Farmers Weekly NZ December 6 2021 by AgriHQ

28 New top man at B+LNZ Inc Vol 19 No 47, December 6, 2021

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Record payout forecast Gerald Piddock

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ONTERRA has lifted and narrowed its milk price forecast for this season from $7.90-$8.90/kg milksolids to $8.40-$9/kg MS after a solid start to the 2022 financial year. It has also revised its earnings guidance to 25-35 cents per share from 25-40c per share because of the higher milk price. Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the lift is good news and is an important boost to New Zealand communities. The midpoint of $8.70/kg MS would be a record and contribute more than $13.2 billion to the New Zealand economy. “It’s the result of consistent strong demand for dairy at a time of constrained global supply,” Hurrell said. “We’ve seen the impact of a number of events play out this first quarter. That includes the high price of feed in the US, which has seen milk production growth stall and a lower-than-expected supply picture in Europe.” He says they were well aware of the effects that rising input costs and inflationary pressures were having on farmers. “There’s no doubt that inflationary pressures are starting to be felt on a global basis and we see that and hear that every day on the farm. Our farmers’ costs are increasing,” he said. At this stage, he did not think it would have an adverse reaction to milk production. While Fonterra’s NZ milk supply was down 3% on this time last season, Hurrell says he was confident the co-operative

will meet its production forecast of 1525m kg MS collected. A 30% increase in whole milk powder prices helped Fonterra deliver an EBIT of $190 million for the three months ending October 31. While this was down $60m compared to the same time last year, the company was operating in a very different environment compared to 12 months ago. This was achieved at a time when input costs are significantly higher than the same period last year. Hurrell says there have been a number of factors at play in the first quarter. “We’re seeing stable sales volumes in our foodservice channel, but a milk price at these high levels has squeezed margins. Our Chilean business continues to improve but tightening margins and weaker local currency in other markets have impacted our consumer channel overall,” he said. “In our ingredients channel, we’re seeing margins in our longer-term pricing contracts return to more normal levels, which has helped push total group

There’s no doubt that inflationary pressures are starting to be felt on a global basis and we see that and hear that every day on the farm. Our farmers’ costs are increasing. Miles Hurrell Fonterra

BOOST: With a midpoint of $8.70/kg MS, Fonterra would contribute more than $13.2 billion to the New Zealand economy.

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for the rest of the season as supply remained constrained. Chief financial officer Marc Rivers says he was pleased how well margins had held up so far this season. “The key is what happens to all of the different components of the products across the portfolio,” Rivers said. At the same time last year, Fonterra was looking at a milk price of $6.80/kg MS and was giving an earnings guidance of 20-35c. “Now we’re sitting on a milk price of $8.70 and an earnings guidance of 25-35 (cents). We’re really pleased that the business has been able to hold up the

gross margin up from the last quarter last year. “We continue to see the benefit of our focus on financial discipline with lower interest expense, and operating expenditure down 2% on the same quarter last year.” Looking ahead, Hurrell says covid-19 continued to be a “watch out” for them as new strains became new unknowns. The ongoing uncertainties from whether economies can recover from covid-19 also helped shape Fonterra’s 60c milk price forecast range. While demand had softened slightly in China, it remained strong globally and Hurrell believed that would be the case

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margins, as well as we have in the context of a very high milk price,” he said. Fonterra has also appointed JP Morgan, UBS and Jarden as advisors for its review into its Chilean and Australian operations respectively. “In the meantime, both businesses – Chile and Australia – are doing very well,” he said. Hurrell also touched on the capital restructuring vote on December 9, saying he was confident shareholders will vote in favour of it. “We always said we wouldn’t take it to a vote unless we felt there was some momentum,” Hurrell said.

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Your guide to resource utilisation Good resource utilisation is all about having a plan to get the best out of your land. How can you make the most of your farm’s natural resources, while protecting what makes our country special? Every farm has unique characteristics, and that brings unique challenges as well as opportunities.

Realising your farm’s potential Farmers and growers in New Zealand are doing some incredible things to optimise their natural resources and protect them for generations to come. In this issue, we meet a Waikato dairy farmer who has taken his groundwater quality from ‘undrinkable’ to well-above drinking water standards in just ten years. His latest project is turning an unproductive paddock into a developing native wetland.

Focusing on better resource utilisation can help you look at your farm through a new lens. Planning the most efficient use of all areas of your farm has many benefits, from the obvious environmental benefits, through to better time efficiency, financial efficiency, and future proofing your business for the longer term.

4 ways to think about your natural resources Your impact Farming is about constant improvement, and we’re often too busy to look back. So it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what your farm looked like 10 years ago, and realise how far you’ve come, before you look ahead to the next 10 years.

Your tools Technology is making farming more effective and more efficient. The right tools can help you make cost-effective decisions and feel confident about the future to come.

Your time As a farmer, you wear many hats – scientist, engineer, environmentalist, HR manager, accountant, labourer, stock manager – the list goes on! Your time is a valuable resource, so it pays to consider where that time is best spent.

Your land Every farm is different. What are the unique challenges of your land, and how can they be turned into opportunities?

How can you use resources to their best potential? Johan van Ras runs 215 dairy cows on a family farm in the Waikato. He chats to Ballance Innovation Project Manager Christina Finlayson about how better resource utilisation has made a difference on his farm.

Why is resource utilisation important for you and your farm system? “Well, if you don’t know your numbers, how can you make changes? The biggest natural resource on our farm is our effluent. We invested in a monitoring system for effluent, and using that data, I could see I didn’t need to put nitrogen on pasture receiving effluent for another few months. Once you know your levels and volumes, you can match your fertiliser inputs to what you’re already putting on. That’s narrowed our fertiliser usage right down. Nitrogen loss and phosphate loss is going down, too. And with the water monitoring we’ve done, we can see that water quality wasn’t the greatest back in 2010, but it’s brilliant now! Well above drinking water standard.”

So you always try to make data-driven decisions? “Yeah, that’s the only way you know you’re making a difference – when you can compare the before and after. A tool that I have used is MitAgator and I think it is under-utilised nationwide! It means you can demonstrate the impact that key changes will have on your freshwater footprint – whether you’ve already made those changes, or they’re still in the planning stage. With MitAgator we could compare a range of options – the environmental impact and cost that they’ll have – and then make decisions that were best for us and our farm, rather than generic.”

Tell us about the mitigation strategies you’ve implemented.

Johan van Ras Christina Finlayson

Often we think retiring paddocks means losing productivity – how has this impacted you and your farm? “The riparian block hasn’t affected productivity one bit. It wasn’t a high performing area. If anything, it has improved the paddocks around it. We soil test every year to check things are on track. But productivity or not, it’s just the right thing to do.”

How has your FEP helped you use your resources to their best potential? “Having an FEP is a great benchmark of where you’re at. We dug a bit deeper and used MitAgator to help us as well. Regulations are important, but the wider picture is to work your farm in a more sustainable and efficient way over time. It should never be about ticking boxes, it provides a real opportunity to think strategically about your farm and where you want it to be. Your FEP is a living document - It’s about constant improvement.”

What do you see as being the greatest opportunities for the future of farming in NZ? “A lot of people are doing fantastic stuff already, so the potential to add to that is really exciting. There are incredible stories like the Pomahaka Catchment Group in the South Island – the way the whole community has come together to improve their local river – they should be the benchmark for us all. And once you’ve got all of us working together like that, how far could we go? Farmers can be a bit isolated to our own industry, but we’re all in this together, and we can really bring customers along on our sustainable farming journey too.”

“We made the decision to retire a 4 ½ ha block of land out the back, where it was always really wet and had poorer pasture production. We could have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars draining it, but MitAgator showed us it made sense to retire it and turn it into a native wetland. Regional Council and the Billion Trees Fund helped fund the planting. In the future it will be a huge asset of biodiversity. The other big difference we’ve made is around effluent management. Putting those measurement tools in place has given us better control of our fertiliser inputs. We’ve not only saved money, we’ve seen decent reductions in N and P losses as well.”

Ballance with Nature Making it easy for you to care for and protect your natural resources. If the natural world is healthy, so too are the people. Taiao ora, Tangata ora.

Over the coming months, we’ll be meeting farmers all across the country, celebrating success stories and sharing ideas. Scan the QR code to find out more about resource utilisation.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Wool merger wraps up, chair named Staff reporter PRIMARY Wool Co-operative (PWC) and Wools of New Zealand Ltd (WNZ) have completed the merger of operations between PWCowned CP Wool (CPW) and WNZ with the merged entity now commencing trading. Northland sheep and beef farmer James Parsons has been appointed chair of the new organisation called Wools of New Zealand LP. Richard Young, Craig Hickson, Hamish de Lautour, Rebecca Smith, William Oliver and Ian Marshall have also been appointed directors, and John McWhirter is the chief executive of the new entity. WNZ and PWC voting shareholders overwhelmingly supported the merger of WNZ and CPW operations in votes last month. The new entity transacts over $80 million, has

APPOINTED: Northland farmer James Parsons has been appointed chair of the new organisation called Wools of New Zealand LP.

more than 80 staff, nine wool stores, a carpet manufacturing partner, a NZ carpet distribution warehouse, over 120 carpet retail store partners in NZ, a UK office, many offshore customers, a strong wellrecognised Wools of NZ Fernmark brand and nearly 4000 grower suppliers. “The completion of this transaction was a distant concept 14 months ago and naturally we are delighted to have reached this milestone,” Parsons said. “The extra scale will help fast track our strategy to capture more value for our grower shareholders. “The strategy is not complex. We started on a journey in July this year, selling branded woollen products at significantly better margins than transacting raw wool as an ingredient at unsustainable prices. Our focus is now to ramp up the branded consumer product sales, drive operational excellence into the new business and really connect with our growers and customers. “We now have one organisation with the necessary strength and scale to make a real difference to New Zealand’s struggling wool industry. Wools of New Zealand LP coordinates an integrated value chain from the grower through to the consumer. We can better meet consumer needs with carpet that doesn’t cost the earth.” The new entity transacts approximately one third of NZ’s wool clip as well as exporting WNZ-branded wool and domestic and export branded carpet sales.

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RIPPLE EFFECT: Both Ravensdown and Ballance Agri-nutrients announced new prices for its fertiliser products, as demand and short supply sees prices soar.

Superphosphate price cap is only temporary Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz A TIGHT global supply of superphosphate has led to Ravensdown capping its price of this fertiliser product at $367 a tonne until May 31. Ravensdown general manager of sales and marketing Gary Bowick informed its customers of the new cap in an email, saying it was seeing unprecedented changes across the globe that are impacting supply and pricing. “While we are currently in a good stock position on mainline products, the supply environment globally is under strain. With the northern hemisphere’s spring demand still yet to kick in, international supply is complicated by the high price of natural gas and countries restricting fertiliser exports. With strong international prices for

food, demand for fertiliser even at elevated prices is expected to remain,” Bowick said. Ravensdown along with Ballance Agri-nutrients also announced new prices for its other fertiliser products, which came into effect on December 2. Urea prices lifted from $9501190/t across both companies. Ravensdown lifted DAP prices from $1120-$1320, potash jumped from $898-$995 and granular ammonium sulphate has moved from $544-$662. At Ballance, SustaiN jumped from $999-$1239/t, muriate of potash $910-$1000/t and sulphate of ammonia $569-$602/t. Ballance general manager of sales Jason Minkhorst says pricing and supply of fertiliser was being impacted by very high demand and constrained supply due to extraordinarily high energy prices and China limiting exports.

“For example, in a recent large Pakistan tender there were no responses from global suppliers, which raises serious worries about food security in that part of the world. We are working hard to manage the surety of supply through our long-term relationships, but supply is tight,” Minkhorst said. “We have absorbed as much as possible during this spring by delaying pricing increases as long as possible. Unfortunately, we cannot delay any further.” Minkhorst says that with the market moving on price and the balancing act it was managing with material shipping delays, it did not have enough supply in certain lines to meet the potential swing in market demand. “As a result we must move prices to be in line with global pricing to ensure we have stock available,” he said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Better options than ETS backstop Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz TARGETED engagement meetings with Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) farmer councillors and Māori farmers for guidance on what needs to be further developed around proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) pricing options are under way. Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership – He Waka Eke Noa recently released a discussion document outlining two options for an alternative GHG emissions pricing framework to bringing agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). One of those is a farm-based levy, the other is a processor-level levy. The ETS backstop would also involve processors, but is very different to the hybrid option.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the other He Waka Eke Noa partners are currently undertaking targeted engagement to get guidance on what needs to be developed further in the proposals. Sam McIvor B+LNZ Meat Industry Processor Working Group chair Grant Bunting says it is important farmers understand the distinction between the two. He says the ETS backstop, which is a legislated fallback position if the primary sector cannot come up with an emissions pricing approach that receives Government support, requires

processors to calculate emissions relative to the number of livestock they process. Processors would submit under the ETS and pay a tax calculated from the total tonnes of all livestock processed multiplied by an emission factor and the current NZ unit, which corresponds to one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. It is expected that processors would seek to recover that tax from farmers. He says that system would potentially have a lesser impact initially because of a 95% discount on agriculture emissions, but that discount will likely decrease over time. Under the backstop there would be no visibility as to where tax collected is applied and no reward for farmers for on-farm mitigations, unless they involve sequestration from forests registered under the ETS. The ETS does not recognise the split-gas approach and the backstop option only captures farmers who farm for slaughter. Bunting says the processorlevel hybrid levy, which takes a split-gas approach, requires less investment to set up and administer as processors would facilitate the levy transaction through kill sheet deductions. A yet to be determined party would calculate emission charges. He says under this levy mitigation and sequestration activities would be recognised by an emission management contract and result in a rebate. However, administration of those contracts would require additional investment. No rates or pricing have been set at this stage, but there is greater opportunity for industry to influence pricing compared to the backstop, along with where those funds are applied. The hybrid option would also only capture farmers who farm for slaughter raising concerns as

DIFFERENT: Meat Industry Processor Working Group chair Grant Bunting says it is important farmers understand the distinction between the processor-level hybrid option and the ETS backstop.

to the equality across all farming systems The other option is a farm-level levy, which would also take a split-gas approach and appears to be favoured by those consulted to date as it offers farmers greater ownership of actions Bunting says that option would need investment to set up and administer the system, which would involve farmers calculating taxable emissions relative to their farming system or practice. The investment was consistent with the He Waka Eke Noa objective of reducing total on-farm emissions. He says this option has potential for on-farm mitigation and sequestration to be recognised through the tax being calculated as: A (methane) plus B (nitrous

oxide) minus C (mitigation or sequestration). Rates or pricing for this option are yet to be set but there is greater opportunity than the ETS backstop for industry to influence both pricing and where funds are applied. He says this is the most equitable option for all farmers, breeders and finishers. B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says the detail in the options is not a done deal. “Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the other He Waka Eke Noa partners are currently undertaking targeted engagement to get guidance on what needs to be developed further in the proposals. In B+LNZ’s case, that includes meeting with the likes of

our farmer councillors and Māori farmers who are significantly negatively impacted by the government’s ETS proposal,” McIvor said. He says feedback from those meetings will inform what goes out for full consultation in January and February. Information will be sent to farmers and growers in January and B+LNZ is working with DairyNZ and Federated Farmers to provide a nationwide roadshow in February to answer questions and give attendees the opportunity to provide feedback. Farmers and growers will also be able to provide feedback online. He Waka Eke Noa is due to report back to the Government in late April.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

RSE workers flow through for summer Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz WITH record crop volumes anticipated this summer for pip and summer fruit, the industry is welcoming the timely arrival of the first Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) staff in two years from Tonga, Vanuatu and Samoa. Summerfruit New Zealand chief executive Kate Hellstrom says multiple flights with workers on board have already arrived, with passage made simpler thanks to one-way quarantine-free travel here being approved by the Government in September.

The concern is more later in the season, when students go back to university, we will have a gap and that is a real concern with so much fruit still to harvest then. Kate Hellstrom Summerfruit NZ Workers are only required to be vaccinated and undertake day zero and day five tests, and complete a self-isolation period of seven days. “Speaking with employees, they say it has been an immense relief to have these staff arrive. It comes when we have only a few

backpackers remaining in the country, but they are also able to work with their working holiday visas now being extended,” Hellstrom said. Estimates are there are about 10,000 backpackers still in NZ, and about 7000 of the RSE workers have already arrived. Hellstrom says this year’s cap of 14,400 looked like it would be filled this year. “The capacity to take workers varies between orchards, but in general people are saying things are looking okay over DecemberJanuary, even if they are not completely staffed,” she said. The summerfruit sector has been at pains to try and recruit more student staff through summer via its PickNZ.co.nz website, with a focus on getting locals working in the sector. “The concern is more later in the season, when students go back to university, we will have a gap and that is a real concern with so much fruit still to harvest then,” she said. In the pipfruit sector, growers are crossing their fingers they will not witness any major crop losses after last year’s devastating Boxing Day hailstorm in the Nelson region took the top off what would have been a near record crop. Prior to the storm, estimates were for a 540,000-tonne export crop, which later was reduced to 500,000t, with labour shortages also attributed to fruit being left on trees. Pipfruit NZ RSE manager Emma Sherwood says indications are this year’s crop will be a record-setter,

SHORT SUPPLY: Despite a good flow of RSE workers, Summerfruit NZ chief executive Kate Hellstrom says labour supply after January was expected to be very tight.

barring any major weather losses occurring again. She says the 7000 RSE staff already in NZ now was a number similar to the past for this time of year and arrivals were flowing well into orchards throughout the sector. “We are expecting some more big numbers of workers to come in the first quarter next year as harvest starts,” Sherwood said. Nevertheless, like all parts of the primary sector, pipfruit remained “grossly” short of staff. For NZ growers the competition

for RSE workers has also intensified thanks to Australia entering the market and not having a cap on worker numbers. “So, we do see a number of staff applying for both countries now,” she said. However, she says ties between NZ growers and their long-term RSE staff is strong, with many growers helping their staff villages with amenities over the years. Other RSE countries still to open up include Fiji and the Solomons, with covid restrictions and infections prohibiting their

arrival so far. While RSE workers are required to be vaccinated, sector heads are still determining what expectations will be for locals over the season. Hellstrom says employers are looking at how best to protect staff, in anticipation of covid arriving in most areas in coming months. “We will be following stringent protocols to keep staff safe and to keep it out of processing plants so production does not have to be stopped,” Hellstrom said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Record price at southern ram sale Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE highest price paid for a Suffolk ram at auction in New Zealand was $16,500 for Collie Hills 242/20 at the Canterbury A&P Elite Ram and Ewe Sale, Christchurch, last week. Vendors Eric Ross and Wade Newlands, Hakataramea, topped the elite ram fair for the third year in a row and were happy with their average when two further rams fetched $6400 and $4300. The purchaser who set the record price was Annabel Tripp of Snowdown Station, Lake Coleridge.

With buoyant sheepmeat prices and good spring moisture there is positive sentiment in the sheep industry and despite offering more rams this year, we enjoyed a very strong clearance of rams. David Giddings From Colie Hills 242/20 was 75kg at 200 days, was number one in SIL for the stud and scanned with eye muscle area of 27.6 cubic centimetres. Suffolks had the largest section among 140 entries drawn from 14 sheep breeds. Second-top price was $9000 paid for Dry Creek 79/20, bred by Anton Gibson, Middlemarch. Dorset Down rams reached $6000 for Belview 475/20 from the Dodds family, Oamaru, who also sold at $4000. Glasnevin Dorset Downs, Helen Lang, Amberley, received $5500 for her ram 74/20. Southdown rams reached $5700 for Willowhaugh 152/20, Ian and Christina Jordan, Blenheim. Vendor Brent Macaulay, Lincoln, made $4800 for Southdown Maclaka 6/20.

The Edgecombe family at Rolleston sold Maple Texel 20283/20 for $4500. The highest price made for a Romney ram was $3500 by Chrome Hills 5/20 from the Irvines, Nelson. In both Corriedales and Border Leicesters the top was $2500 for vendors the Wilson family, Christchurch and the Westmere Farming, Ashburton, respectively. In on-farm ram sales in Canterbury, Rangiatea Beltex, Blair and Sara Gallagher, Mt Somers, had a top price of $11,500 for a purebred two-tooth, paid by Jeff Hall, Wairoa Farm. The average for the 14 purebred rams sold was $5500, for the 29 Beltex-Suffolks it was $1285, for the 34 Beltex-Texels $1035 and for the 10 Beltex-Cheviots $1225. The Gallaghers said the sale was strong and consistent and attracted buyers from all over the country. At nearby Meadowslea Genetics Fairlie, the Giddings family had the largest single-vendor, on-farm sale, selling 300 rams out of 324 offered for an average price of just under $1500. Top price was $3300 paid twice for the Romneys in lots 1 and 2 by Tim Cameron, Curnow, and Rodney Ruxton, Outram. The average paid for Romney rams was $1600 through the Helmsman system running on the Giddings’ own YourBid electronic platform. Over 2000 bids were placed during the day by on-farm and remote bidders. Over 100 registered buyers participated in the sale, with rams transported as far south as Tuatapere and as far north as southern Hawke’s Bay. David Giddings said threequarters of bidders registered before the sale, giving him a chance to talk over their requirements. “With buoyant sheepmeat prices and good spring moisture there is positive sentiment in the sheep industry and despite offering more rams this year, we enjoyed a very strong clearance of rams,” Giddings said. Texel-Romney rams sold out, as did 88 black-faced Kelso

FRONT ROW: The Rangiatea Beltex rams averaged $5500 and had a highest price of $11,500 for the Gallaghers at Mt Somers.

SELECTION: A pen of Romney rams at the Giddings sale, Fairlie, from which the top price of $3300 was made twice.

