Farmers Weekly NZ May 4 2020

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Act now, plan ahead Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz

H

AWKE’S Bay farmers struggling through extended drought and increasing feed shortages are being told to act now and plan for winter.

It’s a message farmers in other parts of the country should heed as well, with feed shortages likely to be wide-ranging.

The southern half of Hawke’s Bay is entering its seventh month of below-normal rainfall and there is no sign of the drought breaking.

Hawke’s Bay Rural Advisory Group co-chairman Lochie MacGillivray says it is critical that farmers tap into the free advice available and plan ahead.

“If you aren’t already, now is the time to talk to your trusted advisers and make a comprehensive plan for winter and beyond.

“Farmers need to act now and work out how much feed they have and what steps they need to take in case they are not able to get their stock processed when they want.”

The drought has caused significant feed shortages and while supplementary feed is a viable alternative for some it won’t be enough for some animals during winter – particularly those on hill country, where access is difficult.

Generating pasture cover is critical before winter.

“We would advise that plans involve looking at the use of nitrogen and, if possible, delaying

the return of grazing animals amongst other things. Above all, keep revising the plan and keep being proactive.”

Federated Farmers adverse events spokesman Andrew Hoggard says the federation looked at options to help move feed such as balage from the South Island to the North but not much is available.

“If we knew that there was a good surplus of balage in one province and it was just an organisational issue transporting it then we would have got moving on it.

“Unfortunately, with the likes of balage there is virtually none.”

Any spare North Otago feed is likely to go to Southland, where floods hit feed supplies in February.

Hoggard knows some farmers are getting sick of being told to get feed budget advice when they want know where they can get feed but talking to advisers about a different approach can help.

An outside pair of eyes provides an alternative way of thinking about farm feed situations and a different approach to managing them.

“There is benefit in that.”

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council principal air scientist Kathleen Kozyniak says rain is expected in the next few days as a front is forecast to move in from the west.

“An area of low pressure may develop to the east of the North Island behind it, which could bring periods of rain. However, it is too early to gauge whether this will eventuate.

“To break the drought the region requires about 60-80mm of rain over two weeks.”

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DRYING UP: During his more than 50 years of farming near Waipawa, John Frizzell has never seen his dams as low as they are now.

Soil moisture remains very low at the council’s Bridge Pa, Onga Onga and Crownthorpe sites. Soil temperatures are about 16C on the Heretaunga Plains and 11C at higher elevations.

John Frizzell has been farming in Central Hawke’s Bay for more than 50 years and has got through a few droughts but the length of this one is making it tough for many and for some it’s compounded by TB movement controls, Mycoplasma bovis and covid-19 causing sale yard closures and meat plant delays.

Frizzell moved to Central Hawke’s Bay in 1961 and has been on his property east of Waipawa

since 1967.

He has seen a few significant droughts in that time. There was a particularly bad one in the early 1970s and others in the 80s.

“But this one has gone on for a bit, that’s the problem.”

Though conditions were dry till the end of February, that’s not particularly unusual.

It’s that there’s been no respite since then.

He has seen it extremely dry in the past but has not seen his farm dams lower than they are now, which he says is always a good indicator.

There was some rain about a month ago but what was needed

was a good follow-up and it never arrived.

He farms for the traditional summer-dry conditions with about three-quarters of his lambs gone by the end of November.

He ususally buys in about 260 weaners but he’s down about 100 on that this year.

A key focus is to get rid of stock early so there’s a reasonable buffer between what’s on-farm and the feed available.

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NEWS

22 Wool sector just needs a push Craig Smith has long been a passionate advocate for wool and in his new role as chairman of the National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests he believes the time is right to reset the industry into a new normal.

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7 No room for a too-hard basket

Editorial ������������������������������������������������������� 24

The role of primary industries will be more acute than ever as the nation looks to future-proof its economy, International Network of Government Science Advice chairman Sir Peter Gluckman says.

Pulpit ������������������������������������������������������������� 25 Opinion ��������������������������������������������������������� 26 Real Estate ���������������������������������������������������� 28 Employment ������������������������������������������������� 32 Classifieds ����������������������������������������������� 32-33 Livestock ������������������������������������������������� 33-37 Weather ��������������������������������������������������������� 39

11 Winter grazing drought hits farms

North Island dairy farmers are struggling to find graziers to take their cows over winter because many don’t have enough feed.

15 Agri-tech plan vital for recovery

Covid-19 has strangled agri-tech companies’ access to customers, markets and funds, drawing calls for the Government to incorporate a plan formulated earlier this year into any national recovery plan.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

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Advice but little feed on offer Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz DROUGHT and an accompanying feed shortage are starting to bite around the country but there is plenty of feed planning advice on offer.

Drought in several regions means pasture covers, stock condition and feed supplements are below average for the time of year so farmers need to start assessing what extra feed they will need to meet deficits in the coming months, a Primary Industries Ministry spokesman said.

Nationwide stock feed assessments tracking pasture growth are being done regularly to monitor the situation.

A survey in April found pasture cover in parts of Northland, East Coast and Hawke’s Bay was down 30% to 40% on a normal year.

However, rain in Taranaki put pasture covers in early April 10%15% behind average.

But Northland and the North Island’s east coast are still in drought and supplement supplies are limited, with farmers using winter feed reserves.

Two shipments of palm kernel arrived from Malaysia in April and while much of it was pre-ordered some is available.

Farmers need to order soon because some feeds, including palm kernel, take 10-12 weeks to arrive.

Federated Farmers grains vice-chairman Brian Leadley says some grain is available but it requires careful management to prevent acidosis.

“There are willing buyers in the market and we expect the 118,000 tonnes of uncontracted feed wheat and 126,000 tonnes of feed barley as at April 1 will soon find a home.”

Even with perfect conditions autumn pasture growth will be insufficient to fill the shortage so

SCARCE: Drought in Hawke’s Bay has led to a feed shortage.

Being proactive at this stage will ensure farmers can get through winter and protect the performance of their capital breeding stock going into spring.

Mark Harris B+LNZ farmers are being urged to put feed plans together now.

MPI, Beef + Lamb, DairyNZ, AgFirst and Federated Farmers launched the free remote feed planning support service last month and so far 26 sheep and beef farmers have used it to get feed budgeting and professional farm systems advice.

Farmers get a free assessment of their feed planning needs by the relevant industry body and can then access an adviser to discuss management options and avenues for practical support.

Farmers who need more indepth support will be referred to a farm systems consultant but will pay for that.

B+LNZ extension manager

Mark Harris says all the farmers who have gone through process so far appreciate there is help available in what is a very tough season.

“I really encourage farmers to pick up the phone and make use of the service before winter progresses.

“Being proactive at this stage will ensure farmers can get through winter and protect the performance of their capital breeding stock going into spring.”

The service will be available till June 30 when the need will be reviewed.

B+LNZ has commissioned AgFirst to compile four farmer case studies to allow other farmers to see how drought management tools and management plans have been successfully applied in drought areas and in Southland where feed is also behind normal levels.

North Island general manager Matt Ward says Red Meat Profit Partnership research shows farmers learn best from each other and the case studies highlight management strategies farmers can adapt and apply.

They include a farm overview, options analysis, gross margin

NOT A PRETTY PICTURE: Summer was very dry in Hawke’s Bay, even by its standards.

comparisons, a detailed breakdown of the decisionmaking process, practical considerations and next steps.

Ward says the level of detail lets farmers see the whole decision-making process and cost analysis as well as the practical implications of the management changes.

The first case study outlines drought management strategies adopted by Dargaville farmer James Parsons, including buying supplementary feed such as palm kernel and maize grain, off-farm grazing, early processing of bulls

and nitrogen applications, though the latter was deemed a droughtrecovery strategy rather than a drought-management tool.

The case studies and a supplementary feed table are on B+LNZ’s website.

The BakerAg table provides drymatter and energy content of a wide range of supplementary feeds and a breakdown of (April 20) costs.

Harris says the table includes a number of less commonly used feeds such as tapioca, canola meal, corn gluten meal, broll and vegetables.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

The Government’s infrastructure investment package has received more than 2000 proposals totalling $125 billion since it asked for shovel-ready projects to create economic activity and stimulate an economy damaged by the covid-19 pandemic.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones expects to have a shortlist of potential pipeline projects within the next fortnight, with the aim of having the first of them started as soon as possible.

Farmers Weekly reporters have had a look at what is on regional wishlists.

Range of water projects floated Staff reporters WATER storage and improving freshwater quality are two areas with shovel-ready projects the Government can invest in.

The Freshwater 2020 report underlines a serious need for water storage investment and there’s no better time than now to stimulate employment, Federated Farmers environment spokesman Chris Allen says.

Data and findings in the report provide powerful backing for the case for greater investment in water storage that will save the Government money and provide jobs as New Zealand moves on from the covid-19 lockdown.

The Ministry for the Environment report shows soils at a quarter of monitoring sites are drier since 1972, rainfall was below average in nine of the years between 2000 and 2014 and river flows are predicted to decrease in the north and east of the country.

Allen said water storage is not just about securing supply for primary production.

“It is vital to the economic future and standard of living for everyone.

“Storage schemes allow us to harvest water at times of high flow for when we need it over the hot months in our cities and towns and for all our industries.”

Better storage is an investment in the future and will save the Government having to dish out extra funding in times of emergency.

Water storage and distribution schemes in drought-ravaged Northland have risen to the top of

It is vital to the economic future and standard of living for everyone.

Chris Allen Federated Farmers

NECESSARY: Water storage is vital to the economy, Federated Farmers environment spokesman Chris Allen says.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones’ postcovid-19 action list.

Construction could begin this year on a proposed scheme for irrigating 2000ha of mainly volcanic soils on the southern boundary of Kaikohe, he said.

The design will be small reservoirs linked with pipelines and water reticulated to landowners.

The Mid-North A scheme is the smallest of four in Northland that have been discussed for at

Under the pump?

least five years in response to two regional droughts and some persistent urban water shortages.

Mid-North B is east of Kaikohe, around Waimate North and Ohaeawai, and Mid-North C is a considerable expansion of the 1980s Kerikeri scheme.

The biggest, called the Kaipara scheme, would potentially take water from the Kaihu River north of Dargaville and distribute it around the northern end of the Pouto Peninsula, centred on Te Kopuru.

Jones said interest is strong in all four districts for horticulture and vegetable cropping.

Water collection and storage in wetter winter months will become more important with the increase in frequency and severity of droughts because of climate change, he said.

A consultant’s report in 2017 identified a combined irrigation area of 11,000ha covered by all four schemes to generate 2700 jobs and boost the provincial economy by more than $300m a year.

The total capital cost would be close to $200m, with the Kaipara one needing half of that.

Jones didn’t mention the consenting process but said further engagement with water users will begin when the lockdown ends.

In Otago, the Strath Taieri Irrigation Company is seeking $10m to $15m to increase by 10 million cubic metres the volume of water stored in the Loganburn Reservoir by raising the dam.

That will enhance summer flows of the Taieri River, improving river ecology and making water available for irrigation.

Gisborne District Council’s wishlist includes a managed aquifer recharge project while Irrigation NZ supports a $10.6m water storage project near Raukokore River in eastern Bay of Plenty, which will open opportunities for horticulture on underused iwi land.

Funding and support for existing and new river catchment groups is another action that will result in immediate benefit, Allen said.

Developing and supporting a farmer-led catchment groups will cost about $100,000 a year.

“That’s a great return for a platform that promotes innovative, focused and practical solutions and we’re already seeing improved environmental outcomes through farmer engagement in catchment groups.”

The Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council (Horizons) has set its sights on waterways with a good chunk of its submission to the Government focused on water quality.

It includes an expansion of existing stream fencing and planting projects and the Sustainable Land Use Initiative programme, both oversubscribed before covid-19.

Further water-quality improvement proposals relate to on-farm work including wetland development and restoration and reducing the impact of stock access to waterways as well as effluent management and improvement to fish passages in river systems to enhance native fish populations.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

5

Shovel-ready jobs queuing up RURAL leaders are pitching projects as diverse as roads maintenance to cycle and walkways and native tree planting for a slice of the Government’s infrastructure funding package.

The package will fund projects in addition to the Government’s $12 billion Upgrade Programme and the Provincial Growth Fund.

They include investment in shovel-ready transport, clean energy and buildings that offer a public or regional benefits and create jobs.

“That’s why we are now developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects from across the country that would be ready to begin as soon as we are able to move around freely and go back to work,” Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford said.

Industry leaders led by Mark Binns will consider applications from the private and public sectors for jobs that are shovelready now or likely to be within six months.

The Government will then decide which will be funded.

Southland Mayor Gary Tong says his council wants to upgrade roads and bridges, some of which have deteriorated to the point they have weight restrictions and can’t cope with 50-tonne truck and trailer units.

At 5000km the council has the second largest roading network in the country, behind Auckland.

It has 1100 bridges and underpasses and Tong says 80 of them need urgent attention and another 200 will need work in the next 10 years.

“Many of those bridges were built to handle a Bedford truck carrying two bales of wool.”

Tong said the district’s farmers need the investment to ensure they function efficiently, more so given their economic importance.

“The primary industry are our heroes. They’re out there doing it but they still require support from the towns, from plumbers,

BIG DISTANCE: A 100km road connecting Central Hawke’s Bay and Tararua needs an upgrade because it is now busy with stock and logging trucks, Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis says.

The primary industry are our heroes.

They’re out there doing it but they still require support from the towns.

Gary Tong Southland Mayor engineers and mechanics and they will keep a lot of businesses afloat.”

Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis says her council has put forward 11 projects but its priority is $33m of work required on Route 52, a 100km stretch of road heavily used by stock and logging trucks between Central Hawke’s Bay and Dannevirke.

It is also seeking $1m for a walkway between Woodville and Lindauer to link with the new Manawatu-Tararua highway and

$700,000 for native planting to beautify road reserves and stop run-off into stormwater drains.

Federated Farmers president Katie Milne is calling for investment in rural broadband but also regional tourism.

The collapse of international tourism and the likelihood New Zealanders will holiday domestically in the near future provides an opportunity for investment in cycleways and other infrastructure that will generate business for regional hospitality providers.

“Given people are falling in love again with cycling and the outdoors, those are highly likely to generate domestic tourism and will lead to greater demand for beds.”

Massey University is promoting the $165m second stage rebuild of its School of Veterinary Science.

It includes a new production animal hospital, a clinical teaching laboratories complex, post-mortem facility and multipurpose teaching and

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research laboratory complex.

They were due to be completed by 2025 but have been affected by covd-19, vet school head Professor Jon Huxley said.

“Given the next phases are shovel-ready Massey has requested assistance from the Government to support and accelerate the build programme so its completion is not delayed.”

A bid to rejuvenate the Gisborne to Wairoa rail link, estimated to cost between $30m to $36m over 10 years, was included in an East Coast regional bid for shovelready projects.

Power supply capacity into Gisborne has also been identified as a key project to help boost wood processing capacity.

Eastland Group chief executive Martin Todd said an improved power supply could include local generation capacity. His company is exploring options including an anaerobic digester plant that could take vegetable processing waste and turn it into biogas to use for electricity generation.

“But this would need a panindustry approach to collect all the waste streams suitable for it.

“The cost for such a plant is about $20m so it’s high but not too high and money does not need to fund the whole thing. It will create jobs and meets environmental and energy aspirations.”

Waikato projects being pushed by regional development agency Te Waka aim to support the connectivity of the primary sector and communities around the region, chief executive Michael Bassett-Foss said.

They include completing the Hamilton to Auckland corridor and railway as well as its extensions, the Southern Links project in south Hamilton and the inland port at Ruakura.

The region is not wellconnected with Auckland and Tauranga nor is it well connected internally.

Linking growing towns and population centres in the region would enhance its economic wellbeing.

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Environment Canterbury – we’re here to help During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all having to adapt to new ways of working. Our main focus, as for all New Zealanders, is taking every possible step to keep family, staff and colleagues safe and healthy at home.

our website – www.ecan.govt.nz – will be key as we navigate the different alert levels. You can also call our customer services team on 0800 324 636 with any questions you may have.

There have been several legislative changes and decisions that impact Environment Canterbury’s daily operations – ‘essential’ and otherwise. We’ve highlighted the key changes below, and where to find the most up-to-date information. Referring to

We are also looking at COVID-19 recovery projects and what contribution can be made through those projects to the wider regional and national recovery post-lockdown.

The first place for information regarding what can and cannot be done at the different alert levels under COVID-19 is the Government website: www.covid19.govt.nz. This is the central source of information.

Several activities Environment Canterbury has oversight of contribute to the health of your families and the community, particularly under alert level restrictions and as we head into winter. As well as the information provided below, rolling updates with more detail are available on the Environment Canterbury website www.ecan.govt.nz:

• Home heating: While we know that smoke from wood burners is a

contributor to urban air pollution, it is essential for people to stay warm in their homes. If you are using a wood burner, regardless of its age, we advise you to use good burning technique and good quality wood. Wood burner upgrades, where applicable, should continue once alert level restrictions allow.

• Outdoor burning: Fire and Emergency NZ is asking people to

refrain from any outdoor burning while we are at Alert Levels 3 and 4. This is to help limit the exposure and risk to their crews responding to calls.

• Essential services: These include (but are not limited to): natural hazard event monitoring; flood response; remote air quality monitoring; and public transport.

• Compliance monitoring and enforcement: Many of our normal

processes relating to CME will continue, but with some changes related to alert level restrictions.

We’re mindful that the COVID-19 restrictions have placed unexpected financial strain on many businesses and individuals that we deal with regularly, and that consent holders in particular may still be required to pay for services that continue during this period. Please know that staff are available to discuss options for those of you experiencing financial hardship.

Facilitating sustainable development in the Canterbury region

Get in touch with us • Facebook: @EnvironmentCanterbury • Customer services: 0800 324 636 • Public transport: metro@ecan.govt.nz • Snap Send Solve app Public Transport Some of you going back to work or school during Level 3 will need public transport as an important part of your day. Our greater Christchurch network is now operating a Saturday timetable running Monday – Saturday, and a Sunday timetable running on Sundays, for most services. No fares are being charged. In Timaru the MyWay on-demand service is operating alongside the Timaru Link. Visit metroinfo.co.nz for more detail and updates as alert levels change or email metro@ecan.govt.nz

Civil Defence Many of our staff are involved with the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management response to COVID-19, responsible for supporting the nationally-led response at a regional level. Civil Defence staff play a vital role in responding to both local, regional, and national emergencies. They fill a variety of roles across planning, intelligence, operations, logistics, welfare and public information functions to help ensure the community is safe. Keep up-to-date on Facebook: @CanterburyEM

Key contacts for COVID-19 Government website: www.covid19.govt.nz and helpline 0800 779 997 Canterbury helpline: 0800 24 24 11 Healthline: 0800 358 5453 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 or www.allright.org.nz/campaigns/getting-through-together Essential business enquiries: 0800 22 66 57 or essential@mbie.govt.nz Financial support: 0800 559 009 or www.workandincome.govt.nz Reporting breaches of Alert Level restrictions: 105.police.govt.nz Queries about transport: essentialtravel@transport.govt.nz

www.ecan.govt.nz

E20/7918

COVID-19 information

Kia atawhai, kia haumaru | Be kind, be safe

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

7

No room for a too-hard basket Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE role of primary industries will be more acute than ever as the nation looks to futureproof its economy, International Network of Government Science Advice chairman Sir Peter Gluckman says.

With tourism in big trouble for the foreseeable future the role of the primary sector in food and fibre production will be critical for New Zealand’s future both short and long term.

How to get more value out of the agricultural sector and make it more efficient is the challenge ahead, Gluckman said.

But the long-standing issues of land use, water, the environment and soil quality become even more important.

To grasp the opportunities ahead we need to think so much more on what it takes to be an advanced, global, functioning economy.

“If NZ is to take advantage of the covid-19 crisis then these long-standing issues must be addressed once and for all.

“They can no longer be in the too hard basket.

“The rural economy will be so much more important for many years to come and collaborative solutions need to ensure now that these long-standing issues are more sustainable and environment focused.

“Marketing will align if we do that because the consumer we will be going for includes recognition that we are very sustainable.”

To get there it will be more about high-speed technology and connectivity.

“These are infrastructure issues that farmers will need.”

As consumer demand changes there will be a move away from commodities to higher-level food and fibre production.

And that is not about a topdown focus.

“Everybody’s enthusiastic about how we take this country forward but it will take several years, a lot of change and a lot of time to reset.

“Farmers want systems that are best by the land, families and the economy.

“Systems of knowledge, data and ideas so farmers can shift to a higher-value, sustainable footprint in a way that fits for farmers, respects the investment farmers have already made while developing and building the infrastructure more in a way that is wise and sensitive.”

But NZ does not have that level of support.

“And that, being straight up, is because a lot of the agricultural science sector is not in very good shape.”

Research and education are needed right across farmbased agriculture and the food production sector, including horticulture and aquaculture, where Gluckman believes there are huge opportunities.

“We need a well-trained workforce designed for the 21st century and good infrastructure so we can be diverse in the food we produce.

“Farming will change. There will be more need for water storage. We need more planning now.

“Our potential is diverse landscapes and waterscapes to meet the growing diversity of products.

“We will need critical thinking, empathy and sociological thinking for rapid change.

“It will be all our jobs to shape the future. Change takes time, change will take part of a generation in some areas – a lot of countries are a lot more advanced on this than we are.”

NZ will need to invest a lot more in research.

“To grasp the opportunities ahead we need to think so much

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more on what it takes to be an advanced, global, functioning economy to be better than global commodity chains.”

