Farmers Weekly NZ May 18 2020 by AgriHQ

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Vol 19 No 19, May 18, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz

Farming key to recovery Colin Williscroft

colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz

ARMERS and growers will play a critical role in New Zealand’s economic recovery so the Budget set aside $232 million to increase primary sector jobs and opportunities, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says. “There are significant employment opportunities in our primary industries and we’re going to be training people to have the skills they need for the jobs we have. “There are a lot of opportunities in front of us. We now need a skilled workforce to help us seize them. “To that end we’re investing $19.3m in a range of initiatives that will partner and support more than 10,000 New Zealanders in primary sector jobs by rapidly retraining and absorbing workers displaced from other sectors like hospitality, tourism and aviation. “It will be a big change for some so we’ll be creating familiarisation courses to help new workers settle into primary sector roles and lives.” Discussions have been held with Telford, part of the Southern Institute of Technology, about expanding its three-day taster programmes, which give potential students a look at the type of work they are considering without having to commit to a longer period of study. The potential for Taratahi,

which went into liquidation at the end of 2018, along with other education providers to get involved is also being explored. O’Connor says the chance to train and retain people in primary sector jobs could be a silver lining to come out of the unprecedented detrimental effect covid-19 has had on the economy. The Government is working with DairyNZ to get 1000 more people into the dairy industry in the next couple of months as part of its goal to increase the primary workforce by at least 10,000 within a year. Longer term it aims to increase the overall primary sector workforce by 50,000 people but will refine the numbers needed in different parts of the sector over time as acute shortages become more apparent. The Budget’s commitment of $128m to control wilding pines and wallabies will protect farmers from costly pests and provide hundreds of jobs for people most affected by covid-19, he says. “The wilding pine funding will be a game-changer in our fight against a pest that is a $4.6 billion threat to our economy while providing up to 600 jobs.” The programme will expand nationally, including areas hit hardest by covid-19 such as Northland, Queenstown, the Mackenzie Basin, Kaikoura and Marlborough. O’Connor expects many of those involved in outdoor tourism in those areas will adapt well to the new job opportunities. There is also a $433m package

$4.00

Incl GST

Back in business

ALL GO: Matt Stewart and Leann Edwards from Dartmoor Road, Puketapu, sold weaner cattle at the first sale at Stortford Lodge since the country went into covid-19 lockdown 50 days earlier. See P8 for a full wrap of last week’s sales.

to fund 4000 jobs over five years in regional environmental projects, which will support the Government’s Action for Healthy Waterways plan. Though the Budget had no specific information on funding for shovel-ready infrastructure projects, rural projects such as water storage, cellphone and internet connectivity and roads are still in the mix, he says. There is another $3b to fund infrastructure projects on top of the $12b Upgrade Programme and Provincial Growth Fund infrastructure investments. The independent Infrastructure Industry Reference Group is weighing up 1924 submissions

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Mel Poulton on trade prospects

with a combined value of $136b before reporting back to the Government with its recommendations. Horticulture has been singled out in the Budget for specific investment with $38.5m over four years to ensure the sector has safe access to plant breeding material while also focusing on new markets. “On top of this, $6.8 million will provide secure greenhouse units for new, imported plant varieties and breeding material. “This will help the highperforming sector to develop innovative, high-value crops and cultivars while protecting NZ from high-impact pests.”

The numbers • $19.3m to help attract and train unemployed people and increase the primary sector workforce by 10,000 within a year • $128m for wilding pine and wallaby control, providing hundreds of jobs • $14.9m to reduce food waste by redirecting food to people in need • $20.2m to help rural and fishing communities recover from covid-19 • $45.3m over four years to help horticulture take opportunities for future growth • $5.4m for resources to identify and manage animal welfare issues

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NEWS

ON FARM STORY

30 In it for the long haul The Absolom family farm has the next generation in mind. They want their Hawke’s Bay property to be with their family in at least 100 years so take a longterm approach to everything they do.

REGULARS Newsmaker �� 24 New Thinking �� 25

10 Rural bankers voice support

Editorial �� 26

The big trading banks have strong liquidity and will support well planned, profitable farming businesses and spending on environmental sustainability projects.

Pulpit �� 27 Opinion �� 28 World �� 32 Real Estate �� 33-34 Employment �� 35 Classifieds �� 35 Livestock �� 36-45 Weather �� 47

19 Pruners are thin on the

25 Stink bug in tech winners’

Slower, less-exacting pruning is likely to be a reality for orchardists this winter as they adapt to having a far smaller pool of skilled pruners because of the covid crisis.

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Markets �� 46-48 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 18, 2020

Feed run support lifts spirits Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz TEARS of joy have been shed over the efforts of Wairarapa farmers to help their Hawke’s Bay neighbours. Just knowing others are thinking about them and are prepared to act, illustrated by the truckloads of supplementary feed being sent to them by the Rapa Feed Run, has been a great relief to many Hawke’s Bay farmers, Rural Support Trust spokesman David Todd says.

It’s provided a real lift in spirits, knowing that they’re all in this together. David Todd Rural Support Trust “Superlatives fail me,” he says, describing the appreciation for the feed run, which encourages Wairarapa farmers to donate or provide at minimal cost a bale or two of feed each to help their Hawke’s Bay counterparts. “It’s provided a real lift in spirits, knowing that they’re all in this together,” Todd says. Farmers around the country have been under pressure in recent weeks for a variety of reasons “but while we are all in the same storm, we are not all in the same boat”, he says. “So it’s great to know that there are others out there ready to hop in and row with you to give you a hand when you need it. “It’s a great initiative and very humbling. “It’s difficult to express the depth of gratitude. It feels like I’ve got something in my eye.” Sophie Hansen, one of the Rapa

Feed Run instigators, admits to having shed a tear or two herself over the pride she feels seeing the extent those in rural communities will go to help others they have never met. A week ago she and husband Daniel started the scheme. The concept is simple: if many farmers are able to supply even just one bale of feed it has the potential to add up to a meaningful quantity for those struggling to feed stock. The Hansens thought they might be able to co-ordinate a couple of truckloads. Within 48 hours of going public with their idea 300 bales were pledged. That soon went past 500 and on Thursday night the total was more than 570. Sophie says they have been overwhelmed with the generosity of farmers and others in the rural community and their willingness to provide what they can. “It started as a small idea and we thought we might get a few (bales) but nothing like this. “It’s blown us away.” They have been amazed at the number of people who wanted to help. “All we’ve done is provide a platform,” Daniel says. The rest is farmers supporting others who, if not for rain falling at the right time for them about a month ago, would have been in the same boat. Over the weekend at least seven trucks will head up State Highway 2 in convoy, complete with a pilot vehicle carrying a Rapa Feed Run sign. After dropping off their loads, either directly on farms or at a base set up by the Rural Support Trust, they will meet up at the Hawke’s Bay showgrounds in Hastings, where a welcoming committee will show its appreciation. The couple plan to keep the feed run going for as long as they are getting feed supplied and as

ENCOURAGEMENT: Hannah Beetham, 10, writes a message of support to Hawke’s Bay farmers while Sam, 5, lends a hand.

long as there is a demand for it. It’s not only Wairarapa where farmers are rallying around. Farmers Weekly understands a similar idea is operating in Taranaki, with farms of all sizes coming to the party, including a goat farmer who had only seven or eight bales of silage but still wanted to provide one for a good cause. The extent of the drought is concerning the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Chief executive James Palmer says the combination of the drought with covid-19 restrictions is an unprecedented challenge for the rural community and

the council is trying to support farmers who are working in unrelenting and exhausting conditions to get feed for their stock and make plans with diminishing choices. “Our region is used to managing dry conditions yet this drought is particularly prolonged and severe. “The council’s monitoring systems show monthly rainfall well below normal in the Ruahine Ranges, Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Plains and southern Hawke’s Bay for seven consecutive months. Soil moisture is at its lowest recorded levels for this time of the year at Bridge Pa, Onga Onga and Crownthorpe.”

It looks like there’s no real respite from the dry weather for a while yet. A westerly flow has dominated over the past few months and warm seas contributed to hot temperatures through summer. Palmer says the weather pattern doesn’t look like it is going to change over the next few months. The council, which is working with the Civil Defence Rural Advisory Group on the drought response, has established a drought crisis hub on its website, which is updated daily with advice and information from government agencies and local organisations.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Primary sector now a priority Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz PRIMARY sector training is likely to get a fair chunk of the $1.6 billion tagged for trades and apprenticeship training. While $19 million has been specifically earmarked to attract and train 10,000 people to work in the primary sector over the next four years it will also be able to access a portion of a further $900m. Primary ITO chief executive Nigel Philpott says that money will be channelled through the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to attract people and fund free trades training, a trades academy and to retain apprentices. “The $1.6b is going to be targeted to get New Zealand running and the primary sector will lead NZ Inc out of this economic malaise and an awful lot of it is going to the primary sector because we are categorised as a priority trade,” he says. The recently created Workforce Development Council will be controlled by industry, including the primary sector, and will influence how and where the commission spends its money. Massey University’s sciences college Professor Peter Kemp

FAILS: Money for training is positive but fails to promote and support the innovative employers creating primary sector jobs, Professor Peter Kemp of Massey University says.

says while the training funding is a positive step it fails to take account of the bigger picture of promoting and supporting the innovative employers and investors who create the primary sector jobs. It cannot assume people will automatically gravitate to primary sector jobs and training. It needs to promote the diverse career options available, to show that horticulture is not limited to

picking fruit and dairy is not just about milking cows. “There is a need to get the message out there that agriculture is very broad.” Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says the primary sector will need about 50,000 more people in the coming years. “There are jobs going all over the country ranging from hands-on work in orchards and on farms to professional roles

in engineering, science and management.” The $19.3m will initially fund the retraining of workers who lose their jobs from sectors like hospitality and aviation to work in the primary sector but he wants to also create a long-term system of attracting workers. “Part of the funding will go into working with industry on familiarisation courses that help new workers know what to expect from life on a farm and to provide essential skills to help workers settle into primary sector roles and lives,” O’Connor said. Federated Farmers employment spokesman Chris Lewis welcomes the initiative but says the key issue will be to ensure it creates new training and apprenticeship opportunities. “As long as they give it to the right places so it will have the right affect.” Dairy NZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says farmers will be pleased with the investment to put 10,000 people into primary sector jobs. “Our sector is already facing a 1000-person skill shortage that will be greatly exacerbated by covid-19 and an inability to recruit migrant staff.

“With unemployment forecast to hit 9.8% by September we are hoping many kiwis will consider a career in our world-leading dairy sector.” Associate Professor Nicola Gaston, the co-director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology says that while the Budget was disappointing for science, the increased student subsidy for tertiary education, though small, is welcomed and overdue. The Budget provides $15m for Environmenetal Science and Research and $150m in business loans to support research and development. Gaston says the Budget missed a chance for research to show it can support recovery and provide economic resilience. The science and research sector faces a threat from people disengaging or failing to complete their studies or research programmes because of economic pressures. “We are going to need to be agile and proactive in order to retain talent and in the short term I would have liked to see more emphasis on immediate retention strategies rather than retraining alone.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Industry groups mostly supportive PRIMARY industry groups largely support this year’s Budget, believing the devil will be in its detail. The Budget broadly focused on jobs, infrastructure and the environment with $1.1 billion set aside to create 11,000 environmental jobs in the regions and $19.3 million for 10,000 primary sector jobs. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said it includes promising and practical initiatives to create jobs while enhancing the environment. “Dairy farmers will be particularly pleased to see a $19.3m investment to place 10,000 people into primary sector jobs. Our sector is already facing

a 1000-person skill shortage that will be greatly exacerbated by covid-19 and an inability to recruit migrant staff.” A $3b investment in infrastructure is also welcome despite being light on details. Mackle said DairyNZ will speak to the Government to ensure water storage, rural broadband and enhanced mobile coverage are priorities. “While a significant infrastructure spend is required we are incredibly conscious these projects are funded by debt that will need to be repaid by future generations.” Federated Farmers vicepresident and economics spokesman Andrew Hoggard also

hopes the projects are included in that investment. He too wants more detail around the environmental jobs spend and $500m set aside to support primary industries. “We look forward to seeing more detail on that. We appreciate it appears we’ve been listened to on many of the areas for potential work we’ve raised with the Government.” He backs the Budget’s provision for retraining and other support for the forecast 10% in the unemployment queue by next month. Beef + Lamb chief executive Sam McIvor said the Budget rightly concentrates on the immediate need of triaging the

HEARD: Federated Farmers appreciates the Government has listened to it on many issues it has raised, vice-president Andrew Hoggard says.

economy and focusing on jobs. “There are good initiatives in there we support, including getting people into employment in the agricultural sector, major funding for practical, on-theground environmental projects and continued funding for the eradication of Mycoplasma

bovis and other biosecurity initiatives.” He applauded the money set aside to help farmers improve their environmental performance. “A key priority is also ensuring the Government gets its policy settings right around the environment.”

Budget misses the boat on water storage Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE Budget is missed opportunity for water, Irrigation New Zealand chief executive Elizabeth Soal says. While the covid-19 recovery fund has $3 billion set aside for infrastructure Soal is not confident water storage and reticulation will fit the Government’s bill. “We were really excited about the opportunity unfolding for water as we face huge economic challenges.” But the Budget failed to deliver. “This is missed opportunity,” Soal said. “Water is a key part of productivity growth needed to grow the economy in our economic recovery.

“But that was not highlighted or supported as such in the Budget. We hoped to see some targeted investment around water.” Soal said Water NZ, Infrastructure NZ and Irrigation NZ have been in talks about a national strategy for water to support and provide guidance at regional decision-making level. “We will continue to push the Government in that direction with investment in regional development that will open opportunities through water infrastructure.” Soal is not holding out hope for large-scale water infrastructure projects to gain funding under the Government’s shovel-ready projects scheme. “Like the Provincial Growth Fund it seems likely smaller-scale

Under the pump?

projects will be the winners.” The Budget delivered better news for regional environmental projects with its $1.1b investment in the environment, biodiversity and biosecurity. That money is aimed at creating 11,000 new jobs in regions to restore the environment. “I would give this a B-plus,” Federated Farmers environment, water and biodiversity spokesman Chris Allen said. “This funding to do the shit on the ground is good news as it takes the burden away from the regulatory side.” There is good potential in these intergenerational projects so long as the money is spent wisely and it won’t be how the Government does it but how the Government partners with stakeholders to do it.

“It will go some way to support economic recovery in partnership with local government, farmers and landcare groups.” Allen said the federation has long been working in a governance role with the Landcare and QE11 Trusts. “This funding will allow us to get work done that normally when we suggest it there’s no funding available.” Allen said there has always been tension between landowners and conservation estate so the Budget allocating $40m for Land Information NZ to do predator control is a big plus. “The Government is fulfilling its obligation.” Allen particularly welcomes the $100m committed to tackle wilding pines and the $27m to

get an exploding population of wallabies under control in Canterbury, Otago, Bay of Plenty and Waikato. He backs the call for the Government to invest in water infrastructure suggesting water storage should be a prime candidate for the tagged but unassigned $3b infrastructure spend. Allen’s biggest concern is the extraordinary level of debt the nation is committing to. Given the enormity of the expenditure and the pressure going on to grow the economy as fast as possible Federated Farmers will continue to remind the Government the primary sector will require Crown investment to maintain its increasingly significant contribution to the economy, Allen said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Aussie beef reduction benefits us Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz KIWI beef producers stand to benefit from much lower Australian cattle slaughtering and widespread covid-19 disruption to meat processing in the United States. Rabobank animal proteins analyst Blake Holgate expects Australian beef exports to fall by 17% this year as farmers hold on to their cows and heifers and restock following widespread rain. That will be significant for New Zealand exporters because Australia is the major competitor in both China and the US. “In the season just gone the US and China accounted for just over 70% of NZ beef exports. “Reduced Australian competition in two big markets will play a key role in holding up NZ beef export values in an otherwise disrupted global beef market.” However, global demand for beef is expected to fall

GOOD FOR US: Reduced cattle slaughter in Australia and disruption in the United States bode well for New Zealand beef exports this year, Rabobank animal proteins analyst Blake Holgate says.

with widespread economic contraction. Depending on the market, the product and the sales channel

there will be different outcomes as people trade up or down and eat in or out. At the same time a weaker NZ dollar, China’s reduced pork availability because of African swine fever and the US-China trade deal are all additional positive offsetting factors. Rabobank estimates US beef processing capacity to be down 25% and while cattle producers can hold back animals on-farm, pork and poultry producers cannot. They have been forced to euthanise livestock and that will affect protein production and exports in 2020, Holgate said. NZ farmers also face processing delays, estimated to be five to six weeks in the South Island and two to three weeks in the North Island, according to AgriHQ analyst Nicola Dennis. Rabobank said the food and agriculture industries here have come through lockdown levels three and four well with harvesting accomplished, plants

kept open and exports sent. “The sector has kept food on the tables for NZ citizens, retained jobs for employees and earned valuable export dollars. “It has every chance of emerging from this crisis with its reputation enhanced both at home and abroad.” Lamb demand in China has re-emerged, with 14,683 tonnes shipped in March. That was 20% down on March 2019 but 120% more than February, Rabobank said in the May edition of NZ Agribusiness Monthly. Local processing efficiency has risen from 50% at the start of April to 80-85% at the start of May but prices have continued to fall to about $6.40/kg. NZ’s kiwifruit and apple industries achieved strong results in the first quarter, benefitting from collaboration and best practices at a time of serious disruption. Export revenue was up 22% on the first quarter in 2019, mainly because of kiwifruit hitting the re-

In the season just gone the US and China accounted for just over 70% of NZ beef exports. Blake Holgate Rabobank opening Chinese market in March. The NZ dollar dropped to US57c in March and has since recovered to a little over 60c. Among the reasons are the pick-up in China while avoiding reinfection, our own success in containing covid-19 and the rally in US equities. But Rabobank analysts expect the currency to remain highly susceptible to deterioration of global risk sentiment. Therefore, they have forecast another fall to 57c through the third quarter of 2020.

Benefit uncertain in tense times KIWI beef producers might not benefit from a significantly reduced Australian cattle kill this year, AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad says. “Too many other factors are working in world protein markets to be sure that Australia’s expected shortfall will flow on to greater demand for our beef exports,” she said. A predicted 17% reduction in Australian beef exports in 2020 might help stabilise world prices rather than increase them for other supplying countries. Australia is going to do what it would in a normal year, without covid-19, and that is rebuild its herd after widespread rain. NZ might have benefited had all other things remained normal but the disease-induced slowdown

in world markets changed the outlook, Croad said. Another factor is the proven ability of Australia to bounce back after adverse events and bring huge numbers of cattle to market, even in a down year. Rabobank has estimated its total beef production will be 2.1 million tonnes slaughterweight from 7.3m head killed and exports will fall to 1m tonnes. “However, projections for 2022 and 2023 have them getting back to where they were last year in drought offload,” Croad said. During the first four months of this year Australia exported 358,000t of beef, compared with 363,000t in the corresponding period last year and 343,000t as the five-year average. Uncertainties about supply and demand are everywhere around the world, she said. China’s demand for imported

beef, though recovering postcovid, is not expected to match last year’s huge consumption. Meat plant disruption in the United States will only delay the kill but not remove cattle from the market altogether. “When the US companies get cranking again that will dampen demand for imported beef.” More US exports could also flow to China under the new trade agreement between the two countries. Right now NZ manufacturing beef exports are benefitting from a false shortage in the US and increased demand as the food service sector starts to reopen. China bought 304,000t of Australian beef last year but diplomatic tensions have surfaced as three Queensland and one New South Wales plant have been suspended. The Australian government has

Eight basic facts

CALM DOWN: Reduced beef supplies from Australia and in the United States are only temporary so Kiwi producers shouldn’t get too excited, AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad says.

backed a call for an investigation into the origins of covid-19 to better counter such pandemics in the future. An Australian analyst said the four suspended plants represent about 35% of beef exports to China, which had been on track to bring in $3.5 billion this year. Trade Minister Simon

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Stock sales restore normality

WHO’S BUYING? Matt Stewart and Leann Edwards from Dartmoor Road, Puketapu, sold weaner cattle at Stortford Lodge last week.

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THE shift to level two meant sale yards were able to resume selling and the first yard to return to some sort of normality was STORTFORD LODGE. With Hawke’s Bay so dry it was decided to hold a sale as soon as possible and last Thursday 240 cattle and 3700 sheep made the journey, with sellers prepared to meet the market. The store lambs were the highlight as buyers spread across the North Island competed and prices exceeded recent paddock results. The top male lambs sold for $89-$112.50 and similar ewe lambs made $85-$96. Medium ewe lambs made $68-$81 and smaller types $56-$62. Two consignments of run-with-ram ewes were penned though made processor values at $83 to $114.50. The cattle yarding was mainly mixed quality and off types and that was reflected in prices. Few market indicators could be taken though R3 traditional heifers, 518-560kg, made $2.41/kg to $2.53/kg to come close. The better end of the R2 cattle largely traded at $1.90/kg to $2.07/ kg with one line of South Devoncross steers, 341kg, at $2.17/kg. Bulls proved to be a harder sell and Friesian-cross made $1.51$1.55/kg. Weaner bulls sold for $400-$535. New Zealand Farmers Livestock expanded its hybrid sales to TE KUITI on Friday featuring a largerthan-expected yarding of 405 cattle. Ten R3 Hereford-Friesian steers sold for $2.24/kg. R2 Angus steers, 409kg, returned $2.40/kg and Angus-Friesian, 436kg, $2.39/kg. Hereford-Friesian sold in three main bands with 385-424kg steers at $2.34-$2.36/kg, second cuts, 353-366kg, earned $2.24-$2.27/kg, and third, 317-331kg, $2.08/kg to $2.21/kg. Eleven Angus-Hereford heifers, 285kg, managed $2.89/kg. Beefdairy heifers sold in two main bands as 264-287kg earned $1.85/ kg to $1.98/kg while 345-378kg realised $2.03-$2.09/kg. Weaner Angus-Hereford heifers, 201-282kg, managed $465-$652, $2.31/kg. Seven Hereford-Jersey bulls, 163kg, sold well at $555, $3.40/kg, while Charolais-Friesian, 170kg, managed $470. Hereford-Friesian steers dominated the prime section and 556-583kg traded at $2.27-$2.32/ kg though nine at 589kg were chased to $2.73/kg. Throughput also climbed to 1001 head at FRANKTON on Wednesday for the hybrid sale and vendors were prepared to meet the market. R2 Angus steers kicked off the sale and held value as 312330kg earned $2.52-$2.55/kg and 341-426kg, $2.44-$2.51/kg. R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 408-

410kg, were consistent at $2.29$2.30/kg with Hereford-dairy, 398-410kg, also steady at $2.10$2.16/kg. Weaners made up 70% of the yarding with mixed results. Angus steers, 179-245kg, improved to $530-$705 while HerefordFriesian, 129-139kg, returned $395-$450. Angus heifers, 140-178kg, eased to $395-$490 as did AngusFriesian, 169-187kg, back to $365-$400. Hereford-Friesian, 135187kg, softened at $320-$460 and red Hereford-Friesian, 165-185kg, managed $370-$430. HerefordFriesian bulls, 158-226kg, softened to $430-$500. Friesian bulls, 144210kg, were harder work at $315$400, $2.04/kg to $2.19/kg.

