Farmers Weekly NZ June 5 2023

Out of the woods and onto the podium

Global chill threatens lamb profits

“The lift in slaughter prices lately is procurement driven with some exchange rate support,” she said.

ASUDDEN, unexpected easing of global sheepmeat prices looks like reducing the usual premiums from winter lamb finishing this year.

Meat companies are warning that prices, especially in China, have weakened in the past week or so, and the recovery experienced in autumn has not kicked on.

AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad said flaps sold to China that made $US6/kg in January were averaging $US7.25 in April – but had fallen below $US7/kg by late May.

Similarly, forequarters increased from $US4.60/kg in January to $US5.10/kg in April but were closer to $US5/kg by late May.

The average value of export lamb in January was $10.73/kg and $11.03/kg in April. In April last year it was $12.40/kg.

Store lamb sales quoted in last week’s Farmers Weekly were from $90 to $156, prices that indicate buyers believe the winter market will behave as it previously has and stay elevated or lift to levels of last year – which Croad doubts will happen.

“We are not seeing that in overseas markets.”

She said an abundance of feed and processor premiums due to a shortage of lambs for processing are influencing current prices.

eShepherd™

“Processors are actively competing to secure what few lambs are on offer and in doing so are masking recent market weakness.”

While the northern hemisphere summer is traditionally quiet for sheepmeat sales, many Chinese consumers used their savings to survive the lockdown, which has lowered consumption rates and increased inventory levels.

Croad said China is still buying lamb, albeit at lower prices.

Shipping volumes to China hit 15,000t in March and 14,000t in April, which exceeded the previous highest monthly volume shipped so far this year of 11,000t.

“It was anticipated China would come flying out of the starting blocks when the covid restrictions were lifted and return to the hungry market it was, but that hasn’t happened.”

Croad said the United Kingdom has not been the powerhouse market it previously was, with just 17,000t shipped there in the first seven months of the season compared to 40,000t for the same period five years ago.

“Prices have been weaker and there is less reliance due to other markets performing better,” she said.

Continued page 3

Pushing boundaries in livestock farming.

Remotely track, manage, fence and move your livestock. Anytime, anywhere.

am.gallagher.com

That’ll do Ditch as hound finds new home

FARMERS Weekly columnist Steve Wyn-Harris’s long-time companion, Ditch, is off to join a posse of blokes with not a bitch in sight.

Wyn-Harris is moving off farm and no longer requires Ditch’s services. A plea went out to Farmers Weekly readers to help find a new home for the prized pooch, and plenty of offers came forward.

There was Vonnie, who married a farmer and earned the respect of her sheep dog King after digging

Golden

NEWS 7

him out of rabbit hole he’d got stuck in.

Pat, “a somewhat elderly bitch” from Taihape with a retired vet as her owner, looked a strong contender.

Then there was Lace, a sheep dog from Piopio in the King Country.

She tried to entice Ditch by including a photo in her application.

But it’s been decided: Ditch will head to a sheep and beef farm in Whangaehu, near Whanganui,

New modelling gives insight into how earthquakes can radically alter the course of rivers.

OPINION 15

and join a team of like-minded canines, such as Bruce who once racked up a $4000 vet bill after requiring a ligament replacement.

“None of my team know what a bitch is, just sometimes there might be a scrap over a bone,” said new owner John Wilkie.

“In Ditch’s case, if he’s interested in stock work and can make himself useful, and is a bit of a character to boot, he’ll add to the fun round here.”

–

PEOPLE 18

Launching at Fieldays™ site D72 Scan to see more

Craig Page

Bay contractor decides to relocate to Hawke’s Bay to help floodhit farmers rebuild.

An Ashburton farmer takes stock two years on from the floods that laid waste to his farm.

Neal Wallace MARKETS Lamb

MOVING ON: Steve Wyn-Harris, right, hands Ditch to his new owner, John Wilkie. Photo: Jane Wyn-Harris

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News in brief

Inflation high

A Beef + Lamb New Zealand report shows on-farm inflation is at a 40-year high at 16.3%, two and a half times the consumer price inflation rate of 6.7%.

It follows a 10.2% increase over the previous 12-month period, and is up 31.1% over the past five years. BLNZ chief economist Andrew Burtt said inflation is eroding farm profitability and farmers have to continue to tighten their belts.

CAPTURED: Professor Shaun Hendy of Toha says ultimately one carbon credit could rule them all, with a voluntary market providing an innovative proving ground for new technology.

Zespri International posted a 34.1% decline in annual profit due to lower sale volumes and more expensive freight and labour.

Net profit fell to $237.8 million in the 12 months ended March, from $361.5m, on a 5.6% dip in annual revenue to $4.22 billion. Global sales volumes shrank 8.9% to 183.5 million trays. Payments to growers fell to $2.24bn from $2.47bn and returns per tray for Green and SunGold kiwifruit fell below Zespri’s forecast.

Profits down Fencing appointment

Jaime Bigwood has been appointed executive director of the Fencing Contractors Association.

President Phil Cornelius said Bigwood has knowledge and experience not only in marketing and communications, but also in strategic planning and execution. She will be responsible for delivering the FCANZ Strategic Plan and continuing to manage marketing activities.

Acting chief

Fonterra has announced Anna Palairet as acting chief operating officer to replace Fraser Whineray, who is leaving the co-op next month.

Palairet joined Fonterra in October 2022 as director of Global Supply Chain and has extensive experience across operations, customer and safety. She will remain in the acting role until a permanent appointment is made.

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.

pioneering spirit tells us nothing’s out of reach

Nervous farmgate milk price predictions

Hugh Stringleman MARKETS

Dairy

DAIRY farmers will look carefully at their budgets following the first Fonterra milk price forecast for the new season at an $8/kg mid-point of a range from $7.25 to $8.75, Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says.

In the current environment of high interest rates and inflationary costs, the reductions in farmgate milk price expectations are concerning for farmers.

The narrowing of the old season’s forecast range to $8.10$8.30, effectively a 10c reduction, will not be welcomed by farmers, Stevenson said.

“The financial situation on farm is tight. This reduction is on top of downwards revisions in February and April and occurs at the end of a season, when farmers’ costs are largely sunk.”

Continued from page 1

Silver Fern Farms (SFF) describes demand for sheepmeat as “limited or patchy”.

It was anticipated China would come flying out of the starting blocks when the covid restrictions were lifted and return to the hungry market it was, but that hasn’t happened.

REDUCTIONS: Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says the reductions in farmgate milk price expectations are concerning for farmers.

On the positive side, the proposed distribution of 50c a share capital return in August,

at this point,” the company says in a supplier’s newsletter.

The company tempers expectations that prices will improve in the mid-term and advises caution with expected store and farmgate prices.

Unusually for this time of the year, SFF said sheepmeat inventory levels in China and Europe are high, accentuated in the UK by elevated supermarket prices causing consumers to switch to lower-value proteins.

High Australian and United States beef production is putting pressure on short-term prices and SFF does not expect a recovery in demand in China until later in the year.

following the sale of Soprole in Chile, will boost farmers’ cashflows, which have been under a lot of pressure.

Stevenson also welcomed the increase in the Advance Rate Schedule to $6, but farmers will need to be mindful of the possible impact on milk payments and cashflows later in the season of downwards revisions of the forecast.

That scenario played out in the 2022-2023 season, when the midpoint of the forecast began at $9 in May last year, increased to $9.50 in June and thereafter was revised downwards five times (so far) to $8.20.

An early-season advance of 75% of the mid-point rather than 60-65% clearly carries more risk to farmers of a clawback later in the season if world dairy prices fall.

Fonterra said it has built in an expectation that China’s demand for whole milk powder will increase during the coming season

China for sheepmeat, with the expected post-covid recovery well behind expectations.

“China is also moving into the warmer months where consumption typically slows,” a supplier update notes.

as its higher domestic stocks reduce.

Economic recovery in China also underpins Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny’s forecast of $10, considerably ahead of anyone else in the prediction game.

“I believe there is more global milk supply weakness than other analysts think,” Penny said.

“Household and retail in China have strongly rebounded from covid and I am bullish on their dairy demand.

“I am still quite comfortable to be on the high side of Fonterra’s range.”

On the downside of that range, ASB economist Nat Keall defended $7, urging caution on the outlook for the Chinese economy.

“We think Fonterra is right to highlight the healthy WMP supply environment in China: local production continues to boast solid growth at the same moment that domestic consumption is comparatively weak.

Demand for lamb in Europe is steady, but lingering cold weather has delayed the grilling season, while North America remains firm for middle cuts, and legs and shoulder cuts are steady.

Improved demand out of

“Prices aren’t likely to get an enormous amount of support outside the Chinese behemoth. “We still think it’s prudent to budget on a price with a ‘7’ handle on it.”

ANZ economists have maintained their forecast at $8.50, being 50c higher than the midpoint of Fonterra’s forecast range. “Fonterra, like us, expects dairy commodity prices to lift during the season but is uncertain on the timing, partially due to increased stocks of whole milk powder stocks in China,” ANZ said the day after Fonterra’s first forecast announcement.

ANZ agricultural economist Susan Kilsby said reduced demand for liquid milk during the covid lockdowns had turned Chinese dairy companies towards more milk powder, but no one had an accurate picture of the domestic inventories.

“China’s desire is for more dairy self-sufficiency, but milk is not cheap to produce.”

the Middle East is providing alternative markets, Alliance advises.

The Chinese market for beef has also continued to ease in the last month, with negotiations showing prices are also easing.

“This will have ramifications for our outlook for sheepmeat, and to a lesser extent, beef.

“Venison isn’t showing the same negativity as other proteins

It has greater confidence global beef prices will recover ahead of sheepmeat.

Alliance is also advising of a significant market correction in

SLOW FINISH: It has been far from a normal season for winter lamb nishers such as Dave Wright. The Manawatū farmer says the wet autumn has created abundant grass growth but also caused high internal parasite burdens in lambs, which have been slow to nish.

Mel Croad AgriHQ

Cyclone can’t keep a good dog down

to find time to train for the trials as repairs around the farm had to take priority.

IT TAKES more than a cyclone and weeks of isolation to stop Hawke’s Bay farmer Clark Chrystal and his trusty sidekick Jude in their tracks.

The pair have just returned to their Tutira dairy farm after claiming not only the national zigzag hunt title at the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Championships at Warepa, near Balclutha, but also the South Island title. They were the only team to win a national and island title at this year’s championships.

It is all the more remarkable given that Chrystal’s 150ha farm was battered during Cyclone Gabrielle, severely limiting their preparation for the trials. His family had no electricity and were isolated on their farm for three weeks, and then had limited access for several more weeks. His cows had to be dried off within days of the cyclone.

“We got hit pretty hard. We were sort of right in the middle of Tutira and it came right over us.

“The farm was a bit of a mess but we’re getting tidied up now

and there are a lot of people worse off than me.”

The cyclone damage meant Chrystal’s focus was on getting the farm back in operation. Attending the national trials was the furthest thing from his mind.

However, he and other triallist in the region were thrown a lifeline by the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association when it relaxed the qualification criteria for those

impacted by the cyclone.

“We couldn’t get out to qualify so the New Zealand association made a dispensation. It was pretty cool that they did that because it took a lot of the pressure off.

“Their thinking was that we had other things to worry about, rather than running all over the country trying to get qualifying points. It was very much appreciated.”

Chrystal said it was still difficult

“I was pretty lucky with the dog I’ve got in that she didn’t need a massive amount of training. The work had already been done.

“I said to some mates I would be better off going in the Golden Pliers rather than the dog trials because we’ve done so much fencing over the last few months.”

Chrystal was thrilled to claim his first national title, which has been 30 years in the making. He took up trialling as an 18-year-old, and since then had made the final run at nationals about 14 times.

