Farmers Weekly NZ July 13 2020 by AgriHQ

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Vol 19 No 27, July 13, 2020

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3 Wool petition launched Vol 19 No 27, July 13, 2020

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The future is Te Taiao Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

HE Government plans to boost export earnings from the primary sector over the next decade while improving the environment and adding jobs. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched the Fit for a Better World roadmap devised by the Primary Sector Council and to be implemented by the Ministry for Primary Industries. The compounded annual growth rate of primary sector exports is conservatively estimated at 1.9% in the post-covid world but could be elevated to 3.4% by committing to the roadmap. The cumulative total of extra export revenue over the next decade could reach $44b, MPI has predicted. Growth as usual would suggest a target of $57b in 2030 but something approaching $70b would be possible with sectorwide commitment. “The primary sector is on a pathway to transformation and now it is providing a head-start to economic recovery after covid-19,” she told industry leaders, officials and MPs. More than 100 gathered at Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland where squally showers prevented Ardern and other ministers going outside onto the school farm as planned. “From the moment I started this job I have never questioned the future of the food and fibre sector,” she said. “We have the same goals – to

clean the waterways, build climate resilience, develop new export markets, eradicate Mycoplasma bovis and deliver the country from covid-19.” She called the plan realistic and workable. It contains practical ways to gain more value, create more jobs and bolster our green reputation. Ardern ticked off $1.5b of committed investment by the Government in freshwater quality, water storage, supporting exporters, reducing agricultural emissions, planting a billion trees, boosting employment and developing new horticultural crops. The Government is also putting nearly $100 million into the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund and into forestry for innovative projects. It is funding retraining of people who lost their jobs, market access work, secure containment for imported plant varieties and the reduction of food waste. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the primary sector has recorded 4.5% growth in 12 months to April 30 despite covid-19. “We can’t rely on volume growth to generate greater returns. “We need to create new, billiondollar, category-leading products while respecting Te Taiao, the natural world. “There is huge potential in this roadmap but it can be achieved only through a close partnership between industry and Maori.” O’Connor said covid-19 has caused the world to reprioritise food and shelter and New Zealanders are looking to the primary sector to take the economy forward.

TASTY: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sampled the Zaroa crafted meat products of Wilhelm, left, and Mark Zabern.

The fight against M bovis demonstrates what can be done with a unified team. Council chairman Lain Jager said much of the primary sector’s 4% annual growth in the decade before the last election came from the dairy industry and that is not repeatable. “We have looked at the projections of normal growth and overlaid that with transformational growth, such as the aquaculture industry’s own plans. “The core proposition from the council is that NZ’s place in the sun delivers fantastic food and fibre, at which we are world leaders. “The council believes we can enhance and emphasise that

excellence and unlock further growth.” Under the heading of transformational productive opportunities the council lists water storage, aquaculture and horticultural development. It calls for new product development and revitalisation in strong wool. Research and development settings must be aligned to the strategic direction of the primary sector. Maori agribusiness and fisheries should be more productive and innovative. In addition the council suggests overhauling legislation and regulation in exporting, biosecurity, animal welfare and food safety.

Within the sustainable opportunities were listed wood manufacturing, design using timber, more diverse commercial tree species and adding value to unproductive land. The He Waka Eke Noa framework for on-farm emissions reduction must deliver ways of recording and reporting for individual landowners. Inclusivity is defined as increasing the attractiveness of the sector for employment and career pathways, connecting rural people digitally and supporting thriving rural communities.

MORE: ENTHUSIASTIC LEADERS P8 WOOL REPORT P3

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NEWS

7 He’s broken his own world

record

Mid Canterbury arable farmer Eric Watson has broken his own Guinness World Record for the highest-yielding wheat crop.

REGULARS Newsmaker �� 28 New Thinking �� 29 Editorial �� 30

22 Live exports a big earner Live animal exports are pouring millions of dollars into rural economies with greater demand than ever for New Zealand breeding cattle.

Pulpit �� 31 Opinion �� 32 World �� 35 Real Estate �� 37-38 Farm Trader �� 39-40 Employment �� 41 Classifieds �� 41-42 Livestock �� 42-43 Weather �� 45 Markets �� 44-48

5 Concrete is a one-way crop

4 Big boost for dairy

Development of an inland port in Hawke’s Bay is under fire because of its location on fertile land ideally suited to food production.

An extraordinary surge in demand for whole milk powder lit a fuse beneath the Global Dairy Trade auction last week, driving up the GDT price index by 8.3%.

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Back in 1860, exporting meat to the other side of the world seemed about as easy as nailing gravy to the ceiling. But a few determined kiwis took the bull by the horns and now our grass-fed beef and lamb is sought-after all around the globe. At AFFCO, we see the same pioneering spirit alive and well in farmers today. We’re playing our part too – exploring every opportunity to take New Zealand’s finest farm-raised products to the world.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Plan to revitalise wool sector Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz LEADERSHIP of the strong wool industry is set for a shake-up if recommendations in a longawaited report on how to revitalise it are acted on. The report also recognises it can learn from its fine wool neighbour and what it has achieved while strong wool prices and demand have gone in the opposite direction. Vision and Action for New Zealand’s Wool Sector, a Wool Industry Project Action Group report, says a strong wool sector governance and co-ordination group must be established, involving representatives from the sector, value chains and Government with farmers, researchers, exporters, manufacturers, merchants and marketers. PAG chairman John Rodwell says the new group’s first task will be to create a short list of people and organisations capable of developing a market-focused investment case and strategic roadmap for strong wool. The idea is to partner with global experts capable of providing an outside-in market perspective to identify opportunities and an

investment case to take advantage of them. “By putting consumers and end-users at the heart of what we do and understanding their needs we will be able to position New Zealand strong wool as the highvalue natural fibre of choice,” the report says. “This will increase demand for strong wool and lift profitability for all parts of the sector.” The sector has lacked necessary investment, which has led to a drop in development capabilities in the past 20 years. To rectify that it needs to rebuild capability in skills training, research and development, accreditation and standards, data and statistics and sector connection and coordination. It recommends appointing an executive officer, with governance provided by the new leadership group, to help drive that work. The lack of profitability and investment has seen sheep numbers fall 45% since 1995 from 45 million to 27m in 2018, with wool production down 51%, from 213m kg clean equivalent to 105m. But NZ is still the world’s largest strong wool exporter with enough critical mass to take advantage of shifting market attitudes.

Consumers and big brands are looking for natural fibres that have a strong environmental story and large-scale supply chains. The sector can meet those needs if it can engage with those global consumers and collaborate to renew investment. Rodwell says the covid-19 pandemic has been a disrupter but also provides opportunities. “A lot of the existing wool trade has been shut down with dramatic consequences on product movement and prices. Its impact has been profound. But our opportunity in the post-covid world has been enhanced.” NZ has never been more in the global spotlight in terms of attitudes to health and safety and is respected for that, which will provide greater opportunities for exporters of primary products, including wool. The report recognises the strong wool sector has a lot to learn from its fine wool equivalent. “The fine wool sector has demonstrated the success of consumer-focused business models and strong connections between growers and partners. “These connections provide a channel to understand and deliver to consumer needs across the supply chain and ensure that their

TEAMWORK: Wool Industry Project Action Group members, from left, Kate Acland, Steve Williamson, John Rodwell, Andy Cooper, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, Paul Ensor and Grant Edwards aim to set the sector on a path to future growth.

products truly resonate with the end user. “Fine wool farmers understand who uses their wool and that gives them a sense of pride and purpose.” Agriculture Minister Damien Damien O’Connor says the report aims to set the strong wool sector on a more sustainable and profitable path. “While the Project Action Group’s report paints a grim but

accurate picture of a sustained lack of investment and breakdown of wool industry structures it outlines a vision for the sector and a way forward. “I now want to see the sector step up. There’s no single idea or Government policy to solve the wool sector’s problems. For this work to have real impact, greater participation and ownership by the wool sector is needed.”

Use wool petition launched

WORTH MORE: South Otago farmer Amy Blaikie has launched a petition to increase the use of wool.

A PETITION calling for wool to be used in public buildings and Kiwi Build homes has attracted more than 7300 signatures. South Otago sheep and beef farmer Amy Blaikie says signatories are surprised a natural, New Zealand-grown fibre is not already used to carpet or insulate publicly funded buildings. “They are supportive and can’t understand why it hasn’t happened.” As well as providing extra

demand for the depressed fibre, wool’s well-documented fire resistance and its environmental merits justify its use. With consumers increasingly looking at the life cycle of products, synthetic carpets cannot compete with wool, she says. She launched the petition after putting her farm business under the microscope as part of involvement with the Red Meat Profit Partnership. “I got to look at wool and

Living the dream Resilient Resourceful Rewarded

James and Janeen Bruce: “We were managing a farm in the north Wairarapa when the chance came up in 2009 to buy a farm in equity partnership. Over the past eleven years we’ve bought out the equity partner, done extensive fencing, fertiliser and lucerne development on the 410 effective hectares, and lifted sheep performance to a high level. Extra income from handling horses, Janeen’s co-ownership of three child care centres, and lease blocks have enabled us to survive, then thrive. I can solo farm 6,300 to 7,500 stock units on the home block plus 330 effective hectares leased, but often leave big drafting jobs to weekends when my two older daughters can help.” “Wairere genetics have played an important part in our success. We run an FE resilient flock for Wairere, tested at .55 sporidesmin this year, and a straight Romney flock. The Waireres cope well with the seasonal variability in this 770mm average rainfall climate. They bounce back, and are easycare. We also appreciate Wairere sponsoring the annual Martinborough bull ride that I organise. Coaching the Martinborough rugby team to win the Wairarapa championship was a thrill in 2019. We farm in a great community here, pulling together, succeeding together.”

Making your sheepfarming easier and more profitable www.wairererams.co.nz | 0800 WAIRERE (0800 924 7373))

saw how it is undervalued and underused. We put it on a truck and off it goes.” Her main ewe fleece was this year valued at $1.50/kg. She had a minor victory in selling it for $1.69/kg. NZ First campaigned at the last election to use wool carpets in Government buildings but it did not survive the coalition negotiations. The petition is on www. parliament.nz. It closes on July 31.

James Bruce, near Martinborough, feeding baleage to Wairere Romney ewes which tailed 162% in 2019. Mid March, 2020.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Farmers, lock in some $7/kg Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz AN EXTRAORDINARY surge in demand for whole milk powder lit a fuse beneath the Global Dairy Trade auction last week, driving up the GDT price index by 8.3%. It was the largest single-auction gain since November 2016. WMP prices rose 14%, putting a rocket under the dairy market recovery and outweighing all the losses over the covid-19 lockdown in China. An average of US$3200/tonne is the best level since late January and better than this time last year. On the basis of these GDT prices plus the higher dairy futures prices that ensued the NZX milk price calculator’s forecast rose 40c to $7.10, which is above the top end of the season-opening Fonterra forecast range of $5.40 to $6.90. The milk price futures market also jumped to $7 and market

operator NZX said that is a colossal turnaround from the lows of two months back when the contract bottomed out at $5.93. Dairy farmers should be beating down the doors of their futures brokers to get some of that action or applying to Fonterra for a big slice of the fixed price offer in July. Chief executive Miles Hurrell was as surprised as farmers by the surge. “Really surprising and no-one saw a lift of this magnitude,” he said. There are promising signs of market demand for New Zealand WMP at a time in the year when Fonterra doesn’t put large volumes on the auction platform. Westpac analyst Nathan Penny said prices for shorter-dated delivery WMP contracts were higher than those further out, which suggests buyers know larger quantities will be available later in the NZ season.

Rabobank senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey said even the most optimistic commentator would not have predicted the GDT result. Northern hemisphere prices have been stable for some time and nothing in the data releases signalled a major shift in fundamentals. “It is a very encouraging result as Fonterra is able to lock away some product at decent prices in advance of the main selling season. “But we would still be cautious about calling a sustained lift in prices. “The underlying fundamentals will mean global markets will need to price in high stocks on the buy and sell side, lower dairy demand in emerging economies as incomes are negatively impacted and growing milk pools in all key export regions.” Penny echoed that sentiment.

BLINDSIDED: Even the most optimistic commentator would not have predicted a 14% lift in whole milk powder prices, Rabobank senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey says.

He expects weaker global prices during the peak NZ season. “The uncertainties around the covid-19 impact through the

full dairy season remain large.” The current Westpac prediction for the farmgate milk price is $6.50.

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Port goes on productive land Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz DEVELOPMENT of an inland port in Hawke’s Bay is under fire because of its location on fertile land ideally suited to food production. The Government’s decision to invest about $20 million, part of its kickstart to the post-covid economy, on the Whakatu inland port has been welcomed by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the land’s owner, Port of Napier, but the Save Our Plains group has labelled the move as ludicrous. Spokesman Richard Gaddum says the 12ha site is made up of top quality soil and to put that under concrete, a one-way crop, defies belief. Gaddum says Whakatu is soil type LUC1, which is a precious resource in NZ. “We should be protecting our soil like this for food production. It’s just senseless, I can’t understand it.” The land is designated industrial in the Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy. Gaddum says that allowed Hastings District Council, the Napier City Council and the regional council to feel justified allowing the area to be used for industrial expansion but it is not the correct approach. The justification being used to build the inland port at Whakatu is based on the necessary infrastructure being there, including rail and road links and water and wastewater connections. The concern is that once the inland port is established those behind it will want it to expand, taking over even more productive land. “It will be like a cancerous growth. It has to stop. Once the land is developed it is lost forever,” Gaddum said. “It’s short-term thinking: today, tomorrow and next week.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

NO MORE: Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chairman Rex Graham says putting concrete on prime productive land on the Heretaunga Plains has to stop.

They’re not thinking, five, 10, 50, 100 years ahead.” The group is not opposed to an inland port but says it would be better suited if it was in an area where there are poorer quality soils. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chairman Rex Graham says the development of the inland port is vital for the Hawke’s Bay economy but the creep of residential and industrial development onto the Heretaunga Plains has to stop. “They (Save Our Plains) are absolutely correct. “There have been some dreadful decisions made in the past and some of the best land in the world is now under concrete. “We need to get a map and draw a line so everyone knows that they can’t cross it.” He says Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst understands

the problem and agrees the fertile land needs to be protected. Unfortunately, the Whakatu land had already been designated industrial and changing that is very difficult, Graham says. “We can’t go back now and change it. The point is no more.” The regional council is pleased the inland port has attracted Government investment. “The inland port will enable the creation of more jobs for our growing community, support local iwi and especially the Whakatu community with economic opportunities and provide a more efficient and sustainable process for our exporters.” Napier Port chief executive Todd Dawson says the Whakatu inland port is a vital piece of infrastructure that will provide

Napier Port with capacity to meet the regional growth expected in Hawke’s Bay and beyond. “It is strategically located within the Whakatu industrial zone, in the heart of the Hawke’s Bay pipfruit industry, with direct rail and road connections to Napier Port and the lower North Island. “It will provide efficiencies for exporters with reduced trucking distances and greater flexibility in container storage for both exports and imports. It will also consolidate operations pivotal to local supply chains in one location and avoid unnecessary and inefficient duplication of facilities. “In short, the Government’s funding of this project has the potential to accelerate growth in the region for the benefit of all.

Farmer fined for Nait breach THE first prosecution under the National Identification and Tracing Act for failing to register more than 1000 animals has resulted in a dairy farm manager being fined $3600 following a Ministry for Primary Industries investigation. Raymond Arthur Griffin, of Oruanui, appeared in Taupo District Court for sentencing on Wednesday for failing to register the animals for which he was responsible. Between August 21 and October 25 last year Griffin moved 1026 cattle from a Nait farm where he was the person in charge of the animals to other Nait locations but did not register the animals with Nait before moving them. “We take the animal identification and tag system very seriously,” MPI animal welfare and Nait compliance manager Gray Harrison said. “MPI’s ability to manage biosecurity threats such as the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis and other diseases of cattle or deer is heavily dependent on being able to rapidly and accurately trace animal movements.” The judge described Griffin’s offending as highly careless given the educational approach taken by MPI for a previous and similar incident. “We are satisfied with the sentence outcome and believe it sends a strong message the Nait Act will be enforced,” Harrison said Griffin faced a maximum penalty of up to $10,000. Recent amendments to penalties in the Nait Act have increased the maximum penalty to $100,000. Other NAIT prosecutions now before the courts are subject to the expanded penalties.

MORE: FARMERS LIFT GAME

P19

“It’s alright to talk“ Want to talk? Connect to supports that can help you right now: 1737 Need to Talk? Is a mental health helpline number that provides access to trained counsellors who can offer support to anyone who needs to talk about mental health or addiction issues. It is free to call or text at any time. Youthline www.youthline.co.nz offers support to young people and their families, including online resources about a wide range of issues that affect young people. It can be contacted by calling 0800 376 633, texting 234, email (talk@youthline.co.nz) or online chat. Domestic violence and advice & support, call Women’s Refuge Crisis line 0800 733 843.

Alcohol and drug helpline 0800 787 797. What’s up www.whatsup.co.nz offers counselling to 5 to 18 year olds by freephone 0800 942 8787 (1pm10pm Monday - Friday, 3pm-10pm weekends) or online chat. Mental health information and advice for children, teenagers and families is available on its website. The Lowdown www.thelowdown.co.nz is a website and helpline for young people to help them recognise and understand depression or anxiety. It also has a 24/7 helpline that can be contacted by calling freephone 0800 111 757 or texting 5626.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Big money thrown into Kaipara Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz UP TO $100 million has been allocated by the Government for cleaning up the Kaipara Harbour by riparian planting, fencing and farm environment plans. The Kaipara amount is twothirds of the funding announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Environment Minister David Parker on 23 Jobs for Nature projects around the country. Getting the lion’s share of the money illustrates the size of the Kaipara and the huge Northland and Auckland regional catchments that are connected. In total 370,000ha of pastoral land drains to the Kaipara with more than 8000km of feeder waterways. The harbour covers 950 sqare kilometres or 95,000ha at high tide is the largest in New Zealand and one of the largest in the world. It occupies a third of the isthmus between Auckland and Whangarei latitudes, which is about 120km. Northland Regional Council

chairwoman Penny Smart, who farms in part of the catchment, said about 300 new jobs will be generated, 200 of them on farms for fencing, weeding and planting. The rest will be for suppliers such as nurseries, rural merchants and farm advisers. Spokesman Tame Te Rangi, from the five-iwi Kaipara Moana Negotiations Reference Group, said the ambitious scheme aims to halve the loss of sediment from land in the catchment. As sediment carries other nutrients, the reduction will improve water quality, lead to greater biodiversity, improve resilience to climate change and capture carbon through tree planting and wetland management. Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith said the remedial work cannot come early enough for the marae and communities that live alongside the harbour. Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group chairman Willie Wright said iwi and hapu, farmers, other landowners, landcare groups, councils and industry

MIGHTY: One small arm of the giant Kaipara Harbour, subject to sedimentation and loss of habitat for fish and birds.

groups have been working for years to improve the harbour. The programme will not be a one-size-fits-all approach and the plan is to work closely with landowners and industry groups to ensure costs are kept under control. Ardern said the $162m package from Vote Environment will deliver 2000 jobs around the country in post-covid employment. “These 23 projects were

selected because they deliver clear and immediate job creation, significant environmental outcomes, regional spread and because of engagement in them by iwi and community groups.” They are the first projects selected from among 300 submitted by councils in April with a funding requirement of about $2 billion. Others to be selected include the Piako River green corridor on

the Hauraki Plains, given $2.825m, about half of the $5.5m allocated through the Waikato Regional Council. The project seeks to reconnect the Kopuatai wetland to the Firth of Thames. It will increase shade and biodiversity in drainage canals and waterways. More effective wetlands will provide sanctuary in harsh summer conditions and much of the work will be on councilmanaged land. Waikato council river and catchment committee chairman Stu Husband said the work will support local businesses like fencers, arborists, pest control specialists, nurseries and rural supply stores. Another project is ManawatuWhanganui riparian management, $4.68m, with the potential for 125 jobs to expand the ManawatuWanganui Regional Council (Horizons) fencing and planting programme. Similarly sized programmes are planned for Taranaki, Horowhenua, Wairarapa, Greater Wellington and Southland.

Watson breaks his own world record Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz MID Canterbury arable farmer Eric Watson has broken his own Guinness World Record for the highest-yielding wheat crop. The crop of Kerrin wheat weighed 17.398 tonnes a hectare, beating the record he set in 2017 of 16.791t/ha by 0.607t/ha. The variety was developed by European seed company KWS and is used for stock feed. The crop was sown on April 19 last year on the same 8.6ha paddock on his farm near Ashburton that set the old record.

It was sown at 70kg/ha aiming for 120-130 plants a square metre and resulting in 126 plants/square metre. The crop was given a post drill pre-emergence weed spray and various insecticides and fungicides throughout the season. He also monitored the crop for trace element deficiencies. “The crop had 304kg of nitrogen per hectare, which works out at 22kg per tonne of grain yield, which I believe is the lowest rate for any world record. “It’s very sustainable production,” he said. Watson believes the decision to change to liquid nitrogen helped

Are you a future food hero?

boost the crop to the recordbreaking yield. “My reasoning for that is that we have seen a lot of stripping (poor fertiliser spreading) over the years. We were trying to spread urea to 32 metres and sometimes the quality wasn’t good enough and it wouldn’t spread. We were getting stripping. “It can only amount to 5-6% but it is significant over the crop growth period because we are not over-applying nitrogen because it always shows up.” He bought a 48m spray boom, giving him an even spread of liquid fertiliser. He also extensively monitored

the crop with moisture probes to help tell the right times to irrigate and was aided by good weather. “It was also a very good growing season in Canterbury, probably one of the best growing seasons we have had.” It was never too hot and the crop received timely rainfall, he said. In the lead-up to harvest on February 17 he was quietly confident it had broken the record because it had a good grain weight thanks to good weather. Watson said he unofficially knew once the crop was weighed at harvest but received official confirmation from Guinness on Wednesday.

“We knew pretty much straight away.” He credited Bayer Crop Science, which did much of the background coordination to make the record attempt possible, including funding and organising the necessary people to witness it. Watson said he is not ruling out trying to break his record again. “There’s always better, higheryielding varieties coming through and there’s always room for improvement. You might tweak something differently the next year, try something new and that’s what we are always trying to do.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Let’s all pull together for recovery Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz ALL farmers, orchardists, foresters and fishers care about the wellbeing of the land and territorial waters, Primary Sector Council chairman Lain Jager says. “It is not about environmental versus economic outcomes. “Environmental excellence is our only viable strategic pathway forward and many of our leading farmers are already well down this path. “The Fit for a Better World vision is more than nice words. “It is a partnership between industry and Government to align activity and investment across science, technology and training. “It is about ambitious pathways to carbon neutrality and protecting our precious water.” The council has come up with a mix of short, medium and long-term actions to enable the Government, agencies, Maori, industry bodies, businesses, processors, farmers, fishers, foresters and growers to work together to rebuild a better, stronger, more sustainable and more innovative sector. “There is significant scope to grow our customer base, building on our sustainable management of natural resources, our trusted regulatory and production systems and our global reputation for honesty and competence.” Primary Industries directorgeneral Ray Smith said when New Zealand was locked down by covid-19 about 250,000 people in

the primary sector continued to work every day. “We did not let NZ down and we were not vectors for the spread of disease. “Our entire sector came together and shared insights, ideas and challenges and emerged with a new sense of pride.” MPI verified more than 11,000 businesses during that time and everyone tried to get it right. “Now we must lead the recovery.” Smith said the goals are growing primary sector exports by $44 billion over 10 years, cutting biogenic methane emissions by 27% to 47% and getting 10,000 more people into the workforce over four years. Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard is pleased to see the emphasis put on trade and the growing of workforce capabilities. He would not endorse the methane reduction and believes there is not sufficient appreciation of the economic cost of freshwater remediation. Fit for a Better World encompasses what customers want from NZ food and fibre, he said. That is food safety, quality, grass-fed, animal welfare and a low carbon footprint. “We have massive advantages in these areas already and this vision will help deliver what all producers want – increased productivity, biodiversity, succession pathways and work enjoyment.” National’s primary industries spokesman David Bennett said the plan doesn’t make sense in its ambition to nearly double

BIG GUNS: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern lined up with Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash to launch the Fit for a Better World plan and the Te Taiao natural world brand for primary sector products.

export earnings while laying down increased environmental requirements. “We need much more planning for the details of water storage and labour supply, for example. “Farmers do not need another advisory board to tell them how and where to farm because they get those signals from the marketplace.” Te Taiao is being put forward as our Origin Green but lacks the building blocks and the tools for implementation, Bennett said. Silver Fern Farms chairman Rob Hewett said covid-19 has awakened much greater interest in food security and the Fit for a Better World programme will be a great opportunity to re-engage with consumers of our food. “It will be the Intel Inside mark we can use alongside SFF branding and promotions. “It certainly has the potential to increase the export earnings of the meat industry. “We don’t presume that

We have massive advantages in these areas already and this vision will help deliver what all producers want – increased productivity, biodiversity, succession pathways and work enjoyment. Andrew Hoggard Federated Farmers customers will buy more from us. We will have to work for it.” Dairy NZ chairman Jim van der Poel wants to see the work streams that will follow the launch. “Everyone accepts the primary sector will lead the way to economic recovery after covid-19. “Te Taiao has more substance than Ireland’s Origin Green

because it defines who we are and how we can position ourselves.” Van der Poel disagrees with the suggestion the dairy industry’s earning potential has topped out, saying the council’s workings estimate dairy will contribute $6b of the increased $44b by adding more value to its products. Horticulture NZ said the strategies of its industries align with Fit for a Better World. President Barry O’Neill said fruit and vegetables are grown here to the highest standards in one of best growing areas in the world. “It provides us with a distinct competitive advantage due to growers’ focus and investment over several decades. “But we must continue to ensure we are positioning ourselves for future success, which is exactly what Fit for a Better World challenges us to do.” The horticulture industries are now worth more than $6b annually and employ about 60,000 people.

