Farmers Weekly NZ August 15 2022 by AgriHQ

23 Baffling backflip on carbon farming Vol 20 No 31, August 15, 2022

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$400m in export pain Neal Wallace, Richard Rennie & Gerald Piddock

HREE of New Zealand’s leading export sectors have together forsaken an estimated $400 million of potential export revenue due to last season’s labour shortages and sickness. Official figures have not been released, but industry sources said the meat industry lost more than $100m in unrealised revenue, and the kiwifruit sector reported a 170 million-tray harvest, well down on initial estimates of 190 millionplus. The 20 million-tray gap between estimate and actual harvest represents a loss to the sector of almost $200m in export earnings, in part due to intensive fruit thinning by growers amid fears they would not have the pickers for a heavy crop. Meanwhile there are reports of fruit quality issues from last season’s crop, some due to orchard practices and picking methods related to staff shortages. The apple sector has reported a 12% decline in its harvest compared with last year, equivalent to three million fewer cartons, which equates to $100m in lost export income for growers. The decline has been attributed partly to weather but also to staff shortages and covid at peak harvest times. The loss to the meat sector is due to not having staff to process cuts to desired specifications and having to forgo sellable product.

Beef has been the worst affected, with some estimates saying that $60 a head of revenue has been forgone. Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said an official analysis has not been done, but she believes the $100m estimate is plausible given that the sector is 2500 workers short. She said companies focused on keeping chains operating at the expense of further processing and product recovery. The country’s two largest meat companies are warning farmers to prepare for another prolonged season plagued by labour shortages and shipping disruptions. A loosening of migrant rules will help, but they represent only 5% of the sector’s 25,000 workforce. Meat companies fear staff availability could worsen in the coming season as borders reopen and people resume travelling. “Competition for labour was and will be for the foreseeable future an issue for the whole primary sector,” said Silver Fern Farms chief executive Simon Limmer. Alliance manufacturing manager Willie Wiese concurs. “We’re expecting another difficult season with labour requirements, especially from November to June,” Wiese said. Companies have invested in automation and are looking to enhance employment conditions and opportunities for their existing workforce but Wiese said these measures will not fully compensate for staff shortages.

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We’re expecting another difficult season with labour requirements, especially from November to June. Willie Wiese Alliance He said a $600 referral incentive scheme was introduced last season, the minimum wage has been lifted to $24.50 /hr and a 2% wage rise is being negotiated as part of the collective agreement. “We are doing a number of things to retain and attract staff,

but it won’t be enough and we need to do more.” Limmer said a loosening of immigration settings offers a partial fix. The company is also looking at employment settings and how to incentivise careers with seasons likely to be longer. Because plants are primarily situated in regional areas, Limmer said, the company is building accommodation for migrant and transient staff. Speaking at the recent Primary Industries of NZ Summit in Auckland, Kotahi chief executive David Ross said global disruption will continue to affect NZ trade. One of the key shipping measures is global schedule integrity – how often container ships are arriving and departing

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on time against their published schedule. At present it is sitting at about 35%, which means two out of three ships globally are not on time. The metric has been as low as 30% before, but is usually at 80%. It means ships are losing capacity because they cannot complete as many cycles as they usually would. In some of NZ’s trade lanes, 25%-30% of the capacity disappears due to the ship being in a traffic jam, Ross said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Sir Peter pushes for GE review Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE constitutional tool that broke Ireland’s deadlock on abortion law could yet bring about a change in New Zealand’s genetic technology regulations. Pre-eminent professor and scientist Sir Peter Gluckman is leading the push for a citizens’ assembly to decide whether NZ should revisit its genetic technology regulations. Sir Peter was the first chief science adviser to the prime minister, for John Key. Rules around genetic technology became an election issue more than 20 years ago, prompting a Royal Commission and a “proceed with caution” approach from the government. However, little research has been done in NZ since, due to the expense and restrictions that NZ’s ensuing regulations on genetic engineering or genetic modification brought with them. Sir Peter, a longtime critic of NZ’s regulations, said he is using his role as founder and director of Koi Tū, the Centre for Informed Futures, to push for an assembly on an issue he said is too important to be left to politicians to decide. A recent survey conducted by Christchurch company Research First highlights that the majority of New Zealanders are either comfortable or neutral about gene editing being used in healthcare and farm production. That support ranges from 48% support to use GE to speed up plant genetic gain, to 62% to protect

native taonga species. Those saying they are neutral range from 27%-36%, with opposed ranging from 8%-28%. “That higher acceptance rate does not surprise me at all,” Sir Peter said. “In the early days there was some hesitancy about the new technology, but in 30 years of experience with it we have had no catastrophes. Any hype about the lack of safety is long gone.” He said this is reinforced by the irony that much of NZ food now has GE modified ingredients in it, whether it is the rennet in cheese or the soy component of chicken feed. “The issues are long gone and what remains is politics.” A citizens’ assembly would remove the politics by recruiting a cross-section of the public to study the issue, almost in a jury-type arrangement, presided over by a pre-eminent judge who would request expert opinion on the matter as required. Sir Peter is seeking out more interested parties to see if it would be possible to raise the estimated $2 million required to run an assembly, hopefully in 2024. Koi Tū, based at the University of Auckland, aims to incorporate thinking from across disciplines to deal with areas of national and global concern. Its backers are a who’s who of NZ philanthropists, including the Tindall Foundation, the Rank Group and the David Levene Foundation. As a small-scale dry run, Koi Tū is hosting a citizens’ assembly over August and September in Auckland trialling the process.

LIMITED: Sir Peter Gluckman has long lamented that NZ’s strict GE regulations limit farmers’ ability to source new tools for environmental management and improved productivity.

We regulate GE more tightly than we regulate nuclear power. Sir Peter Gluckman Koi Tū director It involves 40 Aucklanders, considering the issue “What will Auckland’s next water source be?” A GE assembly could involve 100 citizens who represent NZ’s population profile. They would ultimately vote on whether to make changes to the GE regulations or not. Sir Peter said an assembly differs from a referendum, removing any political element from the debate and the risk that minority groups could hijack that debate with misinformation. In Ireland, the assembly was asked whether or not to replace the eighth amendment banning abortion in almost all circumstances. This was the first time since 1983 that citizens had a say on the divisive topic.

After consultation and deliberation, they decided overwhelmingly that the provision on abortion was not fit for purpose. Sir Peter said NZ’s GE regulations, while ostensibly allowing GE trials here, are strongly focused on the technology rather than the outcome. “We regulate GE more tightly than we regulate nuclear power,” he said. His efforts to push for reform in the regulations are shared by Dr William Rolleston, co-founder of biotech company South Pacific Sera, and chair of the Life Sciences Network. Rolleston has long advocated for more open GE regulations, particularly in light of editing technology that enables specific changes to gene sequences. “Genetic technology was a divisive, political issue early on, but it is much less so now. Society has seen the value of science through covid-19 vaccinations and how only a vocal minority keep trying to push a narrative to create misinformation,” Rolleston said.

Minister for the Environment David Parker told Farmers Weekly that the government is not considering any amendment to regulations on field testing or the release of genetically modified organisms, or research on heritable cells. It is, however, considering what practical improvements could be made to regulations on research, particularly for medical/human health purposes. But Sir Peter lambasted this. “That does not deal with the issues. We have been using GE modified hormones for diabetes for a long time, and all hepatitis vaccines have been GE for years. It is a cop-out.” Rolleston accused the minister of hypocrisy in giving the green light for a review of GE use in human health, while leaving farmers unable to pursue emerging technology that may help reduce greenhouse gases or lower farms’ nitrate impact. “To keep their position, the government would have to argue forever that GE does not bring any value or benefit, and this is going to become increasingly harder to do,” Rolleston said.

Wage relief for meat works Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

UPSKILLING: The industry is expected to make ongoing improvements in return for the concessions, Immigration Minister Michael Wood says.

THE meat industry has been given limited exceptions to the median wage requirement for migrants, which the sector said should take the edge off last year’s labour issues. Immigration Minister Michael Wood said in return for the exemption, the sector is expected to make “ongoing improvements” to working conditions and put significant effort into retaining, training and upskilling New Zealanders. Wood said the sector has “traditionally relied on lowerpaid migrants”, but Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said migrants make up just 5% of the 25,000-strong work force. “I hear claims of an overreliance

on migrant labour, but it isn’t true for our industry,” Karapeeva said. One meat company she knows of employs 10 migrants, but in doing so it allows the plant to operate at a level that employs NZ workers. “As long as the systems work well and the visa processing is

Employers in the sector will also be able to continue recruiting migrants with open work rights, such as working holidaymakers and students. Michael Wood Immigration Minister

timely so that we can get the people we need, it should take the severe edge off the work shortfall.” Wood said the length of these exceptions is still to be confirmed. “Employers in the sector will also be able to continue recruiting migrants with open work rights, such as working holidaymakers and students for roles paying below the median wage.” Wood said the government is trying to rebalance immigration to support the transition to a higher-productivity, higher-wage economy. Karapeeva said in a separate scheme, meat companies have used every border exception visa granted by the government to recruit about 600 migrant workers. “This shows we are not a boy crying wolf. There is a genuine need,” she said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

No relief in sight on food price inflation Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz SOARING food prices in New Zealand are set to continue with the recent softening in commodity markets doing little to slow the rise in food price inflation. This will mean Kiwi consumers should brace for further pain at the checkout over the coming months, according to Rabobank. Speaking on the podcast “A Look Inside the Grocery Baskets”, Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins said New Zealand’s food price index was up by 6.6% in June in comparison to the same month last year. The index measures the changes in prices that households pay for food. “When we unpack these numbers, we find broad-based food price inflation – with grocery food prices up by 7.6% on 12 months ago, restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices up by 6.3%, meat, poultry and fish prices up by almost 7%, and fruit and vegetable prices up by 5.5%,” she said. “Everyday food stables have risen rapidly, which will be very apparent to shoppers at the supermarket checkout, and these increases will be impacting most New Zealanders.” Rabobank senior food retail analyst Michael Harvey said the significant food price inflation is being driven by a mix of local and global forces. “It’s been very wet in New Zealand over recent weeks and

FOOD CHAIN: Higher production costs are getting passed through to food retailers, Rabobank senior food retail analyst Michael Harvey says.

the sodden conditions throughout July have impacted growing conditions for vegetables in many parts of the country,” Harvey said. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the lingering impacts of covid-19 mean food producers are also facing supply chain shocks, high energy costs, high distribution costs and labour shortages, he said. “And with all these factors at play, margins are under pressure downstream within the food supply chain, and we’re seeing higher production costs getting passed through to food retailers.”

Despite some softness now coming through in commodity markets for energy and agricultural product prices, Harvey said food prices are likely to continue climbing rapidly in the immediate future. “The recent drop in energy and agri commodity prices is from really high levels. And it would take a sustained fall in these prices and at least a few months for these price drops to flow through to downward pressure on pricing for raw food materials here in New Zealand. “We’re still yet to see this, so

we do caution against the view that we are past peakfood price inflation just yet.” Harvey said food price inflation is high across the globe and, with price rises generally exceeding wage growth, this is impacting consumer purchasing power. Food price inflation is high in mainland Europe, across the Americas and in parts of Africa. It is lower in China and Southeast Asia, although those countries tend to spend a higher proportion of their household income on food, in some instances up to 40%. As a result, only small increases in food prices can make a significant difference. Higgins said it will be several months before the full impacts of food price inflation on consumer behaviour are known, but one likely outcome is consumers “trading down” their food purchases. “This basically means a shift of the sales channels, so we might see more consumers moving away from purchases via the food service channel and into purchases via food retail or switching from speciality stores to supermarkets,” she said. It might also see customers switch to private label brands rather than more expensive alternatives, such as shoppers opting for the house brand instead of buying the fancy milk at the supermarket, she said. “We saw this type of tradingdown behaviour at the start of the pandemic when retail sales

benefitted as restaurant trading took a hit, and obviously that was due to restrictions on movement, but this time around we may see retail perform better as customers look to manage their wallets more closely.”

It’s been very wet in New Zealand over recent weeks and the sodden conditions throughout July have impacted growing conditions for vegetables in many parts of the country. Michael Harvey Rabobank Higgins said the recently released half-yearly results of global fast-food giant McDonald’s provide some evidence that “trading down” behaviour is becoming more prominent around the world. “McDonald’s have just released their second quarter results, and they themselves are suggesting consumers are being squeezed by inflation and they’re starting to see price-sensitive customers choosing cheaper menu items and buying fewer combo meals.”

Alliance beef and lamb fuels athletes at Games NEW Zealand athletes’ medal-winning success at the Commonwealth Games has been powered by Alliance Group’s beef and lamb. The co-operative is the official supplier to the New Zealand Olympic Committee for the games in the UK city of Birmingham. General manager sales Shane Kingston said Alliance was privileged to supply its award-winning Pure South beef and lamb range

and Lumina lamb for the protein-packed meals for the New Zealand athletes, their entourage and delegates. “It’s no surprise our Commonwealth Games’ athletes turned to New Zealand beef and lamb to give them the boost they need. “Lean red meat is nature’s power pack – delivering a lot in a little. Athletes need high quality protein with all the essential amino acids along with bioavailable iron,

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PIECE OF THE PIE: Alliance is the official supplier to the New Zealand Olympic Committee for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

zinc and B vitamins to help fight fatigue and support immunity. “We’re proud to support the New Zealand team and salute their outstanding performances in Birmingham.” Greg Smith, head of food and beverage at Birmingham’s historic Edgbaston Golf Club, and his colleague Chris Haynes were responsible for cooking the Alliance beef and lamb at the games.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Food security fears for Three Waters BusinessDesk THE horticulture industry is worried that Three Waters reforms will direct entities to secure the cheapest water supply for urban areas at the expense of food security. The reforms in the Water Services Entities Bill would establish four water service entities that will take fresh water, wastewater and stormwater functions off local government. It recently came under fire from the auditor-general for being weak on public accountability. Horticulture NZ spokesperson Michelle Sands told Parliament’s finance and expenditure committee that most horticulture is situated near urban areas and therefore shares water catchments with urban communities. In its written submission, Horticulture NZ says over 80% of vegetable production is consumed in NZ, with much of the export crop heading for the Pacific Islands. Many fruit crops are also grown for domestic consumption.

It wants consideration of domestic food security to be explicitly written into the new law. National MP Andrew Bayly, whose electorate includes the key horticulture area of Pukekohe, asked Sands whether the sector receives sufficient priority in water allocation.

Bill could direct water entities to pursue the cheapest water for their functions but without considering the wider social/economic costs. Michelle Sands Horticulture NZ Sands said she is concerned the bill “directs the water entities to pursue the cheapest water for their functions but without

SECURITY: Horticulture NZ wants consideration of food security written into the new law, spokesperson Michelle Sands says.

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considering the wider social/ economic costs that might be associated with it”. She highlighted the existing tension with Auckland’s Watercare holding onto a consent to draw from the Kaawa aquifer in case of drought – the same source that Pukekohe’s growers rely on. She said in the past entities like Watercare had to consider the wider impact of where they were taking their water from, but she thinks the bill will result in them giving such impacts less consideration. She said the new water storage dam at Mataawi, near Kaikohe in Northland, is a good example of wider impacts being considered. It will supply both the local town and an expanding horticulture industry. “It’s an approach of collaboration and the costs being shared between the primary sector, and municipals.” Southland MP Joseph Mooney said his electorate experienced significant drought this year and asked what the bill would do to increase water storage in the face of climate change. Sands said the bill lacks a requirement for entities to consider water storage as well as schemes for recharging aquifers and augmenting streams that are “absolutely critical” to both urban communities and maintaining rural production. She said there are wider benefits that could be achieved if the entities are required to collaborate with rural communities rather than “taking priority to have the cheapest, deep groundwater that’s reliable, that’s currently used by other people, and to force the costs of storage, augmentation and adaptation onto rural users”.

PICK OF CROP: Heavy rain on-farm and heavy going on the shipping end made for a challenging apple harvest all round for T&G.

Apple harvest hard work for T&G Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz LISTED horticultural company T&G Global has reported a 37% lift in operating profit for the first half of the financial year despite what it calls an increasingly volatile and complex environment. In the six months to June 30, operating profit was $15 million, up from $10.9m in the previous corresponding period. Revenue was down marginally, from $652m to $645m, including $20m of that decrease in the apples business, which carries 60% of the company’s turnover. Chief executive Gareth Edgecombe said it has been a tough start to the year, but T&G has improved its financial results and made solid progress in delivering its strategy. The company coped with ongoing supply chain disruptions, growing inflationary pressure, rising costs, macroeconomic geopolitical events and Covid-19 continuing to affect some key markets. During the apple season heavy rain hit Hawke’s Bay, extending the harvesting period beyond optimal, followed by disruptions in shipping schedules.

