Farmers Weekly NZ July 6 2020 by AgriHQ

3 Nitrate deaths spark warning Vol 19 No 26, July 6, 2020

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Rural water hijacked Gerald Piddock

gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz

ARMERS are worried Environment Minister David Parker’s decision to fast track Watercare’s consent to take Waikato River water for Aucklanders will come at the expense of their allocations. There is concern farmers who were ahead of the Auckland Council’s water company in the queue for consent applications could now miss out because of the decision, Waikato Federated Farmers president Jacqui Hahn said. “It’s not really right. A region should look after its own.” Parker decided to help Auckland overcome its worst water shortage in 25 years, calling the future sources of drinking water for Auckland a matter of national significance. Local and central government and iwi agreed Auckland can take more water from the river while the bulk of Watercare’s application will be heard by a board of inquiry. Watercare lodged its application with the Waikato Regional Council in 2013, asking for 200 million more litres a day. However, there were 106 other consent applications ahead of it and the Resource Management Act says consents are processed as first-come first-served. “There is a number of reasons as to why Watercare has taken this approach and that is concerning us along with the central government push. “If clawbacks occur that is

essentially a very small population taking a haircut, possibly jeopardising their business for a lack of infrastructure investment of a million-plus population governed by a unitary authority who doesn’t want to spend the money,” Hahn said. Federated Farmers will meet the Waikato council later this month to air its concerns.

Like cream, they’re on top

The proposition is that Waikato’s industrial users, growers and farmers will be required to give up their water for Auckland. This water reallocation is a significant wealth transfer from one area to another. Mike Chapman Horticulture NZ Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman said Watercare’s request will be decided by a board of inquiry because the size of the consent means other water users will need to give up some of their allocations. “The proposition is that Waikato’s industrial users, growers and farmers will be required to give up their water for Auckland. “This water reallocation is a significant wealth transfer from one area to another. “Why should Auckland’s industrial users be advantaged over Waikato’s just because

THE WINNERS: Richard and Nadine McCullough from McCullough Farm Partnership in Waikato are the 2020 Dairy Business of the Year Supreme Award winners. Full story on page 7.

Auckland has not constructed water capture and storage to meet its own needs? “This situation could also see water taken from Waikato vegetable growers who supply Auckland and other parts of NZ with healthy, locally-grown fresh food. This region contributes more than 25% of NZ’s vegetable supply by value.” He warned Auckland’s water

crisis will be repeated around the country and now is the time to address the issue and ensure rainwater is properly captured and stored. “We cannot take water away from those who grow our food. “Similarly, we cannot take water away from one group of industrial users to give to another just because there was poor planning.” Chapman said while building

dams is one part of the solution, lateral thinking is needed around effective water capture and storage. “It is not the time to give advantage to cities that have not done their planning. So, what is Auckland doing apart from wanting to take water away from growers, farmers and industrial users in Waikato to solve Auckland’s water crisis?”

Check out KPMG’s 2020 Agribusiness Agenda – kpmg.co.nz LK0103028©

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NEWS

10 Fonterra wins back hearts, minds

The dynamics at the top of Fonterra, the nation’s largest corporate entity, are strong and productive, chairman-elect Peter McBride says.

REGULARS Newsmaker �� 20 New Thinking �� 21

8 Contractors need staff pronto

Editorial �� 22

Without skilled operators rural contractors risk having millions of dollars of essential agricultural machinery sitting idle this spring.

Pulpit �� 23 Opinion �� 24 World �� 28 Real Estate �� 29-31 Employment �� 32 Classifieds �� 32-33 Livestock �� 34-35 Weather �� 37 Markets �� 36-40

40 Weaner deer prices fall

20 Milne heads back to the land

Difficult summer and autumn weather combined with the uncertainty bedevilling the venison trade amid covid-19 created the perfect storm for deer farmers.

Retiring Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says it’s been one hell of a ride but it’s been a privilege and rewarding to lead the national federation.

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JULY 2020

Have you read Dairy Farmer yet?

Setting goals

Waikato president up foFeds r the challenge The outlook ge ts brighter

The latest Dairy Farmer hit letterboxes on June 29

We also catch up with Canterbury farmers Glenn and Sarah Jones who like to set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Big city, little farm A small farm jus t minu where student tes from downtown Aucklan s can get their hands dirty d is

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Our OnFarmStory this month features the Mt Albert Grammar School farm, a small yet diverse farm set up so students can study agricultural and horticultural sciences while getting hands-on experience.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Deaths prompt nitrate warning Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz WIDESPREAD cases of nitrate poisoning on farms across the North Island have prompted calls for farmers to test their pasture before allowing stock to graze it. The poisoning is caused by high nitrate levels in feed, usually in autumn or winter, and occurs in rapid growth after a dry period. Excessive nitrates can kill cattle by suffocation because they stop haemoglobins in the blood carrying oxygen, DairyNZ says. Federated Farmers dairy vicechairman Ben Moore said there have been huge problems with nitrate poisoning as dairy farmers look to recover from the drought and put condition on their cows before calving. Waikato farmers including himself have had abortions in their herds, which he puts down to nitrate poisoning. He has also heard of cases in Coromandel and on the Hauraki Plains. “A guy rang me from Coromandel and he was testing for nitrates in his grass because he had issues with cows slipping and it was coming from permanent pasture. “I think what is happening is that there is such a large natural build-up of nitrogen in the ground and then there’s some rain, especially in those drought-stricken areas, and it just shoots off and it’s so fast growing and so full of nitrates that it’s unexpected.” He heard of one bad case that killed 30 cows on a south Waikato farm and another where 130 cows had to be treated by a vet with methylene blue, which helps a cow’s haemoglobin carry oxygen. In Hauraki many farmers have resorted to large amounts of undersowing pastures to repair insect pest damage following the drought. “In doing that and not having feed on hand to dilute the young grass they’ve run into big problems.” Farmers have changed from calling him to help coordinate

CAREFUL: Vet Services Hawke’s Bay managing director Richard Hilson says most farmers take preventive measures to prevent their livestock getting poisoned by high nitrates in pastures.

BIG PROBLEM: Nitrate poisoning is a major issue on farms in Waikato and the Hauraki Plains, Federated Farmers dairy vice-chairman Ben Moore says.

feed because of drought to calling him for feed to substitute for the young grass. Moore on-off grazes paddocks on his farm with new grass by giving his herd food from another source before putting them onto the paddock further into the day. The delay allows the sun to burn off some of the nitrates through photosynthesis and makes it safer to eat. But it is tricky on farms recovering from drought with a large proportion of new grass. “There’s no easy answer.” It affects farmers who have applied nitrogen fertiliser during autumn and those with naturally accumulating nitrates in the soil. “A lot of the guys who I have spoken to who have had problems haven’t put on urea.” He urges farmers to test their paddocks and do what they can to minimise the risk. DairyNZ Waikato regional team leader Wilma Foster said there have been a number of cases in Waikato and Northland. “But on some farms where there haven’t been cow deaths there have been unexplained abortions in cows.”

It is suspected they were caused by high nitrate levels in the grass, Foster said.

“It means there has not been enough oxygen in the cow to support the calf and so, pretty sadly, that’s one of the outcomes that we’re seeing.” She urges farmers to keep testing their pasture if they suspect it contains high levels of nitrates. That will give farmers confidence about what they are feeding their animals. “If there are any concerns contact your local vets. They’ve got a very good range of ways to be able to help someone work through what the problems might be.” In Hawke’s Bay an estimated 120 ewes died from nitrate poisoning on one farm, which Vet Services Hawke’s Bay managing director Richard Hilson believes is a record. However, he believes it is an isolated case with the bulk of farmers accustomed to dealing with nitrate poisoning after recurring droughts. Most took preventive measures and are not taking any risks despite being desperate to put

There’s a hell of a lot of crops and a hell of a lot of grass that’s at risk. Richard Hilson Vet Services Hawke’s stock on feed crops to maintain cow and ewe condition before calving and lambing. “It’s really common. You can just put money on it that it’s going to happen after a drought.” On his own farm he lost 17 ewes in 2007. He recently tested his annual ryegrass and found the nitrate levels to be sky high. “There’s a hell of a lot of crops and a hell of a lot of grass that’s at risk. “There’s no coming back from it. There’s a treatment you can use but it all happens so quick that you’re not fixing a lot. You’re saving a few of the animals that haven’t yet hit the ground.”

HIGH RISK: Livestock in areas recovering from drought are falling ill from nitrate poisoning.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Farmer confidence lifts CONFIDENCE in the agricultural sector has rebounded strongly from its fall in March with fewer farmers now concerned about covid impacts on the rural economy, the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey says. However, covid continues to be a key source of farmer anxiety and overall confidence remains deep in negative territory. The quarterly survey shows the nation’s net farmer confidence has risen from -44% to -26%. It found an increase in the number of farmers expecting agricultural economic conditions to improve in the next year from 12% to 16% while fewer expect the performance of the agricultural economy to worsen, down to 42% from 56%. The number of farmers expecting conditions to remain the same is 39%, up from 29% previously. Rising demand and higher commodity prices are the key reasons cited by farmers now expecting the agricultural economy to improve.

Farmers’ expectations of their own farm business performance were unchanged on last quarter and negative overall. Dairy farmers and horticulturalists are now more pessimistic about the prospects for their own businesses while sheep and beef farmers are more optimistic. Investment intentions are up marginally from last quarter but remain negative overall. Rabobank New Zealand chief executive officer Todd Charteris said the uplift in overall farmer confidence reflects positively on the industry’s response to the significant challenges faced in recent months. “While most NZ farmers have been adversely impacted by covid-19 the industry has done a fantastic job of coming together to lessen the extent of these impacts. “Over recent months we’ve seen the sector adjust quickly to the restrictions in place at various covid-19 alert levels and this has enabled the country’s agricultural products to be

Records fall at Maungahina

POSITIVE: Farmer confidence has lifted in Rabobank’s latest quarterly survey.

processed at close to full capacity. “We’ve also seen exporters acting swiftly to divert products into different markets and channels when demand has waned in others. “This strong industry response has helped to mitigate some of the negative impacts of the virus and has played a key role in lifting farmer confidence from the near-record low we saw in March.” A reduction in farmer concern about Government policy also contributed to improved confidence, he said.

“While many farmers remain anxious about Government policy we’ve seen the percentage of farmers citing this as a reason for concern drop over recent quarters. In this survey Government policy was identified as a concern by a quarter of those with a negative outlook while back in December last year this figure reached a record high of 91%. “The recent changes to freshwater policy announced in early June are likely to be a key contributor to this drop with these changes expected to reduce the overall costs faced by farmers.”

MAUNGAHINA Stud near Masterton topped a momentous year by setting four sale records in Hereford and Speckle Park bulls and semen. The sale results followed the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit award for Bruce McKenzie in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the cattle industry. Maungahina Cracker 180013 sold for $40,000 to Andy Denham of Stoneburn Herefords, the highest Hereford price achieved by the McKenzie family. A white Speckle Park bull, Maungahina Promise P194, sold for $35,000 to JAD Speckle Park in New South Wales, equalling the top price recorded for the breed. New Speckle Park semen records were set when five straws of Legacy sold to Australia for $5150/straw after SPKNZ Extreme semen had earlier sold for a then-record $3200/ straw. Maungahina principal

Mark McKenzie said the sale took place on a cold and wet day but about 200 people attended. The Hereford bulls averaged $10,944 for 27 sold and the 18 Speckle Park bulls averaged $11,735. The previous week in Wairarapa Bryan Bendall’s Seven Hills Angus on-farm sale at Eketahuna had 53 sold from 75 offered for an average of $6066 and a top price of $10,500. Joe Fouhy’s Glanworth Angus stud at Pahiatua offered 36 bulls and sold 33 for an average of $8406 and a highest price of $26,000 to Glenwood Angus. At the end of the East Coast sales Wilencote Hereford, Peter and Susie Humphreys, of Gisborne had a full clearance of 30 and averaged $9983. They achieved $16,000 twice, paid by Potutu Station and Mangatoitoi Station. The Reeves family at Mokairau Herefords, Gisborne, sold 27 from 30 and averaged $6537.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Banks lending but getting picky Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz SOME banks appear to be making a play for a greater share of the rural lending market but a financial adviser warns the overall trend is for banks to reduce lending to the sector. Accountants have noted some banks are seeking new rural business but rural finance adviser NZAB managing director Scott Wishart says individual banks appear to be repositioning themselves rather than making a concerted push to lend more money to farmers. “There are always some banks getting in and some getting out,” he says. Total farm debt is $62.8 billion, up 270% on 20 years ago, but Wishart says net debt has fallen $1b in the past year or so. Rabobank and Westpac are actively working to increase their exposure but the three other trading banks are watchful and all banks are being particular about who they lend to. “On balance, debt is reducing.” Some banks are amortising their rural debt and their appetite for new customers is sporadic and needing to be gold-plated, he says. “Until the metrics start to

IN HOCK: Though farmers still owe banks $62.8 billion debt is reducing, NZAB managing director Scott Wishart says.

improve and regulations start to be relaxed we can expect a continued focus on debt reduction in the industry.” Banks are unsettled by heightened risk from a forecast easing in milk prices, increased regulation and the impact on land values from tighter rules controlling overseas investment. Reserve Bank data comparing

bank lending portfolios from March 31, 2019, with March 31, 2020, show the ANZ, BNZ and ASB have shrunk their rural lending books by about $1b collectively while Westpac and Rabobank have increased their exposure by about $800 million. Rabobank chief executive Todd Charteris says in the year to March 31 the bank grew its portfolio by $523m, securing a 17% share of the rural lending market and making it the third largest agricultural lender. “We are open to new lending proposals with high-performing agricultural businesses able to achieve sustainable profitability, meeting both financial and nonfinancial obligations.” The sector has responded well to the challenges posed by covid-19 and Charteris is optimistic about long-term prospects. “Food and agribusinesses will make a critical contribution to New Zealand’s economic recovery.” A Westpac spokesman says the bank has also increased its market share in the last year and is taking a long-term view of the sector. “While the agricultural sector has come through the covid-19

lockdown largely unscathed we expect falling commodity prices to affect overall incomes in the second half of this year. “However, by and large, we expect the sector to remain profitable.” An ANZ spokesman says the bank is focused on supporting existing customers and the temporary relief from the new capital requirements by the Reserve Bank has helped provide that support. While the primary sector fared reasonably well in lockdown exports are highly dependent on economic conditions in offshore markets. “That said, people have to eat and our increased exposure to developing markets appears to be a blessing in the current situation as food demand in these economies may prove more resilient than the developed economies where a large portion of the food spend is more discretionary.” The price of global dairy products has held up so far but ANZ expects values to weaken, which will put pressure on farmgate milk prices. Meat export prices have generally softened despite global supply disruption with the more

expensive, restaurant-oriented cuts suffering the most. “The horticulture and arable sectors have done an outstanding job. “Kiwifruit is benefiting from global consumers focusing on healthy products while the fortunes of wine producers vary depending on their typical sales channel.” The Reserve Bank’s monetary policy committee is continuing with its bond-buying programme, which should keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future and help banks support customers. “The large-scale asset purchase programme aims to continue to reduce the cost of borrowing. “Retail interest rates have declined with lower wholesale borrowing costs. “It remains in the best longterm interests of the banking sector to promptly maximise the effectiveness of our large-scale asset purchase programme.” The relaxing of restrictions on business activity in some trading partners provides some confidence for NZ’s exports. “However, members noted that these positives could be shortlived given the fragile nature of the global pandemic containment.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Consistency wins top dairy award Sonita Chandar sonita.chandar@globalhq.co.nz A WAIKATO farm that has previously been a joint Supreme Award runner-up in the Dairy Business of the Year contest has gone one better to take the top spot this year. McCullough Farm Partnership owned by Richard and Nadine McCullough is the Supreme Award winner for 2020. Northland farm Imeson Country run by Greg and Janelle Imeson is runner-up. McCullough Farm Partnership is a 245-hectare farm milking 630 cows at Karapiro in partnership with Richard’s parents Bruce and Wyn McCullough. It also won the Best Waikato Farm Performance and Lowest Environmental Impact awards for the second year running. The McCulloughs showed excellent return on assets at 6.2%, continuing a strong run in the most important single measure of business performance. They also achieved an excellent operating profit margin of 44%. For every dollar of income generated they retained a high proportion as profit. That enhances business resilience because it provides a buffer for changes in performance. They had good cost control as demonstrated by their low cost of production of $4.46/kg MS. That is important because their income/ ha is below average but tight control of costs gives a very good profit/ha. Their high proportion of homegrown feed of 12.3 tonnes of drymatter a hectare lets them control the amount and price of their supplements and adds to overall farm resilience. In the Lowest Environmental Impact category the McCulloughs had the highest environmental score of 10 out of 15 for low nitrogen leaching (26kgN/ha/ year), spreading effluent over 54% of the farm and significant effluent storage, feedpad use and having 100% of waterways fenced and half of riparian areas planted. The McCulloughs attribute their success to their genuine love of the land, forward-thinking farming practices and willingness to learn and develop.

WE MISSED THESE ROLLS

HIGH PERFORMING: Greg and Janelle Imeson from Northland are runners-up in the Supreme Award and also won Best Northland Farm Performance and High Input with Best Financials awards.

The overall winner and runner-up were primarily determined by the environmental score. DBOY judges Judges Michael Lawrence from Naylor Lawrence and Associates and Massey University dairy production systems expert Professor Danny Donaghy said “McCullough Farm Partnership managed to buffer the drop in payout by maintaining a return on capital that is less than 6%. A big strength was their consistency. “They performed consistently well against all metrics and had the second highest return on capital overall, second highest total profit score, highest environmental score and were in the top 10% for human resources. “This year’s Environmental award was again a tightly contested race.

“Many farms demonstrated improved environmental performance from previous years and others clearly have made sustainable land use their passion. “The overall winner and runnerup were primarily determined by the environmental score received as a result of the DBOY analysis, however, wider environmental initiatives are considered during the judging process. Imeson Country is a 74ha farm in Northland milking 192 cows. It also won the Best Northland Farm Performance and High Input with Best Financials awards. It has an exceptional return on assets of 7.1%. It is based on very low operating expenses/ha helped by a relatively low asset value. The Imesons achieved a low cost of production of $4.14/ kg MS with variable costs/kg MS particularly well controlled. That is a key feature of a resilient business because it provides a buffer for changes in market prices or climatic conditions. The operating profit margin was a relatively high 39% achieved through a combination of relatively high milk price and low

NOT THESE ROLLS

operating costs creating a high margin. The judges said “The Imesons have produced two consecutive seasons of very consistent results, a tribute to their management skills. “They had the highest return on capital, highest total profit score, are in the [top] 5% for environment, which they demonstrated is a real passion. “Their operation was quite different with 192 cows and owner-operated. They are a highly driven couple focused on maximising their results.” The Business Resilience Award – lowest cost of production per kg MS was won by Brent and Rebecca Miller and Andrew and Rachele Morris from River Terrace Dairy at Carew in Mid-Canterbury. They also won Best Canterbury Farm Performance, Business Resilience Lowest CoP, Medium Input with Best Financials and the Best People Leadership awards. The Millers are lower-order sharemilkers on the 273ha farm owned by the Morrises milking 1120 cows. “They had the lowest cost of

production at $3.93/kg MS, a small increase on the previous year when they were $3.84 and also won this award. With pasture at 81% of feed input they achieved an impressive 502kg MS/cow. A business with strong and consistent performance,” the judges said. All 2020 winners will hold Regional Optimisation Days on their farms later this year to highlight how they run resilient and profitable systems. The Hopkins Farming Group, Waihora, Shawn Southee, won Best Lower North Island Farm Performance and was runner-up for Lowest Environmental Impact. Craigellachie Dairy Farms, Andy and Alan Grant, won Low Input with Best Financials. Other finalists were Greenacres (Kereone), Brad and Graham Pickett, Waikato, GE and KM Coxon, Gavin and Karla Coxon, Waikato, Campbell Farms, George Campbell, Waikato, Ruapuna Farms, Grant and Jan Early and Nick and Tina Giera, Canterbury, and Hopkins Farming Group, Tokomaru, Javier Pardo, Lower North Island.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AT WORK.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Contractors need more staff pronto Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

BACKING: The courses are being supported by Rural Contractors NZ and its members supplying machinery and tutors like David Toole, right, of Hughes Contracting.