Genetic modification and plant-based foods should not be dismissed.

“I think there is a space for NZ in plant-based foods and I think we should be very wise to be thinking now of the highervalue products the consumer is prepared to pay premium dollars for.

“I remain bemused over this debate around genetic engineering and genetic modification. It’s become a rather sterile debate.

“As NZ continues to advance our biological systems we are advancing with one hand behind our backs when biological is alongside some forms of genetic modification.”

There is no way NZ can do what it will take on its own.

“We will need overseas investment and if we do the planning, have the people and the infrastructure in place, look after the farmers and the environment, we will attract overseas companies and investment.

“Then we can be safe not just in terms of being covid-free but also to attract the think-rich companies to insert their most valued assets and highly valued people to work in the safest place on the planet.”

The bottom line is recovery will not happen until people feel back in control of their lives.

A lot of people are affected and it could take a long time to see the social effects on the more vulnerable and farmers, already facing compounded problems with debt, drought and lower commodity prices, are among the vulnerable.

“Farmers are doing their bit but they can’t do it all on their own.

“It’s time to turn to national cohesion, psychologically that is very important for rural communities given food and fibre production will be the backbone that pulls the economy through,” Gluckman said.

GET IT DONE: Sir Peter Gluckman says for New Zealand to take advantage of the covid-19 crisis longstanding issues such as land use, water, the environment and soil quality must be addressed once and for all.

Upgrades for rural schools CLASSROOMS at 600 small and remote state schools and kura will be upgraded as part of a $160 million property improvement programme, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says.

“We’re now bringing forward infrastructure projects to reboot the economy,” Hipkins said.

“This upgrade package is part of a pipeline of investments to improve our schools and it will create and support jobs for local tradespeople and businesses.

“The Ministry of Education and schools will engage local builders, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, technicians and landscapers who will, in turn,

need to buy products and supplies from local stores.

“Classrooms at almost 600 small or remote state schools will be tested to assess lighting quality, noise levels and temperature.

“All schools that need improvements such as LED lights, acoustic panelling and ceiling insulation will receive them with work starting later this year.

“Small or remote schools face higher costs to deliver these kinds of improvements due to their size or location. Eighty-four state-integrated schools will be able to opt in,” Hipkins said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

Firms reject subsidy criticism Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

TAKE CARE: Farmers should be aware of the pitfalls of seeking wage subsidies and get expert advice if necessary before applying, Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Lewis says.

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PRIMARY processors have rejected criticism for taking the Government’s wage subsidy saying they are suffering financially despite working through the covid-19 lockdown.

Economist Cameron Bagrie and other commentators have questioned why three of the country’s largest meat companies and two small dairy processors have taken the subsidy, despite being profitable and not having to close their doors.

Silver Fern Farms, Alliance, Anzco, Taylor Preston and Blue Sky Meats have been granted wages subsidies of $320,000 to $43 million and dairy processors Miraka and Mataura Valley Milk $897,000 and $615,000 respectively.

The money is helping pay the wages of nearly 12,000 meat and 200 dairy workers.

Fonterra says it will not apply.

Businesses can apply for either a 12-week wage subsidy for staff or a support package for workers who cannot work because they do not meet Ministry of Health guidelines or work from home.

It pays $585.80 a week for fulltime workers and $350 for parttime workers.

To qualify a business must experience a 30% decline in actual or predicted revenue over a month because of covid-19, compared to the same month a year earlier.

Federated Farmers employment spokesman Chris Lewis says he has heard some farmers have applied or are considering applying for the subsidy but warns them to be careful.

“At the end of the day you have got to satisfy the rules and regulations and they are very clear.

“Your accounts have to show a 30% drop due to covid-19. If you can’t then you have to pay it back.”

Lewis says there could be some ambiguity with drought compounding the impact of covid-19 and he urges anyone in that situation to seek professional advice before applying.

Alliance, Anzco and SFF say they meet the loss of revenue criteria because of a throughput drop of up to 50% from social distancing rules when the country moved to alert level four yet face fixed costs and weakening overseas prices.

Alliance chief executive David Surveyor says the subsidy saved nearly 5000 jobs at a time when the co-operative had significantly lower revenue.

“The physical distancing rule has reduced the processing capacity of our plants, which means it is substantially more costly and inefficient to operate our network at a time when we would normally be at peak livestock volumes.”

Silver Fern Farms sustainability manager Justin Courtney says the application was made during

uncertainty from operating under level four restrictions and global market disruption.

“Containers were being held-up in China, airfreight to Europe was cancelled, there were disruptions in the Middle East and delays in containers returning to New Zealand for future shipments.”

The company has also had to temporarily close two plants because of staff getting the virus.

SFF has committed to maintain pay levels, introduced bonus payments and support for those unable to work. The wage subsidy has not yet been used and if it is not needed will be repaid.

Anzco chief executive Peter Conley says the business expects a significant decline in revenue as a result of covid-19 operating protocols.

“These requirements have also meant that under alert level four three significant Anzco businesses were unable to operate including our wholesale butchery, our hamburger patty manufacturing business and beef jerky operations.”

Anzco is also committed to paying employees unable to work.

Miraka chief executive Richard Wyeth said the Taupo dairy company met the criteria after losing a UHT contract when a customer reacted to the covid-19 crisis.

That meant the loss of work for about 50 people.

Mataura Valley Milk chief executive Bernard May says the infant formula and milk powder producer has stopped accepting external milk from other companies.

May says ceasing production of commodity powders reduced the number of staff on-site, the risk of covid-19 transmission and potential damage to its reputation but meant the loss of some jobs.

Ministry of Social Development figures show on April 20, $10.2 billion had been paid to support more than 1.6 million people or 62% of the country’s workforce.

Of the 519,7898 applications, 410,984 were approved.

The department has established a 104-strong fraud and investigation team to work with Inland Revenue and Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment to investigate suspicious cases.

So far 2435 random and targeted audits have been completed, of which 2252 have been resolved and 183 are subject to additional reviews.

The vast majority of businesses are acting correctly, Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said.

“For some businesses circumstances change following receipt of the subsidy, including where insurance may have been received or new revenue forecasts show the business won’t suffer a 30% drop.”

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

Methane targets to be reviewed Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz THE Climate Change Commission has been asked to review New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions targets, in particular biogenic methane emissions, with farmer groups urging it to make sure they are fair and appropriate.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw wants the commission to consider whether NZ’s commitment under the Paris Agreement, signed in early 2016 and unanimously agreed by Parliament last year, of limiting global warming to 1.5C above preindustrial levels goes far enough.

In asking for the review Shaw has given the commission specific terms of reference that seek advice on the potential reductions in biogenic methane emissions that might eventually be required

by NZ as part of a global effort to limit the average temperature increase to 1.5C. The commission is not required to consider the current target range for biogenic methane specified in the Zero Carbon Act, which is to reduce those emissions by 24% to 47% below 2017 levels by 2050, including to 10% below 2017 levels by 2030.

Instead, the advice is intended to provide greater certainty for planning purposes about the eventual reductions in those emissions that might be required in the future.

DairyNZ is urging the commission to bring NZ’s international emissions reduction targets in line with domestic targets legislated in the Zero Carbon Act by taking a split-gas approach.

Chief executive Tim Mackle says NZ last year took a worldleading approach by legislating a split-gas target in the Zero Carbon Act, recognising methane is a short-lived gas and requires a

different approach to the longlived carbon dioxide.

“While we need to take carbon to zero we can achieve a situation where we are no longer adding to global warming by reducing and stabilising our methane emissions.”

NZ’s international target is expressed as a reduction of all greenhouse gases by 30% on 2005 levels.

“This is a misalignment with our domestic policy and what the science has said on methane.

Having an international target that splits the gases will send a much clearer signal to the international community on why NZ’s approach is in line with a 1.5C target.

We need a massive increase in renewable energy generation.

Andrew Hoggard Federated Farmers “It will also allow us to put something on the table that is domestically achievable and it will support policy alignment with what was legislated last year through the Zero Carbon Bill.

“While the commission is reviewing our Paris commitments it should also be reviewing our domestic targets – particularly the methane reduction target which is set as a broad range – to ensure they are fair and appropriate in a NZ context.

Beef + Lamb North Island environment policy manager Dylan Muggeridge said B+LNZ supports the split-gas approach in the Zero Carbon Act but is unhappy with the level of the target because it does not

believe it is in line with the latest available science.

“We hope the Climate Commission’s work will unpick this.

“We know from the Government’s own projections that the nationally determined contribution (NDC) currently set is already extremely ambitious and arguably more ambitious than the targets in the Zero Carbon Act. “NZ is unlikely to meet this NDC without a significant contribution from purchasing international offsets.

“Any increase in the ambition of this NDC would require an even greater reliance on international offsets and an even greater rate of afforestation, which we are deeply concerned about.”

Federated Farmers climate change spokesman Andrew Hoggard says if the ability for NZ to meet its emissions targets is being questioned then more attention needs to be put on other ways of achieving them, such as fast-forwarding more renewable energy projects like increased electrification instead of relying on coal as an energy source.

“We need a massive increase in renewable energy generation.”

That need is not being met with hydro generation projects like the one proposed for the Waitaha River in Westland being blocked while people don’t like the idea of wind turbines in their neighbourhoods.

The Paris Agreement requires all signatories to submit stronger plans by the end of this year on how they will deal with their GHG emissions.

Only Chile, the Marshall Islands, Suriname, Norway and Moldova have submitted updated plans for action and the COP26 United Nations climate change conference that was due to be held in Glasgow in November has

REALIGNMENT: DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says New Zealand’s international emissions targets should be more in line with domestic targets.

been postponed till next year, at a date still to be confirmed, leading to concerns some countries might hold off on more rigorous commitments.

As the commission’s review of

targets will not be received till early next year NZ will not meet the goal of submitting a stronger plan by the end of the year but should be able to do so before the rescheduled conference.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

11

Winter grazing drought hits farms Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz NORTH Island dairy farmers are struggling to find graziers to take their cows over winter because many don’t have enough feed.

The effects of the drought across Hawke’s Bay, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Manawatu mean demand for graziers outweighs supply this autumn.

Waikato Federated Farmers dairy chairman Ben Moore said farmers are getting calls from graziers saying they cannot take their cattle as planned.

No one is to blame for the problem. It is simply a result of the circumstances, he said.

“We all have the best intentions to feed our animals the best we can and make as much milk as we can but sometimes with mother nature up against you every best intention goes out the window.”

Farmers now face the prospect of having all their stock on the farm at a time when they had planned on having the whole or part of the herd off-farm.

“You’re sort of in the shit a bit,” Moore said.

Farmers now have to find a way to feed the animals, which had not been accounted for in their feed budgets. It puts them

in an unenviable position of having to use feed reserves that would have been used closer to spring, resulting in a loss of production.

What exacerbates the situation is how widespread the drought is, with areas that could take cows for grazing in the past no longer doing so because the farmers there have no grass, he said.

NZ Grazing Company operations manager Bridget Clark sympathised with farmers struggling to find graziers.

“It’s blooming hard.

“There’s been huge challenges with the dry. There’s also been (grass) staggers occurring in lots of areas and that’s impacted on growth rates.”

The nationwide company facilitates agreements between graziers and farmers.

Clark said it has received a lot of calls from farmers desperate to find grazing for their cattle.

Drought-hit drystock farmers are also seeking grazing space.

Clark recently received a call from a sheep and beef farmer looking for grazing for in-calf Angus heifers.

In King Country, where a lot of grazing is traditionally done, many farms are not yet properly set up for winter because of the

NOT AVAILABLE: The lack of feed covers caused by the drought has forced farmers not to offer grazing services this winter.

drought and do not have enough feed cover.

“Some have had rain and have got some growth and turnaround but they are still behind where they want to be in getting set up for winter.”

That has happened in other regions where graziers have pulled out of contracts.

“They are not prepared to take the animals on when they know they don’t have the feed.”

Clark has heard rumours of grazing space in Gisborne-Wairoa, however, farmers there are not

taking stock out of fear of not being able to feed them properly.

The South Island faces different circumstances where farmers’ are affected by the lack of killing space in meat processors, meaning they cannot take the wintering stock they had planned to.

Moore’s advice for farmers is to keep communication open with graziers.

If the farm owner has a sharemilker then a three-way conversation is needed if those animals have to go back to the farm early.

“Just keep talking, keep getting the calculator out and keep platemetering and monitoring the grass situation.”

If farmers are short of feed or struggling to find a grazier they can call the Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers or DairyNZ, he said.

His message for graziers is to be upfront with farmers if they think they don’t have enough feed.

“It’s a two-way situation and don’t make a decision at the last minute,” he said.

Thanks for showing up for us We wanted to take this opportunity to recognise the essential workers at our plants who have continued working through Alert Level 4 and 3.

We are an essential service, fundamental to the production of safe food for New Zealand, and for the world. The hard work of our Food People is recognised and appreciated. By coming to work at our plants and support offices you are keeping our industry going. Food will be the backbone of New Zealand’s recovery.

In particular we need to thank you for processing over Easter for the first time, and Anzac Day, which has been a great relief to farmers.

To our farmers - thank you for your patience as your stock is processed.

These are unprecedented times, but the way people are working together through this is bringing out the best in everyone. Kia kaha.

Simon Limmer Chief Executive

Silver Fern Farms is proud to have partnered with Meat the Need. This new charity will accept animal donations from farmers across New Zealand, the value of which is turned into natural, quality beef mince and delivered to foodbanks and missions around the country.

Get in touch with your Silver Fern Farms Livestock Rep to donate an animal as part of your booking.

For more information visit www.meattheneed.org

Silver Fern Farmer App “It’s like a kill sheet in your pocket” Download the Silver Fern Farmer mobile app to access your bookings, kill sheets, invoices, and the new dashboard and newsfeed.

News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

Tiptoe through tensions, NZ told Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

SETTLE DOWN: Businessman David Mahon cautions about taking sides in any United States-China arguments.

Photo: Jamie Troughton, DScrbe Media

LONG-TIME Beijing resident and consultant David Mahon is cautioning New Zealand needs to step carefully around the simmering tensions brewing between Australia, the United States and China over covid-19’s source.

Locked down in Auckland during an extended visit here Mahon is nervously watching the

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tensions rise and advised strongly against this country taking any particular side in the issues.

Australia has joined the United States in calling for an investigation into covid-19’s origin, with Beijing warning it threatens the countries’ economic relationship.

Deputy Prime Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters has supported the calls for an investigation.

“We really do not want to be joining that chorus,” Mahon said.

His experience in China and contact with clients in Wuhan during the crisis indicate the Chinese government did all it could to contain the outbreak and had genuinely underestimated the deaths it caused at the frenetic peak of the outbreak.

China recently revised upwards the numbers lost in Wuhan after re-assessing mortality rates there.

“They have done that because the Chinese public have demanded transparency.

“Like all of us, the Chinese struggled to understand what to do at the start of this pandemic.

“The United Kingdom, for example, initially tried for herd immunity.”

As this country emerges from lockdown, extending an offer to China to give its students priority for coming to study here early next year could make good diplomatic sense and be well received by Beijing.

“If we could develop a track and trace system where we can do that once they are in the country, it could work.”

It would also go a long way to redressing the concern China had over how NZ quarantined Chinese visitors early on but let Italians cross the border freely.

“The message was negative. And we need to remember NZ is still a country procrastinating on a decision over Huawei.”

NZ has put off committing to Huawei for its 5G upgrade.

Diplomatic disorder aside, Mahon believes prospects for dairy and kiwifruit remain very positive as China emerges from the initial covid crisis.

“There is something of a dilemma for China in dairy right now.

“Processing businesses are finding milk produced from Chinese farms is just too expensive.

“There are a lot of subsidies on milk production for the likes of feed but the cost of farming is still high. Some major companies are still looking globally for UHT milk deals.

“My sense is China will go on investing in its dairy sector to deliver some independence but at same time the future for international companies is only going to get better and better.”

He sees Fonterra continuing to perform well in food service but still struggling in branded products in what is now a very crowded market.

Meantime, early kiwifruit sales are looking strong though he expects there might be some softening of prices alongside other produce prices being under pressure.

This week Zespri cautioned investors while demand remains strong across all key markets there is variability in China’s recovery pace between regions and cities.

Perhaps surprisingly, Mahon said he does not lose sleep over the escalating tensions between China and United States.

“Really, the US has conflicts with all its trading partners.

“We are seeing the continued demise of the US as a power nation as long as China stabilises.

Those prepared to continue a measure of global interaction have a good future, those that withdraw will only decline.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

13

Southern farmers in a feed bind Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz A BELOW-AVERAGE year for grass growth in Southland has been compounded by summer floods and now by a slow kill season.

Farmers are scrambling to build pasture and crop cover using nitrogen and buying supplementary feed before winter bites in what is shaping up to be a challenging few months.

They have not been comfortably ahead of pasture demand since late spring when grass growth was low and wet ground condition delayed crop sowing.

Flooding in February washed out some crops and now cool, late autumn temperatures are slowing growth.

Agribusiness Consultants spokesman Deane Carson, in Invercargill, estimates farms on average have 10% to 20% less cover than they would like heading in to winter.

“If they head into winter with greater demand for feed and not a lot of surplus winter feed it adds to the pressure.”

It has been a struggle since spring.

“We actually needed a year when everything went to plan, lambs killed in a timely fashion, but we haven’t had that.”

Farmers are trying to bolster cover by applying nitrogen, feeding palm kernel and grain and looking to Canterbury to offload late season lambs as store.

Carson has heard from some farmers that killing delays could make this the last year they produce prime beef.

“Meat companies need to give some certainty about the beef kill, not just this year but long term.

“Quite a few beef farmers have struggled for space for a number of years and for some this year is the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Low pasture and crop cover and killing delays have also created an issue for some dairy grazers with Carson saying some have had to pull out of contracts.

“It is leaving a few dairy farmers in tight places and a lot of hunting for opportunities for those who have had their contracts cancelled.”

Carson says there have been more cancelled contracts than usual but other parties are working through solutions such as trying to bulk up crops, keeping cows on their home farms longer or preparing to take cows off crops earlier.

Southland Federated Farmers dairy chairman Hadleigh Germann says some graziers have left the industry or reduced the number of cows they take because of uncertainty with pending freshwater regulations.

“There has been a bit of a push-back from some grazers that it is too risky, that there is not a lot of knowledge about what the freshwater rules are going to look like so they don’t want to go down that path so have planted a bit less crop.”

Delays getting stock killed have forced some sheep and beef farmers to send young dairy stock they are grazing back to their home farms.

The cow cull is running over a month late but Germann is confident most dairy farmers will manage their way through what will be a challenging winter but he feels for sheep farmers.

“It’s not perfect for dairy farmers but we feel for sheep farmers. It’s their income running around the paddock. At least we can still get milk out of the cows that we can’t get away.”

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PULLED OUT: More grazing contracts than usual have been cancelled, consultant Deane Carson says.

News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

Fonterra boosts milk payments Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA has improved the advance rate payments to farmers for milk in moves to enhance the Co-operative Difference loyalty scheme.

In the new season it will pay 65% of the mid-point of the forecast farmgate milk price range each month from July to January and increasing percentages thereafter.

It will also make monthly payments on day 15 not 20 as before.

The final retrospective payment, formerly called the October settlement and typically about 5% or $50,000 of the whole season’s milk income, will be made five working days after the annual results are declared.

That will be in late September this year and be in addition to the September 15 retro.

Bringing forward the monthly payments will take effect from June 15.

Fonterra said the effect will be $30,000 more to the average farmer by the end of January, based on a $7-plus payout.

Chairman John Monaghan said the improvements will be made without reducing the strength of the co-operative’s balance sheet or having a negative impact on the credit rating.

Under the Co-operative Difference umbrella announced at the 2018 annual meeting Fonterra is considering ways of improving and simplifying the capacity adjustment system.

We are focused on what we can control.

Miles Hurrell Fonterra Capacity adjustment was supposed to share the burden equally across the different milk supply curves of all shareholders of having processing capacity to handle the peak milk collection in spring.

It is a complicated formula that has just 1c/kg impact on most

farmers, being plus or minus $750 a season.

Now milk production is steady or falling and Fonterra has overcapacity at peak the justification for the adjustment is weaker.

More controversially, it might seek to introduce incentive payments, now common among dairy companies for milk qualities and environmental compliance.

Some farmers argue that goes against the basic co-operative principle of paying all farmermembers the same.

Fonterra said the intention behind the advance rate improvements is to pay the highest sustainable returns to farmers in an increasingly competitive market.

It also has to reduce the risk of payments being scaled back during the season or, in extreme cases, returned to Fonterra if farmers are overpaid based on a higher previous forecast.

If Fonterra did not have an advance rate it would need more equity, the company said.

Farmers are cashflow budgeting on no more than $4/kg as the advance rate for the first six months of the new season, based

PAINLESS: Giving more money to farmers more quickly won’t hurt Fonterra’s balance sheet strength or its credit rating, chairman John Monaghan says.

on what they think will be an initial forecast around $6.

Chief executive Miles Hurrell said milk price forecasting will occupy much time and company resources over the next three weeks before the first announcement in late May. It is never an easy forecast to make and uncertainties surrounding milk supply and product demand, global recession, China’s rediscovered appetite, European and American processing and trade disruptions and exchange rates will complicate matters.

“We are focused on what we can control, such as picking up milk, making great products, getting the best prices we can and paying

farmers as fast as possible.”

Meanwhile, Fonterra’s board has appointed Holly Kramer as an independent director from May 11.

She is based in New South Wales and is on the boards of Woolworths and Australia Post, with previous governance positions on Nine Entertainment, AMP and Telstra Clear (NZ).

