Farmers Weekly NZ March 7 2022

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Vol 20 No 8, March 7, 2022

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Record protein prices Neal Wallace and Hugh Stringleman

A

N INSATIABLE global appetite for protein has helped push average New Zealand export lamb prices and the Global Dairy Trade index to record levels and pushed milk price forecasts closer to a $10/kg MS. Current milk price predictions are in the range $9.30 to $9.60, with Fonterra leading the way with the midpoint of its range $9.30$9.90.

Bank analysts are speculating a price of $9.50, although they comment about strong upside risk to that number.

On March 1 the GDT price index rose 5.1%, the fourth consecutive rise of that magnitude, and is now 19.5% higher than the start of January and up 36% from the season low point back in August.

It is a similar story for lamb and beef.

Average export lamb prices for January set a new record of $13.28/kg, more than $3/kg higher than January last year.

The average export price in October was $12.89/kg, while the five-year average export price for lamb in January is $9.84/kg.

The average export price in January for beef was similarly elevated at $9.56, 55c/kg higher than December and well above the $7/kg five-year average for January.

GlobalHQ senior analyst Mel Croad said red meat prices are being forced higher as buyers replenish depleted stocks, easing pandemic restrictions reigniting demand from foodservice, while supply chains are disrupted

A STRONG SALE: Prices paid for nearly 4000 halfbred lambs at Tom and Julia Waldron’s on-farm sale last week may have exceeded expectations, but the Central Otago farmers say rising costs will absorb any gains. Prices were on average about $23/head higher than last year, but Waldron says those higher returns will be absorbed by higher prices for fuel, chemicals, labour, fertiliser and compliance.

Photo: Jan MacKenzie by shipping delays and labour shortages in processing plants.

“All of a sudden markets are getting back to normal with people eating out or continuing to eat at home, but our own production still has the impact from covid restrictions affecting staffing and processing efficiency,” Croad said.

Dairy prices are being driven by falling production here, down 6.1% in January, and overseas and knock-on effects from the Ukrainian war.

The ASB has increased by 25c/ kg MS its forecast milk price for the season to $9.50/kg MS. “Fonterra’s revised guidance last week is yet more confirmation

that a record high dairy price is on the cards for 2021-2022,” a bank analysis said.

All the major dairy commodities rose in value at the latest GDT, moderating the risk that Fonterra will be unable to pay its Milk Price Model outcome based on the reference products.

Anhydrous milk fat, butter and cheese prices are at record highs and milk powders are close to records set in 2014.

Farmers wanting to lock in some of the highest prices can sell milk price future contracts at $9.75 for this season and $9.80 for next season.

Croad said normally export lamb prices peak in October or December and then ease, but this season is unusual as prices have remained firm and she can’t see any reason for prices to fall any time soon.

“It’s all about buyers securing supply rather than haggling over the price, which shows we are in a good position,” she said.

Demand for meat is strong from all markets and Croad expects farm gate prices to stay well above historic levels for the next few months but warns traditional winter premiums may not be as elevated as usual.

Growing compliance obligations and rising costs, with inflation hitting a three-decade high of 5.9% in the December quarter, are eroding benefits from record protein prices.

An AgriHQ comparison of farm gate livestock prices for the week starting February 25, shows high export prices are reflected in returns to farmers.

Farm gate returns for prime steers this year are $5.90/kg (South Island) to $5.95/kg (North Island) compared to $4.60-$5.05/kg a year earlier and a five-year average of $5-$5.21/kg.

For prime lamb prices in late February, the price was $8.25$8.35/kg compared to $6.25-$6.35/ kg a year ago and a five-year average of $6.41-$6.59/kg.

WHO’D HAVE THOUGHT SHOVING PLASTIC INTO A HOLE IN THE GROUND WAS PROGRESS. Turning plastic waste into fence posts is an ingenious idea. One that Jerome Wenzlick has turned into reality through dogged perseverance. Not only do his plastic posts outperform their wooden counterparts, they’re helping to solve a big environmental problem—each reusing around 400 plastic bottles and 1,500 plastic bags. When you do things differently, it’s great to know someone like FMG has got your back.

To hear the full FuturePost story, go to fmg.co.nz/futurepost

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Future Farming Maintaining New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable food production Between climate change, import/export disruptions, and having more people to feed, maintaining food production on both a local and global scale has its challenges. But Kiwi farmers are resilient, known for tackling challenges head on and finding smart solutions, as well as opportunities.

Future Farming

These Future Farming Conversations are proudly brought to you by BallanceEx and hosted by dairy farmer Tangaroa Walker.

What is BallanceEx? It’s our “Ted-Ex”- inspired platform that brings together experts, scientists, and other big thinkers.

They share their expertise and points of view, getting us ready for the future of farming and growing in New Zealand.

For more from BallanceEx visit ballance.co.nz/ballanceex

Meet the Panel

Tangaroa Walker, Host & farmer When not running his 500-cow dairy farm in Southland, Tangaroa is using his own experience to teach others about the farming industry.

His mission to redefine New Zealand farming led him to BallanceEx, where he’s able to share his enthusiasm for innovation with like-minded farmers.

“There’s nothing better than showing the world how it’s done, from one of the most challenging parts of the world.”

BAL13369_BallanceEx Food Production Security DPS_390x548mm_FINAL2.indd 1

Liz Wedderburn

Sheree Balvert

Dr Liz Wedderburn is an AgResearch Emeritus International Ambassador, with 40 years of research and experience in sustainable pastoral farming and catchment scale in New Zealand. When it comes to the latest in sustainable livestock, Liz is well-connected with the global community.

Sheree is a Nutrient Science Manager at Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

She has a background in Ecology and a PhD in soil science. She has 15 years’ experience working in the agricultural industry, where she has been researching practices to mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture.

“Never forget the fact that we’ve got great people who know their land.”

“We’re going to have solutions for some of these problems we’ve been looking at for the last 20-30 years.”

Food Production: Solutions and Opportunities

What is unique about how we produce food in New Zealand?

What are the challenges when it comes to food production?

We have a fantastic climate, with good levels of rainfall and sunshine, and different climatic zones throughout New Zealand.

This lets us grow grass and graze outdoors all year round. It also allows a diversity of foods, from dairy to kiwifruit.

There’s a growing interest in farming from more than just people in the agricultural sector. Understandably, they want to know that their food is coming from a good place. This means more eyes on everything we do.

Being at the bottom of the Southern Hemisphere means our seasons alternate with the Northern Hemisphere, letting us fill the gaps in their off seasons. Which is perfect, as we export 90% of what we produce.

Knowing your farm inside out – paddock sizes, feed budgets, the health of your livestock – means that if anyone asks reasonable questions, you’ll have the answers. It’s an opportunity to show that you’re doing things the right way, and a way to share your farm’s story.

New Zealand is an isolated island nation, which means we do a good job of keeping the nasties out. Biosecurity risks like pests and diseases are relatively easy to catch at the border.

And most importantly, we’ve got smart people who know their land and how to look after it.

How is climate change affecting New Zealand food production?

Many farmers consider themselves to be ‘summer safe’, but with climate change contributing to longer and hotter summers, you might need more feed in reserve and a reliable water supply.

Prepping for summer can be just as important as winter in some areas.

There’s also risk in pests that don’t normally thrive in New Zealand (or only thrive in certain parts of the country) getting an extra life cycle. And an increase in humidity in some areas means an increased risk in fungal diseases. The pressure comes back on the farmer to manage these new challenges.

Even moving just 100km might mean a whole different kind of season, with calving or harvesting happening at different times.

If you’re moving to a new area in New Zealand – for example, if you’re a contract milker taking over a new operation – have a chat with established farmers in the area about best practice in the new climate.

We’re also facing challenges when it comes to high value soil.

Towns and cities are built near high value soil regions because of their food production potential. As they expand, housing uses more of the land, which means there’s less available for food production.

Farmers need to find ways to produce more from potentially poorer quality soil.

What are the opportunities for farmers?

Innovation thrives under pressure. We’ve been looking at nutrient management and climate change for the past 20-30 years, and we’re now developing smart technologies and innovative systems in response to those pressures.

Farmers in New Zealand are smart and resilient – they always have been. So, the opportunities all come from being agile and trying new things, from innovative technologies to alternative crops.

There’s a higher demand for ‘clean and green’ food production, both locally and internationally. For example, grass-fed animals are seen as ‘better’ overseas. Well, we’ve been doing that here for generations – we just need to tell our story well.

Finally, after heavy snow or rainfalls, the resilience of community always shines through. It’s no different when it comes to other challenges to food production. There are local, national, and global communities ready to support you and share advice, so seek them out and be ready to share your own expertise.

Scan or subscribe to listen to the full episode:

Ballance with Nature Helping you be productive and sustainable whilst caring for our unique natural resources. If the natural world is healthy, so too are the people.

Taiao ora, Tangata ora.

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ON FARM STORY

28-29 Diversity for

sustainability

Adam Cullen, of Ararua in the Kaipara District, has rediscovered his enthusiasm for agriculture and applies his curiosity to finding new ways of dairying better, says his wife Laura.

REGULARS Newsmaker ��������������������������������������������������� 22 New Thinking ����������������������������������������������� 23

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Carbon zero NZ beef to hit US shelves

New Zealand-grown beef, with a net carbon zero footprint, goes on sale in US stores this month, the culmination of a two-year pilot to prove contributing farms sequester more carbon than they emit.

Pulpit ������������������������������������������������������������� 25 Opinion ��������������������������������������������������������� 26 On Farm Story ���������������������������������������� 28-29 World �������������������������������������������������������������� 30 Real Estate ���������������������������������������������� 31-37 Employment ������������������������������������������� 38-39 Classifieds ����������������������������������������������������� 40 Livestock ������������������������������������������������� 41-43 Weather ��������������������������������������������������������� 45

7 Peninsula farmers on road to

17 Farmers challenge HWEN

For the past 10 weeks, Banks Peninsula farmers John and Carol Masefield have had 16 gates to open and a bumpy quad bike ride to get to their vehicle and into town, while their farm remains cut off from the world.

A group of farmers are challenging the two options put forward by He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) on agricultural emissions pricing, saying the proposals as they stand threaten the future of extensive farming businesses in New Zealand.

nowhere

options

On the Fence right now ?

Markets ���������������������������������������������������� 44-48 GlobalHQ is a farming family owned business that donates 1% of all advertising revenue in Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer to farmer health and well-being initiatives. Thank you for your prompt payment.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz –March 7, 2022

5

Hard-won deal ‘worth the effort’ Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com EXPORTERS are shrugging off protections for British farmers in New Zealand’s trade agreement with the United Kingdom as a necessary cost of getting eventual tariff-free access for their own products into the British market.

Trade Minister Damien O’Connor signed off the final agreement with his UK counterpart in London on Tuesday after two years of negotiations.

O’Connor described it as a “spectacular deal” with gains in market access for exporters second only to NZ’s groundbreaking deal with China.

“Effectively we have got tarifffree access into a traditional high-value market probably only bettered by our access into China,” O’Connor said.

“This is a spectacular deal and has been hard-won but worth every bit of the effort,” O’Connor said.

The agreement, which still needs to be ratified by the majority of lawmakers in both countries’ parliaments, will eliminate tariffs on 97% of product categories on its first day, covering 70% of NZ’s existing exports to the UK. Tariffs on wine, honey, onions, vegetable seeds, infant formula and some seafood products will be scrapped immediately.

For the most sensitive agricultural products, including cheese, butter, beef and sheep meat, new tariff-free quotas over and above existing World Trade Organisation quotas will be created.

Butter and cheese quotas will increase annually, allowing gradually more exports to enter the UK tariff-free for the first five years of the agreement.

After five years, the quotas will be abolished, replaced with tarifffree access subject to limited

at the same time if we had to agree to a safeguard provision to get the deal we got then we would do it in a heartbeat … and we did,” Bailey said.

Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said while exporters would have preferred to see tariffs for beef and sheepmeat phased out over a shorter period than the 15 years eventually settled on, they were also realistic that such an approach was needed to get the deal over the line.

I think where they landed is the best that they could get and it is good that they could get it across the line actually.

Sirma Karapeeva MIA

DONE DEAL: Trade Minister Damien O’Connor travelled to London to sign the NZ-UK free trade agreement, which he described as “spectacular”. safeguard measures for a further five years, after which there will be completely free trade in butter and cheese with the UK. For beef and sheepmeat, tarifffree quotas rise gradually before being abolished entirely after 15 years, although tariffs could still apply to both for a further five years should special safeguard measures be invoked by the Brits.

Based on current trade volumes, NZ exporters are expected to save up to $37m annually in tariffs over the first 15 years of the agreement.

More savings are expected, however, as exporters divert more of their products to the UK over

coming years to take advantage of the gradual move towards tarifffree access.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s National Interest Analysis, annual exports to the UK could increase by a further $2.2 billion by 2040 from $1.5b now.

Dairy Companies Association chair Malcolm Bailey said the deal was a good one for the dairy industry and largely resembled the outline agreement reached by both sides last October.

October’s agreement foreshadowed the inclusion of special safeguards protecting British farmers from surges in

imports once tariffs are finally removed.

The final agreement fleshed out more detail, revealing British farmers can apply to have WTO duties reimposed on NZ imports if they can prove the agreement has led to a major increase in competing imports causing “serious injury” to the local industry.

Bailey said while the clause was not ideal it could only last for a maximum of five years and was a price worth paying for an agreement eliminating tariffs totally in what was still a short timeframe.

“We do not want this stuff but

“It does reflect the complexity of the negotiation and the sensitivities around agricultural products from both sides,” Karapeeva said.

“I think where they landed is the best that they could get and it is good that they could get it across the line actually.”

Karapeeva said the deal was not just about tariffs.

Meat exporters would also benefit from so-called trade facilitation measures designed to cut down on paper work holding exports up at the border.

“There are expedited goods clearance times around goods generally and a very, very quick clearance time for perishable goods,” she said.

“I think it is less than 10 hours to clear the goods through customs, which is really valuable for chilled meat products.”

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6

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Councils reeling under weather woes Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz MAYOR Jamie Cleine believes his Buller District is New Zealand’s canary in the coal mine for signalling the clear and present danger climate change is presenting to rural communities.

The district is welcoming a spell of warm, dry weather, ideal for cleaning up after the second significant weather event in less than nine months.

Their combined effect has left parts of the district’s roading network severely damaged and traumatised residents again repairing damaged homes and businesses.

Cleine said the Buller District is a wakeup call to central government contemplating climate change effects.

While mitigation against future changes is vital, he said it is dealing with the cumulative impacts of back-to-back events that will cost his council for years to come.

“Affordability for this district is a big one and we are in discussion with NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) on funding,” Cleine said.

While not finalised, he expects the recovery to amount to tens of millions of dollars.

The Insurance Council confirmed it has also paid out $90 million in claims to Westport’s 4000 residents after the July event.

Key infrastructure damage includes five major slips on the vital Westport-Karamea road, in themselves likely to amount to several million in repair bills.

“We are at least fortunate that it is classed as a ‘special purpose’ road, so funded through Waka Kotahi. However, the Government is trying to move out of these roads, and leave funding to local authorities. That would be a huge risk for a council like ours,” he said.

Cleine’s council’s dilemma reflects that faced by other

WAITING GAME: The Christchurch City Council says the damage in Goughs Bay is a complex case and there is no firm timeframe as yet for restoring the road to John and Carol Masefield’s farm.

Photo: Johnny Houston sparsely populated, rural-based districts being hit by severe events.

The washout of culvert systems, bridge heads and water treatment plants are putting significant loads on council reserves.

With only 7500 ratepayers in Buller, any unplanned capital expenditure incurs a 1% increase in rates per $100,000, and single culvert repairs can amount to at least that in remote areas. Dozens of culverts and drains in areas like Inangahua have been wrecked by flooding this time around.

STRETCHED: Buller District mayor Jamie Cleine is optimistic about retaining all council infrastructure despite repeated weather events, but says the impact on council funds is significant.

“Council is under pressure, no doubt. We will have to review our annual plan. However, there is no feeling we are writing anything off, everything on our asset book we are wanting to keep,” he said.

Local body data indicates the portion of funds rural and provincial councils are having to commit to emergency funding is on the rise.

Over the past five years both have experienced a 5% lift in emergency expenditure, compared to a 15% decline in city and metro areas.

Across the Alps in the Ashburton District, Mayor Neil Brown said his district has only just completed $4 million of road repairs incurred in May’s flood events.

“And it means that our regular maintenance has been delayed, you end up chasing your tail,” Brown said.

While the council welcomed $3m of that from Waka Kotahi, Brown said, like other councils, they are willing to spend funds on roading under Waka Kotahi’s 50:50 arrangement, but get stymied by agency budgets.

“You may want to put in $20 million, expecting $20m from Waka Kotahi, but they will only put in $12m, and we put in $12 million, and you don’t get what you need. Councils are told to top it up themselves,” he said.

Brown foresees real resilience issues in his district’s rural road network that extends to a national level.

“We had the Ashburton bridge out in May’s flood, the South Island was effectively cut in two.

Food supplies to supermarkets

south of Christchurch were affected,” he said.

There are four vital bridges across the Canterbury region – Ashburton, Rangitata, Rakaia and Hinds – of similar design and age, all facing strength issues.

Our road funding, as with other councils, has been cut back by $5 million. In the coming year we are looking at an extra $2m of unscheduled maintenance – if we don’t put it into them, they will deteriorate into nothing.

Neil Brown Ashburton District Council “The Rakaia bridge is vulnerable. If it goes out, the only diversion is through Rakaia Gorge, which is a one-lane bridge,” he said.

In the meantime, he said his local roads are deteriorating due to the triple impact of heavier traffic flows, trucks and rainfall.

“Our road funding, as with other councils, has been cut back by $5 million. In the coming year we are looking at an extra $2m of unscheduled maintenance – if we don’t put it into them, they will deteriorate into nothing,” he said.

Rural electricity networks are also grappling with the impacts of increasingly severe weather events.

Electricity Networks Association chief executive Graeme Peters represents companies with over 150,000km of lines, the bulk of them stretching across rural NZ. Rising temperatures and heavier rainfall in some areas is creating denser, faster vegetative growth that falls onto lines causing outages.

Recent ex Tropical Cyclone Dovi caused tens of thousands of rural outages across central NZ, much of it resulting from trees falling on lines.

Peters said this is exacerbated by arcane rules around responsibilities for trees near power lines, rules that have proven difficult to change at central government level.

While companies cannot legally walk away from difficult supply areas, they are increasingly exploring alternative power options to keep electricity flowing, if not through poles and wires.

“This can include solar panels and battery technology, maybe backed up by a generator,” Peters said.

Increasing temperatures are also having to be factored into having heavier, more expensive cables to maintain efficiencies over long distances.

“As we move away from hydrocarbons, people are only going to become more, not less, reliant upon electricity, so members are more mindful than ever on the importance of keeping it on,” he said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz –March 7, 2022

7

Peninsula farmers on road to nowhere Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz FOR the past 10 weeks, Banks Peninsula farmers John and Carol Masefield have had 16 gates to open and a bumpy quad bike ride to get to their vehicle and into town, while their farm remains cut off from the world.

Ever since a massive rainstorm on December 15 sluiced Goughs Bay with 300mm of rain in 15 hours, the bay’s road has been rendered impassable and repair still seems weeks away. The road down to their farm has disappeared for 30 metres across its one-lane width, slumping 20m down the hillside after the major event.

The couple are well used to enduring periods of isolation due to weather, but it is the slow action of the Christchurch City Council that has left them concerned the remote corner of the council’s catchment has been forgotten.

“I have had no communications from council about timing. I rang over a week ago and asked politely what was going to happen, someone said they would come back to me, and I am still waiting,” Masefield said.

A council spokesperson said

the Goughs Bay damage was a complex case.

“We don’t have a firm timeframe as yet for restoring the road,” she said.

A web-based update put out by council cites work was under way to create a 4WD track for residents.

I have had no communications from council about timing. I rang over a week ago and asked politely what was going to happen, someone said they would come back to me, and I am still waiting.

John Masesfield Goughs Bay farmer “A shingle track has been constructed that will allow us to get out through Paua Bay, but it’s steep and our access is only with a 4WD quad bike. We had three days of rain recently and

ISOLATED: With no cell phone connectivity and now an impassable road, John and Carol Masefield say the sense of isolation on-farm was definitely heightened. you could not get up or down it,” Masefield said.

Until the track had been constructed, their only other way out was via the farm, which at certain times of the year would require as many as 16 gates be open and shut.

The council’s website states further clearing of slips and dropouts will commence once access can be gained via the Paua Bay track for heavy vehicles.

He said it was impossible for the likes of stock trucks to access the farm, necessitating moving stock out via a neighbour’s

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property. The couple also lost a major bridge in the event, which required a helicopter to bring in materials to rebuild it.

With the slow response to access, Masefield said he was left wondering what he paid rates for and he had some ideas of his own about where the road could be rerouted.

With no cell phone connectivity and now an impassable road, he said the sense of isolation was definitely heightened. For safety everyone on the farm wears emergency locator beacons in case of accidents.

“My concern is that the

temporary track becomes something of a permanent one and we don’t see the repairs we need to the road,’’ he said.

“I believe this is also the result of a lack of overall maintenance of roads here on the Peninsula; there has been no contouring using a grader on the roads, water tables are high and culverts blocked.”

Masefield acknowledged that if worse came to worst, he at least did still have his horse.

“But at one stage I came back around the coast on it through a high tide and the novelty of that wears off pretty quick,” he said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz –March 7, 2022

9

Carbon zero NZ beef on sale in US Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz NEW Zealand-grown beef, with a net carbon zero footprint, goes on sale in US stores this month, the culmination of a two-year pilot to prove contributing farms sequester more carbon than they emit.

From Monday, consumers of selected New York and Los Angeles supermarkets will be able to buy Silver Fern Farms (SFF) branded net carbon zero Angus ribeye, New York strip steaks, ground beef and other cuts, for which farmers will receive a premium.

SFF intends adding zero carbon lamb and venison later in this year from up to 400 supplier farms.

The size of premium payments is still to be calculated, but SFF chief executive Simon Limmer described them as “meaningful”.

The two-year pilot involved independently and scientifically assessing the carbon emitted and carbon sequestered by indigenous vegetation on 17 pilot farms.

This has been certified and audited by Toitū Envirocare, a NZ carbon emissions management company, and the US Food and Drug Administration.

Limmer said the venture recognises most NZ sheep and beef farmers have areas of indigenous vegetation sequestering carbon, which enables producers to respond to

consumer demand for carbon neutral food.

Those consumers also want assurances other environmental and social concerns are addressed such as biodiversity, which is linked to this project.

He said the pilot showed 96% of greenhouse gas emissions from beef production occur on-farm and more than 80% for sheepmeat and venison.

With growing political pressure for reduced agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, he said market forces can drive that change and net carbon zero attributes can differentiate NZ grass-fed meat and enhance our story to consumers.

He likens farmers shifting to zero carbon farming to adapting to the production of antibiotic-free and grass-fed meat.

“I would expect it will potentially represent a big proportion of our product by the very nature of the way we farm,” Limmer said.

Hamish Galletly said 600ha of his 2400ha North Canterbury farm is covered in indigenous vegetation, which he knew sequestered carbon, but was not being recognised.

The pilot study revealed his carbon emissions and sequestration were about even, and now he has a better understanding, he intends increasing tree planting on his Waiau property.

Galletly will each year have about 130 steers and 50-60 heifers eligible for the programme.

“We will protect and focus on our grazing areas and pasture and make better use of areas with trees on areas that we can’t graze,” Galletly said.

Toitū Envirocare sales manager Sean O’Flaherty said the life cycle emissions analysis measured from the birth of a cattle beast, processing, energy, transportation, waste, storage and end of life waste.

“From the birth of the product through to final disposition,” O’Flaherty said.

Experts measured the area of vegetation on farms that sequester carbon, then calculated emissions throughout the product’s life cycle using internationally accepted systems, data and vegetation criteria.

O’Flaherty said the first step for farmers is to determine their balance between carbon emitted and sequestered, then work out land and stock management techniques accordingly.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw said this product launch provides a glimpse of what NZ pastoral farming could look like in the future.