“I’ve been second a couple of times but never won one until now.”

Winning an island title at the same competition “was pretty cool but, no disrespect, it’s the New Zealand title that we are all after”.

“It was a pretty nondescript sort of week for me to be honest. I ran right at the very end of the first round. I was all packed up ready to go home but the run was alright so I was in the final the next day. The week got better I suppose.”

Despite working on a dairy farm, Chrystal says Jude has no trouble switching her focus to sheep. He

Clark Chrystal Tutira

bred Jude five years ago and she is “the fourth or fifth” generation of dogs he has raised.

“I’ve got half a dozen sheep that I train them on and I’ve been doing a bit of casual mustering work in the past 12 months.

“She’s an easy dog to work. I’m pretty happy with her. She works for me and is not a hard dog to hold. She knows how to play the game.”

The pair didn’t have long to bask in their success. After winning the title and a 26-hour road journey home, it was back to fencing, track repairs and fixing water systems.

“Just back to the grind, I guess.”

MORE:

See farmersweekly.co.nz for full coverage of the trials

Out of the woods and onto the hometown podium

been around to contest the event.

THERE were arguably no more deserving winners at the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Championships than South Otago’s Paul Collins and Sky.

The pair claimed a hometown victory in the long head section of the championships, with the Warepa course “just over the fence” from where Collins farms a 1200 sheep and beef property. But had the cards fallen differently, neither Collins nor Sky would have

About three years ago Collins was diagnosed with stomach cancer and given between five months and two years to live.

He said he was lucky enough to meet the criteria for surgery, a 12-hour operation that was carried out in Hamilton.

Collins required further surgery after a brief relapse in August last year but said he is now on the road to recovery.

“You’ve got to make the most of every day and you certainly appreciate every day more. You hope like hell it doesn’t come

back but you just never know,” he said.

Not long after Collins’ illness, Sky was seriously injured when she got between two fighting bulls

while herding cattle.

The now six-year-old “smashed her shoulder”. After a lengthy recuperation, Sky was on the road to recovery only to get hit by a motorcycle and dislocate a shoulder. Months later, while still recuperating, she ate rat poison and, again, almost died.

“She’s bloody lucky to be here,”

Collins said.

“As far as me getting sick and the dog having all her injuries, it’s pretty remarkable that we got the result we did.”

Collins said he was thrilled to pick up his first national title,

after 23 years of trying. It was all the more special that family and friends were there to watch and support him.

As for the future, Collins said he is going to take things as they come but would love to pick up another title. He reckons dog trialling is a bit like life and you have to celebrate the successes and positives when they come along.

“I’m enjoying the win but it’s a great leveller, the old dog trials. The next time you can go along and get nothing. You can go from hero to zero pretty quick.”

Craig Page PEOPLE

Craig Page PEOPLE

As far as me getting sick and the dog having all her injuries, it’s pretty remarkable that we got the result we did.

Paul Collins South Otago

ON THE CHARGE: Clark Chrystal and Jude head out in search of a zigzag hunt national title.

Photo: Kayla Mckenzie Photography

I said to some mates I would be better off going in the Golden Pliers rather than the dog trials because we’ve done so much fencing over the last few months.

Profit, planet, people approach is a winner

ewes, 1500 hoggets and 80 rams, and grazes an average of 290 mixed-age beef cows each year.

(crayfish), so “we want to protect that as well”.

APASSION for farming

with a holistic approach and bringing off-farm skills into the business have bagged Otago farmers Steven and Kellie Nichol the top Ballance Farm Environment Award for 2023.

The couple, who farm Auldamor at Clarks Junction, were announced as the 2023 National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington.

“We’re pretty honoured to be given the award,” Steven Nichol said.

“There were some fantastic regional winners. We got a chance to meet them and learn about their operations as well. We were inspired by some of things that are happening around the country.

“For Kellie and I, the key benefit has been to meet up with likeminded individuals – people from diverse backgrounds that give you alternative ways of looking at things.”

The 1498ha Auldamor property is managed by Grant Bezett and is primarily a sheep-breeding and finishing operation, with additional cattle grazing, and carbon and production forestry. The Nichol family have been farming in the Clarks Junction area since 1871.

In 2007, Steven and Kellie leased 976ha from Steven’s parents and purchased it outright in 2010. In 2019, the farming operation was extended with an additional 522ha neighbouring lease block. The team runs 4500

Stock performance and profitability have been continually improved by adapting farming systems and emphasising on-farm measuring and monitoring.

The property’s biodiversity has been enhanced through the planting of shelterbelts and forestry stands, along with significant fencing of native shrubland and waterways.

Nichol said they placed a lot of emphasis on understanding “our natural resource on farm”.

Areas of the farm not suitable for forestry have been over-sown with annual clover to increase productivity.

Some land has been retired and negotiations are underway about placing it in a QEII covenant.

“They’re areas of interesting natural vegetation. We wanted to protect it and still have opportunity to put an ETS application on that so we’re able to generate an income source off that as well.”

Nichol is also involved with the local community catchment group and is one of several local farmers participating in a greenhouse gas mitigation project that is primarily focused on reducing gross methane emissions.

He said when he first went farming he was a typical farmer who thought he had to do it all himself.

“We use that information to try and match the right land use capabilities to the right land use. We try to understand the risk involved with that land use and we make sure we monitor and measure progress as we go along to ensure we are walking the talk and not having a significant impact on the environment.”

Some of the key projects undertaken on the farm include allocating 5-10% of the total land area to exotic forestry. It was a matter of “putting the right trees in the right place” and selecting sites to enable restoration of waterways, but to also ensure those areas are not damaged when the time comes to harvest the timber.

Some waterways have a high ecological significance, and were home to populations of native galaxids and fresh water koūra

“Kellie and I had some pretty tough years early on. The climate was challenging and we didn’t really have control over the farming system. It was fluctuating.

“Kellie’s a rehabilitation specialist with Te Whatu Ora and she made me realise the value of having a team around you.”

The couple then set up a farm focus group, which included friends, mentors and consultants, and looked closely at their farm systems and what they could do better. The group helped identify opportunities on the farm that could improve but not at the expense of the bottom line.

“The way we look at success is a little bit different. While profitability is a really important part of the business, we call it the triple bottom line. Profit, planet, people.

“A lot of focus is on our impact on the environment. Generally,

the better you look after the environment, the better your farm works.”

The regional judges commended the Nichols’ high level of knowledge about all aspects of their farm, their farming business and their guardianship of it, noting that – along with farm manager Bezett – they make a great team, with many complementary skill sets.

“Steven and Kellie Nichol certainly demonstrated that they will be excellent ambassadors for the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust and are worthy recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy. They articulated clear, intelligent and insightful responses to our questions demonstrating an ability to communicate often complex ideas and issues in an easy-to-

understand manner. Combined with their on-farm judging experience we know they can and will ‘walk the talk’,” national judging panel chair Dianne Kidd said.

The panel also commended the Nichols for their “passion for farming with a holistic approach, bringing off-farm skills into the business”.

Nichol said they want to use their success to promote sustainable farming.

“But we also want to get out there and celebrate all the good things that are happening already.

“There have been some tough years for farmers but we want to demonstrate that there are opportunities out there on their own farms. We want to make sure we can share that knowledge and celebrate the good stuff.”

Craig Page PEOPLE Awards

FORWARD THINKING: Kellie and Steven Nichol have constantly evolved their farming business while considering the environmental impact of everything they do.

Generally, the better you look after the environment, the better your farm works.

Steven Nichol Auldamor

Contractor to pitch in for good in HB

how best to spend the cash, when they joined in a voluntary effort mounted by Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ).

THE path of destruction left by Cyclone Gabrielle on rural communities has prompted a Tākaka rural contractor to permanently relocate to Hawke’s Bay so he can keep helping farmers with their recovery.

Tristan Strange visited Hawke’s Bay in the aftermath of the cyclone to deliver thousands of dollars in farming goods he had helped fundraise.

He, wife Stacey and sharemilker friend Phil Smith raised $50,000 from the Golden Bay community for impacted farmers. Both men were profoundly shocked at the scale of devastation and its enduring impacts on the landscape and the mental health of Hawke’s Bay farming communities.

They were based at Ōtāne in Central Hawke’s Bay for a couple of days in mid-May, looking at

Twenty-six FCANZ members from Northland to Motueka completed 5km of fencing on six farms, with student help, including three boys from Geraldine High School.

Strange said they spent a lot of their time talking to farmers and now better appreciate what is needed.

“It’s not so much a financial thing for some farmers – they need hands,” he said.

Now he is planning to sell up and move to the region so he can help farmers dealing with the stress left by Cyclone Gabriel’s impact.

Next month, he and Smith are returning at their own expense, taking a vanload of workers and a trailer of tools to the Picton ferry and then on to Hawke’s Bay.

“We’ll pay for that. Then we can really get stuck in. We are really vulnerable over here too

to flooding and they’re all bloody good people up there who’d help us if we were hit.”

He said many farms still have mounds of tangled fencing materials and other rubbish that councils have yet to take away.

“They’re doing their best,” he said, but have other priorities, like getting bridges and roads open, as well as staff away dealing with their own issues.

Strange said the floods took a toll that goes way beyond the physical. “People’s mental health up there is the biggest concern.”

With that in mind, the trio have decided to channel a further $10,000 towards helping Hawke’s Bay residents get away from the ongoing stresses of damaged farms and properties.

“It’ll be used for breaks away. We’re going to invite them down here [to the Nelson region and elsewhere] so they can do some fishing or just visit the beach.”

The money comes from the Nelson-based Hope is My Home Boy mental health charity, for which Smith has helped raise funds.

Smith said the visit to Hawke’s Bay was “mind-numbingly, heartbreakingly horrific”. Even those farmers and residents who were not hit are experiencing “survivors’ guilt”, he said.

“Everyone is walking on the edge of sanity.”

He has enrolled in a Diploma in Psychology and Counselling and plans to move with his wife Savannah and seven children to

We are really vulnerable over here too to flooding and they’re all bloody good people up there who’d help us if we were hit.

Hawke’s Bay as soon as he can. “This is easily a five-to-10year thing and that’s if, as we hope, there’s nothing further weather-wise.

“Farmers are a very proud people. If they’re not going to reach out to us, we’ve got to reach out to them.”

Gerald Piddock PEOPLE Community

MOVING FOR GOOD: Golden Bay contractor Tristan Strange, left, has decided to relocate to Hawke’s Bay to help ood-hit farmers rebuild. Sharemilker Phil Smith, right, plans to join him as soon as he can.

Tristan Strange Tākaka, Golden Bay

Isolation, mental exhaustion setting in

Gerald Piddock PEOPLE Weather

GISBORNE and the wider east coast are facing a long road to recovery from the devastating effects of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The region’s roading network will take years to repair and its farming community are mentally exhausted, Sandra Faulkner said at the Waikato Federated Farmers’ annual meeting south of Hamilton.

The Gisborne-based Federated Farmers national board member told the audience that roading is the region’s lifeline.

Excluding the main state highways, the region has 1899km of local roads. Of that, only 225km is in urban centers, with most being in rural areas and over 1000km of that balance is unsealed, Faulkner said.

Cost-wise, the damage is estimated to be around $465 million for the region’s roading network alone.

Sixty-one of the 413 bridges that are managed by the Gisborne District Council were destroyed in the flooding.

“You’re looking at up to three years to repair some of this,” she said.

Finance Minister Grant

Robertson is well aware of the extent of the damage to the roading network, but he needs to understand that these roads are essentially arteries between farm business units and the Treasury, Faulkner said.

“If we can’t do business, he doesn’t get any money, it’s as simple as that.”