Te Taiao – what is it? THE Primary Sector Council has put forward a Te Taiao framework as New Zealand’s style of Origin Green, Ireland’s food and drink sustainability branding. Te Taiao is the Maori concept of the natural world, being whenua (land), wai (water), ahuarangi (climate) and koiora (living beings) and their interrelationships. Three principles of sustainability cloaked in Maori are: • The natural world must be able to thrive without overuse; • Any use is a privilege, not a right and; • If something is not healthy or well we must fix it. The council said Te Taiao will have power as a unifying aspiration for te tangata whenua (people of the land) and for building a uniquely NZ

provenance for our primary products. “It will be a new, holistic, evidenced-based platform for the well-being of the land and sea, in catchments, in the value chain and in local and global marketplaces.” It will be a partnership between Maori and Pakeha with a board of industry leaders to oversee the delivery of programmes and co-ordinate actions needed. A NZ approach to regenerative agriculture will be designed based on sustainability practices and continuous improvement in the health of communities, waterways, biodiversity and climate. “There is an expectation that regenerative farming systems will improve the profitability of farming while leaving behind

STARS: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern chatted to Mount Albert Grammar School students who featured in Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer articles about the school’s city farm in the heart of Auckland.

a smaller environmental footprint.” Over the next four years the

principles, pathways and auditing behind a Te Taiao Tohu mark or appellation will be developed.

It will be a communication platform unique to NZ, the council said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Seasonal workers decision welcome Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz DAIRY and horticulture industry leaders are relieved following changes by the Government to rules for migrant labour. Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway announced a six-month extension of migrant workers’ visas and a reduction of the stand-down period from 12 to six months for low-skilled workers who were due to leave this year. Those employed in the dairy industry make up the largest component of both categories. The extension will affect an estimated 16,500 workers whose visas were due to expire by the end of the year. It allows them to stay beyond calving and into peak milking. Of the estimated 600 workers affected by the standdown period, 113 work in the dairy industry. The extension is excellent news for farmers and the estimated 3000 dairy farm employees whose temporary visas are due to expire, DairyNZ people team leader Jane Muir said. “The dairy sector, farm employers and our farm employees on temporary visas have been calling on the Government to provide a

solution. We are pleased they have listened,” she said. “We are about to go into the busiest time of the farming year with calving and urgently sought certainty that farmers would be able to keep their existing staff.” Lees-Galloway also made changes to help stranded Recognised Seasonal Employer workers. They will now be able to work a minimum of 15 hours a week part time with no limit on roles they can do but they will need an employment agreement with an RSE employer, who will need to continue to honour commitments under the RSE scheme. Each year up to 14,400 workers, mainly from Pacific Island nations, fill seasonal labour shortages in horticulture and viticulture. “Around 9000 seasonal workers are still in New Zealand, a number of them stranded with no flights home and no way to support themselves after the harvest season has ended. The Government is supporting Pacific Island governments to repatriate their citizens but many are expected to remain in NZ for some time,” Lees-Galloway said. “RSE visas limit workers to specific work, which is now drying

Around 9000 seasonal workers are still in New Zealand. Iain Lees-Galloway Immigration Minister

LIFELINE: Stranded migrant seasonal workers used to fill labour shortages in horticulture can now work part time to support themselves while international travel restrictions remain.

up despite the Government already supporting workers to move to new RSE employers unable to bring in migrant workers as the borders are closed.” He expects more New Zealanders to be available for work next season as unemployment levels rise. For that reason, the Government kept the RSE scheme annual cap at 14,400 for the next year. “This is not what we originally announced and planned but

we anticipate that more New Zealanders will be available to do this work next year so we could not justify another increase of the cap as we originally planned. “I want to give employers in the horticulture and viticulture industries as much certainty as possible in uncertain times so I have taken the decision now, even though next season’s workers will be able to enter NZ only when it is safe to relax border restrictions,” Lees-Galloway said.

It's all right if you're a bIt over it just now 5:00

aM For ideas on looking after yourself and others, visit allright.org.nz

Horticulture NZ chief executive Mike Chapman said while he welcomes the move it should have happened earlier. “We really needed these Government decisions three months ago. “While local communities have rallied to support RSE workers Government delays have caused RSE workers and their employers unnecessary anxiety and cost.” The decision means the workers who have been stranded will not have the extra time they have spent in the country count against them when they return to NZ next season. Out of the 9000 RSE workers still in NZ 4000 are waiting to get home and horticulture industry groups are working with the Government to find a way of getting them home safely and as quickly as possible, he said.

News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Dairy-tech firm is experiencing still strong growth Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz DESPITE some bleak predictions about the impact of covid-19 on Chinese dairy demand a New Zealand dairy-tech firm continues to experience strong demand for its technology across the entire dairy species spectrum. Waikato Milking Systems is riding the same wave that is driving demand for NZ-sourced dairy cattle being live-shipped to China this year, the firm’s China sales manager David Morris says. “After what has been a bit of a plateau in expansion the Chinese dairy sector appears to be off on another strong growth phase and it has been pushed harder by its government in the past few months.” There has been a concerted effort by the Communist Party since the covid-19 epidemic to emphasise the health-giving properties of dairy. Consumption of both fresh milk and liquid yoghurt is encouraged. Between 2008 and 2018 while raw milk production volumes were relatively stable there was a

Increasingly, our platforms are being used to milk cows four times a day. This is giving them about an extra 10% volume yield but does shorten the cow’s milking lifespan. David Morris Waikato Milking Systems

massive shift from small to largescale dairy units. The shift put Waikato Milking Systems as the number three rotary platform company in China, typically providing 60-80 bail rotary platforms. The average dairy farm scale tripled over that time while farm numbers tumbled by 75%. Herds of more than 1000 cows now form 25% of the national total. Farm production and raw milk processing have also become tightly integrated. “It seems they are now pushing hard for more numbers and more yield per cow with private investors putting in funds up front then securing government loans to develop from there.” The government has a goal to increase annual domestic production by 40% above 2018, pushing greater productivity on fewer, larger dairy farms. But the national herd has fallen by 15% since 2008 and subsidies and incentives are needed to meet stricter environmental and health standards and keep the sector appealing to investors. This next wave includes improved genetics, greater automation and precision cropgrowing capabilities. A renewed focus on genetics accounts for the interest in live dairy cattle from NZ and Australia, two of only five countries China can import livestock from because of biosecurity risks. Dairy cow numbers in China have stabilised at about 6.4 million over the past two years and efforts are on to increase per-cow productivity. “They appear to appreciate the robustness of the Kiwi cows while Australian cows tend to have a higher volume,” Morris said.

Often these genetics are crossed with big US Holstein bloodlines in China to further boost milk volume capability, getting closer to US levels of per-cow production. “Increasingly, our platforms are being used to milk cows four times a day. This is giving them about an extra 10% volume yield but does shorten the cow’s milking lifespan.” Morris has been selling equipment into China for almost eight years and has noticed the latest wave of demand is also underscored by a need for dairy automation. “It used to be they did not want that. They would simply put more people in to do the job but it is no longer as easy or as cheap to simply do that when so many have moved to work in the cities.” But the newest wave of growth for dairy is coming out of the sheep and goat milking sectors. Morris, with Waikato’s installation team and NZ technical support, is overseeing the final stages of construction of 11 goat platforms capable of milking 60,000 animals. Three processing plants have been built to process the farms’ milk, with a capacity for milk from 200,000 goats a day. NZ has about 90,000 goats in its milking herd. Morris is also liaising with a client wanting to milk 50,000 sheep who has completed the processing plant and is about to build the farm platform. As with cows, Chinese investors are also keen to ramp up the genetics in dairy goats and sheep and are prepared to pay a premium for them with imported dairy goats worth US$1600 a head. “Our people are telling us there

STILL STRONG: Chinese demand for dairy installations and not just for cows remains strong, Waikato Milking Systems China sales manager David Morris says.

is an intense and competitive interest in livestock, with inquiries coming to NZ for goats as well.” Two-thirds of sheep and goat milk is committed to high value infant formula production. Morris said the new projects have opened an exciting opportunity for the company to secure ongoing business with Chinese clients, beyond simply building the platforms. “Increasingly, with the goats in conjunction with our dealer we have moved to more of a project management role, completing the entire planning and execution of the project rather than just the construction of the dairy.” With raw milk in China costing 45% more to produce than that from NZ the country has been

working to try to lower feed costs. Significant areas in northern China have been committed to growing vast areas of grain, often planted alongside biodegradable plastic that warms the ground, making earlier planting feasible. Despite continued expansion domestically in dairy production, Morris assures NZ farmers there remains plenty of opportunity to continue exporting quality products there. It is an observation supported by a 2018 PWC report showing increasing reliance on exports to fill the gap, despite the production gains. “Productivity is growing but demand continues to exceed that growth,” Morris said.

Tips for winter grazing crops

Minimise the impacts on the environment and animals. After grazing plant a catch crop. Where soil conditions and farm management allow, consider planting a fast growing crop in spring such as greenfeed oats. It can make a difference to reducing nitrogen losses.

During grazing place portable troughs and supplementary feed in a dry part of the paddock well away from any waterways or Critical Source Areas. Look after your stock. Provide loafing areas, adequate feed, shelter and clean fresh drinking water. This could also be a good place for your stock during adverse weather events.

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

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Water plans costs mounting up Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz OTAGO water users spent $64,000 on their submission to the Otago Regional Council’s water plan and while reeling at the cost say it is symptomatic of wider issues. The management of Otago rivers has become very complicated. About 340 users take water through mining privileges, or deemed permits, that date back to 1862. Those rights lapse on October 1 next year. At the council’s request and to speed up implementation Environment Minister David Parker called in the council’s Water Permits Plan Change and Water Quality Plan Change to be considered by the Environment Court. Doing that allows staff to focus on the new Land and Water Regional Plan, which will become operative on December 31 2023. Until those plans are activated an interim plan governs planning and consent conditions and imposes a six-year limit on a large number of water rights to enable their conditions to align with the new plans once they are released. That is all against a backdrop where Parker last year ordered an investigation into council delays in implementing freshwater management plans. Otago Water Resource Users Group chairman Ken Gillespie says the looming deadline for deemed permits means users need to start preparing for their renewals now. “It effectively means

applications must be submitted by spring to allow council staff to respond and to ensure the applications are in an acceptable form. “We haven’t got very long.” Gillespie says the $64,000 water users spent on the submission would have been better spent on infrastructure and irrigation schemes. He says six years is too short and has created uncertainty for landowners seeking funding for new or upgraded irrigation and for those wanting to buy or sell land.

Overall, the community will be burdened with a cost of over $1 million because of ORC failures. Manuherikia Catchment Group Central Otago farmer Cr Gary Kelliher says that has created tension between water users and environmentalists. He believes planning deadlines should have been extended and a solution hammered out based on science and fact. Kelliher says the situation is the result of science being overlooked in decision-making in favour of a view the amount of water being allocated must diminish over time. Elements of Plan Change Seven (PC 7) water permits will be appealed against, evident

by several submissions from landowners opposing it in its entirety. The group’s submission said it is not needed becaue the regional water plan will achieve the same result. It also says it fails to provide a coherent framework for managing water. “Plan Change Seven is based on an erroneous assessment of freshwater management in Otago and the outcomes achieved or able to be achieved under the regional plan, water.” The submission says the evaluation of the plan is either incomplete or incorrect. “This has resulted in an evaluation which underplays the failures of PC 7 and overplays its effectiveness.” The Manuherikia Catchment Group also opposes PC 7 in its entirety, saying it penalises users because of the council’s lack of investment in science, planning and hydrological modelling in preparing minimum flows and allocation for the Central Otago river. That means the council is not in a position to allow a

REVIEW: Otago Regional Council’s water permits and quality plans have already been referred to the Environment Court by Environment Minister David Parker.

smooth transition from mining privileges to allocation-based consents. “PC 7 undermines the collective, collaborative approach undertaken by water users so far and will essentially pit water users against each other through the absence of levers such as minimum flows, residual flows and recognition of priorities, which all act to ensure water users work together.”

The group is disappointed the plan was called in, saying doing so ignores the enormity of its impact and costs the community will incur preparing submissions. “Overall, the community will be burdened with a cost of over $1 million because of ORC failures.”

MORE: FARMER IS NEW CHAIRMAN P24

New Zealand’s record breaking wheat crop.

Canadians go NZ dairying given the covid-19 disruption to international travel. It is possible that person will have some dairying background. DH has an annual turnover close to $100 million and assets worth about $1 billion including 55,000 milking cows, producing 16m kilos of milksolids. It is the largest single-entity Fonterra milk supplier. Milk production is expected to steadily increase by a small amount with irrigation upgrades. “As regards payout this season, we prepare for the worst and hope for better,” he said. “Market prospects look more encouraging in the month since Fonterra made its first milk price estimate.” PSP already has primary sector interests in NZ – forestry giant Kaingaroa Timberlands and investment vehicle Global Herd. It did not have to seek Overseas Investment Office approval for the DH buy-in because the stake is less than 25%.

On the 17th February 2020 Eric Watson’s CASE IH harvester muscled through his paddock of Kerrin wheat, and collected what is now officially deemed as a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ achievement for Highest wheat yield. The stunning 17.389 tonne per hectare yield surpassed Eric’s own previous world record of 16.791 tonnes achieved in 2017. With the bar set so high, arable farmers around the world must be asking “how can I achieve this on my farm?” The truth is Kiwi farmers like Eric seek out innovation, embrace new ways and get on with it. It is the New Zealand way. And Bayer is proud to support this by bringing new innovations to our shores. This ‘can do’ attitude mixed with enviable soils, climate and innovative methods, results in yields that are the envy of wheat producers worldwide. And at a time when the world is asking how we feed everyone, achieving incredible yields off a smaller footprint must be part of the answer. Congratulations Eric from the Bayer team, we are proud to have supported this record attempt from start to finish. Watch the story about how Eric achieved his incredible record at cropscience.bayer.co.nz/GWR BAC 1926

DAIRY Holdings, the large South Island corporate dairy farmer, has welcomed a new Canadian shareholding as a vote of confidence in the New Zealand dairy industry. PSP Investments, a pension fund, has bought 24.9% of Dairy Holdings from a group of exiting NZ owners including former Cabinet Minister John Luxton. The existing DH cornerstone shareholders, Colin and Dale Armer and Murray and Margaret Turley, are increasing their shareholdings to 42% and 33% respectively. DH chief executive Colin Glass said the management and staff have taken encouragement from the Canadian buy-in and it will be very much business as usual for the 75 farms in the group. PSP was welcomed as a longterm shareholder that shares the company’s vision and strategy, Glass said. PSP subsidiary Sooke Investments will appoint a director but has not done so yet,

We’re with you in the field

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12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Industry must drive recovery Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz UNCERTAINTY is the biggest problem facing New Zealand as it gets back to business post covid-19, industry commentators say. The uncertainy is the cancer that will kill NZ’s economic recovery, Horticulture NZ chief executive Mike Chapman said. For growers and farmers there is enormous uncertainty around new Government and regional council requirements for freshwater quality and climate change adaptation. “What we are missing is the huge part that tourism contributes to our economy. “This means that those who are now operating have a lot to do to fill this enormous gap and the biggest problem we are facing is a lack of certainty.” Decisions need to be made to remove as much uncertainty as possible and these decisions cover the full spectrum of NZ’s economy. “What we need in all of this is a new age of partnership between industry and the Government to achieve the economic and social outcomes we so urgently need. “During the first phase of recovery the Government rightly took a directive approach so that as a country we could get through. “Now I believe that a different approach is required because it is not the Government but business that will drive the next financial phase of the covid recovery. “The Government has a vital role to undertake in enabling this

recovery but, in essence, it must be industry led,” Chapman said. The omens are good for industry and the Government to work together in partnership to drive the economic recovery. But it requires give and take on both sides as well as good communication and timely and effective consultation. “Nothing drives uncertainty faster than decisions being announced without first there being extensive consultation across the broad range of industry. “The most important point about consultation is that those who are consulted are listened to.” Transparency will help to keep the unity that is vital for NZ’s economic recovery.

If this does not happen I am sure that our country’s economic and social recovery will not be fast or successful. Mike Chapman Horticulture NZ “As a country we now need to look forward to an era of close partnership and co-operation between the Government, councils and industry based on mutual respect and all parties being fully involved in the decisions being taken.

“If this does not happen I am sure that our country’s economic and social recovery will not be fast or successful. “Put purely and simply, it’s time for a true and meaningful partnership,” Chapman said. Federated Farmers policy manager Nick Clark said the road to recovery will not be easy. “We should all deservedly bask in the satisfaction of a job well done but the hardest part is only just beginning.” International travel, a big part of NZ’s economy, is out in the cold and NZ now finds itself in what has been described as a gilded cage where its virus-free status is dependent on keeping the borders sealed. “Much more is needed, including arrangements with other safe countries, more quarantine capacity, ongoing testing and better contact tracing if our economy can be opened in a way that does not squander the hard work and sacrifices of so many people and businesses,” Clark said. The Government’s programme of infrastructure investment should stimulate the construction sector but more important will be whether the billions spent provide infrastructure that boosts the productivity of the wider economy. “It will be hard to assess this until we know more about the projects being advanced and the fruits will not be evident until they are built and are operating. “Recent business tax changes should also be helpful but other than that there seems a lack of willingness to look hard at how

KEEP FEET STILL: Federated Farmers policy general manager Nick Clark says further little celebration dances might have to wait.

the business environment can be improved to help grow businesses and jobs.” But the Government seems keen to keep piling on rules and imposing more costs on businesses during the deepest recession in generations, Clark said. “Another big question is the huge fiscal hole we are digging for ourselves and how, once the immediate crisis passes, we stop digging and start filling it.” A relentless focus by the Government on growing the economy as its top priority should reduce the need for big spending and an explosion of debt.

That requires a whole-ofgovernment approach with all spending prioritised on value for money and kept under control. It also requires a recommitment to and strengthening of the institutions that have served NZ well over the past 35 years. That includes fiscal responsibility, Reserve Bank independence, protection of property rights and robust regulatory impact and costbenefit analyses. “So, a return to level one is certainly something to be celebrated but it is by no means business as usual. “Further little dances might have to wait,” Clark said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Hort cruising but has headwinds THE origins of the oft-repeated adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away might date back more than 100 years but can certainly be applied to New Zealand’s covid-19 economic health. Arguably, the country’s horticulture industry has been the pick of the bunch in and after the covid lockdown with harvests of apples and pears up 5% and kiwifruit up 6% from last season on generally positive growing conditions. Kiwifruit co-operative Zespri was also able to work around harvest and disrupted shipping schedules, resulting in reduced capacity of pack houses at between 50% and 80% because of social distancing measures. Its results, announced earlier this month, were also boosted on the strength of global demand for products with high vitamin C content in the wake of coronavirus as well as new Gold plantings. That saw global revenues from fruit sales jump 7% to $3.14 billion from the sale of 164.4 million trays of both NZ and non-NZ grown kiwifruit. Kiwifruit growers benefited to the tune of record average returns from green kiwifruit of $67,295 a hectare and Gold at $161,660 a hectare. Chief executive Dan Mathieson described the year as encouraging with a continuation of growth in the largest markets of Japan, China and Europe. Nor have labour disruption and shipping schedules affected the early performance of other products, notably apples and wine. However, Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny said that probably owes more to the weakness of the NZ dollar than any particular strength in demand or export prices. He expects apple and wine export prices to fall over the next,

recession phase of the covid crisis along with other export-focused fruit and vegetables. And there is a greater risk of steeper decline in the price of premium products such as sauvignon blanc, cherries and Rocket apples, he said. As the global recession deepens and international demand falters over the year Penny forecasts moderate downward pressure on overall agricultural export prices to return over a recession phase late this year and into next, which will affect demand, particularly at the restaurant and premium food end. Behind the farm gate the main concerns relate to the availability of seasonal workers for next season’s harvest though orchardists are still reporting sufficient labour available for winter pruning. That is notwithstanding the repatriation of thousands of migrant workers who were left stranded in the country during and post the covid-19 response lockdown. Horticulture NZ chief executive Mike Chapman said the industry has worked closely with the Government to get almost 1000 Vanuatu nationals home though there are still an estimated 3000 recognised seasonal workers in the country. While that will lead to a lack of highly skilled and experienced workers the industry has attracted about 2000 Kiwi workers from across industries including logging and tourism to provide enough labour for winter pruning. Staffing agency AWF general manager Fleur Board, which has operations in Marlborough, Blenheim, Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay, said there is also a migratory trend from other parts of the country to work on orchards.

TASTY: The horticulture sector, particularly apples, pears and kiwifruit, has been the pick of the bunch of exporters since covid struck. Photo: Paul Sutherland Photography

So for people on work visas not tied to a named employer it is feasible to get work. “We’ll get through this year but what everyone needs to turn their minds to is next year and the year after if immigration policies are tightened to accommodate growing unemployment.” While retraining workers for horticulture is not complex or difficult some workers might not realise the nature of horticulture jobs and pickers have to be productive to keep their jobs. Penny said agriculture in general is in a better position to pick up employees on the back of increasing unemployment, which is likely to double from 4.2% to about 8% by the September quarter. The obvious implication of this

is that workers are going to be easier to find and the pressure on wages is going to be lower than pre-covid. “Anecdotally, worker shortages during the kiwifruit picking season were less acute than in past seasons.” A second implication is that new seasonal workers could come from a different cohort to that which normally works in the industry. The Ministry of Social Development says a number of new Jobseeker benefit recipients over the lockdown had little or no recent benefit history and have had higher lost earnings compared to recipients over the same period a year ago. Penny said that means those workers might be more skilled and relatively more productive

than those usually in the labour pool. “Though a lack of agriculturespecific work experience may require these workers to be trained up or used in a different way,” he said. So the question is how agriculture can make best use of the newly available recruits. “This may be a good time to introduce new technology or make better use of any underused onorchard tech.” On the basis the latest recruits are likely to be fairly tech-savvy he believes it is time for agriculture to put its best foot forward because these workers also have the potential to become future service partners to and/or advocates for the agricultural industry. – BusinessDesk

Farmer charity has strong start

GOOD START: Meat the Need co-creator Wayne Langford said the charity is now turning its sights to the North Island.

MEAT the Need has got off to a great start in the three months since its launch with farmers donating 210 animals. The charity enables farmers to donate animals that are processed into mince for foodbanks across the South Island. Co-creator Wayne Langford said it is now turning its sights to the North Island to get supply up and running. “It’s going great. We have got mince pretty much to all of the South Island now, which is fantastic.” He has maintained his involvement with the charity despite taking on the dairy chairman’s role at Federated Farmers because it gives him the chance to travel around the country and connect with farmers. The charity was launched near the end of the cull season in late April and to

have that level of volume is fantastic, he said. “A lot of farmers are now aware of who we are so now when we get into December, when the lambs and cattle start coming in, we’re hoping for a good uptake then.” Langford recently visited a foodbank and wants farmers to know how much the food is appreciated. “You should see the look on their faces. “It’s almost one of disbelief because they just don’t get meat in the volumes that we are talking about and it’s such a crucial part of a meal and if you provide the mince there’s a high chance the family will sit down and enjoy a meal together,” he said. Farmers can either donate livestock or cash at Meat the Need’s website.

News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Rural businesses expecting their incomes will fall INCOME FALL: A Mind Your Own Business survey shows 41% of primary industry businesses expect revenue to fall in the next year.

JUST under half of primary industry and rural businesses surveyed for Mind Your Own Business’ annual rural report forecast a fall in revenue for the next year.

NAIT ready for calving? Help build lifetime animal traceability Make sure you can tick off the following: Selling calves: All my calves are NAIT tagged correctly I have registered the calves in my NAIT account – after tagging them first I have recorded a movement in NAIT for the calves I sold – within 48 hours of them leaving. Note: This is not required when selling to a saleyard. I’ve filled out an ASD form and have a Declaration to Livestock Transporter (DLT) form ready – if required

Low interest keeps farming costs down

Buying calves: I’ve checked the calves I bought are tagged and NAIT registered I received an Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form from the seller I have recorded a movement in NAIT for the calves I bought – within 48 hours of them arriving I’ve updated the calves’ production type to beef – if brought in from a dairy farm. Bobby calves moved direct to slaughter are exempt from all NAIT requirements. Check with your meat processor about their requirements for accepting bobby calves.

