Farmers Weekly NZ December 4 2023

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12 SFF warns lamb may fall further Vol 21 No 47, December 4, 2023

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Water in for fresh thinking Neal Wallace

POLITICS

T

Water

HE new coalition government will announce before Christmas the broad changes it intends making to freshwater regulations.

Newly appointed Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay said he has already met with Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and they intend signalling changes to the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management within the next month.

McClay said he has heard from farmers and regional councils that the December 2024 deadline to notify land and water plans is too tight and could result in poor policy.

He has two immediate goals as agriculture minister: to enable farmers to get on with farming and to improve public recognition of the primary sector’s contribution to New Zealand.

Farmers need to have pride once again in what they do, he said.

“They should be proud of what they do, but they have had their heads hung low for a few years and it is my job to change that.

“If you have a strong rural

economy, you have a strong NZ economy.”

McClay also has the key portfolio of trade, a deliberate move by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to recognise the two are interlinked, he said.

As well as reminding the public that 80% of containers leaving NZ contain food and fibre, McClay also wants to highlight the many environmental projects farmers and growers are involved with.

He intends to run the agriculture portfolio as a team, which is why there are three associate ministers of agriculture: Nicola Grigg (National), Mark Patterson (NZ First) and Andrew Hoggard (ACT).

Each will have areas of focus such as horticulture and workforce and training.

That partnership approach is also being adopted as McClay establishes work programme priorities, which he said will focus on the outcome not the process and will not create additional burdens on the sector.

While seeking advice from officials, McClay said he is asking farming leaders what their priorities are.

“We have clearly signalled that while it is the government’s job to make decisions and develop Continued page 3

Buy-in, bushwork build eco corridor Paterangi dairy farmer Don ‘Bush’ Macky and his family have planted more than 10,000 trees and plants as part of the Taiea te Taiao project, which is marking its second anniversary. The project is creating a corridor by planting alongside the Mangapiko Stream and its tributaries.

Photo: DairyNZ

NEWS 4

Emissions impossible The six years Damien O’Connor was minister of agriculture were eventful, to say the least. As he left office after a sound electoral defeat, he reflected on his tenure.

POLITICS 11 LIC says it acted fairly and was as transparent as possible over semen failure.

Wairoa and Gisborne farmers await El Niño as wet weather plagues the region.

Farmers should embrace what can be done, not what can’t, says Ben Anderson.

NEWS 5

NEWS 9

OPINION 17

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News in brief

Contents

Massey cuts

News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Federated Farmers . 20-23 Real Estate . . . . . . . . 24-26 Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Livestock . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . 30-35 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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our pioneering

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Synlait has increased its base milk price forecast for the 2023-24 season from $7.00/ kg MS to $7.25/kg MS. Recovering dairy commodity prices and continued US dollar strength underpin the increase in Synlait’s forecast.

The company cautioned that it is early in the season and confidence in the forecast will strengthen as more product is contracted.

A “new era” for energy in New Zealand is underway, with the country’s largest solar installation now generating electricity.

Lodestone Energy began generating electricity at its farm in Kaitāia in late November.

With more than 61,000 solar panels installed, it is the country’s largest solar installation to date and will generate 55 GWh of power annually.

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Nigel Stirling | 021 136 5570 Journalist nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

Massey University is proposing to make more than 70 staff members redundant, a move the Tertiary Education Union says will impact student training and research for the primary sector.

The natural sciences and food and advanced technology fields will be affected, and the cuts will also mean the axing of the only engineering course in Manawatū. The university is trying to address a projected $50 million operating deficit for this financial year.

Tough times Honey company Comvita is warning of tough times ahead, with this year’s earnings and profits impacted by the flat United States and Chinese economies.

In a statement to the NZX, Comvita said revenue for the first four months of the financial year is down about 10% on the corresponding four months last year.

Operating earnings were about $6 million less, which has impacted stock levels, debt and cashflow.

OPTIONS: Despite record low numbers of sheep being farmed, there is a sufficient wool supply to scale up production to accommodate a surge in demand, says Bremworth chief executive Greg Smith.

STORY P7

Back in 1860, exporting meat to the other side of the world seemed about as easy as nailing gravy to the ceiling. But a few determined kiwis took the bull by the horns and now our grass-fed beef and lamb is sought-after all around the globe.

At AFFCO, we see the same pioneering spirit alive and well in farmers today. We’re playing our part too – exploring every opportunity to take New Zealand’s finest farm-raised products to the world.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

Water turmoil may put deadlines at risk Neal Wallace

POLITICS

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Water

EGIONAL councils could fail to meet next year’s deadline for implementing land and water plans as they wait policy change details from the coalition government.

Doug Leeder, Local Government NZ’s regional sector chair, said most regional councils are likely to continue developing the plans but at a slower pace, which could mean deferring the implementation deadline of December next year.

“Regional councils are likely to say, ‘Let’s slow the process until we know the direction of the new government,’” Leeder said.

But a Federated Farmers letter to Northland, Horizons and Southland regional councils, seeking a pause in work that is already well advanced, appears to have gone unheeded.

Southland and Horizons have told the Farmers Weekly they will continue, although they have extended deadlines for submissions and consultation.

Continued from page 1 regulations, we shouldn’t be doing that in isolation. I want to build a true partnership with farmers and their organisations.”

In the past week he has been meeting with ministers with responsibilities that cross into the primary sector such as climate change, environment and regional development.

“I want to have a very strong collaborative approach.”

Given the likelihood of extensive changes to rules and regulations, McClay also intends meeting with non-government organisations and environmental groups.

McClay has set a target of doubling the value of exports in the next 10 years.

He said the principles behind Farm Environment Plans, a key component of the policy, remain but some specific criteria in plans, such as fertiliser application, could change.

Councils can still set regulations within their own regions but these cannot be less than national guidelines.

Horizons Regional Council chief

executive Michael McCartney said the council will continue its policy work but will be watching for any adjustments made by central government.

The time frame for community engagement has been extended to acknowledge the pressure.

Similarly, Environment Southland has no intention of pausing its work.

Writing to Federated Farmers, chair Nicol Horrell and chief executive Wilma Falconer said the council is looking for a “Southland solution” to improve the state of the region’s rivers and estuaries.

“While the national regulatory framework may change, the underlying need for continued improvement in environmental outcomes in the region remains an imperative.”

Otago Regional Council chief executive Richard Saunders said its aim is to notify its new plan by the end of June next year.

While it has national obligations, Saunders said the council has to improve water quality and its current plan is out of date and needs replacing.

“There will be time before

“It will be hard to achieve but the primary sector will be a big part of that.”

He believes it can be done through securing new trade deals, removing non-tariff barriers, more trade missions and promoting innovation.

The planting of forests should be for production not carbon credits but forestry exporters struggle to get access to Australia for construction-grade timber.

McClay said an early project will be to align timber standards to remove any trade barriers. Trade missions will be done differently than previously, with a greater focus on securing new business.

NZ also needs to promote exports of new innovation and technology. He said NZ earned

more from exporting apple sorting and packing machines to the United States last year than it did from apples.

Asked how he should be judged, McClay identified three policies released during the campaign, to do with getting Wellington bureaucracy out of the way, changes to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and livestock farms being planted in pine trees.

“Go and read them, study them and then come back and hold me to account.”

He is promising to trust farmers and be their advocate at the cabinet table.

“I want to get to the point where farmers can stop thinking about Wellington and get on with the job of farming.”

The letter says the pace of the process is causing stress among farmers and the plans may not be consistent with the policies of the new government.

Leeder said most councils are in the early stages of developing plans.

While the national regulatory framework may change, the underlying need for continued improvement in environmental outcomes in the region remains an imperative.

Nicol Horrell, Wilma Falconer Environment Southland

DRIP FEED: Doug Leeder, Local Government NZ’s regional sector chair, says most regional councils are likely to continue developing water plans but at a slower pace. notification to reassess the plan against any changes that may be made, however, it is important that we carry on with this significant piece of work.”

The coalition agreement between NZ First, ACT and National calls for the replacement of the NPS for Freshwater Management and the National Environmental Standards

for Freshwater to “better reflect the interests of all water users and to give councils more flexibility in how they meet environmental limits”.

The agreement will also investigate how to exempt councils from obligations under the NPS for Freshwater Management.

Farmers take lead in Northland council THE newly elected chair of Northland Regional Council, Geoff Crawford, says he is awaiting a freshwater policy redirection from the National-led coalition government.

The NRC consultation on stock exclusion proposals will continue in order to collect data and have landowners and submitters make their views known.

“We all want better outcomes for water, farmers included, but it is a multi-generational journey,” Crawford said.

The previous government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management

was “dictating to future generations”.

“It hit the speed-dial and risked potentially disastrous outcomes for waterways, farms and the regional economy,” he said.

Crawford and fellow councillors and farmers John Blackwell and Joe Carr, along with former chair Tui Shortland and Te Rāki Māori Constituency councillor PeterLucas Jones, voted to supplant four left-leaning councillors on leading committees.

Crawford said the replacements will lead to positive outcomes for the region and that all councillors are passionate about their roles.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

News

New govt hits reset on 13 agri policies Neal Wallace

POLITICS

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Policy and regulation

OVERNMENT paper shredders will be working overtime as the incoming coalition government reverses, replaces or reviews 13 policies implemented by the former Labour administration that directly affect the primary sector. Nine cabinet ministers, associate ministers or ministers outside cabinet will look after the affairs of the primary sector and its related interests.

The agreement between National, ACT and NZ First also includes a suite of new policies, but one of its first acts is to dismantle and replace regulations that many in the primary sector argued were unwieldy or unworkable.

A common thread in the new agricultural policies is less centralisation and more community input and control.

The agreement includes repealing the Natural and Built Environment Act and the Spatial Planning Act, and introducing amendments to the Resource Management Act, all designed to make it easier to consent new infrastructure.

Also gone is the ute tax, a review of the Emissions Trading Scheme, the ban on live animal exports and implementation of the Significant Natural Areas policy.

The National Policy Statement on Freshwater (NPS-FW) and environmental standards for freshwater will be replaced and the

National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee amended.

Methane targets will be reviewed next year to assess if there is additional warming from agricultural methane emissions, and there will be a review of the NPS-Indigenous Biodiversity and the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) regulations to place a duty upon harvesters to contain and remove post-harvest slash.

Nine cabinet ministers, associate ministers or ministers outside cabinet will look after the affairs of the primary sector and its related interests.

Other incoming policies are designed to assist farmers with greenhouse gas emission reduction mitigation, farm environment plans, irrigation and water storage.

ACT has secured a role for Nicole McKee as an associate minister of justice with responsibility for firearms, along with a review of the Arms Act to assess if it is improving public safety.

NZ First has once again secured agreement for what is now known as the Regional Infrastructure Fund, with $1.2 billion available in capital funding.

Changes are in store for immigration, with an agreement to increase the cap on the number of seasonal workers, changes to the parent category visa and removing the requirement for employers to pay those on skilled migrant

REVIEW: New Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, flanked by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and National Party MP Grant McCallum. category visas the median wage.

Where practical, government agencies will be directed to use wool fibres in government buildings.

Senior National Party MP Todd McClay is the minister of agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing and trade and fellow party MP, Tama Potaka, is responsible for conservation.

NZ First’s Shane Jones is the minister for regional development and oceans and fisheries while Mark Patterson is one of three associate agriculture ministers and also has rural communities.

He sits outside the cabinet.

ACT’s Andrew Hoggard will also sit outside the cabinet and oversee biosecurity, food safety and, as an associate agriculture minister,

have responsibility for animal welfare and skills, and is associate minister for the environment.

National Party ministers outside the cabinet are Simon Watts – climate change, Penny Simmonds – environment and Chris Penk – land information.

Nicole Grigg is also an associate agriculture with responsibility for horticulture.

Buy-in and bushwork build eco corridor Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Conversation A PROJECT to create an ecological corridor linking Maungatautari and Mt Pirongia in Waikato’s Waipa district has marked its second anniversary.

The Taiea te Taiao project aims to create the corridor by planting alongside the Mangapiko Stream and its tributaries, on farms and other properties.

A wide range of other environmental work is also underway, including wetlands restoration and predator control.

Creating the corridor will support native birds and bats, allowing them to thrive. The project has the backing of dairy companies, iwi, local and central government and sector organisations including DairyNZ and NZ Landcare Trust.

Project co-ordinator Bexie Towle said the corridor has an estimated 9000 landowners encompassing some 40,000 hectares, with the Mangapiko Stream connecting to the Waipa River at Pirongia.

The farmland along the corridor is filled with numerous drains and gullies connecting to the stream that have been fenced or planted.

Within the 40,000ha are focus

MAN, THIS IS GOOD: Paterangi dairy farmer Don ‘Bush’ Macky and his family have planted more than 10,000 trees and plants as part of the Taiea te Taiao project. areas Towle calls stepping stones, which are areas of wildlife habitat and predator control. Getting landowners on board has been rewarding, with most reacting positively to the project, she said.

“With 9000 landowners, it’s a challenge ... it’s a lot of private land and a lot of dairy farms but it’s also an opportunity because these landowners are really

connected to their land.”

Around 200,000 trees have been planted over the past two years as part of the project. Nine kilometres of waterways have been fenced to protect them and native trees have been planted alongside them.

The corridor planting is regularly maintained, with weed control across 22ha.

A comprehensive pest

management programme includes trap lines and bait station networks on both maunga, and traps on private property.

Towle said the aspiration to change was already present when she started two years ago with many landowners well underway with their own planting programmes.

The project has its origins in the Lower Mangapiko Stream Care Group, which formed in 2006.

It evolved over time to become the Maungatautari to Pirongia Ecological Corridor Incorporated Society to support the Taiea te Taiao project.

The society’s former chair, Paterangi dairy farmer Don “Bush” Macky, said he remembers the state of the stream, a former dumping ground for milk waste off dairy farms.

It had also been clear-felled and replaced with willows, which over time fell into the river.

It started to stink through summer as the water dried up.

Fast-forward to today, and the group has cleared out the willows and replaced them with a different willow species that is less prone to falling into the river and stabilises the banks.

On his own 145ha, 500-cow farm, located at the Mt Pirongia end of

We’ve added value to our farm, we’ve added value to our community, we’re helping to protect waterways and it’s a winwin situation.

Don ‘Bush’ Macky Paterangi the corridor, Macky and his family have planted more than 10,000 trees and plants.

They created a duck pond surrounded by planting and retired 2ha without affecting production.

“We’ve added value to our farm, we’ve added value to our community, we’re helping to protect waterways and it’s a winwin situation,” he said.

While cost and the prospect of retiring land can be a barrier for farmers to get started on a planting project, Towle said once people start planting, they become addicted to it.

“No one has ever regretted it.”

Macky agreed, saying once they start, they buy into the idea.

“I’m a classic example. You just buy in and you think, ‘Man, this is good, this is satisfying, it’s doing something.’”

News

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LIC defends response to dairy semen failure Gerald Piddock

TECHNOLOGY

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Sheep and beef

IC chief executive David Chin has defended the co-operative’s response to quality issues with semen sent out to farms in October, saying it acted fairly while being as transparent as possible.

At a Q&A webinar for LIC shareholders, Chin was asked if the co-operative had responded in an appropriate fashion to meet its obligations under the Fair Trading Act. Chin said it had gone over and above the terms and conditions within its service rules.

“We do believe we have been acting fair and reasonable, we have tried to put together a support and recovery package that is meeting everyone more than halfway,” he said.

“With best endeavours we have tried to act quickly and transparently, we have tried to own this issue and really concentrate on that recovery.”

Chin said the package that has

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

been created will go well along the way to getting farmers back on track.

The hour-long webinar saw Chin along with general manager for NZ Markets Malcolm Ellis, chair Corrigan Sowman and chief scientist Richard Spellman front its farmer shareholders to answer questions regarding issues with the faulty semen and LIC’s response so far.

LIC has offered a package that includes a product credit to affected farmers’ accounts for the affected straws used. Depending on the herd impact, goodwill payments will also be credited to support recovery.

These include $30 per insemination for all CIDR inseminations across all six days.

All affected inseminations on October 18, 19, 24 and 25 will be credited a goodwill payment of an additional $30 per insemination.

Any herd where 10% or more were inseminated on October 18, 19, 24 and 25, will be credited with a further $30 credit per insemination.

Chin said the decision around

LISTENING: David Chin said the decision around the goodwill payments was made to show LIC is listening to farmers and to recognise the extent of the impact.

the goodwill payments was made to show LIC is listening to farmers and to recognise the extent of the impact.

He said the cost to LIC was just over $2 million.

The package gave certainty to farmers that there would be finances in their accounts when they looked at recovery options.

Chin also gave an update to the investigation, saying LIC has yet to identify the exact cause of the failure.

“We are trying to look at all parts of the process.”

However, he did confirm it was not related to an individual bull or breed, had not impacted LIC’s Sire Proven or sexed semen service, and that no further issues have been found so far.

Chin also confirmed the cooperative’s liability limiting clause in its terms and conditions is being reviewed as part of the investigation.

He said the clauses are there for everyone in the co-operative.

LIC discovered quality control issues with its fresh premium sire semen straws that were inseminated on farms on October 17-19 and 23-25.

It has impacted 1127 herds across the country, varying from as low as 2.5% of a herd to more than 20%.

Ellis said the approach to date has been to contact farmers that had the largest portion of their herd affected.

“Some 500 farms have been contacted as we work through aspects of this.”

Two farmers contacted LIC on the webinar stating that it had impacted one-third of their respective herds.

Ellis apologised to both and urged other farmers who have been similarly impacted to contact LIC as soon as possible.

DREAMS: Land prices are taking ownership out of reach for many young farmers.

Put farm succession on agenda: O’Connor – older farmers faced with making management changes POLITICS Policy and regulation or adopting new technology but who are unable or unwilling to do so.

THE primary sector and banks In the meantime they benefit must address the issue of from capital gain. farm succession, warns former Rising land prices is one Agriculture Minister Damien problem, but O’Connor worries O’Connor. about the amount of debt Land prices are taking ownership out of reach for many the sector carries, variously estimated at between $40 billion young farmers at a time when and $63bn depending on how it the average age of landowners is is measured. increasing.

“Debt creates ongoing One option he suggested pressures, which results in exploring is using Pāmu to help social consequences in rural sharemilkers grow their equity communities, mental health, and take a step towards farm stress and a reluctance for young ownership, but as it’s a statepeople to stay in rural areas.” owned enterprise, O’Connor He said New Zealand still has said, that decision was not his one of the most open regulatory to make. “The government has economies in the world – and limited levers it can pull.” that gives landowners options.

Pāmu currently employ Financial pressure constrains managers on its dairy farms. options for landowners, and O’Connor said banks and the O’Connor said if the incoming sector need to address the issue government re-opens land sales and find new ways of getting to foreign buyers, it will increase people onto the land. prices and competition, making Criticism that regulations are it even harder for first-farm adding to costs is unfair as the buyers. government has a responsibility “There is lots of cheap money to set minimum standards to floating around the world and provide assurances for markets they [foreign buyers] will always and consumers, he said. outbid a Kiwi wanting to buy a O‘Connor said part of antibit of land and build a career in government sentiment and agriculture.” the growth of the lobby group Groundswell in the past few years is a generational issue MORE: See page 11

Neal Wallace

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

New carpet rule a bit woolly for comfort Annette Scott

NEWS

A

Wool

NEW directive mandating the use of woollen fibres in government buildings where feasible comes with a warning from a leading industry player.

The directive has the potential to transform the rural sector, but it could also open the door to cheap imports from the United Kingdom, Bremworth chief executive Greg Smith said.

The directive has the potential to double the price of wool farmed in NZ, but there is a question over where a government-specified product would fit within free trade agreements with other countries.

Greater clarity is needed to understand whether the intent of the move is to support NZ’s rural economy, reduce the use of plastic materials in construction, or both, Smith said.

While NZ wool is considered ideally suited for carpet production by international manufacturers, the new policy may see volumes of cheaper imported options become available in NZ. “With climatic conditions that produce less rainfall, NZ sheep grow a whiter wool that is easier to colour than the more yellow fibres found in wetter climates such as the UK. “As a result, NZ produces a higher quality wool that sells on the open market for about 20% more than British wool.”

The government is New Zealand’s largest property owner, with more than 16,000 buildings valued at over $31 billion.

“If government procurement policies allowed for imported woollen fibre building products to access this market we would see few real benefits for NZ, other than a reduction in the use of plastic,” Smith said.

“It would be soul-destroying for farmers to see one imported product replaced with another in the construction of publicly owned buildings.

“What we need right now is greater clarity around the parameters of this policy and recognition of the inherent tax benefits to the economy when we support local.”

The move has the potential to address conflicts in international perceptions of NZ’s approach to sustainability.

NZ-grown wool is prized overseas but has not received the same recognition locally.

“We have an unusual situation where NZ wool has been woven into the fabrics used on Air Force One. However, if the US president or any of the numerous other foreign dignitaries who have flown on that aircraft were to enter a government building in this country, they would most likely be walking on imported synthetic carpet.

“When we talk to potential export partners in new markets, they are dumbfounded by the fact that our government does not use our wool in its buildings.

use of wool following a decision earlier this year to use plastic tiles in school flooring.

It would be souldestroying for farmers to see one imported product replaced with another in the construction of publicly owned buildings.

Greg Smith Bremworth

CHEAPER: While NZ wool is considered ideally suited for carpet production by international manufacturers, the new policy may see volumes of cheaper imported options become available in NZ. “They find the whole concept quite conflicted as NZ is known for its sheep production.

“We might want to be known for spaceships and rockets and technology and gaming but that’s just not what we are known for and it’s unlikely we will ever shed that image.”

OPTIONS: Despite record low numbers of sheep being farmed, there is a sufficient wool supply to scale up production to accommodate a surge in demand, says Greg Smith.

Smith said despite record low numbers of sheep being farmed, there is sufficient wool supply in the market to scale up production to accommodate a surge in demand.

“It is difficult to overstate the potential economic benefits of this move for the sector.

“This has the potential to be one of the most significant changes in the wool industry since synthetic alternatives were introduced two decades ago.”

At that time the market went from 90% wool to 90% synthetic carpet.

“The sector hasn’t recovered from this trend and the number of sheep in NZ fell by 2% last year to 23 million, the lowest ratio of sheep to people in NZ we have had in the past 150 years.”

Ten years ago wool was trading at twice what it is today and Smith believes a return to this pricing is quite possible.

Wool Impact, the industry entity tasked with lifting the value of NZ strong wool, has been advocating for government agencies to rethink the way they approach the

Wool Impact chief executive Andy Caughey said the new directive “is a positive step forward for enhancing the value of woollen fibres, in particular the uses of strong wool in carpets and insulation”.

Wool is the obvious choice as a natural fibre and is often overlooked when set against artificial fibres due to its costs and some of the less logical inferences.

“Wool Impact is working closely with growers, brands and industry leaders to invest in environmental impact measurement, evidencing the performance benefits of wool products and ensuring the broader positive and negative impacts, such as microplastics, of all fibres are considered,” Caughey said.

“Wools of NZ has long been advocating for the use of wool in public sector buildings so the government’s decision is a significant boost to wool growers and the industry,” Wools of NZ chief executive John McWhirter said.

“Our commercial wool tile range is a key part of the company’s strategy to significantly improve outcomes for NZ strong-wool producers.”

MORE:

Want to share your thoughts on this issue? Text us on 027 226 8553 with the keyword CARPET followed by your comments.

Rich farming news for time-poor farmers.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

Farmlands has a plan and is sticking to it Hugh Stringleman

NEWS

AVERTED: Farmlands declared a small loss of $700,000 in the year ended June 30, saved from a much larger loss by the one-off net gain on sale of its fuel business into a joint venture called Fern Fuels.

The

N

Business

ATIONAL rural retailer Farmlands has the right plan for reconfiguring its business and will go as hard as it can on implementation over the next year or two, chair Rob Hewitt says.

The current downturn in farming is

perfect blend

flowing on to rural servicing, but that makes the Farmlands transformation more imperative.

Within the plan, called Paragon, is supply chain rationalisation to bring some 44,000 products down to 10,000 held in store, about half of which account for over 90% of all sales.

“The on-shelf availability will go up from 60% to plus-90%, which is what the customer wants,” Hewitt said.

“We mine the point-of-sales data to ensure that we know what products customers want and where, so we make sure that is in the store when needed.

“We are not going to destock products that the customer wants.

“If he wants a left-handed spanner, we will get it, but we may not be carrying it on our shelves.”

Farmlands declared a small loss of $700,000 in the year ended June 30, saved from a much larger loss by the one-off net gain on sale of its fuel business into a joint venture called Fern Fuels.

Revenue was up 2.5% to $808 million but the cost of goods sold and the operating expenses were both up 14%.

Therefore, the loss from continuing

If he wants a left-handed spanner we will get it, but we may not be carrying it on our shelves.

Rob Hewitt Farmlands

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operations was $27.5m and the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation were only $1m, compared with $40m in the previous financial year.

Hewitt said the bigger operating expenses went mainly to staff members, to reward them appropriately and reduce staff turnover, to ensure customers could draw on that knowledge and experience.

The cost of goods sold reflected the general inflation in the primary sector and the sourcing from overseas, he said.

It made a $20m provision for stock obsolescence to clear old and redundant lines.

“For example, we carried 10 or 11 mouse traps, but that will come down to one or two best-sellers.

“We are not saying the other mouse traps are no good, just that we are not carrying them.”

A storm of social media criticism of Farmlands, chief executive Tanya Houghton and its right-sizing policies will be addressed at the annual meeting if necessary, Hewitt said.

He was speaking before the AGM, which was held on Wednesday, November 29, at the Burnside, Christchurch store.

Farmlands has agreed to buy the SealesWinslow animal feed business from Ballance and that purchase is now subject to Commerce Commission clearance.

The commission has asked for submissions before December 7 and hopes to make its decision by mid-January.

Farmlands already has the competing NRM pelletised feed business and uses SealesWinslow as a toll manufacturer in the North Island.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

Weather events unrelenting in the east Richard Rennie

NEWS

Weather

W

AIROA and Gisborne district farmers are crossing their fingers something comes of the much promised El Niño event this summer as they struggle to repair farms and infrastructure under continuing weather events.

Both areas were hit hard with a rainfall event that delivered over 300mm to many areas inn late November, undoing repairs put in place in the wake of the many storms that have plagued the east coast this year.

Wairoa farmer and Federated Farmers branch chair Allan Newton said the district is coming to terms with having had almost three years of continual dousing and had been hoping for a more reasonable late spring this year.

“But this weekend we had 225mm, and 100mm of that fell on Saturday night alone. All up over the past week we have had 400mm.

“We have had more slips come through our place this time than over Gabrielle.”

Newton farms up the Waiatai Valley and said may of the slips had fortuitously avoided going through recently repaired fences,

tending to be on the higher country.

Largely a maize grower, he said this year has proven another tough one for planting after last year’s disastrously wet planting season.

“Again, the ground was so wet this year, and at least last year we got a window to plant in. This year it was Labour weekend before we could even get on the paddocks.”

He remains sceptical about El Niño’s arrival.

“I do wonder if they have got El Niño wrong. My understanding is it’s a change in the direction the rain and wind comes from. That has not been the case.”

Wairoa mayor and farmer Craig Little said areas including eastern Wairoa, Nūhaka and Mohaka have all been hit hard again, although evacuations were not necessary this time around.

With 130 homes still uninhabitable in the district, he welcomed the new government’s announcement of a $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund. “[NZ First MP and new Minister for Regional Development] Shane Jones knows us well and has probably done more for Wairoa than anyone.”

Under the previous growth fund Wairoa received $6.1 million to revitalise business and tourism opportunities in the town.

“We are hoping to get him

I do wonder if they have got El Niño wrong.

My understanding is it’s a change in the direction the rain and wind comes from.

That has not been the case.

Allan Newton Wairoa farmer

SLASH: High stacker machines were used to dislodge the wood from traffic bridges after the recent heavy rain in Gisborne.

Photo: Gisborne District Council back up here and hoping he will understand our challenges again.

“For us roading is a No 1 issue.

Unless we are 100% funded, we simply cannot rebuild on our own.”

He said the district has built up good expertise in road rebuilding through locally based company QRS, and any funding to increase the number of trained staff would be welcome.

Further up the coast at

Tairāwhiti Gisborne, mayor Rehette Stoltz said she had an early introduction to new Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell, having to call him at 6am on a Sunday to inform him about the district’s latest emergency evacuations.

“With heavy rain warnings this month, it has meant we had 14 days where crews could not work on roading repairs on SH 2 and 35,

which has really slowed down our recovery.

“We have had two cyclones, Easter weekend weather, again in June, and multiple severe rain warnings. We are still waiting for El Niño.”

Forestry waste and slash has again bedecked the region’s beaches and Stoltz expects it could be up to a decade before the new regulations’ full effects on reducing it come into play.

Without knowing the full terms of the government’s Regional Infrastructure Fun, Stoltz said, Gisborne has two key priorities demanding funding.

“State highways 2 and 35 need to be fully re-opened. Growers need to know they can get their produce out, and NZ really relies upon us for much of it also.

“The second area is flood protection and improving the ability to withstand these events.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

E coli plagues NZ’s freshwater systems Richard Rennie

NEWS

B

Water

ACTERIAL contamination is the main issue facing New Zealand’s freshwater systems, and every region in the country has at least one major contaminant that needs to be reduced to meet the country’s freshwater standards.

A new report from Our Land and Water highlights the current levels of the key contaminants E coli, nitrogen, phosphate and sediment in rivers, lakes and estuaries across NZ. Since the National Policy Statement (NPS) on Freshwater Management, this report is the first to establish the base level for the contaminants and by default how much work is required to meet the NPS standards.

Three-quarters of the country’s catchments are contributing more E coli to water than allowable under NPS standards, and the affected area is significantly greater than for the other three contaminants.

The report also found there is considerable variation both within and between catchments in terms of which contaminants are greatest.

Waikato and Manawatū take

BUGGED: Three-quarters of the country’s catchments are contributing more E coli to water than allowable under NPS standards, an Our Land and Water study has found. the dubious title for the highest level of E coli contamination, requiring a 90% reduction to meet the standards, followed closely by Gisborne, Northland, Auckland and Taranaki.

Research lead Dr Ton Snelder said reducing E coli contamination to an acceptable level is made more challenging when largely untouched conservation land is removed from consideration, focusing efforts on modified landscapes, particularly land used for food production.

He also noted that every region in the country has at least one contaminant that has to be reduced to meet the standards.

Nitrogen levels, long the focus of the farming sector’s efforts, are most excessive in Canterbury and Southland. They have to reduce their nitrogen loads by 44% and 41%, respectively, and Otago by 33%.

Perhaps surprisingly given its dairying concentrations, the reduction required in Waikato is only 6%.

When it comes to phosphate, Otago requires a 13% reduction, and Manawatū and Southland 12% each.

Often moving in step with phosphorous levels, Otago also requires the greatest reduction for sediment with a 338% load reduction required.

That high level is driven by upstream reductions being larger than the load at the bottom of a catchment, due to sediment being deposited in lakes or floodplains as it is carried downstream, such as along the Kawerau River.

Otago is trailed by Manawatū, which needs a 58% reduction, Canterbury 49% and Waikato a 47% reduction in sediment.

Of all the regions, the West Coast has the lowest level of reduction required, while ManawatuūWhanganui will require the most work in reducing all four contaminants.

The study was based upon 850 sites monitored by regional councils nationally, and modelled up to capture 650,000 river segments, 960 lakes and 419 estuaries.

Its authors acknowledge the uncertainty of modelling, but place 95% confidence upon the estimates.

OLW director Dr Jenny WebsterBrown said she hopes the report will not be interpreted as a call for

a revision or re-think of national standards.

“It is simply an account of what we need to do to achieve them,” she said.

OLW director Professor Richard McDowell acknowledged the impact farmers have already had on lowering their nitrogen impact on waterways.

“If farmers had not done what they have in the past 10 years our nitrogen and phosphate loads would be 50-90% greater than they are today.”

The report comes out as the new coalition government has announced it will replace the NPS for Freshwater Management to better reflect the interests of all water users. In the coalition agreement with the ACT party, it has been agreed to change the freshwater rules to exempt councils from obligations under the NPS. Webster-Brown said she would not wish to presume what the new government is going to do, but she noted that the original NPS was inspired by National, with NZ First input, back in 2011.

“I would like to think our current coalition government will not be tempted to throw the baby out with the bathwater. It would be hugely damaging on the progress we have made with our freshwater systems.”

Velvet export changes will benefit NZ in long term Annette Scott

MARKETS

Deer

SIGNIFICANT changes in the rules around velvet exports to China will in fact open an opportunity for the New Zealand velvet industry, Deer Industry NZ chief executive Innes Moffat says.

China has signalled changes to its rules for imported velvet used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), necessitating changes for exports of NZ velvet.

As from April 30 2024, velvet imported into China for TCM will need to be dried velvet.

Frozen velvet exports to other

markets will continue with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) working with Chinese authorities to clarify the future rules for frozen velvet.

Moffat said the changes will mean the NZ velvet export industry will need to adjust.

“But we do have time to do this and while we don’t yet have a timeframe around some of the adjustments, it is important to advise of the changes into the future now as it will be significant in some parts.

He said Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) is “working closely with MPI, processors and exporters to ensure we can modify our supply chain to

continue to grow the industry”.

“We do not anticipate this change will dampen the long-term opportunity for velvet exports as a bright spot for pastoral farmers.

“Longer term for the NZ velvet industry, it will provide a more

Longer term it will provide a more secure and transparent access to mainland China for our velvet.

Innes Moffat DINZ

secure and transparent access to mainland China for our velvet,” Moffat said.

Velvet producers should plan for business as usual this season, working with buyers to allow for shipping frozen velvet as early as possible to meet the April 30, 2024 deadline.

“Nothing changes immediately, giving us time to prepare for these changes and make a smooth transition.

“Frozen velvet exports for this season will continue as usual.

China will accept these shipments until the end of April next year.”

Chinese authorities are making the changes to clarify the rules for

importation of TCMs. “Long term we see this will benefit our industry with more stable and transparent rules being implemented in China.”

Moffat said DINZ will work with MPI and NZ processors on the details of a new TCM import protocol being negotiated between NZ and China.

“This dried velvet protocol will offer us clearer market access and provide an ability to add further value in NZ.” Moffat is hopeful longer-term solutions can be agreed to enable the continued growth in NZ trade with China of both frozen and dried deer velvet.

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11 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

Emissions impossible The turbulent tenure of Damien O’Connor The six years Damien O’Connor has been minister of agriculture have been eventful, to say the least. As he leaves office after a sound electoral defeat, he reflects on his tenure with Neal Wallace.

D

AMIEN O’Connor looked fresh and relaxed amid the packing boxes and bubble wrap dotting his Beehive office.

The setting was a vivid reminder that the tenure of a politician is measured in three-year increments.

There wasn’t any apparent bitterness about the Labour Party’s election mauling in October. A politician since 1993, he soon learnt that the future depends on the will of the electorate.

O’Connor has been a cabinet minister since 2005, initially overseeing the corrections and tourism portfolios until the 2017 election, when he was appointed agriculture minister, with trade added in 2020.

Reflecting on the past six years, O’Connor talks about his love of agriculture, the addiction of politics and the privilege of being in a position of influence.

Emptying his office was interrupted last month by a sudden trip to San Francisco to fly New Zealand’s flag at the APEC conference and associated trade meetings, while National, ACT and NZ First negotiated a coalition agreement.

O’Connor’s term as agriculture minister will be remembered for the unplanned Mycoplasma bovis and covid outbreaks, but also for its bold and somewhat unpopular policies.

There were significant wins.

Effectively eradicating M bovis, preserving vocational training at Taratahi and Telford and free trade agreements with the United Kingdom and European Union.

There was contention in the implementation of freshwater reforms, pricing pastoral greenhouse gases, pastoral lease reform, the Significant Natural Areas policy that drove farm confidence to rock bottom and provoked farmer protests, and the emergence of Groundswell.

O’Connor says the past six years were largely what he expected, apart from the additional challenge of covid and M bovis.

“This job will always be full of unplanned interruptions and challenges, we just possibly had more than our fair share in the last six years,” he says.

O’Connor revealed that when faced with difficult decisions, he would seek advice from officials along with his own sources.

M bovis was an early and

significant challenge for the government. As it debated whether to eradicate or learn to live with the disease, O’Connor sought advice from international veterinarians and experts.

“It was a big unknown. No one had tried to eradicate it before.”

As he considered his options, O’Connor took comfort from sector unity in eradicating bovine Tb while noting one significant difference with M bovis – the absence of vectors.

“Here we had a disease contained within cows and spread by direct contact.

“Therefore, if we have good animal traceability and management, it would be possible to eradicate.”

Asked if he lost sleep deliberating whether to attempt eradication or learn to live with M bovis, O’Connor says the answer became obvious.

“It helped I had grown up through the evolution of bovine Tb and the control measures.”

Acknowledging the response was not perfect and extremely traumatic for farming families, O’Connor does not regret his decision.

“It’s been extraordinarily success-ful to this point. No other country has attempted eradication.”

He rejects claims that his government introduced a tsunami of regulations, saying bottom line rules were needed to preserve NZ’s international reputation and trade access.

Two issues drove his approach to freshwater reforms. One was the government’s commitment to improve water quality within a generation.

The other was fear of the potential damage to the country’s reputation should photographs of stock being wintered in unacceptable conditions in Southland appear in overseas media, as was threatened by activists.

O’Connor is unequivocal in his concerns about animal welfare, specifically intensive winter grazing in general, where he saw “shocking images”.

Accepting these were an exceptional few rather than the majority, he still had little choice but to act.

“Animal welfare is far more significant in the minds of consumers and politicians in first world economies.”

Additionally, water quality

ON THE ROAD: After losing his West Coast-Tasman seat to National’s Maureen Pugh in October’s election, O’Connor hopped on his motorcycle and toured the South Island for a chance to relax and interact with voters and sector leaders before returning to Parliament off the list. (This is a picture of him touring in 2022.)

I hope the change in government will not undermine our international reputation for [the sake of] a shortterm sugar hit.

Damien O’Connor Former Minister of Agriculture and Trade was declining despite previous freshwater policies and initiatives such as the Clean Streams Accord.

There was criticism that consultation on freshwater reforms coincided with calving and lambing and that some of the new regulations were unworkable, and required multiple amendments after they were introduced.

“It is never a good time to have tough conversations,” O’Connor says.

Taking a hard line approach to freshwater quality was the right step to take, he says, with evidence that winter grazing practices have improved, and water quality along with them.

Those same drivers were behind his decision to ban live exports, accentuated by the sinking in 2020 of the Gulf Livestock 1 with the loss of 41 crew and 6000 cattle.

O’Connor had already been questioning whether returns from live animal exports were worth the risk to the welfare of stock as ships sailed through the tropics.

“They have attempted to increase standards of ventilation, supply of water and volume of feed, but it is still impossible to guarantee the welfare of animals.”

National, ACT and NZ First have all vowed to re-open live animal exports, but O’Connor says only a small number of farmers, including

his own brother, would benefit.

“I hope the change in government will not undermine our international reputation, for [the sake of] a short-term sugar hit.”

Elements of the Labour Government’s consultation process with the primary sector have been roundly criticised, but O’Connor has never shied away from blunt, open conversations.

“In politics you have to be robust enough to have discussions, but ultimately it is a two-way thing.”

The view that the government is out to get farming or undermine its viability is “inaccurate and irrational, especially given our commitment and assistance that has delivered a 50% increase in exports earnings in six years”.

O’Connor previously told Farmers Weekly that primary sector leaders have struggled with the pressures of representing the views of their members and the reality of what can be achieved.

That was apparent during the debate over He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN), where the proposal was eventually rejected after creating tension between Beef + Lamb NZ and DairyNZ. He recently told primary sector leaders being criticised by their members to “harden up”.

Describing his relationship with sector groups as robust, O’Connor says some of the reaction to HWEN from producer groups was predictable and gave farmers misleading information as critics had not clearly explained their positions to levy payers.

Their positions also did not reflect those of global consumers who want food producers to address greenhouse gas emissions.

Following the failure of HWEN, in August O’Connor released new emissions reduction and pricing

11 policies.

He said at the time that the government had listened, was being flexible and was accommodating issues raised by HWEN members on timelines and a framework to determine the farm-level levy price.

It hasn’t found universal favour among the HWEN partners.

Questions were asked about the workload when Prime Minister Chris Hipkins earlier this year gave O’Connor the trade portfolio alongside agriculture.

O’Connor sees benefits from one minister having agriculture and trade given the interconnectedness and says he found the trade role challenging but rewarding, especially negotiating free trade agreements with the UK and EU. While disappointed at the level of access achieved for beef and dairy in the agreement, O’Connor says it reflects the complexity of the market.

He believes a free trade agreement between NZ and India is possible but will take time and require the quiet building of relationships and partnerships.

“It is doable but it will not happen overnight.”

Other successes he lists include attracting people to the primary sector, establishing a farm advisory service, supporting agricultural courses in schools, preserving vocational training at Taratahi and Telford rural campuses and helping communities deal to wilding pines.

A government-funded farm advisory service has attracted criticism, but O’Connor says it will complement private sector advisers by giving access to those farmers who cannot afford them.

After the election, in which he lost his West Coast-Tasman seat to National’s Maureen Pugh, O’Connor hopped on his motorcycle and toured the South Island, saying it provides relaxation and allows him to interact with voters.

“I stopped and had a coffee in Omakau [in Central Otago] and it was invaluable, meeting and having a discussion with senior and respected agriculture leaders.

“I’ve always advocated that in politics everything you learn is of value.”

Without the pressure of ministerial office, O’Connor wants to spend more time with his family and in his electorate, and he will have a role helping to rebuild his battered party There is also a substantive list of jobs to do on his 8ha lifestyle block in Tasman’s Upper Moutere, and helping out on the family’s West Coast farm.

Asked for his message to the primary sector, O’Connor says it is to always look ahead.

While that can be difficult when weighed down by debt and the challenges of the season and climate, it is crucial to show there is a future.

“It is most important component for our future is people, to encourage young people and assist and educate them.”

O’Connor, 65, has returned to Parliament off the list for his 11th term as an MP. As for his future, he says he is undecided.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

News

SFF warns lamb may have further to fall Neal Wallace

MARKETS

S

Food and fibre

ILVER Fern Farms is warning that lamb prices may not have reached the bottom – but says its plate to pasture strategy provides the roadmap for recovery.

Directors and senior management met with 70 suppliers in Gore, where they faced questions about the company’s direction.

The company said multiple times that supplying affluent consumers is the correct strategy.

Suppliers appeared resigned to current lamb prices but were given additional bad news that prices could ease further than earlier company projections of $5.80 $6.60/kg through to January.

One farmer commented that current pricing is not sustainable for farmers or the industry.

Chief executive Simon Limmer told the meeting the issue is not a supply problem but a challenge capturing value.

Weak global economies and record production from Australia have reduced prices, but Silver Fern Farms (SFF) global sales operations manager Glen McLennan said it is working with United Kingdom and United States retailers to promote sales associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Exporters are watching orders and prices for Chinese New Year closely, but consumers remain cautious.

Beef prices are more settled, assisted by a slowing US domestic kill, but McLennan said a potential issue in the first quarter of next year is the release of 65,000 tonnes of tariff-free Brazilian beef into the US. He said an additional four Brazilian processing plants have been approved to sell beef into China and McLennan said SFF needs to start telling its grass-fed beef story better.

Food producers must listen to consumers and have a brand with integrity and a product that matches their expectations.

Simon Limmer Silver Fern Farms chief executive Brazil does not have it all its own way.

McLennan said the European Union requires imported Brazilian beef to be accompanied by geolocated data identifying where the animals come from, along with satellite imagery to prove that is not deforested land.

Infringement of the ban on meat from deforested land could cost an

importer a fine up to 30% of their turnover.

Venison prices are stable and showing resilience despite issues with food service.

McLennan said margins for beef achieved by SFF-branded product are superior to those for commodities, which is evidence its plate to pasture strategy was working.

Chief supply chain manager Dan Boulton said the company is carefully managing its costs, but one exempt area is processing sites, where $70 million was invested in the past year.

Boulton said new products from the fifth quarter such as blood derivatives, pet food and skins offer enormous potential.

Chief operating officer Brenda Talacek told the meeting that SFF is starting the season with sufficient workers for its plants.

Through recruitment, retention and lower absenteeism, it has 500 more workers than it had at the same time last season.

SFF Co-op shareholder relations manager Clark Taylor said changes to the company’s patronage programme will reward breeders of store stock who qualify to receive payments from next year.

Greg McSkimming, the company’s agribusiness and strategic solutions manager, said the company is looking at options for dairy beef, given changes to

TOUGH TIMES: Silver Fern Farms chief executive Simon Limmer, left, and chair Rob Hewett address suppliers in Gore. rules on the treatment of bobby calves.

SFF does not want a proliferation of retained dairy-bred cattle displacing beef breeds, so is investigating options such as fast finishing, bulls, once-bred heifers and yearling beef.

McSkimming said programmes such as nature-positive and zerocarbon meat will underpin its future success and a starting point is getting farmers subscribed to Farm Assurance Plan-plus (FAP+).

SFF has signed 600.

He said it captures on-farm data as well as helping suppliers meet the requirements of supply programmes.

Responding to a question about carbon dioxide emissions, Limmer said food producers must

listen to consumers and have a brand with integrity and a product that matches their expectations.

“That voice is who we need to be listening to and satisfying.”

Questions were also asked about the benefits of the Shanghai Maling (SM) partnership in SFF Ltd when lamb prices are low.

Chair Rob Hewett said SM supports SFF’s strategy and allows it to control its own destiny and to pick and choose the markets that offer the best returns.

SFF’s strategy reduces reliance on in-market distributors, which he said can be a barrier to suppliers and consumers and disrupt the ability to learn of their needs and how producers can attract premium prices.

Envy apples ready to get a grip on China Richard Rennie

MARKETS

Horticulture

DESPITE the risks of having its fruit grown illegally, T&G is confident about promoting the high-value Envy apple variety in China.

Increasing demand for the licenced apple variety in China has prompted the company to embark on trial-sized plantings of the

CRUNCH TIME: T&G CEO Gareth Edgecombe said the company has already worked to protect the IP of its Envy apple variety in China through the legal system.

apple in conjunction with Chinese distribution and orcharding company Joy Wing Mao. T&G CEO Gareth Edgecombe said T&G has compared notes with Zespri as it builds its presence in China and works to protect the IP of the apple variety.

Zespri is currently grappling with the problem of over 7000ha of unauthorised SunGold kiwifruit grown there, after the illegal importation of germplasm from NZ. Edgecombe said T&G has already successfully defended its IP against illegally grown fruit, through the Chinese legal system “If a demonstration can be made of IP rights and infringement there is good evidence it will be supported,” he said.

“We are working to stay on top of it.”

He acknowledged T&G is earlier along the growth curve with the apple’s presence than Zespri with its SunGold kiwifruit.

However, prospects are strong for a fruit that is presently grown on commercial scale in NZ and Washington state in the United States, to guarantee its 365-day shelf supply target of 18 million cartons by 2030.

Envy is ticking all the boxes as a successful apple for the large fruiteating Asian market.

“It has a sweetness and crunch, visual appeal, and aroma that mean it all comes together as the ideal apple,” Edgecombe said.

Its appeal is even further enhanced for Asian markets thanks to Envy’s auspicious red colouring and larger size, which makes it ideal for being cut up and shared in the Asian fashion.

From an orchardist’s perspective, Envy is not the simplest apple to grow, but if done well can prove a high-yielding, high-value option.

Growing the apple in China demonstrated to Chinese authorities that T&G is attempting to lift standards in the industry while protecting its IP to maintain sovereignty over the variety.

“But to do that well in China you have to be local, so we have a good partnership with Joy Wing Mao as distributors and growers.”

Edgecombe did not rule out the possibility of growing a proprietary

It has a sweetness and crunch, visual appeal, and aroma that mean it all comes together as the ideal apple.

Gareth Edgecombe T&G

VALUE: Envy apples are not the simplest to grow, but if done well can prove a high-yielding, high-value option. apple brand on a larger scale in China at some future date.

“If we find something that was not global but would go well in China, we may well commercialise in China. But with Envy we have put out our long-term strategy for planting for Washington and NZ.” He sees continuing upward growth through much of Asia, particularly Taiwan, China, Japan and Hong Kong, and burgeoning growth prospects for Indonesia as that nation rapidly modernises and develops.

Growing 30% of the apples itself

in NZ, T&G was hit particularly hard by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year, losing two orchards.

“But we have got many highquality orchards, and our growth plans are intact.”

Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Nelson are all target areas for plantings, with the variety unable to be grown south of Nelson.

In June T&G announced the launch of a new apple variety, Joli, which will be available to consumers from 2028 and is capable of being grown south of Nelson in Canterbury and Otago.

News

13

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

Rising sea levels flush out dairy farms Richard Rennie

NEWS

D

Climate change

AIRY farms are likely to feel the wet end of sea level rises in coming years, with even small increases and relatively minor storm events likely to double the number of farms at risk of inundation.

For the first time, in-depth modelling on a specific land use impact of sea level rises has been published. The work was done

by New Zealand researchers in a collaborative Deep South National Science Challenge study, published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction.

Researchers modelled differing sea level increase scenarios, combining them with varying intensities of weather events ranging from one-in-10-year events, through to one-in-500.

Based on a 1m sea level rise – the commonly accepted level NZ could experience – the number of dairy farms at risk of inundation even from a relatively mild onein-10-year event doubles from 470 to 1075. This would have 10% or more of their land covered in water.

But even with only a 0.5m lift in average sea levels, the number

of farms affected still rises to 800 after a one-in-10-year weather event.

Overall, the researchers found it was the relative increase in sea levels rather than the extremity of the events that contributed most to greater inundation risk.

This was to the extent that a one-in-10-year event comes to have almost the same impact as a one-in-500 event with no sea level rise.

Study lead author Dr Helen Craig of University of Canterbury said this signals that we can expect severe impacts to large numbers of farms previously only exposed to large, infrequent events such as one-in-200-year or one-in-500year events.

The impacts will now occur much more frequently, even with relatively small ESL (extreme sea level) events.

The regions with the greatest proportion of dairy farms affected are Otago, Northland and Bay of Plenty, at 10-20% of their dairy farms.

But Waikato has the highest physical number of total farms impacted, with 367 affected by a 0.5m sea level rise and a one-in10-year event. With a 1m lift in sea levels, that number increases to 420 dairy farms.

The modelling worked to determine the level of intervention

WET: With a 1m lift in sea levels, onein-10-year events can have the same impact as one-in500-year events under no sea level rise.

It was the relative increase in sea levels rather than the extremity of the events experienced that contributed most to greater inundation risk.

Dairy Farm Exposure report required post-event. It found that all affected farms would require supplementary feed and possible milking plant and shed repairs, and experience a temporary decline in milk yield.

Typically, these farms would

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have 10-25% of their pastures inundated with water.

The impact on dairy farm infrastructure, including farm dairies, was also calculated by the researchers. They estimated that with a 2m sea level rise there was about a quarter of a billion dollars in dairy sheds exposed to a one-in10-year event.

The number of dairy cows at risk from the rises are currently 175,000 for a one-in-10-year event at current sea levels, but this rises to over half a million at 2m and a one-in-500-year event.

With over a quarter of cows in Bay of Plenty exposed to that risk, the report notes movement out of

the region after such an event may prove challenging.

Earlier flood research has also found mastitis and lameness increases 30-50% after floods, while leptospirosis surges over 170%.

NZ has about 12,000 dairy farms covering 1.7 million hectares and generating $15 billion-$18 billion in export earnings a year.

The authors maintain that understanding the impacts of sea level rises on dairy is critical in order to improve response and recovery plans in targeted areas most likely to experience the impact of events and higher sea levels.

14 Editorial

14

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

Text to the editor

More ways to engage WANT to have your say but don’t have time to write a letter?

Now you can text us your thoughts on farming issues.

Look out for details on how to do it on selected stories in Farmers Weekly and at farmersweekly.co.nz We’ll include a keyword to include in your text – the number is 027 226 8553.

Here’s one in response to last week’s story “Counting the knock-on costs of faulty semen”: We as shareholders deserve better.

Pay up. Many farmers would have had to carry on with AI longer also as it would have put too much pressure on the bulls. All those extra days should be reimbursed too. Stand up, and do the right thing.

Power to the people, but who will pay?

Bryan Gibson

Managing editor

T

HE change of government, and the change in ideology it brings with it, appears to restore much of the regional power that Labour’s centralisation took away.

But across the various challenges our regional communities face, there’s still a lot of concern about the future.

On Three Waters, for instance, mayors who strongly opposed the concept feel National’s plan, released earlier this year, doesn’t solve the funding issues they face.

“How does National’s model allow these other [regional] businesses, if the councils set them up, to borrow cheaply to fund the work? That’s not really clear,” New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom told RNZ. He said councils need a government guarantee to be able to borrow.

Buller mayor Jamie Cleine fears smaller

councils will be left out in the cold by National’s plan.

It’s not just water infrastructure that rural communities are worried about.

Last week saw more heavy rain along the east coast, testing the key roads and bridges that link people and produce in the regions.

Wairoa farmer and Federated Farmers branch chair Allan Newton reckons they’ve had almost three years of continual rain.

At a farm level, newly built infrastructure is being tested again and some is losing the battle against the elements, sapping resolve.

Regional leaders say the rebuild, and the associated costs, are formidable.

“State highways 2 and 35 need to be fully re-opened,” Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz said. “Growers need to know they can get their produce out, and NZ really relies upon us for much of it also.”

She’s hopeful the new government will look to the east as it starts to spend NZ First’s $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund.

But there will be much more investment needed to bring those regions back to life.

The Department of Internal Affairs estimates between $120 billion and $185bn of investment is required over the next 30 years to maintain Three Waters infrastructure.

Treasury estimated that damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods

would cost between $9bn and $14.5bn.

The way we improve the quality of our rivers and streams will also change soon.

The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 will be replaced to give councils more control over how they meet environmental standards.

Many councils are a long way through the process of implementing the NPS, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt to a new plan and what costs doing that incurs.

There simply aren’t enough people in many regions to fund the work that needs to be done.

If you’d like to expand on your views, a letter to Farmers Weekly is always welcome – and the top writer each week stands the chance to win a hiking knife. Share your views at farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz

Giving our regions the power to manage their own affairs means the people living in them can be assured that the strategies they come up with will work for them.

But as report after report has shown, the demographics are not in their favour.

There simply aren’t enough people in many regions to fund the work that needs to be done.

In due course we’ll learn more detail about the government’s plan to manage our water, roading and other key infrastructure.

Hopefully it will find a way to balance community-led solutions with funding models that don’t hamstring the very people they are trying to help.

Best letter WINS a quality hiking knife Send your letter to the Editor at Farmers Weekly P.0. Box 529, Feilding or email us at farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz

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From the Editor

Opinion

15 In My View FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

15

In my view ...

New urgency to Hawke’s Bay water planning Tim Gilbertson

Chair of and a shareholder in Water Holdings HB. His views are not necessarily those of WHHB.

C

YCLONE Gabrielle gave us a taste of global warming and it’s only going to get worse.

The United States government, in its National Climate Assessment, said natural disasters cost the country $296 billion last year. President Joe Biden said that “denying the impact of climate change is condemning the American people to a very dangerous future ... Impacts are only going to get worse, more frequent, more ferocious and more costly ... None of this is inevitable.”

The same goes for us, but unlike the US, New Zealand is too small to repeatedly fork out the colossal costs of events such as Gabrielle.

Despite the obvious danger, we keep blaming cows, encouraging air travel, promoting gas-guzzling SUVs and voting-in governments that favour oil wells and gas platforms. Changing attitudes and behaviour isn’t easy.

The consents held by Water

Holdings HB for a dam based on the Makaroro River in Central Hawke’s Bay are increasingly relevant as the situation worsens.

The dam would generate hydro electricity, maintain a minimum flow of 5 cubic metres per second (cumecs) in our rivers, and give towns and irrigators enough water to survive and thrive.

And it could have an important role in reducing flooding, keeping shingle out of the riverbeds, and providing water for firefighting.

If the dam had been built as originally planned, the heavy rain warning given ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle would have allowed the water level in the dam to be lowered by several metres before the storm hit, holding back floodwaters for crucial hours and reducing the flow down the Waipawa and Tukituki rivers.

No precise measurements have been done as yet, but reducing the maximum flow by 10% dramatically reduces flood damage.

Spilling water early from the dam could have reduced the bill for flood damage by many millions of dollars.

The build-up of shingle in a dam is a problem as it reduces

DAM USEFUL: A dam on the Makaroro could have an important role in reducing flooding, keeping shingle out of the riverbeds, and providing water for firefighting, says Tim Gilbertson, a shareholder Water Holdings HB.

Increased river flows allow firefighting ponds to be established throughout the province. They will be needed when our new pine forests catch fire. long-term storage capacity. On the other hand, the build-up of shingle in river beds causes stop bank failure and bridges to be destroyed.

Continuous shingle extraction is essential to safeguard assets and infrastructure throughout Hawke’s Bay. It is easier to extract

shingle from one spot rather than removing it piecemeal from inaccessible kilometres of river bed. Taking shingle from the dam is a better, cheaper option than most alternatives.

Increased river flows allow firefighting ponds to be established throughout the province. They will be needed when our new pine forests catch fire.

Few existing water bodies are suitable for helicopters and fire appliances, especially when rivers drop to 3 cumecs in summer. With scarce water, limited firefighting resources and steep untracked forests, there is a serious risk of out-of-control fires.

Water planning has been discussed for many years.

Cyclone Gabrielle gave us a clear message: the time for action is yesterday.

The original Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme, the 2022 Tukituki Water Strategy Plan and Water Holdings HB consents and our four councils know all we need for a lasting solution to the issues we face.

Our children will be grateful if we provide them with plenty of water in a pristine landscape – a lot happier than if we condemn them to a very dangerous future because we ignored the danger signs for decades.

Ditch puts paw to paper Guest column

Ditch, as told to John Wilkie

Ditch the dog changed homes this year, from living with Steve Wyn-Harris in central Hawke’s Bay to joining the pack on the farm of John Wilkie in Whangaehu.

HEY Steve, I heard John on the phone with you the other day, sounded like you were asking how I was doing, so I thought I better jump on the woofi to tell you it’s all good, mate.

Mind you, took a bit of settling in with the team. The youngster here set up to play-fight and I thought he was for real and got stuck in.

Next thing the whole team were on me but I quickly implemented Plan

B, rolled over and played dead, reckoning John would intervene and sure enough, in he waded and gave them all a growling, so got that sorted, bunch of wimps.

I’m just like part of the furniture now, long as nobody tries pinching the bone I’m chewing.

Here’s a pic of us from few weeks ago, on a rare fine day.

Pretty cosmopolitan bunch: Quinn from Waikato in the front, the youngster, specialist at kicking over his water bucket and nicking my mattress from under the rail and shredding wool all over the place.

Baz on the left, a grizzly from central North Island, big bark, so good that on his first day he put 600 ewes through the side of the yard. He’s limited to the straight ahead stuff now.

Then Bruce, from western Taupō, all-rounder, he’s the one with the bionic leg. TTA the op’s called, bit like a multiple ACL, expensive job but well worth it, never looked back. He goes out fencing with Rob and Jamie, but they invariably have to do a search party at home time, given his penchant for random olfactory pursuit – the ultimate “hunt away” he is.

At the back there’s Chief, from up near Tolaga, an energiser frenetic you’d hardly know nearly

karked it as a pup, another lengthy stay at the vets. The nurses loved him, so does John. He has daily “sit down” sessions and is so good at it he’ll sit down anywhere, except when he’s chasing sheep, but he’s getting pretty close to putting two and two together.

Then there’s me. I do all of that stuff. I’m the “sit down” king, and on “go back” I do my unassuming pootle round the fenceline, and before the sheep can snort and look up it’s too late, I’m on them with a woof.

And man, can I bark. I give John’s right ear drum such a hammering on the MUV, he thought about phoning the tinnitus hotline but they didn’t answer the phone, it just kept ringing ... and ringing ...

So, apart from the odd cattle job, I’ve had to mostly stay home till lambing was done.

Talking about “go back”: Did you know that the Rottie side of me goes back to the Roman Legions when we were droving the mobile army rations? Got left behind in Germany when they deserted the place. The local Rottweil butchers took us up for all-round herding and guarding stuff, so there you go. No wonder I was a cinch for you to train, and a natural at this farming caper.

As for the pootle, well I done a

THE GANG: Ditch with his new pack – some of them retirees like him, and some youngsters – on John Wilkie’s Whangaehu farm. beaut when we finally got a decent let off the hook come docking time. While the men were setting up the docking pen I did a pootle around this 70 acre paddock, had the ewes and lambs heading up the hill and on the way back to Waipukurau, but that wasn’t the plan, exactly, so I, um, got a bit of a rest clipped on the back of the MV, while my new kennel mate, Tank, sorted the job out.

Tank’s on retirement plan like me, from Bart and Nuku’s Mangaroa Station up past Wairoa.

Bart whakapapas from coupla kilometres up the road from here, small world eh? Got a bit of nous too, this dog.

Anyway, I earned my stripes today helping draft hoggets from their lambs, then keeping the hoggets up to the dagging crush after that, just me and the Boss,

got me lots of “good boy” pats.

Hey, it’s tucker time!

Cheers then, from me and Tank.

PS Worked out pretty quick where the food got kept but I got a growling for charging at the feedroom door, just about bowling John over, fat old coot like me, only room for one of us in the doorway.

Got a view on some aspect of farming you would like to get across? We offer readers the chance to have their say.

Contact us and have yours. farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz Phone 06 323 1519

16 Opinion

16

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

And then a step to the right for National Alternative view

Alan Emerson

Semi-retired Wairarapa farmer and businessman: dath.emerson@gmail.com

I

T SEEMS we now have a government and I’m thankful for that. Whether it’s the strong stable government National leader Christopher Luxon keeps talking about, time will tell.

People either love or hate proportional representation, but it does let the country know what people are thinking.

For example, it is safe to assume that anyone voting for ACT won’t support co-governance. Anyone voting for the Greens will want to save the planet. New Zealand First will keep the retirement age and the positions of National and Labour are similar on many issues.

Negotiating any deal or agreement means compromise. If you don’t like a deal in a business negotiation you can just walk away. It’s not that simple in politics.

In the negotiations Luxon didn’t have much wriggle room.

He effectively had two choices.

The first was to get an agreement, however long it took and however

many compromises were required.

The second was to go back to the voters, which would be super risky in my opinion as six out of 10 voters didn’t vote National.

A third option was working with the Greens.

NZ First and ACT had a little more flexibility. They could get a deal and be part of government with all the baubles of office. The other option was to be on the cross benches with confidence and supply or, as David Seymour suggested, just confidence, not supply.

I believe that for the future credibility of either party the latter option was by far the best. Sadly, it seems, the baubles of office reigned supreme.

That Winston Peters is the master of negotiations quickly became obvious, as did Luxon appearing out of his depth. Why tell everyone there was going to be a three-way meeting in Wellington without first ensuring all three were going to be there? The NZ First leader remained in Auckland so both Luxon and Seymour took a panic trip there. That saga showed Peters’ negotiating experience and ability.

I support the thrust of the coalition agreement but my concern is that it is more of an electioneering document than one to get New Zealand back on track.

It is light or non-existent on cost of living, interest rates, health, education and child poverty.

National’s foreign buyers’ tax is out of the door as is ACT’s Treaty referendum.

The plan to stop Three Waters, Auckland Light Rail, Let’s Get Wellington Moving and Lake Onslow are to happen immediately. That might be easier said than done, especially as

DOING THE TIME WARP: NZ First leader Winston Peters is back in a coalition government, having shown he is the master of negotiation, says Alan Emerson.

It is good that going forward the NZ voters have the distinct choice of left and right rather than parties fighting over the centre. regards Three Waters.

Rewriting and reforming the shambles that is the firearms laws is to be welcomed. Nicole McKee will be running the reform process, which is great.

Changing the smoking laws because of the tax revenue had me a little surprised. Encouraging people to drink more alcohol would also ensure more tax dollars

as would legalising marijuana and taxing it.

I’m happy there will be an enquiry into banking.

On the cabinet front I remain unconvinced of the financial competence of Nicola Willis and I would have preferred someone other than Todd McClay as minister of agriculture.

I’m encouraged we have Nicola Grigg, Andrew Hoggard and Mark Patterson as associate agriculture ministers. That Andrew is also minister for biosecurity and associate environment is positive.

Tama Potaka as minister of conservation is untested and I’m reassured Judith Collins is science, innovation and technology minister. Roll on GE. Penny Simmonds looks good for

environment. It’s interesting that ministers of both climate change and environment are out of the cabinet.

The major positive for the rural sector, as I’ve previously mentioned, is the number of farmers and growers elected to parliament. The fact that they are over all political parties is a bonus.

Any politician will tell you that the real work in Parliament is in the select committees and not the debate in the House.

With the number of farmers and growers in parliament, it is logical to assume that our sector will have strong representation at select committee level.

Hopefully that will not just be with primary production but also with environment, transport and health.

Federated Farmers represented the sector well over the elections and subsequent negotiations.

I agree with its five key wins: the ousting of the appallingly bureaucratic freshwater rules, reviewing the methane reduction targets, canning the unworkable Resource Management Act “reforms”, overhauling immigration and employment rules and abolishing the ute tax.

The end result, in my opinion, was that both ACT and NZ First have moved National to the right of the political spectrum. It does, however, leave a clear position for Labour to fill in the next election, which, if handled properly, will make the party more electable.

It is good that going forward the NZ voters have the distinct choice of left and right rather than parties fighting over the centre.

Finally, the question I’m asking is, will the coalition government last three years? I’m not convinced it will.

Alliance is optimistic – but I have questions Meaty matters

Allan Barber

Meat industry commentator: allan@barberstrategic.co.nz, http:// allanbarber.wordpress.com

N

EW Zealand’s largest sheep meat processor and its remaining co-operative meat company, Alliance Group, is surprisingly optimistic after reporting a pre-tax loss of $97.9 million for the financial year ended September 30 – a result that, if repeated, could well result in losing the support of its bankers.

Currently Alliance has no core

debt and enjoys a seasonal funding facility that is in place until 2024, as well as a decarbonisation loan from EECA and a lower-interest facility provided by HSBC to cover outstanding receivables.

The reasons for optimism, according to Alliance chair Murray Taggart, are the dramatic differences between the first quarters of this year and last, and the performance improvements enabled by the introduction of the new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which had suffered several delays.

Another positive factor is the (admittedly small) operating cashflow surplus, comparing favourably with the cash outflow of $163.5m in 2012, which Taggart cited as the co-operative’s previous horror result.

He also looked rather wistfully at the timing effect of the September year end compared to the competitors’ financial year coinciding with the calendar year, enabling them to report the downturn in the last quarter of an otherwise very profitable financial year.

The main contributing factors to the loss were the sudden market collapse in October at the beginning of Alliance’s financial year, when the inventory value dropped by 25% in two weeks; the extra processing capacity to which Alliance was committed; and the resulting surplus of lambs processed during the period leading up to Christmas.

Taggart maintains this unwelcome trio of setbacks is unlikely ever to be repeated, because the ERP system – which ran over its budget and scheduled completion date, in part because of covid – now provides much greater ability to control all the critical operating variables.

Another factor that affected Alliance was its disproportionately sheepmeat-skewed processing configuration in a year when values dropped 29% compared with beef, which fell 19%.

Alliance’s old computer system had dated back to 1983, several technology lifetimes ago, and its replacement by the new system was long overdue, although it is

never a simple matter of flicking a switch and achieving all the gains immediately without a hitch.

The company is also pursuing the ambitious goal of becoming NZ’s most efficient meat processor through its manufacturing excellence programme.

My first question is about the ability to restrict the amount it can afford to pay for livestock while remaining competitive.

Benchmarking now shows a closing gap between Alliance’s most and least efficient plants across the country, although the more relevant benchmark should be a comparison with those of its competitors.

The main factors affecting meat processors’ efficiencies and consistently superior profitability is the amount of debt they carry and hence their ability to improve efficiency.

Other important factors are a stable ownership structure, sales

and marketing excellence focused on obtaining the maximum value for the total product range and careful control of overheads, essentially the wage bill and fixed costs.

Health and safety policy, a competitive pay structure and a committed workforce are other essentials, although one would expect all these to be logical outcomes of good board oversight and management.

Above all, freedom from the financial pressures associated with poor performance and wasteful expenditure facilitates good decision making.

My first question about Alliance’s poor performance last year and its capacity to turn it around within 12 months is about the ability to restrict the amount it can afford to pay for livestock while remaining competitive, and at the same time living up to its mantra of appropriately rewarding its shareholder suppliers.

Secondly, I question its ability Continued next page

Opinion

17 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

17

A lesson for farmers from the Danakil Depression Eating the elephant

Ben Anderson

Ben Anderson lives in central Hawke’s Bay and farms deer, cows and trees. eating.the.elephant.nz@gmail.com In this series, the lads reflect on 2023 and the break ahead.

T

HE Danakil Depression is the hottest place, on average, on Earth.

Located in Ethiopia, it sits at the very juncture where the Horn of Africa is slowly tearing itself away from the mainland.

Supercharged by geothermal heat, the windswept volcanic rock floor of the depression easily reaches 55degC in its hottest months, making life there, for most things, impossible.

When the wind rises, it feels like putting your head in the door of an oven on fan bake and simultaneously having handfuls of sharp volcanic sand thrown in your face. It’s brutal and was all too much for this boy.

Fortunately, the Afar people are made of sterner stuff than me.

They have adapted to life in the Danakil and have even managed Continued from previous page to generate enough cash to carry out its plant and systems upgrade programme, essential to improving its cost structure, while reducing its debt and funding costs. This performance improvement must occur against a backdrop of sluggish global demand and inadequate returns from the market.

The 2022 result showed Alliance did not even make a profit at the gross profit level, meaning revenue failed to cover any of the expenses other than direct costs of operations and procurement.

This was a $200m negative turnaround on the previous year and indicates the need to increase margin by a minimum of $10 per stock unit just to break even before tax. Any margin increase may have to be shared with suppliers.

Major contributing factors to

to make a living from it.

Within the Danakil is a place called Lake Afar, home to the salt mines that provide almost all of Ethiopia’s salt. The Afar salt miners cut slabs of salt from the evaporated lake crust, before carting it across and out of the depression by camel train over 80km to the nearest trading town.

For their labours, the salt miners received around 5 US cents (about 8c) per slab of salt. Just enough to live on.

From the air-conditioned safety of my truck, I watched the Afar cameleers lead their strings of camels out of the haze and across the desert floor in a seemingly continuous train that stretched from one horizon to the other.

Both camel and cameleer seemed almost oblivious to the scorching heat and sand flying around them.

As a young bloke with the usual youthful arrogance about my physical ability, I remember that humbling feeling when I recognised that the Afar measured their physical and mental resilience with a completely different yardstick than I did.

Southwest of the Danakil Depression and 14,359km away lies our own little slice of paradise.

As this year draws to a close, it seems that we have had to face down a few extra challenges of our own.

There haven’t been too many 55degC days for sure, but we’ve had other demons. In February, Cyclone Gabrielle blew many farms in Hawke’s Bay to bits. High interest rates, low commodity prices and geopolitical turmoil have also contributed to an environment where many the annual loss were finance costs ($26.9m), administrative expenses ($70.3m) and sales and marketing expenses ($7.5m), offset by other operating income and equity accounted earnings.

These costs are likely to remain fairly constant unless substantial debt and head count reduction can be achieved and the ERP programme can work miracles.

Last year’s $17m loyalty payments to Platinum and Gold suppliers who sent all their stock to Alliance was equivalent to 10 cents per kilo for lambs and 8.5 cents per kilo for cattle, which in the bad old days of the 1990s was about the same as a weekly premium above the schedule price, nice to have but not necessarily enough to guarantee securing the mob of lambs.

This will probably be the minimum necessary to retain the loyalty of a number of suppliers, although the fear of capacity

HOT TAKE: Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression is the hottest place on Earth, on average. Looking out from his airconditioned cab, Ben Anderson says, he learnt an important lesson. farmers on the east coast are now questioning their future in the sector. The juice is increasingly not enough to justify the squeeze.

Like the Afar people, New Zealand’s farmers like to pride themselves on their ability to withstand hardship. To be resilient and to roll with the punches.

Stoicism forms not only an important part of our self-identify, it also underpins much of what we do on a daily basis. When times are tough, it is logical to just keep putting one foot after another.

But here the comparison ends.

The Afar people have for the most part no choice in where they live and what they do. They can see the opportunities and possibilities in the world around them, but they have no practical means of getting out of there. They have to keep on keeping on.

In comparison, we don’t. We have a world of opportunities available to us. We are uniquely positioned to benefit from an increasingly global focus on sustainable food systems. We are almost shortages at the peak of the season will no doubt help as well.

Alliance’s position in relation to its competitors will become clearer after Silver Fern Farms and ANZCO have released their annual results for the calendar year 2023, but this is still several months away.

These two companies have the advantage of 50% and 100% corporate ownership, respectively, with SFF’s balance sheet being substantially bolstered by Shanghai Maling’s capital injection at the time it acquired its shareholding. It will be interesting to see how much debt SFF is carrying after a tough year’s trading.

There is little doubt 2023 has been a very challenging year for the meat industry, processors and farmers alike, but its capital structure means Alliance faces a greater challenge than its competitors to return to an acceptable level of profit.

embarrassingly well equipped to provide the high-quality food and fibre products that the richest in the world demand.

Our climate will be comparatively less affected by climate change than other countries. Our government is stable, our international reputation strong and our land productive.

This will involve being positive and embracing what we can do rather than commiserating over what we can’t.

Most importantly, we have access to the research and capital required to take us being from raw undifferentiated commodity producers to producers of highvalue food and fibre products that are sought after in our global markets.

To get there, farmers need to move beyond just being stoic and

PERFECT STORM: Alliance chair Murray Taggart says an unwelcome trio of setbacks that beset the co-op is unlikely ever to be repeated.

recognise that better is in fact possible.

Our comparatively poor and fluctuating returns are not an inevitable reality. Nor is the environmental degradation that we still see in parts of our industry.

We now have a change of government, and it will be tempting for us farmers to see that as a vindication of the status quo. But I get the impression that this new government wants us to achieve our potential, both economically and environmentally.

We need to take advantage of that and help the government to help us.

One part of this will involve being positive and embracing what we can do rather than commiserating over what we can’t. Another part will involve demanding the same from our industry leaders, who are appointed to serve our interests.

Stoicism has its place, but it should not be our default business model. We are lucky to have options. We should exercise them.

18 People

18

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

People

Getting to the root of all weevils Stephen Goldson has been awarded the Ray Brougham Trophy for outstanding leadership, commitment and innovation towards the potential of grassland farming in NZ. Annette Scott reports.

S

TEPHEN Goldson’s career began as an entomologist in the Ministry of Agriculture’s research division, working on the management of New Zealand’s damaging exotic pasture pest species.

Specialising in weevils wasn’t his ideal, but after 25 years of focused and well-supported, long-term ecological research, he is humbled to be recognised for the contribution he has made to the suppression of these pests using imported parasitoid wasp biological control agents.

The work has led to positive results and greatly reduced exotic pest impacts on NZ’s pastoral ecosystems, with the economic benefits running into hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

There are also ongoing environmental benefits associated with reduced nitrogen pollution and avoidance of the use of synthetic pesticides.

After a year as a school-leaver on Volunteer Service Abroad in Sarawak, Goldson’s tertiary education began at Otago University in 1970. Nine years of continuous education led to a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Diploma in Science from Otago University, and a Master of Science from Canterbury University.

This culminated in a PhD in Entomology from Lincoln College in 1979 and led him directly to a research career as an entomologist in the then Ministry of Agriculture’s agricultural research division.

“Initially I thought I would be working in cherries or grapes.

I was a bit resentful when I got

put into working on grass, but this turned out to be a fantastic opportunity because the science that can be done here based on simplified ecosystems offered great opportunity to increase ecological understanding, and through biological control theory we were able to gain great clarity of understanding because our grassland systems are so much simpler to work in than the complexity of EU grasslands.”

Goldson was recently awarded the esteemed Ray Brougham Trophy.

“I am very gratified to get the award. My research has not always necessarily been upfront to farmers, it’s been a lot of detailed work in science in a laboratory.

The successes were undoubtedly the result of high-risk and above all long-term research that included stable funding input ... such funding seems to have ended in the agricultural space.

Stephen Goldson Scientist “I’m very glad I have made a contribution and really appreciate the recognition of the contribution I have been able to make with quite detailed scientific research, which has led to understanding of the nature of our pastures, which has led to understanding why pests become such an issue, while at the same time why some biocontrols have worked so well.”

Goldson said there has long been

RESEARCH SHOWS: Leading New Zealand scientist Stephen Goldson says the idea that science research supporting farming is somehow of diminishing importance is ‘absolutely absurd’. an assumption that NZ farmlands are akin to other places in terms of entomology.

“It’s not the case because our farmlands have been created from cleared forest and bush areas while the EU forage plants, in terms of insects, are quite different, so there is no natural enemy to stop pests once they got into NZ.” He cited the lucerne weevil, Argentine stem weevil and clover root weevil as examples.

“People say, ‘Why aren’t our natural enemies in NZ controlling these pests?’

“It’s because our grasslands evolved from forest and tussock lands ... our paddocks are incomplete transplants of EU grasslands so our natural enemies are staying in the bush and native trees in paddocks.”

Goldson and his research team are now looking at the genetics of biological agents to find out what traits there may be that lead to successful control in terms of longevity, reproduction and dispersive ability, all underscored by climate change.

“This means really getting into the genetics of what’s going on to further develop biological control, possibly through the application

of genetic technologies when permissible.”

Aspects of the science system in NZ are not necessarily providing what’s needed right now.

“The successes were undoubtedly the result of high-risk and above all long-term research that included stable funding input from AgResearch and TEC funding via the former Bioprotection Research Centre at Lincoln University.

“Such funding seems to have ended in the agricultural space.

“Agscience has a long way to run here, it has very much to do with farming but also protecting the farming environment.

“The idea that science research supporting farming is somehow of diminishing importance is absolutely absurd.

“The contribution of agriculture to NZ’s economy remains extremely high, therefore very important.

“For me as emeritus now I can do what I want to do, when I want to; not what I am told to do, so we’ll see what happens next.”

More recently Goldson has acted as the chief science strategist and chief scientist in the Crown Research Institute AgResearch.

He has also been employed as the executive director of a multiorganisational centre of strategic research known as Better Border Biosecurity.

He is a Professorial Fellow at Lincoln University and is a theme leader in the Bio-protection Research Centre focused on pestplant evolution.

Goldson was president of the NZ Plant Protection Society from 2001-2003 and in the mid-1990s worked part-time as science adviser to then Minister of Research, Science and Technology Simon Upton while he continued with his research.

A similar arrangement has been made since 2009 to accommodate his current 30% secondment as strategist to the chief science adviser to the prime minister, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, particularly focused on agriculture and the environment.

Goldson, FRSNZ, ONZM, is a Fellow of the NZ Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science, the Royal Entomological Society of London and the Royal Society of NZ. In 2011 he was vicepresident of the Royal Society of NZ (biological and life sciences) and chair of its academy.

Honest Wolf nets top Rural Women award Staff reporter

PEOPLE

Wool

HONEST Wolf, a company producing wool-based luggage and accessories, has won the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Supreme Award.

It’s the first time the top award has been given to the winner of the Emerging Business category.

Hunterville-based Sophie and Sam Hurley started Honest Wolf in 2020 as a way to combat declining wool prices.

“This year we have seen the businesses that were created or were forced to pivot and evolve during the 2020 lockdown period really coming into their own now,” national president Gill Naylor said.

“Honest Wolf is an excellent

example of the innovation and entrepreneurism of rural enterprises and their responsiveness to changing times.

“In seeking a solution to declining wool prices at a time that plastic bags were being phased out, Sophie and husband Sam saw an opportunity to use their wool to create a sustainable alternative and Honest Wolf was born.”

Honest Wolf is based in Hunterville and has thrived since its inception. Its range of products has quickly expanded to include a range of luggage and accessories.

The brand is a champion for the potential of New Zealand wool.

Amanda Whiting, chief executive of IAG New Zealand, said it had been incredibly challenging for the judges to select an overall Supreme Award winner from the

outstanding cohort of finalists.

“Having grown up Western Australia, rural communities have always held a special place in my life and the opportunity to promote and celebrate the creativity and innovation of rural women through these awards is very special,” Whiting said.

“We continue to be incredibly impressed by the diversity of businesses owned and operated by

We continue to be incredibly impressed by the diversity of businesses owned and operated by rural women.

Amanda Whiting IAG New Zealand

rural women that are recognised by the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards.”

The award winners for each category are: Creative Arts: Botanic Press – Emma Hasler, Wānaka Emerging Business: Honest Wolf – Sophie Hurley, Hunterville Innovation: Real Country, Laura Koot, Kingston Love of the Land: Nature and Nosh and The Bush Boardroom – Kylie Rae, Waikato Rural Champion: Target PR – Rebecca Greaves, Pongaroa Bountiful Table: Hayz at the Anchorage – Haylee-Chanel Simeon, Bluff Rural Health and Wellness Excellence: Kathryn Wright Counsellor – Kathryn Wright, Te Anau

BAGS: Hunterville-based Sophie Hurley started Honest Wolf with husband Sam in 2020 as a way to combat declining wool prices.

Technology

19 Tech FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

19

Agritech opportunity abounds in the east Nuffield Scholar Lucie Douma, sharing the wisdom gleaned on her travels, says there’s a place for NZ technology as southeast Asia and the Middle East increase food production. Richard Rennie reports.

S

OME of the most rewarding returns for New Zealand agritech are likely to be found in southeast Asia and the Middle East in coming years as countries in those regions ramp up their domestic food production.

So said Nuffield Scholar Lucie Douma, who outlined findings from her scholarship travels in a recent Agritech NZ webinar.

“What is happening in the world of agriculture is we are seeing Western countries moving away from food production, particularly in Europe,” she said.

She pointed specifically to Germany, where a values-focused rather than science-focused Green party has significantly influenced food production policies.

This includes forcing a stop to the use of glyphosate by the end of this year.

“This is a very challenging space now for arable farmers, especially when much of Germany is no-till and the alternative products are four times the price.”

As a result farmers there are likely to revert to more tillage,

OPPORTUNITY: Nuffield Scholar Lucie Douma encourages NZ agritech firms to look harder at southeast Asia and the Middle East for opportunities in countries expanding food production.

There is a lot of opportunity here. They are really open to people they can trust and have similar values. They trust us.

Lucie Douma Nuffield Scholar breaking down soils and increasing emissions in the process.

Germany has also experienced a 50% reduction in pig farms over the past decade, with a move to more plant-based greenhouse-type food production. However, the loss

of animal production has meant lower demand for fertiliser.

She cited a glasshouse operation next to a fertiliser plant that had lost its CO2 supply source, as a result of the fertiliser plant shutting down.

“So, the lessons here for us are on the loss of part of the system and the impact of what that will be across the whole farming sector.”

In contrast, Singapore, which imports 90% of its food, has set a goal of producing 30% of its own nutritional needs by 2030.

“That is a significant change when it is basically a city.”

It now has cell-based meat on restaurant menus, including

chicken nuggets. Multi-storey structures house undersea fishand shrimp-rearing operations and water-borne pontoon structures are proposed for arable production.

“There is a lot of opportunity here. They are really open to people they can trust and have similar values. They trust us.”

At present Singapore is sourcing much of its tech inspiration from the university, and Douma encouraged agritech companies in NZ to better liaise with the National University of Singapore.

Qatar in the Middle East is a small wealthy country that was compelled to source its own

dairy after a trade spat with Arab partners in 2017. Almost overnight it created a 25,000-cow industry supplying the nation with milk and yoghurt.

But water limitations threaten to stunt its ability to export and Douma said the opportunities for NZ agritech lie in helping meet sustainability requirements there.

Similarly, in northern India a high level of development and focus on production in areas like the Punjab region mean water tables are falling at a metre a year, opening up the opportunity for precision irrigation and fertiliser application technology.

She noted that investment into Chinese food production has tended downwards in recent years, in part due to a loss of trust and China becoming more expensive as a food production base. This is prompting a move to other southeast Asian countries.

While the United States is a sharp contrast to those countries, greater flexibility on budget spending in its Farm Bill opens up more opportunities for NZ agritech firms to work in conjunction with their US counterparts in areas like climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Douma also pointed to the relationship Agritech NZ already enjoys with Californian tech firms.

This is through the partnership that Western Growers has with Agritech NZ, with a signed memorandum of understanding to accelerate tech developments.

High hopes for ground-level carbon survey Richard Rennie

TECHNOLOGY

N

Land

ZX-listed New Zealand Rural Land Company’s co-founder is hoping the results of a nationwide carbon survey his company is participating in will open the door to greater debate on carbon’s value in storing agrigreenhouse gases.

Part of our farm environment plans are to sequester green house gases, and anywhere you can sequester it should be identified.

Richard Milsom Co-founder- NZ Rural Land Company The company has two dairy farms in its 12,000 hectare pastoral portfolio included in the national carbon survey being conducted by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, which is close to completing its first round of carbon sampling from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Typically, NZ’s younger, less-cultivated soils have been regarded as being relatively high in carbon levels, with research

showing increasing those levels can be achieved incrementally at best.

NZ Rural Land co-founder Richard Milsom said the company is keen to view results from the survey as soon as possible to get a handle on where its farms’ particular carbon levels lie.

“It has proven an opportunity for us to be an active rather than passive participant in the survey. It starts with sampling, and we are aiming to implement some of the results in our enduring land for life programme, on the bleeding edge rather than being a slow follower.”

The soil carbon survey is measuring soil carbon on 500 pastoral sites across NZ and is concluding its first sampling round. The first sites were sampled almost six years ago and are about to be re-sampled.

Early results have revealed few surprises for scientists, with the anticipated levels of lower carbon tending to show up in crop land, rather than on perennial pasture country.

Landcare scientists are hopeful the survey will provide some indicators on movements in carbon amounts across the different pastoral sectors nationally.

Milsom said NZ’s understanding about the ability to sequester carbon below ground in the soil rather than above ground in

CAPTURED: The NZ Rural Land Company has enrolled two company dairy farms in its pastoral portfolio in the Landcare carbon survey.

trees is still in the relatively early stages. The survey will do much to improve that understanding.

“It is a case of having soil versus dirt. In the United States where there is heavy mono-cultural cropping there has been a heavy loss of carbon and loss of soil structure. Here, with largely pasture-based and low re-grassing rates, we have soils mineralised for longer.”

The two NZ Rural Land properties are dairy units totalling almost 1000ha. One is Toi Puke in Otago and the other Browns in Southland.

Milsom said he hopes the good

management of the two properties will reflect in their carbon levels, with minimal pugging and careful cropping management helping keep levels up.

Regenerative agricultural practices have been hailed as a means of lifting soil carbon levels, but Milsom shied away from a wholesale adoption of the phrase in NZ Rural Land’s operations.

“What is sometimes called normal practice for us here in NZ may be seen as revolutionary in some other countries. There are a number of hypotheses about regen that are up to interpretation, but we are keen to be data- and

science-driven with our decision making.”

As NZ again revisits its Emissions Trading Scheme policies, Milsom said anything learnt from the survey results could be useful in getting recognition of soil’s ability to sequester carbon.

“Part of our farm environment plans are to sequester greenhouse gases, and anywhere you can sequester it should be identified.”

He said he hopes NZ Rural Land will be leading from the front in setting an example of how to better understand, manage and improve soil carbon levels for other landowners.

FEDERATED 20 Fed Farmers

FARMERS Vol 1 No 13, December 4, 2023

fedfarm.org.nz

A young shearer on the rise W hile most teenagers are winding down for a relaxing summer ahead, Gisborne’s Jodiesha Kirkpatrick is sharpening the combs and cutters for her first crack at full-time shearing.

The 17-year-old grabbed the farming world’s attention recently when Federated Farmers posted a Facebook photo showing Jodiesha holding her 200th lamb shorn in one day.

Jodiesha says she’s very much still learning, but she’s proud to have hit the milestone.

“I started doing all the last sides for dad on his farm about two years ago, when I was 15. The last side is the easiest part of the sheep to shear, so he’d make me do that.

“I didn’t know how to shear a full sheep until last year and this main shear coming up over summer will be my first full-time shearing.

“I just want to get better, and my next goal is 200 ewes.”

Jodiesha reached her impressive 200-lamb tally in November while shearing for Federated Farmers national meat & wool chair Toby Williams, on his Pihitia Station just north of Gisborne.

Williams describes the teenager as “a fantastic shearer” who takes her time and focuses on quality.

“The big thing about Jodiesha is she didn’t rush out and try to do 200 – she just did 200 really well-shorn sheep.

“There’s a saying among the good shearers that you focus on quality and the pace will come. Jodiesha’s

parents, Ian and LilyBeth, have instilled that in her and in all their shearers. It’s about quality, with nice pink sheep coming out.

“She’s got really soft hands when she’s shearing. Each blow counts and is exactly as she wants it.”

Those in the shearing community won’t be surprised at Jodiesha’s prowess with a handpiece, given her pedigree.

Ian and LilyBeth were, until recently, long-time shearing contractors and organisers of the Gisborne Shearing and Woolhandling Championships at the Poverty Bay A&P Show.

Jodiesha’s brother Ian (junior) was the 2008 top-ranked intermediate shearer and winner of both the Golden Shears and New Zealand Shears intermediate finals, a treble he repeated in the senior grade in 2009.

Meanwhile, her uncle John Kirkpatrick is a legend of the sport, winner of more than 200 Open titles worldwide, including World Championship 2017, multiple Golden Shears Open titles and New Zealand Shears Open titles.

There’s plenty of other shearing and sporting talent in the Kirkpatrick line.

Jodiesha has already achieved competitive success too, including third in the junior shearing final and second in the junior woolhandling final at the Central Hawke’s Bay A&P Show in Waipukurau in November.

“That’s pretty bloody fantastic,” Williams says. “To get a place in a final in your division for either wool

FAMILY FUN: With mum LilyBeth and brothers Donald and Ian at her side, teenager Jodiesha Kirkpatrick takes a breather after shearing 200 lambs in a day for the first time.

handling or shearing is an incredible achievement, but to achieve both in the same show at that age is exceptional.”

Jodiesha says she finished school at 15 because she knew what she wanted to do for a living.

“I left school to help my parents with their shearing contract – they needed some more workers – but mostly because I like doing it.

Shearing is what I see myself doing in the future.”

Shearing is far more than just a job, she says.

“I like that I get to be by myself and do my own thing, and I really like the physical side of it.

“It’s good money but it’s also a good lifestyle and it can take you heaps of different places, getting you out of your hometown. And working with heaps of older people is cool because I learn a lot from them, and I enjoy hearing their stories.”

Jodiesha has already worked as a rousie in the South Island and is keen to shear in other parts of the country. Overseas destinations high on her list include Italy and Australia.

People she’s inspired by include her dad, brothers, and boss Tama Niania, who owns the run formerly owned by her parents.

She suspects the rest of the gang

in PODCAST

FEATURING A WEEKLY CONVERSATION WITH FEDERATED FARMERS LISTEN NOW

treat her a little differently because of her age.

“They’re a bit more polite,” she says, laughing. “If there’s any arguments at work, they try not to bring that around me. I think they like to look after me.”

Williams says there’s no doubt Jodiesha’s one to watch.

“She’s a dedicated young girl.

She left school early to pick up a profession that will take her all around the world. She’s going to go a long way.”

Where does Jodiesha see herself 10 years from now?

“Still shearing, going faster,” she says.