This led to some quality issues and fruit arriving late into markets. Edgecombe paid tribute to office staff who helped on the front line as people isolated because of covid and took care of themselves and their families. Net profit before tax rose from $5.1m to $7.8m, an increase of 53%, and after-tax profit was $5.7m, up from $3.4m. He said the first phase of a $100m automated packhouse project in Hawke’s Bay would be operational for the 2023 apple harvest. “We have continued to make progress on our future-proofed orchard optimisation and improvement plans, including the planting of our premium Envy brand on automationready 2D structures.” T&G has a 74% ownership by BayWa of Germany and 20% by Wo Yang of China. The remaining shares are lightly traded. In the past year its share price has fallen from about $3 to $2.70 presently. The board does not normally pay an interim dividend and the FY21 final dividend was 6c, accounting for about half of annual net profit, paid last April.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Farmers chase falling fixed milk prices Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA’S fixed milk price (FMP) offers have drawn strong interest from farmers to supply some of their milk production in the 2022-23 season, but the attractiveness of the monthly offers is beginning to wane. Oversubscriptions have ranged from three times to 10 times the FMP volumes offered. In the August offer period, following the first Global Dairy Trade auction of the month, the FMP net of the 10c service fee was $8.92/kg milksolids. In June the FMP was a hefty $10.24 and more than 2000 of Fonterra’s supply farms made applications. As the company was offering a total of 15 million kg that month, each application was scaled back to 12% of the quantity sought. Fonterra bases each monthly offer price on the average of the NZX milk price futures daily settlement price in the days following the first GDT of the month, minus the 10c service fee. When GDT prices are rising and milk futures prices are responding, the incentive for farmers to use the FMP is low. But as the GDT market has fallen 27% since March and Fonterra’s farm gate milk price forecast has been at an historically high $8.75 to $10.25, the FMP incentive is currently strong. Farmers can begin in March each year applying to fix the prices of some of their milk in advance for the supply season that begins on June 1. The pre-season FMP results this year were: • March, 10m kg available at $9.75 net, 493 farms applied, 32% scaled volumes. • April, 15m kg available at $9.77, 697 farms applied, 33% when scaled back. • May, 10m kg available at $9.38, 1116 farms applied, 16% when scaled back.

MORE CERTAINTY: A Taranaki farmers says he’s happy to sacrifice any bonus margin for the avoidance of risk when it comes to the milk price.

Farmers should take advice from their rural professionals or financial advisors to see if the FMP tool is right for them. Fonterra After Fonterra announced in late May its first farm gate milk price forecast for 2022-23, which was $8.25 to $9.75, a fire was lit under the mid-June FMP event. The offer net price based on milk price futures was $10.24, nearly 50c above the high margin

of Fonterra’s own forecast at the time, and farmers hastened to lock in the apparent largesse. The FMP details in the first quarter of the season have been: • June, 15m kg available at $10.24, 2021 farms applied, 12% when scaled back. • July, 5m kg available at $9.87, 849 farms applied, 11% when scaled back. • August, 5m kg available at $8.92, number of applicants and scaling percentage not yet available. There will be four further 202223 FMP offers, during September 12 and 13, October 10 and 11, November 7 and 8, and December 12 and 13. Fonterra advises all its suppliers

via Farm Source of the FMP offer price in the weekend following the first GDT of the month and farmers have Monday and Tuesday to make applications. Fonterra advises that farmers should take advice from their rural professionals or financial advisors to see if the FMP tool is right for them. The position of sharemilkers and contract milkers must also be taken into account. The FMP on any month may be higher or lower than the final farm gate milk price for the season. Since its launch in 2019 Fonterra has maintained that the FMP scheme is a win-win for the company and its farmers. Fonterra can match up to 5%

of its total anticipated seasonal milk supply with forward contracts of dairy commodities to customers. Certainty of price is established for farmers, the company and its customers. A Taranaki farmer said he had applied every time the FMP was offered and had fixed about 35% of his milk production this season at an average of $9.86 less the 10c service charge. “I did the same last season and lost but this year it looks as though I will be ahead. “Either way it is simply about removing risk and I will continue with that strategy. “I am happy to sacrifice bonus margin for the avoidance of risk.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Redefining ‘rural’ to clarify health data Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz A NEW system to redefine “rural” in New Zealand could lead to more accurate health data and improved services for rural communities, a new study has found. The current definition of rural has been criticised for distorting the health outcomes and services available to rural communities, because it defines as rural those who live close to main urban centres and access medical services in those centres “This means that the relatively good health outcomes of some of the wealthiest communities in the country have been masking the reality of poorer outcomes in many rural and remote areas,” Associate Professor Gerry Nixon of the University of Otago’s Department of General Practice and Rural Health said. “Defining Rural in Aotearoa NZ” is a joint study by the universities of Otago and Waikato that will provide more accurate data of differences in health outcomes between rural and urban areas. It creates a five-level Geographical Classification for Health (GCH), which the

developers said addresses longstanding concerns about the way rural health outcomes have been measured in NZ. It uses the same methodology and classification as Statistics NZ. “How rurality is defined matters for policy, service delivery, and for the communities that live in rural places,” University of Waikato Research Fellow Dr Jesse Whitehead said. Nixon said he was surprised by how different the rural population as identified by the GCH is compared to the current definition. “There is less overlap than we expected.” Nixon said using the GCH definition, unadjusted mortality rates in rural areas, for example, are 21% higher than in urban areas – a difference that is not shown in the current generic classifications. He said he hopes the GCH will provide a clearer picture of the health of rural New Zealanders, one that could ultimately improve rural healthcare. The development of the GCH is the first component of a wider project funded by the Health Research Council of NZ. The second phase will extend

LESS OVERLAP: Associate Professor Gerry Nixon of the University of Otago’s Department of General Practice and Rural health says he was surprised by how different the rural population of New Zealand is depending on the classification system used.

this work by analysing a range of health outcomes by rurality, identifying whether rural-urban differences have previously been masked by generic classifications. “The GCH will be a useful tool in our research, and the research of others, to examine urban-rural differences in a range of health outcomes and access to health services,” said Nixon.

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Staff reporter DAIRYNZ is calling for farmers to put themselves forward for two seats on its board. Directors Elaine Cook and Tracy Brown are retiring by rotation. Both are standing for re-election. Chair Jim van der Poel said it’s a challenging but rewarding and important time to be part of the sector and its leadership. “With exceptionally strong milk prices, dairy continues to play a critical role in New Zealand’s prosperity and overall wellbeing,” said Van der Poel. “At the same time, farmers are also facing a number of challenges including rising costs, staff shortages and challenging regulations. Van der Poel said DairyNZ is in a unique position to support dairy farmers with extension and research, and to advocate on behalf of farmers to influence future policy decisions. DairyNZ’s board oversees the organisation’s strategy, which is to increase farm profitability while

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IDEAL: DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says the ideal candidate would have a strong understanding of farm systems, policy, advocacy and research.

Farmers are facing a number of challenges including rising costs, staff shortages and challenging regulations. Jim van der Poel DairyNZ reducing environmental impact, develop future farm systems and solutions, and build the capability of people on farm. It also focuses on engaging and partnering with farmers and building trust and pride in dairy farming. Van der Poel said ideally candidates would have a strong understanding of farm systems, research, policy and advocacy. Strong commercial, governance and financial skills would also be an advantage, along with good networks in the dairy sector. DairyNZ is also inviting applications from farmers for one position on the directors’ remuneration committee, which independently sets the directors’ fees. Both the board and the directors’ remuneration roles are open to current levy-paying dairy farmers. Two current levy-payers must nominate each candidate. Nominations must be received by the returning officer by noon on Monday, September 5. If an election is required, farmer voting will take place during September and October, with the successful candidates announced at DairyNZ’s annual meeting on October 18 in Invercargill.

More information is available at dairynz.co.nz/agm

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Biosec refresher for airport staff on FMD Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz AIRPORT biosecurity staff have been reminded of the correct process when dealing with travellers from Bali, after a North Otago farmer returning from the Indonesian province was not properly checked. Indonesia is battling foot-andmouth disease (FMD) and all arrivals who have recently been in that country are supposed to undergo close scrutiny on arrival in New Zealand. Sue Ross arrived at Christchurch International Airport via Melbourne after a month visiting family in Bali. She said she gave her customs and immigration documents to a biosecurity officer in Christchurch, telling the officer she had left her shoes in Bali. She said she was told she was low risk and allowed to

leave without even going via a disinfectant mat. Stuart Anderson, the deputy director-general of Biosecurity NZ, apologised to Ross and said the officer did not follow the required procedure.

The traveller ... did the right things, such as leaving footwear she had worn while on holiday, behind in Bali. Stuart Anderson Biosecurity NZ “The traveller ... did the right things, such as leaving footwear she had worn while on holiday,

behind in Bali,” Anderson said. Her carry-on baggage was searched in Melbourne, and she was directed through a disinfecting foot mat while in transit. At Christchurch airport her baggage went through xray machines. She was spoken to by a senior border clearance officer and her arrival card was assessed. Anderson said the risk assessment was made by an experienced staff member who took into account information available – but “regardless of that assessment, it was not the correct course of action as it wasn’t done in line with our processes, which were updated on July 22nd”. “Those new processes instructed our border staff to direct all passengers who have travelled to Indonesia within 30 days of their arrival in New Zealand to additional open bag searches and footwear treatments.”

ON THE MAT: An airport official did not follow correct procedures, Stuart Anderson, the deputy director-general of Biosecurity NZ, conceded.

Two other passengers on the same flight who were also returning from Bali were directed to follow the new protocol. As well as the search and disinfectant mat, all visitors from Bali should have their luggage

xrayed and checked by sniffer dogs. Anderson said the risk of FMD arriving in New Zealand is low, but our primary form of defence is the border and therefore “we have taken an extra belts-and-braces precautionary approach”.

Remapping the FMD risk pathway Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

EARLY WARNING: Associate professor Carolyn Gates of Massey University says dealing with Mycoplasma bovis highlighted the importance of early detection and contract tracing.

AN ASSESSMENT that an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) could cost the New Zealand economy more than $16 billion over four to five years is to be updated. Dr Mary van Andel, the chief veterinary officer with the Ministry for Primary Industries, said Biosecurity NZ is recalculating that cost. “Even if the outbreak in Indonesia has not created significantly greater risk of incursion to New Zealand, the size of the economic and social impact should FMD arrive means that we must always remain vigilant about this disease,” she told the Science Media Centre. Massey University associate professor of veterinary epidemiology and education Carolyn Gates said dealing with

Mycoplasma bovis had highlighted the importance of early detection and contract tracing, which also applies to FMD. “The sooner we can identify and draw the boundaries around an infectious disease outbreak, the easier it is to contain and control,” she said. For livestock owners that means keeping up-to-date records of animals, people, equipment and

Many tourists just don’t know or just don’t care about their potential role in bringing FMD into the country. Carolyn Gates Massey University

feed moving across the farm boundary. Being a geographically isolated nation gives NZ more control over what crosses its borders. “However, now that the borders are opening up again, we are likely to be getting a lot more tourists from areas of the world where FMD is widespread in their livestock populations,” said Gates. “This means they can potentially be bringing the virus into New Zealand on their clothes and footwear or through contaminated food products that they don’t declare at customs.” The danger is that people visit tourist hotspots or go on tramps where they are in contact with NZ livestock. “This is a really difficult risk pathway to control because many tourists just don’t know or just don’t care about their potential role in bringing FMD into the country.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Waikato water falls foul of standards Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz WAIKATO still has nitrate levels that exceed drinking water guidelines, according to a report from the Waikato Regional Council. The areas with the highest nitrate levels are those associated with intensive agriculture and horticulture. The report, “Groundwater Nitrates – potential hotspots, legacies and lag”, says the areas with the highest concentrations are aquifers in Pukekohe and Pukekawa and parts of the Hauraki Plains. The report was due to be presented to the council’s Environment Performance Committee meeting on Thursday. Nitrate levels are monitored through 110 state of environment (SOE) wells and a network of 80 “community” or rural school water supply wells. New Zealand Drinking Water Standards set a maximum acceptable value (MAV) of 50 milligrams per litre (mg/l) for nitrate, which is equivalent to 11.3 mg/l nitrate-nitrogen for drinking water. However, recent studies have raised health concerns related to lower concentrations of nitrate than those allowed by the standards. Most notably, a Danish

AQUIFERS: Two-thirds of northern Waikato aquifers show increases in nitrates, says a report on groundwater nitrates

study identified a correlation with colorectal cancer risk and recommended an upper limit of 0.87 mg/l for nitrate-nitrogen. Within the SOE wells, it found that three-quarters of these wells had concentrations greater than 0.87 mg/l. For the community wells, 50.6% had nitrate concentrations over 0.87mg/l. The report found that from 2016-2020, 22% of groundwater in SOE wells exceeded MAV levels at least once. The median concentrations from the same five-year period also exceeded guidelines at 11% of SOE wells and 5% of the community wells. “The highest concentrations are

associated with market gardening and dairy farming activities,” it said. Nitrate levels are also monitored and reported by the council as one of a number of environmental indicators on a biennial basis. Its 2020 report showed that nearly 12% of SOE wells exceeded the MAV. A further 20% of wells had nitrate concentrations over half the MAV and the remaining two-thirds (68.18%) had “low” concentrations below half the MAV. Within the community supply wells, nitrate levels exceeded the MAV at 3.75 % of the community

supply wells, none of which are used to supply drinking water. A similar percentage are described as elevated and 92.5 % have concentrations below half MAV. The highest nitrate-N concentrations occur in northern areas, Hauraki and Hamilton Basin. These are the areas of traditionally most intensive agriculture and horticulture, the report says. Sub-regionally, it says that groundwater quality trends are mixed. Two-thirds of northern Waikato aquifers had increases in nitrates while the shallow monitoring wells of the Hamilton Basin are decreasing by the same amount. Other areas are more balanced, although there are more increases (37%) than decreases (-22%) in nitrate-N concentration trends in the Hauraki area. The report also highlighted new research which shows that aquifers in deep groundwater have a smaller influence on nitrogen loads in surface waters than previously thought. Near-surface and shallow groundwater pathways are more dominant on that loading, suggesting that changes made on the land now will be more quickly reflected in surface waters. Long lag times are largely restricted to catchments with

Deep groundwater is a less important contributor of the total nitrogen load than may have been previously thought ... the time frames for changes in land management or land use are likely to be observed sooner than we might have expected. ‘Groundwater Nitrates’ report young volcanic geology around the Upper Waikato/Lake Taupo sub-region “According to modelling results, deep groundwater is a less important contributor of the total nitrogen load than may have been previously thought,” it said. “This has implications for assessing policy effectiveness, as the time frames for changes in land management or land use are likely to be observed sooner than we might have expected,” the report says. “This also means that the ‘load to come’ is also less than we originally thought.”

Landmark regen trial kicks off Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz EFFORTS to better understand the social, environmental and financial impacts of regenerative farming have been stepped up with a joint venture between the government and Ngai Tahu Farming establishing a research project in North Canterbury. Intended to run over seven years, the programme has $8 million of government backing from the Ministry of Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and

Fibre Futures fund, along with $3.58m of additional investment. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the programme, known as Te Whenua Hou Te Whenua Whitiroa (The New Land The New Horizons) – aims to provide insights into the comparable impact of regenerative farming practices. The project takes two Ngai Tahu farms running side by side as a means of comparative assessment. One property is the 286ha Te Whenua Hou farm, and the other a conventionally run

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Ngai Tahu property. O’Connor said consumers in markets including the United States are paying premiums for regeneratively produced food products. “We believe our exporters can capture opportunity in this, provided there is an evidence base for it – hence our investments like this one,” said O’Connor. The minister said the trial will measure a range of factors, with a particular focus on restoring and enhancing soil health. The study will determine

TRIAL: Two neighbouring farms in Canterbury will serve as the control and experiment in a seven-year study of regenerative farming methods.

whether the regenerative system will deliver a viable alternative approach that improves soil health, has a lower environmental footprint and lower water use, and complements iwi owners’ knowledge of land stewardship. “A unique aspect of the study

will be assessing the impacts of regenerative agriculture practices on farm workers. This will be monitored through a range of metrics including worker wellbeing, engagement, sleep and fatigue, task diversity and productivity,” the minister said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Funding boost for ag and hort teaching Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz THE government has provided a funding boost for the teaching of agricultural and horticultural science in schools, committing $1.6 million to better supporting teachers. The funding over five years is being provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund. Agriculture and Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor said the food and fibre sector is nothing if New Zealand does not have good people. “Educated and enthusiastic people are our competitive advantage as an exporter, because it’s people that deliver technology and grow value,” O’Connor said. “We’re backing the development of a nationwide advisory team to provide support to agricultural

and horticultural science teachers, create resources, and provide important links to local food and fibre sector partners.” O’Connor said the funding will also help young New Zealanders understand the career options that are available throughout the value chain and provide them with real-life work experience opportunities in their local communities. “There are 126 schools across the country teaching agricultural and horticultural science and we’re aiming to increase this number, especially in urban areas,” he said. The funding will provide for one full-time adviser and a support person based at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton, and up to 16 part-time regionally based advisers. He said he expects the support network will be a huge help to teachers who usually have sole

TEACHERS’ ASSISTANCE: The agribusiness curriculum director at St Paul’s Collegiate, Kerry Allen, says the funding will allow them to provide direct help to teachers teaching agriculture and horticultural science.

charge of their subject and often have to take care of farmlets or orchards as part of their role. St Paul’s Collegiate’s agribusiness curriculum director Kerry Allen said the funding is hugely exciting. The school is one of the business partners running the new programme, which will run in conjunction with its Agribusiness in Schools initiative. “Agriculture and horticulture science sectors haven’t had any professional development funding before so it means we can provide direct help to agriculturehorticulture science teachers,” Allen said.

