Farmers Weekly NZ September 3 2018 by AgriHQ

14 Kiwi ag women lead the way Vol 17 No 35, September 3, 2018

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Methane needs big cut Richard Rennie

richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

ARM methane emissions will have to fall more than 20% just to stand still. The latest research on New Zealand’s livestock methane emissions shows emission levels will have to drop by more than 20% from 2016 levels if it is to make no further contribution to global warming. Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre deputydirector Dr Andy Reisinger was commissioned by Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton to research the impact methane from livestock has on NZ’s contribution to global warming. His work modelled what changes are needed for methane cuts to play a role in NZ’s efforts to move towards a zero-carbon economy by 2050. The report’s release came amid a swirl of claims about methane’s role in NZ’s greenhouse gas profile and how it should be treated. Methane has a 12-year life in the atmosphere compared to hundreds for carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. However, the gas also has a global warming effect 25 times greater than carbon dioxide. Reisinger’s work found holding NZ’s methane emissions steady at current levels will not be enough to avoid extra warming. Taking a business-as-usual approach to methane emissions will mean the warming it causes will continue to increase gradually

for centuries, long after the methane itself has levelled off. Upton said methane emissions might be short-lived but are by no means benign. Even reducing methane emissions by 10-22% below 2016 levels by 2050 will only maintain existing warming levels. Upton has been at pains to emphasise he is not endorsing a specific target level for methane from livestock but wants to use the research to open up wider policy discussions grounded in underlying science. “This work only provides a reference point as to where you have to go if you do not want more warming – you could go up in terms of reduction requirements or you could go down,” Reisinger said. The report got a generally favourable response from the pastoral sector. Federated Farmers climate change spokesman Andrew Hoggard said it shows cuts to methane emissions to ensure no further warming occurs are greater than other estimated cuts suggested but the research has a strong scientific grounding for its estimates. That is unlike claims by some campaigners that reducing methane emissions to zero is the only acceptable path. Beef + Lamb NZ policy general manager Dave Harrison said the body recognises for NZ to have a meaningful role in combating climate change all sectors need to play a part but there is also a need to recognise the contribution to gas emissions cuts sectors have already made since 1990. The dry stock sector has

“This is just a science-based target for methane. “It requires social and economic analysis and I have not done any of that here. But that analysis needs to be done before policy is put in place.” Reisinger said dealing with methane reduction in future has to be addressed because of its contribution to future warming. It is not a legacy problem from past behaviour that is creating the future warming issues.

Is a 20% reduction ambitious or is it weak? Dr Andy Reisinger Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre

START HERE: Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre deputy-director Dr Andy Reisinger’s work provides a reference point for debate and requires social and economic analysis before policy makers set targets.

reduced its emissions by 30% since 1990. Reisinger said it is up to policy makers to determine where they

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go and one option if methane is not going to be reduced by as much could be to require greater reductions from another sector.

“Is a 20% reduction ambitious or is it weak? “That requires a separate analysis. Similarly, who says no additional warming is enough when NZ is being asked to participate in an international effort?” NZ is unusual because it is a developed nation grappling with a greenhouse gas profile quite different from most other developed nations. The next step will be to feed the research into the Zero Carbon Act legislation as a targeted level. Upton plans to release a full report later in the year on biological sources and sinks of greenhouse gases and how they might be treated in the context of climate targets and policies.

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NEWS

WEATHER

4 Fonterra split must be debated Further evolution of Fonterra’s capital structure needs discussion by farmershareholders, 2018 Kellogg scholar and dairy farmer James Courtman says.

OVERVIEW Welcome to spring, on the meteorological calendar anyway, but for some regions the next few days might feel a bit more wintry thanks to a southerly change. Temperatures will be back to normal, which will feel cold after the milder than normal past several weeks, and in some areas, like the east, temperatures might even drop below normal for this time of year over the next couple of days. A high from Australia is coming though, so despite the colder, showery start to the week the high should bring dry weather, drier than usual for early September actually, and also the F word – frosts. Both islands might have them this week. Warmer weather returns this weekend and next week.

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

Action groups are still growing �� 11 Kiwi agri women lead the way �� 14

Newsmaker ��28 New Thinking ��29 Opinion ��30

Wind

Rain A fairly dry week coming up for New Zealand with the wettest weather, rain and snow, being mostly over the next couple of days and mainly around the North Island’s eastern side. Most places will be drier over the next week.

World ��36-37

ON FARM STORY

A colder southerly quarter wind for NZ will fade in the coming days. High pressure brings calm weather back to the South Island first then the North Island later this week and weekend. Mild north to northeast winds by Sunday. For further information on the NZX PGI visit www.agrihq.co.nz/pgi

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature This week kicks off colder than average to average temperatures thanks to the southerly quarter change then high pressure to lock in the cool air bringing some frosts to both islands. A cooler week but milder by this weekend.

Snow on the alpine passes today then some snow this week is also possible on the Desert Road. Frosts return to some regions this week and might even creep as far north as Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

Soil moisture levels across NZ remain at a good balance and the drier-than-average weather coming up will help keep conditions balanced after a wet start to the year. Many places have average soil moisture levels but warmer-thanusual soil temperatures, which bode well for pasture growth. The brakes come on this week with colder weather for many and in the east more cloud equals less sun. Frosts look to affect inland areas of both islands for a time.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX

34 Proving consultants were wrong

– 31/08/2018

Sheep farmers are enjoying a golden patch but it would be a challenge to find a more profitable breed than Merino-Romney halfbreds. That is a contrast to the last rites that were read to the mid micron sector by consultants 18 years ago.

REGULARS Real Estate ��38-44 Employment ��45 Classifieds ��46 Livestock ��47-51 Markets ��52-56 GlobalHQ is a farming family owned business that donates 1% of advertising revenue to the Rural Support Trust. Thanks to our Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer advertisers this week: $1444. Need help now? You can talk to someone who understands the pressures of farming by phoning your local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

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News

Fonterra cut is no surprise

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Westland weighs options Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA has cut its milk price forecast by 25c to $6.75/kg milksolids as the spring highproduction period begins. It blamed increased milk supplies over the past three months in Europe, the United States and Argentina. “At the same time, demand for whole milk powder and dairy fats is showing signs of slowing in some parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East,” chairman John Monaghan said. Europe is running at just under a 2% yearon-year increase, the US 1% and Argentina 7%. A 1% increase in the US is just under 100 million litres of extra milk. Fonterra is in the early stages of filling its sales order book and the latest import data figures for China show a 17% increase year-onyear, which is encouraging, he said. Interim chief executive Miles Hurrell said the recent decline in the value of the New Zealand dollar is not enough to offset the decline in international dairy commodity prices. While a drop in the forecast will be frustrating for farmers it is important they receive a realistic assessment of the market. “It’s still very early in the season and a lot can change over the coming months.” The cut is a potential loss of milk income this season of $37,500 for the average-sized dairy farm. Nonetheless $6.75 is still an encouraging prediction for farmers and if delivered in full by this time next year will be the fourthhighest in Fonterra’s 19 seasons. Fonterra’s forecast also sets the tone for the NZ industry and some of the other processors are now expected to trim their prices. Dairy industry analysts have expected Fonterra’s revision based on the string of five reductions in the Global Dairy Trade index since the opening $7 forecast was made in late May. The cumulative fall in dairy commodity prices over June, July and August was 12%, including whole milk powder down 13%. The drop in forecast was no surprise, as commodity prices had not supported a $7 payout for most of the season, now three months old, AgriHQ analyst Amy Castleton said.

WESTLAND Milk Company’s 420 farmer-shareholders will have some options for capital structure to chew on at the cooperative’s annual meeting on December 5. Chairman Pete Morrison said a report from a strategic review of the company being done by Macquarie Capital and DG Advisory will be available for shareholders. The quest is to find a sustainable capital structure and competitive milk price. The three options are to stay with its plan of joint ventures, retentions and bank borrowing, to find a cornerstone investor or to look at a sale or merger. Shareholders asked for the structural review but Morrison said there isn’t a mood for any of the possible outcomes. Westland’s 2018 financial results will be published at the end of September with an expectation that its final milk price for the season will be about $6.20/kg milksolids or 50c less than Fonterra. The previous season Westland paid more than $1 below Fonterra. Milk collection last season would be similar to the 65m kg MS of 2016-17 despite the disruption to farming, tanker transport and processing caused by ex-cyclone Fehi in February, he said. Westland channels about 15% of its milk into addedvalue products such as infant formula, UHT milk and cream packs and retail Westgold butter packs and is on track to double that proportion in short order. Consumer butter was launched two years ago and sold 1m packs in the first year and 2m in the second.

QUIET: Westland Milk chairman Pete Morrison isn’t commenting on its possible future structure other than emphasising the need for more capital.

Obtaining new capital would make a significant difference to the co-operative. Pete Morrison Westland Milk To expand the range of segregated, higher-value products such as grass-fed and A2 protein the company will need new and increased capital, Morrison said. “We have relatively high debt levels and limited financial flexibility and therefore it is now timely to look ahead and consider the options that can provide a sustained, higher payout and improve the company’s financial flexibility.

“Obtaining new capital would make a significant difference to the cooperative,” he said. In the 2017 annual results Westland had $250m of debt, being about 40% ratio of debtto-debt-plus-equity. It had a $1.50 share standard and 72m shares issued, including six different share types arising from historical agreements. Morrison said he won’t comment on the possibilities or indicate any preference, except to emphasise the need for new capital. One industry commentator said Westland has to change to survive and Fonterra and Synlait are alternative processors for Canterbury and Murchison farms. Speculation since the review was announced included full or partial sale to the Talleyowned Open Country Dairy,

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a merger with fellow farmer co-operative Fonterra or a substantial investor. In that regard Westland already supplies milk powder to Ausnutria through a joint venture blending and canning facility at Rolleston, Canterbury. Ausnutria is a Hong Kong-listed infant formula company. Morrison said Westland is not building or expanding processing facilities. The new season began with a sizable new supplying shareholder in Southern Pastures, with its nine Canterbury farms and more than 4m kg annual milk output. The season in Canterbury began with a hiss and roar, reflecting good weather conditions, while on the West Coast milk output is as expected, he said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Fonterra structure must be debated Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FURTHER evolution of Fonterra’s capital structure needs discussion by farmer-shareholders, 2018 Kellogg scholar and dairy farmer James Courtman says. Shareholders first need to settle on the direction of travel and whether the co-operative should be a strong player in the fastmoving consumer goods (FMCG) market. “Or are our values and risk appetite more aligned to producing high-value base products to sell to multinationals who already have strong consumer brands,” Courtman wrote in his Kellogg report. “Neither option is right or wrong but doing one option poorly due to a lack of capital or misaligned strategy is not a good option for the business.” Fonterra’s board and senior management need to be brave enough to bring a split cooperative model forward for a good, robust discussion.

Courtman is an equity partner and contract milker for a 640-cow herd at Te Kauwhata, Waikato, now in his second season on that farm after seven years working for the Townshend family dairy interests. His report title is Trading Among Farmers – Why we need it, how well is it working and where to in the future? He said the aging demographic of Fonterra farmers and much higher land values are barriers to farm ownership for younger farmers. “Older farmers are likely to be more risk-averse whereas younger suppliers are more likely to be open to innovative ideas and taking risks or exploring new opportunities. “How does Fonterra and its older shareholder base not hamstring future growth opportunities for the younger generation?” Options include increasing the number of dry shares on offer, allowing retiring farmers to hold on to dry shares, more joint ventures, more retentions or

breaking the co-op into two parts. Courtman went back 11 years to the first capital structure review, followed by the two-company proposal that did not find favour with farmers. The market-value share price and milk price model took shape and in 2012 farmers approved the TAF structure. “It deals very well with redemption risk and maintains 100% farmer ownership and control.” Inherent flexibilities include year-round supply share trading, the three-year rolling average share standard to reduce climatic seasonal differences and a sixyear sharing up option for new suppliers. He reminded farmers of the $740 million capital redemption by shareholders after the 200708 drought when total milk production dropped by 54m kilograms. The debt-to-debt-plus-equity ratio peaked at 57.6%. But that was when Fonterra had a New Zealand milk market share

BETTER: If Fonterra is split in two separate boards will have more appropriately matched skills, Kellogg scholar James Courtman says.

of 94%, which has now fallen to 82%. Five of the past 11 seasons, including four of the last six, have seen milk collection falls. Fonterra has maintained annual capital expenditure in excess of $1 billion through the recent period of essentially flat milk supply of about 1500m kg each season. Fonterra farsightedly introduced TAF before the market

share decline, Courtman said. “Regardless if you agree with TAF, the worst outcome would have been doing nothing. “Sir Henry van der Heyden (the former chairman) believes one of the best ways to judge the success of TAF is the fact that no-one really talks about it now.” TAF did little to provide more capital but the permanence of capital in the balance sheet let the co-operative invest in value-add processing with more confidence. It bought the co-op more time to discuss the future needs for capital structure, Courtman said. Fat stream processing capacity enabled Fonterra to pay suppliers 130% for fat in milk compared with protein, a complete turnaround from the market situation three seasons before. However, Open Country Dairy pays more for protein than fat because it has not invested in the necessary product processing stream. The two-company model for Fonterra would offer farmers a choice over whether to invest in capital-intensive, higher-risk value-adding. Farmers would continue to have security over milk processing assets, business performance would be clearer and added value inside the farm gate, such as organic or A2, would be priced transparently. Separate boards of directors would have more appropriately matched skill sets, he said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Long spring after kind winter Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz AFTER a relatively benign winter farmers might be able to breathe a sigh of relief spring is not looking as ominous as last year’s that left many short on feed, cash and sanity. Farmers’ Weekly weather forecaster Philip Duncan of Weather Watch is confident of an early spring, with temperatures already hovering above average for the past two weeks. “People have asked me that if we are seeing this weather now does that mean we are also going to see an early, hot summer. “However, I would tend to say you have to look at the season for what it is and this year we are looking at what could simply be a longer spring.” That forecast will be welcomed by farmers in the upper North Island in particular who spent much of 2017 inundated with rain that pushed regional totals to near record highs. By early September last year Bay of Plenty had on average already exceeded its annual total, in some cases by 20-25%, thanks in part to the devastating cyclones that struck in March-April. By this time last year Waikato and Auckland were also approaching their yearly averages. An upside-down season had farmers struggling to get critical maize crops in the ground until November in some districts while agricultural contractors had parked equipment because there was little surplus grass and ground conditions were poor. But unseasonal March growth meant spring-like areas of silage were being harvested. Now there are grounds for optimism heading into a new growth season this week with spring arriving. Total Ag consultant Rob Macnab in Waikato said his clients

are generally in a happier place with coastal properties wetter than those inland but generally good grass growth throughout the winter. “It has been a bit harder for anyone running heavier cattle on the wetter coastal country but, overall, it’s pretty good.”

People have asked me that if we are seeing this weather now does that mean we are also going to see an early, hot summer. Philip Duncan Weather Watch

His Northland colleague Aaron Baker said the region has enjoyed a kind winter with wetter conditions on the Dargaville coast drying out in July. “But we have not had any of those significant rainfall events that have caused major flooding. “We don’t have an avalanche of feed coming on but most farmers would be feeling pretty comfortable.” DairyNZ senior consulting officer Kevin McKinley said it is a qualified yes about this year being better than last winter. “It is still proving pretty tough for farmers on the coastal areas, being quite wet underfoot, even though rainfall has been less than last year. “The guys up in the hills on well-drained soils are enjoying good winter growth levels. Cow condition is generally pretty good too.” Duncan said as far as winters go this year’s was a healthy one with a good mix of rain, frosts and warmer weather.

OUTLOOK FINE: Farmers are in for an early and long spring followed by a summer with no significant El Nino effects, Weather Watch meteorologist Philip Duncan says.

“Canterbury farmers have noticed colder days with warm temperatures at night meaning fewer frosts there this year. “Weather patterns in general have been these longer periods of no rain then a couple of days each month with quite heavy rainfall.” He discounted risks the country might be facing an El Nino weather pattern of any significance this spring-summer. “It is being measured at the

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those long periods of constant southerlies that would hit farms hard.” He acknowledges the nervousness felt by farmers when they look at the dry conditions in Australia. “But we have to remember, to even experience a small period with elevated temperatures influenced by Australia’s weather we need certain wind and weather patterns and they do not come around that often.”

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equator as being quite weak, meaning its influence will be even less down here.” He maintains the more chaotic nature of weather patterns appearing across New Zealand are more favourable for farming than for other weather-dependent sectors like tourism. “When you get hit by a southerly you are more likely now to know the next day will bring a warmer wind, compared to those times when we would get

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

WAITING: Mycoplasma bovis affected cattle will go to slaughter from Anzco’s Five Star Beef feedlot but how and when that will happen is yet to be determined.

M bovis now found in Northland Annette Scott annettescott@globalhq.co.nz CONFIRMATION of Mycoplasma bovis in Northland means the disease is now spread from deep in the south to the very top of the country. The latest infected property, a dry stock beef farm, is the first to be confirmed in Northland since the disease was found on a South Canterbury property in July last year. The Northland farm was identified by tracing animal movements from known infected farms and is now under restricted place notice. As part of the Government’s $886 million eradication programme all infected cattle on the farm will be culled. MPI is planning a public meeting in Northland this week with details to be put on its Facebook page. Thirty farms have now been cleaned and depopulated.

There are 36 infected properties including one lifestyle unit, 16 dairy and 19 dry stock beef farms with a further 56 farms under restricted place controls. Eight of the infected farms are in the North Island and 28 in the South Island, 18 in Canterbury. MPI has lifted legal notices of direction off 240 farms. One of the latest restricted places, Anzco’s Five Star Beef feedlot in Mid Canterbury, continues to work through the logistics of managing the 14,000 beef cattle on the lot. Anzco livestock and agribusiness general manager Grant Bunting said the feedlot is being treated no differently to any other restricted property and the company is being upfront publicly. “The difference for us is we are a lot bigger than a traditional farm so in our case it’s not quite as easy.” “All animals will have to go to slaughter and people are being

realistic about that but for now the big question is when. “It will be weeks rather than days before we know how that will happen.”

All animals will have to go to slaughter but for now the big question is when. Grant Bunting Anzco Bunting said while the feedlot has 44 cattle from an infected property among the 14,000 there. “Obviously, the 44 in question have been quarantined but the reality is the potential risk from those having been in close proximity with other pens of cattle. “The approach now is

ascertaining the degree of transmission.” Meanwhile, Southland’s Southern Centre Dairies (SCD), confirmed with M bovis in December 2017 and identified by MPI as where the disease first took hold in NZ, is facing prosecution. Chapman Tripp law firm, acting for the owners Alfons and Gea Zeestraten, has confirmed charges relating to several breaches of the Biosecurity Act. “We confirm that charges relating to the importation of farm equipment in January 2018 this year have been laid by the Ministry for Primary Industries against the company and Mr Alfons Zeestraten, as a director,” Chapman Tripp partner Garth Gallaway said. Despite speculation otherwise, Gallaway said MPI has confirmed the charges do not relate to the M bovis outbreak. “Any suggestion that the charges relate to the outbreak is wrong,” Gallaway said.

Farmers Weekly understands the charges include the unpacking of goods from a container knowing the risk goods in the container were under the control of an inspector and introducing goods (an effluent pump) into a restricted place without permission of an inspector or automated electronic system, failing to comply with section 25 (8) of the Biosecurity Act, which required a container to be taken to Fertiliser NZ in Winton for inspection and with the condition to call the MPI office to arrange inspection and acquiring and disposing of unauthorised goods. Zeestraten is due to appear in the Invercargill District Court on November 20. Biosecurity NZ head Roger Smith said while investigating all pathways for M bovis MPI uncovered other activities in breach of the Biosecurity Act. “Some small, some not so. I’m not commenting any further,” Smith said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Van Leeuwens face sell-up threat Annette Scott annettescott@globalhq.co.nz THE stress of battling Mycoplasma bovis and trying to keep a multimillion dollar farm business afloat has hit hard for South Canterbury dairy farmers Aad and Wilma van Leeuwen. The couple blame the Ministry for Primary Industries for the impact on their business as they now face the threat of having to sell farms because of what they see as MPI’s bungling of compensation. The directors of the van Leeuwen Dairy Group (VLDG) that comprises 17 farms in Waimate District said their business will never look the same as it was before they became the first to notify the cattle disease M bovis in New Zealand. That was in July 2017 and the stress of the 13-month battle to manage the disease on their high-performance, large-scale farming business and an ongoing feud with MPI over compensation have just got “ludicrously ridiculous”, Aad van Leeuwen said. “It has turned into a totally unacceptable situation. It’s taken its toll on us, our people, livelihoods and wellbeing, not to mention the financial pressures. “The Biosecurity Act states that we should be no worse off and no better off. “This is certainly not the case at present. It’s all one big mess,” van Leeuwen said. While having received some compensation the van Leeuwens claim they are still waiting for the vast majority, a figure close to $6 million. “And there’s more claims to go in yet, possibly another $2m in the near future. “It just makes no sense. They just ask for more and more information. It’s a full-time job just doing the compensation. “MPI just don’t understand how dairy farm business works and all fits together.” In an attempt to clarify differences and verify their compensation claims the van

FRUSTRATED: Ongoing bureaucratic nonsense has driven Mycoplasma bovis whistleblowers Aad and Wilma van Leeuwen to the ground. Photo: Annette Scott

Leeuwens sought third party expertise. “It’s cost us over $100,000 with Deloittes in Dunedin to get what they call independent forensic accounting, everything signed off and we were advised to go ahead and present it to the Government.

It doesn’t have to be like this, it’s been made to be like this because of bureaucratic bungling. Aad van Leeuwen Farmer “What use has that been? Everything we have done on our own steam in the hope we can survive this onslaught and still we get nowhere. “It’s bureaucratic nonsense that’s driven us to the ground,” van Leeuwen said.

“It’s not like we have been asking for handouts. We just want our dues and we have been telling MPI for months how dire it’s getting. They knew it was coming to this and still they don’t pay up. “MPI were the ones that took our cows away mid-season after we pleaded with them not to. “We pleaded with them to allow us to milk to the end of the season but they didn’t listen to common sense and killed them anyway, taking away our income and the opportunity to save the taxpayer in excess of $5m.” The van Leeuwens are astonished some of the higher management people in MPI are talking about sleepless nights. “Perhaps something dear to them should be taken away and their income stream be stopped for eight to 10 months and then see what sort of sleepless nights they will really have.” The van Leeuwens are disappointed and saddened they have had very little support from farmer industry groups.

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“We are members of Federated Farmers and DairyNZ is our industry body yet neither has done very much to support us. “They have all been quite happy to stand on the sideline. “That’s with the exception of the Rural Support Trust who we

thank for their moral support.” Of more concern to the couple are fellow farmers under MPI restrictions. “What does this spell for the rest. I know there’s a lot more in the same situation as us,” van Leeuwen said.

Tick boxes, get paid FARMERS lodging Mycoplasma bovis compensation claims must make sure they tick all the boxes, Biosecurity New Zealand head Roger Smith says. It is also important all claims are backed with legitimate proof. “The general rule is if you tick the boxes you will get paid.” Values for stock payments are very easy if the processes are followed, the boxes ticked and the all the facts provided. He acknowledged compensation for loss of

milk production is not so straightforward but can be done relatively quickly if claims are backed with all the facts and figures. Stock slaughtered outside of MPI legal control does not tick the box. Outstanding claims are generally outstanding because they require more information or are inappropriate. “If you don’t follow MPI legal direction and you can’t provide the facts then I can’t pay you,” Smith said.

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Stink bug to have foe on arrival BEWARE: The brown marmorated stink bug could wreak havoc on horticulture if it gets loose in New Zealand.

The fact is there are limited options for controlling these bugs. Alan Pollard Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Council

COSTLY: An invasion by the brown marmorated stink bug could cause horticultural losses up to $4.2 billion, Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard says.

country’s northern Bologna region are battling to remain viable after stink bug incursions there. The bug has forced growers

to encase entire orchards in fine netting then spray out the bugs. “The problem is it can move very far relatively fast. “It is not only a horticultural problem either, it is also an urban issue. “When the weather turns cold the bugs will head into the warmest spot, often houses. “There have been infestations of 20,000-30,000 a house in the United States,” Pollard said. The approval allows the wasp to be brought in only if a bug infestation is confirmed so the horticultural industry will be looking for labs around the world to raise sufficient numbers of the

wasp to deploy if an outbreak occurs. Authority senior adviser Clark Ehlers said importing the wasp, the logistics of acquiring it and its quarantine are a separate process to having authority approval and up to the applicant to pursue when required. The pre-emptive approval is something of a global first and likely to attract attention from other jurisdictions grappling with biosecurity issues and resilient pests. “Biocontrol is a popular area for controlling invasive weed species. “There are definitely some other insect controls in the pipeline. If and when we get application we have to publicly notify the application.” He expects there might be another insect biocontrol application before the year’s end. Sixty five of the 69 submissions on the application were in favour of the wasp’s importation. “The EPA takes into account all submissions in its process and essentially the EPA needs to weigh up the benefits of the application against the risk or costs of it.”