She has had marketing and senior leadership positions at Ford, Telstra and Pacific Brands.

“Her experience in customer-centred leadership, transformation, e-commerce, technology and multinational organisations will complement the existing collective skill set of directors,” Monaghan said.

China’s dairy demand is returning Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz QUICK-SERVICE restaurants and bakeries are reopening in China and customers are looking for indulgences after weeks of being locked away, Fonterra’s Greater China interim chief executive Tehhan Chow says.

Food service sales were hammered in the covid-19 lockdown of the most populous cities and provinces but began

recovering in the second half of March.

Chow doesn’t yet have April figures but believes sales tonnages will return close to normal in May and June.

Some 95% of Starbucks and other western restaurants have reopened and cakes and pastries anbd cream-rich beverages like tea macchiatos are popular.

“The stores are open but their customer traffic hasn’t returned to normal yet.”

Chow appeared by video link from Shanghai with Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell in Auckland for a media conference.

He was in the United States on holiday when the covid-19 virus hit Wuhan and Chinese cities began to impose travel restrictions.

His family remained in the US when he returned to China to lead 1800 employees through the lean months of January, February and early March.

No Fonterra staff in China, including nine Wuhan residents and all the China Farms workers, got covid-19, he said.

Fonterra’s consumer product sales in China through electronic channels soared before and in the first few days of movement controls.

“We saw some panic buying and stocking up on infant formula, butter, cream cheese and cream.”

During the lockdowns the

Anchor Food Professionals chefs recorded and broadcast items aimed at food service customers and stuck-at-home consumers.

They drew hundreds of thousands of viewers, Chow said.

The lockdown was a time to try new things, some of which might not work.

Fonterra ingredient sales and shipments to China remained steady over the first quarter of 2020 though customs and wharf clearances slowed.

The Biosecurity Response Levy (M. bovis) rate for the 2020/2021 season has been set at 2.4 cents per kilogram of milksolids, a reduction from the current 2.9 cents rate.

The Biosecurity Response Levy is in place to fund the dairy share of the Mycoplasma bovis Programme. It is collected by dairy companies on behalf of DairyNZ who then pass it straight to the Ministry for Primary Industries. It is separate from the DairyNZ milksolids levy which DairyNZ invest on farmers’ behalf.

dairynz.co.nz/biosecurity-response-levy

CARRY ON: Fonterra Greater China interim chief executive Teh-han Chow believes the co-op’s sales there will be close to normal this month.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

15

Agri-tech plan vital for recovery Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz COVID-19 has strangled agri-tech companies’ access to customers, markets and funds, drawing calls for the Government to incorporate a plan formulated earlier this year into any national recovery plan.

A survey of companies by industry body Agri-tech New Zealand between late March and April 9 paints a grim picture of a sector in severe survival mode.

Company heads cite access to customers as the greatest threat with more than half of respondents saying it is their greatest challenge.

At the time of the survey 40% of respondents had also taken advantage of the Government’s economic response package.

While customer access will improve over time respondents were critical of the Government definition of essential business shutting most off from customers.

The restriction on international travel is further elevating concern, particularly given there is no date set for that to change.

But the longer-term future of the sector also appears tenuous because of a lack of finance.

A third of respondents said

funding access is their biggest risk, with most expecting capitalraising in an already tough environment to get tougher.

Most companies are resetting business plans and financial models to push their cash reserves out further and are likely to cut research and development and staff.

The agri-tech sector’s exports were valued at $1.4 billion in 2018 and are growing at a rate of 4% a year. It remains dwarfed by output from comparable countries like Israel, which exports 10 times as much as NZ. Agritech NZ director Peter Wren-Hilton said the Industry Transformation Plan released earlier this year will need to play a central part in Government policy to preserve and grow the industry.

The plan aims to boost the sector’s growth and make up for distance lost since then Prime Minister Helen Clark’s knowledge wave initiative in 2001 set bold goals for the sector.

The plan is high on specifics, identifying robotics as a key area of investment to pursue.

An agri-tech venture capital fund has also been proposed and the plan also aims to establish trials to validate technology’s ability to reduce farming’s

ROADMAP; Peter Wren-Hilton, executive director of Agritech NZ, said the industry plan had to come into play now to save the sector.

environmental footprint. The agri-tech plan was the first of several industry plans proposed by the Government.

Wren-Hilton said the survey reveals significant challenges for the sector.

“The collaborative framework

of the ITP is now more important than ever. For NZ’s agri-tech sector it is imperative the Government incorporates the ITP into its economic recovery programme at the earliest opportunity.”

He took heart the plan is

shovel-ready without the shovels.

“Having the ITP framework already there in place ready to go puts the industry in a better position than many.”

He hopes the Governments recovery Budget on May 14 will have funding for the industry.

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16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

More farmers practicing good land management Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz

MORE farmers are adopting sustainable land management practices, a new survey shows.

There is greater adoption of land management practices in the last three years including managing effluent storage, restricting stock from waterways and managing soil compaction and pugging, the fourth biennial Survey of Rural Decision Makers, run

by Landcare Research scientists, found.

Riparian planting increased slightly relative to 2015.

More than 3700 people responded last spring.

Respondents include both lifestyle and commercial farmers, foresters and growers.

The survey featured new questions to reflect emerging primary sector issues such as farm-level

biosecurity and climate change.

The results show more dairy farmers and growers intended to intensify their operations in 2019 than in 2017 with one in seven dairy farmers and one in five growers planning to intensify in the next two years.

The dairy, arable and deer industries had the lowest numbers with no farm environment plans while 50-84% of sheep and beef, grazing, horticulture, forestry and viticulture had no plans.

All sectors said biosecurity will be increasingly important over the next five years relative to the past five years.

That is especially so for dairy farmers and fruit and nut growers, consistent with increased awareness of Mycoplasma bovis, brown marmorated stink bug and other emerging threats.

IMPROVED: More farmers have fenced off waterways to keep out livestock, Landcare Research has found.

Most respondents believe climate change is already affecting New Zealand. About 75% of them expect the frequency or intensity of droughts, heat waves, floods and storms to increase.

There was an increase across the board of management practices to mitigate climate change effects, such as changing stocking rates, planting native trees, increasing feed reserves, changing stock breeds, investing in infrastructure to stop flooding and

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increasing water storage.

For erosion control 58-69% have done work ranging from tree planting on slopes, riparian planting, retiring land and maintaining sediment traps.

The survey found 81% of respondents had excluded stock from major waterways and 66% from minor waterways.

Almost all dairy farmers, 55-60% of sheep, beef and deer farmers, 65% of graziers and 80% of arable farmers have fenced major waterways.

Scholarships to help boost workers TWO inaugural scholarships have been given by the Tractor and Farm Machinery Association to attract, retain and reward skilled workers.

The scholarships come at a time when the primary industry is in dire need of more workers. association general manager Ron Gall said.

In October Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said it is estimated the sector needs another 50,000 workers by 2025 and more than 92,000 more workers with qualifications.

Gall said the need is even more pressing now because the primary industry has a major role in helping the economy recover from the covid pandemic.

“Anything we can do as a sector to attract or retain workers is a step forward. Our industry needs people for a wide range jobs, including working with sophisticated technology and robotics.”

The scholarships are available to tractor and machinery industry trainees studying for a certificate or diploma.

One was awarded to Alice Stanbra, a parts and automotive accessories apprentice at Norwood Manawatu.

She will use it for further training for management qualifications after the completion of her apprenticeship.

The other was given to Regan Bailey who is about to start the third year of his agricultural diesel apprenticeship with Tulloch Farm Machines in Masterton.

Bailey said it will give him the confidence to continue to work hard and strive for success and knowing he has the support and backing from such an important industry body will give him added incentive to succeed.

Gall said the primary sector faces a period of great change after the pandemic crisis ends.

“The Government has indicated that it will be looking at how to build off the strengths of the primary sector, such as increasing the onshore processing of goods.

“However, that can happen successfully only if we have the skilled workers in place.”

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News

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

Broadband money ‘just a drop’ Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz A $15 million fund for ultra-fast broadband in rural areas is not enough to improve the technology for farmers.

“It’s a drop in the bucket,” Technology Users Association chief executive Craig Young said.

The Government money will upgrade some existing mobile towers and wireless backhaul that connects remote sites and for the installation of external antennae on houses to improve coverage.

“We know from talking with our rural partners that many suffer under significant constraints and that there still remain gaps between rural households’ experience and urban New Zealanders.”

Thas is worse in lockdown when children are staying home.

“This investment will go some way to ensuring that some of those constraints are fixed.”

The association has been calling for extra funding for some time, he said.

Common issues for the sector include gaps in coverage or instances where the coverage has gone backwards because

BETTER COVERAGE: The Government’s $15 million funding boost for rural broadband will include upgrades to mobile towers, Tuanz chief executive Craig Young says.

of the load on the network.

The money will mean a substantial upgrade to broadband services in many rural places that have an internet standard city people would not tolerate, he said.

“We’re realistic. We are not calling for fibre for every farm in NZ. We are calling for a similar

experience no matter how that’s delivered.

“We have some really good capability in rural NZ now. What we have to ensure is that it is kept up to date.”

That could be done by upgrading some areas from 3G to 5G broadband capability.

Federated Farmers vicepresident Andrew Hoggard said its surveys show some big rural areas still have slow or no internet access.

“The vast majority of New Zealanders living in towns and cities have absolutely no idea how bad internet access still is in some parts of the country.”

Hoggard said there is a strong link between rural productivity and internet connectivity.

“If you are looking for a shovelready project this would be a good one. The shovels are already in the ground.

“It is good the Government is looking for ways to continue to grow rural businesses with better technology, especially given the post-covid-19 world we will be living in so, hopefully, this is just the start of a thoughtful approach to building rural business and community resilience.”

Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Kris Faafoi said the Government aims to provide internet access to about 99.8% of New Zealanders.

“However, while that work continues some households in isolated regions require reliable access to broadband services in

It’s a drop in the bucket.

Craig Young Tuanz light of covid-19 – particularly households with school-age children who need internet access for remote learning.

“The work brings forward capacity upgrades to meet increased demand for the internet where the urgency is most acute.”

Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones said the Government is prioritising the upgrade of mobile towers in rural areas where there are high numbers of school-age children living in households that cannot access the internet.

“This will provide school-age students in remote areas with access to the digital connectivity programme that the Government recently rolled out to support distance learning.

“It means that students, particularly those in low-income rural households, can continue with their schooling in exactly the same way as those in urban areas.”

Think-local forestry push from minister Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THERE is no likelihood the forestry sector will be operating under a quota system for log exports but the sector can expect greater Government oversight on who is exporting logs and what priority is being given to local processors.

Regional Development and Forestry Minister Shane Jones has dispelled speculation he is contemplating a log quota amid his concerns the high premiums being offered by a revived Chinese market threaten the ability of local processors to get up to speed with a covid-19 recovery.

“A lot of forest owners believe it is not their job to solve the unemployment woes of the downstream sector, it is just to fulfil the requirements of owners.”

Proposals have been put forward by forest owners to establish an accord between owners and processors to ensure better flow of raw material timber into the domestic processing sector.

“We have had a robust meeting.

“They feel a bit ambushed that I have said we need to investigate the role forest owners have held, where they believe they are men of the manor and the processors water carriers,” Jones said.

One proposal is to ensure log mongers will be regulated.

Jones wants a higher level of professionalism, a code of conduct and possibly a register of log exporters.

“I have never said we will hobble exports but we want NZ

forest owners to contribute to ongoing employment of New Zealanders downstream.”

Red Stag, the country’s largest timber processor, chief executive Marty Verry said processors are seeking only price and supply stability.

“After that foresters can fill their boots without any restrictions on exporting logs whatsoever. We definitely do not support quotas.”

I have never said we will hobble exports but we want New Zealand forest owners to contribute to ongoing employment of New Zealanders downstream.

Shane Jones Forestry Minister Verry said many countries subsidise log processing, making it hard to establish operations in NZ and pushing up the ability of those countries to pay a premium for NZ logs.

Jones acknowledged the challenges that creates for domestic processors.

“I do know our trade negotiations have raised this issue on numerous occasions.

“It has featured in trade negotiations with China. I assume China, like any country

desperate to look after its people and their growth rate, has come off significantly and the fact they pay the prices they do is good but we don’t want a level of financial pressure falling on processors with this price spike, fall and spike.”

Verry said most forest owners are good at smoothing the spikes but some do chase the one-in-25year chance to make the most of prices.

“But I do not see it as a universal forester issue.”

Verry said if NZ timber was used to a greater extent here there is the potential for five million tonnes of logs to be used a year locally.

“This would take a big chunk out of our reliance on China.”

Log exports account for over 60% of total timber export earnings and China is 80% of the export log market.

Verry said there is an increasingly good conversation starting about wood procurement policies and use locally.

Jones acknowledged many local processors are not as robust as Red Stag.

But his ambition is to substantially increase the number of people employed in the processing sector. It has 30,000 working in the wood processing sector and he has a three-point plan to grow it.

It included better surety of raw timber supply, improving the power connection to Gisborne, a key forestry region, and investment in training and capital expenditure.

He is not including the Gisborne-Wairoa rail line.

GOING DOWNSTREAM: Forestry Minister Shane Jones says forest owners need to think local first when it comes to supplying timber.

“We are awaiting KiwiRail’s chief executive to come to us with a recipe for that.”

Verry said there is potential for forestry jobs to slump by 10,000 in the next couple of years but

buying local could have a big effect on reducing that impact.

“NZ has to really start to think about where that dollar spent ends up and how many Kiwis it looks after.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

19

Farm sale appraisals approved Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz RURAL real estate agents can get out on farms under alert level three to do appraisals for those considering selling.

A list of primary sector support services on the MPI website that are able to operate, as long as that can be done safely by limiting face-to-face contact and reducing the potential spread of covid-19 using measures such as physical distancing and additional hygiene protocols, include farm property sales agents, while farm sales and settlements and relocation to a new farm are also approved.

Property Brokers Rural general manager Conrad Wilkshire has welcomed the decision, saying

autumn is an important time in rural real estate, with about one third of annual sales happening during the season.

From April to June last year rural property sales were worth $744 million; 56 of those were dairy farms with a total value of $238 million.

He says getting the sales process back on track will provide increased certainty for the sector, as it will help set and manage expectations as to where the market sits.

The business of farming continues with or without covid-19, with some looking to exit the industry, while the fundamentals of farming have never been stronger as processing and supply chains are in the best

PLEASED: Property Brokers Rural general manager Conrad Wilkshire has welcomed the decision to allow real estate agents back on farms.

shape Wilkshire has seen during his career.

Rural agents are well-placed to deal with on-farm health and safety protocols that must be followed under alert level three, he says.

They will be able to travel around farms in their own vehicles to view properties and it won’t be necessary to initially view the inside of houses.

Early visits will focus on the contour of properties, along with underlying pasture, production systems and fertiliser history.

Rural agents have a good understanding of biosecurity, having dealt with properties effected by Mycoplasma bovis in recent years.

The Real Estate Authority, the independent government

authority that regulates the industry, has given its backing for farm appraisals under alert level three.

A spokesman says it is currently working on guidelines for agents across the industry to follow, which it hopes to make available soon.

It wants official clarification as to whether or not private viewings can take place.

Recovery could take three years Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz PLUNGING oil prices will boost disposable incomes and increase food demand, ASB economists say.

But it will still take three years before the New Zealand economy gets back to its pre-covid starting point.

West Texas Intermediate oil has traded as low as minus US$40 a barrel.

ASB senior rural economist Nathan Penny said the price fall was caused by a collapse in global demand while major producers also failed to agree on supply cuts quickly enough to stem the tide.

And while the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries has now agreed to supply cuts, they have yet to kick in.

“The resulting temporary squeeze on almost full global storage has seen the plunge this week into negative territory.

“For NZ, the impact is mixed but we anticipate the net impact of plunging oil prices ultimately will prove positive for NZ commodity prices,” Penny said.

“We expect that lower oil and thus fuel prices will boost consumers’ disposable incomes in our key markets and in turn lead to higher food demand.

“Moreover, NZ’s key export markets, notably China, are net oil importers.”

Lower oil prices might hurt food demand in some markets but not enough to offset the increased demand elsewhere.

“For example, lower Middle East incomes may lead to falling demand although we continue to note that households are still likely to be prioritising food over luxuries.”

Lower oil prices will reduce demand for United States ethanol and lead to lower feed grain costs for US farmers.

NZ is a net oil importer so the impact on the NZ economy will be positive.

“We do acknowledge that there may be a short-term confidence impact on NZ commodity prices – the 4% fall in the latest

overall dairy auction prices is one example.

“Ultimately, though we expect demand fundamentals to dominate and as consumers’ disposable incomes improve so should food demand and thus NZ commodity prices,” Penny said.

ASB senior economist Mike Jones predicts it will be three years before the economy gets back to its pre-covid starting point.

Attention is inevitably shifting from the extent of economic damage to the shape of the recovery.

“We estimate activity will still only be around 80% of normal in level three as the economy will be battling through the headwinds of damaged household incomes,

OKAY: Plunging oil prices will ultimately be good for New Zealand, ASB rural economist Nathan Penny says.

business balance sheets, weak confidence and a much larger debt burden,” Jones said.

Pork producers look offshore “We remain confident we can reach an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Government to ease the animal welfare situation.”

NZ Pork is still actively advocating on several initiatives including import substitution, providing pork to food banks and the potential exports to Singapore.

“In relation to Singapore, NZ Pork has been working with MPI on regulatory requirements and NZ Trade and Enterprise,” Baines said.

“Following an agreement between the NZ and Singapore governments to keep the

trade lines open between the two countries Singapore has agreed it will accept the NZ Standard rather than require additional export requirements.

“NZ Pork has also been liaising with wholesalers/ supply groups about achieving Singapore listing and providing MPI with details of frozen product in storage to consider for Singapore eligibility in the event an agreement is reached.

“Given NZ Pork does not own product we have been facilitating these discussions and commercial arrangements between companies will still need to be negotiated.”

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THE pork industry is looking to export to Singapore in a bid to overcome a build-up of local product.

Restrictions on butcheries during the levels four and three lockdowns mean there is a surplus of pigs on farms, which could lead to a potential animal welfare crisis.

NZ Pork chief executive David Baines says while the sector fully supports the Government’s actions to protect New Zealanders and eliminate covid-19 its view has always been butchers, like dairies, can take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of covid-19 and help put food on New Zealanders’ tables.

News

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

Focus on controlling what you can farmstrong.co.nz

LEARNING to live with unexpected challenges is the key to getting through life in lockdown for Otago farmer Luke Tweed.

Luke and his family run a 730ha sheep and beef operation in Central Otago. It’s the family farm and he enjoys carrying on the tradition.

“I love being able to work outside and with animals but the opportunity to bring up our kids on this farm is the really big one for us.”

Tweed, his wife Bridget and their four kids have coped okay with lockdown so far.

“All things considered we’re going well. It’s pretty much farming as usual for us. What’s changed is the kids are home and Bridget is working from home too.

So, it’s a bit hectic at times.

But we are lucky we’ve got a big backyard, which helps with the kids wanting to get outside to enjoy some fresh air and burn off some energy.”

But it’s not all plain sailing.

The local meat works is operating at reduced capacity and there’s a lack of processing space for his stock.

“That’s a bit of a challenge that will probably get worse before it gets better. Unfortunately, that’s pretty widespread around the country. This time of the year we’re usually offloading a lot of stock before winter sets in so, yeah, it’s been bottlenecking and you are limited with the numbers you can get away at any one time.”

But rather than stress out Tweed tends to take a different approach.

He’s big on focusing on what he can do, rather than stressing about the things he can’t.

“I think you just have to accept it and put your energy into what

FAMILY FUN: Central Otago sheep and beef farmer Luke Tweed enjoys time with his children.

You’ve got to look after yourself to be resilient as a farmer.

you can control. Just be smart about the situation.

“We are lucky that we have had a reasonable season down here and we’ve got a little bit of feed around us. I feel sorry for those further north in the drought.

Adding dry into the mix as well would be very tough. But for us it’s about trying to be smart and make good decisions, trying to carry feed through into the winter and allocating feed to different stock classes. It’s about doing what you can really in a practical sense.”

Tweed’s also grateful the rural supply and distribution chains are working as well as they are.

“Everyone’s doing what they can and doing a bloody good job,

to be fair, in what are pretty crazy times. Everyone just needs to do what they can while respecting the social distancing guidelines too.”

The biggest challenge for the Tweeds is juggling work while tending to three school aged kids and one preschooler.

“We have school work or exercises prepared for them in the morning so they can put their heads down and get stuck in to that. We are also trying to be organised around meals. They are always hungry so it’s about trying to stay on top of that too.

“It’s about balancing that load between Bridget and myself – seeing who has some spare time and can handle the kids at a certain time. I choose what jobs I can do on the farm safely with the kids so they can join in.

“We are also conscious of going into winter, making the most of the nice autumn we are having here and getting out in it while we can. We are happy as a family to go for a bike ride or kick around together and spend time outside.

There’s always jobs you can do on a farm but we’ve always been mindful of keeping a balance with our family life.”

Tweed’s a keen hunter and is disappointed at the prospect of missing this year’s roar and potentially the start of duck hunting season. Once again though, he’s focusing on what’s possible in his own backyard to recharge his batteries.

“You’ve got to look after yourself to be resilient as a farmer. It’s easy to become too busy and burn the candle at both ends. If you’re not eating well or getting enough sleep things can go downhill pretty quickly so your health and wellbeing has to be number one priority. You also need other activities to keep yourself going mentally.