That help ranged from upskilling and resource writing to implementing the Ministry of Education’s new standards, she said. Allen said she hopes it will lead to the programme expanding. Currently, about 150 schools teach agriculture and horticulture in schools at achievement standards and slightly more teach it at unit standards. O’Connor said the nationwide advisory team will survey the professional development needs of agricultural and horticultural science teachers annually. “They’ll provide workshops to build professional practice,

tailored mentoring and support for individual teachers where required, and develop and distribute teaching resources,” he said. “They’ll also provide assistance to enhance student achievement and help raise the profile and public perception of agricultural and horticultural science.” O’Connor said he would like to see this approach continuing beyond the life of the five-year project. “One of the goals of this project is for the model to be self-sustaining so it continues to support teachers and their students long into the future.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Foresters tread lightly on farmland deals Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz CONTRARY to what some may believe, forestry investors are not wanting to deliver a sea of pine trees across the rural New Zealand landscape in coming years. Colin Jacobs, general manager of forestry investment company Lewis Tucker, told delegates at this year’s carbon forestry conference that there is even potential for significantly less land to go into trees, subject to forestry regulation changes. Jacobs has overseen the establishment of the Dryland Carbon fund and more recently Forest Partners, with more than 10,000ha of land planted for forestry and carbon sequestration with investors including Contact, Genesis, and Z Energy. “For us it is about getting the most carbon benefit from each individual hectare,” Jacobs said. He said this could be achieved even more effectively with longer rotation (50-year) forestry being included in Emissions Trading

CAREFUL STEPS: Colin Jacobs, GM of Lewis Tucker, says building trust with rural communities is vital when considering forestry investments on farmland.

Scheme (ETS) forestry rules. Current regulations extend only to 28 years, with the government considering extending that to 40 years. “But if you introduce the long rotation, it will deliver carbon benefits using significantly less land. A longer rotation model also would give additional areas of the country the ability to contribute to carbon – for example, Southland.” Lewis Tucker has made a submission on the government’s proposed ETS regulation changes, asking it to include allowance for 50-year long-rotation forests. Jacobs said the bulk of his company’s contact with landowners comes from farmers who have land that is less suitable for farming, and are keen to see it earning carbon income as an alternative. “We look for tough marginal land to establish rotation forests on for a long period of time.” Jacobs outlined some of the lessons his company has learnt in the sometimes fraught business of engaging in tree planting in rural communities. His company typically enters into a negotiation with a view that some, but not all, of a farm will be planted. “And often the neighbours will want to have a sniff at that property. Every property we have looked at will have had a neighbour who may have been looking to buy it for the past 5-10 years, who may get bent out of shape due to not being asked.” Jacobs cited deals where his company would engage with that neighbour and reach agreements where they may buy a portion, leaving a portion for his company to buy and plant. “And then they may tell us about part of their own farm they have that could be suitable.” As absentee landowners, Jacobs said, his company has had to work hard to build trust in communities, appreciating the nuances and relationships that

underscore all rural districts. “And we look at ‘What could we do?’ versus ‘What should we do?’ when it comes to planting.” In most cases fence-to-fence planting of the farm is not the thing to do, and usually subdivided portions of farms are identified for trees. For example, he said the company has a 1500ha Southland farm the vendor inherited and only wants to farm 300ha of.

Colin Jacobs Lewis Tucker “We had a chat with his neighbours keen on parts of the farm. We could have planted 900ha, but planted 560ha of marginal land into rotation forestry, and also got a positive working relationship with three landowners.” Jacobs said his company also looks hard at climate risk mitigation. “With drier summers we need to look at where water could come from for fire control. You are putting a hell of a lot of fuel onto that land.” Geographic diversity is also critical, spreading that risk of climate exposure. Jacobs emphasised a desire by his partners to see NZ remain a food producer first and foremost, with the ability to also deliver timber investments that can grow significantly in the next 100 years. “From a long-term perspective, we think this is the right approach.”

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Exotics surge on ETS carbon values Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

If you introduce the long rotation, it will deliver carbon benefits using significantly less land.

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UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: The structure of the ETS is such that it causes a ‘rush to plant’, the CCC’s Stephen Walter says – followed by a fall in the price of units, weakening the signal to reduce emissions.

THE Climate Change Commission is estimating exotic forestation has surged to a rate well beyond the annual levels it says is required for New Zealand to achieve 380,000ha of exotic plantings by 2035. The commission’s general manager for emissions budgets, Stephen Walter, told delegates at this year’s Carbon Forestry conference that the latest data indicates 60,000ha of exotic forest will be planted this year. That is more than twice the rate the commission envisaged. This is also reflected in the Ministry for Primary Industries’ workload for accepting forests into the Emissions Trading Scheme. MPI’s ETS forestry manager, Simon Petrie, said there is an application queue of 130,000ha of forest awaiting scheme approval as of June. The recent move by the commission to recommend the government limit carbon units and push up carbon unit prices is partly due to concern that current ETS emissions prices will drive large-scale afforestation for sequestering carbon, rather than behaviour change to reduce emissions. “We are recommending 10 million less units being available over the next four years, and are aware of the ‘surplus’ of about 49 million units in the market that are currently not being allocated to carbon reduction,” Walter said. He acknowledged the estimate of 49 million units is “highly uncertain.” “But the proposed reduction in auctioned units will encourage participants to use up these units.” The commission hopes a change in behaviour will also be prompted by the ensuing increase in unit prices, with a recommendation the carbon price pushes into a band between $170-$200 a unit. “We want to see a much broader, higher band of price movement. The scheme is oversupplied with units and is agnostic between gross reductions and new forests. “The structure of the ETS is such it causes a ‘rush to plant’, the price of units fall

in the future, which is a lesser not greater signal to reduce emissions. “If we allow this to happen in an unguarded way, put simply there is a risk of a boom and bust for the (forestry) sector,” Walter said. The commission’s concerns that price signals in the ETS are not enough to invoke technology and behaviour change to reduce emissions were echoed by Professor Keith Woodford. “Foresters today are telling me they want to access easier country where harvesting is easier, there are less health and safety risks,” he said. Short-term rotations and the current price of carbon are providing the incentive for them to do so.

If we allow this to happen in an unguarded way, put simply there is a risk of a boom and bust for the (forestry) sector. Stephen Walter Climate Change Commission “The carbon price is not sufficient to change behaviour in urban areas but is just enough to incentivise planting pines. This could and should have been identified back in 2008 when the ETS was legislated.” But some forest investors at the conference questioned the commission’s estimates that 60,000ha of new forest are due to be planted this year. This figure equates to about 60 million seedlings, an amount that would seriously challenge the ability of the nursery industry to provide in a single year. “With that sort of area, it could be that they are planting it out over two, maybe three years. I don’t know how we would have the capacity to do that much in one,” an investor told Farmers Weekly.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

NZ’s arable champions honoured Staff reporter THE country’s top arable farmers have been recognised for their diversity, entrepreneurship and commitment to quality at the inaugural New Zealand Arable Awards in Christchurch. Federated Farmers and other arable groups have held awards before, but this was the first time a combined event was held, backed by the federation along with the Foundation for Arable Research, United Wheatgrowers and the Grain & Seed Trade Association. Rob and Toni Auld, owners of Southland’s Auld Farm Distillery, won the Innovation Award for creating their range of spirits from oats, wheat and barley. The couple make whisky from purple wheat, black oats and black barley, and produce three gins from a base alcohol of oat, wheat and barley. They have achieved several world firsts with their products. Federated Farmers arable executive member David Birkett, who farms at Leeston, Canterbury, was named Arable Farmer of the Year. Birkett is a recognised leader in environmental/sustainable farming, with a focus on improving soil quality. He is said to be open to trialling any

approach to reduce synthetic inputs, such as biological products, cover crops, retaining straw and more, and is always willing to share his knowledge and results, good or bad. Former Federated Farmers national vice-president Karen Williams and husband Mick won the Environment & Sustainability Award.

Birkett is open to trialling any approach to reduce synthetic inputs and is always willing to share his knowledge and results, good or bad. NZ Arable Awards Arable industry advocate Angela Clifford was named 2022 Food Champion. Clifford formed the organisation EatNZ, and through this she promotes NZ-grown or -produced food. She set up the EatNZ grain food hui, where NZ grain growers have been able to talk about the grain-

based food products they produce and showcase them in front of an audience of chefs and food critics. In 2021, the arable sector produced 2.3 million tonnes, a 31% increase from 2018, when total arable production was 1.8m tonnes. Total grain and pulse production of 2.2m tonnes was a 30% increase from 2018. Meanwhile, seeds for sowing production grew by 40% from 58,268t in 2018 to 81,470t in 2021. In 2021, the arable sector directly produced crops worth $1 billion. These sales went upstream of the arable sector and created total sales of all goods and services of $2.2b. These total sales were equivalent to a contribution of $932 million to New Zealand’s gross domestic product. This has seen the arable sector increase its contribution to GDP from 0.3% of national GDP to 0.34%. The contribution to GDP is sufficient to support 7687 fulltime-equivalent employees. • The full list of winners are: • Agronomist of the Year: Roger Lasham, Ashburton. • Grower of the Year – Grain: David & Anna Irving, Lanark Downs, South Canterbury.

TOPS: Leeston’s David Birkett (right) receives the Arable Farmer of the Year award from Federated Farmers vice-president Wayne Langford.

• Grower of the Year – Small: Seed: Hamish Marr, Methven. • Grower of the Year – Maize: Chris Pellow, Pellow Produce, Waikato. • Emerging Talent Award: Lauren Beattie, Rakaia, South Canterbury • Environment & Sustainability Award: Karen & Mick Williams

Ahiaruhe Farm, Wairarapa. • Arable Farmer of the Year: David Birkett from Birkett Farming, Leeston. • Innovation Award: Rob and Toni Auld from Auld Distillery, Southland. • Arable Food Champion: Angela Clifford Eat New Zealand.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Hundreds of WOMOlife shearers earn their blades MORE than 300 young people successfully completed WOMOlife’s innovative training courses in shearing and wool handling last year, a step towards developing a sustainable career. WOMOlife – which stands for work wise, move – was set up for the wool-harvesting industry by Agricademy to provide both practical and life skills for trainees to succeed in the first years of employment. The pilot project, which attracted 311 trainees, 70% of whom were Māori, was funded by the Provincial Growth Fund through Kaiaka and the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association, (NZSCA). The training targets the “digital” generation and the way they learn. It features online courses including videos for trainees to learn from the best, anytime and anywhere; face to face onfarm training courses; and wellbeing modules – MoveWise, EatWise, and MoneyWise. Logan, a shearer who took part in one of WOMOlife’s upskilling courses, said he found it really valuable. Not only his technical skills improved, he said.

“It’s really important to be involved in things like movement, your money, and nutrition too. A course like this – it’s fantastic.”

We’re offering more than just the shearing or the woolhandling training, it’s the whole picture ... we’re training you to be a rural athlete. Mark Barrowcliffe New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association NZSCA president Mark Barrowcliffe said since the demise of the Wool Board and levy, training has struggled nationally but the WOMOlife model is what the industry needs. “We’re offering more than just the shearing or the wool-handling training, it’s the whole picture of your body and your mind. We’re training you to be a rural athlete.”

WOMOlife’s manager and shearing contractor Luke Mullins said with the right training, a career in shearing and wool handling is really rewarding. “We’re working really hard to develop more pathways for the next generation into the industry.” Trainer Mouse O’Neill fully backs the WOMOlife approach: “The improvement we see in our trainees is outstanding from start to finish.” Founder and managing director Alister Shennan developed Agricademy in 2018 to provide a training model that was very different to the existing offerings, without having to go into a classroom setting. After working in a senior role at the Primary ITO, Shennan could see industry was not getting the training it wanted or giving trainees the skills they needed to do well. “There needed to be a complete rethink of training in agriculture,” he said. “I am passionate about Agricademy’s model, where youth can upskill quickly and have early successes which equips them with confidence to do the job well.”

WAY IN: Manager and shearing contractor Luke Mullins says WOMOlife is ‘working really hard to develop more pathways for the next generation into the industry’.

With WOMOlife courses set to continue in the wool-harvesting industry, Agricademy is expanding its training model into the dairy sector with Get Milking. This will combine online courses, practical onfarm learning, and health and wellbeing modules. Agricademy’s training model offers a step up or into the agriculture sector, providing trainees with the

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practical and life skills to succeed in the first stages of employment, and to go on to have the opportunity of a well-paid career. “Agricademy’s approach offers the rural sector training that attracts and retains workers with the skills they need, at a time where there are many thousands of jobs on offer on New Zealand farms,” said Shennan.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Six contenders for seats on FMG board

EXPERIENCED: First elected in 2020, Sarah von Dadelszen from Central Hawke’s Bay is seeking re-election as a director of insurance co-operative FMG.

Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz SIX candidates are contesting two member directorships of rural insurance co-operative FMG in the lead-up to its annual general meeting in Napier and online on Friday, August 26. Sitting director Sarah von Dadelszen is standing for re-election in one of the seats. The second vacancy is a result of Tatua Cooperative chair Steve Allen standing down from

FMG after five years. First elected in 2020, Von Dadelszen is also on the Ballance board and that of Centralines, and was formerly on AGMARDT, CHB Consumer Power Trust, the NZ Beef Council, NZ Young Farmers and the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council. The five new candidates, listed alphabetically, are Gray Baldwin, Conor English, Simon Hopcroft, Paula Kearns and Kylie Leonard. Baldwin is a dairy and cropping farmer in South Waikato, presently a director of LIC, Farmlands and Trinity Lands and a former director of Ballance. His governance experience in farming co-operatives goes back to 2009. English is the former chief executive of Federated Farmers, an independent adviser to the Reserve Bank, executive chair of Fiber Fresh farming enterprise and a director of private and listed companies and a state-owned enterprise. Hopcroft is a multi-farm dairy owner in Southland, former Young Farmer of the Year and former Fonterra co-operative councillor. He has a BCom (Ag) from Lincoln University and has undertaken courses on co-operative governance run by Fonterra and Farmlands.

The FMG board provides guidance on which candidates are “most suitable” for the role of director.

Kearns is a chartered accountant and Northland avocado grower, a director of Landcorp Farming and the Mt Wellington Trust Hotels, and a trustee and chair of the Northland Events Centre and of Mahitahi Hauora, a Northland primary health entity. Leonard is a dairy farmer from Central Plateau, a member of the Fonterra Co-operative Council, director of Vetora, councillor of Taupō Council and a trustee of Hillary Outdoors. She too has been through the Fonterra and Farmlands governance programmes. The FMG board provides guidance to members of the co-operative, after advice from an external consultant, to deem which candidates are “most suitable” for the role of director. The overriding criteria come from insurance industry legislation and the Reserve Bank, and include “governance experience with a mediumlarge size commercial organisation or equivalent board, or has held a senior leadership role in a commercial environment”. Other criteria include an understanding of and belief in the principles of mutuality, the core purpose, vision and values of FMG and connectedness to the rural sector. Von Dadelszen, Hopcroft and Kearns were assessed most suitable. Candidates will speak at the AGM and voting closes afterwards. Other resolutions include setting remuneration for the board chair and directors and the ratification of the special director re-appointment of Sinead Horgan, a chartered accountant.

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News

GETTING AROUND: UBCO work bikes, a familiar sight on New Zealand farms, are being joined by a stable of lightweight electric adventure vehicles as the company eyes a listing.

UBCO seeks more money to accelerate Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz UBCO electric bikes has begun to raise another US$15 million (about $23.8m) of capital from wholesale investors by way of a convertible note bridging round. The bridging round is ahead of a possible initial public offering the Tauranga-based unlisted company is considering for 12-18 months’ time. If it comes to pass, convertible notes will earn interest and then convert into fully paid shares. There have been previous capital raisings and the current share registry is diverse and multinational. UBCO has grand plans for development in lightweight electric adventure vehicles, to extend its current 2X2 adventure and work bikes, many of them used on New Zealand farms. In the information memorandum, financial projections include $8m of sales revenue achieved this financial year, quadrupling to $32m in FY23 and leaping to $150m in FY24. In terms of annual sales units the progression is 1100, rising to 4000, and then to 17,500. The company now has 100 staff members, half in Tauranga and half overseas in the United States, Australia and Europe. It is selling the fifth generation of the 2X2 with a 20% better motor efficiency, optional solar chargeable power supply and strengthened frame. Since the company launch in 2015 sales have exceeded 3000 units. The second vehicle for UBCO will be a Sage (FRX1) trail bike followed by a four-wheel vehicle.

It is also developing an intelligent platform for the motor controllers, for authenticating users, data collection, battery health and charge, service diagnostics and fleet management, accessible from a mobile app for the bike owners. Since the previous capital raising of $10m, in 2021, UBCO has entered a strategic partnership with TPK Holdings of Taiwan, an electric component manufacturing company.

The company now has 100 staff members, half in Tauranga and half overseas in the US, Australia and Europe.