Such ventures are likely to run in parallel with whatever on-farm emission management scheme He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) decides on.

INTERNATIONAL: Beef from Hamish Galletly’s North Canterbury farm is being sold as net carbon zero by Silver Fern Farms in US supermarkets.

“However, voluntary certification schemes like Toitū will likely operate separately from policy decisions made through the He Waka Eke Noa process,” Shaw said.

“That said, should that process result in a farm-level emissions pricing system, there will likely be some alignment between the two schemes.”

Shaw said some vegetation

included in the scheme is not recognised in the accounting methods to determine if NZ meets its targets under the Paris Accord.

He said HWEN proposals are more aligned to recognising sequestration from native vegetation, and one option being considered is that exotics that are eligible for entry into the ETS are then ineligible for the HWEN scheme.

Food and fibre sector future depends on talent Staff reporter FOSTERING talent, shifting mindsets and addressing sustainability are keys to the future success of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, according to new Agmardt research.

About 230 past and prospective Agmardt funding applicants were surveyed during the first week of December, with general manager Lee-Ann Marsh saying the research was designed to better understand the needs of applicants.

She says it will also help inform how Agmardt targets its funding,

partnerships and other support initiatives.

“This research will help us understand the perspectives and needs of different groups so we can empower them as best we can,” Marsh said.

She said one of the strongest themes to come out of the research is that the future success of food and fibre depends on attracting, retaining and unleashing the talent of NZ’s best and brightest.

“It’s exciting that we’re seeing huge talent potential across the board, including in underrepresented groups in agriculture, such as younger

people, women and Māori agribusiness,” she said.

The research also highlights a growing awareness that innovation needs to be market connected and spread across the entire value chain, rather than confined within traditional areas and roles as it has been in the past.

Navigating the funding landscape was the biggest barrier to innovation identified by the research (43% of respondents), followed by costs (38%) and pulling the right people together (34%).

The research also identified opportunities for the sector to

prioritise, including supporting the growth and development of agritech (40%), developing and promoting more premium products (38%) and developing sustainable options using natural resources (30%).

Sustainability is seen as the most critical challenge to the sector’s future success (43%), followed closely by ‘short-termism’ and reactive and narrow thinking (34%) and attracting and retaining talent (32%).

Marsh said the issue of mindset came through strongly as a critical challenge, which she said indicates that people recognise the need to

think beyond the here and now to ensure the sector is well positioned for the future.

She said Agmardt will be using the input from the research along with other insights to develop an action plan for achieving its strategy.

The organisation has identified that strategic partnerships will play a bigger role in uniting the industry and in helping to uncover new ways of tackling complex challenges.

“We will continue to work with trusted partners as well as seek out new ones to unlock impact at scale,” she said.

You’re invited to the

New Zealand Meat Board Online Annual Meeting 2022 6.00pm, Tuesday 15 March

INSIGHT: Lee-Ann Marsh says new research will help Agmardt understand the perspectives and needs of different groups.

The virtual meeting will be hosted by NZMB Chairman Andrew Morrison and Chief Executive Sam McIvor. Hear from guest speaker Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who will talk about New Zealand Trade Policy in the New World Disorder: Priorities and Challenges. Consultation for industry good funding of the Informing NZ Beef programme is being run in conjuction with the annual meeting. Registration and consultation material can be found at nzmeatboard.org/annual-meeting-2022 For Registered Farmers who received voting instructions, voting will be online, via ivote.electionz.com/e/NZMB2022 All meeting material can be found on the NZMB website.

10

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Fonterra suspends exports to Russia Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com FONTERRA’S decision to suspend exports to Russia in the wake of its brutal invasion of Ukraine was as much about the difficulties the cooperative was facing getting paid as it was about the reputational consequences of continuing the trade, according to insiders.

“While food, including dairy, is generally exempt from international sanctions regimes and can be traded, we have suspended shipments of product to Russia,” its director of global stakeholder affairs Simon Tucker said in a statement.

“The situation is rapidly changing, with new economic sanctions and other actions being taken against Russia, and we are monitoring these developments.”

Fonterra’s Russian business employed seven people in Moscow and a further 35 in St Petersburg as part of a joint venture with its local distributor.

“Both entities continue to operate at this time, however, we are keeping an eye on the situation and will take actions as required,” he said.

“The businesses do not supply sanctioned individuals or entities, including Russian military or security forces.”

Russia has traditionally been an important butter market for the New Zealand dairy industry, which

last year shipped $132 million of products there, down from $195m in 2020.

A lawyer with sanctions experience said the financial sanctions imposed by Western governments against Russia were rapidly making it impossible for any NZ businesses to export there.

These ranged from cutting Russian banks out of the international money transfer system SWIFT, to freezing hundreds of billions of dollars of assets of the Russian central bank, which might have been made available for purchases of imports by state-owned entities should the country’s own currency collapse.

In addition, the United States Treasury was blacklisting those connected to the Ukrainian invasion.

Any bank processing payments from blacklisted individuals or entities on behalf of an exporter client risked heavy fines or being shut out of the US financial system altogether.

“If you have a customer who becomes a designated person … there is no way that a bank in NZ is going to handle that business,” the legal expert said.

“Because so much of the world’s trade with Russia is done in US dollars, we are all caught by those restrictions … it is super, super hard.”

NZ meat exporters had faced similar obstacles re-entering

REACTION: Protestors have rallied across the globe, calling for an end to the Ukraine invasion.

Meanwhile, the US Treasury was blacklisting those connected to the invasion and any bank processing payments from blacklisted individuals or entities risked heavy fines or being shut out of the US financial system.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

the Iranian market in recent years after former US President Donald Trump ripped up a deal backed by his predecessor which had temporarily relaxed sanctions.

Fonterra had continued its trade with Iran, although the legal source said the Russian sanctions had already gone much further than those used against the Iranians.

“Whether it is because they are connected to the Russian government or Putin there are a lot of blacklisted people out there right now.

“You could spend an immeasurable amount of time and energy trying to hop through the landmines or you could just say it is too complicated.”

A dairy industry source said Fonterra weighed up numerous factors when deciding to suspend exports to Russia.

“The fact that the banking system is basically isolated and will probably collapse and how payments are going to be made are factors but also how other customers around the world are looking at this issue

and the massive sentiment against Russia,” the insider said.

Asked whether Fonterra was likely to follow moves by Western oil giants BP and Shell and dump its stake in its Russian joint venture, the source said it was unlikely at this stage.

“Any consideration of that sort of thing will be well down the track,” they said.

The source said Fonterra had not been under any pressure from the Government to suspend exports to Russia.

Conflict adding to growers’ problems Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz CROPPING farmers are wrapping up one of the worst harvests they’ve seen.

Coupled with the threat of the long-term implications of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, things can’t get much worse, United Wheatgrowers chair and Mid Canterbury cropping farmer Brian Leadley said.

“It’s got beyond urgent for many crops, the damage is done now, particularly for cereals and

cut grasses,” Leadley said.

“The weather hasn’t played its part right back from flowering time in December, covid has created logistics issues and now we have the added confusion of the RussiaUkraine war – both that are large and strong grain growing nations.

“Going into spring the people that should be planting the crops (in Ukraine) are either leaving the country or fighting to save it.

“All put together the entire global grain scene will feel the impact.”

Windows of operation for

combines have been few and far between, certainly not consistent, with one of the wettest summers in Canterbury on record.

Yields and grain and seed qualities will make a dent in the market.

Southland is the only exception.

“We are hearing yields and harvest overall have been good (in Southland), but most of the grain is grown for the local feed industry and there will be very little unaccounted for to share around,” he said.

In Canterbury and the lower

THE ALL NEW COOPER

North Island, from milling wheat through to feed wheat, growers are reporting very poor crop conditions, with below average yields and quality.

Reports of sprouting in milling wheat are as high as 40% of crops.

The positive of the poor harvest season is the lift in grains pricing, for now.

Feed wheat and barley are both pegged around the $460-$490 a tonne mark. Feed wheat prices are holding firm for the time being but supply and demand is expected to move that.

Going into spring the people that should be planting the crops (in Ukraine) are either leaving the country or fighting to save it.

Brian Leadley UWG

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz –March 7, 2022

Ukraine uncertainty drives dairy demand

NOTED: Fonterra’s own milk forecast is higher than those of dairy analysts and their computer models, who are between $9.30 and $9.50.

Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz GLOBAL Dairy Trade (GDT) prices rose 5.1% in the latest auction, led by anhydrous milk fat and butter, both at all-time record levels over US$7000/tonne.

The GDT price index is now 1593, surpassing its previous record of 1573 set in April 2013.

Cheese prices also rose by a whopping 10.9% to set a record and moderate fears that Fonterra will not be able to pay the Milk Price Model (MPM) payout based on returns from reference products.

In 2014, when international dairy prices were at previous record levels, Fonterra was unable to pay $9-plus calculated by the MPM, instead opting for $8.40.

It was not willing to borrow to pay the higher figure.

That year the non-reference cheese and casein prices lagged well behind milk powders and butter products.

The MPM forecast is currently $9.30 to $9.90, with a midpoint of $9.60 on which advance payments to farmers are based.

Curiously, Fonterra’s own forecast is higher than those of dairy analysts and their computer models, who are between $9.30 and $9.50.

But the analysts say the soaring GDT prices recently have added upside risk to their farm gate milk price predictions.

ASB analyst Nat Keall lifted his 2021 milk price forecast by 25c to $9.50 and his prediction for next season up 40c to $9.20.

The NZX dairy derivatives market levels are even higher – milk price futures contracts selling at $9.75 and $9.80 for the respective seasons.

NZX dairy analyst Stu Davison said his farm gate forecast was now $9.64 and that next season would start with a $10 prediction.

“Dairy commodity prices are getting rapidly higher and next season looks very positive as milk supply globally looks unable to respond.”

Economist Paul Clarke said Westpac’s milk price forecast is $9.50 with obvious upside risk, along with $8.50 for next season.

ANZ senior agri economist Susan Kilsby said given recent developments in commodity markets, there is now upside risk in her $9.30 forecast.

The latest GDT upward movements were responses to reduced milk production figures from New Zealand and the United States.

“Some international dairy buyers are now finding themselves short of stock which has pushed up buying interest from the Middle East/ North Africa region,” Kilsby said.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine is also pushing up the cost of commodities in general and there are fears there will be less wheat and corn available when they harvest crops in the northern hemisphere summer.”

Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins said further upside for dairy prices was very likely.

“Food security concerns for some buyers will be high, supporting demand in the short-term,” Higgins said.

“It will be harder to quickly increase milk flows out of the northern hemisphere with more feed cost pressure expected as grain prices move higher from already elevated positions.

“The grain market was already tight prior to the invasion, with wheat, corn and soybean prices 60-70% higher than the five-year average.”

11

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Govt partial to natives for carbon Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz FORESTRY Minister Stuart Nash has continued to make good on plans about tightening the rules around forests in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Nash, along with Climate Change Minister James Shaw, has announced proposals to have future permanent plantings of exotic forests excluded from the ETS. The proposal would mean only slower growing native forests could be included in what are termed “carbon forests”, locked up in perpetuity to sequester carbon.

The plans have been released in a public discussion document seeking input on possible changes to ETS forest regulations.

Nash raised the possibility of “natives-only” to Farmers Weekly in February, along with his preference to see the special forestry test enabling foreign buyers to purchase land for forestry here to be changed.

In late February that rule was duly revoked, with Nash announcing foreign forestry buyers would have to undergo the more arduous “benefit to New Zealand” test before getting purchase approval.

We want to balance the risks created by new permanent exotic forests which are not intended for harvest.

Stuart Nash Forestry Minister The Government has also been under some pressure to reconsider its preferences for using exotic forestry to sequester carbon to help meet its Paris Accord obligations.

Nash voiced his concerns last month to the Weekly over the

CHANGE: A new Government proposal could see only natives being able to be classified as permanent forests in the ETS. Photo: NZ Story

RISK: In February, Forestry Minister Stuart Nash expressed his concern about rising carbon prices accelerating the rate of exotic carbon forestry planting well beyond the current rates.

legacy of unpruned unfellable pine trees such forests could become.

“We want to balance the risks created by new permanent exotic forests which are not intended for harvest,” Nash said.

“We have a window to build safeguards into the system, prior to a new ETS framework coming into force on January 1, 2023.”

In the past two years about 20,000ha of land or 23% of total newly afforested land area has been put into carbon forestry.

In February, Nash expressed his concern on the impact of rising carbon prices accelerating the rate

of exotic carbon forestry planting well beyond the current rates.

The carbon price has soared from $35 a unit in late 2020 to over $80 now.

But a greater reliance on natives also puts the Government’s obligations under the Paris Accord for zero carbon by 2050 under greater pressure.

Natives only sequestered a quarter of the carbon exotics do in their first 28 years of growth.

The Forest Owners Association maintains there should be no differentiation between exotic or indigenous trees, focusing instead on those that are “long-lived”. This

would enable the inclusion of the likes of redwoods or Douglas fir, both which can live for centuries.

Nash has said government could be open to considering exceptions to a “natives-only” policy for carbon forests.

He is also aware that the higher costs of establishing native forests, which can be double that of exotics, is also a barrier to incentivising more plantings.

He has acknowledged there is a need to make native plantings for carbon more appealing for investment, but believes such plantings may hold appeal to philanthropic investors.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Report highlights NZ climate risks Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE cascading effects of climate change on New Zealand’s primary sector demand more immediate shifts in farm systems, to ensure they can remain viable over the next decade.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released its working group report on global climate change adaptation, with NZ and Australia being the only countries with a chapter devoted specifically to their responses.

The NZ-Australia insights come within the IPCC’s Working Group II report, focusing on impacts, adaption and vulnerability to climate change.

The report found over 40% of the world’s population is “highly vulnerable” to climate change effects.

There is a need there for more transformative changes to deal with increased frequency of events.

Professor Anita Wreford Lincoln University This includes the almost one billion people residing in at-risk coastal areas. Between 2010 and 2020, 15 times more people died from floods, drought and storms in vulnerable areas, including South America and parts of Africa.

Lincoln University professor in applied economics Anita Wreford contributed to the report, focusing on agriculture and its response.

“We are already observing the effect of climate change on the NZ primary sector with the frequency and intensity of droughts and flooding, along with a change in seasonality and changes in winter chill with some of our critical

CHANGE: Lincoln University professor in applied economics Anita Wreford says the effect of climate change on the NZ primary sector is already being seen through the intensity of droughts and flooding, along with a change in seasonality.

exports,” Wreford said.

The report puts a “medium confidence” rating on expectations northern and eastern NZ will experience more extreme fire weather and a medium likelihood northern NZ will also experience increased rainfall intensity and more droughts.

Some of Australia’s factors that may come in a slightly more moderate shade here in NZ include predictions of a decline in agricultural production, greater rural community stress

and a cascading, compounding of aggregate impacts on all cities and settlements in infrastructure, supply chains and services.

Somewhat chillingly it puts a high confidence rating on the prediction that governance systems and institutions will be unable to manage climate risks.

She said there is an expectation NZ may see some benefits in forestry and agriculture under a changing climate, largely around pasture growth under higher CO2 levels.

“But based on modelling that

needs to be modified by the climatic events that are likely to also occur,” she said.

These would be predominately in the form of floods and fires.

She acknowledged farmers were making changes to their farming methods, including changes to sowing times and practices.

“But we know that these incremental changes will not be so effective and will reach their limits. There is a need there for more transformative changes to deal with increased frequency of events,” she said.

Farmers on NZ’s east coast of the North Island are already experiencing difficulties over summer months with ryegrassclover mixes that do not grow well over the consistently high 25deg-plus temperatures often experienced during summer there now.

Examples of “transformative change” included shifting landuse in certain areas.

“That may not be a whole system change, but some change to increase the resilience of the farm system,” she said.

Another could be to start using land in a way that addresses multiple challenges. This could include planting trees that deliver shade for livestock, but also act in sequestering carbon for example.

At a wider level, changes could become more circular in nature where the farming system is integrated with another economic system.

Biofuel proponents promote the benefits of growing trees for biofuel on farms, sequestering carbon from farm emissions, then providing a neutral carbon fuel source to industry.

While not wanting to unpick the details on He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN), Wreford said agriculture’s split-gas scheme proposal was a “kind of” step in the right direction in trying to take a collaborative approach.

Dr Judy Lawrence, climate change commissioner and NZ contributor to the report, said while many of Australia’s issues with climate change were different to NZ, particularly around forest fires, they do provide a segway to where NZ could go in certain areas.

The report included some of the most up-to-date data available, and Lawrence said data on glacier retreat in particular was significant information that has an impact on tourism and water resources here.

“Adaptation now is going to have to ramp up, it could start now for where people live and how we carry out our social and economic interactions,” Lawrence said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz –March 7, 2022

Dame Anne backing natives for carbon Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE Forest Owners Association has taken issue with environmentalist Dame Anne Salmond’s claims in a recent column that New Zealand is heading up a blind alley using exotic forests to sequester carbon.

Salmond was responding to the just released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report cautioning against the practice of planting large-scale monocultures of non-native trees, risking a loss of biodiversity and poorer climate change resilience.

The report also cites the need to restore natural species and diversity using native forests as “best practice” delivering a positive impact.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has recommended in order for NZ to meet its zero carbon goals the country needs to plant 380,000ha of exotics and 300,000ha of natives by 2035 for carbon sequestration.

Salmond also cites other sources, including the Royal Society (UK) and a recent United Nations’ report that highlighted the increased fire risk under climate change and the need for greater biodiversity restoration to reduce the risk.

DISTRACTIONS: Dame Anne Salmond says greenwashing, silo thinking, vested interests in forestry and carbon farming are all leading NZ up a “blind alley” in tackling climate change.

She maintains greenwashing, silo thinking, vested interests in forestry and carbon farming are all leading NZ up a “blind alley” in tackling climate change.

Forest Owners Association president Phil Taylor acknowledged the reservations expressed in the IPCC report on exotics.

Sequestration in our native trees is extraordinarily slow, hugely expensive, highly variable, uncertain, unknown and would take vast areas of farmland.

Phil Taylor Forest Owners Association However, he said this did not mean switching to native forest sequestration would deliver the outcome NZ needs for carbon reduction in the limited time available to do so.

“Sequestration in our native trees is extraordinarily slow,

hugely expensive, highly variable, uncertain, unknown and would take vast areas of farmland,” Taylor said.

Average estimates for costs of establishing native trees range from $10,000-$20,000 a hectare, with significant challenges due to pest incursions. Exotics average about $4000 a hectare to establish.

On average a hectare of native forest will also only sequester a quarter of the carbon that exotic forests will by year 28.

Taylor said there is also evidence to support the transition to native trees in pine forests over time.

Forestry Minister Stuart Nash

has also acknowledged the need to consider including mixed species forests in some way under revised permanent forestry regulations.

“Indigenous forests, for all their natural biodiversity, cultural values and long-term potential as high-quality timber producers, are not going to lock significant carbon in any of our lifetimes – no matter how much we would wish that to happen,” Taylor said.

He also pointed to the slide in exotic forest plantings that NZ has experienced over the past 20 years, in context of what total plantings under CCC recommendations will be.

NZ’s exotic forest area peaked

in 2003 at 1.827 million ha, sliding to a low of 1.697 million hectares in 2019. Data for 2021 has the area starting to pick up again, to 1.74 million ha.

“Even if we get the 350,000ha of exotics planted by 2035, we will still only be 18% above that peak we had back in 2003. At 2.1-2.2 million hectares, that is only 9% of NZ’s land area, compared to 8% then,” he said.

Salmond also called for changes to the “permanent forest” (carbon forest) category in the Emissions Trading Scheme to only include natives.

Nash also recently announced a proposal to see future plantings of exotics excluded from the ETS.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Fonterra unpacks its priorities Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz COMPONENTISATION of milk is key to affordable nutrition for developing countries and a premium for eating whole dairy foods will have to be earned and paid.

Fonterra director Andy Macfarlane based his address to the Northland Dairy Development Trust virtual annual conference on this theme, while expanding on Fonterra’s new strategy and structure.

“It is a fallacy that we (the New Zealand dairy industry) want only to feed 40 million of the wealthiest people,” Macfarlane said.

“Diversified diets in the developing world will have to partially offset higher demand for protein in the developing world.

“Global demand for protein,

carbohydrates and essential nutrients is going to continue to rise with the growing world population.

“But essential nutrition is much more complex than a simplistic debate around protein, carbohydrates and sugars.”

Foods will be categorised into medicines, nutrition, wellbeing and food for pleasure.

A premium for eating whole dairy foods will have to be paid and NZ will have to verify what it stands for and market those values.

Fonterra is basing its processing form and function and capital allocations on these assumptions, he said.

It needs the ability to switch product lines and markets in response to customer demands.

Also, the ability to extract high-earning components

EXPLANATION: Fonterra director Andy Macfarlane expanded on the reasoning behind the cooperative’s new strategy and structure.

from the raw milk supply.

It needs to be moderately geared to reduce fixed overheads and have committed capital for stability.

Fonterra needs scale to manage risk and diversify economically.

Macfarlane extolled the benefits of collective (cooperative) capital because other ownership forms have big challenges.

At the farm level, NZ had systems that were less fragile and monocultural than other countries.

“Many of our soils are alluvial and loessal, but we have great

water resources, a temperate climate and a low dependence on imported feed,” he said.

He warned against an overdependence on artificial nitrogen and palm kernel expeller.

The alternatives were cloverfixed nitrogen and maize, silage, lucerne and fruit waste.

He asked if NZ needed gene editing and cysgenics to enhance the natural attributes and resilience of pasture plants, while solving significant environmental challenges.

“Can we make dairy farming more people-friendly, as a

greater proportion of those in the industry are employees, not owners?” he asked.

“How do we resolve real and perceived notions around animal welfare?”

In conclusion, he said Fonterra’s strategy is based on collective capital, effort, knowledge, global networks, science capability and risk management.

“We are deepening our research and ability to differentiate, extract and create value from the components of NZ, nutrientdense, pasture-based milk,” he said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz –March 7, 2022

17

Farmers challenge HWEN options Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz A GROUP of farmers are challenging the two options put forward by He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) on agricultural emissions pricing, saying the proposals as they stand threaten the future of extensive farming businesses in New Zealand.

The farmers have written an open letter to the HWEN partnership, spelling out their concerns in the hope that they will be considered and other farmers will provide feedback on the points they highlight.

“We are concerned that options one and two in the HWEN consultation document are not sufficiently compelling and do not provide fair process, they are not informed by science, they are not administratively simple, nor are undertaken in an integrated manner reflecting how agriculture as a land use impacts on the environment,” the letter said.

“If left unchallenged, extensive hill country pastoral farming will become unduly afforested as the proposed emissions pricing scheme options place too much pressure on reducing emissions on sheep, beef-cattle and deerfarming businesses, despite these rural land-uses already having low and long-term steady-state stabilised emission profiles.”

They said because both HWEN options focus on emissions rather than warming, extensive properties causing the least warming are going to be asked to pay the highest price.

Of the two options put forward

by HWEN, the group prefers the farm-level option over the processor hybrid as they say it gives individual farmers responsibility for managing their farm business relative to expectations.

But they want changes made to that option.

“Pricing must be more targeted

has been receiving on issues such as the 2008 baseline is already leading it to rethink aspects of the proposals.

“We agree that people who have been doing work to reduce emissions for some time should receive recognition,” McIvor said.

“There is recognition through the farm-level system, where farmers are only required to pay on the level of their emissions today, therefore capturing work done on reducing emissions.

We agree that people who have been doing work to reduce emissions for some time should receive recognition.

Sam McIvor Beef + Lamb New Zealand PARITY QUESTIONED: Mark McCoard says the HWEN options are not fairly balanced between intensive and extensive farming.

Photo: Country-Wide and balanced using a progressive tiered structure, (and) the administrative system should be underpinned by use of existing business arrangements to avoid duplication and minimise costs,” the letter states.

They prefer an integrated farm management approach that could be based around a farm plan, rather than a siloed approach, which may result in unintended consequences.