Terminals, with a top price of $3200. The Romdale, Perendale-TexelRomney, Romney-Texel, KelsoRomney and Kelso Maternal breeds also sold strongly. Merrydowns Romneys and Southdowns sold 180 rams from 213 offered and had a top price

of $9500 for the Southdowns and $4800 for the Romneys. Another Southdown ram made $6500 for vendors Blair and Sally Roberston of Gore. Their average price achieved across both breeds was $1678, slightly ahead of previous years. Glendhu Dorset Down 13/20

made $7800 for vendors Fraser Fletcher and Susie Burrows of Heriot. They sold 60 Coopworth and Dorset Down rams in a combined sale with Ashaig Farm Coopworths, George and Elaine Fletcher, Cromwell, who had a top price of $4000 among 40 sold.

AGMARDT seeks the sector’s input Staff reporter

FOCUS: AGMARDT general manager Lee-Ann Marsh says a core focus of the survey is identifying barriers to innovation.

THE Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT) is partnering with Colmar Brunton in a survey to better understand the opportunities and challenges of the food and fibres sector in New Zealand. AGMARDT general manager Lee-Ann Marsh says a core focus of the survey is identifying barriers to innovation. “Our whole mission at AGMARDT is to support and develop new thinkers, innovative initiatives and emerging leaders

who will help shape a positive future for the food and fibres sector,” Marsh said. “We want to better understand what it’s like out there, what is the experience of those considering and seeking funding and what we can do as a funding organisation to enhance our support for innovators and leaders across the sector.” AGMARDT is inviting both past and prospective funding applicants to participate in the 10-minute survey. “We’d particularly love to hear from anyone who may be thinking about an idea or innovation or undertaking leadership

development, but hasn’t applied for AGMARDT funding in the past. Your input will be extremely valuable. We thank you in advance for your time,” she said. The survey runs between December 2 and December 9. You can complete it here: bit.ly/ agmardtsurvey For every survey completed, AGMARDT will make a small donation to the Rural Support Trust. Marsh says there will also be a second phase of the project in the new year, surveying industry influencers who advise and mentor innovators and leaders.

We’d particularly love to hear from anyone who may be thinking about an idea or innovation or undertaking leadership development, but hasn’t applied for AGMARDT funding in the past. Lee-Ann Marsh AGMARDT

News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Plant-based protein market struggling Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz GLOBAL plant-protein manufacturers are struggling to meet sales targets due to consumer reticence, production issues and fallout from covid. In Beyond Meat’s largest market, the US, retail sales of its plant protein meat products fell 16% in the fiscal quarter to October, while global sales grew much slower than forecast. It reported a loss for the quarter of $78.25 million, considerably greater than the $27.5m loss for the comparable quarter a year earlier. Canada’s Greenleaf Foods produce plant-based applications of cheese, tempeh, hot dogs, sausages, roasts, loaves, deli slices and burgers, but sales for the third quarter of this year flattened to $54.36m compared to $58.2m a year earlier. Production and distribution problems hit the financial performance of Swedish oat milk producer Oatly despite sales growing 55%. For the first nine months of this year, it lost $147m compared to a loss of $11.3m in the same period last year. Chris DuBois, senior vice president of business analyst IRI, told Food Business News the decline of global sales was significant and could force some companies to fail.

He identified three reasons: products not meeting consumers’ perception of what is clean; the absence of proof their products are more sustainable than conventional meat products; and competition. “When you look at the ingredient list of a McDonald’s burger, like a quarter pounder or Big Mac, it’s phenomenally simpler, it reads a lot simpler than traditional plant-based meats,” DuBois said. There is a lack of information available about a product’s carbon footprint. “There is a halo there, but I can’t tell you if it’s true,” he said.

We expect new alternative products for chicken, for example nuggets, and seafood, but also expect products to be added in the frozen department. Rabobank “I, personally, have not seen it measured yet.” Beyond Meats chief executive Ethan Brown told the same news site the slide in US retail sales was due to consumers making fewer

DOWN BUT NOT OUT: Plant-based meat producers have seen a decline in profits, which could be attributed to the lack of ingredients transparency, dwindling consumer interest and covid disruptions.

shopping trips, an unwillingness to try new products, less consumer interest, fewer in-store sampling events due to covid and labour issues affecting retail restocking. It has lowered its sales guidance for the current quarter, a move that has proven unpopular with investors, its share price falling from $US221 a share in January to about $US100 in early November. Maple Leaf Foods president and chief executive Michael H. McCain told Food Business News his greatest concern is that the category’s performance has “flatlined”. He is “going right back to square one with the consumer to fully understand what has changed, if anything, and why”. Its share price has fallen 60% since listing in the US in May and it fell 20% alone in the week following its sale forecasts. Rabobank’s latest report on animal protein predicts

alternative meat protein sales to grow strongly through 2022 and for the sector to continue appealing to investors. “We expect new alternative products for chicken, for example nuggets, and seafood, but also expect products to be added in the frozen department,” the report said. “Innovation will continue to swap out animal-based for plantbased ingredients in processed products.” Earlier this year the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) estimated the alternative meat, eggs, dairy and seafood market would be worth $417 billion by 2035, as production grows over the next 14 years from 13 million tonnes to 97m t. BCG managing director Benjamin Morach says measured another way, one in 10 portions of eggs, meat, dairy and seafood eaten around the world in 2035 would be made from

alternative proteins. Morach predicts Europe and North America will reach “peak meat” by 2025 when animal protein consumption will start declining, provided alternative proteins taste and feel like animal proteins. Allied Market Research disputes that forecast, predicting the market for animal protein will expand from $64.5b in 2019 to $86b in 2027 due to demand for nutritional and functional proteins and growth from untapped markets. DuBois believes plant-based alternative meat sales will remain niche, peaking at 2% of retail meat sales, which will force companies to restructure. “If they simplify the ingredient list it may be one or two percentage points higher,” DuBois said. “We’re going to find out which brands have built the right to be in the case.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Meat, dairy still preferred protein Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz RED meat and milk exporters appear to have fended off the first wave of competition from alternative protein manufacturers, which are losing money and struggling to make market gains. While not dismissing the long-term threat, exporters note plant-based alternative protein products are being heavily discounted and repositioned to less favourable places on retail shelves, especially in the US. Financial losses are mounting as manufacturers struggle to hit sales targets and share prices plummet, but observers say the covid pandemic has encouraged consumers to flock to natural, nutritious food such as red meat instead of highly processed products. The Financial Times recently reported that in September US sales of plant-based meat alternatives fell 1.8% compared to the year before, taking the decline in sales for 2021 to 0.6%. Primary sector commentator Rosie Bosworth says the animal farming industry should not be dismissive as new technology, social and government trends will disrupt the meat market. Co-founder of industry strategist Boma Global, Kaila Colbin, says the sector correction followed a typical business cycle for a new, growing industry. “It is not a sign of disaster,” Colbin said. Beef + Lamb NZ’s global manager Michael Wan says US restaurant sales of meat substitutes fell more than 23% in the last year and products are being repositioned in stores because of them not selling as well. “They’re shifting to the ends of the shelf or into the frozen aisle,” Wan said. Beef remains the best-selling meat in the US, with sales increasing by a quarter year-onyear to reach $30 billion last year. Research by the Food Marketing Institute found three-quarters of Americans see meat as part

ACKNOWLEDGE: New Zealand exporters are not dismissing the long-term threat from plant-based alternative protein products.

In the wake of covid-19, consumers have sought out foods that are better for them, are higher-quality and provide better health and wellbeing outcomes. Michael Wan B+LNZ of a healthy, balanced diet and 94% buy it to source high-quality protein. “Many Americans still see meat as a healthy protein,” he said. Wan says global demand for NZ grass-fed beef and lamb continues to rise as people cook more at home, their confidence emboldened having been locked down due to the covid-19 pandemic. “Plant-based options are highly

processed with a long ingredient list,” he said. He says B+LNZ has leveraged this opportunity through its Taste Pure Nature marketing programme, to educate consumers on the benefits and differences of NZ’s quality, healthy, grass-fed beef and lamb. Alliance Group sales manager Shane Kingston says the growth of sales in alternative protein has slowed and are discounted. “In some countries this has resulted in a saturated marketplace for alternative proteins,” Kingston said. He says that unlike animal meat, there has also been a small decline in the price per volume for plant-based substitutes and more of these products are sold on promotion. “In markets such as the US, we are seeing strong demand for natural grass-fed beef and lamb,” he said. Bosworth says the growth of precision fermentation technology could make alternative protein more palatable

THE BEST PART OF

and a significant competing food ingredient because it does not require consumer education to the same degree as plant-based burgers or milk. General Mills has announced it is experimenting with cream cheese made from animal-free whey protein. Precision fermentation programmes microorganisms to enable the growth of complex organic molecules such as protein. Accepting there has been plenty of hype with alternative protein, Bosworth says there are indisputable global trends. Younger people are eating less meat and government climate change policies will reduce animal protein consumption. Multinational corporations are investing in alternative protein businesses to broaden the range of products offered and avoid supply chain issues. Unlike animal protein, alternative proteins can be produced adjacent to their market.

“We need to be careful, this could be a fool’s paradise,” Bosworth said. “We may be having a golden year and we may be the best in the world at what we do, but will it be enough in the face of all these market forces, technology forces and government forces?” Colbin says the manufacturing cost of alternative proteins will reduce and pressure for food that is sustainable and climatefriendly will only increase. Similarly, alternative protein will get better at mimicking the texture and taste of animal meat. “These products will only get better,” she said. “This is software meat. It can be changed very rapidly.” While there is no sign demand for animal products will disappear any time soon, she urges the NZ sectors to carve their own market niche, creating a NZ brand based on well-known attributes. “That’s a winning strategy regardless of what happens with alternative protein,” she said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

GlobalHQ wins guild awards Staff reporter THE editorial team at Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer claimed multiple awards at this year’s New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators (NZGAJC) awards recognising top talent in the country’s rural media. The Federated Farmers rural photography award went to Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer contributing photographer Natasha Chadwick for her dramatic photo of shearing champion Megan Whitehead, moments after she claimed the nine-hour lamb shearing record. Chadwick, who is based in Tapanui, West Otago, said the photo opportunity came moments before Whitehead headed backstage to shower and change. “I wanted to catch her in that moment, as she was, and managed to convince her to stay for the photo, I am glad I did,” Chadwick said. Bay of Plenty based Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer contributor Richard Rennie was awarded the Ko Tatou This is Us

Biosecurity Journalism award for two articles he wrote. One covered research work on the use of native fungi to deal with wilding pine infestations.The other examined the value of pest reduction to improve NZ’s carbon sequestration in native forests, a practice that could help capture as much as 60% of annual vehicle emissions. Rennie said the article explored the alternatives to the usual ‘plant more trees’ approach to carbon sequestration, by highlighting the advantages in saving more of the ones the country already had. He also claimed the TUANZ Rural Connectivity award for two articles; one on conflict around 5G connections that appeared in Farmers Weekly, and the other on the use of Halter collar technology for managing a dairy farm, the first commercial farm to employ the tech. This piece was published in the Dairy Farmer. “The highlight of the technology was not so much the tech itself, which is remarkable, but the impact it had on the farming couple, who had taken to it so well later in their farming careers, on

WINNING TEAM: GlobalHQ editorial team award winners Neal Wallace, Richard Rennie and Natasha Chadwick, and Farmers Weekly editor Bryan Gibson.

I wanted to catch her in that moment, as she was, and managed to convince her to stay for the photo, I am glad I did. Natasha Chadwick Natwick how they ran their farm and how they could now live their lives beyond the farm thanks to the tech,” Rennie said. Long-time Otago based

journalist Neal Wallace collected the Beef + Lamb NZ Hard News award for two articles exploring the impact of covid-19 on global meat markets, and processing companies’ responses to it. “In the past meat companies have been criticised about how they approached markets, but one of these pieces highlighted how they had responded so quickly to some major changes in consumer behaviour, shifting focus to more online sales and with that the changes in types of cuts and cooking methods,” Wallace said. Wallace was also appointed president of the guild, with Jackie Harrigan of Farm Life Media stepping down after two years.

Dean Williamson, owner of GlobalHQ and publisher of Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer said it was a resounding affirmation for the GlobalHQ team to receive the recognition they had from their peers. “Now more than ever farmers and the industry need to have access to unbiased, informed news that covers the good, the bad and the ugly,” Williamson said. “The team at GlobalHQ are leading lights in the rural news sector. Every editorial meeting I attend I come away reminded once again about the depth of talent and passion this team brings to what they do, every day, every issue.”

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Campaign hits the ground running thriving NZ wool industry again is by working together.” Biggs says the trick is to line up all the activity at the same time using a diverse range of marketing channels.

Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz STRATEGY is turning into action for Campaign for Wool New Zealand (CFWNZ), but there’s concern over losing land to grow its product. As CFWNZ’s activity garners industry support, chair Tom O’Sullivan fears for the meat and wool industry’s future if good productive land continues to be turned into pine trees. After the successful launch of its strategy in September, CFWNZ has begun the first round of its “live naturally, choose wool” consumer campaign. With advertising across television, OnDemand, radio, print and digital, as well as consumer PR and a new website launching mid-December, CFWNZ has wasted no time getting their activity started. “It’s very exciting to see our strategy turn into action so fast,” O’Sullivan said. “This agility means we can start turning the dial more quickly. “But I fear the repercussions of terrible government policy will have seriously negative impacts on the future of NZ and indeed the wool industry. He cited a significant Hawke’s Bay breeding and finishing property under contract to a foreign buyer and destined for pine trees. “This is a similar case for so many other beautiful productive farming properties in NZ at present,” he said. “After being farmed as a productive pastoral property for so many decades, its move to trees will be one that will never be reversed and it will be lost to farming forever.” O’Sullivan says his issue is not with real estate or vendors, but with government policy allowing this to happen. “I understand it has been brought by a foreign-owned

Not only are we in full support of the work they are doing, we are also actively collaborating with them by sharing information and insights, and vice versa. Craig Smith NCNZWI

AT RISK: CFWNZ chair Tom O’Sullivan says a revitalised wool sector is at risk if government policy continues to allow the sale of good productive farmland to foreign buyers to grow pine trees.

company, without any requirement for assessment by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO),” he said. “The market is the market, but the policy needs a rethink. “Land ownership versus forestry needs to be flagged and I put my hand up to that. “There’s no eco-metrics on productivity, employment and meat and wool production versus 25 years of life in a pine forest.” As the wool industry gets back on its feet the risk of good productive land to sustain the revived strong wool sector is of concern. “Sheep farming is a big player in the NZ economy and the issue is about good productive land going to pine trees under inconsistent

government policy that doesn’t make any sense in the bigger picture of the NZ economy,” he said. In the meantime, CFWNZ is focused on delivering what O’Sullivan describes as bullish plans. Recently appointed campaign manager Linda Calder will work alongside O’Sullivan and strategic consultant Kara Biggs to head up the campaign strategy as it gathers momentum. Collaboration will be vital to bring partners and stakeholders onboard. “This is just the beginning; we have already completed a longerterm strategy for global rollout,” he said. “We know it’s the overseas

markets where the really big wins will happen.” Early in 2022 the team will be out in the community engaging with industry partners, manufacturers and retailers to share the full plans. “Collaboration is vital as not only are we seeking buyin and engagement from our stakeholders, we also know our partners have personal insights, wisdom and knowledge to share with us too,” he said. “We need the right people, with the right skills and a fair bit of lateral thinking. “We need to be accountable and objectively show progress with metrics in our research with data results. “The only way we will have a

“This means the message to ‘choose wool’ becomes heavily embedded in the minds of consumers when they are making purchasing decisions,” Biggs said. “NZ acts as a strong test market before more activity is rolled out globally.” Although the activity is aimed at consumers across the country, it is also turning heads in the industry. The National Council of NZ Wool Interests (NCNZWI) is in support. “It’s time for action and the CFWNZ is getting it done,” NCNZWI chair Craig Smith said. “Not only are we in full support of the work they are doing, we are also actively collaborating with them by sharing information and insights, and vice versa. “At the end of the day, the wool industry working together is the only way we can truly make change,” Smith said. The vision for CFWNZ is for every bale of NZ wool to be made into profitable, sustainable wool products to be sold at a premium price to people who care about the future of the planet.

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16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

$8 milk this season and next Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz ANZ Research has increased its farm gate milk price forecast by 60c to $8.80/kg milksolids and begun forecasting for next season at $8. Agricultural economist Susan Kilsby says at this time in the current season milk price certainty improved because more than half the seasonal output had been sold and foreign exchange transactions had been hedged.

Farmgate milk prices

Source: Fonterra, ANZ Research

Using market prices and exchange rates in a matrix, she says dairy commodity prices would need to drop about 20% to pull the payout back under $8. “(Indeed), we have allowed for some softening of prices in our current forecast ($8.80),” Kilsby said. Next season was also expected to deliver an above-average milk price and while $8 might not be as strong as this season, it was a very high level. Modest rates of growth in milk

supply in the major exporting countries were keeping prices high and, in some countries, where stronger growth is expected, like India, Russia, Pakistan and China, domestic markets will take the increases. But the United States situation was one to keep watch on, where very high grain prices were keeping milk growth in check. “Grain costs could change next season and it is possible we may see a surge in milk supply, which would put downward pressure on prices,” she said. Demand for dairy has remained robust through the pandemic and China has been a strong presence, but economic activity is starting to wind back in that region. “Should Chinese consumer confidence be dented then we could see a reduction in demand for dairy produce, which would quickly flow through to lower prices,” she said. “At this point we don’t expect that to occur, but we have factored in some easing of commodity prices into our 202223 forecast of $8.” Other milk price forecasters range from $8.90-$8.75 for the 2022 season, at the top end of Fonterra’s forecast range of $7.90$8.90.

PLAN: Trade Minister Damien O’Connor had travelled to Geneva to push for better rules for agriculture.

WTO talks postponed due to Omicron Eric Frykberg THE World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks in Geneva have been postponed because of the new covid variant Omicron. It would have been the first WTO ministerial meeting in four years and was due to start last week. But travel restrictions would have meant delegates from countries like South Africa would not have been able to attend. South Africa was at the forefront of the campaign to reduce intellectual property (IP) costs for anti-covid drugs to

make them more affordable for poorer countries. This dispute was expected to dominate the meeting and push aside New Zealand’s desires for less government assistance to farmers in other countries, such as the United States. Trade Minister Damien O’Connor had travelled to Geneva to push for better rules for agriculture, but will not get a chance to even make an attempt for any improvement. Another NZ concern, ending subsidised fishing, was far closer to agreement but it too will now have to wait.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

B+LNZ’s Gen Next heads North Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz BEEF + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Generation Next programme is heading to the North Island. Initially piloted in the South Island, the Generation Next programme offers young sheep and beef farmers aspiring to take a leadership role in the red meat industry the opportunity to develop their management skills. Following its success in the south, B+LNZ national extension manager Olivia Weatherburn says farmers in the North Island have been asking for the programme to become available. “The programme has proven its positive impact on participants year on year, so we are really pleased to offer this form of personal development for our next generation of leaders in sheep and beef in the North,” Weatherburn said. The programme, targeting the next generation of farmers and industry leaders, is designed for practical farmers enabling them to learn technical skills while widening their network.

Its purpose is to ensure the younger profile of the industry have an equal voice without the influence from more established industry voices, providing NZ’s next generation of farmers with an opportunity to build their farm business management skills. The goal is to maintain those already within the sheep and beef industry and allow them to be valuable assets. The programme delivers three workshops and one online webinar over either a four or six-month period, depending on the region. The three modules enable participants to develop skills across a variety of farm business aspects, including understanding farm financial management, utilising technologies, animal breeding and genetics and developing quality decision-making skills. “Each location’s intake is limited to 20 participants, so I highly encourage you to apply now if you are wanting to step up in your farming career,” she said. The programme is held

DEMAND: Following its success in the south, farmers in the North Island have been asking for the programme to become available.

over six months every year, with participants getting together every three months for workshops. Applications are now open for the first intake of 2022 for the Western North Island and Eastern North Island wards.

To find an application form visit the B+LNZ website or contact your local extension manager. Applications for the North Island programmes should be sent to renee.cummins@ beeflambnz.com The South Island 2022 intake opens in February next year, but applicants can register their interest now by emailing Olivia.Weatherburn@beeflambnz.coM

New Zealand to host Asia Pacific Seed Congress Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

WIN: NZGSTA general manager Thomas Chin says news of the successful bid is a landmark win for Christchurch.