The TPK connection will enable UBCO to scale up from batch manufacturing to rolling production of hundreds or thousands of units. It has an order for 1500 bikes from Tucker Powersports in the US to be delivered by March next year. More than 20 dealers have been signed in the US and UBCO intends to grow that type of outlet ten-fold. In the US the base prices for UBCO bikes are $6000 to $7000. In NZ the range is $7500 to $8000. A sales hub has been established in London, and UBCO participated in Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s trade delegation there in late June, early July. Interested wholesale investors can register through Syndex Exchange and the Snowball Effect fundraising websites with a $5000 minimum.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Local voice must be heard on 3W Staff reporter THE government has lost its social licence around Three Waters reform in the face of overwhelming opposition, Communities 4 Local Democracy says. It needs to listen to the community demanding better water reform rather than pushing forward with a plan that could deliver disastrous outcomes, the local government group said in its submission to the Finance and Expenditure committee on the government’s Water Services Entities Bill. C4LD is a coalition of 31 territorial and unitary local authorities that was formed to develop and propose reforms to the government’s proposed Three Waters policy settings. C4LD chair and Manawatū District Mayor Helen Worboys said thousands of submitters, most of them asset-owning local authorities, and the vast majority of those polled by various councils at points throughout this process, have all given the clear message that this isn’t the reform they want to see. “We’ve put together a common sense, home-grown model that will work,” said Worboys. “It’s a model that’s been developed with decades of real-life experience in New Zealand, not one lifted from a country nothing like New Zealand and developed by a government department with limited to no experience in infrastructure policy and utility regulation.

“C4LD’s approach to Three Waters reform is built upon, and extends, the Productivity Commission’s recommendations, and our approach is neither frivolous nor unusual.” The approach has as its foundation the principle that community property rights in Three Waters assets should be both respected and meaningful.

Ours is a model that has been developed with decades of reallife experience in New Zealand, not lifted from a country nothing like New Zealand. Helen Worboys Communities 4 Local Democracy Also among its points is a request that the government amend its reform process and allow time for a revised approach to be reflected in draft legislation. When it comes to decisionmaking on investments, asset owners should have discussions with local mana whenua that consider co-design and partnership arrangements that acknowledge and enable Te Tiritibased pathways at a local and regional level. Asset owners should also agree to commit to meeting health and

environmental standards, once regulatory and performance standards are in place, within an appropriate time frame. The regulatory framework should also specify a “backstop” provision that identifies a set of circumstances that would justify future Crown intervention if an asset owner was not making acceptable progress towards meeting those regulatory requirements. On the issue of asset ownership, the Bill before the select committee has the assets of territorial and unitary authorities compulsorily transferred to the four new water services entities. The submission argues this is a compelled transfer, not an agreed transfer. “Further, the Bill only allocates to these councils a ‘share’ in one of the new water service entities proportionate to their population size, rather than being proportionate to the true value of the transferring assets. This ‘share’ only entitles them to vote on a possible (but highly unlikely) privatisation proposal. All other rights and obligations of the present owners of the Three Waters assets are extinguished. “Quite simply, this Bill is expropriating without compensation the assets of councils held on behalf of their communities. This is legislation of the worse kind,” the submission says. Worboys said the government prematurely selected a highly risky mega merger option without properly considering credible

HEAR US: The Three Waters Bill is legislation of the worst kind, Manawatū District Mayor Helen Worboys says.

alternative options. It also focused on only one factor, scale. “This contributed to premature selection of a preferred model following a relatively cursory review of the international experience. Other government centralisation ‘reforms’ appear to be under stress, most notably the polytechnic reforms into the mega-entity Te Pūkenga.” Worboys said the inadequate understanding of other available policy reform options was a contributing factor to this position.

“It would be a disaster for New Zealand if similar policy failures were to replicate themselves in the water infrastructure sector because a similarly flawed approach to policy analysis was adopted. “We were told that the select committee process would be the time that the public could finally get their say on Three Waters. “We want the government to live up to that commitment and actually listen to what the overwhelming majority of the public is saying.”

Biosecurity centre for Lincoln a world first Staff reporter LINCOLN University is launching a new research centre to tackle the big biosecurity issues facing New Zealand and the world. The Centre for One Biosecurity Research, Analysis and Synthesis (COBRAS) will be the first of its kind in the world, with a focus on predicting and mitigating the impact of invasive weeds, animals and pathogens. It will bring together more than 100 of the world’s top biosecurity researchers and stakeholders. The COBRAS multi-disciplinary team comprises highly respected researchers from the domains of animal, environmental and plant health, Mātauraka Māori, economics and climate change, and is led by Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme, one of NZ’s leading biosecurity scientists. COBRAS will also work closely with relevant ministries, industry, regional councils and iwi, as well as international partners – for example the Australian Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis.

Hulme said COBRAS has been established to answer a pressing need for a co-ordinated global response to address the growing biosecurity risks to animal, plant and environmental health. “The Sars-CoV-2 pandemic

has highlighted the need to more effectively protect international and national borders against invasive species which can cause multiple impacts to people, plants and animals, with significant sociological, political and

SCALING UP: COBRAS will generate accelerated scientific discovery through synthesis, data access and collaboration, Professor Philip Hulme says.

environmental implications. “We recognise that we need to act collectively and co-operatively to mitigate these impacts, yet strong and enduring sectoral silos persist, severely limiting our ability to mount an effective ‘one biosecurity’ holistic approach,” Hulme said. “COBRAS will deliver that ‘one biosecurity’ response, and will at the same time establish Lincoln University as the international leader in land-based interdisciplinary biosecurity policy and research.” COBRAS will generate accelerated scientific discovery through synthesis, data access and collaboration, implementing an extensive series of questionled workshops to tackle emerging local and international biosecurity issues. “With teams of researchers and stakeholders from all over the world contributing to COBRAS, the centre will have a consequential and immediate impact on biosecurity science,” Hulme said. “We have already established

links with new interdisciplinary centres in the United States and Chile that are addressing the interface between biosecurity and disease biology as well as biocultural diversity. “Longer term milestones will include establishing an international collaborative biosecurity research network, a corpus of interdisciplinary publications in high-profile journals and securing ongoing funding.” COBRAS hosted its first stateof-the-art synthesis workshop at Lincoln University in June, when the key focus for the participants was identifying research priorities across the NZ biosecurity system, and the extent to which current expertise meets those needs. “It is quite clear that the days of lone entomologists or pathologists beavering away in the lab are no longer sufficient to address the social and policy challenges of biosecurity, yet the opportunity to bring different disciplines and ideas to bear on these problems has been missing in New Zealand up until now,” Hulme said.

Volume 118 I August 15th, 2022 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz/agined Are you a parent or teacher and want to receive AginED every week directly to your email inbox? Send us an email to sign up at agined@globalhq.co.nz

Get a glimpse into one of NZ’s longest running agricultural training establishments. Head to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeh7fBSff1gIIObns-Koxtg to watch "Seeding the future at Smedley Station'', the Onfarm Story of Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm. Then answer the following questions.

What month and year were $/kg prices at their highest?

2 What month and year were $/kg prices at their lowest?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

Where is smedley?

2 How many cadets do they take on? How long do they train for?

3 In what month and year did prices improve significantly?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

4 Can you think of a reason/reasons why demand increased pushing prices to their highest level in 2021? (Hint: A NZ company returned to manufacturing a full wool product around this time)

What is the name of the farm that Kim manages?

2 What is this block used for? What stock do they winter? 3 What skills do the cadets learn whilst at Smedley?

5 Looking at the patterns from previous years, what would you expect to see prices do between May and November 2022?

4 What is Kim’s role at Parks Peak? 5 Do some research, are there other on-farm training establishments similar to Smedley?

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What is coarse wool?

2 What was the price difference between May 2020, 2021 and 2022?

Micron Greasy Medullated

24%

NZ farmers care about their biodiversity of NZ's total native vegetation is on sheep and beef farmland makingmeatbetter.nz

Pigmented Merino Pressing Stain Contamination Micron Fribs Faults Greasy Fleece Skirting Medullated technique Pigmented Shank Characteristics Merino Crutch Classing Pressing Dual Purpose Contamination Stain Crossbred Fribs Faults Preparation Fleece Skirting techniqueHarvesting Shank Characteristics Crutch Classing Dual Purpose

In episode six of Road to Rural Olivia is joined by Sarj Singh, who tells us all about his dream career as a milk supply manager at Open Country Dairy, how he got there and why he loves it. • What kind of day to day tasks does a Milk Supply Manager do? • What is the best way to begin a career as a milk supply manager? To listen head to - https://open.spotify. com/episode/2r2nMv58rNRvFWQM9PWJt5 Or scan the QR code here -

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Newsmaker

Getting a taste of the big time Dylan Bibby has had a taste of international equestrian show jumping and wants more. The Hawke’s Bay teenager talks to Neal Wallace about his aims and aspirations – and the fences he must still clear if he is to succeed on the international stage.

BIG chunk of Dylan Bibby’s equestrian future requires finding the right horse, and they are not cheap. A nationally competitive horse can cost $100,000. You will need to add another digit or two to that figure to secure one that is internationally competitive. The 18-year-old aspiring farmer and stock agent from Ongaonga in the Central Hawke’s Bay has just returned from an Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) event in Germany, where he was one of 30 riders from around the world to participate in the FEI Youth Equestrian Games. The trip involved an intense 10-days of competition, lessons on life skills and experiencing the European equestrian scene. It has only enhanced his love of the sport while confirming how small New Zealand is in the equestrian world. One of the equestrian centres he visited in Germany had two indoor and two outdoor arenas attached to a large stable complex where horses live year-round. There was an inevitability that Bibby would be involved in equestrian sports given that his mother Kelly was a groom for renowned NZ show jumper and eventer Merran Hain. “We had horses on the farm and from an early age I was going to pony club events and from that I grew to love horses and equestrian events,” says Bibby. He loves the excitement of show jumping so has focused on that discipline as opposed to those that require dressage, something he finds tedious. “It doesn’t have the same excitement. At its low level, it’s trotting and cantering, it’s not as exciting as jumping a fence.” Bibby’s first big break came when he was aged 11 or 12, when a friend, Pam Hamilton, gave him the use of a well-bred pony that was still to fulfil its show jumping potential. It took five years of work and gradual improvement but Bibby eventually took the pony, Daisy Patch, to the top of its class. “That was a big step. It meant I got my name associated with the top equestrian riders.” Owners began approaching him with ponies to ride, two of which were exceptionally good and gave him further success. Bibby says training a pony is similar to training any athlete, requiring confidence, patience, time and exposure to competition. “It requires a slow progressive build-up,” Bibby says. Riders need to be confident,

INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN: Dylan Bibby from Hawke’s Bay in action at the FEI Youth Equestrian Games in Germany earlier this year. Photo: Libby Law Photography/ESNZ

making quick and accurate decisions – and well balanced, especially with young horses. “If you’re not confident in yourself, it’s not easy to get an inexperienced horse to take the next step.” Training involves daily hill rides around the farm of his parents, Hamish and Kelly Bibby, to build up strength and endurance. This is interspersed with flat training to develop a horse’s athleticism and suppleness. Jump training is limited to jumping low logs or low objects. New opportunities materialised as Bibby’s success grew, with a new mount several years ago taking him to second place in the Equestrian Sports NZ show jumping Grand Prix for his category.

“It got my name out there and I started picking up further rides,” Bibby says. The following year he won the NZ Junior Rider Under-18 title and for the past two years he has been competing in the NZ Junior Rider Under-21 category. His progression and development as a show jumper peaked in January this year when he won selection for the FEI Youth Equestrian Games, an event created by FEI for riders aged 14 to 18 following postponement of this year’s Youth Olympic Games. Replica show jumping circuits were erected around the world where young riders competed for the right to attend one of the world’s biggest equestrian shows in Aachen, Germany. NZ was allocated one spot for

the 10-day trip on late June. Bibby won it, joining 29 other young equestrians from around the world. At its peak 30,000 people watched the events.

If you’re not confident in yourself, it’s not easy to get an inexperienced horse to take the next step.

Riders attending the Youth Equestrian Games drew horses out of a hat, then had two days to become acquainted before a show jumping competition.

TAKING STOCK: When he’s not being a world-class athlete, Dylan Bibby is preparing for his future as a stock agent. Photo: John Cowpland/Alphapix

The 30 riders were first split into teams, with Bibby aligned with riders from Australia, Saudi Arabia, Syria and United Arab Emirates in the Australasian team. After two days of competition the team placed fifth. The focus then shifted to individual competition and after a clear first round, Bibby was lying second. He dropped two rails in his second ride to finish midtable. The young riders were also given advice on education, planning, psychological pressures and other life skills, and spent time at stables and equestrian centres. Bibby says the visit was a revelation and highlighted to him the reality of what is required if he wants to attempt to get to the top of the sport. That would require more success in NZ and Australia and then a shift to the United States or Europe along with some serious financial backing. “If I can’t win here or in Australia, there is no chance winning over there,” he says. “At the moment it is a hobby, but I would like to get to the highest level, a member of the Nation’s Cup Team.” Achieving that could potentially open the door to Olympic selection, but both would require an exceptional horse. His immediate focus is on finishing his Primary ITO studies in farming and preparing to learn the ropes as a stock agent. As for show jumping, Bibby is preparing for the coming domestic season, which runs from September to March, and in which he has three horses. Two will be his mainstays, and another young horse will be exposed to limited competition.

New thinking

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Super wool set to soar In a world of plastic foam and polystyrene peanuts, a New Zealand company is bent on engineering wool for some of the less glamorous industrial applications – and is discovering a hunger for its products. Annette Scott spoke to the new generation behind niche manufacturer Wisewool

ARGETING the high-end market with a revolutionary engineered fibre that captures wool’s unique natural properties has moved closer to realisation for niche manufacturer Wisewool. Allwool Limited, trading as Wisewool, has purchased the Te Poi wool plant in Waikato to meet growing demand for its revolutionary Wisewool products. The plant purchase at Te Poi is extremely opportune for Allwool Limited and its Wisewool products, Wisewool chief executive Henry Hansen said. It will increase the manufacturing ability for its three unique products – Wisewool Buds, Wisewool Cloud and Wisewool Needle-Punched Blanketing. “We are planning a large new factory and new machinery for our company base in Gisborne – however, that project is realistically two to three years away,” Hansen said. The Te Poi plant purchase means Wisewool can start immediately supplying its products to the New Zealand furniture market and affiliated industries, satisfying the growing demand for its new products. The revolutionary material is engineered by intertwining wool fibres into tiny spring-like buds that enhance its inherent bounce and resilience while retaining wool’s incomparable natural attributes. “The market appears very keen to start replacing the existing synthetic ingredient products with Wisewool’s 100% natural wool products,” Hansen said.

Wisewool’s network of farmers in the Tairāwhiti, Gisborne region supplies the strong wool used in the Te Poi plant. Each bale is accompanied by a certificate of farm traceability highlighting the property it was sourced from, complete with its GPS location. The company’s head of operations, Angus Hansen, will oversee the Te Poi factory. The family’s ties to the wool industry in the region go back to 1894, when their ancestor William Henry Smith moved to the area. Allwool is dedicated to increasing wool value and creating revenue opportunities for its growers. The Wisewool initiative came alive when covid-19 sent New Zealand into lockdown and Hansen initiated conversations with the family to investigate the wool industry’s future viability and means of adding value. Wisewool was born 2021 with revolutionary machinery imported from the United Kingdom, and product development of the new super wool began. Smith’s great-great-grandsons Angus Hansen and Harry Urquhart-Hay joined Wisewool in operations and sales and marketing. Family member Nicky Hansen was also brought on board to lead innovation and product development. Urquhart-Hay said demand soared with endless applications of Wisewool fast becoming apparent, prompting the purchase of the Te Poi manufacturing plant to keep up with the unprecedented interest meantime. A bigger plan is in the works.

REVOLUTIONARY: Wisewool sales and marketing executive Harry Urquhart-Hay (left) and head of operations Angus Hansen are excited about their family’s engineered fibre.

The market appears very keen to start replacing the existing synthetic ingredient products with 100% natural wool products. Henry Hansen Wisewool Designs for the new Gisborne factory and manufacturing facility are developed and scheduled for completion in 2025. “The end goal is to set up a massive manufacturing hub in Gisborne, where we not only manufacture our Wisewool, but also include an education space for wool and provide a platform where farmers and industry stakeholders can congregate and mingle,” Urquhart-Hay said. Wisewool began from a desire

to bring the wool industry back to its best. Wool has long been a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s industry and identity, but when a sharp shift in consumerism saw manufacturers side-tracked by synthetics, the famed natural super fibre fell from favour. Wool prices took a hit, and farmers bore the brunt of it. “We had to do something. With five generations of wool handling in our family, we felt a responsibility to our whenua and community in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, so we created a super wool,” Urquhart-Hay said. “Now, a growing environmental awareness is seeing the pendulum swing back in favour of natural and renewable fibres. “Product origins, composition and sustainability have regained their rightful value, and our 100% natural, organic, and chemicalfree Wisewool is leading the charge.” The 100% wool needle-punched blanketing is a resilient sheeting

designed and manufactured in the Te Poi factory. As a versatile and tear-resistant material, it is an exceptional internal padding for furniture upholstery and bedding. Urquhart-Hay said Wisewool Buds were the first release and remain the best-selling premium loose-fill product. The buds are independent clusters tightly knit for a dense finish, making them highly resilient and ideal for use in furniture and upholstery fill. A lighter loose-fill alternative, Wisewool Cloud, offers all of the natural benefits of the Wisewool Buds but in a lightweight finish, making it ideal for use in pillows, cushions, mattresses and insulated apparel. “We can really get going now as we target high-end product use of Wisewool in both the local and export markets with the end goal for us being able to pay our farmers more for their wool,” Urquhart-Hay said.

