Farmers Weekly NZ January 20 2020

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Best trade/specialist publication and website – Voyager Media Awards 2019

Vol 19 No 2, January 20, 2020

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Best trade/specialist publication and website – Voyager Media Awards 2019

Vol 19 No 2, January 20, 2020

Climate lessons rile farmers

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Dry as – annual rainfall short in several centres Actual 2019 annual rainfall (mm)

Average annual rainfall (mm)

Rainfall - % below annual average

Whangarei

861

1407

39%

Hamilton

853

1211

30%

Tauranga

787

1204

35%

Rotorua

985

1391

29%

Gisborne

800

1009

20%

NO HOME: AgriHQ analysts say the ewe market hasn’t been as strong as hoped, partly because of the dry summer.

Climate change hits Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

W

HILE parts of the country teeter on becoming dangerously dry, weather data confirms this summer’s dry conditions in the north have been exacerbated by a particularly dry 2019 in many North Island regions.

Last year was the fourthwarmest on record and closed with regions including Waikato, Northland, Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay falling significantly short of their annual rainfall totals.

Tauranga recorded 787mm, well short of its annual average of 1200mm with several other main centres similarly short.

NIWA’s annual climate survey

found temperatures were .5C-1.2C above the long-term average with Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay even higher when compared to records that stretch back over 110 years.

The annual rainfall figures were 50-80% below normal throughout Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Marlborough and Wairarapa but on the West Coast and in western Southland rain surged to 120-150% above normal.

Meantime, the rest of the country kept close to average.

Despite soil moisture levels being near normal last winter things began to dry out by spring for much of the upper and eastern North Island, a trend that has continued into the new year, enhancing the usual dry conditions experienced over summer.

MetService meteorologist Lisa

Murray said the data reflects a continuing warming trend with five of the last seven years being among the hottest recorded.

“The knock-on effect of this is we start 2020 with many eastern and northern regions of the country thirsty for some significant rainfall.”

The dry conditions were worsened through 2019 by westerly winds that were stronger than normal all year while contributing to wetter conditions on the West Coast. The pattern was expected as a result of climate change.

NIWA’s soil moisture deficit index indicates soils through almost all Northland, Hauraki Plains, north Waikato and southern Hawke’s Bay are classed as dry and well below their historical average deficits for mid January.

In keeping with climate predictions the West Coast is receiving increasingly intense rain and last March experienced up to 1100mm of rain in only two days.

Weather Watch meteorologist Philip Duncan said the expectations he had in September for NZ to have a dry, even droughtprone summer are starting to be proved correct.

“As early as September we were feeling the influence of these big highs that have dominated Australia’s weather. From Waikato through to Northland, in particular, those high-pressure systems have stopped rainmakers coming from the tropics and have also stopped the southern systems coming all the way north.”

He sees little prospect of change through the rest of January.

“Ironically, Australia is likely to receive quite good rain across

The knock-on effect of this is we start 2020 with many eastern and northern regions of the country thirsty for some significant rainfall.

Lisa Murray MetService New South Wales and Victoria in coming days but we will get the opposite of that.”

Duncan said in some respects 2019 proved to be an ideal year for many farmers with reasonable rain until spring and generally warm growing conditions.

“But now things are really starting to dry out.”

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NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW Summer is now here. For those who were questioning if it would ever turn up the long-range forecast suggests it now has. With so much high pressure the winds will be light in many regions for the next week or two. An ex cyclone early this week will lie east of the North Island and will be very large and deep. It will make for dangerous eastern beaches in the North Island even if the weather above is lovely. There might be an enhanced east to southeast flow over the North Island, otherwise light winds. It’s mainly dry nationwide too – drier than average in fact. There will be some isolated afternoon downpours here and there over the next 10 days or so.

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

7 Kiwi carpets are going places Innovative yarn systems showcasing the unique characteristics of New Zealand wool are putting them on planes and into offices, shops and homes around the globe.

Rain Most of New Zealand leans drier than normal next seven days.

Newsmaker ������������������������������������������������������22 New Thinking ��������������������������������������������������23

Temperature

Opinion ������������������������������������������������������������24

Most places are average to leaning warmer than average over the next week. Inland and western areas might be the hottest in the North Island.

Inland and eastern areas look to be warmest in the South Island. Nothing too exceptional.

ON FARM STORY

Wind Light, variable winds with sea/lake breezes for many over this week.

However, with high pressure centred more over the South Island and an ex-cyclone east of the North Island some regions might have an east to southeast wind.

Highlights/ Extremes It’s drier than average for much of NZ this week. A powerful ex-cyclone will churn up beaches and marine conditions along the entire eastern coastline of the North Island until about Wednesday. Swells peak on Tuesday.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

We’re in a pasture growth slowdown now in most regions. Some in the western and southern South Island might see a boost with drier, sunnier weather finally kicking in after weeks of cloud, rain and wind. Elsewhere, the dry, hotter weather will encourage a browning-off and a slowing down. No significant rain is forecast in the next 10 days other than sparse afternoon downpours that will bring some very isolated pockets of pasture growth.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 16/01/2020

28 Breeding is in the family blood A six-generation family history in stud breeding and a love of cows bodes well for the farming future of Tararua’s Niamh Barnett.

REGULARS Real Estate �������������������������������������������������28-30 Employment ����������������������������������������������������31 Classifieds ��������������������������������������������������������32 Livestock ����������������������������������������������������32-33 Markets �������������������������������������������������������34-38 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.

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

This product is powered by NIWA Data

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

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

3

Climate lessons not good enough Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz CLIMATE change teaching guidelines designed by the Education Ministry have been heavily criticised by farming leaders for not telling the whole story when it comes to agriculture’s carbon footprint.

While they back the concept of Climate Change – prepare today, live well tomorrow in teaching climate change to students, DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb and Federated Farmers say it has taken farming’s impact out of context.

It was jointly released by Climate Change Minister James Shaw and Education Minister Chris Hipkins.

The resource, aimed at students aged seven to 10, suggests they have a meatless day at least once a week as a way of mitigating the effects of climate change.

It said red meat and dairy production create significantly more greenhouse gas emissions and use more water than production of chicken meat, fruit, vegetables and cereals.

And it suggests children buy only local food to reduce emissions and help the economy, a claim Federated Farmers climate change spokesman Andrew Hoggard calls simplistic.

“It ignores the environmental footprint of the producers and is counter to the interests of New Zealand as a major exporter of food.

“Per kilogram of protein, produce from NZ farmers can reach consumers in most parts of the world with a lower greenhouse gas/ environmental footprint than

is achieved by many local producers.”

DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said it tells only part of the story.

“We’re not arguing that it’s factually incorrect, we’re just disappointed that it doesn’t have more context for some of the reasons why we are so high in our food and fibre emissions.”

It is further evidence of a growing trend where children are being targeted with information on agriculture’s climate footprint without the full story.

One would hope this is an oversight rather than a personal agenda but it needs to improve and it’s not good enough.

Dr Tim Mackle DairyNZ He cited the recent controversy over Te Papa dying water brown and saying it came from a dairy farm.

“Now you’ve got this and what’s wrong with this is there is not enough context there as to why NZ’s per capita greenhouse gas emissions are high.

“Our emissions are so high per capita because we export so much food to so many people around the world.”

There is also no mention of how efficient NZ farmers are in producing dairy products compared to other dairy producing countries, he said.

“No one is going to

dispute that food and fibre’s emissions make up half of our emissions – we get that – but people don’t understand why we produce enough food calorifically for 40-50 million people and when it comes to dairy, 150-200m people.”

The resource might see DairyNZ introduce more of a climate focus to its dairy education programme that targets schools.

It shows a disconnect with farming from whoever in the Government put the guidelines together rather than it deliberately targeting agriculture.

“One would hope this is an oversight rather than a personal agenda but it needs to improve and it’s not good enough.”

He also questioned whether it is sensible for the Education Ministry to be giving dietary guidelines to 11-15-year-old children.

B+LNZ nutrition head Fiona Windle said the recommendation to reduce meat and dairy consumption comes with no framework as to what represents a healthy diet.

“While reducing meat and dairy is a popular soundbite to roll out, the implications on our youngest and most impressionable in society could be far-reaching and detrimental.”

However, Health Ministry public health director Dr Caroline McElnay said the ideas in the resource are not inconsistent with its food and nutrition advice for young people.

“The guidelines suggest that if your serving size is 150g cooked (about 175g raw) a day it means you could eat red meat three times each week and still be within the recommended level.”

DISAPPOINTED: DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says the Ministry of Education’s new guidelines for teaching climate change take farming emissions out of context.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

Meat prices squeeze domestic suppliers Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz A CORRECTION in global meat prices has prompted Alliance to scale back its minimum price contracts while sustained high values have forced the closure of a Dunedin meat small goods manufacturer Lamb volumes accepted for Alliance’s minimum price contracts have been scaled back because they were oversubscribed and international meat prices have eased, livestock and shareholder services manager Danny Hailes says.

Global demand for protein, primarily driven by China, which has lost half its pig population to African swine fever, is pushing up prices but there was a significant correction over Christmas.

Alliance’s minimum price lamb contract is set at $8.10/kg. Last week the South Island schedule was about $7.70/kg, AgriHQ analysts said.

Hailes would not release

volumes saying they are commercially sensitive but a Southland farmer says contracts have been cut back to 75% of applications.

The contracts start at $8.10/kg and slide back to $7.95/kg by the end of February.

The farmer says scaling back contracted volumes is not unusual and the impact is softened by the fact schedule prices are still well ahead of last year.

“They are still pretty good but not as nice as they were last year.”

Meat exporters have responded to the sudden weakness in the Chinese market by cutting sheep meat and beef schedules by up 20%.

Hailes says Alliance’s lamb contracts are designed to protect farmers from downward price movements with the risk worn by the co-operative.

“From time to time applications for our minimum price contracts for lamb are over-subscribed and this is the case for our

January-February contracts,” he says.

Farmers are being scaled back to similar lamb volumes to last year.

Beef + Lamb chief executive Rod Slater says domestic suppliers’ and small goods manufacturers’ margins have been squeezed by high global prices and demand but a saving grace is that sale volumes are being maintained.

Dunedin smallgoods manufacturer and retailer Fishers Meats closed this month as soaring global meat prices cut margins, making the firm unviable.

All 13 staff have found other jobs.

An analysis by IBISWorld estimates over half China’s 410 million pigs have died or been culled because of the swine fever outbreak.

China accounts for close to half the world’s pig meat production and consumers have turned to beef and lamb as alternative sources of protein.

HIT THE GO BUTTON: Sarah Perriam is ready for her first podcast in a strategic alliance with GlobalHQ.

New rural podcast starts A NEW rural podcast will launch on Friday.

Sarah’s Country will focus on the future of the New Zealand food and fibre sector.

The host of Sarah’s Country, former co-host and producer of Rural Exchange Sarah Perriam, said it is an exciting new chapter for rural radio.

“This is a weekly radio show with a twist.

“I will discuss the biggest issues once a week in agribusiness and politics as well as thought-provoking views on the future of farming.

“It’s about putting the audience first with no commercial agenda.”

Sarah’s Country is a strategic alliance with GlobalHQ and will draw content from Farmers Weekly, Dairy Farmer and AgriHQ. Broadcasting out of a multimedia studio at Blinc Workshop at Lincoln University, Sarah’s Country will be available at 3pm on Fridays via the Sarah’s Country mobile app, Farmersweekly.co.nz and on Radio Central, Coast FM and CFM at 6am Saturdays.

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In that time the couple have been steadfast advocates of FMG’s Instant Stag Cover.

“It’s an absolute no-brainer for us. At the fall of the hammer, the stag is your property and to shift a high value animal from one end of the country to another, well you’ve got to mitigate the risks.

“Even though we adopt best practice with moving, caring for and introducing a new animal into the herd, stags are a big spend for our business and we want to safeguard that investment with the right insurance,” says Grant.

At stag sales around the country you’ll find the FMG team on site to talk you through the insurance cover you can get on the day, says Harriet Partridge, FMG Rural Manager based in the Hawke’s Bay. “We’re here to help and at the sales you’re able to deal with us directly from the time you take out the policy to the time you a make claim. The 12-month instant policy provides cover for any specified stag against theft, death caused by accident, disease or illness and if the stag becomes infertile as a result of accident, disease or illness,” says Harriet.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

5

Trade deal worries exporters Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz THE devil is very much in the detail of the new multi-billiondollar United States-China trade deal in terms of its impact on New Zealand agricultural exports.