“I’m lucky on the farm to be able to get plenty of exercise and fresh air. We’re a pretty active family, too, so we’re out and about a lot. We do the odd bike ride and I also have a rowing machine in the workshop, which is pretty good on

a wet day. Getting a sweat up and getting stuck into that helps blow out some cobwebs.”

Tweed reckons some greater good might come out of the lockdown as rural families experience an alternative to their normal hectic schedules.

“I know a lot of people have commented that regardless of the fact that it’s a terrible global pandemic there are some enjoyable aspects to the lockdown.

“It seems that the whole pace of life has just settled out a bit and people are allocating their time more wisely. We’ve been enjoying a lot more family time lately, for example, which has been good.

“I realise the lockdown could go on for quite some time as the country works through the different levels. This obviously has the potential to create some anxiety for a lot of people. I don’t know what the magic answer is to deal with this but my tip would be to just put your time and energy into what you can control. A lot of it is obviously out of our hands.

“We’re getting by and like many families it’s a bit of a balancing act for us. We are conscious of the position we are in and feel fortunate to live where we do.

We’re trying to take what positives we can. There’s not much more you can do.

“We have to look after each other too because we’re all in it together as farmers and friends.

We just need to look out for each other and keep talking.

“Obviously, there is the challenge of not catching up in person for a beer or coffee but you can still pick the phone up or have a yak over the fence … at a safe distance, of course.”

is the official media partner of Farmstrong

Venison faces tough times ahead Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz VENISON marketers have wound back shipments for summer consumption in most European markets.

The closure of restaurants and bars across much of Europe in March slowed venison sales but the well-entrenched game season is expected to ensure a demand for New Zealand venison for the rest of the year.

Over the past five years NZ has reduced its reliance on the European market as exporters diversified production to new and non-seasonal markets, Deer Industry NZ venison marketing manager Nick Taylor said.

However, the autumn consumption season for game meats remains the main sales period for NZ and the main venison eating time in Europe.

Exports to Germany picked up

at the start of the year because of lower prices.

“Major customers placed orders for a larger volume of NZ venison at the beginning of 2020 as prices eased down from the historic highs of previous years that took venison out of the price range for many traditional retail and manufacturing items.

Taylor said Dinz is collating research to refresh understanding of the drivers of game season venison demand in Germany.

“It’s been 10 years since we undertook consumer research in Germany and having a better understanding of German consumers’ game preferences will help us focus our marketing efforts.”

Covid-19 restrictions in a rapidly escalating global situation are further affecting the market, Taylor said.

Dinz consultant chef in Germany Shannon Campbell said the covid-19 upheaval has had a

massive impact on food service venison.

“Major retailers, delivery services, importers and cash and carry are all holding their breath and moving back payment schedules.”

German government support for businesses, small operators and self-employed people has been promised but he predicts closures of hospitality outlets and a significant period of rebuilding ahead.

And the food service will be significantly changed after the pandemic is over.

“Dinz will continue to work with exporters and their importers on NZ venison promotion in the market to undertake activities with them for the upcoming game season.”

It is keen to work more closely with German importers to help move any excess stock.

“We are working with importers to help identify specific cuts that

could benefit from additional promotion then we will be developing promotional support tools such as recipes or videos to help attract new customers in their markets.”

Dinz will also continue to encourage and work with companies to identify alternative markets to reduce exposure to a single market.

Campbell has identified several potential opportunities including a shifted focus onto modern cuisine and new forms of dining and ingredient choice.

But it is questionable whether people will have the cash to eat out, he said.

Campbell suggests putting Cervena back on menus of highvolume food service deliverers to provide a base of sales while supporting a rejigged hotel and restaurant trade as it emerges in a changed gastronomic landscape.

“Couple this with supporting new consumer demand for

DIGGING DEEPER: Deer NZ venison marketing manager Nick Taylor says a new research project will refresh understanding of venison consumer demand in Germany.

quality sustainable meats and healthy living with recipes and an extensive back story that gives an edge aiming to grow up alongside the new hospitality culture,” Campbell said.

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Stockman Sliding Gate Farmhand Headbail Farmhand Headbail • 10 x 2100mm x 7 rail multi Stockman Sliding Gate Stockm Farmhand Headbail Farmhand Headbail Stockman Headbail Stockman Sliding Gate Farmhand Headbail Farmhand Headbail purpose stock yard panels Walkthrough Swingbail Swingbail •Walkthrough For cattle/calves/sheep Swingbail Walkthrough • Easy pin together system, pins included

Farmhand Loading Ramp Calf Dehorning Bail

.00 $ .00 1,395 895 Farmhand Loading Ramp +GST

+GST

Farmhand Slam Yard Panels Farmhand Heavy -Farmhand Farmhand Cattle Bundle of 10 Latches Farmhand Slam Slam Farmhand Y Farmhand Farmhand Cattle YardYard Farmh Farmhand Cattle

Duty Slam Latches Gates Gates Stockman Headbail

- Post to post - Post to rail - Rail to rail

Yard Gates Latches Latches • 1800mm, 2100mm, 2500mm, 2700mm, 3100mm (L)

15.00 5 19MM $Farmhand Farmhand Curved Force Tub 30.00 Loading Ramp 25MM $ Curved $ $ Loading R Farmhand Force Tub.00 Farmhand Load Farmhand Force TubFarmhand 35.00Curved 795.00 295 5 3 14MM

$

+GST

+GST

$

1,195

.00 +GST

- Bundle of 10 - Bundle

PRICED FROM

+GST

+GST

+GST

Add striker plate $15.00+ GST

Farmhand Cattle Yard Farmhand Slam Latches Gates

Farmhand Yard Panels

- Bundle of 10

5

Farmhand 49 Head Yard • • • • •

7-rail multi-purpose for cattle and sheep Farmhand walkthrough headbail Farmhand sliding gate Hot dipped galvanised Kit set delivered to main depot

Farmhand 10 Head Yard

Farmhand 10 Head Yard

7-rail multi-purpose for cattle and sheep Farmhand walkthrough headbail Farmhand sliding gate Hot dipped galvanised Kit set delivered to main depot 9

15

25

(Approximately 49 head yard size, depending on animal size)

(Approximately 10 head yard size, depending on animal size)

$

4,995.00 +GST

13,995.00

(FH10-1)

+GST

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

FH 49 - L

SHEET NO.

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

A3

1 OF 1

(FH49)

Excludes loading ramp. Add loading ramp for $3,195.00 + GST (Plus freight)

Farmhand2525 Head Yard Farmhand Head Farmhand 25Yard Head

Farmhand 20 Head Yard

Yard

Farmhand 25 Head Yard

7-rail multi-purpose for cattle and sheep Farmhand walkthrough headbail Farmhand sliding gate Hot dipped galvanised Kit set delivered to main depot

• • • • •

Farmhand 20 Head Yard

(Approximately 20 head yard size, depending on animal size)

$

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.

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

$

Farmhand 20Head Head Yard Farmhand 20 Yard • • • • •

S/G

S/G

• • • • •

H/B

Farmhand 10 Head Yard Farmhand 10 Head Yard

7 rail multi-purpose for cattle and sheep Farmhand walkthrough headbail Farmhand sliding race gate Hot dipped galvanised Kit set delivered to main depot

(Approximately 25 head yard size, depending on animal size)

6,495.00 +GST

$

(FH20)

8,495.00 +GST

Excludes loading ramp. Add loading ramp for $3,195.00 + GST (Plus freight)

Farmhand32 32 Head Head Yard Farmhand Yard

Farmhand Horse Pen Farmhand12mtr 12mtr Horse Pen

Horse Pen tr m 12 d n a h rm a F Head Yard 32 d an h m ar F Rechargeable Sheep 2m Round Hayfeeder Cordless Grease shearing kit Gun RRP $ .00 Farmhand Curved +GST BLUE ---------- 1800 GREEN -------- 2100

449

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

Farmhand Force TubCurved Force Tub

RRP RRP $ .00Yard Panels Farmhand $ .00 Farmhand Loading +GST +GST 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.

Farmhand Curved Force Tub

7-rail multi-purpose for cattle and sheep Farmhand walkthrough headbail Farmhand sliding gate Hot dipped galvanised Kit set delivered to main depot

31-05-16

595

FH - 32 R

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

FH - 32 R

A3

1 OF 1

SHEET NO.

479

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

A3

1 OF 1

Farmhand Bundle of 10Yard PanelsRamp Farmhand Loading Bundle of 10

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

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

SHEET SIZE

A3

Ramp

N.T.S.

Farmhand Loading Ramp ing ad o L d an h m ar s F el an P d ar Y nd • Adjustable height ramp Farmha Ramp Bundle of 10 FH - 32 R

SHEET NO.

1 OF 1

S/G

• • • • •

M. Z

DATE

SCALE

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.

Farmhand 32 Head Yard BLUE ---------- 1800 GREEN -------- 2100

DRAWN

SHEET NO.

5

10

(Approximately 32 head yard size, depending on animal size)

40

S/G

*Excludes loading ramp

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

$

9,995.00 (FH32) +GST

Add loading ramp for $3,195.00 + GST (Plus freight)

4

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.

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.

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

A3

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

1 OF 1

$

3,195.00

+GST PLUS FREIGHT

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

FH 80 - L

SHEET NO.

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

A3

1 OF 1

Farmhand Round Hay Feeder

Farmhand Heavy Duty Round Feeder

Large Round Bale Cradle Feeder

• Large bale, 2m diameter • 15 head positions

• Large bale, 2m diameter • 1200mm high • 9 head positions

• 2250 W x 1780 L x 1200 H • Drop down sides for calves

AVAILABLE AT FARMLANDS NATIONWIDE

$

595.00

$

FREIGHT +GST PLUS

Farmhand Rectangular Hay Bale Feeder

695.00

1195.00

+GST

PLUS FREIGHT

Farmhand Lifestyler HayLifestyler Feeder Large Square Bale Farmhand Cradle feeder Hay Feeder • 2900 W x 1500 L x 1080 H

• Fits 2 large bales

$

$

FREIGHT +GST PLUS

995.00

FREIGHT +GST PLUS

Heenan Work Room return to the handler time after time without resistance • Three phase power pac • Both platforms raise and lower with the walls, so the operator is always in a commanding and safer position above the animal • Maximum opening width is 1200mm • Maximum lifting height is 1500mm • Wedgewall design one side

• Hangs on railed fence or gate

$

69.00 +GST

$ PLUS FREIGHT

995.00 +GST

PLUS FREIGHT

Heenan Maxi Crush

Heenan Weigh Bridge

• Is designed for even larger animals • Heavier duty padding • Opening width of 2200mm and maximum lifting height is 2000mm

• 3 way drafting • Air operation

• Adjustable pad shape and centre tension bar for maximum power and safety use • Three phase hydraulic pump • No wedgewall

• Roomy design - Big on space • Bolt together design for easy installation

*Scales sold separately

5

Crutch and Weigh Combo Sheep Handler

R

Daggers MateSheep Handler Daggers Mate Daggers Mate Sheep Handler Sheep Handler • The ultimate machine for fast and efficient dagging and crutching • Air controlled on skids • Tips sheep on their sides for dagging and crutching • Adjustable overhead clamp • Made in New Zealand

• The best all round sheep handler in the market

PRICED FROM

$

10,995

.00 +GST Optional extras: Belly flap, Transport kit.

Auto Weigh Auto Weigh Handler Auto Sheep Weigh Sheep Handler Sheep Handler INCLUDES

FREE HER

PRICED FROM

$

600mm GALLAG LOADBARS

19,995.00

VALUED AT .00 $

+GST

119ST5

*Scales sold separately. Optional extras: Ramp clamp, Belly flap, Transport kit.

+G

Shee

• Fast and efficient weighing, drafting and dagging.

• 3-way and 5-way drafting options • Made in New Zealand

PRICED FROM

$

18,495

.00 +GST

*Scales sold separately. Optional extras: Ramp clamp, Transport kit.

Sheep Weigh Crate/ Portable Sheep Ramp

Sheep Yard Panel (Sheeted)

Portable Sheep Ramp Sheep Sheep Weigh Crate/ Weigh Scale Combo Sheep Yard Panel Rechargeable Railed Sheep Weigh Scale Combo (Railed and Sheeted) Sheep Shears Panels Farmhand Sheep Panel Sheep Yard Panel Sheep Race Gate

Yard Panel Sheep Yard Panel Farmhand Sheep Panel SheepSheep Yard Panel Race Gate • Available inand 1.5m, 2m,Sheep 2.5m, 3m • Comes with 2 x 12V • Available in 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3m • 3m W x 1m H -Sheeted -Railed -Railed and SheetedSheeted -Sheeted Sheep Yard Panel Farmhand Sheep Panel yard Yard • Heavy Duty 40x40mm RHS frame battery &Race 1 hour charger Sheep Gate • Heavy DutySheep 40x40mm RHSPanel frame • Quick, easy pin together • Kitset easy pin together system • Kitset easy -Sheeted pin together system panel for a variety of uses -Railed and Sheeted • Use for sheep/calves/goats

FROM

$

AVAILABLE AT FARMLANDS NATIONWIDE

FROM

229

.00

$

209

.00

$

479

.00

$

199

Woolshed Lift and Woolshed Lift Sheep and Draft Module Sheep Draft Module Portable Sheep Sheep Draft Module Woolshed Lift and Portable Sheep Swing Gates Sheep Draft Module Adjustable+GST Sides V-Sides Loading +GST Ramp Swing Gates+GST Adjustable Sides V-Sides

Loading Ramp

3 – wayPortable sheepSheep draft module Loading Ramp

WoolshedSheep/ Lift and Farmhand Swing Gates

Calf Ramp

.00 EACH PANEL

Wool Fadge Holder

+GST

Gates Wool Fadge Holder WoolshedSwing Lift and Wool Fadge Sheep Draft Swing Gates Draft Module Sheep Draft Module Sheep Adjustable Sides V-Sides V-Sides Module Holder *4 panels for $750.00+gst

• 3-way draft • 3110mm L x 600mm W

$

1,795.00

+GST

6

$

695.00

+GST

$

2,695.00

+GST

$

195.00

+GST

Sheep V-Sid

30 Head Sheep Yard

150 Head Sheep Yard

• Heavy duty steel, hot dip galvanised • Includes sheep draft module • Kitset delivered to main depot

• Includes adjustable sides draft module

$

4,995.00

11,795.00

$

+GST

260 Head Sheep Yard • Includes adjustable sides draft module

1450 Head Sheep Yard

S

Descrip on 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 S YARD PINS S FARMHAND SHEEP YARD U-BOW Total

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

Price Qty Total $ 229.00 2 $458.00 $ 259.00 23 $5,957.00 $ 299.00 3 $897.00 $ 349.00 1 $349.00 $ 359.00 2 $718.00 $ 349.00 Descrip 1 on $349.00 FARMHAND FULLY SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 1.5M $ 439.00 FARMHAND 3 $1,317.00 HALF RAIL/SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.0M FULLY SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.0M $ 459.00 FARMHAND 4 $1,836.00 FARMHAND HALF RAIL/SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.5M $ 3,595.00 FARMHAND 1 $3,595.00 FULLY SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.5M SHEEP MESH GATE SLIDING $ 5.00 FARMHAND 82 $410.00 FARMHAND SHEEP GATE STANDARD 2.0M $ 109.00 FARMHAND 1 $109.00 SHEEP GATE STANDARD 2.5M FARMQUIP SHEEP DRAFT MODULE ADJUSTABLE-SIDES $15,995.00

NY004 FH013 FHSPOST FHSBF

$ 2,595.00 $ 15.00 $ 49.00 $ 79.00

• Includes adjustable sides draft module

S

S S S

15,995.00

$

+GST

+GST

Op onal Extras S S FARMQUIP SHEEP DRAFT MODULE V-SIDES FARMHAND GROUND SPIKES FARMHAND PERMANENT SHEEP YARD POST SHEEP RACE ANTI BACKING FLAP

S

YARD PINS FARMHAND SHEEP YARD U-BOW Total

Op onal 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

31,295.00

$

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

+GST

ShelterShed Shelter for: Calves, horses, sheep, lambs, alpacas Storage for: Hay, farm implements, bikes and more!

ShelterShed No Gates

$

• Kitset, easy bolt together design, quick to install • Comes with steel colour cladding for roof and 3 sides • Heavy duty 50 x 50 RHS galvanised steel frame PRODUCT • Lower walls clad with 18mm plywood insert • 3000mm W x 3000mm D x 2200mm H

2,995.00

(FHS400)

3,995.00

(FHS401)

4,995.00

(FHS402)

+GST

NEW

$

+GST

KITSET + FREIGHT

ShelterShed 4x Panels & 1x Gate

$

+GST

Farmhand 12m Round Horse Pens

KITSET + FREIGHT

ShelterShed Front Gate & Side Panel

KITSET + FREIGHT

Rechargeable Horse clippers • Comes with 2 x 12V battery & 1 hour charger

• Round pens include 2100mm W • 12, 15, 18 & 20 meter round pens x 5 rail panels and 1 high top gate • Kitset easy pin together system

PRICED FROM

$

3,990

.00 +GST

Optional ground spikes $15.00 each

$

479

.00 +GST

7

Bullmax Post Driver Bullmax Grease Gun Bullmax Earth

One man earth aug

Use for Y Posts, Earth Pegs, 18V portable Grease Gun Vineyard Posts, Ground Pegs with Spare Battery

ost Driver Bullmax Grease Gun Bullmax Earth Auger Bullmax Earth Auger One man earth auger

, Earth Pegs, 18V portable Grease Gun Ground Pegs with Spare Battery

0 BMPD-65-2

Two man earth auger

Bullmax Post Driver

Bullmax 2 Man Auger

• Powerful 40CC 4-stroke engine • Includes interchangeable 45mm, 55mm, 73mm and 80mm sleeve heads • Lightweight with anti-vibration comfortplus handle • 1500-2000 blows per minute. Impact energy up to 45J

• • • •

$

Powerful 2-stroke, 68CC engine Commercial quality Heavy duty gearbox 150mm, 250mm, 300mm auger sizes included • 450mm extension bar • Recoil impact spring • Also available: 1 Man Earth Auger $799 + GST

.00 995 .00 995 349 +GST

$

895.00

799 349

BMPD-65-2

.00

BMPD-65-2 BMGG-18V-1.3

+GST

BMEA-52-2

799 .00

899

.00 BMGG-18V-1.3

BMEA-68-1

BMEA-68-1

Rural Sausage Rural Meat Saw enerator LockBox Bullmax Compressor Bullmax Compressor Bullmax Generator Bullmax Compressor the tools away on to give the home oke Petrol • Lock Portable electric 320 FAD Filler 7L Portable petrol• Designed 385 FAD the ute or onsite a professional Kohler 4-Stroke Petrol • Make Portable electricbutcher 320 FAD finish • Easy to clean • 3/4HP enclosed motor • 2 year warranty on parts

sausages at home

Medium 1067 x 480 x 555H

$

299.00

+GST

Large

PLUS FREIGHT

1219 x 610 x 700H

$

399.00

$

PLUS FREIGHT

BMG-3000

329.00

2,195.00

+GST

1,595

Promotional offers valid until 31st May 2020. Not to be used in conjunction with any other finance offers. See finance T&C’s for details. Finance terms facilitated by UDC and Heartland Bank. Many products shown are manufactured to order so standard Farmquip leadtimes and freight apply. Freight charged on all orders unless otherwise stipulated. Cattle yards pricing excludes concrete and site works.

Stockman Yards must be ordered and deposit received before 31st May 2020 to qualify for free catwalk upgrade. Stockman Yards order must be overBMC-P-385 $20,000+gst to qualify for free catwalk upgrade Stockman BMC-E-320 Yard delivery and installation after government lockdown period is over - actual dates of delivery to be confirmed. The value add gifts with Farmhand Yards purchase available for all orders over the value of $6,000.00. Expires 31st May 2020. Value add offers not available with any other promotional offer or financed terms.

795

PROFENCE TITE GRIP NETTING 8/80/30 OR 8/90/30 X 100M 89

179.95 SAVE

$37.18

1,595

BMG-3000

O’BRIENS 3:1 GEARED REEL + 500M POLYWIRE 39

| 1001314, 1001519

$

79.95

$

SAVE

$50.25

* Terms and Conditions apply. Prices include GST. Savings and Discounts based on normal retail price. While stocks last.

Prices valid from 1st – 31st May 2020

DOMINION SUMMIT MULTI MINERAL SALT BLOCK 20KG 9

| 1004451

= Choices Rewards Points earned.

FAR_09671

$

+GST

+GST

BETACRAFT QUEST FLEECE RANGE 34

| 1000054

18.99

$

BMC-E-320

SAVE

$6.51

| 1035633, 1035630, 1035640

$

ANY 2 FOR

69.95

SAVE UP TO

$31.05

BME

Bul

Porta

AginED ED

#

FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U E N E R P

G

Volume Five I May 5, 2020 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz

In your paper

Photo of the week:

Schooling From Home

1 Send us a photo of your favourite animal/stock and tell us why you chose it.

2 Go outside and sketch us a picture of your outlook (garden, paddock, farm), add a caption.

3 Share them on our Facebook page or email to agined@globalhq.co.nz

STRETCH YOURSELF:

Have a go: 1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz 2 Find and watch the OnFarmStory and read the article on the Robertson Family, “It was all done on a handshake”.

3 Where is Duncraigen located?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

How big is the family farm?

2 How many ewes do they run? What proportion are stud ewes?

3 What type of cattle does Duncraigen breed, produce and compete with?

Mitchell Anderson adds a few interested friends to his zoom classroom meeting.

