Farmers Weekly NZ February 4 2019 by AgriHQ

A budding industry Vol 18 No 4, February 4, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz

$3.95

NLY - GET I EO M

SAL E NO WO N! *Terms & Conditions Apply

“We bought two Goldpine sheds during their promo - being local and competitively priced made it an easy decision. Everybody was pretty rapt when we won one of the sheds for free!” Dale Cooper - Waimiha

FARM BUILDINGS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ICK! QU

LIMITED T I

MUST END H 28T FEB

Incl GST

NLY - GET I EO M

“When I was told I had won my shed, I thought Matt was having me on! Now we have a strong, well-constructed shed and it was free – what a win that is!” Ken McNeur - Havelock North Shed Winner - February 2017

Buy a Ned’s Shed or Strongbuilt® Shed & go into the draw to win it for FREE!* ®

Largest Range. Unlimited Options.

ICK! QU

LIMITED T I

MUST END H 28T FEB

Almost 30 years of experience in farm buildings

Full custom design service

4 colour options to choose from:

Ironsand

Grey Friars

Karaka

Pioneer Red

“Sheds that do the trick” All Ned’s Sheds® feature: POLES: H5 treated shed poles TIMBER: Verified timber (SG8) IRON: Corrugated 0.4mm Zincalume or colour

FEATURES:

Roof, rearwall & 2 sidewalls, 1.0m overhang at the front and 70mm on the rearwall & sidewalls

2 BAY SHEDS

2 Bay Lean-to Bays: Depth: Height:

2 x 4.5m 6.0m (1 x 6.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

S H E D S ,

ROOF ONLY - CLEARSPAN

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

2 Bay Gable

2 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

2 x 3.6m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.0 – 2.4m

2 Bay Lean-to Bays: Depth: Height:

PACKAGE DEAL!

2 x 4.0m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

2 Bay Lean-to

INCL. PA door, roller door & internal wall

Bays: Depth: Height:

2 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

2 x 3.6m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

2 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

2 x 3.6m 7.0m (2 x 3.5m) 3.6 – 3.0m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

2 Bay Gable Bays: Depth: Height:

2 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

Want to know more about Goldpine Farm Buildings? Give us a call on 0800 2 GOLDPINE

Jump on to www.goldpine.co.nz

2 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

2 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 4.2 – 3.6m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

2 x 4.5m 9.0m (2 x 4.5m) 3.9 – 3.0m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

*WIN YOUR SHED FOR FREE TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Orders must be placed, with a non refundable deposit & a valid completed entry form by 5.30pm on 28th Feb 2019. Max. value of “WIN YOUR SHED FOR FREE” $10,000 excl. GST. Draw will take place on 7th March 2019. All prices exclusive of GST and are from 1st – 28th February 2019 only, while stocks last. Sheds must be delivered prior to 31st March 2019. Sheds are compliant to the 1170 building code requirements. Offer valid on these Standard Kitset Sheds only and for payments made via a Goldpine account. These shed offers are not available in conjunction with any other shed offer. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only.

PAGE 21 Vol 18 No 4, February 4, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz

$3.95

Incl GST

Exporters alerted Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

EAT exporters are being put on standby for their access to European and British markets to be carved up as the industry steps up its planning for a no-deal Brexit at the end of next month. Continued negotiations mean it is still uncertain that Britain will exit the European Union on March 29 as scheduled but the body administering NZ’s meat export quotas is taking no chances. The Meat Board’s Dave Harrison said the board is activating its contingency plans for negotiations ending without a deal and for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union on the scheduled date. “We are making changes to the software we use to run the quota certification systems and have talked to the companies about changing the allocation mechanism. “We hope it is wasted effort but we can’t rely on it.” The EU parliament last week approved regulations for splitting quotas for third countries selling to the EU after the UK goes. For NZ sheep meat exporters it means their existing right to sell up to 228,000 tonnes tariff-free to either the UK or continental markets goes out the window. Under the new regulations NZ exporters can send to either the UK or the continent a new maximum of 114,000 tonnes each before tariffs kick in.

While the quota allocations for the EU and the UK add up to the same as before, their value will be severely diminished. Harrison said exporters operating predominantly in either the EU or the UK will be disadvantaged by the new allocations. “They end up with a certain amount of quota into a market which they do not operate in and not enough in the market they do.” Furthermore, if exporters want to divert more of their products to the EU from the UK following a no-deal Brexit they will no longer have the same flexibility to do so under the new quota ceiling. Instead they will be left with quota for the UK market just at the time the value of lamb in Britain will come under pressure from increased supplies of local lamb shut out of the EU by 50% tariffs. “In the event that again if there is a no-deal and all of a sudden the UK has 70,000 tonnes of carcases that it can’t move to France any more then that is a real problem and it is going to create a market situation where flexibility is going to be really important.” Dairy Companies Association chairman Malcolm Bailey said splits to NZ’s dairy quotas are based on a flawed methodology that handicaps exporters trying to service the UK and EU markets according to customer demand. In the case of NZ’s 74,000 tonne butter quota, 63% had been allocated to remaining EU members, based on the proportion of NZ’s butter exports sent to continental ports between 2013 and 2015.

DON’T BET ON IT: The odds are the split in quota allocations for dairy exports to Europe and Britain will handicap exports, Dairy Companies Association chairman Malcolm Bailey says.

This is now urgent. Todd McClay National Party But that overstated the amount of NZ butter consumed in the EU because significant amounts landed in the Dutch port of Rotterdam were then shipped on to customers in the UK. “There is a chance that the split will fluke and be appropriate for the next year but the odds are it won’t,” he said.

Following the vote by the EU parliament the National Party’s trade spokesman Todd McClay called on the Government to immediately start legal proceedings at the World Trade Organisation against the EU. “This is now urgent. “If there is no Brexit deal our rights could be restricted as soon as March 30 this year with some exporters facing higher tariffs into the UK and EU markets.” Trade Minister David Parker said the Government has raised its objections at the WTO but has not yet taken the step of initiating a legal challenge to the quota splits, which will not take effect until the UK leaves the EU.

“We will cross that bridge when we come to it,” he said. But whether the WTO’s courts will be able to help NZ out of its quota bind is in serious doubt. United States President Donald Trump last year blocked judicial appointments to the body’s appellate court and it will cease to function later this year for lack of judges unless he relents. Even if NZ wins its case it will be automatically appealed and remain in limbo until the appellate body is restored to a working complement of judges. In the meantime NZ would be forced to pin its hopes on negotiations for free-trade deals with the EU and the UK.



3885TTDS1

Worried about your farms milk temperatures?

We can give you the facts with a FREE milk cooling performance check.* Call 0800 TRU-TEST to book yours today!

* Limited numbers available in each region. Performance check must be booked before 28/2/2019. The report is confidential and not available to 3rd parties.

How are you tracking? Let’s talk. 0800 TRU-TEST (878 837)

NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW We kick off this week with another large high over New Zealand but it’s already starting to drift out east over the Pacific and that means an uptick in northwesters today and tomorrow for many, making for hotter weather in the east. On Tuesday a weak cold front moves into the lower South Island with some patchy rain and by Waitangi Day this weak front moves into the North Island with showers. Many places will be cooler on Wednesday and Thursday in the south and east. A sub-tropical low moves south later this week increasing easterlies over northern NZ. This low might bring rain to northern NZ this weekend. Next week might see another sub-tropical low and more unsettled weather.

5 Farming’s leaders want

Government to buy Taratahi

Outdoors access law gets review �� 10 Youngsters aware of self care �� 16 Farmers put lifestyle before cash �� 13

Newsmaker ��26 New Thinking ��27

ON FARM STORY

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

Wind

Rain Some patchy rain in the South Island on Waitangi Day and a few showers left over move into the North Island. Many places are still drier than average this week but two subtropical lows are worth monitoring this weekend and next week.

Opinion ��28 World ��34

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Temperature A hot start to the week for some but a cooler change arrives in the south on Waitangi Day and moves into some parts of the North Island on Wednesday and Thursday. Humid easterlies develop late in the week in the north.

North to northwest winds build over the South Island and lower North Island today and tomorrow then more of a south to southeast change moves in for Wednesday and Thursday. Easterlies start to develop in the north later this week.

Highlights/ Extremes A cool change arrives on Waitangi Day but the main focus is the chance of a sub-tropical low this weekend and possibly a repeat performance next week. It is not locked in but increasingly showing up in the models.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

For the driest areas there might not a lot of relief coming over the next week but the sub-tropics bring some chance of rain. The driest areas are Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Whanganui and Nelson but there are other parts of NZ that are drying out. Not much rain this week but if we do get one or two subtropical lows they could help significantly. If not, some western showery weather looks likely next week for a time, which should be helpful.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 01/02/2019

32 They’re doing the impossible A Taranaki family has its eye set firmly on farm ownership.

REGULARS Real Estate ��35-47 Employment ��48 Classifieds ��49 Livestock ��59-51 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: $1113. 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.

This product is powered by NIWA Data

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

LEGAL TALK with Barbara McDermott Another GST trap – IRD deems farm seller registered for GST Issues as to liability for GST under the standard agreement for sale and purchase of real estate are not uncommon. How the GST provisions in the agreement are completed will determine whether the seller or the buyer will be liable to pay GST to the Inland Revenue Department, or whether the transaction will be zero rated for GST and no GST will be payable at all. Issues over liability arise because the GST provisions are incorrectly completed, the parties do not take legal advice as to what the GST provisions in the agreement mean for them or accounting and tax advice for their specific situation. Farm Seller liable to pay $365,000 to buyer after settlement The seller of a rural property was recently found to be liable to the buyer after settlement, for nearly $366,000 (Ling v YL NZ Investment Ltd [2018] NZCA 133). This was the amount of a claim by the buyer for GST on a property purchased for $3.5m which was rejected by the IRD after settlement. The buyer made this claim because the seller stated in the agreement that she was not registered for GST. The

purchase price of $3.5m was “inclusive of GST if any”. The buyer’s claim for $366,000 as rejected by IRD because after settlement the IRD deemed the seller to be registered for GST and back dated the deemed registration to a date before settlement. This meant the sale was from one registered party to another, the sale was zero rated for GST and no GST was payable by the seller to IRD and no GST could be claimed by the buyer after settlement. As a result of the buyer’s rejected claim for GST of $366,000, the buyer sued the seller for that amount on the basis the seller had incorrectly warranted in the agreement that she was not registered for GST. The seller argued that the warranty was correct when she gave it because she wasn’t in fact registered for GST at that time. However, the Court of Appeal interpreted the seller’s warranty as meaning the seller was warranting she was either registered for GST or liable to be registered for GST at the date of the agreement. As a result the seller received from the sale the net amount of about $3.134 m instead of the $3.5 m she was expecting. The buyer paid the net amount of $3.134 m – which

www.nwm.co.nz

is the net amount the buyer would have paid if the seller’s warranty had been correct. The Court of Appeal noted that the purpose of the seller’s warranty is to avoid confusion as to the GST liability of the parties. If the seller’s interpretation of the warranty had been correct, buyers could not be certain as to whether they could claim the GST after settlement where sellers warranted they were not registered for GST. The buyer would be paying a substantially higher price if IRD deemed the seller registered for GST at a later date. The cost of failure to take professional advice As with many GST issues that arise, the seller might have avoided liability to pay $366,000 (not to mention the substantial lawyer’s and Court costs that she would have paid fighting the claim) if she had taken advice from an experienced tax accountant and lawyer. The price paid for that advice would pale into insignificance compared with the amount paid to the buyer and the legal costs incurred in this case.

LK0095393©

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Wilson’s leadership changed Fonterra Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA’S former chairman and longest-serving director John Wilson constitutionally changed the course of the big dairy cooperative during six eventful years on the bridge. Unfortunately, his final year before standing down through terminal illness was the worst of an energetic and distinguished 20year governance effort on behalf of dairy farmers. Like an admiral of the fleet watching a slow-motion collision, Wilson saw hazards from the past working with the tide of international dairy prices to produce Fonterra’s first-ever loss.

He had integrity – if he disagreed with you he would tell you why. Nathan Guy National Party Fonterra is a unique, modern, market-share producer cooperative with a complex structure of gear wheels and drivers and no-one knew it better than Wilson. He was intimately involved in designing then amending, firstly as inaugural chairman of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council, an echo chamber between the company and its farmershareholders, then as farmerdirector and understudy to former chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden. He was charged with leading the structural changes in 2012 that created the Fonterra Shareholders Fund and Trading Among Farmers to safeguard farmers’ equity and stabilise the balance sheet. More recently, in 2015-16,

wide-ranging governance and representation changes were made to downsize the board, improve candidate assessment and selection and add relevance to the council. As always in the dairy industry, none of the reforms was resolved harmoniously or at the first vote but Wilson was a tenacious, courteous and indefatigable leader until illness struck. Aged 54 at his death, he had devoted more than half his adult life to dairy industry representation and spent countless days and nights away from his wife Belinda and their four daughters. Farming leader and trade envoy Mike Petersen, who attended Massey University with Wilson, said trade missions and diplomatic visits are timeconsuming and tiring. “He was a very engaging and convincing representative of Fonterra and New Zealand, who made a huge commitment to his fellow dairy farmers, co-operative ownership and the industry. “Back here, structural reform is very hard to achieve with 8000plus owners and businesspeople who are independently minded. “It takes a lot of shoe leather and shed meetings and John did that very well. “But it is as a farmer, husband and father that John would most liked to be remembered.” Former Fonterra strategy general manager Alex Duncan said Wilson represented NZ Dairy Group farmers when the super coop was being planned then carved out the roles of the council. He was later entrusted with the TAF deliberations after the first capital restructure proposal foundered on adverse farmer opinion. “His incisiveness was impressive. He wanted change and knew how to achieve that. “But he was also collaborative, hearing the inputs from fellow

GOOD CHAP: John Wilson was involved in many things in the dairy industry but whatever he did he always had farmer welfare at heart.

directors, advisers and outsiders. “He was also someone you could disagree with and he wouldn’t take umbrage. “He always kept his cool and therefore he continued to make progress.” Former Primary Industries Minister and dairy farmer Nathan Guy, at Massey with one of Wilson’s brothers, said the family was strong, very good at farming and very supportive of their leading light. “John had a unique skill set and he was so comfortable in many different circumstances. “For five years (2012 to 2017) we had a strong working relationship through food safety scares, a big dairy downturn and many trade missions.

“He was a champion for Fonterra and the dairy industry and always kept farmers front and centre. “He had integrity – if he disagreed with you he would tell you why and he had huge respect in many places, here and overseas.” Current chairman John Monaghan, also a long-serving director and former council chairman, paid tribute to his friend and predecessor. “We owe John Wilson and his family a debt of gratitude for all the time, energy and sheer hard graft he gave us as a farmer-owner, inaugural chairman of the council on merger, as a farmer-director from 2003 and as our chairman from 2012.

“John always brought dedication, commitment and deep dairy knowledge to each of the representation and governance roles in which he served. “On behalf of his fellow farmers he was the ultimate advocate for what we stand for. “We have lost a friend, colleague, leader and champion for our industry much too soon. Our thoughts and deep gratitude for all that he contributed go to his family and friends,” Monaghan said. “He would never back down from going at something head on if he believed it was important. “He always looked ahead and focused on finding a way through the tough times that would protect Fonterra’s farmers, sharemilkers and their families.” Chief executive Miles Hurrell said he worked with Wilson for years and like many others greatly admired his commitment and determination to do the best for farmers, the dairy industry and NZ. DairyNZ chairman and fellow former Fonterra director Jim van der Poel said Wilson never lost touch with farmers and was always interested in farmer welfare. “John’s talent, commitment and leadership will be tremendously missed.” Federated Farmers dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard said Wilson achieved major reforms of Fonterra and participated in vigorous debates about industry structure without anyone saying a bad word about him. “He would strongly disagree and you were left in no doubt. “We had our points of difference over DIRA, for example, but he put forward a workable compromise. “People on the outside wouldn’t appreciate his tremendous commitment to the dairy industry and the time he spent away from farm and family.”

Enjoy the premium The ewe fair season shows up the substantial premium gained by Wairere bred ewes. Many Wairere ram clients also enjoy a premium on surplus ewe lambs. And there have been some exciting prices achieved at occasional clearing sales when long term clients have retired from farming.

Masterton Saleyards, January 2012. White Rock Station five year ewes sold for a then New Zealand record price of $235.

The Wairere premium is all part of delivering a world class genetics package which makes your sheep farming easier and more profitable. Top index ram lamb sires are available late February/early March: Wairere Romney, Multiplier (composite), Tufguy (Texel/ Romney), Challenger (FE resilient), Dominator (composite terminal). Also Wairere Merino two tooths from Otago.

Derek Daniell Andrew Puddy Wairere Ram Wairere Sales 0800 122 077 06 377 0660 021 222 5100

Simon Buckley Wairere 06 3725560

Anna Vaughan Murray Gemmell Wairere Station Wairere King manager 07 896 6722 063725970 027 291 1717

Making your sheepfarming easier and more profitable www.wairererams.co.nz | 0800 WAIRERE (0800 924 7373))

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Rural sector scares off trainees Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz USING Landcorp farms in a restructured vocational education training system for the primary industry is one option being considered by the Government. Farming leaders have called on the Government to buy Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre’s Masterton campus from the liquidators to secure future vocational farm training, saying once gone it will be difficult and costly to replace.

POOR IMAGE: Land-based have not done a good job of selling themselves to young people and created a perception that is far from the reality, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says.

It was an email asking for $6m to pay their bills. I think they were complacent. Chris Hipkins Education Minister “It is crucial that facility in Masterton remains available to agricultural training,” Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland says. “We think it is critical the Government steps in and purchases those assets.” Education Minister Chris Hipkins said while the liquidator will have some input on the future of the assets he hopes the farm and Masterton campus will once again be used to train young farmers. “This gives the Government some ability to think about the future and its role in that.” The act under which Taratahi is governed dictates it can be sold only with the approval of Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and then only for education. A new vocational training structure for primary sector training could leverage off Landcorp, Hipkins said. All options for primary sector training are being considered but the first step is to revamp vocational education.

The training model is unsustainable and is not providing the right people with the right skills and he hopes to release details for reforming the sector next month. The Government has been criticised for rejecting a rescue package submitted last year by the Taratahi board but Hipkins said a business case was not presented, an example of board complacency. “It was an email asking for $6m to pay their bills. I think they were complacent.” The private training educator was the victim of poor historic decisions, poor management and poor governance in the lead-up to last December’s liquidation, he said. The Government last year spent $100 million bailing out three polytechnics but Hipkins said

the polytechnics had a pathway forward. “Taratahi hadn’t identified a business case and its options were not that simple.” The Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill is still in discussions with the Government about taking over Taratahi’s Telford campus in south Otago and Hipkins said a decision is still some weeks away. Any decision on the future of Taratahi will take longer and is dependent on the liquidation process, meaning education on the campus is unlikely until that is resolved. The primary sector has been poor at promoting careers, to the point where the perception of farming deters young people from careers even though that perception differs greatly from the reality.

“I don’t think land-based industries have done a good job of selling themselves to young people.” While the strong economy is creating jobs the loss of students pursuing vocational training is disproportionately higher than for other tertiary education. The eyes of young people are not being opened to the future they could have in the primary sector and turning around declining enrollments and interest requires greater input and commitment from the farming community, he said. Resolving issues with vocational education means addressing what Hipkins calls a broken funding model, tensions that funding creates between industry training organisations and polytechnics and a disjointed operating model.

There is an opportunity to establish a robust, sustainable, vocational education model. Wairarapa Federated Farmers president William Beetham said after discussions with O’Connor he doubts there will be any training at Taratahi’s Masterton farm this year. He hopes other polytechnics can pick up some Taratahi courses at some of its satellite campuses. Beetham has also joined the call for the Government to buy the Taratahi campus saying it is central to securing future vocational training for the industry. The next stage in the liquidation is a High Court hearing on Tuesday where the court will establish the terms and powers of the full liquidation.

with Safety Sensor

PRO

SHEARING MACHINE

Electronic safety sensor lock-up protection system inside

www.acto.co.nz

Available through all leading farm stores

LK0093969©

Distributed by Acto Agriculture NZ Ltd

LK0093969©

The worlds most trusted, safest and No 1 selling shearing machine

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Farming’s leaders want Government to buy Taratahi Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz FARMING leaders rallying to rebuild primary sector vocational training say retaining Taratahi’s Masterton campus is a crucial part of that future structure. Beef + Lamb NZ, DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and the Tertiary Education Commission are working to design a new vocational training structure for the industry and say the Government should buy Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre’s farm and campus from the receiver. A vacuum in primary sector training has been created with Taratahi’s liquidation. Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland said given the requirements to train farm workers, residential training facilities are crucial and if the Taratahi farm is sold it will be prohibitive to establish another. “There is a risk that we will lose capacity and capability to train prospective workers for the agricultural sector.” Discussions with Education Minister Chris Hipkins indicated he is supportive, though not committing to buying it, but needs to find a mechanism to complete any transaction, such as a Government entity. Telford’s home farm, which is owned by a trust, is secure and discussions are continuing with the Southern Institute of Technology about delivering its courses. Copeland said the intention is to rebuild primary sector training around what the industry requires but to also create a structure that

addresses inherent failings in the system, such as inadequate funding. The existing model means universities are paid twice as much per student as vocational providers but primary sector training, which requires residential accommodation for students, more facilities and intensive tuition, costs more to deliver. The expense means few polytechnics offer agricultural courses. “Surely the Government has to listen, that the funding model has to change.” Copeland said. Work behind the scenes has been determining what the industry needs and how that can be delivered. That has included discussions with the Ministry for Primary Industries. The Tertiary Education Commission has previously vowed to grow primary sector training participation in 2019 and 2020 and says it remains committed to that promise. Its delivery deputy chief executive Gillian Dudgeon said it recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Primary Industry Capability Alliance (PICA). “Part of our work with PICA has been identifying industry and employer needs and target areas for focus, such as partnering with local trades academies and schools to promote the breadth and range of primary industry opportunities in the sector.” It is also working with PICA to look at perception issues with primary industry education and at the core skills required by primary industries.

DOESN’T ADD UP: Universities get twice as much per student as vocational trainers but primary sector training costs more to deliver, Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland says.

There is a risk that we will lose capacity and capability to train prospective workers for the agricultural sector. Terry Copeland Federated Farmers “This focus remains a priority for TEC and we will continue to engage and develop information on career opportunities and connect to the broader education work programme. “The Minister of Education has said previously that the Government will be working over

the coming weeks and months to ensure vocational education and training meets New Zealand’s future needs and that agricultural training will be a particular focus.” Polytechnics around the country are offering courses to Taratahi students. The Eastern Institute of Technology has four Taratahi students completing the Certificate in Agriculture in vehicles, machinery and infrastructure , its primary industries head Nigel Udy said. “EIT is currently recruiting for the NZ Certificate in Farming Systems (level 3) which is due to start in February. We are also considering offering the NZ Certificate in Agriculture (vehicles, machinery and infrastructure) later in 2019.”

EIT is considering helping previous Taratahi students with the apiculture course but said all courses are subject to enrolling sufficient numbers of students. Rabobank recently hosted 23 high school students in a live-in programme at Waikato University where they were exposed to agricultural career opportunities. The years 12 and 13 students from Northland, Auckland and Waikato were selected based on their academic performance, leadership attributes and career aspirations. During the four-day programme they and spent time on farms and at agricultural business including Fonterra, DairyNZ, Silver Fern Farms, Zeelong Tea and Veterinary Services Co-operative.

feeling the heat? LIGHTWEIGHT, BREATHABLE AND MOISTURE WICKING RURAL GEAR PURPOSE BUILT TO MAXIMISE YOUR EXPERIENCE THIS SEASON AVAILABLE NOW AT YOUR LOCAL FARMLANDS STORE

RAV-04FEB-FW

SPECIAL OFFER

Spray more for less Spot spraying and brushweed offer

$30 OFF

20L drums of Eliminate, Eliminate Brushkiller and Multiple*

$300 OFF 200L of Eliminate Brushkiller*

BONUS 500G PACK with each 5kg Eradicate 600 purchase*

Spray now to free your pasture from broadleaf and brushweed competition. Don’t delay – get in early on this special offer, while stocks last. Spray more for less this season. Talk to us today. *Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 31 March 2019.

0800 100 123 ravensdown.co.nz Smarter farming for a better New Zealand®

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS Scheme accredited Spreadmark, New Zealand’s only fertiliser spreading certification scheme, has gained international recognition from the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand. It means farmers and growers using Spreadmark trained and registered fertiliser spreaders can now be assured all aspects of the programme are robust and reliable. It provides extra reassurance to regional councils and other organisations requiring contractors to be Spreadmark certified, Fertiliser Quality Council chairman Anders Crofoot said.

Dairy leaders wanted Nominations for a national award that recognises dairy farmers who demonstrate leadership in their approach to sustainable dairying and who are ambassadors for the industry open February 1. The Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award was introduced last year by the Dairy Industry Awards. Entry for is by nomination only via dairyindustryawards.co.nz. The winner could come from any of NZ’s milk suppliers and any farmer or farming partnership demonstrating a high calibre of performance and leadership in the areas of responsible and sustainable care of people, animals, ecosystems and communities.

Virus has mixed results

Going lower

Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

THIS year could produce the lowest average kiwi dollar to United States dollar exchange rate of the last decade, rural banking group Rabobank says. It expects the NZ dollar to fall to US$0.63 by year-end as the premium gap between US Fed interest rates and the RBNZ widens further, Australasian agribusiness research head Tim Hunt said. He believes the Fed is at the peak of the cycle and unlikely to move from 2.5% this year. Rabobank believes the RBNZ is more likely to cut the OCR from 1.75% this year than to raise it. The US is showing the first cracks in the housing market and a rising trade deficit would drag on the economy, together denting inflation. In NZ, domestic activity will not be enough to offset the slowing world economy, notably concerns over Chinese growth. There is little chance of inflation increasing. Rabobank believes there are widespread signs of Chinese growth slowing more quickly than official figures show. That could affect exports and put greater downward pressure on the kiwi. – Alan Williams

THE new rabbit-killing K5 haemorrhagic virus has achieved an average kill rate of 47% of rabbits in Otago but rates on individual farms vary from very low to 80%, leading to farmer scepticism about its effectiveness. Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead says while the 47% average is higher than forecast in the import application for the RHDV K5 virus, high immunity levels in parts of the province reduced its effectiveness. Otago Federated Farmers president Simon Davies has had reports from farmers saying they have not seen any evidence the new strain is working.

BREEDING: Some farmers have taken a step backwards in terms of rabbit numbers, Otago Federated Farmers president Simon Davies says.

The virus was released last autumn but Davies said some farmers feel they have gone backwards in the battle to control the pest. Some owners of farms on which it was released agreed to a council request to delay rabbit control to ensure adequate numbers to aid its spread. Davies said some farmers have told him their rabbit problem is greater now than before K5 was released. “They have probably taken a step backwards in terms of numbers.” Farmers believe the Otago release of the virus was too late, with cool, autumn temperatures making vectors less active. The other issue was a lack of co-ordinated rabbit control. The council might need

to encourage neighbours or districts to do rabbit control at the same time to maximise the impact. “I don’t want a return to the rabbit board scenario but they targeted areas and co-ordinated control programmes.” There are now three rabbit virus strains active in Otago but farmers are confused about which strain is working, Davies said. The Czech strain was introduced illegally in 1997, the K5 strain was released last year and a strain initially found at Blenheim is also present. Woodhead says it is unclear how the Blenheim one will affect the K5 and Czech strains’ mortality rates but farmers have an obligation to control pests on their land.

It is your duty as a landowner to deal with that problem and put in place effective controls. Stephen Woodhead Otago Regional Council “We all know that if you can see rabbits on your property you have a problem. “It is your duty as a landowner to deal with that problem and put in place effective controls.” That means using multiple tools such as poison, shooting and biological controls.