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AN ENVIRONMENTAL Protection Authority decision to allow orchardists to import a marmorated stink bug predator has been welcomed wholeheartedly by the horticultural sector. The move is a first for New Zealand, effectively enabling the industry to have the insurance cover of a biological control agent should it be needed rather than having to gain approval after a beetle incursion. The authority has approved the use of the samurai wasp as a predator to the beetle if an outbreak occurs. Its approval came after an application from the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Council, with the agency determining the beetle represents one of the country’s greatest biosecurity risks. Horsepower for the application came from across the horticultural and crop sectors with the council representing pip fruit, kiwifruit, vegetable, tomato, avocado and grape growers. Pipfruit NZ chief executive and stink bug council chairman Alan Pollard said the move was a national first, representing a

pre-emptive strike against a bug no-one wants. “The fact is there are limited options for controlling these bugs. “The only sprays that have any effect are older organophosphate sprays, which are very harsh and we are moving away from such sprays.” The authority noted the widespread use of agrochemicals to control the bug would adversely affect sustainable practices and export market access. Pollard said the wasp will not provide 100% eradication but is estimated to be 70-80% effective. The council estimates a stink bug incursion could cost $1.8 billion to $3.6b worth of GDP. Horticultural export value could be almost wiped in half with losses of $2b to $4.2b. Significant increases in tourist numbers and import volumes have pushed stink bug alerts into the red, with the Ministry for Primary Industries doing major work around ports and cruise ship passenger terminals in particular over recent years. Tauranga, with its proximity to key kiwifruit growing areas, has been identified as a particularly high risk area with more than 160,000 people visiting last cruise season. Italian kiwifruit growers in that

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Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Two new plants are now online Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz EARLY spring and the milk season have brought two new Fonterra processing plants in Canterbury into operation for food service products at a total construction cost of $340 million. The opening of the first cream cheese plant at Darfield and the third mozzarella cheese plant at Clandeboye have marked a temporary halt to major capital expenditure on new food service capacity. Global operations chief operating officer Robert Spurway said a second cream cheese plant at Darfield is planned but not yet started. The timing will be dependent on customer demand but it could be ready for spring 2019 or 2020. It will be built under the same roof as CC1 and have the same capacity of 24,000 tonnes annually but cost only half as much. Clandeboye C3 cost $240m and Darfield CC1 $100m, spread over two or three financial years from the initial letting of construction and fit-out contracts to completion payments subject

GROWING: Consumer, food service and advanced ingredients now account for 43% of Fonterra’s output, global operations chief operating officer Robert Spurway says.

to performance criteria. The rapid expansion of food service capacity over the past five years accounted for a large proportion of total Fonterra capital expenditure. Spurway is not allowed to say exactly how much in advance of the 2018 financial year accounts to be released on September 13. In late May at the third-quarter

Action groups are still growing Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz MORE than 700 farm businesses have joined Red Meat Profit Partnership Action Network Groups with more than half them in three regions. Most groups have been formed in Waikato-Bay of Plenty with 133, Canterbury 118 and Otago 114. The top five areas of interest are animal performance, financial management, business planning, feed management and pasture management. Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) chairman Malcolm Bailey said while he is pleased with the level of interest it was an ambitious goal of having 350 groups involving 3000 farmers operating. The RMPP is part of the Primary Growth Partnership, for which funding will end in 2020 when the sevenyear programme ends, but Bailey hopes farmers will see sufficient merit for them to continue. “It is a step change we are looking for not just a one-hit gain in performance and we get an improvement and then regress.” The RMPP is a seven-year initiative to improve the flow of information between farmers and experts to grow farm

profitability and productivity. Each group consists of seven to nine farmers and each farm business contributes $800 and is eligible for a $4000 kickstart, which is pooled and paid on declaration of invoices to employ a facilitator and experts. The RMPP provides training for facilitators who, like consultants employed by the programme, have a range of experience and backgrounds. Asked whether $4000 a farm is adequate, Bailey said it needs to be at a level to encourage farmers to be involved and see the potential gains. “I think the ball is in farmers’ court because this is about farmers changing things that are under their control for better profit.” The NZ Institute of Economic Research has been commissioned to measure the performance of the programme, specifically to see if productivity gains exceed existing on-farm improvements of about 2% a year. Other RMPP initiatives it commissioned or contributed to are electronic statutory declaration forms, the farm assurance programme, Taste Pure Nature, farm teaching resources in schools and the Agri Women’s Development Trust, a training programme that has attracted 2800 women to its courses.

business update Fonterra said its full year 2017-18 capital expenditure would be $800$850m, a similar amount to the previous financial year. The Darfield plant effectively doubled Fonterra’s cream cheese capacity in response to quickly growing demand from China and other Asian countries for use in bakery products like cream cakes

and the latest hot drink craze in China, tea macchiatos. It contains new technology to vary the firmness, flavour and colour of cream cheese according to the specifications of customers and that added functionality will help sell the product in markets outside of China, such as Japan. At full capacity CC1 will need about 15m kg milksolids or 180m

litres of milk annually, the output of 45 large Canterbury farms. Canterbury has nearly 1200 herds and produces about 400m kg MS a year. Fonterra said annual mozzarella tonnage produced is not disclosed but it will be enough for 600m pizzas and half of all pizzas eaten in China are topped with Fonterra’s cheese. Clandeboye C2 and C3 produce mozzarella cheese in one day, packed and stored by individually quick-frozen (IQF) technology versus the traditional three months. At the start of the C3 plant build Spurway said it was the biggest single investment in food service capacity on the way to expanding the food service division to $5b a year revenue by 2023. Referring to the FY2017 figures, he said consumer, food service and advanced ingredients account for 43% of the co-operative’s output, showing it has made good progress into added-value products. All Fonterra’s food service processing capacity is in New Zealand, supplemented by small amounts of co-manufactured supplies in offshore markets.

News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

US pressure on Canada welcome Nigel Stirling nigel.stirling@globalhq.co.nz THE dairy industry hopes United States President Donald Trump’s hardball tactics in North American trade talks will spell the end of a Canadian milk pricing system costing New Zealand farmers as much as $100m a year in lost income. Trump gave Canada till Saturday (NZ time) to say whether it was in or out of the re-engineered North American Free Trade Area (Nafta) deal. The ultimatum came after the US did a deal last week with Mexico, the third member of the trading pact. Trump has made no secret of his antagonism to Canada’s heavily protected dairy industry and has made reform a condition of any new Nafta deal. It is an enmity shared by the NZ dairy industry, which, for two years, has been pushing the Government to take a World Trade Organisation lawsuit against Canada’s milk class 7.

The milk pricing system allows Canadian milk processors to buy subsidised local milk at low prices. It is the latest iteration of Canada’s decades-old supply management system that protects its farmers by restricting imported competition with tariffs as high as 300%. The NZ industry and an alliance of international competitors sent a letter to their respective governments in June last year that said milk class 7 has the effect of artificially boosting Canadian milk production. While the fat component of the increased production is being absorbed by rising butter consumption in Canada local demand has not accounted for skim milk powder created as a byproduct at the same time. That has the effect of releasing a bow-wave of subsidised Canadian SMP onto world markets. Dairy Companies Association chairman Malcolm Bailey said that contributed to a slump in SMP prices and an historic

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widening in the gap with whole milk powder prices. “It continues to be quite a wide difference which we believe reflects those growing volumes of Canadian SMP.” Taken across NZ’s annual SMP production of 400,000 tonnes the price gap amounts to a significant annual loss to NZ dairy farm incomes. “You are probably talking about a $100m impact minimum, I would have thought.” While the international dairy alliance is convinced milk class 7 is illegal under WTO rules prohibiting export subsidies, no country has taken the step of initiating a challenge despite raising it as a problem two years ago. Bailey said the governments concerned – NZ’s included – are continuing to work on legal preliminaries. But a WTO lawsuit might not be needed if the US forces a backdown from the Canadians in Nafta talks. “I don’t know if Donald Trump

REDUNDANT: A lawsuit against Canada’s dairy subsidies and tariffs might not be necessary if the Americans can use their car industry leverage to force a Canadian dairy back-down, Dairy Companies Association chairman Malcolm Bailey says.

ever used the words supply management but he said the way they organise everything they do not like. “And if you really think about the whole overall structure milk class 7 starts to become redundant if you take down the walls of supply management. “We would love to think that is the outcome.” While confident of meeting the deadline Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it needs to be the right one for Canada. He also vowed to defend the supply management system. Fonterra’s global stakeholder affairs director Simon Tucker is a

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recent NZ high commissioner to Canada. He said Trudeau will not want to be seen ahead of elections next year to be caving in to demands on dairy from Trump, who is unpopular in Canada. But at the same time walking away from a deal would be potentially devastating for the important Canadian auto parts industry. “Politically, it is very difficult. “But 75% of Canadian exports go to the US and the vehicle trade is absolutely existential for provinces like Ontario so it does give the US a lot of leverage in this situation.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Ravensdown improves position Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

We look forward to carbon reduction commitments by the international shipping industry becoming a reality. Greg Campbell Ravensdown For the record, in calendar 2017, Ravensdown’s own footprint, excluding its suppliers and product users, was 154,407 tonnes of carbon dioxide with 117,579t in shipping, 31,112t in manufacture and distribution, 5215t in aerial

spreading and 501t in the initial mine to port activity. Chairman John Henderson said profit and rebate levels are not reliable measures of performance and the group will be transparent in reporting progress. It will try to optimise profit in a sustainable way and maximise nutrient efficiency on farms. That will involve recommending a sweet spot of the right rate or the right product in the right place and time. Ravensdown will set the bar high in its quest for smarter farming. The group made a profit before rebate and tax of $63 million in the year ended May 31 with higher sale volumes and revenues than a year earlier. A rebate of $47 a tonne on fertiliser purchases was announced, with the final part paid by the end of August. The rebate payout is listed at $55.3m, income tax at $36,000 and a loss on discontinued operations of $822,000, leaving a bottom-line profit of $6.94m. That compares to $713,000 a year earlier. The balance sheet shows May 31 total assets at $604.7m, allowing for the rebate payment, including equity of $429.4m for a very strong equity ratio of 71%. The figure a year earlier was 73%.

CAREFUL: Ravensdown will try to maximise profit in a sustainable way, chairman John Henderson says.

Inventory levels were higher, at $135m from $114m, as a decision was made to import raw materials to guard against possible shortterm supply-chain disruption. There were only $30.2m of borrowings, down from $42m. Operating cashflow reflected that

strength, rising to $97.8m from $60.25m. The result also came after a $2m spend on asbestos removal from the roofs in group stores around the country, being the fourth year of a $17m longer-term programme. 13000

RAVENSDOWN’S push for smarter farming includes reducing fertiliser inputs where science shows that will benefit both the farmer and the environment, chief executive Greg Campbell says in his annual review. Such cases are a win for Ravensdown, he said, repeating an initial comment a year earlier that sales tonnage is not the key performance measure. The farmer-owned co-operative has also, for the first time, provided a measure of its own annual carbon footprint and will be working to lower it each year as well as helping customers to reduce theirs. The footprint is measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide produced through the group operations, from transporting raw product from mine to ship, shipping, manufacturing and distribution and getting it onto farmland. More than three-quarters of the footprint is to a large extent out of Ravensdown’s hands because it is in shipping. “We look forward to carbon reduction commitments by the international shipping industry

becoming a reality,” Campbell said. The group makes superphosphate here and during the process its three acid plants produce electricity that can be sold to the national grid, counting as a credit against emissions. The manufacturing and distribution operations also include coal used in lime drying and fuel used in transport and spreading, including aerial spreading.

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Agritech could save New Zealand are a myriad of issues severely AGRITECH can save the New Zealand economy, NZTech chief affecting agriculture and the production of food globally. executive Graeme Muller says. “Building a two-way bridge The worldwide demand for for agricultural technology food continues to soar with will result in international some estimating the market collaboration where we can to be worth US$3 trillion and create, transfer and share much of the growth coming knowledge and experiences from specialty and healthy about new technologies that foods. can help solve the industry’s He was one of 30 NZ agritech most pressing issues.” delegates attending the The agreement establishes a Silicon Valley Forum agritech business relationship focused immersion programme last week in San Jose, California, and on providing in-market support for agritech companies in NZ. they found NZ is well placed It also opens doors for NZ to respond to the substantial, agritech companies to enter changing demands. the US market via the Western “There is growing evidence Growers Centre for Innovation that the abundance of and Technology in California processed foods is the and for US agritech underlying cause start-ups to access of a global obesity the NZ market. epidemic which is Wren-Hilton also impacting NZ, said connecting which is ranked NZ’s agriculture third worst in the innovation Organisation for ecosystems will Economic Cobenefit innovators, operation and growers, investors, Development for NZTech chief regulators, obesity,” Muller said. executive Graeme researchers and “Combining two of Muller. public stakeholders NZ’s leading sectors, not only in both countries but agriculture and technology, around the globe. shows just how we can improve Western Growers provide a NZ farming, food production co-working space that offers and health while also growing agritech start-up companies our exports. access to training and “We are on the cusp of some mentoring, monthly seminars, massive and exciting tech regularly scheduled events changes in our lives.” and exclusive events with Meanwhile, Agritech NZ Western Group members such has partnered with a major as specialty crop farmers in American company to speed up Arizona, California, Colorado growth of agritech in NZ. and New Mexico. The partnership with Western As part of the deal the Growers will strengthen and community Agritech NZ serves accelerate the development will now have access to Western of agritech markets in both Growers offerings. countries, Agritech NZ The American company executive director Peter will work with Agritech NZ Wren-Hilton said from Salinas, to evaluate opportunities for California. research and development Western Growers strategic trials with potential NZ planning, science and partners during the northern technology senior vicepresident Hank Giclas said there hemisphere off season.

INSPIRING: Agri Women’s Development Trust executive director Lindy Nelson at Apec 2018 telling the New Zealand story.

Kiwi agri women leading the way Annette Scott annettescott@globalhq.co.nz NEW Zealand is leading the way when it comes to including women in agricultural businesses, Agri Women’s Development Trust executive director Lindy Nelson says. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment as the sole NZ representative at the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) 2018 in Papua New Guinea, Nelson was inspired by what she had to offer. She was presenting as part of the agriculture and fisheries dialogue that had member economies addressing the importance of including women in the agribusiness value chain. The focus of discussions was exploring practical ways of doing that. “I listened to all the speakers go

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before me and it was clear most of the economies there were still defining the challenges and trying to find a way forward for women in agriculture. “I went on the stage with a story to tell. “The NZ story really did show we are leading the development of women in primary industries in the Asia-Pacific region. “I was right up the front following others who had all been telling their problems and here I am telling a story of solutions and success. “We defined a problem, harnessed the challenges, researched the opportunities, developed a successful strategy and progressed to results.” The trust is the vehicle that evolved to drive the strategy and it all began from Nelson’s vision for a different future. “I was a farmer who decided there’s an opportunity here we can harness. “It was a vision for a different future and I thought – you can do this.” With just a handful of women Nelson has led the AWDT over the past eight years, snowballing her vision to the extent that next year the trust will clock up 1000 women through its programmes. “That was quite empowering for the Apec delegates to learn that it wasn’t an established big business that got NZ to where we are – it’s women empowering women. “They related to the challenge, the approach, the pathway and the experiences with the results achieved through women developing women.” It was as much about providing the path for women and men as a partnership, diversity of thought being what is needed to face a challenging future. Growing women’s talents through the value chain from farm to board level and how that

normalises women as leaders has been the key focus. “We nailed that stance between men and women and the result has been stronger farming partnerships, agribusinesses are thriving, farm businesses are thriving.” “That was very relatable to that audience.” The response brought home to Nelson the aspirations of women are the same all over the world. Other countries recognise the problem but are unsure of the solutions. Papua New Guinea Secretary for the Department of Community Development and Religion Anna Solomon said women make up half of Papua New Guinea’s population and they produce and process more than 80% of the country’s food with limited help. “Agriculture and fisheries are the major employment sectors in many economies in the APEC region, however, these sectors are underperforming in many cases because women lack resources and opportunities to reach their full potential. “To be able to give to those women the same opportunities as agri-women in NZ would be enormous and I am really open to leading that,” Nelson said. But first Nelson has a new challenge abroad. Next week she will head to Scotland where she will spend five weeks helping a taskforce set up by the Scottish Government to establish a similar scheme to the trust’s Escalator programme. “They want to look at what we are doing here and how they can follow that model.” Nelson said the trust is recognised as having the knowledge and expertise to share the experience and achieve results. “So I am taking the experiences of AWDT in NZ abroad – that’s a big, exciting future.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Take me to your changed leaders AN AGRICULTURAL sector leadership change is needed to boost export prosperity, Lincoln University agribusiness and economics research unit head Professor Caroline Saunders says. It would also involve a cultural change away from low-cost production thinking, she told the Marketing to the Rural Sector conference in Auckland on Wednesday. The unit’s five-year programme, Unleashing Export Prosperity, costing $4 million funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, began last year. It involves three components – physical attributes of products, such as flavour and appearance, credence attributes such as food safety claims and cultural attributes such as indigenous authenticity or a passionate family-run business. An associated leadership module is seen as an important element in creating products combining all three components. It’s the first programme anywhere to combine the three attributes with research being done in eight countries. “The aim is to hopefully make everyone rich,” she said. Some future trends that, as well as having an impact on the sector, could present big opportunities for New Zealand are naturalness of food production, pasture-based systems, environmental factors and nutritional food. Europeans see air and water quality as food quality and NZ has a big advantage in not having the heavy metals in soils, as some European countries do. “A lot of countries are cleaner and greener than us,” Saunders said. “When I came here from Newcastle 20 years ago I was shocked at the state of the rivers. And they’ve got worse. “But our air quality is great and we have lots of amazing clean, green attributes.” Another of the unit’s research programmes is looking into maximising export returns. The aim is to find out what different markets want and the premiums they will pay, by use of interactive dashboard reporting. Also included is research into how to return the premiums to producers, which NZ isn’t good at. Overseas consumers’ ranking of NZ products such as yoghurt and beef in this study show NZ is right up there when it comes to environmental perceptions. “But it doesn’t always get premiums.” Asked about genetic modification she challenged the audience to show her one GM product that would benefit NZ and consumers. “There isn’t one, so why risk our GM-free status,” she said. The big debate is where to hold field trials. She is sceptical about synthetic meat, describing it as a great Silicon Valley thing. But the plant-based Impossible burger is likely to gain more acceptance. “It has kicked the beef and lamb community up the proverbial.” She hopes that will change the culture with a move away from a take-the-orders attitude to greater innovation in line with consumers’ requirements. It is an opportunity to promote this country’s grass-fed beef while hopefully grain-fed beef from stock raised on feedlots will become less accessible. Asked whether NZ farmers are sophisticated enough to meet future market requirements she drew a distinction between the kiwifruit and dairy industries. “Zespri is an exemplar with market signals right down to the production level,” she said. “But the dairy sector – are they thinking about the practices which won’t be so acceptable in the future?” NZ needs to be looking to changes that could give it a first-mover advantage such as being the only country with agriculture included in its Emissions Trading Scheme.

WE’RE BEHIND: Many countries are cleaner and greener than New Zealand, Professor Caroline Saunders says.

“If we do it, let’s go out with a bang,” she said. “Be sophisticated and look at what different market segments want.” In Korea machines on railway platforms allow evening commuters to select, order and pay for food to be delivered to their house by the time they get home. Seeing those in every Asian city selling NZ primary products is a different vision from previous ways of getting into the market.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Making time for being a dad farmstrong.co.nz

Sam Whitelock LIKE most working dads I feel the demands of trying to juggle work commitments and still make sure I find time and energy for my family. It’s difficult. Life’s busy for all of us these days but it’s really important for me that when I have those days away from rugby I make it a priority to switch – emotionally as well as physically – into family life. What helps me do that is having, as best I can, a clear line between when work finishes and family life starts. Sometimes that line can be blurred as the two worlds can cross over and I’m well aware that life on farms doesn’t just stop at 5pm. The thing is, we all have to stop and take breaks. When I get home my little boy isn’t interested in the challenges I’m facing in setting up the new farm we’ve just bought or the pressures I face as a professional athlete – I’m Dad. All he cares about is seeing Dad, playing with Dad and basically

DEMARCATION: Sam Whitelock tries to draw a line between work and family so his wife and son have his full attention.

giving me the run around as all toddlers do and he’s quite good at it. It’s a wonderful time and a time that Hannah and I really enjoy. What that quality time also does is gives me energy and a level of satisfaction that can help me when I’m away from home. Like many others my line of work means I travel a lot. I love being on tour and representing Canterbury and my country. It’s an incredible honour. But being away can be tough on family life so my time at home

helping out and just being there gives me a huge boost. This last week leading into Father’s Day has been a perfect example of that. With a short break from rugby all three of us had a great time together. I got up to our new farm for a few days and we even got a bit of skiing in. I think Father’s Day, for us guys in particular, is a good reminder that it’s important to have time out and recharge. I need to have a plan to stop

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and take some time out. Having a break gives me a chance to recharge. In farming making time to get off the farm for a while and connect with mates or family is really important. However, getting off the farm is always easier said than done. For those going through lambing and calving right now it might not be an option but the time will come and when it does I encourage you to take it. Investing in yourself and taking breaks from the farm are just

some of the messages I promote as part of my role as Farmstrong ambassador. Farmstrong is a wellbeing programme designed specifically for farmers. It’s a role I’m really proud to hold, particularly given I grew up on a farm and I plan to return to farming once my rugby career comes to an end. What I advocate through Farmstrong is adopting small, positive things over a period of time so you can lock them in and they become habits. Small investments in your physical and emotional fitness, done over a period of time, will help you in the long term – including through the ups and downs of farming. On the Farmstrong website there’s a stack of information, advice and tips on simple things like sleep and nutrition. What’s also great is that you can hear from other farmers and growers about what they’re doing to look after themselves and in turn their families and farming business. A belated happy Father’s Day to all the dads reading Farmers Weekly this week. is the official media partner of Farmstrong

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18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Agency picks good farm-selling season

ON THE UP: A positive agriculture sector outlook could spur farm buyers into action this season, PGG Wrightson Real Estate general manager Peter Newbold says.

Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz OLDER sheep and beef farmers might see the next few months as an ideal time to sell their farms, rural real estate agency PGG Wrightson says in a spring outlook. High lamb prices, a firm beef schedule, weakening currency and very low interest rates are all pointers to a positive outlook that could spur buyers into action, the firm’s real estate

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general manager Peter Newbold said. Managers and agents in regional offices suggest the outlook coincides with long-time farmers looking to exit. PGW”s Waikato real estate manager John Sisley said older farmers are finding compliance issues increasingly complex to deal with. At the same time the general optimism in the sheep and beef sector means inquiries from potential buyers are above normal levels. That view fits in with Real Estate Institute rural spokesman Brian Peacocke’s comments over recent months that the increasing age of dairy farmers and issues finding farm labour could also lead to a solid number of dairy farms going to market this sales season. The institute’s statistics show typically lighter sales activity over the winter months and subdued pricing though some areas, especially in the North Island, have remained very active. Balclutha PGW agent Stewart Rutter said south Otago farmers looking to sell breeding and finishing properties appear to have made decisions earlier this winter than would usually be the case. He put that down to the strong commodity prices and age of the vendors. “Generational change sits at the back of most farmers’ minds and they know they have to time their decisions wisely. “With interest rates remaining favourable older farmers will see that now is an excellent time to sell onto the next generation, giving a new owner a chance to make a positive start.” In Hastings agent Doug Smith said there have been several good sales in Hawke’s Bay in June with older farmers choosing the right moment. Farmer confidence is high as sheep and beef income is well above last year’s figures. “Several farmers in their 60s and 70s recognise that this is a good time to sell, including some who have held back pending the fate of the Ruataniwha irrigation scheme, which now looks unlikely to proceed.” The farms coming to market are generally of good quality, which should attract plenty of inquiries, he said. PGW’s Canterbury and West Coast real estate manager Peter Crean said there are plenty of farmers making inquiries about buying 40ha to 70ha grazing blocks to augment their existing properties. With relatively few listings that means a lot of interest shown in those farms that are on the market. He expects values of sheep and beef farms will hold steady over the next few months. In Southland the company’s real estate manager Andrew Patterson believes the high lamb and deer returns, in particular, will encourage farmers using cash not needed to repay debt into buying more land. If farm prices remain around current levels then, with returns where they are, they still represent good value, which is a pointer to an active spring market, he said. Outside the real estate sector PGW’s livestock national genetics manager Callum Stewart said exceptional demand at this year’s annual bull sales has marked a golden year for the red meat sector. “In 2018 our breeders put up 2919 bulls with a 95% clearance rate. Year-on-year, the average price across all breeds, per bull sold, was about 40% ahead of last year.” Farmers are also getting excellent weaner prices. PGW seeds is also seeing greater grass-to-grass cultivation as farmers work to improve pasture, another sign of confidence.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Allied Farmers still rebuilding Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz ALLIED Farmers continues to rebuild financial strength though its operating earnings are marginally lower in the latest year. Operating cashflows are down as the livestock division traded well with a strong second-half offsetting weaker first-half trading but overall not up to the previous year’s earnings levels. Meat processing returns were also lower. The bottom-line result was boosted by a one-off payment of $441,000 from litigation on a long written-down property loan from years ago. The asset had been assigned to a third party, which took the court action. ALF reported an after-tax profit of $1.53 million for the year-ended June 30, compared to $1.55m previously. Ordinary group revenues and earnings come from the New Zealand Farmers Livestock business and the bobby calf processing and export operations. The revenue was $18.3m, up from $17.3m. Total revenue rose to $18.68m from $17.47m. ALF operates the rural business through the 66%-owned NZ Farmers Livestock subsidiary, which owns the bobby calf

processing and export business, the new NZFL Finance business and 52% of Hawke’s Bay livestock agency Redshaw. The balance of the NZFL shares are owned by the company’s managers and agents. Group after-tax earnings were $2.225m and the $1.53m represents ALF’s share. A notable part of the result was the increase in ALF’s shareholders’ funds to $3.46m from $1.82m a year earlier. It had negative shareholders’ funds for several years up to 2015 as it battled to survive after heavy losses in its property-based finance company business. The group has started up a new finance company in the last two years but only to service clients’ livestock activities. The new division performed creditably and ahead of budget, group chairman Garry Bluett said. From an initial base of bull funding it had expanded into general livestock. At balance date, the finance book was up to $4.6m from $2.1m a year earlier. There would be challenges for the livestock business this year because of the spread of Mycoplasma bovis and steps to contain it, Bluett said. Uncertainties around livestock movement could cause some

slowdown in ordinary livestock transactions but it is too early to assess any financial impact. ALF is evaluating opportunities for the NZFL business to expand its activities. The early outlook for the bobby calf processing is positive, with international prices for calf products starting to improve. The business has been expanded south into Manawatu for calf procurement. Margins can easily fluctuate and are lower in the latest year than previously but the group is looking to expand and had handled autumn calves during the year. The $441,000 payment on the loan litigation was about the final step for the ALF asset management division, which has now ceased operating. All assets of any value have been realised, Bluett said. Operating cashflow for the year is $1.78m, down from $2.96m. At balance date ALF had total assets of $20.3m, up from $14.5m a year earlier. The ratio of debt to total debt plus equity is still very high at 83% but the ratio of borrowings alone is comfortable at 24%, down from 33% previously. Interest costs are covered five times by the Ebit operating earnings.