WITHOUT skilled operators rural contractors risk having millions of dollars of essential agricultural machinery sitting idle this spring. After an urgent meeting with Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor, Rural Contractors NZ is surveying members amid rising concern over the pending labour shortage. Results so far reveal up to 1000 skilled machinery

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operators will be needed for the spring and summer. Many will need to be brought into NZ, Rural Contractors president David Kean said. “There is mounting concern among contractors that without skilled operators much of their machinery will sit idle, causing havoc for farmers and contractors alike.” Kean fronted a stormy, packed meeting of contractors in Gore on Friday June 26 after his meeting with O’Connor the day before. “We had 60 people, contractors and their wives and partners. “They’re stressed because they’ve financed millions of dollars of machinery and these are in the yard ready to go but in many cases there are not enough Kiwis with the skills to drive them,’’ Kean said. The deputation to the meeting with Government officials included former president and Canterbury contractor Steve Murray, chief executive Roger Parton, Invercargill contractor Daryl Thompson and Otorohanga contractor Julie Clark. Kean said while contractors support the Government’s wish to train New Zealanders there will not be enough. “We’ve worked with the Southern Institute of Technology to do initial expos and now we’ve got 40 people going through the first of six courses at the SIT Telford campus.” Contractors also working on North Island courses. While such six-week courses might provide people with enough skills to drive a tractor safely, a big piece of equipment such as a combine harvester or silage machine needs much more in the way of training and skills development. Kean said rural contractors are suffering from the same impacts as many other businesses hit by covid-19. “We are in the same boat. It’s not anybody’s fault but it’s not a one-minute fix. “That said, if we can’t get some of these workers in from overseas there will be major impacts for farming output as well as for contractors.” Parton said contractors have been taking on New Zealanders displaced from other work but some say if their former jobs open again in tourism or aviation they will go back to those roles. “Also, like farming, we’ve got vacancies to fill but even if people have the skills or capacity to acquire them, many people don’t want to move from Remuera to Rangitkei or even commute 100km from Queenstown to Mossburn.” Parton is surveying members to determine the exact number of skilled machinery operators required for the looming season. “The replies to the survey are roaring in and I’d estimate there may be need for up to 1000 skilled machinery operators. We’ve got 337 identified in the approval in principle process that RCNZ brings together for members but that’s only a part of the picture,” Parton said. Some contractors bring in skilled operators themselves and others depend on people with agricultural contracting skills who come to NZ on the working holiday visa scheme. But the holiday scheme cannot operate without open borders and contractors understand they need to work with the Government to fill all the gaps they can before bringing in people as essential workers. “We know our timing isn’t great with the fresh concerns about covid-19 from those still coming in. “That said, our way out of this economic crisis is through our primary industries and we are key players in that. “We’ve said to the minister we will do all we can to employ Kiwis and we accept anyone coming in to meet the shortfall will be in quarantine for two weeks at our expense. “The critical thing now is getting numbers confirmed and arrangements under way in time to meet the farming community’s requirements once spring arrives,” Kean said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Leaders need diverse opinions: KPMG Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FOOD and fibre leaders should be listening to issues raised by more diverse voices, KPMG’s Agribusiness Agenda for 2020 recommends. In the eleventh year of publication, KPMG sought comments from a wide range of groups connected to the primary sector, not just the industry leaders as in the past. Such a range of perspectives seemed relevant before covid-19 but is now more insistent, author Ian Proudfoot said. Industry leaders should not believe they have all the answers. Assumptions can go out of date very quickly. “Ideas come from all corners of organisations and our leaders need that diversity of opinion inherent in New Zealand more than ever,” he said. KPMG interviewed providers of capital, educators, scientists, emerging leaders, Maori leaders, farmers, producers, chief executives and business leaders. Six main issues emerged from the interviews: Environmental challenges and what regenerative agriculture means for NZ; Empowering people by

attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining talent; Equality of access to the digital future and data sharing; Confronting tough problems such as gene editing and fresh water; Strengthening communities, either directly or indirectly and; Building trust in the primary sector and creating consensus by setting standards and reporting against them.

They believe the health and well-being of the whole country should be a goal of the primary sector. Proudfoot said concerns about attracting and retaining the right people featured in his first Agribusiness Agenda in 2010. “We haven’t made the progress on this matter we needed to and this year’s Agenda contains different perspectives on how this might be addressed. “It is no longer acceptable in 10 years to be saying the same stuff.” KPMG did its usual survey of priorities as seen by the people it interviewed and biosecurity remains at the top.

“People are more nervous than before because we have had a major disease incursion and the porosity of our border is now clear,” he said. Trade agreements are second on the list, highlighted by the moves by other countries to protect and incentivise their industries. Water made a big comeback on the list, moving from 19th last year to ninth-equal this year. That was put down to the widespread drought and concern about rain patterns becoming less reliable. KPMG reported on the priorities of women and millennial contributors separately from the overall survey group, which is 70% male. Millennials were 21% of surveyed voices. Women elevated rural and urban community understanding to number four on their ranking and put a significantly lower ranking on trade agreements. Millennials put alternative proteins at number four, compared with the full survey ranking of 28. But they also agree with baby boomers priority should be accorded gene-editing technologies, ranking them sixth. Penalties for animal welfare, equipping leaders with industry

STILL AN ISSUE: KPMG global agriculture head Ian Proudfoot raised problems of attracting and retaining staff in his first Agribusiness Agenda 11 years ago but says little progress has been made.

skills and implementing quality water systems are also valued highly by that cohort. KPMG analyst Jack Keeys interviewed 25 emerging leaders, collectively called centennials and millennials, born between 1981and 2010, representative of two million younger NZ citizens. They have high expectations for food and fibre industries in allinclusive community prosperity, comprehensive collaboration, environmental integrity, pride in perception across tiers in society and financial sustainability to

achieve the four previous goals. They believe the health and well-being of the whole country should be a goal of the primary sector. Sustainability and zero carbon are not ambitious enough. They want net-positive waste emissions and contaminant footprint. E-commerce systems for food are important for every region and industry. They also suggested a food and fibre levy for innovation and collaborative research and development.

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Fonterra wins back hearts, minds Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE dynamics at the top of Fonterra, the nation’s largest corporate entity, are strong and productive, chairman-elect Peter McBride says. McBride, a Fonterra director of 18 months, has been chosen by fellow directors to succeed John Monaghan in November. He is a dairy farm owner with kiwifruit industry management and governance experience. Last year’s Fonterra strategy reset and a relatively new and young chief executive in Miles Hurrell are delivering what farmer-shareholders and other stakeholders want – in one word, performance. After 17 years as a Zespri director, six of them as chairman, McBride believes his greatest expertise lies in stakeholder relations in producer cooperatives. His governance philosophy is to empower and encourage within uncrossed lines of accountability. “Miles’s job is to manage, mine is to govern and I am not going to confuse the two,” he said. He should know the difference, based on a career featuring both. He is chief executive of Trinity Lands, which has 20 dairy farms producing more than six million kilograms of milksolids annually and nearly 200 canopy hectares of kiwifruit growing more than two million trays.

CHANCES EVEN: High performing co-operatives don’t promise equal outcomes for all suppliers but offer equal opportunities, Fonterra’s chairman designate Peter McBride says.

Three constituent Christian trusts will give away $11.5m – more than half the trading profits – this year in charitable donations and meeting community needs in south Waikato and Bay of Plenty. He managed both Trinity and the Zespri chairmanship concurrently and intends to do the same while heading Fonterra though that will be subject to review. McBride, 56, and his wife Linda

and their four adult children have kiwifruit interests, a small avocado orchard on which they live at Te Puna and the 950-cow Crocodile Farm at Tokoroa under a contract milker. They bought their first kiwifruit orchard in 1989, three years after he graduated with a horticultural science degree from Massey University, followed by a postgraduate diploma in commerce from Lincoln University. A decade of sharemilking to build equity was followed by largescale Gold kiwifruit conversion from dairying in Bay of Plenty. In 2002 he was elected to the Zespri board on a wave of shareholder activism on issues around strategy, leadership and stakeholder engagement. When Psa hit in 2010 Zespri chairman John Loughlin drafted McBride to the Kiwifruit Vine Health board, administering $50m of industry and government money aimed at rescuing the industry from the disease disaster. “They were incredibly tough times, like driving into a long tunnel with no lights on. “We wanted growers to cut out their diseased vines but we didn’t have a what-next plan.” Trinity and the McBrides took out about a third of their old Gold canopies, roots and all, replanted and cut and converted the rest to new Gold varieties. Dark days turned into prosperity and McBride’s reputation enhanced, after which

he was happy to leave Zespri in very good heart in February 2019. The two big co-operatives have similarities in their strengths and weaknesses but significant differences too, he said. Zespri is kept as small as possible, capital light with only functions of marketing, research and leveraging the IP. Growers see their fruit go all the way to consumers with minimal changes. By contrast Fonterra is capital intensive, invested from the farm gate through processing to export markets and brands and the farmers’ milk is substantially reformulated. Good governance is absolutely critical because with centralised control comes centralised risk. “Fruit growers have shown in the past they can pull their own house down so we had better get it right.” The Fonterra Shareholders’ Council is not governing the co-op and its roles and functions are being reviewed. The council has attracted some unjustified criticism for the company’s lack of performance. Its primary function must continue to be connections between the company and its suppliers in each region, feeding back what farmers have to say. When McBride stood for director in late 2018 his position statement included a need for Fonterra to win back the hearts and minds of shareholders. Has that been done?

“Yes, I think so, partly on improved performance and partly engagement with the shareholders at several levels.” High performing co-operatives don’t promise equal outcomes for all suppliers but offer equal opportunities, in the same way that Fonterra’s Co-operative Difference programme is moving.

Miles’s job is to manage, mine is to govern and I am not going to confuse the two. Peter McBride Fonterra Consumers and customers want warranties that Fonterra stands behind what it says. Waikato farmers must have clear environmental policy settings so as to invest accordingly. McBride would not comment on likely capital changes ahead of a review process that must be comprehensive, not rushed. “These are complex matters of capital structure, the law, government regulation and stakeholder relationships.” McBride said familiarity tours of Fonterra’s sites and overseas offices will be a priority.

Primary sector working groups cost $1.4m REPORTS from two Governmentappointed working groups that have so far cost taxpayers $1.4 million should be released in the next week or so. Agriculture Minister Damian O’Connor confirmed the Wool Industry Working Group and Primary Sector Council reports are imminent. “Soon, hopefully in the next 10 days,” he said.

“Post covid we are looking to make sure that both of those reports are appropriate given the new world we have moved into.” In response to an Official Information Act request O’Connor’s office said the council has cost $874,193 since he formed it in April 2018 and the wool group $552,347 since July 2018. The council is a committee of 15 agribusiness leaders chaired by

former Zespri chief executive Lain Jager. “I established the Primary Sector Council to provide fresh thinking and develop a vision to help NZ agriculture, food and fibre sector to navigate the unprecedented levels of change and opportunities it is facing,” O’Connor said. “This is more important than ever as NZ recovers from covid-19.”

The 20-person wool group was formed after the Wool Industry Summit to form a plan to revitalise the wool industry. “The wool sector is in a difficult place with export returns from wool dropping from $805 million in 2015 to $549m in 2019. “Revitalising the sector to make more from the wool we produce will improve on-farm returns and

contribute to regional economic success.” The largest costs for the council were contractor fees of $415,266, member fees of $196,352 and travel costs at $166,165. Contractor fees of $226,607 were the largest cost for the wool group followed by member fees at $113,470 and consultant fees which included research costs at $112,829.

Tips for winter grazing crops

Minimise the impacts on the environment and animals. Exclude stock from waterways. Create an ungrazed buffer zone between the livestock and the waterway. About 3-5 metres is a good starting point, but this should increase with slope and soil instability.

Place portable troughs and supplementary feed in a dry part of the paddock well away from any waterways or Critical Source Areas. Look after your stock. Provide loafing areas, adequate feed, shelter and clean fresh drinking water. This could also be a good place for your stock during adverse weather events.

For more information and useful resources visit: www.beeflambnz.com/wintergrazing

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Green gas gets another backer

GREEN GAS: Ballance Agri-Nutrients, led by chief executive Mark Wynne, has been joined by Japanese company Mitsui as a strategic partner in the Hiringa Energy hydrogen project, the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz NEW Zealand’s first green hydrogen plant has had an added boost with international energy and investment company Mitsui signing on as a strategic partner with Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Taranaki based Hiringa Energy. Ballance’s Kapuni gas to urea plant in Taranaki plays a key role in the country’s first foray into hydrogen-powered transport in the joint project announced last year with Hiringa. The plant will take wind-generated electricity and turn it to hydrogen gas for use in both nitrogen fertiliser production and as fuel for hydrogenpowered vehicles from late 2021. The $50 million project means Ballance will no longer use natural gas as its main hydrogen production source for fertiliser, instead producing hydrogen for the plant using an electrolysis process. The electricity generated by wind turbines can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, to power the plant or to feed into the national grid. Hiringa spokeswoman Cathy Clennett said Mitsui has been heavily involved in developing hydrogen technology in Japan where it is a key focus of government efforts to decarbonise the economy. “They are also involved in developing a hydrogen refuelling network in California and have a focus on heavy transport powered by hydrogen.” She wouldn’t say how much Mitsui is investing in the project. From early next year the first generation of heavy transport trucks will be available in NZ with Ballance among the first to use them. “There is an obvious synergy here for a company like Ballance to decarbonise heavy transport.” Clennett said it is tough for hydrogen to compete with natural gas but the Ballance project with its multiple uses for the electricity and the hydrogen means it is very viable. The electrolysis process will be powered by four large wind turbines generating 16 megawatts of electricity. The project has also recently benefitted from a $20 million Provincial Growth Fund investment made by the Government in early March. The plant is intended to become a scalable model for other industrial operations looking to replace natural gas as key energy source. Ultimately, the green hydrogen project aims to generate enough hydrogen to supply up to 6000 cars or 300 buses and trucks a year. The project is a key move to balance the Government’s earlier decision to disallow any further gas or oil exploration. Clennett said the first stages of installing a hydrogen fuel distribution network in NZ will be in place by late next year, aimed initially at heavy vehicles. Ballance will offset 12,500 tonnes a year of carbon emissions using the process, the equivalent to 2600 fewer cars on the road.

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News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Regenerative ag seminars prove popular Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz REGENERATIVE agriculture seminars attracted capacity audiences in Northland last week to listen to Peter Barrett, of Linnburn Station, Central Otago, and fellow presenter Jono Frew. Co-sponsor Bryce Manderson, of Avoca Lime, said four seminars in the north each drew an average of 100 people including beef and dairy farmers, horticulturists and lifestyle block owners. Barrett and Frew hammered the basic principles of regenerative agriculture: limited ground disturbance, cover crops, diversity in plants and soil organisms, improved root and soil structure leading to increased soil depth, high grazing residuals and true recovery times.

EVANGELISM: Central Otago high country farmer Peter Barrett took the word on regenerative agriculture to Whangarei, at Te Puna o Te Matauranga marae.

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They warned against monocultures, over-worked and exposed soils, compaction and reliance on chemical fertilisers, fungicides and pesticides. Barrett establishes up to 1000ha of cover crops annually with a cross-slot drill and a small amount of aerial application on the 9300ha Linnburn, which has some of the lowest rain in the country. He uses seeds of 20 to 30 pasture varieties, mostly annuals and bi-annuals, including taprooted, tall species, legumes, cereals and vetches. The crops establish even in dry summer months, provide short-term rotational grazing for sheep and cattle and right conditions to establish underground biota. What limited rain falls is not wasted or evaporated but retained for root carbon feeding and plant breakdown building soil porosity. After rolling and crimping the residual cover Barrett sows perennials like lucerne, clovers and grasses. “We use a lot of different varieties because we are not after perfection or domination by one or two species. “Diversity of plants equals less dependency on other inputs,” he said. “We also encourage diversity because we don’t know all the answers.” Some low-rate glyphosate use clears the weeds before cover cropping but weeds are important indicators of soil and plant populations. Livestock numbers have recovered to between 20,000 and 25,000 units and the sheep genetics has moved from Merinos to Halfbreds plus an Angus cow herd. Frew, a former farmer and agricultural chemical applicator, has a farming consultancy called Natural Performance. “We are moving from complicated simplicity to simple complexity. “We are constantly refining, changing, making mistakes, celebrating successes and recording our results. “We want to share our experiences and results with all those prepared to listen.”

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THE West Coast’s biggest agricultural event, cancelled in March, is on in November. The biennial event, AgFest-West, canned because of the covid-19 lockdown, has picked up on an opportunity following the cancellation of the Canterbury A&P show. Event organiser Andy Thompson said what is Canterbury’s loss will hopefully be West Coast’s gain. Up to 20,000 people usually attend the autumn event, making it one of the West Coast’s biggest weekends. “This year could be our biggest year ever as we set up now to run on Canterbury anniversary weekend and make the most of the 100,000 people that won’t be attending the Canterbury show and will hopefully now come to the West Coast and enjoy our show,” Thompson said. Initially an agricultural field day, the event has become a two-day trade show for the West Coast with about 1000 businesses exhibiting. “For most businesses that come and exhibit this will be the kick start they need after covid and for accommodation and hospitality here too. “After a challenging, uncertain year AgFest provides a chance for businesses to reward loyal customers.” Visitors will be treated to an upgraded venue, the latest in on-farm technology, farm machinery and expert advice, Thompson said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

GoDairy gets off to a sluggish start Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz DAIRY industry leaders are confident numbers will pick up on the GoDairy campaign after a sluggish start. A key component of the Government-industry campaign are three-week training courses to rapidly upskill job seekers looking for work in the dairy industry. However, uptake has been slow with eight of 12 available spots filled on one course at DairyNZ’s Scott Farm near Hamilton and 50 applicants for South Island courses with 180 places available. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said he is confident uptake for the $3 million programme will increase over the short term as job security becomes more of an issue. “A job in dairy and across agriculture is going to be secure because we need animal husbandry, we need on-farm management and the world needs our food.” O’Connor visited Scott Farm where he saw for himself the type of training the students get. He was given a quick lesson on quad bike safety. “It’s an interesting example of the skills that are required for just around a little flat paddock like that and the potential dangers there are for people,” he said afterwards. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said about 6000 of the 34,000 people working on dairy farms are migrant workers. The closing of the borders by covid-19 means the industry is short of 1000 workers. There have been about 300 expressions of interest in the programme with 90 people in training or about to start. Mackle called that encouraging. “It will grow over time. “This three-week course is a taster but it also gives them some essential skills. A lot of the training the farm worker will do is with the farm owner.” GoDairy’s launch comes as calving gets under way in Waikato and farmers need more staff. O’Connor said the course will not tell the students everything about the industry but will give a great introduction. The dairy industry also has to keep promoting the industry to promote the opportunities that are available, he said. “The conditions aren’t as bad as some people might think. “It’s an outdoors job and sometimes you’re dealing with the elements but there’s a lot of rewards dealing with the animals and challenges around machinery and contributing to NZ’s economy.” The first week involves online training before going onto the farm for practical training where they are taught quad bike skills, stockmanship, pasture management and calf rearing. Some have previous dairy farm experience but most, including Anna Stevens from Hawke’s Bay, have none. Stevens said the chance to work with animals drew her interest after she was made unemployed by covid-19. So far it has been a very positive experience. “Fantastic, way better than I expected, more practical, the tutors know what they are talking about. It’s only been a day and a half but we have had time with the newborn calves, in the milking shed, out in the paddocks. It’s been really good.” Another said it was the chance to work with animals and machinery that attracted him to the industry. During and after the training the students can

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apply for entry level positions on dairy farms while still being taught by the farm owner. Stevens has found a job as a calf rearer, which she hopes will lead to a dairy assistant role. Others in the class have had interviews and are waiting to hear back from prospective employers. Another trainee, Madi King, already works on a farm and is doing the course to upskill herself. O’Connor said the Government will keep rolling the programme out as long as demand is there.

BUMPY ROAD: Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor gets a lesson in quad bike safety at Scott Farm where a GoDairy training programme is being held. Looking on is instructor Jim Henderson.

NAIT ready for calving? Help build lifetime animal traceability Make sure you can tick off the following: Selling calves: All my calves are NAIT tagged correctly I have registered the calves in my NAIT account – after tagging them first I have recorded a movement in NAIT for the calves I sold – within 48 hours of them leaving. Note: This is not required when selling to a saleyard. I’ve filled out an ASD form and have a Declaration to Livestock Transporter (DLT) form ready – if required

Buying calves: I’ve checked the calves I bought are tagged and NAIT registered I received an Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form from the seller I have recorded a movement in NAIT for the calves I bought – within 48 hours of them arriving I’ve updated the calves’ production type to beef – if brought in from a dairy farm. Bobby calves moved direct to slaughter are exempt from all NAIT requirements. Check with your meat processor about their requirements for accepting bobby calves.