CHRISTCHURCH will host the 2023 Asia Pacific Seed Congress. This will be the first time the international congress has been held in New Zealand. NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA) general manager Thomas Chin says news of the successful bid is a landmark win for Christchurch. “It’s a huge confidence

booster for the NZ seed trade,” Chin said. “Having the congress in NZ for the first time will create a significant impact and visibility for the industry, while providing new trade opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.” This includes countries such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. “This is the beginning of

an exciting two-year journey where we will continue the growth of our industry across Asia and globally and showcase our country to the world.” Before deciding on Christchurch, Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) members received and considered hosting proposals from Australia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The seed trade event is set to take place at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

LIC appoints new chief executive Staff reporter LIC has appointed David Chin as its new chief executive. Chin is LIC’s general manager operations and service, on the co-operative’s senior leadership team and is responsible for its

David has a natural empathy for people, knows our farmers well and knows the business having led several key strategic initiatives, including overseeing the recent transformation programme. Murray King LIC

laboratories, farms and the field teams that deliver services onfarm, including artificial breeding, herd testing and FarmWise consultancy. He has held various other leadership roles at LIC since 2006, including chief transformation officer, key account manager and marketing manager. Chair Murray King says “the board is pleased to appoint David, a highly regarded leader at LIC who has extensive experience in the business”. “It really is great news for the co-op that we have the depth of talent to appoint from within LIC to provide continuity for the wider team and our farmers,” King said. “David has a natural empathy for people, knows our farmers well and knows the business having led several key strategic initiatives, including overseeing

EXPERIENCE: Newly appointed chief executive David Chin has held various leadership roles at LIC since 2006.

the recent transformation programme. Importantly, David was heavily involved in the refinement of LIC’s strategy earlier this year. “The implementation of this strategy will continue to be a key focus for the co-op under David’s leadership, as well as the continued strength of LIC’s financial performance.” Chin says “it’s a tremendous privilege to be named the next

chief executive of LIC, a great company with a critical role in New Zealand’s dairy industry and a great team of dedicated people”. “I’ve been fortunate to get to know many of these people, as well as many of our farmers over the last 15 years and it is truly an honour to be given this opportunity to lead the co-op,” Chin said. He takes over from Wayne

McNee, who left the role this week. “I’d like to thank Wayne for all his hard work – he leaves LIC in a strong position and I look forward to building on this with the board, the LIC team and our farmers,” he said. Chin officially starts in the new role on January 17, at which time interim chief executive David Hazlehurst will return to the role of chief financial officer.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Variety the spice of farm life farmstrong.co.nz

BAY of Plenty dairy farmer Mohi Beckham-Adams has introduced some innovative ideas to nurture not just his land, but also the people who work on it. Mohi and his family run a dairy farm, milking 490 cows near Pukehina in the Bay of Plenty. They’ve also set aside land to grow avocados and kiwifruit. Mohi’s path into the industry is more storied than most. Life growing up in Rotorua was hard. “Where I was brought up was pretty much where the story Once Were Warriors was written about. My background wasn’t the flashest, but it helped make me the person I am,” Mohi said. That person grew up determined to prove the doubters wrong. By the mid-noughties Mohi had successfully completed tertiary study and was working long hours at the mill in Kawerau to support his young family. One day a friend asked if he wanted to go farming. He tried it and liked it. “It was the numbers of farming that appealed to me. I was always into computers back in the day and farming is all math and science, so it immediately made sense,” he said. He also enjoyed its variety. “I like farming because you get to do so many things. As an employer you’re a farmer, an electrician, a builder, a social worker at different times during the day. It’s interesting,” he said. A stint of contract milking brought him back down to earth about the ups and downs of the industry. It was during the years when the milk payout was low. Mohi found himself putting in long hours for little reward. But his luck took a turn for the better when his brother bought a farm in the area and asked him to help run it. It was a challenge he was up for. “This farm looks beautiful, but it was very run down. You could probably add a few more ‘verys’ in there too,” he said. “When we took over, we had no water, no power and the grass was

HAPPY AS: Bay of Plenty dairy farmer Mohi Beckham-Adams and Farmstrong project manager Gerard Vaughan.

like cardboard, so our cows did it tough. We started restoring the farm from scratch.” A big part of the makeover was adopting sustainable farming practices. “We wanted to improve soil health and farm naturally avoiding synthetic fertilisers. Letting the land heal itself, rather than relying on man-made medicine,” he said. The more natural approach soon paid dividends. “Last year, when we moved to once-a-day milking the predicted drop in production was 10%, but our new methods meant it only dropped 0.5%. We also had great stats for fertility and animal health. So, we’ve put a lot of work into developing this farm’s natural potential and the science shows we’re on target to nail it,” he said. The downside is all that hard work began to catch up with Mohi. “My first year and a half here, I was so busy running around and didn’t see my family much. Middle of last year, I knew something was wrong. I was neck-deep in work and my brother rang up concerned. That really opened my eyes. I guess you could say I had an epiphany,” he said. Mohi realised he needed to prioritise his family and wellbeing, rather than just focus on the pasture and the herd. “Sometimes farming is a grind. That’s why you need to give yourself light at the end of the tunnel. So, my brother and I made changes to the farm set-up. The big one was focusing on people, as well as profit and productivity as one of our core values,” he said. That meant making more time for activities the family loved, like sport and exercise. It was a long way to any gym so Mohi started running ‘boot camps’ on-farm a couple of times a week to take a break from routine and freshen up mentally and physically. “We do high intensity training for up to an hour with weights and skipping ropes,” he said. Soon up to half a dozen locals, including farmers, were joining him. Now he’s building a wellness centre with a gym, sauna and spa in a garage at the back of his house.

“I’ve jumped on TradeMe and looked for some commercial gym gear. There’s gonna be a bit of bar too so people can get together and have a yarn. Watch this space,” he said. These days, the farm’s people focus extends well beyond fitness. Mohi’s keen to encourage more Māori into farming. “One of our goals is to build a training facility where young Māori can come and experience farming for a few months. All my workers have been Māori. I’ve got a real heart for Māori to do well in the industry and to grow a skill base to run our own farms.” In a similar vein, Mohi helps organise a local Māori agriculture cluster with another dozen Māori-owned farms. “It’s our version of a dairy discussion group and it works because we’ve got that cultural connection that gets people yarning. We started with a fish and chip night, now we’re doing farm visits,” he said. Connecting with these farmers has been great for his own motivation too. “When you share your story with other farmers, you realise how far you’ve come. When you’re stuck on-farm, looking at the same cows and paddocks every day, you just don’t appreciate that,” he said. Which is why he now makes a point of celebrating the end of each season. “We put on a kai for all the workers and neighbours, invite our banker and vet. I want my workers to have a taste of success and not just be workers. I involve them as much as possible in how things are run,” he said. Now Mohi’s turning his energy and attention to the traditional farming calendar, which he views as something of a tyranny. “I’m a big picture guy. I want to change how we farm so our workers can have summer off. That would mean drying the cows off in December and then calving in February, so workers don’t have to holiday in June when the weather’s miserable. “Let’s face it, who wouldn’t rather be calving in shorts and a t-shirt rather than wrapped up to the eyeballs in June, slogging away in rain and mud? I’m just doing the numbers to see if we can make that work,” he said. Mohi dropped into the Farmstrong stand at Fieldays and realised his approach to farming was on the same page. “I think what Farmstrong does is brilliant. I’m all for it. We want our staff to go home at night safe and happy, so they want to stay and progress in our industry. I think wellness is going to become a big issue for

employers. That’s going to be the future of farming and it needs to be more than a two-minute chat at a discussion group,” he said. “I really enjoy being in business, but farming has to be about more than just profit and productivity. I’ve always been a people person, so now I farm with my family, not just for them. I’ve got these kids and a beautiful wife and they’re my focus. That’s how I measure success. “If you run the soil into the ground, it’s not going to perform

for you. It’s the same with the people. What we’re doing for the soil, we’re now doing for ourselves too.”

Farmstrong is an award-winning rural wellbeing programme that helps farmers and farming families live well to farm well. To find out what works for you and ‘lock it in’, check out our farmer-to-farmer videos, stories and tips on www.farmstrong.co.nz is the official media partner of Farmstrong

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News

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Velvet season off to strong start Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz STRONG underlying consumer demand has seen the velvet season open on a strong note. Opening prices for the 202122 season are up 10-15% on last season’s close. Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) markets manager Rhys Griffiths says this reflects strong underlying consumer demand, as well as the concern of wholesalers and manufacturers to secure stock in advance of any possible covidrelated supply disruption. He says in recent years there has been rapid growth in demand for NZ velvet for natural health products to combat fatigue and to boost immunity. Deer antler velvet and ginseng are two of the most-prized ingredients in oriental medicine. Demand is strong from both South Korea, which has a suppression-type approach to covid-19, as well as China which is continuing its covid elimination policies. To celebrate the Korean traditional oriental medicine sector and as part of its covid-19 recovery, DINZ earlier this month participated in the annual Bojewon ceremony at the Seoul

GROWTH: In recent years there has been rapid growth in demand for NZ velvet for natural health products to combat fatigue and to boost immunity.

Herbal Market in Jegi-dong. Bojewon is a charitable institution set up in 1392 to provide traditional oriental medicines to the poor. “It is steeped in Korean cultural traditions and it is a mark of the standing of NZ velvet in Korea

nt h o m er gst) s (plu

that Seoul-based NZ Trade Commissioner Stephen Blair was asked to play a leading role in the ceremony on our behalf, the first foreigner to do so,” Griffiths said. In addition to traditional medicine, sector demand is growing in Korea from health food

companies producing brand name products, many of them marketed based on their NZ provenance. “Many of these companies have reported strong sales during the important Chuseok holiday, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, which fell this year in late

September,” he said. During Chuseok, people celebrate their ancestors, spend time with their families and participate in gift-giving, as well as traditional customs. Luxury packs of velvet-based products are seen as prestigious gifts. Griffiths says fears of supply chain disruptions in China have become a reality with Dalian Port closed because of a further covid outbreak. Dalian is the main port in China for the import of frozen food products and the only one that manages deer velvet. “We hope China gets on top of this outbreak quickly, so our customers can restock to meet consumer demand,” he said. “NZ is the only country that is permitted to export velvet to China, so continued supply is important for the many Chinese who purchase health products based on deer velvet.” With the Dalian lockdown creating logistical challenges, he encourages farmers to communicate with their preferred buyers about their supply intentions. “At times like this they are looking for as much certainty as they can get,” he said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Beauty reigns supreme at Rural Women awards Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz AMBER Forrest of Beauty Antix has been named the supreme winner of the NZI Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) 2021 Business Awards. Forrest earned her place in the supreme award judging as the winner of the rural health and wellbeing excellence category of the annual awards.

The challenging business conditions highlighted the resilience and innovation shown by the entrants. Jon Watson NZI Located in Wairoa, Beauty Antix provides beauty therapy and health and wellbeing services to a diverse rural community. It has been a big year for Forrest’s business, which was also recognised as the NZ Clinic of the Year in the Beauty NZ Association awards earlier in the year. Forrest has built an awardwinning business that is immersed in the diversity of its clientele and community. “We operate the only full-time clinic, with fully qualified staff in the region and our team is

constantly upskilling so that we can share knowledge with our families and clients,” Forrest said. “Our motto is ‘exceeding expectation with expertise’ and every client, no matter what gender, ethnicity or individual circumstance, is treated with the same excitement and level of professionalism. “Our goal is that every person leaves us feeling better than when they arrived. Forrest is a hands-on owner also providing a career path for young women, particularly Māori, through a nationally recognised beauty and wellness training facility. She is quick to recognise and commend her team and her dedication to their training and personal development is outstanding, the judges noted. RWNZ national president Gill Naylor says Forrest’s holistic approach to promoting the health and wellbeing of her team, clients and her wider community is inspiring. “Beauty Antix provides an environment which is uniquely inclusive, where everyone is welcome and the all-women team adapt and reinvent their service to match the needs of their Wairoa community,” Naylor said. Seven category award winners competed for the supreme award, which due to covid was run as a hybrid event, through three smaller functions held in Wellington, Queenstown and Ohaupo in Waikato being livestreamed together.

NZI national manager rural Jon Watson was the sponsor judge on the panel. He says the awards brought to focus the challenges faced by small businesses in rural NZ impacted by the ongoing response to covid-19. “The challenging business conditions highlighted the resilience and innovation shown by the award’s entrants this year,” Watson said. “We were incredibly impressed by the diversity of businesses owned and operated by rural women throughout the country.” The 2021 RWNZ Business Awards attracted a record number of entrants showcasing the innovative businesses of regional and rural women. “This year’s awards attracted our highest ever number of entrants and the calibre and diversity of the entrants made deciding on our winners very challenging,” Naylor said. She says the awards have cemented their place as a means

AWARD-WINNING BUSINESS: Donna McGarvey, right, from Access Community Health presented Amber Forrest with the Rural Health and Wellbeing Excellence award. Forrest also took out the supreme award at the Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) 2021 business awards.

of showcasing the innovative businesses owned and operated by regional and rural women right across the country. “It was particularly pleasing that there was an even split between entrants from the North and South Islands,” she said. The other six category award winners were: Creative Arts: Janyne Fletcher

Photographer, Ranfurly; Emerging Business: Fork and Spade Tammy Taylor, Lumsden; Innovation: Tora Collective Claire Edwards, Wairarapa; Love of the Land: Rahui Coastal Loop Lucinda Maunsell, Wairarapa; Rural Champion: Gurt and Pops Harriet Bremner, Te Anau; Bountiful Table: Well and Truly artisan pantry, Sue Loader, Waikato.

Be part of the Kimbolton Sculpture Festival in a big way SATURDAY 2 APRIL 2022

New funding for Otago catchment groups COMMUNITY-LED catchment groups in Otago are being offered funding to support their work to improve land management practices. The Otago Catchment Community (OCC) has been given $545,000 by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This is in addition to that already received from the Otago Regional Council. The fund will enable locallyled action, with a focus on improved environmental outcomes and has opened for applications now. “OCC funding streams give us a direct means of assisting catchment groups, helping to remove barriers to catchment-driven change and so helping groups achieve their environmental goals,” chair Katie Barns said. “The funding from MPI will enable OCC to expand its support to the growing number of established and emerging catchment and water care groups in Otago.

We want you to be a part of it. Start dreaming, start making. You could win $5,000, you could walk away with the People’s Choice Award or you could just have a heap of fun along the way. D E T A I L S A N D E N T R Y www.ruralart.nz ASSISTANCE: Otago Catchment Community Katie Barns says the funds help to remove barriers to catchment-driven change. “We now have two full-time coordinators working across the region.”

For further details on the fund, or to make an application, please visit www.otagocatchments.co.nz

Kimbolton Domain Gates open at 9am $10 entry fee Children under 18 free

@ruralartNZ  #kimsculpture  www.ruralart.nz

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22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Study reinforces dairy value in diet Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz A GROUNDBREAKING study on rest home residents’ diets holds answers to helping reduce one of the biggest killers of aged people in New Zealand and Australia. The research project spanned two years and examined the impact the addition of increased dairy products into residents’ diets could have on bone density and hip fracture prevention. The results have been published in the British Medical Journal and hold implications for elderly care throughout Australasia. The rare intensive dietary study included input from Fonterra, University of Melbourne, Austin Health and other international research organisations, involved 60 aged care facilities in Australia and totalled 7195 residents with a mean age of 86 years. Of these, 30 care centres were randomised with residents receiving an additional 1.5 serves of dairy a day to total 3.5 daily serves, compared to the two serves or less the control

PROLIFIC: Fonterra senior research scientist for nutrition Dr Caroline Gunn says hip fractures are among the most expensive and prolific injuries affecting care residents.

residents received in their normal diets. Fonterra senior research scientist for nutrition Dr Caroline Gunn says hip fractures are among the most expensive and prolific injuries affecting care residents. The Australian-NZ Fracture Registry records in 2018 show over 25,000 falls were reported across both countries, costing $1 billion a year. In recovery, the statistics are grim for victims’ long-term futures. Ten percent of those fracturing their hip die within 120 days of doing so, a quarter within a year, and 80% will be dead within four years. University of Melbourne nutrition researcher Dr Sandra Luliano says there were significant discrepancies in what elderly people were supposed to receive in their diets, and what they got. Men and women were supposed to receive four and three servings a day respectively of dairy, but in aged care that averaged only a quarter of what it should be, while servings of sugar dense cakes and “discretionary” foods were well above the recommended two serves a day. “So, the question was ‘how can we change the food consumption pattern to favour improved food health and reduce fall risk?’” Luliano said. Dairy products were added into diets in the form of cheese snacks, fortified milk and white sauces at dinner times instead of gravy. Daily dietary protein input lifted by at least 50%, and calcium a similar amount. The resulting fracture data after two years revealed a 33% reduction in all fractures in those receiving extra dairy compared to the control group and a 46% reduction in hip fractures. On average, 62% of all residents of the control group fell over during the study period, while the supplemented group experienced 11% fewer falls.

STUDY: The rare intensive dietary study included input from Fonterra, University of Melbourne, Austin Health and other international research organisations, involved 60 aged care facilities in Australia and totalled 7195 residents with a mean age of 86 years.

“As a group, the supplemented residents experienced the same life expectancy, but fewer falls,” she said. Fonterra put in a million dollars’ worth of dairy products into the study, including cheddar and parmesan cheese, yoghurt and skim milk powder. The supplemented residents also exhibited less loss of lean muscle mass, allowing greater stability and control, helping also improve mobility confidence. She acknowledged the difficulty in getting studies of this nature done, with cost often a factor and sourcing funding was a challenge. “It was a labour of love and a

very collaborative approach to getting the money,” she said.

As a group, the supplemented residents experienced the same life expectancy, but fewer falls. Dr Sandra Luliano University of Melbourne The scientists emphasised the dietary changes focused on providing the additional protein

and calcium in the form of conventional dairy, rather than supplement-type products. “It is about going back to food. They would not need the supplement if they are getting the right daily food. The supplement has a purpose, usually if they have been hospitalised and need to regain weight,” she said. Luliano says the data gives researchers a voice to push for improvements in elderly diets and suspected a lack of dairy in diets had been due to cost factors. “But you have to look at the total cost. By providing extra dairy at less than a dollar a day per resident, it changes their clinical outcomes,” she said.

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24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Magpie’s eye turns bits and bobs into art ENTRIES are open for the New Zealand Rural Sculpture Awards, which celebrate the immense creativity found in rural communities The Kimbolton Sculpture Festival will be held on April 2 at Kimbolton, near Feilding.

I use what I find, that’s my definition of my art. Pam Corpe Rural artist

Organisers say that after three successful festivals, the 2022 event will be bigger than ever. Manawatū local Pam Corpe has entered every year and has won her fair share of mantlepiece hardware. Her brother-in-law Terry Hawkins is the one to beat and Pam already has big plans. “I know what I am going to make for next year’s festival, and I am starting to have a play with how I am going to actually do it,” Corpe said. Corpe makes things out of the bits and bobs she finds in her shed or on the farm.

WINNER: Terry Hawkins’ Haast Eagle won the big award at the inaugural Kimbolton Sculpture Festival.

She has a magpie’s eye and her hilltop house is scattered with quirky sculptures. “I see something and think, ‘well I could make something out of that one day’. I use what I find, that’s my definition of my art,” she said. Corpe won the big prize at the

last festival with her Oroua Bird sculpture. With seven awards for adults and seven youth awards and with $18,000 prize money up for grabs, there are plenty of options for first time sculptors and experienced artists alike. You could win the top prize of

$5000, you could walk away with the People’s Choice Award or you could just have a heap of fun along the way.

More information about the festival and how to enter can be found at https://www.ruralart.nz/

Funds for Māori agribusiness project

POTENTIAL: MPI director of Māori Agribusiness Robyn Meehan says the area has fertile soils and huge potential for highvalue horticulture, generating economic opportunities and employment.

CROP trials have started as part of a major project to lift the productivity of Māori-owned land in the eastern Bay of Plenty. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) allocated $700,000 to the Whangaparāoa Māori Lands Trust to explore the potential of their whenua near Tihirau (Cape Runaway) and create jobs. “The project marked a milestone this month with Plant & Food Research planting small trial plots of kūmara, taewa, edamame beans and peanuts,” MPI director of Māori Agribusiness Robyn Meehan said. “The area has fertile soils and huge potential for high-

value horticulture, generating economic opportunities and employment.”

The purpose of these trials is to see how different cultivars grow in the area. Dr Brent Clothier Plant & Food Research The crops have been planted next to Te Kura Mana Māori o Whangaparāoa and near the Plant and Food Research weather station at Otamaroa.

“The purpose of these trials is to see how different cultivars grow in the area. We’ve used mulch on half the plots to measure its benefits on warming the soil. The crops will be harvested early next year,” Plant & Food Research principal scientist Dr Brent Clothier said. MPI’s Māori Agribusiness team has been working with the group of Whangaparāoa landowners since the project was funded in 2019. The cluster is made up of representatives of the owners of 25 Māori land blocks and covers 18,000 hectares of land, with about a third (6000 ha) suitable for livestock, horticulture or arable farming. “We undertook research

Have you read Dairy Farmer yet? The latest Dairy Farmer hit letterboxes on November 29. Our OnFarmStory this month features the Bay of Plenty region’s top sharemilkers and we meet a Canterbury farmer who came to NZ as a student and is now a farm owner. We also continue our special report coverage of live exports and delve into mental health and wellbeing.

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to investigate options for profitable and sustainable land uses for our whenua. More than 70 potential land-use options were refined down to half a dozen, which aligned with the group’s key aspirations,” cluster co-facilitator Rika Mato said. “We preferred a sustainable mixed land-use kaupapa (policy) over a single crop. A total of 10 different crops, including the tactical use of livestock to rotate with cropping, is planned in the next phase of the programme.” The mahi is part of the Government’s Fit for a Better World roadmap to increase the value of food and fibre sector exports by an extra $44 billion in 10 years.

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26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Growing call to cap carbon forestry Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz BEEF + Lamb New Zealand has welcomed the formation of the Native Forest Coalition, saying the growing chorus against unchecked carbon farming cannot be ignored. The coalition has released a policy statement and recommendations on native forests, highlighting what it sees as the urgent need to stop the rapid proliferation of pine plantations driven by high carbon prices and short-term policy settings. It strongly favours prioritising native forestry over exotics and argues that before seeking offshore carbon forest credits, government should invest in native forests at home. “In tackling the climate change crisis, there’s an urgent need to move away from short-term thinking and siloed government policy,” the statement said. “We need a shift towards joined up strategies that also address the biodiversity crisis, the degradation of waterways and risks to rural communities.” It says siloed thinking is leading to poor outcomes, including large-scale establishment of non-harvested exotic carbon forests and unsustainable clearfell forestry that places ecosystem health at risk. The coalition has produced what it says are key recommendations to form the terms of reference for an interagency strategic review by key government departments, looking at how to better align climate change and biodiversity policies. “Urgent action is critically important as carbon prices are driving rapid investment in exotic forestry across our valued landscapes,” it said. It wants an amendment to the eligibility criteria and permanent forest category in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

“The ETS is driving perverse outcomes and changes are urgently required to ensure that the current asymmetry of incentives between natives and exotics is addressed,” it said. The coalition advocates recycling ETS revenue to fund research into the expansion of native forests and wants more funding for strategic pest animal and plant management on private and public land to support largescale reforestation.

