Farmers Weekly NZ September 16 2019 by AgriHQ

3 Boom times for farmers

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Vol 18 No 36, September 16, 2019

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Farmers despair Farmers Weekly reporters

ISING stress levels among farmers struggling to digest a deluge of regulatory changes while weathering constant attacks by critics, have community leaders worried. BakerAg director Chris Garland says morale is as low as he has ever known it and he is seeing experienced, stoic farmers burst into tears, worn down by constant public attacks on the industry while trying to comprehend the impact of new rules. He is worried about the mental wellbeing of farmers, a view shared by the heads of several rural support trusts. Rural Support’s national chairman Neil Bateup says demand for help in his region of Waikato has increased. “There is more stress on people at the moment and the way I look at it they can deal with one or two things but there has been a continual increase in the number of things people are dealing with.” New rules on greenhouse gas emissions and water along with public scrutiny on winter grazing, animal welfare and water quality come as farmers battle a falling Fonterra share price, Mycoplasma bovis and tighter banking conditions. Farmers feel rejected by society, Garland says.

The pressure mounts “We have got this deluge of legislation controlling everything and everybody in business and the unrealistic expectation of the terms in which to fix it and running over top of that are people saying they don’t like you. “It is a feeling of rejection or being characterised as environmental vandals.” He wants the Government to improve its message that farmers have an environmental conscience, work with them on solutions and acknowledge their economic contribution. Bateup says an inability to determine what the legislative changes mean for farms and families adds to the anxiety. He urges farmers to look after themselves and their neighbours, talk to others and spend time off the farm. Trusts in Otago and Southland have also noticed increased farmer stress while Canterbury farmer advocate Angela Cushnie said the water plan ignores rural wellbeing and social sustainability. “We see a whole lot of stress, anxiety and uncertainty.” She questioned whether the

WINTERING CHALLENGE: South Otago farmer Simon Davies says proposed freshwater rules will make livestock wintering impossible in Southland and South Otago.

Mission impossible Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz RULES to improve freshwater quality will make it impossible to winter cattle in Southland and south Otago under current methods, Otago Federated Farmers president Simon Davies says. He farms 600ha effective at Toko Mouth on the Otago coast and says the proposed rules in the Government’s Action for Healthy Waterways make

Government takes mental health seriously. “The enormous turnout at the meeting in Ashburton is all the evidence I need that while the Government claims to be taking mental health seriously the bully tactics seen by Minister Parker over recent times is a direct contradiction of this.” Criticism of the six-week

wintering adult cattle on crop impossible on many southern farms. They limit the area of crops, the slope that can be cropped, the depth of pugging and distance from waterways. He winters only yearlings on crop and spreads his 80 breeding cows at four a paddock in winter. “I can’t see how any farmer can winter any cattle over the age of 15 months outside and meet those requirements.

deadline for public submissions was rejected by Agriculture Minister Damien, who says those who want to make a submission will do so. Federated Farmers water spokesman Chris Allen said Local Government NZ modelling shows the Government under-estimates the plan’s impact. It found drystock farming in the

“Dairy cows? You can forget it unless you put them in a shed. “You have got dairy farmers facing nitrogen issues they can’t resolve, and they can’t winter their cows, so what are they going to do? Get Air NZ coming along and plant trees? Is that really what the country wants?” “To meet the goal of a 30% reduction in methane, which is the midpoint of the Government’s target, as it stands today my only choice is to cut stock numbers by a third.”

Waikato River catchment will fall from 43% of land use to 14%, with forestry increasing from 20% to more than 50%. “What about the people working on farms, in meat and milk processing plants and in the small and large businesses servicing the livestock sector when milk volumes fall by over 10%?” Allen asked.

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NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW For those wanting a nice big, high-pressure system it appears your prayers have been answered. Before the high arrives we have a cold front moving up the nation with a bit of rain and shower activity on the western side followed by a cooler southerly change. But the southerly change fades on Wednesday as the high rolls in, bringing mostly dry and settled weather for the rest of the week and also into the weekend. By early next week it looks like the spring westerlies kick in again with a windier, warmer, Monday possible. It might even be subtropical for northern New Zealand. It’s followed by a potential deepening lowpressure system out of the Tasman Sea on Tuesday/Wednesday next week.

13 Feds plead for rates fairness Rating for revenue gathering based on the salable value of farms is not a true assessment of ability to pay, Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says.

Newsmaker ��22 New Thinking ��23

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

Rain Patchy rain and showers move up the western side of the country over the next couple of days but the low falls apart as it heads north. Dry with high pressure dominates for the rest of the week and this coming weekend.

Opinion ��24

ON FARM STORY Temperature Warmer than average to begin with this week in many regions then a cooler change comes in for Tuesday. With a large high rolling in from Wednesday and into the weekend expect mild afternoons and cool nights in many regions.

28 Data and science do the work

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Wind Winds kick off mild from the westerly quarter this week but turn slightly cooler southwest on Tuesday. Winds fade out for many places over Wednesday and Thursday as a large high rolls in with light winds for the weekend too.

Highlights/ Extremes The main feature this week is the large high rolling in around Wednesday and potentially lasting until Monday of next week. It means a drier than average seven days ahead in many places too.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

Positive pasture growth weather nationwide looks set to return with milder weather injected in to the mix more often and fewer nationwide frosts, but still some frosty nights, especially in Central Otago. While soil moisture levels are good in many regions some have said a few drier/milder days would go down a treat and generally speaking most of NZ leans drier than average for the next week with some milder days equalling a better pasture-growth forecast.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 12/09/2019

The topography of The Ranch in south Otago is steep to rolling hill country but it is managed and performs like an intensive breeding and finishing farm. Farm managers Maurice and Renee Judson say much of the performance comes down to decisions based on science and data.

REGULARS Real Estate ��30-35 Employment ��36 Classifieds ��37 Livestock ��38-43 Markets ��44-48 GlobalHQ is a farming family owned business that donates 1% of advertising revenue to the Rural Support Trust. Thanks to our Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer advertisers this week: $1061. Need help now? You can talk to someone who understands the pressures of farming by phoning your local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

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For more weather information go to farmersweekly.co.nz/weather

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Sector booms despite gloom Luke Chivers luke.chivers@globalhq.co.nz EXPORTS of primary sector goods are booming for the third year in a row. The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report by the Primary Industries Ministery shows total farm, fishing and forestry exports for the year ended June 30 reached a record $46.4 billion. That is an 8.7% rise for the year and it’s accelerating. The 2021 forecast is up by $810 million despite increasing financial and environmental pressures facing the sector. Dairy at $18.1b leads, followed by meat and wool at $10.1b, forestry $6.9b, horticulture $6.1b and seafood $1.9b. The 2018-19 dairy was the second-highest on record with 1865 million tonnes of milksolids produced. In 2014 MS hit 1890. The forecast reflects strong production seasons for both the livestock and horticulture sectors, record log prices and harvest volumes and a weak NZ dollar. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the results are outstanding. “It’s a very positive outlook into the future, especially at a time when we need to be generating more income for the primary sectors to cover the inevitable increasing costs of production. “It should encourage farmers to believe in what they are doing and the positive returns that they can get for their efforts.” Total dairy export revenue was up 8.7%. That’s a $1.47b increase, which is just staggering and the sector appears to be set up for another favourable season, he said. “I think it’s really important dairy farmers take a step back and look at the wider picture. There is steady demand for our product and we are generally at the highend value of the market for most

Our nation’s farmers and growers produce some of the highest quality food in the world and the world knows it. Damien O’Connor Agriculture Minister

PROMISING: It’s a very positive outlook into the future, especially at a time when we need to be generating more income for the primary sectors to cover the inevitable increasing costs of production, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says.

of our products and ingredients. “The volume of production will eventually flatten out”, O’Connor warned. “So that’s why we must keep focusing on the value component of everything that we produce.” Export revenue for this year is forecast to drop 0.5% to $46.2b. Prices are expected to remain high for most products but lower volumes are forecast in most sectors.

Dairy and red meat volumes are expected to drop after benefiting from above-average pasture growth last season and lower log prices are expected to drive a decrease in forestry production and exports, MPI said. But horticulture continues to consistently grow in both value and volume in sectors like apples and kiwifruit. “For the year ending June 2020

horticulture revenue is forecast to rise 3.8%.” Meat prices remain near record highs with strong international demand, O’Connor said. “Our nation’s farmers and growers produce some of the highest quality food in the world and the world knows it. They are bringing home record export returns and that’s something for them to be really proud of.” But Brexit and trade tensions between the United States and China continue to be a concern for global trade. “I think you’d have to be a genius to predict what might happen in the United Kingdom over the next six months,” O’Connor said. “I don’t think Boris Johnson or the wider UK economy have got a handle on what no-deal or a deal mean for their relationships with other countries. They really are adrift at sea when it comes to trade relationships. “We just have to wait in the hope that they get their act together and sort out the mess because their economy and their suppliers need some certainty.” O’Connor remains optimistic about the Government’s trade agenda. “We’re working hard on opening up the world’s largest economies to our primary exports,” he said. “Last week I was in Thailand attending a Regional Comprehensive Economic

Partnership ministerial meeting as negotiations enter the final stages.” When concluded, the RCEP Agreement would anchor New Zealand in a regional deal covering 16 countries and take more than half our total exports. It would also provide NZ with a free-trade relationship with India. “Trade negotiations with the European Union and updating our free-trade agreement with China are also priorities,” he said. “Outside of our trade agreements the Government is also working with NZ exporters to help resolve specific barriers to trade that they might face in overseas markets.” O’Connor said the RCEP is expected to be finalised by November.

How much is farming worth to the nation? • Income for 2018-19 was $46.4 billion, up 8.7%. • Dairy worth $18.1b, up $1.47b • Meat and wool, $10.1b • Forestry, $6.9b • Horticulture, $6.1b Next year • Total $46.1b • Dairy $18.6b • Meat and wool $10.07b • Forestry $5.8b • Horticulture $6.3b 2012 • Total $47.4b • Dairy $18.9b • Meat and wool $10.1b • Forestry $6.3b • Horticulture $6.5b

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Where are all the lambs? Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz THE next two weeks might confirm the lamb kill season as one of the smallest on record. Latest figures won’t be released for several weeks but at the last available count, week 46 ending August 17, there was a season tally of 17.4 million, an estimated shortfall of 1.2m on the corresponding time last year. North Island flows picked up slightly from a slow start but indications are nationwide numbers didn’t pick up enough for a significant catch-up by the September 30 season-end, AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad said. AgriHQ indicator prices are at a record and some contract prices might be at better premiums. The indicator price last week was $8.60kg in the North Island and $8.35kg in the South Island. The corresponding week last year turned out to be the season peak at $8.55 and $8.30 respectively then prices fell quite sharply by 5c/kg to 10c/ kg a week.

With the higher prices driven by China and a more favourable dollar rate there is potential for prices to keep rising this year though the window might be short, Croad said. Chinese demand for lamb flaps, in particular, has pushed their values up to $11.70-$12.10/kg, more than some frozen legs are selling for in Britain and Europe. Leading up to this time last year processors got carried away with their procurement, paying about 80% of export value, whereas this year they’ve been more realistic at about 70-72%. There are a couple of notable issues around supply prospects over the next few weeks. Firstly, the mild North Island winter has brought some lambs on more quickly, leading to the risk of them cutting their teeth earlier to become two-tooths rather than lambs. That means a $2/kg or more cut in value, a decent margin hit for farmers who were paying $130 a head plus for store lambs, Croad said. Those high store lamb prices are the other factor

Fine wools good in volatile market Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

DOWN: This season’s lamb kill might be one of the smallest on record.

around the country, with farmers needing to maximise value, leading them to keep lambs on the ground longer to build their weight. Last year, the lamb kill of about 100,000 a week jumped to 150,000-185,000 in the last two weeks of September. There’s not much sign of that yet this year. Beef + Lamb estimates

of lower lamb numbers coming through could also be subject to some unknowns around lamb losses in the devastating rainstorms through the eastern North Island about this time last year. The losses might have been underestimated, which is why this year’s processing numbers seem much lower in comparison, Croad said.

FINE and mid-micron wools spiked higher at Thursday’s Christchurch auction but remain well below their highs. The Australian market picked up on Wednesday and the gains flowed to Christchurch. Volatility is the name of the game, PGG Wrightson South Island sales manager Dave Burridge said. Merino fleece was 6% to 8% dearer than at the August 29 sale, where prices tumbled up to 15%. Mid-micron wools (22 to 30 microns) were the big mover after previously falling sharply and quickly. They were up 5% to 18%. Generally, no-one had an explanation for the gains but the markets are confidence driven, Burridge said. A major new Australian buyer added impetus to fine wools. The 1700 bales of mid-micron wools were pretty much cleared but some Merino vendors set reserves above the floor prices. “There were some vendors not requiring the immediate cashflow and had a view on the value of their very high quality of their wool.” About 8000 bales of crossbred wool was largely unchanged despite some good gains for the most stylish 31 to 35 micron ranges. “The bidding was competitive for well prepared woolly hogget-type and ewe wool.” That best wool was up to 8% stronger but most of the 31 to 35 micron was up just 1% to 2% and best wool above 35-micron was 1% to 3% higher. Crossbred second shear and oddments were steady.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Foreign buyers circle dairy debt Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com FOREIGN hedge funds have approached the country’s largest rural lender about buying dairy loans the bank wants off its books. It is understood a large international investment bank has flown in to sound out industry consultants on the potential for buying assets from the big banks, including loans to dairy farmers. The international interest comes as the Australian-owned banks review their New Zealand operations in light of proposals from the Reserve Bank to significantly increase the amount of capital they must hold against their loans. In a statement an ANZ spokeswoman confirmed the approaches but said they had gone no further. “While we understand there have been some overseas hedge funds that have been approaching NZ banks including the ANZ we have chosen not to pursue that path. “In short, we don’t have a divestment plan for our dairy book,” she said. It is understood at least two American and European hedge funds came here in March or April this year.

NOT SURPRISED: KPMG banking and finance head John Kensington is not surprised by foreign interest in dairy’s debts.

A source who spoke to those investors said talks were held with other banks and discussions continued until the middle of this year. The starting point for the size of loan portfolios the funds are interested in is a billion dollars. “They do not deal in small numbers.” The ANZ has made no secret of its desire to trim back its exposure to dairy farmers. In April it wrote to its rural clients warning them of the potential for increased borrowing costs as a result of the pending increases in bank capital and

urged them to reduce debt where possible. The source said the banks are in a quandary about what to do with their unwanted dairy loans. Because sales of dairy farms are at a standstill the banks are reluctant to force farmers to sell because of the potential to trigger a sharp fall in farm prices and put the loans they want to keep at risk too. Bundling up the loans and selling them avoids a run on land values. However, the source said the Australian parents of the banks are nervous about the reputational

consequences of handing over the loans to hedge fund buyers and told their NZ subsidiaries to shelve the idea for now. “Given what has happened in Australia with the banking Royal Commission the banks selling off a bad part of their book to a vulture fund … was too much for the brand of the banks.” A local director of one of the Australian-owned lenders said there is no telling what a hedge fund buyer would do once they got hold of the loans. “Reputationally, is it better to be easing back on our exposure to some of these loans … the party that buys those loans, all they want to do is to make a profit on what they have bought and god knows what they will do to get it.” Meanwhile. a banking consultant has told of representatives from a large international investment bank visiting his Auckland office last month to discuss buying opportunities that could arise from the Reserve Bank’s proposals. “They wanted to know what sectors we thought would be first cab off the rank to be gotten rid of and we did say dairy, construction and small to medium enterprises.” The consultant said they needed to spend $500m to make any deal worthwhile.

In short, we don’t have a divestment plan for our dairy book. ANZ “There would be a lot of work involved and it needs to be of enough size.” Asked how an investment bank buyer might manage dairy farm loans he said “If things were good then you might be happy to buy those loans and roll them over on a normal term … but if you have tough times in the industry where you get any sort of default and you are down to interest only then you might want to exit it a bit quicker.” KPMG’s head of banking and finance John Kensington said he is not surprised the banks are talking to investors. “You are going to see some preliminary work now fleshing out ideas of what could happen and then when what is going to happen is announced then that work will be either sped up or if the Reserve Bank announces something a little bit more lenient then a slightly more slowed down process.”

Water plan smacks of social irresponsibility FARMERS need recognition for what they are doing to look after the environment and that will be a start to the Government acknowledging social sustainability, Canterbury farmer advocate Angela Cushnie says. Cushnie says the Government’s freshwater plan totally overlooks the importance of rural wellbeing

The pressure mounts and social sustainability. “We see a whole lot of stress, anxiety and uncertainty.

Cushnie urged the decisionmakers to recognise farmers’ good work so they see it’s worth going on. She is sceptical of claims the Government is taking mental health seriously. “Perhaps this should say but only when it suits our political agenda. “The enormous turnout at the meeting in Ashburton is all the evidence I need that while the Government claims to be taking

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mental health seriously, the bully tactics seen by (Environment) Minister (David) Parker over recent times are a direct contradiction of this. “Where is the sustainable balance between environmental, cultural, economic and social responsibilities?” The timing at an absolute diabolical time in the farming calendar is unrealistic and socially irresponsible.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Sheep water ban stuns farmers Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz FARMERS have been broadsided by a rule in a proposed regional council plan that will cost some of them $1 million each. Greater Wellington Regional Council’s proposed Natural Resources Plan includes sheep among stock to be excluded from waterways throughout the region, including hill country, a rule neither farmers nor the council saw coming. Federated Farmers Wairarapa president William Beetham said the rule was not raised during the plan’s hearings process. But the proposal is unworkable. “Farmers are unanimous. They can’t believe it,” he said. The federation’s former Wairarapa president Jamie Falloon, who farms Wairarapa hill country and has been involved in the plan’s progress for seven years, said the costs of the rule change are horrific. To comply, farmers will need to fence waterways with sheep-

STUMPED: Farmers can’t believe the surprise rule banning sheep from waterways.

proof fences. Falloon said that will cost him about $1m for his 600ha that includes 24km of streams, total fencing of 48km taking in each side, along with putting in culverts, bridges and other earthworks.

It will also reduce the size of many of his paddocks, rendering them effectively useless. He cannot understand the rationale because sheep do minimal damage to waterways and don’t like going anywhere near them. “Given the cost you’ve got to ask what the value and the benefit is. There’s bugger all impact on water quality.” Falloon’s numbers are backed up by Baker Ag consultants who say it will cost more than $1m for an average hill country property. Four meetings have been held in the past couple of weeks to inform farmers of the plan’s content and drum up financial support to pay for an Environment Court appeal. Now Beetham says the human cost, the tax on farmers’ emotions, is just as worrying as the financial one. There is also the potential for the rule to set a precedent and be picked up by other councils. Although the Government’s recently released freshwater

discussion document does not include sheep, its proposals are minimum requirements and individual councils can make tougher rules. Wairarapa’s only regional councillor Adrienne Staples said she and council officials were very surprised to see sheep included because it was never in the original proposal. Officials originally wondered if an error had been made but she now understands two groups asked for the inclusion and the three independent commissioners hearing submissions included the request in their proposed plan. The council cannot now make any changes because the Resource Management Act says commissioners’ plans can by changed only by the Environment Court though Staples hopes it can be sorted out at the mediation stage. There are two other significant changes to the original plan, she said. The council proposed banning significant pugging but significant

The pressure mounts has been removed so it now reads no pugging while another rule that covers keeping stock out of wetlands initially listed particular wetlands. The schedule has been removed so the rule will cover all wetlands. Staples said there is serious farmer concern about the changes far-reaching consequences, especially on hill country. “Farmers would just like to get it sorted. They are sick of being painted as enemies of the country.” She said farmers recognise they have to embrace change but it’s important not to bankrupt the country in the process. “Vast tracts of NZ will become uneconomic to farm.”

Nitrogen bombshell hidden away Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE devil is in the detail of the Government’s freshwater management proposals with farm consultants finding business as usual rules sitting alongside tough bottom-line standards that will leave some farm businesses struggling to remain viable. AgFirst director and Waikato farm adviser James Allen said farmers there are already meeting the proposed standards through the region’s Healthy Rivers Plan. Healthy Rivers requires greater fencing on hill country, nitrogen limits and limitations on intensifying land-use.

The pressure mounts But the bombshell in the national proposals is buried in the document under a section on new bottom line limits on nitrogen losses. The proposal’s Science and Technical Advisory Group recommends nitrogen in rivers be set at an annual average of 1mg a litre, well back on the 6.9mg some

regional councils with defined amounts have been working towards. AgriMagic Canterbury farm consultant Charlotte Glass said screwing the nitrogen limit in rivers down that much in Canterbury will put farmers under huge pressure. “At present there is no known way for Canterbury farmers to meet this outcome. “That level changes things radically from business as usual, which is what the rest of the proposals mean for Canterbury, with farmers already working to comply with the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan.” It is critical farmers tell the

Government they cannot meet such a low threshold. Glass says 6.9mg/litre is achievable but 1mg is not. “It should have been in bold on the front page, not deep in the document.” Allen urged farmers to respond. “If they do not make their voices heard it could happen. “Some of this proposal is business as usual, farmers can live with the fencing requirements and the need for farm environment plans but not so much with the nitrogen limit.” Glass questions the sole focus on the environment given Resource Management Act

NITROGEN BOMBSHELL: Proposed nitrogen limits will impact heavily on farming, AgFirst director James Allen says.

regulation requiring policies to also consider social and economic impacts.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

O’Connor dismisses time concerns Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz AGRICULTURE Minister Damien O’Connor rejects suggestions the Government is not allowing farmers enough time to respond to planned water rules that will have a significant impact on their businesses. Public submissions on the Nait Amendment Bill were open for five weeks; Zero Carbon Bill submissions were open for eight weeks and Action For Healthy Waterways consultation is to run for six weeks to October 17.

This is not us stalling for time. Katie Milne Federated Farmers O’Connor said people focused on the issues who want to make submissions get on with the job and it does not make any difference whether submissions are open for six or 16 weeks. Six weeks is not a rushed time for farmers to prepare

The pressure mounts a submission. Industry organisations can still make long and detailed submissions while farmer submissions do not have to be lengthy and drawn out. It is better they take a pragmatic approach and are well thought out, he said. Farmers’ views will be considered carefully. The quality of submissions is more important than the quantity. Opposition agriculture spokesman Todd Muller and Federated Farmers president Katie Milne have questioned time given to freshwater consultation. “It’s left rural New Zealand just six weeks to try and ascertain what the wide-ranging changes will mean for them at the busiest time of the year,” Muller said. “It reeks of a predetermined process and heaps further pressure on to our 23,000 farming families.”

Milne said it is hard on farmers to be given the range of challenges and change they have and yet not feel like they can have any input. “Yes, we have a bunch of policy people here at Feds who can and are working through this massive process at double-quick time for our members, but our farmers still need to have time to be part of this. “This is not us stalling for time. Normally consultation on something of this significance would be given six months not six weeks.” The federation’s former Wairarapa Meat and Wool chairman Miles Anderson also asked why Nait Bill consultation fell in the middle of calving and lambing. O’Connor said it is unfortunate the Opposition is seizing an opportunity to stir up a storm and there is no way the Government is going to park up work that is important to NZ. It cannot be helped that the submissions periods fell in what is traditionally a busy time for farmers and there is no truth to suggestions the timing shows the Government is not really interested in farmer opinions. The reality is there is an election

PROGRESS: The Government is determined to make progress before the next election, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says.

next year and ministers and the Government are determined to make progress on legislation and plans before then, he said. Changes to Nait are important to ensure proper traceability, especially to deal with M bovis, measures to deal with climate change have to be progressed as quickly as possible while the longer action to stop the degradation of waterways is delayed, the harder it will be to fix. “We need to be able to give farmers clear guidelines to get

things started.” O’Connor acknowledged that there are not many public meetings in the Environment Ministry’s healthy waterways consultation aimed at farmers but if there is demand for more meetings he will make sure they are held. Action For Healthy Waterways is only a discussion document and there is a long way to go before legislation is implemented so there will be more opportunities for people to have their say.