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

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The survey of 320 found 41% of primary industry businesses and 43% of businesses in rural New Zealand expect lower income. It was part of a larger survey of 1000 small and medium enterprises across the country done from the end of February to March 24 by the accounting software company. MYOB NZ country manager Ingrid CroninKnight said more could be done to create a better business environment for agri-businesses. “The MYOB Business Monitor research which informed our rural report highlights that our agricultural sector has felt constrained by a lack of investment with owners and operators often needing better access to financial advice and support.” Of those surveyed 38% cited a lack of personal finance as the leading concern for agri-business operators starting out while 33% said they have struggled to access finance. The constraints around a lack of investment are a concern in a low-interest environment. “This limits their ability to invest in new equipment, access new markets and pursue growth. “For our largest export earner this should be addressed sooner rather than later, particularly given the rest of the country is relying so heavily on the sector’s continued success.” Almost half of agribusiness owners surveyed said they are motivated by passion rather than money when starting out, compared to a third of non-rural small to medium business enterprises. “Despite the passion and dedication from these business owners, without the finance and support they need this valuable industry will struggle to achieve everything it can in a highly competitive international market. “In a low interest market this could be an area for review,” Cronin-Knight said. The survey found 62% of agribusiness operators believe access to financial advice is essential to create the ideal environment for businesses in the sector to thrive while 51% cited business support as vital.

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

9/07/2020 2:51:18 PM

LOW interest rates helped restrict on-farm inflation to just 0.4% in the year to March. Beef + Lamb Economic Service’s latest sheep and beef on-farm inflation report analyses the annual change in price of 16 goods and services used by sheep and beef farmers, determining 12 increased in price and four fell. Chief economist Andrew Burtt says the 7.2% decrease in interest costs had the

biggest impact on inflation. The most significant price increases were 5% for insurance, 4.2% for repairs, maintenance and vehicles, 3.7% for rates and 3.7% for animal health. “On average these input categories account for 22% in total of farm expenditure.” Fertiliser, lime, seeds, fuel, electricity and interest all fell. Burtt says interest typically accounts for 14% of farm costs.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Global exports outlook brighter than expected THE global economic and trade fallout from covid-19 looks less dire than predicted for this year, a Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry global markets report says. While the global response to covid-19 remains the primary trade and economic issue affecting exporters, actual statistics are shining a brighter light on the economic outlook. The report highlights the global economic and trade situation pertaining to New Zealand businesses on July 1. While there continues to be no formal restrictions on market access for most goods exports and imports because of covid-19 the pandemic is putting intense pressure on global supply chains and disrupting trade flows. Some countries have put export restrictions on medical products and some on staple foods, including wheat and rice. A World Trade Organisation update says G20 economies have adopted 93 trade related measures linked to covid-19. But while trade volumes fell steeply in the first half of 2020 they are unlikely to reach the worstcase scenario of a 32% contraction projected in April. WTO statistics show the volume of merchandise trade shrank by 3% year on year in the first quarter with initial estimates for the second quarter indicating a year on year drop of about 18.5%. The World Economic Outlook predicts the global economy will shrink 4.9% in 2020, a downward revision of 1.9% from its April forecasts. The impact of covid-19 on food security and supply chains and the role of trade in economic recovery are being discussed with NZ actively engaged and continuing to advocate strongly for maintaining trade flows and upholding the rulesbased trading system. NZ and Britain, NZ’s sixth largest trading partner in 2019, have formally launched free-trade negotiations with the first round of talks July 13-24. Two-way trade between NZ and Britain totalled almost $6 billion in 2019.

It has a lot of rich content, especially for our exporters who are not able to travel to these countries at this time and especially so for the food and beverage trade. Mike Petersen

“I think it’s a great initiative with really valuable insight and all the information pulled through from our NZ embassies offshore in one place to help understand what’s happening around the world. “It’s especially valuable for the markets such as China that are particularly key to our trade in this pandemic recovery,” Petersen said. MFAT also wants feedback from NZ exporters as it continues to refine content for future reports.

Reduce clostridial loss Clostridial disease is complex, protecting stock doesn’t need to be Farms across NZ lose stock to clostridial disease. Some lose a few, some a few more than they would like. A couple of lambs or calves, an inlamb ewe or two, or maybe even some cattle. Reducing clostridial loss starts with protection.

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Comparing provisional NZ goods trade data for the fortnight ending June 24 with the equivalent fortnight in 2019, total exports to all countries were down 1.3% from $2.34b to $2.309b. Total imports from all countries were down 12.3% from $2.276b to $1.996b. Provisional data for May indicates exports fell by 5.8% and imports by 20.6%. NZ Trade and Enterprise has launched an interactive digital portal of insights and tools for all NZ exporters. The portal includes access to comprehensive market guides, learning modules, research and content on trends and topical issues, export stories and information on regulations and compliance. Former NZ special agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen described the report as valuable. “It has a lot of rich content, especially for our exporters who are not able to travel to these countries at this time and especially so for the food and beverage trade.” Petersen said the report, compiled by NZ’s foreign trade networks, is a valuable snapshot of the situation on the international scene.

VALUABLE: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s new global markets report has a lot of rich content for exporters, trade commentator Mike Petersen says.

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News

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Feds like land protection plan Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz FEDERATED Farmers has welcomed a commitment from Labour to protect productive farmland from blanket afforestation if it’s re-elected. Meat and wool section chairman William Beetham says the pledge by forestry spokesman Stuart Nash that within six months of being re-elected a Labour government would revise the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry to require forestry blocks larger than 50 hectares on elite soils (land use capability classes 1-5) to get resource consent is a step in the right direction. “We’re really pleased there is now acknowledgement there’s an issue with large-scale exotic plantings, particularly those grown just for carbon credits, swallowing up land used for food and fibre production. “The result of this trend is loss of export income, employment and the undermining of rural district social cohesion.” However, Beetham questions whether what’s proposed will stop sheep and beef farms on the East Coast, which are more likely to be poorer soils, being taken over by blanket afforestation. “We’d much rather Labour had taken on board the strong opposition on the topic expressed for many months now by the wider agricultural sector and some environmental non-government organisations and not rushed through policy changes that have led to this issue. “But it’s a welcome sign Labour is demonstrating a growing commitment to protecting productive farmland for our vital food and fibre industry and backing their own calls for the right tree in the right place.” Beef + Lamb is more reserved in its reaction, pleased Labour

acknowledges the Emissions Trading Scheme has led to conversion of sheep and beef farms into forestry, which needs to be addressed, but questions whether its response is the best way to deal with it. Chief executive Sam McIvor does not believe the Resource Management Act is the appropriate vehicle.

It’s a welcome sign Labour is demonstrating a growing commitment to protecting productive farmland. William Beetham Federated Farmers “Consents can still be approved and will not necessarily restrict conversions. “We want to work with political parties on what the best policy approach is for limiting wholesale conversion – and for the wider issue of emissions reductions.” B+LNZ environment policy manager Dylan Muggeridge says issues created by a piece of legislation, in this case the Emissions Trading Reform Bill that was passed last month, should be dealt with by changing that law, not by using another one. B+LNZ’s preferred approach is to limit the amount of offsetting that can be done by planting exotic forestry plantations. It wants a legal mechanism that would allow the Government to put a limit on the use of forestry offsets. B+LNZ included that approach in its submission during select committee consultation on the Bill but was unsuccessful in getting it

included in the legislation. McIvor says the way the ETS stands will not achieve a reduction in emissions but will lead to an increase in offsetting. “Limiting the units available from exotic forestry has to be an integral part of setting emissions caps to avoid industries buying credits instead of reducing emissions. B+LNZ is now talking to the independent Climate Change Commission, set up to provide the Government with evidence-based advice to help NZ move to a lowemissions and climate-resilient economy, about more effective ways to reduce emissions, particularly approaches that will reduce negative effects on sheep and beef farms and their rural communities. The Forest Owners Association is surprised Beetham has supported the Government’s pledge. President Phil Taylor says Feds has previously strongly supported the right of landowners to make their own decisions about what to do with their own land. He says many farms contain woodlots, often planted by farmers who realise the long-term farming prospects on marginal country are not good, and they feel more economically secure in planting much of their farm in trees. Taylor says the Feds’ claims about the economics of afforestation are wrong. “Per hectare, per year the export returns from forestry are way above the returns from sheep and beef farming. Forestry will save many rural communities.” “Employment in forestry, from the same area, is also above that from hill-country farming. “Even before the recent woolprice crash the yearly NZ export return from wool is only one tenth of the return from products made from wood, which is a fibre too.

THANKFUL: Federated Farmers Meat & Wool chairman William Beetham is pleased the Government has acknowledged there is a problem with large-scale forestry planting swallowing up productive land.

“This is not the 1960s anymore. Economies change.” Taylor says it’s unbelievable that Beetham has called for East Coast country with a land use capability rating of six or higher to

be considered for restrictions. “Some of this land can’t support farming any more. Much of it is in severe drought with Niwa predictions for this happening more often.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Nait compliance improves but ... CHANGES to strengthen National Animal Identification and Tracing compliance have seen farmers lift their game but there’s still room to get better, Ministry for Primary Industries compliance direcdor Gary Orr says. New data shows farmers are lifting their game in their use of the animal tracing system following the strengthened Nait approach aimed at boosting compliance. There has been significant improvement in compliance, which is particularly encouraging at this time of year when dairy farmers are moving cows between farms around the annual Moving Day, Orr said. From January to March 77% of animals were registered correctly, a 24% increase over the corresponding period in 2019. Animal movements recorded on time, within 48 hours of movement, jumped to 75%, up 11% over the corresponding time last year. Animals tagged at slaughtered at 98.7% is up 0.3% from the previous year.

Then the Nait Amendment Bill was passed in December last year, tightening the rules around the handling of untagged animals, improving the use of Nait data and increasing infringement penalties to reflect the seriousness of Nait non-compliance. On June 14 new rules around the transport of animals, introducing penalties for transporters moving untagged animals that do not have an exemption, took effect. To ensure their compliance transporters will require farmers to provide declaration paperwork that the animals are identified and registered with Nait. Ospri is distributing several thousand books of the new declaration forms to farmers who have a high volume of livestock movements.

BETTER: Farmer compliance with Nait rules has improved and further enforcement of untagged animals has begun.

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That is quite an incentive to do it right. Gary Orr Primary Industries Ministry In late 2019 the fine for Nait offences increased to $400 an animal. “That is quite an incentive to do it right,” Orr said. “While the fines are not the only driver we believe these, along with significant communication with farmers, have seen some good improvements in Nait behaviour.” But Orr said there is still room for improvement. Since the beginning of 2020, 436 infringements have been issued for Nait offences and more than 800 warnings given for failure-to-register offences. “We need to get a lot better at this. “Our ability to manage biosecurity threats such as Mycoplasma bovis and other diseases of cattle or deer is heavily dependent on being able to rapidly and accurately trace animal movements,” Orr said. While Moving Day has just passed many farmers are still moving herds and are urged to have all animals Nait tagged and registered, their Nait accounts updated, new Nait location numbers set up and TBfree herd records up to date. When moving livestock farmers need to complete an Animal Status Declaration paper or eASD form and provide it to their transporter. Orr said following a review in 2018 significant improvements were made to the Nait system including the Nait number being assigned to a location, not a person. The Nait interface itself was improved to make it easier to use and a mobile app was developed.

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News

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Study beefs up meat’s importance IMPACT: The world will take some time to recover from covid-19, Beef + Lamb chief executive Sam McIvor says.

NEW research highlights the value of New Zealand’s red meat sector as the industry launches its general election manifesto. The red meat sector contributes $12 billion in income to the economy and employs almost 5% of the full-time workforce. The study commissioned by the Meat Industry Association and Beef + Lamb shows the meat processing and exporting sector is also responsible for $4.6b in household income and represents a fifth of New Zealand’s productive sector.

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The release of the research by S G Heilbron Economic and Policy Consulting coincides with B+LNZ and the MIA launching a joint manifesto ahead of the election. They say political parties must work with the red meat sector as partners to re-build the economy. The policy blueprint also identifies the challenges and opportunities in environmental issues, trade and market access, animal welfare, food safety, biosecurity, innovation, employment relations, immigration and health and safety. Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says the research shows the importance of the sector to the economy and regions. “The Government has a huge, once-in-ageneration task ahead of it. “The priority post covid-19 must be ensuring we have our long-term policy settings and infrastructure right. Open and predictable market access is vital for the ongoing success of our export-focused sector as it creates a stable and level international playing field in which our exporters can prosper and thrive.” B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says the red meat sector’s contribution to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the country is significant and the industry has underlined its resilience and its importance in the wake of covid-19.

The Government has a huge, once-in-a-generation task ahead of it. Sirma Karapeeva Meat Industry Assn “Covid-19 has caused extraordinary damage to people’s lives, livelihoods and economies across the globe. It will take some time for the world to recover from the impact. “It’s important that when making any decision about the recovery and the future, the country must ask itself what is good for exports, employment, productivity and the environment?” A key concern is the impact of various Government policies that incentivise the conversion of sheep and beef farms into forestry because of the negative impacts on rural communities. “The sector wants limits on the ability of fossil fuel polluters to offset their emissions by planting exotic trees on farms. “We need to better understand and utilise our water resources. This includes water capture, storage and distribution to meet both productive and urban needs. We do not lack water in NZ – we lack the understanding and infrastructure to use it in a way that meets our economic, social, cultural and environmental requirements. It can be done.” Water storage, research and development and connectivity are also areas integral to the sector’s continued success. “Globally, consumers seek out our products thanks to the work farmers have done to establish free-range, grass-fed, natural farming systems and it is our time to lead NZ’s economic recovery.”

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Read the report: www.beeflambnz.com/news-views/ new-research-highlights-value-nz-red-meat-sector

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

News

farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Better times are coming for deer Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz TIMES are challenging in the deer industry amid the biggest global economic impact since World War II but deer farmers can be confident better times are emerging, Deer Industry New Zealand chief executive Inness Moffat says. Addressing the first of three webinars in DINZ’s 2020 virtual conference Moffatt said farming got through the disruption of the 1980s and has gone on to thrive. “We will get through the covid disruption as all in the industry share in the deep unease which is affecting our industry and the changing domestic situation agriculture is adapting to.” In a review of the activities DINZ is doing to help create a more certain future Moffat highlighted the premium positioning of deer products, market diversification, sustainable on-farm value creation and being a cohesive and respected industry as key strategies. “For the premium position of our deer products we can only focus on what we can control and who we can influence. “We understand our deer velvet markets are weathering the storm okay but what can we control? “We control the story and the integrity of our production systems. “We have talked about ways to protect the value of our NZ velvet brand and to protect the investment velvet producers have made in our velvet system.” A big step forward for this protection will be the introduction of the VelTrak system that will future-proof velvet supply chain integrity. “VelTrak is being introduced to provide paddock-to-processor traceability and quality assurance for every single stick of velvet you produce and it will provide overseas buyers with the means of guaranteeing the provenance of that velvet.” With more and more marketing companies displaying the NZ origin of their velvet ingredient that is becoming increasingly important, Moffat said. “You have been working with supply chain compliance for the past few years. The good news is that VelTrak will make this easier and quicker for velvet producers.” Venison is a different story with all in the industry dealing with the pressure of the impact of covid on venison markets. “We came into covid on the back of some spectacular years for venison but with an overhang of frozen venison in the United States and Europe

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DOWN NOT OUT: Industry confidence has taken a knock but there’s good reason to believe it will bounce back, Deer Industry New Zealand chief executive Innes Moffat says.

diversification into China was extremely important.” For DINZ there were three clear priorities – restore confidence in access to China, help marketers develop new channels to consumers and ramp up promotion of venison for food service as restaurants reopened.

For the premium position of our deer products we can only focus on what we can control and who we can influence. Innes Moffat DINZ “With China we have had success in confirming access for venison and this is allowing trade to resume but access for co-products and bones is unresolved and this will continue to have an impact on the schedule.” All marketers are looking at new channels – retail, online and home delivery. DINZ contract chefs are producing new support materials for chefs in China, Belgium, the US, Germany and the Netherlands ready to push venison as restaurants reopen. “And they are reopening and they are buying venison again,” he said. Companies have, to the best of their ability, sought to provide producers with some certainty about future prospects at a very uncertain time.

“I know there wasn’t enough information coming out during weaner sales in April and I understand that the method some venison companies chose to provide some certainty did not please everybody. “But the clear signal that was sent at that time provided some certainty back into the livestock market in NZ, which allowed trade to resume and has set a floor for pricing in the market that allowed discussions to resume.” Revenue is one contributor towards sustainable on-farm value creation. The other is efficient production systems, which means getting more from less. Moffat acknowledged sustainable on-farm value creation arises from enabling deer farmers to continuously improve their operations to deliver greater value more efficiently. “It’s great to see velvet and venison productivity increasing. “Higher carcase weights are testament to the better genetics, feeding and management that you as farmers have implemented over the past few years.” Velvet weights improve year on year but need to be balanced with keeping an eye on production costs and keeping a balance in the farming business portfolio, Moffat said. “Our confidence has taken a knock with covid but the history and the tenacity of deer farmers, the great reputation our products have on the world stage and the advancements we have coming through science tell me that we can continue to have confidence in our industry,” Moffat said.

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News

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Live export year tops $100m Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz LIVE animal exports are pouring millions of dollars into rural economies with greater demand than ever for New Zealand breeding cattle. Across the Tasman the story is similar with up to 150,000 cattle expected to leave NZ and Australia this year, most destined for China. Brisbane live exporting company Austrex NZ and Australia breeding stock general manager Tom Slaughter said the live export trade is very much alive and well and a key player in farming business. “Live animal export trading is proving an important part of income, not just for farmers and rural communities but just as much as a contributor to the nationwide economy.” While demand for dairy cattle has been consistent for several years this year beef cattle are a key option for farmers, especially in the post covid-19 and the drought recoveries. “Angus bred cattle out of NZ have been traded for a number of years but a lot of programmes in China want access to better genetics for beef cattle and there’s very good options happening in

What is being offered is a fantastic option for New Zealand farmers and there is huge flow-on effect for both regional and nationwide economies. Paul Tippett Austrex

that space, particularly for NZ farmers this year.” Angus heifers weighing in at 220kg-plus and passing the strict criteria testing for breeding are fetching $950 in the export market compared to $550-$600 in the local market. Dairy is up there too this year with Friesian yearling stock selling at $650 locally now hitting $1200$1450 in live export trade. In a big year Austrex live trade export can reach $100 million of value to the NZ economy. “This year it will be a lot more,” he said. “It does go in cycles and this year the increase in demand is mainly from China given its focus on growing both dairy and beef herd numbers to ensure the longterm availability of fresh milk and protein for the local people.” Slaughter AWDT Future Focus expects the total Programme designed for red meat farming partnerships to plan their business together. 2 full-day workshop number of cattle delivered over two months. exported from NZ Registrations for 2020 programmes are now open. Visit this year will reach the website for more information and to register about 60,000. Locations and dates (2 modules): Austrex NZ • Blenheim: 30th Jun & 28th Jul manager Paul • Masterton: 2nd Jul & 30th Jul Tippet said export • Hunterville: 7th Jul & 4th Aug orders come • Oamaru: 21st Jul & 18th Aug out and fill up • Gore: 28th Jul & 25th Aug immediately. Website: To register visit www.awdt.org.nz/programmes “It is quite busy Contact: keri@awdt.org.nz or 06 375 8180 for more info right now. There’s a big cross-section AWDT It’s all about YOU It’s all about YOU is a two-day personal development of beef and dairy programme for women involved in the primary sector or being sought. rural communities. They just want our You’ll discover your true value, refocus on what is animals. important, explore possibilities and create new networks. “There’s a lot Registrations for 2020 programmes are now open. Visit of beef and dairy the website for more information and to register going to Inner Locations and dates: Mongolia. • Cromwell 27th & 28th July “What is being • Milton 30th & 31st July offered is a • Whangarei 31st Aug & 1st Sept

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POPULAR: Demand for both dairy and beef cattle from New Zealand is rampant in China.

fantastic option for NZ farmers and there is huge flow-on effect for both regional and nationwide economies.” Tippet said with Austrex shipping all its NZ-procured stock out of Timaru there is money being spent all the way down the country.

Think big IF EVIDENCE is required of the demand China has for dairy, the news coming out of there recently should dispel any doubts. Holstein type cows, many from New Zealand and Australia, are reported to be selling in China for up to US$3250 each. Yili, the Chinese shareholder of Oceania Dairies and Westland Milk, is reported to be investing in two large farms – one a 100,000-cow farm in Inner Mongolia and the other a 50,000-cow farm in a joint investment with Ningxia State Farm. The Yili investment is said to be more than NZ$940 million.

“What it’s doing commercially for farmers and their communities is huge and there’s a lot of businesses, us as exporter included, putting a lot back into the economy. “We are buying from the top of the north all the way down. There’s livestock companies, transport, vets, feed manufacturers and so it goes on. “It’s a massive business pouring millions of dollars into the nationwide economy.” Austrex has bought from more than 2000 farmers here over the past five years. The live export trade is a good option for NZ dairy farmers for their four-day-old calves. “It’s a great outlet for bobbies and certainly a better option than being tapped on the head.” Tippet said he has spent a lot of time in China checking out where animals go. “I would have to say they are a lot more advanced than what we

are in NZ. It’s superb how they look after their animals. “They are paying good money and they respect that 100% in their animal welfare and management.” Federated Farmers meat and wool section outgoing chairman Miles Anderson said in his six years on the national executive the live export trade was always deemed an important contributor to the rural economy. “If all the standards are being met we are all for it. It’s part of NZ’s regional international response to help other countries stock up and restock as required. “The exporters have very good protocols, the shipping lines have exceptionally good vessels and the current checks and balances the Ministry for Primary Industries have in place tick all the boxes. “There is minimal risk to animals – in fact, figures show the percentage death rate on ship is lower than on-farm,” Anderson said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Woodville couple attribute title win to earlier success Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz WOODVILLE dairy farming couple Nick and Rose Bertram are described as an outstanding example of hard work, dedication and leadership. And they have won this year’s top share farming award. The Bertrams were named Share Farmers of the Year at the Dairy Industry Awards on July 4. The winners were announced digitally and they watched the awards with about 30 of their family and friends. “It was really nice that we could share it with those people,” Rose said. “There was a bit of disbelief that we pulled it off,” Nick said. “Rose was pretty excited to have her name read out by the Prime Minister (Jacinda Ardern).” Bay of Plenty’s Andre Meier became the Dairy Manager of the Year and Grace Gibberd from Waikato is the Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Nick was Dairy Manager of the Year in 2014 and runner-up in the Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Share Farmer category last year. The couple believe their success is due to hard work and acting on the feedback received when Nick won the 2014 title. “Winning that 2014 title, it gave us so much energy to focus on the next one and we’ve had a number of years to focus on it.” The judges’ feedback identified the weaknesses in their business, allowing them to improve on these issues, he said. “The bonus of that is that it’s made us better farmers, it’s made us better employers and helped us focus on the sharemilker contest.” Nick, 33, and Rose, 27, are into their fourth season as 50:50 sharemilkers on Barry and Carol McNeil’s 150ha, 440-cow farm. It is a dream job they would not have got without the 2014 win, Nick said. It grows lots of grass, has a good layout and really good farm

owners who let the Bertrams run the farm as if it was their own. “That makes a massive difference,” Rose said. They won four merit awards for pasture performance, leadership, interviewing and business performance. Share Farmer head judge Jacqui Groves said the Bertrams impressed the judges by remaining true to their vision, their mission and values in life. “They were high achievers in all areas.” The runners-up were Waikato sharemilkers Aidan and Sarah Stevenson and Southland/Otago contract milkers Samuel and Karen Bennett were third. Meier stood out as a quiet yet confident person who is very capable and connects with a wide range of people in the community. The 30-year-old manages Ao Marama Farms on 250ha near Te Puke, milking 800 cows. Dairy Manager head judge Mark Shadwick from DairyNZ

FUTURE LEADER: Judges predict the 2020 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year Grace Gibberd will be a great ambassador and role model for the Dairy Industry.