We need urgent solutions now, before too much more damage is done to rural communities and so we don’t miss real opportunities to protect and enhance NZ’s biodiversity. Sam McIvor B+LNZ It supports efforts to sequester carbon through forestry but wants more emphasis on permanent native forest carbon sinks. B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says it is getting harder for the Government to do nothing about the issues the coalition has raised. “There are so many voices calling for action,” McIvor said. “We need urgent solutions now, before too much more damage is done to rural communities and so we don’t miss real opportunities to protect and enhance NZ’s biodiversity.” He says B+LNZ has been calling for urgent changes to the ETS for some time, to stop the wholesale conversion of productive sheep and beef farmland into carbon farms.

“Like the coalition, we believe there’s a better way – the integration of trees on farms. Farmers know their land best. We’re not anti-forestry – exotic planting can be integrated where appropriate – but it’s about planting the right tree in the right place. “Our sheep and beef farms are already home to 1.4 million hectares of native woody vegetation – and land-use changes over the past 30 years have added two million hectares to the country’s conservation estate, the largest private sector contribution to biodiversity in New Zealand,” he said. McIvor says despite that, farmers can’t get recognition of much of it under the current ETS rules. “There are serious imbalances of incentives for planting exotics versus natives. That’s why we’ve worked so hard to get a wider range of sequestration recognised under the He Waka Eke Noa primary sector climate action partnership options,” he said. “We’ve also repeatedly told the Government they need to take a holistic approach to policy development – across water, biodiversity and climate, but also taking into account sustainable food production. That’s the only way to achieve real and lasting environmental outcomes while protecting an important part of New Zealand’s economic health.” The Native Forest Coalition represents the Environmental Defence Society, Pure Advantage, Rod Donald Trust, the Tindall Foundation, Project Crimson, Dame Anne Salmond and Dr Adam Forbes. The coalition also has the support of Fish & Game NZ. Fish & Game spokesperson Ray Grubb says current initiatives to address the climate crisis have a short-sighted focus on securing offshore carbon credits, ignoring significant long-term

IMPACT: Fish & Game NZ spokesperson Ray Grubb says current initiatives to address the climate crisis have a short-sighted focus on securing offshore carbon credits, ignoring significant long-term environmental and social problems.

environmental and social problems. He says the effect of pines on instream flows is a very real concern. “Research has established rainwater runoff is diminished by up to 40% by pine plantations. Widespread plantings in catchments will be in direct conflict with the Government’s current objectives to improve freshwater,” Grubb said. “Mass sedimentation events when exotic forests are felled have catastrophic impacts on instream

biology and water quality.” Grubb says plantation forestry has a place in helping meet NZ’s climate change commitments, but the proliferation of monoculture pine plantings in recent years has clearly been “out of control” and “ill-considered”. “Look at what’s happening in the high country where the Department of Conservation and landowners are waging an ongoing and very costly war against wilding pines, which threaten the iconic landscape,” he said.

There are three ways you can read us: 1. Own a farm. If farming is your main income, you register with NZ Post to have Farmers Weekly delivered free to your mailbox. This is how around 77,000 farmers receive theirs. 2. Read the virtual paper online at farmersweekly.co.nz/topic/virtual-publication. Our online eNewsletters arrive before the paper hits mailboxes. You can sign up to receive them at farmersweekly.co.nz/e-newsletter. 3. Subscribe - a great gift for retired farmers and town dwellers. This is for people in town who want a hard copy of the paper each week. Farmers Weekly is just under $4 per issue ($16/month, $192 incl GST per year) Dairy Farmer is $8.95 per issue ($98.45 incl GST / year). Pay by credit card or Farmlands card. Your copy will arrive on Thursdays (give or take a day). farmersweekly.co.nz/subscribe 0800 85 25 80

AginED Ag ED

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

Volume 85 I December 6th, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz/agined

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Are you a parent or teacher and want to receive AginED every week directly to your email inbox? Send us an email to sign up at agined@globalhq.co.nz This table shows a selection of springborn weaner steers from the Taranaki Dairy-Beef Weaner fair a few weeks ago.

Have a go: 1

Go to https://farmersweekly.co.nz/s/ fw-article/hands-on-training-todevelop-future-farmers-MCHWEZ2L6IH VBBPJE5FIGWFXERUA?fbclid=IwAR0Wjg SGr01MAaBM5KNBqQOT9oSwIkTMEw54 TYyVWtN3pFOd2M0oz24AJjY

2 Watch “They will flourish” and read the related article “Hands-on training to develop future farmers”. 3 What made Dan and Tam Jex-Blake get Growing Future Farmers underway?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

Where is Mangapoike farm? What do they farm?

2 How long does the essential farm skills course take? On completion of the essential farm skills course what NZQA qualification will you achieve? 3 Do you need to come from a farming background to do this course?

Can you identify what each of the abbreviated breeds are?

4 How many students are currently training on farms throughout New Zealand and how many are expected to start in February 2022?

2 Which line was the heaviest?

5 What are some of the skills covered within the programme?

STRETCH YOURSELF:

LIC has created a new test using a farm’s effluent system to detect if a herd has Johne’s disease. Read the article at https://farmersweekly. co.nz/s/fw-article/lic-disease-test-a-nz-first-for-farmersMCQZPYSHZQUFHP7I22DEDK3WWNI4 and answer these questions. 1 What is Johne’s disease and why is it an issue on farms? 2 How is it tested? 3 What benefits will this test provide farmers?

Introducing Patrick from Silver Fern Farms’ Dunedin Hub. Patrick started at our Hāwera site as a packer but through his great work ethic he was quickly given the opportunity to train to become the backup Production Coordinator and Quality Assessor. Patrick is passionate about the red meat industry and always knew that this is where he wanted to develop his career, so when the role of Production Planner at our Dunedin site became available he jumped at the opportunity. Here at Silver Fern Farms we are always looking for new, enthusiastic team members who are ready to get stuck in. We have great opportunities for development and progression throughout the business, so check out our careers website to see what opportunities you can grab too!

Did you catch Kahu’s profile last week? Use this QR code to take a look at his video story.

Meat the Team at Silver Fern Farms

Have a go:

Keen to find out if you can cut it in the meat industry? Use the QR code here to take our quiz and find out or apply at https://careers.silverfernfarms.com/

3 Which line was the lightest?

Can you fill in the missing $/head and $/kg values on the table?

2 What line made the highest $/head value? Why do you think this is? 3 What line made the lowest $/head value? Why do you think this is? 4 The dairy-beef steer average at this sale was $645, around $80 above the same time last year. Why do you think this is? Think about topics we have covered in the last month or so and what is happening in the market at the moment compared to last year.

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Newsmaker

A challenge and a big opportunity Kit Arkwright was recently appointed chief executive of Beef + Lamb NZ Inc, taking over from Rod Slater, who retired after 27 years in the role. Colin Williscroft reports.

OLLOWING in the footsteps of someone like Rod Slater can be something of a doubleedged sword. On the one hand you’re inheriting an organisation and brand that’s in good heart and a household name, while on the other, there’s some big shoes to fill. For Kit Arkwright, he sees challenge as well as opportunity. He does not think it will be difficult to succeed Slater, but it will be humbling. “If you look at Rod’s track record, he has delivered success after success, whether it’s the Quality Mark, the Iron Maidens programme, Steak of Origin or the Glammies, these initiatives have made B+LNZ a household name, so stepping into and being the custodian of that legacy is humbling, a little bit daunting but in a good way,” Arkwright said. “I’m looking forward to taking on and crafting the new era of Beef + Lamb (Inc), but very much in the same vein as what Rod has set up.” Arkwright, who held marketing management roles with the organisation prior to taking on the top job, says it was hugely helpful working alongside Slater for a few years to prepare him for his new role. “I really tried to be a sponge from him in many respects, just absorb all those years of experience in the role, not to forget this was his second career after a hugely successful career working with Sir Peter Leitch at The Mad Butcher,” he said. “What he’s left me is really

a blueprint or formula for the organisation to follow. “Not only getting Kiwis excited about the product but also, and equally important, that the industry gets excited about what the organisation is doing, making sure both those two things tie together. “I’d like to think I’m going to bring some new ideas to the table, but there is a successful blueprint and it’s about building on that. He sees one of his key roles as fostering an environment where the people around him can thrive. “What I want to bring is to create that environment where (people) can continue to deliver success for the industry,” he said. Before arriving in NZ about four years ago, Arkwright worked in PR for British horseracing promotional body Great British Racing. He says there are parallels between the two organisations. “Great British Racing really fulfils quite a similar role to what Beef + Lamb NZ Inc does,” he said. “They are essentially a marketing body. Their task is to market the sport at a generic level to the British public.” He says B+LNZ Inc is essentially the red meat industry’s marketing body. “We’re the industry’s shop window. It’s our role to present that shop window in the most appealing and effective way possible to get people to come into the metaphorical store and purchase the product,” he said. That’s distinct from B+LNZ Ltd, the farmer body in Wellington, which he says has a much wider

ENVIRONMENT: Kit Arkwright wants to ensure his team can continue to deliver success for the industry.

I’m looking forward to taking on and crafting the new era of Beef + Lamb (Inc), but very much in the same vein as what Rod has set up. Kit Arkwright B+LNZ Inc remit in what it’s trying to achieve. “But naturally there’s some crossover, particularly in terms of a comms perspective. We’re making sure we’re sharing what we’re hearing, seeing if there’s an issue or an opportunity arising, seeing that we’re taking a

collaborative approach to that,” he said. “My role is to continue to foster that relationship between the two industry organisations. We’ve got good lines of communication and we want to work together to ensure that it continues.” Arkwright sees a bright future for NZ beef and lamb in the UK. “Speaking anecdotally as a Brit and someone who used to live there rather than drawing on any specific insights or research, the concept of seasonality with food (for consumers) in the UK does not exist,” he said. “If you want strawberries in the middle of winter in December, you get strawberries. “They’re not British strawberries, they’re probably Spanish but you get them. “There isn’t that concept of

seasonality, so off the back of the free trade agreement I think the supply of NZ red meat will complement that year-round demand British consumers have.” NZ red meat, particularly lamb, already has a strong reputation in the UK, he says, and that will only improve when more people try the NZ product. “We know that when they’ve got their NZ leg of lamb in the oven they are going to have a great eating experience, and that the reputation of the NZ product and the Kiwi farmers who produce it will only increase,” he said. “There’s obviously been a little bit of to-ing and fro-ing on social media channels between some of the British lobby groups, but I don’t think that’s going to register on the vast majority of British consumers’ radars.”

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New thinking

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Kicking bucket on irrigator test The bucket is about to be kicked on a rough and ready rule of thumb method for estimating irrigation efficiency. Richard Rennie spoke to CropX about how the company has reinvented a test to help conserve water, energy and nutrient losses on farms.

WIN-WIN: CropX chief executive Eitan Dan says an irrigation app that can give farmers a clear indication of efficiency is good for the environment and the budget.

NYONE who has an irrigation system will be familiar with the industry standard “bucket test” to determine how uniformly the system is distributing water during an irrigation event. Taking multiple 20-litre buckets and laying them out along the irrigator’s length is intended to give an indication of how well calibrated the machine is for water distribution. But Eitan Dan, chief executive of farm information system company CropX, says as appealing as this simple approach is, there are many factors the test fails to allow for. This originally prompted Irrigation New Zealand to work with NZ effluent and irrigation tech company Regen several years ago to come up with an accurate alternative. “There are a lot of variables in an irrigation system, including flow rates, nozzle sizes, speed of movement and water resistance. It was known the test has been less than perfect and bastardised really. But the alternative measurements have been very complex DOS-type programmes that are not available to everyone to use,” Dan said. Having a decent, farmerfriendly user interface had also been absent and was one of the key criteria Irrigation NZ wanted to ensure it could engage with farmers with what has been named the Bucket Test app. Irrigation NZ is endorsing the app through the code of practice for irrigation performance and it promises to become an industry

requirement for all Canterbury irrigators and possibly irrigators nationally. Last year CropX took over Regen, folding the company and its irrigation tech focus into CropX’s farm sensor and information generation capabilities. One aspect of the old test has been retained in the app’s approach. That is the need to use 20l buckets to capture water flow onto the paddock when the irrigator is tested. However, any similarities to the old rule of thumb approach end there. The app leads the user through a series of steps, allowing for irrigator size and determining how many buckets, and where, need to be used. “From there it does the workings based on whether it’s a centre pivot, lateral or Sprayline and it is a case of pressing ‘calculate’ once the buckets have been measured and entered,” he said.

The result grades the irrigator’s efficiency on an index, with greater than .8 being ‘good’, .65-.79 as ‘needing attention’ and under .65 as “poor”. “And most importantly it makes it clear where the problem is and how to address it,” he said. For Canterbury irrigators the app promises to play a key role in their council mandated farm environment plans (FEPs), providing auditable proof that every three years the system has been checked for efficiency. Early feedback on the Bucket Test app’s contribution is the number of sub-par irrigators using the app in its first iteration three years ago have fallen as irrigator issues have been identified and fixed. The app is also highlighting how older centre pivots in particular can suffer incremental and growing inaccuracies over the years. Longer pivots (700m-plus), while cheaper to install, can also prove to be less accurate in

And as more users apply the app, we can build up performance benchmarks for farmers to compare against. Eitan Dan CropX application than shorter ones. “And as more users apply the app, we can build up performance benchmarks for farmers to compare against,” he said. Coupling Regen with CropX also means the depth of data collected using the app and CropX soil sensor data will grow significantly. The sensor was launched at this year’s Mystery Creek Fieldays and was a finalist in the innovation awards. It measures moisture, temperature and electric conductivity as an indicator of soil salinity.

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Satellite imagery is also incorporated to help identify moisture stress and vegetation variances. Irrigators will, over time, be able to build up an even deeper multidimensional insight to their crop’s performance and the irrigator’s influence over it. Water supplies are only likely to grow tighter with hotter summers and overwatering with a badly calibrated irrigator is also an expensive power waste. Farmers are also having to be aware of minimising nitrate leaching losses under regional and national water quality standards. “We are very proud of the work we have done with Regen to develop a tool taking the guesswork out of assessing irrigation infrastructure performance,” Irrigation NZ chief executive Vanessa Winning. Dan says the app would also be subject to further upgrades, incorporating more variables into its algorithm and making it capable of operating offline.

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Opinion

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

EDITORIAL

The alternative to the alternative

RECENT fall in Beyond Meat’s value has some questioning whether the market for alternative proteins has been overhyped. The emergence of these alternatives has put meat and dairy producers on notice in recent years, with predictions they’ll become standard fare at the dinner table in short order. But the path to producing a tasty protein at scale is a bumpy one and this recent dip could be the precursor to a big wave ahead. These emerging proteins are backed by investors with deep pockets and are now being helped by regulators. And, the calls for food that’s climatefriendly and sustainable will only get louder – from both consumers and regulators. New Zealand food producers are unique players in this game. Our red meat tastes good, is sustainable and doesn’t carry the baggage of grain-fed beef grown overseas. But it’s no time for complacency or schadenfreude. Technological innovation will only accelerate and sometime soon these new foods will have the scale to compete. Even the largest animal protein producers in the world think so. The likes of Tyson, Cargill, Nestle and Danone are putting big money into alternatives to the animal proteins they’ve built their fortunes on to date. But the future is exciting for our sheep and beef farmers. We’re a small nation with a big story to tell. If we wrap our land management successes, the quality of the protein we produce and the health benefits to those who eat it into a compelling narrative, we’ll be well-placed to enjoy the value that brings. Covid-19 has renewed people’s interest in cooking and eating simple food that is good for their families. They may begin to eat a little less meat than they used to, but will be willing to pay a little more for it when they do. We can meat that market.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Keep rural farming communities alive A BIG heads up to Duke and Shona Gower and Andrew Brommer, farmers in the Republic of Whangamōmona, eastern Taranaki, who have just sold their farms to two young couples, giving them a great start. This is what is needed so our rural communities not only survive but thrive. Farmers looking at selling, don’t be tempted by the big bucks of forestry or overseas investors. They are not going to help our rural communities. Think what a buzz you will get helping keen, young people onto the land so they can continue your hard work to feed the world. And also honour all the blood, sweat and tears that our ancestors shed to break in this land so we could enjoy this way of life, as well as make a living.

Let others have that chance and all that comes with it. Bloss Coplestone Stratford

Groundswell is very much needed YES, there is frustration and outrage in the farming sector, but instead of fragmenting the sector it is uniting it. Farmers have had enough of the avalanche of rules and regulations being thrown at them and, yes, from where I am sitting, the lack of leadership and direction from our elected leaders has not helped. I will dispute that Groundswell has been hijacked by other organisations. That is nonsense which the recent protests clearly showed. All over the country well-run and well-behaved protests

were had highlighting what Groundswell stands for. It suits the far left Labour Party to ridicule our message and blacken our reputation where they can. If anyone is misbehaving it is Nash and his rants. Yes, we have a government, which is legally elected, but their behaviour is not. Their mandating of the Three Waters is deceitful when the vast majority were against and councils were told that they could opt in and out. They never had the intention of honouring that. That is not a trustworthy government and someone has to do something to hold them to account. Our leaders seem too busy kowtowing to what the government wants. Groundswell is very much needed to hold our own farming leaders to account and make them work in the

interest of farmers for the levies we pay them. As farmers we just want a fair go. We all want what is best for the land and our stock. The frustration sets in when we can see that a lot of what is thrown at us has no base in facts and reality but in ideology. Now we will soon have to pay carbon tax for our so-called emissions. That calculation is an academic exercise and a way for the Government to fill their coffers from our hardearned money. It will have no impact on global warming. Sequestering of carbon via our grazing systems and vegetation is discarded. That natural methane doesn’t have the same warming effect is also disregarded. Any wonder frustrations are rising? Lone Sorensen Marlborough

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Farming and forests can coexist Colin Jacobs

URAL communities’ concern about blanket planting of productive pastoral farmland in forestry is justified. We are seeing it fairly frequently in parts of New Zealand and it’s having negative impacts on rural communities. There are three main concerns many farmers have expressed to me: the lock-up and leave approach to so-called ‘permanent pine forests’, with the implication that natives will eventually reclaim the land; the conversion of productive, high-quality farmland to forestry, potentially hollowing out rural communities; and the view that forestry is a ‘get-out-ofjail’ card for organisations that need to cut their emissions. I share all of these concerns. However, undertaken on the right land and with the right partner, rotation forestry for both carbon and timber can boost farm incomes from marginal land, which may currently be costing farmers money. The farming of the future will likely involve different land uses within the same block: cropping and hort; sheep and beef; honey; and forestry. It’s currently the steep, rough hill country out the back that farmers are taking a hard look at. Not only could this land be providing low or no returns, but it’s often difficult and dangerous to farm. This land is typically erosion-prone and topsoil runoff is undermining broader environmental on-farm efforts. Forestry could provide stable, long-term cashflows and enable investment in other, more

The

Pulpit

productive and profitable parts of the farm. For example, take a 590-hectare property Drylandcarbon purchased last month. The property was sold to forestry so that the seller could reinvest in the balance of their farming operations. More than half of the property is suitable for forestry and less so for continued sheep and beef farming. However, we’ve identified 220ha of this block that is too good to go into forestry and, in our opinion, needs to stay in pastoral farming. While it would be simpler and cheaper to plant the lot, Drylandcarbon has subdivided the 220ha of good, quality land and is putting it on the market with the farm infrastructure as a viable farming operation. We will work with the new owner of the farm to ensure that both the forestry

OPPORTUNITY: Drylandcarbon’s Colin Jacobs shares farmer concerns around locking up productive farmland in plantation forestry, but believes the opportunity for farming and forestry to coexist is compelling for farmers, rural communities and our climate.

and farming operations continue to contribute to a strong rural community. Drylandcarbon is increasingly walking away from land that we deem too good for trees. We are committed to rotation forestry, with the social and economic benefits that come with harvest and are increasingly partnering with farmers. Under a partnership model, farmers continue to own their land, Drylandcarbon plants and manage the parts of the farm where forestry is suitable and provide a predictable and stable passive income. This kind of arrangement is important to allow debt to be repaid, additional income to be generated and farms to stay within farming families.

Bridge to a low carbon future Forestry is a bridge to a low carbon future – it can provide the buffer NZ needs while organisations cut their emissions and it is critically important for NZ meeting its climate commitments over the next 30 years. Forestry is a part of the solution and organisations investing in forestry to assist them meet their climate obligations acknowledge this. Kiwis know we cannot come close to meeting our climate change commitments without a 30-year-plus contribution from forestry. The most important decisions to be made now are about how and where we plant to support our communities and economy for generations of Kiwis to come.

We know that while pine is ideally suited to Kiwi conditions, it is not suitable everywhere. The right forestry plans, built in partnership with landowners, will leave large areas of steep country not suitable for planting pines left to naturally regenerate into native species. Wide riparian buffers around waterways are being preserved to enable native regeneration in creeks and gullies and protect freshwater quality. Consistent pest control at cale is delivering broader benefits to native bush and wildlife across a broader farming catchment. Done right, a win-win solution NZ needs forestry in order to meet its climate change goals and the world needs our timber. Farmers want to protect their land while diversifying their operations and using the right land for the right purpose. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all model across a whole farm and forestry on the right land with the right partner has never been a more attractive choice. For NZ’s climate change challenge, there’s no silver bullet or get out of jail free card. Careful and appropriate use of rotation forestry on the right land can complement our farming backbone and economy. It can be a win for our climate, a win for farmers, a win for our broader natural environment and for our rural communities.