Rangitīkei farmer and NZ Deer Farmers Association executive committee member Mark McCoard, who is one of those behind the open letter, said one of the major concerns about the two options that have been put in front of farmers is that they bring an unfair imbalance between intensive and extensive farming businesses.

He said intensive farming operations could probably deal with the options as they stand, but it would be a different matter for extensive farmers, which is one of the reasons why he supports a stepped pricing system on a per hectare basis, with increased pricing for farmers with high emissions.

“So, the further you go up that emissions profile, the higher rate of tax you pay,” McCoard said.

“Everyone’s paying, everyone’s contributing, but it’s recognising that your emissions per hectare is greatly reduced because of the extensive nature of your farming.”

He also disagrees with the idea that extensive farmers have more sequestration options under the current options.

“A lot of the early adopters were

doing things before 2008 that won’t be considered,” he said.

“There was an awful lot of riparian planting, shelterbelts, erosion control, which doesn’t get counted.

“This 2008 baseline that’s been specified is coming under a lot of pressure.”

He said all measurable carbon sequestration sinks need to be included and where science cannot presently measure with accuracy, there needs to be scope for future inclusion.

The group say administrative overheads could also be reduced if pricing was managed using preexisting systems such as through the Inland Revenue Department, which would help avoid double handling of pertinent information.

Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive Sam McIvor said the feedback it

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“With the processor-level hybrid system we’re examining how that might be recognised – we don’t yet have all the answers to how this can be done, but it is something we continue to work on.”

He said while B+LNZ agrees with many aspects of the open letter, there are issues with how its proposal would work across a broad-ranging climate change partnership involving a variety of sectors, with the need to ensure equity and fairness.

He said utilising existing systems – whether the IRD or an alternative – to achieve administrative and cost efficiencies is a valid point and is being actively considered as conceptual models are fleshed out.

Representatives of the group are meeting with the HWEN team this week.

More information on the open letter and the accompanying proposals can be found at www. abetteroption.org.nz

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18

GET IT DONE RIGHT

farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Scales has record year for pet food PERFORMANCE: Scales chair Tim Goodacre said the food ingredients division produced an outstanding result, aided by the growing demand for pet food and its geographical and protein diversity.

Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

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News

SCALES Corporation has reported a very strong performance in 2021, including net profit that has risen $10 million from 2020 to be $36.9m, right at the top of its recent guidance issued in December.

Directors will declare a final dividend in May, with payment in July.

An interim dividend of 9.5c has already been declared and Scales has a policy of paying no less than 19c for the full year while it sits on cash reserves around $80m.

Those reserves were down by $15m, mainly because of the new Whakatu coolstore.

Revenue was up 9% to $514.6m and the underlying net profit attributable to shareholders was $29.7m, up 8%, implying room to pay a dividend of 21c.

Late last year the share price rose to $5.80, fuelled by expectation that the company was about to use its considerable cash reserves on buying more pet food plants, but the price has since fallen to around $5.

Scales chair Tim Goodacre said the food ingredients division produced an outstanding result, aided by the growing demand for pet food and its geographical and protein diversity.

Earnings by food ingredients were $35.1m compared with

$23.1m the year before.

“The divisional chief executive, John Sainsbury, will relocate to the United States permanently to further drive growth,” Goodacre said.

Scales chief executive Andy Borland said the Mr Apple results were impacted by weather and orchard redevelopment but obtained good results from diversity of markets and varieties.

A multi-year packhouse automation project has begun and the orchard development continues.

In the 2021 harvest Mr Apple exported own-grown volumes of 3.65m tray carton equivalents (TCEs), down 7% on the year before.

All fruit was picked despite the numbers of recognised seasonal employment workers from the Pacific Islands being down by 14%.

In total 4.98m TCEs were exported, some 750,000 fewer than the year before.

Underlying earnings were $39.1m compared with $40.8m.

Traditional apple varieties accounted for 35% of the own-grown volume and are forecast to remain around that proportion despite total volume growing to 4.24m TCEs in 2024.

The outlook for FY22 has a range of net profit attributable to shareholders of $23.5m to $28.5m as horticultural pricing stays similar to 2021 but shipping costs increase significantly.

Pāmu predicting a bumper financial year Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

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PĀMU (Landcorp Farming) has made a net profit after tax of $41 million in the six months to December 31.

The earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and revaluations were $16m, compared with $14m in the previous corresponding period.

The state-owned farming company is forecasting earnings for the full financial year between $83m and $88m, compared with an original budget of $73m.

Chair Warren Parker drew attention to ongoing labour shortages, extreme weather events on the West Coast and in Manawatū and covid disruptions to logistics, processing and the availability of farm supplies.

“Higher than average rainfall and cooler soil temperatures contributed to a decline in peak milk production, however, this was more than offset by

FORECAST: Pāmu chair Warren Parker says the company is forecasting earnings for the full financial year between $83m and $88m. record milk prices,” Parker said.

“Red meat pricing has also been buoyant and lambing, calving and fawning performance was in line with recent year averages, enabling us to produce a solid overall result for the half year.”

New chief executive Mark Leslie will join the company in March.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz –March 7, 2022

19

Strong bonds prove worth AIRTON Spies came to New Zealand to study his Masters in farm management at Lincoln University in 1994.

Little did he realise the lasting impact the relationship he forged with NZ dairy farming would have on his home country.

Almost 30 years later his home region Santa Catarina in southern Brazil is the country’s top performer in milk productivity with the highest milk production per cow, per hectare out of Brazil’s 26 states and federal states.

“I learned from several South Island farmers how to improve farming practises in Brazil, given the countries’ similar climates and geographical landscapes,” Spies said.

“During my time in NZ, I was blown away by farmers’ care for animals and focus on providing a quality product.

“I’ll never forget one farmer telling me that having a good cow and treating it well is how you maximise production and quality.

“This allowed me to take an objective view of our agricultural economy at home, identify opportunities and the potential for efficiencies and to better understand challenges.”

What we are learning from NZ is that production can make significant gains by improving our solids through genetic improvement and improved pasture feed.

Airton Spies SpiesAgro Brazil Spies was impressed by NZ’s transition to a market-driven economy following the agriculture reforms in the 1980s and Kiwi farmers’ subsequent focus on animal welfare to result in efficiency gains and higher-quality produce.

Following four years at Lincoln, he completed his PhD in sustainability of livestock production at the University of Queensland before returning to Brazil, where he went on to take up the position as Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries for Santa Catarina.

In this role he oversaw the state’s adoption of a NZ-influenced marketdriven farming model, with new software and processes to improve how its farms are managed.

This included the adoption of NZ’s pasture management practises to 183,000 farms in Santa Catarina, including techniques such as pasture production, pasture harvesting and rotational grazing technology, all of which Brazil had never previously used.

“The NZ systems strongly influenced our way of doing business and our farming practises have improved considerably based on the changes we brought in,” he said.

“We have also developed software based on NZ management principles and concepts that has helped set up wider networks of farm information that influence decisions made all over the state.

“Thanks to these changes, there are about one million cows in Santa Catarina producing twice as much milk as they were before.”

In the 20 years from 2000 to 2020, the state’s daily milk production increased by more than 118%, directly benefiting up to 35,000 farmers’ incomes.

Spies was always keen to establish enduring bonds with NZ and set up his own consultancy, SpiesAgro, to maintain and develop relationships from his time as an international student to advise Brazilian agriculture specialists in evolving trends in NZ. In 2016 he started bringing tours of farmers, agribusiness managers and governmental heads to NZ. A total of 11 technical tours, giving more than 300 Brazilians firsthand experience of NZ dairy, sheep and beef farms, were undertaken before covid cancelled the 2019 tour.

“When you (NZ) open the borders, we will come back,” he said.

Looking ahead, Spies believes that Brazil still has a lot to learn from NZ. He has identified the manufacturing and exporting of milksolids as the next opportunity for his country as it builds on its international export strategy.

“The clear message that comes from NZ technology and exporting success is that we have to focus on milksolids,” he said.

Spies says the next challenge is to review and transition from the current model where farmers are primarily paid per litre of milk produced to a refreshed and competitive model where farmers are also fairly compensated for every litre of milksolids produced.

“What we are learning from NZ is that production can make significant gains by improving our solids through genetic improvement and improved pasture feed,” he said.

“We have strong commercial relations with NZ in regard to the technologies we are using in breeding genetics, pasture development and technical equipment.

“And NZ is the top destination for Brazilian parents to send their children to study, with Lincoln and Massey universities very aspiring for Brazilians.”

Despite producing more milk, Brazil is still importing milk for its population of 213 million.

“Once a marginal practice for farmers and run together with other farming practises, dairy is now professionalised with farmers producing improved quality of milk,” he said.

“Thank you – NZ, our relationship with NZ farming is very positive and making a lot of impact here in Brazil.”

EXPERIENCE: After four years at Lincoln Airton Spies completed his PhD in sustainability of livestock production at the University of Queensland, before returning to Brazil where he went on to take up the position as Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries for Santa Catarina.

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20

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Hard going for T&G Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz OPERATING profit for listed horticultural company T&G Global was cut in half in 2021 by adverse events and covid disruptions.

Its results contrasted with other listed post-harvest operators, which declared improved figures.

For T&G, operating profit was $16.9 million, down from $32.4m, and net profit after taxes was $13.6m, down from $16.6m.

Revenue was down slightly from $1.41 billion to $1.37b.

Chief executive Gareth Edgecombe said the hail damage in Nelson in December 2020,

border closures and labour shortages impacted sizing and volumes of apples.

T&G worked hard to charter alternative shipping in partnerships with other exporters.

“Despite our best efforts our market access was constrained, with some produce arriving late and therefore missing sales opportunities,” Edgecombe said.

The international trading business unit saw revenue drop by 27.5% to $129m, leading to an operational loss of $12m, versus a profit of $2m in 2020.

T&G chair and majority owner BayWa chief executive Benedikt

Mangold said although the financial results were behind expectations, the company was managing well in a challenging environment and its underlying fundamentals were very strong.

“Our team kept each other safe, kept fruit and vegetables flowing to customers and consumers, and remained absolutely focused on delivering on our strategy,” Mangold said.

“We look forward to a stronger and improved 2022.”

T&G shares have traded in a narrow band between $2.80 and $3 over the past year and BayWa of Germany owns 74% and Wo Yang of China 20%.

GETTING THROUGH: T&G chair Benedikt Mangold said although the financial results were behind expectations, the company was managing well.

Mixed bag for wine companies Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

GROWING: Bremworth chief executive Greg Smith says its long-term all wool strategy is on track.

Bremworth charts path to wool WOOL carpet and rug maker Bremworth reported growing demand for its premium products and a net profit after tax of $1 million in the six months to December 31.

It claimed to see a change of consumer sentiment away from synthetic fibres to wool.

Within the past 12 months brand awareness and positive brand associations have increased, driving strong demand and increasing sales of premium wool carpet and rugs, which now comprise 76% of total revenue.

Elco Direct, the wool-buying business, delivered a stronger result, with a $2.7m revenue increase and an uplift in average selling price, as it benefitted from growing demand for quality strong wool.

“This year we have started to rebuild the new Bremworth, a business for the future, and while there is still much to do, we are confident in our strategy and excited about our plans,” chief executive Greg Smith said.

“Our long-term all wool strategy is on track and the company is making excellent progress across its FY22 priorities.

“Despite the challenging conditions and supply chain headwinds, our team has delivered a solid result.”

Revenue was $48.7m compared with $60.3m in the previous corresponding period.

Wool carpet revenue was 37.2m, an increase of nearly $2m.

Bremworth, formerly Cavalier Corporation, is still selling down its stocks of syntheticfibre carpets but has stopped manufacturing them.

WINEMAKER Delegat Group improved its revenue during the first six months of the current financial year but lost earnings and net profit when compared with the same period of the previous financial year.

Sales revenue was up 5% to $176 million, operating earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) down 7% to $59.6m and net profit after tax (Npat) down 8% to $39.5m.

Chair Alan Jackson said the two items mainly dragging down net profit were impact on margins and foreign exchange.

Debt rose $18m to $267m on December 31 because of drawdowns for working capital, capital expenditure and payment of dividends, offset by cash received from operations.

The outlook for the full financial year is case sales of 3,419,000 and a confirmation of the previously advised operational earnings guideline in the range of $57m to $61m.

Case sales in the first half were 1,893,000, up 2%, with a bias towards more sales in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific, up 14%.

Conversely sales in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe were down 7%.

NZ Winegrowers said its members are hoping for a significantly higher harvest this year compared with 2021, which was down 19% on the year before.

OPTIMISTIC: NZ Winegrowers said its members are hoping for a significantly higher harvest this year compared with 2021, which was down 19% on the year before.

Companies were forced to draw down on their stocks to maintain their places in the market and are now hoping to replenish in 2022.

Demand for the distinctive, premium varieties produced here continues to be strong, chief executive Philip Gregan said.

Increasing production costs and the ongoing effects of covid-19 on the border, markets, and supply chains continue to impact the industry.

“Over the past 12 months the availability of labour has been a huge concern for many growers and wineries,” Gregan said.

“The onset of Omicron on the cusp of

vintage 2022 is a very serious concern for growers, as this is the busiest time of the year and we are already facing a critical labour shortage in some regions.

“This means undoubtedly this vintage will be more difficult to manage than normal.”

However, the covid-impacted harvests of 2020 and 2021 have strengthened the industry’s resilience.

Foley Wines reported first-half results that included case sales steady at 278,000, but revenue up by 8.5% to $28.5m.

Operating earnings were up 36% to $4.84m and the profit after tax up a similar percentage to $3.5m Chief Executive Mark Turnbull said premiumisation has delivered higher profits from the same sales volume.

Foley is also investing in new vines in underperforming vineyards and equipment that leads to lower labour costs.

Marlborough Wine Estates increased its sales revenue by 35% and the net loss after tax improved by 29%, at negative $340,000.

International branded case sales nearly doubled to 5469 and domestic sales were 18,298.

Founder, chair and major shareholder (72%) is Min Jia and the company’s share price sits at 21c, down 67% over the past year.

The company has six vineyards in the Awatere Valley and sells sauvignon blanc under the Otu and Music Bay brands.

Allied Farmers taps high stock prices Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz ALLIED Farmers has reported an unaudited, consolidated net profit of $1.438 million for the first half of the 2022 financial year, up from $1.18m in the previous corresponding period.

Net profit before tax for NZ Farmers Livestock almost doubled to $1.5m and NZ Rural Land Management added $300,000 for the first time in an interim result.

The cost of operations for the parent company deducted $400,000.

Allied said a strong driver was the meat export business, focusing on calves and veal production.

It benefited from a faster than anticipated recovery of product prices, maintenance of stock tallies, and an earlier than usual sale of the main spring production.

That removed any export logistics risk and reflected the value of the contracted arrangements in place.

The outlook for NZ Farmers Livestock is bright, reflecting generally high livestock

values and therefore agency fees, Allied said in its results announcement.

“We expect significant improvements in livestock trading activity for the balance of the year due to these higher prices, the return to more favourable weather patterns nationally, good herd sales activity, and reducing covid impacts,” independent chair Mark Franklin said.

“Dairy herd forward sales are arranged throughout the financial year but not accounted for until contracts settle late in the financial year.

“With dairy farm sales activity and a higher milk payout, these contracted sales levels are appreciably ahead of last year, and we expect to see a significant earnings contribution late in the second half of the financial year.”

Allied will not pay an interim dividend as the board believes retaining and deploying earnings is in the best interests of shareholders.

The net tangible asset backing of the shares at December 31 rose 10c to 42c and the company’s share price rose 33c or 60% to 86c over the past year.

HIGHLIGHT: Allied Farmers says the meat export business was a strong driver, focusing on calves and veal production.

AginED Ag ED

#

FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U PR EN E

Volume 95 I March 7, 2022 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz/agined 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

International Women’s Day It is international Women's Day on the 8th of March and Beef + Lamb NZ are showcasing women working within the meat industry in New Zealand.

Beef + Lamb NZ has launched a global campaign called “SHELOOKSLIKEME” aimed at changing perceptions of careers in the meat industry, highlighting female role models and encourage more women to join the sector.

1

How did Kayla start out working in the meat industry?

2 What different jobs has she done since she started?

2021 | AMBER FORREST RURAL WOMEN NZ BUSINESS AWARDS SUPREME AWARD WINNER

3 What does Kayla think needs to be promoted within the industry to attract more new workers?

4 Kayla has a special talent. What is this? How has she been extending this?

Did you know that women provide

Head to https://www.beeflambnz. co.nz/women-meat-industry to read more about different women’s roles and experiences within the meat industry.

36%

of this industry’s global workforce?

1

Can you name five different roles within the industry?

2 How do you get into these roles?

One of the women featured is Kayla who works the Kiwi Butcher Shop. Check out her story at https:// www.beeflambnz.co.nz/ news/2021/11/30/she-lookslike-me-kayla and see if you can answer the following questions.

in

3 Why do you think that traditionally the industry has been male dominated?

4 Do you think this is changing?

Why or why not?

For more information on pathways into a career in this industry follow this link. https://www.meatyourcareer.co.nz/

The first woman to shear 400 sheep in a single day was the late Ata Monds from the King Country over 40 years ago.

Join Farmers Weekly as they “take five” with Amber Forrest of Beauty Antix, winner of the Supreme award at the Rural Women NZ Business Awards. They discuss what 2021 has taught her, what the big opportunities are in rural Aotearoa right now, and who deserves more recognition then they currently receive.

2021 | KERYN HERBERT

NZ SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Other record holders include: The 40/400 world record women’s shearing event in 2020 Forty years after Ata Monds feat of 400 sheep in a single day, a group of women consisting of Amy Silcock, Sarah Higgins, Jill Angus-Burney, Natalya Rangiawha and Megan Whitehead set a new record shearing 2066 lambs in nine hours at Waihi-Pukawa Station, Turangi.

MEGAN WHITEHEAD In January 2021, Southland shearer Megan Whitehead broke the women's world record for shearing the most number of lambs in nine hours.

• Megan managed to shear 661 sheep, smashing the previous record of 648 which was set by Emily Welch in Waikato in 2007.

Join Farmers Weekly as we ‘take five’ with NZ Rural Sportswoman of the Year Keryn Herbert to discuss what 2021 has taught her, what the big opportunities are in rural Aotearoa right now, and who deserves more recognition than they currently receive.

• Each lamb took an average of 49 seconds • How many lambs did Megan need to shear per hour to reach her record?

FILL YA BOOTS:

LISTEN TO THE ABOVE PODCASTS. 1 What are the main takeaways from these podcasts?

There are several different agricultural women’s organisations in NZ. Do some research and find out what each of the mentioned organisations offer their members.

2 Are there any commonalities between the women spoken to?

3 Keryn talks about a new era for what industry?

4 Who does Keryn think deserves more recognition and why?

DAIRY WOMEN’S NETWORK

www.dwn.co.nz

AGRI WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT TRUST

www.awdt.org.nz

RURAL WOMEN NEW ZEALAND

www.ruralwomennz.nz

22

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Newsmaker

Study targets young men’s mental health

E

Studies into the state of mental health of rural New Zealanders are scant at best. Among young rural men it is virtually non-existent, something counsellor and Southland deer farmer Kathryn Wright is about to rectify.

She spoke to Neal Wallace.

We can’t pussy-foot around this stuff, but the research shows there is no link between asking the question whether someone has thought about taking their life and provoking a response.

Kathryn Wright Counsellor

Agrievents Wednesday 09/03/2022 – Thursday 31/03/2022 Farmax Conference The Farmax Conference is a platform for thought and discussion around how we can advance New Zealand’s pastoral farm systems into the future.

For more information: agritechnz.org.nz/event/ farmax-conference-2021/ Wednesday 30/03/2022 – Thursday 31/03/2022 DigitalAg DigitalAG 2022 brings together technology leaders, agritech developers, early adopters and the next generation of primary industry operators. This event showcases the digital technologies transforming the agricultural and horticultural sectors. Formerly MobileTECH Ag, this is a must-attend event for NZ’s agritech community.

Venue: Distinction Hotel & Conference Centre, Fenton Street, Rotorua To register: agritechnz.org.nz/event/digitalag/

Should your event be listed here?

Phone 0800 85 25 80 or email adcopy@globalhq.co.nz

LK0096008©

Food & fibre women – are you ready to lead change for the people and places you care about?

To step-up & make change happen, join our friends @AgriWomensDevelopmentTrust on Next Level - a six-month leadership and governance programme for developing the confidence, skills & connections to inspire others.

Connect with your cohort of aspiring food & fibre leaders, grow through individual executive coaching, build a leader mindset and set your action plan to make change happen.

Learn more & register at www.awdt.org.nz/next-level/ Module 1 Wairarapa: 05/04/22 – 07/04/2022 Christchurch: 07/06/22 – 09/06/2022 Online: 10/05/22 – 12/05/2022 Module 2 Wairarapa: 27/09/22 – 29/09/2022 Christchurch: 01/11/22 – 03/11/2022 Online: 18/10/22 – 20/10/2022

ACH week Kathryn Wright sees the reluctance of young men to express their emotions or admit they are struggling with mental health.

Twice a week the Te Anau deer farmer works as a counsellor at Northern Southland College in Lumsden and says, unlike senior female students at the college, senior male students never seek her services.

This has highlighted to Wright the plight of mental health issues among young rural men, prompting her to embark on a study through Otago Polytechnic, which she hopes will help address that anomaly and improve access to mental health services.

“We have different reasons for poor mental health in rural people than other countries that have been studied in this area, like Australia and Spain.

“From what I have learned so far, young rural men are most affected by interpersonal conflict, relationship breakdown and separation from protective family members.”

Statistics about rural suicide are sobering and highlight a hidden crisis.

Wright says studies reveal that rural people are twice as susceptible to suicide than the general population.

Almost all rural suicides ( 92%) are male, whereas in the general population 75% of suicides are males.

Further NZ studies show that 50% of rural suicide victims are aged 1540, due to reasons such as the end of a relationship, geographical and social isolation, a lack of social support and poor work-life balance.

Wright said the aversion of young men to seek help for mental health issues continues once they leave high school.

When these young people leave school aged 16 or 17 to work in the rural sector, for many it is their first time living away from home and their traditional family support structures.

She said once they have left home young men can struggle to cope with the pressures of relative isolation, dealing with a relationship breakdown or conflict with their employer, having to work long hours while living on a nutritionally poor diet, capped off with easy access to alcohol, vehicles and firearms.

A perfect storm is complete with the addition of male bravado that discourages men from talking about or seeking help when they are struggling mentally.

“We have a particular problem in NZ that young people fear it as being perceived as weak if they seek help,” she said.

“It’s in our culture.”

The mental health of young rural males is a topic that has not been studied in any depth, if at all.

Her interest was sparked in 2015 when she decided to study psychology and sociology extramurally through Massey University.

Added to that is her love of rural communities and their people and the realisation that rural mental health issues

HELPING HAND: Counsellor Kathryn Wright is studying mental health in young rural men.

Photo: Megan Graham and their specific causes were given such little prominence.

“There has been no study that I am aware of that specifically looks at young rural men, why they have issues and how we can help them,” she said.

Unlike young men, young females have different coping mechanisms and do not tend to bottle up their emotions.

“Females talk more to each other, we share among ourselves,” she said.

The issues facing young rural men also differ from older rural men.

She said mental health issues in older generations stem from the pressures of inclement weather, stock prices, finances, isolation and the expectation that rural men are tough.

There has been a noticeable increase in recent years of pressure among farm owners and older generations from Government regulation and family disputes associated with farm succession.

She said a new, young employee should ideally become a pseudo member of the employer’s family, with owners including them in at least one evening family meal a week.

“It will help with the transition from feeling they are losing all their support systems,” she said.

A young person struggling mentally may start consuming large volumes of alcohol, be prone to anger, become insular and socially isolated and cease mixing with others.

The first port of call should be to a general practitioner who will be able to refer them to a mental health services and prescribe medicine.

If that is not possible, she urges young people to find someone to confide in.

Wright stresses that employers need to make it easy for an employee to seek help.

“If a staff member with mental health issues has an appointment with a medical professional, let them go, make it easy for them to go to that appointment,” she said.

“It will benefit you and your employee in the long run.”

Her message to young rural men who are struggling is that everything has a solution.