Financial costs keep on mounting up Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz COSTS from new Government legislation keep mounting on the primary sector. They are direct taxes, extra costs such as resource consents, mitigation costs and lower production. A livestock tax, part of the Zero Carbon Bill, is estimated to cost an average farm about $30 a week but that figure depends on the Government providing a free allocation covering 95% of the actual emissions costs. Meeting lower methane emission targets will also prove costly, with some farmers

claiming the only way they can meet them with existing technology is to cut production or stock numbers. Federated Farmers estimates every 1% reduction in methane will cost the country $300m in production. The Government proposes cutting methane emissions by 10% of 2017 levels by 2030 and by 24% to 47% by 2050. Its Action for Healthy Waterways discussion document suggests farm plans be compulsory from 2025 and estimates the cost at $3500 a plan with two-yearly audits at $1500 a pop. Extending fencing to lakes, streams and wetlands more than

1m wide will cost $600m over 10 years. Farmers will be given three years to complete fencing for dairy cattle and pigs or five years to exclude beef cattle. The document proposes increasing the setback to 5m. Farmers will have to set a time line and plan for fencing streams and drains less than 1m wide. The document estimates fencing a 127ha downland dairy farm will cost $87,000, a 281ha lowland beef farm $89,000 and a 571ha hill country farm based on 10% requiring exclusion, $17,000. It also proposes immediate restrictions on land use intensification through irrigation

The pressure mounts expansion, changing land use and increasing forage cropping until councils implement the national policy statement on fresh water by 2025. It also advocates the introduction of local and national caps on nitrogen leaching, with Federated Farmers claiming nitrogen reduction targets of 80%

effectively make existing land use unviable. This extra compliance is expected to cost a 45ha commercial vegetable grower about $9200 a year to meet stricter sediment and nutrient controls, creating a farm plan and upgrading irrigation efficiency. The plan estimates improving the management of winter crops to reduce sediment loss means 2000 farmers will need resource consent to operate outside the new standards, at a cost of $3000 a consent. Improving stock holding areas and feedlots will also require consent at $3000 a time and $72 a cow in new infrastructure costs.

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10 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Farmers dictate at Manawatu meeting The pressure mounts Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz FARMER concern over the Government’s new freshwater management plans dominated an urban public meeting in Palmerston North that was supposed to cover a range of new environment policy initiatives. The meeting, run by Environment Ministry officials, was supposed to cover freshwater quality, highly productive land use, urban development, hazardous waste disposal and waste minimisation but the more than 200 people there ensured the focus never really deviated from freshwater policy, though there was a brief overview at the end on measures to

protect highly productive land. Ministry deputy secretary Anne Haira said impacts of the freshwater proposals will differ around the country and meetings are being held to get local understandings of those affects and take that information back to decision makers in Wellington. The ministry’s chief policy adviser Brian Smith ran through what he said were some of the big ticket items in the policy before he took questions from the floor. The questions reflected farmer frustration and dismay, with a simmering anger not far away for some. Many of the questions focused on how the proposals’ one-sizefits-all approach is unrealistic and unfair and Smith acknowledged it will not be possible to regulate centrally for everything. He was not surprised by considerable feedback on the potential for farmers to have to move existing fence so five to 15 years was proposed for farmers to do it. Some farmers said compliance

costs have been grossly understated by the Government while others said councils will need to employ a lot more staff to monitor the new rules. Those people will be a whole new industry in themselves and it will be farmers who have to pay for them – either directly or through rates. Feilding farmer and ManawatuWanganui Regional Council (Horizons) environment committee chairman Gordon McKellar said everyone, including farmers, wants better water quality but the one-size-fits-all approach will turn a lot of good work that has already been done on its head. And in some situations the new rules are stupid. Whangaehu/Mangawhero water catchment group member Mike Cranstone said the Government has no appreciation of the work many farmers have already done to reduce their environmental footprint. When Horizons tried to enforce its One Plan with a big stick it was shown that approach did not

OPPORTUNITY: Professor Russell Death of Massey University says new freshwater standards will help sell New Zealand produce overseas.

work, instead resulting in a loss of common sense and farmer support. Woodhaven Gardens, Levin, director Jay Clarke questioned the impact on vegetable growers. On one hand the Government is telling people they should eat more fresh vegetables for their health but on the other its plans are likely to hurt the supply and affordability of fresh vegetables and the economic viability of the people growing them. Massey University freshwater ecologist Professor Russell Death, who is a member of the

Freshwater Technical Advisory Group said that in June provided government officials with a series of recommendations on freshwater management. He said from the floor the proposals are an opportunity for farmers. He understands many farmers are doing a lot of good work around water quality but export markets are not seeing or hearing about it. Putting standards in place it will show markets NZ primary products are produced within clean, green guidelines – which will help farmers.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that people get home safe every day” JIM VAN DER POEL Dairy farmer, Chairman of DairyNZ

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

PACKED TO THE RAFTERS: Hundreds of farmers surprised Environment Ministry officials with their response to proposed water quality rules. Photo: Annette Scott

Farmers say water rules unworkable Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz CANTERBURY farmers downed tools and turned out in the hundreds, throwing organisers of the Government’s freshwater consultation meeting in Ashburton into disorder. As car parking spilled out onto surrounding streets and people queued to get in, meeting room space and seating fell short at the Hotel Ashburton. Expecting maybe 180, Environment Ministry officials appeared somewhat surprised and even a little nervous of the force of passionate farmers turning out to have their voices heard on the proposed tough, new freshwater regulations. With the opening of an adjoining third room all 400 were eventually shoe-horned in, albeit not all with seats and not all able to hear through a sound system that failed to cope. But the farmers and others with livelihoods dependent on the sector did have their say after presentations by ministry water director Martin Workman and officials Amanda Moran and Charlotte Denny. “The fact so many have turned out really shows this is a topic farmers are passionate about,”

Workman said. “It really shows the importance of the environment.” As a softener Workman was quick to acknowledge urban waterways are the most polluted in the country. “And we need to fix them up.” Workman said the healthy waterways proposals are about where the Government wants to get to. “How long it takes is the big question. We know nitrates are not going to be achieved overnight and we know in some places there will be greater challenges around the need for innovation and technology but we need to come with solutions for this.” The audience was keen on getting its messages across and timing was a hot topic. The exceptionally short consultation timeframe highlighted alarming social consequences for farming communities and regional economies. In some areas more investment will be needed as well as changes to the way land is farmed. That is in addition to the thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours farmers have already invested. More time is needed to ensure it’s done right – for the environment and right for the people, farmers said.

It was pointed out there’s no acknowledgment of the downstream effects on local businesses, industry suppliers and wider communities dependent on farming sector income. “What happens to a local community when a farmer decides the best option is for their land to no longer be a farm?” Mid Canterbury farmer Chris Allen asked. Science emerged an equally burning topic. Farmers want evidence of the accuracy of the science being used. They want to see the bottom lines for nitrate leaching pointing out the 1% dissolved inorganic nitrogen level is unrealistic. They want to know how proposed new rules will tie in with the myriad of other regulations already in place, whether economic modelling has been done and what measures have been considered for the impact on human wellbeing and rural economies. “The importance of science behind proposals has been emphasised – is there a bibliography that we can refer to see the science behind this because some of us don’t want to hear Mike Joy,” Mt Alford farmer Sir Graeme Harrison said.

Eiffelton farmer Ian Mackenzie accused the Government of replacing past science with science more suited to its political agenda. Unanimously supported by the other farmers, Mackenzie claimed the bottom lines for dissolved nitrogen in waterways are simply unachievable. “Our issue is 1 milligram of dissolved nitrogen per litre is not something we can aspire to. It puts us out of business. “What you are proposing is not innovating or tweaking, it is closing down any type of industry in this district,” Mackenzie said. Waimate farmer John Gregan said farmers need to see some cost-benefit analysis. “What other western economy has a 1mg level and is it working?” he asked. The issue of compensation was raised for fencing, planting, loss of productive land and the management of wetlands and waterways. Compensation was not on the table but genetically-modified ryegrass could be after Dorie farmer Ted Rollinson had his say. “As dairy farmers all we are looking for is science and technology to manage this and the one tool that would work is gene editing. It has ability to mitigate

The pressure mounts nitrates 30-40% and greenhouse gases in the order of 30%. “Surely to goodness now is the time for this debate,” he said. Farmers were told the ministry does not have a magic army coming along to enforce rules but wants to understand how this plays out for farmers in the long term. Workman apologised for the timing but said the Government is really keen to move forward. “Part of the proposal is working out how long it will take and I agree some of the proposed bottom lines could take decades to achieve though regional councils will have to have land and water plans in place with these targets by 2025,” Workman said. The meeting was assured that all questions and comments had been recorded and will be taken back to Environment Minister David Parker and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

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12 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

More candidates and complexity Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz CANDIDATE numbers for the forthcoming local government elections have increased for district and regional councils, Local Government New Zealand says. Regional council elections have attracted 57 more candidates than for the 2016 election, an increase of 25%, and district council elections have 33 more candidates. The participation in regional elections has been boosted by the 39 candidates for the first full election for 14 Environment Canterbury seats since the National Government appointed commissioners in 2010. LGNZ principal policy adviser Dr Mike Reid said there is also increased interest from women with 52 more women standing for district council seats and 25 more for regional council seats. The 50% increase in women candidates for regional councils means they make up 25% of the 286 candidates. Women are 35% of the 1123 candidates for district council seats though names do not disclose gender in all cases. LGNZ does not have statistics on elections for community boards, district health boards and licensing trusts. Reid hopes voter participation will improve on the 47% turnout in the 2016 and 2013 elections.

Local body elections 2019 That was the average turnout across all councils but turnout tends to be higher in rural and regional areas and lower in big cities. All people on the Parliamentary rolls and non-resident ratepayers get voting papers for the local government elections.

Post your vote one week before polling closes. Mike Reid Local Government NZ LGNZ surveying after each election shows the main reasons given for not voting were being too busy, a lack of interest and a lack of information about candidates. A recent change to the Local Government Act requires council chief executives to promote voter turnout but how they will do it is not yet clear.

Councils are also required to publish pre-election reports, mainly on council finances, and they are required reading for candidates and interested voters. Another concern of LGNZ is the ability of the postal services to cope, in the smaller numbers of post boxes and the time now taken for mail to get to its destination. “We are advising voters to get their completed voting papers into the mail one week before voting closes on October 12 or they risk being too late,” Reid said. Local government elections have been postal voting since 1989. Single transferable voting will apply for 11 councils and 20 of the 21 health boards. Waikato DHB has appointed commissioners. Among the STV councils are New Plymouth and Ruapehu Districts for the first time, along with Kapiti Coast, Kaipara, Greater Wellington Regional and Marlborough Unitary Council. Surveys of councillors elected in 2016 show 33% are self-employed and 75% had previously served in local government. The number of unopposed mayoral races is the lowest it has been in 10 years, only six. An average of four mayoral candidates are contesting all 61 sets of mayoral chains across district and city councils – regional councillors elect their own chairmen at the first meeting. Among the higher-profile resignations and retirements

DIFFERENT: Longserving Opotiki Mayor John Forbes says councils are not like businesses.

are Gisborne’s Meng Foon and Opotiki’s John Forbes, both having served 18 years as mayors. Forbes said he was first elected as a councillor in 1986 and local government has changed considerably over that 30-plus years. The degree of complexity is now much greater and the regulatory environment prescribed by central government is not always fit for purpose in rural districts. The requirement for skills in new compliance areas means a shortage of suitably qualified people so councils then bid up

the price of those people who are available. Forbes also served as the rural sector chairman for LGNZ for nine years. He said businesspeople are often nominated on the assumption district councils are like big businesses but that is not the case. “I recall my predecessor as rural chairman saying ‘if rural councils were like businesses then I would plough the sports fields and plant turnips’.” Mayoral candidates, in particular, need experience as councillors, he thinks.

Prospects for a good Kiwifruit Gold payout ZESPRI’S first payment forecast for the 2019-20 season puts SunGold kiwifruit growers firmly in the six figure a hectare earnings category with returns falling firmly in the top end of the range predicted in June.

In an announcement to growers and shareholders Zespri director Bruce Cameron said SunGold returns are forecast at $11.15 a tray against the top end of the June forecast of $11.20, with the average

per hectare return forecast at $152,000 for the season. That is up almost 5% on last year’s returns. Meantime Green returns are forecast at $6.26 a tray, putting the average per

hectare earnings at $63,125, on a par with last season’s returns. On the back of the fruit payments, Zespri’s forecast range for corporate net profit after tax for the year

ending March 31 2020 is $182 million to $190m, including income from SunGold licence releases. Dividend forecast for the same period is estimated to be 86c-90c a share.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Feds plead fairness in rates bills Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz RATING for revenue gathering by councils based on the salable value of farms is not a true assessment of ability to pay, Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says. “It is a bit like assessing someone’s wealth on the basis of the car they drive,” she said in a forward to Federated Farmers Platform on the 2019 local government elections. The federation makes no apology for focusing heavily on the cost of local government and how that cost is recovered. Rates bills are among the biggest farmers face; often exceeding $20,000 or even $50,000 a year.

Local body elections 2019 Local Government New Zealand said the country’s 78 councils have income and spending exceeding $10 billion a year and assets worth $140b. They employ 30,000 full-time equivalents, represent 11% of all public spending and are governed by 1600 elected councillors, board members and local trustees. “Farmers need level-headed councillors who prioritise needs over the nice-to-haves,

PRIORITIES: Councillors must differentiate between spending on things that are essential and nice to have, Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says.

who respect the considerable contributions from ratepayers and who work hard toward an equitable rating system that is affordable for all ratepayers,” Milne said. The quality of environmental regulation can make or break a farm business. Farmers want councils to adopt practical and common-sense ways to regulate, she said. Councils’ spending has tripled since 2000 and annual rate revenue has also trebled, to $6b. Debt has gone up fivefold during that time to $15b. While the Consumer Price Index

has gone up an accumulated 50%, local government rates and charges have risen 170%. “Federated Farmers believes that councils should do what their ratepayers have to do – make do with the money they have and drive costs out rather than constantly asking for more. “This includes setting priorities rather than trying to be all things to all people and focusing on continuous improvement and excellence in service delivery.” Federated Farmers also pleaded with prospective councillors to consider using all the mechanisms in a reasonable rating system:

targeted rates, uniform charges, differentials, rate caps and remission policies. “The distribution of benefits and access to services can be a big factor in a carefully designed rating system that doesn’t rely simply on property value. “This is a big challenge and what is most wanted of local councillors from the farming community,” she said. Remissions could be applied for QE11 covenanted land, for farms with multiple titles to avoid many charges for the same thing and after natural disasters and adverse events.

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14 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Full democracy is being restored Annett Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz ENVIRONMENT Canterbury is preparing for its first election of a full council since central government intervened in the region in 2010. With huge issues emerging around water as a result of intensive farming on the Canterbury Plains ramping up and seemingly nothing being done at regional council level the government stepped in. An urban-rural divide around the council table was seen to be part of the governance issue. Six commissioners were appointed under chairwoman Dame Margaret Bazley and the regional council was commissioner-driven from 201016.

I am not alarmed by the fact a lot of farmers are standing. I am well aware of the efforts the farmers are making. Steve Lowndes ECan Completing a resource management plan for water in Canterbury was made an urgent priority in the terms of reference for the commissioners. They were also required to improve relations with Canterbury’s 10 territorial councils to build on the work of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS). “The government deemed it urgent to act and I believe this action was needed because not enough was being done,” chairman Steve Lowndes said. “The commissioners didn’t have to worry about democracy or the niceties of how a regional council works. “Together with the chief executive they went straight into

Local body elections 2019 reorganising the management set-up of ECan and set about putting in place what has been a series of plans with plan change 7, the last. “That’s like a cloak has been thrown over the entire Canterbury Plains limiting nutrient levels potentially impacting on freshwater quality and this latest Action for Healthy Waterways freshwater plan carries on from that series of plans.” Lowndes said the foundation of the CWMS was laid before the commissioners came in. To make the transition from the commissioners’ reign to an elected council the National Government put in a hybrid council of six commissioners and seven elected members in 2016. Three of the seven elected members are farmers, one each from the South, Mid and North Canterbury wards and commissioner Tom Lambie is also a farmer. Lowndes was elected to the council in a Christchurch ward in 2016 and elected deputy chairman. He became chairman in 2017 following the death of former chairman and one of the six commissioners, David Bedford. “The triennium I believe has worked very well as a hybrid council. “We haven’t fallen into a political division or an urban-rural divide,” Lowndes said. Interest is strong for ECan’s return to full democracy with 39 candidates standing for the 14 seats, including six for the two North Canterbury seats, four for the two Mid Canterbury seats, six for the two South Canterbury seats and 23 candidates for the eight seats across four Christchurch wards. Farmers and related candidates

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far outweigh others vying for rural seats at the council but Lowndes said that’s no cause for alarm. Others in the rural wards include scientists, engineers and a former mayor. “Yes, obviously these are rural environments and obviously leaders in rural environments will very often be farmers and I bet in this case the majority standing will have been on a zone committee and got their experience there and are now spurred on to continue their local community interest. “I am not alarmed by the fact a lot of farmers are standing, I am well aware of the efforts the farmers are making.” With significant changes in demographics over the past 10 years the overload of farmers doesn’t necessarily signal an allfarmer success come election day. “Looking at the regional wards in the south we have Timaru, the second biggest town in the region, in Mid Canterbury we have the growing urban Rolleston town and in the north there’s the towns of Rangiora and Kaiapoi so they are not all rural. “I’m 73, I’m not standing again, not just because it’s hard work but because it’s a job for a younger person and we need young people with an eye on the future, not an old man. “I look forward now to listening and watching how the new council performs,” Lowndes said.

STANDING DOWN: At 73 Steve Lowndes is not seeking re-election, suggesting it’s a job for a younger person with an eye on the future.

Eight vie for two positions EIGHT dairy farmer candidates including Waikato-based Elaine Cook who is seeking re-election are contesting two seats on the DairyNZ board. Among the well-known candidates are Dairy Environment Leaders Forum chairwoman Tracy Brown of Matamata and former Fonterra Shareholders’ Council chairman Simon Couper, of Waipu, Northland. The remaining five are Stu

Husband of Morrinsville, Conall Buchanan of Paeroa, Deborah Rhodes of Collingwood, Hugh Le Fleming, South Canterbury, and Adrian Ball, Tirau. Returning officer Anthony Morton, of Electionz.com, said voting papers and information about the candidates will be sent to all dairy farmers on September 23 and voting will close on October 21. The voting process will

be single transferrable vote (STV) and the results will be announced at the DairyNZ annual meeting in Hamilton on October 22. Votes will be weighted by annual milksolids production for the 2018-19 season. DairyNZ has three boardappointed directors and five farmer-directors, two of whom, Cook and Ben Allomes, retired by rotation this year. Allomes did not seek re-election.

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16 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

News

AgRessearch’s Lincoln building plan is ready Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

READY: AgResearch will put its plan to build its own Lincoln facility to the Government in the next week, chief executive Tom Richardson says.

AGRESEARCH and Lincoln University will build their own science facilities at and next to Lincoln University after their plan to collaborate was rejected. Last year the Government rejected a business case for the two entities to collaborate on a $206m, 27,000 square metre science and education hub so they are now developing their own laboratories. AgResearch chief executive Tom Richardson says

a fresh business case will be presented to Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods this week to build independently owned facilities for its Lincoln staff. Lincoln University has plans to build its own new facility on the now abandoned joint facility site, where the demolished earthquake damaged Hilgendorf building was. A second science laboratory is planned for the campus later. Richardson said AgResearch has entered into a conditional agreement to buy land from the university on which to build. “Once completed, we believe the proposed facility in Lincoln will replicate the same benefits for land-based research brought about by collaboration as our new Joint Food Science Facility (JFSF) in Palmerston North, which will open next year.” Long-held plans to centralise AgResearch staff from Invermay near Dunedin and Ruakura in Hamilton to Grasslands in Palmerston North and Lincoln are dependent on developing infrastructure, he says. AgResearch declined to reveal the cost or size of the new building before Woods gets the proposal. Lincoln acting vice-chancellor Professor Bruce McKenzie says the proposed university laboratory will be part of a new research precinct and follows settlement of a $45m earthquake claim with its insurers earlier this year. The settlement allows the university to embark on a 10-year campus improvement programme, including the science facility, which will be designed to facilitate collaboration with AgResearch. Other plans include renewable energy sources such as solar, new student spaces, an upgrade of the university recreation centre, another new science facility in the southern part of the campus, new student accommodation and a new joint postgraduate school on campus. In 2017 the university and AgResearch proposed building a joint facility on the site of the old Hilgendorf building. It would have housed up to 700 staff from the university’s faculty of agriculture and live sciences, AgResearch scientists and administrators and have had space leased to DairyNZ. University staff and students and AgResearch scientists would have worked alongside each other. AgResearch was to have invested $80m and Lincoln the balance with construction due for completion this year. There were plans to extend the building to the other side of Springs Rd when Plant and Food Research, Landcare and Dairy NZ shifted onto the site. But the Government rejected the business case.

Dollar’s rise has short-term look NEW Zealand’s dollar has been boosted by conciliatory moves between China and the United States in their trade dispute but the direction still looks lower, ASB Bank institutional currency dealer Tim Kelleher says. There looks like a bit of saving face and gamesmanship between the two parties and a lot of the significant issues will take a lot of resolving. And the path for NZ interest rates is also lower. ASB expects a cut in the OCR in November and another cut next year, which would push the currency lower. Kelleher said the forecast is for a US$0.63 level in December, bottoming at 0.62 in March and back at 0.64 in June next year. – Alan Williams

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Infant formula boosts Synlait Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz SYNLAIT Milk boosted consumer-packed infant formula sales by nearly 40% in the second half of the year, compared to the first half, and says the momentum should continue this year. That doesn’t mean a repeat of that growth figure but it provides a strong base to grow from, chief executive Leon Clement said, presenting the results from the group’s new Shanghai office in China. Second-half infant formula sales rose to 24,932 tonnes from 17,975/t in the first half, making a total of 42,907/t, a year-on-year increase of 21%. Those results are a big part of Synlait achieving $1 billion in sales for the first time, at $1.024b for the year-ended July 31, up from $879 million a year earlier. The 17% revenue gain was not matched by after-tax profit, up 10% to $82.2m, as overall margins slipped because of staff and fixed costs rising as growth projects were developed, lower margins from infant formula to major customer A2 Milk in a revised pricing agreement and the new liquid milk packaging plant at Dunsandel not performing to expectations. Despite uncertainties caused by legal issues Clement is confident the new, $260m milk processing plant at Pokeno in north Waikato will be commissioned and receive its first milk from suppliers later this month. Synlait’s consumer-ready infant formula sales were in the middle of the company’s guidance of between 41,000t and 45,000t. Key positives for the year were the ongoing infant formula growth, strong

efficiency gains and an expansion in lactoferrin capacity and sales, Clement said. Chief financial officer Nigel Greenwood described the efficiency gains as material. They allowed the group to process 8.7% more milk than a year earlier on the same kit and contributed to a substantial boost in operating cashflow to $136.7m from just under $99m previously. High-value lactoferrin sales were up 33% to 21 tonnes and powders and cream were up 15% at 106,800/t. Total sales were 149,730/t, a 16% lift.

