Farmers Weekly NZ December 11 2023 by AgriHQ

Vol 21 No 48, December 11, 2023

Drench time bomb blows Richard Rennie

NEWS

Livestock

RIPLE drench resistance in cattle, once considered only a distant threat, is now a clear and present danger to the New Zealand beef and dairy industries, and only likely to get worse. A research paper by AgResearch senior parasitologist Dr Dave Leathwick and colleagues has identiﬁed triple resistance to drenches in cattle on four farms studied. The detection of resistance to the three main anthelmintic types comes 16 years after widespread double resistance left only the levamisole active as the last drug standing in countering Cooperia parasites in cattle. It also comes as growing drench resistance in sheep is costing that sector over $100 million a year in lost earnings. “It is quite scary because we did not really go looking for these parasites, this simply dropped into our laps,” Leathwick said.

The study on four farms identified, from drench testing, that in only three of 20 tests taken did drench efficacy exceed 90%. On its own the previously effective levamisole active recorded efficacy of only 44%-70% against Cooperia, far below the 95% required. “Every case we got involved in was because the farmer saw clinical signs, he went to the vet and got a drench test and then came to us,” Leathwick said. One farmer had already grappled with widespread drench resistance in his sheep flock. Cattle performing poorly for no apparent reason had been the prompt for farmers to suspect there was a drench problem. “One vet in the South Island was investigating 1000 dairy heifers that would not grow, were scouring and looked awful.” Despite being a clinical scientific paper, the document does not hide the authors’ frustration after 20 years of trying to alert farmers to the inherent risks of relying Continued page 3

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The cradle of a region’s industry This woolshed at Brancepeth, built in 1859, is thought to be the oldest woolshed still standing in Wairarapa, according to research by conservation architect Chris Cochran. It was built using pit-sawn timber framing and roofed with split totara shingles. Today it is used for storage. Cochran is producing a book, Woolsheds of the Wairarapa – An architect’s appreciation of a New Zealand vernacular. Photo: Jim Simmons, courtesy of Ed Beetham

NEWS 4

Dairy helps to rebuild war-torn Sri Lanka Selina Prem Kumar, pictured with Mid Canterbury farmers Fred and Sandy Hoekstra, is the driving force behind Tearfund NZ’s farming and enterprise project supporting Sri Lankan dairy farmers.

PEOPLE 12 Gisborne’s mayor frustrated with the changes around Three Waters management.

The Chinese economy could be about to come alive again, says a new report.

Teaching agriculture to city kids earns Auckland teacher national recognition.

POLITICS 4

MARKETS 5

PEOPLE 22

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Meat sales New Zealand’s export meat sales dropped 14% in October, compared to a year earlier. Meat Industry Association data shows NZ exported $605 million worth of meat in October, back 14% overall – led by a 31% drop in exports to China, worth $191m. While sheepmeat export volumes in the month grew 17% to 26,170 tonnes compared to a year earlier, the value fell 6% to $264m. Beef volumes were similar to last year but the value fell 13% to $228m.

Milk rise REALITY: Oat milk demand is growing and the crop is considered an environmentally favourable alternative to dairying, but Anna Campbell says the economic reality is quite different. STORY P7

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Farmers are being urged to reduce the risk of quad bike fatalities after three deaths involving quad bikes in the past week. In all three fatal incidents – in Stratford, Methven and Ohauiti – the vehicles rolled, police said. Lindy Nelson, chair of Safer Farms, is pleading with the community and the sector to stop and take stock of their farm vehicles.

Veterinary services to support farmers in the North Island recovering from flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle will be provided through a new programme facilitated by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand. Vets on Farm – supporting your recovery, has received $2.6 million from the Ministry for Primary Industries to fund local veterinarians to provide on-farm advice and support. This includes farm systems reviews and planning, disease sampling and testing, and herd health planning.

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The ANZ economics team has raised its farmgate milk price forecast for the current season by 55c to $7.70/kg milksolids and begun next season’s predictions with $8.50. Agricultural economist Susan Kilsby said the relatively weak New Zealand dollar is helping the milk price, with only a gradual firming of the currency expected over the current season. “Global demand for dairy products remains subdued due to weaker economic conditions,” she said.

News Continued from page 1 solely upon drench products to keep parasites at bay – at the risk of resistance developing. It states: “Despite years of advice and recommendations to change farming practices from intensive monocultural systems, many farmers have continued with the practice and some are now faced with the very real possibility of being unable to control cattle parasites on their farms. “In 2006 Professor Bill Pomroy [a Massey parasitologist] wrote in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal that with widespread resistance to mectin and benzimidazole actives already present, it was only a matter of time before levamisole failed as well. That time is now.”

The problem is farmers will not recognise resistance as a problem until they find dead stock in the paddock. Dave Leathwick AgResearch Leathwick said if anything he is surprised it has taken this long for cattle parasites to develop a resistance trifecta. He lambasted animal health companies for continuing to market products as “reliable and effective” drench solutions for cattle. “No, they are not, they cannot now be relied upon at all.” However, he sheeted much of the blame onto farmers, who have been warned about resistance for years but have failed to adjust their management practices to help delay resistance development, or even test that their drenches were working. The findings come hard on the heels of the “vast majority” of sheep farmers also failing to recognise resistance risk. They are also now having to deal with the consequences. “The problem is farmers will not recognise resistance as a problem until they find dead stock in the paddock.” Leathwick has worked with

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

farmers who have experienced this, and who have had to instigate some major management changes on their properties. “One guy lost $100,000 of capital stock in three months. He was very motivated to change his practices.” This can include monitoring faecal egg counts regularly rather than simply drenching every four weeks, mixing stock classes and types up more, better feeding, and paying more attention to what stock are run where on farm. While Cooperia resistance in cattle is an issue, Leathwick predicted even more dire consequences with triple resistance developing in Ostertagia parasites, a far more populous and aggressive internal worm. One of the farms under Leathwick’s study had Ostertagia with triple resistance – and “triple resistance there is almost a global first”. The operations where resistance was detected tended to have 100% cattle run in intensive grazing and cell-type systems and included dairy heifer operations. He estimates the cattle sector is only five to 10 years behind the sheep sector in terms of the resistance becoming widespread, and there is no new chemical saviour on the horizon. “We have a psyche in NZ where parasite control comes in a drum. Most farmers have only ever farmed with drench as their sole control. “The reality is that in future farmers will have to move away from total reliance upon drenches. The only ones doing it at the moment are those hit with triple resistance.” He was, however, heartened by the minority of farmers who had taken heed of warnings years ago and made moves to reduce their drench reliance. “I have seen farmers with very big operations who listened then and have no drench resistance issues. They are reaping the benefits now.”

MORE: Want to share your thoughts on this issue? Text us on 027 226 8553 with the keyword RESISTANCE followed by your comments.

McClay has Trade for All in his sights Nigel Stirling

POLITICS

Trade

EW Trade Minister Todd McClay is calling time on the previous government’s use of trade agreements to promote its own ideological agenda at the expense of market access gains for exporters. McClay said he intends to review the Labour Government’s Trade for All agenda, which elevated environmental issues, including climate change, labour rights, gender equality, and the rights of indigenous people, among other issues, as priorities for New Zealand trade negotiators. “I have sent a signal that the time for internal papers about what trade should be is over,” McClay said. Agenda demands by McClay’s predecessor, Damien O’Connor, two years ago are understood to have led to the oil-rich Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) withdrawing an offer to scrap tariffs on agricultural products from NZ worth $60 million annually to exporters. McClay will attempt to salvage the deal when he travels to the region early next year. “It is important that we meet our climate change obligations and many other things, but trade agreements are about trade ﬁrst and foremost. McClay, who as trade minister in the previous National-led government laid the groundwork for the European Union-NZ free trade agreement concluded by the Labour Government last year, faces much leaner prospects for new deals this time around. He will have a tough task

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OFF THE AGENDA: Trade Minister Todd McClay says he has ‘sent a signal that the time for internal papers about what trade should be is over’. getting talks with India back on track, and apart from completing the GCC negotiations, and expanding the Comprehensive and Progressive TransPacific Partnership (CPTPP), there is little else on the horizon for negotiators to get their teeth into amid what is looking like an increasingly hostile environment globally for free trade. As such McClay doesn’t wish to be judged solely by the number of trade deals he can do but what role he can play in helping exporters be successful in overseas markets. “We have said we are going to lead more trade missions than any other government has previously and get more from our existing trade deals.” McClay said he had already asked officials to draw up a list of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) faced by exporters in overseas markets. The Meat Industry Association in a recent report said NTBs could be costing the industry up to $1.5 billion a year. McClay also asked for an assessment of the legal firepower

within the government to take the ﬁght to trading partners refusing to play by the rules set out in their agreements with NZ. “I am not signalling there are going to be a whole lot of new legal challenges straight away but we are going to be looking at non-tariff barriers and how we level the playing ﬁeld so that exporters are treated fairly. “NZ meets its obligations in these agreements, and we expect others to do the same.” The other big challenge facing McClay will be his relationship with NZ’s biggest trading partner, China, particularly its application to join CPTPP. China’s patience will be wearing thin after being kept on the sidelines while the existing members complete a review of accession protocols. It will also be eager to gather supporters after CPTPP heavyweights Australia, Japan and Canada all expressed reservations about China’s ability to meet the agreement’s free trade standards.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Celebrating the woolsheds of Wairarapa Craig Page

TECHNOLOGY

Wool

HRIS Cochran is on a mission to ensure Wairarapa’s woolsheds get the appreciation they

deserve. A conservation architect, Cochran has received funding through the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to produce a book, Woolsheds of the Wairarapa – An architect’s appreciation of a New Zealand vernacular. It’s become a labour of love for a man who has spent a lifetime caring for old buildings, earning a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 for his work. “Farm buildings are the indigenous architecture of New Zealand,” Cochran said. “Our farm buildings are very distinctive and they don’t have equivalents anywhere else, except perhaps Australia. “They’re unique to New Zealand and they deserve to be better appreciated. “There are plenty of books on grand homesteads and public buildings. There is very little on

our farm buildings and I’m going to rectify that.” Cochran, who lives in Wairarapa, said the region is where large-scale sheep farming began in 1844 and where woolshed design had its ﬁrst beginnings. With farming practices having changed over the years, many woolsheds are disappearing, either left abandoned, used as storage or converted into homes or function centres. Cochran sees the book as the perfect opportunity to record their history before it was too late. He has been scouring the region in search of woolsheds – the older the better – and has so far come up with a list of about 150. Locals have been quick to point him in the direction of any he wasn’t aware of. He has spoken to the owners of 45 sheds and has already gathered a treasure trove of photographs and stories. It is thought the oldest shed still standing in the region is at Brancepeth Station, and was built in 1859. His book is likely to focus on up to 50 woolsheds, those that are particularly interesting, aged or have stories behind them.

DIVERSIFY: The Tora woolshed, on the east coast of Wairarapa, was built by Eric Riddiford in 1913 and originally had 20 stands,10 each side. Today five stands are operational, and the woolroom is available for hire when not in farming use. The materials were brought in by sea, just as the wool went out by sea, with reliable road access only reaching the station in the 1950s.

MODERN: The current woolshed at Brancepeth was built in 1938 to the design of Masterton architect Raymond Lee. It is fully clad in corrugated iron. Photo: Jim Simmons, courtesy of Ed Beetham He said the difficulty will be deciding which sheds make the final cut, but “we will aim for good representative coverage”. “There are some amazing stories that centre around these buildings. They’re all of interest. I’m not discounting anything at the moment. “The book is quite specifically aimed at the buildings themselves, their designers, builders and adaptations made to them over time. I’m not going to delve too deeply into the history of the particular station or the family.” A distinctive feature of early Wairarapa woolsheds is that many were built from native timber – “there were magnificent stands of totara and matai and rimu throughout the Wairarapa” – that was felled and milled on site. “The internal structure of woolsheds is always exposed, so you can see all the framing, joints and finishing details. I’m also taking an interest in the technology of these buildings.” There will be a section in the book set aside for “the amazing number” of woolsheds destroyed by fire.

Cochran said once the buildings caught fire, their remote locations and limited water for firefighting meant it was often impossible to save them. Part of the joy of delving into woolshed history is being granted access to historic documents and photographs, and to carry out research in the Wairarapa Archive and Turnbull Library. He was particularly surprised by a diary entry about a fire that destroyed a woolshed on Te Awaiti station. “I found in the Turnbull Library, in the diary of EJ Riddiford for 1884, the most laconic entry you could imagine: ‘Woolshed burnt down, first seen by Jack Fisher @ about 1/2 past 2am. 14 pressed bales of wool burnt,’ and that’s all there was to it.” Cochran said the project has been so much fun that it hasn’t really felt like work. “I go to parts of the country I’ve never been to, and talk to people I have never met before. “Now that I’m retired I’m able to do a project of my own. These buildings deserve to be documented, and their stories told.”

ADVOCATE: Chris Cochran has spent a lifetime caring for old buildings, earning a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 for his work.

Cochran is keen to hear from anyone with information or stories they would like to share about interesting woolsheds in the region. He can be contacted by emailing chris@ thewedge.co.nz

Water turbulence frustrates Gisborne Bryan Gibson

POLITICS

Water

GISBORNE’S mayor says her council is frustrated with the constant changes the central government has proposed on Three Waters management. Rehette Stoltz told the Farmers Weekly In Focus podcast that a lot of time, effort and money had been poured into preparing for new legislation only for it to be changed. “It has a huge impact on impact on councils,” she said. “You can imagine that for the last three years we have worked tirelessly to understand the initial Three Waters proposal, which would have taken local representation away – we would be part of 22 other councils, 22 iwi groupings. “We did so much work and just when we got our heads around that, the government then changed to the 10 entities, which

put us with the Hawke’s Bay. “So in the last six months, again, we’ve started a lot of costly work.” With a new National-led government in place, Stoltz will now ready staff to address yet another plan. “We are again in a situation where we’re not sure what will happen. We will be listening to what the new government wants to achieve. That is ultimately the role of the council. “We work with the government of the day and we respect that. So we will be waiting eagerly to hear what the new government proposes in regards to the Three Waters but I can assure you all councils across the country are waiting with bated breath.” Stoltz has more immediate challenges to face as incessant rain continues to make rebuilding infrastructure in the cyclone-hit region impossible. “You would be well aware that we lost several bridges during

the cyclone. Two were replaced with Bailey bridges, others were repaired. “But it is mostly our basic routing infrastructure that needs extensive work. Throughout the year we have seen slips and land movement. Work that has been done is then undone because of the severe saturation.”

I went out with one of our main growers and the broccoli were just ﬂoating in a paddock so it is really tough out there. Rehette Stoltz Gisborne mayor Councils do most of their major roadworks when it is dry and the night temperatures are higher – from October to March. “If you do not get the opportunity to do that, you start

on a deﬁcit. So what happened with us last year is that from January it was raining so we just did not have the opportunity to prepare our roading infrastructure. So we are struggling to catch up, but I am immensely proud of the work that our council teams and also our contractors have done and continue to do and we will see a lot of work over this Christmas period as well.” In what is one of New Zealand’s major food producing regions, Stoltz said, farmers and growers are struggling to both grow food and get it to market. “I know it’s really frustrating to our major growers, but also to anyone that needs to get their produce out. “It has been so wet and just this past Sunday, when we had a severe weather event, I went out with one of our main growers and the broccoli were just ﬂoating in a paddock, so it is really tough out there. I take my hat off to our

PROUD: Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz says despite being faced with major infrastructure challenges, her staff are working hard to keep roads open. growers here in Gisborne who just soldiered on, making the best of a very, very tough situation.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Opportunities appear in China ag outlook Neal Wallace

MARKETS

Exports

HE Chinese economy could be about to come alive again. A new report predicts agricultural production in China to grow in the next decade – but so will consumer consumption, with consumers seeking imported high-value, high-nutrition protein products. The Agricultural Outlook Report by the China Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs expects imports of beef, sheepmeat, dairy, fruit and seafood to rise in the next 10 years, but the volume of imported grains and oil seeds to fall. The report, which is cited on the website of New Zealand’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, says that to improve food security, in the coming decade China will need more imported protein but will also invest in production efficiency, rural modernisation and a diversified food supply system.

The demand for beef and sheepmeat will still exceed domestic supply in the 10-year period, which will result in continued reliance on imports to meet excess demand. Agricultural Outlook Report Low consumer confidence and the collapsed property market have undermined Chinese demand for New Zealand meat and dairy products this year, sending farmgate prices plummeting. The report forecasts Chinese GDP to grow 5% next year and average 4.9% through until 2032. China’s population in that period is picked to fall 1.4% to 1.391 billion and the urban-rural income gap to significantly reduce. Over the next decade China’s

dairy production is expected to grow, and consumption to “increase significantly”; 71% of domestic demand will be met by local supply, but import demand will also increase. “Dairy imports will continue to grow over the projection period but the rate of growth will decline over time.” Up to 2027, consumption of pork and poultry will increase but then fall through until 2032 with imports easing 2%. Chinese beef production is expected to grow 9.2% and sheepmeat 10.2%, reflecting the Chinese government’s drive for food security. “However, the demand for beef and sheepmeat will still exceed domestic supply in the 10-year period, which will result in continued reliance on imports to meet excess demand.” Beef imports are projected to increase 17% to 460,000 tonnes, equivalent to more than double NZ’s current annual beef exports to China. Beef access to China was recently granted to Denmark and Poland. Sheepmeat imports are also expected to grow significantly. China already accounts for more than 57% of NZ’s total sheepmeat exports and, given that volume, current sheepmeat production and the limited ability to ramp up production, NZ is unlikely to be able to fill that demand. Imported fruit accounts for less than 3% of the Chinese fruit market and the report predicts higher household disposable income and consumer preference for premium imported fruit will almost double demand. A report for the NZ China Council says that senior Chinese leaders consider food security the “highest agri-food policy priority”. A council webinar this week was told that Beijing will in the short term not adopt sustainable practices that threaten the stable and affordable supply of food. That includes delaying setting

climate change targets for agriculture, with data only now starting to be collected to enable the measuring or regulation of emissions from food production. Reduction targets are likely from 2030. But some companies are taking action. At least 10 major Chinese livestock and dairy companies, including Yili Group and Mengniu Group, have net-zero targets and reduction strategies. The research looked at public documents released by the Chinese government to get a steer on the policy direction it is pursuing and to determine implications for food exporters such as NZ. It found in the short term agricultural sustainability is focused on meeting environmental issues by managing animal waste and reducing food and food packaging waste. Report author Even Day says

TRYING TIMES: Low consumer confidence and the collapsed property market have undermined Chinese demand for New Zealand meat and dairy products this year. “grass-fed” is still a key selling point for meat and dairy in China, and Chinese livestock farmers are starting to graze underutilised grasslands. Another finding was the level of investment going into

alternative protein driven by property investors looking for new industries. The report notes, however, that adoption of these new products is being tempered by concerns over food safety.

Two dozen laid off as Alliance takes stock Neal Wallace

NEWS

Food and fibre ALLIANCE Group has made 24 staff redundant while other meat companies are shedding contractors and cutting back projects in response to weak global markets. The Alliance redundancies include three members of its livestock team in the field and staff in administration. Chief executive Willie Wiese said the co-operative will not fill some vacant positions as part of a re-organisation of its livestock division. Wiese said the changes follow a review of its operations after reporting a $97.9 million loss before tax for the 2022-23 year, and weak export prices. Its financial result to September 30 was a $214m turnaround from the previous year, when it reported a record $116.3m profit.

It reflects a 25% drop in lamb prices in October and November last year, soon followed by beef, which required a revaluation of Alliance’s lamb inventory, costing the co-operative between $55m and $60m. “In August Alliance completed consultation processes with our people as part of a review of our operating model to ensure it reflected the needs of our farmers, our customers and the tough conditions in our global markets,” Wiese said. “The majority of the changes involve changes in reporting lines, scope of positions, re-deployment of people to alternative roles that suit their skills and experience and not filling vacancies.” Wiese said the restructuring doesn’t impact the vast majority of its 5000 peak-season workforce. Silver Fern Farms (SFF) chief executive Simon Limmer said the challenging global market conditions mean it has reviewed

and adjusted proposed operating costs and the pace of investment. “We are deferring non-critical infrastructure spend and pausing certain projects, including the timing of some of our technology investments.” Limmer said the business is in good health and the board and executive are committed to its strategy and direction of travel. Some contractor roles and the roles of those working fixed term associated with technology investments have been affected. Limmer said labour availability across SFF’s plant network has improved compared to last season, with higher recruitment, retention, and a reduction in absenteeism. Daryl Carran, the national secretary of the NZ Meat Workers Union, said job losses are focused on corporate head offices. A spokesperson for ANZCO said it has not made any staff redundant.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

White water ahead on new income streams Neal Wallace

NEWS

Agribusiness HE practice of farmers diversifying their business is not as straightforward as it

sounds. A University of Otago Agriculture Symposium was told that premium returns from alternative products such as oat milk have disappeared as they have become commoditised, and others suffer from boom and bust cycles. Anna Campbell, a former agricultural scientist who recently co-founded biotechnology company Zestt Wellness, gave the example of blackcurrants, which her respiratory bioactive business uses for their anti-viral and antioxidant properties. The blackcurrant industry was decimated some years ago when Ribena started using overseasgrown fruit, but Campbell has

been working with a South Canterbury grower. Recently, fruit prices spiked and Zestt had to fund two years’ supply to provide certainty for its business. When she was working at agribusiness consultancy AbacusBio, Campbell said, it was contracted to analyse the opportunity for oat milk production in Southland. Oat milk demand was growing and the crop was considered an environmentally favourable alternative to dairying, but Campbell said the economic reality was quite different. Just 1200ha of new oat crops were needed to supply the market and the retail product has since become commoditised by large multinationals, removing any added value payment. The economics of growing oats are therefore not as favourable as initially believed. Currently the returns for farmers are about 7c/ litre.