Businesses will suffer without that access, but it is the people who will suffer more because of the increase in isolation.

“Being cut off from those you love, being unable to access your business unit – your farm – or your staff, that’s pretty challenging.”

Three months on from the disaster, Faulkner said, the region’s biggest need is people power.

“We need the Farmy Army. We’re on the wrong side of winter, we need people on the land who can help farmers and understand farming.”

Enhanced Task Force Green

is doing a great job on flat horticulture land, but its people lack the expertise to work on rugged hill country farms, she said.

As well as people, cash donations to groups including the Adverse Events Trust are needed.

Mentally, farmers are exhausted, Faulkner said.

The tough, challenging season combined with the isolation of being cut off as authorities try to rebuild roading networks is breaking people.

“For those who are still struggling with isolation issues, if they don’t have easy access in and out of their family homes – that’s really wearing.”

The roading network connecting businesses on the east coast is also still extremely fragile with the prospect of being cut off again only another heavy rain event away.

Faulkner said she is also concerned about the welfare of rural contractors.

Many contractors lease land to grow maize crops for seed production. They have already paid the landowner the full lease upfront prior to planting and have either completely lost their crop, wiping out their income, or have a partially damaged crop.

Attempts to harvest that crop have left their machinery heavily damaged.

TOP GEAR: In several cases foresters were helicoptered to their inaccessible machinery and ended up repairing roads from the ‘inside out’ while local government worked from the ‘outside in’, Feds board member Sandra Faulkner told a meeting.

“It’s wrecking their gear and getting it condemned, so not only have they got no income, they have got gear that they have to replace.

“For these contractors, although there’s not a lot of them, their losses are massive.”

Faulkner said the need is both physical and financial.

The forestry industry has been outstanding in its initial response and willingness to help, she said. A lot of the industry’s machinery is trapped due to unaccessible roads. Many had to be helicoptered in to reach their gear and then used it to restore roads from the “inside out” while local government worked from the “outside in”.

If we can’t do business, [Finance Minister Grant Robertson] doesn’t get any money, it’s as simple as that.

Sandra Faulkner Federated Farmers

Voluntary carbon trade options start to open up

LIKE the monocultural forest profile that backs them, New Zealand Units have focused industry, landowners, and the government most intently on carbon, putting the other positive aspects of forestation on farms in the shade.

Professor Shaun Hendy is chief scientist at environmental data company Toha, one of several carbon credit companies operating in NZ’s commercial voluntary carbon market, separate to the Emissions Trading Scheme. The NZ commercial carbon market is dominated by several large players, including Toha, Toitū and Ekos, all governed under regulations Hendy describes as relatively light in a rapidly evolving sector.

He sees the carbon credit market as likely to broaden in what those credits represent in coming years and being the catalyst for engaging more farmers seeking values, and value, over and above carbon alone.

Hendy acknowledges the issue of “additionality” in carbon sequestration is a complex one for farmers to grasp – see “Farm trees a critical offsetting response” and “Carbon answers come with caveats” (May 29) – when assessing their farm’s carbon absorbing capacity.

to claim carbon credits from an unfenced block of bush on their farm would have to fence it off to add valid carbon credit gains to it.

“Then you could confidently go into the carbon market and sell it as an offset.”

It’s a point farmers often pull up on, believing that a block of vegetation represents a block of carbon, which it does – but it is the effort to improve that block’s carbon capture that counts for credits.

Hendy said there are data modelling tools, including look-up tables, that can help determine the additionality of moves like fencing unfenced blocks.

It requires a change from a “business as usual” approach in forest/vegetation management, to proof of some action that gains them extra carbon credits to offset against emissions.

His company plays a role in assessing a farmer’s efforts to protect native bush and determine the value of the carbon that improvement generates.

For example, a farmer wanting

Toha partners with external science organisations to develop these tools.

Pest control is another area where additional carbon may be captured by embarking on a control scheme.

“Ultimately we would like to link up biodiversity, erosion and water quality with carbon capture, but we are not quite there yet,” Hendy said.

Soil carbon is another area demanding more work to determine how much any improvement in it would count as a credit.

Meanwhile NZ’s understanding of native trees’ ability to capture carbon is also requiring some catch-up work to be done.

Overseas, the European Union has recently moved to clamp down on companies’ ability to make carbon neutral claims, requiring them to distinguish between their own emissions reduction efforts and the use of carbon-offsetting schemes that plant trees.

Hendy’s company offers landowners, iwi and catchment groups the opportunity to have their kaitiaki work recognised, to claim carbon credits for that work, and move towards gaining credits for biodiversity benefits in the future.

Hendy said this will help meet a growing demand for “carbon-plus”

from investors and consumers seeking improved biodiversity and water quality alongside improved carbon from plantings.

As He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) continues to be formulated, he said, interest is growing from landowners and farmer groups increasingly recognising the value of native plantings.

Toha has recently launched the East Coast Exchange to help nurture that interest in Te Tairāwhiti.

The exchange is a post-Gabrielle creation including a growing portfolio of Te Tairāwhiti-focused initiatives helping build resilience on the East Coast. It includes land improvement efforts planting natives, and protecting erodible areas that may not fit into the ETS.

The exchange is touted as a precursor to where “carbon-plus” credits may evolve in the future, to include water quality, biodiversity,

and erosion control values.

Hendy said he likes Climate Change Minister James Shaw’s belief that ultimately one carbon credit should rule them all.

“I like his thinking, that we should move proven credits into the ETS, once we know how they fit with our national inventory of emissions.

“The voluntary market could remain, though, almost as a proving ground for innovative and new approaches to carbon sequestration and reduction.”

Such a move would also eliminate the risk of credit holders double dipping between private and national schemes.

Hendy is confident his company can adapt to HWEN as it is finalised, and he hopes its rules are nailed down sooner than later, so he and others can play a role in helping landowners determine their carbon storage capabilities on farm.

Richard Rennie MARKETS Carbon

CAPTURED: Professor Shaun Hendy of Toha says ultimately one carbon credit could rule them all, with a voluntary market providing an innovative proving ground for new technology.

Ultimately we would like to link up biodiversity, erosion and water quality with carbon capture, but we are not quite there yet.

Professor Shaun Hendy Toha

ADDING UP: Professor Shaun Hendy’s company, Toha, plays a role in assessing a farmer’s e orts to protect native bush and determines the value of the carbon that generates.

How CCC fought farm-level sequestration

Neal Wallace NEWS Emissions

THE Climate Change Commission fought to the end trying to convince the government not to include farm-level sequestration in pricing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

Documents released by the Ministry for Primary Industries under the Official Information Act show the CCC had major reservations with several aspects of the He Waka Eke Noa primary sector partnership agreement, including doubts it would be able to be implemented by January 1 2025, which was earlier than the industry wanted.

The commission advocated for the introduction of a simplified pricing system, of which no details were released, or a processor levy from the 2025 deadline.

The documents show the government intended finalising the policy in early 2023 with legislation introduced later in the year, but sector leaders doubt that deadline will be achieved.

At a July 29 2022 meeting of the Climate Response Ministerial Group, the CCC raised concerns about the calculation of an emissions price, not wanting sequestration at farm level, and wanted fertiliser priced at the processor level “to reduce the complexity of farm-level pricing”.

It said pricing fertiliser at processor-level would allow broader coverage of nitrogen emissions.

By early December the final agreement had been reached apart from pricing fertiliser, with the commission still wanting it set at the processor and officials and the primary sector wanting it at farm level.

“Ministers saw the rationale for both option and Cabinet agreed to consult on both options for pricing synthetic nitrogen fertiliser emissions.”

The commission still remained opposed to recognising on-farm sequestration.

CONCERNS: As early as July 2022 the CCC raised concerns about the calculation of an emissions price, not wanting sequestration at farm level.

the

efficient way to incentivise emissions reductions.

The commission advised against recognising on-farm sequestration because of the administration complexity for relatively little carbon benefit.

It also wanted full marginal pricing for emissions, using free allocation, with the commission noting it does not view the funding of mitigation through revenue recycling an enduring model for pricing emissions.

“A high price signal would be the most efficient way to incentivise emissions reductions,” it said.

While transition assistance was needed, it noted such measures would be complex to implement and require significantly more reporting from farmers.

Government officials were at odds with the commission and more aligned to the primary sector on several points.

They supported a farm-level, split-gas approach as it would recognise and reward the widest range of mitigation actions, along with recycling revenue to fund mitigation research.

They also supported the pricing of fertiliser at farm-level, believing it would encourage greater reduction of emissions.

This support is despite an assessment of pricing options that found the farm-level levy rated the lowest, meeting just one of nine stipulated principles it was scored against, that being that it was adaptable. It scored neutral for the remainder.

The processor levy met two principles, being considered effective and transparent; and being part of the ETS scored three: efficient, adaptable and transparent.

Minutes from an October meeting between officials and sector leaders reveal the government was still consulting on the merits of an interim processor levy as a contingency should the farm-level levy not be operational by 2025.

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A high price signal would be

most

Educational resources for schools & students

Read, listen to and watch what is happening in New Zealand agriculture by scanning the QR codes or following the links. Answer the questions to complete the exercises.

In the news

Is there value in daggy wool?

Wool innovation company Terra Lana is giving sheep dags a new lease on life as a weed mat.

http://lnkiy.in/daggy-wool

Have a go:

1. What usually happens to wool dags?

2. What does ‘biodegradable’ mean and why is it a good thing?

3. What are the benefits of the weed mats containing manure or dags?

Stretch yourself:

4. Wool dags can be locally sourced, compared to a product such as coconut matting, which is imported. Why is this a good thing for the environment?

5. How do wool dags compare to recycled wool from the carpet manufacturing industry?

6. What could some other uses for farm ‘waste’ products be?

Analyse this

In the news

Why is National Fieldays important?

The largest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere is back in its usual spot on the calendar.

http://lnkiy.in/building-better

Have a go:

1. What is National Fieldays and why is it an important event on the calendar for many people in agriculture?

2. What can you learn about at the Opportunity Grows Here Hub? Can you name another Hub?

3. How do you think the economy affects events like the Fieldays?

Have a listen

How do we best use farm data?

Lucie Douma talks about her Nuffield Scholarship and the need for improvements in the way we collect, manage and use information on farm.

http://lnkiy.in/farm-data

Have a go:

1. Data is collected by lots of different organisations. Why is this difficult for farmers?

2. Why do some companies want to keep their data private?

3. What are the on-farm benefits of data being more freely available?

Stretch yourself:

4. What can we learn from the Australian mining sector and the way it handles data?

5. What were the benefits of having a data manager for the feedlots Lucie visited in Australia?

6. What data do you think farmers could collect and use on farm?

How much of a lift did beef export volumes get in March following a rise in demand from major markets?

This graph shows total NZ beef exports to all destinations

Have a go:

1. How does the volume of beef exported in April 2023 compare to the same month a year ago?

2. How does the April export volume compare to the previous month?

3. How do these movements compare to the five-year average?

4. A large portion of New Zealand’s exported beef heads to the United States and China. Why do you think this is?

5. Supply of beef from Australia has been increasing after a herd rebuild in recent years. How might this affect demand for NZ beef?

Watch this

Did you know?

Why have they chosen to breed Hereford cattle?

This On Farm Story visits Lance and Janelle Downs, who run sheep and a Hereford breeding unit along the Forgotten Highway.

http://lnkiy.in/herefords

Have a go:

1. How many hectares are Janelle and Lance farming? In what region are their farms?

2. How many generations of the Downs family have been breeding Herefords?

3. Why do you think they choose to breed Herefords? What are the advantages of this breed?

Stretch yourself:

4. What is succession planning? Why do you think this can be a difficult process?

5. The community has started a kids club, providing activities once a week. What benefits might this provide to the whole family and to the community overall?