WIDER: Allied Farmers has set up New Zealand Farmers Livestock Finance and expanded its bobby calf processing net into Manawatu and is evaluating further expansion.

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20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

ESCAPE: FMG has paid only $19 million of the $155m bill for Kaikoura earthquake claims with the bulk borne by re-insurers, chief executive Chris Black says.

Profit despite seven big storms expected $136m total cost due to fall to its re-insurers. The mutually-owned insurer continues to gain market share SEVEN major storms around the in the rural and regional sectors, country brought in about 3500 with record growth in general and claims for rural insurer FMG but personal cover in the latest year, didn’t stop it returning to profit. chief executive Chris Black said. It reported an after-tax profit of The seven storms during the $12.08 million for the year ended year were the highest annual March 31 compared with the number since its records started in Kaikoura earthquake-driven loss 1968, the Wahine storm year. of $3.25m a year earlier. The storms cost $26m, most of On a pre-tax basis the insurance which was met directly by FMG underwriting profit was $1.65m with a small amount by reinsurers. Business-as-usual claims for the year were $162m, a rise of $10m year-on-year. Gross premiums for the year HERD OWNING SHAREMILKING POSITION were $283m and the equity Established contract milkers seeking a long term (capital reserve) level at (5-10 year +) herd owning sharemilking opportunity for the 19/20 balance date was $238.3m. Given the combination dairy season and beyond. of earthquakes and severe Experience with large herds (1000 cows) and all irrigation types weather it was inevitable on flat to steep contour. Currently owning the following G3 DNA insurance premiums would rise, he said. profiled animals: FMG had raised rates in the latest year after several 258 R1 heifers 100 x 2018 born 420 mixed years of working to absorb heifer calves age cows BW144 PW143 increased costs. (To be mated to But it is focused on BW150 PW145 BW110 PW130 profit-making, not profit AI in October) maximisation. The insurance operations had just $100 in income for Able to be sold; if there is a requirement to every $99 of cost. That was purchase the existing herd better than the $108 cost out of $100 income the previous Approved finance to purchase further animals and machinery to year. Kaikoura earthquake the requirements of a 700-1100+ cow farm. claims are 95% settled University educated, and having grown up on farms, after five with 157 remaining. The business model of insurers years with our current employers we’re looking to partner with also handling claims for the established farm owners. Earthquake Commission Equity Partnership/Farm Lease/other opportunities considered. had worked very well over the two-year period. As a Contact: Blake 021 278 8550 (evenings) comparison FMG still has or email blakeharvie@outlook.com 37 claims from the 2010-11 Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

and investment revenue was $13.45m, for a total $15.1m. A year earlier the insurance loss was $17.1m, partly offset by investment income of $12.07m, leaving a pre-tax loss of $5.5m. FMG still has claims to complete from the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake but the latest year’s figures did not include any costs because they were all booked in the 2017 accounts. The cost to the group was held at $19m with the rest of the

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FMG is enjoying record growth in rural general and personal cover, chief executive Chris Black says.

The next step is 50% and there’s no reason we can’t get upwards of 75%. Chris Black FMG Canterbury earthquakes to settle. Black said FMG now has a 49% share of general insurance cover for farmers and growers, up from 46% a year earlier and 35% in 2011. “The next step is 50% and there’s no reason we can’t get upwards of 75%.” Gains are also being made in personal insurance cover for

existing rural clients and the group is also growing its share of the lifestyle block business with a 23% market share. The $238m of capital reserves meet Reserve Bank requirements and support future business growth, he said. FMG has an A rating (excellent) from international agency A M Best. The Farmstrong wellbeing awareness programme, for which Farmers Weekly is the media partner, promoted by the group is now in its third year and operating very well. Surveys show 61% of farmers and growers are aware of it, with a participation rate of 20%. “We think it is making a tangible difference in allowing people to manage the ups and downs of farming, making people twice as well placed to do that,’’ Black said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Landcorp result pays dividend Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz GREATER livestock returns led the way for state-owned farmer Landcorp to achieve a big gain in operating profits. Higher dairy prices added to the 15% gain in livestock revenues and the company also booked $8.1 million of income from carbon forestry investments. The operating profit rose 36% to $48.5m in the year ended June 30, up from $35.6m a year earlier. The after-tax profit fell yearon-year to $34.2m from $51.9m because of lower gains from valuations on biological assets such as livestock and forestry and a higher tax expense. Landcorp counts the operating earnings (before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and revaluations, known as Ebitdar) as the best indication of overall performance because they represent the ordinary business cashflows, whereas valuation changes are point-of-time figures. The result was pleasing given the tough climatic conditions during the year, including extreme dry summer conditions in parts of the South Island and a very wet winter in the North Island, chief executive Steven Carden said.

business over time,” he said. Landcorp will be pursuing business partnerships for plant production for specialty products.

We expect our focus on these opportunities will become a greater contributor to our business over time. Steven Carden Landcorp

NEW: A deer milk product launched under Landcorp’s Pamu brand is receiving good reviews, chief executive Steven Carden says.

More work is being done to improve the resilience of the core farming business. The company is increasingly trading under the Pamu brand name given to its livestock and dairy products. It will pay a $5m dividend to the Crown on October 15. It is the first payout since a $7m dividend in 2014.

Total revenue for the latest year rose 7% to $247m while operating expenses were largely in line with a year earlier. The focus was on operational excellence and sustainable growth, Carden said. As well as the better livestock and dairy prices Landcorp is benefiting from the prices received on its move to premium

products and away from commodity items. That involves specialty food and fibre products and it is also responding to growing consumer demand for alternative dairy foods like organic, sheep, deer and plant milks. “We expect our focus on these opportunities will become a greater contributor to our

In the June year milk premium payments increased by more than $1m on a year earlier, in part because of organic, grass-fed and winter-milk dairy programmes. A deer milk powder for restaurants was launched during the winter and is receiving positive reviews from the food trade. A new focus on forestry over the last five years is also providing positive returns, with expansion planned this year. Landcorp’s full financial details are not released till the annual report is presented to Parliament, usually in October.

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22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Quads okay when used appropriately Richard Loe

REALITY: WorkSafe wants to prevent deaths and injuries and not quad bike use.

exceeding the manufacturer’s limits, they get taken out on wet, slippery or snowy slopes and they get driven too fast or by people who aren’t well enough trained, too young or not physically capable of handling them properly. I’ve rolled a quad in the past – snow was coming, I was in a hurry

to get up the hill to check on some animals and I know I was going a bit fast. It was only through luck that I walked away from that. The quad is still my go-to vehicle for light jobs but, nowadays, I think more about the job ahead, the conditions and the slope of the land.

EXPERIENCE: Richard Low knows the dangers of quad bikes on farms.

If it isn’t safe for a quad I’ll choose another vehicle like a tractor or two-wheeler. I’ll tow small loads with the quad but if I’m towing something heavy, like a load of fence strainers, I’ll get the ute. WorkSafe and manufacturers both provide guidance for the appropriate use of quad bikes.

For me, it’s simply about knowing the limits of my quad and driving it the way it’s meant to be driven – and making sure anyone else who is going to be using it knows that too. It’s a good idea not to multitask when operating a quad, they require 100% attention.

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MYTH 2: WorkSafe is trying to ban quads I wish I had a dollar for every time a farmer has said this to me. The reality is WorkSafe recognises quad bikes, when used correctly and appropriately, are an effective farm tool. But WorkSafe wants to stop the deaths and many more injuries that occur through the use of these vehicles on farms each year. My son’s working on a farm that has side-by-sides and he reckons they’re the best thing ever – and there’s the plus factor of being able to carry passengers. But I have a quad and I use it year-round for light jobs and to go around my stock and check on the lambs. That said, I’m keenly aware quads are a factor in 25% of deaths on farms and at least two people every day need medical attention because of them. They get used for loads

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Volume pushes Scales profit up Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz HIGHER apple volumes and prices pushed profit gains for Scales Corporation as it waits for confirmation of the sale of its Polarcold business. All three divisions traded strongly but the Mr Apple subsidiary makes up about 65% of revenue and 75% of earnings so is the key measure. Even though challenging weather at harvest affected quality, an improved growing season over a year earlier meant fruit volumes were much higher. The gains in the premium, high-colour varieties were really pleasing and were supported by average export price increases of about 3%, Scales managing director Andy Borland said. Scales reported an after-tax profit of $34.8 million for the half-year ended June 30, a 22% lift on the figure a year earlier, $28.4m, after allowing for the sale of Polarcold on June 1. If Polarcold is removed from both sets of figures, the profit was $29.3m, up from $24.4m, a 20% gain. Group revenue was $220m for the half-year. Mr Apple revenue rose to $143.8m from $120.3m and pre-tax earnings to $36.1m from $32.1m, a 12% gain. More than half of sales are now in Asia, notably China, and the Middle East and demand from Europe is also strong. Under accounting rules Scales has to value all unsold fruit at the half-year balance date as if it has been sold so the first half is the biggest profit period. The crop was just over halfsold at that point and the value assessment includes an expected slight softening in the market as northern hemisphere production comes on stream. Though sales are booked, most receipts come through in the second-half and will turn round the interim operating cash outflow of $15.8m. The 2017 apple growing season was the worst in 10 years for the

EITHER-OR: Scales will be happy with making new investment in areas it is already active in or diversifying, managing director Andy Borland says.

group, after the 2016 season was the best in 10 years. The latest season was about in the middle of the two, Borland said. Rainy weather around harvest time caused quality issues that reduced the export pack-out rate to 76% from a longer-term average about 81%. Higher volumes made up for that as premium-variety plantings in recent years reached production maturity. High colour Fuji and Royal Gala volumes rose to 961,000 cartons from 809,000 a year earlier, Pink Lady was up to 359,000 cartons from 253,000 and NZ Queen to 455,000 from 406,000. At the same time, traditional varieties including Braeburn were up to 1.975m cartons from 1.929m. Premium varieties are edging closer in total, reaching 1.887m.

The Food Ingredient business lifted revenues to $45.5m from $33.9m and pre-tax earnings to $5.9m from $3.75m, reflecting new business picked up late in the previous year as well as pricing gains.

Group revenue was $220m for the half-year.

Second-half sales will be lower, in line with reduced meat processing volumes at this time of year. Logistics, which includes substantial air and sea freight business as well as the conditionally-sold Polarcold operations, also improved revenue.

If the Polarcold sale is approved by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) the effective sale date is June 1. All earnings since that date accrue to the buyer, who is paying interest on the purchase price through to settlement. Scales is waiting patiently for an OIO ruling, Borland said. Since balance date Scales has also sold its Liqueo bulk liquid storage business for $20m. Together, the two transactions will provide a one-off sale gain of about $80m for Scales in the year ended December 31. Chairman Tim Goodacre also confirmed full year operating earnings (Ebitda) guidance of between $58m and $65m on a like-for-like basis, with the actual result expected at the top end of the range. At the half-year Ebitda was $46.7m for the continuing

About us Bellevue Enterprises is a breeding operation with

Lease/s Wanted

businesses and $10.4m for the discontinued businesses, Polarcold and Liqueo. Subject to the Polarcold sale settling the directors expect Scales to have a net cash balance of about $130m at December 31. While waiting for the OIO it continues to review a number of potential acquisitions as well as reviewing strong opportunities in existing business units. It is easier to invest in sectors the group is already very comfortable in but directors are also keen for diversification, Borland said. “We’d be very happy with a bit of both.’’ A dividend was not declared but following usual practice directors said it will be considered later in the year, for payment in January. Scales shares were up 9c at $4.94 on the NZX at time of writing.

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News

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Fertiliser research to carry on Annette Scott annettescott@globalhq.co.nz LONG-SERVING: Research at the Winchmore Research Station fertiliser trial site in Mid Canterbury has helped improve New Zealand farming practices over the past 70 years. Photo: AgResearch

potentially following the development of NZ agriculture over centuries. That’s a really exciting prospect,” Power said. As the longest fertiliser trial under pasture in NZ the Canterbury Plains site has already seen many changes in farming practices. Focused on sheep-grazed pasture the farm was established to analyse the long term response of pasture to irrigation and the superphosphate requirements of irrigated pasture. Over time the consistent management, meticulous recordkeeping and archiving of regular soil and plant samples have also

proved a rich source of material for many other studies from nutrient cycling to the effects of fertiliser use on earthworms. Power said the historical data and ongoing fertiliser treatments have been critical to evaluating and understanding the implications of soil contaminants such as cadmium and fluorine accumulation. “Nobody anticipated these contaminant issues when the trial sites were established. “Many of the key considerations being examined over the long term, such as impact on soil health and function, soil organic matter and climate change

KEEP AN EYE OUT

considerations cannot be reproduced elsewhere under actual field conditions,” Power said. Issues such as the impact of fertiliser use on soil carbon or soil health are now coming to the fore, making ongoing research even more key for NZ farming systems. “We are increasingly thinking about the long-term sustainability of NZ farming systems and longterm field trails are critical for helping us understand how our actions could impact on future farmers’ choices. “We don’t know where agricultural technology will take us next but we do know that we’ll

for Dairy Farmer in your letterbox from September 3rd. This month our theme is Cropping and Pasture Renewal with a special feature on Better Bulls Better Calves, ensuring you’re making the right purchasing decisions for your herd. Our On Farm Story this month features Hollie Wham & Owen Clegg, 2018 Taranaki Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer of the Year title winners as we take a look at their winning recipe.

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A NEW lease on Canterbury’s Winchmore Research Station will ensure long-term fertiliser research will continue. The Fertiliser Association has signed a 30-year lease with AgResearch to ensure fertiliser research trials at the Ashburton farm. The Association has been funding the annual maintenance and data collection at Winchmore Research Station for many years Association chief executive Vera Power said the agreement affirms its ongoing commitment to longterm research on fertiliser use. “To protect them for the future we have agreed to lease the trial site with AgResearch for the next 30 years. “We want to ensure that Winchmore can continue to act as a testing ground for researchers for many generations to come,” Power said. “The site has been providing extremely useful information for almost 70 years and this has allowed us to track changes to pastoral land as agriculture evolves and support our evidence base for sustainable management. “I could see Winchmore

be there, measuring its effects so that future generations can make the best possible choices.” AgResearch chief executive Tom Richardson said more than 500 science publications have drawn on research from the Winchmore site since the long-term trials began. Winchmore is nationally significant and has over the decades provided AgResearch scientists and others with an important resource to collect and analyse data around fertiliser use, soil health and farming practices. “This work has added to our understanding and helped improve farming practices in NZ. “It’s pleasing for us to be able to commit to ongoing trials at Winchmore that will allow us to keep adding to the science to ensure continued improvement and innovation,” Richardson said. This year Winchmore’s irrigation system has moved from its original border dyke to a centre pivot system. That included the installation of five new pivot irrigators, two new linear irrigators and connection to the Ashburton-Lyndhurst irrigation scheme. Researchers will be able to monitor the impact of the new system over time.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

EU ties block British progress Smith said the Chequers plan effectively rules out any possibility of the UK joining CPTPP. Writing on the Conservative home website he said “Joining will be difficult if the UK ends up in some halfway house, without complete control over its regulatory system.

It would be such a lost opportunity if remaining part of the EU’s regulatory regime were to stand in the way of the UK joining. Sir Lockwood Smith “Member countries are required to pursue good regulatory practice and ensure their customs procedures are applied in a way which is predictable, consistent and transparent. “Food safety and biosecurity measures must not create unjustifiable obstacles to trade and must be based on sound science. “If Brexit results in the Chequers approach, with the regulations dictated from Brussels, it is difficult to see how the UK could meet these important requirements,” Smith said. Britain is already a global leader in electronic commerce but at G20 digital economy meetings, however, EU members have

been less than enthusiastic in supporting the environment of cross-border digital commerce with less burdensome regulation that the internet facilitates. In the CPTPP the UK could join an agreement that liberalises and provides better access for one of the most rapidly growing sectors of its own economy. “It would be such a lost opportunity if remaining part of the EU’s regulatory regime were to stand in the way of the UK joining.” While the common rulebook approach to Brexit is intended to apply only to goods and agrifoods, modern goods often have services embedded in them so if Britain wants to be a serious player in moving forward on matters critical to the modern economy, remaining part of the EU’s regulatory regime, even just for goods, would not be helpful. “The prize CPTPP has to offer is real. “During its negotiation, such countries as Japan moved further than ever before in liberalising sensitive sectors of their economy. “Matching such progress in a purely bilateral negotiation would be difficult. “What’s more, the centre of gravity of global economic growth has shifted to the Asia-Pacific region. “It embodies a dynamism less evident within European economies today. “Strategically linking into that region has helped to raise a

ACTION: The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership embodies a dynamism less evident in Europe, Sir Lockwood Smith says.

country like NZ to prosperity from near bankruptcy 30 years ago. “The real prize from Brexit for the UK, and the way to win from leaving the EU, lies in embracing a smart global trade strategy. “Bringing the dynamic of the Asia-Pacific region to Europe through joining CPTPP would be a powerful driver of innovation and growth across the entire region. “Now is the time to make decisions that will reap rewards for generations. “Deciding to be a rule taker rather than a rule maker risks wasting this historic moment,” Smith advised. His intervention came shortly

after a leading trade expert warned joining the CPTPP would mean the UK would have to lift the EU’s ban on hormone-treated beef, the UK Farmers Guardian reported. UK Trade Policy Project director and former Department for International Trade official David Henig said “The UK Government is signalling it is open to changing food standards to deliver trade agreements. “The government will, I am sure, be aware we would need to lift the EU ban on hormonetreated beef to join CPTPP although you will not find this in the consultation document.”

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TRACTA61309

JOINING the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership would open a whole new world of opportunities for Britain but plans to abide by European Union food regulations post Brexit could blow it, former New Zealand high commissioner to London Sir Lockwood Smith says. The British government’s Chequers plan for Brexit will make it very difficult for the United Kingdom to join the Asia-Pacific trade group, which covers 30% of global trade. CPTPP is the largest free trade agreement in history, covering both goods and services. Apart from lowering and in most sectors eliminating tariffs, it also reduces non-tariff barriers to trade – regulatory barriers behind the border that often delay if not prevent trade. Britain’s government has promised to maintain European subsidies for agriculture for at least the term of this Parliament. The Chequers plan, set out in more detail in the government’s Brexit White Paper, proposes a common rule book on agri-food that would see the UK continue to apply European Union regulations covering human, animal and plant health. But ministers have also recently launched a consultation proposing the UK join the CPTPP, which covers 11 countries, including Malaysia and Vietnam, with very different food production standards.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Investor saves irrigation scheme Annette Scott annettescott@globalhq.co.nz A NEW plan under a new joint venture has South Canterbury’s proposed Hunter Downs Water project backers hopeful third time lucky will get the scheme across the line. Having secured a commercial partner to help pay for the scheme Hunter Downs Water (HDW), established in 2013 to be the entity to own and operate the scheme, has presented a new plan and product disclosure statement. The construction, ownership and operation of the scheme will come under the umbrella of Hunter Downs Water Scheme Company. HDW is an investor in the company with South Canterbury firm Rooney Holdings as the commercial partner. HDW chairman Andrew Fraser said after losing Crown funding and falling short of farmer shareholder uptake the only chance of saving the future of the scheme was to get a commercial partner. HDW issued a disclosure statement in March 2017 then a supplementary document to update investors on changes to the scheme size in July 2017. While some farmers subscribed for water and development shares no shares were issued pending finalisation of funding proposals. Since July 2017 significant changes have been proposed for the ownership and structure as a result of HDW being unable to get enough farmer support so it became necessary to bring in an external investor. When shares fell short of the planned target the scheme was redesigned and reduced from the initial 21,000 hectares to 12,000ha. Then Government policy caused Crown Irrigation Investments to withdraw its

support, forcing HDW to again go on the hunt for funding. “We have sought support from a number of parties and Rooney was the only party prepared to support the scheme on terms that ensured it remained affordable for farmers,” Fraser said. Farmer support is below the key threshold of 9000-10,000ha so the scheme’s debt funding proposal needs an underwriter for any shortfall in farmer uptake.

Rooney Holdings was the only party prepared to support the scheme on terms that ensured it remained affordable for farmers. Andrew Fraser Hunter Downs Water “Once again, Rooney has offered to provide such support which reflects Rooney’s confidence in the benefits and importance of the scheme for the local environment and community. “Without Rooney’s support there would be no prospect of the scheme proceeding,” he said. On August 10, HDW issued a new disclosure statement on its proposal to raise money to invest in the company. It expects that the Rooney equity and bank debt will be enough for the company to build the infrastructure to provide water to shareholders. “As highlighted in the past, this may be the only chance this generation gets to secure important water for our region and for our community,” Fraser said.

There’s a need to protect and enhance natural environments, many under serious pressure. “Bringing new water into the catchment provides an outstanding opportunity to reduce pressure on our local waterways and at the same time augment the coastal tributaries and wetlands.” Fraser said the scheme is not all about intensifying land use and conversion to dairy but focuses on relieving the pressure on existing water takes and decreasing reliance on surface water extractions by drawing on the reliable and plentiful Waitaki River. And while not needed immediately, the scheme will future-proof both Waimate’s and Timaru’s water needs for town supply. “Water is the key to solving environmental issues associated with farming practices of the past, today and into the future. “This is the one chance now to secure benefits of reliable water and to access the company’s nutrient allocation with the ability to maintain or change land use with an irrigated system. “The scheme has the ability to provide sustainable future opportunities for ongoing generations. “We have a consent that was granted for the wider community and we need to protect this. Collectively we must take advantage of this now,” Fraser said. The share offer closes on September 10. “While doing lots of farmer meetings and working with shareholders we won’t know the actual level of uptake until September 10.”

MORE: NEWSMAKER P28

NO CHOICE: Hunter Downs Water chairman Andrew Fraser says the only way the project can survive is with the help of a commercial partner.

Council dumps dam project WAIMEA Dam backers are shocked at the Tasman District Council’s decision to dump the project. The council decided increased costs for the Waimea Community Dam are unaffordable for ratepayers and voted down continuing, by eight votes to six. Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne said the decision effectively means the project will not proceed, as public consultation cannot occur before the deadline of December 15 when the Government will withdraw its funding for the dam of over $55 million. “Unfortunately, the additional costs are too high and the council has decided it must look at other options for resolving our serious summer water shortages.” Urgent work on an alternative to the dam to secure the urban water supply will have to begin immediately. Waimea Irrigators chairman Murray King said the decision will

have serious consequences for shareholders and land users, who will now be re-evaluating their future in the region. “We are shocked. “Already contributing the biggest share to the project, Waimea Irrigators had signalled it was willing to stump up with more capital to help close the funding gap.” The council decided not to fund 51% of the $23m shortfall. The cost had blown out to about $100m. King said the councillors who voted against the dam will have to live with their decision that will have far-reaching consequences for everyone living in Nelson and Tasman as local producers and industries stagnate or leave the region to relocate to places with water security. “This is a short-sighted response inflamed by a vocal minority of ill-informed residents acting purely in self-interest with no concerns for future generations,” he said.

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28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Newsmaker

Farmers should back irrigation Canterbury farmer Robin Murphy has spent decades enhancing irrigation for his farm and with schemes helping others. He’s now urging farmers to back the Hunter Downs scheme, saying they shouldn’t look just at the cost but assess it against revenue lost during droughts. Tim Fulton reports.

ARMERS should sign up for Hunter Downs water now and sort the finer points later, irrigation champion Robin Murphy says. South Canterbury farmers are considering a new way to pay for the scheme, which would take piped water from the Waitaki lakes toward the Timaru foothills. The original Hunter Downs Water proposal didn’t attract enough farmer capital. A joint venture has now been set up with its longtime backer, Waimateraised agribusiness entrepreneur Gary Rooney. Murphy has a long view of the struggle to finance irrigation. He and wife May bought a 200ha farm near Glenavy in 1984 and converted it to dairy. Their family business, Murphy Farms, is now run in partnership with son Bruce and daughter-inlaw Lesa. Decades of irrigation development have been critical to their success. At 18 Robin leased land from his parents at Seadown, near Timaru, and began milking. In 1975, he and May moved to a farm at Ikawai, near Waitaki River. At that time the Murphys were on one of only four farms in the area taking whole milk through to factory processing. He grew up with the story of how Morven and Glenavy farmers rejected shared irrigation in the 1930s then finally voted for it by a

VITAL: Irrigation has been critical to Robin Murphy’s farming success.

slim 55% majority in the 1970s. Today’s Morven Glenavy Ikawai Irrigation Company (MGI) incorporates one of the oldest schemes in South Canterbury, the Redcliffs irrigation scheme built by the government in the 1930s and also the original Morven Glenavy network. MGI bought that infrastructure from the Crown in the late 1980s and two years ago started Waihao Downs Irrigation, enabling MGI to now irrigate 29,000ha. Waihao Downs, a pumped scheme, was designed and built by Rooney Earthmoving, part of the Rooney group backing Hunter Downs. MGI will manage the Hunter Downs irrigation network. MGI won’t be a shareholder in that partnership but in his own right Murphy has been a member of Hunter Downs development companies since the start. He’s a pragmatist, recommending farmers in the

SUCCESS: Robin Murphy has seen the benefits of irrigation in Canterbury.

