Farmers Weekly NZ April 12-04

24 NZP slams emissions policy Vol 19 No 14, April 12, 2021

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Hitting our targets The Climate Change Commission is suggesting we need to reduce livestock numbers by up to 15% to enable agriculture to meet its methane emission targets. This week Farmers Weekly begins a series looking at the implications of such a drop and what options are available.

Richard Rennie and Neal Wallace report.

A

REDUCTION in livestock numbers may be the only way to meet tough new methane targets being recommended by the Climate Change Commission (CCC), as there is no silver bullet yet available.

Researchers are working on breeding, farm systems and feed technology, and the impact of new nitrogen limits will help, but the consensus is it will be tough to meet the commission’s 15.9% reduction by 2035 without some lowering of stock numbers.

It has to be good for the planet, but also good for the farmer in that it is cost effective and practical.

Dr Jeremy Hill Fonterra The commission claims that better feeding, breeding and landuse change to horticulture, exotic and native forestry, will see farm livestock numbers fall 15% below 2018 levels by 2030, enabling biogenic methane targets to be met without new technology.

Commission chair Dr Rod Carr says under current trends methane emissions will fall short of the 10% reduction by 2030 set in the Zero Carbon Act. His committee has set even more challenging targets and by following their formula, emissions could be 6.5% below 2018 levels by 2025, 11.4% by 2030 and 15.9% by 2035.

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle is concerned the commission’s suggested target could become government policy, warning, if implemented, it will reduce farm profitability by 17% and cause financial hardship to a third of dairy farmers.

Genetics and smart feeding projects by the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium, AgResearch and genetics companies could allow farmers to achieve lower greenhouse gas emissions without a similar loss of productivity.

Scientists have spent a decade identifying sheep that emit 11% less gas than their average flock mates without sacrificing their ability to produce quality meat, milk and wool.

Lead scientist Dr Suzanne Rowe from AgResearch says scientists are now at a point where they can predict by identifying gut bacteria which sheep will be high gas offenders and those that will be low.

OPTIONS: AgResearch forage scientist Arjan Jonker says a trial feeding sheep almost entirely rape and turnip crops can almost slice a third off emissions without compromising health.

Rowe and her colleagues are now applying their understanding to cattle, aiming to screen dairy herds to find low-methane gut profiles.

Dozens of high genetic worth bulls owned by Ambreed and LIC, capable of spreading tens of thousands of daughters through the population every year, offer significant potential for rapid

deployment of low-methane dairy genetics.

What is fed to those lowemitting animals may enhance those genetics and some simple cropping solutions are offering encouraging results.

AgResearch forage scientist Arjan Jonker says a trial feeding sheep almost entirely rape and turnip crops can almost slice

a third off emissions without compromising health.

“This is definitely proving to be a viable option, but is still obviously at the research end of the spectrum,” Jonker said.

Work on condensed tannin clovers is also looking promising, with clovers contributing as much

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Continued page 6

ROUND THE FARM TABLE Chef and good keen man Al Brown chats to BFEA entrants from around the country and finds they’re committed to sustainable farming – and growing delicious food.

Strath Taieri farmer Lynnore Templeton doesn’t mince words, especially when talking about her and husband Andrew’s 5200ha sheep and beef farm.

“Tough country, low-rainfall, huge variants in weather and wind-blasted schist rocks everywhere,” she says matter-of-factly, before adding “and we absolutely love it!”

This challenging landscape has also forged the Templeton’s farming ethos – one recognised with the 2019 Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards Regional Supreme Winner title.

“Early on, we realised that rather than fight the environment, we needed to work with it,” says Andrew.

Sustainability now informs every decision made on the farm.

While the couple both hail from farming families – Lynnore just down the road in Middlemarch and Andrew in Tarras a few hours away, they didn’t start their careers that way.

“My older brother got the farm,” says Andrew, “so we went into the corporate world to save money for one instead.”

After 20 years in banking and the wool industry for Andrew and a career in sales and marketing in animal health for Lynnore, they finally bought their first farm in their dream spot.

“Well, it was all we could afford,” laughs Lynnore, “but the time was right”.

“We had to give it a crack. If it worked, it worked,” adds Andrew.

Over the past 17 years, the couple have grown the farm by purchasing land from five adjoining properties, and today their vision is as clear as the river that runs through their property: to produce world-class fibre and protein via an environmentally sustainable system, innovative thinking and never being afraid to “challenge the square” – something that obviously comes quite naturally, as Al Brown found out after chatting to them both.

Al: It sounds like neither of you are afraid to go against the grain a bit?

Lynnore: We were once given a great piece of advice: If nothing changes, nothing changes. To find the best ways to do things often means thinking differently. It’s a work in progress but we have a continued desire to do better than we did the season before.

Andrew: Our challenging landscape forces different approaches, like crossbreeding for both cattle and sheep to maximise hybrid vigour. Crossbreeding genetics have the potential to increase yield by up to 20% - this means more production from the same amount of feed, in turn having a positive effect on our environmental footprint. To farm sustainably you have to have a sustainable business first.

Al: How else have you reduced your footprint and increased biodiversity on the farm?

Lynnore: Over 15 years, we’ve completed 150ha of irrigation, 1000ha of reseeding and 40kms of fencing along the Taieri River. Water here is a precious commodity, but when it rains it rains. So Andrew had an idea to use the historic stonework gold mining races on the property to help collect rainwater run-off and channel it into seepage dams.

Andrew: Often it’s the simple things that make a difference, like using the right pasture species for the climate and area. Recently we’ve been working with aquaculture expert Johnny Hollows to introduce kōura into our dams. Not only are they a potential future income stream, they’re also a great barometer of water quality because they don’t tolerate chemical use or sediment.

Al: You’ve been busy! So the Ballance Farm Environment Awards were a natural fit for you guys?

Andrew: We thought the awards would be a great way to mine people for information to formulate a lasting sustainability plan for the farm. And my Scottish roots thought it was not a bad way to get the information for free!

Lynnore: But we got so much out of the Awards. The inspiration and motivation that comes from seeing what is happening on farms across New Zealand is incredible.

Al: Have you made any changes since your win?

Lynnore: The big one is that for every planned project or development we now consider the impact it will have on the environmental sustainability of our business, just as much as we consider the financial implications.

Andrew: The Awards also exposed us to flow-on opportunities with other businesses. We have one of the largest ephemeral wetlands in the region and have been working with mining company OceanaGold as part of their biodiversity offset, as well as ecologists, to look at different management scenarios to protect and increase the amount of native plants.

No.7

Andrew and Lynnore Templeton.

Half-bred and merino fine-woolled sheep, Angus based crossbred cattle; The Rocks Station, Strath Taieri, Otago.

WITH

Al: Looking at the next 20 years what do you see as the future for New Zealand agriculture?

Andrew: To keep producing an in-demand quality product more efficiently and sustainably than any producer in the world. That takes innovation and forward thinking. We feel a responsibility to realise this and not do anything to affect the ability of following generations to achieve this too.

Lynnore: Sheep and beef farmers have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 per cent since 1990 while generating employment opportunities for our communities and export value for the country. For this to continue we need less blanket European-type rules from the powers-that-be. These often see farmers spending money to meet requirements that in many cases will have no positive effect on the environmental footprint.

one B T s u io ic l e d is h t Try nd steak with iskhousraaucae. horserad

Al: I love your passion for the industry. But outside of that, what else keeps you busy?

Lynnore: Our daughter is a keen showjumper, so I’m often at events around the country, but Andrew spent 40 years trying to get his own farm so good luck getting him off it – this place is his passion!

Andrew: We even spend our summer holidays camping down by the river on the property with lots of visitors who swim, fish, kayak, eat and drink from it. The farm provides, so there’s a pretty good incentive to look after it.

Al: Too right! Kōura, beef and lamb, you’re spoiled for choice here. What’s your favourite?

Andrew: Can’t beat a half-bred hogget leg roast with pan gravy and roast veggies from the garden.

Lynnore: With kōura as an entrée! Just pop them in a pot of boiling water ‘till they change colour. But I’ll definitely try your recipe too Al. Al: I’ll cook it for you! And who else would you have over to share this amazing food?

Andrew: Johnny Hollows. Top man and he’d definitely bring a few crayfish over.

Lynnore: Environment Minister David Parker. I’d love to get him one-on-one for a good chinwag!

FIND THE RECIPE AT NZFEATRUST.ORG.NZ

Andrew: Then we should also have Bruce Springsteen to entertain us in case things get a bit heated . . .

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards is a pan-sector programme that promotes best practice, sustainable farming and growing. To join the journey or find out more, visit nzfeatrust.org.nz

NEWS

21 E Tipu looks to the future The Boma New Zealand Agri Summit is set to spark innovation with a jam-packed line-up of futurefocused speakers ready to share their food and fibre insights and experience.

REGULARS Newsmaker ��������������������������������������������������� 26 New Thinking ����������������������������������������������� 27

7 Shrink footprint, grow profit

Editorial ������������������������������������������������������� 28

Research work on 17 dairy farms has shown the potential for the sector to not only boost productivity significantly, but also shrink its environmental footprint in the process.

Pulpit ������������������������������������������������������������� 29 Opinion ��������������������������������������������������������� 30 Real Estate ���������������������������������������������� 32-38 Tech & Toys ���������������������������������������������������� 39 Employment ������������������������������������������������� 39 Classifieds ����������������������������������������������� 40-41 Livestock ������������������������������������������������� 41-43 Weather ��������������������������������������������������������� 45 Markets ���������������������������������������������������� 44-48

23 Orchardists count losses

26 Young chef wins B+LNZ award

Apple orchardists are calling on the Government to start putting together a plan to allow Pacific Island workers to return later in the year.

The inaugural winner of the Beef + Lamb Young Ambassador Chef title is no stranger to cooking competition success, but Sam Heaven’s latest victory means a lot to him.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

5

Farmers stretched on dry peninsula Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz BANKS Peninsula farmers are having to cart water and feed for stock as the region bears the brunt of an exceptionally dry autumn that has spread up the east coasts of both islands and into Northland.

Rainfall figures for the yearto-date in those areas are about 20% of normal, and forecasters warn there is little likelihood of a reprieve this month.

Ian Richardson says this is the driest autumn he has experienced in 33 years farming on the peninsula, with about 15mm falling since March following less than half their average annual rainfall last year.

Richardson has had cows and calves grazing in Southland since November, while other peninsula farmers are offloading trading and some capital livestock.

Stock water supplies, which tend to be drawn off natural sources, are starting to dry due in part to inconsistent rain events.

Richardson says steady falls in November and Christmas, when 70mm fell, have been followed by ineffectual light showers.

A Challenging Autumn farmers field day is being held at Little River on April 16 from 3pm, with talks by an agronomist, accountant and animal nutritionist followed by a barbecue.

Areas on the East Coast of both islands from Otago to Gisborne have only recorded about 15mm of rain in the last six weeks.

WeatherWatch forecaster Phil Duncan says despite some promising wet weather headed towards New Zealand in the next couple of weeks, parched areas may only see up to 25mm.

In contrast, the South Island’s West Coast could be deluged with 200-300mm over the same period, and western areas of the North Island could receive up to 200mm.

Southern parts of the South Island could get some spill over from the West Coast deluge.

Duncan says this dry pattern is expected to continue for eastern

falling in March, a fifth of its usual rainfall.

Otago Federated Farmers president Simon Davies says dry conditions are concentrated in localised areas, forcing farmers to quit surplus stock.

Davies says the biggest concern is having sufficient grass for flushing ewes.

North Otago Federated Farmers president Jared Ross says there has been little follow up to two decent rainfalls over the Christmas and New Year.

This is the second consecutive year of uneven rainfall and Ross says some winter crops are poor and supplementary feed not in abundance.

Canterbury gets dry every year, but Banks Peninsula and coastal areas are especially dry this year.

Cameron Henderson Federated Farmers

OUTLOOK: WeatherWatch forecaster Phil Duncan says despite some promising wet weather headed towards NZ in the next couple of weeks, parched areas may only see up to 25mm.

areas, as dry and warm westerly weather patterns dominate for the foreseeable future.

North Canterbury Federated Farmers president Cameron Henderson says coastal areas were

also very dry with farmers there quitting trading stock and some dipping into capital stock.

“Canterbury gets dry every year, but Banks Peninsula and coastal areas are especially dry this year,”

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Henderson said.

Dunedin recorded its third driest March since 1918 with 13mm falling, 20% of its average monthly rainfall and Oamaru was even drier, with just 8mm

Some farmers are close to exhausting their irrigation water takes for the season, but Ross says most will continue milking as planned through to mid to late May. Coastal Wairarapa and parts of Hawke’s Bay are also unseasonably dry.

Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay president Jim Galloway says while it is not as bad as last year, parts of the province were affected.

With late autumn-winter looming, the fear is that the opportunity to build up some spare pasture, especially in the hill country, is diminishing as the dry weather continues.

His Gisborne-Wairoa counterpart Toby Williams says feed is short in parts of the region, but other areas are fine.

Dams are low, however, and calf weaning will allow some farmers to reduce stock pressure.

6

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

All sectors must cut emissions Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz THE laws of economics and switching to low-emission farm management will drive down livestock numbers, not regulation, says Climate Change Commission (CCC) chair Dr Rod Carr.

A 15% reduction in stock numbers included in a report to the Government on how to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will result from a suite of measures the commission is suggesting the Government adopt.

Carr says those methanereducing measures include better feeding, strategic breeding and land-use change to horticulture, exotic and native forestry.

But that requires government investment into research and support to roll-out existing low emissions technology and knowledge, such as breeding lowemitting animals.

Carr says on the current trajectory, emission levels will fall short of the targets set out in the Zero Carbon Act passed in 2019.

The commission calculates that by 2030, methane emissions will be 7% below 2018 levels, short of the 10% goal set by the Act, but by 2050 reductions may just scrape into the lower percentile of the 24% to 47% reduction set out by the Act. By adopting its findings, the commission estimates methane emissions could be 6.5% below 2018 levels by 2025, 11.4% by 2030 and 15.9% by 2035.

That could be achieved without a methane vaccine, new seed varieties or use of genetically modified products to reduce ruminant GHG. Carr says the commission believes exports of primary

Continued from page 1 gas emissions as rye grasses.

Trials on smart grazing of existing tetraploid grasses are proving cow numbers can be cut with a proportionately greater increase in milksolids, with such grasses delivering both lower nitrogen losses and less gas emissions.

Companies like Barenbrug are now spending as much time educating farmers on how to make the most from such feed technology, as selling the seed itself.

The Farm Systems Change project run across 17 farms has also reinforced the value of doing simple things right, by

More with less production will continue to underpin the NZ economy, but farming will continue to evolve and change as it has for the past century.

“Farmers have in the past been innovative, flexible and have adapted, and there is no reason that will not continue to happen in the future,” Carr said.

Along with breeding and feeding, Carr sees a role for precision agriculture and extending the reach of broadband, saying better connectivity is crucial.

Beef + Lamb NZ estimates the efficiency of red meat production as a percentage of emissions has been improving about 1% a year and says total sector emissions have fallen 30% since 1990.

While reluctant to say unequivocally that current production levels will be maintained from having fewer animals, Carr says evidence suggests that will happen due to superior genetics.

“Our evidence to date is that it seems likely that it will,” he said.

He sees real merit in He Waka Eke Noa, the 13-member primary sector body aiming to come up with a plan to calculate then mitigate GHG emissions on farms and develop resilient farm systems.

“We’re backing them to succeed,” he said.

“I see a real partnership that the sector has with the Government that will have a real

focusing farmers on their herd’s health and feed regime.

Results show those following the system are 30% more efficient than average dairy farms, were making significantly more money, and carried less cows per hectare to achieve it.

Farmers’ methane reducing toolbox is unlikely to include genetic engineering despite positive AgResearch trials completed offshore with high sugar ryegrass.

The most promising prospect is Fonterra’s trials with nutrient company DSM, working on how to combine the methane reducing feed additive Bovaer into NZ dairy systems.

SHARE THE LOAD: Climate Change Commission chair Dr Rod Carr says farmers are economically vital to NZ and will remain so, and that the commission is stressing that all sectors need to make changes to reduce GHG emissions.

Carr says any land-use changes will be decided by individual farmers and will ultimately determine any shift in production, but the commission forecasts switching from livestock to horticulture or to exotic or indigenous forestry.

The commission predicts

380,000ha of new exotic forestry to be planted by 2035 and 300,000ha into native.

Carr says relying on pinus radiata to sequester carbon or planting carbon farming forests is not a long-term solution.

Exotic trees only have a 30-year life cycle before the carbon is released, while carbon farming heightens the risk of fire and disease.

“It buys us time while we decarbonise energy production and transportation,” he said.

Despite those reservations, the commission is forecasting planting of exotic plantations 40% less than predictions from other government departments.

The growth of native plantings includes areas of regeneration.

Carr accepts concerns from rural communities about the loss of infrastructure and population from forecasts of 380,000ha of new exotic forestry planting by 2035.

While most of that planting will be on unproductive land, Carr says rural communities have always evolved and changed.

Extending broadband, the expansion of wind, solar and biofuels energy production will assist rural communities.

“We often hear about the jobs that are going and not those jobs that are coming,” he said.

Bovaer has proven promising overseas, dropping methane emissions by 30%. The trick for researchers in NZ is how it responds and how it can be combined into a predominately grass-based diet.

Fonterra also has several other closely guarded projects under way that show initial promise, but there are several criteria that have to meet.

“It has to be good for the planet, but also good for the farmer in that it is cost effective and practical,” Fonterra’s chief science officer Dr Jeremy Hill said.

“It also has to be good for the cow in terms of her performance and health, and finally it has

to be good for the milk in terms of composition and residues.”

Since animal urine is the single greatest source of nitrogen in a pastoral system, reduced stock numbers will lower nitrogen inputs and, by default, methane emissions.

ECan rules require Canterbury farmers to gradually reduce nitrogen losses on average by 15%, but up to 90% depending on catchment.

“I can’t say this amount of nitrogen loss will convert into stock numbers, but we don’t see an interface between climate mitigation and the nitrogen mitigation needed to meet nutrient loss,” council planning

crack at reining in emissions by encouraging people to do the right thing rather than the impost of the taxation system.”

The commission will next year advise the Government on the progress of the sector and whether its efforts to reduce GHG emission will need to be replaced by a legislative pricing process.

Farmers have in the past been innovative, flexible and have adapted, and there is no reason that will not continue to happen in the future.

Dr Rod Carr Climate Change Commission

Improved broadband will also enable those living in rural communities to feel connected.

Carr’s message to farmers is that they are economically vital to NZ and will remain so in the future, and that the commission is stressing that all sectors need to make changes to reduce GHG emissions.

“We are all in this together and we all need to get on and do this,” he said.

“Aucklanders need to start using public transport and farmers use technology and management to lower emissions.”

The commission is suggesting the importing of fossil fuelpowered vehicles be banned from 2035, but Carr says farmers will still be able to use their trucks and tractors beyond that date.

The deadline for submissions on the commission’s draft advice document ended on March 28, after which the submissions will be considered before a final document is presented to Climate Change Minister James Shaw on May 31.

Signatories to the Paris Accord are meeting in Glasgow in November, and Carr says the NZ Government representatives may want to have an emissions reduction plan to present to the meeting.

and environment manager Andrew Parish said.

“No one wants to push farmers off their land.”

In an analysis of the Government’s National Policy Statement for Freshwater, Charlotte Irving from the AgriBusiness Group at Lincoln University, says a new bottom line for permitted nitrogen loss will require a 27% reduction on average across all New Zealand.

Economic modelling reveals that to achieve this across the Waikato catchment requires a 160% increase in afforestation and a reduction in pastoral landuse of 68% for drystock and 13% for dairy.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

7

Shrink footprint, grow profit More with less

Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz RESEARCH work on 17 dairy farms has shown the potential for the sector to not only boost productivity significantly, but also shrink its environmental footprint in the process.

Waikato farm consultant Bryan McKay has long advocated alongside his colleague Sue Macky that a more “cow-centric” approach to dairying can deliver significant improvements in efficiency and per cow performance alongside increased profit per hectare.

“But this need for improved feed efficiency per animal, and per kilogram of dry matter eaten by the cow has never been greater, when the added constraints of reducing nitrogen (N) losses and greenhouse gases is also factored in,” McKay said.

Working with other consultants around New Zealand, the FSC (Farm Systems Change) project examined 17 farms nationally that could set an example for where other farms need to head in adjusting to calls for 15% fewer livestock by the Climate Change Commission.

“The properties in the study were found to be 30% more efficient in the production of milksolids than the typical NZ dairy farm, as defined by DairyBase data,” he said.

“All were producing at least 90% of cow liveweight (Genetic Mature Cow LWT) in milksolids per head, and producing an average 1500kg MS a hectare. They also produced double the profit a hectare of the average farm. And these were not highly stocked farms.”

Cow health was not being sacrificed to achieve such impressive figures. All herds scored highly on an “animal health index” that reflected a composition of typical health and welfare parameters, including

herd losses, which were half the national average, and reproduction outcomes were well above average figures .

McKay says the longitudinal study that spanned 2012-17 covered peaks and troughs in milk payout and climatic challenges, and even at the worst point the group averaged $1450 Ebitda/ha.

“And this was at a time when most operators were well in the red,” he said.

“The inference of this level of efficiency is that their environmental impact should be lower than the industry average.”

Early indications support this.

A herd participating in the project averaged 35 litres of milk a day at peak and were losing a total of 578g of N per cow a day.

This compares with a typical herd averaging 25l a cow a day, losing a total of 760g a day per cow a day. The study’s herd had a 40% reduction in N loss per litre, and were also 45% more productive.

McKay says the herds were penalised in Overseer assessments for N losses because the model struggled to impute the higher production levels without also translating that to higher N losses.

“And when it came to methane, we had no way of measuring it directly,” he said.

But according to DairyNZ there is a strong link between lower N losses and emissions, and expectations would be that the methane reductions would also be well below average for the herds.

Work from an in vitro fermentation lab in Henderson from 314 samples over a 24-month period suggested that the average loss of methane was 21g per

LOWER: Bryan McKay and business partner Sue Macky. McKay’s initial work has found highly efficient dairy herds have a significantly lower nitrogen footprint and most likely a lower emissions profile.

We should be looking at how the herds achieving the low end of methane losses are achieving this.

Bryan McKay Farm consultant kilogram DM digested, but the range was plus or minus 50%.

“We should be looking at how the herds achieving the low end of methane losses are achieving this,” he said.

Prior to the study having to stop due to M bovis, the group had hoped to work with Auckland research and innovation company Alltech using in vitro gas production methodology.

But McKay is concerned that if

the Climate Change Commission’s advice to drop livestock numbers by 15% is taken up wholesale to deal with gases, the impact may worsen NZ’s gas footprint per unit of production unless productivity is maintained, then in fact it should improve.

DairyNZ advice to farmers includes reducing numbers and reducing the total feed eaten by adjusting stocking policies and early culling, and taking a 26% reduction in farm profit.

But McKay wants to see total methane produced, methane emitted per hectare and methane per unit of milksolids all decline in unison.

“And it appears these farms are achieving this, and accurate measurement should confirm it,” he said.

McKay cautions for the dairy sector to achieve such productive, lower gas/N outcomes, there will need to be a significant lift in

industry herd management skills.

“On these farms the cost of production is not high, it is about the same,” he said.

“The most feed any farm bought in was 30%, and the lowest was only 0.4%. So a large range existed.

