Farmers Weekly NZ February 15 2021 by AgriHQ

11 Feds on new tenancy rules Vol 19 No 6, February 15, 2021

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Plans can add value for farmers Colin Williscroft

colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz

HE need for farm environment plans (FEPs) is generally accepted by the rural community but uncertainty over their implementation is fueling unease. A panel discussion at the end of a one-day Farmed Landscapes Research Centre webinar in Palmerston North last week looked at building New Zealand’s capability to achieve FEPs, and whether there is value in a coordinated national approach to them. Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) environmental policy manager Corina Jordan says it is important that FEPs are viewed as more than just a piece of paper that farmers need to deliver. Plans are about a process that has a farmer at the centre, so they can help deliver practice change on the ground. While cognisant of the need to keep regulatory costs down, she says plans need to be viewed as more than that. She says farm plans should add value to businesses, showing how to unlock opportunities. They can also be passed on when a property is sold.

“They are a value-add,” she said. Jordan says the first challenge of implementing new requirements is convincing the majority of those affected of the need for them to be adopted and in terms of FEPs, the rural sector is now largely over that. What’s needed now is consistency in areas, including the level of requirements and a framework to get there. Too much uncertainty is disempowering and to help overcome that there is a need to align national, regional and sector approaches. She says one of the first rules of creating policy is that it should be implementable and a real challenge facing the Government at present is to look and see whether there are aspects to its current freshwater policy that are not implementable. However, she says FEPs are here to stay and the majority of farmers understand that, not only for the environment but because markets will demand it. But they can’t just be a piece of paper, they have to be able to be made to work. “There is a moral responsibility that we can actually land it,” she said. Whether or not that involves a national process, she says what’s

Continued page 5

ALL SMILES: AgProud volunteers packing fruit outside Silver Fern Farms Finegand works, from left, Mark Paterson, Carol Sutherland, Hamish Bielski, Alison Ludemann and Graham Hunter. Photo: Natwick

AgProud’s sweet gesture of thanks Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz SOME fruit was picked in Central Otago in the past two weeks, then it was given away to about 5000 people. While that in itself may not sound spectacular, the free fruit is a gesture organised by the AgProud rural community group to thank meat and dairy processors for working during the covid-19 pandemic lockdown. Last week more than 30 farmers, meat and dairy workers on their day off, and

Ballance staff descended on an Earnscleugh orchard and picked about eight tonnes of fruit. It was then given away to staff at the Finegand, Lorneville and Prime Range meat works and the Edendale and Open Country Dairy processing plants. AgProud spokesperson Jon Pemberton says this was the second consignment of fruit given to primary sector process workers in South Otago and Southland, and there is one more pick planned for Wednesday. The gesture recognised that workers risked infection

and difficult work conditions by having to adhere to social distancing and other restrictions to ensure milk and meat was processed for farmers. Pemberton says one of AgProud’s purposes is to link urban and rural communities, and most staff who work in dairy factories and meat plants are from urban centres. He hopes to get about 60 people picking fruit this week to be given to the remaining processing plants, truck drivers and others in the community who stepped up during lockdown.

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

Together with a team of 45, fifth-generation vegetable grower Robin Oakley and wife Shirleen grow potatoes, broccoli, pumpkin and beetroot on 450ha based in Southbridge, Canterbury. They’re standing here with Robin’s father Graeme, who still lives on the original Oakley family farm of over 100 years near the Waimakariri River in Halkett. Also pictured is their daughter April. She’s just started in the business, so Robin and Shirleen’s fingers are well crossed that she’ll become the sixth generation Oakley on the land. Clearly, growing is in the blood! From an early age Robin grew his own vegetables in the backyard, and by fifth form (Year 11), couldn’t think of a good reason to stay at school. A lot has changed since those days, including varieties grown, increased technology and environmental awareness. What hasn’t, clearly, is a deeply entrenched love for the growing process and the positivity it creates for staff, community and consumers, recognised deservedly with three Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Al Brown chats with Robin and Shirleen and finds out more. Al: I’ve bought your amazing potatoes from the supermarket. Have you always had your own brand? Robin: Good man! Pretty early on we made the decision to create a consumerdriven business rather than a growing-led business because we thought that was the only way we were going to grow. Creating our own brand under the Oakley’s label has been incredible - we enjoy talking to people about what they and their families are eating and finding out what our customers want. Al: We’re seeing a lot of change in our restaurants. More informal eating, different diets. Are people’s potato eating habits changing too?

Shirleen: People are buying less at a time. And there are so many other foods and cuisines available these days, so to keep up, we need to change and evolve too. We constantly trial about 11 varieties, with cooking and tasting tests conducted over two or three seasons. Currently we are looking at smaller potatoes, greater size consistency, thinner skins, and faster cooking potatoes. Al: And what led you to enter the Ballance Farm Environment Awards? Robin: We’ve always thought Kiwis should know the provenance stories behind the fabulous fruit and veg they see and buy at the grocers and supermarket – especially those who have negative views of the agricultural industry as a whole! The awards are a great platform for telling these stories to the public, and to attract new recruits into the industry, which is so vital. Al: Did your awards’ success have any effect on your business? Shirleen: Above all, a hugely positive effect on our staff. After we shared the awards presentation it made us realise that because everyone is so busy, not everyone knew how all their jobs linked up in the production chain. It was hugely inspiring to see our people go home feeling so proud. Robin: We also lease a lot of land off other farmers and it was important to us to show them that we care about their land too. Al: It’s great that the environment is now front of mind for all of us in how we operate, isn’t it? Robin: Absolutely. A healthy environment is the most important ingredient to growing a good crop, so it’s certainly something we are constantly looking to improve. We crop rotate to mitigate the build-up of pathogens and pests that occur,

No.5

Shirleen and Robin Oakley. Vegetable growers, Southbridge, Canterbury.

WITH

improving and protecting soil structure and fertility. We also test the nitrogen levels in our soil before planting and only add the exact amount of fertiliser required. Al: So technology plays a big part in your operation too? Shirleen: Feel and intuition will always be important to Robin, but technology helps to create consistency and quality, and reduce our footprint. Robin: We can still tell by the leaf what’s happening under the ground, and still manually fork the soil, but we’ve introduced probes that tell us the moisture level of the soil, so that we can apply the exact amount of water needed. Al: Looking ahead, what’s your main focus? Robin: There is still huge potential for increasing our domestic consumption of potatoes. This includes education, and reminding people that potatoes are a raw vegetable, unrefined and packed full of Mother Nature’s goodness, rather than the high carb, high GI food they are sometimes thought of.

ley’s k a O e l d id r G d e h s a Try my Smes with Black Olive Potato d Fresh Herbs. Mayo an

Al: Ok, here’s a hard one - mashed, roasted, fried, baked, or boiled? Robin: Ha, that’s easy! Our Golden Gourmets straight out of the ground, washed, boiled with some salt and no butter. Shirleen: Trust us, you’ll always go back for seconds! Al: Or thirds! Who would you love to have over to share them? Shirleen: Family first, so I’d start with our two girls. We really miss our other daughter who is studying in Sydney. Robin: We also love adventures so It would amazing to have two legendary Sirs Peter Blake and Ed Hillary. I enjoy cycling to stay fit, so definitely Lance Armstrong for the stories. If he’d had our Golden Gourmets he wouldn’t have needed all that other stuff to get him up those hills. Spuds not drugs!

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

NEWS

29 Seed gold needs mining This month’s Climate Change Commission recommendations include farmers facing the prospect of reducing stocking rates to meet carbon reduction obligations.

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

6 Sector wary of RMA reform Primary sector leaders remain wary of proposed changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA).

Pulpit �� 31 Opinion �� 32 World �� 34 Real Estate �� 36-44 Tech and toys �� 45-46 Employment �� 47 Classifieds �� 47-48 Livestock �� 48-51 Weather �� 53 Markets �� 52-56

7 Sector faces rising input prices 21 Meat prices trimmed for Prices for some key farm inputs are on the rise, but for very different reasons.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Hope of rain for dry northland Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz NORTHLAND is gripped by meteorological drought or extreme dry conditions, the local adverse events team heard on Thursday. Rural Support Trust (RST) chair Chris Neill said drought affects the districts on the eastern side of the province from Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga, and NIWA advised that the rest of the province is meteorologically extremely dry. His committee decided to meet again this week, to review where predicted rain has fallen and reassess needs, and again in a fortnight, to determine if further support is required in rural communities. Rain last week was welcome and river flows responded, but are generally very low compared with long-term averages. The rain topped up domestic water supplies in most areas and the response for water deliveries is now typically two days. Aquifers and farm dams are reported to be low but adequate at this stage.

Continued from page 1 needed is a robust risk assessment process that can be applied around the country. Foundation for Arable Research senior researcher – environment Turi McFarlane says because farmers around the country are at different stages in their FEP processes and councils themselves are yet to come up with a standardised approach, there’s uncertainty among farmers and that needs to be addressed. “People want to know where to go and how to get there,” McFarlane said. He says while Waikato Regional Council (WRC) and Environment Canterbury (Ecan) both had FEPs,

The forecast is a 60% chance of good rain this week, which will improve soil moisture levels and river flows. Neill says most farmers used the good spring conditions to build feed reserves with grass silage and hay. Maize crops are now being harvested for silage and some to green feed. “While pastures are impacted by the dry, farmer networks report that generally on-farm feed reserves are adequate for at least another two to three weeks,” Neill said. “In contrast to last year, there are good feed reserves of hay and baleage in other parts of the country and PKE is available.” Processing space has a twoweek delay for farmers wanting to cull livestock, but this can change quickly if demand increases as pregnancy testing results come through. Because rainfall has been so localised there are farmers who are not in a good position and some are still recovering from the impact of last season’s drought. The Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) support by way

People want to know where to go and how to get there. Turi McFarlane Foundation for Arable Research their approaches to them are different. WRC takes a more front-loaded approach and requires plans to go through checks and be signed off as fit for purpose, whereas Ecan does not require an up-front sign-off, with plans audited and then graded – those not receiving

PLAN AHEAD: Northland Rural Support Trust chair Chris Neill says most farmers used the good spring conditions to build feed reserves with grass silage and hay.

of feed budgeting advice and access to emergency feed is still available until June. The feed planning service is

open to all livestock owners, from lifestyle blocks to the largest farms. Independent professional

advice on farm debt is also available through a $200,000 government grant administered by the Rural Support Trusts.

a pass mark are required to be reaudited more often and show that the property is at least making progress towards a pass mark. He suspects any national system will probably be a combination of both, with plans signed off and then audited, although that will add compliance costs. Over time, McFarlane would like to see the delivery of farm plans develop to the extent where farmers are in a position to do a lot of the work themselves rather than rely on outside help, which would also bring costs down. They should also be able to learn from other farmers, to be able to go down the road, see what others have done and then decide

if something similar can work on their own property. Fertiliser Association of NZ executive manager Greg Sneath says it is important to remember that every country in the world is facing the same environmental challenges as NZ is, and what has been done in the past is not a solution for the future because that won’t solve issues around water quality and greenhouse gases while maintaining food security. He says consumers are and will continue to demand proof that FEPs can supply, so it will have economic benefits for farmers and the sector as a whole. As a world-leading food producer, NZ is in a position

where it can help develop systems that can be used internationally. Farmed Landscapes Research Centre senior research officer Lucy Burkitt says while organisations like Massey University and the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) are doing their bit either developing farm environment training for rural professionals or creating a farm environment planner accreditation scheme, the reality is it’s a complex business and you can’t teach experience. She says it’s important the industry recognises that because it has a role to play in continually mentoring people coming through.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

RMA reform positive but sector wary Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz PRIMARY sector leaders remain wary of proposed changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA). Horticulture NZ fears the rush to provide more land for housing will gobble up our most productive soils, while Federated Farmers warn the proposed tight timeframe for a rewrite of the complex legislation could enable predetermined outcomes. Environment Minister David Parker has announced plans to implement the findings of a review last July to break up the RMA into three pieces: the Strategic Planning Act (SPA), the Natural and Built Environments Act (NBA) and the Climate Change Adaptation Act (CCA). Parker says the NBA, as the core piece of legislation replacing the RMA, will be progressed first. “Given its significance and complexity, a special select committee inquiry will consider an exposure draft of the NBA Bill from mid-year,” Parker said in a statement. “This will include the most important elements of the legislation, including the replacement of Part 2 of the RMA. “I expect that the complete NBA and the SPA will be formally introduced into Parliament by the end of 2021, with the NBA passed by the end of 2022.” HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman wants the Government to ensure protection for our most

valuable soils, proffered by the draft National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land, which was launched in Pukekohe in August 2019, does not get sidelined by the reforms. He is concerned by reports in the NZ Herald that 31,000ha of Auckland’s most productive could be lost to urban sprawl in the next 35 years. “Part of NZ’s overall plan to house people and respond to climate change needs to be a plan to feed people fresh, healthy locally-grown vegetables and fruit, at appropriate prices,” Chapman said. “If feeding NZers and offering them food security is not part of the country’s plan, NZ’s health statistics will get worse, and vegetables and fruit will become unaffordable.” Federated Farmers RMA spokesperson Karen Williams fears the speed of process will exclude community input and mean the final document “leans towards predetermined outcomes”. “This gives very little time for the community to absorb, consider and submit on the contents of the Bill,” Williams said. “It is too important an issue to rush. “We all want planning processes simplified and costs and times reduced, but we also want good quality legislation. “Faster planning doesn’t necessarily equate to better planning.” Landcare Research

PRIORITIES: HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman wants the Government to ensure protection for our most valuable soils.

environmental social researcher Nicholas Kirk says the proposed reforms will mean shifting from an effects-based management system to a focus on achieving positive outcomes within environmental limits. “These outcomes will need to be general enough to represent the enormous diversity in New Zealand’s built and natural environments, while also being specific and attainable,” Kirk said. “When trying to achieve this balance while setting positive outcomes, there is a risk we set unambitious outcomes that fail to redress the multiple overlapping problems NZ’s built and natural environments are experiencing.” Professor Tony Baisden of the Environmental Institute at the University of Waikato says the proposed changes will be a contrast to the RMA, which for three decades has focused on local perceptions of trade-offs between

costs and benefits to manage individual activity. Science will play a bigger role in managing the environment.

We all want planning processes simplified and costs and times reduced, but we also want good quality legislation. Karen Williams Federated Farmers “The most clearly signalled change is the Climate Change Adaptation Act, which will enable better responses to issues known to science, such as sea level rise,” Baisden said.

“The Strategic Planning Act and other changes will presumably make the complexity of Regional Council Plans regulating the environment more comprehensible by consolidating over 100 documents into as few as 14.” This should potentially mean less litigation and clearer, more uniform targets for science and communities to consider. “What remains is the core functions of the RMA folded into a Natural and Built Environments Act, which still must manage the trade-off between our wellbeing and economy in built and productive environments, including agriculture, and impacts on natural ecosystems including lakes and streams,” he said. Baisden hopes that having better and clearer points of engagement and decisionmaking will assist communities to contribute.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Sector faces rising input prices Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz PRICE for some key farm inputs are on the rise, but for very different reasons. Rising raw iron ore prices driven by demand for steel from China, which is embarking on a major infrastructure programme, rose 40% in December alone and is starting to be reflected in the cost of wire. Rising shipping costs, shipping delays and a container shortage is putting pressure on the price of machinery and creating cashflow challenges for importers and retailers. Disruption from these logistical issues have forced some agrichemical companies to airfreight product, to ensure it is available when needed. NZ Fencing Contractors Association director Shane Beets says Chinese demand for iron ore and steel is pushing up the price of steel, with fencing wire prices expected to increase in the next few months. In addition, the price of fence posts have risen by up to 7%, double the usual annual price rise, and with the minimum wage rising to $20 from April 1, Beets says there will be further pressure on fencing prices, meaning “people will be paying a lot more”. Tractors and Machinery Association (TAMA) chair Kyle

Baxter says shipping disruption delaying the arrival of product by up to 10 weeks is the biggest issue for his members, which puts pressure on supply lines and cashflow. “It used to be quite straightforward with robust time frames around the world, now nobody knows,” Baxter said. Container prices are now five to six times what they were last year and the impact of an expected rise in steel prices will provide additional pricing pressure. Baxter expects the next six months to be volatile, but notes a high NZ-US exchange rate is providing a pricing buffer. Machinery importer Tulloch Imports Ltd’s managing director John Tulloch says two North American suppliers recently announced price rises due to increases in the cost of steel, but European manufacturers have not yet made similar moves. He recently attended a Zoom meeting with a large German manufacturer and was told they are working to capacity and expect to deliver goods on time, while accommodating social distancing and taking precautions in the factory to avoid covid-19 infection. Agcarm chief executive Mark Ross says shipping delays have also been an issue for his members, forcing some to airfreight product, so it was available when needed. Ross says there is no product

shortage, although some users may not be able to get their preferred brand. ANZ agricultural economist Susan Kilsby says shipping delays and logistical issues show little sign of abating and are already reflected in higher shipping costs. Very few planes are flying international routes, meaning the reliance on shipping is higher than ever, yet demand for goods has remained intact throughout the pandemic, she says. “Shipping schedules are constantly changing, with numerous schedules being cancelled or containers being rolled over (or) simply not being collected,” Kilsby said. “This has left many empty containers stranded well away from where they are most needed, with refrigerated containers particularly difficult to source.” Competition between shipping lines is diminishing as companies consolidate and with one, Pacific International Lines (PIL), in financial trouble. She says should it collapse, competition would further reduce. Inflation remains subdued in most countries, but Kilsby says commodity prices are starting to rise with oil prices forecast to lift 20% this year. The NZ dollar is anticipated to continue rising in the near term, reaching US74c by the end of the year.

IMPACT: Tractors and Machinery Association chair Kyle Baxter says shipping disruption delaying the arrival of product by up to 10 weeks is the biggest issue for his members.

Fencing costs may rise as wire price spikes Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz SOME of the Government’s riparian fencing and planting plans may need a rethink, with an expected sharp increase in the price of fencing materials likely to blow out forecast costs. Iron ore prices rose 40% in December driven by demand

for steel from China, which is embarking on a major infrastructure programme. NZ Fencing Contractors Association director Shane Beets says wire manufacturers have already notified customers of an increase in wire prices. Asked what this means to the Government’s riparian fencing project, Beets suspects fencers

will be seeking meetings with the Government to discuss their contracts. The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) has awarded 24 contracts for 1631km of fencing at a cost of $67 million under its Jobs for Nature programme’s Public Waterways and Ecosystem Restoration Fund. It has a further 19 contracts

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worth $36m pending under the programme’s Freshwater Improvement Fund. An MfE spokesperson says high costs could impact, but there are processes to vary contracts for the impact of cost increases. “If costs increase over the life of the project, there are processes for varying the contract to modify outputs and reprioritise objectives

outlined in the contract,” they said. The spokesperson says the issue of rising costs has not been raised so far. “Increased fencing costs could result in some outputs within projects, not necessarily fencing outputs, to be reduced but this has not been raised as an issue to date.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Business forum backs trade deal THE New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) wants the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to be ratified and implemented as soon as possible. In a submission to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, the forum, made up of senior business leaders working to promote NZ’s engagement in the global community, said ratification will help NZ’s economic recovery from covid and send a valuable signal about the ongoing importance of trade liberalisation to the global community. “Were NZ not to ratify, our competitors in RCEP markets would gain benefits denied to us and NZ would not be a party to future evolution of the agreement,” the submission said. NZ’s place in regional value chains would be eroded, exports from competitors would be favoured and comparably cheaper than NZ’s, and investment would be diverted away from NZ to other RCEP countries. The forum is pleased that RCEP contains enhanced trade facilitation measures and other

There are improved rules to address nontariff barriers, including faster customs clearance of perishable products. NZIBF

SATISFIED: The NZ business forum says they welcome the greater transparency on import licensing procedures that will be conferred by the RCEP.

provisions that respond to concerns raised by NZ exporters regarding non-tariff barriers. “There are improved rules to address non-tariff barriers, including faster customs clearance of perishable products,

such as seafood, chilled meat and horticultural products, within six hours of arrival including (in exceptional circumstances) release of such goods outside normal business hours which should reduce risk of spoilage

and save exporters money,” the submission said. “RCEP also includes a new consultation system for addressing non-tariff barriers, and a forum for discussing good regulatory practice around trade

in goods. We welcome the greater transparency on import licensing procedures that will be conferred by the RCEP.” RCEP is a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Asia-Pacific nations of Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, NZ, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. The 15 economies involved are home to almost a third of the world’s population and take more than half of NZ’s exports. Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor signed the deal in November but it needs to be ratified by Parliament.

Southland group may take protest national Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz A SOUTHLAND group opposing new freshwater regulations wants to take their protest nationwide. Groundswell spokesperson Laurie Paterson estimates 700 people attended a farmer rally near Gore on Thursday, with another 130 watching a livestream. He says there is support for ramping up resistance to the Government’s policy. “Everyone we talk to is right behind us getting more steel in any negotiations with the Government rather than having us being walked over,” Paterson said.

The group says it is striving for sensible, sustainable and practical solutions to the new freshwater reforms, and Paterson says as they are written, the new regulations are unworkable. New rules around permitted winter grazing of livestock will be especially challenging in Otago and Southland, but Paterson says the regulations are a rural NZ issue. Asked if Groundswell and farmers can force change, Paterson says they are going to try. “That was the message and why people were there,” he said. “They want an organisation to stand up.” Paterson says a more sensible solution would be for the

Help your community, report Yellow Bristle Grass! • Reduces pasture quality and utilisation • Spreads rapidly once established • Over half of Canterbury has optimal conditions for establishment

Government to support and extend the catchment group movement. “We could have catchment groups in every catchment to support the work of regional councils to repair hotspots on rivers,” he said. “We don’t need draconian laws dreamt up by someone sitting in an office in Wellington telling us how to manage our farms.” In addition to considering a national roll out, Paterson says they await the Government’s response to its 2500 signature petition against the reforms. They will also monitor the outcome of a meeting last week between farming groups and Environment Minister David Parker on the freshwater reforms.

SUPPORT: Groundswell spokesperson Laurie Paterson says there is growing support for ramping up resistance to the Government’s new freshwater policy. Photo: Natwick

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Consumer-led farming drives new scholar A FINISHING block in Fordell feels worlds away from San Francisco’s tech scene, but innovation and progress take many forms, and David Eade is finding new inspiration in the paddocks of Whanganui. Eade, who recently returned from six years of building teams and products in San Francisco’s tech industry, is the first recipient of two new scholarships created through a partnership between Whanganui & Partners and New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust (NZRLT). The annual scholarships are worth $2500 and are designed to build entrepreneurial capital in Whanganui’s food and fibre sector. Eade, who is general manager of Apiary Solutions, a tech company focused on unlocking the potential of bees, grew up on a north Waikato sheep and beef farm, but was told to steer away from farming. “I shot off overseas and now we’ve come back to the land,” Eade said. “We’ve sort of gone full circle.” Eade’s wife Harriet is from Whanganui. The couple returned to NZ just over six months ago during lockdown with a preschooler and a baby on the way. At their finishing block in Fordell, which they have owned for three years and is nearing the end of a lease agreement, Eade plans to improve ecological equity and high-quality produce through regenerative agriculture. Spurred on by the prospect of leading the primary sector as it tackles an ever-changing market, Eade is undertaking a Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship – a requirement to be eligible for the scholarship. He wants to be part of agriculture’s transition towards

an industry driven by consumer preferences, where the market is well understood and technology is utilised optimally for both consumer and producer. His time in the US reinforced the growing importance of provenance to the consumer. The American approach was complicated by feedlots and vast geography, he says, but seeing the story that they tell around their food was inspiring. “It was interesting to see how the story (of regenerative agriculture) resonated. It’s obviously getting a lot of momentum over there and it resonates with consumers and growers,” he said. “And I think it’s not only the practice of it, but it’s reconnecting people with the land, it’s tightening supply chains. I think it’s healthy for communities.” Regenerative agriculture means different things to different countries, he says, but NZ needs to position itself to its best advantage. “What I’m interested in is how to incentivise change. Getting the right structures in place, whether it be financial or otherwise,” he said. “Because it feels like there’s a lot of stick out there at the moment, and not so much carrot.” Nuffield scholarships are usually internationally-focused, looking at overseas approaches and bringing them back to NZ. But the covid pandemic has caused a rethink, and this year’s scholars are concentrating on home turf first. “We’re going to go deep into the NZ side of things to start with, kicking off with a three-week NZ tour,” he said. “I think the focus of that is going to be the world of covid. How we position ourselves as we go forward.”

INITIATIVE: Whanganui & Partners strategic lead – agribusiness Colleen Sheldon, Nuffield scholar David Eade and New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust chair Andrew Watters want to develop the Whanganui region’s agribusiness sector.