Did you know?

Where are our sheep and cattle numbers going?

Fewer animals were farmed in New Zealand in 2022 than five years earlier. There have been some changes in land use.

http://lnkiy.in/less-animals

Have a go:

1. Dairy cattle numbers in 2022 fell to their lowest in 11 years. How many dairy cattle were farmed in 2022?

2. How many fewer sheep were farmed in 2022 than five years before that?

3. Cultivation of what type of fruit increased by 154%, or 7800ha, between 2012 and 2022?

Stretch yourself:

4. In what decade did beef cattle numbers peak in New Zealand? Why do you think numbers have been decreasing since then?

5. Do you think animal numbers will increase or decrease in the next five years? Why?

What does it take to win a Ballance Farm Environment Award?

Steven and Kellie Nichol are the regional supreme winners for sheep and beef for Otago in 2023.

http://lnkiy.in/environment-award

Have a go:

1. How big is the property and how long have the Nichol family been farming in Otago?

2. What kind of stock do they farm?

3. Since Steven took over the farm, stock numbers have been reduced. How might this help the environment?

Stretch yourself:

4. What is one way Steven has tried to improve soil health and what benefits has this provided?

5. Biodiversity has been enhanced through the planting of shelterbelts, native shrubland and waterways. What is biodiversity, and why is this important?

6. Why do you think it is important to recognise the efforts of farmers who help the environment?

www.agrihq.co.nz/our-education-resources

Letters of the week

Cats our most destructive pest

Julian Fitter

Bay Conservation Alliance

IN HIS letter “Feral cats serve a purpose” (May 15) your correspondent, Laurie Collins, displays a lamentable lack of understanding of the natural environment, and in particular the natural environment of New Zealand.

Cats are probably the most destructive pest that we have, in part because they DO kill for the sake of it. If your domestic moggy is out hunting, does that indicate that it is ill-treated and underfed?

He uses the example of Macquarie Island. Certainly the cats had been controlling the rabbit population, but that is no reason not to get rid of them and then get rid of the rabbits. The problems caused by removing apex predators, or herbivores, are well known, but are not a reason to not proceed. Surely having a healthy natural environment populated largely by our own, often unique, native species is something we should all be keen on? Leaving all the pests and weeds to their own devices will eventually destroy all that is best about our natural environment with a consequential impact on our standard of living and lifestyle. I do not think anyone in their right mind would ask for that.

From the Editor

DESPITE the extra L that sends spell-checkers loopy, Ballance is an apt sponsor for the Farm Environment Awards.

The long-running showcase celebrates those farmers who have taken a hard look at their land and adapted their business models to find that balance between production and protection.

Humans have a long history of trying to bend the environment to their will, which has often led to externalities and overflows that do harm.

Those things that don’t appear on a farm’s balance sheet – greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient runoff, biodiversity loss – are paid for by society.

Now societies across the world are urging businesses in every industry to account for those things and balance the books properly. This year’s winners of the supreme award,

the Gordon Stephenson Memorial Trophy, have a philosophy built around profit, planet and people.

Steven and Kellie Nichol, who farm Auldamor at Clarks Junction in Otago, say their chief focus is the impact farming has on their environment. “Generally, the better you look after the environment, the better your farm works,” Steven says.

It’s a winning formula and one the couple is keen to share with others who are yet to identify the opportunities this holistic approach to farming might hold for their own properties.

These stories are great because, while our leaders bicker over legislation on emissions, water quality and biodiversity, many farmers are simply taking a look at the world, reflecting on how they run their business and deciding that success in the market requires a new way of doing things.

Farmers like the Nichols see that prioritising people and planet leads to the perennial goal of a business – profit.

This same attitude can also be seen in the farming businesses showcased in the Ahuwhenua Trophy.

Māori-owned farming operations need to do what all businesses do – return a profit to their shareholders. But they also include future generations in their strategies –thinking shaped by a longer view and built around kaitikitanga, which places the

current generations as guardians of the land who must protect it for those to come.

It’s a mindset we need to adopt more widely, because decision-making that focuses on quarter-to-quarter reporting will always exclude those who hope to succeed us.

Times a-changin’ A Habraken

Auckland

I JUST felt motivated to write – I don’t usually, more one of the silent majority/ minority – in support of a well-written editorial by Bryan Gibson, “Do the evolution” (May 29).

I have lived rurally most of my life.

Many rural publications seem to have a very obvious political slant and can seem mired in the past.

It’s also why the cut and thrust of the political theatre should be put to one side when planning for the future of a food production business.

We should be asking what our customers want now and what their children will want in the years to come.

The world is a very big room but we need to be reading it all the same.

We’ve spent decades chasing production on Kiwi farms, but people like the Nichols are showing that achieving a balance that supports the economic, environmental and social foundations of a business is the key to success in the future.

Don’t get me wrong, our farming traditions have served us well, but times are a-changing and mostly our young people recognise this, so let’s use the best of traditional practices and also what is going to help our and the country’s future.

I have often winced at the promotion of things like the Groundswell/Groanswell movements in recent years and wonder if it is a turn-off for young people thinking about entering the food production industry.

We all need to work together to get not only the best outcomes now, but in the future too.

Top marks to Farmers Weekly for being so informative and for presenting, dare I say it , a more “balanced” range of views.

PS Love Steve Wyn-Harris “From the Ridge” as well, and the Sale Talk jokes.

Bryan Gibson

Managing editor

It’s all about balance

While our leaders bicker, many farmers are simply taking a look at the world, reflecting on how they run their business and deciding that success requires a new way of doing things

Avulsion is a disaster we can plan for

Guest column

Erin McEwan

PhD candidate in Geological Sciences, University of Canterbury

NEW Zealand’s 2016

Kaikōura earthquake stopped the Waiau Toa – also known as the Clarence River – in its course.

Within hours, the river flooded outside its channel and changed course. In the seven years since the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, the river has completely abandoned the path it used to take.

This is not the first time this sort of thing has happened.

Flooding and earthquakes are some of the most frequent natural disasters globally. A great deal of work has been done to understand their risk – but relatively little to determine how they can occur at the same time.

This is a problem. Tens of thousands of active faults run under river channels around the world and in NZ. In places where faults and rivers intersect, earthquake and river flood hazards are also intertwined.

Our new research shows that when a fault deforms the earth’s surface, it can cause an overlying river to suddenly flood outside its established channel. This can put unsuspecting communities at risk.

In some cases, the sudden river shifts – also known as avulsion – may even cause the river to establish a new channel within the landscape.

There are many examples of this phenomenon throughout history, including the 1812 Reelfoot fault rupture, which dammed the mighty Mississippi River for several hours. The same earthquake also permanently

dammed the Reelfoot River, creating Reelfoot Lake.

Earthquakes occur due to sudden movement on faults. When a fault ruptures to the surface, it can shift one side of the fault vertically past the other. This can cause a large block of land to be permanently uplifted or depressed.

Where faults run under rivers, this vertical movement can produce a fault scarp – a wall of rock and/or soil – that obstructs the river’s ability to continue flowing in its usual channel.

using pre-earthquake topography, modified with an artificial Papatea fault scarp.

Both models performed well, and accurately reproduced patterns of flooding that took place in 2016. This indicates that changes in river flood patterns following surfacerupturing earthquakes can be predicted ahead of time.

That said, it is impossible to predict the exact amount of surface displacement a fault may produce when it ruptures, or the exact river flow conditions when it does. Instead, flood modelling can be used to explore scenarios ahead of time using historical flow information and historic fault data.

Applying this to the Papatea fault rupture, we found that sudden shifts in the flow of the river may not immediately happen if the river is low.

This is what happened in Kaikōura in 2016. The Papatea Fault ruptured and created a 6.5m-high barrier within the channel of the Waiau Toa, stopping the river in its course and rapidly and permanently altering the path it takes.

Data from the Kaikōura earthquake offered an opportunity to test whether these sorts of shifts in river flows, and potential flooding, can be “forecast” in advance. Turns out, it might be possible.

We constructed two flood models that aimed to reproduce the Waiau Toa River shift. The first model used topographic data obtained following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, containing the real Papatea fault scarp. The second model simulated the avulsion

This is important, as it suggests that flooding could be delayed following a surface-rupturing earthquake if the affected river is running low – yet a river may still change course later, as the flow rate increases.

Creating flood models ahead of time may allow planners to identify key zones along the river that are exposed to this hazard. They can then put in measures that will reduce the impact of the flooding, such as levees.

NZ’s position atop a plate boundary means earthquakes are a common natural hazard. Flood hazards are also increasing in frequency and severity .

Kaikōura is not the only community that could be affected by the combination of earthquakes and flooding.

Many of NZ’s active faults underlie rivers located near populated areas, or critical infrastructure. Examples include the Wellington fault, which

underlies the Hutt River; and the Titri fault and Taieri River intersection, which borders Dunedin airport and several towns.

Yet we typically do not consider how these rivers may change following a surface rupturing earthquake, meaning nearby populations and infrastructure remain exposed and unprepared. The unique combination of earthquake and flooding is rarely considered in existing flood management strategies or earthquake response plans.

It is imperative that existing earthquake response plans consider the influence of active faults that underpin river systems. Current flood models that neglect their presence may underestimate the extent, longevity and patterns of flooding following earthquakes. Our modelling provides a path forward. With some knowledge of fault location and rupture style, the interactions between surface rupturing earthquakes and river flood hazards can be explored ahead of time.

Strict genetics laws benefit NZ farmers

In my view ...

Jon Carapiet Consumer researcher and for GEFree NZ (in food and environment)

IN HIS call for deregulation of gene editing, Malcolm Bailey of the AgResearch Endophyte Gene Editing Steering Group has forgotten the importance of the consumer in the gene-editing debate.

Bailey says, in “Outdated genetic laws hobble NZ research” (May 29), that gene editing is the closest thing we have to a “silver bullet” and we have to be able to use it. But the same argument has been made before, and genetic engineering (GE) is already allowed.

There is no ban on GE in New Zealand and strict regulation is an advantage when it requires evidence of safety for people and the environment.

Farmers and exporters benefit from us having high standards for safe, natural food. It is a point of

difference for many consumers and underpins NZ’s exports and reputation.

Evidence of safety for people and the environment is built into regulations and is the foundation for consumer trust. Lessons learnt from problems with harmful chemicals in agriculture have supported the consumer preference for more natural, organic, GE-free food, and for testing and labelling of geneedited food.

The debate on regulating gene editing is happening across the world. There is still clear consumer demand for safety testing and labelling of gene edited foods. Ignoring this expectation risks losing consumer trust and confidence.

Bailey suggests we follow countries such as Argentina and Brazil but it is more appropriate to learn from others’ mistakes. The launch of the gene-edited hornless cow is an example of things going unexpectedly wrong after the discovery of unwanted

genetic elements accidentally integrated into the genome.

Against the public wish, the United Kingdom government has moved to deregulate gene editing as “precision breeding”. The Food Safety Authority and YouGov polls found over 79% of people support safety testing, traceability and

because of the consumer demand. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported in 2019 that the value of non-GMO-labelled product was US$11 billion ($18bn) in Germany alone.

The USDA warned: “German consumers’ increasing awareness of and preference for Ohne Gentechnik-labelled foods is also driving demand in the market for GMO-free animal feed, leading to marketing opportunities for growers and producers of non-GMO feed ingredients and additives, while eroding demand for US exports of genetically engineered soy.”

Dropping our strong regulation of gene editing to create “more products” for farmers is not what we need.

Protect New Zealand farmers’ advantage as a non-GMO producer. Give farmers financial support to transition to longer term sustainability. Align exporters trading on Brand New Zealand to maintain best-in-world standards for consumer choice through safety testing, traceability and labelling of gene-edited products.

labeling of gene-editing products.