All but one farm was self-sufficient for forage.

“What they did differently was put their cows at the centre of the business, ensuring they are match fit to produce at this level. That generally requires three years of training the cows to get to that level, and training managers to be the same.”

He is hoping the group can secure funding required to continue the study over a threeyear period.

Funding would ensure a wider number of herds in the sample, to delve deeper into the productivity drivers and N and methane losses and finally have the findings to be taken to the wider industry.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

9

Irish push for joint climate efforts Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz NEW Zealand and Ireland face very similar climate change challenges and both countries have a lot to gain from working more closely together to meet them, leading Irish agriculture greenhouse gas (GHG) academic Frank Convery says.

Convery was the guest on a recent international Zoom call hosted by New Zealand Climate Change Commissioners Harry Clark and Catherine Leining.

He says NZ and Ireland are in the same boat, being at the top of the list of OECD’s members that are export-led with agriculturedominated GHG emissions.

“We’re on the same journey politically and technically,” Convery said.

“We share the same challenges.

We’re at the same stage.

“Most of all though, I think the chemistry is right. And it’s already happening up to a point.”

When it comes to investing in GHG mitigation innovation, Convery says both countries need to err on the side of doing “too much” rather than not enough.

He says statisticians talk about type one error, which is the cost of doing too little and then be confronted with huge costs.

Type two error is where you do a bit too much early on, but avoid the costs later.

“We want to embrace type two error. Do too much and foster our economy and our climate,” he said.

He is predicting that although NZ and Ireland can currently point to performing well in terms of agricultural GHG emissions compared to the amount of protein produced, countries like the UK and the US are likely to catch up quickly, so improving our performance in this area will become increasingly important to be able to protect future market

access, as GHG metrics and tax barriers could come into play.

Convery says the UK is looking at introducing a “pay for performance” system around GHG and land-use.

“Once you pay farmers for performance you get performance, so the key implication for me if the UK does what it’s promising to do, is that we’ll see fairly sharp improvements in carbon stewardship in regard to land in the UK over the next five or six years,” he said.

If we improve our performance then we’ll thrive. If we don’t, we won’t.

Frank Convery GHG expert The other freedom that the UK has post-Brexit is that it can manage its taxes independently, Convery says, especially around trade arrangements.

He says those likely changes mean the UK will become a serious performer in reducing emissions and increasing its carbon efficiency, which in turn will be followed by effort to protect its domestic markets against carbon leakage.

Across the Atlantic, he’s predicting new US federal legislation to provide significant tax support for climate action, channeling subsidies and funds in that direction.

That means there is potential for the US to become a leader in feedlot intensive indoor feeding farming systems in terms of carbon performance.

Methane is one obvious area for innovation collaboration between NZ and Ireland, but Convery

would also like to see more investigation into the integration of carbon farming and meat and milk production to see what those systems could look like.

He says to find out more about how to do that effectively, it makes sense to talk to people who are the best in the world doing that now.

“They are probably not in NZ or in Ireland. They are probably in South and Central America,” he said.

Convery is unsure of any specific inter-government levers that could be pulled to accelerate collaboration – but he’s not too concerned about that.

“I don’t worry about the mechanisms; the view in Ireland is once we know what we want we put pieces in place, then we find the mechanisms,” he said.

“So, I think the order of things should be: this is the agenda that has to be delivered if we’re going to deliver at scale; these are the pieces of the jigsaw that will deliver that; and then find the modality.

“But money is key of course, you have to devote resources.”

As part of that, Ireland is using its carbon tax revenues to support its climate agenda.

He says another option, which has gained support in Europe, is green bonds.

“The European Commission has agreed to a green bond model.

They are proposing to raise millions with green bonds, then use them to drive the agenda,” he said.

However, in the end it is about priorities.

He says strategically for Ireland and NZ, the way to avoid getting caught up in looming debates over carbon leakage and access to international markets is to improve GHG mitigation performance.

“If we improve our performance then we’ll thrive. If we don’t, we won’t,” he said.

TEAMWORK: Irish agriculture greenhouse gas academic Frank Convery says it makes sense for NZ and Ireland to work together to meet mutual climate change challenges.

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

Fund to help reduce fossil fuels Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz NEW Zealand’s leading wool scourer WoolWorks NZ has welcomed government’s cofunding to accelerate replacing coal with electricity in a worldleading initiative for early-stage wool processing.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is investing $3.63 million through the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) initiative to co-fund switching from coal to electricity at WoolWorks Washdyke site near Timaru.

WoolWorks NZ Limited, formerly NZ Woolscouring, will invest $2.79m in the project.

Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods announced the round one funding on Thursday.

In total, 14 companies will receive $22.88m in co-funding to help their businesses transition away from fossil fuels.

The fund, administered by EECA, was established by the Government as part of the Covid Response and Recovery Fund, which aims to drive economic stimulus and job creation through decarbonisation projects.

Woods says the Government’s investment will make a real difference to NZ’s emissions profile and is a significant boost in helping to achieve a cleaner, smarter economy.

“The decarbonisation fund provides crucial financial support to business and industry to help transition from boilers run on coal and gas to cleaner electricity and biomass options,” Woods said.

“The 14 projects we are announcing for funding will achieve 10% of the gross long-

lived emission reductions required from the Climate Change Commission’s first draft carbon budget for the period 2022-25, the same as taking 49,000 cars off the road.”

WoolWorks chief executive Nigel Hales says the installation of an electrode boiler to produce steam and an industrial heat pump to generate hot water is expected to reduce over 11,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

“We are making significant gains in improving the efficiency of our world-class scour operations, leading the way globally for the total useful energy usage per kilogram of wool and reducing our carbon footprint,” Hales said.

“Through this project we will provide the NZ wool sector with a unique low-carbon start to the global supply chain, which we believe will support increased demand for NZ wool.”

WoolWorks, the largest wool scourer by volume in the world, handles 76% of all NZ wool through its three sites in Napier, Hastings and Timaru.

Silver Fern Farms (SFF) will halve its coal consumption after receiving GIDI co-funding for major coal reduction projects at two of its processing sites.

The successful projects include the installation of hightemperature heat pumps at Silver Fern Farms Finegand in Balclutha, and Belfast (Christchurch) processing sites.

The heat pumps will produce hot water using previously wasted refrigeration heat, which will reduce the company’s coal consumption by 48%, equivalent to more than 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

The work is expected to be

PROJECT UNDER WAY: Climate Change Minister James Shaw looks on as Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods discusses the wool decarbonisation project with WoolWorks NZ chief executive Nigel Hales.

completed by mid-2023.

SFF chief executive Simon Limmer says with the support of EECA we are taking two massive leaps towards a low carbon future.

“Our Plate to Pasture strategy is all about meeting the needs of our customers, and they increasingly want to know that their red meat is sustainably produced,” Limmer said.

“This is just one of the many areas in which we’re delivering on our vision to be the world’s most successful and sustainable grassfed red meat company.”

Alliance Group received $3.27m for two projects to install heat

pumps at its Pukeuri plant near Oamaru and at its Lorneville plant near Invercargill.

Alliance will invest $3.275m alongside the Government’s contribution.

“Alliance has set a goal to reduce our carbon footprint significantly by 2035 and this investment will go a long way to helping us get there,” chief executive David Surveyor said.

“We have developed an Energy Transition Pathway in collaboration with EECA to decarbonise our seven processing facilities and we now have a longterm roadmap identifying the investments needed to realise a

low emissions future for the cooperative.

“A new carbon-saving, high temperature heat pump installed at our Nelson plant in October 2019 has resulted in a 44% reduction in fuel use and demonstrates what can be achieved.”

Other projects approved in GIDI round one funding includes McCain Foods $2.87m; Synlait $611,500; Westland Dairy Company $1.76m; J S Ewers Fresh Produce $4m; Napier Pine $995,000; NZ Starch Ltd $150,000; Affco Malvern $950,000; Goodman Fielder $210,000; and Affco Awarua $406,000.

Report predicts huge digital gains Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz AN ANNUAL economic boost, equivalent to Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay’s combined GDP, is a prospect if the agri-sector plays its part in adopting more digital technology in coming years.

The Unlocking New Zealand’s Digital Potential report, commissioned on behalf of Google, has pinpointed the farming and food sectors as areas ripe for greater digital transformation to unlock productivity gains, in a country perennially struggling with low productivity rates.

Should NZ seize all the opportunities offered across 10 core areas of the economy, agriculture and food would contribute $2.5 billion a year to the annual $46.6b impact estimated by 2030.

The report identifies three key pillars to this transformation

that are supporting technology adoption in key industries, digital upskilling of the workforce and promoting digital export opportunities.

Forty digital tech applications have been chosen across 10 industries.

For agriculture and food those technologies are precision farming, IoT-enabled supply management and food safety tech.

NZ’s agri tech sector currently generates about $1.2b in export earnings a year, and has shown relatively little growth over the past five years in a global sector that has increased by 36% a year for five years to 2018.

To help spur and guide growth, the industry was first to deliver an industry transformation plan last year.

The Google report cites productivity gains that can be made throughout the economy from a tech sector that contributes to 8% of the GDP and

creates five service jobs for every tech job.

Not unexpectedly, the report highlights the benefits Google technology can bring to businesses including agriculture.

Google Maps is estimated by report authors to be contributing $1.2b a year to national productivity.

IoT, one of eight key agricultural applications identified in the report, is estimated on its own to be worth $1.1-$3.3b over the next 10 years.

Google NZ country director Caroline Rainsford says the covid crisis has exposed NZ’s overreliance on low-productivity, low-value exports.

“Digital transformation has become an imperative as it lifts prosperity, and prosperity lifts wellbeing. We need to unlock this potential to drive a significant difference by 2030,” Rainsford said.

As one of the three pillars, upskilling workers’ digital

abilities is proving a vexed issue for the sector.

At the recent Mobile TechAg conference, NZ Tech Group chief executive Graeme Muller highlighted the low level of awareness among school students about digital tech opportunities.

IT and programmers ranked with .5% of 7200 school children as preferred occupation, eclipsed by professional sports stars, favoured by 18%.

The industry’s tendency to import skills has also lowered investment in tech training, with about 80% of jobs filled with migrants in the past.

The report acknowledges the Government is making investments in industry partnerships here, including the NZ Digital Skills Forum, and incorporating more digital skills into school curriculum.

The IoT area has also been recognised by the agri-sector for its potential contribution to

HIGHLIGHT: The report identifies three key pillars that are supporting technology adoption in key industries, digital upskilling of the workforce and promoting digital export opportunities.

meeting the report’s predicted potential. Wireless Internet Service Providers of NZ (WISPA) recently announced the roll-out of a nationwide IoT network.

This will facilitate greater networking of remote devices used for applications like moisture sensing, rainfall recording and frost alerts across wider farm areas, without farmers having to rely upon proprietary networks.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

Sharemilker wins woman of the year WHANGANUI sharemilker Belinda Price has been announced as the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year at the April 8 gala awards dinner, following the Allflex and DWN2021 Step Up Together Conference in Taupo.

The other finalists were Ashburton dairy farmer Rebecca Miller and contract milker and LIC farm consultant Chevon Horsford from Whangarei.

Dairy Women’s Network Trustee Sophie Stanley, who headed up the judging panel, says that all three finalists highlighted the wide range of diversity in leadership within dairy and the shifting focus of the industry to a people-focused approach.

“The three finalists were all impressive with a different approach to how they lead and create positive impact for our people, communities, industry and the agriculture sector as a whole,” Stanley said.

“Belinda demonstrates a passion for people, building up the industry from grassroots through her roles in coaching and mentorship. She has a strong foundation of values and she displays humility, passion and high energy, which creates a unique approach to leadership.”

award. It’s great seeing her give so much to our industry. The passion, energy and co-operation she clearly displays across her multiple roles is paving the way for the next generation of farmers to succeed,” Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell said.

As the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, Price receives a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake a development programme, professional and business coaching, a learning experience, or a combination of all three.

It was my pleasure to present Belinda Price with the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award. It’s great seeing her give so much to our industry.

Miles Hurrell Fonterra After entering the industry 12 years ago through a sharemilking contract, Price and her husband now own a dairy farm in Taranaki and sharemilk 650 cows in Nukumaru, where she is responsible for the day-to-day running, calf-rearing, human resources and administration for their two businesses.

Active in upskilling herself, Price completed the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and shares her knowledge and experience across many mentorship roles within the industry, including PrimaryITO, DairyNZ’s Dairy Connect Programme and Rural Support.

Her influence on the industry is widespread with additional roles with Environment Leaders Taranaki and the Step Change Pilot Programme with DairyNZ to make changes to their farm operations for better environmental outcomes.

Price says being named the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year was recognition for her contributions to the industry so far.

“Winning the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year is a huge honour. Its acknowledgement that what I have done to date has been really helpful and beneficial, and allows me to upskill and continue that journey to help others achieve their goals in the industry that has given me so much and that I love,” Price said.

“It was my pleasure to present Belinda Price with the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year

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HONOURED: 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year recipient Belinda Price says receiving the award is an honour and recognition of her work to date.

News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

Risk-based approach to M bovis Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz CHANGES to Mycoplasma bovis beef cattle surveillance will now have the programme targeting regions identified at greater risk of harbouring the disease.

The National Beef Surveillance programme screens cattle for exposure to M bovis on beef and drystock properties, at meat processing plants and on feedlot entry.

Previously samples have been taken during TB testing, but most TB testing now occurs in areas where M bovis is not so common.

From April 1, on-farm screening is transitioning to a more focused, risk-based surveillance of beef and drystock herds where there has been higher prevalence of M bovis.

This means it will no longer be routinely coupled with TB testing.

M bovis programme director Stuart Anderson says risk-based testing is a commonly adopted practice in contemporary disease surveillance programmes and involves focusing surveillance on populations where disease is more likely to be present, while maintaining an acceptable level of coverage for the population as a whole.

For the beef and drystock surveillance programme, testing is focused on herd types and regions where there has been a higher degree of association with the

FOCUS: M bovis programme director Stuart Anderson says risk-based testing involves focusing surveillance on populations where disease is more likely to be present.

network of infected farms.

Network associations are analysed, modelled and used to determine where surveillance is most effectively implemented.

“This means that while surveillance will occur across New Zealand, there will be a higher intensity of sampling in some regions and for some types of herds, where the risk of contact with an M bovis confirmed property is elevated,” Anderson said.

Sampling for some herds will be specifically requested by the programme, while for others,

participating veterinarians will use local knowledge to identify suitable herds for sampling.

The programme has partnered with SVS Laboratories to ensure that blood samples are tested to a high standard and results are delivered as quickly as possible.

SVS vets and veterinary technicians will manage sample collection with farmers able to liaise with their local service provider to find a time that is convenient for sampling to be undertaken.

In consultation with farmers, the vet will book and schedule

sample collection at times when cattle are already being yarded for routine management practices such as pregnancy testing, vaccination, drenching or weighing.

“Taking samples for testing when cattle are yarded for other management procedures is an effective method that minimises disruption to farming activities,” he said.

Anderson says in some regions where TB testing occurs less frequently, farmers will now be more likely to be sampled as part of the M bovis beef and drystock surveillance programme.

More herd types will be selected for screening.

“This means more farms will be tested with sampling expanding to include additional herd types, such as dairy heifers, beef breeding animals and bulls,” he said.

No single herd production type will be exclusively targeted.

While all production types will continue to be sampled, there will be an increased intensity of sampling for dairy heifers and cattle from herds that acquire animals for trading or finishing.

“Heifers are a population group of interest, because testing them before they start lactation is a valuable opportunity to determine their status before they are covered by Bulk Tank Milk (BTM) surveillance,” he said.

“Herds that trade livestock

are important for surveillance because they are more likely to be associated with the network of infected farms than herds that have fewer external trading links.”

The National Beef Cattle Survey is a screening test, not a final result.

The test determines if animals have been exposed to M bovis.

“While most farms are not expected to return a positive result, some herds will require further testing to confirm their infection status,” he said.

Anderson emphasises herds are not being sampled because the programme believes them to be infected.

“Negative testing in areas of higher risk provides greater assurance that M bovis is not widespread in the beef sector,” he said.

“With thousands of farms already sampled, the information we’ve collected from the National Beef Cattle Surveillance continues to build confidence that M bovis is not widespread in the beef sector,” he said.

M bovis was first detected in NZ in July 2017.

Since then, a total 262 farms nationally have been confirmed with M bovis, just 10 remain currently active; 170,486 cattle have been culled and $194.9 million paid in compensation to farmers in a national bid to eradicate the disease.

Shearers back in action KING Country wool handler Rahera Kerr tasted some early success at the NZ Shears in Te Kuiti last week, winning the junior wool handling title.

Kerr was brought up on a Hauturu farm, but these days lives in Te Kuiti and works for New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association president Mark Barrowcliffe.

Her success added to earlier wins at the Central Hawke’s Bay A&P Show in Waipukurau in November and the Rangitikei Shearing Sports North Island Championships in Marton in February.

She has been travelling around following work for the last two years, including down south around Kurow and in South Australia.

“It’s good work. You can travel with it, it’s social and you become family with the people you’re working with,” Kerr said.

More than 200 shearers and wool handlers competed in the threeday championships, which 12 months ago became one of the early casualties of the covid-19 Level 4 lockdown.

SHEARING CHAMP: Winner of NZ Shears wool handling junior final Rahera Kerr.

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

Milk futures surge as traders lock in Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz DAIRY farmers have fixed their forward milk prices in greater numbers this year to lock in high prices.

NZX head of derivatives Nick Morris says milk price futures and options trading was up 73% in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the same period last year.

The 6641 lots represented just under 40 million kilograms of milksolids spread across three seasons – the current, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Last year 18,990 lots traded were 114m kg, equivalent to 6% of New Zealand’s annual milk production.

Without some form of hedging the milk price is essentially floating until the end of the season.

Jason Bray StoneX Financial The last traded price in the current season was $7.64/kg and for next season the price is $7.48.

Farmers seeking to sell futures contracts at $7-plus prices may be wondering who wants to buy at these high levels and whether that demand will last.

Head of dairy for Asia for global financial services provider StoneX Financial Jason Bray says farmers selling NZX milk price contracts is only the first step in a longer chain of market participants, including dairy processors, traders,

speculators and end users.

“Buyers of milk price futures have very different and sometimes unique investment objectives,” Bray said.

“One could say that farmers have a single objective in forward fixing a portion of their revenue rather than accept a floating exposure until their processors declare the final milk payout.”

Without disclosing client names, Bray says processors would be the natural buyers of milk price futures as the first step in the physical flow.

Their objective is to effectively fix their number one cost – milk – to allow their salesforce to sell commodity products with a known underlying cost base.

“Without some form of hedging the milk price is essentially floating until the end of the season,” he said.

Commodity traders and endusers are also growing users of milk price and other dairy futures.

“A number have negotiated and secured long-term product supply agreements whose final purchase price is determined by a mechanism that references or benchmarks the milk price, again floating,” he said.

“However, once they have booked a sale with their own customers, they will buy milk price futures to underpin their cost of goods sold, stabilising the sales margin.”

Both of these scenarios are examples of how existing and new NZX market participants are using the tools to de-risk their businesses and insulate operations from adverse effects of commodity price volatility.

Bray also says speculators are

ACTIVITY: Milk futures contracts for next season are in demand, Jarden head of derivatives Mike McIntyre says.

valued market participants who add liquidity to futures markets.

Generally speaking, they take a directional view of the market after using models, forecasts and assumptions that will determine whether a financial product is undervalued or overvalued and trade accordingly.

Different perceptions of value amongst derivative market participants present opportunities to transact hedge positions that may not have been available with speculative interest.

Bray says two major features of futures markets like the NZX dairy derivatives are price transparency representing the underlying physical market, which tends to be more opaque, and the transfer/ exchange of risk by marketplace participants.

Any day of the working week

a farmer can view where the futures market participants are anticipating Fonterra’s milk price to be for not only the current, but seasons in advance.

He says dairy derivatives have a long way to grow yet.

In the United States it would be unusual to find a large dairy operation who was not at least aware of commodity derivatives and futures.

In Europe a number of large processors offer forward contracting programs to their milk suppliers as ways of forward fixing milk prices.

Jarden head of derivatives Mike McIntyre says more dairy farmers were adopting risk management of their milk revenue by using futures contracts.

Larger, generally well-resourced farms were the first adopters

followed by sophisticated smaller operators.

While banks were not requiring farmers to use futures, budgets prepared with some portion of milk production locked in must be regarded favourably by financiers.

Right now, most activity in milk futures is in the September 2022 contract period, with some interest in the 2023 option.

McIntyre says farmers need not fear a lack of contract buyers at higher prices.

“If I am a multinational chocolate maker and my supermarkets want a supply price for next year, I need to lock in milk powder at US$4000/tonne and get on with making chocolate,” McIntyre said.

“The powder processor in NZ might then lock in milk prices with futures contracts.”

No GDT move is good news Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

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AN ALMOST flat result in the latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction was well received, Jarden head of derivatives Mike McIntyre says.

“The market was pricing in an unwind of the 15% gain seen a little more than a month ago, and instead more widespread support saw a modest, almost unchanged result,” McIntyre said.

The GDT index rose 0.3% and whole milk powder (WMP) prices stayed steady on their level of three weeks ago.

Butter and anhydrous milk fat prices rose 2% and 0.8% respectively, and butter milk powder jumped 17.6%.

Cheddar was up 2.2% and skim milk powder (SMP) 0.6%.

On the downside, low-value lactose dropped 6.5%.

McIntyre says this was a period where processors were crunching their numbers for an opening milk price forecast for the season ahead.

“A result like this latest GDT will provide further optimism

that we are in line for yet another positive start to the year,” he said.

Rabobank’s senior dairy analyst Emma Higgins says larger volumes of milk powders were offered and buying appetite was stronger than at this time in previous years.

SMP at US$3367/tonne is the highest it has been since 2014 and WMP stayed steady over $4000 for all grades and contract periods.

Westpac’s senior agrieconomist Nathan Penny says the futures market was pointing at a 5% fall in prices for WMP, so the flat result was good news.

Westpac was sticking with its $7.90/kg milksolids forecast for the current season and $7.25 for next season.

Penny says strong recent dairy prices and a pullback of the NZ dollar against the US dollar gave some upside risk to next season’s forecast.

ASB economist Nat Keall says longer-dated contracts for WMP were up around $4200, and that was a sign of price momentum coming into the new season.

“With the contract curve

PROMISING OUTLOOK: Westpac’s senior agri-economist Nathan Penny says the futures market was pointing at a 5% fall in prices for WMP, so the flat result was good news.

relatively flat and buyers from regions other than China reentering the market, the odds are against a sharp correction, but we see prices easing further over the next auctions,” Keall said.

“Still, strong post-pandemic global demand and softer Northern Hemisphere production should keep them from falling too far.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

15

Fun for farming families Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

TEAM: Farming Families organisers Jayne Openshaw (Farmlands), rural advocate Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins, Bruce Taylor (Farmlands) and Frances Beeston (Rural Support Trust) confirm the finer detail for a series of events planned to get farmers out socialising.

Photo: Annette Scott

GETTING farmers off-farm and out socialising is the aim of a series of events being planned for Canterbury farming families.

Spearheaded by rural advocate Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins, and supported by Farmlands, the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust and Federated Farmers, the thrust behind the idea is building strong rural communities.

“It’s about getting farmers and their families out for a bit of fun,” Wiggins said.