WINNERS: New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year winners Nick and Rose Bertram.

said among strong finalists Meier stood out as a proactive manager and leader who constantly seeks opportunities to grow and learn and helps others do the same. “Andre is an all-rounder who has established himself as a successful dairy manager whose track record speaks for itself. “He is involved in his community as chairman of the Te Puke Young Farmers, through his involvement in the A&P Show committee, as a Federated Farmers area rep and by hosting Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology students.” The Dairy Manager runner-up was Paul Mercer from Manawatu and Waikato’s Daisy Higgs, 24, was third. Judges predict Trainee of the Year Gibberd will be a great ambassador and role model for the dairy industry. “Grace displayed an exceptional overall understanding of general knowledge and was clear, confident and articulate with her answers,” head judge Mark Nicholas said. The 21-year-old has a passion

for animals, people and her role as farm assistant on the 115ha DairyNZ property at Newstead, milking 360 cows. She has sound knowledge and in-depth understanding across all four practical modules of pasture allocation requirements, drymatter conversions, condition scoring and her attention to health and safety is clearly evident and comprehensive. The judges said finalists are passionate about higher education and are very well-rounded young men and women who possess a great understanding of national and global issues. “It was remarkable to see how much the finalists appreciated their employers, their good working conditions and the amount of knowledge that other people in the industry were willing to share with them. The NZ dairy industry is in great shape with these young people coming through,” Nicholas said. The runner-up is Sam Dodd from Taranaki and third placegetter is Tom Quinn, 24, from Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa.

SHEDS

Haybarns

Homes

Sheds

Cattle Yards

Woolsheds

Farm Bridges

Covered Yards

News

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Farmer replaces dumped Hobbs Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz EAST Otago farmer Andrew Noone is the new Otago Regional Council chairman. At an extraordinary special meeting councillors voted 9-2 to remove Marian Hobbs, a first term councillor and Environment Minister in the Helen Clark-led Government. Noone, a former Dunedin City councillor, was the only nomination. He was supported by 10 councillors with two abstentions. The vote was the culmination of three weeks of uncertainty that started with seven councillors publicly questioning Hobbs’ governance style and claiming she is too close to central Government. A letter she wrote in May to Environment Minister David Parker asking him install a commissioner if she lost a vote appears to have been the final straw. Hobbs said she has not been told why councillors acted against her. She presumed it was because she was too close to the Government and disloyal to Otago, too close to council staff and too old. She is 72.

Claims those opposed to Hobbs are aligned to interest groups such as Federated Farmers and opposed to proposed water management plans were rejected at the meeting. “This has nothing to do with water or any other issue the Otago Regional Council deals with. It’s governance,” Cr Gary Kelliher said.

This has nothing to do with water or any other issue the Otago Regional Council deals with. It’s governance. Cr Gary Kelliher Otago Regional Council “No council, board or community group in New Zealand that deals with governance would accept the actions of the current chairwoman. We have lost confidence.” Deputy chairman Michael Laws agreed. “I reject any contention that council or councillors wish to

ignore national standards or any legislation governing this council. “There are those of us who saw and propose a better way to implement policy, which, in our view, is one that will work, one that will be less divisive and one that will make every group in our community a potential partner in improving the environment and that includes the agrarian and agricultural communities.” Laws cited two occasions that showed Hobbs was unsuited to being chairwoman. In a council-only meeting after Hobbs wrote to Parker she said she had lost all faith in the council after councillors voted to call a special meeting to discuss her leadership. On another occasion Hobbs told councillors she had more faith in staff than them, Laws said. “Councillors did not walk away from you, you walked away from the council and there is the issue.” Hobbs rejected those accusations and was defiant, saying the council is divided. “I will work honestly with whoever is appointed chair but I will not back away from arguing for the environment and arguing

NEW BROOM: Farmer Andrew Noone is Otago Regional Council’s new chairman after councillors ousted Marian Hobbs.

against people who think that they own the water, that they own the ore or that they own the soil

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and can do anything with their land without thinking they affect anybody else.”

News

farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

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141hp to 226hp Ranging from 156 hours, G series, RC series and TTV series. REUNION: A group of farmers were re-united with their wool on a visit to the Awatoto wool scour.

Property sales will finance wool push PLANS to sell and lease back its portfolio of properties are part of a range of ways Cavalier is financing its natural fibre strategy, chief executive Paul Alston says. Alston said listing the firm’s three industrial sites in Auckland, Napier and Whanganui is about transforming the company into a high-end, premium flooring brand rather than strengthening the balance sheet. “We are comfortable with current debt levels,” he said, referring to the sale and lease back plans and noted the firm can access more bank funding to cope with any covid-related impacts. The carpet maker has seen sales recover strongly following the covid lockdown and through June though that was after claiming more than $2.8 million in wage subsidies and having its 380 staff accept a 20% wage cut across the board. “It could have been a disaster but trading has been solid. “We initially thought it might be from pre-lockdown orders but retailers are reporting that this is new business so we think people want to upgrade their homes and furnishings after spending so much time in them during lockdown.” Last month the firm put its South Auckland manufacturing site and spinning plants in Napier and Whanganui on the market as a long-term sale and lease back option. Marketer Bayleys said the offering features more than

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Paul Alston Cavalier seven hectares of land with a weighted average lease term of 8.6 years – returning an indicative net annual rent of $3.1m. The company’s main manufacturing site, in Papatoetoe’s industrial precinct, offers more than two hectares and about 15,375 square metres of lettable building and yard area while both the Napier and Whanganui sites are about 2.4 hectares with lettable areas of 16,833 square metres and 11,420 square metres respectively. Sale and lease back specialist James Valintine said the portfolio can be bought either individually or together by deadline sale that closed on Thursday. Alston said shareholders still need to approve the sales and, ultimately, that will depend on what’s offered. At the heart of the firm’s shift in strategy is a move away from low-margin synthetic carpets, which continue to face increased competition in a tight global market, and into highervalue woollen flooring, reflected in growth in demand for its Bremworth Collection wool carpets. Alston said Cavalier is

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READY TO ROLL: Carpet maker Cavalier will roll out its new strategy in a matter of weeks, chief executive Paul Alston says.

working closely with NZ Merino and other advisers to finalise its design-led strategy. “We think things are changing and that consumers are much more aware of the negative impacts of plastic-based products.” Record low prices for strong wool, which are approaching negative territory including shearing costs for growers, will also not have a positive effect for anyone in the industry. “We buy a mix of strong wools but prices, where they are going isn’t good news, affecting quality as farmers see little reason to look after it.” Alston said the company will be finalising and rolling out its new strategy in a matter of weeks. – BusinessDesk

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AginED Ag ED

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

Volume 15 I July 13, 2020 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz

THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY EDITION 2!

Quiz time!: 1.

NOSE TO TAIL REFERS TO.....

A. How dogs greet each other

B. A Scottish pudding containing oats, heart, liver, lungs and other flavouring cooked in an animal stomach

with Beef+Lamb NZ

B. A way of eating and cooking that involves using every edible part of an animal

Letting nothing go to waste was a given for our grandparents and great-grandparents, with most using every edible part of an animal when it was killed to feed the family.

C. A board game similar to snakes and ladders

D. A street food from Turkey featuring lamb liver and eggplant

D. Eating only the offal of animals

6. AT WHAT TIME DURING NEW ZEALAND’S CUISINE HISTORY DID NOSE TO TAIL EATING PEAK

There is once again a growing interest in minimising waste in any form and Beef+Lamb NZ are bringing this to the fore with Nose to Tail month. Most of us don’t think twice about a steak and kidney pie, lambs fry and bacon, or liver pate but might not have been introduced to other types of offal (organ meat).

A. Heart

Nose to tail eating isn’t just a great way to minimise food waste but is also extremely nutritious. Offal (organ meat) is a particularly nutritional powerhouse packed full of protein, omega-3s, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, folate, B vitamins, vitamin E, and vitamin A – all of which are key for optimising health and wellbeing. Not only are offal cuts nutrient dense, the nutrients are very bioavailable – meaning your body can absorb all of the nutritional goodness in a very easy way. Meaning you don’t need to eat a lot of offal in one sitting to reap the nutritional benefits. So, if you’re looking to jazz up the Kiwi classic “meat and three vege” and get more nutrition into every bite, why not experiment with a nose-to-tail food?

2. WHAT OFFAL (ORGAN MEAT) IS AN INGREDIENT OF PÂTÉ?

B. Kidney C. Tripe D. Liver 3. WHAT ARE SWEETBREADS?

A. Bread with hundreds and thousands on top B. Lamb glands either from the throat (thymus gland) or the pancreas gland C. Deep fried croutons coated in cinnamon sugar D. Lamb brains 4. WHAT NOSE TO TAIL ITEM OFTEN USED TO BE THROWN TO THE DOGS AND IS NOW NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE LAMB CUT?

A. Neck chops B. Leg of lamb C. Lamb shanks D. Lamb cutlets 5. KOKORETSI IS A TRADITIONAL....

A. Greek dish of mixed offal wrapped in intestines, skewered and cooked over a grill

C. A Polish tripe and onion dish

A. From 1860s to 1900s when Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management was the cookbook widely followed B. During WWII when meat was rationed

A. Pluck B. Spunk C. Guts D. Nerve 10. CHITTERLINGS WERE A FAVOURITE FOOD OF THE KING OF ROCK, ELVIS PRESLEY, BUT WHAT ARE THEY?

A. Sheep eyeballs B. Calves tendons C. Pig’s intestines

C. In 2004 when UK chef Fergus Henderson released his book The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating

D. Beef stomach 11. WHAT OFFAL (ORGAN MEAT) ARE CALLED LIGHTS?

A. Testicles B. Eyeballs

D. During Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s first Nose to Tail campaign in July 2020

C. Lungs D. Brains

7. BLACK PUDDING IS....

A. A liquorice allsort B. A sausage made of pork blood, pork fat, suet and cereal C. A Thai black rice and coconut cream dessert D. A lamb’s liver sausage infused with squid ink

9. WHAT WORD TRADITIONALLY MEANING ‘COURAGE’ IS ALSO A MIXTURE OF HEART, LIVER AND LUNGS TRADITIONALLY USED TO STUFF HAGGIS?

If you need some help head to https://www.beeflambnz. co.nz/nose-to-tail-month and you might find some answers to these questions.

8. WHICH FOOD COOKED HAS THE MOST DIETARY IRON?

A. 100g lamb’s fry (liver) B. 100g spinach C. 100g sirloin beef steak D. 100g lamb’s kidney

1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz

For delicious recipes like the dishes above head to : https://www. beeflambnz.co.nz/ nose-to-tail-month

2 Find and watch the OnFarmStory of Charlie Duncan “Farming is what we are ” and read the accompanying article “Benevolent history repeats ”. 3 Where do the Duncans farm? 4 What is the agricultural school that they run called?

STRETCH YOURSELF:

WOULD YOU BULL-LIEVE IT?!

1 Fit for a better world released by the Primary Sector Council produced a Fit for a better world vision for the Agriculture, Food and Fibres Sector of Aotearoa New Zealand. Head to our website https://sites.google.com/view/agined/ home and click on the links to find out more on this and answer the following questions. 2 One of the key concepts is embracing the Māori concept of Taiao, what is this? 3 Do you think that the vision that they outline is necessary and attainable? Why or why not? Send us your thoughts to:

agined@gmail.com

have a think!

th r o w I’m

! k 4 0 $1

SHOW US YOUR BOOTS! This Angus bull from Turiroa Stud set what is thought to be a record on farm price in New Zealand of $104,000!!! Bull sales happen around May-June each year. They are typically held on farms, and prices vary depending on the breeding worth of the bull. These tables show the average price, top price and the average clearance rates of Angus, Hereford and Charolais bulls across the country in 2019 and 2020. The clearance rate shows the percentage of bulls sold, for example a 100% clearance indicates that all bulls on offer were sold.

1 Covid-19 meant some farms were required to postpone sales or hold them online. What other on-farm challenges may have affected demand and reduced budgets this year? 2 Compare the average price in 2020 and 2019 for each breed. Which breed was able to stay the most steady?

ANGUS AVER AGE PR ICE TOP PR ICE

2019

2020

$8729

$8653

$86,000

$104,000

94%

91%

AVERAGE CLEARANCE

2019 AVER AGE PR ICE TOP PR ICE

2020

$8920

$6919

$60,000

$42,000

96%

81%

AVERAGE CLEARANCE

4 What is your favourite breed of cattle and why?

AVERAGE CLEARANCE

TOP PR ICE

2019

2020

$6142

$5369

$31,000

$16,000

93%

87%

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 How many students train through Otiwhiti Station Land Based Training school each year?

Holiday escapades

4 How many finishing units do they also run? 5 Charlie talks about just being a guardian of the land for future generations, do you think this is a common belief that most landowners hold currently?

Make sure you follow these steps to enter: 2 On their website, find the answer to this question: When was the first pair of Red Band Gumboots manufactured? 3 Include the answer in your email, attach your gumboot photo, and send through to us at: agined@globalhq.co.nz

CHAROLAIS AVER AGE PR ICE

3 What are the stocking rates at Otiwhiti? Both sheep and cattle.

So, send in your photos by 26th July and thanks to Skellerup you could win yourself a brand-new pair of children’s Red Bands if you are chosen as one of our winners! 1 Head to: www.redband.co.nz

HERE FORD

3 Do some research on these three breeds. Why do you think one breed remained more popular than the others? What characteristics or traits might farmers find desirable in them?

2 What are the five skills that they benchmark their students on? (they refer to these as backbone skills)

Send us photos of your much–loved or repurposed gumboots. Over the next four weeks we are looking for the best photos of your favourite gummies. Perhaps you have made yours into some other footwear, or maybe your dad has a pair that are older than you are!

1 What are your plans for the school holidays? Do you have a job? Tell us about what you are doing/planning for your break. 2 Send us pictures of your work at home, or holiday adventures to; agined@globalhq.co.nz

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

Share your AginEd photos on our Farmers Weekly facebook page Remember to use the hashtag #AginEd Letters to: agined@globalhq.co.nz

Newsmaker

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Federated Farmers has just changed the guard at the top of the organisation. Outgoing meat and wool section chairman Miles Anderson sums up the situation as he sees it while incoming dairy section chairman Wayne Langford gives his outlook.

Wool, trees, rules threaten sheep Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

HEEP farming is under serious threat from incentives to grow trees and more crops, retired Federated Farmers meat and wool chairman Miles Anderson says. In his six years on the national executive, the past three as section chairman, Anderson said the biggest single frustration has been wool. “We have got a product we have selectively bred for generations and generations, it ticks all the environmental boxes and many of us are dumping crutchings, bellies and pieces on-farm because it costs more to get them to the woolstore than you get for it – it’s ridiculous. “If there was ever a time for the wool industry to get its act together and work collaboratively to improve the fortunes of everyone in the industry, now is the time. “Without significant improvement the wool industry will drag the entire sheep industry into oblivion as farmers are forced by economics to change what they do with the land. “Sheep farming has been

incredibly good for NZ over the past 150 years. It will be a shame for it to be buggered because one part of our industry couldn’t get its act together. “There’s incentives for growing trees and incentives to grow more crops. If something doesn’t change dramatically in the next three to five years sheep will be gone and, once gone, they won’t come back. “It concerns me now and it concerns me for the next generation of sheep farmers.” Anderson doesn’t hold a lot of hope for relief in the much-anticipated release of Government’s Wool Working Group Report. “I think it will probably be something people will argue over what is right and what is wrong and at the end of the day industry will need to take any good and work collectively from a key starting point.” Anderson acknowledges there is a lot of good work going on outside of the report as industry stakeholders forge ahead with their own business. “The report was only ever going to be a starting point but it’s way too long coming. “Yes, industry has done some dumb things over the years and there’s been learnings from that.”

He cited the demise of the Wool Board. “It was a mistake to get rid of that. While it wasn’t necessarily the tool, it had the infrastructure to do the job. It just needed reorganising. Its capabilities were outstanding.” On a positive note Anderson said many achievements, despite some being quite left field, have produced rewarding outcomes. They include changes to the Crimes (and Sentencing) Act in respect to stock rustling, the new Firearms Law, stock agent regulation and on top of everything, issues arising from the covid-19 pandemic. As a sector there have been many challenges as a result of government policy and regulation and as the dust settles, taking in covid-19 too. Anderson expects a lot of farmers are re-evaluating some of their farm policies. “Questions such as should I finish as much stock as I previously have, should I turn more of my excess feed into silage, balage or hay rather than using it to add weight to animals. “We are waiting to see how the Government policy on indigenous biodiversity will impact on our properties and farming practices.

FULL-ON: Miles Anderson’s time at the helm of Federated Farmers’ meat and wool section has been intense and challenging but rewarding.

“I believe we are at a crossroads in New Zealand where property rights are under serious threat.” The incentives to turn farmland into forests have had negative impacts on many rural communities. “It is frustrating that poor science and poor policy have combined to remove productive sheep and beef properties from NZ forever. “It is gravely concerning that the regulatory burden will be too much for many of us and drive us out of the industry when the country needs us most. “In our wake we could be leaving increasing numbers of corporate farming operations and an unending march of pine forests.

“That won’t be good for the country or the environment,” Anderson said. While stepping aside from executive level Anderson has no plan to walk away. “I will still be involved in some projects. I won’t be too distanced from issues and I will be there for incoming chairman William Beetham. “I will take a breather initially but I have already advised the new board I will be offering my advice.” Meantime, home on his South Canterbury sheep and cropping farm there’s work to catch up on. “There’s a bit on the farm that’s missed out in three years,” Anderson said.

We don’t know how lucky we are Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz NEW Federated Farmers dairy chairman Wayne Langford says the next few years will be critical for the industry as it navigates freshwater reform, climate change and Mycoplasma bovis. The Golden Bay dairy farmer takes over from Chris Lewis, having served as his vicepresident for the past three years. “I think with the state of the Government and potentially them doing another term, I think these are all going to start to come to a head. “They have made their intentions pretty clear on that so I think these next three years are pretty crucial in that, making sure our farming sector, where we are still profitable and where there are still vibrant communities and a bunch of young farmers still on the ground.” Farmers have been around for a long time and will continue to be around in spite of those issues, he said. “We just have to keep doing what we are doing and hopefully the team at Federated Farmers can represent them in a way that enables them to keep farming without too much regulatory hassle.”

BALANCING ACT: New Federated Farmers dairy chairman Wayne Langford says Farmers need to find a balance between remaining informed of the issues without letting those issues rule their lives.

Rather than becoming harder, farming has become entangled in what he calls drama circles. Farmers needed to find a balance between remaining informed of the issues without letting those issues rule their lives. “It’s very easy to get caught up

on all the talk around freshwater and M bovis and climate change and that sort of stuff. “But typically what farmers will find is that a lot of what they are doing is up to standard already and sometimes they need to make sure they are not getting stuck in that drama and that they

are analysing that business from above.” The biggest effect on his farm’s profitability is how he manages it and it is important to maintain that focus when making on-farm decisions. Public perceptions of farming have improved, particularly since the covid-19 outbreak, he said. “The tide is turning a little but that’s no reason to rest on our laurels. We have to keep doing what we are doing and make every effort that we can. “It’s been highly noticeable during covid-19, the lack of farmer bashing and how people have got in behind the rural community.” He is positive about the shortterm outlook for the dairy sector. “Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief every time the GDT comes out and it’s holding on. I’m cautiously optimistic.” However, internationally, it is looking more shaky with overseas dairy companies that do not have a co-operative business structure struggling. “We don’t know how lucky we are to have a co-operative like Fonterra during a time like covid-19.” Farmers in Europe and North America have had to contend with fluctuating dairy prices over the past six months, he said.

“When you look at Fonterra’s performance through it all, it’s held onto a $7 milk price and we’re forecasting something with $6 in front of it now. “That’s pretty positive considering where we could have been. In other countries around the world they have been dumping milk.” Langford is also the federation’s spokesman for health and safety, health and wellbeing, Nait, animal welfare and energy. As well as serving as dairy deputy-chairman he sat on the federation’s dairy executive for five years, chaired its Golden Bay dairy section and is also the province’s president. Langford said one of the good things about Federated Farmers is that it has good resources for developing farming leaders as well as completing leadership courses through Fonterra and Kellogg. That combination has given him a good grounding for the next three years. “You slowly get more and more involved and you meet different people in the industry until you get to the chair role where you have a good understanding of who most people are. “It’s a fantastic training ground for young leaders.”

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Facial eczema lab test sought Protecting farm animals from facial eczema is a constant struggle for many farmers and treating it is not easy. Now there’s hope of some relief in the form of an easy and afforable lab test farmers can get to test stock for facial eczema tolerance, Gerald Piddock reports.

SIMPLE laboratory test could one day be available for farmers to test their livestock’s tolerance to facial

eczema. AgResearch scientists have begun researching the feasibility of such a test in a pilot study being launched this month. Results are expected by March in the study led by AgResearch’s Dr Axel Heiser and funded by Beef + Lamb. The first phase investigates how cells from easily accessible samples such as blood, saliva and skin react to the toxin sporidesmin that causes eczema. The study involves taking samples from 20 animals from AgResearch’s farms that are a mix of both FE tolerant and FE susceptible and exposing them to the sporidesmin. The cells’ reaction is measured for markers that change in response to sporidesmin and can show at a cellular level whether the animal is FE tolerant, Heiser said. “We have really good analytical methods to look at everything these cells do so I’m quite confident that we’ll get a signature out of these cells.” The marker tests will not be breed specific. “In the past when we have looked for signatures of these markers for other diseases we have found that breed does not have such a huge influence. “We do know there are breeds that are more and less susceptible and we will come back to that when we validate the tests.” If the pilot is successful then work will start on creating a simpler, faster and more affordable way for the method to be done in a diagnostic laboratory. The final phase is to validate the test on a larger group of animals. FE has been known in New Zealand for more than 100 years

and is caused by the sporidesmin, produced by the fungus Pithomyces chartarum. This spore-producing fungus sits in the litter at the base of pasture swards. It causes damage to the bile system of the liver of sheep and cattle. A secondary effect of the liver damage is photosensitisation, which causes skin reddening and peeling, leaving affected areas susceptible to other infections. It is suspected that for every clinical case of FE there are 10 more with the disease. The disease causes significant production losses and impacts on the welfare of affected animals. The Facial Eczema Working Group, comprising of farmers and researchers have estimated that in a bad year FE can cost the country $266 million in lost production. And the changing climate means FE, which is more common in warm, moist environments, is likely to spread further into southern regions over time. Heiser sees a test as a tool for ram and bull breeders and dairy genetics companies to indicate how FE tolerant their sires are. “You would select your bulls or rams based on this new test. I think it can be a quick and affordable test so the farmer that usually gets the bull or the semen can also test the ewes or the dams and make a selection on the female side of the breeding as well, which would mean the success of the breeding programme would come much faster. You could select on both parents’ sides and that’s really my goal.” Commercial farmers could then request the test results from their ram or bull breeder or genetics company if it is semen when buying a new sire. “If it works we should be able to give it a proper score.” He sees it sitting alongside the spore count tests farmers regularly

NEW STUDY AgResearch has started a pilot study to see if facial eczema susceptibility can be quantified at a cellular level in livestock.

We have really good analytical methods to look at everything these cells do so I’m quite confident that we’ll get a signature out of these cells. Dr Axel Heiser AgResearch do in late summer if their farm is in a high spore count area. It could also mean an end to the annual zinc treatments. The pilot will take about six months followed by another six to nine months of validating the test with animals before a decision will be made to move to the next phase in two years. The study is part of a larger research proposal Heiser and others are preparing to further investigate FE. It will include testing, treatments and the spores

NEW TEST: AgResearch scientist Dr Axel Heiser hopes a simple laboratory test could one day let farmers quickly know how tolerant their animals are to facial eczema.

that cause FE and why it is a problem in NZ but not anywhere else. “I think that if we want to solve the problem we need to solve it

before the toxin gets into the cow or the sheep. I think, ideally, we solve it in the pasture.” He hopes to obtain funding early next year.

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Opinion

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

EDITORIAL

Roadmap for NZ prosperity

N THESE perilous times it pays to count the ways New Zealand is blessed. At the launch of the Primary Sector Council roadmap for transformation and recovery Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern enumerated a few. We have a primary sector that uses our natural resources to produce high-quality food and fibre for discerning consumers. We have a climate that allows yearround production and, most of the time, ample rainfall. We have one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones for our size and well-managed fisheries. We have skilled and motivated producers who are the envy of their counterparts elsewhere. The council has suggested these advantages can be wrapped in Te Taiao, the Maori concept of the inter-dependent natural world, as a provenance to promote export earnings and to unify the sector. To sum the resources, heritage, experiences and motivations of a whole country that concept has a lot going for it. It speaks of guardianship, sustainability, environmental care, food quality, animal welfare and continuous innovation and renewal. New Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard said he can see what the council is describing but he wouldn’t have used as many words. The principles resonate with his own aspirations in a multi-generational farming family. Silver Fern Farms chairman Rob Hewett said Te Taiao appellation could be used to boost export revenue from meat. After years of trying to devise and use an empathetic NZ brand to underpin our product stories it seems we have a genuine contender. The primary sector kept people fed and in jobs during the covid-19 response and will continue to play a huge part in driving the economic recovery, Ardern said. For the first time the sector has an overall plan with which to prioritise science and spending and behind which the principles are appropriate and aspirational. Look on this as a game plan for the team of five million.