The research is a few years old, but measured as effective farm surplus per hectare, spring oats were $800/ha, superior to sheep and beef finishing at $650/ha, but less than spring barley at $1000/ ha and winter grazing at $1600/ ha and substantially less than dairying at $5120/ha. Campbell said our ancestors should be praised for the courage in developing processing and manufacturing companies, not an easy task as she has discovered as a co-founder of Zestt. South Otago farmer Simon Davies said given current returns, he is looking for alternative income sources but is unsure which way to go. “Farmers are looking to diversify but they need a bit of help.” Campbell said agriculture must be part of the solution to problems facing the sector, but it has become too easy for others to point accusatory fingers at farmers without knowing exactly what the problem, is let alone solutions.

REALITY: Oat milk demand is growing and the crop is considered an environmentally favourable alternative to dairying, but Anna Campbell says the economic reality is quite different.

“Farmers and food systems are part of the ecosystem. “We need to think of agriculture as part of the solution rather than the problem.” For decades farmers have been encouraged to increase production but they have also proven to be responsive to market signals.

Farmers are looking to diversify but they need a bit of help. Simon Davies South Otago

GMOs a food solution, Ag Symposium shines light not the problem on exotic and native trees Neal Wallace

TECHNOLOGY

Genetics

GENETICALLY modified products will be part of but not the complete solution to solving many of the world’s current and looming food and environmental problems, a leading scientist says. Professor Richard Macknight, from the University of Otago’s Department of Biochemistry, said 40 years after genetic modification (GMO) technology was first adopted, scientists and researchers can confidently say it is safe. “The technology is safe and the crops produced are safe to eat.” Macknight told an Agriculture Symposium at the University of Otago that the green revolution which began in 1968 successfully fed a growing global population with affordable, nutritious food through efficiency, innovation and new plant varieties. But those systems are high input and rely on fertiliser, herbicides and pesticides, and now the hunt

is on for more sustainable methods – where GMOs have a part to play. He said GMOs saved the Hawaiian papaya industry, which had faced decimation from ringspot virus. Elsewhere in the world, vitamin A has been added to rice, called Golden Rice, to enhance the health of those in developing countries, and extra iron is being added to wheat to address iron deficiency, something affecting 2 billion consumers. Globally, GMOs have been planted on 200 million hectares or 12% of arable land, an expansion that has led scientists to confidently conclude the technology is safe, something Macknight said they could not have said in the 1990s. Technology has changed dramatically since then, but the commission’s conclusion – to proceed with caution – is too high a bar today, and leads research entities such as AgResearch and Scion to conduct trials offshore.

You Matter, Let’s Natter

Neal Wallace

NEWS

Forestry CARBON-sequestering exotic tree plantations can be a transition to restoring native forests, new research has shown. Associate Professor Janice Lord from the University of Otago Botany Department said introducing a biodiversity carbon credit system for landowners who enhance the environment would encourage native afforestation. Speaking at an Otago University Ag Symposium recently, she likened the exotic vs native carbon sequestration debate to a tortoise and hare race and noted there is little data on the long-term sequestration benefits of long-lived natives such as kauri, totara and broadleaf. But because of the slow establishment of these species, Lord said, they “do not pay the

bills for the first 20 years”. Research shows native tree species can regenerate under exotic canopies, allowing for fast, short-term carbon storage as a forest transitions from exotic to native species. The key to this transition is light penetration through the canopy and forest management. Lord said very little grows under densely planted radiata pine, but under poplars and douglas fir, extensive and diverse varieties of native plants do grow. Biodiversity credits could encourage this kind of native afforestation but she said credits could also be earned from carbon stored in the soil under native forests. Lord suggested landowners monitor carbon levels before and after native tree establishment for eventual inclusion in emission reduction plans, even if they are not yet earning credits. Controlling feral herbivores

is another tactic to improve carbon sequestration. It has been estimated that possums eat 21,000 tonnes of vegetation a day on conservation land, equivalent to 1.8t of carbon dioxide sequestration potential per hectare per year. Researchers have looked at afforestation with natives using drone application, but also agricultural machinery such as cross-slit drills. Lord said drones can deliver seed precisely over large areas and to places that are inaccessible or recently disturbed. But the method requires large volumes of seed, does not suit all species and is still vulnerable to weeds and herbivores. Using agricultural machinery is expensive, requires site preparation and maintenance, is limited to areas accessible by machinery and requires weed and pest control.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

News

New uses for wearables trialled in beef herds Annette Scott

TECHNOLOGY

Livestock

MONITORING system exploring opportunities to gather more information for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s genetics beef programme has the potential to be game-changer for NZ beef breeders. Commonly used on dairy cattle, CowManager wearable cow monitoring systems are being trialled in two South Island beef herds as part of the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme. The monitoring trial has the potential to help gather the right science and tools that will enable farmers to produce great tasting meat with a good environmental story while maintaining and improving their production efﬁciencies, Beef + Lamb NZ (BLNZ) livestock genetics specialist Jason Archer said. Archer said the programme is exploring whether the technology can provide more detailed information about fertility, particularly in heifers and heifers being re-bred for their second calf. While CowManager has proven

its worth in the dairy industry, to date its use in beef herds has been limited. The trials are being run with the North Otago Fossil Creek Angus stud herd and the Pāmu Kepler Farm herd, which hosts the BLNZ Genetics beef progeny test near Manapouri in Southland. Electronic ear-tags monitor a number of variables including grazing, ruminating, walking and temperature. The system also has a fertility module, which senses when a cow is cycling and this, in particular, is the information the INZB programme is looking for. “It should generate information about the age of puberty, conception dates and critically, when the ﬁrst post-partum oestrous occurs, so how quickly the heifer can get back in calf after her ﬁrst calf.” Archer said while fertility in itself appears to have relatively low heritability, the dairy industry has shown that when broken down into its components, there is more potential to make genetic gain. In the Fossil Creek Angus herd, 160 yearling heifers and 70 two-year-old cows are wearing the CowManager eartags, while

on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm 126 yearling heifers and 54 two-yearold cows will be trialling the tags. The technology has potential to be a game-changer for beef breeding herds. “As well as collecting the data, the trial is also exploring the use of these types of wearable technologies in beef herds and the value they could potentially provide. “Dairy farmers ﬁnd these systems to be quite accurate, so they could be a valuable tool in beef herds, particularly for performance-recorded operations,” Archer said. The initial trial will run until the end of March 2024 and if successful, it could be expanded to a small number of performancerecorded herds participating in the INZB programme. Data from the trial will be incorporated into the wearables programme for future recommendations. The INZB programme is a sevenyear Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures partnership supported by BLNZ, the NZ Meat Board and the Ministry for Primary Industries. The programme aims to boost the sector’s proﬁts by $460 million

RECORDING: Livestock genetics specialist Jason Archer says wearable technologies have the potential to be a valuable performance recording tool in beef herds. over the next 25 years. Meanwhile, virtual fencing provider Halter has launched to beef farmers, enabling transformational pasture grazing practices that directly increase efﬁciency and productivity. The new virtual fencing product, Halter Base, promises to increase pasture utilisation and quality, and therefore farm proﬁtability. Pasture utilisation on beef farms ranges from 40-70%, compared to 80-90% in dairy systems. Halter founder and chief executive Craig Piggott said Halter will allow more

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beef farms to adopt more efficient rotational grazing in a costeffective, unconstrained way. “Rotational grazing is proven to be better for grass regrowth and quality, and optimising feed intake, but, historically, adoption of rotational grazing on beef farms has been limited given the expensive fencing infrastructure and time-intensive labour involved. Virtual fencing can unlock this grazing best practice, including on hill country terrain that has been difficult to farm efficiently.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Firming forecasts for Fonterra’s farmers Hugh Stringleman

MARKETS

Dairy

ONTERRA has delivered an early Christmas uplift for its farmers by increasing the farmgate milk price mid-point by 25c to $7.50, and narrowing the forecast range to $7-$8/kg milk solids. With the firming of the forecast range the advance payment schedule also lifts 30c to $5.75 for both the December and January payments. Not done with the festive season news, Fonterra has also increased the earnings guidance for FY2024 by 5c a share, in a range of 50c to 65c. The good news capped a robust set of firstquarter financial results, in which profit after tax from continuing operations rose 85% to $392 million and earnings per share went up from 13c to 24c. Foodservice and consumer margins rose substantially as lower milk input costs were paired with latent high dairy product prices. The revised forecast reflected recent strengthening in demand for reference commodity products from key importing regions, including China, Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell said.

RISE: Higher margins across ingredients, foodservice and consumer channels have driven Fonterra’s lift in earnings, says chief executive Miles Hurrell.

“Our increased forecast earnings guidance of 50-65c per share reﬂects this and we are on track for a strong interim dividend,” Hurrell said. Elsewhere in the Q1 announcements, Fonterra said its spring peak milk collection was 76 million litres on one day in late October, down from 78 million last year. Total milk collection in the season to the end of October was 0.7% behind the previous season.

T TIME TO I S

GDT prices have lifted, and our sales book is also well contracted for this time of year, giving us confidence to increase our forecast milk price. Miles Hurrell Fonterra “Global Dairy Trade prices have lifted, and our sales book is also well contracted for this time of year, giving us confidence to increase our forecast milk price.” Higher margins across ingredients, foodservice and consumer channels have driven the lift in earnings, with gross margin up from 15.5% this time last year to 21.4%. “Looking ahead, we expect these higher margins to continue throughout the first half of the year, before tightening across all three sales channels in the second half of the year, due to higher input costs and the gap between reference and non-reference product prices narrowing.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

News

Meat and milk a must for highest quality diets Richard Rennie

NEWS

Food and fibre

ESPITE a plague of obesity in some parts of the world, malnutrition continues to stalk many in other parts of the planet, including some of the world’s wealthier countries. Dr Ty Beal, a global nutrition and food system scientist, has highlighted that about a quarter of the world’s children experience stunted growth from malnutrition – and a third of all women are anaemic. He outlined the findings at a Beef + Lamb New Zealand webinar that identified some of the key benefits of sourcing more nutrients and protein from animals, while also pointing out some of the pitfalls greater consumption can bring. Beal works as a research adviser to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), identifying nutrient gaps and barriers to quality diets in Asia and eastern and southern Africa. His work focuses on striking a balance between sustainable agricultural systems and the provision of higher quality proteins and nutrients, often through livestock systems. “At present we have about 1.6 billion children and women of reproductive age in the world

who are deficient in at least one nutrient.” Even in relatively wealthy economies this deficiency exists, with one in five women in the United Kingdom and the United States deficient in iron. “Deficiencies vary across regions but are still ubiquitous.” Critically, protein levels are lacking in the diets of 1 billion people on the planet, and more than 5 billion people lack sufficient calcium, iron, and vitamin E in their diets. “Vitamin B12, iron, zinc and calcium intakes are all below recommended levels, particularly amongst women,” he said. Quality animal proteins are seriously lacking in Africa and Asia in particular. Many people would like to consume more, but they simply cannot afford them. In terms of bioavailability, animal sources still provide the best means of acquiring a number of minerals and nutrients, including being the only dietary source for heme iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D. Animal sources are also the only means of sourcing the complete amino acid profile and bioavailable protein, alongside a number of beneficial compounds including creatine and peptides. Far from advocating a switch to all-animal sourced diets, Beal pointed to the need for closer consideration of where animal components can be included in

diets that may be missing them at present. “We know phytate is in heavily plant-based diets and can limit the absorption of zinc and micronutrients.” When ranked in terms of their ability to provide an average of one-third of recommended intakes of vitamins A, B12, calcium, iron, and zinc for women between 15-49, animal-sourced foods including beef, eggs, cow’s milk and assorted offal are in the “very high” category. Animal-sourced foods also provide higher quality protein than most plant-based foods, with lean beef at the top. Beal’s ﬁndings are reinforced by recent work done at the Riddet Institute in Palmerston North. There, researchers have developed a new means of evaluating human nutritive protein intake, basing it more upon the quality of the protein’s amino acids than simply upon the quantity of protein consumed. This work also ranks dairy and red meat proteins higher in their signiﬁcance within human diets. Beal highlighted the importance of animal proteins at different points in the human life cycle. Animal-sourced foods can help ensure optimal breast milk levels of vitamin B12, while also improving child growth and development. He also noted the value of red meat consumption for older adults

MEATY: Red meat and dairy proteins are proven to contain the highest quality proteins and are invaluable for a human diet, says Dr Ty Beal.

We know phytate is in heavily plant-based diets and can limit the absorption of zinc and micronutrients. Dr Ty Beal Nutrient specialist to help stave off the effects of muscle atrophy. However, he highlighted the established risks of overconsumption, citing overconsumption of processed and unprocessed red meat as a key risk. The other was overconsumption of animal-sourced saturated fats. “For unprocessed red meat, high intakes are associated with non-communicable diseases but

at moderate intakes those risks diminish or disappear.” Consumption of about 70g a day of red meat is recommended, and it is safer to cook meat in noncarcinogenic prompting ways, such as poaching, boiling or stewing. The EAT-Lancet dietary report released in 2019 emphasised a need to reduce red meat consumption to only 98g a week and lower dairy-sourced fats. However, with a version 2.0 of the diet report due out next year, Beal said it is possible there will be some variation on the original. “Generally, there is a beneﬁt from increased consumption of animal proteins that will outweigh the risks of increased unprocessed meat consumption. Sustainable diets are plant rich, but need to be nutrient adequate.”

China dairy agents see for themselves Hugh Stringleman

NEWS

Dairy

FONTERRA China brought 16 of its largest ingredients resellers to New Zealand last month for dairy industry familiarisation and marketing conversations. The co-op has 37 authorised resellers in China, who collectively account for about one-third of ingredients purchasing volumes, extending the reach of its own sales team. The NZ visit had been delayed

and was the ﬁrst of its kind since 2013. It included farms, processing plants and Fonterra’s head ofﬁce. “We have 17 direct sellers employed in China, plus the 37 resellers and all the people who work for them,” Casey Thomas,

Resellers in China make up 30% of all GDT sales of ingredients. Casey Thomas NZMP

vice-president, NZMP Greater China, said. “It allows us to reach a lot more geographies and speak to medium to smaller-sized customers. “Resellers also participate strongly in Global Dairy Trade auctions for their purchasing. “One fellow here in NZ on this trip has bought whole milk powder at 343 GDT events out of the 344 held.” Thomas said that resellers in China make up 30% of all GDT sales of ingredients, under-pinning the prices for reference products

FIRST LOOK: Representatives from China’s 16th largest resellers visit Fonterra’s Te Rapa plant.

and the farmgate milk price. The traders, mostly in private enterprise, may have started small, importing just one container of products. “All of those in NZ at present have traded at least 6000 tonnes in the past 12 months. “We share with them our marketing messages and they rely on NZMP origin and the freshness of our products.” Dairy product traders in China aspire to be authorised NZMP resellers, Thomas said. In most instances they are trading back to back with Chinese end-users along with some speculation on where the market is headed. “Even some of our largest customers, who buy 80-90% of their needs direct from us, also use some resellers because they offer ﬂexible stock-in-hand to manage volume demands. “Most of their customers are medium to smaller dairy companies who recombine ingredients for yoghurts, liquid milks, bakery items and all kinds of retail products. “Fonterra is the source for most of their milk powders, milkfat products and cheese, but they may also buy other smaller volume products direct from other

LONG-HAUL: NZMP vice-president in China Casey Thomas has worked in ingredients for Fonterra since 2004. countries and companies.” Three years ago total annual imports of whole milk powder into China were 900,000t. That has fallen to 500,000t as domestically produced powders have grown. “We have looked at this domestic product and it is not up to NZMP quality for gas-ﬂushed and heat stability.” In September China accounted for only 30% of GDT sales but now conﬁdence is stabilising and China’s share is closer to 50%. Cheese, caseinates and probiotics are all growing strongly, Thomas said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

News

Dairying helps rebuild war-torn Sri Lanka Annette Scott

PEOPLE

Dairy

HE 26-year civil war that started in Sri Lanka in 1983 left thousands widowed, homeless and without livelihoods. It left Selina PremKumar with a dream to lift smallholder dairy farmers out of poverty. With donations from Kiwis, advice from New Zealand dairy farmers and support from aid and development organisation Tearfund NZ and the NZ government, her dream became a reality and she is now changing the lives of thousands of war victims. PremKumar is the driving force behind Tearfund NZ’s farming and enterprise project and partner, Yugashakthi, in Sri Lanka. The project started with just eight farmers making an average of $15 a month. It now has more than 4500 farmers registered making an average NZ$150 a month. These dairy farmers can now feed their families, clothe their children, afford medical care and send their children to school. PremKumar is in NZ connecting with farmers and families who have helped make her dream come true, changing the lives of thousands in her home country. “I remember the military shooting down our street. My mother took us both, my brother and me, into a room. She was kneeling and praying. “We could hear the men opening the gates and trying to get into the houses. After some time, the shooting stopped.” PremKumar’s biggest fear growing up was the fear of death. She was caught in a crossﬁre twice

and experienced sleeping out in the middle of nowhere. The Sri Lankan civil war ofﬁcially ended in 2009. “The war took a lot from my people. Almost everyone lost a loved one.” PremKumar’s near-death experiences gave her the courage to stand up and be a voice for her people. She created something sustainable that would help her community.

It has been lifechanging, given conﬁdence. It is feeding and educating children with 49% of the farmers now women. Selina PremKumar Yugashakthi Yugashakthi is a for-proﬁt farmers company formed by Tearfund, to help vulnerable farmers after the war to get a sustainable income.

PremKumar wanted to do something for smallholder dairy farmers. “They are poor, and they don’t have sufﬁcient means to educate their children or to feed their family three times a day. “I wanted to do something for them, so that is who Yugashakthi is working with.” Traditionally, Sri Lankan farmers have three main ways of creating an income: paddy (rice), ﬁshing and dairy. Dairy farming had never been a main source of income. PremKumar saw dairying as successful because it can help spread the income throughout the year. “It is also a good means of living for women who lost fathers or husbands in the war. “Many children suffer from malnourishment as a result of a lack of protein in their diet, and milk is a good easy source of protein and a traditional part of every family’s daily food.” Paddy cultivation has seasons

CONNECTING: Selina PremKumar on the Hoekstra’s farm in Mid Canterbury as she connects with farmers across NZ who have contributed significantly to the growth of Sri Lankan dairy farming.

CONTRIBUTING: Selina PremKumar says it is very encouraging and motivating to have the support of NZ farmers like Mid Canterbury farmers Fred and Sandy Hoekstra, who have visited Sri Lanka and learned how important their contribution is. and fishing relies on the condition of the sea. In 2010, the NZ government and Tearfund NZ came on board with the project. A year later, a small dairy programme was piloted. Eight farmers supplied 250 litres of milk and earned on average $20 per month. “We started with simple training looking at the feeding, breeding and animal health. “It’s a simple thing. But because it was not their primary income, they were not really bothered. “My heart was always for the wider community, especially for women and children who were traumatised and lost so much in the war. “I lost my childhood because of the war; I didn’t want another child to go through that. “I wanted to see children safe and protected.” She also wanted to see women empowered. “We started training them in confidence building. The small groups provided the space for women to talk about their struggles and find solutions.” Now there are 7500 children in youth groups, 1500 women in

savings groups and 4500 farmers producing 500,000L of milk a month and earning Sri Lankan 10 million rupees, about $150. “We did it village by village. We introduced new techniques, knowledge. Not just about breeding, feeding and animal health but increasing milk quality and production. “We lobbied for farmers’ rights, we upscaled, we increased milk quality and we got the right price.” Yugashakthi now has its own brand producing cheese, curd, yoghurt and ice cream. “Yugashakthi stood up for the rights and protection of smallholder dairy farmers, women and children. “It has been life-changing, given conﬁdence. It is feeding and educating children with 49% of the farmers now women. “It is very encouraging and motivating, and so humble with deep gratitude to have the support of NZ farmers who have greatly contributed to the growth of Sri Lankan farmers. “The war was brutal. A dream can take you to a wonderful place. “The interaction brings trust, unity and peace. This is what we need in this country.”