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Meat joint venture is sizzling Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz KEY trends show New Zealanders want to continue to cook from home with the convenience of products delivered to their doors. Silver Fern Farms, in a new partnership with Gourmet Direct, launched its e-commerce platform in May offering a full retail range of its premium red meat products. While SFF has been working on an e-commerce strategy over the past two years the covid lockdown presented the perfect opportunity to bring it all together, marketing manager Nicola Johnston said. Gourmet Direct is a Napier business specialising in sending premium meat products around the country via its e-commerce platform. “SFF has an established reputation as one of NZ’s most trusted meat brands and by joining forces with Gourmet Direct we can bring our farmers’ world-class meat products to more Kiwis’ plates. “This has been a natural fit with online shopping becoming more popular than ever following the covid-19 lockdown. “Having our products on Gourmet Direct’s online platform also means we can gain valuable

CONNECTION: Selling meat online means Silver Fern Farms can hear from customers about what they want, marketing manager Nicola Johnston says.

insights direct from our customers about what they want to see from SFF as a quality grass-fed lamb, venison and beef brand,” Johnston said. Covid-19 has proved the worth of SFF’s aspiration for e-commerce. “Consumers have demonstrated they want choice and they want options. “Covid-19 has removed the

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barrier, particularly in chilled and fresh food. “People are prepared to take more risk and try the experience.” Johnson said key trends show a third of New Zealanders want to continue to cook more at home with the convenience of readyto-cook products delivered to the door. “In online shopping trends we are seeing growth. “Prior to covid there was an estimated 13% of people shopping online, post covid there’s another 23% started so there’s a really good number who e-commerce has attracted. “Online, we are much closer to our consumers and we can innovate our products to what they desire. That’s all part of our plate-to-pasture strategy putting the consumer first to provide from the farm what consumers want to buy. “We can provide a much better service to our own suppliers in a much broader product range and the plan for that is to have the farmer portal up and running before Christmas,” Johnston said. The initiative has increased Gourmet Direct’s product range and helped SFF products get further and faster around the country. Gourmet Direct owner Kate

King said showcasing Kiwi farmers and their exceptional meat products with her customers, who value quality and convenience, is at the heart of her business. “SFF presented us with the opportunity to expand our range and work with a partner that shares our values. “This is a truly exciting partnership for us as we reached the JOINT VENTURE: A partnership between Silver Fern Farms point where and Gourmet Direct delivers meat to customers’ homes. we wanted to get bigger in executive strength and knowledge a changing and new, modern in terms of intelligence, market environment with a premium product that hails full traceability.” resource and content. “It lands well with our current Gourmet Direct was the first and new consumers who are online food company in NZ, seeking new eating experiences. initially started by Richmond “It’s also at a time when demand 30 years ago when King was for online shopping has soared Richmond’s marketing manager. and when NZ’s food producers Gourmet Direct is now owned are so important in helping by King and her Hawke’s Bay drive economic recovery post farming husband Perry. lockdown,” King said. Timing has also been perfect for Sales lifted 500% during the Gourmet Direct. lockdown and sales since are “This is a very natural and 100% up on the corresponding cutting-edge partnership that is time last year. about us being able to scale with

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Waikato sheep milk sector is expanding Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz GROWTH in Waikato’s sheep milking sector has jumped with seven newly converted farms to start production this spring. Maui Milk has four new farms this season, bringing its total operation to six including its existing farms while Spring Sheep Milking has three new farms, lifting its total to seven. Maui Milk operations general manager Peter Gatley said enough milking ewes have been bred by Maui Milk for its new farms, which are at Pokeno, Te Aroha, Cambridge and Otorohanga. The farms will have roughly 1000 ewes each and will start milking in a few months. “Off a very low base we’re growing very rapidly. Even that doesn’t meet the demand for product. We’ve got orders for

product several years in advance.” The new farms should double the company’s milk production this season. Three of Maui Milk’s new farms are converting from bovine dairy and the fourth is from sheep meat. All will graze the sheep on pasture. He expects another five or six conversions to be in place for the 2021-22 season. The industry has moved beyond being boutique. Maui Milk supplies French dairy giant Danone with its product, which is sold in at a higher premium than goat or cow infant formula, he said. “We’ve got orders in the market for several years in advance and we’ve got to grow more to even begin to meet those orders. Our initial goal is just to achieve critical mass.” Reaching that will require dozens of new farms, he said.

Spring Sheep is also looking for more suppliers for the 2021-22 season thanks to growing demand in Asia. “The alternative milk category has been experiencing very strong growth for many years. With sheep milk we’re looking to create an industry that is sustainably matched to this demand as well as producing a product that is more easily digestible and better for our consumers,” Spring Sheep chief executive Scottie Chapman said. “We’ve also seen further growth with the demand for our products rising considerably through the covid-19 outbreak, especially with many governments backing the consumption of dairy for immune health.” Its three new farms will move 250 hectares from traditional cow to sheep dairy. Spring Sheep milk supply general manager Thomas

GROWING: Maui Milk has four new sheep farms in Waikato this season.

EXPANDING: Maui Milk operations general manager Peter Gatley expects another five or six Waikato farms to convert to sheep milking for the 2021-22 season.

Macdonald said the new farms can expect to produce 250 litres a ewe as a starting yield given the nature of learning a new farming system and adapting to sheep dairy farming. Long-run yields of 350-400 litres a ewe are expected in coming seasons. Gatley said farmers are looking to convert because of market volatility in cow dairy, concerns over looming environmental rules that could make bovine dairy farming harder, the chance to be part of a new industry and lay a foundation for succession planning. “The new generation like a lot of aspects of farming as a career but some of them are particularly excited by the challenge of a new opportunity.” The conversions involve highly experienced farmers. “We’re really excited to have these people involved because they will teach us how to farm.” The conversions are all less than 100ha and converting to sheep milking means the farms go from being borderline unprofitable bovine dairy farms to profitable sheep milking businesses. There is low capital outlay with dairy farms generally able to

We’re growing very rapidly. Even that doesn’t meet the demand for product. We’ve got orders for product several years in advance. Peter Gatley Maui Milk retrofit their equipment to make it suitable for sheep. Maui is getting weekly inquiries from interested farmers and there is intense interest in the conversions. There is also growing interest in the South Island, where Maui has supplied some farmers with genetics. “There’s a lot of interest in Canterbury. It’s good, freedraining sheep country without facial eczema.” Meanwhile, the new spray dryer being built at Waikato Innovation Park, where both companies send their milk for processing, is being commissioned and will be ready to take the increase in milk this season.

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News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Opposing forces taking tahr plan to High Court Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

BIG MONEY: A trophy hunter will pay $14,000 to bag a bull tahr.

HUNTERS fear a planned cull of Himalayan tahr is actually a plan by stealth to eradicate the species from the Southern Alps. The Tahr Foundation, which represents hunters, has sought a High Court injunction to stop the Conservation Department doing a fresh cull of the animals in the coming year. It estimates 18,000 have been killed in the last three years. Foundation chairman Snow Hewetson says DOC’s new Tahr Control Operational Plan for

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the coming year triples to nearly 400 hours the helicopter flight time for tahr control compared to other years, a sign it wants to significantly reduce numbers. The plan also targets mature bulls and has a stated goal of reducing tahr numbers in national parks towards zero density but Hewetson says hunters have not been consulted, hence the application for an injunction, which will be heard on July 8. Previous culls have targeted female and juvenile animals and Hewetson estimates there might be only 5000 females left. Further culling pressure could make survival of the species questionable. “It is close to tipping point as a hunting industry and recreational hunting resource.” From 2016 to 2018 DOC estimated the herd on public conservation land numbered about 35,000. Its plan to cull 25,000 was resisted by hunters. The plan was revised to an agreed cull of 10,000 with hunters used to help reduce numbers. A helicopter crash delayed the initial cull but Hewetson estimates 4000 were killed in 2018 and 2000 late last year. DOC estimates 11,000 to 12,000 were killed from May to November last year. The Himalayan Tahr Control Plan and Wild Animal Control Act aim to keep the population below 10,000.

GREAT WINTER DEALS

Tahr were released in New Zealand in 1904 and it is one of few herds in the world that can be hunted in the wild. While acknowledging tahr are an introduced animal, Hewetson says their arrival predates the establishment of national parks. Trout is also an introduced species but has a form of protection as it is managed by Fish and Game. If DOC eradicates tahr Hewetson fears other introduced species such as wapiti and deer could be the next targets. He estimates tahr hunting generates about $17 million from international and domestic hunters with each bull worth $14,000 to a trophy hunter. He knows of a West Coast helicopter company that each winter ferries 1000 hunters into the mountains to chase tahr. “It is high-income, low-impact tourism. “Those who come here spend a lot of money but because they live in remote lodges and huts you don’t see them.” Deerstalkers Association chief executive Gwyn Thurlow says DOC is ignoring the role of hunters in managing the species. “The present proposal ignores the hunting sector and the drive for extermination will alienate tens of thousands of New Zealanders.” Forest and Bird is also seeking a High Court declaratory judgment that the Tahr Control Operational Plan does not comply with the Himalayan Thar Control Plan, the Wild Animal Control Act and the National Parks Act. It says tahr damage fragile alpine ecosystems and it wants the population to be kept under 10,000 with none in national parks. DOC intends defending both proceedings but given the pending court action was reluctant to comment. Operations director Ben Reddiex said having finalised and approved its operational plan, implementation is subject to operational planning, weather conditions and the legal proceedings. The plan focuses on preventing tahr increasing their geographical range, controlling all tahr in Aoraki/Mt Cook and Westland Tai Poutini National Parks to the lowest practicable densities and controlling high densities of female and juvenile tahr across the feral range to reduce their impact and population spread.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Agritech pushes country up charts Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz NEW Zealand has been judged a stand-out country to establish an agritech start-up but the ability of new companies to penetrate globally remains an Achilles heel for global reach. The Global Startup Ecosystem report gives a snapshot of how different countries are performing as start-up environments with data from more than a million companies and 250 ecosystems analysed. NZ is ranked 41 out of 100 top emerging start-up environments with Mumbai, Jakarta and Zurich filling the top three spots. That puts NZ as the top performing Pacific nation with Brisbane, Australia, next best at 76. Among established start-up environments Silicon Valley, New York and London claim the top three spots. The report scores contenders out of 10 for performance, funding, market reach and talent. NZ falls short when it comes to market reach, scoring only two out of 10. That contrasts to solid scores of seven for funding and eight for talent. Agritech NZ executive director

PUNCHING: On the whole the New Zealand tech sector, including agritech, punches above its weight on the global stage thanks in part to angel investor sources and support, Agritech NZ executive director Peter Wren-Hilton says.

Peter Wren-Hilton said the low score for market reach is no surprise and underscores the impact of agritech’s pastoral focus in its technology. “If you look beyond NZ, other than Ireland and Great Britain the market opportunity for pastoral technology tends to be limited so that limits our global reach somewhat.” However, the industry transformation plan launched

earlier this year is helping lift that score, encouraging technology development that has a broader global appeal. NZ is recognised for having the highest per-capita ratio of angel investors in the world, with 1000 for five million population. The average seed funding for start-up investment here of US$535,000 is also above the global average of US$494,000. Access to generous dollar-for-

dollar funding from the likes of the Callaghan Institute is also highlighted as a strength. Salaries for talented staff are acknowledged to be high by global standards with software engineers here averaging US$49,000 against a global average of US$42,000. Wren-Hilton said Bay of Plenty exhibits a well-funded sector for all stages of technology development. “You have the likes of Quayside Holdings and Craigs Investments Pohutukawa Fund with $200m-plus under management for fund sourcing.” The report highlights agri-tech and life sciences as strong points for NZ’s investment environment, citing the presence of 90 agri-tech start-ups and the fact NZ has been selected as the first partner state for Farm 2050. Farm 2050 is a collective of agricultural companies and interests collaborating to push innovation and tech to address the world’s food challenge. Companies include Rabobank, DuPont, Trimble and John Deere. The agri-tech sector’s exports made $1.4 billion in 2018 and are growing 4% a year but remain dwarfed by output from comparable countries like Israel,

If you look beyond New Zealand, other than Ireland and Great Britain the market opportunity for pastoral technology tends to be limited so that limits our global reach somewhat. Peter Wren-Hilton Agritech NZ which exports 10 times as much as NZ. The report highlights the risk of a mass extinction event for startups around the world this year. In the tough covid-19 environment lay-offs among start-up companies are rampant globally with only 33% not laying off any staff or cutting hours. In a survey of NZ tech companies early in the lockdown a third cited funding access as their biggest risk and 40% took the wages subsidy. Wren-Hilton said “Globally, NZ is well regarded with a strong ecosystem, good support agencies and good angel investors.”

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AginED Ag ED

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

Volume 14 I July 6, 2020 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz

L O O H Y SC A D

E H T

I L O H EDITION!

NU JUMB L E

these common cattle breeds!

Gunas Liosarach Talmenmis

Rumray Reyg Klepsec Prak Touhs Vonde

DID

MOO

KNOW?

During the school holidays we have a special two-page edition with extra activities for all levels, including fun competitions! The Farming Kit giveaway!

Pick either the Hereford or Speckle Park breed and draw their typical markings on this cow, you may wish to colour yours in!

DairyNZ’s latest education resource, The Farming Kit, has been distributed to 500 schools to help kids learn more about dairy farming. The kit is designed for ages 5-7 and contains four core tasks that will see kids designing their own farms, investigating how to mix secondary colours to create artworks, creating a science experiment on transpiration and using storytelling cards to tell stories of daily farm practice. We have two kits to give away that you could use at home or to take into the classroom! To be in the draw; simply send us a farming related picture with your name and address to: agined@globalhq.co.nz

Hello I am Rosie from DairyNZ’s Rosie’s World. Keep learning these school holidays and take my cow quiz to see how your bovine knowledge stacks up! 1 Which region in NZ has the most dairy cows? 2 How much saliva does a cow produce each day? 3 What is the average herd size in NZ? 4 What is the most common breed of dairy cow in NZ? 5 How long do cows spend chewing their cud each day? 6 How much water do cows drink each day? Check your answers at www.rosiesworld.co.nz/cow-facts

1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz 2 Find and watch the OnFarmStory of Chris Guy “Hold on to this land ” and read the accompanying article “Farming in the city ”. 3 Where is the Guys Farm located? 4 How big is their farm?

STRETCH YOURSELF:

SHOOTING

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Newsmaker

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Milne heads back to the dairy farm Retiring Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says it’s been one hell of a ride but it’s been a privilege and rewarding to lead the national federation. She talked to Annette Scott.

I’ve brought my own stamp and personality to the role and on wider reflection lately I have realised that being a woman in the role has helped other women think about stepping into leadership roles as it has proved that no matter where in New Zealand you live isn’t a barrier and nor is gender.” Having women among the leadership team at national and provincial level is a good reminder to the rest of NZ that agriculture has long been underpinned by couples working together, each bringing their own perspectives and strengths and neither being more important than the other. “It’s useful to remind the rest of the country by having men and women, all working farmers, speaking for the organisation that those old newsreels of men out on the land on machinery and women confined to baking scones AWDT Future Focus for the shearers Programme designed for red meat farming partnerships to plan their business together. 2 full-day workshop is pre-war history delivered over two months. and even then it Registrations for 2020 programmes are now open. Visit was a stereotype the website for more information and to register rather than the Locations and dates (2 modules): truth.” • Blenheim: 30th Jun & 28th Jul One of the • Masterton: 2nd Jul & 30th Jul goals Milne set • Hunterville: 7th Jul & 4th Aug for herself was • Oamaru: 21st Jul & 18th Aug to grab whatever • Gore: 28th Jul & 25th Aug opportunities Website: To register visit www.awdt.org.nz/programmes she could to Contact: keri@awdt.org.nz or 06 375 8180 for more info help bridge the

HREE years at the helm of Federated Farmers has had its highs and lows but overall it’s been immensely satisfying, former president Katie Milne says. But from day one the West Coast dairy farmer was uncomfortable with the media focus on her being the first female president in the organisation’s history. “I went with it because it was an angle that won us air time and newspaper column centimetres but I have always believed that in Federated Farmers’ leadership the right question is – what can you offer the organisation, not what’s your gender? “Nevertheless, I like to think

agrievents

AWDT It’s all about YOU It’s all about YOU is a two-day personal development programme for women involved in the primary sector or rural communities. You’ll discover your true value, refocus on what is important, explore possibilities and create new networks. Registrations for 2020 programmes are now open. Visit the website for more information and to register Locations and dates: • Cromwell 27th & 28th July • Milton 30th & 31st July • Whangarei 31st Aug & 1st Sept Website: To register visit www.awdt.org.nz/programmes Contact: Tessa@awdt.org.nz or 06 375 8180 for more info Wednesday 21/10/2020 – Thursday 22/10/2020 NZGSTA Annual Conference 2020 Where: Crowne Plaza, Queenstown. This conference is open to members and there are registrations available for non members, as well as daily and/or social registrations. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend. Delegates rate will apply at the hotel over Labour Weekend so good chance to enjoy a relaxing weekend after the conference. Registrations and conference programme can be downloaded from our website https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/ nzgsta-conference-2020/

Should your important event be listed here? Phone 0800 85 25 80 or email adcopy@globalhq.co.nz

OLD NEWS: Outgoing Federated Farmers national president Katie Milne says the old newsreels of men on machinery and women confined to baking scones for the shearers is pre-war history.

perceived lack of understanding between urban and rural people. “I wanted to highlight for all Kiwis the challenges and triumphs of our farmers and growers and that mission has taken me on so many trips up and down the length of NZ and to overseas forums, too, that the Subaru pretty much knows its own way from the West Coast to Christchurch airport.” Milne is confident good progress has been made in bringing town and country to a better understanding of each other. “We’ve used that phrase, we’re all in this together, so well and so often as we’ve debated everything from global warming and water quality to biodiversity and job security that people have recognised the truth of it. “Hopefully the message that we are producing some of the world’s best and safest food to the best of our ability while looking after the environment given the current tools, knowledge and resources we have available is finally getting through.” Farmers will do even better when they get properly digitally connected, she says.

Who’s who in the new THE new Federated Farmers board mixes experience with new blood and outgoing president Katie Milne is confident the new team will thrive. “I will be absolutely still showing an interest and watching the new board thrive and it will. There’s a good dose of talent there,” Milne said. Manawatu dairy farmer Andrew Hoggard takes up the president’s seat with Wairarapa cropping farmer Karen Williams finishing her term as arable sector chairwoman and moving up to vicepresident. New blood on the board includes Wairarapa provincial president and sheep and beef farmer William Beetham coming in as the new meat and wool group chairman following the retirement of Miles Anderson while South Canterbury cropping farmer Colin Hurst is the new arable chairman. Golden Bay provincial president and Yolo farmer Wayne Langford is the new dairy chairman taking over from Chris Lewis. Lewis and Chris Allen fill the two at-large board seats.

“Innovation and uptake of efficient tech is hampered and we are holding back our farmers by an unknown quantum in a time when we need productivity to be sprinting ahead versus still arriving by pedal car to the stadium for the race. “We need to unleash our rural talent and encourage more into the jobs agriculture has to offer. “Being cutting edge without good connectivity is hard and not conducive to enticing great new talent into opportunities in what is perceived as the wop-wops.” There are new technologies that need to be explored. “We still have not had the debate around GM technology in such a way that people understand what it is and what it isn’t. “Discussing the opportunities around gene editing versus transgenics with explanations of what they actually mean would be a good start. “If we can get grasses out the door of the lab and into the ground that grow well with less fertiliser inputs then we won’t be faced with regulation that will potentially destroy the ability to farm efficiently and productively.” At the start of her term Milne said the change from a government of nine years to a new one posed the first big challenge then part way through her term it looked like Mycoplasma bovis was going to be the issue that would provide the biggest headache and heartache for farmers. “We’re still on that bold and world-leading eradication effort but who knew that this year we’d all face an even more destructive disease. “While farmers, like all New Zealanders, now have the unnerving prospect of waiting out how much destruction the pandemic will ultimately wreak on global financial and trade systems, never mind paying back the billions of dollars we’ve had to borrow, covid-19 perversely delivered a silver lining for agriculture in helping raise the awareness as to just how valuable our farming families are to the NZ economy. “For farmers feeling

Being cutting edge without good connectivity is hard and not conducive to enticing great new talent into opportunities. Katie Milne Federated Farmers misunderstood and underappreciated it’s been a real confidence booster and going forward those improved relationships we forged with the Primary Industries Ministry and other agencies as we worked on pandemic solutions can be built upon.” Milne has long known the worth of Feds but being president has really brought home the power of the organisation’s brand. “More than ever we’re sought out by ministries, ministers and media as the organisation that can speak for all farmers. “We’re listened to by policy makers, by councils and by government and when they don’t hear us we let them know loud and clear where they’ve gone wrong and what we think they should do differently in as constructive a way as possible.” As she adjusts back to farm life Milne acknowledged her family, who have grown accustomed to her not being around. “Thanks for putting up with that and doing all the jobs I wasn’t there to do. Now you will have to get used to me being home full time again” Though maybe not for too long. “I’m getting longer in the tooth for farming. I have had the odd phone call coming in and once you have got these experiences and people still see value in what you can do, you should take these opportunities. “If I’m still able to help the industry thrive going forward then I will.” But partner Ian had his own take. “I might just put her back to work on the farm and I’ll go play for three years.”

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Fonterra mining culture to cut gas Fonterra researchers are picking through a frozen library of 50 years’ worth of dairy cultures to create fermentations in the hope some might prove as valuable in helping reduce methane emissions as they are in creating unique cheeses. Fonterra’s research and development head Mark Piper spoke to Richard Rennie about work he hopes will help reduce the methane produced by dairy cows.