“We have had farming family day at the races a couple of times, but we are going for a bit different this time, and the feedback we are hearing is that these events are clearly welcomed by rural communities.

“We had ideas come up, it was a meeting of the minds as to how we could get farmers and families out yakking, and we all jumped in together to do a rural community ball and then the opportunity came up to hold a couple of quiz nights too.”

It will be time to dig out the glad rags, with the emphasis being on family, as we encourage bringing teenagers along too.

Craig Wiggins Farming Families Taking it to the farmers, the two quiz nights will be held in rural locations, the first with a duck shooting theme on April 30 at the Methven Racecourse and the second, with a sports theme sponsored by the Hinds and Districts Lions Club at the Southern Rugby Club, Hinds, on May 7.

Teams of four to six people are invited to rock up for a social night of brainstorming fun with great prizes up for grabs, including prizes for the best dressed in the theme of the night.

Guest speakers will feature during the quiz breaks, with people encouraged to register their team ahead of the night at farmingfamilies4u@ gmail.com Farming Families is also proudly presenting the Mid Canterbury Rural Community Ball on June 12.

“It will be time to dig out the glad rags, with the emphasis being on family, as we encourage bringing teenagers along too,” he said.

Early bird tickets at $65 for people with a rural address will go on sale on April 19, with remaining tickets at $75 on sale from May 1. Tickets can be purchased at www.trybooking.com To be held at the Hotel Ashburton, featuring acclaimed country singer Jody Direen and Ashburton’s own Gold Guitar Awards winner, 12-year-old Molly Harrison, the ball kicks off with a buffet dinner, included in the ticket price, with a cash bar operating for beverages.

A charity auction will run throughout the evening with a haul of giveaway prizes also on offer.

“Tickets are limited to 400 so get your tickets early,” he said.

Farming Families’ events have been made possible through the collaboration of the Rural Support Trust (RST), Farmlands, Federated Farmers, Whatever with Wiggy, and supported by major sponsors: The Ashburton Trust, BDO New Zealand, RST, Farmlands, FMG and Ballance.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

17

Grower unease over China trial Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE head of one of the country’s largest kiwifruit orchard companies is predicting Zespri may have a tough time getting growers to vote in favour of having a Chinese trial running for its SunGold fruit.

Zespri is seeking to establish a trial programme working with growers of unlicenced SunGold fruit in the Sichuan province of China, utilising Zespri staff and growing protocols.

The initial trial proposal was turned down by New Zealand’s overseeing authority Kiwifruit New Zealand, on grounds the proposal posed too great a risk to NZ growers, including the loss of intellectual property and erosion of brand reputation.

The trial proposal is in response to the estimated 5000ha of SunGold fruit already growing there, and expected to only increase. There is just over 6000ha of SunGold being grown in NZ. Zespri is running a grower information roadshow outlining the risks of the trial, and also highlighting the risks if the fruit is left to be grown and controlled by Chinese growers.

We do not know the area it is being grown in very well, but it is a patchwork quilt of small orchards and it seems to be a coordinated plan of grafting.

Michael Franks Seeka But Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says while some growers are indifferent to what Zespri may or may not do, most growers would have some trepidation about the plan’s implications.

“Zespri is looking at reversing back some of the original plan.

But the issue is we are exporting our IP for how we grow it, handle it and present it to our market. It does not matter if it is one million trays, 200,000 trays or 50 trays, you are still going to give away a lot,” Franks said.

The trial intends to run over three years, overseeing the growth of 50ha of vines, producing about 200,000 trays in the first year of production. The trial will include evaluating how and when the Zespri fruit can get on the shelf, offered as a locally-grown item yielding a Zespri premium.

Franks questions whether money is necessarily the main objective for Chinese growers.

“That is versus having a reliable crop to help feed the country that is a high-quality fruit, available at affordable prices,” he said.

Other primary sectors including China’s dairy industry have a strongly state driven mandate to exist to help the country obtain a greater level of food security,

despite it proving cheaper to import overseas products.

Significant volumes of out of season Green and SunGold crop are already grown successfully in other countries, primarily Italy, France and Greece.

But Franks says the move to try and oversee the crop being grown in China contradicts a decision made by growers back in 2019 not to allow Zespri fruit to be grown in either Chile or China.

“And nothing has really changed since, except the fruit has leaked into China,” he said.

But Zespri has confirmed that it was made clear to growers then that if it wanted to undertake activities in China or Chile at a later date, it would come back to growers to discuss the matter and seek approval.

The fruit is believed to have ended up in China by way of a Chinese-New Zealand grower who illegally took plantings over. He has since been found guilty under the Plant Varieties Act and fined $15 million.

“We do not know the area it is being grown in very well, but it is a patchwork quilt of small orchards and it seems to be a coordinated plan of grafting,” Franks said.

The Chinese fruit would ripen in late-August, compared to earlyMarch for NZ fruit, and Zespri estimates 30% of NZ’s crop would still be in-market when the local fruit becomes available.

Estimates are that local fruit could grow to anywhere between 30-90 million trays. NZ’s current SunGold sales to China equate to about 21 million trays.

“But it still means we (NZ) have a good window to sell our fruit over April, May, June, July and some of August before it shows up. It is not a complete train smash. NZ-grown fruit will still continue to demand a premium,” he said.

Zespri maintains there is a risk shelf space may be lost to variable quality, lower-value alternatives that set a lower quality to value expectation in the market.

Other kiwifruit growers spoken to by Farmers Weekly were mixed in their views on supporting the trial.

One grower maintained it would be a better move to leave Chinese growers to their own devices and focus only on maintaining the NZ fruit as a premium, high-quality brand.

Another said a move to try and corral the unauthorised fruit was an understandable attempt to control fruit quality in a market notorious for duplicating quality brands.

NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated is not taking a position on the trials on behalf of growers.

Chief executive Nikki Johnson says growers have been informed about the risks and opportunities of the proposed trial in China through roadshows to ensure an informed grower debate and vote is taken in June.

“An understanding of growers’ views on the risks and opportunities associated with a trial will be evident through the results of the producer vote,” Johnson said.

POTENTIAL RISK: Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says the Chinese SunGold fruit trial poses a risk to growers’ IP.

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18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

Pine seedlings sold out before planting Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz MOST forest tree nurseries have sold out of pine seedlings ahead of the winter planting season and industry sales should exceed 100 million seedlings this year.

Sufficient seedlings to plant more than 100,000ha at around 1000/ha have been grown and sold with forward orders.

This comes after an extended period in which radiata seedling production stayed within a range of 40-50m annually.

Over the past five years demand has sky-rocketed for replanting harvested exotic forests and for gaining carbon credits with new plantings.

Marginal land for livestock farming has been retired and planted in trees because of environmental reasons.

NZ Plant Producers chief executive Matt Dolan says massive consolidation in nurseries had

occurred since peak pine seedling production of around 130m in the mid-1990s.

Operators had bought and adapted new technologies to increase their efficiency and ease the load on skilled labour.

“It has been a stellar effort from nurseries to expand and meet demand,” Dolan said.

According to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), seedlings sales jumped from 60m in 2018 to 90m in 2019 and were forecasted to exceed 100m in 2020 and grow further in 2021.

Northland Forest Nursery near Kaikohe has sold out this season of 9.5m radiata seedlings in advance from seedlings to be lifted and dispatched between May and August.

Most were bought by forestry companies replanting established sites, but there has been a strong and growing demand from carbon companies on new land, nursery owner Kevin Strawbridge says.

In contrast to five years ago when pine planting was in the doldrums and he grew about 7m annually, demand is now very strong, from both planned and spontaneous buying.

Carbon credits had made the planting of marginal farming country much more attractive and Crown Forestry was also active with the One Billion Trees programme.

Strawbridge says forest nurseries all round the country had lifted their numbers.

Prices for seedlings had risen modestly to reflect higher nursery costs for seed, genetics royalties and for labour.

Peter Harrington of Rotorua Forest Nursery says 10m seedlings to be lifted this winter had been pre-sold and that orders for next season were filling up quickly.

About 60% of seedlings would be for replanting existing forests and the remainder were going into new land all over the North Island.

GROWING: NZ Plant Producers chief executive Matt Dolan says massive consolidation in nurseries had occurred since peak pine seedling production of around 130m in the mid1990s.

Prices had increased slightly to reflect increased wage rates and Harrington says indicative prices were around 40c/stem for lower quality and 55c for higher quality.

Both price levels were volume dependent.

Nelson-based Appletons Tree Nursery said it was selling more orders of mixed species rather than all natives or all exotics.

Nursery manager Keith Roberts says the demand for seedlings has been unprecedented and suggests

a need for expansion of nurseries in the future.

“In general, our growing capacity and our seedling numbers should be increasing to meet this demand, but we are not quite there yet,” Roberts said.

“Orders are coming in every day from all over New Zealand.”

Appletons sells 700 different species, consisting of about 1.6m native and exotic seedlings annually and between 4m and 5m radiata seedlings, all bare rooted.

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ONE Billion Trees planted in 10 years – how are we doing?

Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand) says that since the 2018 announcement of the programme, 258 million trees had been planted by the end of 2020.

The ministry claimed progress of one-quarter of the way towards its one billion target.

However, all trees sold and distributed were included in the statistics, not just new plantings from the Government incentive.

Funds had been committed for 45m trees to be planted between 2018 and 2028, of which 70% were native species and 30% exotic.

During 2020 it was estimated that 95.4m trees were planted,

according to the ministry.

It is an annual rate that would, if repeated, get close to achieving the target.

At January 6, funding of $68m had been approved to 582 applicants.

But on March 26 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website posted a funding application update.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

19

Demand sees fertiliser prices soar Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz STRONG international demand has pushed DAP prices up to their highest levels since 2016.

New Zealand’s two main fertiliser co-operatives Ravensdown and Ballance responded by lifting prices across their product ranges over Easter.

Ballance general manager of sales Jason Minkhorst said in an email to customers that gal DAP prices have increased by US$200 per tonne since January.

The co-operative lifted its DAP price by $99/t, Urea and SustaiN are up $35/t, PhaSedN is increasing $15/t and manufactured phosphate products are increasing $14/t.

“International DAP prices have continued to rise since our last price change on March 1.

Unfortunately, we have absorbed as much of this cost increase as we can, and our DAP price will be increasing by $99/t from April 1,” Minkhorst said.

He says these prices are at a five-year high and are impacting farmers and growers all over the world.

International urea and phosphate rock prices were also

on the rise, with the former being driven by a short supply of global nitrogen, and phosphate rock is largely being driven by increases in freight costs due to global shipping pressures.

Ravensdown lifted its prices on April 1.

“We continue to see strong international demand and rising global prices for DAP, urea and sulphur in conjunction with escalating freight costs,” a Ravensdown spokesperson said.

Rabobank analyst Wes Lefroy described global fertiliser markets in the bank’s Agribusiness Monthly for April as being gripped in “a perfect storm”.

“We expect that global prices will begin to subside in April, initially for urea, before phosphates follow later in Q2.

For local farmers acquiring phosphate, relief will be too late for this season,” Lefroy said.

Lefroy cited three reasons that are driving the high fertiliser prices.

He says strong global grain and oilseed prices incentivised Northern Hemisphere farmers to buy up ahead of spring planting.

Second, there have been price hikes in raw materials such as natural gas and coal used in urea production and third, global

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COSTLY: Both of the country’s fertiliser co-operatives have increased the prices of their products on the back of strong global demand.

freight prices have added as much as 5% to the cost of products between ports because of demand and logistical disruption.

“In the face of global higher prices and higher freight rates, local farmers can expect to pay higher prices for urea this season.

We do expect global prices to ease from April to June, but this may be too late for this importing period,” he said.

Lefroy expected prices to ease mid-year as Northern Hemisphere

demand drops off, although it may take several months for its effects to flow through the market.

For farmers, the big question will be whether the high prices remain this spring when the arable sector starts sowing, Federated Farmers board member Colin Hurst says.

“That will be a bit more problematic because that’s when the biggest usages of DAP go,” Hurst said.

“Here’s hoping that the supply and demand internationally, that is affecting these products, comes back more into balance.”

The lift in prices have come as some begin autumn fertiliser applications, however, Hurst understood the new 190kg/ha cap on nitrogen fertiliser had softened demand.

There were also alternative, less expensive options than DAP if farmers needed to apply fertiliser in the autumn.

He says one positive for farmers was that when international prices did fall, it should be quickly passed on to farmers because the two biggest players in the NZ fertiliser market are co-operatives and not corporates.

“The expectation is that when international prices drop, farm prices will drop too in response,” he said.

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20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

Carbon price brings opportunity Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz WITH carbon prices unlikely to wind back from their current high, farmers are being urged to think hard about the opportunities the market’s prospects could offer for their land-use options and succession planning.

In the past 12 months New Zealand Units (NZU), the tradable carbon emission denomination, have almost doubled in value from their pre-lockdown low of $22.10 to current market price of $37.02 a unit.

In the past week prices have eased back slightly from a high point that briefly touched $40 a unit.

But Jarden institutional commodities trading director Nigel Brunel says he anticipates prices continuing to press upwards after this pause.

He points to an OECD report that identifies how member countries’ carbon pricing reflects their ability to capture carbon losses from energy production over different carbon unit prices.

The report ranks countries based on 2018 data and shows Switzerland, Luxembourg and Norway were the top achievers, scoring a carbon pricing score (CPS) of 70% at a “lower end” unit pricing of €60 (about $101).

Typically, the greater a country’s progress towards an emissions benchmark, the higher its CPS. NZ’s score was 33%, ranking 26th out of 44 between Canada at 34% and Sweden at 32%.

“This suggests we have further to go, and the European units are valued at €42.5 ($71.5) a unit.

Admittedly their ETS is not our ETS, but they are both trying to achieve the same thing, which suggests some upside for NZ,” Brunel said.

He says the next major piece of news likely to affect the market is the release of the final Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) report later this year.

Forward contracts support Brunel’s prediction, with April

UPWARDS: Lizzie Chambers of Carbon Match says carbon prices can only head one way for New Zealand to meet its emission reductions.

Farmers are in the box seat now, they already own the land and carbon credits can be claimed from year one.

David Janett Forest Management Group 2026 bids lodged on CommTrade at $42.30 a unit.

Carbon Match director Lizzie Chambers says the greatest clue for where prices may head lies in the CCC’s recommendation that the price cap on the emissions

trading scheme be lifted to $70 “as soon as practical”, and adjusted annually until it gets to $140 by 2030.

“This would only be positive to prices. And carbon prices do have to go up anyway, for us to even remotely hit our goals,” Chambers said.

Forest Management Group director David Janett says some farmers have already taken the plunge into the carbon market, optimistic about what future returns will be.

“We have farms in north Canterbury who took up the One Billion Trees grants, anywhere from $500,000-$1 million a farm, to plant trees that will deliver forest and carbon returns to them,” Janett said.

Pressure on land prices has made purchasing land solely for

carbon returns less than economic in most areas.

“Once it is over $9000 a hectare it does not work and requires carbon prices at $70-$100 a unit.

Farmers are in the box seat now, they already own the land and carbon credits can be claimed from year one,” he said.

Those credits ramp up rapidly beyond year four, bringing in about $230/ha at a carbon value of $35 a unit after costs and pre-tax.

They surge to a peak of $1556/ha by year nine, and hold at that until year 16.

At an average land value of $10,000/ha a farmer could expect a 6.9% return per hectare, allowing for carbon and timber values on harvesting at year 28.

“This allows farmers to deal with the ‘problem child’ of land area on their farm, taking the

income to invest on the better parts of the farm that do make money from livestock,” Janett said.

“There are people enjoying these carbon prices already. The comment we get the most is ‘this is too good to be true’, or ‘what is the catch?’”

He acknowledges like any business decision there is a downside risk that carbon prices will fall.

“But even between $25-$50 a unit, returns are pretty good. But if we are going to take the Climate Commission seriously, we will see carbon in 10-15 years in the $150 a unit mark,” he said.

He says farmers can capitalise on what he describes as a massive wealth transfer from urban NZ where carbon is generated, to rural NZ where it can be sequestered in trees.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

21

E Tipu looks to farming’s future THE Boma New Zealand Agri Summit is set to spark innovation with a jam-packed line-up of future-focused speakers ready to share their food and fibre insights and experience.

Boma NZ will present E Tipu 2021: the Boma NZ Agri Summit, the biggest food and fibre event of the year, from May 11-12 at the Christchurch Town Hall.

E Tipu will feature both local and international thoughtleaders, game-changers, business operators and like-minded attendees from the forefront of the primary sector.

This is Aotearoa’s ultimate agricultural summit, getting to the heart of all things food and fibre and the people who make it happen.

THE New Zealand Plant Producers’ Young Achiever of the Year competition is back for 2021.

After being forced to cancel in 2020, the next competition will be held on July 14-15 at Growing Spectrum, Hamilton.

Young Achiever allows young people involved in plant production to gain an entry to the prestigious Young Horticulturist of the Year competition. Entrants are tested on their practical industry skills, knowledge, and public speaking.

2019 winner and current trophyholder Rico Mannall encourages anyone younger than 30 and

working in plant production to give it a go.

“Entering Young Achiever definitely opened my eyes to the wider industry. You can get busy with the day-to-day aspects, but the competition exposed me to the wider issues like policy decisions that affect the industry.

It’s good to be able to see the latest in the industry and in technology,” Mannal said.

MORE:

Check out the 2020 Young Achiever website www.youngachiever.co.nz for information and the entry forms.

Entries close on May 2.

entire understanding of the industry may be turned on its head.

• Transformation/Kia Toitū, Kia Toiora: Transforming our understanding of our wider context and our responsibility within that context.

• Inspiration/Whakaohoohotanga: Food for the soul.

E Tipu 2021 is powered by Boma NZ, with the support of

foundation partner Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) taskforce, a coalition including Callaghan Innovation, NZ Trade and Enterprise and Ministry for Primary Industries, and Host City Partner ChristchurchNZ.

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While the 2019 Boma NZ Agri Summit focused on nextgeneration farming, the primary sector has since been faced with exponential change and challenges as the impact of the covid pandemic sets in, E Tipu organiser and Boma NZ chief executive Kaila Colbin said.

“The coronavirus has accelerated an array of changes that were already under way, making it more essential to keep ourselves ahead of the curve,” Colbin said.

“The speakers and workshops we’ll be enjoying at E Tipu are designed to let us lift our gaze and look to what the future of food

believes in the transformational potential of translating biotech research into products.

Also included in the first batch of speaker announcements are recognised leader and co-founder of Food Nation Miranda Burdon; internationally-acclaimed scientist, serial inventor, entrepreneur and founder of Keravos Logan Williams (Ngāi Tahu); and research director of PlantTech Research and cofounder of Hyperceptions Dr Ian Yule.

Over two days E Tipu will provide workshops and space for business operators and attendees to explore four key themes within the industry from those who know it best including: • Innovation/Auahatanga: Exploring ways in which growers, product developers and suppliers are applying innovation to what they do.

• Disruption/Haututūtanga: Exploring ways in which our

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and fibre might hold, and how Aotearoa NZ can lead the way.”

E Tipu provides a platform for those who want to understand more profitable, sustainable and innovative practices to work better together in times of adversity.

The summit will tackle critical questions such as how the market is changing, how covid affects operations, which new business models we should be exploring, how we can infuse Māori wisdom in cultivation, how we can leverage local and global collaboration.

“This is Aotearoa’s ultimate agricultural summit; getting to the heart of all things food and fibre and the people who make it happen,” she said.

Among the confirmed guest speakers will be prominent business leader and respected chief executive Paul Polman.

Formerly of Unilever, Polman is the co-founder and chair of Imagine, an organisation that works with chief executives who are building their companies into beacons of sustainable business and leveraging their collective power to drive change on tipping points in their industry.

Invercargill-based awardwinning farmer Tangaroa Walker is a force for good within the farming community, locally and beyond, with over 150,000 Facebook followers.

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News

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

DISCOVERED: Infected mānuka seed capsules were first seen in January and February.

Photo: Glenys Christian

Concern over myrtle rust find in mānuka Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE invasive myrtle rust disease that has threatened to lay waste to populations of native pōhutukawa and ramarama has now been found in the seeds of mānuka around Auckland, raising fears the valuable native could be at risk from the disease’s impact.

Dr Rob Beresford, co-leader of a study run through Ngā Rākau Taketake, Saving our Iconic Trees programme, is studying myrtle rust spread.

He says the discovery in mānuka is a new one, and the impact of the seed infection on the plant or the production of flowers and pollen was not known yet and requires more research to fully understand it.

Infected mānuka seed capsules were first seen in January and February, but infection was gone by mid-March. Researchers believe the infection may have established in late spring when the mānuka plants were flowering.

Researchers believe it is likely infection will be found elsewhere outside of Auckland, with myrtle rust existing as far south as Greymouth.

The research is only at its first stage of findings and cannot determine how susceptible different mānuka species are to the infection.

Beresford says further work was under way to understand how different environmental conditions contribute to myrtle rust’s spread.

“The more we know, the better we can prepare for myrtle rust. As yet, we don’t know the impact of seed infection on the plant or the production of flowers and pollen, so more research is needed to understand how this finding will impact mānuka,” Beresford said.

The more we know, the better we can prepare for myrtle rust.

Dr Rob Beresford Researcher Myrtle rust was first discovered in New Zealand in 2017 in a Kerikeri nursery, quickly followed by several Taranaki sites on both commercial and private properties.

In the early days of discovery, a single infection was found on a mānuka seedling plant in a nursery, but none had been found at that stage in the wild.

The disease was first detected in Australia in 2010 and established quickly along the eastern seaboard, having already established around the world in the last 40 years in countries including South Africa, China, Hawaii and New Caledonia.

In late 2018, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research was awarded $13 million from the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) endeavour fund for a five- year research programme into the disease.

The disease’s genome was completed in March last year and research has also found fungicide types that are most effective against the rust when present on pōhutukawa.

The impact of myrtle rust on Australian mānuka honey production has not proven to be significant to date.

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

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

23

Orchardists call for travel bubble Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz APPLE orchardists are calling on the Government to start putting together a plan to allow Pacific Island workers to return later in the year.

Due to a shortage of labour, thousands of tonnes of fruit has been left on trees and the apple industry alone is predicting losses of more than $600 million to provincial economies, with national crop forecasts 14% down on last year.

Hawke’s Bay orchardist and exporter Bruce Mitchell, whose family has been growing fruit for more than 50 years, left six blocks of Royal Gala apples on the trees because he couldn’t get anyone to harvest them.

No matter how hard we’ve tried, we have struggled to recruit New Zealanders to our cropping fields, orchards and packhouses. We cannot continue like this.

John Bostock Apple grower and exporter He says it was devastating to see the best gala apples he has ever grown rot on the ground because there was no one to pick them.

“I was desperate and did everything I could to find people to harvest the apples but on the day we started I was expecting 20 pickers and only two people turned up, so we physically couldn’t pick 40% of the gala crop,” Mitchell said.

“We can’t continue to spend money on keeping our business alive without a guarantee of labour in the future. It’s just not possible.”

John Bostock, owner of Bostock

New Zealand, the country’s largest organic apple grower and exporter, says the current season has been a disaster for apple growers and they can’t be expected to go through another like it next year.

“Apple prospects for this season are done. The die has been cast,” Bostock said.

“No matter how hard we’ve tried, we have struggled to recruit New Zealanders to our cropping fields, orchards and packhouses.

We cannot continue like this.

“We cannot get through another season without certainty of labour.”