4 Is there another type of animal that the Robertsons have bred and had success with historically?

1 Go to the AgriHQ Market Snapshot page 2 What is this week’s South Island Lamb price?

3 Is this better or worse than last week?

North Island R2 store steer

4 How does it compare to last year?

STRETCH YOURSELF: $/kg

Look at the AgriHQ Average North Island R2 store steer graph – What does ‘store’ mean in this context?

– What is the $/kg difference between current levels and last year?

– What might be driving the difference between this year and last year?

FILL YA BOOTS: 1 Have a look at the farms for sale, which one do you like best and why?

2 Find the weather page, what is the solid moisture level in your area?

3 Will this week’s weather forecast improve the outlook for your region?

Share your AginEd photos on our Farmers Weekly facebook page Remember to use the hashtag #AginEd Letters to: agined@globalhq.co.nz

1 Write a piece about how you think people’s perceptions of farmers and agriculturists have changed (or not) over the last several weeks due to the impact of coronavirus across the globe.

2 Send us your response to agined@globalhq.co.nz We may choose your letter to feature in Ewe said!

Ewe said: Carlia Muir, year 12 student at St Paul’s Collegiate School, wrote a water quality opinion piece.

Dairy farming and water quality have been heard a lot lately in the same sentence, and not for the right reasons.

However, I think before we point the finger at farmers, we need to take a look at our sloppy urban streams. Every summer, my family and I swim in the lake on our family farm, which has been surrounded by cows for hundreds of years. It is crystal clear and so clean that it has supplied the houses around it with water since my dad was young, but in Auckland, it’s a different story. Mission Bay, for example, the beach we all know and love was recently deemed “too polluted to swim”, definitely not crystal clear and clean. After the rain hits the city streets, sewage overflows and heads out to the sea. You are more likely to catch toilet paper on your hook rather than a fish; And no, we cannot blame this on dairy farming in New T hanks Carlia! Your Zealand because there is not a cow GlobalHQ mug is on insight and I know for a fact, cows its way! do not wipe!

Answers to last week’s crossword: DOWN 1 Helps to keep pasture at optimum; Fertiliser 2 A breed of common farm dog that barks loudly; Huntaway 3 Long dry periods create this; Drought 5 Thorough, up to date agri-news provider (7,6); Farmers Weekly 6 A castrated male sheep; Wether 7 A male deer; Stag 8 When cattle and sheep are sorted, usually happens in the yards; Drafting 12 Accurate, complete data analysis can be garnered here; AgriHQ 13 Often used for high country mustering; Horses 14 Traditional dairy cow; Jersey 17 A common breed of sheep used for both meat and wool; Romney 18 A castrated male bovine; Steer

ACROSS 4 Breed highly prized for their wool; Merino 9 Mechanical workhorse of most farms; Tractor 10 Holds water to keep stock hydrated; Trough 11 Young cow that hasn’t been bred; Heifer 15 Frequently mainstay transportation on farm; Motorbike 16 Process when the wool is taken off the sheep; Shearing 19 Product that comes from deer antlers; Velvet 20 Female Sheep; Ewe

Newsmaker

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

PITCH: New chairman of the National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests Craig Smith says promotion is the fracture in the wool supply chain and that is one key thing he wants to make the Government clear on.

Wool sector just needs a push Craig Smith has long been a passionate advocate for wool and in his new role as chairman of the National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests he believes the time is right to reset the industry into a new normal. He talked to Annette Scott.

C

RAIG Smith started his wool industry career as a 17-year-old and over the past 31 years has carefully picked a journey that has progressed him along the supply chain.

Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in Central Hawke’s Bay Smith started working in the industry as an apprentice wool classer.

After completing the five-year apprenticeship he got a university diploma and following six years in stores in Napier he landed a job as a wool representative with PGG Wrightson in South Canterbury.

Throughout his career Smith has worked overseas in topmaking mills and with wool exporters.

“I’ve always had a passion for wool and always made choices in my life to ensure I could work my way through the steps to gain broad experience right across the supply chain from the sheep’s back to the finished product.

“I have spent a lot of time around the world. At the moment my Air NZ app, for the first time in a couple of decades, is empty with no international flights and nothing anytime soon as we work out of covid-19.”

Smith highlights the international relationships he has formed as being key to his work, especially in the lockdown.

“Yes, we have the technology to be in contact but the longterm relationships have been

invaluable in ensuring business can carry on and be done with the rest of the world.

“Perhaps this is the time to reset and look for the way forward.”

Smith was the first New Zealander appointed to the global executive committee of the International Wool Textile Organisation and has been heavily involved with the Campaign for Wool, a global project initiated by Prince Charles.

In his day job he is general manager of Canterbury-based Devold Wool Direct, a Norwegian outdoor clothing company with relationships around the world.

Devold is about getting fully vertical, buying in contract greasy wool that is processed in its state-of-the-art mills in Lithuania, where fibre arrives as yarn and comes out as retail-ready garments.

“It’s all in-house and it’s all around quality and that’s key – quality raw product, quality right along the supply chain and a quality finished product,” Smith said.

Devold has a sheep to shop strategy prompting desire to go back even further to know where its wool came from and has developed direct supply contracts with NZ growers. Some products have a swing tag bearing the name of the farm the wool came from.

“We have a quality product and we can do that with NZ wool but we need to do it better.

“There’s some gaping holes to fill, not at the grower level but in promotion of the quality fibre that NZ farmers are producing.”

Smith said to be given the chance and backing of NZ’s wool industry to be its voice is humbling and exciting.

The council champions the cause of wool.

If the Government is not backing wool how can we expect consumer uptake?

Smarter marketing needs the backing of Government.

Craig Smith National council of NZ Wool Interests It is an association of organisations engaged in the production, testing, processing, merchandising, spinning and weaving of wool.

“It’s an honour to have the position, humbling at a time like this but very exciting,” Smith said.

As chairman Smith will work directly with all sectors of the industry from farmers, shearers, test houses and wool scours to merchants, brokers and exporters

as well the Government.

Smith said the system in NZ works well taking wool from farms to the scouring and testing process.

The biggest challenge is getting customers to recognise wool is not only the best product in the world but the best fibre and that comes down to education.

“That’s the bit that’s missing in the link – education and promotion.

“I am keen to keep growers updated as to what is happening in the wool sector and in doing so I will work directly with all sectors of the industry as well as Government to make sure we keep the sector moving.”

The lockdown has seen all industry stakeholders really come together and given him hope and enthusiasm everyone is going forward in the same direction, Smith said.

He believes there will be opportunities for the wool industry in the wake of the pandemic and he is keen to highlight the openings in the sector for young people.

“People are pushing the reset button.

“There is opportunity now to challenge wool and put it into products that have never previously been looked at.

“The way we promote wool – let’s challenge wool and see what we can really do if we promote it.”

Smith said wool leaving the

farm to the point of sale is fine.

“We can’t do that better any other way.

“Promotion is the fracture in the supply chain and that is the one key thing I want to make the Government clear on.

“I want to challenge the ministers as to why Government is not backing NZ wool.

“Why are we not using NZ wool in government buildings and state houses.

“We need Government to get on board and start promoting itself in the use of NZ wool in governmental buildings.

“Why is it not subsidising the use of wool in fire insurance and not promoting wool insulation.

“If the Government is not backing wool how can we expect consumer uptake?

“Smarter marketing needs the backing of Government.

“We can’t do it as a wool industry. We have the people but we need the backing of Government to help promote alongside us.”

Smith is eagerly awaiting the release of the long overdue Wool Working Group report, initiated

by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor in June 2018, hoping there might be some answers to set a new normal for the industry.

“We just have to be smarter and get out there and challenge the norm.

What does that look today?

“No-one knows,” Smith said.

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

23

Soil assumptions don’t hold water It’s been assumed stony soils are bad at holding water but they might contain more than has been thought. Lincoln University student Balin Robertson has been digging and found holes in established thinking. Colin Williscroft reports.

W

ATER storage in stony soils might be underestimated with potential implications for efficient irrigation and nutrient management, according to new research by Lincoln University doctoral student Balin Robertson.

For the past three years Robertson has been studying the amount of water stored in stony soils around Canterbury.

The soils are used extensively for irrigated agriculture throughout the province with two-thirds of the region’s irrigated land area found on stony soils.

Until now there has been no research quantifying the soils’ water storage, information Robertson says is key to efficient irrigation and management of leaching losses, particularly with the significant change in Canterbury land use to dairying.

The study aims to bridge that research gap to give farmers and regulators robust data for nutrient budgets derived from Overseer, farm environment plans and irrigation management.

Robertson says previous assumptions about how water is stored in the region’s stony soils are wrong because they’re based on the idea that rocks, particularly harder varieties such as greywacke and sandstone, are inert when that’s not the case.

“We had assumed water retention in stony soils is only

AT HOME: Balin Roberston set up a lab in his garage to continue his research.

We had assumed water retention in stony soils is only from the fine earth between the stones. But, on average, my research has shown stones account for around 10% of water retained to a depth of 60cm.

Balin Robertson Lincoln University from the fine earth between the stones.

But, on average, my research has shown stones account for around 10% of water retained to a depth of 60cm.”

That amounts to about 11mm of water over the 60cm.

To find that out Robertson dug 52 soil pits at 24 pastoral sites then measured moisture in 10cm increments down to a depth of 60cm.

He looked at the water content at field capacity after two days of drainage following saturation and calculated the water content of the rocks by measuring the water content of the fine earth only and the water content of the whole soil’s fine earth and rocks.

Though the water in rocks is not as much as in the fine earth, it still

adds to the overall content.

What remains to be confirmed is how dynamic the water held in stones is.

If it enters and leaves the stones in tune with the needs of plants then it should be taken into account when irrigating and estimating leaching losses.

Robertson is now measuring how water is released from rocks in a lab, set up in his garage because of the covid-19 movement restrictions, to discover how much of the water held in stones is available to plants.

To do that he is using a suction plate and repacked soil cores to measure the water released at matric potentials between -10 and -100 kPa – the suction range over

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which plants can easily extract water.

The final results are probably a month away but data collected in the field suggests existing best management practices might be conservative so there could be a buffer around drainage and nutrient leaching targets when following best practice.

Just how much of a buffer is yet to be determined.

Robertson plans to publish his results soon after he has finished his lab work.

A key output of the research will be using its results to improve the soil information supplied

by S-map, the national soil information system used by many farmers to supply their soil information.

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

EDITORIAL Regions just want fair go

T

HE Government has announced an infrastructure investment package to stimulate an economy left wounded and deflated by the covid-19 pandemic. It is in addition to its $12 billion Upgrade Programme and the Provincial Growth Fund. It will fund shovel ready water, transport, clean energy and building projects offering public and regional benefits and creating jobs.

Understandably, it has generated plenty of interest with more than 2000 projects at a cost of $125 billion lodged so far – and growing. It already far exceeds the as-yet unannounced level of available funding.

The difficulty will be balancing fairness, necessity, satisfying a cost-benefit analysis and avoiding political interference in election year.

Applications will initially be independently assessed but final decisions will be left to politicians. In an election year it will be tempting for politicians to prime the voter mass that is Auckland and its insatiable appetite for roads and public transport funds ahead of worthy and desperately needed rural roads investment.

It will be easily justified – and politically expedient – for a politician to note regional New Zealand has had $3 billion over three years from the Provincial Growth Fund. Rural NZ has major infrastructure issues and a low population to fund upgrades, evident by the decaying state of roads and bridges. A further rural need is an upgrade of drinking water infrastructure, with 12% of the country’s population, mostly in rural towns, reliant on reticulated drinking water that does not comply with national standards for bacterial contamination.

Then there are the obvious economic opportunities but politically sensitive benefits from water storage and irrigation.

Given the previous Government’s irrigation package has been withdrawn by this administration and the politicised nature of water storage and irrigation there must be doubts about its willingness to invest in new projects. There was some excellent news that $15 million is to be spent improving rural broadband capacity but comment has been made that more is needed to extend its reach.

Our most populated centres do need infrastructure investment but so do rural areas. All the regions ask is that they get a fair hearing and their fair share.

Neal Wallace

Recalling typewriters and smoke Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz READERS, you have in your hands a valuable and threatened species, a newspaper upholding centuries-old principles of balanced news reporting and opinion writing.

When I began in journalism there were hundreds of publications staffed by specialists – reporters, sub-editors, photographers, copy-takers, proofreaders, compositors, type-setters, printers, librarians and editors.

We learned and obeyed the journalists’ code of ethics.

Newsrooms were noisy and often chaotic, filled with clacking typewriters, ringing phones, Lamson tubes, radio news bulletins, interviews and conversations all under a cloud of cigarette smoke.

The tools of my trade have progressed from typewriters and copy-paper to computers, from tape-recorders and film cameras to mobile phones and from newsprint to the internet.

My Olivetti Lettera 32 portable can be found on TradeMe under antiques and collectables.

What was a gregarious occupation has become a solitary one. Working days are spent staring into a computer screen and beyond into the worldwide web.

In my early days reporters on daily newspapers never went home without a debrief and catch-up in the nearest public bar. Now we GoogleMeet, Skype or Zoom.

The increasingly frantic push towards deadlines and the subsequent thrill of feeling the mighty presses start has given way to a quiet touch on the send button.

Covid-19 has also killed the face-to-face interview with, in my case, farmers who generously gave of their time to explain what and why.

The virus has also poisoned advertising revenue for metropolitan and community newspapers and newsstand sales for many monthly magazines.

Social media had already harvested the younger readers and they might never return to print when the lockdowns are lifted.

Rural publications are healthier than most other types, thanks to farmers’ needs and reading habits, and their

STILL SMILING: Journalist Hugh Stringleman has enjoyed every day of his career.

proprietors hold to the principles mentioned above.

Whatever the changes to come, this journalist has enjoyed every day of a long career.

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 Colin Williscroft 06 323 1561 colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz Annette Scott 03 308 4001 annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz Hugh Stringleman 09 432 8594 hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz Gerald Piddock 027 486 8346 gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz Richard Rennie 07 552 6176 richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz Nigel Stirling 021 136 5570 nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com Riley Kennedy 027 518 2508 Cadet journalist riley.kennedy@globalhq.co.nz

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

25

Time to show gratitude to farmers Jack Fagan

W

HERE does the desire come from for people to follow and compete in

sports?

The ancient Olympics were started in 776BC and to this day people are still hooked on pushing themselves to win and become the champion on top.

Through the world crisis of covid-19 the world has been left with no sport to broadcast.

People’s thirst to become emotionally involved and watch a game, a competition, the rivalry unfold is growing stronger day by day.

Just imagine for a second never seeing the All Blacks play another test match.

Who would our children and the people of New Zealand look up to as role models and heroes?

Post lockdown, when everything is back to what will be our new normal, I think or maybe, rather, I know we will see some of the greatest sporting moments in recent history.

From my experience there is nothing like a break or setback to give you that hunger, that drive and determination to push you further beyond your limits, further than you ever thought possible.

During this lockdown we have seen just how very lucky we are in this day and age to have instant entertainment at our fingertips

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and to keep in touch with our loved ones.

However, I believe even though we have all this technology we are losing the ability to communicate accurately.

A text simply isn’t enough.

There is nothing more uplifting than being able to talk to someone face to face, to sense them near you, to gauge their body language and feel their emotion.

I like to think back to my grandparents’ times when, if you wanted to talk to someone or meet someone new, you would have to put yourself out there, attend a social event or even ride a horse into town.

I believe people have become complacent with one another.

It’s too easy to hide behind our

phones and receive a daily hit of dopamine through social media.

If we want real connections with people we need to put ourselves out there, outside of our comfort zone and go out of our way to do something nice or kind-hearted.

There is nothing more valiant than someone who is willing to expose themselves just to talk to you.

Just a few months ago economies were booming, world trade was as its peak and global destruction was blamed on one sole factor – farming.

But now more than 2.5 billion people worldwide are in lockdown. There’s minimal cars on the roads and planes in the air, the skies above cities are bluer than ever, pollution is at some of its lowest levels ever seen, rivers are becoming clearer, nature is returning to places it once roamed freely and yet the agricultural sector of our great nation is still working around the clock to put food on the tables of Kiwis and the rest of the world.

It’s always the minority who get media attention for all the wrong reasons.

People thrive on drama and enjoy having their opinion on events, industries and sectors they know nothing about.

I think a fair statement to say is that no business or person on this earth is perfect.

But I can say with confidence that more than 99% of farmers in NZ have the best intentions at

GOOD INTENT: More than 99% of farmers have the best intentions at heart, Jack Fagan says.

heart, working for a better future for their children and the rest of the country.

Waterways are being fenced, trees are getting planted and animal welfare is number one priority on any farm throughout the country.

Ask any farmer why they love their job.

It’s because they get to work with animals or plants or crops and seeds every day, feel the fresh air daily and they’re not confined to an office but rather the seat of a tractor.

Every day is a new challenge but

what they love the most is going to bed each night knowing they’ve contributed to both the health of their animals and a basic necessity that people need most – food.

Farmers have become the easy choice to be blamed, it seems, for the planet’s problems, all because people are unwilling to take a look at their own lifestyle choices and make sacrifices of their own.

Farmers go through immense change every year with droughts, storms, world markets crashing and climbing. They work long days in physically and emotionally demanding, extremely unpredictable situations. That’s what makes them some of the most resilient and adaptable people we have.

In a nation that was literally built from the sheep’s back now is the time to show gratitude and empathy for the rural people of NZ. We must unite as a nation to enrich our lives and change the environment around us.

Who am I? Jack Fagan is a two-time world speed shearing champion.

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. farmers.weekly@globalhq.co.nz Phone 06 323 1519

Native hunters shun exotic pests Professor Stephen Goldson

P

LANTING botanical species to attract the enemies of pests is becoming popular around the world as primary producers search for effective, non-synthetic pestcontrol strategies.

It’s a pest-management strategy known as conservation biocontrol.

But while it might work elsewhere it won’t work in New Zealand pastures.

Our native insects have not evolved to live in exotic pasture or to prey on the invasive insects that do. With few exceptions, especially grass grub and porina, native insects don’t migrate into our exotic pasture. Rather, they stay in their native forest or grassland ecosystems and they contribute little if anything to the control of pasture pests.

In a paper just published in the Journal of Insect Science with my co-authors, I outline why NZ has a very high exotic pasture pest burden.

The main reason is a distinct lack of natural enemies to push back on the exotic pests when they get in, which, in turn, relates to the lack diversity in our pasture species.

NZ’s pastoral landscapes might look similar to pasturelands in Europe and elsewhere but that’s where the similarity ends.

DO WELL: Exotic pests thrive in New Zealand pastures because of their lack of diversity and an absence of animals that eat them, Professor Stephen Goldson says.

Our intensively farmed, entirely exotic pastures comprise less than 1% of northern hemisphere grassland species and are dominated by perennial and annual ryegrass.

This lack of diversity means much more damage from exotic pests than occurs in the speciesrich grassland areas in the pests’ native ranges.

While we inadvertently imported pasture pests into our pastures or they self-introduced, their natural enemies did not come in with them. As a result, the exotic pest species that arrive find themselves in the enviable

position of having an extensive, suitable habitat and very few if any enemies.

For example, the Argentine stem weevil only very rarely inflicts damage in native South American pastures – certainly nowhere near the $200 million of damage a year it often causes in NZ pastures.

The clover root weevil has not been found in densities higher than 30 a square metre in its native range yet here it has been reported to reach densities of 1400 a square metre.

The root weevil causes significant economic and environmental impacts.

NZ farmers are often unable to maintain clover in pastures so they compensate by increasing their use of nitrogenous fertilisers – costing the sector about $225m a year and also creating downstream environmental impacts.

However, the good news is there are very clear reasons to focus on what’s called classical biocontrol – importing natural enemies, often from where the exotic pests came from. We already have ample evidence this works outstandingly well in NZ pastures.

Using introduced parasitoids, biocontrol of the NZ populations of the Argentine stem weevil, the clover root weevil and the lucerne weevil has reduced all three to below damaging levels. Based on the international track record of

biological control the chances of that happening were one in 1000.

Again, this shows there is something distinctly different in NZ. We are pretty sure the difference is that the introduced natural enemies also do not have natural enemies and so they are they thriving.

Going back to conservation biological control there are many excellent reasons for planting native bush and restoring native wetlands and other ecosystems on farms but attracting the natural enemies of pasture pests isn’t one of them.

If you use exotic plants the native natural enemies won’t respond to them. If you establish native plants around the edges of pasture it will attract native natural enemies but experience has shown they will stay around the edges and not move into the pasture.

None of this should be taken as a dismissal of conservation biological control – it works well in many ecosystems.

But those ecosystems are usually ones where farming and horticulture are based on species that have evolved together, in that place.

NZ’s farming ecosystems did not evolve here and are very incomplete.

We simply cannot copy what works elsewhere – we have to understand what does work here

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and ensure our resources focus on getting that right.

And what does work extremely well here is bringing in natural enemies as biological control agents.

Who am I? Professor Stephen Goldson is deputy director of the Bio-Protection Research Centre at Lincoln University. The centre was set up in 2003 to drive innovation in sustainable approaches to pest, pathogen and weed control. It has seven partners: AgResearch, Lincoln, Massey, Canterbury and Otago Universities, Plant and Food Research and Scion.

Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020

It’s time to do more home work Alternative View

Alan Emerson

WE HAD a virtual Anzac service at Tinui this year. It mirrored our usual service and was complete with local school children reading the names of the fallen, a vocalist, piper, guest speaker and a bugler.