NYONE familiar with the good-gut claims the fermented tea product kombucha makes will appreciate the trademark Kowbucha Fonterra has registered for its fermented culture research. Its research and development head Mark Piper said the name reflects the co-op’s history of dairy fermentation and culture research that is applied in so many of its cultured products like cheeses and yoghurts. The brand also reflects how the cows providing Fonterra’s raw material are due to have a good-gut experience, all going well. “We are in quite a unique position globally in that we produce all our own cultures for our products whereas most companies buy in the cultures they use. This means we have a frozen back catalogue of dairy cultures, numbering in the thousands, that is one of the largest in the world.” The co-op also has a history of adopting cultures to improve human health, including a probiotic that aids childhood eczema and another that improves intestinal health. That has prompted Fonterra scientists to cast their eyes over those stored cultures to see if they can be applied to the dairy rumen, modifying its bacteria and helping reduce methane emissions. Researchers are combining the fermentation expertise in partnership with the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium and AgResearch’s world-class rumen research. AgResearch’s own fermented culture work has already been applied to dairy products, improving sensory attributes and quality for targeted export markets. While the research world abounds with silver-bullet solutions to ruminant methane production on closer interrogation

BUBBLING UNDER: Fonterra’s fermented culture catalogue might hold one solution to help reduce dairy’s methane emissions, Fonterra research and development head Mark Piper hopes.

two key attributes are often missing. They are the ability to have no negative effect on their animal hosts or on humans when the milk is consumed. “For us that is of utmost priority and anything that can’t be proved to tick those boxes simply does not get advanced.” While the research is still in its early stages the team is confident some of the hundreds of fermentations to be tested will be worth pursuing. “There are early indications some are proving promising.” Next stage research involves working closely with AgResearch and the consortium, using their

livestock research capacity to try selected fermentations in dairy cows. “Ideally, in 18 months’ time we would want to be able to categorise what is a go and what is a no-go,” Piper said. The degree of methane reduction the fermentations might be capable of achieving will be critical and incremental amounts might not be sufficient to make them worth pursuing. However, Piper also sees future farmers working with a tool-box of solutions that might include fermentation and acknowledges the days of looking for a silverbullet solution are numbered. “Some may work in feedlot

situations, some in pasture. It is likely farmers will have multiple tools that working together will add up to a significant reduction.” New Zealand accounts for 0.16% of global emissions with its agriculture only 0.08% of that. NZ dairy emissions per litre of milk are less than a third of the world dairy emissions average. Piper points to the 20% reduction per litre of milk already achieved by NZ cows in the past three decades. Early research indicates the use of fermentations as methane inhibitors might also boost protein output from cows. “If she is not producing as much methane she would be retaining

We are in quite a unique position globally in that we produce all our own cultures for our products whereas most companies buy in the cultures they use. Mark Piper Fonterra energy that can be channelled to protein production. There is an expectation their yield could go up,” he said.

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Opinion

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

EDITORIAL

Border closure the right call

EWS stories this past week have seen business groups calling for the border to be reopened as many struggle to make ends meet without the usual parade of visitors to the country. The Government is standing firm, though, and a quick look at the global picture show’s it’s the right call. Cases of covid-19 in the United States are rising rapidly. Parts of Australia are back in lockdown as another wave of infections hits there. South America is also far from in the clear. Here at home the team of five million has put in the hard work to get on top of the virus. We have cases popping up as New Zealand citizens return home but they’re caught at the border and so far there’s been no community transmission as a result. As we know, the primary industries have been able to continue food production at a pretty good clip. It’s that food that will provide the wealth NZ needs to recover in these turbulent times. So why the call to open up and risk losing all those hard-won gains? Did those business leaders talk to the farming community about it? Globally, it’s clear that food production supply chains including meat processing are hot spots for covid-19 transmission if it’s in a community. Do we want to risk shutting down the meat plants simply to let in some Australian skiers? When assessing opportunities and risk it’s important to put the right weights on the scale. We can’t judge our situation against the pre-covid world. We need to look at Melbourne, Michigan or Rio de Janiero and make the call. Life’s not easy and rural communities aren’t immune to the fallout of this virus. Just ask the rural contractors, dairy farmers and orchardists who’ve seen their labour forces pruned right back. But wishing for an open border now is myopic. In the big picture being covid-free and isolated from the chaotic world is far preferable to giving the virus the chance to run rampant through our communities.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

The Dark side of the Greens “MONEY. Get back. I’m all right Jack, get your hands of my stack,” Waters and Gilmore sang on The Dark Side of the Moon. I am an expat with a cropping farm at Rakaia. It is 153 hectares of Barhill silt, some of the best land I have ever seen. I brought it for $5.1 million in 2008, spent about $800,000 improving it mostly by creating good-quality residential accommodation and got an official valuation in July 2018 of $7.1m. I have no borrowing. Unusually, for the area, the farm is a dry farm. As such it is profitable and has a modest output but its greatest strength is it’s a low-cost structure. In comparison to its valuation the farm’s return on capital is tiny. But it works and I love it. A typical turnover is some

$400,000 on a direct cost structure of getting crops from seed to the marketplace at $250,000. Then there are the overheads. Big ticket items such as insurance and rates, which are based on the farm’s valuation, repairs and maintenance and the constant little niggles that allup amount to some $80,000. Interestingly, the electricity for the farm is virtually negligible because I am not pumping water at 200 litres a second from a very deep bore. So each year I have about $70,000 to draw from or put back into the farm as improvements. Again unusually, I am a bit of a greenie. Almost uniquely, I can even vote Green on occasion. As such, I am something of an asset for the Green Party to have a member right in the middle of intensive agriculture incarnate because

I am not frightened to stick my head above the proverbial parapet. My on-farm improvements are increasing the biological diversity on the farm at every opportunity and improving the organic matter of the farm’s most important asset, the soil. So, really, when all is said and done, there is not a lot of meat on the bird to take home. And, so, reading of the Green Party’s proposed wealth tax it does not take long to work out what it will cost. The first million is free. The second is taxed at 1%. That is $10,000. The remaining $5.1m is taxed at 2%. That is $102,000. A total of $112,000 to be paid each year every year regardless of a drought-induced financial catastrophe or something. Is this overhead sustainable? No, not even remotely.

So what will I do? Well I still have a British passport and bank account. I will sell the farm, probably to a corporate dairy that might well rip up all my conservation efforts, convert the land into irrigated vibrant green desert and not pay any tax to the Greenies because of vast amounts of inherent corporate debt. Me? I will end up back in Britain for a very comfortable and tax-free retirement thank you so very much. I am sure there are quite a few just like me. So Mr Greenie lunatics, of which I am one but not for much longer, I raise the finger in your general direction and have no hesitation in telling you to go and get totally and royally stuffed. Andrew Luddington Christchurch

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Right forests can help farmers Ant Beverley

SHARE a number of the concerns Alan Emerson raises in his Alternative View: One hand plants, the other kills. The concern around productive farmland being converted into forestry is real. Large-scale conversion of productive, profitable, pastoral farmland runs the risk of damaging rural communities and the rural culture that defines our country. It might seem strange for a forestry entity focused on carbon and harvest to acknowledge that but the Drylandcarbon model can benefit our environment, our economy, actively support pastoral farming and provide farmers with important sources of income. Drylandcarbon is about how the right forestry for carbon and tree harvest can boost farm incomes, enhance our environment and protect viable pastoral farming. Many farmers are struggling with land that is marginal in terms of productivity and profitability but that is suitable for forestry. It is important the regulatory, industry and community environments enable these landowners to capture income from both carbon farming and tree harvest on this land. The viability of overall farming operations is, in many cases, dependent on it. However, land suitability is important and at Drylandcarbon we’re committed to appropriate land use. We seek to be the partner of choice for farmers, iwi and rural communities who want to convert economically marginal, steep, often erosion-prone land into forestry. We have walked away from buying land where we felt it was too good to go into trees and better left as a productive, profitable, pastoral operation. We are also careful about what

The

Pulpit

land we plant on our properties. Recently, for example, we bought a 1600ha block where we carved out the productive, pastoral land and homestead and leased it to the farm manager. The block is perfectly suited to forestry though just short of 50% of it is not suited for planting and will be supported to revert to native bush. For another property we are advancing a land swap to carve out land that should continue to be farmed and swapping it for steep, marginal land suited to forestry. There are plenty of farms across New Zealand with areas of steep, erosion-prone land that is difficult and uneconomic to farm. While we do buy land that’s suitable for forestry our preferred model is to partner with farmers under a joint venture model. Under this approach a partnership is formed for up to 35 years where the farmer retains ownership of the land, Drylandcarbon plants, maintains and manages the forest and ETS activities and the carbon credit and tree harvest proceeds are split 50:50 with the landowner. The

IDEAL: Drylandcarbon’s preferred business model is to have joint ventures with farmers so it can plant unproductive areas and manage the forestry while the farmers get on with farming.

land remains the farmer’s at the end. In other instances the approach might involve Drylandcarbon retaining all the carbon with the landowner entitled to all of the tree harvest. This approach provides farmers with valuable, long-term, passive income from their marginal land, enabling debt repayment, investment in improving the productivity of the core farming block, more diversification and better farm succession. Where a joint venture isn’t a preferred option for a landowner we’re interested in subdivision where land suitable for forestry can be carved off and bought, enabling farmers to manage capital and intensify their profitable farming operations. Drylandcarbon’s team has a long history in rural NZ and we understand that for many farmers extra income from non-productive land is valuable, particularly when the farmer does not need to sell the farm.

Increasingly, farmers and their families want to do even more to protect the natural environment of which they are custodians. Forestry on the right land can play a vital role in stabilising erosion-prone land and limiting silt run-off into waterways. While rapid-growing exotic species are the primary focus because of their superior ability to absorb carbon and generate more income we are increasingly active in native forest restoration – both protecting existing forests and encouraging native regeneration. Native forest is much more expensive to plant, much more difficult to establish and maintain and, in the commercial time frames important to farmers, generates much less carbon income than exotics. However, there is an increasing interest in fostering and protecting native forests from across rural communities. Climate change is a critical challenge of our time. It is real and the effects

Living the dream Resilient Resourceful Rewarded

James and Janeen Bruce: “We were managing a farm in the north Wairarapa when the chance came up in 2009 to buy a farm in equity partnership. Over the past eleven years we’ve bought out the equity partner, done extensive fencing, fertiliser and lucerne development on the 410 effective hectares, and lifted sheep performance to a high level. Extra income from handling horses, Janeen’s co-ownership of three child care centres, and lease blocks have enabled us to survive, then thrive. I can solo farm 6,300 to 7,500 stock units on the home block plus 330 effective hectares leased, but often leave big drafting jobs to weekends when my two older daughters can help.” “Wairere genetics have played an important part in our success. We run an FE resilient flock for Wairere, tested at .55 sporidesmin this year, and a straight Romney flock. The Waireres cope well with the seasonal variability in this 770mm average rainfall climate. They bounce back, and are easycare. We also appreciate Wairere sponsoring the annual Martinborough bull ride that I organise. Coaching the Martinborough rugby team to win the Wairarapa championship was a thrill in 2019. We farm in a great community here, pulling together, succeeding together.”

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

are clearly starting to be felt, particularly across rural NZ. Every appropriate emission reduction opportunity must be seized and forestry has a vital role to play. Responsibly converting economically marginal land to forestry and ensuring we plant the right tree in the right place can deliver significant benefits. It can materially boost incomes to farmers and rural communities who need it, increase the productivity of pastoral farming and deliver enduring benefits for our natural environment.

Who am I? Ant Beverley is Drylandcarbon executive director.

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

James Bruce, near Martinborough, feeding baleage to Wairere Romney ewes which tailed 162% in 2019. Mid March, 2020.

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Sector can’t ignore Koi Tu food report Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I’VE read many reports over the years about the primary sector and our future. Many were deservedly consigned to the scrap heap. Others arrived in a blaze of glory for the same ultimate destination. Few survived. I read one last week that was exceptional. It was the Koi Tu report, The future of food and the primary sector: The journey to sustainability. Unlike many of the reports that were several hundred pages long, this is just 18. It doesn’t waste a word or dodge an issue. The authors are all heavyweight experts from the public and private sectors from here and overseas. Professor Stephen Goldson from Lincoln University contributed. He was previously principal scientist and chief science strategist at AgResearch. In addition many local farming leaders were interviewed. We read how covid-19 will see a revitalised farming sector with a high global reputation from being covid-free. We need an integrated strategy with a common set of goals. Getting everyone on the same downbeat to achieve that will be difficult but necessary. The report goes further. “It is critical that Government agencies

take a coordinated partnership approach with scientists, producers and manufacturers to support and encourage the food and production industries’ journey towards a resilient future.” So, it isn’t just talking about producers and their groups. It is everyone involved in food production and that will involve transparency, openness, cooperation and leadership. We haven’t had that. It isn’t my intention to analyse the report bit by bit. It was covered in Farmers Weekly and you can read it on the Koi Tu website. I strongly suggest you do.

Throwing buckets of money at tourism won’t provide any return in the short to medium term. Investing money in food production will.

I will, however, outline some of the issues I think need action and discussion. For a start, we are entering a post-covid world where life will be vastly different to what it was. We know that. Partly because we are covid free and partly because we have a dynamic food production system New Zealand can farm its way out of the malaise. The issue is we can’t continue by farming as we have in the past. Yes, our farmers are good stewards of the land, as the report acknowledges. And our record on innovation is second to none but

the world is quickly changing and we must change with it. That will involve considerable reform of our farming systems. The report says global food production systems in their present form have been viewed as unsustainable in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, ecological degradation and an ever-increasing demand for food volumes. Change will require, amongst other things, both irrigation and genetic modification. For the record and before Greenpeace starts ripping bodices, high-value crops need a reliable water supply and irrigation is pivotal for that. Irrigation doesn’t just mean more cows as farming’s opponents would have us believe. I’ve written often about GM and the reply has always been that having GM will affect our markets. If that is indeed the case much of the world including the United States would have markets affected by now. The report says GM can happily work alongside organics. It also suggests that if we’re serious about mitigating methane emissions we need GM. That is the harsh reality. We can be assured by the reports’ observation NZ farming is very different from intensive, grain-fed, barn-reared animal systems. Our grazing systems are very low energy and produce low amounts of greenhouse gas per unit of production relative to pastoral systems elsewhere. What we need first is a strategy that involves the entire food production sector. Everyone needs to buy into it. Then we need a national brand. Following that we need a

reformed science system that looks at the medium to long term and is scientifically not financially led. I’ve written often about our shambolic science network that desperately needs reform. We need, as I’ve written, a single organisation representing all parts of food production. Egos and patch protection must be sidelined for industry good. The report tells me if we do the right things we can move forward with confidence, we can become carbon efficient, mitigate climate change and we can survive and prosper in light of competition from artificial foods. It will take commitment and, more importantly, leadership but it can be done. I hope the Government and the

Opposition read the report and act on it. Throwing buckets of money at tourism won’t provide any return in the short to medium term. Investing money in food production will. I also hope the food production and processing sectors start debating the issues and planning the future. So far Feds has welcomed and embraced the report. Every other primary sector organisation has ignored it. That’s wrong and a disservice to the entire industry.

Your View Alan Emerson is a semi-retired Wairarapa farmer and businessman: dath.emerson@gmail.com

Digital world preferable to the real one From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

COLUMN deadline night but also an invitation for a Zoom meeting on sheep breeding. What to do? Maybe I could do both simultaneously but let us first consider the landscape. Many of us have been Zooming furiously for several months since the start of lockdown. I’d never heard of it before March but captured by the technology and within a few days was a Zoommeister myself and issuing invites and hosting all over the place.

It worked well connecting family scattered around the globe. We have one son living and working in London and with covid-19 mayhem all around him it was good to be able to touch base and reassure his mother he was fine. A cousin also living in London just a few weeks ago on Zoom told me because of their advanced age they hadn’t left the house for nearly four months. “The air outside is foetid with covid-19,” she told me emphatically. “We wish we were living in New Zealand.” I asked her how they were managing to feed themselves and she told me they, like many others, have food delivered daily to their door. A grim existence we have been spared and happening all around the world that we are not even that aware of. Then during levels three and four there was the weekly catch-

up on a Friday night with a couple of mates. Alcohol was involved and they turned into debauched affairs but a lot of fun during a time when there were no other social dealings going on.

We have elected to mostly do it on our computers.

But the novelty of these social Zooming interactions has waned and they are now rare, probably because we can just meet up in the outside world again like in the old days. However, I’ve had an increase in business related Zoom meetings and they suit me very well. A Hastings company I’m a director of had no choice but to

hold meetings via Zoom through the lockdown but now several of us can travel the hour or so each way to the meetings again we have elected to mostly do it on our computers. The technology has been stable and it is so much more efficient that the old catch-cry there is nothing like a face-to-face meeting doesn’t have the weight it once did. So, here I am now tapping away while listening in on a Beef + Lamb Genetics sheep breeders forum showing sometimes you can have your cake and eat it too. Like everyone else other than the presenters, my camera and microphone are off so I’m not being distracting or annoying, both traits I’ve been accused of in the past. This forum usually alternates between Dunedin and Napier and is a great way to pick up the latest

in sheep-breeding technology but is also, of course, a good social get-together with fellow ram breeders. No socialising on this call though. We are all competitors in a tough market but get on well. After all, like politicians from all parties who have more in common with each other than the rest of the population, a group like ram breeders has the same challenges and opportunities facing us all. We share and swap a lot of information with our competitors in the interests of the sheep industry. Now I’ve jotted down these thoughts I can return to the digital meeting and give these presenters the full attention they deserve.

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

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Little scope for new markets The Braided Trail

Keith Woodford

NEITHER Europe nor the United States are going to do us any trading favours. It is all about selfinterest. In recent weeks I have been exploring some of the challenges in finding new markets that will allow New Zealand to stem its increasing reliance on China. My focus in the last three articles was first on northeast Asia then the Asean countries of southeast Asia then south Asia and Iran. This week I look further west to Europe and the Americas before completing the circle. First, to recap a little. The emergence of China as the most important trading partner of NZ has been a function of natural alignment between what NZ produces and what China wants, complemented by NZ also wanting what China has been producing at lower cost than anyone else. The other factor has been very fast growth in the Chinese economy creating space for new and expanding supply chains. In contrast, elsewhere in north Asia the times of easy growth were gone by the end of the 20th century. The growth of what were the north Asian tiger economies of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan had plateaued. Low economic growth rates combined with low birth rates mean new market development requires elbowing out existing products. This is much more challenging than responding to new market demand. Turning to the Asean countries

further south, some of them, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, continued to show strong economic growth till covid-19 arrived but that was off a low base. Taking Vietnam as an example, its per-capita GDP when measured on the basis of buying power parity is about US$8000, depending somewhat on who does the calculations. That is about 20% of NZ’s per capita GDP when calculated the same way. However, imports have to be paid for at market exchange rates rather than internal buying power parity and on that basis Vietnam’s GDP per capita is only about US$2600 or less than 7% that of NZ. In practical terms that means imported products are very expensive for Vietnamese people relying on their local salaries, even if they are part of the rapidly growing middle class. Travelling west into south Asia, per-capital incomes are even lower than in the Asean countries. India is by far the biggest of the south Asian markets but it maintains strong barriers to pastoral products. That is unlikely to change. A little further west, Iran is one place of great potential but America, through its control of the international finance world, has bullied almost everyone else into not trading with Iran. The extent of future trade between NZ and Iran will be determined by neither NZ nor Iran but by American politics. Travelling further west through the Middle East the future opportunities depend almost totally on the price of oil and regional politics. For many years NZ has done good business with Saudi Arabia while choosing to avoid introspection as to whether it is a country with which it wants to do business. Heading further west most of Europe is now in the European Union and can be considered as one mega market. NZ does

ONE-WAY: The United States will want free-trade with New Zealand only if it means free access for its service industries but keeps Kiwi dairy products out.

have aspirations for a free-trade agreement with the EU but the signs are not good. The EU does not want our dairy, beef or lamb. However, it will and does take products such as kiwifruit, which do not threaten its traditional agricultural industries. Indeed, kiwifruit is a wonderful product for NZ. The good old Chinese gooseberry, now greatly improved through Kiwi breeding, has become a wonderful, differentiated product on the world market, protected for the medium term by plant variety rights. In a temperature-controlled environment free of ethylene, kiwifruit can be stored for more than six months. Unless the technology changes there will always be a northern hemisphere seasonal window for NZ production with few competitors. Kiwifruit has been a great success story and there is a good chance that can continue across the globe. With Brexit, there are also hopes for a free-trade agreement with Britain. This, too, will bring its challenges given Britain, unlike 50 years ago, has no need to import

pastoral products from NZ. It has internal voting constituencies that would get very upset if there were major pastoral imports from NZ. As for the Americans, they want a free-trade agreement only if it is in their own self-interest. That means having free access to NZ for all of their service industries including finance, insurance and education but keeping dairy products out. NZ already has excellent US access for beef, lamb, wine and kiwifruit so there is not much else going to be on offer. Most of those products are now struggling in the US because of covid-19, given they are predominantly food-service rather than home-consumption products. That leaves only Africa. NZ has almost no trade with Africa and it is hard to see that changing. Distance, logistics and income all mitigate against it. The projections are that Africa’s population will double over the next 30 years to 2.5 billion unless some catastrophic event casts those projections aside. It is hard to foresee good outcomes for Africa. In travelling around the globe I left Australia out of the story.