The UK Co-op supermarket has introduced a policy rejecting genetically edited food crops and animals without strict assessment and labels.

Exporters such as Fonterra and Lewis Road Creamery are adopting the Non-GMO Project label for products in the United States. Beef + Lamb NZ and Zespri benefit from their non-GMO status and have succeeded internationally

The value of genetic science in agriculture is not just about commercialisation to sell more gene-edited products. Consumer appeal in the work of Lincoln University for environmental mitigation using natural, unmodified fungi to address nitrate issues is an example of “working with nature”, with none of the consumer rejection of genetic engineering that remains an issue across markets.

BREAKING THE BANK: In some cases, sudden river shifts – also known as avulsion – may cause a river to establish a new channel in the landscape, as happened in the Kaikōura earthquake in 2016.

Dropping our strong regulation of gene editing to create ‘more products’ for farmers is not what we need.

Creating flood models ahead of time may allow planners to identify key zones along the river that are exposed to this hazard. They can then put in measures that will reduce the impact of the flooding, such as levees.

Down to brass tacks on steel subsidy

Conversely, NZ Steel’s owner, BlueScope Steel, wants a coal mine in New South Wales to extract an additional 78 million tonnes of “metallurgical coal for steel making”.

If we take the accepted pollutant factor that burning a tonne of coal produces 2.4t of carbon emissions, by my maths that means NZ Steel’s parent company will be responsible for pollution to the extent of 187 million tonnes.

That’s far more than the 800,000t the NZ taxpayer has subsidised the company to remove some of the CO2 from its steel production here.

THE recently announced government subsidy to NZ Steel had me confused. Confused because, while on a simplistic view the deal seems okay, I remain unconvinced.

I’m also confused as to why New Zealand keeps subsidising multinationals like the NZ aluminium smelter and now NZ Steel.

I remain totally confused as to the inconsistency of all political parties bar ACT when it comes to global warming and its causes and the remedies that are available.

Starting with the so-called climate changing results from the NZ Steel initiative, it is important to remember that global warming is just that, global warming. It isn’t caused by the greenhouse gas emissions of one country but by all countries.

Accepting the government’s figure that the NZ Steel initiative will remove 800,000t of CO2 from the atmosphere, which is equivalent to taking all the cars in Christchurch off the road, that’s significant.

So, from a global warming perspective, BlueScope Steel is responsible for emitting far more CO2 internationally than it does in NZ which begs the question as to why we are subsidising its local operation. Internationally, 15.8 billion tonnes of CO2 come from burning coal.

It’s actually worse than that.

If we take the government’s Emission Intensive and Trade Exposed (EITE) initiative, NZ Steel gets let off almost 90% of its emissions. The scheme was introduced to effectively subsidise those companies that are “energy efficient and trade exposed”.

It gets even more bizarre. In 2021 NZ Steel received an allocation of 2,145,482 free units. At the time that was equal to a government handout of almost $150 million. In recent years NZ Steel has received over two million free units annually.

One could humbly ask why they are contemplating taxing NZ livestock when they can give a multinational $150m annually to pollute. Surely agriculture is energy efficient and trade exposed. And as we all know the Kyoto Protocol excludes food production.

Further, BlueScope Steel recently reported that in 2022 it made a

We’re contemplating taxing agriculture emissions while giving handouts to major emitters who just happen to be highly profitable Australian multinationals.

massive profit of $2.85 billion – more than double the profit of the previous year. One could legitimately ask why they needed NZ corporate welfare to the tune of $140m.

We also read that if NZ Steel stopped producing here it would lead to less efficient production internationally. That stupid statement annoyed me as we know NZ agriculture is the most energy efficient in the world yet we’re contemplating taxing agriculture emissions while giving handouts to major emitters who just happen to be highly profitable

Australian multinationals. In this case the emitter is largely getting a free ride courtesy of its highly privileged position under EITE.

I’d also question government priorities.

We know that Fonterra is the company with the highest pollution in NZ. That is largely because of its coal-fired boilers. Fonterra provides food to feed the world and the raw material, its milk, is the world’s most efficiently produced.

Why would you subsidise a highly profitable Australian multinational ahead of a NZ farmer-owned co-operative where all the profits are kept right here in NZ?

Fonterra has said that it will be a decade before it abandons coal and it wants more government assistance. It’s doing a good job now by reducing emissions by 30% over a 12-year period.

Immorally, in my view, Fonterra pays $100m for its emissions. That begs the question as to

what NZ Steel has that Fonterra doesn’t. Surely that $100m would be better spent on emissions reduction?

I have no idea how much it would cost Fonterra to convert its coal boilers into electricity but $240m would have to go a long way. That figure was achieved by adding the subsidy to NZ Steel to the $100m Fonterra is paying for its emissions.

My additional question would be to ask about the cost of power to NZ Steel. Is it the same as other large users or do they have a sweet deal like Tiwai Point?

At a base level, the ETS should have been strong enough to encourage NZ Steel to invest in the electric boiler on its own. The reason it isn’t is because we give many companies subsidies and the government has depressed the unit price, which makes a complete mockery of the ETS. Which begs the question: what does NZ Steel have that food production hasn’t?

Orange you glad he’s not in charge here

From the ridge

We are a small trading nation at the end of the world and what happens elsewhere has much more impact upon us here than what our own domestic politics serve up to us.

Let’s start with something that has interested me for a long time: the Democracy Index put out by the Economist, which offers up fact-checked coverage of world politics.

To create their index and rankings of countries, they consider several categories. Electoral process, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation, and political culture.

me your displeasure and doubts but instead be pleased you live in a country that has free and fair democratic elections that allow a smooth changing of governments when the majority vote for that to happen.

We are among just 24 nations considered to be full democracies. As you might expect, countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom feature in this group.

Sixty authoritarian countries are at the bottom of the table, and pity the poor beggars who live in Afghanistan, Myanmar, North Korea, Central African Republic, Syria and Congo.

THE month of June has jumped up out of nowhere and I see I have just four columns to file before finishing. I haven’t bored you too much with geopolitics but it’s a subject I find fascinating and I’m sure it is of interest to many of you.

You’ll be thinking that a Scandinavian country must surely top it and you’d be right – Norway.

Now some of you are going to be surprised by second place. A wee country called New Zealand, just ahead of Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

Don’t get grumpy and email

If you really believe that we are so hard done by here, have a go at living in one of these nations for a bit.

What is intriguing about this index is the countries that are not considered full democracies. The next group down are flawed

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

THE NERVE OF STEEL: Why would you subsidise a highly profitable Australian multinational ahead of a NZ farmer-owned co-operative, Alan Emerson asks.

Steve Wyn-Harris Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer: swyn@xtra.co.nz

INDEX FINGER: Once upon a time former US president Donald J Trump presided over a country that is 28 places lower on the Democracy Index than a certain small trading nation at the end of the world.

Red meat’s looking tastier all the time

Meaty matters

Geoscience, found the warming effect of methane was 30% lower than previously thought because, in addition to the heat trapped in Earth’s atmosphere, methane also creates cooling clouds that partly offset the heating impact.

This supports the argument from Beef +Lamb NZ about the need to apply the GWP* measurement instead of GWP100 to arrive at a more accurate assessment of the warming effect of methane.

A trend that is less surprising to those consumers who cannot imagine anything more revolting than a vegan sausage is the pronounced lack of enthusiasm of UK shoppers for this supposedly healthier option.

balance sheets from 1998-2018 as the primary data set, and then to analyse total food production and use and to calculate each food type’s contribution to 29 essential nutrients.

The model made it possible to calculate the importance of different categories of meat compared with other food types.

PRODUCERS of red meat probably feel shellshocked by now, after years of being told their career choice poses serious threats to people’s health outcomes and, more recently, to the survival of the planet we live on.

But there are signs the worm may be turning, although it may be too much to expect a wholesale change in public opinion immediately.

There are quite a few straws in the wind to support the renaissance of red meat as an essential component of a healthy diet, among them Bear Grylls announcing his conversion from a vegan to a meat-based diet (although his 180 degree about face may appear rather too excessive for some); last year’s findings by New Zealand scientists on meat’s contribution to global nutrition published in an article in Frontiers in Nutrition; research by a group at the University of California Davis that found animal-cell-based meat produced in a laboratory could have between four and 25 times the impact of red meat on global warming; and a decline in alternative meat sales in the United Kingdom.

The Davis paper, published recently in the journal Nature

Continued from previous page

democracies and include Greece –the inventor of democracy – Italy, Belgium and, most surprisingly, the United Sates of America.

The US comes in at 30th on the index.

A look at the ingredients list shows a whole range of additives that may not be good for your health or, in the case of palm oil, the environment.

The vegan or meat-free product option contains additives to extend shelf life, which suggests it is almost inevitably highly processed and likely to contribute to obesity and ill-health.

A Yorkshire sausage maker has reduced its range of vegan sausages by over 80% to just two variants because of a lack of demand.

Figures published in The Grocer show a 6.5% drop in sales of meat-free products in the year to the end of September 2022, while the number of alternative meat products stocked by the big five supermarket chains fell by almost 11%.

The article “Modelling the contribution of meat to global nutrient availability”, the result of research by scientists at the Riddett Institute, Massey University and the Fonterra R&D Centre in Palmerston North, presents the results from the DELTA model into the contribution of meat to global nutrition.

The authors developed the model to estimate the global food mass balance, using Food and Agriculture Organisation food

The 2020 presidential election came down to a close call from two or three swing states.

More people voted for Donald Trump (71 million) than any other presidential candidate in US history except for Joseph Biden, who had 5 million more Americans vote for him and yet only just won that election.

Trump had spent four years showing contempt for democratic processes, preferred foreign dictators over democratically elected leaders, debunked sound science and many other sins but very nearly won that election.

The first and most obvious finding is that, while meat represents approximately 7% of global food mass, it contributes 11% to total global food energy and disproportionately more essential nutrients, minerals and indispensable amino acids (IAA). In 2018 it provided 56% of Vitamin B12, 19% of zinc, 18% of selenium, and more than 10% of iron, phosphorous and copper, as well as up to 32% of IAA.

Meat from ruminants represented 23% of the total meat consumed, compared with 34% for poultry meat, 32% pork and 9% offals.

The report questions where the required amount of global nutrition will come from if the increasingly strident calls for meat production to be mandatorily reduced become a reality.

While meat represents approximately 7% of global food mass, it contributes 11% to total global food energy and disproportionately more essential nutrients, minerals and indispensable amino acids.

It concludes that “the extent to which meat should feature in the human diet is under debate but choice will differ between individuals and populations”.

The DELTA Model demonstrates the current contribution of meat to global nutrition and indicates that a practical replacement, either as a sole product or a combination of

candidates that impressive country could dish up.

I’ve never liked Trump or his values and when that has appeared in this column in the past, have been surprised at the vitriol that has come my way from a rural NZ that Trump couldn’t care less about.

The US has done amazing things such as put men on the moon and countless other remarkable achievements. But it has also meddled in many other countries’ domestic affairs on the pretence of preserving democracy but in truth for self-interest.

foods, for the full contribution of meat to meeting global nutrient requirements is not currently available and does not appear feasible in the short term.

“The global contribution of meat to human nutrition must be considered in any debate, decision making, or policy on its production and consumption,” the report says.

This echoes the conclusion of the 2016 Paris Accord, which stated that food production should not be threatened by targeted greenhouse gas reductions, because the forecast global population growth makes it essential to meet the resulting nutrition needs. There is of course the question of variable access to nutrition in different parts of the world and the disproportionate amount of meat consumed in developing countries compared with developed countries.