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PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT

ON RURAL NZ

An open letter to local communities.

Monday 11 December 2023

Dear Rural New Zealand, The FMG Spot Check Roadie brought Melanoma New Zealand to many rural events across the country from Alexandra to Taranaki, Waihi to Blenheim and many places in between. Melanoma New Zealand’s Nurse Educators checked over 1,800 spots and found over 210 of those to be suspicious. Almost 40 of those spots were suspected to be melanomas. While it’s tough news to hear, that’s a lot of families who now have the information and advice they need.

Alarmingly, Melanoma New Zealand found 82% more suspected melanomas in rural locations, compared to urban centres.* So I urge you to be even more vigilant when you’re out in the sun. More than 6,000 melanomas are diagnosed in New Zealand every year, so we need to take it seriously. Remember to follow the 5 S’s – Slip on protective clothing, Slop on SPF30 sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade, Slide on sunglasses.

Where you can go for help.

If you’d like to see where the FMG Spot Check Roadie will be next, visit fmg.co.nz/ spotcheck-roadie. You can also read all the stats on what we found last year, plus find the link to get Melanoma New Zealand’s education for free if you’re an FMG client.

INHD 12/23

We’re here for the good of the country.

If you’re concerned about a spot and can’t get to your GP, you can book a free online appointment with one of Melanoma New Zealand’s qualified Nurse Educators to answer your questions, help explain terminology and provide you with support and contacts for other services. Visit melanoma.org.nz to book your free appointment and find proactive education, advice and patient support. Above all, please look after yourselves, stay safe out there and enjoy a welldeserved break.

Glenn Croasdale Chief Client Officer *Findings from spots checks conducted by Melanoma New Zealand.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

News

More to a Wiltshire than ‘get and forget’ Charlie Williamson

TECHNOLOGY

Sheep

INCE arriving on NZ’s shores in the early 1970s, the self-shedding Wiltshire flock has remained relatively small compared with other breeds – that is, until recently. Breeder Will Morrison said he’s seen demand skyrocket. At a dispersal sale in Hawke’s Bay at the beginning of this year, for example, some pens of Wiltshire 2-tooth ewes went for as much as $530 per head. Morrison’s family has been farming Wiltshire sheep since the ’80s, when his father John bought New Zealand’s three existing Wiltshire flocks and aggregated them on the family’s now sixthgeneration Rangitīkei sheep and beef farm, which Will now farms alongside his second cousin Graham. He believes the latest surge can be credited to staffing issues and general discontent with the low price of strong wool for such a long period of time. “Farmers are always really optimistic and they know how to weather boom and bust cycles, but with the price of wool being so poor for so long, people have just gotten sick of it,” Morrison said. “Another thing has been staffing. What we’ve seen is with workload pressures it’s come to a tipping point where people have come to us and said, right we’re gonna have to change something in our system.” Once farmers have transitioned part or all of their flock to Wiltshires, Morrison said, it has allowed them to reduce their shearing to once a year, and eventually through effective breeding programmes eliminate the need for shearing altogether in their Wiltshire flocks. As well as this, maintenance around crutching, dagging and flystrike is lessened or eliminated, reducing a good chunk of the usual workload on farms. Morrison said that although the rise in popularity since 2018 is

SHEDLOADS: The Morrisons have been farming Wiltshire sheep since the 1980s, and say they have never seen demand like this. exciting for the breed as whole, there has also been a downside. “Their dramatic rise in popularity has seen a lot of compromises made, with regards to the quality of sheep being bought and sold, by both buyers and sellers,” he said. “Wiltshires have been farmed by a big range of farmers including typical sheep and beef farmers, organic farmers, lifestylers and low/no input farms. All of these people now ﬁnd themselves selling breeding rams and females. “As a consequence, there is a massive range in the quality of Wiltshire sheep and a massive range in the presentation of Wiltshires for sale. There are some fantastic Wiltshires being bought and sold, as well as some terrible ones.” As well as this, terms like “100% shedding” are being thrown around, carrying the assumption or requirement for all Wiltshires to naturally lose all their wool – something that requires careful breeding from both breeders and commercial farmers post-purchase. Despite this, Morrison believes

Wiltshires and the range of alternative no-wool breeds will benefit hugely from the increase in performance recording that’s been seen. He said the sheep will make significant genetic gains in the next five to 10 years. Someone who has been working hard to achieve these genetic gains is AgResearch’s sheep genomics team senior scientist Dr Tricia Johnson, who has been studying the breed for 17 years. She said there is huge potential for the breed in the NZ farming landscape, but getting breeding programmes right is crucial. “You actually need to be quite disciplined to come to a full shedding outcome. It’s absolutely possible, but you can’t expect a miracle overnight to get to full shedding and it is actually a little bit of a journey to get there. “There is a really strong genetic basis to it, and the issue we are having in the industry is for breeders or commercial farmers in particular who are starting to incorporate shedding genetics is that it isn’t just a single gene.” To ensure the shedding trait is consistent across the entire

ﬂock, Johnson said, it’s important to keep going back to Wiltshire rams for a period of time, or have a very dedicated cross-breeding programme that focuses on selection of the trait. It can take multiple generations before they are most of the way there, she said.

You actually need to be quite disciplined to come to a full shedding outcome. It’s absolutely possible, but you can’t expect a miracle overnight. Dr Tricia Johnson AgResearch It’s also important to ensure the breeder is making good genetic progress with their Wiltshires, as well as considering that the other fundamentals of a good sheep are there, something she said is often overlooked. “One of the things we also have to think about is that it is wonderful to have shedding, but you still have to have the underlying productive capacity to

ideally have twins, good milking, be able to wean good lambs and everything else. “Also, in the upper North Island we also have a relatively limited number of Wiltshire breeders at the moment doing the RamGuard programme, breeding for facial eczema tolerance. “Commercial farmers just need to make sure that they’re actually still thinking about the other traits that are important to their system as they start to think about these Wiltshires.” A strong-wool sheep farmer herself alongside her husband in Otago, Johnson is confident that strong-wool breeds will always have their stronghold in the industry, but said the no-wool breeds will serve an important role in the future of sheep farming in NZ. She is heavily involved with the new Sheep of the Future initiative launched this year by Pāmu’s Focus Genetics, with funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries. “The basis of that initiative is that we’ve identified that we have our current strong-wool market in NZ, and that’s going to be the mainstay of what some commercial farmers want. But there are other parts of the country where strong-wool animals are not the best option moving forward. “And one of those areas, for example, could be Northland, where, if we think about climate change, they have been experiencing subtropical conditions that mean sheep have been displaced out of that region by beef cattle for a number of years. “But if we can actually have the right genetics that suit that Northland environment, which includes thinking about things like heat tolerance, it might be that no-wool on its own is enough for them to have improved heat tolerance.” On that basis Wiltshires are an important fit. “It’s about recognising that in the future we need to maybe get some different specialised breeds for different parts of NZ.”

Reserve Bank to trial rural cash solutions Neal Wallace

NEWS

Finance A TRIAL proposed for several rural communities next year seeks to ﬁnd solutions to the lack of banking and ATM facilities. The trial to be run by the Reserve Bank of NZ (RBNZ) will test new ways for people, including retailers, to withdraw and deposit cash and takings as over-the-counter banking facilities continue to retreat from rural areas. For the 18-month trial, the bank is looking for two to three districts with populations of less than 10,000 and which have lost most or all bank-provided counter or cash services.

The RBNZ’s director of money and cash, Ian Woolford, said the trial hopes to establish a system to support cash use and a cash system in rural areas. “We’ll work with these communities to conﬁrm their cash servicing needs and what possible solutions to trial.”

We want the cash system to remain resilient, and retailers and individuals to continue to enjoy its social and economic beneﬁts. Ian Woolford RBNZ

The RBNZ has previously spoken of systems where people can withdraw cash from merchants without making a purchase for which the merchant will be remunerated. Other options mentioned include smart ATMs, which can dispense different denominations including coins for retailers, along with secure cash drop facilities. Woolford said electronic payments generally add to retailer and customer costs, but banks’ phasing out of suitable local cash services makes it harder and more costly for retailers and customers to use cash. “We want the cash system to remain resilient, and retailers and individuals to continue to enjoy its social and economic beneﬁts.”

In 2017 virtually everyone was using cash to pay for everyday items. By 2021 that ﬁgure had fallen to two-thirds. About 6% of the population rely solely on cash to live their lives, and they tend to be among vulnerable groups – the young, elderly or disabled. People who rely on cash are also more likely to live rurally or be Māori. Woolford said most people want the option of paying in cash and use it occasionally, but it is also a back-up option when power and data essential to digital payments are down, as was seen during Cyclone Gabrielle. The percentage of people with stored cash increased from 37% in 2017 to 46% in 2021.

TRIAL: A Reserve Bank of NZ trial hopes to establish a system to support cash use in rural areas.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Master Class touches down in New Zealand Gerald Piddock

NEWS

Skills

WENTY-FIVE farmers from five continents and 12 countries have been given a crash course in New Zealand’s primary sector after partaking in this year’s Rabobank Global Farmers Master Class. The 10-day tour, which was established in 2012, aims to bring together leading farmers from around the world to address global food security. The master class finished in Queenstown on December 6 and included farmers from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Ireland, Kenya, the Netherlands, Peru, the United States and Zimbabwe. After initially meeting in Auckland, the group spent most of their first week in Waikato before heading to the South Island. So far, the tour has included strategy sessions with Fonterra and Zespri leaders as well as discussions of global trends. The

final stop before heading to the South Island was a tour of LIC, just out of Hamilton. The tour included five NZ farmers, including Bay of Plenty dairy and kiwifruit farmer Rory Bragg and north Otago sheep and beef farmer Grant McNaughton. Bragg said the tour felt at times like a blur because of the amount and quality of information being presented. “Everyone here has the same growth mindset, everyone’s at a similar point in their business where they are at a certain scale and they have the opportunity to launch it more. They’re really diverse businesses and everyone’s facing similar challenges. “It’s been 10 days of pretty intense immersion.” The challenges facing the farmers include sustainability, trade, geopolitics and economic issues such as interest rates. However, Bragg said, it has also given him huge confidence in the future of global primary production. McNaughton said he has looked

LEARNING: Rabobank Global Farmers Master Class participants, from left, north Otago-based sheep and beef farmer Grant McNaughton, Kenyan cut-flower exporter Richard ‘Kiki’ Fernandes and Bay of Plenty dairy and kiwifruit farmer Rory Bragg.

at what he can take from the tour to move his business forward. “It’s been a customised environment that fosters learning – both off each other and from presenters.

What’s impressed me is how organised New Zealand’s agriculture is. It’s smart – you know what you’re doing. Richard ‘Kiki’ Fernandes Kenya “It’s a really good environment to learn and grow. “You learn about operational excellence, you learn about customer focus – all of the participants have different areas

of expertise. There’s been a whole heap of really insightful learnings.” For Bragg, it was the opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with industry leaders such as Fonterra chair Peter McBride that was the most valuable. Kenyan cut-ﬂower exporter Richard “Kiki” Fernandes said the tour has been awesome, involving as it does a diverse group of farmers from all parts of the globe and primary sector. “Talking to them on the one hand was really interesting, sharing experiences and also understanding New Zealand’s agriculture.” Fernandes said the farmers have common challenges around agriculture’s perception, environmental sustainability and ﬁnding labour. “What’s impressed me is

how organised New Zealand’s agriculture is. It’s smart – you know what you’re doing.” He was also impressed by how open farmers are to sharing their knowledge with each other. “If you look at the dairy industry, you’ve taken a commodity and you do it really well. You’re a global leader.” The participating farmers were handpicked based on selection criteria that targeted innovative, environmentally progressive and passionate decision makers willing to share ideas, learn from others and invest in a sustainable future for agriculture. It is the sixth Rabobank Global Farmers Master Class staged around the world and the second to be held in NZ, with Aotearoa having co-hosted the event alongside Australia in 2016.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Livestock production growth set to slow Staff reporter

MARKETS

Livestock

NGOING pressure on New Zealand’s livestock industries – particularly environmental pressure – will prevent any major production growth in 2024, according to a new Rabobank report. The bank’s annual Global Animal Protein Outlook report has been released, showing animal protein production growth throughout the world will slow as margins remain tight in 2024. It warns producers and processors will need to adapt to sustain success. After four years of growth in animal protein production globally, 2024 will see the pace slow or even decline across some protein types. The shift comes as producers and processors navigate tighter margins due to structural changes to market conditions. Higher production costs and tighter supplies will push animal protein prices up and constrain global consumption in 2024. Input costs and inflation are likely to fall, but will remain at a higher level than before the pandemic. In NZ, ongoing pressure on livestock industries will stymie major production growth.

“Our expectation for 2024 is that beef production will fall slightly – down 3% – as a result of the ongoing contraction in dairy and beef herds. With more favourable seasonal conditions through 2023, we expect ewe numbers and breeding conditions to have improved, leading to higher lamb numbers in 2023/24. This, in turn, will see an increase in sheepmeat production and exportable lamb volumes in 2024,” the report says. Prices for NZ beef and lamb are expected to show some improvement, but the upside for pricing remains limited, it says. With forecast beef and lamb production close to the fiveyear average, the report says, NZ producers will be looking for an increase in global demand to support livestock prices. “The contraction in the US beef production system should support beef export prices and, in turn, cattle prices. While increased Australian volumes will keep prices competitive, we believe a lift in US import demand should see New Zealand cattle prices trade slightly above the five-year average through 2024,” it says. NZ lamb prices have faced softerthan-expected global demand and higher Australian volumes in key export markets – particularly China – through 2023.

UPSIDE: Prices for New Zealand beef and lamb are expected to show some improvement, but will remain limited. “Prices dropped to their lowest levels in 10 years as a result. We believe a gradual improvement in global markets – particularly China – will support slightly stronger prices in 2024, but ongoing large volumes from Australia will limit upside,” it says. The report says globally there will be pressure to invest in upgrading production systems to serve emerging market needs, meet regulatory requirements and cater to changing consumer preferences around sustainability. Adverse weather conditions and disease also present challenges. “It’s a testament to the resilience and flexibility of companies along animal protein supply

chains that they continue to grow production and deliver on customer expectations amid such challenging market conditions,” Rabobank’s global strategist animal protein, Justin Sherrard, said. “Despite a cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on consumer finances, there continues to be demand for animal protein, and companies have been able to overcome challenges, from high costs to regulatory uncertainty and disease, to capitalise on it.” Sherrard said for companies to sustain the success of the past few years, they must adapt to market structural changes. Instead of simply riding out the storm,

businesses need to take stock of their strengths and prepare to operate in an environment with high costs and tight margins. Rabobank analysts forecast marginal year-on-year production growth in the major markets of North America, Brazil, Europe, Oceania, China and southeast Asia of 0.6 million tonnes to a total of 247 million tonnes next year. This is against a 2.1 million tonnes growth in 2023. Poultry and aquaculture will be the only two protein groups to see production grow in 2024, predicts Rabobank, though it will be slower than in 2023. Beef will continue the decline seen in 2023, moving with changes in cattle cycles in North America, while pork production will also contract modestly. Wild catch seafood will return to its longer-term pattern of declining production after a year of expansion in 2023. Salmon looks set to be one of 2024’s success stories. Following two years of production contracting and flatlining, supply will expand by 4-5%, and its relative price competitiveness against other proteins will boost demand. However, plant-based meat alternatives will continue their decline with customers and investors.

First fall army worm found in Northland Gerhard Uys

NEWS

Pests

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THE first fall army worms for the 2023/24 growing season have been confirmed in Northland. Biosecurity officer at the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) Ash Mills said the find means the pest has successfully overwintered. Mills said until now it was unknown if it would survive the weather conditions that had prevailed since July. Fall army worm has the most detrimental impact on crops planted late, he said. With most crops planted early there is no “immediate panic”, he said. “There don’t seem to be too many late crops going in, which is where fall army worm potentially could have significant economic damage,” Mills said. It is not expected that the pest’s population distribution will be much different to last season, he said. Ash said FAR’s main concern is to collect data and to get growers involved with collections.

STUDY: Biosecurity officer at the Foundation for Arable Research Ash Mills says the foundation wants to figure out how the pest survived winter.

An area like Northland needs a full day’s worth of frost to kill off significant numbers of the pest, and the short hours of frost the region experienced were not sufficient, he said. Mills said researchers want to find out if the worm managed to survive in “a little thermal blanket” of rye grass or kikuyu. It possibly also survived flooding events by pupating in free-draining sandy soils and not drowning, he said. Mills said finds of the pest have to be kept on ice, and then transferred to ethanol, so that the foundation can do DNA studies and figure out where the pest overwintered. “As soon as your maize is in, get out there as often as you can, identify any damage and then identify your pest. There’s a lot of other species that have similar characteristics or markings. Take a sample, put it in the freezer, put it on ethanol, take really good photos and then contact me,” he said. Three other moth captures need to be analysed to see if they are fall army worm, he said. Mills said when used according to guidelines, the approved chemical Sparta is efficient.

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18 Editorial

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Text to the editor Struggling in paradise • On land-use change THE UK and Ireland are starting to recognise the importance of grass pasture as a carbon sink as it locks carbon up in the soil. The cycle time is fast as it grows and is chewed off again. In my situation our farm is a struggle farm in paradise. We are concentrating on how to hold the land for the next generation. We fear the upcoming compliance issues, farm plans, fresh water issues etcetera. I am not convinced livestock are as bad as authorities claim. It is saddening to think 20% of NZ production is set to disappear. This has to affect everyone. I agree with the article as I think many farmers will be looking for the next pot of gold, my concern is that carbon is very trendy buzzword at the moment which will very quickly be superceded. As quickly as it came into being, it will go out. It has no substance or sustenance. – Garry Moar • On wool prices Despite all the positive rhetoric it is still not worth selling our 100 crossbreed fleeces, which we’re continuing to use as mulch around property plantings. Low prices also mean we’re losing wool sorting and grading skills as it’s not worth the effort anymore. – Andrew, Nelson

From the Editor

Statement on Freshwater Management Want to have your say but don’t have time to will need to adapt if they plan on having before Christmas. write a letter? Now you can text us with your success. Next year the government will reverse, thoughts on farming issues. Look out for the The report expects pressure will replace or review a further 12 policies details on how to do it on selected stories in remain on New Zealand’s livestock that impact the primary sector, including Farmers Weekly and at farmersweekly.co.nz. industries – particularly from methane targets. We’ll include a keyword to include in your text. environmental factors – and there is NZ First has secured agreement for a The number is 027 226 8553. unlikely to be any major production Regional Infrastructure Fund, with $1.2 growth. billion available in capital funding, which Beef production is expected to fall suggests there will be money to spend slightly, due to a reduction in herds. Craig Page outside of the big cities. There will be an increase in sheepmeat Deputy editor production and export lamb volumes d by GlobalHQ, PO Box 529, Feilding 4740. New Zealand ISSN 2463-6002 (Print) but prices will hinge on how much ISSN 2463-6010 (Online) bsite: www.farmersweekly.co.nz Since a change of lamb Australia continues to export and HE year is quickly drawing to Debbie 06 323 0765 following October’s whether demand from Brown China picks up. an ADVERTISING end and for some in the government 06 323 1519 rural sector that can’t come Pathways Most of whatNoticeboard/Word is outlined in theOnly/Primary report Andy Whitson 027 626 2269 election, there is growing z classifi eds@globalhq.co.nz willLead come as no surprise to NZ farmers soon enough. New Media & Business Development optimism in the sector. andy.whitson@globalhq.co.nz but, perhaps, the situation is not as Extreme weather events, falling Grant Marshall 027 887 5568 gloomy as it suggests. commodity prices rising inflation Real Estate Partnership Manager Steve and McLaren 027 205 1456 It might also be time to upgrade the A new reportrealestate@globalhq.co.nz predicts demand in China in 2023 haveAuckland/Northland placed added pressure on Partnership Manager 03 474 9240 four-wheel drive as we wave goodbye to for imported high-value, high-nutrition those lookingsteve.mclaren@globalhq.co.nz to make their living from Andrea Mansfi eldto grow 027ute 446tax. 6002 the protein products will soon start the land. 027 298 6127 Jody Anderson 027 474 6094 Salesforce director Nine cabinet ministers, associate Add to that the seemingly never-Partnershipagain. nz Waikato/Bay of Plenty Manager andrea.mansfi eld@globalhq.co.nz ministers or ministers outside cabinet There are plenty of positive initiatives regulatory requirements, and it 021 ending 908 400 jody.anderson@globalhq.co.nz z will look after the affairs of the primary going in the sector and readers of is no wonder farmers will be looking to Donna Hirstpast 12 months. 027 474 6095 09 432 8594 sector and its related interests. There is a Farmers WeeklyPRODUCTION will have seen those flush the dunny on the Lower North Island/international co.nz Lana Kieselbach 027 739 4295 strong rural presence in the government, featured on the pages of this newspaper Rabobank’s latest Global Animal Partnership Manager 027 486 8346Outlook which should ensure a rural voice is heard production@globalhq.co.nz throughout 2023. Protein report, released last donna.hirst@globalhq.co.nz nz when decisions in Parliament are made. Since a change of government week, dampens hopes that 2024 will bring Advertising material adcopy@globalhq.co.nz 07 552 6176 Send your letter to the Grant Marshall 027 887 5568 The new government won’t have all following October’s election, there is an immediate change of fortune. nz South Island and AgriHQ WRITEEditor TO The Editor, Weekly at Farmers SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800 85 25 80 the answers to the issues facing the growing optimism in the sector. annual report is predicting 021 136The 5570 Partnership Manager that, sector. Environment targets will be National has promised to address after four years of growth in animal subs@globalhq.co.nz Farmers Weekly P.0. Box 529, Feilding grant.marshall@globalhq.co.nz implemented and need to be met. much of the red tape farmers feel has production around the world, next year P.O. Box 529, Feilding or email us at Javier Roca 323 0761 However, a fresh approach might just bogged them down for the past few years. will see the brakes applied with a slowing 06 027 323 9407 Livestock Partnership Manager 027 602 4925 Printed by Ovato NZ Ltd farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz • FAX 06 323 7101 provide farmers withEMAIL a springfarmers.weekly@globalhq.co.nz in their The coalition government will make an in some protein types. Delivered by Reach Media Ltd o.nz livestock@globalhq.co.nz step as they prepare to face a new year. announcement about the National Policy It also warns producers and processors

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19 In My View

Opinion In my view ...

toughest mountain conditions, from -10°C to 30°C. These animals have the superpower to provide us with meat and the most durable fibre. Most high country stations will be carbon positive due to their low stocking rate and huge area of land. Why is this not being talked about in mainstream media?