DRIVING YOUR FUEL SAVINGS

12¢ SAVE AT LEAST

PER LITRE OF FUEL AT THE PUMP

0800 787 256

RURALCO.CO.NZ

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Walsh gets new job at his firm Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz IT’S been a long time coming but sheep farmers are smiling again and for Peter Walsh that’s cause for him to smile. Confidence at the farmgate in sheep is the strongest it’s been since 2011 and that is good timing to take a step sideways and plan for the future of his business. “With buoyant sheep meat, beef and venison, 2018 was a positive year for those of us in the livestock business. “Confidence in sheep, strong wool prices aside, is at an alltime high as is global demand that’s driving firm demand from processors, which means the new level of pricing looks sustainable,” Walsh said. “So I need to look at succession planning and demonstrate we are in for the long haul.” Livestock brokering has dominated Walsh’s life for more than 50 years, the past 17 of which he has been managing director of his own Canterbury business, Peter Walsh and Associates (PWA). “It came a time when I decided it was right to go alone and started buying and selling a few cattle and deer.” His wife Karen became his administration and finance partner and as for the associates – that was a bit of a joke at first. “In the beginning we didn’t have any and we didn’t really have a grand plan.” But that soon changed. The associates were very quickly on board and in 17 years the plan has evolved to the stage that while focusing on the vital day to day business Walsh is ever mindful of the need for future-proofing. “It’s no different to farm succession planning. It’s about longevity and long-term confidence in business and the industry. “What stimulated me very quickly was the recent loss of a very good friend. “We started school together. One day I was talking to him at a sale and then the next week he was gone. “It brought home to me that I’m not indestructible and so

HAPPY DECISION: Taking a side-step is about ensuring business longevity, livestock industry stalwart Peter Walsh, who believes the sheep industry is in one of its best times for many years, says. Photo: Annette Scott

KEEN: New general manager Jesse Dargue is passionate about working alongside farmers.

get on with it – 52 years is a long time in business and I need to set my business up for the long haul.” With an eye to the future the couple’s son Bill was recently appointed a director of the

company and in January Jesse Dargue took up the reins as general manager. For Walsh it’s a case of sidestepping and overseeing. “I’ve got to look at other areas where I can have input. I am certainly not walking away. “When I wake up in the morning I will still be thinking livestock.” Bill Walsh, a solicitor for Auckland law firm HeskethHenry, was brought up around the business, lending a hand in the office in his school holidays. The keen sportsman and Auckland rep cricket player hopes to use his skills and experience to contribute fresh ideas and add value, not only from a legal perspective but also to facilitate the continued growth of the business. Dargue has been 12 months with the firm learning the ropes before stepping up. “I have written his job description. Now I’m waiting for him to write mine,” Walsh said. “Farming has changed in many ways over the years and that’s

changed the way of business for livestock brokers. “No longer are you just that person who drives up the driveway to look at stock. You are have a responsibility to provide good options to get the best deal for farmers, earning trust to do it again and again.

When I wake up in the morning I will still be thinking livestock. Peter Walsh Peter Walsh and Associates “It’s a game you have to play with all the cards face up.” That’s where Walsh’s experience and respected reputation will lead to his new advisory role. “I think I am ready to move on in a support role and let younger thinking and energy take over. It’s a happy decision.” With big shoes to fill, Dargue

said it’s a mix of daunting and exciting. “I feel quite fortunate to be given this exciting opportunity but it’s great to have Peter still right there for support.” The former Ashburton irrigation scheme manager said livestock is a new challenge but one that will still see him enjoying what he has a real passion for – working alongside farmers. “It’s quite a different challenge in a very competitive industry and as a company we have got to step up to meet these challenges and understand the changing environment of farming to stay on top of the game.” As for Walsh’s job description. “I’m working on it. I’m still looking for the appropriate title but I can tell him it will certainly include providing support and advice in a mentoring role with the team. “The plan is for me to offload his day-to-day responsibilities as he moves his focus to more specialist areas, identifying where and how we can improve,” Dargue said.

Plantain research a game-changer for farmers GAME-CHANGING new research into how plantain crops can reduce nitrogen loss from dairy farms will put upper Manawatu farmers at the forefront of dairy science. Dairy farmers in the Tararua catchment face reducing nitrogen loss from pastures by an average of 60% to meet the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council’s One Plan targets. To achieve them farmers are adopting a range of on-farm changes and the region’s new

plantain research could be a key component. The Tararua Plantain Project, which has secured Sustainable Farming Fund money, is a new approach by DairyNZ to reduce farm nitrogen loss through a combination of plantain and good management practice. “Plantain provides us with an excellent, low-cost opportunity to meet this challenge,” DairyNZ catchment engagement leader Adam Duker said. “It can be used as a pasture mix for dairy cattle feed but its

properties have also been proven to reduce nitrogen loss. “Farmers in the catchment have already been making onfarm changes to reduce nutrients and sediment impacting the Manawatu River. “The river water quality is improving as a result and, by adopting plantain as a fodder crop on their farms, we expect to see further improvements over time,” Duker said. The project involves paddockscale research on six farms where plantain crops are expected to

reduce nitrogen from cow urine. Plantain roots also lock more nitrate into soil, preventing runoff into waterways. “The project is farmer-led and focuses on tangible, practical solutions to the environmental challenge by testing the feasibility of plantain at the farm and catchment scale. “We’d like to see plantain as a staple part of the dairy cow’s diet in this area by 2025,” Duker said. “It will allow our farmers to maintain similar levels of milk production. We hope the project

will demonstrate how to keep their businesses profitable, reduce environmental impact and minimise the effect on the community.” DairyNZ is working with the council, Massey University, agronomists and a six-strong project team on the project, which began this season and will run for seven years. The project aims to achieve plantain use on 125 dairy farms to increase farm business and community resilience and make quantified gains in water quality.

One spread, two seasons. Job done.

WAVE24721 390X265R

Growth when you need it most PhaSedN has two nutrients in one chip. SustaiN boosts growth in Autumn, while fine elemental sulphur ensures a strong start to Spring, so you can make the most of your time. ballance.co.nz l 0800 222 090

News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Outdoors access law gets review Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

OPEN AIR: The Walking Access Act which allows countryside access for walking, cycling, horse trekking, four-wheel driving, hunting and fishing is being reviewed.

THE Ministry for Primary Industries is reviewing the Walking Access Act. The act established the Walking Access Commission in 2008 and is due for a mandatory review. MPI will assess the act and whether it still provides the access needed to the outdoors –

Widen your perspective

land, bush, mountains, rivers, coasts and areas of cultural significance. “New Zealand is lucky to have such beautiful natural resources all around us,” MPI environment and communities director Charlotte Denny said. “New Zealanders love to get outdoors and want to have access to a range of places to walk, bike, hunt, swim, surf and boat, whether in town, in rural areas or further afield.” “Our review will look at whether the act is fit for the future and what improvements are needed. “As part of the review we’ll be meeting a number of stakeholders to do some early scoping of the issues before public consultation gets under way.” Public engagement is scheduled for April and May. A panel of three people chaired by Dr Hugh Logan will guide the review, due for completion by September. The panel has experience in public access to the outdoors, Maori access issues and government. Logan has wide experience at national, regional and local levels that involves major outdoor access stakeholders including environmental, conservation, primary industry, local government, and recreation organisations. He has worked as chief executive for the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Conservation He chaired the Land and Water Forum and has been involved in community-level groups including the Mackenzie Trust and the Canterbury Mountaineering Club. The act’s purpose is to provide free, certain, enduring and practical walking access to the outdoors. It also established the commission that leads and supports the negotiation, establishment, maintenance and improvement of walking access and other associated types of access such as cycling, horse trekking, four-wheel driving, hunting and fishing. It works with private landowners, local government, DoC and others. The review will consider whether the act is needed, its operation and effectiveness and whether changes are necessary or desirable.

“This course empowers you to navigate the challenges leadership inevitably presents, with an outstanding network of people, meaning that the benefits of this course will not end at the final phase.” Rob Kidd, Kellogg Alumni 2018 Course 2

Applications for 2019 Course 2 close on 18 March 2019

Apply now: kellogg.org.nz

The review team can be contacted at: walkingaccessreview@mpi.govt.nz

New contracts help lamb’s wool sales Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz STRONG competition for good coloured lambs’ wool highlighted Thursday’s Napier sale. There appear to be new overseas contracts for the wool type coming to the market, which should help values at least hold current levels, PGG Wrightson North Island auctioneer Steve Fussell said. A few lines of hogget wool also sold well. The overall pass-in rate was 2.5%. With large volumes of wool now coming into the stores, weekly sales will continue into midFebruary before reverting to the fortnightly schedule, Fussell said. Sales, all by micron level, price per kg clean: Full wool (good to average colour) 35 micron, $2.97; 36, $2.90; 37, $2.92; 39, $2.81, down 8c. Crossbred second shear: 37 micron, 2-to-3 inches, $2.60, down 10c; 39, 3-to-5 inches, $2.81, down 8c. Lambs’ wool: 28 micron, 2-to-3 inches, $5.94, up 4c; 29, 2-to-3 inches, $5.83, up 14c; 30, 2-to-3 inches, $5.44.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz IHC’s calf and rural scheme is making promising progress despite the national organisation canning its usual calf scheme fundraiser because of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis. It is encouraged by the support for of its revamped scheme aimed to raise $800,000, its fundraising national director Greg Millar said. Since restricting livestock movements because of M bovis the rural community has raised more than half of what could have been a $1 million funding shortfall for people with intellectual disabilities, Millar said. “While it was an incredibly tough choice to make the positive feedback and generosity has exceeded expectations. “It’s great to see that people are finding new and innovative ways to continue supporting people with intellectual disabilities. “It has been a tremendously difficult year for the rural sector and a learning year for IHC to determine the best steps moving forward,” Millar said. “It’s so encouraging to see the farming community pull

together to help out during this phase and this money will go a long way to supporting people with intellectual disabilities in communities around New Zealand. With just a couple of months till the end of the season it would be great to get over the $800,000 mark, he said.

Positive feedback and generosity has exceeded expectations. Greg Millar IHC People can continue to donate a physical calf. They just need to get it to the sales themselves. IHC is still reviewing how the scheme will look in future but for now the virtual calf option where people can donate in lieu of a calf will remain. IHC was founded in 1949 and now supports more than 400,000 people with an intellectual disability in residential care, supported living and vocational support.

NOT FORGOTTEN: IHC has suspended its usual calf sales but farmers are still contributing.

AsureQuality extends relationship FOOD testing and biosecurity specialist AsureQuality is extending its partnership with Bureau Veritas into South-East Asia to benefit from the region’s rapid growth. The government-owned testing and certification agency will roll its eight-year-old Singapore facility into a new Singaporebased venture with Bureau Veritas – BVAQ. Bureau Veritas, listed on the Euronext Paris exchange, will fold its newly-established food testing labs in Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand – and its majority stake in Malaysia’s Permulab – into the venture. The asset-based transaction is based on the structure the pair used in 2016 to form Bureau Veritas AsureQuality Holdings Pty in Australia. The latest venture will also be 51% owned by Bureau Veritas. AsureQuality chief executive John McKay says the new agreement builds on the relationship the pair formed since their venture acquired Dairy Technical Services – Australia’s

leading food tester – in 2016. “Partnering with Bureau Veritas in DTS has already proved to offer strong synergies. This new partnership is a great fit for both organisations and will enable us to provide better service to customers in this important region,” he said. “We see tremendous benefits for New Zealand food and primary industry exporters. The greater geographic reach means we’ll be closer on the ground in these markets offering local testing and support. “We also look forward to bringing international market insights back in to our customers here in NZ.” Bureau Veritas is a global testing giant with about 75,000 staff working in 1400 offices globally. Its testing and certification operations span consumer goods through to electronics, commodities, petrochemicals, buildings, ships, pipelines and power stations. Chief executive Didier Michaud-Daniel noted that, including DTS, BVAQ joint-

venture operations will include nine laboratories and more than 500 staff to cater for the fastgrowing agri-food sector in the region. AsureQuality operates labs in Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Lincoln and Singapore. It also has a jointventure lab in Jedda in Saudi Arabia. While much of its work is for the meat, dairy, seeds and horticulture industries, it also serves the building, forestry and pharmaceuticals sectors. The company reported a net profit of $8.5 million in the June year, up from $5.3m a year earlier. Revenue jumped by $31m to $211.7m, with much of the increase coming from lower margin biosecurity work for the Myrtle Rust and Mycoplasma bovis outbreaks, and increased meat inspection services for the longer killing season. AsureQuality had total assets of $126.2m at June 30, including the $31.4m carrying value it put on its stake in BVAQ in Australia. – BusinessDesk

There’s no good time to have toxoplasmosis and campylobacteriosis. But there’s a really good time to vaccinate.

CONTROL THE RISK OF TOXOPLASMA

CONTROL THE RISK OF CAMPYLOBACTER

AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ACVM No: A4769, A9535. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz NZ/SPV/1117/0008a © 2018 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved.

When you think abortion storms, you probably think toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma is everywhere and any ewe that contracts it may abort. But campylobacter also causes abortion, is nearly as prevalent and equally as deadly. Campylobacter can cost you 20-30% of your lambs. There are two diseases that cause abortion storms and preventing them takes two vaccines. So talk to your vet about how the Toxovax® + Campyvax4® combination gives you the best protection against abortion storms.

MADE FOR NEW ZEALAND.

02165_MSD_TOXO/CAMPY_01

IHC rural fundraiser aiming for $800,000

News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

MP blasts Fish and Game Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

TAKING ISSUE: MP Hamish Walker wants Fish and Game to stop its anti-farming crusade.

CLUTHA-SOUTHLAND MP Hamish Walker has urged Fish and Game New Zealand to end what he calls its anti-farming crusade. Walker, a National Party MP, was responding to an attack on southern farmers by Fish and Game, which published photographs of surface flooding and sediment deposits claiming they were an example of farmers continuing to flout winter crop-growing guidelines. It said the photographs were taken by staff at the start of December following record November rain during which parts of Otago and Southland had almost twice as much rain as normal, disrupting

Q. How can we help you identify your suspects?

A. 180

160

140

120

100

There's always room for improvement.

Forewarned is forearmed. Monitoring herd health will help you identify issues early. Our range of animal health tests can be added to your regular herd test to give you a heads up on a whole range of things. From Johne’s disease to BVD, Staph Aureus testing to A2/A2, and even pregnancy diagnosis - we can give you accurate, timely results. The more you know, the more time and money you can save.

KingSt_732_LIC_FW_A

Talk to your LIC Agri Manager about arranging regular Animal Health Milk tests today.

lic.co.nz/dropofmilk

the sowing of crops. Gore recorded more than 130mm of rain for November compared to an historic long-term average of 73mm and December was also exceptionally wet. Walker said he is disappointed by the attack and had hoped the retirement of the organisation’s former chief executive Bryce Johnson, who initiated the Dirty Dairying campaign, would have heralded a more positive relationship with farmers. Last month Walker wrote to new chief executive Martin Taylor expressing disappointment the organisation was continuing to pursue Johnson’s anti-farming rhetoric. “I was hopeful Mr Taylor may have returned some creditability back to Fish and Game but his attack on farmers and Environment Southland proves otherwise. “While Fish and Game councillors in the area indicate they want to work with farmers Mr Taylor seems to have taken it upon himself to do the opposite, which is incredibly disappointing.” He urged Taylor to visit southern farmers to see what they are doing to improve the environment and to work with them. Fish and Game alleged crops were being planted too close to streams and on steep slopes with no effort being made to exclude gullies or provide proper buffer zones. Taylor blamed regional councils, the Government and the dairy industry, saying they needed to address the problem. That followed a similar campaign by the organisation last winter when it published photographs of stock on winter crops, claiming they were causing significant damage to the environment and extreme living conditions for animals. The Ministry for Primary Industries said its inspectors responded to 67 complaints of animals in muddy conditions last year but none warranted prosecution.

Kiwi milk collection up, Aussie take falls FONTERRA’S milk collection was up 5% in December compared with the same month a year earlier and its season-to-date collection at the end of the month was 4% over the previous comparable seven-month period. For the whole of 2018 New Zealand milk production was up 2% while the United States and European Union were each up 1% in the 12 months to the end of November. Australia had no growth in the 12 months to the end of October and the monthly collection was down 6%, Fonterra’s own collections being down 14% and 18% respectively. High input costs and poor seasonal conditions are hurting Australian dairy farmers and the processing industry remains very competitive for milk supply, Fonterra said in its January Global Dairy Update. At this time last year Fonterra Australia reported 27-28% increases in milk collection because of good seasonal conditions and the fallout of suppliers to the troubled Murray Goulburn Co-operative, since sold to Canadian company Saputo. It appears about half the suppliers Fonterra gained have been lost again. Fonterra said dairy exports from NZ are up 1% and from Australia up 6% in the year to end-November. European exports were up 1% and US up 13% in the year to endOctober. The biggest growth markets were Asia, up 5% in dairy imports, and China, up 7%. The first Global Dairy Trade auction for February after a three-week gap following two months of price recovery will be closely watched for signs continuing supply growth in NZ outweighs demand.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

POOR INVESTMENT: Farmers make little return on capital because they pay too much for land and after inflation they make only small capital gains on the purchase price.

Farmers put lifestyle before cash A GOOD enough cash income to pay for a reasonable life appears to be more important for Kiwi farmers than getting the best return on capital from their investment. “Their range of interests vary and it’s not all aimed at maximising profits,” Professor Peter Nuthall, one of three Lincoln University academics who surveyed more than 400 farmers to check on their viability if they faced major financial setbacks, said. They found it highly likely farmers will survive most price downturns and the impacts of global warming. However, annual earnings are low with average returns on capital invested being only 2% to 3%. “Compare that with fixed deposits at around 3.5% and a lot of other sectors where investors might want at least a 6% to 7% return on their capital. “What we see is that if the cash income is okay for living then farmers don’t worry about a 2% or 3% return.” The main reason the overall return is low is that farmers have paid too much for their farms. “The farm next door or nearby has just been too tempting for them. “In reality, if farmers were worried by what they were making they would sell their farms but we’re not seeing that.” For the same purchaseprice reason potential capital gains from a farm sale are virtually non-existent after allowing for inflation, Nuthall said. The Government is considering a capital gains

SURVIVORS: A survey of farmers has found they are in good enough financial shape to make it through most downturns and the impacts of global warming, Professor Peter Nuthall says.

tax, which would cover farm sales, with the talk being the tax rules will not allow for inflation. The issues round that would be tricky. One outcome of a CGT might be that farmers might not pay so much for their land. A lot of farms are kept in families for generations, reducing the importance of the capital return, compared to farmers buying on the open market. The survey was done in winter 2015 and the results have just been released. Much of the focus is on equity and debt levels to establish how secure farmers are in a downturn. Nuthall and his agribusiness and commerce faculty colleagues Bruce Greig and Kevin Old noted debt repayment is difficult when returns on capital are as low as they are but it is happening.

About 71% of loans to farmers are on an interestonly basis and repayment depends on trading results in a given year. Half the respondents said they repay principal when able. Nuthall said it is clear luck in timing of a farm purchase plays its part. “If you buy at the right time and have good prices you can pay off some enormous amounts and achieve good flexibility for the future.” However, there are also examples of dairy farmers buying farms or adding farms to their portfolio ahead of the fall in farmgate milk prices, hitting farm values significantly. “A lot of farmers start out with about 35% equity but if you start at the wrong time it can be hard to build that up.” The typical response to adverse events is to increase borrowings or to refinance and that makes sense if the new funding enables farm development. Most farmers believe debt had led to positive outcomes. The survey found the average debt on a dairy farm is $2.8 million and the average sheep/beef farm debt is $620,000. That is partly explained by sheep/beef farmers having been on their properties much longer on average than dairy farmers so they have had more years to pay down debt. The researchers were surprised at how many farmers have 100% equity in their properties, with 30% of respondents having no longterm mortgage finance. About 40% do not have bank overdrafts though Nuthall cautioned farmers

taking part might have been those in stronger financial positions. About 40% of farms have family loans but they are typically not very big. The researchers were also surprised average offfarm income is a high 25% of total income, through diversification, and debt for non-farm investments is not common. Responding farmers averaged about 30 years or more of experience, a factor in the average equity levels in the 80% range, though a significant number had less than 70% equity.

Stock up.

If farmers were worried by what they were making they would sell their farms but we’re not seeing that. Professor Peter Nuthall Lincoln University Total farm capital averaged out at about $9m and the average debt across the whole group was about $2.2m. Some farmers had very high debt levels. While a lot is known about total debt, servicing costs and average debt, little is known about the situation on individual farms and the human side of the use, benefits, abuse and stress caused by farm debt. The information gathered in the survey will provide a basis for making better assessments of farmer situations with those debt levels.

ANDROVAX PLUS EWES = 20% MORE LAMBS Want a quick boost to your lamb production? Androvax® plus improves flock performance, instantly increasing twinning percentages by an average of 20%. Ask your vet about how Androvax plus can help you lift your lambing percentages.

02165 MSD ANDRO 01

Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ACVM No: A9927. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz NZ/ADXP/1117/0003a © 2018 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved.

News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

AGREE: New Zealand has sympathy for many of American President Donald Trump’s criticisms of the World Trade Organisation, Trade Minister David Parker says.

NZ backs US trade stance on the WTO Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com NEW Zealand is offering a sympathetic ear to American President Donald Trump’s criticisms of the World Trade Organisation. He is doing his best to pull down global trade’s rule-making body, which, he believes, disadvantages the US both in its rules and its judicial decisions. The 167-country organisation was already in a

2019 N Z

sorry state with its negotiating arm making only limited progress since its last major breakthrough two decades ago in the Uruguay round of global trade talks. It has had more success in adjudicating trade disputes between countries but that function is now under threat after Trump blocked the appointment of judges in a move that could see the court cease to function later this year. That would be a blow for NZ farmers who have benefited from a number of rulings in their favour and who could call on it again in the deepening quota dispute with Britain and the European Union. The Trump threat has seen fresh efforts by countries to come up with fixes for the body’s failings. In the front row has been NZ with Trade Minister David Parker one of 13 WTO trade ministers invited to Ottawa last October to work on possible reforms. And just last month NZ’s WTO ambassador David Walker was appointed to facilitate discussions on the impasse over appointments to the appellate court. Parker said proposals have been further refined since the Ottawa meeting and Finance Minister Grant Robertson attended the Davos summit in Switzerland recently where they were discussed further.

Largely we think the US criticisms of the appellate body are correct.

TOU R

David Parker Trade Minister NZ has sympathy for many of the criticisms of the WTO made by the US. They included a failure by its courts to deliver timely judgments and their tendency to stray outside international trade law as agreed by the WTO membership. “Largely we think the US criticisms of the appellate body are correct,” Parker said. The US has also railed against widespread non-reporting of subsidies, which it believes is undermining negotiations at the WTO to rein them in. Parker said NZ agreed better reporting is required but with allowances for poorer countries without the bureaucracies to report subsidy use as quickly as required by WTO rules. NZ’s position is consistent with the WTO’s principal of special and differential treatment, which holds those it deems to be developing countries to lower legal standards and allows them longer periods to phase out subsidies and tariffs under its trade deals. The principal has irked the US, which believes it has given China cover to game the global economic system and gain an unfair trade advantage and is undermining the credibility of the organisation. In a submission to the WTO last week the US listed Turkey, South Korea, Singapore, Mexico and Chile as countries no longer deserving of their status as developing countries. Parker would not single out China but said NZ agreed that some countries are getting an easier ride at the WTO than their economic circumstances should allow. “There are some countries that cling on to specialised and differential treatment ... and that is something that needs to be worked on.” A statement following the Davos meeting said the group of trade ministers will continue to work on proposals to reform the WTO and meet again in May.

Pulsar Got to PEE?

Herbicide

There comes a time when every farmer needs to PEE (Post Emergent Execution), something that Pulsar makes easier. Pulsar is a selective herbicide for use with a wide range of broadleaf weeds in new pasture, cereals, clover, and peas. The contact-only nature of Pulsar means there is no residual activity that could harm newly emerging desirable plants. Plus, with no need for pre-grazing, Pulsar requires less work and even less time until you need to PEE. Visit crop-solutions.basf.co.nz or your local store to learn how you can PEE early, and watch your clover, livestock, and proﬁts grow.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS.

News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Youngsters aware of self care farmstrong.co.nz

KEEN: Most young farmers want to actively look after their wellbeing.

NEW research from the biggest study of its kind in New Zealand says younger farmers and growers want to invest in their wellbeing. Close to 900 farmers under 35 did Farmstrong’s survey last year. Results show 64% of younger farming men and 77% of women said at least one wellbeing issue had a big impact on their lives. Workload, fatigue, relationships, sleep and time off farm are some of the key wellbeing challenges facing younger farmers today. The research reinforced the correlation between wellbeing and risk of accidents and injuries with two-thirds reporting a wellbeing issue contributed to one of their worst on-farm accidents or injuries in the previous year. Younger women reported significantly higher levels of wellbeing issues than the men and the effect was more pronounced for sharemilkers and contract milkers. “Younger farmers shared the challenges to their wellbeing working in farming and most identified the areas that they thought would contribute to addressing them,” Farmstrong project manager Gerard Vaughan said. “They included things like having thinking strategies to deal with ups and downs, eating healthier, increasing self confidence, getting more time off farm and getting better-quality sleep. “The survey showed 84% of women and 74% of men want to invest in ways to improve their wellbeing.” Farmstrong ambassador Sam Whitelock, who is also in the younger farmer age group and plans to return to farming when his rugby days are over, was pleased with the high response. “It’s great to see younger farmers putting weight behind looking after themselves. “Investing in your wellbeing is key to managing pressure whether it’s in professional sport or on the farm. “The study results show there is a real appetite among younger farmers to learn and do more in this area.” The benefit of being part of a farming team or organisation was also clearly evident as a way to support wellbeing. Young Farmers was frequently mentioned as a source of friendship and a chance to talk

to people going through similar issues. “It’s a really good support network,” one said. She and her husband often don’t have time to socialise but having organised events with a whole lot of people makes socialising easy. Having this type of support manifested in the survey results. Young Farmers members reported lower levels of negative impact on a number of wellbeing areas compared to other young farmers who aren’t members. Involvement in sports groups and farming organisations and networks such as Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers, Dairy Women’s Network and Farming Mums also shows positive wellbeing benefits.

The survey showed 84% of women and 74% of men want to invest in ways to improve their wellbeing. Gerard Vaughan Farmstrong “The survey findings have provided rich data for understanding the wellbeing needs of younger farmers, an area that has not been well researched,” Vaughan said. “This can now be used by Farmstrong and others to inform their efforts in improving the wellbeing of younger farmers.” The research also shed light on the best communication channels for younger farmers. Social media, particularly Facebook and Snapchat were noted as key vehicles for providing information and social connections. Local newspapers also remain important with close to 50% regularly reading them. Farmers Weekly was cited as the most popular newspaper. The results are being launched today at the New Zealand Young Farmers conference in Christchurch. is the official media partner of Farmstrong

A summary of the survey results is at www.farmstrong.com/research

An Aztech Dairy Shelter Will Keep Your Herd Cool. Watch Your Production Heat Up. Cows are NOT heat tolerant and cope far better with cold temperatures than heat. A lactating dairy cow operates best between -5° and 20°C. Beyond this respiratory rate increases, and energy is diverted from production, to maintain core body temperature. Aztech Dairy Shelters not only provide shade from direct sunlight but are designed to maximise ventilation. Temperature reduction can be estimated at 8°C cooler inside than out. This factor alone works to improve production by up to 2L milk/cow/ day. Cows not only convert energy to milk more effectively but also eat more when comfortable.

To talk with one of our dairy specialists today, about how Aztech can improve your bottom line, give us a call or visit our website.

0800 114 116

www.aztechbuildings.co.nz/dairy

BEAT GRASS WEEDS IN BEET

NOW REGISTERED FOR BEET CROPS

Available in 1L, 5L and 20L pack sizes.

Great news! SeQuence® is now registered for use on fodder and sugar beet, so you can control grass weed problems and watch your beet crops thrive. SeQuence® is particularly effective against ryegrasses and annual summer grasses, as well as other grass weeds. SeQuence® is also safe to use over many other broadleaf crops, including legumes, forage herbs and brassicas. Get grass-free crops with SeQuence®. And remember, every pack you buy earns points in the Nufarm Priority Partnership programme.

nufarm.co.nz SeQuence® is a registered trademark of Nufarm Australia Ltd.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Beekeepers see a sting in levy tail

STOUSH: Beekeeping groups are fighting over the need for a commodty levy and the way the referendum is being run.

Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

Beekeepers can find out more about the vote on www.apinz.org.nz/levy/

SF HUSTLE™ IS A

SUPER STAR IT’S OFFICIALLY RATED 5 STARS IN THE NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND BY THE DAIRYNZ FORAGE VALUE INDEX (FVI).

GET 5-STAR RATED SF HUSTLE™ WORKING ON YOUR FARM. TALK TO YOUR LOCAL SEED SPECIALIST OR VISIT SEEDFORCE.CO.NZ ”DairyNZ provides no assurance or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of information in the Forage Value Index or at www.dairynz.co.nz/fvi. DairyNZ has no liability for any reliance on that information”.

TRACTA61724_FW

APICULTURE New Zealand is defending its conduct and support for a beekeeping commodity levy as it faces opposition to the proposal from NZ Beekeeping. NZ Beekeeping has accused Apiculture NZ of incompetence in planning the levy referendum that has just kicked off and is open till March 1. NZB president Jane Lorimer said her body also opposes the levy on grounds it is a tax on beekeepers struggling in a period of falling prices and no clear benefit has been spelled out to operators. “Beekeeping faces some big problems but Apiculture NZ is just not the right group to fix them. A compulsory levy would be a disaster for the industry,” Lorimer said. All other primary sectors have a levy, typically administered through an industry body. The levy would be on all beekeepers producing more than 750kg of honey or 26 hives worth and is expected to cost producers 10c/kg. But Lorimer said there are other ways to raise money that bypass the expense associated with a levy. “We have asked on several occasions if there is an alternative. It appears the Government does not want to know unless it is a commodity levy but we do see other ways, possibly through a funded trust.” But Kos said the problem is not with the idea of a trust, but how it is funded. “It would have to be funded on a voluntary basis and that’s where problems start.” Lorimer said the industry had a levy that was discontinued in 2002 when beekeepers became dissatisfied with what it was achieving. But Apiculture NZ chief executive Karin Kos understood that levy focused on market activities. “What we have learnt through consulting with beekeepers is that they have some key priorities they would want a levy to address. These relate to bee health and biosecurity being top priorities. The focus is entirely different to what it was back then.” Lorimer said Australian beekeepers have a different model for collecting industry income but Kos said producers there have a levy and have funded some significant research work over the years. In NZ the levy is expected to raise about $2 million a year. Beekeeping NZ is also concerned about how Apiculture NZ is running the referendum, citing irregularities in the documents and concerns over the database being used to identify keepers. But Kos is confident the process and the levy itself are robust. “We have studied a number of producer levies that other industries have here in NZ and believe we have come up with a realistic, workable and transparent solution for this industry,” Kos said. Apiculture NZ made significant effort late last year to hold meetings with honey producers to understand their views and needs. The entire process would be subject to independent auditing through ElectionNZ. The referendum requires half the prospective levy payers who vote to vote yes for the proposal to succeed.

A tough and wiry New Zealander

f you think for a bit about fencing wire and ask yourself how many brands are locally made, the answer you’ll end up with is just one. WIREMARK® from Pacific Steel is the only fencing wire made right here in New Zealand. In fact, it’s made from virgin iron sand steel, sourced from Glenbrook. Being a locally made product isn’t just good for the New Zealand economy. It’s good for fencing. That’s because WIREMARK® fencing wire is made to demanding standards to guarantee the highest possible quality.

A long history of high standards Pacific Steel’s WIREMARK® brand has been in place in the New Zealand market for over 50 years and has long stood for high quality. It’s also tested at Pacific Steel’s Otahuhu site with a range of parameters used to ensure only the highest quality product is produced and dispatched to market. A good example of this quality assurance process is the way wire ductility is tested. A typical fencing knot will have three to five wraps before it is tied off and The New Zealand Fencing Standard (NZS 3471:1974) requires 6 wraps for a wrap test. Pacific

DON’T LET SUCCESS OR FAILURE COME DOWN TO THE WIRE.

Steel’s WIREMARK® wire is typically tested by the technical team to produce between 20 to 40 highspeed wraps. This unforgiving test confirms the excellent coating adhesion and wire toughness, and is designed to ensure there is no cracking or flaking of the coating and no premature fracturing of the wire. Even the coiling process at Pacific Steel produces a product that caters specifically to end users’ needs. Unlike recoiled wire, all WIREMARK® fencing coils are coiled directly from the galvanising line. The WIREMARK® coils have specific quality control processes to prevent tangling during

run-out. This tangle free nature is often noted by fencers as one of the defining features of WIREMARK® wire. A guarantee of quality With the stringent manufacturing and quality control that WIREMARK® undergoes, it’s hardly surprising that all of the wire is sold with a replacement guarantee. This means if the wire doesn’t perform to industry norms, Pacific Steel will stand by its product. So if you’re in the fencing game, there’s really only one product you should consider. The tough and wiry local, WIREMARK®.

Only fencing wire that carries the WIREMARK guarantee is 100% made and tested in New Zealand for this country’s harsh farming conditions. So make sure you ask for WIREMARK, the fencing wire that’s as tough and wiry as a local fencer. To find out more, visit wiremark.co.nz, call 0800 7227 8335 or email info@pacificsteel.co.nz

MADE TOUGH AND WIRY IN NEW ZEALAND

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Cannabis firm soars to new highs Luke Chivers AN EAST Coast company will be the first to import stronger cannabis under new biosecurity laws. Hikurangi Cannabis in Ruatoria has been granted permission to cultivate 16 new varieties of cannabis – including some of the first high-THC strains to be legally imported – for medicinal use. The new cultivars include five varieties with high levels of THC, the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Another seven are low THC varieties and four have high levels of CBD – the non-psychoactive compound used for treating epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, among other conditions. Managing director Manu Caddie said both types of compound are useful medicinally. “They’re proven to be very effective in treating pain and nausea. “As we breed the particular plants that Hikurangi medicines are derived from, our plant scientists are saying diverse genetics is really important. “There are many different types of cannabis and compounds organised in different ways can help different groups of people,” Caddie said.

The high-THC plants are also better economically. “If we have a 4% THC plant compared to 2% we only have to grow half as many plants, which is much more efficient for us.” The approval required a change of policy. Until last month the Primary Industries Ministry allowed only low-THC strains into the country. After looking into the issue with the Health Ministry MPI updated the regulations and Hikurangi lodged an application to cultivate stronger varieties. “The Government has been supportive and quick to act,” Caddie said. “From the moment we lodged an application to amend our licence to cover high-performing strains it took only a matter of weeks for it to get approval. It’s pleasing to see.” After growing low-THC hemp varieties near Ruatoria, north of Gisborne, since 2016 Hikurangi won the first medicinal cannabis cultivation licence last August. The company employs 20 staff including a team of scientists with experience in horticultural engineering and agronomy, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals formulation and manufacturing.

YIELD: Hikurangi Cannabis staff work on the harvested crop.

It is a big investment but rightly so with demand for medical cannabis at an all-time high. The global cannabis market is estimated to reach $200 billion by 2025 and there could be significant value in being NZ-grown. Caddie is going to Asia next week to meet companies from Thailand, India, China, Japan,

Mongolia and Cambodia to discuss opportunities for trade in cannabis seeds, medicines and natural health products. Asia is rapidly opening up to the legal cannabis industry, he said. “Last week we saw the government in Thailand approve medical cannabis, the Philippines, Malaysia and South Korea are all

shifting quickly and others are following.” Hikurangi has formed a partnership with researchers from Nepal and India to support cannabis growing communities as they characterise, protect and commercialise strains from their areas. “We are very excited about the global indigenous communities network we are building with tribal groups cultivating cannabis in North and South America, Africa and now Asia.” However, creating jobs on the east coast – a region that is around 95% Maori – is his primary focus. “The ultimate aim is to have a collective of growers in the region utilising whanau land and contributing to a cannabis co-op. “If the right opportunities arise it could prove a real boon for the region.” Last year, Hikurangi crowdfunded $2.4 million, which crashed the PledgeMe website. It gave preferential shares in its company to locals. Since then the company has raised several million more from various investors. New Zealanders will get to vote on personal cannabis use in a binding referendum at the 2020 general election.

Feel like starting 2019 riding a Yamaha AG200? WE’VE GOT YOU SORTED. The AG200 has been Downunder’s bestselling AG bike for more years than you can poke a stick at for one simple reason – It’s got the balance that works. An AG bike has got to be tough, reliable, functional and affordable and since the AG200 is the only bike in its class built from the ground up for farm use - only the AG200 nails the role.

ALL-DAY COMFORT

BULLET PROOF ENGINE

CLUTCH LOCK

ENTER TO WIN AT FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.NZ/YAMAHA TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY.

2495FWHP

DUAL RACK

Faster uptake, better efficacy and consistent results in the field

WeedmasterÂŽ TS540 available in 20L, 110L or 640L.

FAR_08659

Available at your local Farmlands store www.farmlands.co.nz ÂŽWeedMaster is a registered trademark of Nufarm Limited.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

High deer prices are sustainable Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz HIGH and stable venison and velvet prices have been reflected in strong demand for stags with a top price of $155,000 paid for a velvet-trophy animal sold by Crowley Deer from Hamilton. It was not alone in achieving phenomenal prices. The Stevens family from Netherdale stud in Southland sold a velvet stag for $90,000, another Southland stud, the Elder family’s Altrive stud, got $75,000 for a velveting stag, Brock Deer from Gore sold a velvet stag for $70,000 and Tower Farms, Cambridge, made $65,000 for a velvet-trophy stag. Deer Farmers Association chairman John Somerville said while those stags captured headlines, prices were high across the board with stags that last year sold for $10,000 to $15,000 making $20,000 or more. The high prices and demand show the industry is enjoying a golden patch fuelled by high and stable venison and velvet prices, Somerville said. It also shows farmers are investing in herd genetics. Markets for venison and velvet have diversified, exporters are dealing less with traders and the United States is now a stable, key, year-round venison market. He is delighted farmers are taking the opportunity of high product prices to invest in their businesses. “Farmers are cashed up, they know where they are, which makes quite a difference, and that is driving investment.” AgriHQ data shows venison was steady at about $10.20/kg last week but back slightly from $10.70 a year ago. Similarly velvet prices have been stable, ranging from $100/kg to $125/kg for the last four years. Farmers remember the industry correction in the early 2000s but the limited number of farmers and venison and velvet supply mean the industry is less exposed now than it was then, Somerville said. There is some limited expansion, mainly existing farmers increasing herd size, though he has heard of some new deer farms being converted in Canterbury. Stag sales reveal a high level of clearance with most studs selling all their offerings. The highest average was $30,136 achieved by Crowley Farms for 11 velvet-trophy stags. The same vendor sold 10 hinds with a top price of $20,000 and an average $7130. Altrive Red Deer averaged $21,456 for 23 velvet stags and 49 hinds for an average of $2104. Netherdale Deer sold 26 velvet stags for a $19,615 average and 83 hinds for an average of $2155 and Brock Deer 23 stags for an average of $17,500, 30 yearling hinds for $2350 and 65 velvet stags for $2150. The top Wapiti price was $15,000 for a bull sold by Tikana Wapiti near Winton in Southland. It average $8357 for 10 bulls. PGG Wrightson deer genetics manager Graham Kinsman said while prices were exceptional for the top 10-15% of sires, demand was consistently high across the board. The number of people attending the sales was greater than in other years. The industry’s buoyancy should continue because supply of venison and velvet is stable and expansion limited as sheep, beef and dairy are all enjoying prosperity. The optimism and positivity in the deer industry make it a great time to be involved, he said. Rural Livestock southern deer representative Adam Whaanga said while product prices are underpinning the industry, the velvet market is driving demand for the top stags. Fifteen years ago a three-year-old stag was cutting on average about 4.5kg of velvet. Today that average is about 8.5 to 9kg but in the last two years it has increased by up to 2kg. The absence of any sudden industry expansion gives Whaanga confidence venison and velvet prices are sustainable.

DEAR DEER: This red stag from the Netherdale Red Deer Sale in Balfour, Southland, sold for $90,000 to a syndicate of Canterbury and Southland breeders.

GEORGE WHITELOCK

YAMAHA AMBASSADOR & DAIRY FARMER

FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT:

www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

News

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Lanercost open to all farmers They were about the settle a lease on the property in their own right until they heard about the Future Farm concept and decided a partnership with B+LNZ was a good chance to operate alongside top advisers with likeminded goals and potentially adopt innovate farm systems and technology. “We’d done a lot of due diligence VISITORS to Lanercost can see on Lanercost and we were going to its potential as a sheep and beef take it over and farm it anyway. demonstration farm, the lessees “So, we had the property but say. we thought this would be another The North Canterbury hill string to the bow, personally for country property near Cheviot both us and for the community.” is 1310ha modelled on a farm at The Cheviot area is shaking Lincoln that has allowed the dairy itself off after three years of industry to assess innovation. drought followed by the Kaikoura Farmer Carl Forrester and earthquake. Mendip Hills manager Simon Lee Lee and Forrester look around have a lease to run the 1310ha the Cheviot area and see signs Lanercost with Beef + Lamb New farmers and businesses are picking Zealand and Lanercost’s owner, up after the thumping loss of the T D Whelan Trust. land, livestock and traffic on State Highway 1. The evidence was anecdotal but there seemed to be a resurgence of young farmers, AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business & Wahine contractors and Maia, Wahine Whenua tradespeople in 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony the area, including run over four months. Equips and supports women involved in shops and pubs. sheep and beef farming to lift business performance. They hope Registrations for 2019 programmes are now open, visit the Lanercost will website for more information and to register. Locations and dates (3 modules & graduation): continue that Whanganui: 5 Feb, 7 Mar, 4 Apr & 2 May impetus, giving Mt.Bruce: 13 Feb, 13 Mar, 10 Apr & 8 May local farmers a Omarama: 20 Feb, 20 Mar, 17 Apr & 15 May focal point for Waimate: 21 Feb, 21 Mar, 18 Apr & 16 May innovation. Paparoa (Northland): 20 Feb, 20 Mar, 17 Apr & 15 May Meantime, Kaikohe (WMWW): 21 Feb, 21 Mar, 18 Apr & 16 May Millers Flat: 27 Feb, 27 Mar, 23 Apr & 22 May they appreciate Gisborne (WMWW): 27 Feb, 27 Mar, 23 Apr & 22 May the opportunity Wairoa: 28 Feb, 28 Mar, 24 Apr & 23 May ahead of them and Website: To register visit www.awdt.org.nz/programmes sympathise for the Contact: keri@awdt.org.nz or 06 375 8180 for more previous lessee, information who faced some RMPP Action Network – Facilitator training courses of the most trying For rural professionals or farmers looking to run an Action farming conditions Group under RMPP Action Network. No course fees. imaginable. Register at www.actionnetwork.co.nz/page/training “I don’t reckon I Lead Facilitator workshops would have wanted 2019 course dates: to be leasing the 13 & 14 February – Palmerston North 5 & 6 March – Hamilton place. The drought 21 & 22 March – Dunedin was terrible and RMPP Action Network Fundamentals and Extension you’ve got to rope Design (two-day workshop) things in, pull 2019 course dates: everything back just 12 & 13 February – Gore to carry on. 26 & 27 February – Christchurch 27 & 28 March – Palmerston North “We’ve just got to hope that the threeRMPP Farm Business Transition and Succession year drought was Workshops a one-in-100-year Register now for the upcoming series of workshops on the job.” transition and succession of the family farm business, aimed at helping sheep and beef farmers navigate what can often be a The farm needed difficult process. TLC on fences, Participants are required to attend three half-day workshops tracks and yards but run over a three to four month period, followed by a one-onthe bones are good, one clinic. The workshops are fully funded by RMPP. Forrester said. Check out www.rmpp.co.nz for locations, dates and to register. It has a good For more information email training@rmpp.co.nz or call 0800 stock water system 733 632. though many of RMPP Aspiring to Farm Business Ownership Workshop the pastures need renewing and they This one-day workshop covers the vision, values and strategy for young farmers or farming couples aspiring to farm business will be looking ownership through purchase, leasing, share-farming and to grow 90ha of equity partnerships. crop annually to Check out www.rmpp.co.nz for information on locations, dates get some decent and to register. pastures and This workshop is fully funded by RMPP. For more information forages in the email training@rmpp.co.nz or call 0800 733 632. ground as quickly as possible. Overall, Forrester Should your important event be listed here? expects they’ll Phone 0800 85 25 80 or email adcopy@globalhq.co.nz spend no more

The first Future Farm is contributing to the rehabilitation of a bruised Canterbury farm and community. Tim Fulton reports.

0076663

200x71.67

LK0085515©

agrievents

OPEN: Carl Forrester, left, and Simon Lee at Lanercost.

on it than any other comparable commercial property. “It wasn’t 500 grand to get things up to scratch. It might have been 100 grand’s worth. Probably on a normal farm of similar size for repairs and maintenance you might spend 20 or 30 grand in a normal year anyway. We’ll probably spend $20,000 on repairs and maintenance in the next two years and it will look bloody tidy.” Forrester has a farm of his own in the area and worked at Lanercost fresh out of school. “I worked there for three years when I was younger, under previous owners and a manager. I was only about 17 or 18 and I just loved the property. Aerial footage suggests the terrain is as gentle as a dairy farm on the better country but has some fairly extensive hill and tussock country to go with it. It is generally typical of the terrain from Hawke’s Bay to South Canterbury. The variety is one of the reasons B+LNZ thinks it will make a good demonstration farm. “It’s just the layout of the farm from real nice easy front country with heavy dirt then quite steep, harder hill country in the middle and then back into some reasonable clay-type downs out the back. “It’s got enough scale for a longterm lease and the infrastructure’s excellent.” Lanercost is managed day-today by Digby Heard and assistant Tim Waghorn on a renewable lease term of 5+5+5. The Future Farm partnership, encased in a company called Future Farm North Canterbury, has detailed operating plans for management of people, land, livestock and forage. There’s no lack of plans, advisers or prospective suppliers of goods and services. Forrester almost gasped at the memory of the prep that went into setting up the project but looks forward to having detailed management systems and any numbers of advisers. “I’m not sure if we could put any more plans in place than what we have now. “It’s pretty well documented.” The farm runs 3500 mixed-age

Romney-based ewes and 300 Hereford/Angus cows but because the partnership started from zero it’s still in a building phase in terms of livestock. To get the farm up and running the management team has completed a Farm Environment Plan, put in place a Farm Safety Management System, animal health and biosecurity plans, done a comprehensive soil health assessment and nutrient programme and completed a Farm Assurance Programme audit. The lessees had to source ewes from different places. The ram went out the day the ewes arrived and they have performed well scanning 186% in the mixed-age mob and 158% in the two-tooths. Lambs through the pen at tailing was 146%. Forrester said Lanercost will host and try new technology. “We have to be prepared to take some risks but we don’t want to be a straight-out trial farm. “We would rather use new technology that is semi-proven to help increase production and document what changes it had on our business, be it good or bad. That is what farmers need to see so they can get something out of this. Any management decisions and purchases over certain spending thresholds have to be approved by the future farm board. Any innovation or new technology will be reported to the board through a stakeholder advisory group. New technology will have to be at least semi-proven before the farm will implement it. “We’re going to have to try a few things, we know that, but we’re not going to try something if it’s ridiculous.” And it’s not about getting handouts. Commercial credibility is vital and details will be openly disclosed through either a website or some form of network farmers see at the click of a mouse to follow what is happening on the farm day to day. “It’s not about getting everything for free because how does that reflect on whether we are going the right way about things?” Forrester said.

It’s a levypayers’ farm, it’s the country’s farm, it’s not just ours. Simon Lee Lanercost Lee said Mendip has had plenty of experience hosting monitor farm groups but Lanercost will be thoroughly transparent, publicly releasing and discussing all sorts of information. Regular field days and visits from retailers including overseas supermarket chains are on the cards. “It’s a levypayers’ farm, it’s the country’s farm, it’s not just ours.” As lessees they went through a rigorous application process before being selected, he said. After interviews with B+LNZ, consultants AbacusBio and advisory panel members they were chosen ahead of about half a dozen other applicants expressing interest in offering a farm for the project. A Future Farm webpage is up with an full, stand-alone website envisaged. It will have management updates and farm data such as pasture growth rates and livestock performance. B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor said the organisation’s vision for the Future Farm is to inspire vibrant farming communities by demonstrating farming excellence. The Future Farm concept is moving away from a focus on single-component change to looking at the impact of management and technology changes on the whole farm system. The farm aims to be in the top 5% profit-wise for farms of a similar class, to develop people who become industry leaders and demonstrate best-practice environmental management. A board comprising McIvor, Lee, Forrester, Kate Acland and Hamish Fraser will govern the team on the ground.

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Newsmaker

HOME: Otago Peninsula farmer and newly appointed Conservation Authority chairman Edward Ellison says farmers have a passion for conservation and he aims to harness that to protect wetlands, waterways and fisheries.

Farmer to lead conservation body Edward Ellison’s ancestral links to Otakou at the head of Otago Peninsula date back to the earliest Maori settlers. The sheep farmer and respected Ngai Tahu leader has just been appointed chairman of Conservation Authority. He talks to Neal Wallace.

T WAS a proposal to build an aluminium smelter opposite his Otago Peninsula home that changed Edward Ellison’s life. In the late 1970s a consortium of Fletcher Challenge, CSR from Australia and Swiss firm Alusuisse proposed building the smelter on the north bank of the entrance to Otago Harbour directly opposite Otakou and Ellison’s peninsula home. Ellison was already heavily involved in Otakou Marae but the combination of iwi concern about the smelter proposal, his own worries and vocal community protests stoked his awareness of environmental and planning issues. The smelter consortium fell apart in 1981 but Ellison, who farms 250ha of hill country about 25km from Dunedin, maintained an interest in conservation and planning that has also been nurtured by an explosion of tourists drawn to the peninsula’s rugged, natural beauty and wildlife. It also coincided with the Government acknowledging iwi grievances and Ngai Tahu’s settlement with the Crown for Treaty of Waitangi breaches, in September 1998. It included recognition of

Ngai Tahu as a partner and its entitlement to be consulted on environmental and conservation management. Ellison was schooled in the Resource Management Act and the Conservation Act legislation among others, which resulted in roles representing Ngai Tahu on various bodies. They included appointments to local and central government advisory bodies, the Otago Conservation Board, QEII Trust, Otago University Council, the Conservation Authority from 1996-05 and as a hearing commissioner for regional councils throughout the South Island. Ellison said he took to the table traditional values, a tangata whenua lens on issues learnt from his iwi and a desire to develop links and connections to address what he saw as a loss of wetlands and traditional food sources. “I was looking to try and push back against some of those losses.” His interest in planning and conservation remains and the mana and respect the humble, quietly spoken farmer has acquired over 30 years has now seen him appointed as Conservation Authority chairman. The Ellison family has farmed

at Otakou since it was surveyed in 1868 but his whakapapa is traced back to the arrival of Maori on the peninsula and connections to chief Taiaroa, an early Otakou leader. “My family has been here since year dot,” he said.

My family has been here since year dot. Edward Ellison Farmer While proud of family links to the area Ellison said the family is also proud of his grandfather’s brother Tom Ellison, a lawyer who was the first Maori appointed to the bar in NZ and captain of the first NZ rugby team organised by the NZ Rugby Football Union, which toured Australia in 1893. He had previously toured Great Britain and Australia with the NZ Natives football team in 1888-89. It played 107 matches in 54 weeks, of which 16 weeks were spent travelling. Ellison made two lasting contributions to NZ rugby, advocating players get compensated for the loss of wages

while touring, introduced later, and that the national side adopt a black jersey with a silver fern on it. Apart from three years studying at Telford and working on farms in south Otago, Ellison has lived all his life at Otakou. Family links mean he could have become a fisherman but his family encouraged him to go farming, a choice he has never regretted. It has strengthened his connection to the land but also knowledge of farming and farmers, relevant to his conservation and environmental management work where partnerships and alliances are important. For example, a predator-free project on Otago Peninsula has galvanised farmers, landowners and urban people with a common goal. The first stage has been removing possums. Bush is regenerating and birds such as tui have returned. A lack of a peninsula-long bush corridor has so far prevented kereru from populating his farm but he hopes that will happen as bush regenerates. His time on the QEII Trust showed him the passion farmers have for conservation and he hopes to harness that passion

further to protect wetlands, waterways and fisheries. Conservation faces challenges from economic forces and Ellison says the RMA was a reactive rather than a predictive tool and he supports the use of national policy statements to create a framework to assess cumulative effects. “The RMA has not been good at that but national policy statements bring cumulative affects to the fore.” The Conservation Authority provides policy advice to the Conservation Department and the minister and has statutory functions approving conservation management strategies and national park management plans. Ellison said it has major challenges including the use of 1080, advising on the PredatorFree 2050 policy, pressure on National Parks from tourism, reviewing the biodiversity strategy, addressing the threat to whitebait, public access and input to the Land Information tenure review. His farm has been scaled back to an all-grass system to allow his public service and it also serves a vital role as a place he can escape to. “It’s a great release. “Half the farm is out of (cell phone) signal and it allows me to keep active.”

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Gin makers chase aromatic magic Distilling spirits has been identified as an area with export growth potential for New Zealand. Now gin makers are on a nationwide hunt for juniper plants with special character to help make drinks with unique kiwi flavours. Richard Rennie spoke to one of the pioneers.

UST as casks do for whiskey and grapes do for wine, juniper sits at the heart of a good gin’s flavour. As the main botanical or plant flavouring used in gin, its distinct scent belies the nondescript coniferous bush that is its source. But as New Zealand gin makers continue to grow their niche artisan industry they are compelled to seek the vital botanical from overseas. An initiative aims to change that, to help ensure NZ gin will indeed be 100% local.

We want to retain the diversity of the types we find and maintain a variety of it grown around the country in a sustainable way. Jo James Juno Gin A collaboration between Massey University researchers and two gin distilling companies aims to get more New Zealanders looking through gardens, parks and reserves to see if they can find the ideal source for a commercial juniper growing industry. Taranaki distiller Juno Gin is working with its southern West Coast counterpart Reefton Distilling on the Great Juniper Hunt. The project aims to find juniper seeds that can form the basis for sustainably grown, commercial juniper and is supported through

Venture Taranaki’s Tapuae Roa project. The distillers are confident they will uncover a variety of the species to provide NZ distillers with a wide range of flavour profiles and opportunities to ensure their product becomes entirely NZ made. Last year Taranaki got a funding boost to enable the region to better identify new food production opportunities for an area with abundant rainfall, fertile soil and good infrastructure. Government commitment to oil and gas exploration has waned with its low-carbon economy bid and the region has begun exploring its options with increased urgency. With a climate that makes its rhododendrons a tourist industry the region is also well suited to the botanicals used by Juno and other distillers. NZ already grows an array of botanicals including angelica, orris root and coriander seed, which distillers say bring a unique taste profile to locally distilled products. “The botanicals we already grow in NZ like angelica, orris root and coriander seed all have a flavour and vibrancy that is really unique and amazing,” Juno cofounder Jo James said. “We think it is safe to assume locally grown juniper will show that same excitement.” Juno gets coriander seeds from a Wairarapa farmer and sampling has shown the seeds’ exceptional levels of volatile oils lend them a unique and highly scented profile well ahead of traditional northern hemisphere supplies. “And we see no reason juniper should be any different.

OURS: Gin makers hope to source juniper from within New Zealand.

MIXING HER DRINKS: Jo James combines botanicals to infuse her gin.

“With the angelica we use you also get distinct terrior (flavour and characteristics imported by a particular environment) effects.