Diet in wealthier populations, particularly in North and parts

that China has always been an economic powerhouse and the Chinese always play the long game.

The risk for all of us is if this battle for supremacy leads to some sort of nuclear engagement over Taiwan or some other flashpoint.

The other obvious immediate concern is Russia and this foolish and unnecessary war with its neighbour Ukraine.

of South America, Europe and Australasia, are generally much more meat-dominant than in Asia and Africa, which contributes to health problems like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. However the general trend is for an increase in meat consumption as wealth increases, suggesting meat consumption will rise in poorer parts of the world, as they become more prosperous.

The demand for red meat from New Zealand will not decrease, which places a responsibility on the government to ensure agriculture can continue to operate without unreasonable constraints, while at the same time investing in new farming technologies and methods that minimise its contribution to global warming.

Politicians need to follow the science rather than reacting in a kneejerk fashion to the misinformed demands of sections of the public.

country but that control – or he himself – cannot last forever and then there will be turmoil in a country that has 6000 nuclear warheads, a few more than the US.

I once wrote that the two things we should be most afraid of are a decent virus like the Black Death and a meteor strike such as the one that saw to the dinosaurs. I should have added nuclear conflagration.

Americans don’t use the popular vote for elections but rather an electoral college system and this has progressively been engineered to become less democratic over time.

And now it is looking like he will be the Republican challenger to Biden, who, if he wins their next battle would be 85 if he survived a full term.

You honestly must wonder how these two could be the best two

It is now in a battle for world supremacy with China, a battle it is destined to eventually lose.

The last couple of centuries have been an aberration as the US grew into that vast country full of resources, but history shows

Vladimir Putin has badly miscalculated and now finds himself into a 15-month war with no end in sight. It is draining Russia of resources and the death toll is mounting.

One of the factors that led to the fall of the Soviet empire was the mothers of the dead finally had nothing more to lose so came out to protest.

Putin has an iron grip on his

However, it’s not all grim out there. Europe has taken in millions of refugees, many from Ukraine, over the past couple of years. Countries regularly send relief supplies to others in great need. Groups like Doctors Without Borders and Habitat for Humanity give freely of their time to assist others.

And we are second on the Democracy Index!

Allan Barber

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

MIXED GRYLLS: One of the recent ‘straws in the wind to support the renaissance of red meat’, says Allan Barber, was British adventurer and TV figure Bear Grylls announcing his conversion to eating red meat and organs after years of advocating veganism.

Don’t get grumpy and email me your displeasure and doubts but instead be pleased you live in a country that has free and fair democratic elections.

‘She was a pretty hectic day’

When the Ashburton River broke its banks in the 2021 Mid Canterbury floods, it delivered a double whammy to Darryl and Lyn Butterick, who farm between the north and south branches of the river.

Annette Scott reports.

AT A recent Deer Industry New Zealand field day, Darryl Butterick shared the turmoil of the event and the long hard slog to recovery.

In his words, “we were hammered, two rivers nailed us, it was a raging torrent that took over my farm”.

That was two years ago and the Buttericks, while having most of their 170ha farm up and running again, still have some way to go to full recovery.

Walking away was not an option and, with the help of a supportive rural community and friends, the couple are able to look back on the long hard slog that has returned their deer, beef and sheep unit to some farming normality.

“She was a pretty hectic day,” Butterick recalls. It started with the emergency helicopter rescue of two neighbouring farmers trapped in the floodwaters.

As the storm eased, the carnage that emerged was devastating.

Butterick’s deer fences and gates were all washed away, posts scoured out by the force of the deluge, irrigation systems disrupted. His deer shed was completely inundated, he lost all of his valuable equipment on the

floor of other sheds, the house was cut off and his deer, sheep and cattle were roaming free, unsettled and going feral.

Two thirds of his deer farm, carrying 500 hinds and sire stags raised for velvet and trophy hunting, were under water.

“The water just came so damn quick, from both sides and so bloody fast. It took everything in its way, uprooted trees, fencing, deer yards gates, stock.

“It left me carnage, dead stock, lost stock, paddocks of shingle and rubble and more than 130 of the neighbour’s heifers, most of which were dead, tangled in trees and debris.

Butterick lost 30 deer, including all but two of his sire stags. Hinds and weaners, last seen in the headlights at 6.30am, drowned or were never seen again.

Bambi, the farm’s pet hind, helped bring home wild roaming deer.

Most of the deer bolted up the river, across the river, down the river.

“It was quite amazing how quickly they went feral but through river searches by helicopter, vehicles and the now more highly rated deer-detecting Bambi, we got a good lot back once

we got some fencing up.

Bambi is Lyn’s “headstrong pet hind that has been a pain in the ass all her life”.

“But every day I’d kick her out, she would cruise around, the next morning you would find her parked up with a few deer around her.

“She did hook quite a few back. She gets to be in the best paddock now.”

Taking it one step at a time, most of the farm is back to where it was.

“We couldn’t do a lot until the river had settled, but the first two to three weeks were bloody hard work.”

As things settled into a pattern, it was one or two meetings a weekday with bureaucrats and getting on with farm work, uninterrupted, at weekends.

“If you got bogged down in the bureaucracy nothing would happen,” Butterick says.

“People came here wearing shiny suits and red bands with their stickers still on.

“They would make all the right noises and bugger off and you would never see them again, they’d wasted half a day and tomorrow you’d get another crew.

“It’s not been easy, we’ve had no trophy for two years. There’s been a bit of velvet paying a few bills along the way.”

Recapturing stock, recovering farmland, building yards, fencing, replacing lost machinery – “it was a case of try to slow down. Do it properly and do it only once”.

A lot of time, energy, hours, blood, sweat and tears, sheer grit, friends and community support have gone into repairing the farm, Butterick says.

In two years he has had only three days off farm, and that was just a month ago.

The river cut out 200m of stopbank, dumped more shingle and silt, created more refencing, flowing for three weeks through the sheep and cattle side of the farm.

“We had no river protection at all for 12 months.

“We were lucky the water didn’t come through the house but it was in the yard, through the woolshed, in the machinery sheds.

“Anything of value at belt level in the workshops was stuffed.”

The irony was that the stock water system – pumps, pipelines, the lot – was wiped out.

“Would you believe it I had no stock water, just another thing to add to what became a very long list.

“If it [the river] had broken out the other side it would have gone through Ashburton, so we’ve gone through a massive rebuild.”

The deer unit on the lower lying part of the farm was the hardest hit.

New fencing and yards have been established and repairs made to the deer shed. Paddocks have been resown to restore top soils.

The narking part is the river did not have the capacity in that stretch to take the flood. I have been telling Environment Canterbury forever to let their guys in and get the shingle out.

Darryl Butterick Ashburton

“We had fencers on and off the property, still have, with the shortage of fencing supplies slowing things down.”

Once cleared of the shingle and the bulk of the silt, recovering pastures were spread with manure and ruined straw, and sown with plantain and a mix of seeds with some over-sown in clover.

“Some did well, others didn’t. We found sunflowers didn’t mind the silt and the deer thrived on the plantain, along with vetch, which we learnt deer like and do really well on.”

Rape and other, similar crops were planted where new grasses were patchy to build up organic matter.

Weeds never seen before were popping up everywhere on farm.

Blackberry, willow weed and hemlock took hold and had to be controlled.

The deer block now has water features and fenced-off ponds, reminders of the flood.

While insurance payouts and government relief funding have been welcome, they fall well short of covering the recovery, with the Buttericks left well out-of-pocket after the experience.

“Everyone has been slogging their guts out for each other. I can tell you it’s been real bloody character building.

“The narking part is the river did not have the capacity in that stretch to take the flood.

“I have been telling Environment Canterbury forever to let their guys in and get the shingle out, they have been made well aware of the potential there for the river to break out, it’s been ongoing for years.

“Their answer is put more bureaucrats in and do nothing on the ground.

“My farm saved the town and still [Environment Canterbury] have done nothing.

“Two years and we’re still chipping away; the implications will drag on for years.”

And the cost? “Well into the six figures and climbing. I’m too scared to work it out.”

BUTTERICK PATTERN: As the farm settled into the recovery phase, says Darryl Butterick, a pattern emerged: one or two meetings every weekday with bureaucrats – and getting on with farm work, uninterrupted, at weekends. Photos: Annette Scott

BAMBI WAS A STAR: Lyn Butterick’s pet hind Bambi – ‘who has been a pain in the ass all her life’ says Darryl Butterick – helped to recover deer after floods destroyed fences and scattered the herd.

WHERE’D MY DEER YARDS GO? Darryl Butterick surveys the damage after the Ashburton River burst its banks and overwhelmed his farm in 2021.

STARTING OVER: Peter Swann helps Darryl Butterick plan new deer yards in the aftermath of the 2021 flood that swamped the Buttericks’ Ashburton farm.

Scion ‘whirl’ study builds fire science

Scion forest fire researchers have managed to achieve the real-life equivalent of capturing lightning in a bottle by recreating forest fire whirls in the field to better understand the deadly phenomenon. Richard Rennie reports.

WHIRLS or “fire tornadoes” can occur during extreme forest fire events. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they have been difficult to measure, leaving researchers to try to extrapolate their behaviour into real-life situations – with some difficulty.

But a world-first effort near Twizel in late May has provided a treasure trove of sensor and monitoring data for the researchers to pore over, and given them some revelatory insights into how these events are created and behave.

Hugh Wallace, one of Scion’s lead fire scientists, says Twizel proved the ideal field trial site for the work partly thanks to a highly supportive community whose understanding of fire’s impact has been sharpened by events in recent years, including the Pukaki and Ōhau burns in 2020.

A strong relationship with Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel and volunteer brigades also played a big part in the location.

Wallace says fire vortexes are of particular interest because of their ability to take on a velocity of their own and to throw burning material ahead of their path. They pose particular risks to fire crews.

Interest in the work from overseas, including the United States and Australia, has been intense, with US Forest Service lead researcher Jason Forthofer engaged in the work.

“NZ is in quite a unique situation compared to these countries right now where authorities are really under the pump just containing fires, whereas we have some luxury of time to prepare and understand what could happen here,” Wallace says.

This month parts of Canada are being seared by massive bush fires, four of them exceeding 120,000ha each and eight over 50,000ha each. And the number of extreme fire events that can spawn whirls are only increasing.

In NZ, estimates are that the $142 million that wildfires cost the country in 2020 will have ballooned to $547m by 2050 due in part to the changing climate.

In the Twizel trial, once a slash pile 20m in diameter was ignited, the team generated a “smoke devil” that captured the flame and created the fire whirl, with a wide array of infrared and remote sensors capturing data.

This included recording sustained whirl revolutions of between 10 and 100 times per second.

“The whirls do take a bit of effort to spin up. They require a very well-constructed and large pile to create, and it is about the ratio of fuel to pile size, shape and energy within that fuel.”

The whirls developed by trial and error could last 5-30 seconds, and proved largely stationary.

The study is adding to Scion’s

growing level of understanding on forest fire behaviour, with earlier work in 2019 helping with the development of a NZ real-time fire and smoke modelling framework capturing multiple data sources to provide useful information on how smoke will behave in certain conditions.

Wallace says it is possible the data will better inform firefighters who may often have developed a strongly intuitive recognition of fire whirls over time, if not knowledge of the underlying science.

“If we know the conditions that create them we can support their decisions, proving a situation they may not intuitively have felt comfortable with,” he says.

The work has provided insights

for the team’s next big project, a large-scale outdoor fire over 12ha involving standing timber and trees, planned for late summer/early autumn 2025 in the district.

Data from that trial will prove invaluable for understanding real fire behaviour, when much of the past work has been based on extrapolating up, based on often conservative modelled behaviour. Wallace says the researchers were humbled by the time volunteers and landowners offered them during the trials.