Seeding the future at Smedley Station For more than nine decades Smedley Station has been training up some of the finest young farmers in the country. Kim Rorrison, a student in 2014-15, now manages Parks Peak farm, which shares a boundary with Smedley. Watch the video now at youtube.com/OnFarmStory This episode was made possible with support from Rabobank On Farm Story

On Farm Story

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

EDITORIAL

Harder and harder to bring harvest home

N ESTIMATE of the true loss of revenue from primary sector exports due to last season’s labour shortages and shipping issues has finally been revealed, and it’s more than $400m. That is the value of product left on the floor of a meat works, and apples and kiwifruit left unpicked, representing millions of dollars in lost income. It makes disturbing reading given the financial challenges New Zealand faces. There are already warnings that those same labour-limiting factors may once again come into play in the coming season, with people able to travel again as global borders reopen at a time of an already tight labour market. However, news this week that the meat industry has been given accredited employer visa status should take the edge off its worker shortage There are several elements to this issue, of which covid is one. The government has tightened immigration in a deliberate move to drive up wages and to take pressure off house prices and infrastructure. But is this a NZ-imposed solution for a predominantly Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch problem? Meat, kiwifruit and apples are regional industries mostly situated well away from large employment centres and have relied on backpackers, recognised seasonal employer workers, migrants and a shrinking local labour pool. Primary sector wages have risen, and incentives and flexible employment conditions have been offered, but despite these carrots, they cannot attract sufficient workers. It appears workers are simply not where the jobs are. This leaves the options of encouraging workers to shift to where there are jobs, using a stick to get the unemployed to work, or seeking workers from overseas. What is particularly galling is that the meat and apple industries have made huge strides to improve productivity and develop products for markets, and kiwifruit is a NZ success story. There is a risk some of the hard work to find and develop products to suit markets could be lost if we simply cannot find enough people to harvest and process those products.

Neal Wallace

LETTERS

Let down by generations of politicians TWENTY-something years ago, when I questioned the necessity and rationality of occupational health and safety legislation and its implications, I was told at a seminar that NZ was 20 years behind the United Kingdom and that we needed to catch up. Looking now at the effects of that legislation I suggest that all it has achieved is to add a vast layer of bureaucracy and mindboggling expense for very little if any gain. In fact the suffocation of innovation and self-reliance has far outweighed any possible benefit. It is true that our clean green image is important for our exported produce, and that we were handed

that image on a platter solely because we had a low population that had very little impact on the environment. This has all changed now of course, with a population of over five million and a compounding rate of increased consumption to match. We have had many chances to learn from the mistakes made in other countries but have been dismally failed by politician after politician who had neither the foresight or the courage to take a lead. Perhaps it is the shortterm nature of our elections, but since at least the 80s, government upon government has failed take an approach with a mind to taking the entire nation along, preferring instead to

leave themselves open to dissent by serving favour and manipulating division. The health system is a case in point, with every government in recent history committing to fix it, but none actually doing anything other than fiddle, leaving us with the current apocalyptic situation. I sympathise to a point with Andrew Luddington’s view that regulations are needed to sort environmental issues, but the Emissions Trading Scheme, for example, is the second-biggest con of all time, and will achieve nothing except starvation on a grand scale. I’m not sure either how many farmers only work two days a week; perhaps the ones who work seven days a week

could be surveyed on how easy and beneficial they find micro-managing regulations. Perhaps Andrew could also ask Damien O’Connor why, if agriculture and farming are so vital to New Zealand, his government is doing its level best to strangle them to death. Why? Rick Gunson Hawke’s Bay

Letters to the Editor Letters must be no more than 450 words and submitted on the condition The New Zealand Farmers Weekly has the right to, and license third parties to, reproduce in electronic form and communicate these letters. Letters may also be edited for space and legal reasons. Names, addresses and phone numbers must be included. Letters with pen names will generally not be considered for publication.

Letterof theWeek MANAGING EDITOR Bryan Gibson 06 323 1519 bryan.gibson@globalhq.co.nz EDITORIAL Claire Robertson claire.robertson@globalhq.co.nz Neal Wallace 03 474 9240 neal.wallace@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 PUBLISHER Dean Williamson 027 323 9407 dean.williamson@globalhq.co.nz

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Baffled by backflip on carbon farming The

Pulpit

Andrew Hoggard & Andrew Morrison

EEF + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) and Federated Farmers cannot understand why the government is backflipping on making a decision on proposals to prevent exotic forests from registering in the permanent forest category of the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) by 2023, a measure that was intended to address the issue of planting for carbon farming only (with no intention of harvesting). The proposals to amend the ETS were not going to solve the problem of out-of-control, whole-farm conversions to carbon forestry, but BLNZ and Federated Farmers believe they were a step in the right direction and welcomed the government finally promising to offer long-term clarity by a set date. In their March discussion document, the government finally acknowledged it needed to slow down carbon farming. While our two organisations think the measures they’ve proposed to date are just tinkering around the edges, at least there were some proposals on the table and at least our farmers would have known more by the year’s end. Feds and BLNZ acknowledge that unpicking the web of blanket forestry incentives demands complex analysis, and that the implications for Māori landowners require particular attention,

but we both supported the government’s proposed option of putting in place a moratorium while the details were worked out. Instead, the government has decided to do nothing, rolling out the red carpet for speculators interested in fence-to-fence monocultural pine conversions across New Zealand. On July 28 Climate Change Minister James Shaw and Minister of Economic Development Stuart Nash sent a letter essentially advising submitters that it has kicked the critical carbon-only forestry issue to touch, informing stakeholders that it won’t be sticking to its 2023 deadline. This letter came just one day after the Climate Change Commission released advice calling for an increased carbon price ceiling ($171 by 2023) and for the government to do something to dull incentives for blanket forestry offsets. The commission’s advice report is clear and states: “The current structure of the NZ ETS steers toward a pathway that would achieve the 2050 target primarily through exotic afforestation, with little reduction in gross emissions beyond business as usual. Such a pathway would require high ongoing levels of new planting to maintain net zero emissions, and push the work of decarbonising onto future generations. It would also leave us out of step with much of the world.” The commission’s advice aligns with what our farmers are seeing in their communities, and with analysis by BLNZ’s Economic Service. This analysis demonstrates the escalating carbon price means that all forestry in the ETS is now effectively carbon forestry, with profit being primarily driven by carbon units and not timber. This is illustrated in the accompanying graphics – one graphic assumes $75 carbon (which is close to the current price) and the other assumes a $171 carbon price advised by the commission. It seems that the government is ignoring the advice from the very commission that it established only a couple of years ago. The carbon price has already jumped

on the back of the government’s decision to not make a decision on forestry and the ETS. Political dithering is sending a signal to speculators that, in an attempt to meet a self-imposed target, the government will continue incentivising blanket pine conversions. Frustratingly, New Zealand’s emissions reduction task is being made even more difficult because of another baffling decision by the government – the decision to not follow the science and set split gas international targets last year. Under current settings, a rising carbon price will have catastrophic consequences for the red meat sector. The increasing price of carbon credits is already distorting what land is worth and this will only get worse unless change is made. Current forestry incentives are socially, economically and environmentally hollowing out rural communities – and the red meat sector’s $12 billion income per year and more than 90,000 jobs for NZ are at risk. The solution is clear. One, we urgently need limits on the number of forestry offsets available in the ETS to fossil fuel emitters, in line with what happens in other countries. This has been recommended by the commission and urgency is needed. Two, while the ETS is the main artificial incentive driving blanket pine afforestation, it is not alone, with policies such as the Special Forestry Test and carve-outs under the RMA giving blanket afforestation a significant legup over other land uses. These distorting incentives need to be removed. In February a Green Paper by former Hastings mayor and MP Lawrence Yule (which was funded by BLNZ along with Local Government New Zealand and 16 individual councils) was released, outlining a range of policy areas for urgent investigation to address this issue. And in March the Federated Farmers National Council proactively provided eight solutions needed to restore balance. We again encourage ministers and the government to revisit these ideas.

SHELVED: Andrew Morrison, chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, says proposals to amend the ETS – that have now been shelved – were at least a step in the right direction.

And three, the government also needs to step back and rethink its current haphazard approach to emissions targets. It followed best scientific practice when it set split gas targets in the 2019 Zero Carbon Act, but then has bizarrely not set split gas targets internationally. As both Federated Farmers and BLNZ warned years ago, the government is setting itself up to fail and is setting all New Zealanders up for unnecessary price spikes by choosing to set international emissions reduction targets that lump all gases together. NZ needs sciencebased international targets – that means taking a split gas approach, as outlined in the latest IPCC assessment report, and as done in the Zero Carbon Act. NZ wouldn’t even be the first to do so. Uruguay has a split gas international target and as the name suggests (Nationally Determined Contribution) each nation is free to determine its own contribution towards the global effort to fight climate change. The NZ government should show international leadership and choose a science-based split gas international target. The

government should also show domestic leadership and place a limit on the amount of forestry offsetting polluters can carry out, as advised by the very commission it established. Our farmers fear that currently, the only plan by the government to meet its “all gas” targets is to blanket plant out communities with fence-to-fence monocultural pines. This isn’t about being “anti forestry”. Trees absolutely have a place in addressing climate change, but we need to take a more considered approach – an approach that integrates trees on farms instead of the wholesale conversion the government is currently enabling.

Who are we? Andrew Hoggard is president of Federated Farmers of NZ and Andrew Morrison is chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand

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

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

They love their farmers here Alternative View

Alan Emerson

WE’RE currently in Australia and it is great to be here after the winter we’ve experienced. Boringly, we go to Port Douglas, north of Cairns, and stay in a serviced one-bedroom apartment complete with a full kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Having done the maths, there’s not a lot of cost differential between a holiday in Port Douglas and one in Queenstown. I wouldn’t like to swim in Queenstown this time of year. Observing the current situation in Australia has been fascinating. For a start, Australians love their farmers. Over three weeks I haven’t read one hysterical anti-farmer wail of the sort that has become routine in New Zealand. In addition, reporters dealing with rural issues know what they’re talking about. They’ve obviously had experience down on the farm. It has been good to see. The mainstream Aussie media are taking the foot-and-mouth disease threat a lot more seriously than ours are. After pinching myself I went to

the Greenpeace Australia website, thinking there was bound to be some anti-farming sentiment there. Alas no. I didn’t disagree with any of the sentiments and campaigns on the site. Unlike in NZ, the campaigns were factually based and free of hysteria and emotion. The other major difference was over climate change and the handling of it. The previous Morrison government was full of sound and fury, signifying nothing, but the government of Anthony Albanese has put forward a plan that will achieve their emissions goals while encouraging a move to renewables. They were thanked and supported by the business sector for being upfront and providing a detailed strategy. Unsurprisingly, the National’s Liberal coalition opposed it. I’ve talked to some of the farmers I’ve met about taxing burping and farting cows and they suggested I must have been drinking, which I found hurtful, as you’d expect. Taxing food production isn’t on the agenda in Australia, which will make it difficult for us to compete in some of our markets. That aside, there were many similarities. Inflation is a real issue in Australia, as it is in NZ. The Australians believe it is a shortterm problem. Let’s hope it is in NZ too. For

the record, Australia borrowed considerably more during the pandemic than we did. Skills shortages are currently endemic in Australia. The shortage of school teachers is a major problem and they regularly discuss the staff crisis in the healthcare sector.

I’ve talked to some of the farmers I’ve met about taxing burping and farting cows and they suggested I must have been drinking, which I found hurtful. Trades are also an issue, with the Queensland government spending A$2 million trying to recruit construction workers. Two applied. Currently in Queensland if you are in construction the wages are high, you can work a four-day week or nine-day fortnight, and in some job advertisements cars are offered. With teachers the new scheme encourages lawyers, engineers and IT experts to go into teaching. Their previous salaries are maintained. Top-performing teachers have been promised a 40% pay increase, which augurs badly for NZ. With medical professionals, money is no object. The Federal

and state governments want them here and now, which again isn’t good news for NZ. The other issue I’ve noticed is that the Federal government is far more hands-on than ours is. Research has shown that Aussie banks were making an additional $A600m a month by not passing on the interest rate rises. They were told to fix it or else. The gas industry said there was likely to be a local shortage next year because of export orders. They were told that local comes first and that the government would regulate if it had to. There’s currently a shortage of eggs in Australia. The reason given is the move from caged hens to free range. We were told that free-range hens had a greater risk of disease and a higher mortality rate. Further, the weather reduces the laying output of a free-range hen. The end result is that the price of eggs goes up, which takes them off the table of the less well-off. I knew little of the new Australian prime minister before going to Australia, but Albanese is impressive. Whereas his predecessor came across as your archetypal Aussie bloke with all the brashness that suggests, Albanese is far more considered. Having said that, there is a real steel there that is obvious. His satisfaction rating after two months in the job is massive at 61%. Previous PM Kevin Rudd was rated 59%, Bob Hawke 56% and Scott Morrison 51%.

MAN OF STEEL: NZ has done well to build solid bridges with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who looks like being in office for a while. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

I can see Albanese being there for a long period and I’m pleased the NZ government has built solid bridges early. Finally, at the end of July a Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation report was released that told the nation there is “a tidal wave of social disruption ahead”. The causes, “resource scarcity, drugresistant superbugs, disrupted international trade, an ageing population and an increasingly unstable climate”. That could apply equally to NZ.

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

National may take a beating for Uffindell From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

THIS business with Sam Uffindell, the brand-new member of parliament for Tauranga, dominated the politics chat last week. Unfortunate for National, coming immediately after its annual conference and the day after the first poll in five years that showed it had enough support along with ACT to form a government if an election had been held then. It should have been National’s stellar week and was a long time coming, but instead this fellow’s past actions came back to haunt him and cause great discomfort for the political party that put its trust in him. We have all known bullies during our growing up and schooling. They were the people you learnt to avoid if at all possible. Easier if you went through the state system as I did and weren’t living with them overnight in a boarding school. When the news broke about

Uffindell’s bullying he was well advised to front foot it and admit to it, which he did – declaring that he was not proud of what he’d been but was a reformed character. It wouldn’t be an easy thing to tell the nation what a nasty bit of work you once were. Like all of us, I have flaws of character – not as bad as this but I wouldn’t want to get up and tell everyone about them. I guess the difference is I wouldn’t be fighting for my political career. I said to Jane that from my observation over time, once a bully always a bully, but maybe this man had grown as a person and actually become a better human being. We all did stupid stuff as teenagers as it is part of the growing and learning process, and if an unblemished youth was a prerequisite for becoming a member of parliament, there wouldn’t be many who would qualify. Uffindell hadn’t done himself any favours by moralising in his maiden speech the previous week. “Our region is beset by gang issues and, unfortunately, like the rest of New Zealand, a growing culture of lawlessness, lack of accountability, a sense of impunity, and significant underlying generational social problems. We need friends, family, and, in particular, parents, to step

up and show what is right,” he had said. Hypocrisy is a terrible thing and obviously the reason the victim of his bullying finally went to the media even though they had kept their silence during his selection process and election. Uffindell might have survived this news from his past but at the time of writing the reports from credible witnesses of his unpleasant behaviour while a university student surely signal the beginning of the end of a very short political career – though he is denying those allegations at

CHARACTER REFERENCE: Disgraced MP Sam Uffindell is doing his party no favours by hanging on to his job.

present. If he does end up resigning, it would pose all sorts of problems. The country has only just spent up to $1 million to run a byelection in Tauranga after Simon Bridges resigned to become the chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. To spend another million within a few months because National’s selection process was flawed won’t reflect well on the party and do it no favours. National needs to sort out a selection process that has delivered several self-entitled young men who have resigned, because it will have an influx of new parliamentarians at the next election and they need to be good ones. I doubt that Labour’s Jan Tinetti would relish taking time from her ministerial duties again to campaign in an election she can’t win. ACT’s Cameron Luxton will be the only one excited about the prospect of another round. And the voters who struggled to a 40% turnout will probably be even less inclined to trouble themselves again. Uffindell doesn’t strike me as stupid enough to not resign if this quick inquiry by the QC finds him wanting, but if he doesn’t there is the risk that he is kicked out of the party but hangs on as an independent as Jami-Lee Ross did

for two unpleasant years. Saves the cost of a by-election but again no help to National. Many local authorities are having difficulty enough getting people to stand for the upcoming elections.

It wouldn’t be an easy thing to tell the nation what a nasty bit of work you once were. It’s a tough job and often thankless. But someone must do it. This scandal will not have helped recruit a few more of those thinking of throwing their hat into the ring at the last moment. It may have given them pause about a few things in their past that they would rather stay there. Uffindell’s dodgy past coming to light puts intense pressure on him and his family, opens up old wounds for his victims, places National in an unenviable position and reflects badly on politics in general.