“There is nothing that can’t be addressed and fixed even though you may not think that at present.

“You are not broken, you are stuck,” she said.

Part of Wright’s research is an anonymous survey, and initial responses from young rural men is that they feel less deserving of mental health services than others, and that treatment is not available in rural areas.

Both are misconceptions she believes could be linked to the relative isolation of many farm workers, the difficulty of getting off farms to attend appointments and not knowing where to find mental health services.

Wright hopes her research will assist rural communities find and remove barriers to access services, correct myths that prevent young people from seeking help and spread that message throughout rural communities, including to employers.

She also hopes her research will provide treatment guidelines for medical professionals delivering mental health issues in young men.

Following the anonymous survey, Wright hopes to undertake in-depth interviews with a small number of people, which will involve asking some tough questions, including suicidal thoughts.

“We can’t pussy-foot around this stuff, but the research shows there is no link between asking the question whether someone has thought about taking their life and provoking a response,” she said.

The final aspect of the research is to talk to stakeholders and sector leaders.

She said NZ Young Farmers has been very supportive of her project, which she hopes to complete by the end of this year.

The anonymous survey can be found at this link: https://www.facebook com/650749746/ posts/10160170027329747/?d=n

Where to get help: Suffering from depression or stress, or know someone who is?

Rural Support Trust: Depression Helpline: Lifeline: Need to talk?

Samaritans: Youthline:

0800 Rural Help 0800 111 757 0800 543 354 Call or text 1737 0800 726 666 0800 376 633 or text 234

New thinking

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

23

Platform targets small producers While Zoom may have eased some of the tyranny of distance for many New Zealand exporters during the pandemic, they have often also found their ability to capture, grow and expand market share a tough gig. An ex-Fonterra exec and his business partner have developed an online platform aimed at helping smaller producers wanting to grow their overseas market. Richard Rennie reports.

V

ARUN Khetrapal spent some of his corporate years selling Anchor milk powder into developing markets of Africa, including the likes of Ghana and Nigeria, and saw firsthand the power of online platforms like Alibaba in those markets.

Despite the relative Third World status of some markets, customers had leapfrogged traditional bricks and mortar supply outlets, thanks to well-developed cellular networks enthusiastically embracing e-commerce.

Back here at home, he could see the opportunity to develop an e-commerce platform that would remove much of the complexity and paperwork from the task list of small to medium producers and retailers keen to open their doors to the world.

In the past many have tried exporting but found it was uneconomical by the time you factored in the overhead costs of completing the likes of insurance, custom forms and managing the credit card risk of the transactions.

Varun Khetrapal Jetkrate “In the past many have tried exporting but found it was uneconomical by the time you factored in the overhead costs of completing the likes of insurance, custom forms and managing

COMPLEX: Jetkrate co-founder Varun Khetrapal says many small businesses want to export their products, but have been put off by the paperwork and processes that involved.

the credit card risk of the transactions,” Khetrapal said.

Their concept of consolidating orders from customers purchasing from multiple domestic vendors became a reality over a year ago.

They created Jetkrate, a multistore marketplace that can upload product ranges, receive orders, box and dispatch mixed products to overseas customers.

“Our aim was to make the service one where the process of exporting for food and beverage manufacturers and retailers is as seamless as selling to a domestic customer, opening up the door for businesses that may not have the scale or resources to do it themselves,” he said.

At present the company’s

main customers are expat New Zealanders, particularly those living in Australia, with a hankering for a broad assortment of products they are already familiar with.

“We have a client, Kiwi Treats in Melbourne, carrying a really wide range of products, including food, books and accessories. We have now got to the point where we can supply Vogels bread fresh, well within its ‘best by’ period,” he said.

With domestic hospitality businesses doing it tough here, the ability to realign to export sales in consumer-ready form without the need for bricks and mortar or inmarket presence means Jetkrate offers a low-risk starting point for many firms.

Khetrapal said honey, wine and dairy products are among the key food products the company wants to build upon, given the extremely high regard all are held in by overseas consumers, almost regardless of what market retailers or producers are considering.

Research by the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) food and beverage initiative Made with Care has found that NZ wine in particular is the most recognised product from NZ, punching above its weight, given it is the item with the third-highest sales value after dairy and kiwifruit.

Overall, NZ food and beverage rates highly for its ethical and environmental standards, and is

Have you read Dairy Farmer yet?

The latest Dairy Farmer hit letterboxes on February 28.

Our OnFarmStory this month features the Eketahuna sharemilking brothers who took out the national Share Farmer of the Year title.

We also catch up with Taranaki farmers who have implemented sustainability practices on the farm and the couple behind Moo Mad Milking Services.

Watch On Farm Story - Telling the New Zealand story, one farmer at a time.

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well-regarded for the sustainability of its production.

Not charging retailers or producers to be part of the platform has Jetkrate focusing its earnings stream on its IP, namely the company’s ability to navigate customs, export regulations and packaging requirements.

A new company selling leather wallets is utilising the company’s skills to help navigate the tricky area of importing animal-based products to certain markets.

The partners are also aiming to start providing a chilled or frozen delivery service, with products limited to ambient temperatures at present.

Khetrapal has also been influenced by his experience selling infant formula and the role of the daigou, or the informal market channel where individuals were buying product here and taking it over to be sold in China.

After a regulatory change two years ago, the channels were shut down with exporters required to have a licence.

“What we originally tried to do was formalise that channel as a legitimate pathway. But we believe the time may have come, given how familiar markets are with the likes of Amazon and TradeMe,” he said.

The next challenge for the business partners is sourcing more capital to grow the business with some strong interest reported, while they are also looking to NZTE resources to help expand further into high-volume Asian markets.

“We know from the New Zealand Story that our products rate very well in these markets and consumers are very familiar with e-commerce platforms, and it’s just a case of building their awareness and trust,” he said.

24

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

EDITORIAL

Focus now shifts to deal with Europe

T

RADE deals don’t come much better for New Zealand’s primary sector exporters than the one Damien O’Connor signed with his British counterpart in London.

Eye-wateringly high dairy tariffs of thousands of dollars a tonne are to be eliminated in a record-setting five years.

Beef exporters, after years of being restricted to exporting not much more to the UK than former Agriculture Minister Lockwood Smith said he typically produced in a year from his Northland farm, have had their access to the high-value UK market greatly expanded.

NZ, unusually in the recent history of trade negotiations, had its cause helped by the Australians, who held the line in their own talks with the Brits, setting a high benchmark for their own agricultural market access deal, which has been largely replicated in NZ’s own deal a few months later.

The UK’s first market access offer had been disappointing to NZ exporters.

But leverage is everything in trade negotiations and Australia and NZ both had something that the UK wanted.

The UK is desperate to join the Comprehensive and Progressive TransPacific Partnership in an effort to offset some of the market access it exporters lost when it exited the European Union’s own trade agreements in 2020.

As original signatories both Australia and NZ wield vetoes over all new applications to join the 12-country Pacific Rim trade agreement and appear to have used those powers to their maximum advantage in gaining market access concessions from the Brits in their own bilateral talks.

O’Connor travelled from London to Brussels last week to revive talks with the European Union with a much weaker hand.

There has been no updated market access offer from the EU for key agricultural exports since NZ negotiators binned its opening offer nearly two years ago.

It was hard to find an exporter with a bad word to say about NZ’s trade deal with the UK last week.

O’Connor should enjoy the adulation while it lasts. Tougher negotiations with the EU lie ahead.

Nigel Stirling

LETTERS

Sorry, but you forgot to mention…

I GENERALLY agree with most of Keith Woodford’s articles on carbon and forestry, but am almost always frustrated by what he doesn’t mention. His most recent article (Farmers Weekly, February 28) fitted this pattern.

So what do I think is missing?

Well, Keith, I think you should check these points: Production forestry is a much more effective export earner than sheep and beef – two-thirds of the export earnings from one-third of the area.

Recent articles including an IPCC report and a paper in Nature argue that production forestry is a better GHG mitigator than permanent sinks. It raises a new, sciencebased argument against permanent sinks. I have yet

to find a forester that likes the idea of permanent radiata sinks.

There is a strong demand for our radiata timber and especially our clearwood from pruned trees. Norwegians, among others, come to buy our clearwood.

And I do note that Keith almost advocates integrating forestry into farming operations, but with distinctly negative wording: “Perhaps … allow up to 20% of any sheep and beef farm to be planted in exotic trees…”

If you are interested, Keith, I can tell you why I have had 45% forestry on my property for 25 years without special permission, but very satisfactory results.

Denis Hocking Bulls

Why focus on methane?

ALAN Emerson’s recent Why is Govt Targeting Ag? article on climate change hit a note with me.

To that, I want to add why separate out methane? It only draws attention to farmers and provides an excuse to label us the worst polluters.

I would like to make this point: I’ve done the calculation on the farm’s total carbon footprint using the Lincoln Calculator. Our dairy cows have a carbon footprint of three tonnes per cow. With a little research, I have found that each New Zealander has a personal carbon footprint of 10 tonnes, with a world average of five tonnes.

Does every man, woman and child have to declare their personal footprint by

December 2022? Do they have to submit a plan to limit their number? Will they be paying a personal carbon tax in 2025, increasing going forward?

I find it hard to be a farmer taking the hit and ‘doing my bit’ when I see the general population having no awareness of the collective results of burning fuel.

Kathy Bentham Te Aroha

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

25

Swings and roundabouts ahead The

Pulpit

Ben Speedy

T

But as we embrace 2022, it is our reputation of feeding the world with healthy whole foods and clothing the world in sustainable fashion garments that continues to provide the greatest opportunity in our industry.

Demand for healthy whole foods grown sustainably from trusted countries has and will continue to hold commodity prices at strong levels. It is expected that commodity prices will ease at some point, noting that supply chain pressures are contributing to high values on the demand side and high input

EVOLVE: ASB general manager of rural Ben Speedy says it’s important for New Zealand to continuously invest in improving the way we grow our food and fibre and be unwavering in our need to listen and adapt to evolving consumer demand.

prices are constraining the supply side, demand for quality protein will not abate, especially with the rising middle-class around the world. Furthermore, a global supply response will continue to be constrained by climate change limitations and growing dissatisfaction of ‘factory farming’ abroad, given the inefficiency of protein production, over-tilling of soil to grow inputs and concerns over animal welfare.

To continue to capitalise on this of course, we need to continue to invest in improving the way we grow our food and fibre and be unwavering in our need to listen and adapt to evolving consumer demand. Fortunately for NZ, we have some amazing role models and leaders, from NZ Merino, Lewis Road through to the Duncans that run Earnscleugh Station in Central Otago.

Of course, it is never all beer and skittles. We do have some headwinds, not only in our sector but in the broader economy as we adapt to rising inflation, a concept that is in fact quite

foreign to many businesses and business owners. When we think about inflation, it is important to remember that the Reserve Bank’s settings of managing inflation at 1-3% means that inflation is effectively ‘banked’ each year, meaning if we get inflation back to 3% next year, it is still 9% over two years (inflation is currently 6%).

With this in mind, it is really important to think through what costs within your business are likely to permanently increase, what is transitionary and primarily driven by temporary supply challenges, and what variable costs are linked to your income decisions, for example, increased feed to achieve high production while the payout is high. What fits in what bucket of course is the challenge and is often linked to other factors, for example, the dairy sector alone is currently 4-6000 workers short, so this together with rising living costs will mean that labour costs will continue to increase with some certainty. Fertiliser on the

other hand is harder to get a line on, as it is hard to determine how much of the increase is due to logistic challenges and how much is due to increased production costs or protectionism in countries of origin.

Unfortunately, inflation also impacts interest rates, as this is the primary tool that the Reserve Bank uses to keep inflation in check. Fortuitously for our industry, inflation has come at a time of high commodity prices, providing the opportunity to cashflow higher interest rates, repay debt or invest in the productivity and performance of the business to lift income levels further.

But as we embrace 2022, it is our reputation of feeding the world with healthy whole foods and clothing the world in sustainable fashion garments that continues to provide the greatest opportunity in our industry.

What is critically important for all of us to get engaged in this year are the environmental and social influences which shape our

ability to meet evolving consumer demand.

It is important that we do not leave this to processing companies and understand the positive difference we can make on our own properties. Get across He Waka Eke Noa, understand the requirements of your business and, as importantly, read some of the amazing success stories we are hearing internationally by nailing sustainability.

We are the future of food and fibre production across the world. Let’s embrace it and be proud of our achievements – #producingrealproductsnotjunk

Who am I? Ben Speedy is general manager of rural at ASB.

Your View Got a view on some aspect of farming you would like to get across?

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HE calendar year 2022 has continued to pick up where 2021 left off, with strong commodity prices, rising inflation, tight labour supply and ongoing pandemic challenges and response.

While covid will pass, there are some systemic remanets we need to consider as we plan our way into the future, as well as pushing forward on the ‘known knowns’, which will have a continued and more significant impact on our industry, such as climate change and availability of labour.

26

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Kiwis are making the most of wool Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I RECENTLY wrote a Farmers Weekly article on the wonder product that is wool. I’ve received some considerable feedback on it. What I hadn’t realised was the sheer genius of some Kiwis in developing and marketing the product.

For a start, Kate Macdonald of Davaar Station near Te Anau was in touch. She developed and marketed Davaar Wool. It is a slick operation, proudly marketing crossbred wool products. Her jerseys look impressive.

Kate uses strong wool (37 micron) and runs a highly sophisticated scouring, spinning and manufacturing process, all in New Zealand. She personally oversees the quality control and her jerseys are sustainably packaged. She produces a highquality jersey. At this point, Kate is concentrating on the NZ market but her longer-term plan is to develop into Australia.

She said that she had decided to do something as “farmers weren’t being adequately paid for the valuable product that is wool” and you can’t argue with that.

Kate is young, smart and energetic, not to mention Lincoln University educated, which is exactly what the NZ wool industry needs.

I’d also never heard of Woolchemy. One of the founders Derelee Potroz-Smith and I are judging the Primary Industry Awards and as a result, I stumbled on the company. It’s entirely focused on wool. Derelee and her mother Angela Potroz started the company 10 years ago. They are doing what the industry should have done.

Originally from a substantial North Taranaki sheep and beef farm, the pair have set up in Wellington. Derelee left the corporate world in the field of IT consultancy to return to NZ. With Angela, they felt the wool industry was in dire straits and set off doing something about it. They have.

Wool repels water and Woolchemy has a patented treatment, developed with AgResearch and Otago University, that makes wool absorb moisture, making it suitable for nappies and sanitary products. As there’s a cup of oil in each disposable nappy, combined with the fact they don’t break down in the environment, gives wool a massive advantage with the environmentally conscious, as it also absorbs over 10 times its weight in moisture and is efficient and versatile.

Woolchemy is considering premium markets and they’re enthusiastic for the future of the

wool industry. Their intention is to be a multi-million-dollar company in just five years, processing between 14 and 20,000 tonnes of crossbred wool above 30 microns to replace petroleum-based materials.

They mainly deal directly with farmers for top quality wool. They don’t make the end products, rather provide ingredients to be incorporated. They plan to put wool into everyday products that haven’t been considered over the years.

The EU has put sanitary products as one of the top 10 ocean polluters.

Woolchemy is working with healthcare manufacturers to use wool in those products, not just for environmental reasons, but for performance benefits as well. I’ve mentioned nappies, but they’re also working on incontinence products as wool neutralises odour. The products are all mass-produced, fast-moving necessities and environmentally friendly. In addition they’re free of harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, dioxins and metals.

Derelee compares Woolchemy with Gore Tex. They don’t make the finished consumer product, instead they provide the components to be incorporated into it.

I’d recommend that you have a look at the Woolchemy.com website. It shows, among other things, the 10 attributes of wool, including the fact that a sheep’s

INNOVATION: Woolchemy is a Wellington-based company run by mother and daughter duo, Derelee Potroz-Smith and Angela Potroz, which manufactures a wool-based compound to replace synthetic ingredients in everyday products like nappies. fleece will absorb over 30kg of CO2. With over 26 million sheep, that’s a lot of carbon.

I’ve detailed two examples of incredible innovation in the wool industry but impressive as they are, it’s but the tip of the iceberg.

I googled wool innovation in the Wairarapa and there’s a lot happening, but that will be the subject of another column.

So I’m really enthusiastic about the future, but I’ve been covering the wool industry for almost 50 years. The problems of that industry sit fairly with one group and that is farmers. The current price of crossbred wool is, harshly put, a self-inflicted wound.

And now we have the recently announced Wool Impact NZ that’s “based on the feedback from 65 indepth interviews”. These included “farmers, growers, manufacturers and exporters”.

Spare me.

Wool Impact NZ is an incredibly stupid name that means nothing and is abbreviated to WINZ. I trust they received approval from the old Work and Income NZ to use their WINZ title. Researching this article on the RNZ website, I typed in WINZ and received 445 replies. There was nothing about wool.

So the stupidity that has been the wool industry continues, but there is a bright star on the horizon. You could get rid of the current WINZ crew and all the blokes. It was old blokes who got us into the current mess.

The answer is simple: put young women in charge. I can think of a few names that would do an excellent job.

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

Designed for the greater good of all From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

I FOUND the scenes at Parliament in Wellington last week distressing and lamentable.

It has saddened me and many others I’ve talked to greatly that we have come to this.

As with Ukraine’s invasion

by Russia, it was a completely avoidable and unnecessary event and has only led to further unhappiness and anger.

Peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democracy.

We all agree on that.

And yes, freedom is important as well.

But with freedom comes responsibility.

That line was coined by Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin Roosevelt. She was a remarkable woman and a humanitarian.

“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human

being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect,” she said.

There is no society in the world where you can find absolute freedoms. That society would quickly fail to function and fall into misery and anarchy.

We have many limits on what we can do designed for the greater good of all.

Obvious ones are like all agreeing that driving on the left in this country is a good idea rather than having the freedom to choose.

Smokers had unlimited freedom once and I can remember flying in aircraft with the air heavy with cigarette smoke, but it seems incomprehensible now that this was once a basic freedom despite the harm to others.

Some people want the freedom to steal, rape and kill, but that is a loss of freedom for everyone else in society.

So, we have laws that successive democratically-elected governments have formulated to regulate and yes, agree to limit freedoms so that society can function to the benefit of all.

The freedom of speech is often

quoted as paramount, but even this freedom has agreed and legal restrictions. Libel, slander, incitement, hate speech and obscenity are all limitations on all of us so that we can have a reasonable chance of living in harmony with each other.

The only way to have absolute freedom is if you live solely on your own with no interactions with any other human.

There is no society in the world where you can find absolute freedoms. That society would quickly fail to function and fall into misery and anarchy.

That protest movement might have begun with citizens who in their own eyes felt deprived of freedoms, but it soon turned into an illegal occupation with unlawful behaviour that deprived others of their own freedoms. An irony in this.

There are many local residents, shopkeepers, business owners and people wanting to work and

be educated in that area who have had an unpleasant time in the past three weeks.

One would think that a basic freedom might be to walk along a footpath or choosing to wear a mask to keep yourself and the people around you safe in the middle of a global pandemic without being harassed and bullied for doing so.

On the day of the riots, I had a Wellingtonian call in tears at the events of the day as the police moved what had become rioters away from Parliament’s grounds.

She often took her kids to that grassy place where they would sit under those lovely trees and the children would play on the newly installed-at-great-cost playground.

The rioters burnt it down, and left behind a trail of destruction and vandalism.

She said she felt that a sacred place had been desecrated, a term the Prime Minister used later in the day.

She made the point that it was quite common to see politicians passing by and you could hail them and chat. A freedom and political access which is exceedingly rare in this world.

Security concerns mean we might have lost that open political accessibility that we have always

taken for granted. For now, anyway.

There is even talk of building a fence or wall around Parliament.

We must heal from this event, but I fear some of these people are beyond reason.

No one wanted a global pandemic to come to these shores, but it has.

Dealing with it and the consequences must be our priority not sideshows such as we have just seen.

Given the high vaccination rates, we are in a better position than almost any other country has been.

We are seeing the beginning of the end of MIQ, a necessary restriction on freedoms for the greater good and in a few months, once the virus has washed through us, mandates having served their purpose will also be flagged.

I never thought I’d quote Pope John Paul ll, but here is what he once said: “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.”

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 – March 7, 2022

27

HWEN is reaching crunch time Off the Cuff

Andrew Stewart

BACK in the good old days, by that I mean pre-covid, I can clearly remember the first time I heard about He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN).

I was driving and listening to talkback radio and for once they were talking about farming.

They mentioned that a new announcement had been made by farming leaders promising a collaboration to build an emissions pricing mechanism for farmers as an alternative to the ETS.

The argument that we have to include emissions in agriculture in New Zealand to keep up with what consumers are demanding has been regurgitated by farming leaders more times than I can count.

When I heard them talking about what a great idea it was and how good it was going to be for farmers, I had to pull off to the side of the road and pull myself together.

One clear thought struck me: why would our farming leaders agree to enforcing a ‘tax’ on our sector that will only serve to handicap the most efficient farming systems in the world?

That thought has stayed with me ever since.

RETHINK: Andrew Stewart says that while the inception of HWEN is deeply rooted in agriculture’s best interests, he believes that it is not the best solution to the climate challenges the industry faces.

Now, years later, and after millions have been spent on it, HWEN is reaching crunch time.

And yes, I know, we have been told countless times that if we don’t do something the Government will lump us into the ETS. But this was all before covid ripped through the world and highlighted how important quality food is to the planet.

And despite the virus-induced sickness, lockdowns, disruption, massive freight cost increases and a raft of on-farm challenges, many of our products are enjoying record prices in global markets.

The argument that we have to include emissions in agriculture in New Zealand to keep up with what consumers are demanding has been regurgitated by farming leaders more times than I can count. As a farmer, I find this argument both out-of-date and

quite frankly offensive. We know that we produce among the lowest footprint food in the world. We know that land-use change is happening rapidly as swathes of productive farmland are converted to either forestry or gobbled up by urban sprawl.

We know that the pandemic has reinforced to the entire planet how important quality food is, and the prices reflect this. We know that farmers are already investing heavily in planting waterways and less productive areas. And yet we are told that this system, our Kiwi farming system, needs to be taxed so politicians can gain credibility on the global stage and as a country we can meet our climate change obligations.

Farmers can be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed by the information that has surrounded the emissions discussion. I have been involved in a farmer

reference group within the HWEN programme, charged with providing feedback to the group tasked with creating options for farmers and I am still trying to get my head around the concept.

But one thing farmers can’t be forgiven for is putting their heads in the sand, saying it’s all too hard or thinking that if they twiddle a few numbers they are going to get through this unscathed.

Any emissions pricing mechanism is going to threaten the future of every farm, and anyone who thinks differently quite frankly needs to wake up.

So, let’s put all the complicated and divisive discussion to one side and go back a step to some core questions that need to be answered.

Could we as a farming industry be so brave as to challenge the Government on the entire climate change argument? How

about politely highlighting the importance of our highest earning sector in a time of massive global uncertainty? And why not subtly point out the incredible progress farmers are making in this space without being part of any ETS? Could this be a huge opportunity for a political party to cement their spot on the Government benches by collaborating with the primary sector to ensure they both survive and thrive?

Covid has changed our world and that is a fact. And now we need to change what we were planning to adapt to this new normal. The good people tasked with creating something workable with HWEN were up against it from the start. The science and calculations involved with this are so complex and uncertain that creating legislation based on current information is virtually impossible. I applaud them for trying so hard to provide solutions that can be successful but ultimately, I believe they have failed. And to be clear, this is not because of lack of ability or belief in what they were doing, but because sometimes the task is simply unsolvable.

And as we all know, failure happens to everyone at some stage in their lives. It’s those that are brave enough to admit they have failed that go on to become the true leaders. They have the courage to admit defeat, humility to listen to advice and fortitude to challenge what they know to be wrong.

Ultimately, HWEN was created with the right intentions, under duress from a government hell bent on seismic change to their most productive industries.

But now this is one waka that needs to be sunk.

Your View Andrew Stewart is the RangitikeiManawatu Federated Farmers meat and wool chairman and a sheep and beef farmer in Rangitikei.