Both the Dairy Companies Association and the Meat Industry Association are examining the 94-page agreement to see what impact it will have.

The phase-one deal between US President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He means an extra US$32 billion of US agricultural products will be bought by China by December 31 next year.

Dairy Companies Association executive director Kimberly Crewther said its implications for New Zealand’s $5b dairy export market are unclear because not all its provisions relating to dairy have been made public.

The association will review the deal to get a sense of any advantage it might give US exporters for dairy products and infant formula and product registration requirements, she said.

“While NZ already has a free-trade agreement and a very positive dairy trade relationship with China a large portion of NZ dairy exports will continue to incur tariffs in the Chinese market until dairy safeguards expire in 2022 and 2024.

“It will be of significant concern to us if NZ dairy exporters were to face tariff disadvantages verses US exporters as a result of this agreement, especially as it was not possible to secure the early elimination of dairy safeguards on NZ exports in the recent NZ-China free-trade agreement upgrade negotiations.”

But it was reassuring to see some commitments around World Trade Organisation transparency and notifications.

Meat Industry Association chief executive Tim Ritchie said it is taking a wait-and-see approach.

NZ exports $3.9b worth of red meat to China.

red meat, horticultural products and seafood.

The deal could possibly displace NZ products in that market.

The agreement also has lots of undertakings around the rules US exporters will have to follow to send their products to China.

NZ has to make sure its exporters are not advantaged in any way by those rules, he said.

It does encompass a lot of products New Zealand sells, including meat, dairy and seafood.

Stephen Jacobi NZ International Business Forum

WAIT AND SEE: The Dairy Companies Association is reviewing the new United States-China trade deal to see what its implications are for New Zealand’s $5 billion dairy export market to China.

“There will be implications at some stage. I guess it’s just a case of when and with all of these things, the devil is in the detail.”

One of the most significant developments is that China will lift its ban on importing red meat products that have been treated with growth hormones if it comes under set residue limits.

“Up until now nothing that’s been treated with a hormonal growth promotant has been allowed to go into China. That’s had the most significant impact on US beef exports to China,” he said.

That could give outdoor farmed

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NZ grass-fed red meat a market advantage because it does not use hormones.

“It has to be of benefit to us in terms of our positioning,” he said.

But that benefit will become apparent only once demand caused by African swine fever eases and customers are given a choice.

If more US beef goes into China there will be less beef in the US domestic market or in other markets. That also could offer new opportunities for red meat exporters.

NZ International Business Forum executive director Stephen

BRIDGES

Jacobi said the agreement means a substantial amount of US agricultural products will be bought by China.

“It’s not quite clear how that’s going to work but it does encompass a lot of products NZ sells, including meat, dairy and seafood.”

The former executive director of the NZ China Council said it could mean NZ will no longer be the largest foreign supplier of agricultural products to China.

“It would change if China made that undertaking real.”

About 60% of NZ’s agricultural to China are dairy while 40% are

“That is something Fonterra and the meat industry will need to look at very carefully to see if they have made undertakings that will affect our business in any way.”

While both countries claim the agreement does not breach WTO rules it will be hard to see how that works in practice, Jacobi said.

“We could see disputes arising from this and that could have implications again for NZ.” That might have already happened with reports European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan says the European Union will consider challenging the deal.

NZ’s good reputation in China could allow it to compete with any new US product quite readily and many US products are in different categories to NZ’s.

Jacobi said it should not deter exporters from doing business in China because it is such a vast market and NZ products are highly regarded.

“But the Government needs to look at the detail of this agreement to work out if NZ is disadvantaged in any way.

“We need to be taking it up with the Chinese and the Americans very promptly.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

7

Kiwi carpets are going in high places Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz INNOVATIVE yarn systems showcasing the unique characteristics of New Zealand wool are putting them on planes and into offices, shops and homes around the globe.

Carrfields Primary Wool (CPWool) and NZ Yarn chief executive Colin McKenzie said the global marketing efforts of CPWool mean the humble sheep in the nearest paddock could be producing wool that is destined for some very high places around the world.

McKenzie said the innovative yarn systems of CPWool produce the unique characteristics of NZ wool that designers and customers love and that competitors find difficult, if not impossible, to replicate.

“Our whole product innovation strategy is to purposely step off the commodity curve, to become global leaders in providing leading-edge woollen yarn for carpets and rugs.”

Through its subsidiary NZ Yarn, which spins wool yarn for use in carpets and rugs, Canterburybased CPWool has supplied wool that is gracing the floors of the first class cabins on Emirates airliners.

Closer to the ground CPWool’s efforts are seeing NZ wool showcased on the world stage in several corporate headquarters in New York including carpets in the Wells Fargo, American Express, JP Morgan Chase, Time Warner and Chaincode Labs head offices.

The London Stock Exchange’s New York outpost also features NZ wool soft flooring.

Further south weary corporate managers at the KPMG executive retreat in Orlando, Florida, are relaxing on NZ wool carpets while across the Atlantic CPWool is cushioning the feet of shoppers in the Tom Ford retail showroom in Milan.

CPWool, representing 3500 sheep farmers around NZ, is the exclusive supplier of wool to NZ Yarn which spins it into yarn for use in the soft flooring industry globally.

McKenzie said customers include soft flooring manufacturers who sell products via architects and interior designers.

“We supply our yarn to carpet and rug makers who have connections into the custom design market for corporate offices, high-end homes and increasing numbers of private jets and luxury yachts.

“This means NZ wool can end up in some very high profile places.

“It’s a fantastic way to showcase the quality, beauty and versatility of NZ wool to a global audience.

“The carpet in the Tom Ford showroom in Milan is a very dense, plush pile product in rich hues.

“The KPMG retreat features a replica of an intricate oriental design while the carpet used in corporate offices demonstrates how wool carpets can be robust and hard-wearing yet still beautiful,” McKenzie said.

One particular United States customer makes about 750 interior carpet sets for personal, business and private jets and yachts from NZ wool every year.

A recent project by a CPWool

CARPET FLIES HIGH: CPWool group chief executive Colin McKenzie says supplying yarn to carpet and rug makers with connections into the global corporate scene means New Zealand wool is ending up in some very high profile places.

Photo: Annette Scott customer is the refurbishment of the Mary Baker Eddy historic house in Boston, Massachusetts.

The large, stately home was built in the 1930s and occupied

by Eddy, who was the leader of the worldwide Christian Science religious movement.

The historic house is now being refurbished to its original condition, including the manufacture of bespoke NZ wool carpet.

“We are immensely proud to have contributed on behalf of our growers.

“CPWool yarn gives global soft flooring manufacturers a novel and differentiated material to work with that results in a simply stunning end product.”

The innovative yarn strategy has resulted in products that stand apart from the rest and leverage the huge opportunity to increase the size of the market for wool carpet among corporate and private consumers globally, particularly in the US. “North American consumers have traditionally been slow adopters of wool carpet with sales at low levels compared with those in NZ and Australia.

“This opens up a significant opportunity to take NZ wool into the soft flooring market in the US and Canada as well as other markets including Europe and the Middle East,” McKenzie said.

New face for meat body MEAT Industry Association trade and economic manager Sirma Karapeeva is the organisation’s new chief executive.

She succeeds Tim Ritchie, who is retiring after 12 years in the role.

Before joining the association in 2015 Karapeeva held a variety of trade, policy and regulatory roles at the Ministries for Primary Industries, of Business, Innovation, and Employment and Economic Development.

She said the red meat sector is operating in an increasingly complex environment and faces a number of challenges domestically and internationally.

“I am looking forward to supporting the sector to capture opportunities and position the industry as an innovative and progressive producer and exporter of safe, high-quality food.

“Meat processing is the country’s largest manufacturing industry and makes a significant contribution to New Zealand.”

Chairman John Loughlin said Karapeeva has built up

APPOINTED: Sirma Karapeeva will succeed Tim Ritchie as Meat Industry Association boss in April.

important relationships across government and the industry, which will be vital as the organisation works with others to advance the interests of the red meat sector and NZ’s wider primary sector.

“Sirma has a strong understanding of the red meat sector’s priorities and challenges, practical experience and understanding of the international trade environment, negotiations and agreements and expertise in policy development.”

Karapeeva begins the new role in April.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

Native trees supply looks to be too tight Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE nation’s Billion Trees target by 2028 might be missed by a quarter because of a lack of capacity and resources to meet it.

The goal includes having 200 million native trees planted by 2028.

However, a survey commissioned by the Forests Ministry indicates only 160m native seedlings can be supplied by then.

That is based on a sustainable growth rate of 7.5% a year for a sector that has had 12-15% growth for the past three years but that has been described unsustainable over any length of time.

But Plant Producers spokesman Martin Craig said despite the predicted shortfall the survey reveals a glass-half-full scenario

for a sector with good growth prospects over a considerable time.

“We think demand for native plants is going to continue, regardless of government policy.

“That demand is coming from greater riparian plantings, more community planting projects and significant road project plantings like Transmission Gully and the Waikato Expressway.”

Government announcements of a further $6.8b for roads will only add to the certainty of demand for even more native plantings.

Native trees eligible for the Billion Trees programme accounted for a quarter of the 40m native plant seedlings grown last year.

They covered 9000 hectares of new native plantings. The rest were largely flaxes, grasses and shrubs.

Craig said the high proportion of native grasses and shrubs provides nursery owners with a more rapidly maturing stock that is ready for sale after only a year and can support nursery businesses also holding stock of slower-maturing tree seedlings.

The sector’s ability to expand faster to meet future demand is most constrained by skill levels.

“The skill you may have in raising exotics is not necessarily transferable to natives.

“Operators tend to guard their skills quite closely and have often developed them over a long period of time.”

So far there is no specific training course in native seedling skills but the sector is examining its options and how it can integrate with proposed changes in the polytech training system.

Ownership of seedling rearing

NOT ENOUGH: New Zealand’s Billion Trees target might be missed because of a lack of capacity and resources.

nursery operations are worth financing, given the projected future demand.

The longer lead times of two to four years for growing out natives suitable for farm and forestry plantings mean operators need to plan well ahead.

“You also need to ensure you match your seed stock to the area you will be planting in so you match your plantings to the sub-species in that particular area.”

businesses in New Zealand tends to be concentrated around large businesses that comprise only 5% of total operators but grow half of the natives.

“Because of the more limited number of native plants used in the likes of roadside plantings there is the opportunity there to automate the process, which requires more capital.”

The industry hopes, with further work, it can present banks with a viable case for why native

Exotic forest estate has shrunk slightly Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz LATEST official data points to a shortfall in the Government’s efforts to plant an extra 50,000ha a year in trees under the Billion Trees policy.

Figures in the 2019 National Exotic Forest Description (NEFD) run by Forestry New Zealand indicate the national exotic forest estate has actually declined, shedding 7900ha to total 1.69658m hectares last April.

That is 2% below the 10-year average for forestry plantations of 1.73m hectares. NZ’s highest-ever exotic forest plantings were in 2003 when the area peaked at 1.827m hectares.

The data also indicates plantings of new exotic forest were only 22,000ha, leaving a significant shortfall to the 50,000ha target.

The 22,000ha of new plantings compares to 30,000ha of new land planted in 2001.

However, while exotic forest totals have declined, officials are confident the ambitious target is closer to being filled once plantings of native trees are taken into account.

A ministry spokesman said neither native trees nor plantings from forest owners with exotic forests less than 40ha were included.

“We estimate there are over 10,000 forest owners with less than 40ha of forestry, making up

around 17% of the exotic forest estate.

“We have a work programme to make improvements to data quality for smaller forests and will incorporate improved data into future reports.”

The NEFD figure of 22,000ha comes from large forest owners surveyed, known foresters, ministry planting grants for exotics and Crown Forestry planting.

The ministry estimates about 9m native seedlings were planted last year.

That would bring the total planting estimate for all types of trees to just over 30m trees or about 30,000ha.

Forestry officials said the total reported area of exotic forest

has declined due primarily to fire losses and because of improvements in information quality.

Forest Owners Association president Peter Weir said anomalies in data collection have been acknowledged by the industry and the fact much of the small plantings are guesswork.

“We know we need to do better given the questions coming up around carbon. Trees are such a critical part of the policy.”

He acknowledged the figures are still well shy of the 50,000ha a year goal.