Hunter Downs catchment focus on the value of water rather than who owns what proportion of company shares. “What it does is actually get the scheme under way. “The important thing is that farmers in that area now have a scheme to vote on.” Murphy has broad experience on the commercial imperative, having been MGI chairman for the past 20 years. He’s also served the wider community as a member of Waihao-Wainono Water Use Society and as Environment Canterbury’s Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone committee chairman. In the 2017 New Year Honours he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution to land and water management. As an irrigation advocate he generally found dry-land farmers were cautious about investment, mainly because they had no

experience of that sort of farming. However, Hunter Downs is no different to other propositions: it needs finance now and real, strong indications of farmers’ future water requirements. “If they do want 100ha now and 200ha in future they’ve got to be upfront because if we put additional pipes in somebody’s got to pay for it.” Murphy declined to say how much Murphy Farms business is committing to Hunter Downs but said no one should doubt how much the family backs it. “Because we’ve been so involved in irrigation we understand the value of it.” Virtually every decade Canterbury has an 18-month to two-year drought, he said. “This decade we haven’t had it and somewhere along the line you’re going to have a real dry period. “I think people have got to assess the cost of that lost income versus being able to put that irrigation scheme in.” Irrigation companies talk a lot about value, including environmental benefit. MGI has an audited selfmanagement system and is designed to supplement flows in the Waihao River, which flows into Lake Wainono, the second-largest coastal water body in the South Island. The lake and associated wetlands are of regional and national significance for waterfowl, other birds and native fish. Environment Canterbury describes the wetlands are mere remnants of what was once an extensive lowland coastal lakewetland complex. The council says at the time of European colonisation the lake provided a diverse mahinga kai resource for hundreds of Maori in the area. These days the lake is classed as hypertrophic, cloudy and blighted by algae.

Murphy said one of the biggest environmental gains from Hunter Downs will be flushing or water balancing through the man-made Waihao Box. There’s no permanent river mouth to the Waihao catchment so the box culvert prevents the shingle barrier from completely blocking the Waihao River. In doing so the structure helps drainage and reduces the risk of flooding.

I think the farms in the Hunter Downs region have got a really viable scheme just waiting to take a shareholding in. Robin Murphy Farmer MGI has operated an environmental plan for the Waihao River since the early 1990s. Resource consents require Hunter Downs to enhance MGI’s existing flow into the lake and Murphy is confident the scheme can help restore ecological order. “There is a flushing effect on Lake Wainono. Maybe it’s small but I’ve got photos showing where it really works.” He hopes every single farmer considering Hunter Downs will open their arms to an irrigation opportunity. “I think the farms in the Hunter Downs region have got a really viable scheme just waiting to take a shareholding in.” Outside irrigation, Murphy’s recent commitments have included chairing a Bovis Action Group helping South Canterbury and North Otago farmers to respond to Mycoplasma bovis.

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

HIGH-TECH DINNER: AgResearch scientists including Dr Santanu DebChoudhury are extracting proteins from wool to use in pet and human diets and provide health benefits.

Wool can feed cats, dogs, people When AgResearch scientists started thinking outside the square on uses for wool, feeding it to cats did not feature at the top of the list of options. However, thanks to a growing understanding of what makes wool wool and some smart extraction processes, the world’s domestic felines might soon find it is part of their daily diet. Richard Rennie spoke to Dr Santanu Deb-Choudhury about a new opportunity for turning the fibre into food.

EW Zealand scientists’ understanding of wool and its potential uses is rapidly moving beyond the applications afforded by its durability, strength and its ability to absorb liquids. Instead, researchers are stepping inside the fibre to better understand the compounds that create it and find uses for those building blocks. Scientists at AgResearch Lincoln have recently released a study on their work to identify, extract and feed wool-derived proteins to domestic cats. Already, the results are generating interest from international food manufacturers. “We have had a good understanding of wool’s structure and the associations that give the fibre the strength it has but we had never thought about using wool as a food source,” Dr Santanu DebChoudhury said. “But when you think about it,

wool is actually 90-95% protein and offers that potential to be a good food source. “The inherent nature of wool, though, is that it is very resilient and not broken down easily and that was the challenge, to extract wool proteins in a way that could be scaled up cost-effectively.”

If it proves positive we would then want to carry out human trials. Dr Santanu DebChoudhury AgResearch Scientists have worked on a relatively simple acid extraction process to unlock the fibre’s proteins through a process known as acid hydrolysis.

Optimising the length of exposure to the acid was critical but the team hit on a process that also maximises the yield from the wool feedstock, returning an 8595% extraction rate on the wool proteins. The extracted proteins also contain traces of deconstructed wool fibre, known by the scientists to also encourage positive gut microbe growth. Researchers decided to determine if the proteins would have any useful value in cats’ diets and ran a trial comparing cats on a usual diet with cats on one supplemented with wool proteins. To determine the impact of the proteins on feline diets scientists had the unenviable task of analysing cat faeces, measuring microbial bacteria levels to determine its effect on them. “And we found the microbes behaved well in the cats’ gut compared to the other fibrebased compounds used by manufacturers of pet food.”

Typically, the fibre compounds used now are plant based but manufacturers have been seeking out animal-based compounds to feed carnivorous pets like cats and dogs. So far, the option to have presented itself is a cartilagesourced compound. “There is definitely a gap there for such a product in the processing market.” Importantly, the wool proteins have no effect on palatability with cats devouring the meals containing it. Deb-Choudhury is also buoyed by the benefits the cats enjoyed from increased cysteine (sulphurrich amino acid) digestibility compared to conventional ingredients. Cysteine is an amino acid essential for sheep to produce wool and when digested plays a crucial role for inducing healthier hair and coat growth in pets, a valuable potential selling point for any additive used in the

domestic pet food market. “The next step for us is to trial the proteins in dogs and we suspect we will see the same benefits for them. “If it proves positive we would then want to carry out human trials.” The human benefits fall not so much towards healthier hair but for the role it plays as a source of sulfur in human metabolism. “It may prove to be an ingredient that could be used as a dietary supplement additive.” Deb-Choudhury says scientists are excited by other compounds they might be able to extract from wool, given it is a very rich protein source. “In the future we can see it as a protein source to generate bioactives for the nutraceutical or pharmacy industry. “These compounds may also prove to have an effect on physiology, including reducing high blood pressure or managing diabetes.”

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Opinion

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

EDITORIAL

C’mon farmers, take the hint

HE real message was much deeper than yet another campaigning story series by Radio New Zealand’s Checkpoint presenter John Campbell. For several nights last month Campbell exhaustively milked a story on the evils of feedlot finishing cattle, prompted by drone film footage of the Five Star Beef facility near Ashburton, conveniently provided by the anti-animal farming group SAFE. At about the same time Fish and Game published photographs of cattle on winter crops, questioning the appropriateness of animals standing in mud. Earlier in the month Forest and Bird attacked regional councils for the way they manage dairy farm consents. Individual councils were accused of not doing follow-up inspections after discovering non-compliance, of not prosecuting and of not knowing the number of dairy farms in their region, claims all subsequently shown to be wrong (Farmers Weekly, August 20, p21). Not to be outdone, SAFE last week released photographs taken in Southland of cows giving birth in barren paddocks of deep mud. Dismiss these claims if you wish but the primary sector cannot ignore the underlying message that it faces more intense scrutiny than ever before. As we have seen with the illegal placement of video cameras on dairy farms, groups wanting to question our methods and practices are prepared to use innovative ways to get footage. A comment on social media that these accusations are consumer feedback carries some truth though it is doubtful many SAFE supporters eat dairy or meat. Some of the claims might be blatantly wrong and others can be challenged but our consumers and customers are hearing the unfiltered version and will ask questions. It is inevitable that one day animal welfare and environmental concerns will force farmers to further change practices. Being practical and cost-effective will no longer an acceptable defence. Rather than waiting to be told, the sector needs to front foot these challenges with solutions that show it is listening to customers’ concerns.

Neal Wallace

LETTERS

More letters P33

Let Trump rough up the EU ALAN Emerson likes to tackle many issues in a very lightweight way. I will answer a couple or three from your July 16 issue. The G7 came unstuck in Canada recently, the final statement was something about free trade when none of them practice that themselves, least of all Europe. Trump was having nothing to do with their free trade blurb, not while Canada is charging 273% import duty on American dairy products. Since the G7 meeting the European Union has gone to Washington cap in hand to talk and deal in a fair trade manner. And so they should. We should not be rushing to do deals with the EU until Trump has roughed them up some more. Its all to our benefit.

As for NATO. It did not implode. The Europeans got upset that they were told to pay their way. Why should the Fives Eyes nations carry the military can for them when they can afford to pay their 2% of GDP? Why should the Five Eyes nations protect them and carry most of the cost of it as we did in two world wars. The five eyes are Britain, the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Canada and we spy on Europe all the time to ensure we are not dragged into another European war. That’s what Waihopai is all about. Emerson seems to equate Iran as equal as Israel. You don’t trust or understand Israel. Israel has never said it sought to destroy any nation in the Middle East or the world. Israel does have nuclear weapons and is on record

many times saying it will not be the first to use nukes in the Middle East. Iran has said such a thing. Iran has said it seeks to destroy Little Satan, Israel and big Satan, the US. To do either they would need to use nuclear weapons. That’s why they continue to make them. Iran funds and provides weapons to Hizbollah in Lebanon and to Hamas in Gaza. The NZ government lists Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Hamas continues to manipulate the people of Gaza to attack Israel every Friday with all sorts of weapons. Israel will not let it go without a response. Iran and Hizbollah help prop up the Syrian government, the one that used chemical weapons on children. Saudi Arabia and Iran are both responsible for the

carnage in Yemen. Meanwhile, Israel has provided a MASH-style hospital on the Syrian border for any Syrian seeking help from Israel since the civil war started. Airlifting those who need it to a base hospital in Safed and to specialist hospitals elsewhere on Israel. Recently they evacuated 400 Syrians to Jordan via the Golan heights. These were White Helmet Civil Rescue workers and there families who wished to leave Syria. Israel launched the rescue on behalf of the US, UK and France. The infamous Iran nuclear agreement was just that an agreement, not a treaty and not ratified by the US Congress or any of the signatory nations’ parliaments. Not worth the paper it was written on as Continued page 33

Letterof theWeek EDITOR Bryan Gibson 06 323 1519 bryan.gibson@globalhq.co.nz EDITORIAL Stephen Bell 06 323 0769 editorial@globalhq.co.nz Neal Wallace 03 474 9240 neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz Annette Scott 03 308 4001 annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz Hugh Stringleman 09 432 8594 hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz Alan Williams 03 359 3511 alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz Richard Rennie 07 552 6176 richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz Nigel Stirling 021 136 5570 nigel.stirling@globalhq.co.nz

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Fonterra’s future is up to farmers Duncan Coull

HE dairy industry is full of commentators who seem expert at expounding their view of what is wrong with the industry but offer very little in the way of constructive opinion on the way forward. I premise that statement by the fact that news of late out of Fonterra has only fuelled this commentary and so it’s not unexpected. Meanwhile, back behind the farm gate Fonterra’s 10,000 farming families deal with the realities of managing their own businesses. Calving is in full swing and from what I gather, talking to farmers, is going well and the milk price is positive. But underlying this is growing anxiety about the future with concerns about the industry being attractive for the next generation, its continued licence to operate and given what the experts are telling them, farmers are questioning whether they are in control of both their individual futures and the industry’s future. Can I just say you are valued and you are doing a great job producing some of the most natural and nutritious dairy products in the world. There is a strong future for you and your families and control of that sits clearly with you as owners of this industry through a strong co-op model operating in New Zealand, with Fonterra playing a crucial role. I was recently interviewed on radio for what I thought was a quick comment on the new chief executive appointment. What transpired was a 20-minute discussion on all things Fonterra, which was a great opportunity to present my view as a farmer, a shareholder and elected representative of the Shareholders’ Council.

The

Pulpit

I was asked about the appointment of Miles Hurrell as interim chief executive, of which I was positive given feedback from farmers and the need for clarity of leadership given some of the headwinds facing our co-op. The same applies for the appointment of John Monaghan as chairman.

There is real frustration, anger and disappointment with performance and the shifting of milk price to support balance sheet strength. I reiterated there is real frustration, anger and disappointment with performance and the shifting of milk price to support balance sheet strength. While I can understand the position that governance took to protect the balance sheet we should not have found ourselves in this position. While it’s unrealistic to expect every aspect of one’s business to

be running at 100% there remain parts of the business funded by farmer capital that fail to deliver returns sufficient to meet the costs of capital. Fonterra clearly has work to do to rebuild confidence in the shareholder base and with its unit holders and that is the most immediate task ahead. But all is not broken. Parts of our business are going extremely well, including our consumer and food service business in China. Our milk price is, relative to other farmers in the world, very strong because of our product mix and the premium the provenance of grass-fed receives on the international market. The introduction of the transparent milk price regime has also driven this. If we look back in time this hasn’t always been the case. There used to be a significant gap between us and northern hemisphere producers. That is significant given Fonterra sets the benchmark for the farmgate milk price in NZ and milk price is the key driver for income and decisions on farms. In the interview I also reiterated the importance of two key council workstreams I believe are timely. The first is around our co-op’s purpose and vision, which seeks to provide greater clarity as to who we are, why we exist and the legacy our people would like to see our co-op create. It will be a critical component to driving a forward-looking strategy. The second is a review of Fonterra’s performance from the perspective of the value delivered for shareholders since Fonterra was formed in 2001. This is being done for the council by independent consultants and will include a breakdown by business division and geography and comparisons to NZ and international competitors.

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WATCH THIS SPACE: Fonterra Shareholders’ Council chairman Duncan Coull has views on splitting up the co-op and on the DIRA review but they will be further informed by council work on defining Fonterra’s purpose and vision and measuring Fonterra’s performance in delivering value to shareholders.

There has been some debate and discussion around splitting the company in two. My response is that we first need to understand the issue we are trying to address. Has performance been stifled through lack of capital or by the execution of strategy with current capital? My view is more aligned with the latter and the tension that exists between milk price and value-add. Splitting the company would only elevate that tension, which could cause erosion to milk price over time – not a great outcome for us as farmers or our communities. A question was asked whether our milk price mechanism is a handbrake to the industry. I take the view as a farmer it is an enabler in that it looks to maximise value from the milk off farm and provides positive, transparent signals to us as farmers and the business to create value over and above this. The challenge is volatility and managing it given the magnitude of swings in commodity prices. We touched on the upcoming DIRA review and the need for a reset given the future landscape will be nothing like the old.

The outcome of the review needs to ensure the industry creates value for farmers and, in turn, for our wider communities as well as NZ. Transparent milk price setting for all processors, dealing with the Raw Milk Regulations and open entry and determining a path for deregulation are all key from the council’s perspective. There is a lot happening but it’s not all bad. Farmers as owners are inter-generational so tend to take the long-term view. We need a planned approach to really understand the issues and get out the other side. Fellow farmers, your future is in your hands, as it has been for close to 150 years. Be proud of that and understand the responsibility that comes with it. Stay informed, seek the facts, don’t rely on uninformed, speculative commentary and most importantly do get involved to help shape the legacy for the next generation of farmers in NZ.

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

Opinion

32 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Aussies show love to farmers Alternative View

Alan Emerson

WE’VE been in the land of Fosters, ’roos and flies for a couple of weeks now and there are some marked differences between New Zealand and Australia. For a start, Australians really like their farmers and do what they can to support them. The issue is they have a severe drought. It is not spread over all Australia but is really hitting hardest in western New South Wales. Tragic as the drought is it was a real pleasure to watch the news at night and hear what is being done by those in the cities to help their country cousins. Wherever you went it was the same. The support came from all political parties, every part of the business sector, the media and the general population. All Australians are banding together to support those farmers. In Brisbane various people on the street were asked if enough is being done to support Aussie farmers. They all believe more should be done and Australia is doing a lot. For a start, the government has

allocated $1.8 billion in drought support. That move is supported by all political parties. The government has also appointed a national drought coordinator, retired general Stephen Day who headed Australian operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, there are large tax breaks for farmers, such as immediate tax deductions for the construction of silos, hay sheds and other feed storage facilities. The Catholic Church in New South Wales offered concessionary fees for the children of droughtaffected farmers. A Brisbane newspaper, the Courier Mail, launched an appeal to help farmers and in short order it raised over $1 million. The paper urged readers to further support farmers by buying only local produce. The super A&P show, the Brisbane Ekka, is raising funds to support farmers. Woolworths supermarket chain is donating all fresh food profits on a Saturday to support Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale appeal. The appeal was set up to buy hay for drought-hit farmers. Coles supermarket had donation boxes by each checkout and the boxes I saw weren’t filled with coins. Coles promised to match all donations dollar for dollar. The Queensland state government launched an appeal saying it is time to help out mates in the bush. The drought is mainly in NSW.

SUPPORT: Australians are backing their farmers and all political parties support a $1.8 million relief package.

An editorial in the Cairns Post told us to dig deep for Aussie farmers. Another paper had a headline I really liked – If you help the cockies you help the towns too.

I can’t see that level of support for farmers in NZ. Every day there was an item, letter, editorial or a combination of the three supporting Australian farmers. I didn’t hear anything against farmers at all from any individual or group. It was really great to see. My issue is that I can’t see that level of support for farmers in NZ. We have three times the number of farmers per head of population so we can’t use the excuse that

Australian farmers are closer to their town cousins. They’re actually further away. That would be true geographically as well with a large number of Aussie farms hours if not days drive from cities. Despite that the Australian public and their media are totally supportive of their farmers. I went into the websites of the groups that oppose farmers in NZ, Greenpeace and SAFE. In Australia I had little problem with the Greenpeace approach. It wants a coal-free future, renewable energy for all and the protection of forests, the oceans and the Great Barrier Reef. Conversely, the Greenpeace NZ site wants to stop dairy before telling us the way we produce food is killing the planet. You’d know my view on that politically inspired drivel. Australia’s SAFE equivalent,

Animal’s Australia, is mainly opposed to live sheep shipments and explained the reasons factually and unemotionally. Here SAFE rambles about exposing dairy cruelty and farrowing crate cruelty along with a solid anti-feedlot rant. In addition, the emotive antiirrigation rhetoric from the antifarming groups and some Green MP’s is given some credibility here. Why, I have no idea. My strong belief is that if irrigation was an option in the drought-prone Australian areas the entire country would cry “Bring it on”. So when it comes to supporting farmers you have Australia at 10 and NZ somewhere near zero. We have a massive amount of work to do. With other issues in Australia I found watching the Liberal leadership challenge both entertaining and interesting. They could have sold ringside seats. It was also great to be in Australia during the two Bledisloe rugby tests. Surprisingly the Aussie media said we deserved to win, as we did. It was a far cry from other years when we’ve been there. Finally, I loved the noncommercial radio and television of the ABC. For the record I’d sell off TV One and get a similar system here. We do need it.

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

Councillors fail in leadership tests future election chances than the long-term future of their district. The problem is three-year electoral cycles do not equate to tough decisions with long-term benefits or consequences. The old saying of turkeys not voting for Christmas comes to mind. Here in Central Hawke’s Bay previous councils have overseen the gradual rundown of our towns’ water and sewerage systems rather than biting farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz the bullet and increasing ward Agribusiness rates or borrowing Analyst money to invest in Farm Manager these fundamental Fencer General services. Livestock Coordinator Now, inevitably, Manager the Central Operations Managers Hawke’s Bay Regional Manager District Council Sales Manager keeps getting into Shepherd difficulties with Shepherd General the Hawke’s Bay Tractor/Truck/Machinery Operator Regional Council as Waipukurau’s Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the and Waipawa’s employment section of the Farmers Weekly wastewater and as added value it will be uploaded to plants will never farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or close of application. meet their resource consent Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 conditions. or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz A report out

THE news came through last week about the proposed Waimea Dam being axed – by the region’s own elected representatives. Eight of Tasman District’s councillors showed a lack of leadership and courage and were more worried about their own

RURAL SECTOR

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last year indicated somewhere between $12 million and $36m will have to be spent to sort it out – a rating burden the townsfolk can’t afford and the proposal that the rural community help fund it was roundly criticised on the grounds of setting a precedent. We also saw the proposed Ruataniwha Dam shelved, in the end over the inability to do a land swap with some very poor Conservation Department land but before that our own regional councillors also showed poor leadership in not supporting a long-term solution to help the future prosperity of our region. Another, more recent, issue is the rise and sway of social media. A small group of committed and passionate people can wage effective campaigns to kill off any proposal they disagree with. They don’t have to be burdened with facts or even the truth. They just need to have a keyboard, an internet connection and the ability to milk social media for all its worth. Waimea Irrigators chairman Murray King has said in this paper “This is a short-sighted response inflamed by a vocal minority of illinformed residents acting purely in self-interest with no concerns for future generations.” I believe that progress of any type is going to become increasingly difficult under the

scrutiny of the social media phenomenon. Tasman, like Hawke’s Bay, has great soils and contour but suffers from summer droughts. Those of us in the rural community think water harvesting and storage. Using massive surpluses in times of water shortages is a no-brainer. Many town and city folk don’t get it. I think it is because they are not conditioned as we are in the rural areas to squirrel away surpluses in times of plenty to be used when needed. We have big deep freezes full of meat, bread and dog tucker while they have a supermarket within walking distance. We cut and split firewood and gather sacks of pine cones for our inefficiently insulated homes where they, not being allowed to have fires, have instant access to heat when needed with heat pumps and gas connections. We install and maintain several water tanks, clean out the gutters and make sure everything is in place to capture winter rain then spend much of the summer banging on bathroom doors reminding family members to have just a short shower and trying to convince our wives not to have baths but a quick shower instead. Townsfolk are quite used to turning on a tap and water is

From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

always there or has been in the past. Not many in the cities are climate change deniers but they haven’t got their heads around the fact that it will affect them as well. They would be well advised to look across the Tasman to the poor buggers in New South Wales at the moment. And those living in the Tasman towns who were dead against the Waimea Dam will still have to face water shortages themselves in the future and deal with the consequences of reduced job opportunities and reduced spending leading to further provincial decline. Like here in Hawke’s Bay, it’s a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face.

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

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

World not yet falling to bits

Suddenly, it seems farmers have gone from being regarded as bastions of the economy to public enemy number one.

Equally, the success of a2 Milk, Tatua and Synlait compared with Fonterra points to the direction the dairy sector should be moving in if it wants to avoid competing directly with alternative milk products. There will continue to be a market and a price for grinding beef and whole milk powder but the message is clear: use the

WORRY: It is of concern Trade Minister David Parker hasn’t visited China after last year’s election.

emissions, legislation and public opinion means farmers and growers can no longer plan to increase output purely in numbers but must add value to what can be produced without unduly stressing the environment. Farmers have been taken by surprise by the comparatively sudden growth in public antipathy towards what have been accepted as normal farming practices for decades. Suddenly, it seems farmers have gone from being regarded as bastions of the economy to public enemy number one. This is patently unfair but, unfortunately, it’s the product of the age of heightened environmental and social awareness in which we live. The only option from here is to work smarter not harder and, with a bit of luck, the world won’t fall apart.

notice period to move up the value chain. NZ has chosen to address issues it can try to influence, notably in areas of trade agreements and quota rights, such as protesting against the draft EU and UK quota-splitting proposal, which is clearly a trade distortion mechanism and completely at odds with World Trade Organisation regulations. It’s hard to see how the proposal has any chance of being implemented unless there’s a resolution to the broader exit terms by the end of March. Progress towards introducing the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership and upgrading the China free-trade agreement are equally valuable initiatives though it is of concern that Trade Minister David Parker has not yet visited China since last year’s general election. For agricultural producers, whether meat, dairy or horticulture, one certainty is that we have reached the peak of volume production. The combination of carbon

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

LETTERS

More letters P30

John McCarthy Ohakune

you can trust www.fegold.co.nz

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John McCormick Waipukurau

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I REFER to the new legislation pertaining to Nait. This is bad law and an absolute erosion of property rights. The real culprits are the directors of Nait who did not enforce compliance when they were legislatively empowered to do so. Equally responsible are the then ministers David Carter

mean our homes and our places of work should be accorded a similar status to that of a P house or some other criminal activity. Mycoplasma bovis has changed the face of farming forever and yet no one is accountable. This is wrong and should be redressed, in the courts if necessary.

culpable by association. It should have and should be standing up for its levy payers. This brings me to my final point and I would welcome feedback. The fact is that most farmers, such as our own operation, complied with Nait and as a result incurred considerable expense. That expense and compliance entitles us to accountability from our organisation and it does not

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evidence from Israel and other countries shows. We don’t need to trade with Iran. We have more than 100 other countries to trade with. Iran are trouble makers so lets leave them alone.

and Nathan Guy. They had the ministerial oversight and sat on their hands even though it was well known that some in the farming community were flouting the Nait requirements. It is utterly bizarre that Beef + Lamb New Zealand is supportive of this draconian legislation that puts law-abiding farmers in the same category as criminals. B+LNZ is a signatory to Nait so it is

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Bad law

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MUCH to a lot of people’s surprise the global economy is resisting the dire predictions of many commentators, just as the New Zealand economy continues to perform much better than businesses are prepared to accept. But it is far from certain whether this just a question of timing or the genuine possibility the predictions are exaggerated. Speculation, based on suspicion and anecdote, appears to be an unreliable guide to what is actually happening so, while planning for an uncertain future is essential, it would pay not to ignore present realities. Certainties for the agricultural sector include sheep meat prices at around all time highs, a high milk price, a fairly mild winter following good growth earlier in the year, continuing demand from trading partners, no new tariffs imposed on NZ agricultural products, a bullish, if potentially volatile, global economy, a stable domestic economy and an exchange rate that has stabilised at up to 10% off its 2017 peak. All these factors suggest the world isn’t about to end any time soon.

with the highest rate of growth in Europe. The British must be wondering whether it will all grind to a standstill next March but in the meantime they are making hay while the sun keeps shining. Meanwhile, NZ can do nothing to accelerate the Brexit process and its fallout, any more than it can plan for the side effects of the US trade war with China. By lifting the game away from the commodity level, as is the objective of Taste Pure Nature and the origin meat brand, NZ’s meat industry has the chance to move beyond head-on competition with alternative protein and cell-based meat.