Whanganui & Partners strategic lead – agribusiness Colleen Sheldon says Eades’ project, in particular his forward-looking approach and understanding of how technological uptake is crucial to the future of farming, meets the scholarships’ objectives perfectly. Sheldon says taking a

regenerative approach, and studying its benefits to a sector under constant pressure to adapt to environmental and consumer demands, will be beneficial to the region’s knowledge and productivity. Whanganui & Partners has entered into a multi-year

agreement with the NZRLT to offer the scholarships, which are awarded to Whanganui residents or scholars who directly contribute to the region’s agribusiness sector. The scholars must be undertaking a Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme or a Nuffield Farming Scholarship.

MPI fined $30k over workers’ safety THE Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) was sentenced and fined $30,000 in Invercargill District Court last week, for failing to ensure workers were not exposed to hazardous chemicals. In 2017, in efforts to manage an outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis, MPI contracted biosecurity company AsureQuality, which in turn engaged OneStaff to provide temporary workers to assist with cleaning and disinfecting work. The incident dates back to May 2018, when a group of staff was cleaning a farm in Southland using a sodium

hydroxide-based cleaner called X-Clean DOO AWAY, which had been approved by MPI as a cleaning product. The workers were given personal protective equipment, however, the chemicals seeped into the cuffs of the workers’ gloves and as a result, eight workers sustained burns to their hands and arms. Last November, in response to the 2018 incident, AsureQuality was fined $66,000 and OneStaff $38,500. The WorkSafe investigation into the incident found MPI failed to adequately consult, cooperate and coordinate with

the other parties to ensure work was being carried out safely. Additionally, MPI failed to ensure a safe system of work for the OneStaff workers. WorkSafe’s investigation manager for the South Island Steve Kelly said both MPI and AsureQuality were working together, but it was unclear which organisation was ensuring various risks were being managed. Reparation of $5000 was ordered to be split between five victims, with all three parties including MPI, paying one-third each. – BusinessDesk

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Tenancy rules will impact farmers Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A NEW wave of tenancy rules will have implications for farmers if they do not do their homework with tenancy contracts. Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Chris Lewis says it is more important than ever that farmers dot the i’s and cross the t’s in tenancy contracts. In the first major change in August last year, rent increases became limited to once every 12 months, previously it was once every six months. Phase two of the Residential Tenancies Act 2020’s new regulation came into force this week. In August this year, possibly earlier if the Government agrees, the third wave will bring in new legislation in respect to family violence and physical assault. While the latest new legislation tended to be more relevant to an urban setting, Lewis says farmers need to be mindful of the changes that have potential to impact unintended consequences onfarm. While not able to give legal advice, he says Feds has sought specialist advice on the new regulations.

IMPORTANT: Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Chris Lewis urged farmers to get familiar with the new tenancy laws and seek legal advice where necessary.

The 2020 Federated Farmers/ Rabobank remuneration survey showed that of the 872 respondents, 80% provided accommodation to permanent employees. Of these, 87% were on dairy farms and 76% sheep and beef. This is generally in the form of a service tenancy where accommodation is linked to an offer of employment. But many farmers also rent property, either on the farm or

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elsewhere, to non-employees. “If you provide rental accommodation as part of an employment offer, you are a landlord in terms of the legislation,” Lewis said. A key point for farmers as landlords, following Feds successful submission to the proposed policy, will see the minimum 14-day period of notice to terminate a service tenancy remain as is. “This was a key point in

our submissions having been identified as a sticking point for farmers if it went to (the proposed blanket) 63 days,” he said. “It could have complicated the running of the farm, so we are very happy farmers have been able to keep that at 14 days.” There have been changes to other tenancy types. Fixed-term tenancies that have an end date without grounds will no longer be allowed with all fixed-term tenancy agreements converting to periodic tenancies at the end of the fixed-term unless parties agree otherwise. Landlords will not be able to end a periodic tenancy without a reason just by providing 90 days’ notice. The landlord will have to apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to end the tenancy. There are also new longer notice periods applying from February 11, for the previously existing allowable reasons for ending a periodic tenancy. A total 63 days’ notice is now required where the owner of a property requires the residence as their principal place of residence or for occupation by employees, or contractors of the landlords. This was previously 42 days. If the property is to be sold, if

extensive alterations are to be carried out or if the property is to be demolished, 90 days’ notice must be given. Other changes introduced in phase two include prohibitions on rental bidding; legislation around a tenant’s request to make minor changes – this must not be declined and must be responded to within 21 days; landlord records, enforcement measures, privacy and access to justice also have changes. Lewis urged farmers to get familiar with the new tenancy laws and seek legal advice where necessary. Feds has a services tenancy contract available that fits the bill. “While we might roll our eyes at how long the contract is, at the end of the day it’s like an insurance package,” he said. “It’s not long because we think farmers love filling out forms, it’s to protect our members.” Accuracy is key in filling out the contracts. “Every ‘i’ must be dotted, and every ‘t’ crossed – it is tricky, but it is necessary,” he said. He says there is good information available online through respective industry channels, it is up to farmers to engage in it.

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12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Concern over land reform changes Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz CHANGES proposed in the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill threaten the viability of high country farming for pastoral lessees, farming leaders say. The Bill proposes to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 and the Land Act 1948, to end tenure review and redesign the regulatory system to deliver improved Crown pastoral outcomes. But farmers say the Bill is poorly drafted, placing unreasonable limitations on day-to-day farming activities for pastoral leaseholders. Farmers will be bogged down in red tape and environmental outcomes would go backwards. The Bill was introduced and passed its first reading in Parliament in July last year and is now before the Select Committee. It will both end tenure review and redesign the regulatory system regarding leases. The right to freehold the land will be lost as the tenure review process is dropped. “It’s a pretty heavy one this one, it’s just unworkable,” Federated Farmers high country chair Rob Stokes said. The proposed changes will effectively take away the rights of high country farmers, negatively impacting farmers’ ability to farm environmentally, economically and sustainably. “The approach taken adds an unnecessary level of controls and associated red tape,” he said. “It duplicates and potentially contradicts consenting requirements under district and regional planning requirements, reduces the independence of the commissioner for Crown Lands, and reduces the certainty around future rentals for these perpetual leases. Stokes says when the tenure review was dropped there should

LIMITATIONS: Feds high country chair Rob Stokes says farmers will be bogged down in red tape, placing unreasonable limitations on day-to-day high country farming activities.

have been a plan in place to pick up from there. “There was no plan and now we have this; we just hope we (farmers) will get more liaison with the Government to get a workable outcome from here,” he said. He says while there are many areas of concern in the Bill, key ones include the definition of inherent value now including landscape and characteristic of a natural resource, which is very broadly phrased and encompasses nearly everything. “What is extremely concerning is the new subsection that states any inherent value does not include any value that relates to or is associated with farming activity,” he said. “This one addition undermines the entire history, culture and working landscape of high country farming.” The new section 4 states

the outcomes that decisionmakers must adhere to, thereby significantly reducing any flexibility the commissioner has. All inherent values must be maintained or enhanced, keeping in mind that these cannot relate to farming. “Pastoral farming is basically a second-tier consideration,” he said. The new section 4 also opens the possibility of rent increases by enabling the Crown to get a fair return on its ownership interest in pastoral land. It states that fair return relates to rents, easements and recreational permits. The Bill supports the CrownMaori partnership as required under the Treaty of Waitangi. There is a new section on Maori interests stating the Crown must recognise and provide for the relationship of Maori and their cultures and tradition with their

This one addition undermines the entire history, culture and working landscape of high country farming. Rob Stokes Federated Farmers ancestral lands, water, Mahinga kai and wahi tapu. This inclusion will impact on discretionary consent applications, recreational permit or stock limitation exemptions. With the new discretionary test (new section 12), minimal activities will be able to get a discretionary consent. Consents must be declined if more than minor adverse effects,

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or there is a reasonable alternative to the activity that has lesser adverse effects on inherent values. Of crucial importance in the discretionary test process is section 12(6), which prevents the financial viability of farming under the lease, or the economic sustainability of the farming enterprise or any economic benefits being considered. Of extreme concern to Feds, thrown in at the very end of the Bill, is a provision that states that there will be no compensation payable by the Crown should this Bill come into effect, and that it will overrule any other rule of law. The Bill is now with the Environment Select Committee and open for public submissions. Feds High Country is making a submission, as is the High Country Accord, and encourages all other lessees to do the same. Submissions close on February 22.

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

NOT YET: Gary Jones of NZ Apples and Pears says more science is needed about vaccinations before essential workers in the sector are covered.

Hort sector not looking to vaccination solution Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE horticultural sector is not holding its collective breath for seasonal workers to be among priority groups for early vaccination as the harvest season kicks off. New Zealand is due to have the first batch of vaccine arrive later this week,with quarantine and border workers and their households scheduled to be the first to receive it. But despite “essential workers” being categorised

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by the Ministry of Health (MoH) as a priority group, the sector has not yet received any indication vaccinations are imminent. Instead, the industry is gearing up for the season with last year’s covid lockdown protocols in place, if required. NZ Apples and Pears business development manager Gary Jones says at a high level the industry is interested in exploring options for vaccinating Pacific Island staff travelling to NZ through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) programme. “But there are still a lot of questions about the vaccines, including ‘does this mean a vaccinated person is still infectious?’” he asked. “There is a lot to consider in the next 12 months. If we can get some good science around that, then people may be more interested in it.” He says the Pacific Island economies have been devastated by covid’s impact upon job opportunities here. There was also a heightened awareness of their vulnerability to covid infection, based on a history of past epidemics.

There is a lot to consider in the next 12 months. If we can get some good science around that, then people may be more interested in it. Gary Jones NZ Apples and Pears

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“Tonga is not really opening up at all, they are so concerned about bringing the virus back,” he said. So far, the horticultural sector has been granted access to 2000 RSE workers, of which 1500 will be heading straight into pipfruit harvesting. “There are 620 on the ground now and every four days another 156 are coming out of quarantine,” he said. In the meantime, he says the pipfruit sector is acutely aware of the need to protect supply chain integrity by keeping covid out. This has been sharpened with reports of Chinese issues around some NZ seafood processing plants last week. A NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated spokesperson confirmed the kiwifruit sector has had no indication there will be any particular vaccination priority given, with harvest commencing in about five weeks for SunGold fruit. Kiwifruit processor Apata’s chief executive Stue Weston says the sector is well prepared should a covid alert occur as it did last year when harvest had commenced. “We did really well last year under lockdown and if we have to go in again, the protocols and practices are all there ready to go.” Hawke’s Bay-based Thornhill Horticultural Contracting managing director Richard Bibby says he was not expecting any vaccine prioritisation of essential harvesting staff. Last year’s practices worked out well, including splitting his 320 staff into working “bubbles” of 25 in each. In Blenheim, Hortus staffing contractor Aaron Jay says the standard of health and safety he was operating under was tighter than it had ever been. He had pulled out of Bay of Plenty last year, but was still unsure this year if they would be back there. “We have to bear in mind, the RSE guys, their immune systems are not accustomed to disease and we don’t want to risk their exposure,” Jay said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Price rise could inflate log exports Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz GLOBAL log markets could be distorted by forest owners delaying harvest to take advantage of a rapid rise in the price of New Zealand carbon units. AgriHQ analyst Sarah Friel says the carbon price could reach $41.90/NZ Unit within three years, given the price rose from $35/NZU in early December to $38/NZU in mid-January. One NZU represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, with units traded on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) market. Foresters can sell units equivalent to the carbon sequestration value of their plantations, to emitters seeking to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. Friel attributed the NZU price increase to “a soft supply of units” at a time of high demand as emitters look to offset their emissions. The Climate Change Response Amendment Act altered trading of NZUs and Friel says following that change in the middle of last year, prices rose from $25 to $35. This appreciating price could prompt forest owners to delay

FORECAST: The appreciating carbon price could prompt forest owners to delay harvesting which could inflate export log prices.

harvesting which could inflate export log prices. If the unit price reaches $50/ NZU, Friel says it will trigger a cost containment reserve in which the Government will release more NZUs to ease demand. “Additionally, the introduction of quarterly auctions to the market will offer further opportunities to shift units ideally taking pressure off supply,” Friel said. NZU investors approached for comment were reluctant to

speculate on the extent unit prices will appreciate or whether the price will hit $50/NZU. In a statement to Farmers Weekly, Drylandcarbon executive director Ant Beverley said farmers could benefit financially from carbon forestry. His company, which invests in forestry to offset greenhouse emissions for Air NZ, Contact Energy, Genesis Energy and Z Buy any Energy, said planting needs to be 25,000L or 30,000L done carefully with the right tree in the right Devan Tankplace. & score a...

“Regardless of the carbon price, Drylandcarbon is only interested in economically marginal land – land predominantly graded five and above – and is not interested in planting flat, productive land,” Beverley said. Trees can provide an economical option for owners of steep, erosion-prone and economically marginal land, while creating jobs and supporting their rural communities. “We’re aware this hasn’t always been the case, but this is what

we stand for and we’ve walked away from opportunities to plant productive, profitable pastoral land and will continue to do so,” he said. Joint ventures are an option being pursued by Drylandcarbon in which farmers retain ownership of the land and the investor manages the planting and the emission trading scheme requirements. The farmer will get an annual lease payment immediately and a share of the profits. Climate Change Minister James Shaw said in a statement that draft advice on the first three carbon budgets being released by the Climate Change Commission (CCC), will provide a pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050. “It is likely this will include recommendations on matters like land use change, so I would encourage everyone to read the advice once it’s published,” Shaw said. As for the rising price of NZUs, Shaw says that was a response to changes in supply and demand. “It’s worth noting that a steadily increasing price does give farmers with less productive marginal land an opportunity to increase their income by using some of that land for carbon sequestration,” he said.

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16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Oat milk plant coming for Southland growers Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

GROWING INDUSTRY: Harraways chief executive Henry Hawkins says with new uses for oats pending demand will increase, giving farmers the potential to diversify.

CONSTRUCTION of a new oat milk extraction plant, providing new opportunities for farmers, is expected to start in Southland within 18 months, says the head of the country’s largest user of the grain. Harraways chief executive Henry Hawkins says the Dunedin-based cereal company is this year increasing its oat contracts with 44 Southland growers by 15%, to 13,500 tonnes.

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Investors are being sought for the new plantbased factory, likely to be built at Makarewa outside Invercargill, from which oat milk will be the first product. A new company, NZ Functional Foods, has been formed to drive the project and the Tindall Foundation is a cornerstone investor. But with new uses for oats pending, including as a beverage extract, Hawkins says demand will increase, giving farmers the potential to diversify. Harraways has a supply contract for Dunedin oat beverage extract producer Otis Oat Milk, which currently sends its grain to Sweden to have the liquid extracted before importing the milk back to NZ. Hawkins says there are multiple entities keen to establish the plant, and at this stage Harraways will remain an oat supplier to Otis. “We are not looking to invest currently,” Hawkins said. “We don’t want to confuse the relationship between supplier and shareholder, but that is a short-term view and if the situation developed, we would look at an opportunity.” Otis Oat Milk declined to be interviewed.

It is important to say that I don’t see oat milk taking over the world; there is room for oat milk and dairy milk. Henry Hawkins Harraways

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Oats became “cool” during the pandemic lockdown, Hawkins says, during which sales of Harraways oat products increased 60% as people cooked more at home and looked to eat healthy products. The extra contracted volume this year is driven by that growth, but also new uses such as oat beverage. “We need that greater volume off the back of what happened last year,” he said. Hawkins says oat milk will never replace dairy. “It is important to say that I don’t see oat milk taking over the world; there is room for oat milk and dairy milk,” he said. Other new uses for oats are pending in chocolate, yoghurt and peanut butter, while in Scotland it is being used to make vodka. Oat Industry Group chair Graeme Gardyne says while growth has been steady, the boost of having an oat milk plant in Southland could significantly change the industry. Gardyne estimates about 2000ha is being grown this season for human consumption, with an unknown additional area sown in stock feed or for other mercantile firms. “It’s growing, but not spectacularly,” the Gore farmer says of the area under cultivation. Gardyne says livestock farmers are now sowing oats as a nutrient catch crop on paddocks where stock has been wintered. “Livestock farmers are sowing it after winter crops to remove the nitrates then they are harvesting the oat crops for silage or baleage before regrassing, or back into kale or some other wintering crop,” Gardyne said. “That is due to the freshwater reforms, but it is actually quite a big use for oats.” Oats were ideal as it handled wet, cool conditions which can plague the south during spring.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Report ‘overestimates sequestration’ Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz A REPORT claiming sheep and beef farms were almost carbon neutral overestimates the rate carbon is being sequestered on farmland, government officials claim. A Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) commissioned report by the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) claims the area of carbon-sequestering native bush and vegetation on sheep and beef farms meant many were or close to being carbon neutral. Responding to questions from Farmers Weekly, a spokesperson for the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) acknowledged that while significant volumes of carbon were sequestered on sheep and beef farms, the AUT report overestimated the actual amount. “Our conclusion is that the AUT report’s estimate of carbon sequestration on sheep and beef farms of between 10.4 to 19.7 million tonnes of carbon (CO2) per annum, overestimates the sequestration,” the spokesperson said. “It does not include carbon emissions from harvesting of exotic forests or deforestation, and it assumes all areas of natural forests and scrub vegetation on sheep and beef farms are in a vigorous growth phase,” he said. B+LNZ environment policy manager Dylan Muggeridge says the organisation stood by “this credible and robust research”. It was also designed to show that sequestration was occurring on farms for which farmers were not being recognised or credited for. “We wanted it to start a conversation about farmers being able to get recognised for this sequestration,” Muggeridge said. “While MPI and the MfE may have some questions about the numbers, what is encouraging

ACCOUNT: The MfE says for greater accuracy of sequestration rates, the AUT report needed to account for carbon emissions from forest harvesting, scrub clearance and deforestation.

We wanted it to start a conversation about farmers being able to get recognised for this sequestration.

Dylan Muggeridge B+LNZ is their recognition that there is significant sequestration happening and that we will be working together on a process to get better recognition of this through He Waka Eke Noa and other mechanisms,” he said.

He Waka Eke Noa has been established by primary sector bodies, Maori, the Government and other partners, to find ways to reduce and address greenhouse gas emissions from the primary sector. The MfE spokesperson says for greater accuracy of sequestration rates, it needed to account for carbon emissions from forest harvesting, scrub clearance and deforestation and reflect areas of vegetation that have reached mature growth. Such calculations also need to look at the impact on carbon sequestration from farm management such as grazing, and environmental factors such as altitude or temperatures limiting growth.

“It is also important to note that sequestration rates differ between species and change over time due to harvesting cycles in exotic forests, and as new vegetation is established or is cleared,” he said. The MfE spokesperson says indigenous forest can be registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), provided it meets the scheme’s definition of forest land. That definition requires forests must be established after 1989 on land previously not forested, exceed 1ha in area with a forest canopy covering or growing to cover more than 30% of the ground and with trees reaching at least 5m in height when mature.

There is currently 32,285ha of indigenous forest registered in the ETS. The spokesperson says the He Waka Eke Noa Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership is working to design a simple and cost-effective system to incentivise and expand on-farm carbon sequestration. The aim is to formally recognise vegetation and elements that sequester carbon but do not currently qualify under the ETS. The He Waka Eke Noa steering group is also looking at some design details for pricing greenhouse gas emissions from farms in 2025. It will present its recommendations in the middle of next year.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Irish dairy farmers mull buy-back Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz DAIRY farmers in County Kerry, Ireland, are chewing over a proposal that they buy back a 60% controlling stake in the milk processing assets of the multinational Kerry Group. Kerry Co-op, presently a holding company for 12% of shares in the group, is being offered a joint venture in three dairy processing plants, an animal feeds business and some dairy brands. Turnover for that division is €1.2 billion annually, the milk pool about 1.2b litres and net profit some €80-100 million, although that figure is not published in the Kerry Group accounts. Kerry PLC’s revenue was €7.2b in 2019 (about NZ$12.2b) and its trading profit €900m. The 2020 results are due out in a few days. It is described as a taste, nutrition, food and ingredients company, with 26,000 employees in 150 locations in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. The indicative price for the transaction is €480m, which values the whole Kerry dairy business at €800m. It would possibly be funded from co-op reserve funds, new debt, a possible share offer and/or sale of shares in Kerry PLC. Should the proposal go ahead, dairy farmers in Kerry, one of the least-populated and mostrural counties in Ireland, would come a full circle in ownership of processing facilities. In the mid-1980s, the newly amalgamated Kerry Co-op went public and began a diversification and worldwide expansion that

PERSPECTIVE: Kiwi Huey van Vliet has joined Kerry Group from Fonterra as Irish farmers ponder a return to processing ownership.

resulted in the present-day market capitalisation over €20b. Therefore, the dairy assets in the home county and related dairy brands are about one-twentieth of Kerry Group’s current value. The co-op share price is €660, six times that of the group’s €115, and its 12% stake in the PLC is valued at €2.4b. Kerry Co-operative Creameries has existing farmer-shareholders, former farmers, dry shareholders and some investors who bought shares on the grey market. It also has 23 directors representing small wards, turnover of €17m in 2019 and a profit of €50m due to gains on investment. It is thought that the buy-back proposal would include an exit offer to non-farming shareholders in the co-op to transfer their holdings to Kerry Group PLC. However, there are taxation

implications for the wealthy. The mooted change in processing ownership and control dates back to the abolition of the European Union dairy quota system in 2015 and the expansion of Irish dairying that followed. Kerry Group offered milk supply contracts with “the leading milk price” each year. But farmers in the co-op thought they weren’t getting paid the best milk price and took the group to arbitration. Although the arbitrator found in favour of the farmers, no remedy or future formula for a milk price was laid out. In early 2020, Kerry made a 3c/litre retrospective goodwill payment to all farmer-suppliers covering milk supply for the previous five years. Kerry Group has now, in effect, said to farmers “if you want to invest, take back processing and

control your own milk price,” here is a proposal to do so. When Fonterra was still young, Kerry was promoted as an aspirational example for the unified New Zealand dairy industry. Charismatic chief executive Denis Brosnan shared a platform with Fonterra’s first chief executive Craig Norgate at the 2001 IDF World Dairy Congress in Auckland. Brosnan’s account of how Kerry had grown and how it was performing was eagerly received by NZ conference-goers, trade officials and the Fonterra founders. But in 2007-8, when Henry van der Heyden’s board proposed a modified public listing to Fonterra farmers, they rejected the concept before a vote. The directors withdrew the proposal when it became obvious that 75% farmer approval was not going to be achieved. Trading Among Farmers to set a market share price and avoid redemption risk was eventually agreed in 2012 because it kept ownership and control in the hands of farmers, but the share price has since languished. Now the capital structure of Fonterra is again being reviewed. From the NZ perspective, farmers will understand why their Kerry counterparts want to regain some control over milk prices, which have been buoyant for five years since the EU quota abolition. Irish farmers are fortunate that Kerry Co-op still has enough financial weight to make a move if the details can be agreed. Kerry Group, for its part, wants to calm down its home-county

milk supply, which represents the roots of the company. A New Zealander of Dutch descent, Huey van Vliet, recently left Fonterra to join Kerry Group as a sales director in Europe in the agribusiness division. He works remotely from the Netherlands, even more secluded because of covid-19 restrictions, and his products include butter, skim milk powder, casein, cheddar, sweet and acid whey powder.

It has been a combination of strong leadership with a very clear vision and in hindsight, it has certainly led them to a great deal of success. Huey van Vliet Kerry Group During his orientation he read The Kerry Way, which traced the company from Brosnan’s rented caravan in a muddy field near Tralee in 1972 to the global force of today. Brosnan retired in 2003 and is still consulted by Irish start-ups and agribusiness exporters. “The Kerry story is very inspiring, and it is hard to compare to any other business,” Van Vliet said. “It has been a combination of strong leadership with a very clear vision and in hindsight, it has certainly led them to a great deal of success.”

Proprietary seed sales are growing Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz PROPRIETARY seed is proving one of the best on-farm investments, with record sales to prove it. Sales figures from the Plant Breeding & Research Association show more than 10,700 tonnes of branded proprietary pasture seed was sold to farmers last year. This is up 21% on five years ago and the strongest sales year on record. Proprietary seed, which comes with built-in technological advances to increase performance, is increasingly recognised as the one of the best investments farmers can make in their land, association president David Green said. “This is the highest quality seed you can buy,” he said. “As well as its advanced performance attributes, it’s certified, meaning it has been grown under regulatory supervision, has passed inspection for purity and germination, and is fully traceable.” The current market for forage

RECORD: Ryegrasses such as this crop being harvested by Canterbury cropping farmers Colin and Gregory Maw make up 81% of the seed sales record. Photo: Annette Scott

seeds shows ryegrass and clover dominates the category. Most of this seed is produced by specialist growers in the Canterbury region. Certified ryegrass and clover seed was grown on 29,000 hectares in the 2020 season. Different ryegrass types comprise 81% of grass seed sales by volume, with red and white clover making up 9% of the legume sales by volume. New Zealand pasture seed development is underpinned by intensive and local private breeding programmes. “Breeders are focused on delivering new locally-adapted seed genetics and desirable traits for our pastoral farmers,”

he said. Seed breeding and development can take up to 10 years and cost up to $1 million before a new cultivar is ready for the commercial market. “There are many variables with seed selection, and proprietary seed is genetically superior to older public domain varieties and the degenerating quality of farm saved, or farm traded seed, the latter of which is illegal under the Plant Variety Rights Act,” he said. “Forage genetics and seed technologies farmers use is more important than ever, and proprietary seed is reliable and high-performing for long-term success.”