Wairarapa television organised the broadcast, which was courtesy of locally based Labour list MP Kieran McAnulty’s Parliamentary Zoom service.

Everyone involved in the service did so from their homes.

As I’ve written previously, Tinui was the first place in the world to hold an Anzac Day service and erect a memorial, on April 25 1916.

Each year about 1000 people come to Tinui, which is surprising because fewer than 20 people live in the village.

It is the encouragement of the wider Tinui farming community that supports the Anzac memory.

They have developed an allweather walk to the Anzac Cross on Tinui Taipo, complete with shelters and a toilet.

On a normal Anzac Day many do the walk.

The Tinui Women’s Institute provides a massive morning tea that is unique. It was sorely missed.

More than 3600 people watched all or part of the virtual Tinui service, three times the normal number.

We had viewers from around New Zealand, Australia and Britain.

It started me thinking.

On the positive side we had a well-attended, low-carbon footprint complete Anzac service.

On the negative side I missed the camaraderie, the locals, meeting new people who visit Tinui and the very special morning tea.

I suspect next year we’ll try to do both.

The lesson for me was that you can do a lot from home and farmers do.

The problem farmers have is a reliable internet service they feel confidant to use.

The Rural Broadband Usage Survey in August 2018 had only 50% of users happy with their speed and reliability. A further 28% was dissatisfied.

For that reason I welcome last week’s announcement of the additional $15 million for rural broadband. It was needed and timely.

It will go a long way to improving the current situation which is sub-standard despite the efforts of the Rural Broadband Initiative.

If an employee goes into the office just two days a week it’s lowered their transport profile by 60%.

So, while farmers are used to working from home the current environment has encouraged city folk to do it as well.

That could have a considerable effect on lifestyle, productivity and life in the regions.

For a start if you are able to work from home it doesn’t matter, within reason, where you live.

GOOD IDEA: Working from home has many benefits.

My consultancy business was infinitely more profitable from isolated, rural Wairarapa than it was in Central Wellington.

We have a good internet service and that’s the key.

Working from home has many additional benefits.

Taking the last month at level four as an example our carbon footprint will have gone through the floor while any change in productivity from those working wouldn’t have been great.

I believe the government has a role in encouraging people to work from home.

For example, how many DoC employees need to go to the office, and you could add Culture and Heritage and Housing NZ. I’d also put Inland Revenue, Internal Affairs, Land Information and MoBIE in the same category and that’s just a start.

In the private sector many insurance workers, investment advisors, lawyers and accountants could do a large part of their work

away from the office.

It doesn’t have to be a mass movement away from the office and now. It should be a gradual, planned process.

Working from home has the benefits of reducing our carbon footprint and traffic congestion problems. That has the added advantage to the economy of not having to spend billions of dollars on roads especially around Auckland.

While I accept that if you’re a chef at a restaurant or a builder you have to be on-site many of the occupations I’ve mentioned don’t have to be. They could work from home for a day a week or several.

It lowers the cost of working for the employee as the clothing requirement changes, you can’t go out for a latte and there aren’t travel costs.

If an employee goes into the office just two days a week it’s lowered their transport profile by 60%. Commuting by whatever means for two days a week is a lot

less stressful than five.

It also lowers costs for employers as the requirement for office and associated costs are reduced. I don’t see supervision as a problem. Employers can easily tell if productivity is reduced and take appropriate action.

The cities already have fibre, the provinces need fast, reliable internet and I believe that’s coming. It just needs to happen now.

So, our work patterns going forward will change. A positive to come out of the lockdown is that people having been forced to work from home have seen the benefits as would their employers.

That has considerable advantages for the people involved, the economy and the environment.

Your View Alan Emerson is a semi-retired Wairarapa farmer and businessman: dath.emerson@gmail.com

Insidious drought the most pressing issue From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

THERE might be just one topic on everyone’s lips but there is an insidious issue more on the minds of many rural New Zealanders, particularly in this part of the world.

Drought.

Let us set the scene.

After a brief respite in late March here in Hawke’s Bay the drought has become even worse.

Our average annual rainfall is 850mm. In 2018 a very wet final two months delivered 320mm finishing on Christmas Day, giving 1220mm for the year. It feels like it’s hardly rained since.

We had just 700mm for 2019.

Other districts were lower. June

2019 was our only month last year above average.

The first four months of this year have totalled a lousy 85mm.

Our coastal country got a very welcome 50mm to 80mm towards the end of March but ours was a more modest 20mm.

It did green things up somewhat but only a further 20mm of rain came in April with glorious day after day and temperatures into the low 20s have seen a promising beginning to the end of the drought peter out.

The only good thing is that wind runs have been very modest.

Niwa predicts an 80% chance of the next two months being either average or drier than normal.

Naturally, pasture levels are exceptionally low all round and water supplies for both stock and household can be hand to mouth.

I’ve experienced nine droughts.

It is like a litany. The worst was 1982-83 but more were to come with 1988-89, 1993-94 1997-98, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 201213 and then a decent gap until this one. That’s one every four years

so my farming and stock policies have evolved to deal with them.

That series of autumn droughts in the late 2000s was hard to bear and I doubt many farming operations ever returned to stocking rates that existed before that series.

Nitrogen is one trick remaining in the bag but requires rain to get it to work.

This year’s late summer and now autumn drought might only just make it into my top three or four in terms of severity but what is making it difficult is that it is not just the east coast but the rest of the North Island, the top of the South Island and even the Chatham Islands.

Some of these regions have had various types of recovery but not good enough to kick the store market back into life.

People are really struggling to sell stores at any price. They know they need to continue to destock but are hitting this impasse as well as the kill hold-ups.

And, of course, buying in supplements is problematic because they are in short supply and expensive.

Nitrogen is one trick remaining in the bag but requires rain to get it to work.

May is critical but other than perhaps some rain when this paper is delivered the outlook beyond does look settled again.

Perhaps we will get only 10kg/ ha/day where we might have hoped for something over 20. This is the same growth rate as we get here in June and July.

My feed demand is only kg DM/ha/day so, as a rough feed budget, one could say my level of feed now at the beginning of May is what I will have on hand at the beginning of August as I start lambing. I’ve got 1200kg of cover, which is better than many but I’m still nervous.

Perhaps I will get nitrogen on

over the next few weeks and get a reasonable response or maybe I might need to give away some of the 110 cattle left to further reduce demand.

One could do a rough North Island-wide feed budget as above and it would not be pretty.

I don’t want to make you more anxious than you are but it will get tough in July if its wet, cold, daylight length is short and animal demand, particularly pregnant stock, will be increasing. That is when we need to be very mindful of farmer wellbeing and to keep in close contact with our mates, neighbours and family.

We will get through this as we have done in the past, learn from the experience then build more robust businesses that will capitalise on a world desirous for nutritious, trustworthy, sustainably grown food.

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 – May 4, 2020

27

Meat firms split on subsidy scheme Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

THE country’s meat processors have followed two distinctly different paths in response to the Government’s wage subsidy scheme, which is available to all businesses for 12 weeks providing they can substantiate a 30% drop in revenue during the period.

Silver Fern Farms, Alliance, Anzco, Taylor Preston and Blue Sky Meats have all claimed the subsidy to varying extents whereas Affco, Greenlea and Wilson Hellaby have decided it is not justified or necessary, at least partly on ethical grounds.

The contrast in approach has already been commented on by independent economist Cameron Bagrie, who has slammed the two largest claimants, SFF which has claimed $43 million and Alliance $34m, for taking advantage of taxpayer funding when they are classified as essential businesses, operating in lockdown.

Equally, Bagrie complimented those companies not making a claim because they are getting on with business as usual.

“The wage subsidy is out there to support businesses that are getting clobbered, that are effectively in lockdown,” he said.

I am not convinced that interpretation is either totally fair or even correct.

Both SFF chief executive Simon Limmer and Alliance chief executive David Surveyor are clear the wage subsidy is not a company entitlement but is paid directly to various categories of employees. It maintains standard wage rates based on normal processing speeds despite

the 30-50% reduction to meet distance requirements, it retains those who would have to have been terminated seasonally and it is used to pay those who cannot work because of age, compromised immunity or family circumstances.

Limmer says the application to receive the wage subsidy was based on the company’s initial calculation of lost revenue, which was more than 30%, citing the temporary closure of two plants where there were positive covid-19 tests and the potential for further instances elsewhere as well as the immediate impact of slower processing speeds.

There is also an ethical perspective on whether an essential business, which has the privilege of operating at a time of severe constraint for many businesses, is justified in making a claim.

However, he now sees a more positive outlook, especially under level three conditions and with faster speeds already as plants get used to the new way of working.

His firm view is the best outcome is to pay back at least some of the subsidy but first the company must be clear about the actual cost incurred.

Surveyor has a similar attitude but makes the point Alliance is in a different situation from most other processors because of its heavy capacity and geographical skew towards sheep.

The company’s objective remains to process the remaining livestock as quickly as possible to help farmers get it off farms before they run out of feed. Alliance is

comfortable with claiming the wage subsidy, having taken expert legal and financial advice first, and has always intended to return any unused money to the Crown. The subsidy has enabled 1000 workers to be kept on full payment when seasonal termination would have seen them on the dole.

Affoc, Greenlea and Wilson Hellaby have taken an opposite stance on the subsidy, presumably because their different throughputs and plant configuration enable them to avoid meeting the 30% reduction threshold.

But there is also an ethical perspective on whether an essential business, which has the privilege of operating at a time of severe constraint for many businesses, is justified in making a claim.

Greenlea chief executive Tony Egan is very firmly against claiming what he sees as an unjustifiable payment, particularly when the company’s financial performance does not support the need to do so.

Affco has also communicated the company’s position to its staff, which prevents it claiming the subsidy for seasonal layoffs, putting in place a financial support package which guarantees a minimum weekly payment for an initial four-week period.

A note to livestock agents refers to the privilege of operating as an essential business, which means the company should not be entitled to claim the subsidy, a stance reinforced by its financial performance.

Wilson Hellaby chief executive Fred Hellaby has also made similar comments about the strength of his company’s operating environment.

In my experience of the meat industry this is the first time it has split down an ethical divide, as opposed to one of livestock procurement, processing

FRAGILE: Tyson Foods chairman John Tyson says the food supply chain is breaking because of processing plant closures and farm produce threatened with wholesale disposal.

efficiencies and marketing philosophies.

In contrast to this moral issue, the companies are broadly aligned on the state of the marketplace.

After falling out of bed over Christmas, New Year and the emerging covid-19 shutdown, China has emerged as the bright light though it has not yet made a full recovery and there is still a risk of a sharp reversal.

Retail and online sales are solid and Surveyor is confident demand for New Zealand’s trusted protein will continue. Sales in the wider Asia region also remain fairly buoyant.

Retail and online demand in Britain emains surprisingly strong but there are signs of the supply chain clogging up, which will affect distribution adversely, while the restaurant and food service trade has dried up completely.

Europe is still buying though high-value lamb cuts are under pressure.

The United States market is the worst of all.

Tyson Foods chairman John Tyson says the food supply chain is breaking because of processing plant closures and farm produce threatened with wholesale disposal. Demand for high value cuts has come to a halt.

Amid a period of great uncertainty NZ’s meat industry continues to provide reasonable returns to farmers and shareholders because of its strength across a wide number of markets. At the same time, whether thanks to Government subsidies or not, most workers are still employed and paid.

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

Stay the course RECENT articles have touted the importance of economy, export and, trailing at third, environment.

The farming community has beaten its chest and declared our sector paramount in getting New Zealand back on its feet post-covid and restrictions on new regulations should be eased so jobs and business can go back to normal and exported food can help fill the air dollars tourism is not going to bring in for the foreseeable future.

Our previous model, that has veered toward corporate big farms with a dollars-in-the-pocket, milkthe-land approach is not working long-term for us nor for other life forms on this planet.

Government, representing urban and rural voters, has been trying

to rein in on the more damaging impacts of some of today’s farming business and it’s been a challenging consultation process.

Its not the time to throw out these measures on mitigating climate change and environmental degradation.

Covid-19 has put us on a semiwartime level with low-waged workers and medical staff our frontline heroes and food producers essential businesses.

Post-wartime periods were very challenging. Labour was employed on public-good projects like dams, power stations and railways, all infrastructure to benefit wider society. That emphasis on public-good infrastructure labour deployment needs to be the case now, not corporate sector needs for which there is a barrage of advice

from the corporate and banking sector.

This is a great time to rethink some of our values and we should keep climate change at the fore and adopt practices and outlooks for the sake of future generations.

Another challenge that will be coming our way that has as much chance of radically affecting us as covid-19 is doing, is anti-microbial resistance.

Inter-ministerial bodies have been set up globally to meet this next challenge. Health and veterinary bodies are working to reduce poor antibiotic use.

Imagine our social distancing if catching a chesty cough off someone has no swift remedy with no effective antibiotics available.

Measures like taking glyphosate out of the food chain with its reported

encouragement of antibiotic resistance need to be considered sooner rather than later and taken on board by the agricultural sector.

There were academic papers back in 2007 warning about the likelihood of a covid-19 scenario pandemic threat but little done to prepare.

This virus is relatively benign compared to the likes of another similar zoonotic disease MERS with its 30-40% fatality rate but fortunately low rate of contagion.

We need to be open to and plan for the long-term future. It’s not business as usual and putting us on our feet or in our cars that will really help us.

J Leyland Tapawera

LK0100740©

LETTERS

Heavy duty long lasting Ph 021 047 9299

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Motivated vendor prepared to meet the market Substantial Dairy Farming Portfolio An outstanding opportunity for an astute investor seeking a competitive yield to acquire a large-scale self-contained dairy portfolio located in South Waikato, available as one lot or as individual units.

• Total area 2,733 hectares including 1,937 ha dairy platform, 550 ha support block and 98 ha in trees • Four dairy units milking 5,000 cows with threeyear average production 1.578 million kgs of milksolids • Support block carries all replacement heifers plus harvests approx 150 hectares of grass silage • Excellent accommodation provided by 15 modern brick homes

• Turn-key operation, available as a going concern including livestock, plant and machinery Capitalise on the efficiencies created by significant scale and the strong fundamentals of global demand for dairy products by investing at an opportune time in the property cycle.

Motivated vendors prepared to meet the market with a portfolio of dairy properties that can be sold both individually or collectively as a going concern with the potential to generate very attractive returns.

These properties, adjacent to the Waikato river and State Highway 32 are in close proximity to Tokoroa and Whakamaru and offered for sale with excellent, near-new infrastructure.

For more info about these properties please contact Property Brokers sales consultants: Brian Peacocke 021 373 113 Paul O’Sullivan 027 496 4417 Dave Peacocke 0274 732 382 Doug Wakelin 027 321 1343 pb.co.nz/atarangi

Dairy Support

TENDER TOKOROA Wainui Road • • • • • • • • •

WEB ID TWR02686

550.22 hectares (subject to title) Taupo sandy loam soils Easy to medium rolling contour with some sidlings Approx. 483 ha in pasture with 150 ha mowable Grazes all replacement heifers through for two years Near new 250 head capacity steel cattle yards 4-bay implement shed, covered 180t fertiliser bin Modern 4 bedroom brick home Inspection by appointment

TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

Atiamuri

TENDER WHAKAMARU 2603 Whakamaru Road

WEB ID TWR02688

• 612.7191 hectares • Atiamuri sandy loam soils • Flat to easy to undulating contour with some sidlings • 539 hectare milking platform; 1,450 cows • 3-year average production 431,896 kgs milksolids • First-class 60 bail rotary dairy with in-shed meal feeding • 4 modern low maintenance dwellings • Inspection by appointment

TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

pb.co.nz/atarangi

TOKOROA Telephone 0800 367 5263

Price expectation based on yield Tokoroa Downs

TENDER TOKOROA 726 State Highway 32

WEB ID TWR02689

• 593.1596 hectares • A mix of Tirau silty loam and Taupo sandy loam soils • Flat to easy to undulating contour with some sidlings • 548 hectare milking platform; 1,350 cows • 3-year average production 444,645 kgs milksolids • First-class 60 bail rotary dairy with in-shed meal feeding • 23 hectares in forestry deriving lease income • 4 modern low maintenance dwellings • Inspection by appointment TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

Twin Lakes

TENDER WHAKAMARU 1957 Whakamaru Road

WEB ID TWR02690

• 482.8841 hectares • Atiamuri sandy loam soils • Flat to easy to undulating contour with some sidlings • 367 hectare milking platform; 950 cows • 3-year average production 305,532 kgs milksolids • 60 hectares in forestry deriving lease income • 18 ha ex-forestry suitable for pastoral development • First-class 60 bail rotary dairy with in-shed meal feeding • 3 modern low maintenance dwellings • Inspection by appointment TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

Whakamaru

TENDER WHAKAMARU 2362 Whakamaru Road

WEB ID TWR02691

• 494.0799 hectares • Atiamuri sandy loam soils • Flat to easy to undulating contour with some sidlings • 478 hectare milking platform; 1,250 cows • 3-year average production 396,342 kgs milksolids • First-class 60 bail rotary dairy with in-shed meal feeding • 3 modern low maintenance dwellings • Inspection by appointment

TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

30

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 4, 2020

Advertisement

NZ Pastoral Rural Real Estate - market update NZ pastoral real estate now affords the best value for money in a generation, and that was pre-COVID-19.

Nationally on the most recent REINZ data to end of March, the total number of NZ pastoral annual farms sales are back 18% by number at a 1000 sales, and the pastoral farm market by value is back 28% at $2.2b on the prior year.

The dairy property market has been a significant influence in these results with the median dairy sale price per hectare to the end of March having dropped 18% from $37,100/ha to $30,300/ha and the REINZ Dairy Farm Price Index back 13% year on year. Nationally the number of dairy farm sales is tracking at less than a 100 for the current 19/20 season to June and March to March stands at 108 for the year, half the number seen a couple of seasons ago. What is most interesting is that while dairy farm sales have been trending down year on year, dairy farm gate returns have been trending up! No less so than this current 19/20 season with a forecast pay-out of $7+/ kgms.

Much will be made of COVID-19 and its massive impact on the economy going forward, and it’s likely that NZ’s rural property market will be captured in all of that commentary too, when in fact it’s not the case. The rural property market has already worked through a significant market adjustment, anybody now looking to associate COVID-19 supply chain interruptions to it, probably didn’t read the tea leaves clearly ahead of this event. The real issues presenting in our rural property market are the continuing sinking lid policy on farm gate rural debt, and the absence of sufficient equity funded institutional buyers.

NZ farmers are realists, the rural real estate market by any definition has already reset, operating currently at GFC levels by value and volume of sales. Farming is a long term investment play, and lately, the risks have been over-sold and farmers looking to sell, have had to wear the brunt of that.

In real terms, the underlying sustainable farming returns now compare very favourably with other sectors and should and will attract future investment interest. We should not lose sight of the fact that returns per hectare from productive well managed, sustainable dairy systems, remain head and shoulders above the alternative pastoral land uses. So, current market sentiment has created significant opportunities to capture real value in the dairy sector, including this autumn.

The economic impact of COVID-19 will go well past the current generation, but our export-led recovery is at the heart of the solution, and our NZ farmers have and will continue to play a big part in that. It should be our collective hope that farming is seen as being in the national interest again. And, the regulatory frameworks that support them are enabling, particularly the credit risk appetite to back proven farmers with strong balance sheets to grow their businesses.

In this regard, Property Brokers continues to present excellent new listings to the market, no less so than Ata Rangi Pastoral Limited’s portfolio of South Waikato properties (covered in this issue of the Farmers Weekly), we have worked with the vendors to ensure the significant investment in these farms and the underlying revenues that sustain them, have been thoroughly assessed and now communicated to the market.

RURAL Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

23 Baxter Street Balclutha Office 0800 367 5263

New Zealand Dairy Farm sales Period 12mths to

Median Sale Price

Mar-19

$3,800,000

Apr-19

No of Sales

Total Sales Volume

173

$802,637,561

161

$731,937,951

May-19

150

$677,804,757

Jun-19

147

$670,304,320

Jul-19

143

$656,867,320

Aug-19

142

$654,637,320

Sep-19

144

$667,632,320

Oct-19

143

$663,467,320

Nov-19

123

$566,891,820

Dec-19

119

$549,838,990

Jan-20

117

$519,346,590

Feb-20 Mar-20

$3,440,000

117

$522,416,590

108

$489,554,979

-39%

REINZ Dairy Farm Price fell 13% from March 2019 to March 2020 Median Sale Price per hectare

Median Sale Price $/kgMS

Jan-March 20

$30,299

$32.55

Jan-March 19

$37,100

$38.69 Source REINZ statistics

Conrad Wilkshire General Manager | Rural Property Brokers

Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

83 Sophia Street Timaru 03 687 7166

Glenfarg/Tahuna

Kaihiku Gorge

TENDER

WEB ID BAR75708 SOUTH OTAGO 638 Glenfalloch Road In the Kaihiku Ranges of South Otago is this productive property that has a good balance of tussock hill and rolling/hilly contour, renowned as healthy sheep and beef grazing/finishing country. A superb 4 bedroom brick home compliments the property plus a 3 bedroom cottage. Support buildings include a 4-stand woolshed with covered yards, several implement sheds, new covered super bin and cattle yards. Current stock numbers are 60:40, sheep to cattle ratio. Known as summer safe country. Inspection highly recommended.

pb.co.nz

TENDER View By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 4th June, 2020 at 12.00pm, (no prior offers) at the office of Property Brokers, 23 Baxter Street, Balclutha

Patrick Bowden

Mobile 027 436 5161 patrick.bowden@pb.co.nz

WEB ID TMR75525 FAIRLIE 207 Tondros Road This is a very well balanced 515.3046 hectare property Michael Richardson with a comfortable 4 bedroom home and the ability Mobile 027 228 7027 to run all stock types. A large portion of the property Office 03 687 7145 is deer fenced to a high standard, gullies and rougher Home 027 228 7027 areas will be planted into trees (approximately michael@pb.co.nz 57 ha) and these will be in the Emission Trading Scheme. Conveniently located 6 km from Fairlie.