Who am I? Colin Jacobs is Drylandcarbon’s general manager.

Farmers face a choice on emissions Stuart Smith

HE primary sector has been working with the Government on how they might lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions outside of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The Government plans to have the primary sector pay for its emissions by 2025, which will be well ahead of every other developed nation in the world and that would mean that our farmers would be facing additional production costs that overseas competitors do not. As a first step the Government formed the Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership made up of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ and Federated Farmers, which is known as He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) and charged them with coming up with options to reduce emissions outside of the ETS. Last week HWEN released two options for a round of farmer meetings early next year and will deliver their recommendations to the Government late April. The first option is a farm-level levy, where each farm would calculate their emissions using farm-specific data, including

OPTIONS: If the sector cannot agree on either the farm-level levy or processorlevel hybrid levy, then the Government will impose the ETS, which would be calculated at the processor level initially at least, using the carbon equivalence metric (CO2e), which significantly overstates the warming effect of methane.

sequestration which is not in the ETS, such as riparian plantings. This would offset some or even all of the levy and any surplus would be invested back into the sector for research and development focused on emissions reductions. The second option is a processor-level hybrid levy, where emissions are calculated at the meat, milk and fertiliser plants, based on the quantity of meat and milk produced and the amount of fertiliser used on-farm. Under this

option there is also an opportunity to enter into an Emissions Management Contract (EMC), which would reward emission reductions by a methane reducing feed additive, for example, and for on-farm sequestration outside of the ETS. If the sector cannot agree on either of these options, then the Government will impose the ETS, which would be calculated at the processor level initially at least, using the carbon equivalence

metric (CO2e), which significantly overstates the warming effect of methane. This option means that riparian plantings and other sequestration which is outside of the ETS will not be counted, which again overstates the emissions on-farm. We do have an opportunity to be world leaders in this space and show that our farmers are masters of innovation, but we must not pile unnecessary regulatory constraints with significant administrative costs on farmers. We must not forget that despite Helen Clark describing agriculture as a sunset industry, our farmers are carrying the economy on their backs. Without them, we would not be able to pay our way in the world and we should thank them for it, not continually try to drag them down as the likes of Greenpeace do every day. It will be interesting to see how farmers receive the options and which one they choose to adopt. To be clear, I support farmers adopting one of the options, which one is for them to decide, but I do not support our farmers being economically disadvantaged compared to their international competitors. Climate policy should be about the climate and

We do have an opportunity to be world leaders in this space and show that our farmers are masters of innovation, but we must not pile unnecessary regulatory constraints with significant administrative costs on farmers.

we must move at the same pace as our trading partners, it should not be about building a legacy for our Prime Minister or this government.

Who am I? Stuart Smith is the National MP for Kaikoura and spokesperson for Climate Change, EQC and Viticulture.

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

Opinion

32 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Govt should listen to provincial NZ Alternative View

Alan Emerson

IN POLITICS today, all eyes are on the National Party leadership fiasco. They shouldn’t be. Currently the Labour Government is doing all it can to annoy provincial New Zealand and farming in particular. What is confusing me is that it was provincial NZ that put the Government where it is. As well as giving Labour the party vote, they also gave their electorate vote to Labour. The Ute Tax was an irritant that showed contempt for farmers and tradies. There are no green alternatives to utes. Further, as only 10% of utes are owned by farmers and tradies, creating an exemption wouldn’t be difficult. That was followed by the health reforms, where all our DHBs are forfeited to a central authority in Wellington. As I’ve written, I believe there was a need for reform but there was zero consultation with a Bill introduced to Parliament. Our polytechs are now all under Wellington control.

I’d have to be honest in that I don’t rate Stuart Nash, basically, because as Minister of Police he seemed a slave to the whims of the police. I found his recent Parliamentary comments on Groundswell off the wall and disgusting. Suggesting Groundswell was “full of racists and antivaxxers” has no basis in fact. I believe a bigger man would have apologised as ACT’s agricultural spokesperson Mark Cameron suggested. As his statement was provably false, what is being done about it? That is followed by Three Waters, which has the entire country outraged initially over governance, ownership and accountability. The ‘consultation’ has been a sham and it’s focused on urban needs at the expense of the rural sector. The consultation group won’t achieve much as legislation is currently being drafted. Further, the nine mayors in that group are answerable to their voters. The nine government appointed iwi representatives are answerable to the Minister. For a start, why put the four proposed entities along tribal boundaries? Surely the South Island should be one entity and not just the Ngai Tahu part of it. Second, why spend $3.4 million on an appalling advertising campaign trying to justify the unjustifiable?

When the Government was taken to the Advertising Standards Authority, they justified the spend as advocacy advertising, which basically means you can say what you like in pursuit of a cause. Why is a government indulging in advocacy advertising with taxpayers’ money? Is the Auditor General investigating what I would call a gross misuse of public money? Following that, I don’t accept the figures that the Minister has put up. Neither do many of the councils I’ve spoken with. Why make Three Waters compulsory? Ratepayers have paid for the assets that the Government is confiscating. The justification was the Hastings water fiasco. That was the problem with just one slack local authority. It’s a convenient excuse, nothing more. I’ve heard criticism that Three Waters is too divisive. Why when an entire community has paid for an asset would you confiscate it and effectively give half the control to iwi? Europeans, Asians and Pasifika are all in there as well, having paid for the asset, and they are 84% of our population. I’m told Labours’ Māori caucus is pleased with Three Waters, which is understandable. What they should consider is the number of their caucus colleagues they risk putting out of a job. It is a fiasco. It is ill-thought out,

RISKY BUSINESS: Alan Emerson believes mandating the Three Waters Reform is “electorate suicide”.

with appalling communication and arrogance beyond belief. Finally, it is the politics that has me confused. Three Waters has provided a rallying call for the provinces, which would have been unnecessary with good political management and honest communications. If we had a solid opposition in NZ, they would have been making headlines at every turn. That it hasn’t happened is an indictment on a moribund entity. As research has shown, half the population opposes Three Waters. I am aware, however, of a wellresourced entity about to take the Government to court on Three Waters. That will be interesting. In addition, Three Waters won’t become law until July 2024, well after the next election. It will provide fertile ground for opposition parties. National has pledged if elected to reverse the Three Waters law, making the entire exercise pointless.

Last election saw a raft of Labour politicians established in the electorate. Locally Kieran McAnulty is extremely hard-working and is committed to fixing the carbon forestry crisis. Likewise Jo Luxton is doing an excellent job in South Canterbury and chairing the Primary Production Select Committee. Hastings’ Anna Lorck has worked well for the horticultural sector, especially concerning RSE workers. I doubt anyone could honestly criticise the efforts of ministers Damien O’Connor and Kiri Allan. If the Government wants those politicians re-elected, it needs to take a deep breath and listen to provincial NZ. To do otherwise is, in my view, electorate suicide.

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

Reflecting on a tough farming year From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

IT IS looking like things could get a little tricky around here in the months ahead. Not a feed issue for a change, but just the uncertainty that covid brings. Perhaps I’m in an echo chamber due to not getting out much this past year or two and this is just a Hawke’s Bay thing. Let’s set the scene first. We have had three years of low rainfall, with the last two being concurrent autumn/winter droughts. With December still to come, of the previous 35 months, just seven have had more than my long-term average monthly rainfall of 75mm. This has been a tough year farming in these parts and that has set things up for difficulties and uncertainty ahead. It began this time last year when after a drought, a dry winter and then spring we were all destocking madly, as you do in November

around here when we had massive amounts of rain finally. That grew an enormous amount of feed, which quickly lost quality as we headed into summer, but was great for getting weight back into ewes and cattle. The ewes tupped well and most subsequently reported good scanning percentages. That rough feed needed to be cleaned up through the autumn and into the winter to regain quality. Those with cows were grateful they’d toughed out a few droughts and spent quite a bit of money keeping their herds intact and could use this class of stock for that very purpose. The rest of us used the ewe flocks and varying classes of cattle. Many of us were disappointed in how average the ewes came out of the wool if we were second shearing in May and June. The problem being that we hadn’t had autumn rains again and there had been very little recovery and growth in the cleaned-up pastures. This makes it difficult to recover the ewes’ condition before winter sets in. It remained too dry to put nitrogen on and get any sort of decent response until July. The low covers and mild winter meant that there was an unusually

CHALLENGES: Steve Wyn-Harris shares some of the farming challenges he’s faced over the past few seasons, which he says has set things up for difficulties and uncertainty ahead.

high worm challenge for all classes of stock making recovering condition even harder. Those who supplemented their stock well reaped the benefits, but those of us who didn’t paid the price of going into lambing with poorer conditioned ewes than usual. They lambed fine but didn’t milk well, and that was obvious at docking and again at lamb drenching a month ago. I have a 140ha block down the road where 750 ewes go to terminal rams, scan over 200% when triplets are counted and usually see about 60%, or 800

lambs, go to the works off mum around 17.5kg. Half of the rest go to the works off pasture in January and the rest over the next couple of months. It’s a simple and profitable system that works well in this environment. A couple of months ago I only booked in 450 lambs and thought that was optimistic. Which is what it proved to be. The lambs were two or three kilos lighter than usual, so I only killed 200 and for the first time ever sold a couple of hundred stores, given the money was good, just to reduce the risk. It’s a bit frustrating that the year

when the schedule is at its highest ever, I send the lowest number of lambs off mum to the meat company for about three decades. The rest are bonny 30kg lambs, but there are a lot more than usual and this is very common here in Hawke’s Bay. Drafters and trucks have been turning up only to get a fraction of their usual quota. Mind you, the meat plants couldn’t have handled a large flow as staffing continues to be an issue. And that is before any vaccination requirements have been settled upon or the virus has got into the workforce. So, space apparently has remained tight despite the lambs being behind usual weights. But there is a bow wave of lambs and ewes to be killed over the summer and the uncertainty of how the meat plants stand up during the pandemic and how logistics and the markets react when we do have issues is good reason to be uncertain of what lies ahead. At least we have feed for a change so that makes life far easier.

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 – December 6, 2021

Crunch times ahead for sector The Braided Trail

Keith Woodford

NOW is the time when New Zealand must come to grips with how agriculturally-sourced methane and nitrous oxide (N2O) are going to be managed within the Zero Carbon Act, more formally called the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019. This Act brings both gases into the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2025, unless an alternative charging system can be devised in the meantime. Initially, the ETS charges will be only 5% of the full carbon charge at that time. However, the percentage will then increase at 1% of the full price each year. Initially, it will only be a few cents per kg milksolids, and a few cents per kg of sheep and beef carcase. But over time it will build up and become painful. Given the media negativity to dairy, most people probably don’t realise that it will actually impact sheep and beef profitability more than dairy profitability. In response to the situation set out in the Zero Carbon Act, a 13-sector pan-industry group called He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) is beavering away, with government encouragement, on alternatives to put back to the Government. On November 23, He Waka Eke Noa released a document [https:// hewakaekenoa.nz/pricingoptions-february/] setting out where their beavering has been heading. The document is called a discussion paper. It is an interim document setting out their explorations to date. Constructive comments for improvement are welcome, but they are not calling for formal submissions at this stage. The document could also be described as a testing of the waters, both with government and the rural community. NZ’s unique situation The background is that NZ is in a unique situation among developed countries. NZ has high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions because the export economy is underpinned by pastoral farming, with the food that is produced sold mainly to other countries. Although the food is consumed overseas, the emissions occur in NZ and hence it is NZ that gets debited with the emissions. The emissions arise from the natural body-functions of ruminant animals. The important species in NZ are cattle, sheep and, to a lesser extent, red deer. Most of these ruminant animals are farmed on hill country that is unsuitable for cropping because of topography and climate. NZ has only small areas of flat land and much of this lacks the fertility and

ALTERNATIVES: In response to the situation set out in the Zero Carbon Act, a 13-sector panindustry group called He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) is beavering away, with government encouragement, on alternatives to put back to the Government.

soil depth needed for continuous cropping. This reality is not well understood within the urban community. Ruminant animals have a special advantage in digesting grass using specific stomach bacteria to extract the energy and make it available to the ruminant host. In the process, the bacteria produce methane, which the ruminants then belch up. In contrast, if humans with different intestinal bacteria were to try a grass diet, then the humans would get a very sore stomach and quickly wither away from malnutrition.

Given the media negativity to dairy, most people probably don’t realise that it will actually impact sheep and beef profitability more than dairy profitability. Grass diets under NZ conditions tend to be high in protein and low in energy. Consequently, ruminants use most of the energy therein but excrete a considerable amount of nitrogen (N). A small amount of this N then gets converted to N2O, which is a particularly powerful greenhouse gas. On average, N2O lasts in the atmosphere for about 120 years. Hence even small amounts of N2O are a problem. Both the international system and the NZ ETS convert all emissions to so-called ‘carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents’, with the accepted metric relating to warming potential over a 100-year period, labelled as GWP100. The validity of this metric depends on an unstated assumption that global society has concerns as to what happens to the planet over the next 100 years, with each year of equal

importance, but doesn’t care a brass razoo as to what happens thereafter. This assumption would not matter much if all of the GHGs had similar lifetimes in the atmosphere. But that is not the way that nature works. Much of the CO2 and N2O will still be warming the atmosphere well beyond 100 years, whereas the short-lived methane will have long since gone. This anomaly does not matter much for most countries, where methane is much less important than CO2 as the major GHG and where the anomaly does not have much effect on inter-country comparisons of total emissions. But it sure does matter in NZ. I first wrote about this way back in 2006, with that article published in what was then called Primary Industry Management. At the time I was the only person talking about it. I took some media flak from those who were already locked into hostility towards pastoral agriculture, but in relation to industry thinking, the article was ahead of its time. I had many other topics to work on and so it was not until 2018 that I started writing again about the importance of separating short-lived from long-lived gases. The rural industry now increasingly understands the importance of this separation and many people are writing about it, but the urban community has yet to come on board with basic understanding. NZ’s methane cloud has stabilised The key issue with atmospheric warming from NZ’s methane emissions is that those emissions have been essentially static for around 20 years. Hence, with an approximate 12-year average residence time in the atmosphere, the amount of methane entering the atmosphere and the amount of methane that is leaving are approximately in balance. This means that if NZ continues to

emit methane at the same levels, then the ‘atmospheric cloud’ of methane from NZ’s agricultural emissions will not increase. This is in great contrast to the emissions from CO2, where each year’s emissions pile up on top of the existing ‘atmospheric cloud’, leading to greater warming. Whereas the GWP100 metric gives a flawed message in relation to agricultural-sourced methane, that is not the case with N2O, which has a long life. Just like CO2, the ‘invisible cloud’ of N2O is building up. So, if climate change is perceived to be a problem, then N2O is also a problem. Coming back to methane for a moment, other non-pastoral sources have been increasing around the world. A lot of those emissions come from the natural gas industry. Some come from thawing of Northern Hemisphere permafrost. But the increase is not coming from NZ. Split-gas charging alternatives At this point I return to the HWEN document setting out two alternative charging scenarios that would lie outside the ETS. Both of the HWEN proposals would have a split-gas approach appropriate for the specifics of the NZ situation. The first option is a farm-based levy where each farm would need individual monitoring and auditing and be charged accordingly. This would involve lots of monitoring, plus everything associated with monitoring that farmers hate. Big farmers might be able to tolerate the amount of work, but for small farmers it would be a real big burden. The second option is that levies would be collected from processors per unit of processed product, based on average farm emissions across the industry and then inevitably passed back to farmers via product prices. So, farmers would still end up paying for it but without the direct monitoring and auditing. With this second option, farmers who considered their situation to be typical would

have no further paperwork to do relating to methane and N2O. However, farmers who considered they were doing something specific to reduce their emissions could put in a claim together with the evidence as to what they were doing. They would then get a rebate on their product-levy payments. A lot more work is required yet as to the specific items that would lead to farmers receiving payments for their GHG reductions. The remainder of the levy payments would then be used to fund a lot more research into GHG reduction strategies for pastoral farms. An important feature is that none of the levies would leave the agricultural sector. Some farmers are going to say that they don’t agree with either system. Those farmers might need to reflect on the political reality that the alternative is for agricultural GHG to be included in the ETS. That is likely to be much more of a straitjacket and the levies won’t come back to the industry. Once in the ETS, farmers will have lost control of their destiny. Following further refinement, HWEN will be taking the proposals out to farmers in the new year before putting a formal proposal to the Government. My advice to farmers would be that, if at all possible, agricultural methane and N2O issues should be kept outside of the ETS. In my opinion, the second of the two non-ETS options requires fewer dead rats to be swallowed. But my guess is that there will be plenty of venting at the farmer meetings.

Your View Keith Woodford was Professor of Farm Management and Agribusiness at Lincoln University for 15 years through to 2015. He is now Principal Consultant at AgriFood Systems Ltd. He can be contacted at kbwoodford@ gmail.com Previous articles can be found at https://keithwoodford. wordpress.com

World

34 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Price outweighs carbon footprint OPPORTUNITIES for farmers to earn rewards for using production methods which reduced their carbon footprint was still some way off, those attending the Carbon Food Conference heard. On one hand, too few customers are prepared to pay a premium for food that has a smaller carbon footprint than conventional products. And on the other, the food industry seems wary of promoting foods on this basis because it might undermine their existing product ranges. They also fear they might struggle to secure consistent supplies and the consumer demand may not be reliable enough. While many shoppers profess to be interested in the environment,

that rarely translates into a willingness to pay more for food, Dr Claire May of Lincoln University told the London event. And that has been the case for some time, she added, quoting research done for Tesco in 2011. While many respondents claimed to be interested in the environment, those concerns tended to get sidelined once they started shopping. “When they are actually in the shop they tend to get overwhelmed with other things,” May said. The store ran a promotion aimed at families and young children 10 years ago. While onethird of shoppers surveyed saw the ‘carbon footprint’ promotion, only around 10% claimed to have

made a purchase influenced by environmental concerns. May suspects that while the promotional material was noticeable, it was overwhelmed by multiple other displays around it. And the campaign had little long-term effect: the sales figures for a detergent were much the same in the weeks after the promotion as they had been in the weeks leading up to it. But a 2021 survey suggests that 67% of respondents supported the idea of recognisable carbon labelling. May credits programmes such as Blue Planet, which highlighted the damage caused by plastic to marine life, for swaying people’s views and behaviours. UK Farmers Guardian

DISTRACTIONS: While consumers may be interested in the environment, those concerns are often sidelined by other messaging once they start shopping.

Christmas supply unpredictable Small potato crop expected in 2022 SPECIALITY cheeses and cream were expected to be the winners this Christmas, with opportunities for beef to challenge turkey sales. But while analysis from AHDB showed the public wanted to make up for lost time after last year’s unprecedented Christmas, consumers might be braced for disruption, not only from rising covid-19 cases, but from supply chain issues, which could cause shortages of festive favourites. “If reports come to fruition, we could be in a situation where even if shoppers want more from their

SHORTAGES: UK consumers should be braced for disruption to the availability of Christmas dinner favourites.