Hugh Stringleman

LETTERS

Self sufficieny versus fair trade STEPHEN Bell’s column (June 22) reflected on the future based on lessons learned from the covid-19 experience. It was thoughtful comment but I am apprehensive that obvious needs, as were exposed during the virus’ reign, will probably not be heeded by politicians, whoever is in government following this year’s election. That is where government plays a response. Bell referred to leadership relative to the Prime Minister. Sorry, I disagree on an important fundamental point. The PM is not our leader. In today’s government Jacinda Adern is simply the most senior public servant in the land. MPs and the faceless bureaucrats are public servants and they need reminding of this, in case they forget, at each election. The economic impact of the virus has been severe,

particularly on individuals with loss of employment and yet saddled with hefty mortgages. But collectively for New Zealand are we playing the wrong game, mindlessly pursuing economic growth under the mantra of gross domestic product. Hand in hand with GDP goes free trade. But an increasing number of economists are questioning the myopic, solely dollardriven GDP doctrine that is akin to a dog chasing its tail. People welfare and quality of life are important and economists such as Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics, say there is a much better way – a genuine progress indicator (GPI) that embraces not just economic values but social and environmental too. Questions and debate needs to happen now. Should we be

pursuing free trade or adopt a policy of fair trade? NZ has a free-trade deal with China, stitched up by the John Key government. China has infiltrated NZ’s dairying industry to an alarming degree and is virtually free to buy land here. But Kiwis cannot buy land in China. Is that free trade or is it unfair trade? There are things I just don’t understand about free trade. For example, NZ exports 173 tonnes of pork, valued at $1 million. But then NZ imports pork from a range of countries including Belgium, Canada, Poland, China, Estonia and the Philippines – all of which have African swine fever, which can devastate pig herds. Would it not be more logical for the NZ pork industry to totally supply the domestic market? I don’t understand why we import California oranges, kiwifruit, plums and other

produce when we grow them here. Other similar examples abound in supermarkets. Which raises the question why NZ, instead of dogmatically pursuing free trade and open borders with the risk of introducing diseases and pests, doesn’t aim for greater self sufficiency. Self sufficiency and fair trade? Is that a lesson from the pandemic? Tony Orman Marlborough

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

FAST THINKING DANGEROUS: Quickly made decisions feature in on-farm accidents, Safer Farms/Agricultural Leaders’ Health and Safety Action Group general manager Tony Watson says.

What makes farms dangerous? Tony Watson

HAT makes farms dangerous places to work? What if it is as simple as the decisions we make every day? Agriculture consistently has the highest number of workplace injuries and fatalities of any sector in New Zealand. It’s the same things killing people on farm every year – quad bikes, tractors, utes and being caught in machinery. But is it those things or the decisions we make while using them? No one plans to hurt themselves or someone else during a normal work day but the data tell us pretty much every injury and fatality on farm is preventable. Sure, there are lightning strikes and other acts of God but they don’t feature in our on-farm harm statistics. What does feature is not wearing a seat belt, being tired or rushing at work, pushing the quad or tractor to go up that last bit of steeper hill or down the greasy track. It is the in-the-moment decisions that feature. We can all learn by listening to those who have been through an

The

Pulpit

accident or worse, listening to a grieving family and workmates left behind. In these stories it is clear there are usually a string of decisions, individually of little consequence but on a fateful day adding up to a disaster on the farm, leaving people wishing they had done one little thing differently. Reducing injuries and fatalities isn’t going to be as easy as fencing off waterways. The challenge is our mindset, the things we tell ourselves like

it’s just common sense. It is these common attitudes that are our biggest hazard. What can be done? As farmers we are busy people facing a range of pressures and uncertainties from production, product pricing and changing regulations to seasonal pressures, which are all sometimes compounded by a shortage of people to help. That’s not to mention the obvious impact weather has on a farm. Pressure to get the job done can be huge, throw in some fatigue or distraction and you’ve just plucked the pin out of the grenade. The more farmers we discuss this with the more we realise that asking ourselves a few simple questions can have a massive, positive impact. This is not about telling farmers how to farm but getting farmers to think differently. It starts with a decision: I am going to think about my own safety and the safety of those around me on the farm. We all need work to be done safely and efficiently and not treat safety as something separate or an afterthought. When starting any task it’s about asking ourselves: What could go wrong? What am I doing about it?

Is that going to be enough to keep me/us safe? Beef + Lamb chairman and retiring Agricultural Leaders Health and Safety Action Group director Andrew Morrison said some farmers have stepped up and made health and safety a priority on the farm but the sector needs to lift its game further.

Pretty much every injury and fatality on farm is preventable.

Former WorkSafe chief executive Nicole Rosie’s move to a role outside agriculture leaves a second director’s vacancy. Rosie’s view is the heart of the problem lies with many people thinking “Yes, there’s a problem, everyone else can change but I don’t really think I want to”. If that is the case we really do have some work to do and it’s a leadership question we each need to answer. What is it in our individual and collective mindset that stops us from seeing this as a problem? If we think it’s not a problem

that’s the first thing we need to change. When we think there is a problem and we don’t know the solution then we can work collectively on that. We can learn from other farmers, from industry, from WorkSafe, other sectors and other countries. Each of us can make a start by thinking about our own role in creating the change we need to keep ourselves, our families and our teams safe and about the behaviour we need to see to make it happen. We don’t know all of the answers but if you all come with us we will make progress, just as the freshwater accord did. There are two vacancies and we’re on the lookout for candidates to join our board.

Who am I? Tony Watson is the Safer Farms/ Agricultural Leaders’ Health and Safety Action Group general manager.

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

Opinion

32 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Labour’s forestry plan makes sense Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I RECEIVED a policy announcement from the Labour Party last week. It came from forestry spokesman Stuart Nash and Wairarapa Labour list MP Kieran McAnulty. It was interesting for a variety of reasons. Simply, it required forestry to be a consented activity for forests larger than 50 hectares. You’ll know from columns I’ve written in the past that I’m totally against the blanket planting of pines on good farmland. I’m also totally opposed to foreigners buying those farms and putting them in trees. That doesn’t provide food or employment. So, the Labour policy of blanket planting being a consented activity said a lot. I have a problem with the rationale behind planting trees. We plant pines and feel good about it because they absorb carbon dioxide and save the planet. We then cut them down, mill them, send them to China and burn them. As well as the carbon footprint of all those activities the carbon dioxide we paid for is all returned to the atmosphere. We’ve achieved

absolutely nothing except to eventually increase our carbon footprint. In the meantime, we drive and fly at will because we can – we have pine trees absorbing our pollution. I have no problem with the right tree in the right place and the Labour policy, if passed and honestly managed, will achieve that. What I found interesting was that to my knowledge it is the first policy off the rack. That tells me it is a Labour priority. Labour doesn’t want the blanket planting of pine trees on good farmland by either New Zealanders or foreigners. The fact it’s not being pursued in Parliament suggests to me it is NZ First in the form of Shane Jones who put the brake on. Why would you? NZ First proudly tell us they stand first and foremost for Kiwis yet they make it easy for foreigners to buy good farmland and put it into trees, claim the carbon and send the money offshore to offset the carbon obligations in their home countries. If the same foreigners want to buy a property and farm it they can’t. They can if they plant it, which I find totally absurd. The policy announcement was popular. Federated Farmers applauded Labour’s pledge to protect good farmland. It came from the new meat and wool chairman William Beetham. Fifty Shades of Green chairman

Andy Scott was rapt with the announcement. “We’ve spent a year lobbying for this. It feels good to have been effective. I’m pleased with our campaign. It’s been honest, factual and strategic. “It goes to show that provincial voices can be heard in Wellington,” Scott said. Thank heavens for that. That the policy was timely was highlighted by a recent research project from the Ministry for the Environment that claimed the NZ climate problem has a cheap fix. We could turn the country into a carbon sink. The economic cost would be minimal if there was a cost at all. The answer according to the MfE brains trust is to plant all hill country in pine trees meaning, they told us, the end of sheep and cattle farming. I’m totally serious. Go to the MfE website and see it for yourself. They sagely add converting sheep and beef farmland to pine forest is significantly cheaper than any other option for reducing climate pollution. Obviously, no-one has told them the sheep and beef sector exports more than $7 billion annually, each and every year. There are a few more king hits in the report. They tell us the economic cost is high if you plant dairy farms in pine. They’re serious. Nobody has pointed out that planting trees on pasture actually depletes soil organic matter thus releasing carbon dioxide into the

CHEERLEADER: Federated Farmers’ new meat and wool chairman William Beetham applauded Labour’s pledge to protect farmland from forestry.

atmosphere. Someone should tell MfE. The classic statement is “If many countries were to move from livestock farming towards forestry this would increase meat prices and reduce wood prices.” Obviously written by a PhD. There’s got to be something in the water in Wellington even if it is illegal. Someone should tell them you can’t eat wood. I wonder if MfE has assessed the personal cost of their nutty suggestion. There are 30,000 sheep and beef farms with about 100,000 people living on them. There are 25,000 employed in the meat industry and 2000 shearers. Add truck drivers, schoolteachers, stock agents, vets and sale yard staff

and this insane suggestion by MfE will have a far greater hit on the economy than covid-19. You would also have about 100,000 good houses rotting among the pines, not to mention rural shops, farm machinery companies and pubs. Eketahuna and places like that would cease to exist. The MfE document is a criminal waste of tax dollars and more fairy tale than fact. Labour’s forestry policy, therefore, is timely and a breath of reality in an otherwise insane debate.

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

Farmer cred just goes sliding away From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

WE GET a steady stream of visitors through here – quite a few from this long running saga I like to call a column, others from my broadcasting activities and the rest just wanting to have a look around the farm. Jane is very good about it and has put on many smokos and lunches over the years. Last week I had some valued ram clients wanting to come for a visit. Midwinter is not the best time to show off one’s wares but the farm has recovered well from the drought, the stock are looking good and the scanning results have been decent given what the ewe flock went through so I was more than happy to host them.

I flicked around in the dawn and moved some cattle breaks because they might have got grumpy by the time I got to them after our visitors left. I took the opportunity to quickly zip through the ewe mobs we were visiting as a dead cast ewe from overnight or a mass escape was not going to be a great advertisement but all was well and under control as the dawn began to lighten. They arrived down at the bottom farm where my commercial ewes live at 8.30am and as there were four of them and there was a steady, cold rain it wasn’t going to be a cruise around on motorbikes so everyone clambered into my ute. We stopped in the big mob of early twinners and had a chat about the scanning, genetics and my winter and lambing management. Then we drove up a small hill for a view of the secret valley that just a few of us are privileged to share. Just over the hill is the Hatuma limeworks. A large fault line runs right through our farm and has created the landscape of uplifted, craggy, limestone hills around us.

The fault line travels right under the tracks of the railway line that loops around on the other side of the valley as trains go from Napier to Wellington. But as we headed up the hill the ute, though in four-wheel-drive, lost traction and started a slow slide towards the fence. Let’s leave my startled passengers for now looking out the rain-soaked windows at the approaching fence and consider how we came to this moment. The last 12 months has been remarkably dry. Last winter my heavy soils were so dry it was easy farming but, of course, we ran into a dry spring, summer and autumn meaning we were vulnerable to a drought. I got used to driving the ute around the farm anytime I wanted. Indeed, I had a visitor a couple of days earlier and we took the same route without any trouble. The first five months of this year had just 120mm of rain but June came in with the same amount and yet the land just kept soaking it up. The night before my guests

arrived had some heavy showers and, finally, I guess the land got to field capacity that morning, though not for long because by the next day it was reasonably dry again. Back to the clients I was eager to impress. The ute slid into a post which gave a resounding crack as it broke and stopped our slide but not loud enough though to cover my expletive. “Shall we get out?” one asked obviously eager to do just that. “No, I’m just going to back down this bit of a hill to the flat ground,” I said in what I hoped was a reassuring tone and did just that. We drove up to the home block and headed out to view the studs. Next thing we were once again in a gentle sideways slide I could do nothing about and, sure enough, hit and broke another post and nestled alongside the fence. There was no backing out of this one and so my passengers clambered out the driver’s side doors. In nearly 40 years I’ve never hit a fence and here I’d done it twice in 30 minutes with credible witnesses to boot.

My instinct was to fall to the ground, curl into a foetal position and moan in a Basil Fawlty manner but, instead, I pulled myself together and announced the tour was over and we were to walk briskly back to the house in the driving rain for coffee. My clients, who are all high-level governance types, continued as they had all morning to bombard me with questions and requests for further information on my genetic breeding programme. Jane was surprised to see us again so soon and I told her that it had been a debacle. Our surprisingly chipper guests left a while later and Jane and I went up with the tractor and dragged the poor old ute off the fence. Other than two broken posts, a small dent on the wheel rim, a short scratch and a total loss of credibility I thought the morning had gone rather well.

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 – July 13, 2020

Don’t be cynical, regen can sell Rob Hewett

SELL IT: New Zealand must use its regenerative agriculture practices to sell exports because that is as close as the country will get to a free pass. plantain and chicory, swards that are often many years old so reseed/regenerate each year are examples. Overlaying the five freedoms of animal welfare – freedom from hunger and thirst, access to shelter and shade, freedom from pain and injury, freedom to roam and freedom from stress – and our industry’s growing attention to improving water quality, NZ pastoral agriculture is so removed from other global factory-farm systems it is laughable to apply the same yardstick to both. When consumers offshore think of regenerative agriculture they often think of NZ farming, particularly if they’ve visited here. To them, they’re synonymous. Many consumers are increasingly seeking out our fruit, our wine, our milk and our meat knowing it is good for them and better for the environment than the feedlot down the road where the cattle are captive in a barn, eating corn. These consumers are influential and are increasingly prepared to pay premiums for regenerative product and its story. They see NZ agriculture as regenerative, particularly when compared to what’s on offer locally. We mightn’t be totally correct yet as there are still a lot of things to be tested but we are a long way in the right direction. Defining regen agriculture in a consumer-led way but on our terms using the NZ standard, telling our NZ story allows opportunities to showcase activities many pastoral farmers already do, in a way that ensures relevance and hopefully receiving a premium for our product when compared to, say, feedlot beef.

It’s as close to a free pass as we’re ever likely to get. Our definition must be measurable, science based. Scientists have often been dismissive of regen because of the lack of measurability but the intersection of science and the environment also changes as our understanding grows over time. How many of our grandparents used DDT to control grass grub? Who ran the skinny sheep policy in the 1980s? What are the long-term implications of glyphosate and what alternative management practices will give an equivalent non-chemical result?

Whatever we do, we must be consumerled but science based. Our consumers and our systems demand it.

While scientific best practice might morph over time as we better understand the implications, it is also fair to say the art of regen ag in the NZ context cannot be unilaterally mandated on the basis of unsubstantiated offshore claims. And in all cases the science and the art must resonate with the marketplace that pays our bills. Whatever we do, we must be consumer-led but science based. Our consumers and our systems demand it. It is important we define this opportunity ourselves, quickly.

High quality agriculture is New Zealand’s competitive advantage. The New Zealand standard, used by our exporters as part of their marketing programmes to our global consumers – Te Taiao, fit for a better world – demonstrates New Zealand food and fibre production leadership in environmental, social and economic fields. This is overlaid by uniquely New Zealand elements of who we are, as we go about producing the high quality food and fibre with a story that our discerning consumers are seeking out. As farmers, we can demonstrate Te Taiao by showing our existing systems contain regenerative elements, that we are responsive to consumer needs and our journey towards being fit for a better world is under way. We aren’t perfect – but we are a damn sight better than most, and Te Taiao can be a plan to bridge the gap. We also want to be recognised for it. Ultimately Te Taiao will allow us to earn the right to ask consumers to pay us well for doing the right thing. Don’t overthink it. Undoubtedly, there will be challenges and change required. Farmers have proved themselves resilient before. Our consumers want regenerative product – making regenerative agriculture part of our farming standard by taking the best bits of our existing systems and the best bits of proven regenerative agriculture principles and melding them together to meet our consumer demands right around the world. We’ll all be better off and so will the planet. He waka eka noa. We’re all in this together.

THAT’S US: Overseas consumers already consider New Zealand an example of regenerative farming, Rob Hewett says.

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REGENERATIVE agriculture is in the news and throughout social media, webinars abound and there are sunflowers everywhere. Consumers, pundits and farmers all have views and the feelings aren’t subdued. Why? Covid-19 has caused an epiphany among affluent food consumers globally. After decades of increasingly cheaper, ever-abundant food they’ve suddenly discovered food insecurity. And some of the food they’ve been eating might not be as safe as they assumed. These consumers want reassurance they’re doing the right thing for themselves and the planet and they want a relationship with their food producers. Many might say about time. Some consumers have latched on to regenerative agriculture like a drowning swimmer grabs a life raft. In consumer land regen intuitively feels like the right thing to do. Consumers want it, perhaps without really understanding or sniff-testing it. Maybe regen ag feels like a return to the good old days when the world wasn’t so scary. However, regenerative agriculture is elusive to define. Some proponents claim a definition is irrelevant. Regen is an attitude, a better way of doing things. If pushed, regen practitioners point to rotational grazing, soil enhancement, pasture diversity, reductions in artificial fertiliser – less in, more out – while acknowledging each farm is different, requiring different treatments. The problem is a lack of definition implies a meaningless standard, no rigour. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it and any target will do. It’s no wonder many New Zealand pastoral farmers, lecturers and soil scientists are cynical about regen – zealots pushing overseas concepts sourced from arid continents with depleted soils and monoculture cropping systems like soy and maize, heavily dependent on herbicides and artificial fertilisers. Many pastoral farmers, lecturers and soil scientists feel attacked by regen advocates who can’t clearly articulate the what, who advocate applying regenerative concepts in a pastoral agricultural system NZ has made its own and who are adamant our system is not fit for purpose. What a conundrum. Everyone has an opinion and nobody’s listening to the others. Let’s take a breath and reflect. Many practices in our pastoralbased farming systems today are considered regenerative. Inter-generational farms practising rotational grazing, using minimal or zero tillage, using multi-species pasture swards with natural nitrogenfixing legumes like clover and lucerne, deep rooting plants like

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Opinion

34 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Co-product prices keep falling Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

THE sale of Wallace Group’s tanning, rendering and composting operations in Waikato, Northland and Manawatu is the latest step in the consolidation of what is often termed the fifth quarter of the meat industry. Since it began in the late nineteenth century the industry has had to invest significant capital in facilities, which were designed not just to process animals for meat production but also to dispose of the parts of the carcase left over from its primary purpose, otherwise known as byproducts or more politely coproducts. Co-products include hides and pelts, tallow, meat and bone meal, tripe, tendons, blood, intestines for sausage casings and, more recently, medical applications. Apart from meal and tallow their market value has really suffered in recent years, the worst effects being experienced in the leather industry, which has seen prices for hides and, more particularly, pelts lose much of their value. Wool on pelts has minimal value while shorn pelts are now negative or are going straight to landfill and hide prices, especially for cull cows and bulls, have been affected by changes in fashion and consumer preference for nonanimal products. Wool, which used to have a comparable value to the meat return, has, unfortunately, declined to the point where it is now shorn more for animal health than profit reasons. Meat processors’ attitude to co-products has changed over time, being considered originally as an essential part of the business but progressively as a drain on capital and a disposal function that can best be outsourced to an independent processor.

Alliance, Affco and Progressive Meats are the remaining companies that have consistently incorporated coproducts into their core business, Silver Fern Farms having sold its North Island hide processing and rendering assets to Lowe Corporation in 2014 and its 50% share in Farm Brands with its Silverstream rendering plant in 2015. SFF continues to operate its fellmongery plant processing pelts in the South Island. The other member of the big four, Anzco Foods, sends all its hides to Whanganui based Tasman Tanning though last year’s purchase by Tasman of 75% of Washdyke based NZ Light Leathers in partnership with ex Anzco chief executive Mark Clarkson hints at a possible location change for the South Island hides. Greenlea and Wilson Hellaby’s decision to buy the Wallace tanning operations is an unusual example of meat processors investing in rather than divesting a capital-intensive but not necessarily core part of the industry and is a positive sign of the companies’ faith in the future of tanning.

Demand for sheep and lamb pelts seems unlikely to improve any time soon.

According to Wilson Hellaby chief executive Fred Hellaby it can be hard being a third party tanner, bidding in competition with other tanners, and the purchase provides a chance to increase the business scale as well as certainty of supply to a facility with consents for effluent disposal. However, in spite of negotiating a good price Hellaby says the plant needs a lot of money spent on it to bring it up to standard. Greenlea already sends its hides to Waitoa but Wilson Hellaby has a contract with Tasman Tanning to process the throughput from Auckland Meat Processors. While

HARD HIT: Hides, like these in the Tasman Tanning plant in Whanganui, are not adding to farmers’ returns.

Hellaby would not say whether that will change, ownership and location suggest it is inevitable Waitoa will take over the processing contract sooner rather than later. Tasman is the only company that produces finished leather from a substantial proportion of hides processed with the balance of its production sold to overseas leather manufacturers though covid-19 has put a dampener on traditional end uses for car upholstery and shoes. Competition also comes from so-called vegan leather (vinyl), which, ironically, is a product of the oil industry though there appears to be a recent trend back to traditional leather, possibly a signal of a return to old consumer values in the aftermath of the pandemic. The other large player in the hide and pelt industry is Lowe Corporation, formed in 1998 following Lowe Walker’s sale of its meat processing plants to Richmond. It acquired Colyer Mair in 2001 and Te Aroha Skin

Processing in 2004. It has six plants across the North Island and one in Christchurch covering the range from wet blued cattle hides and calf skins, pickled deer skins and sheep and lamp pelts to salted sheep and goat skins. Lowe increased its volumes substantially when it acquired SFF’s business in 2014 but that contract is rumoured to be up for renegotiation in the foreseeable future. Any change to that arrangement would cause further disruption in the tannery sector. The most influential independent renderers are Glendenburg Holdings, the third investor in the Waitoa site, which has other North Island rendering plants and Farm Brands in the South Island with plants in Timaru, Dunedin and Silverstream. Until last month Farm Brands and Wallace Corporation held their rendering operations in a joint venture formed in 2017 but the sale of the North Island assets to Glendenburg occurred at the same time as Farm Brands retook

LETTERS Hunters’ efforts are not appreciated CONGRATULATIONS to Neal Wallace’s coverage of the Government’s ill-conceived, destructive and wasteful tahr plan. I am an enthusiastic hunter of over 50 years with much experience of New Zealand’s high country and its ecosystem. During those years I have also been an enthusiastic trapper of predators, even receiving letters of appreciation from the Department of Conservation. I’ve caught or shot feral cats, herbivore possums and, in the last three years with a friend, shot more than 1000 wallabies, mostly

full ownership of the South Island business. Farm Brands is 75% controlled by Italian company Sapi and the Spence Family, which owns 25%. While co-products are now apparently in settled ownership the rendering side is in better shape because of the relatively stable market demand for tallow and meat and bone meal for animal feeds. Tasman Tanning and Lowe Corporation will compete for hides from meat processors without tanning capacity but demand for sheep and lamb pelts seems unlikely to improve any time soon. This combination of factors will ensure farmers cannot look forward to much improvement in the meat schedules as a result of global demand for co-products.

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

More letters P30 on public land. My most recent wallaby hunt was ruined by a helicopter for three days culling tahr on the public land I was hunting. DOC had promised, on issuing the permit, to let me know of any helicopter operations. It failed to do so. I was put in the situation, a not very pleasurable experience, of looking down the barrel of a shotgun from around a dozen metres by someone sitting in the door of a helicopter when it suddenly came over a ridge and into a tight little gut we were hunting. Thankfully, we were wearing high-visibility gear otherwise, perhaps, there could have been a different scenario.

I am a keen tahr hunter and have taken part in two organised tahr culls at my own cost. During those hunts I gave grid references of endangered birds sighted such as whio, rock wren, falcons and kea and even a possible sighting of a South Island kokako in Fiordland, such is my interest in the wider ecosystem and birdlife. Seemingly unappreciated by ministers and DOC is that tahr, chamois and deer hunters venture into areas where very few ever go. Hunters’ interest and reports of wildlife from observations are of huge value to DOC, except they are discouraged and frustrated with the extreme extermination policies. I know of hunters who have made sightings of rare birds

but have not told DOC for fear of the department then blitzing the area with 1080 poison. Consequently, I will not be wasting any more money, time and effort on trapping programmes and wallaby hunting on public land. I will from now on be dedicating my money, time and effort to enjoying hunting before it is all destroyed by the anti-exotic phobia that afflicts DOC and which it, in true Yes Minister style, advises ministers on. I have written to Conservation Minister Sage but given her Forest and Bird loyalties and ideology I am not optimistic. On the subject of tahr browse it mustn’t be forgotten a species of

moa browsed in sub-alpine herb fields. Would moa be culled if still there? The same applies to deer. Landcare Research has estimated there are 250,000 wild deer in NZ. The late Dr Graeme Caughley, a NZ-born, world-renowned ecologist, estimated the browsing moa population was six million. There will be no more help from me and, on reflection, I could have offered a lot. Probably my letter to Sage will never see the light of day, perhaps buried by some bureaucrat. I hope not though Yes Minister is dominant in Wellington. Lews Hore Oamaru

World

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Trade deals effects still a big concern FARMING industry leaders say a long-awaited British trade and agriculture commission must be genuinely valuable amid fears local farmers could still be undermined by substandard food imports. It comes after the government announced a commission to consider the policies to be adopted by the United Kingdom in free-trade agreements so farmers don’t face unfair competition from imports with lower animal welfare and production standards. Bowing to pressure after more than 18 months of National Farmers Union lobbying, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said she was willing in principle to set up a commission. But the commission’s terms of reference have yet to be decided. A number of caveats accompanying the announcement have fuelled concern it could be too weak and its remit too narrow, making it all too easy for ministers

to ignore or sidestep its findings. In a letter to NFU president Minette Batters, Truss said she recognises the importance of applying appropriate safeguards in UK free-trade deals.

