Farmers Weekly NZ August 10 2020

10 Water top of election agenda Vol 19 No 30, August 10, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz

$3.95

Incl GST

Strong start to season Hugh Stringleman

F

hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

ONTERRA has made a strong start to the dairy season and has more than 150 seasonal vacancies in its processing division spread throughout the country, director of manufacturing, Alan van der Nagel says.

The processing jobs at 30 manufacturing sites are among 770 current vacancies throughout Fonterra, including corporate roles, technicians, field staff and working in the Farm Source stores.

“We do gear up for the peak milk processing demand and we are looking for a wide range of skills and abilities,” van der Nagel said.

Opportunities at a time when a lot of people are out of work.

Alan van der Nagel Fonterra “We give the appropriate training and there are opportunities for re-skilling at a time when a lot of people are out of work.”

Farmers are also looking for more than 500 employees by advertising on the Farm Source website.

All North Island plants have begun processing or are on standby to begin when local

farmers reach the required milk flows.

The big and small plants in the South Island started taking milk during the first week of August, except for Edendale, Southland, which is later to begin.

Edendale would start with just one dryer operating and steadily build to its capacity of 14 million litres a day through several manufacturing units including four dryers.

Some rearrangement of processing over winter was partly a result of covid-19 requirements, he said.

Approvals were needed to designate contractors as essential workers.

The production of high-value nutraceuticals at the Waitoa plant, Waikato, was boosted during the off-season and that commissioning is underway.

Fonterra Whareroa in Taranaki, with its nine plants, was extensively renovated during the winter shutdown and is now operating again.

More than enough capacity exists across the country to cope with the 85m litres a day peak milk expectation in three months’ time, and to provide product options where required.

In recent times capital expenditure has favoured value-add products and energy conversions, rather than the capacity increases of previous years.

“However, the bulk of my capital expenditure is spent on essential maintenance,” van der Nagel said.

Two specialty milk pools, A2 and organic, are operating this season mainly in Waikato with 60-70 certified supply farms in each.

The A2 volume is governed

JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Fonterra has 770 current vacancies for corporate roles, technicians, field staff and Farm Source stores.

by the two-year-old agreement with the A2 Milk Company and is mainly fresh milk supply and some ingredients manufacturing.

The opening forecast for organic supply is $8.75/kg milksolids, more than $2 ahead of the $6.40 mid-point of the standard milk forecast range.

“Pasture-based organic milk has the strongest message for Fonterra in terms of grass-fed and animal welfare,” the company said in a statement.

“Renewed focus on health and wellness of consumers and the planet has been a result of covid-19.

“Restrictions on eating out have also brought increased spending on organics at retail.”

Fonterra’s milk collection for June was up 2.7% from June 2019, although in total the month produced only 1% of the season’s expectation.

The South Island had a very strong beginning, up 16%, as

a relatively mild June allowed pastures to recover.

In New Zealand the 2020 seasonal collection, ended May, was 1517m kg milksolids, down 0.4% on the prior season, and the forecast for the 2021 season is 1525m kg, an increase of 0.5%.

The full 2019-20 season collection, ended June, for Fonterra Australia was 107.8m kg, down 11.8% compared with the previous season.

PROUD TO BE LOCAL? THE FEELINGS MUTUAL. At FMG we like being local to support and be involved with those that support us. We like to do business face-to-face when we can too. This is why we’ll often come to your farm and share specialist insurance and risk advice—and if we can’t we’re always here to chat things over the phone, person to person. If that sounds like the kind of insurer you’d like to deal with, ask around about us. Or better still, call us now on 0800 366 466.

FMG1032FWFPS_P

We’re here for the good of the country.

NEWS

15 Farmer’s wool petition garners 15k signatures

A petition urging the use of wool be mandated for outfitting Government buildings has gathered overwhelming support.

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

22

Editorial ������������������������������������������������������� 24

New book explores farming life

A just-released book by a fifth generation Manawatu sheep and beef farmer takes readers through the joys and harsh realities of working the land.

Pulpit ������������������������������������������������������������� 25 Opinion ��������������������������������������������������������� 26 Real Estate ���������������������������������������������� 28-31 Employment ������������������������������������������������� 32 Classifieds ����������������������������������������������������� 33 Livestock ������������������������������������������������� 34-35 Weather ��������������������������������������������������������� 37

5 La Nina a possibility for late

spring

A La Nina weather event remains a possibility over the coming months to offer some valuable moisture boosting rainfall for northern and eastern districts of the North Island.

12 Value of trees highlighted in PwC report

A report commissioned by Te Uru Rakau paints carbon farming rather than plantation forestry as the economic devil in the debate over forestry versus farming.

our pioneering

spirit tells us

nothing’s

Markets ���������������������������������������������������� 36-40 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.

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

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

WAVE23683 NZFW

out of

reach WWW.AFFCO.CO.NZ | 0800 233 2669

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

3

Water storage options explored Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz HAWKE’S Bay Regional Council is actively investigating freshwater storage sites to carry excess winter water through to dry periods in summer.

It’s part of a four-pronged regional water security programme, supported by the Provincial Growth Fund, which includes a region-wide freshwater assessment, a 3D aquifer mapping project, and exploring viable locations for small-scale community storage schemes in the Central Hawke’s Bay (Tukituki River) and Heretaunga (Ngaruroro River) catchments.

Council acting manager regional water security Tom Skerman says the regional water assessment is analysing water supply and demand across the region to 2050.

The do-nothing approach is not viable.

We need to find a solution and there needs to be give and take on all sides.

Hugh Ritchie Water Holdings Hawke’s Bay director That includes looking at predicted future changes, such as predicted urban growth and the higher water needs of crops under climate change projections.

Skerman says in the past work looked at increasing water supply options but it is now also focused on managing demand, including more efficient water use, water conservation and water reuse, along with what can and cannot be achieved under the current allocation system.

It’s hoped the assessment will be complete by this time next year.

In parallel with the assessment, the council is investigating solutions to achieve a more secure water supply, including water storage.

“We know storage is a viable and well-proven tool,” Skerman says.

The idea is that once the assessment is completed potential storage sites will have already been assessed and identified, so public discussion about future water use and security can be well-informed.

The council has allocated $5 million to the water security programme through its current long-term plan and the Provincial Growth Fund has effectively matched that for the development and analysis of solutions.

The PGF has also earmarked a further $23m for the building of storage solutions that survive full feasibility studies.

Skerman says one of the PGF’s criteria is that it is not interested in “mega” storage projects.

No hard rule has been specified in terms of size of a single storage project but a figure of 20 million cubic metres of water has been floated.

The unsuccessful Ruataniwha dam proposal would have held up to 90m cubic metres.

A report presented to the council last month predicts the region’s annual GDP will fall by up to $120 million a year by the middle of the century if nothing is done about water security.

Hawke’s Bay hill country farmer Sam Robinson, who was involved in promoting the Ruataniwha project, supports any plan to improve water storage capabilities in the region and is pleased the council is looking at future options.

He says the biggest challenge of building small dams in the area, which was discovered

UNDER PRESSURE: The Tukituki River is essential to the economic future of Central Hawke’s Bay.

doing due diligence on the proposed Ruataniwha dam, is the geotechnical problems that need to be overcome.

Initially, the Ruataniwha proposal aimed to have four or five medium-sized dams, capable of holding between 12-20m cubic metres of water, on separate tributaries.

The problem was that much of Central Hawke’s Bay’s Tukituki catchment is alluvial gravel-based soil subject to liquefaction during earthquakes, so is unsuitable to build water storage schemes on.

Robinson says backers of the Ruataniwha dam found the only location would stand up to that scrutiny was its proposed site on the upper Makaroro River, although he is not advocating for that dam to be revisited.

He does not believe small, on-farm dams are the long-term solution to the region’s wider

future freshwater needs.

Not only are they considerably more expensive to build than larger scale community projects, estimated at three to six times more expensive to build on a per cubic metre basis once consent, design and earthworks are taken into account, they also inundate what was once productive land.

He says to recoup the cost involved makes it much harder to make water available for environmental use, as the water needs to be used for production to make construction stack up economically.

Water Holdings Hawke’s Bay director and Otane farmer Hugh Ritchie says the region’s freshwater problems have to be addressed.

“The do-nothing approach is not viable. We need to find a solution and there needs to be give and take on all sides,” he said.

“Having these conversations will be tough but they are necessary.”

Ritchie does not believe that larger scale store projects necessarily have greater detrimental effects on the environment than smaller projects if they are done properly, especially given new regulations and controls introduced by local and central government.

He says water security is not just a Hawke’s Bay issue. “It’s the whole of the east coast of NZ.” He agrees with Robinson that finding multiple suitable sites in the region will be a challenge but says any work to find a future path is a positive step.

“We need options on the table,” he said.

“People will need to come to some middle ground to find a way ahead that is workable for everyone.”

TRANSPORTABLE HOMES

Farm Workers Accommodation • Additional Family Dwelling (Great for the Kids or Parents) • Rental Income 25% + Yield • Bed & Breakfast

houseme.co.nz

100% KIWI OWNED AND BUILT Deluxe One Bedroom (on Skids) with Kitchen, Lounge and Bathroom

62,000 + GST

$

10.4m x 3.0m

• • • • • • •

Double Glazing Fully Insulated Top to bottom Quality Oven, Hobs, Rangehood and Fridge/Freezer TV Outlet and Wall Mounting Bracket Washing Machine Taps and Plumbing Bedroom Storage & Wardrobes Delivery price based on location

Show homes available to view: HouseMe 10am–4pm at 51-53 Hunua Rd, Papakura, Auckland For more information: P. 0800 468 736 E. sales @houseme.co.nz

4

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

GDT falls as covid ‘spooks dairy market’ Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz GLOBAL Dairy Trade prices at the first August auction suffered a 5% fall in the price index when questions were asked about the stability of Chinese demand for dairy products.

United States-based dairy analyst for Rabobank Thomas Bailey said market sentiment may be “wait and see” as the New Zealand dairy season gets underway and Fonterra’s GDT offer volumes build up.

Whole milk powder, which NZ produces in abundance as the world’s largest exporter, suffered the worst in the latest auction, down 7.5% to sit just about USA$3000/tonne on average.

Skim powder also dropped 4.6% to levels below $2500/t.

China’s share of purchasing dropped to 56% from 62% at the previous GDT event.

“Consumer demand in China is not as strong as recent indicators such as trade and price reflect,” Bailey said.

“The apparent demand which

Milk prices were considerably more stable in the past few years than previously experienced.

was thought to be consumer led appears to be due to a shift in business planning, resulting in companies carrying more inventory than normal, to ensure food security.

“This leads us to maintain that at some point there will be a softening in Chinese demand from imports as domestic production and inventories remain high with soft end-user demand.”

Rabobank was not forecasting a lower NZ farm gate milk price as a result but warning that the road ahead would be bumpy.

Westpac senior agri-economist Nathan Penny said concerns about a resurgence of covid-19 had spooked the dairy market.

We’ve got the country covered Our team of Area Managers cover the country from Cape Reinga to Bluff. They‘re on the ground supporting dairy farmers with locally made products and on-farm expertise, helping you perform at your best every season.

WARY: Westpac senior agri-economist Nathan Penny said concerns about a resurgence of covid-19 had spooked the dairy market.

Despite their fall, prices remained consistent with Westpac’s prediction of $6.50/kg milk price.

Auction volumes have begun to rise in anticipation of the spring milk production.

The latest GDT auction had one-third more product than the previous event and the WMP offering was up 48%.

ANZ economist Susan Kilsby, on the day before the latest GDT event, continued to be cautious about world dairy markets and

the strength of the NZ dollar but said the milk price should remain at a respectable $6.50.

“Milk prices were considerably more stable in the past few years than previously experienced.

“It will be quite a feat if this trend can be maintained for the next few seasons given the uncertainty that currently exists in global economies.”

The ANZ world commodity price index rose 2.3% in July with the strength in dairy driving the index back to its pre-covid levels.

T&G Global see substantial growth T&G Global increased revenue by 20% and operating profit by 300% in the first-half results for the six months to June 30.

The fresh produce group declared an operating profit of $19.5 million and a net profit after tax of $9.5m.

Revenue was $671m, up from $561m in the previous corresponding period.

The apples division accounted for $440m, an increase of more than $120m, and the domestic business T&G Fresh had revenue of $153m, assisted by the acquisition of Freshmax on April 30.

Further benefits will flow from the integration of the two businesses.

Chief executive Gareth Edgecombe said the decision to charter a ship early in the season to move apples to Europe and the United Kingdom got the sales programme ahead of covid-19 challenges.

“We were able to get fruit to our markets early, and this was a key factor behind our significant uplift in apple sales for the period.”

Brian Salvigny Northland, Helensville M. 027 472 1501

Tom Laurent South Auckland, Hauraki, Paeroa, Waihi, Te Aroha M. 027 549 4692

Mark Mohring North Waikato, Morrinsville M. 027 472 1502

Greg Duncan Cambridge, Matamata, Putaruru M. 027 472 1505

Colin Ranby Te Awamutu, Otorohanga M. 027 499 1674

Fraser Stewart Bay of Plenty M. 021 284 2504

Bede Murphy Reporoa, Rotorua M. 021 814 337

Robbie Kirk Tokoroa, Mangakino, Taupo M. 027 202 0946

Greg Sampson North & Coastal Taranaki, King Country M. 027 472 1506

Craig Allen Central & South Taranaki M. 021 898 145

Ryan Medlin Wairarapa, Hawkes Bay M. 027 704 5933

Clint Humphrey Manawatu, Wanganui M. 027 472 1507

Callum Lennon West Coast, Tasman M. 027 472 1503

Chris Brook North Canterbury M. 027 886 5869

Kirstie Hornblow Mid Canterbury M. 021 047 7443

Kirk Falconer South Canterbury, North Otago M. 027 491 2966

Peter McCartney Otago, Ranfurly, Omakau M. 027 549 8182

Graham Beggs Mid & East Southland M. 027 472 1818

Mike Robinson South & West Southland M. 027 472 1504

fil.co.nz

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

5

La Nina is a possibility for late spring Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz A LA Nina weather event remains a possibility over the coming months to offer some valuable moisture boosting rainfall for northern and eastern districts of the North Island.

In its latest seasonal outlook summary, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has noted the agency is now on a “La Nina watch” status, along with other international agencies.

La Nina (“The Girl”) conditions tend to bring wetter, subtropical nor’easterly conditions to eastern and northern parts of New Zealand.

The last significant La Nina event was over the 2017-18 summer when water temperatures resulted in a marine heatwave in the eastern Pacific. This was also accompanied by three powerful cyclones that brushed across NZ – Fehi, Gita and Hola.

A “La Nina watch” is issued when tropical winds are stronger than normal and equatorial Pacific Ocean waters become unusually cool.

NIWA anticipates these conditions to hold for several months heading through spring and early summer.

During a La Nina period nor’easterly winds and subtropical low-pressure systems, and even cyclones, can become more likely. They are capable of bringing intense rainfall events similar to those experienced with devastating effect in Northland last month.

However, at this stage forecasters are still taking a ‘wait and see’ approach with predictions of only slightly greater than 50% chance it will happen between August-October.

WeatherWatch meteorologist Philip Duncan also remains ambivalent about the likelihood of a La Nina forming, and he cautions farmers not to stack too much significance on early predictions at this stage.

“There is talk about La Nina but we tend to trust the scientists at Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology,” Duncan said.

“They say the chance of a La Nina forming later this year does increase, but the risks remain fairly low.

“It is not locked in yet and for now our weather remains in something of a “neutral” state, even if it is feeling a little like La Nina.”

But he said a La Nina event later in the spring period would not necessarily be a bad thing for regions like Northland, Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay, where year to date rainfall figures continue to remain well below their historical year to date average.

Bay of Plenty has received 66% of its average year to date rainfall, and Hawke’s Bay only 60%.

“Soil moisture levels are generally pretty good but we do forget how fast things dry out with a couple of days of strong winds over spring time and if we get that over spring, it could be a problem for those areas that are historically low in their year to date rainfall,” he said.

LA NINA WATCH: This weather pattern, if it locks in, could bring welcome rain for eastern and northern regions in late spring-early summer. WeatherWatch’s Philip Duncan weighs in.

“It would certainly be better than having an El Nino that brings strong drying winds from the west.”

Qualifying forecasts with a 65% accuracy over longer range into early spring, Duncan said modelling suggests a similar pattern heading into spring to what is already being experienced.

NIWA’s forecast has odds on the northern North Island being warmer than average, and rainfall about normal.

Rain-short Hawke’s Bay can only expect “normal” rainfall over the period, while temperatures will be above average for

Manawatu-Wellington, with average rainfall.

South Island temperatures are forecast at being above average for Canterbury-Otago, with normal rainfall.

WeatherWatch’s modelling estimates the northern and eastern parts of the North Island can expect to be drier between August-October, while the South Island and western North Island tend to be wetter.

“But I have to caution, you need to blur your eyes a bit to these extended forecasts. We can still expect some weekly rain events.

Overall, we are seeing what I

It is not locked in yet and for now our weather remains in something of a “neutral” state, even if it is feeling a little like La Nina.

Philip Duncan WeatherWatch would call a healthy, normal weather pattern occurring,” said Duncan.

You wouldn’t expect a new dog whistle to last only 4 weeks Neither should your injectable B12*

ASK YOUR VET FOR THE SHOT THAT LASTS UP TO 6 MONTHS* Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, Nos. A9984 and A9402. Copyright © 2020 Virbac New Zealand Limited. All rights reserved. *Based on label claims and dosage, and supporting published literature.

smartshot.co.nz

HawkEyeÂŽ by Ravensdown

Now is the time to take control and manage your N-limit data with ease.

HawkEye is a free, map-based software that helps you stay in control of your nutrient decisions. Order online, track nutrient placement data, streamline record keeping and simplify compliance.

Make your farm nutrient data easier to see.

Join the thriving HawkEye community today.

Learn more at www.hawkeye.farm 0800 73 73 73

RAV-10AUG-FW

uN-limited control

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

7

Feds wary of water plan changes Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz FEDERATED Farmers is concerned the Government’s new laws around freshwater management will mean a reset for regional councils’ own water plan changes across New Zealand.

This would result in years of work and millions of dollars wasted in some regions, the group’s water spokesman Chris Allen said.

“It has reset the whole discussion. All of these plans that we have got in place, we will now have to re-do them to the new national bottom lines to the new elevation of Te Mana o te Wai,” he said.

This is a concept that refers to water’s importance and seeks to restore and preserve the balance between it, the wider environment and the community.

“The planning process that we have all gone through in the past doesn’t count for much at all. Where it’s cost councils and landowners millions over the last 10 years. It will have to be reset, and we’ll have to do it all again,” Allen said.

The Government gazetted its National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management on August 5, meaning it will come into force on September 3. Some of the new rules will take effect from September 3 while others take a longer timeframe.

The new rules include putting controls on winter grazing, stock exclusion from waterways and feedlots, require farm environmental plans and setting a 190kg/ha cap on nitrogen fertiliser usage.

Allen believed the reforms meant water quality levels now had to match pre-human levels.

He based this claim on the NPS’ appendix on compulsory values, which said: “In a healthy freshwater ecosystem, all 5 biophysical components [water quality and quantity, habitat, aquatic life and ecological processes] are suitable to sustain the indigenous aquatic life expected in the absence of

The rules, if enforced, will achieve the aim of preventing further decline by focusing on ecosystem health as a bottom line to protect our waterways.

Martin Taylor Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive human disturbance or alteration (before providing for other values).”

“You’ll be setting over the next generation a pathway to get to pre-human water quality,” Allen said.

How that statement could be interpreted meant huge uncertainty for farmers in the next 4-5 years.

“There is the distinct possibility of facing costly legal action as councils work out how to implement the regulations without established case law to assist in translating these directions,” he said.

Some of the new rules will take time to adjust.

Allen said the new environmental standard on winter grazing meant pugging could exceed a depth of more than 20 centimetres.

When asked if farming was still possible under the new rules, he said: “It’s going to be a huge cost.

We are going to need lawyers, consultants for resource consent applications – there’s going to be thousands of resource consents.”

On his Mid Canterbury farm, Allen said the pugging caused by cattle entering and exiting his adjacent paddocks of kale and fodder beet as they travel to graze these crops was now in breach of the new rules.

“I am now technically in violation of the national environmental standards,” he said.

Calciprill ®

COSTLY: Federated Farmers water spokesman Chris Allen says the Government’s new freshwater rules will be expensive to implement both for farmers and for local government.

“There are no exceptions, exemptions or ways to farm around that because it says one part of the paddock will have pugging for more than 20 centimetres deep.”

He was also concerned that stock exclusion rules on low sloping land (under 10 degrees) on high country farms would push up fencing costs on these farms.

Other sector organisations were

more positive. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle was encouraged that the Government had allowed more time for some of the policies to be introduced.

“We are keen to ensure that timeframes for all regulations are fair and reflect the considerable effort made by dairy farmers to date.”

The new rules also allowed for special provisions in the vegetable

IMPORTANT: Fish and Game chief executive Martin Taylor says the new standards are a significant step forward in reducing waterway pollution.

growing areas of Pukekohe and Horowhenua, a move welcomed

by Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman.

These provisions meant councils could maintain water quality below some national bottom lines while ensuring that improvements are made. These provisions will, however, expire after 10 years.

Environment Minister David Parker said the regulations delivered on the Government’s commitment to stop further degradation, show material improvements within five years and restore waterways to health within a generation.

Fish and Game New Zealand chief executive Martin Taylor said the new standards were a significant step forward in reducing pollution in waterways.

“The rules, if enforced, will achieve the aim of preventing further decline by focusing on ecosystem health as a bottom line to protect our waterways,” he said.

“While today is an important milestone, to stop the degradation of our waterways the implementation will be critical.

leaves all other limes for dust!