The word on the boards Jack Fagan

Two-time world champion speedshearer

ITH six months of travelling at an end I thought you would find it interesting to read about my rural experiences around the world. Jetting off in May, the sense of adventure begins again as the European shearing season gets underway. Shearing on a small wooden board in a 200-year-old barn, I smell hot coffee and freshly baked croissants, meaning it’s smoko time for the French. Most of them had only a smoke for breakfast so eating some pastry is a good way to keep the worms at bay. The French farmers are always interested in what new and innovative ideas the Kiwi farmer has to offer. When I mention that over 100,000 hectares have been planted in a non-native, eco toxic species of tree that will never be harvested, they say “You must be crazy!” By the end of this century I think we will have come full circle and reverted these carbon forests into pasture or native plants. That’s if mass wildfires haven’t already wiped out the pine tree. We are privileged in New Zealand to be free from lifethreatening predators. In France, it has been 30 years since the wolf returned. With an estimated population of 1100, wolves are now killing farm animals everywhere. There is no compensation or aid available to the farmers. If you are caught killing a wolf you lose all of your

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

subsidies and face a €35,000 ($60,000) fine and up to five years in prison. This is causing major divide between the rural and urban people. It will take the death of a human being before people will talk about controlling the wolf population again. Fast-forward into June, and the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships are on in Edinburgh. We are privileged to witness the rise of a new shearing world champion in Scotland, though it cuts a blow to the Kiwi heart seeing our machine shearers knocked out in the semi finals. Welshman Gwion Lloyd Evans destroys the field in an allnorthern hemisphere world final, cementing his place in shearing history. Gwion puts on a performance of utter dominance. The hunger of the Welsh dragon fuelled by the roaring Welsh supporters pushes their team into another dimension. Competing at the Welsh events through July is truly moving. The entire Welsh crowd will belt out their anthem Land of Our Fathers, making the hairs on your neck stand up and your heart thump with adrenaline as one of their world-class shearing finals gets underway. It’s hard work for the humble Kiwi to take down the almighty dragon. Cumbrian farmers in the mountains of northern England are finally getting a return on their Herdwick wool. This area is a Unesco World Heritage site and these sheep are

We are welcomed by a plague of flies that burrow in your ears, up your nose as if to say ‘Welcome to Aussie, mate.’

BACK BLOCKS: ‘It’s amazing how much time we have to think while shearing,’ says world champion Jack Fagan. ‘This was written while sweating buckets, shearing around the back blocks of the world.’ known as the guardian of the fells. The sheep provide a hardy black and grey fibre, and a local company is now purchasing the clip direct from farmers, paying £1 ($2) per kilo. It’s scouring and producing products locally, a huge boost to the local economy. We should be pushing for more school uniforms to be made from locally grown wool. A back-to-thefuture idea during a cost-of-living crisis is exactly what we need. My grandparents managed to raise six children post World War II with no power, Netflix or WiFi, on a ballot block in the hills of the King Country.

Grandma Fagan, who recently marked her 98th birthday, used to make all her own butter and bread, heading to town only once every fortnight for supplies because fuel was too expensive. Hard times breed hard people and we should look at the excess we can cut out of our lives before exclaiming how hard it is. Heading to Central Otago in August to shear for Peter and Elsie Lyon is a treat. We work in the most beautiful area on earth among proud farmers who showcase their fine wool on the world stage. The Merino sheep live in the

Darting to Perth in October, we catch the end of the Australian season. We are welcomed by a plague of flies that burrow in your ears, up your nose as if to say “Welcome to Aussie, mate.” Mutton is worth nearly nothing in Western Australia this season due to the live export being stopped. A lot of farmers are talking about not putting the ram out this year. Some are even selling up everything. With feed costs so high and no market for the meat, wool is the only product on the farm keeping these farmers afloat to earn their daily bread. Finally, settling back into the King Country for main shear. It is nice to return to the lush green grass and fresh mince pies from the Te Kuiti bakery. Sure, we have one of the hardest jobs on earth, but working in a great team and enjoying their company over a cold beer is bloody satisfying. One thing we all forget as farmers is we actually don’t own the land, we are simply caretakers until the next generation comes along. It’s amazing how much time we have to think while shearing. This was written while sweating buckets, shearing around the back blocks of the world.

B Corp certification reflects our values Adam Heath

Chief executive of FMG

A GOAL: FMG chief executive Adam Heath says the company’s ‘value of doing what’s right was ... the motivation behind our ambitious goal to become a B Corp certified business’.

T FMG we’re guided by our values. Do what’s right, Proud of who we are, We’re in it together, and Make it happen. Values that our employees live by every day. Our value of doing what’s right was also the motivation behind our ambitious goal set in 2021 to become a B Corp certified business and I’m extremely proud and excited to announce that we’ve now achieved accreditation. FMG is officially the first B Corp General Insurer in Aotearoa New Zealand, meaning we’ve been recognised for having some of the highest standards of verified, social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability in the world. We sought to become a B Corp, utilising a standard that’s not our

own, to help provide independent assurance that we’re continuing to do what’s right by you as our members and clients in delivering to our purpose of a better deal for rural Aotearoa New Zealand and our vision of helping to build strong and prosperous rural communities.

FMG has always been committed to the wellbeing and prosperity of rural communities, so achieving B Corp certification is a natural extension of this. Achieving those outcomes starts with us. It means attracting and retaining the best people so we can continue to provide fit-for-purpose advice and insurance solutions, backed by great service. Partnering with like-minded suppliers is also

key, so we can all do our bit for our people, local communities and the planet. As a mutual insurer with a legacy and history stretching back 118 years, FMG has always been committed to the wellbeing and prosperity of rural communities, so achieving B Corp certification is a natural extension of this. Regardless of what the future may bring, we remain committed to being a purpose-led and values-based insurer focused on doing well by doing good for our members, clients and all of our stakeholders. We know our farmers and growers are working hard to be the heroes of this country’s sustainability story, and our clients and members told us to lead by example. Achieving B Corp will help us to do that. There are plenty of ups and downs in farming and growing,

and certainty is hard to come by. B Corp accreditation will help ensure that while plenty can change, our commitment to rural Aotearoa New Zealand never will.

Got a view on some aspect of farming you would like to get across? We offer readers the chance to have their say. Contact us and have yours. farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz Phone 06 323 1519

20 Opinion

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Ending a tough year all facing forward Alternative view

Alan Emerson

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

T WAS great to be invited to the Federated Farmers endof-year bash held recently in Wellington. It was both relaxed and positive, extremely positive. From feeling punch drunk on previous occasions, it was farmers looking forward to 2024 and beyond. I thought that was pretty amazing considering the crap year many farmers had endured. Prices aren’t great, costs are increasing, interest rates aren’t coming down but still the room was buzzing. In addition, all the agriculture players were together in one place with everyone talking to each other. That in itself was an achievement. It hasn’t always been that way. Looking around the room I felt that grassroots farmers were in good hands.

In addition to the Feds national board, provincial presidents and key executives, Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland certainly mixed with the team. Dairy NZ were prominent, with board members Jacqueline Rowarth, Mary-Anne Macleod and Chris Lewis. Previous agriculture minister Nathan Guy was there in his current role as chair of the Meat Industry Association. Ministry for Primary Industries director-general Ray Smith plus several of his senior management team also mixed with the grassroots farmers from Feds. The rural commercial sector was well represented. My point is that the leading players from the primary sector were all in the same room, facing the same direction. It is hopefully a sign of things to come. The credibility of the gathering was further enhanced by the large number of politicians. Andrew Hoggard is well used to such functions but was keen to talk to individuals. His ministerial roles will be taxing but I’m sure he’ll do it all and with flair. I’m reassured that as associate minister of agriculture he’ll have responsibility for animal welfare. As I’ve written, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee doesn’t impress. Its job, “to provide independent advice”, has often seemed to me as more coming from a pre-determined position than demonstrating independent thought. That won’t work with Hoggard.

As minister of biosecurity and food safety he’ll be good and having him as associate environment minister will be great for farming. NZ First’s Mark Patterson certainly mixed and mingled. As another associate minister of agriculture he’ll do a great job. I thought he led Otago Feds well and when serving in the 2017 to 2020 coalition government he quickly picked up the vagaries of the political system. The third associate minister, National’s Nicola Grigg, is relaxed talking to farmers and knows and understands the key issues facing agriculture. Having those three associate ministers from the three parties of the coalition really strengthens the primary sector’s arm. That they’re all from farming backgrounds is of major benefit.

The leading players from the primary sector were all in the same room, facing the same direction. It is hopefully a sign of things to come. Miles Anderson did a great job as Feds meat and wool sector head. He suggested that he is keen to serve on both the Primary Industry and Conservation Select Committees and I hope he’s successful on both. I really rated ACT’s Mark Cameron over the last term of the Labour Government. He was the pick of the opposition primary industry MPs.

ALL TOGETHER NOW: ‘Looking around the room I felt that grassroots farmers were in good hands,’ says Alan Emerson of the Federated Farmers end-of-year bash in Wellington. I was somewhat humbled by all the positive feedback on Farmers Weekly, especially from the Feds. As a minute cog in the large wheel that is Farmers Weekly, it was good feedback to get. Federated Farmers did a great job leading into the election. It played the ball not the person and portrayed the issues succinctly and without fuss. Also, I’d suggest the number of farmers in Parliament didn’t happen by accident. Feds went into the election wanting 12 policies. The coalition gave them all 12. Not many lobby groups can claim that level of success. I was somewhat bemused by the Green Party selecting exGreenpeace activist and noted anti-farmer campaigner Steve Abel as its agricultural spokesperson. It obviously doesn’t expect the sector to take the party remotely seriously. With the Greenpeace mantra of putting emotive rubbish before facts, it seems to me appointing one of them to a farming spokesperson’s role is

either extremely ignorant or a two-fingered salute to our sector. I suspect the latter. Conversely, Labour has appointed Jo Luxton as agricultural spokesperson. She is sane, sensible, knows the sector and has developed good networks. It was an extremely positive end to a harsh year that had many farmers and growers suffering greatly from extreme climatic events and other factors well beyond their control. That suffering was lessened by the superb work of the Rural Support Trust plus Feds, many in the commercial sector and several government agencies. It demonstrated that farmers aren’t alone. While 2023 was a shit year I feel reassured that 2024 will be better, hopefully much better. As this is my last column for the year can I wish you all the best for 2024 and thanks for all your feedback and emails. I don’t care whether you agree with me or not – your feedback is important. Have a good one.

Fruit cakes and season’s greetings Eating the elephant

Phil Weir

Phil Weir is a Waikato sheep and beef farmer and AgFirst agribusiness consultant. eating.the.elephant.nz@gmail.com In this series, the lads reflect on 2023 and the break ahead.

‘A

DD a bit more Phillip, a bit extra will make the cake taste better,” quickly followed by “PHILLIP! Get your hands out of the bowl! There will be no mixture left at the rate you’re going.”

Gran’s sage advice dished out decades ago during my first appointment as Christmas cake baking assistant. As I continue the tradition of sherry-soaked fruit with my own three eager young bakers a month out from Christmas, it seems very natural for the Eating the Elephant article for this month to be a nod to the festive season. December is busy on the farm. It is the time we see another season tick over, spring to summer, sheep farmers flat-out with wool and weaning. Throw in community, family and artificial Christmas deadlines and it can all get a bit crazy. Taking a hunk of the Christmas cake to one of these family preChristmas dos, I am again taken back to being a kid. Like when Uncle Terry would arrive at Uncle Ray’s in Whanga(mata), leatherclad on a racy motorbike. For the kid cousins, converging from Waikato and Wairoa and more familiar with a Honda threewheeler, this was mega cool. Uncle Dennis would arrive a bit later with flagons of Lion Red. The flagons were the prompt for us

kids to race around and find the 7 Up, because it offered the hope of a shandy to wash down the Ripples salt and vinegars. Shoot, we were happy. Looking ahead to quite a different, but equally chaotic summer ritual as a parent, I can appreciate the stress for my own folks. Times were hard then, with high interest rates, low farm profitability and limited Yuletide sleep as every square inch of space was occupied by family. But we kids did not sense the pressure – we loved it.

wet wild weather, I hope we can focus on the good that has come from the testing, challenging or downright soul-destroying moments. I also hope that the festive season sunshine can provide a bit of respite and space for some other, more positive memories to be added. In addition to providing

loose advice about not eating too much cake, Gran was one for providing guidance around polite conversation. No talk of sex, religion, politics or money. Christmas allowed one exception to Gran’s rules: religion was allowed, because the view was that Continued next page

Times were hard then, but we kids did not sense the pressure – we loved it. We ate Nana’s pipi fritters, which had as much sand in them as the liners of our togs that cruelly introduced us to chafing. We played at the beach until the UV rays found holes in the SPF15 and required aloe vera rubbed over a burnt bum. When I look back on these holiday memories, the madness is not remembered. With a year so dominated by

HANDS OUT OF THE BOWL, PHILLIP! As well as advice about not eating too much cake, Phil Weir’s Gran had some sound guidance around polite conversation.

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Carbon farming needs long-term rules The braided trail

Keith Woodford

MD at AgriFood Systems kbwoodford@gmail.com

WROTE recently about the need for big decisions by the government to sort out the rules for carbon farming. In that context, I was more than a little interested to see what the coalition agreement would come up with. The answer is that it only needed one sentence to set the cat among the pigeons, so to speak. That sentence – actually a dot point initiated by NZ First but agreed to by all three coalition partners in the overall agreement – was to “Stop the current review of the ETS system to restore confidence and certainty to the carbon trading market”. The mainstream media has yet to pick up on the significance of what has been agreed. I am also unsure whether the coalition government itself understands the implications. First, what was the purpose of this review that is now to stop? Essentially it was to deal with the fundamental and irrefutable Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) problem that the carbon price needed to drive significant change in emission behaviours is so high

Continued from previous page if you are to celebrate Christmas, you need to understand the origin story and the universal values connected to it, rather than the commercialism of Santa. However, Gran would not relent on the others and if she was still with us, this would have been strictly enforced. Given the political temperature after a tough election at home and divisive wars abroad, tough financial times on farm and, well, who wants to talk about sex with their Gran anyway. Perhaps that’s a tradition worth keeping this year. While Santa won’t have time to stop in, I do look forward to others dropping by to talk through the year that has been and share some optimism for the year ahead. Thank you to those who have read the Eating the Elephant series in 2023. Our group of mates have enjoyed telling a few stories, some of them with deeper connected messages, some of them just stories. I look forward to 2024 and filing the memories – both good and bad – of the year that has been.

that, on almost all pastoral land, it would make carbon faming much more profitable than sheep and beef. This price could also be sufficiently high to make carbon farming more profitable than dairying on much of the better land. From an economic perspective, the key reason this is seen as problematic is that the sheep and beef industries earn some $12 billion of foreign exchange each year and dairying earns close to $25bn. In contrast, carbon sequestration does not earn foreign exchange. Losing this foreign exchange would be a huge issue extending far beyond the farming industries. Much of the overall economy would disintegrate in the absence of these primary industries to pay for imports of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, cars, trucks, computers, machinery, fuel and so on. From the perspective of the Climate Change Commission, the key concern relates to its own specific mandate. Its concern has been and still is that there could be so many forests planted that this would eventually drop the carbon price below what is needed to change carbon emission behaviours. So, both the Climate Change Commission and the Labour Government have had a Goldilocks problem of not wanting too much or too little carbon sequestration, but of finding the amount that would be “just right”. That problem is now a poison chalice handed to the new National/ACT/ NZ First Government. By mid-2023 it was clear that the ETS review being undertaken by the Labour Government was heading towards a supposed solution that, one way or another, the price received for a carbon unit (NZU) sequestered by carbon farmers should be less than the price paid by carbon emitters. In other words, the government would set the price for carbon sequestered in forests sufficiently low so as to significantly reduce the profitability of these activities, and hence the amount of sequestration. The government would be the only buyer. The government would then sell the units at a higher price to emitters. In the process, the government would make a big profit, almost certainly some billions, by managing the trade. In response to the Labour Government’s mid-2023 discussion document setting out a range of options as to how this might be done, there were more than 600 individual and corporate responses. The Ministry for the Environment has been beavering away ever since analysing these submissions, with individual submissions up to 70 pages. It was meant to report back to the minister this month, December. I was not enamoured by any of the proposals in that discussion document, and so

at one level I am relieved that the work has been stopped. By doing so, the new government has effectively put a stop to the notion, at least until the next election, of separate prices for sequestration and emissions, and with the government playing a monopolist game in the middle as the sole trader. However, I also suspect there was a lot of wisdom embedded in those 600 submissions.

As things stand, we are heading back to the situation of several years ago when good quality farms were being sold for forestry.

comes to more than $12bn. It’s a big nest egg, but not all of these units are owned by foresters. Big trade-exposed companies have been holding onto their free government-gifted units as an investment. There are also private non-forestry investors. For a range of reasons that I will not go into here, what happens to carbon prices in the coming months is far from certain. However, my expectation is that, with current ETS settings, the price will rise considerably over the medium term, say two years, and possibly for some time thereafter. Even if the carbon price does not rise any further, the profitability of carbon farming is now of the same order it was in mid-2022 before the kerfuffle of the last 18 months.

for forestry. Indeed, professional forestry companies much prefer this type of land, which has less health and safety issues, lower cost of internal roading, lower costs of harvest and remediation, and is closer to ports. There is only one solution. It has to be a case of simple and consistent regulations that lay out the specifics of where forests comprising introduced species can and can’t be planted. My suggestion, which I first floated close to two years ago, is that individual pastoral farmers should have automatic rights to plant continuous-cover forests on a proportion of their land, perhaps somewhere between 10 and 20% of the area, but constrained to no more than, say, 100 hectares on any property.

RULES: There is only one solution to the forestry policy logjam – ‘simple and consistent regulations that lay out the specifics of where forests comprising introduced species can and can’t be planted’, Keith Woodford writes.