The angelica from the coast has quite a different taste to that from more alpine areas.” Gin is legally required to contain at least 50% juniper as its prime botanical. In NZ the plant is scattered throughout the country, often grown as an ornamental. But being a member of the cypress family it is capable of growing to 40m high across a range of climate challenges. The juniper hunt aims to identify where different plants are then use Massey University resources determine which are genetically distinct. “Overseas it can grow from the relatively benign climate of the United Kingdom to some really cold, harsh places including Armenia. Here we have already had responses to the hunt from Feilding and Kerikeri.” The distillers have gained the support of Taranaki based Cedar Lodge Nurseries, working with owner Pip McVicar to propagate the varieties of juniper identified. James said the distillers would like to form a juniper cooperative, providing a nationwide clearing house for buyers and sellers of the botanical. “What we don’t want to see is

large monocultures of the plant grown. “We want to retain the diversity of the types we find and maintain a variety of it grown around the country in a sustainable way.” Garden nurseries could provide a way of dispersing the varieties identified while there has also been farmer interest in growing the species. “We have already spoken with the local Young Farmers group. Farmers are interested in using juniper as a shelter belt that can be cropped for aromatic use as well.” In 2012 a Ministry for Business, Innovation and Enterprise identified alcoholic spirits production as a value-add sector with potential to demonstrate strong growth internationally. At that stage the sector had 10% year-on-year growth. That has accelerated in recent years with strong growth over the past 18 months. “When we started in 2012 there were a dozen distilleries in NZ. Today there would be 20 gin producers alone in NZ. “People are looking to distill some interesting spirits including absinthe using aromatics from our horticultural sector,” she said.

Opinion

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

EDITORIAL Don’t lose any of Wilson’s passion

HE death this week of former Fonterra chairman John Wilson is being felt across the agricultural sector. Regardless of one’s view of the co-operative’s business decisions it’s impossible to fault Wilson’s commitment to the dairy industry and the farmers whose milk it runs. The essence of milk is how we came to have co-operatives as the main business structure for dairy, of course. It’s perishable so farmers banded together to ensure it was collected and processed in a timely and, hopefully, lucrative manner. Being owned by farmers, co-operatives were invariably run by farmers and Wilson was one himself. The formation of Fonterra, though, with its immense size, catapulted the co-op into being a global player in the industry. That has both opportunities and challenges. As our story outlines, Wilson was instrumental in guiding Fonterra through some challenging times and making structural changes he saw as important in ensuring the cooperative’s success. After interviewing Wilson I was always left in absolutely no doubt he was completely committed to the co-operative and growing it for the good of shareholders. Judging by the tributes this week it is clear those who knew and worked with him were also inspired by his passion for his co-operative and for New Zealand farming. Farming can be a demoralising industry to work in sometimes and it will take leaders who can communicate, emapathise and strategise to navigate the times ahead. The torch has been passed to a new leadership team now and while they might veer from Wilson’s ideas, they’d be foolish to lose any of his passion.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

More letters P31

Time to fence off the beaches SO, LAST week 48 Auckland beaches were declared unsafe and several are listed as unswimmable. Where are the calls for them to fence off the beaches and protect our landscape from these environmental vandals? Seems to me the shoe should fit whoever wears it. There is only so much the ag-hort industry should have to wear before it looks like kowtowing to politically correct crap. They have admitted that they were initially slow to adapt and much damage was done but by and large (and it is still a work in progress) huge strides have been made and will continue, with the exception of a few stupid individuals who should be hung out to dry and made examples of. Note individuals

– not an industry. There needs to be a level playing field right across the country. Robbie Cullen Northland

Unhelpful LAURIE Collins’ letter of the week (Washed, smart and in the know, January 21) expresses his personal antipathy to the use of 1080 for pest control. His repetition of out-ofcontext statistics about New Zealand’s bovine tuberculosis (TB) status is unhelpful and ignores the efforts of the farmers, vets, scientists, pest control contractors and hard-working New Zealanders who support the TB-free eradication programme. The OSPRI-managed programme, alongside the

NAIT traceability scheme, is working to eradicate a livestock disease that has serious implications for NZ’s leading food exports, dairy products and meat. Let’s not forget our own history. The programme has come a long way since the days when bovine TB was rampant, possums were out of control, productive herds were being slaughtered and family farms ruined by the disease. That disaster in the 1990s was fuelled by exactly the interpretation that your correspondent suggests: funding of effective possum control was dropped because TB was thought to be beaten. It came back with a vengeance and, at its peak, 1700 herds were infected. Today there are 32 infected herds under management and eradication is achievable and in sight –

TB in cattle and deer will be eradicated by 2026. Getting TB out of possums, which transmit the disease from wildlife to farm animals, will take longer – until 2040. But the disease will be gone for good only with the continued, targeted and heavily regulated use of 1080. Kevin Crews Head of disease management TB-free OSPRI NZ

Letters continued page 31

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

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.g.stirling@gmail.com

ADVERTISING Steve McLaren 027 205 1456 Auckland/Northland advertising 09 375 9864 steve.mclaren@globalhq.co.nz

GENERAL MANAGER Warren McDonald 06 323 0143 warren.mcdonald@globalhq.co.nz

Shirley Howard 06 323 0760 Real Estate advertising shirley.howard@globalhq.co.nz

Jody Anderson 027 474 6094 Waikato/Bay of Plenty advertising jody.anderson@globalhq.co.nz Donna Hirst 06 323 0739 Lower North Island/international advertising donna.hirst@globalhq.co.nz Aleisha Serong 027 474 6091 South Island advertising aleisha.serong@globalhq.co.nz

Nigel Ramsden Livestock advertising livestock@globalhq.co.nz

06 323 0761 or 027 602 4925

Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 Classifieds/Employment advertising classifieds@globalhq.co.nz Andrea Mansfield 027 446 6002 Business Development Manager andrea.mansfield@globalhq.co.nz PRODUCTION Lana Kieselbach 06 323 0735 Production Manager 027 739 4295 production@globalhq.co.nz Advertising material adcopy@globalhq.co.nz SUBSCRIPTIONS

0800 85 25 80

ISSN 2463-6002 (Print) ISSN 2463-6010 (Online) Circulation: Delivered free to 78,632 farmers from Monday (Current audited circulation figure)

Best letter each week wins a quality Victorinox Hiker knife

So go on! Stick the knife in WRITE TO The Editor, Farmers Weekly P.O. Box 529, Feilding EMAIL farmers.weekly@globalhq.co.nz • FAX 06 323 7101

LK0096006©

Farmers Weekly is published by GlobalHQ, PO Box 529, Feilding 4740. New Zealand Phone: 0800 85 25 80 Fax: 06 323 7101 Website: www.farmersweekly.co.nz

S S

S S S

DescripƟon FARMHAND FULLY SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 1.5M FARMHAND HALF RAIL/SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.0M FARMHAND FULLY SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.0M FARMHAND HALF RAIL/SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.5M FARMHAND FULLY SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.5M FARMHAND SHEEP MESH GATE SLIDING FARMHAND SHEEP GATE STANDARD 2.0M FARMHAND SHEEP GATE STANDARD 2.5M FARMQUIP SHEEP DRAFT MODULE ADJUSTABLE-SIDES YARD PINS FARMHAND SHEEP YARD U-BOW Total OpƟonal Extras FARMQUIP SHEEP DRAFT MODULE V-SIDES FARMHAND GROUND SPIKES FARMHAND PERMANENT SHEEP YARD POST SHEEP RACE ANTI BACKING FLAP

Code FHSPS15 FHSPRS20 FHSPS20 FHSPRS25 FHSPS25 FHSGSLIDE FHSGSTD20 FHSGSTD25 NY003 FH07 FHSPU

Price Qty $ 229.00 2 $ 259.00 23 $ 299.00 3 $ 349.00 1 $ 359.00 2 $ 349.00 1 $ 439.00 3 $ 459.00 4 $ 3,595.00 1 $ 5.00 82 $ 109.00 1

NY004 FH013 FHSPOST FHSBF

$ 2,595.00 $ 15.00 $ 49.00 $ 79.00

Total $458.00 $5,957.00 $897.00 $349.00 $718.00 $349.00 $1,317.00 $1,836.00 $3,595.00 $410.00 $109.00 $15,995.00

RED ---------- 1500 BLUE ---------- 2000 GREEN ------ 2500 CYAN --------- 3000 S-SHEETED PANEL

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING IS PROPRIETARY TO FARMQUIP AND SHALL NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISCLOSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED FOR ANY DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE EXCEPT WHEN SUCH USER PLAN No. POSSESSES DIRECT WRITTEN AUTHORISATION FROM FARMQUIP.

FARMQUIP DATE SHEEPYARD SYSTEMSSCALE

FREEPHONE 0800 843 024

DRAWN

SY 260

SHEET NO.

Sam R SHEET SIZE 21/05/18

1:75

1 OF 1

HT R1

AIL

R1 8

Con crete Full Area Y Work ard=212 m2 Area =63m 2

8 R1

-----00 -- 25 GE ------ 00 3100

ORA N

5 RAIL

THE THIS INFORM FARM DRAW ATION IN CO REPR QUIP AN G IS PR NTAINE D IN D SH OPRI WHO ODUC ET ED OR ALL NOT ARY TO ANY LE OR DI IN BE EXCE DESIGN PART SCLOSE C OR YELL olour C USEDD IN POSS PT WHE OR MA NU AUTH ESSES N SUCH FACT FOR BLU OW------ode ORIS DIRE USER URE E CT ATIO GRE -------- -1400 N FR WRITT EN OM -E FARM RED N ------ 1800 QUIP -- 21 ---.

Anim 91 H al Capa c ead @ 1 ity 127 .8m2 Hea d@ 1.4m 2

PLAN

CATT FARMQ U LEYA RD S IP YSTE MS CY-9 1-L-S TD

No.

DRAW N DATE SCAL

E SHEE T NO .

Sam

0/18

1:75 1 OF



08/1

SHEE T SI ZE









 









  





 









 

















        

     

     







 





 





 







S/G

BLUE ---------- 1800 GREEN -------- 2100

S/G

H/B

25 H/B

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING IS PROPRIETARY TO FARMQUIP AND SHALL NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISCLOSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED FOR ANY DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE EXCEPT WHEN SUCH USER POSSESSES DIRECT WRITTEN AUTHORISATION FROM FARMQUIP.

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

FH - 32 R

SHEET NO.

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

1 OF 1

BLUE ---------- 1800 GREEN -------- 2100

THE INFORMATION CONTA THIS DRAWING IS PROPRIE FARMQUIP AND SHALL NOT REPRODUCED OR DISCLOS WHOLE OR IN PART OR US ANY DESIGN OR MANUFAC EXCEPT WHEN SUCH USER POSSESSES DIRECT WRITT AUTHORISATION FROM FA

E TO EXCLUSIVNDS A L M R A F

SAVE OVER $100! PRO PLANÂ® PERFORMANCE WITH OPTIPOWER 20KG Earn 7 Choices Points | 198388

109

.00 INCL. GST

SAVE $50.90

GULF SUPER TRACTOR OIL 20L OR SUPERFLEET SUPREME 15W 40 20L

GALLAGHER WOOD POST CLAW INSULATOR 150 PACK

Earn 14 Choices Points | 153187, 153192

ANY 2 FOR

219

.99 INCL. GST

SAVE $113.30

FAR_08742

0800 200 600

www.farmlands.co.nz *Terms and Conditions apply. Savings and Discounts based on normal retail price. While stocks last. Prices valid from 1st - 28th February 2019.

Earn 3 Choices Points | 131399

.00 INCL. GST

SAVE $21.20

FARMTUFF CULVERT PIPE 280MM X 4M Earn 10 Choices Points | 138327

159

.95 INCL. GST

SAVE $36.00

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Good soil is the key to prosperity Phyllis Tichinin

HILE we support its underlying intention to improve the environment through farming practices we have an issue with sustainable farming. Farming is based on our soil resource. We have a degraded soil resource that is eroding, contributing water pollutants, often compacted, low in microbes and somewhat flat-lined in terms of profit and production. We’re getting beat up in the press, beat up in the wallet and farming has one of the highest suicide rates by occupation. Why would we want to sustain a degraded resource like this on into the indefinite future and pass it on that way to our children? Why not aim to regenerate our soil resource? We know it’s possible to grow our soils.

It’s an ecological reality – rock parent material is transformed by microbes into topsoil and we farm the topsoil that is created or grown. For at least 60 years we’ve assumed we could only minimise the effects of erosion while continuing to lose soil carbon through farming. We now have widespread proof it is not only possible but also profitable to farm so as to increase soil carbon levels. Expanding the soil carbon sponge increases rain infiltration, water-holding capacity and the nutrient density of what we grow while reducing synthetic inputs. Soil carbon or organic matter levels are the strongest predictor of farm profit. To those agricultural product suppliers who maintain we can’t farm without their inputs we say look more closely at what is happening overseas. To the academics or policy folks who assert New Zealand soils can only

Vision for a decade AIM: Regenerative farming is the norm and we lead the world in soil carbon sequestration. Desired outcome: A twoyear programme to create a rapid shift in public and farmer perception from soil-sickening agri-chemical farming to understanding the crucial importance of soil health for climate change reversal, environmental integrity and human health. Action: A two-year series of events and training to enliven the public for lasting pressure on government and commercial interests to deliver soil health. At the same time farmers get universal access to ecologically sound, product-independent education on farming approaches that regenerate the soil carbon sponge. Most New Zealanders will understand: • Soil is the earth’s living, microbial mantle on which all of our ecosystem functions and agricultural production and human health depend; • We endanger soils at our own peril; • We can and must regenerate our soils to reverse climate change and the human health decline; • Regenerative agriculture and farming as an ecosystem become common phrases and mindsets for NZ farmers, consumers and the Primary Industries Ministry and agrichemical pesticides becomes a sunset industry in NZ within five years; • Bare soil is frowned upon

and continuous cover crop cocktails are considered best practice by FAR and Hort NZ; • It is socially unacceptable to do other than follow holistic management principles of planned grazing within a purposefully diverse landscape; • All water is swimmable within 15 years and; • We have the lowest childhood cancer rate in the developed world. The United States Agriculture Department’s five soil health principles should form the basis for farming in NZ. They are to: • Minimise chronic soil disturbance – tillage, biocides and other stressors. • Maximise biodiversity, embrace complexity and practice biomimicry in all farming and urban development. • Keep a living root in the soil at all times with multispecies pastures and cover crops. • Keep armour on the soil through cover crops or surface litter meaning no bare soil, ever. • Include animal impact in all ag systems because we need those cow poop bugs for profitable production. All these principles must be applied sensitively in each farm ecosystem and its context. They are principles, not best practice mandates. Let’s raise the bar, raise our profits and raise our pride as well. Farming can be fun again.

The

Pulpit

continue to lose carbon based on what they’re observing, we say where are you looking? If you’re looking at urea and superphosphate driven farms then you will see soil organic matter being burned up and soils collapsing, eroding and becoming water repellent. But where farmers create diverse, integrated, ecosystems based on soil microbe communities and observe principles of healthy soils you will see greater profitability, more friable, productive soils and greater farmer satisfaction and pride. Regenerating soil function is largely about giving soil microbes good living conditions so they can get on with their complex soil construction and plant-feeding jobs. What do they need for that? Pretty much the same things as us – oxygen, water, food and comfort. We’re mostly falling down in the comfort department. We stress microbes when we slice and dice their communities with tillage. We stress them chemically when we apply insecticides, fungicides, antibiotics and herbicides. We stress them when we create compacted soils with low oxygen conditions. We outright starve many of them when we allow bare ground

EXPERT: Phyllis Tichinin is an Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group plant ecologist.

without plant roots to feed the microbes. Our premium markets are now additionally signalling they want ethical food grown by well-treated workers. We support that and assert many of our challenges as producers will diminish if we all focus on treating our microbial workforce better as well, since everything successful on the farm – drought tolerance, low pest pressure, flavour, good animal health and pasture quality – depends on them. We’re aiming too low with sustainable farming. If we truly want to be world leaders in agriculture and get the premium associated with that we’re going to need to regenerate our soil capital asset. Consumers are savvy. The internet has provided them with screeds of information on farming practices and food quality. With the intense interest in the human microbiome they’ll pretty soon figure out that quality food for their gut microbes absolutely

depends on healthy, diverse soil microbes on our farms. Then they’ll come asking about our soil microbe working conditions and we’ll have to prove we’re doing an exemplary job of that basic task. There will soon be apps that give instant readings on pesticide residues and mineral content from simply pointing your phone at something edible. There will be nowhere to hide. We have to move now to be able to deliver true food quality to meet that disruptive technology. We assert that we’re coasting on our laurels in much of NZ farming. We need to aim higher to meet the market and ultimately be proud of our results while being generously compensated for the important, complex jobs we do.

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

DIFFERENCE: The organic dairy and pastoral group supports regenerative farming but has an issue with sustainable farming.

Opinion

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Group ignores fertiliser facts Alternative View

Alan Emerson

DRIVING out of Auckland I saw a huge billboard with the message: Ravensdown and Ballance pollute rivers. How can that be, I thought, but then I noted the billboard was put there by Greenpeace and Greenpeace never lets the facts get in the way of its prejudices. Starting at the top, the two fertiliser companies don’t pollute rivers, they sell fertilisers, so factually it is wrong. According to my dictionary pollute means contaminate with poisonous or harmful substances or to make morally corrupt or to desecrate. How, then, can Ravensdown and Ballance pollute? They do not sell poisonous or harmful substances, they sell fertilisers. They don’t morally corrupt and they certainly don’t desecrate so the Greenpeace billboards are wrong in fact but why let facts get in the way of emotive rhetoric and blind prejudice. So, Ballance and Ravensdown produce fertilisers. They do so ethically. The vast majority of their fertilisers carry the Fertmark tick, which means they are independently audited to ensure what’s on the label is in the bag. They both employ high-quality graduate advisers who have done an extra course on nutrient management at Massey University so don’t tell me they pollute rivers.

Finally, they are both farmerowned co-operatives, which makes the billboard campaign all the more offensive. It is also hypocritical of Greenpeace to select two farmerowned fertiliser co-ops to vent their spleen on. Our most polluted rivers run through urban areas and not farmland. Last year we had a massive 379 sewerage overflows, far more than any breakdowns in farmer effluent systems. Lake Wakatipu is polluted – not by farmers but by ducks and tourists. Recently 35 out of 40 councils surveyed had sewerage flowing into rivers and streams. Twenty out of 178 wastewater treatment plants were operating on expired effluent discharge consents. Auckland beaches are often unable to be used because of rampant pollution from sewerage and waste water so farmers aren’t the problem even though Greenpeace vilifies us with alacrity. The question that begs is to ask if Greenpeace members are zealots who ignore rational argument, misguided or there to muscle donations from the gullible. The tag on the billboard is TooManyCows, which totally ignores the fact only 15% of our rivers and creeks flow through dairy areas. Let’s consider fertiliser use, not in the blind, emotive way Greenpeace does but factually. American research (MIT) has found without fertiliser 50% of the world would starve. We couldn’t provide enough to feed them. So, ban fertilisers as Greenpeace wants and sign the death warrants of 3.8 billion people.

WRONG: The Greenpeace sign is not only incorrect it is also offensive, Alan Emerson says.

Is that what they really want? Think of what it would do to our standard of living if we went without fertilisers. In the year to June 2017 primary production earned the country $38.1b. Take fertiliser assisted production out of the equation and that figure would be down to just $19b.

Our most polluted rivers run through urban areas and not farmland. While we wouldn’t starve because of our low population, food prices would rocket and farmers would be bankrupt. Our primary sector exports are estimated to have risen to $41.6b to June last year. Take $20.53b off that and see how many lattes you could afford. Basically, fertiliser is plant food, nothing more, nothing less. New Zealand soils are not

naturally fertile. We need fertiliser to encourage plant and animal growth, creating food and export dollars. Farmers and the fertiliser companies jump through hoops and spend millions to apply only the fertiliser that is needed to encourage production to the areas that require it. They have spent a fortune developing a precision spreading scheme, Spreadmark, to ensure fertiliser is applied exactly where it is needed. As an industry I believe we can be justifiably proud of our fertiliser research, development and use. What frustrates me about Greenpeace is the sanctimonious, holier-than-thou, nonconsultative approach. Because of all of the above I’ve made a formal complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority. I’ll let you know what happens. Researching the organisation on the website was interesting. Greenpeace’s international income was put at US$36,893,567 in 2015. It had assets of US$3,754,869.

Forbes magazine described it as a skillfully managed business with full command of the tools of direct mail and image manipulation – and tactics that would bring instant condemnation if practiced by a for-profit organisation. Greenpeace, Forbes said, was started by American draft dodgers who fled to Vancouver in 1969. The original money came from Quaker organisations that wanted to block American nuclear tests. Interestingly, Greenpeace has been active against all energy except wind and solar. Research suggests wind and solar supply only 2% of world energy. The Greenpeace approach, if taken seriously, could lead to cold winters and dark nights for the vast majority of the world’s population. So, farmers and our two co-ops be proud, you are right, Greenpeace isn’t.

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

Killer fungus can help human health From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

THE sound of cicada song is such an integral part of summer proper that their chirping becomes a backdrop to the day and often just becomes part of the background. But I like them a lot and suspect most others do as well. They don’t invade our homes or ravage pasture or crops or harass stock so are not in the basket of trouble-making insects that cause grief, so why wouldn’t you like them? And they have such a clever life cycle. With the hot weather they have emerged from the ground in large numbers.

I was in the yards this morning with a young vet doing a faecal egg count reduction test to check the efficacy of the drench families and I plucked a discarded skin off a post and stuck it to my shirt as we did as children. She was from a town and I wrongly assumed millennials, with all the distractions of cell phones, multimedia, the internet and such, wouldn’t know of the simple distractions from the more innocent times of the 1960s. But she did. The one most of us hear is called the chorus cicada. However, there are 42 different species here. I like it when they suddenly all decide they have had enough chirping and beat their wings against whatever they are sitting on to produce synchronised clicks. It’s the males that make all the noise. Just like with humans. The louder and better you sing the better you do with the females. Just consider the Beatles or the Rolling Stones for the hominid equivalent.

These little fellows make the noise we hear by rapidly buckling and unbuckling a corrugated structure called a tymbal. When they are merrily chirping away they can turn their own hearing off as they would deafen themselves. Once they have mated the female lays her eggs into a thin slit on small branches and the eggs are about the size of grains of rice. The adults live for only two or three glorious weeks of singing, mating and just hanging out. The eggs overwinter then the hatched larvae fall to the ground and burrow into it. Our chorus cicada spends two to four years down there but some species live as larvae for up to 17 years. These long larvae life cycles are a clever way of starving the predators like wasps and praying mantises then coming out at a similar time and in such large numbers the predators can’t breed fast enough to make much impact on the host population. Birds

enjoy snacking on them. The other day I heard of another peril of being a cicada. There’s a thing called the vegetable cicada, which is actually a fungus that invades the larvae while it’s burrowed in the soil. It slowly devours the cicada, just like a horror movie, turning it into a cicada zombie before the fungus puts up a shoot with a reproductive body that sheds spores that fall back into the ground looking for their next victim. These fruiting bodies or spore sacks that appear in the autumn look a bit like popcorn or sometimes little deer antlers. I’ll be looking for them in a couple of months on the ground beneath my cicada-bearing trees. This fungus is showing promise as it has a chemical that mitigates MS symptoms and other drugs that might help battle cancer. So, keep your eyes open for this fascinating fungus because researchers want to hear about its spread around the country.

GOOD STUFF: Chemicals in the vegetable cicada have potential for the treatment of MS and cancer.

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 – February 4, 2019

We can do our own thing our way Yeah Right

Stephen Bell

LIVING at the bottom of the world sometimes has its advantages. With a bit of luck we can be left alone to get on with things our way. After all, who would want to experience first hand all the shenanigans going on in the United States and the United Kingdom. It used to be in the communist era generally understood that any country with the word democratic in its name most certainly wasn’t and any that used people’s in the name probably had an oppressed population with little or no say in what happened to them. Now it seems countries with the word united in their name are definitely not. The UK has the luxury of having an alternative in Great Britain but that’s probably a dubious moniker as well. We can be forgiven for thinking people in the US and UK are victims of their own making and some of the things going on are laughable if you are an observer from afar but must be

uncomfortable, at the very least, to have to live through. However much we might enjoy a bit of schadenfreude we need to keep on our toes because these overseas upheavals can have major effects on our lives, particularly in the primary industries. Europe and Britain might not be our biggest customers these days but they are still important markets for the full range of our primary produce. The United States is also a big customer, particularly for beef. But it also takes other products such as venison. Though it’s not major in terms of our total exports it is a year-round market now giving stability to the deer industry, meaning it no longer has to rely just on seasonal venison sales in Europe. And there’s another side to the American story. Unfortunately it’s not good news for us whatever way we look at it. If the trade spat with China continues it exacerbates the Chinese downturn and means our biggest trading partner has less money to spend on our goods and retail demand for them falls. Given recent events it doesn’t look like the dispute will be settled soon despite the optimistic outlook on that front just a few weeks ago. However, if, by some miracle, the Chinese and Americans do patch things up any deal they make will probably involve China

WE’LL DO IT OUR WAY: Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand won’t pick sides over Venezuela.

buying more from America, possibly with low or no tariffs. That’s not great for us either because our exporters will be competing with the might of America. We do, though, have trade agreements that are to our advantage and hopefully the benefits of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership will ramp up as trade gets under way and more countries ratify the agreement. The fact other counties outside the deal are signalling they want to join suggests it is a good thing. But we should be wary. Critics of the deal were right to be worried about what might be called non-trade clauses in the document that limit New Zealand’s ability to do its own thing in terms of governance. We don’t want outsiders, particularly multinational corporations, cramping out style. We need only look to the difficulty Britain is having in extracting itself from Europe to see the pitfalls. The desire of a slim majority of Brits to return to a policy of splendid isolation had nothing to do with trade. In fact they

show every sign of wanting to continue to enjoy the benefits of free trade with Europe without any of the other commitments EU membership entailed. Why they ever thought they would get away with that is something I can’t fathom. No, their desire to leave had a touch of the xenophobic about it. They no longer wanted free movement across their borders, they resented paying their share to Europe despite the multimillions their farmers get back in subsidies and they thought they would end up with more money to spend on themselves. However, life’s not that easy. After all, why should the rest of Europe continue to give Britain favoured status when it isn’t contributing. So, the British wanted more self determination and less interference from Brussels. And that’s what we have to be careful of when entering into these trade deals. We don’t want other people telling us how to live. Which, rather nicely, brings me back to the point. We are a small, isolated nation at the bottom of the world. There’s no reason on earth why we shouldn’t do things our

LETTERS 1080 emotional THIS is the topic that appears to have engendered the most emotional opinions and distorted truths of any in recent times. The facts are that New Zealand is unique among countries of any size in that our native plant species, both in the southern beech forests from original Gondwanaland and the Malaysian flora from the north, have developed in the absence of browsing mammals. Its species that are browse-resistant can be counted on the fingers of one hand. It has many species and even some genera that occur nowhere else in the world. Our irresponsible ancestors introduced, in addition to domestic stock, just about every

own way. We are no longer an appendage to Europe, particularly Britain. In that respect it was good to see Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern say Venezuela’s problems are nothing to do with us and we won’t be following orders from Washington and London to pick a side. These days most Pakeha regard themselves at New Zealanders. They don’t regard themselves as Europeans living at the other end of the world. We have an indigenous culture with much to offer in the way we conduct ourselves. We have a mixture of people from various other cultures making themselves at home here and most of our neighbours are Pacific Islanders who have many relatives living here. So, we don’t need to look to America and Britain to tell us what to do. We can go our own way and develop a unique cultural identity and way of living that we can use as selling points for our exports. We just need to apply the Number 8 wire philosophy to our thinking to develop our own solutions to any problems we might face.

More letters P28 prominent species of deer and goats, plus hares and rabbits, wallabies and possums. To our early settlers our bush was, apart from its ability to provide timber, regarded as a rather drab enemy, a hindrance to land development. Many appear still to regard it as nothing more than an entity to breed game animals for hunting. Apart from some freak areas, for example with large rocks present, probably there are no bush areas where something like 1% to 10% of the original undergrowth species have been lost for ever and the survival, even, of some trees, is threatened. In some areas, for example Urewera, this undergrowth has been replaced by stinging

nettle and other unpleasant species. With this decay of the forest cover have come increased problems of soil loss and flooding at lower levels. As with other complex problems, there is no blanket answer. Biological controls appear to be prohibited because of possible effects on the same and similar species that are farmed. I agree that poisoning should not be used anywhere that it could affect water catchments or farm stock. The funds and personnel should be available to control pests by shooting or trapping, perhaps within about 4km of good access. Probably there are some areas now degraded beyond repair that

could be left to deerstalkers and others to control. There are, however, vast areas where work on foot is impossible, for reasons of distance or, in some cases, lack of safe access. This is where aerial spreading of some form of poison is the only answer and, until something better is discovered, 1080 is the best agent available. John G Rawson Whangarei

On the button KEITH Woodford’s article about finding a new path for dairy was right on the button about why that will be a hard task. Total dairy debt in New Zealand is around $40 billion, which, divided by the roughly 10,000

dairy farms in NZ means each farm is servicing about $4m of debt one way or another as all that debt is ultimately serviced out of milk income. Given the value of a dairy farm, that forms a totally unsustainable equation. And the leaders who took the NZ dairy industry this close to the cliff are now enjoying the fruits of their monstrous incomes and payouts without a worry in the world. Theo and all his mates have suckered the NZ dairy industry. Someone, somewhere in the world is doubtless salivating and waiting for the bargains to fall off the tree. Robin Rutherford Hunterville

32 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

On Farm Story

HOME GROWN: The System 3 farm of, from left, Trish, Tom, Patrick, Harry, Glen and Charlie Rankin uses 13ha of turnips, 7.5ha of lucerne, 100t of straw and 90 tonnes of grass silage.