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On Farm Story

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Diversity for sustainability Concern for the soil structure after summer maize cropping with conventional tillage has led Northland dairy farmers Adam and Laura Cullen to introduce multi-species cover crops over the prior winter and use direct drilling where possible. They are only beginning to see the benefits of this regenerative approach, they told Hugh Stringleman.

ADAM Cullen, of Ararua in the Kaipara District, has rediscovered his enthusiasm for agriculture and applies his curiosity to finding new ways of dairying better, says his wife Laura.

The change of mindset prioritises improving the environment and the farm resources rather than constantly driving for production.

But the Cullens are not following a formula or prescription, rather being adaptive to their circumstances and farming conditions.

The young couple with two small boys, Hugh and Gilbert, have a 450-cow split-calving herd on the 200ha effective predominantly Waiotira clay loam

soil, previously the family farm of parents Bill and the late Gael Cullen.

One of five children, Adam was born and brought up on a drystock farm near Paparoa before going to University of Waikato to study for a diploma of forestry management, followed by a science degree in resource and environment planning.

He met marketing and communications specialist Laura in Hamilton and after some overseas experience Adam spent two and a half years as a Ravensdown fertiliser representative learning the fundamentals of nutrient management.

COMPARISON: Adam is keen on visual soil assessments, showing the change in soil health under cover crop.

In late 2008 they moved back to Ararua for Adam to farm manage then sharemilk for Bill and Gael, while Laura continued to work in Auckland.

The farm was reconverted to dairying, with a 50-bale rotary, cup removal, teat spraying, effluent system, roading and paddock subdivision and Adam began what he now calls his conventional drive for more milk.

After growing the herd size to 550 cows in 2014, half-andhalf autumn and spring calving, with a winter milk contract for Fonterra, and annual production of 175,000kg milksolids, Adam was working continually through the year.

“It was my ambition to get to 1000kg/ha, with what was probably System 3 with conserved fodder, but that was never achieved,” Adam said.

“The peak of 950kg has now come back to 750kg, with fewer cows and a more sustainable pace.

“That 150,000kg production feels more consistent in good and bad years rather than chasing the occasional great season.

“My success is no longer defined by milk production, but gaining knowledge for genuinely improving what we have here,” he said.

The fine clay soil structure and its compaction by the maize cropping and pasture re-establishment was always a concern for Adam and he looked for ways of mitigation.

Ararua can get very wet in winter, when pugging is a big

POSITIVITY: Adam and Laura Cullen have a newfound enthusiasm for dairying in Northland when multi-species cover cropping has become the first stage of maize growing.

risk, and very dry and solid in the summer.

Despite using different ryegrass varieties and some alternative species, dry matter eaten by the cows was slowly declining, which Adam put down to poorer soil health.

“Tighter soil structure not allowing root growth and aeration. Hard and discoloured soil that took months and many inputs to recover,” he said.

“We lost pasture growth rates in the shoulders of the season and we were slow to get started again after rain.”

Purchase of the farm five years back came after a period of even longer hours for Adam and a degree of disillusionment and being burnt out.

Laura suggested he attend a three-day soil management workshop led by Nicole Masters, director of Integrity Soils.

“I went along with an open mind and I found the messages clear and easy to understand,” he said.

“I was re-energised by the possibilities and motivated to shift from cultivation to using cover crops to feed and aerate the soil before maize sowing.”

Cropping and regrassing has been a way of maintaining ryegrass and clover pastures and keeping kikuyu inundation at bay.

Up to 20ha of summer maize is grown each year and now 10ha is still established with conventional cultivation and the other 10ha direct drilled after a cover crop during the winter.

Multi-species cover crops for grazing and/or baleage establish diverse and deeper root systems and feed the soil biota, including worms, before allowing the conditions for direct drilling of maize.

I was re-energised by the possibilities and motivated to shift from cultivation to using cover crops to feed and aerate the soil before maize sowing.

Adam Culllen FILLING OUT: Adam in a paddock of summer maize he sowed with a tyne drill after a cover crop when the local direct drill wasn’t available.

On Farm Story

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

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DIVERSITY: Multi-species cover crops encourage the soil biota and improve porosity.

The visual soil assessments, before and after, have been eyeopening in terms of soil colour, structure and worm population.

David Wordsworth, a rural contractor and farmer from Dargaville, uses no-till sowing of maize with fertiliser and slug bait placement in one pass, saving on fuel, labour and nutrient loss.

This past year, when the sowing window was closing and David was not able to respond quickly, Adam used his own Taege tyne drill behind the 125hp Valtra 114N tractor.

He also sowed another cover crop with different species for summer break feeding, featuring sunflowers, cereals, chicory and many others, all expressing its own unique set of exudates to feed soil biology.

A multi-species mix contains at least 20 species, many of them procured from Wesco Seeds in Canterbury, and then added to and blended by Adam in his new concrete mixer.

They contain an annual ryegrass; cereals like barley, buckwheat, hairy vetch and peas; brassicas such as kale, pasja, mustard and radish; legumes like clovers and lupins; and other species, such as phacelia,

MOVING ON: Adam fields a question from a cow, “when are we going to get another break of the summer crop?”

sunflower and flaxseed.

The mixes are drilled at 50kg/ ha and a seed cost around $400 to $500/ha, plus spraying out, tyne drilling and follow-up spraying of fish hydrolysate and effective microbes.

Those costs offset what would be ploughing and rotary hoeing and more tractor hours.

Adam said conventional maize crop establishment is now in the thousands of dollars a hectare and his method is considerably cheaper with only a small drop in silage yield.

In Northland’s milder winters, in three to four months the cover crop has grown 8-10t/ha.

When lightly grazed by the cows, the aim is to leave one-third to one-half of the cover behind to be flattened and sprayed with glyphosate before drilling maize.

Adam has also cut and stacked the crop instead of break feeding.

The residual cover crop keeps weeds invading the maize and feeds organic breakdown material.

The benefits for soil health and structure stay well into the regrassing, as verified by visual soil assessments on a regular basis.

“I am happy with a slightly

lower maize yield to get another tonne of pasture per hectare per year thereafter for a decade,” he said.

No stranger to soil testing, he found both soil pH and Olsen P have improved without specific fertiliser inputs.

The farm still gets annual fertilisers where necessary, although not under paddocks scheduled for cover crops, but the use of superphosphate has reduced.

Budget savings in fertiliser have been redirected to multi-species seed mixes.

Now in their fourth year of cover crops before maize, Adam and Laura expect to do all their maize paddocks in 2022 and beyond.

I am happy with a slightly lower maize yield to get another tonne of pasture per hectare per year thereafter for a decade.

Adam Culllen

DIGGING: Adam isolates a chicory plant and its roots within a multi-species cover crop grown in summer with 20-plus varieties.

Autumn has added importance, not only for autumn calving and the set up for the very worthwhile winter milk contracts, but also the cover crop choices and establishment, which excites Adam.

Maize has always been the preferred crop for silage and supplementary feeding, but because of the dry summers in the north that may have to change in the future.

Bill Cullen and Rabobank have been financially supportive of Adam and Laura’s farm changes

and their farm consultant, Paul Sharp of Nutrition Services, has advised both right through the process.

He has modelled possibilities and results, while listening and encouraging as a rural professional should, building the Cullens’ confidence in the moves.

Adam looks at multi-species pastures quite differently now, for the benefits in carbon capture, diverse micro-organisms and rhizobia and the improved soil structure and porosity.

“We have the science to understand that process of adding diversity and sustainability,” he said.

Intercropping and companion planting offer further avenues for development, along with herbal pastures of chicory and plantain.

Silages with more nutrients, energy and variety are worth looking for, he said.

The Cullens have not promoted their cropping changes and do not want to be labelled or pigeonholed, but they are happy to explain their journey to farmers keen to listen.

“I now have enough of a story to tell that I am happy to share,” he said.

They may be early movers on dairy farm emission mitigation, reducing cow numbers and alternative pasture species, providing test beds for pastoral science of the future.

“I remain very proud to be a dairy farmer, and it is now the new ways of doing it which gives me a real purpose.”

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World

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

UK farmers see NZ deal as threat ALL tariffs will eventually be removed from UK imports of New Zealand lamb, beef, butter and cheese after a new free trade agreement (FTA) was signed on February 28 amid fierce criticism that it was deeply damaging to domestic producers.

The UK has agreed to eliminate 96.7% of tariffs for NZ products entering the UK from the first day the agreement is ratified – likely to be in summer 2023.

The exceptions are the UK’s sensitive agricultural products, including beef, sheepmeat and cheese, which will be subject to a transitional tariff rate quota (TRQ), which will be phased out over time.

AHDB senior strategic insight manager Sarah Baker said tariffs on butter and cheese imports into the UK would be eliminated over six years, beef after 10 years and sheepmeat after 20 years.

In return, all tariffs on UK products entering NZ will be removed from day one, according to the deal signed by UK’s international trade secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan and New Zealand Trade Minister Damien O’Connor.

Organisations representing UK farmers have voiced grave concern about what this deal

means for producer members.

NFU president Minette Batters suggested there was “extremely little” in the trade deal to benefit British farmers, who were at a disadvantage due to their significantly higher costs of production.

WIN-LOSE: Organisations representing UK farmers have voiced grave concern about what the UK-NZ free trade agreements means for producer members, saying there isn’t much to gain for British farmers.

As with the Australian deal, a cap on tariff-free imports is merely a slow journey to allow New Zealand, a major exporter of food and drink, unfettered access to food and drink UK markets.

Martin Kennedy NFU Scotland The Government had asked British farmers to go “toe-to-toe” with some of the most exportorientated farmers in the world, she said, without the benefit of decades of strategic investment that the NZ government had made in farming and exports.

In Wales, NFU Cymru president Aled Jones warned that the deal had “significant downside risks” for the red meat and dairy sectors.

He called on the UK government to convene “as a matter of urgency” the recently announced Food and Drink Export Council and to ensure its agri-food attachés are in post.

For Scottish farmers and

crofters, the cumulative impact of the NZ deal, following so swiftly after the Australia agreement, would be “substantial”, NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said.

“As with the Australian deal, a cap on tariff-free imports is merely a slow journey to allow New Zealand, a major exporter of food and drink, unfettered access to food and drink UK

markets,” Kennedy said.

The agreement will now be scrutinised by the Trade and Agriculture Commission for a three-month period and later by the Government and select committees before the process for ratification is triggered.

This is expected to be in mid2023, as legislation must be put in place ahead of ratification.

UK Farmers Weekly

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NEW LISTING

Ngatapa 233 Hihiroroa Road South

Early, sheltered, well watered farmland

458.0589ha

Wickham Hill presents location, exceptionally early country and appealing contour. Located a short 35km commute to Gisborne, just over 2km up Hihiroroa Rd South, in the popular Ngatapa community, Wickham Hill is 458ha of well managed, well maintained and exceptionally well presented farmland. Currently run in conjunction with a larger farming enterprise, the farm is equipped with quality farm infrastructure to be also run as a performant stand-alone unit. Approximately 25ha of flats lie to the front and through the centre of the property, with a gradual rise to predominantly easy to medium contoured and sheltered hill country, all of which are well supported by a system of reticulated water supplies, backed up by a network of quality dams. The very tidy threebedroom home is elevated, overlooking the flats and surrounded by excellent sheds and established grounds.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 12pm, Wed 13 Apr 2022 10 Reads Quay, Gisborne View by appointment Simon Bousfield 027 665 8778 simon.bousfield@bayleys.co.nz Stephen Thomson 027 450 6531 stephen.thomson@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2752453

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BOUSFIELD MACPHERSON LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

FINAL NOTICE

NEW LISTING

Boundary lines are indicative only

Ruawai 530 Tramline Road Low input dairy with untapped potential Ruawai has long been considered a premium location for quality land in Northland and our vendor is offering this dairy farm with scope. Containing 129.4 hectares (more or less) and in six titles, this flat and fertile dairy unit is located only 6km from the township of Ruawai. Currently 260 Ayrshire cows are milked through the 30ASHB cowshed with a three-year average of 58,310kgMS and best production of 66,049kgMS. Farm buildings include a range of sheds - five-bay implement shed, haybarns, disused cowshed and more. Accommodation includes a four-bedroom bungalow style homestead and a three bedroom worker's cottage.

bayleys.co.nz/1020713

Okaihau 329 Mangamuka Road 7

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Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Thu 31 Mar 2022 84 Walton Street, Whangarei View by appointment Catherine Stewart 027 356 5031 catherine.stewart@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Picturesque dairy farm - selfcontained On offer is this picturesque self-contained dairy farm that boundaries the Hokianga Harbour, located only 53km from the popular destination of Kerikeri. Comprising of 191.66 hectares (more or less) in eleven titles, this farm presents as an ideal opportunity for a buyer, who is looking for a farm where scope and potential are unlimited. The contour of this productive farm is a mixture of flat to easy rolling with semi-volcanic and river silt soils.

Currently, 250 cows are milked once a day through a tidy 18ASHB cowshed, on track to do 80,000kgMS, with the farm's best production achieved of 96,000kgMS.

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Set Sale Date (unless sold prior) 2pm, Thu 24 Mar 2022 62 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri View by appointment Catherine Stewart 027 356 5031 catherine.stewart@bayleys.co.nz Craig De Goldi 027 287 7544 craig.degoldi@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1020682

bayleys.co.nz

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Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

Wellsford 115 Biddle Road

Puhoi 475 Ahuroa Road

Farmer, lifestyler, landlord?

67.426ha

Set away from the crowds, yet only a short drive from Wellsford township is this 67-hectare former dairy farm, with multiple income stream possibilities. The farm's predominantly undulating contour has been subdivided into approximately 30 paddocks and linked by an extensive central race system. Other notable features include a three-bedroom & two-bedroom home (which currently generate over $33,000 pa), an all year round water supply and much more. Currently being used as a beef fattening operation, this farm will suit those looking for extra grazing capacity, a lifestyle change, or solid investment proposition!

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Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Tue 22 Mar 2022 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View Sun 10.30-11.30am John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 7, 2022

Farm, lifestyle, subdivide!

23.1524ha

Bathed in sunshine and enjoying spectacular rural views is this beautifully presented 23 hectare lifestyle grazing farm, with a resource consent to create an additional title. The property is extremely well established, with sheds, cattle yards, an artesian water bore, and much more. Use the woolshed "as is" or convert it for stylish rustic living, or build a new home on your new title. The farm's old airstrip was one of the first to be created in the Puhoi area. It now commands 360-degree panoramic views over protected established native enclaves, neighbouring farmland, and beyond - an ideal position for your dream home.

Take a virtual tour: vimeo.com/680601949 (turn on your sound)

Take a virtual tour: vimeo.com/680601111 (turn on your sound)

bayleys.co.nz/1202896

bayleys.co.nz/1202900

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 23 Mar 2022 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View Sun 1-2pm John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Kevin Deane Real Estate

Te Awamutu/Ngutunui 333 Pekanui Road Orini 668 Rutherfurd Road Heading

This 97ha North Waikato dairy unit is set for your inspection. A great range of infrastructure is in place including a near new lined effluent pond, great races etc.

Extremely easy contour, a handy drive to the Expressway; has life ever looked better?

This is your chance to buy a Waikato dairy farm at an affordable rate – do not pass this exciting opportunity by.

Prestigious Positioning on Pirongia

Auction Thursday 31 March 11.00am On site (unless sold prior) View Monday 7, 14, 21, 28 March 11.00am - 1.00pm harcourts.co.nz/ML4596 Kevin Deane M 021 970 902 Mark Ingram M 027 495 5941 Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Nestled on the foothills of the Pirongia Mountain, this exceptional 33 hectare property offers great contour, pockets of protected nature, incredible shedding and stock facilities as well as a home with a commanding presence and breath-taking views. Built in 2016 in a style that compliments the countryside with three bedrooms, two lounges and a 2.7m stud giving that feeling of space and light.

The true double garage incorporates a large multipurpose storeroom, third toilet and is adjacent to a new high-stud three bay garage of 12 x 10 m2.

The grounds are easy-care and don’t distract from the view from the attractive in-ground, heated salt pool.

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For Sale By Deadline Sale 17th March View Open Homes 13th March Sun 11am - 12pm harcourts.co.nz/OH9454

Kerry Harty M 027 294 6215 P 873 8700 E kjharty@harcourts.co.nz Blue Ribbon Realty Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Karen Lennox M 027 559 4468 P 873 8700 E karen.lennox@harcourts.co.nz Blue Ribbon Realty Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008

www.blueribbonharcourts.co.nz

Tauherenikau 1942 State Highway 2 Open Day

Kemptons - 155 ha Located on State Highway 2 just 2km south of the boutique and bustling village of Greytown, Kemptons offers to the discerning buyer, multiple options as either a smaller sheep and beef breeding and finishing unit, or dairy support and or fattening farm.

With two existing access points from the State Highway, the property is currently being utilised as a fattening unit in conjunction with two other properties. Kemptons is in very good heart and has been farmed and maintained to an excellent standard with a consistent fertiliser history and has stock water provided by the central Moroa water race.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to own this outstanding property. Call for more information or to book a private viewing, or come along to one of our open days.

Leeston 311 Knyvetts Road

Tender closes 4.00pm, Thu 14th Apr, 2022, Property Brokers Ltd, 84 Chapel Street, Masterton View Thu 10 Mar 11.00 - 1.00pm Thu 17 Mar 11.00 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/MR12467

Tony McKenna M 027 901 0246

E tonym@pb.co.nz

Ashburton Forks 3239 Thompsons Track Tender

382.4 ha - Namirembe Dairy A lot of thought has gone into every aspect of developing this quality and high spec dairy unit. The focus has been on the farm efficiencies, for stock and staff, providing a productive easy to manage dairy unit. 252 ha centre pivots, 47 ha rotorainer and 23 ha k-line irrigation from three strong reliable wells with some capacity to extend to dry land corners. The farm has an "A" audit for its recent Farm Environment Plan. Currently milking 1,200 cows and produced 572,815 kgMS in 20/21 season through a near new 80 bail rotary shed with automatic cup removers, Protrac and in shed feeding system. The results of strong pastures from good fertility levels are evident.

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

Tender

137.52 ha - Strategic dairy support Tender closes 3.00pm, Mon 28th Mar, 2022 (unless sold prior), Property Brokers (Canterbury) Limited 217 West Street Ashburton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/AR12075

Paul Cunneen M 0274 323 382

A strategic land holding has been held within the vendors family for over a century. This mid-sized dairy support farm offers purchasers a rare opportunity to secure a quality title not often available in this location. Featuring reliable cost-efficient Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation scheme water combined with Mayfield/Eyre soils, climate and central plains location make this a desirable strategic addition.

Ideally placed as support to dairy platforms, existing farms or a standalone operation. A road boundary and effective shelter around the farm add an extra dimension for bio-security isolation for self-contained dairy support/livestock options.

Tender closes 12.00pm, Tue 5th Apr, 2022 (unless sold prior), Property Brokers (Canterbury) LImited 217 West Street Ashburton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/AR10901

Greg Jopson M 027 447 4382 Chris Murdoch M 027 434 2545

Proud to be here

LARGE SCALE GREEN BELT FINISHING UNIT - 269HA Moroa Farm, 1630 Alfredton Road, Alfredton, Tararua District Moroa Farm is a very tidy, well-balanced and productive finishing farm of scale, and quality. Moroa neighbours the community-based Alfredton School and is within commuting distance to Masterton or Palmerston North. With an annual average rainfall between 1,100-1,400mm the district is generally considered "summer safe".

One third of the property are fertile flats to very easy contour, with most of the rest being easy to medium hill. This contour class allows flexibility of management including options for crops and intensive finishing systems. 250 hectares are considered effective grazing land. Moroa has been very well farmed, is well subdivided, has reticulated water and great access off two sealed roads. The family sized, sun-orientated four-bedroom home sits within a mature garden setting, featuring a large lawn, swimming pool and shelter trees. The farm buildings consist of a four-stand woolshed, sheep and as new cattle yards, large high stud four bay workshop / implement shed and two haysheds. The native bush reserve, tidy woodlots and spaced poplar plantings makes Moroa a beautiful property to farm with a lovely feel, energy and vibe. Moroa will be highly sought-after - don´t delay, call us for more information today! A detailed property report is available. Viewing by appointment .

Tender Closes 4pm, Thu 17th March 2022. Address for Offers; NZR, Level 1, 16 Perry Street, Masterton 5810 or via email by arrangement.

ATTRACTIVE IRRIGATED DAIRY FARM ON ALLUVIAL SOILS 560 Parewanui Road, Bulls, Rangitikei

269 hectares Tender

nzr.nz/RX3119495 Blair Stevens AREINZ 027 527 7007 | blair@nzr.nz Dave Hutchison 027 286 9034 | dave@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

75.2490 hectares See video on website

nzr.nz/RX3182281

Auction 2pm, Wed 30 Mar ’22, The Feilding Club 25 Kimbolton Road, Feilding The soils are predominantly free draining Manawatu and Rangitikei silt loams, some Foxton Black sand, with 60 hectares irrigated via pods. Alongside the farm is approximately 40 hectares of accretion that has assisted the business to be run as a fully self-contained operation.

Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz The dairy facilities are very up to date, with the smart 20AS Herringbone dairy only 5 years old and a Kliptank for effluent. Simple accommodation is provided via an NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008 older three bedroom home that has been insulated in ceiling and underfloor. The Primary school bus runs past the gate.

This dairy unit, situated only 5km from Bulls, is one of the most visually appealing dairy farms we’ve presented, with its terraces and trees fringes.

Rare to find this scale of farm with irrigation, so well presented, with so many options. View at Open Day 11am Wed 09/03.

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Sheep and Beef Farm for Sale

Mixed Farm for Sale

Farm for Sale

Exceptional Foothills Property

Versatile Farming Unit

Productive Small Farm

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty closing Sheep and Beef Farmatfor Sale Thu 31 March 2022 4pm

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty closing Mixed Farm For Saleat 4pm Thu 31 March 2022

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty closing Farm Sale 2022 at 4pm Thu 31for March Productive Small Farm with Options

Exceptional Foothills Versatile Unit 102 Lewis Road, ViewProperty Hill, Oxford, 344 DepotFarming Road, Oxford, North 86 Welchs Road, View Hill, Oxford, For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty North Canterbury For SaleCanterbury

by Deadline Private Treaty closing Thu 31 March 2022 atCanterbury 4pm For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty closing Thu 31 March 2022 atNorth 4pm (unless sold prior) closing Thu 31 March 2022 at 4pm (unless sold prior) 102 Lewis Road, View Hill, Oxford, North Canterbury

344 Depot Road, Oxford, North Canterbury

86 Welchs Road, View Hill, Oxford, North Canterbury

Shane O'Brien 027 471 6121 715.88 hectares

Very good balance of contour

Two wellpresented homes

Proven fertiliser history

Reliable rainfall

High 258.5694 standard of hectares paddock development

Four titles, Richard Well presented two road O'Sullivan1980's, 4 frontages bedroom home

Handy to Oxford and Christchurch

027 292 3921

Local scheme water

High standard 77.2949 of hectares infrastructure

Shane O'Brien 027 471 6121 Two Richard Well maintained separate home and farm O'Sullivan titles infrastructure 027 292 3921

Handy to Oxford and Christchurch

Shane O'Brien 027 471 6121 Richard O'Sullivan 027 292 3921

“Miro Downs” is a most impressive offering combining scope and scale colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67018032 with strong production and performance credentials. A traditional sheep and beef finishing property, this beautifully balanced property offers a superior standard of development in this highly regarded farming location.

Stunning views from a commanding foothills location with outstanding recreational opportunities on your doorstep all within minutes of Oxford and an hour to the city. Offered in excellent heart by genuine sellers this farm is worthy of the most serious consideration.

Realty Ltd “Killarney” is a flat 258 hectareAgri holding with 2 road frontages within 45 Licensed under the REAA 2008 colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67017959 minutes of Christchurch. An excellent farming history it boasts good soil fertility, versatile free draining soils, high standard of fencing and farming infrastructure as well as attractive 4 bedroom family home in established grounds. Held in 4 titles it has all the hallmarks of a very prudent rural investment offering location, scale and potential so close to the city.