Perhaps that was a mistake, particularly given that Australia is NZ’s second-largest trading partner after China. Australia is by far the most important export market for NZ’s manufactured goods. Maybe those markets can be further developed? Unfortunately, the trend for NZ manufacturing, apart from food products, has been longterm decline. For non-food products NZ has no competitive advantage in Australia compared to Asian products. Indeed, NZ seems to lack competitiveness for manufacturing even in NZ markets and its manufacturing industries continue to be hollowed out. All the above leads to uncomfortable issues for NZ to face. With a population that continues to increase rapidly it becomes puzzling where and how NZ is going to find export markets that underpin current per-capita living standards. The blunt reality is that if market forces are allowed to play out unhindered the likelihood is NZ’s trade dependence on China is going to further increase. The reason for this is the same natural alignment that has led in recent years to China becoming the most important trading partner for NZ. Coming to terms with that hard reality requires a conversation that goes well beyond issues of trade. That discussion has to include issues such as immigration policy. It also has to include a discussion about where NZ sits in global geopolitics. And it is no good simply stating the things NZ should not do. It has to be specific about what NZ should do.

Your View Keith Woodford was Professor of farm management and agribusiness at Lincoln University for 15 years to 2015. He is now principal consultant at AgriFood Systems. He can be contacted at kbwoodford@gmail.com

New fertiliser rules are better but still unfair Jim van der Poel THE Essential Freshwater policy’s new nitrogen cap has a barb in its tail for dairy farmers, particularly those in Canterbury. While the overall package announced last month is an improvement on the earlier version it surprised many the nitrogen cap of 190kg a hectare a year will be applied so quickly and only to pastoral farmers. The cap begins in July 2021 and only dairy farmers must report fertiliser use to their regional council. When it comes to achieving

healthy waterways we all have a role to play. Dairy farmers have been doing a lot of good work over the last decade and recognise we are part of the solution. But rules must be applied equitably, not only between farmers but also between rural and urban communities. The cap for just pastoral farmers is not equitable and it’s out of step with the Government’s own Essential Freshwater principles. Dairy farmers have already done a lot of good work but want to know every farmer or grower applying nitrogen

must adhere to the same rules, to achieve the same outcome. Decisions on farm systems and what to plant are made many months in advance and the timelines for the new rules present significant upheaval. There are real solutions to be found and DairyNZ is working hard to explore them. But good science to inform on-farm practice takes time. Farmers are already innovative in reducing nitrogen losses and will continue to be. In Canterbury farmers are investing thousands of dollars to upgrade irrigation systems.

The precision irrigation technologies are very effective at reducing nitrogen leaching while improving water use efficiency. More than 10,000 nutrient budgets are in use on dairy farms to look at the farm’s soils, rain, crops and pasture, stock, supplementary feed and irrigation. The budgets inform accurate fertiliser application. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the policies are translated into pragmatic and balanced rules for all farmers to achieving our shared goals for healthy waterways.

SURPRISED: Many people were surprised the new Essential Freshwater policy is inequitable in applying fertiliser limits only to pastoral farmers, DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel says.

On Farm Story

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Farming in a big city fishbowl Just a 10-minute drive from Auckland’s bustling Queen Street lies a farm where our future farmers are being taught. Sonita Chandar reports.

T’S not easy being a farmer at the best of times but when you are surrounded by townies who just have to look over their back fences to see what you’re up to it is even more important to get it right. Peter Brice is the farm manager at the Mt Albert Grammar School (MAGS) farm in the middle of Auckland. Its 8.1 hectares milks fewer than 10 cows, has seven chickens, 21 Suffolk ewes, a Gold kiwifruit orchard and a native tree nursery. But as difficult as it is to be under a microscope it is probably one of the more interesting if not one of the easier farm manager positions in the country. “It’s a pretty unique resource,” Brice says. “The farm is a multi-million dollar property in the middle of Auckland being used as an educational facility for ag students to get their hands dirty. Here they learn the ropes of various agriculture sectors.” Funding is allocated by the school but not in a normal way. “MAGS basically takes money out of its back pocket to keep us going as the farm is in no way profitable so we are extremely lucky that it is supported by the school and a couple of key sponsors. The fact it is still running is awesome.” The ASB MAGS Farm was established in 1932 when the Auckland Institute of Horticulture decided city children were losing knowledge of farming practices and asked the school to teach agriculture and horticulture. “Even back then the Horticultural Institute saw a widening urban/rural divide so stepped up to help try to bridge that gap,” Brice says. Students can study agricultural science from year 10 on and go to farms and agricultural training centres for day trips and camps. As well as classrooms the farm

has a one-stand woolshed with wool-handling facilities, pens to hold 150 sheep overnight, a twostand walk-through milking shed with milking plant, an implement shed and a unit for small animals. In June 2015 ASB announced development plans for the farm that include a worldclass teaching facility and an Experience Centre. In 2018 Brice was appointed as Farm Experience Centre development manager as a result of a $250,000 grant by agribusiness investor AGMARDT. The aim is to educate more Auckland students and the community about the primary sector and its career opportunities, to meet a growing demand for tertiary graduates to help steer one of the country’s largest export industries into the future. “The project was expected to cost around $12m and the vision was to have 25 different areas in the building to give students and visitors a more up-to-date agri experience and help bridge the rural-urban gap,” Brice says. “Those areas were to be sponsored by different companies. We had lots of ideas but it was really hard to get funding for capital development. The project is now a long-term goal. “Instead, we are focusing on farm development and undertaking some redevelopment work with improved fencing, pasture, drainage, irrigation and land management and cleaner waterways with native plantings.” Brice teaches practical work to several ag and horticulture classes

THE BOSS: Peter Brice has been the farm manager at the Mt Albert Grammar School since last year. He teaches the practical side of agriculture to 250 students who pitch in and help on the farm. Photos: Frances Oliver

and also oversees the TeenAg group. Included in his army of helpers is year 13 student Rose Young who has wider family in farming but has grown up in the city. Being an ag student has swayed her career choice. “I’d love to be able to learn more about sustainable and regenerative agriculture as I

CLASS ACT: With the cows milked and fed and the calves content with full bellies Peter Brice and his team head back to class after finishing the farm work and collecting mushrooms on the way.

think it could be the future of agriculture in NZ. I’m hoping to study at Massey University in Palmerston North and do either a degree in agri-commerce or agricultural science though I’m also interested in viticulture. “I find that people in urban areas aren’t as understanding and don’t quite comprehend the fact that our economy is based on agriculture and without it NZ wouldn’t be the place that we are all so proud of. Charlotte Tinsley, year 13, joined TeenAg because she enjoys practical work and wants to learn about farm management. “I understood the concept of farms and orchards and had a rough idea of where food came from but had little idea as to how the systems were actually run and managed,” she says. “I have a much greater appreciation for the food that is produced, knowing all that I know now about the very intricate systems to get quality food to the plates of New Zealanders.” Charlotte is planning to study agricultural science and the environmental and sustainable side of farming. Being involved in TeenAg has made her realise she can turn her love for animals and the outdoors into a job. “I’m glad that I joined ag as it

is something I’ve really enjoyed and appreciated. Having the school farm and the agricultural programme is unique, important and special and I don’t take it for granted.” Her family is supportive, her friends joke about farming being bogan and she finds herself defending the industry to others. “It’s often stuff about how agriculture is for dummies, the mistreatment of animals. I feel people often are quick to judge and just laugh at the idea of agriculture because there is some weird negative stigma around the word. “I try to convey the positives that if it wasn’t for the agriculture sector there wouldn’t be much of a NZ economy and how ag does a lot for both the country and its people. I think people often forget where their food actually comes from and turn a blind eye to the agriculture sector,” she says. Year 13 student Cameron Hicks is making the most of his studies to gain practical experience before going to Lincoln University to do a commerce degree in agriculture. He hopes to work in consultancy. “Understanding the running and operation of the farm is useful information for me as I want to go into work which involves consulting with farmers and those that work on farms,” he says.

On Farm Story

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

DONATION: The MAGS farm was given five cows – a Friesian, Jersey, Kiwicross, Shorthorn and an Aryshire by the Kirkham Group from Waikato.

Coming from a farming background he advises other students not to overlook the primary industries as a future career path. His message to others is “The ag sector is something which is much more precious than you realise. Farmers deserve much more credit than they are given. Year 12 student Ben Forster, who has a rural background, joined the TeenAg group to sharpen his farm skills and gain a greater understanding of the industry. “The ag industry is very diverse and there are so many opportunities and skills you can learn that you wouldn’t get in other industries.” For year 13 student Campbell Barclay TeenAg is a fun afterschool activity that links to his favourite subject and teaches him practical skills. “Ag has helped me to understand the work and effort put behind the process of making our food and how it gets to the quality products that we see on shelves. All I really knew before was cows produce milk and sheep produce wool, they are held in fields by fences and that is how they are raised. I had no concept of all the different factors that go into producing our food.” He is considering studying agri-science and possibly water management at Lincoln.

The herd of six cows was boosted with a donation of five cows from the Kirkham Group from Waikato. “We were really fortunate and gifted one of each breed – Friesian, Jersey, Kiwicross, Shorthorn and an Aryshire, which was really cool,” Brice says. “But ideally, the herd should be about six cows so they will replace most of the older herd. Calving 10 cows should have been a cinch but not so, he says. Well, at least not this year. “They all had different calving dates from our existing herd which began calving on Valentine’s Day. The donated cows were due anytime from March to May. “What we ended up with was a calf every two weeks, which threw up challenges as we were conscious of the neighbours. The farm is almost in a fishbowl with about 50 or so residential neighbours bordering the farm.” Brice says once they started calving they could not remove the calves in case the cows bellowed for them. During lockdown he undersowed 75% of the farm with Italian ryegrass and put in a paddock of no-spray turnips and grass, which is yielding 3t to 5t/ha. After an extended period of spring-like rain feed is starting to grow with enough ahead of the cows to push the round out to 25 days. Surplus vegetables and

HEAD FOR BUSINESS: Year 13 student Rose Young hopes to study agri-commerce or agricultural science at Massey University. Rose clips the Gold kiwifruit vines that have rootstock donated by Zespri.

Having the school farm and the agricultural programme is unique, important and special and I don’t take it for granted. Charlotte Tinsley Ag student offcuts are collected from the local supermarket every two days. He usually feeds the cows a 50:50 diet including barley maize and molasses along with some pellets in the shed during milking. Their in-shed feeding system consists of three 44-gallon drums cut in half. “It is pretty primitive but it works,” he says. “Our milking shed is anything but flash and in fact, though the two-stand plant still works, it’s almost at the end of its life and needs replacing or upgrading. “It is not ideal for training purposes either. I compare it to training someone to use a computer using Windows 3.1. The students can get a feel for milking but it is not pleasant squatting down on a stool.” As the plant is not food grade quality they cannot do anything with the milk so it is fed to

GROWTH: An ongoing planting project will result in thousands of native trees on the MAGS farm. Ben Forster and Quinn Walden get their hands dirty planting trees.

EXPERIENCE: Though the milking shed is not ideal for training, students can get a feel for milking.

whiteface calves that are bought in, steered and raised for the lifestyle market. They have three Speckle Park calves from their original herd, which have become stars of the farm. “They are just so funny and have personalities of their own.” With the lockdown in place and the sale yards closed, the beef heifers could not be sold. He eventually managed to sell them but got only $520 a head or $2.35 a kilogram, which was disappointing but at that stage he just had to get rid of them. The cows are mated to AI in June so they calve about mid March. Sheep have always been a part of the farm and in the wool shed are stacks of ribbons won at various shows. On the horticultural side, the school has been granted a licence from Zespri and given the root stock to grow Gold kiwifruit. “Growing the kiwifruit gives the students greater exposure to another aspect of the industry and shows them there are a multitude of possibilities in the sector. Students from the tech

department built a chicken coop while others have jumped in and helped with fencing using Future Posts made from recycled plastic. “Using sustainable products is not only a good look for dairy farming but also for our urban critics. “We get a lot of primary school groups visit with their parents who often have quite curious questions. With lots of visitors we are all aware of the image we are portraying and do everything possible to ensure it is a positive one. “Our cows will be fat, the sheep are fat and woolly, the calves look amazing, the trees are growing and the waterways will be fenced so I believe we are projecting that positive image. “The farm is great example of somewhere the students can get their hands dirty while getting real hands-on experience. You can’t get that from a textbook.” This On Farm Story first appeared in Dairy Farmer.

>> Video link: bit.ly/OFSmags

World

28 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Consumers back British farmers CONSUMERS are backing British farmers against food imports produced to standards that would be illegal in the United Kingdom. The consumer group Which? said a trade deal with the United States will pose the greatest threat to UK food safety since BSE, also known as Mad Cow disease. It has written to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss warning a trade deal could undermine the UK’s position as world leader in protecting the public. “This could all be at risk depending on the approach that the government takes when it begins a second round of trade talks with the US,” it said. The letter says Which? recognises the possible benefits of a trade deal but it cannot be at the expense of UK food standards and consumers’ confidence in what they eat. Which? said chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef and pork could soon be imported to the UK if food standards are lowered. It argues that poses a risk to consumer health though critics disagree. Which? says UK farmers don’t

TOO TOUGH: Farmer Jeremy Clarkson is worried British producers could face unfair competition from imports.

need to chlorinate chicken because higher standards of food safety and animal welfare are adhered to at each stage of the production chain. Which? consumer protection head Sue Davies said 50m Americans get sick each year from the food they eat, describing that as an unacceptably high number. Meanwhile, a National Farmers Union food standards petition

urging the government to legislate to protect high British food standards has gained more than a million signatures. It has won support from consumers, celebrities and politicians – including MPs from across all major political parties – as well as growers and livestock producers. NFU president Minette Batters is now seeking a meeting with

New commission to monitor trade THE British government is to set up a trade and agriculture commission to advise ministers on the country’s approach to post-Brexit trade agreements. International trade secretary Liz Truss made the announcement in a letter to National Farmers Union president Minette Batters. It follows months of campaigning by the NFU for an independent commission to scrutinise the government’s proposed trade deals with individual countries. The union has repeatedly warned British farmers must not be undermined by food imports produced to standards and using methods that are illegal in the United Kingdom. Earlier this month a petition calling on people to back British farmers on food standards was signed by more than a million people. Truss said the commission would focus on four areas. It will consider the policies the government should adopt in freetrade agreements to ensure UK farmers do not face unfair competition and that their high animal welfare and production

standards are not undermined as well as reflecting consumer interests and those of developing countries. And it will consider how the UK engages the World Trade Organisation to build a coalition that helps advance higher animal welfare standards across the world and develop trade policy that identifies and opens up new export opportunities for the UK agricultural industry – in particular for small and mediumsized businesses – and benefits the UK economy. Truss said she supports the NFU’s recommendation the commission should not be another quango or regulator and should be strictly time-limited. Its recommendations will be advisory only. Batters said it is a hugely important development after 18 months of campaigning by the NFU. “I am very pleased that the government is taking concrete action to address the challenges of safeguarding our high food and farming standards.” The NFU looks forward to working with the government and other stakeholders on the commission’s terms of reference to ensure

WATCHDOG: A new commission will scrutinise British trade policy but will be advisory only, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss says.

its work is genuinely valuable, she said. “In particular, it will be vital that Parliament is able to properly consider the commission’s recommendations and can ensure government implements them effectively.” The NFU will continue to scrutinise the progress of trade negotiations with the United States and other countries over the coming months outside the commission’s work. Future trade deals must work for British farmers and consumers and it is vital Parliament provides a strengthened role in that regard, too. UK Farmers Weekly

Prime Minister Boris Johnson to emphasise the importance to farmers and consumers of keeping out food imports produced using methods that would be illegal in the UK. “It shows the depth of feeling out there, that people really value our standards of production here in the UK,” Batters said. “The support is unprecedented.” High-profile supporters include celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, television presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty and former Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Theresa Villiers. Personality and farm owner Jeremy Clarkson has also warned British farmers could face unfair competition from imports. Concern has centred on products such as chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef – both of which are illegal in the UK but said to be on the menu as the UK seeks a post-Brexit trade deal with the US. The NFU has repeatedly called for an independent commission to oversee UK policy on trade and food standards. Batters said a commission

The support is unprecedented. Minette Batters National Farmers Union remains top of the union’s agenda and will help safeguard the interests of consumers and producers. “It is frustrating that it has taken this long but it is absolutely vital that we get it in place,” she said. The government argues there are major opportunities for British farmers in future trade deals and says it engaged with food and farming groups in the run-up to launching US trade talks to represent the views of the entire sector. Truss has pledged to stand firm in trade negotiations to ensure any future trade deals live up to the values of farmers and consumers. She has said all products imported into the UK will have to comply with existing requirements. UK Farmers Weekly

Bayer to pay $11b Roundup claims BAYER is paying out US$10.9 billion to settle United States lawsuits alleging its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer. The German chemical firm said the resolution will bring closure to about 75% of Roundup litigation involving 125,000 filed and unfiled claims. Roundup was originally made by US chemical firm Monsanto, which Bayer bought in June 2018 in a $63b acquisition. “First and foremost, the Roundup settlement is the right action at the right time for Bayer to bring a long period of uncertainty to an end,” chief executive Werner Baumann said. But the company continues to deny its glyphosate weedkiller causes cancer. The extensive body of science indicates Roundup does not cause cancer and, therefore, is not responsible for the illnesses alleged in this litigation, Baumann said. The position is backed by a number of chemical regulatory authorities across the world, including the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In January, the EPA said in an interim registration decision it did not identify any human health risks from exposure to glyphosate. “We stand strongly behind our glyphosate-based herbicides, which are among the most rigorously studied products of their kind and

four decades of science support their safety and that they are not carcinogenic,” Baumann said. Bayer will make a payment of $8.8b to $9.6b to resolve the Roundup litigation, including an allowance expected to cover unresolved claims. It has put aside a further $1.25b to support a separate class agreement to address potential future litigation. The Roundup class agreement is subject to approval by Judge Vince Chhabria of the US district court for the northern district of California. Three high-profile multi-million dollar Roundup cases that have gone to trial in the US in recent years – Johnson, Hardeman and Pilliod – are not covered by the settlement and Bayer will continue to appeal against all three claims. Roundup users have blamed the weedkiller for causing their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers. But Bayer has strongly denied the claims and repeatedly defended the product’s 40-year safety record. A federal judge in California last month ruled the scientific evidence does not support a cancer warning requirement for glyphosate-based products, which farmers all over the world depend on to control weeds, practise

sustainable farming and take their products to market efficiently. Bayer said its own risk assessment found continuing to litigate Roundup cases, including potential negative outcomes of further litigation, more advertising and growing numbers of plaintiffs – upwards of 20 trials a year – uncertain jury outcomes and associated reputational and business impacts were likely to substantially exceed the settlement and related costs. Bayer also said farmers and other professional users, who depend on glyphosate herbicides, will see no change in the availability of Roundup products under the agreements announced. Last year Bayer announced a €$5b investment over 10 years to develop other methods to manage weeds as part of an integrated approach to sustainable agriculture. Separately, Bayer will pay out $820m to settle cases related to water pollution from the use of its nowbanned toxic chemical compound polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). The company will pay a further $400m to settle allegations its dicambabased herbicides caused damage to crops through spray drift. Dicamba, a very effective herbicide used to manage broad-leafed weeds, is now banned for use in the US. UK Farmers Weekly

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 6, 2020

AESTHETICALLY PLEASING - IN 3 TITLES 1347 State Highway 1, Marton One of the best presented farms we have been associated with. Productive cropping and finishing soils, with tile drainage completed by the current and previous owners. Quality fencing and water from a deep bore. An architecturally designed â&#x20AC;&#x2122;94 home, is set privately on an elevated site. The property is offered in its entirely, or with options around any combination of titles; 23ha (with home, sheds and yards), 25ha bareland and 35ha (with woolshed, shed and yards).

84 hectares Video on website

nzr.nz/RX2382803 Tender Closes 11am, Tue 28 Jul 2020, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Peter Barnett 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Open Day 10am, Wed 8 & 15 Jul 2020 (house by appt).

Your destination For Rural real Estate Get in touch with your agent today

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

79.2399 ha approx. 3 1 5 By Tender Closes Friday 28 August 2020 Including crop. Plus plant at valuation. View By Appointment www.ljhooker.co.nz/ ljhooker.co.nz/G7BGEE G7BGEE

Real Estate

Awanui 238 Sweetwater Road Avocados, The New Gold Showing excellent returns, one of the original Far North Avocado Orchards. • 79.2399 hectares (195.80 acres) • 67 hectares approx. of mature orchard area including the building

Gerard Ponsonby 027 454 4808 gponsonby.kaitaia@ljh.co.nz LJ Hooker Kaitaia 09 408 1241 Far North Real Estate (2010) Ltd

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 6, 2020

• 74,000 trays last season • 100,000 plus trays estimated this season • Top manager in place • 3 bedroom home • Near new 4 bay shed with lunch room, toilets, shower, office

• Other older sheds • Full irrigation consent to take 800cm/day • 1315 mature Kentia Palm Trees A great opportunity to purchase a fully managed orchard showing excellent returns as a standalone investment. Our Vendor has developed the property over the last 25 years and now with age, it is time to sell. If you’re looking for lifestyle, this is a wonderful opportunity and you are very close to fishing on the East and West Coast. CV $12,335,000

Far North Real Estate (2010) Ltd Licensed REAA 2008. All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own enquiries.