Photos: Ross Nolly

They’re doing the impossible

HEN Glen and Trish Rankin entered the Dairy Industry Awards one of the things they looked forward to was the feedback from judges. However, when it came, it was unexpected and set them aback, especially when they were told farm ownership might not be achievable. “Feedback from the second time we entered was that we were pulling in different directions and that they couldn’t ever see us owning a farm. It felt blunt at the time but was spot on,” Trish says. “They suggested we pool our skills and focus on driving our farm business. We’d just had baby number four, we were frantically busy but still not getting ahead. We decided to search for a 50-50 job.” That tactic paid off when they won the 2016 Northland Share Farmer of the Year title. Having entered three previous times they weren’t sure about entering again but decided it would help them build on what they had achieved. “As soon as you mention the Dairy Awards everyone wants to help you. The first time we entered we were surprised that they often seemed more excited than us. We didn’t really know what we were getting into,” Glen says. “By opening our door to seek advice we allowed all of these enthusiastic people to come in. We didn’t win it in the three years leading up to 2016 but it put us in the best possible position to win later on.” Since then they have knuckled down, organised themselves and

A Taranaki family has its eye set firmly on farm ownership. Ross Nolly reports. their business and are on their way to achieving their dream. Their four boys, Charlie, 13, Harry, 12, Tom, 8, and Patrick, 5, are even helping in their own way. “We want our kids to know that you can set a goal and reach it. They know we want to own a farm. They understand it is about watching what we spend. This year the tent went up on the lawn and most days were spent at the local beach.”

We were reasonably upbeat until we went to discussion groups and saw how hard people were being hit. Trish Rankin Farmer “They are doing it the Kiwi way with good old-fashioned summer fun on the farm,” Glen said. Paramount to building their successful business is their herd, which is their single biggest asset. The herd is crossbred but for the last four-years they have solely used Jersey bulls with the eventual aim of owning a Jersey herd. They want an efficient, versatile, strong cow that produces 100% or more of live weight in milksolids. Instead of solely relying on production figures to select their AI bulls they take a holistic approach to breeding their vision of the perfect Jersey dairy cow that suits their farming methods.

Last year their herd was assessed by Tracey Zimmerman, their local aAa and Weeks approved analyser. AAa Animal Analysis is a dairy cattle breeding guide created in 1950 by Vermont Holstein breeder and classifier William A Weeks, based on his detailed study of the form and function of dairy cows and bulls. It predates AI and lists six functions of the cow and matches stronger typed bulls with the weaker components in cows. Glen says it is all about form and function, not just production so the result will be a more balanced cow. “And the production will take care of itself. “We select bulls first on aAa number then positive fertility and high components,” he says. “This year we’ve mostly used bulls from international genetics because we feel that the NZ Jersey breed genetics are becoming quite restrictive. We used four main bulls and two or three others, plus a number of different beef breed straws. We selected bulls to correct each trait.” By and large they no longer look at just the BW figures. Their herd’s BW matches the national average and is slightly above the average PW but it wasn’t getting them the herd they desired. “We won’t lose our BW as such as most of the bulls used have a BW against them,” Glen says. They aspire to breed cows that will live and successfully milk for over 10 years. Their herd is young but as the cows have aged they are displaying udders and feet issues. That could mean potentially good cows might have limited longevity. By using the Animal Analysis

method they feel certain that they will be able to breed cows that will survive in the herd for a longer time. As a DairyNZ climate change ambassador Trish believes their breeding approach fits into the climate change work she is taking part in. “It’s a simple fact that fewer animals equal less methane,” Trish says. “Dropping their stocking rate isn’t something a sharemilker wants to do because that’s their asset. We want to focus on achieving a much better performing animal to help achieve environmental goals.” They have learnt a lot along the way considering neither came from a farming background. They met in Greymouth when Glen worked for Agri Quality after finishing a Taratahi dairy farming

course. Trish was teaching in Greymouth. In 2001, Glen decided to go dairy farming and moved to Canterbury where he was the herd manager on an 800-cow farm and Trish got a teaching job in Ashburton. Following a stint overseas, Glen went to work as the herd manager then lower-order sharemilker on a 500-cow Ashburton farm. A job in Wairarapa followed before the shift to Northland. The couple ended up on a property in the back blocks near Kohukohu on the Hokianga Harbour where they ran a 260ha self-contained System 1 farm. That is where Trish learnt to milk, do a shed wash and put up a fence in what she calls her farm assistant job. She also did a diploma in agribusiness management through NorthTec.

GIDDAY: Trish and Glen Rankin with some of their friendly herd.

On Farm Story

“Because I lived two-hours away I didn’t always have to attend class but could log-in to complete my diploma. I enjoyed the figures and discovering what was happening in the environmental area of farming.” Then came the win in the Dairy Industry Awards and the shift to Taranaki. They are now in their second season as 45:55 herdowning sharemilkers on a 154 hectare Parininihi ki Waitotara (PKW) farm in South Taranaki milking 440 cows. They wanted to work for PKW because of the company’s values. One of the things they’ve identified along their journey is that you can choose a farm on its figures but it’s equally important to choose farm owners with matching values. “PKW have kaitiakitanga, which is the guardianship of the land and whanaungatanga, the importance of whanau/family. We have monthly kaitiaki hui where we all discuss what we’re doing,” Trish says. “A quarterly whanau hui is held at a local marae where we learn about that marae’s history and practise our powhiri and mihi. Those things were important to us after building that momentum in the Far North.” This season they are targeting about 430 kilograms of milksolids a cow. They budgeted on reaching 183,000kg MS but are on target to reach 195,000kg. “In some ways this year is like year one for us. “Last season it got really wet and then really dry. The cows never really got going,” Glen says. The System 3 farm uses 13ha of turnips, 7.5ha of lucerne, 100 tonnes of straw and 90t of grass silage. Lucerne is a five-year crop and once established, they should be able to take a cut on a 20-25 day rotation. They are focusing on increasing the amount of dry matter per hectare and increasing the amount of ME they can grow. “The idea of lucerne had been at the back of our minds for quite some time but the opportunity to grow it had never arisen,” Glen says. “It’s a reliable, high-value, summer crop with good protein. We had a 100t hole that needed filling. Lucerne should fill that gap. We don’t want to rely on boughtin feed and are looking at ways to reduce that reliance.” Growing their own feed supplements will let them control

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

AT WORK: Trish and Glen Rankin in their cowshed on the South Taranaki farm where they are 45:55 sharemilkers.

their costs and not be dependent on a fluctuating market. “If you can control pasture quality through November and December it gives you a great deal of extra production. But you get to a certain point where you begin to lose that battle. That’s where the turnips come in,” Glen says.

Everything we ever wanted in a farm has come together here. Glen Rankin Farmer “We’d be one of the earliest in our district to begin grazing the turnips. Ours go in earlier because we want them available by the end of December when the grass quality declines. As the production began to drop we introduced the turnips and the production returned to pre-Christmas levels. “Turnips this year have cost 7.75 cents a kg of DM, palm kernel 27 cents and the lucerne should fit somewhere in between so we are trying to use low-cost feed to get days in milk without hitting our bottom line with home-grown feed,” Trish says. The turnip crop helped the Rankins meet last year’s production target, which demonstrated what the farm was capable of producing in a good

TAKING CARE: Glen Rankin checks the levels and mix in the Dosatron waterpowered proportional dosing pump.

year. As a result they have added an extra 30,000kg MS to this year’s target. They are firm believers in measuring and recording as much information as possible to facilitate decision-making. They measure their grass weekly and decide the length of their rounds by the amount of available grass. To help make more informed decisions the Rankins bought a tow-behind pasture meter and can now complete the measuring task in under an hour. One of Glen’s mottos is “Timing beats talent”. Measuring everything, whether it be grass or finances ensures they don’t make off-the-cuff decisions. They noticed how hard the drought hit the surrounding farmers when some dried-off or went once-a-day in December. “You could see the stress in the community. “We’d regularly had to farm with those conditions so appreciated how everyone was feeling. We were reasonably upbeat until we went to discussion groups and saw how hard people were being hit,” Trish says. “Our first year sharemilking had a $3.90 payout, the second was in the $4 region then we moved here, which was a huge cost, and into the toughest season Taranaki had since the 1970s,” Glen says. “But we could see why the locals love Taranaki. It’s much easier than the farms we’d come from. “I’ve taken on farms before that from day one have had no grass so I’ve had to learn to be creative. Being in a tight spot is not as uncomfortable to me anymore.” When they bought their herd in 2015 they had a 15-week calving spread. It was pretty tough going because they had replacements coming in through to week eight. One of their goals was to shorten the overall calving spread as well as the replacements. Last year they did six-weeks of AI using a number of breeds before putting their bulls out. That paid off because their replacements started on July 20 and finished by the end of August. This year they have tightened it up even more with only four weeks of AI for replacements though they did all AI this season, tailing off with beef or short gestation semen. This season the Rankins raised 124 calves and kept them on

PRODUCTION: This season Trish and Glen Rankin are targeting 430kg of milksolids a cow.

the farm to eat the abundance of grass. They have 107 R2s out grazing. Trish combines her part time teaching job at Opunake Primary School with the farm. During term three of the school year she is full time on the farm to help with calving. Last year they did a trial and fed one group of calves on ad-lib milk and the other group on twice-aday feeds. The ad-lib pens went through more milk and the calves grew faster but the twice-a-day calves caught up. Trish found the ad-lib feeding to be advantageous in the busy early spring. As the new calves arrived she knew those from the day before were drinking unsupervised and she had to concentrate only on teaching the new ones to drink. “We tube-feed all of our calves with gold colostrum; which we measure with a brix refractometer. We put milk straight from the teat of the cow onto the refractometer and have found that there’s a big difference between the cows. The gold colostrum can all look gold but vastly differ in quality,” Trish says. “Even though 20 new cows may have come in I only need to keep the colostrum from three cows that have colostrum with a brix reading of 22 or above.” Trish is positive that tubefeeding every new calf with warm gold colostrum within an hour or two of arrival has really made a difference. The end result was incredibly healthy calves and no illnesses. They used beef breeds over some of their cows and the calves were sold at four-days along with more than 50 Jersey bulls. It is an area of their business they feel they will be able to grow. This year the herd has been vaccinated for bovine viral diarrhoea for the first time. After having an outbreak on a farm they previously managed, they felt the $9000 cost was a worthwhile investment. Away from the farm they are busy with their children, the Dairy Industry Awards and various other programmes. Glen is judging this year’s awards and Trish is on the national executive. “The journey really begins once you’ve won the award. “Sometimes people drop out

because they didn’t win on their first attempt. They don’t realise that you must keep coming back. The moment you enter the awards you demonstrate that you’re willing to receive feedback and are receptive to change,” Trish says. Trish has been inspired to take on challenges such as the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, focusing on waste minimisation on farms. She is interested in researching circular economies and applying them to agriculture and dairy farming and ways to solve the problem of dairy farm non-biological waste. Trish was on the technical user committee doing the NAIT review and is one of the 19 people in the region who have completed the Dairy Environment Leaders programme. The Rankins do not believe in the one-size-fits-all solution for farming dairy cows and say each farmer has a different approach that fits their own particular farming operation and environmental conditions. Using this philosophy and techniques gleaned from their previous farming jobs they are continuing to work towards their ultimate goal – hopefully in Taranaki. “This is the best, most wellrounded region we’ve been in. The kid’s school and sports activities are close by and the school bus stops at the gate. In Northland; the kid’s rugby was often a two-hour drive away over rough roads. “Everything we ever wanted in a farm has come together here,” Glen says. “Our focus is to try and get rid of our debt as quickly as possible so if an opportunity arises we can grab it. Once we’ve achieved farm ownership we’ll look for another challenge. Farm ownership isn’t the end. It’s just part of the journey.”

>> Video link: bit.ly/OFSrankin

World

34 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Farmers fight back against the vegans VEGAN activists have published an online map showing the names and locations of more than 18,000 dairy farms in England and Wales. Activists behind the Project Calf website urge people to visit the farms, confront farmers and film their responses when asked about dairy farming practices. “The aim is to bear witness to the suffering of the animals on dairy farms and gather footage of what is happening to them to show people where their dairy products really come from,” it said. Website users can click on a Google Map to find the names and locations of 18,531 farms registered with the Food Standards Agency. The website urges people taking photos and video footage to stay within the law and where possible target farms with public footpaths. “There are lots of options when it comes to choosing which equipment you want to use – hidden cameras, camcorders, regular cameras or even a drone. Or just use your phone,” it said. “All footage will have an enormous and vital impact when documenting the horrific reality behind dairy.” The group’s Facebook page said “All the dairy farms on one map. Makes finding them easy.” Details of the farms were obtained using information that is publicly available under an Open Government Licence and published by the government. The emergence of the Project Calf website came during a month of action by vegans against

the United Kingdom dairy and livestock industries. The Veganuary campaign encouraged people to go vegan by giving up meat and animal products for January and throughout the rest of the year. But the farming industry is fighting back against misleading claims from vegans in the campaign by reminding people about the benefits of meat and dairy in a balanced diet. The National Sheep Association said livestock producers found themselves in January arguing against a torrent of false claims of crimes against animal welfare, the environment and human health. A Channel 4 documentary, Dispatches: The Truth About Vegans, sparked an angry reaction from farmers. The programme featured calls for livestock farms to be burned to the ground. The programme also featured comments from vegan activist Cath Kendall who likened eating lamb to eating a human baby. The association said the media were quick to promote the false claims as part of the Veganuary campaign. Chief executive Phil Stocker slammed Veganuary as a well co-ordinated campaign against livestock farming, which was misguided and misleading. “We are seeing criticisms from welfare campaigners, rewilders, climate change campaigners and health campaigners – but all these are connected and ignore the fact that UK sheep farming works very much in harmony with our environment, our landscapes and our human ecology.

UNHEALTHY: If the world became vegan it would likely result in a nutrient imbalance across the population, National Farmers Union Cymru president John Davies, third from left, says.

“This creates a countryside the majority of the public love and food products that are healthy and nutritious within a balanced diet.” An Oxford University report published last year said removing meat and dairy products from the diet could lower a person’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73%. But Stocker pointed out the benefits of the UK’s unique, grass-based method of sheep production and argued carbon footprinting tools ignore the role of grassland and grazing animals in storing carbon and organic matter in soils and in the wool sheep produce. “Some people seem hell bent on portraying sheep as a global enemy but in fact they are the ultimate in renewable technology and are an efficient form of productive land management that is planet friendly,” he said. The National Farmers Union Cymru said it recognises everyone is free to make their own dietary choices but consumers should be allowed to make choices based on the facts. President John Davies, a beef and sheep farmer from the Brecon Beacons, said “Over 98% of

the British public eat, drink and enjoy dairy and red meat products as part of a healthy, balanced diet. “If the world became vegan it would likely result in a nutrient imbalance across the population. “Livestock farming also plays a vital role in Wales’ countryside. Sheep and cattle graze hillsides where nothing but grass can grow and, in turn, convert it into the best protein on the planet. “Only ruminants are able to convert this grass, which can’t be used for anything other than livestock grazing, into food for an ever-growing population.” In Wales more than 80% of the land is managed by farmers who are passionate custodians of the countryside. “Welsh farmers recognise their role in protecting and enhancing our beautiful environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining biodiversity and livestock grazing plays a vital part in all of these,” Davies said. This month the UK dairy industry is urging consumers to support British dairy farmers with its social media campaign #Februdairy.

Some people seem hell bent on portraying sheep as a global enemy but in fact they are the ultimate in renewable technology and are an efficient form of productive land management that is planet friendly. Phil Stocker National Sheep Assn

A Save Animals from Exploitation spokesman said publishing the names of owners and addresses of farms, as radical vegan and animal welfare groups have done in Australia as well as England and Wales, is not something the group is considering doing in NZ. The spokesman refused to comment when asked SAFE’s view on what the overseas vegan and animal welfare groups have done. UK Farmers Weekly

Brexit deal rejection alarms UK sheep farmers BRITISH sheep farmers are facing a huge loss of export markets the National Sheep Association said after a crushing rejection of the British Prime Minister Theresa May’s proposed Brexit deal. With 35% of British lamb exported and 96% of that being sold into the European Union the 230-vote rejection of the Brexit deal by the country’s Parliament adds to the likelihood of the United Kingdom making a no-deal exit from the EU, the NSA warned.

“A no-deal would result in the immediate loss of EU access with no alternative options and would cause immense disruption to our markets for months if not longer,” chief executive Phil Stocker said. Warning further that when markets finally reopen, UK producers could face EU tariffs as high as 50%, Stocker said Britain could see a sharp decline in the national flock with few alternatives for many farmers and the loss of the infrastructure

that supports the UK industry. “No one should be fooled into thinking we are protecting our industry for its own sake. “Our sheep farmers are producing highly nutritious food for the nation, the most sustainable fibre on the planet as well as keeping our countryside and rural communities they way most people like them. “Agriculture and sheep farming are of national interest and now is the time for MPs to start providing us with answers,” he said.

ALARMED: A no-deal Brexit means British farmers face a huge loss of export sales and big tariffs in Europe, National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker says.

Real Estate

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Finishing farms keep market ticking Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

RICES for finishing farm sales slipped slightly over the latest year but turnover remains strong. There are indications demand is exceeding supply and in some areas dairy and dairy-support land is being sold for sheep and beef farming, Real Estate Institute rural spokesman Brian Peacocke said. Southland is one of them, adding to the busy activity in finishing farm sales in the three months to the end of December, nearly equalling the very good results achieved at the corresponding time in 2016. Peacocke reports steady finishing sales in Northland and Hawke’s Bay, very strong activity through Waikato and northern King Country with a number of sales of smaller units bolstering the figures and solid sales right through the South Island. The Waikato sales came at a time when there was a solid fall in dairy farm sales in the province. In many instances vendor price expectations exceed those of

CONVERSIONS: Demand for finishing farms exceeds supply in some areas where dairy land is being sold for sheep and beef farming.

buyers and the gap is not being bridged. “When they’ve not sold some have been withdrawn from the market,” Peacocke said. Most sale programmes for the high number of spring listings have been completed. Fresh listings are expected but not in the

same numbers, Peacocke said. Dairy farm deals have been lower throughout the upper North Island, holding par in lower North Island areas and at miserable levels in the central South Island. The latter point fits in with Canterbury research indicating tighter Overseas Investment Office

rules have shut down foreign investment in large-scale dairy farms, which is having a negative impact on smaller-farm activity. Peacocke reported reasonable sales activity for grazing properties through Northland, Gisborne, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury and extremely good results in Manawatu and Wanganui. Arable farm sales have picked up, with Canterbury activity being the best three-month result for a considerable time. Institute figures show there were 440 farm sales in the three months to the end of December, up from 336 for the three-months to the end of November and 394 sales in the December period a year earlier. There was a 3.8% fall in the year-on-year sales, at 1505. The median price per hectare for all farms sold in the latest December period was $27,288, down from $29,266 a year earlier, a 6.8% fall. The fall from the November three-months was 10.3%. The institute’s All-Farm Index was up very marginally monthon-month and fell 0.7% year-onyear. The index adjusts for difference

in farm size, location and farming type, which the median price does not do. For dairy farms, the median price for December was $40,589/ ha, down from $50,964 for November, and $40,484 for December 2017. Though the median price was lower the institute’s Dairy Farm Index rose 6.3% from November to December, after allowing for those farm size and location differences. Year-on-year the index was marginally lower. For finishing farms to the end of December the median price was $31,169/ha compared to $32,635 for November and $32,000 for December 2017. A lower median price for grazing farms was also recorded, at $10,192/ha, from $11,835 in November and $11,937 in December 2017, for a year-on-year fall of 14.6%. Horticulture block sales data can be affected by a small number of sales at especially high or low prices and the median price for the latest period, at $164,143/ ha, was down from $196,142/ ha in November and $242,988 in December 2017, for a year-on-year fall of 32%.

Vineyard values squeeze returns Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz HIGHER vineyard prices in Marlborough have started to erode cash returns to less comfortable levels again. Increases have been triggered by larger wineries looking to secure supply for their marketing programmes, property consultant Colliers says in a research report. The outlook will be of more concern if vineyard costs keep increasing without any upward movement in grape prices and vineyard productivity. A number of growers are already concerned about static prices, which mean increasing grape yields is the only way to maintain or improve returns, Colliers’ Blenheim valuer Tim Gifford said. Colliers expects grape prices to remain about current levels over the next harvest season with volumes expected to be about 6% higher as new plantings come into production and yields remain at long-term average levels. Despite the issues the underlying industry is strong. Value growth has been constant over the last six years as processing capacity increased, export sales strengthened and the contract grape price lifted but had plateaued in the last six months or so. Tighter Overseas Investment Office rules are likely to affect multi-national company involvement in greenfield developments. For further vineyard value increases grape prices will need to rise further and productivity improvements will be needed

through canopy and disease management. Average grower returns in Marlborough increased about 40% since 2012 through higher grape prices and favourable growing conditions but vineyard operating expenses have also increased at an equal pace. As an alternative to immediate sale, leasing will continue to be a good option to provide ongoing returns and eventual capital appreciation and is increasingly part of succession planning for many vineyard owners. However, as vineyard values increased rental levels have reached a point where it might not be economically viable for lessees, mainly wine companies. That might create issues for future rent review negotiations, particularly in higher-value localities, Gifford said. Among sales he highlighted was the $31.5 million paid by the New Zealand Super Fund in November 2017 for Altimarloch Vineyard, a 319ha property in Awatere Valley, with about 200ha mainly in sauvignon blanc and a small area of remaining plantable land. About the same time a Marlborough wine company paid $19m for St Lukes Vineyard at Seddon, a 365ha property with 130ha planted. They were the headline pricetoppers but both were at the lower end in terms of price per planted hectare, at $150,205/ha and $125,615/ha respectively, with smaller vineyards the most expensive. The highest price per hectare was the $3.3m paid for 9.47ha at 57 Selmes Rd in the highly-

regarded Rapaura area, with 7.6ha in sauvignon blanc, planted in 2015-16. The price worked out at $294,343/ha, just heading off the $292,381/ha paid for a Grovetown vineyard with 6.75ha in sauvignon blanc. The Grovetown site in the favoured Rapaura/Lower Wairau area has heavy, productive soil and low climatic risk, Gifford said. Two properties in Jones Rd, in the same area, also sold strongly in February and March last year. One was 7.5ha of planted vines at $2.36m ($279,625/ha) and the other having 25.7ha of grapes for $7.52m ($261,766/ha). The latter sale appeared to involve two adjoining properties, Gifford said. He reported about 14 vineyard sales over the year, down from about 25 sales in recent years but still well above previous lows in the 2008-11 period. The lower turnover indicates there might be a disparity between vendor and buyer price expectations. There were extended sales periods for smaller and highervalued vineyards though premiums were still be paid for strategic sites in prime locations. The two big vineyards with the highest sales prices are in the Awatere Valley and Seddon areas where the per-hectare prices are typically lower and offer slightly better investment returns. Marlborough is the centre of wine production in NZ, providing about 68% of total vineyard land and 77% of production. Nearly 80% of Marlborough plantings are sauvignon blanc. The 26,000ha production area is nearing a peak with the Ministry

NEAR CAPACITY: Marlborough has 26,000ha in vineyards and the Primary Industries Ministry estimates another 5000ha will be available for planting in grapes in the next five years.

for Primary Industries estimating a potential 5000ha of land available for planting in the next five years. That will drive further wine export growth but with irrigation water already over-allocated in many areas the industry might eventually need to rely on other regions and other grape varieties for further growth, Gifford said. Pinot Noir, chardonnay, and pinot gris are also grown. He identified three production zones in Marlborough – the premier one being Rapaura/Lower Wairau, close to and north of Blenheim, with typical vineyard

values of $250,000 to $300,000/ha and west of there the Wairau and southern valleys fetch $175,000 to $250,000/ha. The third zone covers the Awatere (Seddon) and Upper Wairau areas, fetching $125,000 to $185,000/ha. About 20% of NZ wine is sold domestically and small wineries with less than $1.5m in sales rely on that market, including tourists, for most of their sales. Export markets are strong, led by North America, Britain and Australia. In those markets Marlborough is positioned as high-quality, proprietary-branded wine.

MANY HANDS MAKE

A helping hand is always welcome on the farm or lifestyle block and likewise, if you’re looking to sell your rural property. The autumn 2019 edition of Bayleys’ Country magazine will be the practical support you need. It’s an altogether better plan because when you list with Bayleys, the nationwide rural team gets right behind you to find the best buyer and that’s where grit and determination comes into play. Our rural band of workers gets stuck in to get the job done – and we all know how vital teamwork is when it comes to efficiency and results both on-farm and off. For 20 years, Country magazine has provided rural New Zealand property owners with the opportunity to unearth buyers. We have the tools to dig deep and get your farm or lifestyle block in front of active and passive local, national and international buyers. Then we have the proven skills to complete the circle on a sale – that’s why Bayleys is recognised as New Zealand’s number one rural brand. Talk to your local Bayleys office today about Country magazine and share the workload. Let us lend a hand.

More value from trees a big challenge Interest in forestry and wood processing from government is welcome, but adding value to logs can be a tough job.

The show must go on

The traditional A&P Show is holding its own in a changing society and continues to unite rural and urban communities.