Rare opportunity to acquire well developed productive smaller unit in Licensed under a the REAA 2008 Agri Realty Ltd colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67017958 a tightly held farming location. Complete with 3 bedroom home and fullLicensed under the REAA 2008 farming infrastructure all in good condition. Very good shelter and fencing with an impressive farming history including livestock finishing and cropping. An impressive offering in every respect.

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67018032

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67017959

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67017958

Shane O’Brien 027 471 6121

Agri Realty Ltd

Richard O’Sullivan 027 292 3921

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1 Farm for Sale

Farm for Sale

View vide online

View video online

Dairy Development

Dairy Support

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty closing Thu 31 March 2022 at 4pm (unless sold prior) For Sale 3292 Highway, Waimate, Canterbury 3292Hakataramea Hakataramea Highway, Ikawai

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty closing Thu 31 March 2022 at 4pm (unless sold prior) For Sale 513 Clarkesfield Road, Waimate, 3292 Hakataramea Highway, Ikawai Canterbury

Jonn

Jonny O'Sullivan 021 510 024 409 hectares freehold

Effluent consent (1250 cows)

310 hectares irrigated

Modern dairy pasture

389 History of Richard hectares dairy O'Sullivan freehold support

Irrigation consent

Well laned

0

027 292 3921

Grassy Hills is a productive 409 hectare irrigated property that is farmed as part of the dairy platform of a larger dairying enterprise. With both water and discharge consents in place and a history of dairying the opportunity exists to develop the property by building a cowshed and making it a stand alone dairy farm.

The property has two dwellings, one being a substantial homestead set in established grounds, plus other support buildings and improvements. Well formed lanes give good access throughout the property and modern dairy pastures are already in place. A good balance of soil types and contour offer scope and management flexibility for any future opportunity. This property would suit a range of dairy systems, and as a dairy development it is a unique offering in todays market.

Agri Realty Ltd Highlea is a large scale dairy support block that has been improved over recent years to become an easy to manLicensed under theNew REAA 2008 an upgraded stock water system and well formed lanes provide a good base to age productive unit. fencing,

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67018128

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67018130

colliers.co.nz

Jonny O’Sullivan 021 510 024

colliers.co.nz

make the most of the versatile Timaru silt loam soils. This property has an easy to medium contour and a large area of cultivatable paddocks. Regular pasture renovation has been undertaken with over 150 hectares of permanent pasture sown in the spring. The real appeal of this property though, is the consent to irrigate with water from the Waitaki River, and the future ability to produce a reliable feed supply at a time when feed costs are increasing.

With a history of winter grazing and dairy support, and the option of irrigation development, this block has plenty to offer any incoming owner.

Richard O’Sullivan 027 292 3921 Agri Realty Ltd. Licensed under the REAA 2008

Licensed unde

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Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 7, 2022

AUCTION

847 Bayley Road, Wharepuhunga

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DEADLINE SALE

31.3ha

Te Awamutu

9.45 ha

Matamata

Small Dairy Farm with Options - 31.3ha (approx.)

Situated in the prestigious Wharepuhunga farming district just 25 mins (approx) from the thriving centre of Te Awamutu.

Our vendors have lovingly cared for this property & brought it to the market in outstanding order. Currently milking 90 cows through a 12 aside Herringbone cow-shed with an in-shed feed system, this property lends itself to carry on with this operation or changing to calf rearing, cropping, drystock or other specialized uses. There is large shedding that can be used for a variety of reasons. A spacious 4 bedroom home with substantial outdoor living areas sits on a picturesque site overlooking the property.

Iron Hill Chicken Farm

Auction 1:00pm, Thurs 31st March 2022 (unless sold prior) at LJ Hooker office, 41 Mahoe Street, Te Awamutu ___________________________________ Agent Mark Weal 027 451 4732 mark.weal@ljhta.co.nz LJ Hooker Te Awamutu (07) 871 5044 Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Progressive investors are recognizing the chicken industry for its secure and enticing return on capital.

Iron Hill Farms has a secure contract with Inghams Enterprises and consists of six automated growing sheds totaling 9024m2 on 9.45ha. The property is fully compliant and will be sold as a going concern including two very good homes plus a neat two bedroom unit. The icing on the cake here is the location part way between Matamata and Cambridge. What more could you ask for, the figures stack up and the industry is thriving - look no further.

matamata.ljhooker.co.nz/JHHHR1

Deadline Sale Closes Thurs 7th April, 4pm (unless sold prior) ___________________________________ View

By Appointment Only ___________________________________ Agent Peter Begovich 027 476 5787 Rex Butterworth 021 348 276 LJ Hooker Matamata 07 888 5677 Link Realty Ltd. Licensed Agent REAA 2008

LJ Hooker Te Awamutu trading as Te Awamutu Realty (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.

Your destination for rural real estate.

Add another touchpoint to your campaign on the website built for farmers, and align your brand with the content they read.

Geotargetting, print packages, and premium positions are available.

Market your property to an audience that counts. Contact your agent to advertise today!

www.farmersweekly.co.nz

Sallan Realty

Google ‘Sallan Realty’ Your Farm Sales Specialist

JW110780©

GROWS GRASS ALL YEAR

• Situated 15 mins east of Palmerston North is this 204 ha farm.

• This property is in five even sized titles and in a summer safe area on free draining Matamau and Kopua silt loam soils.

• Has been milking around 340 cows on a level 2 system with Most of the herd wintered at home.

• Infrastructure includes a modern four bedroom family home set in lovely treed grounds.

• 40 aside herringbone Dairy with cup removers, large 400 cow feed pad, five bay hay shed and numerous other farm sheds.

• Very well raced with own metal, good access to all paddocks.

• With good fertility, excellent layout and convenient location This could be your next farm. Takeover to suit.

Tender closing 4 pm on 31st March, 2022 (if not sold prior) Call Les on 0274 420 582 to inspect

CALL 0800LESCAIN

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 7, 2022

CARBON COUNTRY

Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

37

234 HECTARES

Your one stop shop for rural Real Estate Get in touch with your agent today

Get in touch farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate with your agent today to list your property next to news that farmers read.

326 Creek Road, Whanganui

An opportunity to join the Carbon investment industry at a scale that is affordable. Plant your own forest and watch your investment grow three ways—Carbon, Timber, Land Values—all this while enjoying income from bees. You can watch all this from the hunter’s hut, situated at the back of the property. Takeover dates are flexible with the option to lease back to the current owners.

Another 250ha may also become available to the Purchaser. This property would also suit an individual or syndicate buyer.

David Cotton M: 027 442 5920 H: 06 342 9666 E: davidc@forfarms.co.nz

Contact your agent to advertise today.

We welcome your inspection by appointment with Vendor’s agent.

www.forfarms.co.nz - ID FF3360

JW110814©

FOR SALE BY TENDER

Tender closing 5 April 2022 (will not be sold prior)

0800 85 25 80 farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

EXCLUSIVE

APPLEBY, TASMAN 548 Appleby Highway Golden Investment Opportunity This very rare opportunity has come up to acquire a mature producing Sungold kiwifruit orchard at Appleby on the Waimea Plains.

PRICE BY NEGOTIATION Plus GST (if any)

VIEW

By Appointment Only

78,749 trays of G3 kiwifruit produced in the 2021 harvest, great orchard gate returns. 2022 crop included in sale.

Property size 9.8ha - 5.56ha in production of G3 kiwifruit, 4.52ha of mature fruit, 1.04ha grafted in 2020/2021. There is 5ha of Ruby Red license ready to be grafted onto Bounty rootstock.

Doug Smith M 027 543 2280 E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/NEL35377 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Helping grow the country

Proud to help Kiwi farmers drive safe We’ve teamed up with Ag Drive Training, Waikato’s largest agricultural training academy, to help upskill drivers on essential safety while operating farm machinery.

We’re committed to promoting the lifesaving benefits of the TRAX LifeGuard®️ and ensuring everyone stays safe on NZ farms.

N AT U R A L LY FEELS BETTER

Ten Basic Fertiliser Facts You Must Know and Adopt to Meet 2025 Water Quality Limits:

0800 782 376 | www.traxequipment.co.nz JW110824©

Dr Bert Quin

(patent applied for)

High-analysis nutrients pre-incubated with high allophanecontent subsoil • The allophane binds water-soluble phosphate, in plantavailable form, minimising phosphate leaching and run-off • It also stabilises the soil organic matter, sequesting carbon and greatly reducing CO2 GHG emissions • Reduces maintenance lime requirements by up to 50% • Contains N-vig™ nitrogenated root stimulator Also available: • QUINFERT Algerian RPR V2 and S90 blends Lime, dolomite and potash blends available • QUINFERT ‘PUSH‘ MAP/SOA blends (North Island only) •

Fact 1. The overuse of soluble P fertiliser is by far the largest cause of P run-off and leaching, and therefore of the decline in the quality of Kiwi waterways.

Fact 2. Once you have Olsen P levels that are more than a third of the P retention (ASC), application of additional soluble P is very prone to loss to the environment.

Fact 3. If you want to build up your soil P in an environmentally-protective way, simply apply RPR. It does not get leached or lost directly in run-off, but releases P in a sustained fashion for plants.

Fact 4. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain. RPR-based fertilisers are even cheaper than super-based products as well! Added sulphur bentonite (sulphur 90) is far more efficient than the excess sulphate in super.

Fact 5. Following 1-4 above will greatly reduce P run-off and leaching. This should be done before anything else, and the situation reassessed before spending huge amounts of money!

Fact 6. It is nonsensical to give in to pressure to install expensive mitigations riparian strips, excessively large wetlands and ‘phosphorus walls’ when you have no idea of their long-term effectiveness and maintenance costs, and before you have established whether changing to sustained-release RPR is all you need to do!

Fact 7. in any case simple fenced-off 3-metre wide grass riparian strips are essentially as effective and vastly cheaper than more complex strips. Both reduce bacterial and sediment losses. Neither will have any significant long-term beneficial effect (on a whole -farm basis) on soluble P and nitrate-N loss. But grass strips can be harvested in summer to be fed out, to improve P and N cycling.

Fact 8. In a nutshell, for maintenance of P levels any genuine RPR (not an RPR/Boucraa mix please!) can be used. Just check the Cd content. For low fertility situations or low rainfall, use a blend of RPR and high-analysis soluble P. Fact 9. For N, rather than granular urea, use prilled urea, sprayed immediately prior to, or during, the spreading with urease inhibitor. Use of N can be literally cut in half with big savings.

Fact 10. Potash is more efficient, and must less likely to cause metabolic problems, if applied in small doses 4 times a year, adding up to 50-60% of the total annual amount you are using now. Easy to mix with your prilled urea. Leaching of anions like nitrate will be minimised as well.

For more info, email Bert Quin on bert.quin@quinfert.co.nz, or phone 021 427 572, or visit www.quinfert.co.nz

Amazing new fert sequesters soil carbon AND minimises P loss!

QUINFERT ALLOPHOS ™

0.5% N, 7.9% P, 7% S, 23% Ca. Potash blends available •

Call Regan Beaver at Quinfert Waharoa bag depot on 021 873 748 or Bert Quin direct on 021 427 572 or email bert.quin@quinfert.co.nz Quinfert – the thinking farmer’s choice

www.quinfert.co.nz

bremworth.co.nz

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 7, 2022

Tech & Toys farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising 0800 85 25 80

38

NEW FROM

Dr Bert Quin

Tech & Toys

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 7, 2022

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising 0800 85 25 80

39

0800 901 902

7 NORTH ISLAND AGENTS

www.pppindustries.co.nz sales@pppindustries.co.nz

Northland to Manawatu

10 SOUTH ISLAND AGENTS

INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT

Nelson to Invercargill

Require a feed system or an upgrade?

• Rotary & Herringbone Sheds

• Skiold Disc Mills and Silos

Spare Parts: • Drive Units & Control Units • Flexi augurs, elbows

• Unloaders & Anchor bearings • Stainless pool cables 48mm & 90mm pulleys

LK0109872©

REQUIRE SPARE PARTS? Call PPP and get the BEST price

Primary Pathways – Jobs, Education & Training GENERAL MANAGER – FARMS TAUPO

General Manager A BIT ABOUT MOUNT LINTON STATION LTD …

Contact Debbie on 027 705 7181 or email classifieds@ globalhq.co.nz to find out more.

THE OPPORTUNITY… The General Manager role offers a fantastic opportunity to join one of New Zealand’s largest privately-owned iconic stations that has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives over the years.

The General Manager is responsible for the sustainable operation of MLS. The principal responsibilities are to provide leadership, knowledge, support and expertise to the smooth functioning of all areas of MLS and to negotiate the best possible outcomes for MLS when dealing with all relationships/contacts.

The overall objective of this role is to maximise stakeholder returns through focusing on profitability, by maximising revenue and minimising farm expenses, while at the same time building a positive marketplace perception of MLS. The oversight and leadership of the Cattle Manager (and cattle genetics), Sheep Manager (and Sheep Genetics Manager), and the Agriculture Manager, is a key responsibility of the General Manager. Building on the existing team culture, by ensuring all staff have a common sense of purpose, by understanding MLS’s goals, values and objectives is a key function of this role.

A BIT ABOUT YOU… Alongside being a practical person with a proven track record of animal performance and profitability, the ideal candidate will bring the following: • Proven strengths in the area of leadership, with strategic planning and senior management experience.

• Proven ability to operate at scale and ideally a team of 3-5 working dogs.

• A high degree of practical farming experience, including a sound understanding of industry policies, standards and regulations.

• Operational experience in genetics and breeding of cattle and sheep with an understanding of Estimated Breed Values and Breedplan.

• BCom(Ag) or other suitable tertiary level qualification is highly desired.

ON OFFER… There is an excellent remuneration package available, commensurate with experience, including a modern, warm 4 bedroom home with views of the Takitimu Mountains. There are many local activities in the area, with the property being a great hunting and fishing playground for staff. MLS allows for involvement in farm groups, professional development and networking opportunities.

FURTHER INFORMATION…

This positions’ key aim is to provide leadership, and technical farming knowledge to the Operational farming team to ensure the companies vision is achieved through alignment with the company values and best practice farming processes and procedures.

If you are an agri-business leader looking for a high-profile GM role that is involved with the strategic direction of the company, then this is the time to make your move.

We are living in changing times so agility and innovative thinking are crucial for this role. Your many years of dairy farming experience alongside senior leadership experience and a strong commitment to business excellence, will stand you in good stead for this position. A relevant tertiary qualification would be an advantage.

If this role sounds like you, please log onto our website www.no8hr.co.nz and register your interest or contact Beverly Birnie, Senior Consultant on 021 477 605.

Applications close on Wednesday 16 March 2022.

JW110855©

For more information on MLS please follow this link www.mountlinton.co.nz/

Wairarapa Moana’s vision is to nurture their taonga and resources for the current and future generations of the Wairarapa Moana Whanau. They have undergone a significant focus on improving business processes and leadership capability recently and to continue that focus they now need a commercially savvy senior manager to join their team as their General Manager - Farms.

www.no8hr.co.nz | ph: 07-870-4901

JOBS BOARD farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Farm Manager Foreman and Riggers General Hand General Manager Shepherd General Station Manager

For further information or to apply please visit https://bit.ly/36VkS7O or give the Rural Directions team a call on 06 871 0450 for a confidential chat (Ref#858501).

Tractor/Truck/Machinery Operator

Applications close Sunday 20th March 2022

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

*conditions apply

RECRUITMENT & HR Register to receive job alerts on www.ruraldirections.co.nz

Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz JW109661©

Connecting rural employers and job seekers follow Farmers Weekly Jobs on Facebook and view primary industry jobs first!

Today, MLS is governed by a Board and, more than 140 years after its original purchase, it is one of the country’s most successful agribusiness ventures. Among the key advantages of MLS is not only its size but also the determination to be a leader in genetics. Recording of the Angus herd began in 1991, followed by the Texel flock in 1995, and more recently the Suftex breed. The genetic trend graphs show tremendous improvement and sire performance that are backed up by the achievements of the sheep and cattle operations run on the Station.

JW110863©

Ag jobs at your fingertips

Wairarapa Moana is one of New Zealand’s larger farming operations with 3,850 hectares in dairy farms, milking over 12,000 cows, and another 1,500 hectares in dairy support.

They also manage over 5,800 hectares in forestry land and have a significant investment in dairy processing.

Mount Linton Station Limited (MLS) is one of New Zealand’s largest privately-owned stations, comprising 12,145ha of mostly productive land. The people involved in MLS, both current and past, are its biggest asset and have made an enormous contribution to the continual development of the property and to its sustainable farming practices.

Noticeboard

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 CRAIGCO SHEEP JETTERS. Sensor Jet. Deal to fly and Lice now. Guaranteed performance.

Unbeatable pricing.

Phone 06 835 6863. www.craigcojetters.com

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

CONTRACTORS GORSE AND THISTLE SPRAY. We also scrub cut. Four men with all gear in your area. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

DOGS FOR SALE

FORESTRY

10-MONTH-OLD grizzly Huntaway, working.

11-MONTH Heading dog, firm. Phone 027 243 8541.

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.

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.

WORKERS FROM $1.14 per day! Deliver NZ wide. Trial, guaranteed! www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553.

WANTED

GOATS WANTED GOATS WANTEDAll 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.

DOGS WANTED

GOATS. 40 YEARS experience mustering feral cattle and feral goats anywhere in NZ. 50% owner (no costs).

50% musterer (all costs).

Phone Kerry Coulter 027 494 4194.

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

BOOK AN AD. For only $2.20 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Ph Debbie on 0800 85 25.

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

HORTICULTURE NZ KELP. FRESH, wild ocean harvested giant kelp.

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

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE FULL SHEDDING Wiltshire 2-tooth rams and WILTSHIRE ram lambs.

Phone 03 4394 761.

WILTSHIRE RAM hoggets.

Full shedding. For sires.

Phone 027 243 8541.

LOG BUYER HAULER CREW available for harvesting. Wairarapa area. Phone 027 489 7036.

PERSONAL

Lonely Looking For Love

Country lady at heart, who enjoys the outdoors, cooking, swimming, fishing & tramping.

With silky blonde hair & emerald green eyes. She is seeking love & happiness with a genuine gentleman.

To meet, please call & quote code 49

0800 446 332

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

0800 436 566

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

CONTROL FLYSTRIKE & LICE Includes • Jetter unit • Pump & hose kit • Delivery to nearest main centre

76 80 +GS

$

JW110646©

T

Mark Copeland LLB, CMInstD Rural Disputes Expert

SUPPLYING FARMERS SINCE 1962

Available to assist with resolving rural disputes, or for appointment as a Sharemilking Conciliator, Rural Arbitrator or Farm Debt Mediator Ph: 07 345 9050 | e-mail: copeland@copelandlawyers.com

Industries Ltd

0800 901 902 sales@pppindustries.co.nz www.pppindustries.co.nz

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO LEASE

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)

FARMLAND TO LEASE. Experienced farmer looking for land 100 acres+.

Suitable for sheep / beef grazing. A building with power and water essential.

Good quality pasture. East Taranaki.

Other areas considered. For more info call: 020 4018 9927.

HEALEY AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

OLD FARM HOUSE with garage. Manawatu. Phone 027 672 6435.

Advertise in Farmers Weekly Contact Debbie: 0800 85 25 80 classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

SHARE FARMING OPPORTUNITY

Quality Hereford cows available. Guaranteed incalf to Hereford stud bull. Term starts April, (negotiable). No cost way to increase herd numbers. 50-200 available.

Looking For & Selling All Farm Machinery

Call Mark for more info. 021 330 425

Market Gardening Valuations Cropping Dairy Orchard Contracting

LUCERNE BALEAGE PEA VINE BALEAGE MEADOW BALEAGE

Machinery Brokers Pukekohe Contact Ph Brian Healey 027 231 5913 healag@xtra.co.nz

Available in Squares & Rounds

Phone Mark 0800 478 729 or Tracey 027 554 1841

Plenty of driveshafts available

QUALITY Feeds You Can TRUST

ELITE REFRIGERATION LTD MOWER MASTER • Kit set chiller / freezer rooms

12HP, diesel, electric start, 50 ton

• Mono-block refrigeration units

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

• Freezer / chiller rooms Built to order ™

WANTED TO RENT

Selling something?

JW110669©

ANIMAL HANDLING

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 7, 2022

JW110870©

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

JW110866©

40

Supplied flatpack or inquire for assembled pricing

• Ice machines • Trailer mounted rooms

We ha o f t i m ve p l e n t y e to ta lk

Get the most out of your land before someone else does!

If you have wondered how farming carbon can complement farming protein come and get the low down from the experts at Forest360.

18th March 2022

27 288 mp.co .n

mbicla

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RSVP via QR code attached

Mokau hall - 9AM Toko Hall - 1pm Hawera TSB Hub - 5pm Included in the session will be an update on log markets and the general industry for those interested.

For more details about Forest360 please visit our website.

If outside your region email us at info@forest360.nz and we can set up a meeting in your district

Especially now, where workers may be required to stay home, or socially distance, the one-man operation and range of tasks that Combi Clamp Equipment can complete, is invaluable.

JW110826©

www.asaer.co.nz

Are you worried about what Carbon Farming is doing to rural NZ? The most simple thing for farmers to stop blanket afforestation is to do some yourself and complement existing uses.

☎ 08 00 2

🌎🌎🌎🌎 co

Email: chris@asaer.co.nz • Mobile 021 230 6904

Splitter with hydraulic lifting table $4800

Splitter

$4200

To find out more visit

www.moamaster.co.nz Phone 028 461 5112 Email: mowermasterltd@gmail.com

OUTSTANDING LEASE OPPORTUNITY TAUMARUNUI Taurewa Farm – 988 & 989 Hohotaka Road • Approx 6,000 su, 580 eff ha, 3 years from 01 May 2022 plus 1st Right of Refusal • Excellent mix of easy to medium hill with approx 150 ha cultivable • 2, 3-bedroom dwellings, 4-stand woolshed with large covered yards plus outlying sheep yards • Good quality fencing into approx 41 paddocks • Reliable natural and reticulated water • First RO Refusal offers potential for longer term relationship with compatible tenant To inspect please contact Zach Te Ahuru 027 4889109 or Lance Te Ahuru 07 8966390

JW0110527©

air wer, No o p o N “ ng” go wro o t g in Noth

• Repairs – service – installations LK0109450©

Combi Clamp Stock Handling Equipment has been designed with the principles of simplicity and efficiency in the forefront of our minds. We provide safe and effective stock handling solutions for every farm.

Information pack with basic lease terms & conditions and proposal requirements available from Geoff Burton Farm Business Management, Taumarunui Phone 07 895 8052 • gtb@xtra.co.nz

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 7, 2022

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

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

MASTERTON WEANER FAIR

41

TUESDAY 8 MARCH 2.00pm Glenrobin Stud Beltex X Ram Lamb Sale 7.00pm NZ Milking Shorthorn AGM Sale

Weaner Steers & Bulls Tuesday 8th March 2022 Masterton Saleyards 11.30am

TUESDAY 15 MARCH 7.00pm Brecon Milking Shorthorn Sale

Comprising Approx.

800 weaner steers 420 weaner bulls

NORTHLAND WEANER FAIRS 7 - 17 of March TAUPO WEANER SALES 7 & 14 March

Glenbrae 250 McFadzean Meat Maker weaner bulls

TE KUITI WEANER SALES 10 & 11 March

Patrick Cattle Co 70 Angus steers Onetai 60 Simmental steers

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

Weaner Heifers

Wednesday 9th March 2022 Masterton Saleyards 11.30am

Animals will be on display in their lot numbers at our on-farm annual Beltex ram lamb sale on 4th March 2022.

Please contact your local agent or:

Comprising Approx.

500 weaner heifers

WAIROA CATTLE SALE

Onetai 25 Simmental heifers

THURSDAY 10TH MARCH 2022, 11AM PGG Wrightson will offer a top yarding of approx 1175 station bred cattle made up of:

Awatoitoi 40 Angus/South Devon heifers

315 2.5yr Steers 710 1.5yr Steers 150 1.5yr Heifers

Further enquiries to Steve Wilkinson 027 594 5110

Including:

Helping grow the country

REPORTS SO ACCURATE, EVEN THE LIVESTOCK TAKE NOTICE.