RURAL 54 Kimbolton Road Feilding Office 06 323 5544

Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

Farm with a view - 73.08 ha

OPEN DAY WEB ID FR76786

ASHHURST 1033B Napier Road Situated only 10 km from Palmerston North or 3 km from Ashhurst, this property has been family owned for over 55 years and has an excellent but private location, offering panoramic views. Presently farmed as a finishing, cropping and supplement unit, this well laid out property will appeal to a buyer looking for an easily managed farm with its central metalled race, versatile loam soils, high fertility, flat/easy contour and range of support buildings. A four bedroom home, set in mature grounds completes the package.

pb.co.nz

DEADLINE SALE VIEW 7 & 12 Jul 10.30 - 11.15am DEADLINE SALE closes Tuesday 4th August, 2020 at 11.00am, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Ltd, 54 Kimbolton Road, Feilding

4 Stuart Sutherland

Mobile 027 452 1155 Home 06 323 7193 stuarts@pb.co.nz

2 2

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 6, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

TE ARAI, NORTHLAND 159 School Road Finishing in Tomarata/Te Arai Here is one of those rare opportunities to own the ideal size block in a highly sort after location. This gentle rolling approx 139ha property has impressive fencing throughout with internal subdivision creating 50 paddocks. Very good access leading to a well maintained set of cattle yards with new cattle crush and scales. A reliable deep water bore with very good water quality reticulated to all troughs. Excellent pastures throughout with regular Organic fertiliser regime, all waterways have been fenced and planted, including a large wildlife/back up water supply dam.

NEW LISTING

TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 6 August

GERALDINE, TIMARU

VIEW By Appointment Only

• • • •

Productive smaller farm with modernised four bedroom home 17 main paddocks with good access and lane systems Approximately 27ha deer fenced, excellent deer complex, cattle yard 6-bay calf rearing / implement shed

Scott Tapp M 021 418 161 E teamscott.tapp@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/WEL32419 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Looking for the complete package?

We’ve got you covered with digital and print options.

Contact Shirley Howard phone 06 323 0760, email shirley.howard@globalhq.co.nz

2480REHP

Ranui Farm - 42.6 hectares

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

$1.1M

Plus GST (if any)

VIEW By Appointment

Richard Scott M 021 352 701 pggwre.co.nz/GER32420 Helping grow the country

Agri Job Board

Noticeboard

Experienced Farm Manager

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

Everton Land Ltd is the livestock supply arm for the Cabernet Foods Group.

Northern Waikato

12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

Interested applicants can apply directly to livestock@cabernet.co.nz

0101788

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

63.57x120

JOBS BOARD FW Jobs Board

Email a current CV with a minimum of two references to: dicathcart@icloud.com

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REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

AG MACHINERY OPERATORS We are looking for seasonal superstars in our large progressive farming business, located 20-mins south of Hastings. Drive one of our late model John Deere’s, learn innovative farming techniques and gain experience in this seasonal role from September to the end of April 2021. Do you have: • At least 2 years experience operating tractors (cropping or other) • A current, full, Class 1 driver’s license with a good driving history • A solid work ethic and problem solving skills • A willingness to embrace technology and precision agriculture

Advertise in the Farmers Weekly

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It’s now more important than ever to connect rural employers with job seekers. We are also working with industry good organisations to make sure relevant information is at your fingertips

Email: Heading: Advert to read:

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That’s why the team at Farmers Weekly have launched a dedicated Farmers Weekly Jobs Facebook page

If you have an agri job listing get in touch with Debbie at classifieds@globalhq.co.nz or ph 027 705 7181 to secure your place on Farmers Weekly Jobs Facebook today! Like and follow us @FarmersWeeklyJobs for the latest agri jobs or view our listings online at

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2546FW JOBS

jobs@brownrigg.co.nz or for more details: www.brownrigg.co.nz Phone in confidence: Erin Hutchinson 0800 276 967

www.moamaster.co.nz

The job includes a variety of sheep and beef farming work as well as tractor driving. You will need working dogs under good control, enjoy working in a team or by yourself, to be energetic, hardworking reliable and take pride in everything you do. Good warm farmhouse available. Remuneration will reflect experience. Available to start before August.

Piggery Farm Manager

APPLY with CV and cover letter to:

To find out more visit

• Farm accommodation • Horse stables • Small buildings • Animal Shelters

We have a vacancy for an experienced General Shepherd for our 1200ha Sheep and Beef farm. Running 7000 Romney ewes and 500 cattle, on river flats to rolling to steep hills.

Artificial Breeding Supervisor

We can offer: • Further training (licenses/Growsafe) • Top-notch furnished, shared accommodation • Modern John Deere tractors and equipment • Guaranteed hours • 6-day week roster • Competitive hourly rate

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

0101843 Cabins High Country & Construction 63.57x50

Available to start when suits you.

For further information or any enquiries please call Neville 027 279 8564

Would consider management or share farming position or similar.

Nick 0274 763 658 or nick.aam@xtra.co.nz

You must be a motivated, honest, energetic and organised person with minium of 10 years experience. The successful applicant will be offered a remuneration package which includes a four-bedroom home with free internet. LK0102987©

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This is an opportunity to further your career in the pork industry. Ongoing support & guidance will be provided by the exiting piggery manager as the farm operations transition over.

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The companies Piggery unit “Paranui Piggery” is seeking suitable applicants to apply for the senior position of Farm Manager due to a planned retirement. Paranui Piggery is located 20 minutes from Palmerston North. It has/is 220 Sow breeding and finishing unit 4 FTE 25ha of pastoral land and 25ha of forestry The piggery is rated in the top 5% of New Zealands Pig Care Accredited farms

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

Looking for an experienced Farm Manager for a 900 hectare sheep and cattle farm. Running 3000 ewes and 280 breeding cows, plus replacements with finishing.

LEASE FARM WANTED Hardworking young family seeking first major step towards ownership. Proactive, farm-proud, and conscientious operators.

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

Phone:

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Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 6, 2020

2-YEAR-OLD GRIZZLY Huntaway dog. 10-MONTH Beardie Huntaway. 3-MONTH Huntaway pup. Phone 027 243 8541. 4-YEAR-OLD B&T Huntaway bitch. Good noise. $1500. Phone 07 896 8914. BREEDING. TRAINING. Buying. Selling. Delivering. www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos – email: mikehughesworkingdogs@ farmside.co.nz

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

ATTENTION FARMERS FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT Only $6.00 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 brianmace@xtra.co.nz MANUKA SITES REQUIRED. Seeking sites for beehives near Manuka. Fair and competitive payment options. Contact 021 560 665 or email: hardyhivezzz@gmail.com

BRIDLES STATION TYPES. Heavy NZ leather. Hand sown. Breast plate. Leg straps. Hobbles. Crupper, etc. Phone Otairi Station. 06 322 8433.

CALF TRAILER MATS SUREFOOT MAT 1.5m x 1m x 24mm $98ea + Frt & GST (6 or more freight free). Phone 0800 686 119.

DOGS WANTED 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. HEADING DOG OR bitch wanted for dairy and dry stock farm, Bay of Plenty phone 027 389 8258.

FARM MAPPING SIMPLE AND CLEAR farm maps with paddock sizes will help you achieve your daily goals. Get a free quote from farmmapping. co.nz

FREE TO GOOD HOME TROPICAL FISH with refurbished aquarium set. Pick up in Roto-o-rangi. Phone 028 407 4690.

GOATS WANTED 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.

LUCERNE WANTED

WANTED TO BUY

NAKI GOATS. Trucking goats to the works every week throughout the NI. Phone Michael and Clarice. 027 643 0403.

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

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556.

PERSONAL Friendship/ Companionship A down to earth lady with a caring, fun loving personality. With blonde hair & blue eyes. She loves the country, horse riding, walks on the beach, travelling, reading and gardening. She is looking for a genuine gentleman to share

ANDERSON BULLDOZER water pump, please email Tataramoa@hotmail.com

Looking for expressions of interest to grow lucerne, oats and red clover for hay. South Island wide.

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

Please contact Rory Boleyn 027 436 9133

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Notice of Election 2020 Board of Directors Election

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

We also carry out hunting trips, aerial lifting, scenic flights and photography.

Nominations are called for candidates to stand for election for the director position to represent Area 3 as described below. Stuart Wright is the incumbent director for Area 3 and will retire by rotation later this year. At the date of that retirement Stuart will have served the maximum 12 year term of office so will not be eligible to stand for re-election. Area 3 encompasses the Banks Peninsula, Waimakariri, Selwyn Districts, Christchurch City, Hurunui, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Tasman, Westland, Grey, Buller Districts, and Nelson City. Nominations must be made on the official form, which can be obtained from the Returning Officer. Each nomination form must be signed by the candidate and two nominators who must be transacting shareholders of Ravensdown and who are eligible to vote for the Area 3 election. Nominations must be received by the Returning Officer by 5pm on Friday 31 July 2020. For further information or nomination documents please contact the election helpline 0800 666 031 or email iro@electionz.com Anthony Morton Returning Officer - Ravensdown Limited PO Box 3138, Christchurch 8140

Information packs now available for 2020/21 season

Freephone 0800 435 444 | www.helihire.co.nz

See our demos on Facebook just like a visit to our Fieldays site

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Field Days discounts continue for July 0800 227 228 www.combiclamp.co.nz

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South Island - Stuart 027 435 3062

ADVERTISING Have something to sell? Advertise in Farmers Weekly

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

info@nzadventures.co.nz Ph: 03 218 8569, 027 550 6727 or 027 435 4267

www.nzadventures.co.nz

Can low emissions farming be low stress farming? Agmatters.nz explains what you need to know about climate change and farming. It’s all in plain English, with science-based articles and videos of experts telling it straight. Practical information, backed by science, to help Kiwi farmers and growers get to grips with climate change. The Agmatters.nz website is produced by the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, with funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries.

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For more information please visit our website or contact us

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Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 6, 2020

Glencorran Charolais LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

SHORT NOTICE TARANAKI DISPERSAL SALE Long Established Dairy Herd dispersal A/c G & R Dorn - Pihama

Have you got a sale coming up? 3 R2 purebred recorded Charolais bulls for sale. Both dams and sires are Silverstream bred. Located Manawatu.

Friday 17th July 2020

Address:

Kaponga Saleyards Duthie Road, Kaponga

Start time: 11.30 am Comprising:

Advertise in Farmers Weekly

90 Friesian / Friesian Cross in-calf cows 30 Friesian / Friesian Cross in-calf heifers Details:

LK0103033©

Phone Heather on 06 328 2701

Date:

• Herd established in 1974 and well

To advertise

managed

Phone HANNAH GUDSELL 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

• DTC 17/07, 6 weeks AB NOM sires, tailed with Hereford bulls • In-calf heifers to Jersey from 17/07 • BW 23/53, PW 31/57, 100% ancestry Very good condition

Unfortunately, due to health reasons the

500 Fleckveigh Steers/Bulls

difficult decision to disperse has been

(Simmental X)

made. Always mated to Nominated sires, many years of thoughtful breeding has

500 Hereford X M/S

developed very high-quality dairy cow and

150 Belgian Blue X M/S

heifers. We totally recommend this highly

200 Murray Grey/Friesian Steers

by owners for many decades.

Contact:

Payment Terms: Special deferred payment

Matt Sanson 027 556 9928 500 Belgian Blue X Males 500 Belgian Blue X M/S

LK0102923©

respected herd that has been well farmed

200 Murray Grey/Friesian Heifers

Contact: Harry Stanway 027 556 9948

until 20 October 2020. JM102841©

64 x 2 - 8 year big capacious Holstein Friesian Cows Our Vendors offer their complete spring calving content, faithfully farmed for the last 45 years. 35 years CRV, the last 10 LIC A2A2 Frsn. Calving 23rd July 2020 to LIC A2A2 Frsn - 4 weeks, tailed with Hfd Bulls, removed 23rd December 2019. Milked through a rotary shed producing 500 ms per cow. These girls know how to work. Cows are recorded and transferable. View listing on: mylivestock.co.nz WAI90226

Contact: Glen Tasker 027 477 7345

Auctioneers note:

1000 Friesian Bulls

Consisting of: 53 x Friesian Cows, 65 years of LIC breeding. This is a chance to purchase genuine cows from a computer split of a closed herd. Our Vendors have bred bulls for both LIC and CRV, their bull “Home Run” is currently in the Premier Sires Team. BW 90/45 PW 105/61 RA 95%. 400 kgms per Cow. 1300kgms per Ha. SCC 130, Blanket dry cow. Calving 12th July 2020 to LIC Frsn - 6 weeks, tailed with Hfd Bulls. View listing on: mylivestock.co.nz WAI79610

18 x very well grown Inmilk and Incalf Crossbred Heifers DTC 5th July. BW130 PW160

Lepto annually

FORWARD CONTRACTS AVAILABLE FOR NOV/DEC DELIVERY

MORRINSVILLE DAIRY CENTRE THURSDAY 9TH JULY 2020 – 12 NOON START

18 x Frsn/Frsn X Young Cows BW 94/53 PW 186/59 RA 97%. Calving 17th July 2020 LIC Frsn - 5 weeks, tailed with Hfd Bulls removed 15th December 2019. View listing on: mylivestock.co.nz WAI90276

• 500 ms/cow annually, Herd tested, TB C7,

BEEF CROSS WEANER CALVES

Carrfields Livestock Agent: Sheldon Keech 027 222 7920 Mark Rowlands Livestock Agent: Mark Rowlands 027 495 7728

LK0103009©

MAGNIFICENT STRAIGHT FRIESIAN COWS

Or contact your local Carrfields Agents for details and photos. Catalogues can be downloaded from our website.

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Start your spring planning now! Contact Hannah to talk over your options for the 2020 selling season to make sure your message reaches the right audience. Hannah Gudsell: 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or livestock@globalhq.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz

2348FW

Promote your 2020 yearling bull sales

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 6, 2020

STORE LAMBS – Males & Ewes R1YR FRSN HERE HFRS 220-240kg 400-500kg R2YR BULLS R1YR FRSN BULLS 170-230kg Due Aug/Sept MA SIC COWS

We will have early calves available in large numbers from 20th July.

SALE TALK

One evening my husband’s golfing buddy drove his secretary home after she had imbibed a little too much at an office reception. Although this was an innocent gesture, he decided not to mention it to his wife, who tended to get jealous easily.

R3YR ANGUS STEERS 500kg+

All details and other quotes go to www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

We deliver.

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381 LK0098515©

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

STOCK REQUIRED

FOUR-DAY-OLD FRIESIAN BULL CALVES

Phone Steve 027 44 22 429

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

A Financing Solution For Your Farm E info@rdlfinance.co.nz LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING CALL HANNAH 0800 85 25 80

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard UPCOMING AUCTIONS Tuesday, 7 July 2020 1.00 pm – Melior Venison – 4th Annual in-calf hind sale 7.30 pm – Dedicated monthly AngusPure cattle sale Thursday, 9 July 2020 7.00 pm – National Livestock – per kg 7.30 pm – National Livestock – per head Yearling Bull Sales Contact Caitlin Rokela 027 405 6156

Later that night my husband’s friend and his wife were driving to a restaurant. Suddenly he looked down and spotted a high-heel shoe half hidden under the passenger seat. Not wanting to be conspicuous, he waited until his wife was looking out her window before he scooped up the shoe and tossed it out of the car. With a sigh of relief, he pulled into the restaurant parking lot. That’s when he noticed his wife squirming around in her seat.

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock andsale. farming listings to find out how bidr® can support your upcoming For more information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR

Key: Dairy FRANKTON COMBINED SALE

Proudly New Zealand Owned

Tuesday 7th July

10.30am Pigs 11.30am Sheep Comprising: 200 Prime Lambs 500 Store Lambs 150 Cull Ewes Contact Armyn Sanders 0274 430 905 11.45am Boners/Bulls 50 Boners 12.00pm Feeder Calves 100 Calves Contact Neil Lyons 0272 235 784 12.15pm Store Cattle 500 1yr & 2yr Steers, Heifers, Bulls For further details contact Vaughn Larsen 027 801 4599 or Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858

BEEFGEN is currently purchasing animals for live export: Hereford / Simmental Heifers (Born 2019) Holstein Friesian Heifers (Born 2019)

Please contact your local agent for more information. BEEFGEN Livestock Manager: Brian Pearson Mobile: 0210 907 1688 Email: brian@beefgen.com

LK0102959©

BEEFGEN Office: Teeshay Harrison Phone: 06 927 7154 Email: export@beefgen.com

The Livestock Specialists

Cattle

“Honey,” she asked, “have you seen my other shoe?”

Sheep

Other

WAIKATO FEEDER CALF SALES 2020 - SALE DAYS Monday - Paeroa Tuesday - Frankton Tuesday - Tirau (Starts 21st July) Thursday - Te Awamutu NOTE: Frankton Calf Sale has moved from Wednesday to Tuesday Contact Neil Lyons 0272 235 784

MORRINSVILLE SALE Wednesday 8th July, 12pm start On A/C of Client • 230 CRV Frsn Frsn X Cows BW 49 PW 33 AI Frsn & Speckled Park. Tailed with Hereford & Speckled Park. For further information, contact: PGG Wrightson Livestock Agents Steven Joseph’s 0274 205 167 Alan Jones 0272 240 768 Regan Craig 0275 028 585

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

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Graham Johnson

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.40

5.30

5.65

NI lamb (17kg)

7.15

7.05

7.85

NI Stag (60kg)

6.05

8.95

NI Bull (300kg)

5.45

5.35

NI mutton (20kg)

4.95

4.85

5.40

SI Stag (60kg)

6.05

8.95

NI Cow (200kg)

4.05

4.00

4.30

SI lamb (17kg)

6.80

7.65

SI Steer (300kg)

4.70

5.45

SI mutton (20kg)

4.50

5.40

SI Bull (300kg)

4.65

5.10

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.40

3.30

3.95

UK CKT lamb leg

9.50

9.56

9.99

US imported 95CL bull

8.03

8.38

7.94

US domestic 90CL cow

8.34

8.79

7.36

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

6.50

5.50

5.0 South Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

4.00 South Island steer slaughter price

6.50

8.0 7.0

5.0

Oct

5.00

WOOL

4.50

(NZ$/kg) Dec

Feb

5-yr ave

Apr

Jun

2018-19

Dairy

Dec 5-yr ave

2019-20

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Oct

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

2018-19

2019-20

Fertiliser

Aug 2019-20

FERTILISER Last week

Prior week

Last year

1.88

1.89

2.96

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

567

625

314

321

787

833

37 micron ewe

1.85

1.90

30 micron lamb

1.90

2.08

DAP

Grain

Data provided by

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Super

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Company

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

34.66

35.6

YTD Low 21.1

20.81

21.35

13.8

8.00

430

The a2 Milk Company Limited

7.50

420

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.9

5.8

3.61

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.36

9.21

4.26

7.00

410

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.53

4.93

3.445

Ryman Healthcare Limited

13.07

17.18

6.61

400

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

4.7

5.62

3.595

390

Port of Tauranga Limited

7.58

8.14

4.9

Contact Energy Limited

6.46

7.74

4.54

Mainfreight Limited

39.39

43.99

$/tonne

$/kg MS

Feb

Coarse xbred ind.

Aug

MILK PRICE FUTURES

6.50 6.00 5.50

Jul-19

Sep-19 Nov-19 Sept. 2020

Jan-20

Mar-20 Sept. 2021

Last price*

WMP

Jun-19

Prior week

2875

2885

vs 4 weeks ago

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

410

2640

405 400

SMP

2620

2525

AMF

4050

4000

Butter

3650

Milk Price

7.22

395 390 380

Jun-19

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3000

400

2900

350 $/tonne

2800 2700 2600

Listed Agri Shares

300

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

20.81

21.35

13.8

Comvita Limited

2.79

4.97

1.66

6.39

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.78

4.06

3.41

Foley Wines Limited

1.69

1.91

1.35

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.72

0.82

0.68

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.184

0.21

0.18

Delegat Group Limited

385

* price as at close of business on Thursday

2500

Aug-19

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

$/tonne

Nearby contract

380

May-20

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

US$/t

South Island stag slaughter price

5-yr ave

5.50

Oct

Last year

North Island stag slaughter price

12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

Last week Prior week

6.0

6.00

4.00

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

7.0

6.00

4.50

$/kg CW

8.0

6.0

5.00

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.9

2.3

1.29

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.7

2.75

1.55 5.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.6

8.2

Scales Corporation Limited

5.04

5.17

3.3

Seeka Limited

4.1

4.74

3.4

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

7.1

9.1

4.36

T&G Global Limited

2.6

2.93

2.35

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

16679

16941

12699

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11503

12073

8499

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12170

12198

9100

S&P/NZX 10 Index

10905

8280

250 Jul

Aug Sep Latest price

Oct

Nov 4 weeks ago

Dec

200

Jun-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

11503

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12170

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

10905

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview A fairly traditional July week is on the way across New Zealand, kicking off with low pressure over the South Island today, which allows westerlies and showers to blow across the North Island. As we go through this week west to southwest winds dominate, with another cold front on Wednesday bringing brief winter weather conditions to the South Island and lower and central North Island. Towards Thursday and Friday high pressure will be rolling in to northern NZ but west to northwest winds bring rain back to the West Coast. Next week the pattern is fickle with an enormous high-pressure area over Sydney bringing some settled weather to NZ with perhaps a southerly quarter flow and a few showers.