FEATURING

125 FARM, SPECIALTY AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE ISSUE 2 – 2018

RURAL REAL ESTATE BRAND

To learn more about Country magazine, call 0800 BAYLEYS or visit bayleys.co.nz/country. LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

Pikowai 166 Airstrip Road

Award winning 452ha farm

Lovingly nurtured for 44 years, this rare and prestigious offering provides options for the discerning purchaser. 452ha (more or less) of mixed contoured land that includes approximately 100ha of forestry. A first class infrastructure with a secluded three bedroom home; plus two other great staff homes, woolshed, sheep yards and an excellent cattle facility. There are well-subdivided and fenced paddocks with a spring water supply. Prospects here include continuing one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest beef bull and sheep breeding blocks, a large support block for existing dairy operations or progressing your current farming business. Consistently inside the top 10% with regards to economic performance - recognised in 2010, winning The Ballance Farm Environment award. Handy to Whakatane and the Rotorua lakes, with Tauranga CBD a short 65km via the Eastern Link.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Tue 26 Feb 2019 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga Phone for viewing times Mark Spitz 027 442 1295 mark.spitz@bayleys.co.nz

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

bayleys.co.nz/2500061

bayleys.co.nz

FINAL NOTICE

Taupo Tram Road

Multiple grazing blocks Four titles subject to survey are being offered to the market as one or separate from 90ha, two of approximately 140ha and 250ha. Located 20 minutes from Taupo this land has had no expense spared in its development. Large laneways, top quality fencing throughout with paddocks subdivided to approximately 2.5ha, two sets of cattle yards with weigh facilities and concrete floor and an impressive water supply. Flanked by forestry those looking for a top-quality lifestyle / large runoff will be impressed with what they find here. The prestige in owning one or all of these properties will be evident once viewed. Currently running dairy graziers the land lends itself to all stock types with strong wintering and soil characteristics. Rare offering finished to a high standard, this property will be one all buyers large scale or not, should be giving serious consideration.

bayleys.co.nz/2450033

bayleys.co.nz

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Fri 8 Feb 2019 1092 Fenton Street, Rotorua View by appointment Ben Hickson 021 433 283 ben.hickson@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Boundary lines are indicative only

Turua 207 Orchard East Road

Dairy opportunity, prime location The 124ha (more or less) farm has a nice aesthetic, comprising of four titles, being flat in contour with multiple road frontages/access points and positioned under five kilometres drive to Ngatea township. The dairy is a practical 30 ASHB supplying Fonterra a three-year average of 94,863kgMS. An array of utility, calf and ancillary improvements support the dairy including a modern 300 cow capacity wintering barn, whilst a solid 12-year-old Intalok and tidy three-bedroom home provide accommodation. The main home consists of three bedrooms and modern comforts including a heat pump, insulation and internal access garaging. The secondary dwelling is weatherboard construction with renovations to the bathroom completed in 2017 and separate garaging. With its location approximately 20 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive from the Thames Coast the perfect work play balance is achievable.

bayleys.co.nz/2310254

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 12pm, Thu 21 Feb 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Fri 8 Feb & Fri 15 Feb Karl Davis 027 496 4633 karl.davis@bayleys.co.nz Lee Carter 027 696 5781 lee.carter@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

NEW LISTING

Waihi Beach 530 Waihi Beach Road

Bird's-eye view of the Bay

Owned for over 30 years, this productive dairy farm affords outstanding panoramic ocean views over the Bay. This beautifully located farm boasts a profitable OAD dairy unit producing a five year average of 48,887 kgMS from 135 full pedigree Jersey cows. A self-contained farm sees all young stock grazed on the property, farm water via a bore pumped to holding tanks and gravity fed to troughs in all paddocks, effluent (compliant until 2028) is spread over pasture by travelling irrigator. In addition, there is a good track system around the wellfenced and subdivided paddocks. The 14 year old main home showcases the view below â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an amazing panorama from Mayor Island to White Island on a clear day. Other improvements include a second home and a 17 ASHB shed. Continue as a dairy farm or diversify, with good grazing land and subdivision possibilities to explore.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1pm, Wed 6 Mar 2019 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga Phone for viewing times Mark Spitz 027 442 1295 mark.spitz@bayleys.co.nz

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

bayleys.co.nz/2500117

bayleys.co.nz

Papamoa 502 Te Puke Highway

The good life farming Located five minutes out of Papamoa an attractive holiday location, this 70.786 hectare dairy unit has served its owner well. With the sharemilker handing in his notice the decision has been made to also vacate the property, 16 years of ownership is coming to an end. The improvements include a 30 aside straight rail dairy shed, two threebedroom homes, a very good half round barn, implement shed and fertilizer bin. The farm has a five year-average of 107,000 milksolids with room to improve, neighboring land is leased of approximately 40 hectares that supports this production. The flat rectangular property is in three titles well subdivided with electric fencing and receiving regular fertilizer dressings it is a very simple operation. If dairying isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your thing then surrounding land use sees berries, kiwifruit and maize thriving in the Bay of Plenty climate.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 28 Feb 2019 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga View 12-1pm Tue 5 Feb, Tue 12 Feb & Tue 19 Feb Ben Hickson 021 433 283 ben.hickson@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2450049

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

NEW LISTING

Hastings Brownlie Road, Puketitiri

Contour and rainfall with Puketitiri hunting Nestled under the Kaweka ranges only 57km west of Napier in the renowned Puketitiri farming district is the rare opportunity to purchase 'Rocky Hill' farm. An impressive 429ha finishing property with free draining soils, approximately 145ha deer fenced, a helicopter hangar, walk in chiller, freezer, areas of native bush which provide the perfect habitat for the resident Sika, Red and Fallow deer. "This is not only a very productive farm, but it is also a hunters paradise." Subdivided into over 50 paddocks with fantastic workability, laneway and central stock yards. Improvements include a 2002 built four bedroom home, three bedroom manager's residence, four stand woolshed, five bay implement shed/workshop, sheep and cattle yards. The opportunity to expand on the deer fencing, continue finishing sheep and beef or create a hunting park is fantastic.

bayleys.co.nz/2851504

bayleys.co.nz

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 13 Mar 2019 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Gavin Franklin 027 427 8000 gavin.franklin@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Wairoa Te Puna Station, 2775 Mangapoike Road

Scale, rainfall and multiple income opportunities An opportunity to purchase significant scale in a high rainfall environment, at very affordable levels. Te Puna Station is 1,594 hectares located 37 kilometres north of Wairoa. Carrying approximately 9,500 stock units, the farm has 80 hectares of high UMF manuka due for honey production in 2019, forecasting strong returns. Development has resulted in excellent access throughout the farm, improved subdivision, weed control and currently under construction is a new main homestead. An excellent farming climate, annual rainfall over two metres whilst also benefitting from early seasons, a good mix of aspect, with the majority of the farm lying below 450 metres. The farm is ideally positioned as a breeding block to support a finishing operation or expand on the planting projects. The vendors are focusing on other projects and want this property sold. Call to inspect.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 7 Mar 2019 17 Napier Road, Havelock North Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Simon Bousfield 027 665 8778 simon.bousfield@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2851503

EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 MACPHERSON MORICE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Taranaki 110 Horoi Road, Eltham

Well presented 150ha dairy Located only seven kilometres east of Eltham the well-presented 150 hectare dairy farm has been developed to high standards and comes with high quality improvements and laneways providing access across the property. Infrastructure includes a 40 a-side HB dairy shed, stand off pad, three implement sheds and two hay / calf sheds. Housing consists of the main five bedroom split level homestead, four bedroom home and two bedroom modern cottage. Laneways are in excellent condition and pastures have undergone a renewal program in conjunction with any on farm development in recent years. Mostly flat with some rolling hill the property on average milks approximately 350 to 360 cows. Close to town, well appointed and presented to a high standard the farm is ready to change hands.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 1pm, Thu 21 Feb 2019 15 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth View 11am-12pm Thu 7 Feb & Thu 14 Feb Mark Monckton 021 724 833 mark.monckton@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY TARANAKI LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2600104

bayleys.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February 4, 2019

NEW LISTING

Otorohanga Lees Block Road

Morrinsville 97 Reay and Watson Road

First class facilities

Location and scale

Converted to dairy in 2013, this 114ha (more or less) farm has first class facilities, flat to easy rolling contour and sustainable production. The 40 ASHB shed has meal feeders, automated cup removers and teat sprayer. Average production is 95,247kgMS and the farm is managed under a once a day low input system with 280 cows. Good bore water and consent for 368 cows. The fully lined effluent pond has an estimated 120 day capacity. The hard work of conversion and establishment is now over and the farm is primed for the next exciting stage of its evolution. The current owners have already bought elsewhere and are committed to moving on!

bayleys.co.nz/2310225

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 21 Feb 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 11am-12pm Tue 5 Feb Sharon Evans AREINZ 027 235 4771 sharon.evans@bayleys.co.nz Stuart Gudsell AREINZ 021 951 737 stuart.gudsell@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Located between Hamilton and Morrinsville is this 128ha (more or less) dairy unit. The property has been conservatively farmed with a three year production average of 122,555ms from 350 cows. This well set up unit has a 40ASHB with ACRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and in-shed meal feeding system. Very good well-formed races feed out to 60 paddocks. The water system comprises a bore with submersible pumped through a filtration system and pressure reticulated to the shed and farm. A second bore provides for domestic use. Excellent shedding is mostly at the working hub. There are three dwellings with the main being a three bedroom brick home with double garage. Excellent set-up, a very easy to manage contour, size and location make for a great buying opportunity.

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 7 Mar 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Thu 7 Feb Mike Fraser-Jones 027 475 9680 mike.fraserjones@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2310249

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz

RURAL & COMMERCIAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Tuscan Hills - 1186 ha

TENDER WEB ID PR65383

PAHIATUA 1501 Pahiatua - Pongoroa Road Large scale breeding and finishing, Tuscan Hills is renowned for producing quality stock to the market. Just 15km's east of Pahiatua and SH 2, Tuscan Hills is centrally located to the Manawatu, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay markets. Carrying over 8500 quality su on an effective area of 1020 ha with the remaining area being a mix of Manuka scrub and native bush. This well fertilised medium to steeper hill country property is well subdivided into 50+ main paddocks with excellent tracking and laneways providing access and ease of stock movement. Two woolsheds (1 x 6, 1 x 4 stands)

with covered yards at each end of the property are complemented by two sets of cattle yards, 8 sets of satellite sheep yards and airstrip providing an excellent level of farming infrastructure. Three homes provide ample accommodation with the homestead featuring 4 bedrooms and set in mature grounds. Tuscan Hills has been faithfully farmed for the last 35+ years and is ready to be passed on to the incoming purchaser.

TENDER closes Thursday 28th February, 2019 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers Limited, 129 Main Street Pahiatua

Jared Brock

Mobile 027 449 5496 Office 06 376 4823 Home 06 376 6341 jared@pb.co.nz

John Arends

4 1

Jewel in the crown - 246.58 ha

TENDER

WEB ID BC63102

Investments of this calibre rarely come to the market. Located on one of the city’s busiest streets, this high-profile modern building offers investors a rare opportunity to purchase a fully tenanted iconic Palmerston North property. • New modern building with latest technology • $382,077 net rental • Seismic rating of 100% NBS • 24 car parks • Fully tenanted with 4 tenants on new leases • LIM report and Valuation available upon request

pb.co.nz

VIEW By Appointment

Mobile 027 444 7380 Office 06 376 4364 johna@pb.co.nz

Rare opportunity

TERRACE END

TENDER

DEADLINE SALE

TENDER View By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 14th March, 2019 at 4.00pm, Property Brokers Limited, 240 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North

Kevin Carian

Mobile 027 430 4045 kevin.carian@pb.co.nz

WEB ID AR66066 WINCHMORE 670 Dromore Methven Road View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Friday 1st March, 2019 at 4.00pm, Winchmore Research Station is an iconic property (unless sold prior) formerly known worldwide as the centre of irrigation research in New Zealand. New centre pivot and lateral move spray irrigation with low cost pressurised supply. Quality cattle yards and 4 stand woolshed with covered Paul Cunneen yards ideal for stock finishing. Four staff houses and ex Mobile 0274 323 382 Office 03 307 9190 research complex. Also available as; Home 03 302 6751 •174 ha ex Research Station paulc@pb.co.nz •72 ha irrigated bareland. Currently leased until end of harvest 2019.

DEADLINE SALE

Toby O'Donnell

Mobile 027 322 6256 Office 03 307 9176 toby@pb.co.nz

07 883 1195 Roto-O-Rangi - 350 Parklands Road $2,350,000 + GST (if any)

Economic Grazing Block This very tidy and well set up 38 hectare property has a sort-after location set midway between Te Awamutu and Cambridge in the heart of the Waikato:  A farm-holding of this class and versatility rarely comes to the market - you could

mix and match your livestock classes, grow maize or a supplementary feed crop

 Perfect as a standalone farm or a run off for a larger farming unit  Mairoa ash soils on this property show the benefit of regular fertilizer application;

the Olsen P levels are very high, averaging 79 and N leaching of 44 in the 2014/2015 year has been verified by independent farm consultants

 Improvements on this established flat to rolling contoured farm are of a good

standard - these include a tidy three bedroom, weatherboard home, a dairy shed that is used as a calf rearing shed and extensive cattle handling yards plus load out race

 All this is supported by modern infrastructure - excellent fencing and a water

system reticulating to troughs in all paddocks

 Barberry hedging also provides some extra subdivision and shelter  The access throughout is provided by well-formed laneways  The boundary and laneway fencing is seven wire post and batten while the

internal fencing varies from two to four wire electric

 The property has been farming bulls and calves on a trading system 

Full services are available in the well-established towns of Te Awamutu (15 kilometres) and Cambridge (20 kilometres)

Call Steve or David for more information.

OPEN FARM Thursday 7 February from 11.00am to 11.45am

Steve Mathis

David McGuire

027 481 9060

027 472 2572

Watch our video

Web ID:

https://youtu.be/k6fIsWg6XDA

RAL647

www.ruralandlifestylesales.com

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 4, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

PUKEKAKA STATION - 1,103 HECTARES OF HIGHLY DEVELOPED, QUALITY HILL COUNTRY 919 Pukeokahu Road, Taihape

1,103 hectares Tender nzr.nz/RX1734212

Re-investment over a long period of time is clearly evident at Pukekaka, making it one of the best presented hill country farms we have been involved with. Strong country, a significant portion is medium hill with around 100 hectares of flat to undulating country that is regularly cultivated. With a 6 km Rangitikei River boundary, in the main free draining ash soils overlay a papa base, with a strong fertiliser history. Stock water is a mix of local scheme, natural and tapped springs. The standard of fencing overall is of a high standard, with many new fences, all conventional other than a 80 hectare deer block. Access is excellent with very good tracks and various laneways radiating from the central stock handling facilities, although the property is also well served with 4 sets of quality satellite yards. Other recent capital injections include a woolshed upgrade with covered yards and lots of concrete added, alterations to the spacious 1980’s main home with great garaging, sheds and outlook. Impressive results from the 10,000su forward store operation has seen the last 5 years lambing averaging 150%, with the Wairere bred lambs leaving the farm at 35-38kg average (incl. over 2,000 killed last year) and cattle at 18 months. The well bred stock is well regarded and sought after. Video on website. Tender closes 11am, Thu 14 Feb 2019, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding.

Jamie Proude AREINZ 027 448 5162 | 06 385 4789 jamie@nzr.nz Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | 06 323 4434 peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

06 323 3363 Farm & Lifestyle Massey-Side Finishing Farm

AUCTION

559 Tennent Drive, Linton, Manawatu  Farms of this scale within 7km of the Palmerston North CBD rarely come to the market - also just a couple of kilometres to Massey University and the Fonterra Research Centre.  Of the 106ha around 90 hectares is flat; centrally-laned for easy access.  Over 21.4km of Novaflo drains have been installed since 2013.  Excellent near new cattle yards with good off-road hardstand parking.  The majority of the pasture has been renewed over the past five years.  Used for beef production and dairy heifer grazing, carrying over 450 head of mixed age cattle.  Town water supply reticulated to troughs.  Attractive building sites and in this prime location it will be difficult to over-capitalise.

OPEN FARM - Thursday 7 February from 1.00pm to 2.00pm To be sold by AUCTION at 11.00am Thursday 28 February 2019 at our office. Robert Dabb Richard Anderson

027 255 3992 027 543 1610

Web ID: RAL636

www.ruralandlifestylesales.com

101.38 ha- approx.-

Walton 404 Paratu Road West Available For A Strictly Limited Time Auction 1pm, Thursday 28th February 2019 (unless sold prior) View Thursday 7th, 14th and 21st February, 11-12pm www.ljhooker.co.nz/ F6QHR1 ljhooker.co.nz/F6QHR1

Peter Begovich 027 476 5787 Rex Butterworth 021 348 276

Chances are you´ll only get one shot at owning this 101ha dairy farm in the popular Walton district. A reliable, solid performer, quality improvements and easy gentle rolling contour in two titles with a great location. Attractive 4 bedroom main home, fully renovated with an in-ground pool. The second home has also benefited from a remodel. A modern 30 ASHB takes pride of place amongst plenty of good quality support buildings, in-keeping with the rest of the properties high standards.

Link Realty Limited

Link Realty Limited Licensed REAA 2008. All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own enquiries.

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 4, 2019

230 COW O.A.D. 219 HA North Bank Maruia Approx 120ha effective with further 15ha rough grazing. Production to 90,336kgs MS 230 cows O.A.D. 30 aside Cow shed built in 2013 with ACR’s. 6 bay multi-purpose shed and hay barn. Three bedroom renovated cottage, large open plan living plus a three bedroom permanent material cottage. Current My-Milk supplier. Available Going Concern. For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty Closing 7th March 2019 unless sold prior. Web Ref GDR3318553

Greg Daly AREINZ Mobile 027 478 3594 or A/H 03 762 6463 LK0096239©

www.gregdalyrealestate.co.nz Real Estate Agent REAA 2008

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

AUCTION

TE KUITI, WAITOMO

328 Waitomo Caves Road

Great Location - 200 Cows Milked • • •

84ha from river flats to Mairoa ash easy hill 32 ASHB - 212m² shed with 4.5m access. Six bedroom brick home and numerous farm buildings 10 year production average is 64,115kg MS, entire farm has been regrassed in the last 10 years

AUCTION (Unless Sold Prior) 11am, Friday 22 Feb Panorama Motor Inn, Awakino Road, Te Kuiti VIEW 11-12pm, Tues 5 & 12 Feb

Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855 | B 07 878 0265 E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEK29587

THE DESTINATION FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE

Land is the biggest asset to any farming business so it pays to stay up to date with the market. Connect with the right audience at

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

GALATEA, BOP 592 Troutbeck Road A Serious Consideration • • • • • •

All flat gently sloping land totalling 86.3498ha Best production of 100,292kgMS -2015/16 season with herd wintered on farm Three year average production - 96,569kgMS One person milks 220 cows through a 28 bail rotary with MCR's Spacious four bedroom family home plus one bedroom cottage Multiple support buildings including 1/2 round barn, 4-bay implement shed and 2-bay barn

PRICE BY NEGOTIATION Plus GST (if any)

VIEW By Appointment Only

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

pggwre.co.nz/WHK29695 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Helping grow the country

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

OPEN DAY

TE ANGA, WAITOMO 2856 Te Anga Road

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Friday 15 March

VIEW 11.00-1.00pm, Tuesday 12, 19, 26 February

Waitini - Breeding Finishing Unit • •

• •

519ha, approximately 470ha effective. Contour goes from easy to medium to steeper hill Livestock wintered 2018 - 209 big Angus cows, 590 in lamb ewes, 844 in lamb hoggets, 101 rising 1yr cattle, 8 bulls, 500 extra lambs brought in and finished Three bedroom house, four stand wool shed with covered yards and two implement sheds Approximately 160 hectares has reticulated water and the balance is ample natural water

•

Waitini has size, contour, water, rainfall and ample ability to increase stock capacity

Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855 | B 07 878 0265 E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEK29668

TENDER

WHAKATANE, BOP 682 Thornton Road

TENDER Plus GST (if any)

Good Summer Location

VIEW By Appointment Only

• • • • • •

All flat - approx. 63 hectares STT due to Reid Central Canal upgrade - titles are being re-issued Four-year production average 74,648kgMS, milking 210 cows 20 ASHB, calf rearing and storage sheds, half round barn Newly commissioned above ground Kliptank effluent system Three bedroom open plan home, four bedroom family home is also available by separate tender Lease land support blocks in close proximity are available by negotiation

•

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 28 February

Only 12.6km to Whakatane and only 2.5km to Thornton Beach and boat ramp for fishing and white baiting

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

pggwre.co.nz/WHK29701 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Helping grow the country

STOCK MANAGER

Employment

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 4, 2019

BLOCK MANAGER PIOPIO STATION

STOCK MANAGER

LK0096274©

A position has become available on this sheep and beef property, 615 hectares, 10km east of Waipawa, wintering 5000 stock units.

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

EMPLOYMENT REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY Please print clearly

FARM OPERATIONS MANAGER

We are a fifth generation 780ha coastal farming sheep and beef breeding/ finishing, and cropping operation. One hour south of Gisborne, situated on State Highway 2, Nuhaka region.

Name:

Mt Prospect

We are looking for an experienced shepherd to be part of a small team to help run this dynamic livestock business. There is opportunity to grow into a management role in the future.

Phone: Address:

An exciting opportunity exists for a Farm Operations Manager role. You will be responsible for the management of financial and physical aspects of an intensive grazing property based 20 minutes out of Te Anau at Mt Prospect.

Email:

You will be required to implement the farms short and long term strategic business goals. There will be on-going support to assist with the implementation and monitoring of the business. The property consists of approximately 3,500ha, (900ha effective), 12,000 stock units with a large winter cow grazing program. Should you have exceptional pasture management skills with a particular interest in growing fodder beet crops and be able to manage and lead a highly competent team, then this role is for you.

Capability with driving tractors is a must, along with good stock sense and animal husbandry. Ideally you will have 3-4 well trained working dogs. A remuneration package tailored to suit the successful applicant’s skillset and experience. Comfortable accommodation available on the property.

Heading: Advert to read:

You will have proven skills, experience and qualifications in pastoral management systems for the size and complexity of this role and will also have the ability to forward plan and be able to prioritise. Our business prides itself on our relationships with our graziers and this continued relationship building will be an important aspect of the role. Other key responsibilities include completing farm data requirements, meeting health and safety and any legal obligations, contributing towards financial budgets and stock policy.

We value staff with high standards, energy and motivation. A positive attitude is everything for this position.

We are looking for someone who is reliable, honest and encourages a positive team culture. A full drivers licence is required as well as appropriate visas to work in New Zealand. LK0096262©

Or phone Tim 06 837 7630

King Country sheep and beef farming at its best…. • Great community • School bus at gate • Close to town • Competitive remuneration • Easy to medium contour Piopio Station is an 1100ha farm wintering around 11000su, consisting of sheep, beef and dairy grazing; role focus will be running a 700ha block. This is an ideal step up for a head shepherd looking to grow their career or an established block manager looking for a great farm and location. It is a largely selfmanaged role so ability, personal integrity and honesty are seen as critical. On offer is a four bedroom house and a competitive remuneration package. If you’re in the market for an S&B career move you really can’t afford to miss this one. Log on to www.no8hr.co.nz Ref#1126 for more details and to apply. Applications close 17 February 2019.

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

EXPERIENCED SHEPHERD

For further information: See TradeMe listing Experienced Shepherd / Hawkes Bay Listing #1919068146

Our client operates a 2400ha Sheep and Beef Station with Dairy support in the central North Island. They are now looking for a Stock Manager who can contribute to the improvement of the overall performance of the farm. Our ideal candidate will: • Be self-motivated, energetic and passionate about farming • Have a positive attitude with a desire to further up-skill and learn new farming practices as required • Be prepared to take charge in manager’s absence • Have a well-mannered and trained team of dogs • Demonstrate exceptional animal husbandry and stock skills • Have excellent Health and Safety and Animal Welfare practices • Be able to point to pasture management experience and good reporting and record keeping skills • Hold a driver’s license, have good tractor, fencing and chainsaw experience • Show initiative and be able to work independently as well as within a team • Be organised and have attention to detail and great time management skills • Be honest reliable and have a good sense of humour On offer is an attractive remuneration package and a three-bedroom home on the property, a central location handy to amenities, and the chance to work with an organisation that values and grows its people. To find out more and to apply, go to www.no8hr.co.nz today!

LK0096319©

ANNANDALE STATION CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

Essential requirements for the position are: • A good team of 4-5 working dogs • Good stock husbandry • Good stock management and finishing skills • Pasture and feed crop expertise • Maintenance and development • Good reporting and reconciliation skills • A team player as part of a larger farming business A very good three bedroom home is available with Omakere Primary School 15km and CHB College in Waipukurau. A wide range of recreational activities available. Applicants should apply with CV and referees to: Tim and Janet Cullwick tjcullwick@gmail.com Mobile: 027 245 3396

Please forward application with covering letter and CV to: opoho@xtra.co.nz

In return you will work in a supportive environment to achieve results. Please contact us for a full job description and / or send your application to: hr@compassagri.com Closing date for applications is Friday 22nd February 2019.

Senior reporter – farming

RURAL SECTOR RURAL SECTOR

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

JOBS BOARD JOBS BOARD farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

We have a new role: Senior Reporter for a smart-thinking candidate with a real interest in the business of farming, to work alongside our awardwinning team of rural journalists and freelance writers. You will enjoy the latest tools to produce in-demand agribusiness news, opinion and analysis. You will also take a leading role in the development of our multimedia and new media offerings. You will maintain and uphold the current reputation of our flagship Farmers Weekly, and in doing so, build on the strong relationships we have with industry contacts.

• 2019 Trainee Programme - Livestock Representative 2IC • Agribusiness • Agronomy Agronomy • Analyst • Farm Dairy Manager • General Maintenance • Labourer Livestock Specialist • Manager Livestock Manager • Pasture and Grazing Specialist • Manager Sharemilker • Shepherd Reporter • Senior Shepherd/General

Your week will be spent planning and reporting stories the industry trusts. You will build professional relationships, extracting the right information from a wide range of industry sources. You will be working in a team the primary sector turns to first for independent content they value to give them a competitive edge. With a great working environment comes serious responsibility, decision making, and company collaboration!

Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the employment section of the Farmers Weekly and as added value it will be uploaded to farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or close of application. Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

LK0096053©

Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

LK0092630©

USA Harvest Workers

You will be based in the GlobalHQ head office in Feilding working alongside a dynamic, innovative and creative team who appreciate new ideas and have the courage to make them happen. If you’re ready for the responsibility and the challenge, we invite you to register your interest and request a job description now. Please email: bryan.gibson@globalhq.co.nz

LK0096315©

Sharemilker

Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the Shepherd employment section of the Farmers Weekly and as added value it will be uploaded to Stock Manager farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or close of application.

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

LK0096314©

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

LK0096320©

Classifieds BEARDIE PUPS, well bred from good lines. $400. Phone 027 255 7217. SMITHFIELD PUPS for sale, six months old. From good working parents. $300 each. Phone 021 983 331.

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

ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, GARLIC & MANUKA HONEY. 20L - $54.95, 200L $495 or 1000L - $2,200 plus GST with FREE SHIPPING from Black Type Minerals Ltd www. blacktypeminerals. co.nz

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

DEERLAND TRADING LTD DEERLAND TRADING LTD buying deer velvet this season and paying above the average. Also contractor required to buy deer velvet. Payment on commission basis. Contact 021 269 7608.

DOGS FOR SALE BEARDIE BORDER COLLIE X heading dogs, x 2, 15 weeks. $250. Good working parents, sheep and beef. Clevedon. Phone 021 051 7906. HUNTAWAYS, HEADING DOGS. Deliver South and North Islands, trial, guaranteed. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553. 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 CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING

Do you have something to sell?

GOATS WANTED GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

GRAZING WANTED GRAZING REQUIRED for 350 Hinds short term. For further enquiries, please contact John on 027 495 3505.

HORTICULTURE 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

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

WANTED TO BUY SAWN SHED TIMBER including Black Maire. Matai, Totara and Rimu etc. Also buying salvaged native logs. Phone Richard Uren. NZ Native Timber Supplies. Phone 027 688 2954.

NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call ....

0800 436 566

Call Nigel

0800 85 25 80 livestock@globalhq.co.nz

JOHNNY GRAY Specialists in mustering Wild Goats, Cattle, Horses and Sheep across New Zealand Check out our website and let results speak for themselves

Ph: 027 959 4166 johnnyanderin2017@gmail.com maiexperiencejohnnygray

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Phone Owen Booth 027 439 5516 www.whitestoneboers.co.nz

Preliminary Notice

KAAHU GENETICS Australian White shedding sheep R.S.V.P to: kaahugenetics@hotmail.com

Working alongside Crusader Meats

Murray Sargent 027 392 7242

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

ZON BIRDSCARER

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz DE HORNER

Phone: +64 6 357 2454 HOOF TRIMMER

EARMARKERS

Wiltshire On Farm Auction 12th Feb at 12pm Light Luncheon provided

Approximately

700 ewe lambs, 150 cast for age ewes, 65 2th ewes, 5 2th rams, 25 ram lambs. Martin, Mary & Daniel Taylor 1019 Mangaorapa Rd. Porangahau

Get your February 11 Farmers Weekly bookings in by midday Tuesday February 5

Ph: 06 8555 322 Email: taylors@glenbraestud.co.nz www.glenbraestud.co.nz

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET • Robust construction • Auto shut gate • Total 20 jets • Lambs only 5 jets • Side jets for lice

Terms: Cash on the day unless PGG Wrightsons current a/c holders. Eftpos available

Simon Smith, Genetics Specialist - 027 444 0733 Callum Stewart, National Genetics Manager - 027 280 2688 Sam Wright, Livestock Representative - 027 247 9035

• Adjustable V panels • Davey Twin Impellor Pump • 6.5 or 10hp motors

Save time and money – flystrike and lice cost $$$ Guaranteed performance Quick to set up – easy to use – job done SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992

Ph 06 835 6863 Mob 021 061 1800 Jetter video: www.craigcojetters.co.nz

Between 40% to 75% off storewide (T&C’s online only and for a limited time)

Including our luxury Pure Merino range

Call Debbie

0800 85 25 80

Bred for: • strong constitution • hardiness • well developed meaty carcass

Open Field day 11am Feb 28th 2019 154 S.H 30 Whakamaru

www.aotearoastockman.com

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE

Contact Debbie Brown DDI: 06 323 0765 0800 85 25 80 classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Top Genetics

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Are you looking in the right direction?