“The work can also help prove when fire may be an appropriate tool to use. This research will help us better understand how fire behaves and how it might be more safely used in the future.”

DEADLY: Fire whirls have proven difficult to record in wild fire situations, and the Scion work has helped better understand their speed and behaviour.

SPIN CONTROL: Smoke ‘devils’ are often precursors to fire whirls.

The whirls do take a bit of effort to spin up. They require a very wellconstructed and large pile to create, and it is about the ratio of fuel to pile size, shape and energy within that fuel.

Hugh Wallace

Scion

Food made from air, water and watts

IT DOESN’T look particularly appetising – a mustardyellow powder with the texture of starch – but the ingredient that has just made its global debut in Singapore is being touted as the latest breakthrough in food technology.

Produced from air, water, electricity and microbes by Finnish start-up Solar Foods, the substance can be used to make anything from bread to pasta. It had its first official tasting after the city-state approved the sale of products containing the ingredient last October.

The powder itself resembles turmeric and tastes like a light, nutty mix of cashews and almonds. It’s 65-70% protein, 5-8% fat and has a composition similar to that of dried soy or algae.

Solein, as it’s called, builds on a growing microbial fermentation

trend. It’s made in a similar way as brewing beer. Instead of sugar, microbes feed on nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and begin to grow. Excess water is removed and then it’s dried, forming a powder. The technology is gaining attention, even as investors cool on the broader alternative protein sector, given it has the potential to produce edible calories without farmland.

It will take “a couple of decades” for food-from-air production volumes to have a real impact on the world, Solar Foods chief executive officer Pasi Vainikka said.

“There’s a lot of interest and pull from the consumer, and that’s a positive.”

Solein won’t be widely available until 2024 at least when a smallscale proof-of-concept plant is fully operational.

The glacial pace of approvals is one factor slowing its rollout. Singapore is the only jurisdiction to have given Solein the green light. Approval in the European Union is not expected before 2025, Vainikka said.

Pasi Vainikka Solar Foods

Crop giant Archer-DanielsMidland is lending its heft, announcing a strategic partnership this month with California company Air Protein to build and operate a commercial-scale plant.

For now, the Finnish firm is working with food companies and restaurants to incorporate the product in dishes, or as an alternative dairy ingredient. It’s also on a marketing blitz, releasing videos demonstrating the practical uses of Solein, including in ice cream and ravioli.

Solar Foods was a project spun out of a Finnish state-owned research institute in 2017.

The company has raised about €105 million ($186m) in funding

from firms including Agronomics and CPT Capital.

It wants to raise more cash for a larger-scale commercial factory over the next three years.

EU backs draft anti-greenwashing directive

Staff reporter MARKETS Emissions

THE European Parliament has backed draft legislation to stop misleading claims about carbon emissions and neutrality.

With 544 votes to 18 and 17 abstentions, the proposal for a new directive on empowering consumers for the green transition was approved. Its main aim is to help consumers make environmentally friendly choices and encourage companies to offer more durable and sustainable products.

The legislation will ban the use of general environmental claims like “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable”, “climate neutral” or “eco” if these do not come with detailed evidence.

It will also ban environmental claims that are based solely on carbon offsetting schemes.

Other misleading practices, such as making claims about the whole product if the claim is true only for one part of it, or saying that a product will last a certain amount of time or can be used at a certain level of intensity if that is not true, will also be forbidden.

“The industry will no longer profit from making consumer

goods that break just as the guarantee period is over,” rapporteur Biljana Borzan said after the vote. “Consumers will have to be provided with information about the options and cost of repairs in a clear manner.

“Product labels will inform citizens which goods are guaranteed to last longer, and

producers whose goods are more durable will profit.

The jungle of false environmental claims will end as only certified and substantiated ecological claims will be permitted.”

The Council of the European Union adopted its own negotiating mandate on May 3. That means

negotiations between the parliament and the member states on the final content and wording of the directive can start soon. The proposed legislation paves the way for a new green claims directive that will further specify the conditions for making environmental claims in the future.

Product labels will inform citizens which goods are guaranteed to last longer, and producers whose goods are more durable will profit. The jungle of false environmental claims will end as only certified and substantiated ecological claims will be permitted.

Biljana Borzan European Parliament

LOOK MA, NO LAND: The powder resembles turmeric and tastes like a light, nutty mix of cashews and almonds. Photo: Solar Foods

It will take a couple of decades for food-from-air production volumes to have a real impact on the world.

CLEAN CLAIM: A Volkswagen Golf TDI in 2010 was promoted with the phrase ‘clean diesel’. The company would later face scrutiny due to an emissions scandal.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Experts in rural living. We live here too.

When it comes to rural living we are the go-to source of rural knowledge in New Zealand.

Achieving the very best sale result for your rural, lifestyle, or provincial residential property, or help finding your next one, it pays to deal with the trusted and local experts.

We really know rural New Zealand, because we live and work in the same communities as you do.

TENDER

GLEN MURRAY 401 Waikaretu Valley Road

The Market will be Met!

This 165ha farm is predominantly north facing with ample hay country. Bore water supplies the two dwellings along with farm. Fenced into 18 paddocks, 13 of which water is supplied via trough.

Three stand woolshed with attached concrete floor workshop, six bay covered lean-to, separate three bay enclosed haybarn, sheep and cattle yards with loading out race and crush.

Dwellings include a Huntly brick house with three bedroom, two bathroom, office, rumpus room plus three car garage, and a two bedroom, two bathroom cottage plus two car garage.

pggwre.co.nz/PUK37867

5 4 TENDER

Plus GST (if any)

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty)

Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 29 June

VIEW 11.00-1.00pm

Tuesday 6 June

NEW LISTING

Adrian van Mil

M 027 473 3632

E avanmil@pggwrightson.co.nz

TAUMARUNUI, RUAPEHU 2848 SHWY 4

Contour is King - Top Producer

This well-balanced 494.9907 hectare (more or less) sheep/beef/dairy grazing property ticks a lot of requirements primarily because of the easy rolling contour which is the dominant feature of this farm. The vendors have recently installed a solar water system to complement an existing spring feed supply and the dams on the hills. Very long and strong fertiliser applications. Very good Ute access throughout the farm. 30/6/22 Stock wintered - 2221 MA ewes, 34 rams, 165 MA cows, 146 R1 beef heifers, 128 R1 dairy graziers, 34 R2 heifers, 4 R1 steers, 5 MA bulls.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK37943

TENDER Plus GST (if any)

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty)

Closes 11.00am, Wednesday 28 June VIEW 10.00-12.00pm

Helping

KAHU FARM Kinleith South Waikato

Kahu Farm is comprised of 433 hectares of mixed contour (flat to strongly rolling) fertile land, with an effective farm land area of 219 hectares*. The property has the capacity to produce over 260,000kgMS* per annum, with a five year average of around 239,000kgMS* per annum. Centrally located tidy infrastructure, including a 40-aside herringbone shed, complete with in-shed feeding, automatic cup removers, concrete feed pad, and compliant effluent system. Timely fertiliser applications and effective management have consistently improved farm production since the property’s conversion.

Deadline Offers:

Wednesday 28 June 2023 at 4pm (NZST)**

Wyatt Johnston +64 27 815 1303

Jeremy Keating +64 21 461 210

*Approximately

**Unless sold prior

+ 433.06ha* freehold land, 219ha* pasture area

+ 239,000kgMS* (five-year average)

+ 40 aside herringbone milking shed with ACRs, in shed feeding

+ 157ha* woodlots (1998-2022 age class)

+ Flexible settlement date – Vendor to operate until 30 May 2024

+ This farm land is available for sale

Arotahi Agribusiness Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent REA Act

ASSISTANT MANAGER –MARKETS (Deer Industry NZ)

DINZ is looking for an Assistant Manager, Markets who will be responsible for supporting the Market Development Manager in driving velvet and venison market development and promotion activities. The role involves coordinating stakeholder engagement activities, maintaining marketing materials, databases, market analysis and reporting. This is a great opportunity to contribute to this growing industry in an exciting and varied role.

A desirable lifestyle

“Inglemere” is a secluded 8ha oasis of country living and farming near Christchurch. Newly upgraded kitchen, bathrooms and carpeting, four sunny warm living spaces, three bedrooms, office. Excellent shelter, shed, wellfenced, irrigation infrastructure and well.

Offers invited close to Rating Valuation $1,460,000

View at www.bayleys.co.nz/5520236

Dairy Farm Managers – Come join us in North West Tasmania –

Why?

Prime Value Dairy is set to become the employer of choice in the industry and regions in which it operates because we respect and care for those who choose to work with us.

Our Farms

• Outstanding region for growing pastures

• Pivot Irrigation

• New 60 Bail Rotary

• Mild Climate Conditions

What’s on Offer

On a personal note

• “Tasy” offers excellent Tramping, Hunting and Fishing

• And there maybe options to build your personal wealth

We offer excellent wages and conditions whilst providing a healthy and safe place to work. We take pride in our farms and our people and want to work with people who are as passionate about dairy as we are. By the way, accommodation is on us.

This is an opportunity to use your expertise around managing a Dairy farm in one of the best Dairy Farm regions around.

What you need – If you have:

• A commitment to high animal welfare standards

• An equally strong focus on farm safety and the environment

Lease Wanted

Extensive hill country - Canterbury

Our clients are searching for a strategic mediumlong term lease of extensive Sheep/Beef breeding hill country to compliment and grow their current family farming business in Mid Canterbury. Ideally 3000-5000SU and would consider any location or options from spring 2023 onwards in the Canterbury area. Cultivatable land and housing not essential, yards or other infrastructure preferable with all terms considered. Genuine family with the resources, experience and a desire to work with the owner and maintain and improve the land as if their own. Share farming or other options may also be considered.

Please enquire to discuss in strict confidence:

Find

vacancies at:

ben@waterhousecc.co.nz

BRIDGE & STRUCTURE MAINTENANCE

Providing affordable repair & maintenance solutions for your expensive assets. Waterhouse Complex Civil are specialists in repairing & maintaining bridges, stock underpasses, culverts, & waterway remediation

Farm bridges and structures showing signs of age? Don't let these valuable assets deteriorate any further !

• A desire to be the best

• Strong technical skills in the Dairy sector

• Demonstrated leadership skills

Then please send us an expression of interest to Mike Hogan mhogan@primevalue.com.au

Yes we will consider relocation costs for the right candidates.

* Please note that only candidates that have the right to work in Australia will be considered for the roles. We may only contact you if your profile is a fit for the role.

RAIN GEAR

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. Buyers of Woodlots and Forest.

FORESTRY

WANTED

FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa

Brookland & Hillview Simmentals

servicing surrounding areas and Northland.

GIBB-GRO

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

LAND FOR LEASE

TUAKAU 16 ACRES, at, suitable for supplementary grass or maize. Phone Simon 027 417 8239.

RED DEVON BULLS. Well grown, purebred. Feilding. Phone 027 224 3838.

PLATFORM STUD

For Sale: 9 Hereford hill country bred R2 Bulls Excellent temperament & growth 4 on Bidr online auction 12th June 2023 at 7.00pm and 5 as paddock sales

GOATS WANTED 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.

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

GOATS. 40 YEARS

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

* All bulls BVD tested and vaccinated - Inspection welcomed *

PGG Stock agent: Rihi Brown 027 404 7514

Enquiries: Mark & Charmaine Will, 125 Coopers Road, Masterton 5871

Ph: 06 372 4896 Email: platformfarm@gmail.com

Follow us: FACEBOOK @ Platform Hereford Stud

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.