Christmas, it may not be possible,” AHDB senior insight manager Kim Malley said. Christmas is typically a time for trading up, but financial concerns might mean some consumers trade down, while others could afford a ‘Christmas blowout’. Last year many households switched from turkey to red meat due to fewer guests. While some would revert back, Malley says it was a good foundation to remind consumers of the great taste of red meat. Bigger joints will be in demand,

but smaller joints had increased in popularity pre-covid-19, so offering a range was important, with frozen meat expected to perform well. Traditional trimmings, including pigs in blankets, would be popular, with AHDB suggesting this is where consumers might be encouraged to trade up. Butchers had a bumper Christmas last year. Sales have slowed, but noise around shortages could increase demand. “They will need to remain agile, in terms of both stock and service, and remind people of the quality products and local sourcing to gain loyalty,” she said. Christmas also provides an additional boost for cheese, with a predicted recovery for traditional cheese board offerings, such as Wensleydale, Brie, Stilton and Camembert. December was always the biggest month for cream, but it could reach a new high as an affordable treat, and alcoholic cream could see a surge. UK Farmers Guardian

THE UK could plant its smallest area of potatoes ever in 2022, making the country more reliant on imports. But the exact size of the UK area and crop in 2021 is difficult to judge without AHDB estimates. Defra has released figures suggesting a total potato area for the whole of the UK of 136,800 hectares, the second smallest area on record and nearly 4% down on 2020. However, the figure is based on Basic Payment Scheme returns and includes land associated with potato production but not actually planted with potatoes. Using the Defra figures and long-term yield estimates, potato newsletter World Potato Markets estimates a total 2021 UK crop of 5.403 million tonnes, 2% lower than in 2020, but a little larger than

2018 and 2019. Reduced areas in the main European potato growing countries have also led to smaller crops. Belgium and the Netherlands saw the largest reduction in areas – down more than 7%, according to the NorthWestern European Potato Growers group of Belgian, Dutch, French and German potato organisations. Poor yields in the Netherlands meant a 12% reduction in output, although better conditions in Belgium resulted in a slightly larger crop. Visitors to the recent British Potato Show in Harrogate and Interpom in Belgium said higher costs of production and strong prices of other crops may persuade growers to plant less. UK Farmers Guardian

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Boundary lines are indicative only

Pungarehu 152A Pungarehu Road

124 hectare coastal dairy farm This 124.0954ha (more or less) dairy unit is made up of four titles to include the benefit of a 25 a-side herringbone dairy shed, two relatively large utility sheds which flank the dairy shed and provide storage and calf rearing facilities, double concrete silage bunker with central race access to paddocks either side. A new bridge on the farm was constructed in 2015. The farm is further benefited from two dwellings. The main accommodation contains four bedrooms and the second dwelling consists of a three bedroom cottage. The contour of land is a mixture of flat with a smattering of lahars and the pasture is in good heart. Fertility is outstanding with Olsen P levels ranging from 38 to 57, plenty in the bank on this aspect. Milking 320 cows the property had a 12.9 hectare block added to it this season. The three year average production from the original 111 hectares is 106,650kgMS.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 1pm, Tue 14 Dec 2021 15 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth View by appointment John Blundell 027 240 2827 john.blundell@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY TARANAKI LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2601031

Taranaki 67 Spargo Road, Tikorangi

Sensational land on Spargo The privacy, location, endless potential, and the surrounds of the Waitara river adds to the prestige of owning this property on Spargo Road, a rare opportunity to come to the market. This 31.8690ha (more or less) of quality land and uniqueness provides many opportunities to all purchasers. A true slice of paradise - land with income from stock and supplement, even an orchard, swimming hole, fishing and picnic spots. With three phase power already on this sun drenched property, this land has it all. Here is your opportunity to secure your dream purchase.

bayleys.co.nz/2601046

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 1pm, Fri 17 Dec 2021 15 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth View 1-2pm Tue 7 Dec Brendan Crowley 027 241 2817 brendan.crowley@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY TARANAKI LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

Wairoa 1447 Hereheretau Road, Whakaki

Te Awamutu 170 Aotearoa Road 97ha dairy farm in popular district This fertile 97 hectare (subject to survey) dairy farm is a great opportunity for first farm buyers. Infrastructure includes a 16 ASHB dairy shed with in-shed meal feeding system, concrete feedpad, implement and calf sheds. Recent production (2019) was over 78,000kgMS. Located in an area of consistent rainfall. There’s an elevated three bedroom home with recently refurbished kitchen and living area plus a new double garage with sleepout. This well set up farm will suit an enterprising first farm owner or to be run as part of a larger operation.

bayleys.co.nz/2312727

Asking Price $3,450,000 + GST (if any) View 11-11.30am Wed 8 Dec Sharon Evans AREINZ 027 235 4771 sharon.evans@bayleys.co.nz Stuart Gudsell AREINZ 021 951 737 stuart.gudsell@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

346 hectares clean breeding country Located approximately 94 kilometres south west of Gisborne city and 31 kilometres to Wairoa township, a subdivision of approximately 346 hectares (subject to survey) of Tangiwai Station. The land is mainly clean medium to steep hill country which has a combination of natural creeks and man made dams. The property lends itself to breeding cows and ewes with an access easement providing direct access to the Hereheretau Road.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 26 Jan 2022 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Stephen Thomson 027 450 6531 stephen.thomson@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 BOUSFIELD MACPHERSON LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

The instructions are clear, call now to view.

bayleys.co.nz/2852800

NEW LISTING

Boundary lines are indicative only

Banks Peninsula 837 Okains Bay Road, Okains Bay Okains Bay beauty with potential Run by the same family since 1857, this picturesque 588.5698-hectare Okains Bay hill country farm is a solid performer with multiple possible income streams. Situated in a picturesque valley, the flat to steep hill country property features gullies, native shelter belts and natural water supply. The well tracked and subdivided farm has very strong breeding performance, as a key feature, with the ability to finish all stock. Well equipped with working historic woolshed, enclosed yards, numerous other yards and shedding. The tidy homestead is cosy and comfortable with plenty of potential to upgrade, situated on its own title, with two further building sites on the property. Okains Bay is just 20 minutes from Akaroa and one hour 30 minutes from Christchurch.

bayleys.co.nz/5516886

bayleys.co.nz

Canterbury 61 and 67 Mapleham Drive, Pegasus 2

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Mon 13 Dec 2021 3 Deans Avenue, Chch View by appointment Evan Marshall 027 221 0910 evan.marshall@bayleys.co.nz Peter Foley 021 754 737 peter.foley@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Once in a lifetime For those seeking something extraordinary. Nestled within a spectacular botanical setting which has been carefully curated over decades is this 8.30 hectare (20.5 acre) property in two titles, adjacent to Pegasus' 18-hole championship golf course and just over 20 minutes to Christchurch city. On the 4.96ha title is the elegant home positioned to capture the best that is on offer sunshine, privacy and majestic lakefront scenery. Incredibly sheltered and accessed by a secure gated entrance, the adjacent 3.3ha bare land lot features a four-bay shed. While the two titles are being marketed as one, they could potentially be sold separately.

bayleys.co.nz/5517030

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 1pm, Wed 15 Dec 2021 Phone for viewing times Chris Jones 027 220 5043 chris.jones@bayleys.co.nz Sam Sidey 027 346 3500 sam.sidey@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Taumarunui 331 Burnand Road

Mayfield 2052 Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road

Burnand beauty Immaculately presented 40 ha farm with fantastic contour. The property stretches from flats to easy rolling hills with some medium hill and steeper areas. Could be used for maize and silage production, or fattening cattle as it is now. Clean country with minimal weeds. Currently fattening cattle and winter lambs, but the options could be endless. It could be a particularly nice equine property with its free draining soils. Well supported with reticulated spring water, a solid fertiliser history and great shade and shelter offered by established trees. Four bedroom G.J Gardener home built in 2012. A superior property with top quality improvements including an enviable implement shed.

Dairy support - arable - finishing For Sale From $1,750,000 + GST (if any) View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TUR82219

This quality unit sitting on the outskirts of the rural township of Mayfield is pivot irrigated, arable soils, all weather lane system, quality infrastructure. Tidy four bedroom homestead with two large living areas and landscaped gardens.

Katie Walker M 027 757 7477

Great family living.

Hakataramea 860 McHenrys Road

Waicola 204 Waicola Road

Foveran Station

Production & profitability

Foveran Station is situated in the Hakataramea Valley, South Canterbury, New Zealand. Expansive and unique best describes Foveran and its sister "The Brothers" with 2,645 ha ranging from the valley floor to the upper foothills. The property is currently run as a renowned deer breeding, stud property and game park. It is also complimented with merino fine wool and beef production providing enviable scope and balance. Tailored with over 290 ha of spray irrigation with the ability to store over 500,000m3, this property is set to provide the discerning buyer security in production and performance with multiple income streams. Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes 3.00pm, Fri 17th Dec, 2021 (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Ashburton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/AR99516

For Sale By Negotiation + GST (if any) View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/OMR90908

Ross Robertson M 021 023 27220 Barry Meikle M 027 436 5131 John McCone M 027 221 9133

Well located 217 ha dairy farm with good shape, scale and consistent production history of 281,000 - 290,000 kgMS.

Chris Murdoch M 027 434 2545

For Sale $7,250,000 + GST (if any) View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/IR87694

Balance of flat/easy contour with some medium hill on northwest boundary and serviced by good internal lanes with roads on two boundaries. Buildings comprise of three homes, plenty of calf rearing facilities and implement cover. 40 ASHB cowshed integrated with a covered feed pad/loafing area and separate calving barn. Consented for 700 cows until May 2031. A farm worthy of your attention and inspection.

Wayne Clarke M 027 432 5768 John Hay M 027 435 0138

Proud to be here

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – December 6, 2021

FINAL NOTICE

63 Harbottle Road

AUCTION

Jackpot On Mowbray

104.9 ha

Morrinsville

42.5 ha

451 Mowbray Rd, Matamata

Here's What You're Waiting For 105 ha more or less dairy farm approximately 8kms Hamilton side of Morrinsville up a short no exit road. Milking 330 cows for 114,000 m/s through 24 aside HB in shed PK & Molasses feeder. 50mm main and 32mm around the farm service the troughs. Very well raced and fenced with hot wire and Barberry hedges. Heaps of shedding complement the property. Three bedroom brick home with single mans quarters. Possible 26 ha lease available for 3 years. Walk in and carry on farming. This farm has eye appeal. The Vendors are ready for an auction on 17th December (Unless sold prior)

Auction 17th Dec 1pm (Unless sold prior) ___________________________________ View Wed 8th Dec 11am ___________________________________ Agent Terry Court 021 754 233

First time on the market in 50 years! This much admired, prime 42.5-hectare (more or less) block is all flat and in two titles. Currently farmed as part of a dairy unit but would suit virtually any land use your heart desires, including the possibility of further subdivision. Embrace the magic of this versatile property enhanced by its beautiful mature specimen trees, a fantastic location within striking distance of Matamata and a large rambling three-bedroom cottage. There is no substitute for quality or location, if you purchase 451 Mowbray Road you will have both.

LJ Hooker Morrinsville (07) 889 8015 Licensed Agent REAA 2008

matamata.ljhooker.co.nz/J5WHR1

Auction Wed 15th Dec, 11am (unless sold prior) ___________________________________ View Fri 10th Dec 11am - 12pm ___________________________________ Agent Peter Begovich 027 476 5787 Rex Butterworth 021 348 276 LJ Hooker Matamata 07 888 5677 Link Realty Ltd. Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Central Waikato Realty Limited. Licensed Real Estate Agent 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.

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Maihiihi 342 Happy Valley Road As a first farm you won’t find many better. Location will tick a lot of boxes and so will the cowshed. Located in the Maihiihi/Korokanui district, an area renown for it reliable grass growing climate, good schooling options and friendly locals. We have no doubt this is the farm you have been waiting for this spring. • • • • •

90.0984 hectares more or less in 3 titles 70 hectares utilised as platform Milking between 195 and 220 cows Modern 22 Aside Herringbone cowshed Two homes

For Sale Tender 16th Dec 2021 at 1pm (unless sold prior) View Open Day 3 Dec at 11:00am – 1:00pm harcourts.co.nz/OH9369 Kerry Harty M 027 294 6215 E kjharty@harcourts.co.nz

www.blueribbonharcourts.co.nz

with your agent today to list your property next to news that farmers read. Contact your agent to advertise today.

0800 85 25 80 farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

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FARMERS WEEKLY – December 6, 2021

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1 POWDER MEASURE WITH STANDARD LARGE AND SMALL POWDER BARS 1 PRIMER SYSTEM WITH LARGE AND SMALL PRIMING PARTS 1 LARGE AND ONE SMALL PRIMER PICK-UP TUBE. LOW PRIMER ALARM 1 LOADED CARTRIDGE BIN 1 TOOLHEAD 1 POWDER DIE 1 SET OF STANDARD ALLEN WRENCHES

9MM 2X 15RD MAGS

$349.95

OLIGHT WARRIOR X TURBO HUNTING KIT

A HIGH-SPEED PROGRESSIVE RELOADING MACHINE

$284.95

OLIGHT PL-PRO

PARD NV008 PLUS NIGHT VISION SCOPE

DILLON XL750 RELOADING PRESS

KERSHAW LINK

KVT BALL BEARINGS

$174.95 KERSHAW SWERVE

KVT BALL BEARINGS

HOWA M1100 SCOPED & SUPPRESSED

$179.95 KERSHAW CQC-11K

22LR OR 22 MAGNUM 2X MAGAZINES INCLUDED

$899.95

HUGLU VEYRON SPORT 5+1 CAPACITY WITH 3" SHELLS FIBRE OPTIC FRONT SIGHT

9MM 2X 17RD MAGS

$1399.95 BUL 1911 GOVT

ASSISTED OPENING

$94.95 KERSHAW CRYO

ASSISTED OPENING

$64.95 KERSHAW CRYO II

MANUAL WASHERS

$124.95

$999.95

RUGER RANCH RIFLE

KERSHAW PAYOUT

223REM OR 300BLK 10 ROUND PMAG

$1149.95 WINCHESTER WILDCAT

$799.95

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9MM 2X 15RD MAGS STEEL FRAME

$699.95 $2899.95

45ACP 2X MAGAZINES

$1699.95 40S&W 3X18 RD MAGS

CHECK OUT THE FULL RANGE ONLINE

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TAKES 10/22 MAGS TOOLLESS TEARDOWN

$649.95

WWW.DELTAMIKE.CO.NZ

Noticeboard

Tech & Toys DOLOMITE NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call ....

0800 436 566

Selling something? Call Debbie 06 323 0765

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

enviroMate 100

The automated pest control tool The tool that carries on with pest control while you are otherwise busy… Price $140.00 plus freight

Stay safe this summer with TRAX QuadGuard®

enviroMate 100 Available from Eco-land Ltd

www.enviromate.co.nz Assembled with SKF bearings MOWER MASTER CHRISTMAS SALE

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

0800 782 376

LK0105459©

Innovative and lifesaving rollover protection that is lightweight, flexible and affordable to keep Kiwi farmers safe. Heavy duty long lasting

www.quadguard.co.nz

13.5HP. Briggs & Stratton Motor. Electric start. 1.2m cut Assembled with SKF bearings.

Assembled by Kiwis for Kiwi conditions – built to last.

GO THE MOA!

$4100 GST INCLUSIVE

To find out more visit www.moamaster.co.nz

Ph 028 461 5112 • Email: mowermasterltd@gmail.com

Ph 021 047 9299

Noticeboard

Longfords Farm Partnership

A Unique Farm Manager Opportunity High performing hill country sheep/beef unit set in a unique and spectacular location surrounded by native bush and four lakes in the Rotorua area.

FREE FREIGHT

This eﬀective 580ha farm is well developed and subdivided, currently running 6750 stock units.

ON ALL PURCHASES OVER $7,000 TO YOUR NEAREST MAIN CENTRE

The property borders a small local community and also supports a horse trekking and a wedding business. The successful applicant will have the following capabilities / characteristics:

Send CV and relevant information to: Longfords C/- rotorua@agﬁrst.co.nz

Health and Safety

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

• Agronomy • Ashburton Meat Processors • Bovine Genetics Manager • Casual Sale yard job • Equity Contract Manager • Farm Manager

Simple yet versatile

• Harvest Team 2022 • Head of Farming and Forestry • Labourer • Shepherd General • Stock Manager • Tractor/Truck/ Machinery Operator

Animal Welfare Sheep Handling

*FREE upload to Primary Pathways Aotearoa: www.facebook.com

*conditions apply

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

LK0105354©

Applications close Tuesday 21 December 2021

Built to last

JOBS BOARD

LK0109847©

• A proven track record of achievement and results-orientated farm management. • Up to date with latest farming and business management practises, including health and safety and sustainable farming. • Strong leadership skills, proactive planning and organisation, long-term vision and outstanding time/task management. • Financial acumen, budget management and regular reporting skills. • An understanding of farming under developing environmental and land use restrictions. • Astute understanding of current environmental requirements and practices. • Pride in maintaining farm condition and appearance. • Strong communication skills and ability to liaise and get involved with local community. • Commercial capabilities to identify and manage further value-generating opportunities on the property. • Sociable, fit, enthusiastic, hardworking, flexible and open-minded to manage multiple stakeholder relationships. • Relevant qualifications beneficial.

Cattle Handling

For more information give us a call on 0800 227 228 or visit the website at combiclamp.co.nz ™

LK0109667©

All your family needs this Christmas is for you to come home safe - every day.

Primary Pathways

LK0109604©

• That saves time and vehicle costs • Draws pests to traps or poison • Outstanding results in any scale of operation

Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – December 6, 2021

Become a farmer of the future …

ANIMAL HANDLING

DOGS FOR SALE

FLY OR LICE problem? Electrodip – the magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides. Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness. Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t r o d i p . c o m

HUGE SELECTION of Huntaways and Headers. Deliver NZ Wide. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553. THREE HEADING DOG pups. Ready to wean. Very well bred and reared. Phone 027 243 8541. WE HAVE A TOP selection of young Huntaways for sale. We are not traders we are breeders trainers and sellers based in Southland. Transport to the North Island no problem. Join us on facebook workingdogsnewzealand. Check out our web site w w w. r i n g w a y k e n n e l s . co.nz. Ringway Kennels. Phone 027 248 7704.

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

ATTENTION FARMERS FARM SITTING. Need a break? Retired farming couple with fully selfcontained caravan, available to look after dogs, chooks, etc. check / move livestock, water supply, mow lawns and any other light farming duties. Based in Taumarunui, willing to travel. Phone Tom 027 471 3493.

We are looking for Farm Trainers and Students for 2022 Our structured programme offers an array of industry training, NZQA learning and extensive practical work experience alongside outstanding farmers in our community. 2 year programme

■

Zero fees

■

Practical workplace training and development

■

Pastoral care and Liaison support in all of our 10 regions

NZQA National Certificates via EIT in Primary Industries (level 2 and 3), Pre-Employment Skills (level 3) and Certificate in Agriculture – Food and Fibre (level 3)

■

Weekly Sponsorship allowance

■

Essential Farm Skills Programme

ANIMAL HEALTH LK0109855©

■

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Call Sue Meade 021 315 534 E sue@growingfuturefarmers.co.nz

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

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

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

BALAGE FOR SALE 600 BALAGE UNITS available. $85 per bale. Taihape. Phone 027 303 8956.

DOGS WANTED

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

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

FORESTRY WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide. We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase. NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 04 293 2097 Richard.

GRAZING AVAILABLE

GIBB-GRO GROWTH PROMOTANT PROMOTES QUICK PASTURE growth. Only $6+gst per hectare delivered. 0508-GIBBGRO [0508 442 247] www. gibbgro.co.nz. “The Proven One.”

GOATS WANTED GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis. 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. FOR ONLY $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Debbie on 0800 85 25 80.

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 WILTSHIRE RAMS and ewes, full shedding, meat breed. Simon 022 134 1009. Levin.

RAMS FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556. PINNACLES WILTSHIRES 2th rams. Ph 06 346 6230, 027 416 8188.

STOCK FEED MOISTURE METERS Hay, Silage dry matter, grain. www.moisturemeters.co.nz 0800 213 343.

TRACTOR PARTS JOHN DEERE 6620, rollover damage, dismantling Andquiparts. Phone 027 524 3356.

WANTED TO BUY WHAT’S SITTING IN your barn? Don’t leave it to rust away! We pay cash for tractors, excavators, small crawler tractors and surplus farm machinery. Ford – Ferguson – Hitachi – Komatsu – John Deere and more. Tell us what you have no matter where it is in NZ. You never know.. what’s resting in your barn could be fattening up your wallet! Email admin@ loaderparts.co.nz or phone Colin on 0274 426 936 (No texts please)

WANTED TO LEASE

LOG BUYER

LONG TERM. Gisborne area. Suitable dairy heifers. Phone 021 594 548.

HAULER CREW available for summer harvest. Wairarapa area. Phone 027 489 7036.

EAST TARANAKI FARM LAND. Sheep and beef. Phone 020 4018 9927.

Livestock Noticeboard

Our last Farmers Weekly publication for 2021 is December 20

All Ram Breeders are the same... Yeah right!

YOUNG BREEDING EWES MA ANG COWS CAF 1YR BEEF BULLS 300kg 1YR ANG or EXOTIC HEIFERS 300-350kg

2 & 3YR ANG & ANG X STEERS >480kg

Our office will be closed from 5pm December 20 and will reopen January 10 for our first publication of 2022 on January 17. Contact Ella on 027 602 4925 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz for more information or to book

STOCK REQUIRED

STOCK FOR SALE 77 Top 1YR ANG STEERS 400kg www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

LK0109176©

To see these top breeders, visit www.fegold.co.nz

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

Ram Sales - ARVIDSON WILTSHIRES Advanced Performance since 1995

2021 Autumn Born Friesian Heifers

Auctions at: WormFEC Gold flocks are 600c above national average for NZMW.

$1,750.00 March 2022 Delivery Please Contact

The strategy of drenching to control parasites is failing. Incorporate WormFEC Gold genetics for long term solution and higher performance. Beef and Lamb Low Input Progeny Test proves the worth of WormFEC Gold rams. Top rams have high performance, less dags and less need for drenching. LK0109723©

North Island Luke McBride 027 304 0533 Wayne Doran 027 493 8957 South Island Richard Harley 021 765 430 Greg Collins 027 481 9772

No.1 for Facial Eczema since 2006 (Ramguard™ Test at 0.53)

www.wormfecgold.co.nz

Livestock Advertising? Call Ella: 0800 85 25 80

Stortford Lodge Wednesday, 8th December, 2021 – 2pm Online bidding with www.bidr.co.nz register early (see catalogue for details)

• High Fertility Meat Breed Flock • High Meat Yield (low input trial) • Parasite Testing Since 2011 (CarlaTM Saliva Test) • Hoof Scoring All Ewes and Rams (roll over crate visual score) eBook: https://www.pivotdesign.co.nz/ebooks/2021/arvidson/ Pdf: https://www.pivotdesign.co.nz/ebooks/2021/arvidson/files/downloads/ Arvidson Wiltshires Ram catalogue eBook.pdf Ram numbers 1-200 go to Stortford Lodge.

Phone David 027 277 1556 or 09 296 0597 Or your stock agent

LK0109648©

EXPORT WANTED

“To promote the concept of genetic selection for parasite resistance as a sustainable, long-term solution to worm challenges and drench resistance”

Livestock Noticeboard

8th Waterton Ram Sale

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard Tuesday 7th December 2021

1pm Charollias Sheep NZ Ram Sale

Wednesday 8th December 2021

1pm Kaituna Ram Sale 1pm Arvidson Wiltsire-Stortford Lodge 1.30pm Ruapehu Red Deer 2 Year Sire Stag Sale 1pm Elite X Bred/ Friesian Complete Herd Sale

Friday 10th December 2021

1pm Stoneylea Suffolk & Courtenay Suffolk Ram Sale 1.30pm Forest Road Farm Red Deer Stag & Hind Sale

Monday 13th December 2021

7.00pm Hudson Deer Velveting Stag Sale

Tuesday 14th December 2021

7pm Arapawa Wiltshire Sale 7.30pm Tower Farms & Crowley Deer Combined Stag & Hind Sale

Charollais, % Charollais, Suffolk and South Suffolk Rams

Superior Genetics for Greater Profitability

Tuesday 14th December 2021

On Farm Auction: Friday 17 Dec at 12 midday, inspection from 10am

Viewing from 2.30pm Helmsman Sale 4.00pm Belmont Station 50 Kerr Road, Cave South Canterbury

Thursday 9th December 2021

Regular Livestream coverage of five North Island Saleyards - head to bidr.co.nz to find out more.