Application rate guide (kg/ha)* Topdressed 0.5 pH increase

Direct drilled or air seeded

Sand/loamy sand

300

75

Sandy/silt loam

500

125

Clay/loamy clay

625

150

10-15% organic matter

750

175

+25% organic matter

1000

200

*Omya recommends you soil test recularly and seek advice from independent agricultural professionals

Look for Calciprill on Craig Farr 021 271 5916 craig.farr@omya.com

www.omya.com/nz-en

A 2-6mm lime granule made in Waikato from finely ground high purity limestone.

• Cost effective • Low in dust, easy to spread • Breaks down rapidly in moisture • Can be applied using your own equipment • 95% < 75 microns

Ian Campbell 021 271 5963 ian.campbell@omya.com

LK0101941©

Soil type

8

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Wool growers to benefit from NZM, Cavalier deal

PARTNERSHIP: Cavalier Bremworth and the NZ Merino Company have joined forces in a deal that will put $5m in the pockets of NZ strong wool growers while delivering healthier interior products that are friendly to the planet.

Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A PARTNERSHIP between the New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) and Cavalier Bremworth will deliver $5 million to NZ strong wool growers over the next three years.

In its move away from synthetic products in favour of wool and natural fibres, Cavalier Bremworth has entered a partnership with NZM to launch long-term forward contracts with its ZQ grower community.

NZM chief executive John Brakenridge said the

We are proud to partner with wool growers and companies whose values strongly align to ours.

NAIT ready for calving?

George Adams Cavalier Bremworth chair

Help build lifetime animal traceability Make sure you can tick off the following: Selling calves: All my calves are NAIT tagged correctly I have registered the calves in my NAIT account – after tagging them first I have recorded a movement in NAIT for the calves I sold – within 48 hours of them leaving. Note: This is not required when selling to a saleyard.

I’ve filled out an ASD form and have a Declaration to Livestock Transporter (DLT) form ready – if required

Buying calves: I’ve checked the calves I bought are tagged and NAIT registered I received an Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form from the seller I have recorded a movement in NAIT for the calves I bought – within 48 hours of them arriving I’ve updated the calves’ production type to beef – if brought in from a dairy farm.

Bobby calves moved direct to slaughter are exempt from all NAIT requirements. Check with your meat processor about their requirements for accepting bobby calves.

Failure to comply with NAIT obligations may result in fines or prosecution issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Need help? Call OSPRI on 0800 482 483 NAIT is an OSPRI programme

deal provides stability to both Cavalier Bremworth and growers, capturing and highlighting the value of the incredible work growers do on-farm.

“The current auction system is failing the industry and it is contracts like this that will enable our industry to plan and move forward to a sustainable economic future ,” Brakenridge said.

“It is also rewarding our growers and showing the world the wonderful job they are doing as custodians of their land.

“Partnerships like this are so important for NZ’s economic recovery, adding value in generating local employment with transparency, and gives confidence and reward to the growth of the NZ strong wool sector.

info@ospri.co.nz | ospri.co.nz

“It’s great to see local brands like Cavalier shifting the dial and walking the talk in helping counter climate change and carbon emissions with more regenerative fibres.”

Cavalier Bremworth chair George Adams said the agreement is a great example of industry responding to the demand from global consumers for healthier interior products that are environment-friendly.

“We are proud to partner with wool growers and companies whose values strongly align to ours,” Adams said.

Cavalier’s transformation into all-natural fibre carpets and rugs is a response to the global conscious consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable interior products.

Wool carpets are stain resistant, fire retardant and help regulate the temperature in homes.

The wool is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable at the end of its life, Adams said.

Wool governance group under way THE wheels are in motion for the establishment of a wool governance group to oversee the vision for the revitalisation of the New Zealand wool industry.

Following the release of the Project Action Group’s vision and action report last month, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has met with the group and wider sector stakeholders.

The meeting on August 3 included 30 representatives from a mix of innovative and forward-thinking firms and established members of the industry.

“The meeting was used to outline next steps and expectations with the sector,” O’Connor said.

On August 21, the Ministry for Primary Industries is bringing together willing participants for a one-day workshop session in Wellington with the focus on producing a high-level plan and scope of work to establish the appropriate governance mechanism.

O’Connor said it is crucial this next step must lead to real purpose.

“I am committed to ensuring the recommendation in the report for the establishment of a governance group is followed through and I will be working through that with the vision for this group to oversee a clear and detailed strategy with some timelines,” he said.

The new group will be appointed by O’Connor and, he anticipates, will include global experts specialising in consumer-focused strategy.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

9

Concern over slink collections Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz FARMERS are being urged to carefully consider appropriate disposal methods of casualty calves after collection services ceased in the South Island.

Wallace Group ceased dead calf collections this week, prompting the loss of 120 jobs and leaving up to 300,000 slink calves to be buried on-farm this spring.

Wallace Group South Island casualty stock operations general manager Bernie Lynskey said every possibility has been explored but with the slump in overseas markets slink calf collection is currently not a viable business.

Since last season the market prices for hides, skins and rendered products have steadily declined and numerous skin buyers and casualty stock operations are closing or going into receivership.

Processed calf hides previously worth $100 are now more like $3.

The onset of covid-19 has escalated the market crash with buyers reluctant to make firm commitments spiking a rethink of the casualty stock collection model, Lynskey said.

Wallace Group has processing plants throughout the South Island, including its key Canterbury base at Hororata with substantial plants at Mataura in Southland and Waimate in South Canterbury.

Given the potential for negative environmental impact of on-farm disposal because of no casualty animal collection, Wallace Group has made approaches to Government agencies and industry groups for financial support to enable collections to proceed.

“To date, despite acknowledgment of the issues and recognition of the costs, no support has been forthcoming,” Lynskey said.

A last-ditch meeting with Ministry for Primary Industries and industry officials has proved disappointing.

Reluctantly, Lynskey said

UNSUSTAINABLE: Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said he is aware South Island processors are not collecting slinks because it is not commercially viable.

Any inappropriate disposal methods will be unacceptable to both industry and the wider community.

Federated Farmers charges have been set to provide a collection service in some form in some areas where farmers are prepared to pay.

“Initially this has not been taken very well, but we will have to get enough support for this to be a viable business option,” he said.

Wallace Group has advised farmers and industry of its decision to implement the charging system for dead cow and dead calf collection.

The charges set include $85+gst

for one cow and $12+gst per each calf for disposal to landfill.

He feared people may get the wrong end of the stick when it comes to consensus of NZ’s clean green image and animal welfare.

“We are offering a service people should support,” he urged.

“Industry will lose these services forever if we don’t all work together, but the bottom line is if we can’t make money on it, we can’t keep doing it.”

Lamb collection remains uncertain.

“We are not giving up at this point, we will see if there’s some way we can do some form of lamb collection, we will make that decision in a couple of weeks,” Lynskey said.

Mataura-based Newton Slink Skins owner Trevor Newton said while it’s a sad situation, it’s the reality.

“I’ve been 30 years in the

business and I have always paid for what I collect,” Newton said.

“At the moment I have 35 employees impacted and I am going around 1000 farmers to explain the case.

“I have always paid my farmers and I refuse to present them with an invoice. Some farmers are willing to pay $12 for a calf collection but it’s not economic business sense unless everyone is on board.

“While farmers have got the option to put the calves in a hole, that’s where they’ll go,” Newton said.

Collections in the North Island are proceeding this year.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said he is aware South Island processors are not collecting slinks, claiming it is not commercially viable.

He acknowledged Wallace Group has applied for

Government funding to develop capacity to process dead livestock.

O’Connor confirmed a decision on that application is pending.

“MPI officials have been in talks with the key primary industry organisations about the situation and they’re actively working with them on how to best manage this,” O’Connor said.

Federated Farmers is urging all farmers to carefully consider appropriate disposal methods of slinks and casualty animals.

“Any inappropriate disposal methods will be unacceptable to both industry and the wider community.

“A high standard of regulatory compliance is vital to the success of the livestock sector and for maintaining the confidence of the public,” Feds leaders said.

Information on disposal options is available to farmers through Federated Farmers and DairyNZ.

Purchase a 17L of Cydectin® Pour-On from Farmlands and receive a

Giant Soft Cooler bag free*

Zoetis New Zealand c. Tel: 0800 963 847; www.zoetis.co.nz. CYDECTIN is a registered trade mark of Zoetis. ACVM No. A6203.

17370

17370

*Only available from Farmlands and while stocks last.

News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Water is top of election agenda Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz CALLS for a national agreement on freshwater use are growing louder and loom large as a key election issue for the primary sector.

Irrigation New Zealand, Beef + Lamb, the Meat Industry Association and Federated Farmers have all released election wish lists and prominent is a call for a new approach to freshwater management.

All four bodies argue a new approach is needed to encourage economic and employment growth, adapt to climate change and improve the availability of water and its use.

Irrigation NZ wants a focus on water storage, policies that support irrigation and the environment such as monitoring and farm environment planning, a resolution to Maori rights and interests in freshwater and an allocation system that provides certainty and reliability of supply.

B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says NZ does not have a shortage of water.

“We lack the understanding and infrastructure to use it in a way that meets our economic, social, cultural and environmental requirements.”

The incoming Government should take an integrated approach to environmental policy by linking climate, water and biodiversity and introducing a whole-of government approach to policy development.

That approach should use NZ science and research to reflect the reality of NZ farming systems, livestock management and diets.

The organisation is calling for a national nutritional survey to provide an up-to-date status of NZ health and wellbeing.

B+LNZ, MIA and Federated Farmers want greater cooperation with the government on policy development, changes to forestry and climate change policy, continued work on trade and investment in rural infrastructure.

2020

election A joint B+LNZ and MIA document highlights research showing the sector collectively generates $12 billion income a year, equivalent to $3300 a household.

It provides 92,000 jobs or almost 5% of NZ’s fulltime workforce.

McIvor says it is important any decisions on economic recovery and the future ask what is good for exports, employment, productivity and the environment.

Forestry policy is another flash point for the sectors.

“A key concern for the sector is the impact of various Government policies that incentivise the conversion of sheep and beef farms into forestry due to the negative impacts on rural communities,” McIvor says.

They call for the right tree to be planted in the right place and for fossil fuel polluters to have limits on their ability to offset their emissions by planting exotic trees.

Policies are eroding the viability of rural communities with overseas investment rules favouring forestry and an Emissions Trading Scheme that encourages blanket forestry and incentivises carbon farming.

Any new policies must be subject to robust economic and social impact assessment.

Similarly, it wants land management policies that ensure people are responsible for their own contaminants and enable community-led, catchment-scale freshwater management.

On trade the incoming government needs to continue advocating for free trade and market access that includes ensuring access to Britain and the European Union is not

MEASURED: The next government must have a sensible, practical and affordable approach to tackling issues, Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard says.

eroded post-Brexit and further investment is made in the Taste Pure Nature strategy.

B+LNZ, MIA and Federated Farmers want He Waka Eke Noa, the agreement on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, to be implemented.

Federation president Andrew Hoggard also wants a sensible, practical and affordable approach to tackling issues.

“Pretty much everyone, members of Parliament of every political stripe included, have acknowledged the primary sector will be at the forefront of helping our economy recover from the covid-19 fallout.

“But ill-thought out government policies and investment decisions

hinder rather than help that mission.”

He cited the Zero Carbon Act, which has been estimated to cut livestock sector exports by between $7b and $14b by 2050m, as an example.

An incoming government must provide a credible roadmap to return to an affordable government spending and taxing regime.

Hoggard says continuing to push for free trade will help the primary sector grow its $46b in annual exports to replace the $10b gap left by the demise of tourism.

The federation’s wish list also includes the regulars of investment in rural roads, bridges,

telecommunications, biosecurity, pest management and water and attracting New Zealanders to work on farms.

We lack the understanding and infrastructure to use it in a way that meets our economic, social, cultural and environmental requirements.

Sam McIvor B+LNZ

Tips for winter grazing crops P PADDOCK SELECTION Slope Shelter Soil type Waterways Critical Source Areas

Minimise the impacts on the environment and animals.

Paddock selection • Steeper paddocks come with bigger risks • Consider proximity to waterways and gullies, and propensity to flood • Soil type can impact productivity, nutrient loss and animal welfare • Other factors to consider are: class of stock, animal welfare, access, biosecurity, placement of supplementary feed and water troughs, plan for catch crops and create a winter grazing plan

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

News

farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

11

New faces for many rural seats Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE National Party’s rural and regional seats will again form the base of perhaps two-thirds of its parliamentary presence after the 2020 general election.

Its hold on provincial New Zealand is more than 10 to one over Labour, which has 40plus urban electorate and list Members of Parliament.

Over half of National’s 55 MPs represent electorates with large rural areas, whereas the ruling Labour Party draws its support from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Napier and Palmerston North.

A number of new faces will replace National’s 10 resignations and two expulsions – Jami-Lee Ross and Andrew Falloon.

Half of the exiting MPs were in rural or regional electorates: Hamish Walker (CluthaSouthland), Sarah Dowie (Invercargill), Nathan Guy (Otaki), Falloon (Rangitata), Amy Adams (Selwyn), and Alastair Scott (Wairarapa).

Five of those seats have strong National majorities – as high as 19,640 for Selwyn, where former reporter and political adviser Nicola Grigg has been selected to replace Adams.

In the marginal seat of Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer Mike Butterick has been selected by National to replace MP Alastair Scott, who is standing down. Scott’s majority in 2017 was 2872 votes.

Wairarapa will be a keen three-way contest between newcomer Butterick, Labour list MP Keiran McAnulty and NZ First list MP Ron Mark.

Penny Simmonds, National’s new candidate for the seat of Invercargill, is the long-serving chief executive of the Southern Institute of Technology.

Former Air Force officer Tim Costley is the National candidate for Otaki, standing to replace former Primary Industries Minister Guy. Queenstown lawyer Joseph Mooney is the new National candidate for Southland, one of the largest electorates in the country with significant boundary changes.

The former electorate of Clutha-Southland has been enlarged with the addition of western Southland and the upper Clutha while the lower Clutha district is now part of the recently re-drawn and newly named Taieri electorate.

Taieri, also containing most of the Labour stronghold of Dunedin South, now takes in Milton, Balclutha and Lawrence districts.

National’s selection is Liam Kernaghan, a former senior political advisor to ex-party leader Simon Bridges, while

IN THE RUNNING: In the marginal seat of Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer Mike Butterick has been selected by National to replace MP Alastair Scott, who is standing down.

2020

election Labour has selected motherof-three and former journalist Ingrid Leary to replace four-term MP Clare Curran.

NZ First list MP and primary industries spokesman Mark Patterson, a sheep farmer, will also contest Taieri.

National’s 2017 majorities in the provincial seats were such that most sitting MPs should only fear an unprecedented swing to Labour outside the cities.

But there were some smaller margins: Agriculture spokesman David Bennett in Hamilton East (5810); veteran politician Nick Smith in Nelson (4283); newcomer Matt King in Northland (1389); Lawrence Yule in Tukituki (2813); in the Wairarapa electorate as mentioned; and Harete Hipango in Whanganui (1706).

The Northland electorate is shaping up as a crucial battleground for the outcome of the election.

King won the seat in 2017 from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and is up against NZ First showman Shane Jones this time. Labour list MP WillowJean Prime will contest again.

Going on sample polling so far, NZ First may need Jones to win the electorate for the party to make it back to Parliament, which would be a first for him despite several attempts.

He has been a list MP for four terms, three with Labour and one NZ First.

King is a farmer and a former police detective and is the party’s regional development spokesman for the North Island.

Jones has been able to splash the cash around Northland from the government’s $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund and will rely on voters wanting more of the same.

Among the regional MPs in the strongest positions for National, based on the 2017 results, are Mark Mitchell in Rodney (19,561), now renamed Whangaparaoa; Andrew Bayly in Hunua (19,443), now renamed Port Waikato; Todd Muller in Bay of Plenty (13,996); and electorate neighbour Scott Simpson in Coromandel (14,326).

At the time of writing National had not selected its candidate for the assumed safe seat of Rangitata nor published its list of candidates.

In the 2017 general election total valid votes cast were 2.592 million, of which the National Party got 44.45%, the Labour Party 36.89%, New Zealand First 7.2%, the Green Party 6.27% and ACT 0.5%.

Seats in parliament were initially National 56, down four from the 2014 election, Labour 46 (+14), NZ First 9 (-2), Greens 8 (-6) and ACT one.

A total of approximately 120,000 votes were cast for the 11 parties that did not make it into Parliament, and a further 38,000 votes were informal and disallowed.

The total number of votes cast in 2017 was 2.63m, with a turnout of just under 80% of the 3.3m eligible to vote.

This year the Electoral Commission estimates that 3.77m people are eligible and the enrolment so far is 87%, including 64% of those aged 18 to 24.

People can enrol right up to election day on Saturday, September 19.

According to the Electoral Commission, around 500,000 people eligible to vote have not yet enrolled and half of those are under 30.

Within the 64 general electorate seats National won 41 but Jami-Lee Ross later resigned party membership. Labour won 23 plus the seven Maori electorates, and ACT won the single seat of Epsom.

National finished up with 15 list MPs, Labour had 17, NZ First had nine and the Greens had eight.

The state of the parties in Parliament currently is 55 seats for National, 46 for Labour, eight for NZ First, eight for the Greens, one for ACT and one independent (Ross).

The only regional seats held

by Labour are Napier with Stuart Nash (5220) and West CoastTasman held by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor (5593).

Labour holds the seven Maori electorates and the incumbent MPs will all stand again.

Active

performers

Healthy cows perform better.

Together with NZ‘s leading range of active teat care products, we can help prevent mastitis and put more milk in your vat.

High strength with active ingredients such as Manuka honey, Allantoin and Aloe Vera, our teat care range ensure teats remain supple and healthy throughout lactation. Ensuring your herd perform to their full potential, with less lost days in-milk, penalties and on-farm costs.

Want to actively boost your herds performance this season? Call FIL today - 0508 434 569. fil.co.nz

News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Value of trees highlighted in PwC report Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz A REPORT commissioned by Te Uru Rakau paints carbon farming rather than plantation forestry as the economic devil in the debate over forestry versus farming.

The PwC report analyses and compares the returns earned by pastoral drystock farming, plantation forestry and carbon forest plantings, examining the downstream economic benefits that accrue through indirect and induced job creation through the value chain.

The report authors found that despite forestry’s $7.9 billion a year earnings being only two thirds of sheep and beef farming’s annual earnings, the forestry sector is achieving that with a fifth of the area; 1.7 million hectares.

When looking further down the value chain on a per 1000ha basis the forestry sector is generating 38 full-time equivalent jobs (FTE) and $4.6m a year per 1000ha, compared to $1.7m and 17 FTEs for drystock farming.

However, those calculations come with some caveats, including a recognition that land uses are not entirely substitutable, particularly where South Island hill country cannot be used for forestry plantings.

The impact of job creation pre 1000ha is averaged across the sector, and not identified as to whether they fall on the land in trees or grass, or beyond the land’s boundary in town based support jobs.

The report makes no allowance for any carbon value production foresters could claim, viewing it as a neutral cost across the entire economy.

Forest Owners Association president Phil Taylor said rather than contain surprises, the report confirmed much of what his association had been advocating for tree planting.

The least positive downstream benefits of forestry lie in long term locked up “carbon farming” forests.

Taylor said this is the area of forestry most likely to rile opponents to trees.

The report highlighted the “negligible” employment benefits that come out of locking up

plantations for 50 years plus, generating only two FTEs per 1000ha and only $800,000 per 1000ha per year compared to conventional forestry’s $4.6m/1000ha per year.

Carbon forestry has a 60-year net present value return that is ahead of both pastoral farming and production forestry, at $5.8m per 1000ha, compared to $5.6 million for production forestry and $5.0 million for sheep and beef.

One of the key issues we agree on is about being very careful about where we plant trees for carbon forestry.

Phil Taylor Forest Owners Association However, this is due to the lower establishment costs and no pruning costs in early years, and carbon receipts the only economic activity generated over the time period, and very limited employment activity.

“No question, carbon forestry is a threat but what people lose sight of is even in the wildest estimates of what will be planted in forestry for carbon, is that relative to overall area in pasture of about 7.5 million hectares, we are still talking a relatively small amount on a national scale,” Taylor said.

He acknowledged that on regional scale those plantings can be more concentrated, and tended to focus around the lower North Island at present.

But Taylor said claims trees were responsible for rural depopulation tended to ignore the reality of rural population decline that has been happening for several generations.

“And that is often coming in regions where forestry plantings are nowhere nearby, driven by changes in farm scale, mechanisation and social changes instead,” he said.

Further analysis in the report highlights the benefits that lie in combining forestry and

SPORTSMAN 570 HD EPS

farming. The analysis indicates when farming and forestry are integrated the earnings of $1.8m per 1000ha a year are boosted significantly to $2.25m/ 1000ha.

Taylor said the area of integration between forestry and farming has led to more constructive dialogue between the two sectors.

“You do have social media commentary but behind the scenes we are having practical dialogue with the Feds and Beef+Lamb NZ,” he said.

“One of the key issues we agree on is about being very careful about where we plant trees for carbon forestry.”

He maintained savvy investors will not want to be overly exposed to carbon forest investments, lest the value of carbon ultimately start to fall.

The key area of difference was over how “productive” land use was defined, and if that included trees, or pastoral use only.

Adding his greatest concern was how much the issue of tree planting could become politicised in election year.

GOOD WOOD: Phil Taylor says the PwC report supports his association’s claims about the value of trees integrated with farming.

Waikato farmer fined $3900 for not registering 152 cattle A WAIKATO farmer has been fined $3900 for not registering 152 cattle under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme.

Waitomo sheep and beef farmer Brian Anthony Murphy, 67, was sentenced at the Te Kuiti District Court on August 4 after pleading guilty to three charges of failing to register the cattle.

Gray Harrison, the national manager of Animal Welfare and NAIT Compliance at the Ministry for Primary Industries, said compliance with the animal and identification system was critical.

“We certainly take it very seriously. Our ability to track and trace cattle and deer

Griffin was fined $3600 for failing to register more than 1000 animals. And a Northland Deer farmer was fined $3250 over his failure to put NAIT tags on 70 of his deer.