21

22

22

December 4, 2023 – fedfarm.org.nz

Federated Farmers

Climate policy must be in our national interest Paul Melville Federated Farmers GM policy and advocacy

M

ore than 80,000 international delegates are gathered right now in the United Arab Emirates, the world’s seventh-largest producer of oil, for the latest in a long line of UN Climate Change Conferences – COP28.

The agenda for this year’s meeting is about reducing emissions from agriculture and food production. Yes, I’m sorry to confirm that you did just read that right. Despite being held in the Middle East, the focus won’t be on reducing use of fossil fuels.

Instead, climate experts from around the world have flown in business class, to a desert emirate who built their entire economy selling oil, to tell farmers they need to go further and faster when it comes to emissions reductions. I’m sure the irony of this won’t be lost on the reader.

Unfortunately, nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to international climate policy. While the exotic location of these meetings differs each year, the familiar pattern of stage-managed drama doesn’t change.

First, we’ll be told how this conference is our last chance to save the planet and stop the catastrophic effects of climate change. Then, countries will be asked to make increasingly ambitious commitments than the ones they made just one year earlier.

At some point there’ll be a call for more climate finance for developing countries, countries who refuse to join some new declaration will be labelled ‘fossils’, and the meeting will culminate in a big announcement and a round of applause. Delegates will fly home proudly before repeating the process next year.

Despite the farcical nature of this global climate showpiece, make no mistake, there’ll still be important negotiations happening between countries that will have a material impact on New Zealanders’ day-today lives, whether they’re working in an Auckland high-rise or a Gisborne shearing shed.

The unfortunate reality is that even if New Zealand reduces our emissions to zero, we’ll still feel the impacts of a changing climate if the rest of the world don’t act too. That’s

This is of critical importance for Federated Farmers: we aren’t just advocating for rules that will prevent further warming; we’re also advocating for rules that treat different countries, and sectors, fairly.

not an excuse for inaction, but it is useful perspective.

This is why we need to agree on climate policy at a global level, rather than the national level. It’s also the reason we need clear rules for how we will stop further warming of the planet in a way that is fair, credible, and science-based.

This is of critical importance for Federated Farmers: we aren’t just advocating for rules that will prevent further warming; we’re also advocating for rules that treat different countries, and sectors, fairly.

Nowhere is this more important than in agriculture and food production. As things currently stand, according to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the way agricultural methane is normally calculated overstates the warming impact by a factor of four.

There is a very real risk that if the international rules, and our domestic response, get this wrong, global

AGENDA: Despite being held in the Middle East, the focus of COP28 won’t be on reducing use of fossil fuels.

IN THE KNOW: Prior to working at Federated Farmers, Paul Melville participated in UN Climate Change negotiations during the period 2012 to 2016 as a New Zealand Government official. emissions will go up as milk and meat production shift from New Zealand to less-efficient countries.

Given the significance of agricultural exports to our national economy, you’d think strong advocacy on this issue would a top priority for the New Zealand delegation and that they’d be heading to Dubai with a clear mandate to advocate for improved rules for methane and agriculture.

We need to see international rules that allow countries to take efficiency-based approaches to agricultural emissions and treat methane in a way that recognises it is a short-lived gas. Adding weight to such an argument is the Paris Agreement’s commitment to pursue low greenhouse gas development “in a manner that does not threaten food production.”

Unfortunately, no such mandate exists. Instead, the current negotiating priorities, set by the previous Cabinet, read like a grabbag of trendy buzz words but with no clear direction on what our national priorities might actually be (“New Zealand will advocate for work on just transition as an enabler of climate action”).

The only mentions of agriculture refer to the need to encourage more action to reduce agricultural emissions alongside more investment in agricultural technology. This second aim a worthy ideal, but by itself is not a clear indication New Zealand negotiators have our national interest at heart.

International negotiations, be they trade, climate, or defence, are not tiddlywinks. Other countries, like the UAE, will be operating under a clear mandate that protects their national interest. New Zealand can’t hope to get good outcomes from these meetings if we ignore the issues of most importance for our unique circumstance.

With the change in Government happening only days before this year’s conference, New Zealanders will, unfortunately, have to accept the current negotiating direction – but we do need to see change in the future.

Federated Farmers will be asking the new Government to start work early on a new climate negotiating mandate that directs officials to seek to achieve improved outcomes for agriculture.

Federated Farmers

23

23

fedfarm.org.nz – December 4, 2023

New rules will kneecap Northland

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orthland Regional Council are fast realising just how wrong they’ve got it with their draft Freshwater Plan Change, the province’s Federated Farmers president Colin Hannah says.

“The reaction they’ve had has been overwhelmingly against. They feel the whole thing is turning into a total disaster for them.”

Hannah and Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford have written a letter to the council, urging them to pause further work on the pre-consultation process.

Similar letters have gone to 15 other regional and district councils pushed into doing new Land and Water Plans by the outgoing Government’s legislation.

“We feel very uncomfortable engaging in this process when the direction is likely to change,” the Federated Farmers letter says.

During campaigning, National, ACT and New Zealand First all pledged a reset of regulations that are not fit for purpose.

“Although there’s no doubt that continued improvement in environmental outcomes is important regardless of the Government, these new rules set us on an extremely challenging journey.

“If we continue down this path, there will be significant ramifications for Northland’s economy,” the letter states.

“Rushed policy is always poor policy. If this process is going to be effective and constructive, we are going to need to see much more realistic timeframes and requirements.”

Federated Farmers have asked the new Government to pause implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. Hannah and Langford have called on Northland Regional Council to support that request.

However, recognising the council is obliged to follow existing legislation until its repealed, the pair have called for an extension of the deadline for

Hannah says any further progress with the draft plan must consider not just environment factors but the impact of changes on the economy, business and people’s wellbeing.

One of the freezing works would close. Reduced competition for cattle by the remaining works would further undercut farm viability, never mind the extra cost and animal welfare issues from transporting animals longer distances.

Colin Hannah Federated Farmers Northland president

SLOW DOWN: Rushed policy is always poor policy, Federated Farmers Northland president Colin Hannah says. farmers to give feedback on how they’ll be impacted by the proposed freshwater targets until March next year.

They also want commitments from the council that it will seek

“significant input” from the region’s Primary Sector Liaison Group, which includes Federated Farmers, to ensure provisions relating to farming in Northland are “practical, affordable and equitable”.

Among measures proposed by Northland Regional Council to deal with high levels of sediment and E. coli in waterways are setbacks of up to 10 metres from streams, stock exclusion from land over 25 degrees in slope, and reserving 20% of water allocation for tangata whenua.

Stock exclusion would apply to 250,000 hectares – 40% of the region’s total grazing area. That lost production, not even counting land also lost to setbacks, would amount to at least $270 million of lost farmer income annually, Federated Farmers has calculated.

“The trickle-down impact could be five times that for the Northland economy,” Hannah says.

“One of the freezing works would close. Reduced competition for cattle by the remaining works would further undercut farm viability, never mind the extra cost and animal welfare issues from transporting animals longer distances.”

Hannah is particularly concerned that, if setbacks are five metres or 10 metres (the legislation bottom line is three metres), gorse and other weedy vegetation will thrive in the strips locked off from grazing.

“We’ll quite quickly have significant

fire corridors. Gorse is one of the hottest-burning plants known to man and it grows really well in Northland,” Hannah says.

“We’ve seen in Australia how embers, driven along by the turbulence whipped up by out-ofcontrol fires, can spark fires up to a kilometre away. In dry and windy weather, we’ll get infernos up in our production forestry and bush.”

Farming is already being considered as higher risk by banks, which charge higher interest rates accordingly.

That would be accelerated in Northland with the kinds of measures in Northland Regional Council’s draft plan, sending even more farmers and growers to the wall, Hannah says.

“Even right now there’s probably not a beef farmer in Northland who will make a profit this year. The schedule is against them, and all this other stuff is against them too.”

Hannah says Northland’s towns and cities won’t escape the economic fallout either.

“As rural land values drop from stock exclusion and setbacks, council rates on that land will drop too. More of the burden of council costs will then fall on urban ratepayers.

“The council just hasn’t thought these things through. I think they’re really embarrassed about where they’ve now found themselves,” Hannah says.

Much of Federated Farmers’ work on behalf of members happens in the regions and districts – fighting unfair rates increases, pushing for changes to impractical local authority regulations or clauses in district plans, and advocating for rural families’ interests on all fronts. Each week, we’ll use this page to shine a light on that work.

24 Property

Manawatu 311 Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road

Wellfield Lodge

64.7312 ha

Located only minutes from Palmerston North City, Wellfield Lodge is immediately impressive. A sense that you are arriving at a significant destination is felt as you pass through the stately entranceway and make your way down the avenue of golden elms. A statement in country grandeur, this home is of palatial proportions. Built around a central courtyard with a large in-ground pool, this property is equally well suited to entertaining or luxurious everyday living. Every detail has been considered with this beautiful home. Wellfield Lodge comprises 64 hectares across two titles, which can be purchased separately or together. The property is currently utilised as a horse stud and there are extensive built-for-purpose equestrian facilities.

Expressions of Interest (unless sold prior) Closing 1pm, Thu 14 Dec 2023 49 Manchester Street, Feilding Phone for viewing times Mark Monckton 021 724 833 mark.monckton@bayleys.co.nz Jack Monckton 027 394 3705 jack.monckton@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/3100549

MID WEST REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Helensville 146 Fuller Road, South Head Farmer, hunter, water lover!

Located on the shores of Lake Kuwakatai is this picturesque 111 hectare dairy operation. Spanning two titles, the property's fertile flat to easy rolling contour unfolds across approximately 54 wellsubdivided paddocks seamlessly connected by an extensive limestone race network system. Other features include its fertile red hill sandy loam soils, a 34 ASHB cowshed, reliable water supply, and two houses. For the hunter gatherer, the farm welcomes regular visits from wild fallow deer, whilst direct access to the lake opens opportunities for boating, canoeing, and a frontrow seat to an abundance of birdlife.

Take a virtual tour: www.vimeo.com/886002624

bayleys.co.nz/1203745

bayleys.co.nz

North Canterbury 773 Cat Hill Road, Cheviot 111.1508 ha Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 12pm, Fri 15 Dec 2023 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View by appointment John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz Jayne McCall 021 606 969 jayne.mccall@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, KUMEU, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Simply run hill country property Cat Hill has around 9km of Hurunui River frontage - well regarded for its fishing and boating - complemented with hunting on the property, making this a recreational paradise, whilst also having some real aesthetic appeal. Good healthy stock country underpins an easy-care, low-cost farming operation. The property has excellent subdivision with very good track access and has a mix of reticulated water to the lower blocks and paddocks, with springs and creeks to the top. There is very good access, feeding from the hill onto the river flats providing for ease of management of both sheep and cattle, with excellent low-maintenance sheep yards, including covered yards and a three-stand raised-board woolshed and new cattle yards.

bayleys.co.nz/5519455

1,477.3449 ha Asking Price $6,950,000 + GST (if any) View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Peter Foley 021 754 737 peter.foley@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

25

Kereru Gull Flat Road

Sherratt Block

Spencer Block

Excellent Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farms For Sale By Negotiation View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/HR169192 pb.co.nz/HR169235

• Sherratt Block - 144 ha (STT) • Spencer Block - 225 ha • Strong farming district • Buy one or buy both Both blocks can be purchased at offers over $5,100,000 or individually: Sherratt Block - Inviting offers over - $1,750,000 Spencer Block - Inviting offers over - $3,350,000 PB071775

Pahiatua Thompsons Road

Mike Heard M 027 641 9007

E mike.heard@pb.co.nz

Pat Portas M 027 447 0612

E patp@pb.co.nz

Waimumu 110/78 Waimumu Road Tender

Deadline Sale

First farm or diversify - 164 ha

Self contained dairy unit - options available

This beef grazing and dairy support property is well located just 12 Tender closes 2.00pm, Wed 20th Dec, 2023, Property Brokers km east of Pahiatua and within commuting distance to the Pahiatua, 129 Main Street Pahiatua Manawatu.

View By appointment Essentially bareland, the property offers a blank canvas for the new Web pb.co.nz/PR116714 owner to add their touch to this strong hill country. Currently utilised as part of a larger dairy and beef business the property features recently updated tracking and ample natural water throughout.

Jared Brock The property features a strong limestone base with multiple road M 027 449 5496 access points allowing for alternative farming practices.

Jamie Smith M 027 220 8311

Deadline Sale closes Friday 15th Property Brokers are proud to present this well located and well December, 2023 at 4.00pm, (unless presented dairy farm to the market. Established in 2014, sold prior) Waimumu Downs has gone from strength to strength with a View By appointment strong record of production and an emphasis on environmental Web pb.co.nz/GOR166543 care that has seen the farm be nominated for and win, several awards over the past decade.

With an effective area of 268 ha and a milking platform of 206 ha, all stock is wintered on farm on a grass-only system. Milking is done from a 50 bail rotary shed with DeLaval plant, centrally located on the farm and approximately nine years old. The lanes are in good Ryan Osborne to fair condition throughout and all fences are in good order.

Two stand-alone homes are included.

M 027 340 4333

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

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Proud to be here

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RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

OPEN DAY

WHAKATANE, BOP 672 Thornton Road and 96A Thornton Hall Road Blue Chip Dairy Performance • • • • • • • • •

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TENDER

2

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 14 December

106.5136 hectares (STT more or less) 96.14 effective Irrigated area of 68 hectares (more or less) Van den bosh system Upgraded effluent system with new resource consent compliance Groundwater resource consent compliance in place until 2033 40 ASHB with in-shed feed system & 16-tonne silo Excellent fertiliser history and application Well-presented four-bedroom home with sleep-out 10km to Whakatane CBD & 3km to Thornton Primary School Willing to sell as a going concern purchase option if desired

VIEW 12.00-1.00pm Wednesday, 6 December

Enjoy the region's sports and recreation attractions with Ohope and Thornton Beach's on your doorstep, along with the area's freshwater lakes and rivers for skiing and fishing. Seize this opportunity for a harmonious blend of agricultural prosperity and coastal living!

Phil Goldsmith M 027 494 1844 E pgoldsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/WHK38714

TENDER

EKETAHUNA, TARARUA 51 Falkner Road Entry Level Dairy Farm After a profitable 24 years our vendor has decided to move on from this 128ha dairy farm situated in the summer safe area of Eketahuna. The property has mainly rolling contour complemented by approx 40ha of flats. 25 ASHB cowshed with a 300 cow feed pad plus support buildings.

Most supplementary feed is produced on farm and only a small portion of off farm grazing during winter months. Two x 4-bedroom homes with ave 77,226kg MS with minimal inputs. This sale represents an ideal opportunity for the aspiring young farmer to step into their first farm at a realistic entry-level.

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TENDER Plus GST (if any)

(Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm, Friday 15 December 43 Chapel Street, Masterton

VIEW By Appointment Only Gary Patrick M 027 450 4290 E gary.patrick@pggwrightson.co.nz Andy Scott M 027 448 4047 E andy.scott@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/MAS38670 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

For more great rural listings, visit pggwre.co.nz www.pggwre.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008.

CROMWELL, CENTRAL OTAGO Expansive South Island High Country Station A breathtaking 13,177 ha (STS) high country estate nestled amidst the pristine beauty of Central Otago.

This remarkable property presents an unparalleled opportunity for those seeking an extraordinary lifestyle in one of New Zealand's most coveted landscapes. The original Northburn Run is freehold up to the top (1647m) & there are several smaller titles overlooking Lake Dunstan. Northburn runs approximately 11,150 stock units of Merino sheep & cattle. Northburn presents immense development potential including a consented high country Canyon Swing operation.

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PRICE BY NEGOTIATION Plus GST (if any)

VIEW By Appointment Only Mike Direen M 027 434 0087 E mdireen@pggwrightson.co.nz Trevor Norman M 027 435 5433 E trevor.norman@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/ALE38005 Helping grow the country

NZ’s leading rural real estate company Helping grow the country

MOWER MASTER TOWABLE MOWERS Towable Flail Mower

14.5HP. Vanguard Briggs & Stratton Motor.

Electric start. 1.2m cut 3 year Briggs and Stratton Commercial Warranty.

2 year Mower Master Warranty Assembled by Kiwis for Kiwi conditions – built to last.

We are not committed to one buyer that is how we get our customers the most profit we can. Set up to do the smaller, trickier wood lots. No job too big or too small.

GO THE MOA!

BTZ Forestry Marketing and Harvesting (Obtaining the best profits for our customers)

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Buyers of Woodlots and Forest.

Qualifications The successful candidate will have: • Attention to detail and take pride in completing tasks to a high standard • A can-do attitude • Initiative and the ability to operate independently • The ability to multi-task and adapt to everchanging priorities • Good stock and animal husbandry skills • Own 2-3 working dogs under good command

GOATS WANTED

LEASE LAND

Top property in a dream location is seeking an experienced Shepherd.

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 ro d i p. c o m

YOUNG ENERGETIC COUPLE seeking farm lease land in Wairoa/Gisborne.

Proven management experience. All sizes considered. Phone Matt 027 238 4942.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

Rimunui Station, located 7km from Gisborne CBD, is a 1000ha effective breeding and finishing property consisting of easy, medium and steep hill country, wintering 350 Angus stud breeding cows/ heifers and 2200 breeding ewes/hoggets.

CRAIGCO SHEEP JETTERS. Sensor Jet. Deal to fly and Lice now. Guaranteed performance.

Unbeatable pricing.

Phone 06 835 6863. www.craigcojetters.com

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.

The well-known Kaharau Angus Stud has been operating at Rimunui Station for over 30 years.

ATTENTION FARMERS

For dream location

The successful applicant must have a strong team of dogs and be able to work alone, a good sense of humour with a cando attitude.

They will be part of a well organised, cohesive team and will answer to the Manager.

Private Hunting Block on doorstep.

In Return we can offer: • A challenging but rewarding work environment • Opportunity for individual growth • Competitive starting remuneration rates depending on experience • Plus on Farm housing available if required Ready to start?

Applicants will need to be legally entitled to work permanently in New Zealand. If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for, please apply via email including a cover letter and copy of your CV to mike.carter@fairfieldfarms.co.nz or alternately contact Mike Carter on 027 353 7315.

For a delivered price call ....

DOGS FOR SALE BORDER COLLIE PEDIGREE working strong eyed pups.

Working lambs at 8-weeks.

Bred from the finest international dog trialling and working lines. Phone Somerton Park Kennel Canterbury 021 264 6250.

View photos on Trade Me jobs.

Please e-mail applications with CV to: tracy@gisborne.net.nz Applications close 15th December 2023

NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser 0800 436 566

Competitive remuneration package.