Your View Steve Wyn-Harris is a Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer. swyn@xtra.co.nz

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

This is ideology out of control Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

IT SEEMS as though another piece of bureaucratic ideology directed at the agricultural sector emerges every week. The latest one, at least at the time of writing, is the recently amended National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB), and more specifically the proposed classification of Significant Natural Areas (SNA) under the legislation. Not content with this, Climate Change Minister James Shaw and Minister of Economic Development Stuart Nash are now reconsidering their previous decision to drop exotic forests from the permanent category of the Emissions Trading Scheme, saying these are now “unlikely” to be excluded. This is yet another example of policy being decided on the hoof, with the effect of pleasing neither Māori forestry interests nor the pastoral sector because of the uncertainty that will prevail until they have considered their options. Pastoral farming is coming under continual pressure from all sides, whether from regulations that dictate what is permitted on farms, afforestation to generate carbon credits, or growing consumer pressure to become more environmentally sustainable. Climate change is real, but it is unrealistic to imagine New Zealand’s actions will singlehandedly save the planet, or that agricultural emissions are entirely to blame for where we are today although a vocal number of New Zealanders and lobby groups appear to hold that view. Extreme weather events are increasingly conflated with

environmental issues, such as water quality and fossil fuels, with agriculture being an easy target for apportioning blame. The challenge to Shaw’s leadership of the Green Party happened because as climate change minister he is not green enough for the more radical in his party. Although he is likely to survive until the next general election, it isn’t difficult to imagine a time when the minister in that portfolio will be less reasonable than Shaw, to the detriment of the agricultural sector. Despite all the work on its development and partial recommendation by the Climate Change Commission (CCC), He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) may not survive a change in the Greens’ leadership. The more extreme environmental warriors are not interested in how the NZ economy survives in the future, only in seeing agricultural emissions reduced to an uneconomic degree. The ridiculously prescriptive treatment of SNAs as proposed would see virtually all areas of native biodiversity on farms, including recently introduced vegetation and wetlands, captured by the legislation and farmers prevented from changing how they manage huge swathes of their own farmland. The area of native vegetation on sheep and beef farmland in New Zealand is second only to the conservation estate, so the ramifications are huge, both for the agricultural sector and the economy as a whole. The inevitable outcomes, if the NPSIB becomes law without extensive amendment, will be dramatically reduced farm viability and farmer disengagement from the government’s goals for biodiversity. Northland sheep and beef farmer and Agfirst director James Parsons says the intent behind the NPSIB is good, but to be workable it must be outcomes focused, whereas the Bill as

TROUBLE ON HORIZON: Allan Barber says the ramifications of the new biosecurity regulations are huge, both for the agricultural sector and the economy as a whole.

drafted attempts to prescribe for every exception. This would act as a serious disincentive to landowners to invest in improving biodiversity for fear of having these areas classified as SNAs, which “surely must be a perverse outcome”. Parsons maintains a far better approach would be to use a farm plan, such as NZFAP Plus, which would incorporate biodiversity, water quality and farm assurance measures, enabling farmers to “take a holistic and informed view of their farm to improve biodiversity outcomes”. The frustrating part of this is the sector has already built the system which enables farmers to monitor their individual farm assurance and measure their emissions, with the potential addition of measures for environmental performance and vegetation. But the ministers and the Ministry for Environment have fallen into the classic bureaucratic trap of believing solutions can only come out of the public service, the sole repository of knowledge. It is amazing the agricultural sector has got this far with HWEN; let’s hope it can reach the desired conclusion. Another former Beef + Lamb NZ chair, Mike Petersen, now convenes the HWEN agricultural

sector partner group and from that perspective urges the importance of recognising sequestration within HWEN while ensuring compatibility with NPSIB and SNA legislation. On his Hawke’s Bay farm – where he has planted natives on 20% of the property – there are currently no SNAs, but under the proposed legislation, it is quite possible for these areas to be caught by a retrospective classification without compensation. It is clearly unfair for farmers who have carried out substantial native plantings and wetland conversions to be treated the same as those who are yet to take action. Only last month the CCC provided advice to government ministers about the appropriateness of the HWEN partnership’s recommendations for pricing agricultural emissions at the farm level. The CCC suggested onfarm sequestration should be recognised separately for improvements to water quality and biodiversity instead of through offsets against emissions, by reason of fairness and equity. This has two implications for farmers, neither of which is fair or equitable. First, farmers will not be rewarded directly for sequest-

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ration that does not meet ETS requirements, in spite of being levied for their on-farm emissions. Second, the NPSIB and proposed classification of SNAs will seriously prohibit what they are allowed to do on their own SNAs, treating them like a liability, not an asset. There would be no biodiversity credit or support in return for the significant environmental service sheep and beef farmers provide to the country. In stark contrast, fossil fuel emitters are allowed to offset 100% of their emissions by planting thousands of hectares with a monoculture at odds with the landscapes this country is renowned for. This is yet another example of work being rushed through to meet a self-imposed deadline without pausing to consider whether Fabius Maximus’s exhortation to “hurry slowly” might not be more sensible. The far-reaching tentacles of the nanny state risk, to mix metaphors, throttling the geese that lay NZ’s golden eggs.

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

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Farmers fed up with being ‘easy target’ on cuts FARMING groups have warned that the industry has had enough of being seen as an “easy target” for governments seeking to cut emissions levels. The comments come after the Irish Government introduced a sectoral emissions ceiling for agriculture of 25% by 2030. In the UK, Thomas Binns, National Farmers Union Upland Forum chair, told Farmers Guardian that the farming industry is aware of its climate responsibilities, but agriculture is often seen by the government and non-agricultural industries as an “easy target”. “Farming is a very a visible industry regarding the links between ruminants and emissions,” Binns said. “And even though some of the information regarding this is now being questioned, the stigma remains. “But farmers are now beginning to push back, as we can see in the Netherlands and Italy, and they are right to do so.” President of the Irish Farmers Association Tim Cullinan said the agreement signed by Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party will deliver a “potentially devastating blow” to Irish farming and the rural economy and will lead to hundreds of animals being

DISCONTENT: Thomas Binns, chair of the NFU’s Uplands Forum in the UK, says farmers in the UK and Ireland are beginning to push back against regulations on emissions, as is happening in the Netherlands. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

destroyed. The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association branded it a “sellout”. However, Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, said the level agreed for agriculture falls within the target range assigned

to the sector under the country’s Climate Action Plan 2021. Farmers across the country had argued that levels should be set at 22% for the sector, and environmentalists had called for the reduction to be raised to 30%. The result is seen by the Irish

government as a compromise, recognising the farming industry’s importance to the nation in terms of production and heritage. Cullinan said: “The government has agreed to a target without any pathway to get there or any budget to assist farmers to reduce

emissions. They have no idea of the economic and social impact of today’s decision on the farming sector or rural Ireland. “Farmers across the country will be rightly worried about what this means for their future.” UK Farmers Guardian

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UK BREEDING companies are facing losses of millions of pounds as European countries have failed to establish border control posts (BCPs) on their territories. The trade in high-value breeding stock has effectively ceased post-Brexit, with Dorset business Wessex Lowlines warning it may be forced to abandon any future activity in Europe. The failure to set up BCPs to provide veterinary services and processing of livestock means the company has had to suspend all orders for breeding herds in France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and the rest of Europe. Owner Geoff Roper said it had cost the business more than £150,000 (about $288,000) in the past six months alone, with no resolution in sight. “It has taken us more than a decade to breed a large herd of Lowline cattle to serve customers in the UK, Ireland and across Europe,” he said. “We had a strategy and it was working, but it has been pulled apart by this failure to provide services across the Channel.” Roper said it is frustrating that the UK has fulfilled the requirements and livestock can enter from Europe. “Obviously it is painful financially, but it is heartbreaking for the small team who have put their lives into this project to see

it blocked by something that could so simply be fixed,” he said. Roper said there seems to be no urgency from either the UK or French government to act and he has been told it could be 18 months or more before there is any movement on the issue. National Farmers Union chief international trade adviser Gail Soutar said as time has gone on without facilities in place, the issue has “become more and more critical” for those affected. “We estimate that the loss in trade runs into millions for our specialist breeding

companies and many individual farm businesses,” she said. “Prior to Brexit, trade was strong and there continues to be demand from customers on the continent who are crying out for UK stock, recognised globally for their high health status and genetic diversity.” A spokesperson for the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said: “It is the responsibility of EU countries and authorities to approve the designation and operation of these facilities. “However, we are supportive of industry efforts

We had a strategy and it was working, but it has been pulled apart by this failure to provide services across the Channel. Geoff Roper Wessex Lowlines

to push for BCP construction and continue to engage with French officials on this issue.”

FENCED OUT: The chief international trade adviser to the UK’s NFU, Gail Soutar, estimates that the loss in trade runs into millions for specialist breeding companies and many individual farm businesses.

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Next issue – September 12

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WOOLY T

the

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NEW HOMES

Selling something?

To apply If you possess the passion, drive and competency required for this role, submit your CV and cover letter to: office@ealgroup.co.nz

Noticeboard THI N K PRE BU IL T

CONTACT: 0275258321

For a full position description, visit: www.ealgroup.co.nz/employment/

www.farmersweekly.co.nz/advertise

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

I am an experienced hunter and ex farmer, I can get rid of the pests eating down your farm, disturbing your stock, and frustrating you and your neighbors.

You will have a solid understanding across all aspects of financial management, a passion for agriculture and a wide range of technical and professional knowledge. Experience within an agricultural contracting environment is a clear advantage, however we are open to strong candidates from other areas of the agricultural sector.

An attractive remuneration package is offered, which includes a vehicle and health insurance.

Need staff? Advertise your job in Farmers Weekly

No job too big, I offer efﬁcient and conﬁdential service.

The General Manager will provide a people-first leadership approach that is centred on ensuring the team are fully engaged and upskilled with an emphasis on Health and Safety.

This is a challenging role in a highly supportive environment, and a thorough onboarding and handover plan will be in place to ensure a smooth transition with the Managing Director.

Stock Manager Tractor/Truck/Machinery Operator

You will be focused on operational leadership, developing strong relationships with key clients, suppliers and business partners and creating opportunities for new business development. Your visibility with our existing clients will be a key aspect of this role.

LK0112705©

Farm Business Manager

WEARABLES

A PASSION FOR PLANTS SINCE 1932

Native plant riparian zones help improve water way quality, control pollution, reduce erosion and provide food for wildlife. Visit us in Tapanui for a wide selection of trees, grasses, natives, flaxes and hedging grown for local conditions or shop online:

www.bmn.co.nz OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM • TAPANUI, WEST OTAGO • P: 03 204 8250

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Data and Customer Specialist

The Managing Director is planning to step away from the day-to-day management of the business to focus on new opportunities for the EAL Group. We are looking for an experienced senior manager to transition the business and the team to new leadership and to manage operational challenges and opportunities while maintaining a strong client focus and team culture.

LK0112604©

2IC/Stock Manager

EAL AgriServices is an agricultural contracting company that has been partnering with Canterbury farmers for over 20 years, delivering a competitively priced, efficient and high-quality agricultural contracting service. Processing silage and baleage is our core business and we pride ourselves on our reputation for providing a premium service with modern well-maintained machinery and highly skilled operators.

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2IC

Pests out of control?

GENERAL MANAGER

JOBS BOARD

Cost-effective pest control using the latest thermal equipment & technology.

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NZ MADE MERINO WOOL WEARABLES

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the WOOLY T RANGE BY KELLS WOOL

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

ANIMAL HANDLING

ATTENTION FARMERS

DOGS FOR SALE

FARM MAPPING

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

CONTRACT PIG CULLING. Stock proof dogs. SI. Can travel. Phone 027 353 0661. GRAZING PLANNING workshop for new regenerative farmers in Owaka. Thursday 18 or 25 of August 10am to 2pm. Learn how to get started with regenerative grazing with an experienced regenerative farmer. $400 per farm team. Request a booking at next.level. grazing@gmail.com. Our website is https://www. nextlevelgrazing.com

WINTER DOG SALE! $499-$3,499. 30 day trial. Deliver NZ wide. www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553.

ACCURATE AND PRACTICAL farm maps showing area sizes of paddocks and vegetation. Visit farmmapping.co.nz for a free quote.

HUNTAWAY PUPS, 9-weeks. Wormed and vaccinated. Phone 04 528 4111. THREE 4-MONTH-OLD pups. Two males, one female, starting to work. Mother, pure Smithfield. Father, young, user friendly Heading dog. Eastern BOP. Email: moyola.farm@ gmail.com

GIBB-GRO GROWTH PROMOTANT

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

ANIMAL HEALTH www.drench.co.nz farmer owned, very competitive prices. Phone 0800 4 DRENCH (437 362).

ATTENTION FARMERS 40c/50c PER KG dags fadges/bales. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

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

DOGS FOR SALE 12-MONTH HEADING dog and bitch. Fast, strong, good stop, pulling sides. Station and trial potential. Nolan Timmins. Phone 027 932 8839.

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

FARM LEASE WANTED FARM WANTED to lease. North Island. No less than 150ha. Sheep and Beef or dairy. Top references available. Will take pride in your farm. Phone 027 298 2207.

PROMOTES QUICK PASTURE growth. Only $6.50+gst per hectare delivered. 0508-GIBBGRO [0508 442 247] www. gibbgro.co.nz. “The Proven One.”

GIBBOOST GIBBERELLIC ACID growth promotant. Increase pasture growth and dry matter. From $5.50 per/ha. 0508 733 343, sales@vernado. co.nz

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

FARMERS WEEKLY August 15, 2022

PUMPS

GOATS WANTED

FERAL GOATS WANTED. All head counted, payment on pick-up, pick-up within 24 hours. Prices based on works schedule. Experienced musterers available. Phone Bill and Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916. GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

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

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

RAMS FOR SALE HAIR SHIRE® Low input meat rams! www. organicstud.nz 027 225 5283. tim@organicstud.nz

RAMS FOR SALE

WANTED TO BUY

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

WHAT’S SITTING IN your barn? Don’t leave it to rust away! We pay cash for tractors, excavators, small crawler tractors and surplus farm machinery. Ford – Ferguson – Hitachi – Komatsu – John Deere and more. Tell us what you have no matter where it is in NZ. You never know.. what’s resting in your barn could be fattening up your wallet! Email admin@ loaderparts.co.nz or phone Colin on 0274 426 936 (No texts please)

WANTED TO BUY SAWN SHED TIMBER including Black Maire. Matai, Totara and Rimu etc. Also buying salvaged native logs. Phone Richard Uren. NZ Native Timber Supplies. Phone 027 688 2954.

Got something to sell? Advertise in Farmers Weekly Phone 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE RED DEVON BULLS. Well grown, purebred. Feilding. Phone 027 224 3838.

Tech & Toys THE ALL NEW COOPER

RUGGED TREK

@coopertiresnz www.coopertires.co.nz

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

Livestock Noticeboard

STOCK REQUIRED

SPECIALISING IN EASE OF CALVING AND HEIFER MATING

MALE or EWE LAMBS 36-42kg SIL Pere or Pere X EWES Due Sept/Oct R2YR FRSN/FRSN X BULLS 360-430kg R1YR FRSN BULLS 180 - 250kgs

R3YR ANG or EX X STEERS 500-550kg R2YR ANG & EX STEERS 400-500kg

STOCK FOR SALE

0800 453 418

SALE DATE: Tuesday 6th Sept 2022, 12.30pm

On Farm Sale & Bidr Auction

CASTLEROCK CATTLE SALE

teatarangi.co.nz

Northern Southland Selling Centre

BULL CALVES FRSN OR CHAROLAIS 100kg

Friday 26th August 10.30am Approx: 800 Yearling Cattle

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Notable lines: MT & SM Day, Glen Eyre C10 • 180 Yearling Angus Heifers Some lines suitable for breeding or export

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Market your dairy herd sales to an audience that counts today. Call Andrea: 0800 85 25 80

Heather Dell Angus focuses on Low Birth Weight, High Growth Rate and Docility.

Nokomai Station, Athol C10 • 100 Yearling Hereford Steers Cheviot Downs, Te Anau C10 • 110 Hereford Angus x MS yearlings Enquiries: Barry McAlister 0274 416 432

Bull Walk – Wednesday 24 August 2022 – 11am Sale – Friday 9 September 2022 at 11am – Viewing from 9am 801A Paradise Valley Road, RD 2, Rotorua Yearling bulls available by GAR Ashland, Heiken Broadview, Schiefelbein Attractive 4565 and Varilek Geddes 7068 Neil Heather 027 421 4050 – Jon & Nerida Evans 027 490 7783 PGG Wrightsons – Finn Kamphorst 027 493 4484

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

Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz Helping grow the country

Livestock Noticeboard

SALE TALK

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

Long ago in a land far away, a King had a Court Jester called Thread. The King was fed up with his crappy oneliners and puns. “I’m sick of your silly jokes, Thread. I’m throwing you into a dungeon and it will be a hanging for you in the morning unless you promise to up your game”. In the morning King visited Thread: “I might have been a little bit hasty last night – you’re free to go – just so long as you quit the weak as puns. What have you got to say for yourself?” ”Oh, thank you Sire” said Thread – “No noose is good noose”.