The store lambs were the highlight as buyers spread across the North Island competed and prices exceeded recent paddock results.

Boner Friesian cows improved as 470-513kg lifted to $1.36-$1.41/ kg and 491-553kg, $1.57-$1.63/kg. Demand for steers lifted at the NZFL livestream auction at TARANAKI on Thursday when R2 steers made up a third of the yarding. Hereford-Friesian, 396428kg, lifted 8c/kg to $2.39-$2.48/ kg and 438-503kg held at $2.29$2.36/kg. Beef-dairy heifers still battled and averaged $740, $1.95/ kg. A highlight in the weaner steers were Hereford-Friesian, 204kg, which reached $655 with 190193kg at $520- $580 and lighter weights $400-$440. Weaner heifers had little demand and softened to $400-$500 for those above 200kg. Bidr attention has shifted to stud bull sales though the weekly SOUTH ISLAND sale still featured on Thursday. The first auction included well-marked R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 412kg, that were the second lot to make reserve at $2.27/kg after a mixed collection of Angus-Friesian and Hereford-Friesian steers, 412kg, made $2.15/kg. Heifers made up the bulk of the cattle sold and 51 Angus-Hereford, 360kg, fetched $2/kg. Several entries of in-calf heifers were put forward in the second auction with the best price achieved by Hereford-Friesian, 450kg, at $1025, $2.28/kg, followed by eight Friesian and Friesiancross that fetched $900, $2/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 145kg, attracted few bids and sold for $320, $2.21/kg while Hereford heifers, 211kg, returned $517, $2.45/kg.

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Rural bankers voice support Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE big trading banks have strong liquidity and will support well planned, profitable farming businesses and spending on environmental sustainability projects. ANZ, ASB and Westpac managers told an NZX webinar on credit in the dairy industry they are in good shape to back the rural sector through the covid-19 aftermath. Some $1.3 billion of agricultural debt was repaid during seasons of high milk prices and that will help in financing the dairy industry when a lower payout bites, ASB rural banking national manager James Gardner, said. Most rural customers have now settled into making principal repayments but the drought might result in some suspensions or delays. Farmers must carefully work through their priorities for capital – capex, expansion, environment and compliance. When the Reserve Bank postponed the new capital requirements for trading banks it freed up capital and enabled Westpac to take a different approach, agribusiness risk and strategy senior manager Andrew Hill said. “We have an appetite to grow and we want to support the sector.”

GRAB IT: Banks are offering loans for environmental work and farmers need to grasp the chance as customers focus more on food safety and provenance, ANZ northern commercial and agri manager Lorraine Mapu says.

WE’RE IN: Relexed Reserve Bank requirements have enabled Westpac to change its approach and it has an appetitte to grow and to support the rural sector, its agribusiness risk and strategy senior manager Andrew Hill says.

Dairy farmers have right-sized their balance sheets and ANZ as the biggest rural lender will continue to strongly support the industry, northern commercial and agri general manager Lorraine Mapu said. Other industries in the primary sector such as kiwifruit and wine are also attractive lending propositions. “I think the light of New Zealand dairying will shine brighter during

these times, being clean, green and the best producers of milk in the world.” The banks are now offering loans for environmental compliance work, underpinning the dairy industry’s licence to operate. “Farmers need to grasp this opportunity as covid-19 means the world puts increased focus on food safety and provenance,” Hill said. He also suggested some interest

rate hedging while rates are so low though he expects bank margins to grow after recent poorer financial results. The three senior rural bankers said more and more farmers are using product price hedging and fixing tools but it is not a role of the banks to encourage that approach to risk management. “Use professionals and make sure you thoroughly understand the mechanisms,” is their advice. Gardner said some of ASB’s clients have taken early positions on the 2021 milk price and are sitting well already. On the matter of lower farm prices and loan-to-value ratios they said borrowing proposals must be profitable and if they fall outside bank guidelines a very good plan must be evident. “If an existing client or a new proposal is outside the parameters it must have professional support and confidence that the plan can be achieved,” Hill said. Contingency planning is emphasised by the bankers. “You need a strong plan and clear communication with realistic budgets that have historical relevance,” Mapu said. “Have you got a farm environment plan and the support of rural professionals who can test your assumptions.” The panellists agree lower interest rates for longer will be the result of monetary policies announced by the Reserve Bank

last week. It has nearly doubled the scope of its large-scale asset purchase programme as a monetary policy to deal with the economic impacts of covid-19. Buying NZ government bonds, local government funding agency bonds and inflation-indexed bonds will now be possible up to $60 billion in total, an increase of $27b. Governor Adrian Orr said the monetary policy aim of the quantitative easing is to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future. The Official Cash Rate is 0.25% and Orr discussed the possibility it might go negative before rising again though it is still expected to remain where it is till early 2021. While some of NZ’s commodity prices are strong, many of our trading partners are experiencing economic disruption and declining activity. If agricultural prices hold up well that will be an upside to RBNZ scenarios. But severe disruption to global trade, second waves of virus and weaker consumer demand or a long wait for a vaccine are much bigger downsides, Orr said. “This very difficult economic situation is unprecedented because of the sudden stop to economic activity. “But our policy settings and our starting position are good to be able to manage our way through.”

Bank tightens lending criteria Farmers urged to keep Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com RABOBANK has hit the brakes on new lending while it weighs up the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on farmer incomes. Only weeks before the crisis took hold it had been given the green light by its Dutch parent to grab a bigger slice of the rural lending market as the Australianowned banks trimmed their exposure. In the year to September it added $622m of new loans, leapfrogging ASB to become the country’s third largest rural lender, with a total loan book of $10.7b. Farmers Weekly understands a senior executive from Holland visited earlier in the year with a promise of enough capital to support a significant further expansion in lending. But just a few weeks later the bank’s rural managers were instructed to concentrate on the funding needs of existing clients. Loan applications from new clients were to be put on hold except for “gold-plated” proposals with significant equity and substantial farming businesses already backing them. One finance broker said Rabobank had set the bar very high for farmers who were not already existing clients. “We were talking to an 80% equity sheep and beef farmer

that we were looking at doing a refinance for which ticks all the boxes and Rabo said ‘we really want to do this but we have had a directive no new lending for the next couple of months’.” Rabobank NZ’s chief executive Todd Charteris was reluctant to go into detail about a tightening in lending criteria for new clients but confirmed the renewed emphasis on supporting existing ones. “It is a refocus on existing clients… this is about us absolutely making sure that we are providing as much support as we can to them as we lean into these challenges.” Despite a freezing up in money markets at times during April as the growing economic threat from the virus spooked investors, Charteris said the bank had faced no difficulties either rolling over existing funding or raising new debt. “We have got no concerns around liquidity or funding. “It is really just about making sure that we are giving all our focus to our existing customer base at a time when we move deeper into times when we think they are going to need our support.” Analysts at Rabobank last month cut back their estimate of next season’s dairy payout to $5.60/kgMS – the gloomiest outlook among the banks. Charteris said the virus was

meeting bank targets

IMPACT: Rabobank NZ chief executive Todd Charteris said covid-19 was undermining global growth prospects and that would inevitably hit farm incomes at some stage.

undermining global growth prospects and that would inevitably hit farm incomes at some stage. “Food and agriculture is well placed but it is not immune to this situation… these are unprecedented times.” The Real Estate Institute’s rural spokesman Brian Peacock said any lending pullback by Rabobank would have a knock-on for the rural land market. He understood that prior to

TRADING banks stepped up with working capital for underpressure farming clients during the nationwide lockdown but a debt advisor worries that support could be short-lived. Scott Wishart of farm debt advisory firm NZAB said in many cases overdraft limits had been increased to help meet unbudgeted feed costs caused by delays in getting livestock slaughtered. “It is a bit like what we saw during the dairy downturn. Then the initial response was positive. “What I am afraid of is what happens after that.” Wishart said the problem the Australian banks had with new capital rules forcing them to hold more against their loans had not gone away despite the Reserve Bank delaying

the country going into lockdown in late March Rabobank had been “inundated” with requests to refinance farm loans the Australian banks no longer wanted on their books. “The onus will now go back on to those base banks to decide what they are going to do with those clients. “My guess is those parties will be given breathing room until

their introduction by a year in response to the pandemic. “What I fear the most is that banks have backed off the farmers a little bit because their recovery specialists are now focussed on commercial businesses. “It would be very easy for farmers to think they are ok now. “But the metrics have not changed.” Wishart was advising his clients where they had been set debt reduction targets by their banker to continue to meet them. “There could be a set of circumstances where bank leaders just turn around and say ‘this agriculture stuff that we have been making no progress on, just get rid of it because we have got bigger problems’.”

there is some semblance of order in the market, at which time we would expect to see some of those properties coming on to the market and that will probably be from spring onwards.” Asked when Rabobank would loosen lending criteria again Charteris replied: “There would be more certainty than what we have got now in terms of the impacts on our customer base.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Closed campus might host short courses Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz THE Taratahi campus could again be training young people, albeit for short-term courses introducing prospective students to agricultural careers and proviing extra skills for existing workers. Education Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Social Development are considering funding DairyNZ to develop and deliver three-week industry familiarisation programmes at the Wairarapa facility. The future of the campus has been in limbo since the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre was put in liquidation in December 2018. Hipkins says an imminent return to permanent long-term vocational training is unlikely. He confirmed funding is also being considered for shorter

three-day taster courses, courses at both Taratahi and the Southland Institute of Technology (SIT) administered Telford campus in south Otago. Hipkins says the short courses are designed to provide people considering a shift into the primary industries with a look and feel of the sector. The Institute of Skills and Technology is working with Primary ITO and MPI to consider options to deliver a range of short courses over the next six months at Taratahi to support people back into employment and deliver the skills needed by the sector. Government officials are still investigating the longer-term future of Taratahi. “MPI and the Tertiary Education Commission have continued to engage with the Taratahi liquidators and education providers about a return of training on the Taratahi Home Farm. “However, given liquidation

REBIRTH? The Government is considering running short courses at Taratahi to introduce industry entrants to the primary sector and to pass on new skills to farmers.

proceedings are continuing there a number of issues that must be resolved before any long-term sustainable training can be established.” The Wairarapa community has been trying since Taratahi went into liquidation to resurrect it as a training centre. Wairarapa Primary Skills Leadership Group chairman Andrew Freeman says there is still a desire from the sector for training to resume at Taratahi but there are issues over the future of the centre’s assets. “It appears to be stuck in

The low enrolment last year was clouded by the centre’s uncertain future at the time. A SIT spokeswoman says Telford students were sent home for the lockdown and have been studying online. SIT has amended or introduced new courses at the campus to cater for agricultural contractors, more equine programmes, an online apiculture course and wool grading in conjunction with the industry. It is seeking approval for a new applied agribusiness management degree.

limbo,” he says. “There is still a desire for a solution and farmers hope a mark two Taratahi will be born. It is still a key part of what we need.” Freeman says a resurrected Taratahi will be an anchor for the local primary sector community but any training will have to adjust to the sector’s current and future needs such as preparing farmers to use new technology. The Telford campus has 102 equivalent full time students enrolled this year, up from 48 last year.

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News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Maintain environment commitment Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz FOCUS: Continued investment in the environment while maintaining food safety and animal welfare standards will help primary producers maximise market opportunities, special agricultural trade envoy Mel Poulton says.

DESPITE national and international problems caused by covid-19 primary producers must stay on course in dealing with environmental challenges, special agricultural trade envoy Mel Poulton says. It’s a situation that reminds her of successful Kiwis competing in past trans-Atlantic rowing races. “They won because they kept rowing in the storms when everybody else decided to put out their sea anchors and take a rest. “Now is the time, when the whole world is distracted by the storm of covid-19, to really push through and position ourselves to have the

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advantage. Are we going to be the people who rowed through the storm or who rode out the storm?” Work in all things involving the environment needs to be a priority. “We’ve got to keep working on this stuff. It’s in our interests as a nation to do so.” Poulton says it’s important to recognise the relentless work farmers across all food sectors have been doing for many years to improve water and other natural resources on their farms, which has come at no small cost. “As science demonstrates gaps or highlights priorities for improving our natural resources it is in our own interests as food producers and the interests of our country as well as the customers and consumers of our products that we work to address those priorities.” However, there’s no hiding from the reality it costs money, time and resources to do the work. “The economic ability to deliver the outcomes needed while balancing environmental stewardship and social health and welfare within a whole farming system, let alone a catchment, is a fine balance when the nation is reeling from the shocks of a global pandemic and drought and trying to work out what the economic recovery looks like. “This is always going to be a cost to farmers and wider society but it is also an investment in our natural resources and an investment to ensure our food product (is attractive) to high-value markets. There is no doubt in her mind that if New Zealand can deliver significant outcomes from He Waka Eke Noa, the primary sector climate change commitment, and the continuing work to improve freshwater across the country it will strengthen the platform for trade opportunities with markets all over the world. Given conversations she, predecessor Mike Petersen and others have had in Europe and Britain, Poulton is confident NZ’s continued commitment to the environment is important for negotiating free-trade agreements and for business-to-business contracts in both food service and retail. “While hopeful, I’m less convinced that we’ll attract significant premiums. But I am certain that our continued commitment to the environment will help to keep our product on the menu and the shelves. “We must make it extraordinarily difficult for markets to keep NZ product from their shelves and menus and our commitment to the environment, standards on food safety, quality assurance and animal health and welfare are all factors that make our products attractive. “I cannot overemphasise how important it is that we all maintain and pursue high standards in food safety and animal welfare. “Aligning ourselves with the highest international standards is what gives substance to our reputation and branding. It is this that enables our food sectors and exporters the opportunity to be flexible and access diverse markets around the world. “With such dynamic volatility in international markets we must safeguard every aspect of this to maximise our market opportunities and optimise returns back to our food producers and the NZ economy.” Poulton says covid-19 is amplifying a shift by some countries towards putting themselves first, which will affect NZ food producers, exporters and our whole food and fibres sector. “This is not new to us and so, being innovative and solutions-focused, we will always find ways to overcome these challenges. “When we see nations introducing measures in response to covid-19, such as direct payments to farmers to protect them and their businesses, government purchases of food products, market support programmes, private storage aid and derogation from competition rules it certainly gets our attention. “Our officials look very closely at these measures to ensure they are within the agreed rules of trade across the globe.” Those same officials are actively pursuing, and being part of, international commitments to ensure global trade arteries continue to flow.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Seed site reopening good for Wairarapa Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE reopening of the old Masterton vegetable seeds processing plant is the icing on the cake for Wairarapa pea growers getting back on their feet, Federated Farmers biosecurity spokeswoman Karen Williams says. PGG Wrightson Seeds has confirmed a long-term lease of the Akura Road site that closed under the moratorium after the discovery of the invasive pea weevil. “It’s brilliant news for local growers and the wider Wairarapa community,” Williams said. “To restore an operational seed cleaning and processing facility in Wairarapa means we have cleared the last major hurdle in returning the local pea-growing industry to where it was before the pea weevil incursion four years ago.” The ban on growing peas in Wairarapa meant the Masterton vegetable seeds plant was no longer financially viable. Fortunately, it was mothballed

rather than dismantled, she said. PGW Seeds will get it running again for processing of all seed types including cereals, vegetables and pulses, providing opportunity for local growers to not only resume previous crop options but also explore alternative crops. Other seed companies will be able to use the processing facilities, which is expected to enable local growers a host of new seed-growing options. “PGW Seeds has already said they’ll look to increase their current Masterton site staff of five by another three or four workers. “I think we’ll see a snowball effect as seed companies offer more local contracts, growers respond and that flows on to employment gains for the whole community. “This is particularly exciting in a post covid-19 lockdown situation where the community is eager to see viable job creation,” Williams said. Federated Farmers, local growers and the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy have been working

behind the scenes to pitch to the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund for investment for a Wairarapa seed facility. “It’s great that Plan B is no longer needed.” Williams said one factor that would have given PGW Seeds assurance any investment will be sound is the progress being made on enhancing water storage locally by Wairarapa Water. “To successfully grow crops of all types in Wairarapa and, indeed, for home gardeners, industrial users, towns and rural communities there needs to be surety of water when we don’t get rainfall for long stretches. “The Government, businesses and local farmers are investing to continue progress in achieving that water security and support local resilience.” Williams said a strong seedgrowing industry in Wairarapa is vital. Before the weevil incursion the region was responsible for 10% of the $50 million in domestic sales and $8m of export sales New Zealand earned from peas in 2016.

GET IN BEHIND: Federated Farmers biosecurity spokeswoman Karen Williams urges seed companies to get behind Wairarapa farmers to help build a resilient seed industry.

“We are eager to get growing contracts so that we can get back amongst the delivery of high-quality seeds that are geographically isolated from other big seed growing areas. “Our message to the seed

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Consent delay request fails Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz A PLEA by Federated Farmers to extend the resource consent deadline for landowners in the Tuki Tuki catchment has been unsuccessful. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is now urging farmers who need consents to take advantage of an interim solution it has put in place. Central Hawke’s Bay farmers affected by Tuki Tuki Catchment Plan Change 6 have to apply by May 31. Under the plan, which sets the freshwater objectives for the Tuki Tuki catchment, about 300 landowners need to apply for a land use resource consent. Triggers for consent include nitrogen leaching levels and being able to exclude stock from waterways. Council regulation manager Liz Lambert says it understands that because of covid-19 restrictions it has not been possible to have service providers physically onfarm or to hold sub-catchment meetings in an area that is one of the hardest hit by drought and the feed shortage. To try to relieve some of the pressure Federated Farmers and the council wrote to Environment Minister David Parker asking him to extend the consent deadline by a year. Feds Hawke’s Bay vice-president Matt Wade says the covid-19 lockdown has made it impossible for farmers to put together fitfor-purpose consents for something as complex and

That’s really disappointing. We’re only asking for extra time, not cancellation. Matt Wade Federated Farmers

WORKAROUND: Environment Minister David Parker has refused to extend the deadline for Tuki Tuki catchment resource consents but the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has found a way to bypass the due date.

individual as their whole farm. Wade says Parker’s reply said he does not consider his powers enable him to adequately address, in a timely manner, the deadline issues. “That’s really disappointing. We’re only asking for extra time, not cancellation.” Lambert has written to farmers offering a work-around. “We have developed an option that means that you can still meet the deadline without

submitting a full resource consent straightaway,” Lambert says. “Instead, we ask you to fill in a minimum amount of information on an application form as a placeholder for completing the rest of the resource consent application in a few months’ time. “The goal is to ensure that we collectively meet the deadline in the plan in the most straightforward way possible.” Landowners with a complete resource consent application

should send it in by May 31. No deposit is required for the pre-application, which takes about 30 minutes to complete, but a deposit will be required once a completed application is lodged. Feds has also asked the council to ensure the drought does not skew farmers’ individual nitrogen profiles and allowances when they seek resource consent, with a concern that this year’s drought will tip the balance of the fouryear rolling averages of nitrogen.

Farmers ignored on water changes FARMING leaders have accused Otago Regional Council of failing to consult over what they claim are far-reaching changes to freshwater management. Otago Federated Farmers chairman Simon Davies says farmers learned the specifics of the water quality plan changes only after being approached by regional councillors concerned at the implications. The plan sets new rules and requires resource consents for the storage capacity of dairy effluent, the structure of effluent ponds and prohibits the application of effluent to land within 50m of a waterway. It also requires cattle being fed winter crops to start grazing from the top of a hill and excludes dairy cattle from waterways through fences to provide a 5m wide buffer. Davies said many of the rules are impractical but one in particular fails what he calls the sense-checking test because the fencing rules apply only to dairy breeds. “The nitty gritty of the plan has

not been communicated because officially we have not seen it because it has not been notified.” Part of the reason for that is the decision by the council and Environment Minister David Parker to refer the water quality and water permit plans to the Environment Court. Last year Parker advised the council on steps it needed to take to implement a fit-for-purpose management plan for the region’s freshwater, which followed several years of delays. In a statement last month council chairwoman Marian Hobbs, Environment Minister in Helen Clark’s Labour Government, said Parker considers the council’s plan changes to be of national significance. “His decision sought to assist the council by allowing staff to focus on developing a new Land and Water Regional Plan and to avoid potential delays associated with the standard consultation process that could complicate development of the Land and Water Regional Plan.” The water permits plan change,

Wade says most sheep and beef farmers have destocked drastically to cope with the drought, which will result in a much lower nitrogen profile than normal. “If these farmers are given consent based on their abnormal nitrogen average they could find themselves with a much lower allowance than they need for their normal farming.” He says that’s compounded by many of those farmers already operating under their individual farm nitrogen limits. Farmers who keep their livestock but are buying in supplementary feed could find their nitrogen result skewed in the opposite direction. “Either way, these farmers are doing their best for the welfare of their livestock and shouldn’t be penalised with an outlier nitrogen profile for this exceptional drought.” Wade, who farms in the Tuki Tuki catchment, says he’s aware of number of farmers already under considerable stress, which is being compounded by uncertainty over their future under the new catchment rules.

WORRIED: Farmers learned of big, unreleased changes to Southland’s environment rules only when they were tipped off by concerned councillors, Simon Davies says.

known as Plan Change 7, was notified and submissions invited in March but it has also been referred to the Environment Court and the Environmental Protection Agency will now seek submissions ahead of the court hearings. The plan reduces existing consents to take water to a maximum of six years. Hobbs said the council will ask the agency to consult “mandatory parties and sector representatives prior to notification” of the plan and the court hearing. Davies believes the council sent the plans to the Environment Court because it did not have

sufficient councillor support to notify them and he is worried decision-making is being passed from local councillors to Wellington bureaucrats. “That’s not what we elected our representatives to do. Neither is it what ratepayers pay council staff to do.” Davies says the federation and many other rural groups oppose the council’s water permit proposals. “We said in our submission that it fails on tests of costeffectiveness, fairness, adequate consultation and consistency with existing policies.”