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News

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Treasured ewes go under the hammer Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz SHEEP breeders throughout New Zealand have been urged to attend the Northland ewe dispersal sale, described as a rare opportunity in the national interest. They can buy ewes that carry the breeder’s lifetime’s work on disease resistance and extend the benefits nationally for the whole sheep industry. Gordon Levet’s Kikitangeo Romney stud will offer 850 sheep in the Wellsford sale yards on February 24, all of them very highly ranked for worm resistance and in excellent health before joining. The flock sale was initially very disappointing to Levet, but he now sees it being in the national interest to have other sheep breeders complete the task to make worm resistance the dominant trait in their flocks. “My hope is that other breeders will continue with my successful programme and build on 34 years of groundwork,” Levet said. “The genetic answer to internal

parasites will not only control worm challenges, but ensure better overall health of sheep. “Farmers will benefit with fewer costs and labour input and having fewer chemicals entering the food chain will be a huge plus for consumers.”

It is very rare for ewes of this calibre bred in the sheep-unfriendly Kaipara to come to public auction. Cam Heggie PGG Wrightson PGG Wrightson’s livestock genetics representative and auctioneer Cam Heggie says this is the leading flock in the country for faecal egg counting and worm resistance, and highly ranked for facial eczema tolerance. “These sheep are highly recommended for their ability to

shift and for the unquestionable integrity of the breeder,” Heggie said. “It is very rare for ewes of this calibre bred in the sheepunfriendly Kaipara to come to public auction.” The offering will be 330 twotooth ewes, 160 four-tooths, 165 six-tooths, 128 four-year ewes, 65 five-years and four mixed-age sires. Levet says his breeding programme had delivered extraordinary results in the past two years when the overall health of his Kaipara sheep had never been better. Concentrating on breeding for worm resistance did not have a negative impact on other production traits, particularly growth, as had long been thought. “More research is needed but it is my gut feeling that a stronger immune system equates to healthier animals, which would result in better productivity,” Levet said. The past year had been unprecedented for virtually no

OPPORTUNITY: Gordon Levet says other sheep breeders can take over his pioneering work.

pneumonia, no pink eye and no grass staggers. There was also a noticeable absence of cattle ticks and Barber’s pole worms. “This exceptional sheep health has thankfully extended into this year, with the ewes in better condition than I have seen since childhood, when my father had a low stocking rate in sheep,” he said.

Levet says his long period of sheep breeding for worm resistance had disappointments as well as exciting moments, but he had never doubted success, only that the time frame was unknown. Now 88, he says he would continue to give advice in the sheep industry while able, when it’s requested.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Sector’s ripe for investor funds Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz EMERGING agri-tech firms and value-added health and wellness brands are likely to be the first investment targets for a $100 million investment made by the NZ Super Fund into a new investment fund. Auckland-based private investment firm Pioneer Capital has received the $100m fund injection from the $53 billion Super Fund, and has been tasked with identifying those companies that have established a market pathway in their early growth stages. Pioneer Capital managing director Randal Barrett says health and wellness, premium food and beverage, technology and premium tourism ventures have all headed the investment list. “While the covid pandemic has knocked back the tourism ventures for now, the primary sector certainly figures in the first two,” Barrett said. The rapidly emerging health and wellness sector has distinct overlaps with the food and beverage sector, and is high on the list of investment priorities. Meanwhile, agri-tech is also providing investment opportunity, with options opening up

EARNINGS: Pioneer Capital managing director Randal Barrett says there are strong contenders for investment in both the agri-tech and food and beverage sectors.

considerably in the past four years. The Super Fund will form the cornerstone investor for the funding round, providing $100m of the $250m being sought. Barrett says investor interest in such funds has been getting stronger every year as NZ investors become more knowledgeable and confident about private equity fund operations as a new asset investment class. The low interest rate environment is also prompting

greater interest among wealthy investors seeking a higher rate of return, and he was confident the remaining amount would be secured. “And we have a strong track record. These investments outperform listed markets, including the NZX, which has itself has been a good performer over the past seven years,” he said. Companies that have already had investment through Pioneer include Rockit Apples and Natural Petfood Group. “We will typically go out and

approach companies that we hear are doing good things, and have passed through that ‘valley of death’ that comes with new startups. They have got their product right, are more than a one-man band, and ideally have established at least one export market,” he said. For agri-tech firms that may be in Pioneer’s sights, it was essential the technology be transferable beyond New Zealand’s relatively limited market, and be usable in non-pastoral farm systems overseas. For food products, the selling proposition usually required a well-branded product, rather than a particular ingredient within that product. Branding was something NZ food producers have become a lot more sophisticated at doing, Barrett says “The NZ Story is an important part, but it is no longer the whole story,” he said. He says while it was almost inevitable NZ would develop some technology for detecting and dealing with the covid virus, this effort was ubiquitous around the world and there was no particular reason NZ should be the winner in this competitive area. “That is compared to the primary sector, particularly in dairy and horticulture. We are

still getting products across the borders, there are some disruptions there but overall, the primary export sector is up on last year,” he said.

We will typically go out and approach companies that we hear are doing good things, and have passed through that ‘valley of death’ that comes with new startups. Randal Barrett Pioneer Capital The NZ Super Fund head of external investments and partnerships Del Hart says high growth, mid-market type companies are an important part of the fund’s diversified investment approach, which aims to maximise returns without undue risk to the overall fund. The NZ Super Fund has been investing in the sector for the past 16 years, and returns have typically been above its benchmark portfolio return level.

Meat prices trimmed for Pamu PAMU has declared a net profit after tax of $8 million for the six months to December 31, 2020. The earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and revaluations (Ebitdar) were $14m, down from $22m in the previous corresponding period. Pamu chief executive Steven Carden attributed the decrease to lower market

prices for the company’s red meat products. “We managed to partially offset this by keeping a tight control on costs as we battened down the hatches to some extent, as covid-19 created uncertainty across the business sector,” Carden said. Nonetheless the stateowned farming company is cautiously optimistic about the results for the full year,

with an Ebitdar forecast between $45m and $50m. This is an undated forecast from the previous $35m and would be compared with the $65m made in the previous financial year. In FY 2019 Pamu also declared a net loss of $24m and a negative shareholder return. The FY2021 financial targets also contain nil expectations

RIPPLE EFFECT: Pamu chief executive Steven Carden attributed the decrease to lower market prices for the company’s red meat products.

of shareholder return and return on equity. The company previously known as Landcorp Farming has an annual revenue of about $250m and total assets valued at just under $2 billion. These include 117 farms either owned or managed, 365,000ha, and sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle and deer valued at $273m at balance date last year.

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News

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Dairy farmers invest in genetic gain Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz DAIRY farmers are investing their higher milk price returns into fast-tracking genetic improvement with the use of premium products, LIC and CRV report. “Our uptake of genomics is following global trends and farmers are buying with more confidence now they are seeing the results,” CRV’s manager for Oceania James Smallwood said. “They are willing to invest their better milk prices in genetics for long-term solutions.” Both AB companies say they are a big part of the dairy industry’s response to the Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions in agriculture. Genomic sires speed up genetic gains for the industry through increased productivity and animal health, and better returns for farmers. LIC’s general manager of New Zealand markets Malcolm Ellis says 32% of all inseminations in late-2020 were genomic sires. Farmers pay an extra $3 a straw for genomic sires within the average cost of AB of just over $20. More than 100,000 straws were

PREMIUMS: LIC general manager of New Zealand markets Malcolm Ellis says price premiums for genomics are delivering better outcomes.

purchased at the premium price of $56 for sexed semen and the 90% guarantee of female calves. Ellis believes that sexed semen demand will double this year and

will reach 500,000 straws the year after. At that level and beyond, the dairy industry’s output of bobby calves falls substantially.

Smallwood says CRV concentrates on frozen sexed semen in all dairy breeds to ensure the best genetics are available for the premium prices. The sex selection process is done by a third party for both companies and LIC offers both fresh and frozen services. “Last spring, we made all breeds available fresh in all regions daily, which was a big commitment logistically,” Ellis said. Farmers are seeing the benefits in breeding female calves from elite cows, speeding up herd expansion and breeding heifers for sale. Following large investments in genomics technology, the companies have made marketing claims for the benefits available to farmers. In presenting the latest financial figures, LIC chair Murray King said $78 million had been invested in genomic science over the past three decades. “Genomic science and genome sequencing technology is generating markedly increased productivity and health traits for dairy cows and better returns for dairy farmers,” King said. As each BW unit gain is worth 50c to the farmer, then genomic

sires need to be delivering at least six BW points to repay the extra cost. LIC has validated figures as high as $25 gain in Kiwicross sires from the use of genomics. CRV says the CCC had spotlighted increased cow efficiency in the future if cow numbers nationally were to be reduced.

Farmers are willing to invest in genetics for long-term solutions. James Smallwood CRV Oceania

“The markets are demanding better cows that last longer, require less antibiotics and have lower GHG emissions,” Smallwood said. Because of its European ownership, CRV was able to bring to NZ the genetic improvements already made overseas rather than NZ having to generate all its own gains.

Bales4Blair wool donations pour in Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz DONATIONS of wool to insulate a new Invercargill charity hospital have exceeded expectations. More than 300 bales of wool have been donated by farmers to the Bales4Blair project, well ahead of the 200 needed to insulate the Southland Charity Hospital which is under construction. Amy Blaikie, an organiser of the wool donation project, says the wool will be scoured by NZ Wool Scours and turned into insulation by Terra Lana.

There was more good news for the hospital and for NZ wool, with Bremworth Carpets announcing they will donate wool carpet flooring. “It seems to be all tying in nicely,” she says. Blaikie says any excess wool will be sold to pay for any processing costs and possibly to buy wool blankets and wool upholstery. The charity hospital was a goal of Southland farmer and cancer victim Blair Vining, who in the last year of his life campaigned to get better health services for cancer sufferers in regional parts of the country.

Blaikie says farmers and processors have been extremely generous.

It seems to be all tying in nicely. Amy Blaikie Bales4Blair “A big thank you to the shearing gangs, farmers, brokers, NZ Wool Scours, Bremworth and Terra Lana,” she says.

BOUNTY: More than 300 bales of wool have been donated so far, exceeding the 200 needed for the hospital’s insulation project.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Sustainable beef patty trial a success Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A SUSTAINABLY-produced New Zealand beef patty is set to become the new norm following a yearlong trial to develop a verified sustainable beef model providing transparency to customers. The $350,000 trial, 50:50 funded by industry and the Government, has proven it is possible to produce a beef patty sustainably right across the supply chain in NZ. Key players in the red meat industry partnered with the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund to develop the model for producing independently verified sustainable beef through the entire supply chain. The project aimed to help meet the growing demand for ethically sourced and sustainable products. “The project showed that NZ can do this, and the model can be scaled up, so this really is an encouraging milestone,” MPI director investment programmes Steve Penno said. “It provides transparency to customers and the public in a way that hasn’t been possible before.” The trial used the McDonald’s supply chain as a test case. Three processing companies – Anzco Foods, Silver Fern Farms and Greenlea – and six beef farms, together with Beef + Lamb NZ, collaborated to work out how to meet sustainability requirements. The pilot focused on the sustainable principles of economic, environmental and social responsibility. It involved an independent audit and verification of the supply chain’s sustainability, including on-farm meat processing and patty production. It also aimed to address the stakeholder expectations identified in the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) and NZ Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (NZRSB) materiality studies completed in 2019. Priorities included water quality and water use, animal welfare and on-farm environmental management. The trial showed that the NZ Farm Assurance Programme Plus (NZFAP+) developed under the RMPP is an important part of demonstrating NZ’s ability to produce sustainable beef on-farm. NZFAP+ complements and builds on the existing Farm Assurance Programme, with three additional components being farm environment, people and biosecurity. It has been designed to protect and enhance all resources, create better and more sustainable farming businesses, and incorporate socially responsible and ethical practices. This programme is expected to be rolled out more widely in April. The NZRSB will look at building on the success of the pilot project by involving more farms and promoting the adoption of NZFAP+. “Many farmer practices are already sustainable and we hope that over time these practices will be adopted as the new norm,” NZRSB chair Grant Bunting said. “We have the opportunity to be world leaders and consciously create a complete food package that is better for the planet.” McDonald’s Restaurants NZ, which serves 1.6 million people across the country every week, says it is proud to play a role in moving the industry further towards sustainable practices. “More and more our customers are asking us how our beef is produced,” McDonald’s

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

Restaurants NZ managing director Dave Howse said. “We need to change and evolve with the times and we also need to lead. “Sustainability is one of those areas where we really feel we can work with industry to move things forward.” Penno says it has been pleasing to see the widerindustry working together for a common goal rather than competing with each other to see who can be the most sustainable.

TRANSPARENCY: MPI director investment programmes Steve Penno says the project provides transparency to customers and the public in a way that hasn’t been possible before.

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News

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Velvet coalition targets China Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THREE companies marketing deer velvet antlers in Asia have formed a coalition to develop a market for New Zealand velvet as a health food ingredient in China. In a marketing-only China velvet coalition, CK Import Export, PGG Wrightson and Provelco will work together to get the critical mass needed to make an impact with the proposed new health food in China.

RANGE: Shanghaibased NZ trade commissioner Richard Dunsheath showcases some of the high-value, velvet-based, health food products a coalition of NZ velvet exporters aims to market into China.

Collaboration makes a huge amount of sense in a market as large and complex as China. Richard Dunsheath NZ trade commissioner (Shanghai) In all other respects, they will continue to compete for sales and farmer supply. The coalition has obtained legal advice to ensure its activities comply with NZ competition law. There will be no restrictions placed on any health food company they work with in China, as to where in NZ they source their velvet. Deer velvet and red ginseng, two of the two most highly-prized ingredients in traditional oriental medicine, have in recent years enjoyed an explosion in demand from South Korea for use in branded natural health products to combat fatigue and boost immunity. The top selling velvet-based product in Korea is used by busy executives to give them an energy boost and a clear focus at work. Many athletes also use velvet

to aid their recovery following intense exercise. Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) marketing manager Rhys Griffiths says the aim of the coalition is to replicate this phenomenon in China where locally produced and imported velvet is still mainly used in traditional medicines. A Shanghai-based business development manager will be appointed to identify and work with a small group of brand name companies that are willing to

develop and promote products based on velvet from NZ. Griffiths says the success of these products would likely give other companies the confidence to develop and market similar products, hence expanding demand for velvet from NZ. The three companies will collectively provide the bulk of the funding with a contribution from NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and administrative support and some funding from DINZ. DINZ does not own or trade in

velvet or venison, it achieves its objectives by supporting venison and velvet marketing companies with their market development programmes. The business development manager is being employed by Primary Collaboration NZ (PCNZ), a China-registered company the coalition has joined up as a member. PCNZ represents several NZ food and beverage product marketers in China and works closely with NZTE.

The Shanghai-based NZ trade commissioner Richard Dunsheath, who attended the public launch of the partnership in Christchurch, believes the coalition is an exciting development. “I look forward to working with them,” Dunsheath said. “Collaboration makes a huge amount of sense in a market as large and complex as China.” China has introduced strict food safety laws in recent years with NZ one of only two velvet producing countries that can comply with these. “We have an MPI-administered Regulated Control Scheme that ensures that velvet is removed and stored in clean facilities, provides traceability and meets cold chain management requirements from the farm to the market, or until it is processed,” he said. NZ also has a National Velvet Standards Body that manages a strict code of welfare to ensure that velvet removal is pain free. Velvet can be removed only by veterinarians, or by accredited farmers under veterinary supervision. DINZ chief executive Innes Moffat was heartened when the companies approached DINZ with the proposal to form the coalition. “Collaboration means companies can make faster progress in the market and it makes it easier to secure government and industry funding,” Moffat said. The venison industry’s Primary Growth Partnership programme, Passion2Profit, operates on a similar basis. “The initiative has our support because of its potential to benefit the whole industry,” he said. “It aligns with our objectives of building market recognition of NZ velvet as a premium product, developing new markets, and creating sustainable on-farm value.”

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RIGHT? THAT’S ALRIGHT! NOT ALL

5 ways to wellbeing

Neil Bateup, Rural Support Trust

When things are going wrong, it is so easy to get caught up in the wrong thought and get stuck in a rut. During my lifetime I have seen many things change. Embracing change can sometimes be quite daunting but often it can bring new opportunities and possibilities. I always try to be open minded and gather as much information as I can to understand the situation and long-term effects. By talking things through with others allows me keep things in perspective. A good sense of humour also helps! There will always be things I cannot control so I focus my energy on what I can control. When things are going wrong, it is so easy to get caught up in the wrong thought and get stuck in a rut. When I let go of these negative thoughts, I have more energy and time to focus on the right stuff.

Supporting your children and young people through changes at the start of the year.

Resources for your child or young people

• Make time for just being together. Take time out and share recreational activities and outings that they enjoy. • Help your young person to understand that change is often good, but it doesn’t always feel that way and that’s alright. Its normal to feel unsettled when change happens. • Work alongside your young person to identify some self-care practices. For example, basic mindfulness activities, making sure they are getting good sleep and nutrition or getting physical exercise. • Take all their concerns, complaints and questions seriously. What feels small to you, might be big for them. Remember you have years of experience, while they’re learning as they go. • Keep communication open by asking questions to find out what they are thinking or imagining. If they don’t want to talk, that’s alright too. Let them know that you’re there when they need you.



There are several resources available for children and young people who might be needing support. Making sure your child or young person knows that these resources are available for themselves or their friends is a great way to support their wellbeing.

Aunty Dee (www.auntydee.co.nz) a free online tool to help young people work through problems that may be getting them down.

It's not unusual to feel stress at the start of the year – especially for children and young people who are entering a new school year, needing to make new friends, starting a new school, or tackling the first year of university. The first flush of excitement often dulls quite quickly, and the fear of meeting expectations can start to take over.

Some additional tips:

Sparklers (www.sparklers.org.nz) has a wide range of resources, specifically suited to supporting younger children through change.

What’s Up (www.whatsup.co.nz) offers counselling to 5 to 18 years olds by freephone 0800 942 8787 (1pm-10pm Monday-Friday, 3pm10pm at weekends) or online chat.

Want to see new opportunities and possibilities in your community?

The Lowdown (www.thelowdown.co.nz) helping young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety. Freephone 0800 111 757 or texting 5626.

SPARX (www.sparx.org.nz) a self-help e-therapy tool that teaches young people the key skills needed to help combat depression and anxiety, through the medium of an online fantasy game.

Just because something has always been done “that way” does not mean it cannot be changed. This is a great time to review and re-shape the way things are done. As a responsible employer, undertaking activities that maintain the wellbeing of your workforce is key. If you can establish an effective wellbeing program then everyone has chance to thrive.

Catchment Communities have been gathering momentum all around the country with many groups getting started. Beef + Lamb New Zealand identified these groups as a great platform for building thriving farming communities and established a Catchment Community Group programme. Along with a range of on-line resources they developed a workshop to help groups get up and running. The workshop takes groups through the Catchment Action Cycle including: why start a group, what’s great, a shared vision, actions and how to tell their story.

During a series of workshops held in Gisborne before Christmas the benefits of being in a group were plain to see with participants enthusiastically completing a stocktake of all that was great within their community. This created a real sense of purpose for the group not just to protect the beautiful environment that they lived in but to provide support and wellbeing for the community, those living within it and connected to it. For more information contact Beef + Lamb New Zealand on 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352)

0800 787 254 www.ruralsupport.org.nz

rural people helping rural people

Starting the year committed to wellbeing in your workplace is a fantastic way to ensure a positive year ahead. Want some help to do this? The Mental Health Foundation has a workplace wellbeing toolkit to help you. The Toolkit is available on www.mentalhealth.org.nz/ home/our-work/category/42/five-ways-towellbeing-at-work-toolkit

News

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Counting his lucky stars Sheep and beef farmer Jack Cocks almost died from an aneurysm. Now he’s sharing with other farmers what his recovery taught him about resilience. JACK Cocks is part of the team that runs Mt Nicholas, a high country Merino sheep and cattle station on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu. “I grew up on a sheep and beef farm, went to uni, travelled overseas and came back and worked in an agribusiness consultancy. My wife Kate and I came here to work in 2009. We’re a team of four that runs the farm. It’s probably more of a democracy than a lot of farms, but it works well. It means we can use all our different skills,” Cocks said. The father-of-two says Mt Nicholas is a great place to work and raise a family. “Although we’re in an isolated situation, there is a team of us here, so we might see more people during our working day than many sheep and beef farmers,” he said. “I really love what farming offers – that mix of running your own business, as well as working outside doing practical things. We enjoy a huge variety of work.” All that was suddenly at risk when he suffered an aneurysm rupture in 2013. “I’m very lucky to be here,” he says, remembering the night it happened. “I was born with a malformation between some of the blood vessels in my brain. That caused an aneurysm to form. I had no idea I had it, let alone what an aneurysm was,” he said. “One night I was reading in bed, my wife Kate was away working at a tourism event down at the woolshed and I got a splitting headache so bad I was sick a few times. I rang her and said, ‘you’ve got to come home’. “She came home expecting the

house to be in chaos, but found it dark and quiet and me in bed pale, cold and sweating. While she was ringing 111, I had a seizure. A helicopter arrived in the middle of the night. By then my lungs were bleeding and I was unconscious. On the way to Dunedin hospital I had a cardiac arrest. They did a CT scan and found my brain was full of blood. “In layman’s terms, the neurosurgeon drilled a hole in my skull to relieve the pressure. They thought I’d be dead that day, but somehow I survived.” What followed would test anyone’s resolve. Cocks spent four months in hospital and had eight surgeries over the next two years. He recovered to 70% and then spent a further two years doing rehab and recovered to 90% before another serious setback required a further half-dozen surgeries and another four months in hospital followed by more rehab. “I couldn’t brush my teeth at one stage because of nerve damage to my spine and I had to learn to walk again using a walking frame. So, it was a journey full of setbacks,” he said. But Cocks kept going through it all – the stints in hospital, the endless rehab, the setbacks. “I’m about 90% recovered now. My balance and eyesight aren’t 100%, but basically I’m back to normal, working full-time and I feel incredibly lucky to be here,” he said. Cocks’ journey impacted his life in other ways too. Laid up in hospital, he did a lot of thinking about what was helping him get through and remain positive. “I figured out I needed five

KEY: Jack Cocks with his partner Kate and kids Jess and Tom. Cocks says while recovering from a near-fatal aneurysm, staying connected and spending time with family, staff and mates was key for morale.

things. Most farmers would think up these things sitting in their tractor or standing in a milking shed, but I had to figure it out in a hospital bed,” he said. “The first two were contribution and stimulation – being able to contribute to our household and our farming business and get stimulation from that. For example, when my arms were messed up, just being able to hang out the washing was an accomplishment.” “Staying connected and spending time with my family, our staff and mates was another big one. That was key for morale.” “Keeping fit was important, too. I soon learnt that exercise is great for the mind. It just feels good to be moving around. When my arms were weak I did weights every couple of nights in the lounge to regain some strength. I did a lot of walking too.” “The last thing I found really helped was having a laugh. It’s important to be able to laugh at yourself and not take life too seriously.” FACIAL ECZEMA SPORE REDUCTION AND GRAIN AND He also came up with a FODDER CROP INSECTICIDE/FUNGICIDE SPRAYING strategy for managing stress as he battled to get well – focus on the process. “If you can just focus on the process of something rather than obsess about the result, I find it really helps. In a farming context, for example, instead of worrying about your lambing percentage, if you just focus on putting the ram out, getting the genetics right, keeping the sheep healthy, feeding them properly, all those process things, then before you know it you’ve reached your result. That’s been a big thing for me. Micronair spray equipment for better results due to improved coverage When I had a setback, I just and less dilution of chemical. Using TracMap Pro G.P.S. focused on the practical steps Contact: Hallett Griffin 06 357 2651 • Email: griffair@inspire.net.nz I needed to take to improve LK0105852©

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things. Before I knew it, I was back at 90%.” There’s no doubt that Cocks’ experience has given him a greater appreciation of life and farming as a whole. These days he sees the big picture. “As farmers we’re buffeted by so many external factors beyond our control that it’s easy to focus on the negatives and forget about the good things that are constantly happening. That’s why it’s important to celebrate your wins. Instead of thinking, ‘it’s too dry’ or ‘there’s a big snow on the way’ or ‘the dollar’s too high’, why not celebrate the fact that your ewes are in tremendous order, your feed is finishing your lambs well or your animal health programme means your cattle are healthier than ever,” he said.