“But they are still 15,000ha more than when the last government was in power.”

There is also a considerable

portion of land bought for forestry but which has not yet been planted as it gets sprayed out and readied for planting in the coming year.

He also suspects the strong red meat prices are starting to influence just how much more farmland can be bought for forestry planting.

“This may have already priced some potential investors out of the market.”

But given the pastoral sector has five years to prove it can reduce emissions or face entering the Emissions Trading Scheme, he expected there might be an uptick in smaller on-farm plantings to help offset farm emissions in coming years.

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

Export trade deals go on hold this year Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com IT LOOKS like another year of treading water for New Zealand’s trade negotiators as they wait for pieces of the global trade jigsaw to fall into place.

There were slim pickings for NZ farmers from the deal completed last year with China and another with the 15 countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The value to NZ exporters from RCEP nosedived when India walked away in November over concerns for its own farmers about opening its local market to NZ and Australian dairy products.

The upgraded free-trade deal with China also yielded little after the removal of safeguards costing NZ dairy farmers $100m a year was dropped as a negotiating objective.

The challenge for NZ negotiators in 2020 will be making progress in talks for free-trade deals with the European Union and Britain.

The EU and NZ began talks in 2018 and had hoped to have them wrapped up by the end of last year.

But the EU’s refusal to budge on agricultural market access meant that deadline passed without a deal in sight.

The recent trade deal between the EU and the South American trading bloc of Mercosur further complicates the picture, according to the Government’s outgoing agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen.

The trade negotiators of the European Commission have enraged the continent’s farmers by cutting the tariff on 99,000 tonnes of beef imports from 20% to 7.5% over a six-year period.

WAIT: Trade deals with Britain and Europe are unlikely to make progress till those parties sort out their own relationship, outgoing agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen says.

“There is a lot of angst towards the Mercosur agreement and the volume of beef coming in.

“The emotion about Mercosur is spilling over into any talk about NZ and Australia completing a trade agreement with the EU in 2020,” Petersen said.

While negotiations have concluded with Mercosur the EU’s member states are still to ratify the deal. It could yet fail if EU politicians listen to farmers and reject it.

Also standing in the way of NZ concluding a deal with the EU is the renegotiation of the trade relationship between the Europe and Britain after Brexit.

The two sides have given themselves till the end of 2020 to conclude a deal.

Petersen thinks it will be hard for NZ negotiators to get any sense out of their counterparts in Brussels on agricultural market access until a deal between the EU and Britain is done.

Until they can confirm continued access for 300,000 tonnes of Irish beef into the British market it will be difficult for EU negotiators to offer improved access for NZ beef.

The same uncertainty will slow progress for a free-trade deal with Britain, which NZ is free to pursue now Brexit has been confirmed.

It is no stretch to imagine British negotiators digging their toes in over NZ sheep meat quota while access for British lamb to the EU remains up in the air.

“There is going to be a lot of what-ifs and ‘how can we negotiate a deal if we do not know what the United Kingdom is doing with Europe?’

“And the UK will say ‘hang on we have got to do Europe first’.

“You can just see everything is going to be pushed into the same bucket.

“And I think, to be honest, it is going to push everything out until 2021,” Petersen said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

11

China boosts Zespri’s protection Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz CHINESE authorities have granted Zespri key trademark protection status.

The protection from the Shanghai Intellectual Property Bureau gives the kiwifruit marketer boosted protection through strengthened legal and administrative powers. It puts it in the company of global giants like Disney and Ferrero Rocher.

It comes as Zespri works to fight a rearguard action against illegal plantings of the highvalue SunGold kiwifruit in China, with estimates there is more than 2000ha in the ground there. Typical growing areas are estimated to be about 10ha an orchard.

Zespri’s greater China general manager Michael Jiang said being awarded the protection is a significant endorsement for Zespri, acknowledging its high profile among foreign brands in China and the company’s strong market share.

“The recognition also reflects the challenges Zespri is facing with counterfeiting in China, including with the unauthorised growing of our Zespri SunGold kiwifruit variety there and is

another demonstration of the support we have received from Chinese authorities.”

The illegal plantings in China are thought to have come from illicit plant imports from New Zealand.

A civil court case is continuing in the High Court at Auckland for millions in damages against an individual who allegedly sent SunGold G3 plants to China.

Those particular plants are estimated to cover 160ha and were discovered four years ago.

Zespri’s efforts in China to work with authorities to identify and prosecute owners of the illegal fruit make it the first fruit company to dispute such an instance on Chinese soil.

While the protection status was issued by the Shanghai government it has been circulated throughout China to other provinces and cities, requiring them to give priority to protecting the brands covered by the status.

Jiang said that is a key step to ensuring the protection becomes national.

The Chinese move marks tighter controls around counterfeited and trademark infringers.

New trademark laws came into effect in China on November 1 and include greater punishment for malicious and serious

REAL: Zespri has been granted greater protection for its genuine fruit in China.

trademark infringements, with the maximum penalty almost doubled to US$712,000.

In 2018 a fruit company selling fake Dole, Zespri and Sunkist labels was sentenced for retailing over a million pieces of fruit exhibiting false labels for those companies. Of the 13 defendants, the highest penalty handed down was two years and eight months in jail.

In May 2018 120 trays of fake Zespri kiwifruit were intercepted

by Chinese officials in the Xiamen province.

The World Trademark Review journal has noted that recently harsher penalties are being handed down by Chinese authorities for food fraud.

Between 2015 and 2017 cases involving infringements of intellectual property rights made up nearly 40% of all cases heard by Shanghai courts.

Illegally packaged fruit using counterfeit Zespri labelling has

been an ongoing issue for Zespri but fruit grown illegally in-country has been a first for any company.

The boosted protection means Zespri will also be able to act on companies using the Zespri brand for products other than fresh fruit, something it was powerless to do before.

“Zespri is grateful to the Chinese government which has consistently worked to help Zespri protect its brand and IP,” Jiang said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

13

Aussie animal venture planned Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

DODGY: Banning live animal exports could breach free-trade agreements and be a slur on the receiving country’s animal welfare standards, Animal Genetics Trade Association spokesman Bruce Nowell says.

Export ban will hurt all Kiwi trade Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A BAN on live exports will have significant implications for New Zealand’s primary industries export trade, Animal Genetics Trade Association spokesman Bruce Nowell says.

The Government is considering a ban on the live export of cattle as part of a review of the trade in live animals.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor suggested a partial ban on live cattle exports as one of several options being considered as part of the review.

With submissions to the review’s discussion paper closing on Wednesday, Nowell urges farmers and industry stakeholders to get their submissions in to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“The opportunity is there to have a say so get on and do it now, get on the register and be in the loop,” Nowell said.

“As an industry we welcome the review. We have no problem with the review.

“We have been in the game for a long time and we are comfortable we have a well-oiled machine but we always look to improve and with new technology continually coming on board there will always be opportunity to improve.

“Meantime, we need all the support we can get to wrap around this.”

Nowell said more than 80,000 cattle were exported last year.

“Every animal that goes offshore is $2000. That’s $160 million benefiting rural communities from farmers to livestock companies, veterinarians, feed producers and quarantine providers to the local businesses.

“There’s broad benefit that will impact heavily if the review results in any significant change, in particular a total or even conditional ban.”

Significant implications would also come for NZ in respect of overall export trade, particularly with the predominant country for live trade being China.

“Under the free-trade agreement there could be the risk of stopping more than live export trade.

“As exporters we go out of the way to ensure processes and the right management are in place and these people pay a lot of money. If the Government questioned the importing country’s animal welfare standards a lot of other primary industry produce will be impacted.

“The free trade aspect is significant,” Nowell said.

But O’Connor has said continued exports of live cattle might be a risk to NZ’s brand.

“The time has come to rethink this area and consider whether it’s something that fits within our values as a country,” O’Connor said.

Animal welfare standards are a growing focus of consumers.

“We need to ensure we have the highest level of animal welfare standards. Our economic wellbeing depends on it.”

O’Connor directed MPI officials to review all possible options.

The options presented range from tightening existing standards to absolute or partial prohibition on some or all parts of the trade.

They include a total ban or banning some species or long journeys or animals travelling by sea or air.

Another option is to require the director general of agriculture to be satisfied animal welfare and reputational risks can be mitigated.

Or exports could be regulated with powers to police them. The final option is to aim for continuous improvement with no law changes.

A WEST Australian livestock shipping magnate now living in Queenstown is plotting to re-enter the Australian trade with newly designed liquefied natural gaspowered ships.

Mauro Balzarini, the former chief executive of Wellard, Australia’s largest live export company, left the publicly listed firm in June, bringing an end to 40 years involvement by his family.

He has since moved to Queenstown and plans to re-enter the trade with a new livestock export business NextSeaWall.

Despite now living in NZ, Balzarini says the size of the NZ industry and a review of livestock exporting rules by the Government mean his new business will focus on Australia.

“The NZ export idea, while a nice one, is not the primary focus as it is not a big sourcing market,” he said.

“While I’d like to help grow the NZ export market we’re aware there is a commission looking into live exports and if it decides to ban them altogether it won’t impact the company as we have not factored a NZ business into any economic considerations.

“But over time we’ll be able to show the effectiveness of our new designs and maybe that will lead to some longer-term changes in perceptions.”

Key to Balzarini’s venture is developing new livestock carriers that are cleaner and have improved

animal welfare and environmental performance.

The ships will carry 11,000 cattle and include improved design to enhance ventilation and reduce overcrowding.

“The new design ensures no animal will be in holds but all on exposed decks with natural light and air, then the ventilation system will be different and more effective plus there will be numerous other advancements compared to current technology.”

New monitoring systems will be incorporated but Balzarini says ships are only one part in the supply chain and his goal is to build a robust and sustainable live export trade.

His newly designed ships will be powered by LNG, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30%.

Most existing livestock carriers will soon be obsolete, which offered him an opportunity.

“We also need to show the public that we are investing in improving standards to make livestock trade more sustainable and in the best interests of Australian producers and exporters.”

NZ allows the export of stock for breeding but banned export for slaughter in 2007, a market Balzarini can see potential for NZ farmers.

“I believe it is worthwhile looking at exporting slaughter animals such as Angus and Hereford cattle because this will give producers the benefit of more competition with the meat works and increase farmgate returns.”

NEW DESIGN: Concept drawings of new livestock carriers for former West Australian livestock export shipping magnate now Queenstown resident Mauro Balzarini.

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News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

Taking a breather off the farm vital farmstrong.co.nz

A TOUCH rugby tournament for Wairarapa farmers and families proved such a hit it looks set to become an annual event.

One of its organisers was rural wellbeing advocate Sarah Donaldson, a clinical psychologist, based near Martinborough, specialising in rural health.

Building more resilient communities is a topic close to her heart. She lives on a sheep and beef farm and also works for the East Coast Rural Support Trust.

One of her main tips for farmers is to schedule recovery time to relieve stress and avoid burnout.

This year, the local rural industry group, with support from Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union, went a step further and organised an off-farm event for 160 of them.

“Post-spring we know a lot of farmers feel really under the pump and need time out to have a bit of fun and especially reconnect with others. We were also aware that there are a lot

of pressures facing the industry right now and an event like this would be great for morale.”

Donaldson and a team of volunteers ran a touch rugby tournament every Wednesday for three weeks. Each week they also put on a barbecue and wrapped up the tournament with a prize giving. Even the prizes were on-theme.

“Instead of just having caps and drink bottles we asked businesses to donate prizes that gave people time out, have fun with others or a new experience, so we got movie vouchers and family passes, accommodation vouchers, a season’s pass for an adult and child to the Hurricanes.

“I think people were pretty blown away by the amazing generosity of our local community,” she said.

The organisers went to great lengths to ensure the tournament was as inclusive as possible.

“We were keen to do something that was not just about the guys but whole communities. So, in our format, there’s six players a side and three have to be either under 12, over 50 or female. That makes it

way more family friendly. But it was still competitive.”

The response from locals was immediate and 16 teams entered with very little promotion required.

“We were absolutely stoked.

The coolest thing was they were a real mix. We had young farmers who put in teams, we had farm teams and we had community teams and downour-road teams with different families and farms combining.

The youngest player was four and oldest was 60-something.

“One of my favourite comments was from a female dairy farmer who told me ‘This is such an awesome thing because we get so used to sticking to our industry but here we are mixing with the sheep and beef crew too’. People found that refreshing.”