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Allan Barber

In contrast, there are several uncertainties that have a tendency to instill fear of the unknown but, inevitably, the reality is either more gradual or less disastrous than our imagination suggests. The slowing of China’s economy must have some impact on demand for our exports but there is no indication it will be extreme. The rise of alternative proteins and cell-based meat is clearly a future threat but there will be a period of adjustment, during which the agricultural sector can enhance its product quality, improve its environmental performance and sharpen its communications strategy. Domestically, there is uncertainty about the impact of climate change and agriculture’s inclusion in the Emissions Trading Scheme while, internationally, there remains concern about the effects of climate change and what could be termed trade disagreements between the United States and China, US and its NAFTA partners though suddenly Mexico seems to be a friend, the European Union and Britain. The US economy, boosted by tax cuts and a plentiful money supply, is buoyant, even if some of President Donald Trump’s claims about how much better people are doing under his presidency aren’t actually true. Even the United Kingdom, which is in a state of tremendous uncertainty, having apparently made no progress in 18 months towards negotiating terms of exit from the EU, is still rocking along

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Meaty Matters

On Farm Story

34 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Proving consultants were wrong Sheep farmers are enjoying a golden patch but it would be a challenge to find a more profitable breed than MerinoRomney halfbreds. That is a contrast to the last rites that were read to the mid micron sector by consultants 18 years ago. Neal Wallace meets some farmers who ignored those forecasts of impending doom and stayed loyal to halfbred sheep.

OHN Duncan confesses to never being a great meeting goer. One the Otago sheep and beef farmer recalls attending was in Ranfurly in about 2000 at which he was told there was no future for mid micron wool. International consultants McKinsey had just released a report on how to improve wool grower profitability. Recommendations included dissolving the Wool Board and, alarmingly to owners of mid micron sheep such as Duncan, warning the fibre did not have a future. At that stage his family had been farming Merino-Romney halfbreds for about 80 years and breeding rams for about 20 years, primarily because the breed suited the challenging Maniototo climate and topography. Because of that Duncan said he, wisely as it turned out, chose to ignore the recommendations. “They do well here, a mix of irrigation and high country. They

hang on well when it gets dry,” he said. When ground conditions are wet Merinos can have feet problems but that is not such an issue with halfbreds. Today a mix of wool contracts, new uses for the fibre, the late maturing of lambs and fertility rates comparable with downland crossbreeds means a halfbred lamb can easily return more than $200 and ewes each year clip $70 worth of wool plus lambs. The Duncans farm Craigneuk, a 7000ha property at Puketoi on the Maniototo plain, rising from basin-flats to hill country 1000m above sea level on Rough Ridge. Son Johnny said while the breed is enjoying prosperous times

NICE PLACE: Craigneuk Station in Otago’s Maniototo.

PATTERNS: Clouds and shadows on Rough Ridge, part of Craigneuk Station.

STOCK: Craigneuk Merino-Romney halfbred hoggets.

the reality is it suits that type of country. He estimates about half the farmers in Maniototo farm halfbreds. Wool now makes up about a third of Craigneuk’s income, as it does for fellow long-time halfbred farmers Tony and Tim O’Neill from Five Mile Station at Gimmerburn. Tim O’Neill said they sell most of their halfbred wool under contract to United States clothing maker Smartwool. Smartwool wants wool up to 26 micron and offers a floor price that can be and has been increased should the market lift. “It gives us confidence,” John Duncan said of the contract. “All we have got to do is feed the animals to the best of our ability.” Contracted wool must be classed but requires a very light skirt to remove any second cuts and excessively greasy tips. Depending on specifications the contract price for ewe fleece wool

is between $10 and $12 a kilogram with lambs’ wool, depending on length, even higher at about $15/ kg. The Duncans have hosted visits from Smartwool staff and retailers to show them how it is grown and where the sheep are farmed. Hosting a contingent of US retailers some years ago revealed to John Duncan the power of misinformation, with the visitors convinced sheep died once they were shorn. He spent some time correcting their misconception. With halfbred lambs not cutting their second teeth until a yearold they have been in demand, especially from Canterbury cropping farmers wanting to finish them on crop stubble over winter for the early prime lamb season. The lambs are shorn then killed at about 25kg carcase weight. That versatility let halfbred store lambs last autumn earn $20 to $25

All we have got to do is feed the animals to the best of our ability. John Duncan Craigneuk premiums over other breeds. “The halfbred breed gives you a lot of opportunity,” Johnny Duncan said. While their suitability makes it a straightforward decision to ignore the dire predictions and retain the breed, the family has been progressively improving the fertility, constitution, wool type, structure and handling for their commercial and ram breeding flocks. Johnny has looked as far away as Australia for Merino rams and recently bought a Romney stud to achieve his breeding goals. He looks for Merinos producing wool 17 to 19 microns with stretch and length that will be passed on to offspring. Every second year they import two or three Merino rams or semen from the New South Wales studs Bonnoke and Wanganella. They initially test it over their own Merino ewes to ensure it meets the breeding goals. In Romneys he looks for similar wool traits, targeting ewes growing 38 micron wool but also selects on nature, size and structure. He aims for a halfbred sheep that as a hogget clips 22.5 to 23 micron wool and as a mixed aged ewe clips about 5kg of 25.5 micron fleece and drops lambs with a survival rate of up to 150%. Every year they sell about 460 halfbred rams. The cross can be done either way, Romney ram over a Merino ewe or vice versa, but Duncan said it is possible to tell from their offspring which cross was done.

On Farm Story

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

FANS: Maniototo devotees of halfbred sheep, from left, Johnny Duncan, John Duncan, Tim O’Neill and Tony O’Neill. Tim O’Neill describes them as an easy-care breed, vital for their extreme climate where winters are cold and summers hot and dry but they are also productive. Lambs can grow at 400 grams a day on ewes. The O’Neill’s farm the 2500ha Five Mile Station, a property next to the Duncans’ and with similar topography. Tony O’Neill said the Merino instinct means halfbreds naturally spread over and graze the entire block, starting on the dark or shaded faces then moving to the sunny faces, which are ideal for co-grazing cattle. Another Merino trait of following other sheep, means they are easy to muster.

RESTING: Time out.

The average annual rainfall for Maniototo is 350mm to 400mm and both the O’Neills and Duncans have irrigated country to provide insurance against dry weather. The O’Neills run 7000 ewes, of which 6000 are halfbred, along with 1500 hoggets and 300 trading cattle. Last year they also kept 1800 trading lambs. Their farm is half hill country and half flat and they have 157ha irrigated. Craigneuk is similarly evenly split between flat and hill county and runs 9000 ewes and 6000 hoggets, a mix of replacement lambs for finishing and breeding. They also run 200 cows along with progeny and 130 velveting stags.

They have 420ha of irrigated pasture, 200ha of irrigated lucerne and 1000ha of dry land lucerne. Another who ignored the McKinsey call to quit mid micron wool was Kyeburn’s Johnny Hore, also contracted to Smartwool. He farms Ida Vale, 9500ha running from the Maniototo Basin to 1300m above sea level at the top of the Ida Range. Halfbred sheep suit his diverse property ranging from 3500ha of irrigated flats and dry land rolling downs to 6000ha of extensive tussock hill country. Hore runs 11,000 halfbred ewes, 2600 hoggets and 150 cows, staying loyal to a breed he describes as versatile and which has been run on Ida Vale for over 70 years. “They have been very good to me,” he said. Wool weights over all his flock average more than 5kg while lambing percentages are greater than 140%. Hore said when conditions get dry the halfbreds hang on longer than other breeds and when drought breaks they take off sooner. They need more work than a strong woolled crossbred, they can have feet problems and prefer wide-open space rather than confinement. But their versatility and returns for wool and lamb are ample compensation. In a favourable season Hore finishes all his lambs and, like this year, can carry some through for sale in late winter or early spring. But if he must sell them as store

he has a ready market for newly weaned lambs. Hore said he often thinks back to the McKinsey report

that forecast doom and gloom for mid micron wool and said he has no regrets ignoring its recommendation.

QUALITY CONTROL: Johnny Duncan inspects wool on a Merino-Romney halfbred ewe hogget.

World

36 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

English farms grapple with bobby calves ferries to the continent in 1994, which has a larger market for veal. But public protests, led by groups such as Compassion in World Farming, against animals being sent on long journeys in lorries and animal welfare standards in other countries has seen that outlet largely disappear. No calves were exported from England last year though an estimated 5000 calves did leave from Scotland and a further 20,000 went from Northern Ireland. Without exports, the main options for dairy producers are to rear bull calves themselves or sell them to a beef unit, an option complicated for those producers under bovine TB restrictions. In response to recent publicity around the issue, the AHDB convened a cross-industry meeting of people representing more than 50 organisations including retailers, farm organisations, vets, government and nongovernmental organisations to discuss ways of tackling the problem. Top of the list was how to find RMPP Action Network – Facilitator training courses better outcomes For rural professionals or farmers looking to run an Action for the bull calves Group under RMPP Action Network. No course fees. than on-farm Register at www.actionnetwork.co.nz/training disposal. Lead Facilitator workshops A spokesman • Hawkes Bay 20 & 21 September for the AHDB’s • East Coast/Gisborne 16 & 17 October cattle health and • Wellington 4 & 5 December welfare group, • Christchurch 7 & 8 December which hosted Action Network Fundamentals & Extension Design the meeting, said workshops “There are many • Hamilton 19 & 20 September • Whangarei 9 & 10 October things which will • Hawke’s Bay 17 & 18 October need to change • Invercargill 24 & 25 October if a market is • East Coast/Gisborne 13 & 14 November to be found for • Christchurch 12 & 13 December all male calves For more info contact info@actionnetwork.co.nz born into dairy herds, including Thursday 27/09/18 decisions on Rural Business Network

THERE has to be a viable market for dairy bull calves because compassion doesn’t pay the bills, British farmer Robert Drysdale says. Drysdale, who runs StraightLine Beef, Somerset, is one of a number of farmers producing beef from the dairy herd and moving away from the traditional notion of seeing bull calves as a nonproduct with minimal value. “Without demand we are not going to get rid of the surplus of calves. “It is not easy to say that it is profitable to make beef from dairy bulls. “There has to be a market.” The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board estimates about 95,000 dairy bull calves are still being disposed of on farms. Half-a-million calves were exported from dairy farms via

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agrievents

Effective Industry Collaboration for Environmental Gains - Rebecca Hyde Venue: Barge Showgrounds Events Centre, Whangarei Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Website: https://my.youngfarmers.co.nz/rbn/events

optimal breeding strategies and the choice of bulls and breeds which offer the best meat quality. “Farm investment is required to ensure stock is managed efficiently and reared to a specification which will suit retailers, the catering industry and provide a viable economic return to farmers.”

It is frustrating that UK retailers are not doing more to promote and educate consumers about British dairy beef and rose veal. Robert Drysdale Farmer Drysdale said the biggest challenge is promoting demand from consumers and retailers for rose veal and dairy bull beef. “It has to be more than just niche.” Drysdale rears Holstein-Friesian and Jersey bulls, selling to local butchers, retailers and export markets in Italy. He aims to finish

8000-head of dairy beef a year by 2020. He said UK retailers could help more. “It is frustrating that UK retailers are not doing more to promote and educate consumers about British dairy beef and rose veal.” Earlier this year chef and author Dan Barber said “Eating more veal may be the most sustainable thing you can do for a dairy farmer.” However, National Farmers Union dairy chairman Michael Oakes said encouraging customers to change their habits to buy veal is difficult. Instead, retailers focus on helping farmers reduce bull calf disposals. “Retailers are focusing on where they can make the most difference and that is in reducing the numbers of dairy bull calves being disposed on farm by their suppliers. “They have decided it is much harder to change consumer perception about veal.” Oakes uses sexed semen to produce beef-cross calves on his 180-cow dairy farm in Bromsgrove, Birmingham. He sells the calves at 10-14 days. “Selling them at that age is no real cost to me,” he said. “My motivation was about

getting more returns for my business. It is a financial win-win.” A beef cross calf is worth upwards of £180 more than a dairy bull from the same cow, according to AHDB, An NFU survey in 2017 found a 7% increase in the number of farmers using sexed semen, which can reduce the proportion of male calves being born to less than 10%. Despite a steady growth in the use and effectiveness of sexed semen since the early 1990s it accounted for only 18% of total semen sales in 2017. But dairy farmers, including those block calving, are wrong to be worried about conception rates, Promar regional consultant Jonathan Hill said. “There is possibly some merit in their argument but now with much-improved sexed semen, conception rates are shown to be much better. “There are many other management issues that affect conception rates before suggesting the issue is with the semen,” Hill said. Oakes said “I was initially concerned about the conception rates from using sexed semen but I am much more confident now.” UK Farmers Guardian

Meat eaters are driving the sales of plant food

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Wednesday 31/10/18 Rural Business Network Positioning for a very different future – Dr Warren Parker Venue: Barge Showgrounds Events Centre, Whangarei Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Website: https://my.youngfarmers.co.nz/rbn/events Saturday 1/12/18 Whangarei A&P Show – One Epic Show Day Venue: Barge Showgrounds, Maunu Road, Whangarei Time: 9.00am start Trade sites & Entries contact Chris 09 4383109 ext 3 website: www.whangareishow.co.nz

MONEY: National Farmers Union dairy chairman Michael Oakes motivation for keeping bobby calves till they are 10-14 days old is about getting more returns for his business.

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THE British meat and dairy industry has been urged to better market its products following a surge in the sale of plant-based alternatives to meat-eaters keen to try something new. An Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board report said sales are being driven by meat-eaters with plans to adopt some elements of a plant-based diet, without the pressure to commit full-time. Though 91% of United Kingdom people regard themselves as meat-eaters, veganism receives a disproportionate amount of media attention, board senior consumer insight analyst Susie Stannard said.

Only 2% of the population is vegan with flexitarians – those who want to cut down on meat consumption for health reasons – making up a further 7%. “In our recent qualitative research on young consumers we found that although many young people were open to veganism and found the ideals aspirational, when they actually tried it they encountered barriers in terms of cost, taste and how it made them feel.” According to research, almost half of Quorn purchases were made by meateaters while 45% of dairy alternative meals also featured a dairy product.

But the board said the plant-based diet is difficult to stick to, with many young women suffering anaemia. It instead called for producers to move towards more brand- and solution-led marketing. “Investment in driving down environmental impacts, more ethical methods of production and paying closer attention to product quality will cost more in the short-term but if meat and dairy alternatives end up being a viable, acceptable tasting and cost-effective option for consumers, this could become the price of entry,” Stannard said. UK Farmers Guardian

World

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018

Opponents’ online abuse on rise FARMERS are increasingly receiving online threats from militant vegans and animal rights groups who disagree with their practices, a survey in Britain by the Countryside Alliance has found. Its survey examined the extent of online bullying for rural folk and businesses involved in country sports, such as shooting and hunting. Dozens of farmers and landowners responded to the survey, which attracted 500 responses in total. Livestock farmers reported they had been branded “murderers” and “paedophiles” after posting pictures related to sheep and dairy farming practices on Facebook and Twitter. One said “Militant vegans and antis are making Facebook a near no-go area for anyone with a passion for country sports or farming. “Being labelled a murderer and animal abuser daily and hate messages via PM are getting more common. “I have a thick skin and a dogmatic approach, not giving in and standing my ground but it is

very intimidating and, for some, extremely personal and upsetting.” Another farmer said “Post anything to do with sheep and I’m called a murderer.” And a landowner said he was the victim of an online campaign by activists, including a Facebook post about him and inciting others to damage equipment on his estate. When asked if online bullying has worsened over the past year, 78% said yes. One respondent said “I think it’s getting worse. The comments I’m getting make me feel ill, very nasty and shocking. To be honest, it’s scary.” Some farmers said online abuse is so bad they have stopped engaging in social media or stopped advertising their businesses online. The survey found 62% of people in rural areas have been harassed online for supporting country sports. The alliance is now calling on the government and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to take this kind of abuse seriously and make the internet a safer place.

A Countryside Alliance spokesman said “The online bullying of rural communities that support country sports continues to grow year on year and has become more aggressive and antagonistic. “The government and social media platforms need to act now to reassure country sports supporters that content is policed properly.” The alliance plans to write to Facebook and Twitter requesting a meeting and demanding the abuse is taken seriously. In May the government announced plans for the creation of new laws to improve online safety.

A government spokesman said “We’ve proposed a social media code of practice, which sets clear responsibilities for industry to tackle bullying on their platforms and improve support for users. “And we are currently developing new, world-leading laws to address the full range of online harms and make the UK the safest place to be online.”

The Countryside Alliance advises farmers: Don’t respond to and don’t forward any abusive messages; Take screen shots of the abuse so you have proof; Report all abuse to the relevant social media networks; Block the bully and; Report the abuse to the police if there are threats of violence or harassment. For the police to take any action you must be prepared to give evidence.

BULLIES: Farmers are increasingly the targets of online abuse that includes not only criticism but also threats from militants.

Zero target too tough A NET zero-emissions goal being pursued by the British government could make farmers uncompetitive, the National Farmers Union says Deputy president Guy Smith made the remarks after a crossparty group of more than 100 MPs wrote to Prime Minister Theresa May urging her to back the target. In the letter, the MPs said the United Kingdom should become one of the first countries to set the goal in law, citing a recent poll by Opinium that showed 64% of adults agree emissions should be cut to zero over the next few decades. The demand came shortly after Climate Minister Claire Perry promised to instruct the government’s advisers to consider ways the UK can meet the target. Smith said “When it comes to setting a zero-carbon goal, regulators need to be mindful that, in the case of agriculture, it is all too easy to make our own farmers uncompetitive through overbearing regulation, which will simply suck in higher carbon imports.

“Increasing the productive efficiency of livestock management and crop nitrogen management and making improvements to soil health would help to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and bring business benefits but there are no silver bullets to deliver a net zero emissions farming system.” The union also said British farmers are helping to decarbonise other parts of the economy by installing or hosting renewable energy projects and supplying bioenergy feedstocks, somewhat balancing the industry’s emissions costs and benefits. In Scotland, where the net zero target is also under consideration, outgoing Quality Meat Scotland chairman Jim McLaren said it will have devastating consequences for the agricultural industry and could well put an end to livestock production. He claimed the targets for reducing emissions are already world-leading and had led to significant improvements. UK Farmers Guardian

Dairy Farmer’s lively and engaging monthly debate that enables you to voice your views on topics chosen by the Dairy Farmer team with monthly prizes kindly donated by businesses supporting the agricultural industry. Have your say on subjects that might be hard to talk about, that push the agricultural industry forward or just have a break from the seriousness of everyday farm life with fun and interesting topics.

October Debate:

Bathurst 2018

Ford holden

Two entries are required for the debate from opposing views so grab your friend, partner, neighbour or a staff member and get talking.

Enter now at

farmersweekly.co.nz/pull-the-udder-one

BENEFICIAL: Renewable energy projects are already somewhat balancing agriculture’s emissions, the National Farmers Union says.

Terms and conditions apply. Winning entries are published at GlobalHQ’s discretion. Winners will be contacted personally by GlobalHQ.

2473DF

The submission deadline is September 17

Two Skellerup Red Band family vouchers to be won!

g n i tt Si

FENCE? ON THE

If the chatter around your place has been “will we sell?” or “shall we wait?”, then jump off the fence and be part of Bayleys’ next Country magazine – there’s no time like the present to secure your future. Planning for the eagerly-awaited Spring edition of Country is underway now. Country magazine has given owners of rural New Zealand property the opportunity to access motivated and serious buyers for almost 20 years. It’s a proven way to get in front of the market and to tap into Bayleys’ extensive local, national and international databases at the same time. Our rural sales team is hard-wired to do the ground work for you – that’s why Bayleys is recognised as New Zealand’s number one rural brand. So talk to your local Bayleys office today and lock in your Country spot now.

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RURAL REAL ESTATE BRAND

FEATURING

FARM, HORTICULTURE AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE ISSUE 1 – 2018

NEW LISTING

Waimate 3840 Waimate Highway

A great dairy opportunity Hill Dairy is a 323ha dairy unit situated on the downs. It has had a history of carrying up-to 1,000 cows and annual milk solids of up to 341,551kgMS from its irrigated downland pastures. There is a budgeted return for the 2018/19 season of 288,000kgMS from approximately 850 cows, which sets the basis from which to grow this attractive, low-cost dairy farm, providing plenty of upside for a potential purchaser. Infrastructure includes a 40-bail rotary dairy, calf-rearing facilities, an array of ancillary buildings and two homes. An easy-contour dairy farm with plentiful low-cost water and over 150ha of recently renovated pastures, well-located and in a well-regarded dairy farming area.

bayleys.co.nz/558133

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty 4pm, Thu 27 Sep 2018 All offers to Ken McKenzie, RSM Law, 17 Strathallan St, Timaru 7910 Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Mike Adamson 027 221 1909 Peter Foley 021 754 737 WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

NEW LISTING

Waimate 166 Ryans Road

Prime dairy with low-cost water Ryans Road Dairy is a 287ha freehold dairy farm close to Waimate with a border-dyke irrigation system. Currently leasing an adjoining 40ha milking platform, it milks approximately 1,100 cows, producing around 500,000kgMS including winter milk, supplying Oceania Glenavy Milk Company. Supporting infrastructure includes a 70-bail rotary dairy, calf rearing sheds, four-bay implement shed, managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home and staff accommodation. Good subdivision and an excellent lane system provide access to the centrally located dairy shed. Stock water supply reticulation, shelterbelts and a consented effluent system with 30 days storage, all contribute to the production success of this property.

bayleys.co.nz/558094

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty 4pm, Thu 27 Sep 2018 All offers to Ken McKenzie, RSM Law, 17 Strathallan Street, Timaru 7910 Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Peter Foley 021 754 737 Mike Adamson 027 221 1909 WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 3, 2018

Matamata 32 Hopkins Road

Whatawhata 44 Lindsay Road

Prime dairy location

City fringe 98.8 hectares

A stunning property in a superb location - call now to arrange a time to view.

Situated in the very popular Rotokauri area, the central location, fantastic contour and fertile soils open up a myriad of options all within a short commute of the city. Comprised of 98.8ha (more or less) of highly productive land with flat to softly rising contour. Currently operating as a grazing property, your options are endless with the property easily lending itself to grazing, large equine or horticulture. A range of improvements include a disused cowshed, haybarn, workshop and a variety of sheds. The four bedroom home has prime position on an elevated site along with a large three bay American style barn. Land of this quality, size and location provides the opportunity for significant future potential, explore what is on offer here and dream of future possibilities.

bayleys.co.nz/814730

bayleys.co.nz/814548

Located right in the heart of some of the most sought after thoroughbred and dairy land in the country you will find this picturesque 88 hectare dairy unit (STS) of flat to rolling meadows. Currently operating as a low cost dairy unit milking 300 cows producing 1,200kgMS per hectare. Immaculately maintained, the properties improvements include a 24 ASHB dairy, plus full range of support buildings. Accommodation is in the form of a quality four bedroom character home supported by a one bedroom sleepout.

Price by Negotiation View by appointment Sam Troughton 027 480 0836 sam.troughton@bayleys.co.nz Alistair Scown 027 494 1848 alistair.scown@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Auction (unless sold prior) 12pm, Thu 20 Sep 2018 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Wed 5 Sep & Wed 12 Sep Peter Kelly 027 432 4278 peter.kelly@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading rural real estate company

OPEN DAY

Ring Fence Your Investment

Taranaki 232 Tikorangi Road

Holland Road

Mixed land use options Located only 6.5km off SH 3 is a 108 hectare farm (subject to final survey) currently used for winter milk production supplying Fonterra. With a mix of fertile Tikorangi flats and rolling to easy hill contour the property offers options. These could include continuing on as a dairy unit or the possibility of a mix of horticulture, grazing and/or dairy. Farm infrastructure includes a 22 a-side shed with concrete feed pad, a range of implement sheds and three bedroom home plus sleep out. Situated in a well located area with the possibilities of mixed land use, a mostly temperate climate and flexible settlement dates the property offers opportunities.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 1pm, Wed 19 Sep 2018 Bayleys Taranaki, 15 Courtenay Street View 11am-12pm Thu 6 Sep or by appointment Mark Monckton 021 724 833 mark.monckton@bayleys.co.nz

Comprising 42.76ha (more or less) of compressed peat soils with central lane and dissecting all 32+ paddocks. Water is via a bore with town water at boundary if required. Currently used for maize cropping and support dairy grazing. Suitable for cropping, horticulture (blueberries), beef fattening or land banking. A set of cattle yards and pump shed complete the picture. This property is in an excellent location close to Hamilton. pggwre.co.nz/MAT28641

SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Eureka AUCTION Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 11.00am, Wed 26 September PGGWRE, 87 Duke St, Cambridge VIEW 1.30-2.30pm, Monday 3, 10 & 17 September

Trevor Kenny M 021 791 643

trevor.kenny@pggwrightson.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/522734 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

pggwre.co.nz

Property Brokers Licensed REAA 2008

Here’s our promise Our people have the experience and expertise to support your needs and deliver you the best results. Our True Team promise is our undertaking that when you work with us, while you’ll still have a lead agent, you’re guaranteed to have a true team of equally committed agents, marketing experts and support staff working for you, right across the country. They will put your interests first, to get you and your farm the best result. For over three decades we’ve been contributing to the prosperity and wellbeing of provincial communities that we call home.

Looking to buy, sell, invest or have your property managed? Call us on 0800 367 5263 or go to pb.co.nz

Proud to be here

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

One of King Countrys' finest

NEW LISTING WEB ID TER61000

PIOPIO 220 Tikitiki Road • 278 ha of which the effective area is 275 ha situated in a renowned farming district being just 7km north of Piopio and 20km south of Te Kuiti. • An excellent balance of contour with 50% being cropable or mowable. • Versatile Maeroa Ash soil type with a sound fertiliser history. • Subdivided into 40 main paddocks with a very high standard of conventional fencing. • A summer-safe, spring fed water supply is gravity fed with excellent pressure to all troughs.

• Structural improvements include a three bedroom dwelling, a four stand woolshed, 2 hay barns, implement shed and 2 sets of cattle yards, one of which has load out facilities. • Currently run as an all-cattle finishing property so would make an ideal dairy support proposition. • A quality property offered to the market for the first time in over 40 years.

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Friday 5th October, 2018 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), Bailey Ingham Accountants 18 Maniapoto Street Otorohanga

Doug Wakelin

Mobile 027 321 1343 dougw@pb.co.nz

Hugh Williams

Mobile 021 878782 Office 07 8788266 Home 07 878 7822 hugh@pb.co.nz

3 1

Finishing with location

NEW LISTING WEB ID TER62512

TE KUITI 154 State Highway 3 • 274 ha of which 250 ha is effective with balance being in native bush. • An excellent location being just 1.5km south of Te Kuiti on SH 3. • Good mix of contour. Subdivided with a high standard of conventional fencing. • Reliable spring fed water pumped to a manicon then gravity fed around the farm. • High standard of structural improvements which includes a four bedroom homestead, an additional three bedroom dwelling, 4 stand woolshed with covered yards

pb.co.nz

and a new set of concreted cattle yards with a double level load-out. • Currently utilised as an all-cattle beef finishing property.

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Friday 5th October, 2018 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), Bailey Ingham Accountants 18 Maniapoto Street Otorohanga

Hugh Williams

Mobile 021 878782 Office 07 8788266 Home 07 878 7822 hugh@pb.co.nz

4 Doug Wakelin

Mobile 027 321 1343 dougw@pb.co.nz

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 3, 2018

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HALL’S PORTFOLIO

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

$5 0,0 00

Op en to W ho les PAR ale CE L /E lig S ibl eI nv es to rs

Two strategically located industrial logistics sites: > Outstanding 2.1 hectare Takanini property > Centrally located 1.2 hectare Waikato property

✓ Long term leases (12 & 15 yrs)

guaranteed by Hall’s Group Ltd

✓ Fixed annual rental growth ✓ Future expansion potential

(with mid-term review to market)

PROJECTED PRE-TAX CASH RETURN (PROJECTED TO 31/3/20)

To register your interest and to receive a copy of the Information Memorandum contact: CHARLIE OSCROFT on 021 824 564, charlie.oscroft@colliers.com or call KRIS ONGLEY on 09 358 9870.

Colliers International Ltd. Licensed under the REAA 2008

This offer is limited to persons who are wholesale investors for the purposes of the offer in terms of clause 3(2) or 3(3)(a) of Schedule 1 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. No indication of interest will involve an obligation or commitment to acquire interests. The 8% p.a. projected pre-tax return until 31 March 2020 is a projection only. The actual returns paid may differ. This investment is subject to risk, and is not guaranteed. Investors are advised to read the Information Memorandum, and seek independent financial advice.

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 3, 2018

Accelerating success.

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Employment

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 3, 2018

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

SHEPHERD/GENERAL

Farm Operations Manager

Marlborough coastal hill country station. 2300 acres plus 700 leased.

Mokai Station – Taihape

Single accommodation available. LK0094033©

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.

LK0094092©

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

Applications close Friday 14th September 2018

Our Feilding-based team needs to grow and right now we have a vacancy for a smartthinking candidate with a real interest in the business of farming to work along side our five analysts. Get ready to lose the tie, grab a coffee and join our brilliant AgriHQ team using the latest tools to produce in-demand red meat and forestry sector data and analysis. But don’t get too comfortable, because with a great working environment comes serious responsibility, decision making, and company collaboration! If you have ambitions to succeed in the primary sector, this is the perfect place to start. Not only are there great prospects at GlobalHQ, but this job will give you a solid platform to launch your career in agribusiness. To register your interest and request a job description, please email: steph.holloway@globalhq.co.nz

The owner is seeking to appoint a Farm Operations Manager for the business who displays excellence in the fundamentals of farming and who can work with the governance team to implement their strategic focus. You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the property with the key to your success being your first-class stockmanship skills in both breeding and finishing supported by a capable team of at least six working dogs. Due to the climatic conditions you will require a proactive approach to pasture management. As the Farm Operations Manager you will help to incorporate the use of modern farming technologies and be involved in strategic planning with the vision of future proofing the business. Desired personal characteristics are excellent attention to detail, honesty and integrity and a personable and open-minded nature. Accommodation is a comfortable three bedroom cottage with a local primary school only 12 minutes drive away. This outstanding location will provide you with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy with the ranges at your doorstep! To view a Job Information Pack or to apply, please visit www.ruraldirections.co.nz or phone the Rural Directions team in confidence on 06 871 0450 (Reference #3211). Applications close 5pm Monday, 17th September 2018.

LK0094083©

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.

www.farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

TIROA E TRUST (Tiroa Station)

GlobalHQ is the country’s most innovative multi-media agri-information hub. We work hard to create valuable content that informs, inspires and entertains. We invest in great people, and products including the AgriHQ suite of data and analysis products, Farmers Weekly, On Farm Story and Dairy Farmer.

Ag jobs at your fingertips

HEAD SHEPHERD

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.

Red meat and forestry

Mokai Station lies at the head of the picturesque Mokai Valley and borders the Ruahine Range; 30km north-east of Taihape. This stunning 1900ha (809ha effective) station runs a mixed enterprise of sheep, cattle and deer and for many who have worked there this property holds a special place in their past.

LK0094149©

AgriHQ junior analyst

Applicants preferably to have own dogs.

Apply to: Robert Fisher 027 496 2382 or Alec Tuanui 027 244 9270

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

Applications close: September 10, 2018

EMPLOYMENT

REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY Please print clearly

Name: Phone: Address: Email: Heading: Advert to read:

Operations Managers – Central Plateau Tuatahi Farming Partnership is a progressive and growing farming business formed in 2010 by two Maori Incorporations. The Partnership engages professional management and is governed by a Board of Directors. Tuatahi is seeking two high level Operations Managers for two of its three Stations located in the Central North Island. The Operations Manager will report directly to the General Manager. Manunui Station is a hill country sheep breeding/finishing and cattle finishing operation, 1700 eff ha running 17,200su. Moerangi/Oraukura Station is a sheep, beef and deer breeding operation with a bull finishing unit, 2572 eff ha running 25,350su. This property is farmed under a nitrogen cap being predominantly located in the Lake Taupo Catchment. Responsibilities - this is a working manager’s position with the following key areas of responsibility: • Development of Strategy directly associated with the farm unit in conjunction with the Executive Team and Board • Planning, executing, reviewing and reporting against farm targets • Operational Management – covering all areas including budgeting, targets, resource requirements and reporting • Financial Management and Control • HR – management, recruiting, training, mentoring • Asset Management • Identify Opportunities, analyse and implement The Applicants need to have demonstrated: • leadership skills working in a team environment • the ability to develop people including themselves farming with a high level of industry knowledge These roles are new positions within the Partnership due to current and future growth to strengthen and secure a high level management team for the future. This is a rare opportunity to join a major farming enterprise that has expansion in its sights. The position offers the successful candidates the prospects of significant career and skill development. Applications should be made directly to Tuatahi Farming LP General Manager, Barry Pope. Email:tuatahi@tuatahi.co.nz

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

or phone 07 386 5751, 021 501 377.

The closing date for applications is Friday 14 September, 2018

LK0094168©

• high levels of competency in all technical and financial aspects of pastoral

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

Classifieds

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

Phone:

Address: Email: Heading: Advert to read:

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 3, 2018

ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS

DOGS FOR SALE

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

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

HEADING BITCH, two years old. Huntly area. $2000. Phone 027 225 3590.

ANIMAL AND HUMAN healer, also manipulation on horses and dogs. In South Canterbury / Otago / Southland from 10 - 21 September. For more information phone Ron Wilson 027 435 3089.

ATTENTION FARMERS

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

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

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

HUNTAWAY PUPS x 3, 5 months old. Two dogs one bitch. Vaccinated, wormed, very keen. $100 each. Phone 07 894 6660 after 7pm. 75 DOGS IN STOCK. Guaranteed. Trial. Deliver South/North Island. www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553. HUNTAWAY BITCH, 5 months, b&t. Great bark, wants to work. Parents both Mainstays. 06 388 1425.

CONTRACTORS

HUNTAWAY PUPS, 14 weeks, $250. Phone 06 863 9815.

GORSE AND THISTLE SPRAYING. Experience teams with mist blowers, hand pumps and gun and hose. No job too big. Camp out teams. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

YOUNG HEADING and Huntaways. Top working bloodlines. View our website www.ringwaykennels.co.nz Join us on Facebook: Working dogs New Zealand. Phone 027 248 7704.

FOR SALE

SELLING SOMETHING? Advertise in Farmers Weekly

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

FARM MAPPING

ANIMAL HANDLING

Phone Debbie Brown 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

DOGS WANTED 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. BUYING SOUTH AND North Islands. No trial or breeding required. Noone buys or pays more! www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553.

VETMARKER LAMB DOCKING / TAILING CHUTE

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

LK0093733©

EARMARKERS

WANTED FORESTRY/ WOODLOTS

POWER CABLE

(Shelters removed or harvested)

Tree Tec Ltd: What do we do? We can purchase standing trees, land and trees or harvest and market on your behalf. No worries as we’ll do all the hard work for you around health and safety, resource consent application and management. Harvesting and trucking.

The Combi Clamp …

We could save you hundreds of $$

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

Call or email Tree Tec Aaron West 027 562 3832 aaron@treetec.co.nz

Cattle Handling Equipment

Standard Crush, Vet Crush, 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

FARMERS

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

GOATS WANTED

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

NZ KELP. FRESH, wild ocean harvested giant kelp. The world’s richest source of natural iodine. Dried and milled for use in agriculture and horticulture. Growth promotant / stock health food. As seen on Country Calendar. Orders to: 03 322 6115 or info@nzkelp.co.nz

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

T HI NK P R E B U I L T

SOLID – PRACTICAL

Mobile: 027 446 3383 | A/hrs: 06 328 9851 Email: timmccollcontractingld@xtra.co.nz

All types of earthwoks and metal contacting

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

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

HYDRAULIC DEER CRUSH. Good condition. Phone 027 787 3256. Preferably South Island.

WEED SPRAYING LK0093237©

Ltd

Kiwitea, Feilding

WANTED TO BUY

WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

Tim McColl Contracting Ltd Tim McColl, Owner / Operator

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

NEW HOMES LK0093741©

• Do you need new farm tracks or upgrade existing ones? • Or have you metal that could be used for crushing? We do: • On site metal crushing • Metal supply and cartage • Upgrade existing tracks and drainage • Retaining wall construction • River protection and stream maintenance • All types of earthworks and metal contracting

0800 227 228

www.combiclamp.co.nz

ALLOY SLIDER DOOR 2.4 x 1.9 $200. Ex colonial door 18 pane framed $150. Antique kauri door $100. Two cool-room doors and materials $200. Three coils deer netting $150. Dog cage trap $150. Louvre window 1.0 x 600 $25. Cub cadet ride on not going $200. Two vintage outboards $150. Hit and miss motor for restoration or ornament $150. Pukekohe area. Phone 021 207 0500. DOG/PET FOOD. Lamb/ Beef and chicken products. All natural - raw - no preservatives or additives. NOSLOC PRODUCTS. Ex-freezer Te Kuiti. For information and prices www.nosloc.com or phone 07 878 6868.

PROPERTY WANTED

LK0094055©

Reliable Strong, ffi cient E and

FOR SALE

HORTICULTURE

Prices include delivery to your door!

GUARANTEED PAYMENTS

LK0094169©

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

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

GOATS. 40 YEARS experience mustering feral cattle and feral goats anywhere in NZ. 50% owner (no costs). 50% musterer (all costs). Phone Kerry Coulter 027 494 4194.

HOOF TRIMMER

LK0094170©

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!

FERTILISER

BIRDSCARER DE HORNER

Combi Clamp Sheep Handler

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

BOOM SPRAY. Broad acre, brush weed control, total vegetation. Hilux gun and hose units x 2 and mist blowers for gorse, broome, blackberry control. Covering Lower North Island. Phone 06 375 8660 or 021 396 447, email kingbilly718@gmail.com

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 3, 2018

RANUI Safe Traceable Bulls

ANGUS

Bulls For Heifer Mating

MATING DAIRY COWS?

livestock@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

Okupata Herefords

YEARLING BULL & HEIFER SALE

32nd Annual Bull Sale

Under cover on farm sale Monday 10th September 2018, 12 noon

12 noon Tuesday, 11th September, 2018 Karamu, 662 Rangitatau East Rd, Wanganui

YEARLING BULL & HEIFER SALE

ON OFFER: 30Eastyearling bulls Karamu, 662 Rangitatau Rd, Wanganui 35 yearling heifers On offer:

THE CHOICE IS

40 - Registered 2yr Hereford Bulls 87 - Commercial 2yr Hereford Bulls 14 - Registered 2yr Murray Grey Bulls

12 noon Tuesday, September 25, 2007

25 yearling bulls 30 yearling heifers, which will be sold in lots

300 BULLS AVAILABLE

ENQUIRIES TO: Lindsay Johnstone 027 445 3211 Lin Johnstone 027 445 3213

MIKE CRANSTONE - 027 218 0123 SALE Thursday 20 Sept, 12noon Riverton Herefords, Wanganui

www.ezicalve.co.nz

 Vet inspected  Quiet temperament

PGG WRIGHTSON AGENTS: Callum Stewart 027 280 2688 Ken Roberts 027 591 8042

OKUPATA STUD 860 Okupata Road, RD 1, Oparau 3885 Philip P: 07 871 0524 • M: 027 544 4658 Thomas P: 07 212 2284 • M: 027 711 1291 • E: okupata@farmside.co.nz

DEFERRED PAYMENT UNTIL 20TH DECEMBER 2018

INQUIRIES TO: Lin Johnstone Lindsay Johnstone 06 342 9833 06 342 9795 W & K AGENTS Blair Robinson Don Newland 027 491 9974 027 242 4878

LK0094061©

WILL MORRISON - 027 640 1166 SALE Tuesday 25 Sept, 12noon Ardo Herefords, Marton

LK0093857©

 All cattle BVD & EBL tested  All cattle electric fence trained  TB status C10

Hillcroft Est. 1960

Fowler Farms Ltd

Annual Spring Bull Sale

More bull for your buck!

Hillcroft bulls: born and bred on our closed breeding unit. No bulls have been leased.

20 ANGUS YEARLINGS

Rangatira 13-4 Sire of 1 & 2 yr olds

8TH ANNUAL SERVICE BULL SALE

26 HEREFORD 2 YR OLDS Sires:

Selected for heifer mating

Held on farm and undercover at 470 Wilford Road, Hurleyville, South Taranaki Tuesday 11th September 2018 at 11.00am

• Ardo Prophet 2329. Top 5% Hereford prime and dairy maternal. Top 10% NZ calving ease, NZ carcaseweight • Riverton Lochie 1320. Top 5% C ease

93 ANGUS 2 YR OLDS

ORDER OF SALE: • 90 Hereford 2 & 3 Yr • 50 Angus 2 & 3 Yr • 30 Murray Grey 2 & 3 Yr

Lot 5 - Sire Rangatira 13-50

• Numerous lines of Virgin Bulls of All Breeds Nait numbers 100% recorded • Deferred payment until 20th DECEMBER 2018 • Grazing available at vendors risk until 20th November 2018

Lot 11 Rangatira 13-50

On bull farm: 820 Waiterimu Road, Ohinewai • Monday 17th September 11.30am

Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

farmersweekly.co.nz

COMPLIMENTARY BBQ LUNCH PROVIDED LK0094020©

Enquiries welcome – call for a catalogue or view online www.angusnz.com or FB hillcroftangus Malcolm & Fraser Crawford: Matahuru Rd, Ohinewai Malcolm Phone 07 828 5709; Fraser Phone 07 828 5755, 0272 85 95 87

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

• 90 Jersey 2 Yr • 25 Jersey 1 Yr (300kg+) • 25 Jersey Autumn Born

$50 cash back on any bulls taken on week of sale

AUCTIONEERS NOTE:

We are extremely pleased to offer this outstanding line up of quality, well grown service bulls. All entries are TB and BVD negative, BVD, IBR and leptospirosis vaccinated. Test results available on request.

Bernie & Irene Fowler 06 273 4400 or 027 201 2552

NZ FARMERS LIVESTOCK Grant Hobbs 027 477 7406 Kent Myers 027 455 5828 Daniel Hornby 027 552 3514 Chris Hay 027 602 4454

Brent Espin 027 551 3660 Warren Espin 027 677 6361

LK0094078©

Lot 2 - Sire Stern 358

• 30 Red Devon 2 & 3 Yr • 10 Ayrshire 2 Yr • 30 Jersey 3 Yr

craigmore

polled herefords YEARLING BULL SALE

Monday 10th September 2018, at 12.30pm Luncheon available

On A/C D.B & S.E Henderson At the stud property: 429 Rukuhia Road, RD 2, Ohaupo 93 Registered Well Grown Bulls All bulls SNP DNA tested to verify parentage and improve accuracy of EBVs

Craigmore Hereford bulls carry the Hereford Blue tag.

Lot 1: Craigmore Anzac 17231

Delivery can be delayed until 1st October 2018

For further information or inspection, please contact: Vendors: David 07 825 2677, 021 166 1389 or the selling agents: PGG Wrightson: Vaughan Larsen 027 801 4599, Cam Heggie 027 501 8182

LK0093837©

We have bulls that will suit beef and dairy farmers www.craigmoreherefords.co.nz

livestock@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 3, 2018

KAYJAY ANGUS

MAUNGAKARAMEA SPRING CATTLE FAIR

MAUNGAKARAMEA SALEYARDS FRIDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2018

LK0094152©

Approx 1400 cattle: 100 x R2yr Steers 100 x R2yr Heifers 850 x Yearling Steers 300 x Yearling Heifers Enquiries Paul Chapman 021 242 7799 Tim Williamson 027 511 7778

31 BULLS SUITED TO HEIFERS & COWS 28 HEIFERS READY FOR MATING ANNUAL YEARLING BULL & HEIFER SALE

FRIDAY 21 September at 12.30pm

Northland Herds

ENQUIRIES & VIEWING WELCOME • For CATALOGUES or to join our MAILING LIST Contact: Neil & Joan Kjestrup 06 372 2838 or Rod & Sam Kjestrup 06 372 7533 kayjaycattleco@outlook.com

180 In-Milk Xbreds BW88 PW108 RA80% Long 38 year history. Calving complete. Strong uddered, 430ms, System 3 $1850 260 Xbreds BW99 PW125 RA100% Mated to suit Farm sold, 10yrs LIC breeding. 5 weeks AB, 367ms/ cow. Low SCC. Excellent Xbred herd $2000 Contact Kaneo: 027 286 9279

Rockhill Jerseys

LK0093967©

490 F/FX cows BW88 PW114 RA98% DTC 20/7 Top S/M herd owned 33 years with 200 identified A2A2 cows. Good strong Frsn cows milked on very wet property. 270 x 2-3yrs, 330 ms/cow, Low SCC. Waikato. $2200 480 Frsns BW100 PW116 RA99%. Mated to suit 40 years history. Big Strong cows on system 5. 580 ms/cow. BOP. $POA 900 Xbreds BW70 PW89 RA87% Mated to suit Owned 25 years (LIC). Strong udders throughout the herd. System 2, 380 ms/cow. G3 profiled the last 7yrs. Wairarapa $POA September Calvers 3 Lines available, F/FX/J 58 x BW50 PW68, 33 x BW70 PW93, 66 x BW83 PW107 Contact Webby: 027 801 8057

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

A choice offering of 60 in milk high index jersey cows comprising of:

• 75% of all stock are A2/A2 These cows become available from end of September. Closed system. Contact Bruce ph 027 441 0924

LOWER HERE NGA WE ROA D , WA V E RLE Y

“The beef breed for every need” Owner Bred - Closed Herd Genuine Home-Bred Beef Bulls 2-YR OLD BULLS FERTILITY TESTED

IAN & DANIEL SMITH P/F: 06 762 7899 • Mobile: 021 749 235 • Email: daniel.rae@primowireless.co.nz

USE A

DAIRY BULL SALES

BW 100, PW 105

WEDNESDAY 12th SEPT, 2018 - 12 NO ON

NZ FARMERS LIVESTOCK Jeremy Newell: 027 664 8832 Tim Hurley: 027 445 1167

Proven as a pure breed Proven as dairy beef sires Proven in NZ since 1898 Breeders New Zealand wide www.redpollcattle.co.nz See us on Facebook

• 16 mixed age Jersey cows

POL L E D H E R E F O R D S TUD

Offering Merit Sires • Low Birth Weights Easy Calving • Whitehead Premiums Performance Recorded • BVD & Lepto vaccinated/tested

Medium size and docile Fertile – Polled – Free calving High yielding tender carcass

• 47 R3 cows BW 140, PW 126

SHADOW DOWNS

44 2yr & 16 1yr

THAMES VALLEY GENETIC LEADERS HIGH BW JERSEY BULL SALE

LK0094145©

Waikato/Southern North Island Herds

New Zealand Red Poll

PGG WRIGHTSON Mark Neil: 027 742 8580 Callum Stewart: 027 280 2688

REGISTERED

SALE TALK

A guy’s driving down a country road and sees a farmer in his orchard feeding his pigs. He’s taking one pig at a time, holding him up, letting him eat an apple out of the tree, and setting him down before picking up another pig and letting him eat an apple. The guy pulls over, walks up to the farmer and says, “Wouldn’t it save time to just knock all the apples on the ground and let the pigs eat them all at once?” The farmer turned around, looks him up and down and says, “What’s time to a pig?

MURRAY GREY BULL FOR...

Friday 14th September 2018, 11.30am Start Venue: Paeroa Saleyards 3 Jersey two year bulls 24 Jersey yearling bulls 4 Crossbred yearling bulls Average BW 193, Top BW 223, 26 bulls with BWs above 180 Well grown and well presented bulls from two leading Thames Valley Jersey establishments. Vendors M/S Crescent Genetics Ltd have supplied many bulls to AB companies and have had more bulls than any other breeder go in to the SPS. Little River Jerseys (Brewster Family) have high BW bulls and always offer very well grown individuals. These bulls have been owner bred and reared, have been BVD tested and/or vaccinated and are from TB C10 herds. Mycoplasma Bovis certification will be available on sale day. You can purchase with confidence from this outstanding offering. Experience the Jersey advantage by selecting from this sale. Catalogues giving all details available on line at www.agonline.co.nz or www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com.

• Calving ease • Polled calves • Colour dominant • • Easy to sell calves • Easy to finish progeny • LK0094103©

HIGH GENETIC QUALITY JERSEY BULL SALE

Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd Brian Robinson – 0272 410 051 PGG Wrightson Rhys Mellow – 0272 240 999

23 Registered Yearling Bulls

For more information contact: MIKE PHILLIPS • M: 027 404 5943 or visit: www.murraygreys.co.nz Like us on Facebook: NZ Murray Grey Breeders

All enquiries: Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd Kevin 0272 915 575 or Brian 0272 410 051 PGG Wrightson Andrew Reyland – 0272 237 092

All enquiries:

ISOLA HEREFORDS FOR SALE

PROFITABLE BEEF CATTLE!

57th Holstein Friesian National Bull Sale, Tuesday 18th September 2018, Te Awamutu. Williams Jerseys Ltd Jersey Bull Sale, Monday 10th September, Okaihau Northland. Thames Valley Genetic Leaders Jersey Bull Sale, Friday 14th September, Paeroa. Catalogues available. Watch the Waikato Times and NZ Farmer Weekly for more details. The National Jersey Bull sale and the Ayrshire Breeders Bull sale are not being held this year due to lack of entries.

ALL ENQUIRIES PH: Nick Murdoch: 021 0269 6635 Dianne Murdoch: 021 419 297 Franklin, South Auckland

• Isola is a CLOSED HERD and has NO trading stock • LOW BIRTH WEIGHT and SHORT GESTATION • Well grown yearlings that are easy to handle • Calving ease • Whiteface advantage to maximise calf sales • BVD + EBL tested and vaccinated • TB status C10 • EBV’s available

WILLIAMS JERSEYS LTD Monday 10th September 2018, 11.30am Start On farm 1013 Wiroa Road, RD1, Okaihau, Northland

• 9 two year bulls • 48 one year bulls • From one of the leading suppliers of bulls to the National Dairy Herd • Supplier of many bulls to LIC Premier Sires • BW range 160 – 221 • All bulls weighed, G3 profiled, BVD tested and vaccinated • All bulls owner bred, reared and farmed • Delivery to suit purchaser requirement Catalogues giving all details available View on line at www.agonline.co.nz or www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com. All enquiries: Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd Kevin 0272 915 575 or Brian 0272 410 051 PGG Wrightson Vaughan Vujcich 0274 968 706

LK0094120©

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 3, 2018

livestock@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

MAHUTA

PROGRESSIVE LIVESTOCK LTD

Annual Yearling Bull Sale

WANTED

Friday 21st September 2018

17-Born Friesian Yearling Heifers Domestic Order End September Delivery

Contact Rob Blincoe 027 677 8969 Greg Collins 027 481 9772

LK0094140©

$1200.00

www.progressivelivestock.co.nz

Limehills Starter 1078 – a heifer-mating bull

Angus

88 YEARLING

Kokonga East Road, off Waikaretu Valley Road, RD5 Tuakau Kokonga Farm is approximately 40 minutes from Ngaruawahia, 50 minutes from Mercer, Rangiriri and Huntly via Glen Murray.

ANGUS BULLS

th ber 2018 Tuesday 18 Septem m

at 12 noon on far ands Waitangi, Bay of Isl

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

cialists Our ease of calving spe

Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

Enquiries and Inspection Welcomed: Please contact John & Joss Bayly, Waitangi Angus Ph 09 402 7552, Bay of Islands Email jbayly@xtra.co.nz

Ph Nigel Ramsden 0800 85 25 80

www.waitangiangus.co.nz

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings Key: Dairy

Beef

Sheep

COMPLETE IN-MILK HERD DISPERSAL SALE Monday 17th September 2018, 11.00am A/c Huirangi Farms C/- M & A Andrews Waitara Road F/N43374, New Plymouth 600 In milk High Production Frsn/Frsnx Dairy Cows Comprising: 400 In milk 2yr – 8yr Spring Calving 200 In milk Autumn Calving C 10 TB Status EBL Free M-Bovis milk tested Production 270000kgMS last season (up to 340000kgMS) 550kg m/s per cow High stocking rate, 5.5 cows/ha 60 years of breeding Auctioneers Note: Due to a change of direction in farming we are pleased to offer this complete herd of high production cows. Farmed on a system 5, with a high stocking rate, using nominated CRV Ambreed. Cows bred for type, capacity and production. The spring herd started calving on the 27th July and will come forward in full milk along with the genuine autumn calving herd which was mated from 22nd June for only 3weeks to PB Hereford bulls. Autumn herd vetted in calf. This sale represents an opportunity to purchase genuine capital stock dairy cows that won’t disappoint any dairy farmer. Payment terms - 20th October for PGG Wrightson a/c holders Delivery to suit up to the end of September. Contact Miles Waite – 027 491 6234 miles.waite@pggwrightson.co.nz Kim Harrison – 027 501 0013 kharrison@pggwrightson.co.nz Murray Andrew (Vendor) – 027 444 4960

Contact: John Allen 027 440 7504 Kane Needham 027 839 3612

Other INMILK HERD DISPOSAL SALE Friday 14th September, 11.30am Start Gordonton Rd, Taupiri, DN 72122 A/C R & A Van Damn Comprising: 230 Inmilk Frsn/ Frsn x Jsy Cows BW 76, PW 100, RA 80% Young herd, 150 cows 2yr/ 3yr & 4yrs Herd tested on 2nd/3rd Sept. Catalogues available after herd test. TB C10, EBL Free, BVD Negative, MBovis milk tested negative. Further details to follow.