Any trade deal the UK strikes must be fair and reciprocal to our farmers. Liz Truss International Trade Secretary But the commission will be time-limited and its recommendations will be advisory only. “I wholeheartedly agree that any trade deal the UK strikes must be fair and reciprocal to our farmers

and must not compromise on our high standards of food safety and animal welfare. “I have been very clear on both these points,” Truss said. Batters said she wants to ensure the commission’s work is genuinely valuable. “It will be vital that Parliament is able to properly consider the commission’s recommendations and can ensure government implements them effectively. “The NFU will continue to scrutinise the progress of trade negotiations with the United States and other countries over the coming months outside of the work of the commission so that our future trade deals work for British farmers and consumers.” Other campaigners have also voiced concern at the commission’s remit. Sustain food and farming policy head Vicki Hird said “Such a weak and short-term approach leaves

WATCHING: Britain’s National Farmers Union will scrutinise the progress of free-trade deals, president Minette Batters says.

so many cracks through which our food standards could slip. “We are concerned too that Liz Truss refers only to food safety and animal welfare standards, seemingly ignoring wider concerns such as the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides and

environmental standards to protect wildlife, soil and water.” Truss said she looks forward to working constructively with the NFU and to agreeing the terms of reference for the commission as soon as practicably possible. UK Farmers Weekly

Tory MPs want to help farmers British exporters get help BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson is coming under mounting pressure from his own party to protect British farmers in any post-Brexit free-trade deals that would undercut their businesses. Farming and environmental organisations have welcomed an announcement from International Trade Secretary Liz Truss that a trade and agriculture commission will be set up to ensure the United Kingdom’s high food standards will not be compromised. The government has faced strong calls from the National Farmers Union and others to uphold food and animal welfare standards in future trade deals. More than a million people have signed a union petition urging it to safeguard production standards. However, there is serious concern the new body will not go far enough to protect the livelihoods of British farmers from substandard United States food imports such as chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef, battery eggs and pork from pigs produced by sows kept in stalls. That is because Truss has stated that the commission’s recommendations should be advisory only. Johnson is reported to have held a private meeting to discuss the issue with Conservative MPs. Rebel MPs who voted against the government’s decision not to enshrine minimum laws on food standards in the Agriculture Bill welcomed the commission but said it must have teeth. Specifically, the MPs have

TOUGH JOB: British Prime Minister Boris Johnston is under pressure from his own caucus to protect farmers.

insisted the new body must be given statutory powers that would require the government to formally respond to its recommendations. Conservative MP George Freeman tweeted “Let’s say what we mean and mean what we say. “The PM was crystal clear in the election that we would not negotiate away our food and farm welfare standards. So, let’s make it a red line in the US freetrade agreement.” NFU president Minette Batters wrote to Truss on July 2 welcoming her pledge to form a trade and agriculture commission. But Batters said the body must be independent, accountable and have a broad, cross-UK membership. “You have proposed the commission is advisory and that

its report will be presented to Parliament. “It will be critical that this is reinforced through a clear and formal link between the commission and Parliament with its advice and recommendations openly debated by Parliament alongside a requirement for the government to set out its response in a transparent and accountable way.” The Agriculture Bill began its committee stages on July 7 in the House of Lords, the first chance for line-by-line scrutiny. The Lords was discussing suggested changes on a range of subjects, including improving public access, animal welfare and financial support for healthy and environmentally sustainable food production. UK Farmers Weekly

A BOUNCE-BACK plan of trade measures for the agriculture, food and drink industry has been announced to help support British businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The measures have been created by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for International Trade and are designed to help increase overseas trade with countries including Japan, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Advice and expertise from the DIT, trade associations and businesses will be available for producers, manufacturers and agri-tech companies across the food supply chain. The measures include an overseas virtual buyer trial, a series of exporting masterclass webinars and more e-commerce support for food and drink businesses to help them sell more of their produce overseas. It is part of a drive to use interactive technology to connect buyers and promote the United Kingdom. A smart distance-selling process is also being developed, which will help businesses send food and drink samples to potential buyers. The agriculture, food and drink sector is the UK’s largest manufacturing industry and plays a vital role in the food supply chain, which contributed £121 billion to the UK economy in 2018, supporting about four million jobs. In 2019 UK food, feed and drink exports were worth £23.7b, up 4.9% from 2018. The plan will also see the introduction of Defra’s first agrifood counsellor serving the Gulf to support the UK’s food and

drink industry and represent the interests of UK businesses already exporting or planning to export to the region. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board international market development director Dr Phil Hadley said the government’s measures will provide significant support for many of the UK businesses the levy board works with to boost their trade abroad.

Coronavirus has had a big effect on the UK’s export activity. Graham Stuart Export Minister “Coronavirus has had a big effect on the UK’s export activity and while we continue to ship our produce around the world the challenges of the pandemic have been strongly felt in all sectors. “We hope that many will benefit from new trade and investment opportunities so the AHDB in partnership with the government can continue to put UK produce on the tables of more households around the world.” Export Minister Graham Stuart said “The package of measures will support bounce-back in exports and help our world-class producers and manufacturers increase trade with the rest of the world. “It will also get the industry ready to capitalise on the opportunities that are being opened up by the series of freetrade agreements my department is negotiating around the world.” UK Farmers Weekly

World

36 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Fermenting a soil revolution FERMENTING organic matter in a similar way to ensiling grass rather than composting waste can lead to greater improvements in soil health while helping farmers reduce their carbon footprint. Initial independent trials commissioned by agricultural manufacturer Agriton and done by Feed Innovation Services, Wageningen, in the Netherlands, has shown fermenting organic waste significantly reduces carbon and organic matter losses, making more nutrients available to subsequent crops. The process known as bokashi, Japanese for fermented organic matter, involves fermenting organic waste anaerobically where a mix of seashells, lime, clay minerals and 80 species of microorganisms consisting of lactic acid bacteria and yeast are added. It is then sealed in plastic wrap. After six to eight weeks the bokashi is ready, similar to the process for ensiling forage crops. Agriton commercial director Andrew Sincock said composting grass cuttings in windrows led to 60% losses in weight from 13,400kg to 5070kg over six weeks while fermented bokashi grass cuttings lost just 3% from the same starting weight. In addition, the bokashi had a higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, at 19:5 compared with 10:1 – an important indicator for soil organic matter content and fertility. “Farmers are under increasing pressure to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and many are seeking to improve soil health at the same time. “Soil health and carbon sequestration are very likely to form part of Britain’s new environmental land management scheme,” Sincock said. Overall, from the original 13,400kg of grass cuttings the resulting bokashi contained

The soil organics mystery is solved

SUPERIOR: Trials have found fermented bokashi is much better for soils and the environment than compost.

1198kg of organic matter and 599kg of carbon more than the compost-treated grass, with higher levels of nitrogen, energy, ash, protein and cellulose. Mineral levels were also considerably higher with greater potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur and other micronutrients. The trial also considered the carbon footprint of the compost and bokashi. The bokashi performed favorably because it did not require turning while the compost was turned almost daily. In total, the bokashi required 350kg carbon dioxide to produce – 3041kg less than the compost. When weight loss was accounted for compost used 669kg carbon dioxide/t while bokashi used 25kg/t. Sincock said increasing knowledge of soil sciences shows regenerative practices are sustainable and profitable, which can lead to reduced flooding, healthy ecosystems and sustainable crops.

“When you consider 1kg of humus can hold 4kg of water and is about 50% carbon by weight, increasing organic matter in soils by one percentage point would increase water-holding capacity by 160,000 litres/ha and carbon by roughly 40,000kg/ ha.” After the initial trial Agriton commissioned a second independent trial with Dutch firm SPNA Agroresearch to look at the impact of bokashi on both crops and soil. It was found to enhance soil nutrient and biodiversity levels. Replicated over three years, bokashi-treated winter wheat averaged 8.9t/ha against compost at 8.7t/ha with similar protein levels and specific weights. After three years soil analysis revealed nitrogen content was significantly higher in the bokashi-treated plots at 2402mg/ kg of nitrogen compared with compost at 2298mg/kg. Sulphur, phosphate and potassium levels were also

SCIENTISTS have solved the mystery of why adding organic material like manure to soils improves flood and drought resilience, climate control and crop yields. Founded on more than 50 years’ worth of data from a unique field experiment, researchers at Rothamsted Research have shown common farming practices drain the soil of carbon, altering the structure of soils’ microscopic habitat and the genetics of microbes living in it. The team of microbiologists and physicists considered almost 9000 genes and used x-ray imaging to look at soil pores smaller than the width of a human hair. In healthy soils relatively low nitrogen levels limit microbes’ ability to metabolise carbon compounds so they excrete them as polymers that act as a kind of glue that is good for soil – creating an extensive network of pores that allow for greater circulation of air, nutrients and retention of water.

significantly higher, with organic matter content rising from 4.6% in the control to 4.7% with compost and 5.2% with the bokashi. Biological life in the soil was also generally higher when treated with bokashi rather than compost, with reduced levels of harmful nematodes while weed and disease pressures were not statistically different. Sincock highlights how the trials were so promising the team

However, a lack of oxygen in soil results in microbes having to turn to nitrogen and sulphur compounds for their energy – inefficient processes that result in increased emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide, among other issues. Writing in the journal Scientific Reports, the researchers said the Victorianera switch from manure to ammonia and phosphorousbased fertilisers has caused microbes to metabolise more carbon, excrete fewer polymers and fundamentally alter the properties of farmland soils when compared with their original grassland state. Lead researcher professor Andrew Neal said “Manure is high in carbon and nitrogen, whereas ammonia-based fertilisers are devoid of carbon. Decades of such inputs, and soil processes typically act over decades, have changed the way soil microbes get their energy and nutrients and how they respire.”

extended them for another four years, where they are now in their final year, with full results expected early next year. “Carbon is the building block of all plant life and humus is the most important element of any farming system. “Anything farmers can do to improve their soils will benefit productivity, the environment and sustainability in every sense of the word,” he said.

Plastic boosts maize silage crop GROWING maize under degradable plastic has proved a winner for British dairy farmer Phil Allin despite his poor soil. Unpredictable weather patterns this spring have resulted in very variable maize crops but Allin’s crop is already more than 1.8m tall and at the tasselling stage. He is growing 24ha of the variety Isanto under plastic, which got off to a flying start and is now more than head high at the 240ha Fernhill Farm in Devon. The monster crop was drilled on April 10 into heavy clay soils for use as silage feed on the family’s 350-cow, autumn-calving dairy herd, where a self-feeding system is used. “Plastic allows us to drill earlier, bringing our drill date forward by one month, as the film protects the crop and allows us to have a longer growing season,” Allin said. Procam agronomist Barry Mills, who advises Allin, said he has never seen such a profound

difference in the growth stages of maize. Crops grown under film are racing ahead while others grown in the open had uneven establishment with significantly stunted growth. “This season has the biggest difference in maize crops I’ve ever seen. “Maize under film had the moisture and warmth it needed to get away quickly as roots successfully developed while crops not planted under film struggled and just couldn’t get going,” Mills said. The degradable film creates a warmer environment that better suits the tropical maize crop’s development. It increases growth rates with the first 21 days of growth of uncovered crops happening in just nine days under film. “Maize grown under plastic gains more heat units, which boosts yield and energy levels,

ultimately creating a more nutritious livestock feed with higher drymatter levels,” he said. Higher sunlight and ultraviolet levels this season caused the film to degrade more rapidly, resulting in faster crop development. Crops under plastic are also less vulnerable to frost. Allin’s maize had three hard frosts in May but the plastic reduced the effects of such extreme weather. All of Allin’s maize is grown under plastic, which costs £250/ha and plays an invaluable part in his dairy system. It lets him produce the same amount of drymatter as grass with 20% less area used. That helps him work with limited land area and with the recent weather extremes. The use of plastic has also brought harvest forward, reducing the risk of compaction on his clay soils while generating greater flexibility. It frees up about six weeks of extra time on the farm. “Harvest is getting earlier and

BUMPER: Farmer Phil Allin, left, and his adviser Barry Mills in the maize silage crop grown under degradable plastic film.

earlier and we are hoping to start on September 15 this year,” he said. Yields achieve 28% drymatter and 38% starch but with an even earlier harvest Allin expects drymatter levels to fall below average. However, he sees no problem in levels dropping to about 26% drymatter. Slurry applications onto maize ground grown continuously on a three-year rotation and the use of

his chisel plough, working at 5cm, before power harrowing enhances crop growth. “Our soils are heavier and slower to process so they need a good cultivation to allow the taproots to delve deeper into the ground. “Using film doesn’t cure all issues, which is why we focus on cultivation, nutrition and soil moisture as well,” Allin said. UK Farmers Weekly

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 13, 2020

AESTHETICALLY PLEASING - IN 3 TITLES 1347 State Highway 1, Marton One of the best presented farms we have been associated with. Productive cropping and finishing soils, with tile drainage completed by the current and previous owners. Quality fencing and water from a deep bore. An architecturally designed ’94 home, is set privately on an elevated site. The property is offered in its entirely, or with options around any combination of titles; 23ha (with home, sheds and yards), 25ha bareland and 35ha (with woolshed, shed and yards).

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

84 hectares Video on website

nzr.nz/RX2382803 Tender Closes 11am, Tue 28 Jul 2020, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Peter Barnett 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Open Day 10am Wed 15 Jul 2020 (house by appt).

NEW LISTING

Dargaville

1053 Waihue Road 7

Price by Negotiation View by appointment Catherine Stewart 027 356 5031 catherine.stewart@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Dairy Farm on OAD producing 100,164kgMS Located only 10km from Dargaville this dairy farm comprises of 167.13 hectares, in four titles. The milking shed is an immaculate 36 ASHB cowshed. Accommodation is a main four bedroom home plus office and sleep out. The second three bedroom villa located in close to the cowshed.

bayleys.co.nz/1020449 Boundary lines are indicative only

Your destination For Rural real Estate

Get in touch with your agent today

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

Waerenga 487 Stannard Road Grazing in Waerenga Situated in the heart of the Hauraki lies this 216.7725 hectare (more or less) large-scale dry stock property with the ability for cropping lands is both functional, and in the ideal location being minutes from the State Highway surrounded with a country outlook. Outstanding facilities on the property include calf shedding, haybarn and set of yards surrounded by predominantly seven wire post and batten fencing. Currently running over 700 cattle, 50 yearling bulls and 150 ewes this property is the ultimate dry stock block and 20 hectares (more or less) already in kale as supplement. Accommodation on the property is provided by a recently renovated and freshly painted 1960’s three bedroom home.

bayleys.co.nz/2311418

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 13 Aug 2020 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 11am-12.30pm Wed 15 Jul Karl Davis 027 496 4633 karl.davis@bayleys.co.nz Lee Carter 027 696 5781 lee.carter@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 13, 2020

Awanui 238 Sweetwater Road

79.2399 ha approx. 3 1 5 By Tender Closes Friday 28 August 2020 Including crop. Plus plant at valuation. View By Appointment www.ljhooker.co.nz/ G7BGEE ljhooker.co.nz/G7BGEE

Avocados, The New Gold Showing excellent returns, one of the original Far North Avocado Orchards. • 79.2399 hectares (195.80 acres)

• Other older sheds • Full irrigation consent to take 800cm/day • 1315 mature Kentia Palm Trees

• 67 hectares approx. of mature orchard area including the building

Gerard Ponsonby 027 454 4808 gponsonby.kaitaia@ljh.co.nz LJ Hooker Kaitaia 09 408 1241 Far North Real Estate (2010) Ltd

• 74,000 trays last season • 100,000 plus trays estimated this season • Top manager in place • 3 bedroom home • Near new 4 bay shed with lunch room, toilets, shower, office

A great opportunity to purchase a fully managed orchard showing excellent returns as a standalone investment. Our Vendor has developed the property over the last 25 years and now with age, it is time to sell. If you’re looking for lifestyle, this is a wonderful opportunity and you are very close to fishing on the East and West Coast. CV $12,335,000

Far North Real Estate (2010) Ltd Licensed REAA 2008. All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own enquiries.

TENDER

RURAL

RURAL Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

OB1, The Office Block, 7 Gravatt Road Papamoa Office 07 282 7987

Potential & options abound

FIRST TIME EVER THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN AVAILBLE FOR PURCHASE By TENDER Closes 4pm Friday 7 August 2020 View Open Day 113 Thomson Road, Waiuku

OPEN DAY WEB ID TGU75927

AUCTION

KATIKATI VIEW 15 & 19 Jul 12.00 - 1.00pm & 22 Jul 9.00 - 10.00am 240 Rea Road AUCTION 2.00pm, Wed 22nd Jul, 2020, Fairview Golf & For the first time in many years we are proud to be offering this property to the market. This flat to slightly Country Club, 34 Sharp Rd, Katikati rolling 53 ha property (which consists of two titles) one at 20.81 ha, the second of 32.32 ha. This is the ideal Peter Foley 4 Mobile 021 024 19121 elevation for both Kiwifruit or Avocado growing. There peter.foley@pb.co.nz are two dwellings on the property, along with a ten aside cow shed and ample shedding for machinery and 1 feed. There is also a purpose-built calf rearing shed. Vanessa Charman-Moore Presently the farm is divided into approximately 50 Mobile 027 242 7646 paddocks, with good central raceways. 2 vanessacm@pb.co.nz

pb.co.nz

• • • • • • • • •

LOCATION HANDY TO WAIUKU TOWNSHIP DAIRY FARM 94 HA (approx.) 3 TITLES SUPPLIES: OPEN COUNTRY DAIRY 24 ASIDE PLUS INSHED FEEDING 111,500 M/S 6 YEAR AVERAGE STUNNING COASTAL VEIWS FROM MODERN RENOVATED MAIN HOME 2ND HOME COSY COTTAGE CLOSE TO SHED A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO VEIW AN OUTSTANDING DAIRY UNIT

Daryl Dodunski P: 027 693 2767 E: daryl@cameronrealty.co.nz Licensed Real Estate Agent REAA 2008

$63,995 New Holland T6070 Plus 6-cylinder, 142hp, Electro Command 16x16 power shuttle transmission, c/w MX T12 loader (no bucket), 404267

$48,995 New Holland T5070

113hp, 24x24 power shuttle transmission, c/w MX T8 loader with Master quick hitch and 3rd service, 404425

$19,995 Same Frutteto II 75

12x12 transmission, front link PTO, air conditioned cab, good rubber all round, 403528

140 rated hp, developing 185hp with engine power management, semi-powershift range change transmission, 404427

New Holland TVT155

155hp, Auto Command transmission, front axle suspension, cab suspension, 5 rear remotes, 404612

c/w Sigma Gold loader, very low hours, in very tidy condition, 404159

New Holland T7.185 PC

140 rated hp, developing 185 HP with engine management, full powershift transmission, c/w MX T12 loader, 404824

105 rated hp, c/w Stoll FS20.1 NSL loader, hydro fix, Euro hitch, 1.5m bucket, 3rd service, 405012

New Holland T7.250 AC

Auto Command transmission, need a cultivation tractor or maybe a trailer/bin tractor? 403865

240hp with power boost to 270hp, Auto Command tranmission, excellent condition, good rubber all round, 403961

Buckton SD100

10m3, tandem axle, side feed wagon, solid all round machine, 403622

$54,990 New Holland T6030 Elite

6-cylinder, 115 base hp, boost to 140hp with engine power management, 113-litre CCLS hyd pump, 404447

$39,987 New Holland T5060

107hp, 24x24 transmission with hi/low splitter, wet clutch shuttle forward/reverse, 404376

$94,000 New Holland T6020 Plus LR

112 rated hp, c/w Stoll TL740 NSL loader, 3rd service, Euro hitch, new 1.8m Rata bucket (not in photo), 404977

$84,995 New Holland T7.270 AC

$7,990

$69,000

$64,995 New Holland T4.105

140 rated hp, boost to 185hp, Range Command 19x6 transmission, with duals, 404595

$85,000

$65,000 Case IH Farmall 95c

New Holland T7.185

$38,995

$69,900 New Holland T7.185 RC

$84,990

$39,995 Landini 5-110H

102hp, c/w European loader, 3rd service, euro hitch, 1.9m bucket, 404312

All prices are plus GST. Errors and omissions accepted.

$32,000 Case IH CVX130

130 rated hp, good tidy full spec vario transmission tractor, 90% rear rubber 20% front rubber, 404063

$29,995 New Holland T7550

194 rated hp, vario transmission with all the fruit, 50km, full set front weights, 403787

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

$32,995 New Holland TS115A SR 6-cylinder, 116hp, 16x16 power shuttle transmission, c/w MX100 FEL, 403215

$87,990 New Holland T7.235

180 base hp with boost to 235hp, Auto Command 50kph transmission, front axle suspension, 404179

$36,990 Kverneland Unicorn

9m, 18 row units, easily copes with varying operating conditions, synchro drive seeding unit, 404484

$24,495 Duncan MK4 Renovator 24-run seed and fert tine drill, 403880

$73,000 New Holland T7.260 PC SW 215 rated hp, boost to 260hp with engine power management, powershift transmission, 404583

$34,800 John Deere 6130

c/w John Deere 633 loader with 3rd service, 2 rear remotes, lift assist rams, good rubber, 404139

$29,000 New Holland TL100A

4.5-litre, 100hp, 24x24 transmission with hi/low splitter, 404582

$63,000 New Holland T6030 Plus SR

6-cylinder, 115hp, 16x16 semipowershift transmission, 404589

$74,995 New Holland T7.270 AC

270 rated hp, Auto Command 50km transmission, front suspension, front linkage and PTO, over width boards, 404389

$89,995 New Holland T7.210 AC

210 rated hp, Auto Command 50km transmission, front suspension, front linkage and PTO, c/w MX T417 loader, 404382

$49,000

$45,995

New Holland T6050 Plus

SuperSteer, c/w MX U10 NSL loader, MX hitch, 2m bucket, 3rd service, 404713

129 rated hp, c/w MX T410 self-levelling loader with flex pilot joystick, MX hitch, 2m bucket, 3rd service, 404876

norwood.co.nz

0800 66 79 663

WHANGAREI • DARGAVILLE • NORTH SHORE • PUKEKOHE • TE AWAMUTU • MORRINSVILLE • TAUPO • NEW PLYMOUTH • HAWERA • STRATFORD GISBORNE • HASTINGS • MANAWATU • MASTERTON • MARLBOROUGH/TASMAN • WEST COAST • GREYMOUTH • CHRISTCHURCH • CROMWELL • MOSGIEL

20NWD051

Farm Trader

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 13, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Farm Trader

ANDWEEDER C50

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 13, 2020

Manage your winter feed effectively.

(Developed by Andy Lysaght)

The Andweeder® C50 is redefining large-scale weeding in a way that benefit sectors of the agricultural industry, a mechanical non-chemical inter-plant weeder. Read our reviews below to show how two successful NZ companies are finding the Andweeder® C50: Tom Welch — Cannock Harvest Pumpkin Seeds The Andweeder C50 has been a breakthrough for us in our pumpkins, saving us about $300/ha inweeding costs per year. Easy to use with some initial instruction and help setting up. Well designed and engineered. We opted for a 3 row steerage hoe setup whereby one man drives the tractor and the other sits on the hoe to steer On the way to the job. it. We could easily cover over 1 ha per hour. The drawback to this system, is the dust to the man on the back! A very dusty job. If possible, I would recommend a fixed mid mounted system on a tractor to cut out the need for the second person being covered in dust. Andy’s service is great, and he will be there to help whenever needed. Very satisfied. Hamish Thomas — Cropping Manager, NH Packing and Farming Co Ltd We have been running the C50 in our Squash crops. The C50 has given us the ability to weed our crops at a critical stage which then in turn has limited the amount of manual hand weeding we have had to do. The support and knowledge Andy continues to provide has been much appreciated.

The scales would have paid for themselves in 20 days with the maize alone if we had carried on over feeding at the rate we were.