Hamish Lane DEADLINE SALE closing at 4pm Thursday 28th Mobile 027 685 6204 May 2020 or other date TBA subject to Covid Office 03 687 1227 19 restrictions being lifted (unless sold prior) hamish.lane@bayleys.co.nz

pb.co.nz

DEADLINE SALE 4 2 2

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 4, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Whangara 1542 Panikau Road

Panikau Station - an East Coast icon

5

Panikau Station is a sheep and beef operation situated in the renowned Whangara farming district. Renowned for its superb coastal climate and contour, the 1,093ha station property has been proudly held by the same family since the 1880s. The farm conservatively carries 6,800SU across approximately 750 effective hectares. The picturesque property has nationally significant plantings of exotic and native trees including a central park.

Superb natural water sources including several springs and the adjoining Pakarae River provide further potential sources to increase production. Significant farming infrastructure includes a seven stand woolshed, laneways, cattle and sheep yards, as well as an attractive, architecturally designed homestead. The five bedroom home sits amongst celebrated landscape gardens designed by Alfred Buxton. Start your legacy, call today.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Tue 16 Jun 2020 10 Reads Quay, Gisborne View by appointment James Bolton-Riley 027 739 1011 Simon Bousfield 027 665 8778

2

2

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

bayleys.co.nz/2751664

NEW LISTING

Your destination For Rural real Estate Get in touch with your agent today

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

Carterton 287B Millars Road Opportunities abound Conveniently located 138ha (approx) farm 15-20 minutes from most towns in the Wairarapa. Easy commute to Wellington via road or rail, the farm has an incredibly attractive landscape with views to the Tararua ranges. Medium hill country leading to arable rolling terraces currently used for cattle farming, running a herd of 200 Angus cows with all progeny being sold as weaners. Excellent water systems reticulated to all paddocks, good conventional fencing supported by electric maximising grazing potential. Well tracked with central laneway; large well sited 6 bay shed; substantial cattle yards with excellent load out facilities plus easily accessible quarry. Substantial home on its own title, also available for purchase separately. A rare find.

bayleys.co.nz/3150873

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Wed 27 May 2020 Auction date subject to change Lindsay Watts 027 246 2542 lindsay.watts@bayleys.co.nz Andrew Smith 027 760 8208 a.smith@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY (WAIRARAPA) LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

31

Agri Job Board

2 YEAR WARRANTY. NZ ASSEMBLED. ELECTRIC START & QUALITY YOU CAN RELY ON

Successful applicants will have the following attributes to be able to hit the ground running: • No less than 12 month dairy farming experience • Good work ethic • Positive and ability to work as part of a team • General farm duties from milking, stock work, fencing, weed control etc.

There is an excellent 4-bedroom house available on the farm, close to the Culverden township, which has an Area primary and secondary school.

For more details please phone James Mancer on 021 308 760 or email your applications to james.mancer@taratahi.ac.nz

Please apply in writing enclosing your CV by 25th May to: Richard Boyle, Pahau Downs, RD2 Culverden, North Canterbury 7392

Assistant Manager / 2 IC Fixed Term

LK0102169©

Any enquiries regarding the position contact: Graham Sidey 027 572 7189.

0101788

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

63.57x120

JOBS BOARD FW Jobs Board

Assistant Manager Assistant Production Manager Contract Milker Dairy Support Manager Farm Assistant Farm Manager Fencer / General Herd Manager Livestock Representative Manager Stud Stock Manager

For more details please phone James Mancer on 021 308 760 or email your applications to james.mancer@taratahi.ac.nz

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

$4400

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

11.5HP Briggs & Stratton Motor.

Industrial. Electric start.

$4200

GST INCLUSIVE

GST INCLUSIVE

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

To find out more visit www.moamaster.co.nz

Phone 027 367 6247 • Email: info@moamaster.co.nz Under Woolshed/Covered Yards Cleaning Specialist www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS We also clean out and remetal cattle yards – Call Us! FROM THIS

!

ACK

B N ’REORKINGA I E W W AP R

IRA NOW WA

Nominate a school on booking and we’ll donate $100 on payment of your account.

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Successful applicants will have the following attributes to be able to hit the ground running: • No less than 3 years dairy farming experience • Provide effective leadership to the farm as 2 IC and ability to work as part of a team and manage the farm in the Farm Manager’s absence • Experience in the operation, maintenance and use of tractors, machinery and equipment • Milk harvesting and quality management • Calving and calf rearing • Knowledge and good practice of health and safety

LK0102130©

Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre’s Masterton Dairy Unit runs 550 cows on 224ha and is supported by good facilities, including a 46 aside HB shed.

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

LK0102193©

The manager will need an excellent range of skills both stock and arable, be able to maximise the production on the recently developed farm. They must be able to organise staff, be confident with setting and working within an agreed budget, and have good reporting and communication skills.

13.5HP. Briggs & Stratton Motor. Electric start.

1.2m cut

✁

Pahau Downs is 2170ha farm carrying 12,500su.

Made up of Romney ewes, Angus cows.

LK0102131©

Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre’s Masterton Dairy Unit runs 550 cows on 224ha and is supported by good facilities, including a 46 aside HB shed.

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Pahau Downs, North Canterbury Hill Country Breeding & Finishing Property

AG JOBS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

General Farm Assistant Fixed Term

TO THAT

Phone Scott Newman Freephone 0800 2SCOTTY (0800 27 26 88) Mobile 027 26 26 27 2

LK0101448©

MANAGER

Noticeboard

New Zealand’s Number 1 service provider for under woolshed and covered yard cleaning since 2004

*FREE upload to Farmers Weekly jobs: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

NEED

STAFF?

0800 85 25 80

Livestock Representative TE PUKE/TAURANGA

Due to a retirement, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Livestock Representative to join our strong and professional Bay of Plenty team!

You will be part of a strong, supportive team and focus on servicing dairy and sheep and cattle clients, managing both existing loyal clients and new business.

For more information on this opportunity, please contact Simon Rouse on 027 492 4805.

Apply now or to find out more: https://careers.pggwrightson.co.nz/search and enter reference number 13522 FARWEE.

www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

Hopkins Farming Group - Tahuna Farm

HD Vet Crush with Squeeze

Dairy Support Manager Required

$16,340 +GST Fully Optioned

$14,340

HFG consists of 10 dairy farms and 3 support farms in the greater Manawatu. We have a Farm Manager position available at Tahuna, near Bulls. Tahuna is 366ha with 230ha irrigated via 4 pivot irrigators. Excellent cattle yards with integrated technology. Support staff are provided in the peak months.

+�ST

The Manager will be responsible for: • Executing the farm plan • Record keeping and reporting weekly • Animal welfare and management • Pasture management and feed budgets • Intensive feed management • Irrigator management • Health & Safety • Planning and communication

“...� g��� �h�n��� ”

Ro� Le�

A tidy 3-bedroom house is available with schooling nearby in Bulls. 20 minutes to Feilding, 30 minutes to Palmerston North.

Competitive remuneration available.

All applicants must have NZ residency or valid work visa.

Apply with your CV & cover letter to: finance@hopkinsfarming.co.nz Applications close Sunday 10th May 2020

LK0102081©

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

LK0100828©

*conditions apply

We have chosen not to take part in Fieldays Online but instead offer discounts to you for an extended period of time.

Keep an eye on our website for a new page dedicated to NZ Field Days discounts and new video material.

Purchase the Standard Unit + one extra over $650 and get a $400 discount.

“B����i�n�.”

WE ARE THE SOLUTION

E�e�n�� G����h�u��

You’re reading the Farmers Weekly and so are the people you want to employ.

GET IN TOUCH Debbie 06 323 0765, classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

™

0800 227 228 www.combiclamp.co.nz

South Island - Stuart 027 435 3062

Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 4, 2020

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

0800 436 566

SELLING

SOMETHING? 0800 85 25 80

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

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

ZON BIRDSCARER

DE HORNER

Phone: +64 6 357 2454 HOOF TRIMMER

LK0102199©

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz

EARMARKERS

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER 12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

ANIMAL HANDLING

ATTENTION FARMERS

ATTENTION FARMERS

FLY OR LICE problem?

Electrodip – the magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides.

Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness.

Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t r o d i p . c o m

FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT Only $6.00 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 brianmace@xtra.co.nz

DAGS .25c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks.

PV Weber Wools.

Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

PLANNING A HOLIDAY? We are ex farmers and owner/operators of an EcoTourism Business proving both accommodation and guided tours in the Catlins. Our season is mid SeptemberMay. We are available from June-August to look after your house/farm/retreat while you’re away. You’ll know your property is safe, all the animals are fed and we’ll treat your house like we would ours. Phone Lyndon and Gill. Phone 03 415 8613

CRAIGCO SHEEP JETTERS. Sensor Jet. Deal to fly and Lice now. Guaranteed performance.

Unbeatable pricing.

Phone 06 835 6863. www.craigcojetters.com BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Debbie Brown on 0800 85 25 80.

THI N K PRE BU IL T

Phone 027 367 6247 Email: info@moamaster.co.nz

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

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

33

DOGS WANTED

GRAZING WANTED

LEASE LAND WANTED

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

NORTH ISLAND. Gisborne or Wairoa area preferred.

Beef cattle or sheep.

Excellent rates paid.

Flexible time-frame. Phone 021 228 4238 or 06 873 3696.

SHEEP / BEEF, breeding or finishing. Experienced operators.

Guaranteed regular income from a trusted company who will add value to your property.

Phone 021 228 4238 or 06 873 3696.

GOATS WANTED

FERAL GOATS WANTED. All head counted, payment on pick-up, pick-up within 24 hours. Prices based on works schedule.

Experienced musterers available.

Phone Bill and Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916.

GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds.

Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten.

Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

GOATS. 40 YEARS experience mustering feral cattle and feral goats anywhere in NZ. 50% owner (no costs).

50% musterer (all costs).

Phone Kerry Coulter 027 494 4194.

NAKI GOATS. Trucking goats to the works every week throughout the NI. Phone Michael and Clarice.

027 643 0403.

Our homes are built using the same materials & quality as an onsite build.

Easily transported to almost anywhere in the North Island. Plans range from one bedroom to four bedroom First Home – Farm House Investment – Beach Bach

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

HUNTING ACCESS WANTED MID NORTH ISLAND. Retired farmer looking for somewhere to hunt at rear of farm/station bordering bush.

Would consider buying part of it. Contact Warren 022 687 3164.

LEASE LAND WANTED WITHIN HALF HOUR of Pleasant Point. Suit cattle.

All options considered.

Phone 027 211 5669.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556.

70 RISING 2YR Friesian / Hereford x heifers. VIC to LBW Angus Bulls. 10th August calving. Sell any number. Phone 06 756 5867.

PUMPS HIGH PRESSURE WATER PUMPS, suitable on high headlifts.

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

FO SALR E

NOTICEBOARD ADVERTISING

LK0102083©

LK0102194©

SOLID – PRACTICAL WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

To find out more visit

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.

ONE 5-MONTH Huntaway.

Beautiful bark. Excellent type. Very good breeding.

ONE 14-MONTH Huntaway dog, needs work. Phone 027 243 8541.

SELLING AND BUYING. Delivering NZ wide May 30th. Trial. www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553.

NEW HOMES

www.moamaster.co.nz

CONTRACTORS

DOGS FOR SALE

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

GST Special Price $4200 INCLUSIVE Very limited stock

BRIDLES STATION TYPES. Heavy NZ leather. Hand sown.

Breast plate. Leg straps.

Hobbles. Crupper, etc.

Phone Otairi Station. 06 322 8433.

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

Phone Mark 0800 478 729 or (07) 883 2751 or Tracey 027 554 1841

Have something to sell?

Advertise in Farmers Weekly Phone Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Livestock Noticeboard

Brooklands & Hillview Simmentals Bulls for Sale by Private Treaty Herd Established 1972

NEED TO MOOOVE SOME STOCK?

Farmers choose us first for news, opinion, analysis, market updates and even their own livestock advertising.

Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

For more contact: Hannah Gudsell 06 323 0761 or 027 602 4925 livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Phone HANNAH 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising

2537FW BULL SALES

Inquiries and Inspection Always Welcome Colin and Catherine Hutching Phone 06 374 1802 Karl & Louise Humphreys 06 374 1786

farmers weekly hits 78,039 Rural letterboxes

34

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 4, 2020

Est 1993

Mixed-aged cattle for sale

Hewitt_BB_2300x750@20%.indd 1

1/11/19 11:44 AM

"Maximising your return through personal livestock management"

1. Purebred Wagyu Weaner Steers – Sired by full-blood bulls

3. Pure Bred Wagyu Bulls 18 months old

Ph: Michael 021 635 021 wagyupurebrednz@hotmail.com Albany, New Zealand wagyu pure bred nz

LK0101866©

2. Vetted in Calf Wagyu Heifers, (1st Calvers) _______________________________

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING PHONE HANNAH 0800 85 25 80

ANNUAL FEMALE PRODUCTION SALE • Lines of quality, in-calf Hereford cows • Farmed on Hunterville hill-country as part of the Ardo Hereford stud

byllivestock.co.nz

07 823 4559

byllivestock

• All mated to Ardo stud Hereford bulls from December 1 to January 25

• Closed herd, C10, vaccinated annually for BVD, 7-in-1 and Rotovirus

Storth Oaks Angus “Genetics still available” 2020 on farm & bidr simultaniously streamed Annual Sale NOTE: We hope to have a normal on-farm auction which will be run simultaniously on Bidr for those that cant/wont travel but if we are still in stage 4 it would be all electronic.

Tim & Kelly Brittain 524 Paewhenua Rd,RD 2, Otorohanga. 3972 Phone: 07 873 2816 Mob: 02756 935 387 Email: tim@storthoaks.co.nz www.storthoaks.co.nz facebook.com/storthoaksangus

storthoaks

twitter@storthoaksangus

BULL SALE RESULTS 2020

William Morrison – 027 640 1166 Maurice Stewart, PGGW – 027 246 9255

www.morrisonfarming.co.nz

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING Have you got a bull sale coming up?

Advertise in Farmers Weekly To advertise Phone HANNAH GUDSELL 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Farmers Weekly will be sending the autumn bull sale results e-newsletter from May 2020.

Contact Hannah on 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or livestock@globalhq.co.nz to sign up or include your sale results and receive weekly updates.

GET IN TOUCH TODAY. farmersweekly.co.nz

LK0102082©

• 40 unmated R-2-year Hereford heifers also available

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 4, 2020

STOCK FOR SALE

RANUI BULL SALE

140 R3-8YR ANG HERE & SIM X COWS VIC Sim BULL 15th Nov - Hen Hereford 30 R3YR Top Class ANG HEIFERS 600kg VIC

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Sale e-books available now

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

Contact Lindsay or Maria Johnstone today 027 445 3211 or 027 610 5348

at Kairuru, Reporoa (m

26th March a 28 R2YR BULLS FREE DELIVERY

GET THE WHITEFACE ADVANTAGE

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

GETTING MORE MONEY BY INCREASING YOUR PERFORMANCE, YIELD AND CARCASS WEIGHT IS A REAL PREMIUM. A FEW MORE CENTS ’S IT M IU EM R P A Y LL EA R ’T N IS O PER KIL AN ILLUSION!

ranuiangus.co.nz

Sale Day - 2nd June

Otapawa will be hosting Open Paddock Sales this year, due to Covid restrictions. We welcome you to view and purchase the Bulls direct from the Paddock.

Bulls are available for viewing and purchase anytime.

Stuart 027 8484408

ON FARM

LK0102092©

Bull viewing available for the month of May - by appointment only.

SINCE 1979

29TH ANNUAL SALE JUNE 3 AT 1PM

(ANG Due 01/08)

ON THURSDAY 4TH JUNE*

•

POLLED HEREFORDS

70 R4-6YR Top ANG COWS VIC ANG 15 Nov R2YR FRSN HERE STEERS 350-450kg R2YR FRSN BULLS 300-400kg 180 R1YR Oct Born ANG HEIFERS 165kg

40TH SALE

35

KAIRURU

CAPITAL STOCK COWS (due to drought)

JOIN US FOR OUR

•

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

Douglas 027 9197150

Or your Agent

M IU M E R P IS A L O R A H C E H T GET 13 in-calf R2yr heifers 13 C heifer LAIS HAROcalves

Hill Country Cattle Thriving in any Environment

otapawa@xtra.co.nz

www.otapawa.co.nz

Auahi Charolais

Est. 1981

Pio Pio

rces

#morebeeflessresou Registered Polled Herefords #begreengowhite #whenkilosmatter #weightpays #yieldpays

Henderson Partners

KEVIN & JANE McDONALD

07 333 8068

Offering 31 good quality polled & horned Bulls

Contact: PGG Wrightson Agent Karl Swanson 027 202 0865 or John Henderson 07 873 8477 / 027 633 1776

LK0102195©

B.V.D tested clear & vaccinated twice Open for inspection to suit Sale criteria to be finalised

• Improve the performance of your bottom end cows.

• Get the free effects of hybrid vigour.

• Get the significant advantage of a Charolais cross heifer compared to a straight British bred.

• Get your cattle away quicker at bigger weights meaning less impact on the environment.

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NEW ZEALAND Inc

Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

www.charolais.net.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz

P. O Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740 P:06 323 4494 E: charolais@pbbnz.com

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

Livestock Noticeboard

NEED TO MOOOVE SOME STOCK?

On Farm Sale Monday, 18th May 2020 - 1.30pm

KAIMOA

1775 MANGAONE VALLEY ROAD EKETAHUNA

Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

Mark, Anthony and Di Eagle ‘Chessfield’ 1775 Mangaone Valley Rd Eketahuna p: 06 376 8256 e: eagleeketahuna@xtra.co.nz

Phone HANNAH 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Kaimoa South Devons have pleasure in putting forward 22 Bulls in 2020 We are committed to producing meaty bulls with good frame, constitution and temperament.

With clients’ needs in mind we have sourced new genetics from overseas to maintain the highest qualities in our bulls.

Looking for a Beef Shorthorn?

Check them out Raupuha

Mahoenui Bulls - Private Sales Incalf Heifer Sale Bidr, 29th May 07 877 8977 - Russell

CALL HANNAH 0800 85 25 80

Longview

Kerikeri Bull and Incalf Heifer Sale 22nd May, 11.30 09 401 9633 - Shane & Dot

Glenrossie

Whangarei Heads Sale June 28th, 1pm 09 434 0987 - David 09 434 0718 -Will

Lochburn

Taupiri Private Sales 07 824 6751 - Kelvin

Aubrey

Waitomo Private Sale 07 873 6968 - Ron

Carnegie

Waiuku Private Sales 021 031 3091

Roscliff

Te Awamutu Private Sales 027 211 1112 - Ross

Mangaotuku

Stratford Private Sales 06 765 7269 - Jack

Colvend

Ongarue Sale 26th May, 3.30 07 894 6030 - Alan

Te Kohanui

Marton Private Sales 06 327 8185 - Alan

Hiwiroa Sale

Woodcall

Hinewaka Sale

Takaka Private Sales 021 556 806 - Bill

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

Turiwhate

Waikari Private Sales 027 233 3678 - Chris

Glenbrook Station

Carriganes Cattle

Omarama Private Sales 021 285 9303 - Simon

Tuatapere Private Sales 03 226 6713 - Anita

Glenfern

Tokanui Private Sales 06 327 8185 - Alan

Waipukurau Sale to be announced 06 858 5369 - Jim 06 855 4737 - Nick

Dunblane

Kumara Private Sales 027 379 8167 - Chris

Westwood

Katikati Bull and Incalf Heifer Sale Private Sales 07 552 0815 - Ken 021 520 244 - Craig

Browns

Waitara Private Sales 06 754 6699 - Roger Whangamomona Private Sales 06 762 3520 - Aaron

Orena

Morrinsville Private Sales 07 889 5965 - Hamish

Bullock Creek

Mill Valley

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 4, 2020

Dunsandel Private Sales 022 470 2447 - Sarah

Rough Ridge

Ranfurly Sale May 15th, 11am 03 444 9277 - Malcolm

Maerewhenua

Oamaru Private Sales 03 431 2871 - Norman

Using a n bull in Shorthor ing ss-breed your cro l increase wil program ne up to bottom li 20%

Glendhu

Heriot Sale May 19th, 11am 027 497 8104 - Fraser

Renowned for great marbling producing top quality meat Keep an eye out on our facebook and website for updates

CLEARING SALE On farm supported by live online bidding

HIGH INDEXED CROSSBRED GENETICS On Account of: JUST ONCE MORE LIMITED Shaun & Kelly Bicknell 169 Horomanga Road, RD 1, Murupara.

DN 22290 Tuesday 12th May 2020 - 12 Noon Sale to be held on farm and live online at mylivestock.co.nz After 40 years of LIC Breeding the Bicknell Family are selling their entire herd and young stock.

Consisting of 240 Cows BW 150 PW 210 RA 100% (BW’s up to 268, PW’s up to 550) 57 x R2 Yr Heifers BW 194 PW 207 70 x R1 Yr Heifers BW 209 PW 225 Cows 1, 2, 110, 210 are carrying contract matings.