In the meantime, MPI will continue to work with OSPRI and the sector to ensure people understand their responsibilities.

“If you don’t tag and register your cattle or deer in NAIT, the animal is not traceable and this has implications for managing disease outbreaks and our wider biosecurity capability.

The absence of traceability may also impact on the value of the animal,” OSPRI Head of Traceability Kevin Forward said.

through the NAIT system is a critical factor in managing biosecurity threats which could have a devastating impact on New Zealand’s agricultural sector,” he said.

Recent amendments to penalties in the NAIT Act, which increased the maximum penalty to $100,000, reflected the importance of compliance, Harrison said.

“This latest sentencing follows a number of recent NAIT-related convictions.

People who want to take short cuts need to be aware we will continue to identify and address non-compliance,” he said.

In July, Taupo dairy farm manager Raymond Arthur

RANGER 500

RANGER 1000 EPS

$12,995*

$14,995*

$20,995*

SAVE $2,000

FREE ROOF^

SAVE $1,000 PLUS

PLUS

FREE ROOF^

GLASS SCREEN

^

KG 386/556

44 HP

ON DEMAND TRUE 386KG FRONT / 556KG REAR ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE TOWING CAPACITY (AWD)

KG 41/82

41KG FRONT / ELECTRONIC 82KG REAR POWER STEERING RACK CAPACITY

32 HP

ON DEMAND TRUE ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD)

VERSATRAC TURF MODE

IRS WITH 25.4CM OF TRAVEL

DUMP BOX CAPACITY - 227KG

61 HP

KG 680

6 PLY TYRES ENGINE BRAKING SYSTEM & ACTIVE DESCENT CONTROL (ADC)

VARIABLE SPEED LIMITER

HEAVY DUTY FEATURES

SEAT BELT INTERLOCK

SPEED KEY READY 680KG TOWING CAPACITY

ON DEMAND TRUE ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD)

VERSATRAC TURF MODE

ELECTRONIC DUMP BOX POWER STEERING CAPACITY - 453KG

KG 1134

SEATS 2

SEAT BELT INTERLOCK

1134KG TOWING CAPACITY

SEATS 3

*Offer ends 31/10/20 or while stocks last. Offer only available at participating Polaris Dealers. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes fleet clients. ^Accessories offer only valid with the purchase of a new RANGER 500 and RANGER 1000 EPS. #Models shown with optional extra accessories.

CLICK www.polarisnewzealand.com

DIAL 0800 440 290

IN-STORE @ YOUR DEALER

/PolarisNZ |

/polarisorv_nz

Together, Creating the Best Soil and Feed on Earth

Together, growing our future

2020 Shareholder Rebate

$45/Tonne* Over the past year, New Zealand farmers have continued growing our country’s future and as your co-op partner, we’re proud to help you achieve that. What you do lifts the bottom line for all of us, and we’re glad we can reflect that in our Annual Rebate.

ballance.co.nz | 0800 222 090 *The average rebate is $45 per tonne. Individual rebate will vary based on the mix of fertiliser product purchased.

News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Farm sales flurry reported by OIO Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

REVIEW: Concern over levels of conversion prompted the Government to bring forward by a year a review into the screening of foreign forestry investors.

OVER 14,000ha of farmland has been sold to foreign purchasers for forestry conversion in the past 12 months under the Government’s special forest consent programme.

Overseas Investment Office (OIO) data from July 1, 2019 to June 30 this year has highlighted a flurry of overseas sales with 8298ha of that farmland

“Efficiency to me means knowing when my cows need attention and acting quickly.”

Bruce McLaren - WAIKATO

Drafting his way, with CowScout Draft

being planted in trees. The 14,407ha represents 16 farms purchased for forestry conversion.

OIO manager Michael Appleyard said the busiest month for the office had been last September, when nine sales were consented in four weeks.

Alongside the 16 farm purchases, there were 20 existing forest block purchases made over the same period to foreign buyers, amounting to 47,987ha of land.

“The difference between the 14,407ha purchased and the 8298ha that has gone into trees could be explained by some of those farms already having some forestry upon them, subdivision, riparian planting or native plantings already on those properties,” Appleyard said.

Areas experiencing the greatest number of purchases are in the lower North Island, with Gisborne’s consented purchase area including three farms, the same number as Hawke’s Bay and Wellington.

Otago also had three farm conversions, Northland two, and Marlborough and Taranaki had one each.

We have had a few individuals under the special consent process who have had two to three applications over the course of a year.

Phil Taylor Forest Owners’ Association

Head your herd in the right direction With GEA‘s AutoSelect 3000 drafting gate, you can quickly and remotely draft cows, to suit your needs.

From low-fuss manual drafting to more in-depth drafting based on heats, health and milk production, we can provide the right tools to head your herd in the right direction.

For accurate and easy drafting, from the pit, the paddock or even the couch we can help. Call us on 0800 GEAFARM.

Driving dairy efficiencies?

We can help.

gea.com/nz

The lower North Island has reported the greatest level of pushback against farm to forestry conversion in recent months.

Concern over levels of conversion prompted the Government to bring forward by a year a review into the screening of foreign forestry investors.

Labour has since pledged in the first six months of the next term of government it would curtail conversion of productive land to forestry by requiring a resource consent. Councils will also be given more say on what land can and cannot be sold and used for forestry.

The move has been welcomed by opponents to forestry, including 50 Shades of Green.

Since the lockdown period, Appleyard said the office has reported “steady” interest from foreign investors, at a rate of one to two a month.

This was confirmed by Forest Owners’ Association president Phil Taylor who said prior to covid-19’s global impact there had been strong interest from both foreign and local investors in forest areas.

The OIO data indicated United Kingdom investors account for the lion’s share of investor interest, with 10 applicants from there, followed by Austria, Germany and Switzerland all accounting for six investors apiece.

Typically those investors were high net worth individuals drawn by the clearer rules around foreign ownership and forestry opportunity.

“We have had a few individuals under the special consent process who have had two to three applications over the course of a year,” he said.

In its latest newsletter the OIO has acknowledged land purchases are a hot topic, but that often farming and forestry are combined activities in the purchase arrangements.

Appleyard said the OIO has been at pains to emphasise the sale of land for forestry is only for trees that are to be harvested, not for long term carbon forest plantings.

Have your say on this issue: farmersweekly.co.nz

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Govt urged to use more wool Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A PETITION urging the use of wool be mandated for outfitting Government buildings has gathered overwhelming support.

The petition, launched by Otago farmer Amy Blaikie, containing more than 15,000 signatures was handed over by Blaikie to Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Otago MP Mark Patterson on the steps of Parliament on Tuesday.

Flanked by a strong contingent of industry stakeholders and farmers, Blaikie said the result was overwhelming.

“I had no expectation, I’m absolutely chuffed, and amazed by the support of emails and phone calls too,” Blaikie said.

“I learnt when I set up the petition you only need one signature, so me signing it was enough but I got my husband to sign it too, and the other 15,000 are such amazing support.”

Inspired to initiate the petition by the dire state of the New Zealand strong wool industry, Blaikie saw the chance to make a difference and get the industry’s voice heard.

Wool prices are currently at an all-time low as industry and Government work towards a new vision and strategy to revitalise the languishing sector.

“We all want to have sustainable farms and businesses and we’re all looking at this amazing product that we produce that no one wants to buy, it’s just crazy.”

Blaikie campaigned the petition on using NZproduced and made in NZ wool in public funded buildings and Kiwibuild homes.

She urged the Government to lead by example in a move, given wool’s sustainable nature, that would benefit farmers and all Kiwis.

With wool being environmentally friendly, renewable, fire resistant and biodegradable, it’s a no-brainer to use it over synthetics, Blaikie said.

“We need to start at home and with the Government pushing New Zealanders to buy NZ-made products, now is the perfect time to mandate wool’s use and who better to lead than the Government.”

In receiving the petition Patterson and Peters praised Blaikie for her courage and drive in getting the wool message into Parliament.

“Amy (Blaikie) is to be commended, this is courageous,” NZ First agriculture spokesman Patterson said.

“It’s easy to grizzle to the neighbour over the fence but to step up and do something is courageous and this has certainly galvanised the sentiment out there.”

Patterson strongly supports the intent of the petition suggesting it is very timely.

“There’s some changes pending to the Government’s procurement that will be supportive of wool,” he said.

Patterson is uncertain when the proposed changes may happen.

“I am unsure of the timing, before the election or for the next government, but the basic intent of what Amy is trying to achieve, as I understand, is in those changes.”

Patterson presented the petition to Parliament on Tuesday afternoon (August 4) but given it is the last week for Parliament sitting, he is not expecting the Select Committee will turn it around immediately.

National Council NZ Wool Interests chairman Craig Smith was among those who attended the petition handover.

The pressure is now on the Government to walk the talk, Smith said.

“I was in the brand-new Ministry for Primary Industries building last week and it’s all plastic carpet,” he said.

“Government needs to take ownership in line with the primary sector report specifying 100% NZ wool, made in NZ.”

SUPPORT: Otago farmer Amy Blaikie, supported by her husband Victor (left) and her two children, hands over the wool petition to Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and MP Mark Patterson, flanked by industry supporters including Campaign for Wool chairman Tom O’Sullivan and administrator Annabel Busby and National Council NZ Wool Interests chairman Craig Smith (second from right).

Photo: Blair Colyle

Reduce clostridial loss Clostridial disease is complex, protecting stock doesn’t need to be Farms across NZ lose stock to clostridial disease.

Some lose a few, some a few more than they would like.

A couple of lambs or calves, an inlamb ewe or two, or maybe even some cattle.

Reducing clostridial loss starts with protection.

Clostridial protection for New Zealand Disease

Present in NZ

Clostridium tetani Clostridium chauvoei Clostridium septicum Clostridium novyi Type B Clostridium perfringens Type A Clostridium perfringens Type B1 Clostridium perfringens Type C2 Clostridium perfringens Type D

      * 

5in1 protection

Coglavax8 protection

   

       



*C.perfringens Type C is present in NZ but is yet to be confirmed as the cause of sudden death as it is overseas.

Coglavax8 8in1 vaccine, protection against more clostridial diseases For best results adhere to a vaccination protocol and use the best product for the job.

ONLY AVAILABLE AT YOUR VET Ceva Animal Health (NZ) Limited. P: 09 972 2853 E: info.nz@ceva.com Coglavax8 ACVM No. 7528

1. JS Munday,H Bentall,D Aberdein,M Navarro,FA Uzal &S Brown, Death of a neonatal lamb due to Clostridium perfringens type B in New Zealand, New Zealand Veterinary Journal 2020.

2. West, Dave M., Bruere, A. Neil and Ridley, Anne L. The Sheep, Health, Disease and Production. Auckland: Massey University Press, 4 th ed., 2018. Print.

15

News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Contractors train the new crew Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz WAIKATO agricultural contractors are front-footing expected staff shortages this spring by organising training and open days to attract more workers.

The covid-19 lockdown has prevented Northern Hemisphere agricultural machinery operators from traveling to New Zealand to work on farms from spring through to autumn, planting and harvesting crops and mowing grass and baling it for silage.

Ag Technology Group managing director Andrew Syben estimates there will be as many as 200 contractor vacancies across the region this spring. He saw opportunity from this adversity and has bankrolled a weeklong training course to teach unemployed people tractor skills at his company’s base near Cambridge.

The training is a mix of both class and field work, training 10 people at a time.

The group is made up of several businesses including agricultural contracting. He did not want to cut any staff and with no Northern Hemisphere workers travelling to NZ this spring, he knew he had to train New Zealanders to try and make up for the expected shortage of staff.

“If we hadn’t done it, I don’t know what we would have done,” he said.

The training is a mix of both class and field work, training 10 people at a time. The first group of trainees finished the course two weeks ago.

Syben keeps the numbers small because he is still fine-tuning the curriculum and expects the

training may extend to a second or third week.

The classroom includes components on basic tractor operation and maintenance, bale loading, mowing and raking, power harrowing and driving a tractor-trailer setup for forage harvesting.

They are also interviewed to determine what their passion is, which will help find suitable employment.

From there the students go out onto a paddock in nearby Matangi where they are taught how to do those skills under the watchful eye of instructors.

Those students not in the tractors use two tractor driving simulators set up nearby. And those who finish the course receive a Wheels endorsement, allowing them to drive a vehicle up to 18 tonnes.

To date, he has enough people signed up for the next three weeks with people being referred to from the Ministry of Social Development, horticulture companies, such as Balle Brothers, and farm machinery companies who see it as a means for upskilling staff.

“It’s not just people who are unemployed,” Syben said.

The range of skills learned by participants depends on their competency.

Three of the participants have previous tractor experience and have come from industries impacted by covid-19.

Of the 10 in the inaugural course, three would be mid-tier operators, three are unemployable and four could work at entry-level.

Seven of those will be placed in positions matching their skill level.

“The people coming to our course are not going to be able to drive self-propelled forage harvesters. They will have all of the basic knowledge around health and safety, they will have the road rules, they will know how

FIELD WORK: Ag Technology Group’s week-long tractor driving course includes instruction out on the field on tasks including power harrowing.

to put [tractor] implements on and off,” he said.

Syben says it is then up to the employer to develop their skills further.

“We’re giving them the basics,” he explained. While it will not bridge the staff shortfall, it was at least a start.

Brook Nettleton of Blue Grass Contracting said he could potentially take a couple of trainees in entry-level positions but he’s sceptical people could be properly trained in such a short space of time.

“I think they have to spend at least two months with a contractor before you would even dream sending them out on a job,” he said.

He is holding an open day on August 15 on his business site at Te Poi near Matamata in a bid to attract more staff as well as highlight the staff shortage issue.

This spring, he is short of 15 people to work in his business.

“We are concerned that we are

LEARNING: Ag Technology Group has set up a week-long training course to teach people how to drive a tractor to try and reduce expected staff shortages this spring. The training includes the use of two tractor driving simulators.

not able to get overseas staff so we decided to have an open day to see if we can get Kiwis to look at all of the gear, how things operate, how we operate and if we can get some interest,” Nettleton said.

He also hopes the day will attract politicians who he believes do not understand the

implications this spring if farmers cannot get crops in the ground or grass cut for silage.

Nettleton said there was “big time” concern among contractors about staff shortages with spring now just several weeks away.

“We’re in dire straits. It’s going to be a major.”

“It’s alright to talk“

Want to talk? Connect to supports that can help you right now: 1737 Need to Talk? Is a mental health helpline number that provides access to trained counsellors who can offer support to anyone who needs to talk about mental health or addiction issues.

It is free to call or text at any time.

Youthline www.youthline.co.nz offers support to young people and their families, including online resources about a wide range of issues that affect young people. It can be contacted by calling 0800 376 633, texting 234, email (talk@youthline.co.nz) or online chat.

Domestic violence and advice & support, call Women’s Refuge Crisis line 0800 733 843.

0800 787 254 www.ruralsupport.org.nz

Alcohol and drug helpline 0800 787 797.

What’s up www.whatsup.co.nz offers counselling to 5 to 18 year olds by freephone 0800 942 8787 (1pm-10pm Monday - Friday, 3pm-10pm weekends) or online chat. Mental health information and advice for children, teenagers and families is available on its website.

The Lowdown www.thelowdown.co.nz is a website and helpline for young people to help them recognise and understand depression or anxiety. It also has a 24/7 helpline that can be contacted by calling freephone 0800 111 757 or texting 5626.

rural people helping rural people

Together, Creating the Best Soil and Feed on Earth

Serve up a good feed with SustaiN

With lambing season close at hand, it’s time to start thinking about giving your new arrivals the best possible start. Optimise your pasture growth with SustaiN which contains AGROTAIN® – a coating that’s scientifically proven to retain more nitrogen in your soil, so your ewes can serve up a good feed this spring.

ballance.co.nz | 0800 222 090

News

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Varsity students help ease worker shortage Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

ASSISTANCE: Rural contractor work could include hay and silage baling, as well as spraying, muck spreading, shearing, cultivation and other tractor operation and bulk supplementary feed production.

LINCOLN University students can now be an option to help ease the pressure on rural contractors struggling to fill the gaps of missing migrant workers.

Alongside offering qualifications designed to meet the future employment needs of the food and fibre sector, Lincoln has taken steps to help the sector by modifying its rules around compulsory practical work requirements in courses to include

FULLY FITTED AND

READY

GO

TO

Taratahi opens its doors again Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz

Everything you need to get going.

Outboard | Rig kit Analogue gauge 25L tote tank | Installation* Side mount controls Remote cables So get in quick, visit marine.suzuki.co.nz/offers

DF50ATL DF40ATL

10,500

10,695

$

DF60ATL

11,295

$

$

*T&CS APPLY

rural contracting. The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund is covering course costs for four Lincoln University subdegree programmes – Diplomas in Horticulture, Agriculture, Farm Management and Organic AgriFood Production – from July 2020 until December 2022.

All have a practical work requirement, as do many other programmes at the land-based university.

Rural contractor work could include hay and silage baling, as well as spraying, muck spreading, shearing, cultivation and other tractor operation and bulk supplementary feed production.

Acting vice-chancellor professor Bruce McKenzie said Lincoln is strongly connected to the sector and the change followed a discussion with Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor about how to help.

“We are happy to be able to do something practical which will assist, while also giving our students wider experience.

“We are being innovative in our course offerings to meet sector needs so we are looking at how we can meet the future and current needs of the food and fibre sector.”

Agribusiness lecturer Dan Smith said typically many British and Irish workers travel to NZ to complete this work and many rural contractors would usually be in the United Kingdom recruiting staff now.

“Given the current global pandemic, it is unlikely these workers will have the freedom to come here which will place a lot of pressure on these businesses, and this was putting pressure on contractors to fill their needs.”

Smith said agricultural degrees and diplomas at Lincoln include a practical work component where students are required to work on-farm to gain experience.

TRACTA63237_FW

TARATAHI has a long-term role to play in New Zealand’s education and training sector, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says.

The Wairarapa training centre is reopening its doors after going into liquidation 18 months ago.

Now Ucol Wairarapa and Eastern Institute of Technology have joined forces to provide taster courses to introduce people to potential agriculture careers.

Similar courses are being run at Telford in south Otago.

O’Connor said “Taratahi’s liquidation left a large gap in agricultural education in this country. A lot of hours have been put in by a lot of people to get us to where we are today.

I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Liquidators are still involved at Taratahi and ownership issues need to be resolved but he is confident Ucol and Eit will get the training programme running smoothly.

“There are significant employment opportunities in our primary industries and we are committed to helping to train people to have the skills they need for the opportunities in front of us. Our agricultural training institutions have never had a more important role to play.

“It’s great that we have been able to tap into the potential of Taratahi, get the doors back open and provide opportunities for those looking for fresh starts,” he said.

STOP’EM IN THEIR TRACKS

Choose SlugOut ® all-weather slug and snail bait with its unique Corbie Technology for superior spreadability and better control.

Proudly developed and trialed in New Zealand, SlugOut offers excellent weatherability and optimal bait points/m² making it your effective and economical choice.

Visit your local rural supplier and ask for SlugOut today. nufarm.co.nz/discoverslugout Nufarm New Zealand ®SlugOut is a registered trademark of Nufarm Technologies USA Pty Ltd.

News

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Irrigation NZ restructures, relocates Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz IRRIGATION New Zealand has restructured as an organisation and is relocating to Wellington to reflect a new business focus in the post-covid-19 environment.

Chair Keri Johnston said following a review of the organisation’s activities the board has put renewed focus on solving the tension between the fundamental need for irrigation in a post-covid NZ and the sector’s increasingly restricted licence to operate.

Johnston said losing its flagship conference because of lockdown meant Irrigation NZ experienced significant financial loss creating reason to review, reset and refocus.

“As such, the board has restructured the organisation to reflect a new two-pronged approach to focus on advocacy at a national level, as well as deliver value on the ground in the regions,” she said.

Irrigation NZ will move its headquarters from Christchurch to Wellington and will appoint a new chief executive to lead the organisation from the capital city.

A new regional policy and planning manager has been

REFOCUS: Chair Keri Johnston said losing its flagship conference because of lockdown meant Irrigation NZ experienced significant financial loss creating reason to review, reset and refocus.

created to assist members, regional councils and other local authorities and stakeholders on matters of policy as it affects irrigation, water and the primary sector on the ground across rural regions.

Current chief executive Elizabeth Soal has opted to take on this new role from her homebase of Oamaru once she ends her time as chief executive in September.

“As a nation we are embarking on the recovery phase of covid-19 and the dependability of irrigated production systems will be central to this with access to a

reliable water supply critical to all communities,” Johnston said.

However, the general misunderstanding of the benefits and positive impacts of irrigation persist.

“Continued and often unbalanced messages strongly influence both central and local government in setting policy direction,” she explained.

“Irrigators are greatly concerned that their freedom to operate and ability to continue contributing to the wellbeing and economy of NZ is being threatened.”

Johnston said the irrigation sector acknowledges there are

both real and perceived impacts of intensive farming on water quality.

Many irrigators take a proactive approach to improving environmental outcomes, proactively working with councils and the local community to improve water quality.

“The sector is well down a path towards good management practice and is committed to not only achieve, but better this goal,” Johnston said.

“This will ensure our food and fibre production remains in demand globally whilst capturing local community support and further developing pride in our primary industries.

“Irrigation is a critical component of a vibrant and environmentally sustainable agricultural and horticultural economy and we will work hard towards ensuring that irrigation remains an integral part of a healthy and thriving Aotearoa NZ.” An important part of the organisational changes is about being best positioned to articulate on behalf of, and advocate for, an industry not well understood across all levels of government, business and non-governmental organisations.

P27.6 COMPACT

“We are confident about this renewed focus and are excited about the opportunities for the sector and our rural regions where irrigation is such a cornerstone,” she said.

Irrigators are greatly concerned that their freedom to operate and ability to continue contributing to the wellbeing and economy of NZ is being threatened.