I couldn’t brush my teeth at one stage because of nerve damage to my spine and I had to learn to walk again using a walking frame. Jack Cocks Farmer “If you stop to notice and celebrate these things – and it could be as simple as just writing them down – I’m convinced it keeps you and your business in good shape.” He says he also learnt to trust the wisdom and advice of the many medical professionals he met during his recovery. “They are so used to dealing with hardship and sad stories that

I learnt a lot from them which helped me stay positive in my situation,” he said. Which is why Cocks is now keen to pass on his own wisdom. He’s been giving talks to other farmers and is about to start a Kellogg project at Lincoln University exploring how farmers cope with adversity. “I’m interested in talking to farmers who’ve faced adversity and change – personal, financial or climatic – and see if I can pull together some simple ideas on what can make farmers more resilient, because as farmers we are buffeted by so many external forces that we do need to be resilient,” he said. “The things I did – exercise, rest/ recovery, focusing on the process during my rehab, celebrating success and connecting with and learning from others – really worked for me. I’m happier and more content, I’m also fitter and stronger when I’m working in the business. My life is better balanced now.” “The reaction I’ve had to my story from farmers has been humbling and surprising. I was reluctant to talk about it at first because I didn’t think what I did was remarkable. I just did what I had to do, but I’ve come to see that by articulating my experience, I’m able to give back and help others. If someone else can benefit out of what I’ve experienced, great.”

Farmstrong is an award-winning rural wellbeing programme that helps farmers and farming families live well to farm well. To find out what works for you and ‘lock it in’, check out our farmer-tofarmer videos, stories and tips on www.farmstrong.co.nz

AginED Ag ED

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

Volume 43 I February 15, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz How NZ's mountains and ranges hugely affect the wind.

1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz 2 Find and watch the OnFarmStory of Pip and Simon Todhunter “ Pick up the ball and go with it” and read the article “Business diversity brings rewards”. 3 Where do Simon and Pip farm? 4 How big is their farm? There are three main zones: One obvious one is Foveaux Strait. A surprising second one to some is Auckland City which is just over 1km wide at its narrowest point between Tasman Sea (west) and Pacific Ocean (east).

STRETCH YOURSELF:

Do some research. What is the third main wind tunnel in New Zealand?

The above table shows the AgriHQ price indicators for cattle, sheep and deer which is provided to farmers through the Farmers Weekly paper each week. 1 Why do you think it is helpful for farmers to see what prices are doing each week? 2 Venison prices are much lower than year-ago levels. What is the % difference between this year and last year? 3 Pregnancy testing has begun on dairy farms which typically means more cows will begin to head to the processors. If supply lifts, what might you expect to happen to the NI and SI cows prices? 4 How would pasture levels impact the supply of dairy cows to the processors? For example, would a dairy farmer in Northland facing a drought be looking to keep on milking empty cows or sell them? How might this differ if the same farm wasn’t in drought and had more pasture available? 5 Do some research, what is a ‘CKT lamb leg’?

Why are these the wind tunnels? The atmosphere, which is made of water, behaves similarly to how rivers on land behave. Water likes the path of least resistance - so it does not go over hills, it snakes through the valleys. Lows and wind behave the same way - they love crossing the ocean so when they reach NZ the "path of least resistant" is where there are gaps in the mountains. Therefore, which of these main centres is the windiest? Alexandra - Wellington - Gisborne Windy weather dries the ground out - so when wind rushes down the side of a hill it is like rubbing your hand fast over carpet. Friction makes it heat up. That is why nor'westers can be so hot! When a nor'wester kicks in, which of these regions would likely be the hottest? The West Coast - Canterbury - Northland

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 What are the three main aspects of their business?

DON’T FORGET TO SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ and the whole Gurt and Pops collection could be yours! We want to see howyou stay safe on the farm. Send us in a photo of you being safe on the farm these holidays, along with your answers to two of the questions below to get yourself in the draw.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

1 Go the AgriHQ market snapshot page 2 What was the South Island steer price last week? 3 How is this tracking compared to year-ago levels?

NZ's ranges have a giant impact on our weather. They create floods and droughts by holding up rain clouds in one region and blocking rain from reaching the next region. The winds coming over the Southern Alps and the North Island ranges also speed up as the air is squeezed through the gaps, like how the water speeds up as it’s squeezed through Huka Falls.

FILL YA BOOTS:

2 Their original glamping site was further south than where it is currently. Why did it move? It is now proving popular, especially with families. Why do you think this is?

BE O IN T ! WIN

Why do you never drink out of bottles that are in the workshop? If we walked into this paddock with cattle what could go wrong? Why should you never go somewhere on the farm without talking to an adult first? Before riding your motorbike, what should you dress yourself in and why?

Send your entries to: agined@globalhq.co.nz (we will draw the winner on February 28th)

3 Simon also runs a contracting business which allows him to get off farm, interacting with other people, and gives him his “diesel head” fix as well as providing another form of income. How important do you think it is for farmers to have business interests/hobbies off farm? Why is or isn’t it important? 4 Simon and Pip talk about the importance of looking after staff and providing a work environment that is underpinned by good communication, diversity and a good culture that includes having a laugh and being happy in your work. Why is a good work environment so important for a productive workplace?

1 What is meant by an ‘empty’ cow? 2 How long is a normal gestation period for a cow? 3 What is the difference between a ‘rotary’ and a ‘herringbone’ cow shed? 4 Do some research on dairy farming in another country such as Saudi Arabia. What are some key differences compared to dairy farming in NZ?

Newsmaker

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

NZ meat veteran bows out Gary Davis is retiring after a 52-year career in the meat industry. Neal Wallace talks to the former butcher, who for the past 32 years has been an official with the OtagoSouthland branch of the NZ Meat Workers Union.

EVERAL times a year an easterly wind would blow over Gary Davis’ family home, and with it bring the distinctive and unforgettable aroma from the rendering department at the nearby Makarewa freezing works. If he needed any additional prodding about the significance of the meat industry in Southland in the 1960s, both Davis’ parents worked at the Southland Frozen Meat-owned Makarewa plant outside Invercargill and lived in an adjacent company-supplied house. The message was compelling for a young man growing up in 60s Southland: the meat industry was a major employer and offered opportunities. His home was part of a collegial community. “That was our playground in the day,” Davis said. In 1969 Davis, 67, began working as a labourer at the Alliance Lorneville plant, but two years later shifted to Makarewa to work in the beef house, where he trained to be an A-grade butcher. “They were good days and I had a really good boss,” he said. It was testing times for industrial relations during the 70s and 80s, and Davis says he was an interested observer. But he felt he had something to offer and successfully stood for election to the role of the plant’s beef house delegate for the OtagoSouthland branch of NZ Meat Workers Union.

“There was a lot of nonsense going on in the 70s and 80s, with time lost as people tried to progress wages,” he said. His union career was established when a few years later he was elected Lorneville sub-branch president and in 1989 appointed to the full-time role of branch secretary. Davis says his approach as a union official was to be openminded, listen and to know his facts. “My whole focus at the time was to keep people working, negotiate and to try and get better deals for everyone,” he said. “No one wins when people are on strike.” Davis’ career mostly involved dealing with the Alliance meat company and he recalls advice from a union lawyer: “Don’t forget this is a Southland-owned company, so don’t push too hard”. In a stark example of the miniscule degrees of separation in rural communities, the wife of former Alliance chief executive Owen Poole was a former neighbour and close friend of Davis’ wife. He rates Poole as one of the brightest managers he dealt with. “We never really clashed, we respected and trusted each other,” he said. One of Davis’ first challenges as a full-time union employee was negotiating employment with the Fortex meat company, which was building the Silverstream plant near Dunedin in 1990 and wanted

Get ahead this season with NZFL Lamb Plan

NEW CHAPTER: As his meat industry career spanning five decades comes to an end, Gary Davis intends devoting more time to helping get young people employed.

to introduce shift work. In an industry that at the time was fractured with an ingrained distrust based on company lines, Davis says Fortex’s approach was refreshing. “They were very personable people and we had a really good relationship,” he said. “They were a breath of fresh air in terms the people skills they brought with them.” In 1991, Davis was at the centre of the closure of the Alliance plant at Ocean Beach in Bluff affecting 1500 staff. Emotions aside, Davis says the process was quite straightforward, with redundancy provisions in place and workers able to be employed or have priority for vacancies at other Alliance plants. Nine years later in 2000, he was involved in the closure of the Makarewa plant, owned by Alliance by this stage, which merged with the much larger Lorneville works. Negotiations for the proposed plant reconfiguration had taken a year and were tense. In addition to the closure of Makarewa and loss of 270 jobs, Alliance planned to introduce shift work at Lorneville, leading to

industrial action delaying the start of the season at Lorneville. Also in dispute was how to accommodate the seniority of the 450 Makarewa workers moving to roles at Lorneville. Agreement was eventually reached for a two-shift operation of four chains over five days with the ability to extend that at the peak to six days. Davis says the attitude of workers ensured the merger of the plants and workforce was successful. Ironically, that restructure saw the Lorneville beef plant close and production shift to the Mataura works, a decision Davis believes was based on poor information and data. He sees it as ironic that 20 years later Alliance is spending $4 million building a new beef facility at Lorneville. “I always bring this up with Alliance management. It is one thing that really irks me,” he said. When Talleys built the South Pacific Meats plant at Awarua near Invercargill in 2003, Davis says the approach of a private company to negotiations differed from that of a co-operative, who he had mostly dealt with.

“They had a different passion because they were dealing with their own money,” he said. They also did not like unions and Davis was escorted from the plant by police on several occasions having tried to meet with members. Relationships have improved, but Davis says they are still challenging. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, Davis sees a role for unions especially in large, labour-intensive industries, not just to represent the interests of workers but to help with the daily operations. “We have delegates in every department that are elected by the rank and file because of their organising and leadership skills,” he said. “Managers use those delegates to help run the departments.” It can be a win-win relationship. “Workers have got to be happy with their workplace, wages and conditions so that employers get their stock processed efficiently,” he said. Davis believes Alliance and Silver Fern Farms should have merged and publicly said so at a meeting in Gore organised by the Meat Industry Action Group, which was campaigning for such a move. He acknowledged a merger would result in significant job losses for his members, but says the counter was that it would provide greater job certainty. “I said to people that I could write a restructuring plan for the South Island meat industry on the back of a cigarette packet, it was so straightforward,” he said. Davis intends devoting more time to working with young people and is a member of the Government-appointed Interim Skills Leadership Group. “I have a passion for getting young people into work,” he said. He sees plenty of job opportunities for young people but feels they are discouraged by a belief they need tertiary training and dismiss learning on the job from old hands. The meat industry offers a career pathway starting with onthe-job training. Davis also plans to spend more time following his love of horse racing, which he breeds and races gallopers and pacers.

NZ Farmers Livestock Finance is proud to offer our new Lamb Plan for the 2021 season. Your NZ Farmers Livestock agent buys the lambs with no capital outlay to you. You own the lambs and farm them for a maximum of four months. Your NZ Farmers Livestock Agent then sells them to the highest bidder. All costs deducted from the proceeds while you keep the profit. For more information, call 0800 MYLIVESTOCK or visit mylivestock.co.nz today.

New thinking

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Seed bank may hold solutions This month’s Climate Change Commission recommendations include farmers facing the prospect of reducing stocking rates to meet carbon reduction obligations. But the head of the nation’s largest seed bank is urging a closer look at what it has on hand that may offer benefits in lower methane emissions. Richard Rennie spoke to Margot Forde Germplasm Centre (MFGC) director Dr Kioumars Ghamkhar.

HE MFGC, New Zealand’s only internationallyrecognised and registered gene-bank by the FAO and the International Crop Diversity Trust, located on AgResearch’s Palmerston North campus may be the least recognised library in the country, but one that contains some of this country’s most valued intellectual property. Director Kioumars Ghamkhar says the centre is by far the largest repository in the world for forage seed germplasm, containing over 2200 species, including 2500 wild variations of white clover alone. In total, the collection has more than 150,000 seed samples stored at its cold storage facilities and 30% humidity to prolong their viability for 20-50 years. The fact NZ only uses four or five grass species to underpin its multi-billion pastoral economy has Ghamkhar convinced there may be many more opportunities lying undiscovered within the centre, and the urgency for discovering them is only growing. As NZ’s climate changes and events like drought become more frequent and severe, Ghamkhar admits feeling somewhat like a gold prospector who knows where the gold is, but just cannot quite reach it. Funding limitations and a lack of international cohesion and communication between other germplasm centres in sharing information on their species genotypes, features, and growth characteristics have contributed to an inertia in responding to climate change with new ‘old’ crop varieties. “It is the variations of these crops that may well hold the potential to deal with the challenges,” Ghamkhar said. Globally there are over 1700 national and international plant gene-banks housing seven million germplasm samples. However, despite there being

more than 300,000 species of flowering plants on the planet, only 120 are cultivated and nine account for 75% of global plantderived energy intake and of these, only three – wheat, rice and maize – account for more than 50%. Ghamkhar is also an active member of DivSeek International Network, a group of plant scientists from 37 institutions around the world calling for greater crop biodiversity as a means to contend with climate change, pestilence and disease outbreak. NZ’s vulnerability to monoculture disease has already been exposed with the Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae (Psa) outbreak in 2010 that wiped out the high-value Hort16a kiwifruit variety. “Perennial ryegrass is our main crop in NZ. But the fact is our ryegrass has a very narrow genetic pool, and almost all NZ’s ryegrass comes from that pool. If ryegrass was hit by a Psa-type infection, the genetic diversity is not there to help counter that,” he said. “We are talking about looking at the wild variations on our main crops, rather than just developing new tools for coping with things like climate change. To some extent this has been started with rice, but there is potential to apply it much further.” Looking closer to home, he says problems growing white clovers on drought-prone East Coast hill country may be addressed by exploring the genotype of one of the more than 3000 wild variants held at MFGC. Alternatively, with better international coordination that DivSeek aims to build between seed centres, scientists may save themselves reinventing the wheel when exploring germplasm, instead accessing work already done by overseas peers or work together and collaboratively instead of sparse efforts. “Take Kikuyu grass for example. It is a good growing crop, but

PROSPECTING: Dr Kioumars Ghamkhar of the national germplasm centre admits he feels like a gold miner who knows where the gold is, but can’t quite get to it.

We are talking about looking at the wild variations on our main crops, rather than just developing new tools for coping with things like climate change. Dr Kioumars Ghamkhar Margot Forde Germplasm Centre we have a weedy version from Queensland, and the grass originated from Kenya. Ideally, we would want to bring in the germplasm from Kenya to trial. With better connectivity between our centre and Kenya we could work more closely, and even trial

it in a suitable environment there before bringing it here,” he said. Ghamkhar admits he sees this as an emergency when farmers are called on to reduce stocking rates by up to 15% under the commission’s recommendations, but he is concerned that more consideration needs to go on lower-methane feed options. “There are 200 collected wild populations of the forage species biserrula from the Mediterranean region and north east Africa held in the Australian gene-bank. Biserrula is a mono-specific legume, with no chance of cross pollination and a relatively safe import to try, and is ideal for warm, dry areas like the East Coast, with recorded low methane potential and very deep roots and nitrogen fixing ability,” he said. He is hopeful DivSeek may ultimately work to develop a digital platform for gene-banks

and scientists to access and record their research on germplasm and make it available to all. “The technology is certainly there to do it, it is just a case of funding,” he said. He says he is unsure why some of the lines from neglected species such as subterranean clover held at MFGC never made it over the commercial line during the halcyon days of NZ’s pastoral breeding programmes in the 1970s and 80s. “It may have been some political influence, or perhaps there was no sense of urgency to try different species,” he said. “Today, we face desperate times and these times need desperate measures, but farmers deserve the tools and materials to help them manage and survive the changes we are already seeing in the climate and the Government and society’s expectations.”

Nationwide Numbers

Nationwide Open Farm Day Sunday February 21 st , 2021 In 1 week, Kiwi farmers will open their gates, welcoming townies to reconnect with our food, land and farmers.

COME AND JOIN US. Host an Open Farm day yourself or sign-up to visit a farm near you.

OUR LAND AND WATER WA

Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai

Agriculture & Investment Services Ministry for Primary Industries Manatū Ahu Matua

Your weekly update on Open Farms events and visitor numbers.

48 5,040

Farms hosting an open day

Urban Kiwis signed up to visit

Head to WWW.OPENFARMS.CO.NZ to learn more and sign-up.

Opinion

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

EDITORIAL

Mixed reactions to RMA repeal

AST week the Government announced its long-awaited redo of the Resource Management Act (RMA). The Act will be replaced by three pieces of legislation that will become law over the next three years. The new legislation falls into line with the review of the RMA that was carried out last year by retired Environment Court Judge Tony Randerson, so there is a fair understanding of its tenor, though Environment Minister David Parker has chosen a different path to the goal. The RMA has been vilified by people from across the political spectrum and indeed society for some time. For some, it doesn’t do enough to protect the environment. For others, it slows down crucial development in housing and industry. Those disparate views remain today. The National Party’s reaction was that the timeline was too slow and wouldn’t be complete in time to alleviate housing issues. Federated Farmers, on the other hand, wanted the process slowed further to ensure it was well-thought out. It was too big a project to rush, they said. Expert reaction to the new legislation has been largely positive, though of course the devil will be in the detail. One theme highlighted is the move from an effects-based approach to one that focuses on achieving positive outcomes within environmental limits. The University of Waikato’s Professor Troy Baisden was hopeful of a simpler and more engaged model. “There is reasonable hope there will be better and clearer points of engagement and decision-making for input from communities as well as science and research,” he said. On the face of it that sounds encouraging for farmers. The consenting burden has only grown for food producers and making that process simpler would obviously help, as would everyone having a clearer understanding of the aims of the legislation from the outset. Consultation will be key, so it’s up to the industry to make its voice heard now.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Quantity trumps weight in rates debate

ARGUMENT: The council rates for forestry land-use has increased in some regions on account of the industry’s impact on roads and infrastructure. While some believe the increase is warranted, others say forestry is being unfairly penalised.

THE thing that the rates target forestry article in February 1’s issue did not mention, was the reason for the damage done to roads. It is not that logging trucks are heavier, they aren’t. What causes the damage is the sheer amount of them compared to a sheep and beef farm in the same area. Over a 30-year period forestry will produce anything from 500-700 tonnes per hectare, depending on how good the land is. Sheep and beef farming will produce around 8-15t/ha, and that includes fertiliser coming onto the property. This is 50 times the weight coming off forestry blocks compared to sheep and beef farms. It could be argued that the family car going in and out taking kids to school could be

also doing damage over a 30year period. This has not been taken into account, nor has all of the aggregate that is carted into forestry blocks for their roads been taken into account. Therefore, it is only fair that forest owners should have to pay a higher share of the roading rate. Tex Matthews Parapara

Forestry rates adds up IN RESPONSE to Trevor Walton’s article on councils using differential rates to try to recoup some of the cost of repairs that logging causes on our fragile rural roads. A 1800ha property farming conventional sheep and beef produces 481.5 tonnes of product and inputs, which are

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

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Forestry rates, are they fair? Richard Alspach

NUMBER of correspondents and opinion pieces from production forest owners, and/or their representatives, have complained of the unfairness of increasing their rates. For most rural councils, their major expense by far is roading. Roading is almost exclusively funded by rates and a funding assistance rate (FAR) administered by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). In most rural districts rates are based on land value, and the FAR is funded in part by road user charges (RUC) and, in part, from the consolidated fund. Land classified as being production forestry has a lower value than if it were in meat production or dairy. This is a trend that seems to be getting worse. For example, the latest valuations in Kaipara, the district in which I live, where the average valuation has gone up 17.5%; forestry has gone up 5.4% and pastoral 7.5%. This trend is not surprising, as land value is based on the likely sale price of your land should the land be vacant. Land in production forestry trends lower because it has less versatility. This throws up a number of anomalies which councils have to deal with. If your farm is predominantly dairy, then that is how it will be rated – if you have substantial woodlots on that farm, so long as the predominant use is dairy, that’s how it is all rated. Same for meat and wool farms. So, woodlot owners generally pay considerably more in rates for their forested land than do pure forest stands. As a percentage of the rate take, without adjustment by way of targeted rate, production forestry pays not much, and it is getting less. So as the wall of wood moves

The

Pulpit

inexorably on, and pressure on the roads gets greater, forestry contribution through rates is getting less. One of your correspondents asked if a tonne of wood is any different to a tonne of meat. The answer is no, but what tonnages are we talking about? In the north, forests will grow at up to 25t per hectare per annum. That doesn’t all go on the roads of course, the slash gets left behind at harvest, but you will still have 20t per hectare per annum. A meat and wool farm producing 400kg of meat per annum, which goes out as 800kg liveweight, add in some input tonnage like fertiliser, and you’ll struggle to get to one tonne per hectare per annum. Five percent of the tonnage of weight put on the system is forestry. Because of rating valuations, pastoral farmers pay more in rates than forestry. If a district is using a uniform annual general charge per rateable unit, it will skew the figures even further in favour of forestry. Dairy farms, because of the amount of water in milk, produce more tonnage than meat and

SITUATION: Northland farmer Richard Alspach believes the current situation with regards to contributions from forestry towards roading is clearly not sustainable and, with the increases in planting, it will only get worse.

One of your correspondents asked if a tonne of wood is any different to a tonne of meat. The answer is no, but what tonnages are we talking about?

wool farms, but about 45% of that produced by forestry. But remember that dairy farms pay considerably more rates. In Northland, according to the Northland Regional Council’s (NRC) 10-year transport plan, 60% of all heavy transport is wood or wood-related products. I suspect the same trend is true

for most rural areas. However, the contribution from log transport through RUC is 75% of that paid by other heavy traffic configurations. This is because they “piggyback” their trailers on return trips. It is not illegal for them to do this, but it does diminish their contribution to the pool of money administered by NZTA and distributed to district councils by way of FAR. The current situation with regards to contributions from forestry towards roading is clearly not sustainable and, with the increases in planting, it will only get worse. In the absence of any real reform in how roading is funded, councils have to take some measures to protect the network and ensure some equity of funding. It seems to me that is

what they are doing, and good on them. Personally, I consider forestry an integral part of the rural matrix, and my wife and I are farm foresters, all I ask is that they pay their way in roading, and act responsibly at time of harvest.

Who am I? Richard Alspach is a Northland farmer who has been involved in Federated Farmers and local body politics, and was a close observer of the last time forestry fever hit the province.

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

LETTERS trucked in and out over 12 months. Over 30 years that is 14,445 tonnes. A 1800ha property in pine trees produces 500t/ha, which equates to 900,000t over 30 years – 900,000 divided by 14,445 equals 62.5 times more weight on our roads from logging, and most of it over the few months, including winter, of harvest. These figures were put together by a sheep farmer with some forest on the Parapara Road, northeast of Whanganui. Councils with large areas of trees in their districts are trying to cover some of the cost of repairs that logging causes. Nothing to do with prejudice, it’s logical. John Hill Urenui

Council made the right call WE ARE not prejudiced against forestry in Wairoa. We have submitted to our council based on facts.

Over a 30-year crop cycle, forestry generates over 50 times more road freight than sheep and beef. It is easy to see why this is so. Imagine that instead of creating low-volume, high-value protein, sheep and beef farms sold all their stock and baled all the grass they grew for export: we would produce a similar volume of freight to forestry. Since Wairoa District Council (WDC) spends 26% of its revenue on roads, this means if forestry were to pay its share of roading it would face a differential 15 times greater than farming. Trevor Walton’s commentary in the February 8 issue of Farmers Weekly mentions dairy, which has an intermediate volume of freight due to the high water content of milk. This is irrelevant to us since we only have one dairy farm that uses WDC-funded roads. The WDC has made a big effort in this rate review to reduce the

administrative costs of a complex rating system. They have made the sensible decision to rate whole properties as to that property’s dominant activity. We recognise the place that forestry has in our district, we just do not want to continue subsidising it. Our roads have been underfunded precisely because forestry has not paid its share over the past 30 years since the last wave of planting in the 1990s. Dave Read Wairoa

So much for burying the hatchet FISH & Game NZ chair Ray Grubb is quoted in regard to dirty dairying (New Direction for Fish & Game January 25 article) saying “the community has moved beyond that, dairy farmers have moved beyond that”. Grubb must have a passion for irony given that in the same

month, dairy farming entity Trinity Lands was fined over $300,000 for dirty dairying, including polluting the Pokaiwhenua and Matapara streams and excessive effluent discharge to land. Even more ironic is that, according to Stuff, one of those prosecuted farms is linked to Fonterra chair Peter McBride. Last year I fished four rivers in succession, all abutting dairy farms and all but one had cows, or evidence of such, alongside and in unfenced rivers. All were Westland suppliers. As I frequently read that dirty dairying is the preserve of “a few laggards”, I pondered the statistical chances of me visiting these few laggards so efficiently. I contacted Stack Exchange, an online mathematics forum, whose members enlightened me regarding “hypergeometric distribution”. This mathematical function reveals that the chances of visiting four farms, out of a national total

of around 15,000 farms, to find three of them with cows sh_tting in and alongside rivers is 1 in 7,110,000,000,000. We are dreaming if we think that we have moved beyond dirty dairying. David Haynes NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers spokesperson Wakapuaka

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Opinion

32 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Let’s level the playing field Alternative View

Alan Emerson

LAST year the Prime Minister correctly stated that it would be the primary sector, that’s you and me, that will get New Zealand out of the mess that was covid-19. I believe we can and will but a lot must change, starting with the need for a level playing field. A simple example is that if a farmer pollutes an infinitesimal amount they get pilloried, conversely local government and the business sector can seemingly pollute at will. Radio NZ recently ran a story about how “hundreds of companies have dumped contaminants into sewers in breach of their trade waste consents”. In total, at least 270 companies have been guilty of pollution – none were fined. Realistically, that is a fraction of the breaches as many councils don’t monitor the problem. Ridiculously in Auckland you can’t find out about any breaches because of “privacy reasons”. Why farmers can’t be accorded the same protection, they didn’t say. It gets worse as “over 100 municipal wastewater plants are breaching their consents”.