210 & 1 being Dam & Daughter R2 Yr Heifers 18-221, 298 are carrying contract matings R1 Yr Heifer 19-104 (BW 290 PW 314) to be contract mated.

PRODUCTION: The Herd consistently produces 400kg ms/cow being milked OAD all season on a system 2 - 3.

MATING: DTC 12/7/20 for 3 ½ weeks to LIC Frs, Crossbred & Jsy. Tailed with Hfd Bull. 65% Incalf to AI. Expected calf BW 217.

R2 Yr Heifers DTC 12/7/20 with 60% incalf to AI Jsy. Expected calf BW 243. Tailed with Crossbred Recorded Bulls.

ANIMAL HEALTH: TB C10, Lepto Vaccinated, M. Bovis undetected.

Herd has been blanket treated with Cepravin.

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: NZ Farmers Livestock are privileged to offer this very well bred G3 Profiled Herd and young stock for auction. A2A2 results Herd 48%, R2yr 50%, R1yr 57%. Current av weights R2yr 420kg, R1yr 215kg. The Herd will come forward in good condition and offers buyers a good selection of crossbred genetics.

PAYMENT & DELIVERY: Payment 14 days. Delivery within 3 days of sale unless prior arrangements.

View Listing on mylivestock.co.nz WAI 81017

www.s h or tho r n.c o .nz

Further enquiries: Agent: Michael Conwell 027 226 1611 Vendor: Shaun Bicknell 027 221 1977

LK0102150©

36

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 4, 2020

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

37

SALE TALK Winners of the Steak of Origin 2018

A taxi passenger tapped the driver on the shoulder to ask him a question. The driver screamed, lost control of

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

PROFIT-A-BULL EXCELLENCE

the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the footpath, and Jon Knauf

80

SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY

PREDOM INANTLY POLL PERFORMED AN BULLS CE

by Tuesday, 19th May 2020 Please contact asap for requirements

“Where Performance Meats Phenotype” CONTACT: for catalogue

Jon Knauf 06 838 6793 E: jsknauf@gisborne.net.nz

Phil Transom 0274 420 060 PGG Wrightson

Ross Mitchell 0274 048 965 Fergus Rural

stopped inches from a shop window. Everything was quiet until the driver said, “Don’t ever do that again. You scared the living daylights out of me!” The passenger apologised and said, “I didn’t realise a tap would scare you so much.” The driver replied, “Sorry, it’s not your fault. It’s my first day as a cab driver, I’ve driven a funeral van for the last 25 years.”

OPAWA SIMMENTALS ANNUAL ON FARM BULL & HEIFER SALE

DAIRIES FOR SALE Extremely Good Value Deals 80 Fsn/FsnX A2A2 Cows BW98 PW107 RA100% DTC 29/7 to AB, System 3. 490kg/ms. $1775 Grant McIlroy 027 345 9262 Ref: DH1790

Wednesday night – North Island Thursday night – South Island

FEATURE AUCTIONS Tuesday, 5 May 2020 1.00 pm Carnmor Jerseys Complete Dispersal Sale – 1st Run 7.30 pm Dedicated AngusPure Cattle Sale Wednesday, 6 May 2020 12.00 pm PGG Wrightson King Country in-calf cow & heifer fair 3.00 pm Carnmor Jerseys Complete Dispersal Sale – 2nd Run Thursday, 7 May 2020 1.00 pm Carnmor Jerseys Complete Dispersal Sale – 3rd Run 8.00 pm Alpha Burn Station Hereford Calf Sale Friday, 8 May 2020 1.00 pm Carnmor Jerseys Complete Dispersal Sale – 4th Run For further information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR

Polled Herefords

50th ANNUAL BULL SALE Thursday 14 May 2020, 3pm Online Auction – bidr.co.nz Contact us to arrange pre-sale inspection

Closed Herd No trading cattle Approximately 30 two-year old bulls

HAVE A SALE COMING UP? Call HANNAH 0800 85 25 80 livestock@globalhq.co.nz

30 Xbred Content BW142 PW186 RA96% DTC 25/7 to LIC, all xbred from herd, System 2 Very tidy young cows. $1690 Pat Sheely 027 496 0153 Ref: DR1758 44 Autumn Calves C/Overs BW109 PW136 Fsn/FsnX, DTC 13/4 to Hfd. $1200 Richard Baird 027 407 0562 Ref: DCO948

Enquiries: Vendors - David & Jayne Timperley 03 685 5785 or 0274 375 881 Simon Eddington - PGG Wrightson 027 590 8612 Sam Bell - PGG Wrightson 027 204 0499

Visit our Website for the best selection available

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Helping grow the country

King Country BULL BREEDERS OPEN DAY AND BULL SALE WEEK We are working with our agents to bring our valued clients the best possible options for the upcoming season - please contact your stud breeder or stock agent for advice as listed below.

OKAHU

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

30 Xbred I/C Hfrs BW135 PW177 DTC 29/7 to Jsy, G3 DNA profiled. $900 Hamish Manthel 027 432 0298 Ref: DR1819

300 Xbred Herd BW117 PW153 RA92% DTC 26/7 to LIC, tough hard-working cows Computer split from 600 herd. $1500 Ben Deroles 027 702 4196 Ref: DH1378

260 Rutherford Road, Albury South Canterbury Friday 15th May 2020 Commencing 1.30pm Inspection from 12 noon • 19 2 Yr Simmental Bulls • 54 2 Yr Simmental/Hereford x Heifers • PTIC low birth weight Hereford Bulls13/11/19 (2 cycles) • TB C10 We will continue with our sale provided we have gone to level 2 for Covid 19.

If level 3 is extended we will run our sale on Friday 29th May 2020 at the same times as above.

Signposted from Albury Township

LK0101440©

WEEKLY AUCTIONS

If you’ve got a joke you want to share with the Farming community (it must be something you’d share with your grandmother...) then email us at: saletalk@globalhq.co.nz with Sale Talk in the subject line and we’ll print it and credit it to you.

Conditions apply

50 C/over Jsy/JsyX Cows BW174 PW191 DTC 10/7 to ID Jsy, owner bred, 400ms. $1350 Kelly Higgins 027 600 2374 Ref: DCO1818

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

Here at Farmers Weekly we get some pretty funny contributions to our Sale Talk joke from you avid readers, and we’re keen to hear more!

BVD clear & vaccinated – TB status C10 Semen tested – 2 x Covexin 10 Contact: Kelly O’Neill 06 385 4558 Callum Stewart, National Genetics Manager, PGG Wrightson 027 280 2688 Ken Roberts, PGG Wrightson Livestock Representative 0275 918 042

Hingaia Angus Richard & Andrew Jolly 027 499 7159

Raupuha Shorthorns Russell & Mavis Proffit 027 355 2927

Storth Oaks Angus Tim & Kelly Brittain 027 593 5387

Kaha Speckle Parks Katherine Robertson 021 525 723

Kia Toa Charolais Paul & Claire Grainger 027 209 1959

Tarangower Angus Rob & Nikki Purdie 07 877 8935

Potawa Simmentals Andrew & Tracey Neal 027 366 5514

Rockend Herefords Peter & Kirsty McCormick 07 877 7897

Iona Angus Bruce & Audrey Bevege 07 877 7541

Ipurua South Devons Peter & Caroline Foss 07 877 7881

Colvend Shorthorns & Angus Alan and Val Park 07 894 6030

Shian Angus Brian, Sharon, Rob & Tracy Sherson, 07 895 7686

Blackridge Angus Dean & Teresa Sherson 027 690 2030

Pukenui Angus Alan & Cathy Donaldson 07 896 6714

Cam Heggie, 027 501 8182 Kevin Mortenson, 027 473 5858

Brent Bougen, 027 210 4698

Okahu Herefords are run under natural conditions at an altitude of 2000 feet and over, near Mt Ruapehu. Our aim is to breed hardy, heavy muscled, good hindquartered cattle for the beef market, which can compete with sheep on the hills.

Kelly O’Neill – 7425 Valley Road, RD6, Raetihi 4696

OKAHU – Over 100 years of breeding Herefords

Alan Hiscox, 027 442 8434

MARKET SNAPSHOT

38

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Graham Johnson

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

4.85

4.85

5.45

NI lamb (17kg)

6.50

6.50

7.30

NI Stag (60kg)

7.00

7.00

9.00

NI Bull (300kg)

4.85

4.85

5.15

NI mutton (20kg)

4.50

4.50

5.05

SI Stag (60kg)

7.00

7.00

9.00

NI Cow (200kg)

3.25

3.25

4.00

SI lamb (17kg)

6.30

6.30

6.95

SI Steer (300kg)

4.40

4.40

5.05

SI mutton (20kg)

4.00

4.05

4.85

SI Bull (300kg)

4.35

4.35

4.90

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

2.90

2.90

3.40

UK CKT lamb leg

10.35

10.34

9.38

US imported 95CL bull

8.28

8.00

7.86

US domestic 90CL cow

9.29

9.17

7.37

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

South Island lamb slaughter price

$/kg CW

7.0

Jun

2018-19

Dairy

Aug 2019-20

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Prior week

Last year

-

-

2.96

Jan-20 Sept. 2021

2600

SMP

2500

2500

2380

AMF

4100

4050

4200

Butter

4175

4175

3825

Milk Price

7.20

7.20

7.22

787

787

833

Top 10 by Market Cap

410 400

380

Mar-19

May-19

Jul-19

Sep-19

Nov-19

Jan-20

Mar-20

420 410 400 390

370

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Mar-19

Company

Close

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

27.39

32.22

21.1

The a2 Milk Company Limited

19.63

20.33

13.8

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.49

5.8

3.61

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.09

9.21

4.26

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.44

4.93

3.445

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

4.565

5.62

3.595

Ryman Healthcare Limited

12.11

17.18

6.61

Port of Tauranga Limited

6.73

8.08

4.9

Contact Energy Limited

6.29

7.74

4.54

Mainfreight Limited

36.5

43.99

24

Listed Agri Shares

May-19

Jul-19

Sep-19

Nov-19

Jan-20

Mar-20

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

YTD Low

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

Close

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

19.63

20.33

13.8

Comvita Limited

3.55

3.65

1.66

Delegat Group Limited

9.9

12.1

6.39

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.67

4.06

3.62

Foley Wines Limited

1.65

1.91

1.35

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.7

0.82

0.7

0.198

0.21

0.191 1.29

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

380

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

321

DAP

$/tonne

2715

625

314

-

vs 4 weeks ago

2525

567

314

-

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

WMP

567

-

Mar-20

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

Urea

30 micron lamb

390

Prior week

Aug 2019-20

Last year

-

$/tonne

6.25

Last price*

Jun

Prior week

-

420

Nov-19

Apr 2018-19

Last week

-

7.25 6.75

NZ average (NZ$/t)

37 micron ewe

430

Nearby contract

Last week

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Jul-19 Sep-19 Sept. 2020

Feb

FERTILISER

Super

7.75

May-19

Dec

Fertiliser

Aug 2019-20

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

5.75

Oct

5-yr ave

Coarse xbred ind.

5-yr ave

8.5

6.5

(NZ$/kg)

Apr

9.5

7.5

8.0

WOOL

5.00 4.50

$/kg MS

$/kg CW

$/kg CW $/kg CW

5.50

Feb

South Island stag slaughter price

10.5

5.0

Dec

8.5

6.0

South Island steer slaughter price

Oct

9.5

11.5

6.00

4.00

10.5

6.5

9.0

6.50

Last year

North Island stag slaughter price

11.5

7.0

5.50

4.50

Last week Prior week

7.5

5.0

5.00

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

8.0

6.0

6.00

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.95

2.3

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.65

2.74

1.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.98

8.2

5.55

Scales Corporation Limited

4.87

5.17

3.3

SeaDragon Limited

0.043

0.205

0.001

Seeka Limited

4.35

4.74

3.4

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

6.86

9.1

4.36

2700

500

2650

400

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

2600

S&P/NZX 50 Index

10532

12073

8499

300

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11070

12096

9100

$/tonne

US$/t

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price 6.50

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

2550 2500 2450 May

T&G Global Limited

Aug

Sep 4 weeks ago

Oct

2.93

2.35

16941

12699

200 100

Jun Jul Latest price

2.68 16148

0

Mar-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

May-19

Jul-19

Sep-19

Nov-19

Jan-20

Mar-20

16148

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

10532

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

11070

39

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER STAG ( $/KG)

7.00

SI SLAUGHTER COW ( $/KG)

2.90

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

6.50

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview It’s hopefully a helpful week for drought zones with some wet weather yesterday and more showers this week. And there’s some chance of showers this coming weekend though they aren’t locked in. Generally speaking, we’re seeing some helpful follow-up wet weather after another dry and mild stretch for many places. The southerly change this week peaks tomorrow over the South Island. It becomes cold in the North Island overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday with temperatures dropping more than 10C in some southern regions and 4C to 6C in the north. High pressure mid to late week means frosts are possible. This weekend a sub-tropical low might bring wet weather to the north.

PULSE INGRID USHERWOOD

30/04/2020

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Wind

GONE: A full clearance was made at the Frankton live and online cattle sale.

All cattle sold at Frankton sale THE last month has been a momentous time throughout the world and will become a period of historical significance in future but for most industries it has been a disruptive and challenging beast.

New Zealand Farmers Livestock met the tumultuous conditions head on with its first hybrid live auction at the Frankton sale yards on Wednesday.

Some vendors might have been apprehensive heading into the sale but any fears were quickly extinguished with spirited bidding from the outset.

Vendors were prepared to meet the market and a full clearance was achieved, giving relief to those needing to lighten the load at home.

Local entries were boosted by a reasonable portion from Rotorua and local buyers were joined by online bidders, including a number from Taranaki who were keen to get in on the action.

The last sale at Frankton was just over a month ago and much has happened in that time.

Cattle have continued to trade, largely through paddock sales and at stifled levels.

The market has softened because of the combination of global and local influences and when comparisons are made between the last two sales that is reflected.

R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 399410kg, softened 25-30c/kg on average to trade at $2.27-$2.30/kg while heifers, 400-413kg, returned $2.03-$2.04/kg, which is in line with recent paddock sale results. Weaner dairy-beef steers were discounted $100-$200 a head for most as 208-261kg earned $450-$660 while the heifers, 198-200kg, eased $50-$75 to $390-$470.

Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls were the exception as they lifted on March levels. A line of 17, 129kg, made $500.

Boner cows made up 46% of the offering and most sold to good levels.

Empty Friesian cows, 375-456kg, softened 5-10c/kg to $1.14-$1.21/kg while 467-517kg held at $1.24-$1.30/ kg. In-calf boner cows were wellpresented and Friesian, 476-578kg, traded at $1.23-$1.32/kg.

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature

Windy southerly quarter winds kick in early this week but ease again mid to late week as high pressure rolls in. With this possible sub-tropical low near NZ from Friday and through the weekend winds might turn easterly for some.

This week kicks off colder than average and mid to late week the days will warm up but the nights might go the other direction with clear, calm skies. Potentially a little milder overall this weekend.

14-day outlook

Cold weather spreading over NZ from Monday to Wednesday is the main feature of this week followed by mid to late week frosts. The seven-day rainfall accumulation maps are autoupdated at farmersweekly. co.nz/weather.

7-day rainfall 7-DAY RAINforecast MAP

A typical autumn pattern is here with real mixes in warm and cold air. This week is dominated by a cold change that fades mid week as high pressure expands over NZ. This will lock in the cold and could make for heavier frosts in sheltered areas. However, milder winds might return for some by the weekend and the subtropics might produce another rainmaker on Sunday or Monday but more high pressure and westerlies might be following.

Best rain chances in the next seven days will be mainly over the first three days of this week with today and tomorrow especially showery then Wednesday sees showers move mainly into the eastern North Island. High pressure dries things out again later this week but this weekend a subtropical low has the chance of brushing northern New Zealand and lingering into early next week but it’s not locked in with a chance it could remain mostly at sea.

Weather brought to you in partnership with weatherwatch.co.nz

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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.

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

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Markets

40 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 4, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER BULL

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER STEER

($/KG)

($/KG)

R2 HEREFORD-FRIESIAN HEIFERS, 368KG AVERAGE, AT FRANKTON

($/KG)

($/KG LW)

6.50

4.40

2.05

235-280kg, at PW&A MacKenzie Calf Sale

Feed grain on offer

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Live auctions bring some sale yards back to life

Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

A

RABLE farmers have had one of the better harvest seasons for some time and grain for feed is available.

The latest Arable Industry Marketing Initiative report shows yields for the 2020 harvest are up 16% on 2019.

Federated Farmers grains vicechairman Brian Leadley said the high yields in a difficult season are encouraging and a credit to arable farmers.

Particularly encouraging is the fact fewer hectares were planted this season than last, 98,000ha versus 104,000ha, yet yields were up substantially at 873,080 compared to 796,700 in 2019.

“This is despite a severe early season hailstorm, flooding in some regions and some pretty variable weather.

“It just highlights that our arable farmers are world class,” Leadley said.

Some caution is needed when comparing the 2020 harvest with 2019 given last year was a pretty poor harvest.

“But when you get results such as a 17.7% increase in feed wheat despite a 6% decrease in hectares planted and a 31% increase in harvested milled wheat from only a 13% increase in hectares planted that’s really pleasing.”

There is demand for locally produced milling wheat and the quarterly survey shows growers have responded with a greater area of milling wheat being planted for next season’s harvest “I think there is also a recognition from growers that many modern milling varieties are performing well in their rotation and this is supported by the good lift in yields seen this season.”

The survey gives a broad indication of farmers’ autumn planting intentions.

Intentions on April 1 showed feed wheat and feed barley plantings are going to be down on previous years.

But milling wheat, milling oats and malting barley are likely to increase.

Leadley acknowledged the feed

YIELDS UP: Federated Farmers grains spokesman Brian Leadley says the silos are full and feed grain is available.

Photo: Annette Scott

There are willing buyers in the market and we expect that most uncontracted feed wheat and barley will find a home.

Brian Leadley Federated Farmers shortage being faced by many livestock farmers comes with the double hit of drought and meat plant processing delays.

With good stocks in the silos growers are confident they are in a position to supply good volumes of feed grains.

Feed wheat and barley is a nutritious supplementary feed option heading into winter and spring but needs careful management to prevent acidosis.

Leadley urged livestock farmers to talk to their vet or advisers about feeding grain.

“There are willing buyers in the market and we expect that the 118,000 tonnes of uncontracted feed wheat and 126,000 tonnes of feed barley will find a home.”

Arable farmers report grain has been selling since the survey was done so there will now be less uncontracted stocks available.

The Ministry for Primary Industries and partner agencies DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb, AgFirst and Federated Farmers are offering free feed-planning support to farmers and livestock owners in all parts of the country.

“This is not just about the now but also future options and ongoing support,” Leadley said.

MORE: FEED ADVICE

Eight basic facts

IN YET another week of firsts some sale yards came alive with the sound of cattle and auctioneers calling for bids and if I closed my eyes while I sat at my computer watching a livestream I could transport myself back to those rostrums.

The shift to alert level three means livestock sales are permitted though public cannot attend and New Zealand Farmers Livestock took advantage of the change, though under strict conditions around social distancing and hygiene protocols. Implementing live-stream technology at Frankton and Stratford it brought cattle sales held in a traditional fashion into the virtual world and while a limited number of buyers were in attendance the on-line bidding capabilities meant others participated from the comfort of their own homes.

NZ Farmers Livestock general manager Bill Sweeney said it was a huge week for the team but one that was deemed a success that they are very proud of. “It was a big learning week and with only two sales under our belt there is still plenty of room for improvement. We made a few changes after the Frankton sale on Wednesday based on feedback we received both internally and externally and will again review the system and operations following Stratford’s sale last Thursday. But, all in all, we believe the process works well and meets our objective of adding benefit to both vendors and purchasers.”

Sales at Frankton and Stratford will now be regular events in this format and the live-stream gates will also open at Te Kuiti and Morrinsville as the firm’s live-stream capabilities expand to those rostrums.

The step closer to having sale yards back in action could not have come at a better time for farmers as many areas continue to battle drought as well as delays at the processors. With supplementary feed scarce farmers needed an avenue they understand well to offload their stock and the live-stream sales have essentially re-opened some of the sale yards. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

P3

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Regarding whether granulating RPR is a good idea to meet the 2025 water quality limits

1.

The overuse of soluble P is by far the largest cause of P run-off and leaching, and the decline in the quality of Kiwi waterways.

4.

It doesn’t meet the obsolete Fertmark 30-minute citric acid solubility test. So what. This test is used nowhere outside NZ. It is obsolete.

2.

True RPRs easily maintain high production as well as soluble P, but are far less susceptible to run-off and leaching.

5.

3.

Quinfert Algerian RPR is the only low-cadmium, internationally recognised true RPR available in New Zealand; available everywhere.

RPR is best used in small-particle form. This ensures that all RPR particles make contact with soil acid, which releases the P into plant-available form in a sustained fashion; you need less lime.

6.

165kg, at Frankton

Making normal-sized granules (4-6mm) out of RPR defeats the purpose of using RPR. Granules

make contact with much less soil acid, so the RPR particles take much longer to dissolve.

7.

If you want to totally minimise dust drift, simply ask for our RPR ‘CM’ (Controlled Moisture RPR), which has 2.5% moisture evenly added.

8.

If you want a wider ground-spread, tell your contractor to optimise his equipment to do this, before his competitors do!

Dr Bert Quin

Ten

For more information email Bert Quin on bert.quin@quinfert.co.nz or phone 021 427 572

www.quinfert.co.nz

Dr Bert Quin

Te

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