The council has also failed to identify the benefits, costs and risks of new policies and rules on the community, the economy and the environment. He describes the maximum six-year term for consents to take water as ridiculously short, saying that will prevent farmers getting finance to replace inefficient irrigation systems such as flood with centre pivots. Equally, those stuck using flood systems might struggle to renew their consents because they cannot prove they are using water efficiently.

News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Farmers get some gun leeway Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz A GROUP of farmers has had a victory of sorts in the battle to use semi-automatic firearms. Proposed legislation to be considered by Parliament will allow police to exempt farmers from the firearms ban if they can prove they need semi-automatic firearms for pest use and can meet strict criteria. A police spokeswoman said they have had 28 applications from farmers, of which five have been approved so far. Federated Farmers rural security spokesman Miles Anderson says while it is a small victory the process of seeking exemption is costly and complicated. “It is a little win but there are still fairly onerous conditions and requirements such as having to set up a separate pest control company, which we think is a bridge too far.” Applicants have to establish a pest management plan for their property, provide proof of a pest problem from an independent expert then create a business to solely work on controlling pests

LITTLE WIN: A small victory on firearms is tempered by the costly and complicated application process, Federated Farmers spokesman Miles Anderson says.

on the property or to contract to other properties. The independent advice must show pests are causing economic or biodiversity harm and can be economically controlled only by using prohibited firearms. The pest management plan must state the target species, show how the pest problem is to be managed, the damage it is

causing, how control will be done, what firearms and equipment will be used, an estimate of annual pest control hours and budget and evidence of previous pest management. The pests identified include deer, chamois, tahr, feral pigs, feral goats, wallabies, feral rabbits, feral hares and Canada geese. An exemption will allow

Sales slump prompts help call Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz TRACTOR sales hve plummeted because of drought and covid-19. Sales dropped 60% in April and are 25% back for the first three months of the year, the Tractor and Farm Machinery Association (Tama) says. “We are 33% down for the year to date from January to the end of April,” president John Tulloch said. Annual turnover for farming machinery for Tama members is about $1.3 billion with single tractor units worth $600-$700 million. Covid-19 had the biggest impact on April and possibly March figures sales with drought to blame for the slump in January and February, he said. Sales of extremely small 0-40HP tractors fell 35% while 150-200HP tractor sales were down 55% and 200HP-plus tractors dropped 50%. “I think contractors are a bit concerned about the outlook and are deferring a few decisions,” he said. So Tama wants the Government to urgently help dealers. It wants the Government to review its low-value asset write-off limit to bring it up to at least same level as Australia. The Government has temporarily increased the threshold to $5000 because of covid-19 but the new Australian limit is $150,000. When a farmer buys a new machine its value is depreciated at the end of the financial year. Under the current system farmers can write off that value but only if it is less than $5000. But that is far too low to help the

farmers or a land occupier, agent or employee to use a prohibited semi-automatic centrefire rifle, a semi-automatic rimfire rifle with magazine capacity greater than 10 rounds or a semi-automatic or pump-action shotgun with magazine capacity greater than five rounds. Anderson says what is a small victory is tempered by the costly and complicated application process. The covid-19 outbreak has delayed the passage of legislation through Parliament and he hopes it can be simplified before being made law. Anderson says he is hearing reports the pest population has exploded after six weeks of little hunting pressure because of the lockdown. Police have also made another significant change to the legislation. The proposed legislation has simplified the contentious definition of the temporary transfer of firearms, which would have required police notification for any temporary stewardship of a firearm, such as on hunting trips or having someone else’s

primary sector when a new tractor can cost upwards of $100,000, Tulloch said. If it is increased farmers can write that value off and would pay less tax that financial year, which could encourage farmers to buy new machines. “It’s an incentive and something they have done in Australia.” Tulloch has written to Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor requesting action to encourage farmers and contractors to invest in farm productivity. The asset write-off needs to be done across the board for all industries to stimulate the economy. “The Government needs to make a decision quickly because there are a lot of buying decisions to be made now by farmers. “The sector faces job and business losses as a result of the economic slump and without interventio the downturn in sales could be the sector’s new normal. “We could see a repeat of the

global financial crisis that took us years to recover from. We will see flow-on effects such as the loss of competition within our sector plus barriers to farmers maintaining and obtaining tractors and machinery.” The tractor and farm machinery sector provides 2500 jobs. In 2018 and 2019 sales were finally back to the 2005 and 2006 levels of more than 4000. The GFC saw sales plummet by 45%. It took eight years to recover. “If our sector declines by 45% again it means the potential for the loss of 1200 jobs within the primary industry that already needs 50,000 more workers. “We are already facing a severe financial pinch through the postponement of the June face-toface Fieldays where we receive a bulk of our orders. “We need urgent action from the Government now to enable our primary industry to keep investing in its future. Otherwise the country will feel more pain later.”

Miles Anderson Federated Farmers firearm in a vehicle. That has been changed so the temporary transfer of a firearm for less than 30 days does not need to be registered. For example, a farmer temporarily transferring a firearm to an employee for the purpose of pest control will not need to register the transaction if the transfer is for less than 30 days “This would ensure that the vast majority of firearms owners who are engaged in activities that involve temporary transfers would not be burdened with an impractical obligation,” the legislation states.

Groups set up to help the helpers Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

SLUMP: Tractor sales fell 60% in April as a result of the covid-19 lockdown.

It is a little win but there are still fairly onerous conditions and requirements such as having to set up a separate pest control company.

A RED meat industry initiative to upskill rural professionals is focused on building capability to help enable a sustainable future for farming. Launched in Canterbury as part of the Red Meat Profit Partnership Action Network Group, the initiative is bringing together small groups of rural professionals to work towards a shared focus and goals.

You put that into a facilitated setting and bring in subject matter experts. It’s a powerful model. Richard Brown RMPP The group of 12 rural professionals has joined forces to develop their skills in helping farmers make positive changes. RMPP group facilitator Richard Brown said the action group model lets young professionals achieve their goals as facilitators and experts. “The core objective for the group is to build the rural professional capability toolkit to help enable a sustainable future for farming. “These young rural professionals are all very skilled people who are equally passionate about supporting

farmers to help ensure the future of farming,” Brown said. “It’s a very effective forum for generating ideas and driving practice change because it’s about small groups. “You put that into a facilitated setting and bring in subject matter experts. It’s a powerful model.” Brown said it is an effective way for rural professionals to test different styles and ways of working with farmers and fine tune their approach. Since the group was formed it has focused on building financial literacy and self-awareness and development, including inviting a panel of farmers into a session to reflect on communication styles. “It’s provided an opportunity for rural professionals to practice having conversations with farmers and resulted in some key learnings, including the importance of organisation and communication in meeting with farmers.” RMPP is a seven-year Primary Growth Partnership programme working to help the red meat sector increase productivity and profitability. The programme is funded by ANZ, Alliance, Anzco, Beef + Lamb, Blue Sky Meats, Greenlea Premier Meats, Progressive Meats, Rabobank, Silver Fern Farms and the Ministry for Primary Industries. It works alongside farmers and sector businesses to develop, test and introduce new ways of engaging with information and technology.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Palm kernel feed option opens up Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz PALM kernel suppliers might provide the saving feed source for stressed Hawke’s Bay farmers becoming more desperate in a late season rush for supplement to get through winter. ADM general manager Kevin Mayall said the feed company is gearing up to supply palm kernel into Hawke’s Bay, a market that doesn’t usually buy the imported supplement. “We have a sales manager focusing a lot of time down there on working with carriers and farmers. The issue has not been palm kernel supply but, rather, accessing the transport to get it into there, which has proved prohibitive in cost going one way.” The situation in Hawke’s Bay has been brewing for some time but is now getting pretty tough, he said. Some farmers will have to be educated about feeding palm kernel, which can be fed direct to cattle and often forms an ingredient in sheep pellets.

But the Hawke’s Bay farmers will be joining a growing body of their peers seeking the feed as supplies run low around the North Island. Feed supply specialist Bill Webb of Te Puke said palm kernel looks like the next best option as pastoral and maize feed supplies are rapidly dwindling and maize silage is long gone throughout much of the North Island. Winter grazing is difficult to find. “Last year we had grass for dry cows knee high and turnips the size of your boot. Now there’s hardly any grass and turnips the size of golf balls.” Palm kernel prices reflect a volatile global commodities market in recent weeks with contracted prices bouncing around the $300 to $350 a tonne mark and spot prices slipping over $400 a tonne. They have got to a height where some companies are not putting spot purchase prices out. Prices are regarded as historically high though still shy of the $450/tonne hit five years ago. Interest in the feed remains strong among traditional palm

kernel users also scrabbling for late season feed. Bay of Plenty and Waikato farm consultant Andrew Goold said while $300-plus a tonne might seem high compared to past prices it has to be measured in the context of a $7-plus a kilo milksolid payout. He suspects the higher price is a function of tighter supply chain issues in the covid-19 environment. “I have some clients in Western Bay of Plenty who have had four months of less than 20mm a month who are very reliant on it and who are well behind on the feed cover they need heading into winter.” Despite Fonterra penalising milk for excess palm kernel fat content since September 2018 the volumes imported are clawing back to pre-penalty levels. Imports in the year to the end of March were 1.86 million tonnes, up from 1.69m last year but still short of the 2.25m imported in 2018. Palm kernel supply has been fraught with uncertainty in the

FEED FILLER: Palm kernel might prove to be a valuable extra feed option for Hawke’s Bay farmers.

wake of covid-19 and prospects are for that to remain the case for much of the year. Malaysia suspended operations in some palm oil extraction plants last month. Indonesia has imposed wide lockdowns while still deeming palm oil production an essential service. Plantations face labour issues with lockdowns limiting staff numbers at factories and plantations. The slide in global oil prices has also pulled palm oil down with it and affected the economics of palm kernel. Biofuels such as palm biodiesel were originally expected to consume a significant portion of total oil production this year but are now uneconomic. Palm oil prices are expected to

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continue trading around US$500$550 a tonne for the rest of the year, well back on last year’s US$700 a tonne. An industry source said that affects palm kernel by significantly reducing the margins on the byproduct. Covid’s impact on supply capacity has also been exacerbated by the Ramadan, that started in late April and runs for a month. Workers typically leave to return to families to celebrate the end of the period but this year face tighter controls on movement. One palm kernel supplier said the rest of 2020 is anyone’s guess when it comes to knowing how secure supply will be and the possible impact of a second wave of covid-19.

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18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Farmers want new house rules Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz DAIRY industry leaders have asked the Government to amend its covid-19 ban on landlords evicting tenants after reports of dairy staff exploiting the rules by refusing to leave supplied housing as the season draws to a close. As a result, new staff moving onto the farms can’t move into the houses in time for the new milking season in June. Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Lewis said the circumstances usually involve a staff member who was exiting dairying when the new rules became law. “They have nowhere to go. They are leaving farming for whatever reason and have no accommodation and have found out about the loophole and are using it to their advantage.” The situation needs to be resolved before the start of the new milking season. He has written to Housing Minister Megan Woods asking for dairy farmers to be exempt from the rules so new staff can occupy the houses. Over the past few weeks the organisation has fielded numerous calls across New Zealand from farm owners in this position seeking advice, he said. “We know it’s an issue and are working hard to solve it.” The rules do not reflect the practical farm realities where houses are required for staff and

The workers that are supposed to be moving into these properties and the farm owners – they need resolution and they need it soon. Hamish Walker National Party

AMENDMENT NEEDED: Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Lewis has written to Housing Minister Megan Woods asking for her to change the law around the covid-19 response to allow farmers with staff housing the right to evict tenants.

where the dairy sector is about to face large movements between farms. “We need farm-specific exclusions.” The Government changed the rules as emergency legislation in March to protect tenants as the country went to lockdown. Even tenants who had previously given notice can stay in the houses. Landlords breaking

the rules are liable to be fined up to $6500. National Party CluthaSouthland MP Hamish Walker believes the issue is widespread after he recently posted on social media about it. In 48 hours he had 10 people contact him, all with tenants they could not get rid of without fear of prosecution. “And that’s just Southland

alone and unfortunately it’s the unintended consequence of the changes the Government made to tenancy laws.” About half of those 10 cases involved people purposely unwilling to move because of the law changes, despite knowing the houses are needed for incoming staff. “They know they have the right not to move if they don’t want to.”

He said the rules have to be urgently changed in time for the new milking season. “The workers that are supposed to be moving into these properties and the farm owners – they need resolution and they need it soon.” DairyNZ people team leader Jane Muir said the issue is is high on the organisation’s radar and it has asked the Government to review it. “It is a very difficult situation and currently the employer needs to think about alternative accommodation arrangements. “This might mean paying rent for another house nearby for the new employee or thinking about a boarding situation. “Of course, the existing tenant can agree or decide to move out but it has to be their choice, they cannot be given notice or pressured to. We hope to get some resolution soon on this issue for farmers.” Housing Minister Megan Woods has been contacted for comment.

GoDairy jobs effort launched A CAMPAIGN to get unemployed people working in the dairy industry has been launched. GoDairy, organised by DairyNZ and Federated Farmers, aims to raise awareness of the jobs available. It includes entry level training to help people transition to farming. There are at least 1000 jobs available on dairy farms, DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said. “As the new season gets under way on June 1 even more positions are likely to become available. “For people who’re looking for work and like the idea of caring for animals and the environment there are lots of jobs and career progression opportunities.” Mackle said the campaign has a big emphasis on ensuring new staff understand what is involved in farm life. “We want a win-win situation – for new dairy farming employees to be happy and fulfilled in their new lifestyle and jobs and for farm employers to have great talent working for them. Dairy farming also pays one of the highest average wages of all the primary sectors. “For the most part we’re anticipating interested people will

Key facts: • Pay: The annual pay averages $42,000 for farm assistants rising to $50,000-$55,000 for herd and assistant managers and $70,000 upwards for farm managers. • Where are the jobs? Dairy farm jobs are available in all of the country’s major dairying regions, in particular Waikato, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. • Training: DairyNZ is finalising the details of the GoDairy farm-ready course for career changers. It will give information about life and work on a farm and teach the basics of animal handling and vehicle safety. • Once on farm the workers will be suppoted by the farm employer and colleagues. As many farm staff already do, they can choose to go on to learn more and obtain formal qualifications through courses provided by Primary ITO, Dairy Training, regional polytechnics and other training providers.

be from the regions where there are big job losses in tourism and hospitality and where there is dairying close by. “An example is the dairy heartland of Waikato, which is

also home to the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves attractions and the neighbouring Rotorua area where there have been job losses, both direct and in the local support businesses.” While new entrants to dairy farming will start in junior roles they can expect a rewarding career path. “Even though they are new to farming many people already have skills that are readily transferrable and valued on dairy farms. “This is because dairy farming these days is quite diverse and there are many roles from doing the farm books to working with machinery, working with animals and managing staff and making full use of technology along the way. “Skills from previous work and a determination to give their best will see people new to farming quickly progress from a farm assistant position to herd manager and then other management roles and even ownership later on.” People interested in knowing more about working on dairy farms, where the jobs are and the introductory training can visit godairy.co.nz/career-changers where they can register their interest.

CAREER CHANGE: DairyNZ and Federated Farmers hope a new campaign will attract unemployed people to consider a new career in the dairy industry.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Pruners are thin on the ground Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz SLOWER, less-exacting pruning is likely to be a reality for orchardists this winter as they adapt to having a far smaller pool of skilled pruners because of the covid crisis. Master Contractors chairman Richard Bibby in Hawke’s Bay expects half the pruning staff employed around New Zealand this year will be first timers after hundreds of skilled Recognised Seasonal Employer workers failed to make it into NZ before the borders shut. Many of them return year after year, carrying with them much of the industry’s technical pruning skills for kiwifruit, apples, stonefruit and grapes. “There is a recognition there among growers that pruning will not be as quick as it has been in the past and they may take a bit of a hit profit-wise to get staff up to speed,” he said. The loss of workers includes 1200 RSE workers who were supposed to front for the kiwifruit harvest and pruning in Bay of Plenty alone. Kiwifruit Growers chief executive Nikki Johnson said the organisation is already looking at labour needs beyond harvest. “Labour and education co-ordinators are working with a group of industry members to establish the size of the problem and consider ways to upskill workers new to the roles quickly. “Bay of Plenty RSE employers are also working with employers in other regions to offer roles to workers who can’t travel home due to border closures,” she said. Bibby is confident orchard contractors and owners are not panicked by the shortage and have adjusted by starting winter pruning three weeks earlier than usual to allow for newer workers. They include RSE workers who might have come to harvest fruit but have not pruned in the past. “We will see the pruning become more methodical than technical so it will get done, even if not as skilled as it would normally be.” Winter pruning is the highest-paying task on orchards with workers capable of earning up to $2000 a week once they are skilled. “Of course, newbies start off on a wage of $23.50 an hour, and it takes a couple of seasons to get up to speed.” Bibby said so far the interest from Kiwis in such positions has been very muted. He suspects the wage subsidy ending in June might see a surge of interest if businesses are forced to close. “But it may really depend upon when NZ’s borders open up. We expect to see a number of our backpacker workers who have been stuck here leave for home when that happens. That may then open up more jobs for New Zealanders. We expect to see more of a surge from Kiwis for our next season’s crop.” Horticulture New Zealand seasonal labour coordinator Dirk van Beek said many RSE workers in Hawke’s Bay are staying there till they can head home rather than be relocated to other areas like Marlborough. “In Hawke’s Bay we tend to have permanent Kiwis doing pruning and thinning, in contrast to Bay of Plenty. But we have a duty of pastoral care to look after these RSE workers who are still here and we have said to them that if they wish to stay in Hawke’s Bay we will find work for them for as long as they are here. Immigration policy lets them work in only the

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horticultural sector and van Beek is confident growers have enough jobs to keep the 5000 workers engaged till they can go home. Hort NZ chief executive Mike Chapman said there are plenty of jobs for Kiwis. Industry groups are working to align displaced workers with the jobs. “And contrary to what many often think the industry’s pay rates are good.”

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PRUNED: Work is being done to find more workers for pruning once harvest is over, Kiwifruit Growers chief executive Nikki Johnson says.

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20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Second life for Depression scheme Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE grim years of the Great Depression in the 1930s convinced Public Works Minister Bob Semple of the vital necessity for greater production and employment. New Zealand was suffering from mass unemployment and as economic despair gripped the country Semple saw a solution. It came in the form of work relief schemes and one such scheme was putting water to work with the development of the Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR), envisioned to create jobs, generate hydro-electricity and transform the pastoral landscape of much of the Canterbury Plains. “We as a nation cannot afford the continued idleness of such extensive resources, not only for our good but for the benefit of the world at large,” Semple said. More than 400 people from surveyors, machinery operators, mechanics, plumbers, carpenters and steel benders to electricians, concrete makers and blacksmiths were employed on the project. Eighty years on the scheme could again be a saviour in as NZ climbs out of the covid-19 economic recession, expected to leave thousands of people unemployed with agriculture at the heart of the nation’s economic

RESOURCE: On October 19 1940 Public Works Minister Bob Semple epitomised the magic of the Rangitata Diversion Race as he drove his ministerial car inside the first concrete pipe laid for the Surrey Hills siphon.

recovery. RDR Management has applied for shovel-ready project funding for the $300 million job.

The 500 hectares needed for the construction area are already acquired and all the necessary resource consents are in place for

FLOW ON: The 67km Rangitata Diversion Race channel played a key part in New Zealand’s economic recovery from the Great Depression.

the 53m cubic metre Klondyke storage facility. The consents provide for the significant earthworks and civil construction over five years. The project still needs final business case confirmation before tenders can be let. “This represents a significant opportunity if the funding and final planning and design stages can be accelerated to kick things along from here,” chief executive Tony McCormick said. The race, completed in 1944, is NZ’s largest irrigation scheme, comprising a 67km channel that diverts water from the Rangitata River for irrigation, stockwater and two hydro-electricity power stations. The Klondyke project includes upgrades to the existing water canal and other infrastructure to improve hydraulic performance to maximise the utility of the new storage pond. Water storage will overcome the inherent unreliability of the run-of-river supply and protect the environment against future climate change effects while increasing the communiity’s economic resilience, McCormick said. “Pressure on the resource whether from climate change, competing uses, political or societal changes will drive the

need for the RDR to be as efficient as possible with water every bit as important in the future as it has been in the past.” Storage will allow artificial recharge of groundwater and public recreation including a kayak course will be provided. McCormick said the costs of resource consents and buying the land have been paid by interestonly bank loans. “It is anticipated that the project will be substantially debt-funded with recovery of the project costs via charges based on water use.” It has been estimated to create 200 construction jobs then ongoing regional jobs for more than 500 people. “We have got clear future demands and the opportunity is there to help economic recovery with more water now even more significant than ever to NZ’s economic future,” McCormick said. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones said the infrastructure industry reference group has received more than 2000 proposals totalling $125 billion since it asked for shovel-ready projects. A shortlist of potential pipeline projects is expected in the next fortnight with the aim of getting them started as soon as possible.

POTENTIAL: An artist’s impression of the proposed Klondyke storage facility near Ashburton.

Women get behind safety project SAVE a life, listen to your wife is the message of a new health and safety movement for rural women. Safer Farms has partnered with Australian Alex Thomas to bring the #PlantASeedForSafety project here. It aims to raise the voices of rural women and boost confidence in their ability to influence change and inspire others to make safer, healthier choices. It profiles women from rural industries and communities who are making positive and practical improvements to the health, safety and wellbeing of those around them. Thomas, who founded the project, says everybody knows

someone who’s been hurt at work in rural industries but the focus on paperwork and box-ticking is detracting from talking about the sorts of things done daily that prevent people from getting hurt. “We need to talk much, much less about paperwork and much, much more about the things that could actually save a life.” Agriculture has the second highest number of deaths in all New Zealand industries with 23 people killed in workrelated incidents from April 2019 to March 2020. One of those already on board is Safer Farms’ health and safety advocate Harriet Bremner, who lost a family member in a farming accident.

“I know first-hand how much women care about the people they love staying safe while they work. We want to change the stigma of putting health and safety in a box when it should be about putting people first and keeping the ones you love alive.” Bremner hopes to change the she’ll-be-right and it’llnever-happen-to-me attitudes many kiwi farmers have. “An accident or fatality can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of how experienced they are. “This is about planting a seed for safety, to get people home to their families at the end of every day.” Others involved include

Will to Live’s Elle Perriam, rural nurse Mischa Clouston, Sarah’s Country host Sarah Perriam, Proud To Be A Farmer member Claire Inkson, farmer and health and safety advocate Mairi Whittle and Social Licence Consulting founder Penny Johns. Supporting organisations include Rural Women, WorkSafe, Dairy Women’s Network, the Rural Support Trust, Farm Source, Pamu and LIC. Women can submit their stories to be uploaded to the #PlantASeedForSafety website where visitors can find positive and practical solutions to improving health, safety and wellbeing on-farm and in communities.

LISTEN UP: Safer Farms’ Harriet Bremner and #PlantASeedForSafety founder, Alex Thomas.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Wild pine money is good but not enough Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz REDEPLOYED workers are to attack invasive wilding pines posing a $4.6 billion threat to farmland, waterways and ecosystems. But Federated Farmers says the Government’s redeployment plan of just 160 workers will barely dent the invasive pest. Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage say up to 160 redeployed workers will pick up jobs in 55 biosecurity and conservation projects to get the regional economy moving again. The new projects in Northland, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury are part of the Government’s $100 million redeployment support package announced in March. “As we rebuild the economy linking up people and jobs is vital,” O’Connor said. “This is work that needs to be done and what we’ve done is accelerate projects, which also saves money as the cost of

removing wilding pines rises by 30% each year.” Sage said in addition to the wilding pine control work there are also plans to redeploy workers into new conservation jobs in track maintenance, planting and pest and weed control to give native plants, birds and wildlife a chance to thrive. The new projects will provide work for three to six months and will begin over the next two to three weeks. “The Government is committed to looking after people, their jobs and the land, waterways and oceans we depend on. “This is an initial set of projects and the Department of Conservation is working with councils, iwi and community organisations to identify opportunities to ramp up conservation jobs to help communities recover from covid-19 while giving nature a helping hand,” Sage said. Federated Farmers environment spokesperson Chris Allen welcomed the extra funding for clearing wilding pines but said much more is needed.

“Hopefully, this is a taste of a much more extensive environmental work programme funding coming in Thursday’s Budget as, unfortunately, 160 new jobs will only just touch the sides when it comes to controlling these trees.” Allen said the wilding pine problem has been raised by Feds with the Government many times and featured in the environmental and economic work programme suggestions the organisation made to the Government in March. Wilding pines are conifers, which grow where they are not wanted, spread by wind-blown seeds and have been recognised as a pest weed problem for many years. A national control programme struggles with this extremely difficult to control biodiversity problem. “We estimate at least a doubling of the current annual spend is required. “Something in the order of $100m over the next four years will be needed to turn the problem around,” Allen said.

MARCHING ON: This aerial photograph shows wilding pines rapidly invading Molesworth Station in Marlborough. Photo: MPI

Getting rid of wilding pines, whether it be in high country tussock lands that are catchments for a significant proportion of hydro electricity generation or be it exotic trees spreading into native bush is vital. “The beauty is that money spent now will achieve much more than if we wait just another year. “This is a clear example of where advancing spending will actually save a lot more time, money and effort in the medium to long term.” Federated Farmers had its

fingers crossed the Budget will bring a significantly larger commitment to a wide range of initiatives that will provide muchneeded employment, make good economic sense and have lasting environmental benefits. They include more money for wilding pines control, a big boost to pest control and significant funding for catchment-based initiatives such as riparian plantings, wetland enhancement and soil erosion, all of which provide water quality and indigenous biodiversity benefits.

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News

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Energy and ag a lasting marriage Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz AGRICULTURE has been in the spotlight of the zero carbon debate because it contributes 48% of New Zealand’s greenhouse gases. The energy sector sits a close second at 41% of total emissions but has yet to receive the same pressure to mitigate its emissions. Canterbury farmer and Nuffield Scholar Cam Henderson believes the two sectors can work together to collectively lower emissions. But the way energy is reported as a contributor to greenhouse gases fails to convey just how significant its contribution is. That prompted Henderson to use his Nuffield Scholarship to explore links between agriculture and energy and how technology can work to harness farmed energy sources including waste matter to supply national energy needs. The subject came partly from Henderson’s concern that while greenhouse gas reduction is firmly on agriculture’s to-do list, planning and options to achieve that appear limited. “I originally intended to look at what we could do with our fodder beet crops as an alternative use. They are used overseas for biofuels and I hoped to come back with a business case study on the biofuel industry for the South Island.” Technology that can integrate farm-sourced energy feedstock with energy generation has advanced significantly in recent years. Anaerobic digestors capable of turning effluent into biogas and electricity-generating solar arrays are among some of the options Henderson saw on his study trip. Recent events have, however, reinforced to him the need for a consistent, enduring energy policy for any farm-based energy supply system to hold up over time. “Leaving the free market to determine energy supply and demand can be a risky affair and

really threaten the ability to establish a viable long-term industry. “We have seen the effect of recent oil price drops on ethanol plants throughout the United States having to be shut down, for example.” Before the global financial crisis and the shift to a National government in 2008 NZ was in the early stages of a biofuel focus that was playing out into farming systems. A Solid Energy subsidiary developed rapeseed bio-diesel processing, with Canterbury and Otago farmers contracted to grow it.

Leaving the free market to determine energy supply and demand can be a risky affair and really threaten the ability to establish a viable, long-term industry. Cam Henderson Nuffield Scholar However, Solid Energy pulled out and the fledgling bio-fuel industry fell over completely when excise incentives were removed. NZ remains one of the few countries in the world not to require a bio-fuel component in its fuel. “But with covid-19 it will be interesting to see if efforts to reset the economy create more support for such fuels.” Harvesting the sun, if not crops, can also give farmers to link energy and farm systems. Henderson’s own property has a solar array that can power the farm dairy shed and, given the cost savings it delivers, is the most profitable per-hectare part of the farm. On his visit to California he saw

energy policy that better rewarded farms selling surplus power to the grid. In NZ returns are considerably lower, with any surplus power sold back at only a third of its retail value. Solar power technology has also advanced to the point where local power for locals is possible by having arrays big enough to supply districts with their power needs when arrays are linked. There was even the possibility of setting up a co-operative of energy generating farmers who could work together to market and sell energy back to the national grid. “It brings greater self-sufficiency and Canterbury farmers using groundwater are big electricity users.” However, his study also shows the best-intentioned policy can have unintended consequences. “In California the solar systems were generating so much extra power in summer they were having to give the electricity away for free from the grid. There had been no consideration about how to handle a surplus, should it arise.” He has come to see the covid crisis as a chance to kill two birds with one stone – dealing with growing energy needs while managing greenhouse gas emissions. However, left only to the market it might require a lift in carbon prices to nearer $200 a tonne to incentivise a move to projects like anaerobic digestors and carbon storage schemes. “And a lot of mitigation methods are not recognised under current accounting schemes, which means there is even less reason for investing in them.” Henderson’s concern is the lack of planning and voice agriculture has in any government-led energy strategy, one which is now under way. “Meantime agriculture is left trying to defend its GHG position when we could be working hand in hand with the energy sector.”

COW POWER: Nuffield scholar Cam Henderson, right, on a California dairy farm that generates its own electricity.

FARMING FOR POWER: Cam Henderson in a sugar cane crop in Brazil. Farming and energy can work more closely to reduce their greenhouse gas footprints, he says.

AginED Ag ED

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

Volume Seven I May 18th, 2020 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz

In your paper

Photo of the week:

Small but Mighty!

1 Think of three things your ultimate dream property/farm would have/need. 2 Give your property a name and send us your creation. 3 Share them on our Facebook page or email to agined@globalhq.co.nz

STRETCH YOURSELF:

Have a go: 1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz 2 Find and watch the OnFarmStory of Sandra Matthews, “The role of women has changed” and read the accompanying article “Getting the best out of people”. 3 Where in New Zealand do Sandra and Ian Matthews farm?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

What course did Sandra take in 2014?

2 Following on from this she helped set up FWT. What is the full name of this group and what do they do? 3 What genetics did the Matthews add to their breeding ewes that has been a factor in increasing lambing percentages? Leo Honorē helps hold up the bucket for Dad

4 What is Sandra and Ian’s ultimate farming goal?

1 Go to the AgriHQ Market Snapshot page 2 What is this week’s South Island Cow price? 3 Is this better or worse than last week? Frankton R2 Steer Data

4 How does it compare to last year?

STRETCH YOURSELF: Look at the ‘Frankton R2 Steer Data’ table – Per kilo prices are important when buying and selling stock, why do you think this is? – Work out the per kilo values for the Hereford-Friesian, 408kg, steers in the top line, and the Friesian-cross, 246kg, steers on the bottom line. – Give a reason for the difference in price between these two lines of data.

FILL YA BOOTS: 1 Outline your ultimate farm package; size, location, typography etc... 2 What would this property enable you to grow or produce? What would make your farm the ultimate in properties? Send your response to agined@globalhq.co.nz

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

1 Sale yards have re-opened under level two restrictions, what protocols need to be in place to enable the yards to open and trade? 2 For many areas the re-opening of yards is imperative at this time. Can you outline why the yards are so important and the crucial role that they play for farmers throughout New Zealand? 3 Send us your response to agined@globalhq.co.nz We may choose your letter to feature in Ewe said!

Ewe said: Tom Glenn, year 13 Agricultural and Horticultural Science and Agribusiness student shared his opinion piece regarding government emissions policies.

Sheep farming in New Zealand has been the mainstay of small rural towns and economies since the formation of pastoral farming. This is why the current labour government’s desire for a low emissions economy is unsustainable, lacking in preparation and completely flawed. The productivity commission is suggesting that over 2.8 million hectares of New Zealand pastoral farming will be converted into tree farming. I think there is a complete misjudgement by the current environmental enforcers in parliament. There have been over 70m ewes in the 1980’s, to a mere 27m ewes in the current farming cycles. This shows that New Zealand sheep farming has been completely marginalised over the past 40 years and now a projected 16% of sheep farming production is set to decrease. This proposal will decimate small rural communities and economies, with the potential disappearance of jobs such as shepherds and fencers. The environmental aspects of tree farming could be devastating such as the Tolaga bay environmental disaster, that resulted in over 40,000 tonnes of slash being washed up around Tolaga bay. This so-called billion tree scheme is lacking foresight. Sheep farming has a big future in this country’s primary industry and New Zealand’s exports. Finally as a 17 year old who is going to be a 3rd generation farmer on his family’s west coast sheep and beef farm, I worry that the future for farming is in the balance and that the next generation of shepherds, farmers and tractor drivers could disappear in the future. For these T hanks Tom! reasons, tree farming has the potential Your GlobalHQ to decimate the industry.

mug is on its way!

Newsmaker

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Young Farmers appoints new farm manager A Young Farmer has been appointed to manage a farm with a rich history. Gerald Piddock spoke with Sam Waugh, who’ll ovesee the Donald Pearson Farm near Auckland.

AM Waugh is the new farm manager at Young Farmers’ Donald Pearson Farm. The 27-year-old who took up the job late last month said “I have a broad range of skills that I bring to the farm with knowledge from a wide variety of different farming systems and I›m keen for a new challenge. I am also very excited to be involved with developing the farm both from a farming perspective but also in its role of encouraging the younger generation into the agricultural sector. “I really believe the Donald Pearson Farm can be a great asset to our industry so I feel very privileged to have the chance to be involved with that.” The late Donald Pearson gave his 74-hectare farm in Brookby, Manurewa, South Auckland to Young Farmers to encourage young people into the agricultural sector. It is now run by a board. The farm milks 100 Jersey and 10 Shorthorn cows, operating as a commercial dairy farm. Young Farmers wants to use the farm and the way it is run as an outdoor classroom or learning centre for members and the wider community. Waugh said the non-farming educational opportunity the farm offers excites him. “That’s what really sparked my interest in this farm. To be able to develop that side of the business is something that really excites me.”

Waugh never met Pearson but understands what he wanted the farm to do. “He’s been very involved with his local community and invited a lot of schoolchildren and things onto the farm to learn about farming. “He wanted that legacy to continue and to develop past the time when he passed away himself.” After two difficult seasons on the farm the board has had to persevere through high capital spending and management challenges as well as a severe drought, which is still affecting the farm. The board’s focus for the coming season is to improve soil fertility and pasture composition, a vision Waugh shares. “My priorities for the coming season are to improve pasture quality, increase pasture harvested, helping to increase production efficiently as well as improving the quality of fencing on the property.” Waugh got involved in Young Farmers when he studied at Lincoln University where he did an agri-commerce degree. “At once stage I was regional chairman for the Tasman region and I was elected as a board member for the organisation as well for a few years.” Waugh also chaired Young Farmers’ Lincoln and Christchurch clubs. Before taking new job he spent two years working in different

APPOINTED: Sam Waugh is the new manager of the Donald Pearson Farm.

farming systems in Britain with wife Liana. “I worked on a 3500ha cropping farm in the United Kingdom where the business was also developing a small beef unit. “They operated a commercial grain store, did straw bale contracting where they bale about 100,000 bales per season and ran a large game-bird shoot.

“During my time in the UK I learnt a lot about farming systems in the northern hemisphere and gained a much greater appreciation for the way in which we farm in New Zealand.” He also spent four years working as a dairy farm adviser with agricultural consultancy Farm Right in Canterbury.

He wanted that legacy to continue and to develop past the time when he passed away himself. Sam Waugh Donald Pearson Farm

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New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Stink bug in tech winners’ sights An innovation and technology company with a track record for coming up with hightech solutions to industry problems has just claimed another win in this year’s Ag Tech Hackathon competition. Richard Rennie spoke to company heads Matthew van der Werff and Terry Southern about their device that has the brown marmorated stink bug, among others, firmly in its sights.

PIECE of kit offering a onestop solution for identifying, attracting and killing the brown marmorated stink bug is timely, given the bug’s top-line status on New Zealand’s list of least-wanted pests. The bug has already laid waste to Italy’s fruit sector, doing almost half a billion Euros worth of damage a year to pear, hazelnut and kiwifruit crops and is now tapping on the door of Europe’s largest apple-growing area in northern Italy. Terry Southern, Matthew van der Werff and Aaron Fulton work for Manawatu tech consulting company Beta Solutions. It has a proven track record in technology that includes agritech, where they have developed products such as electric fence fault detectors, LED lighting devices for horticulture and Internet of Things tank monitoring systems for farmers. Taking part in the Ag Tech Hackathon gave them the chance to apply the product development knowledge they have developed and apply it to deliver an industry solution. “There is always the appeal that we can come up with our own solution and potentially take that forward under our own company portfolio,” Southern says. The technology involved in the solution, with the working title Bugkilla, combines technologies that draw from areas of pest control and artificial intelligence. “The challenge was to work through how we could package these components into a product

where they work together.” The Bugkilla uses pheromones and light waves to attract the stink bugs into a chamber. The bug crawls in and a camera identifies if it is a stink bug. If it is, a fan draws the bug up to an electric grating and zaps it then ejects the dead bug.

This means if you had an incursion and were trying to monitor the spread of the pest you can quickly geomap locations and spread by having a network of the traps out there. Matthew van der Werff Beta Solutions Pulling the pieces of technology together for this project includes fine-tuning some AI tech linked to the camera sensor. Essentially, the system is taught to identify the particular bug by being shown hundreds of images of it. The developers say it is not limited to the stink bug. A suite of pests could be identified as potential candidates for the fatal trap. Luring different bugs would require different light spectrums to attract them along with different pheromones. Power is delivered to the trap through a small solar panel charging a lithium battery

supplying some low power electronic systems. The higher energy kill apparatus fires up once a bug enters. A valuable feature is the ability of the trap to load data to the cloud. “This means if you had an incursion and were trying to monitor the spread of the pest you can quickly geo-map locations and spread by having a network of the traps out there,” van der Werff says. The stink bug challenge was offered by Zespri. Mentor and challenger Mark Graham, Zespri’s innovation leader for orchard technology, said he is excited to work with a team to develop the solution further as part of a Zesprifunded project. The competition was staged in a covid lockdown environment. Ministry for Primary Industries event judge Cheyne Gillooly said the turnout was impressive despite competitors not having easy access to their usual resources and the short time frame on the event’s turnaround. The event attracted 119 people and received 13 entries from around New Zealand, double what is normally received. The Beta Solutions team will spend coming weeks considering their options for how best to move from their present preliminary design to a more advanced prototype and ultimately to commercial production. “Matt and I are pretty passionate about developing real products that solve real problems. This was one of those projects that really ticked all the boxes for us” Southern said.

BUGGED: Beta Solutions chief executive Terry Southern enjoys the challenge of combining the company’s technology into one package for the Hackathon.

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Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

EDITORIAL

Sector’s treatment shows its strength

OR all those people in the regions standing by with shovels ready last week’s Budget didn’t quite give them the go-ahead to start digging. There are billions set aside for infrastructure projects but which ones will get the go-ahead is still to be decided. But the Budget did say one thing loudly and clearly. The primary industries are where the jobs are and where New Zealand’s recovery will come from. The proof of that is in the almost $20 million earmarked to create 11,000 jobs in the regions. Environmental projects, pest eradication and biodiversity are the targeted areas, which is in line with the coalition Government’s agenda. Agriculture has been crying out for workers for years and now the Government will help 10,000 people make the transition from those hard-hit sectors like hospitality and tourism into jobs in the primary sector. That’s a short-term goal and no doubt there will be a continued emphasis on bolstering the primary sector workforce. Farming leaders hoped for some relief from upcoming regulation on freshwater and biodiversity but this Budget is focused on the covid-19 crisis and so no relief from those wider issues was forthcoming. Optimists would say it’s something of a relief to be part of a sector that doesn’t need as much help as many others do. To be a bit player, in money terms, in this crisis Budget is a sign the sector’s in good shape. But farmers are facing headwinds as well. Drought, trade issues and fast movements in comsumer habits all pose big challenges. Still, the sector can be proud of the fact New Zealand is looking to it for leadership. The farming sector has the jobs, the products and the income to steady the ship and get the nation back on course after the covid-19 storm. And with more people realising food production is one of the few safe games in town, the sector can only continue to grow.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

DairyNZ gives 15 to one return IN RESPONSE to Beth Parker’s letter where she asked what value she gets for the milksolids levy. It’s a fair question and one all farmers should ask. That question drives our team every day. Our job at DairyNZ is to support the long-term future of dairy by ensuring farmers’ work is informed by robust science and economics. An independent analysis shows that for every $1 you pay through the levy the return on investment is $15. We stand by that number. We invest your levy in practical, on-farm tools, research, resources, support, promotion and advocacy. As Parker raised, some of our research is available online for free and, indeed, many consultants share it with farmers. But the reality is that when we start researching an issue

for farmers we’re often the first to do it. Our research is also freely available for farmers and consultants to use because the value is created when farmers take up that research and the higher the uptake, the better. We invest in areas where the private sector often won’t, so dairy farmers have access to the best practices and research so you can make good, informed decisions on your farm. For example, research into plant-breeding technologies – our team is developing new options to select better plants faster through genomic selection, new hybrid perennial ryegrasses and field testing genetically modified technologies. Other work involves genetics – we’re developing new cow fertility and longevity traits for greater focus on fertility and good health as well as research

to save time and money on the farm through reducing milking frequency. Levy investment in Animal Evaluation has driven genetic gain in dairy animals, which has resulted in the average herd of 414 cows gaining $4015 a year in improved profits from higher performing cows. These are four examples among hundreds of investments made by dairy farmers through the DairyNZ levy, into education, careers, research, development, advocacy, industry sponsorships, local research and more. We want our research to be shared far and wide. After all, it’s your money that funded it. So, we are pleased when others share it. But please don’t forget that we’re often the first to start it. And the research informs our other work to educate farmers and advocate on issues that

matter to you, to ensure that policy is informed by science and evidence. Please do vote on the levy. It’s vital everyone in our industry has their say. And if you’re unsure of the value or simply want to talk to us about what the priorities should be, call us on 0800 4 324 7969, email info@dairynz.co.nz or contact our regional teams. We are working hard for all dairy farmers. Jim van der Poel Chairman DairyNZ

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Why I’m voting yes to DairyNZ Sophia Clark

LITTLE bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing when you think it to be a lot of knowledge. I can’t take credit for the above wisdom but I can remember I took a photo of it in a book of poems in Browsers Bookshop in Hamilton because it really resonated with me. I feel there are potentially two stages in one’s life when a person can know it all. From the ages of about 16-20 then again when cynicism kicks in. When that cynicism kicks in is up to you. Some people, the wisest people I know, never stop learning. The Dunning Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where people who are incompetent at something cannot recognise their own incompetence. And not only do they fail to recognise their incompetence they’re also likely to feel confident that they actually are competent. Don’t you get frustrated when you read the comments section below a farming article and think if only they knew what I know? The least informed among us are among the most vocal. I urge you, no matter what you think you know, to get on the DairyNZ website and have a look around. DairyNZ is so much more than discussion groups. Look at the breakdown of where every dollar from your 3.6 cents/ kg milksolids goes. I stole it off the DairyNZ website. I’ve got to hand it to them, they’re pretty transparent. I think people forget DairyNZ

isn’t just farm yarns and a barbecue. They aren’t telling you how to run your farm, that’s entirely up to you. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely think there’s room for improvement but the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about. There are tangible areas where DairyNZ is making farmers money. On environmental advocacy and policy it helped reduce compliance costs for farmers after influencing the Zero Carbon Bill by splitting out animal methane. The estimated return is 99 times the investment. For genetic gain in dairy cattle the investment in Animal Evaluation has driven an estimated increase in genetic gain of $9.70/dairy cow/year. The estimated return is 22 times the investment. If there are 4.95 million milking cows in NZ that’s potentially a return of $48,015,000 a year. The DairyNZ ryegrass forage value index is almost like a production worth for grass. It’s an independent evaluation of ryegrass cultivars helping farmers make informed decisions based on the seasonal drymatter yield, metabolisable energy and persistence. By choosing five-star cultivars, the highest rank, over four-star options it’s estimated farmers will gain an average of $173/ha in profit. The estimated return is 26 times the investment. Investing in biosecurity benefits the dairy sector by reducing trade constraints and reputational damage, better farmer welfare and costs around culling and disposing of infected cattle. The estimated return is five times the

The

Pulpit

CARRY ON: The continuation of DairyNZ is vital to the sector, sharemilker Sophia Clark says.

levy investment in biosecurity in the last five years. By investing in farmer welfare and health and safety resources NZ has seen an ongoing reduction in on-farm injuries and fatalities. Everyone deserves to get home at night. The estimated return is five times the investment in the last five years. If you want it to do things differently then please use your voice, the DairyNZ board has five farmer-elected and three independent directors. If you want to create radical change then do it that way. Stand for election or vote for candidates who share your values and whose views align with your own. Another notable recent vote was Brexit when 64% of 18-24-yearolds voted for the British to remain part of the European Union. They will live with the outcome for an

average of 69 years while the 58% of over 65-year-olds who voted to leave will live with the outcome of the decision for 16 years. My point is your vote doesn’t just affect you, it will affect every following generation of dairy farmers. Don’t pull the rug out from underneath those of us who are still learning. Whatever decision is made we will have to live with for a long time. I’m 31. I hope I get to live in the dairy industry for a few more years yet. It is critical, especially during these uncertain times, we have a voice representing us at policy level. I don’t have time to do this – especially not when I’m shoulder deep in a cow in the middle of spring, Doing the science of why we do things on-farm, helping people

achieve great things in the Dairy Industry Awards, supporting women via Dairy Women’s Network again are some of the ways DairyNZ delivers value to our industry, Heck, if you think you’re the most profitable farmer in the country get on DairyBase and compare your figures to everyone else’s. Oh wait, DairyNZ fund that too. If you think you know it all, that’s great. I certainly don’t. I hope DairyNZ continues to prosper and provide support to NZ’s dairy industry for generations to come, which is why I’m voting yes to keep DairyNZ.

Who am I? Sophia Clark is a Waikato 50:50 sharemilker and agronomist moving to Bay of Plenty next season to a larger 50:50 sharemilking job.

Team work vital for farming’s future Anthea Yule

T IS hard to know where to start in these unprecedented times. Oil is selling in negative figures, people are getting paid to stay at home and industries like tourism and international education, touted as replacements for the primary industries and promoted as financial success stories, have evaporated into nothing. Some people have been devasted by the situation while others have taken advantage. Covid-19 is bringing out the best and worst in people. The world has changed. It feels like somebody has turned the switch off. The health versus economy debate will be argued for years. What will not be argued is the fact we are at the beginning of a huge economic and social reset. That might not be a bad thing. Agriculture will lead the rebuild in New Zealand. The recent reduction by the Reserve Bank of the official cash rate by 0.75% and a relaxing of the rules forcing banks to retain more capital have given breathing space. The view that interest rates

will stay low and could drop even further will come as a relief to many. Covid-19 has been manageable for farming families who live and work in isolation. The drought has not and is not. Unfortunately, the drought in Hawke’s Bay continues to bite and has had a greater impact on farming families than the pandemic. It has become the silent drought. In some areas it is the worst in 100 years. Dams are dry, stock are losing condition and value, crops are failing and supplementary feed is expensive if you can find it. The only areas with any feed are Gisborne, Wairoa, Otago, North Otago and South Canterbury. Some in Hawke’s Bay have had Mycoplasma bovis, others have had TB and a very unfortunate few have had both. The resilience required to survive in farming is exhausting. Problems are owned and the costs vary in nature. How far will the reset extend? It is hard to remain upbeat while living through a perfect storm. Farming has gone from the outhouse to the penthouse in a matter of weeks but the pain

experienced by many over the past couple of years has not gone away. Perception becomes reality and the beat-up on farmers has been relentless. Environmental issues, compliance costs and the banks have all played their part. All this is compounded by a growing disconnect with urban populations and anti-farmer sentiment. For many this prolonged drought seems like the last straw. There is pain down every rural road in Hawke’s Bay. It is hard to watch on as our urban cousins receive assistance, many justified but not all. Some of the corporate bailouts are huge. The costs are socialised while the profits are privatised. We are also businesspeople, who farm for next year despite adversity in the present, businesspeople who are now being asked to carry the economy in these difficult times. Imagine if we did not put the bulls and rams out. There would be no next year. If there is a silver lining to be found in this it is the uptake of digital technology in households throughout NZ. Another is the

shovel-ready projects. The nation needs a discussion about water storage for the benefit of all. Currently 85% of our water goes out to sea. Lack of substantial rain to many parts of Hawke’s Bay since the middle of last year has caught up with stock famers. It is tinder dry from the ocean to the ranges. Many have had to chew through their winter feed reserves in the hope autumn rain would arrive and set up the covers for winter. Others have seed in the ground. Some have put fertiliser on. It is knife-edge stuff. We need rain before the frosts. The frosts don’t feel far away. Unfortunately, for Hawke’s Bay the dry in most parts of the North Island and the top of the South Island has had a devastating effect on the store markets. They have been in freefall for months. Yield, such an important factor in driving profit in all processed stock has also been disappointing. The added waiting time for killing space because of covid-19 has not helped. A decent easterly would be a good start but we have a long way to go. People are being tested to the end of their resilience. We

run different systems, we have different farms, we all have a story. Every farm has a story. Maybe the farming community is also due a reset. The nature of farming forces us to compete. We compete for space at the works, we compete for stock. We compete for land and we compete for water. That will not change. Perhaps the way we think about it needs to. Cricket is a team game played by individuals. Some of the individuals in the team compete to get the most runs, others try to get the most wickets. This could not be done without the help of others and all for the good of the game. Good teams play people to their strengths. Perhaps the wider farming community needs to do the same?

Who am I? Anthea Yule farms in Otamauri, Hawkes Bay.

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

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

Robertson gets it right for sector Alternative View

Alan Emerson

FEDERATED Farmers vicepresident Andrew Hoggard made the point he didn’t envy being in Grant Robertson’s shoes on Budget day. I agree. Hoggard’s wish list was for longterm solutions not short-term fixes and better broadband and provincial infrastructure. There was also the hoary chestnut of water storage. I have no argument with any of it. Robertson, a former diplomat, has certainly been thrown in the deep end. I believe he’s done a good job and we’ve been lucky with our finance ministers. Sir Michael Cullen faced considerable criticism paying down debt and leaving the books in good shape for Sir Bill English to borrow and get us through the global financial crisis. Now we have Grant Robertson behaving responsibly. From initially reducing debt he’s increased it. I have no problem with that. Government debt has increased from 19% in 2019 and will

reach 53.6% by 2024. It is still low by international standards and borrowing has never been cheaper. Putting it in perspective, it takes New Zealand’s level of debt back to the early 1990s. Borrowing was considerably more expensive then. So, now we have Robertson’s Jobs Budget, borrowing and investing. His first step in a long journey to recovery. The Budget doesn’t cut but invests with welfare strengthened. His difficult aim is to increase employment. To this end farming leaders will be pleased with the investment in skills and training. We know there are jobs in the primary sector. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has said there are an extra 50,000 people needed in agriculture post covid-19 with the immediate need for an extra 10,000 workers. To that end an extra $19.3 million has been allocated to retrain people for jobs in the primary sector. The challenge for the sector is to convince jobseekers that working on farms is well paid, secure and rewarding. It will be a major task but doable. O’Connor makes the point the Government will be encouraging familiarisation courses to help new workers know what to expect from farm life. We need to make sure those courses are well run and realistic.

The initiative is positive as is the $433m to create 4000 environmental jobs in the regions. This will be a relief for farmers who have been doing the work themselves and paying for it out of farm income. Federated Farmers issued a paper last month outlining its wish list for the primary sector. It included dropping the Official Cash Rate, increasing the threshold for provisional tax, waiving interest on late tax payments and continuing Government initiatives for maintaining and opening trade links. It will be pleased with the Budget. Pre-Budget there was the announcement of $3.9 billion for health and I support that. The previous government ran the system down. It had to be fixed. I also support the boost for Trade and Enterprise and research and development. The issue with the Budget is that it was done in a hurry. Instead of taking months, as generally happens, it was put together in a few short weeks. The end result is a credit to both politicians and bureaucrats. The system does work. There are initiatives I agree with as I’ve outlined and those I didn’t. The tourism industry depends on discretionary dollars and is a low-wage industry employing some thousands of migrant workers.

GOOD JOB: Farmers will be pleased with the Budget’s investment in skills and training.

I believe its value to the economy is overstated. IATA tells us international air travel won’t start to come back until at least 2023 so international tourism isn’t going to recover any time soon. As far as domestic tourism is concerned I can have a cheaper holiday in Australia than in Queenstown. It certainly needs a complete rejig and I wish the Government luck. Another anomaly for me is the $72.5b payment to the racing industry. Why? Who needs the industry? Post budget there were ridiculous statements coming thick and fast. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope wants international movies here and soon. Why would we want anyone from mainland America here until they’re on top of covid-19 and at the present pace that could take years. In addition, I’m over subsidising American movie moguls.

There was a lot of bleating about foreign students. Sorry, no. Greenpeace wanted $1b for regenerative farming. You’d be better off with snake oil. My overall view of the Budget is that it was well thought out and targeted. Amazingly so considering the time frame. I’m pleased with the recognition and support the primary sector received, acknowledging, as it did, that the BNZ estimates primary industries will move from 54% of our export earnings to over 70%. It all starkly contrasted with Ruth Richardson’s 1991 Mother of All Budgets, which cut welfare and health spending and created large unemployment. On the bright side it encouraged MMP, which was voted in in 1993. Thankfully, we live in a different world today.

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

We’re in good shape compared to others From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

IT WAS termed once-in-alifetime Budget and, given the circumstances from the last two months, it needed to be. Old folk or students of history will know of another big deal Budget. It became called the Black Budget but, naturally, that is not what the finance minister of the time termed it. Arnold Nordmeyer was a religious fellow and had been a Presbyterian minister and noted early for his skills in debating. He spent 35 years in Parliament as a representative of the Labour Party. He was in Cabinet for 11 years and leader of the Opposition for two years. But it is his budget of June 1958 as finance minister he is most remembered for. The second Labour government had taken office in 1957 and

within a year suffered an external shock that created a balance of payments crisis caused by the collapse of butter prices in Britain, which was our biggest export market. Wool and meat prices were also down. In those days, agriculture was the economy, as its about to be again. We have just been reminded once more that as a small trading nation far from anywhere it is always external shocks and outside events that determine our fate. So what terrible things did Nordmeyer do that led his own allies in the trade union movement to coin the term the Black Budget and not vote Labour at the 1960 election, making it a one-term government? To balance the books Nordmeyer increased taxes but just not any taxes. He taxed beer, tobacco, cars and petrol and his own working-class supporters were not happy and the government fell because of it. Last week’s Budget was an entirely different kettle of fish. There were no changes to tax, no changes to the welfare system, no new entitlement programmes and no money floating down on us from helicopters. These are the sort of things

FOCUSED: Finance Minister Grant Robertson resisted the urge to make transformational changes and stuck to the script.

Grant Robertson would naturally like to do and he had a crisis giving him a once-ina-career chance to make big transformational changes but he didn’t. Much as John Key and Bill English had the chance to use the global financial crisis as a reason to do their own transformation to the economy but also let that slide and instead engineered a much quicker economic recovery than many other nations.

And this was no austerity package, quite the opposite. Everyone agrees a big stimulatory package was needed and that is what we got. A $50 billion fund to save 138,000 jobs according to Treasury forecasts to reduce unemployment to pre-coronavirus levels within two years. That’s hard to believe given the tourism sector alone has 230,000 directly employed and is going to take many years to recover. But we know our primary sector needs another 50,000 workeers so it’s good to see $232 million will be used to boost jobs and create careers here. The money going into pest control, wilding pine removal and environmental improvements will have flow-on benefits for the farming sector as well. This $50 billion spend-up will take our debt as a percentage of GDP to 53%, which doesn’t sound good. However, after the great depression of the 1930s that figure peaked at 250%. It finally got down to 40% in the 1970s, back up to 55% by the early 1990s then Sir Michael Cullen got it to 6% by 2008. The GFC saw it climb to 26% by 2012, English got it back to 22% by the last election and

we were at 19% going into this event. So, the government balance sheet has had its ups and downs in the past, was in a good position and now is being used to get us through this crisis in the best shape possible. And to keep matters in perspective, before the impacts of the virus on economies and before any spending measures, Japan already had a debt to GDP ratio of 230%, Britain was 81%, the US 107%, China 50% and Australia at 45%. Given every country on the planet is planning to borrow vast amounts of money to stimulate economies the question no one else seems prepared to ask should be asked. From whom? Finally, today I heard out-ofwork pilots are applying for train driver jobs in Auckland because the skill set is remarkably similar. It makes me wonder if we had a shortage of pilots would we be able to turn to the train drivers to keep the planes flying?

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

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

We’re ready for any new normal Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

THE days of bemoaning our meat exporters’ lack of flexibility when everything was exported as frozen carcases are now a distant memory. Even the days of growing the profitable chilled lamb business without upsetting the European Union authorities are receding into the distant past as meat marketers cope with the complexities of marketing to previously time-poor, technologically sophisticated consumers around the world now living in lockdown without ready access to restaurants. Affco sales and marketing manager Mark de Lautour sees the covid-19 pandemic as a critical point in time that will result in a permanent shift in buying habits, putting huge emphasis on further processing capacity and weight ranging capability. He sees online as a distinct buying channel where consumers will not seek individually branded products but a home solution delivered to the door. A local example of this trend is Auckland-based Hyper Meat, which offers three meat packs

for home delivery at different prices, all at specific weights, as well as a range of wines and other beverages. Meanwhile, meat exporters have to think outside the box to find markets and customers for products previously sold to food service customers, which would traditionally have found willing homes at a guaranteed price. Anzco sales and marketing general manageer Rick Walker says his company has found Chinese retail buyers willing to take some of the higher-value cuts while food service is also on the way back, albeit working through an inventory backlog. Ultimately, there will be pressure on the carcase return, which will have to be reflected in the schedule. Viewed simply, meat sales have always gone either through retail or food service with online or e-commerce growing from a small base. Each requires a tailored product presentation, which makes it difficult to divert at short notice from one to another. Each market has a different composition. For example, the British lamb market is about 75% retail, legs particularly, 20% food service and 5% online whereas the EU is fairly evenly split between retail and food service but the United States is almost the opposite of Britain. Beef sales are about 60% food service, 35% retail and 5% online, reflecting the high proportion of manufacturing beef from the dairy herd. The growth of the online segment will command

a lot of attention when the world eventually settles down to a new normal. New Zealand’s meat exporters are fortunate to some extent because of the time of year of the pandemic disruption and shape of the season with cull cows coming through in large volumes at a time when there is plenty of demand for commodity product in the US with consumers keen to eat hamburgers rather than cook expensive cuts at home. With Chinese beef prices coming under pressure because buyers know there aren’t any higher paying alternatives, Affco’s strategy is to divert as much product as possible to the American market in the hope of starving China for a time. A sharp decline in the number of lambs being processed, though a problem for farmers, is positive for market returns. Another positive factor might be China’s recently announced ban on red meat exports from four Australian meat plants, which flags the deteriorating relationship between the two countries. China takes more than 18% of Australian meat exports. Food service demand has collapsed worldwide as a result of restaurants closing, some for good and others having to trade with substantial restrictions on customer numbers and inevitably higher costs. Only time will tell how quickly and how far this type of business will recover but even when it does there will be significant frozen inventory

to work through before more traditional demand returns. The products most affected are French racks, tenderloins, striploins and ribeye but the volume and price obtainable for those cuts through retail will not match food service. Alternative processing options such as a six-way cut offer the chance to reduce labour content and retain flexibility. In future meat must increasingly be sold in specifically weightranged retail formats at identical prices, not dollars per kilo. In the present environment de Lautour maintains online sales would have doubled except for the limitation of weight ranging capacity. Alliance marketing head Shane Kingston notes the company is seeing signs of stabilisation of food service business in Asia, except for Japan and Singapore, but also confirms the rest of the world remains in lockdown. Other than middle and loin cuts Alliance is having no difficulty selling the rest of the animal but the diversion of product from food service to retail puts downward pressure on price, which, on average, is slightly below this time last year though further erosion is inevitable. Kingston takes confidence from Alliance’s early problem identification and action at the first sign of Chinese demand falling in December, its agility in the face of the challenges and its strong partnerships in key markets. Flexibility, agility and

EVEN KEEL: Alliance sees signs of stabilisation in the food service business in Asia, its marketing head Shane Kingston says.

willingness to innovate neatly sum up the response of NZ’s red meat exporters to turbulent and unpredictable trading conditions. When the market settles down again it will not be exactly how it was before but the marketers will be ready to respond to whatever new normal presents itself.

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

Working together is the way forward Craig Wiggins

I WAKE up in the morning and I feel happy to be a farmer are the words spoken to me in conversation with a neighbour last week. This is a sentiment I am starting to hear regularly. I ask what has changed as we see farmers facing uncertainty around next year’s milksolids prices, drought and poor feed surpluses heading into winter and excess stock on farm waiting for the works and sale yards to get back to full capacity. Is it the way the country is being run I ask, have we all received a wage subsidy, has being locked down with the family improved the wellbeing and isolation issues farmers have faced or have the banks and industry leaders been in touch and given assurance that all will be better than okay in the future? It is none of the above. It is as simple as the fact

farmers now feel important again in the eyes of the nation and needed as part of the rebuilding of New Zealand’s economy. For the last decade farmers have been on a hiding to nothing in media and through antifarming campaigns that have really knocked the psyche of the men and women on the land. However, the sentiment has changed since covid-19 turned up and changed how farmers are being talked about and in turn how they see themselves. Thank goodness because, I suspect, we have lost good people in the past as they take the negativity past the level of their own tolerance. So, how do we turn this newfound farmer energy for what they do into a success story that does actually rebuild the economy? The answer, I believe, lies in two words: transparent leadership. To rebuild we will need a huge effort nationwide with cohesion, patriotism and trust that we are all playing for the same team with the same goals from all of NZ, both urban and rural. We need leadership from Wellington, government departments we can trust to do their job for the best interests of their assigned roles, media that tells the truth and does practise true journalism, all industry

bodies and representatives working hard to ensure they achieve the goals set out for their industry to succeed, common sense in spending taxpayers’ money, industry levies and rates and, mostly importantly, advanced and transparent information coming down to the trenches inside the businesses of NZ, whether they be inside a farm gate or in the main streets of our cities. New Zealanders are known to be grafters and to have a great work ethic. We need to get rid of the personal agendas of many people afforded the right to apply those agendas and also those getting paid to do bugger all before covid-19. We must heavily invest in those who can contribute, who are honest and communityminded so we can launch from the position we have found the nation in post lockdown as a single-minded community with strength and resolve and work towards a common goal of a strong economy. No more us and them, rural and urban. We are five million people about to take on the world to promote our trading nation. We can’t afford any negativity reaching our international markets. Mataura Valley Milk recently

used Fonterra’s hygiene controls as an excuse for applying for the lockdown wage subsidy because it couldn’t process Fonterra’s milk and hence had a loss that entitled it to apply for the subsidy. What does this company sabotage or unhealthy competition lead to? Nothing good for the sales of our products on the world stage as our markets see red flags about hygiene levels. There is no room for the meat processing companies to work against each other internationally, either. We are just not in a position of strength that allows this any more. NZ needs to sell its products to survive. We must sell all we can at the best price possible and all work together. What about Joe Public? Be honest, work hard and as a unit. If you have applied for and received a subsidy you were not entitled to, pay it back. If you’re ripping off the system or know someone who is then put a stop to it. Demand our representatives in Wellington and those who represent our industry and take levies to do it, do it with a conscience. Put your hands up to mentor, help and grow your community. Look after those close to you and work together to achieve a stronger national position.

Wake up in the morning and say “I’m glad to be a New Zealander and I’m going to be a part of its success”. Brought to you by PGG Wrightson Livestock.

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On Farm Story

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

In it for the long haul The Absolom family farm has the next generation in mind. They want their Hawke’s Bay property to be with their family in at least 100 years so take a long-term approach to everything they do. Colin Williscroft reports.

ROTHERS Daniel, Jeremy and Ben are the fifth generation of the Absolom family to farm at Rissington where their family has been working the land northwest of Napier since the late 1880s. During that time they’ve developed a proud history in the area but are not content to leave it at that, keeping a close eye on the future, seeking out and adopting the latest technology and science to put them in front of challenges facing farmers at the grassroots and the industry as a whole. The three brothers and their respective families all live on the 1400-hectare property. The eldest, Jeremy, is managing director of Rissington Cattle Company while Daniel looks after the genetics and breeding side of the business with youngest brother Ben responsible for the day-to-day running of the farm. Mum Star and dad John also live on the property and an uncle and aunt are regular visitors who also have a house on the property. Star and John were heavily involved for a long period from the 1970s but though still available with advice and support now have less day-today involvement. Another brother, who also grew up on the property, chose a different path and is a successful builder. He also has a house on the farm, maintaining an affinity with the place where he grew up. As the name suggests it’s predominantly a cattle operation with a breeding cow herd of more than 600 cows calving annually to produce seed stock for the commercial beef industry. They also finish sheep but the bulls are the lifeblood of the operation. The bull breeding side of the

FAMILY: John and Star Absolom with sons Ben, Jeremy and Daniel.

business is made up of Angus, Simmental and Profit Maker, the latter a multi-breed composite developed by Leachman Cattle Company in the United States. The Profit Maker is a blend of British and European inputs including Angus, Red Angus, Simmental, Gelbvieh and South Devon, combining the fleshing ability, marbling and moderate size of the British breeds with the muscle, milk and growth of the European ones.

LOCATION: The 1400 hectare farm is northwest of Napier.

Their Angus and Simmental herds are internationally proven to be top tier performers. From a young age Daniel had an interest in livestock, following John around the farm to learn as much as he could. Despite his youth, very early on he owned his own sheep stud and began to make money from selling rams and developed an interest in the animals as individuals, focusing on what made one better than another.

Photos: Damon Hyland

After leaving school he went overseas for 18 months. On his way home he worked at the Leachman Cattle Company, then in Montana, a relationship initially started by his father 30 years ago but one that is still an important part of the Rissington operation today. It allowed Daniel to immerse himself in one of the largest cattle breeding operations in the world at the time. “That was a great experience,

fully recorded animals, a lot of technology and science,” he says. “It really set the fire in me in terms of me coming home and getting back to the family business.” Beef cattle genetics have changed a lot over the last century and an increasing amount of science and technology has come into play. But the industry is still a traditional one. “The uptake of technology

INFORMATION: The family business is part of a multi-breed international beef database involving more than a million animals.

On Farm Story

ESSENCE: Bull breeding is the lifeblood of the operation.

that has been proven is still slow on the whole, even technologies like commercial AI, which has been well proven for many, many decades but is still not used a lot, even at the seed stock level in NZ. “We are big believers in science and technology and we have a proven ability to put it into practice or walk the walk as the saying goes. We have a lot of practical experience on how to actually make the science work. “The exciting thing with the new technologies coming along is that we are getting much better at selecting the animals that make a real difference earlier. “That speeds up the rate of progress exponentially, which is really exciting.”

Today the family business is part of a multi-breed international beef database involving more than 1.2 million animals, with weekly data runs. “We can compare our cattle here directly with cattle in the US, Australia, the United Kingdom and France. “One of the challenges in beef cattle is different countries have different databases for each breed so you don’t quite know where those animals will rank across breed or internationally. “The advantage of a global, multi-breed database is we can compare across breeds and across borders. It allows us to be a lot more accurate with the genetics we use.” Sharing information is a big part of that. “The ultimate goal is to produce better bulls and better profitability for our customers. “We have customers throughout NZ and we do export genetics by semen and embryos. To deliver the best product to its commercial customers two years ago Rissington struck up

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

QUALITY: The genetics involved in the company’s herds are proven to be top-of-the-line.

a partnership with Canadian company GrowSafe Systems to bring to NZ its technology focused on measuring feed intake in their cattle. It had not been done here on any scale or consistency in the past. “The reason we brought that technology was so we could measure our animals’ individual feed intake.” “It’s something we look for. We want the animals that eat less and gain more.” It’s all about driving down costs for commercial farmers. Feed makes up 70% of those farmers’ production costs so it’s significant. At the same time as the Absoloms have been building that set of data there’s been increasing pressure on farmers to reduce methane emissions and the impact animals have on the environment. “Animals that eat less emit less so it’s a win-win. “It’s an example of us taking proven technology from another country and putting it in place here in NZ so the commercial

TEAMWORK: Daniel, Ben and Jeremy Absolom have their own areas of responsibility but are not afraid to air their opinions on other decisions affecting the business.

farmers we work with can take advantage of it.” The investment in the technology has been considerable but it’s one Absolom says illustrates the family’s long-term, intergenerational approach while it will also have an immediate effect on the operation by lowering costs by selecting cattle that eat less and gain more. One of the other challenges has been to get commercial farmers is to see through the sales pitch from different bull breeders to see how they can use the data to add value to their businesses. “All we suggest is people do their research. Don’t be scared of questioning those who advise you and seek out alternatives.” Absolom realises there are farmers feeling the pressure from increasing compliance demands and climate challenges who are wondering whether it’s time to opt out of the industry but he says there are positives about being at a crossroad. “I would argue that it’s as exciting as it’s ever been right now because we have tools and strategies to take on these challenges. “We’ve faced challenges before as an industry in NZ and farmers are great people in terms of adapting to challenges of producing more from less. “We’re a pretty resilient bunch and this is just another challenge for the industry.” That includes the rise of plantbased proteins. “The demand for protein and beef continues to grow. “There’s always going to be a demand for beef, especially quality beef, and we need to demonstrate what it offers and tell our NZ story better than we’ve been doing. “It’s probably been a good wakeup call about the need to tell our story and tell it well, pointing out the key differences between what we produce and other options.” Absolom says the way the family business operates allows everyone involved to do their own thing in their own area. But that does not mean there’s not been some robust discussion

We are big believers in science and technology and we have an ability to put it into practice. Daniel Absolom Farmer over options or decisions affecting the farm over the years and while they don’t get it right all the time they are big believers in testing things and adapting or changing where required. However, the relationships are strong enough that they are happy to be challenged, going back to their younger days when the boys were taught by their parents that if you can accept challenges to your opinions you’re going to be on more solid ground. It’s put them in a good place when it comes time to hand things over to their own children. “The opportunity that we’ve been given is fantastic and it’s up to us to embrace it and and do the same for the next generation. “I’m proud to say I’m fifth generation on this farm and whether my three children choose to come into farming or not we want them and the wider family to know that they are always welcome as this will always be where they are from. “We are a large family and we all get on well, even the family not involved directly in the farm. They still come back to the farm for Christmas and have a real affinity with the land and environment here. You don’t have to farm it day to day to have that connection. “But the roots are there. We have a family cemetery on the farm that goes back over 100 years so there’s a there’s a deep understanding of what those in the past have contributed to allow us to have the opportunity now. “We hope that continues into the future.”

>> Video link: bit.ly/OFSrissington

World

32 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020

US policy hits British exports EXPORTS of pork, specialist cheeses and Scotch whisky from Britain to the United States have plummeted following the introduction of a 25% import tax six months ago with covid-19 now exacerbating the problem. The tax, which applies to certain cuts of pork along with some cheeses, dairy products and single-malt whisky was introduced in October following a dispute over European Union subsidies provided to aerospace giant Airbus. The World Trade Organisation ruled the US was entitled to introduce the taxes as a countermeasure against countries including France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. The Scotch Whisky Association said Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs export figures show a 25% decline in Scotch whisky exports in October to December 2019 with exports of single malt – the category on which the 25% tariff applies – dropping by 17% compared to the previous year. “Based on current figures, in February we predicted that the 25% tariff could mean that the industry faces at least £100m in lost exports over a year, a drop of around 20% of the value of single malts,” an SWA spokesman said. Smaller distillers producing only single malt are being hit particularly hard. The spokesman said the covid-19 crisis is now exacerbating the damage with the collapse of global hospitality, tourism and travel retail sectors likely to lead to a significant downturn in exports. The industry has scaled back operations to protect its workforce and operate within social distancing rules. “While we have received reports from across the industry of a dip

NIPPED: United States tariffs have reduced Scotch whisky imports, creating a flow-on effect to the grain industry.

in grain demand as a result of scaled-back operations during the coronavirus outbreak we hope that this will recover quickly as and when restrictions are gradually eased.” The SWA said there are some positive signals coming from the regions where the pandemic appears past its peak, including countries across Asia, where exports are now starting to pick up. While it is broadly confident for the long-term growth opportunities for Scotch whisk it is important the EU does not retaliate by introducing new tariffs on US spirits when the WTO rules on a dispute involving aircraft manufacturer Boeing later this year. “Returning to a positive trade agenda is vital to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and to help future economic recovery,” he said. Agriculture and Horticulture

Developoment Board lead analyst Duncan Wyatt said the US is a relatively small market for the UK when it comes to pork but the impact of the tax has been significant for the companies involved. Latest figures show pig meat trade to the US in January and February was down 64% by volume and 68% by value. The value dropped from £5.5m in January-February of 2019 to £1.8m this year. British Meat Processors Association trade policy adviser Peter Hardwick said processors adapted where they could to take their products outside of the scope of the tariffs but overall the impact has been detrimental. While the US market does not make up a high percentage of the total export market for pig meat it tends to involve high-value products. “It is worrying, it is difficult and

it has been damaging,” Hardwick said. Quicke’s, a Devon traditional cheesemaker specialising in clothbound Cheddar cheese has seen a big shift as a result of the tax. The business does not export directly but sells to companies that export on its behalf. In previous years exports have accounted for about 40% of the business’s trade, more than half going to the US, managing director Mary Quicke said. Though sales were normal for the first few weeks after the introduction of the import tax – probably because they coincided with the holiday season in the US and stores wanted product to sell – that did not last. “After Christmas things seemed to really dry up and since then we have seen a significant fall.” The situation is now being compounded by covid-19 with US supermarkets, like their UK

counterparts, closing deli counters to focus on selling commodity products rather than specialist cheeses, she said. The business is also feeling the closure of the hospitality industry, which is hitting specialist cheesemakers hard as chefs and restaurateurs are among the most positive champions of their products. “It is quite difficult to disentangle what is happening,” she said. “Overall, sales are little under half of what they are normally despite a massive increase in online sales direct to customers.” Quicke said as cheddar producers they had at least been able to drop the temperature in their stores to slow the maturation process but as the cheese ages it will lose weight and there will be increased waste. However, producers of blue cheese will be hit much harder because their product is more perishable and cannot be stored for long, she said. Michael Masters of Somersetbased cheesemakers Barber’s said the tax is unhelpful but the effect on his business has not been as bad as feared. The introduction of the tax at the tail end of 2019 coincided with a period when American milk prices were well over 30p/ litre, which had helped to keep the company’s cheddar cheese brands competitive. Masters said demand continued into the new year and international retail orders have actually risen off the back of the covid-19 crisis. “We’ve been sending more cheese across to the States – certainly well over a 10% uplift and more like 15-20%, in some cases.” UK Farmers Weekly

Europe might set organic land area target THE European Union could set a target of a quarter of agricultural land in Europe to be farmed organically by 2030 with another goal of reducing the use of chemical pesticides by 50%. The plan to increase the amount of organic farming is understood to be included in the latest draft of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, scheduled to be published later this month. The proposal to reduce the use of pesticides and nitrogen while increasing the use of integrated pest management methods has been included in a draft of a Farm to Fork strategy, which will sit alongside the biodiversity strategy. According to Brussels insiders the latest draft text of the plans suggests transformative change is urgently required to reverse the trend of biodiversity losses. It says organic farming is the best-known and best-regulated agro-ecological practice but acknowledges there will also be a need for measures to increase

demand for organic produce through a commission action plan. The document also suggests at least 10% of the agricultural area in use should be restored as highdiversity landscapes. Though there has been strong growth in organic farming in Europe over the past decade the extent of the sector varies considerably across EU regions so such a target would be a significant change. Across the whole of the EU-28 in 2018 organic farming accounted for just 7.5% of the total used agricultural area or 13.4m hectares. According to Eurostat the total organic area in the EU rose by 25% between 2012 and 2017. The highest share of organic farming is reported in the Salzburg region of Austria, where 52% of the total agricultural area was used for organic farming in 2016. There are a further seven regions where organic farming accounts for upwards of a

CLEANER? The European Union is considering setting a land area target for organic farming to cut chemical pesticide use.

quarter of total used agricultural area: Severozapad in the Czech Republic (30%), Norra Mellansverige in Sweden (29%), Calabria in Italy (29%),

Mellersta Norrland in Sweden (28%), Burgenland in Austria (27%), Sicilia in Italy (26%) and Moravskoslezsko in the Czech Republic (25%).

Latest British figures show organic farming represents less than 3% of the total farmed area on agricultural holdings. UK Farmers Weekly

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Hororata 2143 Bealey Road

“Arbourlea” - 72.33 hectares

Location, productivity and a wonderful environment is what sets “Arbourlea” apart from the rest. Situated on the outskirts of Hororata Village, this wonderful location provides fantastic access to all the things outdoor enthusiasts dream about - within a short drive to the rivers, lakes and mountains, yet only 40 minutes to Christchurch. Beautifully established gardens with mature specimen trees surround the extremely attractive home with a wrap-around veranda. With renovations and refurbishments throughout, this fantastic home has large living and entertaining areas. Irrigated via Central Plains Irrigation, this very-well-setup, simple operation is designed for both ease of management and the ability to extract the best out of cashflow. With excellent soil types and effective use of water within the CPW catchment.

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Thu 28 May 2020 3 Deans Avenue, Christchurch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Craig Blackburn 027 489 7225 craig.blackburn@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/5512019

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

RURAL 129 Main Street Pahiatua pahiatua@pb.co.nz Office 06 376 8486

Property Brokers Pahiatua Ltd Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Bellmack Farm - 469 ha

TENDER WEB ID PR75495

DANNEVIRKE Fairbrother, Baker and Kumeti Roads Three separate properties which has been run in conjunction for more than 50 years in a renowned summersafe environment which is located minutes from Dannevirke township. All three properties which share common boundaries feature favourable contour with flat to rolling downs rising to some steeper faces against the Ruahine Ranges. Bellmack Farm features a good level of improvements with two woolsheds, sheep yards,

pb.co.nz

cattle yards and a comfortable four bedroom home completing a well sought after package. Available individually or a combination of any, these properties are sure to cater to sheep, beef, dairy grazing or a summersafe add on to an existing business. Fairbrother - 103.3966 ha Web ID PR75496 Baker - 156.7702 ha Web ID PR75497 Kumeti - 209.0736 ha Web ID PR75395

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 11th June, 2020 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Lloyd Dodson and Pringle, C/- murray@ldp.co.nz or delivered to 9 Ward Street, Dannevirke

TENDER Jared Brock

Mobile 027 449 5496 Office 06 376 4823 Home 06 376 6341 jared@pb.co.nz

John Arends

Mobile 027 444 7380 Office 06 376 4364 johna@pb.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

ATTRACTIVE UNIT WITH POTENTIAL "Woodhurst", 338 Tinui Valley Road, Tinui, Masterton Woodhurst is a well balanced smaller farm with its own unique ecosystem. Around 175ha effective; 31ha alluvial flats, 15ha terraces, 47ha easy hill, 55ha steeper + 50ha of scrub grazing. Opportunities exist for hunting in the remaining 178ha of native bush, pines & scrub. 3 bedroom cottage, 3 stand wool shed & support buildings. Over the last few years the farm has not been run intensively and is currently well understocked, offering an immediate source of feed from the June settlement.

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

376 hectares Tender

nzr.nz/RX2332941 Blair Stevens AREINZ 027 527 7007 | blair@nzr.nz Dave Hutchison 027 286 9034 | dave@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Tender Closes 4pm, Thu 4 June 2020,16 Perry St, Masterton.

06 323 3363 Farm & Lifestyle Sales 420 Junction Rd North, Kimbolton

$1,310,000 +GST

BARELAND

Web ID RAL724

Strong Hill Country with Supporting Flats

189.22 hectares

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Approximately 145ha effective grazing with 30ha flat-easy rolling Very well subdivided to 30 paddocks with excellent tracks Reticulated water supply to 16ha of flats, balance supplied by 6 dams (2 new) & creeks There are no livestock yards, woolshed or mains power on the property Non-grazing land includes 18ha of pines, planted in 1996 with some pruning done There is 9ha QEII Trust open space covenant and 22ha of native bush The property has been run in conjunction with an adjoining farm with carrying capacity assessed at 9 - 10 stock units/ha on the hills and 14 su/ha to the flats ▪ We estimate 15 - 1600 stock units can be run here

Your destination For Rural real Estate

Get in touch with your agent today

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate Richard Anderson

027 543 1610 richarda@ruralandlifestylesales.com

Robert Dabb

027 255 3992 robertd@ruralandlifestylesales.com

www.ruralandlifestylesales.com

Noticeboard

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

A new three bedroom home is available on the property, offering easy access for spouse and family to pursue work, recreation, and social opportunities in Martinborough.

DAGS .25c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

All levels of experience will be considered.

Email cover letter and CV to: shaun.draper@xtra.co.nz

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Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

BIRDS/POULTRY

Applications close: Saturday 30 May 2020

BRIDLES

0101788

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

63.57x120

JOBS BOARD FW Jobs Board

2IC Assistant Manager Dairy Support Manager Farm Assistant Farm Manager Fencer / General Herd Manager Livestock Finishing Unit Manager Livestock Representative Manager

You’re reading the Farmers Weekly and so are the people you want to employ. GET IN TOUCH

For all your employment ads Debbie 06 323 0765 classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

CONTRACTORS GORSE SPRAYING SCRUB CUTTING. 30 years experience. Blowers, gun and hose. No job too big. Camp out teams. Travel anywhere if job big enough. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

SELLING AND BUYING. Delivering May 23rd & 30th. Trial. www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553.

DOGS WANTED

*conditions apply

WE ARE THE SOLUTION

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

DOGS FOR SALE

*FREE upload to Farmers Weekly jobs: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

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

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

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

0800 85 25 80 EARMARKERS

ANIMAL HEALTH www.drench.co.nz

BIRDSCARER

SPECIAL OFFER: Mectin Pour-On Abamectin 12.5 L PROMO PACK 10L Red fuel can + 2.5L Back Pack + Pour on gun $450

HORTICULTURE

Phone 0800 4 DRENCH (0800 437 362)

LEASE LAND WANTED SHEEP / BEEF, breeding or finishing. Experienced operators. Guaranteed regular income from a trusted company who will add value to your property. Phone 021 228 4238 or 06 873 3696.

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

HOOF TRIMMER

Cattle / Dairy **Nil Milk ** Dose 1ml – 20kg Meat withhold = 35 days

NORTH ISLAND. Gisborne or Wairoa area preferred. Beef cattle or sheep. Excellent rates paid. Flexible time-frame. Phone 021 228 4238 or 06 873 3696.

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

DE HORNER

25 L PROMO PACK 20L Yellow fuel can + 5L Back Pack + Pour on gun $750

Farmer owned, very competitive prices

The World’s number 1 sawmill Over 100,000 Machines Sold

CYCLE TOUR HOLIDAYS

Wood-Mizer® sawmills: ✓ Use the latest in thin kerf technology. ✓ Produce more timber from fewer trees. ✓ Are adaptable to all sawing situations. ✓ Are flexible in operation. ✓ Have low operating costs.

Various South Island cycle destinations available now. Bookings open NOW for group holidays. Choose from: • Molesworth Station Cycle Tour • Alps2Ocean Cycle • Nelson, Golden Bay & Farewell Spit Cycle • West Coast Wilderness Trail Cycle

Personal to Professional sawmills Recover your own timber or mill for others. Contact: Paul Marshall (B.For.Sc., M.Sc., M.N.Z.I.F.) Director Wood-Mizer NZ Ltd. Mobile: 021 331 838 EMail: P_Marshall@xtra.co.nz

Discounts available for group bookings of up to 14 people. Talk to us about your needs or special itineraries. Get in early to book the dates you want for.

www.woodmizer.com

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

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

T H IN K PRE B U I L T

12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

PERSONAL Companionship/ Friendship A country beauty who has a farming background. She loves horses, working on the land, meals out with friends and family and weekends away travelling. Long brown hair and hazel eyes. To meet, please call 0800 446 332 Quote code 57

www.countrycompanionship.co.nz

PUMPS HIGH PRESSURE WATER PUMPS, suitable on high headlifts. Low energy usage for single/3-phase motors, waterwheel and turbine drives. Low maintenance costs and easy to service. Enquiries phone 04 526 4415, email sales@hydra-cell.co.nz BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie Brown on 0800 85 25 80 to book in or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

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The successful applicant will have extensive knowledge of pasture management, and a willingness to adapt to new practices focused around legume based forages. A strong demonstration of record keeping, clear communication and ability to plan, with attention to detail, will be a key measure. You will also need to have a clear understanding of livestock targets and seasonal nutritional requirements.

0800 436 566

SELLING

SOMETHING?

NEW HOMES 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 GST Special Price $4200 INCLUSIVE Very limited stock

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

INNOTEK SportDOG PetSafe

DOG TRAINING PRODUCTS Remote Trainers Containment Systems No bark collars

Visit

www.innotek.co.nz or call 0800 872 546

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

GRAZING WANTED

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

To find out more visit

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

2 YEAR WARRANTY. NZ ASSEMBLED. ELECTRIC START & QUALITY YOU CAN RELY ON 13.5HP. Briggs & Stratton Motor. Electric start. 1.2m cut

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

$4400

GST INCLUSIVE

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

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

$4200

GST INCLUSIVE

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

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

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

ALL OF MAY SPECIALS www.thesocklady.co.nz

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

Singlets & Tshirts

$39 each

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

Tunics

$39 each

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

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

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In conjunction with the owner, you will be responsible for day-to-day operations of a property with intensive grazing systems, supported by extensive hill country. Farmax knowledge would be of great assistance.

DOLOMITE

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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

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.

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Have you got the X Factor? Our 1550ha Sheep and Beef hill country farm just 5 minutes from Martinborough, requires a competent and positive 2IC, who wants to be part of a progressive, innovative business team.

GOATS WANTED

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ANIMAL HANDLING

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STOCK MANAGER / 2IC

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Agri Job Board

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

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www.tetaumata.co.nz 36

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

Young Herd Sire Te Taumata Banjo 10302 FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

Livestock Noticeboard

free DelIVerY

BVD VACCInATeD

TB C10

CArCASe SCAnneD

Beef Industry Driven Performance from a true dryland farm POLL HEREFORDS Est. 1962

41st Annual Poll Hereford Bull Sale

Alistair & Eileen 06 372 7861 or Jim 06 372 7718 Email: studstock@tetaumata.co LIVESTOCK 150 Te Kopi Road, RD 4 Masterton 5884, www.tetaumata.co.nz ADVERTISING

Wed May 27th at 1pm On Farm Auction

GOING GOING GONE!

Alistair & Eileen McWilliam Ph 06 372 7861 www.tetaumata.co.nz

Call HANNAH LK0102392©

Te Taumata Genetics

2020 Bull Sale Lot 1

0800 85 25 80

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

190 RISING 2-YEAR HEREFORD BULLS

for Auction over 3 days in Canterbury Region Orari Gorge - Geraldine Wednesday 3rd June 11am Okawa - Mt Somers Wednesday 3rd June 2.30pm Beechwood, Richon, Woodburn - Amberley Thursday 4th June 11am Capethorne & Grassmere - Cheviot Thursday 4th June 2pm Merrylea - Cave Friday 5th June 2pm

ANNUAL BULL SALE:

FRIDAY THE 29th OF MAY 12 noon

38 BULLS Lot 1:

Steakhouse P202

INCLUDING: Lot 2:

Steakhouse P208

The above sales will be conducted as on farm public auctions with online bidding available under Covid-19 guidelines Orari Gorge Okawa Beechwood Richon Woodburn Capethorne Grassmere Merrylea

Contacts Robert Peacock Nick France Rob Burrows Rob Stokes Tim Molloy Greg Chamberlain Chris Jeffries James McKerchar

03 692 2893 03 303 9749 0272 633 582 0277 571 673 0274 994 079 021 549 229 0274 608 849 03 614 3332

Enquiries & viewing welcome, contact: RODDY 06 372 7533 or NEIL 06 372 2838 Check us out on

NEED TO MOOOVE SOME STOCK?

Anthony Cox 027 208 3071 Donald Cooke 0274 730 854

BULL SALE RESULTS 2020

Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly LK0102320©

John McKone 027 229 9375 Simon Eddington 027 590 8612

fb.com/kayjayangus

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

Farmers Weekly will be sending the autumn bull sale results e-newsletter from May 2020. Contact Hannah on 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or livestock@globalhq.co.nz to sign up or include your sale results and receive weekly updates.

GET IN TOUCH TODAY. farmersweekly.co.nz

WAITAWHETA ANGUS STUD

DAIRIES FOR SALE 75 Top Fsn I/C Hfrs BW110 PW105 DTC 7/7 to Jsy, 3 Digit herd code Complete replacements, G3. $1400 Richard Baird 027 407 0562 Ref: DR978

On Farm at 249 Franklin Road, Waihi Friday 22nd May 2020 – 12 Noon

52 Xbred Cows BW93 PW83 RA93% DTC 18/8 to LIC, All A2A2. $1100 Val Ditchfield 027 573 7480 Ref: DH1797

Have you got a bull sale coming up? Advertise in Farmers Weekly

35 R2Yr VIC Angus Heifers 21 R3Yr VIC Angus Heifers 83 M/A VIC Angus Cows

250 Xbred Herd BW59 PW93 RA85% DTC 10/7 to LIC 4 wks, System 2, farm sold Young hard-working herd, HB shed. $1250 Richard Baird 027 407 0562 Ref: DH949

6 M/A Angus Herd Sires Auctioneers Note:

To advertise

The Cows are honestly bred for soundness

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

and type. The temperament of this herd

90 Xbred Cows Bw121 PW159 RA94% DTC 17/7 to LIC 4wks, System 1 HB shed, H tested. $1500 Neil Miller 027 497 3492 Ref: DR1792

is impeccable and we encourage anyone looking to extend their herd or start an Angus Please note: Due to Covid restrictions we

T D Findlay Livestock Cambridge 50 Jersey carry-over cows BW158 PW165 In-calf to Jersey Bull 2017 & 2015 Born Due 15/07/20

150 Friesian/Friesian X plus a few Jersey cows

BW91 PW124 Cows that have been leased out, in very good order and figures available 10/07/20 calving AI Urgent Sale $1250

Contact David 027 493 9061

in conjunction with

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

our sales to those farmers/buyers intending

11th Annual Bull Sale

to bid/purchase. We cannot admit viewers only or members of the public.

22 RISING 2 YEAR OLD BULLS

The sale will be live streamed through our

10am Tuesday 26 May 2020

website: www.mylivestock.co.nz

It is recommended that you log on to the

View by appointment only - Beaumont Township, 1910 State Highway 8 Contact: Justin Wallis (Stud Master) 027 225 8330 or Clayton Peters 027 222 4421 Open day dates: Wednesday May 20th, Friday May 22nd, Monday May 25th – 10.30am to 3.30pm

website 24 hours prior to the sale to register. For further information contact the Vendors: Alistair & Pat Sharpe

LK0102239©

Brent Bougen 027 2104 698

Carrfields Livestock

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

1910 State Highway 8, Beaumont, RD1 Lawrence 9591, Otago Phone 03 446 6030, 027 225 8330 or 027 222 4421

NZ Farmers Livestock

Bruce Orr 027 492 2122

PMS – PMS 173 C

RGB – 241, 90, 41

PETERS ANGUS

07 863 7954 or 021 0547 862

PHONE HANNAH GUDSELL 0800 85 25 80

ONLINE AUCTION

Carrfields LIVESTOCK

PGG WRIGHTSON LIVESTOCK

Roger Keach 027 417 8641 Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131 Callum McDonald 027 433 6443 Chris Swale 027 442 5032 Donald Baines 027 328 8781 Brent Taylor 027 333 2421 Paul Pearce 027 478 5761 Andrew Holt (South Island Livestock Manager) 027 496 3311

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are only allowed to grant physical access to

Visit our Website for the best selection available

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Stud to attend this sale.

Pick 50 from 214 I/C Hfrs BW133 PW169 DTC 7/7 to Jsy, Xbred, GE profiled. $1400 Kelly Higgins 027 600 2374 Ref: DR1439 If you are considering selling contact your local Carrfields agent for results

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

PEDIGREE ANGUS HERD SALE

Great Buying Opportunities

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

LK0102378©

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

Rolling Rock Angus Breakfast and inspection from 7.30am Rolling Rock Angus was founded on females purchased at the Springdale Dispersal Sale

LK0102403©

FIRST ON-FARM SALE – Friday 5th June 2020, 10am 20 TWO-YEAR-OLD ANGUS BULLS

For enquiries and pre-sale inspection John Harrington – Ph 07 210 1486 Mobile 021 276 9557 johnnyoharrington@gmail.com 856 Mangiti Rd, Te Akau

Storth Oaks Angus “Genetics still available” 2020 on farm & bidr simultaniously streamed Annual Sale NOTE: We hope to have a normal on-farm auction which will be run simultaniously on Bidr for those that cant/wont travel but if we are still in stage 4 it would be all electronic.

GOING GOING GONE!

Tim & Kelly Brittain 524 Paewhenua Rd,RD 2, Otorohanga. 3972 Phone: 07 873 2816 Mob: 02756 935 387 Email: tim@storthoaks.co.nz www.storthoaks.co.nz facebook.com/storthoaksangus

storthoaks

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

twitter@storthoaksangus

TAUMARUNUI ANGUS BULL SALE DAY THURSDAY 28TH MAY – 11am Shian; 2pm Black Ridge; 4.30pm Puke-Nui

AUCTION INFO: All three sales will be on farm and run in conjunction with MyLivestock online auction for those who prefer to remain at home. For more information visit https://mylivestock.co.nz/go/static/liveauction or freephone 0800 695 483

40 Meads Road, Taumarunui

BLACK RIDGE ANGUS STUD

On Farm Bull Sale 35 two year old bulls

NEW SALE TIME 11am, 28th May 2020

44 Two Year Old Bulls BVD, Lepto, 10 in 1 vaccinated Libido tested & semen evaluated.

Taimate Mako L26

THURSDAY 28TH MAY 2020 AT 4.30PM

Matauri Ranger L362

Bull Sale Venue: 303 River Road, SH 43, Taumarunui

Kaharau 321 Waiterenui M3

Contact: Brian & Sharon: Ph 07 895 7686 Email: b.sherson@xtra.co.nz Rob & Tracy: Ph 07 895 6694 Mobile: 027 230 8230

www.shianangus.co.nz Follow us on

BU LL SALE

Bulls sired by:

Tangihau Kaino H29

ANGUS

NEW SALE TIME 2PM on Thursday 28th May 2020 DEAN AND TERESA SHERSON

675 Taringamotu Road, RD 4, TAUMARUNUI 3994 p: 07 896 7211 m: 027 690 2033 e: dean@blackridgeangus.co.nz

All bulls libido tested and semen evaluated Inspection and enquiries always welcome

3 7 Bu lls Alan & Catherine Donaldson

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

find us on facebook

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

STOCK REQUIRED SIL EWES to terminal RAM Feb/Mar

GOING GOING GONE!

R2YR ANG X or XBRED STEERS 400-450kg

STORE LAMBS – Males & Ewes Clients require Balage, Hay, Grazing etc.

STOCK FOR SALE

Have you got a sale coming up? Advertise in Farmers Weekly

300-360kg FRSN BULLS

120 R2YR ANGUS STEERS 430kg Visit our Website for more LIVESTOCK

To advertise

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

PINE PARK ANGUS 40 20-year-old bulls Sale Thursday 4th June – 11.30am

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

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Open Days

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

Wednesday 20th May

"Maximising your return through personal livestock management"

Annual 2 yr old Angus Bull Sale

TUESDAY, 2nd JUNE, at 1pm. Online on

Bidr.com or

On the property, Wairere Road, off the Meremere Road, Hawera

Bulls available from the top 20% of Australasian TACE

_______________________________

AngusPure 07 823 4559

qualifying bulls

All enquiries to Stock & Station companies or Cedric Lander, R.D.12, Hawera. ph 06 272 2899 or 021 144 3862 Email: cedric.lander@yahoo .co.nz

byllivestock

LIVE EXPORT WANTED

Henderson Partners

On farm screen display with online bidder available. Inspection of bulls available from 10:30am. Pre sale inspection to suit.

Bulls are available for viewing and purchase anytime.

Stuart 027 8484408

Douglas 027 9197150

Or your Agent

SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: • True to type Friesian Heifers, including the F8-F11 unrecorded heifers. • Standard Chinese Protocol, heifers must have been on the property for a minimum of 6 months at the time of delivery.

Lot 2 Ear tag 1 PGG Wrightson Agent Vendor

Karl Swanson 027 202 0865 John Henderson 027 633 1776

Transport you can Trust - Your Studstock Specialist

NORTH ISLAND

Hill Country Cattle Thriving in any Environment

otapawa@xtra.co.nz

www.otapawa.co.nz

RANUI BULL SALE

Est 1993

Don’t Get Bucked Off Making The Wrong Choice

JOIN US FOR OUR

40TH SALE

Mixed-aged cattle for sale

ON THURSDAY 4TH JUNE*

1. Purebred Wagyu Weaner Steers - Sired by full-blood bulls

•

2. Vetted in Calf Wagyu Heifers, (1st Calvers)

Albany, New Zealand wagyu pure bred nz

Lot 28 Ear tag 44

Tim Coombs Deer & Stock Transport

PHONE TIM ON 027 443 7420 FOR MORE INFORMATION

wagyupurebrednz@hotmail.com

Lot 3 17 month old bull

Otapawa will be hosting Open Paddock Sales this year, due to Covid restrictions. We welcome you to view and purchase the Bulls direct from the Paddock. Book a day and time that suits.

Delivery Date – approx. 20/08/20

Ph: Michael 021 635 021

Est. 1981

Sale date 29th May – 1pm (2 metre distancing)

Sale Day - Open Everyday

2019 BORN HEREFORD HEIFERS $1200 + GST 2019 BORN SIMMENTAL HEIFERS $1200 + GST

• LK0101866©

3. Pure Bred Wagyu Bulls 18 months old

Pio Pio

Lot 1 Ear tag 74

2019 BORN FRIESIAN HEIFERS F12: $1500 + GST / head F8-F11’s: $1400 + GST / head F7 / Unrecorded: $1200 + GST

LK0102361©

Auahi Charolais

LK0102305©

byllivestock.co.nz

and

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

Confirmed on-farm bull sale

Bull viewing available for the month of May - by appointment only. Contact Lindsay or Maria Johnstone today 027 445 3211 or 027 610 5348

ranuiangus.co.nz

LK0102348©

Friday 22nd May

30+ years Studstock experience

• NZ WIDE • 3 x Truck/

Trailer Units

• Lairage Facilities Nth/Sth Island

• Rubber Matting • True Stockmanship

TIM COOMBS

Owner/Driver 502 Lees Road, RD 5, Feilding 4775 P: 027 444 1937 E: coombs@vetta.net.nz www.timcoombsdeerandstock.co.nz

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

Hillcroft Angus Hill Country Specialists

41ST ANNUAL SALE

Est. 1960

TUESDAY MAY 26TH AT 2.30PM 1313 Teviot Road, Roxburgh Central Otago LOT 2, LOT 5, LOT 8

Annual June Sale – Tuesday 2 June 10am Top 20 rising 2-year-old bulls • BVD clear & twice vaccinated

SIRE LIMEHILLS STREAKER 150368

Online auction: bidr.co.nz – Catalogue on bidr website

Malcolm 07 828 5709 Fraser 07 828 5755 0272 85 95 87

www.hillcroftangus.co.nz

LK0102253©

Please ring for pre-sale inspection

Visit www.limehillsherefords.co.nz for online catalogue and bull videos and Level 2 sale details

LK0102358©

Hybrid Sale • Online via BIDR and On Farm Sale • 59 Powerful Hill Bred Polled Herefords • Strong Performance and Phenotype

OREGON angus

TE WHANGA ANGUS power plus performance

34 BULLS

Tuesday 2nd June 2020 – 3pm

23, 2 year old Angus Bulls

AT MORLAND 1464 MASTERTON STRONVAR ROAD

JASON COFFEY 691 Te Kopi Rd, RD4, Masterton P. 06 372 77 20 M. 0274 570 526 www.borthwick.co.nz te_whanga@borthwick.co.nz

KEITH & GAE HIGGINS 06 372 2782

OPEN DAY WEDNESDAY 20TH MAY, FROM 12PM

CHANGE OF FORMAT & CHANGE OF DATE TO

BULL OPEN DAY - WEDNESDAY 20TH MAY 2020 The following Angus Studs will be open for viewing of Bulls in the morning between

The following Angus Studs will be open for viewing of Bulls in the afternoon between

9.30am and 12.30 noon

12.30pm and 4.00pm

Tapiri Stud

KayJay Stud

Te Whanga Stud

Oregon Stud

Rob & Lucy Thorneycroft & Julie McLachlan

Neil, Joan, Rod & Sam Kjestrup

Jason Coffey, Rob, Paddy & Sarah Borthwick

Dandaloo Stud

Glanworth Stud

Pinebank

Totaranui Stud

Joe & Lea, Shaun & Fi Fouhy

Angus & Trish Thomson

Waigroup Stud Willie & Angela Falloon M.Bovis tested Negative

Keith & Gae Higgins

PGG Wrightson Steve Wilkinson 0275 94 5110

om All welc

John Griffith & Co Ltd John Griffith 0274 83 6679

Daimien Reynolds & Tally Jackson

Carrfields Chris McBride 0275 65 1145

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

farmersweekly.co.nz

CR Nelson Ltd Craig Nelson 021 457 127

Kiwi Livestock Ltd Ray Spencer 021 544 791

LK0102117©

2020 FRIDAY 5 JUNE SALE DATE 10.00

OREGON DYNAMITE

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

Livestock Noticeboard

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

MAUNGAHINA STUD Hewitt_BB_2300x750@20%.indd 1

NEW SALE DATE: 2nd July 2020 – 1pm

1/11/19 11:44 AM

35 Polled Hereford bulls 20 Polled Speckle Park Bulls

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

WEEKLY AUCTIONS

HAVE A SALE COMING UP?

Wednesday night – North Island Thursday night – South Island

FEATURE AUCTIONS

LOT 11

LK0102387©

Tuesday, 19 May 2020 2.30 pm Delmont Angus Call HANNAH

Wednesday, 20 May 2020 11.00 am Leafland Simmental 8.00 pm Kincardine Angus 8.30 pm Matatoki Hereford Bull Sale

0800 85 25 80 livestock@globalhq.co.nz

LOT 41

mark.maungahina@xtra.co.nz • +64 27 415 8696 www.maungahina.co.nz

Thursday, 21 May 2020 2.00 pm Glenside Simmental Friday, 22 May 2020 11.00 am Longview Shorthorns 12.30 pm Stoneburn Hereford 2.30 pm Waimara Angus 6.30 pm Carnmor Jersey Complete dispersal sale, 5th run

ON FARM SALE GOING AHEAD

BULL SALE DATE 26TH MAY AT 3:30PM.

ANNUAL ON FARM AUCTION HELD UNDER COVER. ALAN & VAL PARK

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

Located off state highway 4. 841 Tapuiwahine Valley Road Ongarue, Taumarunui 3997. p: 07 894 6030 e: colvendfarm@gmail.com Colvend Shorthorn & Angus Stud

BVD tested free. TB C10

MERCHISTON ANGUS

farmers weekly hits 78,039 Rural letterboxes Farmers choose us first for news, opinion, analysis, market updates and even their own livestock advertising.

EST 1955

ASCOT HALLMARK H147 [NEW AI SIRE]

For more contact: Hannah Gudsell 06 323 0761 or 027 602 4925 livestock@globalhq.co.nz

42 ANGUS BULLS

Putorino Road, Rata Enquiries to: Richard Rowe 027 279 8841 e: mercang@farmside.co.nz or see ebook online at Angus NZ

LK0102213©

3RD June at 2.30pm on farm and on BIDR 2537FW BULL SALES

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising

Colvend Angus established in 2016 on females from the Oakview, Turihaua and Springdale Studs nd Colve Shorthorns established in 2000. Successes at Beef Expo 3 Supreme . Champion bulls and 2 Reserve Champions

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

PETER & CAROLINE FOSS

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

Mary & Martin Taylor 06 8555322 Emma & Andy Martin 06 8555348 E: taylors@glenbraestud.co.nz View Online: www.glenbraestud.co.nz

Sound well fleshed sires, Excellent temperament 200 Fully breedplan recorded cows 25 Bulls Catalogued

Lot 5

Lot 4

2020 AVERAGE OF GLENBRAE SALE BULLS ‘VS’ BREED AVERAGE

Lot Lot162

Check them out

> No dagging

The Bull Sale will be On Farm Auction Under Covid-19 Rules

> No dipping

26TH ANNUAL SALE THURSDAY 4TH JUNE, 1PM, TE KUITI SALE YARDS

Raupuha

Mahoenui Bulls - Private Sales Incalf Heifer Sale Bidr, 29th May 07 877 8977 - Russell

Aubrey

Waitomo Private Sale 07 873 6968 - Ron

Longview

Kerikeri Bull and Incalf Heifer Sale 22nd May, 11.30 09 401 9633 - Shane & Dot

Glenrossie

Whangarei Heads Sale June 28th, 1pm 09 434 0987 - David 09 434 0718 -Will

Carnegie

Waiuku Private Sales 021 031 3091

Roscliff

Stratford Private Sales 06 765 7269 - Jack

Hiwiroa Sale

Woodcall

Hinewaka Sale

Takaka Private Sales 021 556 806 - Bill

Masterton Sale June 3rd, 3pm 06 372 7615 - David

Waipukurau Sale to be announced 06 858 5369 - Jim 06 855 4737 - Nick

Waikari Private Sales 027 233 3678 - Chris

Glenbrook Station

Carriganes Cattle

Omarama Private Sales 021 285 9303 - Simon

Tokanui Private Sales 06 327 8185 - Alan

ANGUS

Yearling bulls are also available in September See for yourself the quality of bull we sell at Hingaia

“A balanced breeding programme for all environments” Annual Bull Sale Wednesday 27th May 2020 147 Hingaia Road, Te Awamutu - 4.00pm COVID-19 ALTERNATIVE DATE: JUNE 15TH AT 2PM

INSPECTION AND VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME Richard Jolly 147 Hingaia Road, RD4, Te Awamutu 3874, Mobile: 027 499 7159 Email: jollyr@no8wireless.co.nz Andrew Jolly Mobile: 027 562 7740

Andy Transom, PGG Wrightson Ltd Mobile: 0275 965 142

www.hingaiaangus.co.nz

Dunblane

Kumara Private Sales 027 379 8167 - Chris

Glenfern

HINGAIA

Ongarue Sale 26th May, 3.30 07 894 6030 - Alan

Turiwhate

Tuatapere Private Sales 03 226 6713 - Anita

Proven Genetics Constitution Fertility Longevity Soundness Balanced EBVs

A personalised purchasing arrangement to suit your needs

Colvend

Te Kohanui

Westwood

HINGAIA OFFER:

Te Awamutu Private Sales 027 211 1112 - Ross

Mangaotuku

Marton Private Sales 06 327 8185 - Alan

Katikati Bull and Incalf Heifer Sale Private Sales 07 552 0815 - Ken 021 520 244 - Craig

Browns

Waitara Private Sales 06 754 6699 - Roger

Mill Valley

Orena

Morrinsville Private Sales 07 889 5965 - Hamish

Bullock Creek

Whangamomona Private Sales 06 762 3520 - Aaron

BULL OPEN DAY • ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY 1-5 PM

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

Lochburn

Taupiri Private Sales 07 824 6751 - Kelvin

> Genuine full shed sheep > No shearing

Glenbrae Annual Bull Sale 1019 Mangaorapa Rd, Porangahau. Thursday 2pm. 28th May 2020

Looking for a Beef Shorthorn?

WILTSHIRE RAMS AVAILABLE

Dunsandel Private Sales 022 470 2447 - Sarah

Rough Ridge

Ranfurly Sale May 15th, 11am 03 444 9277 - Malcolm

Maerewhenua

Oamaru Private Sales 03 431 2871 - Norman

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

Red, White & Roans of our world

Glendhu

Heriot Sale May 19th, 11am 027 497 8104 - Fraser

Renowned for great marbling producing top quality meat Keep an eye out on our facebook and website for updates

Come and join us at our on-farm sale: Tuesday 26th May 2020 at 9am *please note change to on-farm auction*

Also selling in calf hiefers Contact Russell Proffit

www.s h or tho r n.c o .nz

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

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

Top quality bulls bred for NZ Farmers

KAIRURU POLLED HEREFORDS

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

SINCE 1979

ON FARM SALE ON-FARM

29TH ANNUAL SALE 3 JUNE - 1PM

LK0102094©

SALE at Kairuru, Reporoa (midway Rotorua – Taupo)

26th March at 1:00pm in conjunction with BIDR

35th Annual Sale

Monday 8

28 R2YR BULLS

LOT 3

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

te , no datenly e s f o ea o r Pl nge yea a s ch r thi fo

KIA TOA CHAROLAIS

June 2020

Enquiries and inspection welcome. Contact

Kevin or Megan FRIEL ph: (06) 376 4543 625 Jackson Road, Kumeroa

kev.meg.co@xtra.co.nz

www.mtmableangus.co.nz

IT’S A NO BRAINER!

USE CHAROLAIS

On-farm Sale Est 2003

973 Troopers Road, Te Kuiti

E C N A M R O F R E P E H T T IF L TO OF YOUR HERD Use your Hereford and Angus to do this job

31 GENUINE HILL COUNTRY BULLS ON OFFER Monday 8th June 2020 at 1.30pm

13Contact: in-calf R2yr heifers Paul and Claire Grainger 07 878heifer 6458 – 027 209 1959 13 calves pcgraingers@xtra.co.nz

7 heifer calves 7 bull calves

LK0102153©

Registered Herefords ALL BULLS BVDPolled TESTED AND VACCINATED FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK – KIA TOA CHAROLAIS

KEVIN & JANE McDONALD

Registered Speckle Parks

LINDSAY JONES

07 333 8068

0274 528 603

Thursday 28th May 10am

S AIrces OL AR CH sou ssre efle #morebe

Alert Level 2: On farm auction under strict C19 guidelines Alert Level 3: Live auction via internet and phone eBook catalogues available on ngakoukaherefords.co.nz and herefords.co.nz

#begreengowhite #whenkilosmatter #weightpays #yieldpays

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NEW ZEALAND Inc

Phone to book your individual viewing time now. Ngakouka Herefords are fleshy, reliable and ‘good-doers’. LK0102149©

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 E: bruce.chrissina@xtra.co.nz W: ngakoukaherefords.co.nz

BVD Tested Clear BVD Vaccinated Breedplan Recorded TB Status C10 Herd completely free of known genetic defect Only proven NZ bred bulls used in last 10 years Renowned for great temperament Three year guarantee

P. O Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740 P:06 323 4494 E: charolais@pbbnz.com

www.charolais.net.nz

and leave this job for the

CHAROLAIS!

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

NEED TO MOOOVE SOME STOCK? Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

HEREFORD HEIFERS WANTED JULY DELIVERY

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

$900-$1000

A great chance to see around 1100 R2 Bulls over four days that will be auctioned this season. Subject to Covid 19 restrictions Bull Walks will be held. Prior viewing would be available by arrangement with Vendors or the Agents listed below. SOUTH & MID CANTERBURY Tuesday 19th May, 1pm to 4pm Kakahu Angus & Charolais, Geraldine Stern Angus, Pleasant Point Tuesday 19th May, 10am to 4pm Meadowslea Angus, Fairlie Merrylea Hereford, Cave Orari Gorge Hereford, Geraldine Okawa Hereford, Mayfield Matatoki Hereford, Cave

Tom Hargreaves James Fraser

03 6974979 03 6147080

David Giddings James McKerchar Robert Peacock Nick France Paul Scott

03 6858027 03 6143332 03 6922893 03 3039749 03 6129962

CENTRAL CANTERBURY Wednesday 20th May, 12pm to 4pm Sudeley Angus, Irwell Silverstream Charolais & Hereford, Greenpark Burtergill South Devon, West Melton

Andrew Laing Brent Fisher Richard Van Asch

03 3291709 0272 514 791 021 191 5584

North Island Luke McBride 027 304 0533 Wayne Doran 027 493 8957 South Island Richard Harley 021 765 430

Thursday 4th June 2020 at 12 noon

LK0102393©

2020 BULL SALES BULL WALK

Enquiries:

John Bayly • 09 402 7552

www.waitangiangus.co.nz

COMPLETE REPLACEMENT LINE

RIVERLEE HEREFORDS 4th Annual Bull Sale 9th June 2020, 1.30pm

Held on farm 2354 Rangiwahia Rd, Manawatu And online at: mylivestock.co.nz/liveauction

Jersey Yearling Heifers For Sale Via Bidr on line auction system Friday 22nd May 2020, 6.30pm

Lot 4. Growth EBV’s top 1%

Vendors M/s R A & P E Adam 156 Allen Road RD 5 Te Awamutu 3875 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 22nd May, 10am to 4pm Matariki Herefords, Clarence Bridge Woodbank Angus, Clarence Bridge Taimate Angus, Ward Waterfall Angus, Awatere Brackenfield Angus, Awatere Leefield Station Angus, Waihopai Valley

James Murray Johnny Murray Paul Hickman Charles Waddy Angus Peter Greg Crombie

ST ARNAUD, WAKEFIELD & RAI VALLEY BULL WALK Friday 22nd 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 5716271

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

027 529 9375 027 590 8612 027 208 3071

027 486 6699 027 731 9430 021 575 155 03 575 7388 022 428 7906 027 551 1011

Average BW 217 PW 211 RA 100%. A top line of well grown and great conformation yearling heifers from an outstanding herd that has been dispersed. Original herd was established in the 1940,s and has always been owned and milked by the Adam family. The herd consistently averaged over 400kgs ms up to 460kgs ms on a low input system had an average. 62 heifers have BWs over 200 up to 287. Sires include Braedene PAS Triplestar, Okura OLM Kaino ET, Linan Integrity Winston, Crescent Excell Misty ET and Beulah Tahbilk ( Aust ). These heifers are recommended to all dairymen looking for genuine replacements. All details available at www.pggwrightson. co.nz and via facebook at Carnmor & Thornwood Jerseys. All enquiries to the auctioneers: Andrew Reyland (PGW) Ph 027 241 0051 Brian Robinson (Livestock Ltd Brian) 027 410 051

Helping grow the country

20 R2yr Polled Hereford Bulls

HILL COUNTRY BRED FOR HILL COUNTRY FARMERS

Selling Agents Carrfields Livestock: Bruce Orr 027 492 2122 Dan Warner 027 826 5768 NZ Farmers Livestock: John Watson 027 494 1975 Brent Bougen 027 210 4698

www.herefords.co.nz

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

Email: mfcurtis@farmside.co.nz

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING PHONE HANNAH 0800 85 25 80

Trade livestock like never before Nationwide market access · Nationwide buyer pool bidr.co.nz

LK0102380©

NORTH CANTERBURY Thursday 21st 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 Beechwood, Richon and Woodburn Hereford, Amberley

57 - 2YR OLD ANGUS BULLS On farm sale in conjuction with Online BIDR

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 18, 2020

Livestock Noticeboard

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

SALE TALK A farmer had three bulls, an old proven bull, a bull he purchased a few years ago, and a young bull purchased the previous year. The herd bulls heard a rumour that the farmer was going to bring a new Simmental bull back to the ranch, and the prospect raised a discussion among them.

They no sooner finished their tough talk when an eighteen-wheeler pulled up to the cowpens with only one animal in it. The biggest Son-of-AnotherBull they had ever seen! As this 3200 pound behemoth walked off the truck, the steel ramp groaned and wobbled with each step he took.

The Old Bull said, “Boys, we all know I’ve been here 5 years. Once we settled our differences, we agreed on which 60 of the cows were mine. Now, I don’t know where this newcomer is going to get HIS cows, but I ain’t giving’ him any of mine.”

The Old Bull said, “You know, it is somewhat of a struggle to cover 60 cows. I think I can spare a few for our new friend.”

The Middle Aged Bull said, “That pretty much says it for me, too. I’ve been here 3 years and have earned my right to the 30 cows we’ve agreed are mine. I’ll fight him till I run him off or kill him, but I’M KEEPIN’ ALL MY COWS.” The Young Bull said, “I’ve only been here a year, and so far you guys have only let me have 10 cows to “take care of.” I may not be as big as you fellows, but I am young and virile, so I simply MUST keep all MY cows.”

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!

The Middle Aged Bull said, “I’ll have plenty of cows to take care of, if I just stay on the opposite end of the pasture from HIM. I’m certainly not looking for an argument.”

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.

They looked over at the Young Bull, and saw him pawing the dirt, shaking his horns, and snorting at the new bull. The Old Bull said, “Son, what are you doing? Let me give you some sound advice. Let him have some of your cows and live to tell about it!” The Young Bull said, “Heck, he can have ALL MY COWS. I’m just making sure he knows I’m a bull!”

Conditions apply

Key: Dairy

GENUINE AUTUMN IN MILK HERD Wednesday 20th May 11.30am Start 884 Victoria Road, Hautapu A/C Thuraway Farm 200 Frsn/Frsn X/Jsy X In Milk Cows BW 52 PW 72 RA 70% Farm sold, herd started calving 10th March. Currently producing 1.8m/s 18 & per cow SCC 136 on all grass. Great age breakdown 140 cows 5yr & younger, breeding background, LIC, Ambreed, Samen. TB C10, EBL Free, Lepto Vacc, Herringbone Shed. Catalogues available on Agonline. Enquiries to: Dean Evans 0272 431 092

FEILDING WEANER FAIR – SUE BROTHERS Tuesday 26th May, 11.30am Feilding Saleyards Complex We will be offering on: A/C Sue Brothers Ohakune Approx. • 450 H/AX Wnr Strs TBD • 400 H/AX Wnr Hfrs TBD Enquiries to Gareth Williams 027 526 4613

Cattle

Sheep

PRELIM NOTICE CATTLE SALE

PGG WRIGHTSON COMBINED FRANKTON SALE

Friday 22nd May Cattle 11am 1080 Ongaroto Rd, Atiamuri A/C MN & SK Brolly: • 350 Frsn/Frsn X Cows • 54 Frsn/Frsn X In Calf Heifers • BW 69 PW 87 • Computer split of 750 cows G3 • Calving 25th July 6 weeks AB LIC background • Avg 372 M/S Cow • C10, EBL Free, Lepto Vac, Rotary shed. Contact: Dean Cook 0272 431 429 Richard Todd 027 494 2544

Tuesday 19th May 10.30am Pigs 11.30am Sheep Comprising 500 Sheep • 100 Prime Lambs • 250 Store Lambs • 150 Cull Ewes

HIGH PRODUCING FRSN/FRSN X HERD Monday 25th May 11.00am 1360 Arapuni Road, Te Awamutu A/C S&S Davison Comprising: 140 Frsn/Frsn X In Calf Cows BW 62 PW 93 RA 86% Calving 15th July, 6 weeks LIC AB tailed off Frsn bull, bull out 26th Dec. Herd Ave 400m/s per cow, SCC 98,000 on system 3. Blanket dry cowed, BWs up to 234 PWs up to 418, cows come forward in good condition. Bulk BVD tested neg, TB C3, EBL Free, H/ Bone Shed. Sales catalogue available on Agonline. Payment terms 14 days from sale date delivery immediate or by 1st June by prior arrangement. Stu & Sophie (vendor) 027 320 8828 Chris Ryan 027 243 1078

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

The bull sales specialists Breeding Better Business

A/C Client 100 Perendale Ewe Lambs Contact Brent Chappell 027 224 0821 11.30am Boners/Bulls • 30 Boners 12.00pm Calves Comprising 100 Calves

Other

12.00pm Store Cattle Comprising 650 Cattle • 20 M/A Angus Cows vetted IC Ang Bull • 20 R1yr Speckle Park Steers (Tops 340kg) • 20 R2yr Ang/Char X Steers (425kg) • 20 2yr XBred Bulls • 30 2yr Angus Steers • 30 2yr Angus Hefiers • 50 2yr Ang X/WH Steers (400-450kg) • 50 2yr W/H-Ang X Hfrs (360-420kg) • 60 2yr Frsn Bulls • 100 R1yr W/H Steers (130-180kg) • 100 R1yr W/H Hfrs (130-180kg) • 200 R1yr FBC (130-180kg)

Enquiries: Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858 Vaughn Larsen 027 801 4599

Frankton Saleyards PGG Wrightson Livestock will be holding its own Frankton Sale Day on Tuesday 19th May 2020 and welcomes any bookings and enquiries to be directed through your local PGG Wrightson Livestock Representative. PGG Wrightson believes it is important to carry out its upcoming sales independently of the normal Wednesday to ensure that these days are conducted in line with the Government Level 2 Covid-19 safety requirements and protocols. Following the announced Government restrictions on gatherings, we advise that entry to the sale yards will be limited to vendors, intending purchasers, livestock carriers, PGG Wrightson and sale yard staff only. Single entry to the sale yards will be via the Kent Street Frankton. All attendees will be registered for the purposes of contact tracing and advised of further protocol at this point. It is requested that intending purchasers please execute personal responsibility by adhering to physical distancing, sanitisation and general guidelines outlined by the Government under Level 2. PGG Wrightson Ltd is not liable as a sale does not proceed or is altered due to Covid – 19 restrictions or for any associated costs/loss.

Helping grow the country

If you’re looking for a planned approach to success, get in touch with your local PGG Wrightson Genetics Specialist to find out when and how these sales are being held, or to schedule your sale. Go to: www.pggwrightson.co.nz/bullsales

Or to view the upcoming sales go to: www.bidr.co.nz

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Graham Johnson

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

4.90

4.85

5.50

NI lamb (17kg)

6.55

6.50

7.45

NI Stag (60kg)

5.70

7.00

9.00

NI Bull (300kg)

4.90

4.85

5.20

NI mutton (20kg)

4.50

5.05

SI Stag (60kg)

5.70

7.00

9.00

NI Cow (200kg)

3.35

3.25

4.00

SI lamb (17kg)

6.35

6.30

7.10

SI Steer (300kg)

4.40

5.05

SI mutton (20kg)

4.05

4.00

4.95

SI Bull (300kg)

4.35

4.90

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

2.90

3.45

UK CKT lamb leg

10.25

10.33

9.92

US imported 95CL bull

9.27

8.91

7.89

US domestic 90CL cow

10.71

9.93

7.51

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

6.50

$/kg CW

6.00

$/kg CW

4.50 Apr

5-yr ave

Jun

2018-19

Dairy

Aug 2019-20

9.5

South Island lamb slaughter price

5.5

Oct

Feb

Apr 2018-19

Jun

6.25

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

2018-19

2019-20

FERTILISER Last year

Coarse xbred ind.

2.96

37 micron ewe

30 micron lamb

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

567

625

Super

314

321

DAP

787

833

Feb-20 Sept. 2021

Company

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

31.08

32.22

21.1

The a2 Milk Company Limited

19.25

20.33

13.8

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.71

5.8

3.61

Auckland International Airport Limited

5.69

9.21

4.26

410

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.56

4.93

3.445

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

4.7

5.62

3.595

400

Ryman Healthcare Limited

12.23

17.18

6.61

Port of Tauranga Limited

6.95

8.08

4.9

Contact Energy Limited

6.23

7.74

4.54

Vector Limited

3.71

3.78

2.95

380

Apr-20

Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY vs 4 weeks ago

2580

2740

SMP

2500

2380

AMF

4100

4050

4200

Butter

4175

3825

Milk Price

7.20

7.22

420 410 $/tonne

WMP

400 390 380 370

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Apr-19

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

390

Prior week

Dec

Fertiliser

Aug 2019-20

Prior week

$/tonne

$/kg MS

6.75

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

Listed Agri Shares

YTD Low

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

19.25

20.33

13.8

Comvita Limited

4.18

4.97

1.66

Delegat Group Limited

10.15

12.1

6.39

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.62

4.06

3.41

Foley Wines Limited

1.65

1.91

1.35

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.7

0.82

0.7

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.19

0.21

0.188 1.29

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.85

2.3

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.58

2.74

1.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.85

8.2

5.55

Scales Corporation Limited

4.97

5.17

3.3

SeaDragon Limited

0.085

0.205

0.001

Seeka Limited

4.53

4.74

3.4

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

7.02

9.1

4.36

2800

500

2700

400

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index S&P/NZX 50 Index

10745

12073

8499

2600

300

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11298

12096

9100

$/tonne

US$/t

Dec 5-yr ave

Last week

420

Last price*

Oct

5-yr ave

7.25

Nearby contract

7.5

7.0

430

Dec-19

8.5 6.5

8.0

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Aug-19 Oct-19 Sept. 2020

South Island stag slaughter price

10.5

7.75

Jun-19

7.5

5.0

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

5.75

8.5

11.5

(NZ$/kg)

Feb

9.5

6.0

WOOL

5.00

Dec

10.5

5.5

5.0

5.50

Oct

North Island stag slaughter price

11.5

7.0

6.00

4.00

Last year

6.0

South Island steer slaughter price

6.50

Last week Prior week

6.5

9.0

4.50

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

8.0

5.50 5.00

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)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

2500 2400 May

T&G Global Limited

Aug

Sep 4 weeks ago

Oct

2.93

2.35

16941

12699

200 100

Jun Jul Latest price

2.7 16241

Apr-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

16241

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

10745

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

11298

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER BULL ( $/KG)

4.90

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

6.35

SI SLAUGHTER COW ( $/KG)

2.90

PULSE

Beef prices spike on US market

Mel Croad mel.croad@globalhq.co.nz

ASED on the strength of the United States beef market and the Kiwi dollar it’s time farmgate beef prices showed some improvement, especially as backlogs are worked through. AgriHQ data shows values are 3060c/kg behind this time last year and simply don’t reflecting the latest spike in key export market prices. The upside in overseas prices in the last 10 days has been swift but the US originally staged an impressive rally in late March, driven by some revival in Chinese demand and strong US domestic demand following its own lockdown. The timing of that initial upside in US and Chinese demand coincided with New Zealand processing plants moving to level four processing restrictions. That clearly dampened any enthusiasm to lift farmgate prices at a time when world markets were so unpredictable. In fact, US imported beef prices did stutter through mid April as the lack of food service demand took its toll. However, that market has completed a very sharp U-turn since late-April and has continued well into May. There’s been a considerable lag in farmgate prices reflecting any of the improvement we have seen though some companies are finally rectifying the issue. This extra layer of US demand has been influenced by the high rate of covid-19 infections that’s swept through US processing plants, slowing throughput and drying up the supply

of meat into retail and food service outlets. Imported beef prices are getting extremely close to levels seen at the end of last year, underpinned by a rattled US domestic beef market along with some seasonal upside. When converted into NZ dollar terms, returns are close to matching the records set late last year. While cattle kill rates are similar to November levels the bull kill is nearing its seasonal end, which might limit exporters eagerness to lock in sales on falling supplies. But there are still plenty of cows to process and US imported prices for cow meat are also soaring, providing further incentive to up farmgate prices to secure supplies. Part of the problem lies with the time the import prices are expected to stay high. The spike in prices has been so fast some don’t think it will last. The US is not facing a shortage of cattle for processing but rather a shortage of processing capacity. That shortage means cattle are backing up on feedlots and farms and will eventually have to be processed. The recent US Agriculture Department’s World Agriculture Supply and Demand report could be viewed as bullish for future imported beef demand. It indicates restrictions on US beef production could extend well through 2020. It also suggests cattle will remain outside of feedlots until later in the year, driving US beef production 6.1% lower than earlier expectations and pushing some of that cattle production into 2021. However, an earlier return to full processing capacity in the US might tighten these timeframes and take some of the heat out of the market.

WEATHER

High pressure dominates New Zealand for the next week or so with cooler winds to develop for a day or two this week from the Southern Ocean then milder by late week. This next high is powerful and unlike previous highs it has more north-to-south shape rather than short and wide from west to east. That difference means it has bigger reach over airflows in the Southern Ocean and sub-tropics. This week kicks off with a cooler southerly quarter flow spreading northwards then gradually warming up late week. By Friday and the weekend we can expect subtropical winds in some regions and high pressure too. A large low in the Tasman Sea will be trying to move in to western areas by next week.

Highlights

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature

Wind

With so much high pressure no significant wind events stand out. Southeast winds are more frequent around northern NZ with a cooler southerly flow likely around Tuesday. Light winds in the north this week. Northerlies develop in the south late week.

NZ is generally warmer than average, especially by day. The nights are still getting fairly cool though frosts have been limited. The milder weather has been caused by a lack of southerlies but Monday to Wednesday mornings might see lower temperatures.

14-day outlook

High pressure is the dominating force for this week, moving in over the days ahead and slowly moving east of the country this weekend and into early next week. It could linger for some time but does look to have a wet, mild, northerly flow to end with. But that wetter weather could take a while to move in because of the slow-moving nature of this huge high.

Feed conditions are tight across many regions. AgriHQ is helping match the feed with the need. We’re connecting buyers with sellers here so if you have: • Supplementary feed • Grazing options

Head to agrihq.co.nz/feed-noticeboard

14/05/2020

Source: NIWA Data

STOCK NEED STOCK FEED... List your supplementary feed for sale on AgriHQ’s Feed Noticeboard

Soil Moisture

Overview

NZ is drier than normal over the next week with little to no rain. We now have seven-day rain accumulation maps auto updated farmersweekly.co.nz/ weather with zoomed-in North Island and South Island maps too.

7-day rainfall 7-DAY RAINforecast MAP

NZ is drier than average for the next seven days nationwide. No part of NZ looks wetter than normal and basically nowhere looks average either, except maybe the West Coast if rain does arrive later this week or weekend. Showers elsewhere will be hit and miss. The driest regions: are Canterbury, Marlborough and most of the North Island.

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

Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 18, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER COW

NI SLAUGHTER COW

SI SLAUGHTER BULL

($/KG)

GOOD EWE LAMBS AT STORTFORD LODGE

($/KG)

($/HD LW)

3.35

6.55

4.35

high $2.39-$2.48/kg $1.45/kg Friesian cows, lights R2 Hereford-Friesian Boner 495kg average, at

steers, 400-420kg, at Taranaki

Kiwi lamb in limelight Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

HANGING consumer demand in China has opened an opportunity for New Zealand lamb to take centre stage. In a move to encourage online sales of NZ lamb in China, Beef + Lamb and Alliance have joined forces to launch a digital campaign aimed at leveraging the new consumer behaviour. The e-campaign is focused on driving online red meat sales as Chinese consumers seek out healthier food options in the wake of covid-19. “Alliance and B+LNZ are co-investing in the initiative to drive the awareness of NZ’s healthy and natural grass-fed lamb but ultimately to drive sales,” B+LNZ market development general manager Nick Beeby said. “Our research shows there is a significant opportunity in China for NZ lamb to take centre stage. “Consumers are seeking out nutritious food to boost their immunity and we expect this to continue as people focus on their health in these uncertain times.” Beeby said there has been significant growth in online transactions and sales in meat products, partly driven by people being incentivised to buy online during the covid-19 crisis. “We expect this trend to continue as people have experienced the convenience and efficiency of food being delivered right to their door.” The campaign on China’s two biggest e-commerce platforms, TMall.com and JD.com, will feature Alliance’s Pure South lamb in conjunction with the red meat sector’s Taste Pure Nature marketing. “We’ll be leveraging Alliance’s established brand and e-commerce channels within these platforms that provide ready-made audiences of millions of consumers,” Beeby said. The campaign will target specific events run by both platforms with display ads, search engine optimisation and search engine marketing to grab the

TRUSTED SOURCE: Beef + Lamb market development general manager Nick Beeby says Chinese consumers are looking for more protein in their diet, which is an opportunity for New Zealand lamb to take centre stage. Photo: Annette Scott

This is a great opportunity to test and prove the impact of the growth in e-commerce transactions and sales in China. Nick Beeby B+LNZ attention of consumers searching for grass-fed meat. It will also leverage the firepower of specific Chinese influencers to create awareness and drive traffic to the e-commerce channels. “This is a great opportunity to test and prove the impact of the growth in e-commerce transactions and sales in China. “It’s also a chance to establish the Taste Pure Nature brand and the NZ red meat story by driving consumers to available NZ product,” Beeby said. Alliance has been operating in China

for more than 20 years and has strong channels to market, sales general manager Shane Kingston said. NZ is a trusted source of protein in China and with consumer demand changing towards buying more fresh and good-for-you protein, NZ is well placed to capitalise on this sentiment of Chinese consumers. “This initiative builds on our existing partnership with the NZ Food Basket and e-commerce giant Alibaba, which has provided the co-operative with a single doorway that directly connects affluent Chinese consumers on the Tmall Fresh e-commerce platform with Alliance Group’s Pure South lamb,” Kingston said. The campaign launches this month with an extended programme expected to run through to the end of the year. The initiative will also complement activities already under way in China to promote Taste Pure Nature since its pre covid-19 launch. Beeby said B+LNZ is working with other meat processing and exporting companies on other Taste Pure Nature initiatives for the Chinese market.

Frankton

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Stortford up and running after fifty long days IT HAD been 50 long days since the last sale at Stortford Lodge though given the amount of change it really feels like a lifetime. Who could have imagined that in 2020 a pandemic would sweep the world, causing disruption everywhere it went? But the move to level two for New Zealanders opens up much more of the country and means all livestock sales at yards are back on the calendar. Appropriately, Stortford Lodge was the first to reopen and not a moment too soon for Hawke’s Bay farmers battling relentless drought. To have the sale yards open again means many farmers can see some light at the end of what has been the toughest tunnel many have travelled through. There were no doubt sighs of relief as stock trucks headed out farm gates in the early hours of Thursday morning. Ironically though, the smell of wet wool was strong in the air around the sheep pens but much of the region is in far too deep now for a few millimetres in the rain gauge to be drought-breaking. Being back at the yards it was great to see the familiar faces that make up the Stortford Lodge family though it was clear most are very aware of the seriousness of the guidelines and regulations in play and prepared to do their bit to ensure the yards were a safe place for everyone. There was no cafe open to sit down and have a good old catch-up and the administration staff were hidden away behind plastic screens. Entry was only via the main doors of the complex and on arrival a contact tracing register had to be signed. Throughout the sale people were reminded to keep their distance from each other, which in the moment could slip the mind after a month and a half of not seeing each other or competing on the rails. New protocols aside, the important point is the yards are open and have cemented their future because they were sorely missed over the lockdown. Long story short, it was damn good to be back at the yards. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

Find out more about AgriHQ at agrihq.co.nz

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