The pollution is considerable, infinitely more than a dairy farm, but they get little media coverage and no prosecutions. Farmers are fair game, no one else seems to be regardless of what they do. Wellington and Porirua send uncut sewerage into the harbour on a regular basis. They are neither criticised nor fined. Combine it with Auckland’s 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools of sewerage going into the harbour every year, and you have considerably more pollution into our waterways than the entire dairy industry does. Why do politicians go on about swimming in rivers while ignoring the sea where the majority of Kiwi’s swim? It beggars belief. Pressure groups are also highly selective in their anti-farming rhetoric. Recently Greenpeace urged the Government to have us all change to regenerative agriculture. As well as bankrupting the country, it will bankrupt farmers. Recreational fishers, never one to let facts get in the way of good stories, published an article claiming Canterbury waterways were a “disaster”. Last week’s Fish & Game news had the waterways pristine and fishable. Statistics NZ (StatsNZ) tell me there are 2668 dairy farms in the Waikato and the local council has prosecuted just seven, or 0.3%. That seven were named, shamed and their fines made public by some sanctimonious prig from the council. What he was doing about both business and local

INEQUALITY: Alan Emerson believes farmers are made out to be the villains when it comes to pollution while companies polluting our beaches, where most Kiwis swim, for the most part go unchecked.

government pollution, he didn’t say. Local government claims it can’t afford to fix its pollution so that seems to make it okay. Farmers spend billions protecting the environment and get pilloried for it. The lack of a level playing field becomes starkly obvious in papers and submissions from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE). Whether they’re politically sycophantic or just incompetent is hard to tell. Elisabeth McGruddy is a wellqualified, highly-experienced policy analyst for Federated Farmers. She completed a thorough analysis of MfE’s Freshwater 2020 and it provides sobering reading. McGruddy presents a highly professional, factual, unemotive and hard-hitting document. She starts by telling us that “Freshwater 2020 falls short of being a robust and authoritative

source of national statistics and apolitical interpretive analysis”. You can’t get much more damning than that. It goes on: “It presents headlines which are not supported by the evidence relied on. It highlights minority findings, not majority findings. It presents selected and misleading statistics and graphics.” I don’t remember reading any of that in the media. “The effect (of the MfE/Stats Report) is to significantly distort public and political understanding of national state and trends,” the analysis said. In the 2019 report, the MfE/Stats headline was “Freshwater species are declining and freshwater habitats are downgraded”. That was not supported by evidence. In 2015 when Nick Smith was minister, the MfE/Stats headline was “Water quality is declining”. Under pressure they agreed that

statement also wasn’t supported by evidence. The entire report is shonky, unprofessional and downright dangerous. It showed that the majority of rivers running through native vegetation were polluted. The summary doesn’t mention that. Swimming was omitted from the report, as was coastal and estuarine water quality, which is surprising. We only had modelled data on lake water quality, which is entirely unsatisfactory. My issue is that governments and others make decisions on reports that affect us all. We can surely expect a truthful document that reflects reality. I think it is wrong and irresponsible for a government department to play free and loose as both MfE and StatsNZ have done. Democracy relies on politicians getting factual, unemotive, nonpolitical and honest input from the bureaucracy. MfE is providing none of the above and we, the primary sector of NZ, are paying disproportionately for that. If the Government wants the primary sector to lead the economy into prosperity postcovid-19, there needs to be a levelling of the playing field along with immediate change starting with MfE.

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

Learning from others’ failures From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

THIRTY-THREE years ago, in 1988, I went along to the annual Hawke’s Bay (HB) Farm Forester of the Year Field Day. It was on the property of Tom and Dora Hartree in the Puketapu District, west of Hastings. Over the years before, I’d been reading the writings of Neil Barr and Roland Clark, the latter being the originator of this column writing as Norwester, and both had waxed lyrically of the benefits of trees on farms. So, I’d joined the HB Farm Forestry Association in 1983 to better understand just how to plant trees properly and successfully on our property, and started going to the branch field days to learn from these people. I listened to the wise folk and picked their brains mercilessly. There were Holts, Whittles, Olsens, Hallidays, Thomsens and the Hartrees amongst many

others. They were generous with their advice and support. Although, it must be said, also somewhat coercive as within a few years I found myself president of the branch for a few years. That field day might have been a long time ago, but I still remember it well. Tom and Dora had created an award-winning garden, which Dora used to raise funds for the Cancer Society. The garden had crept out into the surrounding paddocks and around a lake. And as we toured the farm itself, I realised that Tom was continuing a garden-like ethos around the property with nooks and crannies planted in all sorts of species, as well as conventional forestry. I was hugely impressed and thought I wouldn’t mind my farm looking like this one day. Last week, we had another opportunity to see this wonderful property, as Tom and Dora’s son Greg, along with his wife Rachael, won the same award on the merits of what they have been doing during their own farming career. Dora died 17 years ago, but Tom was still there going strong at 86. A nicer man you wouldn’t meet, and it was great to catch up with him again. He’d been farming and living on this land for 65 years. He must have been so proud

to see us observe what his son has now achieved on these properties. And just as proud as his grandson Jack, at just 17, talked to us confidently about the cabin he was building out of timber milled from trees Tom had planted amongst towering Californian Redwoods that Tom had established some 50 years earlier. I lay down on the ground and stared up into the canopy as these trees quietly rocked to and fro in the light, summer breeze. The most spiritual experience I’ve had in a long time. These farms are genuine intergenerational, sustainablewise, land-use enduring farming businesses. We saw lakes and dams created and fenced off with all sorts of species surrounding them. An 81-hectare QE11 covenant protects a pristine stream and native bush with another 44ha of native bush protected with a covenant on another property. The trees are providing massive shade, shelter and land protection benefits. And then there is 160ha of radiata forestry and a myriad of other blocks of alternative species. Exactly the sort of model that the powers that be want to see elsewhere.

LEGACY: Tom Hartree and a group of visitors walk among some of his plantings.

It was impressive and uplifting to drive around these properties and see what one family has created over a couple of generations. I was surprised to hear that although the HB branch of Farm Forestry is in reasonable health, many of the other regions are struggling with membership. Thirty years ago there were 4500 members nationally, but now just 1300. This at a time when there is massive planting of trees on farms and people should be wanting to do it well. There is nothing like learning from the failures of others to save yourself some grief. I’d advise you to look up your local branch and join if you want to get your planting and silviculture right, and supported by a network of pragmatic enthusiasts who will soon become mates. Thirty-five years ago, I was one

of the young members of this group. Age is relative and last week I still felt young as the rest have aged at the same rate, especially as I chivvied Dave as he spent some time getting from a sitting position on the ground at one of the stops to his feet. “Your time will come” he told me with some satisfaction. The Farm Forestry Association obviously needs some young blood, and you whippersnappers will benefit greatly by joining and getting alongside these elder statespeople of the land and learning from their many experiences.

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 – February 15, 2021

FUTURE: Keith Woodford believes the future of dairying in NZ will include the use of composting mootels for late-autumn and through winter, where the cows spend much of each day in the mootel defecating and peeing into the bedding.

Dairy thriving despite challenges The Braided Trail

Keith Woodford

GLOBAL dairy markets continue to grow despite negative sentiment in some quarters. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) expects fewer cows to be balanced by more milk per cow. Man-made ‘udder factories’ are yet to emerge. The combined effect of the three latest global dairy auctions has seen US dollar (USD) prices for dairy rise by 11% since Christmas. A farm gate payment above NZ$7 for each kilogram of milksolids (MS) of fat, plus protein for the dairy year ending in May, now looks close to baked in. This means that for a second year, farm gate prices will exceed $7. This will be the first time that prices have stayed above $7 per kg MS for two consecutive years. It will also mean that five years have passed since the two bad years of 2015 and 2016. The bad years were largely driven by EU internal quota removals and a consequent surge in EU production. During the latest five-year period, New Zealand farm gate prices have been over $6/kg MS every year. Compared to previous times, and in the absence of disruptors, pricing volatility has been much reduced. Surely it is time for those who have been saying that dairy farming is an industry of the past rather than the future to think again. The messages from the

market are that there is actually increasing global demand for dairy. There is also no big secret as to why this is occurring. In the case of NZ, the biggest driver of what happens is demand from the citizens of China. Currently, approximately 65% of product sold on the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction platform goes to China. For those who say it is terrible that we are so dependent on China, it’s important to understand that the marketing destination decisions are not made by NZ. It is the Chinese companies who are buying NZ products while sitting in their offices in China and placing their bids online. Most of NZ’s dairy products are still sold as commodities that become ingredients in processed foods. There are good reasons why this situation exists given the seasonality of NZ dairy. Eighty percent of the product comes from Fonterra, and Fonterra has found out the hard way where its skillset lies. There are many in our community who think that synthetic milks will take over within the next 10 to 15 years. I doubt that greatly. To start with, the plant milks are nothing like the animal milks. Plant milks do not build bonny children. Rice milk and oat milk are inherently low in protein. Soy milk can be high in protein, but many of us are cautious about the health issues of a soy-based milk. As for lab-constructed milks that mimic animal milks, they have huge challenges to overcome. There are good reasons why animal milk contains both casein and whey proteins. Digging deeper, there are good reasons why animal milk contains all of alpha, beta and gamma

caseins, and there are also good reasons why there is a multiplicity of whey proteins. There is also the multiplicity of fatty acids. Nature does not produce such complex products by chance. Even when science solves all of those problems with a manufacturing structure that mimics a real udder, there will still need to be an energy-capture mechanism, be that wind, solar or other mechanism. There will also need to be an energy transfer system, presumably electricity, that brings this energy to the udder factory. It won’t come cheap.

Surely it is time for those who have been saying that dairy farming is an industry of the past rather than the future to think again. Despite all of those positives, there are still plenty of challenges for dairy in NZ. The first big one is nitrogen leaching. The second is phosphorus runoff plus winter pugging and associated animal welfare. The third is greenhouse gases. I reckon we already have solutions to the first two within reach, although in saying that I acknowledge that I am outside the mainstream of industry thinking. I am on record as saying that the future of dairying in NZ will include the use of composting mootels for late-autumn and through winter, where the cows spend much of each day in the mootel defecating and peeing into the bedding.

It might sound strange to the traditional Kiwi way of thinking, but the reality is that composting technology is now available, such that the cows can remain warm, clean and dry with the liquid evaporating away through the roof vents. There is no smell in a properly functioning open-sided composting mootel. The cows can still go out to graze every day for a few hours as long as they then come back into the mootel to pee, poop and rest. However, in real wet weather, it is best that they are fed hay, silage or other materials within the mootel. The concept is relatively new and we still have much to learn. But it definitely works as long as things are done correctly. Currently, I have a project funded by AgMARDT to bring together what we already know, and also what we now need to learn, as the concept spreads out across NZ. From what I can see currently, the economics of the mootel system are good, but for some farmers the issue of finance might be constraining. We also have more work to do on bedding systems and making sure that sufficient sawdust, wood shavings and wood chips can be made available. The other big issue is greenhouse gases, and that issue is surely not going to go away. The best we can hope for is that the debate is based on scientific principles and logic rather than assertions and emotions. The good news is that the composting mootel concept is also likely to bring benefits in terms of both methane and nitrous oxide emissions. However, research is going to be needed to document what we currently think happens in the system. The bad news is that there is

still a lot of ignorance in urban NZ as to the extent to which the NZ economy is underpinned by export agriculture. The recent report by the CCC is going to ramp up climate-related action. The Government is clear in its resolve. I will have more to say about the CCC report at another time. Here, I will restrict myself to some dairy specifics. The CCC expects that cow numbers will reduce by around 15% by 2030, but provides no specific policy recommendations to make this happen. Rather, the commission sees this happening independent of climate change policies. The commission thinks it will be a consequence of freshwater regulations aimed at reducing nitrogen leaching and phosphorus runoff. Although cow numbers are expected to drop, there is recognition that dairy is important to the economy. Accordingly, the commission does not expect national dairy production to drop significantly. Rather, it will be fewer cows but more milk per cow. The commission thinks that increased production per cow can come from low input systems. At best, this will be challenging. It will require high energy feeds. The one certainty is that there will be ‘black swan’ events that change many things. As Dwight Eisenhower said a long time ago, “plans are nothing, but planning is everything”. In the meantime, there is a pathway that leads into the maze.

Your View Keith Woodford was Professor of farm management and agribusiness at Lincoln University for 15 years to 2015. He is now principal consultant at AgriFood Systems. He can be contacted at kbwoodford@gmail.com

World

34 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Study highlights rural UK connectivity issues MORE than a third of UK farmers cannot run their businesses properly because of poor internet speeds and mobile phone signals, a new study shows. A survey by the NFU suggests that farmers are getting left behind as the gap widens between rural and urban connectivity. Four in 10 of the 430 farmers and growers surveyed said they did not have the fast and reliable broadband they needed to run their businesses. Not only is this curtailing everyday activities, but for some it is preventing business growth. The NFU is putting pressure on the Government and the telecommunications industry to tackle rural connectivity as a priority.

STRUGGLE: Powys farmer Stuart Hammond says rural broadband users deserve equal treatment after a survey highlighted the daily struggles rural farmers face due to poor internet connectivity as it curtails everyday activities. Photo: Debbie James

“It is completely unacceptable that in this digital age we have a two-tier system of haves and have-nots – particularly at a time when communication has become even more important,’’ NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts

Agrievents Wednesday 24/02/2021 – Thursday 25/02/2021 The East Coast Farming Expo Connecting Sheep and Beef Farmers Two days of interactive demonstrations, exhibits and seminars providing sheep & beef farming communities the opportunity to interact face-to-face with industry leaders providing thought provoking ideas to farm smarter! Where: A&P Showgrounds, 46 Ruataniwha Road, Wairoa Time: Gates open 9am More Information: www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz

speeds were an issue too. “The connection keeps dropping out, which is not helpful at all,’’ Hammond said. He says rural counties such as Powys had as much right to good connectivity as urban areas. “There are big businesses in the countryside, there are a lot of big farms that are contributing to the economy and deserve equal treatment to towns and cities,” he said. Some steps are being taken to redress the balance, with O2, Three and Vodafone set to invest in 222 new mobile masts to boost 4G rural coverage and eliminate partial “not spots”. Construction is set to begin soon and the rollout is scheduled to be completed by 2024. UK Farmers Weekly

UK FRUIT and vegetable growers have seen their labour costs rise by at least 34% since 2016, while farm gate prices have stayed virtually static, according to an independent report commissioned by the NFU. The report, by farm consultant Andersons, examines the effect of rises in the national living wage (NLW) on the horticultural sector over the past five years. It argues that wage cost inflation is now a real threat to domestic production and UK growers need to be paid a fairer price for their produce to stop them quitting or relocating abroad. The report shows the increase in the statutory hourly rate for workers aged 25 years and over has been just over 34% between 2015 and 2020, rising from £6.50/hour (about $12.40) to £8.72/hour (about $16.63) over that period. Yet it estimates many growers have actually seen a 40-50% rise in employment costs over the past five years because of productivity losses caused by a reduction in the volume and quality of labour following Brexit and the weakening of sterling. NFU horticulture board chair Ali Capper says growers were

seeing labour costs continue to rise at a time when margins were tighter than ever. “Labour costs account for 40-70% of business turnover and ever-increasing costs mean some growers may no longer see their business as viable in the UK,” she said. “If nothing is done, we may begin to lose a thriving domestic industry that is incredibly valuable to the nation, contributing more than £3.8 billion (about $7.2b) to the economy. “This would simply see more imports of fresh produce to replace that lost production.” The report concludes that while some horticultural crops are highly mechanised, many still rely on a manual labour force and there are limited opportunities to change this. For labour-intensive crops, it suggests a farm gate price increase of between 9% and 19% is needed simply to offset the increase in the NLW hourly rate. These crops include blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, pears, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli and leeks. The NLW will rise to £8.91/ hour (about $17) from April 1. UK Farmers Weekly

CONCERN: NFU horticulture board chair Ali Capper says growers were seeing labour costs continue to rise at a time when margins were tighter than ever.

Daera slammed for ‘inaction’ on bTB

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said. He described the current pace of change as “just too slow’.’ “With the introduction of 5G and fibre broadband technology in cities, the gap between urban and rural areas continues to widen,’’ he said. One region with poor connectivity is Powys, Wales’ biggest rural county, where the Hammond family run a large-scale livestock and poultry business. Farmer Stuart Hammond says it could cause problems with the alarm monitoring systems in the poultry enterprise. At times the control centre overseeing the alarms is unable to make contact when the systems are triggered. With more meetings going online, Hammond says slow broadband

Wage inflation threatens UK growers

FARM leaders in Northern Ireland (NI) have accused the Government of inaction and a lack of flexibility in tackling bovine TB. The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says Farm Minister Edwin Poots, who has temporarily stepped aside while he undergoes cancer treatment, stated at the union’s general meeting in July last year that his department would bring forward proposals to tackle TB. But six months on, the UFU says nothing has happened and many beef and dairy farming families have been left in an “unsustainable position”. Now the union fears that officials at the NI Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) may drag

their heels further, and this will prevent Gordon Lyons, the interim farm minister, from making decisions. “New bTB issues are being reported every week by our members and it’s having a severe impact not only on the Northern Ireland livestock industry, but on the wellbeing of our farmers,” a spokesperson said. Bovine TB costs NI taxpayers about £40 million (about $76.3m) a year through testing and compensation for farmers whose cattle are destroyed. The UFU wants Daera to take a holistic approach which addresses the disease in both cattle and wildlife, particularly badgers, and it has pointed to the success of badger culling in England

and the Republic of Ireland in reducing TB outbreaks among herds. Currently, if stock is destroyed because of TB, farmers are paid the market value. However, government proposals to cut compensation will fail to cover the cost of animals and the resulting loss of income to farm businesses. In certain cases, the UFU said Daera had restricted farmers from buying in animals following herd breakdowns, under a severe interpretation when skin tests are inconclusive but TB is suspected. The UFU said preventing these farmers from buying in stock was “totally unjust” and effectively “denying their right to make an income”. Holstein Northern Ireland

said its members were also frustrated at a lack of progress in TB eradication. Farmers were having to comply with “everincreasing restrictions”, placing financial pressures on their businesses – but “bold policy decisions were being avoided”, it added. Mr Lyons said: “The business case for the new TB Eradication Strategy for Northern Ireland is being finalised in the coming weeks, and I have made it clear to my departmental officials that I intend to take decisions on a way forward as soon as possible. “It is absolutely vital that we get this under control and I can assure the agriculture sector that I am fully committed to moving this on without delay.” UK Farmers Weekly

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$11,995

ONLY

GINE • ENGINE: 420CC EN NUAL 5-SPEED • TRANSMISSION: MA 4WD • DRIVE MODES: 2WD/ LE WISHBONE : ADJUSTABLE DOUB • FRONT SUSPENSION RM : SOLID AXLE SWINGA • REAR SUSPENSION E: 181MM • GROUND CLEARANC SERVE) .7 LITRES (INC 4.9L RE • FUEL CAPACITY: 14 KG FRONT. 60KG REAR • RACK CAPACITY: 30 • TOWING: 385KG

THE XR150. RELIABLY RELIABLE. • • • • •

Electric start for easy starting in all conditions Backup kick-starter 5 speed transmission Powerful headlight and indicators Economical Honda 4 stroke power-plant

S. 3,995 .

EX GST

Great range of Genuine Honda Power Equipment available at your local Honda Motorbikes dealer Price excludes GST and is for the TRX420FM1, XR150 and EU22. Available while stocks last at participating Honda dealers.

EU22 $2,521 EX GST

•

Portable

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Silent Inverter AC/DC Series

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Recoil Start

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GX120R Engine

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Superior durability & performance

hondamotorbikes.co.nz

LIST WITH BAYLEYS COUNTRY

AUTUMN 2021

MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE WITH CONFIDENCE Bayleys’ Country magazine is the leading rural and lifestyle property marketing campaign to help you find the best buyer for your rural or lifestyle property. If it’s time to sell up and take the next step, you need to get the best return on investment for your property. With agents up, down and right across New Zealand, Bayleys has an altogether better team working for you – with an impressive sales track record to prove it. That’s why we’re New Zealand’s number one rural real estate brand. Preparations are underway for the multi-channelled autumn edition of Country and our well-seasoned rural team have their gumboots on and are ready to help.

A new approach to farm ownership

In a tough financing environment, equity partnerships could offer valuable options for farm ownership.

New ways to market

Rural-based food producers got creative to protect their income streams during straitened times and discovered the rise of the conscious consumer.

If it’s time to turn over a new leaf and sell your farm, orchard, forestry block, vineyard or lifestyle property, then let us show you how. Country magazine will allow you to make your next move with confidence.

Call 0800 BAYLEYS or visit bayleys.co.nz/country

FEATURING

122 FARM, SPECIALTY AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE ISSUE 2 – 2020

RURAL REAL ESTATE BRAND

LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

Waimana 863 State Highway 2

Well established grazing property

Situated 20 minutes south of Whakatane is a premium 170 hectare dairy grazing or finishing property with a well maintained four bedroom home. The contour is mostly easy with some steeper sidlings at the back, no less than 40 hectares is easily mowable. A reliable spring and low maintenance water system on the property supplies water to most of the 73 paddocks which are well fenced with post and wire and accessed by a good race system that is well metaled. Further farm improvements include a three stand woolshed/calf rearing shed with large leanto, separate implement shed with lockup workshop and covered cattle yards with scales and drenching races.

Auction (unless sold prior) 10.30am, Tue 23 Feb 2021 Tuscany Villas, 57 The Strand East, Whakatane View by appointment Rhys Mischefski 027 457 8718 rhys.mischefski@bayleys.co.nz

Seldom do premium Eastern Bay of Plenty grazing properties like this become available.

SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2571993

Patoka Ben Alpin, 3986 Puketitiri Road

Quality farm and herd in a reliable district Are you looking for summer safe farming on fantastic free draining fertile ash soils? Possibly the best dairy return on investment in New Zealand? Then look no further. Ben Alpin, a 351 hectare dairy farm, located in the premium Hawke's Bay farming district of Patoka. Boasting approximately 220 hectares of mainly flat and easy milking platform with 70 hectares of support land and a further 51 hectares of QEII bush for recreation, this well set up dairy unit must tick all the boxes, and with a quality herd, excellent fertility and pastures providing an amazing opportunity. Improvements include two dwellings, 2018 built single men's quarters, a 2009 built 60 bail rotary shed with cup removers and in shed feeding, excellent housed calf rearing facilities for 350 calves, numerous implement sheds, as well as a very convenient on farm quarry and large on farm dam. An ideal self contained unit.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 4 Mar 2021 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2851865

bayleys.co.nz

Whakarongo 522 Napier Road

Executive lifestyle on a grand equestrian property

On the doorstep from Palmerston North sits a superbly maintained rural escape with state-of-the-art equine facilities, immaculate homes and pastures. This rare property is an acclaimed thoroughbred breeding and training stud, but there is ample opportunity for horticulture or livestock. The executive home offers spacious country lifestyle for the whole family. The open-plan kitchen and entertaining space flows onto a curated rural outlook with sweeping views across the property. A generously sized second home provides another haven. The equine infrastructure has been meticulously developed; a purpose-built arena, track, walker, fencing, vet facilities, stables and admin complex culminate in everything you need to keep your prized charges safe and under excellent care.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 2pm, Thu 11 Mar 2021 49 Manchester Street, Feilding View by appointment Andrew Bonnor 027 941 7630 andrew.bonnor@bayleys.co.nz

MID WEST REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/3100369

RECEIVERSHIP SALE

Wellsford 4193 Kaipara Coast Highway, Tauhoa Farm n' fish or slice n' dice! Superbly positioned on the banks of the Kaipara Harbour, lies 53 hectares (130 acres) of great grazing & waterfront lifestyle living. It's predominantly flat to undulating contour has been well fenced and raced to a high standard into 22 paddocks, making it well suited for horses, dairy, beef or cropping. Some of the property's many standout features includes a "stadium-like" open plan barn, a stylish (non-consented) one-bedroom rustic cottage, and a resource consent for three further titles. Close to schools, fishing hot spots and an easy commute to Aucklands CBD. This is truly a unique offering for all; farmer, lifestyler, fisherman or landbanker! Take a virtual tour: www.umoview.co.nz/15691

bayleys.co.nz/1202236

bayleys.co.nz

Wellsford 117 Boyd Access Road 1

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Tue 23 Feb 2021 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View Sun 3.30-4.30pm John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Unique lifestyle opportunities! Privately positioned with spectacular 270-degree views, a full motocross track with a viewing tower, and a "lodge" over-looking all as far as the eye can see. These are just some of the features this 97 hectare (212 acre) lifestyle grazing farm, in two titles, has on offer. Available in two clear titles 92ha and/or 4.9ha - buy them as a whole or individually. Undulating contour of land has been well subdivided into approximately 13 paddocks, providing plenty of room for horses and sheep. Tak a virtual tour: www.umoview.co.nz/15690

bayleys.co.nz/1202368

Tender Closing 4pm, Thu 25 Feb 2021 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View Sun 1-2.30pm John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Tirau 390 Parapara Road

Mangaweka 90 Terrace Road

A consistent producer

75 hectares - two small farms with flats and views

This 71.5ha (more or less) dairy farm has been well farmed and is in great heart. It straddles both sides of Parapara Road and has an underpass for easy connectivity. Purchasing flexibility springs to mind. The contour is predominately flat to rolling in nature with some steeper sidelings. Infrastructure includes excellent 25 ASHB dairy shed complimented by a good range of support buildings. Currently milking approximately 215 cows with consistent production of around 80,000kgMS. The main home is a spacious five bedroom dwelling with double basement garaging plus a two bedroom sleepout with bathroom attached to additional garaging or workshop. A three bedroom cottage provides additional accommodation. Great first farm or support unit.

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (unless sold prior)

4pm, Wed 10 Mar 2021 65 Arawa Street, Matamata View 11am-12pm Thu 18 Feb, Thu 25 Feb & Thu 4 Mar Sam Troughton 027 480 0836 sam.troughton@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Located just two kilometres from State Highway 1 and Mangaweka, featuring large flat areas and breathtaking Rangitikei River views, available as a whole or in the two following parcels. Terrace Flats: 33.8 hectares mainly flat on two terraces and including a covered fertiliser bin and a shared airstrip. Superb building sites with outstanding views in a private location.

For Sale offers invited by (unless sold prior)

4pm, Thu 18 Mar 2021 View by appointment Pete Stratton 027 484 7078 peter.stratton@bayleys.co.nz BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Tunnel Farm: 41.4 hectares oozing privacy and location. Add panoramic views, a large undeveloped flat, an old railway tunnel plus native bush. The result is a rare opportunity to develop this hidden gem into something special.

bayleys.co.nz/2400329

bayleys.co.nz/2900311

Taihape 701 Spooners Hill Road

Central Hawkes Bay 278 Wilder Road

Opaea - first farm or last farm? Located only 8km north of Taihape, this 25ha property presents a rare opportunity to secure a small block in a great location. Offering a tidy and well maintained four bedroom homestead on an elevated section with three car garaging, plus a brand new implement shed incorporating two shearing stands and 150NP. Add to this a superb building site with extensive views east towards the Ruahine Ranges, and there are options for both the first farmer, or the downsizing farmer. Featuring easy rolling contour with approximately 17 hectares cultivated, allows options for cropping and intensive farming. Reliable spring fed dams supply water for seven main and four holding paddocks.

bayleys.co.nz/2900296

For Sale offers invited by (unless sold prior)

4pm, Thu 11 Mar 2021 View by appointment Pete Stratton 027 484 7078 peter.stratton@bayleys.co.nz BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Well located sheep and beef unit Situated in the Wallingford district is this 328.94ha productive sheep and beef breeding and finishing unit. The contour is flat to easy rolling hill with a small portion of steeper sidlings. Farm water is pumped from a stream and reticulated to most paddocks along with additional dams and streams. Excellent infrastructure with main four bedroom home built in 2000 which has commanding views over the farm and a feature duck shooting lake. Second three bedroom dwelling plus numerous sheds. Woolshed plus two sets of sheep and cattle yards. 37km to Waipukurau. A choice of primary schools; 28km to Flemington, 13km to Porangahau. 15.4km to Porangahau Country Club with tennis, golf and bowls and one of the east coasts finest beaches.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 18 Mar 2021 Railway Station, 11 Bogle Brothers Esplanade, Waipukurau View by appointment Andy Hunter 027 449 5827 andy.hunter@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2870788

bayleys.co.nz

Whanganui 313 State Highway 3 Ripe for the picking Windermere Farms has been producing quality berry fruit since 1972. Located just five minutes north of Whanganui on SH3, the café and store is a popular destination for locals and visitors. On offer is land, buildings, home and business. With significant development by the current owners in production processes and investment in technology and infrastructure, this offering provides a sound investment with multiple revenue streams and scope for growth. This is an ideal opportunity to be part of an industry hitting new heights in regards to scale of production and in the delivery of quality fresh produce year round.

bayleys.co.nz/3001423

Ohakea 144 Tangimoana Road 4

Fertile arable land opportunity

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (will not be sold prior)

2pm, Thu 25 Mar 2021 158 Wicksteed Street, Whanganui View by appointment Knud Bukholt 027 222 6161 knud.bukholt@bayleys.co.nz John Bartley 021 240 9889 john.bartley@bayleys.co.nz BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

This fertile 39.8588 hectare (more or less) block of arable land with outstanding soil unencumbered with fencing, offers the potential purchaser the opportunity to grow various crops and look at a number of other land use options. The current owner has grown maize grain crops on the property for over 20 years and maintained a fertilizer program to ensure the continuing high yields. The crop currently growing on the property certainly reflects the fertility of the soils. Located at just above sea-level, the climate is obviously suitable for maize, potatoes and a variety of other crops. There is a two bay implement pole shed and a large workshop/ machinery shed. In a great location just off state highway one at Ohakea.

Auction (unless sold prior) 12pm, Fri 19 Mar 2021 243 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North View by appointment Andrew Bonnor 027 941 7630 andrew.bonnor@bayleys.co.nz MID WEST REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/3100371

NEW LISTING

Canterbury 531 Murrays Road, Hawarden

North Canterbury 1093 Omihi Road, Omihi

The Triangle - winter dairy grazing Seize the opportunities offered by this substantial 208.1246ha North Canterbury dryland farming operation. It is currently run as a dairy grazing and sheep and beef finishing property, wintering up to 1,800 cattle on crop. Bordered by three road frontages, the paddocks are well fenced with good lanes, providing convenient access. Good Darnley soils offer a solid platform for continued productivity. Set for the future, the property has the ability to continue this winter dairy grazing operation. Stock water is supplied via the County Scheme. Farm infrastructure includes a woolshed, hay/implement sheds, grain silos and a good family home and self-contained sleepout. A superb property.

bayleys.co.nz/5513867

bayleys.co.nz

Price by Negotiation View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Peter Foley 021 754 737 peter.foley@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Omihinui Omihinui is in an exceptional location, has versatile soils, strategic water and a good standard of infrastructure, setting this 246.0897ha farm apart. The bulk of the property has been regrassed within the last five years. This property has all its consents in place and is well-positioned for the future. Good lane systems, new reticulated stock water system, a good standard of fencing and high fertility provide multiple farming options. There is a history of specialist small seed production and cattle and lamb finishing. An immaculately presented and well-farmed property with an attractive homestead and grounds – this is a complete package.

bayleys.co.nz/5514375

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (unless sold prior)

12pm, Thu 11 Mar 2021 3 Deans Avenue, Chch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Peter Foley 021 754 737 peter.foley@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 15, 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Farm

Wainui

Monowai Road

“Koputara” - Total 244.99 ha

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 24 Feb 2021 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View Sun 9-10am John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Wainui wonderland! Location meets lifestyle and opportunity on this 28 hectare (70 acre) grazing property. Spectacular panoramic views over neighbouring farmland and to the hills beyond provide the blank canvas (and potential building sites) you'll need to design and build your dream home. The flat to undulating contour has been well subdivided into 12 paddocks with dams providing plenty of water for stock. So bring your horses, quad bikes, sheep or family, there’s plenty of room for all! Take a virtual tour: www.umoview.co.nz/15688

bayleys.co.nz/1202361

Warkworth

1089 State Highway One Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 24 Feb 2021 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View Sun 11am-12pm John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Views, grazing, waterfalls! Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and secure a real slice of rural paradise; 59 hectares (146 acres), in two titles. Available in two clear titles 54.2955ha and/or 5.0447ha - buy them together as a whole or individually. Spectacular views will be enjoyed from most aspects of your block from morning till dusk, over neighbouring farmland and distant hills. Established native bush and a great selection of swimming holes on offer to cool down on those hot summer days. Take a virtual tour: www.umoview.co.nz/15689

bayleys.co.nz/1202357

690 Wylie Road, Himatangi

Auction

•

First time on the market in 148 years

•

Two titles – 235.52 hectares on the western side of Wylie Road bareland and 9.46 hectares on the eastern side of Wylie Road with bore, stock yards and woolshed

•

This is a large flat farm with quality sand country, ideal for finishing stock and complementing an existing farming operation

•

“Koputara” will be offered firstly as one block and if not sold will be offered as separate titles

Open Farms: Wednesday 17th February, 1.30 – 3.30pm

Richard Anderson 027 543 1610 richard@rals.co.nz Robert Dabb 027 255 3992 robert@rals.co.nz

Property ID RAL809 ruralandlifestylesales.com

Auction: 1.30pm Wednesday, 10 March, 2021 at Rural and Lifestyle Sales 56 Stafford Street Feilding.

Rural and Lifestyle Sales.com Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Rural

West Waikato - maize or graze THE ULTIMATE SHEEP AND BEEF FARM 59 Tawhiwhi Road, Matau, Stratford

437 hectares Price by negotiation

nzr.nz/RX2662536 This 437 hectare breeding/finishing farm is clean hill country, well balanced contour. It is divided into approximately 27 well Alan Blackburn 027 203 9112 | alan@nzr.nz fenced and fertilised paddocks. Traditionally summer safe. NZR, 1 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune. Carrying 2,350 sheep and 265 cattle and has a 4 stand woolshed and airstrip. The home for this property is a three NZR Central Limited | Licensed REAA 2008 bedroom Summit Stone and could easily have some of the best views in Taranaki. A 45 minute drive to Stratford and 25 minutes to Whangamomona.

272 Ngutunui Road, Pirongia Well appointed 40ha (STT) dairy support or beef block located minutes south of Pirongia. Excellent fertility with mix of gently rolling contour, river flats and some steeper sidlings. Approx 20ha suitable for cropping. Well subdivided, good fencing and bore water supply plus a set of steel yards. Great views with freshwater stream along one boundary. Four bdrm house and excellent shedding also available for purchase on a separate title yet to be issued. Price is + GST (if any).

rwteawamutu.co.nz/TEA30011 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Deadline Sale Closes 11 March at 4.00pm at Ray White Te Awamutu, unless sold prior View Sunday 21 February, Wednesday 24 February, 12.30 - 1.30pm Noldy Rust

027 255 3047 Howard Ashmore

027 438 8556

Oringi 189 Gaisford Road Final Notice

A real change in real estate.

Gaisford Road - 64 ha + 56 ha Gaisford Road provides the ultimate entry or add on to the dairy industry with 64 ha of some of best soil types in the Tararua District well supported by 56 ha of long term lease. The property has been utilised as a well established virtually self contained dairy business milking 240 cows for a five year average just under 100,000 kgMS. Centrally located just south of Dannevirke with Palmerston North under 40 minutes drive. Farming improvements are of a very high standard with a 19 ASHB shed, purpose built calf rearing facility and various implement sheds. A four bedroom, two bathroom brick home set in mature grounds completes a well presented package.

Tender closes Wednesday 24th February, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to 129 Main Street, Pahiatua View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR80801

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 John Arends M 027 444 7380

The Property Brokers and Farmlands partnership means great things for provincial real estate Together our combined strengths complement each other to create bigger networks, more buyers and better results. For more information call 0800 367 5263 or visit pb.co.nz/together

Proud to be together

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Oparau 1092 Moerangi Road Open Day

Oparau drystock 982 ha in 9 titles with approx 810 ha effective. Subdivided into approx 53 paddocks. The contour is mainly easy to medium hill with the odd steep sidling. All-weather 4WD vehicle access around the farm is made possible from various quarries on the property. Two modern brick dwellings, deer shed (accredited) and yards, woolshed, lockable workshop, four-bay implement shed, two fert bins, all-weather air strip, water from spring pumped to manacon tanks then gravity fed plus dams. With the owners having placed huge emphasis on fertility and environmental issues over the past six years, this farm is ready for the new owners to reap the rewards. The owners breed velvet stags which are moved off to a smaller specialist finishing unit, where they cut in excess of seven tonnes of velvet each year. A 3,600 Wiltshire ewe flock produce prime export lambs, whilst a modest beef cattle herd helps maintain pasture quality for fawning deer.

Property Brokers Pahiatua Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Deadline Sale closes Thursday 18th March, 2021 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) View Wed 17 Feb 11.00 - 1.00pm Wed 24 Feb 11.00 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/TER78563 Doug Wakelin M 027 321 1343

E dougw@pb.co.nz

Paul O'Sullivan M 027 496 4417

E paulo@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

Property Brokers sells farms! Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your property to 75,000 letterboxes nationwide. Bookings close for the Autumn Rural Outlook 4pm 26th February 2021.

PB047044

Talk with your local Property Brokers Team today to secure you spot 0800 367 5263

Ashburton

385 ha

Taumarunui, Ruapehu

1339 ha

Tokoroa, South Waikato

593 ha

Whakamaru, South Waikato 503 ha

Opiki, Manawatu

285 ha

Paengaroa, Western BOP

54 ha

Tokoroa, South Waikato

494 ha

Tokoroa, South Waikato

483 ha

Dannevirke, Tararua

603 ha

Waharoa, Matamata-Piako

132 ha

Te Awamutu, Waipa

217 ha

Ashburton

202 ha

pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 15, 2021

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

NEW LISTING

TAUMARUNUI, WAIKATO

987 Ongarue Back Road, Pukeawa This large dry-stock hill property of 696ha (more or less) in the heart of the King Country with above average infrastructure and in a highly presentable state, is for definite sale by Tender. Located only 13km north of Taumarunui. The contour is medium to hill with some steeper sidlings. Many natural water supplies throughout the property. A very good example of a breeding/finishing farm. The vendor has undertaken a major development programme including a new executive homestead, covered yards and other supporting farm buildings. A further 10km of new post and batten fencing.

TENDER

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 10.00am, Friday 19 March PGGWRE, 57 Rora Street, Te Kuiti

VIEW 11.00-1.00pm

Tuesday 16 & 23 Feb

Trevor Kenny M 021 791 643 Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855

pggwre.co.nz/MAT33411

PUKEATUA, WAIKATO 196 Waimanu Road Cattle Grazing and Finishing 191 hectares of cattle grazing and finishing. The contour is easy rolling with an extensive laneway system. The vendors have run dairy grazers and finished heifers and steers to excellent weights. In 2020 they wintered 229 rising three-year cattle, 240 rising one-year dairy grazers and 100 ewes. Very good fertiliser history and ample water reticulated throughout. The homestead is a four-bedroom weatherboard home set amongst tidy and wellestablished gardens. The retiring vendors have provided the next owners a very good base for this farm to carry on being a top producer.

TENDER

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 1.00pm, Wednesday 24 March PGGWRE, 57 Rora Street, Te Kuiti

VIEW 11.00-12.00pm

Wed 24 February, 3 & 10 March

Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855 B 07 878 0265 E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEK33421 Helping grow the country

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Your destination for rural real estate Market your property to an audience that counts

Add another touchpoint to your campaign on the website built for farmers. Align your brand with content farmers read: • Geo and agri sector targeting options available • Post campaign analysis of your adverts performance • Advertise on our Real Estate page alongside relevant editorial content • Enrich your print ad - Click through to your property videos or websites from the virtual edition.

Contact your agent to advertise today! 0800 85 25 80 farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

Tech & Toys

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 15, 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising 0800 85 25 80

SHEEP JETTER Sheep dipping… made easier!

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The Teatwand Exact is an Automatic Teat Spraying System suitable for any rotary platform type new or old running at speeds approaching 5.5 seconds per stall. Thorough teat spray coverage of all four teats is achieved with the use of two independently controlled spray nozzles that extend under the cows’ udder as the rotary platform passes. The Teatwand controller can easily adjust the sequencing and spray volumes applied to cows' teats. Since 2008, Onfarm Solutions has been committed to help dairy farmers to win the war against mastitis.

Tech & Toys

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 15, 2021

o w ne

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kiwi

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BUILT KIOTI

TOUGH

KIOTI PX1153

LOADER COMBO 115HP CAB

4 YEAR POWER

TRAIN WARRANTY

• Liquid cooled 4 cylinder Perkins 4399cc diesel engine • 32x32 wet clutch Power Shuttle transmission • 4WD with power shuttle and comfort clutch • 121 L/min total hydraulic flow • 3630 kg rear lift capacity • Air suspension seat • Flat operator platform • Front fenders • Soft ride loader suspension

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FROM

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SUMMER SEEDER SALE 3 1 4 left

AT-8124E 3M AIRPRO SEED & FERT

AT-4024CTE SEEDMATIC SEED ONLY E-DRIVE

Seed and fertiliser 3m working width 5 inch row spacing 24 run Disc opener individually sprung loaded. In combination with inverted T boot tine

• • • •

SUMMER SEED SALE PRICE 3M AIRPRO

• • • •

SUMMER SEED SALE PRICE SM SEED ONLY

53,990

Seed and fertiliser 3m working width 5 inch row spacing 24 run Disc opener individually sprung loaded. In combination with inverted T boot tine

SUMMER SEED SALE PRICE SM SEED & FERT E-DRIVE

29,990

+GST

Seed only 3m working width 5 inch row spacing 24 run Disc opener individually sprung loaded. In combination with inverted T boot tine

Shopsoiled/demo units on 4124 CTE units.

AT-SM4124CTE SEEDMATIC SEED & FERT, E-DRIVE

29,990

+GST

• • • •

left

+GST

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For more information contact: John Chapman 027 703 5364 (NI) | Mike Griffiths 027 536 5088 (SI)

Power Farming NZ WHANGAREI

09 438 9163

PF97452NZFW

MASTERTON

06 370 8240

PUKEKOHE

0800 570 571 NELSON

03 544 5723

TAURANGA

TE AWAMUTU

MORRINSVILLE

BLENHEIM

GREYMOUTH

CHRISTCHURCH

07 543 0021 03 577 5508

07 870 2411

03 768 4370

07 889 5059

03 349 5975

ROTORUA

07 349 6528 ASHBURTON

03 307 7153

GISBORNE

06 868 8908 TIMARU

03 687 4127

HAWERA

0800 480 309 DUNEDIN

03 489 3489

HASTINGS

FEILDING

06 879 9998

06 323 8182

GORE

INVERCARGILL

03 208 9395

03 215 9039

Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 28/2/2020 or while stocks last. Images may differ from product advertised. Some Aitchison products may have faded paint. * Terms and conditions apply to upgrade. Upgrade only available on selected products. ** 4 year or 2000 hour power train warranty. † finance terms are 1/3 deposit, 1/3 in first year, 1/3 in second year. GST in month three, with 0% interest, and is for PX1153 loader combo only.

NZ’s #1 Agri Job Board SENIOR SHEPHERD

JOBS BOARD

The key to our success is strong systems mixed with smart people. We are looking for a Senior Shepherd with a passion for finishing livestock, who takes pride in stockmanship and loves to get stuck in across the team.

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Farm Manager General Manager

We are a progressive farming business based 20 minutes south of Hastings, Hawke’s Bay. Our livestock business is centered around winter lamb finishing and Wagyu cattle breeding and finishing, complemented by a flexible bull beef policy.

Grower Herd Supervisor Labourer Senior Shepherd

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

LK0105354©

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

Ag jobs at your fingertips Connecting rural employers and job seekers - follow Farmers Weekly Jobs on Facebook and view primary industry jobs first! farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Do you have: • At least four years sheep and beef farming experience • A passion for finishing systems • A good team of 3-4 working dogs • A keen interest in managing pasture • Strong stockmanship skills • A willingness to embrace technology We can offer: • Competitive remuneration (including accommodation - dependent on situation) • Exposure to innovative farming practices • Opportunities for further training • The chance to join a progressive business full off passional and knowledgeable people APPLY with CV and cover letter to: jobs@brownrigg.co.nz or for more details: www.brownrigg.co.nz Phone in confidence: Erin Hutchinson 06 261 0280

Groundsperson/General Hand & part time Homestead Manager A BIT ABOUT PUNAWAI FARM Punawai Farm is a historic Central Hawke’s Bay property, situated on State Highway 50, 20 minutes from Waipukurau. It is a 500ha breeding and cropping property, run by the Farm Manager who has been employed at Punawai for a number of years and lives on the property. THE OPPORTUNITIES The owners are wanting to fill two positions: • Groundsperson/General Hand – This full time position will involve approximately two days a week assisting the Farm Manager and three days a week maintaining the extensive gardens and grounds of the homestead. • Homestead Manager – This is a 10 hour/week (minimum) position, that consists of doing essential housework at the owner’s homestead and some gardening. A BIT ABOUT YOU It is essential for both roles that you are reliable and trustworthy and you will need to have an interest and knowledge of trees and gardens and take a high level of personal pride and presentation in your surroundings. Farming experience is essential in the Groundsperson/General Hand role, along with being physically capable, have strong practical skills, with the ability to drive both a tractor and a quad bike. ON OFFER These positions will allow the successful applicants to pursue their rural interest, whilst also carrying out the property maintenance and gardening, making for a varied and interesting working week. Accommodation is available in a redecorated 3-bedroom house on the farm.

LK0105924©

Groundsperson / General Hand

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

For further information or to apply please visit www.ruraldirections. co.nz/jobs or call the Rural Directions team for a confidential chat on 06 871 0450 (Ref# 671637).

LK0105933©

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 15, 2021

Applications close 5pm Monday, 1st March 2021

RECRUITMENT & HR Register to receive job alerts on www.ruraldirections.co.nz

ANIMAL AND HUMAN healer, also manipulation on horses and dogs. Kaikoura / Blenheim 15th17th February. North Island 18th-28th February. Nelson / Murchison / Culverden 1st-3rd March. For more information phone Ron Wilson 027 435 3089.

ATTENTION FARMERS JONES DAG CRUSHING. Buyers of wet and dry dags, we also buy sheep manure from under woolsheds and covered yards. Pick up service available for loose and baled. Phone Andrew 027 208 5270

BIRDS/POULTRY PULLETS HY-LINE brown, great layers. 07 824 1762. Website: eurekapoultryfarm.weebly. com – Have fresh eggs each day!!!

See Page 48

GORSE AND THISTLE SPRAY. We also scrub cut. Four men with all gear in your area. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

DEERLAND TRADING LTD DEERLAND TRADING LTD buying deer velvet this season and paying above the average. Also contractor required to buy deer velvet. Payment on commission basis. Contact 021 269 7608.

DOGS FOR SALE 6-MONTH-OLD Heading pup, working. 5-MONTH Huntaway pup. Phone 027 243 8541. DELIVERING, BUYING DOGS NZ Wide 22/2/21. www.youtube.com/user /mikehughesworking dog/videos. email: mikehughesworkingdogs @farmside.co.nz WORD ONLY ADVERTISING. Phone Marie on 0800 985 25 80.

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

For more Noticeboard advertising

FARM MAPPING

ACHIEVE YOUR DAILY goals with simple and clear farm maps. Visit farmmapping.co.nz for a free quote.

FORESTRY WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide. We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase. NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 04 293 2097 Richard. WORD ONLY ADVERTISING. Phone Marie on 0800 985 25 80.

GOATS WANTED NAKI GOATS. Trucking goats to the works every week throughout the NI. Mustering available. Phone Michael and Clarice. 027 643 0403. GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

GRAZING AVAILABLE GRAZING AVAILABLE, sheep, beef or dairy. Until May 1st. Linton. 027 814 6764

HAY FOR SALE HAY ROUNDS $75+gst; squares $60+gst. BALEAGE $75+gst. Unit loads available. Top quality. Phone 021 455 787.