Enquiries Dean Evans – 0272 431 092

Secure your bull team with no upfront cost Dairy service bulls. Buy now. Pay later. pggwrightson.co.nz/deferabull

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

Helping grow the country

CHARWELL POLLED HEREFORD STUD 18TH ANNUAL SPRING SALE Wednesday 12th September at 11.30am at 659 Matahi Road, Manawahe Near Lake Rotoma, SH 30 We welcome clients, friends and visitors to our sale which comprises:

50 12 39

2-year old bulls 18-month bulls Well grown yearling bulls

All TB & BVD clear & vaccinated These animals are from a CLOSED herd and have never left the property or been leased out.

For more information Contact Peter or Penny Davies - “Taharoto” 716 Matahi Road, RD 4, Whakatane 3194 Phone 07 322 1080 or email: pstdavies@ruralinzone.net

LK0094081©

Annual Sale

LK0094037©

Top 1% HPI Offering includes: 54 top Hereford bulls and 10 top Angus bulls Sale on the farm – 1 pm, 313 Maurice Rd, Glen Murray Open day Friday 31st August

livestock@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

YOUR NEEDS, ALL BREEDS

Livestock

PINE PARK RAMS

STOCK REQUIRED

SIL EWES Mid Sept Lambing R2YR STEERS 400-450kg

For Sale

Phone Guy Strang – 021 472 958

• 22 MT Jersey carry over cows, average BW 153 PW 176. Top breeding

450-520kg R2YR BULLS R1YR BULLS 150-220kg

• 25 High BW xbred yearling heifers • 40 High BW jersey yearling heifers

Phone John Stephens - 0279 392 369

• 1 and 2-year Jersey bulls • 1-year beef Shorthorn bulls

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Edward Sherriff 06 327 6591 021 704 778

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Ross Riddell Waikato 0272 111 112 Grant Aiken Whangarei 0272 458 821 Karen Fitzgerald 0274 080 098

Wednesday 19 September 2018 - 1pm NEW!!!!!! - Sale at Farm 1708 Te Kopia Road Waikite Valley Rotorua

Your Angus Bull Source

SIL Carcass Scanned FE Testing

• Partly reared high BW Jersey heifer calves • 50 weaned high BW Jersey bulls available November

Stokman / Heather Dell Sale Selling - 85 Yearling Angus Bulls 35 18mth Commercial Angus Heifers

FE Coopworth FE Romney x Coop Texel x Coopworth Suffolk Suftex Texel x Poll Dorset

R2 & R3YR STEERS 470 -600kg EWES with LAMBS at foot

• Four well grown 1-year Jersey bulls over BW 200

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 3, 2018

LK0094082©

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

LK0093719©

Average EBV’s on our Sale Bulls Calv Ease Gestation Lgth Birth Weight 400 Day 600 Day Self Replacing Angus Pure

+1.3 -5.5 +2.2 +85 +108 +146 +165

NZ Breed Average +.0 -3.9 +4.3 +77 +106 +108 +127

Call for a catalogue or view on www.angusnz.com

TE WHANGA ANGUS calving ease sires www.borthwick.co.nz

SALE MONDAY 18 SEPT 10.00

61 stud, plus 29 commercial performance recorded yearlings,

* Well grown - suitable for heifers or cows * Excellent temperments * BVD Tested and vaccinated * C10 status - EBV recorded * Stokman Bulls - Fertility and semen tested - i 50K tested for enhanced EBVs

PGG Wrightson Cam Heggie 027 501 8182 Mark & Sherrie Stokman Neil Heather Sam Wright 027 443 0905 161 Hossack Rd Ext Paradise Valley Road Pete Henderson 027 475 4895 Rotorua Rotorua Steve Wattum 027 493 4484 07 3332446 • 0276404028 027 421 4050 • 07 357 2142 Central Livestock: mtkiwi@farmside.co.nz neil-heather@xtra.co.nz Shane Scott 027 495 6031

Ring us for a catalogue Jason Coffey, Manager 691 Te Kopi Rd, RD4, Masterton P. 06 372 77 20 M. 0274 570 526

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING Are you looking in the right direction?

Why wouldn’t we use Te Whanga Angus, they offer extra value through higher growth rates and angus premiums, plus the calving ease, low birth weight and short gestation that we know is so reliable.

farmersweekly.co.nz

Stu Weatherstone 2800 dairy cow farmer, South Wairarapa

TURANGANUI ROMNEYS

MEAT-MAKERS Inaugural Sale

September 13, 2018 at 2PM 216 Wiltons Road Carterton

LK0093697©

“Reliable performance you can count on”

TODD CANDY HOLMES WARREN 06 307 7802

HOLMES WARREN

MIKE WARREN

MIKE 0274 465 312 TODD WARREN 06 307 7841 CANDY RD2 FEATHERSTON 5772

JARRED PEAD 0274 795 006

3/4 Angus 1/4 Simmental - TAG 7350

3/4 Simmental 1/4 Angus - TAG 7415

3/4 Simmental 1/4 Angus - TAG 7407

3/4 Angus 1/4 Simmental - TAG 7398

40 Years of Proven Performance 30 Top Quality Simmental Angus Bulls For more information or a catalogue contact us: John McFadzean 06 - 372 - 7045 Johnie McFadzean 06 - 379 - 7401 / 027 - 429 - 5777 Steve Olds PGG Wrightson 06 - 375 - 8060 / 027 - 595 - 3387 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @mcfadzeancattlecompany 7% rebate for non participating agents

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 3, 2018

2 YR VIRGIN BULL SALE

13th Annual Service Bull Sale - Undercover

2nd Annual ON-FARM Sale

11am Start - Concludes 2pm approx 300 McDonald Mine Road Signposted from Huntly Bridge

Comprising: 20 x 2yr PB Angus Bulls (home-bred) 20 x 2yr Jersey Bulls Angus bulls are all from vendors closed herd

520 BULLS COMPRISING: 11.00am Beef Bulls 35 x R3 PB Virgin Hereford 66 x R2 PB Virgin Angus 27 x R2 WF & Beefx

• 10 years breeding, Landcorp Rotomohana, low b/w bulls, minus-5 days gestation

135 x R2 PB Virgin Hereford 28 x R2 PB Red Devon 7 x R2 Belted Galloway

1pm (approx.) Dairy Bulls 75 x R3 Jersey 70 x R2 Jersey 36 x R2 Virgin Friesian 20 x R2 Virgin Ayrshire 22 x R2 Rec Virgin Friesian/Xbred

• 15 years breeding, Waitawheta Angus • Every year purchasing the best calving index (4.5 or better) and less than +2kg Index positive growth rate and fats

HUKAROA

POLLED HEREFORDS

FOR BUTTS, NUTS AND GUTS

Vendors: David & Fiona MacKenzie - 027 431 2279 Agent in Charge: Bill Sweeney - 027 451 5310

ANNUAL ON-FARM BULL SALE

David and Fiona have nasal sample tested a percentage of bulls from every mob being offered for sale to the recommendations of their Veterinary practice. All results being M-Bovis not detected.

The Jersey bulls are all purchased as 10 day old calves ex Bromley and Newlands, and are vendor reared.

Friday 7 September 2018

Our Vendors stand behind their bulls, if there is an issue with a bull on arrival you can swap the bull or be fully refunded. Delivery every Monday until 29th October 2018 View photos of the bulls on MyLiveStock.co.nz

12 NOON - UNDER COVER PAULSEN ROAD, WAERENGA TE KAUWHATA, NORTH WAIKATO

Pick what you want, delivery when you want and pay when you want via Bull Plan!

All bulls are BVD tested negative and vaccinated, TB and Brucellosis accredited.

Bred, reared and raised naturally on strong hill country

GOING GOING GONE!

BVD tested clear and twice vaccinated Tb C10

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

LK0094040©

FREE GRAZING UNTIL 1 OCTOBER 2018

ALL BULLS FERTILITY & SEMEN TESTED Enquiries to: Dean

To advertise Phone Nigel 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

On offer are: 50 Elite R1 Jersey Bulls, G3 profiled-BW’s 164-210. A2A2 tested. Registration on request 110 R1 Jersey Bulls, Fully recorded, G3 profiled BW’s 100-183 Everyone of these low risk bulls are out of the Lynrich Jersey Herd BW160 PW181 (2nd in NZ) The Elite bulls will be sold first by Jersey Marketing The Grade bulls will then be sold by NZ FarmersLivestock

All bulls are TB tested (Herd Status C10, EBL Free) BVD tested negative and double vaccinated. (Vet Certs available on the day) Lepto vaccinated. Delivery will be every Wednesday with prior arrangement until th 10th October 2018. Bulls staying on the property will be at purchasers risk. The sale is under cover and a light luncheon provided.

32ND ANNUAL OKUPATA HEREFORD & FILMAREE MURRAY GREY BULL AUCTION

7TH ANNUAL ON-FARM SERVICE BULL AUCTION

2ND ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY SERVICE BULL AUCTION

A/C: P & M Atkins & T & K Atkins

A/C: Fowler Farms Ltd

A/C Piquet Hills Farm

DATE: Monday 10 September 2018 LOCATION: 860 Okupata Road, Oparu, coastal Te Awamutu START TIME: 11:00pm - undercover

DATE: Tuesday 11 September 2018 LOCATION: 470 Wilford Road, Hurleyville, Patea START TIME: 11:00am - Conducted undercover on farm and complimentary BBQ lunch provided.

“BID TO PURCHASE OR LEASE YOUR CHOICE” DATE: Wednesday 12 September 2018 LOCATION: 887 Te Akau Road, Te Akau START TIME: 11:00am - under cover

COMPRISING OF: •

126 x Hereford 2 year bulls

•

14 x Murray Grey 2 year bulls

DETAILS:

COMPRISING OF: • 90 x Hereford 2 & 3 year bulls •

50 Angus 2 & 3 year bulls 30 x Murray Grey 2 & 3 year bulls

COMPRISING OF: •

410 Service Bulls

•

180 x Hereford 2 year bulls

•

80 x Angus 2 year bulls

• •

100 x Jersey 2 year bulls 50 x Jersey 2 year bulls (Suit heifer matings)

•

Hard working hill country bulls

•

TB C10 tested free, BVD tested free & vacc twice, Lepto vacc twice, EBL free

•

10 x Ayrshire 2 year bulls

•

25 x Red Devon 2 & 3 year bulls

•

Predominately NZ genetics and strongly marked bulls

•

30 x Jersey 3 year bulls

•

90 x Jersey 2 year bulls

DETAILS:

•

Great opportunity to purchase owner bred and farmed bulls

•

20 x Jersey 1 year bulls

•

70 bulls registered and performance tested

25 x Autumn born Jersey yearling bulls

All bulls TB tested free, BVD free and double vaccinated, Mycoplasma Bovis tested negative

•

All test results available

•

Bull quality is exceptional and only suitable healthy bulls offered

•

Bred over 30 years for low birth weights, temperament and growth

PAYMENT TERMS: 14 days from auction, delayed delivery can be arranged with vendors agent.

FARM SOURCE LIVESTOCK AGENTS: Ben Deroles 027 702 4196 Brian Hodge 027 244 0845 Catalogue available on MyLiveStock.co.nz Enquiries to: Richard & Christine - 027 353 5693 Ollie Carruthers - NZFLL - 027 451 5312 Ross Riddell - JMS - 027 211 1112

& Lisa Hansen 07 826 7817 or 0274 40 30 24

AUCTIONS

2nd Annual Bull Sale Lynrich Jersey’s

12 September 2018 - 12pm

LK0093658©

93 quiet, easy-calving Hereford bulls 2 year olds & yearlings

The offering includes numerous maiden virgin bulls. Nait records 100% accurate. All entries are TB and BVD negative, BVD, IBR and Letpo vaccinated. PAYMENT TERMS: Deferred payment until 20th December 2018. $50.00 cash back per bull if taken on week of sale. FARM SOURCE LIVESTOCK AGENT: Brent Espin 027 551 3660 FOWLER FARMS LTD

PAYMENT TERMS: 20th January 2019, delivery prior to 20th November 2018. FARM SOURCE LIVESTOCK AGENT: Jack Kiernan 027 823 2373 Stephen Hiscock 027 453 8769 Matt Hancock 027 601 3787

0800 548 339 | nzfarmsource.co.nz/livestock

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

LK0093824©

For more information, phone: Vendor – Craig Graham 027 497 2819

Bred/Reared/Grazed on our own property Richard & Christine Lansdaal & Family 200 Luck at Last Road, Karapiro,Cambridge

BullsEye Sale - 20th September 2018

Thursday 13th September 2018, noon A/c Graham Farms, SH 1, Huntly

NZ Farmers Livestock Liam McBride 021 222 2662 Brent Bougen (Stud Stock) 0272 104 698

livestock@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Rachel Agnew

Mel Croad

Cattle

Reece Brick

Sheep

BEEF

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.90

5.75

5.50

NI lamb (17kg)

8.45

8.35

7.00

NI Stag (60kg)

11.20

9.50

NI Bull (300kg)

5.50

5.40

5.50

NI mutton (20kg)

5.30

5.20

4.20

SI Stag (60kg)

11.40

9.50

NI Cow (200kg)

4.60

4.50

4.35

SI lamb (17kg)

8.25

8.20

6.85

SI Steer (300kg)

5.80

5.75

5.35

SI mutton (20kg)

5.30

4.15

SI Bull (300kg)

5.30

5.05

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

4.50

4.25

UK CKT lamb leg

8.68

8.67

8.41

US imported 95CL bull

6.66

6.56

6.63

US domestic 90CL cow

6.92

6.95

7.02

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

6.0

Last year

North Island lam b slaughter price

8.5 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

South Island lam b slaughter price

$/kg CW 5-yr ave

Apr 2016-17

Dairy

Jun

Aug 2017-18

Oct

Dec Feb 5-yr ave

Apr 2016-17

Jun

6.5

Prior week

Last year

Mar-18

May-18 Sept. 19

Jul-18

Coarse xbred ind.

3.29

3.21

2.99

37 micron ewe

3.50

30 micron lamb

Last price*

Jun

Aug 2017-18

Prior week

Last year

Urea

523

477

Super

304

309

3.70

DAP

753

702

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

vs 4 weeks ago

YTD High

YTD Low 11.92

440

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

16.40

The a2 Milk Company Limited

12.70

14.62

7.66

420

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.17

7.20

6.11

Meridian Energy Limited

3.24

3.30

2.75

380

Spark New Zealand Limited

3.98

4.02

3.28

Ryman Healthcare Limited

13.90

10.27

360

Fletcher Building Limited

6.50

7.96

5.74

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

3.29

3.45

3.08

340

Contact Energy Limited

5.58

5.96

5.15

320

Air New Zealand Limited (NS)

3.27

3.43

2.86

Aug-17

Oct-17

Dec-17

Feb-18

Apr-18

Jun-18

Aug-18

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Listed Agri Shares

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Apr 2016-17

Last week

$/tonne

6.0

Jan-18 Sept. 18

Feb

FERTILISER Last week

400

Nov-17

Dec

Fertiliser

Aug 2017-18

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

7.0

Sep-17

Oct

5-yr ave

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

5.5

8 6

(NZ$/kg) Feb

9 7

WOOL

4.5

$/kg MS

5.0

Dec

South Island stag slaughter price

6.5

4.5

Oct

8 6

7.5

5.5

4.0

5.5

South Island steer slaughter price

6.0

$/kg CW

4.0

6.5

8.5

4.5

Last year

4.5

5.0

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

7.5

5.5 5.5

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

440

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

12.700

14.620

7.660

Comvita Limited

5.650

9.210

5.590

10.820

11.000

7.510

2825

2820

2985

420

Delegat Group Limited

SMP

2070

2050

2040

400

Foley Family Wines Limited

1.480

1.610

1.400

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

5.040

6.660

4.800

AMF

5500

5550

5655

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.730

3.000

0.700

360

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.770

2.990

1.840

340

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.650

0.720

0.560

Sanford Limited (NS)

7.680

8.500

7.350

Scales Corporation Limited

4.950

5.000

4.350

SeaDragon Limited

0.003

0.006

0.003

Seeka Limited

6.200

7.010

5.800

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

13.100

13.400

6.260

T&G Global Limited

3.140

3.300

3.100

Butter

4340

Milk Price

6.70

4400 6.70

$/tonne

WMP

380

5000 6.74

320

Aug-17

* price as at close of business on Thursday

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

350

$/tonne

US$/t

2950 2850

Sep

Oct Nov Latest price

Dec Jan 4 weeks ago

Dec-17

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3050

2750

Oct-17

Feb

300

Feb-18

Apr-18

Jun-18

Aug-18

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.120

1.240

0.810

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity

17651

17682

14417

S&P/NZX 50 Index

9340

9363

8059

S&P/NZX 10 Index

9198

9212

7640

250 200

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

17651

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

9340

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

9198

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018 SI SLAUGHTER STEER

NI SLAUGHTER BULL

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

($/KG)

PRIME HEREFORD-FRIESIAN HEIFERS, 430-520KG, AT FRANKTON

($/KG)

($/KG LW)

5.80

5.50

8.45

3.03

Spring is here

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TORE cattle continue to flow with more regularity to LORNEVILLE, and it was another solid day across all the sections last Tuesday. The sheep section ticked off another strong week. Store lambs lifted $5-$10 for all as good types made $145-$150, medium $125-$135 and light, $100-$115. Ewes with lambs at foot made the same as the previous week at $115 all counted.

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SUN-DRENCHED: A scene from the Wairoa sale yards in 2014.

section were mainly beef-cross which earned $3.30-$3.60/kg, with lighter lines making the higher $/kg. Medium Friesian bulls made $3.40/kg, while heavier Simmental reached $3.15/ kg. From there prices varied depending on quality, and beef-cross ranged from $2.85/kg to $3.30/kg, while FriesianJersey were unwanted and traded at $2.40-$2.50/kg. A big entry of R1 heifers were mainly around 200kg and varied from $3.00/kg up to $3.45/kg for the lighter end, which on a per head basis traded at $500$600. Autumn-born Friesian bulls sold for $530-$550, and Angus-Friesian, $560$570, with Hereford-Friesian heifers mainly trading at $450. Cows continued to sell at pleasing levels, and beef cows with calves-at-foot made $1200 and dairy, $650-$800. In-calf Friesian and beef-Friesian sold well at $2.40-$2.55/kg, while medium empty lines made $2.00-$2.10/kg and lighter, $1.85/kg.

This Prior Last NZD vs VOLATILE overseas markets week week year will mean easy shifts in either USD 0.6642 0.6633 0.7173 direction for the kiwi dollar. EUR 0.5693 0.5745 0.6039 Quite apart from major economy AUD 0.9163 0.9153 0.9086 issues, emerging market GBP 0.5103 0.5182 0.5556 currencies have been falling sharply against the United Correct as of 9am last Friday States dollar and that can have a carry-over impact on freelytraded smaller currencies such as the New Zealand dollar, ASB Bank institutional currency dealer Tim Kelleher said. “It’s a moving target offshore. We can easily get a 1c move up against the US or just as easily a 1c fall.” The kiwi is the 11th or 12th most traded currency and can also get caught in the draught created by the Aussie dollar, which sits between the NZ$ and the big G7 currencies and is used as a proxy for Asian currencies which can’t be as easily traded. With the US Fed increasing interest rates, ASB expects two more rises this year, the bank has reduced its forecast for the kiwi against the big dollar. It expects US$0.65 for December, from 0.69c previously (and a 0.72c figure earlier in the year). The March forecast is now 0.66c (from 0.69) and June is 0.67 (from 0.70). The NZ market could be in a vacuum over the next three weeks ahead of second quarter (to June 30) GDP figures due on September 20, Kelleher said. ASB believes the RBNZ’s 0.5% forecast is too light. Its call is for 1% growth. Alan Williams

AUCKLAND AUCKLAND Early pens set the scene for a strong sale at PUKEKOHE on Saturday 25th August, with a good bench of buyers active throughout. The best of the prime steers sold to $2.96-$3.07/kg, while lighter weighted heifers made $3.04-$3.10/kg. Boner cows ranged from $510 up to $1040, $1.42$1.88/kg. Good quality store cattle are still hard to find, but demand was solid for the mainly crossbred line-up. R2 steers made $1240-$1500, $2.87-$3.13/kg, while 15-month crossbred sold for $855$1210, $2.75-$3.03/kg. The best of the heifers were medium types and earned $1120-$1365, $2.88-$3.07/kg, with smallmedium 15-month making $690-$910, $2.80-$3.33/kg. Small R1 heifers fetched $580-$615, $3.15-$3.95/kg. Weaners were mainly crossbred and the better steers made $560-$700, with smaller types fetching $420-$530. Heifers sold for $330-$575.

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Every week, we explain the context of the current market situation, drivers which are impacting the livestock markets and what to expect in the coming week.

Continued page 54

Sharemarket briefing MARKETS showed no signs of slowing down last week, with the local bourse closing above 9300 for the first time. The index jumped 1.6% on Wednesday, its biggest gain since Trump’s election. Synlait Milk, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, Scales and Delegat all closed at all-time highs. Synlait was the best performer on the index last week, with its share price up 14% by Friday. The company confirmed both of its major capital projects remain on track and are forecast to be completed on time and on budget. The a2 Milk Company, Synlait’s main customer, also logged strong gains following some recent weakness. Business confidence dropping a further five points to a net 50% of respondents reporting they expect general business conditions to deteriorate in the year ahead. Business confidence is at decade lows since the Labour Party took the helm. In a bid to encourage optimism, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the formation of the Business Advisory Council, led by Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon. Luxon will advise Ardern on major issues facing the economy with the hope of building a closer relationship between business and government. Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

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NORTHLAND NORTHLAND Just a light yarding of cattle penned at WELLSFORD last Monday, with fairs in the coming weeks. The market was as expected and R2 Hereford-Friesian steers were a highlight as 432-467kg sold on a firm market at $2.92-$2.96/kg, though lighter types softened. Friesian-Jersey, 308-431kg, made $2.56-$2.62/kg. A stand-out line of 10 R1 HerefordFriesian steers, 251kg, made $915, while Hereford-cross, 244-266kg, returned $820-$890. Quality was mixed through the heifer pens with a wide range of weights and types meaning an equally wide variance of prices, from $305 up to $810 for 265kg Hereford-cross. Hereford-Friesian, 206kg, earned $705, and a younger line at 105kg, $450. The sale of 580 head at KAIKOHE last Wednesday was a game of two halves, with good cattle selling to keen interest, but lesser off-bred types much harder work, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. R3 Hereford-cross and Murray GreyFriesian steers sold well at $3.02-$3.08/ kg, but heifers of similar breeding and also including Simmental and Anguscross were more variable at $2.65-$2.88/ kg. This was due to selective bidding and some nice cattle could be picked up for reasonable rates. An entry of big 15-month Simmental steers were a talking point and sold for $1200, 3.28/kg, while the balance of the

Markets

54 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018 COUNTIES COUNTIES Cattle numbers increased at TUAKAU last week and with more buyers in attendance the market was firm, Karl Chitham of Carrfields Livestock reported. The 550-head yarding included Hereford-Friesian steers, 500550kg, which made $3.00-$3.15/ kg. A nice line of 397kg Charolais yearlings traded at $3.18/kg, $1265, with another at 340kg earning $3.22/kg, $1095. Good Angus, 381kg, made $3.11/kg, $1190, and Hereford-Friesian, 248kg, $850. Red-bodied HerefordFriesian weaner steers, 153kg, fetched $550 and others at 123kg, $580. Hereford-Friesian, 123kg, returned $705 and Friesian bulls, 260-330kg, $2.70-$2.95/kg. Heifers also made good money with most in the 350-400kg range selling to just over $3.00/kg. Good Hereford-Friesian yearlings, 278kg, earned $855, with others at 222kg making $745 and 198kg, $710. The prime cattle market was also firm, with the heavier heifers and steers in the small yarding earning well over $3.00/ kg. Heavy prime steers traded at $3.11-$3.26/kg, medium $3.00$3.08/kg, and lighter $2.85-$2.97/ kg. The highlight of the day was the sale of a 675kg SantaGertrudis-Shorthorn heifer for an outstanding rate of $3.31/kg or $2248. Other heavy heifers made $3.07-$3.23/kg, with medium earning $2.90-$3.06/kg. Lighter beef heifers returned $2.72-$2.90/ kg and dairy-types $2.10-$2.47/kg. Boner prices eased slightly on the previous sale. Wellconditioned Friesian cows sold at $2.06-$2.22/kg, medium $1.95$2.05/kg and lighter boners $1.70$1.85/kg. A Hereford bull at 670kg made $3.00/kg. Heavy prime lambs continued to make over $200 at last Monday’s sheep sale. Medium lambs returned $140-$150, and lighter primes $135-$145. The best of the heavy prime ewes returned $185 with medium types trading around $135. Lighter ewes sold for $95-$110.

BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY Volume in both the prime and store sections increased at RANGIURU last Wednesday, but lacked the quality store cattle that buyers are hunting for. The prime section however was very strong. Finished Hereford-Friesian and Hereford-cross steers reached $3.11-$3.23/kg. Heifer prices did ease to $3.04-$3.06/kg for Hereford-Friesian, but Hereford, 486kg, realised $3.14/kg, while bulls of same breeding and 660kg earned $3.11/kg. Boner cow prices eased as Friesian, 492-540kg, returned $2.07-$2.11/kg, with lighter types, 406-467kg, making $1.75-$1.82/kg. A moderate yarding of store cattle had something for everyone and lines sold well relative to their quality and condition. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 522kg, made $3.10/kg, while Angus-cross, 372kg, sold to $3.06/kg. R1 quality was mixed and a highlight was five HerefordFriesian steers, 242kg, $890, while Angus-cross, 170-216kg, made solid returns of $640-$770. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 194256kg, fetched $800-$890, and four Murray Grey, 242kg, $825. A good portion of the section were medium sized cattle that traded at $600-$780 across a wide range of breeds. R1 bulls were a mix of beef-cross and dairy and sold for $570-$700. TARANAKI TARANAKI Decent prices attracted more off-bred type cattle to TARANAKI last Wednesday, and numbers swelled to 400 head, with 85 plus pens sold. Just over 100 R2 steers were offered and Hereford-Friesian, 390-466kg, firmed to $3.20-$3.23/ kg, and lighter Hereford-Jersey, $3.10/kg. Friesian steers, 319350kg, sold well for $2.91-$2.97/kg, with a few lines either side pushing past $3.00/kg. One small line of Hereford-Friesian heifers, 450kg, earned $3.11/kg. R1 cattle were well sought after with Hereford-Friesian the most popular. Those 194-233kg firmed to $840-$900, and Hereford-Jersey, 238-262kg, reached $810-$870. A few lines of better quality Hereford and beef-cross heifers made $730$790, with the lighter Hereford line, 176kg, reaching $4.26/kg. Hereford bulls, 250kg, sold to $1240, $4.96/kg. There were not a lot of clean lines through the autumnborn pens but prices still reflected strong demand. Heifers traded at $450-$550, and bulls, $470-$600.

123001-1

WAIKATO Heavy rain created a few delays for stock arrivals but did not impact on the start of sale at FRANKTON last Wednesday. A total of 966 cattle were penned, these varied in quality and results reflected this. Older cattle were solid with R2

Hereford-cross, 355-356kg, steady at $2.72-$2.79/kg and HerefordFriesian, 432-447kg, lifted to $3.00$3.08/kg. Angus-Friesian heifers, 402-470kg, made $3.02-$3.05/kg. Autumn-born R2 steers were strong as Hereford-cross, 317kg, returned $3.09/kg and HerefordFriesian, 350kg, $3.14/kg. Heifers of the same breeding, 362-394kg, were steady at $2.82-$2.90/kg. Both the R1 and autumn-born R1 sections softened for most. R1 Hereford-cross steers, 302-340kg, maintained levels of $900-$950 while 151-255kg softened to $500-$645. Hereford-Friesian, 255290kg, were steady at $910-$975. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 183241kg, eased to $620-$760, though a line of five, 323kg, did push to $920. The R1 bull section was predominantly Friesian, and 200248kg eased to $605-$650. In the autumn-born R1 pens Hereford-Friesian steers, 127161kg, managed solid returns at $640-$740. Heifers eased for the majority as Hereford-cross, 85-182kg, traded at $280-$480. Hereford-Friesian sold in two main bands with 160-181kg at $540-$620 and 85-118kg, $305-$450. Bulls of the same breeding, 95-114kg, softened to $430-$555. The prime market was solid. Angus steers, 534-544kg, earned $3.02-$3.11/kg, with Herefordcross, 465-583kg, at $3.06-$3.14/kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 470-545kg, $2.92-$3.06/kg. Nine Angus heifers, 590kg, matched their brothers at $3.11/kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 429-518kg, lifted to $3.02-$3.05/kg. In-calf prime Hereford-cross and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 463537kg, traded at $3.00-$3.04/kg. Friesian and Friesian-cross boner cows, 390-528kg, lifted to $1.94$2.07/kg, while the balance, 372478kg, traded at $1.71-$1.86/kg. In-calf Friesian and Friesian-cross boner cows were steady at $1.85$1.88/kg. The feeder calf market was strong for Friesian bulls, while Hereford-Friesian eased. Good Friesian bulls made $170, medium $120, and small $75. Hereford-Friesian bulls softened with good types at $400 and medium $280, though small lines maintained levels of $120. Red Hereford-Friesian traded at $330 for good, medium $170, and small $60. Hereford-Friesian heifers eased with good lines at $170, medium $80, and small $45.

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POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY There was quite a mixture of options at the MATAWHERO sheep yards. The feature was the store lambs though, which had plenty heavy types put under the hammer. One very heavy line of males was a highlight at $241, with another very heavy line hitting $190. The rest of the heavy male and ewe lambs nearly all made $169-$180, while two pens of medium ewe lambs were $150-$153. Good Romney ewes with twin lambs-at-foot made a respectable $111 all counted, but otherwise medium and

light dry and run-with-ram ewes were mainly $110-$120. Prime lambs were hardly any different from the store lambs – most made $174-$185, with one climbing to $201. Prime ewes were mainly $131-$160. HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY A good bench of buyers were in place at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday, with returns solid throughout all sections. Bulls featured in the rostrum last Wednesday, while store lambs and ewes with lambs-at-foot put on a good showing yet again. Prime steers, 555-680kg, traded at $3.05-$3.08/kg, and eight Hereford-Friesian local trade heifers, 526kg, $3.07/kg. Angus & Angus-Hereford cows, 536kg returned $2.56/kg. Demand for lambs continued to be very strong as close to 50% traded over $200, and at least $150 was needed to secure any lambs. Rams topped the sale at $242.50, and the balance of heavy types made $185-$227. Very heavy male and cryptorchid lambs were steady to lifting at $200-$227, with the remainder trading in two main bands as very heavy types managed $193-$209, and good to heavy $165-$178. Heavy to very heavy mixed sex traded at $190-$218.50, while ewe lambs lifted with heavy and very heavy types earning $167.50$211.50. The ewe market was equally as strong and no pens could be secured for less than $119. Very heavy ewes made up the majority and returned $190-$210, with heavy at $161-$184, very good $157-$160, medium-good to good $136.50-$150.50, and lightmedium to medium $119-$130. The largest entry to date of ewes with lambs-at-foot were attracted in by high prices, though the market did soften slightly due to the volume. A consignment of 6-year Romney ewes had young but forward blackface lambs (multiples) and sold for $102$105.50 all counted. Mixed age ewes with similar lambs varied from $116-$121.50 for medium ewes down to $104-$106 all counted for the light-medium lines. Just over 3800 lambs were penned, though there was a noted drop in male numbers with these making up just 20% of the total. Quality was very good through the first run. Most male lambs were heavier types and traded at $156-$180, while medium returned $140$157. Ewe lamb prices fluctuated, and a firm tone for heavier types meant $160-$180 prices tags, with one very heavy line making $190. Steady returns for medium-good to good types resulted in a $131$162 range, while the third cuts eased to $111-$140. Bulls took centre stage as consignments of R2 Friesian and mixed ages of Angus were penned. The two heavier lines of Friesian, 490kg, sold for $3.05-$3.08/kg on an improved market, while 453kg traded at $2.88-$2.91/kg. Spirited bidding for R2 Angus, 420kg, meant these pushed to $3.27/kg. More Angus bulls appeared in the R1 pens and sold for $1055-$1185, $3.56-$3.66/kg.

A consignment of Hereford heifers were a two-way option and sold in three lines. At 342386kg they sold for $1055-$1175, $3.02-$3.08/kg, while a small line of 400kg Angus & Angus-Hereford earned $3.10/kg. The only other line of significance was 10 R3 Angus & Angus-Hereford steers, 471kg, which fetched $3.16/kg. Fair action headed to WAIROA last Thursday and the expectation of a strong market drew nearly 970 mainly annual draft cattle in. Good R2 Angus made $1590$1705 for the top cuts and medium, $1365-$1380. Angus & Angus-Hereford and AngusHereford mainly sold for $1430$1595, with two smaller lines pushing to $1635-$1670. R1 Angus steers sold on a firmer market than the last big entry at Stortford Lodge. Angus & AngusHereford reached $1335-$1400, and the better lines of Angus traded consistently at $1200$1305. Angus-Hereford were lighter types and sold for $850$880. Heifer entries were light and mostly found in the R2 pens. Bidding was subdued and 42 medium Angus made $950, while better yielding exotic lines traded at $1035-$1075. MANAWATU MANAWATU The first hint of spring brought out a good selection of R1 cattle in RONGOTEA last Wednesday as vendors tested the market for longer term cattle, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. A small older entry was offered first and consisted of R2 Hereford bulls, 420kg, $3.12/kg, and Friesian heifers, 445-460kg, $2.06-$2.35/kg. Friesian boner cows, 420kg, made $1.70/kg, and Jersey, 350kg, $1.17/ kg, while in-milk Friesian heifers sold for $1130. The main attraction was the R1 cattle and results showed good interest for better types. Lines with weight at 325-340kg sold up to $850-$930, with Hereford-Friesian taking top honours. Lighter types, 165kg, made $590, and Anguscross, 206kg, $715. Friesian bulls, 195-295kg, sold to $585-$885, and Murray Grey and Angus-cross, 210-229kg, $600-$630. Crossbred lines were lighter and softer in price, trading up to $400. A line of 313kg Hereford-Friesian heifers sold to $940 to be the highlight in that section. Most other lines returned $530-$670. Like the R1 cattle quality weaners sold well and beefFriesian steers, 123-141kg, traded at $550-$650. Quality was lacking in the heifer pens, which was reflected in the prices as most only reached $230-$420. In the feeder calf pens big Friesian bulls made $130-$175 and smaller, $80-$120. HerefordFriesian sold to $200-$285, and for smaller types, $100-$190. Angus cross fetched $80-$195. Good Hereford-Friesian heifers earned $100-$180, and small, $70-$90, while Angus-cross and Shorthorn sold for $80-$100. Ewes with lambs-at-foot made $114 all counted, wethers $193, and ram lambs $122. Wet conditions forced nearly 8800 prime lambs to market at FEILDING on Monday, though they were not discounted in any

Markets

way. Most of the yarding were finished with 65% selling at $192 or better, and little differentiation for sex in prices for the very heavy lambs with all trading at $193$235, though ewe lambs only sold up to $211. The balance was mostly heavy types that sold for $179-$190, and a few medium lambs, $141-$171. A relatively small yarding of 840 ewes were penned. One heavy line managed $170, but most traded at $123-$156 on a steady market. Cattle throughput continued to be at exceptionally low levels, with just 21 offered. Cows made up the biggest section and two buyers competed. Better yielding cows - both dairy and beef - reached $2.19-$2.23/kg, with second cuts making $1.99-$2.07/kg. Results were mixed for feeder calves, with another solid sale for good Friesian bulls and HerefordFriesian bulls and heifers, though interest waned on medium calves. The highlight was a consignment of three-week old Friesian bulls which sold for $310-$320. Other Friesian bulls made $150-$220, and Hereford-Friesian, $165-$290. Heifers of same breeding returned $100-$210. The total yarding at the Thursday Feeder Calf Sale at MANFIELD PARK may have been well down on Monday’s, but there was a larger selection of breeds through the bull pens. Friesian bulls sold on a softer market to Monday’s results as good types made $160-$190 and medium, $105-$135. HerefordFriesian were steady and made good returns at $260-$280 for the better types, with medium lines making $150-$220. Good Angus-cross fetched $190-$225 and medium $155-$170, with Charolais-cross earning $280. Hereford-Friesian heifers were a highlight as they reached $200$265, bettering Monday’s results. Charolais-cross sold to $250 and Angus-cross, $175, while medium Hereford-Friesian returned $140$155. Store cattle numbers at FEILDING on Friday were knocking on 1000 head with quality easy to find. Traditional R2 steers, 345-490kg, were easy selling at $3.30-$3.45/kg while the 305350kg heifers were at $3-$3.05/ kg. R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 425-450kg, made $2.75/kg. Good numbers of 500-535kg Friesian bulls were all $3.05-$3.15/kg. Traditional R1 steers, 255-285kg, were mainly at $3.85-$4.05/kg, with two pens weighing 340-365kg at $1325-$1360, $3.75-$3.90/kg. The standard rate for 200-260kg traditional heifers was $3.50$3.65/kg with a few 265-305kg exotic-cross lines making $3.40$3.50/kg. A single line of 210kg Speckle Park sold at $3.80/kg. In the R1 bulls 225-280kg Friesian and Angus made $750-$850, mainly $3.35-$3.55/kg. Autumnborn beef-cross weaner heifers, 100-130kg, sold at $470-$555, whereas 100-115kg Friesian and beef-cross bulls were $540-$600. The sheep sale was flat compared to recent weeks. The average store lamb price fell $20/ head though a lack of heavy pens was partly to blame. Ewe lambs peaked at $183 for one heavy pen. Good lines were sold for $146$158, mediums $128-$139 and $109-$120.50. Good and heavy

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018 male lambs nearly all went at $172-$183, with a few medium-togood lines at $156-$162.50. Mixed sex store lambs were hit-and-miss, though light-to-medium types made $135-$147. Ewes with lambsat-foot were out in force again. Bigger, better quality lines sold at $120.50-$121 all counted, with the next cut at $110-$116 all counted. Nearly all lines had multiple lambs. A few ewes, SIL 142-145%, were short on quality meaning they made only $120-$145. CANTERBURY CANTERBURY High prices enticed a few more prime cattle into the CANTERBURY PARK sale yards last Tuesday, and vendors were well rewarded. Sheep throughput was very light with prime lambs the main feature. Just over 1000 prime lambs were penned though a softer tone and lesser quality eased the market. Two ranges were evident – with better types making $190-$231, and the balance, $170-$189. Ewe numbers were low and of mixed quality, with prices ranging from $70 up to $225. Just 11 small pens made up the store lamb section. Prices were steady and heavy ram and mixed sex sold to $163-$172, with the remaining mixed sex and ewe lambs making $137-$159. Merino ewe lambs sold on a solid market at $199-$140, and a small line of breeding ewes was scanned twins and sold for $165. Steers and heifers were the only cattle of consequence and a clean sweep of firm pricing was achieved for the 122 head yarding. Forward store Hereford-Friesian steers, 472-508kg, sold to $3.19-$3.22/kg, with similar weighted beef-cross at $3.13-$3.24/kg. Finished Angus, 555-760kg, firmed to $3.14-$3.19/ kg. The heifer market was more realistic as, while it did firm, it was not by the margin that the steers moved. Two lines of forward store Angus heifers, 426-431kg, returned $2.96-$3.08/kg and finished Angus-cross pushed to $3.10/kg. Nearly all other lines of significance traded at $2.91-$3.00/ kg. Prime lambs had numbers and size on their side at COALGATE last Thursday, while in the cattle pens prime steers and heifers were once again the focus. Prime lamb prices firmed and 55% of the yarding traded at $190$230, with medium lines earning $170-$189. There were a few more third cuts than seen recently which sold for $150-$169. Store lamb numbers improved significantly, though only due to one entry of 325 lambs which sold together for $129. Another good sized line at 131 head made top dollar at $165, with other heavy lines making $150-$160. The lightest store lambs sold for $90-$95. One buyer was unbeatable on ewes, taking the biggest portion of the offering. Very few sold below $96, with the lighter end making $96-$124, medium types $136$169, and the top end, $185-$251. Prime steer volume were not as big as the previous week though still comparatively high. Prices steadied and 500-670kg sold for $3.02-$3.10/kg, with second cuts earning $2.96-$3.04/kg. Heifers were mostly beef-dairy

and the market was solid at $2.86-$2.97/kg for better types in a 511-588kg range. Dairy heifers, 499-510kg, sold for $2.30-$2.39/kg. Store cattle numbers are steadily increasing and there was a hint of spring in prices. Two lines of R2 steers battled for top spot, with Angus & Angus-Hereford, 411kg making $1370, $3.33/kg, though Hereford, 432kg, reached $1410, $3.26/kg. The same vendor had R1 Hereford heifers, 177-207kg, at $665-$760, and Angus-Hereford, 209-228kg, $775-$810. Small quality lines were offered in the R1 steer pens and traditional, 210-218kg, realised $730-$790, though were bettered by beef-Friesian, 210-235kg, $780$800. Bulls could not muster up the demand seen for heifers and steers, and Friesian, 220-243kg, sold for $610-$650, $2.67-$2.77/ kg, whereas all Hereford-Friesian traded at $560-$725, $2.90/kg and below. SOUTH CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY Cattle numbers crept up at TEMUKA last Monday as high prices attract local trade and prime heifers, and dairy volume improve slightly. Lambs from the Chatham Islands made up over half the store lamb offering and sold to high demand. This consignment accounted for around 2450 of the 3700 store lamb section. Two lines of Chatham’s lambs reached $199, with the second cut of males at $196. Short and medium term lambs sold on a lifting market, with mixed sex earning $145-$170, though longer term lambs eased to $95-$135. Ewe lambs were mainly good types which sold for $158-$159, and two lines of good to heavy Corriedale male lambs made $158-$171. Prime numbers lifted, with an increase in heavier types. Over half the yarding sold at $200-$235, with the balance earning $171-$189. A small ewe offering firmed, but there was a wide range on offer from $61 ewes up to $274, with the bulk well spread between those prices. Approximately 60 feeder calves were penned and dairy-beef bulls made $155-$170, and Friesian, $75-$80. Dairy-beef heifers returned $110-$130. The steady increase in volume continued in the rostrum as more dairy cows ventured forward, but also joining them was a large number of heifers. It was all about yield in the steer pens, with higher yielding types, 525-655kg, trading at $3.01-$3.11/kg. Second cuts mainly sold for $2.87-$2.98/kg, while lighter dairy lines earned $2.61$2.75/kg. Devon heifers, 615-695kg, matched the steers at $3.05$3.07/kg, alongside Angus and Hereford-cross. Second cuts traded at $2.90-$2.98/kg. Local trade Hereford-cross, 405-493kg, sold on a firm market for $2.85-$2.93/kg. Heavy Friesian cows, 570700kg, eased to $2.04-$2.10/ kg, though 498-565kg made steady returns at $1.95-$2.06/ kg. Hereford-Friesian easily dominated the store cattle sale last Thursday, and all classes bar the R1 bulls posted positive results.

Small lines of traditional steers stood out in the R2 pens as Angus and Hereford, 344-439kg, sold for $3.33/kg. Hereford-Friesian firmed and 404-499kg made $2.92-$3.00/ kg. R2 Friesian bulls showed improvement and 328-354kg firmed to $2.87-$2.88/kg, while a line of Angus-cross, 332kg, made $2.79/kg. R1 steer and heifer numbers were close to identical and good quality lines well sought after. Hereford-Friesian steers, 237354kg, made $820-$1030, while number of pens of different breeds traded at $710-$880. There were some good weighted heifers and a few lines exceeded $1000. Charolais-Hereford, 219-278kg, made $730-$800, and clean lines of Hereford-Friesian, 219-225kg, made better values of $805-$810 than heavier, lesser quality lines at 241-293kg. The R1 bull market proved to be very hard work and those few buyers that were interested got some good deals. Most lines sold at $2.80/kg and below. OTAGO OTAGO The feature at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday was a consignment of 1000 ewe hoggets, which sold to keen interest, PGG Wrightson agent Alex Horn reported. These traded at $160-$174, while low numbers through the remainder had good lambs at $145-$157 and medium, $135$145. Few could be purchased below that level. The prime lamb market continued its strong run with prices maintaining the previous week’s levels. Heavy types sold to $170-$202, medium $150-$170 and lighter, $130-$150. Ewes with condition were well sought after and heavy types matched the lambs yet again at $170-$200. Medium lines sold for $140-$170 and lighter lines, $80-$140. A good entry of two-tooth’s had heavy types earning $140-$160, medium $120-$140 and light, $105-$120, while rams sold for $40-$96. SOUTHLAND SOUTHLAND Store cattle continue to flow with more regularity to LORNEVILLE, and it was another solid day across all the sections last Tuesday. The sheep section ticked off another strong week. Store lambs lifted $5-$10 for all as good types made $145-$150, medium $125-

$135 and light, $100-$115. Ewes with lambs-at-foot made the same as the previous week at $115 all counted. Prime lambs hit the $200 mark as the top lines firmed to $180$200. Second cuts were steady at $160$170, while third cuts regained the ground lost last week and firmed to $150-$158. Ewe prices were very steady as the better types made $160, medium $130-$140 and light, $120. Rams sold for $85. A small yarding of prime cattle had a wider range penned and results were mixed. Medium steers, 440-565kg, eased to $2.80/ kg, while beef heifers of similar weight made steady returns at $2.80-$2.98/kg. Good dairy heifers made $2.40/ kg, and medium, $2.00-$2.20/kg. Prices for good yielding cows lifted to $2.10-$2.20/kg, with steady returns for medium types at $1.90$2.00/kg, Light lines, 380-400kg, also firmed to $1.82-$1.92/kg. Prices continued to improve for store cattle as spring fast approaches. R2 Hereford-cross steers, 415kg, returned $3.25/ kg, while good R1 Angus steers, 351kg, sold for $1300, $3.70/kg and medium, 230kg, $900. Their sisters, 326kg, made $1105, $3.38/kg. Hereford-cross steers, 220-270kg, fetched $660-$900, and heifers, 200-263kg, $600-$815. Feeder calf numbers grew and prices were steady. Good HerefordFriesian bulls made $200, and medium $160. Heifers sold for $120-$160. The last sale for August was a solid affair at CHARLTON with the firm tone continuing, PGG Wrightson agent Greg Clearwater reported. Ewes with lambs-at-foot made an appearance and were well contested as a grass market emerged. The top lines sold for $115 all counted and second cuts, $110. Store lamb prices firmed as top lines made $145, medium $120$130, and light $100. The prime lamb market gained a further $5-$10 across the board which meant heavy lines sold to $197, medium $170-$185, and lighter, $145-$160. Heavy ewes firmed to $184, while medium and lighter types made steady returns at $140-$150 and $110-$120 respectively. Very light ewes sold for $90, and rams, $60-$100.

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56 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 3, 2018 COARSE CROSSBRED WOOL

NI SLAUGHTER STEER

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB

($/KG)

R2 FRIESIAN BULLS. 490KG, AT STORTFORD LODGE

($/KG)

3.29

5.90

8.25

3.06

Meat farmers should expand do so through autumn when it is traditionally eaten. But as soon as Easter arrives it will be removed from many shop shelves. Undeterred, Eyckeler is continuing to promote it as a year-round dish.

Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

NE of Europe’s largest buyers of New Zealand red meat is urging farmers to expand their flocks and herds. Alexander Eyckeler said demand is growing for quality cuts of NZ lamb and venison, the reason prices have steadily risen in the last three years. “My clear message not only for sheep meat farmers but also venison farmers, you have incentives to build up your herds again.” Eyckeler is one of Alliance Group’s largest lamb, mutton and venison customers, supplying retail and food service markets throughout Europe. Its customers include Metro Group, which operates 751 stores in 25 countries. Alliance’s relationship with the Eyckeler family goes back 30 years to when his parents founded an exclusive butcher shop in Dusseldorf. Their business steadily expanded before being sold in the early 2000s. In 2008 Eyckeler started his firm, which sourced half its meat from NZ, of which 90% came from Alliance. Eyckeler said European consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking high-quality meat and they want assurance it is produced ethically. As Germans travel to places like the Mediterranean

It’s a hard job and it will not happen overnight but we are not giving up. Alexander Eyckeler Importer

CHAMPION: German importer Alexander Eyckeler is targeting upper and middle class Europeans with New Zealand lamb and venison.

they are being exposed to lamb and want to eat it once they return home. During the summer barbecue season his targeted demographic of mid to upper class consumers prefers to cook venison and lamb. But such has been the heatwave this European summer, meat consumption has fallen away markedly. Stocks are high throughout

Europe because of the summer heat, which reached 40C and encouraged people to eat lighter meals. But the build-up of stock is not dramatic and sales will pick up through the European autumn, he said. Eyckeler has been promoting the year-round eating of venison but progress is slow. Chilled venison sold well over summer and continues

“It’s a hard job and it will not happen overnight but we are not giving up.” Like most of the world, Eyckeler is watching the Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and European Union saying there is little indication about the outcome. It appears Britain wants to leave Europe but keep many of the access privileges, which the European Union is resisting. Should Britain lose its privileged trading links to Europe that could mean the imposition of tariffs and an end to trading licences. If that happens it will interrupt trade between Britain and the EU, which could affect trade from NZ exporters. But Eyckeler said it is all speculation. “In the end nobody knows what is going to happen.”

$102-$105.50 high $1600-$1705 Good R2 Angus steers at 6-year Romney ewes lights Wairoa with multiple blackface lambs at foot, at Stortford Lodge

Markets have a spring in step HELLO to spring. Well it’s the season we’ve all been waiting for, isn’t it? Spring is now upon us as August leaves and September replaces it and isn’t it nice to already have the lighter Suz Bremner mornings and longer days. AgriHQ Analyst As we are a farming nation spring is an important time as the next generation of livestock hits the ground and grass starts to poke its way out of hibernation. We have been very fortunate to have come through a relatively mild, though wet, winter and I know there is already talk of El Nino and drought but let’s just enjoy the moment now, just for a little bit. Markets are feeling the spring flush, especially the cattle. Buyers are travelling the country and out-of-towners are popping up at most yards when there are decent entries. Short-term cattle are well and truly in many buyers’ sights, especially with schedule prices looking extremely favorable. I remember 10 years back I would be given a big R2 Angus steer as part of my salary when we sold an annual draft in August. There was high excitement if we managed to hit $2/kg, but these days that’s not even cow money, with prices upwards of $3.40/kg now common for steers. Even offbred types are making good returns relative to what they are. That has resulted in an increase of these types at some sales as the astute vendors offload them now while there is a good market and keep the better cattle at home. There has been no faltering in any of the sheep markets and it is fair to say prices have been at the best levels they have ever been, not only for a short time, but for a sustained length. The only way to pick up new season lambs is still with their mothers and that will be the case for a few more weeks at least, though some of the lambs in the lower country around Hawke’s Bay are nearly as big as their mothers and so might be in the system before too long. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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