Low bobby calf returns have wide implications

02/07/2020

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Wind

This week is dominated by westerly quarter winds turning more southwest on Wednesday then easing mid to late week as high pressure brings light winds to the North Island but that means more westerlies for the South Island.

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature Colder in the South Island, especially on Wednesday as another cold front moves up the country with the usual July west to southwest change. Later in the week temperatures should lift a little as winds turn more west to northwest.

14-day outlook

More heavy snow in the South Island mountains this week. High pressure and dry weather return to northern NZ later in the week and might be a feature next week too for NZ.

7-day rainfall forecast

With bobby calf returns down in the dumps processors are signalling this season’s price will be lower than last year. Last season’s price was already at the tipping point so taking it any lower would mean dairy farmers being incentivised to euthanise on-farm rather than rearing the calves to four days, particularly for farms facing a staff shortage or with longer trucking distances to processors. On-farm slaughter is unpalatable for many farms even if it means producing four-day calves for a financial loss. While processors and dairy farmers ponder their options it is worth considering what this will mean for the feeder calf market and for the sheep processing plants. Feeder calf prices are likely to ease too, particularly for four-day Friesian bull calves that are most closely aligned with the bobby price. Lower feeder calf prices will be a welcome relief for calf rearers who have been squeezed by poor margins. Though a good uptake of 100kg calf contracts is what is really needed to turn the calf-rearing situation around. Calf contracts will need to be forthcoming to ensure a good supply of finishing stock for the coming season, particularly if there has been a significant cut taken out of the beef breeding herd by this season’s drought. A significantly lower bobby calf kill, if that happens, would also leave a lot of empty hooks in the sheep processing plants. That could push up the winter lamb price, which is already shifting upward because of increasing procurement competition. Or it could mean slaughter capacity is further reduced in lamb plants over winter, which could mean a slow start to the season in spring as that capacity rebuilds.

Nicola Dennis nicola.dennis@globalhq.co.nz

HE main bobby calf season is almost here but export markets are still affected by covid-19, leading to some concern about prices. There is usually about a month’s difference in the start of calving between the North Island and South Island dairy herds. Bobby calves usually start heading to North Island processors in early July and peak at 138,000 calves/week at the start of August. The South Island season peaks in late August at 106,000 calves a week though the numbers have been trending downwards as the national dairy herd contracts. Bobby calves usually serve two purposes. First, they provide products such as skins, serum and rennet for use in other industries as well as restaurant cuts and manufacturing beef for use in softer meat items such as baby and pet foods. Second, the bobby calf kill season is used to keep sheep processing plants busy during the lamb off-season to spread plant operating costs and retain a skilled labour force. While processors are accustomed to not making much of a margin on bobby calf veal, co-products such as hides, bones and serum are also devaluing below last year’s levels. Hide returns have dropped to such a low that processing the skins would lose money – that is also having flow-on effects for rendering of other stock such as dead cow pick up services.

New Zealand bobby calf slaughter High pressure is back in the picture but this week is dominated by a low today then the windier, colder west to southweest winds behind it fuelled by another cold front on Wednesday. High pressure increases later this week and looks to track over the North Island, bringing westerlies over the South Island. Next week high pressure looks stuck over eastern Australia and somewhat stretches east to NZ but if it doesn’t cover us we get the southerly flow with showers.

100

200

400

Rain looks heavy at times for the West Coast after a recent drier spell there. Now it is wetter than average. The North Island sees more average rainfall dropping to below average over the next week as high pressure expands again. Eastern areas will notice the more westerly lean to the airflow, meaning drier conditions are likely to expand.

Thousand head

250 200 150 100 50 0

Mar

Weather brought to you in partnership with weatherwatch.co.nz

“IT’S WORTH INVESTING IN ANCALF FOR HEALTHIER CALVES.” JULIE WRIGHT, PARAHIWI FARM. MORRINSVILLE

Apr

May 5-yr ave

“Better weight gains, fewer health issues.” You could say Julie Wright is a bit of a convert to Ancalf. It wasn’t so long ago that she was spending hours driving around the region picking up reject milk from neighbouring farms. After repeated issues with scours, Julie decided that the effort and the risk simply wasn’t worth it and switched to Ancalf. Today it’s another story - the health problems, the scours and stinking pens are all gone. “We have fewer metabolic issues, we achieve better growing weights and our calves wean faster.” It’s the coccidiostat in Ancalf that makes all the difference. Together with the prebiotic Actigen, vitamins and the high fat casein protein, calves flourish with fewer signs of illness.

Jun

Jul

Au g

Sep

Oct

2018-19

ANCALF™ THE WORD ON THE FARM

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Source: NZ Meat Board

The North Island drought has meant an early dry off for their 550 cow milking herd – but that will give the cows a chance to build up their mineral health prior to calving. “We need to rear at least 100 replacements for the dairy herd, plus we rear around 100 dairy beef calves that we fatten up for 20 months.” All those calves are going to need the best start they can get, and Julie has already got her Ancalf order in and is keeping a keen eye for any new deals. “It was an easy decision to continue with Ancalf for our calf rearing, we’ve had a tough year with the drought, are short-handed and are not going to make more hard work for ourselves by creating unnecessary health problems.”

See Julie’s full stories and more by going to NZAGBIZ.CO.NZ or call us on 0800 809 011

SALE YARD WRAP

Top dollar for in-lamb ewes Breeding ewe prices have been mixed this season though lower than usual scanning percentages and ewe condition rather than outlook for mutton and lamb have been factors influencing the market. Proof of that was found at Stortford Lodge as a top-quality line of two-tooth Romney ewes, scanned 174% to a Sufftex ram on March 15, made $242. The reputation of these ewes from Ohuka preceded them and potential buyers did not want to miss out on a rare chance to secure the genetics for their own flocks. NORTHLAND Wellsford store cattle • R2 traditional steers, 325-464kg, improved to $2.75-$2.77/kg • R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford heifers, 364kg, lifted to $2.62/kg • R1 Angus-cross steers, 169-206kg, strengthened to $600-$690 • Eleven R1 Angus steers, 131kg, were chased to $640, $4.89/kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 148-150kg, improved to $500-$53 A cool start to the day at WELLSFORD last Monday did not deter buyers and the mixed quality offering was well absorbed. R2 beef-dairy steers, 409-551kg, were solid at $2.56$2.66/kg, while lighter Hereford-Friesian, 310-417kg, pushed to $2.66-$2.77/kg. In the heifer pens HerefordFriesian, 278-478kg, sold in two bands as better types earned $2.66-$2.68/kg, with lesser animals at $2.51-$2.55/ kg. Most R1 beef-dairy steers, 158-260kg, returned $620$730. Traditional heifers, 178-205kg, traded at $460-$500. All bulls, 192-240kg, fetched $500-$605, $2.52-$2.60/kg regardless of breed. A small entry of autumn-born weaner cattle was penned and steers, 94-102kg, earned $230-$390, with Hereforddairy heifers, 81-115kg, at $115-$270. Read more in your LivestockEye.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • R2 steers earned $2.52-$2.56/kg • R2 crossbred heifers traded at $2.40-$2.49/kg • R1 steers were steady at $550-$610, $3.57/kg to $3.80/kg • R1 heifers lifted to $550-$685, $2.55/kg to $2.75/kg • Boner cows varied at $1.21/kg to $2.00/kg Quality cattle continued to sell well at PUKEKOHE last Saturday. Prime steers strengthened to $2.59/kg to $2.72/ kg, and prime heifers also lifted, over a range of $2.53/kg to $2.74/kg. Autumn-born weaner steers were a highlight with the better types up to $505, and heifers, $465.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 502kg, made $3.01/kg • R1 Charolais-Angus weaner heifers, 156kg, earned $620 • Prime Angus steers, 735kg, sold well at $2.94/kg • Heavy prime ewes traded up to $176 About 900 store cattle were yarded at TUAKAU last week and the market for heavier steers and heifers lifted by 5-10c/kg, Carrfields Livestock agent Karl Chitham reported. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 404kg, made $2.92/kg, while 276kg earned $2.96/kg and R1 steers, 181kg, $625. Most R2 heifers, 300-400kg, sold at $2.57-$2.74/kg, and Angus-cross, 417kg, fetched $2.62/kg. Wednesday’s prime market also firmed. Heavy steers, 540-630kg, traded at $2.57-$2.84/kg and heifers, 480-570kg, $2.55-$2.77/kg. Well-conditioned Friesian cows at 575kg made $2.04/kg, and 440-520kg traded at $1.63-$1.97/kg. Heavy prime lambs traded at $157-$183 on Monday, and light-medium, $133-$148. The better prime ewes sold up to $176, with medium types $137-$165. Good store lambs earned $105-122 and light-medium, $84-$97.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Prime Angus heifers, 531kg, earned $2.73/kg • Prime Charolais cows, 662kg, made $2.39/kg • Prime beef and beef-cross cows fetched $2.18-$2.26/kg • R1 Angus steers, 136-170kg, traded at $570-$580 • R1 Friesian bulls, 283kg, achieved $730 A decent sized crowd made the trip to RANGIURU last Tuesday for a modest winter sale. Prime cattle continued to perform well with Angus steers, 707kg, head of the pack at $2.97/kg, although they were outsold by a few exsire Charolais bulls sold in the store pens that made $3.22/ kg. In the store section the biggest group was R2 heifers that largely featured a mixture of Hereford and Hereford-cross types, 372-427kg, that earned $2.51-$2.61/kg.

Lambs were generally $89-$140, while the heaviest ewes made $122. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Mixed age Romney scanned-in-lamb ewes 163%, fetched $131 • Top prime lambs realized $139-$166 with the balance at $100$120.50 • Prime 2th ewes sold for $130 Store lamb numbers were down to just over 1200 head at MATAWHERO last Friday. Male lambs were of good weights and firmed to $125-$132.50. The top end of ewe lambs lifted to $115-$116, with medium types $104-$107 and light down to $87.50. There was also 62 Romney ewes with lambsat-foot which made $67 all-counted. Read more in your LivestockEye.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle sale 30.06 • Specially advertised R2 Angus steers, 496-519kg, fetched $2.91$2.96/kg • R2 Angus heifers, 280-382kg, returned $2.68-$2.72/kg • Specially advertised R1 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 141-143kg, improved to $550-$600 • R1 beef-dairy bulls, 195-290kg, realised $605-$650 • A small entry of prime steers, 695-705kg, strengthened to $2.91/ kg Store cattle throughput nearly doubled at FRANKTON last Tuesday for PGG Wrightson, and the increase was matched by a significant rise in buyers. R2 Angus steers, 472-473kg, improved to $2.92-$3.02/kg, and top Hereford-Friesian, 442-504kg, $2.70-$2.78/kg. R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 427-430kg, lifted to $2.60-$2.66/ kg. R1 beef and exotic steers, 231-296kg, managed $670-$760 with beef-dairy, 171-178kg, at $515-$615. Angus-Friesian heifers sold in two main bands - 109-116kg fetched $305$330 and 124-161kg, $365-$490. Hereford-Friesian, 116129kg, were also strong at $430-$470. Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian heifers, 96-107kg, lifted to $375-$410. Angus-Friesian bulls strengthened to $455, and Hereford-Friesian, 100kg, $525. Friesian bulls, 101kg, also improved to $480. Heavy boner Friesian cows, 484-547kg, held at $1.84$1.89/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle sale 1.07 • R2 red and black Hereford-Friesian steers, 363-401kg, improved to $2.61-$2.70/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 319-384kg, strengthened to $2.66$2.70/kg • Nine R1 Hereford steers, 213kg, were well-contested at $660, $3.10/kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 126-163kg, traded at $420-$550, $3.25-$3.40/kg • R1 Hereford heifers, 194-221kg, returned $600-$630 A yarding of 302 cattle was penned last Wednesday by New Zealand Farmers Livestock, with a moderate buying bench in place. R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 330kg, held at $2.58/kg. R1 Murray-Grey steers, 182kg, sold well at $595, while Hereford-dairy, 119-181kg, earned $420-$530. Red Hereford-Friesian and Hereford-dairy heifers, 174-258kg, were consistent at $2.56/kg. Autumn-born weaner beef-dairy heifers, 80-89kg, were good shopping at $275-$285. Friesian bulls, 93kg, managed $305, while four Hereford-Friesian, 89kg, fetched $390. Prime steers, 553-591kg, realised $2.61-$2.71/kg, and heifers, 448-452kg, lifted to $2.65-$2.69/kg. Hereford cows, 403-473kg, softened to $1.69/kg, while three at 200kg managed $2.00/kg. Boner dairy cows, 336-485kg, were mainly $1.68/kg to $1.83/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 461kg, sold well at $2.65/kg

• R2 Speckle Park-Angus steers, 301kg, achieved $2.69/kg • R2 Simmental-cross and Hereford-dairy heifers, 442kg, realised $2.47-$2.52/kg • Good quality owner bred R1 heifers made $2.30/kg to $2.60/kg • Boner cows were mostly 400-515kg, which traded at $1.90-$1.95/ kg Cooler weather kept a few buyers out of the market at TARANAKI last Wednesday. Lifting schedules helped prime steers strengthen, with Hereford-Friesian steers, 765kg, able to reach $2.81/kg, and prime Hereford-dairy heifers, 550kg, also firmed to $2.69/kg. R2 steers over 400kg typically held at $2.52/kg to $2.63/kg, while anything lighter was around the $2.30/kg mark. Well-marked and owner-bred R1 Hereford-Friesian bulls, 155-187kg, sold well at $3.21-$3.55/ kg. R1 steers were mostly Friesian and Murray Grey-cross, 197-225kg, and fetched $2.20/kg to $2.60/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep sale • Angus steers, 517-542kg, lifted to $3.20-$3.22/kg • Top ewes held at $132-$144 • Very-heavy cryptorchid lambs held at $156-$167 • Heavy to very-heavy ram lambs fetched $139-$165 • Heavy to very-heavy ewe lambs strengthened to $134.50-$143 • Angus steers, 560kg, lifted to $3.10/kg Cattle tallies lifted at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday, with improved results for all presented. Ewe numbers eased and most traded at steady to improved levels. Very-good ewes held at $127-$128, while medium-good to good types improved to $114-$125, as did medium up to $96-$110. Lamb throughput lifted to close to 1400 and a few return buyers increased competition. Veryheavy mixed-sex managed $168-$175, though heavy types eased to $130-$138. Ewe lambs made up the lion’s share of the offering and enjoyed increased demand and improved results for most. Top ewe lambs realised $168.50, and good types managed $120-$124. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep sale • R2 Friesian bulls, 449-463kg, firmed to $2.87-$2.89/kg • R1 Angus and Angus-Hereford heifers, 188-246kg, fetched $475$625 • Good male lambs lifted to $115-$132 • Good ewe lambs lifted to $115-$122 • 2-tooth Romney ewes, scanned 174% to Sufftex, made $242 After a busy month of June, July started on a quieter note at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday. Sheep volume dropped to just under 5000 head and ewe lambs made up the majority. Medium ewe lambs lifted to $95-$112, though medium males sold in the same range as better lines. Cattle totalled just over 300 head, but line sizes were mostly in double figures. R2 beef-cross steers firmed to $2.86-$2.96/kg, and the top line of Angus heifers, 305kg, $2.39/kg. Condition wavered through the later part of the sale, though prices remained buoyant. R1 exotic-cross heifers, 200-246kg, returned $515-$635, while beef-cross steers varied from $455 to $745 dependent on weight. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Traditional bulls, 740-800kg, earned $3.02-$3.08/kg • Speckle Park bulls, 725kg, made $2.92/kg • The top ewes softened to $151-$159, with medium to good lines $110-$150 Prime lambs held firm at FEILDING last Monday. The yarding featured a big increase in volume of very heavy lambs that earned $170-$182, while heavy and mediumgood pens all traded for $125-$167. Several consignments of in-calf cows provided almost half of the cattle offered. The heaviest in-calf Friesian, 560670kg, earned $2.28-$2.34/kg and 480-520kg, $2.08-$2.17/ kg. The top empty Friesian cows, 605kg, made $2.34/kg with $2.17-$2.28/kg typical of 571-669kg pens. Heifers were largely Friesian, 430-490kg, that sold in the range of $2.35/ kg to $2.51/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020

slightly. Most lambs were evenly spread across $132-$167, with the top cut $173-$186. Ewe throughput was much smaller with the tops $190-$192 and the bulk medium types that earned $118-$168. Store lambs numbered close to 1000 but had a limited following and sold in large lines that mostly traded at $72$87, with better lines generally $100-$115. Just 141 cattle attended and mostly held, including prime cows at $1.80-$1.90/kg, and boner cattle $1.63-$1.69/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cattle; all sheep • Angus-Hereford steers, 545kg, earned $2.56/kg • Hereford bulls , 674-738kg, fetched $2.67-$2.72/kg • Friesian bulls, 567-745kg, sold well at $2.54-$2.60/kg • Hereford heifers, 559-658kg, improved 12c/kg to sell at $2.40$2.47/kg • 200 scanned-in-lamb Texel-Romney ewes earned $114-$133 The pens were well-contested at TEMUKA last Monday. Steers dropped 5c/kg but heifers firmed, including Friesian, 460-600kg, that rose 17c/kg to average $2.18/kg. Heavy pens of Friesian and crossbred cows sold at $1.56/kg to $1.69/kg, while over 150 head of 470-520kg dropped 9c/kg to sell in the tight range of $1.51-$1.62/kg. Sellers again offloaded big entries of store lambs with most from outside the region. Store lambs numbered 5500 with the majority $97-$129. The most common result for prime lambs was $120-$202, while ewes continued to sell on a very good market as the top pen earned $220 and most others $110-$170. Read more in your LivestockEye. BIG MONEY: These in-lamb ewes from Ohuka made $242 at Stortford Lodge. Rongotea cattle • R2 Angus-cross steers, 410-418kg, made $2.39/kg • R2 Speckle Park-cross bulls, 462-480kg, sold well at $2.60/kg to $3.11/kg • R2 Friesian heifers, 417-467kg, earned $2.16/kg to $2.55/kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian and Angus-cross steers, 128-160kg, fetched $2.53-$3.07/kg • Friesian boner cows, 480-610kg, strengthened to $1.57/kg to $2.01/kg Short term cattle were in favour at RONGOTEA last Wednesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers varied in weight from 352kg to 670kg and sold in a range of $2.47/ kg right up to $2.75/kg. R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 406485kg, eased to $2.39/kg to $2.54/kg. R1 beef-cross heifers, 130-180kg, returned $1.83/kg to $2.61/kg. Autumn-born weaner steers fetched $250-$360. Feilding store sale • R2 Friesian bulls, 460-505kg, made $3.00/kg • Traditional R2 and R3 steers, 470-570kg, were $3.10-$3.20/kg • Five pens of good ewes, SIL 160-205%, made $215-$231 • Male lamb average lifted to $129 • Ewe lamb average lifted to $116.50 The good times continued for the 1100 cattle yarded. Any beef steers above 470kg were mainly $3.00-$3.20/kg. Lighter steers, 380-450kg, of all breeds were much weaker though at $2.60-$2.70/kg. R2 Friesian bulls lifted another 10c/kg to $3/kg. A good quality line up of R2 beef heifers mainly made $2.65-$2.80/kg at 370-440kg. R1 Friesian bulls, 145-225kg, were mostly $2.85-$3.00/kg. R1 beef heifers, 190-240kg, remained strong at $2.95-$3.05/kg, while some 180-185kg Angus steers sold for $3.40/kg. A smaller yarding of lambs, 9500 head, worked in vendors favour, lifting the market around $5-$10. For the most-part good cuts of male lambs were $135-$145, mediums $120$130 and the lighter end rarely left $105-$120. The narrow range of $125-$130 covered almost all the good ewe lambs, down to $110-$120 for the mediums, followed by the lighter cuts at $90-$105.

There was a lift of around $20 through the almost twenty pens of in-lamb ewes. Good cuts set to lamb twins were up at $215-$230, while those with more moderate scanning figures or condition were mostly $170-$190. Poorer types were $120-$140. Read more in your LivestockEye.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep • Heavy prime rams made $70 • Top store lambs softened to $100-$110, medium $80-$90 and light $60-$70 There was a smaller yarding of prime lambs at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday and heavy types earned $140$160, medium $120-$130 and light $110. A large yarding of prime ewes was mostly steady, with heavy types at $130$160, medium $110-$120, and light down to $50-$80.

CANTERBURY

SOUTHLAND

Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • R2 Angus steers, 393-438kg, fetched $2.45-$2.53/kg • Prime traditional steers, 540-820kg, sold from $2.40/kg to $2.54/ kg • Prime lambs rose by $3-$5 per head with the majority $135-$179 • One very heavy ewe pen earned $215 A soggy week prior to the sale at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday lowered throughput in the store lamb section. Mixed-sex lines dominated, and heavy pens sold for $101$116 while the majority were middleweight pens at $97$110. Light types generally made $70-$92 and prime ewes were mostly $110-$193. Angus dominated the R2 heifer pens and firmed 13c/kg; the top pen, 337kg, made $2.39/kg and 349-411kg, $2.27$2.37/kg. Hereford and Angus-Hereford heifers, 320-364kg, sold along similar lines at $2.28-$2.33/kg. In the prime section Angus heifers, 450-565kg, earned $2.40-$2.48/ kg although Charolais, 483-557kg, captured the most attention at $2.54-$2.58/kg. Most other heifers traded for $2.20/kg to $2.40/kg regardless of breed. Read more in your LivestockEye.