Keri Johnston Irrigation NZ chair Irrigation NZ is a not-forprofit national-level organisation representing 3500 members across the irrigation sector, including irrigation schemes, individual farmer-irrigators and the irrigation service sector.

Irrigating farmers represent 800,000 hectares of NZ’s farmland, directly contributing about $5.4 billion annually to GDP.

high performance, reduced fuel consumption and guaranteed cost savings With a boom which extends to more than six metres in height for a lifted load of 2.7 tonnes, the new P27.6 has the same modular cab as the bigger models in the Merlo range, offering astounding space and visibility (1,010mm inside width and an amazing 4.3m2 for unrivalled visibility), unique in its category.

le fina xib boutn ask a

ce

fle

The Ultra Compact P27.6 has been developed as a high performance, compact telehandler and are suited for goat, poultry and pig farmers with restricted access of under two by two metres.

bl

d

eal

e

SEApaSymOenNtsAL S avail a

MERLO P27.6 FROM ONLY

+GST

$89,900

12 | 13

AXLES

FRONT WHEEL STEERING

PF9601NZFW

Tapered bonnet for better visibility and improved safety.

0800 627 222 or 021 925 034 |

• Maximum speed 36 km/h (55kW model): unique in its class • 6 metre booms: superior to the front loaders in height, speed and productivity SAFE ON ANY TERRAIN • Hydrostatic transmission with continuous variation on from 0 tofeatures 36 km/h Boost your productivity with • Single speed rangeand 0-36 safe Km/h HST that are practical, effective • Type-approval as an on-road agricultural tractor (optional) Merlo high-performance axles - manoeuvrable by design Merlo designs and produces the majority of the components used on its telehandlers. Axles are integral part of every project and are designed and dimensioned to work in perfect harmony with the other main groups.

The machines in the Compact series are fitted with two different types of axle: the P25.6 is equipped with an axle with planetary final drives that ensures a low centre of gravity, while the P28.8 and P32.6 are fitted with a portal axle affording greater ground clearance for improved handling and versatility.

Both axles are fitted with dry disc brakes, automatic parking brake and differential lock (opt).

The optimal steering capacity and three steering modes allow for superb manoeuvrability and ALL WHEEL STEERING ease of use in all Axles: designed as an integral part of the product for maximum performance. conditions Merlo axles: fully integratedterrain in the product for higher functionality and superior Various attachments to suit all operations. quality.

P 25.6: planetary final drives, allow for a low centre of gravity. P 28.8 and P 32.6: portal axle, ground clearance of 385 mm. More versatile. Three steering modes: front wheel, all wheel and crab, for enhanced CRAB STEERING

merlo nz | merlo.co.nz

Terms and conditions apply. While stocks last. Offer ends 30.9.20. Contact your local dealership for more information.

manoeuvrability, efficiency and productivity.

Permanently engaged four-wheel drive: maximum traction in all conditions. All wheel braking: servo assisted braking on all four wheels for maximum safety. Parking brake: activated automatically when the engine is shut off or from the in-cab control when required.

Differential locks (opt) for improved traction over difficult terrain.

Three steering modes and an excellent turning circle ensure the machine is highly manoeuvrable and easy to handle, whatever the terrain.

AginED Ag ED

#

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

G

Volume 19 I August 10th, 2020 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz

WELL WEATHERED TOGETHER!

We thought you might like to hear a little more about Murray Craw, who sent us a photo of his redbands that have served him very well for close to 60 years. He was kind enough to share a little of his life story so far. leaving Little Akaloa to live there. Muldoon and Rogernomics stepped in and we were forced to sell all but our Port Levy property.

My wife then had the bright idea to run horse treks which we did for fifteen years and these were our saviour. We catered for all, Americans, Japanese, New Zealanders, you name it. They came by car, boat and helicopter.

Still living in Port Levy we are now retired. We have been married for 58 years and have had four children. Our son has taken on the farm and is almost as good as me at cattle buying and selling.

We are very pleased to share that Skellerup has offered to set Murray up with a brand-new pair of Red Bands, so his old pair can enjoy a welldeserved retirement.

I have lived on Banks Peninsula for all of my 86 years. Born one of nine children, with triplet sisters, in Pigeon Bay I was fortunate to have a wonderful mother who saved all my family benefit.

It couldn’t have been easy for her but with that help I was able to purchase my first bit of land also in Pigeon Bay. I worked as a shearer, saved, and bought a second piece of land this time in Barry’s Bay. some 200 acres. Now married my wife and I milked 40 cows whilst I continued to shear sheep. We then bought 250 acres in Little Akaloa and moved from Barrys Bay to live there. 200 acres at Chorlton was our next purchase. Meantime I stopped shearing and milked 70 cows at Little Akaloa as well as farming pigs and running 500 sheep. Our sheep were always the last to be shorn!

Beef farming then became my main interest and we decided to sell the Barry’s Bay property purchasing 1000 acres at Port Levy and

1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz 2 Find and watch the OnFarm Story of Peter Brice “Now’s the opportunity” and read the accompanying article “Farming in a fishbowl”.

3 Where is the farm that Peter manages?

4 What school/s uses the farm as an educational facility?

5 When was the farm established?

FILL YA BOOTS:

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

1 What do you think an advantage is for importers of frozen meat products compared to chilled? Think about how long meat would last in your fridge vs the freezer at home.

What opportunities/experiences does the ASB MAGS farm provide students with?

2 A number of students feel like urban based communities have little understanding or appreciation of the agricultural industry, what are your thoughts on this? If you agree, how could we change these perceptions?

2 Can you name three different cuts of beef that you might find in the supermarket or your fridge/ freezer at home? What is your favourite?

Hugo & Hudson enjoying a good old winter tradition

1

Go the AgriHQ market snapshot page

2 What was the North Island steer price last week?

3 How is this tracking compared to year-ago levels?

STRETCH YOURSELF: This graph shows the volume of store lambs going through the saleyards in the Canterbury Region.

1

At the end of March the number of store lambs sold through the saleyards was well above year-ago levels and the five-year average. What do you think caused this? Think about the decision’s farmers need to make during drought conditions when feed levels are very low.

2 Throughput is typically low at this time of year.

Looking at the graph, what month could we expect to see the volumes of lambs through the saleyards begin to lift?

3 How many cows do they milk? What do they do with the milk? Why couldn’t they sell it?

4 How many students help out on the farm? This has increased since Peter started managing the farm, do you think that there is opportunity to grow the numbers of students in agriculture, particularly in urban areas? Tell us how?

5 This year has brought challenges to the farm during and after the Covid lockdown and also with continued dry conditions during summer and autumn. What did the farm do to meet these challenges?

For answers to last week’s questions and more content head to our website: www.sites.google.com/view/agined/home

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Newsmaker

New book explores This Farming Life A just-released book by a fifth generation Manawatu sheep and beef farmer takes readers through the joys and harsh realities of working the land. Colin Williscroft caught up with author Tim Saunders.

T

IM Saunders admits it’s a little strange seeing something he’s written being marketed and sold by leading booksellers around the country, along with the response it’s receiving from reviewers and others who have read advanced copies.

A published poet and award-winning short story writer, Saunders’ latest work, This Farming Life, has been described by one reviewer as “an unsentimental yet lyrical love letter to the land and the animals and humans who inhabit it . . . a man-on-the-land story unlike anything you will have read.”

It’s a long way for someone whose love for books and stories can be traced back to his grandmother on his father’s side, who used to read to him in his younger years.

“That was where it started. The writing came there. It was just the next step,” Saunders said.

While Saunders’ writing came easily, success came with time.

Having written all through his school years and then continued afterwards, it’s only in recent years he has turned a corner with recognition, winning the 2018 Mindfood magazine short story competition, finishing third in the 2019 National Flash Fiction Day awards, and having poetry published in The Listener and a number of NZ literary magazines.

After winning the Mindfood award Saunders was approached by one of the competition judges, who was from book publishers Allen & Unwin.

“She said ‘we love the style of your writing and we think you’ve got a book in you’,” Saunders recalled.

He was asked to write about farming, as the publishers thought there was a gap in the market for a well-written book on the subject.

Despite thinking his life was not that interesting he said he would give it a go, with it taking about a year to write.

Although it was his first long-

form piece of writing, he says it wasn’t too difficult.

“Once I put my head down and got on to it, it just sort of flowed out,” he said.

The book is written in a personable style, following his farming family through a year.

“Everything in it is totally true.

I’ve just, hopefully, written it in an interesting way, rather than just presenting facts,” Saunders explained.

It describes life through the seasons: summer, with shearing, slaughter, crop harvest and conservation; autumn and its floods, trading stock, drenching and dagging; winter with its maize harvest and lambing; and the docking, pet sheep and weaning of spring.

I hate the idea of food waste, especially meat. People need to remember that what they’re eating isn’t just a steak or a hamburger patty, something gave its life for that.

Tim Saunders Author and farmer

Saunders says the format allows readers not familiar with the rural world to see how life unfolds as the weather changes.

“When you’re working the land, you’re aware of how things change as the year progresses,” he said.

He writes daily from 6am to 9am, before going out to do farm work. He finds the silence and space out in the paddocks conducive to writing, carrying a notebook with him so can jot down thoughts and ideas as they come.

That allows him to later act like a magpie, going through what he has written, picking out bits and

pieces, shaping them to suit what he is writing.

A self-taught writer, Saunders has never had any formal training but reads all the time and studies those words, taking stories to bits in his head to find out how they work, just like others might take an engine apart and put it back together to understand how it works.

He farms with his brother Mark and his dad Brian, who has been on the property at Glen Oroua for 80 years. The farm has been in the family since 1906.

His great-great grandfather, William Joseph (better known as W.J.) Saunders, who was farming in Alfredton, east of Eketahuna, bought the land from Isaac Greenaway, a local land baron who wanted to establish a settlement in the area.

Unfortunately for Greenaway, the property was subject to constant flooding from the Oroua River, which was on its boundary, so he couldn’t find financial backers for the town.

Instead, he sold it to W.J. Saunders says before going into farming his great-great grandfather was a gold miner on the West Coast goldfields.

He took part in a Hokitika pub competition to lift an amount of gold, said to weigh 500 pounds, with a rope around his neck and shoulders. The idea was to lift it a foot (30cm) above the floor.

The only one to achieve the feat, he won 500 pounds in cash and decided to use the money to go farming.

To protect the property at Glen Oroua, W.J. built stop banks – hard work in those days when it was all hand and horsepower, but it made the area farmable and the local Government of the time followed his example, opening the area up to farming that still exists today, although the river still provides its challenges.

Saunders says while farming methods have changed over the years, he is well aware he still walks the same ground his greatgreat-grandfather did.

HISTORY: Tim Saunders is a fifth generation Manawatu sheep and beef farmer.

Photo: Emily Hlavac Green

“Technology has changed but I’m walking in the same footsteps.

The bloodline goes right through and that’s awe-inspiring,” he said.

With that comes a responsibility to the land, environment and the family name.

“No one wants to be the one in the family who is farming when it all goes wrong,” Saunders said.

He says because of that, each generation has a heavier responsibility to bear and the aim is to leave the land in as least as good as he found it.

“There’s no point in doing anything detrimental to it. Why would we? This is how we make our living,” he said.

He hopes the family connection to the property continues for many generations to come.

Saunders wrote This Farming Life to be interesting to farmers and non-farmers.

He didn’t shy away from what he describes as the nitty-gritty of sheep and beef farming, including the slaughter of animals for food.

“It’s not always going to be an easy read for some but it’s

important people think about what goes into food,” he said.

“I hate the idea of food waste, especially meat. People need to remember that what they’re eating isn’t just a steak or a hamburger patty, something gave its life for that.

“It was once living and breathing.”

Saunders says he is aware not everyone is going to like that idea but it’s a reality of farming: death follows life, whether it’s for food production or natural mortality.

Although growing up on the family farm, that life wasn’t always for him.

After leaving school he did an applied science degree at Massey before doing film and television work at Avalon and then got involved in tourism, which was where he met his partner Katherin.

He followed her back to her home in Germany, where they spent a couple of years before the call of the farm and to return home was strong.

After all, he says, it’s home.

“I belong here.”

HELPFUL: He finds the space out on the farm conducive to writing.

Photo: Supplied

PREPARED: Tim Saunders carries a notebook with him when out on the farm so he can jot down ideas as they come to him.

Photo: Supplied

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

23

New tool to detect skin cancer Richard Rennie spoke to MoleMap chair Jodi Mitchell about their new skin cancer detection technology designed for contactless diagnosis.

A

NEW skin cancer diagnostic tool promises to make detecting and dealing with skin cancer quicker, reducing invasive surgery and even saving lives.

Rural people stand to be the biggest winners, given their tendency to have high skin cancer rates, and distance from clinicians.

Skin cancer diagnosis company MoleMap was one of many health care companies prompted to reexamine its business model as the covid-19 lockdown saw a slide in patient visits, and a need for more contactless diagnosis.

Chair Jodi Mitchell said the lockdown acted as an accelerator for a virtual skin cancer diagnosis programme the company had intended to roll out in a more measured manner.

“Normally with this sort of technology you might aim to perfect it before going to market, but in two weeks we had a service out there, working off a health booking service,” Mitchell said.

The company was founded on the standard health care model of patients visiting a clinic and getting moles and spots checked by dermatology experts to determine if they may be cancerous.

Its SpotChat service now enables patients concerned about a lesion to use their smartphone to show a remotely located skin cancer nurse any problem moles.

The nurse can then ensure priority diagnosis is given to any concerning lesions by a melanoma clinician.

The company typically diagnoses about 400 new cases of melanoma each year in New Zealand and Australia, the global capital for skin cancers, closely followed by NZ. NZ has the second highest rate

NEW TECH: A virtual skin lesion assessment performed remotely reduces the need for rural patients to travel for an on-site assessment.

of melanoma in the world, with 2500 new registrations of the disease each year, and 400 people dying of it every year.

Rural NZ is hit particularly hard by the cancer, with rural males reporting a rate of 7.7 per 100,000, compared to 6.4 per 100,000 in urban areas.

Out of the first 250 users, 280 lesions were detected and 100 required further personal consultation.

At the company’s Fieldays site 15% of people seen by a melanographer team had skin cancer. Eighty percent had no idea they had a lesion of concern.

Mitchell says the beta version rolled out over lockdown had strong uptake from patients with

250 using it in the first two weeks.

Out of the first 250 users, 280 lesions were detected and 100 required further personal consultation.

“From this, we identified skin cancers in 12% of the high-risk patients examined,” she said.

The system’s “patient-centric” approach reflects the fact a large proportion of melanomas are initially identified by patients, and the technology enables them to take the initiative more quickly than having to arrange a physical consultation that may be distant from where they live.

Auckland University associate professor of medicine and dermatology Amanda Oakley said rapid diagnosis of melanoma is important because the cancer can spread quickly into the bloodstream from the skin lesion.

While it can be deadly, she says prognosis at an early stage is usually very successful, with a 94% five-year survival rate for melanoma less than 1mm thickness at detection time.

“Most stay for a long time, sometimes decades in a slowgrowing pre-malignant stage, but some grow from a dot to a dangerous nodule within a few weeks,” Oakley said.

Once it has spread to other parts of the body it becomes much harder to treat.

Lockdown delays were fortunately no more than a matter of weeks in NZ, but she said it had caused anxiety to remote clients worried about lesions over that period.

Mitchell said skin cancer nurses did much of the heavy lifting in the sector, arranging initial consults, making assessments and reassuring patients, and the remote system enabled them to work more efficiently. It also helped make better use of dermatologists who, like many health care experts, were thin on the ground.

The potential for collecting an even wider range of skin lesion examples through the remote consultation programme could

also pave the way for utilising more Artificial Intelligence (AI) programmes in the future to rapidly assess and diagnose at consultation.

Mitchell was encouraged that people were continuing to use the service even though lockdown was over, and believed it may signal a shift in consultation patterns that is here to stay.

As a sector, health care has been slow to adapt to technology, sticking more with the bricks and mortar of clinical-based care, despite technology’s advancements.

Longer term, she believed NZ needed a melanoma surveillance programme, similar to the bowel, prostate and breast cancer programmes now operating.

“This sort of technology supports a lower cost surveillance system. Melanoma can be dealt with if it is detected early, and it continues to kill 400 people a year, and that rate has not declined over time,” Mitchell said.

SHEDS

Haybarns

Homes

Sheds

Cattle Yards

Woolsheds

Farm Bridges

Covered Yards

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

EDITORIAL

If creativity is key to life, then let it flow

C

REATIVE thinking is a big part of farming.

It’s the key to problemsolving, and those working the land find themselves doing a fair bit of that.

Isolation and time constraints mean farmers often need to come up with a way to solve a problem quickly and effectively with limited tools and time.

It’s what we do.

It’s no wonder then that the farming world is filled with creators of another sort – artists, writers, poets and sculptors.

From William Wordsworth in the Lake District to Grahame Sidney in Central Otago, there’s no shortage of creative minds looking to the land for inspiration.

This week’s newsmaker is Tim Saunders, who has just released a book called This Farming Life. Reviewers have called it ‘an unsentimental yet lyrical love letter to the land and the animals and humans who inhabit it.’

He’s a fifth generation Manawatu farmer who, when not tending stock or fixing a fence, can be found jotting down thoughts that come to him as he leads the farming life.

While not everyone’s as talented as Tim, embracing one’s creative side has benefits in all parts of life. It’s good for mental health, promotes innovative thinking and, of course, can provide a community with lasting beauty.

It only takes a walk around Kimbolton in Manawatu to see what embracing the arts can do for a place.

There’s a saying among creative people that the muse must find you working. You can’t sit around waiting for inspiration but have to just get to work and then the good stuff will follow.

Farmers know about hard work and many would say their best work is done when faced with adversity or a difficult challenge.

The arts also bring people together, to look at, listen to and contemplate a version of the world they share.

Word is that Tim and some friends are looking to do a poetry tour of New Zealand woolsheds sometime soon. Sounds like a perfect place to celebrate the breathtaking, challenging and confounding landscapes where farmers work.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Billion trees scheme a political sideshow DAVID Skiffington deserves compliments for his July 27 letter where he states a strong case against forestry and, in particular, foreign corporations who – with the Government encouragement and aid – are converting hill country farms to monocultures of pines.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones’ one billion trees scheme is removing pastoral farming production, actively encouraging foreign interests to buy up at large, furthering the ludicrous free market carbon trading scheme, damaging the environment and adversely affecting public outdoors access.

The billion trees scheme is a political sideshow. Remember pre-2017 election pledges where all three parties – Labour, Greens and NZ First – pledged to clean up rivers and

to stop the sale of farmland to foreign interests?

Well, forestry is a disaster for rivers, streams and coastlines with heavy silt deposition from run-off of clear felled plantations, smothering ecosystems in freshwater and estuarine areas (e.g.

Marlborough Sounds).

From the outdoor recreation access angle, foreign corporations mostly ban access whereas previously under the Kiwi family farm scenario, access on permission was usually granted.

The John Key government’s track record was a little better.

What is ACT’s and other parties’ policies?

Ask and check policies, track records and vote with your best judgement.

So in a nutshell, the political promises of the Greens, NZ First and Labour concerning rivers and streams and foreign

land acquisition were hollow.

Andi Cockroft Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt

Finding harmony I AM unable to comment on the South Island high country, but as far as the east coast of both Islands are concerned, there is persistent misunderstanding as to the relationship between forests and human settlement.

Forests have always existed in a shifting mosaic across our landscape. There are also welldocumented episodes of forest destruction across the country.

On the east coast, two incidents during the past millennium were probably due to extreme gales.

Over a period of about 60 years after 1350AD, from the foothills of the ranges to the

sea, there is a shift in the pollen record from forest species to predominantly bracken fern.

A subsequent shift to cooler and dryer conditions meant that bracken fern could suppress regeneration of the bush.

Due to incorrect calibration of early radiocarbon dating, this shift has been attributed to Polynesian fires.

Modern work puts the date of settlement forward to about 1250AD. Early populations indicate that these fires were more likely to be the result of lightning, fanned by Nor’westers.

Some bush was cut by Europeans, but in general the story that our forefathers carved their farms from the bush is a myth.

Dave Read Wairoa

Letterof theWeek EDITOR Bryan Gibson 06 323 1519 bryan.gibson@globalhq.co.nz EDITORIAL Carmelita Mentor-Fredericks 06 323 0769 editorial@globalhq.co.nz Neal Wallace 03 474 9240 neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz Colin Williscroft 027 298 6127 colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz Annette Scott 021 908 400 annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz Hugh Stringleman 09 432 8594 hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz Gerald Piddock 027 486 8346 gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz Richard Rennie 07 552 6176 richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz Nigel Stirling 021 136 5570 nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com Riley Kennedy 027 518 2508 Cadet journalist riley.kennedy@globalhq.co.nz

PUBLISHER Dean Williamson 027 323 9407 dean.williamson@globalhq.co.nz ADVERTISING Steve McLaren 027 205 1456 Auckland/Northland advertising 09 375 9864 steve.mclaren@globalhq.co.nz Jody Anderson 027 474 6094 Waikato/Bay of Plenty advertising jody.anderson@globalhq.co.nz Donna Hirst 06 323 0739 Lower North Island/international advertising donna.hirst@globalhq.co.nz Ernest Nieuwoudt 027 474 6091 South Island advertising ernest.nieuwoudt@globalhq.co.nz Clint Dunstan 06 323 0760 Real Estate & Farm Machinery advertising 027 474 6004 clint.dunstan@globalhq.co.nz

Hannah Gudsell 06 323 0761 Livestock advertising 027 602 4925 livestock@globalhq.co.nz Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 Classifieds/Employment advertising classifieds@globalhq.co.nz Andrea Mansfield 027 446 6002 Salesforce director andrea.mansfield@globalhq.co.nz Steph Holloway 06 323 0142 AgriHQ Commercial Leader steph.holloway@globalhq.co.nz PRODUCTION Lana Kieselbach 027 739 4295 production@globalhq.co.nz Advertising material adcopy@globalhq.co.nz SUBSCRIPTIONS ISSN 2463-6002 (Print) ISSN 2463-6010 (Online)

0800 85 25 80

Circulation: Delivered free to 78,632 farmers from Monday (Current audited circulation figure)

Best letter each week wins a quality Victorinox Hiker knife

So go on!