FARMERS WEEKLY – December 6, 2021

19 Pure Charollais 40 Suffolk 20 South Suffolk 16 Charollais Suffolk 16 Percentage Charollais

• • • • • • •

For more information or a catalogue, contact:

ELITE XBRED/FRIESIAN COMPLETE HERD SALE

Thursday, 9 December 2021, commencing 1pm

Chris Hampton Hazlett 03 614 3330 Wayne Andrews 027 202 5679 027 484 8232 cahampton@xtra.co.nz

Hazlett Snow Buckley 027 561 4652

Also on www.hazlett.nz

A/C: Simon and Liz Harnett - Southland

Current Covid-19 protocols will apply

Hill bred Commercially farmed SIL recorded Eye Muscle Scanned Brucellosis Accredited Over 60 years breeding Largest offering of Charollais & Charollais cross rams in Canterbury.

For Sale – 300 Maternal and Terminal Rams proven to increase growth rate and meat yield of export lambs. Maternals Terminals Texel Meatmaker Wharetoa Maternal Suftex Meatmaker x Suftex

PGGW Greg Uren 027 431 4051 Simon Eddington 027 590 8612

• Approx 360 2-8yr sound Xbred and Friesian incalf cows from approx 440 Inmilk cows. • Extremely well grown out capacity cows that are a credit to the vendors. • Elite XBred/Friesian herd with good square udders, great data and recorded ancestry. • 10% deposit to be paid within 14 days of sale. • Cows will be Pregnancy Tested/Scanned In-Calf approximately 1 week prior to delivery. • BW 138 PW 156 RA 99% • Last Season 458m/s per cow, 1416 ms/ha • Stocking Rate 3.12 cows/ha • Current SCC 69,0000 Last season SCC 109,000 • 9 weeks AB – LIC Forward Pack -DNA Xbred/Friesian, Speckled Park & Hereford • Calving from 5/8/22 • Enquiries PGW – Roddy Bridson 027 458 2775

Proven By Performance Garth Shaw: 027 273 7037 Warwick Howie (PGGW): 027 437 5276 e: wharetoa@farmside.co.nz

. www.wharetoagenetics.co.nz

ONGARUE WILTSHIRES RAM SALE Te Kuiti Sale Yards Friday 10th December, 1pm start (in conjunction with Te Kuiti lamb & cattle fair) • 55 2th Wiltshire rams • Full shedders • Hill Country bred • Breeding for just over 10 years • Bred on eczema prone country • Ewe flock has good eczema tolerance • All rams brucellosis tested • Big emphasis on sound feet • Glenbrae and Morrison bred Auctioneer notes these rams are bred on the hills and are extremely well grown.

Delivery Date: 27/5/2022 Settlement Date: 31/5/2022 Herd to be dried off 18/5/2022

All enquiries to: Kevin New (OW) 07 878 4758 John Grainger (PGW) 027 496 8150 Nate Lamb (PGW) 0273 265 187

Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz Helping grow the country

Helping grow the country

PGW New Zealand Hind/Stag/Wapiti Bull Sales Itinerary December 2021 Sales Wed 8th Fairlight Station Northern Southland 11.00am Ruapehu Red Deer Taihape 1.30pm Fri 10th

Forest Road Farm Red Deer Hawkes Bay 1.30pm

January 2022 Sales Sat 11th Sarnia Deer Cambridge 2.30pm Auction Cancelled. For Private Treaty details please contact: Bob 021 117 1639 or Graham 0274 223 154 Wed 15th Peel Forest Est. Peel Forest 1.00pm Forester Genetics

Sun 9th

Peel Forest Est. Peel Forest 1.00pm Deer Genetics NZ Geraldine 4.30pm

Wed 12th Netherdale Deer Balfour 1.30pm Thu 13th Arawata Red Deer Pinebush 12.30pm

Mon 10th Raincliff Station Wapiti Raincliff 11.00am Rothesay Deer Methven 4.00pm

Murray Coutts Mid & South Canterbury 027 403 9377

Mon 17th Littlebourne Wapiti Winton 1.00pm Tikana Wapiti Winton 3.30pm

Altrive Red Deer Riversdale 5.00pm Fri 14th

Tue 11th Black Forest Deer Park Outram 4.30pm

Annadale Deer Invercargill 9.30am

Tue 18th Clachanburn Elk Ranfurly 1.00pm

Wilkins Farming Ltd. Athol 2.00pm These sales are in conjunction with Head to bidr.co.nz for full auction details

PGG Wrightson Deer Specialist Team Graham Kinsman NZ Deer Stud Co-ordinator 027 422 3154

Sun 16th Lochinvar Wapiti. Te Anau 1.30pm

John Williams Otago 027 241 4179

Ben Beadle Southland 027 728 1052

Ron Schroeder North Canterbury/West Coast 027 432 1299

John Duffy Deer Auctioneer 027 240 3841

LK0108981©

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

LK0109685©

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – December 6, 2021

STUD DISPERSAL STUD DISPERSAL SALE SALE THURSDAY 3RD FEB 2022 - 1PM

White Dorper Stud , A/C Up The Road John & Tarsha Clemens Ashburton Showgrounds, viewing from 11am >80 Mixed Age Ewes >40 Ewe Lambs >15 Ram Lambs Further Enquiries: Geoff Wright (Hazlett) 027 462 0131 Simon Eddington (PGGW) 027 590 8612

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

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

FRIDAY 18TH FEB 2022 - 1PM

Waipara Downs Texel Amberley Showgrounds, viewing from 11am

Beef up your bull knowledge

>80 Mixed Age Texel Ewes >50 Texel Ewe Lambs >45 Texel Ram Lambs

Subscribe to our bull sales eNewsletters to receive updates with the latest results from across the country direct to your inbox.

Further Enquiries: Travis Dalzell (Hazlett) 027 202 0196

farmersweekly.co.nz/enewsletters

SALE TALK A woman pulled her convertible into a car wash and asked the attendant if he would vacuum it out for her. He looked inside and was amazed to see that it was full of sand all the way up to her waist. He said “Wow, I’ll bet you have learned to always put your top up when you are in a sand storm.” She said, “No, but I have learned to never honk my horn at a dump truck that is having trouble starting at a stop signal.”

hazlett.nz

• Open Headed, Upstanding sheep • High Fertility – 5 year average 170% • Fine Wool Corriedales – 26.4 micron ram hogget average • Footrot Resistant – ALL rams tested • SIL recorded • Drought Resistant, Long Living and Fence Friendly • Proven Genetics and Quality Assured

STORTFORD LODGE EARLY EWE FAIR Tuesday 14th December 10.30am PGG Wrightson on behalf of Clients will offer Approx 4000 MA Ewes including the following special entries:

CAMPDEN FARM, Waiwhare 450 4th & 6th Romney Ewes 250 5yr Romney Ewes

MG&JP MUNRO, Pahiatua 400 5yr Perendale Ewes WAIPAPA STN, Taupo 300 4th Rom/Tex Ewes

Enquiries: Neil Common 027 444 8745

WILFIELD CORRIEDALES

1213 West Coast Road, West Melton, Christchurch Contact Robin Wilson • robin.wilfield@xtra.co.nz • 021 158 3866 www.wilfieldsheepstud.co.nz • www.facebook.com/Wilfield sheep stud

PGG Wrightson Limited is not liable if any sale is unable to proceed as booked due to Covid-19 restrictions or for any associated costs/loss. An alternative sale method may need to occur.

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising

Animal Health & Management

LK0109843©

0800 278 677

www.cattlestops.co.nz

LK0109322©

TRESIDDER PUNANGA, Kereru 220 MA Romney Ewes

LK0109871©

RAWHITI FARM, Glengarry Road 560 Romney 2th Ewes

Freephone 0800 85 25 80

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Mel Croad

Suz Bremner

Reece Brick

Fiona Quarrie

Hayley O’Driscoll

Caitlin Pemberton

Deer

Sheep

Cattle BEEF

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

6.35

6.50

5.35

NI lamb (17kg)

9.30

9.45

7.00

NI Stag (60kg)

6.90

5.70

NI Bull (300kg)

6.40

6.50

5.30

NI mutton (20kg)

6.50

6.75

5.10

SI Stag (60kg)

6.95

5.70

NI Cow (200kg)

4.90

5.00

3.90

SI lamb (17kg)

9.00

9.10

6.90

SI Steer (300kg)

6.10

6.20

4.90

SI mutton (20kg)

6.60

5.10

SI Bull (300kg)

6.00

6.10

4.90

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

4.75

4.80

3.55

UK CKT lamb leg

13.66

13.24

9.01

US imported 95CL bull

10.18

10.13

7.22

US domestic 90CL cow

10.18

8.78

6.33

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

6.5 6.0

$/kg CW

4.0 South Island steer slaughter price

7.0

$/kg CW

South Island stag slaughter price

11.0

6.0

10.0

5.0

9.0

South Island lamb slaughter price

8.0 7.0

9.0

6.0

8.0

5.0

7.0

Oct

Dec

Feb

5-yr ave

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

5.5 5.0

WOOL

4.5

(NZ$/kg) Oct

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

2020-21

Dairy

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

2020-21

2021-22

Apr 2020-21

Jun

Fertiliser

Aug 2021-22

FERTILISER

Coarse xbred ind.

Aug

Last week

Prior week

Last year

2.68

2.69

2.11

Nearby contract

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

4180

4135

3925

SMP

3650

3500

AMF

5985

Butter

5250

5050

Milk Price

9.01

8.95

955

607

368

342

300

1308

1135

799

DAP

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

32.58

36.55

YTD Low 27.1

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.72

9.94

4.45

460

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.87

8.34

6.65

440

Mainfreight Limited

89.45

99.78

64.85

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

6.11

7.6

5.7

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.41

4.97

4.35

420 400

Contact Energy Limited

7.84

11.16

6.6

380

Ryman Healthcare Limited

12.01

15.99

11.97

360

Ebos Group Limited

37.05

27.51

340

Infratil Limited

8.13

8.465

6.74

Nov-20

$/tonne

Prior week

1190

30 micron lamb

Jan-21

Mar-21

May-21

Jul-21

Sep-21

Nov-21

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

Last price*

Urea

1.95

$/tonne

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

Last year

2.10

N …

… S

J…

… M

…

J…

N …

Sept. 2022

Prior week

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Sept. 2021

Last week

37 micron ewe

480

9.50 9.00 8.50 8.00 7.50 7.00 6.50 6.00 5.50

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Super

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

$/kg MS

7.0

5.0

6.0

5-yr ave

Listed Agri Shares Company

5pm, close of market, Thursday Close

YTD High

YTD Low

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.25

0.335

0.161

480

The a2 Milk Company Limited

5.9

12.5

5.39

460

Comvita Limited

3.45

3.8

3.06

Delegat Group Limited

13.7

15.5

12.9

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.6

5.15

3.57

440 420 400

Foley Wines Limited

1.6

2.07

1.45

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.22

1.35

0.81

4900

380

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.24

0.65

0.23

8.63

360

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.37

1.72

1.35

PGG Wrightson Limited

4.35

4.56

3.11

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.4

0.61

0.37

Sanford Limited (NS)

4.92

5.51

4.3

Scales Corporation Limited

5.35

5.76

4.22

340

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Nov-20

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Jan-21

Mar-21

May-21

Jul-21

Sep-21

Nov-21

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

Seeka Limited

5.25

5.68

4.66

4400

450

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

3.45

5.24

2.85

T&G Global Limited

3.01

3.08

2.85

4200

400

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

13787

15491

12865

350

S&P/NZX 50 Index

12670

13558

12085

4000

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12410

13978

11776

$/tonne

US$/t

7.0

6.0

6.5

4.0

8.0

5.0

8.0

10.0

4.5

9.0

6.0

5.5 5.0

Last year

10.0

$/kg CW

7.0

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.0

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

North Island lamb slaughter price

10.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Sarah Hilhorst

Ingrid Usherwood

3800 3600

300 250

Dec

Jan Feb Latest price

Mar

Apr 4 weeks ago

May

200

Nov-20

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Jan-21

Mar-21

May-21

Jul-21

Sep-21

Nov-21

13787

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12670

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

12410

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

Analyst intel

WEATHER

Overview A cold front moves over the North Island today, bringing rain to the lower half Monday morning, then moves further north in the afternoon. An anticyclone should have moved in over the South Island, with conditions easing there and brighter weather likely this afternoon in the west and far south. Conditions are somewhat mostly settled Tuesday and Wednesday, although rain does start moving into the West Coast on Wednesday. Thursday sees the arrival of another front in the far south, bringing the inevitable northwesterlies and rain in the west, then eventually a period of southwesterlies and showers for a time in the east. The weekend sees a southwesterly airflow covering the country, bringing a few showers.

14-day outlook A cold front moves over the North Island on Monday bringing rain. This front would have been responsible for some very heavy rain for the West Coast of the South Island this weekend just past, but it would have weakened a little as it moved northwards. An anticyclone quickly pushes in over the South Island behind the front, then gradually moves out to the east bringing a period of settled weather, although another front starts to move onto the South Island on Thursday before moving northwards, with southwesterlies following in behind. The week after sees high pressure mostly, but a front may bring cool weather for a time midweek with some showers.

Soil Moisture

Highlights

02/12/2021

Wind

Southerlies through Cook Strait today may be a bit strong, but otherwise just a bit cool and fresh for eastern regions. Winds through Cook Strait swing around to the north on Wednesday becoming a little blustery, conditions ease on Thursday, but Friday freshen up again through Cook Strait ahead of a front moving through. Source: NIWA Data

Temperature

7-day rainfall forecast Some rain for the North Island today, possibly heavy in the south, showers for the eastern South Island ease. Most of New Zealand is dry on Tuesday but we see showers for the upper North Island, rain moves into the West Coast on Wednesday. A cold front brings rain for the West Coast on Thursday and showers about the far south, then the front moves northwards on Friday, with rain in the west and a few showers in the east for the South Island. 0

After a warm weekend in the east it will feel noticeably cooler today as southerlies have pushed through. Tuesday may still feel a little cool in the east, while elsewhere is in the late teens or early 20s. Wednesday and Thursday warm temperatures return in the east then Friday southerlies push northwards bringing in a cool change.

Highlights/ Extremes

Money still good despite downside

100

200

400

Rainfall accumulation over seven days from 7am on December 6 till 7am on December 13. Forecast generated at 1am on December 3.

The weekend has probably brought the most extreme weather we will have in the next week or two. A front would have brought some very heavy rain to the West Coast and it could still deliver some heavy rain to the lower North Island on Monday. And, some very cold air for the eastern South Island may bring some snow to the ranges today.

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

Mel Croad mel.croad@globalhq.co.nz

T’S been a long-time coming, but farm gate prices for sheep and cattle are on the way down. The momentum has been gathering for lamb since mid-November. AgriHQ data shows that after peaking at $9.65/kg in the North Island and $9.40/kg in the South Island, the tide has turned and weekly deductions have set in. The downside for beef has been slower to materialise, but as backlogs start to appear at processing plants, the expectation is for weekly pricing drops to gather momentum. Across both species, prices are 15-30c/kg below those November peaks. Focusing on the price received on the day rather than how much it may have fallen is key though. Current farm gate prices are still $1-$2/kg better than this time last year for those that are processing stock. And, downside has been a long-time coming simply because prices have maintained their strength well into spring. Typically, October spells the end of any lift in export prices. This year overseas market demand has withstood the usual pressures and inmarket prices have held or strengthened deep into November. Average export values for lamb usually peak in October, signalling the lift in values and demand for chilled product to service the Christmas trade period. This year average export values firmed to an all-time high of $12.88/kg. November export data has yet to be released but based on indications of market pricing and demand from NZ meat exporters through last month, AgriHQ doesn’t expect there to be any significant back down in those values. Record farm gate prices through the first half of November gives support to this assumption. Beef average export values have also performed well leading into spring. Key markets have remained strong, with record prices achieved in the US market and solid gains in key Asian markets.

Significantly reduced exports from Australia supported strong pricing for NZ beef and this trend will continue well into the new year. Overall, market indicators are still strong but the frequent upside in export prices has slowed, if not stopped. There is the slightest wobble here and there that will likely extend into early 2022. What has been driving farm gate prices lower lately has been the building pressure on processing capacity. A lack of processing staff and logistical headaches such as shipping and a lack of container space is slowing the ability to get product to market. December always marks the start of the surge of stock into processing plants. However, the slow flow of killable stock in November means a greater jostle for space this month. A lack of staff within processing plants is restricting capacity and knocking plant efficiencies. Usual processing trends through December would see the combined NZ lamb and mutton slaughter peak at over 800,000 head in the week prior to the Christmas break. To provide some context, historically by the first week of November the combined NZ lamb and mutton kill sits around 385,000 head, give or take. Current slowdowns in throughput due to staffing challenges may result in that December peak not being achieved, which will push more stock into the January production window. The slowdown in processing will affect export volumes, but there will still be a greater urgency to keep moving product offshore to balance the higher kill rates compared to early spring. Shipping challenges will come to a head as slaughter and production rates seasonally increase, as the risk for potential vessel delays or changes to shipping schedules hasn’t improved. These domestic challenges will continue to pressure farm gate prices lower into the new year, but despite the downside, prices will still start 2022 at a much higher level than usual, providing some buffer for those that can’t secure space now.

SALE YARD WRAP

Covid traffic lights at sale yards As the country moves into another chapter of the new norm under the covid-19 Traffic Light System, new protocols have been established for sale yard and on-farm selling activity and came into effect on Friday. The biggest change has been the introduction of scanning vaccine passes since livestock auctions are classified as an event under the Traffic Light System. PGG Wrightson says under the Orange and Red Covid Traffic Light System mandated by the Government, all livestock auctions have been classified as events. What does this mean for those attending sale yards or on-farm sales? Government requires all livestock auctions to utilise the My Vaccine Pass; all attendees will need to be fully vaccinated and produce proof (vaccine pass) to gain entry; QR code scanning or manual recording is still required; so is one-metre physical distancing; and mask wearing is strongly recommended. NORTHLAND Kaikohe cattle • Better yearling steers eased to $3.40-$3.45/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 100-110kg, fetched $440-$460 • Weaner dairy-beef heifers, 100kg, sold at $380-$420 • Heavier boner cows held at $2.20/kg There were around 550 head at KAIKOHE last Wednesday and the market was solid considering schedule reductions, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. Two-year steers fetched $3.10/kg to $3.22/kg and heifers $3.00-$3.10/ kg. Yearling beef bulls were mostly $3.00/kg to $3.15/kg. Nice yearling whiteface heifers realised $3.21/kg with the balance mostly $3.00-$3.10/kg for good types.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • Prime heifers made $2.82/kg to $3.12/kg, $1390-$1750 • Good weaner steers traded at $790-$810 • Medium crossbred weaner heifers achieved $470-$565 • Heavy boner cows realised $2.82/kg, $1750 Prime steers eased to $2.97/kg to $3.14/kg, $1590-$2330, at PUKEKOHE on Saturday 27th November. Medium 18-month steers achieved $3.02/kg to $3.15/kg, $950-$1100 and heifers $2.75/kg to $3.05/kg, $1390-$1750.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Angus steers at 430kg made $3.19/kg • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers fetched $620 • Prime Angus-Friesian heifers, 630kg, realised $3.10/kg • Heavy prime ewes sold to $224 Store cattle prices eased by 10c/kg at TUAKAU last Thursday, Carrfields agent Karl Chitham reported. Most 400-500kg steers in the 800-head yarding earned $2.85/kg to $3.10/kg with 309kg Hereford-Friesian at $3.34/kg and 315kg Murray Grey, $2.88/kg. Angus bulls, 465kg, managed $2.88/kg and 420kg Hereford-Friesian heifers, $2.95/kg. Most 300-400kg heifers traded from $2.76/kg to $2.99/kg with 206kg Hereford-Jersey at $580 and 134kg HerefordFriesian, $600. Prime steer and heifer prices also eased 10c/kg last Wednesday. Heavy steers, 590-730kg, made $2.99-$3.14/ kg with 480-580kg at $2.94-$3.06/kg. Heifers, 500-600kg, fetched $2.95-$3.06/kg and 620kg Hereford-cross cows, $2.12/kg. Heavy prime lambs returned $173 to $191 last Monday with light-medium primes at $128-$167 and stores, $58 to $133. Medium prime ewes eased to $155-$187 and light, $61-$105.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle sale 30.11 • A small entry of 2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 346-413kg, made $2.95-$2.98/kg • Two-year Hereford-Friesian heifers mostly eased to $2.84-$2.94/ kg • Yearling Angus and Friesian bulls, 323-450kg, realised $3.11$3.17/kg • Nice autumn-born weaner steers, 274-290kg, reached $900-$980 • Prime steers and heifers typically sold at $3.07-$3.14/kg There wasn’t a huge yarding at FRANKTON last Tuesday for PGG Wrightson and most of the pens housed yearlings. Heifers typically sold in two common ranges with better types on par with the previous sale at $3.07-$3.17/kg and the next cut $2.90-$3.00/kg. The top end of yearling steers was unable to reach the highs of the previous sale at $3.18$3.25/kg and the next cut $3.04-$3.12/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle sale 1.12 • Better yearling heifers improved to $3.16-$3.26/kg • Two-year heifers mostly held at $2.62-$2.69/kg • Autumn-born yearling steers typically made $3.00-$3.01/kg