Anyone interested in carbonfarming investments can now have confidence that, at least until the next election, the sequestration price will align with the emission price. As it stands, the decision to stop the review will be welcomed by those foresters who are currently earning NZU credits in the ETS, and likewise anyone else who owns NZUs as an investment. Similarly, it will give some confidence to those who are interested in setting up large-scale forests with introduced species, knowing that there are now no overarching central government policies to stop them. It should also create new interest among hill-country sheep and beef farmers that individually putting the worst 10-20% of each farm into carbon forestry is a very attractive diversification option. As I write this article on December 5 2023, the carbon price for one New Zealand Unit has risen from $70 to nearly $76 in the 10 days since the coalition’s agreed policies were announced. This is probably due to those who hold NZUs – and there were close to 161 million of these units in private hands as at September 30 2023 – now being confident to look for a higher price before they sell. A simple calculation of 161 million units multiplied by $75

But oh, if only everything was really that simple! On November 3 2023, a new system of regulations was put in place: the National Environmental Standards – Commercial Forestry (NES-CF). The regulations apply both to plantation and permanent (continuous cover) forests. They require that any proposed forest of more than 1ha has to be assessed by the relevant local council within each of eight separate stages of the forestry cycle. It would seem that a new bureaucracy of regulations has been created. How they are interpreted will be crucial. I expect there will be lots of legal hearings and appeals. There will also be some strident lobbying of local councils as each goes through the painful process of developing new district plans. The regulations will in general be manageable for the big forestry operators who can spread the regulatory costs over hundreds of hectares. But they are going to be more than a little off-putting for farmers who just want to dip their toes into carbon farming. This might be something for the relevant minsters to now look at. The other fundamental problem is that as things stand, we are heading back to the situation of several years ago when good quality farms were being sold

Farmers know which parts of their farms are the least productive parts and this is where they would choose to plant these forests. It will be the gullies and steeper country. Farmers would need to register these relatively smallscale forests as continuous cover, and with automatic approval constrained to approved species. Alongside this, full consenting would be required for larger areas of afforestation, taking into account broader environmental and community issues. These issues would need to be defined for each district plan. Logic would say that district plans should direct the large-scale forestry to Land Classes 6, 7 and 8, and totally away from Classes 1 to 5. Class 5 land could be approved for forestry when surrounded by land of Classes 6, 7 and 8, but only if this surrounding land made any other use of the Class 5 land uneconomic. This overarching direction should come from central government. Overarching consenting rules need to have agreement across party lines. Long-term investment decisions cannot be at the mercy of threeyearly elections. If we can’t get broad agreement across party lines as to the rules, then forestry policy will lurch from crisis to crisis.

22 People

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

People

Ag teacher wins trans-Tasman award Teaching agriculture to hundreds of city kids has earned an Auckland teacher recognition that is a first for the primary sector’s educators. Gerald Piddock reports.

OADETTE Low’s passion to bring the primary sector to Auckland schoolkids has been recognised with a prestigious trans-Tasman teaching award. The head of agriculture at Mt Albert Grammar School won a National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) Apple Award for her grassroots innovation and expertise and for her extensive mentorship of students. NEiTA are trans-Tasman Awards honouring the teaching profession that have run for 29 years. Low was one of four New Zealanders to win awards this year and the first agriculture teacher to win. This year’s awards had 2525 nominations. From there, 50 were shortlisted for video interviews and from those 50, 12 received awards. Low says winning the award felt surreal. “Teachers are really terrible at self-acknowledgment – very humbling and absolutely amazed – it’s pretty amazing.” It was an acknowledgement of the work agriculture teachers across New Zealand are doing every day. These teachers are a closely knit group who support each other, and her success is their success, Low says. It also helps to raise the profile of teaching agriculture in secondary schools, she says. “It’s incredible that an agriculture teacher has been acknowledged. “We do it for the students and we do it for the subject content.

It’s one of the key benefits of being an ag teacher, I get to see the teenagers succeed and see those lightbulb moments.” The classes also have the support of the primary sector, allowing Low to remain connected to the industry while inspiring its next generation.

It’s pretty awesome, we have over 200 kids and we have an eight hectare farm, which is a phenomenal resource, and the kids are super keen on anything to do with livestock – that’s the main reason why they take this subject. Low says she has a passion for teaching agriculture with its relevance to real-life applications. “My students’ engagement in the taught content is incredibly motivating and rewarding. Seeing their successes and learnings from failure is a privilege. “I regularly bring in primary industry leaders ... who provoke [the students’] passion for the subject, inspiring them into a world of achievable possibilities.” Low was nominated for the award by Rathkeale College teacher Victoria Gammie and Queensland teacher Stephanie McQuillian. McQuillian says Low is an exceptional educator in what is a predominately male sector.

APPLE FOR THE TEACHER: Mt Albert Grammar School head of agriculture Coadette Low is the first agricultural teacher to win a National Excellence in Teaching Awards Apple Award. “Coadette is a leading light for other female educators to pursue a career in agriculture. She has expert knowledge in her field. She is passionate, progressive and consistently seeks new ways to improve her practice. “She really goes above and beyond leading the next generation.” Low spent seven years teaching agriculture at Rathkeale College in Masterton before shifting to become the head of agriculture at Mt Albert Grammar School at the start of 2023. Rathkeale College has a large contingent of boarders who have agriculture backgrounds, whereas

95% of Mt Albert Grammar School students are from Auckland. “It’s pretty awesome, we have over 200 kids and we have an eight hectare farm, which is a phenomenal resource, and the kids are super keen on anything to do with livestock – that’s the main reason why they take this subject.” Their lack of experience in agriculture created a learning opportunity because Low can influence their way of thinking, whereas children at Rathkeale could judge what Low was teaching them alongside their own experiences growing up on a farm. Children in Low’s Mt Albert class

do not have those pre-conceived ideas, she says. Mt Albert Grammar’s ag curriculum teaches years 10-13 a wide range of livestock classes using the school’s farm as much as possible. These range from cattle – meat and dairy – to sheep, horticulture and layer hens, covering genetics, animal health, husbandry, feed and nutrition and soil health. Outside the farm gate, the school also teaches agribusiness to its students. Low grew up in Napier, working as a wool handler after school. She completed a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Animal Science and Physiology, at Massey University. After graduation, Low worked in the meat industry in Australia for five years in an auditing role. She remembered a past biology teacher at high school recommending that she should be a teacher, and it was only after working in the abattoir that she considered it. “After a couple of years, I was training others and conducting more audit work. I decided after taking a group of stock agents through and teaching them the carcase grading system that teaching agriculture would be something I would like to do.” Low completed a Graduate Diploma of Secondary School Teaching at the University of Adelaide in South Australia and taught in Australia for four years before taking up the position at Rathkeale in 2016. The award comes with a $5000 professional development grant, which Low plans to use to travel overseas to look at different farming systems, and bring that knowledge back to her students.

Thumb’s up for food bank drive Staff reporter

PEOPLE

Community A DAIRY farmer will be thumbing his way from Auckland to Christchurch next week, to raise awareness about The Big Feed live rural telethon and drive donations for food banks nationwide. North Waikato dairy farmer Colin Hickey, who has dubbed his journey The Hickey Tour, is planning the hitchhike as part of The Big Feed live rural telethon on

Thursday December 14. The Meat the Need and Feed Out fundraising drive supplies mince and milk meals to more than 110 food banks nationwide. “I’m a bit nervous about how the journey is going to go, but making it work is all part of the fun,” Hickey said. An ambassador for the farmerled charity, Hickey came up with the idea for the tour during last year’s telethon. “I decided I wanted to be in Christchurch this year and with

SIGHTS: Colin Hickey will be stopping at landmarks during the Hickey Tour, as he hitchhike’s from Auckland to Christchurch.

the tight dairy market we made a bit of a joke about having to hitchhike and it’s actually morphed into a reality,” he laughed. The Hickey Tour will kick off before 4am with plans to catch rides from Auckland to Wellington, stopping at some landmarks along the way. Hickey will fly over the Cook Strait to Christchurch. “I’m expecting my thumb will be pretty tired by then but I’ll keep going once I land in Christchurch to get to Lincoln,” he said. “We haven’t got any contingency plans, we’ve just got to do it and get to Christchurch in time before the telethon wraps up. I’m hoping people will come on and be part of the cause so if you’re travelling that day, please help me out.” As well as sticking his thumb out, Hickey is also on the hunt for people who may be able to commit ahead of time to transporting him on the different legs of his journey, so he’s not left high and dry. Hickey came on board as a Meat the Need Champion two and a half years ago. As a dairy farmer

ON THE ROAD: Mikayla Hickey blows her dad Colin a kiss goodbye as he prepares to set off on his hitchhike from Auckland to Christchurch milking 400 cows, he donates milk as well as his time. “I believe that every New Zealander should have access to the best protein in the world, which is what we produce, and it’s good to know that through this charity they can,” he said. “We all know what protein does to a body and I just have a belief that no one should be hungry and because I’m a producer of the best protein and dairy in the world, it just makes sense that we look after our own first.” The Big Feed is hosted by Matt Chisholm, Dave Letele and Wayne

Langford, starting at 6am on December 14th and livestreamed on Facebook, YouTube, the Meat the Need website and Vimeo. Farmers can donate livestock or milk online now, and anyone can also choose to donate a “virtual animal”. People can also donate by texting “feed” to 3493 to make an automatic $3 donation or pledge funds online as well. If anyone is interested in giving Hickey a lift on his journey, message Meat the Need on Facebook.

Technology

23 Technology

Too much gas for grass to handle, study shows

GASSED: University of Waikato professor and soil carbon expert Louis Schipper says the paper’s findings support New Zealand work, indicating NZ soils are unlikely to become a major means to offset the country’s GHG emissions.

New research contradicts the ‘closed loop’ theory of grassland GHG sequestration wiping out the emissions of the livestock grazing it. Richard Rennie reports.

RESEARCH paper has highlighted the limitations of grasslands to offset emissions generated by the livestock grazing upon them, with huge gaps between amounts emitted and soils’ ability to offset the carbon dioxide. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the research attempted to address the capability of soils to offset emissions released by livestock in pastoral systems. Typically, soil in pastoral systems is capable of storing more carbon than that in disrupted, cultivated arable systems. Research by scientists in 2018 in the midwestern United States concluded that emissions from a grasslands grazing system could be offset completely by soil carbon sequestration and may help in mitigating climate change. Project Drawdown, a climate change mitigation project, has cited farming’s potential to support the role of natural carbon “sinks” as one of its top 10 sector solutions. But the latest work highlights

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

that this “business as usual” approach will not suffice and the findings were based on short-term data only. Soils in fact have a finite ability to store carbon, the new research shows, with incremental gains in stored carbon ultimately plateauing – while the livestock grazing above them continue to emit greenhouse gases (GHG). The researchers improved their measurements by accounting for the short-term nature of methane, the main gas released by ruminants, balanced against the long-lived finite levels of soil carbon that could offset those emissions. Scientists calculated the amount of soil carbon sequestered that would be required to cancel the methane and nitrous oxide emissions from livestock across the world. It was found to be nearly twice the current soil organic carbon held in the world’s managed grasslands, with various world regions requiring up to 20 times more grassland area to offset their livestock’s emissions. Accounting for soil carbon

sequestration of livestock emissions makes the appeal of a “closed loop” system particularly strong among advocates for leaving food-producing livestock out of GHG emission equations. But the scientists found that even in the most optimistic scenario, with the maximum possible carbon sequestered at the lowest methane emission rate, compensating for cattle producing about 40kg of methane a year would require an additional 40t/ha of soil carbon to be stored in the grassland. This equalled 0.8ha of grassland per one head of cattle per hectare, meaning only relatively extensive systems could wholly deal to their methane emissions. In New Zealand a single cow produces about 80kg of methane a year, double the amount of methane the researchers used, and they are stocked significantly more intensely at about three cows per hectare. The researchers also noted that actually achieving the 40-50t/ ha of stored carbon was “rather challenging” and may be only rarely achieved.

Additionally, this size of accumulation has not been observed in NZ. Globally, the increases in grasslands needed to offset emissions at current livestock densities are eye-watering. The researchers found the increase in global soil carbon storage in grasslands needs to be the equivalent to all the soil carbon losses caused by agriculture for the entire period of human farming history, about 12,000 years. The regional variations in amount of grassland increases were also huge, ranging from 25% more in Eastern Europe, to 2000 times more in southern Asia. They proposed some reduction in livestock numbers where possible, improving feed availability, better

handling of urine and manure and also putting more effort to restore degraded grasslands, preserving the carbon held under grasslands as much as possible. Professor Louis Schipper of Waikato University said this modelling work aligns with the approach NZ has been taking. That was why this country has not become overly obsessed with using soil carbon sequestration as an offset to methane emissions from farms. “We already have high soil carbon stocks and no evidence of gains on flat land. A possibly more important consideration is avoiding losses of existing soil carbon stocks, such as from drained peat soil, excessive periodic cropping with bare ground and large offtakes.”

App puts the war with invasive pests into users’ hands Staff reporter

TECHNOLOGY

Pests

UNIVERSITY of Canterbury researchers and partners are using digital technology to help New Zealanders join the fight against invasive pests. Find-A-Pest is an app that helps people to identify and report invasive species including plants, animals and insects – empowering

users to safeguard New Zealand’s environment. It is unique in NZ in that it creates a database of pest information that is used to support biosecurity knowledge and efforts across multiple organisations, including the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), the Department of Conservation (DOC), regional councils, and primary industry groups. Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha |

University of Canterbury Associate Professor and app adviser Steve Pawson said it can be used as an educational tool alongside its critical role in identifying pests across NZ. “The app uses artificial intelligence [AI] to help identify pests and provides the user with information on the pests’ habitats, hosts and distribution. “We have a team of experts who confirm identifications

and send feedback to users. We also integrate closely with the iNaturalist NZ – Mātaki Taiao nature recording platform, where citizen scientists contribute identification of existing pests, particularly weeds,” Pawson said. He said Find-A-Pest is a valuable resource for anyone interested in protecting the environment. “By using the app, individuals

can help to detect pests early, which supports pest management efforts and minimises damage to the environment.” The MPI has played a significant role in the app’s development and has been involved from its inception in 2018. MPI chief biosecurity officer Peter Thompson said it’s pleased to be a part of a collaboration creating “another tool in the biosecurity toolbox”.

Rich farming news for time-poor farmers. P ODC A S T

GET in FOCUS WEEKLY

24 World

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

WHO, formula industry at odds on cow’s milk Gerhard Uys

MARKETS

Dairy

HE European specialised nutrition industry says new guidelines by the World Health Organisation stating that cow’s milk can be fed to infants under 12 months of age are not backed by sound scientific evidence. The industry also says WHO’s new take that infant formula contributes to child mortality is false. Previous evidence shows cow’s milk does not contain enough iron for a healthy infant diet and that cow’s milk could lead to intestinal bleeding in infants. WHO’s new guidelines conclude that for infants 6-11 months of age who are fed milks other than breast milk, either milk formula or animal milk can be fed. WHO said it conducted a systematic review of studies that compared health outcomes in infants 6-11 months of age fed infant formula vs animal milk. “Evidence showed no statistical difference in the risk of gastrointestinal blood loss. An earlier review had shown that occult blood losses in infants 6-11 months of age are very minor and not likely to affect iron status,” WHO said. The use of infant formula is associated with increased risks of child mortality, gastrointestinal infections, lower respiratory

diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity and leukemia, WHO said. The adverse outcomes could be caused by contaminated water, dirty bottles, bacterial growth during storage, differences in nutritional components, cow’s milk protein in formula, overdilution of formula or the means of feeding, WHO said. The guidelines say infant formula can only be given if it supports normal growth, if safe water and sanitation are assured during preparation, and if it carries a low risk of diarrhoea and malnutrition. “Cow’s milk does contain lower amounts of iron and evidence does show that infants consuming cow’s milk are at greater risk of iron deficiency compared to those consuming formula. However, there are many other ways to provide iron besides infant formula. “Iron from meat sources is more readily absorbed in the intestines than the iron in formula. “Given the variety of alternative sources of iron, along with the health risks and costs associated with use of infant formula, WHO concluded that there is no clear benefit to infant formula over animal milks.” A spokesperson for Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE) said breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies, but when mothers are unable to breast-feed, infant formula is the only safe breastmilk substitute.

World

IRON CLAD: The recommendations in New Zealand is that cow’s milk should be offered to infants as a drink only from 12 months of age.

Iron from meat sources is more readily absorbed in the intestines than the iron in formula. WHO Guidelines SNE is an industry organisation that represents special nutrition manufacturers. Europe’s specialised nutrition industry disagrees with WHO that milk formulas are associated with child mortality, the spokesperson said The claim does not appear to be supported by any scientific evidence, the spokesperson said. “It is widely accepted in scientific literature that formula is the only safe alternative to breastfeeding. For young children 12-23 months of age, the guideline recognises that ‘milk formula provides supplemental sources of iron and other nutrients’ but still doesn’t recommend its use.”

The spokesperson said SNE is not against cow’s milk, but for infants of 6-11 months, cow’s milk is not ideal. “The [WHO] guideline recommends the use of either formula or animal milk for infants 6-11 months who are not breastfed. Recommending animal milk before one year clearly goes against the generally accepted medical recommendation that cows’ milk should not be introduced as breast-milk substitute before one year of age. “The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, for example, considers that cows’ milk is ‘a poor iron source and provides excess protein, fat and energy when used in large amounts’. “Contrary to cows’ milk, followup formula, which will soon be covered at international level by an updated Codex Standard4, is specifically adapted to the nutritional needs of older infants.” The SNE submitted its position statement to WHO,

including a request to revise its guideline using robust scientific methodology, the spokesperson said. The head of innovation for powders and ingredients at Fonterra, Angela Rowan, said the recommendation in New Zealand is also that cow’s milk should be offered to infants as a drink only from 12 months of age. Fonterra agrees with the SNE’s concerns, Rowan said. “SNE’s main concern is with the recommendation that for infants 6-11 months who are not breastfed, that infant formula or full fat animal milk can be used. “While the WHO scientific literature review shows ‘the use of cow’s milk in infants aged 6-11 months who are non-breastfed/ mixed breastfed may increase the risk of anemia but is unlikely to affect growth outcomes’, adapting this into a global guidance is a strong recommendation and should be supported by a review of the impact this may have on nutritional deficiencies for infants.”

Italy tells fake meat to fuhgeddaboudit Gerhard Uys

NEWS

Food and fibre ITALIAN lawmakers put the last nail in the coffin of labgrown meat after the lower house of parliament approved a bill banning the marketing and production of cultivated meat. Media reports said only a quarter of the upper house senate voted against the bill, with the remaining voters in favour. The bill also restricts how plantbased food can be labelled. It will in future be illegal to use traditional meat terms, such as “steak” or “salami” to market plant-based meats. When the bill was tabled in March, Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida said Italy’s agri-food heritage needed to be protected. The bill means no food or animal feed grown in a laboratory from animal cell cultures or tissue is allowed. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing party renamed the department of

agriculture to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty. Media reports cited fines ranging from €60,000 to €150,000 ($110,000-$270,000) for factories that breached the law. There were concerns that the

bill would be in opposition to European Union regulations, where there are already bids to approve the production and sale of cultivated meat. Lollobrigida said he did not believe the EU would give approval

NO GO: Italy has banned the marketing and production of cultivated meat.

to novel foods such as cultivated meat. Public Affairs Consultant at the Good Food Institute Europe Francesca Gallelli said in a press release the bill not only deprives consumers of choice but also isolates Italy from investment and job creation opportunities in the industry. Good Food Institute Europe aims to transform the meat industry by advocating for plant-based and cultivated meat companies. “This decision holds particular significance given Italy’s selfsufficiency rate for beef of 42.5%. As a substantial importer of meat from both European and nonEuropean countries, supporting the domestic production of cultivated meat could play a crucial role in bridging this gap,” she said. Making the use of “everyday names” like salami illegal directly affects Italian companies that make plant-based meat, Gallelli said. “Industry research indicates Italy as the third-largest European market for plant-based products,

with sales surging 21% to exceed €600 million between 2020 and 2022,” she said. Tensions were high outside parliament as farmer groups who supported the bill clashed with groups opposing it.

This decision holds particular significance given Italy’s self-sufficiency rate for beef of 42.5%. As a substantial importer of meat from both European and non-European countries, supporting the domestic production of cultivated meat could play a crucial role in bridging this gap. Francesca Gallelli Good Food Institute The groups opposing the bill said cultivated meat has a lower carbon footprint than meat from livestock and is important in the fight against climate change.

FEDERATED 25 Fed Farmers

FARMERS Vol 1 No 14, December 11, 2023

fedfarm.org.nz

Time to fix our pothole-riddled roads

or rural communities struggling with potholeriddled roads, run-down bridges and never-ending slips, their challenge to the new Government is ‘show us the money’. “Farmers recognise the Government have a huge amount of work on their plate, and keeping a lid on taxes means there’s only so much money to go around,” Federated Farmers national board member and transport spokesman Mark Hooper says. “While we are supportive of the ‘Roads of National Significance’ programme, there is some concern in rural areas that there won’t be enough funding available for provincial state highways and local road renewal and maintenance.” For the agriculture and horticulture sector, those rural highways, local roads and bridges are critical to getting product to processors and markets in a timely manner, Hooper says. “In the absence of the public transport options available in most urban areas, they’re also the access lifelines for farming families getting to schools, suppliers and other services.” Federated Farmers Wairarapa president David Hayes says for farmers in his home district of Masterton, rates bills of $10,000-plus a year are common and roading costs are easily the biggest component. “I’d suggest that would be the same for many provinces in New Zealand,” he says.