Stick the knife in WRITE TO The Editor, Farmers Weekly P.O. Box 529, Feilding EMAIL farmers.weekly@globalhq.co.nz • FAX 06 323 7101

LK0102967©

Farmers Weekly is published by GlobalHQ, PO Box 529, Feilding 4740. New Zealand Phone: 0800 85 25 80 Fax: 06 323 7101 Website: www.farmersweekly.co.nz

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

25

Clear heads needed to revive wool Jack Fagan

I

T’S amazing how clear you can think when you’re drenched in sweat and your muscles are hissing from so much lactic acid you feel as if you’re lying on a bed of red hot coals.

One of the biggest challenges sheep farmers face is the low price of wool.

Thanks to record high lamb prices the last two seasons farmers haven’t been hit in the back pocket too badly.

However, we have a worldclass fibre in abundant supply right at our doorstep that is not being used to its full potential.

Wool is natural, flame retardant, breathable, non allergenic, biodegradable and, better yet, it needs only grass to be grown. There’s no use of oil or synthetic materials in sight.

Merino farmers have a super-fine, high-quality product that is used mainly in clothing.

Shearing time is a very important part of the year because the clip can bring in up to 80% of their income.

I doubt there are any crossbred farmers in New Zealand making money from their wool clip. This is not sustainable and something has to change.

Blanketing NZ in pine trees so international companies can get carbon credits is not the answer.

Why don’t we give wool to every university and high school in New Zealand and ask them to find a new use.

There has to be a niche market and options that haven’t been explored yet.

Kiwis are renowned for being self-sufficient and forward-thinking so why don’t we find a solution to this problem and prove to the world what a unique nation we really are.

It’s not very often you find a teenager or young person who knows exactly what they want to do with their life.

Or better yet, how many people feel they are stuck in a job with a limited future?

With tourism at its lowest level in recent history and thousands of people out of work there has never been a better time to showcase agriculture and what it has to offer.

One of the most appealing factors is the ability to evolve and grow with your work.

There is never a better sense of freedom than being able to work on the land. It’s something that everyone should have the chance to try.

Farming is tough work and not for the faint-hearted.

The

Pulpit

But the diverse set of skills they can learn in this industry becomes a great foundation for any path they might head down in future.

Shearing is a lot like farming, you get paid for you production and performance.

If you want a pay rise you have to work harder.

Young people are forever getting criticised and put down for sticking their necks out and trying to achieve larger-than-life possibilities. Do nothing and you will achieve nothing.

Rather than bury your head in the sand, take every opportunity by the horns and prove to the pessimists you can reach the desired outcome.

This is not sustainable and something has to change.

Don’t become lukewarm and content with where you are, keep hunting and find that one thing that makes you white hot and passionate about getting up every day.

Take the risk, put yourself out there and learn from your mistakes as well as the mistakes of others. The person who is willing to go the extra mile, show some initiative and get their hands dirty will always be one step ahead.

Hard work is a great spotlight on character. Some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses and others don’t turn up at all.

Who am I? Jack Fagan is a Te Kuiti shearer who has won the world speed shearing championship title twice.

DIFFERENT: Merino farmers make up to 80% of their income from wool but crossbred farmers aren’t making any money from it.

Protecting Kiwi Waterways Dr Bert Quin

QUINFERT ALGERIAN RPR V.2 Reactive Phosphate Rock 12.5% P*, 34% Ca, 1.3% S, 0.6% Mg (*slightly reduced because of ‘CM’ controlled-moisture anti-dust addition) Scores very well in the Watkinson Dissolution Test Low cadmium level of 18ppm (140 mg Cg/kg P) - half the industry maximum Fine (but low-dust) particle size means maximum neutralisation of soil acid Optimise production; minimise P run-off and leaching

$358/t + GST ex Waharoa, + $22/t for other NI depots $374/t + GST ex Timaru, + $22/t for other SI depots Blends with sulphur90 and other nutrients available

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

0800 QUINFERT or Bert Quin 021 427 572

Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

RA is a US initiative we don’t need Alternative View

Alan Emerson

WITH many having opinions on Regenerative Agriculture (RA), here’s my five cents worth.

My dictionary gives three definitions for regenerative.

The first is “growing new tissue after loss or damage.” The example given was a lizard and to my knowledge we don’t farm lizards.

The second example of regenerative is to revive in economic terms. Inappropriate to agriculture.

Finally, we’re told regenerative means “reformed or reborn in a physical or moral sense.”

While that may be true of some of the RA acolytes it doesn’t refer to farming.

Regenerative Agriculture is an American initiative to lift the fertility of degraded soils. We don’t have that problem.

It uses management, fertiliser, irrigation and rotational grazing to build organic matter – all of which we do.

A big part of the pro RA brigade is to claim that the increased organic matter – carbon – is used to help mitigate climate change.

That’s fine but in America they say RA can lift carbon in the soil to 6%, whereas ours is 8% already.

The amount of carbon that can be sequestered by soils is finite.

The other issue to consider is that if in 50 years’ time, someone

ploughs the paddock that carbon is released back into the atmosphere.

Andrew McGuire, an agronomist from Washington State University says that “the extraordinary claims over RA just haven’t been proved.”

I agree.

American geologist David Montgomery makes the point: “Putting more carbon in the soil will buy us some time. But if we continue to burn fossil fuels once we fill up the soil with carbon all we have done is delay things a bit.”

There are few hard facts about RA. For example, no-one talks about profitability or gross margins per hectare under RA. It’s all warm fuzzies.

There are few hard facts about RA. For example, no-one talks about profitability or gross margins per hectare under RA. It’s all warm fuzzies.

The Australians have with the Holmes Sackett Report that was produced for the Australian Farm Institute and reported in May this year. It analysed data over a 10-year period from 2007 to 2016.

While RA generated a return on assets of 1.66%, the return from conventional farming was 4.22%.

The increased costs per farm of regenerative over conventional systems was an additional AU$2.46 million over the 10-year period.

The whole of farm profits (EBIT) were a massive AU$4.5 million

higher with conventional farming than with RA. The report is on the internet and worth a read.

The Holmes Sackett report suggests a 10-year deficit with RA producers of AU$4.5m and that equates to over $400,000 a year.

Hands up if you can afford that.

I also remain unconvinced that adapting an American system to NZ agriculture will achieve greater market access.

In a phrase, RA to me is like organics without a premium.

The Lincoln University Agricultural Economics Unit has evaluated Willingness to Pay (WTP) in various countries and for a range of products.

Consumers were most WTP for organic followed by animal welfare. Hormone/antibiotic free, grass-based and environmentally friendly were down the list.

While people were prepared to pay premiums in Australia and NZ, the North Americans weren’t.

My major frustration is that we are good stewards of the land now with good animal welfare. We don’t have to adopt any foreign systems to try and prove that.

That we’re efficient and good environmental stewards was highlighted in last years OECD report which identified NZ as a model of decline in emissions intensity. The reasons given were the adoption of policies focused on R&D, farm profitability, productivity and emissions intensity reductions.

That was followed by changes in the production mix of animal species and the fact we were unsubsidised.

With all that in mind, I found it irresponsible that the Government gave a handout of $1.87m to the Quorum Sense charitable trust. It

BALANCE: Minister for Primary Industries Damien O’Connor made the point that we need to create new, billiondollar categoryleading products while respecting Te Taiao, the natural world.

was to support farmers to share knowledge about developing and implementing RA systems.

I wouldn’t have given them 18 cents, and I’m still miffed that Beef +Lamb can waste levies on RA. The July 13 edition of Farmers Weekly’s front-page headline read: “The future is with Te Taiao.” It is the roadmap for NZ farming going forward and was launched

by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Minister for Primary Industries Damien O’Connor.

In his speech O’Connor made the point that “we need to create new, billion-dollar categoryleading products while respecting Te Taiao, the natural world.

DoC has a Te Taiao strategy.

It is to achieve significant conservation gains as well as

social, cultural and economic benefits.

I don’t see why that can’t be adapted for food production.

Te Taiao means fit for a better world.

My point is simple.

We are doing many things right now. We grass feed, have high animal welfare standards and are mainly environmentally responsible.

Why then are we promoting foreign generated unscientific fads? And why aren’t we generating a NZ Te Taiao brand that is based on hard science?

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

Enjoy the covid reprieve, while it lasts From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

LAST week, Waipukurau hosted the world premiere of a movie.

There’s a line I never expected to write or one you might think to read.

This Town was filmed in and around Central Hawke’s Bay and not only locations, quite a few locals made their screen debut too.

It was the brainchild of David White who grew up on a sheep and beef farm, attended Takapau Primary and Central Hawke’s Bay College.

Given this movie might go global, it makes me wonder why many of you eschew your excellent local state schools in favour of the fancy pants ones.

He was the director and also

ended up playing the starring role as it seems there is a dearth of actors who are able to shoot guns with confidence, drive a car in a demolition derby and dig a post hole.

This is one of the first new movies to be launched anywhere in the world post covid-19.

Robyn Malcolm, Rima Te Wiata and Alice May Connolly also star in the film.

The movie was good fun and I thought something along the lines of Tiaka Waititi’s Eagle versus Shark meets the Bain family.

I recommend you get along and have a good laugh. It’s typical quirky Kiwi humour.

The following night Jane and me, and our business partners in radio station Central FM, used the second screening to open the station’s new location and to put on a function to thank all the advertisers and staff for supporting this business.

I told the crowd that we were extremely lucky to be part of a 170-person function, elbow-toelbow, sharing a drink and then sitting down in a theatre to watch a movie.

We have quickly become accustomed to having gone back to living a normal life and what is happening around the rest of the world seems unreal and distant.

Mind you, Melbourne’s disaster is a salutary lesson that we mustn’t get smug or complacent.

It was only six weeks ago that Winston Peters was banging on incessantly about opening the borders with Australia. No one is suggesting that now, and even our wives haven’t uttered that refrain “Lets go to Melbourne for a holiday” for several months and won’t anytime in the near future.

It was just two to three months ago that we had a big debate from critics of the Government arguing that the hard lockdown and eliminating covid-19 was not the right course of action. No one is suggesting it was a bad idea now.

If you talk to anyone overseas, they are in great admiration and envy of the position we currently find ourselves in.

I have a cousin who lives in London. She and her husband are 70 with minor health issues and have not set foot out of their house since March. All their

groceries and requirements are bought online and left outside their door. There are many millions of people all around the globe living like this.

What is certain is that it is not a question of if but when this virus gets back out into our community.

These people will remain in strict self-imposed home detention until an effective vaccine becomes available. That’s if they discover one.

Remember, despite hundreds of millions of dollars spent trying to make a vaccine for Aids, it never happened. So, there is no certainty.

What is certain is that it is not a question of if but when this virus gets back out into our community.

Someone will be a dickhead or stuff up.

Will we behave like the idiots in Melbourne who, despite knowing they had the virus, kept going out and to work infecting others?

Upwards of 30% of active cases.

Or will we be more sensible? I would hope it was the latter. If it’s not, we will quickly be in serious trouble.

When it does leak out, we will need to act quickly and decisively.

Communities or regions will need to be shut down immediately in the interests of the rest of the country.

Why not use the army for this situation?

I was in Christchurch soon after the earthquake helping with the clean up and there were army roadblocks all around the central city area.

It’s not like the army is going overseas any time soon. What else have they got to do?

If I were Jacinda, I’d have them on standby.

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 – August 10, 2020

27

We’re not out of the woods yet Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

THE absence of any new cases of community transmission of covid-19 for weeks now, has restored a sense of calm and normality to the country which may turn out to be premature.

New Zealanders are going about their everyday lives, most of them still with jobs and being paid, at least until the wage subsidy ends, while their major concerns appear to be what Judith’s raised eyebrows say, which political poll is closer to reality and how many more people will break out of quarantine.

Cars are selling faster than ever, house prices remain steady, people are eating out and travelling round the country, enjoying local tourism experiences instead of flying round the world and agricultural export prices are holding up. So it seems, at first glance, as if all is right in our little corner of the world. But it’s hard to escape the feeling that this could just be the calm before the storm which may be brewing in any number of different ways.

While optimism is great, it would be best to anticipate some of the risks facing New Zealand and ensure there are strategies to manage them.

The most obvious risk is the

re-emergence of coronavirus community transmission, as distinct from isolated cases in quarantine; the example of the South Korean visitor who travelled between both islands for ten days before testing positive on arrival in Korea raises many questions about where, when and how it was contracted, quite apart from the impossibility of robust contact tracing.

The outbreaks in Victoria, followed by New South Wales and Queensland provide ample evidence of how easily the virus spreads from a low base.

The economic and psychological impact of going back into lockdown should make everybody nervous about a breakdown in immigration security and control of isolation facilities. The Government’s key responsibility is to ensure a watertight border and quarantine regime until either an effective vaccine is available or the pandemic is somehow brought under control. As US president Donald Trump has demonstrated very successfully, wishful thinking doesn’t work.

As a trading nation, the other major risk is a prolonged and deep global recession affecting all markets which will hit demand for what we produce including primary produce, in addition to the almost total exclusion of overseas visitors in the form of tourists, international students and migrant workers. Exports contributed $80 billion to the NZ economy in 2018, comprising approximately 28% of GDP, with primary sector exports making up 58% of this. International tourism

accounted for 20%, other goods and services exports 17% and education about 5%.

Therefore, the immediate effect of the pandemic is to wipe out a quarter of economic activity, unless the border reopens, the Government prevents it with a combination of subsidies, grants and loans, or domestic consumers pick up the slack.

However, reduced export earnings will inevitably have a knock-on effect on earnings and employment in other sections of the economy not directly involved in exporting.

The success of the fiscal programme designed to mitigate the effects of a downturn depends to a large extent on how well it is targeted which inevitably involves making the right choice of industries to support.

The loan to AJ Hackett bungy, the scattergun approach of the Provincial Growth Fund and Grant Robertson’s readiness to support the rugby championship in NZ (before other immigration priorities are addressed) do not provide great confidence good choices will be made.

Against this backdrop, agriculture assumes huge importance as the one remaining working piston in the export engine which makes it essential for the Government to encourage and support the sector, as it tries to compensate for the demise of other export industries.

Maintaining international trade relationships takes on a new dimension, notably treading an exceptionally fine line with China which may choose to penalise us for the removal of our

CONCERN: The economic and psychological impact of going back into lockdown should make everybody nervous about a breakdown in immigration security and control of isolation facilities.

extradition agreement with Hong Kong. Penalties could range from the Chinese Embassy’s official statement issued late last month to selectively applied delays at the Chinese border or even an outright ban on certain products or exporters.

While it makes good sense politically and ethically to take a stand on this issue, it runs the danger of damaging our economic interests at a vulnerable time.

It is also critical for NZ to wean itself off its reliance on imports which consistently outstrip export receipts. Domestic instead of overseas tourism is the first logical form of import substitution with no alternative on offer and hopefully Kiwis will explore their own country, as has been the case so far. But the economy will need a lot more than a short term lift in domestic tourism, new car sales and eating out to avoid the impact of a significantly higher unemployment rate and social welfare budget. The heavy advertising campaign by Harvey Norman suggests retail is already suffering a decline in consumer spending which might also reduce the import bill for whiteware and luxury goods.

The general election next month

is an unfortunate distraction from the serious matters threatening the economy, while the media races to cover largely irrelevant personality-driven issues.

National claims to have the strongest team, best equipped to manage the economy, but recent events cast serious doubt on that. Labour has generally been cautiously competent in its response, in spite of NZ First’s successful attempts to scuttle some of its policy planks.

The Greens’ ideology induces nervousness at the prospect of them gaining more influence after the election, but if Labour wins with an increased share of the vote, the degree of influence may be limited.

On balance it would be preferable to elect the government with the best strategy to address the challenges facing the country.

I am not convinced this election campaign will help us make that choice. We are not out of the woods yet.

Your View Allan Barber is a meat industry commentator: allan@barberstrategic. co.nz, http://allanbarber.wordpress. com

Cameron Bagrie THE United States dollar (USD) is under pressure. Whether that extends or the USD reasserts itself is open to debate.

More commentators are starting to point out fundamental problems with the USD. A continued weaker USD could have a huge influence on the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

The NZD/USD has risen more than 10% in four months. That rise is shaving NZD farming returns.

Some of the rise is simply corrective following falls over February and March.

The NZD/USD is broadly in line with levels seen at the end of 2019 and, on average over, 2018 and 2019.

Risk appetites have improved as equities recovered and commodity prices have held up reasonably well.

NZ looks better than many nations. Neither exporters or importers are grumbling too much about the NZD/USD, a sign it is reasonable to both though the

recent push will likely be raising some eyebrows across exporters.

Gold has hit a record high. That is a sign of nervousness towards the USD, global economy, and poor investment yields such negative real interest rates.

Those shrugging away potential concerns point to the USD’s status as the world’s reserve currency.

A huge proportion of crossborder transactions are in USDs. It is the universal medium of exchange. There are no real currency contenders to take the reserve currency mantle.

The US economy currently faces challenges but is still viewed as dynamic and highly productive. It benefits from safe haven demand for US treasuries (bonds) in time of unease.

The US Federal Reserve might be undermining the USD by quantitative easing (printing money) but so is everyone else with their own currency. It is difficult to work out who is wearing the cleanest of all the dirty shirts.

Dig below the surface and some pertinent questions are being

asked about prospects for the USD. Think of the USD as a scorecard on the US economy.

Yankee Doodle is looking less dandy. Covid-19 is biting and – some believe – mismanaged.

Social disorder is rising and protectionism is being pursued.

The US has also taken defining stances on the Paris Agreement on Climate, World Health Organisation and Trans-Pacific Partnership. Those stances signal a further winding back of globalisation.

While the US has been the dominant empire post WW11, empires, just like the British and Roman ones did, invariably face challenges.

The US (and global) economy is very unbalanced. It has been for a long time. The US economy has a low savings rate; they spend for today as opposed to save for tomorrow. They need to import capital to fund a savings shortfall relative to investment needs, which is reflected in a current account deficit. That financing comes from Germany, Japan and

the like, who have the reverse problem; they save too much and spend too little.

Put simply, the US has borrowed from the rest of the world for a long time to support an inflated standard of living. Net external debt (borrowing with the rest of the world) is more than $12 trillion.

Now, insufficient savings and macro imbalances risk being exacerbated by a blow out in the fiscal deficit as revenues collapse and spending ramps up.

Of course, the United States consumer is also the world’s best customer.

It is hardly in the funders’ (Japan, China and et cetera) interests to cease financing the nation’s spending profligacy and see the USD go down (and their currencies go up). But common sense also says that you put your savings somewhere that retains its value. Otherwise, go chase Zimbabwean dollars.

The world faces many post covid-19 uncertainties. The path for the USD is one to keep an eye on.

LK0100740©

USD path is one to keep your eye on

Heavy duty long lasting Ph 021 047 9299

NEW LISTING

Hastings 712 Matapiro Road, Crownthorpe

Summerhill, pristine 100 hectare finishing farm

4

Summerhill farm, 250 acres of easy contour located only 25 kilometres from Stortford Lodge sale yards, is a magnificent finishing farm boasting large areas of easy contour, a fully reticulated water system and extensive laneways providing excellent workability. Nicely elevated, the 2003 built four bedroom (plus office) home at the end of the sealed driveway provides fantastic rural views over the Heretaunga plains and towards Te Mata Peak.

There are also several other potential house sites. Another feature is the eight bay implement shed with five lockable, stable and hay shed included, along with cattle yards and approximately 10 hectares of fully tended mature Pinus radiata topping off this very tidy and well located farm. This property suits all types of purchasers with harvestable woodlots and further subdivision potential a real carrot for the purchaser.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 16 Sep 2020 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz

1

2

2

EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2852177

NEW LISTING

Central Hawke's Bay 721 Atua Road, Elsthorpe

'Springbush' is as good as it gets

4

Located only nine kilometres from Elsthorpe village, Central Hawke's Bay with a similar travelling distance to Waipukurau and Hastings is 'Springbush' a magnificent 156 hectare finishing property. This immaculate 385 acres boasts a large 2005 built four bedroom home (plus office) which is nicely elevated to capture the impressive rural landscape of the farm to the east. A very productive unit with over 70 hectares of flat to easy land that has been regrassed, with the balance easy hill, the fertility ensures all lambs and cattle are finished to excellent weights. Improvements include a large near new set of cattle yards, four stand woolshed/sheepyards complex, all topped off with a fully reticulated water system. A must view for the first or retiring farmer, or for those that want a powerful additional finishing property. Don't snooze it will be gone.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 10 Sep 2020 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Andy Hunter 027 449 5827 andy.hunter@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2852273

bayleys.co.nz

1

2

2

EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

At one with nature - multiple options

Early opportunity

TENDER

OPEN DAY

WEB ID LR76883 WAIKANAE 156 and 158 Akatarawa Road View By Appointment Situated in the picturesque Akatarawa Valley within a 10 TENDER closes Wednesday 26th August, 2020 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to, Property Brokers, 1 Bristol Street, Levin minute drive from Waikanae, this 143.61 ha block in two titles (68.8927 ha and 74.7148 ha) is rarely available this close to the city. Option to buy one or both.

Features include; The stony bottomed Reikorangi Stream, areas of flat to rolling contoured pasture caters for the budding farmer.

Options with multiple building sites.

Partially deer fenced.

TENDER

This is the complete package. Call now for further information.

WEB ID TUR77225 ONGARUE 424 Tapuiwahine Road This is a 289. 34 hectare solid sheep and beef farm, ready and prepared to make a dollar for you. It has been under the current ownership for eight years and has had many improvements made since then including fertilser.