• Good yielding prime bulls reached $3.27-$3.33/kg There were 690 cattle at FRANKTON last Wednesday for New Zealand Farmers Livestock, boosted by annual drafts of South Devon and Charolais yearlings which were wellreceived by a mostly local buying bench. Good Charolaiscross and South Devon steers sold well and were able to reach an average of $3.52/kg with the top end $3.50-$3.60/ kg. Heavier weights improved the per head average for yearling dairy-beef steers to $1120. The prime market eased alongside schedules with steers $2.96-$3.07/kg and heifers mostly $2.88-$2.97/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

KING COUNTRY Te Kuiti sales • Hill country lambs reached $117-$125 for male and ewe lines • Three-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 608-677kg, fetched $2.93$3.10/kg • Two-year Hereford heifers, 336-376kg, made $3.02-$3.05/kg Ewes were the big feature at TE KUITI last Wednesday though there were adjustments across the board due to limited processor space. Prime lambs reached $186-$196 and the balance $160-$185. Top ewes returned $190-$211, good types $160-$185, medium $140-$150 and lesser $60$65. Store lambs came back and tops made $88.50-$90 and the balance $70-$85. Lambs also featured at Friday’s lamb fair. Good lambs sold for $113, medium $96-$105 and lighter $90.50-$98. Cattle totalled 830 last Friday. Hereford cows, 545kg, returned $2.04/kg and crossbred, 645kg, $1.96/kg. Twoyear Angus steers, 475kg, managed $3.12/kg and AngusSimmental, 483kg, $3.16/kg. South Devon-cross, 479kg, made $2.92/kg and Charolais-cross, 528kg, $3.03/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 444kg, returned $2.92/kg and crossbred bulls sold for $2.94/kg for 472kg. A few lines of 2-year heifers were passed but those that did sell included Angus, 383-446kg, $2.83-$2.91/kg. Wagyu-cross, 388kg, made $2.64/kg. The top yearling Hereford-Friesian steers made $3.07/kg for 338kg with the balance of the steers and yearling heifers still to be sold.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Yearling Hereford-cross bulls, 221kg, earned $3.39/kg • Murray Grey-Friesian and Angus-Friesian steers, both 542kg, shared top prime spot at $3.14/kg Yearlings continued to sell well at RANGIURU last Tuesday with plenty of buying power. Hereford-Friesian steers, 290kg, fetched $3.62/kg and heavier 422kg made $3.06/kg. Best Hereford-Friesian heifers, 262kg, collected $3.51/kg and the rest $3.18/kg to $3.38/kg. All 34 2-year Angus-cross heifers traded at $2.96-$3.05/kg. Friesian-cross bulls, 394-450kg, returned $2.64-$2.67/kg. Prime cattle sold on a softer market in line with schedules. Dairy-beef steers mostly earned $2.99-$3.07/kg. Nearly all heifers returned $2.93-$2.99/kg. Heaviest prime lambs made $169 due to lighter condition and a softer market. The 358 ewes penned averaged $147.70. Top store lambs fetched $108. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Better store ram lambs made $110-$121 • Store ewes earned $110-$164 • Heavy prime lambs eased to $200, medium $167-$176 and light $128-$141 • Prime ewes softened to $142-$195 There was just over 2100 store lambs at MATAWHERO last Friday which included Wiltshire. Top male lambs earned $110-$118, medium $100 and light $60-$84. Top store ewe lambs firmed to $101-$115 and lighter types $76-$97. Heavy prime hoggets made $220-$290 and the balance $132-$180. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle sale • Two-year heifers mostly traded at $2.67-$2.78/kg • Owner-bred yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 258kg, achieved $3.53/kg • Outstanding yearling Charolais heifers, 484kg, realised $3.15/kg, $1520 • Yearling Friesian bulls, 284kg and off the hills, sold well at $3.24/kg Overall, the market at TARANAKI last Wednesday reflected caution around the downward trend of schedules. There was a large yarding of 2-year Hereford-dairy steers and the top end was on par with the previous sale at $3.19$3.29/kg and the next cut $3.00/kg to $3.15/kg. Prime heifers were the biggest section in this part of the sale, and all sold from $2.90/kg to $3.11/kg for 452-552kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime sheep • Prime ewes eased and top lines sold for $181.50-$215 • Light-medium to medium ewes returned $101-$134 • Top mixed-sex lambs eased to $186-$216 Too much supply and not enough processor space meant the ewe market at STORTFORD LODGE came back $5-$15. Mid-range ewes eased to $137.50-$158.50 and the next cut up returned $162.50-$177.50. One line of ram lambs reached $192 and small pens of ewe lambs, $151-$180. The balance

Dairy-beef weaner fairs The market was competitive at the WELLSFORD dairy-beef weaner fair last Monday. Top autumn-born traditional steers, 268kg, made $1000 and dairy-beef, $840-$870. Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian heifers, 293kg, sold to $930. Top spring-born beef-Friesian steers, 110-150kg, realised $700-$766. Medium steers sold at $660-$705 and lesser types, $500-$615. Friesian bulls, 158-236kg, made $650-$780 and the balance $400-$525. Better dairy-beef bulls, 100-116kg, traded at $580-$660. Weaner heifers above 120kg earned $560-$645 and 100-110kg $495-$530. Local buyers dominated a 750 head yarding at LORNEVILLE last Wednesday. Top Friesian bulls earned $440, medium $400 and lighter types below $400. Good beef-cross bulls sold to $500-$550, medium $450 and lighter $400. The top end of the heifers traded above $400, medium $360-$390 and the bottom end below $350. There were almost 1500 calves offered at the TARANAKI dairy-beef weaner fair last Thursday. Friesian bulls eased with the top down $50 to $550. Those 120kg managed to hold at $380-$440, and lighter types $330-$360. Dairy-beef bulls traded at $490-$590. Heifers above 120kg were mostly steady at $520-$600 though lighter and lesser types dropped to $315-$430. Top dairy-beef steers made $680-$720 and the next cut $550-$665. The market eased at the FRANKTON event last Thursday for 1634 head. The top end of Friesian bulls made $490-$590, medium $430-$480 and lighter types $380$425. Dairy-beef steers, 110-120kg, typically earned $590-$625. Better black dairy-beef heifers fetched $490-$510 though Belgian Blue-cross reached $560$570. There was just over 1120 calves at FEILDING last Thursday. This also included yearling bulls and 256-338kg achieved $3.22-$3.30/kg. The top end of the Friesian bull calves reached $500-$585, medium $420$495 and lighter types $340-$415. Good HerefordFriesian and Speckle Park-Friesian heifers realised $570-$575 and the balance $410-$470. Read more in your LivestockEye.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021

of the mixed-sex traded at $145-$178. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • Three-year Angus and Hereford-Friesian steers, 495kg, sold for $3.12/kg • Top 2-year Angus steers, 578-602kg, reached $3.35-$3.42/kg • Yearling traditional steers, 264-295kg, eased to $3.60-$3.66/kg • Yearling traditional heifers, 249-265kg, were a highlight at $3.41$3.42/kg • A consignment of 2-tooth to 4-year Wiltshire ewes sold for $215$231 A very wet day at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday gave the cattle a polished look but was not so kind to the lambs. The markets reflected that as well as cattle sold on a softer yet still strong market, though lambs continued to trend down. Most of the balance of the 2-year Angus steers sold for $3.20-$3.29/kg but there was a third cut at $3.07$3.09/kg. One pen of 2-year Angus heifers, 403kg, achieved $3.30/kg and exotic-cross, 440kg, $3.07/kg. Yearling steers reached $3.70/kg though others varied from $3.27/kg to $3.51/kg. Heavy yearling Angus heifers, 300-316kg, sold well at $3.04-$3.13/kg while Charolais-cross, 217-259kg, made $3.29-$3.38/kg. Lamb prices eased and good Romney cryptorchid made $111-$113 and medium whiteface mixed-sex $85-$100. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATŪ Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Sixty Poll Dorset-cross lambs fetched top money of $216.50 • Angus-Friesian and Speckle Park-Friesian heifers, 635kg, fetched $2.99/kg, the top price for prime cattle Both sheep and cattle sold on softer markets at FEILDING last Monday. Ewes and lambs dropped $10-$15 as processing space continues to tighten. Medium lambs returned $153-$174 and better types typically collected $176-$191. Ewes softened as they mostly found temporary homes until space opens at processors. Top money was earned by 23 mixed-age ewes which collected $199. Other better pens traded at $169-$188 but the bulk were medium types and earned $134-$167. Steers, Friesian and HerefordFriesian weighing 595kg-760kg, all traded at 2.89-$2.95/kg. Of the five Angus bulls, one weighing 550kg earned good money at $3.13/kg and others were penalised for being under or over-finished. Heavier Angus cows, 553-620kg, made $2.20-$2.29/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store cattle and sheep • Two-year straight-beef steers, 485-630kg, eased to $3.20-$3.30/kg • Two-year Friesian bulls, 530-545kg, made $3.34/kg • Traditional yearling steers, 305-400kg, were $3.25-$3.40/kg • Store lambs averaged $104 The market was down again little on the 1400 store cattle. Three-year Hereford-Shorthorn steers, 525-565kg, made $3.25-$3.30/kg with the few 450-460kg 2-year HerefordFriesian steers at $3.20-$3.25/kg. Two-year straight-beef heifers, 365-370kg, were $2.95-$3.00/kg and 375-460kg Friesian bulls eased to $3.00-$3.10/kg. Yearling HerefordFriesian steers, 325-385kg, sold for $3.10-$3.20/kg while 280-335kg heifers of the same breed were $3.05-$3.15/kg. Everything perked up a bit on the 6200 lambs. Heavyto-good lines were $127-$140.50, easing to $105-$114 on medium-to-good sorts, $80-$103 for light-to-medium lines, with $40-$71.50 covering the tailenders. A few good-sized lines of ewes were offered by most were passed in. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rongotea cattle • Two-year Hereford-Friesian and Angus-cross steers, 585-644kg, made $3.00/kg to $3.25/kg • Two-year Friesian bulls, 393-400kg, achieved $3.06-$3.08/kg • Limousin cows with calves-at-foot fetched $1735-$1930 per unit • Autumn-born weaner Charolais heifers, 124-17 • 3kg, realised $550-$580 • Boner Friesian cows, 625kg, earned $2.05/kg An annual draft consignment of owner-bred Limousin

cattle attracted new buyers at RONGOTEA last Tuesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Two-year bulls, 469-800kg, achieved $3.33/kg to $3.78/kg, 408-471kg heifers $3.03-$3.08/kg and 307330kg yearling steers $3.37/kg to $3.51/kg. Better yearling Hereford-Friesian steers traded up to $3.20/kg and heifers $3.13/kg. Spring-born weaners mostly made $400-$540 though 190kg Belgian Blue bulls reached $640.

On-farm lamb sales Exceptional was the word for the on-farm lamb sales in NORTH CANTERBURY last Tuesday as lambs were older and had benefitted from an eventual good growth season. Both sales exceeded $200 on the top cuts. The sales continued to stretch down the South Island and the biggest day was in Beautiful Valley, SOUTH CANTERBURY last Wednesday. Four vendors offered up a total of nearly 6000 lambs and 1000 ewes which sold to buyers from Canterbury to Otago. Though the market started to soften values were still up $20-$25 on 2020 levels. Ewes were hard to sell due to processing issues and vendors met the market. In SOUTH OTAGO, Dunmore Farm results exceeded expectations as good feed levels meant repeat local buyers were comfortable to bid up. Medium-weight lambs were the highlight. Results: Eskvale Station Ltd, Amberley – 2010 Suffolk-Dorset Down mixed-sex $94$206. Romney cryptorchid $104-$160. 268 Romdale ewes $140-$171. Beautiful Valley on-farm sales – MJ and LK King, Hanging Rock - 1400 Suffolk mixed-sex and 640 Growbulk cryptorchid $96-$172. 250 Coopdale ewes $122-$180. RJ Horn - 800 Suftex mixed-sex $86$155. 650 Romney cryptorchid $96-$155. 200 Romney ewes $116-$160. HJB and SJ Sheed - 1250 Suffolk and Suffolk-cross mixed-sex $93-$176. 350 ewes $120-$146. Macca Ventures - 850 Suffolk-Poll Dorset mixed-sex $100-$139. 200 ewes $135. Dunmore Farm, Clinton – approx 1200 Suftex mixed-sex $96-$156. 1800 Romney cryptorchid $108-$143.50, sale average $120. Annual draft Romney ewes $180, other ewes $150.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • A Belgian Blue steer, 590kg, fetched $3.31/kg • Yearling Speckle Park-cross steers, 203kg, returned $2.96/kg and their 328kg sisters pushed to $2.99/kg • Top store lambs from Marlborough fetched $120-$122 Prime cattle markets softened only slightly at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday which surprised most due to another large yarding, schedule changes and tight processing space. Exotic-cross steers mostly collected $3.17-$3.25/kg. Traditional beef was similar and an Angus-cross, 680kg, earned $3.30/kg. Export weight heifers achieved the same as steers as Speckle Park-cross, 625kg, collected $3.26/kg. Local trade types were back 20c/kg as Angus and AngusHereford, 410-438kg, made $2.95-$3.05/kg. Best 2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 431-485kg, traded at $2.90/kg. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 371kg, earned $2.72/kg. Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 389kg, collected $2.70/kg. Store lamb returns firmed slightly with better options and more buying power. Top prime lambs traded at $190-$200 on a small drop. Ewes eased significantly and the best made $185. Read more in your LivestockEye. Coalgate cattle and sheep • Yearling Speckle Park-cross heifers, 271kg, returned $2.58/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 112-138kg, traded at $290-$350 • Median return for prime lamb lifted to $161 Store cattle numbers were low at COALGATE last Thursday. A mixed-sex line of 2-year Angus, 420kg, collected $2.52/kg. Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 324339kg, traded at $2.75-$2.77/kg and heifers of the same type, 326kg, fetched $2.61/kg. Prime beef-cross and dairybeef steers, 579-668kg, held at $3.20-$3.24/kg and 525560kg collected $3.10-$3.16/kg. Heifers over 519kg returned $3.06-$3.16/kg and local trade made $2.50/kg to $2.70/kg. Store lamb options were very limited, but prices held and the heaviest pen earned $113. Prime lambs softened and the top 66 traded at $202-$218. The ewe market dropped $20-$30 and most sold for $140-$175. Read more in you LivestockEye.

Store cattle at TEMUKA last Thursday met a largely local buying gallery and prices held or eased. A small yarding of older cattle had better-bred Hereford-Friesian steers, 373-442kg, ease to $3.00-$3.10/kg. Top-earning heifers had notably larger tallies as 14 Hereford-Friesian, 366kg, made $2.90/kg and 10 Angus-cross, 408kg, $3.14/kg. Yearling Angus steers, 312kg, and Angus-Hereford, 301kg, held at $3.52/kg and $3.53/kg respectively. Well-marked HerefordFriesian returned $3.04-$3.10/kg and one pen of 12 at 312kg returned $3.16/kg. Heifers had an off day as lesser types dropped 10-15c/kg. A larger pen of Angus-Hereford, 297kg, made $3.03/kg due to their better breeding and tally. Better Hereford-Friesian returned $2.70-$2.79/kg and the middle tier $2.59-$2.62/kg. Good-framed Angus bulls averaged 411kg and traded at $3.04/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cattle, all sheep • Good condition hoggets with lambs-at-foot earned $128 all counted • Better prime heifers eased to $3.13-$3.19/kg with the next cut $3.05-$3.12/kg • Heavy bulls, 690-715kg, achieved $3.27-$3.30/kg with the lion’s share $3.15-$3.25/kg Prime lambs eased $5 at TEMUKA last Monday. Top price for four lambs was $232 but the bulk were medium types at $160-$199. Ewes also eased $15-$20 and the top end traded at $270-$275 with a $20 drop to the next best. Store options were limited but the market was steady. Heavy blackface lambs fetched $138 and heavier Merino hoggets $111. There was a larger yarding of 642 cattle and the market eased. Prime steers dropped an average of 10c/kg and the top end earned $3.19-$3.27/kg regardless of breed. Boner cows weren’t helped by lighter weights overall and the lion’s share sold for $2.00-$2.10/kg and just a handful were able to reach $2.15-$2.21/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka store cattle • 2-year Hereford-Friesian bulls, 373kg, made $3.01/kg • Yearling Friesian bulls, 295-359kg, earned $2.71-$2.73/kg

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep • Hoggets with lambs-at-foot made $115-$120 all-counted • Heavy prime ewes eased to $190-$226, medium $150-$182 and light $120-$122 • Boner cows, above 550kg, earned $2.30-$2.42/kg • Yearling Angus-Friesian steers, 285kg, traded at $2.88/kg Prime lambs firmed at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday with the top end to $166-$179 and medium $149. Top store lambs improved to $120-$130, medium $100-$110 and light $85-$95. Prime steers, 585kg, achieved $3.20/kg and better heifers $3.05/kg. In the store cattle pens, yearling Herefordcross heifers, 256kg, made $2.34/kg and steers $2.45/kg. Weaner Friesian bulls, 100-125kg, sold at $380-$460 and 100-120kg Hereford-cross $450-$500. Charlton sheep • Local trade rams earned $60-$100 • Ewes with lambs-at-foot achieved $125-$135 all-counted The market eased at CHARLTON last Thursday due to tight processor space with spring lambs $130-$160. Heavy prime ewes dropped to $160-$170, medium $120-$145 and light $100.

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Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 6, 2021 NI STEER

NI LAMB

SI MUTTON

($/KG)

9.30

6.35

WEANER DAIRY-BEEF BULLS, 115KG AVERAGE, AT TARANAKI ($/HD)

6.60

510

$3.03-$3.09 high $495-$560 Hereford-Friesian Yearling Angus & Angus lights Weaner Hereford heifers, 227heifers, 90-110kg, at 297kg, at Temuka

Wellsford

Meat processors juggle throughput

Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

ARMERS are waiting up to three weeks for space to get stock killed as meat companies juggle throughput, labour shortages and access to shipping containers. In the North Island the waiting time for beef is three weeks and two weeks for lambs and ewes, which reflects high early-season stock flows. In the South Island farmers are waiting about 10 days for lambs and ewes and a week for beef. There is no delay for deer. Alliance Group manager of livestock and shareholder services Danny Hailes says exporters are balancing capacity with freezing space, container and shipping availability. “We are balancing inflows with outflows so we do not get to a point of having to drop our killing days or restrict processing,” Hailes said. Alliance is giving space priority to shareholders and Hailes says this has encouraged some suppliers to become shareholders. The co-operative continues to accept all species for processing, including ewes. Lorneville and Smithfield plants will be at full capacity within two weeks and extra shifts were being employed at Dannevirke and Levin. Hailes says a shortage of labour is an issue but Alliance has had some relief with the arrival of Pacific island seasonal workers. It is not unusual for delays at this time of the year and Hailes says warnings it was possible were forecast early. Fortunately, most of the country has plenty of feed, although conditions are

AGRICULTURE

MONITORING: Demand for sheepmeat capacity in the North Island is similar to last year, but SFF is watching demand in the South Island closely.

We are balancing inflows with outflows so we do not get to a point of having to drop our killing days or restrict processing. Danny Hailes Alliance Group starting to dry in Wairarapa. Silver Fern Farms supply chain manager Dan Boulton says the company is short 550 workers across its network, which will impact its processing capacity and could mean not all cuts are recovered from carcases all the time. “This will have a real impact on our

ability to run plants at normal speeds,” Boulton said. Demand for sheepmeat capacity in the North Island is similar to last year, but SFF is watching demand in the South Island closely, although a later season means stock flows are slower than normal. It is unlikely SFF will start the third chain at its Finegand and Pareora plants before Christmas. Boulton says shipping capacity serving NZ has declined 20% in recent months as, in a repeat of last season, ships miss calling at ports to maintain schedules or drop schedules alltogether. “It hasn’t got any better,” he said. SFF has secured more cool storage, but Boulton says that will not have too significant an impact. He urges suppliers to work closely with their agents about getting stock killed.

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ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Onshore issues softens store lamb market THE North Island store lamb market has been a buyer’s paradise as prices have gradually eased over the past few weeks. They have now reached a point where they rest on last year’s levels, which was unexpected given that the schedule gap between 2021 and 2020 is almost $2/kg, with this year’s lying around $9/kg and 2020 $7/kg. But what one has learnt from this season is that what is happening at home can have just as much impact on schedule pricing and in turn the store lamb market, as what happens off our shores. The market started out with such promise and expectations early in the season were that values would remain strong. Overseas demand has not wavered, yet what is happening within our shores is having a detrimental impact on the store lamb market. Wairarapa has dried off at an alarming rate and many farmers have had to bail out of lambs they would either finish or sell as store at a later date. And processors are working under tough conditions of limited staff and social distancing, which means they are not able to work to full capacity, in fact far from it. The introduction of the traffic light system and vaccine pass requirements adds yet another layer, and it all accumulates to fewer lambs being able to be processed. This has meant that schedule prices are being pulled back and lamb replacements are not being sought as finished lambs are still on-farm. Shipping issues also need to be added into the equation and with no real end in sight to the uncertainty, buyers are willing to bide their time, or stick to very tight budgets when it comes to buying store lambs, the result of which is what we are seeing in the yards now. Recent auction prices fell to $3.60-$3.80/kg liveweight, matching quotes in the paddock. The South Island market has been resilient and agents and farmers will be breathing a sigh of relief that they have managed to get through a large chunk of the on-farm selling season on a relatively steady lamb market. Values at most of the on-farm sales and at auction have been consistent at $3.90-$4.20/kg and going against the grain it has been the shorter-term lambs that have been making the higher per kilogram values. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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AGRICULTURE

Farmers Weekly NZ December 6 2021

Articles inside

AGMARDT seeks the sector’s input