He says apple growers urgently need the Government to announce a plan that will allow the return of RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) workers from covid-free Pacific Island countries.

“There are not enough New Zealanders available for the work,” he said.

“We’ve created tens of thousands of permanent full-time jobs through the RSE scheme and without seasonal workers the fabric of our communities is at risk.

“We cannot continue to operate on a knife edge.”

Although he fears that there will not be enough workers to do essential winter orchard maintenance, he’s more concerned about having experienced staff available to cope when thinning requirements kick in around October.

NZ Apples and Pears chief executive Alan Pollard says the current harvest is already at its peak and it’s too late to bring in more workers now, so the focus now is on next season.

“We estimate that we need at least 21 weeks from a Government decision to the time that we need the workers to be deployed, so there is real urgency to find a workable solution,” Pollard said.

He is already aware of leases not being renewed, blocks being pulled out and not being replaced, and new tree orders being cancelled.

“Growers need certainty to

FRUSTRATED: Bruce Mitchell left six blocks of apples on trees because he couldn’t find anyone to pick them.

continue with their investments.

They have to make hard commercial decisions,” he said.

Pollard says many orchardists are under a lot of stress, worried not just for their own businesses but also for their staff, although he acknowledged the work that MPI and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor have done through the wellbeing support package for fruit growers that was rolled out last month.

He has also been pleased that the Government, in particular Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi, has shown a willingness to engage with the industry over its difficulties, and is cautiously optimistic something can be worked out in time to bring in RSE workers from covid-free Pacific Island countries.

However, any system designed to bring those workers in needs to recognise the risks associated with them staying at MIQ facilities, where the likelihood of travellers with covid-19 will be higher.

Pollard says it makes sense for that to be avoided.

Teviot Valley apple orchardist Peter Vernon says the Central

Otago situation is similar to Hawke’s Bay. He says orchardists there are employing every Kiwi they can find and there are some good ones around, but there’s just not enough.

Orchardists are under pressure, but Vernon says there’s a whole workforce in the Pacific Islands who rely on that work to support their families and are crying out to be able to come back.

He says the importance of that work and how it supports families in the Pacific Islands is one of the messages that is being missed.

Vernon normally employs RSE workers from Vanuatu, who complement the locals and backpackers, who are also not available.

“They really want the work and they want to come here,” Vernon said.

“They think it’s their orchard, they take real pride in what they do.”

Vernon knows his usual RSE employees are desperate to return and he says he would be typical of others who employ RSE workers.

“Those workers are being

IMPERATIVE: NZ Apples and Pears chief executive Alan Pollard says there is real urgency to find a way to get Pacific Island RSE workers back on orchards.

overlooked,” he said.

He can’t fathom the logic behind not allowing workers into NZ from countries that don’t have covid when there are whole sectors suffering because of a shortage of staff who want and can do the work.

NZGFA nominations now open NOMINATIONS for this year’s New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers Association (NZGFA) Awards, the only agricultural awards specifically designed for the groundspreading industry, are now open.

In their third year, the four awards – the President’s Award, the Innovation Award, the Health & Safety Award and the Young Achiever’s Award – recognise and celebrate the people behind the spreader trucks and the hard work they put in.

In what can often be a solitary profession, these industry awards help bring our people together, NZGFA president John Schultz says.

“They encourage us all to consider and applaud the

efforts that others make – the innovations, the achievements and all the critical thinking that goes on,” Schultz said.

“These awards also promote awareness and understanding of the importance of the groundspreading profession within the wider agricultural industry.

“After all, food production in NZ starts with ensuring that the right nutrients are spread accurately, evenly and only in the right places. It’s a highly skilled job and we are proud to do it.”

Spreader truck operators undergo significant training.

They use finely calibrated machines, sophisticated equipment and GPS tracking

software so customers can receive accurate data that shows proof of placement. Where groundspreaders are certified to the industry standard – Spreadmark – farmers, growers and regional councils can be assured that all environmental responsibilities around nutrient spreading will be taken care of.

MORE:

Nominations for the 2020 NZGFA Awards close on April 16. Nomination forms, award criteria and terms and conditions are available at www. nzgfa.co.nz/awards All category finalists will be invited to attend a gala dinner at the NZGFA’s 64th annual conference at The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook, on Tuesday 29 June 2021.

RECOGNITION Winner of the 2020 NZGFA Young Achiever’s Award Matthew Blomfield of Transport Services Southland and Ravensdown regional manager Glen Fraser.

News

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

NZP slams emissions policy Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE pork industry is calling for the Government to recognise a different emissions policy approach for pigs.

In its submission to the Climate Change Commission (CCC), NZ Pork says a one-size-fits-all approach for livestock does not take into account non-ruminant livestock such as pigs.

New Zealand Pork chief executive David Baines says the unique nature of the pork industry in NZ means policy designed for the pastoral sector and ruminant livestock will not necessarily be the most effective means of facilitating emissions reductions from farmed pigs.

While welcoming many of the recommendations in the CCC’s draft advice to the Government, he says a blanket policy could disproportionately impact NZ pig farmers.

Pigs have monogastric digestive systems, so naturally produce much lower methane emissions than ruminant animals like cattle or sheep.

NZ’s commercial pork sector is a low-emission industry, with emissions from pigs accounting

RETHINK NEEDED: NZ Pork chief executive David Baines says a one-size-fitsall emissions policy could disproportionately impact NZ pig farmers.

for just 0.2% of total agricultural emissions.

“We urge the commission to acknowledge that emissions from non-ruminant livestock may require alternative actions or policy approaches so as not to disproportionately impact our farmers,” Baines said.

NZ Pork has lodged its submission on the draft advice as part of the commission’s consultation process.

Baines acknowledges the farm level pricing programme being developed

as part of the He Waka Eke Noa programme is legislated to include all livestock farming, but while supportive of participating in a farm-level pricing programme, commercial pig farming in NZ is a very small sector.

“We do not have the same level of resources available for greenhouse gas (GHG) policy implementation and research and development that the pastoral sector does,” he said.

“As pig farmers will still face a price on emissions, investment in technological advancement will be an important component

compete on price with foreign pork for several reasons, including lower requirements around animal welfare in a number of exporting countries, lower feed prices and overseas government subsidies.

“As an industry, we are committed to environmental stewardship and continuing on a path of emissions reductions,” he said.

We can only achieve this if policy design and implementation is appropriate and achievable for our sector.

David Baines NZ Pork “As a naturally low-emission animal protein, we believe NZ’s pork sector has a strong part to play in the country’s future lowemission economy.

“We can only achieve this if policy design and implementation is appropriate and achievable for our sector.”

DINZ invests in US market

Agrievents Wednesday 16/06/2021 – Saturday 19/06/2021

Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

National Agricultural Fieldays 2021 Time: Gates open daily Wednesday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm.

VENISON marketers and Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) are targeting the US for a $1 million dollar market development spend.

DINZ venison marketing manager Nick Taylor says the targeted marketing and promotion is buoyed by growing interest among American consumers in naturally raised exotic and novel meats, noting retail sales of bison having markedly increased in recent years.

Tickets on sale now.

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Two days of future-focused international and national speakers, workshops, networking and more.

Time: 9am to 5pm Venue: Christchurch Town Hall 86 Kilmore St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch More: ChristchurchNZ.com

The initial retail focus is largely on ground venison to get shelf space.

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of any reduction strategy for the sector.

“Our industry’s unique profile means the pork sector is less likely to co-benefit from research and development into technological advancements to reduce livestock emissions, such as methane inhibitors and vaccines.

“It will require a different focus, with less potential for the cost and resource-saving benefits of collaboration.”

The commission’s proposed pathway to the required 2035 emissions reductions for the agricultural sector focuses on improved animal performance as a key driver, but pig farmers also face other unique factors which could impact on this goal, including the current review of the Code of Welfare (Pigs).

“The review has a particular focus on the traditional use of farrowing crates in indoor pig farming operations,” he said.

“Alternatives suggested include larger, pen-based systems and selective breeding to reduce litter sizes.

“This will reduce productivity and reverse the decades-long gains that have been made in reducing emissions intensity from pig farming by making productivity gains.”

At the same time, Baines says pork farmers are struggling to

The 2021 promotion will be jointly funded by DINZ, venison and marketing companies and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) through the Passion2Profit initiative.

In addition, DINZ invests $400,000 a year on a 50:50 basis through its joint promotion fund

into individual company promotions.

Some of this spend will also be in North America.

“Pre-covid, sales had grown to the point where the US was our largest year-round market for chilled venison,” Taylor said.

“Now we are aiming to grow sales at retail in bricks and mortar stores, as well as online.

“Our chilled venison sales are of premium cuts sold to restaurants, demand that was largely stopped in its tracks by the pandemic.

“The initial retail focus is largely on ground venison to get shelf space and to familiarise customers with venison as an option.”

Taylor says the US has been selected as a focus because of growing demand among a population already familiar with venison.

Venison marketers also have solid relationships with importers in the US. While this makes it easier to get traction in the market, there are significant challenges launching new products in supermarkets and other stores during covid.

“Sales reps can’t make store visits and in-store tastings are still out of the question,” he said.

“And while the covid vaccination programme in

MOTIVATION: Deer Industry NZ venison marketing manager Nick Taylor says growing interest among American consumers in naturally-raised exotic and novel meat has prompted the market development effort.

the US is ahead of schedule and restaurants are starting to reopen, there are still significant stocks of premium meat in storage in the US that will need to be cleared before significant new orders come through.”

Taylor remains optimistic and takes heart from recent retail sales figures from the US that show a significant increase in venison volumes over the past 12 months.

But he says most of the market development work now under way will take time to bear fruit.

The European market is a different story.

“Understandably with so much uncertainty, companies

are reluctant to put any timeframe on when venison prices to farmers will return to pre-covid levels,” he said.

Farmers are advised to talk with their venison marketing company about its plans for the traditional European chilled season.

Some of the companies will be offering minimum price supply contracts for these markets.

“Because deer farmers have traditionally been able to bank on getting good prices during the chilled season, they can target getting venison animals away for shipment to Europe during September and October, if that fits with their farm system,” he said.

AginED Ag ED

#

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

G

Volume 51 I April 12, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I w w w.farmersweekly.co.nz

This table shows North Island slaughter prices.

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

Covid changed the way the business functioned as originally 95% of their clients were restaurants. How did they adapt during the lockdown period and then beyond?

2 How many of their buffalo do they milk? How many litres of milk do they produce annually?

3 Buffalos work well in the reasonably high rainfall of Canterbury? Why is this?

Have a go: 1

Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz

2 Find and watch the OnFarmStory of Lucy and Christo Keijzer “ One step after the other” and read the article “Quality over quantity “ 3 Where in NZ are Lucy and Christo based?

What do they farm?

4 Lucy and Christo produce several different types of cheeses, can you name these? What is their arguably most popular cheese?

5 What differentiates Lucy and Christo’s operation to others like it? (What things do they do or not do compared to others in the same market?)

6 What are the main differences between buffalo milk and cows milk?

4 How big is their farm? How many buffalo do they have?

Have a go: 1

How does manufacturing bull (M2 Bull) values compare to year-ago levels?

2 Which class of cattle has lifted the most compared to year-ago levels?

3 What class of cattle is worth the most when looking at $/kg?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

BEEF FROM THE DAIRY HERD New Zealand beef farmers produce around 500,000 heifers, 550,000 bulls and 600,000 steers for processing each year.

Nearly half of these cattle were born on dairy farms.

Carcase traits are highly heritable, meaning the genetics of the animal’s parents have a big influence on how good the carcase is.

A good bull will produce a calf that is born early and easily, and grows fast to produce quality beef. Dairy farmers can use artificial breeding to get access to genetics from really good bulls.

Massey University, funded by Beef+Lamb NZ Genetics and now also LIC, is evaluating beef bulls for use over dairy cows to produce calves for rearing for beef. So far, bulls tested in the progeny test differ in gestation length of their calves by 13 days and in live weight of their calves at 600 days by 67kg.

QUESTIONS

?? ?

1 If a steer is 67 kg heavier (live weight) when it is processed, how much more will the farmer be paid?

You’ll need to consider the dressing out percentage and the value per kg carcass.

2 What are some advantages of producing beef from calves born in the dairy industry compared with calves born in beef herds?

3 What characteristics does a dairy farmer want in beef-cross-dairy calves? What characteristics does a beef finishing farmer want from the same calves?

What does the consumer want from those calves?

4 Looking at the April 2020 Dairy beef progeny test report (https:// www.blnzgenetics.com/ files/1591244923 _ 2020-04%20 DBPT%20Autumn%20interim%20 report-V3.pdf), identify 10 sires that benefit both dairy and beef farmers.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SCIENCE BEHIND ANIMAL PRODUCTION? Check out the Bachelor of Animal Science: www.massey.ac.nz/BAnSci

Work out the percentage increase from this week and year-ago values for each class of cattle.

2 Like other businesses, processors must operate on short weeks around public holidays.

How would this affect slaughter levels? Would they be able to work at full capacity?

3 As we head towards the end of the NZ dairy season it is likely that cull cows will start heading to processors. What might this do to manufacturing cow (M Cow) prices?

4 If conditions for pasture growth are favorable through autumn what is supply of bull and prime likely to do? Will farmers offload cattle or hold onto them to put on more weight?

FILL YA BOOTS: 1

Recently one of the world’s busiest trade routes was blocked by a ship for nearly one week, preventing an estimated $9.6 billion of trade. Where was this?

2 What kind of ship was involved?

3 If ships were required to continue via a longer route, what would this have done to costs?

For more related content please head to our website at: www.sites. google.com/view/agined/home

Newsmaker

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

Young chef wins B+LNZ award The inaugural winner of the Beef + Lamb Young Ambassador Chef title is no stranger to cooking competition success, but Sam Heaven’s latest victory means a lot to him. Colin Williscroft reports.

E

VEN before his most recent win a few weeks ago, there was no doubt Sam Heaven was a young chef going

places.

Despite border closures late last year, he won the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award for best chef in Australia and New Zealand aged under 25 in a virtual grand final cook-off.

After winning the title Heaven, 23, who works at the Park Hyatt in Auckland, thought that was it for competitions.

“After that last one I thought ‘that’s it, I’ve done heaps, it’s time to focus on my career’,” Heaven said.

But it wasn’t long before he was encouraged to enter the Beef + Lamb Young Ambassador Chef competition – and he’s glad he did.

“It’s not like any other competition. They’re not just concerned about how you’re cooking. Not just how you can be pushed as a robot to mark you down,” he said.

“They want to see the food you cook, and your thoughts and knowledge about it.”

The format of the Beef + Lamb NZ competition involved entrants answering a questionnaire, then providing an optional video, along with photos and recipes for a beef dish and a lamb dish.

They had to share their inspiration behind the recipes, along with what they know about beef and lamb.

He says NZ beef and lamb are great products with a range of versatile uses, something he is learning more about all the time.

After the initial stages, Heaven, along with Ashley Knudsen from No7 Balmac in Dunedin and Lyall Minhinnick from Fleurs Place in Moeraki, had a 90-minute cookoff at Homeland, Peter Gordon’s new cooking school in Auckland, to find the winner.

Heaven grew up in Hawke’s Bay where his family owns a bakery started by his grandfather and continued by his father, who is a pastry chef.

He’s always had a passion for food, something he attributes to his father and grandfather, as well as growing up on a small rural block that was home to an olive grove, garden, beehives and a

Things can go bad on the day but a good chef will know how to react.

Sam Heaven Ambassador chef small number of sheep, cows and chickens.

It was at college that he first got a taste for cooking, working with his dad during the weekends.

While he was still at school his talent and love of food was recognised by Francky Godinho, executive chef and owner Havelock North restaurant St Georges, who offered him a job in the kitchen.

Godinho acted as a mentor, first giving him the opportunity

to design dishes for the dessert menu, then teaching him other kitchen skills.

It meant a busy end to the week, finishing school about 3.30pm then driving to St Georges in time for the dinner service, before getting to the bakery in time to help his father prepare the following day’s bakery fare.

It was a lot of work but it stood him in good stead when he moved to Auckland as an 18-year-old to begin a three-year chef apprenticeship at SkyCity restaurant The Sugar Club.

After spending a further year there once he completed his apprenticeship, he moved to The Park Hyatt.

Heaven says he likes to push boundaries with his cooking.

He describes himself as competitive and ambitious, and when he’s cooking isn’t satisfied sticking to “the rules”, he takes a minimalist approach, while still aiming to get the best out of flavours.

The goal is to give the person eating his food an experience that they have not had before – “the best possible experience”.

Despite his win, Heaven still goes over what he could have done better in the competition.

He puts that down to being a bit of a perfectionist, something he says he gets from his father and grandfather.

“Although you need to be happy with what you’ve done, I always think back and ask myself, ‘could I have done this thing to highlight that flavour?’” he said.

“It’s those little things that could be done better.”

FOCUS: Sam Heaven is committed to producing food that provides diners with the best possible experience.

SUCCESS: Sam Heaven with his Beef + Lamb Young Ambassador Chef award.

In the latest competition Heaven had to use an induction cooktop, which he is not really accustomed to, so aspects of what he wanted to create did not turn out exactly as he wanted.

But that’s all part of it.

“Things can go bad on the day but a good chef will know how to react,” he said.

Looking at every detail of his cooking and preparation is one of the things that keeps him going, which he uses to push towards the next level.

Always wanting to improve his knowledge, Heaven is currently learning about breaking down carcases with Hannah Childs from A Lady Butcher.

He says that will help him understand what butchers do with the meat before it arrives in the kitchen, along with methods to age different cuts in a variety of ways.

That’s where part of the inspiration behind one of his Beef + Lamb award-winning dishes, a lamb saddle aged in beeswax, came from.

“I just started playing around.

It’s (beeswax) got the most amazing flavour. It’s floral without the sweetness,” he said.

His other competition dish used a wagyu steak aged in koji and kombu; the koji an expression of his interest in Scandinavian

cooking and its culture of preserving and fermentation.

Heaven says he’s inspired by the Nordic kitchen and one of his goals is to live and work in Scandinavia in the future to learn about the food there.

He also wants to work at a Michelin star restaurant, which is not possible in NZ. He says the best NZ chefs have gone to the UK to gain experience before returning.

“That’s the level I want to be,” he said.

“I want to go overseas, put my head down and do my time, learn as much as I can.”

In the meantime as Beef + Lamb’s Young Ambassador Chef for 2021, he can call on the organisation’s ambassador chefs Tejas Nikam, Phil Clark, Norka Mella Munoz and Jack Crosti, who were the cook-off judges.

As well as the title’s prestige and the mentoring he will receive throughout the year, Heaven will also experience a hands-on paddock to plate experience from Greenstone Creek beef and Provenance Lamb.

He says being able to see every stage is important as it will give him a better appreciation of the animals he is working with.

That’s a commitment that should be welcomed by sheep and beef farmers.

New thinking

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

27

Invention tips scales at SIAFD Frizzell Agricultural Electronics made a last-minute decision to be a part of the South Island Agricultural Field Days with their latest Smart Paddock Weigher invention – and they walked away winners. Annette Scott reports.

A

LASTAIR and Nick Frizzell combined their experience in weighing and solar power to produce their latest invention, the Smart Paddock Weigher, and it has proved to be award-worthy.

The Frizzell’s Smart Paddock Weigher (SP Weigher) suitably impressed the judges at the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD), scooping up the 2021 Agri-Innovation award.

The Kirwee-based business made a last-minute decision to attend the Field Days and show off their invention.

“We are pretty chuffed to win,” Alastair Frizzell said.

“The prototype we had wasn’t suitable for Field Days so production was tight to build one once we decided we would go.”

The three-person panel of industry experts were impressed by the new technology, which allows farmers to weigh young livestock in the paddock, offering the potential to better manage the individual needs of the animal.

“Whenever you’re taking animals away from the paddock, they’re not doing what you need them to do, which is grow,” judge Neil Baxter said.

“However, with the Frizzell’s SP Weigher right there in the paddock the animals continue to put on weight in a stress-free manner, while the farmer is able to gain all the information they need.

“Rather than treat all animals as the same, this allows you to offer individual solutions to a herd.”

Frizzell Ltd combined its experience in agricultural weighing and solar power to produce the standalone inpaddock animal weigher.

The idea stemmed from an enquiry from a Southland farmer who contract-raises 3000 dairy replacements.

“He had big costs in labour and logistics, and this weigher was designed in response to that, though it does have applications beyond that too,” Frizzell said.

Tow this to where the stock is and you work on other things, while the animal weights you require to make good stock and pasture management decisions come back to you automatically.

As simple as that.

“Individual animal weights come up online, saving farmer time and reducing stress on stock,” he said.

“Farmers find that significant

labour is required to move stock to a weighing area to weigh stock manually.

“Because of the time and cost involved animals are never really weighed at optimal times, which results in a loss of production, delayed notifications of diseases or poor pasture management decision-making.

“We’re hoping to counter all of those with the SP Weigher,” he said.

The towable, unmanned scales entice livestock onto the platform with the promise of grain and nuts by way of an automated feeder.

It then reads the RFID tag and records the animal’s weight and monitors the herd weight performance.

A food portion is dispensed with the ear tag reader, encouraging the animal onto the scales.

Animals can visit anytime, but will only be permitted a predetermined rate of feed during any 24-hour period.

Solar-powered, the SP Weigher is mobile, tough and versatile, making informed decisions for increased profitability.

Frizzell says Field Days proved a valuable decision with a lot of good feedback.

BOTTOM LINE: By collecting accurate animal weights, the Frizzell SP Weigher saves time, allowing for better animal and pasture management – and profit.

“Overall people seemed happy,” he said.

“We will look at a few tweaks in the system as a result of the feedback from Field Days, just simple modifications that will improve it.”

Frizzell Ltd is a passionate innovative family-run business.

Leading in solar irrigation and agricultural electronics fields for 15 years, Alastair and Nick have designed and developed a huge range of products to meet industry needs, from the largest agricultural and horticultural, to the backyard.

The SP Weigher was two years

in gestation followed by eight months of trialling.

Alastair grew up on, and still owns the family farm. Add on his Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Lincoln University, allowing him the insight to understand customers’ requirements.

Nick, also raised on the farm, but with a passion for solar and creating the most efficient products, makes the pair the perfect team.

“We use our combined knowledge and experience and we come up with something for every customer to help simplify their day,” he said.

We use our combined knowledge and experience and we come up with something for every customer to help simplify their day.

Alastair Frizzell Frizzell Agricultural Electronics

GAME-CHANGER: The new technology allows farmers to weigh young livestock in the paddock, offering the potential to better manage the individual needs of the animal.

Opinion

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

EDITORIAL

New thinking for the environmental age

T

HE Climate Change Commission’s draft advice to the Government includes a recommendation that livestock numbers need to fall by 15% for New Zealand to meet its targeted reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Commission boss Dr Rod Carr says he’s hopeful production can be maintained, despite the drop in numbers, through better genetics, feed management and other advancements in farming.

Industry groups are sceptical, however, as their submissions on the draft advice show.

Sheep and beef farmers, for instance, have made laudable productivity gains despite falling sheep numbers over the past few decades. There’s not a lot of fat left in the system to trim.

We’ve decided to take a good, hard look at how NZ farmers can evolve to meet this challenge in a sustainable and profitable way.

Our new series, More From Less, uncovers the farmers, researchers and agribusinesses who are at the forefront of the new thinking we’ll need to prosper in this new environment.

It was said recently that the 1980s was an economic revolution for farmers, and now we’re in the middle of an environmental revolution.