Top quality bulls bred for NZ Farmers

38th Annual Two year old bull sale th Monday 12th June 2023 - 2:30pm

BVD Tested Clear, BVD and 10 in 1

Vaccinated

● Excellent quality, meaty and structurally sound bulls ready for work

● Breedplan Recorded, sire verified and genomics

● TB Status C10

● Herd completely free of known genetic defects

● Renowned for great temperament

● Three year comprehensive guarantee

Enquiries and inspection invited. Kevin or Megan FRIEL

ph: (06) 376 4543 or (027)625 8526

kev.meg.co@xtra.co.nzwww.mtmableangus.co.nz

SUPPLEMENTARY MASTERTON

COW SALE

Wednesday

7th June

Masterton Saleyards 11.30am

Comprising approx: 300 cows

D & A KilmisterToviewadream Farming

• 150 M/A R4-7yr Angus Cows

VIC KayJay Angus Bull 20/11

45 R3yr Angus Heifers

VIC KayJay Angus Bull 20/11

50 R2yr Angus Heifers

VIC Low BW Stockman Angus Bull 20/11

• 50 Wnr Angus Heifers

Capital Stock, weaned 30/03

3 KayJay Angus Sires

R414 3yr (purchase price $28,000)

Q352 4yr (purchase price $26,000)

Q350 4yr (purchase price $9,000)

This sale represents an opportunity to purchase high quality, genuine capital stock cows, only available due to the end of a lease.

No expense spared when purchasing sires.

These cows come forward in great condition and have an outstanding temperament.

BVD Blood tested clear.

BVD + Lepto vaccinated.

Further enquiries to:

Wayne Stewart PGG Wrightson

027 438 4963

Dion Kilmister Toviewadream Farming

027 609 9522

Thursday 15th June 2023 at 7.00pm

Online Bidr Sale

Comprising:

14 x Breeding Bulls Mixed ages

10 x Females In Calf & Yearlings

Based in the Waikato. Number 8 Wagyu is committed to breeding NZ’s best wagyu. We focus on Short gestation, easy calving cattle suitable for heifer mating. Easy rearing, fast growing genetics.

High marbling and IMF but not at the expense of growth rates.

Stud Information:

• 100% of our stud cattle are registered with the Australian Wagyu Association

• All of our stud cattle have EBVs - genomic, ancestry and performance

• All stud cattle are fullblood (100% DNA verified ancestry to Japan) - except polled NZ’s only Fullblood Red Wagyu

• NZ’s only performance tested polled wagyu (all with >99% Verified wagyu content)

On site IVF and MOET capabilities

Number 8 Wagyu is pleased to offer a range of high merit male and female cattle for sale.

Catalogues available on AgOnline or Bidr Viewing before

phone

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard bidr.co.nz

Upcoming Auctions

Sale

2pm: Mt Linton Angus Bull Sale

WEDNESDAY 7TH JUNE: 10.30am Mokairau Herefords Bull Sale

11am: Beefit Simmental Bull Sale

1pm: Orari Gorge Hereford Bull Sale

2.30pm: Merchiston Angus Bull Sale

3pm: Hinewaka Shorthorns Bull Sale

7pm: Plant & Machinery Clearing Sale (Palmerston)

THURSDAY 8TH JUNE: 11am: Beechwood, Richon & Woodburn Bull Sale 12.30pm: Glen Anthony Simmental Bull Sale

1pm:

SALE TALK

When NASA was preparing for the Apollo project, they did some astronaut training on a Navajo Indian reservation.

One day, a Navajo elder and his son were herding sheep and came across the space crew. The old man, who only spoke Navajo, asked a question, which the son translated, “What are the guys in the big suits doing?”

A member of the crew said they were practicing for their trip to the moon. The old man got really excited and asked if he could send a message to the moon with the astronauts.

Recognising a promotional opportunity for the spindoctors, the NASA folks found a tape recorder.

After the old man recorded his message, they asked the son to translate. He refused. So the NASA reps brought the tape to the reservation, where the rest of the tribe listened and laughed, but refused to translate the elder’s message to the moon.

Finally, NASA called in an official government translator. He reported that the moon message said: “Watch out for these guys; they’ve come to steal your land.”

On-farm sale:

BEEFIT SIMMENTAL 4th ANNUAL BULL SALE

A/c Aaron & Bernadette Gubb

Date: Wednesday 7th June

Address: Kaikohe Saleyard Start Time: 11.00am will be available for online bidding

COMPRISING:

x 2yr olds Bulls

x Autumn Born Pedigree Registered Simmental Bull

x Top Quality Capital Stock BWF & AngX Cows DTC 25/7 – 2 cycles to Beefit Simmentals.

DETAILS:

• All bulls are guaranteed for structural soundness and fertility

• Have been tested for EBL and are BVD negative (have had 2 BVD Vaccinations)

• Have been scanned and Beef Classed by Austin’s Ultrasound Ltd on 15th March 2023

• Have been DNA tested for Horned/ Polled, Dilution, Black/Red coat, and parent verification

PAYMENT

14 days from sale

CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENT: Reuben Wright M: 027 284 6384 OUR

Massive May, dubious June at Temuka?

All eyes are on the coming returns as Temuka posts a record month but news from further afield threatens to cast a wintry pall over prices.

TO SAY it was a massive May at Temuka would be an understatement.

Typically, May is one of the biggest months of the year for throughput, but in 2023 total tallies have achieved a milestone, cracking over 51,000 store lambs. This sets a record for the number of store lambs trotting through Temuka for the month, with the weekly average 4000 more than last year at 10,300.

The last time tallies in May got remotely close to this level was in 2019 where they totalled 40,700.

While big sales are a common theme for this time of year, numbers must run out soon and agents are suggesting the recent sale may have been the last really large store lamb tally before winter.

So why have there been such significant tallies this month?

Generally speaking, most farms would be fairly tidy on their winter stocking rates and hunkering down for winter by now.

But this year has been noticeably different. The summer season was generous compared to other years. Grass kept on growing and small amounts of rainfall kept good covers all the way through, and growth ticked over nicely.

Though some regions did get dry, they managed to avoid drought and farmers were able to hold onto a few more lambs than they usually would.

South Otago and Southland in particular usually offload large numbers a lot earlier in the year, when pressure comes on feed conditions.

This season, though, paddocks and pasture growth have allowed for more lambs to stay on longer and gain some weight.

It is worth noting that this month at least half of the store lamb tallies have been made up by South Otago lambs, which have come out three to four weeks later than they have done in previous years.

The summer was followed up by what some are describing as the best autumn ever, and it seems to just keep on giving, adding further fuel to the already hot fire in the store lamb market.

The release of a $9/ kg lamb contract earlier in May for September boosted buyers’ confidence, but over the past week AgriHQ analysts have sensed some doubt coming in.

Even now, in the closing stages of May and early June, the weather is warm and kind enough to keep the grass growing, meaning prices have remained strong and consistent throughout. The average price, calculated using AgriHQ data, for the

opening sale at Temuka this month was $3.99/kg liveweight and peaked mid-May at $4.12/kg.

Some changes in quality deviated the average from here but considering the large numbers and the weeks drawing closer to winter, returns settled at a very respectable closing average for May at $3.98/kg.

Last year, the store lamb market peaked in the final week of June at $4.48/kg.

The release of a $9/kg lamb contract earlier in May for September boosted buyers’ confidence, but over the past week AgriHQ analysts have sensed some doubt coming in.

Global markets are weakening

and China in particular has not rebounded from its Covid restrictions as strongly as anticipated.

The decreased demand is putting pressure on meat companies to meet international markets through price adjustments. Recent schedule lifts have been procurement driven, with some exchange rate support, rather than from positive movement overseas.

So with one month to go until the market usually peaks and tallies are expected to decline, it will be interesting to see whether this year’s average per kilogram return reaches or exceeds the same heights.

FLASH MOB: A record number of store lambs trotted through Temuka in May.

Sarah Hilhorst MARKETS Lambs

Weekly saleyards

The official start of winter has been a mild one nationwide, following on from a very mild autumn. That has kept plenty of buoyancy in the store markets and has resulted in fewer prime cattle coming forward, which has meant processor buyers have been more proactive in securing stock. While high volumes of manufacturing cows have been available, prime stock have been harder to come by, and it has not been uncommon for high-yielding beef and dairy-beef steers and heifers to be trading over $3/kg.

| May 31 | 596 cattle, 686 sheep

and Cow Fair | May 25

market trends

Cattle Sheep Deer

NOTE: Slaughter values are weighted average gross operating prices including premiums but excluding breed premiums for cattle.

Fertiliser Forestry

Dairy

Data provided by

Milk price futures ($/kgMS)

Grain

Canterbury feed wheat ($/tonne)

Close of market

Dairy Futures (US$/t) Nearest

Listed Agri shares

Canterbury feed barley ($/tonne)

Price 8.238.308.27

* price as at close of business on Wednesday

WMP futures - vs four weeks ago (US$/tonne)

Waikato palm kernel ($/tonne)

State of the nation as we near midpoint

the long-range data still suggests we’re going to be leaning about 1degC above normal as we head through winter.

AS WE approach the halfway mark of the year, it’s a good time to reflect on the weather we’ve had so far – and what we’re expecting over the second half. Certainly the first five months of 2023 were defined as being wet and warm. In fact, it’s the warmth of April and May that has surprised me most, with temperatures more than 2degC above normal on average in many places.

And even though June kicks off with a cold change for many,

Highlights this week

• Large low pressure zone to engulf NZ for King’s Birthday Monday

• Colder in the South Island this week

• Snow on the southern ranges

• Some rain in the North Island’s east

• A Tasman Sea low moves in this weekend

Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle and a number of severe thunderstorms bringing flash floods have also defined 2023 so far. The reduction in high pressure zones for the populated upper North Island saw these storms moving through, as well as a number of “squash zones” (often a windy nor’easter with rain).

The combination of these events, thanks to more low pressure and instability, coupled with a marine heatwave that is still ongoing for a number of coastal communities, has pushed rainfall well above normal.

The most memorable was the Auckland January 27 flood in which a severe thunderstorm (which contained no actual thunder) dumped hundreds of millimetres of rain in a few hours.

Cyclone Gabrielle soon after that saw more rain in the north, and obviously the deadly flash flooding in the east too.

Many farmers we’ve spoken to are keen for a drying out phase –but one thing we need to be aware

SPI for 9am 01/05/2023 to 9am 31/05/2023

WeatherWatch believes the more traditional El Niño weather pattern is starting to slowly develop in our part of the world.

Australia, bringing frosts as far north as inland Queensland and long stretches of dry weather for them.

Observed Rainfall

9am 16/05/2023 to 9am 31/05/2023

DRYING OUT: Rainfall in May has started to lean west, allowing eastern areas to dry out more. The SPI map is ‘Standardised Precipitation Index’, a simplistic meteorological drought map for the month of May, and it shows eastern parts of the North Island drying out back to normal. The other map shows the past two weeks’ actual rainfall

of is that as El Niño develops, that drying out phase may start to lock in. As we said last week, El Niño is developing but is not yet showing up in the atmosphere. In saying that, WeatherWatch

believes the more traditional El Niño weather pattern is starting to slowly develop in our part of the world.

We’re seeing one powerful high pressure zone after another for

New Zealand’s forecast for later this year is to see an uptick in high pressure extending out over the Tasman Sea – and this reduces the amount of sub-tropical and Tasman Sea rainmakers for NZ. We’ve already started to see this pattern develop, but because we’re still in a “neutral” climate driver we’re not totally out of the pattern 2023 started with (and we see that with a big low over NZ for King’s Birthday Monday and then another low from the Tasman Sea this weekend).

Our expectation is to see an increase in westerlies for NZ, which sees eastern and northern areas gradually drying out over the second half of 2023.

Philip Duncan NEWS Weather

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