NH produce running a 3 row Andweeder C50 on side shift tool bar with vision technology guidance & the tractor running on GPS

RDS systems enable you to make the most of your winter feed by knowing exactly what you’re feeding out. LK0103052©

With exceptional accuracy you can eliminate over feeding and wastage to maximise feed potential.

3 row Andweeder C50 with manual side shift

Call Andy on 021 672 241 or email: andylysaght@xtra.co.nz

Premier supplier of on-board weighing solutions for loaders, telehandlers and forklifts

QUALITY MACHINERY THAT’S BUILT TO LAST

Ever wonder why so many farmers from m all over NZ call this hands-down the BEST FEEDER they’ve ever owned?... • Easy to load and feed both round and square bales or and • Easy to mount to the tractor ique simple to maintain with unique easable nylon long-life, non-corrosive, greasable molybushes • Steepest curvature of any bale feeder available in NZ • Top quality solid steel tray that’s fully enclosed ops feed dropping everywhere - won’t shake loose and stops rab into silage and hay with ease • 12mm razor sharp tines grab PLUS you can feed out from either side!

It’s not called ‘THE BOSS’ for nothing! Reliable, eﬃcient and durable, The Boss is the only feeder you’ll ever need.

Dealers Nationwide

feederleader.co.nz

07 378 4533

LK0103091©

For more information see our video on YouTube – Andweeder® C50

Agri Job Board

Senior Shepherd/ Stock Manager

Full time Machinery Operator

Looking for an experienced Senior Shepherd/Stock Manager for a 900 hectare sheep and cattle farm. Running 3000 ewes and 280 breeding cows, plus replacements with finishing. You must be a motivated, honest, energetic and organised person with minimum of 10 years experience. The successful applicant will be offered a remuneration package which includes a fourbedroom home with free internet. Available to start when suits you. Email a current CV with a minimum of two references to: dicathcart@icloud.com For further information or any enquiries please call Neville 027 279 8564

We are a family farming business in North Canterbury in the Hurunui district between Waikari and Culverden on flat to rolling hill country. We require a full-time machinery operator to assist in the following farming practices with modern GPS and auto steer capable John Deere tractors on a competitive salary package. • Cultivation • Fertiliser spreading • Hay, balage and silage harvesting • Harvest of cereal grains • Road cartage, with ideally H4 drivers’ licence but not essential • Stock cartage • Machinery maintance • Digger operation, 20 tonne • Occasional stock work on the support block • Accommodation available

Director Vacancy Do you want farms to be safer places for everyone?

GlobalHQ Limited We have a vacancy in our AgriHQ team for a smartthinking candidate with a genuine interest and knowledge of the business of farming.

You will build professional relationships from a wide

JOBS BOARD

range of industry sources.

FW Jobs Board

Please send expressions of interest to: ALHSAG Chair: Justine@kitahi.com by Monday 3rd August 2020

FARM MANAGER & GENERAL FARM HAND COUPLE

and forestry sector reports and analysis.

all levels of the value chain.

63.57x120

For more information go to www.alhsag.com

analysts to produce in-demand red meat, livestock

commentary relied on by primary sector business at

0101788

We’re looking for someone with real energy and commitment to improving the health, safety and wellbeing of people throughout the agricultural sector.

You will be working alongside our team of six

Your week will be spent creating quality analysis and

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

We have vacancies for new directors (2) as we implement our director rotation policy and we’re looking for people who want to make a real difference on farm and at a sector level.

GlobalHQ is an agile multi-media enterprise

Ag Machinery Operators Agricultural Market Report Editor Artificial Breeding Supervisor Business Manager Director Farm Manager Live-in Housekeeper Piggery Farm Manager Shepherd Shepherd General Stock Manager Tractor/Truck/Machinery

with plenty of scope to grow, delivering exciting opportunities for the right candidate. This position would ideally be based in our Feilding office. To request a job description and application form, please email: hr@globalhq.co.nz. Applications close Friday 24 July, 2020.

*FREE upload to Farmers Weekly jobs: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

GREAT MERCURY ISLAND

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

LK0102968©

*conditions apply

Two positions are available for a Farm Manager and General Farm Hand couple, based on Great Mercury Island, an 1800ha property located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and accessible by boat from Whitianga. The purpose of these positions is to run an efficient operation of all activities associated with managing a 625ha farm. The property is a sheep and beef breeding operation, running 2500 ewes and 250 cattle, plus replacements. These roles would suit a couple who are committed to a long-term tenure and comfortable in living on an offshore island location.

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

0800 436 566

LUCERNE WANTED Looking for expressions of interest to grow lucerne, oats and red clover for hay. South Island wide.

LK0102936©

DOLOMITE

T H IN K PRE BU IL T

FARM OPERATION • Plan, organise, implement and report on activities of the farming operation • Monitor stock health • Manage the movement of stock on and off the island via barge • Buying and selling of bulls and rams in consultation with farm owner and/or Farm Supervisor • Co-ordinate with suppliers regarding purchases • Co-ordinate bi-annual shearing • Work with other farm staff as required

SELLING

SOMETHING?

OTHER • Implement and maintain weed and pest control • Co-ordinate visits of contractors and suppliers • Maintenance of reserves

NEW HOMES

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED • Proven experience in a similar role • Be physically fit and able to undertake a range of practical tasks • Be a good stockman and grazier • Have a positive and enthusiastic attitude • A practical aptitude with an eye for detail with a focus on best practice • Awareness of positive environmental impacts from appropriate farming practices • Ability to work both independently and as part of a wider island team • Have strong communication skills • Highly organised and able to complete all activities on time and to a high standard • The ability to provide four or five good working dogs

4X4 TAGALONG TOURS

CHILLERS & FREEZERS

SOLID – PRACTICAL

WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN • Competitive salary packages • Fully furnished three-bedroom accommodation (including power, phone, internet, and Sky)

Please contact Rory Boleyn 027 436 9133

DEBBIE 0800 85 25 80

WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

[For farmers and hunters]

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

Become self-sufficient

Bring your own 4X4 on a guided tour to discover more of the South Island. Tour 1 Molesworth Station, St James, and Rainbow Stations

First Home – Farm House Investment – Beach Bach

Dates 2021 Jan 10-13, Feb 21-24, March 14-17, April 25-28.

udly NZ Made Pro Since 1975

Tour 2 D’Urville Island and Marlborough High Country

021 441 180 (JC)

LK0103101©

Dates Dec 6-10, 2020, Jan 17-21, March 21-25, April 11-15. LK0103005©

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

LK0102278©

frigidair@xtra.co.nz

When only the best will do!

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

Ph: 03 314 7220 Mob: 0274 351 955 Email info@southislandtoursnz.com www.southislandtoursnz.com

LK0103059©

The key responsibilities include:

Apply now by attaching your CV and cover letter. E-mail sue@hrconsulting.co.nz or phone Sue on (07) 8399 188 if you have any queries.

Agricultural Market Report Editor

Lochside8@gmail.com Ben 027 699 6660

Are you passionate about connecting people, sharing ideas and learning from others?

WE’RE HIRING

Feel free to enquire even if experience is limited.

Do you want to help create a platform that supports farm businesses being great workplaces that really value people?

JW0103088©

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

LK0103096©

Northern Waikato

AG JOBS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

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

LK0103099©

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 13, 2020

UNITED WHEATGROWERS NZ LTD

Noticeboard

FO SALR E

Annual General Meeting & Electoral Committee Meeting Thursday 23rd July 2020, Commencing at 3.30pm

SELLING

The meeting will conclude at approximately 5.30pm.

SOMETHING? 0800 85 25 80

ANIMAL HANDLING

CALF TRAILER MATS

FORESTRY

PERSONAL

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

ANIMAL AND HUMAN healer, also manipulation on horses and dogs. Canterbury, 13th-18th July. Kaikoura /Blenheim, 20th - 22nd July. North Island, 23rd July - 3rd August. Nelson/Murchison/ Culverden, 4th - 6th August. For more information phone Ron Wilson 027 435 3089.

SUREFOOT MAT 1.5m x 1m x 24mm $98ea + Frt & GST (6 or more freight free). Phone 0800 686 119.

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.

WANTED

Your Perfect Partner! Does exist and she is closer

LK0103086©

The Chairman and Directors of United Wheatgrowers (NZ) Ltd invite all wheat growers to their Annual General Meeting and Electoral Committee Meeting to be held at Ashburton Vintage Machinery Club, Seafield Road, Ashburton on Thursday 23rd July 2020 commencing at 3.30pm.

All wheat growers are encouraged to attend this meeting.

EARMARKERS

UNITED WHEATGROWERS NZ LTD DE HORNER

LK0103085©

This year Michael Tayler is up for re-election by rotational retirement and has indicated he is available for re-election. Syd Worsfold, having served for many years as Director has decided to stand down. We seek a replacement for Syd. The Executive Officer United Wheatgrowers (NZ) Ltd P O Box 39-195 Christchurch 8545 Ph: (03) 365-0881 or Email: chelsea.lucking@brownglass.co.nz

Water Filter Systems

• Whole House

SHOP ONLINE

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

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

Phone 027 367 6247 • Email: info@moamaster.co.nz

12-MONTH-HUNTAWAY dog. NZ trial bred. 4-MONTH Huntaway dog. 4 MONTH Heading bitch. Phone 04 472 2351. 2-YEAR-OLD GRIZZLY Huntaway dog. 3-MONTH Huntaway pup. 12 MONTH Heading dog. Phone 027 243 8541 or 06 388 0212. BREEDING. TRAINING. Buying. Selling. Delivering. www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos – email: mikehughesworkingdogs@ farmside.co.nz

FOR ONLY $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie on 0800 85 25 80 to book.

GOATS WANTED

FERAL GOATS WANTED. All head counted, payment on pick-up, pick-up within 24 hours. Prices based on works schedule. Experienced musterers available. Phone Bill and Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916.

A country beauty who has a farming background. She loves horses, working on the land, meals out with friends and family and weekends away travelling. Long blonde hair and hazel eyes. To meet please call

0800 446 332 quote code 42

www.countrycompanionship.co.nz

PUMPS

HORTICULTURE

HIGH PRESSURE WATER PUMPS, suitable on high headlifts. Low energy usage for single/3-phase motors, waterwheel and turbine drives. Low maintenance costs and easy to service. Enquiries phone 04 526 4415, email sales@hydra-cell.co.nz

BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie Brown on 0800 85 25 80 to book in or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

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

BALEAGE $110+gst. HAY 15 equivalent rounds $115+gst. HAY 12 equivalent squares $100+gst. Phone 021 455 787.

DOGS WANTED

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

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

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

WHATATUTU DOG SALE. Saturday 5th September at Otara Station, 319 Whatatutu Road. Te Karaka, Gisborne. Sale starts 12 noon. Dosing clearance required. Enquiries to Allen Irwin. Phone 06 862 3618. Email: toromirostation@gmail. com

NAKI GOATS. Trucking goats to the works every week throughout the NI. Phone Michael and Clarice. 027 643 0403.

STOCK FEED

WANTED TO BUY ANDERSON BULLDOZER water pump, please email Tataramoa@hotmail.com

SEE PAGE 41

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

11.5HP Briggs & Stratton Motor. Industrial. Electric start.

STATION TYPES. Heavy NZ leather. Hand sown. Breast plate. Leg straps. Hobbles. Crupper, etc. Phone Otairi Station. 06 322 8433.

DOGS FOR SALE

than you think.

Livestock Noticeboard

LK0102988©

GST $4400 INCLUSIVE

BRIDLES

Ph 09 376 0860 www.jder-cintropur.co.nz

2 YEAR WARRANTY. NZ ASSEMBLED. ELECTRIC START & QUALITY YOU CAN RELY ON

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

MANUKA SITES REQUIRED. Seeking sites for beehives near Manuka. Fair and competitive payment options. Contact 021 560 665 or email: hardyhivezzz@gmail.com

• Installer Network

• Chlorine Removal

Nominations will close at 4:00pm on Thursday 16th July 2020 at the above address.

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

DAGS .20c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

• No Expensive Cartridges

• Town or Tank Water

The Election will occur at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for Thursday 23rd July 2020 at 3.30pm at, Ashburton Vintage Machinery Club, Seafield Road, Ashburton.

13.5HP. Briggs & Stratton Motor. Electric start. 1.2m cut

FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT Only $6.00 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 brianmace@xtra.co.nz

HOOF TRIMMER

Nominations from eligible wheatgrowers are called for two (2) vacancies on the Board of Directors of United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd.

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

ATTENTION FARMERS

BIRDSCARER

NOMINATION FOR DIRECTORS 2020

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 13, 2020

LK0103072©

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

LK0099618©

FOR MORE NOTICEBOARD ADVERTISING

Under Woolshed/Covered Yards Cleaning Specialist www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

Proudly New Zealand Owned

✁

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS We also clean out and remetal cattle yards – Call Us!

BEEFGEN is currently purchasing animals for live export: Hereford / Simmental Heifers (Born 2019) Holstein Friesian Heifers (Born 2019)

FROM THIS

G IN N I PA RK WO IRARA WA

Please contact your local agent for more information.

Nominate a school on booking and we’ll donate $100 on payment of your account.

New Zealand’s Number 1 service provider for under woolshed and covered yard cleaning since 2004

BEEFGEN Livestock Manager: Brian Pearson Mobile: 0210 907 1688 Email: brian@beefgen.com BEEFGEN Office: Teeshay Harrison Phone: 06 927 7154 Email: export@beefgen.com

LK0102959©

A SHED HASN’T BEATEN US YET!

LK0102722©

✁

Phone Scott Newman Freephone 0800 2SCOTTY (0800 27 26 88) Mobile 027 26 26 27 2

TO THAT

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – July 13, 2020

Start your spring planning now!

STORE LAMBS – Males & Ewes R1YR FRSN HERE HFRS 220-250kg 430-500kg R2YR BULLS Due Aug/Sept MA SIC COWS R3YR ANGUS STEERS 500kg+

STOCK FOR SALE

We will have early calves available in large numbers from 20th July.

Hannah Gudsell: 06 323 0761 or livestock@globalhq.co.nz

SIL Singles 7th April

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

We deliver.

A Financing Solution For Your Farm E info@rdlfinance.co.nz

Phone Steve 027 44 22 429

SALE TALK

LK0098515©

farmersweekly.co.nz

DAIRIES FOR SALE EXPORT WANTED

136 x Jersey LIC Bred High Indexed Herd Genuine herd – 40 hfrs added annually Herd Tested, owned over 20yrs – $1450

75 x CRV Bred Fsn Cows Prod 400kg/ms on grass DTC 1/8 to Fsn AB – big strong cows owned 50 yrs Andrew Gordon 027 487 2044 39 x Fsn/Fsnx R1 Hfrs – BW107 PW105, Well grown – priced to sell – $600

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

DTC 6/8 – most mated to LIC AB

LK0103075©

Andrew Gordon 027 487 2044 Ref: DR1890 36 x Xbred In-Calf Hfrs – BW148 PW181 ALL G3 profiled Hamish Manthel 027 432 0298 Ref: DR1876

Dairy Live Export Orders Call your local Carrfields Agent today. We have options for all breeds and various

with Farmers Weekly PHONE HANNAH GUDSELL 0800 85 25 80

CALL HANNAH 0800 85 25 80

delivery dates. The Live Export market is

byllivestock.co.nz

byllivestock

07 823 4559

BEEF CROSS WEANER CALVES FOR SALE FORWARD CONTRACTS AVAILABLE FOR NOV/DEC DELIVERY

1000 Friesian Bulls 500 Fleckveigh Steers/Bulls (Simmental X) 500 Hereford X M/S 150 Belgian Blue X M/S 200 Murray Grey/Friesian Steers 200 Murray Grey/Friesian Heifers Contact: Matt Sanson 027 556 9928

Jack looked at him with disgust “After all the years we have been friends, how could you cheat?”

Always AB but not retained records – $1400 LK0103010©

South Island Richard Harley 021 765 430 Greg Collins 027 481 9772

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

After 5 minutes of fruitless searching, Bill decided to drop a spare ball out of his pocket. “I found it!” said Bill.

Richard Baird 027 407 0562

Please Contact

_______________________________

“Help me find my ball” Bill called to Jack, “you look over there and I’ll look around here.”

BW156 PW166 – DTC 22/7 to AB

Spring 19 Born - $1600.00 Autumn 19 Born PTIC - $1750.00

As Bill and Jack headed off for their weekly round of golf, Bill suggested that they make their round more interesting with $10 on the lowest score of the day. Jack agreed and with one hole to go Bill was leading by a single stroke but cut his ball into the rough.

Late selling decisions

September Delivery Friesian Heifers

"Maximising your return through personal livestock management"

1420 ROMNEY 4TH -4YR EWES

500 Belgian Blue X Males 500 Belgian Blue X M/S Contact: Harry Stanway 027 556 9948

JM102841©

Contact Hannah to make sure your message reaches the right audience.

North Island Luke McBride 027 304 0533 Harry Van De Ven 027 486 9866 Wayne Doran 027 493 8957

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

STOCK REQUIRED

FOUR-DAY-OLD FRIESIAN BULL CALVES

Promote your 2020 yearling bull sales

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

Bill replied “What do you mean, my ball is sitting right here?”. “You are a liar too” exclaimed Jack. “What makes you think I’m lying” yelled Bill.

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings

“Because,” said Jack, “I’ve been standing on your ball for the last five minutes!”

farmersweekly.co.nz

competitive and values are strong. Visit our Website for the best selection available

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz Key: Dairy

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard UPCOMING AUCTIONS Thursday, 9 July 2020 7.00 pm – National Livestock – per kg 7.30 pm – National Livestock – per head Yearling Bull Sales Contact Caitlin Rokela 027 405 6156 to find out how bidr® can support your upcoming sale.

For more information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR

WAIKATO FEEDER CALF SALES 2020 Start Time - 12.00pm Monday - Paeroa Tuesday - Frankton Tuesday - Tirau (Starts 21st July) Thursday - Te Awamutu NOTE: Frankton Calf Sale has moved from Wednesday to Tuesday Contact Neil Lyons 0272 235 784

The Livestock Specialists

Cattle

Sheep

Other

FRANKTON COMBINED SALE Tuesday 14th July 10.30am Pigs 11.30am Sheep 200 Prime Lambs 500 Store Lambs 150 Cull Ewes Armyn Sanders 0274 430 905 11.45am Boners/Bulls 50 Boners 12.00pm Feeder Calves 100 Calves Neil Lyons 0272 235 784 12.15pm Store Cattle 500 1yr & 2yr Steers, Heifers, Bulls Visit agonline.co.nz for more details. Vaughn Larsen 027 801 4599 or Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858

Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Graham Johnson

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.40

5.70

NI lamb (17kg)

7.15

7.90

NI Stag (60kg)

6.10

6.05

8.90

NI Bull (300kg)

5.45

5.40

NI mutton (20kg)

4.95

5.45

SI Stag (60kg)

6.10

6.05

8.90

NI Cow (200kg)

4.10

4.05

4.40

SI lamb (17kg)

6.85

6.80

7.70

SI Steer (300kg)

4.80

4.70

5.50

SI mutton (20kg)

4.55

4.50

5.45

SI Bull (300kg)

4.70

4.65

5.10

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.40

4.00

UK CKT lamb leg

9.50

9.56

9.99

US imported 95CL bull

8.03

8.38

7.94

US domestic 90CL cow

8.34

8.79

7.36

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

South Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

4.00 South Island steer slaughter price

6.50

8.0 7.0

5.0

Oct

5.00

WOOL

4.50

(NZ$/kg) Feb

Apr

5-yr ave

2018-19

Dairy

South Island stag slaughter price

Oct

Dec

Feb

5-yr ave

Dec 5-yr ave

5.50

Dec

Last year

Apr

Jun

Aug

2018-19

2019-20

6.0

6.00

Oct

12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

7.0

$/kg CW

5.00

$/kg CW

8.0

5.0

5.50

4.50

Jun

Aug 2019-20

Feb

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Fertiliser

Aug 2019-20

FERTILISER Last week

Prior week

Last year

Coarse xbred ind.

1.88

1.89

2.96

37 micron ewe

1.85

1.90

30 micron lamb

1.90

2.08

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

567

625

Super

314

321

DAP

787

833

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Company

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

35.2

37.33

YTD Low 21.1

The a2 Milk Company Limited

20.65

21.35

13.8

8.00

430

7.50

420

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.69

5.8

3.61

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.25

9.21

4.26

410

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.605

4.93

3.445

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

4.68

5.62

3.595

Ryman Healthcare Limited

12.75

17.18

6.61

Port of Tauranga Limited

7.57

8.14

4.9

Contact Energy Limited

5.8

7.74

4.54

Mainfreight Limited

39.9

43.99

7.00

$/tonne

$/kg MS

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

6.0

6.00

4.00

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price 6.50

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

6.50 6.00

400 390

5.50

Aug-19

Oct-19 Dec-19 Sept. 2020

Feb-20

Apr-20 Sept. 2021

Jun-20

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Last price*

380

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

Listed Agri Shares

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

410

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

20.65

21.35

13.8

Comvita Limited

2.73

4.97

1.66

Delegat Group Limited

13.25

6.39

2940

2885

2725

405

SMP

2610

2620

2525

400

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.81

4.06

3.41

1.68

1.91

1.35

AMF

4050

4000

395

Foley Wines Limited

390

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.73

0.82

0.68

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.18

0.21

0.18

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.88

2.3

1.29

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.92

2.94

1.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.28

8.2

5.55

Scales Corporation Limited

5.09

5.17

3.3

Seeka Limited

4.1

4.74

3.4

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

6.97

9.1

4.36

T&G Global Limited

2.7

2.93

2.35

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

16611

16941

12699

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11441

12073

8499

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12076

12466

9100

S&P/NZX 10 Index

10905

8280

Butter

3580

3620

3650

Milk Price

7.23

7.22

$/tonne

WMP

385 380

Jun-19

* price as at close of business on Thursday

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

400

3000

350

2900

$/tonne

US$/t

Oct-19

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3100

2800 2700 2600

Aug-19

300 250

Jul

Aug Sep Latest price

Oct

Nov 4 weeks ago

Dec

200

Jun-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

11441

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12076

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

10905

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview High pressure will continue to affect New Zealand in the days ahead, especially the South Island where it will bring lighter winds, cool nights and average days. This high pressure belt is made up of two high pressure centres, one to the east of the North Island and the other around Tasmania heading towards Southland. This will encourage a drier-than-normal weather pattern over the South Island while a large low forms in the Tasman Sea this week and might later in the week bring rain to the top of NZ. This low is one to watch. It might bring gales and heavy rain to Sydney then later this week help bring in strong winds and rain to northern NZ.

Little venison is being exported

09/07/2020

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature

Wind

Westerly quarter winds are fairly light over the days ahead though they might become brisk for a time through Cook Strait and some coastal areas. A southerly change for Southland on Sunday. Sub-tropical northeast winds develop in northern NZ mid to late this week.

In a nutshell, fairly average temperatures coming up. With high pressure around expect cooler nights but average days. Later this week the northeast flow kicks in across northern NZ.

14-day outlook

Drier than average for many regions. A big Tasman Sea low, not a storm, is worth monitoring later this week.

7-day rainfall forecast

Reece Brick reece.brick@globalhq.co.nz

HE temporary closure of the global restaurant industry under covid-19 has taken a hefty toll on venison and the size of the blow has become especially clear in the latest set of industry data. At the farmgate level everything appears relatively stable. Competition between processors for market share has kept venison slaughter prices either steady or firming each passing week. Last week schedules ranged from $6-$6.20/kg. Some of the mild buoyancy came from the re-entry of deer co-products such as pizzles into China. They were locked out for a while as deer fell under China’s wild food ban. There were reports of improving interest from China around venison cuts, too, given their lower price. However, complications have arisen at Chinese ports with customs inspectors adopting an extremely vigilant approach after imported Norwegian salmon was blamed for the latest wave of covid-19 in northern regions. Things look fairly sad in bigger picture for venison, too. The main red flag is the variance between production and export data. Through March-May deer slaughter tallies were 8% higher than last year based on a 14% jump in hind culling. Yet StatsNZ reports venison export volumes fell by a third through the same months, implying there is a lot of venison either being routed to local

consumption or, more likely, being put into storage. The figures have worsened with each release, too, given May exports were half those reported a year ago. Trends are consistent for the most part through key venison markets. Areas such as North America, China and secondary European nations typically got 40% to 60% less product than last year through March-May. Britain did buck the trend, though, taking much more than usual and jumping to be the third-largest venison market from eighth last year. Germany held up well for a while but shipments there tanked from 630t in March to 105t in May. With the chilled venison season rapidly approaching, beginning September, there are big question marks around whether the usual premiums will be there for finishers who target this period. European buyers appear happy enough with the price of NZ venison. It is more a case of needing to move existing inventory to free up room before making new orders. We can safely assume last year’s schedules of about $9.50/kg through spring are out of the picture. Even longer term, the picture isn’t that great. How venison tracks is heavily tied to how well the global economy is humming. Consumers are much more likely to splurge their money on high-end dining or premium food products when confidence in financial security is high but quickly do the opposite when things change. As we all know, the world economy is looking shaky to put it lightly.