Phone Nick Carr on 021 656 023

DOLOMITE

WANTING A COUNTRY home with shed or sizable shed with power and amenities, north Taranaki. lease or buy. Phone 027 222 8481.

Living on the farm is required, a comfortable three bedroom Lockwood home is provided and school bus pick up is at the gate.

• Basic computer skills and record keeping Additional Information

To find out more visit

www.mowermaster.co

FERAL GOATS WANTED. Pick-up within 24 hours.

Prices based on works schedule. Phone Bill and Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916 / 027 363 2932.

• Some irrigation knowledge • Able to manage a small team of staff

Ph Dan 021 026 00204

FARM MAPPING

Close to town, enables employment opportunities for a partner.

• General farm maintenance skills

GST INCLUSIVE

MEASURE YOUR FARM’S effective area with a practical and cost-effective map. Visit farmmapping.co.nz for a quote.

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Reporting to the Livestock Manager you will be responsible for overseeing our lamb fattening program on our Chertsey farm from Autumn to Spring, as well as managing the irrigation during the season and general farm maintenance and tidiness.

This role will provide an opportunity to work with both our Stock and Cropping teams, meaning no two days will be the same and a variety of tasks will be offered including animal welfare, shifting stock and driving our modern fleet of tractors and equipment.

$4900

ANIMAL HANDLING

EXPERIENCED SHEPHERD

Job Description

Experienced Fencer relocating to Wanganui seeks work.

Rural and lifestyle.

Phone 0800 422277 or 028 461 5112 Email: mowermasterltd@gmail.com

Free quotes • Markets for all species Email: BTZforestry@gmail.com

We are looking for a talented individual to join our team at Fairfield Farms based 10 minutes north of Ashburton. Fairfield Farms is a 2500ha mixed arable operation consisting of Cropping, Lamb and Cattle finishing and Cut and Carry.

FENCING WORK WANTED

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Farmers/Woodlot owner Tired of waiting for someone to harvest your trees?

Farm Supervisor/ Senior Stockperson

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

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Marketplace

27 Marketplace

ELECTRO-TEK ENGINEERING

ZON BIRDSCARER electro-tek@xtra.co.nz Phone: 06 357 2454

FARM PHOTO FOR XMAS A FARM PHOTO is a useful and beautiful gift that will be enjoyed every day.

From $350 + gst. Contact farmmapping.co.nz.

FARM SITTING EXPERIENCED SHEPHERD looking for farm sitting. Has own accommodation. Phone Grant 027 533 6753.

FOR SALE

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Buy $200 + grab a FREE 2pr Xmas socks $50 Worth

www.thesocklady.co.nz

FORESTRY WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide. We can arrange permits and plans.

Also after milled timber to purchase. NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 027 688 2954 Richard.

GOATS WANTED GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds.

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

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

LEASE LAND WANTED DAIRY OR GRAZING FARM wanted. Open to leasing, equity, share farming or developing land in partnership.

Rangitīkei, Manawatū or HB areas.

Phone Michael 027 223 6156.

500 WILTSHIRE EWE lambs for sale in Hawke’s Bay. Phone 027 493 7505.

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

RAMS FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556.

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

Advertise with us Call 0800 85 25 80 wordads@agrihq.co.nz

28 Livestock

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

SALE TALK

WAIRARAPA TEXEL DEVELOPMENTS

Tommy begged his father to get them a Christmas tree, but his Father said “No, no Christmas tree.”

“But daddy all my friends have Christmas trees in their house” Father was adamant, “NO Christmas tree.”

Superior Genetics for Greater Profitability

Tommy pestered his father every year. Still no Christmas tree.

Finally when Tommy was 10 he really begged , “Please I want a Christmas tree father”.

On Farm Auction:

Unable to bear the nagging anymore, father said “OKAY!”

Friday 15 Dec at 12 midday, Inspection from 10am.

He went into the garage, picked up his axe and left.

Advertise with us Call Andrea 027 602 4925

AURORA GENETICS 100% bidr online Ram Sale Offering: 40 Romney & Romney Texel X 2th Rams.

Rams with proven performance, fertility & high index.

David Robertson (Vendor) 027 434 0884 Callum McDonald (PGW Genetics) 027 433 6443 Gerard Shea (PGW) 027 442 5379

For Sale – 300 Maternal and Terminal Rams proven to increase growth rate and meat yield of export lambs.

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard For more info bidr.co.nz

Garth Shaw: 027 273 7037 Warwick Howie (PGGW): 027 437 5276 e: wharetoa@farmside.co.nz

Maternals Texel Wharetoa Maternal

Terminals Meatmaker Wharetoa Terminal

www.wharetoagenetics.co.nz

Thursday 14 December, 1pm A/C Trevor & Trish Johnson 4557 Ohura Rd, Taumarunui (Ram selling complex) • 600 Yearling Steers • 500 Yearling Heifers These later born great shifting hill-country yearlings are Angus, Angus/Hereford cross and Hereford.

Angus bulls have been purchased from Stokman and Waitangi with Herefords from Kokonga.

The cattle will be drafted into lines and weighed 10 days prior to the sale with viewing on sale day from 9.30am - 12.30pm.

A list of yard addresses will be available upon request from the auctioneers.

A catalogue will be available on Bidr and My Livestock prior to the sale.

• • • •

35 stags with 12mth BVs +29 to +35.7kg.

Highest average 12mth BV stag auction in NZ since 2011.

Maternal reds selected on temperament and fully guaranteed.

Auction on Bidr and freight paid.

A 2% purchasing rebate will be paid to recognised companies making arrangements prior to the sale. The cattle will be shown at the auction via video taken at drafting and weighing.

For more information contact: Marty Cashin (PGW) 027 497 6414 Allan Hiscox (NZFL) 027 442 8434

027 446 6309 • www.deerstud.nz

All fully SIL recorded for sale 2023 Plus – 200+ ram hoggets available for 2024 ewe hogget mating including 50+ Cheviot/Texel ram hoggets.

Inspection and enquiry are always welcome, or visit our Facebook page wairarapa texel development.

Andy 027 238 4961 halfy490@gmail.com Stewart 06 372 2770 texels4u@gmail.com

MACHINERY DISPERSAL SALE A/c Client Halcombe township, Manawatu

(sign-posted from Feilding/Halcombe Road)

Saturday December 16th, 11am start

Comprising: Tractors: Iseki TS4510 4WD with transport tray; Massey-Ferguson 3303-5 Industrial loader); 1990 Nissan Atlas tip-truck with steel deck & crate; Hyundai HL25 wheel loader; Mitsibishi WS500 wheel loader; Diesel tractormounted wood splitter; International B275 petrol tractor-mounted wood splitter; assorted tractor tyres, parts swing-arms & top-links; tractor mounted topping mower; 2019 Home-built trailer; 1986 Home-built trailer with crate; post-hole borer with auger; DeWalt drop saw & roller table; single-phase compressor; Davey XP350 P8C jet pump; Masport Ltd edition mower & catcher; Stihl battery-power weed eater; lifting chains & twitches; Superworks endless chain block; Tecumsen 5.5hp 12” front-tine tiller; 3-phase 180amp arc welder; welding table & vice; Fridge/ freezer units x 3; aluminium extension ladders; Avery wool-bale scales; Treco garden shed; 2 x Stihl chainsaws & accessories; several antique chainsaws; hydraulic ram; high-tensile wire & wire-rope hoist; hand-drawn roller; hand yard-trolley; lawn sweeper; fireplace surround & timber; saw blades; angle grinder; workshop stereo; big selection hand tools; assorted pipe gates & posts; scaffolding; alkathene pipes; buckets of paint; drums of tractor oil; beer kegs; HIT bolt cutters; Wormald fire-extinguisher; wire netting; scrap metal and more.

To view photos of main items visit: www.mylivestock.co.nz/auctions

Gareth Williams 0275 264 613 For further information contact Paul Hughes:

With 100 plus Texel 2th rams and 80 plus Suftex 2th rams

Bigger Lambs Faster

PAPARATA STATION - INAUGARAL ON FARM YEARLING CATTLE SALE

Annual 2yr sire stag sale Wednesday 13 December 1.30pm at 37 Pukenaua Rd, Taihape

WAIRARAPA TEXEL DEVELOPMENTS THE TERMINATOR -PACKING MEAT

“Meating the Market”

Wednesday 6 December, 7pm

Helping grow the country

Texel Flock No 10 SIL No. 2960 Suftex Flock SIL No 5044

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“You silly child, I DIDN’T WANT TO PAY!!!”

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“Then why’d you take the axe along?”

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook nzsheep.co.nz/poll-dorset-breeders

JW116952©

“I didn’t hack it , I got it from the market.”

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10 minutes later he returned with a Christmas tree in his truck.

Tommy was surprised. “How did you hack a tree so quickly?”

Tried, tested, proven and matched perfectly to New Zealand conditions for efficient, cost effective lamb production.

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

For more info visit www.bidr.co.nz

Enquiries – NZFL agents: Malcolm Coombe 027 432 6104 Darryl Harwood 027 449 1174 John Watson 027 494 1975

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Livestock

Ram hoggets and 2-tooths available Genuinely profitable sheep

STOCK REQUIRED

1YR Exotic or Beef Heifers 300-350kg 1YR Friesian Bulls 320-360kg 2YR Ang Ang X or XBred Steers 450-550kg 2YR Beef Bulls 460-550kg Terminal Lambs 22-25kg (Under 27kg) FE Tolerant Romney 2TH-4YR Ewes

Last issue for 2023 December 18 First issue for 2024 January 15 Contact your partnership manager for deadlines

Affordably priced at $700

High Fertility High Survival

1YR Ang or Beef X Steers 280-340kg

High Growth

Phone Ross Dyer 0274 333 381 www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Longevity

A Financing Solution For Your Farm www.rdlfinance.co.nz

LA-MAC, CAMLA & LOCHAIRE

ON FARM RAM SALE WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER

FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER A/c Adams Partnership, Christchurch Sale at Canterbury Park Saleyards Viewing from 11am, Sale 1pm

>45 Hampshire >25 South Suffolk >16 Poll Dorset

>90 Suffolk Rams

Structual Soundness

WAIKURA STATION

STONEYLEA RAM SALE

39 Ahuriri Road, Tai Tapu Viewing from 11am, Sale 1pm

Catalogue available via contact details below or on the Hazlett or RLL websites: www.hazlett.nz/whats-on www.rurallivestock.co.nz/Auctions

Further enquiries: Callum Dunnett (Hazlett) 027 462 0126 Sam Brown (PGGW) 027 369 3874 Simon Eddington (PGGW) 027 590 8612

Rams for Sale - Online Bidr Auction Tuesday 12th December - 7pm > 30 performance recorded terminal sires Videos and ram info will be available to view on Bidr®.

To register for Bidr® please go to www.bidr.co.nz. If you would like assistance registering please call the bidr team on 0800 TO BIDR (0800 86 2437).

Further enquiries: Doug Croy (Vendor) 027 300 0230 Malcolm Taylor(Vendor) 022 080 5122 Callum Dunnett (Hazlett) 027 462 0126

WATERTON > 32 Suffolk > 28 Charollais

> 20 South Suffolk > 10 Charollais/Suffolk x

Sale will be livestreamed on the Waterton Sheep Stud Facebook Page.

Catalogue available via contact details below or on the Hazlett website: www.hazlett.nz/whats-on Chris Hampton (Vendor) 027 202 5679 03 614 3330 or cahampton@xtra.co.nz Wayne Andrews (Hazlett) 027 484 8232 Callum Dunnett (Hazlett) 027 462 0126 Keegan Gray (PGW) 027 288 7529 Simon Eddington (PGW) 027 590 8612

hazlett.nz

hazlett.nz

Ewes and Lambs: > 6500 Romdale Suftex x Ewe & Wether Lambs > 3400 Romdale Tex x Wether Lambs > 1000 Romdale Wiltshire x Wether Lambs > 300 Romdale x Ewe Lambs > 300 Romdale Wiltshire x Ewe Lambs > 1200 CFA Ewes

ON FARM RAM SALE TUESDAY 19TH DECEMBER Belmont Station, CJ & AE Hampton 50 Kerr Road, Cave 3.30pm Start - Viewing from 2pm

03 358 7988

murray.herbert10@ gmail.com

Tuesday 12th December 1904 Waikura Valley Road, Gisborne Commencing at 1pm

Cattle: > 250 Home Bred Angus Yearling Heifers > 50 Home Bred Angus Yearling Steers > 30 Angus Cows with Calves at foot

MANDEVILLE

Phone Murray Herbert 027 424 1335 or 06 374 0419

ON FARM SALE

Further enquiries: Callum Dunnett (Hazlett) 027 462 0126 Anthony Cox (RLL) 027 208 3071 Bob Davidson (RLL) 027 473 0806

SPRING CREEK & PUKERIMU SOUTH SUFFOLK

All enquiries and viewing welcome

FE Tolerance LK0117390©

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STOCK FOR SALE

Auctioneers note: A grand opportunity to purchase well-bred, high-quality livestock in large numbers that are renowned for their shifting ability.

The entire 2023 lamb draft is on offer (other than replacement ewe lambs that are being retained). No lambs will have been picked prior to sale.

These high-quality lambs are both NZFAP and ABF accredited.

Further Enquiries: Richard Johnston 027 444 3511

We are a business built on the belief that people come first Our commitment to you is to provide quality advice, timely deliveries and extremely competitive pricing.

Give us a call and we’ll prove it. › Hazlett Livestock - 03 358 7988 › Hazlett Agri-supplies - 03 358 7988 › Hazlett Insurance - 03 358 7246 › Hazlett Funding - 03 929 0317 › Hazlett Procurement - 03 929 0317

hazlett.nz

Bank on the future Breeding ewes are a very buyable investment right now. It’s time to invest in top terminal sires and bank on next year’s profit.

• Growth AND meat • Ram weaning weights 40-50 kg at 100 days • Suffolk/Texel, stabilised for 20+ years • Constitution and soundness - rams that last Weightlifter Terminal Genetics, Central Hawkes Bay: Warren Kittow: kittowwarren@gmail.com Paul Johnson (Carrfields): 0274 412 229

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Advertise with us Office close dates December 19 to January 7

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

30 Markets

Markets

Proudly sponsored by

On-farm lamb sales get S Island hopping

A good growing season brought a bigger supply of lambs, and they drew the crowds to farms on the mainland.

Alex Coddington

MARKETS Lamb

W

ITH Canterbury show week over and done with for 2023, the South Island on-farm lamb sales are now in full swing.

Following a good growing season, farms from Waipara to Pleasant Point presented an increased supply of lambs to the market. These on-farm sales have been met with plenty of interest, drawing crowds from all over the country.

In such uncertain market conditions, returning buyers were able to boost demand through loyalty, acknowledging the quality of breeding and presentation of the lines. Overall, results exceeded expectations despite returns being down on last year.

At Highfield on Monday November 20, just over 3000 good terminal sired lambs averaged $115. This was approximately $20 back on last year. Highfield is known for being good, early lambing country and this year it potentially had more feed than normal too.

There were a larger number of forward lambs on offer and there was a small amount of North Island interest, which isn’t typical for the sale. However, most sold locally.

At Glenmark Drive, approximately 10,000 well-farmed lambs sold, accompanied by around 1500 ewes. Although not officially weighed, agents reported

lambs averaged $2.90-$3.00/kg.

Most lambs sold to the central Canterbury region.

Eskvale Station in Amberley sold a fantastic line-up of 3300 Suffolk, Dorset Down and Romdale mixedsex lambs at its annual on-farm lamb sale on Tuesday, November 28. These lambs have a very good reputation for their shifting ability and growth rates, and the sale was well-supported by returning local buyers. The 3300 lambs averaged $106.

Hazlett stock agent Alby Orchard gave credit to the owner for the quality of the yarding.

“Considering the late spring and limited growth, Ben Finney, owner of Eskvale Station, did a fantastic job of presenting this very good line of prime and store lambs,” he said.

The prime lambs ranged in price from $126 to $145 for blackface mixed-sex while the Romdale male lambs fetched $116-$139.

Store blackface mixed-sex lambs made $70-$101 and the store Romdale male lambs returned $88-$71.

At the Brothers Station on Pleasant Point, 2600 Suffolk-cross mixed-sex lambs and 300 Romney wether lambs were offered for sale. The sale, now in its sixth year, was a great success, PGG Wrightson agent Joe Higgins said.

“These were young, healthy lambs that went very well. These lambs drew a good crowd and were brisk all the way through,” he said.

Although not officially weighed, agents reported that the top two pens of prime lambs averaged

IN DEMAND: Some 3300 Suffolk and Dorset Down mixed-sex lambs were offered at Eskvale Station in Amberley and sold to keen interest. $2.80-$3.00/kg while the store lambs were estimated to weigh 2232kg and returned $2.85-$3.00/ kg. Most of these lambs were blackface as the station retains the Romney lambs for breeding.

After a hiatus in 2022, longstanding seller MB & GA Forrester in Waipara Gorge made a return to the on-farm sale scene this year.

Buyers showed a lot of interest in the quality and genetics of the offering and the $100 average price was evidence of the good response to the sheep amid such challenging market dynamics.

Forrester Sire Sale Monday 11th December 2023

The top pen of prime lambs was Down-cross and fetched $149.

The Longdown wethers returned $144.

Longdown ewe lambs were purchased by a local farmer to be used for breeding, reflecting the great results and lasting impression of these genetics.

It was a busy day on Wednesday, November 29 in Beautiful Valley.

Three on-farm lamb sales took place in the area and all brought successful results for vendors.

The day began at Rapuwai Farms Ltd, Hanging Rock, where

1800 mixed-sex lambs averaged $93. The prime lambs faced good interest from a large buying gallery and returned a range of $83-$131.

RJ Horn presented 600 Romney cryptorchid lambs and over 300 Suffolk mixed-sex lambs. They averaged $82.50 and ranged from $73 to $112.

HJB & SJ Sheed completed the day’s success, selling 1050 Suffolkcross mixed-sex lambs at an average price of $88.50. Returns ranged from $70 to $130 on these well-bred prime and store lambs.

Viewing 12pm / Auction 1pm Peel Forest Estate 1 Brake Road, RD 22, Geraldine, New Zealand

+64 27 779 9008 mark@pfe.nz peelforestestate.co.nz

Markets

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

Weekly saleyards Store cattle prices are rivalling last year’s levels despite schedules being well below.

The demand for younger stock is being led by excess grass in many regions as well as buyers looking for alternatives to the flailing lamb market.