Looking around the world at what’s happening both on-farm and in people’s kitchens, that appears to be true.

Our farmers found a way to lead the pack then and they can do it again now. They’ll have to, if they’re to stay in the conversation about high-quality, sustainable food.

There’s a passage in the Paris Climate Accord that’s often trotted out to defend the status quo. That passage states that food production systems shouldn’t be compromised in the pursuit of climate goals.

To use that as an argument against improving our food production systems is myopic.

Every farmer in NZ is looking at ways to farm better, whether the goal they’re striving for is monetary or environmental.

We adapted to a changing world once, and we must do it again. Our customers are increasingly demanding it.

In More From Less, we hope to uncover a few of the ways that can be achieved.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Planting trees with a purpose LATELY there’s been plenty of talk about planting trees: pine in plantations for timber, natives planted to restore riparian areas and protect steep slopes.

The pine trees are genetically improved cultivars, which will be subject to clear felling at the end of the cycle.

The natives are generally colonisers, the first stage of a process of evolution into native bush. Often access to these native plantings is limited by fences; an early closing of the canopy protects the land from invasion by exotic plant pests.

I have focused on the planting of woodlots, which are a combination of deciduous and evergreen trees. With the exception of redwood, the evergreens are native species. The aim is to clothe the land,

to provide a habitat where birds and insects thrive and an environment for people to enjoy. Before planting I develop a low-impact trail, often circular, but acknowledging the natural contour. This will provide access through the woodlot, initially to facilitate the establishment, and then a pathway for walkers and riders.

The trees are planted in groupings and in the layout, design is an important consideration. I use species which thrive in my area, pin oaks, liquidambar, oak and plane. The natives comprise kauri, totara, kaikatea, puriri and pohutukawa. In particular microclimates there are cameo plantings of nyssa, kowhai and nikau. Riparian plantings include harakeke and ti kouka. My trees are usually planted in marginal

land, but in soils improved from farming. The climate is favourable and tree growth relatively rapid. The areas around the trees are mostly in grass and the trails provide access for any weed control.

Picnic tables feature in the choice environments.

Where there is raw ground, often the result of erosion, the layout changes. Superior native specimens, usually totara and puriri, are planted in the sweet spots – sites with good topsoil, moisture and shelter. These specimens will provide a future source of seeds to be spread by birds.

The areas of raw ground are planted in a combination of manuka and hybrid poplar, trees which will provide a perch for these birds.

The woodlots provide the opportunity for people to observe the marvels of nature, while enjoying the

benefits of being outdoors.

My combination of trees gives rise to an interesting seasonal change: oaks and kowhai herald the spring, pohutukawas mark Christmas and during the clear days of autumn the deciduous trees are a blaze of colour. Winter displays the beauty of these deciduous trees in their bare form.

I suggest that we should be looking beyond pines and native revegetation and consider the wider landscaping opportunity.

We could acknowledge the spectacular English countryside.

Much of this was landscaped hundreds of years ago, but even today is able to embrace the farmland and enhance the urban surrounds.

Ross Robertson Whitford

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

29

Telling an evidence-based story Sam McIvor & Sirma Karapeeva

The

Pulpit

implications of purchasing NZ red meat.

Last week, we launched a new platform called www. makingmeatbetter.nz, which is aimed at informing Kiwis about the production and consumption of red meat. It provides the science and the evidence and will not only be useful domestically, but will also help underpin the Taste Pure Nature brand globally.

We chose the name Making Meat Better because it has two meanings – firstly, we are already world-leading in the way we farm, but secondly, we still recognise there is work to be done.

Our goal was to ensure that those people hesitant or questioning their red meat consumption are reassured and confident that the choice they are making is the right one. And that there is credible data to support that.

At the core of this new website is a science-backed resource validated by some of the country’s leading scientists and nutritionists.

Scientific contributions and our ongoing partnerships with them are critical if the sector is to be able to balance the narrative and influence better policy outcomes

OWNING THE NARRATIVE: B+LNZ and MIA believe that telling a good, science-backed story about the sector and letting people know how our food is produced and the implications for our health and the health of our planet has never been more important.

that meet our environmental objectives, but also work for farmers and processors and exporters.

The Making Meat Better website is just one of the ways that we are seeking to bring balance to the conversation and inform policy makers.

Other recent examples include a sequestration report from Auckland University of Technology, which estimated between 63-118% of sheep and beef farms’ on-farm emissions are being offset by the woody vegetation on their farms.

Another example is the BakerAg Wairoa report that compared the economic contribution of the sheep and beef sector to that region compared to carbon farming.

Joint independent research commissioned by MIA and B+LNZ found that the sector generates $3300 per household in income in NZ every year.

Finally, MIA and B+LNZ are investigating the impact of pasture-raised red meat on health and wellbeing when consumed as part of a well-balanced and enjoyable diet.

The research, jointly funded

with the High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), is being led by researchers from AgResearch, the Riddet Institute and the University of Auckland.

In the future, we will be releasing research on a variety of areas including updating the carbon footprint of a kilo of sheepmeat and beef.

The current methodology, which is based on GWP100, is crude and does not take account of the sequestration happening on farms or the radically different impact on warming if methane is going down. We will be looking to investigate the impact of both of these things in our new report to deepen the understanding of this important field.

We will also shortly be releasing a report on the amount of sheep and beef farmland that has been sold into forestry in the last few years to support our advocacy to get restrictions on the amount of fossil fuel emissions that emitters can currently offset through forestry.

All this goes to show the importance of the investment of

farmers levies and industry funds in industry good activities, but also the value of collaboration across the sector from behind the farm gate to the plate.

Increasingly, we will need to tell the entire supply chain story to our consumers and regulators.

Farmers also have an important role to play in meeting societal expectations about how they want their food produced from an animal welfare and environmental perspective. We know it’s not easy out there and the regulatory pressure is real, but farmers have organisations such as levy groups, processors and exporters and business partners to support them.

Who am I? Sam McIvor, chief executive of Beef + Lamb New Zealand Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association

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HERE is a lot of noise and debate about how to sustainably feed the world’s growing population. We have all seen the headlines about growing almonds in droughtstricken California, ocean fishing on an industrial scale and corn for biofuels.

The production and consumption of red meat is no exception. We – and other producers globally – are facing increased scrutiny from consumers, customers, partners and government.

That said, there is a real lack of awareness and understanding of the sustainable way that we farm in New Zealand compared to other countries.

As a result, we get tarred with the same brush.

Much of the global research on the health, nutritional and environmental aspects of red meat is based on grain-finished, intensive farming systems, whereas NZ, as we all know, specialises in livestock farming that is natural, grass-fed, antibiotic and hormone free. This is our real point of difference.

What is concerning, however, is that this global research and the lack of appreciation of NZ’s point of difference is influencing policy and consumption decisions at home.

That’s why telling our good story, letting people know how our food is produced and the implications for our health and the health of our planet has never been more important.

Last year, Beef + Lamb NZ and the Meat Industry Association took stock about the best way to help consumers gain a better understanding of red meat consumption and production, but more importantly, ensure it is underpinned by robust evidence, science and data.

Our goal was to ensure that those people hesitant or questioning their red meat consumption are reassured and confident that the choice they are making is the right one. And that there is credible data to support that.

We saw there was no one place that people could turn to find information to make an informed decision about the environmental, health, nutritional and economic

Opinion

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

Bureaucracy at its very best Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I MUST confess to being allergic to meaningless bureaucracy.

Here in Masterton we had two old tractors in the playground which were deemed unsafe because they didn’t comply with national safety standards.

They were audited by some faceless Wellington bureaucrat who decided they weren’t safe so the tractors had to be removed.

My simple question is to ask how many kids were actually injured by playing on the machinery?

Then we had that superbureaucracy, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) reviewing speed limits on roads. Going to the agency’s website, you’d wonder if it wasn’t a bigger bureaucratic exercise than the Paris Accord.

There’s to be consultation for Africa before a decision will be made, costing both the taxpayer and ratepayer millions for absolutely no benefit.

The road between the farm and Masterton is your typical winding rural road of 50 kilometres. You

can drive at the 100kmph speed limit rarely and as rural folk do, we drive to the conditions. I’m aware of a few accidents on the road over the past 20 years.

I’m also aware speed wasn’t a factor in the crashes, so changing the speed limit is pointless.

Further it is manifestly stupid.

I’ve never seen a traffic cop east of Masterton, so having variable speed limits is a complete waste of time.

Behaviour won’t change and the civil servants at the NZTA will have the warm fuzzies having spent a fortune for no benefit.

Farmers are also about to have problems with stock cartage with a new initiative from NZTA. Some of the livestock transport operators are going to have to have GPS and electronic logbooks where the NZTA can monitor them at will.

Now the rules say you can’t drive for longer than 13 hours and you must have two half-hour rest breaks every five-and-a-half hours. After you’ve driven your 13 hours, the driver must have at least a 10-hour break.

That’s fine in theory but not in practice.

The problem is simple with stock sales. Stock needs to be at the sale yards early so prospective buyers can have a good look at them. This can mean the stock could be picked up in, for example, South Wairarapa at 4am to get to Fielding on time.

POINTLESS: Alan Emerson believes an NZTA initiative to have some livestock transport operators monitored via GPS and electronic logbooks is an unnecessary complication and expense.

The driver then waits until they have to transport stock that has been purchased. They may not be loaded until four o’clock, meaning the driver can only legally drive for an hour before hitting their 13-hour limit.

As happens with hide-bound government departments, there is no flexibility – especially when the monitoring is electronic.

The impracticality of that system is excessive.

There is a shortage of adequately qualified truck drivers.

Operators are not able to bring a driver home and send another out.

There are animal welfare issues.

If a driver parks up animals will suffer. That will also happen if a relief driver is sent out, if one is available.

If the driver is being paid they’re technically working even if they are sitting down at a sale. Many have beds in their trucks and can sleep on the job.

The rules don’t take that into account, such is the bureaucratic intransigence of the NZTA. Realistically a driver can drive four hours to a stock sale, have a rest or sleep for six hours and then be unable to drive back with a loaded truck. The driver will have only worked eight hours with a long rest in between. I do not believe any broken rule is a road safety issue, more an issue of a hide-bound government agency.

If a relief driver can be found, that will increase the cost of transport to a farmer. It is an unnecessary complication and expense.

Large stock sales happen just

once a week. They are not an everyday occurrence. I would have thought that flexibility on one day in a week would be sensible and realistic. It would stop unnecessary expense for a farmer and provide better animal welfare outcomes.

I remain unconvinced that working one long day a week, with a considerable rest in the middle, is a road safety issue. The rules should be changed.

My view of the NZTA is that it defies gravity with its incompetence and concentration on the irrelevant, such as variable speed limits on rural roads. A simple and recent example was that Rimutaka Hill was changed to Remutaka by someone in Wellington. NZTA immediately altered the signs to be politically correct, yet they can’t get Transmission Gully finished on time and to budget.

They hark on about the road toll but have shown over the decades they don’t have a clue.

The last Easter road toll is witness to that.

New minister Michael Wood faces the massive challenge of making NZTA realistic and accountable – I wish him every success.

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

Beach brings the twitching itch out From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

FOUR years ago, three mates in quick succession died. The third being my brother-in-law Glen, whose 60th birthday we had been to just four weeks earlier, before a brain aneurysm killed this healthy and vital man instantly.

Jane and I lost a beloved friend, as did many others. My sister Susanna lost her soulmate and their kids a great father. They were obviously devastated but now have learnt to live with his loss and dealing with it easier.

It was the suddenness of his death that was the shock.

Alan, one of the other two, had battled leukaemia for a year or so and when the end came, it was a blessing of sorts but not unexpected.

Anyway, the result of going to these three funerals was that I reevaluated what I thought I wanted

to do during my sunset years.

We’d bought four small blocks of land over 30 years, worked hard, developed them, paid off debt and then did it again. I had thought I might do it once more and the balance sheet would allow us to do it on a bit bigger scale.

Instead I did something right out of character and bought a non performing asset, a beach section. This was something Jane had always talked about and has always said she’d just once like to build a house.

Which is what we have been doing for the past three years.

The end of the painting is in sight and I’m out here at the moment putting down some eucalyptus regnans flooring. It’s a bit tricky but satisfying, as these were gum trees I planted 35 years ago, pruned, thinned, had milled, tongue and grooved, and filleted and dried all for this moment.

Indeed, the house is built out of pine trees I planted and pruned and partly paid for from a small forestry harvest a couple of years ago of trees I planted, with another next summer to help pay off some more of the cost of the build.

We’ve really enjoyed the experience but it has required a

fair bit of ‘bandwidth’ so has made our busy lives busier.

I tell you all this to set the scene of what’s been spinning my wheels as I’ve come out here the past few months as we do the finishing work.

There is a Department of Conservation reserve adjacent to the house on the other side of the estuary, and DOC asked for a volunteer to trap the vermin to protect some endangered birds.

I willingly offered my services and have caught rats, a ferret and a stoat, but hope to catch many more heading towards breeding season in the spring.

I figured I should know something about the birds I’m trying to help, so I bought a book on New Zealand birds and find myself peering through binoculars and slowly but steadily building up a list of birds I’ve spotted.

Bird watching or being a ‘twitcher’ is the last thing I thought I might end up doing or enjoying, but here we are.

Over the past few months I’ve spotted 20 different shore and seabirds in the estuary and a dozen more familiar land birds.

The NZ dotterel is why the reserve was put in place, as they are under threat due to habitat

JOURNEY: Eastern bar-tailed godwits’ return flight of 11,000km from Alaska to New Zealand, non-stop over 10 days or so, is now known to be the longest single flight of any bird.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

loss and there looks to be about 20 making this their home.

There are a good number of variable oystercatchers who are also under threat for the same reason.

A favourite are the eastern bar-tailed godwit, who have been here over the summer in good numbers.

Māori believed they flew north accompanying the spirits of the deceased.

A couple of weeks ago they suddenly disappeared to undertake their epic flight, with a few stopovers to the Yellow Sea in North Korea to refuel and before heading to Alaska to breed.

Their return flight of 11,000km

in September from Alaska to NZ non-stop over 10 days or so is now known to be the longest single flight of any bird. Even the four-month-old young make this amazing flight.

The large graceful Caspian terns cruise along the estuary searching for fish and sifting in the shallows are elegant white royal spoonbills.

An unexpected pastime watching these birds, but something that is giving me a great deal of pleasure.

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

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

31

GUARDIANS OF THE LAND: Land ownership is always conditional and never absolute.

CPLR Bill hits rocky ground The Braided Trail

Keith Woodford

THE Crown Pastoral Land Reform (CPLR) Bill has struck rocky ground as it now works its way through the Environment Select Committee stage. The Bill is opposed vigorously by most and perhaps all of the remaining 171 pastoral leaseholders in highcountry New Zealand. These are the people who did not reach any settlement with the Crown during Tenure Review over the past two decades.

The importance of this CPLR Bill extends well beyond the pastoral leaseholders themselves.

It is also relevant to any New Zealander who has an interest in land law and the ownership of land. It is also important to anyone who has an interest in high country conservation.

There have been 192 submissions to the Bill from interested parties. The submissions fit into two broad categories. The leaseholder submissions argue that the proposed new rules are bureaucratic and unworkable, showing a lack of understanding of high country realities. However, non-leaseholder submissions strongly support moves to weaken the current leaseholder property rights in the interests of conservation.

In this article I will focus on one leaseholder submission from the owners of The Lakes Station, which lies between Lake Sumner and Lake Taylor in North Canterbury.

Two of the three joint owners of The Lakes Station are identified in the submission as “Hugh and Sian Fletcher”. What is not explicit,

although it would be recognised by most high-country folk, is that Sian Fletcher is the same person as Sian Elias who for many years was Chief Justice of New Zealand.

Reading The Lakes Station submission leads quickly to a conclusion that it has been written by someone with considerable legal expertise.

Arguments are developed to demonstrate that the draft Bill does “not reflect good legislation practice”. The submission states that, if enacted in its present state, the legislation would inevitably be challenged through the court system.

The language is polite but the criticisms are withering. The submission even goes as far as rewriting the draft Bill. That is something I have never before seen in a submission.

But first, some recap about what the CPLR Bill is all about.

The pastoral history of most high country runs goes back to around the 1850s. However, the key legislation is the 1948 Land Act, which gave leaseholders perpetually renewable 33-year leases. The division of rights between leaseholders and the Crown meant that the leaseholder owned all improvements, including soil fertility, improved pastures, fencing, watering systems, tracks and buildings. The Crown retained residual rights in the unimproved value of the land for which it would be paid an annual lease fee.

A fundamental right of the leaseholder is ‘quiet enjoyment’.

This right means that the public has no right to enter the land.

This allocation of rights has been confirmed in various court cases.

The exception is that a designated agent of the Crown may enter the property subject to giving appropriate notice to inspect observance of various land covenants.

Then in 1998, the National government of the time enacted the Crown Pastoral Land Act (CPLA) which, among other

things, codified a process of tenure review. The fundamental principle of tenure review was that the productive lower country should change from lease to freehold and the higher more fragile country should be retired from grazing and revert to the Crown.

As part of tenure review, the principle was that leaseholders would be compensated for retiring land from grazing and the Crown would be compensated for residual rights that it was giving up on land that was converted to freehold.

If I wanted to get a hammer and put big dents all over my car, then I had a legal right to do so. That was my right because I owned the car absolutely. It might reflect badly on my mental state, but that was a different matter.

A little less than half of the pastoral leases came to agreement with the Government as to the respective transactions. On those properties there are no longer any pastoral leases. However, for a range of reasons, somewhat more than half the pastoral runs were unable to come to an agreement with the Crown as to a fair split and so tenure review processes failed.

Over time, the tenure review processes became embroiled in controversy. Much of this related to misunderstanding by the general public as to what the runholders were buying when freeholding the land. Most of the public did not understand that leaseholders already owned most of the value of the property and were simply upgrading, for

a fee, their leaseholder rights to freehold rights.

At this point it is necessary to highlight that leasehold rights and freehold rights are simply two different bundles of property rights. Land can never be owned in an absolute sense the way that a car, a shirt or a table can be owned.

The way I used to explain it to my students at Lincoln University was that if I wanted to get a hammer and put big dents all over my car, then I had a legal right to do so. That was my right because I owned the car absolutely. It might reflect badly on my mental state, but that was a different matter.

In contrast, there are many restrictions as to what people can do with land that they consider they ‘own’. It is definitely illegal to destroy land. In essence, land ownership, be that leasehold or freehold, involves custodianship.

Consequently, many actions require approval from relevant authorities. Land ownership is always conditional and never absolute.

There is a widespread public perception that under Tenure Review the Government gave away its rights too cheaply. In some cases that may be true.

But if under-valuation was a generality, then why did the remaining 171 runholders not take up the supposed gift they were being offered?

The problem now is what should be done to protect ecological values on the remaining 171 pastoral leases?

The CPLR Bill before Parliament, which is currently at the Select Committee stage, does this by introducing a new set of regulatory procedures to constrain what runholders can do. The Lakes Station and other submitters claim that these regulations are impractical and in their current form take away existing property rights.

The Lakes Station submission draws on the established common law principle that the Crown has

overriding responsibilities to honour existing property rights, and to provide compensation for any property rights that are removed. This principle relates to both leasehold and freehold ownership systems. It is something that any ‘Government of the day’ is not entitled to legislate away.

The CPLR Bill was first introduced to Parliament in 2020

by Green Party Minister Eugenie Sage. Although the Greens are no longer part of the Government, Sage has continued as chair of the Environment Select Committee that is responsible for this Bill.

This situation does not impress pastoral groups.

At some stage, the Government may need to look again at whether the existing Bill provides the path forward that it seeks.

Although ‘Tenure Review’ has come to the end of its life, at least by that name, the fundamental principles of protecting fragile land and freeholding productive land are hard to argue against.

The much-maligned tenure review process led to 372,000ha, or 3720 square kilometres, entering the conservation estate through to 2017. As a mountain person, I applaud that every time I cross those lands.

In moving forward once again, we need to do so within a framework where the Crown honours existing rights and compensates accordingly when these are taken away. That underpins all New Zealand land law.

MORE:

My previous articles on high country issues are archived at https:// keithwoodford.wordpress.com/ category/the-high-country/

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

NEW LISTING

Central Hawke's Bay 790 Makaretu Road and 269 Pleasant Valley Road, Ashley Clinton

1,270ha location, rainfall and scale Nestled in the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges, Pukenui Station is in the renowned summer safe district of Ashley Clinton only 32 kilometres from Waipukurau. The sale of Pukenui Station comprising 1,113 hectares and supporting Makaretu block of 157 hectares, provides an opportunity to secure sheep and beef scale rarely available in central Hawke's Bay. With a good mix of medium to steep breeding country and over 350 hectares of cultivatable finishing land for the continuation of the pasture renewal programme, these two properties have a sound fertiliser history and a reputation for producing quality livestock circa 11,000 stock units wintered.

Features a five-bedroom homestead, three other dwellings, well maintained station buildings including a hunting hut, three woolsheds, deer yards, cattle and sheep yards with very good fencing, and an all-weather airstrip.

bayleys.co.nz/2852523

bayleys.co.nz

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Fri 14 May 2021 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Andy Hunter 027 449 5827 andy.hunter@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

NEW LISTING

Hawke’s Bay Taramoa Station, 71 Pakaututu Road, Puketitiri

Ecological paradise with Kaweka x-factor Located in the reliable Puketitiri district, 56km north west of Napier, Taramoa Station is a well balanced 564ha breeding/finishing property. Winning four Ballance farm environmental awards, Taramoa is also GAP accredited with fenced off waterways and over 23,000 native plants for long term sustainability. Boasting large portions of easy finishing land, a spring fed reticulated water system, and pasture renewal programme, fully fed livestock receive excellent market premiums. Farm improvements include a five bedroom homestead, three bedroom cottage, four stand woolshed, stock yards, very good access tracks and laneways. X-factor is world class Sika trophy hunting, a habitat for rare bird species, and over 300 beehives collect high UMF manuka honey. Passive income from the on farm quarry, on farm duck shooting and trout fishing nearby, top off this rare opportunity.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 5 May 2021 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View 1-2pm Wed 14 Apr or by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2852552

bayleys.co.nz

Boundary lines are indicative only

Central Hawke’s Bay 466 Pourerere Road, Waipawa

Tukuwaru Farm - opportunity plus Rarely does 230 hectares (STT) of bare land suitable for finishing and cropping situated in this location become available for purchase. Located only minutes from Waipawa in Central Hawke's Bay, the land is predominantly flat to easy rolling with significant road frontage, and borders the Tuki Tuki river. The easy contour allows for vehicle access across the entire property.