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

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

Third Annual Online Semen and Embryo Sale

EXPORT WANTED

Offering a selection of our established sires and some exciting new blood!

TUESDAY 16 AUGUST 1pm Cambridge Calf Sale FRIDAY 19 AUGUST 1.30pm Machinery Clearing Sale - Greenvale Pastures Ltd TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 1pm Cambridge Calf Sale WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST 7pm PGG Wrightson Genetics Hereford Semen Sale PGG Wrightson Genetics Angus Semen Sale TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 1pm Cambridge Calf Sale THURSDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 12pm Waimarie & Otengi Herefords Annual Bull Sale MONDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 7.30pm Matai Mara Angus Bull Sale

2021 Born Heifers • ANGUS • HEREFORD • SIMMENTAL Late September 2022 delivery

Kincardine Rainstorme R25 Purchased May 2022 for $81,000

Call for pricing Contact your local agent or call North Island Wayne Doran 027 493 8957 Harry Van De Ven 027 486 9866 Luke McBride 027 304 0533

Regular Livestream coverage of seven North Island Saleyards Head to bidr.co.nz to find out more.

South Island Richard Harley 021 765 430 Burke Patching 027 441 1515

Herd Sire Paradise Valley Oshkosh (15 Months Old)

For more information contact:

Mike Phillips M: 027 404 5943 Paradise Valley Murray Greys 375 Turitea Rd, RD 3, Otorohanga 3973

2021 Holstein Friesian Heifers F12+ $1800 F8-F11 $1700 October pre mating delivery.

Please contact your local agent for further information.

2022 Private Sale

BEEFGEN : Brian Pearson : 021 0907 1688 BEEFGEN Office : 06 927 7154

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BEEFGEN : Jess Crow : 022 074 1210

Top Quality 17 month old bulls and yearling bulls on offer

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MCFADZEAN CRUIZY CALVE 100% Registered Angus Positive for calving ease Short gestation Positive fats & good growth Suited for heifer mating

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MCFADZEAN MEAT MAKER Superior weaning weight % Instant impact on calf size, growth & muscling Higher carcass yields High EMA scores Strong milking & maternal traits

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FARMERS WEEKLY – August 15, 2022

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Mel Croad

Suz Bremner

Reece Brick

Fiona Quarrie

Hayley O’Driscoll

Caitlin Pemberton

Deer

Sheep

Cattle BEEF

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

6.40

6.35

6.10

NI lamb (17kg)

9.25

9.10

NI Stag (60kg)

8.15

5.90

NI Bull (300kg)

6.20

6.00

NI mutton (20kg)

6.10

6.50

SI Stag (60kg)

8.30

8.25

6.00

NI Cow (200kg)

4.65

4.50

SI lamb (17kg)

9.30

8.95

SI Steer (300kg)

6.25

5.85

SI mutton (20kg)

6.05

6.70

SI Bull (300kg)

6.10

5.80

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

4.65

4.70

UK CKT lamb leg

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

9.40

8.92

9.50

9.62

8.63

12.30

12.26

12.08

North Island steer slaughter price

8.0 7.0 6.0

9.0

5.0

8.0

11.0

6.5

6.0

10.0

6.0

5.0 South Island lamb slaughter price

10.0

5.0

$/kg CW

4.0 South Island steer slaughter price

7.0

5.5

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

4.5

Feb

Apr 2020-21

Jun

Apr

Dairy

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug 2021-22

Prior week

Last year

2.62

2.87

37 micron ewe

30 micron lamb

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Prior week

Last year

Urea

1340

821

Super

495

339

DAP

1794

1103

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

11.0

$/tonne

$/kg MS

10.0 9.0 8.0 Sep-21

Nov-21 Jan-22 Sep-22

Mar-22

May-22 Sep-23

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3675

3655

4190

SMP

3580

3680

4175

5530

6000

Butter

5520

5870

Milk Price

9.34

9.36

600

7.69

7.95

6.88

Spark New Zealand Limited

5.115

5.25

4.3

550

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

6.55

6.6

5.2

Mainfreight Limited

78.1

94.4

66.11

Ebos Group Limited

38.85

44.3

36.11

9.15

7.33

500 450

Infratil Limited

400

Contact Energy Limited

7.66

8.42

6.82

Port of Tauranga Limited

7.12

7.37

5.96

Sep-21

Nov-21

Jan-22

Mar-22

May-22

Jul-22

600

500 450 400

$/tonne

3800 3600 3400 Sep Oct Latest price

Nov

Dec 4 weeks ago

Jan

YTD High

YTD Low

0.225

0.27

0.205

The a2 Milk Company Limited

5.21

6.39

4.2

Comvita Limited

3.4

3.78

2.98

Delegat Group Limited

11.67

14.45

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

2.97

3.78

2.75

Foley Wines Limited

1.41

1.57

1.38

Greenfern Industries Limited

0.169

0.25

0.089

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.35

1.73

1.3

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.172

0.26

0.155 0.187

1.38

4.38

5.76

3.93

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.315

0.53

0.29

Sanford Limited (NS)

4.24

5.07

4.03

Scales Corporation Limited

4.68

5.59

4.07

Seeka Limited

4.64

5.36

4.45

550

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

3.26

3.54

3.04

T&G Global Limited

2.7

3.01

2.65

500

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

12446

14293

11724

450

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11752

13150

10588

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11411

12725

10291

Sep-21

Nov-21

Jan-22

Mar-22

May-22

Jul-22

400 350

Aug

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.255

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

4000

5pm, close of market, Wednesday

Company

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

Jul-21

4200

Listed Agri Shares

PGG Wrightson Limited

350

4400

US$/t

Auckland International Airport Limited

550

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

3200

5.36 33.4

Jul-21

* price as at close of business on Thursday

4.32

5.25

$/tonne

AMF

YTD Low

21.6

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

Last price*

YTD High

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

350

Jul-22

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

650

Jul-21

Aug 2021-22

Last week

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

7.0

Jun

2020-21

Fertiliser

Aug 2021-22

Two weeks ago

Coarse xbred ind. 2020-21

Dec

FERTILISER

(NZ$/kg) Feb

Oct

7.0

WOOL

5.0

Dec

7.0

5-yr ave

6.0

5-yr ave

8.0

5.0

8.0

5.0

Oct

9.0

6.0

6.5

4.0

South Island stag slaughter price

6.0

9.0

4.5

$/kg CW

9.0

7.0

5.5

Last year

North Island stag slaughter price

11.0

$/kg CW

7.0

North Island lamb slaughter price

10.0 $/kg CW

9.36

US domestic 90CL cow

Last week Prior week

10.0

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

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Sara Hilhorst

Ingrid Usherwood

300

Jul-21

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Sep-21

Nov-21

Jan-22

Mar-22

May-22

Jul-22

12446

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

11752

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

11411

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

Analyst intel

WEATHER

Overview Expect a northeasterly airflow today with a high pressure system departing away to our east. A front is approaching from the Tasman Sea and moves onto the South Island tomorrow bringing rain. This rain spreads to the North Island on Wednesday, meanwhile it remains dry in the east but expect plenty of high cloud. The northeast airflow tends more northerly on Thursday with the front covering mainly the North Island now bringing heavy rain there while it eases further south. Expect a northerly airflow on Friday then during the weekend a cold front pushes out of the Tasman Sea and up over New Zealand with rain in the west, drier in the east to start but showers may start to move in from Sunday.

14-day outlook Some further unsettled weather on the way this week but it shouldn’t be all that cold thanks to plenty of northerly quarter airflows. Northeasterlies today, rain moves into the West Coast tomorrow thanks to a front pushing in from the Tasman Sea. Rain starts spreading into the western North Island on Wednesday while it remains dry in the east. Heavy rain for the upper North Island on Thursday, easing further south. On Friday we see a northerly airflow, the weekend has a cold front pushing in from the Tasman. A few further cold fronts move through till about mid next week then high pressure moves in.

Reece Brick reece.brick@globalhq.co.nz

Soil Moisture

Highlights

11/08/2022

Wind

Northeasterlies are a little breezy tomorrow and Wednesday for New Zealand, more so for the North Island. On Thursday they may become strong for the North Island then easing Friday. A cold front moves through this weekend with a southwest change but winds don’t look to be strong. Source: NIWA Data

Temperature

7-day rainfall forecast

Temperatures a little warmer this week than last, the North Island will notice it more but as we get to about Thursday eastern regions warm up. Friday sees warm weather continue then naturally as a cold front moves through this weekend expect warm then cool temperatures.

Dry today, tomorrow rain moves into the West Coast with a few heavy falls and this starts spreading into the western North Island on Wednesday. Thursday sees rain ease for the West Coast meanwhile rain for the upper North Island starts to become heavy. Just showers remaining for the upper North Island and upper South Island on Friday. The weekend sees wet weather in the west mostly.

Highlights/ Extremes

Split in the store market

100

200

400

Rainfall accumulation over seven days starting from 6am Sunday, August 14 through to 6am Sunday, August 21, forecast generated at 12am Thursday, August 11.

NORMALLY, local sheep and beef markets track in a relatively similar direction given a lot of key factors, such as the weather overlap for both industries. However, in the past few weeks there’s been a clear and unusual divergence between the two. Where this is especially noticeable is in the store markets. Since the end of last month cattle prices have started shooting upwards in essentially all classes except yearling bulls, yet everything has remained strangely subdued around lambs, at a time when the market is often at its peak. So why the split? There are a few different factors at play, but the largest is differences at the processors. By all metrics, there are a lot more old season lambs still on farm than usual. This has snowballed into extended wait times to get lambs processed. Lately this has deteriorated further as the peak bobby kill is taking space away from lambs, something that won’t be resolved until late-August/early-September depending on the island. Add in mediocre weather, which has slowed growth rates and made shearing a challenge, and you essentially have a bunch of potential store lamb buyers locked out of the market at a time when they would normally have been active. In addition, there may not have been the buyers there in the first place. Finishers are often reducing the number of trades made through winter. Instead many are opting to hold lambs for longer, taking these to heavier carcase

weights to make up any missing revenue. For cattle, much of the above doesn’t apply. Yes, there are some backlogs at processors, but these are smaller now the worst of the cow kill is in the past. As well, those that have killed recently have found themselves making good margins, a chunk of which is usually reinvested into replacement cattle. There’s a lot of extra restocking occurring in the Waikato, too. The autumn drought forced many to offload but winter, while wet, has brought enough grass growth for farmers to begin buying in early. Given this region is predominately cattle country, this scenario hasn’t had any noticeable influence on lamb demand. Questions are being asked about how many store cattle there are out there, which could underpin the market. Record numbers of cattle have been processed over this red meat season and the last. In the two years in between there’s been drought through key cattle breeding country regions and plenty of stories of calf rearers either backing out all together or downsizing operations. Not to mention forestry has continued to invade breeding country too. Store buying confidence often comes from short-term slaughter prices changes, and this favours cattle too. While spot-market lamb prices have essentially hit a ceiling in the past few weeks, there’s no shortage of competition for cattle, especially from local trade. The ratio of export prices to slaughter prices suggests there’s easily the potential for further big upwards swings in cattle schedules, assuming there’s not big spring kill to take the edge out of procurement competition.

The main feature this week is heavy rain moving into the West Coast on Wednesday then the upper North Island on Thursday. The rain for the upper North Island (Bay Of Plenty) in particularly will be something to watch.

WAIT TIMES: The lamb market is strangely subdued at a time when it is often at its peak.

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

Wanting to make the step into a rural career? The Road to Rural podcast connects you with young people already working in the sector, to give you an insight into how to get there, and why they love it. This week Olivia talks with Cameron Ravenwood from Wairarapa, to find out what life is like as a sheep dairy farmer, and entrepreneur. To listen scan the QR Code

Or head to: https://spoti.fi/3yiY63M

PODCAST WITH

Olivia Weatherburn

SALE YARD WRAP

Yearling market will be one to watch Though it is still early days for spring cattle prices, the yearling market is already showing signs of being one of the strongest to date as all factors align to benefit sellers. At Stortford Lodge last Wednesday, a top-quality yarding of traditional steers surpassed last year’s peak prices, and that is without a true grass market to boost demand. At Wellsford and Frankton, strong demand from Waikato farmers restocking after offloading during the drought led to a very strong market for R1 Hereford-Friesian steers. Lighter lines at Wellsford pushed over $5.00/kg. At Taranaki, a small monthly fair had local buyers scrambling to secure lines and all classes lifted with R2 traditional steers and dairy-beef heifers up 60c/kg and R2 and R1 dairy-beef steers, 30c/kg. NORTHLAND Wellsford yearling steer and bull fair • Hereford-Friesian steers, 145-173kg, lifted to $770-$930, $5.31$5.38/kg • Angus steers, 218-310kg, sold for $750-$900 • Charolais-Hereford steers, 223-282kg, returned $850-$970 • Friesian bulls, 184-219kg, sold well at $670-$780, $3.56-$3.64/kg WELLSFORD’s fair season finished up last Monday with yearling steers and bulls. Throughput dropped to 390-head and steers easily made up the majority. Competition was heated from local and Waikato buyers and lighter dairybeef were their focus. Few lines dropped below $700 despite some lighter weights and Hereford-Friesian, 180-240kg, traded at $860-$910. The top pen of Angus reached $1100, and autumn-born lines mainly sold for $1010-$1230. Read more in your LivestockEye. Kaikohe cattle • R2 Hereford-Angus steers made $3.00/kg to $3.20/kg • R2 Angus-cross heifers returned $3.00/kg to $3.14/kg • R1 beef-cross steers sold well at $3.40/kg to $3.60/kg There was a yarding of 450 cattle at KAIKOHE last Wednesday and the market was on par with spring trends, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. R2 Hereford-Friesian bulls were able to achieve $3.00/kg to $3.15/kg. Light R1 Angus heifers sold well at $3.60/kg while R1 Hereford-cross and Charolais heifers earned $3.10/kg to $3.25/kg.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • Prime steers lifted to $3.10/kg to $3.26/kg • Weaner crossbred steers made $360-$520 • Light prime heifers returned $3.09/kg to $3.17/kg Well-bred cattle sold on a firm market at PUKEKOHE on Saturday, August 6 with good store steers able to achieve $1220-$1350 and very light R2 steers, $760-$1205. Good store heifers made $970-$1280 while weaner crossbred heifers traded at $320-$480. Cull cows made $1.42/kg to $1.90/kg.

COUNTIES Tuakau prime cattle 10.8, sheep 8.8, store cattle 4.8 • Prime Angus steers, 730kg, made an outstanding rate of $3.56/kg • Heavy prime lambs fetched $171 to $222 • R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 275kg, realised $1080 • R1 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 256kg, managed $855 The market for a yarding of about 330 prime cattle was very strong at TUAKAU last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson agent Craig Reiche reported. Heavy steers traded at $3.33$3.56/kg with the top rate paid for an excellent line of Angus. Medium steers made $3.18-$3.33/kg and lighter types, $2.91/kg to $3.18/kg. Medium-heavy heifers also sold well at $3.14/kg to $3.32/kg while heavy boners earned $2.19/kg to $2.41/kg and medium, $2.00/kg to $2.19/kg. Medium prime lambs returned $151-$171 last Monday and store lambs, $80 to $132. Heavy ewes earned $160 to $189 with medium at $100-$160. About 450 store cattle were yarded on Thursday, August 4 and the market firmed. The R2 and R1 steer sections included 430kg Hereford-Friesian at $3.44/kg, 319kg Angus at $3.46/kg and 97kg HerefordFriesian, $580. In the heifer sections, 393kg HerefordFriesian managed $3.20/kg while 402kg Speckle Park-cross earned $3.18/kg and 123kg Hereford-Friesian, $515.