Donaldson said timing was crucial.

“We targeted that window after calving and docking and just before AI and weaning.

That meant we had roughly a month to get people off farm for a breather. We decided on three weeks to make it short and sweet so people didn’t have to over-commit.

PLAY HARD: Wairarapa farmers got a chance to let off steam and socialise with a three-week touch rugby tournament.

ORGANISER: Psychologist Sarah Donaldson decided farmers needed some recovery time.

“I think we hit the nail on the head because though people were saying they want more, actually I think it was the perfect amount of time.”

Funds raised from the event have been used to buy a radio telephone for the Rural Support Trust to respond to urgent situations in areas with poor cellphone coverage.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and Donaldson and her team are likely to run something similar next year.

“The format and the way it ran ticked all the boxes for increasing people’s wellbeing – people felt connected and valued, they were embracing something new, keeping active, doing simple stuff that gave them the feel-good factor and giving back to their community.”

“Those are the five ways to wellbeing. No wonder people got a buzz out of it.”

• Schedule recovery time – When you’re busy, think about mini and micro breaks.

What are the opportunities in your day or your week to recover and recharge? A family picnic up the farm, a social game of tennis, coffee with a mate in town? It’s about being smart.

• Stay connected – Social media is handy but nothing beats face-to-face. Go to your local pub or cafe for an hour to chew the fat. It just releases the valve a bit. If you notice other people stop coming out, go and see them – rock up for a cup of tea.

• Practice the five ways to wellbeing – These are the things we need more than ever when we are under pressure. Even if you have to scale them down because you are busy, doing some is better than none.

• Focus on what you can control – When you have seasonal conditions, focusing on what is within your control and managing within those limitations is a biggie.

• Try to reframe things and remember what is working – It is easy to get skewed to the negative. Instead, ask yourself ‘What’s going well?’ Remind yourself, for example, that good prices can provide a buffer to offset some of the challenges ahead.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

15

Young farmers must drive change Riley Kennedy riley.kennedy@globalhq.co.nz

HANDS-ON: Nigel Woodhead, with Megan Hands, left, and Ash-leigh Campbell is the only farmer on the Primary Sector Council.

This is huge. This is a turning point for NZ agriculture and our food and fibre sector.

Nigel Woodhead Primary Industry Council with everyone having expertise in different areas.

“I learnt a ridiculous amount about all sorts of stuff involving international and New Zealand agriculture and agricultural trade, business management, change management, human behaviour and the list goes on,” he said.

“Being involved in the process over the last few years also means

my network has exploded.”

Everyone involved in the discussion he now calls a friend and said he will ring them to ask for anything.

“The more time I spent around the table the more I grew to respect the people who sat around that table with me and the more respect I think I gained from them,” he said.

Woodhead said he is 100% proud of the vision they have created.

“This is huge. This is a turning point for NZ agriculture and our food and fibre sector.”

He believes the vision allows farmers, growers, crafters and makers flexibility in how they want to operate and gives people a purpose.

“It’s not a dictation of ‘this is

how you will operate and this is how you will act’. It gives the ability for each individual to say this is what X, Y, Z means for me and this is what I’m going to do about it.”

Most farmers will look at it, relate to it and say they’re already ticking most of the boxes, he says.

He hopes it will challenge people to go further in a positive sense, not because they have to but because it’s the right thing to do.

And he also believes young farmers have a huge role to play with the average age of NZ farmers increasing.

“As young people in the industry we just need to back ourselves and say we’re doing the right thing because it’s right and get stuck in and do the hard work because the future is so bright and I’m 100%

positive for where we’re going to go.”

As guardians of the land they are all in charge of looking after the scenery and landscape as well as feeding and clothing people.

“I believe in the future we will be valued beyond belief because of the role we play in humanity. We feed people, we clothe people and we produce the timber to build their houses. Such a tiny number of people look after such a huge part of the countryside in every country, especially NZ.” The council is developing its final report with recommendations expected in March. A new Governmentindustry partnership, Food and Fibres Aotearoa NZ, has been established to bring the vision to life.

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FORMER Young Farmer of the Year Nigel Woodhead played a vital role in creating the new vision for the food and fibre sector released by the Primary Sector Council last year.

He runs a 400ha Otago sheep and beef farm with 3500 stock units and is the only farmer on the council.

“I am the only person on the Primary Sector Council who gets up every day and puts boots on,” he said.

“Everyone else gets up and puts shiny shoes on. That’s not a criticism of them. That’s just the reality. I’m the only farmer.

“I had an obligation on behalf of the industry to be there on behalf of those of us who get up and put boots on every day and have dirt under our nails and those of us under 40.”

Last year the council, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor unveiled Fit For a Better World.

The vision is for the food and fibre sector to be a world leader in modern regenerative production systems and provide the world’s consumers with ethically produced food, natural fibres, drinks, co-products and bio products.

Woodhead was asked to be an observer member of the council after winning FMG Young Farmer of the Year in 2017.

“I was intrigued so I decided to become a part of it,” he said.

Woodhead was able to give his input, listen and learn. A year in he was asked to become a full member with voting rights.

“Someone has to step up and fight the good fight,” he said.

Being involved in the discussion he also felt he had a lot to contribute.

There were some serious and vigorous debates around the table

News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

App helps to manage bug attack Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz WITH the cost of crop losses this season totalling $1 billion from stink bug invasion Italy is turning to the smartphone as a new weapon against the voracious assault.

Crop losses in the northern Italian region of Trento have tripled in the past two seasons as the bug has advanced.

Researchers, statisticians and mathematicians have combined their skills to develop a smartphone app to help growers get smarter about its advance.

This will give us very up-to-date data on exactly when infestations are starting and when peak numbers are being reached and to act as an early warning system.

Anna Eriksson Fondazione Edmund Mach Fondazione Edmund Mach research centre science communicator Anna Eriksson recently visited New Zealand with researcher Gianfranco Anfora to pitch the BugMap smartphone application.

The technology offers the chance to detect an incursion

early rather than monitoring the all-out invasion Italy is now experiencing.

The foundation works closely with Plant and Food Research in NZ, sharing resources, researchers and growing seasons to better understand the bug’s lifecycle and progress.

Because the stink bug overwinters in houses around the horticultural valley there is also an opportunity to use the app to interact better with the district’s urban population.

“It consists of a map and includes an information sheet on the stink bug’s morphology and gives users the ability to report the presence and location of any bugs detected and to include a photo for verification.”

So far the app has 700 users and has recorded 2000 bug sites.

The researchers hope that as more data is collected the technology will become increasingly accurate as a predictive tool for tracking the bug’s spread.

Trento has steep glacial valleys with wooded sides that provide habitat for the bug before it moves into ripening fruit crops on the valley floor, gradually working through each crop as it ripens.

In a short time the bug has effectively wiped out Italy’s €300 million pear sector and Trento’s €630m worth of crops risk a similar fate if it is not contained.

Data input from the app enabled researchers this year to predict an invasion in a particular apple-growing valley.

Once the likelihood of invasion is detected growers can begin

BUGGED: Italian science communicator Anna Eriksson and researcher Gianfranco Anfora of Italy’s Fondazione Edmund Mach.

to select their approach to controlling the bug.

Simple spray control has limited success with only two types being effective and growers are increasingly having to cover crops entirely to keep the bugs out.

Input from Kiwi researchers is also helping with the development of pheromone traps and sterile male populations are also being bred.

So far most app users are orchardists.

In the coming year Eriksson hopes to engage more tech-savvy young growers, encouraging them to check every day for the first signs of stink bug eggs.

“This will give us very up to date data on exactly when infestations are starting and when peak numbers are being reached and act as an early warning system.”

She is also introducing the app to children and working closely with the region’s schools to engage children on biosecurity vigilance.

One early aim of the app is to try to reduce the gap between urban people, growers and researchers.

She believes that is starting to happen, with urban users proving very accurate in their bug detection.

“Every notification is checked by an expert and responded to. We are not yet using machine learning and AI to do this although this may occur in the future.”

Eriksson said she can see the app’s use in NZ where we have the advantage of not yet being infested.

“Having the app available would be a valuable tool for early detection data.”

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Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Council chairman Dr Ed Massey said NZ is interested in the app but also has a similar multispecies app already in play.

“The Find a Pest app developed

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A Kiwifruit Vine Health spokesman said the sector might be interested in a reporting app similar to the Italian version.

A stink bug awareness campaign running this summer has already recorded double the phone calls of this time last year.

So far 15 live stink bug finds have been confirmed including 10 found at the border.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

17

ETS changes need considering Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz PROPOSED changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme and the timing of their announcement have come under fire, though the appointment of members to the Climate Change Commission has been welcomed.

Federated Farmers and BusinessNZ both criticised the announcement of the proposed ETS changes in the week before Christmas.

The proposals, including changes to draft settings and price controls, are open for public consultation till February 28.

Federated Farmers climate change spokesman Andrew Hoggard said apart from the timing he is concerned the proposals include limiting the number of emission units in the system and doubling the carbon price cap to $50 a tonne, which will accelerate the purchase of productive pasture land for blanket pine forest carbon farming.

“Surely, the proposals announced should have been carefully considered by the new, independent Climate Change Commission,” he said.

Federated Farmers would also have preferred discussion on options for tree planting that don’t come at the expense of prime sheep and beef land.

“We’d like to talk about accounting under the ETS of trees planted already and into the future in shelter belts, riparian strips and smaller woodlots.

With recognition of these options there’s great potential for additional carbon sequestration without the undermining of livestock production capacity and the hollowing out of rural communities.”

BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope said the Government’s handling of environmental law change is disjointed.

“Businesses are already responding to other draft regulatory changes that will be related to ETS settings, including climate-related financial disclosures, ETS auction rules and others.

“Meanwhile, other relevant pieces of work including the draft Resource Management Act

THINK TIME: Proposed changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme should be considered by the new Climate Change Commission, Federated Farmers vice-president Andrew Hoggard says.

The process of working towards a better suite of environmental laws and regulations is being handled in a piecemeal and disorderly way.

Kirk Hope BusinessNZ replacement are not yet available for consideration.

“The process of working towards a better suite of environmental laws and regulations is being handled in a piecemeal and disorderly way.

“Many people and businesses will be impacted by this suboptimal approach to lawmaking.”

The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Reform) Amendment Bill being considered by the Environment Select Committee will restructure the ETS to enable it to put a cap on emissions covered by the scheme and to reduce that cap over time in line with New Zealand’s climate change targets. Submissions close on January 17.

The Bill does not specify the scheme’s settings, which will be done through regulation and it is those regulations the Government

opened submissions on just before Christmas.

At the same time Climate Change Minister James Shaw named the six experts who will join chairman Rod Carr on the commission.

Farmer, academic, former Fonterra director, Plant and Food Research chairwoman and 2017 Women of Influence award winner Professor Nicola Shadbolt and Dr Harry Clark, head of the Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, are two of the six.

They will be joined by climate change scientist Professor James Renwick, senior research fellow at the NZ Climate Change Research Institute Judy Lawrence, Motu policy fellow Catherine Leining and Ngai Tahu chairwoman Lisa Tumahai.

Shaw said the commission’s role is to provide expert, trusted and independent advice to the Government.

“Some issues are too big for politics and the biggest of all is the climate crisis we face.

“Our decision to create the Climate Change Commission was about protecting climate policy from political mood swings, meaning every future government can stay focused on the job at hand: to help solve climate change and make our communities cleaner and healthier.

“Whilst it is an advisory body, I fully expect that the impartial and

scientifically rigorous analysis it will provide will help keep future governments’ climate policy in check,” Shaw said.

DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said there is a lot of weight and responsibility on the commissioners’ shoulders, not only for farmers but for all New Zealanders.

“We’re pleased to see a range of skills sitting around the table across academia, science, think tanks and those with knowledge of the sectors from energy, transport and agriculture,” he said.

“The commission’s work programme over the coming years is going to be immense as they look to set emissions budgets, review targets and put in place the right plans to bend our national emissions curve and achieve reductions across

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MPI animal health and welfare director Dr Chris Rodwell said the new rules will allow competent people

to continue doing routine procedures on animals and raise the standard.

“Procedures on animals must be carried out by the right people with the right skills and care to ensure the wellbeing of animals,” Rodwell said.

“People who own animals or are in charge of them should check now to see if they need to change what they do or the way they do it.

The new rules create new offences and penalties for breaches.

They target minor and moderate offending with fines up to $5000 for an individual or $25,000 for a body corporate. More serious offending can be dealt with under the existing offences in the Animal Welfare Act. The new rules will be in place on May 9 with more expected to come into force in May 2021.

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News

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

Lucrative spur for NZ cherry exports FILLIP: The weather has boosted the cherry crop ahead of the lucrative Chinese New Year.

JUICY prices are making up for a smaller cherry harvest this season and a summer burst in Central Otago should give an added boost in time for Chinese New Year.

Wet weather and cold temperatures mean this year’s cherry crop will be lighter.

However, Summerfruit New Zealand chairman Tim Jones said recent better weather and strong prices are offsetting the smaller volume.

“The fruit that we have picked in the last few days is really good quality and we are getting much better volumes. The prices are really good at the moment.

“That makes up a little bit for some of the lack of volume,” Jones, who is also chief executive of 45 South, NZ’s biggest grower and packer of export cherries, said.

The Chinese New Year begining on January 25 and running to February 8 is crucial as NZ cherries earn a hefty premium over any competitor, such as produce from Chile.

“Chile is sending a huge volume of cherries but we, because of our fruit size and quality, command prices that are between two and three times more,” Jones said.

Exporters are paying US$18 to US$28 a kilogram for NZ cherries. The cost to grow, pick and pack cherries can range from NZ$7 to NZ$10/ kg and this year is likely closer to NZ$10/kg because of the lower volumes and quality, he said.

Freight costs more than $5 a kilo.

The return can be good with the margin for a grower of $8 to $10/kg but it’s not quite enough to make up for the low volume.

The main competitor is Chile, which expects to export 180,000 tonnes to China this season. NZ’s total cherry exports were about 4935 tonnes last season.

“Ours is a fresh product with size and quality that is geared to be given as a gift generally,” Jones said.

“Theirs is more of a mass-market product that is probably more than four weeks old by the time it gets to the consumer.”

While Chile needs only a small percentage of its crop in the premium space to start affecting NZ more than 90% of its fruit still goes by sea.

“Ours is shipped by air transport and is in the market 48 hours after it is picked.”

Chilean exporters use air shipments early in the season but the bulk of the crop goes by sea.

Another advantage for NZ growers is the number of tourists coming from Asia, which makes it possible to ship freight back to China and Taiwan using the planes they are returning on.

“They don’t have those logistics available to them. If they want to use air freight they have to charter a plane and that basically is twice the price for your freight,” he said.

“What we really need to do is differentiate ourselves from them and play in a different part of the market. We have to understand our part of the market just as much as we need to understand theirs.”

MyFarm Investments research head Con Williams agrees Chile is a potential threat.

“The expansion of Chilean exports, with increasing volumes being produced in the lucrative Chinese New Year window and incremental improvements in quality, needs to be watched closely for its impact on NZ’s market position,” he said.

However, the consistent high quality, NZ brand and value-add formats employed by NZ exporters result in our cherries getting a significantly higher price.

“Demand for this type of product during the festive season is virtually insatiable.”

Jones said there is room for NZ to grow more cherries but subject to the quality the market demands.

The availability of experienced growers, casual pickers and packers and accommodation for permanent and casual staff are among considerations that need to be front and centre of people’s minds if they are thinking about growing cherries, Jones said.

– BusinessDesk

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

19

New manager sees pastoral potential Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE vast grassland expanses of South America offer some exciting opportunities for Gallagher’s new general manager Darrell Jones.

Jones is a couple of months into his new role but almost 20 years into working for the agri-tech company.

Formerly the company’s national sales manager he is excited by what his recent business excursion to South America revealed.

“We have had a presence in South America for some time but everything sold over there is basically from behind the counter.

“We want to really work on what our point of difference is for electric fence systems there and a big part of that is farmer education.

“It is fair to say they have practices that could be further supported by our technology.

“There’s a lack of awareness that’s holding farmers back.”

What particularly excites Jones is the scale of livestock numbers requiring containment. Half the operations are grassland and half feedlot systems and he sees opportunities in both.

“Fencing, obviously, but animal performance recording is also becoming more prevalent with weight and growth-rate monitoring for which our equipment is well proven.”

There is great opportunity for Gallagher to help South American farmers understand the benefits of using electric fencing for stock control and electronic weighing and tagging systems for their animals.

“They’re essentially just managing mobs of cattle with most farmers not carrying out full animal recording.

“They are also buying cheaper, lower-quality products, which is costing them money in the long run.”

He acknowledges the continent’s sheer scale makes it a tough one to get enough feet on the ground to resource farmer and dealer education.

However, the company’s Chile-based business development manager Gonzalo Anderson has a deep level of understanding of the region’s farming practices and of Gallagher’s technology so he will play a key role in the coming years in aiding that expansion.

In New Zealand the market has been dominated by the impact of Mycoplasma bovis on farmer herd data and recording, pushing a greater-thanever uptake of scanning equipment.

“But we are also finding farmers recognise that just having a scanner may help meet compliance but it is the complete system you can incorporate into it, including weigh technology, that will bring ultimate value.”

That comes at a time when stock values have never been greater with the incremental gains to be made providing a high rate of return for equipment spend to measure those gains.

Jones says farmers always risk being left behind by the flood of new technology washing through agriculture but thanks to the usual innovative early adopters the rest of the farmers ultimately pick up the tech proved to be most effective.

“It is an old adage but it’s still true that farmers sell to farmers.

“If you can get your early adopters engaged, they will drive it forward and drag more farmers with them.”

With the evolution of Internet of Things and cloud data storage the days of simply selling a piece of kit and guaranteeing it will work are gone.

They are replaced instead by a need for companies to better understand how their equipment fits into that networked ecosystem that is now farm data collection, storage and analysis.

“It also comes down to knowing how to best support the reseller on their understanding of the value our technology can deliver.

“As much as the farmer, resellers are such a valuable part of our business.”

Gallagher’s animal management focuses on research and development as well as local production with its key products continuing to be made in NZ.

OFFSHORE: Gallagher general manager Darrell Jones sees significant opportunities in South America.

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Newsmaker

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

Group aims to bolster sheep milk

EXPANDING: A geologist by profession, David Waghorn is now concentrating on growing his Canterbury sheep dairy operation for niche market production.

Most people in the South Island associate the iconic high country sheep with meat and wool but that is changing as enterprising pioneers establish sheep-milking operations.

Founding member of the Canterbury Dairy Sheep Association David Waghorn talked to Annette Scott.

S

HEEP milker David Waghorn is confident the Canterbury Dairy Sheep Association will drive opportunities for local sheep milking farmers.

Canterbury has fallen behind the North Island in developing a sheep dairy industry, missing out on investment in infrastructure and research funding, he says.

The association, set up in September, is charged with changing that.

Waghorn notes sheep milking infrastructure investors are targeting the North Island.

In Canterbury there are a number of people like him who have sheep specifically bred for milking and are looking for a more secure market.

While farmers with reasonable infrastructure can convert quite easily to sheep milking, putting in the processing plant is the big cost and that’s where the association comes in.

It will be a single voice providing information and a path to meet compliance requirements.

“The idea is to be a single entity to help set standards for the industry here.

“To be successful we need a good story, a good reputation in animal welfare and environmental stewardship and to do that we need to set our own standards.”

There have been high-profile

investments in the North Island with Pamu and Maui Milk in Waikato but it has been a mixed story in the South Island.

Several processing and marketing plans in Canterbury failed to get off the ground.

“My feeling is the time is right now for Canterbury.

With identified markets and environmental compliance understanding it’s time to move forward.”

The plan is to ultimately pool supply to a single processor.

“We are still all working out the real potential in sheep milk and with the current cheese-making demand it won’t be long before cheese is saturated.

“We need to be looking at yoghurt, ice-cream and infant formula milk powder – even nutrient-based products.”

Most Canterbury sheep milkers want to be pasture-based, working towards breeding a sheep specifically suited to local conditions.

Consumers are becoming more educated and aware of the different options available and are actively looking for alternatives with beneficial health properties.

And with twice the protein of cows’ milk it is easier to digest.

It is also naturally an A2type milk free from the A1beta casein protein, which has been associated with digestive

discomfort such as bloating, found in some cows’ milk.

With an increasing number of people asking how they can buy grass-fed New Zealand sheep milk, Waghorn is confident the region can develop new domestic markets with export potential down the track.

With the help of Primary Growth Partnership funding, Lincoln-based Food South is researching market development.

The association is also working on securing funding for more hands-on help in niche market production for its members, Waghorn says.

“The big corporates in Maui Milk and Spring Milk are making a lot of formula but for us in Canterbury, where we are smallscale players compared to these, we are focused more on niche products.

“As a group we are optimistic but to be successful we need to get it right now and be market-led.”

A geologist by profession and previously living in Pakistan, India and Indonesia, Waghorn always had a desire to go farming and over time he bought blocks of land here and there.

His Ardleish Farm now comprises a 315 hectare rolling hills property at Glenroy and a 200ha home block at Hororata, both largely leased as dairy support units.

While Waghorn was working in Dubai stage one of Central Plains Water came on track.

But the water was going to be a significant expense.

“I needed to look at other options to pay for the water. My situation was dryland and now with water I needed to make it pay.

“I thought we know a lot about sheep and dairy technology in NZ that surely we can match the two.”

Very quickly sheep became a part of his farm environment plan helping meet water quality and nutrient loss targets because of its low environmental footprint compared with bovine dairy farming.

Waghorn and his wife Meily are growing their milking flock to 1200 ewes, based on the European breeds East Friesian and Lacaune.

Waghorn says that can be improved with the introduction of good genetics and a dairycross sheep better suited to local conditions.

Ultimately, the couple plan to lamb the flock indoors but have a completely outdoor grazing system.

“We want to be all pasturebased rather than have the cost of infrastructure and it’s also more natural and healthy.

“The challenge is get a more

By the numbers THERE are about 15 sheep milkers in Canterbury with an average flock of 200 but fully commercial operation will be much bigger.

The Canterbury Sheep Dairy Association will have members from June 1. It has identified about 80 potential members.

“A major milk processor has said if there are around 30,000 ewes locally being milked it will consider putting in a dedicated processing plant,” spokesman David Waghorn said.

At 1.5 to two litres a ewe that adds up to 45,000-60,000 litres a day at peak.

Depending on whether lambs are reared by the ewe for the first five to six weeks or reared artificially the annual production per ewe could be 230 to 330 litres giving 6.9-9.9 million litres.

hardy milking breed here and collectively come to our own version of a Kiwi-cross cow, different to the breed in the North Island,” Waghorn said.

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production is not jeopardised.

“We need food Neal Wallace so other sectors need to do better. neal.wallace@globalhq .co.nz “This is a breath of someone to finally fresh air for HE red meat industry say Rankin says while that.” hopes to ramp up its reports have been previous Taste Pure Nature scathing of farming, this one brand campaign is less so. on “I felt like this report the back of has helped international climate the latest us turn a corner, that change report. affected by climate farmers are change but we The Intergovernmental also really need them.”

Panel on Climate Change The report found (IPCC) report global food is being welcomed systems account

by New for a quarter of Zealand farming greenhouse gas leaders as an emissions and endorsement of agricultural emissions our low impact of nitrous systems and the oxide and methane importance of are increasing maintaining food .

But land also has production. a role as a The IPCC says carbon sink, absorbing land on which 30% of the we rely for food, planet’s greenhou water, se gas emissions health and wellbeing energy, between 2008 and 2017. is already under pressure Crop productio and climate n is being change will exacerbat affected by higher temperatures, through desertifica e that changing rain patterns tion degradation potentiall and land frequency of extreme and greater y affecting events. food security.

The report warns consumption The report’s advocacy patterns, land management and balanced diet including of a population growth will determine animal protein sourced the planet’s future from resilient, in a changing sustainable, low climate. greenhou systems is an endorsem se gas “Pathways with higher demand ent for NZ, for Beef + Lamb chief food, feed, and insight officer water, more ON-FARM training Jeremy Baker says. resource-intensive courses have an consumption important role to “This is the NZ She said there should and productio play n and more limited red always future, Feilding High in agriculture’s be an opportunity production system. meat technological improvem Reesby said the to role that form Meaghan Reesby School student ents training because do practical of training plays “It is definitely in agriculture yields, says. trained staff have in increasing the not saying that The year 13 pupil result in a better understand skills of people in we all need to higher risks from ing of how their agriculture should become vegetarian agri-commerce at plans study water scarcity workplaces, such not be overlooked Massey University or vegan.” in drylands, land as farms, function, and any future next year but said degradation and which is good for changes in how not everyone employers and It is an opportun food insecurity training course are interested in agriculture employees. .” ity to ramp delivered needs wants to go up promotion to remember that.

Report contribut to university. of the Taste Pure Feilding High School The daughter of or Associate Himatangi dairy Nature brand, Professor Anita Some people prefer can build their practicalpupils farmers, Meaghan’s to tell 40 million Wreford, of a more farming handsglobal meat eaters on approach, whether Lincoln University experience while on the family farm, brother works about NZ’s low’s Agribusiness that is through at school by complementing a cadetship or beginning carbon footprint, and Economic taking courses offered what he learns at he says.

Research Unit, a job and through work with building Gateway, a programme DairyNZ climate says it shows the their knowledge practical courses, through change importance of for young while her sister courses offered people in their last ambassador Trish also is also full time not implemen by workplace year of school ting contradictory Rankin is training providers that allows them fitting her Massey on the farm, heartened the policies. such as Primary to report says some course work ITO. training made up complete around that. sectors need to “The report is of theory and reduce their highly practical unit standards. emissions faster for NZ as we grapple relevant to ensure food MORE: trade-offs involved with the greenhouse gas P3 emissions, with reducing adapting to the change, managing the impacts of climate we value and maintainiareas supporting our communities and ng and societies in this process.

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New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

21

Research and tech push on In the second of a two part series Richard Rennie reviews progress with some of the science and technology covered in Farmers Weekly’s New Thinking pages over the past two years.

S

AT WORK: AgResearch’s laser machine testing a paddock for greenhouse gases.

Chinese palates tend to detect the sourness of fermented products more sharply.

Dr Li Day AgResearch insights about where we can go with plantain from here.”

Riparian value nailed In the two and a half years since Niwa set out to survey riparian plantings farmers have put in many more thousands of kilometres of fencelines and millions of trees.

This first line of defence for pastoral farming in controlling nutrient and sediment losses is now firmly included in the national freshwater proposals.

Meantime, Niwa ecologists have found before riparian strips can be surveyed for their effectiveness the tools needed to measure that effectiveness had to be upgraded.

“So, in this time we have been working on our stream health monitoring and assessment kit (Shmak), adding in new variables and tools for measurement of stream health and different levels of test types depending on what you can commit to and how advanced you wish to be,” freshwater ecologist Elizabeth Graham says.

The upgrade has been timely, given the broader measurement tools likely to be required by the Government in the latest freshwater package.

Recognising having hundreds of riparian sites around the country

to measure could prove a big ask Niwa staff are instead selecting about 50 around the country, building sampling hubs from which a subset will be sampled regularly.

“These will be based in areas where there have been a lot of plantings and are accessible.”

They are likely to include Waikato, possibly TaranakiManawatu and sites in the South Island.

“But we are still open to hearing from farmers who may be interested in participating. We are planning to start this summer to visit all 50 sites and assess them.”

The researchers hope to determine how riparian plants’ age, height, density and type work together to make the planting effective.

“We are hoping to have some definitive figures to be able to recommend to farmers on future plantings.”

Fermentation research bubbles on While kefir, a fermented milk drink might not be for everyone, a growing consumer interest in fermented foods is continuing and AgResearch scientists are at the forefront of identifying new versions of this age-old practice.

Dr Li Day and her colleagues’ work on the step change in food fermentation project includes research partners the Riddet Institute, Callaghan Innovation, Teagasc of Ireland, the University of Bologna in Italy and Japan’s Kyoto University.

In the past couple of years they have started to build a collection of new bacteria cultures suitable for

fermenting foods, including those discovered by AgResearch and some from industry partners.

“AgResearch already has a seed and plant bank at the Margot Forde Germplasm Centre. This would be an extension of that,” she said.

In keeping with their original aims to identify more indigenous cultures the scientists have also been working with iwi groups and associated food and beverage companies.

Traditional fermented products like kanga pirau (Maori porridge) have featured in NZ’s culinary past, and might offer some new opportunities to markets interested in food provenance and history.

Partnering with dairy companies, the research has already found its application in improving the quality and sensory

attributes of NZ-produced dairy products for target export markets.

“Research around developing new meat products is also gathering pace to transform lowvalue meat cuts to high-value charcuterie products for export.”

The researchers have also learnt more about differences in tastes between New Zealanders and export countries.

“Chinese palates tend to detect the sourness of fermented products more sharply and don’t like it as much. They prefer a more savoury and sweet taste so the challenge is to find a culture or method that can help develop that.”

Day says the researchers hope to maintain their momentum in the study of a food process that continues to experience strong growth in almost every global market.

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Laser target on gases INCE installing $250,000 worth of laser equipment in a Waikato paddock over two years ago Waikato University researchers have become adept at getting their money’s worth out of the expensive kit.

The Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) sitting in the Matamata paddock continues to help the scientists get a better picture of how greenhouse gases, particularly nitrous oxide, behave in a real-time, real-farm setting.

The machine’s ability to measure gas levels has been proved over the past two years and now scientists are using it to analyse how gas levels can be manipulated and reduced, in keeping with the very real demands the Zero Carbon Act requires of pastoral agriculture.

Echoing Ernest Rutherford’s mantra “We don’t have much money so we need to think” Professor Louis Schipper says the scientists have found they will be able to get the one expensive machine to do two jobs.

“By placing the machine on the mid-point of a north-south line we now have a ryegrass/clover mix on one side and on the other side a sward with about 30% plantain.

“Depending on wind direction we can then analyse the gas levels with the QCL, and determine if the plantain sward generates less nitrous oxide than the conventional pasture.”

Plantain has been intensively studied over the past two years for its potential nitrate and nitrous oxide-reducing properties and forage scientists have found a 30%-plus concentration of the grass might significantly reduce losses.

“If we can prove this is the case at paddock scale by measuring the nitrous oxide emissions we hope to also tell how great those reductions are. We can then look at farming responses such as grazing methods and management of that pasture.”

The researchers have also been able to adapt the QCL to be an in-field diagnostic tool, capable of measuring micro-samples of gas emissions from small areas in the field, eliminating the need to send the samples to external labs for analysis.

Schipper said the ongoing support of the Troughton family whose property students and scientists regularly traipse over continues to be a big part of the project’s success and promising future work.

“We expect that in about a year’s time we should have some results to give us some really valuable

Opinion

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

EDITORIAL

Stop moaning, get on with it

I

T MUST be tough being a kid these days. Faced with accelerating climate change thousands of them took the streets last year, angry the defining issue of their lives wasn’t being addressed by those in charge.

“Go back to school,” the adults cried.

“Learn how to deal with the problem there.”

Our Education Ministry heard that call and last week released a teaching tool to help pupils better understand the issues around climate change and to manage the anxiety it brings. “It’s state indoctrination,” the adults cried.

“How can we teach our kids this stuff?”

Just what message our young people are supposed to take from all of this is unclear. Critics are picking apart the teaching resource, unhappy it suggests we should eat less meat and dairy and that it fails to differentiate our pasturebased farming from the overseas feedlots. These are valid points in and of themselves but they won’t be comprehended that way by the young strikers. They’ll just hear another old person railing for the status quo.

The global collective consciousness is moving pretty quickly on this issue.

Those who think they can choose the scope and timing of their evolution to a sustainable future might find themselves mistaken. When you wake up in the morning and the air is the colour of copper because of bush fires 2000km away it makes you think. It might make you think about the way you vote or what things you buy.

The lesson for the primary industries is this. Having struck a deal with the Government on emissions reductions the time has come to do the mahi.

Grumbling and groaning every time you’re reminded that there’s work to do won’t help. Farmers have committed to managing emissions and now must do so with a determination that proves to the world they mean business. We need to do the work and show our workings. If we don’t we might just end up a teaching resource ourselves, in history.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Problems all about our brains IDLE and poorly informed comment suggests we, as a species, should severely reduce or abandon the consumption of animals.

Our forebears H habilis and H ergaster near 1.8 million years ago demonstrated the beginnings of encephalistion (frontal and temporal brain growth).

That progressed from a 300g to a 1200g brain of humans (H sapiens) to 200,000 years ago.

The conversion in the same species to include small animals, eggs and fish arose at the same time about 1.8m years ago.

The conversion from herbivore to omnivore occurred. It would have provided additional energy from animal, marine fats and essential amino acids. Was this an association or a cause and effect?

Our hunter-gatherer forebears ate extensive plant

and animal species and when studied medically before colonisation were free of all diseases you can name.

That changed when human groups slowly converted to sedentary type life practice, gardening, some agriculture and animal herding in the neolithic period.

The range of food species and nutrients dropped dramatically, especially animal species.

Skeletons were smaller, as were long bones, cranium and brain.

Bone showed metabolic and nutrient changes consistent with changed nutrition.

Grains and carbohydrate consumption grew then later grain flour and crystal sugar because of technology and price became the staples of the poor and poverty, unchanged today.

If we add the cigarette machine in 1890 we have the template, I believe, for the

explosion of all the diseases known today.

No other animal species had used tobacco, grain flour and crystal sugar, later fructose, before so adaption spawned pathology. But that is another story.

I believe the evidence for animal nutrition contributing to encephalisation is strengthened when brain size reduced from the neolithic period to today, when animal consumption fell and all forms of carbohydrate flourished.

Intellectual skills don’t seem to rely on brain size.

But can we afford to succumb to fashion and commercial whims of the processed food industry that also convinced you that animal fat and cholesterol were poisons, when they are not?

Dr Lindsay A Green Cardiologist Opua

Go green MANY farmers are doing a great job in moving the industry to being more sustainable.

My plea is for the industry to help us out by creating everyday products that are biodegradable after the short, usable life.

Balage wrap and baling twine choke my shed and when burnt, choke my throat.

I know there are efforts to recycle these environmental polluters but surely these plastics could be plant-derived and able to be returned to the soil.

Occasionally, the old rope twine on bales broke but technology has moved along and an opportunity exists to produce these useful items in a more sustainable context.

Trina Upperton Northland

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

23

Irish like tick-box approach Dr Caroline Read

I

’VE just returned from Ireland where I spoke at an agricultural conference about how New Zealand is connecting farmers with science to help improve our freshwater quality.

Ireland, like NZ, is facing challenges around water quality from changes in its largely pasture-based dairy and drystock farming systems.

Even though Ireland falls under the European Union’s environmental regulation and subsidisation umbrella the challenges it faces in addressing water quality and climate change are similar to NZ. It is exploring the best ways to support farmers to make farm management changes that improve environmental and economic outcomes to ensure a prosperous agricultural backbone to the country while making sure the environment and natural resources are maintained.

The approach, which is different to neighbouring EU member states, has been to focus on building capability to engage with farmers.

That was reflected in discussions and presentations at the conference about the research under way. Researchers want to understand the different impacts of management on water quality and the social drivers of uptake of decision-support tools.

Many of the researchers know Overseer already but there was a lot of positive feedback about how user-friendly the new OverseerFM software is.

And there is interest in how we got the usability right.

Their own research found motivated farmers want a tool that’s useful in helping them maximise value. For tick-box farmers it’s all about usability.

That was confirmed by the farmers I visited to get a good

The

Pulpit

MORE: Overseer must have benefits beyond compliance, its chief executive Caroline Read says. understanding of the pressures on them and their approach to sustainability.

In NZ we need to cater for that full spectrum of farmers because Overseer is a tool that is part of our regulatory system. But we also want to ensure it has benefits beyond compliance.

To effect real change we need to do more than put rules on farming.

That was top of mind in developing the new OverseerFM software so it speaks to farmers and their advisers directly. Leaving the science model as-is in the back end we restructured the data entry to mimic the way a farmer would describe a farm system and incorporated farm mapping functionality so farmers can see their farms presented in the software.

Visualising the information across the year in the software

helps validate the data entered is correct. If farmers can recognise what has been entered they are more likely to engage with the tool.

Regulation is only part of the picture and that understanding is reflected in Ireland’s approach.

To effect real change we need to do more than put rules on farming.

We need to work with farmers to support their farm businesses to be sustainable.

OverseerFM is critical to supporting farmers by providing

science-backed analysis to enable them to make informed decisions.

What we have in NZ is unique and Ireland is following our progress closely.

Here, regulators are using a tool that actually supports farmers to make on-farm change, thus making the feedback loop to change much more rapid.

Ultimately, this approach should enable NZ farms to be environmentally and economically sustainable and help our primary sector maintain its crucial competitive edge.

Who am I? Caroline Read is chief executive of Overseer.

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

Waireres can take the pressure Lyndon Chittock farms near Gore. “We run a grass factory. y Our 1900 ewes and 500 hoggets are behind wires for nine months of the year. y The winter stocking rate is over 18 per hectare. y The lambing percentage has been lifting steadily over the five years that I’ve used the Wairere Multiplier over a Wairere Romney base. y Carcass weights have lifted to an average of 22kg this year, including a thousand trade lambs that we buy in for the summer.”

“The Wairere Multiplier has turbocharged my flock.”

Jaimee and Lyndon Cjittock with their family.

151% average lambing since 2014

www.wairererams.co.nz | 0800 924 7373

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

National a goner in the rural areas Alternative View

Alan Emerson

THIS year will be interesting for a variety of reasons. Here are my predictions for 2020.

In agriculture we’ll see two changes in government policy.

The first will be the policy enabling foreigners to buy farms provided they are planted in forestry or are established forests will change.

I believe there will be a tightening of criteria for offshore forestry purchases, which will be a good thing.

I also see a loosening of the rules around irrigation, though maybe that’s wishful thinking.

With the drought and worse droughts predicted the practice of not encouraging water storage isn’t smart. In addition, the water shortage in Central Hawke’s Bay has graphically illustrated the short-sightedness of abandoning the dam.

The severe drought in Northland will also motivate the three political players in the region, Labour, National and NZ First into action.

We have the water but it’s

running out to sea.

I also believe we will have a more mature debate around genetic modification, even if for no other reason than climate change mitigation.

Politically, my pick is Jacinda Ardern will continue to lead Labour and Simon Bridges National.

I believe Labour will win the 2020 election for a variety of reasons.

The first is that National has become Labour light in many areas. The exception is the good old tried and true issue of law and order, especially gangs, which won’t encourage a lot of votes.

National voted with the Government on two critical pieces of legislation, the gun laws and the Zero Carbon Bill despite saying they wouldn’t unless changes were made. They weren’t made yet National still went along with the Government.

The farce of the gun legislation could have taken a toll on Labour if National hadn’t effectively been part of the Government.

I pick a record turnout this election because of the two referenda. The cannabis referendum will get lot of younger people out who tend to vote Labour rather than National.

Conversely, we’ll see a lot of conservative and religious types turn out for the end of life vote.

While they will tend to vote National or NZ First I think the counter vote will largely neutralise

the conservatives.

Third is the harsh reality that National has no credible coalition partners. There have been a raft of possible provincial parties threatening to start up but as yet there is nothing credible.

Finally, National is no longer a preferred party in the provinces, largely because of its legislative position and also for transparently pandering to the Auckland liberals rather than country voters.

I also predict Act will get at least another two MPs into Parliament.

Unlike National, David Seymour has maintained a credible and independent stance.

NZ First on its current position will be lucky to make it back into Parliament. They had a natural support base in the provinces that they blew.

The Greens will also increase their vote. Their candidate selection process in 2017 was sound, bringing some young and energetic voices into Parliament.

If they can do the same in 2020 they’ll be on a winner.

And farmers I’ve spoken to really rate Greens co-leader James Shaw.

Moving offshore, I predict President Donald Trump will be re-elected for two reasons. One is that just 10 months out from the election the Democrats don’t have a credible candidate.

The second is that the antidemocratic electoral college voting system will favour the Republicans.

PREDICTION: Shane Jones will tip his hat to farmers and show them much more respect.

Brexit will happen according to the Boris Johnson agreement, which will be interesting, especially as far as border security is concerned.

Back home the DairyNZ commodity levy vote will be close.

The reality is science-based policy is certainly needed in the primary sector and a focused DairyNZ can provide that.

On the water issue the debate will continue but Federated Farmers will have some key wins, for which the sector will be grateful.

The fad that is regenerative agriculture, the practice of minimal soil disturbance and composting, will disappear in 2020 in favour of science-based solutions.

Food supply will become a key plank in international politics with encouragement for production instead of the building of barriers.

So, 2020 is largely positive for

the primary sector, in my view, of course.

After some wishful thinking here are my lighter, fictional predictions for 2020.

Shane Jones will apologise to farmers for calling then rednecks.

I heard somewhere he worked as a relief milker in Kaikohe over the holiday break and now believes farmers are the new intelligentsia.

“I must start calling farmers Sir and Madam,” was the quote I received.

Fish and Game will thank farmers for their stewardship of waterways and start an award system for provincial rivers.

“Without farmers and their commitment to clean waterways trout fisherpersons would be well and truly stuffed,” was the quote I heard.

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

Make planters pay for forest measures Trading Scheme and Billion Trees programme lead to wide-scale planting of trees where there were once open pastures grazed by ruminants.

Since then, of course, the Australian bush fires have turned into an FARMSTRONG AND environmental, VETSOUTH PRESENTS economic and social disaster for a land that has called itself the Lucky Country.

Lucky no longer.

The epithet itself comes from the title of a book written by Donald Horne in 1964.

The title comes from the opening A VIDEO SERIES lines in the last chapter. “Australia is a lucky country run mainly by second rate people who share its luck.

It lives on other people’s ideas and although its ordinary people are adaptable, Visit farmstrong.co.nz most of its leaders

SOME months ago I wrote about the prospect of massive fires along the East Coast of the North Island should policies like the Emissions

Prevention and recovery— common on farm injuries

(in all fields) so lack curiosity about the events that surround them that they are often taken by surprise.”

So, in fact, the origin of the nickname was negative in the context of the book though Aussies have embraced it as a favourable sobriquet, much to the annoyance of the author.

That last sentence about its leaders so lacking curiosity about events that surround them they are often taken by surprise is pertinent.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s ill-fated decision to shoot off for a holiday in Hawaii before Christmas while his country burned is an excellent example.

Of course, so outraged were his fellow country people that he had no choice but to quickly return and brush up on his empathy.

As they say, once you can fake sincerity, you can fake anything.

Since then he hasn’t been able to buy a break and has been given a pretty hard time by people who have been devastated by the fires. That single misjudgment might come to define his prime ministership.

A book written about us was The Half-Gallon Quarter-Acre Pavlova Paradise, penned by visiting

Englishman Austin Mitchell. He later went on to become a Labour MP in the British Parliament and is now often heard entertainingly commentating on our radio about events in Britain.

His book had a fonder tone of our country than Horne’s had of his.

Back to the Australian bush fires.

Last year was the hottest and driest that country has ever recorded with temperatures 1.5C above the long-term average. The second hottest globally.

These fires have burned 5.2 million hectares in New South Wales and 1.3m hectares in Victoria. The North Island by way of comparison is 11m hectares so more than half the area of the North Island. And they haven’t finished.

The impacts on the country, its people and wildlife are unimaginable.

We have been seeing the effects of the smoke in our skies now for several weeks.

NASA is reporting Chileans are now observing the effects in their skies and predicting the smoke will circle the globe and cross Australia from the west.

Which brings us back to where

From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

we began, thinking about the consequences of widespread planting of combustible species like pines in regions prone to dry periods, droughts and gale force winds.

If we are going to go down this track then we had better plan this very well with very wide firebreaks, huge dams and invest in large-scale firefighting ability.

And it shouldn’t be the taxpayer who needs to outlay this capital but those companies and individuals who stand to gain from the carbon credits and forestry returns. Sounds reasonable to me.

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 – January 20, 2020

25

Dairy farm values still falling The Braided Trail

Keith Woodford

DAIRY farm values have been declining for well over a year and there is no sign they will stabilise.

The key issue is a lack of buyers with the necessary finance and the implications are starting to get serious.

There are multiple reasons for the lack of buyers.

The biggest one is a change in bank lending policies. Those policies are set in Melbourne and Sydney where the big banks are headquartered.

None of the Big Four banks is interested in new dairy lending unless the investor has high equity. The related policy is that all banks now want repayments of principal whereas interest-only loans were the norm for many years.

At least two of the Big Four banks are actively trying to reduce their exposure to New Zealand dairying.

Things are getting serious because a large number of farms fail the loan coverage criteria banks now require and an increasing number of dairy farms are moving towards negative equity. As banks get increasingly nervous about their lack of cover, values can spiral downwards very quickly. It is a situation that feeds on itself.

The word from the real estate industry is there are not many dairy farms on the market. However, to the extent that is true it is only because farmers know it is a waste of time putting a farm on the market unless they are desperate to sell at any price.

Down my way in Canterbury all recent sales of which I have direct knowledge have had a strong element of bank pressure.

Getting an accurate picture of the extent of the market decline is difficult because there is no reliable published data.

The Real Estate Institute has its own data but its analysis lacks sophistication and it has put up the shutters on publication of detailed information.

DairyNZ has published data but the latest data in its economic survey is 18 months old.

I have data from one of the South Island valuation firms through to mid 2019.

Until then Canterbury values were holding up to within 10% of the 2014-15 peak.

However, Southland sale prices are already down by

about 20% but with few sales.

Westland prices are down by considerably more.

Since then South Island values appear to have declined considerably. There were several dreadful forced sales in Canterbury and North Otago in the middle of 2019 with one particular bank cracking the whip. There have also been schemes of arrangements with some corporate-type farmers where the banks have agreed to restructuring and with the bank taking a loss. Those arrangements are always confidential.

My assessment is Canterbury values are now down about 20% or perhaps a little more, from the peak but still trending down from there.

In Southland there have been minimal recent sales though I do know of one sale of a big, high-quality farm. It has been sold to an existing farming group that has brought in extra external equity capital.

In Westland at least half the farmers would get out if they could.

My assessment is values are now down by at least 50% from the 2014-15 peak but farms are still not selling.

The Westland situation is despite the greatly improved milk payments from Yili as compared to the weak recent payouts under Westland cooperative.

Dairying on the West Coast is always hard work but a recent extra problem for the West Coast has been dreadful weather over the last nine months.

I have less information for the North Island but there is no doubt values have also dropped there since the 201415 peak. A few farms have sold well in situations where kiwifruit or other horticulture is an option and that can mask the overall trend.

There are still a few situations where established families can finance the purchase of a small farm of say 80 hectares to add to an existing farm. It seems there are almost no local buyers for farms of more than 100 hectares and carrying more than about 300 cows.

I said earlier there are multiple factors at play beyond the change in bank lending policies. One obvious factor is buyer sentiment linked to uncertainties over future environmental standards. This uncertainty affects attitudes of both buyers and bankers. However, I am aware of situations where prospective buyers have taken an option on a property subject to bank finance but then the prospective sale has fallen over because of failure to get the finance. That tends to confirm overall bank policies and sentiment are

NO INFO: Getting an accurate picture of the extent of the market decline is difficult because there is no reliable published data.

more important than farmer sentiment.

Another big factor is that in late 2017 the new Government in effect banned the purchase of dairy farms by overseas investors. There are still absentee investors from Europe, the United States and Canada who would like to buy large dairy farms but such purchases are no longer possible.

Any change in that policy by a future government would be highly controversial.

Below the radar there is still some foreign investment money coming in but limited to overseas investors buying a 24.9% equity stake in existing farming groups, with that not needing approval from the Overseas Investment Office.

Hence, there is no public notification of the restructure or the underlying land price.

I know of multiple situations where this is occurring and there will be many others I am not aware of.

The big question is where this is all going to end up. I wish I knew the answer.

A key related issue is how will ownership concentration evolve. At some stage I expect to see new groups of urban investors emerge but that could be some way off.

The crunch will really come if dairy prices should ever decline below $6 a kilgram of milksolids.

Despite advocacy by some for a vegan and vegetarian future, global dairy demand is still increasing. Hence, a market crash seems unlikely in the short term but in a

volatile world there will still be periods of low prices.

In the meantime, with farmers under pressure to pay back capital as well as interest on their existing bank loans there are no rainy-day funds controlled by farmers themselves to get them through the next downturn.

How will the banks then respond?

As to how we got into this situation, with hindsight it is very obvious that bank lending policies were far too lax for far too long, compounded by weak government oversight.