HORTICULTURE NZ KELP. FRESH, wild ocean harvested giant kelp. The world’s richest source of natural iodine. Dried and milled for use in agriculture and horticulture. Growth promotant / stock health food. As seen on Country Calendar. Orders to: 03 322 6115 or info@nzkelp.co.nz

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556. WILTSHIRE SHEEP. Full shedding. 2 tooth ewes. Ram lambs and ewes available end of February. Phone 03 439 4761. FOR ONLY $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Marie on 0800 85 25 80.

SADDLERY BRIDLES THREE TYPES. Heavy leather. Breastplates two types. Hobbles. Leg straps. Cruppers etc. Phone Otairi Station. 06 322 8433.

WANTED HUNTING BLOCKS in the Wanganui and surrounding areas for established hunting business. Remuneration provided. Fraser 021 202 0701.

w w w. e l e c t r o t e k . c o . n z

Small Group Escorted Tours 2021

STOP BIRDS NOW!

P.O. Box 30, Palmerston North 4440, NZ

You can relax and enjoy being looked after on any of these tours.

ZON BIRDSCARER

Molesworth & West Coast March 1-7 Stewart Island & Catlin’s May 10-17 Bluff Oyster Festival & Stewart Island May 20-26

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz DE HORNER

Phone: +64 6 357 2454 HOOF TRIMMER

LK105793©

FLY OR LICE problem? Electrodip – the magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides. Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness. Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t r o d i p . c o m

CONTRACTORS

Noticeboard

EARMARKERS

Great meals and accommodation, small group numbers. Contact us today for full details.

Ph: 0274 351 955 E-mail: info@southislandtoursnz.com

www.southislandtoursnz.com

Having a clear out?

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER GENUINE REDUCTION 12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

List your treasures in Farmers Weekly classifieds Phone 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Special Price

$4200

$3900 GST INCLUSIVE

Very limited stock To find out more visit

LK0105684©

ANIMAL HANDLING

LK0105732©

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

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

Noticeboard

Livestock Noticeboard DOLOMITE

WOOL

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

Independent wool brokers

List it in Farmers Weekly classifieds

EARLY MARCH DELIVERY

International

C1100 6-281

engine gaskets available.

0800 85 25 80

Ph 07 308 5299

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

2020 BORN FRIESIAN HEIFERS F12+: $1800 + GST / head F8-F11’s: $1700 + GST / head F7/Unrecorded: $1500 + GST

19-Born F8+ Friesian PTIC $2100 20-Born F8+ Friesian Autumn $1700

Phone Mark 0800 478 729 or Tracey 027 554 1841

QUALITY Feeds You Can TRUST Under Woolshed/Covered Yards Cleaning Specialist www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: • True to type Friesian Heifers, including the F8-F11 unrecorded heifers.

Please Contact North Island Luke McBride 027 304 0533 Wayne Doran 027 493 8957 South Island Richard Harley 021 765 430 Greg Collins 027 481 9772

Available in Squares & Rounds

Delivery Date – 20 July 2021

• Standard Chinese Protocol, heifers must have been on the property for a minimum of 6 months at the time of delivery. LK0105843©

LK0105719©

BARLEY & WHEAT STRAW RYE GRASS STRAW MEADOW HAY LUCERNE & MEADOW BALEAGE

EXPORT WANTED

FOR SALE

LK0105895©

43 Severn Street Pandora, Napier . 06 835 6174 . www.kellswool.co.nz.

WANTED

0800 436 566

Got something to sell?

LK0105894©

Est. 1983 Dedicated to delivering farmers the best service and best returns

NORTH & SOUTH ISLAND

PHONE TIM ON 027 443 7420 FOR MORE INFORMATION

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

✁

Phone Scott Newman Freephone 0800 2SCOTTY (0800 27 26 88) Mobile 027 26 26 27 2 scottnewman101@gmail.com

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

SHIRE® (hair) & WILTSHIRE (shedding) MEAT RAMS FOR SALE NOW!

TO THAT LK0105450©

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

Heavy duty long lasting Ph 021 047 9299

HARDY low input EASY CARE MEAT SHEEP NO FLY STRIKE, NO DAGGING, NO SHEARING, NO VACCINES, NO DIPPING NO DRENCHING SINCE 1989 Reduced work, high fertility, hardy, fast growing lambs. Stud established 1987 ALSO TUFTY® (POLLED HIGHLAND) BULLS, COWS & CALVES AVAILABLE

Certified BioGro (215) Organic since 1989. Deliver all over NZ

Phone Tim & Helen Gow 03 225 5283 www.organic-rams.co.nz • Email: tim@organic-rams.co.nz Shearing Shed used for events now!

Stay ahead of the rest Sign up to AgriHQ’s free upcoming saleyard notifications to find what’s on offer before sale day. Choose which sale yards you want to follow and find out the number and class of stock being entered at the next sale.

farmersweekly.co.nz/enewsletters

LK0105942©

FROM THIS

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PE. AIHA NE. T G KIN S. AKU WORTIHI. OHRK AREA W] O E A N A P R L SHED ONA NATI K YOUR [BOO

✁

We also clean out and remetal cattle yards – Call Us!

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 15, 2021

STOCK FOR SALE 16MTH FRSN BULLS Lines 320-380kg 2YR FRSN HERE STEERS 500kg avg

Beltex

16MTH STEERS Lines 400-480kg STOCK REQUIRED

MALE SHORN LAMBS 28-33kg FE TOLERANT

h Annual Ram Lamb Sale Fourt

BREEDING EWES

5 March 2021

‘Rangiatea’, 571 Upper Downs Rd, Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381 A Financing Solution For Your Farm E info@rdlfinance.co.nz

Purebreds (16), Suffolk Cross (30), Texel Cross (29), Cheviot Cross (10), Interbred Beltex Suffolk (6)

HIGH INDEXING JERSEY & JERSEY CROSS HERD

SALE TALK A man was walking along Mission Bay when he saw a bottle floating in the water. He waded in and picked it up. When he unscrewed the cap a genie popped out. “Gosh , am I glad to be out of that bottle. I’ve been bottled up in there for years.” He said. “I will grant you any wish you want.” The man thought for a while then said “I’ve always wanted to have a holiday in Fiji, but I hate flying as planes can crash. I can’t go by sea as I get seasick. Could you build me a bridge to Suva so I can drive there?” The genie looked at him with his mouth agape “Good God man, do you realise how deep that ocean is, how much steel and concrete that would take. Give me something easier.”

Viewing from 11am, Sale starts 1.30pm

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

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

The man thought again then said “I’ve never had any luck understanding women. Could you help me with that?” The genie looked at him and sighed. “How many lanes do you want?”

Here at Farmers Weekly we get some pretty funny contributions to our Sale Talk joke from you avid readers, and we’re keen to hear more! If you’ve got a joke you want to share with the Farming community (it must be something you’d share with your grandmother...) then email us at: saletalk@ globalhq.co.nz with Sale Talk in the subject line and we’ll print it and credit it to you. Conditions apply

For Sale

Ayrshire MA inPW calf cows and in RA calf heifers, BW 143/50 161/67 100%good selection and Autumn calvers, (in top of10both AllSpring Breeds for NZ )

• •

•

recorded, in calf to Ayrshire, Jersey and Speckle Many cows to LIC Park plus contracted some to Ayrshire AB. for 2011 matings Due to calve from 16-7-12, 6.5 weeks Jersey cows, 35, MA, milked OAD, fully recorded, AB Jersey and Kiwi cross in calf to AB due from 15 July to end of August. Estimated to be 420 cows after non All above in Northland. pregnant, culls, older cows & 5% rejection Production last seasonPW 347kgs Jersey cows, 40, BW229, 275, milkedms/cow, OAD, 1000kgs ms/ha, on rolling to steeper fully recorded, in calf to Jersey AB due from 18 contoured farm, no meal, palm kernel or maize July with most calving August. Will sell selection fed. of 30. Young replacement stock also available

Wanted to purchase

LK0105912©

Outstanding genetics & potential to be one of the countries leading of young, Genetics to Jersey cows, vettedsuppliers non pregnant, the dairy industry for years to come. Full details recorded, dried off, good money paid for April available. delivery, prefer located Waikato. Enquiries to the sole marketing agents: All enquiries to Brian Robinson 0272 410 051 Brian Robinson BRLL Email b.robinson1@xtra.co.nz PH: 0272 410051 or 07 8583132

Callum Dunnett

027 587 0131

Blair Gallagher John Tavendale 021 022 31522 027 432 1296

Simon Eddington

Hamish Gallagher 027 550 7906

0275 908 612

Ready to talk some Bull? Contact Ella: 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Beltex-Suffolk and Suffolk 2 tooth rams and ram lambs available now. Suffolk stud based mid Canterbury. Well grown top quality rams with EM and weight data. Phone Anna 021 084 38170

www.bishamptonsuffolks.co.nz

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

DISPERSAL SALE MIXED AGE COW, HEIFER CALF & BULL CALF DISPERSAL MONDAY 22nd MARCH 2021, 11am at COVENTRY STATION, MURIWAI, GISBORNE SALE CATALOGUE & VIDEO ONLINE coming soon on www.rangatiraangus.co.nz VIEWING DAY SUNDAY 21st of MARCH Between 1pm & 4pm or by appointment THROUGHOUT THE NORTH ISLAND

ALL LOTS HAVE PASSED AA INSPECTION | FREE DELIVERY & TO WELLINGTON FOR SOUTH ISLAND PURCHASERS

RARE OPPORTUNITY – TOP GENETICS ON OFFER COWS MATED TO: Kaharau Outlander 632, Kaiwara 480/14, Turiroa Maverick 945 & other Exceptional Sires. ALL COWS VETTED IN CALF TANGIHAU TOP GUN N436

“The Cream of the Crop!” Get in early – First Sons & Daughters for sale at March Dispersal Sale as Calves Tangihau Top Gun - New Zealand’s Top Priced Rising Two Year Old Bull in 2019

The sale will simultaneously be LIVE STREAMED ONLINE with remote bidding available through bidr.co.nz.

Please contact us if you would like to view the cattle or receive a sale catalogue Charlie & Susie Dowding Alastair MacPherson Phone: (06) 862 3876 Mobile: 027 475 2798 Email: cdowding@xtra.co.nz

Phone: (06) 862 8077

RANGATIRA FINAL RISING TWO YEAR OLD BULL SALE Wednesday 30 June 2021 at 9am COVENTRY STATION, MURIWAI, GISBORNE

A FREE, industry-first roadshow, coming to a town near you! Learn about the added value & increased profitability that breeding quality beef can have on your business.

Whangarei - 01/03/2021 Te Kuiti - 02/03/2021 Taupo - 02/02/2021 Wairoa - 03/03/2021 Hunterville - 04/03/2021

Feilding - 05/03/2021 Pahiatua - 05/03/2021 Gore - 09/03/2021 Timaru - 10/03/2021 Kaikoura - 11/03/2021

Registrations essential: www.whatsthebeef.co.nz

LK0105907©

• •

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

Livestock Noticeboard

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

Livestock advertising?

Triplet and twin ram lambs

LK0105897©

WILTSHIRE

Give Ella a bell: 0800 85 25 80

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 15, 2021

KIKITANGEO ROMNEY STUD STUD EWE & STUD SIRE DISPERSAL

WAIRARAPA TEXEL DEVELOPMENTS

24 February 2021 at Wellsford Saleyards Centennial Park Road, Wellsford

• For sale 2th Texel Rams

Flock10 / SIL No. 2960 Fully performance recorded and ranked from one of New Zealand’s largest registered studs.

• Terminal and Maternal sires available

Formalities start 10.30 Auction at 11.00

Ph Stu 06 862 7534

• Free transport offered

• Wairarapa Texel Developments Partnership

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

“Muscling up and meating the market”

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

• 332 2th ewes • 128 4yr ewes • 160 4th ewes • 64 5yr ewes • 165 6th ewes • 4 stud sires

Friday, 19 February 2021 1.30pm CV & VJ Matheson Wiltshire and Plant Disperal

Tallies approximate

Friday, 5 March 2021 7.30pm Southland/Otago Store Lamb Sale

Catalogues available beginning February online from the Kikitangeo website or by contacting Cam Heggie (PGG Wrightson) 027 501 8182 or Grant Palliser (PGG Wrightson) 027 590 2201.

Monday, 22 March 2021 11.00am Rangatira Angus Mixed Age Cow and Calf Dispersal Sale For more information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR

JW105703©

Thursday, 18 February 2021 7.30pm Catto Capital Stock Wiltshire Sale

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

Beef up your bull knowledge

Subscribe to our bull sales eNewsletters to receive updates with the latest results from across the country direct to your inbox.

farmersweekly.co.nz/enewsletters

Vendor: Gordon Levet 09 423 7034 www.kikitangeo.co.nz

Key: Dairy

Cattle

Sheep

Other

ANNUAL 15MNTH CATTLE SALE WAIPUNA VALLEY FARMS

MCMILLAN SHEDDING SHEEP WILTSHIRE FLOCK DISPERSAL

KING COUNTRY WILTSHIRE SALE

WILTSHIRE EWES FOR SALE - BIDR AUCTION

Friday 26th February, 12.30 Tuakau Saleyards

Thursday 18th February Te Kuiti Saleyards

Te Kuiti Saleyards

Thursday 18th February, 7.30 pm

Comprising 1050 Cattle:

Friday 19th February - 11am

Commencing at 12pm

1000 Wiltshire sheep including:

3000 Wiltshire Sheep Comprising:

Belmont Wiltshire - R&G Luscombe • 50 Mixed Aged Ewes • 300 Ewe Lambs • 20 Ram Lambs

Account - BM Catto, Gore • 650 2th Wiltshire Ewes • 500 3 and 4 shear Wiltshire Ewes For more information visit bidr.co.nz Further enquiries: Bruce Catto 027 431 7106 Paul Pearce (PGW) 027 478 5761

• 650 2th Ewes • 360 4th Ewes • 500 6th & 4 year Ewes • 420 5 year & 6 year Ewes • 900 Ewe Lambs • 100 Mixed Aged Meat Master Ewes • 20 Mixed Aged Wiltshire Rams • 1 Damara Ram • 1 Meat Master Ram This is a great opportunity to purchase captial stock with top Wiltshire genetics.

Otangiwai Shedding Sheep • 20 Ewe Lambs • 20 Ram Lambs

Further enquiries:

(0800 86 2437)

.co.nz

Cattle renowned for their shifting ability. You’re in control with

Marty Cashin 027 497 6414

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

0800 TO BIDR

Cattle in hand several days prior to sale, trucked over 2 days.

Waterfield Wiltshires • 18 Ewe Lambs - SIL Rec

purchases. Marty Cashin 027 497 6414

Farmed in large mobs on genuine hill country Heifers guaranteed empty.

Moerangi Wiltshires • 140 Ewe Lambs • 12 2th Rams

Tersana Farm • 15 Ram Lambs Plus various other lines.

We will sell them in lines to suit all

bidr.co.nz

• 150 15Mnth Ang/Ang/Here X Steers • 800 15Mnth Traditional & Exotic X Heifers • 120 2 1/2yr Traditional Heifers In conjunction with these annual draft 15 mnth hfrs, this years sale will feature a quality line of traditional steers & an opportunity to purchase short term 2 ½ yr heifers.

David Short (Vendor) 07 826 7763 Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858

For more information contact your local livestock rep or visit our website

www.pggwrightson.co.nz/go-stock

Helping grow the country

bidr® is Growing, with LOTS more to come

LK0105779©

Within the lower 1/2 of North Island, for lines of 5 or greater purchased

Sheep – as important to our foundation as to our future Timeline of Sheep In New Zealand James Cook released first ewe and ram into NZ

1834

John Bell imported 103 sheep to Mana Island to feed the whalers

1850s

Sheep farming established in NZ

1882

First export shipment of frozen sheep meat

1929

Len Daniell establishes Akoura registered Romney flock and continues to promote aerial topdressing

1961

First Golden Shears competition at Masterton

1963

“New Zealand rides on the sheep’s back”. Half of NZ’s merchandise exports come from sheep.

The “Skinny Sheep Scheme” and the Land Development Encouragement Loan Scheme cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars and most of the land has reverted back to scrub.

The latest generation Wairere ram lamb sires are available to you in February/March.

1982

Highest sheep numbers recorded at 70.3 Million

Wairere has sold 17,000 ram lambs since 1997.

1998

Sheep Improvement Limited (SIL) established

2003

Agriculture publication, Farmers Weekly launched

Wairere Romney, Composite, FE Challenger (.55 test level), Tufguy (Texel/Romney), Wairere Merino

2009

Wairere started a facial eczema resilience programme leading to the formation of the Wairere Challenger flock

19771982

2020

1967

Wairere hill country flock established, from Wairere ewes and Akoura rams

1970

Wairarapa Romney Improvement Group (WRIG) formed

2021

Government subsidies for carbon credits result in many sheep farms being sold for conversion to pine trees Wairere continues to provide the best rams to farms around NZ

Wairere rams reduce your workload. All ewe hoggets have been mated since 1966, and lambed un-shepherded. We cull heavily on dags, feet, and other basics. Easy care is key to happy sheep farming. “With windy wet lambings and potential to dry out in the summer and autumn we need sheep that can hack the pace. We have used Wairere composites for around 20 years with great results.” – Neal Vella, Central Hawke’s Bay

BOOK NOW 0800 Wairere | 0800 924 7373 North Island, Rob Stratton 027 271 0206 | South Island, Andrew Herriot 027 240 0231

Success breeds success | www.wairererams.co.nz

LK0105880©

1773

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Mel Croad

Suz Bremner

Reece Brick

Nicola Dennis

Sarah Friel

Caitlin Pemberton

Deer

Sheep

Cattle BEEF

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.00

5.20

NI lamb (17kg)

6.55

7.30

NI Stag (60kg)

5.30

5.40

8.25

NI Bull (300kg)

5.00

5.20

NI mutton (20kg)

5.00

4.95

SI Stag (60kg)

5.50

5.55

8.25

NI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.80

SI lamb (17kg)

6.40

7.30

SI Steer (300kg)

4.60

4.50

4.95

SI mutton (20kg)

5.10

5.00

4.65

SI Bull (300kg)

4.60

5.05

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.85

UK CKT lamb leg

9.90

9.91

11.39

US imported 95CL bull

7.70

7.58

7.78

US domestic 90CL cow

7.70

6.77

8.32

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

6.50

4.50

8.0

$/kg CW

9.0

South Island steer slaughter price

6.50 $/kg CW

6.0 5.0

10.0

South Island lamb slaughter price

4.50 Jun

Dairy

Aug 2020-21

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Apr 2019-20

Jun

Aug 2020-21

Prior week

Last year

2.08

2.04

2.56

37 micron ewe

30 micron lamb

2.15

1.75

$/tonne

6.50 6.00 Apr-20

Jun-20 Aug-20 Sept. 2020

Oct-20 Dec-20 Sept. 2021

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3450

3425

3360

SMP

2835

2830

2825

4140

4100

4050

Butter

3500

3460

3430

7.32

Aug 2020-21

637

627

567

2.53

Super

305

302

314

3.78

DAP

849

824

787

YTD High

YTD Low

410

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

32.14

36.21

31.09

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

6.245

9.94

6.245

405

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.09

7.99

7.03

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

7.09

7.6

6.48

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.68

4.97

4.65

The a2 Milk Company Limited

10.79

12.5

10.75

Ryman Healthcare Limited

14.95

15.99

14.5

Mainfreight Limited

68.02

69.98

64.85

385

Contact Energy Limited

7.59

11.16

7.59

380

Infratil Limited

7.5

7.9

7.12

400 395 390

Mar-20

May-20

Jul-20

Sep-20

Nov-20

Jan-21

395 390

380

Jan-20

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Mar-20

May-20

Jul-20

Sep-20

Nov-20

Jan-21

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3600

400

3500 $/tonne

350

3400 3300

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

385

7.10

Fertiliser Urea

400

* price as at close of business on Thursday

3200

Jun

Last year

405

$/tonne

AMF

7.33

Apr 2019-20

Prior week

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

Last price*

Milk Price

Feb

Company

Jan-20

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Dec

Last week

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

7.00

Feb-20

Oct

FERTILISER Last week

7.50

$/kg MS

Feb

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

5.50

7.0

5-yr ave

Coarse xbred ind. Apr

8.0

5.0

(NZ$/kg)

2019-20

9.0

6.0

WOOL

5.00

Feb

South Island stag slaughter price

11.0

5.50

Dec

7.0

5.0

5-yr ave

8.0

6.0

6.00

Oct

9.0

7.0

5.00

Last year

10.0

$/kg CW

5.50

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.0

8.0

5.0

4.00

US$/t

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

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

William Hickson

Ingrid Usherwood

300

Listed Agri Shares

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.187

0.195

0.161

The a2 Milk Company Limited

10.79

12.5

10.75

Comvita Limited

3.36

3.48

3.1

Delegat Group Limited

14.21

15.4

13.75

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.68

4.35

Foley Wines Limited

2.05

1.89

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.9

0.81

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.59

0.44

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.56

1.72

1.49

PGG Wrightson Limited

3.3

3.65

3.25

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.53

0.61

0.495

Sanford Limited (NS)

4.84

5.23

4.65

Scales Corporation Limited

4.92

5.09

4.82

Seeka Limited

4.67

4.9

4.66

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

4.33

5.24

4.3

T&G Global Limited

2.98

2.9

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

14946

15491

14833

S&P/NZX 50 Index

12761

13558

12761

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12667

13978

12667

250 Feb

Mar Apr Latest price

May

Jun 4 weeks ago

Jul

200

Jan-20

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Mar-20

May-20

Jul-20

Sep-20

Nov-20

Jan-21

YTD Low

14946

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12761

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

12667

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview This week kicks off with low pressure in the subtropics moving into the upper North Island, but at the time this forecast was written, the jury was still out on just how far south this rain might penetrate. The reason? Stubborn high pressure which, over the past two years, has become the new default weather pattern. This high pressure belt dominating New Zealand keeps ‘shutting down’ rain events from the north. This week it’s a 50:50 tug of war between heavy rain and completely dry. The Far North, Northland and Hawke’s Bay perhaps have the better chances for wet weather. Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula are more borderline. High pressure dominates the lower South Island this week.

Beef prices lean high and low

11/02/2021

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Wind With powerful high pressure this week in southern NZ and a lot of low pressure north of NZ, this setup is ripe for producing windy east to northeast winds. NZ will likely have that off and on for the next two weeks.

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature Last week the nights were below average a number of times, this week we see more warmer than average weather overnight thanks to an uptick in airflows out of the subtropics (or easterlies). By day, most places are average to above-average.

14-day outlook

7-day rainfall forecast

The middle of February is often when NZ’s weather is at its most settled. High pressure dominates southern NZ this week, while low pressure from the subtropics and tropics flirts with northern NZ. It may be windy, but dry, for many in the middle and out to the west. Next week looks remarkably similar with more high pressure dominating southern NZ, while weak lows remain stuck just north of NZ in the subtropics, encouraging higher humidity, clouds and easterlies.

All eyes are on this belt of low pressure north of NZ, both this week and next. Rainfall chances increase the further north you go. However, if this rain doesn’t eventuate some places are looking at droughts quickly expanding. We’re monitoring it closely.

100

200

400

It’s all about the low pressure north of NZ this week. It will produce rain and showers – the big question is, how far south will it penetrate? RuralWeather.co.nz has the most accurate rain forecast data in NZ, and this week is one of those weeks where you’ll want to be checking it regularly, because there is uncertainty about how far south the rain can go, making some farming areas borderline. The South Island looks drier than average this week, but Northland may finally lean wetter.