WAIKATO PGG Wrightson Frankton cattle • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 402kg, earned $3.38/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 354kg, traded at $3.25/kg • Prime Hereford-Jersey steers, 624-667kg, fetched $3.43-$3.51/kg • Boner Friesian and Friesian-cross cows, 399-500kg, lifted to $2.36-$2.46/kg • Angus-cross cows, 395-457kg and run-with-bull, traded from $2.43/kg to $2.68/kg There was a large buying gallery on hand at FRANKTON

last Tuesday for PGG Wrightson’s sale. Most R2 cattle of quality, 325-410kg, generally made $3.06-$3.14/kg regardless of sex while R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 210218kg, provided particularly good returns at $4.07/kg to $4.22/kg. A handful of other R1 lines earned above $3.00/ kg, such as 243kg Hereford-Friesian steers at $3.89/kg and 247kg Angus-Friesian bulls at $3.24/kg though much of the section was selectively bought from $2.60/kg to $3.00/kg. In the autumn-born weaner pens Hereford-cross bulls, 102120kg, earned $540-$640 followed by heifers of similar size at $530-$550. Read more in your LivestockEye. NZFL Frankton cattle • Prime steers, 593-636kg, returned $3.51-$3.54/kg • Prime Hereford-cross heifers, 430-463kg, made $3.26-$3.33/kg • Boner cattle over 425kg earned $2.31-$2.41/kg The store pens at FRANKTON last Wednesday were dominated by R1 cattle for New Zealand Farmers Livestock. It was a predominantly beef-dairy affair and autumn-born yearling steers, 308-365kg, made $2.95-$3.01/kg while the best spring-born pens, 178-210kg, returned $3.82/kg to $4.05/kg. A line of 160kg autumn-born weaner Murray Grey bulls had a good following and returned $630, although 134kg Hereford-Friesian made a little more at $660. The main highlight of the small number of R2 entries were Hereford-Jersey steers, 459-503kg, that traded at $3.34$3.38/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Kauroa cattle sale • Annual draft R1 Simmental-Angus steers reached $1050 The annual KAUROA spring cattle fair was held in its traditional spot of the first week of August and this year fell on Thursday, August 4. Tallies were lower than usual at approximately 500-head as some providers offloaded earlier in the season due to dry conditions. R1 traditional cattle made up the majority though exotic or a mix of both were also offered. Most sold at lighter weights to previous years due to the tough season and sellers met a solid market. Top steers made $950-$1000 to trade at an estimated $4.00/kg and medium $830-$900 and small, $750-$800. Heifers reached $715 though most traded at $550-$640 for $3.00-$3.30/kg. A small offering of HerefordFriesian steers made $600-$650.

KING COUNTRY Te Kuiti cattle • R3 Angus steers, 567-674kg, made $3.42-$3.50/kg • R2 Hereford steers, 520-585kg, sold well at $3.46-$3.53/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 512-540kg, returned $3.37/kg to $3.50/kg Older cattle sold on a strong market at TE KUITI on Friday, August 5. R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 412-530kg, earned $3.18-$3.22/kg. Vetted-in-calf Angus and Hereford cows, 425-488kg, earned $1190-$1500 and Simmental-cross cows with calves-at-foot made $1660 per unit.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle • R2 South Devon-cross steers, 420kg, fetched $3.57/kg • R2 Charolais-cross heifers, 375kg, collected $3.39/kg Online buyers increased competition for store cattle at RANGIURU last Tuesday and markets strengthened as a result. A significant proportion of R2 dairy-beef steers returned $3.23-$3.34/kg and almost all dairy-beef heifers sold from $3.18/kg to $3.31/kg. R1 Charolais-cross steers earned $3.74-$3.79/kg and ex-stud Hereford heifers managed $3.72/kg. The pick of remaining heifers generally traded at $3.31-$3.42/kg. Heavier prime steers collected $3.28-$3.38/kg and local trade heifers realised $3.24-$3.33/ kg. Good condition beef cows made $2.49-$2.52/kg and Friesian ranged from $2.06/kg to $2.33/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Heavy ewe lambs fetched $170-$175

• Six very heavy ram lambs earned $256 Male lambs accounted for much of the increase in store lamb throughput at MATAWHERO on Friday, August 5 and they sold well, whereas mixed-quality ewe lambs were more hit and miss. Most good types returned $141-$151, though some ewe lambs were limited to $130. Ewe hoggets, inlamb to Cheviot-Suffolk, collected $186. Good weight in the prime lamb pens meant returns exceeded $200 more often than not and two main pens of ewes made $162-$179. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle fair • R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 350-358kg, lifted to $3.55$3.66/kg • R2 dairy-beef steers, 405-515kg, also lifted to $3.26-$3.38/kg • R2 Angus-Friesian heifers, 450-452kg, reached $3.21-$3.22/kg • Top R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 233-248kg, sold for $910-$930 The August cattle fair at TARANAKI last Wednesday was a small affair at just over 300-head, but strong local demand lifted the market. A quality pen of Angus and AngusHereford steers, 525kg, reached $1860, $3.54/kg, followed by four Angus-Friesian, 546kg, at $1905, $3.49/kg. Angus heifers of same age and 311-328kg returned $2.83-$2.93/kg and their younger sisters at 250-301kg made $815-$1000. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime sheep • The most expensive lambs were mixed-sex at $229 • One pen of 200 cryptorchid lambs fetched $225.50 • Heavy lambs mostly sold above $207 with medium lines $170$187 There was a good buying bench in place at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday. The top end of the ewe market strengthened on the back of a pen of 53 that traded at $203. One other very heavy pen made $195 followed by heavy lines at $178-$181. Very good and lighter types provided most of the line-up and good to very good types earned $142-$168. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • Boner Friesian cows, 450-556kg, firmed to $2.22-$2.34/kg • R2 Friesian bulls, 544-565kg, firmed to $3.25-$3.34/kg • R1 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 346-347kg, sold well at $1335-$1370, $3.86-$3.95/kg • Heavy male lambs reached $215-$235.50 and ewe lambs, $186 • Good store ewe lambs lifted to $152-$175 Quality cattle filled numerous pens at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday and the market strengthened. R2 traditional heifers, 328-409kg, sold consistently at a strong $3.26-$3.32/kg. The balance of the R1 Angus and AngusHereford steers sold in two cuts – 274-288kg at $3.84-$3.85/ kg and 216-248kg, $4.01/kg to $4.24/kg. Demand continued to hold through into the R1 heifer pens and Angus and Angus-Hereford, 204-281kg, traded at $680-$880 to vary from $3.13/kg to $3.49/kg. Another good entry of lambs was offered at nearly 5600-head and mainly sold on a stronger market, though woolly lambs were discounted. Cryptorchid lambs sold for $130.50-$186 and the balance of the male lines (ram and cryptorchid) varied from $114 up to $181. Wether lambs returned $123.50-$172. Light to medium ewe lambs sold for $130-$158 and mixed-sex from the Chatham Islands, $135$150.50. Read more in your LivestockEye. Dannevirke sheep • Store cryptorchid lambs returned $142-$164 • Prime ewes reached $190 Sheep tallies dropped at DANNEVIRKE on Thursday, August 4 and store ewe lambs experienced the biggest fall in volume. A very small entry made $90-$136. Male lambs were mainly split into cryptorchid and wether classes and the latter sold over a tight range of $145-$151.50. Just over 200 ewes were offered and started at $62 though averaged $97-$146. A small entry of prime lambs returned $151-$201.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022

• R1 Hereford-cross heifers, 163-178kg, returned $2.52/kg to $2.58/ kg • Boner cows, 340-483kg, earned $1.74/kg to $2.17/kg Poor weather limited supply again at RONGOTEA last Tuesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 395kg, made $2.82/kg. Vetted-in-calf Friesian heifers sold for $1130 and in-milk Friesian heifers returned $1190. Feilding Marton hogget fair • Male hoggets averaged $197 • Ewe hoggets averaged $165 The 6500 hoggets yarded was very small compared to usual for the FEILDING MARTON hogget fair. Generally, values were down $5-$10 on last year through the top males where $225-$243 covered the very heavy lines with other genuine prime types $205-$223, and good-to-forward store lines, $157-$179. Ewe hoggets at prime weights were $200-$215, good-to-forward store usually $154-$165 and medium store, $138-$153. Read more in your LivestockEye.

CANTERBURY

IN THE MIST: PGG Wrightson agent Dean Cook drafts up a line of Angus steers in preparation for the Kauroa spring cattle fair on Thursday, August 4.

MANAWATŪ Feilding store cattle and sheep • A consignment of R2 Angus steers, 451-477kg, jumped to $3.58$3.60/kg • R2 traditional heifers, 360-429kg, rose to $3.30-$3.39/kg • R1 Angus steers, 204-233kg, lifted to $4.00-$4.21/kg • Store male lambs averaged $157 • Store ewe lambs averaged $139 Buyers battled it out on the almost 750 cattle at FEILDING on Friday, August 5. R3 Angus steers, 516-636kg, sold for $3.47-$3.57/kg. The 484-563kg traditional R2 steers were similar at $3.45-$3.52/kg but 358-432kg did drop to $3.31-$3.39/kg. R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 413-436kg, received $2.91-$3.08/kg. A line of 279kg R1 HerefordFriesian steers made $3.33/kg while 270kg R1 Friesian bulls were $3.41/kg. There was a price rebound on the 5000 store lambs. Prime males were $221, forward-store $166-$176, good $152-$169, medium $150-$157 and light, $110-$125. Ewe lamb prices were varied at $131 to $168 for medium and good lines with light, $110-$139. In-lamb ewe prices were very mixed and ranged from $208 to $242 for earlierlambing, good conditioned, and/or younger lines, through to $140-$161 for much of the rest. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Angus steers, 533kg, collected $3.30/kg • Charolais heifers, 503kg, returned $3.29/kg • Top lambs made $224 Quality steers and heifers returned to the yards at FEILDING last Monday, though still in small numbers and they earned upwards of $3.24/kg. Cows remained the focus of the sale and beef options, 495-545kg, earned $2.40-$2.48/ kg while the heavier Friesian, 565-575kg, managed $2.50$2.58/kg. Condition across the lamb pens was better this week and almost all traded at or above $180, but limited demand eased returns compared to the previous sale. Most of the ewes traded in the top price bracket of $161-$175. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rongotea cattle • R1 Angus-cross and Galloway bulls, 187-350kg, made $2.30/kg to $2.57/kg

Coalgate cattle and sheep • Prime Angus steers, 520kg, collected $3.46/kg • Heaviest lambs reached $306 • In-lamb ewes earned $242 Condition was lacking in the prime steer pens at COALGATE on Thursday, August 4 and many steer weights dipped below 500kg. Better dairy-beef options traded at $3.30-$3.36/kg and 541kg Hereford managed $3.44/kg. Heifers which weighed 478-558kg made $3.38-$3.42/kg and Shorthorn at 452kg managed $3.28/kg while dairy-beef options were lighter and discounted. Heavier Angus cows, 613kg, earned $2.42/kg. Among limited store options, R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 217kg, returned $2.49/kg and same breed R1 steers, 199kg, made $2.64/kg. Top prime lambs sold on a slightly stronger market and a higher proportion of light-medium types made steady returns. Most settled at $141 to $238 while ewes generally traded at $120-$160. Suitable for breeding Romney ewe lambs fetched $209-$217 and other top store lambs made $138$147. Read more in your LivestockEye. Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • R2 Angus steers, 407-443kg, made $3.30-$3.34/kg • Heaviest lambs fetched $298 A yarding of 92 store cattle was mostly R2 steers at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday and these sold well from $3.25/kg provided they were over 400kg and well-marked for their breed. R2 heifers were all Hereford-Friesian, some red, and collected $2.90-$3.01/kg. Top prime beef and beefcross steers fetched $3.48-$3.58/kg on a steady market and a second tier, including dairy-beef, collected $3.28-$3.40/ kg. The top cut of heifers, mostly over 500kg, returned $3.30$3.36/kg while those closer to 400kg generally realised $3.06/kg or more. Prime lambs sold on a steady market and most fell within $160-$238 while many ewes realised $108-$154 due to limited demand. Two pens of Blenheimsourced ewe and wether Halfbred lambs went to the same buyer for $133-$138. Other good options made steady returns while medium types were discounted. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cattle; all sheep • Angus cows, 515-658kg, made $2.73/kg • Boner Friesian cows, 490kg, sold for $2.30/kg • Top prime mixed-sex lambs made $260-$274 While the weather held for the day of the sale, previous weather conditions made for another light yarding of cattle at TEMUKA last Monday. Cattle tallies were at 224-head and consisted primarily of cows. An increased yarding of bulls sold on a strengthened market and resulted in a 10c/kg lift. The best was Hereford that tipped the scales at 675kg and

Feeder calf sales At the STRATFORD calf sale on Friday, August 5 over 440 calves were penned and prices reflected other markets. Top Friesian bulls made $100-$130, medium $80-$95 and small, $50-$75. Hereford-Friesian reached $210-$300 and medium, $100-$190. Beef-cross bull calves varied from $50 for Speckle Park-cross up to $210 for Angus-cross. Hereford-Friesian heifers reached $70-$150 and the balance sold for $40-$50. Red Hereford-Friesian returned $10-$50 and beefcross, $35-$105. The market was flat at HAWERA last Monday and Friesian bulls averaged $75, Hereford-Friesian $200 and Speckle Park-cross, $100. Entries at the FRANKTON feeder calf sale numbered an impressive 1356 last Tuesday. The best Friesian bulls made $140-$205 while the top Hereford-Friesian managed $230-$260. Medium pens of these breeds were $70-$100 and $170-$200 respectively. HerefordFriesian heifers made $70-$190 for the most part while Angus-Friesian were $40-$90. The Friesian bull market collapsed after 10 pens were sold at MANFEILD PARK last Thursday, where 414 were on the books. Some sold after the sale and just two pens exceeded $100 with most $50-$80. One pen of Hereford-Friesian bulls made $310 but the balance followed the Friesian bulls and came back. Most good types traded at $100-$150 followed by medium and small at $40-$80. Angus-cross sold for $40-$135. A handful of top dairy-beef heifers reached $100-$165 before the market dropped away to $50-$73 and $30 for small calves.

returned $3.31/kg. Sheep throughput was also hindered by the weather conditions and tallies came in at 2062-head. A very small store sale resulted in four main pens of mixedsex lambs that sold for $145-$168. Almost half of the sale was made up of prime lambs and most traded at $160$250. The best of the prime mixed-age ewes sold for $220 but most fell into a $160-$210 range. One pen of ewes with lambs-at-foot sold for $126 all counted. Read more in your LivestockEye.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep • The best of the store lambs dropped to $130 • Prime lambs sold for $150-$250 Prime ewes offered by PGG Wrightson at BALCLUTHA on Wednesday, August 3 ranged from $50 to $166. Store ewes returned $192.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep • Prime beef steers, 400-420kg, made $2.90/kg to $3.30/kg • R2 Hereford-cross heifers, 400kg, earned $1320 • Heavy prime lambs returned $162-$216 • Top store lambs lifted to $130-$145 There was a small yarding of store cattle which sold on a strong market at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday. R1 Herefordcross heifers, 288kg, made $740 and Friesian steers, 245kg, earned $640. Scanned-in-lamb 2-tooth ewes sold for $210. Heavy prime ewes made $160-$196 and $90-$140 was paid for lighter types. Store ewes fetched $190-$220. Charlton sheep • Better store lambs achieved $155 • Prime lambs earned $141-$226 There were 441 prime ewes offered by PGG Wrightson at CHARLTON on Thursday, August 4 which averaged $147 and reached $200. A small yarding of prime rams sold for $78.

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Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 15, 2022 NI SLAUGHTER STEER

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER STAG

($/KG)

R1 HEREFORD-FRIESIAN STEERS, 200KG AVERAGE, AT WELLSFORD FAIR

($/KG)

6.40

9.25

9.30

4.12

high $1335-$1370 $229-$243 Top male lambs/ traditional steers, lights R1 hoggets at Feilding 345-347kg, at Stortford Lodge

Marton hogget fair

Smallest Feilding Marton hogget fair in history Suz Bremner suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

HERE was something notably lacking at the annual Feilding Marton Hogget Fair this year and that was the stars of the show – the hoggets. Volume dropped to just 6500, the smallest yarding on record, and a far cry from the 15,000 penned only last year and just over half of the smallest recorded fair in 2017. The fair has held a regular slot on the calendar since starting in Marton in 1906, though it has evolved from a ewe hogget replacement opportunity to a fair that now provides more in the way of finished lambs. And therein lies the reasoning behind the very low volume comparative to other years. A wet and wild winter – some would call it a normal one – has left paddocks underwater and grass struggling to grow through the puddles, despite relatively warm temperatures.

DEMAND MEETS SUPPLY: A reduced yarding of 6500 hoggets at the Feilding Marton Hogget Fair sold on a better market than expected, but a larger volume would have been difficult.

The wet, along with a lack of sunshine, has meant growth rates for hoggets has been slow and they have not reached weights

that sellers were prepared to offer to the current market. Many farmers have not been able to have the shearers in either

and were not prepared to take the discount that selling woolly hoggets would have created. Also factored into many decisions to hold off was selling in an environment that is lacking in demand due to very limited space. Processor space has been at a premium all season and has been one of the elements of 2022 that finishers will not look fondly on. At present a larger number of bobby calves are the priority and, like the lamb kill, will be a slower process due to staff shortages. All these factors increased the reluctance to sell hoggets into what was expected to be a deflated market. PGG Wrightson agent Maurice Stewart echoed those sentiments following the fair. “The hoggets are out there but were just not ready for this fair. They either need shearing or are not up to where sellers would like them. One vendor who would usually supply around 5-6k to the market was not ready as the hoggets had not yet been shorn.” Stewart said the smaller volume

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met the demand and the market ticked over better than expected. “The fair was all over in an hour and prices were right up there, even on the more store types, but a larger yarding would have been very difficult to sell.” AgriHQ data shows that the sale averaged 43kg liveweight, down 1kg on last year, and the average price dropped from $189 to $181. This level is still one of the highest on record, bettered only by last year and 2019, and similar to 2018. The top male hoggets sold for $229-$243 and ewe hoggets $200$215. Stewart said another hogget fair is planned for early September to cater for those that were not ready. “We are looking to hold another hogget fair in early September, which is common, but will likely be a bigger event than it has been in past years, since many were not ready to offload now.”

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