• Approx. 249 hectares effective • Very good 4 bedroom home • 4 stand woolshed • Well fenced and watered • Strong soil type

TENDER VIEW 13 & 20 Aug 11.00 - 1.00pm TENDER closes Thursday 3rd September, 2020 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), 27 Hakiaha Street Taumarunui

Katie Walker

Mobile 027 757 7477 Office 07 895 7123 Home 07 895 7112 katiew@pb.co.nz

Paul Beckett

Mobile 027 555 7810 paulb@pb.co.nz

4 2

Picturesque premium dairy farm

WEB ID DR76844

DANNEVIRKE 109 Vaughan Road Located only 25 km from Dannevirke, situated on the corner of State Highway 2 and Vaughan Road, this very picturesque dairy farm comprises of 114.2374 ha in three titles.

This farm boasts flat to gentle rolling contour with some nice river terraces and a variety of native trees. Not only is this a productive farm, but also one that will be a pleasure to farm. The exceptionally clean and lush new pasture is sure to turn heads.

pb.co.nz

Pristine lime coated laneways leading to an immaculate 30 aside herringbone cowshed with an in shed feed system.

The accommodation is an impressive main residence, boasting a spacious and extensively modernised 4 bedroom home plus office with the second home being a very well maintained three bedroom house. Don't hesitate as properties of this calibre are rare and seldom offered to the market.

BY NEGOTIATION + GST (IF ANY)

VIEW By Appointment

Jim Crispin

Mobile 027 717 8862 Office 06 374 8102 Home 06 374 6768 jimc@pb.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 10, 2020

N EW

LIS TI N G

30

FINISHING PROPERTY WITH WILDERNESS ASPECT CLOSE TO NAPIER Flat Hill Road, Tutira, Hawke’s Bay

212.14 hectares Tender

nzr.nz/RX2391120

This property combines a mix of finishing country in a reliable rainfall area and real X-Factor wilderness. With large stands of native bush by the scenic Waikare River, panoramic views from ranges to ocean and an abundance of wildlife, including; deer, native birds and trout - seldom do blocks like this come to the market only one hour from Napier.

Situated 61km north of Napier, this 212ha property enjoys a mix of contours with approx. 140 ha currently grazed and 45ha in a cultivation programme. Currently run as a "summer safe" beef and lamb finishing operation the access, reliable rainfall and infrastructure is well set up to support this.

Infrastructure is in excellent condition and includes; an all weather metalled road, reticulated water system, set of sheep / cattle yards, quality fencing and good 4wd farm access.

Options are plentiful; further develop the established summer safe farming operation, set up as an escape or hunting destination, build a house to take advantage of the spectacular views. Leasing out the farmland could also be an option.

Tender Closes 12pm Thu 24 Sep 2020, NZR, 5 Ossian Street, Ahuriri, Napier Duncan McKinnon 021 241 9073 | duncan@nzr.nz Hawkes Bay Real Estate Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

CAMERON REALTY LTD

FOR SALE AN ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENT 504 WAIRAKEI ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH ASKING PRICE: $3,600,000 + GST (IF ANY)

HEADLANDS DRIVE

TE AWAMUTU’S MOST EXCLUSIVE SECTIONS FOR SALE FROM SIZES 2507 M2 (APPROX.) TO 4997 M2 (APPROX.)

• • • • • • •

TITLES ISSUED – BUILD NOW!!!

COVENANTS APPLY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT PRICED FROM $395,000 INCL. GST (IF ANY) DEFERRED SETTLEMENT TERMS AVAILABLE POWER, NATURAL GAS, FIBRE DUCTING AND RESTRICTED TOWN WATER SUPPLY INSTALLED TO EACH LOT BOUNDARY IDYLLIC COUNTRY AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS AVAILABLE FROM MOST SECTIONS TRADEME REFERENCE: GVW811 Daryl Dodunski P: 027 693 2767 E: daryl@cameronrealty.co.nz Licensed Real Estate Agent REAA 2008

GOVERNMENT AND AGRI-TENANTED INVESTMENT A fantastic opportunity to acquire a high spec, post-earthquake investment - fully occupied with blue chip Government and Professional Services tenants.

Strong tenant covenant with Education Review Office (ERO) and Brown Glassford & Co. The education-based Government department and highly reputable agri-accountancy firm provides excellent security of cashflow for investors.

Call our agents today for further information.

+ + + + + + + +

Quality post earthquake build Fully occupied Outstanding tenant covenant Government + Agri sectors Excellent local amenity Unique secured car parking Net Rental: $252,080 pa Circa 7% return

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Thursday 10 September 2020 at 4.00pm* TIM ROOKES 027 562 3700

CAMERON DARBY 027 450 7902

*Unless sold prior www.cbre.co.nz/20072020 CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 10, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

31

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

NEW LISTING

WELCOME BAY, BAY OF PLENTY Best in Bay •

New Listing

• •

23 Ngutunui Road, Te Awamutu Meateater Homekills is an established home kill and meat processing business sited on a 7993sqm developed section well located in Ngutunui, 15 minutes south of Te Awamutu. The buildings include a fully equipped processing shed with refrigeration, office and yards plus a one bedroom self contained unit attached to a double garage.

For Sale $875,000 + GST (if any)

Noldy Rust 027 255 3047

View by appointment

rwteawamutu.co.nz/TEA23648 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

Welcome to GlobalHQ’s new Real Estate Partnership Manager Clint Dunstan I come from a diverse professional background that has seen me work in everything from professional rugby to fundraising.

This varied background has given me a wealth of experience in building effective, long-term commercial relationships. Some of my achievements include working as a contract Performance Analyst for the New Zealand rugby sevens teams and leading a $5.5 million fundraising campaign for Wildbase Recovery.

I have a passion for the Real Estate sector, most recently working with one of New Zealand’s marquee commercial property developers. Born and bred in Manawatu, I am also passionate about rural and regional New Zealand.

Contact Clint today on 06 323 0760, 027 474 6004 or email clint.dunstan@globalhq.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising

• • • •

Section with unbeatable, unbelievable and unrestricted views Mauao and harbour entrance in the middle Over the city to Tuhua the Mayor and the wild blue yonder Check the surf on Matakana Island or go fishing Heaps of room for a man cave and boat shed here!

3.775ha with tracks and trails 1000 plus native trees for birds and bees Bring your architect and make your dream home come true

PRICE BY NEGOTIATION GST Inclusive

VIEW By Appointment Only

Andrew Fowler M 027 275 2244 E afowler@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TAR32605 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Helping grow the country

NZ’s #1 Agri Job Board

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 10, 2020

GENERAL HAND WANTED

SALES MANAGER – PREMIUM STOCK FEED

Hamilton Are you looking for a senior sales leadership role with influence? The Waikato and greater region have a significant impact on the profitability of our Livestock business, and this role is key to our business success.

You will lead Area Livestock Managers and their Livestock Representatives in the region to drive existing business and develop high performing sales culture. The role reports to the North Island Livestock Manager and will be based in Hamilton To find out more or apply; https://careers.pggwrightson.co.nz/search and enter reference number 14742FARWEE. For more information on this opportunity, please contact Peter Moore on 021 526 747.

www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

WE ARE THE SOLUTION GET IN TOUCH

For all your employment ads Debbie 027 705 7181, classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

WE’RE HIRING AgriHQ and Livestock Sales Partnership Manager GlobalHQ Limited

We are looking for a driven individual to join our livestock team based in Feilding. You will be working with farmers, subscribers, agents, corporates and supply chain partners to sell across our wide range of information and data products.

GlobalHQ is NZ’s leading red meat and forestry data information provider, through AgriHQ, and also publishes the Farmers Weekly, Dairy Farmer Magazine and an extensive range of video, digital and social products.

A sound understanding of NZ’s livestock industry and red meat/forestry markets is an integral part of this role.

You will use your agricultural knowledge and your customer service experience to reach sales targets, using the world-leading Salesforce CRM system.

You will require a good understanding of the G suite cloud computing tools and usual computer products, along with efficient administration skills.

This position is based in our Feilding office.

To request a job description and application form, please email: hr@globalhq.co.nz.

Applications close Friday 14 August, 2020.

For a 439ha bull beef unit at Purua 27km west of Whangarei.

The Nutrinza business is growing and the time has come to invest in a specialist sales manager to lead the technical sales team to even greater heights.

With its roots firmly in the dairy cattle feed sector, Nurtinza is growing. Their customers are increasingly looking to create specialist feed blends to suit their farming system and herd needs so this isn’t a commodity or bulk market play.

Our sales team are already successful because they know a lot about ruminant nutrition, the business invests heavily in their technical training to keep them ahead of the game, and they have access to products, mixes and blending systems that mean the customer really can get exactly what they want and need. But now it’s time for the part time non-sales management specialists to hand the management reins of this team to someone who can take the team, and the business, to the next level.

As you would expect, in a role with 10 sales people based around New Zealand there’s the normal management, mentoring and coaching requirements of leadership and there’s also a key account portfolio to manage. Added to this is participation in the senior leadership team and you’ve got a job that’s varied, exciting and offers the opportunity to step into contributing to whole of business strategy. If you’re a great sales person then you’ll know how rare and how attractive these things are.

With a view to succession, increasing leadership competence and growing industry influence as well as sales, this is a critical role for the Nutrinza business and is going to take a special blend of leadership, management and sales competency.

We know that to be successful you’ll already have significant agri-related sales success on your CV and you’ll also have already lead a team of sales people. We also reckon you need to be in the ‘excited, highly motivated and proving yourself stage of your career’ with the right combination of customer focus, confidence, humility and ‘holding to account’ competency to make leading an already successful sales team work.

So, if there’s more to you than the ‘average’ sales person and you have leadership aspirations and abilities at a business level then take a look at the Nutrinza website. And if you like the look of that, register with us today and take the first step towards your new future. www.no8hr.co.nz (Ref#8HR1301)

You will need previous drystock experience, be competent with farm machinery and tractors on hill country, skilled in farm maintenance and have one or two good working dogs.

This position would suit a honest, reliable, self-motivated person who can work on your own under the farm manager.

Must have NZ residency. 4-bedroom house available. School bus at gate. Salary negotiable.

Phone Peter and Trixie Foote 09 434 6590 pb_tfooties@xtra.co.nz

0101788

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

63.57x120

JOBS BOARD FW Jobs Board

2021 Scholarships AgriHQ Livestock Sales Partnership Manager Farm Manager General Manager Livestock Manager Sales Manager Shepherd Shepherd General JW0103384©

WAIKATO/BOP

National role Waikato base Growing business

www.no8hr.co.nz | ph: 07-870-4901

Stock Manager Tractor/Truck/Machinery Operators *FREE upload to Farmers Weekly jobs: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz *conditions apply

Exciting New Role:

Contact Debbie Brown 027 705 7181 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

GENERAL MANAGER – AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING Yes, we ARE excited about this new role and what it will mean to our clients, team and the EAL business, we know it will be a catalyst for opportunity.

EAL AgriServices is a Central Canterbury agricultural contracting business that services both the arable and livestock sectors, with mowing, baling and cartage, cultivation and drilling, and supplementary feed. Established in 2002, the business has been providing farmers with competitively priced and cost-effective agricultural contracting, with modern well-maintained machinery, and highly skilled operators.

With branches in both Southbridge and Hororata, EAL has built excellent long-term relationships with clients across Central Canterbuty.

EAL AgriServices has recognised an opportunity to grow the business while ensuring we maintain our strong client focus and team culture. To achieve that we have created this General Manager role.

This is a key leadership role and will create opportunity for…

Our clients, the General Manager will be focused on operational leadership, ensuring we continue to deliver an efficient, high-quality service to our clients and challenging us to keep improving this service.

Our team, the General Manager will provide leadership to our operational team, supporting our culture and values, ensuring we maintain a skilled and experience team.

The EAL business, with the General Manager focused on the core operational success our Managing Director will be freed up to focus his energy on new opportunities for the EAL group.

Our new General Manager to step into an established agricultural contracting business and help drive its continued growth and success.

What’s important to us…

Critically important is a passion for agriculture and a dedication and commitment to the success of the team and the business.

Not negotiable is a drive for customer satisfaction and proven team leadership.

A strong work ethic, which values professionalism, reliability, and performance.

For a full position descriptions visit: www.peoplemad.co.nz/current-jobs/ EAL provides a supportive work environment and competitive remuneration package.

To apply If you possess the passion, drive and competency required for this role, submit your CV and cover letter to info@peoplemad.co.nz.

Applications close Monday 24th August 2020.

Want to discuss first?

Please contact Sarah Watson at PeopleMAD on 021 800 88

JW103371©

Regional Livestock Manager

• • •

LK0103400©

LK0102968©

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

SHEPHERD GENERAL Terawhiti is an historic coastal property consisting of 5000ha, 14,000su, located on the outskirts of Wellington. It provides an interesting and varied work environment as the business consists of beef cattle, sheep, goats, wind farm, tourism, forestry and beekeeping.

A full time position, starting early November to assist Manager with all aspects of running the farm.

We Offer: • Comfortable 3 bedroom house, located on sealed road, 10 minutes to Karori and 20 minutes to Wellington CBD • Ideal location for partner to work in Wellington • School bus at gate to primary school 2km away and a range of secondary schools • Numerous recreational activities on farm, and all that Wellington has to offer • Competitive salary plus bonus scheme The ideal applicant will have: • A great work ethic and good physical fitness • Minimum 3 years experience • Proven track record of top stockmanship on similar property • A team of 3 good dogs • Competence in using a handpiece and basic fencing • The ability to take on responsibility and work unsupervised.

Email C.V. to terawhiti.farm@outlook.com with at least two referees, by 31st August 2020 Enquiries to Guy Parkinson 027 609 7474 or 04 476 4804 evenings

LK0103347©

32

FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT Only $6.00 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 brianmace@xtra.co.nz

BREEDING. TRAINING. Selling.

Buying. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos – email: mikehughesworkingdogs@ farmside.co.nz WHATATUTU DOG SALE. Saturday 5th September at Otara Station, 319 Whatatutu Road.

Te Karaka, Gisborne. Sale starts 12 noon. Dosing clearance required.

Enquiries to Allen Irwin. Phone 06 862 3618. Email: toromirostation@gmail. com

DAGS .20c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks.

PV Weber Wools.

Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section.

Phone Debbie Brown on 0800 85 25 80 to book in or email classifieds@ globalhq.co.nz

CALF TRAILER MATS

DOGS WANTED

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

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

GOATS WANTED

FERAL GOATS WANTED. All head counted, payment on pick-up, pick-up within 24 hours. Prices based on works schedule.

Experienced musterers available.

Phone Bill and Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916.

Country Romance!

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

M O R R I S O N WILTSHIRES & Low Input Composite Sheep.

NZ’s Original Wiltshire Flock. Ewes and rams available now. Contact Richard Morrison: 021 626 513 richard@ thegullies.nz - www. thegullies.nz

GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds.

Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten.

Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

PUMPS HIGH PRESSURE WATER PUMPS, suitable on high headlifts.

Low energy usage for single/3-phase motors, waterwheel and turbine drives. Low maintenance costs and easy to service. Enquiries phone 04 526 4415, email sales@hydra-cell.co.nz

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

027 643 0403.

GRAZING AVAILABLE

A down to earth genuine lady, with a caring, bubbly personality.

Blonde hair, hazel eyes, 5’4 with a slim figure.

She loves the outdoors, caravanning, gardening, cooking, walks & spending time with that someone special.

Tired of being alone she is searching for a gentleman to share her life with.

To meet, Please call

0800 446 332

quote code 49 www.countrycompanionship.co.nz

WILTSHIRE & SHIRE® Meat rams. Low input. www.wiltshire-rams.co.nz 03 225 5283.

STOCK FEED HAY 12 EQUIVALENT SQUARES 100+gst.

BALEAGE $110+gst. Unit loads available. Phone 021 455 787.

0800 85 25 80

4X4 TAGALONG TOURS

SOMETHING?

Dates 2021

76 80 +GS

$

T

SUPPLYING FARMERS SINCE 1962

Industries Ltd

Jan 10-13, Feb 21-24, March 14-17, April 25-28.

SOLID – PRACTICAL

0800 901 902 sales@pppindustries.co.nz www.pppindustries.co.nz

Do you have something to sell?

• Whole House

Other dates available for groups of 6 or more people on request

Ph: 03 314 7220 Mob: 0274 351 955 Email info@southislandtoursnz.com www.southislandtoursnz.com

• Town or Tank Water

• Installer Network

• Chlorine Removal

LK103354©

Call Debbie

0800 85 25 80

Ph 09 376 0860 www.jder-cintropur.co.nz

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Quality products made in Europe or by PPP A trusted name in the poultry industry for over 50 years 0800 901 902

sales@pppindustries.co.nz

Industries Ltd www.pppindustries.co.nz

Notice of Election - DairyNZ Board of Directors - DairyNZ Directors Remuneration Committee

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

Invitation for 2020 candidate nominations – three positions available

11.5HP Briggs & Stratton Motor.

Industrial. Electric start.

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

In October, two elections will take place for DairyNZ Incorporated – one election for two farmer-elected directors for the Board of DairyNZ Incorporated and a second election for one member of the Directors Remuneration Committee.

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

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

Phone 027 367 6247 • Email: info@moamaster.co.nz

LK0102988©

GST $4400 INCLUSIVE

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

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

Advertise in Farmers Weekly

SUPPLIERS OF: • Nest boxes – manual or automated • Feed and drinking trays • Plastic egg trays

SHOP ONLINE

13.5HP. Briggs & Stratton Motor. Electric start.

1.2m cut

LK0102279©

Call or email us for your free copy of our plans Email: info@ezylinehomes.co.nz Phone: 07 572 0230 Web: www.ezylinehomes.co.nz

Free range & barn eggs

• No Expensive Cartridges

2 YEAR WARRANTY. NZ ASSEMBLED. ELECTRIC START & QUALITY YOU CAN RELY ON

Our homes are built using the same materials & quality as an onsite build. Easily transported to almost anywhere in the North Island. Plans range from one bedroom to four bedroom First Home – Farm House Investment – Beach Bach

Tour 2 D’Urville Island and Marlborough High Country Dates Dec 6-10, 2020,

Water Filter Systems

www.nzvintageclub.co.nz

WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

Tour 1 Molesworth Station, St James, and Rainbow Stations

Tractors, Machinery, Cars, Trucks.

NEW HOMES

Bring your own 4X4 on a guided tour to discover more of the South Island.

Poultry Equipment

Sat 12th Sept, 10am 723 McLeans Island Road Christchurch

Further entries invited: Phone Stuart Sanders 03 312 6861

Sheep and beef property preferred or variable of.

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

CONTROL FLYSTRIKE & LICE

NOTICEBOARD ADVERTISING

NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call ....

T H INK P REB UILT

Hardworking family with 20+ years experience.

SELLING

Includes • Jetter unit • Pump & hose kit • Delivery to nearest main centre

FO SALR E

NZ Vintage Machinery Club Annual Auction

HOOF TRIMMER

LEASE FARM WANTED

Any area and options considered.

LK0099618©

BIRDSCARER

With automatic release and spray system. www.vetmarker.co.nz 0800 DOCKER (362 537)

Would consider management or share farming position or similar.

FO SALR E

0800 436 566

DE HORNER

VETMARKER

LAMB DOCKING / TAILING CHUTE

Jan 17-21, March 21-25, April 11-15.

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND 300 – 400 hoggets or ewes, from August to December. Phone John 06 385 4147 or 021 158 5128.

DOLOMITE EARMARKERS

RAMS FOR SALE

LK0103152©

PERSONAL

LK0103059©

ATTENTION FARMERS

DOGS FOR SALE

WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide.

We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase.

NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 04 293 2097 Richard.

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

33

Registered levy-paying dairy farmers are invited to nominate candidates to fill these three positions.

All farmers paying a levy on milk solids to DairyNZ are eligible to stand for either election. An information pack outlining desired criteria and nomination requirements for the positions can be obtained from the Returning Officer.

Nominations must be received by the Returning Officer by 12 noon on Thursday, 3 September 2020.

Elections

FOR SALE

LK0103169©

CRAIGCO SHEEP JETTERS. Sensor Jet. Deal to fly and Lice now. Guaranteed performance.

Unbeatable pricing.

Phone 06 835 6863. www.craigcojetters.com

GORSE AND THISTLE SPRAY. We also scrub cut. Four men with all gear in your area. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

FORESTRY

LK0103279©

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

CONTRACTORS

JW103370©

ANIMAL HANDLING

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

LK0103326©

Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 10, 2020

If more candidates than the required nominations are received, elections will be carried out by postal, and internet voting using the STV (single transferable vote) voting method. Votes will be weighted by annual milk solids production. Voter packs will be posted on 21 September 2020 to all registered DairyNZ levy payers, with voting closing at 12 noon on Tuesday, 20 October 2020.

The DairyNZ Annual General Meeting will be held in Ashburton on Wednesday, 21 October 2020. Election results will be announced at the meeting.

For further details contact the Returning Officer as below.

Anthony Morton Returning Officer – DairyNZ Incorporated 0800 666 946 iro@electionz.com

34

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

RANUI ANGUS

Livestock Noticeboard

WE’RE GROWING

YEARLING BULL & HEIFER SALE 12 noon Tuesday, 8th September, 2020 Karamu, 662 Rangitatau East Rd, Wanganui

ON OFFER: 12 noon Tuesday, September 25, 2007 26 yearling bulls • 30 yearling heifers

Karamu, 662 Rangitatau East Rd, Bulls Wanganui have Low Birth

THE CASHMERE INDUSTRY

GROW WITH US. Call now & join the renaissance of this exciting industry.