A/c Rangimoe Station (x Waimaha & Marewa Stns) A/c L&B Wallace A/c Mangatawhiti Stn A/c Tangihau Stn A/c Kauhouroa Stn A/c Karamu Ltd A/c Shannon Stn A/c Papuni Stn

200 2.5yr Ang & Ang/Hfd Strs 60 2.5yr Ang&Ang/Hfd Strs 60 1.5yr Ang&Ang/Hfd Strs 200 1.5yr Ang Strs 80 1.5yr Ang&Ang/Hfd Strs 80 1.5yr Ang&Ang/Hfd Strs 45 1.5yr Dev&DevX Strs 40 1.5yr Ang&Ang/Hfd Strs 120 1.5yr Ang&Ang/Hfd Strs

Grand opportunity to purchase one earmarked exceptionally well bred lines of hill country station bred cattle.

Contact: Jamie Hayward 027 434 7586 Ian Rissetto 027 444 9347 Mason Birrell 027 496 7253

TE KUITI WEANER STEER & BULL THURSDAY 10TH MARCH START 12 noon Special Entry

A/c J & K Lamb 30 Wnr Hereford Bulls A/c Kiridale Stn 50 Wnr Angus Strs (Sired by McFadzen Angus Bulls) A/c Hiwi Trust 40 Wnr Char x Strs 15 Wnr Angus Strs Contact: Kevin Mortensen 0274 735 858

TE KUITI WEANER HEIFER FAIR FRIDAY11TH MARCH START 12 noon Special Entry

A/c Kiridale Stn 50 Wnr Angus Heifers ( Sired by McFadzen Angus Bulls) Contact: Kevin Mortensen 0274 735 858

FRANKTON SALE TUESDAY 15TH MARCH

Contact us today about receiving your LivestockEye reports, and get all the independent insight you need.

Independent, objective, liveweight based prices Includes livestock breed, weight and condition Available within hours of the sale by email Informed market commentary

06 323 6393 info@agrihq.co.nz www.agrihq.co.nz

Wellsford Rangiuru Frankton Taranaki

Matawhero Stortford Lodge Feilding

Coalgate Cantebury Park Temuka

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

Helping grow the country

Ready to talk some Bull?

LH010

LivestockEye is completely unique to the industry. AgriHQ has a team of data collectors on the ground at sale yards throughout the country who capture sale data line-by-line. A team of analysts pulls the information together to present subscribers with comprehensive and timely reports for each sale containing analysis and data in table and graph format as well as commentary on the market sentiment.

A/c Tainui Group Holdings Complete Angus Herd Dispersal Comprising: 25 R3yr Angus Cows 100 MA Angus Cows 20 2nd Cavlers Frsn/Ang Cows Due to change in farming policy, complete Angus herd is to be sold.

Vetted in calf to Angus Bulls (Twinoaks Breeding) due from 12th August, bull out 1st Feb. Contact: Dean Evans 027 243 1092

Contact Javier: 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

42

Livestock Noticeboard

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

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 7, 2022

Attention Crossbred lamb breeders …

MORRINSVILLE EMPTY COW SALES

CONSIDER NINEMILE POLL MERINO RAMS, a finer higher valued fleece on your lambs

Go fin get higheer rvto returns in walue and meatool

High Premium Paid Morrinsville Dairy Complex Thursday 10th March 2022 and every Thursday thereafter Empty Cows 12 Noon Approximate tally of 450

• Renowned in NZ for their bright white wools.

• Leaders in Merino Carcass, growth & fertility.

• Free transport anywhere in NZ

Good milky Friesian, Crossbred & Jersey Cows.

Good demand for High BW Empties.

Talk to Gordon or Jayne today • Gordon Lucas 03 445 2885 • Jayne Rive 027 566 8068

Clients are looking for good sound Young Empties.

If you are looking for good milky empties you should attend this sale.

BRECON MILKING SHORTHORNS

Market Report

ONLINE AUCTION

Elite Empty Cows $2000 - $3200 Top Frsn & XBD Cows $1200 - $1600 Good Frsn & XBD Cows $1000 - $1150 Top Jsy Cows $850 - $1000 Good/Medium Jsy Cows $700 - $850 Lesser Empties $600 - $700

TUESDAY MARCH 15TH

After 35 years of breeding Milking Shorthorns, Red Cow Farms are holding an auction of 31 incalf heifers, 14 weaner heifers and 2 young bulls.

The stock offered include a wide range of genetics from different red populations around the world.

Give your local NZFL Agent a call or for more details phone:

Darryl Houghton 0274 515 315 Hybrid Auction Sales streamed live via MyLiveStock

WEBSITE.

JW110840©

FULL LISTING CAN BE FOUND ON THE

Lot 17, Brecon Dylan Marion P

FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE MARK MCDONALD 0274 790 175 EMAIL: redcowfarm@gmail.com

Visit: www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz Login to register your requirements and be informed when new listings arrive.

For Young Empty Cows

NZ’s finest Carcass merinos -17 micron

Lot 19, Brecon Alston Nola

NATIONWIDE DAIRY SPECIALISTS

SELECTION OF LISTINGS: • DH2500 – 360 x Frsn/FrsnX herd BW81 PW102 RA77% DTC 24/7. Mainly Frsn, great value $1650 Sole Agents Call Pat: 027 496 0153 (Hawkes Bay) • DH2466 – 190 x Frsn/FrsnX herd BW127 PW127 RA91% DTC 15/7 Strong Xbred – Frsn type $1850 Call Kelly: 027 600 2374 (Waikato) • DH2365 – 420 x Frsn herd, big capacity 700ms, DTC 1/8. Well above avg $2400 Call Grant: 021 174 8403 (Waikato) • DH2424 – 270 x (VIC) FrsnX herd BW150 PW197 RA99% DTC 22/7 Long established; high prod $2020 Call Tim: 027 414 6756 (Taranaki) • DH2499 – 800 x Jrsy/JrsyX/Xbred BW154 PW218 RA95% DTC 1/8 Class A herd, top quality $2200 Call Scott: 027 255 8501 (Southland) Contact your local agent or call: Paul Kane: 027 286 9279 National Dairy & Live Export Coordinator

Stay ahead of the rest

JW110833©

Looking for an alternative in your hogget mating program?

CLEARING SALE STOCK & PLANT

Sign up to AgriHQ’s free upcoming saleyard notifications to find what’s on offer before sale day.

O/a Wainuka Farm FG & SL McKenzie Run 47 Road, Eastern Bush Western Southland THURSDAY 17th MARCH 2022 Commencing 12:00pm with sundries trailer Livestock at 1:00pm

farmersweekly.co.nz/enewsletters

SHEEP:

GlobalHQ’s Livestock Sales & Marketing Manager I grew up on my family’s beef farm in South America and later pursued my career in livestock, first managing dairy farms and then working for a USA-based breeding company.

Attracted by New Zealand’s agricultural reputation, I moved to Palmerston North 15 years ago to pursue postgraduate studies in Animal Science. While working as a livestock researcher and data scientist, New Zealand became my homeland.

I am delighted to take over this new role and to be part of the team at GlobalHQ. I look forward to working with you to ensure that your advertising hits the mark with an engaged audience by using the platforms that GlobalHQ has to offer; whether that’s print, digital, or new media.

Contact Javier today on 027 602 4925, or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

1500 Rom ewe lambs 1400 Rom 2th ewes 920 Rom 2 shear ewes 800 Rom 3 shear ewes 700 Rom 4 shear ewes 400 Rom 5 shear ewes 500 Rom F + FM ewes 50 Rom + B/F M/A Rams (Palpated) 7 Teaser Rams 60 Suff X 2th ewes 130 Suff X M/A ewes 1400 Rom + B/F store lambs All ewes and lambs Feb shorn Ewes Toxo and Campy Vaccinated

A quality line of strong Romney ewes Motu-nui & Fernvale Genetics Scanning 176-183% Lambing 138-145% Recommended

CATTLE: • 45 HFDX M/A Cows PTIC Sth Dev & Ang Bull 15/11/21 • 25 Sth Dev x Heifer Calves • 20 Sth Dev R2 Bulls • 30 Sth Dev R2 Heifers

QUALITY PLANT ITEMS: John Deere 6125m Tractor 3628hrs 2010 Mazda C plus BT50 3.0 Twin turbo 132,000km, recon motor at 110,000km – Ford 5000 Tractor F.E.L with spray unit & gorse gun – 1994 Hilux Surf – Can Am HD8 Defender crate & doors 16,000km and many more quality items, too many to list.

Full listing of Plant items on our Facebook page and website www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz Please note: This Auction date is scheduled subject to any changes due to Covid-19 regulations

CONTACT:

Carrfields Livestock Agent Kelvin Lott 027 226 6153

VENDOR:

Fraser & Sandra McKenzie 027 363 4795

Livestock Advertising?

Call Javier: 0800 85 25 80

JW 110850©

Introducing Javier Roca

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Livestock Noticeboard

TE KUITI LIVESTOCK CENTRE

STORE LAMBS MALES & EWES 27-34kg R2YR ANG &ANG X STEERS 300-400kg R2YR HEIFERS 300-400kg 2.5YR ANG ANGX STEERS 480-600kg ANGUS STEER CALVES

TE KUITI WEANER HEIFER FAIR

Thursday 10th March Start 12noon

Friday 11th March Start 12noon

905 WEANERS

475 WEANERS

Comprising of 430 Wnr Angus Strs 150 Wnr Char x Strs 230 Wnr Simm x Strs 5 Wnr Speckle x Strs 60 Wnr Pure Hereford Bulls 30 Wnr Beef x Bulls

Comprising of 150 Wnr Angus Hfrs 100 Wnr Char x Hfrs 150 Wnr Simm x Hfrs 20 Wnr Hfd S/devon x Hfrs 50 Wnr Ang Hfd x Hfrs 5 Wnr Speckle x Hfrs

Friday 18th March 1pm

STOCK FOR SALE

97 R3YR HERE HEIFERS VIC HERE 10/11

JW110844©

COMPRISING: 170x Friesian LIC bred MA herd BW128 PW148 LW153 RA 99% 7x Predominantly Friesian in-calf heifers BW190 PW207

A Financing Solution For Your Farm E info@rdlfinance.co.nz

Market your dairy herd sales to an audience that counts today.

DETAILS: • Bulk seasonal cell count of 105,000 – verified by factory statements.

• HB shed system 1-2, TB10, Lepto vacc.

Bulk BVD test Zero • Herd DTC 5th July – 5 weeks AB to LIC Friesian, vetted to dates, bulls out 15/12 • Production 387ms, MT rates 10% annually, tailed with Hereford bulls • this totally closed herd is currently OAD due to dry weather. Sold in-milk.

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Our vendors have sold their property for 1st April settlement. Cows must be gone immediate or by Friday 25/3/22 still in-milk.

Herd is in good condition and well farmed.

Genuine herd that’s been in family for 50+ yrs.

Always LIC bred, great shifting herd and good styled Friesian dairy cows.

PLEASE NOTE: This auction date is scheduled subject to any changes due to Covid-19 regulations.

JW110834©

PAYMENT TERMS: Delayed payment is due on 1st May 2022, immediate delivery

FOR FULL MACHINERY LIST & STOCK VIEW OUR WEBSITE: www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

- Texel x Romney - kelso. Maternal - kelso. x Romney

David Giddings 027 229 9760 giddingsfamily@xtra.co.nz (hogget maters) George Giddings 027 656 3323 george@yourbid.org

Call Javier: 0800 85 25 80

SALE TALK

David Giddings 027 229 9760 giddingsfamily@xtra.co.nz George Giddings 027 656 3323 george@yourbid.org

muscling and the higher yielding density characteristics of the Beltex breed.

Callum McDonald PGGW 027 433 6443 Brent Robinson 027 206 4958 Michael Robinson 027 210 5977

David Giddings 027 229 9760 giddingsfamily@xtra.co.nz George Giddings 027 656 3323 george@yourbid.org

Last year I entered a marathon. The race started and immediately I was the last of the runners. It was embarrassing.

The guy who was in front of me, second to last, was making fun of me. He said, “Hey buddy, how does it feel to be last?” I replied, “You really want to know?”

Then I dropped out of the race.

UPCOMING SALES Calves sired by McFadzean Meat Maker Bulls

MASTERTON WEANER FAIR

BROADWOOD WEANER FAIR

8 March 22

If you’ve got a joke you want to share with the Farming community then email us at: saletalk@ globalhq.co.nz with Sale Talk in the subject line and we’ll print it and credit it to you.

Conditions apply

Beltex X Ram Lamb Sale

Also on – hybrid livestreamed auction On-farm at Meadowslea Catalogue available on or below contacts Mt Cook Road, Fairlie.

Sired by top pure Beltex Rams: On-farm atMeadowslea Meadowslea On-farm 100 at 2th Rams • 40 Beltex X Suffolk Ram Lambs Mt Cook Cook Road, Fairlie.

- Perendale - Romney Mt Road, Fairlie.x (including a selection ideal Texel x Romney Robinson Family & Symon Howard (Taronga) 100 2th Rams mating Merinos) • 22 Beltex X Poll Dorset Ram Lambs 100 2th- Rams Perendale x -forRomney kelso. Terminal Robinson Family - Romdale (including a selection ideal Texel -(blackface) Perendale x - Romney x Romney for mating Merinos) Texel x Romney • 18 Beltex X Texel Ram Lambs (including a selection ideal- kelso.

Maternal TexelTerminal x Romney Robinson Family Romdale kelso.Merinos) x Romney (hogget maters) for- mating (blackface) kelso.

Terminal - Texel x Romney • 12 Beltex ¾ X Ram Lambs - kelso. Maternal - Romdale Robinson Family - kelso. x Romney (hogget maters) (blackface) All Ram Lambs are showing the unique double

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

A/c ALLERTON FARMS LTD will be available for online bidding Wednesday 23rd March 2022 at 11:00am 21 Grayden Rd, Morrinsville D/N 76581

Glenrobin Stud

Sale Day: Tuesday 8 March 2022 AUCTION at Gore Showgrounds Viewing from 12pm Sale starts 2pm

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

CLOSED HERD – 3 DIGIT HERD CODE In-Milk Early Calving Friesian Cows

OUR VENDORS: Nigel & Vicki Rogers 021 764 379

Autumn Ram Sale Autumn Ram Sale

Friday 18th March 1pm Friday 18th March 1pm Autumn Ram Sale

43

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

STOCK REQUIRED

TE KUITI WEANER STEER & BULL FAIR

ENQUIRIES TO CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENT Matt Hancock 027 601 3787 or matt.hancock@carrfields.co.nz

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

a/c McFadzean Cattle Company 260 weaner bulls A Jennings 0275946820

11 March 22 a/c McMagon Farm 50 weaner steers Chris Sturge 0275104385

a/c Patrick Cattle Co 50 weaner steers B Diamond 0272839600

TE KUITI WEANER FAIR

a/c Waikaramu Station 15 weaner steers A Jennings 0275946820

7 April 22 a/c Kiridale Station 50 weaner steers Nate Lamb 0273265187

“These calves are all genuine hill country bred cattle.

Beef finishers are getting great results from MMM cattle”

THE POWER OF PREMIER PASSION, PERFORMANCE, PERFECTION

Female & Genetics Sale

Friday 18th March 2022 at 5pm 400 Brunskill Road, Cambridge Derek Hayward 027 226 6686 derek.premier@farmside.co.nz Premier Cattle Company Ltd www.premiercattleco.co.nz

Kelly Higgins

Bruce Orr

027 600 2374

027 492 2122

Auctioneer Carrfields Livestock

Stud Stock Services

JW110602©

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 7, 2022

MARKET SNAPSHOT

44

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)

5.95

5.95

5.00

NI lamb (17kg)

8.35

8.35

6.50

NI Stag (60kg)

7.95

7.95

5.40

NI Bull (300kg)

5.90

5.90

5.00

NI mutton (20kg)

5.80

5.80

5.00

SI Stag (60kg)

7.95

7.85

5.40

NI Cow (200kg)

4.30

4.30

3.45

SI lamb (17kg)

8.25

8.25

6.20

SI Steer (300kg)

5.90

5.90

4.50

SI mutton (20kg)

5.55

5.60

5.15

SI Bull (300kg)

5.75

5.75

4.50

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

4.20

4.25

3.35

UK CKT lamb leg

13.97

14.10

9.99

US imported 95CL bull

10.27

10.50

7.48

10.0

US domestic 90CL cow

9.00

9.34

7.07

9.0

6.0

8.0

5.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

North Island steer slaughter price 7.0

North Island lamb slaughter price

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

9.0 8.0 7.0

10.0 $/kg CW

South Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 8.0

5.0

10.0

4.5

9.0

6.0

8.0

5.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

Oct

Dec

Feb

5-yr ave

Apr

5.0

6.0

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

5.5 5.0

WOOL

4.5

(NZ$/kg) Oct

Dec

Feb

5-yr ave

Apr

Jun

2020-21

Dairy

Feb

2021-22

Apr 2020-21

Jun

Aug 2021-22

Aug 2021-22

Prior week

Last year

2.70

2.70

2.28

37 micron ewe

-

-

30 micron lamb

-

-

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

1190

1190

637

2.05

Super

373

368

305

2.35

DAP

1345

1345

869

Grain

Data provided by

Fertiliser FERTILISER

Last week

Coarse xbred ind.

Aug

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

MILK PRICE FUTURES

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

$/tonne

$/kg MS

Feb-21

Apr-21

Jun-21 Aug-21 Sept. 2021

Oct-21

450 400 350

Dec-21 Feb-22 Sept. 2022

Feb-21

Apr-21

Jun-21

Close

YTD High

YTD Low

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

500

10.00 9.50 9.00 8.50 8.00 7.50 7.00 6.50 6.00

Aug-21

Oct-21

Dec-21

Feb-22

28

33.4

27.25

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

5.22

5.36

4.33

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.32

7.885

6.88

Mainfreight Limited

4.695

4.72

4.3

Spark New Zealand Limited

83.8

94.4

75.95

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

5.84

6.36

5.45

Ebos Group Limited

39.2

43.13

37.45 7.55

Contact Energy Limited

8.18

8.42

Infratil Limited

8.22

8.34

7.5

Fletcher Building Limited

6.61

7.44

6.28

Listed Agri Shares Company

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

vs 4 weeks ago

YTD High

YTD Low

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.22

0.27

0.215

The a2 Milk Company Limited

5.86

6.39

5.31

Comvita Limited

3.45

3.78

WMP

4775

4750

4570

3.22

Delegat Group Limited

13.3

14.45

13.01

SMP

4170

4050

3925

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.32

3.78

3.29

Foley Wines Limited

1.51

1.57

1.42

Greenfern Industries Limited

0.205

0.25

0.195

AMF

6800

6850

6085

Butter

6600

6000

5250

400

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.45

1.45

1.3

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.22

0.26

0.21

Milk Price

9.77

9.73

9.45

1

1.38

0.99

350

PGG Wrightson Limited

5.13

5.76

4.95

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.415

0.53

0.39

Sanford Limited (NS)

4.45

5.07

4.4

Scales Corporation Limited

4.85

5.59

4.75

Seeka Limited

5.01

5.36

5

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

3.26

3.54

3.12

500

$/tonne

Prior week

450

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

Feb-21

* price as at close of business on Thursday

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Apr-21

Jun-21

Aug-21

Oct-21

Dec-21

Feb-22

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

5200

450

T&G Global Limited

5000 $/tonne

4800 4600 4400 4200 4000

Mar

Apr May Latest price

Jun

Jul 4 weeks ago

Aug

5pm, close of market, Thursday Close

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

Last price*

US$/t

Jun

2020-21

6.0

6.5

4.0

South Island stag slaughter price

11.0

5.5

South Island steer slaughter price

Last year

10.0

5.0

4.0

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.0

6.0

6.0

$/kg CW

$/kg CW

Last year

7.0

6.5

$/kg CW

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Sara Hilhorst

Ingrid Usherwood

400

2.89

3.01

2.82

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

13334

14293

13330

S&P/NZX 50 Index

12211

13150

11733

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11864

12725

11311

350 300

Feb-21

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Apr-21

Jun-21

Aug-21

Oct-21

Dec-21

Feb-22

13334

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12211

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

11864

45

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

Analyst intel

WEATHER

Overview A cold front moves northwards over the South Island today, bringing in a cool south to southwesterly change, but as it moves northwards it loses its oomph, while the North Island has a ridge of high pressure. Tuesday and Wednesday sees a ridge cover much of the country extending out from a high to our east, bringing mainly settled weather. Thursday and Friday is settled in the north, but the South Island sees a low pressure system enter the picture, with heavy rain developing out west. Eventually a cool change moves through in the east on Saturday. Sunday is a mix of weak high pressure and perhaps a low just to the west of the South Island.

US imported beef market riding high

14-day outlook A mixed bag this week, although there is no stormy weather on the horizon. A tropical cyclone (TC Eva) would have wound down this weekend to our north. Today starts with a cold front, then it is mainly settled with a ridge of high pressure. A low moves in from the Tasman Sea on Thursday and Friday, bringing some heavy rain to the West Coast and perhaps some rain to the far south. A cool change moves through in the east on Saturday. Sunday isn’t very eventful looking. Next week we look to have high pressure hanging about, although it’s not overly strong, with showers affecting various regions from time to time.

T

Soil Moisture

Highlights

03/03/2022

Wind

Fresh southwesterlies for the South Island’s east coast ease this morning, while southerlies through Cook Strait become a bit strong and gusty before dialling back on Tuesday. On Thursday northeasterlies are quite strong about coastal South Westland, these ease on Friday.

Source: NIWA Data

Temperature

7-day rainfall forecast

Cool for the eastern South Island today, warm in the north and west.

Temperatures bounce back for the South Island tomorrow, remaining warm up north. Warm for the rest of the week, but the West Coast starts to cool down from Thursday.

Showers for the east coast of the South Island today; the odd shower may make it to the North Island’s east coast. South Westland has rain this morning, but it should clear. The odd light shower at times for East Cape through to eastern Northland this week. Thursday and Friday rain develops for the South Island in the west, showers in the east on Saturday.

Sunday has the odd shower in the west for both Islands.

0

5

10

20

30

Highlights/ Extremes

40

50

60

80

100

200

400

Rainfall accumulation over seven days from March 7 till March 14.

Forecast generated at 1am on March 4.

A low pressure system heads for the West Coast later this week, it looks to bring heavy rain especially for South Westland. In the grand scheme of things it’s not earth shattering stuff, but it will be the most important weather feature this week.

Mel Croad mel.croad@globalhq.co.nz

HE US imported beef market is exploring new pricing highs, which are feeding directly into record farm gate beef prices for this time of the season.

AgriHQ data shows current bull prices in the North and South Island are 90c-$1.25/ kg higher, respectively, than year ago levels.

This equates to a $290-$375/hd premium for a 300kg cwt bull compared to February 2021.

Currently imported prices in the US are holding stable at over US$3/lb for 90CL cow and US$3.20/lb for 95CL bull beef. There’s been a gradual progression in imported prices since August last year, reflecting solid demand fundamentals for imported beef. These stem from a lack of imported beef from Australia and New Zealand, the US’ increasing reliance on beef exports and sheer consumer demand.

Stimulus packages within the US have underpinned some of the ability to ramp up prices as consumers have been more willing and able to pay for protein.

Interestingly, these high in-market prices are occurring at what is usually deemed a lower demand period. However, US analysts peg demand as strong and the only factor preventing imported prices from lifting any higher is a solid supply of domestic grinding beef.

US beef cow slaughter has been tracking at levels normally reserved for their autumn cow cull in October. Drought, and therefore high feed costs, continue to erode breeding cow numbers much faster than previously anticipated. It is expected favourable spring conditions should slow the cow kill rate and, at that point, imported beef prices will likely see further upside.

US beef demand typically starts to rally from April as they gear up for peak grilling through to June. US imported beef prices tend to get swept up in this demand cycle.

On average, US imported 95CL bull prices lift by US20c/lb between March and June.

There are few signs of these prices backing down from current levels and everything points to further upside come this period.