Total group margins slipped by $26/t to $1268/t.

Total group margins slipped by $26/t to $1268/t. The advanced liquid dairy unit at Dunsandel, built at a cost of $134m, made a $3.5m loss because of commissioning challenges, Clement said. The company is working to stabilise its performance. Synlait has signed up 56 suppliers for the Pokeno plant on which construction continues as planned though there is a dispute with a neighbouring landowner over covenants on the property. A Supreme Court oral hearing will be held on October 21. Chairman Graeme Milne acknowledged the issue has negatively affected Synlait’s share price. The company has made a “reasonable settlement offer” and remains comfortable with its legal position as it works to either a settlement or a court outcome. Directors believe the legal exposure is not substantial and

have determined no provision is required in the annual accounts and the auditors had agreed. Synlait is talking to all parties involved to try to get it resolved. Another uncertainty is the timing of China registration for the Akara and Pure Canterbury brands taking longer than expected and now subject to site audits at Dunsandel. The company also announced a fourth dry store will be built at Dunsandel to streamline logistics activities, move all off-site South Island storage back to Dunsandel and support future growth. The $30m project should be completed by September next year. The cost will add to group borrowings, which rose to $333.6m in the latest year from about $115m as the several new projects were developed and Talbot Forest cheese in South Canterbury was bought. The ratio of borrowings to total assets rose to 30% from 18% a year earlier but interest costs are very well covered (14 times) by earnings. The interest is $8.8m compared to earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) of $124.5m. The balance sheet is strong, Greenwood said. As well as the infant formula momentum, Milne and Clement said the 2020 financial year will have a full year of trading at the liquid milk packaging plant and the expanded lactoferrin plant, first sales of long-life milk products and a contribution from Pokeno. The rate of profitability should rise by at least a similar level to that of the year just completed. Milne reaffirmed the growth strategy and said Synlait does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

NOT A PROBLEM: Synlait chief executive Leon Clement expects a dispute involving its new Pokeno site will be resolved.

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News

18 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Alliance diverts meat from UK Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com THE country’s biggest sheep meat exporter has taken a backwards step in the British market as uncertainty continues to swirl around exactly when the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. With contracts now sewn up Alliance said some lamb that would have traditionally gone to UK retailers for the crucial Christmas trading period will now go elsewhere. “Not a lot but we are conscious that it is no good waiting to the last minute and then finding that things turn to custard,” chairman Murray Taggart said. “We have just adjusted the balance slightly.” Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31, just as New Zealand’s chilled lamb exports to the UK get into gear. While it is still far from certain the UK will leave on that date Taggart said the co-operative

wants to minimise its exposure to any Brexit hiccups. “But we are also conscious that we have been in that market for 60 years now and we have got some long-standing customers and you do not just drop them like a hot potato.

We have just adjusted the balance slightly. Murray Taggart Alliance “So we are trying to tread a middle line of trying to look after our customers and not put our business at undue risk.” The UK has agreed NZ exports will be waved through British ports using existing EU documentation for an undefined period following Brexit.

However, concerns remain that British ports could become gridlocked in the immediate aftermath as border officials get to grips with significant new tariffs and documentation accompanying imports from the EU should the UK leave without a trade deal. Taggart said Channel ports such as Dover are those most likely to be disrupted. Most NZ meat exports are landed at so-called international ports, such as Felixstowe, further up the coast. “We are hoping that port disruption will not be as bad for us.” Still, there is a chance NZ meat exports might be caught up in the chaos should cargo be diverted to international ports from Dover. “We have considered every possibility and clearly that is one. “But it comes down to you cannot just turn your boat round and go somewhere else. “It has got to have a berth allocated and it has got to be

DON’T KNOW: Which way will British Prime Minister Boris Johnson jump next?

booked in and people cannot just change overnight quite as you might imagine.” Asked who picks up the bill should chilled lamb end up losing shelf life or even spoiling waiting to clear British wharves Taggart did not answer directly. “Certainly, everyone is conscious of that and that is the risk we are talking about.” Taggart said Alliance is lucky it can divert lamb earmarked for the UK to other premium markets.

“Basically, places like North America will pay equivalent prices and we have got a bit more certainty.” British Parliamentarians last week passed legislation compelling Prime Minister Boris Johnson to seek a three-month delay to Brexit if he has not brokered a trade deal with the EU by October 19. Johnson, however, is adamant the UK will leave as planned on October 31 with or without a deal.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Avocado volumes up on last year Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz WITH the new avocado season starting exporters are continuing to work on building penetration into the Chinese market after last year’s first shipment success. The base exporters are coming off in China is small with only 28,000 trays sent in last year’s inaugural shipment out of a total of three million trays, NZ Avocado chief executive Jen Scoular said. “The two big exporters there, Avoco and Just Avocados, are very much continuing to build their relationships in that market. “It will take time and we expect there will be plenty of learnings for the next few years yet.” China is very much a new experience for the industry, being the first large market NZ has entered when there are already larger exporters including Mexico, Peru and Chile established there. Growth of the fruit’s sales in China has been phenomenal, going from only four tonnes in 2008 to 43,589 tonnes last year. NZ has tended to be higher priced than fruit from the large competing countries and marketing emphasis has been on NZ avocado’s bigger size. “But you do have to prove that you can earn that premium and we had a challenge last year quality-wise.” Avoco director Alistair Young said fruit volumes this year are up about 20% on last year but are well off the highs of three years ago. “This makes it tough as you develop markets and generate demand but risk lacking the fruit to supply them.” Despite the lack of rain most

orchards have managed the dry with irrigation and fruit size early in the season from those orchards is looking good. With about 70% of the crop coming from Bay of Plenty most orchardists are busy harvesting their first crop pick with good pack-out rates for export fruit. Avoco is waiting for final Chinese clearance from that country’s customs authorities before exports for the new season begin.

It is a fabulous growing market and we just need to look after it. Alistair Young Avoco “We will be shipping on a weekly basis just as soon as that comes through.” He is optimistic the early gains made in China last season will be built on. “It is a fabulous growing market and we just need to look after it. “Demand worldwide is growing for avocados and it is just a matter of being able to keep up and keep fruit flow into outlets sensible and smooth.” The extended dry winter has generally been a positive for most growers with the lack of moisture helping keep troublesome fungal infestations like drosophila at bay after two difficult years of infection. Whangarei grower Roger Barber said the drier weather is, however, reflected in smaller

fruit, which, for him is back by at least one size or 10-15% on what it could have been. “We are getting rain now and that may be a bit late to influence the size at this stage. “From now on we really hope for a dry period over harvesting otherwise the moisture levels influence the keeping quality of the fruit.” He feels prices have been relatively good so far early in the season on the domestic market and it is still early days for export prices. He expects fruit volumes in the biennial crop are going to be close to average this year and definitely up on last year’s tight volumes. North of Barber there have been significant areas of avocados planted and confidence is strong. Future growth in the Far North will depend on water take analysis being done to determine how much the valuable Aupouri aquifer can be tapped for irrigation without damaging it and causing salt water intrusion. In Bay of Plenty NZ Avocado board member Maria Watchorn said despite the dry conditions careful irrigation application this year has ensured her crop is exhibiting good size and quality, with a high proportion making export grade. “We have tried to mitigate as much as we can and being fully consented for water take have managed by watering when necessary.” Her orchards have already had their first pick over with a second likely soon and a third dependent on volumes from the second pick. “So far it has been a very good start for us,” she said.

DEVELOPING: Exporters of New Zealand avocados are continuing to build relationships in China, NZ Avocado chief executive Jen Scoular says.

Pasture Summit holds dairy field days TWO dairy farm field days will be held this spring as a continuation of the 2018 Pasture Summit that brought together farmers, advisers and researchers from New Zealand and Ireland. The first will be in the North Island on Morlands Farm, near Te Awamutu, on Thursday, September 19 and will be hosted

by Pete Morgan, representing the Morgan and Sinclair Equity Partnership. The second will be on Wednesday, October 2, at Roadley Farms near Ashburton and will be hosted by Greg Roadley. Both Morgan and Roadley spoke at the inaugural conference in two locations last November.

The programme for the field days consists of an overview of the farm and its financials, benchmarks against other farms, a farm walk to discuss pasture and the herd and an optional session on equity partnerships, new farm buying and a herd-owning sharemilking set-up. The Pasture Summit committee

is chaired by Colin Armer and has a membership of more than 30 people, many of whom have experience and connections in dairying in both countries. The biennial summit will be held in Ireland next year and

return to NZ in 2022. Organiser Anne Bird said there is a charge of $25 to attend a field day. Register at pasturesummit.co.nz

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News

20 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Sugar shows all’s sweet for meat Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz COMPETITION in the sweetener market might provide a glimpse of the how the looming battle between meat and alternative proteins could unfold. There are more than 40 alternative sweeteners trying to replace sugar by offering sweetness and fewer calories yet sugar still commands 75% of the global sweetener market, Rabobank food and agribusiness executive director Nicholas Fereday says. That hasn’t stopped sugar alternative makers from trying, he said. “The point here is that the quest for the perfect meat substitute will not end with the Impossible Burger or Beyond Burger because, as both companies have openly shared, their products are very much a work in progress.” In the United States non-dairy milk market alternatives claim 13% of the market by value and 5% in volume.

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Alternative meat protein companies will adopt a similar strategy to non-dairy milks by promoting attributes of sustainability, animal welfare, health and wellness to secure similar market share. That strategy requires incremental improvements in the taste compared to previous substitutes. “These are certainly not the tofu burgers of yesteryear and they are getting better one reformulation and improved flavour system at a time.” Earlier this year Impossible Burger switched from using wheat and soy protein to give a meatier taste and texture. While the company’s transparency is welcome, constantly tinkering with formulations and refinements might turn off some consumers. Substitutes rarely outdo the real products because of consumer reluctance, poor functionality, negative perceptions, inferior status and food safety concerns. Alternative protein makers are

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being challenged on the lack of plants in their products and the complexity of using more than 20 ingredients, some of which people cannot pronounce, making them ultra-processed products. Alternative meat and dairy protein makers are pricing their products at a high-margin premium, believing consumers will pay for environmental and animal welfare attributes. But they have avoided debate about the merits of genetically modified organisms versus natural products. It is unclear whether that strategy will prevail because taste and price will remain the main drivers for consumers, Fereday says. “After all, one cannot taste sustainability.” Nutri-score, a European nutritional retail labelling scheme, recently awarded Beyond Meat a C grade. The healthiest grade is A and E the unhealthiest. The rating was based on the calorie and salt content of

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DON’T WORRY: Meat producers should take heart sugar has more than 40 alternatives but still dominates the market, Rabobank food and agribusiness executive director Nicholas Fereday says.

Beyond Meat and could be a sign international expansion might not be straightforward, he said. It is now more important than ever for natural meat and dairy producers to keep close to consumers, especially as critics question the naturalness of alternatives. “With this in mind, it is always

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worth remembering to stay as close and connected to the consumer as possible in case the narrative changes and drifts too far away for you to influence.” And alternative protein producers should also be wary that today’s solution and good idea can quickly become a problem and bad idea.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Strategic partner to fund growth Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz ONE of the country’s newest milk processors says it has addressed financial concerns raised in its annual report and the hunt for a new investor is part of its business strategy. In its annual report to December 31 2018 released earlier this year, Mataura Valley Milk warned it was short of cash and needed new capital but it retained the financial support and confidence of its majority shareholder, Chinese based China Animal Husbandry Group, to meet its debt requirements and inject cash if needed. Chief executive Bernard May says the board was obligated to raise those concerns and those issues have since been addressed. He is in the final throes of securing seasonal finance required for the coming year, farmers have been fully paid for milk supplied last year, it has expanded the milk reception area and in June agreed to pay a $958,000 capital contribution to the Gore District Council over four years. May says shareholders were told in June the board is searching for a strategic investor, part of

Seeking a strategic partner will allow us to realise our full potential quicker. Bernard May Mataura Valley Milk the next stage of its business strategy to expand markets for its nutritional products. “There is no dire straits sense of urgency. “We need to find the right investor for the business who can bring $100 to $150 million of capital that can be used by the business to fund the next stage of growth,” he said. Macquarie Capital and DG Advisory have been employed to find an investor. MVM began processing in August last year and May says the first season was successful with sales of 19,000 tonnes of products but a new investor will accelerate sales of nutritional dairy products. “Seeking a strategic partner will allow us to realise our full potential quicker. “The process is expected to

MONEY PLEASE: Mataura Valley Milk is looking for a new strategic investor.

take a number of months to complete,” he says. MVM is forecasting revenue next year of $142m and will handle 35% more milk from shareholder growth and contracted processing for other companies. The 2018 annual accounts state

it forecast paying its suppliers $6.35 kg/MS for the 2018-19 season under a policy of paying 20c kg/MS above the midpoint of the price range of competing processors. In May Fonterra adjusted its forecast range to $6.30 to $6.40, which increased MVM’s forecast

payment to $6.55kg/MS. May says MVM is forecasting paying farmers 40c to 50ckg/ MS above other processors this season. The $300m plant north of Gore can handle 40,000 tonnes of nutritional product a year. It employs 83 staff.

Shareholders, suppliers and those interested in the co-operative are warmly invited to the 2019 Alliance Group Roadshows

Proudly New Zealand’s only 100% farmer-owned red meat co-operative. Please join our directors and management for an update on the co-operative’s performance, progress on our strategy, our exciting plans for the future and the outlook for the year ahead. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. If you know anyone else who is interested in the co-operative, please encourage them to attend. For further roadshow locations, visit alliance.co.nz

ALLIANCE GROUP ROADSHOWS September / October 2019 DISTRICT

DAT E

TIME

VENUE

Waiau

Thursday 26 September

1.30pm

Rotherham Hotel

Omihi

Thursday 26 September

7.30pm

Omihi Community Hall

Nelson

Thursday 3 October

1.30pm

Waimea Olds Boys Rugby Clubrooms

Blenheim

Thursday 3 October

7.30pm

Quality Hotel Marlborough

Darfield

Tuesday 8 October

1.30pm

Darfield Recreation & Community Centre

Mayfield

Tuesday 8 October

7.30pm

Mayfield Memorial Hall

Fairlie

Wednesday 9 October

1.30pm

Fairlie Golf Club

Oamaru

Wednesday 9 October

7.30pm

Brydone Hotel

Omakau

Thursday 10 October

1.30pm

Matakanui Rugby Club

Tarras

Thursday 10 October

7.30pm

Tarras War Memorial Community Centre

Middlemarch

Monday 14 October

1.30pm

Middlemarch Golf Club

Milton

Monday 14 October

7.30pm

Milton Coronation Hall

Heriot

Tuesday 15 October

1.30pm

Heriot Community Centre

Gore

Tuesday 15 October

7.30pm

Longford Function Centre

Mossburn

Wednesday 16 October

1.30pm

Mossburn Community Centre

Fortrose

Wednesday 16 October

7.30pm

Tokanui Golf Club

Tuatapere

Thursday 17 October

1.30pm

Waiau Town & Country Club

Winton

Thursday 17 October

7.30pm

Midlands Rugby Club

Banks Peninsula

Tuesday 22 October

1.30pm

Akaroa Golf Club

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Newsmaker

Taming the black dog In the past year 685 people died by suicide. But the number of Kiwis affected by those deaths is almost immeasurable. Elle Perriam, 22, knows what it’s like to lose a loved one. She spoke to Luke Chivers.

HE last memory Elle Perriam has of her boyfriend Will is of him laughing, making jokes and creating plans for the weekend. Days later, he died by suicide. He was just 21. It was a loss that came out of the blue for everyone who knew him, with aftershocks of grief and loss that rippled from his immediate family and through the wider community. Will was a son, brother and boyfriend. He had good group of friends, was a North Otago shepherd and accomplished rodeo competitor and was often described as a happy-go-lucky young man who would do almost anything for anyone. That was in December 2017. Several months later Perriam and her sisters Sarah and Kate started the Will To Live Foundation. Their aim was to provide support for rural people aged 20 to 30 feeling desperate and isolated. “We put our heads together and thought ‘what is this demographic not getting out of the mental health system?’” She realised it was particularly challenging for those in rural areas to get help. Perriam, who grew up between a West Coast cattle farm with her mum and her dad’s place in Central Otago, knew that firsthand. “No one I know would likely

take a day off to drive three hours to Christchurch to go see a counsellor. And, even if they tried, they’d probably be on an eightweek waiting list. Not to mention it’s hard to get days off in the middle of lambing or shearing. “I just thought that wasn’t good enough.” But going to local pubs where farmers are comfortable could be a more approachable and realistic way of having that crucial conversation. And that’s exactly what she did. Perriam has just visited 17 rural towns on a nationwide tour, dubbed Speak Up, with an important message of resilience that it’s not weak to speak. A travelling companion for Perriam and mascot for the campaign was Will’s three-yearold dog Jess – a black huntaway he broke in before he died – that conveniently embodies the black dog metaphor for mental illness awareness. The tour included the chance to talk about mental wellness with experts and those who have experienced depression. Perriam described the events as a casual evening of talks and tips on the topic of getting through the tough times while living in isolation and how to navigate the storms together as a community. “It was a really good night offfarm for farmers. They knew they weren’t going to get lectured. “Most of us go to the pub and ask ‘what’s your tailing

Most of us go to the pub and ask ‘what’s your tailing percentage?’ We forget to ask ‘what’s really going on?’ We tend to hide the latter. Elle Perriam Will to Live

BREAKING STIGMA: New Zealand’s suicide rate is a lot worse than in many other parts of the world because of a Southern man stigma, Will to Live founder Elle Perriam says.

percentage?’ We forget to ask, ‘what’s really going on?’. We tend to hide the latter. “We need to talk more openly about what’s going on physically and mentally.” The tour focused on a preventive approach rather than being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, she said. In each region Will to Live found a local farmer to speak to their community and share their story, to provide that local connection. “It’s important we know how we can look after ourselves, our family and friends and our colleagues.” After Will’s death Perriam suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. “I spiralled into a dark place and luckily got out the other side,” she said. “Now I want to help other people feel like they’re not alone and learn that so many more people go through it than we think. We’re trying to make it easier to talk about it.” Perriam is just one of the many Kiwis who’s been hit by the ripples of grief and pain left in death’s wake. In New Zealand the number of suicides rose to 685 people in the year to June l Escorted group tours 30. It’s the highest-ever since l Exclusive experiences and sights records began. Chief coroner Judge l Meet farming colleagues Deborah Marshall l Trusted for over 30 years! recently released the provisional suicide statistics, ph for details showing there were 17 more deaths than in the previous

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year – an increase of 2.5%. The numbers weren’t a surprise to Perriam who says young people are increasingly in need of mental health services. Research is on her side. The State of the Rural Nation Survey released last October revealed rural people aged 18-39 are most affected by an overall elevated level of rural stress and anxiety. Perhaps surprisingly, 85% in this age bracket have felt more stress in the past five years, significantly more than those over 55. Perriam said learning more about mental health and how to reset the mind brought the light back into her life. “Like anything on-farm, if you know how something works then you can fix it.” Now she wants to share that knowledge with others. About 120 people attended each Speak Up event – totalling more than 2000 farmers in nearly six weeks – which Perriam said was absolutely amazing. A whopping $100,000 was raised from its charity auctions and is being put towards workshops next year. Those events will focus on workplace leadership, resilience and nutrition. Perriam’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She was recently named a finalist in the Women of Influence Awards. And later this month she takes a brave and unusual step telling her story on Country Calendar. Few rural New Zealanders have opened up on national television about the cost of mental health. There’s a simple reason for that:

when it comes to suicide, our culture has, in the past, demanded absolute silence. But unless we’re willing to allow more people to take their own lives the silence, shame and stigma need to stop – right now, she says. Will to Live does not get government funding. It is funded by farming groups, industry and rural folk. But it’s not a money issue, Perriam insists. “It’s a cultural one in this country. “Why is NZ’s suicide rate so much worse than many other parts of the world? Dare I say it, we still have a Southern man stigma. “People are not used to expressing emotions because they fear being deemed weak or judged or labelled. We really need to break that stigma. We all need to step forward and have a go at challenging that conditioning,” she says. “You don’t have to know all the answers if someone comes to you with a problem. You just need to reassure them that you’ll walk alongside them and find them someone who can help. “Stick by their side. “Everything bad that happens to you is an opportunity to change your perspective. “It’s a really hard thing to do but it’s a chance to grow.”

WHERE TO GET HELP: 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Kidsline 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old, open 24/7 Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or find online chat and other support options here. Samaritans 0800 726 666 What’s Up 0800 942 8787, for 5-18 year olds. Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm. Online chat is available 3pm-10pm daily. thelowdown.co.nz Web chat, email chat or free text 5626 Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Supporting Families in Mental Illness 0800 732 825.

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Rural innovations secure support Farmers face many challenges so the Rural Innovation Lab has been set up to help them move existing systems to new ways of finding success. Luke Chivers reports on the first projects the Lab is funding.

14-YEAR-OLD entrepreneur with an ingenious scheme to provide broadband access to isolated, rural communities is one of four ventures to receive support from the Rural Innovation Lab. The backing was announced at the Beehive by Lab chairman Mat Hocken. The initiatives came after a wide call for people to submit ideas to help solve rural issues. “Farmers are facing a myriad of challenges. “How do we move from our existing systems and succeed in an uncertain and challenging future? The best way to get ahead of disruption is to innovate,” Hocken says. The four ventures were selected from about 50 applicants and include a carbon calculator codesigned with farmers to estimate on-farm emissions, an online platform for farmer-to-farmer rentals and the development of a Maori agribusiness collective. “We also have 80 third-year Massey University students working on a further 10 projects,” Hocken says. The Lab was set up in Palmerston North in February last year with a $400,000 boost from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund. Since then it has engaged with more than 150 farmers, growers and Maori landowners to identify the key challenges they face and develop solutions. The chosen ventures will receive support of more than $15,000 from the Lab, which includes facilitation from startup experts The Factory, access to partners in the Lab’s collaborative network including Massey, Microsoft and the ecentre, and financial contribution to project costs. “We’ll also be supporting the four project teams to engage with farmers and growers to help shape their ideas and innovations, facilitating their development over the next few months and

WELCOMING: The projects exemplify the sort of enterprise and innovation wanted in rural communities, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says.

INDUSTRY-FOCUSED: The initiatives came after a wide call for people to submit ideas to help solve issues in the rural sector, Rural Innovation Lab chairman Mat Hocken says.

The four ventures

CLEVER: Alex Stewart, 14, of Whanganui is developing affordable broadband access to rural farms and communities.

The best way to get ahead of disruption is to innovate. Mat Hocken Rural Innovation Lab providing them with mentoring by leading farmers in the region,” Hocken says. The projects were selected in a competitive process with proposals assessed by an independent panel. The criteria included driving value from regulation and compliance, contributing to the mitigation of or adapting to climate change, improving data for better decision-making, addressing consumer needs and creating new business models. “When you have 14-year-old

entrepreneurs who are creatively responding to challenges farmers and growers are facing it’s a very exciting time to be in the primary sector.” Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says “These projects exemplify the sort of enterprise and innovation that we want to see in our rural communities. “The food and fibre industries are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, delivering more than $45 billion in export revenue last year. “New ideas and technologies like these are essential if we want to keep our primary sector growing and maintain a competitive edge.” The Lab is a pilot initiative for the development of similar programmes across NZ. Its supporters include Federated Farmers, Palmerston North City Council and local economic development agencies.

WombatNET Alex Stewart, 14, of Whanganui is developing affordable broadband access to rural farms and communities. His innovation helps primary industries where interconnectivity and-or internet connectivity is required. Since establishing WombatNET Alex has already run a small-scale trial on a rural property at Okoia where he beamed a farmer’s home broadband connection to his woolshed, making high-speed WiFi available at every corner of the farm. The Lab will help Alex buy critical infrastructure, engage with the Smartfarm farmer network to expand his reach and gather user feedback. Online platform for farmer-tofarmer rentals Manawatu’s Alexandra Tully and Scott Cameron have developed a concept for a peerto-peer lending platform that creates a financial opportunity for farmers. The website and app-based platform will be designed in an Air BnB style, enabling machinery owners to list items for their desired price and generate income from unused gear. The Lab will help them get the idea off the ground, engage with farmers and growers to validate concept and develop a business model to enable the platform to be launched in the next couple of months.

Maori Agribusiness Collective Lisa Warbrick from Smith Warbrick and Associates and Wilson Karatea and Taruke Karatea from Te Reureu Valley will establish a Maori Agribusiness Collective. The project aims to deliver, over four months, a comprehensive engagement plan that builds a central database of Maori landowners in Whanganui and Manawatu including land demographics, future aspirations, challenges and succession constraints. The information will provide a foundation for targeted wraparound support. The Lab will support relationship engagement and co-ordination as well as the development of ongoing communications channels. AbacusBio Co-founders Jo Kerslake and Mark Teviotdale will work with farmers to design a calculator to quantify on-farm emissions. The project will bring together Manawatu-Whanganui farmers and AbacusBio’s data scientists and software developers to ask what farmers would like to know before designing a calculator to further enable their understanding of farm emissions. The Lab will connect AbacusBio with its extensive farmer network and support farmer input into the design, supporting the grassroots development of farmer-friendly tools.

Fact

Towers/ Hockey/ Smeaton Whatawhata Research Station 1983

FE stops here

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“2% of clinical cases of FE in your ewe hoggets will lose you 25% overall lifetime performance of that age group of sheep.”

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

EDITORIAL

The human cost can’t be ignored

HIS week we begin a series of stories about all the pressures farmers are under. We are devoting a lot of resources and space to this subject because it is the most important thing happening in the rural sector. There are lots of issues but they are all converging on farmers, leaving them feeling picked on, pressured, lost, bewildered and wondering if they will cope. The clear message from farmers is that it has now gone too far, too fast. The final straw is the Government’s water policy with a short consultation period at an extremely busy time of year on farms. There are just a few farmer consultation meetings but the level of farmer interest is high, evidenced by the overflow at the Ashburton meeting and the high farmer turnout at the urban Palmerston North meeting where few city folk were interested enough to show up. This Government is staking its reputation on looking after people. It even produced a Well Being Budget. It said it has a policy of rural-proofing all its policies. That’s one side of the coin and farmers appreciate it has environmental aspirations for the country and want to support them. They are already doing much to improve their environmental performance. But they also need to make a living. And it’s not an exaggeration to say many now despair about how they will keep doing that with increasingly tighter rules that in many cases will limit them to do what they are doing now, albeit less profitably. People expect farmers to change, farmers want to change so the Government must create the conditions in which they can change successfully rather than being forced out of business. That pace of regulatory and technological change is a pressure in its own right so the scale and speed have to be carefully managed. The Government is responsible for the well being of all citizens including farmers so must look after them. Environmental idealists including those in Parliament must step back and measure the human cost of what they are doing remembering that if they stuff up the rural sector they cripple the economy.

Stephen Bell

LETTERS

Cities must do their bit to help WHEN the sun is out I like going barefoot, stepping from hard floor onto grass outside. The grass is comforting, cool and connects me with our earth. It is pleasantly inviting my feet to walk and enjoy so I follow along the grassy road berm savouring every step of the neatly mowed roadside until suddenly my feet recoil from some hard, rocky, bristly, spiny surface of dead grass and bare ground baking in the sun, the council sprayed. Involuntarily, I dodge onto the smooth looking tar seal. Ouch, hot, hot. Safely back on the cooling grass I peer down the road. Hot air is shimmering, rising up. A faraway haze is the town steaming with hot roads, hot

car parks and hot roofs. I envy the cows on their cool grass. Should we plant our car parks with leafy trees, build compulsory solar panels on roofs, carbon tax new buildings covering carbonsequestering grasslands? Grow climbing roses, grape vines against our walls like in Europe? Norway builds green cities, Israel converts all its waste water to irrigate parks. Come on you city councils world wide. Do your bit to keep our earth cool and healthy. Helena Thorpe Takaka

Dirty city AN EXCELLENT Opinion piece by Steve Wyn-Harris in the

Farmers Weekly of 2-9-19. On a recent weekend visit to Auckland to see my daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters I saw the pollution resulting from 1.65 million people. We went for a bike ride to an island in the Manukau Harbour. This island had a hill in the middle that had obviously been a pa site with great views of the entrance to the harbour from the Tasman Sea. The island has now been connected to the mainland by a causeway with a canal in the middle. This canal carries some of the treated waste from the city into the Manukau Harbour. There are many inches of brown sludge in the bottom of this canal and it’s anybodies’ guess what it’s made up of. The

ducks seemed to love it. When we hear the freedomof-speech rhetoric by people who seem intent on pulling the image of this country down, it seems a pity they don’t visit this ecological disaster in the making and not a cow in sight. John Hill Urenui

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Market chains limit our science Jodie Bruning

HE Farmers Weekly of August 19 was great reading. I wish urbanites knew what great minds we have working in agriculture. Many of the articles focused on innovation, broadening the suite of what New Zealand grows and recognising the value of a clean food supply. In an address to Horticulture NZ Foundation for Arable Research chief executive Alison Stewart outlined key issues including shifts in dietary habits, the increasing focus on health and well-being and the potential of innovative, novel foods. The production of GMOfree soy, corn and canola for consumers prioritising food safety was another opportunity. I’d like to partially disagree with Sue Edmonds in her article on regenerative farming. Farmers haven’t been coddled along – they have been shoved along. Capital market mentality has driven what writer Raj Patel calls the wine glass shape of markets. Lots of farmers at one end, lots of consumers at the other end but opportunistic markets in the middle that work more like cartels to keep commodity prices suppressed. Concurrently, 1980s reforms gutted basic sciences and got rid of the extension services that supplied impartial science knowledge. We stripped basic science out of our national discussion and prioritised funding for applied (drill-down) science and public-private partnerships for commercial applications. It was the shift that resulted in farmers walking into the local chemical supply store to buy the short-term fixes so they could get by. Problematically, those input costs keep rising but farm income – not so much. Farmer organisations, such as FAR and DairyNZ, tried to fill the knowledge gap but the work they could do and the funding they could acquire has been limited

The

Pulpit

by post-1980s silo, bottom-line approaches. How can NZ pivot to resource farmers impartially to compensate for many of the distortions of the last 30 years? Of the $229 million Sustainable Land Use Package I’d like to know how much of that is going towards soil science to inform farmers and support weaning them off nitrogen. I’d like to think a lot of that money will go towards communicating established science knowledge and researching for NZ conditions rather than putting taxpayer money into a software programme that hides the data it obtains as intellectual property. There’s a bunch of farmers on social media discussing regenerative agriculture. Issues include mixed pastures, cover crops, our long-term, bifocal, ryegrass-clover habit. New techniques might increase drought tolerance, nutrient sequestration and uptake, kicking into animal health and fertility issues. The environmental and veterinary damage control from using a narrow high-inputs approach appears to mimic the needs for chronic illnesses we see in the human population, also arising from a narrow range of low-nutrient and pesticide contaminated processed food inputs. Further, a growing body of

science is unpicking the role of microbes in the soil and root exudates to transform nonavailable nutrients into bioavailable nutrition – just like microbes in the human gut play a role in synthesising hormones and neurotransmitters. The science NZ really needs is interdisciplinary, regional, whole-farm perspective science. A farmer might not make cash off a cover crop but the stock benefits might be significant and vet bills might be reduced. We haven’t had significant science for that in a long time. Environment Minister David Parker recently promised $35 million for advisory and extension services. The science around soil has exploded in countries that still fund good, old fashioned, basic science instead of a pill for every ill. It’s pretty important to get this information out there and recognise soil regeneration and protection of water quality are a social good all of NZ benefits from. I’d like to think threaded through our future is adoption of diversified, high-nutrient protein crops, as Nick Pyke also discussed, that can occupy niche positions and avoid the cartel-like control of the agribusiness conglomerates, that set prices on the so-called market. I’d like to think niche meat and dairy products, including organic, can avoid cartel-like price suppression as well. Turning away from chemical agriculture is essential because it is not just dairy farm nitrates polluting our water. That won’t happen without appropriate knowledge and public-sector financing to ensure vested interests don’t capture the information channels and distort terms of reference around reporting and monitoring. Just because Stats NZ stopped keeping pesticide records doesn’t mean the issue has gone away. Without a national screening process to understand the chemical profile of our freshwater NZ lacks capacity to protect the quality of our drinking and irrigation water for future generations. Regional Councils are ad hoc

VICTIMS: Farmers suffer because markets operated like cartels to suppress commodity prices, Jodie Bruning says.

and inconsistent at testing. We simply can’t depend on them because of low funding and industry pressure to avoid screening for diffuse emissions. The future for agriculture could be exciting if it were based on soil, farmer, animal and public health, transparent expert knowledge and exploiting niche markets. Complex science-based approaches are the only way we can ensure agriculture thrives. This is why lobbying by the Royal Society to deregulate, sorry, to have a conversation is disingenuous. We are yet to see dietary and safety tests on animals of the drought-tolerant GMO ryegrass. We know at a minimum the spend on this one cultivar is $25m. We’re all in the dark – the opposite of what consumer markets and taxpayers want. There is plenty of evidence gene-editing technologies exhibit severe limitations and that many of the claims remain theoretical. In many organisms gene-editing tech doesn’t work, scientists observe resistance, claims of precision of the new genetically engineered processes are in many cases false, off-target effects have been found and, of course, once out of the laboratory, there is no containment. Will the average farmer take a cut out of the patent? Not likely. Will the public sector own the patent? The irony is, AgResearch has

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been stuck in the same cultural silo-science rut I’ve been talking about. It can get the funding if it drills down into one thing and works out a way for an industry body to make money from a patented product. Its hands are tied from addressing the systemic needs of complex systems. It’s been the most perfect hijacking – we’ve all been bought by market-science. We’ve got the great minds, we’ve got farmers out there unearthing 30 years of development in regenerative agriculture – science that has been sideswiped in our corporate approach to patents, silo accountability and growth at all expense. Farmers and families deserve solid investment in science knowledge that doesn’t necessarily end in a corporate patent. True entrepreneurship comes from complex knowledge across systems – just like farming used to be. Let’s get going.

Who am I? Jodie Bruning has an agribusiness degree and lives in Bay of Plenty. She is a national council member of Soil and Health. jodie@rite-demands.org

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Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Don’t send kids to Victoria U Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I ENJOYED reading Steve WynHarris’ view of the Mike Joy and David Larsen article in the New York Times. I also wasn’t impressed and couldn’t understand why New Zealanders would slag off our country in the international media. Whatever turns you on, I suppose. Further slagging our dairy industry with a plethora of emotive and unscientific rhetoric was, I thought, irresponsible. Without the income from the dairy industry the country would be in dire straits. While I passionately agree with academic freedom, surely any commentary should be factual. Joy’s employer, Victoria University, obviously isn’t worried about such niceties. The article started with what I’d call a meandering history lesson with sheep on the Canterbury Plains followed by cows. That conversion to dairying meant irrigation, nitrogen fertiliser and leaching, according to Joy and Larsen anyway. When I was a student at the hallowed halls of Lincoln, sheep

grazed where the Lincoln dairy farm now operates. The leaching from that dairy farm is minor. That is fact despite the farm having high stocking rates and production. I also argue the bombastic rhetoric about nitrogen and its effect on humans is just that, bombastic rhetoric. We’ve had some highly emotive reaction, too, with one suggestion, without proof of course, telling us 50 people could be dying from bowel cancer every year because of nitrates in the drinking water. We were also told bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in NZ each year and, of course, nitrates are to blame and they’re in the water because of farmers. Unsurprisingly, I have a problem with the entire debate. For a start, the anti-nitrate debaters, Joy and Larsen included, quote a Danish study released last December. Reading the fine print you can learn it could not rule out lifestyle factors like obesity and, as you and I know, that’s nothing to do with the water. If you then further analyse the Danish data the difference with incidences of colon and rectal cancer are unchanged from exposure at different levels. The trial was done over 10,000 person years so it was exhaustive. The World Cancer Research Fund International’s 2014 analysis was interesting. The substances it warns about for colon and rectal cancer are red meat, processed

meat and obesity. Nitrogen doesn’t rate a mention. The cancer causes in the study are many and varied from birthweight, through fatness, alcoholic drinks and arsenic in drinking water. Nowhere is nitrogen featured. In 2017 the World Health Organisation published a study that was clear on nitrates in drinking water.

If you have a mate or sibling wanting to go to university recommend Lincoln, Massey, Auckland, Canterbury or Otago. “Although numerous epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between exposure of nitrate and nitrite in drinking water and cancer occurrence, the weight of evidence does not clearly support an association between cancer and exposure to nitrate and nitrite per se. Overall these studies found no clear association between nitrogen and nitrate in drinking water and risk of cancer in the gastro-intestinal tract.” I rest my case but ask with due humility why the media are continually running alarmist antifarmer stories about perceived risks from dairying to nitrate to cancer when no such link exists. With Joy, I expect it.

On the other side Auckland University has strong views on how to avoid cancer. They are to eat sensibly, get exercise and avoid obesity, smoking and sunburn. In addition the acceptable levels of nitrogen in rivers in NZ are a mere fraction of those allowed in Britain and Europe. Researching this article I remain unaware of any concern in those countries over nitrogen levels, even though they are much higher than ours. On one hand international studies completely clear nitrogen in drinking water while on the other we have local “experts” given unfettered access to the media predicting Armageddon. I wonder why? Joy’s and Larsen’s diatribe is punctuated by some interesting observations. They talk about importing large quantities of ecologically unsustainable palm kernel while ignoring the fact it is a by-product of the palm oil industry. They claim recent studies in Denmark and the US have shown our maximum allowable value of nitrate in drinking water is greatly above the level associated with colorectal cancer. According to the WHO it isn’t. The one pleasing result of the shabby exercise is that the media

WRONG: Claims about nitrates in drinking water causing cancer don’t hold water.

haven’t run with the line from Joy and Larsen. Long may that continue. Facts and reputable research should conquer all. Finally, if you have a mate or sibling wanting to go to university recommend Lincoln, Massey, Auckland, Canterbury or Otago. With the level of debate coming from the anti-farming brigade at Victoria you wouldn’t want to corrupt young minds by sending them there.

Your View Alan Emerson is a semi-retired Wairarapa farmer and businessman: dath-emerson@wizbiz.net.nz

Compromise must be found on water standards From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

LAST week Environment Minister David Parker released the National Environment Standard on Freshwater Management and the Government’s new National Policy Statement, which aims to improve water quality for rivers, lakes and wetlands within five years and fix them within a generation. These are significant proposed changes for our sector and will have profound impacts on the way many of us farm. The goals and intentions of the proposals are good. We all want waterways that are in good shape. The previous government’s goal of making them wadeable was silly and didn’t help its electoral chances but these ones set the bar too high so we need to find some middle ground where the waterways do improve but we are pragmatic about this. We need to make the powers that be understand that any human activity will have an impact on the environment. The trick is to find a compromise.

That compromise is where we can continue to have a decent standard of living with tax paid so the services for citizens we have now continue and the waterways are improved but they aren’t going to be like they were before humans arrived. As farmers we do have a long history of an ethos of leaving the land better than we found it. We have shown over the last 40 years an ability to change and adapt, often quite radically. This is yet another challenge that is coming at us ready or not and we are just going to have to deal with it the best we can. Those of us in the Tuki Tuki catchment in Hawke’s Bay have already been getting our heads around these matters with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Plan Change 6. Those who farm around Lake Taupo, folk dealing with Horizons’ One Plan and farmers in other regions whose regional councils have already set off on this path have already got a feel for some of the challenges ahead. Many are already heavily engaged in practices to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment from our farms. Although some in the rural sector say they would prefer that these changes are voluntary rather than mandated, we all know there will always be a proportion of folk

The consultation period is obviously inadequate.

TOUGH: Farmers like those in the Tuki Tuki River catchment have already got a feel fore the issues but now the Government has set the bar too high.

who just won’t change the way they do things unless forced to. These laggards will be the ones the mainstream media will focus on and bring the whole sector into disrepute. I am worried about the proposed regulations on changing stock policies where those of us with already low emissions are trapped in existing systems. Effectively, they are giving up the right to improve their income and equity to subsidise operations

who are not as environmentally friendly. And regulations on winter feed cropping are going to be very problematic. We know winter feed crops are a way of getting animals through the winter to harvest the bounty of spring but the public and regulators see only those bloody photos of dairy cows’ knee deep in mud. The consultation period is obviously inadequate. Six weeks

is the standard timeframe governments use for these matters but given the economic and social impacts these proposals have on our sector and because it’s our busiest time of the year, it’s simply not long enough. I know those who lobby on our behalf will do their best with this timeframe but consultation is also about people feeling they have been listened to and their opinions and views weighed up before important decisions are made – decisions that will affect their profitability, their equity, their lifestyle and the communities they live in. These regulations are coming at us whether we like it or not. We must push for pragmatism and compromise before they are set in stone but without sounding like naysayers and anti the environment. A tricky ask but not impossible.

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 – September 16, 2019

Brexit impact to drag on and on Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

ANY hopes Brexit will be sorted this year are receding further into the distance with every new twist and there’s a strong chance the situation will have changed again by the time you read this. For obvious reasons, I won’t make firm predictions about the likely outcome because it’s impossible to predict which of several will eventuate but it is possible to assess the long- and short-term risk factors for New Zealand exporters who must get on regardless with securing orders and satisfying customers.

Close attention needs to be paid to the sustainability of the trade with China.

Unsurprisingly, it is hard to get too much information from exporters about their shipping programmes for the Christmas chilled trade because they are in the middle of negotiations with their key customers and they are also reluctant to upset them by disclosing confidential details in print. Silver Fern Farms’ position remains much as was conveyed to suppliers at the beginning of the year – essentially no immediate disruption is expected with United Kingdom customs authorities accepting shipments that have European Union documentation for six months after Brexit, whenever that might be. SFF’s latest position states “Given the continued high levels of political uncertainty surrounding the UK’s political dynamics we are retaining a watching brief regards the UK market at an industry level and directly with our customers.” Anzco sales and marketing general manager Rick Walker confirms it is business as usual for chilled shipment planning and

access to the UK, with assurances the quota split will enable clearance of non-EU shipments into the UK through Felixstowe and London Gateway, the main ports for NZ origin containers. In the increasingly unlikely event of a no-deal Brexit on October 31 there is a possibility of delays as a result of resources being reallocated from those ports to handle problems at other entry points like Dover. Affco sales and marketing group manager Mark de Lautour says it is a critical time for Christmas and Easter chilled contract negotiations. Affco is still in the initial stages of discussions though retailers have indicated they will be placing orders and will expect NZ exporters to be ready to supply. That said, under the unprecedented political conditions, retail customers appear naturally cautious to commit and will likely look to minimise their risk exposure where possible. In a similar fashion, company policy sees Affco actively looking to manage its own riskexposure to commercial factors it can’t control while at the same time maintaining strategic relationships. With overall lamb cut returns from Chinese buyers surging ahead of expected chilled lamb prices from the UK there are options available if needed. Meat Industry Association chief executive Tim Ritchie makes the point NZ exporters will not want to walk away from the traditionally valuable UK chilled market but will need to keep other options on the table as a risk management strategy. He also says it is far easier for UK retailers to make flexible arrangements than it is for NZ exporters who face a five-week shipping time. While there are concerns about the potential quota split when Brexit finally happens, recent years haven’t seen shipments approaching the total access entitlement of 228,000 tonnes of sheep meat or more than 50% of that figure to either the UK or rest of the EU. That is because of declining volumes here and relative prices obtainable elsewhere. The impact of Brexit, whether now or at some point in the future, won’t necessarily be felt immediately because of the

DANGER: Meat exporters face the unexpected with Brexit surprises disrupting trade.

While there is understandable nervousness about the increasing proportion of NZ production being shipped to a single market there are, as yet, no signs of that particular tap being suddenly turned off. The growth of the Chinese middle class provides confidence demand will continue to increase for both sheep meat and beef but it will become much more important in the future for NZ exporters to understand the fastchanging dynamics and trends in the Chinese market. Finding the right distribution and retail partners is essential, as is total commitment to the use of social media and digital technology to connect consumers to the NZ or individual company brands. Embracing new technology will build brand awareness and loyalty that will

agreement on customs clearance. The main effect will become evident when large quantities of English, Welsh and Scottish lamb no longer have a ready EU customer base and will inevitably flood the UK market. Another concern will be the impact of Brexit combined with global trade conditions on the British and EU economies, which might result in seriously reduced demand for imported products. Had Brexit been a factor even three years ago it is worth remembering trade with China wouldn’t have been sufficient to provide a viable alternative market. Therefore, close attention needs to be paid to the sustainability of the trade with China from the crucial perspectives of continued access, competitors and consequently price and volume.

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protect NZ against loss of market share to its competitors. Whatever the immediate result of the Brexit negotiations – no deal, extension, general election, second referendum or an agreement – there’s no doubt it will be months if not years before we know the final outcome. Meantime, trading relationships will be fraught with uncertainty and NZ exporters must make their own individual decisions on the level of risk they are willing to accept. We must keep our fingers crossed NZ’s relationship with China remains strong.

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

On Farm Story

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Data and science do the work The topography of The Ranch in south Otago is steep to rolling hill country but it is managed and performs like an intensive breeding and finishing farm. Farm managers Maurice and Renee Judson tell Neal Wallace much of the performance comes down to decisions based on science and data.

HE impact of data on agriculture has been reckoned to be comparable to that of fertiliser. The challenge is to decipher that volume of data about farm performance and parameters into a workable form and that is where south Otago farm managers Maurice and Renee Judson have an ace up their sleeve. The farm is owned by Canterbury-born Lincoln University-trained lecturer and plant physiologist Dr David Ivory who has spent about 30 years working for the United Nations on sustainable agricultural programmes around the world and his wife Wichanee. Ivory’s scientific background provides the analysis and interpretation of a suite of data generated from his Clydevale farm, which Judson turns into action. “Everything we do has a scientific, data-based background,” Judson says. “We feed David the data – weights, scanning rates, tailing and weaning results, the lot. “In the 20 years he has owned the farm David has worked on the bones of the place – soil fertility, pasture species, genetics and farm infrastructure.” Judson and Ivory talk weekly with the owner setting the policy and strategy, much of which is based on data. “He is a spreadsheet guru.” The Judsons manage 16,500 stock units on 1700ha (1525ha effective) above the Clutha and Waitahuna Rivers, of which 900ha can be cultivated. They run 9800 RomneyCoopworth-Texel ewes, 3000 hoggets, 750 hinds, 620 weaners, 40 stags, 240 yearling FriesianHereford and Friesian bulls. The business is 75% sheep, 20% deer and 5% cattle and Judson’s management is driven by returns per hectare. “We push the stocking rate as hard as we can for this type of

THE CLAN: Judson family gathering, from left, Lachlan, 15, Ben, 12, Renee, Kate, 6, and Maurice.

country. This may mean sacrificing per stock unit performance a little for greater per hectare returns overall.” The scientific and data-driven management means the farm’s steep topography and scale does not preclude them from targeting performance normally associated with an intensive downland property. Genetics, pasture and paddocks, which average 10ha, drive productivity. The aim is to have the farm’s economic performance in the top 20% of farms in the district as measured by Balclutha accountants Shand Thomson. “We operate around the top 25% now,” Judson says. In the last four years total meat production has increased 9%.

The drive to achieve performance gain has been across several fronts. Using selected genetics has increased early growth rates, meat production and survival in their sheep flock and deer herd. Nine years ago they started using artificial insemination and electronic identification over 100 selected hinds to breed high-growth maternal stags and increase genetic merit in the hinds. It was done using the Deer Select national recording programme, which Judson says has paid dividends. Before the genetic focus a third of weaners met killable weights before Christmas and two-thirds in the new year. Now three-quarters are killed

from the first week of November to mid December at an average carcase weight of 56kg. “It comes down to genetics and the challenge of feeding good genetics.” Weaning starts in the first week of March when hinds are also culled and stags put out with the retained hinds. Weaned deer average 58kg live weight. They have also made key changes to winter management and the pasture species they sow. Judson shifts sheep mobs every three to four days when on winter crops and grass breaks, opting to provide bigger breaks to give scope and ease pressure on the soil and pasture. Deer are also given large breaks for the same reasons but it also

Everything we do has a scientific background. Maurice Judson Farmer suits their natural temperament, browsing instincts, dislike of mud and the need to have a dry, high spot on which to camp. “This practice also sits well with the Silver Fern Farms consumer focused Plate to Pasture concept,” he says. This year Judson experimented by giving weaners a whole paddock of kale to graze for the winter.

The Silver Fern Farms Plate to Pasture Awards celebrate farmers who farm with the consumer in mind. Congratulations to farm managers Maurice & Renée Judson and Wistaria’s owner Dr David Ivory.

On Farm Story

The crop still met his feed budget parameters but, importantly, is easier on the soil. They have introduced new pasture species mix. Judson says the farm owner wants a legume-based pasture to reduce reliance on bagged nitrogen and in doing so they have reduced their ryegrass seed rates to between 10kg and 12kg a hectare while lifting the red, white and sub clover mix to 12kg to 14kg a hectare. The recent introduction of sub clover in sown pastures and oversown in gullies is a work in progress. “The whole idea is to get a really high-quality, legume-based pasture with early clover growth to push the weaning drafts.” Judson says the first paddocks sown with the sub-clover mix look promising though the paddocks need different management in the early years to allow seed set and spread. From then on they can be treated as any other paddock. Lambing percentage is about 135% survival to sale or replacements and they kill about 80% of their prime lambs at 17.5kg with about 16% of those killed at weaning from mid December from the ewes and a month later for the hoggets. The balance of lambs is sold as stores but Judson hopes the new pasture mix will lift the weaning kill to the about 25%. The high-quality feed should also help hogget lambing and milking ability. The bulls are bought as weaners and used purely to control pasture. Judson kills about a third at 18 months at 270kg carcase weight because they do not want heavy animals on the soil for a second winter. The balance is sold as store. “Cattle are second class citizens used for summer clean-up as a topper or mower.” They stopped ploughing 10 years ago with all sowing now done by direct drill. Winter paddocks receive minor cultivation of the topsoil to produce a seed bed before being planted in a summer brassica such as pasja, which is used to grow out ewe lambs and the smaller works lambs. They sow about 60ha of

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

summer crops a year, which, in the autumn, is then sown in permanent pasture. Another key tactic is to aerate land that has been in winter crop, which also benefits subsequent crops and allows the topsoil to dry quickly after rain. Judson says two philosophies underpin their management. They are always looking for ways to improve the farm’s performance and the Judsons run the farm as if it is their own. “The consumer is always at the back of our minds and we want to ensure that what we are doing will always sit well with them. “Staff are aware of these values and this enables us to have a common goal.” Treating the farm as their own encourages them to put in that extra effort, whether that is the quality of work or how they treat their staff. Judson says the farm owner is acutely aware of ensuring the five staff are looked after, to feel that the farm is their home and an enjoyable place to live and work. “It’s a great team,” Renee says. There are six houses on the farm and the maintenance and some refurbishment appeals to her creative side. Creating the right environment also makes it easier to retain or find staff and by giving them responsibility, assists with succession. For example, stock manager Sam Sharpe is responsible for managing the young stock – 3000 ewe lambs and 2650 two-tooths on a designated 450ha block.

DEER: R1 Red and Wapiti yearling deer on the south Otago farm managed by the Judson family.

That includes lambing the 2000 hoggets over 44kg they put to a ram each year. “It is such an important role to drive the hogget lambing and grow out the two-tooths.” The rams were out with the hoggets for 21 days and last year they tailed 1650 lambs. But it makes for a long lambing which starts with the older ewes on September 7 and ends with the hoggets starting on October 10. Judson says they shepherd the accessible paddocks twice a day with all gully areas left unshepherded. Pleurisy in lambs is an on-going health challenge and Judson says by working with local vets

SHEEP: Sheep graze the rolling to steep hills on the farm near Clydevale in South Otago.

they have significantly reduced infections. It has required the construction of satellite sheep yards to reduce the movement of young lambs on dusty roads when their immunity is low because of age. In sheep yards they use sawdust, replaced each year to cut infection, to suppress dust. A driver for Ivory has been to enhance biodiversity on the farm. They have planted 150ha of tree woodlots and many kilometres of shelter belts but also fenced gullies in the deer unit to stop the creation of wallowing holes. The farm business, Wistaria Company, was this year named the winner of the national Silver Fern Farms Plate to Pasture Awards after winning the lower South Island regional award with its venison operation. It was judged on material goals, the business strategy, environmental management and sustainability, financial and people management, community involvement and performance. The contest also included cooking a dish suitable to be served in a SFF market. While on a family trip to Stewart Island Renee created her dish, a warm venison salad with a red wine and redcurrant jus, something that could be served into the emerging United States market. “I enjoyed it because a lot of

6 1262 32 6 Plate to Pasture Award Winners 2019 Wistaria Co Ltd, Balclutha

the time I am supporting Maurice when he is doing a project or Maurice is supporting me doing a project, so this was really cool to work on a project together.” Another aspect of the competition is community involvement. Both are active with the local 110-pupil Clutha Valley School, Maurice on the board of trustees and Renee on the Parent Teacher Association. The association has published a cookbook, A Taste of the Valley, of local and celebrity dishes to raise money. It has sold out two print runs of 4300 books and is now being sold through Amazon and Kindle. Both were raised on farms, Maurice from North Canterbury and Renee, a teacher, from Clydevale. Maurice worked as a shepherd on various properties between Otago and Canterbury including on Garth and Chris Shaw’s at Wharetoa Genetics, also near Clydevale. They had a stock manager job on Leslie Hills near Waiau in North Canterbury before moving to Wistaria in 2007. The job was ideal for Renee who wanted to stay close to family. They have three children, Lachlan, 15, Ben, 12, and Kate, 6. Ivory lives in Thailand for eight months of the year and spends summer on the south Otago farm. Judson says they have learnt much from him. “David and Wichanee are very supportive employers who look at things from a very scientific approach, which has been great for me. “I’ve learnt a lot from him, the power of recording and analysing data. “He’s shown me how important it is for farmers in making decisions and the opportunity to make gains.”

>> Video link: bit.ly/OFSjudson

years of celebrating our Farmer Partners Category Awards presented Outstanding Regional Winners National Plate to Pasture Award Winners

PROUDLY TELLING FARMERS’ STORIES For more about the awards visit silverfernfarms.com • silverfernfarms.com/our-company/plate-to-pasture-awards/

Te Awamutu 154 Johnson Road Established Waikato kiwifruit orchards Established some 20 years ago on fertile free draining soils are two Kiwifruit Orchards. The Johnson Road Orchard KPIN 9757 has approximately 9.28 canopy hectares of established Hayward vine and 1.1 hectares of new development, plus a three bedroom cottage, implement shed, disused dairy shed and a storage barn. Penny Road Orchard KPIN 9704 has 7.6 canopy hectares of Hayward vine which has irrigation. There is a Council Approved Subdivision Plan in place to extend the boundaries of the Johnson Road Orchard and create new titles. Also available is the associated dairy farm.

Te Awamutu 670 Pirongia Road Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Mon 21 Oct 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Tue 24 Sep Stuart Gudsell AREINZ 021 951 737 stuart.gudsell@bayleys.co.nz Mike Fraser-Jones 027 475 9680 mike.fraserjones@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

A majestic dairy farm This trophy dairy farm west of Te Awamutu covers 274 hectares more or less (subject to subdivision) of easy rolling downs country. 750 cows (approx) are share milked through a 40 ASHB dairy shed, supported by a 1,100 sqm feed pad. There are numerous support buildings for calf rearing, implement storage, chemical storage and workshop. Five homes provide plentiful accommodation. Fencing is mix of conventional and electrics. Three bores provide water for dairy shed washdown, stock water and domestic. Effluent is by way of a two pond (unlined) system and contents are spread via hydrants using spray irrigation. Also available are the associated Kiwifruit orchards. Resource consent has been granted for the proposed subdivision.

bayleys.co.nz/2310681

bayleys.co.nz/2310680

Hororata 575 Leaches Road

Cheviot 318 Sisters Road

For lease - quality landholding • Deadline brought forward, the deadline for lease offers is 4pm, Wed 25 Sep 2019 (unless leased prior) • 418.19ha quality landholding in a desirable location • Has recently undergone major redevelopment • 365ha irrigated by four Valley Pivots • The property boasts a central lane with easy access from all paddocks to the new yards, complete with a remote controlled Te Pari cattle handler/crush • Completely new stock water system • Very tidy three-stand raised-board woolshed, four and five-bay implement sheds with further buildings around the yard • Three-bedroom weatherboard home with open-plan living

bayleys.co.nz/5510600

bayleys.co.nz

For Lease View by appointment Craig Blackburn 027 489 7225 craig.blackburn@bayleys.co.nz Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Mon 21 Oct 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 11am-12pm Tue 24 Sep Stuart Gudsell AREINZ 021 951 737 stuart.gudsell@bayleys.co.nz Mike Fraser-Jones 027 475 9680 mike.fraserjones@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Deer, support, finishing Connemara is a well-tracked and fenced 167ha bareland property currently run as a dairy support unit, but also ideally suited to sheep and beef, or as it has been previously run, a 550-hind breeding unit. Well-farmed with a strong fertiliser history and pasture-renewal programme, it has around 90ha irrigated via two pivots and long lateral sprinklers. Good cattle yards and a centrallylocated deer shed accessed from a central lane-way, enable ease of management. This would be an excellent finishing adjunct to a larger property, or a stand-alone intensive unit. Numerous building sites provide panoramic mountain and hill views. Only 15km from Cheviot, this is the perfect property to farm and build your family home, or use as a run-off for your existing property.

bayleys.co.nz/5510713

Auction (unless sold prior) 12pm, Thu 3 Oct 2019 3 Deans Avenue, Christchurch View by appointment Peter Foley 021 754 737 peter.foley@bayleys.co.nz Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

RURAL Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

37 Swanston Street TOKOROA Office 07 280 8502

Wainui - 607 ha

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Blue Ribbon Spray Irrigated 386 ha

Ashburton pb.co.nz/AR69955 pggwre.co.nz/ASH29197 362 Fairfield Road WEB ID TOR69351 TOKOROA 726 State Highway 32 View By Appointment Adjacent to Tokoroa Downs dairy farms in the South Waikato District is this exceptional drystock/dairy support unit of 607.32 ha (STS), being 535.36 ha effective. Fenced into 97 paddocks with improvements of a very high standard including all-weather lane access to all paddocks, reticulated trough water, Stockwell cattle yards with covered weigh and vet bail and 260-cow concreted yard. Nearby is a 4-bay Paul O'Sullivan tractor/implement shed and covered fertiliser bin Mobile 027 496 4417 Office 07 280 8502 located midway along the private access road.

Blue ribbon spray irrigated arable stock finishing farm in the heart of Canterbury’s most sought after location only 10km from Ashburton. Attention to detail in all aspects of production and farm maintenance provides the opportunity to walk in and just farm. Wheat, barley, peas, ryegrass and clovers grown in rotation sit alongside specialist vegetable seed and brassica crops. The yields are impressive. Up to 12,000 lambs bought in and finished each year. Emphasis on minimum tillage techniques to preserve fertility, improve moisture holding capacity and structure allows a very quick turnaround between crops and feed. 80 ha deer fenced with good handling facilities. Up to 1,000 weaner deer bought in and finished. Superb irrigation system provides 253 litres/sec at 5mm/ha/day, applied via lateral, pivot and Rotorainer irrigation. Very strong baseline numbers!

BY NEGOTIATION

paulo@pb.co.nz

FOR SALE Fixed price $17,719,000 + GST (if any)

Paul Cunneen Rural Sales Consultant M 027 432 3382 paulc@propertybrokers.co.nz Robin Ford Real Estate Manager Mid/South Canterbury M 027 433 6883 rford@pggwrightson.co.nz

pb.co.nz OPEN DAY THURSDAY

FOX GLACIER – 170.1698HA

TENDER

AFFORDABLE CROPPING/GRAZING

Waitotara Valley Road, Waitotara Are you looking for the perfect cropping/supplement block? Or an entry level grazing block?

For Sale by Public Auction Friday 18th October 2019 Fox Glacier Heartland Hotel at 1pm

www.gregdalyrealestate.co.nz Greg Daly AREINZ 027 478 3594

Web Ref GDR3364223 Mike Curragh AREINZ 027 959 1267

If you are, this 23.3495 hectares (57.6978 acres) located approx. 6 km up the Waitotara Valley Road could be just what you are looking for! Currently being used to grow grain and with some improvement this property would be ideally suited to graze your young stock and/or perfect as a starter for your own beef stud! With a drenching race plus loading ramp and a good hay barn and being flat in contour this block is sure to appeal. Motivated Vendors look forward to your offer. LK0099076©

Breeding and ﬁnishing block in renowned cattle country, South Westland. Majority area effective grazing. Half- round hay barn, fert bin, cattle yards. Rarely do grazing properties of quality come to the open market in this highly desired location.

Open Days: Thursday 26 September 1:00pm - 1:30pm Thursday 3 October 1:00pm - 1:30pm Thursday 10 October 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Real Estate Agent REAA 2008

“60 YEARS SERVICE TO FARMERS ON THE WEST COAST”

Tender Closes 4pm, Thursday 17 October 2019 at McDonald Real Estate Ltd 274 High Street, Hawera

eieio.co.nz # H00823

Rodney Perrett 027 241 3979

Gemma Heath 021 169 1010

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

PRIME TATUA SUPPLY DAIRY FARM

122 No 9 Road, Waitoa Six titles of 186.5507 hectares. Made up of 159.42 hectares of Tatua supply dairy farm land and 27.13 hectares of adjoining prime support land. This outstanding farm is located 15km North West of Morrinsville. Milking 700 cows with a four year production average of 395,456kg MS, with 339,697 Milksolids Supply Entitlements. Also offered for sale are shares, livestock and a separate highly productive 49.77 hectare run-off property located at 538 Whakahoro Road (or otherwise by negotiation).

To request an Information Memorandum please email: office@hoogeveen.co.nz

GREAT STARTER PROPERTY

• • • • • • • •

Situated on Whangaehu Beach Road is this 60ha dairy farm. Well laid out with a good mixture of contour soils and layout. Currently milking a 160 cow dairy herd. Improvements include a 16 aside herringbone dairy, hay shed, machinery shed, small feed pad and good yards. There is a nice family 4 bedroom character home set back off the road on a rise with native bush backdrop. Great chance to buy a farm that could be used for dairy or beef. Priced to sell at $1,795,000 plus GST if any. Call Les on 0274 420 582 to inspect.

Sallan Realty

MOTIVATED VENDORS

MANAWATU FARM

• • • • • • •

Situated south of Whanganui is this 82ha approx farming opportunity. 20 aside herringbone dairy and 300 cow yard with adjacent feed pad. Herd is split calved, milked all year round, supplying Open Country. Good bore water supplies stock troughs, dairy and house. Large machinery shed, large silage bunker. Three bedroom family home overlooking the countryside. Your chance to buy this farm with a flexible takeover date and take advantage of the coming season. • Priced to sell at $2,665,000 plus GST if any. • Call Les on 0274 420 582 to inspect.

Google ‘Sallan Realty’ Your Farm Sales Specialist

• Situated on Millricks Line in Linton, Manawatu is this exceptional 72 hectare farm property (STFS). • Has milked 280 cows in conjunction with a neighbouring 38 hectares and is fully consented. • Has produced up to 1050kgs/ms/ha with the herd wintered off. • Very good Tokomaru silt loam soils that have been regularly fertilised. • Improvements include a very good three bedroom family home. • Excellent bore water, farm tracks and shedding. • Vendor is retiring, what is your offer? • Call Les on 0274 420 582 to inspect.

LK0099175©

Private Sale by Deadline Private Treaty closes Friday 18 October 2019 at 3pm

LK0099142©

Improvements include four dwellings, 50 bail rotary cowshed, feed pad, bunkers, and full complement of farm support buildings, excellent subdivision, races and underpass.

CALL 0800FARMTEAM

THE DESTINATION FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE

Land is the biggest asset to any farming business - so it pays to stay up-to-date with the market.

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LIS TI N G N EW

HORTICULTURE LAND WITH SCALE, TWYFORD LOAM SOILS AND CONSENTED WATER 1513, SH 2 Main Road, Whirinaki, Napier, Hawke’s Bay Prime horticulture land with scale combined with a large area of Twyford Loam soils, water consent for irrigation, drainage and a range of orchard related infrastructure, including two dwellings just over 15 minutes from Napier. This property lends itself to excellent horticulture development opportunities. Situated 19km north of Napier on SH2 with a temperate climate by the coast, this 72ha property includes over 50ha of Class 1 land as defined by the Hawke´s Bay Regional Council. Current land use combines a well presented and mature 21ha citrus orchard, cropping land utilised for maize which has potential for orchard development and pine trees planted on the hill. The orchard and cropping land incorporates a significant drainage network combining both subsurface and large open drains. The water consent enables irrigation for the orchard and offers opportunity to develop more of the flat land. The orchard which has a mix of Valencia, Navel and Mandarins includes a comprehensive irrigation system, roading and shelter belts. There are two dwellings - a three bedroom home with views over the orchard and out to the ocean. The other a two bedroom cottage. Other improvements include a large packing/ implement shed, metaled road and a set of cattle yards.

PRODUCTIVE SAND COUNTRY 909 Raumai Road, Bulls, Rangitikei 15km west of Bulls, this property comprises an approximate 209ha finishing component and 65ha of well-tended production forestry, with options around the trees. Essentially flat, the pastoral area comprises mainly wide plains with large areas of heavier Pukepuke sand and dryer Himatangi sand. A very tidy woolshed/sheep yards, good lockable storage shedding, cattle load-out facilities and a great duck pond. Open Day 11am, Tue 17 Sep 2019 - bring quad and helmet. Or call for a private inspection.

274.75 hectares Video on website

nzr.nz/RX2002959 Tender Closes 11am, Wed 9 Oct 2019, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | 06 323 4434 peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

72.2133 hectares Tender

nzr.nz/RX2029327 Tender Closes 4pm, Thu 31 Oct 2019, 5 Ossian Street, Ahuriri, Napier. Duncan McKinnon 021 241 9073 | duncan@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

PREMIUM FINISHING BLOCK Riverbend, 73 Stoddart’s Road, Bideford, Masterton Riverbend is a 80 hectare finishing property boasting 43 hectares of redeveloped fertile flats, rolling cultivable hill paddocks and some medium hill country, complemented with a substantial home, stables, implement sheds, 3 stand woolshed with new sheep yards, hayshed and newish centrally located cattle yards. This premium unit is located just 10 minutes from Masterton in the renown Bideford farming district. Offers Close 4pm, Thu 10 Oct 2019, (unless sold prior) NZR, Level 1, 16 Perry St, Masterton.

81.76 hectares (STFS) Video on website

nzr.nz/RX1866254

Blair Stevens AREINZ 027 527 7007 | blair@nzr.nz Dave Hutchison 027 286 9034 | dave@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

Hadley Brown 027 442 3539 hadley.brown@colliers.com Mike Heard 027 641 9007 mike.heard@colliers.com

colliers.co.nz

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz

STRONG WAITAHORA HILL-COUNTRY FARM RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

• Approximately 76 hectares flat-cultivatable and 280 hectares of hill country • 3-stand woolshed, night pen, sheep and cattle yards • Excellent infrastructure and standard of improvements • Strong soil types • 4-bedroom home, 2 bedroom cottage and Shearer’s Quarters • 21km from Dannevirke

Jerome Pitt M: 027 242 2199 O: 06 374 4107 E: @jeromep@forfarms.co.nz

LK0068450©

Property ID FF1299

Cropping / Finishing

Closing 4pm, Thursday 31st October

www.forfarms.co.nz - FF2880 www.forfarms.co.nz

TEMUKA, SOUTH CANTERBURY

Tender (if not sold prior)

LK0099221©

370 hectares (914 acres) approximately (subject to survey)

Woodlands is a well-developed, 451ha dryland arable unit just 7km from Temuka. With its rich, deep, silty loam soils, the current farming practice has been predominantly intensive dryland cropping with some livestock finishing and grazing. Farm infrastructure is well above average, including three good homes plus quality large sheds and numerous outbuildings to support the farming operation. Several purchasing options are available including the total property, the 142.5ha Flats Block, and the 308.5ha Downs Block as one unit or in two or more parts. We welcome your enquiry.

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 1.00pm, Friday 27 September

Simon Richards M 027 457 0990 E simon.richards@pggwrightson.co.nz Peter Crean M 027 434 4002 E pcrean@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/CHR30882 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Helping grow the country

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

NZ’s #1 Agri Job Board

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

TE KUITI LIVESTOCK CENTRE

LIVESTOCK SALEYARD MANAGER – TUAKAU SALEYARD

We got noticed!

“ We advertised our employment vacancy across multi-media, including Trade-Me Jobs and Fence Post.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new Saleyard Manager to join our Tuakau Saleyard team. You will be responsible for carrying out the management of day-to-day Saleyard operations, running of livestock sales, and repairs and maintenance to the facility. The applicant must have experience in handling livestock, people management and have excellent communication and organisational skills. This role requires knowledge and management skills of the compliance issues relevant to the saleyards environment. Ongoing training is available to the successful applicant. This is a salaried position 40 hours/4-day work week with an agreed overtime rate. Remuneration will reflect the successful applicant’s experience. Position start date November/early December. If this sounds like an opportunity for you, please email your CV and cover letter, or any questions to mhull@associatedauctioneers.co.nz or phone 027 777 8285

By far the most effective campaign was with Farmers Weekly Jobs. The Farmers Weekly advertisement attracted agriculturalists.

We currently have an opportunity for a Shepherd General to join our whānau based at Balmoral, North Canterbury. Ngāi Tahu Farming Grazing Division currently consists of 3300 hectares of irrigated grazing and beef finishing farms, and 4500 hectares of dryland grazing situated at Te Whenua Hou (near Oxford) and Balmoral, North Canterbury. There are also three high country stations at Whakatipu near Queenstown. What we can offer the successful applicant: • Top quality infrastructure and housing • Great opportunities for learning and career progression • Personal development program with a supportive team environment To apply, please visit mahi.ngaitahu.iwi.nz and submit your application online. For confidential enquiries, please contact Nicola Keane, People and Development Advisor on 03 974 0049 or nicola.keane@ngaitahu.iwi.nz Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!

FARM ASSISTANT

LK0099216©

We believe in growing and farming the most sustainable products for the be erment of people and the planet. This is an opportunity for you to join our journey.

Jennifer Chesterman, Koanui Poll Hereford

(Advertised for a skilled and practical agricultural worker)

We are seeking a farm worker to assist with the day-to-day running of our farm which comprises approximately 400ha at Glen Murray in the northern Waikato. The farm runs Hereford and Angus Studs selling yearling bulls annually. In addition there is a ewe flock of around 800. The successful applicant will work as part of a small team and be involved with all aspects of running the farm. You will be honest, reliable, able to use initiative and hard-working and also have an ability to be open in communication. Skills required are an ability to handle stock, and safely handle a tractor and quad bike. Some experience fencing is required. This is an opportunity to gain experience in working with stud stock and both intensive and extensive grazing management. Accommodation is available.

KING ISLAND, Tasmania

LK0099257©

Kia hiwa rā!

the Farmers Weekly response pool.

“

Shepherd General

The successful applicant and all those shortlisted were from

Apply with CV to jvmeallen@xtra.co.nz

EMPLOYMENT

2019

REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

Please print clearly G PROOF Name: Phone: Size:18 x3 Address:

Run Date

Email:

Mon 16 Sept Heading:

Format: MONO Position

Sits vac Ul�mate

Advert to read:

Farming Operations Manager – North Auckland Council

An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated based on individuals’ skills and experience.

If you wish to apply for the above positions, please send your CV and cover letter to waverleyoffice@waverleystation.com Please stipulate in your application which position you are applying for. All applications will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

responsibility to check the accuracy of The Farming Operations both the advertisement, the media andManager – North will be responsible for position nominated.leadership, direction and support to the farming teams providing in theofNorthern geographical sector in a way that enhances the Cancellation adverts booked with mediafinancial will incur aand media cancellation fee physical performance of the 8 Regional Parks (766ha of $50.effective) in your area. This diverse role will be tasked with ensuring

an effective farming system, team leadership, financial budgeting

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

and managing Amy farm production activities including livestock your contact:

breeding and trading. As the Farming Operations Manager you will lead by example and champion the Auckland Council brand with a strong desire to create a culture of excellence, providing a pathway for those in the business to grow and add value.

JOBS BOARD

This position requires exceptional all-round farming skills with a team of 2-3 working dogs, an excellent understanding of supply and demand, the ability to utilise feed and convert pasture to meat and wool. Your demonstrated experience in leading teams, farm technology, managing people and resources will be highly valued. This is a role where you will have the platform and support to express your full range of skills, apply your trade and develop your brand into the future.

LK0099242©

Auckland Council stands for excellent environmental, social and farming outcomes and has committed a specialised business unit to ensure the farming strategy is executed. Apply your operational farming expertise to this farming business where quality land, livestock, infrastructure and the best people are central to its goals.

Applications close 5pm Monday, 30th September 2019.

Overseer position The successful applicant will demonstrate: • Experience with pasture management and animal husbandry • The ability to work methodically and autonomously • The ability to adapt to new on-farm technologies • Effective leadership and people management skills Farmhand positions Duties include but not limited to: • Handling livestock • Checking and repairing water infrastructure • Fencing • General farm duties

Auckland Council’s farming operation spans across 19 Regional Park locations throughout the Auckland region and at 1430ha is thought to be one of the world’s largest urban farming enterprises. The farming operations comprise 6650 sheep/1200 cattle in total, PLEASE NOTE: both breeding and finishing. Stock class management, breed type, that we have prepared this advertisement rates and sheep proof stocking based on our understanding of to cattle ratio are set on the best fit for the instructions received. In approving managing public land without compromising the park resources the advertisement, it is the client’s and wider objectives.

To view a Job Information Pack or to apply, please visit www.ruraldirections.co.nz or phone the Rural Directions team in confidence on 06 871 0450 (Reference #8003).

A full-time Overseer and Farmhand(s) positions are available on a large family owned property at King Island, Tasmania. All applicants must have experience in the cattle industry, be enthusiastic with a great attitude, have good communication skills and be willing to work alone or as part of a team. All positions are available for an immediate start.

LK0099210©

Cadet Manager Positions Farm Assistant Farming Operations Manager Fencer/General Livestock Saleyard Manager Manager Overseer and Farmhands Senior Leadership Roles Senior Technical Advisor Shepherd Shepherd / General Stock Manager *FREE upload to Farmers Weekly jobs: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Return this form either by fax to 06 323 7101 attention Debbie Brown Post to Farmers Weekly Classifieds, PO Box 529, Feilding 4740 - by 12pm Wednesday or Freephone 0800 85 25 80

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

LK0096815©

*conditions apply

RECRUITMENT & HR

Noticeboard

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

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

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 FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT Only $6.00 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 brianmace@xtra.co.nz DAGS .25c PER KG. 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 SHIPPING SOUTH ISLAND 21/9/19. View dogs on video. deliver, trial, guaranteed. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553. BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie on 0800 85 25 80 to book in.

DOGS WANTED 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. FIRST YEAR SMEDLEY cadet looking for fully broken Huntaway for next year. Contact: taylorjb361@gmail.com QUICK SALE! No one buys or pays more NZ Wide! 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes. YOUNG SHEPHERD after a broken in Huntaway, North Island. 027 800 6769.

FARM MAPPING FOCUS ON YOUR strengths with a farm map showing paddock sizes. Contact us for a free quote at farmmapping.co.nz or call us on 0800 433 855.

FOR SALE SERIOUS INCINERATORS. Heavy duty long lasting. w w w. i r o n t r e e p r o d u c t s . co.nz Phone 021 047 9299.

FORESTRY WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide. We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase. NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 04 293 2097 Richard.

GOATS WANTED GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis. GOATS. 40 YEARS experience mustering feral cattle and feral goats anywhere in NZ. 50% owner (no costs). 50% musterer (all costs). Phone Kerry Coulter 027 494 4194.

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

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556. HEREFORD BULLS, purebred yearlings. BDV negative and vaccinated. Phone 027 4944 262.

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

0800 436 566

STEEL TANK SPECIALISTS

MANUKA SITES WANTED CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND. Whanganui, Taranaki, Wairarapa. Excellent site rental paid on quality honey. We are looking for long term relationships. We are experienced and honest. Contact 027 372 0842. Email: zerbywerby@ gmail.com

Fuelcon Farm and Trailer Tanks by:

$4400

GST INCLUSIVE

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

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

$4200

GST INCLUSIVE

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

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

www.petrotec.co.nz/ products

STOCK FEED

NUTRITION FROM THE SEA

HAY 12 EQUIVALENT squares $70. STRAW 12 equivalent squares $55. BALEAGE at $80. Unit loads available. Phone 021 455 787.

NOTICEBOARD ADVERTISING

Do you have something to sell?

UTE MATS UTE MATS. Non slip, durable easy to clean mats to fit any ute. For a free quote contact Burgess Matting & Surfacing Ltd. 0800 808 570. website: www.burgessmatting.co.nz

Call Debbie

0800 85 25 80

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Auto delivery Bait Station for Possums and Rats www.ecoland.co.nz

WWW.BIOMARINUS.CO.NZ

Ph: 021 326 563

VETMARKER

TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE

EARMARKERS

NOTICEBOARD

REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

BIRDSCARER DE HORNER HOOF TRIMMER

WANTED FORESTRY/ WOODLOTS (All volumes – big or small)

Advertise in the Farmers Weekly $2.10 + GST per word - Please print clearly Name:

We purchase standing trees, land and trees or harvest and market on your behalf.

Phone:

All paper work is done for you around health and safety, resource consent application and management.

Address:

LK0099085©

GUARANTEED PAYMENTS

Email: Heading:

Call or email Aaron West 027 562 3832 aaron@westtreenz.co.nz for a no obligation appraisal

Advert to read:

POWER CABLE We could save you hundreds of $$

HOMES FARM SHEDS SUBDIVISIONS PUMPS For friendly & professional advice CALL 0800 843 0987 Fax: 07 843 0992 Email: power@thecableshop.co.nz THE CABLE SHOP WAIKATO www.thecableshop.co.nz

LK0098189©

Prices include delivery to your door!

*ALL PRICES EXCLUDE GST AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. HOURS AND CONDITION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

0800 383 5266

Quality Pre-Owned

CervusEquipment.co.nz

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

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

“Your Fuel Storage Solutions”

With automatic release and spray system. www.vetmarker.co.nz 0800 DOCKER (362 537)

MaTT - 021 745 908

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

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

LAMB DOCKING / TAILING CHUTE

John Deere 9670 STS CombINE (504401): 2009, 5245 hrs,..........$195,000 John Deere 7230R (503983): 230Hp, 3709 hrs, TLS, duals..........$145,000 John deere 8400 (504122): 1997, 225Hp, 14528 hrs, duals........$35,000 JOHN DEERE 7210R (503380): 210Hp, 1533 hrs, IVT, duals...........$159,000 John Deere 6170R (502385): 170Hp, 2349 hrs, TLS, prem cab...$115,000 John Deere 6930 (504129): 2011, 150Hp, 7854 hrs, IVT, TLS.......$69,000 John Deere 6930 (503985): 150Hp, 8817 hrs, loader, 3 SCVs......$66,000 John Deere 6150R (503958): 2015, 150Hp, 4755 hrs, IVT, TLS...$121,000 John Deere 6150R (503528): 150Hp, 2637 hrs, TLS, 4 SCVs........$115,000 John Deere 6920S (503902): 150Hp, 9635 hrs, Power Beyond..$45,000 John Deere 6140R (503888): 140Hp, 5195 hrs, loader, 3 SCVs....$89,000 John Deere 6130D (503606): 130Hp, 1686 hrs, PowrReverser.....$55,900 John Deere 6125R (503465): 125Hp, 2100 hrs, TLS, 3 SCVs..........$89,900 John Deere 6125M (504275): 125Hp, 3411 hrs, loader, 3 SCVs...$80,000 John Deere 6420 (504165): 110Hp, 9304 hrs, JD 651 loader.......$39,990 John Deere 6330 (503823): 105Hp, 5759 hrs, loader, bucket.....$58,000 John Deere 6520 (504002): 103Hp, 7447 hrs, Pearson loader....$38,000 John Deere 5093E (503907): 93Hp, 547 hrs, ROPS, loader..........$44,900 John Deere 1025R (504209): 25Hp, 4WD, 54” mowing deck.......$16,000 CLAAS AXION 820 CIS (504272): 227Hp, 7308 hrs, Hexishift..........$59,000 CLAAS ARION 640 (503868): 155Hp, 3021 hrs, 24F/24R trans.......$58,000 Deutz 6165RC (504422): 2018, 165Hp, 636 hrs, Trima loader.....$159,000 Kioti DK551C (503784): 2012, 55Hp, 1460 hrs, turf tyres................$27,500 Massey FergusoN 7615 (504347): 2016, 150Hp, 2773 hrs..........$100,000 Massey FERGUSON 4245 (503992): 85Hp, 6990 hrs, loader..........$20,000 New HollaND T4.95F (504233): 95Hp, 4750 hrs orchard unit.....$36,000 New HollaND TN75N (503937): ROPS, 2003, 75Hp, 4480 hrs......$30,000

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

PROPERTY WANTED HOUSE FOR REMOVAL wanted. North Island. Phone 021 0274 5654.

Return this form either by fax to 06 323 7101 attention Debbie Brown Post to Farmers Weekly Classifieds, PO Box 529, Feilding 4740 - by 12pm Wednesday or Freephone 0800 85 25 80

LK0099098©

DEERLAND TRADING LTD

LK0094587©

ANIMAL HANDLING

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

LK0098276©

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

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

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

ECZEMA TOLERANT

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

RAMGUARD TESTING SINCE 1985 ***** RATING

Structurally sound Robust functional sheep that survive Achieving less Parasites and Dags No ewes worm drenched, dipped or vaccinated WormFEC™

Keith Abbott Raglan 027 463 9859 www.waiteikaromneys.co.nz Genetically linked to Waimai & Kikitangeo Romney

Are you looking in the right direction? LK0099215©

• • • •

Call Andrea

0800 85 25 80 livestock@globalhq.co.nz

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Have you got a sale coming up? Advertise in Farmers Weekly To advertise Phone Andrea 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING PHONE ANDREA 0800 85 25 80

Est. 1910 www.motereangus.co.nz

Deliver your ram sale messaging to every farm letterbox nationwide with a weekly publication that farmers choose first for news, opinion, market updates and even their own advertising.

2523 RAM SALES

For further information contact our Noticeboard sales team on 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz

SPRING BULL SALE YEARLING ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE 26th September 2019, 1pm Please contact: Isaac or David 06 857 3705 or 027 857 3705 Motere Angus Rostrum 766 Long Range Rd, Omakere Contact: Isaac Pharazyn 06 857 3828 027 857 3828

50 Yearling Bulls

TUESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2019 Starts 1pm at 43 Finlay Road, Cambridge Bulls available for viewing from 11am on sale day or by prior arrangement by contacting Sam Le Cren Ph: 027 474 9989 | Email: sam@takapoto.co.nz

SELLING AGENTS: PGG WRIGHTSON Andy Transom 0275 965 142 Cam Heggie 0275 018 182

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

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

MEADOWSLEA ANGUS Spring Bull Sale

FRIDAY 4th OCTOBER 2019 1pm, on-farm Fairlie

Meadowslea F540 - ranked 3rd for Short Gestation

55th Annual Hereford Bull Sale

(BLNZ Dairy Beef Progeny Test July 2018)

Top 10% breed – Calving Ease, Short Gest, Low Birth Wt, Days to Calve, Scrotal, Milk, Rib and Rump Fat

Wednesday 25th September, 12noon

Offering:

ON FARM - LUNCHEON PROVIDED 660 Ngaroma Rd, 26km off SH3, Sth East of Te Awamutu.

Selected for mating Cows and Heifers

60 1yr Angus Bulls

Top picks included from leading bloodlines

34 TOP YEARLING BULLS & 70 2-YEAR OLD BULLS

Featuring Low birth weights with calving ease, suitable for both Beef and Dairy Strong NZ Bloodlines with powerful maternal & fertility traits and exceptional rib & rump fats

Sound bulls with exceptional temperament • Full EBV details in catalogue. Selection of Short Gestation & Low Birth weights. Bulls ideal for Beef & Dairy. • Free delivery 80kms.

All bulls tested clear for EBL and BVD and vaccinated

Vendor: D S Giddings 03 685 8027 www.meadowslea.co.nz

KELVIN & CYNTHIA PORT • P: 07 872 2628 • M: 022 648 2417 E: kelvin@bushydowns.co.nz • Web: www.bushydowns.co.nz ROBERT & MARIAN PORT • P: 07 872 2715

KIKITANGEO ROMNEY STUD

LK0099071©

40 2yr Angus Bulls

Auctioneers: PGW: John McCone 027 229 9375 PWA: Madison Taylor 021 656 851 6% purchasing commission to all other companies

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

farmersweekly.co.nz

EST 1922

Stud Principal – Gordon L Levet

Top quality bulls bred for NZ Farmers ● BVD Tested Clear, BVD and 10 in 1 Vaccinated ● Calving ease, moderate birth weight bulls suitable to mate 1 or 2 year olds or cows ● Breedplan Recorded ● TB Status C10 ● Herd completely free of known genetic defect ● Only proven NZ bred bulls used in last 10 years ● Renowned for great temperament ● Three year comprehensive guarantee

2ⁿd Annual Yearling Bull Sale

Monday 23rd September 2019

KIKI G197-14

Enquiries and inspection welcome. Contact

Kevin or Megan FRIEL ph: (06) 376 4543 625 Jackson Road, Kumeroa kev.meg.co@xtra.co.nz

www.mtmableangus.co.nz

30th ANNUAL RAM SALE Wednesday 4 December 2019 at 12 Noon

140 Selected Romney Rams – out of over 500 30 Suffolk, Southdown, Suftex and Suff-Texel cross rams Plus 60 Romney Rams for private sale after auction (book early to ensure supply) • Due to better management, we have many more high quality rams available for sale this year. Hopefully these extra rams will be sufficient to satisfy an increasing demand for rams that are structurally sound, have a high degree of FE tolerance and are the best available in the country for worm resistence.

YEARLING SPECKLE PARK BULL SALE

• After 33 years of intensive selection for the worm resistance trait – using scientifically approved protocols – we now have sheep that are resistant to the highest worm challenges in the country and require no drenching. What has been achieved at Kikitangeo can be replicated in other flocks. • Semen available – we now have semen available from our top sire G197-14 – further information is available on our website www. kikitangeo.co.nz

• Catalogue and newsletter – The catalogue and our August newsletter will be mailed out to those on our mailing list and will also be available on our website – catalogue about mid-November. If you require a hard copy of the catalogue, please phone or email.

5192 Kaipara Coast Road, RD 2, Wellsford 0972 Email: glevet5192@gmail.com • Tel: 09 423 7034

www.kikitangeo.co.nz

LK0099094©

• Field Days – having received the Husqvarna North Island Farm Forester of the Year Award, we will be hosting field days on November 13 and 16 for the viewing of the sale rams combined with a tour of the farm to see the forestry operation. Particulars will be advertised and on our website.

2nd October 2019, 12pm 400 Brunskill Road, Cambridge

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

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

STOCK FOR SALE FRIESIAN BULL CALF CONTRACTS Nov Delivery

STOCK REQUIRED

Safe Traceable Bulls

1YR ANG & A X STEERS 260-300kg 1YR FRSN BULLS 170-260kg

2YR FRSN BULLS 450-520kg 1YR ANG & A X HEIFERS 250-300kg

Bulls For Heifer Mating

2YR ANG & ANG X STEERS 450-540kg

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

RIVERTON HEREFORDS

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

28TH ANNUAL SALE FORDELL, WANGANUI

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

with Farmers Weekly PHONE ANDREA 0800 85 25 80

40 TWO-YEAR BULLS 120 YEARLING BULLS MIKE CRANSTONE 06 342 7721• 027 218 0123 crannyandcath@outlook.com

LK0098985©

THURSDAY 19 SEPT – 12 NOON

www.ezicalve.co.nz

On Farm Bull Sale – 25th September 2019 at Midday

180 Virgin R2 Registered Herefords All in the top 5% of the breed for Gestation Length and above Breed Average for Calving Ease

Exclusive supplier of SGL Hereford semen to LIC NEW SALE VENUE: 427 Cannington Rd, Cave

Free 200km Cartage

Sale catalogues are available mid-September from: John and Liz McKerchar, Shrimpton's Hill Herefords Cave, South Canterbury | Ph 03 6143759 Email shrimptons@farmside.co.nz | Web www.shrimptonshillherefords.co.nz

Open Day 11th September, 2-4pm at the new venue For enquiries, please contact:

BREEDING ANGUS BULLS FOR HEIFER MATING YOU CAN TRUST Glanworth

70 Yearling Bulls by Private Treaty from October

35 Yearling Bulls by Auction 3rd October – 12 Noon Viewing from 10.30am

CONTACT WILLIE Ph 06 372 7041 falloon.waigroup@xtra.co.nz

CONTACT SHAUN Ph 06 376 8869 Glanworthfarm@gmail.com glanworthangus

anguswaigroup.co.nz

WOOL THE

LK0099191©

Pinebank

Matt Gibbs 027 555 2307 - PGG Wrightson Barry Fox 027 439 3317 - PGG Wrightson Andy Cunningham 027 566 8243 - PGG Wrightson Peter Jackson 021 922 462 - NZ Farmers’ Livestock Ltd Jim Hazlett 027 462 0128 - Hazlett Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131 - Carrfields Snow Buckley 027 561 4652 - Peter Walsh and Associates Mick Withers 027 473 0817 - Rural Livestock Ltd

WORLD with advertising online

0800 85 25 80 livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Livestock

BEXLEY HEREFORD 10TH ANNUAL YEARLING BULL SALE

COMPRISING OF: • 32 x Purebred Registered Hereford Yearling Bulls • 13x Purebred Speckle Park Yearling Bulls • 8x Speckle Park/Hereford Yearling Bulls Details: • Maungahina Stud has been operating for 100 years and guarantees bulls • All bulls TB C10, BVD vaccinated • Birth weights and live weights in catalogue • All bulls are owner bred & farmed on the property

A/c Roger & Susan Hayward ON FARM Thursday 26th September 2019 163a Clemett Road, RD1, Ngaruawahia Start time: 1.00pm

50 Hereford Bulls 470kg av, 421 to 582kg 20 Angus Yearling Bulls BVD Tested & Vaccinated, TB Tested, C10 Viewing from 10am Contact Grant Ross 021 174 8403 Carrfields Brent Bougen 027 210 4698 NZ Farmers Steve Sutton 027 442 3207 NZ Farmers Colin & Carol King 06 752 9863

LK0099209©

Auctioneers Note: This is an outstanding offering of quality wellbred bulls. Our Vendors have a reputation of producing the best and have total confidence regarding the bulls offered. They are passionate farmers and have focus to breed bulls that will provide the requirements of buyers.