YEARLING BULL & HEIFER SALE

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 10, 2020

+64 27 228 7481 info@nzcashmere.com

www.nzcashmere.com Follow us on

Weight & Early Gestation

On offer: 25 yearling bulls ENQUIRIES 30 yearling heifers, which will be sold in lots

TO:

 Vet inspected  Quiet temperament

JW103349©

Lindsay Johnstone 027 445 3211

 All cattle BVD & EBL tested Maria Johnstone 027 610 5348  All cattle electric fence trained  TB status C10 or Contact your local agent

2020 PRICING:

$110 - $150 PER KG

INQUIRIES TO: Lin Johnstone Lindsay Johnstone 06 342 9833 06 342 9795 W & K AGENTS Blair Robinson Don Newland 027 491 9974 027 242 4878

WANTED – HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN HEIFERS 2019 BORN HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN HEIFERS R1yr Heifers F8-F16 - must be fully recorded with a sire and dam Also Unrecorded Heifers required

Proudly New Zealand Owned

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

Must have been on farm for 6 months

LK0103401©

Delivery early October 2020

Please contact your local agent for more information.

For more information call: Des van der Wal 021 933 018 Andy Carlson 027 452 9697

LK0103301©

BEEFGEN Livestock Manager: Brian Pearson Mobile: 0210 907 1688 Email: brian@beefgen.com BEEFGEN Office: Teeshay Harrison Phone: 06 927 7154 Email: export@beefgen.com

STUD STOCK ADVERTISING

Must have Friesian markings Subject to selection and Chinese health protocol tests

A/c Wether Hill C/O Windley Lands Ltd At Castlerock Sale Yards on Wednesday 19th August 2020 Commencing 1.30pm

Online sale at

Sign up at www.bidr.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Ltd in conjunction with Carrfields Livestock, have received instructions from Windley Lands Ltd to offer by Public Auction, their complete Capital Stock herd of Beef Cows and Heifers, due to change in farming practice.

• • • • • •

Kokonga Ironside 5005 Boehringer Ingelheim Dairy Sire

65 R2yr Angus 90 R2yr South Devon & SDX 45 R2yr Hereford Friesian 60 MA Angus & HAX 100 MA South Devon & SDX 30 MA Hereford Friesian

For further information contact our Noticeboard sales team

All PTIC to Angus Bulls Heifers due 25/9, run with Mt Linton Angus for 6 weeks Cows due 1/10, run with Mt Linton & Te Mania Angus for 6 weeks

on 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Enquiries to Carrfields Livestock Agent Scott Gibson Smith 027 255 8501

346 Kokonga East Road (end of road by woolshed) off the Port Waikato - Waikaretu Valley Road, RD5 Tuakau

PGG Wrightson Agent Mike Gill 027 591 8344

LK0103333©

The herd is previously known as “Barnhill” and comes off undeveloped hill country.

Recommended by the selling Companies.

2525 STUD STOCK

CAPITAL STOCK BEEF HERD AUCTION

Deliver your stud stock messaging to every farm letterbox nationwide with a weekly publication that farmers choose first for news, opinion, market updates and even their own advertising.

farmersweekly.co.nz

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 10, 2020

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

35

SALE TALK

STOCK REQUIRED

Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn’t need my help to leave the hospital.

“Proudly Based in Hawke’s Bay”

STORE LAMBS – Males & Ewes 36-42kg 1YR FRSN BULLS 180-260kg R2YR BULLS 350-420kg

After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.

R2YR & R3YR ANGUS STEERS 450kg+

2YR HEIFERS 370-420kg

On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.

GRAZING Required R2YR STEERS HB AREA

‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘She’s still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.’

Supplied by Carol Dunlop

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

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

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard UPCOMING AUCTIONS Monday, 10 August 2020 7.00 pm - Foveran Deer Hind & Weaner Sale Tuesday, 11 August 2020 7.00 pm – Brock Deer 5th Elite Mixed Age Hind and Weaner Sale

Wednesday, 12 August 2020 If you’ve got a 7.00 pm – National Livestock, per kg joke you want 7.30 pm – National Livestock, per head to share with Thursday, 13 August 2020 the Farming 1.30 pm – Salvation Army, Jeff Farm Sale community 7.00 pm – Tower Farms 30th Annual Hind Sale (it must be something you’d For more information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR share with your grandmother...) then email us at: saletalk@ globalhq.co.nz with Sale Talk in the subject line and we’ll print it Advertise your stock sales and credit it to for PGG Your source Wrightson livestock and farming listings in Farmers Weekly you.

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

EXPORT WANTED September Delivery Friesian Heifers

"Maximising your return through personal livestock management"

Here at Farmers Weekly we get some pretty funny contributions to our Sale Talk joke from you avid readers, and we’re keen to hear more!

Spring 19 Born - $1650.00 Autumn 19 Born PTIC - $1800.00

Conditions apply

farmersweekly.co.nz

North Island Luke McBride 027 304 0533 Harry Van De Ven 027 486 9866 Wayne Doran 027 493 8957

_______________________________

byllivestock.co.nz

07 823 4559

South Island Richard Harley 021 765 430 Greg Collins 027 481 9772

byllivestock

GOING GOING GONE!

Recorded Heifer calves North Island – Auckland South 7-10 day old Friesian calves F12+ with recorded Friesian sire.

Weaner Heifer calves Nationwide F12 + with Friesian sire 100kg plus J12 + with Jersey sire 80kg plus Deposit paid on commitment.

Have you got a sale coming up?

Advertise in Farmers Weekly

Contact Nick Dromgool 027 857 7305

LK0103133©

nick.dromgool@geneticdevelopment.co.nz

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

Need an Angus bull ving and Specialising in Ease of Cal

CONSIDER THIS . . .

Specialising in ease of calving and heifer mating All our best bulls offered at our annual yearling sale Full EBVs on all animals HD50K Excellent Temperament

Key: Dairy CAPITAL STOCK SALE, KAIWERA, GORE A/C Salvation Army, Jeff Farm.

2150 Old Coach Rd, Kaiwera.

A ‘Livestreamed bidr® Auction’.

Heifer Calves Wanted

Fully Registered 300 cow herd

LK0103338©

Please Contact

Our complete program (all 300 cows) is focused on ease of calving and heifer mating Good selection of bulls with growth and carcass attributes without compromising ease of calving

Heifer mating

WHO ELSE IN NZ TICKS ALL THOSE BOXES?

FERTILITY Calve as 2 yr old Only 43 days mating - cows Only 30 days mating - heifers Cull everything that doesn’t rear a calf

Thursday 13th August, 1.30pm

PGG Wrightson has received instructions from the Salvation Army, Jeff Farm, to offer by Public Auction the following, due to the expiry of a lease.

Sheep • 600 Wairere and Motonui Romney MA Ewes ( 2-5 shear ) SIL 177% excluding triplets • 650 Wairere and Motonui Romney F & FM Ewes SIL 184% excluding triplets

Both lines in lamb to Sufftex Rams due 15/9/20.

• 400-600 Wairere and Motonui Romney Ewe Hoggets

Good line of Ewe Hoggets with numbers confirmed closer to sale date.

Animal Health • All stock dipped in April • MA Ewes are Toxo and Campo vaccinated as hoggets, and have been on an annual 6 in 1 vaccination programme (not given this year) • Ewe Hoggets have received a Toxo, Campo and 6 in 1 vaccination Cattle • 25 Angus 1st Calving Heifers • 3 Hereford 1st Calving Heifers

3rd cycle Heifers In Calf to an Angus Bull, due mid October.

Plant • Racewell automatic 6-way crutching and weigh platform unit.

Contact Paul Pearce PGG Wrightson Rep M 027 478 5761 John Chittock Jeff Farm Manager M 027 220 2393 Intending bidr® purchasers, you will need to register online, prior to auction.

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

Chris & Karren Biddles, RD1, Te Kopuru, Northland P: 09 439 1589 m: 021 795 929 e: chris@teatarangi.co.nz

100 Yearling Angus bulls at our Annual sale, on farm

2nd Sept 2020, 12.30pm

A bidr® livestreamed auction, hosted at www.bidr.co.nz

Cattle

Sheep

Other

CASTLEROCK CATTLE SALE Friday 14th August, 10.30am Cheviot Downs, Te Anau C10.

• 130 Hereford Yearling Steers • 55 Hereford and Angus x Yearling Steers • 55 Hereford and Angus x Yearling Heifers Nokomai Station, Athol C10 • 200 Hereford Yearling Steers MT & SM Day, Glen Eyre Station, Athol C10 • 140 Angus and Angus x Yearling Heifers.

Suitable for breeding.

Barry McAlister 027 441 6432

FOR PRIVATE SALE A/C Ratahua • 95 MA SIL Suffolk Ewes • In lamb to Suffolk and Dorset Down Rams • All ewes recorded on SIL Contact Callum McCrostie 027 472 8441

SPECIAL ENTRY CASTLEROCK CATTLE SALE Friday 14th August, 10.30am

Northern Southland Selling Centre A/C MT & SM Day, Glen-Eyre station.

• 100 Angus Yearling Heifers • 50 Hereford Angus Heifers Suitable for Breeding, Sudley bloodlines eligible for Angus Pure.

Contact Barry McAlister 027 441 6432

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

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

36

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Graham Johnson

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.55

5.45

6.00

NI lamb (17kg)

7.25

7.20

8.30

NI Stag (60kg)

6.10

6.10

8.85

NI Bull (300kg)

5.50

5.45

5.50

NI mutton (20kg)

4.95

4.95

5.50

SI Stag (60kg)

6.10

6.10

8.85

NI Cow (200kg)

4.15

4.15

4.40

SI lamb (17kg)

7.00

7.00

7.90

SI Steer (300kg)

4.90

4.85

5.70

SI mutton (20kg)

4.55

4.55

5.40

SI Bull (300kg)

4.90

4.75

5.30

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.80

3.70

4.25

UK CKT lamb leg

9.58

9.41

9.82

US imported 95CL bull

8.05

7.96

8.11

US domestic 90CL cow

7.46

7.79

7.54

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

South Island steer slaughter price

6.50

8.0

Oct

5.00

WOOL

4.50

(NZ$/kg)

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

5-yr ave

Apr

Jun

2018-19

Dairy

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

2018-19

2019-20

Aug 2019-20

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Last week

Prior week

Last year

1.97

1.88

2.96

MILK PRICE FUTURES

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

572

572

616

294

294

314

750

750

787

37 micron ewe

1.93

1.85

-

Super

30 micron lamb

3.55

1.90

-

DAP

Grain

Data provided by

Fertiliser

Aug 2019-20

FERTILISER

Coarse xbred ind.

Feb

Oct

5-yr ave

5.50

Dec

South Island stag slaughter price

12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

7.0

5.0

Oct

Last year

6.0

6.00 $/kg CW

South Island lamb slaughter price

9.0

4.00

$/kg CW

$/kg CW

5.00

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

7.0

5.0

5.50

4.50

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Company

Close

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

36.45

37.33

YTD Low 21.1

20.85

21.51

13.8

8.00

430

The a2 Milk Company Limited

7.50

420

5

5.8

3.61

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.28

9.21

4.26

7.00

410

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.975

5.03

3.445

4.7

5.62

3.595

400

Ryman Healthcare Limited

12.71

17.18

6.61

Port of Tauranga Limited

7.68

8.14

4.9

Mainfreight Limited

45.18

46.95

24

Contact Energy Limited

6.29

7.74

4.54

$/tonne

$/kg MS

8.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

6.0

6.00

4.00

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price 6.50

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

6.50 6.00

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

390

5.50

Sep-19

Nov-19 Jan-20 Sept. 2020

Mar-20

May-20 Sept. 2021

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Last price*

380

Jul-20

Jul-19

Sep-19

Nov-19

Jan-20

Mar-20

May-20

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

410

Listed Agri Shares

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

Close

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

20.85

21.51

13.8

Comvita Limited

2.83

4.97

1.66

Delegat Group Limited

12.97

13.33

6.39 3.41

0

0

2940

405

SMP

2825

2780

2620

400

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.83

4.06

1.78

1.91

1.35

AMF

3975

4000

4050

395

Foley Wines Limited Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.77

0.9

0.68

Butter

3690

3690

3650

Milk Price

7.23

7.23

7.23

$/tonne

WMP

0.18

0.21

0.176

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.83

2.3

1.29

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.77

3.01

1.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.17

8.2

5.55

Jul-19

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Sep-19

Nov-19

Jan-20

Mar-20

May-20

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3300

400

3200

350

3100

$/tonne

US$/t

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

385 380

* price as at close of business on Thursday

3000 2900 2800

390

5

5.35

3.3

Seeka Limited

Scales Corporation Limited

3.7

4.74

3.4

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

6.82

9.1

4.36

T&G Global Limited

2.8

2.93

2.35

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

16526

16959

12699

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11765

12073

8499

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12513

12550

9100

300 250

Jul

Aug Sep Latest price

Oct

Nov 4 weeks ago

Dec

200

Jul-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Sep-19

Nov-19

Jan-20

Mar-20

May-20

16523

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

11765

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

12513

37

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview It’s spring-like in New Zealand this week, with some wintry surges brushing Southland but a sub-tropical low brushing Northland.

It means two quite different sets of weather with many in the middle, leaning drier than average and fairly mild as well.

There may be a colder southerly later this week in southern areas and perhaps more of a southerly flow going into the weekend.

There may also be a little more wet weather for northern NZ this Friday or weekend.

High pressure is moving in behind this, so a colder nationwide southerly flow is likely this weekend, as the high crosses NZ early next week – potentially bringing in a period of more settled weather.

Watch for competition in key beef markets

06/08/2020

Mel Croad mel.croad@globalhq.co.nz

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Wind

Various winds this week with highs and lows tracking over or near NZ. Northern areas will have northerlies and easterlies for a time, before the westerlies return mid-week.

Southern NZ continues on with the south-west flow.

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature Temperatures this week should be around average and start to lean milder than usual once again for most regions. The south of the South Island may be closer to normal with more winds off the Southern Ocean moving in.

14-day outlook

NZ has a spring weather pattern forming – this sees more injections of warmth than previous months.

However, we’re certainly not done with the wintry southerly changes either.

There will be southerly flows at times this week in the very south, helping to drop temperatures from time to time. But further north the winds won’t be so cold.

There’s a good variety of highs and lows around the country, perhaps more high pressure dominating next week.

Sub-tropical low on Monday/ Tuesday in the north may produce some localised heavy falls. Keep an eye on the rain maps at www.farmersweekly. co.nz/weather for the very latest. Some colder winds will brush Southland and Otago, and it will be drier in central NZ.

7-day rainfall forecast

0

5

10

20

30

40

50

60

80

100

200

N

EW Zealand beef export volumes seasonally climb from November.

This will be a good test to see how we have adapted to market challenges that covid-19 has created.

Demand for red meat has softened, as displayed by weaker asking prices in key markets.

Higher-value steak cuts are feeling the same repercussions as higher-value lamb cuts and venison due to global restaurant demand struggling to regain traction.

This means beef exporters will be heavily reliant on the strength of demand for lowervalue cuts until there is some change.

Import data from the US shows an increasing volume of cheaper, manufacturing beef appearing from Central and South America, which is becoming more attractive to US end-users.

Many within the industry expect it will only be a matter of time before more US buyers start to approve their usage.

Central American beef can now enter the US tariff-free, while the approval of beef from Brazil and Argentina has seen a pronounced lift in beef imports from next to nothing to now over 8000 tonne this year.

Already imports from Central and South America have climbed to 77,000t for the year. This is a 16,000t lift over the same period last year.

While these volumes still pale in significance to the combined volumes of NZ and Australian beef sold into the US, it’s the first time they have made a competitive bid on this market. Not only that, but Mexico is quickly climbing the ranks on

import volumes into the US, following the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Mexico is now the second largest beef importer to the US. Imports are up by over 30,000t on last year and over 40,000t higher than in 2018, adding further competition to this market.

Until recently, NZ’s only real competition in the US beef market came from Australia.

NZ and Australian manufacturing beef have typically set the benchmark for the US imported beef prices, meaning when either one’s supply to the US fell, the other would enjoy stronger pricing for their offerings which then flowed back to stronger farmgate beef prices.

The concern for NZ and Australian imports is there is now a growing list of competitors waiting in the wings which could clip any competitive advantage either country used to enjoy.

With neither NZ or Australia in a position to up manufacturing beef volumes to the US in the coming season, it looks like these relative newcomers could effectively plug the gap, lessening our ability to have a competitive say and potentially keeping a lid on imported beef prices. However, market conditions in the US need to remain competitive enough, otherwise the South American beef exporting powerhouses will simply focus their attention squarely on China.

Mexico, Brazil and Argentina are all signalling growth in beef production and exports, which is in stark contrast to NZ and Australia.

To remain competitive within our beef markets, our focus may need to switch to aligning with consumer preferences of quality rather than quantity. That may be a hard ask within the current global economy, but longer term it could be our only option.

400

Rain is mainly focused in the very south and very north of NZ over the coming week.

This is due to the showery south westerly flow in the south and the sub-tropical low (or lows) brushing the north.

Many places in the middle (the upper half of the South Island and the lower half of the North Island) look to lean drier than average.

CHALLENGE: The concern for NZ and Australian imports is there is now a growing list of competitors waiting in the wings which could clip any competitive advantage either country used to enjoy.

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

GET THE EDGE...

Discover how we can help you keep up to date with market conditions.

Head to agrihq.co.nz or call 0800 85 25 80

Livestock Outlook

For those who want to see and understand forecasting, this monthly report projects farmer operating prices six months ahead and supports these prices with analysis of supply/demand, procurement factors, key export markets and exchange rate effects.

Livestock Insight

Every week, we explain the context of the current market situation, drivers which are impacting the livestock markets and what to expect in the coming week.

LivestockEye

We create transparency for the industry with these independent, objective reports providing full sale results and informed commentary covering 10 sale yards across NZ that are emailed directly after the sale.

2476AGHQ

If you love the information you get from these pages, you will love AgriHQ’s livestock reports.

38

SALE YARD WRAP

Ewes with LAF looking good It is early days yet, but ewes with lambs-at-foot are starting to make an appearance at yards around the country. Most yards covered

by AgriHQ’s LivestockEye reports have had a few penned in the past few weeks. This market always starts off strong and then settles to levels relative to early predictions for lamb schedules, which is appropriate since these lambs will be the first to finish. Despite the strength of the old season store and prime lamb prices, it is likely that ewes with lambs-at-foot prices will follow their typical seasonal trend given the uncertainty of lamb outlooks, though low new season lamb supply could buffer any major decrease. To date, the small volume offered has made $91-$124 all counted.

NORTHLAND Wellsford R2 steer fair • Quality R2 Angus steers, 449-486kg, fetched $3.01-$3.03/kg • R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 462-467kg, held at $2.91-$2.97/kg • Top R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 473-521kg, improved to $2.85$2.93/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 460-471kg, managed $2.93-$3.00/kg Just under 500 R2 steers were penned at WELLSFORD last Monday and a reasonable number of determined buyers were present. Results were back on 2019 for most, though weights held up well and vendors were commended on the condition of the cattle presented. Both traditional and dairy-beef steers were discounted on 2019, though when compared to recent returns most traded at steady to improved levels.

R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 381-390kg, held at $2.83-$2.99/kg. Angus-Friesian, 462-467kg, also held at $2.91-$2.97/kg and Hereford-Friesian, 298-435kg, returned $2.73/kg to $2.91/kg.

Hereford-dairy steers, 395-467kg, earned $2.75-$2.88/kg.

A smattering of R1 and R2 Friesian and Friesian-cross bulls were also offered and at 312-381kg realised $2.23-$2.24/kg.

Read more in your LivestockEye. Kaikohe cattle • R1 beef steers made $2.85/kg to $3.20/kg • Autumn-born weaner Simmental-Friesian bulls fetched $545 • Autumn-born weaner Friesian bulls traded at $490-$500 • Better empty boner cows sold at $2.00-$2.10/kg • In-calf boner cows earned $2.15-$2.18/kg Like many other sales, a spring feel helped the market at KAIKOHE last Wednesday for the 500 head offering, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. R2 whiteface steers made $2.85/kg, with lesser beef-cross at $2.65-$2.70/ kg. A light yarding of R2 heifers had beef types at $2.60$2.70/kg, and off bred options down to $2.25-$2.35/kg. R1 bulls strengthened with Friesian at $2.85/kg and better Angus-Friesian up to $3.10/kg, while beef-cross heifers firmed to $2.50/kg to $2.70/kg.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • Boner cows lifted to $1.60/kg to $2.52/kg • R2 heifers varied at $2.50/kg to $2.90/kg A limited number of prime cattle continued to strengthen at PUKEKOHE last Saturday, where prime steers achieved $2.84/kg to $3.00/kg, and heifers returned $2.87/kg. Older store cattle had strong demand and light R2 whiteface steers fetched $2.99-$3.04/kg. Younger cattle softened, with better R1 steers at $3.15/kg to $3.36/kg, and medium crossbred heifers, $2.65/kg to $3.25/kg.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Autumn-born weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 110kg, made $580 • Good autumn-born weaner Angus heifers, 180kg, fetched $630 • Prime Charolais heifers, 598-660kg, sold at $2.96-$3.03/kg • Top prime lambs returned $195 A week of good weather contributed to a 10c/kg lift in store cattle prices last week, PGG Wrightson’s agent Chris Elliott reported. The 320-head yarding included good R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 400-530kg, which made $2.90/kg to $3.10/kg while good R1 steers, 250-340kg, earned $2.90/ kg to $3.25/kg. Heifers sold strongly with R2 HerefordFriesian, 386kg at $2.91/kg and R1 Hereford-Friesian, 240300kg, at $2.85/kg to $3.10/kg.

Wednesday’s prime sale lifted where heavy steers traded at $2.92/kg to $3.06/kg and medium, $2.80/kg to $2.91/ kg. The better heifers earned $2.86/kg to $3.03/kg while medium fetched $2.78-$2.85/kg. Well-conditioned Friesian cows returned $2.00-$2.35/kg.