At Frankton, yearling dairy-beef steers, 325-375kg, are currently trading 40c/kg above last year’s levels.

Dairy-beef weaners also continue to sell in a very positive market environment and South Island yards have joined in on the action in the past week.

Kaikohe | November 29 | 700 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Aut-born weaner beef steers, 270-280kg

3.80-4.20

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef bulls, 169-173kg

650-680

Aut-born weaner beef steers, 200-240kg

3.60-4.20

Aut-born weaner Angus-Friesian heifers, 151-160kg

525-545

Aut-born weaner beef bulls, 220-280kg

3.30-3.60

Aut-born weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 166-188kg

540-630

Aut-born weaner Friesian bulls, 130kg

570

Weaner beef-cross bulls, 101-107kg

470-495

Aut-born weaner beef heifers, 240-280kg

3.10-3.40

Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 102-104kg

670-690

Wellsford | November 27 | 1059 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Weaner Friesian bulls, 110-112kg

525-530

Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 110-114kg

500-510

Aut-born weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 210-218kg

760-790

Weaner Angus-Friesian steers, 149-218kg

620-900

Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 156-174kg

730-800

Weaner Hereford-dairy steers, 120-125kg

510-540

Weaner Friesian bulls, 102-106kg

490-510

Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 112-115kg

540-550

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 460-505kg

2.85-2.89

Pukekohe | November 25

$/kg or $/hd

Frankton | November 23 | 1364 cattle

Frankton | November 28 | 434 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

$/kg or $/hd

2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 422-468kg

2.90-2.93

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 281-306kg

2.91-2.94

Yearling Angus-cross heifers, 230-250kg

2.70-2.78

Aut-born weaner Belgian Blue-cross steers, 219-246kg

770-850

Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 575-614kg

2.90-2.94

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 482-584kg

2.89-2.92 1.59-1.67

Aut-born yearling heifers

2.78-2.83

Weaner steers

550-700

Boner dairy-beef cows, 439-473kg

Weaner heifers

400-620

Frankton | November 29 | 556 cattle

Prime cows

1.27-2.06

Aut-born yearling Charolais-Friesian steers, 357-360kg

3.31-3.36

Prime steers

2.70-2.97

Yearling Charolais-Friesian steers, 315-376kg

3.31-3.35

Prime bulls

2.73-3.01

Yearling Friesian bulls, 253-328kg

3.17-3.20

Prime heifers

2.75-2.85

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 342-388kg

3.16-3.42 2.99-3.08

$/kg or $/hd

Mixed-age ewes, all

10-90

Prime Angus bulls, 497-575kg

Store mixed-sex hoggets

80-134

Te Kuiti | November 24 | 627 cattle

Store mixed-sex lambs

70-84

2-year Angus steers, 545-681kg

3.05-3.12

Prime lambs, all

97-143

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 445-482kg

3.33-3.35

2-year Hereford heifers, one line, 373kg

3.04

Tuakau | November 23 | 685 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

3-year Angus steers, 501-551kg

3.04-3.08

3-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 484-517kg

2.84-2.89

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 423-460kg

2.93-3.17

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 360-410kg

2.74-2.90

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 321-352kg

3.18-3.36

Yearling Angus heifers, 235-266kg

3.11-3.20

Rangiuru | November 28 | 241 cattle, 62 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Aut-born R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 430-489kg Yearling traditional steers, 365kg average

$/kg or $/hd

2.98-3.10 3.45

Yearling Charolais steers, 425-455kg

3.23-3.29

Yearling exotic-cross steers, 340-502kg

1225-1530

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 370kg average

3.30

Matawhero | November 24 | 2498 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Store ram lambs, medium to good

70-87.50

Store ewe lambs, good

76.50-82

Store ewe lambs, medium

61.50

410-485

Store mixed-sex lambs, small to medium

39-53.50

Prime dairy-beef steers, 555-649kg

2.78-2.90

Prime ewes, good

80-90

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 455-523kg

2.73-2.89

Prime ewes, medium

64-74

Boner Friesian cows, 519-615kg

2.02-2.05

Prime hoggets, good

100

40

Prime male lambs, good

120

Yearling Angus steers, 320-362kg

920-1140

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 350-356kg

3.09-3.16

Yearling Charolais-dairy heifers, 290-333kg

3.03-3.22

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef heifers, 122-125kg

Mixed-age Awapara-cross ewes & lambs, singles, mostly docked

32

32

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

$/kg or $/hd

Prime ewes, all

59-74

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 433-452kg

2.99

Prime hoggets, all

90-110.50

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 231-325kg

3.12-3.41

Taranaki | November 29 | 260 cattle

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, one line, 368kg

2.99

Yearling Friesian bulls, one line, 490kg

3.14

Feilding | November 24 | 1120 cattle, 1644 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Mixed-age Hereford-dairy cows & calves, 537kg, one line

1530

2-year Angus steers, 527-558kg

3.12-3.21

2-year Speckle Park-Friesian, Friesian bulls, 443-549kg

3.12-3.19

2.90-2.91

2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 426-498kg

2.87-2.93

Boner Friesian cows, 567-685kg

1.96-2.09

Yearling traditional steers, 325-379kg

3.30-3.38

Boner Friesian cows, 537-569kg

1.85-1.89

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 322-345kg

3.30-3.54

Yearling Friesian bulls, 344-370kg

3.17-3.29

Yearling traditional heifers, 273-356kg

3.10-3.26

Aut-born weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 225-266kg

775-880

Mixed-age whiteface ewes & lambs, tails, medium-good

60-65.50

Store blackface mixed-sex lambs, heavy

96-104

Yearling Charolais-Friesian heifers, 342-352kg

1125-1270

Prime steers, 567-757kg

2.96-3.03

Prime beef-cross heifers, 501-593kg

$/kg or $/hd

Stortford Lodge | November 27 | 847 sheep Prime ewes, heavy

91-114

Prime ewes, medium to good

61-90

Prime ewes, light

40-51

Prime 2-tooth ewes, medium to good

64-86

Prime mixed-sex lambs, heavy

123.50-133

Prime mixed-sex lambs, medium

88.50-110

Store whiteface mixed-sex lambs, heavy

90-101.50

$/kg or $/hd

Store blackface mixed-sex lambs, good

82-91

2-year traditional steers, 547-575kg

3.19-3.29

Store blackface mixed-sex lambs, medium

59-79

2-year traditional, exotic-cross heifers, 449-456kg

2.69-2.79

Feilding | November 27 | 126 cattle, 4585 sheep

Stortford Lodge | November 29 | 717 cattle, 1953 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling Angus steers, one line, 527kg

3.28

Yearling traditional steers, 385-409kg

3.53-3.64

Yearling traditional steers, 355-377kg

3.63-3.77

Yearling Angus-Hereford steers, 303-363kg

3.80-3.82

Yearling Angus, beef-cross heifers, 334-356kg

3.25-3.28

Yearling traditional heifers, 264-290kg

3.43-3.47

Prime ewes, all

45-89

Store blackface cryptorchid & ewe hoggets, heavy

114-118.50

Prime mixed-sex hoggets, medium to good

94-118

Store blackface mixed-sex lambs, medium to good

65-105

Prime mixed-sex lambs, medium to good

71-149

Store whiteface male lambs, good

67.50-83

Rongotea | November 28 | 169 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Store whiteface male lambs, small to medium

53-66

Store whiteface mixed-sex lambs, medium to good

60-75.50

$/kg or $/hd

Dannevirke | November 23 | 367 sheep Store hoggets

70

Store mixed-sex lambs

84

Store ram, ewe lambs

82.50-91.5

Prime Angus cows, 540-562kg

1.91-1.93

Prime traditional bulls, 645-730kg

3.24-3.25

Prime Angus heifers, 568-593kg

2.70-2.74

Boner Friesian cows, 511-700kg

1.75-1.81

Mixed-age Limousin cows & calves, 577-768kg

1685-1770

3-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 626-674kg

2.86-2.91

2-year Limousin heifers, one line, 446kg

3.12

Yearling Limousin steers, one line, 356kg

3.71

Weaner dairy-beef steers & heifers, 115-145kg

440-500

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Markets

33

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

Masterton | November 29 | approximately 3500 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Store mostly whiteface male lambs, good

75-85

Store mostly whiteface male lambs, medium

55-65

Store mostly whiteface male lambs, small

40-50

Coalgate | November 23 | 588 cattle, 1733 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Temuka | November 24 | 1872 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Weaner Charolais-Friesian steers, 108-126kg

590-650

Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 104-117kg

525-565

Weaner Charolais-Friesian bulls, 101-102kg

560-580

Weaner Friesian bulls, 108-122kg

530-580

Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 103-115kg

480-500

Weaner Charolais-Friesian heifers, 103-120kg

510-595

2-year traditional steers, 503-523kg

2.90-2.95

Yearling exotic-dairy steers, 265-363kg

3.00-3.06

Temuka | November 27 | 629 cattle, 2743 sheep

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 290-357kg

930-1000

Prime Angus steers, 535-688kg

2.76-2.91

Prime traditional cows, 500-597kg

1.86-1.88

Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 530-576kg

2.66-2.79

Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 536-671kg

2.86-2.98

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 468-670kg

2.60-2.79

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 493-630kg

2.78-2.89

Boner Friesian cows, 510-568kg

1.92-1.98

Store terminal-cross mixed-sex lambs, one line, medium

70

$/kg or $/hd

6-tooth Romney-cross ewes & lambs, most

68-71

Store mixed-sex lambs, medium to good

87-116

Prime ewes, most

75-90

Prime ewes, good

85-104

Prime lambs, heavy

146-164

Prime mixed-sex lambs, most

100-119

$/kg or $/hd

Balclutha | November 29

$/kg or $/hd

Canterbury Park | November 28 | 271 cattle, 4795 sheep Prime traditional cows, 555-707kg

1.96

Prime traditional steers, 533-740kg

2.78-2.92

Prime dairy-beef, Friesian bulls, 435-630kg

2.80-2.94

Prime dairy-beef heifers, 528-610kg

2.74-2.86

Store whiteface wether lambs, heavy, one line

103

Store mixed-sex lambs, good Store mixed-sex lambs, medium

76

Prime ewes, medium to good

60-96

Prime lambs, medium to heavy

105-130

Prime lambs, small

50-80

Charlton | November 23 | 217 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Prime ewes, all

30-90

70-90

Prime lambs, all

79-110

58-73

Lorneville | November 28

$/kg or $/hd

Temuka | November 23 | 922 cattle

Store lambs, good

2-year Angus steers, 455-481kg

3.02-3.03

2-year Hereford-Friesian (red) steers, 369-454kg

2.75-2.89

2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 434-462kg

2.81-2.85

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 292-306kg

3.24-3.32

Yearling traditional, Angus-Simmental heifers, 340-385kg Yearling Angus-Friesian heifers, 311-373kg

$/kg or $/hd

2-year Friesian steers, 453-482kg

1245-1260

Prime cows, 435-616kg

1.75-1.88

Prime steers, 455-595kg

2.70-2.74

Prime heifers, 350-450kg

2.14-2.50

Store lambs, all

60-85

Prime ewes, all

40-81

2.99-3.27

Prime hoggets, all

108-144

3.14-3.20

Prime lambs, all

111-136

NEXT GENERATION HAS ARRIVED

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34

34

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

AgriHQ market trends Cattle

Sheep

Deer

Beef

Sheep Meat

Venison

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Last week

Last year

North Island P2 steer (300kg)

5.70

6.45

North Island M2 bull (300kg)

5.85

6.20

North Island M cow (190kg)

4.00

4.65

South Island P2 steer (300kg)

5.40

6.20

South Island M2 bull (300kg)

5.40

5.90

South Island M cow (190kg)

3.80

4.55

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Last week

Last year

North Island AP stag (60kg)

8.80

8.95

4.85

South Island AP stag (60kg)

8.75

9.00

6.40

8.40

2.35

4.85

Fertiliser Last week

Last year

DAP

1197

1794

Super

474

509

Urea

897

1340

Urea (Coated)

946

1289

Oct

Last year

Last week

Last year

North Island lamb (18kg)

6.35

8.45

North Island mutton (25kg)

2.65

South Island lamb (18kg) South Island mutton (25kg)

Fertiliser

Export markets (NZ$/kg) China lamb flaps

8.50

9.91

Wool

Export markets (NZ$/kg) US imported 95CL bull

8.72

US domestic 90CL cow

8.11

9.89

8.32

NOTE: Slaughter values are weighted average gross operating prices including premiums but excluding breed premiums for cattle.

Steer slaughter price ($/kgCW)

(NZ$/kg clean)

23-Nov

Last year

Crossbred fleece

3.14

2.56

Crossbred second shear

2.82

2.28

Courtesy of www.fusca.co.nz

Lamb slaughter price ($/kgCW)

7.0 6.5

NZ Log Exports (tonnes)

8.5

China

1,635,430

1,730,431

Rest of world

177,077

233,319

Carbon price (NZ$/tonne)

Last week

Last year

73.5

82.5

7.0

NZU

6.5

5.0 Nov

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

North Isla nd

6.0 Nov

Sep

Jan

South Island

Mar

May

Jul

North Isla nd

Sep South Island

Australia lamb & mutton slaughter (thous. head)

Australia cattle slaughter (thous. head) 160

700 500

200

08-Oct 5-yr ave

08-Nov

08-Dec This year

08-Jan

08-Feb

Last yea r

0 08-Sep

Jan

Mar

May

North Isla nd

100 0 08-Sep

9.5

8.0 Nov

300

40

10.0

8.5

400

80

Stag Slaughter price ($/kgCW)

9.0

600 120

Forestry

9.0

7.5

5.5

NZ average (NZ$/tonne)

Exports

8.0

6.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

08-Oct 5-yr ave

08-Nov

08-Dec This year

08-Jan

08-Feb

Last yea r

Jul

Sep

South Island

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35

Markets

35

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2023

NZX market trends Dairy

Grain

Data provided by

Milk price futures ($/kgMS)

Close of market

Canterbury feed wheat ($/tonne)

10.0

5pm, Wednesday

700 650

9.0

S&P/NZX PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

600 8.0

9800

550

6.0 Nov

450 Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep-2024

Sep

Nov

Sep-2025

400 Nov

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep

Nov

Canterbury feed barley ($/tonne)

Dairy Futures (US$/t) Nearest contract Last price*

Prior week

4 weeks prior

700

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

11236

11569

Listed Agri shares

500

7.0

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

Company

Close

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.176

0.23

0.17

The a2 Milk Company Limited

4.26

7.83

4

Cannasouth Limited

0.15

0.32

0.15

Comvita Limited

2.52

3.48

2.52

YTD High YTD Low

WMP

3170

3155

3150

650

Delegat Group Limited

6.87

10.2

6.85

SMP

2715

2800

2740

600

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

2.98

3.88

2.94

AMF

5800

5850

5475

550

Foley Wines Limited

1.2

1.42

1.17

Butter

5150

5450

5200

500

Greenfern Industries Limited

0.04

0.113

0.04

Milk Price

7.91

7.84

7.91

450

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.95

1.25

0.95

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.154

0.19

0.149

NZ King Salmon Investments Limited

0.21

0.24

0.181

PGG Wrightson Limited

3.37

4.67

3.1

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.145

0.22

0.094

Sanford Limited (NS)

3.7

4.39

3.69

Scales Corporation Limited

3

4.25

2.75

Seeka Limited

2.78

3.72

2.18

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

1.3

3.65

1.16

T&G Global Limited

1.85

2.37

1.81

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

9800

12870

9800

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11236

12212

10742

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11569

12411

10937

400 Nov

* price as at close of business on Wednesday

WMP futures - vs four weeks ago (US$/tonne) 3600

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep

Nov

Waikato palm kernel ($/tonne) 450

3500 3400 400

3300 3200 3100

350

3000 2900

Dec

Jan

Feb

Latest price

Mar

Apr 4 weeks ago

Go online and fill out our easy form to pledge livestock or donate milk

May

300 Nov

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep

Nov

Text FEED to 3493 on the day to donate $3, or donate cash by calling 0800 632 884

36

Weather

ruralweather.co.nz

December kicks off with more merry chaos Philip Duncan

NEWS

D

Weather

ECEMBER is here and that means the days are still getting longer for a few more weeks yet and summer is only just getting started.

For the people who heard only “hot and dry” when other outlets talked about El Niño earlier this year, you may soon start to notice more of this pattern. We are expecting to have westerly driven heat this summer at times. But New Zealand’s location on Earth – and it being December – means chaos is a big driving factor.

Our latest ClimateWatch update was issued last week at RuralWeather.co.nz, covering December, January and February, plus a sneak peek into early autumn. It shows NZ still has “variety” in the weather.

This means we’re not seeing one big high pressure zone park itself over the country for two months bringing droughts. But we are seeing more high pressure to the north of NZ and to the west of NZ and this generally encourages

more westerly winds, which dry out and heat up inland and eastern areas the quickest.

The further north those highs are, the hotter the winds get here.

If highs are centred north of the South Island then a nor’wester out of Australia’s interior (hot and dry!) is likely. If the high pressure zone sinks further south over the Tasman Sea and over the Southern Ocean, we get colder airflows.

That extreme southern placement of high pressure helped Australia out of an early drought – and has also given NZ a messedup, wetter pattern for November and early December.

So those high pressure zones north and west of NZ are critical for us to get that “hot and dry” component with El Niño.

Over November the main guiding high pressure zone dropped so far south from Tasmania it opened a giant vacuum over New South Wales and Queensland for weeks of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Some places have had hundreds of millimetres of rain that, only six weeks ago, had widespread bush fires. That extreme southern placement of high pressure helped Australia out of an early drought – and has also given NZ a messedup, wetter pattern for November and early December.

Which brings me to Hawke’s Bay. I feel for those of you in the north and into the Gisborne region with yet more floods and slips.

If anyone in NZ is angry at forecasters or wants to say “So much for El Niño,” it’s those living there. I’ll take the criticism too, although I’ll push back that we weren’t the forecaster that was heavily promoting “hot and dry” across the mainstream news outlets a few months ago.

But we did expect eastern areas to be drier by now, and while that’s something most farmers heading into an El Niño summer would never wish for, I do very much appreciate why this particular part of NZ is so fed-up with the forecasts and the weather itself.

The chaos that led us to this messy pattern is still around – and so December may still get some rain into those sodden eastern

LEAN: Upcoming rainfall from Sunday December 3 to Sunday December 10 shows a more traditional El Niño lean to the rainfall, where westernfacing regions have the highest totals and those to the east (Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury, Otago, Southland) lean drier than average. parts of the North Island. But long term, we do see a drier phase

emerging in the east over the next two months ahead.

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