The opportunity exists to increase production with further pasture development, water reticulation and subdivision. Contact Kris or Tim to discuss further the opportunity and potential.

bayleys.co.nz/2852545

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Tue 11 May 2021 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Kris August 027 248 9266 kris.august@bayleys.co.nz Tim Wynne-Lewis 027 488 9719 tim.wynne-lewis@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

NEW LISTING

Whakamaru 399 Kaahu Road

Scale, scope and recreation Kaahu is an iconic landmark overlooking the Whakamaru and Mangakino basin. This 311 hectare dairy farm provides plenty of scope averaging just under 200,000 milksolids from 670 cows. A good solid 60 bale rotary sits centre of farm, feedpad off the end of yard with two 200 tonne bunkers next to this. Effluent system will be complete at the end of the season with the solids separator installed, the pond is oversize for the current cow numbers. Water has been consented for 800 cows and a good system has been installed to ensure supply to cows in those summer months with many of the troughs being upgraded. Other improvements include three homes, two four bedrooms and one three bedroom. Consent is being prepared for further titles to be created.

bayleys.co.nz/2450682

bayleys.co.nz

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 1pm, Thu 29 Apr 2021 View 11am-12pm Tue 13 Apr Ben Hickson 021 433 283 ben.hickson@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

NEW LISTING

Canterbury 215 Dunsandel Road, Hororata

Scale, production and location

4

The Hororata Dunsandel area is renowned for consistent high production, and this impressive large-scale landholding could be described as a true once in a lifetime opportunity. Consisting of approximately 530 hectares, of which 490 hectares is irrigated, the farm is milking 1,500 cows and supplying Synlait. The property has an exceptional track record, with over 60 per cent of the cows producing A2 milk and supplying a premium contract, averaging 684,500kg/MS over the previous two seasons. The modern dairy operation consists of two rotary platforms, the first is 60-bail, approximately 15 years old, with a new platform installed in 2011 plus a 54 bail shed, built-in 2016, seven high-quality dwellings and exceptional infrastructure. Families will note the excellent nearby schooling options and access to the array of outdoor activities nearby.

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Tue 27 Apr 2021 3 Deans Avenue, Chch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Kurt Snook 027 256 0449

bayleys.co.nz/5514843

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 OTAGO REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYSMETRO, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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NEW LISTING

Boundary lines are indicative only

Canterbury 340 Dixon Road, Oxford

Marlborough Glazebrook Station, 4620 Waihopai Valley Road

A tremendous opportunity

Iconic freehold high country station

This 95.27ha entry-level dairy farm is under pivot irrigation with pods and sprinklers in the corners. Water is supplied via the WIL Scheme and 595 shares are included in the sale. The property is sub-divided into 20 well-sheltered paddocks with a central lane.

Cows are milked through a 50-bail rotary dairy with in-shed meal feeding and a 700-800 cow yard. A three-bay calf shed completes the property - there is no house. Stock are available for purchase separately. Located close to Oxford and less than an hour's drive from Christchurch.

We are under firm instructions to transact a sale and all offers will be considered.

bayleys.co.nz/5514822

For Sale

by Deadline Private Treaty (unless sold prior)

12pm, Thu 6 May 2021 3 Deans Avenue, Chch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Peter Foley 021 754 737 peter.foley@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Located at the headwaters of the Waihopai River, Glazebrook is one of the largest freehold high country stations in the South Island spanning across 8882.7 hectares. Just a short drive from the famed Marlborough wine region, Glazebrook provides an expanse of river flats, native bush, freshwater streams, valleys and breathtaking vistas that extend upward into the high mountains.

Combining diversified farming, tourism, honey harvesting, ETS registration and an extensive and highly acclaimed hunting operation, Glazebrook produces multiple revenue streams with opportunities for further development.

Call now for more information or to arrange a viewing.

bayleys.co.nz/5514684

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6

For Sale

by Deadline Private Treaty (unless sold prior)

4pm, Fri 14 May 2021 3 Deans Avenue, Chcristchurch View by appointment Kurt Lindsay 027 469 9685 kurt.lindsay@bayleys.co.nz Garry Ottmann 027 221 8337 garry.ottmann@bayleys.co.nz BE MARLBOROUGH LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

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farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 12, 2021

Boundary lines are indicative only

Canterbury 927 Leeston Road, Irwell Sudeley Farm - a slice of history This impressive farming property, with its magnificent and wellcared-for homestead, is set for a new start. Steeped in a rich history, Sudeley Farm is a much-admired property in the soughtafter Ellesmere area.

The fertile 132.9971ha finishing and arable farm boasts quality soils, is well-fenced, has good all-weather tracks and an array of very good farm buildings. Approximately 120ha is irrigated via Briggs Rotorainers applying 55mm per hectare over 11-day rounds. This versatile property has been used to grow peas and beans for Watties, cropping, kale and fodder beet, and as a finishing property for an Angus cattle stud and Perendale, Texel and Suftex sheep studs. Phone us to view this very special property.

Canterbury 823 Rockwood Road, Hororata 4

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Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Thu 22 Apr 2021 3 Deans Avenue, Chch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Evan Marshall 027 221 0910 evan.marshall@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

386 State Highway 4, Upokongaro, Whanganui Waipakura comprises of a well-established farm with balanced contour consisting of a total of 282 Hectares currently run as a breeding/ fattening unit, within 10 minutes from Whanganui.

Wintering 2400 su plus additional trading stock, depending on seasonal conditions. A complimentary mix of 34.5 ha of fertile flats suitable for cropping and a balance of medium to steeper hills with ample shelter and an abundance of quality water throughout. Improvements include a 2007 4-bedroom home, 4-stand wool shed, two sets of sheepyards, cattle yards, lockup implement shed plus hay/ truck shed and airstrip with bin.

This high-producing 86-hectare property in a sought after, picturesque location has it all. Fully irrigated with fertile soils, there’s a range of possibilities for the new owner. Suitable for various uses, the property is well equipped with sheep and cattle yards, plus a woolshed and implement shed. In use as dairy support and cropping, previously utilised to winter dairy cattle on fodder beet and kale. With this grazing history and the added benefit of cover under the Central plains water schemes nutrient umbrella, this property is well placed to continue dairy support.

The sun-filled character house is tucked away amongst beautiful mature gardens, making this a beautiful family home close to the rivers, lakes and mountains.

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Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Thu 29 Apr 2021 3 Deans Avenue, Chch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Craig Blackburn 027 489 7225 craig.blackburn@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/5514844

bayleys.co.nz/5514738

WAIPAKURA

Acres of options

282.83 HA | 4 BED | 2 BATH Tender

nzr.nz/RX2760926

Tender Closing (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 6 May 2021 NZR, 1 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune Jamie Proude AREINZ 027 448 5162 | jamie@nzr.nz Open Days: 11am - Guided Tour Wed 7 Apr 21 Sat 10 Apr 21 Wed 14 Apr 21 NZR Central Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

STRONG BREEDING ON WATER SCHEME 381 Mokai Road, Taihape Situated 22km east of Taihape, on papa country renown for quality store stock. Well set up with trough water via the Omatane Scheme, good track access, 4 sets of satellite yards and a tidy 5 stand woolshed with 1,800 ewe night-pen. Well documented fertiliser history with Ngaputahi bred livestock available. Served by a four bedroom main home, a tidy three bedroom cottage only 4km from primary school and high school bus. Purchase options as two blocks (270ha & 294ha).

Tender Closes 11am, Wed 12 May 2021.

564.6 hectares Video on website

nzr.nz/RX2768020 Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 peter@nzr.nz Jamie Proude AREINZ 027 488 5162 | jamie@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Pahiatua 300 and 212 Hinemoa Valley Road Tender

Glenbervie - 102 ha Located in the Hinemoa Valley which is under 10 minutes drive from Pahiatua, Glenbervie is a 102 ha dairy farm that will satisfy the most discerning of buyers. Regularly producing 125,000 kgMS, the property boasts superior soils, modern pasture species, quality farm infrastructure and two dwellings.

Improvements include a 26 ASHB shed complete with cup removers and protrak drafting, 150 cow feed pad plus concrete feed storage and a good range of shedding. Dwellings include a large four bedroom homestead and a three bedroom home on a separate title.

This unit will attract interest from across a range of agricultural sectors, don't miss this opportunity to acquire a wellestablished mid-scale dairy unit in a sought after location.

Oamaru 266 Eastern Road, Otekaieke

Tender closes Friday 30th April, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 129 Main Street, Pahiatua View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR85636

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496

E jared@pb.co.nz

John Arends M 027 444 7380

E johna@pb.co.nz

Harington Point 45 Pakihau Road Auction

Motivated vendor Large scale dairy farm, location, soils, reliable water, modern infrastructure, all provide for a very efficient low input dairy unit.

Return on investment at current milk prices and this value will impress • 423 ha located at Otekaieke, Waitaki Valley North Otago.

• Five-year production average of 602,000 kgMS or 1,474 milk solids per effective ha • 406 ha platform, strong pastures with good fertility.

• Modern automated 70 bail rotary dairy shed milking 1,600 cows • Price + GST (if any).

Property Brokers Pahiatua Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender

Iconic Otago Peninsula business and farm Auction 2.00pm, Fri 23rd Apr, 2021, (unless sold prior) View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/OMR75319

Ross Robertson M 021 023 27220

This is a unique opportunity to purchase a 214 ha (528 ac) freehold property on the idyllic Otago Peninsula. This property strikes a wonderful balance between farming, conservation and tourism.

Three stand woolshed, sheep yards, modern three bay implement shed, horse arena and round pen. The views and access to private beaches set this property well apart from the rest. Tidy three bedroom home, seven bedroom lodge. The Penguin Place Conservation Reserve has hosted up to 30,000 visitors per year.

Option 1: Total Property - 214 ha Option 2: 141ha – Bareland (subject to survey) Option 3: 73ha - Improvements and Penguin Place Conservation Reserve and Business (subject to survey)

Tender closes Wednesday 28th April, 2021 at 2.00pm View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/DNR84606

Russell Cotton M 027 465 7442 Alan Eason M 027 489 8760

Proud to be here

38

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

DEADLINE SALE

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 12, 2021

FOR SALE STANDALONE COUNTDOWN ASSET 147 KIMBOLTON ROAD, FEILDING

Attention First Farm Buyers

REGIONAL SUPERMARKET INVESTMENT

36 Goodwin Rd, Matamata 72 ha of rolling contour approx. 15 mins from Matamata and 20 mins from Te Aroha. Currently running as a small, well set dairy unit, subdivided into 50 paddocks. A tidy 20 AS/HB shed with an in-shed feed system makes for an easy one man operation. The up to date effluent system covers 22 ha via a travelling irrigator and gun and is well supported by a 500,000 litre, above ground, covered storage tank. (Fully consented) Water supply comes from two gravity fed springs via a large header tank to all troughs and dairy shed. The property has variation 6 consent to milk 240 cows. A tidy, well kept, four bedroom home. This property is well set up and ready to go.

Our vendors are looking for a 1st June 2021 takeover.

matamata.ljhooker.co.nz/HNGHR1

Deadline Sale Closes Thurs 29th April, 1pm (unless sold prior) ___________________________________ View Thurs 15th & 22nd April 11 - 12 ___________________________________ Agent Jack Van Lierop 027 445 5099 Glen Murray 027 488 6138 LJ Hooker Matamata 07 888 5677 Link Realty Ltd. Licensed Agent REAA 2008

For the first time in over 25 years, 147 Kimbolton Road is now being offered to the market for sale.

+ Long established supermarket site

The asset comprises a rare opportunity to acquire a standalone supermarket investment with a long term lease in place to Countdown.

+ Major recent refurbishment

This high profile corner site provides a large underlying land area of 7,424sqm with drive around truck access and excellent car parking provisions (120 in total).

+ Net Floor Area : 2,815sqm approximately + Net income: c. $676,000pa + GST DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Thursday 29 April 2021 at 4.00pm (unless sold prior)

Underpinning this asset is the strong regional catchment with further confidence gained through major recent refurbishment of the property.

Call our agents today for further information.

+ Strong lease profile

TIM ROOKES 027 562 3700

CAMERON DARBY 027 450 7902

RICK STACE 021 338 465

www.cbre.co.nz/23032021 CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

Your destination for rural real estate Market your property to an audience that counts

Add another touchpoint to your campaign on the website built for farmers.

Align your brand with content farmers read: • Geo and agri sector targeting options available • Post campaign analysis of your adverts performance • Advertise on our Real Estate page alongside relevant editorial content • Enrich your print ad - Click through to your property videos or websites from the virtual edition.

Contact your agent to advertise today!

0800 85 25 80 farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

Tech & Toys

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 12, 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising 0800 85 25 80

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Terms & Conditions Apply

Primary Pathways – Jobs, Education & Training GENERAL MANAGER – FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES –TAUPO Wairarapa Moana is one of New Zealand’s larger farming operations with 3,850 hectares in dairy farms, milking over 12,000 cows, and another 1,500 hectares in dairy support.

They also manage over 5,800 hectares in forestry land and have a significant investment in dairy processing.

Opportunity has opened for a motivated individual to run an intensive operation for a beef and sheep unit. Situated on the Clevedon river flats, South of Auckland.

This newly created position is a sign of the continued growth of the organisation and the need for the right person to take the reins of the finance, property and human resources functions, so they can reach the next level in performance required to meet the organisation goals.

The job requires: • Two good working dogs • Good understanding of animal husbandry • Proven pasture management skills • Ability to accurately record stock records • In depth understanding of health and safety requirements • Ability to take charge in absence of owner • Tractor operation • Fencing experience • Farm maintenance and development

Email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz or call 0800 85 25 80 today

The person who takes up this role will be consistently challenged to achieve excellence in an organisation that prides itself on achieving top quality outcomes for its shareholders.

www.farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

If this role sounds like you, please log onto our website www.no8hr.co.nz and register your interest or contact Beverly Birnie, Senior Consultant on 021 477 605. Applications close on Monday 19 April 2021.

LK0106609©

To be successful in the role, you will need: • Three years experience working in a management position • Eight years experience working in a Finance, Business Management or Business Analyst position • Tertiary qualification in Finance of Business Management • Excellent business acumen and analytical thinking capabilities • Outstanding communication, negotiation and relationship skills • Strong ethics and integrity • Proven experience working in the Māori agri-business sector would be an advantage.

www.no8hr.co.nz | ph: 07-870-4901 LK0106548©

JOBS BOARD

Applicants should apply with CV and references to: markbolscher@gmail.com

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Ag jobs at your fingertips

Agronomist

Hoki Season 2021

Arable and Vegetable Spray Operator

Labourer

Assistant Manager

Connecting rural employers and job seekers - follow Farmers Weekly Jobs on Facebook and view primary industry jobs first!

Dairy Farm Manager Farm Staff Recruitment General Manager

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Livestock Agent Livestock Representatives Station Cook & General Hand Training Opportunities

*FREE upload to Farmers Weekly jobs: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz *conditions apply

Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz LK0105354©

For more information please contact Mark Bolscher on 021 758 963

Advertise your job in Farmers Weekly

Wairarapa Moana’s vision is to nurture their taonga and resources for the current and future generations of the Wairarapa Moana Whanau.

To help them do this, they want a commercially savvy manager to join their team as their General Manager – Finance and Support Services.

The person required must be able to work independently, be a good communicator with technical abilities and organisation skills.

We will offer: • Five bedroom house in bush setting • Excellent working conditions • Competitive salary package • Close to schools and shops

Connecting rural employers and job seekers

Arable & Vegetable Farmer, Spray operator Turley Farms is situated in the heart of the Canterbury Plains where more than 80% of New Zealand’s grain and seed crops are grown. The Pendarves hub (Mid Canterbury) is situated right in the thick of the Canterbury Plains.

Turley Farms grow a wide range of crops including potatoes, onions, wheat, grass seed, white clover, specialised hybrid seed including carrots, rapeseed oil, red beet, spinach, radish crops. In addition to the above crops, sunflowers and ryecorn. Turley Farms also finish lambs and beef cattle in the winter and early spring.

We pride ourselves with a fleet of modern and up-to-date machinery.

We provide a positive environment for our employees where high performance is the normal and it is recognised and rewarded.

A position has become available for a full-time arable, vegetable farmer and spray operator to join our team at Pendarves.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the spraying of the crops – using a SAM 5000 Vison Sprayer with a 36m auto steer / auto control, along with assisting with the cultivation, planting, irrigation, harvesting of our crops.

Competencies required to be successful in the role include: • Experience operating large modern farm machinery • Machinery maintenance skills • Attention to detail with the ability to take direction & willingness to learn.

• Ability to understand and read chemical recommendations produced by our Agronomists and keeping of record inventory.

• Reliable and honest • Full clean licence, HT licence – would be a bonus • Good positive attitude • Growsafe or Certified Handlers Certificate (training can be provided to achieve) • Commitment to Health & Safety • Irrigation experience – helpful • Training will be given to the suitable applicant There is a three bedroom home available.

Hourly rate will be relevant to your experience.

NZ Resident or current NZ work visa essential. Immediate start.

Applications including CV and two industry references to: hr@turleyfarms.co.nz Or post to: 380 Guild Road, RD 26, Temuka, New Zealand 7986 Phone Murray: +64 0274 342553 Applications close: Monday 26th April 2021

LK0106603©

Farm Manager

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

Travel & Tourism

4X4 TAGALONG TOURS

Travel further

Adventures - 4WD Tours

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 12, 2021

with Farmers Weekly

LK0106494©

Fiordland, South Island Photo: Take It Easy Tours

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

Have a favourite pic? Email a high resolution of the pic and tell us where it is and we will publish it when room permits.

Molesworth Station, St James and Rainbow Stations Dates 2022: Jan 9-12; Feb 5-8, 20-23, March 13-16, 20-23, 27-30; April 3-6, 24-27 Other dates available for groups of 6 or more people on request

LK0106627©

Information packs are available for the 2022 season

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

Send your pics to Debbie classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Ph: 0274 351 955 Email info@southislandtoursnz.com www.southislandtoursnz.com

www.nzadventures.co.nz

We’re Jimmy and Jase, owner operators of Take It Easy Tours. We’re local kiwi lads who know New Zealand like the back of our hand and felt guilty about keeping such a treasure to ourselves.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER!

Take It Easy Tours deliver stress free, enjoyable tours where everything is taken care of. We know that once you’ve been on one tour you’ll be back, and we can’t wait to welcome you with open arms into our Take it Easy family.

Farmers Weekly Customers

$100 OFF FIRST BOOKING

NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY

Why choose us?

Unique itineraries Crafted by qualified tourism experts, taking you to places you can’t find on Google

Comfort in numbers Our tours are restricted to small groups to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable experience

Good Kiwi lads Owner/operators Jimmy and Jase, ensure every tour is memorable and will have you coming back for more

Fully escorted Door to door service with a friendly smile so you can sit back, relax and take it easy

Great Barrier Island: April 2021 Autumn in the South: May 2021 Southern Explorer: May 2021 Hawkes Bay: June 2021 South Island Rail Experience: July - August 2021 Fiordland: August 2021 South Island High Country: Late September 2021 Wild West Coast: October 2021 Waiheke Island: November 2021 North Island Late Spring Escape: November 2021 Marlborough Sounds Cruise: December 2021 Pitt and Chatham Islands: December 2021

Call in or visit www.takeiteasytours.nz to sign up and win!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT US FOR FULL ITINERARIES AND PRICING

www.takeiteasytours.nz

Phone 06 344 7465 | Freephone 0508 482269

| Email info@takeiteasytours.nz

Travel further with Farmers Weekly Promote or find your next adventure in our Travel & Tourism section published monthly.

Next issue – May 10 Booking deadline Wednesday 5th May - 12 noon

To advertise your travel products and services contact: Debbie 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz www.farmersweekly.co.nz

LK0106086© LK0106086©

Step Inside Our World of Adventure

Noticeboard

DOGS FOR SALE

CRAIGCO SHEEP JETTERS. Sensor Jet. Deal to fly and Lice now. Guaranteed performance.

Unbeatable pricing.

Phone 06 835 6863. www.craigcojetters.com

DELIVERING SOLD DOGS NZ Wide 22/4/21 www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos email: mikehughesworkingdogs@ farmside.co.nz 07 315 5553 ONE 12-WEEK-OLD Huntaway pup. Excellent bark. Phone 027 243 8541.

WORD ADVERTISING. Ph Marie 0800 85 25 80.

DOGS WANTED

ATTENTION FARMERS FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT Only $6.00 per hectare + GST delivered Call Grant Morris 0508 GIBBGRO (0508 442247) grant@Gibb-Gro.co.nz

WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide.

We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase.

NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 04 293 2097 Richard.

NZ’s #1 Under Woolshed/Covered Yards Cleaning Specialist For Over A Decade www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

scottnewman101@gmail.com

We also clean out and remetal cattle yards – Call us!

LK0106623©

WORKING TAUMARUNUI AREA Book your shed now

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

0800 436 566

LK0106110©

Lease land wanted to grow export hay.

South Island wide.

Large areas of lease land required. Dryland and irrigated. Would consider anything.

Please phone or text Andrew Quigley 027 436 9307 andrew.quigley@quigleyfeeds.co.nz

GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds.

Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten.

Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

GRAZING AVAILABLE HEIFER GRAZING AVAILABLE May to May. 160-180 heifers. Summer safe, baleage fed out through winter months.

References available.

Phone 021 734 055.

HAY FOR SALE HAY ROUNDS $75+gst; Squares $60+gst.

BALEAGE $75+gst. Unit loads available. Top quality.

Phone 021 455 787.

HORTICULTURE

FORESTRY

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

Ph: Scott Newman 027 26 26 272 0800 27 26 88

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

BUYING DOGS NZ WIDE. No One Buys or Pays More! www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos email: mikehughesworkingdogs@ farmside.co.nz 07 315 5553

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

T H INK P R EB UILT

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

SHEEP SCANNING AVAILABLE

ANY BUILDING OR roof on any paddock. No power required. Give your old shed or building that fresh new look. Your choice of colour. Over 30 years experience. Contact PaveMark Sprayers.

South Island only. 0800 54 36 48 or email: sales@pavemarkltd.co.nz

SERVICING SOUTH WAIKATO, King Country, Ruapehu, Taihape areas.

Nine years experience, NZ & UK. Fully Pneumatic, 3 Way drafting, EID available.

No mob too big or small.

Wet/dry to Triplet and foetal ageing. Phone for prices and availability 027 479 4918.

BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section.

Phone Marie on 0800 85 25 80 to book in or email wordads@globalhq. co.nz

WORK WANTED CRUTCHING WORK wanted. Waikato / King Country. Shed only with farmer’s plant. $1+gst per animal. Brian 027 236 5409.

BARLEY & WHEAT STRAW RYE GRASS STRAW MEADOW HAY LUCERNE & MEADOW BALEAGE

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

RED DEVON BULLS. Waimouri stud, Feilding.

Phone 027 224 3838.

WILTSHIRE RAM LAMBS 66kgs, July born.

Benneydale Wiltshires.

King Country. 10yrs est.

Full shedding. $350+gst 40 for you to pick. High rainfall soft land resistant. Phone Joe Hodge 027 280 6747.

Mossburn Rugby Club Centennial 4th-6thJune 2021 Register at: mossburnrugby.co.nz MC for the weekend: Jamie McKay Friday night: Registrations and auction with guest speakers Saturday: Kids games, photos, senior rugby game, evening function with dinner and band Sunday: Brunch, Hinds game, and invitation game

WILTSHIRE RAM LAMBS. Seven available, $240 each.

Phone Stuart Anderson 06 329 6790.

More Info: Rachel rachel.pamela.naylor@gmail.com

CLEARING SALE

ITEM DESCRIPTION

SUNDRY ITEMS – TOO MANY TO LIST

First Home – Farm House Investment – Beach Bach

Auctioneers Note: The machinery has been maintained to a high standard with a lot of near new plant.

Outside entries accepted – Terms strictly cash / eftpos available Sale + GST added to invoice.

