Farmers Weekly NZ October 9 2017 by AgriHQ

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Meat quota outrage Nigel Stirling

nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

HE New Zealand sheep meat industry has gained a powerful new ally in the United States as access arrangements to its single most valuable market, Europe, are again thrown into doubt. The industry was jolted by Britain’s announcement last week that it had agreed with the European Union how import quotas would be split after it left the 28-country bloc in 2019. It was thought Britain had agreed to take part of the 228,000 tonne tariff-free quota previously covering the whole EU. The British portion would be based on its previous three years of imports. The news sent the meat industry into a tailspin with fears NZ exporters could lose the flexibility current arrangements gave them to send as much as the entire quota entitlement either to the UK or other 27 countries as market conditions dictated. “We cannot contemplate a situation where the quality or quantity of NZ’s existing … market access rights with the EU or the UK are eroded,” Beef + Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons said. The announcement also blindsided officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade who for months had been asking for formal talks with EU and UK counterparts to discuss the quota’s future. One senior official said

assurances had also been given the quota would not be split. “But then to say we have the solution and it is the precise solution that NZ and others has absolutely explicitly rejected just seems to me to be the rankest stupidity,” the official said. The official said the EU had failed to abide by World Trade Organisation rules to properly consult countries affected by changes to quotas. NZ had not been alone in expressing its outrage at the unilateral actions of the British and the Europeans.

When NZ was talking about this stuff it was treated not with disdain but it was taken very lightly by the Europeans.

A dozen countries had significant import quotas giving low-tariff access for agricultural exports to the EU. Six countries led by the US wrote a fortnight ago to the UK and EU delegation heads at the WTO headquarters in Geneva rejecting the idea that quotas should be redrawn on the basis of historical trade averages and reminding them of their responsibility to ensure no country should be left worse off. “These (quotas) were achieved through a delicate balance of concessions and entitlements that is fundamental to the global trade architecture today … we

attach a particular importance to the stability and continuity of those rights.” A source close to the Government said with the US now in its corner NZ was in a stronger position to argue its case. “When NZ was talking about this stuff it was treated not with disdain but it was taken very lightly by the Europeans but the minute the US signed on to this letter all of sudden this became a major issue.” The Government’s agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen said the US weighing in could focus the minds of EU and British politicians and bureaucrats still struggling to get on top of all the Brexit detail. “I would put a bit more weight on the fact that there is a general misunderstanding about the importance of the WTO in these arrangements … even at political level.” But the EU and the UK were wrong if they thought they could get away with a “cosy deal” between themselves. Parsons said the potential fallout for exporters if the quota was split was not to be underestimated. One possible scenario following Brexit involved a significant slowing in the British economy and a weakening in sterling. If that happened NZ exporters faced slack demand made worse by fewer opportunities to divert exports to the EU because of a reallocation of quota to the UK. That nightmare scenario could be compounded by a glut of local lamb on the British market if the UK couldn’t export to the EU.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE: Who knows where these lambs, sold last week at Temuka, will end up if the British and Europeans have their way and carve up import quotas.

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NEWS

NEW THINKING

Soil Moisture Anomaly (mm) at 9am October 6, 2017

25 Cows to get tailored milkings Giving each cow its own, tailored milking experience is the focus of work by Dr John Penry, who has recently moved to New Zealand to work with respected dairy research organisation Cognosco.

OPINION Alan Emerson says we’re aiming for the wrong water quality targets.

Sheep and beef farmers are expected to have average pre-tax earnings of $90,000 for the year to June 30 if the exchange rate is in the middle of a band forecast by Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

7 Herd numbers and sizes fall The trend to consolidation of dairy farms has become noticeable again now conversions have fallen away, DairyNZ senior economist Matthew Newman says.

18 Sensor network to cut costs NIWA is testing a farm-friendly system for capturing and sending essential data like soil moisture and irrigation flow rates.

Currency lifts AgriHQ milk price �� 3 More profit in North Island �� 4 Food service boosts Alliance growth �� 5 Herd numbers and sizes fall �� 7 Yearling bulls sales going strong �� 8 Poor grass leaves cows needing nutrient boost �� 10 Analysts say more profit coming �� 11 Empathy flows easy in flood area �� 14 Sensor network to cut data costs �� 18 Couple’s career changes pay off �� 22

NEWSMAKER

24 Water justice needs big effort Expecting dairy farmers to fence and plant is no more demanding than asking courier drivers to service their brakes, Canterbury regional councillor and freshwater ecologist Lan Pham says.

normal (mm)

28 Alternative View 4 More profit in North Island

60 Wetter than

Editorial �� 26 Cartoon �� 26 Letters �� 26, 29

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Drier than normal (mm)

Pulpit �� 27 Alternative View �� 28 From the Ridge �� 29 Meaty Matters �� 30

WORLD

31 Wool scam rorts Chinese buyers

A sophisticated wool substitution racket with the potential to damage relations with China, Australia’s biggest wool market, has been uncovered.

REGULARS Employment �� 32 Classifieds �� 33 Livestock �� 34-35

MARKETS

40 Healthy

returns likely to continue Volatility is ever present but Alliance Group expects to deliver healthy farmgate returns for all types of livestock over the coming months.

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.

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Market Snapshot �� 36

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

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Currency lifts AgriHQ milk price Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com A SLIGHT easing of the New Zealand dollar hedge rate and a stronger outlook for whole milk powder futures have put 15 cents on the AgriHQ farmgate milk price forecast, lifting it to $6.60/kg milksolids. That was contrary to the latest Global Dairy Trade auction when the price index dropped 2.4%, the largest market fall since early March. Whole milk powder was down 2.7% and butter and anhydrous milk fat dropped 3.6% and 3.4% respectively. AgriHQ dairy analyst Amy Castleton said the news that Fonterra had hedged 71% of its foreign exchange for the current season, which AgriHQ had calculated at US72.2c, had pushed

the previous AgriHQ forecast down. But easing spot exchange rates since then had helped the gain in the most recent milk price forecast. The AgriHQ forecast also took into account the futures prices for the rest of the season. “Notwithstanding the GDT results, WMP futures prices were $100/tonne higher than a fortnight ago, around US$3140 compared with $3020 in the auction for October delivery. “On the other hand, the outlook for milk fat prices is weaker than it was a fortnight ago.” Butter futures were down by US$50 to $180/tonne, depending on delivery months, and AMF futures were down $25-$100. The 2.4% fall in GDT prices was a surprise to the market, which had expected higher prices on the basis of the lift in futures contracts

and reports from NZ that spring milk production was going under water. Westpac economists said the prior futures increases might have reflected Fonterra’s September Global Dairy Update suggesting poor weather was hampering milk collections, which, on a seasonally adjusted basis, were down. “However, the auction result suggests that global dairy demand may not be a robust as thought. “Our forecast farmgate milk price for this season remains at $6.50 compared with Fonterra’s forecast of $6.75,” Westpac said. ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown said wet spring weather created the risk dairy prices would spike higher over coming months if production at this important time of the year was affected. Despite the GDT price falls,

DOWN: The outlook for milk fat prices is weaker than it was a fortnight ago, AgriHQ dairy analyst Amy Castleton says.

butter and AMF values remained extremely high. Global butter demand continued to surge and supply was struggling to keep up. For that reason, the ASB remained upbeat on the outlook and would maintain its milk price forecast of $6.75. ANZ rural economist Con Williams said the impact of the wet spring on NZ milk supplies remained uncertain. While there had been a shortterm slowdown in August and

September, milk flow could recover this month. There was downside risk to the Fonterra forecast of $6.75, he said. The Fonterra-owned GDT platform said Polish Dairy, the fifth-largest European dairy company, would list skim milk powder online from November 21. Since becoming a member of the EU in 2004, Poland’s dairy production had increased to the extent that exports were important and as were the price discovery aspects of GDT.

Two weeks left for dairy farmers to vote for DairyNZ board DAIRY farmers have two weeks to cast their votes for the DairyNZ biannual election of directors before voting closes on October 24. Six candidates wanted to fill the two vacancies. This year farmers were also voting on several resolutions, including a proposed rule change to reduce directors’ terms from four to three years. The change would provide greater opportunity for farmers to get involved in industry governance because annual elections would be introduced. Farmers were also being asked to vote on resolutions covering directors’ remuneration and the ratification of two

board-appointed directors. Increasing environmental expectations and compliance were nominated by all candidates as the biggest challenges facing dairy farmers. Cole Groves, from Ashburton, said pressure from urban people for farmers to increase their standards had extended to animal welfare, the treatment of bobby calves and reducing stocking rates. The industry had to put much more effort into making attractive career paths and addressing the total lack of knowledge about dairying among Auckland’s careers advisers. Sitting director Jim van der

Poel, Ohaupo, said developing tools to help farmers with compliance, keeping a healthy relationship with urban NZ and promoting a competitive farming system were priorities. “DairyNZ must continue to hold the capability that the industry needs to be able to continue to provide facts-based solutions,” he said. Ian Brown, Tokoroa, said he would focus on the dairy industry strategy refresh to ensure clarity on how the resulting strategic objectives would be set and achieved. DairyNZ was well placed to provide confidence, tools and solutions backed by sound science, innovation

and leadership to ensure farm systems remained profitable, met the requirements of the changing operating environment and created opportunities for growth. Priorities for Colin Glass, Timaru, included improving public perception of dairying and championing the willingness of dairy farmers to do what was right. He was also keen to help ensure NZ dairy farmers remained competitive with international counterparts. Mark Slee, Ashburton, wanted the strategic refresh to focus on outcomes that continued to enhance farm profitability and sustainability.

“As food producers we must get ourselves closer to consumers when promoting animal welfare and environmental integrity.” Grant Coombes, Taupiri, was keen to see more collaboration among industry bodies that farmers owned, including dairy, breeding and fertiliser companies and other organisations. Farm systems had to evolve to remain sustainable and profitable despite changes including pressure from regulators and disruptive technology, he said. The election result would be announced at the DairyNZ annual meeting in Rotorua on October 25.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

More profit in North Island Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com SHEEP and beef farmers are expected to have average pre-tax earnings of $90,000 for the year to June 30 if the exchange rate is in the middle of a band forecast by Beef + Lamb New Zealand. That was a 6.6% rise on last year’s $84,600 average. On an inflation-adjusted basis, the earnings were expected to be only marginally higher than in 2004-05, well above a 2007-08 low but well below the high of 201112. North Island sheep and beef farms were expected to be more profitable than South Island farms on average, though the extensive high-country farmland areas in the south skewed the averages. B+LNZ used an exchange rate of US$0.69 in estimating earnings over the year though the actual rate in the main export season from November to June was the key, chief economist Andrew Burtt said. It was lower than the current rate but major banks expected an easing in the dollar against the important trade currencies – the US dollar, sterling and euro. Exchange rate movements had a significant impact on earnings with 10% rises or falls from the mid-rate of US$0.69, producing a 13% fall in forecast earnings or a 16% rise respectively. Based on the average farm size and stock units, national gross farm revenues (assuming the mid-rate) were expected to be $469,900. That was mostly made up of: SHEEP, the largest revenue item, slipping 0.4% to $201,000 with fewer lambs sold at slightly lower prices than in 2016-17. WOOL up 10% to $41,100

with more wool sold, including volumes carried-over from the previous year when farmers held supply back because of poor prices. A slight price rise was forecast. CATTLE revenue up 1.1% to $131,500, expecting a small lift in cattle sold but with a softer price outlook. The impact varied between the islands, with cattle making up 40% of North Island revenues but only 17% in the south. DAIRY GRAZING slipping 1.8% to $26,800 as some farmers moved to running their own beef cattle for better returns. CASH CROPPING up 4.8% to $46,200 though that was 5% lower than the 10-year average. Total sheep and beef farm revenue at the farmgate was expected to be about $5.3 billion, a 1.6% lift year-on-year. B+LNZ noted gross revenues were used for buying goods and services for the farm business, tax, debt reduction and personal living expenses. Average farm expenditure was forecast to rise 0.5% to $378,700, with higher fertiliser costs offsetting reductions in interest and repairs and maintenance. Fertiliser inputs were expected to increase in the North Island with some catch-up after difficult conditions including wet air-strips and poorer cashflows last year but to decrease in the South where applications in recent years were above average levels. B+LNZ expected some price differentiation to be a factor. Though slightly lower than a year earlier, interest costs remained the largest individual item, just ahead of fertiliser. Feed and grazing costs were expected to drop slightly, for a second year, from the impact of

EXPORTS: The exchange rate through the main export season from November to June is the key to farm incomes, Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief economist Andrew Burtt says.

the 2015-16 spike caused by the severe Canterbury-Marlborough drought. Average profitability in the North Island was ahead of the South Island, which had higher revenues and expenditure. NORTH ISLAND sheep and beef farms were expected to average pre-tax earnings up 15% at $104,000, with a lift in all revenue sources to a total $422,700. Sheep and cattle provided 81% of revenues with sheep slightly higher. Expenditure was also up considerably at $318,700 for 201718, driven by higher repairs and maintenance as well as fertiliser because of recovery work on both hill country and intensive finishing properties from autumn

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Total sheep and beef farm revenue at the farmgate was expected to be about $5.3 billion.

SOUTH ISLAND pre-tax profits were expected to fall nearly 4% to average $74,700. Gross revenues were expected to be 1% lower at $521,000 with reductions in sheep, cattle and

dairy grazing returns, which made up 68% of total revenues. Wool revenues increase about 6%. Sheep provided about 44% of gross revenues. Total South Island expenditure was expected to fall slightly to $446,300 with reductions across most items. B+LNZ said the North Island had 49% of the sheep flock, 70% of the beef cattle herd and 59% of dairy cattle. Its forecasts were for the financial year to June 30 though the export season ran from October 1 to September 30. The weighted average sheep and beef farm was estimated at 630ha carrying 2601 sheep, 337 beef cattle and 24 deer, for a total 3982 stock units.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Exchange rate will boost returns Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com THE United States dollar is the key exchange currency for New Zealand sheep meat and beef as it is for dairy products. Between October last year and June 30 this year, the first nine months of the annual export season, 71% of total meat export volumes were traded in US$ contracts, Beef + Lamb NZ said in its New Season Outlook. Euro sales had a 9.1% share of total sales and British sterling 7.4%. The US was the largest market but the second largest market was China/North Asia and most of those sales were in US dollars. From October to June the US took 29% of sheep meat and beef exports, ahead of China on 26%. B+LNZ said the United Kingdom and continental Europe

were the traditional markets for NZ lamb but more lamb volumes were also traded in US dollars than in euro or sterling. For that period 18% of lamb volume was traded in sterling and 20% in euro. Sterling remained very important even though the

volumes of lamb exports to the UK dropped to about 17% of the NZ total in 2016-17 from the traditional 20% share after sterling fell against the kiwi in response to the Brexit vote. China was the single biggest lamb market at 30% of exports

though the eurozone was a bigger market overall. The US, taking 8%, was the third largest individual market during the first nine months of the year just finished. Beef sales were the key for the US dollar trade though as 88% of exports went to either the US or North Asia. Half of beef exports went the US alone. The US dollar was also important for the mutton trade because of the high volumes to Asia, with China taking 47% and the US taking 8%. In its forecasts for the meat export trading year B+LNZ said the NZ dollar was expected to weaken in value against the major currencies as their underlying economies improved their performance, after having strengthened in the 2016-17 year. Current year forecasts were

Beef sales were the key for the US dollar trade though as 88% of exports went to either the US or North Asia. based on an average foreign exchange estimate for the kiwi dollar of US$0.69, £0.55 and €0.62, down from the average US$0.71, £0.56 and €0.65 in 2016-17. Most of NZ’s meat production was sold from late November to June, making the value of the NZ dollar during that period crucial for farmers and the export companies.

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Food service boosts Alliance growth Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com FOOD service continues to help Alliance Group as it expands a “forward-facing” strategy in Asia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. “The strategy is working,” chief executive David Surveyor told shareholder/suppliers last week. The farmer-owned company paid out more than $100m more for livestock this year than it did last year and the sales and marketing team was adding more value to product, he told a meeting at Waiau in North Canterbury. The co-op would finish this financial year with about $20m of core debt, giving Alliance the financial firepower to pursue its plans. A major part of the arsenal was the acquisition of Goldkiwi Asia, now rebranded Alliance

Asia. Surveyor said while Alliance already had a strong platform in China through its Grand Farm partnership, it had probably been under-represented in southeast Asia. Having dedicated staff in the region would have more impact than trying to direct daily operations from Invercargill. In the UK, the six-month-old food service business was hiring more staff, generating solid sales and securing premium business. The fledgling operation would be 20 times bigger in the 2018 financial year, Surveyor said. The hospitality trade was also kicking strongly in NZ, where sales had doubled in the past three years to $100m. Pure South was now in some of the country’s best restaurants with a wider range of offerings including aged beef.

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Looking ahead, one of the biggest risks for the business was the pending $20m overhaul of the company’s computer system. Surveyor warned that unless urgent action was taken to replace “this 1970s/80s half-stitched together, horrible system” it would shut down in September 2019. “This project touches every single aspect of the business,” he said, adding its clumsiness was affecting Alliance’s ability to control and manage pricing for farmers’ benefit. Lamb and venison prices looked good for the new season but beef was expected to soften, particularly because of rising Australian exports into China and Brazilian expansion. “Lamb prices feel solid, venison is in a good space but beef feels like it’s on a downward trajectory,” Surveyor said.

PROGRESS: Alliance’s strategy is working, chief executive David Surveyor says.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Last chance for DDT muster FARMERS are being urged to check sheds and chemical stores for DDT or other banned pesticides as The Great DDT Muster does a final sweep of the country. Funding for this free collection and disposal service for persistent organic pesticides (POPs) is coming to an end but the company responsible for the service, 3R Group, believed there was still more out there. 3R’s ChemCollect manager Jason Richard said the firm had been running rural chemical collections for a number of years but knew farmers weren’t having DDT and other POPs picked, up simply because it was too expensive. “These particular

chemicals are sent to France for safe disposal at approved facilities so it’s not a cheap process.” POPs were used in many insecticide and sheep dip products sold in New Zealand from the 1940s to the 1970s before being replaced by safer alternatives. They were finally banned in 2004. “Farmers may recognise brands such as Young’s Sheep Dip, Cooper’s Louse Powder or Cleanso but if in doubt they can check the website for a more comprehensive list and an image gallery to help them recognise these banned pesticides,” Richards said. “This is the last chance for free collection so we urge farmers not to delay.”

CHUCK EM OUT: Products like this are new banned and farmers have a last chance for free disposal. Photos: JBL Environmental

Herd numbers and sizes fall Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com THE trend to consolidation of dairy farms has become noticeable again now conversions have fallen away, DairyNZ senior economist Matthew Newman says. He was commenting on the high-level statistics on dairy farms, cow numbers, and cow productivity included in DairyNZ’s latest annual report. In the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s the number of dairy herds had fallen by an average of 130 a season, from 16,000 to 11,748 now. That rate of fall flattened out over the past decade because of conversions, mostly in the South Island, as the national tally rose from 11,500 to nearly 12,000. “The rate of new conversions either matched or slightly exceeded the number of farms amalgamating,” he said.

ONE SOURCE

But in the past two seasons there had been a drop of 222, as low milk prices had stopped conversions and raised the number of farmers exiting the industry. Over the same two seasons cow numbers nationally fell 150,000, from 5.02m in 2014-15. Newman thought the reasons for falling cow numbers included low milk payouts and difficult seasons. Now environmental constraints and uncertainties might keep cow numbers down as farmers concentrated on cow productivity at lower stocking rates. “They may be thinking if I am going to have to reduce cow numbers anyway, is it worth rebuilding in the short term? “We may have scope to go over 5m again but certainly not to 6m.” Last season the national

average milk yield went up 9kg milksolids to 381kg/cow. During the past decade that measure had risen by 20%. Newman said the contributing factors were improved genetic merit, higher levels of feeding and more supplementary feeding. “This productivity increase is a real credit to farmers around the country in trying times with financial pressures and difficult climatic conditions.” While the average effective size of farm had topped out recently, the 20ha average increase over the past decade was strongly influenced by the big South Island farms coming into production. Average stocking rate had been stable around 2.8 cows/ha during the past decade. DairyNZ and LIC will publish their joint Dairy Statistics for 2016-17 in November.

FEWER: In the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s the number of dairy herds had fallen by an average of 130 a season, from 16,000 to 11,748 now.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

CASTING AN EYE: Kakahu farm manager Tom Hargreaves and PGG Wrightson auction Jonty Hyslop check the stock before the auction.

Yearling bull sales going strong Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com ANGUS yearling bull sales are on a high with record results around the country. Some prices were up by more than $1000 a head, gains of 30%plus on last year, in the sales just finishing in the North Island and still under way in the South Island. Other sales had gains of $300 to $500 a head. Waiterenui Stud in Hawke’s Bay averaged $4197 an animal for 38 yearling Angus bulls. In the South Island, Te Mania Stud in northern Canterbury averaged $4203 a head for 47 yearlings followed the next day, Thursday, by Kakahu Stud in South Canterbury achieving $4800 for 29 bulls. The Kakahu gain was $1100 a head, PGG Wrightson livestock agent Jonty Hyslop said. The top price was $7500 for a yearling with exceptional data and carcase traits. It was the first bull up and attracted fierce bidding, he said.

The focus on continually improving top quality genetics was paying off for Angus breeders and all had good sales this season, Tom Hargreaves, who manages the family-owned Kakahu Stud farm, said.

Consumers are willing to pay up for grass-fed beef, ethically farmed, with great marbling taste and the traceability we have here as well. Will MacFarlane Waiterenui Stud All the stud’s bulls sold to commercial farmers on Thursday would be mated with heifers in the coming season. Genetic advances had made heifer-mating a good opportunity

for farmers with easy (unassisted) calving, faster growth rates and high marbling content in the meat. Mating heifers had not been popular till the last two or three years though Kakahu had been breeding from them for 15 years, Hargreaves said. The barriers to successful calving and mothering had to be bred out of the herd and the genetic gains were being passed on by the bulls to their progeny. They included smaller calf size to help calving. “We’ve got 100% confidence in them and 95% of our buyers are repeat buyers.” More heifer mating potentially meant a significant gain in beef cattle numbers. Kakahu had typically put 22 to 25 yearling bulls in its onfarm spring sale but all 29 sold keenly this time and an extra 10 or so bulls were likely to go in next year’s sale. Waiterenui Stud owner Will MacFarlane said all the work done by AngusNZ on its quality meat

programmes, targeted largely at the United States market, was being rewarded. Demand for Angus bulls was very strong. “Consumers are willing to pay up for grass-fed beef, ethically farmed, with great marbling taste and the traceability we have here as well.” Stud breeders were being rewarded for the carcase attributes and early maturity in the animals they were making available for commercial farmers. Wrightson’s Hyslop said the global beef market might be off its peaks and with overseas competitor-countries having an impact on returns but NZ farmers could still do very well with the value they were adding. The group’s national genetics manager Callum Stewart said more yearling bulls were being sold than ever before in a changing market, partly because of a move away from bobby calf processing and the associated issues.

Farmers were seeing the benefit of improving genetics to get a new, quality animal with more tender, flavourful meat and that was good for New Zealand. The strong volume yearling sales might be to the detriment of two-year-old bull sales and that would be a concern, he said. As well as the change away from bobby calves, other farmers were moving from sheep to cattle because they were less labourintensive and that was increasing demand for breeding bulls. Stewart reported other strong sales. Twin Oaks Stud in Waikato sold 38 yearling Angus bulls at an average $3505 and in North Canterbury Woodbank Angus sold 34 yearlings at $2905 while Red Oak Stud sold 29 at $2452. Rangitikei Hereford breeder Ardo Stud had also done well selling 82 yearling bulls at an average $3475 a head and Tainui’s Hangawera Stud in Waikato sold 108 animals at $2356 average.

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News

10 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Demand puts the bite on feed supplies Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com RELENTLESSLY wet weather has put the pressure on blended feed suppliers as farmers take advantage of palm kernel alternatives and a more promising payout to insulate herds from spring feed shortages. Federated Farmers dairy section chairman Chris Lewis has been cautioned by feed suppliers about delays as a result of exceptional demand prompted by poor grass growth. Similar notifications were received by farmers in Northland, where grass quality had slumped in recent weeks. Lewis said while last spring was also noted for its wet conditions, this year had undoubtedly been worse because of weather that had not let up since autumn. “And last year no one had any money to buy supplement and often went without.” Meantime, feed suppliers were working hard to keep up with farmers’ demand for more blended feeds to be silo delivered. Orion Haulage, Morrinsville, operations manager Glen McLeod said his company had been under the hammer trying to keep up with orders for silo delivery with its auger trucks in recent weeks. “We would be looking at delivery five to six days out from orders.

“The weather has definitely increased the demand for blended feeds. “However, we are not expecting it to last long, a couple of weeks and things should be back to normal.” He noted demand was “absolutely” up on last spring, also a very wet one but one characterised by a lack of farmer funds to buy supplement. “I would say demand is about 35% higher than last year. “I have had farmers say to me the money is there this year to get the feed in.” His company was one of the largest auger truck feed suppliers in the region and was experiencing the sharp end of farmers’ demand for more blended, specialised feed mixes over traditional bulk-delivered palm kernel. “I think once the sun comes out for a decent length of time we will see things come right but it has been a terrible spring period.” Bulk delivery companies like RMD Transport in Tauranga had not experienced any delivery issues with bulk palm kernel. Regal Group in Waikato delivered bulk palm kernel for GlenCorp from the Port of Tauranga. Dispatch manager Peter Murcott said palm kernel bulk

DOUBT: Extensive use of bought-in feed means milk supply declines forecast because of poor grass growth might not be accurate, Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Lewis says.