100

200

400

With so much high pressure around the South Island is drier than average except for the West Coast. Most of the North Island is also drier than normal over the week ahead but the low in the Tasman Sea is one to watch. Data suggests that while NZ is under high pressure the Tasman Sea area will have more rain than usual over the coming week and it might brush the upper North Island later in the week.

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

Thousand tonne (exports)

High pressure dominates NZ until the middle of this week then it is more South Island and lower North Island focused. Low pressure from the Tasman Sea is large but not overly powerful or aggressive. The low is likely to linger at the top of NZ while high pressure, the more dominant force, remains elsewhere. Next week high pressure looks to dominate all of NZ while this weak sub-tropical low remains off our northeast coast, perhaps bringing a few northern showers still.

120

100

2012

2014 Export volume

2016

2018 2020 Slaughter tally

My Daily Digest The news you need to see in a daily newsletter from the biggest rural newsroom in the country.

Thousands head (slaughter)

NZ venison exports and slaughter (March - May)

SALE YARD WRAP

Winter mode hits store sales Most store cattle sales have slipped into winter mode with reduced volume and a larger mix of cattle offered though a few yards have bucked the trend. It is common at this time of year to have reduced throughput as everyone hunkers down for winter and interest drops. Better-bred and conditioned cattle are still subject to good demand but a larger instance of small tallies, lesser types and mixed breeding that are typical for the time of year are meeting the usual resistance. These types really need a grass market to make good values but the double-edged sword is that those selling need to offload them now because feed is limited. NORTHLAND Wellsford store cattle • R2 beef-dairy steers, 433-455kg, improved to $2.70-$2.75/kg • R2 exotic-cross steers, 412-460kg, were consistent at $2.67-$2.68/ kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 375-407kg, softened to $2.47-$2.51/ kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 220-258kg, held at $715-$730 • R1 Angus and Angus-Hereford heifers, 174kg, managed steady returns at $445 A slightly smaller yarding of just under 570 cattle were penned at WELLSFORD last Monday. A greater selection of R2 steers were offered and Hereford-Friesian, 412-416kg, softened to $2.58-$2.64/kg, while 328kg managed an improved $2.84/kg. Angus-cross, 368-385kg, returned $2.53-$2.65/kg and traditional steers, 413-502kg, softened slightly to $2.63-$2.64/kg. Hereforddairy and Hereford-beef cross heifers with substance, 503578kg, managed $2.62-$2.67/kg. R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 146-183kg, realised $505$690. Better Angus-cross, 225-261kg, fetched $625-$830, while Hereford-dairy, 200-245kg, improved to $600-$645. Traditional heifers, 180-263kg, returned $510-$610. Read more in your LivestockEye. Kaikohe cattle • R2 beef-cross and exotic-cross steers, 380-480kg, earned $2.60$2.74/kg • R1 Friesian bulls, 160kg, were firm at $590 • Beef-cross and dairy boner cows made around $1.70/kg to $1.80/ kg There 450 head of cattle at KAIKOHE last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. Female cattle had a lift in enquiry and R2 beef-cross heifers were able to achieve $2.50-$2.60/kg at the top end, with lesser types at $2.20-$2.30/kg. R1 heifers traded at $2.60/kg to $2.74/kg. There was a small yarding of R1 steers which fetched $2.70-$2.80/kg, and same age beef-cross bulls returned $2.45/kg to $2.60/kg.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Hereford-Friesian steers, 160kg, made $730 • Angus-Friesian heifers, 220kg, earned $650 • Red Devon steers, 707kg, topped prime sale at $3.02/kg • Heavy prime ewes reached $212 Prices for a yarding of 600 store cattle eased at TUAKAU last week, PGG Wrightson agent Chris Elliott reported. Heavy steers, 400-500kg, traded at $2.64-$2.83/kg, and the better 300-400kg types made $2.65-$2.90/kg. Lesserbred steers sold down to $2.20/kg. Weaner steers, 160-184kg, earned $710-$730, and 220kg Friesian bulls made $600 and 108kg, $400. Good heifers held value and most 400-500kg types returned $2.65-$2.74/ kg, and 300-400kg, $2.60-$2.70/kg, Hereford-Friesian at 193kg fetched $600. Wednesday’s prime market was firm. Heavy steers traded at $2.90-$3.02/kg and heifers averaged $2.73/kg, selling up to $2.84/kg. Beef cows made $1.80-$2.30/kg and wellconditioned empty Friesians, $1.90-$2.20/kg. Medium boners fetched $1.70-$1.90/kg and bulls, $2.55-$2.85/kg. Good prime lambs earned $140-$198 on Monday, with medium at $120-$140 while store lambs sold at $60-$115. Medium prime ewes returned $90 and light, $50-$70.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Top mixed sex lambs traded at $107-$116.50 with the balance at $60-$72 • Two-tooth Romney scanned-in-lamb with twins, traded at $189 • Mixed age ewes with lambs-at-foot sold at $68 all-counted. Store lambs numbers lifted to around 2600 head at MATAWHERO last Friday. The top end of the male lambs were firm at $111-$137, medium $91-$100 and light $40$60. Top ewe lambs earned $117-$135, with medium at $95-$112 and light $52-$90. Prime lambs made $120-$130,

while top prime ewes fetched $126-$141, with medium at $96-$118. Read more in your LivestockEye. Matawhero cattle • Medium condition in-calf Angus cows reached $1060, $2.04/kg • R2 traditional steers averaged 385kg and firmed to $2.90/kg • R2 beef-cross bulls, 450kg, made $2.58/kg Winter mode hit the MATAWHERO sale yards last Tuesday, with a small yarding of 415 cattle offered. Limited outside support meant local buyers dominated and better cattle firmed on the last sale. The balance of the Angus cows sold from $1.50/kg to $1.67/kg, while the top pen of R2 traditional heifers, 400kg, achieved $2.60/kg. Other lines varied from $2.12/kg to $2.53/kg with most under 300kg. A big pen of 32 R2 Friesian steers, 350kg, sold for $1.86/kg, while the fourth cut of beef-cross bulls made $2.45/kg for 265kg. R1 volume was low and the biggest pens were Devoncross heifers, 110-135kg, $180-$215. Read more in your LivestockEye.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle • R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 400-442kg, sold to good demand at $2.75-$2.90/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 358-372kg, managed $2.55-$2.60/kg • R1 Angus-Friesian heifers, 186-257kg, held at $535-$660 • Top R1 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 222-298kg, realised $590-$795 • All prime steers, 520-676kg, traded at $2.68-$2.77/kg Store cattle numbers reduced slightly to 546 at FRANKTON for PGG Wrightson last Tuesday. R2 AngusHereford steers, 326kg, returned $2.45/kg. Better Hereford, 359kg, were strong at $2.84/kg, while 314kg returned $2.68/ kg. Hereford-Friesian, 331-483kg, firmed to $2.73-$2.80/kg, with red Hereford-Friesian, 341-382kg, at $2.55-$2.62/kg. R2 Simmental-cross heifers, 338-374kg, were consistent at $2.49-$2.50/kg, while Hereford-Friesian, 309-330kg, could only muster $2.20-$2.23/kg. Heavier Simmental-cross bulls, 414-448kg, managed a solid $2.66-$2.68/kg. R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 138-172kg, held at $500$615, and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 127- 176kg, managed $420-$540. Autumn-born weaner Hereford-Friesian and Friesian bulls, 102-104kg, sold to per head budgets at $510. Prime cows, 490-564kg, managed $2.01-$2.16/kg, whilst 407-448kg softened to $1.72-$1.84/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle sales 8.07 • R2 Angus steers, 333kg, were solid at $2.64/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 278-358kg, softened to $2.51-$2.59/ kg • R1 Friesian bulls improved with 154-171kg up to $340-$365 and 194kg, $490 • Prime beef-dairy heifers, 428-495kg, held at $2.63-$2.70/kg Throughput lifted to just over 370 cattle for New Zealand Farmers Livestock last Wednesday. A smattering of R3 cattle were on offer and heifers, 327-341kg, managed consistent results at $2.35-$2.40/ kg. Eleven Hereford bulls, 410-433kg, maintained levels of $2.71-$2.80/kg. R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 343kg, eased to $2.45/kg, with white Hereford, 289kg, well received at $2.72/kg. Top Stabilizer heifers, 357kg, managed $2.61/kg, while lesser 325kg could only muster $2.49/kg. R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 152kg, lifted to $550, while their sisters, 150-180kg, softened slightly to $465-$540. Most autumn-born weaner heifers above 100kg returned $310-$375. Prime cows, 401-413kg, softened to $1.61-$1.63/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • R2 Shorthorn breeding bulls sold at around $2000-$2200 • Top end R2 Hereford-Friesian steers achieved $2.67/kg • R2 Angus-cross bulls, 330kg, earned $2.30/kg

• R2 Hereford-Ayrshire bulls, 317- 357kg, realised $2.52-$2.55/kg • Well-marked R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 172kg, fetched $620 It was a very cold and wet day at TARANAKI last Wednesday. First up were 50 dairy cows which sold at an average of $1350, with better types up to $1550. There was a small yarding of around 220 store cattle where R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 580-627kg, made similar money to prime heifers and steers at $2.71-$2.78/kg. R3 Friesian and Friesian-cross bulls, 537kg, were sought after at $2.79/ kg. R2 heifers around 300-400kg mostly held at $2.35/kg to $2.49/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Angus cows, 540-595kg, returned $1.95-$2.04/kg • Angus steers, 547-555kg, eased to $3.01-$3.07/kg • Top male lambs were solid at $170.50 • Very-heavy mixed age ewes held at $140 Prime cattle throughput increased at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday. Vetted-in-calf Angus cows, 624kg, traded at $2.05/kg, while Angus steers, 496kg, fetched $3.19/kg. A much smaller sheep offering was penned. Very-heavy mixed-sex lambs were steady at $155-$165 and heavy lambs also held at $136.50-$143.50. Top ewe lambs eased to $156, while five good types improved to $125.50. Sixteen very-heavy two-four tooth ewes took top honours in their section at $144.50, while very-good types managed $127.50-$136. Medium to good ewes held at $100-$118, with the tail end steady at $76.50. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • Top R2 Angus and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 431-478kg, firmed to $2.40-$2.49/kg • R1 Angus-cross bulls, 185kg-245kg, made $520-$670 • Top priced in-lamb ewes made $189 for very good mixed age Romney, scanned 165% • Good male lambs held at $120-$145 • Good ewe lambs firmed to $115-$133 Cattle once again took a back seat to sheep at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, with increased tallies of both lambs and scanned-in-lamb ewes. Most of the mixed age ewes varied from $140 to $174. A resurgence of male lambs were hotly contested and held recent levels for most. Medium types sold for $110$119, with few below this level. Prices firmed for most of a good mix of ewe lambs, though light lambs came back to $71-$90. Medium types sold for $104-$112. Cattle numbers were limited to 170 head but weights for older pens improved. One pen of weaner Friesian bulls, 140kg, returned $410. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Better heifers, 410-500kg, managed $2.46-$2.51/kg • Top traditional cows, 570kg, earned $2.19/kg • Top lambs traded at $175-$204.50 • Medium-good to good lambs held at $135-$153 • Most very-good ewes improved to $160-$161 Cattle throughput eased to just over 100 head at FEILDING last Monday. Hereford bulls, 802kg, eased 4c/ kg to $3.04/kg. Three Hereford-Friesian cows, 560-720kg, topped their section at $2.33-$2.38/kg, though 499kg could only muster $1.97/kg. Angus-cross, 468-484kg, traded at $2.01-$2.09/kg. Boner Friesian cows sold in two main bands, 445-520kg returned $2-$2.01/kg while 613-670kg pushed to $2.06-$2.11/kg. Sheep numbers swelled as lambs increased by nearly 40%. Heavy types held for most at $156-$174.50, and medium traded at $119-$134.50. Most ewes traded at steady levels. Good types fetched $139-$157, with medium-good at $116-$137, and medium $90.50-$114. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rongotea sale • R3 Shorthorn-cross heifers, 625kg, sold at $2.69/kg

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020

but normally good store males were $135-$145, mediums $120-$130 and $105-$120 covered all but the tail-end. Good ewe lambs fell between $120-$130, medium cuts were $110$120 and $90-$100 was paid for much of the rest. Ewes were split across 24 pens but few had more than 100 head in them. Good lines, SIL 150-180%, ranged between $185-$220 whereas anything more medium or lower scanning was often $145-$160. Light and a few dry lines mostly made $100-$130.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • Light ewe lambs fetched $60-$77 • Store Corriedale lambs mostly earned $80-$92 • 5-year ewes, scanned-in-lamb 164%, made $145 • Better R2 heifers were able to achieve $2.06-$2.11/kg • Prime bulls typically sold at $2.50-$2.56/kg There was a smaller yarding of store lambs at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday after another week of wet weather. Mixed-sex lambs softened, and top cuts made $106-$124, medium $90-$94 and light $70-$76. Prime lambs sold on a firm market as heavy types made $169-$186, medium $130-$164, and the tail end $95-$128. There was a smaller yarding of prime ewes which sold well with heavy types up to $190-$236, medium $120-$186 and light $40-$100. Quality was low in both the prime and store cattle pens. The better cuts of the R2 beef steers returned $2.24- $2.34/ kg, and the balance of lighter beef and dairy-beef around the $2.00/kg mark. Lighter weights pushed prime steer prices down and the lion’s share sold from $2.34/kg to $2.48/kg, while the bulk of prime heifers were $2.20-$2.29/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. SOUGHT AFTER: The top-priced pen at the Temuka in-lamb ewe fair on Wednesday had 238 third-shear Coopworth-cross ewes, scanned 211% to a Suffolk ram on April 5. They sold for $235. • R2 Friesian bulls, 428-507kg, earned $2.31/kg to $2.76/kg • R1 Friesian and Angus-cross bulls, 178-340kg, made $1.94/kg to $2.62/kg • Friesian boner cows, 488-530kg, held at $1.74/kg to $2/kg Heavier cattle above 350kg were in demand at RONGOTEA last Wednesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. R2 HerefordFriesian steers, 465kg, traded at $2.67/kg, with HerefordFriesian and Angus-cross heifers, 405-458kg, strengthening and better types earned $2.57-$2.58/kg. R1 HerefordFriesian steers, 145kg, made $2.83/kg, with other breeds at 140-225kg at $2.07/kg to $2.30/kg. Weaner Speckle Park bulls, 208kg, sold well at $600, with beef cross steers and heifers, 121-220kg, at $390-$485. Friesian feeder bull calves fetched $125-$150, with Hereford-Friesian bulls at $180$230. Feilding store • Traditional R2 steers, 385-505kg, were mainly $2.80-$2.95/kg • R2 Friesian bulls, 420-525kg, were $2.85-$3.05/kg • Traditional R2 heifers, 315-420kg, made $2.60-$2.70/kg • Male lambs average eased to $125.50 • Ewe lambs average softened to $111 The cattle yards were packed out, mostly with older lines. R3 straight-beef steers, 485-605kg, were steady, mainly $3.00-$3.15/kg with some lighter lines off feed for longer making a little more. The story was much the same for R2 beef steers where those 380-450kg mostly held about the $2.80-$2.90/kg mark. R2 bulls came back slightly in a larger offering and slightly lesser quality. Good R2 heifers made steady money but anything dairy-cross or off type battled at $2.20-$2.40/kg. The few R1 steers sold at the time of writing had made $3.20-$3.40/kg. About 11,000 store lambs had a good sale. Though tallies were moderate most pens were filled because lines mainly had fewer than 100 lambs. Overall, the market was softer. One line of males ready for the works made $170

Coalgate cattle and sheep sale • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 356kg, fetched $2.02/kg • R1 Angus & Angus-Hereford mixed-sex, 370kg, managed $860 • One pair of prime ewes made $231 • Scanned-in-lamb ewes earned $156-$176 • Most store lambs earned $101-$118, with lesser types $70-$98 The mix of sheep was very different at COALGATE last Thursday with large numbers of ewes and far fewer store lambs. The better end of the ewes managed $135-$194, while the balance fell in the tight range of $100-$120. Prime lambs sold in two distinct cuts of $150-$190 and $120-$147. High-yielding Angus, Murray Grey, and Hereford-Friesian steers, 463-702kg, all sold in the $2.40-$2.48/kg range, followed by Angus heifers, 515-525kg, that sold for $2.50$2.57/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 488-655kg, provided most of the remaining heifers at $2.38-$2.44/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cattle; all sheep • Prime beef-dairy steers held at $2.31/kg to $2.45/kg • Boner Friesian heifers, 465-513kg, held at $2.10-$2.20/kg • Prime Hereford cows, 427-535kg, softened to $1.50-$1.61/kg • Top store ewe lambs earned $140, medium $92-$115 and light $81 • Top mixed-age ewes traded at $180-$207, although most made $110-$175 A reduced tally of 340 cattle met a smaller bench of buyers at TEMUKA last Monday, and prices eased with traditional steers, 498-590kg, $2.41-$2.47/kg. A highlight was prime Angus-Hereford heifers, 530kg, which achieved $2.58/kg, with the next cut $2.41-$2.47/kg. Boner Friesian cows eased and 430-598kg earned $1.46-$1.53/kg. Store lamb tallies were back to normal levels at just over 2000 head and prices eased. Good mixed-sex lambs made $138-$147, medium $116$119 and light $76-$107, while mixed-sex Merino-cross fetched $108-$125. Top prime lambs strengthened to $180$212, although most sold at $140-$180 and $120-$140. Read more in your LivestockEye.

Temuka store cattle • R2 Angus steers, 344-361kg, sold to $2.61-$2.66/kg • R2 Angus-Hereford steers, 404-434kg, and Charolais, 296kg, earned $2.47-$2.57/kg • R1 Charolais-cross steers and heifers, 267-272kg, fetched $765 • R1 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 169-226kg, generally sold for $490-$780 Throughput of store cattle was again very high at TEMUKA last Thursday. Consignments of R2 Hereford, Angus and Angus-Hereford heifers, 350-418kg, generally made $2.26-$2.37/kg, with one pen of Angus, 259kg, chased to $2.67/kg. Light R2 Friesian bulls, 192-248kg, made $2.21$2.24/kg. Most R1s were traditional types with heifers popular and available in good numbers that mostly earned $460-$690. Autumn-born weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 105kg, fetched $290, and bulls of same breed and 110kg, $315. Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka in-lamb ewe fair • Top price was $235 for 3-year Coopworth-cross ewes, scanned 211% to Suffolk ram • Four to five-year Romney ewes, scanned 165% to Suffolk, sold for $194-$196 • Annual draft ewes made $176-$185 • Mixed age Romney ewes varied from $165 to $204 TEMUKA was one of few yards to hold an in-lamb ewe fair, though volume was reduced to 4700 last Wednesday. Older ewes sold well, while younger pens met the market at expected levels. Scanned 1-shear and 2-tooth pens sold in two price ranges as top cuts made $210-$219, and second cuts, $172-$175, though line sizes were small. Runwith-ram 2-tooths fetched $168-$177. One pen of 5-year Coopworth ewes reached $234, while Border LeicesterRomney to Sufftex ram and 206% returned $229. Read more in your LivestockEye.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep • Top store lambs held at $100-$110 • Heavy prime rams made $70 • Top prime ewes held at $130-$160 There was a small yarding of prime lambs at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday where heavy types made $140-$160, and medium $120-$130. Medium store lambs earned $80-$90 and light $60-$70. Demand was mixed for prime ewes and medium returned $100-$120, with light at $60-$80.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 380-480kg, made $1.92-$2.02/kg • Heavy prime ewes sold well at $157-$188 • One and two shear Texel-cross breeding ewes fetched $185 • Two, three & four shear Texel-cross breeding ewes traded at $175 There was a small yarding of prime cattle at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday which sold on a steady market. Boner cows returned $1.30/kg to $1.46/kg, while prime bulls fetched $2.20/kg. Prime lambs strengthened with heavy types at $144-$161, medium $126-$138, and light $111-$120. Medium prime ewes fetched $125-$147, and light $71-$119. Store lambs sold on a firm market with the top end at $110-$115, medium $100-$108, and light $85$95. Charlton sheep • Heavy prime ewes held at $168 • Local trade rams made $40-$80 • Store lambs softened with the top end at $110 and light to medium at $60-$105 There was a drop in the quality of prime lambs offered at CHARLTON last Thursday, so the market eased with heavy types at $150, medium $125-$135, and light $110. Medium prime ewes returned $125-$140 and light $50-$75. Annual draft in-lamb ewes made $188 for the top end, with the next cut at $152.

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Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – July 13, 2020 NI M COW

SI BULL

NI MUTTON

($/KG)

4.70

4.10

PRIME ANGUS STEERS, 550KG, AT STORTFORD LODGE

$3.18 high $194-$196 traditional steers, lights 4-5 year Romney ewes, R2 429kg, at Feilding

($/KG LW)

4.95

3.04

scanned 165% to Suffolk ram, at Temuka

Meat sales to China boom Neal Wallace

neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

HINA became an even more crucial market for red meat exports in May with sales growing 23% compared to the same month a year earlier and offsetting sharp declines in exports to United States, Britain and Japan. Meat Industry Association figures show total May sales for sheep meat, beef and by-products of $884 million, a 2% decline on a year earlier. Sales to the US fell 15%, Britain by 10% and Japan 9% but there were increases of 31% to Canada and 13% to Taiwan with the Canadian lift from a 160% increase in beef sales worth $17 million. Canada is a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership and association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says the increase in sales demonstrates the importance of trade liberalisation. “While most beef exports to Canada are tariff-free, prior to the signing of the CPTPP Canada did apply a quota limit on the amount of New Zealand beef that could be imported tariff-free. “Any beef exports outside of this quota would incur high tariffs. “As part of the CPTPP this out-ofquota tariff rate is being reduced to zero over a period of six years, allowing NZ beef exports to fully respond to changes in market demand,” she said. The volume of beef exported in May hit a seven-year low, according to AgriHQ’s Livestock Insight report. For the month 31,050 bulls were processed, 13,200 fewer than May last year and 6900 less than the five-year average. The deficit was driven predominantly by a lack North Island bulls, which were killed earlier in the season. In contrast to the bull kill, May data shows the impact of delays in getting prime cattle slaughtered. For the month 92,380 prime cattle were killed, 9620 fewer than a year

GOOD DEAL: Beef sales to Canada were up 160% in May as a result of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership.

earlier and 4200 fewer than the May five-year average. Analysts say that suggests processors were reluctant to slaughter at full capacity because of a lack of confidence in the global restaurant trade, which is affected by covid-19 shutdowns.

The volume of beef exported in May hit a sevenyear low.

The virus is also damping demand for hides with prices continuing to weaken because of competition from imitation products and environmental

pressure on processing plants. Average export returns for hides have dropped to $1.96/kg compared to $2.38/kg for the corresponding time last season, with little likelihood of improvement. The latest export value statistics from May show the average was $1.17/kg, which is 79c/kg below last May, driven by a 40% downturn in the volume of tanned and crust cattle hides heading to NZs highest-value market, Italy. With the economic fallout from covid-19 weighing heavily on luxury leather goods analysts say it could be some time before hide export returns improve.

MORE: MEAT MANIFESTO

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

In-lamb ewe fair season a non-event AS NEW season lambs start to appear in paddocks on early country, in-lamb ewe fairs are usually a common occurrence around the sale yards but if 2020 has taught us anything it is that this year is not one to be trusted to be normal. Dry and drought conditions had the biggest impact on the number of in-lamb ewes available for the market as farmers in both islands were forced to cull into breeding flocks to take pressure off stressed paddocks. While, ideally, keeping these ewes in the system would have been the best outcome the reality was that farmers needed to offload as soon as they possibly could but still faced delays in some cases because of covid-19. As a result, calendared in-lamb ewe fairs around the country were cancelled, with only a handful still held at Temuka and Te Kuiti. While there were some sizeable yardings of in-lamb ewes at other yards on regular sale days there were not enough to warrant an extra day of selling. The biggest reduction in numbers has been for the older ewes, not surprisingly, and at the Temuka in-lamb fair there was a significant decrease in the number of annual draft consignments, which are typically cast-for-age. Also of interest has been an increase in the number of run-with-ram lines offered, even on smaller volumes. In some cases this was because of ewes being offered for sale earlier than they could be scanned but some farmers were also not prepared to take on the extra cost of scanning, even if it would have meant a few extra dollars in the pocket as buyer-preference is obviously for scanned lines. Prices for in-lamb ewes appear on the surface to be softer than last year but as the weeks have progressed it has become clear that is more a reflection of the condition and lower lambing percentages plaguing farmers this year. The dry and drought conditions have been tough all round and have had a noted impact on scanning percentages with a larger number of dries as well as fewer multiples. It has also been a tough ask to keep condition on any stock and while many farmers have supplementary fed ewes, low water quality and lack of green feed still had an impact. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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