Rivercity Livestock 1995 Ltd Licenced Auctioneers LK0106537©

David Cotton – Mobile 0274 425 920 LK0106634©

Call or email us for your free copy of our plans Email: info@ezylinehomes.co.nz Phone: 07 572 0230 Web: www.ezylinehomes.co.nz

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

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

Kubota M110 GX Tractor 2018 – 700 hours, front end loader, FEL bucket, Hitch draw linkage, 2500 kg new pallet fork end loader, parallel square bale clam, new 3000 psi jet water blaster 7hp, Suzuki quad bike 400, Bertolini 50 spray pump, Bertolini 200kg Quad manure spinner, New Holland 377 conventional hay baler (just baled 6000), quad bike trailer, hay bale loader, harrows, 25 ton log splitter fits on tractor, ground leveller, Sitrex ST 520 hay tedder 4 rotor Hyd lift, Sitrex 4 mt hay rake, 3 ton seed roller.

Farm sundries: Delfast gas air nailer & staple gun both mint condition, cattle weigh bridge, weight bars, nait reader, calf rearing equipment, dog kennel, fencing tools, electric fence unit – standards & reels, chainsaws, bench saw, numerous tools, bolts, gudgens, welders & mig welder.

Garden equipment: Ride on lawn mower, rotary hoe (new engine).

Household items: Outdoor furniture, BBQs, small freezer, fridge, golf clubs, bikes, Britainnica encyclopaedias 32-piece set.

Our homes are built using the same materials & quality as an onsite build. Easily transported to almost anywhere in the North Island. Plans range from one bedroom to four bedroom

BEEFGEN Livestock Manager: Brian Pearson Mobile: 0210 907 1688 Email: brian@beefgen.com

QUALITY Feeds You Can TRUST

VENDOR – BINT ENTERPRISES Saturday 17 April at 10 am 45 Flemington Road, Whanganui

SOLID – PRACTICAL

Please contact your local agent for more information.

Phone Mark 0800 478 729 or Tracey 027 554 1841

Farm / Contracting Plant & Machinery

WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

BEEFGEN is currently purchasing animals for live export: Holstein Friesian Heifers (Born 2020)

Available in Squares & Rounds

Property SOLD

NEW HOMES

Proudly New Zealand Owned

A FREE, industry-first roadshow, coming to a town near you!

Learn about the added value & increased profitability that breeding quality beef can have on your business.

Whangarei - 12/04/21 Te Kuiti - 13/04/21 Taupo - 13/04/21 Feilding - 14/04/21 Pahiatua - 14/04/21 Wairoa - 15/04/21

Registrations essential: www.whatsthebeef.co.nz

LK0106231©

GORSE AND THISTLE SPRAY. We also scrub cut. Four men with all gear in your area. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

REMOTE AIRLESS PAINTING

LK0106503©

FLY OR LICE problem?

Electrodip – the magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides.

Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness.

Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t r o d i p . c o m

GOATS WANTED

LK0106136©

CONTRACTORS

ANIMAL HANDLING

Livestock Noticeboard

42

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 12, 2021

STOCK FOR SALE Proudly Based in Hawke’s Bay

NATIONWIDE DAIRY SPECIALISTS

WANTED:

Go to: www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz Register your requirements and be informed when new listings arrive

F12 & Better Cows or Heifers for breeding.

To be mated to Black Wagyu

R2 HOME BRED ANG BULLS 400-500kg 25 R2YR HEREFORD BULLS 500kgs

Grazing for Frsn/Wagyu Steers & Heifers To be paid on weight gain contract from 100kg to 430kg Contact: Richard Andrews 027 536 8693 or richard.andrews@carrfields.co.nz

• DH2112 –160 Jsy/JsyX herd BW169 PW145 DTC 24/7 7wks AB, shift well, HB, HT $1450 Call Tim 027 511 7778

STOCK REQUIRED

LK0106608©

• DH1960 – 75 x FsnX cows BW128 PW120 DTC 26/7 All rising 2nd calvers $1850 Call: Colin 027 646 8908

• DH2128 – 80 Frsn/FrsnX cows BW99 PW149 R/A 98% - DTC10/7 Spring calvers from Aut herd, 600ms, rotary $1650 Call: Matt 027 601 3787

C

Angus Weaner Hfrs & Steers 150 - 200kg

C

100 x Angus Bulls 400 - 450kg

BY

Friesian Weaner Bulls 180kg+

RS

50 x R2 Friesian Bulls

RS

C C RS

100 x Herefor Hfrs 200kg

_______________________________

Richar Sea/ill Chris Smith Chris yle Jason Roberts Bryce Young

A Financing Solution For Your Farm E info@rdlfinance.co.nz

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

WANTED R2 Angus Hfrs 300 - 400kg

1 0kg Friesian Bulls

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Beef up your bull knowledge

BYLLIVESTOCK.CO.NZ "Maximising your return through personal livestock management"

F R SA E

STORE LAMBS 28-36kg www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

• DH2186 – 300 Xbred OAD herd BW76 PW112 - Syst 1, DTC 29/7 LIC bred, steep hilly farm $1300 Call: Richard 027 407 0562

021 169 8276 027 96 7 1 |

06 7 6 8968

027 96 7 12

07 88 7 12

|

027 707 1271 027 96 7 11

byllivestock

07 823 4559

farmersweekly.co.nz/enewsletters

LK0105989©

• DR2125 – 34 Top Xbred I/C hfrs BW198 PW219 DTC 20/7 all blacks, V good, $1550 Call: Daniel 027 215 3609

PROGRESSIVE LIVESTOCK LTD

50 Jersey Jersey X Cows

DAIRY HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE

Elite High Genetic Value Holstein Friesian Herd and Replacement Complete Dispersal Sale

ESTABLISHED HIGH INDEXED AND HIGH PRODUCTION DAIRY HERD AND REPLACEMENT AUCTION

PGG Wrightson Dairy representatives are specialists at marketing and selling dairy herds.

Benefit from the nationwide team that is dedicated to matching herds with the right buyers and achieving an optimal outcome for your business.

BW 90

10 x Holstein Frsn empty in milk cows 19 x Holstein Frsn VIC spring calving hfrs 133 head,TB C10, BVD & Lepto Vaccinated • These are the Elite animals from a 200 cow herd, balance of which have been sold as one • This quality offering is among the highest Genetic Value lines to be offered this season • Cows have BWs up to 178, PWs up to 403 • In calf heifers BWs up to 201 and Yearling heifers BWs up to 210 • 31 contract bred calves for CRV and LIC are to be born spring 2021 • 29 females have contracts of interest for spring 2021 matings with CRV and LIC • Over the last 2 seasons CRV and LIC have taken 11 contract bull calves under the “Royson” prefix • Several older “Royson” sires are in use at CRV and LIC • Sires represented include, Fire Up, Revitup, Hothouse, Expresso, Gauntlet, Beamer, Supersire, Topnotch, Lamont, Bigshot, Geronimo, Mint Edition, Timeline, Grandeur, Maxima, Triumphant, Golddigger, Mandate, Apex, Arrow and Jaxon • Herd averages up to 500kgs ms and consistently 400-430kgs ms on grass alone last 4 seasons • In-calf heifers synchronised and mated to AB • Herd was established in the 1960’s and has 3 letter herd code CWM • Herd strengths are high components, capacity, udder conformation, temperament, fat/protein BVs and low birth liveweight

Be sure to receive your sales catalogue showing all details from the auctioneers, Progressive Livestock Ltd, Ph Luke Hanan on 027 697 8625 or Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd Ph Brian Robinson on 027 241 0051 or view on line at

LK0106602©

LK0106546©

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

$1,680+GST

•

•

Dean Cook 027 243 1429 Agonline ref: 0183

www.nzholsteing.org.nz www.progressivelivestock.co.nz

BW 114

PW 126

$1,650+GST

•

RA 98% DTC 15/7 I/C LIC/Ambreed XBred 4 weeks. 380 M/Solids - Computer split.

Regan Craig 027 502 8585 Agonline ref: 9820

56 Kiwi X 3&4YR Cows BW 120

PW 137

BW 147

$1,650+GST

•

DTC 18/7 I/C LIC Kiwi X. 4 weeks - good confirmation.

Chris Ryan 027 243 1078 Agonline ref: 0131

$1,250+GST

PW 161

•

DTC 15/7 - Jersey Bull.

Rhys Mellow 027 664 5143 Agonline ref: 0054

23 Frsn Ambreed Nominated Incalf Hfrs $1,550+GST

PW 170

•

RA 100% DTC 18/7 - Jersey Bull/ Computer Split.

Richard Todd 027 494 2544 Agonline ref: 9371

395 Jersey OAD Herd BW 153

85 Frsn Frsn X Cows

17 x Holstein Friesian yearling heifers

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT 10:30am 2007 John Deere 6420 SE with FEL – 2013 Hustler SL 350 bale feeder – Pearsons soft hands – Burkhart 3T trailer – 2013 SM320P Fella disc mower – Cambridge roller – 2x6m PKE trailers – 3m PKE trailer – Honda water pump – diesel/petrol tank – Kea bike trailer & crate – back blade – 3000L milk vat – 6m x 475cm culvert pipe – calf rearing equipment – numerous other items.

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Farm has been sold. This herd has been farmed by owners for 40 + yrs. A wellmanaged and consistently reliable herd with high fertility and strong production results on a rolling to flat farm. Many cow families have been contract mated over the years. Here is an opportunity to purchase replacements from a very respected herd bred specifically for performance and dairy type.

DEFERRED PAYMENT DATE: Due 15th October 2021 for Livestock.

Machinery payments on day of sale.

Eftpos will be available.

ENQUIRIES TO: Carrfields Agent: Brent Espin 027 551 3660 or brent.espin@carrfields.co.nz or your local Carrfields Agent VENDORS: M/s Leo & Patria Quintus 027 905 3533

PW 110

RA 82% DTC 1/7 I/C LIC Kiwi X 5 weeks 375 M/Solids.

Shaan Featherstone 027 666 1198 Agonline ref: 0179

87x Holstein Frsn VIC spring calving cows

DETAILS: • Sold in-milk – 505 ms/cows – System 3 feeding • 100% LIC mating – 5wks Frsn – tailed Speckle Park & short gestation Frsn • DTC 17/7 – all dates confirmed – last calv 30/9 • Rotary – TB C9 – Lepto vacc – herd tested – MT rate 13%

$1,800+GST

PW 160

All July calving I/C LIC Jsy, XBred 5 weeks, 480 M/Solids.

BW 140

122 XBred Cows

Extremely well bred offering comprising of the following

COMPRISING: • 160 x Frsn & FrsnX Complete Dairy Herd • BW159 PW218 R/A 100% • 42 x Frsn & FrsnX I/C Heifers (2 x contract Heifers) • BW223 PW249 – DTC 17/7 to Jsy bull

BW 149

43 Frsn X In Calf Hfrs

On A/C of Royson Farms Ltd Eddie and Kath Lambert 133 Lambert Road, Kawerau RD 2, Whakatane Wednesday 21st April at 11am

BW’s up to 303 – PW’s up to 622 A/c LM & PC Quintus On Friday 23rd April 2021 At 885 Carrington Road New Plymouth – Taranaki Start time: Machinery 10:30am & Livestock 11:30am Supply Number: 42810

View catalogue on our website:

R2YR FRSN BULLS 370-430kg

WANTED:

SELECTION OF LISTINGS:

Contact your local agent or call: Trevor Hancock 027 283 8389 or Paul Kane: 027 286 9279

120 EXOTIC X MA COWS SIC Sim 15/11 100 R2 ANG HFRS SIC Ang 30/12 425kg

$1,650+GST

PW 158

•

RA 90% Over 90% Jerseys, herd milked once a day last 5 years. 16 years breeding good framed cows, nice udders, very good temperament, just a few JsyFrsn X cows. Only 10 wks calving span - 75% calved in 4 weeks. Will sell by a computer split. Cows close to South Island for trucking South. Calving start 18 Jul 2021.

Rex Playle 027 594 6512 Agonline ref: 9949

NATIONAL TEAM. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

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

Ready to talk some Bull?

Advertise your stock in Farmers Weekly.

Contact Ella: 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Helping grow the country

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 12, 2021

SALE TALK

That afternoon, her father came complaining that he had a severe headache all day.

Susie perked up, “That’s because it’s empty,” she said. “You’d feel better if you had something in it.”

If you’ve got a joke you want to share with the Farming community (it must be something you’d share with your grandmother...) then email us at: saletalk@globalhq.co.nz with Sale Talk in the subject line and we’ll print it and credit it to you.

Comprising: 50 MA cows 16 R2 Heifers 19 R2 Bulls 11 R1 Heifers 19 R1 Bulls

ELITE ONLINE DAIRY CATTLE AUCTION MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 - At 7pm On Account of Payne Farms Ltd Comprising of: 6 x FRIESIAN CROSS 2, 3 & 4 Yr CONTRACT COWS Average BW 286 PW 480. HT on 10th March is 614ms in 266 days.

DISPERSAL SALE

10 x OUTSTANDING CROSSBRED YEARLING BULLS Average BW 319 From Dam’s with BW’s up to 434 PW’s up to 812 Brad and Claire are presenting a wonderful opportunity to share in their successful breeding program. With 4 Bulls currently in bull teams, 20 Bulls selected this season and 183 contract animals on farm this has enabled them to sell elite animals from particular breeding families.

Conditions apply

43

118 LOTS

Little Susie, a six-year-old, complained, “Mother, I’ve got a stomach ache.”

“That’s because your stomach is empty,” the mother replied. “You would feel better if you had something in it.”

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

THURSDAY 15 APRIL AT 12noon

547 Ngatimaru Road, Tikorangi, Taranaki Live bidding available

Brent Bougen NZFL Stud Stock 027 210 4698 Stephen Sutton NZFL Agent 027 442 3207 MyLivestock.co.nz

Ariki Angus www.arikiangus.co.nz p: 06 7523884

All Cows come with contracts for 20/21and 21/22 seasons (one to be confirmed).

Need to mooooove stock?

The Yearling Bulls are from outstanding dams within the herd and a great way to fast track your breeding program. The Bulls are A2A2 G3’d and scrotum circumference checked.

Call Ella: 0800 85 25 80

These elite Dairy Cattle come from a high quality large 700 Cow Herd, BW 195/59 PW 258/70 RA 100% producing 600ms/cow and 1450ms/ha, peaking at 2.2ms/cow as well as rearing 450 calves.

All animals are G3’d, TB C10, EBL Neg. Lepto Innoc. BVD tested clear and are guaranteed sound.

• Farmed on Hunterville hill-country as part of the Ardo Hereford stud

Full animal details, photos and videos with voice over can be viewed on line and animals can be inspected on viewing days 8th & 15th April-11am to 1pm at: 187 Parallel Rd, RD 3, Cambridge. D/N 73518 This will be a fully online auction enabling all buyers from anywhere to participate.

• All mated to Ardo stud Hereford bulls from November 1

For complete information, videos and catalogue visit www.mylivestock.co.nz and go to “Up Coming Auctions”

• Closed herd, C10, vaccinated annually for BVD, 7-in-1 and Rotovirus William Morrison – 027 640 1166 Maurice Stewart, PGGW – 027 246 9255

LK0106583©

• Lines of quality, in-calf, Hereford R3year heifers and cows

UPCOMING AUCTIONS Tuesday, 13 April 2021 6.00pm Link Livestock Jersey Pride Sale Wednesday, 14 April 2021 11.00am Willow Downs Jerseys Herd Dispersal Sale Thursday, 15 April 2021 7.00pm Fundraising Auction for the Rural Support Trust

For any enquiries contact: Vendor: Brad Payne 0274 583 426 Agents: Darryl Houghton, NZ Farmers Livestock 0274 515 315 Alan Darlington, Alan Darlington Livestock 0272 582 200

www.morrisonfarming.co.nz

GAME CHANGER

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard LK0106590©

ANNUAL FEMALE PRODUCTION SALE

Tuesday, 20 April 2021 12.30pm Roma Jersey Stud Complete Dispersal - 1st Run, in-milk cows For more information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR

ENABLER

IT’S A NO BRAINER FIND OUT WHY FARMERS ARE SAYING IS HELPING THEM MANAGE CASHFLOW. www.pggwrightson.co.nz/Go-Stock

GO-STOCK provides sheep, beef and deer farmers with a livestock trading margin with no initial cash outlay. For trading and finishing stock.

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PGG Wrightson buy the stock. No initial cash outlay for you.

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Use your capital funds elsewhere.

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We own the stock. You graze the stock.

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We use our livestock agency services to buy and sell the stock.

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You decide when and where we sell the stock - store or prime.

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You receive the trading margin from the stock,less our rate and selling costs.

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Simple to set up and easy to use.

All of the above is subject to our GO-STOCK contract terms

For further information contact your local livestock rep or email us at GoStock@pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

44

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Mel Croad

Suz Bremner

Reece Brick

Nicola Dennis

Sarah Friel

Caitlin Pemberton

Deer

Sheep

Cattle BEEF

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.10

5.10

4.90

NI lamb (17kg)

6.70

6.65

6.85

NI Stag (60kg)

5.20

5.20

7.00

NI Bull (300kg)

5.05

5.05

4.90

NI mutton (20kg)

5.10

5.10

4.60

SI Stag (60kg)

5.35

5.35

7.00

NI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.50

3.30

SI lamb (17kg)

6.50

6.40

6.70

SI Steer (300kg)

4.65

4.60

4.60

SI mutton (20kg)

5.10

5.05

4.20

SI Bull (300kg)

4.55

4.55

4.65

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.20

3.20

3.20

UK CKT lamb leg

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

8.07

8.15

8.14

7.29

8.81

North Island steer slaughter price 6.50

$/kg CW

6.0 5.0

10.0 South Island lamb slaughter price

$/kg CW

4.50 Apr

Jun

2019-20

Dairy

7.0

Oct

Aug 2020-21

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Apr 2019-20

Jun

MILK PRICE FUTURES

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

2019-20

2020-21

Fertiliser

Aug 2020-21

FERTILISER Last week

Prior week

Last year

Coarse xbred ind.

2.37

2.41

2.49

37 micron ewe

2.10

2.25

30 micron lamb

2.30

2.60

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

672

654

567

-

Super

319

312

314

-

DAP

990

941

787

Grain

Data provided by

Dec 5-yr ave

(NZ$/kg)

Feb

8.0

5.0

7.0

WOOL

5.00

Dec

9.0

6.0

5.50

5-yr ave

South Island stag slaughter price

11.0

8.0

5.0

6.00

Oct

7.0

6.0

South Island steer slaughter price

6.50

8.0

$/kg CW

$/kg CW

4.00

Last year

9.0

7.0

5.00

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.0

8.0

9.0

4.50

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Company

Close

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

33.6

36.21

YTD Low 27.1

5.44

9.94

5.04 6.65

8.00

405

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

7.50

400

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.68

7.99

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

6.49

7.6

5.79

7.00

395

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.495

4.97

4.395

Ryman Healthcare Limited

15.5

15.99

14.5

390

Mainfreight Limited

68.4

69.98

64.85

385

The a2 Milk Company Limited

8.89

12.5

8.28

Fletcher Building Limited

7.19

7.31

5.67

Contact Energy Limited

7.04

11.16

6.6

$/tonne

$/kg MS

10.55

5.0

5.50

4.00

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

6.0

6.00

6.50 6.00 5.50

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20 Oct-20 Sept. 2021

Dec-20 Feb-21 Sept. 2022

Nearby contract

Mar-20

May-20

Jul-20

Sep-20

Nov-20

Jan-21

Mar-21

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

Last price*

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

4050

3905

4275

SMP

2835

2830

2825

4140

4100

4050

Butter

3500

3460

3430

7.64

7.64

Close

YTD High

YTD Low

0.169

0.195

0.161

The a2 Milk Company Limited

8.89

12.5

8.28

Comvita Limited

3.18

3.48

3.06

Delegat Group Limited

14.74

15.4

13.75

395

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.53

5.15

4.35

Foley Wines Limited

1.8

2.07

1.68

390

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.02

1.02

0.81

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.36

0.65

0.3

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.54

1.72

1.43

PGG Wrightson Limited

3.45

3.65

3.11

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.41

0.61

0.405

Sanford Limited (NS)

4.65

5.23

4.3

Scales Corporation Limited

4.45

5.09

4.22

Seeka Limited

5.04

5.15

4.66

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

3.5

5.24

3.34

385 380

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Mar-20

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

May-20

Jul-20

Sep-20

Nov-20

Jan-21

Mar-21

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

4500

400

T&G Global Limited

350 $/tonne

4000 3500

5pm, close of market, Thursday

ArborGen Holdings Limited

400

7.70

Listed Agri Shares Company

405

$/tonne

AMF

Milk Price

380

Apr-21

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

US$/t

10.84

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

8.14

US domestic 90CL cow

Last year

10.0 10.80

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

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

William Hickson

Ingrid Usherwood

300

2.92

3

2.88

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

13983

15491

13978

S&P/NZX 50 Index

12633

13558

12085

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12576

13978

11776

250 3000

Apr

May Jun Latest price

Jul

Aug 4 weeks ago

Sep

200

Mar-20

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

May-20

Jul-20

Sep-20

Nov-20

Jan-21

Mar-21

13983

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12633

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

12576

45

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview We have a changeable weather pattern coming up with low pressure systems back in the mix. For some places, it’s been a long time without drinks from the sky, and despite three lows in seven days, there may still be parts of eastern New Zealand – in both main islands – that miss out on the much-needed wet stuff. This week kicks off with low number 2 – number 1 was on Saturday, which will be centred around the South Island bringing more heavy West Coast rain, but only a few showers to the north, though they are potentially heavy. Windy westerlies then arrive and by late week, another low – once connected to a tropical cyclone in Western Australia – brings more rain to the West Coast

Lamb carcases are on the move

8/4/2021

Nicola Dennis nicola.dennis@globalhq.co.nz

A Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Wind

Windy northerly-quarter winds will mostly turn westerly-quarter this week and surge off and on into the weekend, and potentially into next week too. This is due to more low pressure in the South Island and Southern Ocean areas.

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature Plenty of northerlies and windy westerlies will keep many places warmer than average once again for this week, especially those in the east and north of both main islands. Daytime highs will still be in the mid-20s for some in the east.

14-day outlook

A couple of lows will impact the South Island this week, with windier westerlies in between. The North Island will also get a taste of these lows, with showers coming in from the north and west and some might be heavy – very hit and miss. This weekend another low – more Southern Oceanbased – will bring another burst of heavy West Coast rain and windy westerlies to many other regions; showers into the North Island. And, this looks to be the weather pattern for next week as well.

Drier than average still in eastern zones, especially coastal Canterbury and parts of Hawke’s Bay. Very wet though on the West Coast, with rainfall numbers much higher than average for mid-April. Generally speaking, warmer than average nationwide.

7-day rainfall forecast

0

5

10

20

30

40

50

60

80

100

200

400

Despite an uptick in rainmakers at the moment in the NZ area, it’s worth noting they are all coming in from the west and that means our mountains and ranges will be effective at blocking wet weather from spilling over too far into the east. There may be some eastern coastal parts of both main islands that either entirely miss out, or mostly miss out, on the incoming rain and showers. The West Coast will be wetter than average.

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

STRENGTHENING Chinese economy and ongoing pork supply issues from African swine fever outbreaks have changed Chinese buying patterns over the past months. One notable change is a strong interest in frozen lamb carcases, purchased for further processing.

This has narrowed the export price gap between whole carcases and the ‘valueadd’ frozen lamb cuts. Export statistics for February show that New Zealand lamb processors can usually attain a 75-90c/ kg premium on frozen carcase prices by breaking up the carcase and selling individual parts as frozen cuts.