FUNDING: Investment in roads of national significance shouldn’t come at the expense of maintaining rural roads, Federated Farmers transport spokesperson Mark Hooper says. While the previous Government stepped in with a large proportion of funding for the $27m of damage caused to Masterton’s roads by storms in June/July 2022, and the cyclones earlier this year, the local share of road renewal and maintenance costs continues to rise. Masterton District Council’s Infrastructure Committee chair David

Holmes, a farmer himself, says most of the area’s rural roading network was built to cater for trucks of 20-30 tonnes. “Now we’re getting trucks of 50 tonnes or more.” Although the council is investigating higher targeted rates for forestry operators, Holmes says the local government funding

model for roads and three waters infrastructure “is broken”. During election campaigning, National’s transport spokesperson Simeon Brown – now the new Minister for both Transport and Local Government – pledged his party would establish a $500 million Pothole Repair Fund to “urgently address the shocking state of our local roads and state highways”. There’s no mention of that fund in National’s coalition agreements with ACT and NZ First. The agreement with NZ First mentions 13 new Roads of National Significance and four major public transport upgrades. There’s also a commitment to building a four-lane highway alternative for Northland’s Brynderwyns and to investigate the use of private finance to accelerate construction. ACT has agreed to National’s plans for a network of 10,000 public EV chargers by 2030 but insisted this be subject to “a robust cost-benefit analysis”. Labour’s speed limit reductions – a bone of contention in many provincial areas – will be reversed where it is safe to do so. And in another clue on how the new Government hopes to foot transport bills, ACT and National have agreed to “institute long-term city and regional infrastructure deals, allowing PPPs (public private partnerships), tolling and value capture rating to fund infrastructure”. Instructions to Waka Kotahi on government priorities come in the

form of the three-yearly Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport. In a move welcomed by Federated Farmers, the Labour Government’s draft GPS, put out in April this year, made highway and local road maintenance a ‘strategic priority’, and significantly bumped up funding for it. But even with that Federated Farmers questioned whether it would be enough to catch up on years of under-investment, particularly with the cyclones at the start of this year having absolutely pounded rural infrastructure. “Our sector, like others that rely on good transport access, are in ‘wait and see mode’ for the new Government’s GPS,” Hooper says. “We’re cautiously optimistic. At our National Conference meeting in Wellington on November 29, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay made it clear the Government knew that farmers and growers are vital to the national economy. “Simeon Brown has talked about instructing Waka Kotahi to lift rehabilitation work to at least 2% of the roading network each year – more than double the current rate. “Federated Farmers is pleased there appears to be recognition that looking after the roads we already have, particularly the networks crucial to getting domestic and export goods to ports and markets, is just as important as building new roads,” Hooper says.

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December 11, 2023 – fedfarm.org.nz

Federated Farmers

Feds press for change in company’s T&Cs

lthough pleased LIC has offered better compensation for its semen failure, Federated Farmers is still asking if it’s right for a co-operative to push so much risk onto its farmer shareholders. Just over 1200 herds have been affected by LIC’s bad batches of fresh conventional Premier Sires straws inseminated on farms nationwide on October 17-19 and October 23-25. After initially offering to refund farmers for affected straws, LIC’s move to broaden the compensation package was a positive step, Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre says. “We asked LIC to go further than just a refund and we’re pleased to see the co-op has found additional ways to reduce the on-farm impact. “While some farmers understandably think LIC should have done more, it’s important to acknowledge LIC have thought about this and come back with a much better offer.” Federated Farmers is now pressing LIC and other breeding companies to take a long, hard look at where the liability rests when mistakes happen. “This incident has really highlighted a bigger issue, which is that both LIC and CRV have clauses in their terms and conditions limiting their liability, when they have a failure, to the cost of the product or service. “We think too much of the risk is being pushed onto farmers, and that needs to change. “A semen quality failure like this can result in significant losses to farmers, including the cost of lost days in milk, potentially higher empty rate, and potential loss of replacement calves.” In an LIC webinar for farmer shareholders on November 28, McIntyre asked LIC if it’s appropriate for a co-operative to have a limited liability clause in its terms and conditions. Chief executive David Chin confirmed LIC’s investigation will

SUPPORT: Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre is asking LIC if it’s appropriate for a co-operative to have a limited liability clause in its terms and conditions.

While some farmers understandably think LIC should have done more, it’s important to acknowledge LIC have thought about this and come back with a much better offer. Richard McIntyre Fed Farmers dairy chair review all aspects of how they responded. “It is important to note that while we have those clauses, it doesn’t prevent the Board from making other gestures, which in this case they have done,” he added. Speaking to Federated Farmers ahead of the webinar, LIC chair

Corrigan Sowman said the co-op is still investigating what caused the semen quality problem. “We’re going through a thorough investigation internally. And at some point in time, it might also be appropriate for us to look at having some external audit done as well. “We can’t be 100% sure we’re going to find the exact answer because of the complexity of what we do.” It’s been “fair” for Federated Farmers to challenge the cooperative, Sowman says. “Federated Farmers serves as a point of contact for farmers to ring when they’re upset. That’s a really important function.” He says that because LIC needed time to understand the nature and scale of the problem, and because every farm has been affected

differently, it took the best part of a week to figure out its credit and goodwill package. “That was just time between Richard McIntyre initially raising the issue with our original credit offer, quite appropriately, and us being able to get out a response. “Maybe we could have come out earlier to say ‘this is what’s happened, and this is what we’re doing’ but we wouldn’t have had enough answers and I feel like it would have almost left farmers feeling more uncertain. We were better to get our credit and goodwill package right and know the facts.” The co-op is very disappointed that it let farmers down, Sowman says. “Farmers didn’t need it and we didn’t want it. We have to get it right and put it right.

“It was wide-reaching, almost across the entire country, in what we would call the start of our peak week. You couldn’t have picked a more challenging time for it to have occurred. “We’re also aware this is on the back of a disappointing sexed semen performance for us last year. So, we’re really conscious that there are some appropriate questions being asked.” Sowman describes the semen quality failure as “an outlier”. “We have a very long history of 20-plus years of fresh semen product where this hasn’t occurred for us. There’s a tremendous amount of confidence built over that time.” He says LIC has implemented additional quality control checks at 4am each day, prior to semen dispatch.

Federated Farmers

fedfarm.org.nz – December 11, 2023

Survey underlines case for more rural police

Federated Farmers survey shows rising rates of rural crime and underlines a strong case for more police resources in rural areas, Feds national board member Richard McIntrye says. Of more than 1000 farmers who responded to the 2023 Federated Farmers Rural Crime Survey, 67% said they had experienced an incident in the last two years. That’s a 14% increase from the 2021 survey, and a 26% rise from the first survey in 2016. While this year’s tally was boosted by the inclusion of a question on illegal street racing, McIntyre says that accounts for only a small part of the increase. He also notes a marked overlap with the burnouts and dangerous driving of ‘boy racers’ and instances of property damage and theft. The number of surveyed farmers reporting a single incident of crime (or a suspected incident in the case of hard to trace crimes such as theft of livestock) fell from 28% in 2021 to 19% this year. But those who experienced two or more incidents in the past two years increased from 71% to 81%. “Alarmingly, the number of farmers who told us they’ve been hit by five or more criminal incidents has nearly doubled to 33%,” McIntyre says. The most common incident in the 2023 survey is illegal street racing, reported by nearly two-thirds of respondents. Illegal hunting or poaching is next highest at 47%, and property theft at 35%. The new Government has pledged that no fewer than 500 more frontline cops will be trained over the next two years. As well as his pitch for a fair share of police resources to come to the provinces, McIntyre has a

message to farmers: “Report all crime”. “That’s how we can put in front of Government an accurate picture of the level of offending rural communities are bearing the brunt of.” The 2023 survey showed, of those who experienced or suspected a crime, nearly half hadn’t reported the incidents to police, which is higher than in the 2021 survey. McIntyre says while there isn’t enough data to confirm a trend yet, it seems likely that farming families and businesses suffering multiple incidences of crime are less likely to call police each time. “We’re not helping ourselves on this front. I know some farmers think to themselves, ‘the police are too stretched to get on top of all the ram raids and other crimes in town, so they won’t be interested in driving 45 minutes to my place’. Or that the piece of property stolen wasn’t valuable enough to bother the police with, or ‘they’re not going to be able to recover it anyway’. “But when we don’t report rural crime, it lets the Government off

the hook in terms of sufficiently resourcing rural police.” Police have said time and again that reports of stolen property, suspicious activity and vehicles help them build a picture of where and when offenders are active, increasing the chances of an arrest, McIntyre adds. The Federated Farmers’ surveys indicate statistics around outcomes are worsening, which may help explain why farmers aren’t reporting crime. Only about 15% of farmers who experienced crime in the last two years said police investigated and caught the offender, down 12% on the 2021 survey. Meanwhile, a quarter of farmers said police investigated but there was no resolution, which is a drop of 16% on the 2021 figure. “Whatever the outcome, don’t let it stop you from reporting the crime,” McIntyre says. “The real value here is getting a full picture of crime rates so we can advocate for more police resources. “We’re not trying to take resources off urban people – they need more police just as much as we do.”

ALERT: “Report all crime” is the message to farmers from Feds national board member Richard McIntyre.

Poachers are putting lives at risk A ‘catch and release’ attitude by our courts in relation to illegal hunting and killing of livestock needs to change, Federated Farmers says. Of more than 1000 farmers responding to the 2023 Federated Farmers Rural Crime Survey, 41% said they’d experienced, or suspected, poaching on their property. That’s about the same rate reported in the 2021 survey. Reports of livestock stolen or killed (33% and 23% respectively) are also about the same as in 2021. Federated Farmers rural police

spokesperson Richard McIntyre says these are the incidents that really worry him because they involve offenders coming onto farms with firearms. “When hunters ask the landowner for permission to come on the property, there’s an opportunity to let them know where houses are, where staff are working, where livestock are located. “But with people hunting illegally, or looking to steal livestock, that whole safety element is out the window. We’ve got people shooting

semi-randomly about the place without any understanding of the safety risks.” For farming families, one of the great attractions of rural life is the ability for children to get outdoors and explore the land. McIntyre says the potential for illegal hunters changes that mindset. He acknowledges there are families struggling to put food on the table, but says too many instances of livestock being killed are repeat offenders selling meat down at the pub.

“They might think ‘this farmer has got a thousand sheep, he must we well off, so if we take 10 or 15 it’s not a big deal’. But in all reality, those few sheep stolen or killed are actually the farmer’s profit. They often owe a whole lot of money to the bank and they’re operating on fairly small margins.” McIntyre says poachers and rustlers are hard to catch. “When they are apprehended, too often the courts go light. We need them to take a far stronger deterrent attitude to this.”

December 11, 2023 – fedfarm.org.nz

Federated Farmers

East Coast growers fast approaching desperation

n the back of two challenging years, Gisborne/Wairoa arable farmers are under pressure again as relentless spring rain prevents them from getting seed in the ground. Sodden conditions have made it incredibly difficult for growers to get crops underway, and the opportunity to plant is fast disappearing, Federated Farmers national arable chair David Birkett says. “Their planting window for crops like maize, sweetcorn and squash goes to about the middle of December, maybe Christmas at a stretch. “And, obviously, planting later has a negative effect on yield as well. “There’s a couple of weeks left, and if it hasn’t dried out enough to start

planting in that time, it’ll be getting desperate.” Birkett says, after talking last week to Allan Newton, Federated Farmers Gisborne/Wairoa Arable chair, it sounds like most growers have managed to plant only about 50% of their crop so far, on average. “The worst thing for these guys is that it’s not the first year. They’ve had three years in a row of wet conditions, with storms like Cyclone Gabrielle wiping out last year’s crops. “And then, of course, on the East Coast there’s a high chance of it drying off at this time of year and getting a drought, which brings a whole other challenge. “If El Niño does kick in and it gets really dry, you need to have these crops well-established so they can withstand the impact, but we’re not getting the opportunity.” Apart from the potential financial

PRESSURE: East Coast growers and farmers are crying out for a decent spell of dry weather, Federated Farmers national board member and Gisborne farmer Toby Williams says.

and wellbeing toll on growers in the region, there’ll be knock-on effects for others if maize can’t be grown, Birkett says. “Most of New Zealand’s seed maize is grown in Gisborne/Wairoa, so if we can’t get maize into the ground soon, that poses problems for seed supplies next year.” Birkett says it’s not just arable farmers feeling the pinch. “For sheep and beef farmers putting in winter feeds, the window’s wider and there’s a bit more flexibility, but the conditions will be putting pressure on them too.” Federated Farmers meat and wool national chair Toby Williams, who

TIMING: Apart from a potential financial and wellbeing toll on growers, there will be knock-on effects for others if maize can’t be grown, says David Birkett.

farms just north of Gisborne, says a relatively dry winter had growers in the region anticipating a strong season. “It dried out in August, so people got excited and started doing their groundwork. “Everyone was getting everything ready to go, feeling confident about the El Niño, thinking we’ll get a bit of spring rain and we’ll be away – but then it just kept raining. Every opportunity to get seed in the ground, it’s rained again. “You need ground conditions that allow you to drive your tractor along and work the soil up, or direct-drill into the soil, at a certain consistency. If it’s too wet, it’s too clumpy and you can’t plant seeds.” Williams says he was talking with a crop farmer in Tolaga Bay, who’s just replanted about 20 hectares of sweetcorn for the third time this season. “The good thing is the seed companies will supply you with more seed without cost because they want the crop in, but you’ve still got to put in more fertiliser, and you’ve got your tractor and manhours to do it. “So, if you’re doing 20 hectares three times, it’s cost you three times what it should have. “It costs you a hell of a lot to put crops in. I mean, we had guys spending half a million last year, to

in PODCAST

FEATURING A WEEKLY CONVERSATION WITH FEDERATED FARMERS LISTEN NOW

get nothing back out of it. You can only do that so many times before you go broke or decide not to do it anymore.” Birkett says providing morale and wellbeing support will become increasingly important if things don’t improve. “There’s nothing we can do about the rain, but us fellow farmers need to show our support,” Birkett says.

Their planting window for crops like maize, sweetcorn and squash goes to about the middle of December, maybe Christmas at a stretch. David Birkett Fed Farmers arable chair

Williams agrees, saying what East Coast farmers need most is a sustained period of dry weather, but the sector needs to rally behind. “Farming is a real challenge at the moment on the East Coast and almost everybody you talk to at the moment says, ‘I’m really feeling for you with the weather’, which is nice to hear people understand what we’re going through,” Williams says. “We don’t want these guys to be forgotten.”

29 Real Estate

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

OPEN DAY

WHAKATANE, BOP 672 Thornton Road and 96A Thornton Hall Road Blue Chip Dairy Performance • • • • • • • • •

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 14 December

106.5136 hectares (STT more or less) 96.14 effective Irrigated area of 68 hectares (more or less) Van den bosh system Upgraded effluent system with new resource consent compliance Groundwater resource consent compliance in place until 2033 40 ASHB with in-shed feed system & 16-tonne silo Excellent fertiliser history and application Well-presented four-bedroom home with sleep-out 10km to Whakatane CBD & 3km to Thornton Primary School Willing to sell as a going concern purchase option if desired

Enjoy the region's sports and recreation attractions with Ohope and Thornton Beach's on your doorstep, along with the area's freshwater lakes and rivers for skiing and fishing. Seize this opportunity for a harmonious blend of agricultural prosperity and coastal living!

Phil Goldsmith M 027 494 1844 E pgoldsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/WHK38714

NEW LISTING

KATIKATI, BAY OF PLENTY Grand Land Almost 50 hectares in total, around 12 hectares of prime plateau horticultural land at 50 MASL. Pristine streams and ecologically important wetlands allow multiple subdivision options. Stunning views. A tidy, three-bedroom home with an outlook over the valley to the dramatic ranges. Grand ocean and mountain views. Potential to create a high-value multi-lot, parklike equine development, close to thriving Katikati town. Currently fenced for sheep and cattle, great yards and a good bore of reticulated water to all but three paddocks. Multiple entrances off two separate roads.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST VIEW By Appointment Only

Andrew Fowler M 027 275 2244 E afowler@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TAR33609 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

For more great rural listings, visit pggwre.co.nz www.pggwre.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008.

WAITOA, WAIKATO 867 Waihekau Road Superior Cropping Property A very desirable and presentable property of 42.3 hectares (more or less) in a central location currently a maize and annual grass cropping proposition on a 100% flat contour. Cropping yields are consistently above the district average with strong fertility on free draining complex Waihou silt loam soils. The property would suit cropping contractors, farmers looking for support crop blocks, horticulture, and market gardens as examples. A first class example of superior cropping land in central Waikato.

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Friday 26 January

VIEW By Appointment Only

Trevor Kenny M 021 791 643 E trevor.kenny@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/MAT38818 Helping grow the country

NZ’s leading rural real estate company Helping grow the country

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate – December 11, 2023

FINAL NOTICE

NEW LISTING

Helensville 146 Fuller Road, South Head

Wardville 169 & 190 Waghorn Road

Farmer, hunter, water lover! Located on the shores of Lake Kuwakatai is this picturesque 111 hectare dairy operation. Spanning two titles, the property's fertile flat to easy rolling contour unfolds across approximately 54 wellsubdivided paddocks seamlessly connected by an extensive limestone race network system. Other features include its fertile red hill sandy loam soils, a 34 ASHB cowshed, reliable water supply, and two houses. For the hunter gatherer, the farm welcomes regular visits from wild fallow deer, whilst direct access to the lake opens opportunities for boating, canoeing, and a frontrow seat to an abundance of birdlife. Take a virtual tour: www.vimeo.com/886002624

111.1508 ha Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 12pm, Fri 15 Dec 2023 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View by appointment John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz Jayne McCall 021 606 969 jayne.mccall@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, KUMEU, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1203745

Real Estate

For sale by the liquidators 98.47 hectares (more or less) of level contour held in two titles (41.56ha and 56.90ha). Offered to the market with the option to submit tenders on the titles individually or for the entire property. Located 15kms north of Matamata in the farming district of Wardville. Was operating as a functional dairy unit, ceasing supply in February 2023. 56.90 hectare title improvements include a good 20-aside herringbone shed, lined effluent pond, a range of farm buildings, water bore plus a three-bedroom brick home and three-bedroom weatherboard home. 41.56 hectare title improvements include a three-bedroom home plus a twobedroom cottage, 3-bay half round barn, old disused cowshed and water bore. Land use here is wide and varied.

98.47 ha Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Wed 31 Jan 2024 65 Arawa Street, Matamata View 12-1pm Wed 13 Dec & Wed 20 Dec Sam Troughton 027 480 0836 sam.troughton@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2400653

Advertise here Waimumu 110/78 Waimumu Road Deadline Sale

$830

+ GST promotes your farm to every farmer in New Zealand

Self contained dairy unit - options available

Established in 2014, Waimumu Downs has gone from strength to Deadline Sale closes Friday 15th December, 2023 at 4.00pm, (unless strength with a strong record of production and an emphasis on sold prior) environmental care that has seen the farm be nominated for, and View By appointment win, several awards over the past decade. With an effective area of Web pb.co.nz/GOR166543 268 ha and a milking platform of 206 ha, all stock is wintered on farm on a grass-only system. Milking is done from a 50 bail rotary shed with DeLaval plant, centrally located on the farm and approximately nine years old. The lanes are in good to fair condition throughout and all fences are in good order. Two standalone homes are included. Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Ryan Osborne M 027 340 4333

Book now and your online listing is free. farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

06 323 0760 | realestate@agrihq.co.nz

Heavy duty, long lasting incinerators

Farm Supervisor/ Senior Stockperson We are looking for a talented individual to join our team at Fairfield Farms based 10 minutes north of Ashburton. Fairfield Farms is a 2500ha mixed arable operation consisting of Cropping, Lamb and Cattle finishing and Cut and Carry.

Qualifications

irontreeproducts.co.nz

The successful candidate will have: • Attention to detail and take pride in completing tasks to a high standard

• The ability to multi-task and adapt to everchanging priorities • Good stock and animal husbandry skills • Own 2-3 working dogs under good command • General farm maintenance skills • Some irrigation knowledge • Basic computer skills and record keeping • Able to manage a small team of staff

• A challenging but rewarding work environment • Opportunity for individual growth

LK0117456©

Contact Carol 027 348 1233

4X4 TAGALONG TOURS

Find primary sector vacancies at:

Bring your own 4X4 on a guided tour to discover more of the South Island.

Tour 1: Molesworth Station, St James, Mailings Pass & Rainbow Stations

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Dates: March 11-14, March 25-28, April 8-11, April 22-25

Additional Information In Return we can offer:

Used steel horse shoes

Phone 021 047 9299

JW114362©

Reporting to the Livestock Manager you will be responsible for overseeing our lamb fattening program on our Chertsey farm from Autumn to Spring, as well as managing the irrigation during the season and general farm maintenance and tidiness. This role will provide an opportunity to work with both our Stock and Cropping teams, meaning no two days will be the same and a variety of tasks will be offered including animal welfare, shifting stock and driving our modern fleet of tractors and equipment.

• Initiative and the ability to operate independently

WANTED TO BUY

Three sizes available

Job Description

• A can-do attitude

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

To advertise phone Julie 027 705 7181

Tour: 2 D’Urville Island and Marlborough Farms Tour

• Competitive starting remuneration rates depending on experience • Plus on Farm housing available if required

Dates: April 24-28

Ready to start?