Heavy prime lambs made $145-$195 on Monday, and

medium, $130-$142. Good store lambs returned $100-$136 with lighter types selling down to $60. Good prime ewes managed $120-$156.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • R2 Angus-cross and Hereford steers, 324-367kg, earned $3.20$3.21/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 328-455kg, made $2.95-$2.99/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 384kg, fetched $2.76/kg • Lamb numbers were low and made $87-$151 Specially advertised R1 Charolais-Simmental steers attracted plenty of attention at RANGIURU last Tuesday and 338kg-367kg sold for $1165 and $1270. Most of the remaining R1 steers were Hereford-Friesian and those in the best condition, 258-296kg, made $930-$1020 with the majority 163-236kg that fetched $690-$790. Traditional heifers, 192-287kg, were priced at $490-$760.

Prime steers were older big-framed ox that sold in the tight range of $2.95/kg to $3.07/kg. Almost 60 boner cows were available with Friesian, 568-642kg, half of the tally that earned $1.83-$1.90/kg while one pen at 605kg went slightly higher at $1.97/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero cattle fair • R2 Angus steers, 355-380kg, sold very well pushing to $3.54/kg • R2 Angus bulls, 440-445kg, sold at $2.63-$2.71/kg • R2 vetted-in-calf to an Angus bull were bought for $1110 • R1 Angus heifers, 200kg, realised $3.40/kg • Mixed-age traditional cows were bought for $1.61/kg There was a spring feel to the market at MATAWHERO last Tuesday where good demand from local and outside buyers strengthened the market. The average R2 steer lifted to $3.18/kg, while exotics sold down to $2.67/kg to $2.78/ kg. A small volume of R2 heifers sold on a steadier market, with the majority being Hereford-Friesian, 355kg, which traded at $2.38/kg. R1 cattle made up half of the yarding, where the top end of traditional steers was able to fetch up to $4.33/kg, with lesser types and exotics around $3.30/kg to $3.50/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Matawhero sheep • Heavy mixed-sex lambs earned $152 with light at $75 • Ewes with lambs-at-foot fetched $82-$84 • Prime ram lambs made $192 • Prime ewes sold at $135-$156 There were just over 1750 store lambs at MATAWHERO last Friday. Heavy male lambs strengthened to $146, with mediums at $110-$120 and light $84. At the top end, ewe lambs traded at $120-$138.50, with medium $100-$115 and light $60-$95. The top end of the prime lambs typically sold at $135-$144 with mediums $120-$128. Read more in your LivestockEye.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle sale 0408 • Most R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 355-391kg, managed $2.90$2.99/kg • R1 Angus-Friesian bulls, 235kg, improved 9c/kg to $3.32/kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 245-246kg, pushed to $3.25-$3.27/ kg • Autumn-born one-year Shorthorn-Hereford heifers, 260-311kg, returned $3.05-$3.19/kg • Prime Hereford-dairy steers, 496-510kg, strengthened to $2.90$2.95/kg Tuesday’s store cattle offering doubled on last sale tallies at FRANKTON for PGG Wrightson, up to 567, and springlike conditions helped to draw a good crowd. R2 Hereforddairy steers, 250-383kg, were solid at $2.80-$2.95/kg.

Beef-dairy heifers averaged 405kg for an improved return of $2.85/kg. Five Angus bulls, 404kg, also strengthened to

$2.85/kg. R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 231-251kg, traded at a marginally softer $3.31-$3.40/kg. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 232-263kg, lifted to $3.10-$3.14/kg. Autumn-born one-year heifers also sold to strong demand and HerefordFriesian, 343-349kg, returned $3.02-$3.05/kg. Autumnborn weaner Friesian steers, 131kg, held at $535 while the balance, 108-119kg, improved to $455-$530. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle sale 0508 • R2 beef-dairy steers, 440-502kg, realised $2.99-$3.04/kg • All R2 heifers, 440kg and over, managed $2.97-$3.01/kg • R1 Friesian bulls lifted to $2.66/kg • Autumn-born weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers returned $520 • Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian steers, 110-115kg, fetched $480$550 Cattle throughput lifted to 423 head for New Zealand Farmers Livestock at FRANKTON last Wednesday and sold on a mostly improved market. R2 beef-dairy steers averaged 420kg and $2.97/kg. Autumn-born weaner heifers made up a good portion of the offering and Charolaiscross and Hereford, 124-136kg, traded at $400-$415 with dairy-beef commonly $300-$390.

Prime Hereford-dairy steers lifted to $3.00-$3.05/kg, and beef-dairy heifers sold well at $2.95-$3.00/kg. Top end boner Friesian-cross cows, 439-626kg, achieved $2.22$2.24/kg, with second cuts at $2.04-$2.11/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Waikato-Hauraki feeder calf sales Results varied at five feeder calf sales held throughout the week at FRANKTON, TE AWAMUTU, TIRAU and REPOROA. Volume across these yards hovered around 3000 and buyers covered much of the North Island. Bidding was competitive, though kiwi-cross calves were very hard to sell. Top Friesian bulls eased to $135-$195 overall, with medium $80-$130 and small $30-$80. At Tirau the top line of Hereford-Friesian bulls achieved $425, with most other good types $220-$290, medium $160-$220, and small $50-$140. Red factor lines were discounted by $90-$130 on those levels. At Frankton Speckle Park-cross bulls and heifers returned $150-$175. Hereford-Friesian heifers firmed for most as top lines made $180-$240, medium $100-$145 and small $40-$80. Angus-cross varied from $50 to $145. A few Friesian were offered at Frankton and sold well at $240-$280, with medium $110-$140. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • R2 traditional steers, 378kg, were a highlight at $2.96/kg • The top end of R1 steers sold up to $3.63/kg • R1 Friesian bulls, 128-132kg, made $3.41/kg to $3.52/kg There were just over 200 head of store cattle on offer at TARANAKI last Wednesday. A few R3 steers were penned and Speckle Park-cross, off the hills fetched $2.75/kg, with 450kg Friesian at $2.64/kg. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 390kg, were firm at $2.82/kg, while the lion’s share of heifers traded at $2.53-$2.58/kg. Top prime steers achieved $2.89-$2.99/kg, and heifers strengthened to $2.74-$2.81/ kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Quality top end ewes improved to $164-$175.50 • Heavy ewes held at $139.50-$149.50 • Very heavy male lambs eased slightly to $148-$173 • Very heavy mixed-sex lambs also softened to $140-$146.50 More ewes were penned at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday as throughput lifted to 733, and most traded on a steady market. Very good ewes held at $115-$127 while the top-end of medium-good strengthened slightly to $110-$114.50, with the balance steady at $100. Lighter ewes were steady at $68-$95. Most two-tooth ewes held

39

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020

at $119-$119.50, though lighter types came back to $75.

Medium-good to heavy two to four-tooth ewes returned $111-$143. The top end of the good mixed-sex lambs held at $125-$136 while medium types eased to $118.50. Three very heavy ewe lambs managed $159, though good to heavy types softened to $128-$148.50. There were no cattle offered. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • R2 Hereford steers, 356-380kg, sold well at $3.20-$3.29/kg • Top R1 Angus steers, 208-240kg, reached $4.31-$4.35/kg • Top R1 traditional heifers, 167-249kg, achieved $3.25-$3.29/kg • Good to heavy male lambs held at $140-$161 • Good to heavy ewe lambs came back to $129-$155 July and August throughput records were broken at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, as lamb volume reached 12,500. The previous week’s high prices could not be sustained though the market was still strong. Medium to good male lambs came back to $124-$137 and similar ewe lambs $106-$131, with medium ewe lambs at $105$125. Mixed-sex from the Chatham Islands made $129$150.50. Two lines of ewes with lambs-at-foot varied from very big lambs at $120 all counted, to young blackface at $117.

An early spring cattle sale offered good quality to keen local buyers. Top lines sold above recent levels, though second and third cuts were off that pace. R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford heifers, 264-375kg sold in two cuts at $2.97-$3.00/kg and $2.69-$2.83/kg. R1 steers of the same breeding and 186-265kg varied from $660-$960. Read more in your LivestockEye.

types. A lot of 170-240kg traditional steers and heifers sold, the steers mostly $4.05-$4.25/kg and the heifers $3.35$3.60/kg. A good-sized line of 205kg Friesian bulls made $3.30/kg. A yarding of 10,000 store lambs mostly sold to similar levels as the week before. Two male lamb lines went up to $160, however more standard good lines were $145-$155, mediums $130-$140, while the rest bar the tailenders made $110-$125. Ewe lambs peaked at $151-$156, but other good lines were mainly at $135-$145, mediums $120-$130 and the rest mostly $105-$115. Eight small lines of ewes with lambs-at-foot were mainly passed in, but 550 3-4-year Romney ewes, SIL twins, were taken up to $248$250. Read more in your LivestockEye Rongotea cattle • R2 Hereford-Friesian and Angus-cross steers, 674kg, earned $2.75/kg • R2 Angus-cross heifers, 274-299kg, realised $2.81/kg to $3.12/kg • R1 Friesian bulls, 208-328kg, made $2.17/kg to $2.47/kg • Friesian boner cows, 510kg, fetched $1.87/kg • Weaner calves all sold at $400-$410 With fine weather keeping most cattle at home the main feature at RONGOTEA last Wednesday was the feeder calf pens, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Friesian bull calves softened to $40$105, with Hereford-Friesian, $80-$240. Hereford-Friesian and Speckle Park heifer calves were $40-$130. R1 HerefordFriesian and Angus-cross steers, 173-175kg, earned $2.97$3.03/kg, while same-breed heifers, 158-241kg, varied from $2.08/kg to $2.42/kg.

CANTERBURY

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Run-with-bull Hereford-Friesian cows, 502kg, earned $2.22/kg • Hereford-Friesian cows, 427-560kg, traded from $2.04/kg to $2.18/kg • Friesian cows, 470-600kg, made $2.18-$2.20/kg Nearly 4500 lambs were put forward at FEILDING last Monday with 45% very heavy types that traded at $180$201, while a third were heavy and $160-$178. Mediumgood pens provided the balance at $128-$154. Ewes had solid results and largely fell into two cuts: good types were the majority at $135-$156, while medium-good pens earned $105-$131. Read more in your LivestockEye. Manfeild Park feeder calf sales The two calf sales at MANFEILD PARK last week totalled 567 head and a run of fine weather attracted Hawke’s Bay and local buyers. Bulls were softer than the previous week though still strong. Top Friesian bulls made $120-$170, medium $60-$100 and small $10-$40. Hereford-Friesian reached $200-$290, with medium $130-$200 and small $60-$100.

Medium to good Angus-cross were discounted by $50$70, though small lines made similar values. Charolaiscross bulls returned $300, while Speckle Park-cross bulls and heifers made $200-$220. Top heifers firmed and Hereford-Friesian and Angus-cross reached $160-$220, though medium Hereford-Friesian at $100-$150 had a slight price advantage over Angus-cross at $80-$120. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store sale • R1 traditional steers, 175-250kg, were $3.95-$4.25/kg • January-born R2 Charolais heifers, 360kg, made $3.10/kg • Good ewes with lamb-at-foot made $116-$120 all counted • Male lamb average held at $140 • Ewe lamb average eased to $124 A little over 1300 store cattle had a solid sale. R2 and R3 steers were a stronger account for quality, with 410kg plus traditional lines mainly making $3.15-$3.35/kg, whereas dairy-beef types were mainly $2.85-$3.05/kg above 350kg.

R2 Friesian bulls, 500-575kg, held at $3.05-$3.15/kg. R2 heifers were stronger as 310-430kg dairy-beef lines were $2.75-$2.90/kg, with another 20c/kg paid for straight-beef

Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • R2 Hereford steers, 451-483kg, sold well at $2.76-$2.84/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 431kg, traded for $2.52/kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 195-211kg, managed $510-$570, $2.62-$2.70/kg • Prime Angus heifers, 430-563kg, earned $2.66-$2.77/kg The R1 heifer section totalled 145 head at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday and two-thirds were either AngusFriesian or Hereford-Friesian, 203-227kg, that sold for $550-$620. Prime prices firmed and high-yielding steers were purchased at $2.76-$2.86/kg, while lighter types around 500kg made $2.58-$2.68/kg. Ewes met good demand and prices lifted. Heavy ewes made $179-$215, while good types returned $119-$166 and medium $70$100. Prime lambs were firm with heavy types $168-$171 and good $120-$165. Heavy forward store lambs fared relatively well and were priced at $111-$143, with lighter types generally $90-$100. Read more in your LivestockEye. Coalgate cattle and sheep • Prime Angus steers, 464-500kg, sold well at $2.86-$2.92/kg • Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 669kg, fetched $2.95/kg • Scanned-in-lamb ewes traded for $168-$192 Store lambs numbered nearly 1000 at COALGATE last Thursday with quality forward store ewe lambs $128-$171 and lighter mixed-sex and male pens $80-$139. The top prime lambs earned $198 with the next cut $160-$195, while lighter types found top gear to sell in the tight range of $140-$149. One prime ewe managed $242 with other heavy pens $170-$228, and the balance $97-$149. Dairy cows contributed the biggest group in the cattle section with Friesian cows, 500-643kg, priced at $1.83-$1.91/kg.

Prime heifers were mostly Charolais-cross and a 467kg pen sold for the best price of the day at $2.99/kg. The store pens were mostly dairy or dairy-cross with the heaviest pen R2 Friesian steers, 483-513kg, that earned $2.07-$2.16/ kg, whereas the pick of the R1 pens was 264kg Friesian bulls that made $720. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cattle; all sheep • Hereford-Friesian steers, 581-610kg, were priced at $2.67-$2.70/ kg

• Hereford-Friesian steers, 503-575kg, made $2.50-$2.57/kg • Very heavy store lambs from a local station earned $180-$200 • One pen of prime ewes reached $280 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers sold well at TEMUKA last Monday as most earned $2.63-$2.69/kg. Charolaiscross and Angus heifers, 530-590kg, fetched $2.55-$2.64/ kg, while other breeds under 500kg ranged from $2.00/kg to $2.40/kg.

Boner cows sold well with Friesian and Kiwi-cross over 580kg priced from $1.89/kg to $2.02/kg. There were plenty of lambs in the forward store pens that generally earned $113-$158.

Heavy prime lambs sold on a resilient market at $161$194, but prices eased in the middle with medium types $120-$159. Heavy ewes earned $160-$209, with half the tally $100-$120 and a third cut $70-$99. Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka store cattle • R2 Angus steers, 276-306kg, fetched $2.82-$2.91/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 438kg, made $2.60/kg • R2 Friesian and Friesian-cross bulls, 412-452kg, fetched $2.59$2.65/kg • R2 Friesian heifers, 364-417kg, attracted bids of $1.92/kg to $2.06/kg Favourable weather encouraged bids at TEMUKA last Thursday. R2 steers were mostly mixed-quality HerefordFriesian, 300-400kg, that sold across a wide price range and one red-coloured pen, 341kg, outperformed the rest at $2.64/kg.

R1 Angus provided the biggest highlights. They were often sold in big pens and 33 steers, 225-255kg, earned $710-$720, while 275kg heifers made a healthy $730.

Nearly 75 sold across three other heifer pens with one line, 222kg, holding 43 heads that fetched $670 while the remainder, 171-195kg, made $490-$550. Read more in your LivestockEye.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep • Heavy prime lambs held at $140-$170 • Medium prime ewes fetched $110-$130, and light $70 There was a small yarding of prime lambs at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday which sold on a steady market with medium types at $120-$130. Demand for store lambs lifted significantly, and the top end realised $110$120, medium $90-$105, and light $60-$70. Heavy prime ewes lifted to $140-$170.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep • Boner cows fetched $1.50/kg to $1.70/kg • R1 Friesian bulls, 183-189kg, made $2.24-$2.28/kg • Good prime two-tooths earned $120, with medium $90-$110 • Medium store lambs returned $90-$105, with light $70-$80 A small yarding of prime cattle sold on a sound market at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday, where good heifers, 490kg, made $2.48/kg and lighter types $1.60/kg to $1.80/ kg. R2 steers earned $2.02-$2.09/kg, while beef-cross heifers, 380-420kg, sold at $2.18-$2.26/kg.

R1 Hereford-cross steers returned $2.74/kg, with heifers at $2.61/kg.

Prime lambs sold on a firm market, with heavy types at $145-$165, and light to medium $110-$145. Prime ewes strengthened to $150-$170 at the top end, with medium $120-$150, and light $80-$100.

Charlton in-lamb ewe fair • Light to medium ewes with medium lambing percentages traded at $160 • Well-grown Coopworth ewe hoggets fetched $160 Top annual draft ewes with good lambing percentages at CHARLTON In-lamb Ewe Fair last Thursday made $190-$200, with mixed-aged ewes also with good lambing percentages at $214.

Where livestock market insights begin LivestockEye • • • •

LivestockEye reports provide full sale results and informed commentary and is emailed directly after the sale.

The most comprehensive and independent sale report you can get your hands on.

Only AgriHQ sample-weighs store lambs to give you $/kg LW benchmark pricing.

Choose from 10 sale yards across the country or check out our other popular reports.

Be ahead. Be informed.

Be a subscriber Head to agrihq.co.nz email info@agrihq.co.nz or call 0800 85 25 80

Markets

40 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 10, 2020 NI LAMB

SI STEER

SI MUTTON

($/KG)

($/KG)

($/KG)

7.25

4.90

4.55

R2 BEEF-DAIRY STEERS, 425KG AVERAGE, AT WELLSFORD STEER FAIR ($/KG LW)

2.83

$2.78-$2.79 high $140-$161 Hereford-Friesian lights Heavy male lambs at R1 heifers, 210-225kg, at Stortford Lodge

Lamb weight and mild weather drive prices Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

S

OUTH Island lamb supply is tight but while seasonal procurement pressure may be enough to see marginal price lifts in some regions, weak export markets are keeping a cap on prices.

Alliance Group key account manager Murray Behrent said while procurement pressure may appear to be at fever pitch around the saleyards, the difference in pricing is the weight of the lambs.

Agents around Canterbury saleyards are reporting strong demand is driving prime lamb values with top prices at Temuka and Coalgate this week, fetching $194 and $198 respectively.

“Lambs are doing better after a mild autumn-winter season, coming forward earlier and heavier and what they are fetching in terms of dollars is not necessarily in line with current schedule prices,” PGG Wrightson livestock manager Joe Higgins said.

Higgins was echoed by Hazlett Livestock manager Ed Marfell.

“It’s the way the season is going; lambs are yielding well and while we are seeing good numbers come through the saleyards demand is not out of the ordinary for this time of the year, more so lamb weights are but the market is holding a cap on that,” he said.

“We are not seeing any processing company procurement pressure at all,” Marfell said.

While lamb export markets are struggling to support current schedules, there is a bit of wiggle room, AgriHQ market analyst Nicola Dennis said.

“Most companies are prepared to pay $7 a kilogram for lamb, or thereabouts, but printed schedules can be quite a bit lower than this,” she said.

“So not asking the question could make

a difference of 30c/kg on the lamb cheque.”

There is almost no market for heavy lamb cuts overseas, so the only motivator is to keep lamb plants full to minimise fixed lamb costs, Dennis said.

Behrent said the kill profile this season mirrors that of last season, and growing lambs beyond 23kg is wasting grass when all processors are working to meet demand in the 19-23kg range, where the best value is for everyone.

“The price is going up, yes, but not on schedule pricing, it’s on the weight of the lambs.

Take a $194 lamb weighing 35kg; it’s not $7, more like $5.50,” Behrent said.

“Prices have softened, we are seeing $6.80-$7.20 being played out in the field and at that I think we have seen the best of the schedule.”

The North Island is up 10c-20c on the South.

Behrent said there is certainly no procurement war, nor one pending.

“There is no aggressive fight for lambs, all we all want, given the ongoing uncertainty in the global market, is to keep steady and sensible, no one is going out there paying unrealistic money,” he said.

Rabobank sustainability analyst Blake Holgate said global demand for lamb remains patchy and inconsistent with the level of market interest still highly variable.

There has been some improvement in the Chinese lamb flap pricing but not enough to offset the discounts required to move higher-value cuts in other markets.

VOLATILE: Rabobank sustainability analyst Blake Holgate said global demand for lamb remains patchy and inconsistent with the level of market interest still highly variable.

There is no aggressive fight for lambs, all we all want is to keep steady and sensible, no one is going out there paying unrealistic money.

Murray Behrent Alliance Group manager NZ lamb supplies remain tighter than normal for this time of the season with the combined national kill up on the same time last year.

Whether this translates into any procurement pressure on prices later in the year will depend on the degree to which processors decide to further reduce processing capacity versus lifting prices to secure supply, Holgate said.

Giving the next generation the best head start.

Milligans Feeds provide tried and tested animal nutrition products that are perfectly formulated to give your young animals the head start they need.

The milk replacers of choice for generations

Find out where to buy your milk replacers at www.milligansfeeds.co.nz

Canterbury Park

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

What happened to online trading platforms?

WITH so much going on at saleyards around the country, it is hard to believe that we went through a time where these were not accessible.

If there was one good thing to come out of the covid-19 lockdown, it was that Kiwi ingenuity shone through in the online trading platform space as the industry found a way to sell livestock in a virtual world.

Normality has returned though, and visiting saleyards is once again a regular feature on many to-do lists, but where has that left the online trading platforms that sprung to life while we were all hunkered down?

New Zealand Farmers Livestock (NZFL) pioneered the first hybrid auction systems at saleyards and pathed the way for cattle sales to return to rostrums around the country in level three. Since then, live-streaming and live-bidding have continued at Frankton, Rongotea, Taranaki, Morrinsville and Te Kuiti.

NZFL general manager Bill Sweeney said that the future looks bright for MyLivestock as well as the saleyard auctions.

“We have also held successful onfarm dairy sales, of which a third of the bidding was online. We now have 600 registered bidders and the option is used frequently at the yards we operate the live-bidding in,” he said.

“We are excited about new developments on the horizon, such as pre-sale information on lots, including photos or videos, and an auto-bid option.” bidr® was already an established online platform but stepped up a gear throughout the lockdown period. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

Find out more about AgriHQ at agrihq.co.nz