It’s not only US domestic demand dynamics influencing imported beef prices. The potential for even tighter imported supplies in the months ahead could also add some heat to prices.

Brazilian beef imports into the US have surged in recent months, however, without a country-specific quota, time is running out before they fill their shared quota allowance of 65,000 tonnes. The expectation is for this to occur by May, at which point US importers will face a 26.5% tariff if they choose to buy in Brazilian beef. This will essentially take a low-priced competitor out of the market, further tightening import options and volumes.

Stimulus packages within the US have underpinned some of the ability to ramp up prices as consumers have been more willing and able to pay for protein.

Australian imported beef volumes to the US are still constrained as they continue to rebuild herds, but they are also dealing with immediate flooding issues, which are further reducing production and exports. While this provides further pricing opportunity for NZ beef exports, Australia’s determination to lift cattle numbers means they will be a lot more active in export markets, including the US, towards the end of this year, potentially coinciding with increased NZ spring supplies.

While the stars are aligning within the US imported beef market, there are a few hurdles we must tackle domestically before we can truly benefit from the anticipated upside.

Covid-induced processing disruptions are gaining momentum and appear far from over. Combining this with the logistical challenges of even supplying the US market adds risk. Therefore, we remain cautious of the ability for farm gate prices to fully reflect these strong market conditions in the short-term. Fortunately, that is easier to digest when current farm gate prices are tracking historically high.

Enhancing the soil using regen ag practices Concern for the soil structure led Adam Cullen to introduce multi-species cover crops and use direct drilling where possible on his Northland dairy farm.

Watch the video now at youtube.com/OnFarmStory This episode was made possible with support from Rabobank On Farm Story

On Farm Story

46

SALE YARD WRAP

Eyes on Southern Man sales While focus for cattle sales moves to weaner fairs in the North Island, in the south older cattle were front and centre at yards. The inaugural Southern Man sales got under way on Wednesday with the 18-month beef steers on offer at the Lorneville sale yards, followed by dairy-beef steers and heifers on Friday. Wednesday sale results were pleasing as the top lines of traditional steers in the 340-420kg range sold for $3.26-$3.34/kg. Weight ranges either side, and second cuts within that range, traded at $3.14-$3.21/kg. Exotic and exotic-cross steers – mainly Charolais and Simmental – primarily weighed 380-440kg and top cuts made $3.32-$3.47/kg, and much of the balance made $3.24-$3.29/kg. Cheviot sale yards also hosted significant entries of traditional 18-month and 16-month cattle on Friday.

NORTHLAND Kaikohe cattle • R2 Friesian and beef-cross bulls fetched $2.90-$3.00/kg • Weaner beef-cross bulls earned $3.10/kg to $3.30/kg • Weaner heifers traded at $3.05/kg to $3.30/kg • Vetted-in-calf Friesian cows sold at $1.75-$1.80/kg There were around 350 head of cattle at the KAIKOHE sale last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. Better R2 Hereford-cross and Limousin-cross steers made $2.95/kg and Friesian-cross types $2.75/kg. R2 heifers earned $2.85/kg.

Wellsford store cattle • R3 steers, 416-549kg, traded at $2.84-$2.94/kg • Most R2 heifers, 293-325kg, held at $2.63-$2.73/kg • Top Hereford-Friesian weaner steers, 147-187kg, realised $660$730 • Weaner exotic-cross heifers, 217kg, topped their section at $640, $2.95/kg Store cattle numbered 183 head at WELLSFORD last Monday. The bulk of R2 steers, 321-388kg, held at $2.99$3.05/kg. Weaners made up over 40% of the total tally and Hereford-Friesian steers, 105-129kg, returned $455-$560.

Limousin-cross heifers, 153-180kg, traded at $415-$515.

Three quality Hereford bulls, 158kg, topped their section at $590 with Friesian, 168kg, at $540. Read more in your LivestockEye.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • Light prime heifers made $2.78-$2.84/kg, $1160-$1420 • Weaner steers fetched $400-$560 and crossbred heifers $450$580 • Autumn-born crossbred weaner heifers traded at $670-$710, $3.35/kg to $3.57/kg • Boner cows made $2.30/kg, $1400 There was a keen bench of buyers at PUKEKOHE on Saturday 26th February and prime steers lifted to $2.77$2.82/kg, $1500-$1855. Medium R2 steers earned $2.78$2.87/kg, $1030-$1200 and heifers $2.89-$2.92/kg, $850$950.

COUNTIES Tuakau sheep and prime cattle • Medium-heavy prime ewes sold strongly at $163-$204 • Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 685kg, made $2.71/kg • Shorthorn beef cows, 605kg, fetched $1.90/kg A small yarding of prime steers and heifers was presented at TUAKAU last Wednesday, Carrfields Livestock agent Karl Chitham reported. Steers in the 630-680kg range made $2.79-$2.88/kg, while 495-580kg steers managed $2.75$2.83/kg and 460-520kg heifers, $2.66-$2.79/kg. Boner cows, 480-530kg, returned $1.66-$1.79/kg and 380-420kg, $1.37/kg to $1.55/kg. Small to medium prime lambs traded at $126-$153 on Monday. Forward-stores made $100-$114, medium $84-$98 and light, $54-$66. Light ewes realised $65-$104.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle 1.3 • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 325kg, firmed to $2.95/kg • R2 Angus-Friesian heifers, 358-380kg, were a highlight at $2.68$2.71/kg • Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 103kg, pushed to $560 Just over 200 cattle were penned at FRANKTON last Tuesday by PGG Wrightson. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers above 400kg earned $2.61-$2.70/kg and same breed heifers, 380-408kg, realised $2.59-$2.61/kg. Quality late born weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 103kg, realised $460. Bigger Friesian bulls, 140-184kg, managed $520-$590. Prime Hereford-Friesian steers and heifers, 486-571kg, earned $2.73-$2.78/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle 2.3 • R3 Hereford-dairy steers, 386-395kg, improved to $2.89-$2.92/kg

• R2 Hereford-dairy steers, 255-317kg, earned $820-$890 and lighter lines reached $3.13-$3.27/kg • Prime cows above 450kg sold in a tight band of $2.09-$2.12/kg Throughput increased slightly at FRANKTON last Wednesday where New Zealand Farmers Livestock penned just over 190 cattle. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 263kg, realised $935, $3.56/kg. Autumn-born weaner HerefordFriesian steers, 256kg, finished at $835, $3.26/kg. Dairy-beef heifers, 243-268kg, were consistent at $690-$730. Vetted-incalf Hereford heifers, 428kg, realised $2.69/kg with cows, 487-508kg, at $2.03-$2.11/kg. Boner Friesian cows, 530kg, managed $1.68/kg, The only pen of prime steers contained three 576kg beef-cross which earned $2.83/kg.

Read more in your LivestockEye.

KING COUNTRY Te Kuiti cattle and sheep • Heavy prime ewes made $170-$176 and medium types $144$155 • The best of the store ewe lambs earned $121 • The best of the Shorthorn cows vetted-in-calf to a Shorthorn bull realised $1205-$1290 The best of the prime lambs made $168 at TE KUITI last Wednesday with the next cut $130-$148. Good store male lambs sold to $132 with lighter types $120-$128. There weren’t a lot of buyers present at the cattle sale last Friday.

R3 steers and heifers fetched $2.70/kg to $2.85/kg and run-with-bull heifers $1195. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 463-500kg, realised $2.84-$2.93/kg and better heifers, 367383kg, $2.6-$2.71/kg.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Seven R2 Angus steers, 308kg, fetched $2.94/kg • Autumn-born yearling Hereford bulls, 261kg, collected $1050, $4.02/kg • Heaviest lambs realised $161 In another small yarding at RANGIURU last Tuesday better R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 407kg, earned $2.92/ kg and others sold on par with heavier Hereford-Jersey at $2.62/kg. Dairy-beef heifers traded at or below $2.23/ kg while Murray Grey-cross, 340kg, made $2.65/kg. Prime steers remained steady as Friesian, 570kg, returned $2.58/kg and dairy-beef, 647-666kg, earned $2.70-$2.79/ kg. Hereford-Friesian heifers traded 20c/kg below their brothers. Boner cows which weighed 442-472kg mostly returned $1.27-$1.28/kg. Medium prime lambs collected $133-$141 and ewes were similar in condition and returns to last week.

Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Store ewe lambs made $115-$123 • Prime lambs earned $145 • Prime 2-tooth ewes earned $103-$140 • Prime wethers reached $203 Top male lambs firmed to $140-$151 at MATAWHERO last Friday with the balance $126-$138. Store 2-tooth Romdale ewes mostly fetched $125. Better prime ewes earned $157 and the balance $133. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • Weaner heifers held at an average of $450 • Better R2 steers, 420-425kg, made $2.79/kg to $2.85/kg • A handful of R2 dairy-beef heifers above 390kg fetched $2.51/kg to $2.65/kg • Boner cows typically achieved $1.62-$1.64/kg • A handful of prime steers earned $2.95-$3.03/kg There was a bit of everything on offer at the TARANAKI sale last Wednesday. Just over 400 weaner calves were presented, and most steers traded at $400-$525 while the top end reached $640-$780. The weaner Friesian bull average held at $560 though dairy-beef eased $15 to $550.

Good R2 Friesian heifers, 455kg, achieved $2.51/kg, and most lines above 360kg made $2.00/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime sheep • Top end heavy and very heavy mixed-age ewes held at $161$167 • The bulk of medium mixed-age ewes earned $104.50-$112 • Heavy ram lambs realised $167 Ewes numbered 688 head at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday. Good ewes softened to $119-$125 while lightmedium maintained steady returns at $80-$86. Lamb throughput increased albeit still at a limited 76 head. The better end of good to heavy mixed-sex lambs fetched $165$175. The balance of medium to good types improved to $125-$168.

Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store sheep Just 950 lambs were yarded at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday and sold to local buyers. Good cryptorchid lambs eased to $131-$140 though medium ram lambs improved to $121-$126. The balance was mainly good wether and ewe lamb lines that made $127-$136.

Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATŪ Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Four Hereford steers, 673kg, earned $3.04/kg • Best 30 lambs fetched $220 The small cattle yarding at FEILDING last Thursday was mostly boner cows of which Friesian in better condition collected $1.61-$1.71/kg and lighter types returned $1.50$1.57/kg. A few extra buyers helped the lamb market to firm further on last week. All significant pens traded within $20 of $200 except one which made $165. Ewe numbers and condition was down but the market held for condition as the heaviest returned $163. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store cattle and sheep • Prime steers, 655-755kg, made $3.00-$3.10/kg • R2 South Devon-cross steers, 410-430kg, were taken to $3.50$3.70/kg • Autumn-born yearling Friesian bulls, 305-315kg, sold for $3.20$3.30/kg • Store male lambs averaged $136 • Store ewe lambs averaged $125 A bit over 800 cattle sold at FEILDING. R3 Angus steers, 500-560kg sold for $3.15-$3.20/kg while 420-540kg R2 Angus lines were $3.20-$3.30/kg. R2 dairy-beef steers, 370470kg, were mostly $2.85-$3.00/kg. R3 Angus heifers, 460485kg, were $3.05/kg with 350-420kg R2 dairy-beef lines centring on $2.70-$2.80/kg. Weaner Friesian and beef-cross bulls, 160-185kg, were all $565-$600 and 150kg HerefordFriesian heifers made $500. The store lamb market was solid considering 19,500 were yarded. Heavy shorn males were $145-$155, good types were $135-$145, mediums $125-$135, and lighter sorts $100-$115. Ewe lambs were $135-$140 for good lines, $120-$130 for mediums, and $110-$115 for the bulk of the lighter pens. Medium-type five-year ewes were $130-$155.

Read more in your LivestockEye. Rongotea cattle • Three-year Jersey bulls, 655-670kg, achieved $2.91/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 297-332kg, fetched $2.46-$2.49/kg • Weaner steers made $455-$580 and heifers $350-$560 • Boner Friesian cows, 395-515kg, earned $1.37-$1.48/kg Another small sale was held at RONGOTEA last Tuesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported.

Throughput of autumn-born feeder calves has lifted, and Friesian bulls made $125-$175, dairy-beef $150-$210 and Angus-cross heifers $150-$175. R3 Hereford-Friesian steers sold at $2.67-$2.78/kg and heifers $2.74/kg.

47

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022

$2.81/kg. The Friesian and Friesian-cross heifer market also dropped and Friesian, 349kg, made $1.61/kg. Weaners held on last week’s returns and better Hereford-Friesian steers, 166kg, earned $590. Well-marked Hereford-Friesian heifers, 128-171kg, collected $400-$470. Read more in your LivestockEye.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep • Prime wethers fetched $110-$130 • Store lambs made $70-$126 Prime lambs sold by PGG Wrightson achieved $136-$168 at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday and prime ewes averaged $115, and the best sold to $162.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep • Prime heifers above 450kg achieved $2.70-$2.80/kg • Prime bulls, 470-550kg, earned $2.50/kg to $2.90/kg • Boner cows eased to $1.30-$1.40/kg • Heavy prime ewes made $154-$184, medium $120-$144 and light $99-$115 • Local trade rams fetched $70-$80 There was a large yarding of prime cattle at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday. Prime steers above 490kg made $2.80/kg and lighter types $2.50/kg. Heavy prime lambs achieved $150$170, medium $132-$148 and light $116-$130. Two-tooth ewes reached $190. Top store lambs sold at $120-$130, medium $105-$115 and light mostly earned $80-$90.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Bill Reid of Northland attended the Southern Man cattle sale at Lorneville last week on behalf of buyers looking for smaller or lighter cattle to fatten up over winter.

Photo: Natwick

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • A South Devon-cross steer, 730kg, fetched $3.16/kg • Two Hereford heifers, 543kg, returned $3.00/kg • Heaviest male lambs collected $207 Prime cattle were met by regular buyers at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday and most traditional steers traded at $2.90-$3.00/kg along with dairy-beef over 500kg. Exoticcross breeds realised $3.09-$3.16/kg. Traditional heifers and beef-Friesian types were mostly 450-490kg and made $2.70$2.80/kg. Boner heifers over 460kg were rewarded with $2.10/kg or more and lighter types less. A larger store lamb section met good demand and the market held as medium types traded at $100-$120 and a premium was paid for shorn lines. The prime lamb market firmed slightly while ewes were steady. Read more in your LivestockEye. Coalgate cattle and sheep • A Simmental-cross heifer, 690kg, fetched $2.91/kg • Angus bulls, 702-765kg, collected $3.00-$3.04/kg • Romney-cross shorn ewe lambs from Lees Valley earned $118$122 Store cattle numbers were low again at COALGATE last Thursday. Top R2 Angus-Friesian and Hereford-Friesian heifers from one vendor weighed 446-466kg and collected $2.68-$2.73/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 185kg, made $460 and Friesian bulls, 127kg, realised $330. Prime steers met a steady market and those which weighed 495-600kg earned $2.88-$2.96/kg. Heifers which were 478665kg traded at $2.79-$2.89/kg. Medium weight Friesian and Friesian-cross heifers, 390-408kg, made $1.80/kg.

Store lamb markets were steady as medium types returned $106-$117 and short-term options fetched $130-$138. The prime lamb market also held and good types earned $163$179. Ewe returns eased and most were medium to good condition which traded at $146-$194. Read more in your LivestockEye.

Cheviot beef fair • The best of the Angus heifers made $1210-$1260 Just over 700 head of traditional steers and heifers were offered at the CHEVIOT beef cattle fair last Friday. The best of the R2 steers achieved $1350-$1470, $3.26-$3.37/kg, the next cut around $1195-$1290 and lighter types $760-$960.

Heifers mostly traded at $1015-$1070 with the balance $950-$990.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cattle, all sheep • Prime beef heifers held at $2.76-$2.84/kg and dairy-beef $2.66$2.76/kg • Prime traditional steers lifted to $2.96-$3.06/kg • Heavy prime lambs earned $180-$192 • Lighter prime ewes realised $100-$137 Cattle consisted mostly of boner cows and heifers at the TEMUKA prime cattle sale last Monday and this market continued to ease. Most boner cows sold around $1.60$1.70/kg with the next cut $1.50-$1.60/kg and the best heifers reached $2.60-$2.68/kg. Heavier dairy-beef steers lifted to $2.94-$2.99/kg while lighter types were mostly $2.70-$2.80/kg. The store lamb yarding was dominated by heavier types which fetched up to $187. Medium lambs returned $109-$125. Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka store cattle • R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 410kg, fetched $2.98/kg • R2 Angus heifers, 279-330kg, made $2.65/kg • Weaner Charolais-cross heifers, 145-154kg, realised $425-$460 A small buying gallery helped to ease markets at TEMUKA last Thursday. R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 375kg, earned $3.01/kg while dairy-beef types, 381-443kg, mostly made $2.72-$2.82/kg and a few pens collected more. Dairy-beef heifers mostly traded at $2.56$2.66/kg on a softer market aside from a few pens of heavier Hereford-Friesian, 393-424kg, which realised $2.79-

North Island weaner fairs STORTFORD LODGE kicked off a busy week of weaner fairs with 1500 traditional and exotic steers last Tuesday.

The market met expectations and 78% of the yarding sold in the $3.60-$3.90/kg range. Angus steers, 253-270kg, sold for $3.68-$3.79/kg and 195-230kg varied from $3.75/ kg to $3.95/kg as most traded at $800-$995. Lighter lines exceeded $4.00/kg. Most exotic and exotic-cross weighed 245-280kg and sold for $3.67-$3.84/kg and six top lines exceeded $1000. Heifer volume dropped to 700 last Wednesday but the market improved. Traditional heifers were mainly lighter weights of 160-210kg and sold from $3.20/kg to $3.54/kg. Most sold in the $570-$690 range.

Exotic and exotic-cross were the highlight and the top pens reached $840-$940, $3.35-$3.39/kg while the balance over 200kg settled at $3.14-$3.24/kg. Bull volume was low and 225-270kg traditional made $875-$900 for varied $/kg while Hereford, 140-170kg, returned $570-$670. A yarding of 550 weaners sold at the farmer-owned COLVILLE sale yards last Wednesday and PGG Wrightson agent Dave Stuart said the yards were a pleasure to sell at. Hereford heifers were the stars and sold for $680-$880. Bulls of same breed were back at $640-$990 as they sold to a limited audience.

Traditional steers returned $650-$950 and run-withbull Hereford cows, $1050-$1300. A small yarding of 740 weaners at RANGIURU last Wednesday were met by buyers from South Auckland to Taihape. Weights of traditional and exotic steers and heifers were up on average, more so for steers. Charolais-cross steers, 250-328kg, returned $900-$1060. Most traditional types, 243-300kg, made $740$785 aside from Angus at $980-$1060. Dairy-beef steers were generally 100kg lighter and returns were capped at $720. Traditional heifers, 194-232kg, realised $640-$705 and Charolais and Simmental-cross, 232-293kg, earned $700-$860, $2.94-$3.03/kg. A yarding of 1250 weaner steers and heifers met strong demand at TUAKAU last Thursday, Carrfields Livestock agent Karl Chitham reported. Prices were up $100-$150 on last year, mainly due to a shortage of store cattle and a firm beef schedule. The yarding included 229-290kg Charolais steers which made $3.53-$3.80/kg with 220-280kg Angus steers at $3.64-$4.14/kg. A top pen of Charolais heifers, 282kg, earned $3.22/kg and 200-240kg made $3.18-$3.34/kg. Simmental, 225-275kg, traded at $3.22-$3.48/kg and Shorthorn heifers, 250kg, fetched $3.16/ kg.

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48

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 7, 2022 NI BULL

SI COW

SI MUTTON

($/KG)

($/KG)

($/KG)

4.20

5.90

5.55

WEANER ANGUS STEERS, 253270KG, AT STORTFORD LODGE

high $151-$187 mixed-sex store lights Heavy lambs at Temuka

($/KG LW)

$3.68-$3.79

Global supply chain remains problematic Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

M

EAT processors are juggling a host of issues as they urge farmers to plan for further covidinduced supply chain disruptions and a longer kill season.

Addressing the Beef + Lamb New Zealand – Adapting for Supply Chain Disruption webinar, Silver Fern Farms (SFF) general manager supply chain Dan Boulton said the global supply chain remains as problematic as ever.

“We’re at the point where the disruptions we face every day are nearly the new business as usual for most exporters here in NZ,” Boulton said.

“Shipping capacity, vessel schedules, port productivity and landside infrastructure remain congested and disrupted across every trade lane globally.”

The risk to the supply chain is real and what that means behind the farm gate is challenging.

Dan Boulton Silver Fern Farms With the processing season reaching its peak and plants short-staffed, there are wait times to get prime cattle slaughtered across both the North and South Islands.

Worker shortages are only expected to get worse over coming weeks as Omicron reaches its peak.

All this comes at a time when the sector is grappling with reduced

MITIGATE: Silver Fern Farms general manager supply chain Dan Boulton says processors will pull all stops to avoid disruption pressures from compounding. container availability that is limiting the ability to ship product to overseas markets.

Boulton said some vessels may only call to three NZ ports, whereas they would previously call at five.

“This requires us to export the same volume from less port calls and puts significant pressure on NZ landside and coastal infrastructure to position and move containers across the domestic network,” he said.

Most farmers are already aware of the labour challenges and the impact that has on processors’ ability to collect all value cuts.

It is the impact of Omicron that is harder to predict and how fast it will recover is a moving feast.

“We’ve modelled that Omicron could impact our production capacity by between 20 to 30% over the coming six weeks,” he said.

A later season and the number of animals still on-farm also presents

challenges for farmers.

“It goes without saying we all need to plan for a longer season, however, we are doing everything we can to help stop the pressures from compounding,” he said.

“I am confident we can complete the lamb kill before we move to bobby calves and that we can manage our beef backlogs alongside cull cow flows.”

In the meantime, processors are planning for reduced shut down periods between seasons as with sheep kill 9.1% behind this time last year, with an estimated 990,000 lambs still to come in and cattle kill back 2.5%, the plan is for a longer season.

North Island beef at six weeks later is looking to drag out to early July, with South Island beef, four weeks, scheduled for mid-July.

North Island sheep at eight weeks behind are looking at an early June season end, with South Island sheep, 11 weeks, going out to mid-July.

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$950 Weaner exotic steers, 275kg average, at Rangiuru

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Weaner market benefits from welcome rain

R

AIN through the beginning of the year has had a threefold effect on the start of the beef weaner fairs. It kept some calves at home, perhaps to grow out more and appear at later fairs, and it brought more one-off buyers to the market.

The benches at Stortford Lodge and Rangiuru had a few more locals than recent years sitting on them and they were active against the regular buyers. This helped to set a positive tone on the traditional and exotic (mainly Charolais and Simmental crossed with another exotic or traditional breed) lines that held fort.

The subsequent feed levels also gave the calves a much-needed growth boost prior to the fairs, giving those at Rangiuru a nearly 30kg lift in average weight on last year, while Stortford Lodge weights were similar, the calves were in great condition.

Traditional cattle always have a decent following, but at the early fairs it was the exotic cattle at Stortford Lodge that stood out this year for the fact that demand was markedly stronger, to the point that the steers matched the traditional lines on a per kilogram basis. Both the exotic steer and heifer markets improved by the largest degree and closed the traditional gap that is typically seen at this yard.

They always weigh up heavier anyway, but this year per kilogram prices aligned more as a larger bench of buyers were prepared to compete to secure these cattle. They are also renowned for growing out well and as lamb supply falls away each year changes in farm policies is possibly one reason that demand has picked up.

Exotic heifers are often referred to as the ‘poor man’s steer’ and that is not a detrimental term by any stretch of the imagination – it simply means that they can be picked up at a lower price, but farmed right grow out just as well as the steers. It appears that more farmers are coming to realise that, and the market painted that story this year.

Per kilogram prices at the Rangiuru weaner fair were aligned with 2021, yet a 30kg increase in average weight across the traditional and exotic pens meant per head prices lifted. Returns on traditional steers were up $55 and exotic $150, while heifers of the same breeds improved $30 and $120 respectively. Exotic cattle typically sell for higher per kilogram rates at Rangiuru compared to the traditional cattle, but the significant improvement also reflected that lift in demand for this breed.

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