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

RAMS. HILL COUNTRY Perendales. Easy care with good size and quality wool. $250-$500. Phone 06 376 4751 or 021 133 7533. RAMS. TERMINAL SIRES Southdowns and Suffolk/ Southdown X for heavy fast growing lambs. Suitable for Hogget mating. $250$500. Phone 06 357 7727 or 021 133 7533.

BOER BUCKS

LK0095993©

ANIMAL AND HUMAN healer, also manipulation on horses and dogs. 4th to 9th February in Canterbury. 11th to 21st Otago / Southland. For more information phone Ron Wilson 027 435 3089.

BUYING 350 DOGS annually South and North Islands. No trial or breeding required. No one buys or pays more! www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos. 07 315 5553, 021 030 0037. WANTED HEADING DOG, broken in, 2-4 years old. For young shepherd. Phone 06 762 7877.

TOP OF THE RIDGE fundraising horse trek for Lowe Walker Helicopter Rescue Service and Cancer Society HB. Five days of horse trekking, 60kms west of Napier. Sunday 24th February to Friday 1st March. See our FaceBook: top of the ridge horse treks for full details or call us on 027 511 8525 / 027 842 9741 email topoftheridgehorsetreks@ outlook.com

DOLOMITE

LK0096317©

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

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

HORSE TREK

LK0096318©

ANIMAL HANDLING

DOGS WANTED

PERSONAL RURAL LADY looking for love! A country beauty who has her own very large grazing properties. She loves horses, working on the land, meals out with friends and family and weekends away travelling. Long blonde hair and blue/green eyes. To meet please call 0800 446 332 quote code 21 www. countrycompanionship. co.nz

www.nurturedbynature.co.nz

LK0096325©

A HISTORY OF THE Young Farmer of the year, by Kate Taylor. Book signing in-store 11 February from 5pm at One Stop Stationery and Books, 237 Broadway, Marton. Or further information phone Sam 027 701 6760.

HAY FOR SALE 5FT ROUND OR MEDIUM square bales this seasons hay good quality second cut. $67 plus gst loaded in paddock. Manawatu. Call Steve 027 420 8604 or Wayne 027 445 8365.

no wool, no worries www.sheddingsheep.co.nz

LK0096329©

DOGS FOR SALE

LK0096074©

A BOOK RELEASE

Livestock

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

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 4, 2019

STAY OUT FRONT OF THE MOB Advertise your ram sales in Farmers Weekly Phone Nigel 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Wanted for January 2020 delivery Autumn calving Frsn & FrsnX Complete Autumn Herds In-calf carry over cows In-calf heifers (2018 born)

Piquet Hill Inaugural Steer and Heifer Sale

All stock must be well grown with good records (single herd codes preferred). Our purchaser would like to nominate a calving date with the option to supply their own bulls at mating.

12pm – 14th February 2019 887 Te Akau Road, Ngaruawahia

A Carrfields Forward Sale Contract will be completed for a January 2020 delivery.

Dairy Agent Canterbury

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

All inquiries to Will Jackson Phone 07 825 4480 or 027 739 9939

Central & Southern North Island Dairy Coordinator

490 A2A2 Jsy Herd BW47 PW58 DTC 10/8. Web Ref DH1220 100% A2A2 DNA tested herd. Low SCC, young herd on dry farm, 375ms/cow. 460 FX/J Herd BW82 PW101 RA92% DTC 1/8. Web Ref DH1242 System 1, Bred for fertility & udders, good age structure. $2085 180 F/FX Herd BW51 PW83 DTC 1/8 Web Ref DH1223 Managers cows, low SCC $1950 Paul Kane: 027 286 9279 National Dairy Coordinator

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

STOCK FOR SALE 100 Friesian weaner bulls 140kg ave. $600 – CK 150 Friesian wnr bulls 110-125kg ave. $540 – CK 60 Aut born beef x hfs 230kg ave. $750 – RS/CK

STOCK WANTED

Aaron Clapperton 027 496 7410 Richard Seavill 021 169 8276 / 07 825 4984 Chris Smith 027 496 7413 / 06 756 8968 Chris Kyle 027 496 7412 / 07 883 7412 Bryce Young 027 496 7411

LK0096322©

380-480kg R2 Hereford bulls – RS 320-400kg R2 Friesian bulls – RS In-milk empty Friesian, Friesian X & Jersey cows 2-5yrs – AC

Office 07 823 4559 BYLLIVESTOCK.CO.NZ byllivestock

Account of Ata Rangi Pastoral 700 Autumn calving cows to be sold for 1st Feb delivery Due to start calving 10th March 2019

Reaching over 78,000 rural mailboxes weekly we are the ideal space to engage with the right audience for your bull sales. Farmers Weekly also publishes a free weekly e-newsletter during autumn and spring that showcases bull sale results from around the country. Adding digital advertising options to link to your catalogue offers added benefits.

Location: Tokoroa, South Waikato For herd listing & profile or to book an inspection contact:

To find out more, contact Nigel Ramsden on 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Bryce Young 027 496 7411 bryce@byl.co.nz

Aaron Clapperton 027 496 7410 aaron@byl.co.nz

Office 07 823 4559 byllivestock BYLLIVESTOCK.CO.NZ

LK0096323©

This large commercial herd is made up of mainly Friesian and Kiwi-cross cows. Farmed for the last 2 seasons on newly converted forestry land that consists of flat to rolling and some steep contour. This herd has been mated using select CRV Ambreed, A2 A2 Friesian sires to boost value into an ever-growing market demand. M.Bovis milk Negative.

Hit the bulls-eye with advertising in the Farmers Weekly.

farmersweekly.co.nz

Spring Calving Herds

120 Xbred OAD Herd BW89 PW127 DTC 15/7 Web Ref DH1269 Tidy young herd, 325ms, system1, 9yrs OAD, Farm Sold $1600 280 Xbred Cows. BW63 PW86 RA 92%. DTC 25/7 Web Ref DH1232 This G3 herd ticks all the boxes. Excellent young Xbred herd producing 420ms on system 3, 7% empty rate, Low SCC. $1800 Paul Kane: 027 286 9279 National Dairy Coordinator 220 F CRV Herd BW38 PW59 RA82% DTC 1/8 Web Ref DH1205 Very Tidy herd, Great udders, System 1 $2000 420 Xbred Cows BW66 PW87, DTC 25/7 Web Ref DH1228, low SCC, Hawkes Bay $1800 360 FX Herd BW67 PW77 DTC 15/7 Web Ref DH1198 Bred for udders & Fertility, Great temperament & confirmation. $2050 245 outstanding Jersey Cows BW96 PW86 Web Ref DH1209 RA100% DTC 20/7 Sharemilker owned, closed herd for 23 yrs $2100 Philip Webb: 027 801 8057

LK0096321©

All weights available prior Rebate to all pre-registered agents 14 day payment terms Light lunch provided prior to sale commencing

or: Richard Andrews 027 5368693

LK0096185©

• • • •

Central & Sothern NI Dairy Coordinator

LK0096116©

Contact: Philip Webb 027 801 8057

170 Autumn-born WF R1 Heifers 300 18-month Angus and WF Heifers 200 18-month Angus and WF Steers

2424FW

AUTUMN CALVING HERD AND IN-CALF HEIFER Vendors; Penoak Farms Ltd (Dave Mitchelle & Sue Bourke) Thursday 21st February 2019 at 11am Sale to be held on the farm at 1305 Old Te Aroha Road RD1 Matamata Comprising: 90 Friesian Autumn calving cows 27 Ayrshire, Jersey and Brown Swiss Cross Autumn calving cows 14 Friesian, Ayrshire and Jersey December calved cows 37 Friesian Autumn calving heifers 6 Ayrshire, Jersey and Brown Swiss Cross Autumn calving heifers 174 head This long established herd of very good conformation cows has a recorded Ancestry of 100%. Last season the 383 cows (Spring and autumn calving) averaged 431kgs milk solids per cow. Cell count average 96000. Herd is milked in a rotary shed with little supplements fed. All cows were dry cow treated at drying off. Calving commences from early March. All cows in calf to Friesian AB and heifers to Wagyu and Angus. The farm is on the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges and is prone to very wet and windy conditions. Long walks is also part of the routine so these cattle are recommended to shift well. The latest NZ and overseas genetics have been used resulting in a very good uddered and nice dairy quality herd. All cattle will be presented in very good condition with the in calf heifers well grown. The herd has a TB status of C10, is Lepto vaccinated and Myco Plasma milk tested clear. Catalogues giving all details are available from the auctioneers or are able to be viewed on www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com, www. pggwrightson.co.nz, www.nzholstein.org.nz or www.ayrshire.org.nz All enquiries to the auctioneers Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd Phone Brian Robinson on 027 241 0051 and PGG Wrightson phone Dean Evans on 027 243 1092.

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 4, 2019

mIlK & mATernAl

feeD effICIenCY

FRANKTON SALE

FOR SALE

TE TAUMATA POLL HEREFORDS Phone Alistair 06 372 7861 June 7

2012 at 12pm

TARANAKI SHEEP & CATTLE FAIR

12th February 2019 Approx. 12.30pm

Young Dairy Herd for June 1 delivery 33rd AnnuAl on fArm Bull SAle

Border Leicester & Romney th

485 x Xb/Frs/Jsy cows (BW97; PW118; RA96%)

Stratford Saleyards Wednesday 13th February 2019

Acting on Instructions from our Vendors Neville and Carole Woodcock of Grassy Downs, Tauwhare

Over 80% 2, 3 and 4 year olds. Currently To view our bull sale catalogue & pictures of sale lots go to: averaging 55,000 SSC. Low cost system

Commencing: 11am Sheep 12pm Cattle (approx. 800 head)

doing 380 milk solids per cow. OAD milked due to long walks. 77% are 6-week scanned Young Herd Sire Te Taumata Banjo 10302 in-calf.

www.tetaumata.co.nz

Special Entry, a/c Marty Hagenson Kotuku Station, Waitaanga (on Taranaki/King Country boundary)

Having sold their long established freeRams DelIVerY TB for C10 CArCASe SCAnneD For Sale BVD VACCInATeDIdeal herd the future. farming property will offer their

Option to pick orPerformance split available. from a true dryland farm Beef Industry Driven complete flock of 1500 hill country

Alistair & FriesianX Eileen 06 372 7861 or Jim also 06 372 7718 Email: studstock@tetaumata.co.nz replacements available: Ewes comprising: 150 Te xKopi RD 4PW132; Masterton 5884, www.tetaumata.co.nz 143 R2sRoad, (BW128; RA96%)

Visit website listings HAW64280, HAW64287 and HAW64289 for photos and profiles.

STOCK REQUIRED

Contact NZFLL agent: Emmet McConnell 027 443 7671

STORE LAMBS FRIES BULL CALVES 120-180kg 330-400kg 15 MTH FRIES BULLS 15MTH ANG & AHX STEERS 320-450kg 300-400kg 15MTH BEEF HEIFERS 2YR STEERS 400-550kg

SALE TALK

A fire started on some grasslands near a farm. The local fire department was called to put out the fire but it was more than they could handle so the volunteer brigade was called.

REARING CONTRACT

AUTUMN FRIES HERE BULL CALVES JULY Supply Required

The volunteers arrived in a dilapidated old fire truck. They rumbled straight towards the fire, drove right into the middle of the flames and stopped. The firemen jumped off the truck and frantically started spraying water in all directions. Soon they had snuffed out the center of the fire, breaking the blaze into two easily-controlled parts.

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

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

Watching all this, the farmer was so grateful with the volunteer fire brigades work he presented them with a check for $1,000. A local reporter asked the fire captain what they planned to do with the funds.

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

NORTH ISLAND HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE 254 Kiwi X Cows

$2,000+GST

BW 101

•

250 Fri/Jrsy & X Breed Cows $1,890+GST

PW 117

•

BW 95

PW 98

$1,780+GST

•

RA98% Calving 12th July, young herd, ave 430mls per cow. Chris Ryan – 027 243 1078

RA96% Calving 20th July, 50 years one family, ave 402mls. Shaan Featherstone – 027 666 1198

RA98% Calving 25th July, great herd, sharemilker exciting industry. Kane Needham – 027 839 3612

Agonline ref: 2415

Agonline ref: 2184

Agonline ref: 1997

210 Fri/Fri X/Jrsy X Cows BW 121

PW 137

200 Fri/Fri X/Jrsy X Cows

$2,100+GST

BW 83

•

PW 82

45 Fri/Fri X Cows

$1,460+GST

BW 99

•

$1,900+GST

PW 108

•

RA 100% Calving 19th July, young herd, 380mls. Andrew Reyland – 027 223 7092

RA94% Calving 14th July, can computer split on breeds. Regan Craig – 027 502 8585

RA100% Calving 20th July, 2nd calvers, once a day milking. Dean Evans – 027 243 1092

Agonline ref: 2556

Agonline ref: 2721

Agonline ref: 2577

68 Fri/Fri X Cows

26 X Breed Cows

200 Fri/Fri X/Jrsy X Cows

BW 91

PW 114

$1,650+GST

BW 96

•

PW 97

$1,150+GST

BW 83

•

PW 82

$1,460+GST

•

Calving 10th March to Hfd Bull, carry over cows, closed herd. Chris Leuthart – 027 493 6594

Calving 18th March to Angus Bull, carryover. Cows 3yr to 7yr. Vaughn Larsen – 027 801 4599

RA94% Calving 14th July, can computer split on breeds. Regan Craig – 027 502 8585

Agonline ref: 2131

Agonline ref: 2397

Agonline ref: 2721

45 Fri/Fri X Cows BW 99

PW 108

68 Fri/Fri X Cows $1,900+GST

BW 91

•

PW 114

26 X Breed Cows $1,650+GST

BW 96

•

PW 97

$1,150+GST

•

RA100% Calving 20th July, 2nd calvers, once a day milking. Dean Evans – 027 243 1092

Calving 10th March to Hfd Bull, carry over cows, closed herd. Chris Leuthart – 027 493 6594

Calving 18th March to Angus Bull, carryover. Cows 3yr to 7yr. Vaughn Larsen – 027 801 4599

Agonline ref: 2577

Agonline ref: 2131

Agonline ref: 2397

100 M/A Friesian Cows BW 68/34

PW 65/11

240 M/A InMilk X Bred Cows

$1,875+GST

•

BW 112

PW 130

$1,900+GST

•

270 Jsy Frsn Incalf Cows BW 102

PW 131

$1,900+GST

•

RA99% High Country Herd, Fantastic

RA98% Well Bred Crossbred Herd. Good Indexes. Lyle Smart – 0277 426 833

RA98% Top Jsy, Frsn Herd, years of breeding. Same farm for 20 years. Lyle Smart – 0277 426 833

Agonline ref: 1659

Agonline ref: 1465

Agonline ref: 1986

128 Kiwi X Incalf Heifers

101 3-6yr Frsn, Frsn/Jsy X Cows

and Uddered Cows. `Type Kim Harrison – 0275 010 013

BW 140

PW 145

$1,600+GST

•

BW 84

All sheep December shorn, zapped, B12 & drenched Further enquiries contact: Stephen Sutton – NZ Farmers Livestock M: 027 442 3207 E: stephen.sutton@nzfll.co.nz

Auctioneers Note: We recommend any purchaser looking for Top Eczema Tolerant Romney Ewes should attend this sale. For any further information please contact: Brent Bougen 027 210 4698 Rod Harper 027 451 5321

Jeremy Newell – NZ Farmers Livestock M: 027 664 8832 E: jeremy.newell@nzfll.co.nz Chris Hay – NZ Farmers Livestock M: 027 602 4454 E: chris.hay@nzfll.co.nz

Key: Dairy

DAIRY HERDS & INCALF HEIFERS FOR SALE PW 114

Bred from quality Drysdale rams ex Fairview Drysdale Stud Colin Baird, Taihape

Founded in 1960 the flock has for over 30 years only used eczema tolerant rams from Keith Abbott’s Waiteika Stud (F.E. Gold) The flock has this year docked 140% Ewes to Ram. Ewe Lambs docked 70%.

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings

BW 96

Complete Capital Drysdale Flock Comp: • 800 x Drysdale 4th, 3 & 4yr AM Ewes • 800 x Drysdale Wether & Ewe Lambs

“That ought to be obvious,” he responded, wiping ashes off his coat. “The first thing we’re gonna do is get the brakes fixed on our fire truck!”

PHONE NIGEL 0800 85 25 80

350 Fri/Fri X Cows

Farm Sold

600 Capital Stock 2th Romney Ewes 400 Capital Stock 4th Romney Ewes 300 Capital Stock 6th Ewes 200 Capital Stock 4 + 5yr Romney Ewes 300 Capital Stock Ewe Lambs 15 M/A Waiteika Stud Romney Rams (F.E. Gold)

LK0096310©

175 x R1s (BW148; PW155 RA96%)

LK0096237©

LK0096324©

www.tetaumata.co.nz POLL HEREFORDS Est. 1962

PW 112

$1,600+GST

•

RA100% Long established Top 5% Herd. High Index Heifers & DNA’d. Tim Pickering – 0274 469 963

RA98% Autumn Calving Frsn & Frsn X Carry Over Cows. Tim Pickering – 0274 469 963

Agonline ref: 2421

Agonline ref: 2234

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

For photos and more information visit www.agonline.co.nz

Cattle

Sheep

STOCK & PLANT CLEARING SALE

ANNUAL HEIFER FAIR

Tuesday 12th February @ 1pm A/C RJ & JM Blakely, Rotherwood 986 Gimmerburn-Waipiata Road, Ranfurly Approx 650 Highlander Crossbred 2 Shear Ewes 600 Highlander Crossbred 3 Shear Ewes 500 Highlander Crossbred 4 Shear Ewes 400 Highlander Crossbred 5 Shear Ewes 250 Highlander Crossbred AD Ewes 1100 Highlander Ewe Lambs 2500 MS Store Lambs Very high production easy care ewes. Highlander (Focus Genetics) are renowned for growth and fertility consistently lambing 165-170% to the ram and killing all lambs at an average of 18-18.5kg. These sheep represent a grand opportunity to purchase genetics that are rarely available and are only being offered due to the sale of the property. Plant 28 tonne Plastic Silo, Giltrap RF11 Silage Wagon, Rata Silage Grab (new), Hooper Offset Discs, Clough Maxi-till, McIntosh 7 tonne Tip Trailer, Dutch Harrows, Hay Trailer, Fieldmaster Topper, Motorbike Trailers, Prattley Drafting Race portable & Panel Gates, Grain Trailer, Prattley Weigh Crate, Cambridge Roller, Hydraulic Farmgard Backblade, Quick Hitch, No Tramp Kiwi Express Woolpress, Grinder, Wool Bins/Fadge Holders, General Household Goods, Duncan Drill 701 Seedliner, Massey Ferguson Tractor, Weed Wiper, Post Driver, Mate Rockdrill & 2 Auger Bits, Portaloo, Tanalised Posts/ Strainers, Assortment of Wire, Electric Fence Equipment, General Farm Sundries. Outside Entries 1997 Ford N/H 7740 4WD, loader forks and bucket 8600 hours, Hustler 3pt linkage bale feeder 2014 less than 1000 bales fed, Cattle scales and platform, Grubber To view photos please go to www.agonline.co.nz and click on upcoming sales. Outside entries invited.

Friday 22nd February 12.30 Tuakau Sale yard Waipuna Valley Farms 1200 15 month Beef Heifers comprising: 500 Angus & Ang/Hfd 400 Char/Ang X 300 Sim/Ang & Exotic Cross

Ryan Dowling 027 434 7239

Other

This seasons draft came forward in excellent condition and showing good frame. Farmed in large mobs on genuine hill country Cattle in hand several days before sale day, weighed dead empty. 100% purchased from North Island Herds Guaranteed farmed as empty Ideal weights for early spring trade lot est 300/370kg Contact Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858 Vendor: David Short 07 826 7763

MATAWHERO SALE Tuesday, 12th Febuary 2019 A/C Morunga Station - Matawai 500 - 2 1/2 yr Steers Traditional and Exotic Steers farmed on genuine hill country. Good forward store condition. Contact: Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858 or Jamie Hayward 027 434 7586

Helping grow the country

LK0096282©

GroWTH & meAT THE NORTH ISLAND HOME OF PERFORMANCE BORDER LEICESTER RAMS

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

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.50

NI lamb (17kg)

7.10

6.95

NI Stag (60kg)

9.95

10.70

NI Bull (300kg)

5.05

5.00

5.30

NI mutton (20kg)

5.00

4.60

SI Stag (60kg)

10.20

10.70

NI Cow (200kg)

4.00

4.10

SI lamb (17kg)

6.90

7.10

6.75

SI Steer (300kg)

5.15

5.30

SI mutton (20kg)

4.85

4.95

4.50

SI Bull (300kg)

5.00

5.10

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.80

3.90

4.15

UK CKT lamb leg

0.00

8.81

8.86

US imported 95CL bull

6.44

6.53

6.65

US domestic 90CL cow

6.58

6.62

6.52

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

5.5

$/kg CW

4.5 South Island steer slaughter price

6.0

4.0

South Island lamb slaughter price

7.0

6.0

Jun

2017-18

Dairy

Aug 2018-19

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Aug 2018-19

Dec

Feb

Apr

Last week

Prior week

Last year

2.86

2.89

2.86

6.0

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

650

520

321

301

893

843

775

2.70

2.30

2.90

30 micron lamb

5.50

DAP

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

6.5

420 370

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

12.65

12.75

10.42

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

3.52

3.61

3.38

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.35

7.72

7.065

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.055

4.18

3.96

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

12.56

14.16

12.3

Ryman Healthcare Limited

10.48

11.5

10.4

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

3.53

3.64

3.51

Contact Energy Limited

6.04

6.2

5.82

5.1

4.78

5.15

5.18

4.9

Fletcher Building Limited

Mar-18

May-18

Jul-18 Sept. 2019

Sep-18

Nov-18 Sept. 2020

WMP

Jan-18

Port of Tauranga Limited (NS)

Mar-18

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

2830

vs 4 weeks ago

2825

YTD High

YTD Low

12.650

12.750

10.420

Comvita Limited

4.570

4.830

4.500

Delegat Group Limited

9.640

9.960

9.640

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.740

4.850

4.610

Foley Wines Limited

1.500

1.530

1.470

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.800

0.810

0.750

360

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.120

2.280

2.110

340

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.485

0.510

0.485

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.700

6.950

6.600

Scales Corporation Limited

4.410

4.500

4.340

SeaDragon Limited

0.002

0.003

0.002

Seeka Limited

4.260

4.320

4.200

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

9.240

10.150

8.860

420 400

2425

2450

2190

AMF

5235

5220

5100

Butter

4350

4250

4180

Milk Price

6.27

6.07

380

320

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Jan-18

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Mar-18

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3000

350

$/tonne

2900 2800 2700 Feb

Mar Apr Latest price

May Jun 4 weeks ago

Jul

5pm, close of market, Thursday

The a2 Milk Company Limited

2755

SMP

Listed Agri Shares Company

440

$/tonne

Last price*

320

Jan-19

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Aug 2018-19

FERTILISER

470

5.5

Jun

2017-18

Fertiliser

37 micron ewe

$/tonne

$/kg MS

Jun

Super

7.0

US$/t

Apr 2017-18

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

2600

Oct

5-yr ave

Coarse xbred ind. 5-yr ave

8 7

(NZ$/kg) Apr

8.0

WOOL

Feb

South Island stag slaughter price

5.0

Dec

5.0

5.5

Oct

7.0

4.0

4.5

9.0

5.0

$/kg CW

North Island lamb slaughter price

$/kg CW

6.0

Last year

North Island stag slaughter price

8.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

Last week Prior week

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 9.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

300

T&G Global Limited

2.810

2.770

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity

15514

15806

15063

S&P/NZX 50 Index

8985

9149

8732

S&P/NZX 10 Index

8555

8740

8280

250 200

Jan-18 Mar-18

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

15514

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

8985

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

8555

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019 NI STEER ( $/KG)

5.50

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

7.10

NI SLAUGHTER MUTTON ( $/KG)

5.00

R3 ANGUS STEERS, 533-554KG, AT STORTFORD LODGE ( $/KG LW)

3.18

DON’T STOP HERE... If you love the information you get from these pages, you will love AgriHQ’s livestock reports.

LivestockEye HEY EWE: Young ewes attract the buyers at Temuka recently.

Heat is good for some

orthland is waiting keenly for rain, particularly the eastern coast north of Whangarei. Elsewhere there is still reasonable feed in paddocks and farms are hanging in there. The heat is causing lettuce crops to go slimy in Franklin and onions curing on the paddocks have a high risk of getting sun scald damage, especially the red skinned ones. Mould can then develop on damaged areas. The extreme heat also means yields of later maturing onions will be much lower than normal, even if water is available. Waikato dairy farms on good soils have plenty of grass but heavier clay soils are drying out. Average covers are okay at 1900kg/ha to 2100kg/ha of dry matter. Some early pregnancy testing results show there are more empty cows than desired. Bulls aren’t left with the herd for as long these days because farmers want condensed calvings now cows can’t be induced. But, as one consultant said, that can’t be used as an excuse. Farmers need to manage things to achieve tighter calvings. Meanwhile, consultant John Hall has helped clients looking at farm purchases and there’s nervousness around real estate. Budgets need to cope with more milk price volatility than in the past, such as Fonterra’s payout dropping from about $7 to nearer $6.20 this season and no one knows if the co op will pay a dividend in April. Our farmer in Bay of Plenty says January was the second driest in his 27 years of keeping farm records. Luckily, Christmas day was very wet. Kiwifruit are liking the heat though they’ll be looking for water as soils are dry up to a metre down. On the Central Plateau, Taumarunui, Raetihi and down to Taihape, farms are looking great. They have had good rain. But out on the Whanganui and Rangitikei

coast it is very dry thanks to northwest winds. Milk production is hanging in there where herds are being fed crops like rape, chicory and turnips. There’s plenty of balage and silage on farms. Taranaki had record temperatures inland, over 30 degrees some days. It’s getting dry but the region will bounce back quickly if rain arrives soon. January milk production is far better than last year but some herds had already dried off this time last year because it was so dry. The weather is only good for swimming in the sea according to our Gisborne consultant though he says things onfarm are chugging along and there’s still enough grass for the next few weeks. Crops like tomatoes are being harvested in great conditions. The first of the season’s squash exports to Japan have sailed off. On the negative front there have been a lot of accidents involving cars and logging trucks in the past three months. Trees are being hauled out in huge volumes. Hawke’s Bay farms are coping okay because the region went into January with good soil moisture levels. The long grass is actually a bit of a fire risk. Store lamb prices are still very high and that’s great for the hill country producers for a change. Normally it’s the farmers who finish the lambs who make the better margins. Irrigation systems are busy in Wairarapa and while facial eczema spore counts have dropped back, as soon as it rains they’ll explode as levels had crept up before the dry spell. Fly strike and parasites in general are very challenging. Heat is stressing some cows. Farms with pivot irrigation don’t have trees for cows to shelter under. Horowhenua had drizzle a week ago for a couple of days then a short burst of intense heat and now it’s back to normal temperatures. Farms near the hills received about 30mm of rain. On the coast it was only 6mm or so.