Other dates available for groups of 6 or more people on request

Applicants will need to be legally entitled to work permanently in New Zealand. If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for, please apply via email including a cover letter and copy of your CV to mike.carter@fairfieldfarms.co.nz or alternately contact Mike Carter on 027 353 7315.

LK0117303©

Marketplace

31 Marketplace

Ph: 0274 351 955 E: info@southislandtoursnz.com • www.southislandtoursnz.com ANIMAL HANDLING

20% off jackets and overtrousers while stocks last

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 ro d i p. c o m

High-tec wet weather clothing specially designed for farmers and the like who require a tough material and water proofness. The rating is 20,000mm. All seams are seam sealed.

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

The jackets material is a three layer. It has two large pockets with a strip of velco to keep closed. Inside the cuff is a neoprene tube that fits snuggly around the wrists. It has epaulets around the wrist for extra comfort. There is a heavy duty zip with a domed flap to keep wind and rain out. Under the flap is a pocket to hold a cellphone, keys, diary etc. The zip comes right up into the hood to cover your mouth from wind and rain. There is also a draw cord in the hood to keep it close around your face.

ATTENTION FARMERS

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

The overtrousers are the same material. The waist has elastic and a webbing belt with an adjustable buckle. There is a heavy duty zip that opens out so you don’t have to take your boots off to put the overtrouser on and off. They also have a flap to protect the zip. There is also elastic around the cuff to hold it in close to your boot. The crutch has a wide strip of material to reinforce it.

0800 436 566 DOGS FOR SALE 5 HUNTAWAY PUPS, 10-weeks old. Sire very good in yards. 4 dogs, 1 bitch. $150 Phone John 027 435 1138. BEARDIE PUPS OLD bloodlines. Station bred, working parents. Phone Nick Deighton 022 478 7917. BORDER COLLIE PEDIGREE working strong eyed pups. Working lambs at 8-weeks. Bred from the finest international dog trialling and working lines. Phone Somerton Park Kennel Canterbury 021 264 6250. WORD ONLY ADVERTISING. Phone 0800 85 25 80.

We have a special late delivery of the material offer. Jacket usually $449.70 – Special offer $359.70 Overtrouser usually $272.80 – Special offer $218.20

www.squires.co.nz Or phone Shane: 06 388 1201

LK0117443©

Check out our website for farm gear:

HUNTAWAY BEARDIE PUPS, Black/tan. Ready now. Vaccinated and wormed. Parents, great working dogs. $350. Phone 027 827 3395.

ELECTRO-TEK ENGINEERING

ZON BIRDSCARER electro-tek@xtra.co.nz Phone: 06 357 2454

FARM PHOTO FOR XMAS

LEASE LAND WANTED DAIRY OR GRAZING FARM wanted. Open to leasing, equity, share farming or developing land in partnership. Rangitīkei, Manawatū or HB areas. Phone Michael 027 223 6156.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE 500 WILTSHIRE EWE lambs for sale in Hawke’s Bay. Phone 027 493 7505.

A FARM PHOTO is a useful and beautiful gift that will be enjoyed every day. From $350 + gst. Contact farmmapping.co.nz.

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

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 FOR ONLY $2.30 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone 0800 85 25 80.

LEASE LAND YOUNG ENERGETIC COUPLE seeking farm lease land in Wairoa/Gisborne. Proven management experience. All sizes considered. Phone Matt 027 238 4942.

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook nzsheep.co.nz/poll-dorset-breeders

WORD ONLY ADVERTISING. Phone 0800 85 25 80.

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

WANTED TO BUY OLD HAY ELEVATORS, working or not. Must be motor-driven. Prefer blue Hollard or O’Connell elevators for project. Must have complete chain. With or without motor. Taranaki, Waikato, Manawatu areas preferred. Phone/text Nathan on 027 485 1208. SAWN SHED TIMBER including Black Maire. Matai, Totara and Rimu etc. Also buying salvaged native logs. Phone Richard Uren. NZ Native Timber Supplies. Phone 027 688 2954. WHAT’S SITTING IN your barn? Don’t leave it to rust away! We pay cash for tractors, excavators, small crawler tractors and surplus farm machinery. Ford – Ferguson – Hitachi – Komatsu – John Deere and more. Tell us what you have no matter where it is in NZ. You never know.. what’s resting in your barn could be fattening up your wallet! Email admin@ loaderparts.co.nz or phone Colin on 0274 426 936 (No texts please)

Advertise with us Call 0800 85 25 80 wordads@agrihq.co.nz

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

CRAIGNEUK

Annual on Farm Sale Friday 12th January 2024 On offer 280 Rams Made up of 200 Terminal Rams • Dorset Down X lambs growing 500 to 600 grams a day from birth to weaning • South Dorset Rams for quick maturity • SIL Recorded and Studfax • Autumn Scan

Enquiries to: Johnny Duncan 027 327 2372 or email: JDuncan.Craigneuk@xtra.co.nz

FEATURING SONS OF CANE, MORDECAI, ROBERT HAY, TITANIC, MUNRO, RIGBY, APEX, FITZROY, COGNAC AND YETI. SALE WILL ALSO INCLUDE A SELECTION OF TROPHY STAGS.

Catalogues will be posted out in December Barry Gard 021 222 8964 bgard@foverandeerpark.co.nz www.foverandeerpark.co.nz MORDECAI @ 5YRS

“We have used WormFEC Gold Genetics for over 30 years and we get great performance on our hill country farm. We measure our lamb FEC levels and can often get up to 8 weeks before needing to drench our lambs. I have farmed for 45 years and we have never had such clean lambs and get almost no flystrike. Some of our lambs don’t require

SHEEP FARMERS

dagging, even before they go to the works.” Lindsay Brown Lake Mahinerangi, Otago

Farmers all over NZ are putting their trust in WormFEC Gold rams for parasite control.

A long term solution for parasite control starts with your first ram purchase. WormFEC Gold Genetics High performance and high resistance

www.wormfecgold.co.nz

Last issue for 2023 December 18 First issue for 2024 January 15

110kg+ Weaner Friesian Bulls (Waikato based) 300kg+ R1 Friesian Bulls Autumn born Beef/Beef X Heifers & Steers Richard Seavill, Ph: 021 169 8276

Contact your partnership manager for deadlines

20-25 x 350-360kg Hereford/Friesian Heifers Harrison Levien, Ph: 027 496 7410

Office close dates December 19 to January 7

STOCK FOR SALE 1200 x Capital Stock Romney 2th Ewes (lambed as hoggets). Available in January Chris Kyle, Ph: 027 496 7412 Ph: 0800 827 455

Email: admin@byl.co.nz

Website: www.byllivestock.co.nz

• Highly fertile, great survival • Strong emphasis on structural soundness and uniformity • All rams born higher than 1800ft asl Only multiples born and reared on offer Price includes an optional Startect drench and Zapp pour on at departure $270ea plus GST Rams available from February 20th to March 15th

Please contact Sam or Liz Barton on 027 242 4262 to enquire and/or confirm a booking – West Otago

PAPARATA STATION - INAUGURAL ON FARM YEARLING CATTLE SALE Thursday 14 December, 1pm A/C Trevor & Trish Johnson 4557 Ohura Rd, Taumarunui (Ram selling complex) • 600 Yearling Steers • 500 Yearling Heifers

LK0117476©

JANUARY 2024 @ 1PM

SCAN FOR CATALOGUE

Large numbers of 22-24kg Store Lambs 300-350kg R1 Angus Steers Chris Kyle, Ph: 027 496 7412

ROMDALE RAM LAMBS FOR SALE

41ST ANNUAL ELITE SIRE STAG SALE SATURDAY 6

Advertise with us

SHEEP SIRE SOLUTIONS

Breeding the difference

STOCK WANTED

LK0117290©

80 Maternal Halfbred and Quarterbred Rams Merino Ram/Romney Ewe MILK • WOOL • MEAT Bred to fit the Smartwool Contract 19 to 23.5 micron Grown in the harsh Maniototo climate

"MAXIMISING YOUR RETURN THROUGH PERSONAL LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT"

Livestock

WAIRARAPA TEXEL DEVELOPMENTS Tried, tested, proven and matched perfectly to New Zealand conditions for efficient, cost effective lamb production.

These later born great shifting hill-country yearlings are Angus, Angus/Hereford cross and Hereford. Angus bulls have been purchased from Stokman and Waitangi with Herefords from Kokonga. The cattle will be drafted into lines and weighed 10 days prior to the sale with viewing on sale day from 9.30am - 12.30pm. A list of yard addresses will be available upon request from the auctioneers. A catalogue will be available on Bidr and My Livestock prior to the sale. A 2% purchasing rebate will be paid to recognised companies making arrangements prior to the sale. The cattle will be shown at the auction via video taken at drafting and weighing. For more information contact: Marty Cashin (PGW) 027 497 6414 Allan Hiscox (NZFL) 027 442 8434

Texel Flock No 10 SIL No. 2960 Suftex Flock SIL No 5044

WAIRARAPA TEXEL DEVELOPMENTS THE TERMINATOR -PACKING MEAT

“Meating the Market” With 100 plus Texel 2th rams and 80 plus Suftex 2th rams All fully SIL recorded for sale 2023 Plus – 200+ ram hoggets available for 2024 ewe hogget mating including 50+ Cheviot/Texel ram hoggets. Inspection and enquiry are always welcome, or visit our Facebook page wairarapa texel development.

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

For more info visit www.bidr.co.nz

Andy 027 238 4961 halfy490@gmail.com Stewart 06 372 2770 texels4u@gmail.com

LK0117192©

LK0117127©

32 Livestock

BW 143/50 PW 161/67 RA 100% 33 (in top 10 All Breeds for NZ )

Livestock • •

A year later he was back in Mexico, and he and his friend had an extra day to kill. “How about the bullfights?. “Afterward we can get a beer at this restaurant nearby.” His friend agreed and they went to the fights only to be told they were already over. “Let’s go get a beer then,” remembering the testicles he said, “we can eat, too. They have this dish you’re going to love.” They ordered the testicles but when they arrived the testicles were much smaller, weren’t nearly as flavorful, and kind of disappointing. When they were done he asked the waiter what happened to the dish. They had been so much better last year. The waiter leaned closer and said, “Senor, the bull doesn’t always lose.”

All details available.

Enquiries to the sole marketing agents:

LK0117423©

recorded, young herd, 430kg ms/cow last season, Outstanding genetics & lowpotential to be little inputs, cell count average, DTC one to 6 of weeks ABsuppliers from 1/8/24. Hereford bull out 1/1/24.to the countries leading of Genetics Will sell breeds separately. Replacements also the dairy industry for years to come. Full details available.

available.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Many cows contracted to LIC for 2011 matings Due to calve from 16-7-12, 6.5 weeks AB Jersey and Kiwi cross SALE TALK • Estimated to Retiring be 420 cows after non long term 50/50 sharemilkers While on vacation in Mexico, a guy went to see the pregnant, culls, older cows & 5% rejection exiting industry bullfights. When it was over he went to a• nearby restaurant. The last Production season 347kgs ms/cow, waiter recited the menu and then said, “As there was a Herd replacements 1000kgs ms/ha, onand rolling to steeper bullfight today, we also have fresh testicles on the menu if you’d like to try them.” contoured farm, no meal, palm kernel or maize for sale The guy was always up for something new so he ordered fed. them. They arrived and they were absolutely delicious; Ayrshire cows (150 head) Friesian and Friesian tender, flavorful, and unlike anything ever eaten. • he’d Young replacement stock also available Cross cows (150 head) subject to PD, fully

Enquiries to: Brian Robinson Brian Robinson Phone BRLL 0272 410 051 b.robinson1@xtra.co.nz PH: 0272 410051 or 07 8583132

STONEYLEA RAM SALE

STOCK REQUIRED

A/c Adams Partnership, Christchurch Sale at Canterbury Park Saleyards Viewing from 11am, Sale 1pm

1YR Fries or Beef Bulls 300-420kg 1YR Here Bulls (Quiet) 340-400kg 2YR Beef or Fries Bulls 460-580kg

FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER

>90 Suffolk Rams Further enquiries: Callum Dunnett (Hazlett) 027 462 0126 Sam Brown (PGGW) 027 369 3874 Simon Eddington (PGGW) 027 590 8612

1YR Ang or xbred Steers 300-370kg 2YR Ang or Dairy x Steers 450-550kg FE Tolerant 2TH -4YR Rom Ewes M/Sex Terminal Lambs 24-32kg Phone Ross Dyer 0274 333 381 www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

A Financing Solution For Your Farm www.rdlfinance.co.nz

Bank on the future

Gary Falkner Jersey Marketing Service PH: 027 482 8771 or 07 846 4491

Breeding ewes are a very buyable investment right now. It’s time to invest in top terminal sires and bank on next year’s profit.

Weightlifter Terminal Genetics, Central Hawkes Bay: Warren Kittow: kittowwarren@gmail.com Paul Johnson (Carrfields): 0274 412 229

Puketoro Station Mc Neil Farming Limited

MACHINERY DISPERSAL SALE

Annual Sale - 9th January 2024 2754 Ihunga Road, Tokomaru Bay at 12 Noon

6000 Sheep / 700 15mth Steers 40 Cows with Calves at Foot

2500 2 Tooth Romdale Ewes, 500 2 Tooth Coopdale Ewes 2500 5 Year Romdale Ewes, 500 5yr Coopworth Ewes 700 15 Month Angus Steers (350 to 430kg) 40 9 & 10yr Angus Cows with Angus Calves at foot

A/c Client Halcombe township, Manawatu (sign-posted from Feilding/Halcombe Road) Saturday December 16th, 11am start Refreshments available for sale from 10am

To view photos of main items visit: www.mylivestock.co.nz/auctions Enquiries – NZFL agents: Malcolm Coombe 027 432 6104 – Darryl Harwood 027 449 1174 – John Watson 027 494 1975

LK0117281©

Comprising: Tractors: Iseki TS4510 4WD with transport tray; Massey-Ferguson 3303-5 Industrial loader); 1990 Nissan Atlas tip-truck with steel deck & crate; Hyundai HL25 wheel loader; Mitsibishi WS500 wheel loader; Diesel tractor-mounted wood splitter; International B275 petrol tractor-mounted wood splitter; assorted tractor tyres, parts swing-arms & top-links; tractor mounted topping mower; 2019 Home-built trailer; 1986 Home-built trailer with crate; post-hole borer with auger; DeWalt drop saw & roller table; single-phase compressor; Davey XP350 P8C jet pump; Masport Ltd edition mower & catcher; Stihl battery-power weed eater; lifting chains & twitches; Superworks endless chain block; Tecumsen 5.5hp 12” front-tine tiller; 3-phase 180amp arc welder; welding table & vice; Fridge/freezer units x 3; aluminium extension ladders; Avery wool-bale scales; Treco garden shed; 2 x Stihl chainsaws & accessories; several antique chainsaws; hydraulic ram; high-tensile wire & wire-rope hoist; handdrawn roller; hand yard-trolley; lawn sweeper; fireplace surround & timber; saw blades; angle grinder; workshop stereo; big selection hand tools; assorted pipe gates & posts; scaffolding; alkathene pipes; buckets of paint; drums of tractor oil; beer kegs; HIT bolt cutters; Wormald fire-extinguisher; wire netting; scrap metal and more.

ock docked 155% Ewes to the Ram this year flo The fl The 5yr Ewes docked 170% The Angus Bloodlines for the Steers include: Turihaua, Ngaputahi, Totaranui & Seven Hills GAP & NZFAP Accredited - AB Free

1.5% Rebate by arrangement. (Sign Posted) from Tokomaru Bay Lunch & Light refreshments provided Online Bidding via Bidr will be available

Contact: Shane Scott 0274 956031 for further enquiries Full Details on our Website or Facebook Central Livestock Limited

LK0117477©

• Growth AND meat • Ram weaning weights 40-50 kg at 100 days • Suffolk/Texel, stabilised for 20+ years • Constitution and soundness - rams that last

34 Markets

Markets

Proudly sponsored by

Golden calves reward rearers’ efforts

Record prices paid this spring after rules changed and fewer calves were offered. Reece Brick

MARKETS

Livestock

FTER a tough few years for calf rearers, to the point where some large-scale operators have abandoned the trade, it’s great to see those that stuck it out finally receiving good money for their calves. Of course, costs haven’t come down, and reliable labour has remained difficult to secure. But the prices paid have consistently floated around record levels – unlike any other class of livestock throughout the country. This spring the North Island yards have seen $20-$30 more paid than last year on 100-130kg lines. Friesian bulls have averaged $533, though they’ve typically been a little stronger in the paddock. There are a few reasons behind the development of this trend. One is the simple fact that fewer calves were reared, especially those that were born later. This mainly applies to the South Island, whose bobby kill was up 50,000 head on last year. But that has flow-on effects for the North Island, given a large number are usually traded over the Cook Strait in their lifetime. It is worth remembering that changes in Fonterra’s on-farm euthanasia rules would have had some influence on these tallies. The national dairy cow herd has gradually shrunk over recent years too, so the larger number of calves bobbied likely comes from a smaller base of calves born.

Changes in farming policy seem to be another driver. The lack of confidence around lamb markets this summer and autumn has pushed a portion of buyers away from store lambs, with 100kg calves considered a good alternative due to the low perhead pricing compared to older store cattle, but also because of the greater flexibility in terms of when these can be traded out – either as store cattle over the short to medium term, or by being taken to finishing weights for a longer-term trade.

Only 25% of New Zealand’s recorded dairy cow herd is considered Friesian, down from 33% ﬁve years earlier. Poorer milk pricing and increasingly tough farming regulations are pushing more properties away from dairy farming into drystock trading too, adding the odd extra calf buyer into the mix. A good spring for grass growth can’t be ignored either. Not only has this meant more people have been looking to add mouths to paddocks, it’s also supported pricing on yearling cattle. And prices paid on yearlings affect budgets for buyers entering the 100kg calf market for replacements. Another interesting trend is the gradual disappearance of the straight Friesian bull. The latest published statistics show that only

Get ahead of the market Pinpoint the factors shaping beef and lamb slaughter prices up to six months in advance with this must-have forecasting and planning tool. * Prices are GST exclusive

CHANGING TACK: The lack of confidence around lamb markets has pushed some buyers away from store lambs, with 100kg calves considered a good alternative. 25% of New Zealand’s recorded dairy cow herd is considered Friesian, down from 33% ﬁve years earlier. Both these and other straight-bred herds have slowly been replaced by the popular Friesian-Jersey mix, which now accounts for 59% of dairy cow numbers. Given that Friesian bull buyers

are quite selective against lines showing Jersey genetics in their markings, more dairy farmers are switching to using beef sires to support the value of their calves. This has become more viable since the live export ban, too, as it’s easier to source replacement dairy heifers that would otherwise be shipped to China.

This has been clear in the North Island yards that AgriHQ regularly collects data from – the number of Friesian bulls sold through to early December was only 6100, down from 8000-11,100 through 2016-2021, whereas beef-cross calves of all sexes came to 7900, essentially unchanged from normal.

LIVESTOCK OUTLOOK REPORTS Subscribe from only $35* per month agrihq.co.nz/livestock-reports

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Weekly saleyards Store lamb supply is increasing at South Island saleyards, and Canterbury Park has featured lambs from further north. A large portion of the recent yarding came from Marlborough, as they also had the previous week, and most were Halfbred-cross. The wether lambs sold for $50-$86, while most mixed-sex returned $50-$88. The biggest offering of store lambs so far this season at Temuka met a grass market and averaged $89 per head. Kaikohe | December 6

$/kg or $/hd

Frankton | November 30 | 1328 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Mixed-age beef-cross cows & calves

1070-1150

Weaner Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, 110-139kg

640-685

Yearling beef-cross steers

3.20-3.60

Weaner Hereford-Friesian (black) bulls, 91-109kg

560-670

Yearling beef-cross bulls

3.05-3.30

Weaner Friesian bulls, 119-145kg

565-645

Yearling dairy-beef heifers

2.96-3.08

Weaner Friesian bulls, 98-116kg

490-550

Weaner beef-cross bulls, 110kg

500-540

Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 95-126kg

400-540

Weaner Charolais-Friesian heifers, 99-122kg

465-550

Wellsford | December 4 | 1003 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 392-469kg

3.06-3.07

2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 386-466kg

2.78-2.88

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 242-277kg

3.36-3.76

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 233-253kg

3.25-3.31

Prime dairy-beef steers, 584-598kg Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 462-481kg

Frankton | December 5 | 551 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

2-year Friesian heifers, 486-500kg

2.51-2.58

Yearling beef-cross steers, 327-380kg

3.29-3.36

Yearling Angus-Friesian heifers, 314-344kg

3.17-3.18

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 308-322kg

3.20-3.28

2.91-2.98

Yearling Friesian heifers, 346-368kg

2.65-2.73

2.86-2.89

Prime Friesian bulls, 714-767kg

3.17-3.19

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 450-503kg

2.91-2.94

Tuakau | November 30 | 480 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

2-year dairy-beef steers, 450-520kg

2.92-3.10

Frankton | December 6 | 383 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

2-year dairy-beef heifers, 380-440kg

2.89-2.95

2-year Angus-cross heifers, 425-441kg

2.88-2.90

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 280-320kg

3.20-3.44

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 305-362kg

3.25-3.34

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 250-320kg

2.90-3.23

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 248-307kg

3.09-3.27

Tuakau | December 1 | 4800 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Prime traditional bulls, 545-602kg

3.07-3.12

Te Kuiti | December 1 | 337 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

2-year beef-exotic heifers, 407-413kg

3.02

Store lambs

Tuakau | December 4 | 880 sheep

65-85

$/kg or $/hd

Store lambs, all

55-75

Prime ewes, all

50-85

Prime lambs, all

120-140

Tuakau | December 6 | 400 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling Angus steers, 329-367kg

3.81-3.92

Yearling Charolais-beef steers, 307-360kg

3.28-3.31

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 255-397kg

3.14-3.26

Yearling Hereford bulls, 306-391kg

1140-1440

Matawhero | December 1 | 1423 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Prime beef cows, 550-620kg

2.15-2.26

Store blackface ram lambs, medium

Prime steers, 550-720kg

2.88-2.96

Store Wiltshire male lambs, medium to good

70-74

Prime heifers, 550-640kg

2.90-2.99

Store blackface ewe lambs, small to medium

63-73

Boner cows, 550-620kg

1.90-2.16

Store Wiltshire ewe lambs, small

51-67

Boner cows, 450-550kg

1.75-2.05

Prime mixed-sex lambs, medium

Rangiuru | December 5 | 263 cattle, 193 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 398-418kg

3.25-3.29

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 381-420kg

3.02-3.04

Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 520-547kg

2.87-2.88

Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 505-580kg

2.93-2.99

Store lambs, all

42-69

Prime ewes, all

51-53

Prime lambs, all

85-106

Rangiuru | December 6 | 419 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Matawhero | December 5 | 505 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Mixed-age Angus cows & calves, 650kg

1600

2-year traditional steers, one line, 461kg

3.57

Yearling Angus steers, 257-334kg

3.71-3.72

Yearling Charolais steers, one line, 404kg

1540

Yearling traditional heifers, 218-278kg

2.99-3.03

Yearling Charolais heifers, one line, 344kg Yearling Angus bulls, 213-335kg

1150 3.37-3.85

Taupo | November 30 | 782 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling traditional heifers, 275-331kg

805-1030

Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 103-125kg

530-685

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef bulls, 178-213kg

690-710

Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 102-123kg

540-600

Aut-born weaner dairy-beef heifers, 159-285kg

600-915

Weaner Friesian bulls, 107-116kg

470-535

Weaner Friesian bulls, 109-149kg

510-590

Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 106-132kg

445-575

Weaner Simmental-Friesian heifers, 106-110kg

480-490

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

Taranaki | November 30 | 762 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Dannevirke | November 30 | 667 sheep

705

Store cryptorchid lambs

52-80

Weaner dairy-beef steers, 120-130kg

680-730

Store mixed-sex lambs

30-90

Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 99-110kg

525-620

Prime ewes, all

40-80.50

Weaner dairy-beef bulls, 110kg average

620

Prime lambs, all

93-147.50

Weaner Friesian bulls, 120kg average

535

Dannevirke | December 5 | approximately 560 cattle

Weaner dairy-beef heifers, 110-122kg

500-590

Weaner dairy-beef bulls

570-650

Taranaki | December 6 | 612 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Weaner Friesian bulls

550-580

2-year dairy-beef steers, 500-560kg

2.83-2.96

Weaner dairy-beef heifers

500-570

2-year dairy-beef steers, 423-499kg

3.07-3.10

Weaner Charolais-Friesian heifers

585-600

2-year heifers, 494-558kg

2.73-2.85

Feilding | November 30 | 1086 cattle

Aut-born weaner Friesian bulls, one line, 196kg

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 335kg average

3.32

$/kg or $/hd

Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 100-106kg

590-625

Yearling dairy-beef steers, 270-360kg

3.30-3.60

Weaner Friesian bulls, 126-133kg

550-580

Yearling Hereford bulls, one line, 397kg

4.18

Weaner Friesian bulls, 136-146kg

580-630

Yearling dairy-beef heifers, 277-308kg

2.87-2.99

Weaner Friesian bulls, 110-111kg

525-540

Prime steers, 566-651kg

2.87-2.97

Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 115-122kg

580-610

Stortford Lodge | December 4 | 905 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Feilding | December 1 | 1415 cattle, 5498 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Prime ewes, very heavy

82-108

2-year Angus steers, 509-580kg

3.05-3.31

Prime ewes, medium to good

54-78

Yearling Angus steers, 391-481kg

3.37-3.55

Prime ram hoggets, very heavy

150

Yearling Friesian bulls, 343-436kg

3.12-3.36

Prime ewe hoggets, very heavy

135-149

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 307-377kg

3.25-3.32

Prime mixed-sex lambs, very heavy

122-141

Store blackface mixed-sex lambs, good

76.50-93.50

Store terminal-cross mixed-sex lambs, medium

58.50-79

Store whiteface lambs, small

42-60

Stortford Lodge | December 6 | 199 cattle, 3489 sheep Mixed-age Angus & Angus-Hereford cows, empty, one line, 585kg

$/kg or $/hd 2.14

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling traditional steers, 269-368kg

1010-1190

Feilding | December 4 | 98 cattle, 2989 sheep

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers & heifers, 325-394kg

3.35-3.48

Boner Friesian cows, 545-577kg

Yearling Hereford heifers, 326-412kg

1090-1315

Prime ewes, all

33-96

1.76-1.81

Store male lambs, good

73-85

Prime mixed-sex lambs, light to medium

41-100

Store whiteface cryptorchid lambs, medium

62.50-78

Prime mixed-sex lambs, heavy to very heavy

111-146

Store whiteface male lambs, small

57.50-66

Rongotea | December 5 | 147 cattle

Store mixed-sex lambs, small to medium

20-69.50

Mixed-age Friesian cows & calves, 480-692kg

Go online and ﬁll out our easy form to pledge livestock or donate milk

$/kg or $/hd 2.46-2.52

Text FEED to 3493 on the day to donate $3, or donate cash by calling 0800 632 884

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

3-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 575-603kg

2.81-2.95

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 329-418kg

3.15-3.36

2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 446-553kg

2.94-3.14

Yearling Speckle Park-Friesian steers, 279-308kg

3.29-3.51

Aut-born yearling Friesian steers, one line, 324kg

2.37

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 313-368kg

2.99-3.19

Coalgate | November 30 | 508 cattle, 3769 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling Speckle Park-Friesian heifers, 222-282kg

3.09-3.16

2-year traditional steers, 435-478kg

2.94-3.01

Temuka | December 4 | 382 cattle, 4952 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling Murray Grey-dairy heifers, 289-369kg

3.01-3.18

Prime Angus cows, 463-637kg

2.16-2.19

Weaner Friesian bulls, 110-123kg

470-495

Prime Hereford-Friesian (black) steers, 482-694kg

2.70-2.80

Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 490-626kg

2.76-2.93

Prime Angus-cross heifers, 458-619kg

2.63-2.79

Prime Angus heifers, 461-575kg

2.85-2.95

Boner Friesian cows, 522-653kg

1.90-2.00

Store mixed-sex lambs, good

84-90

Store mixed-sex lambs, good

80-97

Store mixed-sex lambs, medium

68-87

Prime ewes, most

65-75

Prime ewes, good

70-88

Prime 1-shear ewes, most

65-75

Prime lambs, good

108-127

Prime mixed-sex lambs, most

105-125

Canterbury Park | December 5 | 696 cattle, 4359 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Yearling Angus steers, 247-390kg

830-1330

Yearling Hereford steers, 264-307kg

3.47

Yearling Angus bulls, 265-415kg

860-1310

Yearling Angus heifers, 191-307kg

650-950

Weaner Friesian bulls, 104-132kg

440-520

Prime beef, dairy-beef steers, 485-610kg

2.73-2.87

Prime beef, dairy-beef heifers, 425-570kg

2.66-2.79

Store Halfbred-cross wether lambs, small to good

50-86

Store ewe lambs, medium to good

69-109

Store mixed-sex lambs, medium to good

65-88

Store mixed-sex lambs, small

Temuka | December 6 | 2132 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Weaner Friesian bulls, 142-160kg

590-645

Weaner Friesian bulls, 124-131kg

540-570

Weaner dairy bulls, 78-96kg

200-280

Balclutha | December 6 | 746 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Mixed-age Hereford-dairy cows & calves

880-920

Yearling traditional steers, 283-424kg

995-1440

Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 317-420kg

1000-1340

Yearling traditional heifers, 267-376kg

880-1215

Yearling exotic-cross heifers, 302-419kg

950-1190

Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 301-382kg

860-1220

Store lambs, all

50-83

43-64

Prime ewes, all

36-96

Prime ewes, most

30-109

Prime lambs, all

100-149

Prime lambs, most

92-139

Charlton | November 30 | 137 sheep

$/kg or $/hd

Temuka | November 30 | 827 cattle

$/kg or $/hd

Prime ewes, all

50-78

2-year dairy-beef steers, 389-498kg

2.81-2.90

Prime lambs, all

89-113

Upskill with an online course For shearers by shearers agricademy.co.nz/womolife

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

AgriHQ market trends Cattle

Sheep

Deer

Beef

Sheep Meat

Venison

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Last week

Last year

North Island P2 steer (300kg)

5.65

6.30

North Island M2 bull (300kg)

5.75

6.10

North Island M cow (200kg)

3.95

4.60

South Island P2 steer (300kg)

5.35

6.10

South Island M2 bull (300kg)

5.40

5.85

South Island M cow (200kg)

3.80

4.50

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

Last week

Last year

North Island AP stag (60kg)

8.75

9.00

4.60

South Island AP stag (60kg)

8.70

9.00

6.30

8.15

2.30

4.50

Fertiliser Last week

Last year

DAP

1230

1794

Super

474

509

Urea

897

1340

Urea (Coated)

946

1289

Oct

Last year

Last week

Last year

North Island lamb (18kg)

6.30

8.20

North Island mutton (25kg)

2.65

South Island lamb (18kg) South Island mutton (25kg)

Fertiliser

Export markets (NZ$/kg) China lamb flaps

8.58

9.60

Wool

Export markets (NZ$/kg) US imported 95CL bull

8.64

US domestic 90CL cow

9.67

7.87 8.20

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

Steer slaughter price ($/kgCW)

(NZ$/kg clean)

30-Nov

Last year

Crossbred fleece

3.17

2.47

Crossbred second shear

2.87

2.28

Courtesy of www.fusca.co.nz

Lamb slaughter price ($/kgCW)

6.5

6.0

5.5 5.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kgCW)

NZ average (NZ$/tonne)

Forestry Exports

8.5

NZ Log Exports (tonnes)

8.0

China

1,635,430

1,730,431

7.5

Rest of world

177,077

233,319

7.0

Carbon price (NZ$/tonne)

Last week

Last year

6.5

NZU

75.3

82.5

6.0 Dec

Feb

Apr North Island

Jun

Dec

Aug Oct South Island

800

600

400

200

26-Sep 5-yr ave

26-Oct

26-Nov This year

Apr

Jun

North Island

Aug

Oct

South Island

NZ lamb & mutton slaughter (thous. head)

NZ cattle slaughter (thous. head)

0 26-Aug

Feb

26 -Dec 26-Jan Last year

0 26-Aug

Stag Slaughter price ($/kgCW) 9.5 9.0 8.5 8.0 7.5 Dec

26-Sep 26-Oct 5-yr Ave

26-Nov This year

26 -Dec 26-Jan Last year

Feb

Apr Jun North Island

Aug Oct South Island

Data provided by

Get ahead of the market Take advantage of New Zealand’s most trusted independent agricultural market data reporting and analysis, with a range of insightful agriculture and forestry reports.

Subscribe from only $100 per month agrihq.co.nz/our-industry-reports

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 11, 2023

NZX market trends Dairy

Grain

Data provided by

Milk price futures ($/kgMS)

Close of market

Canterbury feed wheat ($/tonne)

10.0

5pm, Wednesday

700 650

9.0

S&P/NZX PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

600 8.0

9670

550

450

6.0 Nov

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep-2023

Sep

Nov

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.166

0.23

0.165

The a2 Milk Company Limited

4.28

7.83

Cannasouth Limited

0.153

0.32

0.145

700

Comvita Limited

2.4

3.48

2.4

650

Delegat Group Limited

6.8

10.2

6.8

600

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

2.99

3.88

2.94

Foley Wines Limited

1.18

1.42

1.17

Greenfern Industries Limited

0.04

0.113

0.04

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.95

1.25

0.95

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.155

0.19

0.149

NZ King Salmon Investments Limited

0.225

0.24

0.181

PGG Wrightson Limited

3.38

4.67

3.1

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.128

0.22

0.094

Sanford Limited (NS)

3.8

4.39

3.69

Scales Corporation Limited

3.01

4.25

2.75

Seeka Limited

2.45

3.72

2.18

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

1.09

3.65

1.09

T&G Global Limited

1.85

2.37

1.81

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

9670

12870

9669

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11463

12212

10742

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11849

12411

10937

Nov

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep

Nov

Canterbury feed barley ($/tonne) 4 weeks prior

WMP

3040

3150

3010

SMP

2600

2715

2625

AMF

5750

5800

5770

550

Butter

5150

5350

500

Milk Price

7.78

7.90

7.75

450

* price as at close of business on Wednesday

400 Nov

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

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep

Nov

Waikato palm kernel ($/tonne)

3500

450

3400 3300

400

3200 3100 3000

350

2900 2800

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Latest price

Apr

May

300

4 weeks ago

Nov

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep

Wharfgate log prices firm Shipping starting to rise again EXPORT

PRUNED

NZ$/TONNE

+1 S1 DOMESTIC LOGS (NZ$/TONNE)

-4

132

A-GRADE EXPORT LOGS ( US$/JAS [CFR])

+14 150

-3.4

SHIPPING – CHINA

CARBON

NZD:USD

(US$/JAS)

(NZ$/NZU)

(LAST WEEK)

47.2

+4.7 80.0

+0.6C 0.672

LOG PRICE REPORT

UNPRUNED

NZ$/TONNE

117

PULP

NZ$/TONNE

184

EXPORT PRUNED

NZ$/TONNE

119

A-GRADE

NZ$/JASM3

56.0

NZ$/JASM3

181

WHARFGATE LOG PRICES

115

KIS

Pruned

Unpruned

30 - 40

20 - 26

Knot size (maximum) cm

105

Northern North Island

10 - 15

No limit

4.0 - 5.8

4.1 +

4.1 - 12.1

3.6 - 4.0

4.0 +

3.7

183

134

100 95

JULY 2022

Mar-14

Mar-15

Mar-16

Mar-18 Mar-17 10 year average

Log Indicator Trends

Mar-19

China wakes up Sara Hilhorst

Mar-20

2.67

Mar-21

Mar-22

NZ SLAUGHTER STEER

$/KGCW

6.17

US$/KG

6.30

170

119

122 56

180 127 56

130

117

web

+64 6 323 6393 | info@agrihq.co.nz | agrihq.co.nz

150

VIEWPOINT

Mid-winter markets mellow

115

107

102

121

113

105

109

103

115

111

➔

Sentiment poorer for export sales

➔

Backlogs develop on lambs

-26%

-27%

-29%

➔

FMD on the radar for Aus/NZ

-26% -19%

-19%

-20%

-21%

-22%

-23%

-24%

$/KGCW

LAST WEEK

0.621

Jan

Mar

5yr ave

May

2020

Jul

2021

Sep

Nov 2022 S ource: AgriHQ

National e xport pruned log price (NZ$/JASm3)

190 170

116 123

* Weightings are calculated on the volume of softwood logs traded through each port in the past 12 months, as indicated by available data. This month's report is weighted as follows;

Port Weightings Port(s) / Regions

210

112

Short-term we are unlikely to see much more upside than has already been reported. Shipping costs are starting to increase as of late-February due to a mixture of demand changes and increasing bunker costs partly brought on by the Russia-Ukraine situation.

111 113

117

9.18

165

Jan

Mar

5yr ave

115

115 116

122

110

116

122 123

118

National grade logLAMB price (NZ$/JASm3) NZ ASLAUGHTER NZD:USD

150

124

130

128

After a three-month price lull there's finally been a bit of life injected into log export markets. This largely comes from China getting back into the game after coming back from break, supported by mildly weaker shipping costs and the exchange rate. Reduced supplies out of NZ in recent months has been key for reengaging Chinese buying, particularly when other parts of the world aren't offering any more volumes than normal, usually noticeably less.

CHINA FOREQUARTER

126 125

KEY POINTS

Source: AgriHQ

185

...there's finally been a bit of life injected into log export markets. Reece Brick

MONTHLY SHEEP & BEEF

US IMPORTED 95CL US$/LB

12 mths ago

VIEWPOINT

55.5

Export P

Length m

Mar-13

+0.5

Pruning

110

75 Mar-12

NZ$/TONNE

132

Grade SED (minimum) cm

PULP

NZ$/TONNE

191

NZ$/JASm3 - Weighted Average*, Delivered to Wharf

120

NZ$/TONNE

132

Ten year NZ Combined Log Indicator ($/Tonne)

125

YTD High YTD Low

MARCH 2022

LOG PRICE INDICATOR

Omicron slows NZ production

MARKET REPORT

Nov

MARCH 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 Key Points

FORESTRY

11849

Dairy Futures (US$/t) Prior week

11463

Company

400

Sep-2024

Nearest contract Last price*

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

Listed Agri shares

500

7.0

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

May

2020

Jul

2021

Sep

Nov 2022 S ource: AgriHQ

+64 6 323 6393 | info@agrihq.co.nz | agrihq.co.nz

Region Level Island Level National Level

Marsden

33%

Tauranga

67%

34%

27%

51%

40%

Northern Nth Isl.

16%

13%

Gisborne/Napier

66%

New Ply/Wellington

34%

17%

13%

Southern Nth Isl.

49%

39%

North Island

80%

33%

43%

26%

Nelson/Picton

67%

Lyttelton/Timaru

33%

21%

Northern Sth Isl.

64%

13%

P. Chalmers/Otago

61%

22%

Bluff

39%

14%

Southern Sth Isl.

36%

South Island

20%

Weather

ruralweather.co.nz

We can see clearly now the rain has gone Philip Duncan

NEWS

Weather

HREE severe tropical cyclones and the cyclone season is only six weeks old ... and we still have four and a half months to go. It’s unusual for any given year, let alone an El Niño one. Last week NIWA and Australia’s Bureau of Meterology (BoM) both rewrote their summer forecasts to match what the private sector in both nations has been saying for months now: we have an unusual El Niño weather pattern this year. Despite it taking a painful few months for NIWA to catch up, it is a relief to have WeatherWatch, NIWA and BoM all on the same page across Australasia now. Our long-range forecasts from winter looking through to about now have not changed much – you may not feel it, but there are many parts of NZ now drying out. But there is no doubt that ALL forecasters got the eastern North Island’s outlook wrong. No one expected so much repetitive rain to hover around there.

Some people draw far too much of a conclusion from this: that all El Niño forecasts are wrong. But New Zealand is so small, these things can happen – and it doesn’t undo the global set-up. Running a farm means you need to manage it well – and longrange forecasts aren’t always perfect anywhere in the world, let alone for two mountainous islands smack bang alone in the Roaring Forties, where anything can happen. Being in tune with the longrange forecasts and also then applying your local knowledge and understanding of what that might mean for you will make the forecasts come to life better – knowing the variables (that is, the cyclone or stalled thunderstorm that can, thankfully, break a big dry forecast). For those of you frustrated it’s not as dry as you expected, and you’ve sold stock already to prepare – just remember, if farming was easy everyone would be doing it. Like forecasting, it takes trial and error, it takes learning from mistakes, and it takes some good gut instinct that must continually

adapt to the latest and best data you have. Despite the wet weather lately, there are parts of NZ drying out. I think the next couple of weeks are going to be critical ones when we all work out what is likely coming for January and February. Once we have those details we’ll be much clearer about whether or not we are facing serious dry conditions in 2024, or if our location on Earth, along with this “broken” El Niño weather pattern, is being extraordinarily kind to most of NZ as it was over spring (generally speaking of course, Hawke’s Bay & Gisborne!). In December it doesn’t take long for things to dry out fast.

Highlights this week • More high pressure this week • Cold fronts continue to brush lower South Island • Classic El Niño set-up with high pressure in the Tasman Sea and a southwest flow across NZ this week • It’s possible a low will be over the Tasman Sea next week

OUTLOOK: This map shows the forecast rainfall for the week from December 10 and should make many in the eastern North Island happy!

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