genome sequence. Bacteria spread among a group, picking up DNA and changing over time. The process left a distinctive signature used in the tracing process. If necessary, the source of an illness could be traced back to truck, farm and even paddock. Tests for campylobacter would become faster and more precise as the sample database grew bigger, French said. Meanwhile, other advances were already helping farming, like a mobile device detecting “virulence markers” for staphylococcus aureus mastitis or antibiotic resistance. “Devices can now plug into mobile phones to do genome sequencing almost immediately,” he said.

BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May’s commitment to a transition period after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union has been welcomed by farming leaders. They believed it was a move that would provide important stability for British farm businesses. The industry’s welcome, which followed May’s high-profile Brexit speech in Florence, stopped well short of any actual celebration of what she said, however. That included the issues surrounding future UK trade deals, both with the EU and others, over which widespread confusion remained. “More details are needed if farmers and growers are to have the certainty to plan and invest in their businesses in the future,” National Farmers Union international trade adviser Gail Soutar said. “Farmers and growers are becoming increasingly alarmed at the prospect of a no-deal departure from the EU. “The resulting disruption to trade, access to labour and business stability would pose a fundamental threat to the viability of many of their businesses.” The union wanted the promised

transition period to run for at least two years to ensure a smooth Brexit while also giving time for agreement to be reached on a future relationship between the EU and UK that recognised their mutual importance in terms of trade. “With over 70% of our exports of food and non-alcoholic drinks being sent to EU markets, the NFU has been making the strongest case for a comprehensive freetrade agreement between the EU and UK,” Soutar said. “We were pleased to hear the prime minister say there is no intention to impose tariffs where none currently exist, which the NFU takes as a strong commitment to securing a freetrade deal with the EU. “Any agreement should maintain, as far as practicable, the free flow of agri-food products between the EU and UK. “Following the prime minister’s speech this remains a realistic prospect although much now depends on proper progress being made in the negotiations.” Sorting out future UK free-trade agreements with New Zealand and others seemed to be much further down the list of UK priorities, however, judging by their total exclusion from the PM’s Florence performance.

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THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Fund arming students for waterway testing work

WATERWORKS: Students at St Gerard’s School in Alexandra test the health of Manuherikia River.

Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com

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STUDENTS testing the flow and toxicity of rivers and streams are helping to “build bridges”, a project leader says. The pilot phase of the state-funded Participatory Science Platform called Curious Minds involved schools in South Auckland, Taranaki and Otago. Backers hoped it would go nationwide next year. The funder, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, said it was a world-first initiative that aimed to engage a variety of communities in robust, quality research with good educational value. National co-ordinator Victoria Metcalf said similar research projects involving regional councils and community groups had created tension but Curious Minds had created a “safe space” to bring the results together. “I would like to think this builds bridges rather than facilitates conflict.” The research had to be scientifically robust, educational and shared with the community, she said. St Gerard’s School in Alexandra had been testing the Manuherikia River for the past three years. Students came up with the idea and the school received the $4500 it applied for from the Government fund. The Manuherikia was joined by Dunstan Creek, Poolburn Creek and many other smaller tributaries as it continued southwest through the wide Manuherikia Valley to its confluence with the Clutha river at Alexandra. Central Otago had long been a stronghold for horticulture and drystock farming. Increasingly it was also being irrigated for dairying. An MBIE webpage said St Gerard’s was “learning how to monitor the water quality of their local rivers and streams in an effort to understand why some freshwater spots are not swimmable”. Students had looked at the PH level to see how acidic the river was and its conductivity to get an idea of “how contaminated it might be”. A high reading meant high concentrations from either natural sources like soil and rain or from manmade sources like farmland runoff carrying livestock effluent, fertilisers or pesticides into the river, MBIE said. A year eight St Gerard’s student last month told a public meeting she feared the river would become a “toxic wasteland”. St Gerard’s teacher Ollie Yeoman said students used a Stream Health Assessment kit to record PH, measure flow and count the number of invertebrates, among other indicators. Recently they had also been checking phosphates, nitrates and dissolved oxygen levels. The junior and senior classes tried to get out to the sampling sites a couple of days each term. The community talked a lot about water issues and pre-election it was a big talking point, he said. “Irrigation is a pretty big part of people’s lives.” The Manuherikia ran much lower and slower than the Clutha and during dry spells it sometimes struggled to get to the Clutha confluence. In Alexandra over summer the council periodically put up E coli warning signs at the Shaky Bridge swimming hole. Metcalf said schools, iwi and community groups could apply for up to $20,000 for research projects. Otago was allocated $115,000 for three years.

News

14 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Peters will put NZ farmers first Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com THE odds of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters doing a deal with National or Labour remain at 50:50 until after October 7. New Zealand First’s agriculture policies could make the difference for farmers depending on whose sandpit the party elects to play in. So what is the NZ First party proposing in its primary industries policies? Summing it up Peters acknowledged the primary industries were the backbone of New Zealand’s economy with farming, horticulture, forestry, fishing and viticulture providing the bulk of the country’s export earnings. “NZ First is fully committed to the success of the primary industries and our heartland,” he said. “With a focus on quality over quantity we can have both a firstrate environment and economy. “Yet none of this will matter unless we keep Kiwi control over our farmland and processing assets.

“We must own our future to have a future,” Peters said. In keeping it Kiwi, NZ First proposed to end foreign ownership in the primary industries, permitting farm sales only to New Zealanders or those willing to become New Zealanders and ensuring valueadd processing was done in NZ and not overseas. Health and social equality with the cities headed policy under the banner Boosting the Heartland that included requiring Landcorp be opened up to share farming, reintroducing the farm cadet scheme under the Primary Industry Training Organisation, establishing stiffer penalties for rustling and exploring initiatives to end a growing rural-urban divide. Included under economy and environment NZ First would create a monetary policy that worked in the interests of exporters instead of importers; oppose resource rentals such as the Labour Party’s proposed water tax; support water-efficient irrigation and economically viable water storage schemes,

ensure regional plans were based on sound science not supposition, use the tax system to drive environmental improvements and export growth and introduce commonsense reforms to workplace health and safety. In trade and innovation NZ First would negotiate free and fair trade agreements in the interest of farmer-exporters, boost publicly funded research and development to 2% of GDP and protect the integrity of food products from synthetic copies. Wider primary industry policy included repealing the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act; putting biosecurity at the heart of government policy and reestablishing the Forest Service. Controlling immigration was a flagship policy for NZ First that wanted rigorous and strictly applied immigration policy. The party was strong about NZ workers getting jobs ahead of immigrants and ensuring there was work for the dole. “Our view is simple – we welcome the people we need and not those who need us.

“NZ First will strengthen Immigration NZ to give it the capacity to apply immigration policy effectively,” Peters said. NZ’s natural environment had international significance and was a NZ First priority. “Wise governments view the preservation and enhancement of the environment as sound economics. “All environmental policies will be proactive with a view to creating employment and sustainable wealth whilst improving one of our few competitive advantages. The 100% Pure slogan must not be empty words but be backed by effective environmental policies, Peters said. And referring to the $8.31 million pay year for Fonterra boss Theo Spierings, Peters said he would not tolerate fat cat payouts for bosses doing their day job – proposing the introduction of “say on pay” laws. Shareholders needed to be given the power to hold the directors and bosses to account, Peters said.

NZ First is fully committed to the success of the primary industries and our heartland. Winston Peters NZ First

Leaders wait for Peters to keep to his promises FARMING leaders hope whatever plan comes out of coalition talks will be workable for agriculture and rural people. They expected NZ First leader Winston Peters to honour promises made before the election. “NZ First got a lot of support from rural provincial regions so to backtrack on his word would be a hell of a back lash to provincial regions,” Federated Farmers national meat and fibre chairman Miles Anderson said. “It doesn’t matter which way Winston goes. “If he is true to his word before the election then all the taxes mooted should be avoided whether he goes with National or Labour. “So if he jumps to LabourGreens we may escape the worst of the taxes that Labour and Greens were aiming at the rural sector anyway,” Anderson said. “But not all farmers are as confident as me and we can’t completely relax until a coalition agreement is reached. “In the past he has tended to coalition with the party that received the biggest vote so history would tell us that, hopefully, that would be National,” Anderson said. The federation’s national dairy chairman Chris Lewis said he had never followed an election campaign so closely. “This just swept us all in because every party was talking agriculture and not providing much comfort, rather more

stress,” Lewis said. “We are by no means perfect but we are not the criminals of NZ. We are making changes but we would also like to see some leadership out of Wellington that leads change with a carrot, not a stick that slows processes downs. “We all know we need to do a better job. We just need a government that will work with farmers in a sensible, practical and affordable way that will achieve outcomes. “We are still waiting with some nervousness,” Lewis said. The arable industry was closely connected to international pricing trends and, irrespective of political outcomes, the short term was looking positive for arable farmers, arable sector chairman Guy Wigley said. “What we are seeing in the international indicators means optimism short term, irrespective of political outcome. “But I would like to think arable can be part of a strong provincial economy and able to offer alternative income streams for farmers more than just short term,” Wigley said. “We will work with whoever we have to,” he said. At an election meeting in Ashburton Peters said “The people of this country own the water. “I have not said I won’t charge a fair price on management of water. What I am saying is I won’t put a tax on it.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Rural people will have 50 MPs to represent them

THEY LISTENED: Farmers voices were heard in the election campaign and the parties have picked up on the strong feelings in the provinces, Professor Richard Shaw says.

Regions could win from coalition deal Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com NZ FIRST leader Winston Peters will push hard for regional investment in coalition talks with either National or Labour, Massey University’s politics Professor Richard Shaw says. The most-heralded of those commitments was the relocation of the Port of Auckland to Northland and the rail links that would be needed. “This may be his last hurrah and he will want a legacy for himself and the party. “NZ First is not an urban party although it has pockets of support in the cities. “Peters cannot ignore his natural support that lives in provincial towns, the smaller cities and rural areas. “Whichever way he goes and whatever agreements are made I would expect something that can be highlighted as responding to the needs of the regions.” Changing demographics in the regions, which were attracting younger people and families who couldn’t afford to live in Auckland, might dictate regional development plans for jobs and businesses. Policies on immigration and infrastructure could be used for that purpose, by whatever coalition was in government. Better connectivity was also making life in the provinces more viable and appealing.

National’s strength was most evident in the regions and in parts of Auckland where it had been expected to come second to Labour, Shaw said. Labour lost the party vote in some provincial centres where it had been historically strong – Palmerston North, Napier and Whanganui.

Peters cannot ignore his natural support that lives in provincial towns, the smaller cities and rural areas. Professor Richard Shaw Massey University “Labour is well aware that it must work on its rural and provincial city positioning,” he said when commenting on Labour’s nine or 10 provincial MPs, most of whom were not well known. The combination of rural and regional electorate MPs, list MPs from provincial areas and Labour’s hold on the big Maori electorates gave a strong representation in Parliament for non-metropolitan concerns. “The parties have picked

up on the strong feelings in the provinces that the growth and issues of urban areas had become too dominant and they really needed to increase the rural voice.” Farmers’ voices were heard during the campaign, especially on the prospect of water taxes. “The content of the Morrinsville farmer protest didn’t include the wider concerns of rural people, such as health and education, but taxes in general and the water tax in particular certainly registered.” Shaw thought Bill English would be re-invigorated by the election result, whatever the outcome. A fourth-term National-led government would change considerably, with new frontbenchers and the NZ First ministers. “I don’t see any disqualifying reason why a fourth-term National government couldn’t get a fifth term.” In Opposition, English would push the moral authority argument that National should have been enabled to form the government. “Therefore, I am not convinced that English would call it a day or that the party would call time on him.”

MORE: EDITORIAL P26 CARTOON P26

PROVINCIAL New Zealand will be represented by nearly 50 electorate and party list members of Parliament after the election, 40% of the new 120-seat assembly. The National Party won 24 of the 26 rural and regional electorates, including reclaiming Northland from NZ First leader Winston Peters. Its provincial ranks would be supplemented off the party list by leader Bill English, recent Speaker of the House David Carter and Maureen Pugh from West CoastTasman. The Labour Party had eight provincial MPs, two of them representing the electorates of West Coast-Tasman, Damien O’Connor, and Napier, Stuart Nash. The successful Labour list candidates were Willow-Jean Prime (Northland), Marja Lubeck (Rodney), Kiri Allan (East Coast), Kieran Mcanulty (Wairarapa), Joe Luxton (Rangitata) and Liz Craig (Invercargill). Angie Warren-Clark, Bay of Plenty, might also get to Parliament if the special votes take a seat off National and give it to Labour. Its provincial representation also included six of the seven successful Labour candidates in the geographically large Maori electorates, deputy leader Kelvin Davis, Nanaia Mahuta, Adrian Rurawhe, Tamati Coffey, Meka Whaitiri, and Rino Tirikatene. Six of NZ First’s nine list MPs also stood in regional electorates: Winston Peters (Northland), Shane Jones (Whangarei), Tracey Martin (Rodney), Fletcher Tabuteau (Rotorua), Ron Mark

(Wairarapa) and Mark Patterson (Clutha-Southland). Peters and Jones came second to National candidates, the other four were third after National and Labour. New incoming farmer MPs were Matt King (Nat, Northland), Tim Van der Molen (Nat, Waikato) and Mark Patterson (NZF, CluthaSouthland). Of the seven successful list Green MPs only Gareth Hughes stood in a regional electorate, East Coast, where he came fourth behind National’s Minister for Social Development and Children, Anne Tolley. Three of its previous MPs with regional roots were not returned; Mojo Mathers (Rangitata) at number nine on the list, Catherine Delahunty (Coromandel) and Steffan Browning (Kaikoura). Delahunty and Browning retired. National candidates received about 486,000 votes in the 26 rural and regional electorates, about 48% of the nearly one million votes cast in those electorates, in contrast to its 46% share of total votes, not including special votes. Not counting votes cast for minor parties without representation in Parliament, National gained 57% of the party votes in those 26 electorates. Labour’s share of party votes in the regions mirrored its 36% nationally and NZ First did slightly better in the regions with 9% than it did nationally at 7.5%. The regions provided about half of the NZ First 163,000 party votes nationally, not including Maori seats or special votes.

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News

16 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Fewer cows produce more milk per head Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com

FEWER: The number of dairy herds in New Zealand has fallen to 11,748.

THE number of dairy herds nationally fell in 201617 to 11,748, down 170 and the lowest since 201011, the DairyNZ annual report says. The average herd size also fell by five cows to 414 and the number of milking cows fell 2.7% or 136,000 cows to stand at 4.861 million. Because the total milk production for the season was down only 0.6% on the previous season, the yield per cow rose to 381kg milksolids, up 9kg and a new record. DairyNZ income from the industry levy was steady at $67m and the industry-good organisation made a small loss on operations during the year of $1.7m, compared with $3m the year before.

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Fonterra provided 82.4% of the levy income, collected from its supply farmers, Open Country Dairy 7% and Westland and Synlait similar proportions about 3.5%. Non-levy income came from Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment research funding of $8.7m and from the Primary Growth Partnership at $7m. Those amounts were both down about $400,000 on the year before. DairyNZ said 24% of its expenditure was on research and development followed by 21% for onfarm adoption of good practice farming and 20% on the objectives of biosecurity and product integrity. The annual report also contained a report card on progress on the Strategy for Sustainable Dairy Farming 2013-2020. The target of lifting profit from productivity increases by an average of $50/ha/year to $65 actually went down to $35, which was predominantly a milk price effect. The other measures in that objective included a steady six-week in-calf rate of 66.3% and average operating expenses going down by 15c to $4.85/kg MS though the sharemilker rate stayed steady at $2.95. Under the objective of “talented people”, DairyNZ reported there had been a substantial decrease in the completion of training at farm assistant level, down from 1718 to 1131. On the plus side, there had been a big lift in the number of certified rural professionals, with nearly 40% of regions now having sufficient. Industry information systems were linking up and using agreed data systems, there was an average 1.29% gain in breeding worth of dairy cattle and a 0.49% gain in the genetics of forage value in pasture plants. More than 80% of dairy farms now had nutrient budgets but only 40% of the public agreed dairy farmers were good stewards of the environment, only halfway to the target for 2020. DairyNZ reported 70% of dairy farm businesses had quality work environments, 78% paid a “fair remuneration” but only 20% achieved working weeks less than 50 hours. Half of New Zealanders agreed dairying made a positive contribution to their standard of living, down from 60% at the start of the strategy period in 2013.

19/09/17 4:53 PM

A PLEA for the big British supermarket chain Tesco to make its sourcing policy on British lamb clearer has been issued by National Farmers Union livestock chairman Charles Sercombe. “As a sheep producer I take great pride in British lamb and sending our product to supermarkets for the public to enjoy,” he said. “However, we’re in the middle of the peak British lamb season and it has come to light that Tesco’s British lamb facings have fallen by 15% compared to last year.” Though he didn’t name New Zealand supplies as part of his criticism of Tesco, they remained a constant background to such complaints. In addition, United Kingdom farmers’ fears over Brexit were also making them hypersensitive to anything that appeared nonBritish. “As Brexit looms the livestock sector needs the support of the retailers, particularly one that claims to be UK agriculture’s biggest customer,” Sercombe said. “I should think by now that the concerns of the sector regarding Brexit would be well known to major retailers.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Drainage man secures wetland Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com A DRAINAGE contractor on South Island irrigation schemes is stepping in to save threatened native Canterbury mudfish. Kent Colebrook is the new owner of 25 boggy hectares at View Hill in the Oxford foothills, 65m northwest of Christchurch. He took over the mudfish conservation mantle from the previous owner, a dairy farmer who worked closely with the Working Waters Trust to maintain wetlands for the threatened fish. Mudfish are found in swampy lowland habitats such as wetlands, pakihi, pools in swamp forests and slow-flowing streams and drains. The Department of Conservation ranked the mudfish as nationally critical with a likelihood of extinction unless steps were taken quickly to protect it. The biggest threat to their habitat was drainage on private land. Canterbury mudfish were found in lowlands from Oxford to the Waitaki River. They were once widespread on the Canterbury Plains but were now rated the most endangered of

the country’s native fish species, reduced to small, fragmented populations in wetland remnants. Colebrook hoped that by creating a fully-functional wetland catchment he could soak up excess nutrients and water on the farm and create a more secure breeding ground for the fish. In a quirk of fate he had become a draining expert building wetlands. Buying a rural block was the realisation of a dream he had harboured since studying agriculture at St Peter’s school in Waikato. His K Drainage business was a sub-contractor to major irrigation projects like Central Plains Water and the expanding Amuri scheme. Over the usual winter downtime for drainlaying his seven staff would now be landscaping habitat for mudfish. Two of Colebrook’s paddocks would be partly excavated to drains containing the remnant population then surrounded with sedges and rushes. Willow and broom would also be removed around the farm. Colebrook said the work

would keep his team busy and give them experience in a wider range of work than their usual contracts, which included infrastructure for the Christchurch rebuild. He planned to fatten about 50 beefies from August to February then leave his heavy paddocks to recover. Colebrook said every part of the farm could be drained but he planned to beautify it, expanding the fish habitat and creating a reserve area to share with his two daughters and partner. The block was already wellknown to nearby View Hill School. Pupils visited regularly to plant natives and catch the fish to release in other areas. Working Waters, founded to improve ecosystems for native freshwater fish, would continue to work with Colebrook and Forest and Bird North Canterbury supplied all the plants and volunteers for the restoration. The trust had funding from the department, Rata Foundation, Environment Canterbury, WWF New Zealand, Tindall Foundation and others to work on projects throughout Canterbury and Otago.

DOUBLE LIFE: Kent Colebrook, who makes a living draining land, is restoring his own land to ensure habitat survival for endangered mudfish.

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News

18 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Marlborough has new top farmers LOWER Awatere Valley breeding and finishing farmers Richard and Victoria Gorman of Dumgree Farming have won the Westpac Bayleys Marlborough sheep and beef farmer of the year competition and prizes worth $30,000. The competition, in its second year, attracted a number of very strong entries, with the Gormans edging ahead in the financial and production areas.

They have incredible performance, all based around their lucerne system, which is successful because of their attention to detail. Greg Sheppard Judge The placegetters were announced at a function for entrants and sponsors on Thursday night. Second place went to Clarence farmers Ben and Jane Millton, Millton Farming Co at Waipapa Station. Third place was awarded to Kekerengu farmers Simon and Pip Todhunter of Ngaio Downs. The entrants shared prize money and goods and services of $48,000 donated by national and local businesses, including naming rights sponsors Westpac and Bayleys Marlborough Real Estate. The Gormans’ farmed 770 hectares, including leased blocks, and bred and finished lambs and cattle and trade lambs and bulls. The return on capital for 2017 was 7.5%. The farm surplus was well above usual for farms in the region and given the level of rainfall received. Stand-out achievements included a lambing percentage of 150% from both mixed-age and two-tooth ewes. Close to 75% of the lambs were weaned prime along with 62% of the lambs from hoggets. “They have incredible performance, all based around their lucerne system, which

is successful because of their attention to detail,” farm consultant and judge Greg Sheppard said. The Gormans had grown their business over the past couple of years from 3500 to 5000 stock units and lifted per head performance at the same time. Competition chairman Chris Dawkins said the winning business was an example of financial success from managed growth. Running the competition relied on support from Marlborough agribusinesses and they had again shown tremendous commitment, seeing the potential in sheep and beef, he said. Westpac agri area manager Richard Borrell said “As a bank we’re committed to supporting the grassroots sheep and beef sector and fostering excellence on farms across the region”. “It’s an exciting period to be in business in Marlborough with regional gross domestic product now clocking in at $2.6 billion a year.” Marlborough was well ahead of Canterbury and Auckland in GDP growth, with 32.3% growth recorded over five years. Andy Poswillo of Bayleys Real Estate, said “Giving back to the community is a strong part of our culture and values. It’s what we do.” A public field day to profile the Gormans’ business and the competition would be held at Dumgree.

WINNERS: Richard and Victoria Gorman, of Dumgree Farming, are the 2017 winners of the Westpac Bayleys Marlborough sheep and beef farmer of the year competition.

EXPERTS: Judges, from left, Pete Anderson, Lachie Grant, Chris Dawkins, Greg Sheppard and Richard Borrell.

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News

20 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Kellogg women bring wider view Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com GETTING more young people engaged in agriculture, links between toxicology and farming and changes to the financial viability of sauvignon blanc are the varied subjects covered by the latest Kellogg Rural Leadership graduates. With the closing date looming on October 16 for the first 2018 scholarship intake, organisers have noticed a continuing creep upwards in the number of women participating and a greater variety in the subjects participants are covering. The latest 23 graduates comprise almost 50% women. Programme administrator Lisa Rogers said the course was starting to become less of a boys’ club and more balanced in terms not only of sexes but also of subjects covered. “But what we are increasingly seeing is not so much a female perspective but a wider representation of thinking from across the agri-business sector.

WIDER: Farmer and DairyNZ consulting officer Wilma Foster stepped outside her usual sphere of contacts and spent time with trade and agriculture officials.

“Women graduates do tend to bring a more holistic view to their chosen subjects while the men may focus more on a technical or specific aspect.”

It was the best development course I have ever experienced. Belinda Cridge Kellogg graduate

Interest in participating in the leadership course has grown strongly in recent years and Rogers said the challenge was to maintain a good balance between hands-on farmers and agri-business professionals in the twice yearly intakes. “We are generally oversubscribed and there is quite a process to assess who comes on the course and we are always

looking for a good variety of applicants.” DairyNZ Bay of Plenty consulting officer Wilma Foster completed her research on Learning from other organisations – what DairyNZ can do better. As a farmer and consulting officer she said the Kellogg course had given her the chance to step outside her usual sphere of contacts and spend time with a wide variety of agricultural people committed to the industry. That included three contact periods over the six months, with time spent on campus at Lincoln University and in Wellington meeting agricultural and trade officials. She chose her topic with the aim delivering DairyNZ a usable report offering constructive advice. Key recommendations included having a process to ensure good ideas from staff could be progressed further through the organisation rather than sitting on a shelf or becoming lost in the system. Temuka farm manager David O’Sullivan had used the scholarship to revisit the industry’s perennial issue of how to better engage young people to take up a career in the primary sector. “I had found there was some good work being done out there but there is still a lack of awareness among many kids. “In my work I found that it was often a lack of interest within a school that meant kids were missing out on opportunities. “For example, a girl at a private girls’ school had been interested in farming but had been told it was not what girls from her school did.” He also found there was a desire to contribute to the greater good of the economy among young people who were keen to engage with agriculture.

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WHAT: A lack of awareness of primary sector careers among young people can be traced back to schools, Kellogg scholar David O’Sullivan, with wife Chanelle and daughter Isabelle, says.

“I found it was also often a generational thing that was stopping schools helping kids progress. “Teachers may have associated farming with the physically hard, demanding job it used to be, not with what it is now which is technical, innovative and quite different.” Dunedin based toxicologist Belinda Cridge said she felt fortunate to be selected for the course, given her unusual career and non-farming background. She completed a report looking

at toxin risks to farmers and identified areas often not given the caution deserved. “To be able to participate on the course was a real privilege. I really enjoyed working alongside farmers in the group and it says much about how broad it is that they took me on. “It was the best development course I have ever experienced.”

To learn more about the Kellogg Rural Leadership course visit www.kellogg.org.nz

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

City pollution upsets farmers Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com FARMERS are expected to appeal against the granting of consent to the Invercargill City Council to discharge storm water to highlight what they see as inequitable treatment by Environment Southland to managing pollution. The city council sought a 35year consent to discharge storm water from nearly 150 points into streams and rivers flowing into the New River Estuary south of the city but evidence presented at the consent hearing was that sewage contamination meant the discharge exceeded guidelines for wading, swimming and fishing. Southland Federated Farmers president Allan Baird said the main contention for farmers was the council sought consent for 35 years when the trend was for farmers to have their consent terms reduced to 10 to 15 years. Baird renewed consent for his dairy farm in 2015 and got only 12 years. Farmers wanted the city consents to be for five to seven years but it was eventually granted 15 years. Baird said farmers also wanted consistency in Environment Southland’s approach to reducing nutrient and contaminant loading. The federation’s senior regional policy adviser Darryl Sycamore said farmers were required to

consistently improve effluent management infrastructure and so should urban councils. “Many farmers are concerned about the inequitable way Environment Southland requires rural dischargers to continually up their game with regard to farm infrastructure irrespective of cost whereas urban storm water and sewerage systems are allowed to deteriorate and become outdated, such that they can discharge untreated human wastewater to water with perceived impunity,” he said. Farmers recognised the scale, cost and timeframe for urban councils and that a pragmatic approach was needed but the city council had not adequately planned and a lack of enforcement by Environment Southland had accentuated that problem, Sycamore said. Baird said farmers were being fined between $40,000 and $80,000 for small effluent spills and while he acknowledged there needed to be a deterrent, councils should face similar punishment. “We want one rule for both and there shouldn’t be double standards.” He believed at least one farmer would appeal against the granting of consent to the city council. During the hearing former provincial president David Rose called the city’s storm water discharge a “dirty little secret” while other submitters

calculated the volume discharged was equivalent to applying 102 kilograms of effluent a hectare. The Public Health South submission said the quality of discharge exceeded World Health Organisation guidelines for wading, swimming and fishing. The council said it was not a case of urban versus rural but all parties needed to work together. It also pointed out 9% of the city’s network was 100 years old or more. Environment Southland granted consent for 15 years but ruled the impacts of the discharge were more than minor and its quality did not meet permitted limits for elements such as faecal coliform. Speaking after the hearing, Environment Southland’s policy, planning and regulatory services director Vin Smith said all investigations of an incident followed a legal framework to ensure the law was applied consistently and fairly. But an urban storm water network could not be compared to a rural effluent system. A storm water system was a vast, physical infrastructure of pipes and sumps, some dating back 100 years, which was vastly different to a rural effluent pond and irrigation system. Smith said if anyone was unhappy with the council’s decision they could appeal against it.

SHUSH: Former Federated Farmers Southland president David Rose called Invercargill’s sewage discharge its dirty little secret.

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agrievents Wednesdays 11/10/2017, 08/11/2017 & 06/12/2017 AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run over four months Venue: Waverley Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz Website: To register for the programme follow this link http:// www.awdt.org.nz/programmes/understanding-your-farmingbusiness/ Sunday 15/10/2017 Black & Coloured Sheep Breeders Association NZ Mid-Canterbury Branch Open Day Venue: Green Acres Fibre Processing, 155 Burnham School Road, Burnham Time: 10am to 4pm Contact: Georgie 03 3251 288 Website: www.colouredsheep.org.nz

Alliance needs more Merino ALLIANCE needs more farmers to supply Merino to its Silere Alpine Origin programme to meet demand. The co-operative took on full brand management of Silere in September last year and had spent the last 12 months exploring options to grow the markets and build the lamb’s profile as a luxury dining experience for the food service sector. Premium products marketing manager Wayne Cameron said about 40 farmers had committed to

provide Merino for the Silere season, which ran from late September to January. “We are looking for more fine wool alpine origin Merino to top up supply from November into January and are currently talking with more farmers,” Cameron said. “While we offer frozen Silere products throughout the year our marketing initiatives and investment programme is strongly focused on our best-inseason strategy for Silere, promoting its story and

benefits to the hospitality sector, with its high demand for premium seasonal produce. Cameron said Silere had a loyal base of farmer suppliers with strong philosophical buy-in to the brand. “Our farmers are very committed and they understand that Alliance Group is investing in positioning Silere to the food service sector with the aim of achieving greater rewards for farmers.” While most Silere Merinos

were culled at between 12 and 15 months there was “something of a renaissance” among chefs for more developed hogget flavours. International promotional events were planned for the coming season, he said. “It is a long-term proposition. “We are currently working on building our United Kingdom and Hong Kong markets with season launches planned for both. “After that, we will be looking at Singapore and Shanghai.”

Wednesday 18/10/2017 to Thursday 19/10/2017 East Coast Field Days 2017 Two day agri business event, promoting agriculture in the East Otago area. Venue: Palmerston saleyards, State Highway 85, Palmerston, Otago Contact: President, Paul Mutch, 021 800 833 or Secretary, Maria Barta, 021 211 1111 Email: info@eastotagofielddays.co.nz Website: www.eastotagofielddays.co.nz Wednesdays 18/10/2017 & 15/11/2017 AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run over four months Venue: Moutere Hills Community Centre, Upper Moutere Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz Website: To register for the programme follow this link http:// www.awdt.org.nz/programmes/understanding-your-farmingbusiness/ Thursday 19/10/2017 Beef + Lamb NZ Forage Profit Partnership field day Venue: Simon and Caroline Dick, Awadale farm, Upton Downs Rd, Seddon Time: 10am-4pm. BYO lunch 4WD access only. BBQ to finish the day.

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EXPANDING: Just a year after taking over the management of Silere, Alliance is looking for more farmers to contribute.

Wednesday 18/10/2017 to Thursday 19/10/2017 NZGSTA Annual Conference Venue: Rydges Hotel, Featherston Street, Wellington Contact: tricia.radford@seedindustrynz.co.nz Website: www.nzgsta.co.nz

News

22 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

UNCERTAIN: Despite a drop the level of farmer confidence in its latest survey is still very strong, Rabobank New Zealand country banking manager Hayley Moynihan says.

Confidence down among farmers NEW Zealand farmers’ confidence fell in the third quarter amid rising concerns about Government policies and falling commodity prices. Rabobank said its survey done during the election campaign showed net farmer confidence fell to 38% from a record high 54% in

the second quarter. Some 46% of farmers who expected the agricultural economy to worsen cited Government policies, the highest level recorded since the information was first collected in July 2011, while 42% cited falling commodity prices.

North Otago water scheme gets bigger Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com WATER has started flowing to an extra 5000ha of North Otago farmland with the commissioning of the second new stage of the Downlands Irrigation Scheme. The commissioning would continue in the coming few weeks, delivering water to 85 farmers in the Kakanui Valley and areas south of the Kakanui River south of Oamaru, 10 years after the initial scheme was opened. North Otago Irrigation Company chairman Leigh Hamilton said an extra 110km of pipe had been installed in this phase, extending the total commissioned area to potentially 50,000ha. Unlike the first stage when there were large scale dairy conversions, Hamilton said shareholding farmers had used the water in small proportions, mainly sheep, beef and arable

farmers either boosting existing schemes or watering small areas of their farms before expanding later. “There have not been wholesale dairy conversions as in the past.” The scheme sourced water from the Waitaki River, pumping it from the southern bank into holding ponds in the surrounding hills where it was then gravity fed into the valley. The first stage involved installing 85km of pipes and Hamilton said having the scheme over-built provided capacity for expansion within the catchment and allowed farmers to buy more shares. It also allowed farmers to extend their access to water during the season provided it was economically and environmentally sustainable. Hamilton said the final commissioning should be completed in the next few weeks.

The impact of farming on the environment featured in the election campaign after a string of reports this year singled out dairy intensification as one of the key factors alongside urbanisation putting pressure on the quality of fresh water in lakes, rivers and streams. “Policies relating to the farming sector have featured prominently during the recently completed election campaign and the prospect of increased Government intervention within the farmgate appears to be a contributor to the dip in farmer confidence,” Rabobank NZ country banking general manager Hayley Moynihan said. “Farmers will have a much clearer idea of what, if any, changes they are likely to face once coalition negotiations are completed and the make-up of the next NZ government is confirmed.” Still, while farmer concerns about Government policies and lower commodity prices might have contributed to lower confidence levels the survey results indicated farmers were largely optimistic about the agricultural economy in the year ahead. “This is still a very strong overall result and, excluding the record high result last quarter, we have to go back to December 2013 to find a higher net confidence reading,” she said. Farmers’ expectations for the performance of their own business over the next 12 months also slipped but remained strong, with confidence declining to 44% from 47% in the second quarter, which was the highest

reading since late 2013. “With commodity prices for the majority of sectors continuing to improve throughout 2017, most NZ farmers are consistently receiving prices for their products that exceed their costs of production,” Moynihan said. “As a result, most farming businesses now find themselves in a relatively strong position.” Sheep and beef farmers recorded the biggest drop in confidence about the prospects for the agricultural economy and their own farm business performance. Their confidence in the agricultural economy dropped to a 22% from 53% last quarter while confidence in their own business weakened to 28% from 41%. “This is likely to be a reflection of record high beef prices now easing and while lamb prices have strengthened, these may not be sustained for the full season,” Moynihan said. Dairy farmer confidence in the agricultural economy dropped to a 50% from 58% and they remained positive about the

outlook for their own businesses with confidence edging lower to 57% from 61%. Bucking the trend, horticulturalists were more optimistic about their own businesses in the latest quarter, with confidence climbing to 51% from 38%. In line with the easing in headline rural confidence, farmers’ investment intentions over the next 12 months also came back this survey, after reaching record levels last quarter, with the net investment measure slipping to 22% from 35%. The survey found 29% of farmers expected to increase their investment spending while 7% anticipated their investment would decrease. The majority of farmers, some 63%, expect their level of investment in stock, plant and land to remain the same over the next 12 months. Investment intentions dropped across all sectors, with dairy farmers registering the largest fall, dropping to 22% from 39%. – BusinessDesk

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24 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Newsmaker

Kiwi farmers should rely on GE-free production The risk of food technology innovations causing disruption to an existing farming business system is real but difficult to quantify, Young Farmers future leader scholar Daniel Risi says. Annette Scott caught up with him to learn more.

NFARM investment decisions need to factor in the possibility traditional farming might not have the long-term horizons previously assumed by farmers and business professionals alike. That was not necessarily a bad thing, ANZ Young Farmers Future Leader Scholarship recipient Daniel Risi said. “And to succeed in this changing environment, greater strategic and analytical focus will be forced upon both farmers and the food processors alike, much like the late 80s agriculture reforms,” he said. But as New Zealand agriculture emerged from the changes it would be in a stronger and more resilient place than it was today. A former Hi Tech Enviro Solutions consultant, Risi was awarded the scholarship to study disruption on the dairy farm and quantify the agricultural industry’s resilience to disruption. While he believed food technology innovations were unlikely to create significant disruption to Kiwi farmers in the medium term, he recommended protecting against them in the longer term. Risi’s studies took him to America where he investigated the expanding food tech sector because of his concern for his family’s future in dairy farming. “I always believed agriculture was here to stay.

There are still a lot of mouths to feed in the world and plenty more value still to capture in New Zealand’s food supply chain for farmers.

“The way we farm may change slightly but the fundamentals would remain the same – growing meat, wool and milk using animals on pasture.” But after reading the book, The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley, Risi began to question if NZ agriculture could be disrupted to a point where tomorrow’s farming production methods were completely different to those of today.

If so, what would the impact be? “The digital camera turned Kodak from one of America’s finest blue-chip companies to a shell of its former self. “Could the same happen to a company like Fonterra?” NZ’s farming systems were some of the most cost competitive in the world against both traditional and new competitors. But Risi said the likelihood of that continuing in the long term remained increasingly uncertain and should be factored into business decisions across NZ’s entire dairy and meat value chains. Every farming business will have a different risk profile. Someone who is just beginning their farming career would on average be able to accept greater risk than people nearing to the close of their farming career. Quantifying business goals were critical in determining the level of risk an individual was willing to take to achieve those goals. Having determined the farm’s goals, quantifying the risk in the existing farm system should be determined to ensure it matched the goals’ risk profile, Risi said. His study assumed most farmers had the bulk of their wealth in their farming operation. That created significant impacts to their personal wealth if their agribusinesses were disrupted, more than if the same was to occur to someone with a diversified portfolio of investments. Farmers had several options to build financial resilience into their farming operations if they were carrying too much risk. Selling a section of the farming business to an equity partner was just one option that would unlock equity to invest in an off-farm investment to offset the risk of disruption and be used as an income source should the farming business become uneconomic. Selling the farm to buy a smaller farm would effectively lower the debt-to-equity ratio. “Both these options would suit farming businesses that have strong balance sheets already that still want the farming lifestyle but perhaps with less risk and the associated reduction in farm income. “These are most likely established farmers who are coming to the end of their farming careers,” Risi said.

THEY WANT MORE: Loyalty will no longer be enough the hold customers of trusted brands. They will want proof of better environmental and animal welfare performance, ANZ scholar Daniel Risi says. Photo: David Alexander

Farmers who did not have the luxury of having a strong balance sheet would need to be more creative in mitigating the risks of disruption. Selling the farm would de-risk the farmer’s financial assets to agricultural disruption but miss the potential upside of agriculture in the future. “There are still a lot of mouths to feed in the world, plenty more value still to capture in NZ’s food supply chain for farmers and the risk of complete disruption is still dependent on the success of a lot of commercially unproven technologies,” Risi said. After completing his study Risi believed any expense reduction, either through increased knowledge or agtech innovations, would have minimal impact on profitability because NZ farming systems were already among the lowest cost producers of milk and meat in the world with less room to decrease than overseas competitors.

Agtech innovations appeared to be better suited to specialised, large-scale, overseas operators. “As a result, NZ farmer investment in agtech should be because it offers a better return on investment than other options.” For instance, the strategies required to add value to milk at a supplier level often took a lot of time to implement and farmers who started the transition now would be able to capture value sooner once those products were valued by consumers. He cited beginning the process of breeding cows with desirable traits such as A2 milk as an example. At the processing level NZ milk and meat companies were in a unique position where protecting their suppliers was in their best interest because they were often the shareholders of the company. Protecting against disruption involved securing a greater percentage of the high-value,

consumer-conscious market than was now captured. The products sold to those consumers from NZ companies must have strong points of difference such as being GE-free. Even though the innovations might benefit production in NZ operations, they offered greater benefits to food tech disruptors. “Greater value will be obtained by selling to consumers that wish to avoid genetic modification of any sort,” Risi said. Co-operatives would also need to reduce the point of difference food tech companies offered over existing competitors such as environmental footprint and perceived animal ethics benefits. “These will need to be proven to the consumer with transparent supply chains rather than solely on trusted brands.” Reliance on existing high-trust brands was no longer enough as consumers became less loyal to established food brands and marketing alone, Risi said.

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Nitrogen mop pleases farmers With water quality unlikely to fade as a pivotal issue after the election the dairy industry still needs to find more tools for nutrient management. Scientist and businessman Dr Bert Quin gave Richard Rennie an insight to a tool he believes will play a key role helping farmers manage nitrogen losses and boosting productivity while staying profitable.

HE sixth iteration of Spikey, a tractordrawn urine detector and nitrification inhibitor, is in use on five commercial dairy farms near Rotorua. The machine, created by Dr Bert Quin and business partner Geoff Bates, was branded under their company Pastoral Robotics and was the culmination of Quin’s long-term belief the best way to deal with nitrogen in the soil was at its source – cow urination. With deposits amounting to almost 1000kg of nitrogen a hectare, it was the concentrated dose rather than any particular level of nitrogen fertiliser that was loading up waterways and proving a headache for the dairy sector. While he continued to work on cow-mounted inhibitor systems that delivered a shot of inhibitor after urination, it was the tractordrawn machine that was more likely to be picked up quickly by farmers because of its dual purpose ability and ease of use. The machine consisted of spiked wheels hooked to sensors to detect soil conductivity and find urine patches. The sensors then signalled for a spray system to dispense a nitrification inhibitor, effectively shutting down the nitrogen loss from the patch as nitrates through the soil and nitrous oxide to the atmosphere. Meantime, an onboard fertiliser hopper meant the machine could do two tasks at once, also spreading prilled urea if required during the pass. “The most challenging aspect of the project has been to determine the different level of conductivity in soils and develop algorithms that adjust for that and recognise the change in conductivity that urine brings to each soil type,” Quin said. Given cows urinated on only 4% of a paddock’s area, it was going to be more cost-effective to develop a system that would dispense only to the area required, rather than wholesale coverage with an inhibitor on 96% of a paddock that did not need it. Quin’s original plan had been to use DCD inhibitor but that was pulled up short when the product was banned on grounds of residues being detected in milk. Instead, the company’s Orun blend of urease and nitrification inhibitor incorporated a safer

BACKERS: Farmer Lachlan McKenzie, left, with Dr Bert Quin, centre, and Geoff Bates of Pastoral Robotics and Spikey, the machine that deals with nitrogen patches.

alternative along with gibberellic acid to improve plant uptake of the nitrate spread over a wider area by the compounds. His Massey Universityevaluated trials using the machine indicated reductions in nitrate losses below the root zone of 40% and reduction in greenhouse gas losses of nitrous oxide by 30% from the urine patches. Former Federated Farmers dairy president Lachlan McKenzie was one five farmers who got together, putting down $30,000 each to use the machine on their Rotorua properties. His experiences bore out the Massey trial results. While the farmers were still to formalise their success with the machine by sourcing funding for comparison trials, their early results left them all committed to its use and adamant about its effectiveness. McKenzie said he was recording a 50% reduction in his nitrate leaching and a 10% increase in drymatter uptake thanks to more efficient conversion of urea nitrogen to pasture rather than being lost through the soil profile.

“Frankly, my decision to use the machine was economic first then environmental. “Every kilogram of nitrogen that I am not flushing out down the Kaituna River is a kilogram we are now using to grow more grass.

If I can grow another 10% of feed with half the nitrogen use, suddenly this machine is free. Lachlan McKenzie Farmer “If I can grow another 10% of feed with half the nitrogen use, suddenly this machine is free.” His steep Kaharoa farm was heavily gullied with multiple runoff areas but he could cover much of it with the trailed implement. For two of the farmers the machine represented a means to continue farming profitably in the Rotorua Lakes catchment.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council plan for nitrogen reduction required farms in the Rotorua Lakes area to cut nitrogen losses by half, 270 tonnes a year in total. The farmers claimed without it they would have to exit dairying and possibly livestock altogether, with most being required to drop their nitrogen losses by 35%. However, both Quin and McKenzie expressed their frustration at difficulties in engaging with the council over what the machine meant for the area’s sensitive nitrogen issue. “Across the five farms we would like to conduct some formal sampling trials to highlight how effective it is. “However, the council has shown no interest in helping fund this, despite there being a $40 million fund there for land use change incentives,” Quin said. He estimated the group would need about $50,000 for the trials and had applied for money through the council’s Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund. Quin said the machine could also be used on intensively grazed

winter crops where nitrogen losses were particularly high and coverage would be closer to 100% to match the densely grazed nature of those crops. The machine had to be used within 48 hours of cows grazing a paddock and ideally all year round to keep nitrogen losses consistently low. “But it does come down to what you want to achieve. In midCanterbury if your water use was efficient over summer you may get away with only having to use it from later summer, early autumn. But the maximum economic payback comes by using it all year around.” The challenge for the developers was now to have Spikey’s nitrogen-reducing ability incorporated into Overseer but that also required some significant funding. McKenzie said the reductions possible with the machine were game-changing. “I have not found one farmer who can reduce their nitrogen losses by the amount the council is requiring who can say they will be able to remain profitable.

Opinion

26 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

EDITORIAL Election result takes pressure off farmers

Stephen Bell

LETTERS

More letters P29

The Chinese are taking over ALAN Emerson (Sale to Chinese not good for New Zealand) wrote a very good column (August 28) when he denounced Landcorp’s sale of Jericho Station to Chinese interests and Landcorp’s rejection of a NZ offer just $200,000 short of the foreign buyer’s bid. The sale typifies the quiet takeover by economic means and acquisitions of the powerful communist-run China giant. If readers of Farmers Weekly want a real exposure as to what has been going on over the last decade then read a recent book In the Jaws of the Dragon by Ron Asher, published by Tross Publishing, Wellington. The book relates to Chinese acquisitions in Australia and NZ. Chapter seven, Losing our Farmland, will be of particular interest to farmers.

It details the controversial Crafar Farms saga and the toothless watchdog the Overseas Investment Office that rubber-stamps almost every foreigner wanting to buy up in NZ. The Chinese government has a strategic policy of sourcing milk and other farm produce in both NZ and Australia, not by leasing land in those two countries but by buying outright. It is hypocritical because surely it contravenes the free trade deal between China and NZ as a New Zealander would be prevented from buying land in China. In addition, Chinese land acquisitions are just one part of the further strategy of purchasing processing and port facilities as has happened in Australia with beef. Chinese foreign ownership aims to

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wealthy set because of high fees. Accordingly, the pioneers enshrined in law that selling fishing or shooting rights was illegal. In other words, trout, salmon, pheasant, ducks and deer resources are publicly owned. All New Zealanders should be concerned. Well done Alan Emerson. Andi Cockroft Co-chairman Council of Outdoor Recreation Assns

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Letterof theWeek

EDITOR Bryan Gibson bryan.gibson@nzx.com

embrace the whole vertical integration from farm to Chinese plates. There is another angle to this for the average New Zealander and it is that foreign purchasers invariably come from a culture quite different from NZ’s egalitarian society. Under traditional Kiwi family farm ownership permission for outdoor recreation was usually forthcoming whereas with foreigners coming from the landed gentry culture, locked gates and denials of access are the norm. NZ’s egalitarian society was deliberately set up by the European settlers to escape the feudal system of the United Kingdom where salmon and trout fishing, deerstalking and game bird shooting access are the preserve of the upper class,

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AKE me to your leader. Those are the words we are all waiting to hear New Zealand First leader Winston Peters say to either the National or Labour party. Whichever way he goes rural people will be expecting him to live up to all the statements he and his colleagues made before the election about their role representing small towns and the primary sector. He must insist on vetting all policies and law changes for the next three years to make sure they are in the best interests of provincial people. Nothing less is acceptable if he wants to be remembered as a man of honour. Whichever way he goes he can be expected to exert a moderating influence on anything that is too far to the left or right. National has already signalled it accepts that by saying ACT Party leader David Seymour won’t have a role if it stays in government. Labour is still a largely unknown quantity, especially with its vague tax policies, but if Peters partners it then he must insist on it not using the rural community as a whipping boy. But whatever happens, farmers must look at the next three years as a hiatus, a breathing space to take stock and get their house in order because many including farming and trade experts as well as economists tell us the world not only expects improved environmental and animal welfare performance, it wants proof. And proof abounds. Farmers are already doing much and it goes well beyond fencing and riparian planting on waterways. People on the land and those who back them up as rural professionals as well as those in research institutes, universities, industry good bodies and primary sector companies are doing massive amounts of work helping farmers with the radical changes, known by the trendy as disruptors, that are already occurring. There is absolutely no doubt farmers, as they always have, are adapting to change and adopting the practices and technologies to do so. And farmers are canny folk so they are improving productivity and profitability as they make the world a better place. They know resistance is futile.

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Urea cascade cause of problems Phyllis Tichinin phyllis@truehealth.co.nz

ASSERT mastitis is basically undernourishment. Mastitis signals a cow needs more minerals, non-detergent fibre and complete protein than she’s getting. It is associated with high somatic cell count and with high urea levels in the milk. Excellent nutrition from diverse pasture providing generous levels of all minerals throughout the season and especially in the drycow period is the way to avoid mastitis. Our repeated applications of urea to pastures result in high nitrate, low soluble solids watery grass that does not adequately nourish our cows. In 2013 Massey University researchers completed a study on milk urea (MU). Open Country Dairy provided more than 1000 Waikato milk samples to assess how MU levels affected milk characteristics. They found MU levels rather higher than considered normal internationally. They further tested pasture crude protein and soluble solids levels on 10 farms to link pasture characteristics with milk characteristics. High crude protein (high nitrate) and low soluble solids (low minerals) in forage were creating high MU levels in milk. High MU levels reduced all of the milk component quality indicators of protein, fat and lactose. Excessive urea fertiliser applications elevate the crude protein and nitrate levels in grass, making for high MU and poor quality milk. Since there is a direct numerical link between MU and nitrate in the urine, we could be using the simple, daily farm MU figures already provided by milk companies as an early warning signal for nitrate leachate out the bottom of our farms. All farmers want to be farming for a better environment as well as profit. Farmers do care. So how have we ended up with the slug of serious problems in dairying that we didn’t have 40 years ago? Problems like poor conception rates, calf scours, high MU, nitrate leachate and low profit margins. It all comes back to too much synthetic nitrogen.

The

Pulpit HEALTHY DIRT: Phyllis Tichinin, who has a University of California background in environmental management and soil science and is a biological soils consultant and econutritionist helping farmers convert to biological and organic dairying, says the secret to clean water is in the pasture.

With our focus on repeated applications of solid urea we’re creating funny protein and low mineral content grass that burns our cows out in 2.5 lactations. Overuse of water soluble fertilisers, like urea, also pollutes our rivers, propels us in the direction of expensive barns, alienates consumers and reduces the very healing qualities of milk fat that the world desperately needs and increasingly values. The price of anhydrous butter fat has doubled in the last year and Fonterra is now indicating a shortage of butter fat worldwide. We need more quality butter fat through better quality pastures. We can grow really diverse pastures producing larger volumes of high soluble solids, complete protein, higher fat forage that more fully nourishes our cows. We can do it by driving our fertiliser programmes with the calcium in lime, trace elements, humic acid granules and judicious use of foliar urea – all at lower cost than our present reliance on 350kg/ ha/ year of urea and at less cost to our environment and our health. And it can be done at Olsen P phosphorous levels below 20. There is no need to continue large applications of cadmium and fluoride-tainted superphosphate to maintain elevated Olsen P numbers. Farming is a complex biological system governed by soil microbes that need to be fed the full range of macro and micro nutrients in their most biology-friendly forms. The fewer soil microbes, the less photosynthesis, the less agricultural production. Beneficial soil microbes can’t

work for us when we scorch them with urea and superphosphate. Soluble fertilisers and ag chemicals come from petroleum which will only get more expensive as it gets more scarce. Isn’t it time to seriously look at shifting away from a reliance on them? Using urea as the basis for pasture growth creates high levels of nitrate nitrogen in the forage. When we apply urea directly to paddocks, most of the nitrogen either off-gases into the air or becomes nitrate leachate through the soil. The nitrate leachate takes calcium, magnesium, copper and other key minerals with it. Thus, we put high nitrate, low-carbon energy and low-mineral grass into our cows and the rumen microbes can’t cope with the excessive nitrogen. And this is where the urea illhealth cascade kicks in. Excessive nitrate in the forage promotes the growth of methanogen bacteria in the rumen. This class of bacteria can digest high nitrogen feed better than the optimal rumen microbes. These methanogen microbes are the ones that create methane, which the cows then belch out and get tarred with the nasty greenhouse gas producing shame label. Ruminants don’t inherently pollute, it really depends on what

they eat and the integrity of the farm’s soil ecosystem. Excess nitrate in the rumen becomes toxic ammonia and seeps into the blood through the rumen wall. It reduces oxygen in the blood. The result is basically sick, underperforming cows that are overtaxing their livers and pulling lactose sugar out of their systems in an attempt to convert the excess nitrate/nitrite/ammonia back to urea and get it out of their bodies by every possible means. We’re feeding our animals unnaturally high levels of nitrate. We observe their frantic efforts to get rid of the resulting ammonia and assume it’s normal. It’s not; it’s just average and a poor, expensive average at that. Since we mistakenly assume that high crude protein/nitrate levels in pasture are good, we don’t generally take the timely measures to compensate: things like long stemmed hay for more carbohydrate/drymatter and a good rumen mat, bentonite clay and humate powder for detox and molasses for extra energy. Eventually the cow’s liver can’t cope with the demand to convert ammonia to urea. The ammonia ends up circulating in the blood where it accumulates in the extremities, contributing to lameness. Converting ammonia to less

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harmful urea in the liver requires lots of energy from the cow, prompting the negative energy balance and rapid loss of body condition we see post-calving just when the demands of high milk production coincide with high nitrate, lush, urea-fuelled spring grass. A cow in a negative energy balance, losing condition, is not going to figure it’s a good idea to ovulate and sustain a pregnancy as that could threaten her existence. So we have non-cycling cows, use of CIDRs to force ovulation and an embarrassingly low first mating conception rate of about 50% with an overall fertilisation rate of 67%. Even if the cow conceives, the circulating ammonia is toxic to the foetus. So now we have a pregnant cow producing, but losing condition, on a mineral-deprived diet leading to an impaired immune system. We buy supplement minerals to put in the water or in the ration to compensate for what is not coming through in the pasture. Where are these soil minerals that the cow’s system needs? Well, enough of them weren’t in the soil in the first place or they were made less available by the low soil pH created by urea and superphosphate applications or they’re locked up by glyphosate. Or they’ve ended up in the rivers having been pulled out of the soil profile by the nitrate leaching from urea applications and from high nitrogen cow urine. The ammonia nitrogen in the cow’s blood creates a variety of health havoc then spills into the environment where it damages the ecosystem and water quality. The cow also excretes excess nitrogen into the milk, reducing milk quality, cheese quality and profit. Highly diverse pastures, biology friendly fertilisers and tall grass grazing can be powerful positive forces of soil regeneration. We don’t need fewer dairy cows to solve our water quality problem. We need fresher thinking and an acknowledgement that farming is not a chemical system, it is a complex biological system.

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

28 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Bumbling farmers must get smart Alternative View

Alan Emerson

THE election’s over but we won’t know the final make-up of the government for a while though National and NZ First seems likely. A Labour, Greens and NZ First coalition is also possible, which could upset the Morrinsville moaners. I wouldn’t like to be Bill English negotiating portfolios. It was an interesting campaign led by two able politicians in Bill English and Jacinda Ardern. For the record, I’d never believe a statement from Steven Joyce ever again. He obviously believed the Goebel’s approach to propaganda about telling a lie often enough. It didn’t rate with me. What the rural sector now needs to do is consider its actions over the campaign and hopefully learn from them. The lesson of the election for me was the political naivety and incompetence of our sector. We’re small, we have to be smart. Sadly we weren’t. Putting it in perspective there are just 42,000 farms in New Zealand. That is less numerically than the number of voters in just the Wairarapa electorate. If you average three people per farm that comes to 126,000 people over a total population of almost five million.

That is 3% of the population. We don’t have the numbers to bully, which makes the preelection Morrinsville “protest” even more ridiculous, especially as the proposed tax on irrigation is highly unlikely to affect anyone in Morrinsville. I received a media release about the “protest” from Federated Farmers that I had extreme difficulty taking even remotely seriously. For a start, Feds national board member Chris Lewis told me the gathering was a deliberate attempt to tell the positive stories of farmers. He then suggested the whole tone of the protest was positive.

The lesson of the election for me was the political naivety and incompetence of our sector.

I googled the media coverage and the recurring themes were “farmer protest”, the “continual attacks on rural NZ” and “the protest was an angry one” combined with the fact that it was in “the Labour leader’s hometown”. The protest was a National Party event in everything but name. There was a complete lack of anything positive as far as farming was concerned but I was left in no doubt that it was party political. Signs like “Fart red for Labour”, “Thieving tax-hungry socialist wanna-be government” and the

most offensive, “she’s a pretty communist”. How you could get anything positive for farming out of that is beyond me. Watching coverage on television reinforced the trends of protest, party political and angry. The fact that Fonterra subsidiary Farm Source encouraged people to attend the event showed a further degree of stupidity, arrogance and political naivety. Not content with inciting a shambles in Morrinsville, Federated Farmers along with Irrigation NZ went on to organise another in Ashburton. Though they did invite all the leaders, Labour and National declined because they’d been in the town recently and had spoken to farmers. That left NZ First promising to make a major announcement on water. Again naivety rises to the surface. Ashburton is firmly in the blue belt of NZ politics. Any vote that NZ First gains is going to come from National. Why would you? DairyNZ didn’t get any credit either with its chief executive’s outlandish claim about the cost of water to farmers. Another rule of effective lobbying – get your facts right. I’ve written recently how farmers need to get their positive message out, even suggesting a way it could be done. The ham-fisted, amateurish and ignorant “protests” over the election campaign will exacerbate the urban-rural divide and it will have been farmers who achieved that and not politicians.

UPBEAT: Federated Farmers board member Chris Lewis regarded the Morrinsville “protest” as positive.

Labour said they would tax irrigation users and the resultant weeping and wailing was excessive. If Federated Farmers wanted to achieve anything they could have said they strongly opposed the tax and would be working with the government to put their views. They could have suggested a nationwide commission on water. After the pre-election protests Labour could be forgiven for ignoring farmers as being vitriolic and passionately opposed to them as a matter of principle. Interestingly, as the media have told us, National is investigating charging for water. No one in the rural hinterland has said a dickey bird about that. That wasn’t smart either. A poll after the event showed how totally puerile and misguided the “protests” were. A massive 77% of respondents

believed agriculture and horticulture should pay for water and that included people surveyed in rural areas. A similar number believed our rivers were polluted. What that tells me is that farmers and certainly Federated Farmers totally failed to get their message across with both groups and also exacerbated the urbanrural divide. If almost eight out of 10 Kiwis support charging for water then petulant and politically-inspired “protests” won’t achieve anything. In fact they’re counter-productive. We need to be a lot smarter going forward than we demonstrated over the election campaign.

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

Arise Sir Winston, the diplomat From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

I TURNED down a dinner invitation on election night when the would-be host told me they weren’t going to be watching the election unfold because they had far better things to attend too. So, Jane and I sat down after dinner with a bottle of wine to watch matters unfold. Being a political tragic it was great viewing – democracy blood sports but a little short because within a couple of hours the die were cast. In the last two weeks Bill English put on a performance no one expected and gains much credit for National’s share of the vote. The polls had been volatile but the ones that came out in the final week showing a surge back to National from Labour weren’t very

SURPRISE: Bill English did a better job of schmoozing the voters than expected.

far away from the outcome. People have been putting the boot into polls and pollsters given how wrong they have been elsewhere in the world but the companies here must have the right recipe. With the preliminary count sitting at 58 seats for National and

52 for the Labour/Green block, one might think Winston Peters’ NZ First would have to have a good reason for not forming a centre right coalition. However, when the special votes are counted it’s likely to be more like 56 to 54 giving him every reason to consider both. And extract a pretty price. I expect the party prepared to prostitute itself the most will share the treasury benches with Winston. My guess is that it will be National. When swallowing a dead rat it’s best to do it quickly and hold your nose. Peters is not happy, however, over a cabinet minister using the levers of power and possibly leaking his super overpayment details but will overlook that it was English who seconded the motion to have him expelled from caucus back in 1992. He will want to be deputy PM, which he’s done before, and possibly attorney general, which is a high-status role without the physical demands of foreign affairs. Expect to see a Sir Winston in 2020 and the choice of

Washington or London for an ambassadorship if he is still hale and hearty. But he will also want to leave behind a legacy. Trouble is that of the 7.5% who voted for NZ First probably 4.5% of them are voting for Winston. The likes of Ron Mark, Shane Jones and company charming the old ladies in the rest homes like Winston can is just not going to happen. So, his remaining party will need an electorate to survive. Even Winston couldn’t hold Northland, being the third seat he has lost during his long career. If National didn’t stand a candidate in Whangarei, with Reti having a 10,000 majority over Winston’s heir apparent Shane Jones, there would be no certainty that he could win it. If NZ First was to follow United Future and the Maori Party into oblivion in 2020, our Parliament would start looking very much like a first-past-the-post one again. I do hope that NZ First’s wish to hold a referendum on whether to get rid of the Maori seats will quietly disappear. It will cause

more trouble than it’s worth. If you got rid of them today, the proportionality of Parliament wouldn’t change a jot and Maori, by enrolling on that roll in large numbers, show they value the option. Should Winston pick Bill over Jacinda that could well be a good election for her to lose, similar to Clark’s loss in 1996. That Bolger/ Shipley coalition with Peters saw National enter a decent period in opposition, as has Labour following the coalition with Peters in 2005-08. Ardern will have a strong supportive caucus grateful for the rise in their fortunes and Labour, for a change, will provide a decent Opposition, as will National if my pick is wrong and NZ First forms a centre left government. Whichever happens, the world will continue to spin and we will get another crack at democracy in three years.

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

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Golfer’s pride leads to his fall From the Lip

Jamie Mackay

FRIDAY, September 22 was going to be a good day. I was up with the birds and went to work early (by my standards, not a farmer’s) at 6.45am with a spring in my step on a beautiful spring morning. My first job was to turn up at Emerson’s Brewery in Dunedin for the video filming of the ceremonial pouring of the hops into the stainless steel vat for our 2017 beer. It’s a joint venture between The Country and the brewing team at Emerson’s. Last year’s 1200-litre batch was a runaway success. This year we’ve upped the ante to 5000 litres and we’re going to market our thirst-quenching Pilsner to farmers in riggers. More about that later. So after the quick video session it was back to work to get some interviews in the can for my midday radio show because I had a busy afternoon in store. Leading sheep breeder Derek

Daniell did a great piece, from South America, on farming and the environment in New Zealand. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle chimed in with a pre-election plea for urban NZ to consider Kiwi cow cockies as friends not enemies. And political guru Barry Soper, after much agonising, picked Bill English to just pip Jacinda Ardern the following day, Election Day. Then, as soon as I was off air at 1pm, it was straight into the car for the real highlight of the day, the Otago Rugby sponsors golf tournament. What happened later that afternoon could only be described as a freak accident. I would like to say I did it wrestling a steer in the cattle yards or, better still, playing a Rugby World Cup final on one leg like Richie. Truth be known, I tripped wandering off a tee block admiring a good drive rather than watching where I was walking, much to the mirth of my so-called team mates. I’ve stumbled, metaphorically, many times on a golf course but never this painfully. The net result was a foot fracture known as lisfranc, an injury common in the good old days to horsemen who fell and got their foot stuck in the stirrup. Google it and you’ll see it hurts. And it still hurt the following morning.

LET ME OUT: Spending 10 hours in Dunedin Hospital gave Jamie Mackay an insight into an underfunded health system made worse by bureaucrats.

So, after a solid 10-hour Saturday stint in the public health system, I had to ask myself whether I’d actually voted for the right party that morning on my way to the much maligned and politicised Dunedin hospital. Our health system is not busted but it’s definitely bowing at the knees from the strain of being underfunded and under resourced. It was a humbling experience to spend 10 hours in the company of such hard-working health professionals. After many conversations, born of fellow inmate boredom, I found the waiting room to be a place of those not only suffering an accident or emergency. In many cases it was just a home for those unfortunate enough to not be able to afford to

visit a doctor for their everyday ills and chills. The sick are clogging our emergency departments, as ironic as that sounds. Don’t even start me on the incompetent bureaucratic bungling between the Southern District Health Board and the Accident Compensation Corporation. If I ran my business that way I’d be broke. Little wonder the Southern DHB finds itself in that predicament. So, I’m now less than one week into a 10-week stint off my feet on crutches. I’m not a patient patient. I love exercising. I can’t pretend this is going to be easy. I’m having to channel all

LETTERS Watch the banks WHO will rein the banks in? ASB announced a 17% increase in annual profit to $1.07 billion and I have yet to see any critical comment on this obscene figure. I, like many farmers, have had an increase in margin as the bank scrutinised its ratios.

my inner Jacinda to remain “relentlessly positive”. I need something to replace golf, running and biking in my life. It has to be a mental rather than physical pursuit and I think I have just what the doctor’s ordered. After years of butchering our beautiful native language, I reckon I’m going to enrol in a tertiary Te Reo Maori course. And who knows, by the time National’s underfunded health system has me on the mend, it might well be that Labour’s fully funded tertiary system will pick up the tab for my Te Reo.

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

More letters P26 Even though I am on interest-only, with its benefits to both parties, I still think my contribution to the above figure is far too much. I am the first to admit farmers rely on the banks as an essential part of their business but how can we determine if our business

partner is fleecing us? Was the swaps saga just the tip of the iceberg? Why did the banks fail to fully reduce their rates in line with the Reserve Bank OCR reductions? Their justification of expensive overseas borrowing does not stack

Breeding commercially relevant sheep

up with the size of the ASB profit. Has competition been replaced by collusion? I would like to see our advocacy organisation, Federated Farmers, take more of a watchdog role than the lapdog role it took on swaps. The contracts and dealings

John Reeves 07 825 4763

farmers have with their banks are many and varied but should all be fair. Discussions are needed on the farmers’ behalf to be certain this is the case. Johno O’Connor Westport

Alastair Reeves 07 825 4925

If you want 140% lambing, would you buy rams from someone doing 110% ? Why buy inferior eczema genetics, when you can get them from Waimai Romney, who have been eczema testing for over 30 years? • Fertility - constantly weaning over 145% • Mating all ewe hoggets last 10 years • Meat & Growth - EMA scanning all sale ram hoggets • Minimal drenching to challenge tolerance, no ewes drenched • Genetically linked with Waiteika & Kikitangeo Romney Enquiries always welcome. Sale by private treaty and at Mid Northern Romney Sale, 2nd November, Claudelands, Hamilton.

waimairomney@gmail.com | waimairomney.co.nz

World

30 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017

Fonterra puts proposal to MG FONTERRA has confirmed it has made an offer to Australia’s largest dairy processor, Murray Goulburn. Other firms with New Zealand connections that were reportedly bidding for MG were A2 Milk and Goodman Fielder. “The answer is yes, we have put forward a proposal,” Fonterra Australia managing director Rene Dedoncker was reported as saying in weeklytimesnow.com.au. But whether that proposal is for a takeover or some other arrangement is not clear. “It’s non-binding and indicative and at this point we are going to sit tight and give the MG board the respect they deserve to consider all proposals,” the website reported Dedoncker as saying. But AgriHQ Pulse reported him saying Fonterra had put up a proposal that would see the two co-ops working together. He said it was a great solution for farmers and would benefit both companies. The Fonterra move came after investment bank Deutsche called for first round bids for Murray Goulburn by Friday September 15. It was understood boutique advisory firm Rothschild had been hired by Fonterra to guide it, according to Edairynews.com.

Dedoncker would not elaborate on Fonterra’s bid but said a combined Murray Goulburn and Fonterra could work well. A clear picture of who was bidding for Murray Goulburn could appear within weeks. Dedoncker said Murray Goulburn appeared to be moving “pretty quickly”. “I think it is weeks not months but I don’t have a date,” he said. Murray Goulburn had quashed rumours an offer had been made for its traded units valuing them at $1.20 – 30% more than their closing price last Monday. And Denmark dairy cooperative Arla took to social media to dismiss speculation it was considering an offer. Murray Goulburn units had rallied 42% in the past month to 92c last Monday. Edairynews.com said Morgan Stanley had been locked in by Parmalat as its adviser and Moelis was working for Saputo. UBS was with Goodman Fielder, Kidder Williams with Bega, Greenhill was working with Lion and Goldman Sachs was aiding A2 Milk. Meanwhile, Fonterra Australia said it was “comfortable” with its farmgate milk price, having

factored in Australian dollar values, weeklytimesnow.com.au said. It lifted its farmgate milk price to $5.50 a kilogram of milksolids in July. Dedoncker said it was possible the price could rise. Fonterra also confirmed it would boost its processing capacity in Australia by 300m litres, to 2.5b litres. It now processed 2b litres — on par with Murray Goulburn — but had a spare 200m litres of capacity. Dedoncker said the extra capacity would let it take farmers now on a waiting list. The first extra 100 million litres would come from Victoria, with plans to upgrade the Wynyard plant in Tasmania for 18% more capacity for cheddar as well as an expansion at Spreyton, also in Tasmania. Extra milk would come from new farmers as well as organic milk growth. “We are seeing our farmers invest. “Their herd size is starting to creep which is nice,” Dedoncker said. “We are seeing 3% to 4% growth and I’d like to say it would continue but who knows.”

WIN-WIN-WIN: Fonterra’s proposal to Murray Goulburn will benefit farmers and both companies, Fonterra Australia managing director Rene Dedoncker says.

‘Victory’ in deal worries British farmers BRITAIN’S National Farmers Union has raised concerns about a European Union trade deal with Canada hailed by officials as a victory for farmers and growers. Brussels bureaucrats said the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta), which came into force on September 21, would save EU exporters €590m (£520m) a year in reduced tariffs on goods. The EU said it was a victory that would create opportunities for European farmers while protecting the EU’s sensitive sectors. Central to Brussels’ positivity was the removal of duties on 98% of products the EU traded with Canada. “The smallest companies will benefit most from the reduction in red tape,” an EU Commission statement said. Small businesses would save time and money by avoiding extra product testing, lengthy customs procedures and costly legal fees, it said. The deal would also give better access to companies from outside Canada to bid on all of the country’s public procurement contracts, from large-scale federal agreements to smaller tie-ups with local organisations.

The beef market is in very delicate balance. Lucia Zitti National Farmers Union The EU had further opened its market for certain competing Canadian products in a limited and calibrated way while securing improved access to the Canadian market for important European export products, Brussels said. The products include cheese, wine, spirits, fruit, vegetables and processed food products. Ceta would also protect 143 EU geographical indications in Canada. But the NFU expressed concerns about Ceta. The union feared Ceta might act as a blueprint for a Brexit deal and pave the way for significant imports of Canadian beef and other produce in the long term. Its EU exit and international trade adviser Lucia Zitti said the deal with Canada was based on tariff rate quotas (TRQs). They were quotas that allowed

BOOST A new free-trade deal allows Canada to export up to 50,000 tonnes of beef a year to the European Union.

the import of a limited quantity of produce at a specially reduced duty rate. Some of the TRQs improved the position of UK producers but others might undermine important markets, she said. “Ceta could prove to be good for the British dairy industry with access to the Canadian market for cheese.” The Canadian market was governed by a supply management scheme that restricted production. “The market for British cheese could, therefore, be substantial,” Zitti said. However, reduced controls for beef were a concern for the UK. “The beef market is in very delicate balance. “Any increase in imports and

further deals under Brexit, if it follows this pattern, could undermine that position.” The TRQ for beef included strict rules on certifying meat was hormone-free. Likewise, an increase in pork imports from Canada would be under an agreement that no growth promoters had been used in its production. But a wheat TRQ that would allow in 100,000 tonnes for seven years and full access after that was less of a concern than it might appear, Zitti said. “It sounds substantial but the agreement will bring in mostly durum wheat that does not compete directly with British stocks.” The agreement would let the EU export to Canada up to 17,700t

of cheese, 16,000t of which was for high quality and 1700t for industrial cheeses. Some 800t of high-quality cheese would be added through a technical adjustment to the EU portion of an existing World Trade Organisation TRQ meaning 18,500t could be exported to Canada. Canada could export 35,000t fresh and 15,000t frozen hormone-free beef to the EU. It could export up to 75,000t of pork to the EU in addition to its existing quota of 5549t. Canada could export 100,000t of wheat for the first seven years of the agreement. The in-quota rate would be zero. After seven years there would be no limit. UK Farmers Weekly

Employment

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 2, 2017

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

50/50 SHAREMILKER North Waikato

OPERATIONS MANAGER Innovative and progressive agribusiness

Having converted the farm to dairy 21 years ago, the current owners are looking for 50/50 Sharemilkers who can work to help them succeed and improve the farm productivity.

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation manages one of the largest farming operations in New Zealand and is regarded as one of the most innovative and progressive agribusinesses owning in excess of 11,500ha, of which 3,854ha is dedicated to dairying, 1,700ha allocated to dairy support and the rest in forestry. The farms are run to a very high standard and include significant areas of centrepivot irrigated land.

Two houses are available on the farm (both 3brm with good heating) within 5 minutes of primary schooling and 20 minutes to the closest secondary school. To apply by email dave@fegan.co.nz or call 07 823 0117 View photos at www.fegan.co.nz

The successful applicant will have the ability to work within corporate organisational structure that requires the following personal attributes:

• A willingness to adhere to the values and procedures of the Incorporation • An attitude of openness, honesty and respectfulness To be effective in this role you will need to have proven experience • An ability to build effective relationships within an organisation in the following: • Proven vision and leadership skills, including strong communication skills • Dairying and farm management • Demonstrated skills in the sharing of knowledge to build and develop staff • Financial and budget implementation The appointee to this role will be required to work to achieve a number of • Staff performance, retention and development annual key performance indicators to ensure that the farming operations • Accurate and detailed business reporting using Microsoft office suite, Excel under their direct responsibility continue to produce high end results for • Compliance with Health and Safety and Environmental Regulations the Organisation. If you believe you have the key qualities and experience for this critical leadership role, please send your Cover Letter and CV to: lindamaree@fegan.co.nz or call 07 823 0105 for more information.

Human Resources • Recruitment

Our client runs a 140 ha property situated 5 minutes drive from Cambridge. With a near new fully automated 50 bail rotary shed with all the bells and whistles - this could be the step up the career ladder you have been waiting for. To be successful in this role you need to have a minimum of two years dairy farm experience, be reliable, honest and have a “can do” attitude. Your current knowledge will include: • High standards in dairy management and milk quality • An understanding of pasture management and feed budgeting • Proven excellence in stock handling and animal health • An understanding of environmental issues and effluent management • Strong communication skills • Accuracy in recording information On offer is an attractive remuneration package that includes a tidy 3 bedroom house with office, separate garage and the opportunity to be supported through appropriate training courses. To apply call us now on 07 823 0117 or email lyn@fegan.co.nz Applications close at 4pm Friday, 22 September 2017.

SHEPHERD

GE NE RA L H A N D / T RA CT OR D RIV E R

Glenaray Station, 70,000ha sheep, beef and deer property carrying 80,000 stock units in Northern Southland has a vacancy for a permanent shepherd.

Ohinewairua Station An opportunity exists for an enthusiastic, hard working, reliable and energetic individual to join our team.

Skills required: • 2 to 3 years experience • 4 trained dogs minimum • horse experience preferred, own saddlery required • current drivers licence

The role will involve operation of tractors, eg feeding out, laying fence lines, carting and spreading gravel, grading tracks, mole ploughing and farm water systems. Other work may include fencing, stock handling, weed control and various other farm related duties.

Good quality single accommodation with cooked evening meals Monday to Friday and winter lunches provided. Sky TV and internet. Competitive remuneration to suit experience. Applications close Friday 13th October 2017. Please apply in writing or email CV to: office@glenaray.co.nz Manager Mike O’Donoghue Glenaray Station, 1623 Piano Flat Road, RD 1, Waikaia, Southland 9778 Ph: 03 202 7720 evenings

LK0089516©

HERD MANAGER 430 cows, Cambridge

www.fegan.co.nz

REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY Please print clearly Name: Phone: Address: Email: Heading: Advert to read:

EXPERIENCED GENERAL HAND Rangiatea Station

We are seeking a General Shepherd for Rangiatea Station, a 1550 hectare property, working with sheep/beef/deer. Situated on State Highway 32 – 50 minutes to Taupo, 20 minutes to Turangi, and 40 minutes to Taumarunui. The successful applicant must: • Be self-motivated with an excellent work ethic • Have 3 or more years’ experience. • Be keen to work in a team situation • Have a current driver’s licence

The position requires stock work, and some repairs and maintenance experience Tidy three bedroom house available School bus at the gate.

AD0089660©

Please e-mail CV and cover letter to: rangiatea.station@xtra.co.nz Applications close October 10th. For more information contact Andrew Bolton-Riley – Farm Manager on 027 247 7320 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

Email your CV with covering letter and referees to ohine@xtra.co.nz or phone Mark Haynes 0 6 3 8 8 1 5 0 3

Farm Manager Hunterville Pukeroa Station is a 350ha sheep and beef breeding and finishing operation based on medium to steep hill country, just 26km northwest of Hunterville. Operating as an integral part of Otiwhiti Station, Pukeroa works in conjunction with the other three blocks within the farming business and is supported by the Otiwhiti Cadets.

Hauhungaroa Partnership Dairy Unit

EMPLOYMENT

There is a 3-bedroom house and the school bus stops at the farm gate.

LK0089663©

A feed pad is situated next to the Westfalia 30ASHB and superb calf rearing sheds. Perpetual water rights give access to good clean water all year round. The owner’s 21 years of experience has seen them adopt an August mating, May calving regime to achieve best results. The ideal Sharemilkers will be in place by 1 April 2018.

Our client is seeking a competent Operations Manager who has significant management experience within the dairying sector. This role will oversee the farming operations across several farms and will report directly to the General Manager.

We seek a self-motivated Farm Manager with sound knowledge in stock management, feed budgeting, animal health and general maintenance. Carrying 1500 Highlander composite ewe hoggets, 9000 finishing lambs and a mixture of cattle, this property embraces modern technology for operational management, including FarmIQ and Farmax. This is a well-organised operation that requires an individual with a professional and mature outlook to take ownership and be able to develop positive relationships and effective communication with the management team and cadets. As the role is supported by 2-3 cadets on a weekly basis, it is expected the appointee has excellent leadership and mentoring skills to train and guide the young farmers in all key facets from stock management to general skills. On offer with this unique management opportunity is a warm and recently refurbished four bedroom home situated away from the other blocks, giving you independence. There is an excellent local community with a range of outdoor activities and there are numerous public and private schooling options for both Primary and High School children. For more information, or to fill out an application, please visit www.ruraldirections.co.nz or phone the Rural Directions team in confidence on 0800 475 465 (Reference #3203). Applications close 5pm Monday 9th October 2017

AD0089635©

They wish to sell their 300 predominantly H/F cows with a herd BW of 77 which, with some inputs, is on target to achieve 120,000kgMS this season. The farm is 285ha with a flat to rolling milking platform of 150ha and all cows are wintered on farm. Further development by the owners will allow growth to 400 cows.

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

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

GOATS WANTED

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

DOGS WANTED

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.

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

18-MONTH HEADING bitch, natural cast, stop, medium eye. $2500. Phone 06 857 8071 or 027 445 7755.

4-YEAR-OLD Huntaway bitch, Grizzly. $1800. 13 month Heading bitch $900. Phone 07 896 8914.

BUYING DOGS NZ wide! No one buys or pays more! 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

FOR DAIRY WEANERS. Long term, great rates. Phone Dave 06 864 4412. FOR UP TO 1000 Hoggets. Southland. Phone 03 280 6570 or 027 335 2281.

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

AD0089621©

Call 0800 FUELCON 0800 383 5266

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

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

SELLING SOMETHING? FOR SALE

Advertise in The NZ Farmers Weekly

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

18-19 October 2017 Palmerston Sale Yards

FOOTWEAR

If the answer is yes – contact me today and we can discuss advertising to let the attendees know you will be there.

MANUFACTURERS

We have three more issues before the field days, 2nd, 9th and 16th October. Or if you’re interested in a digital campaign – I can help you there too.

z it co.n Vis rite. lity a t las qu w. ore cts ww r m odu o f pr

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

Farmers Weekly has a circulation of 78,722 with just over 26,000 in the South Island. That’s a lot of eyeballs!

Let’s get your business top of mind for the East Otago Field days! Contact Debbie 06 323 0765 or 0800 85 25 80 classifieds@nzx.com

a.co.nz

Livestock Raupuha Studs

On farm sale Tues 21st November

Where every day is an open day

Russell Profﬁt Phone 07 877 8977 Email: rnmwprofﬁt@xtra.co.nz

• www.raupuhastud.co.nz Mahoenui

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Raupuha Perendale

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All NZ DP FLK

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To advertise

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Suffolk and Suftex terminal 2ths available.

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AD0089644©

Looking for $1million minimum investment (cash or cows)

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

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MARK THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR: October 10th – Open Day 9-12 October 12th - BLGNZ Ram Buying Workshop – RSVP November 7 – Open Day and Fe Trial Work November 21st - On Farm Sale 12pm

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Required for 500 cow irrigated unit 15kms from Oamaru New conversion

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Perendale 2th rams tested .52 2017 Romdale 2th rams tested .52 2017 You can’t find higher tested Perendale and Romdales!

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Suffolk & SufTex

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 

Perendale & Romdale

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RAUPUHA #1 PERENDALES ARE

  

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 

Equity Partner or Equity Manager

2033 State Hway 3, RD Mahoenui 3978 E: rnmwproffit@xtra.co.nz www.raupuhastud.co.nz

PMS 7512

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How much has eczema you? Russell & Maviscost Proffit Start your genetic progress here. P: 07 8778977 M: 0273552927 Follow Facial Eczema Testedthe leader

Oamaru

Apply in first instance to John Cheesman 0274 946 604

SOLID – PRACTICAL WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

Fuel Storage Solutions

www.fencewright.co.nz

1st July 2018 startup Terms negotiable

NEW HOMES

8am - 8pm

B R O O K L A N D SIMMENTAL, LBW, short gestation, bulls, suitable for beef or dairy, EBV’s available. Phone 06 374 1802.

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

T HI NK P R E B U I L T

• Lease • Buy • Service • Compliance

contact@fencewright.co.nz

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

FARM MAPPING

EARMARKERS

Fuelcon Tank Manufacturing

07 867 3091

GRAZING AVAILABLE

MATURE DOG. Suitable for mixed sheep, beef property. 100 acres. Flat land. Responds to voice commands, (we can’t whistle!) Phone Anthony 027 55 22 039 or Heather 06 323 0463 evenings.

HOOF TRIMMER

18-MONTH HANDY Heading dog. 14-MONTH Handy Heading dog. Huntaway pups. Big noise, top NZ bloodlines. Phone 04 472 2351.

DOCKING NET®

DE HORNER

LK0088895©

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.

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

DOGS FOR SALE

YARD, BULL, SHEEP . and Dairy Dogs. Deliver NZ wide. Thirty day trial. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

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.

Phone: +64 6 357 2454

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

2386FW

DEMOLITION. Country Villas, houses, buildings, commercial, industrial. Any area. NZ. Please phone 027 405 2391.

WANTED

WAIKATO CENTRE. Tux yarding/Handy dog challenge/Trans-Tasman course. 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th November. Aratiatia Station, Taupo. ALSO New Zealand Versus Australia test. 18th & 19th. Entries close 1st November. Enquiries: Phone 07 880 9010.

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz

AD0089650©

ATTENTION FARMERS

FORESTRY

2017 has been a good season for Romneys. Top Ramguard Facial eczema tested, SIL recorded, Purebred Romney Rams will be hard to find. Approx 80 Rams will be available at the 33rd Mid-Northern Romney Ram Fair Thursday 2nd November 2017 at 12 noon. In conjunction with Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Waikato Events Centre. Claudelands Hamilton.

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

TRIPLE SPRINGS Heading pups. Immaculate breeding includes World Champion Welsh dog ‘Roy’, Bernard Arrends ‘Roy’, and Les Knight’s ‘Deal’. 10 weeks old. $600. Phone 07 877 6967.

With automatic release and spray system. www.vetmarker.co.nz 0800 DOCKER (362 537)

ZON BIRDSCARER

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ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS

DOG/PET FOOD. Lamb/ Beef and chicken products. All natural - raw - no preservatives or additives. NOSLOC PRODUCTS. Ex-freezer Te Kuiti. For information and prices www.nosloc.com or phone 07 878 6868. WINDMILLS for water pumping. Ferguson Windmills Company. www.windmills.co.nz sales@windmills.co.nz Phone 09 412 8655 or 027 282 7689.

LAMB DOCKING / TAILING CHUTE

LK0088516©

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

RAMS FOR SALE

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ANIMAL HEALTH

FOR SALE

STOP BIRDS NOW!

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

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

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

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BRIAN BURKE, NZ Champ 1984 and 5 times NZ Champ finalist, available to train your working dog. In three weeks he will transform your heading dog into a productive asset for the farm. Contact Brian 06 343 9561 for further details and pricing (heading dogs only).

VETMARKER

w w w. e l e c t r o t e k . c o . n z

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

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ONE 6-MONTH-old Heading pup. Phone 06 388 0212 or 027 243 8541.

PROPERTY WANTED

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

FERTILISER

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DOGS FOR SALE

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 2, 2017

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ANIMAL HANDLING

Classifieds

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classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

AD0089459©

Livestock

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 2, 2017

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

CANTERBURY A&P SHOW

FOR SALE

50 x 2YR FRSN STEERS 465kgs

STOCK REQUIRED

3RD ANNUAL HIGH INDEXED IN-MILK AUCTION

A/C: TROY STEVENSON DATE: Friday 6 October ADDRESS: 437 Patiki Road, Pihama, Taranaki START TIME: 11:30am (auction under cover) COMPRISING OF: 160 Friesian and Friesian X Herd, all in-milk BW 98, PW 122, R/a 95% TOP CONDITION HERD AND PAYMENT DEFERRED TO 20 JANUARY 2018 HERD DETAILS: • Predominately young cows and herd tested prior 20/09 • Calved from 25 July and in good mating condition • TB CM, Lepto vacc, milked in Rotary shed twice a day • All dairy cows are aged between 2-6 years

A/C: LOMBARDY FARMS DATE: Friday 13th October 2017 ADDRESS: 71 Cheal Road, Stratford D/N 40610 START TIME: 11:30am (auction under cover) COMPRISING OF: 200 in-milk Friesian & Friesian X cows BW 100, PW 118, R/A 99%

HERD DETAILS:

AD0089624©

PAYMENT TERMS: 20 January 2018

EARN DOUBLE FARM

SOURCE REWARD DOLLARS

PAYMENT TERMS: Deferred payment options available.

Download the app today

DNA profiled and A2-A2 tested. Tested clear of TB, EBL & BVD. Lepto & BVD Vaccinated.

Call Mike 0800 999 345

For every purchase at on farm auctions with Farm Source Livestock Sept - Nov 2017* *

T&Cs apply. Fonterra SuppliersSee Only.nzfarmsource.co.nz/rewards T&Cs apply. See nzfarmsource.co.nz/ *

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING 0800 85 25 80

“ATTENTION – Ram Buyers” An Invitation to Open Days In association with NZ Farmers Livestock you are invited to a number of well-known and successful Ram Studs throughout the Waikato and King Country for your interest and perusal.

MOANAROA ANGUS ES1908T.

YEARLING BULL SALE LK0089649©

340 x cows currently doing 2.5kgMS/ cow/day on System 2.

POA/enquiries to Emmet McConnell 027 443 7671

A2 FRIESIAN BULLS

EARN DOUBLE FARM

Outstanding Friesian herd with 40-plus years LIC breeding history.

Delivery date 31/5/18.

ENTRIES CLOSE WEDS 25 OCTOBER 2017 www.theshow.co.nz | bindy@theshow.co.nz

AGENT: Colin Dent 06 754 6838 or 027 646 8908

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY

BW 85/44; PW 100/51. DTC 18/7 to Friesian, tailed with Hereford. Bull out 27/12.

Competition open to all breeds born after 1 July 2017. All lambs judged for best yield, then semi-finalists are Tender Tested at Lincoln University before the final Taste Test at the Canterbury A&P Show on Weds 15 Nov 2017.

LK0089089©

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: • Light Luncheon provided. • Inspection invited. • Vendor will provide full satisfaction guarantee • Full Sale Catalogue available on nzfarmsource.co.nz/livestock, or from your Farm Source Livestock representative

Fonterra Suppliers Only. T&Cs apply. See nzfarmsource.co.nz/

Buy with confidence. C10, EBL free.

$4000 in cash and prizes up for grabs!

SOURCE REWARD DOLLARS

For every purchase at on farm auctions with Farm Source Livestock Sept - Nov 2017* *

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

18 Angus R1 bulls for sale

Thursday 5th October 2017 at 11.30am NZ Farmers Livestock Sales Complex, Rongotea, Manawatu.

MOANAROA ANGUS Dan Ramsden P: 06 374 3889 Hugh Ramsden P: 06 374 3552

Todd Bray P: 027 235 5991 John Watson P: 027 494 1975

Please note this is a self drive event, you are welcome to visit these farms at any time during the open days and times. Stud Farms Open Days as follows: Waikato – Monday 9th October – 9.00am to 3pm ARDG Romney Craig Alexander Murvale Romney Charles Trousdale Waimai Romney Alistair & John Reeves Waiteika Romney Keith & Trish Abbott Nikau Coopworth Kate Broadbent

07 888 1703 07 828 5715 07 825 4925 027 463 9859 09 233 3230

Northern King Country – Tuesday 10th October – 9.00am to 12 noon Awaroa Perendale Phillip Brandon 07 873 6313 Puketotara Romney Ken Haywood 07 877 8586 Raupuha Pere/Romdale Russell Proffitt 07 877 8977 Herangi Cheviot/Pere John Spellman 07 877 8401 Awapiko Perendale Neil Langlands 07 896 8660 Southern King Country – Tuesday 10th October – 12 noon to 4pm Brookbank Romney Chris Brears 07 896 6102 Paparata Romney Seymour Spence 07 893 8844 Shian Romdale/Romney Rob Sherson 027 230 8230 Romani Coopworth Ross Richards 07 895 7144 Fernleaf Romney Mel Forlong 07 895 4847 The Poplars Coopworth Robert Carter 07 896 7020 These dates are definitely not to be missed if you are contemplating looking for new rams. You will get FE Tolerance at most studs PLUS Fertility, wool, survival, type. NZ Farmers Livestock recommend that you put these two dates on your calendar and join us on the Waikato, King Country Ram Walk. Please email: Rebecca.neems@nzfll.co.nz to register your attendance and request a map detailing farm addresses. For further information please contact: Brent Bougen 027 210 4698 NZ Farmers Livestock (Stud Stock) Rebecca Neems 07 889 1671 Or any of the listed Stud Breeders

Download the app today

AD0089598©

AGENT: Brent Espin 027 551 3660

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

• All capital stock, no carryovers • Calved from 20 July, all calved • 80 MA cows and 120 1st calves • Cows unmated but in excellent mating condition • TB C10 EBL free, lepto annually

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: These are excellent conditioned young cows showing strong dairy type and ready to mate. Our vendors are very good farmers and this is a great opportunity to buy a top condition herd for delayed payment. Pre-sale inspection welcomed and photos available from agents.

Catalogue available

120-150kg AUTUMN BULL CALVES 1YR FRSN BULLS 200-280kgs 250kgs+ 1YR ANG & ANG X STEERS 1YR ANG & ANG X HEIFERS 220-300kgs 2YR X BRED HEIFERS

LK0089316©

2ND ANNUAL IN MILK DAIRY HERD AUCTION

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Livestock

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 2, 2017

For Sale

Dairy Sires ord e r n ow Bulls Available Jersey Friesian Hereford Angus

Romney. Breeding Composite. Terminal Composite. Perendale.

Will Jackson 07 825 4480 027 739 9939

For more information please contact us Tom Jackson 07 825 4966 021 929 389

Will Jackson 07 825 4480 027 739 9939

tom@piquethillfarms.co.nz

SALE TALK

PAKI-ITI SUFFOLK

BREEDING VIDEO

PAKI-ITI SUFTEX

www.paki-iti.co.nz

Stewart Morton 06 328 5772 • Andrew Morton 06 328 2856 R D 54 Kimbolton • pakiroms@farmside.co.nz • www.paki-iti.co.nz

Red Oak

LK0089478©

to view our breeding programs

There were 11 people hanging onto a rope that came down from a helicopter. 10 were men and one was a woman. They all decided that one person should get off because the rope would break and everyone would die. No-one could decide who should go, so finally the woman gave a really touching speech saying she would give up her life to save the others, because women were used to giving up things for their children and husbands and giving in to men. When she finished speaking the men all clapped.

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Sale Friday Spring 16th June Bull 2017 3pm on-farm

Have you got a bull sale coming up? Advertise in The NZ Farmers Weekly

40 meaty hill-country 2yr old bulls

To advertise

14th Annual Bull Sale

Thurs 5th Oct – 1pm on Farm Weka Pass

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

william@piquethillfarms.co.nz

GO TO THE

POLLS

LK0089334©

william@piquethillfarms.co.nz

piquethillstud.co.nz

Visit

LK0089662©

All bulls are TB, BVD & EBL tested & BVD double vaccinated prior to sale

For more information please contact us

tom@piquethillfarms.co.nz

We have multiple, predominantly large lines of 2016 born 100% recorded Friesian Heifers available in various sized lines. All lines have a BW & PW above the national average. Live weights vary from 250-280kgs. Grazing is available if required. Ready to mate to your dates. $1130 + GST Contact: Paul Kane Ph 027 286 9279 National Dairy Coordinator paul.kane@carrfields.co.nz Philip Webb 027 801 8057

VOTE: Poll Dorset FIRST FIRST to the works FIRST for profit Poll Dorsets’ hardiness and versatility make them suitable for all types of farms. As a maternal cross they give excellent fertility and milk to grow super lambs even as a hogget. Look to the leaders in meat productivity to improve your bottom line. Buy Poll Dorset rams from a registered breeder. Like us on

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

www.nzsheep.co.nz/polldorset/nz

Paroa Friesian Stud Stud cow with a All seasons at hill-country bull Red Oak Featuring 5 x 2-year Angus bulls & 32 x -1-year calf from this dry and snow season Angus bulls, selected for both calving ease

GRAZERS WANTED WAGYU DAIRY CROSS WEANERS

2-year-old Bulls for Sale – A2/A2

• Steers and/or Heifers at competitive per kg weight gain rates • Minimum 90kg start weight • From November 2017 start date • Short and long term options available • Simple no-fuss agreements

Enquiries: Rick Orr 027 245 7751 At Red Oak we breed cattle that are run commercially on hill country up to 2600 Ft . They compete with large Auctioneers: sheep numbers, 66% sheep to 33% cattle stock units, and are exposed to all conditions from 2 year droughts to Paroa Jumbal Campbell snow as the pictures indicate. We select cattle that thrive in this environment and deliver top actual growth and PGGW & HRL livestock Genetics scanning data. We are proud of the raw actual data our cattle achieve which is always available for potential clients to observe.

Catalogue available online at NZ Angus website or on request.

We don’t believe in, or hide behind estimates as they have failed to deliver results under our conditions.It is easy to breed pieces of paper but a bit harder to breed decent cattle! The results of this, breed bulls like Herdsire ; Red Oak High Country 770 (pictured), Outstanding sons will be available for sale this season.

Combining old NZ bloodlines, common sense stockmanship and modern technologies to produce functional high performinghill country cattle!

• • • •

OR Register your interest for future grazing of R1yr and R2yr from May 2018.

Breeding for 70 years Bred A2 cows for over 20 years Selling in paddock G3 proﬁle, TB free, BVD tested

Phone Robert Cleland 07 308 8554 • 021 170 9159

For further information please contact: Tim or Erin O’Brien Phone: 06 857 8305 Email: tim@brownrigg.co.nz LK0089497©

All bulls tested negative for BVD and EBL plus vaccinated, TB status c10

AD0089549©

heifer matings and with average liveweight over 400kg cow matings.

LK0089528©

Providing the right sires for you... Tom Jackson 07 825 4966 021 929 389

15-mth Friesian Heifers

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings KAURI SPRING CATTLE FAIR

WELLSFORD SPRING CATTLE FAIR

KAURI SALEYARDS WHANGAREI

WELLSFORD SALEYARDS WELLSFORD

Friday 6th October 2017 12.30pm start Approx. 1100 Head Comprising of 150 2yr Here Frsn X Strs 25 18mth Aut Born Here Frsn X Strs 50 2yr Here Frsn X Hfrs 25 18mth Aut Born Here Frsn X Hfrs 400 1yr Here Frsn X, Ang & Ang X, MG X & Char X Strs 320 1yr Here Frsn X, MG X, Ang X & Char X Hfrs 50 Aut Born Wnr Here Frsn X & Sim X Strs 70 Aut Born Wnr Frsn Bulls

Monday 9th October 2017 12noon start Approx. 800 Cattle Comprising of 250 2yr Strs 250 1yr Strs 100 2yr Hfrs 150 1yr Hfrs 50 1yr Bulls

10 Aut Born Sim X HfrsEnquiries For further inquiries please contact Mike Laing – 0275 986 736 Ian Munro – 0275 986 074

Key: Dairy

Cattle

Sheep

Other

SOUTHERN POLLED HEREFORDS 2ND ANNUAL ON-FARM SALE

For further inquiries please contact Grant Pallister – 027 590 2201 Trevor Penny – 021 0389 337 Bernie McGahan – 027 5902 210 Darryl Williamson – 029 432 9285

Starts 11:30am Monday 9th October 98 Taramoa West Plains Road, Argyle Corner, Southland 150 top line 2yr old Hereford bulls on offer Bull viewing from 10:00am with morning tea provided. Lunch 1:30pm. Excellent temperament / outstanding reputation in the dairy industry.

Contact your local agent or enquiries to: Southern Polled Herefords Jumbo Whyte – 027 4639 648 PGG Wrightson Callum McDonald – 027 4336 443 or Willie Swale – 027 4416 433

YOUR PARTNER IN LIVESTOCK PERFORMANCE PGG Wrightson Livestock representatives are experts at buying and selling livestock nationwide. Whether you require specific stock or genetics, or want to buy or sell livestock at the best price, contact your local Livestock team today.

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

To find out more contact your local livestock representative or visit www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Grain & Feed

MILK PRICE FORECAST ($/KGMS) 2017-18

6.45

AS OF 27/07/2017

AS OF 28/09/2017

MILK PRICE COMPARISON

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

6.00

353

333

NI mutton (20kg)

4.20

2.85

378

274

SI lamb (17kg)

7.00

5.60

Feed Barley

386

259

SI mutton (20kg)

4.25

2.70

229

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 8.74

8.73

7.43

247

249

UK CKT lamb leg

Maize Grain

421

428

355

PKE

244

245

233

7.0

INTERNATIONAL

6.5 6.0 5.5

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Wheat - Nearest

228

229

203

Corn - Nearest

189

194

181

5.0

CBOT futures (NZ$/t)

4.5

South Island 1 7kg lamb

7.5 7.0

394

285

ASW Wheat

399

385

272

Feed Wheat

265

270

256

2500

Feed Barley

333

359

229

2000 Nov 16 Feb 17 May 17 C2 Fonterra WMP

PKE (US$/t) Ex-Malaysia

101

102

NZ venison 60kg stag

6.5

600

$/kg

410

3000

Aug 17 Nov 17 NZX WMP Futures

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 Oct

Dec

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3205

3100

3250

SMP

1925

1875

AMF

6750

Butter

6075

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Prior week

Last year

2000

Urea

477

460

6.65

7.30

6700

6350

Super

297

314

35 micron

3.50

5.15

6100

5840

DAP

784

39 micron

3.30

3.10

5.15

702

5.5 $/kg

c/k kg (net)

250

3100 Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

150 Sep 13

Sharemarket Briefing THE most market-friendly postelection scenario is Winston Peters siding with National, giving the coalition a clear majority. It would likely see the New Zealand dollar rise with a bump higher in the NZX. A NZ First coalition with Labour and the Greens would be a little less market friendly and could see some shortterm weakness in both the equity market and the dollar with policy uncertainty. However, in the long-run, a material decline in our economic position is unlikely with financial markets putting more weight on the strength of the economy as opposed to political change in Wellington. There was plenty of other data to keep investors interested last week. Fonterra’s full year result was largely in line with expectations and was taken positively by the market. Importantly, the company reiterated the current forecast for the farmgate milk price of $6.75 per kilo of milksolids. The Reserve Bank left the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 1.75%, as it has been since November last year. The rhetoric was largely unchanged from the previous meeting with the central bank stating that economic growth has continued to improve with GDP for quarter two in line with expectations. Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

7914

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

7538

Sep 14

Sep 15

Sep 16

Feed barley

4 weeks ago

NZ venison 60kg stag

600

NZ$/t

US$/t

3200

Coarse xbred w ool indicator

6.5

CANTERBURY FEED PRICES

350

16830

This yr

6.65

3300

13132

Last yr

Aug

Last week

3400

S&P/FW AG EQUITY

Aug

Jun

29 micron

450

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR

Jun

(NZ$/kg)

3500

Latest price

Apr

NZ average (NZ$/t)

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Nov

Apr

WOOL

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Oct

Feb

FERTILISER

Last price*

3000

Feb

5‐yr ave

NZX DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

7.10

Australia (NZ$/t)

4000

Last year

7.10

379

Aug 17 AgriHQ Seasonal

Last week Prior week

NI lamb (17kg) 353

Waikato (NZ$/t)

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Feed Wheat PKE

US$/t

Last year

Milling Wheat

Apr 17 Jun 17 AgriHQ Spot Fonterra forecast

Prior week

c/kkg (net)

$/kgMS

Last week Canterbury (NZ$/t)

6.75

5 Feb 17

SHEEP MEAT

DOMESTIC

AGRIHQ 2017-18

FONTERRA 2017-18

Sheep

$/kg

Dairy

Sep 17

PKE spot

Auckland International Airport Limited

YTD High

YTD Low

6.38

7.43

6.30

Meridian Energy Limited

2.86

3.02

2.57

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd Spark New Zealand Limited Fletcher Building Limited The a2 Milk Company Limited Mercury NZ Limited (NS) Ryman Healthcare Limited Xero Limited Contact Energy Limited

12.65 3.70 8.03 6.54 3.40 9.13 30.15 5.57

13.00 3.97 10.86 7.05 3.60 9.50 30.30 5.74

8.50 3.32 7.38 2.06 2.94 8.12 17.47 4.65

Listed Agri Shares

400 3.5 300

2.5Oct Oct

Dec

5‐yr ave

Feb

Apr

Last yr

Jun

Aug

This yr

Dollar Watch

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

4.5 500

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

6.540

7.050

2.060

Cavalier Corporation Limited

0.320

0.810

0.270

Comvita Limited

7.500

8.650

5.150

Delegat Group Limited

6.780

7.000

5.650

Foley Family Wines Limited

1.340

1.500

1.200

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

6.220

6.400

5.880

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

2.400

2.610

2.100

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.780

1.870

1.220

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.590

0.620

0.490

Sanford Limited (NS)

7.580

7.750

6.700

Scales Corporation Limited

3.670

3.720

3.210

Seeka Limited

5.100

5.500

4.300

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.310

1.460

1.050

S&P/FW Primary Sector

13132

9307

S&P/FW Agriculture Equity

16830

10899

S&P/NZX 50 Index

7914

6971

S&P/NZX 10 Index

7538

7643

6927

SOME increasing certainty This Prior Last NZD vs the United States Fed will week week year increase interest rates in USD 0.7235 0.7307 0.7259 December and should EUR 0.6134 0.6121 0.6472 start to push the kiwi dollar AUD 0.9203 0.9212 0.9496 lower. GBP 0.5379 0.5380 0.5596 BNZ believes the Fed will move then and also Correct as of 9am last Friday thinks strong risk appetite among world investors is due for a fall and that would also see downward pressure on the kiwi, currency strategist Jason Wong said. The bank’s view is that US data flow, notably inflation, will tick higher and support Fed tightening with indications of up to three rises next year on top of the likely December hike, all likely to boost the big dollar after a lean run for most of this year. The potential for US tax cuts also adds to this scenario. That could push the kiwi to US$0.70 by year end with a move into the high 60s next year. An uncertain German election has stifled the euro but Wong expects a strengthening economy and likely European Central Bank cutting back on liquidity support to have greater sway. The kiwi is having a breather from its already solid fall against the euro in recent months but the trend is likely to show through again with a possible move to the E0.57 range over the next six months. A fall in iron ore prices has hurt the aussie dollar, allowing the kiwi to rise on the cross-rate, also helped by positive milk pricing. Alan Williams

Markets

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 25, 2017

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER STEER

($/T)

($/KG)

1-YEAR TRADITIONAL STEERS, 270310KG, AT STORTFORD LODGE

($/KG)

($/KG LW)

7.00

379

5.35

Cattle & Deer Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.70

5.55

NI Bull (300kg)

5.50

5.40

5.20

NI Cow (200kg)

4.30

4.10

SI Steer (300kg)

5.35

5.55

SI Bull (300kg)

5.10

4.95

SI Cow (200kg)

4.25

4.15

US imported 95CL bull

6.62

6.20

US domestic 90CL cow

6.76

6.84

6.06

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

North Island steer (300kg)

6.5

$/kg

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

6.5 6.0

NZ venison 60kg stag

c/k kg (net)

$/kg

5.5 600

500 5.0 400 4.5 300 4.0

Oct Oct

Dec Dec

Feb Feb

5‐yr ave

Apr Apr

Jun Jun

Last yr

Aug Aug This yr

VENISON Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

NI Stag (60kg)

9.70

8.85

NI Hind (50kg)

9.60

8.75

SI Stag (60kg)

9.70

8.85

SI Hind (50kg)

9.60

8.75

New Zealand venison (60kg Stag)

c/k kg (net) $/kg

NZ venison 60kg stag

600 8 500 7 400

300

6 Oct

Oct

Dec Dec 5‐yr ave

Feb Feb

Apr Apr Last yr

$3.32-$3.46/kg $3.53-$3.68/kg high 1-year Herefordlights 1-year Friesian bulls, 200-220kg, at Canterbury Park

Jun Jun

Aug Aug This yr

WO days of traditional cattle drew good crowds to Stortford Lodge and Wairoa last week, and buyers from around the North Island took full advantage of the back to back sales. The drawcard was the ability to buy big numbers of quality hill country traditional cattle, and along with a grass market, results for yearling steers were up $20-$60 per head on last year’s prices. NORTHLAND NORTHLAND Quality cattle met increased interest from a local buyers at WELLSFORD last Monday, as paddocks start to dry out. A consignment of 1-year HerefordFriesian steers met keen interest and 308-347kg returned $1080-$1240, $3.51-$3.57/kg, though the highlight was 246-251kg at $4.09-$4.14/kg. The section was split into two main price ranges, with heavier lines making $1000-$1240, and lighter types, $800$900. Kiwi-cross, 241-312kg, were harder to move, selling for $670-$890, $2.78-$2.85/kg. The heifer market was similar, highlighted by two pens of 20 plus Hereford-Friesian, 202-228kg that sold for $790-$795. All lines needed a budget of at least $750 as most traded at $755-$830. Numbers were limited in the 2-year pens, though the heifer’s featured three lines of Hereford which sold in excess of $3/kg, with the top line, 409kg, fetching $3.02/kg. Beef-Friesian steers made $2.84-$2.90/kg, while Friesian bulls, 311kg, returned $2.78/ kg. A good number of autumn-born heifers were offered, with all bar one line making $525-$655, and three lines of steers returning $608-$740. AUCKLAND AUCKLAND Sale attendance was down at PUKEKOHE on Saturday 23rd September, but those that made the trip meant business and quality cattle sold to a competitive bench, Livestock Mart Auctions agent Pat Farrell reported. The prime steers had a weight

SNUG: PGW livestock agents inspect lambs before the sale at Canterbury Park last week. More photos: farmersweekly.co.nz

advantage over the heifers, though $/ kg were very similar, with the 519835kg steers making $2.83-$2.92/kg, and 475-510kg heifers, $2.86-$2.94/ kg. Cow prices were variable, with an impressive line of 814kg selling to $2.80/kg, while 324kg returned $1.48/ kg. The bulk of the store cattle found homes for good values, and 438kg steers made $2.91-$2.98/kg, while 20-month, 342-347kg, returned $2.96$3.24/kg. Light crossbred lines, 244298kg, sold for $710-$900, $2.90-$3.02/ kg. In the heifer pens, plain 2-year, 355-381kg, were variable at $2.76$3.04/kg, with medium 15-month, 265-309kg, earning $760-$975, $2.86$3.15/kg. Weaner steer and heifer prices were almost identical with all selling within a $535-$640 range, though small crossbred steers, 144kg, sold down to $300, and 122kg heifers, $150. COUNTIES COUNTIES The store cattle market at TUAKAU remained steady, Keith West of Carrfields Livestock reported.

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Friesian steers, 250290kg, at Rangiuru

Back to back sales a winner

BEEF Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

3.90

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About 550 cattle were presented last Thursday and most classes sold at similar rates to the previous week, with the exception of heifers which firmed 2c/kg. The sale drew a medium-sized bench of buyers, and those in attendance were keen to buy. Hereford-Friesian 2-year steers, 441-513kg, traded at $2.92-$3.08/kg, and 388-420kg $2.95-$3.15/kg. Lighter 2-year steers, 343-390kg, earned $2.71$3.06/kg. The best of the 1-year steers at 286-347kg made $1030-$1100, while medium lots, 262-290kg, sold at $955$1000 and lighter lines, 207-253kg, $790-$900. A small entry of Hereford-Friesian weaner steers weighing around 150kg fetched $650-$750, with 1-year Friesian bulls, 255kg, making $860, $3.30/kg. In the heifer section, good 2-year lots, 406-438kg, traded at $2.75-$2.92/ kg, and the next cut at 326-372kg made $2.80-$2.93/kg. Top 1-year

Continued page 38

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Markets

38 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017 heifers, 267-315kg, sold at $850$1000 and 191-223kg lots earned $720-$825. A small entry of Hereford-Friesian weaner heifers, 144kg, fetched $630. Prime steer and heifer prices remained firm at last Wednesday’s prime sale. Heavy steers in the 350-head yarding sold at $2.94$3.03/kg, with medium lots making $2.86-$2.97/kg, and lighter $2.75-$2.83/kg. The best of the prime beef heifers earned $2.81-$2.88/kg and light-medium lots $2.75-$2.80/kg. Dairy-type heifers earned $2.22-$2.46/ kg and a small offering of beef cows $2.12-$2.27/kg. Prices for medium and heavy boner cows were similar to the previous sale, but lighter cows eased by 5-7c/kg. Well-conditioned Friesians traded at $2.05-$2.26/kg, with medium types making $1.86-$2.00/kg, and lighter $1.55-$1.75/kg. A handful of Hereford bulls fetched $2.81$2.90/kg. The sheep market is still humming and the 800-900 head yarding sold to high demand. Top prime lambs sold at $160-$175 last Monday and medium lambs earned $143-$156. Lighter primes returned $116-$138, and store lambs $100-$112. Heavy prime ewes fetched $120-$147, and mediums $88-$111. BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY Buyers took a cautious approach to bidding at RANGIURU last Tuesday, as more rough weather hits and grass is slow to move. The local bench picked the best and left the rest of a very mixed quality yarding. Prime steer prices were variable, with 675kg beef-cross hitting $3.04/kg, and 524kg HerefordFriesian, $2.88/kg, though other lines were off the pace. Boner cow prices eased, and 440-534kg Friesian traded at $1.78-$1.84/kg, though 438-536kg Friesian-cross managed $1.98-$2.05/kg. Annual draft Hereford bulls had quite the following, and six 505kg sold for breeding at $2310, $4.57/ kg and 456-476kg, $3.93-$4.03/kg, while others sold to fatten. Hereford-Friesian dominated the 2-year steer section, and 393-471kg earned $2.88-$2.95/ kg, bettered only by a small line of Angus, 479kg, $3.08/kg. HerefordFriesian heifers sold to better demand, posting higher returns of $2.91-$2.96/kg for 450-516kg, but like the steers straight beef lines made a premium at $3.00-$3.06/ kg. Just one line of 1-year HerefordFriesian steers sold over $1000, with the better types making $850$990, but a large portion ranging from $560-$725. Heifer prices proved to be more consistent, and Hereford-Friesian, 274-297kg, earned $745-$800, while Friesian bulls, 245-284kg, were buy-able at $640-$760. A farm sale saw a line of 35 young ewes and 44 lambs-at-foot on offer, which sold for $75 all counted. WAIKATO In true spring fashion FRANKTON throughput increased as more annual draft lines come forward and small lines off wet paddocks. The heifer markets were a point of interest as 2-year HerefordFriesian, 393-474kg, eased to

$2.89-$2.91/kg, with no lines in the section hitting $3/kg mark. However a good line up of 1-year Hereford-Friesian, 200-250kg, got buyers attention and consistently sold for $695-$830, $3.33-$3.49/ kg. Two lines of beef heifers, 258269kg, returned a tidy $905. Two-year steer remained steady, if not slightly improved, and beefFriesian, 350-475kg, averaged $3.06/kg, though top dollar went to a line of 522kg Angus, $1570, $3.01/kg. Numbers and quality could be found through the 1-year steer pens, and Hereford-Friesian, 278301kg, sold for a premium over similar weighted Angus-Friesian, with the latter making $3.62-$3.67/ kg compared to $3.46-$3.54/kg. Lighter Hereford-Friesian, 218220kg, managed $3.77-$3.83/kg. More variance in the bull pens saw prices match the variety, but the standout was HerefordFriesian, 220-253kg, $3.30-$3.34/ kg, and also Angus, 285kg, $3.32/ kg. A good following for autumnborn weaners resulted in heifers trading at $425-$600, and beef bulls, $470-$660. TARANAKI TARANAKI The TARANAKI sale last Wednesday was a moderate affair on the back of a large sale the previous week. Good cattle sold well, though lesser crossbred lines proved to be harder work for auctioneers, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Stephen Sutton reported. Prime cattle sold to high demand, and steers, 510-600kg achieved $3.07-$3.19/kg, with heifers at market value of $2.83/kg for 530-575kg. There was plenty of life in the quality end of the 2-year market, and steers sold at consistent levels of $3.10-$3.20/kg for 455-490kg. Crossbred lines dropped well off that pace though and buyers were hard to push past $2.75-$2.76/kg. A special entry of younger 2-year red Hereford-cross hill country bulls had a good following with pleasing returns. Those 394-440kg managed $3.04-$3.27/kg, while the next cut, 361-364kg, returned $2.90-$2.92/kg. Budgets appeared to be firmly in place for 1-year steers, with few selling above $1000, but lighter lines managing to sell up to that as 256-285kg made $1000-$1030, and 343kg, $1090. Heifer numbers were limited, though most traded at $3.00-$3.10/kg and 220-243kg returned $690-$745. A highlight was the cow section as farmers underpinned the market. Few lines sold below $1.90/kg, with most trading at $1.90-$1.98/kg. POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY A very quiet end to September at MATAWHERO last Friday saw a grand total of 189 sheep penned. Prime lambs numbered 13 head and most traded at $80-$106, while three pens of Romney ewes sold for $111-$122. HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY Lamb volumes were higher at the prime sale than store at STORTFORD LODGE last week, but most attention was on a big spring yarding of store cattle last Wednesday. The last rush to offload lambs

before teeth checking meant 2300 sold in over 50 pens last Monday. All buyers were present but the intensity went out of bids with prices steady to easing. Heavy male lambs held value at $178$188, and medium, $155-$170. A repeat performance in the ewe pens meant top lines sold to $150$167, and medium, $136-$146. With processors busy on lambs, the consistent ewe market made a slight adjustment, and heavy ewes eased $3-$4 to $120-$136, and medium, $2-$3 to $105-$109. South Devon-cross cows were the pick in the rostrum, as 13 740kg sold for $2.34/kg, $1732.

Knowing your weights is $$ in the bank Numbers were limited in the other sections but Angus steers, 588kg pushed to $3.22/kg, and 620kg, $3.08/kg. Angus heifers, 562kg, sold to $2.98/kg, and South Devon, 580kg, $2.85/kg. The lion’s share of the store lambs came from out of town, with Chatham Island’s and Wairoa filling most pens of the 1270 yarding. Prices actually firmed, on the back of low numbers, and medium ewe lambs made $119$135, with heavy lines at $145$154. Most mixed sex traded at $130-$160, though males were variable, with lighter types and lesser lines with weight at $95$118, and heavy, $137-$142. Ewes with lambs-at-foot were also outsiders, coming down from Wairoa. Most lines had medium and light-medium woolly ewes, with small docked blackface lambs, and a number of lines had more ewes than lambs. Two buyers dominated, and medium ewes with fewer lambs traded at $71-$88 all counted, while lightmedium ewes with multiple lambs made $80-$82. Wet-dry two-tooth Romdale ewes made $118.50, and mixed age, $111. Buyers flocked to Stortford Lodge from all corners of the North Island as the store cattle sale promised to offer up top quality annual draft traditional cattle, as well as good numbers of 1-year Friesian bulls. No one particular region or buyer dominated the market, with all sections lifting. The first pen of the day was the most expensive as 3-year Angus steers, 576kg, sold for $1870, $3.25/kg, though such was the competition in the 2-year pens that a few lines were not far off that level. Two-year Angus, 465-494kg, earned $3.35-$3.39/kg, and Angus & Angus-Hereford, 496-531kg, $3.33-$3.43/kg. Beef bulls sold to the regular buyer, and again Angus were the highlight, with 424-438kg making $3.26-$3.35/kg.

A big yarding of annual draft traditional cattle got bids flowing in the 1-year steer pens. Most lines still had their winter coats on, but that did not deter buyers, and strong local demand saw many stay in the region. Just one line dropped below $1000, with Angus, 340-365kg, lifting to $3.73/ kg, and traditional, 270-310kg, $3.89/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 176234kg, returned $730-$900, with the better lines at $3.77-$3.85/ kg. Heifer numbers were low but Angus, 229-290kg, achieved $845$900, with the lighter line realizing $3.93/kg. Friesian bull prices lifted as buyers took advantage of the 300 head yarding, and 332-376kg returned $1037-$1165, $3.08$3.14/kg, and 285-305kg, $925$985, $3.22-$3.29/kg. A smaller than expected yarding of store cattle at WAIROA last Thursday still attracted buyers from as far afield as Manawatu, as annual draft lines of traditional cattle drew them in. Two-year steers sold at similar levels to last year, which was softer than expected given recent returns. The top Angus steers had just a $200-$230 buffer on the top 1-year Angus, as they sold for $1500-$1545, compared to $1270$1330. There was no holding back on the younger cattle, driven by determined bidding mainly from Hawkes Bay and Manawatu. Compared to last year prices lifted $40-$60 for medium and good types, and $5-$15 for the lighter end. As said top lines of Angus sold to $1270-$1330, with the next cut earning $1185-$1205, and third, $1065-$1135. Angus & AngusHereford traded at $1100-$1165. A small heifer offering sold to expectations and good Angus went under the hammer for $850-$880. MANAWATU MANAWATU More rain delayed the grass market for another week at RONGOTEA last Wednesday, though a good yarding of 2-year cattle met keen interest, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Prime numbers were noted for their absence, and Friesian boner cows, 500-645kg, returned $1.40$1.67/kg. Good Hereford-Friesian steers, 536kg, sold to $2.91/kg, though heifers chased their tail as 368467kg returned $2.83-$3.00/kg. This breed was by far the feature, with other steers selling at $2.47$2.62/kg, and Jersey heifers, $1.70/ kg. A number of 18-month lines were penned, and HerefordFriesian steers, 325kg, made $1115, and heifers, 319-325kg up to $1020. Angus-cross bulls, 391kg, returned $1040. Younger cattle numbers were limited and lacked quality. Most of the action was in the bull pens, where 323kg Friesian returned $915, and Jersey, 170-257kg, $500$580. Light Hereford-Friesian were the best selling at $600, $3.53/kg. Friesian steers, 172kg, returned $465, and crossbred, 210kg, $435, while good quality Friesian heifers, 315kg, managed $735. Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls sold for $465, and heifers, 112-140kg, $420525, $3.67-$3.75/kg. Feeder calves are still trickling in, though interest has waned. Friesian bulls sold to $50-$115,

and Hereford-Friesian $80-$210. Charolais bulls made $245-$285. The best of the Hereford-Friesian heifers returned $100-$165, with lesser types at $40-$80. Anguscross heifers made $170. In the small pens ewes with lambs-at-foots made $72 all counted, dry ewes $80-$91, and mixed sex lambs, $87. Dairy-cows added all the volume to the cattle sale at FEILDING last Monday, whereas in the sheep pens fewer heavy male lambs kept numbers at bay. The smaller offering of heavy males favoured the vendors by way of prices firming to $161-$174, and medium prime’s held value at $125-$158. Store types sold for $61-$139. Prime ewe numbers continued to be restricted and the market had a firm tone as good lines sold to $128-$150, medium $88-$128, and light, $61-$87. Friesian cow numbers jumped up to nearly 70 head and the top lines, 573-635kg, sold within the previous week’s range though over tighter band of $2.00-$2.02/kg. From here the weight range grew significantly to 382-580kg, though prices lay within $1.90-$1.98/kg. Lighter boners, 428-443kg, sold for $1.76-$1.77/kg. The only section to increase in number was the ewes with lambsat-foot, and steady levels were achieved at $77-$87.50 all counted. A very brief store sheep sale on Friday gave little of interest to the market. Ewes with lambs at foot entries halved again and sale prices firmed again with one small line offering big early blackface lambs selling for $110.50. The lamb sale was mainly composed of clean up lines and found a few buyers looking for another trade. One pen of a dozen shorn ram lambs sold for $177 but these were works lambs. The best of the male store lambs made $150 with the best ewe lambs up to $144.50 but the majority of the yarding were light and woolly lambs and actually sold to firm demand. Ewes with LAF, $57.50-$110.50; Lambs; heavy-very heavy, $144.50$177; medium, $118-$140; light, $81-$131. In contrast, store cattle entries increased with a larger entry of traditional 2-year steers. Spring is still struggling to get underway but demand was firm for those steers and up to $1875, $3.12/kg, for 11 2-year Angus steers and strong interest in the better yearling steers saw up to $1252, $3.74/kg, paid for 30 Angus yearlings but the lesser-bred steers were not so sought after. Bulls arrived in low numbers with not quite the weight overall this week either. Six 2-year Devon bulls made $1730, $3.25/kg, and the first pen of yearling bulls, 14 Hereford-Friesians sold for $1060, $3.24/kg, but quality was lacking and sale prices eased from then. Heifers, similarly, could not match last week with regard to numbers and quality and prices also eased as a consequence. Nine Hereford-Friesians made $1360, $3.10/kg, but highlights were few. Steers were definitely the cattle of choice at this sale. Steers: 2yr, 306-600kg, $835$1875, $2.73-$3.58/kg; 1yr, 223335kg, $410-$1252, $2.55-$4.04/kg; bulls; 2yr, 424-533kg, $1240-$1730,

Markets

single lambs reached $116. A big yarding of prime lambs was a few too many for the market and prices eased $5, though at current high levels it hardly made a dent in returns. Over 80% sold for $140-$179, with a smaller portion hitting CANTERBURY $180-$191. CANTERBURY The ewe section was a formality, with Store cattle were front and centre at just 400 yarded and most were good types CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday, as the at $130-$143. next round of spring sales took place. A smaller yarding of mixed quality was Both the prime and store sections proved found in the cattle pens, with a larger popular, while results were mixed in the instance of beef-Friesian. Prime steers, sheep sale. 492-590kg, earned $2.91-$3.00/kg, with a Interest was very limited for a small few lines of heavy and local trade heifers yarding of store lambs, above all for a consignment of Merino wethers. Two lines hot on their heels at $2.93-$3.04/kg. Bulls of around 200 head each proved extremely sold on a relatively steady market with 388kg-525kg achieving $2.71-$2.75/kg. hard to sell, with just $22-$35 coaxed Good demand for out. Medium-good ewe cows meant the better lambs returned $120types, 596-644kg, made $132, with other lines $1.93-$1.98/kg, and small. medium, 430-528kg, Ewe’s with lambs-at$1.83-$1.93/kg. foot were limited to just Call 0800 731 501 A small consignment three lines, with the top of medium R2 beef two making $95-$99 all cattle kicked off the counted, and a line of 24 store section, with all ewes and 27 lambs, $71. steers making $1100Prime lamb $1160 for variable $/ throughput dropped by kg, while three Angus 1200 head, with more heifers, 342kg, returned crossbred types coming $1060, $3.10/kg. out. Nearly a quarter The pick in the sold for $180-$193, with 1-year steer pens was the bulk trading at $130Hereford-Friesian, 251$180. 268kg, at $860-$900, Lambing continues $3.36-$3.43/kg, though to keep ewe numbers lighter lines, 166-198kg, at bay, with 420 head eased to $580-$690. selling to recent levels. Angus and Angus-Hereford, 179-183kg, Good, through to heavy ewes made $133hit $4.08-$4.10/kg. Angus heifers, 196kg, $165, and few lines sold below $80. managed $3.88/kg, while the inclusion of A total of 970 cattle spread through 200 Friesian blood in a similar weighted line pens, pushing the sale past two o’clock. of 42 dropped the price to $650, $3.44/ While the store cattle section was the kg. Hereford-Friesian sold on a buoyant highlight, the prime market could not be market, with 198-241kg earning $3.42overshadowed, with particular strength $3.48/kg. shown in the heifer pens. Belgium BlueAutumn-born Hereford-Friesian steers cross and Angus, 518-615kg, achieved sold for $535-$575, and heifers, $500$3.02-$3.10/kg, though other high $530. yielding lines of all breeds made $2.93$3.00/kg. Local trade types mainly sold for SOUTH CANTERBURYSOUTH CANTERBURY $2.78-$2.88/kg. Heavy prime steers traded Chatham’s lambs and cull dairy cattle at $3.00-$3.05/kg, and forward stores, meant a normal day at TEMUKA last $3.05-$3.15/kg. Straight beef lines sold for Tuesday, despite the change of sale day. a premium over and above that at $3.20The prime lamb section could not be $3.28/kg. faulted, but store lambs softened, with a High local demand for short term cattle softer market also resulting in the 1-year in the store pens saw Hereford-cross cattle pens last Thursday. steers, 445-495kg, lift to $3.16/kg, while The store pens included 2200 lambs off Angus, 486kg, managed $3.35/kg and most Angus-Hereford, $3.22-$3.26/kg. The the boat, and while these are later born strength flowed into the heifer pens where lambs, the market overall was harder going. Weight bands tended to have a Hereford featured, and 389-393kg went much wider range of per head prices as under the hammer for $3.31-$3.34/kg. buyers placed selective bids. Good mixed Competition was fierce for quality sex ranged from $100-$134, with heavy 1-year cattle, and none more so than types making $108-$142. Heavy males Angus heifers, 226-268kg, which sold for were more consistent at $129-$143, and $800-$980, $3.54-$3.66/kg. Simmentalmedium ewe lambs, $113-$120. cross, 305-312kg, managed $1060-$1070, Medium and heavy prime lambs firmed $3.43-$3.48/kg. Steers were mainly beefto $140-$189, with a slight easing shown cross, and prices reflected a mix of quality on the lighter end at $120-$139. with lines selling up to $1270, and others, Around 600 ewes sold over a wide range $765-$800. of prices, such was the variance in the A consignment of lighter Friesian bulls pens, but generally the market was firm. fitted the budget for North Island buyers, Heavy types made $140-$186, medium and as a result headed across the strait. $110-$139, and lighter, $94-$109. The 198-223kg lines sold for $680-$740. Milking continues even on public The old season lamb exodus continued at COALGATE last Thursday, with a further holidays, and the change of sale day had little bearing on cull dairy cattle numbers, 4000 found in the prime pens. Fine wool which made up the biggest portion of the breeds featured in the store section, while cattle sale. the cattle sale was dominated by beefCow prices eased and a blanket of Friesian lines. $1.90-$2.00/kg could be thrown over The later born fine wool lambs sold to most, with a few better types pushing to keen interest. Line sizes were big, and 367 $2.01-$2.08/kg. Prime cows sold to $2.14medium mixed sex sold for $102, with $2.19/kg, with a line of 17 Angus, 564kg, a further 212 making $101, with most trading for $101-$107, while heavier lambs taking top honours. The dairy heifer market showed more returned $121-$136. promise, and Friesian, 528kg, made $2.73Ewes with lambs-at-foot sold $2.77/kg, though 390-460kg firmed to exceptionally well and while only three $2.40-$2.51/kg. lines were offered most were bigger Prime heifers and steers sold on a sizes. Lines with multiple lambs sold for steady market, due to a good balance $107-$110 all counted, while 19 ewes with $2.92-$3.25/kg; 1yr, 209-327kg, $500$1060, $1.98-$3.52/kg; heifers; 2 & 3yr, 280-439kg, $740-$1360, $2.64-$3.24/kg; 1yr, 150-282kg, $500-$920, $2.63-$4.34/kg.

TW Weigh Scales

New

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017 of supply and demand. Angus heifers, and the top end of the Murray Grey sold to $2.80-$2.84/kg, while Hereford, 446-492kg, dipped to $2.73-$2.79/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 470-660kg, returned similar values of $2.72-$2.80/kg Steers remained steady, though fewer lines hit the $3/kg mark due to mixed quality. Traditional lines, 495-655kg, averaged $2.96/kg, with similar weighted Hereford-Friesian not too different. Even the Friesian lines sold to their quality and not breeding, with one line of 520kg managing $3.01/kg. Feeder calf numbers pushed to 440 head, and Friesian bulls traded at $90$150, with Hereford-Friesian very similar at $90-$160. Hereford-Friesian heifers returned $80-$135. After two big weeks of store cattle sales numbers dropped to 700 head last Thursday, and agents have made the call to return to fortnightly sales for the foreseeable future. Demand for 2-year cattle was maintained, and in some cases improved. Hereford-Friesian steers, 425-490kg, firmed to $2.92/kg and Hereford-cross, 346-401kg, managed $2.98-$3.07/kg. Buyers chased lighter Hereford-Friesian heifers, 308-322kg, and pushed them to $2.95-$2.99/kg, with the better heavier types 378-435kg and making $2.76-$2.78/ kg. Interest dropped significantly for the heavy end of the 1-year cattle, though lighter cattle sold on a steady enough market. Beef-Friesian again dominated proceedings, and since the first big yarding on the 14th September beefFriesian heifers 250kg plus have lost 1025c/kg each week, with lines now trading at $3.10-$3.25/kg. The smaller outlay for the lighter types was easier to achieve and 162-200kg traded at $620-$690, with lighter lines still making $3.83/kg. A similar result in the steer pens saw 250kg plus more reasonable at $845-$1010, with the heavy end making $3.07-$3.20/kg, and lighter up to $3.33/kg. Those 200-210kg sold for $745-$755, $3.61-$3.71/kg. A small bull yarding showed good improvement as 216-230kg lifted to $770$800, $3.48-$3.56/kg. OTAGO OTAGO Interest waned on long term lambs at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday, as the risk of cutting teeth prior to finishing is now too high. Numbers however were low across all classes. Store lamb prices eased across the board, with top lines making $95-$100 and medium $85-$96. A line of medium ewes with blackface lambs sold well at $85 all counted. Prime prices held as buyers still source the very short term lambs, and ewes. Heavy lambs sold for $150-$170, medium $130-$145, and lighter, $110-$125. The best of the ewes made $130-$140, medium $110-$125, and light, $90-$100. SOUTHLAND SOUTHLAND The prime sheep pens were the place to sell at CHARLTON last Thursday, with steady demand through the prime lamb pens and an increase in prices for ewes, PGG Wrightson agent Andrew Martin reported. The lateness of the season is taking away any shine left on the store lambs, particularly the longer term types, with medium lambs making $85-$95, and tops $100-$110. Ewes with lambs-at-foot sold for $80-$90 all counted. Prime lambs sold on a very steady market as heavy lines made $140-$160, medium $125-$138, and lighter, $100$122. The ewe market firmed, with good movement in the heavy end as they went under the hammer for $130-$150, and medium types, $100-$125. Light lines remained steady at $80-$95, and 2-tooths returned $125. Rams sold for $50-$90.

Dairy livestock market reacting to positive signals on weather and payout After plenty of rain, dairy farmers are expecting accelerated grass growth once normal spring conditions return, and are purchasing livestock accordingly. PGG Wrightson National Dairy Livestock Manager Paul Edwards says the prolonged wet winter, which has extended well into spring, should set up farmers for excellent productivity, once the rain finally stops. “Even though every district is still wet, we are starting to see some areas returning to more normal spring growth. “These weather conditions are playing out in the in-milk cow market, where demand for good quality cows and herds has risen recently. To date this season the highest price paid for in-milk cows is $1900 per head, and the average across the country sits between $1400 and $1600, while sales between $1200 and $1300 are occurring at the lower end of the scale. “As growing conditions throughout the country improve, demand for in-milk cows is likely to continue at around this level,” he said. Most areas under irrigation, as well as those usually stressed and summer dry districts, should go into summer this year with abundant pastoral cover, according to Paul Edwards. Meanwhile, farmers are also going to the livestock market with an eye ahead to mating. “Well-recorded rising one-year-old heifers are selling at values around $1300 to $1350 per head. Notable activity is also happening around service bulls. Beef bulls are selling between $200 and $300 more than at the same time last year. With beef schedules so strong, farmers are keen to put beef bulls over a dairy herd, which is generating a trend towards proven beef genetics, with all pure breed beef bulls in demand from dairy farmers. Hereford and Angus bulls are to the fore in this market, with Herefords averaging $2600 per head, and beef sales tailored to the dairy industry are likely to continue as a market theme this year. “Trade in dairy breed bulls, however, has not quite started yet,” he said. Herd sales for delivery later in the season are also under way, just. “We have recently completed our first forward contract on rising two-year-old in-calf heifers, at $1650 per head for 1 May delivery. This was an encouraging sale at a value that bodes well for the rest of the spring. Fonterra’s good result and confirmation of the payout forecast is further good news, particularly to those dairy farmers who have been under pressure recently. These factors combined give them greater confidence and positivity about where they are heading,” said Paul Edwards.

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

Helping grow the country

Markets

40 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 2, 2017 NI SLAUGHTER BULL

SI SLAUGHTER STAG

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

($/KG)

TRADITOINAL HEIFERS, 460635KG AT CANTERBURY PARK

($/KG)

($/KG LW)

5.50

9.70

7.10

2.99

high $1205-$1310 to very good lights Good 1-year Angus steers at Wairoa

Spike won’t last long Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com

SPIKE in United States beef prices in the last couple of weeks is expected to be short-lived ahead of more supply coming into the market. Prices were up just US10c/lb or so as demand proved more resilient than expected and with limited supply, NZXAgri analyst Mel Croad said. “It’s not uncommon. We’ve seen it a few times before at this time of year and it typically doesn’t carry on through October.” The US increase had not flowed through into schedule rises in New Zealand, partly because of the kiwi dollar inching higher against the greenback and also because processors were aware better offers would not bring many more cattle into the works. Wet conditions in some important North Island supply regions had slowed down the growth rates. The bull kill, supplying US95CL, is particularly scarce. Except for the celebration periods like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, US demand declined from now on for the winter, just as more domestic supply came onto the market and coinciding probably from the start of November onwards with the build-up of NZ cattle into the market. Croad believed the NZ market would remain tight

SWINGS: Increased United States beef production means lower demand for imported grinding beef, Rabobank proteins analyst Blake Holgate says.

through October but then operating prices could fall 15c/kg to 20c/kg from there through to year-end depending on the supply of cattle through that period. January and February prices would be lower than in December. There were other factors in the market, notably out of Australia. Dry conditions there had brought cattle into the processing chain earlier than expected and it was possible that might have fallen away somewhat before the NZ build-up. If the beef regions in Australia got significant rain over the next couple of months

that would also hold supply back and help NZ farmers. However, supply growth in the US would continue through next year and it was important that some of it was taken up by exports into other markets. The US took 44% of NZ’s exports and was even more important now for the next several months as frozen beef exports to Japan were stifled by the higher tariff in place there. US exports were subject to the same tariff increase so were also looking for new markets, Croad said. China was a good steady market for NZ and was the preferred option to take beef redirected from Japan.

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However, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan had also been targeted. Rabobank also expected NZ beef prices to face further downward pressure. Animal proteins analyst Blake Holgate believed the impact might not be significant in the short-term because he expected the cattle supply to remain limited until at least November, with lower pricing after that. He noted the USCL90 (cow) prices were now 11% below the five-year average after ending the second quarter of the year 12% higher than the average. The increased US production meant lower demand for imported grinding beef.

$3.33-$3.43/kg 2-year Angus and AngusHereford steers 470530kg at Stortford Lodge

Clock ticking for old season lambs STORE lamb prices have shown a general trend down in the last few weeks as the old season lamb market winds down. Most of the demise is led by the Suz Bremner increased risk of lambs AgriHQ Analyst cutting teeth and every sheep farmer should have on their calendars that October 1 marks the start of processors and sale yards mouthing lambs. For those unsure of what that means, as lambs celebrate their first birthday they lose their lambs’ teeth, which are replaced with two-tooth teeth, hence the term fresh two-tooth. While the general rule is the age, the season also has a bearing on when they lose them – a harder season can mean they come out earlier. This small change has a big impact of what they will grade as at the processor and, in turn, their dollar value. This year they will quickly go from a lamb schedule of $7-$7.20/kg CW to either a special schedule around the $5/kg CW mark or some processors will drop them to the $4-$4.30/kg CW mutton schedule, just for the sake of a few adult teeth. This has always seemed a crazy concept to me because two new teeth don’t change the flavour of the meat, though I guess the line has to be drawn somewhere. As of next week in the North Island you will no doubt see buyers getting among the lambs, opening up those mouths to see what lies beyond. Most lines will already be checked by the agents and any that have cut their teeth taken out but some buyers still like to have a look for their own peace of mind. At auction the lambs that have cut their teeth are severely discounted compared to their lambs’ teeth buddies and the very reason why there has been such a rush on the last few weeks to offload lambs. suz.bremner@nzx.com

MORE FROM AGRIHQ: MARKET SNAPSHOT MARKET WRAP

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WITH BAYLEYS COUNTRY MAGAZINE The Spring 2017 edition is out now, featuring a selection of the best farm, horticulture and lifestyle properties for sale in New Zealand. In this edition we take a look at the next wave of innovative technology breaking across the land and speak with a trio of young guns who are setting the pace for New Zealand agriculture. Plus the in’s and out’s of beekeeping for those that have made a tree change…

MADE POSSIBLE Farming smarter, not harder

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The bees’ knees

Beehives hit the sweet spot for lifestyle block owners with the promise of a honey supply and pollination benefits.

FEATURING

140 FARM, HORTICULTURE AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE ISSUE 2 – 2017

A complimentary copy of Bayleys Country handbook has been provided along with your Farmers Weekly. For a copy of the full magazine, including the latest insights and editorial content on key topics of interest to the rural property sector, call 0800 BAYLEYS or view online. Your rural property search starts here…

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We’re very proud that The Farmers Weekly has been the country’s most read rural publication for more than a decade. Latest independent research says every week on average 117,000 farmers choose to read Farmers Weekly - that’s thousands more than any other rural newspaper in the whole country, and farmers read each issue for longer than any other title. That’s a powerful combination when you want real farmers seeing your advertisement. New this autumn is a special property pull-out in Farmers Weekly that will run through our March issues. Book a campaign of three or more advertisements in March and get a complimentary editorial on your property in one of our pull-out specials. Talk to your agent now and make sure you are in the paper that more farmers read. *conditions apply

Spring 2017 Property Pull-Out October 2, 2017

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Farm sales always slow down over winter but constant rain has dampened them this year. But with the selling season ready for take-off we have details of this tourism and farming enterprise (see page six) and other properties in this special publication and others to follow over the next four weeks.

Waiting for sunshine Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com

NCESSANT rain and sodden paddocks might be the reason for an especially slow rural real estate market over the winter. The market generally slowed over winter when farmers were busy with lambing and calving but in the latest three-month period to the end of August there were 82 fewer sales than in the same period a year earlier, a 21% fall to 311 from 392. “That was quite a big gap,” Real Estate Institute rural spokesman Brian Peacocke said. Record rainfall was the frustration for landowners in many regions as they grappled with soggy soil and pastures under pressure. “In this environment, those considering making their properties available for sale simply do not want outsiders in sight so the reduced volumes

of sales are hardly surprising.” Dairy farm sales were typically slow at this time of year but there had been a fall-off in grazing property deals and negligible activity in arable farm sales because of the conditions and the time of the year. The August conditions had continued into September but there was time for the real estate market to catch up if the sun came out consistently, with most marketing programmes written during October. “I think there will be a few properties out quickly when the sunshine comes,” Peacocke said. The lead-up to the general election had added to the degree of caution. The median price per hectare for all farms sold in the August three-month period was $27,928, a narrow premium on the $27,500 at the corresponding time last year and 2.8% higher than for the three-months to the end of July this year.

On an institute All Farm Index measure there was a 1.5% fall from July to August but year-onyear the gain was 9%. The index adjusted for differences in farm size, location and farming type. For dairy farms over the August three-month period the median price was $37,843 a hectare, up from $36,332 in the July period but down from the $40,469/ha for August last year, for a 6.5% fall. The institute’s Dairy Farm Price Index rose 2.1% for the August period compared to July but fell 5.1% year-on-year. Like the All-farm Index, the dairy index adjusted for farm size and location. Given the conditions, listings were constrained and activity very quiet but there sales in Waikato, Canterbury, and Southland at prices linked closely to farm quality. Finishing farms made up 40% of all sales during the August period and though the median

I think there will be a few properties out quickly when the sunshine comes. Brian Peacocke Real Estate Institute price fell slightly to $30,566ha that was up from $27,208 for August last year, a 12.3% year-on-year gain. Sales in that category had held up reasonably well, Peacocke said. There was solid activity in Northland, Auckland and Southland, supported by medium results in Canterbury and Otago. Though wet in many areas, some South Island areas had reported very good lambing conditions. There were some other redeeming features for the

sector, including the muchimproved payout for the dairy industry with very strong butter prices, strong prices for beef and lamb, a big recovery in venison prices and the continuing low interest rate regime. Despite those factors, farmers and bankers were monitoring overall economic conditions closely, Peacocke said.

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THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 2, 2017

Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

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Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 2, 2017

Corporate or family with scale UP TO 2000 cows and 1000 heifers are carried on a 394ha dairy support unit that is for sale near Greytown. It has the ability to add significant weight gain using crop, balage and pasture. Allandale is one of the largest flat-contoured rural units in the Wairarapa valley and John Murray from PGG Wrightson Real Estate says it has become an outstanding farm for winter grazing and pasture production because of its free-draining, stony silt loam soils. Dairy cows are grazed on the farm from the beginning of June through to mid August, with yearling and rising two-year-old heifers carried through the year under the guidance of manager Bart Gysbertsen, who is willing to continue the role for new owners, subject to negotiation. Gysbertsen is a past winner of the Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Manager of the Year in the Dairy Industry Awards and Murray describes him as an exceptional forward planner who is fully conversant with many technology-based management tools. Contract grazing clients receive reports on the performance of their livestock and those reports support Allandale’s owners in their financial and management decisions. Murray says the dairy support operation has produced high financial returns from the business, especially in the past three years since major redevelopment work. Allandale is located 5km south of Greytown and has a subdivision under way that will enable prospective buyers to tender for the entire farm or as separate 157ha and 237ha blocks. The soils are one of the property’s prime assets, with the Tauherenikau stony silt loam consistent throughout and providing a free-draining base ideally suited for wintering cattle. In recent years, an extensive farm development programme has been carried out with the objective of establishing a highlyprofitable, standalone dairy support operation. Fences have been reconfigured

A cropping and pasture renovation rotation has resulted in substantially improved productive capacity and profitability.

to achieve paddocks about 5ha in size, which are linked to a quality lane system including 8km of metalled tracks leading to two good sets of yards with weighing facilities. A cropping and pasture renovation rotation has resulted in substantially improved productive capacity and profitability, with the latest pasture species planted. About 250ha has been regrassed with permanent pasture of Ohau, Expo and One50 following crops of kale and barley, with strong results, Murray says. This past winter, 80ha of kale, 10ha of fodder beet and 30ha of

rape had been fed out. Then this spring, 50ha is being sown in barley, plus 70ha in new pasture. Pastures are now yielding up to 13.4t DM/ha/year while kale crops consistently exceed 11tDM/ ha/year and barley averages 5.3t/ha. A new, pumped reticulation system draws water from the Moroa water race to a ring main, providing good-quality water at high pressure to full-sized troughs with double troughs in many paddocks. Murray says there is also potential to add irrigation, with

one big hole on the property that could be further developed into onfarm water storage following metal extraction. In recent years the manager’s house, which is centrally located near the farm service buildings and yard, has been extensively renovated to produce a comfortable, well-insulated fourbedroom home. Among the farm service buildings is the former woolshed with large covered yards which includes a load-out ramp for sheep or calves. A two-bay workshop has a lockable bay and another two-bay

shed has a concrete floor while an older two-bay hayshed completes the support buildings. Murray says Allandale is well setup for a range of dairy or livestock-finishing enterprises that could be operated by corporate or family farmers wanting scale in the Wairarapa region. Tenders for Allandale close on November 3.

MORE: The property can be viewed at www.pggwre.co.nz ID MAS26344 and for further information contact John Murray on 027 493 3759.

VI W DEO EB O SIT N E

PATAKANUI - EARLY FINISHING COUNTRY, IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED 847 Lake Ferry Road, Martinborough Patakanui is an extremely tidy 306-hectare sheep and beef finishing unit, which has been very well farmed, with an excellent fertiliser history. Patakanui is strong, early country and is a very well balanced unit with around 160 hectares of flat to rolling cultivatable land, 36 hectares of medium hill and 110 hectares of steeper hill country (including 11 hectares of well-tendered pines). Re-grassing has been a feature every year and fertiliser is applied as per recommendation. The farm is well fenced into 30 paddocks (all with good water) of which 90% are 8 wire post and batten, including the central laneway. Currently the farm is running 1400 ewes, lambing from 1st August. Last year there were 4,000 lambs finished on Chicory over the summer through to June and over 200 rising two-year-old steers were finished during the spring - summer months on cell grazing blocks. Patakanui is renowned for consistently producing high quality stock. Patakanui has a very tidy four stand woolshed and covered yards (NP 900), a large set of cattle yards and two implement sheds/workshop.

306 hectares Tender www.nzr.nz Ref: RX1252515 Tender Closes 4pm, 26th Oct 2017 NZR Real Estate Ltd, 1st Floor, 16 Perry St, Masterton 5810 Blair Stevens AREINZ 027 527 7007 | blair@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

N EW

LIS TI N G

This one will be hard to beat.

A BLUE-CHIP PROPERTY - 176 Pukerimu Road, Maxwell, Wanganui Surrounds A rare opportunity to purchase a Blue-Chip property, situated in the highly sought-after Maxwell region, with many land uses including dairy conversion and cropping. Currently farmed as an intensive fattening unit, achieving impressive weights from all classes of livestock, in conjunction with an extensive cropping regime. The superb mix of contour includes an estimated 245 hectares of flat and 40 hectares of gentle rolling gullies, with the balance easy hill and a few steeper sidings. The property features an excellent reticulated water scheme throughout, a history of high fertiliser inputs and is well subdivided by excellent conventional fencing. Infrastructure includes two homes, 4 stand woolshed, implement sheds and sheep and cattle yards. Held in 8 titles, the property will be available in various buying options: • Option 1 - 434 ha • Option 2 - 240 ha • Option 3 - 146 ha • Option 4 - 48 ha.

434 hectares Tender (unless sold prior) www.nzr.nz REF: RX1267861 Tender (unless sold prior) Closes 4pm, 9th Nov 2017, 1 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune Jamie Proude 06 385 4466 | 027 448 5162 jamie@nzr.nz NZR Central Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

A growing business

"Extraordinary"

WEB ID TPR55298 UPPER ATIAMURI 6261 State Highway 1 View By Appointment 572 hectares, Dairy - Maize - Lucerne - Forest - Beef Fully automated 74 bail milking shed, extensive calf rearing facilities, 1100 cows. For sale as a going concern, walk in - walk out. Possession date by agreement, price $$ negotiable

BY NEGOTIATION

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhBlmGanTBw

Paul O'Sullivan

Mobile 027 496 4417 paulo@pb.co.nz

WEB ID TPR56292 KINLOCH 691 Poihipi Road Opportunity to acquire a commercial scale dairy farming business at Taupo. Only 7 km from the CBD and boat harbour on the Great lake. There are two international golf courses nearby. Currently milking over 1200 cows Target for 17/18 is 600,000kg/ms. Comprised of 343.96 Freehold land in multiple titles with long term secure lease over a further 204 ha giving an effective milking platform of 540ha. A modern rotary milking shed and large feed lot adjacent allows for efficient management best practice. For Sale by Tender as a full going concern.

TENDER VIEW 4 & 11 Oct 11.00 - 12.30pm TENDER closes Thursday 19th October, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), 4.00pm, Property Brokers Office, 81 Spa Road, Taupo

Paul O'Sullivan

Mobile 027 496 4417 paulo@pb.co.nz

Dairy with location - 100 ha

NEW LISTING WEB ID PR56754

PAHIATUA 418 Scarborough Road New to the market, is a well presented 100 ha OCD supplying dairy farm 7 km south west of Pahiatua, within an easy commute to Palmerston North.

utility sheds plus cattleyards. There is a seasonal farm irrigation agreement through K-Line system applied to the platform.

With 95 ha effective, 45 main paddocks and peak The very comfortable 2013 modern brick and tile home milking 270 cows for a 3 year average of 122,500 kgMS featuring 4 bedrooms plus ensuite, open plan living and this property is well worth inspection. situated in tidy grounds completes the package. Farm improvements include an 18 ASHB cowshed with inshed feeding system, 6 bay implement shed including lock up workshop, PKE shed, 5 bay calf shed and other

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 2nd November, 2017 at 2.00pm, Property Brokers, 129 Main Street Pahiatua

Jared Brock

Mobile 027 449 5496 Office 06 376 4823

Phil Wilson

Mobile 021 518 660 Office 06 376 5478

John Arends

Mobile 027 444 7380 Office 06 376 4364

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Honey & hunting

WEB ID TUR57733 TAUMARUNUI 426 Pukeatua Road 426 Pukeatua Road is a 40-minute drive from Taumarunui and is an ideal haven for bees and Manuka honey production. It is at the end of a quiet gravel road, mainly surrounded by native bush reserve and pine tree boundaries. Facing North West with good summer safe spring water throughout the farm, the bees can work unhindered in this environment. There are currently 280 hives on the farm with potential to go to 300 this summer. The farm also has its own honey processing factory on site. There is approximately 60 ha of deer fenced ground plus some further conventional fencing.

Brander Farm - 294 ha - Synlait A2

TENDER VIEW Thursday 12 Oct 11.00 - 1.00pm TENDER closes Thursday 26th October, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers 27 Hakiaha Street Taumarunui

Katie Walker

Mobile 027 757 7477 Office 07 895 7123 Home 07 895 7112 katiew@pb.co.nz

Adjoining 370 ha also available for sale.

Home patp@pb.co.nz

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

06 855 8330

DEADLINE SALE View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Friday 20th October, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior)

Chris Murdoch

Mobile 0274 342 545 Office 03 307 9191

Greg Jopson

Mobile 027 447 4382 Office 03 307 9176

Rodger Letham

Mobile 0274 333 436 Office 03 307 9192

Once in 110 year opportunity (283 ha)

WEB ID WR57738 CENTRAL HAWKES BAY 512 Nicholls Road View By Appointment AUCTION 3.00pm, Thu 23rd Nov, 2017 Braeview is on the market after more than 110 years. 283 ha within minutes of Waipukurau. Undulating to easy contour with parts medium. Good buildings and improvements; comfortable three bedroom family home, 4-stand woolshed, covered yards, Bevan Pickett excellent cattle yards. 27 main paddocks. Mobile 027 220 2766 Long fertiliser history and pasture renewal programme. Office 06 928 0520 Reliable stock water. bevanp@pb.co.nz Currently finishing large cattle. FEMP favourable. Pat Portas Start your legacy. Opportunities like this are rare, act Mobile 027 447 0612 now. Office 06 928 0521

WEB ID AR57637 LOWCLIFFE 377 Emersons Road This property located approx. 30 km south east of Ashburton is a very special place. Location to the coast, soil type, irrigation development, dairy shed and three good quality homes make this a quality farm. Proven history of milking 910 to 1050 cows with production from 450,000 kg/ms to 512,000 kg/ms. The 54 bail rotary dairy shed with Aff management system which allows feed to production, auto drafting and weighing etc. This system allows for maximum production at minimum cost. The farm has an excellent centre pivot irrigation system with central lane access.

Irrigated Dairy plus Run Off

AUCTION

3 2

WEB ID WR57704 CENTRAL HAWKES BAY 406 Tuki Tuki Road Opportunity to buy this well-run dairy farm and runoff. • 135ha platform with 125ha irrigated – Tuki Tuki Rd • 165ha bareland runoff across river – Blackburn Rd • Milking 375 cows, 174,500kgMS 4 year average • 30 HB cowshed, 2 homes • Excellent consents • Favourable Farm Environmental Plan/Nutrient budget Purchasing options available 1) 301 ha total property 2) 135 ha dairy platform 3) 165 ha runoff This is an excellent property that will attract strong interest.

DEADLINE SALE View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Monday 6th November, 2017 at 2.00pm, Property Brokers, 98 Ruataniwha Street, Waipukurau

Bevan Pickett

Mobile 027 220 2766 Office 06 928 0520 bevanp@pb.co.nz

Pat Portas

Mobile 027 447 0612 Office 06 928 0521 Home 06 855 8330 patp@pb.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 2, 2017

FOR SALE LONG LEASE INDUSTRIAL - 9.2% YIELD ON OFFER 3 STRATFORD STREET, Gore

Subdivision and water have allowed Olrig Station to run an intensive bull system.

MAINLAND MINERALS (SOUTHERN) AS TENANT EIGHT YEAR LEASE CBRE is pleased to offer this highly functional industrial property occupied by Mainland Minerals, an iconic Southland business with a long trading history, and a new eight year lease with rights of renewal. The property will appeal to passive property investors looking for a high yielding investment that outperforms bank deposit rates and has built-in rent growth linked to CPI movement.

+ 4,554sqm of land in five titles + 2,836sqm approximately of buildings + Net rental of $90,000 plus GST p.a. + Built-in rental growth + Two six-year Rights of Renewal + Expansion opportunity

150 years and never sold before

+ Seismic report available FOR SALE BY NEGOTIATION $975,000 (plus GST) SCOTT BENTLEY scott.bentley@cbre.co.nz

027 203 3310

www.cbre.co.nz/200583Q37 CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

HAWKE’S BAY’S Olrig Station which spreads over 848 hectares of easy contoured land is for sale for the first time since it was settled in 1859. The landmark station has been subdivided and watered to enable an intensive farming operation that sits within a 20 minute easy drive from the sale yards at Stortford Lodge.

The usual wintering policy for the station is 600 R2 bulls and 600 R1 bulls as well as 1200 mixed-age ewes in lamb to terminal sires. Agent Paul Harper from PGG Wrightson says it is one of the largest easy-contoured properties to be offered for sale in the region for years. “More subdivision and new water has

T R AN S F O R M I N G R E A L E S TAT E I NTO REAL ADVANTAG E FOR SALE HONIKIWI FOREST 1753 HONIKIWI ROAD, Otorohanga

ALL THE HARD WORK DONE!

FULL HARVEST INFRASTRUCTURE Honikiwi Forest represents a superb opportunity for a purchaser to secure a mostly younger forest, but with a stand of near mature Radiata. Being second rotation there is full existing forestry harvest infrastructure. Located just South West of Hamilton, 143km from the Port of Tauranga and close to numerous processing facilities means this property is positioned to take advantage of both international and local markets. + + + + +

394ha Titled Area 237ha Pinus Radiata 14ha Minor Species Aged from 2 - 31years Only 143km to Tauranga Port

DEADLINE TENDER Friday 6 October 2017 at 4.00pm

CONTACT WARWICK SEARLE

021 362 778 warwick.searle@cbre.co.nz

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 2, 2017

allowed them to run the intensive bull system where they buy in young Friesian bulls, winter them and finish them as two-and-a-half year olds. “It’s very kind, warm wintering country which has the ability to carry good numbers through winter and sell while the prices are still strong.” Extensive all-weather metal lanes from the front of the station to its rear allow stock trucks to access the cattle yards at the back any time of year and enables easy management of stock. “Nearly all of the 5.7 kilometres of tracks are metalled and double fenced while the majority of fencing has been upgraded with hot wires and this has led to new subdivision using six wires including one electric. Further subdivision into one hectare cells is provided by one and two-wire electrics. Harper says the combination of water and its reticulation, paddock reconfiguration plus a component of cropping and pasture renovation has improved the productive capacity of the station. “The station presents in very good heart and has been well farmed over the years,” he says. “With the length of tenureship you also get a genuine station setup with a big woolshed, stables, workshop and all of the central infrastructure that was part of the original large station.” The seven-stand woolshed is part of a full range of farming infrastructure on the station along

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Olrig Station has a homestead that retains the character and charm of its 1906 origins. with a large number of ancillary buildings that have been added over the years. The homestead has stood on the station for more than a century while retaining its 1906 character with high studs, native panelling

and a formal dining room. The 355 square metre home has numerous living areas, five bedrooms and even has a separate nursery and is set on an elevated site with mature trees and a multitude of sheds.

Two more homes are suitable for a manager’s family and a head shepherd while a fourth home with three bedrooms provides single-person quarters. Olrig Station is being auctioned on November 10.

MORE: Olrig Station can be viewed on www.pggwre.co.nz ID#HAS26620 and for further information contact Paul Harper on 027 494 4854 or Doug Smith on 027 494 1839.

0089339

185x130.71 Manakau Forest

FOR SALE

VALLEY ROAD FOREST PARAPARAUMU, Kapiti Coast

MANAKAU FOREST NORTH MANAKAU ROAD, Horowhenua

MIXED AGE CLASS - CROWN FORESTRY LICENCE FULL HARVEST INFRASTRUCTURE

ALMOST READY TO HARVEST! This single age class forest totalling 68.7 hectares of 20-year-old Pinus Radiata offers the perfect opportunity to secure a quality forest of near mature pruned crop. Well located on the Kapiti Coast with multiple domestic processors nearby and Wellington Centreport only 51kms away for Export markets means this is one not to be missed.

+ 68.7 hectares of NSA + Pruned and Thinned + 51km to Centreport + Planted 1997

DEADLINE TENDER Friday 20 October 2017 at 4.00pm WARWICK SEARLE

Manakau Forest represents a great opportunity for a purchaser to expand their forest estate without the complications that freehold land acquisition can bring. This second rotation forest has full infrastructure in place with a mixed age class of Radiata. Located south of Levin, with an easy cart to Centre Port or numerous processing facilities means this forest is positioned to take advantage of both international and local markets.

021 362 778

www.propertyconnector.co.nz/210427Q37

+ 236.99ha stocked area + Majority of forest 2004 – 2010 plantings + Second rotation with good roading and infrastructure

DEADLINE TENDER Friday 20 October 2017 at 4.00pm JEREMY KEATING 021 461 210

WARWICK SEARLE 021 362 778

www.propertyconnector.co.nz/210551Q37 CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

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

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 2, 2017

A farming adventure

This property has deer, dairy, grazing and forestry operations, a scout den and a search and rescue facility as well as tourism potential.

SOUTHERN WIDE REAL ESTATE SRM Realty Ltd, licensed under the REAA 2008, 84 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra 9320 p 03 440 2163 f 03 440 2167 e central@southernwide.co.nz

TIMA BURN ROAD, MILLERS FLAT

479.1478 HECTARE

Situated in the Teviot Valley and close to Millers Flat township is this very well presented fattening dairy run off unit. The vendors have done a lot of subdivision and pasture renewal with a large percentage of young pastures under 6 years old. There is 100ha cropped in winter feed to be cultivated and sown out, 13ha lucerne and balance in pasture. A lane up the middle of the farm has made management on this farm a lot easier. Wintering a number of beef cattle and bulls along with 1100 crossbred lambs. Has previously wintered 980 dairy cows, 100 R2 beef, 160 R2 bulls, and 170 R1 bulls. Stock are grown out to excellent weights. A tidy three-bedroom home with recently double glazed windows and HRV unit added along with 3-year-old wood burner. Our vendors have presented this property very well and are motivated sellers looking forward to their next project. Please make an appointment with the agent Wes Flannery, Southern Wide Real Estate, Alexandra. BY NEGOTIATION WEB REF SWCR10931

AD0089566©

TIMA BURN ROAD

WES FLANNERY 027 210 6536

AN ADVENTURE tourism goldmine and immaculate farming venture present a wonderful opportunity for an entrepreneurially minded investor to start a multi faceted tourism venture. After two generations of proud farm ownership this stunning property at the foot of the Kaimai Ranges comes to market. Consisting of 262ha of freehold land in five titles and an additional 66ha of Maori lease blocks there are many facets to this spectacular farm that will capture your imagination. Beginning at the gate, which is located 14km from Matamata and 37km from Tauranga, you drive into the property past tranquil ponds and extensive ornamental tree plantings through 5ha of deer farm with a small operational deer shed. The front of the farm holds a 65ha dairy unit impeccably presented with a 24-bail rotary that has had an extensive upgrade two years ago, producing 55,000kg milksolids from a purely grass-fed system. Beyond this a grazing block of 66ha for replacements and drystock and 41ha of varying age forestry. The four-bedroom homestead is situated overlooking a large pond and wetland area that has an ever-changing population of aquatic bird life while specimen plantings of both natives and ornamental trees showcase the ecological awareness of the past owners being clearly evident in the past environmental awards that this farm has won. The second dwelling is a character twobedroom home with wrap-around decks and a separate self-contained flat.

New owners of this property will enjoy the feel-good factor of giving back to your community with the scout den for local children and the Waikato search and rescue facility that is located adjacent to the 88ha of native bush that backs onto the state forest. A hunters’ paradise with wild deer, pigs and clear mountain streams, this property could also be fantastic for horse trekking or eco tourism ventures.

Many facets of this spectacular farm will capture your imagination.

With the ever popular Hobitton movie set only minutes away already attracting thousands of tourists to the Matamata location the time is ripe for more adventure style activities in the area. Situated only two hours’ drive from Auckland and on the main route to Rotorua, while being easily accessible to airports and the cruise ships that berth in Tauranga, the possibilities here are endless for future adventure tourism opportunities. Tenders close on November 9.

MORE: Contact Neville Jacques, Bayleys Matamata, 07 881 9241, 021 774 190, Neville. jacques@bayleys.co.nz

Iconic 630 Ha Finishing Property Dairy Conversion Potential

493 Maxwell Station Road

Maxwell - Wanganui District

Cranleigh - 493 Maxwell Station Road 630.87 Ha fattening and grazing land with significant development upside

Tender Closing 2pm, Thursday 26th October View by appointment

Cranleigh Station offers buyers a rare opportunity to acquire an immaculately presented pastoral farming asset of genuine scale and broad land-use optionality. Given the largely flat to gentle-rolling contour, and its combination of nutrient rich silt loam soils, and lighter sandy loam country, Cranleigh is a trophy property in a premium farming region and represents a highly strategic asset for potential purchases.

Ben Orton +64 27 420 6316 borton@lewistucker.co.nz

Includes 4 bedroom homestead, and two 3-bedroom cottages.

www.cranleighstation.co.nz nz www.lewistucker.co.nz Lewis Tucker Agency, licensed under the REA Act 2008

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 2, 2017

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

OPARAU – 599 Okupata Road RURAL Office 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

LIMESTONE HILLS

WEB ID TMR57149 PLEASANT POINT 320 Mt Gay Road VIEW Friday 6 Oct 1.00 - 3.00pm DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 2nd November, 2017 at • 146.5885 hectares, lovely 4 bedroom home 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) • Central main yard, high standard fencing • Excellent sheds, central all-weather lane This will be a very sought after farm! 146.5885 4 hectares of predominantly rolling hill country with steeper gullies. Perfect for first farm owners or as an add on farm for finishing, or even those looking to 1 semi-retire! With very good home and buildings, and Michael Richardson excellent access from all-weather lane-ways, this Mobile 027 228 7027 Office 03 687 7145 property won't be on the market for long! 2

DEADLINE SALE

michael@pb.co.nz

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

MULTIPLE FARMING OPTIONS • 342ha-330ha approximately effective (846 acres) • Mairoa Ash soils • 114 paddocks – mixture of 7 wire, 3 wire, semi permanent, single wire electric fences • 106 paddocks with water troughs • 75% easy rolling contour • Central laneway services approx 70% of farm • Currently beef fattening, dairy grazing, small flock of sheep • Average annual rainfall 1600mm • Very tidy, well presented 3-bedroom home Tender Closes 4pm Wed 11 October 2017 (unless sold prior) Tender papers available from: Halliwells Solictors, PO Box 422, Hawera 4640 Or email: Admin@halliwells.co.nz Open Days (or view by appointment) Wednesday 20 September, Wednesday 27 September, Wednesday 4 October 2017 Open days farm tours commence at 12.30pm SHARP. 4WD MOTORBIKE IS ESSENTIAL For more information contact: Murray & Cushla Chubb 07 871 0078 or 027 435 8747 Solicitor 06 278 5114

AD0089162©

OPEN TO VIEW

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

AUCTION

Large Scale Finishing Station • 848.34 hectares (2096 acres) 33km west of Hastings • Scale, location, contour plus excellent access • Substantial single storey 1906 homestead on an elevated site surrounded by mature trees • Upgraded reticulated system plus dams and creeks • Multiple sheep and cattle yards, seven stand woolshed, two extra homes plus sundry buildings • A great opportunity to purchase blue ribbon 'Olrig Station' offering a range of farming options

pggwre.co.nz/HAS26620

Hawke's Bay AUCTION Plus GST (if any) 2.00pm, Friday 10 November East Pier, Hardinge Road, Napier

Doug Smith B 06 878 3156 M 027 494 1839 dougsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz Paul Harper M 027 494 4854 Paul.Harper@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Canterbury High Country - Mortgagee Sale • Craigieburn Leasehold on behalf of the mortgagee 6570.86ha (more or less) • Freehold owned by the University of Canterbury with perpetual lease in place • Substantial land holding rarely available • Located only 120km from Christchurch International Airport • Viewing by appointment

Arthur's Pass DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Friday, 20 October

pggwre.co.nz/CHR25702 Sam Davidson B 03 341 4301 M 027 488 8269 sdavidson@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

LIFESTYLE

RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

South Auckland Dairy Farm The dairy farm and support unit sits on six titles and is located in Aka Aka, a well known dairying area of Franklin. • 40 bail rotary shed • Three houses • Well supported by auxiliary shedding • Contour of the land is 80% flat and 20% rolling • Options to purchase are: 115 hectares with five titles; 33 hectares with one title, or both. pggwre.co.nz/PUK26519

Prime Finishing - 242.29 Hectares 707 Pikowai Road

OPEN DAY

Pukekohe TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday, 12 October

Adrian van Mil B 09 237 2041 M 027 473 3632 avanmil@pggwrightson.co.nz

Whakatane Surrounds

• Good contour property with around 15ha suitable for hay or silage • Excellent quality weed free pastures • Excellent long term fertiliser history • Great water supply • All Improvements to a high standard, 250 R2 cattle yard capacity, Technifarm crush and vet gate, threestand shearing shed and sheep yards

TENDER

pggwre.co.nz/WHK26740

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

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Wednesday, 8 November

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Baywide View from Maruia Farm 501H Kaitemako Road • Outrageously good 180 degree views over the northern islands of the Bay of Plenty • Approximately 25 hectares of clean pasture and managed plantation forestry • Excellent sheep and cattle yards • Solid, large and warm four bedroom family home • Massive opportunity to own the very best • Check out the online video • Call the agent today pggwre.co.nz/TAR26051

Your First Farm 1840 Manawahe Road • Land Area: 62.372 hectares (approx. 154.12 acres) • 16ASHB dairy, four bedroom solid family home and good supporting sheds • Good standard of improvements, well fenced and raced • Known for reliable summer rainfall • Rolling contour and scattered trees provide an attractive aspect and natural shelter

pggwre.co.nz/WHK25491

Welcome Bay TENDER (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Tues, 17 October OPEN DAY 10.00-11.00am, Sunday, 8 October

Andrew Fowler B 07 571 5797 M 027 275 2244 afowler@pggwrightson.co.nz

Whakatane Surrounds TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Friday, 10 November

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

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

LIFESTYLE

RESIDENTIAL

AUCTION

'Brancott' - Top Quality Farming Operation • 635.7611 hectares (1570 acres) 49km north west of Hastings • Summer safe, easy contoured, breeding and finishing block • Four stand woolshed, covered yards, three haybarns, implement shed, cattle yards, sundry buildings and fertiliser bin with airstrip • Managers home, two cottages and shepherds whare. • Good natural and reticulated water • Good all-weather laneway. Subdivided into some 111 paddocks, 20 in deer fence • 7.1 hectares of 26 year-old pines, high pruned ready for harvest • Extremely well managed property with very good standard of infrastructure, known for the quality of stock produced • Brancott is an attractive property in two titles giving scale with options to discerning buyers

pggwre.co.nz/HAS26743

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Hawke's Bay AUCTION Plus GST (if any) 2.00pm, Thursday, 16 November East Pier, Hardinge Road, Napier

Doug Smith B 06 878 3156 M 027 494 1839 H 06 877 6109 dougsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz Paul Harper B 06 878 3156 M 027 494 4854 H 06 874 3849 Paul.Harper@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

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