However, this February, strong enquiry for carcases from the Chinese market has pushed the average frozen lamb carcase price up to $8.52/kg, just 31c/kg below the average returns provided by breaking down the carcase. Early indications are that pricing in this market has continued to strengthen throughout March, but hard data is not yet available. This strong Chinese lamb carcase market is also the driving force behind the valuable winter lamb contracts that are revitalising farm gate lamb price forecasts.

Shipping frozen lamb carcases overseas harks back to the old way of doing things.

Back in the 1980s, when NZ was at peak sheep numbers, frozen lamb carcases were 30-40% of total lamb exports. Since then, things have evolved into a lower throughput system with more focus on selling processed cuts. Frozen carcases now make up 1-2% of total lamb export volumes.

But value-added lamb products have been at odds with the labour shortages that have plagued the meat processing industry for years. Even before covid-19 border restrictions, it was difficult for NZ exporters to satisfy market demand for labour-intensive cuts such as the “boned rolled tubed” (BRT) lamb shoulder. With covid-19 exacerbating labour shortages and shipping delays frustrating the timesensitive delivery of some higher-valued chilled products, it is no surprise that the

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simple option of selling the whole carcase to China is attractive for some processors.

Targeting carcase exports is a bit of a backward step for the industry, with some of the modern plants not set up to freeze many carcases. But, there is enough carcase freezing capacity within NZ to seriously reduce the supply of lamb cuts required to service other markets over winter.

Particularly if the NZ lamb supply hits the all-time low suggested by Beef + Lamb NZ projections.

Looking over past data, China’s interest in lamb carcases would be best described as erratic. China has been importing growing quantities of lamb carcases since August 2020, mainly from NZ and Uruguay.

But, there is no clear pattern of market growth predating this period. Annual Chinese imports for lamb carcases from all countries jump around between one tonne and 11,000t over the past 10 years with no apparent pattern. For the current calendar year, China has already imported 3360t.

Courting this unreliable market might come at the expense of degrading the established markets, which will be needed in the new season when lamb supply lifts again.

Looking over past data, China’s interest in lamb carcases would be best described as erratic.

On the positive side, this could be a shot in the arm for lamb cut prices in the recovering US and European markets.

There have already been some lifts in US and Chinese lamb cut prices recently as buyers reacted to a low supply of forward offers. The UK and EU markets will soon need to follow suit if they want to maintain imported supplies through the NZ offseason. A lack of competing supply from Australia, which is in drought recovery mode, only adds fuel to the fire.

However, there could be long-term repercussions if NZ exporters neglect their hard-won relationships with high-value lamb buyers, particularly if these buyers feel the need to investigate other types of protein in lieu of lamb.

46

SALE YARD WRAP

Murmurs of a green drought Much of the talk at some sale yards has centred around the increasing risk of a green drought. Eastern regions, as well as areas of Bay of Plenty and Northland, have received well below normal rainfall for March and though paddocks are green, soil moisture is once again alarmingly low. The outlook does not provide much relief either. While a lot of rain is expected for the West Coast over the next two weeks – and some showers or patchy rain for northern and western parts of the North Island – many eastern regions have well below normal rainfall for this period, especially coastal Canterbury and coastal Hawke’s Bay. As a result, demand for stock in these areas is wavering and prices for most classes have softened. In contrast, recent rain in regions such as Manawatu, Waikato and Taranaki has eased any pressure and the markets have held up.

NORTHLAND Kaikohe cattle • Quality weaner whiteface steers traded at $560-$580 • Weaner heifers earned $280-$330 • Capital stock Hereford-Friesian cows with Simmental calves-atfoot fetched $1360 • In-calf cows made $1.80-$1.90/kg, with empty boners at $1.60$1.65/kg Buyers remained cautious for a smaller 430 head yarding at KAIKOHE last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported and lesser-quality types were difficult to find homes for. Better R2 whiteface steers sold up to $2.60/ kg, with the more dairy-bred lines $2.00-$2.20/kg. The best of the R2 beef-cross heifers earned $2.45-$2.48/kg.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Charolais steers, 404kg, made $2.82/kg • Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 576kg, sold strongly at $2.70/kg • Beef cows fetched $1.65/kg to $2.05/kg Weaner cattle dominated the 700-head yarding at TUAKAU last Thursday, PGG Wrightson agent Chris Elliott reported. Steers, 140-220kg, managed $510-$730, while 300400kg made $2.25/kg to $2.60/kg. Hereford-Friesian steers, 583kg, fetched $2.59/kg and 420kg, $2.55/kg. The heifer market softened, and most 300-400kg returned $2.30/kg to $2.54/kg. Lighter lines were harder to shift. HerefordFriesian, 210kg, made $590 and 148kg, $425.

On Wednesday heavy prime steers, 630kg-plus, fetched $2.60-$2.70/kg, and lighter, $2.40/kg to $2.58/kg. Heifer numbers were light but most sold well at $2.60-$2.70/kg.

Well-conditioned Friesian cows made $1.60/kg to $1.80/ kg while medium boners earned $1.40/kg to $1.60/kg and light, $1.10/kg to $1.35/kg. A small offering of sheep was presented on Tuesday. Prime lambs returned $102-$140, store lambs fetched $40-$100, and ewes, $100-$152.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle sale 6.4 • Nine R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 321kg, firmed to $2.63/kg • Eight R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 333kg, fetched $2.48/kg • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 150-185kg, traded at $430-$450 A smaller yarding of 224 cattle was penned by PGG Wrightson at FRANKTON last Tuesday with results in line with breed and type. R2 steers provided close to 50% of the total store tally and Hereford-Friesian, 335-453kg, fetched $2.51-$2.58/kg. Red Hereford-Friesian, 342428kg, eased to $2.49/kg. Angus-Friesian heifers, 345kg, managed $2.48/kg with 365kg Hereford at $2.32/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 210-278kg, earned $565-$605.

Hereford-Friesian heifers, 143kg, topped their section at $450 with the balance, 120-135kg, at $205-$350. Two prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 590kg, realised $2.68/kg with same breed bulls, 488-551kg, consistent at $2.60-$2.62/kg.

Friesian bulls, 500kg, earned $2.50/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle sale 7.4 • R2 Angus-cross steers, 339kg, returned $2.46/kg • Autumn-born yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 284-320kg, fetched $2.45-$2.52/kg • Weaner Angus-cross steers, 130kg, firmed to $410 New Zealand Farmers Livestock offered 421 store cattle at FRANKTON last Wednesday and quality types were wellcontested. R2 beef-dairy steers, 434-466kg, were consistent at $2.55-$2.56/kg while 387kg pushed to $2.61/kg. Most heifers, 284-320kg, returned $2.10-$2.25/kg. Weaners accounted for over 50% of the offering and traded at softer levels. Hereford-Friesian steers, 145-150kg, softened to $510-$525. Hereford-dairy, 202-235kg, managed $490-$600.

Ten Speckle Park heifers, 128kg, realised $380. HerefordFriesian, 153-288kg, earned $480-$600. Top Friesian bulls, 191-192kg, returned $500-$515 with 123-140kg at $350-

$370. Boner Friesian cows, 530kg, strengthened to $1.59/ kg, as did Jersey and Jersey-cross, 322-439kg, which ranged from $1.15/kg to $1.38/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

KING COUNTRY Te Kuiti sale • Stop store lambs earned $116-$120 with medium $111-$124 and light $81-$110 • Heavy prime ewes held at $128-$166, medium $118-$120 and light $114 • Prime rams earned $95-$100 A yarding of 700 weaner steers and bulls was mostly bought by local buyers at TE KUITI last Wednesday. The top end of the steers sold to $855-$930, medium $705$840 and the balance down to $550-$655. Charolais and Angus-Friesian bulls, 193-217kg, traded at $555-$595.

Approximately 500 weaner heifers were penned on Friday and buyers were mostly from Taumarunui and local. The top end earned $675-$740, medium $565-$650 and the bottom end $405-$510. Nice Angus lines had the most interest with better types able to reach $3.20/kg to $3.40/kg.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru sale • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 307-418kg, firmed to $2.59-$2.65/kg • Mixed-age Hereford-Friesian cows with calves-at-foot sold to $1310 per unit • Top lambs earned $120-$127, medium $92-$110 and light $50$65 • Prime ewes were limited though better types sold to $170-$176 Just 66 head of store cattle was offered at RANGIURU last Tuesday. Weaners were mostly heifers and heavier Hereford and Hereford-Friesian traded at $500-$610. Prime Hereford cows improved to $2.10/kg and boner cows lifted to $1.69$1.75/kg helped by heavier weights. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero Sheep • Top store ewe lambs held at $100-$109 with medium $85-$95 and light $70-$75 • Cryptorchid lambs made $117-$140 • Prime 2-tooth ewes earned $150 Male lambs sold on par to the previous sale with the top end $113.50-$122.50 and the balance $80-$102 at MATAWHERO last Friday. Prime lambs fetched $148-$152 with medium $129-$130 and light $119-$126. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • Heavy weaner Welsh Black and Hereford-Friesian heifers made $600-$630 • Better mixed-age empty cows earned $1.78-$1.88/kg • Prime steers lifted to $2.61-$2.70/kg A small yarding of just under 270 head was offered at TARANAKI last Wednesday. The top end of R2 steers realised $2.50-$2.57/kg with the next cut $2.30-$2.40/kg.

Weaner average’s firmed $5-$10 and steers mostly traded at $450-$580, and heifers $410-$470. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • A pen of R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 519kg, achieved $2.60/kg • R2 Angus & Angus-Hereford heifers, 310-334kg, sold for $2.25$2.39/kg • Heavy male lambs eased to $115-$123 • Good to heavy ewe lambs also eased to $112-$121 Northern Hawke’s Bay vendors accounted for most of the cattle at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, though

these tallied up to just 280. Most were traditional steers and heifers and demand was limited from a small bench.

R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers varied from $2.57/ kg up to $3.05/kg while a pen of Speckle Park, 318kg, managed $3.02/kg. Their sisters at 273kg returned $2.53/kg.

Dry conditions softened the lamb market and good males sold for $109-$117. A similar result in the ewe pens meant medium types eased to $92-$105. Heavy mixed-sex sold for $124-$125.50. A consignment of light-medium to good Romney-cross ewes were also offered and were run-withram. All age groups sold for $110-$150. Read more in your LivestockEye. Wairoa weaner fair • Top Angus steers made $875-$880 • Top Angus and Angus-Hereford steers reached $785-$835 Buyers returned to the WAIROA sale yards last Thursday for the weaner fair. Just over 1360 mainly traditional calves were offered and over 1000 of those were steers. This market was similar to other recent fairs and second cuts traded at $600-$750. Few steers traded below this level, but heifer buyers were reluctant to push past $600 and the lines that sold made $410-$550 with one line to $585. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep; feeder calves • Heavy lambs sold for $150-$161 • Good Friesian bull calves earned $175-$205 • Good Hereford-Friesian bull calves made $200-$220 It was a small sale at FEILDING last Tuesday following the long weekend. Friesian cows made up most of the cattle section and aside from one 690kg cow that sold for $1.73/ kg the rest were of lower quality and made $1.40-$1.50/kg.

Despite volume being close to half of the previous week, there were significantly more very heavy lambs present and these made $170-$179. Medium-good pens earned $136$149. The top price amongst the prime ewes was $175 and most of the yarding traded at $127-$142. Feeder calf volume grew to 260 head and medium bulls sold for $140-$165.

Hereford-Friesian heifers varied from $80 up to $180. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store sale • R3 traditional steers, 530-625kg, sold for $2.75-$2.85/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 360-430kg, were usually $2.50-$2.60/ kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 180-195kg, made $475-$490 • Store male lambs averaged $122 • Store ewe lambs averaged $114 A little under 1100 store cattle were sold at FEILDING. The R2 steer market was sticky at times, but some 385485kg Angus did sell for $2.80-$2.85/kg with exotics around $2.55-$2.65/kg. A big line of 375kg R2 Friesian bulls made $2.40/kg. R2 heifers of all breeds were mainly $2.30-$2.50/ kg depending on quality. Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 175-210kg, were $535-$570, with 150-175kg heifers of the same breed making $450-$480. Around 19,000 store lambs continued to trade on a hot market, especially the ewe lambs. A few pens of heavy male lambs were around $140, but the good types worked off $125-$135, followed by $115$120 for mediums and $95-$110 for lighter types. The goodto-heavy ewe lambs sold at $125-$130, but the bulk were medium-to-good weights at $110-$120, with lighter pens around $90-$110. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding weaner fairs • Traditional steers, 225-255kg, lifted to $800-$880 • Charolais-cross steers, 285-335kg, lifted to $1000-$1035 • Purebred Simmental bulls, 290kg, sold for $1000, $3.45/kg • Charolais-cross heifers, 290-300kg, made $790-$805 • Traditional heifers, 230-250kg, improved at $605-$650 A yarding of 1400 steers and 50 bulls at FEILDING last Wednesday met a stronger market on day one of the weaner fairs. The main section was the traditional steers which

47

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021

MY TURN YET? Weaned calves await their turn in the rostrum at the Te Kuiti steer and bull fair last Thursday.

Photo: Dean Williamson

consistently traded at $3.40-$3.65/kg for the 190-295kg weight range. Three 260-285kg pens punched above the rest though at $1005-$1075, $3.80-$4.00/kg. Other steers were mainly Charolais-cross which made $3.30-$3.50/kg at 200-280kg. A little more than 700 heifers lifted slightly on day two last Thursday. About half were Charolaiscross, 250-300kg, which made $2.70-$2.85/kg, followed by $2.55-$2.75/kg for 190-235kg. All 190-285kg traditional heifers sold for $2.55-$2.75/kg as well. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rongotea cattle • Weaner steers traded at $340-$500 • Better weaner bulls sold to $550-$600 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 118-188kg, fetched $290-$420 • Jersey boner cows made $1.21/kg There was just a small yarding of cattle at RONGOTEA last Tuesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 520kg, made $2.32/kg with same breed bulls, $2.33/kg. In the feeder calf pens, better bulls sold to $150-$165 and heifers $105-$155.

while the rest were evenly spread out from $120-$159. Not many ewes made $200-$230, but the majority were $140$197 while lesser types were generally $100-$139. The top cut of the store lambs made $110-$115 while half traded at $90-$106 and the balance $60-$90. R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 436-443kg, performed best amongst the store cattle at $2.02/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Culverden second calf sale • Charolais-cross steers, 253kg, topped the sale at $835 • Top Angus steers sold for $710-$815, $3.16-$3.36/kg The second round of calf sales at CULVERDEN consisted of 1200 mainly traditional lines and a sprinkling of exotic breeds. The steer market was firm on the previous week and traditional lines, 215-240kg, averaged $3.22-$3.32/ kg. Lighter Angus, 195-210kg, averaged $3.26/kg, as did exotic, 185-255kg. A consignment of Hereford steers, 183242kg, sold for $570-$730, $3.00-$3.11/kg. Heifer demand was mixed dependent on the quality of lines and that was reflected in the prices. The best of the traditional heifers sold for $515-$615, $2.49-$2.58/kg, though lesser lines were off that pace. Charolais-cross, 208-221kg, returned $470$530, $2.26-$2.30/kg.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • Prime Charolais-cross steers, 600 and 665kg, were pushed to $2.60/kg • Heavy and medium store lambs regularly made $74-$113 CANTERBURY PARK featured lower than usual volume in all sections last Tuesday. Prime lambs mostly made $101$153 while ewes generally ranged from $90 to $188. Top ewes reached $204-$229 though were limited in number.

Many of the cattle were lighter weights than is normal. The steer section was mostly traditional types, 435-510kg, that were priced at $2.21-$2.25/kg. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 526-578kg, were $2.21-$2.29/kg while a variety of other breeds, 415-500kg, traded for $2.16-$2.21/kg. Both beef and dairy cows were selectively bought throughout. Read more in your LivestockEye. Coalgate cattle and sheep • Prime steers over 500kg made $2.41-$2.52/kg • Prime Angus-cross heifers, 536-593kg, achieved $2.42-$2.44/kg • 250 scanned-in-lamb breeding ewes sold for $165-$176 A quality yarding of prime sheep was offered at COALGATE last Thursday. Prices lifted and buyers easily absorbed extra numbers. The top lambs made $160-$188

The Eastern and Southern section of the TEMUKA calf sale offered a big selection of heavy beef calves last Wednesday with more than half of the tally heavier than 250kg. Simmental-Angus, 299-339kg, sold for $910-$995.

Good numbers of 271-310kg Angus, Charolais-cross, and Simmental-cross were typically $820-$960. Interest dropped amongst the heifers and the most attention was given to the heavier exotic pens, 275-328kg, that sold for $710-$800. Traditional heifers with weight sold for $595$655, and the balance $330-$570. Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka calf sale, Mackenzie section • Hereford steers, 312kg, topped the sale at $1030 • Angus heifers, 189-249kg, managed $495-$600 Nearly 1500 entries were in the Mackenzie section of the TEMUKA calf sale held on Friday. The market generally maintained the same tempo as other auctions earlier in the week, though quality was not quite as high, and heifers were more popular. Angus steers, 250-270kg, earned $850$900 while the majority were 200-248kg and $670-$860.

Most Hereford entries were 262-285kg and $860-$945.

Angus-Hereford heifers were generally heavier than the Angus pens and 200-261kg made $540-$630. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime cattle and all sheep • Prime steers over 500kg sold for $2.41-$2.50/kg regardless of breed • A pen of 422 Halfbred wether lambs reached $102.50 Store lamb prices were stable at TEMUKA last Tuesday with a range of $76-$113 common for the majority. The prime lamb and ewe tallies were low relative to recent sales. Lambs mostly sold for $115-$156 with ewes $90-$200.

The change of sale day didn’t completely stem the flow of cull dairy cows, but the market was largely steady. Nearly the entire line-up of Friesian and Kiwicross were priced within a $1.20/kg to $1.40/kg range. Plenty of traditional beef cows, 620-745kg, made $1.50-$1.60/kg. The best beef heifers were $2.36-$2.42/kg and the biggest collection was Angus-Hereford, 510-525kg, that made $2.25-$2.30/kg.

Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka calf sale Eastern and Southern section • Traditional steers averaged 235kg and $720, $3.04/kg • Simmental steers, 317-394kg, managed $960-$1190 • Exotic heifers averaged 250kg and $640, $2.55/kg

OTAGO Balclutha sheep • Heavy prime ewes eased to $130-$140, medium $120 and light $60-$100 • Store lambs improved with the top end up to $90-$100, medium $70-$80 and light $60-$100 Prime lambs firmed at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday and heavy types fetched $140-$150, medium $120-$130 and light $100-$110.

Palmerston calf sale • Top traditional heifers exceeded $700 PALMERSTON achieved a full clearance last Friday at the second calf sale. Buyers fronted from South Canterbury, Ranfurly and Southland to bid and buy on mainly traditional calves and a few lines of exotic. Steers largely sold from $2.85/kg to $3.00/kg and top Charolais made $800-$950 and Simmental-Hereford $700-$780. Exotic heifers returned $2.45-$2.50/kg and traditional $2.35-$2.40/ kg.

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Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 12, 2021 SI STEER

NI COW

NI LAMB

($/KG)

($/KG)

($/KG)

4.65

3.50

6.70

EXOTIC STEERS, 275KG AVERAGE, AT FEILDING WEANER FAIR

$670 high $1220 Charolais-cross steers Traditional steers, 220kg lights Top average, at Canterbury at Whataroa calf sale

($/HD)

925

Park Calf Sale

ACROSS THE RAILS

Plenty of action in short week Suz Bremner

W

suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

HILE many use the short week to extend a long weekend even further, there is rarely any let up for the farming community. And, with a total of 19 calf sales and weaner fairs calendared for the four days of last week, it was busier than usual.

South Island sales did outnumber North Island as the progression moves further south, and weather conditions played a large part in increasing or decreasing demand at the various yards. Manawatu pastures enjoyed a drink the previous week, and that helped boost local competition at the Feilding weaner fairs held on Wednesday and Thursday, though Waikato buyers also contributed to a firm heifer market. Sale yards in dry areas reported limited demand and a subsequent softening in prices.

Hakataramea calf sale Demand at the annual Hakataramea calf sale last Tuesday was subdued due to dry conditions, which kept many usual buyers out of the market.

Top steers fetched $750-$950 and Simmental-Hereford achieved the highest value. Medium types earned $600-$750 and light $400$580. Interest was low for heifers and the top-end traded at $560$760, with Simmental-Hereford again taking the top spot. Medium heifers fetched $450-$550 and light $380-$450.

Castle Ridge Station and Mount Arrowsmith calf sales Two-hundred-and-eight Angus steers were offered at the Castle Ridge calf sale last Tuesday, which sold to local and North Otago

HIDDEN GEMS: Hidden away in the native bush of south Westland is the Whataroa sale yards, which hosted 500 calves at the annual calf sale last Thursday. Quality was superb and Charolais-cross heifers from Glacier Horned Herefords, Fox Glacier, topped their section at $1110.

Photo: Anna Fisher

buyers. Calves sold well and weights ranged from 216-350kg at an average of 281kg. Top steers reached $1040, with the bottom end $680, and per kilogram values averaged around the $3.30-$3.50/ kg mark. Following this sale, Mount Arrowsmith offered 120 good station-bred steers, which fetched an average of $3.22/kg, with heifers around $2.50/kg.

Canterbury Park calf sale Local buyers were notably missing, due to dry conditions, at the first calf sale of the year at Canterbury Park last Wednesday.

Angus steers were the main feature and recognised vendors made a premium, which led to a wide range of prices. This included two cuts among the 270-280kg lines of $900-$945

and $830-$865. This became less apparent as weights reduced and pens over 200kg fetched $670-$820. Angus-Hereford were generally discounted compared to their pure-bred equivalents at $635-$800, while the bulk of the heifers were 195-276kg Angus or Angus-Hereford that sold for $480-$600. A few heavier Angus heifers stretched to $680-$760.

Omakau first calf sale Around 850 calves were penned at the Omakau calf sale last Wednesday and consisted of mostly traditional lines. Top steers earned $660-$830, medium $545$625 and small $315-$500. Better heifers sold to $610-$675, with medium $350-$450 and small $250-$325. Hereford bulls traded in a range of $630-$700.

Omarama calf sale Southland buyers dominated at the Omarama calf sale last Thursday. Approximately 750 weaner calves were offered, and regular vendors presented a nice line-up of mostly Simmentalcross and traditional calves.

Simmental-cross steers earned $915-$980 and Angus, $790-$855.

Simmental-cross heifers traded at $720-$855 and traditional, $520$570.

Whataroa calf sale Native bush provided a scenic backdrop at the annual calf sale at Whataroa in south Westland last Thursday. A superb line-up of 500 calves consisted of Charolaiscross, Angus and Angus-Hereford, and Hereford from local properties. Sale of the day went to

21 Charolais-cross steers at $1220 and the top cut of the Charolaiscross heifers from the same property also achieved $1110. The balance of the Charolais-cross steers made $810-$1110 and top Angus-Hereford, $870-$1010.

Second cut Angus-Hereford fetched $560-$645 and straight Angus sold for $590-$850. A small offering of Hereford steers made $840-$940. The balance of the Charolais-cross heifers sold well at $645-$870 and Angus-Hereford, $630-$740. ***More calf sale and weaner fair reports can be found in the Sale Yard section.

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