Lorneville cattle and sheep sale • Prime dairy heifers, 370-440kg, traded at $1.50/kg to $2.02/kg • R2 Friesian bulls, 300kg, fetched $2.00/kg • Top prime two-tooths strengthened to $156, with medium at $121-$136, and light $90-$111 • Romney ewes, scanned-in-lamb, sold at $130 • Mixed-age Perendale ewes, scanned-in-lamb, were bought for $150 There was a strong prime cattle market at LORNEVILLE last Wednesday. Prime steers, 500-600kg, lifted to $2.35/ kg to $2.50/kg, and beef heifers, $2.40-$2.50/kg. A smaller yarding of store cattle included R2 Hereford-cross steers, 468kg, which sold well at $2.37/kg, and same breed heifers, 465kg, made $2.32/kg. R1 bulls were harder work and while 268kg Hereford-cross made $600, those at 200-250kg struggled at $400-$480. Prime lambs softened slightly at the top end to $140-$151, while light to medium types held at $110-$139. Heavy prime ewes returned $147-$162, medium $101-$136 and light $75-$100. Store lambs eased with the top end at $100-$110 and the balance at $85-$95.

Coalgate cattle and sheep • Prime Angus steers, 460kg, made $2.50/kg • Prime Angus heifers, 530-582kg, fetched $2.46-$2.49/kg • R2 Angus heifers earned $2.34-$2.35/kg • R1 beef-cross steers, 207-230kg, made $370-$440 • Scanned-in-lamb breeding ewes sold for $140-$173 It was very cold at last Thursday’s COALGATE sale. Prime lamb and ewe values remained generally the same as the previous auction, although the very heavy pens eased

Charlton sheep • Heavy prime ewes earned $168 • Local trade rams fetched $65-$72 • Top store lambs realised $112 The market was mostly steady at CHARLTON last Thursday and heavy prime lambs managed $160, medium $125-$140, and light at $115. Medium prime ewes returned $115-$130, and light $60. Light to medium store lambs traded at $85-$100.

Where livestock market insights begin LivestockEye • • • •

LivestockEye reports provide full sale results and informed commentary and is emailed directly after the sale. The most comprehensive and independent sale report you can get your hands on. Only AgriHQ sample-weighs store lambs to give you $/kg LW benchmark pricing. Choose from 10 sale yards across the country or check out our other popular reports.

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Markets

40 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 6, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER STEER ($/KG)

5.40

SI LAMB

NI LAMB

($/KG)

6.80

7.15

BONER FRIESIAN COWS, 470-520KG, AT TEMUKA ($/KG LW)

1.59

high $2.91-$2.96 $3.43-$3.53 Angus-cross lights R2 Angus steers, 496- R1 steers, 136-176kg, at

Weaner deer prices fall Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

IFFICULT summer and autumn weather combined with the uncertainty bedevilling the venison trade amid covid-19 created the perfect storm for deer farmers. The weaner deer market slumped and pregnant hinds were sent for processing so breeders could keep virtually worthless weaners while some deer farmers even turned to beef as an option. The question now – is there a better way for the weaner market system? Mandy and Jerry Bell of Criffel Station near Wanaka buy large numbers of weaners for finishing each year. Mandy Bell said in Deer Industry News the system for capturing value fairly for breeders, finishers and processors throughout the chain is broken. The dramatic impact of covid-19 on the venison market this year exposed inherent defects in the system that can arbitrarily reward or punish people when venison markets fluctuate. The disruptions to the world economy and the deer industry’s markets provide an ideal opportunity for a complete rethink of the breeder-finisher-processor model. She is not happy with the status quo and is putting pressure on all parties, including agents, to get around the table to develop mechanisms that will fairly share both risk and reward. Venison processing and marketing companies must also be a part of the mix. Following the support of Alliance with a spring price indication Bell was interested in a shared risk arrangement where breeders and finishers could both share the upside if prices improve. Of the 13 suppliers she approached just three breeders were prepared to enter an agreement that spread risk and reward. It was a start and at least the $6-$8 a kilogram framework provided by Alliance set a platform for negotiation. Bell wants breeders to get a better handle on their true costs of production so more transparent agreements can be made.

POOR RETURN: Weaner deer were making as little as $3/kg at the end of May with reports some sold for $2.50/kg.

Culling hinds or changing policy to finishing beef is not positive for our industry. Mandy Bell Farmer She urged Deer Industry NZ to collaborate with key stakeholders, share messaging and not leave it for the market to define the outcome. “Culling hinds or changing policy to finishing beef is not positive for our industry,” Bell said. South Canterbury breeder Kris Orange said there was a definite slowing in weaner trade in the South Island this season.

The first of the weaners sold straight off their mothers in early March made about $5/kg liveweight. “This was a bit down on last year but sellers were pretty happy,” Orange said. But things quickly went south as the impact of covid-19 and feed shortages took their toll with prices down to $4 by the end of March and post-rut weaned animals went for $3-$3.50 by the end of May. There are other reports of prices as low as $2.50. Dry conditions compounded problems with finishers electing to take fewer weaners than usual while many breeders opted to hang on to weaners rather than sell at unsustainable prices. “A lot of pregnant hinds were sent to the works to make room for retained weaners that would otherwise have been sold store. “That’s a real shame,” Orange said.

519kg, at Frankton

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Hanging up the phone after five decades AFTER 31 years based at the Rangiuru sale yards, PGG Wrightson agent Neil Penman decided it was time to hang up the phone on his stock agent career, one that has spanned nearly five decades. Te Kuiti born and bred, in 1972 he started his career as a clerk for Dalgety’s at just 19 and said the highlight was being given a new car. “The biggest bonus was the new car. How many 19-year-olds at that time got to drive around in a brand new car?” After nearly three years in Paeroa and Te Puke a stint overseas and a period outside of the industry followed. He was enticed back in 1989 when he started his lengthy stay in Bay of Plenty, which included selling on behalf of clients at the Rangiuru sale yards each week. The highlight over that period was the introduction of the weigh scales and liveweight selling about 20 years ago. “Around that time many of the satellite sale yards were shut down with livestock trucked to a central point – that being the Rangiuru sale yards. The weigh system was installed and was a real game-changer though it did take some getting used to with a number of late nights in those early days as the system was learnt and mistakes were made.” New compliance procedures were not met with quite so much enthusiasm but were necessary to keep the industry moving forward. “Systems such as Nait certainly have their place but have created some headaches over the years.” While the stock agent tie has been put away Neil remains in the industry, taking up a spot on the team that runs Ao Marama, a big dairy farm in Te Puke. While he will miss the camaraderie and person-to-person contact that came with the stock agent role it was time for a change. “It was your own business inside a business so came with a huge amount of responsibility to keep turning the wheels every day. I am looking forward to being able to switch-off at the end of the day.” suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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• Great for lifestyle blocks or small headbail farms needing an economical Farmhand Vetless Cattle Crush Farmhand Vet Crush • Great for lifestyle blocks or small cattle handling area farms needing an economical cattle handling area

• fixed sides only – no side gate

2,795.00

+GST

.00 2,595 Farmhand Vetless Cattle Crush +GST

Farmhand Vet C Farmhand Vetless Cattle Crush Farmhand Vet Crush

Add side gate for $400.00+ GST Add anti backing ratchets $495.00

Add side draft gate for $400.00+ GST

Farmhand Handler - Swing Headbail

Farmhand Vetless CattleHandler Crush Farmhand Vet Crush Farmhand

Farmhand Yard Panels Farmhand Cattle Yard Farmhand Slam - Bundle ofCalf 10 Mate Auto Calf Weigh Crate Latches Gates - Single Draft

h Crate

Drafter Yard Panels Farmhand Cattle Yard Farmhand Slam • Weighs calves upFarmhand to 120kg - Bundle of 10 Latches Gates Farmhand Cattle Farmhand Calf Weigh Crate Farmhand

Calf Weigh Crate - 3-Way Draft • Weighs calves up to 120kg

Yard Panels 10 Pack

Calf Weigh Crate

- Single Draft Farmhand Vetless

Headbail Walkthrough

Calf Mate Auto CattleDrafter Crush Farmhand

• Weighs calves up to 120kg

Vet Crush

Farmhand Curved Force Tub

.00 $ .00 2,995 2,795 Farmhand Curved Force Tub $

+GST

• Also weigh using Calf Dehorning Bail Farmhand600mm Headbail Farmhand load bars

Walkthrough

Swingbail

+GST

Calf Dehorning Bail

Farmhand Cattle Yard Stockman Gates Sliding Gate

• Includes mounting brackets Stockman Sliding Gate Headbail

n Vetless Cattle Crush

Headbail Swingbail

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

Farmhand Loading Ramp Calf Dehorning Bail

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

+GST

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

Duty Slam Latches Gates Gates Stockman Headbail

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

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

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

+GST

1,195

.00 +GST

- Bundle of 10 - Bundle

PRICED FROM

+GST

Add striker plate $15.00+ GST

Farmhand Cattle Yard Farmhand Slam Latches Gates

Farmhand Yard Panels

- Bundle of 10

Farmhand 49 Head Yard • • • • •

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

Farmhand 10 Head Yard

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

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

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

4,995.00 +GST

13,995.00

(FH10-1)

+GST

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

FH 49 - L

SHEET NO.

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

1 OF 1

(FH49)

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

Farmhand2525 Head Yard Farmhand Head Farmhand 25Yard Head

Farmhand 20 Head Yard

Yard

Farmhand 25 Head Yard

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

• • • • •

Farmhand 20 Head Yard

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

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

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

S/G

• • • • •

H/B

Farmhand 10 Head Yard Farmhand 10 Head Yard

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

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

6,495.00 +GST

(FH20)

8,495.00 +GST

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

Farmhand32 32 Head Head Yard Farmhand Yard

Farmhand Horse Pen Farmhand12mtr 12mtr Horse Pen

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

449

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

Farmhand Force TubCurved Force Tub

RRP RRP $ .00Yard Panels Farmhand $ .00 Farmhand Loading +GST +GST THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING IS PROPRIETARY TO FARMQUIP AND SHALL NOT BE REPRODUCED OR DISCLOSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED FOR ANY DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE EXCEPT WHEN SUCH USER POSSESSES DIRECT WRITTEN AUTHORISATION FROM FARMQUIP.

Farmhand Curved Force Tub

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

31-05-16

499

FH - 32 R

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

FH - 32 R

1 OF 1

SHEET NO.

479

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

1 OF 1

Farmhand Bundle of 10Yard PanelsRamp Farmhand Loading Bundle of 10

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

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

SHEET SIZE

Ramp

N.T.S.

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

SHEET NO.

1 OF 1

S/G

• • • • •

M. Z

DATE

SCALE

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

DRAWN

SHEET NO.

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

S/G

*Excludes loading ramp

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

9,995.00 (FH32) +GST

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

S/G

H/B

25 H/B

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

FH - 32 R

SHEET NO.

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

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

1 OF 1

3,195.00

+GST PLUS FREIGHT

DRAWN

M. Z

DATE

31-05-16

SCALE

FH 80 - L

SHEET NO.

SHEET SIZE

N.T.S.

1 OF 1

Farmhand Heavy Duty Round Feeder

Large Round Bale Cradle Feeder

Farmhand Rectangular Hay Bale Feeder

Farmhand Lifestyler Hay Feeder

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

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

• Fits 2 large bales

• Hangs on railed Hay fence or gate

Farmhand Lifestyler Feeder

Bullmax Post Driver Bullmax Grease Gun Bullmax Earth Auger Bullmax Earth Auger Bullmax Post Driver Bullmax Grease Gun Bullmax Earth Auger Bullmax Earth Auger

595.00

+GST

One man earth auger Use for Y Posts, Earth Pegs, 18V portable Grease Gun Two man earth auger One man earth auger Use for Y Posts, Earth Pegs, Two man earth auger portable Grease Gun Vineyard Posts, Ground Pegs with Spare 18V Battery Vineyard Posts, Ground Pegs with Spare Battery

1195

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

lmax Earth Auger Bullmax 2 Earth ManAuger Bullmax man earth auger

799

Auger

BMEA-52-2

899 .00 .00

895

PLUS FREIGHT

One man earth auger +GST

Two man e

PLUS FREIGHT

Bullmax Post Bullmax Petrol Bullmax Electric .00 .00 .00 .00 995 995 Compressor 349 349 799 799 Compressor 899 .00 899 .00 Driver

Two man earth auger

BMPD-65-2

BMGG-18V-1.3 BMGG-18V-1.3

BMEA-52-2

BMEA-68-1 BMEA-68-1

BMEA-52-2

Bullmax Generator Bullmax Compressor Bullmax Compressor Bullmax Bullmax Compressor • Powerful 40CC Bullmax Generator • 5.5HP USA Kohler Compressor • 3.0 HP commercial electric Kohler 4-Stroke Petrol 320 FAD 320 FAD Kohler 4-StrokePortable Petrol electric Portable electric Portable petrol 385petrol FAD 385 FAD Portable 4-stroke engine petrol engine • 15.9 CFM • 1500-2000 blows • 20 CFM • Tank capacity – 91 litres per minute. • Tank capacity Impact energy up – 91 litres to 45J

• Powerful 2-stroke, 68CC engine • Commercial quality • Heavy duty gearbox • Also available: 1 Man Earth Auger $799 + GST

.00

995

$ .00 Bullmax $ .00 Gun Bullmax $ .00 Auger Bullmax Grease Earth Bullmax Post Driver PLUS FREIGHT

995 $

795 795 1,5951,595 .00 BMPD-65-2 BMGG-18V-1.3 $ .00 .00

1195

BMEA-68-1

BMG-3000

Bullmax Compressor BMPD-65-2 +GST BMEA-68-1 Bullmax Generator +GST Portable petrol 385 FAD

Kohler 4-Stroke Petrol

349 BMG-3000

BMC-E-320

2195

.00 799 $ BMC-P-385

1295 Bullmax Compr

+GST Bullmax Compressor

Portable electric 320 FAD

899

BMC-P-385

.00

BMEA-52-2

+GST

Portable petrol 385 FAD

ShelterShed BMC-P-385 Shelter for: Calves, horses, sheep, lambs, alpacas Storage for: Hay, farm implements, bikes and more!

795 NEW

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

ShelterShed No Gates

BMG-3000

1,595 $ 2,995.00 BMC-E-320

+GST

BMC-P-3

KITSET + FREIGHT

ShelterShed Front Gate & Side Panel

3,995.00

(FHS401)

4,995.00

(FHS402)

+GST

KITSET + FREIGHT

ShelterShed 4x Panels & 1x Gate

+GST

Farmhand 12m Round Horse Pens

(FHS400)

KITSET + FREIGHT

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

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

PRICED FROM

3,990

.00 +GST

Optional ground spikes $15.00 each

479

.00 +GST

Daggers MateSheep Handler Daggers Mate Daggers Mate Sheep Handler Sheep Handler

Crutch and Weigh Combo Sheep Handler

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

• The best all round sheep handler in the market

PRICED FROM

10,995

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

Auto Weigh Auto Weigh Handler Auto Sheep Weigh Sheep Handler Sheep Handler • Fast and efficient weighing, drafting and dagging. • 3-way and 5-way drafting options • Made in New Zealand

INCLUDES

FREE HER

PRICED FROM

600mm GALLAG LOADBARS

19,995.00

VALUED AT .00 $

+GST

119ST5

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

Shee

18,495

.00 +GST

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

Sheep Weigh Crate/ Portable Sheep Ramp

Sheep Yard Weigh Crate Sheep Yard Panel

• Manual weighing and 3 way drafting -Sheeted Sheep Yard Panel • Alloy, lightweight, transportable • Mounts on to any existing -Sheeted loadbars

FROM

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

• Available 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 3m -Railedinand Sheeted Sheep Yard Panel • Heavy Duty 40x40mm RHS frame • Kitset easy pin and together system -Railed Sheeted

• Comes with 2 x 12V battery &Race 1 hour charger Sheep Gate

1,995

Portable Sheep +GST Loading Ramp

3 – wayPortable sheepSheep draft module Loading Ramp

panel for a variety of uses • Use for sheep/calves/goats

AVAILABLE AT FARMLANDS NATIONWIDE

FROM

.00

• 3m W x 1m H

Farmhand Sheep Panel yard • Quick, easy pin together

209

$Woolshed Lift.00 and Swing Gates+GST

179

Sheep Draft Module Woolshed Lift and Sheep Draft Module+GST V-Sides

WoolshedSheep/ Lift and Farmhand Swing Gates

Calf Ramp

479

.00

.00 EACH PANEL

Wool Fadge Holder

+GST

Adjustable Sides *4 panels for $699.00+gst

Gates Wool Fadge Holder WoolshedSwing Lift and Sheep Draft Wool Fadge Swing Gates Draft Module Sheep Draft Module Sheep Adjustable Sides V-Sides V-Sides Module Holder • 3-way draft • 3110mm L x 600mm W

1,795.00

+GST

695.00

+GST

2,695.00

+GST

195.00

+GST

Sheep V-Sid

Head Sheep Yard For The 150 Farm

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

• Includes adjustable sides draft module

4,995.00

11,795.00

+GST

260 Head Sheep Yard • Includes adjustable sides draft module

1450 Head Sheep Yard

S S

15,995.00

+GST

Descrip on FARMHAND FULLY SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 1.5M FARMHAND HALF RAIL/SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.0M FARMHAND FULLY SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.0M FARMHAND HALF RAIL/SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.5M FARMHAND FULLY SHEETED SHEEP PANEL 2.5M FARMHAND SHEEP MESH GATE SLIDING FARMHAND SHEEP GATE STANDARD 2.0M FARMHAND SHEEP GATE STANDARD 2.5M FARMQUIP SHEEP DRAFT MODULE ADJUSTABLE-SIDES S YARD PINS S FARMHAND SHEEP YARD U-BOW Total

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

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

NY004 FH013 FHSPOST FHSBF

$ 2,595.00 $ 15.00 $ 49.00 $ 79.00

• Includes adjustable sides draft module

+GST

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

YARD PINS FARMHAND SHEEP YARD U-BOW Total

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

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

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

NY004 FH013 FHSPOST FHSBF

$ 2,595.00 $ 15.00 $ 49.00 $ 79.00

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

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

31,295.00

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

+GST

Farming is easier with Farmquip 0800 132 767 www.woolaway.co.nz

Call Shane Brooker on 027 453 0070 for a free quote

Woolaway Construction have been designing and building woolsheds, covered yards and farm buildings for over 54 years. We are the experts in woolshed designs.

Woolsheds designed and installed NZ wide Call us for a free no obligation quote on 0800 132 767

Farmhand Round Hay Feeder

Farmhand Heavy Duty Round Feeder

• Large bale, 2m diameter • 15 head positions

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

Farmhand Lifestyler Farmhand Lifestyler Hay Feeder Hay Feeder

• Hangs on railed fence or gate • 467H x 454 W x 270 deep

AVAILABLE AT FARMLANDS NATIONWIDE

595.00

FREIGHT +GST PLUS

Farmhand Heavy Duty Round Feeder

695.00

Sheep/Calf Small Bale Cradle Feeder

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

595.00

+GST PLUS FREIGHT

FREIGHT +GST PLUS

895.00

+GST

PLUS FREIGHT

Large Square Bale Cradle Feeder

Farmhand Rectangular Hay Bale Feeder

• 2900L x 1500W x 1080 H

• Fits 2 large bales

$ PLUS FREIGHT

69.00

995.00

FREIGHT +GST PLUS

995.00

FREIGHT +GST PLUS

Promotional offers valid until 31st July 2020. Not to be used in conjunction with any other finance offers. See finance T&C’s for details. Many products shown are manufactured to order so standard Farmquip leadtimes and freight apply. Freight charged on all orders unless otherwise stipulated. Cattle yards pricing excludes concrete and site works. Stockman Yards must be ordered and deposit received before 31st July 2020 to qualify for free catwalk upgrade. Stockman Yards order must be over $20,000+gst to qualify for free catwalk upgrade. The value add gifts with Farmhand Yards purchase available for all orders over the value of $6,000.00. Expires 31st July 2020. Value add offers not available with any other promotional offer or financed terms.

DEANE POLYCOTTON SHORT OR LONG SLEEVE OVERALLS

PROCALF® BACKPACK 5L | 1006844

| 1024415, 1024604

329.00 SAVE

$76.95

49.95 SAVE

$20.00

FAR_09673

= Earn Choices Rewards Points on this product.

189.95

GALLAGHER S20 PORTABLE SOLAR FENCE ENERGIZER | 1020603

| 1011919, 1011918

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

Prices valid from 1st – 31st July 2020

X FENCE NETTING 8/90/30 OR 8/80/30 X 110M

SAVE

$27.00

279.95

SAVE

$129.00