SOUTH ISLAND ACROSS Cook Strait and the early apple variety Posy is being picked and is off to China and elsewhere. Other apple varieties are looking good but they won’t break any size record this year. Irrigation water is restricted so everyone’s hanging out for rain. On the labour front one grower says this summer he’s had even fewer people than last year looking for seasonal work but with more Recognised Season Employer workers being allowed into the country now he’s okay for staff. It’s been very hot in Marlborough ... 35 degrees most days but our contact says it’s just a typical, hot Marlborough summer. Plums and other fruit crops are getting badly sunburned, which is a big challenge. Irrigation systems are being shut down until there’s rain and for orchardists without dams to use as a back-up, that can be a problem. Water is critical for grapes coming into the softening stage. Canterbury has been sweltering this week, which has been fantastic for arable farmers to get their crops harvested. Our contact here is harvesting spring barley, which is off to Gladfield malt. Pasture covers on the West Coast are good. There was a bit of rain for some on Friday morning. One farmer says his herd’s gone onto once-a-day milking and production’s not dropped at all. The last of the season’s balage and hay is being cut. Central Otago has a brownish green tinge ... normally it’s just brown by now. One long-time farmer says he can’t recall seeing it like this for eons. Lots of balage and silage is still being made here as well. North of Gore in Southland it’s been baking hot. Combine harvesters have been busy harvesting autumn-sown barely – most of it goes as feed for dairy cows. It’s also a busy time for shearers – a pretty tough job in this week’s temperatures.

Courtesy of Radio New Zealand Country Life You can listen to Country Life on RNZ at 9pm every Friday and 7am on Saturday or on podcast at radionz.co.nz/countrylife

Livestock Insight

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.

Livestock Outlook

For those who want to see and understand forecasting, this monthly report projects farmer operating prices six months ahead and supports these prices with analysis of supply/demand, procurement factors, key export markets and exchange rate effects.

INDEPENDENT • OBJECTIVE TRUSTED • WORTHY Discover how we can help you keep up to date with market conditions.

agrihq.co.nz 0800 85 25 80

2476AGHQ

NORTH ISLAND

We create transparency for the industry with these independent, objective reports providing full sale results and informed commentary covering 10 saleyards across NZ that are emailed directly after the sale.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

Breeding ewes end on a strong note Ewe fairs around the country are winding down and this season will easily go down as the strongest across all sales in history. Though last year’s prices were very respectable the lift in the market this year meant that in many cases the cheapest ewes were above the top prices seen last year, relative to age, breed and type.

NORTHLAND Wellsford store cattle sale • Five R3 Hereford-cross steers, 529kg, returned $2.62/kg • Angus-cross cows with calves-at-foot, 552-571kg, fetched $1540$1575 per unit • Cross-bred weaner steers, 148kg, traded at $495 • Hereford-cross weaner heifers, 140kg, earned $415 Just over 100 cattle were on offer at WELLSFORD last Tuesday, with a typically small sale after a long weekend. A smattering of buyers was in attendance, with enough power to absorb the yarding. R2 heifers made up the biggest proportion of the offering and Murray-Grey, 317kg, managed $2.79/kg, with the balance, 296-305kg, earning $2.50-$2.56/kg. Kaikohe cattle sale • R3 beef steers sold to $2.80/kg • R2 Friesian bulls made $2.65-$2.75/kg • R3 and R2 beef-cross and beef-dairy heifers made similar values of $2.70-$2.85/kg • Weaner beef-dairy heifers sold for $400-$450 A smaller yarding of 380 cattle at KAIKOHE last Wednesday made the auctioneers job easier, though the dry conditions are bringing caution to the market. Prices were mainly on par with the previous sale though, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. R2 steers were mainly lesser cattle and sold for $2.85$2.90/kg, while Kiwi-cross were discounted to $2.30-$2.40/ kg. The weaner pens featured two lines of well-bred bulls, with Stabiliser-cross and Hereford making $800-$850, $3.52-$3.98/kg. Boner cows mainly traded at $1.65-$1.75/kg.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Beef and dairy-beef steers, 562-605kg, make $2.91-$2.97/kg • Prime steer and heifer prices lift by 10c/kg • Heavy prime steers sell to $2.965/kg • Medium prime ewes return $138-$162 A small yarding of store cattle was presented at TUAKAU last Thursday, Karl Chitham of Carrfields Livestock reported. Heavier steers sold well, with 562-605kg lots making $2.91-$2.97/kg. Yearling steer numbers were light, with most in the 320-370kg range earning $3.00-$3.15/kg. Hereford-Friesian weaner steers, 123kg, $600, and beefcross bulls, 410kg, $2.59/kg. Prices for older heifers were firm, with most at around 500kg fetching $2.82-$2.84/kg. Hereford-Friesian yearling heifers, 255kg, $875, and 120kg Hereford-Friesian, $530. Good competition saw prices for prime steers and heifers lift by 10c/kg last Wednesday. Heavy steers traded at $2.92$2.96/kg and medium $2.86-$2.91/kg. Heavy beef heifers returned $2.87-$2.92/kg, medium $2.83-$2.87/kg and light $2.79-$2.83/kg. Boner cow prices eased by 5-10c/kg. Heavy Friesian $1.85-$1.91/kg, medium $1.62-$1.74/kg, and light $1.45-$1.58/kg. Good prime lambs made $138-$158 last Tuesday. Medium $126-$132, light prime $114-$125 and store lambs $62-$95. Lighter prime ewes $103-$118.

WAIKATO Frankton dairy beef weaner fair • Angus-cross bulls, 111kg, were steady at $550 • Hereford-Friesian bulls, 133-137kg, softened to $530-$595 • Friesian bulls, 182-190k, eased to $525-$540 • Angus-cross heifers, 125-135kg, lifted to $460-$480 • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 137-150kg, strengthened to $535-$590 Throughput almost halved at FRANKTON last Tuesday with 624 weaners penned, and it was much harder work for most last week.

Bulls eased for the majority, with Hereford-Friesian, 107119kg, back to $530-$595. However, 93kg held at $430, as did Angus-Friesian, 132kg, $500. Friesian, 182-190kg, eased to $525-$540, and 103-126kg, $375-$445. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 103-115kg, softened to $442$500, while Red Hereford-Friesian, 118-139kg, maintained levels of $405-$465.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep sale • Boner Friesian cows, 445-590kg, eased to $1.74/kg • Run-with-bull R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 392kg, made $1115 • Traditional bulls, 564-736kg, eased to $2.71-$2.85/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 288-392kg, eased to $2.91-$3.01/kg • Weaner beef-Friesian steers, 96-147kg, traded at $460-$500 The store market at RANGIURU softened last Tuesday as paddocks dry out and buyer interest drops. Volume was down and locals absorbed the numbers. Two lines of Hereford-Friesian cows, 482-549gk, eased to $1.93-$1.95/ kg. Feature lines in the R2 pens included Angus-Friesian steers, 362kg, $3.09/kg and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 342kg, $2.88/kg, though most other lines were off that pace. Jersey bulls, 392-397kg, eased to $2.27-$2.34/kg. Weaner volume was low and Friesian bulls, 115-131kg, all made $450. Heifers varied from $470-$480 for the top lines, down to $300 for 86kg Hereford-Friesian. Prime lambs sold for $122-$175, and store, $50.50-$117. Ewes made $75-$175.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle and bull sale • Prime beef-dairy steers, 590-695kg, held at $2.87/kg • Jersey bulls, 419-511kg, held at $2.43-$2.60/kg • R3 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 451-460kg, eased to $2.67/kg • R2 beef-dairy steers, 405-460kg, eased to $2.96/kg • R2 beef-dairy heifers, 355-405kg, eased to $2.56/kg An air of nervousness was felt in the rostrum at TARANAKI last Wednesday as paddocks dry out. R2 and prime steers made very similar values, and Hereford-Friesian, 518-542kg, earned $2.89-$2.93/kg. Exservice Angus bulls eased as 642-687kg made $2.83-$2.85/ kg, while two Hereford, 487kg, were returned to the herds at $1600. $3.00/kg was hard to find in the R1 pens as just one line of Hereford-Friesian steers, 444kg, hit it. A small line of 357kg Angus heifers took top honours in their section at $2.72/kg.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep sale • Medium male store lambs made $112 • Light-medium male lambs firmed to $86-$98 • Good store ewes sold well at $126.50-$13 Throughput dipped again at MATAWHERO last Friday with 548 sheep on the books. While store lamb prices were not quite as hot as the weather the market was solid, though a small line of heavy mixed sex sold below market value at $116. Medium store ewes traded at $109.50-$113. Prime lamb quality was mixed but top lines made $127.50-$134, while 12 prime ewes fetched $139.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep sale • Medium to good ewe lambs eased to $95-$120 • A line of 373 good wether lambs made $118.50 • R3 Angus steers, 533-554kg, firmed to $3.12-$3.22/kg • R2 Angus steers, 409kg, made $3.37/kg • R2 Friesian bulls, 389-396kg, eased to $2.83/kg Low tallies continued at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday with just over 1800 lambs and 330 cattle.

The store lamb section was an 80-20 split of good quality, forward types and very small lambs. Prices eased and heavy ram lambs sold to $132.50, while good cryptorchid reached $117-$120.50. R3 traditional steers featured and attracted plenty of phone bids. While Angus dominated one line of Angus & Angus-Hereford, 499kg, sold for the highest $/kg at $3.31/ kg. R3 Friesian bulls varied from $2.60/kg for 603kg to $2.79/kg for 498kg. R2 Angus heifers, 282-392kg, made $2.97-$3.07/kg, and five Charolais, 405kg, $2.98/kg. Weaner Angus steers, 233kg, reached $965, and heifers, 203kg, $800. Friesian bulls, 115-127kg, returned $508-$545. Wairoa cattle fair • Top R3 Angus steers made $1700-$1720 • Second cuts of R3 Angus steers earned $1420-$1510 • R3 Angus heifers returned $1350-$1440 • Good R2 Angus steers reached $1460-$1550 • Good R2 Angus heifers sold well at $1230-$1245 The WAIROA cattle fair is always a popular sale, and a sea of black last Thursday was intermittently broken by a few exotic and Hereford pens. Over half the offering was penned due to a lease expiry and Hawke’s Bay buyers dominated, though a line of 80 Angus heifers sold to the King Country for $1440. Good R3 exotic heifers sold for $1335-$1370, with R2 steers of similar breed varying from $1045-$1450. AngusHereford steers fetched $1150-$1490. One line of R2 Hereford heifers managed $1160, and bulls of same breed made $1540-$1550.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • BuEx-service traditional bulls, 572-800kg, firmed to $2.85-$2.92/ kg • Heavy mixed sex lambs firmed to $148-$162 • Medium mixed sex lambs also firmed to $131-$146.50 • Good to very good ewes sold for $139-$168 • Medium to medium-good ewes firmed to $113-$137 Lamb volume doubled for FEILDING’s Monday sale, but the regular buying bench were as competitive as ever and prices firmed. Most lambs were heavy to very heavy mixed sex, with the very heavy lines making $165-$172. Very few sold for less than $131. A similar scenario played out in the ewe pens with higher volume but a firm market. Just over 4000 were penned and the top end reached $170-$181, while at the other end lightmedium ewes made $96-$105. The only feature in the rostrum was ex-service bulls, aside from four Friesian cows, 565-625kg, which firmed to $1.90-$1.93/kg. Feilding store cattle and sheep • R2 Friesian bulls, 440kg, made $2.98/kg • R2 Angus heifers, 387kg, softened to $2.75/kg • 5-year ewes, $134 • Heavy blackface mixed sex lambs, sold for $118-$130 A large offering of lambs at FEILDING was met by a crowd that started of strong and thinned out as the sale progressed. Hot temperatures this week combine with last week’s strong winds has dried things out considerably. This was evident in softened store lamb prices today. White faced cryptorchids softened with heavier lines making mostly between $118-$134 where lighter lines made $90$107. Black faced mixed sex lines made $118-$130 while lighter lines made $95-$105. Older cattle 3yr plus sold easily with traditional cross 653-673kg making $2.76-$2.92/kg. Yearling proved a little harder to sell this week with 365-408kg Hereford-Friesian making $3.11-$3.16. The biggest drop in the sale came from the R2 heifer pens, 254-304kg AngusFriesians making $2.70-$2.87/kg. Rongotea cattle sale • R3 Friesian bulls, 479-640kg, earned $2.59-$2.75/kg • R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 476-553kg, realised $2.58-$2.67/kg • Good R2 Hereford-Friesian steers sold to $3.07/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 327-353kg, returned $2.66-$2.76/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 98-162kg, made $400-$645 RONGOTEA sale last Wednesday was dominated by bulls, and outside buyers competed, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. There were some big beasts offered which exceeded $2000, such as 1050kg Friesian steers at $2640, $2.51/kg, and traditional bulls, 755-795kg, $2070-$2300. R3 Jersey bulls, 410-500kg, sold for $2.21-$2.44/kg. Heifers of same age varied from $2.50/kg for Angus-cross to $2.86/kg for better Hereford-Friesian. Lesser R2 steers eased with Angus-cross, 355kg, at $2.56/ kg, while heifers, 346kg, earned $2.60/kg. Hereford and Murray Grey bulls, 320-390kg, made $2.50-$2.92/kg. Good weaners sold well and Hereford-Friesian steers,

SALE YARD WRAP

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019

SUNNY: Auctioneers look for bids at the recent two-tooth ewe fair at Temuka.

142-157kg reached $580-$630, while bulls, 130-178kg made $440-$560, and heifers, 123-127kg, $460-$480.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park prime cattle and sheep sale • Medium-good male lambs traded at $110-$119 • Medium mixed sex lambs firmed to $111-$115 • Heavy prime ewes firmed to $170-$197 • Limousin steers, 631-740kg, sold well at $3.01-$3.11/kg • Charolais steers, 573-685kg, eased to $2.71-$2.95/kg Store lamb throughput pushed to 2850 at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday and the market eased for most. Good mixed sex came back to $111-$116, as did light lines at $73$90. Light to medium males softened to $82-$110. Prime lambs were mainly steady and heavy types earned $160-$176, medium $132-$158, and lighter $110-$129. While $200 plus was not as common ewe prices were firm for second and third cuts. Medium ewes improved to $133$151, and light, $80-$126. A small yarding of prime cattle included very good quality exotic and traditional lines, though the market was more subdued. Steers eased and Angus-cross, 500-604kg, earned $2.75$3.00/kg. Hereford-cross, 400-755kg, returned $2.70-$2.85/ kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 490-618kg, $2.60-$2.80/kg. In the heifer pens Angus, 475-600kg, traded at $2.73$2.80/kg, and Hereford-cross, 460-695kg, $2.55-$2.76/kg. Prime cows, 590-750kg, managed $1.74-$1.94/kg, and boner Friesian cows, 535-723kg, traded at $1.60-$1.73/kg. Coalgate cattle and sheep sale • Medium to good Perendale male lambs sold well at $105-$110 • Medium-good mixed sex held at $80-$108 • 11 prime Charolais heifers outpriced steers at $2.80/kg • R2 Charolais-cross mixed sex, 442kg, reached $2.90/kg • 20 weaner Friesian bulls, 116kg, made $365 Perendale male lambs featured at COALGATE last Thursday, while cattle finished the month on a quiet note. A scorcher of a day was the backdrop, though prices tended to be more subdued. Third cuts of the Perendale lambs made $92, while good mixed sex traded at $110-$120. Moderate entries of prime lambs meant prices held and most traded at $110-$159, with top lines at $160-$166. Ewe prices eased $5 and good lines traded at $150-$186, and medium, $110-$148. Cattle volume was low but still there were 85 lots to sell.

Prime steers eased, with beef and beef-cross making $2.70$2.79/kg and heifers, $2.58-$2.67/kg. Prime cows earned $2.00-$2.10/kg, and dairy, $1.65-$1.77/kg. Quality was mixed through a small store section, which was reflected in the prices. R2 Angus-cross steers, 397kg, returned $2.67/kg and one pen of four HerefordFriesian heifers, 428kg, reached $2.64/kg to be some of the bestselling cattle. A small pen of weaner Shorthorn heifers, 255kg, managed $700.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cattle and sheep sale • Medium to good Romney-Texel cryptorchid lambs made $112$117 • Medium mixed sex lambs were steady at $106-$117 • Traditional bulls, 585-700kg, held at $2.72-$2.80/kg • Hereford-cross steers, 533-728kg, firmed to $2.75-$2.88/kg • Friesian cows, 484-600kg, firmed to $1.72-$1.80/kg Annual draft lines of store lambs bumped volume up to 5400 at TEMUKA last Monday and extra buyers came forward in response. At least $90 was needed, with light mixed sex making $91$105, and Romney-Texel ewe lambs, $100-$115. The top lines across all classes sold to $125-$135, with ewe lambs bought for breeding. Prime lambs had a good sale as an extra buyer came forward. Prices firmed to $121-$159. Fewer ewe buyers meant an easing and few sold up to $180-$204. Medium to good ewes made $130-$179, and lighter, $90-$129. Just over 400 cattle housed the biggest entry of Friesian cows since mid-October. The market was firm and 590795kg made $1.82-$1.92/kg, with a few lines up to $2.09/kg. Prime steers and heifers had a strong sale. Traditional steers, 555-735kg, returned $2.82-$2.86/kg, and very little differentiated the heavy heifer prices from the steers. Hereford-cross heifers sold in two cuts as 593-645kg firmed to $2.71-$2.78/kg, and 474-585kg, $2.66-$2.72/kg. Temuka aged ewe fair • Two-tooth Coopworth ewes made $286 • Two-shear Romney ewes traded at $230-$250 • All three-shear ewes made $220-$228 • Five-shear Coopworth ewes lifted to $173-$190 • Two lines of mixed age halfbred reached $200-$210 The high prices continued at the Aged Ewe Fair at

TEMUKA last Wednesday. Volume was down 2000 head on the previous year and prices up $30-$60 for five-year and younger, though mixed age firmed $15-$25. Two-shear Perendale and Romdale lines made $234-$238, and most four-shear ewes traded at $205-$211. Five-shear mainly earned $170-$186. One line of five-year Romney reached $201, while all other lines traded at $181-$192. Coopworth-Romney made $196. Mixed age results were more varied though the top pens of most breeds managed to surpass $200. Most Romney traded at $176-$190, and two lines of Perendale made $178. Temuka store cattle sale • R2 Hereford-Friesian bulls, 267-436kg, sold for $2.54-$2.80/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 302-305kg, made $3.25-$3.33/kg • R2 Jersey bulls, 218-256kg, strengthened to $2.83-$3.10/kg • Weaner Friesian steers, 223-240kg, sold for $710-$840 A larger volume of store cattle was met by limited buying power at TEMUKA last Thursday, as the hot weather reduces feed levels. The bulk of the increased volume came from the R2 bull pens. Prices held with Friesian bulls, 267-346kg, making $2.54-$2.80/kg and 232-262kg, $2.83-$3.10/kg. Friesiancross, 238-309kg, managed $2.48-$2.55/kg and Jersey, 332350kg, $2.26-$2.29/kg. The biggest drop was in the R2 heifer pens. HerefordFriesian, 322-473kg, eased to $2.33-$2.76/kg. Good quality R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 338-339kg, managed $3.13$3.18/kg, while 302-305kg made $3.25-$3.33/kg. Weaner calves sold well. Friesian bulls, 205-235kg, made $605-$615, while Hereford-Friesian steers, 110-118kg, fetched $710-$840.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep sale • Store lambs remained steady at $80-$120 • Medium prime lambs firmed to $130-$140 • Heavy ewes firmed to $150-$180 Cattle made a brief appearance at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday, with prices solid, PGG Wrightson agent Russell Moloney reported. Features included R2 beef-cross steers at $1300, and Simmental heifers, $1160. Sheep continued their strong theme, especially in the ewe pens with prices firm. Medium ewes made $140-$150 and lighter, $120-$130, with tail-end ewes at $90. Good prime lambs sold for $130-$140, and third cuts, $110-$120. Rams fetched $90-$130.

Markets

56 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 4, 2019 NI BULL

SI STEER

NI COW

($/KG)

BONER FRIESIAN COWS, 530-636KG, AT TEMUKA

($/KG)

($/KG LW)

5.05

5.15

4.00

high $105-$110 lights Medium-good

Medium cryptorchid Perendale male lambs lambs at Feilding at Coalgate

1.82

Profits good but risks up Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

THIRD year in a row of broad-based profitability is likely for New Zealand agriculture but downside risks are mounting, Rabobank says. Dairying will be profitable on a farmgate price of $6.25/kg MS, within Fonterra’s range of $6 to $6.30, on record milk production with season-to-date production already up by over 4%, dairy analyst Emma Higgins said in the bank’s latest Outlook. Animal protein analyst Blake Holgate expects farmgate beef prices to hold above the long-term average despite some softening from increasing global supply and price pressure in the United States market, especially for imported beef. Chinese and Japanese demand for prime beef should increase. For lamb and mutton he expects prices to be similar to the elevated levels of last year. Consumer demand is strong, especially in China and the US, and global supply will remain constrained. Challenges remain for coarse wool with prices expected to improve only marginally. As well as favourable weather, world prices for the main NZ commodities are firm to high and while some will soften modestly this year others will strengthen. A lower NZ dollar over the course of the year should boost export returns, the group’s head of agribusiness research for Australia and NZ, Tim Hunt, said. It is important for the sector to spend money wisely during a good run of seasons and that looks to have happened, he said. Many farmers had focused on reducing debt over the last year and improved cashflow has not been used to fuel a further round of land price escalation. However, downside risks will rise this year. From Rabobank to the IMF, economists are downgrading world growth forecasts. The language

JOLLY GOOD: The outlook for New Zealand commodities remains good and a lower exchange rate should boost earnings this year, Rabobank’s Australasian agribusiness research head Tim Hunt says.

What concerns many is the number of risks that are now in play and their interlinked nature. Tim Hunt Rabobank accompanying forecasts suggests much greater concerns than the economists are willing to put the numbers to yet. China’s growth outlook is a concern for NZ agriculture and for horticulture whose market growth in recent years was achieved mainly there and in the wider Asia. The important United Kingdom

$112-$118

and European Union markets are still to sort out Brexit and the US-China trade war could potentially worsen. Australia’s crashing housing sector is also an issue, Hunt said. “All of these things may be avoided in 2019 but what concerns many is the number of risks that are now in play and their interlinked nature, hence the potential for a downward spiral if one or two are triggered.” Rabobank said softening dairy land prices through a period of sustained profitability and lower interest rates are a reminder that unusually good times are baked into land values. “If three good years now bring softening dairy land values it is sobering to reflect what the next commodity market downturn might bring.”

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Dry weather brings caution to the store cattle markets AND so here we find ourselves at the start of February already. Kids are heading back to school, summer has finally arrived and January feels like it never happened. I always feel January is a little bit nonexistent and it certainly has been for the regular sales, with numbers generally low thanks to great grass covers. But it has by no means been quiet for special sales with plenty of action at dairy-beef weaner fairs, breeding ewe fairs and on-farm sales. Sales have got away with reasonable prices for another week but the grass market that vendors have come to enjoy is now on borrowed time, especially if this heatwave is not followed by decent rain to replenish pastures. Already there is talk of drought in some areas and caution is sneaking into the rostrums around the sale yards. Through the regular store cattle sales we’ve seen vendors take the opportunity to offload their lesser beasts. Until now anything and everything have had higher values on their heads, relative to type. That has been common at yards across the country and has meant sales have been a real mix of mainly dairycross cattle. The better-quality cattle have been staying at home, enjoying the fresh tucker and adding more weight to their frames. Dairy-beef weaner fairs have been a regular occurrence to the calendar since September. This is one market that has benefitted significantly from the grass market, which has brought extra buyers in and allowed others to take on more than usual. Prices are buttoning off now though that is hardly surprising considering the sheer volume of calves that have been traded. Until last week and since September Frankton has held weekly sales and has put through 17,000 weaners alone. Beef weaner buyers will now be starting to preserve feed for the extra mouths they will be looking to take on once the weaner fairs kick off in March. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

Find out more about AgriHQ at agrihq.co.nz

Ange Childs

Graeme Fairless

Diane Edwards

Earl Woods

Stephen Rodgers

Gary Dennison

Shed Winner 2008 Gore

Shed Winner 2011 Waihi

Rebecca Boyd Shed Winner 2015 Mossburn

Shed Winner 2009 Feilding

Wayne Randle

Shed Winner 2009 Invercargill

Shed Winner 2011 Cromwell

Tony Brown

Shed Winner 2015 Morrinsville

Jim Hedley

Jerry Philip

Shed Winner 2010 Christchurch

Shed Winner 2010 Masterton

Shed Winner 2010 Amberley

Andy Dingfelder Shed Winner 2011 Hastings

Shed Winner 2012 Timaru

Mike Priebe

Aly Youngman

Beth & Ron Richardson

Shed Winner 2012 Waihi

Shed Winner 2013 Culverden

Shed Winner 2013 Te Awamutu

Shed Winner 2013 Ashburton

Mark Lupton

Benn Fanderlinden & Louise Mason

Ken McNeur

Bruce Berkahn

Dale Cooper

Shed Winner 2016 Putaruru

Shed Winner 2016 Richmond

Two distinct brands available in the range

Shed Winner 2017 Bulls

Shed Winner 2017 Havelock North

Tim Waller

Shed Winner 2018 Waimiha

Graham Cooke

Gene Bryant

Lisa Turner & Stu Wilson

Shed Winner 2011 Amberley

Shed Winner 2011 Richmond

Shed Winner 2011 Wanganui

David Hayes

Lyn Andrew

Shed Winner 2013 Katikati

Shed Winner 2014 Invercargill

This could be YOU! Shed Winner 2019

Hundreds of standard plans available

Largest range of farm buildings in the market

We could build our Strongbuilt® Sheds lighter, but we dont and won’t. That’s why Strongbuilt® Sheds are...

PLUS FREE FREIGHT Easy to build yourself

Engineered with strength for NZ conditions

Built to last the distance & protect your possesions

A timber frame that takes the knocks

is included in all Strongbuilt® Shed prices shown within a 30km radius of any Goldpine Store.

Designed to meet your needs

3 BAY SHEDS

3 Bay Lean-to

3 Bay Gable Bays: Depth: Height:

Bays: Depth: Height:

3 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

ROOF ONLY

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

3 x 4.2m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 4.0 – 3.4m

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

3 Bay Lean-to

3 Bay Lean-to Bays: Depth: Height:

3 x 3.6 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

Bays: Depth: Height:

3 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

3 x 3.6m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.0 – 2.4m

S H E D S ,

3 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

3 x 4.5m 7.0m (2 x 3.5m) 3.6 – 3.0m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

3 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

3 x 3.6m 9.0m (3 x 3.0m) 3.9 – 3.0m

PACKAGE DEAL!

INCL. PA door, roller door & internal wall

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

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

3 Bay Gable 3 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

3 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 4.2 – 3.6m

PACKAGE DEAL!

3 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

INCL. 3x roller doors, PA door, spouting & clearlight

3 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

3 x 4.0m 7.0m (2 x 3.5m) 3.6 – 3.0m

FARM BUILDINGS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Largest Range. Unlimited Options.

4 + 5 BAY SHEDS

4 Bay Lean-to Bays: Depth: Height:

4 x 3.6m 9.0m (2 x 4.5m) 3.9 – 3.0m

4 Bay Gable

Bays: Depth: Height:

4 x 3.6 9.0m (2 x 4.5m) 4.2 – 3.6m m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

4 Bay Lean-to

Bays: Depth: Height:

4 x 4.2m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 4.0 – 3.4m

4 Bay Lean-to Bays: Depth: Height:

4 Bay Lean-to

4 x 4.5m 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 4.2 – 3.6m

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

Bays: Depth: Height:

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

5 Bay Gable

4 x 4.5m 7.0m (3 x 3.5m) 3.6 – 3.0m

Bays: Depth: Height:

LIFESTYLE BARNS

5 x 4.5 6.0m (2 x 3.0m) 3.6 – 3.0m

Friesian Lifestyle Barn

Bays: Depth: Height: PACKAGE DEAL!

3 x 4.0m 12.0m (2 x 6.0m) 3.0 – 4.6 – 3.0m

INCL. PA door, flashings, spouting, 3 x roller doors

Hereford Lifestyle Barn

Bays: Depth: Height:

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

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

S H E D S ,

B A R N S

S T A B L E S

BUILT TOUGH. STAND TOUGH.

INCL. PA door, flashings, spouting, 3 x roller doors

PACKAGE DEAL!

NLY - GET I EO M

Give us a call on 0800 2 GOLDPINE

Jump on to www.goldpine.co.nz

ICK! QU

LIMITED T I

MUST END H 28T FEB

“I won my shed for free and joined the Wall of Fame! A brilliant shed that didn’t cost a cent. Cheers to the team at Goldpine.” Rebecca Boyd - Shed Winner February 2015

FARM BUILDINGS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY