Farmers Weekly NZ May 17 2021 by AgriHQ

8 Hereford bulls peak at $25k Vol 19 No 19, May 17, 2021

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Focus on the future Annette Scott

annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

ECOMING the solution rather than the problem in farming’s brave new world means tuning the information dial to the news that feeds hope. Speaking at E Tipu 2021: the Boma New Zealand Agri Summit, Future Crunch co-founder Tane Hunter said the solution needs to be about stories of solutions not problems. Hunter was the opening speaker at the two-day summit that heard from some of the brightest leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers in food and fibre business both in NZ and globally, sharing information, expertise and technology focused on delivering a positive impact in a rapidly changing and brave new world in agriculture. A transformation to a smart and ethical future will be about redrawing the boundaries. “Tune the information dial to give you knowledge that feeds you and gives you hope even the darkest of times,” Hunter said. “If you want to change stories of the 21st century you have to change the stories that feed you.” It will be more with less, with new innovative products, new adaptations, new innovations, as we drive into a future that looks nothing like the past. Climate change will be the biggest opportunity for NZ agriculture since the innovation of refrigerated shipping more

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than 100 years ago, Lake Hawea Station director and founder of 42Below vodka, Geoff Ross told the audience. “The tailwind driving it is the unique position for NZ farmers today – business built on a tailwind, built on several hundred millions of dollars in value. “Climate change is the biggest change to come to us and we have the competitive advantage. “The tailwind is the rest of the world will want more of our food and fibre.” Ross cited Lake Hawea Station (LHS), NZ’s first farm to become carbon zero. “We are proud to say that the carbon profile of LHS is positive, we sequester more carbon and greenhouse gases than we emit. “At LHS we call this Carbon Clear. In fact, our ultimate goal is to become 10 times positive – to really go into bat for planet earth.” Across all environment-related activities LHS believes carbon must be the lead. “Ultimately it is the carbon profile of all of us that will determine the earth’s ability to compete in the fight against climate change. “The exciting part is what more can we do. “We plan to be fossil fuel free, we already have a lot of solar in use, we have e-bikes and we hope to be first with an EV tractor. LHS is investigating trials on sheep and cattle. “Once I was looking at cocktails, now I’m looking at sheep bums, I can’t believe I’m getting excited about that, but I am,” Ross said. “We can all go further. What if NZ farmers go on the front foot,

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IMPROVING: Geoff and Justine Ross of Lake Hawea Station plan to be fossil fuel free and they already have a lot of solar in use, e-bikes and hope to be first with an EV tractor.

Tune the information dial to give you knowledge that feeds you and gives you hope even the darkest of times. Tane Hunter Future Crunch attack the opportunity and NZ becomes the world’s first positive climate farm?” Food Nation co-founder

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Miranda Burdon says transforming food system for planet, people and profit is about shifting the plants from the side of the plate. “We don’t need to all turn vegan to make a difference. “What does the world want – fake meat, soy, or gluten free, lab grown meat? Three options but not my options. “We can eat our way out of the problem. “Shift the plants from the side of the plate to the middle of the plate.” Living in NZ, Burdon says this is a number one solution. “We have quinoa, buckwheat, hemp, mushrooms to name a few,

all grown in Canterbury and all full of protein and nutrition.” Food Nation was launched mid covid last year with the whole objective being to showcase plant product, not replace meat. “We need to be showcasing NZ as the garden to the world. “People can eat their way to a healthier planet.” The other driver, Burdon says, is health, which is the number one driver for shift over the environment. “People over-consume in calories; others are underconsuming. “We need to look at food fit for the future, stalks and all.”

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26 Doing what works for you There’s money to be made for Brent Lilley when it comes to finishing beef cattle.

REGULARS Newsmaker �� 20 New Thinking �� 21 Editorial �� 22

4 Collaboration key to meat assurance

Pulpit �� 23

New Zealand sheep and beef farmers may be behind Ireland in their ability to measure farm-level carbon footprints but that is set to change, Beef + Lamb NZ general manager market development Nick Beeby says.

Opinion �� 24 On Farm Story �� 26-27 Real Estate �� 28-30 Tech & Toys �� 31 Employment �� 31-32 Classifieds �� 32-33 Livestock �� 33-43 Weather �� 45

10 Covering the basics Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand finalist Roshean Woods comes to the Young Farmer competition from a different background to many of her fellow finalists – but that gives her a range of perspectives, both from having worked on a farm and visiting farms in the course of her work.

12 Spotlight on rural mental health

South Island rural professionals and others servicing the rural community are invited to an Agri Connect seminar aimed at equipping them with the tools they need to help farmers struggling with stress.

Markets �� 44-48 GlobalHQ is a farming family owned business that donates 1% of all advertising revenue in Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer to farmer health and well-being initiatives. Thank you for your prompt payment.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Debate drags share price down Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA supply shares and fund units both dropped in price following the capital restructure announcement, which analysts say is the predictable market response. A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the market while Fonterra’s farmers ponder capital reform before a possible vote at the annual meeting in November. Supply shares (FCG), now only tradable among farmers, lost $1 immediately following the proposal and have since recovered half of that fall to be around $4. Fonterra Share Fund (FSF) units fell from $4.60 to $3.98 and have recovered to $4.10. Craigs Investment Partners says the proposal raised incentives for short-term trading in shares and units, independent of the fundamentals. Because the conversion of dry shares into fund units has been suspended and the proposal contains a 1:4 supply requirement in future, the farmer-only share market will be potentially swamped with sellers. Units could fare better because Fonterra has suggested a buyout of the fund, which would have to be pitched at an attractive level to gain 75% approval from unitholders. But farmers will not want the fund offer to be too high while their own share price is languishing. Jarden head of research Arie Dekker says the ramifications of

closing or capping the fund need very careful consideration by farmers. Reducing the investor participation could restrict demand for shares in the future and have the burden of funding the co-operative fall on a shrinking number of farmers. Alternatively, Fonterra could continue to sell down mature and non-core assets and reduce its capital base with a distribution alongside a reduction in the share standard, he suggested. If the fund was retained for share fungibility it could grow without threatening farmer control because units have no voting rights.

Once in a decade conversation that has only just begun. Wayne Langford Federated Farmers Economist and former Treasury analyst Peter Fraser says the proposal doesn’t promise any new capital, especially external or non-farmer capital. As milk production falls, the share market is going to be dominated by sellers. “Cue a recipe for substantial value destruction in terms of shareholding farmers’ wealth from a potentially highly illiquid market,” Fraser told BusinessDesk. Forsyth Barr senior equities

analyst Chelsea Leadbetter says uncertainty has increased and there are now several possible outcomes for shareholders and unitholders. After either buying back or capping the fund, Fonterra would be still exposed to falling milk production and the risk of stranded assets. “Trading of shares in a restricted market with a limited investor pool is likely to result in a lower share price,” Leadbetter says. But the market for units has more positive short-term signs, particularly if a buy-back firms up. Speculators may buy FSF units in anticipation of a gain from the buy-back offer, Leadbetter suggests. Federated Farmers dairy sector chair Wayne Langford encouraged all his fellow Fonterra shareholders to get involved in the consultation over the next 10 days. “It’s a once in a decade conversation that has only just begun,” Langford says. Langford was at a well-attended meeting in Takaka where Fonterra chair Peter McBride spoke, along with director John Nicholls. “Short-term issues with the share value and the unit fund are being addressed for reasons of farmer ownership of the multigenerational co-operative. “Unitholders have a different view and different investment drivers which are more shortterm.” Langford urged farmers to make their views known to Fonterra

PROCEED WITH CAUTION: Jarden head of research Arie Dekker says the ramifications of closing or capping the fund need very careful consideration by farmers.

Shareholders’ councillors before their next meeting on May 26. Analysts agree that farmers are effectively being asked to take a short-term hit on share capital to deal with FSF to strengthen the co-operative’s foundation. There is wide agreement that a reduced share standard will bring several benefits. Many farmers will date their shareholdings back to before Trading Among Farmers (TAF)

and the market share price, to the time when a share price was an auditor’s construct or, earlier, a nominal value. Can 75% of them see their way through this period of reform and uncertainty to the other side? A Fonterra source says the company directors and executives were under no illusion that 75% approval of an alternative structure would be hard to achieve.

Look back for future budget guidelines Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE rolling five-year average of the Fonterra total farmer payout is a good place to begin dairy farm budgeting for the new season, NZAB agricultural loan broker Andrew Laming says. After five seasons of total payout between $6.35/kg milksolids and $7.90 (estimated) the average is $6.93, equal to its level back in 2008. The rolling 10-year average sits at $6.26 milk price plus 20c dividend, and that measure has been steady across the decade despite the two horror seasons in 2015 and 2016. At this time of the year, when dairy farmers are budgeting the new season for their own benefit and their financiers, Laming says simply picking a milk price based on the current market is not enough. He harked back to this time last year when covid-19 cast a deep shadow over the world economy. Milk price forecasts from bank economists started with $5 and Fonterra’s first estimate of $6.15 (midpoint) was enthusiastically welcomed.

Now Fonterra’s midpoint sits at $7.60 with some upside expected, so the final result may exceed the second-best payout, $7.90 in 2010-11. It will also be the second $7-plus payout in a row, which has not happened before. History shows that the top echelon of payouts have been followed by brutally reduced ones, Laming says. A look at the current market

STEADY: Rolling average payouts are the basis for realistic farm budgets.

for the reference dairy products shows $9.50 to $10/kg returns. Analysts and economists are talking about $8 forecasts for 2021-22. “But, while all of these outcomes are possible your budget should not be about picking next season’s payout but setting your financial bible for the year ahead,” he says. Milk price is by far the largest variable in a budget, and it can change the most during the year.

“How much profit you generate flows from this, which then allows you to make decisions on the more discretionary items, including investment, debt repayment and drawings. “And importantly, it is a key measure for your financier. “Confidence (and appetite), lending facilities and conditions are often all set from how you deliver on this budget.” Laming says a budget is a

balancing act between being too conservative and overly optimistic, both of which have consequences. The two rolling averages of milk price suggest a budgeting range of $6.20 to $6.80 with $6.50 midpoint. While that may look way too conservative compared with current pricing, Laming wanted to add four considerations: • Milk payout is historically volatile. • Your budget can be re-forecast at any time with flexible management reporting software. • Budgets should be something you know you will hit, not something you might hit. It is much better to have a sea of green variances rather than red. • As payout certainty increases during the year, spending on more discretionary items can become more certain. Laming had a final word about the cashflow effect of deferred milk payments from 2020-21 season, which would build payout received to $6.97 despite budgeting at the conservative $6.50. NZAB team members were happy to talk with farmers about budgeting and banking outcomes, he says.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Collaboration key to meat assurance Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz NEW Zealand sheep and beef farmers may be behind Ireland in their ability to measure farm-level carbon footprints but that is set to change, Beef + Lamb NZ general manager market development Nick Beeby says. Beeby was responding to comments by Lincoln University agribusiness senior lecturer Dr Nic Lees who spent three months in Ireland looking at the Irish Origin Green programme, which claims to be the world’s first national level, third-party verified sustainability programme and brand for agriculture. As part of the programme, farmlevel carbon footprints and other sustainability measures have been available to Irish farmers since 2011. Lees says in contrast, NZ is only beginning to implement a comprehensive farm-level carbon footprint measurement system. “This means it is not possible to give feedback to individual farmers on how their management practices affect their carbon footprint, or to demonstrate progress,” Lees said. Furthermore, it limits the ability for the data to be aggregated to the industry level. “This prevents the NZ agricultural industry from validating its sustainability credentials and demonstrating progress in reducing on-farm emissions,” he says. Lees says NZ also lags behind Ireland in areas such as quality assurance and in traceability, only now being addressed as a result of the recent outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis. “NZ has only recently developed a single quality assurance scheme

for the red meat sector and NZ’s National Animal Identification and Traceability scheme (NAIT) has been shown to have significant weaknesses and to have been poorly implemented,” he said. He says Origin Green provided valuable lessons for the NZ beef industries, in terms of its efforts to verify and communicate its sustainability credentials. It also has relevance to the wider NZ food industry. “Origin Green shows the opportunity for a national sustainability brand that not only focuses on the beef sector but brings together multiple stakeholders across all NZ’s food industries. In doing this, NZ can take the lead in establishing its position as a niche food producer based on sustainable farming practices,” he says. Beeby says NZ was worldleading in its development of assurance programmes, and has since moved to harmonise them and broaden their scope. “We looked at overseas examples during the refinement of these programmes and are confident the new NZFAP (NZ Farm Assurance Programme) and NZFAP Plus programmes being rolled out by processing companies are a leading innovation.” He says while Ireland’s Origin Green programme is solely focused on carbon, NZ’s assurance programme takes a wider and more integrated approach across environmental domains, looking across soils, water, greenhouse gases and climate change (carbon), biodiversity, people and biosecurity. “Ireland may have been ahead on carbon but NZ is catching up, and B+LNZ, with support from

TEAMWORK: Nick Beeby says the key to the NZ red meat sector’s assurance programmes, and of the Taste Pure Nature origin brand they underpin, is collaboration.

know where to focus their efforts. A new National Standard for Wool has also just been established under NZFAP, providing consumers with further assurance.”

the red meat sector, will soon launch its free greenhouse gas calculator as part of ensuring the sector meets its He Waka Eke Noa climate action partnership milestones,” he said.

Ireland may have been ahead on carbon but NZ is catching up, and B+LNZ, with support from the red meat sector, will soon launch its free greenhouse gas calculator as part of ensuring the sector meets its He Waka Eke Noa climate action partnership milestones. Nick Beeby B+LNZ Beeby says research shows consumers tend to make meat purchasing decisions primarily on taste, but that health and wellbeing and being better for the planet are catching up in terms of driving their behaviour. “You can’t focus on one aspect and forget about the others – consumers won’t buy carbonneutral meat if it tastes bad and isn’t good for you. That’s why we take a broad and integrated approach. “Our focus on end consumers and the strong link with our consumer marketing programmes

Key to the development and refinement of NZ’s assurance programmes, and of the Taste Pure Nature origin brand they underpin, is collaboration. “The collaboration across farmers, industry groups and processors is greater than any other country.” He says NZ Farm Assurance Incorporated, which owns NZFAP and NZFAP Plus, is focused on meeting customer needs and reducing duplication and costs across the sector. “It also takes a leadership role in supporting farmers to

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is NZ’s point of difference – we can do it all, while other countries can’t.” Lees says a recent study he co-wrote with Joshua Aboah found that country of origin is the number one characteristic consumers use when choosing meat, and they mostly prefer their own local products. He says this has significant implications for NZ meat exporters, as in many markets NZ is competing with local products. “In these countries we need to provide consumers with a reason to choose our products rather than their locally-produced beef or lamb,” Lees says. Beeby says consumers are more willing to trust their own country’s food production systems than those of other countries because they know more about their local farming systems. “That’s why we’re investing in the Taste Pure Nature origin branding, to raise awareness of, and educate consumers about how red meat is produced in NZ and build trust in our production methods and the products that result. “NZ has already moved away from competing with local product overseas on price and we’re continuing to invest in positioning NZ beef and lamb as the natural first choice.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Risky practices harm M bovis efforts Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz MORE than three years in and the Mycoplasma bovis programme is still seeing farming practices that contribute to the spread of the disease. Insecure property boundaries, mixing cattle on grazing blocks, not recording on and off farm animal movements, sharing milk and colostrum for calves between properties, single NAIT numbers for multiple properties and not recording cattle movements between those properties, shared milking platforms, and inconsistent information from farmers, continue to be risky farming practices that need to change, M bovis programme director Stuart Anderson said. The M bovis programme has expanded the National Beed Cattle Surveillance project to target surveillance of 2019-born heifers in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Anderson says in spring 2020 the programme saw the effect of untraceable young stock from 2018, in particular dairy heifers entering the milking platform for the first time. “We now have 2019-born heifers due to calve and come into lactation for the first time this winter. “Where we can, intercepting infected dairy heifers before they mix on a milking platform and contribute calves to the population, will reduce the risk of possible spread within and between more farms. “To do this, we have expanded our beef cattle surveillance with a rapid seasonal push to test a larger number of dairy heifer groups in areas where we have seen a higher prevalence of M bovis.” Meanwhile the first of the Mid Canterbury cluster of properties confirmed infected in spring 2020 have been cleaned, cleared and able to get back to farming.

FRUSTRATING: Some farmers continue to operate in ways that do not help work being done to control the spread of Mycoplasma bovis, Stuart Anderson says.

Failure to record animal movements in NAIT means that a larger number of farms need to be placed under movement controls than would otherwise be necessary. Sam McIvor Beef and Lamb NZ It is expected the seven remaining properties will be fully depopulated with cleaning and disinfection completed by the end of May, and Restricted Place notices revoked in June. Before eradication can be achieved, the Five Star Beef (FSB) feedlot in Mid Canterbury must be depopulated and cleared.

MPI chief science adviser John Roche is working with international animal health and feedlot farming experts to determine the appropriate approach. The timing of depopulation has not been decided yet, but FSB will be one of the last, Anderson said. Beef and Lamb NZ chief executive Sam McIvor says FSB has been useful to the pogramme to test incoming animals from source properties. “This has saved a lot of farmers’ time and all of these source stock have tested negative, building our confidence that M bovis is not widespread in the beef industry,” McIvor said. FSB is visited regularly to ensure it complies with the Restricted Place notice and biosecurity controls, and contrary to some belief, is not proving to be the source of the Canterbury cluster. Anderson says FSB has proved

highly compliant with the most recent inspection confirming no evidence of boundary weaknesses between the feedlot and neighbouring farms. Current conditions include no live cattle movements off the feedlot other than to processing and no over the fence contact between cattle within and outside the boundaries of the Restricted Place. Additional conditions for lower risk pathways off the site are in place. These include animal products, personnel, clothing and protective gear, equipment, effluent and vehicles. As an extra precaution, neighbouring farms are being tested at six-month intervals. “This plan will be in place until depopulation when a new plan focused on avoiding reintroduction of infection will be needed,” Anderson said. Epidemiological investigation is ongoing to determine the pathways of transmission within the Canterbury cluster. Investigations continue to confirm movements of infected animals are the more probable

cause, than FSB, of the Canterbury cluster. McIvor says poor NAIT records have cost the eradication programme and farmers, significantly increasing the time and resources required to trace and eliminate the disease from infected stock. “Failure to record animal movements in NAIT means that a larger number of farms need to be placed under movement controls than would otherwise be necessary. “This means that one farmer not doing their NAIT properly can lead directly to other farmers’ businesses being impacted. “No farmer I know would want to be responsible for this,” McIvor said. Graziers also must recognise that cattle from different clients must be kept separate on the grazing property and farmers are encouraged to require this in the contract. “This is necessary to prevent infection spreading between stock and then returning to the home blocks in spring. “This is known to have occurred in Canterbury,” McIvor said.

PROGRESS: The first of the Mid Canterbury cluster of properties confirmed infected in spring 2020 have been cleaned, cleared and able to get back to farming.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Making the most of mohair Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A DIRE international shortage of mohair fibre spells a huge opportunity for New Zealand farmers. Mohair NZ marketing company representative John Woodward says at its peak in 1989, the worldwide production of mohair reached 24 million kilograms. Today, international supply sits just under three million kilograms a year.

The point is it’s very profitable, you know what the market wants and you supply to that. John Woodward Mohair NZ “The shortage means huge opportunities; the market is way under supplied,” Woodward says. “The high demand for the fibre is creating an opening for anyone wishing to enter the industry.” NZ prides itself on its safe and reliable reputation for the export of natural fibres, as well as a comprehensive understanding of

an evolving consumer mindset that places a high value on products that enhance family safety and health. This has led to the development and innovative uses for fibre markets. At a Future of Fibre B.linc workshop at Lincoln University, the potential of mohair fibre was brought to the fore. Woodward says the wider fibre ecosystem in NZ has traditionally been dominated by strong wool, but now NZ has moved towards alternative raw materials and innovative use to develop a thriving ecosystem. So, what is next for the traditional wool market, what alternatives to wool are being leveraged and what role does mohair play in the development of the wider ecosystem? “When I first started farming angora goats in 1978, nobody was marketing the fibre – we were getting $3 a kg, so we started (marketing); the buyers tell you what they want so we followed that,” he says. The average 30-micron range market price in April was $36-$43/ kg. “The point is it’s very profitable; you know what the market wants and you supply to that.” The major producer in the global production of mohair is South Africa at 47%, followed by

PRIME TIME: John Woodward and David Brown say a global shortage of mohair is creating a huge opportunity for New Zealand to increase its mohair fibre production at a time when the world cannot get enough of it. Photo: Annette Scott

the US at 5%, with both NZ and Australia at 1%. “There’s not a lot of mohair product in this neck of the world and in NZ, 30% of production goes to blankets and hand-knitting yarns that since covid, has seen demand double. “The chain is clogged, the spinners can’t keep up and we can’t get enough of it. “There is no problem selling anything we produce and it’s more profitable than sheep.” Angora farmer David Brown from Northland says realising the potential in mohair fibre comes down to feeding them well. “Feed is the key to profit, and we are sitting in the perfect situation,” Brown says. “Current market demand is very high with declining global production; it’s the perfect storm to increase our mohair production beyond our dreams.” It does not necessarily mean

more angora goats, but more highend fibre from a specific animal. Angora goats have changed over the past 20 years, particularly in the past 10 years, with a transition to higher-end fibre producers. The goats today can produce in excess of 10% of body weight. “A buck weighing 80kg will produce 8kg and more, there’s no other animal that can do the same.” But Brown says they must be fed accordingly. “You can’t starve the profit out of a goat – if you don’t put good food in you won’t get money out,” he says. “You have got to feed good food as they are genetically developed to produce, so be prepared – deprived nutrition means poorsized goats and that equals low production.” It is important to understand the factors determining mohair quality and quantity.

Goats do not reach optimum body size until they are four or five years old. “That’s the fundamental difference between a goat and a sheep; the staple length is higher as younger animals, then it slowly declines, so make the money from the young animal growing fine long hair.” It’s best to start mating them later, so they are not lactating while in the prime of fibre growth. “We keep trying to farm goats on sheep-type reasoning and it’s failing for us, simply because we are breeding from goats too young,” he says. “Grow the mohair, then put the buck out – and there’s lots of technology available to us today to help us get there. “And if you are going to farm goats on any scale, have a large number of cattle farmed in conjunction.”

Hemp needs more support Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

GOING GREEN: Greenlab director of research Parmjit Randhawa says hemp is an old crop undergoing a revival with a key role to play in addressing climate change.

AN export-driven hemp industry is forecast to be worth $2 billion and create 20,000 regional jobs by 2030, but there are challenges along the way. Addressing the future of fibre B.linc workshop at Lincoln University, Greenlab director of research and commercialisation Parmjit Randhawa outlined the opportunity for New Zealand to be an international player in the hemp agriculture industry. A leading researcher of the hemp and medicinal cannabis industry in Australia and NZ, Randhawa is also a team leader on hemp agronomic research at iHemp Victoria Inc, Melbourne. His research interest is to develop open-field hemp crops into food, fibre and medicine. Greenlab is a NZ-based biotechnology company built on a mission to fast-track research

and create intellectual property for emerging Australasia and North American markets. Randhawa says NZ can build an exciting fibre ecosystem that not only delivers for growers, but also along the supply chain to consumers and end-users. Hemp can leverage new raw materials with innovative uses, it is a sustainable fibre that has been here for a long time. “What can be done from a hemp crop? What can’t be done is more the question,” Randhawa says. “This is an old crop undergoing revival, especially playing a role in sustainability and climate change. “Hemp can produce fibre and its sequestering of carbon is fast. A lot of heavy metals in the soil are picked up by this crop.” Modern hemp applications include high-value functional foods, the stalks are long-lasting fibre earning most of its value in textiles and the leaf produces good mulch. “The whole plant can be used,

there is no waste,” he says. “Most importantly, it is a sustainable crop, its carbon footprint is low and it can be very successfully grown in NZ for niche fibres for high-end users.” The transformation for NZ has been ongoing for 22 years, it is opportune time now to ramp it up and move forward. “But, yes, there are a lot of things to be done along the way. “There are challenges of reliability and consistent supply; it is baby steps now, getting the crop into farming rotations. “The competition is real – substitutes are common international products, with markets already established.” Randhawa says NZ needs more people, more farmers and more investors to join the conversation to see what a different fibre market can uncover in supporting and developing a sustainable hemp fibre industry, while maintaining a safe and sustainable ecosystem.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Hereford bulls peak at $25,000 Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz HEREFORD bull Limehills Stardom made the top price of $25,000 for vendors Gray and Robyn Pannett of Roxburgh at the inaugural fully electronic national seedstock sale for the breed. He was bought by Charwell Herefords, Whakatāne, with Gisborne-based genetics company BeefGen. Stardom led the way early in the bidding under a Helmsman auction system that was carried on the bidr platform of PGG Wrightson, while being conducted in Palmerston North as part of the breed association annual meeting.

He was described as a 20-month bull with an outstanding Limehills pedigree, by Streaker, with leading figures for the breed, including high intramuscular fat. Rivalling Stardom for top price during the sale was Matariki Mandela, from the Murray family at Kaikoura, who finished at $22,000 after repeated bidding. It was the winner of the pre-auction awards for class 1 bulls, and Ardo Fargo from Morrison Farming in Marton won class 2. Third-highest was Westholm Justin, from Gore vendors Kevin and Jane Kane, at $14,000, followed by three bulls that reached $12,000 and two at $11,000.

LEADER: Limehills Stardom, bred by the Roxburgh-based Pannett family, was purchased for $25,000 by Bay of Plenty and East Coast buyers.

Nine of the 18 selected bulls sold during the auction and a few of the remainder had $9000 to $11,000 reserves as indicated by vendor bids.

All bulls stayed on their home farms and were filmed before the sale. They will be transported directly to the properties of the winning bidders.

Association president Colin Corney of Colraine Herefords in Ohaupo says the electronic sale results were a great effort for a new concept.

Older cow sets sale record

Why do we claim we’re the most sustainable dairy producers in the world? Because we are

A 10-YEAR-OLD in-calf Angus cow made what is believed to be a record price of $16,050 at the Meadowslea Angus female sale for the Fairlie-based Giddings family. G1000 was bought by Ballanee Angus, in Victoria, along with two other purchases in the sale, and the three cows will remain in New Zealand and have embryos flushed and sent to Australia. Meadowslea had a highly successful in-calf sale of 108 lots, ranging from heifers to 10year cows. Stud principal David Giddings says 85 of the lots sold to NZ Angus breeders. All lots sold for an average price of $2250 and the average for the 20 oldest cows was $3800. It was the fifth annual in-calf sale featuring what are, in essence, capital stock among the older cows. “They are valuable as they

have proven themselves throughout the challenges of seasons and have produced calves each year,” Giddings said. “These particular 20 cows have produced bulls that have sold for a combined $250,000 with more progeny yet to sell. “They are valuable cows and it’s good to see them recognised, and these were a particularly special line. Their buyers will get another five years or more out of them.” The Meadowslea herd is known for its high fertility, which is one of the reasons Giddings says they host the female production sale. Conception rates are high and that generates surplus stock to sell. This year, 188 heifers were scanned to the bull and only four were dry. The buyer of 21 females was John McFadzean of Wairarapa, who intends to become a registered Angus NZ breeder.

A litre of our milk shipped to Ireland would still have a lower emissions profile than milk produced over there. Yep, we’ve taken on the challenge of sustainability, and we’re winning. Why? Because we’re dairy farmers, and we rise to a challenge. And it’s in these moments we shine.

Riseandshine.nz

VALUABLE: Ten-year-old in-calf dam, Meadowslea G1000, was sold for a record auction price recently.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Open Country scoops energy award Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz OPEN Country has picked up the country’s top energy award for installing the world’s first electrode boiler for drying milk at its Southland Awarua plant, near Invercargill. The company was awarded the EECA Energy Excellence Award in the large user category at this year’s energy awards. Jason Tarrant, Open Country’s general manager for strategic projects, said the installation of the electrode boiler unit was not necessarily the cheapest energy option. The company’s development team arrived at the electrical option after a 12-month research project, examining sites in United States, China and Europe, prior to the pandemic. The project represents the company’s sustainability focus, which includes the shift away from traditional coal-fired boiler technology. The company has not installed a coal-fired boiler since 2015. The Open Country boiler is the first built specifically for drying milk, a high-energy process

required to generate steam for the spray drying process, and the largest electrode boiler installed in the southern hemisphere. Tarrant said on a simple cost basis the drier project would have been a coal-fired operation.

We initially estimated the electrode boiler would produce 4650t less carbon dioxide compared to a coal boiler, but after sixmonth operating period we can now say that this reduction will be double that, around 9729t. RECOGNISED: Open Country’s Awarua plant houses the largest electrode boiler in the southern hemisphere.

Jason Tarrant Open Country Dairy “But Open Country takes the right path, not the easy path.” The boiler is capable of drying down 60,000 litres of milk an hour into a high-quality functional milk powder. It also has the ability to heat cold water to full steam in

O’Connor plans trip to progress FTAs TRADE and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor will travel to the United Kingdom and European Union next month to progress New Zealand’s respective free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. He’ll be the first government minister to travel offshore since covid-19. The decision follows the recent agreement between O’Connor and UK Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss to accelerate negotiations with the UK. The trip also follows good overall progress in the tenth round of negotiations with the EU. “Securing high-quality, comprehensive and inclusive free trade agreements with the EU and the UK will expand our market opportunities,” O’Connor said. “It will also provide a level playing field for New Zealand exporters, contribute to New Zealand’s covid-19 recovery and build a more resilient export profile. “In line with New Zealand’s Trade for All Agenda, we are pursuing outcomes that will deliver for all New Zealanders. “Against that background, I am intending to travel to London and Brussels in June to progress both agreements in person with my counterparts. I will be travelling in my capacity both as Trade and Export Growth Minister and Agriculture Minister.

under five minutes, compared to coal boilers’ six hours. Heating efficiency is high at 99.8%, compared to 72% with a coal boiler and the unit has near zero greenhouse gas emissions. “We initially estimated the electrode boiler would produce 4650t less carbon dioxide compared to a coal boiler, but

after six-month operating period we can now say that this reduction will be double that, around 9729t, the equivalent to removing the emissions of over 2000 cars from our roads a year.” But Tarrant said the move to electricity is not without its issues. “Those are mainly of cost and availability of electricity, for

both existing and new users. The North Island is quite hamstrung by electricity supply at present, with generation from non-green sources being met at present.” In the future Tarrant said Open Country would continue to consider a range of coal alternatives, including electricity and biomass/gas fuels.

HOW DO WE DEFINE A

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GOAL: Trade Minister Damien O’Connor says the free trade agreements will level the playing field for New Zealand exporters and build a more resilient export profile.

Recent advertising by Alleva Animal Health, titled “How do you define a true triple?” suggests

“In recent weeks and months, I have had a number of constructive calls and virtual engagements with UK and EU colleagues. I have been encouraged by the ambition that they share with New Zealand. “Virtual engagements are useful, but to make significant further progress in both negotiations before the European summer, I am visiting the capitals in person to reinforce New Zealand’s expectations and give these talks every chance of success.” As with all returning New Zealanders, O’Connor will undertake 14 days of MIQ following the visit. He will also be fully vaccinated before departure.

the actives in a combination sheep drench should work as well together, as they would if you had time to administer them individually, to be a “true triple”. Alleva also claims older triple drenches never had to prove they meet that standard. We may have “older” triple drenches, but most farmers know with age comes wisdom. When MATRIX® HI-MINERAL was registered in NZ in 2005, the regulator was provided with studies that showed all 3 of the main actives were individually

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News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Covering the basics This profile is part of a seven-part series from WorkSafe New Zealand sharing the health and safety approaches taken by the grand finalists of the 2021 FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition. For the next seven weeks we will be sharing a profile and short video about each of the finalists and how they incorporate health and safety into their work, from a dairy farm manager to an agribusiness banker.

The scars are fading now, but it’s a permanent reminder. Roshean Woods Farm systems scientist Roshean, a farm systems scientist with DairyNZ, grew up in Timaru and excelled at sciences. Her interest in the agricultural sector was sparked by a talk at her school by representatives from Lincoln University and DairyNZ outlining the opportunities for scientists in the industry. She gained a Bachelor of Science degree from Lincoln, as a DairyNZ Scholar, majoring in environmental bio-geoscience and plant science, followed by Honours focused on greenhouse gases, specifically nitrous oxide from soils and dairy effluent. She spent a year as a DairyNZ and AgResearch science intern and

then returned to Lincoln to do her PhD researching how forages can reduce nitrate leaching in soils. Along the way, she began to gain practical experience on farms. Her first introduction was at Lincoln University’s research dairy farm, followed by a summer working at a commercial dairy farm. During that time, she experienced a workplace accident when the two-wheeler she was riding hit a plank on a laneway and tipped her off. The experience has made her very aware of the importance of good health and safety practices, including keeping work areas free of hazards – and wearing the right PPE. “I’d been given basic training in how to use the bike and was wearing a helmet and not travelling very fast as I was very aware of being new to riding the bike,” Roshean said. “But hitting the plank still tipped me over and I burned my leg on the bike. “Usually, I would have been wearing full overalls but it was a very hot day, so for the first time I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt to work – if I’d been fully covered, I might have been better protected. The rest of my summer working on the farm was spent with my leg bandaged, trying very hard to keep it clean. The scars are fading now, but it’s a permanent reminder.” After completing her doctorate, Roshean joined a farm environment consultancy

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in Canterbury, before moving to her current role with DairyNZ 18 months ago. While studying, she had also joined Christchurch City Young Farmers. “They were very welcoming and a lot of my introduction to farm workplace health and safety has come through Young Farmers and the information provided by industry organisations,” she said. “Also practical things at Young Farmers like how to get on and off a tractor, maintaining three points of contact. “At the consultancy, I was doing a lot of farm systems modelling, which involved interacting with farmers to get a really good understanding of the farms and practices. Now, when I go out on farms I am mainly assisting our technical teams or meeting

with farmers about our research projects. “We always get in touch with the farmer to let them know we are coming and to try and arrange to meet them when we arrive,” she said. “A lot of farmers use farm health and safety apps now. Often there will be a sign at the gate with details of the app, so you can sign in and see details and even pictures of any risks. “Apps can be useful but it’s important to use them properly, as part of a wider health and safety programme. You can’t just get an app and think that’s your health and safety sorted.” She says that as risks on-farm can change very quickly, she also always likes to meet the farmer as well.

“At certain times of the year, farmers may need to tell us if there are bulls in paddocks with the cows. “There may be earthworks in certain areas, we need to keep away from, or to be made aware if there are any hazards in the laneways and places we shouldn’t be driving,” she said. “I think the key to effective health and safety on farms is to keep it simple. I recently attended a seminar Al McCone (sector lead agriculture for WorkSafe) ran for the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management. It was really interesting. Good health and safety on-farm isn’t about doing a lot of paperwork. You don’t need to. It’s about having all the basics covered and communicating well.”

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TASMAN FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand finalist Roshean Woods comes to the Young Farmer competition from a different background to many of her fellow finalists – but that gives her a range of perspectives, both from having worked on a farm and visiting farms in the course of her work.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Dairy not yet an MIQ priority RSE workers are in but dairy farm staff are out in the Government’s latest announcement on managed isolation availability. Five hundred spaces a fortnight will be allocated in managed isolation facilities over the next 10 months, many for skilled and critical workers to support our economic recovery, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor say. “The trans-Tasman bubble has freed up more rooms, allowing us to allocate more places in managed isolation for critical workers,” Hipkins says. “It has given us flexibility to expand our engagement with the rest of the world on a targeted basis and attract skills and people needed to drive our economic recovery, while carefully managing risks of bringing in covid-19.” About 500 MIQs rooms will be made available for “large groups” every fortnight. These include spaces for: • Around 300 RSE workers every month from June – with a total of 2400 arriving by March 2022; • 300 specialised construction workers between June and October; • 400 international students for arrival in June, out of the 1000 previously; announced, for the start of semester two; • 100 refugees every six weeks from July. O’Connor says the dedicated spaces in MIQ and renewed border exceptions will provide our agriculture, horticulture and viticulture sectors with the additional workforce to support our rural communities and help drive New Zealand’s economic recovery from covid-19. “The Government and food and fibre sector have been working hard to mitigate worker shortages by training and upskilling New Zealanders, but there is still the need for additional labour,” O’Connor said. “This decision should see around 2400 more RSE workers entering New Zealand in time

SKILLED LABOUR SHORTAGE: Farming leaders are disappointed there’s no room for the workers dairy farmers require.

The Government and food and fibre sector have been working hard to mitigate worker shortages by training and upskilling New Zealanders, but there is still the need for additional labour. Damien O’Connor Agriculture Minister for next summer’s harvest season and pruning this winter. This is in addition to the 7300 RSE workers currently in the

country, including the 2000 the Government-approved to support the horticulture and viticulture industries during the recent summer harvest season. “Border class exceptions have also been agreed for 40 more shearers and 125 rural mobile plant machinery operators for the 2021-22 season – subject to completion of sector workforce plans, a model to upskill New Zealanders and agreed wage rates,” he says. The horticulture industry has welcomed the move. “Pacific workers are an integral part of the horticulture industry’s seasonal workforce, particularly for harvest and winter pruning. They make up the shortfall in New Zealanders while at the same time, enabling the

horticulture industry to grow and employ more New Zealanders in permanent positions,’ HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman says. “Indeed, over the past decade, the New Zealand horticulture industry has grown by 64% to $6.49 billion while in 2019, before covid struck, more than $40 million was returned to Pacific economies through the RSE scheme.” Farming leaders, though, are disappointed there’s no room for the workers dairy farmers require. Federated Farmers believes the pressure some farming families are now under, due to a severe lack of people to work on farms, is already taking a toll on stress levels, wellbeing and health. “Farmers have been telling us

for well over a year there is a real shortage of suitable dairy staff,” Federated Farmers employment and immigration spokesperson Chris Lewis says. “I am getting daily calls about the labour situation and many farmers don’t know what to do for the coming season. “I’m a farmer, not a social worker and I don’t know what to tell these people. As every dairy farmer knows the cows will always get milked, the question is, at what cost?” There are 1250 jobs advertised on the Farm Source website today, 100 more than in March. “And while the unemployment rate continues to fall, it’s obvious to see where the pressure is going on in small rural communities,” he says.

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News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Awards for NZ’s top cheeses Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz A COUPLE with only two years’ experience in the cheesemaking industry have claimed the supreme award at this year’s cheese awards. Annie and Geoff Nieuwenhuis claimed the top award after 300-plus cheeses from 35 companies were judged by 32 experts across a tightly contested field covering commercial, boutique, new and export sectors, along with the full spectrum of cheese types. Based in the Hawke’s Bay, the Nieuwenhuis’ have been producing goat cheese since 2018 in a husband-and-wife combination that has Geoff Nieuwenhuis managing the goat operation and wife Annie making the cheeses.

AWARD-WORTHY: Drunken Nanny’s black tie ash cheese won the Best Boutique cheese award.

The couple have combined a traditional European approach, while adding an element of localism to the cheeses with brand names including Te Aute and Poukawa Fog. Master judge for the awards Jason Tarrant says the ability of a relatively small artisan producer to claim the top award was testament to New Zealand cheese industry’s growing diversity and skill. “It is no small feat being up against some big players with more capital and plants to achieve this,” Tarrant said. He says the NZ cheese industry was developing in a way similar to the beer industry, with craft beer akin to artisan cheesemakers creating some diverse and interesting cheese types. Other top awards at the event held in Hamilton included Fonterra’s Kapiti brand claiming the Commercial Champion award with its Te Tihi premium-aged cheddar and well-established Mahoe brand owned by the Rosevear family from Northland winning the Mid-sized Cheese award for their very old edam style. Tarrant says the Kapiti cheese was an iconic vintage cheddar known and loved by New Zealanders, while the Mahoe cheese, often a podium award winner, was world class. Kapiti also claimed the award for the country’s Best Export

cheese for its Te Tihi Premium cheddar. The Rosevear family have been making the Mahoe cheeses for 35 years, having been champion cheesemakers four years running from 2012 to 2015. Other awards included Martinborough couple Amanda and Lindsey Goodman winning the Best Boutique award with their Drunken Nanny black tie petite cheese, inspired by a French approach where goat’s milk cheese is rolled in ash from burnt grape vines. The cheese is only available seasonally from spring to autumn while the goats are milking. Tarrant says the cheese was an outstanding world-class example of its type, coming from a very small producer. The Champion Blue Cheese award went to Puhoi Valley for its Pakiri Beach Blue cheese. He says the overall calibre of the cheeses in the competition were of a remarkably high standard. He cited the Geraldine Cheese company’s aged deer gouda as a cheese of special note, and winner of the Original Cheese award. Specialist Cheesemakers Association chair Neil Willman says it was encouraging to see the quality and variety of cheese that had been recognised this year. “It is proof of the NZ cheese industry and the quality and innovation of cheesemakers. I am heartened by the reports that

CRAFT: Head judge Jason Tarrant says NZ cheesemaking is setting new standards.

cheese lovers are seeking out locally-made cheese, supporting the industry as never before and leading to increasing sales for NZ cheese,” Willman said. During the covid lockdown domestic cheese sales soared as

Spotlight on rural mental health Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz SOUTH Island rural professionals and others servicing the rural community are invited to an Agri Connect seminar aimed at equipping them with the tools they need to help farmers struggling with stress. Organised and facilitated in conjunction with Whatever with Wiggy and Farming Families4u, the Agri Connect seminar to be held in Ashburton is for all those people servicing the agricultural industry and working within rural communities. “As a rural representative you may be the first to recognise when a client or colleague needs support,” Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins said. “Come along to learn the tools and strategies for dealing with mental health issues and meet people and agencies committed to improving mental wellness.” The Canterbury-based rural advocate was inspired to organise the seminar after being approached by several rural professionals. “Recently I have been approached by a few farm service providers and rural professionals, such as

TALK: Media personality Matt Chisholm will be a guest speaker at the Agri Connect rural mental health wellness seminar. environmental advisors, stating their staff are regularly finding farmers who want to discuss their mental state of mind,” he said. “Some are very emotional. “The people I have spoken to have realised that they are dealing with a turning point in a client’s life, a cry for help or desperate plea to relieve the pressure.” Wiggy says this is not every farmer, but increased pressures of freshwater legislation, winter grazing regulations, farm succession planning, financial pressures, staffing issues and their own physical health is taking a toll on many. More are opening up to those they trust.

“The professionals that have approached me feel they are untrained and nervous about the situation they find themselves in and don’t know how to get out of the professional space and into a personal space with their clients,” he said. “Is what they are seeing serious and what, and where do they go for help?” One farm consultant reported having six clients in the course of two months, declaring they had had enough and asking for their farm to be leased out. To support and educate rural service people that are the link to the rural community, the seminar will provide information on what to look for, what questions to ask and where to direct farmers for assistance. Guest speakers, media personality Matt Chisholm and Lumsden dairy farmer Jason Herrick, will kick off the morning as they share their experiences and struggles with mental health. Several primary health representatives will address the seminar, including specialist suicide prevention counsellor Pup Chamberlain. A wellbeing coach, human resources and staff recruitment companies are

also among the line-up of speakers. “We want this to be interactive so there will be a good opportunity for two-way conversation from the floor,” Chamberlain said. “This is open to anyone who has a connection with farmers and rural communities, and we hope to see famers there too,” Wiggy said. The seminar will be held at the Ashburton Raceway on May 25, from 10am-3pm. There will be a $10 cover charge for lunch. To register for the seminar email farmingfamilies4u@ gmail.com

Suffering from depression or stress, or know someone who is? Where to get help: RURAL SUPPORT TRUST: 0800 RURAL HELP DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 NEED TO TALK? Call or text 1737 SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666 YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 or text 234

consumers opted to trade up on quality while staying home. Nielsen Scantrack data reported total cheese sales rose 12% for the 12 months to August last year, with speciality cheeses rising 9%.

RWNZ appoints new chief executive RURAL Women New Zealand Ngā Wahine Taiwhenua o Aotearoa (RWNZ) has appointed Gabrielle O’Brien as its new chief executive. “Gabrielle brings a wealth of experience from her previous general management roles in membership-based organisations, both in the charitable sector and most recently at the NZ Law Society,” RWNZ president Gill Naylor said. “This experience combined with her earlier background in human resources management, facilitation and organisation development provide her with a strong background to lead our team through the next phase of our development.” O’Brien says she looks forward to building on the strong legacy of RWNZ and working to provide the best possible platform for rural women to raise and progress issues that are important to them. “Our rural communities are an integral part of the social and economic fabric of NZ. Women play a key role in these communities whether as primary producers, community influencers and connectors, entrepreneurs, educators or in the myriad of other essential professional and social roles they hold,” O’Brien said. “It is exciting to be joining an organisation that recognises the increasing diversity of the community they serve and looks to build on the strengths of the past, while adapting and changing for the future.” O’Brien took up her appointment on May 3.

News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Waikato waterways in bad shape there would need to be considerable reduction in nitrate concentrations, or introduction of expensive drinking water A NEW Waikato Regional Council treatment systems. (WRC) report has revealed “The Waikato Region would worsening nitrate concentration face significant challenges levels among some of the region’s in meeting a drinking water water sources. standard as low as 0.87mg/L the Using monitoring data to majority of monitored river and measure nitrate concentrations groundwater sites have high in groundwater and in rivers, nitrate concentrations and trend it found that 12% of the 120 analyses demonstrate worsening monitored wells in the region had trends in nitrates at many sites,” nitrate concentrations exceeding the report said. the New Zealand drinking water Councillor Jennifer Nickel standard of 11.3mg/L and 20% asked the scientists what some of had concentrations above half of those challenges would be for the this. council. For community supply wells, WRC senior scientist John which are not used for drinking Hadfield says anything to reduce water supply, just under 4% nitrate concentrations by land-use exceeded the NZ standards. control would take a long period It was presented to the of time. Environmental Performance While councillor Stu Kneebone Committee at its meeting on May says there would still be a 6 by its freshwater science team. significant lag effect of nitrate The NZ standard is set levels even if cow numbers were according to WHO guidelines and reduced in the region in an effort is much higher than the 0.87mg/L recommended in a well-publicised to reduce those levels. “If there was a desire to lower 2018 Danish study, which linked a that drinking water level, there’s statistically significant increase in not a lot we can do about it in colorectal cancer at nitrate levels terms of land-use change to have in water. an impact on that,” Kneebone If the NZ drinking water said. standard for nitrate was raised WRC science manager Mike to the Danish study threshold, Scarsbrook agreed, saying in the upper catchments around South Waikato, there were very long lag times around nitrate leaching. “The things Friday 11/06/2021 that change on Future Farming Expo 2021 land now, will Brought to you by the ACE Catchment Groups. take decades With increased awareness of our impact on land before they are and water as well as shifting consumer behaviour, reflected further there is a real opportunity for the food & fibre downstream,” sectors to meet these challenges. Scarsbrook said. Time: 12.00-5.00pm Venue: Otautau Combined Sports Complex Councillor Fred 20 Hulme Street, Otautau Litchtwark asked Tickets: www.thrivingsouthland.co.nz/ace the scientists what they required

Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz

Agrievents

Wednesday 16/06/2021 – Saturday 19/06/2021 National Agricultural Fieldays® 2021 Time: Gates open daily Wednesday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm. Tickets on sale now. For the latest information regarding COVID-19 and our event please see our venue site https:// mysterycreek.co.nz/covid-19/

The things that change on land now, will take decades before they are reflected further downstream. Mike Scarsbrook WRC from the councillors to push this process forward. Scarsbrook told him that councillors had expressed their concerns about nitrate levels in the region and it was appropriate for them to get more information on this issue because it could have consequences for the region. “What we would like councillors

to do is recognise that we have an issue with nitrate levels in our waterways due to the intensification of land-use change and land-use in our region,” he said. Hadfield says the highest monitored nitrate concentrations among groundwater supplies was in the Pukekohe, Hamilton Basin and southern Hauraki Plains areas associated with horticulture and dairy farming. Trend-wise, there was a mix between increases and decreases across the 120 wells. WRC senior scientist Eloise Ryan says it was difficult and expensive to remove nitrates from water. Ryan says nitrate levels in the Waikato River treated by the Hamilton City Council for the city’s drinking water fluctuated throughout the year.

The council monitored 115 river sites monthly and over the past 10 years the maximum nitrate concentration had not exceeded the 11.3mg/L limit, but 69% of sites had recorded a concentration that was greater than 0.87mg/L. Ryan says from trends perspective, there were many rivers where N concentrations were increasing and degrading. The overall trend analysis indicates that nitrate-nitrogen concentrations are increasing in many sites in the Waikato region, the report concluded. Hadfield says nitrate contamination clearly is an issue in parts of the Waikato. “Many of our monitored rivers and groundwaters have elevated nitrate concentrations and the trend analysis shows they are increasing on many sites,” he said.

Hewett back in SFF Co-op role

Wednesday 04/08/2021 – Friday 06/08/2021 The Horticulture Conference Wellness in all aspects of our lives – health including mental health, our relationships, work, and the environment in which we live and grow our food – is increasingly seen as a must, not a nice to have. The Horticulture Conference brings together People, Land and Innovation under the imperative of Growing Wellness. Venue: Mystery Creek Events Centre 125 Mystery Creek Rd, Ohaupo

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Wednesday 10/11/2021 – Friday 12/11/2021 The New Zealand Agricultural Show 2021 The New Zealand Agricultural Show brings a touch of tradition to the city and celebrates all that is great about rural life. Venue: Canterbury Agricultural Park 102 Curletts Rd, Hillmorton, Christchurch Show office for general enquiries: 03 343 3033 Email: info@theshow.co.nz

Should your event be listed here? Phone 0800 85 25 80 or email adcopy@globalhq.co.nz

IMPACT: Freshwater nitrate levels in both river and groundwater have worsened in Waikato because of land-use intensification.

ROB Hewett has stepped back into the role of Silver Fern Farms (SFF) Cooperative chair. Richard Young announced that he was standing down at the recent annual meeting to facilitate transition to the next generation of SFF Co-operative leaders. To bridge this transition period, the board requested that Hewett take back the role that he relinquished two years ago, together with continuing in his role as co-chair of Silver Fern Farms Limited. “Firstly, I want to thank Richard for his significant contribution as co-op chair for the past two years,” Hewett said. “Over that time, he has led the development and establishment of a clear vision and purpose for the co-operative, which ensures we continually work cohesively with our investment in Silver Fern Farms Limited, but also ensuring the voice of our farmer shareholders is heard. “I also know he will continue to make a

significant contribution for the balance of his current term.” Hewett says the next three years will see significant managed transformation in the board composition as several of farmer elected directors come to the end of their maximum terms – himself included. “I have real confidence that our governance future is strong when we see committed people like this put themselves through the election process for the opportunity to serve their fellow shareholders,” he said. “I am very pleased for Gabrielle Thompson, our board-appointed farmer director on the co-operative that she was successfully elected to the board. This will free up a board-appointed director role, which the co-operative board will be looking to fill later this year. “Together with my fellow board members, we will continue to actively identify and develop the talent within our shareholder group.”

ANOTHER GO: Rob Hewett replaces Richard Young as SFF Co-operative chair.

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News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Bremworth ditches synthetics Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz BREMWORTH, the premium brand in New Zealand flooring, has ceased manufacturing synthetic carpets and is putting its faith back in wool. The listed company invited Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor to the head office at Papatoetoe, Auckland, to mark the occasion and tour the plant. O’Connor welcomed the new strategy and said other NZ primary sector companies should follow the Bremworth lead. “It’s beyond moving from volume to just value, but further into values focused

on sustainability and climate change,” O’Connor said. “New generations of consumers need to reconnect with wool and the tide is moving with us. “But the story doesn’t tell itself and Bremworth has a great story to tell. “More than ever, consumers are considering the entire life-cycle of products. “This programme will spur demand for NZ strong wool and enhance our manufacturing competitiveness through strong environmental credentials that challenge industry norms. “If we get this right, then that’s a compelling yarn we can sell to our markets abroad.” Cavalier Corporation chair

LAID OUT: Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor attended the Cavalier Bremworth function hosted by chief executive Paul Alston, left, and chair George Adams, right.

George Adams says decision to go all-wool would reduce the use of imported synthetic fibres annually by 2500 tonnes. The company will now focus on natural fibre design, science and innovation to make home

THE CONVENIENCE OF TWO TREATMENTS IN ONE INJECTION

interiors healthier and more sustainable. The Government has contributed $1.9 million towards a $4.9m sustainability research programme employing graduates from University of Auckland and with inputs from other research providers. The aim is to replace the 13% of wool carpet contents not already sustainable – polypropylene primary backings and latex glues – with natural and long-lasting natural fibres. “Going all in with wool is the right move for our business, our customers, our local communities and the planet,” Adams said. The company has published its new strategy in a consumer booklet to be available in flooring stores and online at bremworth. co.nz “Plastic is a global problem and synthetic carpet fibres are made from plastic,” it states on its website. An average NZ house laid with synthetic carpets is estimated to have the equivalent weight of 22,000 plastic shopping bags on its floor. Microplastics, microfibres and

nanoplastics are all generated in the home and transmitted on the air, with garbage or in waterways. NZ imports over 15,000t of synthetic carpet yarn annually and stopping that at source must be the best solution to plastic waste, the company said. Among the positive attributes of wool carpets are natural odour control, durability, stainresistance, non-allergenic, fire resistance, improvement in warmth and acoustics and 100% renewable. When founded by the late Tony Timson and engineer Grant Biel 50 years ago, Cavalier only made woollen carpets and it purchased the name Bremworth from UEB. It was coined by the late Doug Bremner in 1959 as the Bremworth Carpet Company in Papatoetoe, then purchased by UEB Industries in 1967. Former UEB executives Timson and Biel founded Cavalier in 1972. Cavalier Corporation has three plants and it includes the wool buyer Elco Direct.

See Newsmaker: Cavalier’s departing chief executive, Paul Alston.

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EXPLANATION: Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor during the plant tour with Cavalier directors and senior executives.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Major solar farms on the horizon A NEW company says it intends to build New Zealand’s first major industrial-scale solar farms at a cost of $300 million. The five solar farms across the upper North Island would generate approximately 400 Gigawatt hours (GWh), with more than 500,000 solar panels over 500ha of land. Lodestone Energy managing director Gary Holden says the development is the most ambitious solar venture in NZ to date, and will provide solar energy to Dargaville, Kaitaia, Whakatāne, Edgecumbe and Whitianga. The first site planned for development is a 62 GWh solar plant in Kaitaia, it will have up to 80,000 panels and will supply electricity directly to a Top Energy substation. Holden says the plans had received strong support from tangata whenua, landowners and other local stakeholders. Construction is scheduled to start by late 2021. This will be an ambitious timeline as no one has ever sought resource management consent to build a solar farm on this scale in NZ. “We expect the Kaitaia farm will be producing electricity in summer 2022, with the

BIG PLANS: The development is the most ambitious solar venture in New Zealand to date, and will provide solar energy to Dargaville, Kaitaia, Whakatāne, Edgecumbe and Whitianga.

construction of the four other farms following soon after. All farms are expected to be operational by the summer of 2023-24,” Holden said. “Solar plants can be constructed very quickly and at a lower cost, compared to wind and geothermal generation plants.” Lodestone’s largest shareholder at 46% is Magnetite Energy Investments. Holden is the 100% owner of Magnetite and the former head of Pulse Energy, and a long-time enthusiast for solar power.

Other major shareholders include Guy, a rich-lister with a long history of investments in start-ups, and Susan Haddleton with 29.4%; a Gareth Morgan investment vehicle; JIT Hillend Investment with 8%; and a Stephen Tindall investment vehicle K One W One (No 5) with 5%. Holden says the company is privately funded and “has attracted the financial backing from some of NZ’s most well-known investors and entrepreneurs”.

Solar has not been attempted on a large scale in NZ, despite construction costs rapidly coming down in price in recent years. Holden says each of the solar farms will contain between 70,000 and 170,000 solar panels and will make use of worldleading technology to maximise generation. “While the farms are designed to meet morning and late afternoon peaks in electricity demand, rapid developments in battery technology mean that in the near future the farms should be able to

store electricity generated during the day for distribution in the evening peak,” he said. The panels would be placed high enough, and spaced sufficiently, to allow farming to continue underneath. This arrangement will mean about 85% of agricultural production can continue after the panels are installed. The other solar farms flagged in the plans are: • A 120 GWh solar farm located near Dargaville. It will contain 125,000 panels and include 170ha of farming operations; • A 85 GWh solar farm in the Waiotahe Valley, east of Whakatāne containing up to 115,000 solar panels; • A 52 GWh solar plant near Edgecumbe including up to 70,000 panels; • A 54 GWh farm near Whitianga with up to 80,000 solar panels, with plans to be the first of the farms to use battery storage. Lodestone says it had an expert team with a long history in the electricity market, including developing generation projects in NZ, Canada, the United States and Australia, as well as managing integrated generation, transmission, distribution and retail operations. – BusinessDesk

News

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Water to transform Mid-North Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE first community water storage and irrigation scheme to be built in Northland for more than 30 years is taking shape on higher ground northeast of Kaikohe. Diggers and earthmovers are about to begin the footings of an earth dam to define Matawii reservoir, which will be filled by rainfall from streams and drains in the small catchment when the flow rate is above median. Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust (TTTWT) is building the dam to retain 750,000 cubic metres of water when full on 18ha of former dairy farm off State Highway 12 near Ngāwhā Springs, in the region locals call the Mid-North. It will then build the infrastructure to distribute the water to private and corporate users in the district, including augmenting the Kaikohe town water supply. The reservoir will be the foundation for a much larger scheme of multiple, interconnected reservoirs. Matawii was the first project in the country to be consented under fast-track central government legislation for covid-19 recovery. It is expected to fill during winter next year and begin reticulation and delivery the following summer, 2022-23. Another water storage and supply scheme is about to break ground in the Kaipara region, to form the Redhill reservoir, between Te Kōpuru and Dargaville, on the Pouto Peninsula. The first stage could be operational within three to four months, the trust says. Project number three is called Otawere reservoir at Waimate North, adjacent to and northwards of Matawii, storing water from the Waihorotiu Stream. It is designed to be five times the water volume of Matawii. When fully developed, the TTTWT schemes in the Mid-North and Kaipara regions will have the infrastructure and the water to develop approximately 7000ha of horticulture. The potential overall impacts have been calculated at 800

Water for the north jobs and $400 million of annual regional output, pumping new life into economically challenged districts. Among the big water users are expected to be Northland iwi and their agencies, providing opportunities for Māori investment, development and employment. The trust has received inquiries from landowners about potential crops such as avocados and kiwifruit, different citrus varieties, soft berries, vegetables, indigenous foods and what are called future foods, like peanuts, bananas and pineapples. With more than a degree Celsius of warming predicted by 2040 and three degrees by 2090, Northland farmers will grow more subtropical crops, using reticulated water instead of spasmodic rainfall. TTTWT, under the chairmanship of Dargaville-born former Cabinet minister Murray McCully, has appointed two rural specialists to facilitate the inquiries from landowners. They are John Proctor in the Mid-North and Ben Craw in the Kaipara, both from rural banking and farming backgrounds. Proctor says the schemes were the best opportunity for economic growth in the Northland regions for a generation, at least since the Kerikeri and Maungatapere irrigation schemes were built by the old Ministry of Works in the 1980s. “We have the opportunity, the climate, the soils and the tangata whenua – just add water,” Proctor said. The trust is forming two new scheme water companies, one for the Mid-North and the other for the Kaipara district, in which landowners will buy shares for their access to stored water. Indications are at present that Mid-North shares will be $30,000 each and Kaipara $25,000, for access to 3000m3 annually at a

POTENTIAL: Te Tai Tokerau Water employees Greg Hay, left, and John Proctor near where construction will soon begin on the earth dam for Matawii reservoir.

We have the opportunity, the climate, the soils and the tangata whenua – just add water. John Proctor Te Tai Tokerau Water daily volume of 30m3. There will also be annual fixed costs and some variable costs based on seasonal use. Ownership and management of those companies will devolve to the shareholders as the trust repays the $60m loan received from the Provincial Growth Fund and winds itself up. The costs of further stages of storage and reticulation development will be funded by successful implementation of stage one. “The areas were chosen because of their great potential for land development once a reliable

PROGRESS: Machinery contracted to the Far North Holdings economic development company works on the Ngāwhā Innovation and Enterprise Park while tunnel houses are erected.

source of water is established,” Proctor said. “That water will bring economic gain to both regions, which in turn will provide employment opportunities that just don’t exist right now.” For example, an economic study in 2016 showed the Kerikeri irrigation scheme contributes more than $100m a year to the GDP of the region and supports the employment of more than 1300 people. Proctor is also working with landowners who lack experience in horticultural development, putting them in touch with partners who do. Shares will be allocated to specific land parcels and will not be transferrable or able to be accumulated. Water allocation will not be tied to farm or horticultural unit size because water needs of different crops are variable. The share price is just the start of development costs, which in the case of gold kiwifruit may be $1m/ ha or more in Zespri licence and canopy building.

The huge upfront costs can be a barrier to development. “We are liaising with landowners on types of corporate structure and we have interest from largerscale horticultural developers,” he said. “For local iwi and multiple owners, their capital inputs may be structured differently or delayed with the help of government entities.” For example, Pamu farms land within the boundaries of the thirdstage Mangatoa scheme, west of Kaikohe, presently land-banked for future Treaty of Waitangi settlements. Land values around Kaikohe are beginning to move as farms with a variety of soil types, slopes and locations could be sites for highvalue crops. Horticulture has returns on investment in a range of 8-20%, compared with dairying and drystock farming below 7%.

NEXT WEEK:

New horticultural ventures take shape

PERSPECTIVE: Ten hectares of tunnel houses for Kaikohe Berryfruit dominate Ngāwhā Park, alongside the access to the new Matawii water storage scheme.

AginED Ag ED

FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U E N E R P

Volume 56 I May 17, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I w w w.farmersweekly.co.nz

NZX Dairy STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

The eggs are incubated for 24-25 days after setting and then they are hatched once a week. What then happens for the first four weeks of their lives?

2 At what age are they ready to be delivered to their new locations? 3 When Jeff and Bridget first started incubating eggs they had difficulties with the incubators not being actually set up for the hatching of eggs. Why would these original incubators have been set up this way? (What were they designed to be used for in Thailand?)

Have a go:

This graph shows the price index form the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) event. The GDT event is a platform for dairy commodity trading to provide a reliable, transparent, price discovery platform for globally traded dairy commodities and is mostly held every fortnight. GDT Price Index by Trading Event Date

4 After modifying their incubators and now using newer models for the UK and United States their hatchings are very consistent. What is the one anomaly that 1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz they prepare for? How do they prepare for this? Why 2 Find and watch the OnFarm Story of Jeff Niblet and would this event happening create such a large Bridgette Karetai “I’d like to see more people out there problem for them? doing it “ and read the article “Bird venture’s a hit “ 5 All of the release sites need a permit from the 3 Where in NZ is Bridgette and Jeffs pheasant farm located? 4 How many pheasants do they rear annually? 5 What month do they start collecting eggs from their hens?

Department of Conservation and some are hunting reserves. On these reserves, who sets limits on numbers of birds and seasons that they can be hunted?

6 They also raise Mallard ducks as something of a sideline business. Why did they start doing this?

Have a go: 1 In what year was the GDT price index at its highest? 2 In what year was the GDT price index at its lowest? 3 What was the value at the most recent GDT event?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 Butter prices fell 12.1%, or US$701/t on average. Supply of butter has lifted over the last month, how would this have affected values? 2 Fonterra is a cooperative. What does this mean?

FINDING AUTUMN EXTREMES The name "Autumn" comes from the Latin “autumnus” and translates to mean “harvest time of plenty", or "the time of gathering crops”. The weather in autumn is messy. The current season has both the calmness of a fading summer and the storminess of an incoming winter. Now that we're more than halfway through autumn we'd expect NZ's weather pattern to become more unsettled (not as sunny/calm) with more severe weather risks each week. In fact, autumn can throw a lot of extreme weather our way.

YOUR CHALLENGE!

So the challenge this week is to find some (or all) of them! We'll give you a few clues below too. Just go to www.RuralWeather.co.nz and search the weather forecast in different locations across NZ to try to find at least 3 extremes listed below: How many Autumn extreme weather events can you find in the 10 day forecast? Search town names, cities or local communities. Frosts (Use the Frost Forecaster and look for locations through inland parts of the South Island) Snow (harder to find, but maybe some locations near Mt Ruapehu, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Arthur's Pass etc)

Temperatures over 20 degrees (eastern regions like Canterbury, Hawke's Bay) Fog (inland low lying areas like Waikato - use the Fog Forecaster at RuralWeather. co.nz to help you!) Strong Winds (Hint: Often around Cook Strait!) Heavy Rain (West Coast!) Thunderstorms (western NZ)

Got your own question about how the weather works? Ask Phil! Email phil@ruralweather.co.nz with your question and he could answer it on the Weather Together podcast!

3 A strong dairy payout encouraged farmers to continue milking cows longer than usual this season. What would this have done to milk supply? 4 Dairy farmers must comply with many different quality standards. One example is the temperature of milk in the vat on farm must stay within a certain range. Why do you think this is important?

Newsmaker

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

TRANSFORMATION: Cavalier Corporation chief executive Paul Alston has put the trusted Bremworth brand back on the sustainable high ground of natural fibres.

Standing firm on wool's credentials Paul Alston’s departure from the job of Cavalier Corporation chief executive should not reflect poorly on the company’s all-in change in strategy to sustainable natural fibres in carpets and rugs. He spoke to Hugh Stringleman.

AVALIER Bremworth has been redirected on to the crest of a wave of product sustainability running through consumer markets for interior textiles. Plastics and synthetics have become increasingly decried for their carbon footprints and waste pollution. Wool is natural, renewable, recyclable and sustainable. Chief executive Paul Alston says he is vacating the top role in the re-energised company with Bremworth brand values confident in the new strategy and encouraged by the early results. The carpet company, including its now-discontinued Norman Ellison brand, has turned its back on synthetics and will produce only all-wool carpets and rugs with natural fibres as components. The next three years will see a return to consistent profitability and an end to remaining nonnatural components in wool carpets, like polypropylene backing, latex glues and metal dyes. The company vision is to be a global leader in designing and creating desirable, safe, sustainable and high-performing natural interior solutions. Alston announced the new strategy in July and last week

he and chair George Adams, in front of the Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor, Papatoetoe plant employees and invited guests, officially ended the synthetic carpet era. “We have made our last synthetic carpet,” Adams exclaimed to cheers from staff members. For the past 25 years the 50-year-old company churned out synthetic carpets alongside its more traditional and expensive New Zealand strong wool collections. Alston says synthetics grew to account for half of output, but they competed in a low-cost commodity market in which Cavalier Bremworth and Norman Ellison struggled to differentiate themselves. Once-proud NZ wool producers and their processors watched the oil-sourced Rhinos stamp all over the market, claiming qualities and attributes that wool carpets used to own exclusively. Alston estimates that only 15-20% of carpet sales in NZ are now woollen and all the synthetic majority is imported either fully made-up or as synthetic yarn. After a string of financial losses, a change of direction became imperative for Cavalier. Bremworth, its premier brand, will be loudly and proudly NZ-

sourced and made from strong wool. He has no doubt that dismal strong wool prices will rise as sustainability demand fuels the return of wool-based interior textiles.

Cavalier was one of the last carpet companies in the world to manufacture synthetics, so change direction and be the first to stop. Paul Alston Cavalier O’Connor beamed his way round the Papatoetoe plant, running hands over samples, greeting employees and asking questions. “I told Paul (Alston) I would come here when he ditched synthetics,” O’Connor joked. That is something Alston has been planning to do for some time. Halfway through his six years at the top, Alston attended the Te Hono boot camp at Stanford

University where he heard about consumer trends and the potential for NZ foods and fibres to get on board. Cavalier was used as a case study; how it was a oncesuccessful company harmed by synthetics and how it had to adapt. “That experience was a big influence on my decision for the company to change direction,” Alston said. Senior executives took the analysis further, to concentrate on what the company is good at – making the best woollen carpets in the world. “Let us take advantage of the change in people’s beliefs in sustainability and regeneration,” he said. “Cavalier was one of the last carpet companies in the world to manufacture synthetics, so change direction and be the first to stop.” Commenting on the timetable for the transition, Alston says covid-19 had lengthened the process by a few months, but production and sales of woollen carpets was growing steadily. Cavalier is strong in Australia, where 60% of its output is sold in a much larger market for interior textiles. Beyond that, some 4% of sales are made in North America, where

Alston thinks lies the biggest opportunity for wool growth and better margins. He predicts Bremworth handcrafted and machined wool rugs will also grow vigorously. Alston has been a committee member of the Wool Industry Project Action Group, now morphed into the Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG), led by Rob Hewett and Andy Caughey. “We believe we are on the cusp of a natural fibre renaissance led by more environmentally and socially conscious consumers and that a new approach is needed,” the group wrote in its June 2020 report to O’Connor. The opportunity was to leverage our unique farming systems and natural and sustainable qualities of wool to further expand markets with consumers who value these attributes. Cavalier Corporation has sold and leased back its Grayson Ave premises in South Auckland, to enable it to retire all debt and give it the transition time to restore revenue and profitability. Alston says he leaves with the company in good shape, in cash surplus and totally dedicated to executing the new strategy. He will continue serving as chief executive until his replacement is hired and at this time has no future roles or industries in mind.

New thinking

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Race against myrtle rust The prospect of losing valued native taonga, including pōhutukawa and ramarama, for good, is both a poignant and pointed incentive for scientists as they unravel the complex myrtle rust fungi. Plant & Food Research principal scientist Dr Grant Smith spoke to Richard Rennie.

ŌHUTUKAWA, ramarama and possibly mānuka and kānuka are all under dire threat as myrtle rust spreads out of control through much of the North Island and has been recently discovered in Christchurch. This discovery is the latest in a series since myrtle rust was first discovered on the New Zealand mainland in a Kerikeri nursery in May 2017. It is generally believed to have come from Australia. Two dominant myrtaceae species on Australia’s east coast are now functionally extinct from their natural host ranges as a result of the rust. Working collaboratively with their Australian counterparts, the Kiwi scientific team sequenced the genome of Austropuccinia psidii, the myrtle rust fungus, and assembled the sequences to produce the world’s largest assembled fungal genome. In a case of needing to know one’s enemy before being able to challenge it, the group used almost 360,000 CPU hours at the University of Sydney’s highperformance computing facility to assemble the sequence. The machine worked 24/7 for over four months to deliver the genomic sequence of a genome that had just over a billion base pairs of DNA, 10 times more than some other rust fungi and 34,000 times more than the covid virus. Plant & Food Research principal scientist Dr Grant Smith, a research leader in both the Beyond Myrtle Rust and Ngā Rākau Taketake research programmes, compares the work to assembling a three-dimensional jigsaw, without a good picture on the jigsaw box to look at for guidance. But the work also relied as much upon scientific intuition and talent, as it did raw computing power. “Once we had the data we needed to ask ourselves ‘does this data even make sense?’ given it had not been mapped before,” Smith said. Now that they have a map of the deadly fungi’s genome, the team are in a position to better understand options to target the pathogen to reduce or stop its devastating impact. Only 10 years after being found in Australia, the rust has resulted in a massive decline in some of the country’s myrtle species. This is causing significant concern as myrtles are the dominant

INFECTED: Myrtle rust infection on a native plant in Taranaki.

native species in most Australian landscapes. Bush regrowth is significantly affected, with myrtle species being replaced by vigorous weed species, including wild tobacco and lantana, changing the profile of Australian bush for good.

The pathogen also suppresses the host’s defence mechanism, weakening its ability to respond to the fungi’s presence. Grant Smith Plant & Food Research The scientists identified 367 “effectors” in the genome. These specific proteins are used by the fungi to manipulate the host’s metabolism and take it over. Smith likens the fungi to a vampire, having to keep its host alive enough to continue to harvest its nutrients for itself. “The pathogen also suppresses the host’s defence mechanism, weakening its ability to respond to the fungi’s presence,” he said. There are published reports of pōhutukawa and ramarama being hammered by the fungi, with

greenhouse trials finding only one resistant pōhutukawa and no resistant ramarama. Scientists are reserved about its likely impact upon mānuka and kānuka, with some findings of flowers and seed capsules that have been infected. “At this point in time it does not seem to become infected as much as other species; we are not quite certain why yet,” he said. It is thought the genetics of resistance in mānuka have a level of complexity that is not yet fully understood. “But there are a lot of plants out there that our Australian colleagues had initially believed were field resistant that are now susceptible,” he said. Here on the East Cape conservationists have been collecting seeds of apparently resistant trees, as the rust spreads quickly from Gisborne right through to Opotiki in Eastern Bay of Plenty. Australia has 2253 native myrtle species, compared to 27 native species in NZ. However, the number of myrtle species in NZ is over 120, as feijoa, guava and other exotic species have been introduced over the years. Chemical control of the rust using fungicides is possible but far from practical, and has ecological consequences. Having also mapped the mānuka genome, the scientists

SUPERNATURAL: Grant Smith likens the myrtle rust fungi to a vampire that keeps its host alive sufficiently to harvest its nutrients.

are able to understand and distinguish which pathogen genes and which host genes are interacting at the earliest point of the infection process.

Smith says the work has proven the value of collaborative scientific strength, with the shadow of possible species extinction adding a sharp reminder about its value.

Opinion

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

EDITORIAL

Forestry investment rules fail equity test

IVING preferential treatment to foreign investors of forest land is poor government policy and needs to change. Innocuously called a special test, the policy lowers the barrier for foreign investors buying existing forest blocks or bare land to convert to forestry. Treasury will soon release terms of reference for the review of the policy which has significantly changed the balance of forest ownership. A review cannot come quick enough. As we revealed recently, this policy has since 2018 enabled foreign investors to buy 30 livestock farms covering 32,644ha for conversion to forestry, and a further 35 existing forestry blocks covering 111,517ha. In 2017, the Government introduced new restrictions for sales of farmland exceeding 5ha to foreign buyers, saying the previous system was too permissive. Forestry was exempt, in what was actually a political move touted as encouraging the growth and expansion of the sector. In reality it was to placate the then Labourled government’s coalition partner NZ First. Setting aside the argument of foreign ownership of land and the now polarised debate over trees versus pasture, the special test for forestry investment fails by one crucial measure – equity. It treats potential foreign investors differently and raises a legitimate question: why are foreign investors welcome if they want to grow trees but discouraged if they want to grow livestock? The primary sector, rural communities and environment have benefited enormously from the cash injection many foreign buyers have made into livestock farms. Their absence has certainly removed liquidity for large properties. If the goal is to enhance rural communities, then investing in livestock farms is a much better bet in terms of creating long-term jobs and economic activity. This pending review on forestry investment could be an opportunity to take a broader look at the vexed and politically sensitive issue of foreign ownership of all farmland. It is an issue that has traditionally followed political lines and whether the Government has the courage to impartially embark on what is a highly sensitive issue, is another matter.

Neal Wallace

LETTERS

A fair go for the minister BEFORE any more cattle farmers, ag journal editors or column writers fire any more missiles at Minister Damien O’Connor and MPI over banning cattle shipments, they need to put brain into gear and think about the minister’s words about “having the highest animal welfare standards and to be the most ethical producers in the world”. That’s powerful sounding stuff, but will fly over the heads of many farmers. But to get it into perspective think about these points. The future has never been so hard to predict, but we now know it’s not tourism in New Zealand. It’s animal products purchased by people pushing trolleys around supermarkets

of the world, thinking that’s where all food comes from. They have no idea what a farm is and if they do see pictures on TV, they are all about problems caused by farming. This is NZ, where the gap between town and country widens with every TV news bulletin. Bad news gets attention, and this gets advertising dollars, so the media are earning their keep. Generation Y is now bringing up the next generation in this environment, and they are bombarded and rely almost totally on information via social media. News and fake news are the same and it’s all driven by speed. Our future lives will be driven by speed – and we’re well on the way when we wonder why our

email, tweet or text sent a few minutes ago has not been answered, and messages have to be constantly checked, even while walking and driving. Vegetarians and vegans are increasing rapidly among the young, because they have been reminded that animals are sentient creatures and feel the same sensations as we do, and they also know that animals are protected by law, even if they don’t know the details. All farmers, and not just cattle farmers, need to google the Animal Welfare Act (1999) and check the Five Freedoms that animals must have – one being freedom from distress. So the argument that few cattle die while at sea is not proof that they don’t suffer from distress –

studies which were never really done and needed to be. So critics of the minister’s decision to ban live cattle exports should do a bit of homework about NZ’s future before any more ill-informed comments. Clive Dalton Hamilton

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

A load of Fonterra spin Dirk Sieling

HE Fonterra preferred capital structure option proposal looks like the biggest destruction of shareholder value in Fonterra’s history. The board proposes to spend some $600 million to buy out the unit fund. In the commercial world such a buyback would add to the share price for remaining shareholders. In this case it will decrease the share price. The board is suggesting a value drop of 20-25 %. This will prove to be conservative; I am picking a halving of the share price with the large overhang created by the requirement to have only one compulsory share for every 4kg MS Of course the board says it is “agnostic” on whether the fund is bought out or not. Just imagine if they didn’t and farmers could only sell to other farmers. Exiting farmers needing to sell shares at a very low price would look askance at what those shares are selling for in the unit market. The unit market assists in real price discovery, which in turn reflects on the Fonterra performance, including dividends. The staff would have more leeway to shovel dividend into milk price, despite protestations from the board that this is not possible. That in turn would allow Fonterra to offer a more competitive milk price without having to drive further performance improvements and efficiency gains. In fact, if an independent capped fund remained, Fonterra would be incentivised to produce a low dividend. The unit fund has been working well and has always comfortably stayed below its potential size. When it was set up it was through concerns from shareholders about undue influence from unit holders, despite their lack of a voting right, that the fund size was limited to 15% from the initial higher proposed limit. It was always implicitly understood that the fund size could be

The

Pulpit QUESTIONABLE: Dirk Sieling believes Fonterra’s consultation with farmers is a smokescreen and a means to start on a new footing with new entrants.

raised if such influence did not materialise, which it hasn’t. The fund size could easily be lifted to 25% or more without any realistic risk of undue influence by unit holders. In this manner TAF could comfortably cope with static or moderately declining milk volumes. Only a sustained sharp decline in milk volumes could become an issue and quite frankly at that point Fonterra would have far bigger problems to deal with than the fund size. The proposal is typically loaded with Fonterra spin, one of the most annoying being that it keeps talking about 100% ownership and control as if the two are indistinguishable. TAF has proven that 100% control is entirely feasible without 100% ownership. It seems that the fund size and potential fund size issues raised by the board are a red herring. I suspect the real motivation is a desire to drive down the share price. That would make it easier for new entrants and of course, coincidentally, it would make any dividend look better as a percentage of the share price, effectively taking pressure off performance. Admittedly, performance and efficiencies have improved in recent years, but there is a long way to go and the pressure needs to stay on to improve both performance and culture in the co-op.

There are many aging farmers like myself who may have had to buy shares at prices just under or above $6. They have received very little dividend over the years but considered that if Fonterra improved its performance, the share price would increase, providing them with a nice little capital gains nest egg when they sell up or pass their farms on to their children. New entrants have ample opportunity to come in at low cost via the 10-year sharing up plan currently. But also unshared contract supply should be a future option again. This contract supply should not come at a cost to the shared up supply and would be subject to limitations. Of course contract milk would again put much needed pressure on the co-op to improve performance as it would have to offer a competitive milk price. Shared up farmers would accept the return of contract milk if it means they receive a worthwhile return on their shares. Contract milk would assist with keeping our stainless steel full rather than see it stranded.

I will leave issues such as impact on the balance sheet, reactions from banks and the government, and the like, for others to comment on. TAF shifted redemption risk from the co-op to individual farmers. Now in an ironic twist of fate the board is using this situation in an attempt to ease entry for newcomers at the cost of existing shareholders. The current proposal – make no mistake, there is only one, the others are window dressing – takes pressure off performance and is a kick in the guts for retiring farmers that have been loyal and have shared up at considerable cost. Treating loyal shareholding suppliers like this sets a poor example for potential entrants. Many supplying shareholders are in their late fifties or sixties and looking ahead to exiting with a deserved tax free retirement bonus. The board needs to amend the proposal to provide better value for exiting loyal shareholders by ensuring that they get fair commercial value for their shares. A clear path would be

to maintain the unit fund with a raised size limit and possibly some tools to control the flow of cooperative shares to the fund when the potential fund size threatens to blow out. The board could also research mechanisms that align the values of the two classes of shares. A larger unit fund would be an effective price discovery mechanism and provide greater farmer equity than the current proposal. Farmers need 100% control, they currently don’t have and don’t need 100% ownership.

Who am I? Dirk Sieling is a supplying shareholder and spent three terms on the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council where he was involved in the formation of TAF as well as the rejection of the earlier 2007 proposal.

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

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

The issue with water Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I SPOKE to Marlborough Federated Farmers recently, and I appreciated the opportunity to talk to grassroots farmers from another province. They were a great group to talk to. They were focused on the industry and passionate about farming. Interestingly, the issues facing farmers in Marlborough were similar to those in the Wairarapa. Before I headed down I spoke to president Phillip Neal about the important issues in Marlborough. Unsurprisingly, he came up with water storage. “We have the climate to grow anything but not the water,” he said. That suited me as I passionately believe in water storage. What surprised me was that there are no plans for water storage in Marlborough even though parts of the region are suffering drought. Here in the Wairarapa we’re working on it, albeit at a glacial pace, but we do have a plan. I was surprised Marlborough didn’t. The issue with water is that it doesn’t just affect agriculture it affects everyone, and we desperately need a national plan

and a level playing field for water storage. Our biggest city, Auckland, has major water issues. The dams just aren’t big enough so they’re taking a lot of water from the Waikato. If farming wanted that water, there would be byflow and fish issues – but it seems it is okay for Jaffas to have it. I feel humbled that the good people up north prefer using water to drink and wash cars as against food production. We’re trying to go green with renewable energy but in dry years our lakes are down and we burn coal. The Government has moved to reduce the use of coal because of its effect on the climate so they need to start leading by example. We let 97% of our water run out to sea, so having more dams is both logical and good for the climate. Ridiculously, we’re burning 250,000 tonnes of coal a month at Huntly after carrying it from Tauranga. That makes burping cows’ contribution to climate change insignificant by comparison. Climate change is a reality with the east coast of both islands predicted to become much drier. We can irrigate to mitigate the effects of climate change if we’re allowed to do so, otherwise our land becomes largely unproductive. I find it iniquitous that on one hand the primary sector is being urged to do its bit to save the planet from the perils of climate change. On the other, there is a swag of the largely uninformed hell bent on stopping us mitigating the

PRIORITISE: With more frequent spells of drought, Alan Emerson believes water storage should be added to the three waters project.

effects of that changing climate. The opponents of water storage are incredibly well resourced and have the endearing quality that they never let facts get in the way of a good story. The opponents of the Ruataniwha Dam in Hawke’s Bay was an example of a well-resourced campaign running on emotion. I’d suggest that it would be difficult to find opponents of irrigation in Hawke’s Bay now.

We let 97% of our water run out to sea, so having more dams is both logical and good for the climate.

For the record, I’d describe the arguments used by the opponents of irrigation as specious. “Irrigation will mean more dirty dairying” is a classic antiirrigation argument. While that could have been true in the past, it

certainly isn’t going forward. The national dairy herd is declining and we have considerably more cropping options than we had in the past. “Irrigation means more pollution of our waterways” is another. With cropping you analyse your soil, the needs of the crop and adjust accordingly. In that scenario pollution is less. There are considerable environmental benefits with irrigation. Sediment runoff is another, which is ridiculous. I was in Hawke’s Bay in July and as a result of the drought, there wasn’t a blade of grass to be seen. It started to rain and there was certainly sediment runoff. With irrigation there would have been a cover crop and that runoff wouldn’t have happened. So, what’s the answer? Currently we have the Government promoting a three waters project. Why not broaden that to include water storage? To provide long-term sustainable water supply, as is the case in Auckland and our future

power needs, there will need to be considerably more dams. Why not make water storage a national issue and not one on the periphery that can be picked off by the misguided? It is going to cost between $70-$90 billion to fix urban water woes. Adding water storage to that would involve minimal extra cost but have a massive impact on the country’s income and resilience to climate change. I strongly believe that the agriculture sector needs to develop a single, national, rational, scientifically-based discussion. We know the arguments, let’s put them together in a single document. Farmers could lead that process. Finally, I thoroughly appreciated the Marlborough Feds hospitality and their passion for the sector. They run a tight ship with some strong leaders.

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

Dairy sector debt is on the decline Straight Talking

Cameron Bagrie

RESERVE Bank NZ (RBNZ) statistics have been showing a debt consolidation theme and deleveraging in the dairy sector for a couple of years. Dairy sector debt has fallen almost $3 billion in the past two years. This process of tidying up balance sheets is being supported by robust demand for agricultural commodities, milk prices sitting above pre-pandemic levels and low interest rates. Banks have also been diversifying their lending portfolios away from dairy, most notably towards horticulture. Dairy’s share of agriculture debt has fallen from 69 to 63% in

recent years. Horticulture debt has risen 25% in two years. The interest only share of agriculture debt has fallen from 65% to 5% in the past four years with the principal and interest share rising. Fewer dairy farms are being identified by banks as being stressed according to the RBNZ’s Financial Stability Report (FSR). That is helping build resilience with Mother Nature’s variability and climate change presenting ongoing headwinds. These broad trends are well understood. What is not reported on a lot are the trend movements in individual bank agriculture portfolios. Anecdotally, farmers are aware who is open for business and who is not. Figures on the RBNZ website show some clear trends between the end of 2019 and end of 2020. ANZ remains the largest lender in the agriculture space according to figures sourced from RBNZ’s Banks Financial Strength Dashboard, with loans around

$16.5b. This is followed by BNZ (almost $13b), Rabobank ($11.2b), ASB (just over $10b) and Westpac ($9.3b). Westpac and Rabobank were the agriculture lenders really open for business in 2020. Westpac’s agriculture book rose almost $700 million, a rise of almost 8%. That is a lot, though needs to be put in context of having the smallest agriculture portfolio of the major five. Rabobank’s was up just under $400m (3.5%). In contrast, ANZ’s agriculture portfolio fell around $700m (4.2%). BNZ’s was down around $900m (6.5%) and ASB’s a bit under $200m. Non-performing loans figures also provide a gauge of the agriculture portfolio quality. Rabobank’s portfolio continued to grow, despite reporting the highest share of non-performing loans at the end of 2020, at 3.1%. That was an improvement on the 2019 figure of 3.7%. BNZ reported the next highest share of non-performing loans

at the end of 2020 (2.5%), though down on the 2019 figure of 3.6%. ANZ and ASB reported nonperforming loans of 1.5% and 1.4% respectively. Westpac had far and away the lowest percentage of agriculture loans defined as non-performing (0.5%). All the major five bar one, saw a drop in the share of loans that were non-performing between late 2019 and late 2020. Looking forward, banks will likely continue to jostle, playing for market position, some choosing to lighten up, and others such as Westpac in 2020 possibly seeing more in the glass being half full. In the background, housing is no longer the one-way bet it has by and large been for decades. The 30-year era of a falling interest rate tailwind will be replaced by the reverse. Housing now carries political interference risk, such has been the impact on income inequality. Lacking that falling interest rate

tailwind, rises in asset prices will be more contained, and asset wealth strategies will need to be more focused on adding value. It has been talked about for years and may take a few years for the final penny to drop, but the real productive side of the economy is where the action will reside. The low interest rate cow has been milked dry. Agriculture would not be a bad place for more banks to be looking or good businesses to make sure they have bankable credentials. *** While Bagrie Economics uses all reasonable endeavours in producing reports to ensure the information is as accurate as practicable, Bagrie Economics shall not be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any person relying on such work whatever the cause of such loss or damage. The content does not constitute advice.

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

3 Ws and H of emerging proteins Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

THE title of the report released by Emerging Proteins NZ asks the question “what will it take for the sector to thrive” in New Zealand? The answer would appear to be to take a whole-of-value-chain approach to a suite of initiatives that will collectively underpin success in emerging proteins, as well as formalising and funding a collaborative national network to coordinate delivery, establishing a single cross-government working group, and developing a coherent national strategy that is aligned with areas of competitive advantage. Given the sheer scale and size of the work implied by these recommendations, other questions could also be why, how and who? The ‘why’ should be assessed first to establish the value for NZ of having its own alternative proteins sector, especially as the report willingly concedes demand for traditional proteins such as meat and dairy will continue to grow. One stated reason is to provide growers with the opportunity to future-proof their business through better environmental performance and satisfying growing consumer demand for new food products. Apart from a small, admittedly growing, proportion of committed vegans and vegetarians who will never consume animal proteins, there

are increasingly the flexitarians who are keen to introduce plantbased alternatives to their diet for reasons of health and wellness, in spite of the fact these may lack all the benefits of animal proteins. Consumer research indicates a growing number of people seeking minimally processed healthy, sustainable and natural food products, while at the same time demanding convenience, shelf life and taste. Great taste is more important than protein content with few brands promoting health benefits, almost certainly to avoid legal challenges. From a nutritional or environmental perspective, consumers do not appear to distinguish particularly between the composition of plant and plant-based meat analogue products which are made from highly refined, possibly genetically modified, additives like the Impossible Burger. But it is possible consumers of these two types of protein may become more sophisticated in their willingness to differentiate between a healthy product with great taste and a highly processed product which tries to replicate the feel, look and taste of meat or dairy. There is a lot of uncoordinated work into alternative proteins being carried out in NZ universities, research institutes and economic development agencies without the benefit of a national strategy. This report is a timely stocktake of the present situation and will serve as a good starting point for the ‘how’ – identifying NZ’s best options for an emerging proteins sector with collaboration held to be an essential component of success. Our agricultural sector is continually told it should

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Allan Barber believes the first to step to establishing the value of NZ having its own alternative proteins sector is answering the ‘why’ question.

pursue the world’s highest value consumers, because we can only supply a small percentage of the world. The same must apply to alternative proteins, especially if their production looks to divert agricultural resources from more profitable uses and markets. The EPNZ report recognises the need to develop a unique provenance story for NZ plant-based proteins, similar to our sauvignon blanc and mānuka honey, which could draw on Te Ao Māori traditions of indigenous plant, seaweed, fungi and insect species. Clearly this will be a slow process, as the report acknowledges “it will require whole-of-value-chain thinking, commitment to the development of a new sector over many years and significant investment – not just in infrastructure, but also in gathering consumer and market insights, research and optimisation across the value chain, regulatory frameworks, and

marketing and branding”. The report is quite clear the alternative protein sector should grow alongside, not try to replace traditional protein production for which NZ already has a firmly established reputation. The main opportunity for NZ producers and food businesses is to diversify its food portfolio as opposed to replacing traditional agriculture or attempting to outgun the meat and dairy analogue producers with their large financial backers. Wageningen University and Research in Holland, an international leader in research into emerging proteins, supports the presence of livestock in sustainable food production systems, but proposes to redefine the role of animals as ‘protein converters’ rather than simply as sources of protein. This perspective is seen as better reflecting the consumption of protein (grass and crops) to produce protein in the form of

Ripple effect of ongoing drought ANOTHER low rainfall season is putting great pressure on us pastoral farmers and now there is talk and a forecast of a dry winter ahead as well. Let’s put aside our own immediate concerns and consider additional matters, as it is raising other problems out there. Of course, there is Auckland’s ongoing water crisis. Not as bad as Cape Town’s emergency in 2018 when it so nearly ran out of water, which saw a drastic reduction in demand through intensive campaigns and finally some rains in their catchments to just squeak through. A city completely running out of water is unimaginable and would cause chaos. Auckland’s 10 dams currently have just under 50% of capacity, whereas they would be at 77% in an average year. Regular updates on storage levels and encouragements and inducements to use water judiciously is giving our urban cousins a greater understanding of the preciousness of water and that water storage is such an excellent idea, only narrowly beaten by the invention of the wheel. Auckland is a large part of

this country’s economy and restrictions on water usage, if this water shortage gets worse, will not be good for anyone. The Auckland Council has finally realised that one helpful idea would be to stop disincentivising folk to install rainwater tanks for collection off their roofs, and has at last stopped charging resource consent fees to install a tank. They should be requiring all new builds to install tanks to reduce the increasing demand on their dwindling water supplies. The tanks will assist with their runoff problems as well, by creating a buffering effect in heavy rain events. However, there is a bigger problem for all of us after these two dry years, and that is electricity generation. We are naturally proud of our hydropower, which contributes about 60% of our electrical needs. Geothermal is contributing 15% and now wind generation has grown to 5%, meaning that our 80% generation from renewable sources is one of the highest in the world. Our target is 100%, but we will come to that.

New Zealand has very little storage compared to its yearly generation, so relies upon constant small weather events to keep the dams topped up, but in recent times these events have been less frequent and smaller in scale than in a normal year, which is why our national storage levels are at 67% of where they would usually be. This is the lowest in 25 years. This combined with a shortage of natural gas has seen wholesale power prices rise by eight-fold. Transpower and the generation companies are not panicking yet, but there are already reductions in usage, such as the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter which has agreed to cut its demand by 10% for now. Tiwai consumes 13% of the country’s power and the ‘will they shut or will they not?’ discussion over many years has meant the generation companies have not been building any new capacity as they could get caught with a lemon. And, despite the fact that we are wanting to decarbonise our economy and get to 100% renewable energy sources, guess what is picking up the load? Yep,

gas and coal at Huntly. Imagine Auckland without water and power. But blackouts are not expected this winter, providing the greenies who want to keep their families warm hold their noses each time they turn on the heat pump fuelled somewhat by burning coal. There are several new wind farms being built to lift wind’s generation contribution. Ironically, these two drought years here have seen as little wind as I can remember compared to our usual howling El Nino generated gales. But it will blow again, as it will rain again. I like the windmills and enjoy the view of them when travelling over the Saddle Road. The problem with windmills is that it takes an exceptionally large amount of energy and carbon emissions to get them up and running. The energy required to make these things and get them onto site and running is repaid within a year which is a good payback. However, the carbon footprint is large. About 240 tonnes of carbon is released into the atmosphere for an average windmill. This is from the iron ore extraction, the

meat, milk, and eggs. The ‘who’ includes a whole raft of people and organisations across the whole food chain from research scientists and farmers to food and ingredient producers and marketers, assisted and facilitated by government agencies and regulators. The report sees NZ’s alternative protein sector as a combination of SMEs and larger scale food businesses, given the international trend has been for smaller start-ups to partner with or be bought by large companies that can scale up quickly. Other potential business models include partnering with overseas food producers, either to produce the finished product closer to the market from raw materials from NZ and other countries, or to take advantage of the IP from our food science and innovation capability without using NZ raw materials. Because of our relative lack of size and scale, market segmentation will be essential to identify appropriate niche products and consumer groups for food companies to target. It will also be critically important to ensure farmers and producers are made aware of the types of alternative protein needed and given appropriate incentives to grow them without putting all their eggs into one basket. NZ is a long way from being able to develop its position in the alternative protein sector, but the change in consumer tastes mean we cannot afford to ignore it.

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

From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

coking coal used to produce steel, the energy required to get the blast furnace up to 1600degC, the diesel burnt to ship and cart the parts to site, the cement production for the concrete foundation and so on. But wind power along with solar farms, and perhaps some increased geothermal capacity, will help reduce our reliance on coal, gas, and the hydro component of our electricity generation. Let’s not think too much of the many poor birds killed by these scythes as they languidly rotate. Let’s hope the grip of this dry La Nina abates and we get some decent rain events to restore the soil moisture and lake levels before next spring.

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

On Farm Story

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

FAMILY AFFAIR: Kara and Brent Lilley are the third generation to farm the land, sharing the work with Brent’s parents Joanne and Bruce.

Doing what works for you Farming next to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches is a blessing for Brent Lilley and as he told Gerald Piddock, he’s doing all he can to ensure his children will be able to enjoy them in the future as well.

HERE’S money to be made for Brent Lilley when it comes to finishing beef cattle. The Coromandel farmer has built a business based around buying young cattle in, feeding them on the pastures grown on the 400ha of land owned between himself and father Bruce, and finishing them to the required target weight. Around 350ha of that land is farmed, with the rest in forestry, native bush or in riparian plantings. Brent, along with wife Kara and their two young children, are the third generation of his family to farm this land.

I will buy anything. I’ll buy autumn-born weaned calves, I’ll buy yearlings and coming out of winter, I’ll even buy two-year-olds that I’ll only have for two to three months. Brent Lilley Farmer Brent’s portion of the farm is 150ha. He owns half of this, with the balance leased off his parents. “My father farms 200 effective hectares that I help him on, and

I farm 200ha made up of owned and leased land,” Brent said. The farm’s entire operation is 100% finishing cattle, with nothing sold as store. He buys most of his cattle as 100kg calves or as yearlings and finishes them as two-year-olds at 280-300kg carcass weight. Brent takes a horses for courses approach when seeking out young cattle. He does not discriminate against any breed and buying decisions come down to which cattle will give him the best return. He also prefers steers only because of the higher potential carcase weights. “I will buy anything. I’ll buy autumn-born weaned calves, I’ll buy yearlings and coming out of winter, I’ll even buy two-year-olds that I’ll only have for two to three months,” he said. “It’s literally what is the right price on the day.” He gestures to the Friesian steers grazing on his flats close to his house. “Those are two-and-a-halfyear-olds and they’re on a winter contract for Silver Fern Farms (SFF),” he said. He buys the cattle through agents throughout the region or local farmers he has built up a relationship with over the years. He has also occasionally bought cattle off Trade Me when he sees a mob that catches his eye. The system is very flexible, with pasture availability the primary lever around purchasing decisions. If the grass is not

NICE SPOT: The farm’s location is within spitting distance of several popular Coromandel beaches, including Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Hot Water Beach and Cooks Beach.

growing, he can sell his cattle but delay when new cattle are brought onto the farm. “If I’ve got a grass surplus, I can speed that up and buy in replacements before I’ve even sold the finished cattle.” As a result, stock numbers fluctuate depending on the time of the year and amount of pasture available. As of early May, the farm has 560 cattle being finished, with his father’s farm running around 400 cattle. His father’s farm is run in

a similar way to his and he says it was the main influence in farming this way. The calves are farmed on the 50ha lease blocks and are then transferred to the hillier paddocks as yearlings before being transferred to the flats for their final six months to hit their target weight. Those flats are the best pasture production areas on the farm and he uses an informal cell grazing system on this area, where those cattle get break-fed half a hectare

a day of pasture, as well as silage, before being shifted onto the next break. He visually monitors weight gain until the cattle are around eight months away from being finished. Once they go to the flat paddocks, the cattle are weighed monthly. The efficiency of his operation saw him recognised by SFF when he won its Plate to Pasture award last year. “We sent cattle to the works in September and every two to three

On Farm Story

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

PARADISE: The land is flat to rolling hills, with the steeper areas planted in pines

weeks since September through to June,” he said. “For nine months of the year we’re sending finished cattle to the meat works and they said that was exactly what they are looking for from a supplier.” That policy has remained in place since he started the system over a decade ago. He also previously finished heifers, but a change in the carcase weight criteria offered by SFF for its reserve grade range meant it was more profitable for him to farm steers because these animals are finished at heavier weights. Brent developed his own recordkeeping system, which allows him to monitor the progress of his cattle. He exports the Nait details of each animal when they are purchased into an Excel-based system, which records the animal’s origin, type, the sale date

and weight, including the price he paid for them. When the animal is sold, he enters the price SFF paid for it and is therefore able to calculate what his return was. As time goes on, he will eventually be able to work out what the animals are earning on a per day basis. One of the farm’s biggest challenges is facial eczema (FE). He combines zinc with water and adds the mix directly to the animal’s troughs in the paddock from January-May to fight the effects of the toxin, regardless of whether the animals are affected or not. This season alone, he has used half a tonne of zinc. He drenches the calves every six weeks and then as required once the animals are older. The land is flat to rolling hills, with the steeper areas planted in pines. With the exception of last year’s drought, it is summer safe, getting around 1500mm of rain a year. The farm is roughly divided into 2ha paddocks. He does not grow summer crops, but does make around 400 silage bales in spring to help carry the cattle through during autumn and winter, or if it turns really dry in summer.

“I make more than what I need in this area, but that’s how I fatten cattle in the wintertime. It’s your buffer,” he said. As well as the farm, Brent also has a small contracting business which cuts and bales silage and employs a tractor driver, who also sometimes works part-time on the farm. Kara works in her family business off-farm, and plays a supporting role in the farm. Brent also has an informal agreement with a local grower who grows 2ha of watermelons on the flats, which are supplied in Waikato and Bay of Plenty stores. The farm’s forestry was planted post 1990. They held onto the carbon credits in the hope they could be used to offset the farm’s animal emissions on the presumption that it would eventually be brought into the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Now they have the option of selling those credits once the trees are 30 years old in five years’ time, or harvesting them for timber and replanting. For now, they plan to hold onto those credits until there is better signalling from the Government around its intentions with the ETS. The farm’s location is within

TOP WORK: The efficiency of Brent Lilley’s operation saw him recognised by Silver Fern Farms when he won its Plate to Pasture award last year.

BUILDING UP: Brent Lilley is in the process of buying more land off his parents that he is currently leasing, as well as gradually leasing more of his parents farm.

spitting distance of several popular Coromandel beaches, including Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Hot Water Beach and Cooks Beach. It sees the local towns swelling over summer and on weekends when Auckland-based bach owners come to stay. International tourist numbers are low due to covid, but he knows one day, they will return. Being to an extent in the public eye has made him conscious of making sure the farm looks as good as it can in the eyes of the public. He also believes that subconsciously it has made him more aware of what consumers want from his product. While he has been asked multiple times if he can supply meat to local restaurants, the lack of a nearby abattoir makes it logistically impossible. The family farm and one of his lease blocks is located on the boundary of the Purangi River estuary. The lease land is owned by a trust and one of the conditions on the lease agreement is granting public access to the land via provided walkways. “It’s the same thing; you’ve got to be presentable and to be seen to be a good custodian on the land,” he said. The home farm also has three kilometres of fencing to keep animals out of the estuary. The fenced area is planted up in pines or in riparian and natives to soak up any nutrients from the cattle before it enters that waterway. “We don’t farm any grass to the estuary anywhere,” he said. The estuary drains into Cooks Beach and Brent does not want to create a situation where large loads of nutrients are entering that area. “Cooks Beach is a really popular

swimming spot and I don’t want animals near the water there,” he said. “Our kids all swim in the Purangi River and it’s got to be swimmable.” The environmental work is ongoing and Brent has several drains and waterways that he has targeted to be fenced and planted over the coming years.

For nine months of the year we’re sending finished cattle to the meat works and they said that was exactly what they are looking for from a supplier. Brent Lilley Farmer Bruce still farms 200 effective hectares and employs Brent to help him farm about half of that land. He is in the process of buying more land off his parents that he is currently leasing, as well as gradually leasing more of his parents farm. He shares some resources with his father’s farm, such as cattle yards and water supply, and sees it so far as being a smooth transition. Family businesses are both the greatest things ever – and also a potential nightmare if workable solutions to succession are not found. That solution is unique for every farm and the Lilleys’ plan reflects that. “You have to negotiate how it works for you,” he said. >> Video link: bit.ly/OFSlilley

Katikati 114 Busby Road Tender

A compelling reason to explore the options 234 ha self-contained dairy unit with approximately 70 ha of suitable horticulture land in five titles provides options. 385 cows have produced up to 146,000 kgMS with a low input farming system. The property has a good infrastructure level with a modern 40 ASHB dairy shed, two homes and a single man's quarters, calf sheds and implement sheds. An ideal property to convert the front of the farm to horticulture whilst retaining the balance as a dairy unit or pursue the reconfiguration of titles to create lifestyle blocks with spectacular views across the Katikati estuary Motiti Island and Mount Maunganui. To be sold on a walk-in walk-out basis with livestock and plant and machinery available.

Tender closes Wednesday 9th June, 2021 at 2.00pm, (unless sold prior), Farmlands Te Puna View Tue 18 May 11.00 - 1.00pm Sun 23 May 11.00 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/TNR86272 Eddie McDermott M 027 488 8154 E eddie.mcdermott@pb.co.nz Ian Morgan M 027 492 5878 E ian.morgan@pb.co.nz Sienna Coombes M 020 404 50456 E sienna.coombes@pb.co.nz

Waituna West 414 Cheltenham Hunterville Road Tender

The Willows - 114 ha An opportunity to own a tidy picturesque property set against the backdrop of the renowned Rangitikei River, all within 30 minutes commute from the rural township of Feilding and for your trip north 5 km from State Highway 1. Hunterville is just 10 km away. Improvements include a tidy eye appealing three-bedroom homestead set in established grounds and a full range of wellmaintained farm support buildings. This farm not only has visual appeal but also has the ability to successfully grow a variety of crops and to breed and finish livestock. Enjoy the micro climate, the lack of wind and the privacy. A unique farm in many ways. Bring your motorbike and helmet.

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

Tender closes Monday 21st June, 2021 at 11.00am View Thu 20 May 11.00 - 11.15am Web pb.co.nz/FR86610

Stuart Sutherland M 027 452 1155 E stuarts@pb.co.nz Blair Cottrill M 027 354 5419

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

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

FOR SALE

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

ATHLIAM DAIRY FARM

5571 - 5575 State Highway 1 Tokoroa - Waikato

FREEHOLD GOING CONCERN OR LAND ONLY + + + + +

373ha of versatile land 292ha* milking platform Milking 730 cows Averaging 260,000kg* milk solids Flexible Settlement Date

+ 50 bail rotary shed with attached

open feed yard + 38ha* of near mature Pinus Radiata + Located just 12km* south of Tokoroa

Deadline Offers:

Thursday 27 May 2021 at 4pm (NZST) *Approximately

Chan Singh +64 27 767 7113 Jeremy Keating +64 21 461 210 Wyatt Johnston +64 27 815 1303

Arotahi Agribusiness Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

NEW LISTING

Your one stop shop for rural Real Estate Get in touch with your agent today

Get in touch farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate with your agent today to list your property next to news that farmers read. Contact your agent to advertise today. 0800 85 25 80 farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

Tangowahine 163 Tangowahine Valley Road Unique lifestyle with potential This picturesque and picture-perfect property is now on offer and awaiting its new owners to take advantage of the options available. Containing three titles on 41 hectares (more or less) and located only 47km south of Whangarei or 15km to Dargaville this property is one not to be overlooked. The quirky Kauri character style bungalow home features high ceilings with wooden polished floors and consists of three large bedrooms with office. There is a tandem garage/storage shed and carport which is surrounded by an abundance of fruit trees. Shedding including five Bay (30x15m) implement shed with concrete base, mechanics pit and mezzanine floor, fully compliant 15 ASHB cowshed at present supplying Fonterra and four bay haybarn/calf rearing shed.

bayleys.co.nz/1020457

Auction (unless sold prior) 1pm, Wed 16 Jun 2021 84 Walton Street, Whangarei View by appointment Catherine Stewart 027 356 5031 catherine.stewart@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

Farm ‘Dress Circle’ - 412.6354 hectares (1019.62 acres)

242 & 245 Lagoon Road, Rangiwahia • 4 bedroom home • 5 stand woolshed (1600 NP) • Well tracked with central laneway • Excellent fertilizer history • A great opportunity to own a strong hill country farm with a good balance of contour in the renowned Rangiwahia farming district 4

‘Fox’s Block’ - 279.63 hectares (690 acres)

Auction

1338 Ruahine Road, Rangiwahia

Auction: 2.00pm Wednesday 26th May at Rural and Lifestyle Sales Ltd 56 Stafford Street, Feilding.

• 3 bedroom home

Call Richard or Robert for more information or to arrange a time to view.

• Excellent fertilizer history

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

Property ID RAL840

• 4 stand woolshed (800 NP) • 63 hectares of productive flats • A great opportunity to own good clean hill country with a good balance of finishing country in the renowned Rangiwahia farming district 3

Property ID RAL841

Auction Auction: 2.00pm Wednesday 26th May at Rural and Lifestyle Sales Ltd 56 Stafford Street, Feilding. Call Richard or Robert for more information or to arrange a time to view. Richard Anderson 027 543 1610 richard@rals.co.nz Robert Dabb 027 255 3992 robert@rals.co.nz Rural and Lifestyle Sales.com Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

ruralandlifestylesales.com

Accelerating success. New Listing

Sheep/Beef

When Location and Quality Count For Sale By Tender closing Thursday 17 June 2021 at 2pm (plus GST if any) Calstock - 405 Omapere Road, Crownthorpe, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay

Land area: 129.2 ha (more or less) over 2 titles

Great contour

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67014068

3-stand woolshed

Five bedroom homestead on 2.6 ha title

Sun 23 May 1.00 - 2.00pm (homestead only)

Calstock is a 129 hectare property in two titles located in the well regarded Matapiro district. The farm block of 126 hectares comprises predominantly flat to rolling contour with one steeper face with good quality pastures and excellent reticulated water supply. The property is subdivided into 19 paddocks and has a full range of farm buildings, stock handling facilities and good quality pastures with approximately 10 hectares of lucerne and excellent soil fertility. A feature of the property is the five bedroom homestead set in gorgeous grounds with an inground pool, tennis court and tree lined driveway. The house is set on its own 2.6 hectare title and this provides different purchase options. The location situated within 30 minutes of Napier, Hastings and Taradale is very sought after in today’s market.

Hamish Goodwin 027 291 2156 hamish.goodwin@colliers.com Gary Brooks 027 444 3756 gary.brooks@colliers.com

CRHB Limited Licensed REAA 2008

colliers.co.nz

Tech & Toys

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising 0800 85 25 80

We’re merging our three leading brands into one - better for you, better for the farm. We’ve been serving NZ’s farming communities for nearly 50 years and decided it was time for a spruce up. But don’t worry, we’re still the same Kiwi company you know and trust.

Get in touch: 0800 782 376 www.traxequipment.co.nz

Primary Pathways – Jobs, Education & Training

Aviation Business Manager Employer Accreditation Farm Manager

Lochinver comprises 13,800ha (9,500ha of pasture) and is situated on the Napier-Taupo Road, 32km from Taupo. The property is well developed and is intensively managed with a record of successful performance. The property currently supports a flexible range of production policies equivalent to approximately 100,000 stock units (60% cattle).

General Hand General Shepherd Great Opportunities – Australia Head of Farming Roles – Pāmu Home Based Telephone Interviewers

The Station has a high profile, and the Manager will need to represent the business in a range of situations, both on and off the farm. The Station has an established senior management team of four and employs a capable and dedicated staff of twenty-two. The manager plays a key role in guiding that team and supporting staff to realise their potential.

Labourer Livestock Manager and Fencer General Regional Livestock Manager Senior Shepherd General Shepherd Stock Manager

*conditions apply

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

Applications close on May 28 but will be processed as they are received, and applicants are encouraged to submit promptly. Lochinver Station is part of the Rimanui Farms group of properties.

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

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To apply, and for more information, send your CV to Judy Hannan judy@rimanui.co.nz.

& FENCER GENERAL Te Awaiti Station

Cinta Research is looking for home-based telephone interviewers who wish to work on a casual temporary basis and able to work from home. It is preferable if you have an understanding of NZ farming or have a rural background. Project commences early June 2021. If you have the following qualities: • Reliable and able to work to time deadlines unsupervised • Professional telephone manner • Clear and confident speaking voice • Conscientious approach to work • First time project remuneration $21 per hour + completion bonus. $20 phone + $20 internet per month Please email your interest and any relevant experience to Sarah Field & Administration Coordinator field@cinta.co.nz | www.cinta.co.nz

An iconic South Wairarapa coastal property of 6618ha requires a competent Livestock Manager and Fencer General both with excellent stockmanship. These are separate roles. The property farms sheep and beef, deer, and bees. The Livestock Manager must be a team and community leader who works well and communicates effectively with everyone. Additional requirements: • Have a good standard of horse-riding • Possess your own saddle • Possess a strong team of working dogs For all inquiries, phone 06 307 8850 Evenings preferred

JW0107078©

A Business Manager is required to lead the strategic management and ongoing development of this iconic property. The position represents a unique opportunity for a proven performer to work with a progressive farming company to realise the potential of this property.

Associate Director

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BUSINESS MANAGER

JOBS BOARD

LIVESTOCK MANAGER

HOME-BASED FARM RELATED TELEPHONE INTERVIEWING

See Page 32

To apply for the position, email your CV along with a short cover letter and contact details of three professional referees to: danriddiford@teawaitistation.co.nz

For more Primary Pathways advertising

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LOCHINVER STATION

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Primary Pathways

Noticeboard

We offer accommodation as part of your employment package For more details about this role please contact Julia Smith on 021 145 6704 or email your work experience and contact details to grasshut@xtra.co.nz

12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. BUYING, SELLING DOGS NZ Wide. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos email: mikehughesworkingdogs@ farmside.co.nz 07 315 5553

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

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

ATTENTION FARMERS DAGS .25c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550. FOR ONLY $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Marie on 0800 85 25 80.

BIRDS/POULTRY PULLETS HY-LINE brown, great layers. 07 824 1762. Website: eurekapoultryfarm.weebly. com – Have fresh eggs each day!!! LK0107154©

Key attributes 1. Effective time management skills 2. Extensive experience in handling stock, yard work and pasture management 3. Excellent animal welfare values and practises 4. Ability to identify animal health issues 5. Knowledge and ability to maintain water reticulation and electric fence systems 6. Basic mechanical skills and the desire to keep all machinery and tools in well maintained condition 7. Diligent in weed control 8. 3-4 working dogs under good control 9. Full drivers license essential and no criminal convictions

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

DOGS FOR SALE HEADING DOG, Mainstay b&w, 2 1/2 years old, voice and whistle commands. Hill country mustering with trial potential. Ph 027 471 1042. ONE 4-MONTH-OLD Huntaway dog pup. Excellent bark. Phone 027 243 8541.

FARM MAPPING SIMPLIFY YOUR farm planning with practical, affordable and accurate maps from www. farmmapping.co.nz – contact us for a free quote.

GIBB-GRO GROWTH PROMOTANT PROMOTES QUICK PASTURE growth. Only $6+gst per hectare delivered. 0508-GIBBGRO [0508 442 247] www. gibbgro.co.nz. “The Proven One.”

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

EARMARKERS

HAY FOR SALE 15 EQUIVALENT ROUNDS $75+gst; Shed stored squares $75+gst. BALEAGE $75+gst. Unit loads available. Top quality. Phone 021 455 787.

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

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

Rural Lady Seeking Companionship Rural lady who is looking for a like-minded country gentleman to share her life with. With blonde hair, green eyes, ﬁt and active with a slim build. She loves the country life and the challenge it throws at her. Enjoys horse riding, camping, ﬁshing, country music and cooking. To meet please call

0800 446 332 Quote code 58

WORK WANTED

CRUTCHING, SHEARING and fencing work wanted. South Auckland / Waikato / Coromandel. Phone Brian 027 236 5409.

0800 436 566

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

NZ’s #1 Under Woolshed/Covered Yards Cleaning Specialist For Over A Decade

Selling something?

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

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

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

PUMPS

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

DOLOMITE

RED DEVON BULLS. Waimouri stud, Feilding. Phone 027 224 3838.

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

WANTED TO BUY

www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

WORKING KING COUNTRY AREA Book your shed now

Ph: Scott Newman 027 26 26 272 0800 27 26 88

scottnewman101@gmail.com

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

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A stunning 540ha farm, situated on the Kawhia coast, is requiring the services of a diligent farmer with a minimum five years experience. This property is currently a breeding station consisting of 200 Hereford breeding cows and replacements and 850 Breeding ewes plus replacements. You will be a critical part of leadership of the farm and need to be honest and reliable. A proven knowledge and experience growing young stock, best practise animal health standards, feed budgeting and the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively is essential. You must have a high level of communication and good planning skills. Health and safety is a priority.

GOATS WANTED

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An exciting and unique General Shepherd position is available at Kawhia for a person who has experience in running a small farming operation.

DOGS WANTED

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General Shepherd

PERSONAL

ANIMAL HANDLING

Heavy duty long lasting Ph 021 047 9299

T HI NK P R E B U I L T

Call Debbie

BIRDSCARER DE HORNER

0800 85 25 80 classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

HOOF TRIMMER

NEW HOMES

NEW OWNER $500 REDUCTION - MAY ONLY SPECIAL -

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

SOLID – PRACTICAL

WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

Our homes are built using the same materials & quality as an onsite build. Easily transported to almost anywhere in the North Island. Plans range from one bedroom to four bedroom First Home – Farm House Investment – Beach Bach

ACCREDITATION

Coming September 2021. Be ready. Immigration New Zealand is mandating compulsory accreditation for all New Zealand employers wanting to hire a migrant or keep their current migrant staff. Employers will need to apply for accreditation and have it approved, for any work visa application submitted from 1st November 2021. Prepare now.

NEW ZEALAND SHORES

Expert immigration consultancy CONTACT US! Get a free consultation to determine your accreditation requirements and what this means for your staff.

Grant Coombes Waikato Dairy Farmer Business Development Manager

CONTACT 07 929 2280 | employers@nzshores.com | www.newzealandshores.com

GST INCLUSIVE

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

Ph 028 461 5112 • Email: mowermasterltd@gmail.com

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MANDATORY IMMIGRATION

$3900

Call or email us for your free copy of our plans Email: info@ezylinehomes.co.nz Phone: 07 572 0230 Web: www.ezylinehomes.co.nz

Travel further with Farmers Weekly

Promote or find your next adventure in our Travel & Tourism section published monthly. Next issue – June 14: Booking deadline Wednesday June 9 - 12 noon

To advertise your travel products and services contact: Debbie 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz www.farmersweekly.co.nz

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GST $4400 INCLUSIVE

Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

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

ALL OF MAY SPECIALS ONLINE ORDERS 027 823 6728

Merino Mid Socks

$57.00 3 pair same size pack

Sizes 3-5 6-8 8-10 11-13 14-15

Townies

$37.50 2 pair same size pack

Sizes 3-5 6-8 8-10 11-13 14-15

Available in Squares & Rounds

Singlets & Tshirts

$42.50 each

Sizes Sm Med L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL

Tunics

$42.50 each

Sizes Sm Med L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL

Phone Mark 0800 478 729 or Tracey 027 554 1841

QUALITY Feeds You Can TRUST

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

Postal orders to: Sock Lady 26 Westminster Drive Rotorua 3010 With product, sizes, postal address and payment.

Livestock Noticeboard

PINE PARK ANGUS

BULL WALK - Thursday 20th May 2021 Pinebank Stud

Tapiri Stud Rob & Lucy Thorneycroft

35 2-year-old bulls Sale Thursday 10th June – 11.30am

9.55-10.25am

Te Whanga Stud

Willie & Angela Falloon

12.05-12.35pm

Light lunch provided Jason Coffey, at Gladstone Inn Paddy, Sarah & Rob Borthwick Gladstone Inn – If intending

10.40-11.10am

Dandaloo Stud

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Angus & Trish Thomson

Please call to arrange a viewing Phone: Edward 021 704 778

11.25-11.55am

9.00-9.30am

having lunch phone: Joan 06 3722838 or email: centralwaiangus@xtra.co.nz

1.10-1.40pm

3.05-3.35pm

KayJay Stud Glanworth Neil, Joan, Rod & Sam Kjestrup Stud 1.50-2.20pm

Joe & Lea, Shaun & Fi Fouhy

Oregon Stud Keith & Gae Higgins

OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK AGENT

e m o c l e w All

PGG Wrightson John Griffith & Co Ltd Carrfields CR Nelson Ltd Kiwi Livestock Ltd Ed Wallace Livestock Absolute Livestock Steve Wilkinson John Griffith Chris McBride Craig Nelson Ray Spencer Ed Wallace Brian Grant 0275 94 5110 0274 83 6679 0275 65 1145 021 457 127 021 544 791 027 272 2843 027 4315 348

NGĀPUTAHI 14 JUNE BULL SALE

Viewing from 1pm AUCTION 3pm

GROWING GREAT GENERATIONS ON HILLS

BULLS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT ALL TIMES WITH APPOINTMENTS

TOTARA RESERVE POHANGINA VALLEY

Scan our QR code to see our Sale Bulls data

Forbes Cameron 06 329 4050 • 027 259 4050 or Angus Cameron 06 329 4711

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

LK0107161©

LK0107006©

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

thesocklady@xtra.co.nz

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www.thesocklady.co.nz

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

Livestock Noticeboard

GLENDHU SHORTHORNS 3rd Bull Sale Tuesday 25th May 2021 at 11am on farm 147 Kempthorne Rd Heriot, West Otago

Glendhu 2021 sale bulls average

Breed average

Self Replacing Index ($)

+$80

+$60

Dairy Index ($)

+$59

+$36

Fraser Fletcher Ph 027 497 8104 or fraserfletcher@gmail.com

LK0107016©

SELECTION INDEX VALUES Market target

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

ON FARM AUCTION: 1pm Thurs June 17 OPEN DAY: 11.00am, May 27 at 811 Maraetotara Rd Over half sold for $6500 or less in 2020

Satisfaction guaranteed!

SALE TALK

“Some of the ﬁnest bulls in the south.” Structurally sound with real depth, genuine thickness, top temperaments. Bulls sold on Bidr online 26th May 2021 All bulls independently tested for fertility, soundness & BVD.

BULL OPEN DAY

Friday 14th May 12pm to 5pm 64 Alec Robins Road, Queenstown Contact Mike Smith 021 975 269 mike@kangus.co.nz www.kcangus.co.nz Inspection & enquiries welcome

Carrﬁelds Roger Keach 027 417 8641 PGG Wrightson Craig Knight 027 590 1331 Rural Livestock Paul Mavor 027 473 0100

Conditions apply

On Farm Sale Monday, 24th May 2021 - 1.30pm

KAIMOA

1775 MANGAONE VALLEY ROAD EKETAHUNA

Mark, Anthony and Di Eagle ‘Chessfield’ 1775 Mangaone Valley Rd Eketahuna p: 06 376 8256 e: eagleeketahuna@xtra.co.nz

We are committed to producing meaty bulls with good frame, constitution and temperament. With clients’ needs in mind we have sourced new genetics from overseas to maintain the highest qualities in our bulls.

in conjunction with

Winners of the Steak of Origin 2018 1447 Hereheretau Rd, RD 6, WAIROA 4196 www.kerrahsimmentals.co.nz

SIXTH ANNUAL ON-FARM AUCTION

Tangiwai Station, Wairoa • 1PM, Tuesday, 25th May 2021

Jon Knauf

80+

POLLED PERF BULLS FO ORMANCE R AUCTIO N

“Where Performance Meats Phenotype” Jon Knauf 06 838 6793 E: jsknauf@gisborne.net.nz

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.

Kaimoa South Devons have pleasure in putting forward 22 Bulls in 2021

www.koanuiherefords.co.nz

CONTACT: for catalogue

Here at Farmers Weekly we get some pretty funny contributions to our Sale Talk joke from you avid readers, and we’re keen to hear more!

farmersweekly.co.nz /enewsletters

P: 06 8747844 M: 027 4888 635 E: info@koanuiherefords.co.nz

PROFIT-A-BULL EXCELLENCE

An Irishman was applying for a job in Auckland and the interviewer asked him what his IQ was. He said “I wouldn’t have a clue, what should I have?” “At least 80” the interviewer said. “What if I only had 40” he said. The interviewer replied “You wouldn’t be able to tie your shoelaces. The Irishman quickly responded, “Ah so that’s why so many Kiwis wear jandals”. Supplied by JL Scobie

Phil Transom 0274 420 060 PGG Wrightson

Ross Mitchell 0274 048 965 Fergus Rural

Ready to talk some Bull?

Contact Ella: 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

12th Annual Bull Sale 26 RISING 2 YEAR OLD BULLS

ONLINE AUCTION Auction to be held at Beaumont Pub Inspections welcome from 9.30am Prior viewing by appointment only - Beaumont Township, 1910 State Highway 8 Open day: Friday 14th May, Beaumont Township

11am Tuesday 1 June 2021 st

PMS – PMS 173 C

RGB – 241, 90, 41

PMS – PMS 445 C

PMS – n/a

RGB – 60, 76, 64

RGB – 255, 255, 255

CMYK – 0, 80, 95, 0

CMYK – 50, 28, 24, 65

CMYK – 0, 0, 0, 0

HTML – f15a29

HTML – 3c4c54

PETERS ANGUS

1910 State Highway 8, Beaumont, RD1 Lawrence 9591, Otago www.petersgenetics.co.nz

Contact: Justin Wallis (Stud Master) 027 225 8330 or Clayton Peters 027 222 4421

LK0106966©

LOT 4

Free delivery in the South Island

Stay ahead of the rest

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

LK0107047©

THE DIFFERENCE IN CATTLE PERFORMANCE IS

BLACK AND WHITE Faster liveweight gain. Increased fertility. Superior meat quality. These are just some of the traits that define the HerefordX advantage. To find out more about buying a registered Hereford bull, view our breeders online sale catalogues at herefords.co.nz. MAY 17 20 26 26 28 29 29

Matapouri Hereford Stud, Marua Okahu Hereford Stud, Raetihi Matatoki Hereford Stud, Online Te Taumata Hereford Stud, Masterton Stoneburn Hereford Stud, Palmerston Flagstaff Hereford Stud, South Westland Glacier Hereford Stud, South Westland

JUNE 1 1 1 2 2 3 3

Limehills Polled Hereford Stud, Roxburgh Duncraigen Herefords, Online Rockend Hereford Stud, Mahoenui Waiau Hereford Stud, Tuatapere Pourakino Downs Hereford Stud, Otautau Glenbrae Hereford Stud, Porangahau Ngakouka Hereford Stud, Dannevirke

3 3 4 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10

Monymusk Polled Hereford Stud, Te Anau Waikaka Hereford Stud, Gore Locharburn Horned Hereford Stud, Cromwell Hain Hereford Stud, Gisborne Otapawa Hereford Stud, Eketahuna Foulden Hill Polled Hereford Stud, Middlemarch Kairuru Hereford Stud, Reporoa Okawa Hereford Stud, Ashburton Orari Gorge Hereford Stud, Geraldine Riverlee Hereford Stud, Kimbolton Grassmere Hereford Stud, Cheviot Capethorne Hereford Stud, Cheviot Maungahina Hereford Stud, Masterton Richon Hereford Stud, Beechwood Hereford Stud & Woodburn Hereford Stud, Amberley

www.herefords.co.nz

11 11 14 14 16 17 22

Merrylea Hereford Stud, Cave Earnscleugh Hereford Stud, Alexandra Martin Farming Hereford Stud, Wakefield Lake Station Herefords, St Arnaud Silverstream Hereford Stud, Akaroa Koanui Hereford Stud, Havelock North Matariki Hereford Stud, Kaikoura

JULY 1 1 5 6 27

Mokairau Hereford Stud Gisborne Wilencote Hereford Stud, Gisborne Te Puna Hereford Stud, Okaihau Moana Hereford Stud, Dargaville Arahou Hereford Stud, Tangiteroria

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

Livestock Noticeboard

KAIRURU POLLED HEREFORDS

SINCE 1979

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

ON FARM SALE ON-FARM

29TH ANNUAL SALE

at Kairuru,in conjunction Reporoa (midway Rotorua – Taupo)

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SALE

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

41 ST

26th March at 1:00pm with BIDR

LOT 2

28 R2YR BULLS

THURSDAY 10TH JUNE 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/enewsletters

KEVIN & JANE MCDONALD (REPOROA) 07 333 8068 • 027 451 0640 JEFF & NICOLA McDONALD McDONALD 021 510 351 • kairuruNZ@gmail.com

All bulls i50k and structurally assessed.

Auahi Charolais

Look towards the future

PRODUCE MORE BEEF USING LESS RESOURCES WITH CHAROLAIS

Henderson Partners

Pio Pio

Sale date 27th May – 1pm On offer is 27 R2 Bulls 10 R3 IC heifers In calf to a proven calving ease sire

13 in-calf R2yr heifers 7 heifer calves IF YOU HAVE COWS THAT ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO PRODUCE YOU REPLACEMENT HEIFER THEN THEY SHOULD7BEbull GOING 13A heifer calves calves

Hemmingford Maximum

TO A CHAROLAIS BULL. CHAROLAIS CROSS CALVES WILL OUT Hemingford Maximum – Registered Polled Herefords Registered Speckle Parks$27,000thebull perfect finishing sire. PERFORM STRAIGHTBRED CALVES FROM THOSE COWS. LIFTING PRODUCTION STARTS AT MATING TIME!

KEVIN & JANE McDONALD

07 333 8068

STUDIES SHOW THE CATTLE THAT ARE GONE THE QUICKEST HAVE THE LEAST ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT.

THEY, • EAT LESS FEED • CONSUME LESS WATER • HAVE LOWER METHANE PRODUCTION • HAVE LOWER NITROGEN EXCRETION www.charolais.net.nz FB & INSTAGRAM@charolaisbreedersnz

Est. 1981

This is our first offering from our

Enquiries phone John Henderson 027 633 1775

LINDSAY JONES

0274 528 603 Tuesday 1st of June 18 Ahiweka Rd, Dannevirke

Bull Walk – Tuesday 18th of May 12 – 2.00pm, or by appointment Simon Collin: 027 636 3243

George Collin: 027 782 5237 Land Line: 06 858 8045

SELLING 20 R2 CHAROLAIS BULLS

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BE GREEN GO WHITE!

Livestock Noticeboard

200 RISING 2-YEAR HEREFORD BULLS

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

SOMETHING FOR NOTHING

HYBRID VIGOUR HEREFORD BULLS X ANGUS COWS

for Auction over 3 days in Canterbury Region

FREE up to 15% GAIN

Orari Gorge - Geraldine Wednesday 9th June 11am

★ Weaning weight ★ Growth rates ★ Faster finishing

Okawa - Mt Somers Wednesday 9th June 2.30pm

PLUS

Beechwood, Richon, Woodburn - Amberley Thursday 10th June 11am

★ Quality beef premiums ★ Cow longevity ★ Feed efficiency ★ Better temperament

Capethorne & Grassmere - Cheviot Thursday 10th June 2pm

THE

Merrylea - Cave Friday 11th June 2pm

FACTOR

0107156©

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

REGISTERED HEREFORD BULLS

Contacts

Steer

Orari Gorge

Robert Peacock

03 692 2893

Okawa

Nick France

03 303 9749

Pure Angus Hereford x Angus

Beechwood

Rob Burrows

0272 633 582

Richon

Rob Stokes

0277 571 673

Woodburn

Tim Molloy

0274 994 079

Capethorne

Greg Chamberlain

Grassmere

Chris Jeffries

Merrylea

James McKerchar

Carcass weight

Heterosis gain Up to 15%

CWT value @ $5.25/kg

Angus Pure Premium 15c/kg

300kg

0kg

$1560

$45

300kg

Up to 45kg

Up to $1811.25

Total $ value $1605 $1811.25 Plus Premiums

021 549 229 0274 608 849 03 614 3332

24 Bulls For Sale

Thursday 3rd June 10am Viewing from 8am All bulls lepto & BVD vaccinated, semen tested and structurally assessed. Bruce and Chrissina Donald 1877 Weber Rd, RD 10, Dannevirke 4970 P: 06 374 2939 M: 027 230 2112 E: bruce.chrissina@xtra.co.nz E: ngakoukaherefords@gmail.com W: ngakoukaherefords.co.nz

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

LK0107147©

John McKone 027 229 9375 Simon Eddington 027 590 8612

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Anthony Cox 027 208 3071 Donald Cooke 0274 730 854

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

King Country

BULL SALE WEEK | MAY 31ST – JUNE 3RD 2021 6 breeds | 9 studs | Approx. 300 bulls for sale over 5 days

Cam Heggie, 027 501 8182 Kevin Mortenson, 027 473 5858

Brent Bougen, 027 210 4698 Alan Hiscox, 027 442 8434

or contact your local agent for more information

1st June 2021, 9:00 am

Contact Russell Proffit Enquiries inspection always welcome email:and rnmwproffit@xtra.co.nz 2033 State Highway 3, RD Mahoenui, 3978 phone: 07 877 8977 or 027 355 2927 www.raupuhastud.co.nz Raupuha Stud

SALE TO BE LIVESTREAMED

Tuesday 1st June 2021 11:30am 41 Quality Rising 2-year-old Angus Bulls Rob Purdie Ph: 07 877 8935 912 Ngatarawa Road, Mahoenui Email: tarangowerangus@farmside.co.nz

For over 80yrs Hingaia bulls have been standing up to the demands of the industry

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

HINGAIA OFFER:

Storth Oaks Angus “Genetics still available” 96 bulls sell: 96 average in top 5% of breed for AP index 96 average in top 10% for SR index 96 average +2.93 for IMF

75th ANNUAL Bull Sale

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Bull & Heifer On-Farm Sale

A/c Multiple Vendors Wednesday 19th May 2021 at Matamata Sale Yards Matamata Start time: 11:00am AUCTION ENTRIES: A/c Willmar Farms P/Ship • 100 genuine spring calving cross bred cows • Middle of the herd PW’s NZMI 103, BW121 PW111, 378 ms/cow • DTC 20th July to vetted dates with Jersey bulls (bulls out 5/12) • TB C10, Lepto vaccinated A/c Gubb Farms Ltd • 50 genuine G3 spring calving surplus Friesian cows • BW83 PW54 R/A 99%, 388ms/cow • DTC 20th July to vetted dates with F12A2 Friesian bulls (bulls out 20/12) • TB C10, Lepto vaccinated A/c Walden Farms Oruaiti Ltd • 50 genuine G3 spring calving surplus Friesian cows • BW83 PW54 R/A 99%, 388ms/cow • DTC 20th July to vetted dates with F12A2 Friesian bulls (bulls out 20/12) • TB C10, Lepto vaccinated PAYMENT DATE: Payment due 14 days after the auction ENQUIRIES TO: Carrfields Livestock Agent Reuben Wright 027 284 6384 Or your local Carrfields Agent View our Catalogue at

JW0107135©

Red, White & Roans of our world

MATAMATA IN-CALF DAIRY COW AUCTION

TARANGOWER ANGUS

Proven Genetics Constitution Fertility Longevity Soundness Balanced EBVs

HINGAIA ANGUS

“A balanced breeding programme for all environments”

Annual Bull Sale Wednesday 2nd June 2021 147 Hingaia Road, Te Awamutu - 4.00pm

2021 on farm & bidr simultaneously streamed Annual Sale Wednesday 2nd June, 1 pm Tim & Kelly Brittain 524 Paewhenua Rd,RD 2, Otorohanga. 3972 Phone: 07 873 2816 Mob: 027 5935387 Email: tim@storthoaks.co.nz www.storthoaks.co.nz facebook.com/storthoaksangus

storthoaks

twitter@storthoaksangus

INSPECTION AND VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME Richard Jolly 147 Hingaia Road, RD4, Te Awamutu 3874, P: 027 499 7159 Email: jollyrt57@gmail.com Andrew Jolly P: 0272 090 037

www.hingaiaangus.co.nz

Andy Transom P: 0275 965 142 Brent Bougen P: 027 210 4698 Bruce Orr P: 027 4922 122

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

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

KIA TOA CHAROLAIS On-farm Sale Est 2003

973 Troopers Road, Te Kuiti

Livestock advertising?

Going Going Gone!

31 GENUINE HILL COUNTRY BULLS ON OFFER Monday 31st May 2021 at 1.30pm

0800 85 25 80

MONDAY 31st MAY 2021 – 11.00AM 488 MANGAOTAKI ROAD, PIOPIO

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

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ALL BULLS BVD TESTED AND VACCINATED FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK – KIA TOA CHAROLAIS

AUCTION

Contact Ella:

Contact: Paul and Claire Grainger 07 878 6458 – 027 209 1959 pcgraingers@xtra.co.nz

Quiet, reliable, affordable fully guaranteed Bulls. 19 years breeding and selling Simmental Bulls. C10 herd, BVD clear, vaccinated, semen & service tested.

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Andrew & Tracey Neal Ph: 07 877 8009 • Mob: 027 366 5514 potawa488@gmail.com

Lot 10

Sound well fleshed sires, Excellent temperament 200 Fully Breedplan recorded cows • 20 Bulls Catalogued BULL OPEN DAY: WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE, 1 - 5PM • ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME ND

27TH ANNUAL SALE THURSDAY 10TH JUNE, 1PM, TE KUITI SALE YARDS PETER & CAROLINE FOSS

also online bidding with

495 Potaka Road, RD 1, Aria, King Country Ph/fax (07) 877 7881 • Email: pcfossy@xtra.co.nz

Mary Taylor PH: 06 8555322 Andy & Emma Martin PH: 068555348 E: taylors@glenbraestud.co.nz View Online: www.glenbraestud.co.nz

Lot 16

Lot 5

Lot 6

2021 AVERAGE OF GLENBRAE SALE BULLS ‘VS’ BREED AVERAGE EBV

Birth Wt.

200D Wt.

400D Wt.

600D Wt.

Milk

Scrotal Size

Carcase Wt.

EMA

Rib

Rump

Glenbrae sale bulls av

+4.8

+41

+70

+99

+19

+2.5

+67

+3.7

+0.7

+0.8

NZ Breed av.

+4.1

+33

+55

+78

+17

+2.1

+52

+3.6

+0.7

+0.8

30 Powerful Poll Hereford

Glenbrae Annual Bull Sale 1019 Mangaorapa Rd, Porangahau. Thursday 2pm. 3rd June 2021

OREGON 130.71x100angus 0097594 Oregon Angus

35 BULLS

Tuesday 8th June 2021 – 2pm

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

AT MORLAND 1464 MASTERTON STRONVAR ROAD KEITH & GAE HIGGINS 06 372 2782

BULL WALK THURSDAY 20TH MAY, FROM 1.50PM

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OREGON DYNAMITE

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

Westwood Shorthorn

STOCK FOR SALE R2 & R3YR STEERS 480-570kg CHAROLAIS HEIFERS 270kgs R2YR FRSN BULLS 320, 390-480kg

80 1YR

Bulls for sale by Private Treaty

Line HEIFER CALVES refer to online listings

STOCK REQUIRED

See www.shorthorn.co.nz to view bulls for sale

MALE LAMBS 33-38kg EWE LAMBS 32-36kg

ANGUS and/or XBRED COWS Nov & Dec Bull

Westwood Shorthorns and Coloured Sheep

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

All bulls’ blood tested negative for BVD

Anita Erskine, Westwood, Papatotara, Tuatapere RD 9691 Phone: 03 226 6713 Email: westwood.farm@xtra.co.nz (Or PGG Stud Stockman Callum McDonald 027 433 6443)

Lochburn

Carnegie

Taupiri Private Sales 07 824 6751 - Kelvin

Raupuha

Mahoenui Bull& Heifer Sale 1st June, 9am 07 877 8977 - Russell

Give Ella a bell: 0800 85 25 80

Glenrossie

Katikati Sale 20th May, 1:00pm 021 520 244 - Craig

Waitomo Private Sale 07 873 6968 - Ron

Browns

Waitara Private Sales 06 754 6699 - Roger

TH Frontier 174E Multi Trait Leading Low Birth High Growth

Te Awamutu Private Sales 027 211 1112 - Ross

Stratford Private Sales 06 765 7269 - Jack

Colvend

Ongarue Sale 1st June, 3.30pm 07 894 6030 - Alan

Te Kohanui

Marton Private Sales 06 327 8185 - Alan

Hinewaka Sale

Sale 9th June, 3.00pm 06 372 7615 - David

Turiwhate

Dunblane

Kumara Bidr 26th May, 7.30pm 027 379 8167 - Chris

Waikari Private Sales 027 233 3678 - Chris

Glenbrook Station

Hiwiroa Sale

Waipukurau Bidr 3rd June, 7.30pm 06 858 5369 - Jim 06 855 4737 - Nick

Carriganes Cattle

Omarama Private Sales 021 285 9303 - Simon

Rough Ridge

Ranfurly Sale 21st May, 11am 03 444 9277 - Malcolm

Glendhu

Heriot Sale 25th May, 11am 027 497 8104 - Fraser

Tuatapere Private Sales 03 226 6713 - Anita

Sons of Feature Sire

Roscliff

Mangaotuku

Westwood

Commercially Farmed Herd in Tararua Hill Country - Focusing on Profit Driving Traits

Morrinsville Private Sales 07 889 5965 - Hamish

Bullock Creek

Mill Valley

40 Performance Bulls - Auction Starts 12 Noon

Morton

Aubrey

Whangamomona Private Sales 06 762 3520 - Aaron

BULL SALE - 8th JUNE 2021

Whangarei Heads Sale 2nd July, 1pm 09 434 0987 - David 09 434 0718 -Will

Waiuku Private Sales 021 031 3091

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

Stock sale coming up?

Looking for a Beef Shorthorn? Check them out

LK0107114©

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Dunsandel Private Sales 022 470 2447 - Sarah

Using a n bull in Shorthor eeding ss-br your cro l increase wil program ne up to bottom li 20%

Poll Hereford Bulls - Available for viewing anytime.

Stuart 027 8484408

Douglas 027 9197150

Or Your Agent

KIKITANGEO Supplementary Dispersal Sale of 2020 born lambs and Stud sires used 2020 17 November 2021 Wellsford Saleyards Approximately 300 2th Ewes – all by top Kiki sires 50-70 2th Rams

Glenfern

Tokanui Private Sales 03 246 8498 - Allan

Renowned for great marbling producing top quality meat

The progeny of these ewes and rams will never need drenching in most areas of New Zealand. In areas where the Barbers Pole worm is dominant every year, sheep with 50% Kiki background may require drenching mid to late January and early April.

Keep an eye out on our facebook and website for updates

www.shorthorn.co.nz

With 100% Kiki breeding, most will not require drenching. The best and only long term solution to drench resistance is the genetic option.

LK0107103©

For further information do not hesitate to contact me: Gordon Levet | Tel 09 423 7034 Email glevet5192@gmail.com | Website www.kikitangeo.co.nz

Livestock Noticeboard

MYLIVESTOCK SALES MAY 2021

ELITE IN CALF PEDIGREE HEIFER AUCTION Kelvin Stokes, Horsham Downs, Taupiri Wednesday 19th May 2021 • 3pm Selling 8 Lots of exceptional VIC Heifers

THURSDAY 20TH MAY 2021 Machinery Sale, Sandhills Rd, Kaitaia, 11.30am Tractors, utes, bikes, side by sides, mowers, spray units etc

out of the 2 in the ring Hybrid Auction Sale streamed live via MyLiveStock

0800 695 483

LK0107005©

MyLivestock bidding platform available

For all enquiries contact: Vendor: Kelvin Stokes 0274 844 672 Agent: Brent Bougen 0272 104 698

TUESDAY 25TH MAY 2021 170+ VIC XB Cows, Main South Rd, Oaonui, 11am FRIDAY 28TH MAY 2021 Machinery Sale, Stratford Sale Yards, 11.30am Assorted machinery from multiple vendors Contact: NZ Farmers Livestock 0800 695 483

LK0107136©

Purchase your pick Heifer

24 hours prior to the sale or phone

MAY TO JULY 2021

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 Lochburn Shorthorn Stud, Horsham Downs, Taupiri, 3pm 8 Lots of exceptional VIC Heifers

Cnr Speedy & Driver Roads,

Or visit: www.mylivestock.co.nz/Events

NZFL Stud Stock Agent

MYLIVESTOCK STUD SALES

TUESDAY 18TH MAY 2021 50 x In Calf Heifers, Lwr Hastings Rd, Hawera, 11am

A/c: LOCHBURN SHORTHORN STUD

Please register at mylivestock.co.nz

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

Need to mooooove stock? Advertise your stock in Farmers Weekly.

Contact Ella: 06 323 0761 / 027 602 4925 livestock@globalhq.co.nz farmersweekly.co.nz

ONLINE PLATFORM OPERATING 19th May Kelvin Stokes, Shorthorn Female Sale 3pm Horsham Downs 1st June Tarangower Angus Rockend Hereford 11.30am Mahoenui 2nd June Hingaia Angus 4pm Te Awamutu 3rd June Shian Angus 11am Taumarunui Blackridge Angus 2pm Taumarunui Puke-Nui 4.30pm Taumarunui 4th June Limousin Sale 12 Noon Matamata 9th June Riverlee Hereford Stud 1.30pm Kimbolton 10th June Ipurua South Devon 1pm Te Kuiti Saleyards 11th June Rolling Rock Angus 10am Te Akau 17th June Waitawheta Angus 1pm Paeroa 18th June Tawanui, Te Kupe & Aywon Combined Hereford & Angus 12.30pm Stratford 5th July Te Puna Hereford Kerikeri GUIDE TO USING OUR ONLINE LIVE AUCTION PLATFORM Getting Started - how to get verified to participate in an Auction. Create an account with MyLiveStock. Login to MyLiveStock. Once you have created an account you can go to the Live Auction and be a viewer only user. If you wish to bid on the Live Auction portal, submit your NZFL Account Number/ Code (8 digit numerical account code found on an invoice or credit note on the top right hand side). We will allocate a unique online Permanent Bidder ID number. You will be notified of this by email once complete. If you are not a current NZFL account holder you are required to apply and complete the necessary documentation and credit checks. If you cannot remember your NZFL Account Number/Code or Permanent Bidder Number phone 0800 695 483 and we will get you set up and verified. You can now access the Live Auction page. You must agree to the Terms & conditions to enable bidding and before each auction begins.

TAUMARUNUI ANGUS BULL SALE DAY THURSDAY 3RD JUNE

•

SHIAN 11AM,

BLACK RIDGE 2PM,

PUKE-NUI 4.30PM

Proud to be part of Angus NZ

BLACK RIDGE ANGUS STUD On-Farm Bull Sale

Thursday 3rd June 2021, 2pm 27 R2 Year Bulls SIRE BULLS:

ANGUS

Stern 094, Stokman South Dakota 226, Matauri Navigator 428, TeMania 314, Matauri Taratara L368

DEAN & TERESA SHERSON 675 Taringamotu Road, RD 4, TAUMARUNUI 3994 p: 07 896 7211 m: 027 690 2033 e: black_ridge@live.com.au Like and Find us on Facebook

Inspection and Enquiries always welcome. All bulls BVD vaccinated and tested. Lepto vaccinated. Semen evaluated. TB C10.

BULL SALE

THURSDAY 3RD JUNE 2021 AT 4:30PM Bull Sale Venue: 303 River Road, SH 43, Taumarunui

32 Bulls

Alan & Catherine Donaldson p: (07) 896 6714 e: agcsdonaldson@gmail.com www.pukenuiangus.co.nz

Find us on Facebook

JW107014©

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

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

Livestock Noticeboard

OKAHU

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

Polled Herefords

UPCOMING AUCTIONS 51st ANNUAL BULL SALE Thursday 20 May 2021, 3pm

Wednesday, 19 May 2021 1.00pm - Aniwaniwa Speckle Park Bull Sale

Thursday, 20 May 2021 11.00am - Waikite Simmental Bull Sale 12.00pm - Ruaview Simmental & Angus Bull Sale 2.00pm - Glenwood Angus & Loch Lomond South Devon Bull Sale

Closed Herd No trading cattle Approximately 25 two-year old bulls to be sold on property BVD clear & vaccinated – TB status C10 Semen tested – 2 x Covexin 10

Friday, 21 May 2021 2.00pm - Busybrook Holsteins Platinum Edition Clearing Sale 2.00pm - Penvose Angus Bull Sale

Contact: Kelly O’Neill 06 385 4558 Callum Stewart, National Genetics Manager, PGG Wrightson 027 280 2688 Ken Roberts, PGG Wrightson Livestock Representative 0275 918 042 Okahu Herefords are run under natural conditions at an altitude of 2000 feet and over, near Mt Ruapehu. Our aim is to breed hardy, heavy muscled, good hindquartered cattle for the beef market, which can compete with sheep on the hills. Kelly O’Neill – 7425 Valley Road, RD6, Raetihi 4696

OKAHU – Over 100 years of breeding Herefords

2021 BULL SALES BULL WALK

A great chance to see around 1100 R2 Bulls over four days that will be auctioned this season. Prior viewing would be available by arrangement with Vendors, or the Agents listed below. SOUTH & MID CANTERBURY Tuesday 25th May 10am to 4pm Meadowslea Angus, Fairlie Merrylea Hereford, Cave Orari Gorge Hereford, Geraldine Okawa Hereford, Mayfield Matatoki Hereford, Cave Mt Possession Angus, Mt Somers Tuesday 25th May 1pm to 4pm Kakahu Angus & Charolais, Geraldine Stern Angus, Pleasant Point

David Giddings James McKerchar Robert Peacock Nick France Paul Scott Ryan Hussey

03 685 8027 03 614 3332 03 692 2893 03 303 9749 03 612 9962 03 303 9867

Tom Hargreaves James Fraser

03 697 4979 03 614 7080

CENTRAL CANTERBURY Wednesday 26th May 12pm to 4pm Sudeley Angus, Irwell Silverstream Charolais & Hereford, Greenpark Burtergill South Devon, West Melton

Andrew Laing Brent Fisher Richard Van Asch

03 329 1709 0272 514 791 021 191 5584

NORTH CANTERBURY Thursday 27th May 10am to 4pm Red Oak Angus, Weka Pass Grampians Angus, Culverden Hemingford Charolais, Culverden Kaiwara Angus, Culverden Grassmere Hereford & Riverlands Angus, Cheviot Capethorne Hereford, Cheviot Te Mania Angus, Conway Flat Richon Hereford, Amberley Beechwood Hereford, Amberley Woodburn Hereford, Amberley

Rick Orr Jono Reed Sam Holland George Johns Chris Jeffries Greg Chamberlain Will Wilding Rob Stokes Rob Burrows Helen Molloy

0272 457 751 0272 580 732 0211 814 868 0221 983 599 0274 608 849 021 549 229 027 826 4015 027 757 1673 027 263 3582 0274 994 079

MARLBOROUGH BULL WALK Friday 28th May 10am to 4pm Matariki Herefords, Clarence Bridge Woodbank Angus, Clarence Bridge Taimate Angus, Ward Okiwi Angus, Queen Charlotte Brackenfield Angus, Awatere Leefield Station Angus, Waihopai Valley

James Murray Johnny Murray Paul Hickman George MacPherson Angus Peter Greg Crombie

027 486 6699 027 731 9430 021 575 155 03 574 1009 022 428 7906 0275 511 011

ST ARNAUD, WAKEFIELD & RAI VALLEY BULL WALK Friday 28th May 10am to 4pm Lake Herefords, St Arnaud Martin Farming Hereford & Angus, Wakefield Blacknight Angus, Rai Valley

Malcolm McConochie 021 251 0078 Richard Martin 027 230 3098 Ben Maisey 03 571 6271

Further Enquiries John McKone, PGG Wrightson Simon Eddington, PGG Wrightson Anthony Cox, Rural Livestock Callum Dunnett, Carrfields

027 529 9375 027 590 8612 027 208 3071 027 587 0131

Monday, 24 May 2021 11.00am - Puketoi Angus Bull Sale 1.30pm - Kaimoa South Devon Bull Sale 2.00pm - Gold Creek Simmental Bull Sale Tuesday, 25 May 2021 1.00pm - Kerrah Simmental Bull Sale 2.30pm - Delmont Angus Bull Sale For further information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 17, 2021

GAME CHANGER

ENABLER

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

IT’S A NO BRAINER

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Contact your local livestock rep or email us at Go-Stock@pggwrightson.co.nz Helping grow the country

FYVIE MEADOWS JERSEY REDUCTION SALE On farm 103 Proctor Rd, RD 2, Taupiri

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

If you want weaner bulls, anywhere in the country, I can supply. Give me a call Hamish Hewitt 027 447 5384

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Thursday May 20th at 11am Comprising 68 Good type mixed age spring calving Jersey cows. Auctioneers note: The vendors are transitioning to Autumn calving creating a genuine surplus.

Key: Dairy

Cows will be presented in good order with BW’s to 224 and include cows by overseas sires. DTC from July 10th to high BW Jersey sires. Contact vendors: Russell Gibb 0210 299 1808 Natalie Dyson 027 395 4532 Sale managers: Ross Riddell 0272 111 112 Nigel Riddell 0274 343 153

FEILDING COW SALE

Thursday 20th May, 11.30am Feilding Saleyards Complex A/C Siberia Stn Turakina Valley • 195 R3yr Hereford Hfrs VIC Ang Bull 1/12 Hfrs sourced from Beaumont Stn, Maniototo as Ylgs every year. Farmed on Steep Hill Country. Great Shifting Cattle. Further enquiries: Maurice Stewart 0272 469 255

Thursday 20th May, 11.30am Feilding Saleyards Complex A/C H & C Blackburn Ltd. Ohakune • 130 4 - 8yr Ang + Ang/Hfd Cows VIC Angus + Hereford 18/12 Capital Stock Change in farming policy Further enquiries: Maurice Stewart 0272 469 255

Cattle

Sheep

Other

WAIROA LAMB SALE CANCELLED Thursday, 20th May 2021

MATAWHERO CATTLE SALE Tuesday, 25th May 2021

The Clearing Sale specialists

Linking buyers and sellers

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Contact your local rep today.

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

BULL INSURANCE

Helping grow the country

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pggwrightson.co.nz/insurance | 0800 10 22 76

Scan me to request a no obligation insurance assessment

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Mel Croad

Suz Bremner

Reece Brick

Nicola Dennis

Sarah Friel

Caitlin Pemberton

Deer

Sheep

Cattle BEEF

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.25

4.90

NI lamb (17kg)

7.40

7.25

6.55

NI Stag (60kg)

5.35

5.20

5.70

NI Bull (300kg)

5.15

4.90

NI mutton (20kg)

5.80

5.60

4.50

SI Stag (60kg)

5.30

5.70

NI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.35

SI lamb (17kg)

7.00

6.90

6.35

SI Steer (300kg)

4.75

4.65

4.40

SI mutton (20kg)

5.50

5.40

4.05

SI Bull (300kg)

4.70

4.60

4.35

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.20

3.15

2.90

UK CKT lamb leg

11.87

11.28

10.25

US imported 95CL bull

8.52

8.18

9.29

US domestic 90CL cow

8.52

7.58

10.73

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

6.50

$/kg CW

5.0

10.0 South Island lamb slaughter price

5-yr ave

Jun

2019-20

Dairy

Aug 2020-21

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Apr 2019-20

Jun

MILK PRICE FUTURES

Prior week

Last year

2.33

2.34

2.49

37 micron ewe

2.10

30 micron lamb

2.15

2.20

7.50

400 $/tonne

7.00 6.50 6.00 … M

… M

J…

N …

…

J…

…

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

Aug 2020-21

Urea

672

567

Super

319

314

DAP

990

787

Jun-20

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

390

Apr-20

Jun

Last year

395

380

Apr 2019-20

Prior week

385 Sept. 2022

Feb

Last week

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT 405

Dec

FERTILISER Last week

8.00

Nearby contract

Oct

Fertiliser

Aug 2020-21

Grain

Data provided by

Sept. 2021

7.0

5-yr ave

Coarse crossbred ind. Apr

8.0

5.0

(NZ$/kg)

Feb

9.0

6.0

WOOL

5.00

Dec

South Island stag slaughter price

11.0

5.50

4.50

$/kg MS

6.0

7.0

5.0

6.00

Oct

7.0

6.0

South Island steer slaughter price

6.50

8.0

$/kg CW

8.0

$/kg CW

4.50 4.00

9.0

7.0

9.0

Last year

10.0

8.0

5.00

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.0

5.0

5.50

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

6.0

6.00

4.00

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

William Hickson

Ingrid Usherwood

Aug-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Feb-21

Apr-21

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

Company

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

33.55

36.55

YTD Low 27.1

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

5.28

9.94

5.04 6.65

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.42

7.99

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

6.46

7.6

5.79

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.47

4.97

4.37

Mainfreight Limited

74.3

64.85

Ryman Healthcare Limited

14.75

15.99

13.86 5.67

Fletcher Building Limited

7.33

7.55

Contact Energy Limited

7.6

11.16

6.6

Infratil Limited

7.27

7.9

6.74

Listed Agri Shares

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.178

0.195

0.161

The a2 Milk Company Limited

5.96

12.5

5.96

Comvita Limited

3.26

3.6

3.06

Last price*

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

4270

4240

4070

400

Delegat Group Limited

14.5

15.4

13.75

SMP

2835

2830

2825

395

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.11

5.15

3.92

Foley Wines Limited

1.79

2.07

1.68

390

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.16

1.17

0.81

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.28

0.65

0.25

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.65

1.72

1.43

PGG Wrightson Limited

3.3

3.65

3.11 0.37

4140

4100

4050

Butter

3500

3460

3430

Milk Price

7.70

7.73

$/tonne

AMF

405

385

7.64

380

Apr-20

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Aug-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Feb-21

Apr-21

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

4500

400

4000

350 $/tonne

US$/t

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Jun-20

3500

300

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.4

0.61

Sanford Limited (NS)

4.67

5.23

4.3

Scales Corporation Limited

4.49

5.09

4.22 4.66

Seeka Limited

5.1

5.68

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

3.11

5.24

3.11

T&G Global Limited

2.91

2.88

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

13101

15491

13101

S&P/NZX 50 Index

12428

13558

12085

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12284

13978

11776

250 3000 May

Jun Jul Latest price

Aug

Sep 4 weeks ago

Oct

200

Apr-20

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Feb-21

Apr-21

13101

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12428

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

12284

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview Autumn has finally woken up, and with two weeks until the start of meteorological winter, it’s surely taken its time. This week is a classic autumn week of weather, with fairly strong west to southwest winds at times – gales in exposed places, possibly severe gales for some south of the lower North Island. The bulk of the wet weather will be hitting the West Coast, with showers more likely up along the western North Island. For eastern areas that means a return to being fairly dry. High pressure is moving in towards New Zealand later this week, but may not really settle over NZ for another several days, which may well mean south to southwest winds and showers leading into next week.

Shipping disruptions likely to continue

13/05/2021

Sarah Friel sarah.friel@globalhq.co.nz

S Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Wind

Expect gales and potentially severe gales for the first few days of this week, as a stormy autumn weather pattern moves through. Low pressure will be in the Southern Ocean, helping fuel the windy weather over the South Island and central NZ areas in particular.

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature Cooler or colder weather this week for those in the south of NZ but for many in the east, it will be sunny and ‘not too bad’. Some cooler nights on the way, especially around the South Island.

14-day outlook

7-day rainfall forecast

It’s a very unsettled start to this week, but the weather does relax a bit towards the weekend with high pressure in Australia flirting with NZ, but perhaps not really settling in over us. This weekend it may be a little unsettled with high pressure in the area but not anchored over us, allowing showers around the edges to move in. High pressure has a better chance of making it into the NZ area later next week.

A bit stormy to kick off this week, with low pressure in the Southern Ocean sending strong winds, downpours and colder air into the country. Severe weather risks do appear to ease later this week, and even more so later next week.

100

200

400

HIPPING containers have been very elusive to New Zealand exporters at a time when global demand and protein prices are strong. A common misconception is that there is a tight supply of shipping containers globally, impacting our export trade, but the shipping industry expected 1.4 million new-built 20-foot equivalent (TEU) containers to be delivered in the first quarter of 2021. This is a 10% increase on production in the fourth quarter of 2020, and a 21% increase on yearago levels, when production took a nosedive in anticipation of soft global demand due to the pandemic. At this rate, there is potential that 2021 could be a recordbreaking year for container production, with projections exceeding 4.7m TEU. This heightened container production does not appear to be enough to compensate for the ‘tools down’ period at the beginning of 2020. This put carriers on the back foot when demand surged, driven by lockdowns redirecting spending from restaurants and travel to online shopping. Additionally, low staffing rates at the height of the pandemic softened production of all commodities, exacerbating shipping issues as supply was constantly a step behind demand and bottlenecks ensued. To meet heightened demand, shipping companies attempted to be more efficient by missing certain voyages to travel busier routes and use larger ships to compensate for travelling off route. This has created congestion at US ports, particularly as laden ships do not reload with empty containers. So, we are faced with a cyclical issue of certain ports being overwhelmed

by a strong supply of containers, further contributing to the displacement of empty containers in the supply chain. Evidently, shipping companies can add and change capacity faster than ports, creating an imbalance in productivity. Refrigerated containers, specifically and ships which are built to transport them, are in high demand. Reportedly, any key export season challenges the supply of refrigerated containers, and extra complicating factors this year has exacerbated this. Shipping consultancy company Drewry reported refrigerated container prices have gone up 26% over the first quarter of 2021, which is the biggest spike since records began in 2017. At this stage, Drewry expects it will be 2022 before some price erosion kicks into shipping. High costs and low availability of refrigerated containers have been a consistent headache for NZ exporters this season, particularly as fruit, meat and seafood exporters all compete over the same pool of containers during the key export season of November to May. Reports of logistical complications began filing into AgriHQ through November and December, when chilled lamb exports were ramping up. Since then, export demand for lamb has been consistently strong, with the average export value (AEV) from November to March equalling NZ$9.84/kg, 27c/kg higher than the five-year average AEV over the same period. Higher than average export values are a saving grace for the NZ supply chain given the surging rate of sea freight, especially since initial expectations of the shipping situation righting itself by mid-year become laughable. For the time being, securing containers will remain a waiting game. Processors will have to manage storage and throughput effectively to minimise the risk to chilled shelf life and export values.

With more of a west to southwest flow dominating NZ over the coming week, it means western and southern NZ will be most exposed to wet weather, especially the West Coast, which leans wetter than normal. However, eastern areas like Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay and Northland may all lean drier than average again. There may be some eastern downpours this weekend or next week, but they do look isolated. Elsewhere, expect average to slightly lower than average rainfall.

BUGBEAR: High costs and low availability of refrigerated containers have been a headache for exporters.

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

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you plan for it. Visit ruralweather.co.nz for detailed hour-by-hour forecasts for your local area, ten days in advance. RuralWeather - Backing farmers and growers who feed New Zealanders.

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SALE YARD WRAP

Here come the lambs Rain has been welcomed in some dry areas though plummeting temperatures by the end of the week were a reminder that winter was not far away. With that in mind store lamb volume lifted significantly at several yards around the country. Temuka penned 10,000 lambs, which included many halfbred and fine-wool types, as well as consignments from the Chatham Islands. Matawhero offered up 4500 and Stortford Lodge 7000, while Feilding backed up an 18,000 head yarding the previous week with a further 11,000. For some yards the lift in volume meant buyers could be selective and longer-term lambs came back in price, but for others it was the vendors’ week as their offload was timed to perfection with strong regular buyers returning to the market. NORTHLAND Kaikohe sale • R2 Friesian bulls made $2.48/kg • R2 Simmental-cross heifers earned $2.48/kg • Better weaner heifers fetched $2.40/kg to $2.55/kg • Boner cows sold around $1.60/kg A lift in grass growth lifted buyers confidence at KAIKOHE, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. Better demand for R2 steers improved values to $2.58$2.60/kg. Weaner steers were mainly good-quality Angus which realised $860-$940, $3.00-$3.17/kg. Nice capital stock Angus and Angus-Friesian cows achieved $1040$1100, $1.95-$2.00/kg. Wellsford store cattle • Most R2 beef-dairy and exotic-dairy steers, 370-503kg, held at $2.45-$2.51/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 300kg, firmed to $2.58/kg • Top weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 230kg, improved to $735 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 146-189kg, returned $415-$485 Just under 590 cattle were presented at WELLSFORD last Monday and most sold in line with quality and type. R2 Angus-cross steers, 385-398kg, held at $2.37-$2.49/kg with Red Devon-cross and Speckle Park-cross, 395-398kg, $2.33$2.40/kg. The balance of Hereford-Friesian and AngusFriesian heifers, 310-345kg, earned $2.29-$2.32/kg. Seven weaner Angus steers, 275kg, realised $670 while better Angus-cross, 161kg, held at $410. Hereford-Friesian, 190198kg, returned $650-$715 and 138kg, $490. Friesian, 170kg, were picked up for $345. Traditional heifers, 233-260kg, fetched $525-$625 and Angus-Friesian, 162kg, firmed to $375. Read more in your LivestockEye.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • Medium R2 crossbred steers made $2.33/kg to $2.66/kg, $850$1120 • Boner cows firmed at $1.50/kg to $2.39/kg, $450-$850 • Weaner Angus-cross steers fetched $2.83/kg, $640 • Light to medium weaner crossbred heifers ranged from $3.45/kg to $4.42/kg, $370-$470 A good bench of buyers was present at PUKEKOHE on Saturday 8th May, though cattle were not quite finished which indicated vendors’ uncertainty around feed levels through winter. Good forward steers earned $2.39/kg to $2.57/kg, $1240-$1520 and similar condition heifers $2.60/ kg, $1100-$1345.

COUNTIES Tuakau prime cattle and all sheep • Prime Hereford-Friesian heifers reached $2.70/kg • Top prime lambs made $154 • Prime ewes averaged $123 Prime steers held value at TUAKAU last Wednesday, Karl Chitham of Carrfields Livestock reported. Heavy steers, 580-650kg, sold at $2.64-$2.71/kg and 490-560kg made $2.57-$2.66/kg. Prime heifers, 480-550kg, returned $2.61$2.66/kg while 615kg run-with-bull Angus cows fetched $2.04/kg. The boner section featured mostly medium and light cows. Medium boners, 500-550kg, earned $1.58-$1.73/ kg with 400-460kg at $1.29-$1.50/kg. Monday’s sheep sale drew a small yarding. Good prime lambs made $146-$154 and medium, $134-$145. Store lambs ranged from $64 to $134 and prime ewes, $90-$168.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle 11.5 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 228kg, made $695 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 190-210kg, earned $530-$550 • Prime heifers carrying more condition sold to $2.54-$2.64/kg • Hereford-Friesian feeder calf heifers firmed to $110-$130 There was a decent bench of local buyers at the PGG

Wrightson sale at FRANKTON last Tuesday and the market firmed. Late-born R2 Hereford-Friesian steers sold to $2.88/ kg. Better R2 dairy-beef heifers returned $2.50-$2.60/kg. Weaner Hereford received strong interest and steers, 262kg, realised $800 and heifers, $710-$790. In the feeder calf pens, better Friesian bulls traded at $75-$119 and HerefordFriesian bulls, $145-$255. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle 12.5 • R2 heifers were mostly steady at $2.40-$2.49/kg • Autumn-born yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 197-249kg, achieved $2.83-$2.94/kg • Better prime steers strengthened to $2.59-$2.69/kg There was a small yarding of 292 store cattle from New Zealand Farmers Livestock at FRANKTON last Wednesday. The market strengthened on the back of good rain and better-quality cattle. The R2 dairy-beef steer average improved 12c to $2.58/kg, though the top end was steady at $2.62-$2.68/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers mostly traded at $440 with 195kg Angus to $520. Better weaner heifers were bought for $465-$475. Read more in your LivestockEye. Autumn-born yearling steers varied though the bulk were able to achieve $2.41/kg to $2.57/kg.

KING COUNTRY Te Kuiti • Heavy prime 2-tooth ewes made $150-$189, medium $130-$140 and light $80-$85 • Empty mixed age Angus and Simmental-cross cows, 526-668kg, sold to $1.81-$1.88/kg • R2 Angus steers, 450458kg, earned $2.82-$2.84/kg There were 2500 sheep yarded at TE KUITI last Wednesday. Heavy prime lambs made $180, medium $140-$145 and light $120-$130. In the store lamb pens, the top end firmed to $127-$140, medium $120-$130 and light $85-$90. There were 1100 store cattle last Friday. R3 traditional steers, 500-563kg, fetched $2.55-$2.64/kg, and 546kg Hereford-Friesian, $2.53/kg. Please note the sale had not finished when this paper went to print.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • R2 Hereford bulls, 382kg, pushed to $2.70/kg • Prime Friesian steers, 793kg, returned $2.64/kg • Prime Hereford and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 413-463kg, earned $2.51-$2.61/kg • Wiltshire lambs earned up to $139 while prime ewes made up to $167 More than half of the prime steer offering at RANGIURU last Tuesday tipped the scales over 630kg. The top price of $2.88/kg was achieved by 704kg beef-cross steers while 697kg Shorthorn bulls achieved $2.87/kg. A level of $2.65$2.78/kg covered the rest of the 630kg and over steers with the balance either Hereford-Jersey, 563kg, at $2.65/ kg or Hereford-Friesian, 540kg, $2.50/kg. R2 HerefordFriesian steers, 438kg, returned $2.56/kg while second-cuts, 296-466kg, reached $2.36-$2.47/kg. The top heifers were Hereford-Friesian, 420kg, and managed $2.54/kg while lighter pens of 292-338kg made $2.38-$2.43/kg. The best lines of weaner bulls, steers and heifers all managed $510$555. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Mixed sex store lambs held at $108-$113 • Heavier store ram lambs made $110-$120 • Cryptorchid store lambs fetched $75-$87 • Run-with-ram breeding ewes realised $125-$147 At MATAWHERO last Friday the top end of male store lambs lifted to $131-$147, medium $110-$126 and the bottom end $95-$100. Top ewe store lambs traded to $110-

$125, medium $90-$108 and light $60-$87. Prime lambs were unable to reach the highs of the previous sale $162, with medium $130-$135 and light $110. Prime mixed age ewes earned $140-$170. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle fair • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 482kg, earned $2.59/kg • R2 Speckle Park-cross steers, 408-418kg, made $2.51-$2.52/kg • Better weaner heifers achieved $420-$480 • Vetted-in-calf mixed-age cows achieved $2.44-$2.49/kg There was a large yarding of 920 cattle at the TARANAKI cattle fair last Wednesday and the market met expectations. R2 steers firmed a few cents to $2.55/kg, helped by heavier weights. The top end of Hereford-Friesian was able to reach $2.62-$2.72/kg with the next cut $2.50-$2.60/kg and lesser types around $2.40/kg. The lion’s share of R2 heifers fetched $2.35-$2.45/kg, though better types improved to $2.47-$2.57/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers traded to $530-$665 with the next cut $500-$520. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Very heavy ewes held at $184-$196.50 • Most light ewes firmed to $101-$110 • Two pens of exceptionally heavy ram and cryptorchid lambs reached $194-$199 • Heavy mixed-sex lambs traded at $140-$160 Temperatures reached the high-twenties last Monday at STORTFORD LODGE. Ewes numbered 975 with good demand for the better end. Eight very heavy ewes topped the sale at $222. Most very good to heavy ewes held at $151$176, as did light-medium to medium types at $116.50$127.50. Medium-good ewes eased slightly to $137-$143.50. Lamb throughput lifted to 574. Heavy cryptorchid earned $127 with heavy to very heavy ram and male lambs at $142$178.50. Top mixed-sex returned $170-$181.50 with good to very good types at $120-$125. Heavy ewe lambs earned $129-$146. No cattle were presented. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • 4-tooth Romney ewes, scanned-in-lamb 161% to South Suffolk, made $186 • Heavy male lambs lifted to $131-$140 • Medium ewe lambs lifted to $103-$120 • R2 Angus heifers, 346-397kg, held at $830-$975, $2.40-$2.46/kg Scanned-in-lamb ewes made their first appearance for the season at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday. Mixedage Romney, scanned-in-lamb 156% to South Suffolk, fetched $170. Good buying orders lifted the store lamb market and top ewe lambs sold for $115-$135.50. Quality was mixed through the third cut male lambs and prices varied from $106 to $135. Cattle volume totalled just 114. R3 traditional heifers with calves-at-foot made $800-$950 and R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 501kg, $2.42/kg. One line of R2 Angus steers, 413kg, returned $2.81/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Angus cows, 396-474kg, earned $1.56-$1.66/kg • Angus-Hereford cows, 580kg, stretched to $1.75/kg • Friesian cows, 450-525kg, mostly sold at $1.45-$1.53/kg Heavy male lambs returned $152-$185.50 at FEILDING last Monday, but they were outshone by a small pen of very heavy mixed-sex that pushed to $210. Other heavy mixedsex traded at $145-$179 while nearly 600 ewe lambs mostly sat within a range of $158.50-$161.50. Prime ewes trickled in and very good pens set buyers back $183-$189 while the rest mostly traded at $115-$165. Prices in the autumn calf pens settled down as the season draws to a close. The best

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021

Coalgate cattle and sheep • Prime Angus steers, 540-680kg, traded at $2.33-$2.39/kg • Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 546kg, made $2.40/kg • Prime traditional cows, 505-640kg, managed $1.31/kg to $1.45/kg • Scanned-in-lamb breeding ewes returned $130-$220 Heavy lines of prime lambs proved popular at COALGATE last Thursday. Buyers chased the top pens to $196-$201 while half sold at $161-$188 and the balance $110-$159. The top 10% of the ewes fetched $233-$292 with other very heavy lines $195-$224. The balance mostly earned $120$182. Demand spilled over into the store lamb section and the top 250 traded at $133-$135. Half returned $120$129 while $50-$103 covered the balance. A small yarding of cattle was evenly split between the store and prime sections. Prime heifers over 500kg generally achieved $2.18/ kg to $2.30/kg while the highlight of the R2 steers was 365kg Angus and Angus-Hereford that made $2.11/kg. This was closely followed by 377kg Hereford-Friesian and 312kg Angus-Hereford that each earned $2.00/kg. The best of the heifer pens was 375kg Angus and Angus-Hereford that traded at $1.92/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY

FINE WOOL FEATURE: A sea of lambs greeted sale goers at Temuka and halfbred and Corriedale featured prominently in the pens.

price was paid for Speckle Park bulls that made $165 with $80-$150 achieved by most good bull pens. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding weaner fair • Traditional weaner steers averaged 220kg and $770 • Exotic weaner steers averaged 250kg and $820 • Traditional weaner heifers averaged 210kg and $560 • Two pens of 260-300kg traditional heifers made $3.05-$3.10/kg Just under 2000 mainly late-born, hill country weaners were yarded at FEILDING last Thursday. Heavier traditional steers, 250-275kg, were $3.25-$3.50/kg with 210-240kg lines more variable, though they largely made $3.40-$3.70/ kg. Those 185-205kg were $690-$740. A few pens of 255295kg Charolais-cross steers returned $3.45-$3.50/kg. Quality, rather than weight, dictated per kilogram pricing for heifers. Top Charolais-cross heifers, 240-295kg, reached $2.70-$2.80/kg with other exotic mainly $2.40-$2.60/kg. Better traditional heifers traded at $2.60-$2.80/kg, but quite a few less eye-catching lines sold for $2.30-$2.60/kg too. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store sale • R3 traditional steers, 535-680kg, were mainly around $2.85/kg • R2 Friesian bulls, 420-435kg, improved to $2.40-$2.45/kg • R2 traditional heifers, 350-385kg, sold for $2.45-$2.60/kg • Store male lamb average lifted to $140.50 • Store ewe lamb averaged jumped to $126.50 A little under 1000 store cattle were steady-to-firmer at FEILDING. R2 traditional steers, 390-465kg, centred on $2.75/kg, with big lines of 335-365kg Hereford-Friesian making $2.60/kg. Some 700kg R3 Friesian bulls were $2.75/ kg. Light and mixed-bred R2 heifers were still weak, usually $2.00-$2.30/kg. Some 210kg Speckle Park-cross bulls sold for $530. The market jumped $10-$20 for a little more than 10,000 store lambs. Good-to-heavy male lambs traded at almost the same level of $140-$150, with a few top-end lambs around $155. Medium males were $130-$135, and the lighter-end mainly $115-$125. Some heavy ewe lambs were $145-$150, but good lines were more like $130-$140, with mediums $120-$125 and lights $95-$115. Read more in your LivestockEye.

Rongotea sale • Better R2 steers earned $2.16-$2.22/kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 158-210kg, sold in a wide range of $2.16/kg to $3.80/kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 154-273kg, fetched $2.24/kg to $3.20/kg • Weaner Hereford-Friesian, 241kg, traded to $600 Buyers were after lighter and heavier types at RONGOTEA last Tuesday though medium types were sticky, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Heavier R2 Hereford-Friesians sold to $2.25/kg, and Charolais-cross, $2.37/kg. Friesian bull feeder calves made $105, and Hereford-Friesian $155-$250. Charolais-cross heifer calves realised $135, and Hereford-Friesian $105$185.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • R2 Speckle Park steers, 365kg, made $2.22/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 379kg, achieved $2.19/kg • Prime Charolais and Charolais-cross steers, 465-525kg, returned $2.32-$2.41/kg • Prime Charolais heifers, 470kg and 520kg, managed $2.26/kg and $2.30/kg • Run-with-ram ewes sold at $171-$226 Prime lambs and ewes sold well at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday. Not many lambs achieved less than $120, and at the other end of the scale ten sold for $216-$222. A single ewe managed $266 while most other heavy types sold for $185-$216 and the balance $110-$184. The top store lambs reached $105-$123 with most others $69-$104. Most R2 steers were 301-372kg dairy-beef that fetched $1.92-$2.02/ kg. A few R2 heifers earned similar money, but often 295349kg lines fetched $1.48/kg to $1.86/kg. Prime dairy-beef steers, 390-530kg, mostly fetched $2.00/kg to $2.16/kg while two-thirds of the heifers weighed less than 500kg and were generally priced in the range of $1.80/kg to $2.05/kg. Some of the heavier traditional cows, 590-745kg, earned $1.38-$1.46/kg while second cuts, 471-523kg, traded at $1.28-$1.32/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

Temuka prime cattle and all sheep • Traditional steers sold to $2.30-$2.39/kg • Dairy-beef steers over 550kg mostly made $2.18-$2.28/kg • Angus heifers, 498-621kg, managed $2.20-$2.24/kg Just over 10,000 store lambs featured at TEMUKA last Monday. The section included many Chatham Island’s lines that were at, or close to, finishing weights. These ranged from $114 to $147. Plenty of medium to heavy lambs fetched $90-$112 with light pens generally $50-$89. The best prime lambs reached $160-$194 though the majority returned $110-$159. Most prime ewes ranged from $110 to $202. Prime heifers mostly tipped the scales at 400-500kg and earned $2.00/kg to $2.20/kg regardless of breed while good numbers of traditional cows traded at $1.25-$1.36/kg. Pens of 715-790kg Friesian cows managed $1.21-$1.24/kg but a blanket level of $1.05/kg to $1.18c/kg was thrown over nearly all other pens 450kg and better. Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka store cattle • R2 Angus steers, 339kg, achieved $2.63/kg • R2 Angus steers, 391-434kg, managed $2.30-$2.41/kg • R2 Limousin steers, 374kg, returned $2.38/kg Volume and quality improved at TEMUKA last Thursday. One of the largest pens in both size and quantity contained 27 head of R2 Angus steers, 447kg, that earned $2.50/kg while many of the better Hereford-Friesian, 392-436kg, traded at $2.30-$2.41/kg. Heavy 419-459kg Murray Grey and Murray Grey-Friesian that fetched $2.08-$2.18/kg topped the heifer pens, while Hereford-Friesian 349-411kg dominated the section and fetched $1.90-$2.03/kg. The weaner section was more of a mixed bag in terms of quality. Hereford and Hereford-Friesian steers, 206-304kg, made good money at $505-$620 while most other steers were dairy-beef breeds, 179-228kg, that made $350-$445. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville sale • Weaner Angus-cross steers, 227kg, earned $500 • Boner cows sold to $1.00-$1.10/kg • Prime shorn ewes achieved $136-$180, medium $112-$132 and light $90-$110 • Heavy local trade rams traded to $50-$80 There was a small yarding of prime cattle at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday. Prime steers, 570kg, made $2.00/kg, and good heifers, 460kg, made $2.15/kg. R2 Hereford-cross steers, 388-407kg, earned $1.97-$2.05/kg, and R2 Angus heifers, 389kg, $1.99/kg. Prime lambs firmed slightly to $138-$157, medium $118-$137 and light $110-$117. Store lambs held with the top end $95-$105, medium $80-$90 and light $70$75.

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Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 17, 2021 NI BULL

NI LAMB

SI LAMB

($/KG)

5.15

7.40

7.00

MEDIUM EWE LAMBS AT STORTFORD LODGE ($/HD)

105-117

high $100-$118 mixed-sex lambs at lights Good Temuka

Flock fall continues Neal Wallace

$915 - $950 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 260-275kg, at Feilding Weaner Fair

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

2021 beef calf-selling season ends

neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

HE country’s sheep flock looks set to continue shrinking, which observers warn could drive change to lamb supply patterns. This year’s export lamb slaughter is forecast to reduce to 18.2 million, 850,000 fewer than last year and more than 1m lower than the five-year average. This is on the back of an estimated 1.2% reduction in the lamb crop to 22.9m. Stats NZ last week warned the sheep flock fell 3% or 800,000 in the year to June last year and AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad says there is no sign of that shrinkage abating. The country had 26m sheep as at June last year, Stats NZ agricultural production statistics manager Ana Krpo said. “The 2020 drought caused feed shortages that led to a fall in total sheep numbers. Hawke’s Bay had the largest decrease, with the total number of sheep falling by 12% (346,000) from the previous year to a total of 2.5 million as at June 2020.” Croad expects that decline to continue given the dry autumn over much of the country, forestry expansion and frustration with low wool prices and high mutton and lamb schedules encouraging farmers to dig deep into their flocks. She warns this trend will also accentuate the challenge of managing exports of prime lamb, an issue that appears to be causing some issues for meat companies this year. Croad says based on the number of lambs slaughtered to mid-April and Beef + Lamb NZ forecast stock numbers, there are at least 1.1m fewer lambs left to slaughter this season compared to last, which would create a shortfall for meat companies over the balance of the season. A 30-40c/kg lift in the schedule in the last two weeks indicates meat companies are aware of a pending shortage. The AgriHQ South Island lamb indicator has reached $7.00/kg and the

“Best decision l ever made”

NO STOPPING: AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad expects the sheep flock decline to continue given the dry autumn over much of the country.

With export prices rising, we are seeing a corresponding lift in farm gate prices. Mel Croad AgriHQ North Island it’s $7.40/kg, 60-90c/kg higher respectively since the first quarter of the season. “With export prices rising, we are seeing a corresponding lift in farm gate prices.”

Croad says the South Island lamb season began with a rush and is about 450,000 ahead of the same time last year, whereas the North Island kill has been slower. The data from Stats NZ also show beef cattle numbers increased in the last four years, following a decade of steady decline. “Since then (2016), good beef prices provided buoyancy to the industry and, between June 2016 and 2020, the total number of beef cattle increased by 10% (350,000) to 3.9 million,” Krpo said. Just over two-thirds of all beef cattle are farmed in the North Island. The dairy herd has fallen 7% (400,000) since 2016 to 4.8 million, as at June 2020.

THE weaner fair season finally drew to a close and appropriately it was New Zealand’s biggest selling centre at Feilding that held the honour of closing the season off. The season started back in early March and while most yards tidied their fairs up by the end of April, the large catchment area that Feilding services meant a lot of later born calves keep their fairs going for a few more weeks. It also provided an opportunity for later born calves from areas outside of Feilding’s domain to sell to a specific buying bench and as a result, postcodes included Central Hawke’s Bay but also Hawarden in North Canterbury. However, the overwhelming majority came from the high country of Taihape and auctioneers took bids from King Country, Waikato and Auckland. This fair brought the season total to 10,700 traditional and exotic steers and heifers sold at Feilding, which is an impressive tally though slightly down on 2019 numbers. Throughout the season steer price averages remained relatively stable across the six fairs, though heifer prices tapered off. Traditional steers averaged 220-240kg and sold for $745-$805 at an average of $3.33-$3.54/kg. Heifer weights were variable and ranged from 185kg up to 230kg, but average prices were tight in comparison at $500-$635 and $2.61-$2.82/kg. Exotic heifers made similar per kilogram values as the traditional lines, but average weights were consistently 10-20kg heavier. Exotic steers mainly averaged 250-275kg and $820$925 for $3.27-$3.48/kg. The final call was left with PGG Wrightson auctioneer Maurice Stewart who reflected on a solid season “we are rapt with the season and equally rapt to now have it behind us”. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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Farmers Weekly NZ May 17 2021

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