I would say demand is about 35% higher than last year. Glen McLeod Orion Haulage shipments were moving well with four to five ships a month delivering GlenCorp product. “The advantage is that if supply gets tight in one part of the country a ship can be diverted there relatively easily. “We have not seen any issues over supply.” Rain in central North Island areas from Tauranga to Taupo and north to Hamilton had already

experienced their total annual rainfall. McLeod said Orion Haulage also spread whey on paddocks and had to take loads well into south Waikato where soils were less waterlogged to apply the byproduct. Traditional palm kernel delivered in bulk was increasingly being replaced by blended combinations that included other imported feeds like distilled grains, soya beans, cotton seed and grain pellets. “I think more farmers are recognising the balance they can get in feed by mixing it up with other products.” Lewis said in the past two years he had moved away from straight palm kernel to more blended mixes including grain pellets because they delivered

“more bang for your buck” than traditional palm kernel. He questioned the impact higher demand for quality blended feeds might have on any anticipated milk supply declines in coming weeks as the industry approached the critical flush period. “The question being raised by analysts is whether you can trust the New Zealand data on milk supply or not, given grass supply may well be down but milk supply may stay the same with the additional supplement.” Lewis said communication between farmers and their supplier company was vital at this stage of the season, and it might be necessary for delivery companies to keep their doors open longer for trucks over coming weeks.

Poor grass leaves cows needing nutrient boost Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com DEMAND from dairy farmers for supplementary feeds has been exceptionally strong this spring, Agrifeeds general manager Braden Waite says The demand was spread nationally though it was stronger further north. Dairy farmers were buying dry feeds like palm kernel, liquid molasses and significantly larger volumes of loose bulk blends that provided balanced nutrition for lactating cows. They needed to boost energy intake because of the slow pasture growth and low metabolisable energy levels of grass caused prolonged wet weather and lack of sunshine. Mineral supplementation was also very important for cow health and good milk production and was seen as being effectively administered through feeds. The higher prices of bulk blends versus palm kernel, which was now about $250/tonne ex store, were seen by some farmers as a good investment in better

nutrition leading to increased returns, he said. More and more farmers had their own silo storage and in-shed feeding systems though many still fed out in traditional ways. Waite said delivery times of Agrifeeds dry products ordered through Farm Source and PGG Wrightson stores had lengthened from two to three working days out to perhaps five. “Agrifeeds predominantly supplies imported feeds and we have a time-lag of up to three months from ordering to importation so responding to quick spikes in demand can present some challenges at times. “However, we always carry what we think will be adequate stocks, including some buffer, and the challenge at present is to manage the distribution logistics and make sure we communicate the delivery times accordingly.” Farm Source manager Jason Minkhorst said sales of all supplementary feeds were very strong. Fonterra farmers were keen to maximise milk production at a good forecast payout.

Another consequence of the wet weather was delayed paddock preparation and sowing times for pasture renewal and summer crops. Fonterra reported its New Zealand milk collection in August was down 2% compared with the previous August while its Australian collection was up 20%. South Island milk collection in August was down 5% and North Island down 1%. For the first three months of the season, June, July and August, total NZ collection was flat at 122 million kilograms of milksolids compared with 2016. But as that was only 8% of the total forecast seasonal production, the season was still in its early stages and a close watch was being kept on the challenging weather conditions, Fonterra said. It recently predicted milk collection for the season would be 3% higher than 2016, therefore recovering what had been lost that season when compared with 2015. Not much relief was forthcoming to dairy farmers in September and the milk

production deficits for many North Island farmers grew wider. DairyNZ coastal Taranaki consulting officer Michelle Taylor said the weather had not improved and farmers in the region had reported daily milk flows as much as 10% behind last year. Not much land had been sprayed for summer crop establishment and no grass silage was made. Pasture growth rate at the end of September was 65kg/ha/day and the metabolisable energy level 12.7 but covers were low and cows were not getting enough grass to express their full potential. Supplementary feeds were needed and a lot of nitrogen was being spread when conditions allowed. DairyNZ south Waikato regional leader Wade Bell said the region’s dairy farms endured a very difficult September and consequently more supplements had been fed for longer. Pasture growth rates were near normal but cows were “walking the grass into the ground”

BUYING: Demand from dairy farmers for supplementary feeds is exceptionally strong this sping, Agrifeeds general manager Braden Waite says.

because of wet conditions. A few more drying days lately had helped improve farmers’ mood but they were only 5-10mm more rainfall away from going back into paddock saturation. The milk curve, which had been ahead of last year in August, was now in line with 2016.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Analysts say more profit coming Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com FONTERRA is on track to deliver better value-added earnings in future despite reduced margins and earnings last financial year, market analysts say. From an investor’s point of view Fonterra remained in thrall to the ups and downs of world dairy commodities markets, they said. The impact on earnings of higher milk input costs for valueadded products, the negative stream returns (minus $180 million) and the movement of 9c/ kg from earnings to milk price were a drag on dividend last financial year. Fonterra’s strategy to turn more volume into higher value at velocity was working, Craigs Investment Partners analyst Adrian Allbon said. “We have previously been cautious on Fonterra due to Global Dairy Trade price volatility and higher gearing. “But recent financial results have demonstrated a stronger base, good management execution and debt levels have

ADDS UP: Fonterra is confident in its forecast earnings range, chairman John Wilson says.

reduced to more comfortable levels. “Despite the uncertainty surrounding the litigation with Danone, FSF continues to offer good value to shareholders at current levels and earnings growth should support the share price.”

Fonterra milk supply shares with ownership restricted to farmers and its FSF units, which investors can buy, have returned about 6.5% yield on their average market prices. Allbon suggested a target price of $6.35 versus about $6.24 lately, a market level up 8% in the last year. He forecast a steady dividend of 40c/share this financial year and in FY 2019, out of earnings a share that should climb to 51c then 55c. Forsyth Barr analyst James Bascand said FSF as a stock continued to underperform and he left the target price of $5.90 unchanged. Fonterra remained leveraged to commodity price margins and its improved performance in valueadd products was not enough to keep up with rising input costs in the big ingredients division. Bascand forecast earnings a share increases to 53c this year and 57c next year but believed the dividends would remain steady. “We are targeting earnings near the top end of guidance, assuming a rebound in stream profitability to $50m and margin expansion as prices are raised to offset

commodity price increases,” he said. The global dairy backdrop remained attractive for investors but competition was intense and earnings uncertain because of volatile commodity prices. Among the risks were the constraint on NZ milk production by wet weather and market-share losses. Fonterra also started the new financial year with its lowest product inventory ever, at 49 days. First NZ Capital research head Arie Dekker said Fonterra’s essentially flat milk intakes contrasted with its capital spending. “FSF continues to guide to capital investment well above depreciation and amortisation.” The investment stemmed from the product mix change towards food service, a value-added category that grew 27% in volume last financial year. Dekker called for more details about what further investment was needed to achieve Fonterra’s stated aim of earnings before interest and tax in the range $1.5 to $2 billion annually. His target price for FSF was

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the litigation with Danone, FSF continues to offer good value to shareholders. Adrian Allbon Craigs Investment Partners $6.08 and the rating for the stock was neutral. His earnings a share forecasts were bullish at a 20% increase this year to 55c and a similar increase the following year to 67c. Fonterra itself has issued an earnings range of 45-55c this financial year as well as a farmgate milk price of $6.75/kg milksolids. “We are well positioned to deliver higher volumes and new product formats in our consumers, food service and advanced ingredients portfolios,” chairman John Wilson said. “We are confident in our forecast earnings range.”

Farmers urged to record their plantings online NIWA and DairyNZ are asking anyone who has planted along stream banks to log on at riparian.niwa.co.nz to record their work. The online survey took five minutes. It would form the basis of the National Riparian Restoration Database, which would help scientists improve understanding of how riparian buffers benefited waterways. Riparian buffer strips were created by fencing to keep animals out and let grass grow long as well as by being planted. The long grass and plantings,

usually of native species, worked to filter, take up or transform nutrients, sediment and faecal pathogens before they could reach the water. They also stabilised stream banks, enhanced biodiversity and cooled streams – improving stream health and resilience. Freshwater scientists Aslan Wright-Stow from DairyNZ and Richard Storey from Niwa, who were both involved in setting up the National Riparian Restoration Database, had found many riparian projects led to rapid ecological recovery in streams while others needed

longer to deliver all the benefits. “Although we know a lot about how riparian buffers work there are not many New Zealand case studies showing, for example, how long and wide a riparian buffer needs to be or where it should be located along the river network to get the greatest improvements in stream health,” Storey said. “The survey information we collect will help us determine which characteristics of riparian buffer strips are most effective in improving water quality and stream health,” he said.

“We want to know the extent of existing riparian projects across the country,” WrightStow said. Once the database is under way the next step will be selecting about 50 sites and monitoring them for 12-18 months – work people will be invited to help with. Niwa would provide training and equipment. The citizen scientists would take measurements of stream life, water quality and the physical habitat as well as recording some of the characteristics of the planted riparian areas.

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TELL ME: Richard Storey is one of the scientists wanting information on riparian strips.

News

12 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Appreciate world’s best office STOPPING to appreciate the small things in life really helps people handle the big stuff. That was one of the messages coming through loud and clear from farmers involved in rural wellbeing initiative Farmstrong, project leader Gerard Vaughan said. Over the last two years Vaughan and video maker Nigel Beckford have been busy interviewing Kiwi farmers about what they do to keep well and avoid burnout. They’ve been sharing the best tips and advice in short video clips on the Farmstrong website – www. farmstrong.co.nz. The clips proved a hit with farmers, racking up nearly 300,000 views via social media and YouTube since Farmstrong launched in June 2015. The site attracted on average more than 1000 new visitors each week. Taking a few minutes each day to appreciate their land and surroundings was right up there among the top tips from many farmers. “It is amazing how many farmers mentioned during our interviews that a big part of their wellbeing was taking the time each day to stop and appreciate they do have the best office in the world,” Vaughan said. King Country sheep and beef farmer Wendy Coup was one of them. Enjoying the small stuff was a crucial part of her recovery from burnout five years ago. “When you’re farming it’s easy to get bogged down in just doing the next task. “That’s why I make a point of jotting down three good moments I’ve had every day in my journal. “It could be something as simple as stopping the bike and sharing a moment with my dogs. Journaling helps you notice that we work in an amazing environment and that there is a lot of joy in farming life.” Another farmer told Vaughan he would stop and listen to the sound of a bellbird when out doing fences. Simply doing that helped him appreciate life more and manage the stress of getting

farmstrong.co.nz

through the large list of things he had to do that day. Beckford, a self-confessed townie, was blown away by the amazing natural environment farmers work in. “As a workplace it would be the envy of most New Zealanders. I guess our work shows that when people get busy, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture. You have to make a conscious effort to stop and smell the roses.” When Farmstrong went to the Chatham Islands, sheep and beef farmer Tony Anderson said even though it could be a harsh environment, he had learnt to take notice and enjoy the beauty and what was happening around him. “Enjoy the tranquility. If you stop talking for a moment there’s no human noise.” Finding time each day to appreciate the small stuff meant people were better placed to handle life’s ups and downs, Vaughan, who had designed and delivered health and wellbeing programmes for more than 20 years, said. “International research tells us getting joy out of simple, everyday things is one of the top five things – the Big 5 - that help people thrive and cope well under pressure. “Keeping physically active, staying connected with mates, learning new things and helping neighbours and community are the others.” Over the past year Farmstrong ambassador and rugby player Sam Whitelock had been busy promoting the Big 5. “The Big 5 can make a huge difference to your wellbeing whether you’re a farmer or a professional athlete. “That’s why making a habit of looking after your wellbeing is so important. I’ve been encouraging famers to find out what works for them and lock it in,” Whitelock said. “For me farming’s a lot like rugby. Its hard work both

RELAX: All Black Sam Whitelock likes to unwind is to connect with nature and go hunting.

physically and mentally. If I never took time off to recover, I wouldn’t be able to perform on the field – same goes for farming. One of the ways I like to unwind is to connect with nature and go hunting.” And connecting with nature was the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week running throughout the country from October 9-15. Vaughan believed that message is a good one for Farmstrong to promote because it related strongly to what farmers said helped them look after themselves. “What farmers are telling us is that taking time out can make a huge difference to how you feel. If you’re working long hours you need to take time to freshen up and get some balance back in your life. “When we get busy our minds get cluttered with all kinds of stuff. Paying attention to the world around you by connecting with nature, even for a few moments, can help you to feel calm and relaxed.” is the official media partner of Farmstrong

Under the pump? Here are some questions that can help you get through. Am I getting enough sleep? Am I talking to someone about what’s on my mind? Am I eating well and keeping physically active? Am I having down-time to recharge? Do I have a list of what is realistic to achieve each day? Using these questions to lock in small changes can make a big difference.

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News

14 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Empathy flows easy in flood area Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com BAY of Plenty farmers hit hard by floods this season are fortunate support is coming from a man who is more than familiar with the first-hand effects of floods on farms. Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust’s onfarm relief worker Ben Smith was now two months into his contract, having picked up the position as the region grappled with the double whammy of two cyclones in two weeks and ongoing rain through much of winter and early spring. It had put heavy demand not only on farmers but also on the rural support team of seven facilitators and wellness officers helping stressed farmers find healthier mental pathways. The silted pastures and washedout maize crops scattered around Edgecumbe were a familiar landscape for Smith who suffered 11 floods in 15 years while he farmed the family property on the edge of the Hikurangi swamp in Northland. After the particularly bad 2014 flood he was a grateful recipient of a load of silage bales from farmers, an overwhelmingly welcome gift he vowed to pay back in some shape or form at a later date. Smith lost his farm after a forward thinking effort to diversify its income streams fell over, requiring it to be sold. The on-going experience of having his business regularly flooded and fighting Whangarei District Council over flood management was also already taking its toll, even before the development plans fell over. “I think when you get into stressful farming situations you tend to take a fight-or-flight approach. “I certainly adopted the fight approach against the council. I dug in but you can only keep it up for so long.” He acknowledged falling into a dark place himself while in the background the suicides of farmers he knew directly and indirectly were playing out. “And we had a particularly bad period of youth suicides up in Northland, so things were not good.” That dark background prompted him to work on a project he had been kicking around – building biodigesters for food waste. He had one he installed in a Northland college to help students

HELP: Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust team members, from left, wellness co-ordinator Igor Gerritson, administrator Jodie Craig and onfarm relief worker Ben Smith.

get a hands-on understanding of waste management and gas production. “It generated enough gas to power up the barbecue for lunch on Fridays.” He was also overseeing another being installed at Papakura High School.

We have got to the point here where we can get someone to visit within 24 hours. Ben Smith Rural Support Grateful to be walking away from the farm with his wife, three kids, dog and two cars, Smith admitted the experience added a deeper spiritual appreciation to his life of what was important and what was worth fighting for. “The people I deal with down here, I know their story, I have been there and I have come to feel very honoured to be part of a

network that is doing a wonderful job of providing wraparound services to rural people who need it.” He believed the local trust network had built on much from the kiwifruit sector’s experience with the Psa outbreak that devastated crops and orchard values and prompted the industry to work hard on looking after growers’ mental wellbeing. That included an early form of the Good Yarn programme to encourage growers to talk about the stresses they were under. He said mental health care in New Zealand tended to be a case of authorities sending patients a letter, telling them to “come and see us in three months’ time”. “But we have got to the point here where we can get someone to visit within 24 hours.” The integration of rural support with the wider farming services network including vets, farm merchants and Federated Farmers meant there was a skill set there to not only identify stressed farmers but to also run the farm for them while they got away for some mental downtime. “I have had cases where I have

turned up to a farm at 8pm at night, been told where the cows are, where the farm dairy is and milked there in the morning.” “I got a letter from Paula Bennett acknowledging the work we are doing. I feel I am in a very lucky position to have the people around me that I have here.” Smith attributed some of the success to lessons learned from Australian farmers who have had generations of experience dealing with climate stresses. Banking regulations there helped enforce a level of care around farmers’ mental health. Bankers were required to have a good assessment of their client’s health and wellbeing when lending and over the duration of the loan. An ex rural banker himself, Smith appreciated that pastoral care and welcomed the support of several retired rural bankers in Bay of Plenty who had lent their advice and experience to rural support and farmers. With the spring sunshine finally starting to emerge, Smith said he had not lost any farmers in his region and believed he and his team helped save the lives of four

farmers locally by acting quickly and cohesively. The team had also become highly capable in interpreting social media posts by young farm workers, a particularly vulnerable group. “You learn to read between the lines on what they are writing and to monitor how they are going.” That suppor also including the latest Farmstrong Under the Pump campaign, with five key questions for farmers to ask themselves when assessing their mental wellbeing. “They are based on well established psychological practices worldwide and will do much to help farmers stay in balance.” Naturally Smith remained concerned at farmer suicide losses nationally. He hoped his talent for farming, empathy and action would be called on in other parts of the country if support trusts felt it was required. “I have really been very fortunate with the family, friends and colleagues I have met her. I am happy to keep paying it forward.”

Farm Plan focus in Central Hawke’s Bay to improve water HAWKE’S Bay Regional Council’s land advisers have met with 34 Farm Plan providers in Waipawa to tackle the challenge of delivering 1100 Central HB farm plans by May 31, 2018. The regional council’s Tukituki Plan will lead to better water quality in the Tukituki catchment

through land use practice improvements and landownerled innovation. At this stage, the pressure is on individual landowners to commit to work with farm plan providers. The farm plans are not a solution in themselves, but spell

out the adjustments to make to reduce individual farm impacts on the environment. “From our perspective, the priority setting and on-farm actions that come out of a farm plan will see water quality improve downstream from farming activities,” HBRC’s

catchment management team leader Brendan Powell said. The regional council relies increasingly on approved Farm Plan providers to deliver plans that are a solid foundation for next steps. “The farmer-provider

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16 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Crimea link doesn’t worry dairy co-op Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com FONTERRA has shrugged its shoulders at reported links between its Russian distributor and the head of Moscow’s puppet regime in Crimea, who seized his country’s parliament at gunpoint three years ago. A St Petersberg newspaper reported Sergey Aksyonov’s visit to a dairy factory owned by Fonterra’s Russian distributor, Foodline Galaktika, and discussion of a possible supply relationship. “The head of the Republic of Crimea noted that he had been impressed by what he had seen and affirmed that he would try to promote the products of the Gatchina factory in Crimea,” the report said.

Previously a bit-player in Crimean politics Aksyonov seized control of the parliament on February 27, 2014. He reportedly followed two dozen masked men with assault rifles and grenade launchers into the building before locking the doors and calling a vote that resulted in him being elected as prime minister. The second vote passed unanimously in the parliament that day called for a referendum to separate Crimea from Ukraine. The move was condemned by the West, which saw it as a thinly disguised Russian attempt to wrest back influence over its near neighbour after its pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukoyvich was tossed out of power the week before. A direct appeal by Akysonov to

CONNECTED: Crimean Prime Minister Sergey Aksyonov has links to Fonterra distributor Foodline Galatika’s owner Maksim Ivanov.

Russian president Vladimir Putin within days of his taking control of Crimea opened the door for Russian troops to occupy the autonomous region just before the referendum, which gave 95% backing to splitting from Ukraine. In response, United States president Barack Obama banned Aksyonov and a handful of

Russian and Ukrainian officials implicated in the takeover from travelling to the US. The European Union and a host of other Western countries followed with similar sanctions. According to a report in St Petersberg media Aksyonov was shown around Foodline’s Gatchina factory by owner Maksim Ivanov in April. Ivanov, a former Russian naval officer, has been Fonterra’s sole distributor in Russia since 2003. He visited New Zealand in late March when he met officials from the Ministry for Primary Industries as well as employees of Fonterra. He was accompanied by Alexei Alekseenko, a senior official from the Russian veterinary service. MPI has had a rocky relationship with the service over the past 12 months, which has cut off NZ beef imports and threatened to do the same for dairy after the discovery of listeria and a banned feed additive. Despite his being in NZ just a fortnight before he showed Akysonov around Foodline’s St Petersberg factory Fonterra maintained it had no warning from Ivanov of the impending visit by the Crimean prime minister. “I have personally never heard Mr Akysonov’s name referred to in any Fonterra discussions,” Fonterra’s general director for Russia, Martin Bates, said in a statement. “We haven’t made any inquiries into the relationship as we have never felt there was a need.” Using the Official Information Act Farmers Weekly requested notes of the meetings between Ivanov and MPI officials but was told none were taken. Revelations of Foodline’s interactions with the Crimean regime came at a sensitive time as NZ counted down to trade talks with the EU and continued to court the US for the same. Since the Crimean crisis erupted NZ had been at pains not to do anything in its dealings with Russia at odds with its Western allies. In March 2014 then Trade Minister Tim Groser was in Moscow and within 24 hours of concluding an historic trade

agreement with Russia. He was called home before the deal could be signed, as the extent of Russia’s role in Crimea became clearer. Groser five months later told exporters NZ’s trade with the EU and the US would suffer if they exploited food shortages created by the tit-for-tat ban by Russia of Western food imports. Europe’s sensitivity was underlined earlier this year when German engineering giant Siemens discovered gas turbines sold to a Russian customer had been shipped to Crimea in contravention of EU sanctions.

We haven’t made any inquiries into the relationship as we have never felt there was a need. Martin Bates Fonterra Siemens was pursuing criminal charges against the individuals responsible and was reviewing “all potential collaboration between its subsidiaries and other entities around the world with regard to deliveries to Russia”. In a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it would caution NZ companies against doing business with Crimea or with Russians subject to sanctions by other countries. “Any such companies would also be well advised to consider the possible impacts on their business of infringing economic and financial sanctions imposed by other countries.” Asked if NZ dairy products were being supplied to Crimea or elsewhere in Ukraine under the control of Russian troops Bates said Fonterra was not aware that was happening. “Fonterra sells dairy products that are used in a number of food applications and sold to a variety of food manufacturers and retailers within the Russian Federation,” he said.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Farmers want pay information Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com FONTERRA shareholders are keen to see more information on how executive salaries and bonuses are set, Federated Farmers vicepresident Andrew Hoggard says. “As a shareholder I would be a lot more comfortable if I knew the basis on which salaries are set, whether they are fair and whether high salaries are paying off for the company.” Hoggard was commenting on the $8.3 million paid to chief executive Theo Spierings in the 2017 financial year, which included $5.5m in performance pay. “We need a basis for comparison with like companies and how these bonuses are set. “FrieslandCampina, for example, achieves a much higher value-add than Fonterra but it has been doing that for a long time so perhaps less effort is required. “Nor do we want to pay a lower rate for the chief executive and have company near-failure, like Murray Goulburn. “Finally, I would like to know if we are paying the scientists and engineers appropriately, in comparison to middle management and the paper shufflers.” Hoggard said farmershareholders relied on the Shareholders’ Council to run the ruler over such matters. He didn’t think a co-operative was always going to pay less than a listed company but research had shown listed companies were usually bigger because of easier access to capital for growth. Farmers he had spoken to did not begrudge Spierings the huge pay – more were annoyed that everyone seemed to have an

MIND YOU OWN BUSINESS: Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings’ pay is a matter only for the co-ops shareholders, Federated Farmers vice-president Andrew Hoggaard says.

opinion on it, when it was only the shareholders’ business. Fonterra had 22,000 employees and had revenue last financial year of $19.2 billion. Its recent financial report said 5245 employees had salaries of $100,000 or more, two-thirds onshore and one-third offshore, and 20 of them earned more than $1m. The second-highest to Spierings was on $3.25m and a further four senior executives were paid more than $2m. By comparison three New Zealand dairy companies for which details were published were

minnows Westland, Synlait and Tatua. Their chief executives were paid $1m to $1.2m and they had 90 to 140 employees earning more than $100,000. Synlait had the largest revenue in FY 2017, at $760m, followed by Westland’s $630m and Tatua’s $338m. Top NZ chief executives were paid an average of $1.73m in the 2016 financial year, during which Spierings was third on the list at $4.66m, a survey of the top 50 NZX companies found from the information published in their annual reports.

Strategic Pay head John McGill said large movements in chief executives’ payments were often because of incentives. In 2016 Spierings was headed by SkyCity boss Nigel Morrison on $6.5m and Fletcher Building boss Mark Adamson on $4.7m, both of whom resigned during the year and got holiday and severance payments. In 2017 Fletcher Building had revenue of $9.4b and SkyCity $1.1b of gaming revenue. Filling up the top 10 listed companies by chief executive remuneration in 2016 were ANZ Bank, Air New Zealand, Tegel Group, Auckland International Airport, NZX, Ebos Group and CBL Corporation. Ranked by the number of employees, Fonterra was the largest company though more than half of its workforce was overseas. Other big companies that had comparable numbers were Fletcher Building with 20,000 and Progressive Enterprises, the NZ division of Woolworths Australia, with 18,000. Business commentator Rod Oram said the IFCN listing of the top dairy processors in the world in 2016 had Fonterra in second place behind Dairy Farmers of America on milk intake, with 22m tonnes liquid milk equivalent (LME) compared with 28m tonnes. Following them were a group of European dairy food companies with around 13-15m tonnes LME, among them Nestle and Spierings’ former company FrieslandCampina. Oram’s said FrieslandCampina had turnover of US$1/kg of milk versus Fonterra’s 60c. The statistics showed Fonterra lagged well behind its European

Research into the pay scales of top NZ companies had thrown up more questions than answers. Professor Tim Hazeldine Auckland University counterparts at adding value to its milk, he said. Fonterra should have disclosed more on how its 5600 senior executives were incentivised, particularly how they created more value, and not just driving out $2b of costs. Silver Fern Farms and Zespri, both major exporters with co-operative roots, paid chief executive salaries of $1.2m to $1.5m. But their $2b revenues in the latest financial year were only a tenth of Fonterra’s. For SFF and Zespri the ratio of chief executive pay to revenue was 1:1600, and for Speirings’ 2017 year it was about 1:2400. In 2016 it was 1:3700. Auckland University economics Professor Tim Hazledine said research into the pay scales of top NZ companies had thrown up more questions than answers. In 2014 the published figures showed chief executives were paid an average of 1:700 of sales revenue. But there was no apparent systemic link between remuneration and productivity or firm profitability.

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Westland Shareholders vote to back governance changes WESTLAND Milk Products shareholders have voted in favour of a proposal to shrink the dairy cooperative’s board and overhaul the selection process for new directors. Shareholders voted 93.5% in favour of the changes at a special meeting in Hokitika. As a result,

the board will shrink to eight from 11 and those elected by shareholders will reduce to five from eight. The remaining three will be independent directors chosen for their competence and suitability via a transparent process, chairman Pete Morrison said in a statement.

The governance overhaul comes after a review of the company that was sought by shareholders at last year’s annual meeting following criticism of the then board for its performance. Westland reported a net loss of $14.5 million in the 12 months

ended July 31, 2016, as its gross margin fell by about 17% and expenses rose. Its payout for the 2015-16 season of $3.88 per kilogram of milk solids was the lowest of any New Zealand dairy company payout. Since then Morrison has

replaced Matt O’Regan as chair, Toni Brendish has taken over from Rod Quinn as chief executive, a new chief operations officer, Craig Betty, has been appointed and in August Westland named Dorian Devers as chief financial officer. – BusinessDesk

2017 DAIRYNZ ELECTIONS We’re electing two farmer directors now. Which farmers get your vote? Voting is open to levy payers. Vote packs are in the post. See the candidates and voting info at dairynz.co.nz/agm.

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News

18 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Sensor network to cut data costs Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com NIWA is testing a farm-friendly system for capturing and sending essential data like soil moisture and irrigation flow rates. The state-owned environmental research unit was working with Spark, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Farmlands on a trial of the low power area-wide network and the internet of things to send information between wireless, battery-operated devices. The internet of things was shorthand for a network of physical devices, vehicles and other items collecting and exchange data. Sensors already routinely measured data like soil moisture, water flow and climate data. NIWA’s chief scientist for environmental information, Jochen Schmidt, said the network could be able to monitor the application rate for irrigators based on their travel speed, alert a rural merchandise rep to the amount of product in a silo or

improve health and safety on farms by triggering alarms if staff were in dangerous areas. Gate sensors were also in the offing. “The technology allows us to build battery-powered sensors so that a person can install their own sensor.

The technology allows us to build battery-powered sensors so that a person can install their own sensor. Jochen Schmidt NIWA

“Our vision is that the soil moisture sensor will already be deployed, switched on and ready to pick up in the store and they just work.” The network was an alternative to 3G and 4G wireless telecommunications, which were reliant on cell towers with a maximum transmission range of 30km. DWN Coaching Conversations module The upgraded Registrations are now open for 20 free nationwide events, system would aimed at helping those in the dairy industry coach and empower the people they interact with on a daily basis. be capable of Events will run regionally from November 1, 2017 through to running for long March 2018. periods on battery, To register: www.dwn.co.nz/events Schmidt said. Contact: events@dwn.co.nz or 0800 396 748 Niwa Sunday 15/10/2017 information Black & Coloured Sheep Breeders Association NZ systems group Mid-Canterbury Branch Open Day manager Rod Venue: Green Acres Fibre Processing, 155 Burnham School Road, Burnham Mckay said the

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internet would potentially reduce the cost of monitoring parameters of interest compared to cellular and private network solutions because the radio component was significantly cheaper and the network running costs would almost certainly be cheaper than cellular. The power requirements were lower, enabling solutions that were solely battery powered and therefore easier to install and maintain and had a smaller installation footprint. It would potentially provide a “more seamless provisioning model”, where consumers could buy a device off the shelf and enable it and subscribe to services via a website. It would also potentially provide better and more flexible coverage than traditional cellular systems. “There is an expectation that the sensors themselves will also become cheaper as volumes increase, however, there is a risk that cheap and uncalibrated sensors will deliver dodgy data that may do more harm than good, so it remains to be seen how this pans out.” Mckay said the internet didn’t really enable much new to be done but it did make some applications a lot more viable in terms of capital, deployment and running costs and size of the package. Spark had committed to roll out the network and Niwa’s role was to ensure robustness or scientific accuracy of the technology. It remained to be seen how much cheaper the improved units would be but the indicative cost was $1-2/device/month, based on low data volume and frequency. The cost of hardware would be dictated by volume, as the

CHECKING: Niwa scientist M S Srinivasan working with some of the agency’s monitoring equipment. Photos: Dave Allen

difference between manufacturing tens, hundreds and thousands of devices was substantial. The cost of telemetering a sensor could often be more expensive than the sensor itself, Mckay said. “However, if we get into the thousands of units the cost of telemetering a sensor will likely be in the $200-$400 range, potentially even less, which in many cases is substantially less than the sensor it’ll be connected to.” A multi-depth soil moisture probe on the network for $1000 was a distinct possibly and adding network connectivity to an

existing flow meter would likely be $200-$400. It wasn’t yet clear how much more work would be needed to present information in a useable form. For farmers to make the most of the system they would need a backend application to crunch the numbers and provide the output. That output could include soil moisture predictions based on weather forecasts and irrigation plans, for example. Setting up each device was a manual job at the moment but it was hoped the process could be automated to cut costs, Mckay said.

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 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

Friday 20/10/2017 Beef + Lamb NZ Farming For Profit field day Venue: Daniel and Tarsh Newport’s property, Korere-Tophouse Road, Korere, Tapawera Time: 11am-4pm. BYO lunch 4WD access only. BBQ to finish the day.

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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.

STAND-ALONE: Niwa’s Methven weather station captures data that can be sent on a low power area-wide network.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Dairy apprentice hunt begins Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com THE hunt is on for a new cohort of apprentice dairy farmers. The pilot programme run by Federated Farmers and training provider Primary ITO started this month. The training partners wanted to recruit 200 apprentices in a trial phase between now and March 2018. “We think it’s going to be a real winner to get people back into agriculture and back into dairy,” Federated Farmers president Katie Milne said. She recalled starting out herself 25 years ago on $131 a fortnight with every second Sunday off. “So things have changed.” Dairy was now a powerhouse for the economy, for one thing. The sector contributed just under $8 billion to annual GDP and employed 40,000 people. It had added jobs at twice the rate of the overall economy since 2000 but wasn’t keeping pace with its own growth. Migrant workers were only part of the solution. Federation national dairy chairman Chris Lewis hoped the new scheme would make farming

We think it’s going to be a real winner to get people back into agriculture and back into dairy.

KICKER KICKER: Primary ITO general manager of Maori business Anne Haira, left, with Ngai Tahu Farming agribusiness manager AshLeigh Campbell at the launch of the apprentice scheme in Canterbury.

Katie Milne Federated Farmers a career choice for young and not so young Kiwis. Federated Farmers would identify employers and “ensure they are equipped to offer a quality work environment”. Only federation members would be able to take on apprentices. Canterbury-based agribusiness manager Ash-Leigh Campbell said formal training and qualifications had helped her advance and fuelled her appetite for the industry. Her first foray into tertiary education at Lincoln University ended after about 18 months but she returned to study there several years later after being mentored on farms. She gained qualifications with Primary ITO along the way and

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was now Ngai Tahu Farming sustainability and operational support co-ordinator. Primary ITO general manager of Maori business Anne Haira said apprenticeships would help students achieve NZQArecognised qualifications and provide ongoing pastoral care. Training would involve work readiness and awareness of drug and alcohol policy, she said. The work would involve many

partners, including government agencies like the Ministry of Social Development and training institutes like Taratahi. MSD would be asked to refer candidates not engaged in education, employment or training, known as Neet. The programme would create transition points for would-be apprentices who were willing but had nowhere to go. It would need to recognise that

apprentices weren’t necessarily familiar with the rural world, Haira said. “It recognises that we need to bring in more people from the cities.” Employees or apprentices could register their interest or sign up at www.farmapprentice.co.nz. A Federated Farmers or local ITO team member would be in touch within three days to start the ball rolling.

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News

20 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Couple’s career changes pay off A CAREER change to dairy farming has paid off for the O’Malley family in winning the Share Farmer of the Year title at the most recent Dairy Industry Awards. Rural commentator Craig Wiggins caught up with Mid Canterbury dairy farmers Chris and Siobhan O’Malley for The Farmer’s Voice, a Farmers Weekly video initiative that showcases good farming practices and gives insight into the farming life.

Do the stuff you can solve so you can feed the cows and everything that you do onfarm. If you get all that right the other stuff takes care of itself. Chris O’Malley Farmer

HAPPY: Chris and Siobhan O’Malley make life easier by not worrying about things they don’t control.

Is selling your stock like predicting the weather?

“We were in Christchurch and I was in tourism for 10 years. Siobhan was a secondary school teacher. We gave dairying a go when we were about 27,” Chris told Wiggins. “It’s so varied and we just love the scene.” Chris said there was a place for everybody in the dairy industry. “It’s very collaborative. The milk company picks up your milk and so you’re not competing against anyone to try and sell your milk. “So everyone is there to try and help everyone get better, whether it’s from a junior level right up to

sharemilking and most probably farm ownership. “Everyone is so open to ideas,” Siobhan said. “If we find a great idea of how to make more milk we’ll tell everyone, there’s no secrets. That’s what we like about it most.” Farming was a family affair for the O’Malleys and their children. “They know that we have to work hard at this particular period of time and that there’s a payoff at the other end of the season when it’s a bit quieter,” Chris said. “We often joke that our kids know more about economics now than we did at 25,” Siobhan said. “They completely understand the business side of it.” Chris had some simple advice for people working in agriculture worried about the various factors that could influence success. “Well, as someone told me, don’t get worried about the stuff you can’t solve. I can’t solve the milk price and I can’t solve the weather so don’t get stressed about that. “Do the stuff you can solve so you can feed the cows and everything that you do onfarm. If you get all that right the other stuff takes care of itself.”

To watch this video and many others visit farmersweekly.co.nz/farmersvoice

Zanda award shortlist of seven announced

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A RECORD number of applicants has been narrowed down to a shortlist of seven for the Zanda McDonald Award. The trans-Tasman award, now in its fourth year, recognised agriculture’s most innovative young professionals. The four New Zealand and three Australian finalists this year were selected for their strong leadership skills, passion for agriculture and vision and inspiration for the primary sector. The New Zealand finalists were Sir Don Llewellyn scholar Thomas MacDonald, 24, the business manager of Spring Sheep Milk Company in Waikato, Franklin Young Farmers vice-chairwoman Lisa Kendall, 25, the owner/operator of Nuture Farming, Ashley Waterworth, 34, the manager and co-owner of his family sheep and beef farm in Waikato, and Hamish Clarke, 27, a third generation farm manager in northern King Country.

The trio of Australian candidates were Elise Bowen, 27, owner/operator of Sheep Data Management in Wagga Wagga, 2016 Landmark-Alec Young Achiever Byron O’Keefe, 33, owner/operator of livestock business O’Keefe Pastoral Company and Janet Reddan, 33, former agronomist now cattle producer from Roma, Queensland. Interviews of the seven in Auckland later this month will cut the group to three finalists. Judge and Platinum Primary Producers chairman Shane McManaway said the judging panel was impressed with the calibre of applicants. Each demonstrated natural leadership ability and had the traits judges were looking for, including passion and understanding, ambition and a desire to improve the industry. The three finalists would be named later this year with the winner revealed at the PPP conference in Taupo in March.

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22 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

News

Council challenged on carbon incentive support Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com FARMERS should be paid subsidies to ease into the Emissions Trade Scheme, Waikato Regional Council says, but experts have questioned the wisdom of the idea. The council told the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the opportunities and challenges for New Zealand transitioning to a lower net emissions economy. The inquiry aimed to assess next-step moves and implications for NZ in trying to meet its Paris Accord obligations by 2030. The council submission supported investigating giving tax cuts or credits on farm incomes to make the overall effect on farm incomes neutral, along with seeking a transition period for it to occur. But Victoria University climate change expert Dr Adrian Macey said while some help to adjust might be necessary, it should not mean taxpayer subsidies. “They would need to be very tightly targeted. “Transition measures could take other forms such as phase-in periods. “That is entirely the point, polluter pays.” The submission was endorsed 9-4 by the council. It noted the challenge facing NZ in transitioning to a lowemissions economy as long as agriculture was excluded from the ETS. Inclusion would be necessary for the scheme to be effective, councillors said. The council’s interest in the ETS was driven by the region being a major contributor to the economy through its livestock farming and electricity generation. Ecologist and farm systems consultant Dr Alison Dewes shared Macey’s misgivings on offering subsidies or incentives to farmers to reduce gas emissions.

Work she had done almost a decade ago on 10 upper Waikato dairy farms showed it was possible to drop greenhouse gas emissions on them by 10-15% with no impact of profit. She described those reductions as “low hanging fruit” for the dairy sector, available right now. Dewes compiled a 2009 Ministry for Primary Industries report modelling 10 Waikato dairy farms across a range of carbon prices that showed dropping stocking rates and constraining nitrogen levels on farms was both profitable and possible.

There is significant afforestation taking place around our region with 500,000 trees planted last year alone by the council and all that effort needs to be accounted for. Vaughn Payne Waikato Regional Council But council chief executive Vaughn Payne said under the Paris Accord NZ faced the likelihood of having to buy carbon credits from offshore to the tune of over $1 billion a year if it proved unable to reduce carbon emissions. He defended the use of a broad tax incentive to ease farmers’ transition to a lower-carbon economy and believed it would have to be a central government initiative rather than a local government ratepayer-funded one. And he acknowledged the potential for inequality by having farmers receive a transitional incentive. “But that has to be balanced up

against the political challenge of bringing agriculture into the ETS.” The council took a position that if significant funds were going to have to be spent offshore to buy carbon credits, any cost or subsidy of a transition spent onshore would be a far more desirable option. On the sequestration side of the equation, he said the council also supported a broader definition of what constituted forest blocks that could be counted towards carbon absorption. “There is significant afforestation taking place around our region with 500,000 trees planted last year alone by the council and all that effort needs to be accounted for.” The council said the definition of “forest” under the Climate Change Response Act should allow for smaller riparian plantings to be included. Macey said he was concerned the council ignored how agriculture could or should be brought into the ETS. “Good design would ensure that farmers were treated reasonably. It should not be one size fits all.”

SAVE NOW: It is possible for dairy farms to cut emissions by up to 15% with no loss of profit, Dr Alison Dewes says.

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NO POINT: Giving farmers subsidies to ease them into the Emissions Trading Scheme would defeat its polluter pays purpose, Dr Adrian Macey says.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Fieldays cracks the half billion dollar barrier THIS year’s National Fieldays made a bigger contribution than ever before to the New Zealand economy, a report says. Independent economist Dr Warren Hughes and Professor Frank Scrimgeour of Waikato University management school’s institute of business research wrote the report. Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation said the organisation was proud of the contribution Fieldays made to both the Waikato and NZ economies. “This report shows record highs for the event and we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved, both from an organisational point of view and what that means for NZ. “We’re constantly looking for ways to improve in an everchanging market and these findings are just going to drive us to deliver better results,” Nation said. Fieldays broke the half-billion dollar barrier for the first time,

It’s going to be a big economic tailwind for NZ over the next two to three years. Cameron Bagrie ANZ generating $538 million in sales revenue for NZ firms. That was up by $108 million on 2016. “This significant increase in spending is a good indication that NZ’s economic growth is in a strong position compared to recent years,” Nation said. Hughes said that the 2016 figures reflected the effects of two years of low dairy payouts while 2017 showed renewed confidence and increased spending in the dairy sector. ANZ chief economist Cameron Bagrie said a strong rural

PROUD: At the Fieldays 2017 economic impact breakfeast were, from left, Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation, Waikato University expert Professor Frank Scrimgeour, economist Dr Warren Hughes and ANZ chief economist Cameron Bagrie.

community was showing strength across the board. “It’s going to be a big economic tailwind for NZ over the next two to three years,” Bagrie said. That was evident in the creation of more than 2300 full-time equivalent jobs in 2017, up from 2021 in 2016. Of those, 900 were created in Waikato, a 27% increase on the previous year. The jobs were sustained either side of the four-day event, including site preparations, freight and hospitality, with the report

Sheila

showing that for every dollar spent during the event another $1.37 of sales revenue was generated somewhere else in the NZ economy. Nation said the society was pleased to see Fieldays create so many full-time jobs. “We are crucially aware that many businesses and families rely heavily on Fieldays as a large part of their annual livelihood. “The spin-off to the food and beverage, accommodation and service industry, particularly in

Waikato is great. As Fieldays grows so do the service industries that supply our exhibitors and their businesses,” Nation said. For each of the 133,588 visitors, $4000 in sales was generated. Every entry through the gate by a visitor from outside Waikato generated $317 spent in the Waikato hospitality sector. Sales at Fieldays increased by 30% per site in 2017, he said. Fieldays will celebrate its 50th anniversary from June 13-16 June next year.

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24 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Newsmaker

Water justice needs major clean up effort Farmers protecting habitat and native species are amazing but their efforts won’t be enough to ensure intergenerational justice in saving waterways from pollution, Canterbury regional councillor Lan Pham says. She told Tim Fulton some force might be needed to deal with not just farm runoff but also urban pollutants like metals, oil and dog poo.

XPECTING dairy farmers to fence and plant is no more demanding than asking courier drivers to service their brakes, Canterbury regional councillor and freshwater ecologist Lan Pham says. Pham has made a splash since being elected to Environment Canterbury last year. Some interpreted her election as a win for urban environmental interests fighting farmers and central government supporting them. It was seven years since the National Government replaced the council with appointed commissioners. ECan now had four urban representatives and three representatives from rural Canterbury as well as five appointees. Pham attracted attention quickly and not just for being 25. In August she released a homemade music video to the tune of the Taylor Swift song, Bad Blood. Irrigators in shot were interpreted as a jab at farmers. Speaking to Farmers Weekly she was conciliatory in parts, inflammatory in others.

As founder of the Working Waters Trust, a conservation group for threatened native fish, Pham said she had worked with farmers doing fantastic things for the natural environment. “I work with a lot of these farmers; they’re amazing.” But she spoke of “intergenerational justice issues” – ensuring future generations had the same access to clean, safe drinking water. The plight of native fish was probably top of her concerns. Out of all native freshwater fish, 74% were endangered and the most at risk were the nonmigratory species like mudfish inhabiting remnant springs and streams. The number of the remaining native fish habitats could be counted on a person’s hands, she said. “Essentially we’re working in these little restoration bubbles.” Working Waters started four years ago in the wetlands and streams of Southland and Otago, working with Landcare Trust and other volunteers and donors to survey fish numbers and protect habitat.

ACTIVE: Lan Pham, front, in one of her favourite places, helping to protect endangered native fish.

Essentially we’re working in these little restoration bubbles. Lan Pham ECan Its work expanded into Canterbury, to places like View Hill where the trust was working with a farmer owner near Oxford to help mudfish. Pham said restoring that habitat wouldn’t happen without major help from private landowners because they had control of 80% of the threatened areas. But some of the biggest changes to farming practice might happen by force. In a business case to the

Ministry for the Environment, ECan estimated it would cost $373m to restore Lake Ellesmere/ Te Waihora to good health. Pham acknowledged completing that job might be “really, really tough” on nearby farmers. Preliminary reports from local authorities and conservation groups suggested farmers might have to retire property around the lake margin or radically change their land use to comply with grazing and nutrient management rules. “It’s devastating to hear these kinds of stories but, gosh, that’s what we’re facing,” Pham said. Central government had a role too, even if the Department of Conservation was chronically underfunded. In her experience with Working Waters, DoC field officers who

would once have visited farms to restore habitat had been forced to “withdraw inside the organisation” to cover staff shortages. Regional councils like ECan were trying to fill gaps but didn’t have the same conservation mandate. Not many people understood the magnitude of work required to make a difference, Pham said. “It needs everybody doing every bit they can.” Pham said the biggest pollutants in urban waterways were generally zinc, oil and other hydrocarbons. Copper from brake pads, for instance, and concentrated amounts of dog and bird faeces were also to blame. Contaminants flowing off concrete and into stormwater systems and waterways compounded the problem.

Reducing nutrient loss wins dairy science award

NOMINATED: DairyNZ scientist Dr John Roche is not just leading research projects but also inspiring students.

INVESTING in cutting edge science has paid off for the Pastoral 21 research team from DairyNZ and AgResearch at the 2017 Kudos Science Excellence Awards. The P21 team won the Agricultural Science Award for the research being applied on commercial farms across the country that has helped increase productivity while lowering the environmental footprint through the reduction of nutrient losses. The research led to 30% to 40% reductions in onfarm nitrate losses. Small changes had led to big environmental gains, DairyNZ principle scientist Dr David Chapman said. “Reducing fertiliser and supplements plus capturing urinary nitrogen on a standoff pad reduced the amount of nitrogen lost but kept profit per hectare comparable to the benchmark,” he said. “Reducing the amount of nutrients is crucial in dairy’s

continued drive to protect and enhance New Zealand’s environment and waterways.” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said science such as P21 was improving the way Kiwis farmed. “Research is crucial if we’re going to continue to find innovative ways to farm that work in harmony with our environment.” P21 research also discovered that phosphorus and sediment loss from grazed winter crops were reduced by contour grazing. DairyNZ’s principal scientist Dr John Roche was also nominated for the Wintec Communicator category for his work with undergraduate interns and postgraduate and postdoctoral scientists he involved in the research programmes he led. “I’m humbled and honoured to have been nominated for this fine award,” he said. Roche missed out to St Paul’s

Collegiate School teacher Kerry Allen who won the award for her involvement in the development of NCEA levels 2 and 3 agri-business achievement standards. The programme was funded by DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ. “The agri-business programme is an excellent initiative to develop passionate, skilled and motivated young people,” Mackle said. “They will be our future dairy farmers, scientists, rural professionals and perhaps even our dairy leaders one day. “I’m excited that this programme will now be rolled out across the country into other schools.” The Kudos Awards were held annually to celebrate Waikato’s innovators and science minds who continued to achieve world-class science discovery, innovation and research, in particular in agricultural, environmental and medical science.

New thinking

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

Cows to get tailored milkings Two decades ago dairy farmers would flock to Ruakura research station to see the latest research and development. The updates often included cutting-edge work on milking techniques with New Zealand already revolutionising the process with the herringbone milking shed then the rotary. Researcher Dr John Penry is keen to see the country again at the forefront of milk harvesting research. He spoke to Richard Rennie.

IVING each cow its own, tailored milking experience is the focus of work by Dr John Penry, who has recently moved to New Zealand to work with respected dairy research organisation Cognosco. Under the directorship of Dr Scott McDougall the Morrinsville company has established a reputation for large-scale dairy research on herd health and reproduction. Penry arrived fresh from his “mid-life” doctorate at Wisconsin University, where he studied the optimisation of milking management at an individual quarter and teat level in dairy cows. Milk harvesting minutiae might seem to be only a small aspect of dairying but as farmers found it increasingly difficult to increase herd sizes because of stocking and nutrient limits, getting more out of the cows they were milking would become vital. Penry said that required more understanding that not all cows were created equal and variations existed in how quickly and how completely they could be milked out. Differences in udder tissue composition and teat anatomy all contributed to individual milking profiles in every cow, something milking systems failed to recognise with their one size, uniform pulsation rates and vacuum levels. “The area of milk harvesting is an unusual one for a vet to study nowadays. “There are only three labs in the world still doing research in this area. “NZ conducted world-leading

research in milk harvesting in the 80s and 90s. I would be keen to see us re-ignite that research area here at Cognosco.” He also saw individualised milking systems as the natural next step from robotic systems already well in play around the world. “We now have about 38,000 robotic systems milking 2.6 million cows globally – more than all the cows in Australia, as an example.” Robotic systems harvested milk on a per-quarter level, rather than gathering all the milk immediately into a cluster bowl as conventional systems did. The splitting of each quarter’s milk opened up the opportunity to develop systems tailored to each cow’s milking profile. “This is the next step conceptually on an engineering and software level that we are working towards.” Tailoring a cow’s milking experience ultimately resulted in a cow delivering closer to her absolute optimum milk flow. Standard, conventional systems used today could instead restrict a cow’s potential. For example, a cow that was consistently under-milked by about 15% or more would over time gear herself down to a lower level of milk supply. Alternatively, if a cow was being over-milked every time, her teat canal remained exposed to higher vacuum for longer, increasing her new-infection and teat end damage risk. “And we know from research that has been done you can alter the vacuum and pulsation at the quarter and cow level in such a way you can hit an optimal level of milking speed and gentleness

DETAIL ADDS UP: Dr John Penry is exploring the scope for increasing milk production by paying attention to the minutae of each cow’s udder.

that matches that cow’s profile. “This sort of technology is not yet available but we could end up there quite quickly.” Superior sensing technology capable of measuring milk flows and rates was helping that happen while individual animal electronic identification meant the ability to store data on individual animals was now well in place. But the first point of contact between animal and machine, the teat liner, also formed a key focus of Penry’s work. Again the one-size-fits-all approach to the teat/machine interface meant not all cows were suited to the liner they encountered twice a day. “There is a vast range of liner compression across all the commercially available liners and this influences milking speed and the risk of teat end damage.” For farmers it was very much

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trial and error when changing between liners, which might have quite different compression.

The area of milk harvesting is an unusual one for a vet to study nowadays. There are only three labs in the world still doing research in this area. John Penry Cognosco “I am hoping we may be able to get the industry to move to a point where that level of liner compression is described, to give farmers a better sense of what

range of settings their plant can work within. “Milking comes down to a compromise between milking speed and gentleness and we need to always strive towards finding that optimal point between these two factors.” But any milking lab work would involve some capital investment to get New Zealand back on the map of harvesting research. “If research funding can be found, this may be once again a part of dairy science work in NZ.” Milk harvesting research was quite engineering intensive. “At the University of Wisconsin we had one of only two test rigs in the world that allowed you to alter vacuum and pulsation within a single milking and measure flow rate and vacuum accurately at the level of the teat. “This was a very useful device for more accurately characterising liner performance.”

Opinion

26 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

EDITORIAL

Get a breath of fresh, fresh air

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

More letters P29

Farm practices must be changed I HAVE been a dairy farmer all my life, born in Taranaki, farmed in Waikato, Hauraki Plains and Northland, now finally retired. So I feel I have the experience to comment on the changes that have happened in my lifetime. In my opinion dairy farmers have converted cheap sheep farming land and demanded water for irrigation on totally unsuitable soil for intensification of stock. I object to taxpayers’ money subsidising their irrigation schemes, which leads to waterway deterioration. We must change our farming practices to suit changes in our weather. Doug France Kerikeri

Who pays? LAURA Henderson’s article covered in a very brief space a number of aspects of this debate. What concerns this writer is an item not covered in depth: Will compensation be paid when areas are fenced off along rivers and wide streams where there is significant loss of land and income? Surely, as the movement is under the guise of the “greater public good”, a term used in the Public Works Act together with the sharing of fencing costs of conservation areas which become part of the greater public domain, the Fencing Act should also apply. An aside, if a swimming pool must be fenced off to a child-safety standard and a reason to clean up our rivers is to give children a river experience, how do you

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Vital role IN HIS letter of September 25 Bill Benfield cites what he considers to be evidence of the colossal failure of 1080 to protect New Zealand’s ecosystems. This could not be further from the truth. One only has to read the numerous studies that have been published that show the vital role of aerial 1080 in the continued survival of flora and fauna in many NZ ecosystems. These studies include many well-designed, controlled

experiments over long periods. Despite the prevalence of positive research related to 1080, researchers are not afraid to publish findings that highlight potential issues requiring further research. Benfield has cited research (Sweetapple and Nugent 2007) that showed that when rats were eliminated by a one-off aerial 1080 possum operation in podocarp forest, their population bounced back and exceeded baseline levels after 18 months. However, it was the publication of this and other similar research that highlighted the importance of a multiple species approach to pest control, which is now a much more common and effective management strategy

Continued page 29

Letterof theWeek

EDITOR Bryan Gibson bryan.gibson@nzx.com

bring about similar safety requirements? Perhaps central, local and ad hoc bodies have found it easier to bury their heads.

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AIN at the right time is good for the soul of every farmer. Three months of it non-stop, however, can slowly darken the spirits. Couple that with the darkness of winter, the mud and all those lambs and calves to care for and it can be pretty disheartening. I’ve seen a lot of chatter on Twitter in the past few weeks from farmers feeling weighed down by the mud and the wet. Getting up in the dark, trudging through sodden paddocks all day and returning home in the dark isn’t fun. This week is mental health awareness week and the theme this time around is Nature is Key. Now, farmers see a fair bit of nature at work. But that exposure comes with baggage – a pump to fix, a mob to move, a calculation in the back of your mind about how what you see in front of you is affecting the bottom line. The Mental Health Foundation is calling for people to take an hour out of their day – from 12-1pm on Tuesday – to leave their work behind and take in the outdoors. I urge farmers to take that a bit further – take that hour and try to get off the farm. Stroll around a park, go for a bike ride, get out on the water perhaps. The key is to leave your workplace behind and reacquaint yourself with nature without all the baggage that comes with the job. And take your neighbour with you. Farming can be a pretty isolating career. Your workplace is your home so it’s hard to leave work at work because you’re always there. So take a mate, talk about the rugby or talk about music, maybe give politics and the weather a miss, they’ve both taken up enough oxygen lately. Farmers breathe fresh air every day but sometimes it’s the air outside the farmgate that’s the most refreshing.

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

We all want cleaner waterways Professor Ray Geor

HERE’S a strong voice across New Zealand for clean waterways and farmers and environmentalists agree something needs to be done. It’s a wicked problem – diverse, challenging and not easy or quick to solve. That brings frustration, fingerpointing, overly simplistic arguments and, regrettably, each side resorts to painting the other as the villain. Clean rivers and a thriving agriculture industry are not mutually exclusive. Working for both is the hardest approach but it is the right one. All the farmers I know, big and small, talk about being guardians of the land and they take care to look after it both for productivity today and for future generations. Sure, they have businesses to run but they know their businesses would fail if they didn’t look after the land and water. On the other hand, I talk to people who have deep concerns for the state of our waterways and the environment and a similar feeling of guardianship for future generations shines through. So how do we bridge the divide and achieve outcomes that work for both the environment and agriculture? We have developed a culture of us-and-them that is helping nobody and serving only to divide us further. Put simply, we must work together towards a shared objective where a vibrant agricultural industry lives in harmony with optimal health of the environment. Sustainable management of our environment is the shared objective and we are driving toward it through science and collaboration. Achieving and sustaining a

The

Pulpit

healthy ecosystem requires policy and practice that’s informed by research. The stronger our research is, the more informed the regulation becomes and the better off we all are. But research takes investment, both in dollars and in relationships. The government and industry organisations have invested in research to better understand what’s happening with nutrients on farms and in our streams and rivers.

Achieving and sustaining a healthy ecosystem requires policy and practice that’s informed by research.

At Massey University we work with many partners including councils, industry groups, companies and other research providers to better understand and inform practices that will see

HAPPY TOGETHER: Profitable farming and an improved environment are not mutually exclusive, Professor Ray Geor, pro vic-chancellor from Massey University College of Sceinces, says.

clean rivers alongside thriving agriculture. Our work at Massey has two aspects – to do research with our partners to advance knowledge and to produce world-ready graduates committed to making a better world. We work at the intersection of human, animal and ecosystem health to understand and optimise the growth of plants and animals for food, fibre and other products and to sustain and enhance our resources and people’s lives. We are leading research on the health of sensitive river catchments to better understand what happens to nitrogen and phosphorous in our soils alongside waterways. Early results suggest that not all farms are equal in transporting nutrients to waterways. These findings might have massive implications on the way we farm the land and achieve water quality outcomes.

In another project we are researching the ways the bioactives in the herb plantain work to decrease nitrogen leaching. The work shows there are substantial decreases in nitrate leaching while milk production is maintained. Already, more farmers are including plantain cultivars in their pasture. Achieving the right balance between production and sustainability is the central focus for research on Massey’s dairy farms. On our Dairy One farm we milk once a day, have riparian strips and operate a cut and carry feed system. Our research shows the herd is healthy and productive while nitrogen is not entering the nearby river. A state-of-the-art effluent system on this farm produces potable water from waste.

The innovations we bring to the primary industries come from our trans-disciplinary approach across the food value chain. We’re judged on this internationally and of the hundreds of universities in the world, Massey ranks 27th in the Quacquarelli Symonds’ world university subject rankings in agriculture. However, the true test of our value will be the solutions we develop in collaboration with others to achieve an optimal balance between agricultural productivity and environmental health.

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

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Opinion

28 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

National Armageddon in the offing Alan Emerson

I READ with interest Annette Scott’s front page article under the heading, Farming to End? She details the issues Selwyn farmers, Environment Canterbury and Federated Farmers are having over the state of Lake Ellesmere. It makes salutary reading and won’t in future affect just Canterbury. The problems started back in February when Environment Minister Nick Smith and Prime Minister Bill English pledged swimmable rivers by 2040. That received the predictable cries of indignation by the usual fringe groups and the rent-acomment crowd who never bother letting the facts get in the way of anything. My position is that it’s absolutely fine to have a policy but I have several problems with it. The first is that I grew up

swimming in rivers, there was no alternative. Now there is such a thing as swimming baths in most communities. There aren’t myriads of mosquitoes or sand flies, you don’t have to battle with the current and you don’t have to wear footwear because of sharp rocks. So to me having rivers swimmable is irrelevant. The issue is that coastal lagoons like Lake Ellesmere or Lake Forsyth have been classed as rivers that need to be swimmable, which is patently absurd. Believe me, in the 1960s you wouldn’t have wanted to swim there either. You’d leave it to the thousands of ducks and geese, all inevitably with extreme diarrhoea judging by the banks. The problem now is that the Ministry for the Environment changed the rules regarding Ellesmere without telling anyone except Smith. Lake Ellesmere was no longer going to be a brackish lagoon, heavens no. It was going to be a pristine swimmable river, for the first time since Adam rode the range. Environment Canterbury, to its credit, lobbied to have Lake Ellesmere excluded from the swimmable rivers blanket.

Amazingly, in the court of practical common sense it was unsuccessful. The Environment Canterbury position was that it was committed to cleaning up rivers and doing a good job of it. It couldn’t, however, get Lake Ellesmere swimmable in a lifetime. It also made the point that lowland rivers had been polluted by humans and not farming for 150 years and there was no quick fix for them either – that all creates a massive problem for farming. Agriculture will have to completely de-intensify between the Waimakariri and the Rakaia Rivers. That will take between 120,000 and 150,000 hectares of prime Canterbury flat land out of production. That land is highly productive and has little to do with the problems of Ellesmere. Sorry, that was a slight exaggeration on my part. It won’t take it out of production completely as it will be able to support half a stock unit for each and every hectare, which is ridiculous in the extreme. Third world farmers couldn’t survive on that. That will mean some of our

most productive land in New Zealand will be restricted to production levels seen occurring naturally in areas like the Australian outback. It will also create a $300 million annual loss in the district’s operating surplus. North Canterbury Federated Farmers president Lynda Murchison said meeting the freshwater mandate would be social and economic Armageddon. John Ridgen is a mixed cropping farmer from Greendale, near Darfield, who irrigates. He says that the process and progress on water quality was collaborative and positive until Smith changed the rules. He believes the Government has a one-size-fixes-all approach. Lake Ellesmere is a coastal lagoon as is Lake Forsyth. They both should be treated as coastal lagoons and not rivers. Ridgen comes across as a thinking farmer, a good bloke. He is concerned about his future and rightfully so. He does make the point that the Selwyn River that was the cause of some environmentalists’ angst has come out of the worst 24-month drought since records were kept. It is now flowing and is pristine.

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He’d happily swim in it and drink it. You can’t blame farmers for drought though I’m sure the usual crowd would. The Ellesmere situation is ridiculous and a prime example of political expedience and bureaucratic incompetence. It is, however, creating a position where many farmers will be walking off the land. The issue for farming is that there are coastal lagoons like Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth right around the country. Ellesmere is the thin edge of the wedge. The social and economic Armageddon that Murchison describes could easily become a national rather than a provincial issue. It is also important to remember this stupid policy didn’t come from the lunatic fringe of the green movement. It came from a National Government and was proudly announced by both English and Smith. It makes you wonder doesn’t it?

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

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Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Farmers must challenge pay rates From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

WHEN Fonterra released its 201617 annual report the item that gained the most attention was chief executive Theo Spierings’ pay packet. And for good reason. A decent $8.3 million in salary, superannuation and performance pay is higher than any other New Zealand chief executive payment that I can find. Last year departing Sky City boss Nigel Morrison got $6.5m but that included $2.3m in resignation benefits. Honestly, as much as I love my job here onfarm, if I could get $2m to resign, I’d be sorely tempted. Mark Adamson at Fletcher Building got $4.7m but it’s unclear how much he ended up with

because he, too, resigned. So, in comparison, it is for good reason that Spierings’ pay has raised eyebrows. Spierings’ pay is an issue for Fonterra shareholders, Federated Farmers vice-president Andrew Hoggard tells us. And given that the 10,000 of them on average paid $800 each, he has a point. I would have thought Spierings’ base salary of $2.4m is paid to him to do his job of running the company as profitably as possible but it appears a further $5.9m is needed to really get him focused and working. Business commentator Rod Oram, when interviewed by my mate Jamie Mackay last week, said “It’s a fundamental principle of good corporate governance that shareholders get to know how bonuses are measured and generated.” He made the point Fonterra is not explaining how Spierings and his executives are incentivised, what the measurements were and who got what. However, I’d like to touch on the principle of these large chief

executive payments. One of the biggest problems we have is the growing gap between rich and poor and the disparity of income and wealth. It is immoral and it is destabilising to running a civil society. Even Spierings’ pay pales in comparison to some of those offshore. Naturally the one that catches my eye is Steve Wynn of Wynn Resorts who gets US$28m. Further up the scale on US$68m is Les Moonves of CBS Corp and he is beaten into second place by Tom Rutledge of Charter Communications on US$98m. Frankly, these huge salaries I find obscene. These gentlemen (where are all the high paid women chief executives?) are getting up to 1000 times more than the average wage. Across all United States companies that ratio is 300 to one. In the 1960s it was 20 to 1 and has steadily risen since. I’ve sat on three boards and on the remuneration and appointments committee of each. I’ve always been the miser of

FAIR QUESTION: It is for good reason Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings’ pay has raised eyebrows, Steve Wyn-Harris says.

these committees and preached restraint. This is, after all, other people’s money you are spending. As it happens, it is not a common viewpoint on these committees. And the hired professionals called in to assist tend on the generous side of the advice curve. Their own pay and reputation depend on it so it is a self-fulfilling outcome. When appointing a chief executive, I pointed out there was no shortage of talented people applying for the job and suggested we start them on a lower salary than they might be expecting and

LETTERS Continued from page 26 than just a few years ago. Unfortunately, Benfield fails to address the positive impact that 1080 pest control has for an ecosystem as a whole. The Conservation Department uses aerial 1080 because it is highly effective at controlling the range of predators, including rats, that threaten the survival of our most endangered species. Public fears related to the efficacy and safety of 1080 are unfounded in both theory and evidence and while I can appreciate Benfield’s approach to using evidence-based arguments, he has been very selective in the evidence he has presented and has failed to present a balanced viewpoint.

then be able to increase if they turned out as good as we hoped and they believed they were. And this is the season of upcoming company annual meetings and those boards will be asking shareholders for a pay increase for themselves, even if they have made a loss in recent years. Be sure to challenge them and be content they actually deserve it.

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

More letters P26 In this instance the evidence does not support any call for change in 1080 policy. Tadhg Kelly Hurunui

Money wasted HERE we go again. The Conservation Department is planning to waste taxpayers’ money again. The plan is to bomb Mt Moehau with 1080. The main target species, possums, are not living on the mountain at this time where it is wet and cold but are down living on farmed pasture or on the grass on the roadside and are now moving onto the pine trees which are in flower. DOC staff seem not to

understand that all species follow their food source. I have tried to tell them that if possums are targeted with cyanide, traps and shooting while on the pines, a far better kill will be achieved. Just after the last 1080 drop a possum fur harvester shot 26 possums out of two pine trees in one night. I hunt on the mountain and see next to no possum sign and a contract stoat trapper who was formerly a professional possum hunter makes the same observation. I don’t see any DOC staff walking the mountain to make any of these observations. Ross Gardner Coromandel

Proven eczema genetics – but so much more

Does it work? WITH the outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis now confirmed on farms and still spreading I would be interested to hear from NAIT regarding the speed and efficiency of identifying and tracing animal movements from the affected farms. One of the cornerstones of the argument used to sell this system to farmers was that in the event of an outbreak of a contagious disease it would make tracing animals and controlling the spread of a disease easier. From here it appears to have been less than successful so far. Mark Wheeler Pongaroa

John Reeves 07 825 4763

Letters to the Editor Letters must be no more than 450 words and submitted on the condition The New Zealand Farmers Weekly has the right to, and license third parties to, reproduce in electronic form and communicate these letters. Letters may also be edited for space and legal reasons. Names, addresses and phone numbers must be included. Letters with pen names will generally not be considered for publication.

Alastair Reeves 07 825 4925

When you buy your rams at Waimai Romney, all the sale rams have eczema tolerance, having been eczema testing for over 30 years, so all you need to focus on are the traits that make you money. • 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

Opinion

30 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Coalition won’t help small party Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

NOW the special votes have been counted, New Zealand can expect a decision on the formation of a government for the next three years. Who knows, by the time you read this it’s possible, if unlikely, a result might even be known. But one thing is almost certain – whichever partner NZ First chooses will end up getting the credit for a successful coalition while the junior partner or partners will get the blame for what goes wrong. At best the government will survive its full term without much interference to the passing of legislation, in which case the dominant partner will take the kudos and at worst, if it all turns to custard, MMP and the smaller party will get the blame. Although NZ First has performed reasonably well in government in coalition with both National and Labour since 1996, a combination of the party donations scandal and being tarred with the failure of the third Clark government at the 2008 election saw it being turfed out of Parliament for three years.

This last bit of history will make Winston Peters think very hard about how to ensure the future survival of his party before he agrees to go into coalition, either propping up a fourth term National government or forming part of an alliance of three unlikely bedfellows. There was a degree of amusement about Winston’s bottom lines during the election campaign but the best way of guaranteeing the party’s survival is to choose a small number of them, gaining absolute commitment to them from the senior partner and ensuring they are enshrined in legislation for which NZ First takes full credit. The alternative is to walk away from government, which, of course, will result in losing a confidence and supply vote and another election. Recent history in other parts of the world doesn’t provide much support for the concept of successful coalitions or indeed early elections. In the United Kingdom when the Tories formed a government with the Liberal Democrats, that effectively finished the Lib Dems as a political force. In the recent German elections the Social Democratic Party (Labour equivalent), which was in coalition with Angela Merkel’s CDU (National) suffered its worst ever result and has vowed not to go into partnership with its main rival again, which provides a salutary lesson to anybody who

thinks Labour and National could form a government. Merkel’s only hope of a coalition is with the Free Democrats (ACT) who have only just succeeded in rebuilding their credibility after their last spell as CDU’s partner and the Greens, but these two parties hate each other. Several months of negotiation are likely. Lastly, Theresa May’s attempt to increase her majority with an early election was a total disaster. NZ First and, to a lesser extent, the Greens are on a hiding to nothing whatever they decide to do. Labour has already shown its disregard for the Greens during the election campaign, concluding they have no option but to support a Labour government even in coalition with NZ First. Meanwhile, ACT has long since become almost irrelevant to the political landscape, especially now National can’t form a majority without NZ First. Therefore, Winston’s true bottom lines become the most relevant aspects of the next government, particularly with respect to its likely impact on agriculture. Then, in the event NZ First decides to go with Labour, the next relevant question is what the Greens manage to achieve that is consistent with the other two parties’ policies. My guess is Winston will lean more towards a deal with Labour because he won’t see much future in supporting a fourth-term

SMILING: NZ First leader Winston Peters has reason to smile as he holds the balance of power whichever way he swings.

government that is most unlikely to win an unprecedented fifth term. The chance of that happening will improve if the special votes narrow the gap between the major parties, though the Greens still pose a problem in this scenario. NZ First’s non-negotiable bottom lines, which are likely to encounter opposition from one or other of the potential partners appear to be reducing immigration, opposing the application of a universal water tax and emissions trading scheme to agriculture, rejecting the Trans Pacific Partnership 11, prohibiting the sale of rural properties to overseas buyers and preventing the sale of business assets to overseas companies, especially where that splits value-capture between NZ producers and international further processors and marketers. One real possibility is NZ First support on confidence and supply matters for a minority government. That would enable Peters to do what he enjoys most, which is to hold the government to account across a range of issues on which

What I learned from sinking ship A MOVIE that had a big impact for me when I was growing up was the Poseidon Adventure. It’s about a luxury passenger liner, the SS Poseidon, and her passengers who are in the full swing of a party when an undersea earthquake sends a massive tsunami crashing into the ship, capsizing her. The catastrophe was unseen until the wave appeared, not predicted and the consequences were devastating. Just as in real life, the characters are diverse – victims who don’t help themselves, antagonists you don’t mind seeing drowned, couples who cling together and suddenly emerge stronger, families who are saved by fathers and, of course, the heroes. The movie was impactful for me because it provided the moment when I realised that stuff happens that you don’t predict or can’t control. I understood that, sometimes, to survive, you might have to rely on yourself, that ordinary people who are not in a position of authority can emerge and lead. All they need is a compelling reason, a shared vision, the ability to communicate a plan, recognise

the skills of others, gain trust then focus and co-ordinate those efforts to achieve a result. For me, in that moment, my understanding of leadership shifted from the domain of belonging to people with a title or positional power to the domain of the person with a vision, a plan and a strong desire to survive or change an outcome. As the last month has unfolded in our primary sector, I’ve seen that many of us feel like we are experiencing a Poseidon-like event. What we do, (farm and produce food), how we do it and why we do it have been used as a political football. It has literally felt like we have been upended with our hulls exposed but, unlike the movie, we are unsure who the hero is going to be. So, the question is how do we emerge as survivors, stronger than before and armed with knowledge we were previously unaware of? Do we get ourselves out of this or rely on the political parties to provide the stability, policy and direction required? By the time you read this we will know who is captaining New Zealand’s boat

for the next three years. Whatever the result, I know that no one party has all the solutions and I am highly doubtful that some of the recent policy created will provide an effective blueprint for our future. During the election campaign we were bombarded as political parties pulled sweeties from the box of “today’s new ideas”. Direction was set, then suddenly rerouted. Politicians were captured by groups who united together and either had their ear or had simply been identified as a target group of voters. In all of this the primary sector has not emerged well. The often-simple solutions put forward to solve complex problems have intended and unintended consequences. Choosing who to vote for was not easy. This election I was confused in a way I’ve never been confused before. I was looking for a hero who didn’t exist. I wanted solid policy with inspirational strategy, strategy I could tie my future to and know my granddaughter and her grandchildren would benefit from the choices I had

a hand in making. I am concerned about our environment and how we work with it rather than against it, how we use and protect water and land. I am concerned about our people – how we support them to face challenge, change and now criticism. As a farming woman whose identity is tied to the land and its people, mostly I want policy and strategy that will deal with the complexities in which I farm and will unite rather than divide us as New Zealanders. I want a government that will not offer me short-term benefits that have long-term consequences. I want to know that integrity for them means doing what is right over what is comfortable, quick or easy. On the bottom of Agri-Women’s Development Trust graduation certificates I place the words of educationalist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has”. It is there to remind graduates that it is people who change outcomes, individual people who group together with thought

a co-ordinated opposition could achieve meaningful results while avoiding the ultimate electorate non-starter of forcing an early election. The big question will be which party is more desperate to gain power and, therefore, more ready to compromise. I suspect that will be National because the party hates being in opposition, regarding itself as the country’s natural party of government and it also has more elastic principles. However, it is impossible to calculate how ready to compromise the Labour Party is, even if it means the Greens have to swallow the proverbial dead rat or Labour is willing to throw them under the bus. Whatever the outcome, the next term will prove just how effectively MMP can work for or against stable government before the voters get another chance to have their say.

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

Different Perspectives

Lindy Nelson

and concern and who are brave enough to lead change. Just like in the Poseidon Adventure, we might be called on to be that group of people. We might need to become our own heroes, to group together, to create a strong unified vision of a combined future where once again our sector is respected because we do the right thing. To do this we need to start working more closely with and understanding urban NZ so we can find out where our values align and really share a vision for the future. From where I stand, we share more than what separates us. Politics is not a place that creates unity or harmony. It doesn’t solve complex problems – individuals do. Never doubt a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

World

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

Wool scam rorts Chinese buyers A SOPHISTICATED wool substitution racket with the potential to damage relations with China, Australia’s biggest wool market, has been uncovered. At least 18 bales of wool, worth tens of thousands of dollars, had been seized at mills in China in recent months after they arrived containing wool vastly different from that tested by authorities in Melbourne. Victoria Police alleged the bales were tampered with between testing in Australia and unpacking in China, with high-value fine wool stolen and replaced with significantly lower-value product. The alleged scam, which came amid record prices for Australian wool, had also thrown into question the integrity of the nation’s wool-handling and export system. Detective Inspector Jamie Templeton said the alleged racket involved four separate incidents of wool tested between 19 and 21 microns being stolen and substituted with poorerquality fibre, including black wool and “sweepings, basically”. “We’re talking wool worth $10-$12/kg ($1800-$2160 for a 180kg wool bale) being replaced with stuff worth 20-50c/kg ($36-$90 a bale),” Templeton said. Authorities were alerted to the scam in June and feared it could grow in size

given the six to eight-week lag between wool leaving Australia and arriving in China. Templeton described the matter as “extremely serious … not only due to the total value of the wool stolen but also the potential damage it poses to the Australian export industry”. “These thefts are incredibly damaging to the livelihood and reputations of the brokers who export this product,” he said. National Council of Wool Selling Brokers chief executive Chris Wilcox said the alleged racket was certainly a concern, with the reputation of the Australian wool industry extremely important in a global market. “The Chinese value Australian wool very highly and anything that causes them concern is a concern for us as well,” Wilcox said. Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said the incident represented a major breach of trust between the Australian wool industry and China. In recent months China, the No. 1 market for Australian wool with sales worth more than $2.4 billion last year, had locked out a number of local red meat exporters because of concerns over product labelling. “Unfortunately, in these instances

UK farmers want new agri policy by 2023 Colin Ley UNITED Kingdom farmers have told the British government they want to see a bold and ambitious domestic agricultural policy following Brexit, set alongside a “frictionless” trade agreement with the European Union. That was the core message delivered by National Farmers Union president Meurig Raymond when he addressed a fringe meeting at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. His comments followed the launch of a new, three-phase plan for shifting UK farmers from the system of farm support under the EU-run Common Agricultural Policy to a new, bold and ambitious domestic agricultural policy. With Brexit only 18 months away, the NFU said its members need answers from the government on how the transition from European to domestic policy would be handled. The union favoured an initial two-year phase one where the existing CAP would be largely left as is while domestic policy testing and piloting got under way. Phase two would then focus on reviewing and assessing potential domestic policy impacts followed by a phase three switch to an approved and fully implemented policy. “Given a Brexit settlement

that promotes a positive future for British farming, the first two phases could be completed in four years with domestic agriculture policy implemented as early as 2023,” Raymond said. “A disruptive Brexit that damages the prospects of British farming, however, would mean maintaining the stability of the current system for a much longer period.” Farm Minister Michael Gove, a strong pro-Brexit campaigner, told the conference he believed UK farmers could do much better outside the EU. “The CAP has been a failure – environmentally damaging and socially unjust,” he said. “It’s damaged natural habitats, hit biodiversity and harmed wildlife. “On top of that, the CAP has channelled hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money to the already wealthy, simply because of the amount of land they have. “That is plain wrong. “Outside the CAP we can stop subsidising the rich on the basis of how much land they own and instead spend money on enhancing the environment, supporting innovation, improving productivity, training a new generation of entrepreneurial young farmers and reviving rural communities. “Isn’t that a great Conservative mission?”

everyone gets tarred with the same brush,” Jochinke said. “We want to have integrity in our product if customers are paying good money. “Rogues like this in the industry need to be weeded out.” Templeton said police were investigating where the swap occurred. “It has come off property as it should, been properly classed, properly baled, brought into the store and tested by Australian Wool Testing Authority appropriately.” After testing, wool was housed at broker stores before sale. It was then generally moved to a wool dump — where a number of similar-description bales of wool became one large one — before being loaded into containers at the Port of Melbourne. Wool industry sources said to unpack and repack a 180kg wool bale would require access to machinery, including a wool press, as well as the replacement wool itself. All indications pointed to the scam occurring in Australia. Templeton said the crime was definitely targeted with police chasing up a number of possible leads. “Whoever did it certainly knew what they were doing,” he said. “They knew it was quality wool.” www.weeklytimesnow.com.au

LUCKY DIP: Buyers in China are finding the wool arriving at their mills is not the same as the stuff they bought in Australia.

The Brexit effect boosts subsidies Colin Ley THE Brexit effect has added an extra £82 million to British farming’s latest annual payout from the European Union. Since the United Kingdom’s referendum decision in June last year to leave the EU, the relative weakness of the pound against the euro has added significantly to the onfarm value in Britain of the Basic Payment Scheme subsidies paid under the Common Agriculture Policy. Set according to the average

exchange rate across the whole of September, the newly fixed 2017 rate is 4.98% better for British farmers than was the case in 2016. That was despite the 2016 rate having been almost 17% better than the 2015, again because of the Brexit vote, which caused the value of the pound to fall sharply last year. Translated into hard cash, this year’s 4.98% bonus was worth about £82m to British farmers, adding up to the best rate fixing since 2009, according to the

National Farmers Union in England and Wales. Despite the increase in subsidy values, however, NFU Scotland said “Although the weakening of sterling is good news for support payments and strengthens the competitiveness of UK exports, the downside can be higher priced imported inputs such as animal feed and machinery. “As recent bank lending figures showed, farmers and crofters are likely to need every pound and euro in what remains a very difficult year for all sectors.”

Foreign land ownership decreases CHINESE ownership of Australian farmland has increased by 2.6 million hectares in 12 months, driven by the sale of pastoral company S Kidman and Co. Chinese investors now owned 25% of foreign-held land or 2.5% of agricultural land. But despite the 0.7% hike in Chinese ownership, the United Kingdom remained Australia’s largest foreign investor in agricultural land. UK investors owned about 27% of land held by foreigners or 2.6% of Australia’s total agricultural land. The United States came in third with 0.7% of agricultural land. The land register showed foreign investors held just 13.6% of all Australian land in June 2017, down from 14.1% the previous year. Foreign ownership had plummeted by 33% in South Australia, 11% in Queensland and 10% in the Northern Territory. Overseas investors had bought

up more Western Australia farms but foreign ownership still represented less than 17% of the state’s agricultural land. “The Turnbull government understands that trade and foreign investment creates jobs for Australians, and always will,” Treasurer Scott Morrison said. “At the same time, the Turnbull government has taken consistent and determined action when it comes to ensuring foreign investment is not contrary to the national interest.” Meanwhile, the value of agricultural land across Australia lifted last year and was expected to rise again this year. The Australian Farmland Values report, released by Rural Bank, showed the national median farmland price increased by 9.3% in 2016. The lift followed a 5.3% increase in 2015 and a 6.8% increase in 2014. Rural Bank analyst Michael

Curtis told an Investment in Agriculture conference he expected the rise to continue this year. The data showed there was rapid growth in the median price from 2002 to 2007 then slower growth for the next five years. The period of rapid growth was followed by a decline in the number of sales as a new minimum was set that the vendors would not sell below. Curtis said data showed that despite problems such as the global financial crisis, the value of farmland had not dropped and had “the ability to withstand shocks”. “Over the long term we expect it to trend upwards,” he said. PF Olsen national agriculture manager Ed Dunn said returns to agriculture investors in the past 16 years showed agriculture provided solid returns with little volatility. The return was about 8% a year and the volatility about 4%. www.weeklytimesnow.com.au

Employment

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

SHEPHERD 5,500su - Manawatu

FARM MANAGER-DRYSTOCK 500ha, Te Kuiti

Our clients operate a 690ha breeding and finishing unit just 45 minutes north of Feilding and are seeking an experienced person to assist them.

Our clients own a well-developed farm, just 15km from Te Kuiti. It has waterways fenced, riparian planting, 140 paddocks and a good network of races for stock access.

The farm’s contour ranges from flat to hill country running 3,000 ewes, 1,100 hoggets, and 130 breeding cows, plus replacements, with most stock finished on the farm. Our ideal applicant will come with a team of up to four good working dogs and will be able to demonstrate 2-3 years of stable work experience. You will take pride in your work and be capable of working independently.

The farm is used predominantly to support the owner’s dairy business, so receives calves at weaning and sends them back as R2’s ready to calve. It also grows out service bulls for the business and winters cows on fodder beet grown on farm. At peak 1,500 - 2,000 cattle over the Summer/Autumn period. The primary focus however, is to grow out top quality dairy heifer replacements – approximately 700R1 and 700R2 heifers.

Encouraging employers who will support your learning and advancement within the Industry. The successful applicant will be offered a competitive remuneration package that includes a relatively new, warm three bedroom house, five minutes to primary school bus drop off point. Excellent recreational activities are available particularly associated with the nearby Rangitikei River. To apply, e-mail Dave at dave@fegan.co.nz Or call 07 823 0105 To view photos www.fegan.co.nz

We are seeking a competent Farm Manager who has practical knowledge of dairy farming tools – pasture management utilisation, feed budgeting and MINDA herd records. The successful applicant will be offered a competitive package that includes a good four bedroom home. To apply, email Linda-Maree at lindamaree@fegan.co.nz Or call 07 823 0105 To view photos www.fegan.co.nz

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

www.fegan.co.nz

Livestock Buyer

We have a position for a Head Shepherd to join our team. The successful applicant would require 4-5 good working dogs and have had experience with handling large numbers of stock. You will need to have excellent stockmanship, clear written and oral communication, and be able to work both independently and in a team environment including the ability to manage staff.

Please contact Wayne Fraser 07 878 4815 or email tiroa@tiroatehape.maori.nz for further information or a copy of the job application and description.

Applications close Friday 20th October 2017

Our client has two fantastic opportunities for an Assistant Manager and a Herd Manager to join a team of dedicated farm professionals. This Southland based dairy farm has 689ha, farming a total of 1750 cows. Be part of a team that is striving to be the leader in pastoral farming, a team that operates with high integrity, honesty and where progression is encouraged from within. You must be physically fit, have a good attitude and a passion for farming. You will also need a full drivers license to be considered for these exciting opportunities. If this sounds like you then we’d like to hear from you and how you could contribute to this farm. To find out more and to apply go to: www.no8hr.co.nz to submit your CV.

Bay Of Plenty - Tauranga South As a Livestock Buyer, you will be responsible for the selection and procurement of the stock that AFFCO processes. Based on the road, this role allows you to be involved in the farming sector and work with livestock whilst exercising your business skills. This position would suit an organised and motivated individual who plans thoroughly and builds great relationships to achieve success. To be considered for the role, you should have: • a solid knowledge of sheep and beef; proficiency in assessing stock • knowledge of dairying • confidence in handling animals • good decision-making and negotiation skills • a background in Agriculture or the rural sector • good people skills and the ability to relate to a wide variety of clients Experience in livestock procurement or sales experience in an industry serving the farming community is essential. A company vehicle will be provided. You must reside in the Whakatane area or be willing to relocate to this area. If you believe you are the right person for this position, please send your CV and covering letter to Gerald.Scantlebury@affco.co.nz Applications close on Wednesday, 18 October 2017.

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

South Island Livestock Manager Location – Flexible

South Island Account Manager YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE

With Carrfields Livestock now having established a strong representation across all New Zealand regions we are now seeking to appoint an experienced and proven leader within the livestock sector to join our Livestock Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to the General Manager of Carrfields Livestock, you will be responsible for leading the South Island Livestock business and driving our business goals and strategies. With a commitment to standards and excellence Carrfields Livestock are experiencing sustained growth and the South Island Livestock Manager will play a key role in leading our South Island Livestock business into the future.

NZ Farmers Weekly is recognised as the leading farming publication in providing a balance of agri news, opinion and market information to the rural sector in New Zealand. It has developed a global reach with its publications and primary sector data analysis delivered in both print and digital. The Farmers Weekly Account Manager will focus on print and online digital sales into our leading rural publication and web site – farmersweekly.co.nz along with other subscription publications we represent, NZ Dairy Exporter and Country-Wide magazines.

Key Responsibilities for the role: • Developing and recruiting key livestock representatives throughout the South Island • Ensuring that clients service requirements are met • Relationship management with key strategic partners • Planning and implementation of agreed initiatives • Continue to implement and develop company health, safety and wellness initiatives

You will take full ownership of a portfolio of clients in understanding their business objectives and be responsible to maintain and accelerate customer revenue and bring in new client business. You will be comfortable selling directly to clients and also into advertising agencies. You will be the face of Farmers Weekly in the South Island working remotely within the Christchurch region and reporting into NZX Agri HQ in Feilding. You will be part of a wider sales team and will be working to reach business KPI’s and successfully manage your revenue pipeline to achieve sales performance targets.

To be successful you will need to demonstrate: • • • • •

As you will be working independently you’ll need to have loads of energy, a can-do attitude and strong communication and computer skills. Your resilient sales skills and your ability to build client relationships at all levels will be essential in this role. You will need to demonstrate sound sales skills and have an absolute passion for NZ’s rural sector is essential, past media experience is preferred but not essential.

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You will be well rewarded for your performance with a competitive salary, potential to earn sales incentives and a company car, phone, laptop etc are all part of the total remuneration package. To apply for this role go to SEEK and search Account Manager – Canterbury. Job #34378430

Tiroa Station is a 3200ha effective property situated in Benneydale, 35 minutes from Te Kuiti and part of the Tiroa Te Hape group of farms covering 7300ha. The station winters 32,000 stock units made up of a high performing breeding ewe flock and breeding cow herd.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT CAREER MOVE?

www.affco.co.nz

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

TIROA E TRUST (Tiroa Station)

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Human Resources • Recruitment

HEAD SHEPHERD

LK0089722©

LK0089736©

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Established industry networks Extensive knowledge and experience within the livestock Industry Proven experience as a strategic and effective leader Excellent communication skills Able to challenge traditional industry standards and apply innovative ideas

Carrfields Livestock are proud to be New Zealand’s largest privately owned livestock business. If you are wanting a challenging but rewarding position with a progressive and innovative business then we look forward to your application. For further information on this position please contact: Donald Baines, General Manager Livestock on 027 328 8781. Applications close Wednesday 1st November, 2017. Please send cover letter and CV to: hradmin@carrfields.co.nz

LK0089752©

Classifieds

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

DOGS FOR SALE

GRAZING AVAILABLE

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

HEADING, HUNTAWAYS AND Handy dogs from $500. View online/On Farm. Deliver NZ wide. Thirty day trial. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

FOR DAIRY WEANERS. Long term, great rates. Phone Dave 06 864 4412.

ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS

FARM WORK WANTED

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

EX-FARMER STOCKMAN, over 25 years experience, seeks position of responsibility, mid Northland area. Caretaker role or similar. Own transport. Handy dog. Phone Owen 07 893 7866 or 021 504 510.

ATTENTION FARMERS

FERTILISER

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

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

DOGS FOR SALE HEADING DOG, 10 months. Running with stop and walk in training paddock. This is a fast running, strong, careful and well-bred young dog. $1200.00. Phone 06 385 9235 or 027 551 2161.

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

FOR SALE WINDMILLS for water pumping. Ferguson Windmills Company. www.windmills.co.nz sales@windmills.co.nz Phone 09 412 8655 or 027 282 7689.

GOATS 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.

CV with excellent references available. Email : ezyfold@yahoo.co.nz or Ph 027 442 2693

See GIBB-GRO at East Otago field days PALMERSTON SALE YARDS, Marquee area. GIBB-GRO the plant growth regulator of choice!

BOOK AN AD. For only $2.00 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in The NZ Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie Brown on 0800 85 25 80 to book in or email classifieds@nzx.com

We quote on a per hectare basis. GIBB-GRO is sold in 500gm and Kg packaging. • Competitive quotes • FREE delivery • $5.85+GST per hectare

Brian Mace 0274 389 822 / 07 571 0336 brianmace@xtra.co.nz www.gibb-gro.co.nz

TRACTOR PARTS

Cattle Handling Equipment

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

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.

Reliable Strong, ffi ient and E c

Let’s get your business top of mind for the East Otago Field days!

VETMARKER

Contact Debbie 06 323 0765 or 0800 85 25 80 classifieds@nzx.com

0800 227 228

$2.00 + GST per word - Please print clearly Name: Phone: Address: Email: Heading: Advert to read:

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

NEW Combi Trailer

• Road legal • Swing-arm suspension • 400ml ground clearance • 2 minute setup • Lowers flat to ground • Stone guard converts to roof • Fits existing Combi Clamps

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

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

Advertise in the NZ Farmers Weekly

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

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

STOCK FEED

CLASSIFIEDS REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

Combi Clamp Sheep Handler

Servicing NZ clients from Gore to the far north of Northland. Excellent delivery and service.

18-19 October 2017 Palmerston Sale Yards

MOISTURE METERS Hay, Silage dry matter, grain. www.moisturemeters.co.nz 0800 213 343.

FOR SALE

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

18-19 October 2017

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.

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

Advertise in The NZ Farmers Weekly

EAST OTAGO FIELD DAYS

RAMS FOR SALE

LAMB DOCKING / TAILING CHUTE

Hardworking, loyal, honest, great work ethic, strong leadership skills to lead and mentor staff and a real passion for stock and land.

SELLING SOMETHING?

LK0089707©

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

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

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

Capable team of working dogs, competent horseman, many years hill country management, wife very hands-on and keeps an immaculate house and grounds.

LK0089487©

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

PUMPS

Highly experienced and knowledgeable Farm Manager requires full time position.

2386FW

ANIMAL HEALTH

DOGS WANTED

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

LK0089124©

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

HEADING PUPS 13 weeks. Ian Jefferies and Kevin O’Connor bloodlines. Phone 06 328 4830. Manawatu.

PROPERTY WANTED

Farm Manager Position Required

LK0089731©

ANIMAL HANDLING

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

See us Canterburyat A&P Show 15-17 Nov em Site #F23 ber

www.combiclamp.co.nz

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

SPECIAL ENTRY TE KUITI SHEEP SALE Wednesday 11th Oct 11:30am A/c Glenburn Partnership & C & S Hoare 250 Top Coopworth Ewe Hoggets Bred for high fertility and ezcema tolerant traits. Flock are consistently 150% docked. Enquiries to Brett Wallbank 0274 881 299

Morrinsville Dairy Complex Thursday 12th October 12 Noon A/c Ruapeka Farms Ltd Comprising: 60 I/M M/A LIC Cows BW 80/44 PW 110/64 RA 90%

For Sale

High Producing Friesian Herd and Replacement Yearling Heifers

15-mth Friesian Heifers

Tuesday 17th October 2017 at 11 am Vendors M/s Ray and Sandra Hocking 523 Takaka – Collingwood Highway, RD 2, Takaka 7182 Sale to be held on the vendors property will comprise: 134 Friesian in milk cows 35 Friesian yearling heifers

Download the app today

Live weights vary from 250kg-300kgs Grazing and bulls available if required. Lines from $1080 + GST

Herd BW 44 PW 66 RA 99%

GRAZERS WANTED

Last season’s production 1073ha and 330 MS/cow, SCC 116,000 avg was achieved with the cows OAD from xmas. (Best cow production 401MS).

LK0089682©

The herd is currently on OAD producing 1.7MS, SCC is 100,000. The whole herd has been metri- checked 4/10, TB Status C7 and BVD bulk tested.

Download the app today

Our vendors after a lifetime of dairying have decided to retire from farming and sell their complete herd. Only retaining 2017 born heifer WAGYU DAIRY CROSS WEANERS calves which will be sold as in calf heifers. This HIGH INDEXING JERSEY & JERSEY • Steers and/or Heifers at competitive high performing herd averaged 2.48 kg ms, 27 per kg weight gain rates CROSS HERD litres/cow in early September and in previous • Minimum 90kg start weight seasons has averaged up to 470kgs ms /cow. • From November 2017 start date OnlyPW inputs have been maize silage and a small BW 143/50 161/67 RA 100% • Short and long term options available amount of PKE. They are farmed under a basically (in top 10 All Breeds for NZ ) • Simple no-fuss agreements grass fed system and all cows are wintered at home. The LIC Premier sires bull San Ray FM OR • Many cows contracted 2011 matings Beamer ET S2F to wasLIC bred for in this herd and has Register your interest for future grazing • Due to calve from 16-7-12, 6.5 several daughters in the sale. No femalesweeks will be of R1yr and R2yr from May 2018. AB Jersey and Kiwi mated prior cross to sale day. For further information please These be are nice420 quality, medium very good • Estimated to cows size,after non contact: uddered Friesian cows milked on a wet property pregnant, culls, older cows & 5% rejection Tim or Erin O’Brien shift well. They are no • Production that lastare recommended season to347kgs ms/cow, Phone: 06 857 8305 nonsense cows (those with issues have gone). The 1000kgs ms/ha, on rolling to steeper Email: tim@brownrigg.co.nz yearlings are well grown and are by popular AB contoured farm, no meal, palm kernel or maize sires. Those farmers in need of replacements or fed. extra cows are encouraged to attend this sale. All • Young replacement stock also cattle are fully recorded andavailable transferable. Payment terms: Payment is due 10 days from sale Outstanding genetics & potential to be one of day. PAKI-ITI SUFFOLK

AD0089593©

The herd commenced calving 15/7/17, completed by late September.

the countries leading suppliers of Genetics to Catalogues giving all details are available from the dairy industry yearsBrian to come. Full details the for auctioneers, Robinson Livestock Ltd or available. view online at www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com the auctioneers, Brian Robinson Enquiries to theEnquiries soletomarketing agents:

BREEDING VIDEO

Livestock Ltd Brian 07 8583132 or 0272 410051, Donald 0274 378375, Brian RobinsonSelwyn BRLL Neil McDonald 0272 188904, PH: 0272 410051 orHart 070272 8583132 Kevin 915575, Matt Satherley 0278 697805

Gary Falkner Jersey Marketing Service PH: 027 482 8771 or 07 846 4491

www.paki-iti.co.nz

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz SALE TALK Bobby had long heard the stories of an amazing family tradition. It seemed that his father, grandfather and greatgrandfather had all been able to walk on water on their 21st birthday. On that special day, they’d each walked across the lake to the bar on the far side for their first legal drink. So, when Bobby’s 21st birthday came around, he and his pal Marty took a boat out to the middle of the lake, Bobby stepped out of the boat… and nearly drowned! Marty managed to pull him to safety in the nick of time. Furious and confused, Bobby went to see his grandmother. ‘Grandma,’ he asked, ‘it’s my 21st birthday, so why can’t I walk ‘cross the lake like my father, his father, and his father before him?

POLLS

NIGEL RAMSDEN 0800 85 25 80

LK0089334©

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

Philip Webb 027 801 8057 Central & Southern NI Dairy Coordinator

GO TO THE

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

to view our breeding programs

Contact: Paul Kane Ph 027 286 9279 National Dairy Coordinator paul.kane@carrfields.co.nz

Grandma looked deeply into Bobby’s troubled eyes and said, ‘Because your father, your grandfather and your great grandfather were born in July, when the lake is frozen, and you were born in January, you flamin’ idiot!’

PAKI-ITI SUFTEX

Visit

Multiple lines of 2016 born 100% recorded AI bred Heifers out of high quality herds available in various sized lines. BW & PW’s are above the national average.

169 Head TB Status C10, EBL Free, Lepto Vaccinated

LK0089528©

Our clients are selling a genuine run out of mainly black cows from their herd of 490. The herd has been milked on rolling hill country at Karapiro for the last 16 years. Our vendors are reducing their numbers as they decommission a cowshed and retire land from the dairy platform.

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

IN MILK DISPERSAL SALE

LK0089681©

GENUINE CROSSBRED IN-MILK COWS

For all enquiries please phone Ollie Carruthers 0274 515 312

Livestock

LK0089680©

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

LK0089478©

✔

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 www.nzsheep.co.nz/polldorset/nz

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

Livestock

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

STOCK REQUIRED AUTUMN BULL CALVES

CANTERBURY A&P SHOW

CENTRAL OTAGO SPRING CATTLE SALE

1 YR FRSN BULLS 260-320kgs 260-330kgs 1 YR ANG & ANG X STEERS 1 YR BEEF & BEEF X HEIFERS 200-280kgs 450-500kgs 2 YR FRSN & BEEF BULLS

BULL SALE

2 YR X BRED HEIFERS

COWS WITH CALVES AT FOOT

TEMUKA SALEYARDS Friday 13th October 2017 Commencing 1pm

200 Hereford 2yr Steers 100 Char 2yr Steers 100 Ang/Ang X 2yr Steers 50 Belguim Blue X 2yr Steers 50 Belguim Blue X 2yr Heifers $4000 in cash and prizes up for grabs! 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.

150 Ang/Ang X 1yr Steers 150 Hereford 1yr Steers 100 Char 1yr Steers

LK0089740©

120 Ang/Ang X 1yr Heifers

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

Advertise your stock sales in The NZ Farmers Weekly

farmersweekly.co.nz

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings WARATAH POLLED HEREFORD BULL SALE

SPECIAL ENTRY CULVERDEN SPRING CATTLE SALE

TEMUKA SALEYARDS Conjunction Sale

Friday 20th October 2017 Commencing 10.30am

Friday 13th October 2017 Commencing 1pm

MENDIP HILLS STATION

• 55 2 Yr Hereford Bulls

• 65 Hereford 2 year Heifers

• 14 2 Yr Angus Bulls

• 10 Angus Hereford Cross 2year Heifers

Hill Bred Bulls with quiet temperament All Bulls blood tested clear for BVD & EBL, Plus vaccinated for BVD & Leptospirosis Enquiries to: Vendors: Wayne & Karen Girvan 03 685 5898 Agents: Sam Bell 027 2040 499 – PGG Wrightson Ltd

ECZEMA TOLERANT WAITEIKA HILL COUNTRY ROMNEYS RAMGUARD TESTING SINCE 1985

All Bulls blood tested clear for BVD & EBL, plus vaccinated for BVD & Leptospirosis.

***** RATING

Enquiries to:

Agents: Sam Bell 027 204 0499 PGG Wrightson Ltd

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

TB Status – C10

PROTECT YOUR FUTURE FLOCKS

Hill-bred Bulls with quiet temperament.

* Robust functional sheep that survive

Vendors: Wayne & Karen Girvan 03 685 5898

Enquiries: Tony Arscott 021 1877077

• 5 3 Yr Angus Bulls

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

Parnassus

• 70 Hereford Yearling Heifers • 50 Angus Yearling Heifers • 50 Angus Hereford Cross Yearling Heifers All of the above cattle are suitable for breeding

Greg Shearer 03 685 5993 or 027 4766 769 – PWA Ltd

* Dag and Condition Scoring * No ewes worm drenched, dipped or vaccinated LK0089730©

25 Angus 2yr Heifers (suitable for breeding)

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

55 2 Yr Hereford Bulls 14 2 Yr Angus Bulls 5 3 Yr Angus Bulls TB Status – C10

6% purchasing commission to other companies.

* Monitoring Parasites WormFEC™

Keith Abbott Raglan 027 463 9859 www.waiteikaromneys.co.nz

Genetically linked to Waimai Romney

Key: Dairy

Beef

Sheep

Other

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.

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

• 10 Charolais Yearling Heifers These are predominantly Te Mania Angus and Matariki Hereford bloodlines. The Mendip cattle are in a 10 year BVD vaccination program. TB Status C8. Further inquiries to: Nic Denton – 027 434 4094 (PGGW)

Greg Shearer 03 685 5993 or 027 4766 769 PWA Ltd

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

LK0089239©

Thursday 19 October 2017 Commencing: 1pm WAIPIATA SALEYARDS Approx 1000 x 2yr/Ylg Cattle

ALL OF ABOVE CATTLE ARE STATION BRED & RENOWNED FOR THEIR SHIFTING ABILITY

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Grain & Feed

MILK PRICE FORECAST ($/KGMS) 2017-18

6.75

6.45

AS OF 20/07/2017

AS OF 28/09/2017

Prior week

Last year

6 5 Feb 17

Apr 17 Jun 17 AgriHQ Spot Fonterra forecast

Aug 17 AgriHQ Seasonal

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

WMP GDT PRICES AND NZX FUTURES

7.10

6.00

353

333

NI mutton (20kg)

4.20

2.85

381

379

274

SI lamb (17kg)

7.00

5.70

Feed Barley

388

386

259

SI mutton (20kg)

4.25

2.75

230

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 9.30

8.74

7.51

253

247

UK CKT lamb leg

Maize Grain

428

421

355

PKE

251

244

232

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

7.0

2500 2000 Dec 16 Mar 17 Jun 17 C2 Fonterra WMP

Prior week

Last year

6.0 5.0

CBOT futures (NZ$/t)

4.5

Wheat - Nearest

231

228

202

Corn - Nearest

191

189

179

406

410

287

6.5

6006.0

South Island 1 7kg lamb

7.5 7.0

393

399

274

Feed Wheat

265

258

Feed Barley

366

333

240

107

101

Ex-Malaysia

NZ venison 60kg stag

$/kg

ASW Wheat

PKE (US$/t)

Sep 17 Dec 17 NZX WMP Futures

6.5 5.5

Last week

c/kkg (net)

3000

North Island 17kg lamb

7.5

INTERNATIONAL

APW Wheat

3500

5005.5 4005.0 3004.5 OctOct

DecDec

FebFeb

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

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3200

3180

3075

SMP

1930

1910

AMF

6650

Butter

6050

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Last week

Prior week

Last year

2000

Urea

477

460

29 micron

6.65

7.30

6700

6460

Super

297

314

35 micron

3.50

4.90

6050

5925

DAP

784

39 micron

3.30

4.85

704

702

Dec Jan Latest price

Feb Mar 4 weeks ago

Apr

THERE is plenty to look forward to this quarter with central banks across the globe contemplating reversing the massive quantitative easing (QE) programmes they started during the global financial crisis. The United States Federal Reserve looks to be the first off the mark, outlining a plan to begin the reversal of its US$4.5 trillion balance sheet this year. QE was experimental and reversing it will be too, so we are unsure about market reaction though we are likely to see rising interest rates. However, the unknown certainly makes us cautious and we will be watching the great unwind with interest. The December quarter is traditionally the year’s strongest, averaging a return of 4.1% for the S&P500 since 1950 and it is certainly off to a strong start, setting more record highs last week. Third-quarter global reporting season gets under way soon and markets will be hoping for another strong showing to help justify valuations. The Spanish situation will continue to evolve as Catalonia looks to annex itself. North Korea remains a risk, though recently things have been quiet on that front with US president Donald Trump busy elsewhere. Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

17620

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

7975

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

7483

NZ venison 60kg stag

$/kg

600

c/k kg (net)

NZ$/t

US$/t

5.5

350 250 150 Sep 13

Coarse xbred w ool indicator

6.5

CANTERBURY FEED PRICES

Sharemarket Briefing

13659

This yr

(NZ$/kg)

450

S&P/FW AG EQUITY

Last yr

AugAug

NZ average (NZ$/t)

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR

JunJun

WOOL

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Nov

AprApr

FERTILISER

Last price*

3500 3400 3300 3200 3100 3000

Last year

7.15

Australia (NZ$/t)

4000

Last week Prior week

NI lamb (17kg)

Feed Wheat

Waikato (NZ$/t)

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Milling Wheat

PKE

8 $/kgMS

Last week Canterbury (NZ$/t)

MILK PRICE COMPARISON

US$/t

SHEEP MEAT

DOMESTIC

AGRIHQ 2017-18

FONTERRA 2017-18

Sheep

$/kg

Dairy

Sep 14 Feed barley

Sep 15

Sep 16 Sep 17 PKE spot

YTD High

YTD Low

6.27

7.43

6.26

Meridian Energy Limited

2.82

3.02

2.57

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

12.65 3.64 7.77 7.26 9.58 3.355 31.85 5.54

13 3.965 10.86 7.28 9.58 3.6 32 5.74

8.5 3.32 7.38 2.06 8.12 2.94 17.47 4.65

Auckland International Airport Limited

Listed Agri Shares

3.5 400

300 2.5 Oct Oct

Dec Dec 5‐yr ave

Feb Feb

AprApr Last yr

JunJun

AugAug 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

7.260

7.280

2.060

Cavalier Corporation Limited

0.315

0.810

0.270

Comvita Limited

7.400

8.650

5.150

Delegat Group Limited

6.800

7.000

5.650

Foley Family Wines Limited

1.340

1.500

1.200

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

6.240

6.400

5.880

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

2.300

2.610

2.100

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.970

1.220

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.580

0.620

0.490

Sanford Limited (NS)

7.850

8.000

6.700

Scales Corporation Limited

3.740

3.830

3.210

Seeka Limited

5.100

5.500

4.300

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.300

1.460

1.050

S&P/FW Primary Sector

13659

9307

S&P/FW Agriculture Equity

17620

10899

S&P/NZX 50 Index

7975

6971

S&P/NZX 10 Index

7483

7643

6927

THE dollar hit a fourThis Prior Last NZD vs month low but ASB Bank week week year believes there is plenty of USD 0.7116 0.7235 0.7150 recovery potential over the EUR 0.6078 0.6134 0.6416 next year. AUD 0.9130 0.9203 0.9435 “With the election 0.5426 0.5379 0.5671 uncertainty around, there’s GBP some volatility in the dollar Correct as of 9am last Friday but through that we think it can firm up into the end of the year and next year,’’ rural economist Nathan Penny said. “There’s broader strength in the economy and commodities are doing well, dairy prices are good and we think that can boost the dollar.” ASB has a forecast of $US0.74 for year-end, up from Friday’s level a touch above 0.71. It then sees a 0.75 mark mid-next year on the way to 0.77. The thinking is based on a Fed rate rise in the United States in December, followed by just one rise next year. Penny believes the rural sector can cope with the dollar at those levels, with the beef and horticulture sectors getting good prices and lamb helped by trading in a wider range of currencies. He thinks Fonterra will have currency hedging well in place to safeguard its payout forecasts. Other than the big cross, ASB expects more of a holding pattern with the kiwi staying broadly in line with current levels on the euro and sterling. The yen cross might be more volatile but still not move far. The kiwi could go slightly higher against the aussie before slipping back again. Alan Williams

Markets

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

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

SI SLAUGHTER STAG

NI SLAUGHTER BULL

($/T)

($/KG)

BONER FRIESIAN COWS, 505-560KG, AT TEMUKA

($/KG)

9.80

251

5.50

1.83

high lights

$110-$120

$131-$138.50

Heavy ewes with forward lambs-at-foot at Stortford Lodge

Good store ewe hoggets at Feilding

all counted

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

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.70

5.50

NI Bull (300kg)

5.50

5.20

NI Cow (200kg)

4.30

4.10

SI Steer (300kg)

5.45

5.35

5.55

SI Bull (300kg)

5.10

4.90

SI Cow (200kg)

4.25

4.10

US imported 95CL bull

6.87

6.62

6.12

US domestic 90CL cow

6.69

6.76

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

600 5.5

c/k kg (net)$/kg

BRIGHT BUYING: Auctioneers Greg Cook and John Farrell call for bids on a pen at Temuka last week. The lambs were in the store pens but were prime weights and made about $150 a head. Photo: Andrew Swallow More photos: farmersweekly.co.nz

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

9.00

NI Hind (50kg)

9.60

8.90

SI Stag (60kg)

9.80

9.70

9.00

SI Hind (50kg)

9.70

9.60

8.90

New Zealand venison (60kg Stag)

10 9 $/kg

NZ venison 60kg stag

c/k kg (net)

600 8 500 7 400

300

6 Oct

Oct

Dec Feb Dec Feb 5‐yr ave

Apr Apr Last yr

Jun Jun

Aug Aug This yr

Ewes with lambsat-foot stay strong

UYERS have shown a good appetite for ewes with lambs-at-foot in the past few weeks, and that trend continued. One standout was a line with forward lambs at Stortford Lodge, which made $120 all counted, but other good lines have often pushed up to and beyond $100 all counted in both the North Island and South Island. In contrast yearling cattle had a bit of an off week, though this was far more obvious in the beef-dairy lines than the good traditional types.

Constant rain though the western and northern North Island is definitely having an impact. Here’s hoping for a bit more sun over the next few weeks. NORTHLAND NORTHLAND It was a bit of a dud sale at WELLSFORD, as a combination of rain, hail and wind in the weekend kept buyers at bay. There were a number of quality lines available, but they fell short of the previous week’s sale. The two-year steers held their ground better than the other types.

Online Livestock Finance. Fast. Simple. Apply for livestock finance online in minutes and get a decision in seconds. • 100% finance available (+GST) for livestock trading • Secured against the stock purchased, not your farm or other assets.*

HBL0107

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Hereford-cross and Belgium Bluecross, 400-530kg, went for $2.90$3.00/kg, $1180-$1550. The majority of the two-year heifers were AngusFriesian and Hereford-Friesian, 335395kg, and these eased to $2.86-$2.99/ kg. The brunt of the weakness was felt through the heavier yearling lines, though the pure number of these types would have been partially to blame. A large portion of the beefdairy steers fell into the 280-365kg

Continued page 38

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38 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017 range, but these could only manage $3.01-$3.22/kg. A few Ayrshire and Friesian-cross steers, 275-325kg, were $2.74-$2.86/kg. Hereford and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 245-295kg, ranged across $2.80-$3.04/kg. While per kilo rates were varied for the few bulls available, the bulk of the 290-365kg beef-cross lines went for $800-$870. Some 150-160kg Charolais-cross and Hereford-cross heifers made $535$585. A yarding of 580 head generally sold on-par with the week beforehand at KAIKOHE, but PGG Wrightsons agent Vaughan Vujcich reported that dairy-cross lines were generally met with some resistance. The two-year steers were mainly traditional types, selling to $2.80$2.95/kg, while a similar line up of two-year heifers came in at $2.65$2.85/kg. A few two-year Hereford service bulls were available too, and these made $3.00/kg. Heifers accounted for the largest portion of the yearlings. These were mainly Angus, Hereford, and Hereford-Friesian, with the core of the sale at $2.80-$2.90/kg, but a few lighter, later-born types were at $3.20/kg. The yearling steers were mainly around the $3.10-$3.30/kg mark. One-year bulls were a mix of Angus-cross, Hereford-cross and Simmentalcross, selling in the $3.00-$3.20 range. A few autumn-born weaner bulls were offered too. Decent Hereford-Friesian lines made $650-$670, but lesser Friesians were $520. AUCKLAND AUCKLAND Any negative sentiment from processors had little impact at PUKEKOHE, where some very good quality cattle enjoyed a strong market. The better steers went for $2.90-$2.98/kg, lifting to $2.95-$3.00/kg for the cut below. The heaviest heifers made $2.81-$3.00/kg, while cows sold anywhere in the $1.25-$2.68/ kg range. Bulls were $760-$1160, $2.32-$2.86/kg. Medium yearling steers went for $740-$895, $3.31-$3.79/kg, with similar heifers at $730-$970, $2.87$3.78/kg. Weaner heifers went for $310-$575. COUNTIES COUNTIES Store cattle numbers took a big jump at TUAKAU last Thursday as the traditional spring selling season gets underway, Kane Needham of PGG Wrightson reported. With around 850 steers, heifers and bulls on offer, a good bench of buyers had plenty to choose from, and bidding was bolstered by outside buying support. Considering the big increase in stock numbers, the market was pretty solid and all classes sold well. The yarding included heavy Angus steers at 519kg, which traded at $3.04/kg, $1580. Blackbodied Hereford-Friesians at 511kg made $3.09/kg, $1570, and a line of 407kg red-bodied HerefordFriesians earned $2.86/kg, $1165. A pen of 15-month HerefordFriesians, 330kg, sold at $1000, with some very good whiteface 1-year steers at 265kg making $980. Lighter Hereford-Friesians at 192kg fetched $805.

BIG BOYS: Tom Hargreaves of Kakahu Angus and PGG Wrightson livestock auctioneer Jonty Hyslop check out the Angus bulls.

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Friesian 1-year bulls, 159-218kg, earned $775-$830. In the heifer section, a 2-year lot at 373kg traded at $2.73/kg, $1020, with good 1-year HerefordFriesians at 278kg making $920 and a lighter pen at 210kg $785. About 400 cattle were yarded at last Wednesday’s prime sale. The cow market held steady for the moment but steer and heifer prices eased by about 5c/kg on the previous sale. The best of the heavy prime steers sold up to $2.97/kg, with medium lots earning $2.88-$2.94/kg and lighter steers $2.82-$2.87/kg. Top prime heifers traded up to $2.85/kg and good-medium lots made $2.80/kg. Lighter beef lots fetched $2.78$2.80/kg, with well-covered dairy heifers earning $2.40-$2.50/kg. A small entry of beef cows returned $2.35-$2.48/kg and heavy Friesian cows sold up to $2.21/kg. Good-medium cows made $1.87-$1.96/kg and lighter boners $1.70-$1.80/kg. Good heavy beef bulls fetched $2.85$2.98/kg. Last Monday’s sheep sale drew a small yarding of about 500 ewes and lambs but the market remained firm. The best of the prime lambs sold at $175, with other heavy lambs making $150$164. Good-medium prime lambs earned $135-$150 and lighter lambs $115-$130. The best of the heavy prime ewes traded up to $124 and good-medium lots made $95-$105. Lighter ewes $70-$80. BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY Overall there was a bit of a weakening trend at RANGIURU, mainly blamed on the consistent wet weather, but falling schedules over the weekend hardly helped the market either. Two-year and three-year steers were nearly all sold in the $2.92$3.01/kg range, though a single line of 475kg Hereford-Friesian’s did show some strength at $3.13/ kg. Beef-cross two-year heifers edged back a little, with the 440520kg lines usually making $2.78$2.93/kg, though the odd line did slip even lower. In the yearling steers, 320-355kg beef-dairy lines made $1030$1070, while other 240-310kg types mainly went for $800-$910. Nearly 200 more one-year heifers

were offered compared to the week beforehand. A few 280335kg Murray Grey and HerefordFriesians topped these heifers at $890-$920, with 230-280kg Hereford-Friesians making $750$765. The one-year bulls were fairly mixed in terms of prices, with some 205-245kg HerefordFriesians at $690-$730, while 355-360kg Hereford bulls made $1270-$1310, likely for service use. Boner cows had a solid sale, as 470-560kg types ranged across $1.85-$1.96/kg, while some 560580kg beef-cross cows went for $1.97-$2.04/kg. Two lines of 605640kg Hereford-Friesian prime steers made $2.87-$3.03/kg. WAIKATO It was a mixed bag at FRANKTON last Wednesday, quality was sometimes lacking and buyers were thinner on the

Knowing your weights is $$ in the bank ground, creating a softening to the sale. A good proportion of the cattle remained steady, but younger cattle in particular showed some easing. Three-year steers were steady, with all Hereford-cross lines, 543605kg, making $2.88-$2.94/kg. Results were mixed in the 2-year steers, both beef-cross, 395kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 416kg were back at $2.61/kg and $3.08/kg respectively. This trend continued into the heifers with HerefordFriesian, 469-480kg, back by $.10/ kg, at $2.80-$2.83/kg. Friesian bulls were steady, with 411kg making $2.82/kg.

One year steers were up and down with Hereford, 293kg, gaining $20 per-head at $1000, whilst Angus-Friesian, 295-313kg, were back by between $65-$70 per-head at $960-$990. A highlight in the heifers was a line of twenty Angus, 249kg, returning $855, $3.43/kg. Heavier Friesian bulls felt the brunt of the softening with most lines back, 301-341kg, eased between $90-$110 plus per-head, making $850-$910, though as the scales got lighter returns tipped the other way and those 168kg226kg, firmed $50-$110 per-head, at $605-$655. Most autumn-born weaners eased, though a couple of Friesian bull lines, 95-129kg, managed to lift their returns by $50-$160 perhead, at $410-$500. Friesian boner cows, 516-585kg, firmed earning $2.07/kg. TARANAKI TARANAKI The heaviest two-year steers were the most popular. A line of 615kg Devon-cross was the highest price on the day at $1850, $3.01/kg, while other 390-555kg beef-Friesians were $2.89-$3.15/ kg. A few 430-460kg beef and Friesian lines were $2.76-$2.84/ kg. A few 335-360kg two-year heifers were $2.85-$2.90/kg, while a line of 450kg Friesian bulls made $1385, $3.08/kg. Charolais steers, 245kg, stood out in the yearlings at $3.39/kg, $830. Hereford-Friesian steers, 205-330kg, were $3.02-$3.17/kg, while 220-255kg Murray Greys were $2.86-$3.14/kg. The core of the yearling heifers were $565$700, though per kilo rates were quite varied. A few 150-155kg Friesian bulls made $390-$425, with 205kg Hereford-cross at $610.

POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY There were barely any ewes or lambs to be found at MATAWHERO. Much of the sale were a few light lines of ewes with lambs-at-foot, selling at $77-$82 all counted, though one better line did make $87.50 all counted. Zero store lambs were traded. Prime ewes went for $111-$122, while a handful of prime lambs were anywhere between $80-$159. KING COUNTRY KING COUNTRY The TE KUITI sheep sale was

all over in an hour and a half, Carl White of Carrfields reported. All lines had their teeth checked, and any fresh prime two-tooth’s made $90-$95. Prime lines that passed the check made as much as $178, though the rest went for $130$148. Store lambs softened a little, as is normal at this time of the year, but they still did well enough. The better male lambs were $117$126 while $96-$106 covered the majority of the other pens. Cull ewes were in demand, pushing as high as $160-$170 for the heaviest lines. Ewes with lambs-at-foot peaked at $91 all counted for a nice line with docked lambs. Another good line was $84 all counted, while lighter ewes with smaller lambs were down at $60-$65 all counted. HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY Competition was solid throughout the store hogget offering at STORTFORD, where late-born Chatham Island lines drew the attention of locals and those from further afield. Good mixed sex and wether hoggets made $140.50-$144.70, while a few good ewe hoggets were $148.20$148.70. One very heavy male line made top dollar on the day at $162. Medium types lifted to $122.50-$136.20 for mixed sex and $129.50 for a line of ewe hoggets. It was a positive sale for a goodsized yarding of ewes with lambsat-foot. Those with the heaviest lambs were in demand, pushing as far as $110.50-$120 all counted. Other good lines were $90.75-$97 all counted, while the lighter types were $79-$86 all counted. Store cattle numbers fell away heavily from the week prior. Old lines were mainly dairy-cross types, with 510-580kg three-year steers making $2.94-$2.99/kg and 370-385kg two-year steers at $2.51-$2.84/kg, $935-$1100. A line of 435kg Hereford-Friesian heifers made $1335, $3.06/kg. Yearling Angus and Friesian bulls, 300-330kg, were $920-$1005, $3.05-$3.09/kg. MANAWATU MANAWATU A good yarding of 2-year cattle sold to solid buying bench in RONGOTEA, with a good selection of autumn weaners for buyers

Markets

looking for smaller animals, Darryl Harwood of NZ Farmers Livestock reported. Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 360-570kg, went up to $1660, $2.88-$2.91/kg, while 505kg Angus-cross and 390kg cross-bred steers were $2.62-$2.66/kg. Twoyear Hereford-Friesian heifers, 360-495kg, made as much as $1340, $2.71-$3.11/kg, and some 380kg Angus-cross heifers were $3.03/kg. Friesian and cross-bred bulls, 340-355kg, were $935-$965, $2.72-$2.75/kg. Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 200-280kg, were bought at $3.44-$3.55/kg, while 260-350kg Hereford-Friesians made $2.83$3.06/kg. A few 150-185kg heifers of the same breed made as much as $580, $3.11-$3.54/kg. Friesian bulls in the 160-250kg bracket were $2.81-$3.18/kg, while a line of 190kg Hereford-Friesians were $710, $3.74/kg. In the autumn-born weaners, 130-140kg Angus-cross and Ayrshire-cross steers made $500$530. Some 130-200kg HerefordFriesian heifers went as high as $590, $2.79-$4.19/kg, while a few Friesian bulls peaked at $460, $2.71-$3.82/kg. Friesian boner cows 430-660kg made up to $1125, $1.58-$1.70/kg, and cross-bred boners, 380-485kg, made up to $800, $1.37-$1.65/kg. The sheep sale at FEILDING ended almost as the cattle sale began and the yardings were similar, continuing the rapid decline in the sheep offering. Ewes and lambs-at-foot sold at steady levels at up to $91 for 42 mixed age ewes with 73 lambs-atfoot with this section still being underpinned by the mutton market. The hogget market offered 1100 animals and all were clean up lines, generally speaking. Sale prices were reasonably steady for those hoggets that were prime enough but dropped away for the true store hoggets. Top money was $138.50 for 145 woolly ewe hoggets and prices dropped down to $70.50 for very small male hoggets to some buyer with a plan. Ewes with LAF, $55.50-$91; Hoggets; heavy, $131-$138.50; good, $103-$136.50; mediumlight, $70.50-$118. The cattle sale started on a solid note with the only pen of 3-year steers selling for $1950, $3.21/kg, which segued neatly into a pen of a dozen traditional steers, also at $3.21/kg, selling for $1755. This section was essentially steady with reasonable numbers. The straight black steers may have been a little back from recent high levels although, being heavier overall this week, sale prices were above last week and up to $1350, $3.51/ kg. Bulls sold to flat demand also. Ten good 2-year old Simmental bulls sold for $1875, $3.17/kg, but this was very much a highlight and the top yearling Friesian bulls sold for $1265, $3.00/kg, as there seemed a 10c/kg ease in cattle prices. As expected, this ease was felt in the heifer section as well. There were some heavier yearling heifers offered but the 15 purebred Herefords lead the market at $1100, $3.67/kg. This market did correct. Steers; 3yr, 606kg, $1950, $3.21/

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017

kg; 2yr, 376-547kg, $1030-$1755, $2.74-$3.46/kg; 1yr, 200-385kg, $490-$1350, $2.27-$3.97/kg; bulls; 2yr, 358-591kg, $1020-$1875, $2.78-$3.14/kg; R1yr, 98-422kg, $510-$1265, $2.84-$5.20/kg; heifers; 2yr, 323-486kg, $940$1470, $2.48-$3.30/kg; 1yr, 230356kg, $710-$1100, $3.03-$3.67/ kg. CANTERBURY CANTERBURY A good selection of steers bolstered the offering of prime cattle to 220 head at CANTERBURY PARK. It was all relatively steady when it came to the steers. Traditional and Hereford-Friesian lines, 585685kg, went for $2.94-$3.05/kg. Anything with a bit more room to grow was more popular; 500560kg traditional and HerefordFriesians made $3.06-$3.19/kg and 435-505kg Herefords went for $3.23-$3.31/kg. The heifers felt a bit of weakness throughout all types. The vast majority weighed in at 445-575kg, selling to $2.80-$2.92/kg. Some Charolais-cross and Belgium Blue were stronger though at $2.93$3.01/kg, while a few heavy store lines made $2.74-$2.86/kg. A reasonable number of bulls were mostly a mixture of beef or beef-dairy types, and there was little consistency, though some 495-545kg Hereford-Friesians were notable at $3.18-$3.22/kg. A little heat left the cow market. Only a single line managed to break $2.00/kg, with 475-545kg Friesians ranging across $1.67$1.80/kg. The large yarding of prime hoggets proved to be far too much for the market to absorb, and all weights fell back at least $5/hd. In fact the top dollar for the sale was only $169, a far cry from the $193 reached a week ago. Nearly half of the prime hoggets made $150$159, while much of the rest made $130-$149. There was a bit of strengthening in the heavier end of the prime ewes, pushing them to $140-$176. Mediums were more like $116-$139. Ewes with lambs-at-foot were popular. Three separate lines were $97-$105 all counted. Only a scattering of store hoggets were offered, but these met little interest, with some heavy types only managing $100-$110, and mediums $70-$86. Less lambs were presented for sale at COALGATE last Thursday, however there was still plenty to choose from and prime lamb returns were solid. While the cattle section was something of a mixed bag quality wise and returns reflected this. Medium-good prime lambs made $160-$179, though top honors for the sale went to a line of heavy prime lambs, returning $190-$192. More prime ewes were on offer and returns were firm, with good types gleaning $130$149, medium $110-$128, and lighter $99-$109. With a drop in the number of store lambs offered, mixed sex medium to good types were back at $90-$109. Ewes with lambsat-foot were well sought after and good types with larger lambs were strong, making $107-$116 all counted. Prime cattle numbers were on par with recent levels, whilst store cattle numbers were lower. Quality

WOOF: A scene from a sale at Tuakau in 2015. More photos: farmersweekly.co.nz

types were well sought after across both sections. Returns varied in the prime section reflecting quality, with those 516-660kg, making $2.81-$3.09/kg. Heifers, 498-630kg were hot on their heels returning $2.72-$2.93/kg. Bulls, 465-690kg, sold over a tight band at $2.71-$2.76/kg. Heavy boner cows 536-580kg were steady at $1.85-$1.94/kg, with 455-528kg easing to $1.73$1.80/kg. A line of 2-year Angus-cross steers, 332kg, kicked off the store section making $1050, $3.16/kg. Heifers of similar breeding, 333372kg, were steady at $2.94-$3.12/ kg. One-year steers were notable by their absence, with one single Jersey, 250kg, making $470.

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Hereford heifers were a highlight, with those 294kg, realizing $930. Friesian bulls dominated by sheer volume, with 258-340kg, making $740-$920. SOUTH CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY Neither the lambs nor the cattle could muster the same returns as the week before at TEMUKA. Big lines of Merino and Halfbred accounted for the majority of the store lambs. These showed some resilience, as the well-grown mixed sexed lines made $115$123, and the lighter lines $105$109. A good line of Border-Merino

ewe lambs were notably strong at $126.50. Good numbers of ewes with lambs-at-foot were the highlight of the sale. A line with good docked lambs were the strongest at $102 all counted, while a line of second-shear made $87.50 all counted. There were good numbers of prime lambs yet again, but absence of a regular buyer meant this market took a step back. The core of the prime lambs were very heavy, but the top dollar dropped $12 to $182. Generally the heavy prime lambs were $150-$187, with other lines mainly $130-$148. Prime ewes were out in force again too. These weren’t quite as weak as the prime lambs though, mainly trading at $90-$149, though a few pushed as high as $160-$175. Dairy cattle were out in force in the prime cattle section, but bidding power wasn’t there to greet them. All weights of Friesian cows fell as the 570kg plus lines were $1.85-$1.99/kg, while 430560kg made $1.75-$1.86/kg. Even some 520-530kg Angus could only muster $2.02-$2.07/kg. The heifers performed relatively well. The core of the 455kg plus beef lines were $2.74-$2.81/kg. Dairy types did well enough, often $2.55-$2.74/kg for anything in the 440-575kg range, but more like $2.16-$2.41/kg for 395-430kg. Not a single line of steers was able to reach $2.90/kg. Instead the bulk of the 480-705kg beef lines were $2.81-$2.89/kg, though some 575-620kg Friesians were able to match this too. OTAGO OTAGO There was strong demand yet again in for prime ewes and lambs at BALCLUTHA. The top prime lambs made $155-$165, mediums $130-$140, and $110-$120 covered the bottom cut. Prime ewes went as high as $130-$143, while medium and lighter types were $115-$125 and $90-$110 respectively. There was little in the store section. A few medium lambs were $85-$95, on par with the

previous week. One particularly nice line of ewe hoggets were very popular though at $162. Ewes with lambs-at-foot where $90 all counted. SOUTHLAND SOUTHLAND Cows and dairy cattle filled the pens at LORNEVILLE making for a large prime cattle sale. Medium prime steers over 450kg made $2.60/kg, falling short of their sisters, as good 460kg plus heifers reached $2.90/kg. The 420kg plus dairy heifers were $2.20-$2.50 and 370-420kg lines made $1.90-$2.30/ kg. The 500kg plus cows went for $1.90-$2.00/kg, easing to $1.80$1.90/kg for 450-500kg types. A medium yarding of store cattle saw 380kg 2-year Friesian steers make $2.76/kg and 410kg 2-year beef-cross heifers reach $2.74/kg. A few Friesian bull lines were traded to, with 240-250kg at $700-$800 and a 200kg line managing $650. Good Friesian four-day bull calves made $180-$230, good Hereford-Friesian bulls were $150$190, and similar heifers went for $130-$180. All medium types were generally $100-$130. A small selection of prime sheep were offered, and the market for these was essentially unchanged. Heavy lambs were $150-$165, mediums $135-$150, and the lighter-end $120-$135. The ewes peaked at $105-$120, easing to $90-$105 for mediums and $60$90 for the rest. Top store lambs were $110$120, with $85-$105 and $70-$85 covering the two cuts below. A line of Coopworth ewes with blackface lambs made $84.50. A medium-sized yarding found a fully firm market at CHARLTON, Greg Clearwater of PGG Wrightson reported. Heavy prime lambs peaked at $155, with $132-$140 covering the medium types and $110 the lightest. One line of heavy ewes climbed as far as $161, but the rest of the mediums were at $105-$115. Good quality twotooth’s were $120, and the next cut made $90-$100. Top store lambs were $110, and mediums made $80.

Markets

40 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – October 9, 2017 COARSE CROSS-BRED WOOL INDICATOR

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

($/KG)

1-YEAR TRADITIONAL STEERS, 315-350KG, AT FEILDING

($/KG)

($/HD)

2.98

7.15

5.45

1145-1270

high $106-$107 counted lights all Good ewes with lambs-at-foot at Coalgate

Healthy returns likely to continue The Buy British campaign that has come out of Brexit is having a big influence on demand.

Tony Leggett tony.leggett@nzx.com

OLATILITY is ever present but Alliance Group expects to deliver healthy farmgate returns for all types of livestock over the coming months. Speaking at a roadshow meeting in Feilding on Tuesday, Alliance livestock and shareholder services general manager Heather Stacy presented positive price ranges for lamb, mutton and beef. “It’s been a strong year to date for farmgate prices but we’re really looking forward with caution. These price ranges I’m about to deliver are not a guarantee,” Stacy said. For lamb farmers could expect farmgate prices in the range from $5.90/kg to $7/kg up to Christmas. The prices did not include either pool payments or loyalty bonuses. Prices would most likely peak in early November when the pre-Christmas chilled lamb window in the United Kingdom closed and tail off to early next year when the product mix moved more to frozen lamb. Stacy said prices would start to rise again in the New Year once that mix moved back to more chilled lamb to fill orders for the Easter trade in the UK. Her biggest concern was the misalignment between farmgate prices for lamb now and returns from export markets.

Heather Stacy Alliance

GOOD MONEY: Beef prices are expected to hold up till Christmas, Alliance livestock and shareholder services general manager Heather Stacy says.

“The Buy British campaign that has come out of Brexit is having a big influence on demand, which is not as strong. “You will have seen some other companies in the media on that in recent days and we will have to manage the current situation as best we can,” she said. Alliance would release a minimum price supply contract before Christmas after positive feedback on them from suppliers last season. A good market for mutton in Malaysia and strong demand

from China would underpin a $4.25-$4.40/kg price range for prime ewes until the closing of the Chinese New Year market about January 10 when demand would ease and prices would likely fall into the range from $3.50-$3.95/kg. Increasing beef supplies out of Australia and the United States and greater access to key markets for Brazil had created volatility in global markets. Currency was always an unknown factor in farmgate prices. However, she told farmers to expect prime beef prices to hold in the range of $5.50/

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kg to $5.90/kg until Christmas then come off slightly to between $5.10/kg and $5.55/ kg. Bull and cow beef producers should expect prices in the range of $4.30/kg to $5.30/kg in the lead-up to Christmas then prices for bull beef would hold in a tighter range from $4.80-$5.20/kg into the start of 2018. After the meeting Taihape farmer Mark Illston said he was expecting more caution in the price ranges presented. Other farmers said they appreciated the forecasts and the transparency delivered by Stacy and earlier, by both chairman Murray Taggart and chief executive David Surveyor. There were concerns raised over the earlier-than-expected closure of the company’s Levin beef processing plant. It was expected to open late this month after a substantial upgrade and extra shifts would increase its processing capability. The company had also invested heavily in new processing technology at its Dannevirke site to improve efficiency and throughput.

$3.65-$3.80/kg 1-year traditional and exotic steers, 280330kg, at Matawhero

Prices don’t reflect slow season start GLOBAL markets have not really reacted to the news of the slow start to the New Zealand milk production season. The latest Global Dairy Trade auction defied market Susan Kilsby expectations of a lift in prices. AgriHQ Analyst The GDT price index at the October 3 auction dropped 2.4%, led down by a 2.7% fall in the price index for whole milk powder. Leading up to the latest GDT auction the WMP futures trading on the NZX dairy derivatives market lifted sharply on the back of the news of wet weather curbing milk supply. The October 2017 WMP futures contract was priced 5.7% above the price achieved at the previous GDT auction, indicating a lift in prices was on the cards. However, that failed to play out on GDT. The quantity of WMP available at the auction was at its seasonal peak and the high supply does tend to have a negative impact on prices. Fonterra has not adjusted down its milk production forecast for the season or altered the volume of product available on GDT in response to the reduced milk intakes. That might be why we are yet to see sufficient urgency from GDT buyers to push prices up. A lot of the demand for the WMP traded on GDT comes from Chinese buyers. Milk production in China is struggling somewhat because of the lack of profitability in its farming sector. Stocks of WMP in China are no longer excessive and consumer demand for dairy products appears to have lifted. Those factors all point towards ongoing strong demand for imported products. WMP will need to lift further to achieve Fonterra’s forecast milk price of $6.75/kg milksolids. The AgriHQ milk price forecast is $6.60/kg MS. susan.kilsby@nzx.com

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Spring 2017 Property Pull-Out October 9, 2017

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Your next opportunity is here!

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

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

This farm supplying A2 milk to Synlait is available as a going concern.

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

A2 supply farm Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com A BIG dairy farm near Ashburton supplying A2 milk to Synlait is a good test of the strength of the rural real estate market. Brander Farm has a total government valuation of $12.4 million for land and buildings and a dairy herd likely to be worth in the $6m-plus range, available to the farm-buyer if they choose to take-on the A2 production. It’s the sort of amount that‘s easier to say when you say it quickly, selling agent Chris Murdoch of Property Brokers in Ashburton says. He’s getting reasonable interest for the property in a market he describes as solid. He thinks the market is getting back to where it was before the downturn. At 294ha and carrying about 910 cows, Brander is genuinely a big farm. The property has excellent soils and irrigation system, with a highly automated 54-bale rotary dairy shed, Murdoch said. The farm, near the coast at Lowcliffe, was developed four years ago by a corporate group led by prominent dairy investor Stuart Brander, a former chairman and shareholder of the Clearview Rangitata Farms business. He later bought out the other shareholders. He’s selling now, saying he sees himself more as a developer than a long-term owner of businesses. He’s still the biggest individual shareholder in Cracroft Dairies, also in Mid Canterbury, which supplies A1 milk to Synlait. In the latest season, Brander Farms

milked 921 cows, providing 450,000kg MS of milk. That is down on the 513,364kg MS from 1050 cows in the 2014-15 season though the per cow average rose to 495kg MS from 487kg MS. As with most farms, the number of cows was reduced as the dairy downturn took hold to reduce supplementary feed costs and the level of off-farm winter grazing, Murdoch said. Brander Farms had brought fodder beet into the crop rotation to increase onfarm food production, though some supplementary feed is still required. The stock numbers could be readily increased back to prior levels, he said. As an A2 milk supply farm to Synlait Milk, Brander received a 20c/kg MS premium, with another 12c/kg MS premium as a Gold Elite supplier. That goes with the farm though any new manager would need to achieve Gold Elite status as well. Murdoch noted Synlait has closed-off the number of A2 milk supply farms for the time-being. Brander is confident of a good sale of the farm and also believes the A2 cow herd is a very sellable asset, even if not wanted by the farm-buyer. The farm has five consented water wells with 240ha of the total 294ha covered by centre pivot irrigation and the remaining acreage supplied by sprinklers and K-Line. As well as a near-new main homestead, the farm has two other staff houses.

Call Chris Murdoch at Property Brokers Ashburton on 027 434 2545, 03 307 9191, chris@pb.co.nz

SOUTHERN WIDE REAL ESTATE SRM Realty Ltd, Licensed under the REAA 2008, 21 Macandrew Road, Dunedin 9054 p 03 466 3105 f 03 456 3105 e otago@southernwide.co.nz 422 LEVELS VALLEY ROAD, TIMARU

DEADLINE TREATY

PRODUCTIVE LEVELS VALLEY PROPERTY

240.1555 HA

512 JONES ROAD, POOLBURN

DEADLINE TREATY

THE MAZES – FINISHING OR DAIRY SUPPORT

501.2050 HA

A top finishing property in a top location between Pleasant Point and Timaru. Presently run as a sheep and beef finishing operation this property has in the past run deer and dairy grazing as well. Predominantly easy rolling contour and well subdivided into 45 paddocks with very good access via lanes and roads. Improvements include an excellent homestead with five bedrooms plus office, open plan living/ dining/kitchen area and separate lounge. Set in most attractive grounds. Two sets of cattle yards, older woolshed with good yards, five implement sheds/haybarns. A good level of inputs over past years ensure that very good levels or production can be achieved.

Southern Wide Real Estate is privileged to offer for sale by Deadline Treaty this very highly productive 501.2050 hectare property located at Poolburn. High standard of improvements, along with irrigation allowing reliable growth and a good stock water scheme, makes this an opportunity to purchase a quality asset. This property has been through a substantial development program since 2011. The stock water scheme has been upgraded, extended and improved. Subdivision fencing has had major work with very good electrics now to all paddocks. Along with an extensive fertilising and liming program new pastures have been established.

FOR SALE BY DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY CLOSING ON OR BEFORE 1.00PM 1ST NOVEMBER 2017

DEADLINE SALE CLOSING ON OR BEFORE 12 NOON, WEDNESDAY 25TH OCTOBER, SOUTHERN WIDE REAL ESTATE, 84 CENTENNIAL AVENUE, ALEXANDRA.

Web Ref SCAN00154

Web Ref SWDR1297

DEADLINE TREATY

PAUL BROWN M: 027 432 6864 E: paul.brown@southernwide.co.nz

STEVE BATTRICK M: 027 210 6464 E: steve.battrick@southernwide.co.nz

532 IDA VALLEY BACK ROAD, IDA VALLEY

PRIME BREEDING FINISHING UNIT

843.8227 HA

WES FLANNERY M: 027 210 6536 E: wes.flannery@southernwide.co.nz

8236 RANFURLY WEDDERBURN ROAD, RANFURLY

LISMORE DOWNS

479.1847 HA

Southern Wide Real Estate is privileged to offer for sale by Deadline Treaty this very attractive 843.8227 hectare breeding and finishing unit located at Ida Valley, Central Otago. With the quality of the improvements, along with irrigation allowing reliable growth and a good water scheme, makes this an opportunity to purchase a quality asset. Our current vendors offer this property in a very sound condition and believe that while the property is producing to a high standard, there is an opportunity to increase production further. This property offers great balance with strong flats and hill that has reliability with irrigation and storage, combined with quality improvements.

• 479ha of highly fertile productive land. Ideal as dairy support, beef and lamb finishing, the choice is yours • Excellent irrigation with centre pivot and k-line covering approx. 170ha. Excellent storage dams in place • Development such as irrigation, fencing, lanes, regrassing all to a very high standard • Currently wintering 1000 dairy cows, 250 carryover cows, 441 R2 heifers and 450 calves • Improvements include good 4-bedroom home, woolshed, implement shed, calf rearing shed, 2 x cattle yards and sheepyards

DEADLINE SALE CLOSING ON OR BEFORE 12 NOON, WEDNESDAY 25TH OCTOBER, SOUTHERN WIDE REAL ESTATE, 84 CENTENNIAL AVENUE, ALEXANDRA.

BY NEGOTIATION Web Ref SWDR1264

Web Ref SWDR1296

STEVE BATTRICK M: 027 210 6464 E: steve.battrick@southernwide.co.nz

WES FLANNERY M: 027 210 6536 E: wes.flannery@southernwide.co.nz

JOHN FAULKS M: 027 452 5800 E: john.faulks@southernwide.co.nz

RAY KEAN M: 027 435 7478 E: ray.kean@southernwide.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

Dream contours and prime DREAM contours and prime location are a winning combination on a 76.7ha dairy farm for sale close to Hamilton city. The farm sits at Koromatua, south of the city, where it produced 67,000kg milksolids last season from 68ha effective plus a 30ha leased block. It all sits on flat contour with a gentle hill rising on its southern and western sides and is subdivided into 42 paddocks that are ring-raced and includes the leased neighbouring block. Neville Kemp from Ray White Real Estate says it has been farmed well for an extensive period and is presented in top condition with sound infrastructure and good support buildings plus top-notch races and fences. “The owners have decided it’s time to unload and this decision has not been made lightly and we are genuinely on the market. “At the moment it is leased by an energetic young couple who have loved the property as their own. “Maintenance is up to scratch with regular farm walks undertaken by a reliable farm consultant in conjunction with the lessee. “Anything required for upkeep is reported back to the owners who are keen for the farm to be always looking at its best. “It’s a great first farm in a fantastic location within 20 minutes of Hamilton, with a milking platform of 100ha which includes the 30ha lease to be confirmed available to approved purchasers.” The farm is subdivided into 42 paddocks which get an annual fertiliser dressing of 750kg/ha pottasic super and 2t/ha of lime. Critical among the farm’s infrastructure is the 12-yearold, 24-aside herringbone which Kemp says works well with good cow flow. Tenders for the farm close on November 2.

The farm can be viewed at www.nevillekemp.co.nz/ TEA22659 and for further information contact Neville Kemp on 07 214 2224 or 0272 719 801.

This farm has a 12-year-old, 24-aside herringbone dairy.

For Sale NEW LISTING

North Otago

NEW LISTING

Duntroon 82.6 Hectares Deadline Sale Closing 4pm, Thursday 2 November 2017

Contact Merv Dalziel 027 439 5823 Waikaura Downs. Finishing or run-off property, 50% flat with the remainder rolling with some steeper faces. 70 hectares of reliable irrigation, consisting of 30 hectares borderdyke and 40 hectares K-line. Four bedroom renovated homestead, 4-bay implement shed/haybarn, 3-stand raised board woolshed, with sheep yards and 500 Night Pens, cattle yards with crush. Productive soils with good fertiliser history producing strong pastures and heavy crops. (unless sold by prior) | Property ID DU2533

Southland

NEW LISTING

Newstead | 868 State Highway 26 65 Hectares Cropping Block Minutes From Hamilton. Superior cropping block, 65 hectares (more or less, subject to boundary adjustment) located on the outskirts of Hamilton. Brand new 14-bay shed, extra-large concrete floor workshop or implement shed, two large water ponds ideal for irrigation, good water available and three road access points (State Highway 26, Platt Road and Oak View Place), two good-size homes and office with kitchen and two rooms. This property presents an excellent opportunity to secure a good size cropping block in a great location, close proximity to quality schools and minutes to the new highway. | Property ID MV1015

Licensed under REAA 2008

Wendon 172.8 Hectares

Tender

Price

Closing 12pm, Friday 10 November 2017 (unless sold by private treaty)

$2,750,000 plus GST (if any)

Contact

Open Day Thursday 12 October 11.00 to 1.00pm

Contact Chelly Aitchison 022 697 8779

Indicative boundary only

Derek Ayson 027 667 9601 Nigel Moore 027 444 6132

Options Galore. This sheep and beef property is subdivided into approximately 38 flat to rolling north facing paddocks with some steeper gullies. An array of outbuildings include, 2-stand raised board woolshed, 7-bay implement shed, two 3-bay hay barns plus two sets of sheep yards. Various shelter belts, troughs or natural water to most paddocks plus 3 units of water are available. Substantial three bedroom family home with double internal access garage and office/sleepout/hobby room. | Property ID IN2076

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

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

Dream contours just south of Hamilton come with this farm.

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 + 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)

FOR SALE

MANAKAU FOREST NORTH MANAKAU ROAD, Horowhenua

VALLEY ROAD FOREST PARAPARAUMU, Kapiti Coast

MIXED AGE CLASS - CROWN FORESTRY LICENCE FULL HARVEST INFRASTRUCTURE 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.

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

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.

DEADLINE TENDER Friday 27 October 2017 at 4.00pm JEREMY KEATING 021 461 210

ALMOST READY TO HARVEST! + 68.7 hectares of NSA + Pruned and Thinned + 51km to Centreport + Planted 1997

DEADLINE TENDER Friday 20 October 2017 at 4.00pm WARWICK SEARLE

WARWICK SEARLE 021 362 778

021 362 778

www.propertyconnector.co.nz/210427Q37

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 9, 2017

This farm has 434ha finishing lambs and steers.

Impressive weights achieved A TOP performing 434ha extensive finishing unit for sale northwest of Whanganui achieves impressive weights from all classes of stock. The property is situated in the sought-after Maxwell area, 21.5km from Whanganui, where it spreads over a mix of contour including 245ha of flat country that moves into gently rolling and then easy hill with a few steeper sidlings.

Jamie Proude from NZR Real Estate says the property finishes between 6000 and 7000 lambs each year to weights exceeding 20kg as well as between 800 and 1000 prime steers averaging in excess of 400kg carcase weight and wintering 650 ewes. Summer crops are planted annually for lamb finishing, with the first draft picked in the first week of November from the 650 ewes wintered on the farm.

Last year 92ha of maize silage was made, resulting in 20t DM/ha and that area is being replanted. In addition to maize, 40ha of Pasja will be sown to support the lamb finishing regime and historically that crop is resown into permanent pastures in autumn. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of an extensive regrassing programme that has been done on most of

the flat country with high-producing rye and clover pasture species. The farm is well subdivided into 65 main paddocks and seven holding paddocks, with stock water supplied from a reliable spring-fed water reticulation system that is being upgraded to include two new reservoir tanks and the renewal of some water lines. Proude says the premium, free-draining,

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

fertile soil types include Egmont black silt loam and Westmere fine sandy loam, which combined with the temperate climate make the property suitable for a range of land uses, including dairy conversion. “It’s a chance to invest in a highly productive, versatile property held in the highly sought-after Maxwell area that’s suitable for many land uses including

Real Estate

dairy conversion, cropping and intensive fattening. “It has been well developed with prime soils, high fertility levels and a reliable water scheme.” The farm also has a prime location, stretching along Pukerimu Road, which provides easy access over the property and sits just a short distance from State Highway 3.

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

At that location, the farm is close to sea level and Proude says the region is well known for its temperate climate and stunning coastal views overlooking Kai Iwi Beach. A good range of infrastructure extends to a four-stand woolshed, implement sheds, sheep yards and quality cattle yards as well as two homes that are situated on Pukerimu Road.

The property has eight titles and is being offered for sale in four options including the entire 434ha or separately as 240ha, 146ha and 48ha. Tenders for the farm close November 9.

For further information contact Jamie Proude on 027 448 5162.

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

This farm sits with its back to Mt Pirongia.

Certified organic low-cost farm GRACING the gentle northeast slopes of Mt Pirongia in Waikato lies an 80ha sustainable dairy farm milking 160 cows that is for sale at a$3.2 million. It’s a low-cost farm that fetches a higher payout for its organic milk and Neville Kemp from Ray White Real Estate says it is located in an enviable location just minutes from Pirongia village, 17km from Te Awamutu and 38km from Hamilton. The retiring vendors have run a certified organic operation for several years, milking the certified crossbred herd on a system 1-2 which includes about 200 bales of grass silage made on the farm and just 100 bales bought in. On that low-cost, simple system they

produced 51,000kg MS of organic milk last season, which was sold to Fonterra at $9.20/ kg milksolids. “The owners are committed to the organic principles of sustainable farming and are ready to hand over this land to the next caretaker,” Kemp said. “It has good contour and lays in the right direction with its back to the mountain. “We’ve just had one of the wettest winters on record and the complete unit has handled the weather well. “In August alone we had 450mm of rain and the water runs straight off the farm.” Consolidated races ensure minimal damage in any weather and connect the 55 paddocks with the 16-aside herringbone

dairy and its 180-cow yard. Effluent is captured in a stone trap before being pumped to a fully-lined pond with a capacity for 400,000l. From there it is pumped out to 20ha via a travelling irrigator or Rainmaker cannon on steeper slopes. A natural water supply from higher up Mt Pirongia is collected in a 25,000l tank and gravity-fed to troughs in paddocks. Beneath those paddocks are Maeroa ash soils that have been farmed organically for years. Kemp says it is one of the closest dairy farms to Pirongia village, which has put it in a good position to sell fresh organic milk at the gate.

“You can see it from the village and it’s a lovely farm to look at – very clean and fenced off bush areas.” Apart from the dairy, the farm has a three-bay round hay barn and plenty of support sheds including a new calf-rearing shed. Capturing the views from Mt Pirongia’s slopes is the well-presented three-bedroom home, which has a brand new kitchen ready to be installed.

To view the farm visit www.rwteawamutu.co.nz/TEA22710 and for further information contact Neville Kemp on 0272 719 801.

The farm has 80ha of organic dairy land.

OPPORTUNITY TO GROW

WELL BALANCED DAIRY FARM

• • • • • • •

Situated south of Whanganui is this 175ha opportunity 20 aside herringbone dairy and 300 cow yard with adjacent feed pad The herd is split calved and supplies milk to Open Country Bore that supplies water to stock troughs, dairy and houses Large machinery shed, large silage bunker Three bedroom family home and second staff home Call Les or Tim on 027 449 5547, asking $3.1 mil

Sallan Realty

WE HAVE A CLIENT LOOKING TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS IN THE LOWER NORTH ISLAND They are looking for a 500 – 600 cow dairy farm with good infrastructure including a rotary dairy and excellent soil. If you can help please call Les

Google ‘Sallan Realty’ Your Farm Sales Specialist

• Very nice 260 acre dairy farm on the town boundary of Eketahuna • Well laid out with flat to rolling contour and growing well • Good 24 aside dairy with 250 cow yard and adjacent feed pad • Three bedroom family home, open plan living, i/a garage • Has produced up to 88,500kgs milk solids. • Your chance to own this farm now with a first of June 2018 takeover • Call Les or Tim on 027 449 5547, asking $2.35 mil

LES CAIN 0274 420 582

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

LK0089411©

P L E H E S A E L P

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Central Plateau Dairy

"Extraordinary"

WEB ID TPR57000 $12,700,000 WHAKAMARU 671 Sandel Road View By Appointment 414 hectares, 800 cows milked through a 48 aside herringbone, in shed meal feeders. Production average over 5 years is 293,000 Kg/ms. Contour is rolling, some hill with steep sidings, but ample hectares for silage and cropping. A picturesque self-contained, fertile farm with excellent fertiliser Paul O'Sullivan history. Mobile 027 496 4417 Come and see it! $30,000 per ha. paulo@pb.co.nz For Sale $12,700,000 + gst Land and buildings

+ GST (IF ANY)

Craig Marshall

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, production last season was 503,000kg/ms - 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 540 ha. 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.

Mobile 027 553 2274 craig@pb.co.nz

TENDER VIEW Wednesday 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

Diary grazing or beef finishing - Ngakuru

WEB ID TPR57756

NGAKURU 142 Dods Road This grazing property may be just what you have been looking for. Well located in the popular Ngakuru, Whirinaki Valley area. Currently operating as a dairy runoff, would also made a great beef finishing unit or first farm. 55 ha Contour approx. 50% mowable, 25% rolling, 25% steeper. Running 135 R1yr heifers plus 135 R2yr heifers, also cutting up to 140 large round silage bails. Wintered up to 200 dairy cows in the past.

Half round three stand woolshed could convert to workshop, hay barn and cattle yards, deer fenced. Attractive home fully renovated when relocated onto the property, including new roof, new kitchen, new bathroom, separate shower and toilet, fully re-insulated ceiling and underfloor, fully re-plumbed and re-wired, full wrap around Kwila decking with great outlook provides all day sun. Also, new garage built 2005. An attractive, useful property within easy commuting distance to Rotorua or Tokoroa.

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

AUCTION

VIEW 12 & 15 & 26 Oct 11.00 - 1.00pm AUCTION 2.00pm, Tue 14th Nov, 2017, (unless sold prior), Motion Entertainment Centre, Te Ngae Road, Rotorua

3 2 Brett Ashworth

Mobile 021 0261 7488 bretta@pb.co.nz

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Valley View

Limestone Hills

WEB ID TMR57975 $1,425,000 TIMARU 690 Taiko Road View By Appointment • 53.6530 hectares • Excellent farm infrastructure • Fertile flats with some rolling hills • Great access from all-weather lanes • Good 3 bedroom home • Water, 3000 litres per day This is a very good starter farm for someone looking to enter the rural scene! With a good 3 bedroom home and buildings, and excellent access from the all-weather lane set across 53.6530 ha of fertile flats with some Michael Richardson rolling hills. It is currently run for rearing 300 calves and Mobile 027 228 7027 trading lambs, but it has been previously farmed as part Office 03 687 7145 michael@pb.co.nz of a bigger operation. This property is a must view!

+ GST (IF ANY)

3 1 2

Esklands

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

Mt Nessing

OPEN FARM

WEB ID TMR57627 DEADLINE SALE OTAIO 735 Esk Valley Road View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 19th October, 2017 at • 291.9231 hectares 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) • Lovely well sheltered farm • 4 Bedroom home in lovely setting • Connecting laneways • Well subdivided Michael Richardson • Very good water scheme Mobile 027 228 7027 Esklands has been run as a Dairy Support Farm since Office 03 687 7145 2006. A good balance of land from flats to easy rolling michael@pb.co.nz hill. Good amount of sheds and infrastructure with 4 Chris Murdoch centrally located main yard. Further farming options Mobile 0274 342 545 could be Dairying, Sheep and Beef or Arable. A good Office 03 307 9191 farm a great location. Home 03 307 2940 1 chris@pb.co.nz

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

WEB ID TMR57137 DEADLINE SALE ALBURY 444 Mt Nessing Road VIEW Tuesday 17 Oct 1.00 - 3.00pm DEADLINE SALE closes Friday 10th November, 2017 at • 243.8659 hectares 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) • Central cattle yards • Great soils • All-weather lane-ways • Good buildings and infrastructure • Flat to easy rolling contour This property will attract a wide variety of purchasers with 243.8659 hectares of versatile land suitable for many types of farming from mixed sheep and beef to 4 cropping. The property has good soils, buildings and Michael Richardson infrastructure along with a great central location just 20 Mobile 027 228 7027 km to Fairlie and 51 km to Timaru. A very desirable Office 03 687 7145 1 michael@pb.co.nz property!

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Birchlands & Nelsons

Once in 110 year opportunity (283 ha)

OPEN FARM

ALBURY 171 Monavale Road • 299.0638 ha (2 Separate farms) • Birchlands 201.1300 ha • Nelson's Road 97.9338 ha • 2/3 Deer fenced • 2 x Homes • Connecting all-weather laneway

WEB ID TMR57976

Buy together or separate; the farms work hand in hand with both having the infrastructure in place for Deer, Sheep and Beef. The farm has been farmed to a very high level, with a tidy main homestead. Just walk in and carry on. Call now for a viewing!

DEADLINE SALE VIEW Wednesday 18 Oct 1.00 - 3.00pm DEADLINE SALE closes Friday 17th November, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior)

Michael Richardson

Mobile 027 228 7027 Office 03 687 7145 michael@pb.co.nz

Irrigated Dairy plus Run Off

WEB ID WR57704 CENTRAL HAWKES BAY 406 Tuki Tuki Road Opportunity to buy this well-run dairy farm and runoff. • 135 ha platform with 125 ha irrigated -Tuki Tuki Road • 165 ha bareland runoff across river - Blackburn Road • 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.

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 110years . 283ha 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. Subdivided into 27 main Mobile 027 220 2766 paddocks. Office 06 928 0520 Long fertiliser history and pasture renewal programme. bevanp@pb.co.nz Reliable stock water. Pat Portas Currently finishing large cattle. FEMP favourable. Mobile 027 447 0612 Start your legacy. Opportunities like this are rare, act Office 06 928 0521 now. Home 06 855 8330 patp@pb.co.nz Adjoining 370 ha also available for sale.

AUCTION

3 2

Dairy with location - 100 ha*

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

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

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. With 95 ha effective, 45 main paddocks and peak milking 270 cows for a 3 year average of 122,500 kgMS this property is well worth inspection. Farm improvements include an 18 ASHB cowshed with inshed feeding system, and a full range of support buildings. There is a seasonal farm irrigation agreement. A very comfortable 2013 built 4 bedroom home plus ensuite in tidy grounds completes the package.

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

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

This crop is just 5km from State Highway 1 on mostly easy to medium hill country.

Forest offers profit options ALL the hard work has been done on a 68.7ha forestry block near Wellington, which is for sale with well-tended Pinus radiata nearing its harvest. Valley Road Forest is located 51km north of Wellington near Paraparaumu and is owned by long-term investors who have had the trees expertly tended over the years since they were planted in 1997.

Significant rainfall combined with a warm, temperate climate has ensured good growth rates in the forest. Warwick Searle from CBRE says a new owner will now be able to sit back and wait for the trees to be ready for harvest, when its prime position will enable them to take advantage of export markets. “The real benefits are its age – it’s not too

Iconic 630 Ha Finishing Property Dairy Conversion Potential

493 Maxwell Station Road

Tender Closing 2pm, Thursday 26th October

Maxwell - Wanganui District 493 Maxwell Station Road

630.87 Ha fattening and grazing land with significant development upside 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 gentlerolling 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.

View by appointment Ben Orton +64 27 420 6316 borton@lewistucker.co.nz www.cranleighstation.co.nz www.lewistucker.co.nz

Includes 4 bedroom homestead, and two 3-bedroom cottages. Lewis Tucker Agency, licensed under the REA Act 2008

far away from harvest – and they’ve done all the hard work. “They’ve tended it so well with a good, high prune and thinned out well so they’re good trees with good form.” The crop has been expertly tended with thinning to about 260 sph completed on time and a full pruning regime to a height of about 6.2m. Valley Road Forest has been registered for the ETS but has not traded any carbon and Seale says prospective purchasers can choose whether they wish to buy the forest as an ETS participant or not. “Access to the markets is a really big bonus with Wellington for export logs and a number of different places for domestic logs.” The main access to the forest is via a short stretch of gravel road, just 5km from State Highway 1 and then a short drive to CentrePort Wellington, which, because of its location is able to access international markets both east and west of New Zealand. Most of the property is easy to medium

hill country with some steeper faces and ranges from 100m asl to 380m asl. No harvest plan has been completed for the crop though Searle says it is likely to be predominantly hauler harvesting with some ground-based work.

The crop has been expertly tended.

He says the region is well set up for servicing the forestry industry with multiple options available for forest management, silviculture, harvesting and related services. Tenders for Valley Road Forest close on October 20.

For further information contact Warwick Searle on 09 359 5285 or 021 362 778.

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Forest with harvest assets ALL the roads and skid sites are in place on a 237ha forestry block for sale near Levin that has a second rotation forest planted over a long period to spread out cashflow. Manakau Forest has a Crown Forestry Licence that gives the owner of the trees tenure for at least the current rotation, which is predominantly aged between seven and 14 years of age. Warwick Searle from CBRE Agribusiness says a new owner will be able to sit back and watch their investment grow on the doorstep to major markets. Access to the property is a very short distance from State Highway 1, just south

of Levin, which puts it 62km south of Palmerston North and 85km north of Wellington, ensuring easy transport to markets with multiple domestic processing options as well as Centreport Wellington. Searle says the Wellington region has well-established forestry services and has plenty of options for servicing forest owners including forest management, silviculture, harvesting and related services. Manakau Forest sits on moderately steep contour, ranging in altitude from 100m to 595m asl and Searle says 87% of the crop will be harvested by hauler, with the balance being suitable for

ground-based harvesting. Already in place from the previous rotation is 11.6km of constructed roads and 38 constructed skid sites. As a corporately-owned forest, there is a very good data set available for prospective buyers to make due diligence simple. It includes access to a comprehensive, electronic Dataroom with information on stand records, LIM, Crown Forestry Licence, forest mapping, crop type and yield tables, plus photos. The majority of the forest is Pinus radiata with a small planting of minor species. “The key thing with this forestry block is

that it is a second rotation so you get the benefit of having the roading infrastructure of the first crop with roads and skid sites in place. “It is also a really good location in terms of markets and the other thing is it has a spread of ages – the trees are planted so you can spread your cashflow out.” Tenders for Manakau Forest close on October 27.

For further information contact Warwick Searle on 021 362 778 or Jeremy Keating on 021 461 210.

This forest is close to State Highway 1 near Levin and will spread returns.

Gordonton 988b Piako Road Highly Productive Dairy Farm 86.4ha producing 110,000 m/s consistently from approximately 285 cows. This property has the big three – location, production and contour. A major upgrade over the past three years has seen a fantastic 350 cow feed pad with a flood wash built. There are two good homes and a nice single man’s quarters, complemented by a very good 24 a/s herringbone shed with meal feed system. With two titles and situated midway between Morrinsville and Hamilton, this a is a must view property. Retiring Vendor committed to selling.

Auction

Thursday 2 November 11am (unless sold prior) Onsite View Thursday 12, 19,and 26 Oct 11am-12noon www.harcourts.co.nz/ML3917

Stuart Stobie

M 021 776 173 P 07 889 0440 stuart.stobie@harcourts.co.nz

Kevin Deane Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – October 9, 2017

This block between Palmerston North and Feilding is suitable for various uses and a ridge provides a potential house site.

Running stock on flat contour A WELL-DEVELOPED 71ha block of land for sale close to Palmerston North is wintering dairy cows, grazing dairy heifers and growing maize silage on a good balance of soils. In a location midway between Feilding and Palmerston North on a quiet, noexit road, the property flows over flat contour that is slightly higher than the surrounding countryside, with an elevated ridge providing the potential

house site with expansive views in all directions. Peter Barnett from NZR says the soil types of sandy loams allow a wide range of cropping and livestock finishing options while its close proximity to Palmerston North – just 11km – offers potential for further subdivision. “The property has a very good fertiliser history with regular pasture renewal as part of a maize-growing rotation and,

accordingly, pastures are in very good condition.” Good stock water is supplied from a well while facilities include a good set of central cattle yards and a functional, older woolshed and the entire property is well fenced with new fencing in some areas completed recently. Barnett says a range of land uses in the surrounding area shows the diversity of the location from dairy farming and intensive

livestock finishing to lifestyle properties. “It’s an attractive, well set-up and located runoff-type property with a nice balance of soils and an elevated ridge providing a potential house site.” The property has a deadline sale date of November 9.

For further information contact Peter Barnett on 027 482 6835.

N EW

LIS TI N G

House price growth slows

QUALITY LAND HANDY TO THE CITY 1265 Roberts Line, Feilding - Palmerston North Located on a quiet no exit road, the versatile Te Arakura and Karapoti sandy loam soils, combined with an excellent fertiliser and pasture renewal program, mean this place is really pumping. Used to winter dairy cows, graze heifers and grow maize, the good stock water, central yards and woolshed combine to ensure a wide range of land-use options. Its close proximity to both Palmerston North and Feilding offers potential for subdivision, while its slightly elevated position provides a great place to build with a wide outlook over surrounding countryside. Only for sale due to business growth.

71 hectares Tender nzr.nz/RX1262516 Tender Closes 3pm Thu 9 Nov 2017, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

ANNUAL growth in property values continued to slow in September, staying below 5%, with the normal spring surge in listings not eventuating, which kept the market from dropping further. The Quotable Value house price index rose 4.3% in the year to September, down from an annual increase of 4.8% in August. Values increased 1.1% to a national average $646,378 in the three months ended September 30, still 56% higher than the previous market peak in 2007. The slowdown was led by Auckland, where values rose 0.8% in the year and were down 0.6% in the rolling threemonth average. Its average house value was $1.04 million, up 91% on 2007’s peak or 59% on an inflation-adjusted basis. New Zealand’s house price growth had calmed since banks introduced tighter lending conditions and indicated interest rates would rise. The election had a cooling effect with a lack of clarity before polling day and special votes still being counted before coalition negotiations could formally start. “While there is uncertainty around who will govern the country in the coming weeks, there are policies that, if agreed upon under a coalition government, could influence the property market,” QV spokesman David Nagel said. “These include a gradual reduction in immigration numbers, which has previously helped fuel the property market, particularly in Auckland, and the increase in housing supply.” In Auckland, senior consultant James

Steele said volumes were at very low levels, with few incentives for owners to sell as rents remained high and interest rates low. However, first home buyers now had less competition from investors for entry-level homes and new house prices in large subdivisions where speculation was a large part of the market had dropped. Wellington region property values dipped 0.5% to $606,322 in the three months ended September 30 for a 9.6% annual gain while in Wellington city values rose 0.8% in the quarter and were up 11% in the year to an average $732,708. Senior consultant David Cornford said Wellington continued to be a seller’s market but 2016’s value growth had dissipated. Christchurch city values dropped 1% to $491,626 in the rolling three-month period for an annual fall of 0.8% while Dunedin property values rose 1.4% to $380,701 on a three-monthly basis for an annual increase of 12%. In Hamilton, house values rose 1.3% in the three months to September 30 and were 3.2% higher than a year earlier. Tauranga, another centre which saw house prices rise with investor interest, saw values down 0.1% in the quarter and up 6.6% annually, pushing the average value to $696,759. Hawke’s Bay values continued to rise strongly with Napier up 18% annually and 5.2% in the quarter to an average $465,943 while Hastings had an 18% annual gain and 2.8% quarterly rise to $431,805. – BusinessDesk

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

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 AREINZ 06 385 4466 | 027 448 5162 jamie@nzr.nz NZR Central Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 9, 2017

This 118ha dairy unit produces 102,000kg MS a year on once-a-day milking.

Bay of Islands dairy with options A 118ha dairy farm for the sale in Bay of Islands offers options with continued dairying, passive investment, subdivision and horticulture. Farmed for last 50 years by same family, the farm operates under a sharemilker on a low-input, once-a-day system achieving an average production of 102,000kg milksolids. The property has a combination of easy to rolling contour, high rainfall, a variety of complementary soil types and a secure and cheap water supply from the Kerikeri Irrigation system with a dam back-up.

The farm has a longterm programe of fertiliser application and regrassing.

Steve McNally from Bayleys says a buyer can keep farming under the OAD system or look to move to a twice-a-day operation. A good system of lanes leads to wellfenced paddocks with a water reticulation system supplying troughs to them all. In addition, the farm has a long-term

programe of fertiliser application and regrassing. Situated in the middle of the farm is a dairy constructed in 2014 with a yard for 400 cows and a low water usage design. Effluent from the dairy and yard is either spread directly to pasture or pumped to a storage reservoir before being spread to pasture as soil conditions allow. The farm has a range of buildings used for calf rearing, hay/balage, implements and storage as well as two homes. The first is a three-bedroom Lockwoodstyle house used by the sharemilker and his family while the second is a tidy twobedroom cottage rented and providing additional income. Situated in the Bay of Islands 13km from the Kerikeri township and just north of Waipapa, the location offers several educational options plus cultural and recreational activities. McNally says the combination of a thriving local property market, multiple titles, a long road frontage of sealed roads with services easily available, means subdivision options into horticultural blocks or sections deserve serious consideration. Whether looking at the property for

This dairy is in the centre of the property with a yard for 400 cows. development or passive investment, he says there is the security of holding income available with a profitable farming operation and current management available by separate negotiation. The farm will be auctioned on November 9.

View the farm at www.bayleys.co.nz/1000646. For further information or to make appointment to view contact Steve McNally on 0274 978 633 or Bridget King on 021 407 150

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AU T U M N 2017 | www.pggwre.co.nz

NEW LISTING

Large Dairy Investment 305ha in six titles. Contour a mix of flat to rolling with elevated areas. 34 ASHB, PPP in-shed feeders, good support buildings, best production of 181,000kgMS from 475 cows. Four bedroom main home, two additional homes with sleep-out. Well maintained and developed for a number of years, excellent infrastructure and housing. Mangawhai and Te Arai beaches a short drive away. This block should tick all the boxes.

pggwre.co.nz/WEL26594

FINAL NOTICE

Kaiwaka / Mangawhai SALE BY SET DATE Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4pm, Thurs, 16 November

Scott Tapp B 09 423 9717 M 021 418 161 scott.tapp@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

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

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

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AUCTION

Eureka

Proven Dairy Location This 103.54 hectare dairy unit on Schollum Road, roughly 15 minutes drive to Hamilton, presents a great early season opportunity to purchase now before prices possibly increase in line with payout. A tidy 24 aside herringbone shed, all flat contour, central race system, good support buildings, including a three bay implement shed with lean to. Currently 300 cows are milked with average production of 103,000 kgMS (three years). The water is sourced from a bore and trickle feed is also available. The main dwelling is a spacious with four bedrooms, office and large dining and lounge area. The second dwelling, which has four good sized bedrooms, is in very good condition and currently occupied by a farm worker. Please check online or view video on our FACEBOOK page, Russell & Angela Thomas 4

pggwre.co.nz/HAM26661

AUCTION Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 11.00am, Thursday, 2 November BNZ, 268 Thames St, Morrinsville Russell Thomas B 07 858 5307 M 020 4004 0360 Russell.Thomas@pggwrightson.co.nz

TENDER

Baywide View from Maruia Farm • 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

Welcome Bay TENDER (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Tuesday, 17 October

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

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Prime Finishing - 242.29 Hectares 707 Pikowai Road • 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, three stand shearing shed and sheep yards • Bring your farm or quad bike to the open days. pggwre.co.nz/WHK26740

Whakatane Surrounds TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Wednesday, 8 November OPEN DAY 12.00-2.00pm, Thursday, 12 & 19 October

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

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New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

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Fertile Productive Plains - 61.4947 Hectares 313 Hydro Road • 12 ASHB dairy, in-shed feed system, 200 cow yard • Production: 87,200kgMS 2015/16, 87,000kgMS 2016/17 • Three-bay implement shed, two-bay implement shed, 1600 bale barn • Whey irrigated • Three bedroom family home and farm cottage • Top quality soils, with possible horticulture potential • Centrally located on the fertile Rangitaiki Plains • Horticulture potential 3

Edgecumbe TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Friday, 17 November

pggwre.co.nz/WHK26783

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

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

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TENDER

Greytown

Dairy Support - South Wairarapa This 394ha dairy support farm currently wintering 2000 cows and 1000 R1/R2 heifers after development programme. Outstanding sustainable returns on investment achieved as a highly profitable, standalone business. Free draining Tauherenikau stony silt loam soils are ideally suited to winter grazing and grain crops, top fertiliser history. All pastures renovated, paddocks re-configured and stock water upgraded to industry best practice. Improvements include four bedroom home, sheds, two sets of cattle yards and woolshed/covered yards. Approved subdivision proposals give prospective purchasers options: (1) whole farm, being 394.0951ha or a combination of: (2) Woodside block - 236.7244ha (3) Centre block off SH 2 - 157.3707ha (all Subject to Survey). pggwre.co.nz/MAS26344

TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Friday, 3 November PGG Wrightson, Masterton John Murray B 06 377 5181 M 027 493 3759 john.murray@pggwrightson.co.nz

AUCTION

"Brancott' - Top Quality Farm • 635.7611 ha (1570 acres) 49km nth west of Hastings • Annual average rainfall 1400mm, easy contoured, breeding and finishing block with good water • Four stand woolshed, covered yards, three haybarns, implement shed, satellite yards, sundry buildings and fertiliser bin, all-weather laneway • Approximately 111 paddocks, 20 in deer fence • Managers home, two cottages and shepherds whare. Brancott provides scale with options

pggwre.co.nz/HAS26743

Hawke's Bay AUCTION Plus GST (if any) 2.00pm, Thursday, 16 November 30 Te Mata Road, Havelock North

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

Randolph Downs - Breeding and Finishing Situated just 55km north of Christchurch, this 843.1426ha farm is a superior and versatile breeding and finishing unit. Currently farming a merino flock comprising approximately 3,400 ewes and 1,200 hoggets, and also finishing 200 cattle. Quality improvements include a four-stand RB woolshed with covered yards and a full range of farm buildings. A magnificent homestead of generous proportions with in-ground swimming pool, set in large established grounds complete the picture. pggwre.co.nz/CHR26728

Broomfield DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2pm, Thurs, 9 November

Peter Crean B 03 341 4315 M 027 434 4002 pcrean@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

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Fairlie

Wainono Dairy Farm - Quality Productive Property • Freehold area - 467.64ha, Leased area - 244.98ha • Milking area - 562ha, Production - 800,000 kgMS • Cows wintered 1868 • Reliable irrigation supply, 596ha irrigated, 388ha pivot • Operated in two units, 339ha and 223ha • Two rotary sheds, good farm buildings and homes • Freehold for genuine sale and leased land can be assigned

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday, 7 December Dave Finlay M 027 433 5210 dfinlay@pggwrightson.co.nz Robin Ford M 027 433 6883 rford@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/OAM26757

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

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Richlea Farm - 31.9950ha A rare opportunity to purchase irrigated farmland in the very tightly held Seadown district. Being sold for the first time since 1920, the farm is subdivided into 10 main paddocks with highly productive Wakanui soils. Consent to irrigate at 14 litres per second from 10.3m bore, with hydrants in all paddocks, a comfortable solid home in good order, plus a good range of outbuildings. A substantial amount of first mortgage finance at a favourable rate for a term of three (3) years may be available from the vendor to a suitable purchaser. pggwre.co.nz/TIM26813

Seadown AUCTION Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 1.00pm, Friday, 10 November PGG Wrightson Office, Timaru

Jamie McKenzie B 03 687 7330 M 027 240 7784 jamesmckenzie@pggwrightson.co.nz

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