33 2yr Polled Hereford Bulls 35 1yr Polled Hereford Bulls

LK0099204©

BRED FOR CALVING EASE, MODERATE BIRTH WEIGHT AND TEMPERAMENT. Selling Agents: NZ Farmers Livestock: John Watson 027 494 1975 Carrfields Livestock: Hamish Manthel 027 432 0298

Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

www.herefords.co.nz

Enquiries & Visitors Welcome Murray & Fiona Curtis 06 328 2881 or 027 228 2881

Phone Andrea 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

AUsTREX NZ LTD LIVEsTOCK EXPORTERs

BUYING NOW

HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN Yearling Heifers F8 to F11 & F12 to F16 Chance Mated November Delivery FOR CHINA EXPORT Enquiries to:Paul Tippett 027 438 1623 Colin Jordan 027 667 0903 David Kelk 027 644 1285 or contact your Agent www.austrex.com

____________________ _ANGUS ______STUD ____

FIRST ANNUAL YEARLING BULL SALE

Email: mfcurtis@farmside.co.nz

We have your Stud & Service Bull needs covered for September/October 2019 Upcoming Auctions – September Date

Client

Tues 17th Waitangi Angus Tues 17th Fowler Farms Fri 20th

Mahuta Polled Herefords

F r i day 11 O c tober 2019 at 1: 00pm ON F AR M - LUN CH EON PROV ID ED

1710 Carleton Road, Oxford 30 Top Yearling Bulls on offer, all TB, BVD and IBR clear and vaccinated Open Day - Tuesday 24 th September 2019 All enquiries and viewings welcomed Marie FitzPatrick - 027 338 1658 Anthony Cox - 027 208 3071

Breed

Sale Location

Agent Contact

1yr Angus

Waitangi

Reuben Wright

027 284 6384

Brent Espin

027 551 3660

Dave Anderson

027 498 1201

2yr & 3yr Hfd, Ang, Red Dvn. 3yr Jsy. 2yr Jsy, MG. Aut & Patea 1yr Jsy 1yr Hereford & Angus Glen Murray

Tues 24th Whangara Angus

1yr Ang, 1yr Ang Hfrs

Whangara

Simon Lourie

027 652 7100

Wed 25th Turihaua Angus

1yr & 2yr Angus

Gisborne

Bruce Orr

027 492 2122

Wed 25th Bushy Downs Hereford

Te Awamutu

Mike Mckenzie

027 674 1149

Masterton

Bunter Anderson

027 444 1169

Thur 26th Twin Oaks Angus Stud

1yr & 2yr Low BW Hfds 1yr Hfd, Sp Pk & Hfd/Sp Pk X 1yr Angus

Ngaruawahia

Callum Dunnett

027 587 0131

Fri 27th

1yr Hereford & Angus

Awakino

Grant Ross

021 174 8403

1yr & 2yr Herefords

Manawatu

Hamish Manthel

027 432 0298

Fri 27th

Maungahina Stud

Bexley Hereford

Mon 30th Riverlee Herefords

Upcoming Auctions – October Date

Client

Breed

Sale Location

Agent Contact

Tues 1st

Matauri Cattle Breeders

1yr & 15mth Angus

Kaeo

Neil Miller

027 497 3492

Cambridge

Kelly Higgins

027 600 2374

Gisborne

Andrew Gordon

027 487 2044

Wed 2nd

Premier Cattle Company

Fri 4th

Resurgam Angus

1yr Sp Pk Bulls/Hfrs, Embyos 1yr Angus

Fri 11th

Grantleigh Farm

1yr MG, Hfd, Ang, Hfd/Ang

Twizel

Callum Dunnett

027 587 0131

Fri 18th

Okawa Poll Herefords

1yr Herefords

Mayfield

Callum Dunnett

027 587 0131

1yr Herefords

Tuatapere

Kelvin Lott

027 226 6153

Mon 21st Waiau Hereford Stud

Vendor contact: Agent contact:

Held under cover on farm 2354 Rangiwahia Rd Rangiwahia, Manawatu

NEED TO MOOOVE SOME STOCK?

4% Buyers Rebate offered to non-participating Companies, but these must be registered with Carrfields prior to Auction Payment Terms: 12 days from Auction Date Carrfields Agents: Bunter Anderson 027 444 1169 Hamish Manthel 027 432 0298 Chris McBride 027 565 1145 Max Hutchings 027 538 4961 Carey Ashwell 021 433 274 Vendors Website: www.maungahina.co.nz Vendors: Mark & Melissa McKenzie 06 378 6896 or 027 415 8696

Spring Bull Sale 30th September 2019, 11am

All home Bred Bulls 27th September 2019 - 12 Noon A/C Colin & Carol King Awakino Gorge SHW 3

COMPRISING OF: 50x R1 Bulls Bred for performance, maternal, production. The Catalogue has a mix of bulls with over 80% suitable for heifer mating. Contact: VENDORS: Roger & Susan 07 828 2131 PGGW AGENT: Richard Johnston 027 444 3570 CARRFIELDS AGENT: Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131

RIVERLEE HEREFORDS

LK0099212©

ANNUAL YEARLING BULL SALE TWIN OAKS ANGUS STUD

A/c Maungahina Herefords Date: Friday 27th September 2019 Address: 45 Maungahina Rd, off Castlepoint Rd, Masterton Start Time: 1.00pm (under cover)

For full details & times for our upcoming auctions Visit www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

BULL POWER PLAN Have Your Service Bulls Covered This Season Purchase your Spring Service Bulls now and pay only $60 per head admin fee with the balance due by the end of February 2020* *Terms and Conditions Apply

LK0099080©

Quality Hereford & Speckle Park Bull Auction

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

LK0098834©

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

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

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Safe, Closed-Herd Bred Bulls

ENTRIES CLOSING SOON!

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

ENTRIES CLOSE WED 23 OCTOBER 2019 WWW.THESHOW.CO.NZ | BINDY@THESHOW.CO.NZ

GOING GOING GONE!

Bulls For Heifer Mating

HAVE A SALE COMING UP?

MATING HEIFERS OR DAIRY COWS?

Comprising of 31 Yearling Angus Bulls Taupo Sale yards 1pm, Monday September 23rd Contacts

Call Andrea

0800 85 25 80

Neil Heather.................................. 0274 214050 Kevin Davenport .......................... 0272 454106 Steve Wattam ............................... 0274 934484

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

THE CHOICE IS

Call Andrea

Heather Dell & Black Bear Yearling Angus Bull Sale

SALES NOTICE

0800 85 25 80 livestock@globalhq.co.nz

30 TWO-YEAR-OLD BULLS 100 YEARLING BULLS 12 noon, Tuesday September 24th

On-farm auction, Marton

www.ezicalve.co.nz

LK0099154©

WILLIAM MORRISON 027 640 1166 ardofarm@xtra.co.nz

BullsEye Sale

Thursday 19th September

470 BULLS COMPRISING: 11.30am Beef Bulls 32 R2 Red Devon Virgin 30 R3 PB Hereford 140 R2 PB Virgin Hereford 24 R2 WF & Beefx Virgin 40 R2 PB Virgin Angus 1pm approx Dairy Bulls 180 R2 Jersey 27 R2 Rec Virgin Friesian/Xbred Vendors: David & Fiona MacKenzie and Greg & Vicki Straker Agent in Charge: Bill Sweeney - 027 451 5310 David & Fiona, and Greg & Vicki have nasal sample tested a percentage of bulls from every mob being offered for sale to the recommendations of their Veterinary practice. All results being M-Bovis not detected. All Bulls BVD & TB tested & BVD double inoculated. Our vendors stand behind their bulls, if there is an issue with a bull when delivered you can swap the bull or be fully refunded. Delivery every Monday from 23rd September until 4th November, 2019. View photos of the bulls on mylivestock.co.nz Where else do you get the chance to pick what you want, get delivery when you want and pay via Bull Plan if you want! Also, a great steak lunch is supplied.

QUALITY IN MILK SALE 11.00 AM 26th SEPTEMBER 632 TE KAWA RD, TE AWAMUTU D & S FORSYTHE Currently in their 40th Season

HEREFORD

KAURI DOWNS ANGUS 3RD ANNUAL YEARLING BULL SALE

550 In milk Fr & XB Cows consisting of: 55 In milk Spring Calved Cows 130 In milk Autumn Calved unmated Cows 370 In Milk Autumn Calving Cows

Wednesday 25th September 2019 12.30 pm On farm: 468 Waihi-Whangamata Rd, Waihi

DTC 8/3/20 - 3/5/20 G3 profiled and A2 Cows have been identified, average BW69 PW102 RA 97%, TB C10, Lepto Inoculated, AV 455 m/s per cow, has produced up to 550 m/s per cow, currently doing 1.9 m/s per cow. These cows come forward in very good condition ready to produce!! Payment deferred until 20th October and finance available (terms and conditions apply). View Listing: mylivestock.co.nz WAI74058 for photos and profiles Enquiries to Steve Morton 027 246 5165

10yr +

10 Yr CLOSED

Bid, buy, sell all things rural

30 Well-Bred Yearling Angus Bulls One 2 Year Old Angus Sire – Balanced traits – used over heifers Key Traits: ● Calving ease ● Low birth weight ● Short gestation ● Good growth Ideal for Heifer Mating Angus Pure Partner Background Photo: KD335

Phone: Vendor Dave Fogarty 027 206 6931 or 07 884 5774

Selling Agents: Brent Bougen 027 210 4698 Cam Heggie 027 501 8182 NZFL Stud Stock PGGW Genetics

LK0098959©

11.30am start - concludes 2pm approx 300 McDonald Mine Road Signposted from Huntly Bridge

Monday night – Bonanza Bull Sale Tuesday night – Tahuna & Hiwiroa Beef Shorthorns Wednesday night – North Island Thursday night – South Island For more information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR

LK0099222©

14th Annual Service Bull Sale - Undercover

Weekly Auctions

No Tra

ding

HERD & FARM

8th Annual Bull Sale - Monday 23rd September 2019

1358 Buckland Road - Cambridge - Undercover - 12 Noon

Bred for medium birth weight, calving ease and temperament. All bull purchasers enter a draw for 2 x lots of 30 native trees from Cambrilea Riparian Services. Light luncheon & drinks provided. Signposted from Mobil Karapiro. SH1 FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT: VENDORS: HELEN & CHARLIE LEA - 07 827 6868 OR 021 833 221. info@ratanuifarm.co.nz BRENT BOUGEN - 027 210 4698 GARETH PRICE - 0274 777 310 ANDREW FINDLAY - 027 273 4808

Deliver your ram sale messaging to every farm letterbox nationwide with a weekly publication that farmers choose first for news, opinion, market updates and even their own advertising. For further information contact our Noticeboard sales team on 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz

2523 RAM SALES

55 Grass fed Hereford Yearling Bulls - Approx 460kg l/w ave. Suitable for cows. BW & LW provided, TB C10, EBL Free, BVD Negative & Lepto 7in1 Double vaccinated

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 16, 2019

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

SALE TALK A teacher gave her class an assignment: Ask their parents to tell them a story with a moral at the end of it. The next day the kids came back and began to tell their stories. Sophie said, “My father’s a farmer and we have a lot of egglaying hens. One time we’re taking our eggs to market in a basket on the front seat when we hit a bump in the road and all the eggs went flying and broke.” “And what’s the moral of the story?” asked the teacher. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!” “Very good,” said the teacher.

Next little Kristina raised a hand and said, “Our family are farmers, too and we raise chickens for the meat market. We had a dozen eggs, but when hatched we only got 10 live chicks, the moral to this story is, don’t count your chickens until they’re hatched.” “Excellent story, now Stevie, do you have a story to share?” “Yes, ma’am! My daddy told me this story about my Aunty Donna. She was a flight engineer during Desert Storm and her plane got hit. She bailed out over enemy territory.

All she had was a bottle of whiskey, a machine gun and a Machete. She drank the whiskey on the way down so it wouldn’t break. Then she landed in the middle of 100 enemy troops, killed 70 with the machine gun until it ran out of bullets! Then killed 20 more with the machete till the blade broke, she killed the last 10 with her bare hands.” “Good heavens,” said the horrified teacher, “what kind of moral did your daddy tell you from that horrible story?” “Stay away from Aunty Donna when she’s been drinking.”

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings STOKMAN ANGUS YEARLING BULL AND HEIFER SALE

SWAP AGRICULTURE 11TH ANNUAL SERVICE BULL SALE

Wednesday 18th September 2019, 1.00pm On Farm 1708 Te Kopia Road, Rotorua

Thursday 19th September 11.00am On Farm: 1461 Morrinsville-Walton Rd A/C DL & LJ Swap Order of Sale: - 50 2yr Purebred Hereford Virgin Bulls (Swap Bred) - 10 2yr Angus Virgin Bulls (Swap Bred) - 50 2yr Jersey Virgin Bulls (very well grown) - 50 1yr Purebred Hereford Virgin Bulls (Swap Bred) - 9 1yr Angus Virgin Bulls (Swap Bred) - 60 1yr Jersey Virgin Bulls (average weight 370kg, top weight 425kg) - 20 1yr Recorded High BW Friesian Virgin Bulls (DNA Profiled, average weight 460kg) - 7 2yr Recorded High BW Friesian Virgin Bulls (DNA Profiled) All Bulls EBL, TB & BVD Tested Free. All Bulls are double inoculated for BVD. All Bulls are Virgin Bulls. All Jersey & Friesian Bulls are purchased from selected farms at 4 days old & reared on milk powder on this property. An outstanding selection of well grown, well bred, well handled, quiet service bulls (you won’t find better). Delivery to suit purchaser, until 1st November 2019. Inspection welcome. NB: Light lunch provided. Contact: Regan Craig (PGGW) 027 502 8585 OR 07 889 7300 Mark Begovich (HB Livestock) 027 466 7102 or 07 887 4070 Terry Howard (HB Livestock) 027 939 2788

95 Registered Bulls 60 Commercial Angus Heifers - Fertility and semen tested - HD50K Genomic tested for better EBV accuracy - All bulls carcass scanned - BVD tested and vaccinated - EBV recorded, C10 TB status - Well grown, suitable for heifers or cows Enquiries to: PGG Wrightson Cam Heggie 027 501 8182 Peter Henderson 027 475 4895 Mark Stokman 027 640 4028

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM Follow instagram.com/pgwlivestock

HIGH QUALITY IN MILK SALE Tuesday 1st October 11.00am On Farm: 18 Hairini Road, RD5, Te Awamutu A/C JM & KD Nicholson Comprising: 250 Frsn/Frsn X Spring Calved In Milk Cows BW 9 PW 30 RA 30% SCC 72. Long established herd producing 2.1 m/s last season 340 m/s at factory on system 2. Herd test figures available. AB bred for over 30yrs using nominated. CRV & A2 bulls for the last 6 years. Predominantly young herd showing excellent confirmation & will come forward in good order. Milked in a H/B shed. C10, EBL Free, & MBovis tested clear. Catalogues available at www.agonline.co.nz Vendor Contact: John & Karen 027 503 8058 Agent Contacts: Chris Ryan 027 243 1078

Andrew Reyland 027 223 7092

MORRINSVILLE IN MILK SALE Wednesday 18th September 11.30am Morrinsville Saleyards Comprising 170 In Milk Cows: A/C Rukuhia Farm Ltd 73 XBred In Milk Cows BW 117 PW 162 RA 100% Sell A1/A2 content of herd, over 30yrs LIC breeding, herd ave 330kg (system 2) ave SCC 65,000 last season. TB C10, EBL Free, BVD Neg, MBovis not detected. Catalogues available. Agent Contact: Dean Cook 027 270 7729 A/C Ben Alpin Farm 90 In Milk Frsn Cows BW 40 PW 58 Fully recorded, capacious cows averaging 450 m/s. Catalogues available (13th Sept) Agent Contact: Chris Johnstone 027 257 4091

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

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

Key: Dairy

Conditions apply

Cattle

Sheep

Other

IN MILK CLEARING SALE

XBRED/FRSN IN MILK SALE

Tuesday 24th September 11.30am

Wednesday 25th September 11.30am

A/C SP & SL Coombe

Morrinsville Saleyards

On Farm: 609 Tahuna Road, RD4, Ohinewai T/N 71829

A/C St Isadore Farm

Comprising: 250 Friesian/Friesian X & Ayrshire Spring In Milk Cows.

Selling pick of 100 XBred/Frsn In Milk cows out of 160 cows. Herd BW 61 PW 70 RA 77%.

Due to our vendors relinquishing a neighboring lease the spring calving herd will be offered for auction.

Herd tested 3rd September, ave 1.94 m/s SCC 87.

These Ambreed cows have an average BW 19 PW 48 RA 90%.

Top cow producing 2.70 m/s.

The cows are currently producing 1.96 milk solids per cow, 4.3 fat test & 3.5 protein - averaging 25 litres per cow. Individual BW’s up to 146 & PW’s up to 354. TB Status C10, EBL free & MBovis milk tested clear. If you’re in search of quality cows we encourage you to attend this fixture. Catalogues available on www.agonline.co.nz Vendor Enquires: Shane 027 2964885 Agent Enquiries: Allan Jones 027 224 0768 Andrew Reyland 027 223 7092

BWs up to 154 PWs 241 LW 509. All cows 6yr & younger, have been A2 tested (awaiting results). TB C10, EBL Free, BVD Neg, MBovis not detected. Further details to follow. Contact: Dean Evans 027 243 1092

KAIRAUMATI HEREFORD SALE Thursday 19th September 12.30pm 68 Ngataipua Road, Turua A/C R & K Ward Comprising:

BEAUMONT STATION ON FARM ½ BRED EWE HOGGET SALE

26 15 month old bulls, ideal cow bulls. 24 Yearling bulls, quiet well grown bulls. Contact:

Thursday 10th October, 1.30pm Signposted from Millers Flat township 2500 ½ Bred Ewe Hoggets (shorn early August). Hogget Micron Ave 23, Flock Micron Ave 25 Footroot free property. Sired by top Craigneuk ½ Bred Rams. Flock meets all New Zealand Merino Smartwool Contract Criteria and has won multiple meat awards throughout the country. Hoggets are on 5-n-1 programme, have been dipped, off shears and drenched with Matrix. Auctioneers Note: These hill country ½ bred hoggets come thoroughly recommended by the auctioneers. They will be drafted into lines to suit all intending purchasers. Beaumont Station have a great reputation for producing very well bred stock that shift to any environment. Grand opportunity to purchase top quality breeding hoggets. Dave Lilley (PGW) 027 591 6412 Richard Hore (Vendor) 027 484 9875 Alan Hore (Vendor) 027 446 6023

Dave Stuart 027 224 1049 or Cam Heggie 027 501 8182

Talk to your local PGG Wrightson Livestock rep about buying and selling on bidr .

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MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

6.00

5.95

NI lamb (17kg)

8.60

8.55

NI Stag (60kg)

9.30

9.20

11.35

NI Bull (300kg)

5.70

5.65

5.50

NI mutton (20kg)

5.55

5.20

SI Stag (60kg)

9.20

9.10

11.35

NI Cow (200kg)

4.60

4.50

SI lamb (17kg)

8.35

8.30

SI Steer (300kg)

5.85

5.90

SI mutton (20kg)

5.60

5.20

SI Bull (300kg)

5.50

5.40

5.30

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

4.35

4.30

4.40

UK CKT lamb leg

10.08

10.11

9.11

US imported 95CL bull

8.24

8.23

6.63

US domestic 90CL cow

7.82

7.81

6.93

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price 6.0

North Island lamb slaughter price

8.5

6.5

5-yr ave

Jun

2017-18

Dairy

$/kg CW Aug

2018-19

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Jun

Last week

Prior week

Last year

2.74

2.77

3.42

3095

3040 2455

2530

AMF

5620

5830

5900

Butter

4750

4955

5100

Milk Price

6.73

6.74

6.80

787

753

Top 10 by Market Cap Close

YTD High

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

5.09

5.54

3.38

480

Auckland International Airport Limited

9.3

9.9

7.065

The a2 Milk Company Limited

14.28

18.04

10.42

440

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

16.51

17.8

Company

12.3

4.5

4.705

3.54

Spark New Zealand Limited Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

400

320

Aug-18

Ryman Healthcare Limited

Oct-18

Dec-18

Feb-19

Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

440 400 380 360 340 320

Aug-18

Oct-18

Dec-18

Feb-19

Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3200

350

5.3

5.62

3.51

13.62

10.4 5.82

Contact Energy Limited

8.68

9.05

Port of Tauranga Limited

6.49

6.7

4.9

Fletcher Building Limited

5.1

5.55

4.28

Listed Agri Shares

$/tonne

3000 2900 Sep

Oct Nov Latest price

Dec

Jan 4 weeks ago

Feb

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

14.28

18.04

10.42

Comvita Limited

2.51

5.42

2.5

Delegat Group Limited

11.3

12.5

9.4

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.17

4.85

3.15 1.47

Foley Wines Limited

1.85

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.85

1.08

0.75

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.225

0.24

0.192

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.3

2.98

1.76

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.45

2.5

0.47

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.9

7.06

6.35

Scales Corporation Limited

4.9

5.13

4.34

SeaDragon Limited

0.002

0.003

0.001

Seeka Limited

4.88

5.35

4.2

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

8.75

11.35

8.45

T&G Global Limited

300

2.55

2.81

2.43

15587

17434

15063

S&P/NZX 50 Index

10905

11219

8732

S&P/NZX 10 Index

10585

11001

8280

250 200

Aug-18

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Oct-18

Dec-18

Feb-19

Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

YTD Low

13.17

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

3100 US$/t

304

DAP

* price as at close of business on Thursday

2800

523

314

420

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

616

314

2985

2425

616

vs 4 weeks ago

SMP

Urea

30 micron lamb

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

Last year

3.55

$/tonne

WMP

Last price*

Aug 2018-19

Prior week

Jun-19 Aug-19 Sept. 2020

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Jun

Last week

2.85

360 Apr-19

NZ average (NZ$/t)

37 micron ewe

$/tonne

6.25

Dec-18 Feb-19 Sept. 2019

Apr 2017-18

FERTILISER

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

6.75

Oct-18

Feb

Fertiliser

Aug 2018-19

Super

7.25

$/kg MS

Apr 2017-18

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

5.75

Dec

6.5

Coarse xbred ind. Apr

Oct

5-yr ave

(NZ$/kg) Feb

8.5

6.5

7.5

WOOL

5.0

Dec

9.5

7.5

4.5

Oct

South Island stag slaughter price

5.5

4.5

8.5

10.5 $/kg CW

$/kg CW $/kg CW

6.0

9.5

11.5

8.5

South Island steer slaughter price

10.5

6.5

South Island lamb slaughter price

4.5

Last year

North Island stag slaughter price

11.5

7.5

4.5

5.0

Last week Prior week

7.5

5.5 5.5

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

15587

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

10905

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

10585

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

2.74

SI SLAUGHTER STEER ( $/KG)

5.85

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

8.35

ONE-YEAR HEREFORD-FRIESIAN STEERS, 270KG, AT WELLSFORD FAIR ( $/KG)

3.57

Farmers ready for spring NORTH ISLAND

ORTHLAND’S seen a bit of spring growth and that’s had farmers putting their hands up for cattle. Heifers and steers are fetching $3 to $3.50 a kilogram, which is on par with last year. Spring’s been drier than usual, especially on the east coast. Around Pukekohe more rain fell early last week with 40mm or more recorded then it eased off. It’s been cloudy and cool so outdoor crops aren’t yet showing rapid spring growth. That might not matter though because many vegetables continue to be in heavy supply at low prices. Waikato farms still have plenty of pasture but growth rates have slowed with cooler, wetter weather. A small number of farmers are already looking at closing paddocks for silage. Ag consultants have been reading and rereading the Government’s Fresh Water Action Plan. The consultant we spoke to says if the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus farmers are allowed to use is cut it will be very challenging for a lot of them. He says there’ll be no conversions of forestry to farming, sheep and beef to dairying or dairying to vegetable growing. In Bay of Plenty the avocado harvest is a bit behind schedule because of wet weather. New Zealand avocados are flowing into Coles supermarkets in Australia and into all markets in Asia except China. Fruit size is reasonably large this year and packs out better, which means the quality is up. In kiwifruit orchards Hi-cane, a spray that promotes bud burst, has been applied to green and gold blocks and buds are starting to appear on gold vines. It was a high growth-rate week in Taranaki with sun and some rain. The back country has been warmer than around New Plymouth and Inglewood. The farmer we spoke to says he’s used only half the amount of hay he usually needs in winter, a sign they’ve had a good run. He says his chickens and ducks are laying flat out, plums are in blossom, larch trees are coming out in leaf and magnolias are spectacular. Gisborne had some good rain earlier in the week then Thursday and Friday were crackers. The region has had the moisture it’s been waiting for and the rain hasn’t been heavy enough to upset lambing. Docking has started on some farms but lambing is yet to begin on others. Farmers are expecting store cattle prices will start to lift. Rangitikei and Manawatu were very dry going in to autumn so farms didn’t carry their usual stock numbers and need to fill up on cattle. There’s also demand for protein in China because hundreds of thousands of pigs have been killed because of swine flu. The meat works will need more cattle to meet that demand and that’ll also drive up store prices. We’re told Hawke’s Bay is about to get warm and when it hits 20C will really kick fruit trees into action. Last week brought the coldest day of the year though, about 9C. Kowhai trees are just waking up and everyone’s saying spring is running a week later than usual. Plums are showing

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LivestockEye

We create transparency for the industry with these independent, objective reports providing full sale results and informed commentary covering 10 saleyards across NZ that are emailed directly after the sale.

GOOD SALE: These halfbred mixed sex lambs from Ranfurly sold for $173 at Temuka last week.

clouds of white blossoms. They have a very short flowering period and orchards that were in full bloom when it rained late last week and into the weekend might not have very good fruit set because the pollen will have been washed away. Peaches and nectarines are a picture of pink blossoms. It’s a very pretty time of the year. Pastoral farmers will be happy with 50mm of rain recently though the hills around Havelock North are green lower down but still look a bit dormant further up. Wind machines have been whirring in Wairarapa’s vineyards to keep frosts at bay. Cool weather had stalled pasture growth a bit but now the temperature’s gone up it’s pumping. It’s been a good, dry winter and spring. Ground is being turned over for crops. Horowhenua has had cool evenings and people desperately want temperatures to lift a couple of degrees then grass will start leaping out of the ground. Cows are milking really well but vets are scratching their heads about why so many are going down ... they’re being pumped full of the minerals they need. SOUTH ISLAND Frost protection sprinklers have been going in gold kiwifruit blocks this week in the Nelson region after a few chilly mornings. Everyone’s busy doing orchard repairs and maintenance now the ground’s starting to firm up. There’s a tinge of green appearing on apple trees as they awaken from winter hibernation. Lambing’s under way on high-country properties in Marlborough while on lower hill farms it’s well through. Survival rates are good and there’s a lot of tucker around. Grape vines are starting to come into bud.

Our contact at Karamea on the West Coast says he’s about 80% through calving. Sunny days this week have been well received but more showers are forecast for the weekend. Milking is going very well. Cows are on grass, silage and are getting a top up of palm kernel. The farmer says he’s had 22 surplus heifer replacements so far. They’ve all been sold and go to their new homes at three weeks. The boys are sold at four-days-old and go to farms where they’ll be raised for beef. A farmer in North Canterbury has started tailing lambs with 1500 done so far and another 8000 to go. She will this week start spraying off winter crop paddocks and direct drilling oats and peas for balage. In Mid Canterbury, farmers are trying to understand the freshwater proposal from the Government. A packed house attended a forum in Ashburton on Wednesday and left with more questions than answers. The uncertainty this is presenting, along with the existing pressures farmers are all facing is not helping farmer morale. Hoggets and younger stock have been going through the shearing sheds in Central Otago. Lambing’s under way and a -7C frost on Monday had the babies rubbing up against mum to keep warm. Calving is well through on Southland dairy farms. Farmers will be pleased to see the end of it as conditions have not been kind to cows and calves, especially in late August. Our contact at Wallacetown near Invercargill is in the thick of lambing. There were 22mm of rain in the gauge on Friday but he says the only dark clouds on the horizon are political. He’s been preoccupied with the impact of the proposed water plan and how it’s going to pan out, while doing the lambing beat.

Courtesy of Radio New Zealand Country Life You can listen to Country Life on RNZ at 9pm every Friday and 7am on Saturday or on podcast at rnz.co.nz/countrylife

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COARSE WOOL INDICATOR ( $/KG)

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

Lull looming between old, new season lambs Aside from the recent blast of wintry weather most farmers have been able to get this far through lambing relatively unscathed and high survival rates mean there will be plenty of store lambs to sell in coming months. For now, though, dwindling volumes of old season lambs and no sign yet of the new season’s hitting the sales on their own means the yards are heading into the lull period in store lamb supply. North Island new season lambs tend to start appearing from mid October with South Island a fortnight later and following recent rain and good outlooks there is no doubt they will be met by plenty of competition on the rails. NORTHLAND Wellsford yearling fair • Angus-Friesian steers, 222-231kg, improved though varied from $3.10/kg to $3.49/kg • Hereford-dairy steers, 180-240kg, lifted to $3.37-$3.39/kg • Hereford-Friesian steers, 265-276kg, strengthened to $3.53-$3.62/ kg • Angus heifers, 189kg, lifted to $3.44/kg • Friesian bulls, 226kg, improved to $3.41/kg Throughput lowered to a more manageable 750 head for last Monday’s yearling fair at WELLSFORD. Most lines were nine head or less, meaning the larger quality lines were chased, boosting the market for most. Angus steers, 180kg, earned $3.81/kg, while Angus and Angus-Hereford, 211-275kg, traded at $3.13-$3.20/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 241-263kg, held at $3.40-$3.50/kg. Heifers sold very well for most and Angus, 153kg, lifted to $3.92/kg. Angus and Angus-Hereford, 292kg, were well sought at $3.29/kg, as were Angus-cross, 231kg, returning $3.07/kg. Some Hereford-Friesian were chased, including ten at 231kg which fetched $910, $3.94/kg. Though

$3.40/kg to $3.70/kg was common ground for most. Friesian bulls, 174kg, held at $3.65/kg. Houhora spring cattle fair • Top one-year Simmental steers were estimated at $3.40-$3.60/kg • Medium one-year steers made $3.20-$3.40/kg • Lighter steers and heifers estimated 140kg fetched $500-$630 Last Thursday’s HOUHORA SPRING FAIR in the far north had approximately 650 head of mostly good quality one-year Simmental, Angus and Hereford-cross cattle. Simmental heifers typically earned $3.20-$3.40/kg, while Angus and Angus-Hereford sold in a wider range of $3.00/ kg to $3.60/kg. Kaikohe cattle sale • Two-year heifers earned up to $2.98/kg • One-year beef-cross steers fetched $3.40-$3.80/kg • Autumn-born weaner Friesian bulls, 160kg, made $580 Last Wednesday’s KAIKOHE sale had around 400 head, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. There were some good quality cattle on offer which lifted the market. Two-year dairy-beef steers strengthened with the top end able to achieve $3.00-$3.12/kg, while beef-cross bulls were

bought for $2.60/kg. One-year cattle also had more interest this week and dairy-beef heifers sold around the $3.00/kg mark and steers above this.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • Prime steers lifted to $3.14-$3.16/kg • Good forward crossbred steers, made $2.80-$2.98/kg • Medium 15-month crossbred heifers sold for $2.73-$2.88/kg • Boner cows sold for $1.73-$1.81/kg Last Saturday’s PUKUKOHE cattle sale had limited finished cattle, with most being forward older cattle. Quality lines sold well, and prime heifers made $2.98-$3.07/ kg. The younger cattle were of mixed quality, with the top steers selling in a range of $3.14/kg to $4.06/kg, while small yearling heifers varied from $2.80/kg to $3.50/kg.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Angus steers, 372kg, made $3.71/kg • Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian steers, 114kg, earned $660 • Heavy prime steers sold at $3.00-$3.24/kg • Good prime lambs fetched $165-$236 The steer market was strong at TUAKAU last Thursday PGG Wrightson’s Chris Elliott reported. Heavy steers, 450-480kg, sold at $3.08-$3.38/kg, with 370-450kg making $3.20$3.71/kg and 300-370kg, $3.32-$3.74/kg. R1 steers at 200310kg fetched $665-$1045 and Friesian bulls, 272kg, $810, while 300-360kg heifers earned $2.85-$2.90/kg, with 200-270kg returning $620-$775. Medium prime steers traded at $2.90-$3.00/kg on Wednesday, with heavy heifers making $3.00-$3.16/kg, and medium, $2.90-$3.00/kg. Beef cows earned $2.00-$2.51/kg and wellconditioned Friesian cows, $2.00-$2.43/kg, while medium boners made $1.80-$2.00/kg. Good store lambs fetched $110-$145 on Monday, with heavy ewes returning $150-$204 and light-medium, $80-$150. Ewes with lambs-at-foot made $105-$108 all-counted.

WAIKATO Frankton dairy-beef weaner fair • Hereford-dairy steers, 149-163kg, returned $610-$685 • Hereford-dairy heifers, 100-146kg, improved to $480-$555 • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 133-134kg, lifted to $610-$620 • Hereford-Friesian bulls, 128-182kg, eased to $655-$682 • Angus bulls, 170kg, earned $690 Weaner throughput increased to just over 600 at FRANKTON last Tuesday, with more steers on offer. AngusFriesian steers, 129-133kg, traded at $430-$505, with Hereford-dairy, 106-138kg, at $500-$590. Hereford-Friesian steers softened slightly as 117-119kg made $670-$690, and 97-107kg, $510-$550. Heifers were well sought, and Angus-Friesian, 168kg, fetched $650, while 111-128kg traded at $420-$505. Hereford-dairy, 108-115kg, held at $395-$415. Most Hereford-Friesian, 108-160kg, traded at $510-$585. Friesian bulls, 114-157kg, came back to $510-$570, though six at 180kg pushed to $605. Fourteen Friesiancross, 117kg, were well contested at $515, though most 71-153kg traded at $270-$385. Angus-Hereford bulls, 172192kg, fetched $628-$642.

SOLD: These 10 autumn-born weaner Angus-Friesian heifers, 168kg, sold for $650 a head at Frankton last week.

Frankton cattle and feeder calf sale • Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 435-453kg, eased to $3.16$3.17/kg • Two-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 361-406kg, improved to $3.07-$3.16/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 306-336kg, lifted to $3.64-$3.65/ kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 230-257kg, strengthened to $3.30-$3.44/kg • Yearling Friesian bulls, 240-341kg, held at $2.70-$2.92/kg Cattle numbers increased to 770 at FRANKTON last Wednesday. Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 352-399kg, earned $3.23-$3.24/kg, and Hereford-dairy heifers, 402465kg, lifted to $3.02-$3.11/kg. Yearling throughput increased and Angus-Friesian steers, 213-252kg, returned $3.62-$3.77/kg, with Hereford-dairy, 309-319kg, lifting to $3.43-$3.51/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 229-288kg, improved to $3.78-$3.86/kg. Heifers were well received and Hereford-dairy, 238-260kg, improved to $3.28$3.31/kg, while 154kg held at $2.99/kg. Just on 850 feeder calves were on offer and most softened on last sale, though Angus-cross bulls managed steady returns with heavy trading at $130-$170, and small $25-$60. Friesian bulls eased to $110-$170, with small to medium earning $35-$90, and Hereford-Friesian also softened to $240-$310 for good types, medium, $160-$220, and small

SALE YARD WRAP

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019

of a scheduled hogget fair. The strong lamb market continued, as heavy mixed-sex mostly sold for $182.50$190. Ewe numbers were limited and quality dropped. The best sold for $170-$179, while good lines were $130-$155. Well-presented beef-cross pens sold on a solid market at MANFEILD PARK. Hereford-Friesian bulls made $250-$300, with mediums $150-$200. Demand has slowed for Friesian bulls with the best $80-$100. Rongotea cattle • Two-year Angus-cross steers, 403kg, made $2.98/kg • One-year Speckle Park-cross steers, 285kg, fetched $3.02/kg • Friesian boner cows, 481kg-635kg, earned $1.82-$1.92/kg • Good Hereford-Friesian bull calves sold for $220-$300 Well-bred two-year steers and heifers were a feature at RONGOTEA last Wednesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 368-480kg, strengthened at variable levels of $2.92/kg to $3.30/kg. Two-year HerefordFriesian heifers, 373-457kg, also lifted to $2.84-$3.03/kg, while Angus-cross, 388-430kg, made $2.81-$2.83/kg. Oneyear heifers varied, although Hereford-Friesian, 215-295kg, managed a solid $2.79-$3.02/kg.

CANTERBURY

BIG MOB: These Merino wether lambs sold at Temuka last Monday were part of a consignment of 1600 from Ashburton Gorge.

$60-$90. Simmental bulls managed $200-$310. HerefordFriesian heifer calves eased, with good types back to $110$135, and medium, $75.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 345-470kg, made $3.13/kg • One-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 180-200kg, traded at $3.07/kg • Boner Friesian cows, 475-560kg, sold for $2.18/kg • Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 529-556kg, made $3.12/kg • The top prime lambs made $217, and the best store lambs fetched $128 Local farmers were hoping spring weather would arrive soon at RANGIURU after miserable conditions underfoot last Tuesday. High-yielding steers remain in demand, with the price for 525-575kg lines up 3c/kg to $3.12/kg, 10c/kg above last year. The prime section was divided evenly between prime steers and cull cows. Hereford steers, 610kg, sold best at $3.21/kg, while boner prices tightened and most 445-562kg lines sold for $2.16$2.21/kg. Half of the store yarding could be found in the mixed quality of the 1-year pens. Simmental-cross steers, 169kg, were $3.82/kg, and the best Hereford-Friesian heifers, 231kg, $3.46/kg. Buyers selectively bid on lesser lines, and prices varied throughout.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Heavy ram lambs earned $190 • Heavy prime ewes lifted to $202-$215 • Average feeder calf price lifted to $157 There were around 300 head of store lambs at the MATAWHERO sheep sale last Friday where short- term lambs were in demand. The majority of lambs sold for $150-$168, with lighter types down to $90. Prime lambs sold on par with the previous week with the top end at $235-$240, and medium types around $200.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • Two-year Angus steers, 292kg, made $3.39/kg • Two-year Angus-Friesian steers, 499-513kg, earned $3.15-$3.20/ kg • One-year dairy-beef steers typically earned $610-$650, for a varied $3.85/kg to $4.35/kg • One-year Angus and Angus-cross heifers, 220-252kg, lifted to $600-$710 Last Wednesday’s TARANAKI cattle sale penned just 238 cattle, although demand remained on par with the previous sale. A special entry of hill country three-year old steers and heifers sold well, with Charolais heifers, 482kg, at $3.01/kg and Hereford-Friesian steers, 489-527kg, were sought after to make $3.23-$3.27/kg. Two-year cattle varied with quality,

although the best of the heifers were Angus, 300kg, which fetched $3.03/kg.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • One-year Angus heifers, 194kg, sold well at $685, $3.53/kg • A consignment of four pens of very good Romney ewes with blackface lambs made $124 all counted • Good mixed sex lambs lifted to $153-$167.50 • Good to heavy ewe lambs also lifted to $155-$167 What the sheep sale lacked in volume it made up for in quality at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, with plenty to pique buyer interest in the 3700 yarding. An annualdraft consignment of ewes and lambs featured, and lower lambing percentages attracted good bidding to top the section. Most other lines were also mainly singles and ranged from $92 to $110. Just over 2900 lambs were penned, with a good selection offered. Heavy cryptorchid lambs are unusual for this time of year and sold for $169-$178.50, while heavy mixed sex and ewe lambs made $172-$174.50. Romworth ewe hoggets sold for breeding at $191, while very heavy males made $185. Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Very heavy ewes improved to $170-$194 • Medium to medium-good ewes held at $130-$139 • Top male, ram and cryptorchid lambs lifted to $215-$228 • Top mixed sex lambs strengthened to $219-$223 • Top ewe lambs improved to $195-$201 Salegoers at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday were met with a chilly wet day. A handful of cattle went under the auctioneer’s hammer, and two Angus-cross rigs, 545kg, returned $2.96/kg. Focus quickly turned to the sheep section, where slightly lower throughput increased competition. Just over 610 ewes were penned and the top end improved, with good to heavy types up to $142-$164.50. The balance of ewes traded at steady levels, with light-medium at $112-$120, and light, $70-$107.50. Lambs improved for most, with very heavy males up to $187.50-$211. However, heavy mixed sex and ewe lambs eased slightly to $147-$164.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep; feeder calves • Boner Friesian cows, 520-545kg, were stable at $2.27/kg • In-calf Friesian cows, 575-680kg, traded for $2.46-$2.54/kg • Prime Limousin cows, 668kg, made $2.70/kg • All 1600 male lambs graded as very-heavy and fetched $204$223 • Very-heavy mixed-sex lambs traded for $201-$224 A biting south-easterly greeted buyers at FEILDING last Monday. Sheep volume dropped to just shy of 5000 head, the previous sale having been boosted by the cancellation

Canterbury Park sale • Top prime lambs held at $181-$241 • Top mixed-age prime ewes fetched up to $206-$223 • Ewes with lambs-at-foot earned up to $119 • Top prime steers strengthened to $3.21-$3.26/kg Store lamb numbers remained low at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday. Heavier lines made around $130-$142, while lighter types were harder to move. Prime lamb volume lifted, although these were mostly lighter types which softened to $140-$174. Quality prime cattle sold very well, with traditional and exotic lines seeing strong competition lifting prices. The better dairy-beef steers above 580kg, earned up to $3.05$3.15/kg. Prime heifers also sold well with exotic, 505570kg, achieving $3.15-$3.24/kg.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cattle; all sheep • Boner Friesian cows, 525-720kg, rose 10c/kg to $2.02/kg • Boner Kiwi-cross cows, 455-500kg, lifted 15c/kg to $1.96/kg • Prime beef-dairy heifers, 555-760kg, dropped 12c/kg to $2.95/kg • Half of the prime lamb tally made $198-$232, with the next cut $160-$198 • Heavy ewes were $226-$251, and the bulk lighter types $110$139 The supply of boner cows picked up at TEMUKA last Monday, contributing 217 of the 352 cattle yarded. Prices for these improved week-on-week, with prices above both last year and the long-term average. Prime Angus steers, 575-675kg, sold for $3.13-$3.15/kg, and most other steers over 535kg earned $3.01-$3.12/kg. Traditional heifer prices were solid with Angus, 535-590kg, the best at $3.02-$3.05/kg. Store lamb pens featured 1600 merino wethers, shorn a week ago. The best made $161, and most sold for $113$142. Woolly half bred lambs sold well with the top line fetching $173.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep • Two-year Hereford-cross steers, 462kg, earned $2.94/kg • Prime cows, 500kg and above, made $2.00-$2.04/kg • Top Hereford-cross bull calves sold up to $210-$300 • Top store lambs were bought for $130-$135 • Ewes with lambs-at-foot fetched $115-$125 all-counted At LORNEVILLE last Tuesday a small yarding of prime cattle sold on a strong market, with steers above 500kg at $2.80-$2.90/kg, and heifers over 450kg making $2.80/kg. In the store pens, one-year Hereford-cross steers, 220-314kg, made $2.95-$3.05/kg and same breed heifers, 220-303kg, were bought for $2.99-$3.00/kg. Prime lambs strengthened to $190-$206 at the top end, with light to medium types at $148-$186. Prime ewes also improved slightly, up to $188-$218 at the top end, and heavy local trade rams made $102. Charlton sheep sale • Heavy prime lambs made $180-$200 • Heavy local trade rams sold for $102 • Top store lambs earned $130-$141 There was a small yarding of prime lambs at CHARLTON last Thursday and these sold well with light to medium types earning $145-$175. Prime ewes sold on par with previous sales, with heavy types at $175-$195 and the balance of light to medium at $120-$170. Store lambs mostly earned above $100, while ewes with lambs-at-foot fetched $110-$125 all-counted.

Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 16, 2019 NI SLAUGHTER BULL

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER STAG

($/KG)

ONE-YEAR BEEF-DAIRY STEERS, 260KG AVERAGE, AT FRANKTON

($/KG)

5.70

8.60

9.20

3.68

high $286 lights Seven prime Poll

Dorset ram lambs at Coalgate

Beef prices might go up

Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

AVOURABLE export market conditions and tight domestic supply could push farmgate beef prices higher over the next few months though the bar is already set high. Chinese demand outlook remains positive while United States imported beef prices are well above last year’s levels, Rabobank says in its latest quarterly report. US importers are struggling to compete with the prices being paid in China. Year-on-year from May to July exports to the US were down 42% on value and 34% by volume while exports to China were up 105% by value and 91% by volume, Rabobank said. The group’s New Zealand-based proteins analyst Blake Holgate said more manufacturing beef is expected to be sent to China as it grapples with the effects of African swine fever on pork production. November is the time when US demand for imported beef picks up again and if prices there remain elevated that will be positive for NZ values. Over the last quarter NZ bull prices lifted steadily, in line with the usual trend as kill numbers slowed over winter. Prime cattle prices rose at a faster rate because of procurement pressure and are now well ahead of last year’s levels. The market returns should be helped by further weakening of the NZ dollar against the US dollar over the next 12 months. The cattle kill is now very close to the same levels at this time last year after being up by 5% year-on-year in May. The Chinese summer is usually the low season for beef consumption but this year demand means retail prices have remained high, reaching a record yuan70/ kg (about NZ$15.50/kg) in July. That is an outstanding price performance given the softening in Chinese GDP, to the lowest levels since 1992, Rabobank said. Consumers are still shifting from pork to other proteins as the pork price has

OUTLOOK: Good demand and high prices in China and America bode well for beef exporters, Rabobank animal proteins analyst Blake Holgate says.

risen because of the swine fever outbreak and for food safety reasons. Chinese beef supply is limited and gray channel import levels had fallen as border inspections are stepped up. Those factors will continue but Rabobank concluded that with beef prices already very high for average consumers, the potential for further increases is limited. China’s beef imports for the first half of the year were up 53% on a year earlier. Argentina became the biggest supplier ahead of Brazil, Uruguay and Australia. NZ is about the sixth biggest supplier but a small-volume supplier compared to the leaders. Low cattle numbers in Australia continue to push prices higher, Rabobank said. The herd there is estimated at 26 million head, the lowest number in 20 years. Climate conditions aren’t improving but the stock shortage is still boosting prices. The cattle slaughter to June was up 14% on a year earlier, with female cattle dominating the numbers, suggesting the

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cattle inventory, and numbers available for processing, will decline further. Cattle numbers on grain feed remained at record levels because of dry conditions and low fodder availability. A big increase in shipments to China triggered an increase in tariffs, the report said. Brazil is expected to have record beef shipments, spurred by demand from China, Egypt and Russia. In Europe beef production is lower, partly because of a longer-term gradual decline in European Union cow numbers. Demand is also lower, with a range of uncertainties, notably Brexit, the EU-Turkey relationship and new trade agreements. First-half of the year prices were down about 5% from a year earlier.

Good Merino wethers at Temuka

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

There’s always a tussle for Angus WE ALL know spring likes to throw anything at the countryside and the start of the 2019 season has fully lived up to that with close to the worst conditions felt all winter over the weekend and into the earlier part of the week. Spring arriving about Wednesday to build up to what felt almost tropical in comparison. Rain was more than appreciated in many areas to kick the grass into gear and with the likelihood of a spring abundant with feed very much on the cards now, I can already feel the grass market looming at the farmgate. While the store cattle market is still finding its spring feet, short-term Angus steers are one class that no one waits for the weather to improve before buying. They meet them at the rostrum when they arrive, whether in rain, hail or shine. They are typically wintered then come out in annual draft lines at this time of year and it is the same buyers who will be eagerly waiting for them. Volume contracts and premium schedule prices fuel this market and with enough buyers vying for limited supplies, there is a clear premium paid, over any other breed, including Hereford. The only other breed that even comes close is a cross of both. The main players at the North Island sales are from Central Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu and there are enough looking for the higher volumes to make it a good old tussle. At Feilding and Stortford Lodge, 2-year Angus steers have been largely trading from $3.35/kg up to $3.55/kg though one line of 450kg at Stortford did manage to reach $3.71/kg a few weeks back. Given that they have wintered well and are in fantastic order, weights are up and that puts most at $1550-$1875 a head. Prices are very much in line with last year’s market and there is no reason why the high demand and consequent premium market prices won’t continue. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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