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

Nicola Dennis nicola.dennis@globalhq.co.nz

RICES in the US imported manufacturing beef market typically strengthen at this time of year, as New Zealand supplies dwindle and US buyers look to start securing lean NZ beef for their peak consumption period. That said, prices are particularly heated this time around, due to a lack of competing supply from Australia and South America. Last week, the AgriHQ 95CL bull beef indicator price hit a record-high for early February, strengthening to US$2.54/lb. The 90CL cow indicator has also lifted, pushing up to US$2.32/lb and showing further upward potential. Despite a strong US market, current cattle slaughter indicators are 30-45c/kg below the five-year average, a fact that is no small frustration for farmers. Let’s explore a few factors that are driving the disconnect between the export market and the farm gate price. Firstly, the high NZ dollar erodes a lot of the gains made in the US market. If the NZD was at $0.64 USD, as it was this time last year, then the current US export returns would be nearly NZ$1/kg higher than this time last year. But with the NZD up around $0.72 USD, we are actually only looking at a NZ 15c/kg improvement on last year’s level. Secondly, the US imported manufacturing market is the only beef market that is showing this level of enthusiasm. Exporters are reporting static prices for other beef products such as prime trimmings and offal products throughout the export markets. While the majority of a bull or cow carcass (50-60%) can be sold to an eager US market as 95CL or 90CL respectively, there are still steak cuts and co-products that need to be placed elsewhere. The lack of restaurant trade remains a hindrance for items such as bull and cow tenderloins. In fact, some international customers that have bought these items are attempting to defer their orders, which

suggests a lack of confidence in the near term. Thirdly, the hot US market is a relatively new development, beginning its firm rally in mid-January. Even in the best of situations, it is typical to see a 4-6 week lag before export sales filter through to farm gate prices. At the moment, processors are busy filling orders that were made at previous pricing. If the current US prices persist for a few more weeks, then it is likely that this will be reflected in farm gate prices if there isn’t an oversupply of slaughter stock. Fourthly, the pandemic has severely impacted international shipping options. This situation is showing signs of further deterioration, with NZ ports defending their supplies of empty refrigerated containers. While selling beef is not an issue, getting it off shore is a growing concern which processors are managing by keeping a closer eye on the size of their kill. Thankfully, the need to bring in “no kill days” has been fairly limited at this point, but this dampens some of the usual procurement enthusiasm from processors. Finally, there is also the issue of domestic supply, which has been generous. Until very recently, there has been no shortage of cattle booked for processing. The latest slaughter statistics (current to January 16) show that, for the seasonto-date, the NZ cattle kill was 13%, or 84,475hd, higher than the same period last season. In recent weeks, the cattle kill appears to have slowed down to a more typical level, which may allow for some procurement pressure to build. However, the timing of the dairy cow cull will be the major influencer of cattle supply, and therefore beef prices, in the coming weeks. Good dairy returns may keep cull dairy cows on-farm for longer this season. In the short-term, that could provide some upside to beef prices, but the dairy cattle will hit the system at some point prior to winter causing inevitable issues with cattle slaughter space. On an optimistic note, given that beef farm gate prices are already depressed, the effects of a cattle backlog later in the season may be less severe than usual.

Good feed conditions lifting South Island livestock markets Positive feed conditions are generating confidence among South Island farmers, which is flowing through to a rising livestock market.

or bank surplus feed in the haybarn for supplementary use later in the season.

“Based on that confidence, demand at the South Island on-farm lamb sales is strong. PGG Wrightson South Island Buyers at these sales are determined, and Livestock Manager Shane the market is rising. Store lamb sale prices Gerken says plenty of rain in late have increased 40 cents, from between December and early January has $2.70 to $2.80 per kilogram pre-Christmas given farmers a bonus. to between $3.10 and $3.30 per kilogram in early February,” he says. “With the weather we had over Christmas, especially in South Canterbury, North and South Island ewe fairs for the year began in East Otago and Southland, where moisture late January with two tooth sales at Temuka was sorely needed, farmers throughout the and Lorneville. Border Leicester-Romneys South Island benefited from feed conditions topped the sales, with the best pens at improving out of sight. After the rains, parts Lorneville making $312 and Temuka $302 of Canterbury are starting to dry out again, per head. For the general run of two tooths, as is normal for this time of year. Many prices ranged from $220 to $260. farmers are motivated either to buy store Meanwhile, although venison sales are stock to capitalise on the excellent growth,

severely impacted by the Covid-induced global closure of restaurants, deer famers remain upbeat. “Recent South Island stag sales have been well attended by good galleries of buyers. Although average prices are back slightly on last year, clearance rates in those sales have been encouraging. Evidently, deer farmers have sufficient confidence to invest in the genetics they require to continue improving their herds, and capitalise once the venison schedule rebounds. Velvet sales by volume increasing 20 per cent this season, and likely to rise further as Asian cultures place ever greater value on the product’s capacity to boost immune function, is also positive news for deer farmers, and another factor in their underlying confidence,” says Shane Gerken.

SALE YARD WRAP

Short week keeps it quiet There wasn’t a lot of action in the yards last week. Apart from the backend of the dairy-beef weaners and the Dannevirke steer fair, it’s mostly been bits and pieces put to the market. The good news is prices have mainly stabilised where quality isn’t an issue. NORTHLAND Kaikohe sale • R3 Devon-cross bulls earned $2.45/kg • R2 beef-cross steers fetched $2.70-$2.80/kg • Weaner Angus-Friesian and whiteface heifers, 100kg, made $350$420 • Boner cows fetched $1.20/kg to $1.40/kg There were around 250 cattle on offer at KAIKOHE last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. The market was tough and there was a limited number of R3 steers which sold at $2.40-$2.50/kg and nice whiteface heifers at $2.30/kg to $2.42/kg. Wellsford dairy beef weaner bull and steer fair 10.2 • Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian steers, 233-251kg, improved to $765-$800 • Angus-Friesian steers, 173-196kg lifted to $550-$625 • Hereford-Friesian steers, 126-145kg, strengthened to $580-$620 • A line of Friesian bulls, 155kg, were steady at $460 WELLSFORD kicked of the dairy beef weaner fairs last Wednesday with a total yarding of 909 steers and bulls. Steers were well sought though bulls were harder work. Autumn-born Simmental-Friesian steers, 265kg, sold well at $810 while 185-212kg Friesian bulls traded at a softer $520-$580. Spring weaners filled 50% of the pens. Hereforddairy, 119-128kg, fetched $440-$470 and 114-209kg Murray Grey-Friesian were $470-$670. Friesian bulls were discounted and most 111-166kg eased to $300-$400. Read more in your LivestockEye. Wellsford dairy beef weaner heifer fair 11.2 • Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian and Angus-Friesian heifers, 202214kg, fetched $600-$640 • Angus-Friesian heifers, 124-170kg, strengthened to $425-$520 • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 124-147kg, were mainly $430-$475 Weaner heifers tallied 404 head at WELLSFORD last Thursday. The sale gained momentum as it progressed with both vendors and buyers more than satisfied at sale end. In the autumn-born pens heavier beef-cross and exotic-cross, 280-322kg, traded at $730-$760 and Red Devon-Friesian, 240-284kg, managed $660-$720. Weaner Hereford-dairy, 102-141kg, held at $335-$425. Read more in your LivestockEye.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Murray Grey steers, 470kg, made $2.51/kg • Prime Charolais-cross heifers, 574kg, reached $2.60/kg • Heavy ewes sold up to $180 Tuakau drew a small yarding of 250 store cattle last week, Carrfields Livestock agent Karl Chitham reported. Anguscross steers, 407kg, made $2.55/kg with 366kg Friesian at $2.34/kg and 258kg Hereford-Friesian, $745. Friesian bulls, 414kg, traded at $870 and weaner Friesian bulls, 137kg, $340. Heifers included 400kg Hereford-Friesian, which made $2.45/kg and 378kg Hereford-Friesian, $2.55/ kg. Medium-heavy prime steers traded at $2.50-$2.60/kg on Wednesday. Most heavy heifers returned $2.50-$2.56/ kg and Medium, 400-460kg, $2.40-$2.50/kg. Good Friesian cows, 500kg-plus, earned $1.45/kg to $1.70/kg. Prime lambs sold up to $148 on Tuesday, with the balance at $124-$135. Forward stores returned $71-$77 and light $50-$63. Ewes sold strongly with tops at $180 and medium-good $120$150.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle 9.2 • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 365-418kg, eased to $2.30-$2.40/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 340kg, managed $2.32/kg • Friesian boner cows, 557-597kg, held at $1.57-$1.62/kg A smaller yarding was penned last Tuesday by PGG Wrightson at FRANKTON, with store cattle numbering just 103 head. Quality was varied throughout the offering. R2 cattle numbers were limited. A handful of weaner steers were presented with six 155kg Hereford-Friesian making $505 while 100-145kg Angus-Friesian varied from $210 to $330. Boner cows made up the lion’s share of the prime section where 486-534kg Friesian held at $1.48-$1.56/kg. The better dairy-beef steers, 483-701kg, were consistent at

$2.55-$2.65/kg, while red factor lines traded at $2.40-$2.44/ kg. Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers, 442-531kg, also held at $2.40-$2.50/kg. Frankton cattle 10.2 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 121-141kg, fetched $395-$475 • Autumn calving R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 458-514kg, made $1330-$1400 • Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 526-650kg, held at $2.45-$2.57/kg Just 245 store cattle were penned at FRANKTON last Wednesday by New Zealand Farmers Livestock. Weaners made up over 60% of the offering. A smattering of R2 steers were presented and most, 266-445kg, traded at $2.35-$2.41/ kg. Ten Simmental-cross heifers, 357kg, returned $2.55/kg. Weaner Hereford-dairy heifers and bulls, 126-130kg, returned $300-$355. Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 118133kg managed $480-$520, while 117-131kg Friesian bulls made $328-$335. Specially advertised autumn calving R2 red Hereford-Friesian heifers, 415-472kg, returned $1080$1170. Prime beef-dairy heifers, 481-539kg, sold for $2.34-$2.46/ kg. Crossbred boner cows, 397-551kg, softened to $1.23$1.36/kg.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Prime Hereford bulls, 706kg, sold for $2.79/kg • Prime in-calf Hereford-Friesian heifers, 507kg, traded at $2.33/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 487kg, made $2.64/kg Nearly all classes of stock were represented at RANGIURU last Tuesday. R3 cattle sold well with 443-523kg typically $2.43-$2.48/kg across the steers and heifers. R2’s were either Angus-Friesian or Hereford-Friesian and returned $2.40-$2.51/kg on the 400kg plus steers and $2.27$2.41/kg on 295-433kg heifers. The weaner section was topped by 160 Hereford-Friesian heifers that sold for $430, while 130-148kg Friesian bulls returned $310-$400. Read more in your LivestockEye.

KING COUNTRY Te Kuiti sale • R3 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 503-528kg, made $2.44-$2.46/kg • Five-year Romdale ewes traded at $136-$155 There was just a small yarding of approximately 180 cattle at TE KUITI last Friday. R3 Simmental-cross steers, 472kg, made $2.89/kg, with Angus and dairy-beef around $2.40/kg to $2.60/kg. In the sheep pens, a farm sale meant most ewes came from one vendor. Two-tooth Romdale ewes made $162-$165 with four-tooth ewes at $172.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Heavy mixed-sex lambs firmed to $126- $156 • Four-tooth Romney breeding ewes sold to $177 • Prime 2-tooth ewes made $140-$143 • Prime ewes strengthened with heavy types at $157-$175, medium $130-$140 and light $109 There were around 1200 store lambs on offer at MATAWHERO last Friday and heavy male lambs sold to $96.50-$105, with medium types at $71-$84.50. Ewe lambs typically earned $91 with lesser types at $69. The top end of the store ewes were Romney at $115-$130, with the balance around $60-$83. Heavy prime lambs held at $145-$152, while medium strengthened to $120-$135 and light $103$120. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • R3 Angus-Friesian heifers, 371kg, made $2.61/kg • R2 Speckle Park-cross steers, 360kg, sold well at $2.94/kg • R2 purebred Hereford heifers, 286kg, achieved $2.97/kg • Prime heifers improved to $2.47-$2.53/kg Values were more consistent than recent weeks at the TARANAKI cattle fair last Wednesday. The top end of the R3 dairy-beef steers improved to $2.66-$2.75/kg, with R3 heifers mostly $2.37-$2.46/kg. R2 dairy-beef and exoticcross heifers were mostly steady around the $2.40-$2.50/kg mark.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • 26 2-tooth Wiltshire ewes reached $250 • R3 Hereford-beef bulls, 430-519kg, held at $2.57-$2.60/kg • R2 Simmental-cross bulls, 376-434kg, returned $2.74-$2.75/kg • R2 Pitt Island South Devon-cross heifers, 257-309kg, sold for $2.20-$2.26/kg Monday sheep were included in the Wednesday sale at STORTFORD LODGE, though tallied up to just 393. A small offering of mixed-sex lambs ranged from $75 to $102 and 53 ram lambs made $90. Prime ewes varied from $85 to $142. Red cattle featured prominently in the pens as consignments from Pitt Island and local ventured in. R3 Hereford-beef heifers, 413kg, sold for $2.30/kg and a pen of R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 483kg, returned $2.75/kg. Heifers of same breed and 456kg made $2.27/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Dannevirke 2.5-year and 18-month steer fair • Trucked weighed R3 Angus steers, 615-690kg, made $2.58-$2.69/ kg • Trucked weighed R2 Angus steers, 500-530kg, were $2.73-$2.81/ kg • Trucked weighed R2 traditional steers, 425kg, made $2.90-$2.93/ kg Interest was strong for the 950 mainly traditional steers yarded at the annual DANNEVIRKE 2.5-year and 18-month steer fair. The R3’s were all Angus, with the top cut making $1800, other better lines at $1560-$1700 and the others $1400-$1485. Traditional R2 steers averaged $70 more than last year. Top R2 lines were $1405-$1470, the mid-range made $1210-$1315, with the remainders selling for $1020$1140.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Prime Hereford bulls, 637kg, earned $2.67/kg • High yielding steers and heifers generally returned $2.45-$2.52/ kg Even though the sale was shifted accommodate the Waitangi Day break there was no drop off in lamb volume at FEILDING last Tuesday. Heavy lambs earned $130$146 with the remainder either in good or medium-good condition and fetching $103-$128. A few ewes pushed to $165 while although medium lines made up the bulk of the yarding and sold for $115-$150 with lighter pens mostly $99-$110. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store sale and supplementary ewe fair • Mixed-age Angus cows with calves-at-foot made $1570 • Traditional R2 steers, 420-510kg, made $2.75-$2.85/kg • Four-year to six-year ewes were mainly $130-$160 • Top Romney two-tooth ewes made $228-$236 • Store lambs averaged $92 The 700 store cattle at FEILDING sold for similar or a little softer money than the week prior. Run-with-bull Angus cows, 455-510kg, made $1070-$1130. R3 Angus steers, 570kg, were $2.85/kg while 490-520kg R2 Simmental and South Devon-cross steers went for $2.65-$2.70/kg. Traditional and exotic-cross R2 heifers, 365-445kg, were all $2.50-$2.60/kg whereas clean-marked 320-370kg HerefordFriesian sold for $2.35-$2.50/kg. Around 6000 ewes were yarded as part of the supplementary ewe fair. Good-quality lines sold well, but lower-quality types were hard moving at times. Good two-tooths were $193-$236. A few top lines of older ewes were up at $180-$191, but the mid-range was $140-$155, with a number of still reasonable-quality lines down at $125-$130. It was a decent sale for the 5000 lambs. Good males were $100-$110, mediums $90-$100, and lights $70-$80. Medium ewe lambs were $80-$90. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rongotea sale • R3 jersey bulls, 503kg, made $2.29/kg • R3 Friesian heifers, 462kg, earned $2.22/kg • Weaner Murray Grey-cross steers, 120kg, made $350 There was a large number of dairy-beef weaners from the South Island at RONGOTEA last Tuesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 117-168kg made $355-$480 with

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021

ALL SMILES: Ken Fergusson takes in the scene at a recent Balclutha sheep sale. Photo: Natwick

same breed heifers, 106-120kg, at $270-$430. The first autumn-born feeder calves were on offer and HerefordFriesian and White Galloway-cross heifers made $150-$195.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • Prime Charolais steers, 540-710kg, mainly made $2.60-$2.66/kg • High yielding traditional steers over 520kg fetched $2.50-$2.60/kg • The top prime lambs made $147-$168 with the majority $111$144 Decent store cattle were popular at CANTERBURY PARK last Wednesday. Pens of R2 Angus steers, 338-394kg, were regularly $2.74-$2.79/kg, while 339-380kg HerefordFriesian made $2.43-$2.55/kg. Better pens of R2 HerefordFriesian heifers sat at $2.22-$2.26/kg but lesser dairy-beef pens often made $1.95/kg to $2.14/kg. Mixed-sex Angus & Angus-Hereford weaners fetched $500-$550 followed by some 169kg Hereford-Friesian heifers at $425. Prime heifers were mostly 400-500kg dairy-beef types in the $2.30-$2.39/ kg range with the odd traditional pen stretching a little further to $2.42-$2.44/kg. Heavy ewes made $174-$235 while medium to good lines traded at $109-$148. Read more in your LivestockEye. Coalgate cattle and sheep • Prime steers, heifers, and bulls over 500kg earned $2.34/kg to $2.49/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 331kg, made $2.25/kg • R2 Charolais heifers, 357kg, fetched $2.55/kg The store lamb section at COALGATE last Thursday had a similar feel to the previous week and most pens attracted bids of $82-$108. The majority of the prime lambs earned $110-$147 while the best pens stretched to $166. The top ewes made $200-$270, and a good appetite for medium and heavy pens resulted in prices of $130-$196. Most lighter ewes were $95-$127. Hereford-Friesian was the dominant type in the store cattle pens, and many 298-343kg R2 heifers made $1.75-$1.85/kg. Weaners sold well for what they were

and $420-$500 encompassed all of the 164-235kg pens of Murray Grey, Hereford-Friesian and Angus-Hereford on offer. Read more in your LivestockEye. Lake Station partnership sale, Hawarden • Store lambs made $72-$110 • Romdale ewes averaged $152 The Lake Station Partnership sale featured 7,000 October-born Romdale and Romney-Texel lambs from a single vendor. A larger 1,700 prime lambs were offered this season. Top end prime lambs fetched $139-$144, and the balance $112-$123. Store lambs were high-country lambs in excellent condition and were well contested by local Canterbury buyers. There were 1,650 Romdale ewes offered which were sold to North Canterbury and Marlborough buyers. Four-year ewes sold for $167 on average, while the older 5-year and 6-year ewes averaged $161 and $147, respectively. A line of 35 mixed sex R2 Hereford Charolaiscross cattle were predominantly heifers left over from last year’s weaning draft and weighed in at 270kg and fetched $680, $2.50/kg. 26th Annual Rollesby Valley on-farm lamb sale • Medium halfbred wether lambs earned $91-96 • Dorper-cross mixed-sex lambs returned $89-$126 • Heavy black-face males realised $122-$145 There were over 20,000 lambs on offer at the 26th Annual Rollesby Valley sale last Thursday. Prices were stronger than last year’s sale with buyers from as far away as Southland looking to secure quality lambs. Undrafted medium halfbred lambs sold for $91-96. Undrafted mixed-sex blackface lambs sold for $96-136. All ewe lambs traded at $85$110. There was a selection of 5-shear ewes available which earned $155-$160.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka Prime cattle and all sheep • Traditional bulls, 552-738kg, achieved $2.53-$2.61/kg

• Prime steers over 500kg earned $2.34-$2.44/kg Many of the store lambs were in very forward condition at TEMUKA last Tuesday with the heaviest pen selling for $141. A level of $110-$129 was more typical of the heavy pens while medium and lighter types earned $74-$106. The prime lamb offering was a decent size and $140-$161 tidied up most the heavy types with most of others $110$138. Light ewes proved particularly popular and reached $120-$139, followed by medium to good types that made $140-$170 and heavy pens $180-$212. Nearly all heifers, 488-600kg, were priced at $2.30-$2.40/kg regardless of breed. Cows were nearly all dairy types with heavy Friesian $1.70-1.80/kg and mediums usually $1.50-$1.60/kg. Read more in your Livestock Eye. Temuka weaner fair • Well-bred pens over 180kg were generally $495-$540 • Weaner Speckle Park steers, 135kg, made $500 Over 2000 dairy-beef calves graced the pens at TEMUKA last Thursday. Hereford-Friesian dominated both the steer and heifer sections. Of this breed 125-155kg steers made $420-$470, while heifers in the same weight band were available in larger numbers, usually making $400-$460. Hereford-Friesian bulls generally matched equivalent steers. Friesian bulls were mostly $300-$330 at 100-130kg, with 140-175kg mainly $390-$440. Read more in your LivestockEye.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep • Heavy prime ewes made $130-$160, medium $110-$125 and light $60-$90 • Prime rams earned $80 There was a good yarding of prime lambs at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday. Heavy lambs firmed to $125-$150 with medium $120-$130 and light $100-$110. The top end of the store lambs made $90-$99 with medium $80-$85 and light $70.

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Markets

56 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 15, 2021 SI MUTTON

NI BULL

NI LAMB

($/KG)

5.10

5.00

TOP R3 ANGUS STEERS AT DANNEVIRKE STEER FAIR ($/HD LW)

6.55

1800

$120-$141 high $2.97 Heavy mixed-sex store Hereford heifers, lights R2 286kg, at Taranaki Cattle lambs at Temuka Fair

Fertiliser prices jump Gerald Piddock

gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz

NTERNATIONAL demand has pushed up the price of fertiliser, with both Ballance and Ravensdown announcing price lifts this month. Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) suffered the largest price hike with both companies raising its price by $50 per tonne. Ravensdown general manager of supply Mike Whitty says while prices had lifted, it had come off a low base in 2020 due to lower freight rates and soft demand. Internationally, crop prices were strong on the back of good climatic conditions and last year that had driven demand in the US, Brazil, India and Europe. He says that demand meant people had to take positions and plan accordingly and demand had been squeezed. Environmental pressures were also playing a factor, putting constraints on fertiliser producers. “As a result of that, you get a spike and it’s going extremely bullish at the moment,” Whitty said. Urea prices had climbed US$100 from US$260/t in the last quarter of 2020. DAP prices have lifted from around US$300/t to US$450, and sulphur prices have doubled in the past six months. Potash prices were also starting to lift due to demand. He says this had pushed up prices in the New Zealand market. “We will see price increases particularly around nitrogen and phosphates – the DAP-type of products,” he said. On February 10, it told farmers of the price lift in an email. N-Protect and urea had gone up $20 to $694/t and $639/t respectively, DAP had lifted by $50 to $849, and KCL and superphosphate had lifted $5 to $682 and $304 respectively. Those increases do not include shipping costs. Whitty says 90% of their

STEP UP A

CLAAS

ACROSS THE RAILS SARAH FRIEL

Quality on offer at Dannevirke steer sale

PRICE HIKE: Both Ballance and Ravensdown have announced increases in the price of fertiliser.

We will see price increases particularly around nitrogen and phosphates – the DAP-type of products. Mike Whitty Ravensdown product comes into NZ on bulk vessels rather than containers and are ordered well in advance. As a result, he says, imports were not as badly affected by many of the global shipping issues affecting container ships. Similarly, Ballance general manager of sales Jason Minkhorst says global prices for DAP and urea have been steadily climbing since June 2020 and are still increasing. “Commodities go through cyclical trends, and we are in the midst of an

increasing trend. For most products, while they are high in comparison to the last year or two, they are by no means at their highest price,” Minkhorst said. DAP was coming off a decade of low pricing in 2020. Low pricing in 2020 was due to uncertainty around the impact of covid-19 on global food production. Minkhorst says prices started to increase in mid-2020 when buyers got more confidence that food production would be unaffected. Global demand for urea was being driven by high corn production out of the US and Brazil, and there are supply constraints out of China due to the high coal price used to manufacture product and lack of gas supply. Ballance had responded by lifting its DAP price along with Sulphurgain Pure by $50/t to $849 and $600, respectively, in a message to all of its shareholders sent out on February 2. Urea, SustaiN and PhasedN had increased by $15, and Superten, Serpentine Super and Sulphurgain Super 30S were up by $5/t.

EARLY ORDER

SO FAR this year, store cattle trading has been a subdued affair. Low volumes of stock have moved through sale yards across the country and wellbred, traditional cattle were few and far between, as most farmers were comfortable with feed levels. Dannevirke offered the antidote to a slow market with an exciting and fast-paced 18-month and two-and-a-half-year-old steer sale on Thursday. The annual sale offered just under 1000 cattle, who were easily absorbed by a discerning pool of buyers. Due to the rostrum being out of order, cattle were sold over the rails. A warm summer’s day and enthusiastic bidding gave the sale a convivial vibe, and as local buyers rubbed shoulders with those from Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Manawatu, it felt more like a block party than a business outing. The venue and volume of cattle were not the only unique aspects of the sale. Additionally, the quality and breeding on offer outstripped that of recent sales with the majority of the stock consisting of straight, home-bred Angus steers. A handful of Hereford and cross-bred lines were dotted throughout the R2 section and matched their Angus counterparts in quality. The size of lines was also notable, as buyers had the exciting opportunity to secure up to 66 stylish steers in one go. Anyone hazarding a guess at prices based on earlier sales would have undoubtedly undervalued the stock. The above factors triggered determined and fast-paced bidding from the rails, with R3 and R2 lines shifting for $1400-$1800 and $1020-$1470 respectively. These price brackets are over and above what was achieved on traditional lines at Feilding last week, as well as Dannevirke’s sale in 2020. So, is this a turn of the tide in the cattle store market? Probably not given the time of year, but it does reaffirm the value of and competition over high-class, traditional stock. With a good representation of annual lines in the mix, Thursday’s sale was an encouraging example of what can be achieved when good breeding and reliable cattle guide farm practice. sarah.friel@globalhq.co.nz

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Farmers Weekly NZ February 15 2021

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Sector wary of RMA reform