Throughout the first decade of this century it was common for farmers to be propositioned by cold-calling rural bankers who were themselves on incentive-base remuneration. The message was that farmers should be giving thought to how they could grow their business.

The banks are now trying to figure out how they can get out of the mess they helped create.

In the meantime, the banks are raising their interest margins on existing loans to compensate for the perceived increase in risk. There can be little doubt where the balance of power lies.

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

My assessment is values are now down by at least 50% from the 2014-15 peak but farms are still not selling.

MAY 2020

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

On Farm Story

BREEDER: Niamh Barnett with cows and calves on her family farm at Akitio.

Photos: Kate Taylor

Breeding is in the family blood

R

A six-generation family history in stud breeding and a love of cows bodes well for the farming future of Tararua’s Niamh Barnett.

Kate Taylor reports.

IGHT down to the Hereford salt and pepper shakers on the kitchen table Herefords have always featured in Niamh Barnett’s life.

Niamh, 18, is the youngest member of the New Zealand Hereford Youth Breeders team competing at the World Hereford Conference in Central Otago in March and won the Young Fleece Judge of the Year title at the 2019 Royal Show.

“I’ve always been involved on the farm, right from when I was little.

“I guess there were no babysitters away out here,” she says.

“Herefords had always been dad’s passion and it obviously rubbed off on me.”

With her older brother James, 20, now a diesel mechanic in Dannevirke, the pair grew up with parents Phil and Lyn on the 1175ha farm, Te Mangahuia Station, at Akitio in Tararua District. They have the Kaitoa Hereford Stud and Lyn has a new Charollais sheep stud.

Despite early knowledge of farming, Niamh says showing cattle in the Future Beef competition, which she started when she was still in primary school, opened her eyes to further opportunities with cattle.

“You learn so much and from

different points of view, 100%.

It’s a youth focus event and there are always some industry legends there.

“Sometimes they were talking to us all and sometimes you can just go and have a yarn to them. It was so different from learning at school.”

With 2019 academic results having gone to plan Niamh is off to Lincoln University to do an agricultural science degree. It’s too early to say if she will end up farming.

“I do know I want a career in agriculture and I want it closely related to inside the front gate, maybe consultant or fert rep. I don’t know that I’m cut out for shepherding but I would like to keep the stud going. We have family history tied up in the stud and I do like cows. It’s pretty cool watching a calf grow up from selectively breeding its sire and mum and producing animals you’re proud of.”

Niamh founded her own Hereford stud in 2014 with the animals farmed by her father while she was away at boarding school and now university.

The founding cow is Limehills Buttercup and Niamh owns her calf, Te Rangitumau ABC, literally meaning After Buttercup.

The stud name goes back to Niamh’s great, great, great grandfather James Stuckey who

THE FUTURE: A three-year-old sire bull at Kaitoa Herefords, Akitio.

imported a cow called Amethyst in 1882 to start the Te Rangitumau Hereford Stud north of Masterton.

James was a founding member of the NZ Hereford Association in 1896. His son Henry later started the Kaitoa Hereford Stud at

Awariki, northeast of Dannevirke, which was, in turn, farmed by Henry’s son-in-law, John Barnett, then his son Richard. It was sold in 1976 to make the move to Akitio with Phil returning to the farm as a shepherd in 1996. It looks likely

to extend to a sixth generation.

With dad in tow Niamh attended the Wanklyn family’s Woodlynd Polled Herefords dispersal sale in 2018.

“It was my first real look at EBVs,” Niamh says.

On Farm Story

“I sat down one-on-one with Roger (Wanklyn) looking through the catalogue and he helped me make decisions on what to go for.

Then we went to the sale and I bought eight cows. Dad did most of the bidding … with my money,” she adds.

“We bought a few calves as well and they have all been running with dad’s cattle ever since. I’m growing out my assets to pay for university and hopefully I’ll keep growing the numbers too while maximising dad’s free grazing.

Last year was my first year of calves. I have two bull calves. I might sell them for more than dad’s bulls.”

“Let’s see your marketing plan,” Phil says.

Niamh’s original purchase money came from a Friesian calf her parents gave her for her 13th birthday; Arthur ended up living in the front paddock but resulted in the purchase of another six Friesian bulls.

The next decision, though, lies with the heifers and an AI or mating programme.

“The end goal is to have some cows I am really proud of and, ultimately, make money.”

“It is a business,” Phil agrees.

Hence Niamh’s desire to find out more about the breed and the industry that has attracted her family’s interest for so many generations.

One good way to get a foot in the door and meet new people is entering competitions. She did well in smaller shows such as Dannevirke and Central Hawke’s Bay and was asked to represent the East Coast in the beef parading, dairy and fleece sections at the 2019 Royal Show hosted by the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society.

She won the Royal Agricultural Society’s Young Fleece Judge of

the Year title, much to her surprise and delight.

Before that she had done Teen Ag at Iona College, Future Beef and Future Sheep, where she was given an ambassador award with prize money aimed at extending her knowledge of the sheep industry.

“I had been to the Australian National Youth Heifer Expo the year before so I used the money to go to the Sydney Show as well as going back to the Expo with the NZ Hereford Youth Breeders team. The best thing about those trips was meeting people, meeting Australian Hereford breeders. In Australia showing is their life but here it is more of a sideline or a hobby. I’m excited to meet other people who like cows, essentially, growing my network and seeing how other people do things. I’m not sure how else I would have met so many other like-minded people in a different country … and I did and it was all through cows. Pretty unreal.”

For now Niamh’s attention has turned to the Young Breeders competition at the World Hereford Conference. She’s practising her clipping and improving her general knowledge, two of her sections of responsibility in her team. She’s also helping her parents on the farm.

The farm is 1175ha with a 40ha finishing block at Dannevirke, next door to a 75ha block leased from Phil’s parents. The business winters 10,500 to 11,000 stock units, about 60:40 sheep to cattle with a move to more 50:50 for labour reasons.

There are 3500 composite ewes and 1000 hoggets (mated in lamb) as well as Lyn’s Charollais stud ewes, which get treated like everything else, Phil says.

There are 100 purebred Hereford cows plus Niamh’s nine and 300 commercial cows.

“They are mixed breed but they do have a whiteface base. Some are put over Herefords and others over Gelbvieh and Shorthorn for hybrid vigour. We buy a dairy client’s yearling heifers as well, sometimes mating them and sometimes using them in an embryo transfer programme.”

GROWING: Niamh Barnett’s calves are shaping up nicely.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

27

FAMILY TRADITION: Phil and Niamh Barnett at Akitio.

The end goal is to have some cows I am really proud of and, ultimately, make money.

Niamh Barnett Farmer About 90% of the progeny are sold off Te Mangahuia directly or move to the finishing block.

“We also trade animals sometimes as the market and conditions allow. It’s a good way of benchmarking our breeding programme against other farms’ progeny.

“Verification is through Beef Eating Quality from Silver Fern Farms or we sent a line of 25 steers to Alliance the other week for the

first time for their Handpicked beef programme and had a pretty good strike rate.

“The different variations were interesting but worth doing.

“That’s a form of benchmarking that I enjoy.

“I’ve found working with most meat companies they are engaged and it’s a win-win for everyone if we know what the markets require.

“I have had the benefit of seeing the carcases on the line at both SFF and through Hereford Prime processors as well – that’s a really powerful opportunity.”

The farm has 11ha of fodder beet – the Barnetts were early adopters of the crop five years ago after buying a precision drill in partnership with a local contractor.

“For feed efficiency, yield and contented stock I find it extremely hard to beat. Initially it was on the irrigated alluvial river flats, which had some benefits, but for the past two years we have been trying it on more rolling hill country, with success. We’re getting an understanding of its limitations and opportunities.”

The irrigated flats are now planted with an annual or summer chicory-clover mix in a bid to use both the flats and the water more in summer.

The farm has 40ha of pines planted pre-89 with three lots already harvested. Another 200ha is planned.

“We have done a Sustainable Land Use Initiative plan identifying low-performing paddocks and those with waterways so we can target those areas and enhance the environment.”

About 90% of their boundary with the Akitio River is fenced.

As well as previously being NZ Herefords president Phil was also Beef Expo chairman for two years.

He has done governance courses through Farmlands and SFF and a Know Your Co-operative course through Alliance.

“They were great networking experiences and gave me a better understanding of the nuances within the industry and pressures that are evident.

They were powerful. We had access to management, senior management, directors and independent directors and we were able to tap into their knowledge and experience to get practical insights into the cooperatives and the challenges and constraints they face,” he says.

“I like getting my hands dirty physically but networking and governance is good for your brain.

I have met so many people from so many different spheres of NZ and globally and I enjoy that.

“Like Niamh I have been fortunate to travel and meet a lot of breeders in Australia and North America. None of it is about winning prizes and ribbons.

It is about meeting people and understanding different perspectives.”

The adventure will continue in 2020. Phil is chairman of the team organising the World Hereford Conference. He has been on the Hereford Council for 10 years and will retire at the next annual meeting.

“Life is about getting the appropriate balance – working hard and playing hard. For me, with Herefords, it has been about giving back. I have had so many opportunities given to me throughout the world. It’s about enhancing agriculture, enhancing NZ’s reputation. We have a lot to showcase whether it be in farm technology or farm management systems, breeding programmes, grass development. We should be showcasing our products to the world,” he says.

“The Hereford family is a pretty cool family although I know I’m biased. The opportunities are there. It’s up to Niamh to take them up. The world is her oyster.

It’s up to her to drive it.” >> Video link: bit.ly/OFSbarnett

Boundary lines are indicative only

Puhoi 121 Krippner Road Full of history and grace "Oakdale" homestead and 150 hectare farm, in five titles, was developed in (circa) 1900 by Charles Straka (of Puhoi's Bohemian founding families). The three bedroom Kauri home was entirely renovated and restored in 2000, with classic period features on display throughout. Notably, elevated 13-foot board and batten ceilings, a converted loft, leadlight panels, and original Kauri timber floors. The farm is well sub-divided into 13 large paddocks and is well supported by an all year water supply, a good set of cattle and sheep yards, the original two-stand woolshed and a flying fox through the "large" Kauri plantation. Cherished by the same family for over 120 years, its time to build your family legacy!

Waharoa 497 Mowbray Road 3

2

3

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 20 Feb 2020 41 Queen St, Warkworth View Sun 12-1pm John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Take a virtual tour: www.umoview.co.nz/15213

Matamata equine gem This well located 40 hectare slice of equine heaven will be sure to attract attention. Close to Matamata with level contour, predominately free draining soils, central race, plus the bonus of two road frontages. The infrastructure provides all the equine facilities necessary, including a large barn style stable complex, truck shed and hay barn, five bay implement shed, covered breeding and vet crush, and an 800 metre sand track. The main residence is a comfortable four bedroom brick home, with additional accommodation offered by way of a tidy three bedroom cottage. The entire property is equine fenced, and subdivided by a mix of hedging and post and rail fencing. Now available to view.

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 20 Feb 2020 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Fri 24 Jan & Fri 31 Jan or by appointment Sam Troughton 027 480 0836 sam.troughton@bayleys.co.nz Alistair Scown 027 494 1848 alistair.scown@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED T/A BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2400155

bayleys.co.nz/1201955

NEW LISTING

Lake Taupo 59 Watene Lane Grace, space and elegance Experience a taste of extraordinary where the grace, space and elegance of a 400sqm (more or less) traditional English style home blends seamlessly with contemporary finishings. An exceptional offering providing multiple options perfect for farmers who may be looking to retire but still want the privacy, space and options that this property has to offer. Set on 5.3ha (more or less) which is sheltered and well kept, it presents possibilities for a mini-orchard, keeping a few cattle, sheep and horses or subdivision potential (subject to consent). Perfect for family or hospitality featuring a country-style kitchen, formal /casual dining and lounge areas opening to patios, in-ground pool and tennis court. A unique property only a short drive into town.

bayleys.co.nz/2651926

bayleys.co.nz

Lake Brunner 111 Aratika Drive 5

3

2

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 12pm, Fri 7 Feb 2020 44 Roberts Street, Taupo View by appointment Alison Whittle 021 961 114 alison.whittle@bayleys.co.nz WESTERMAN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Going going gone!

This property will be sold at the drop of the hammer and what an opportunity to capture Canterbury infrastructure at West Coast pricing. The vendors five year plan was clear, convert then sell and that time is now without exception. The opportunity for a purchaser to own a 385 hectare milking platform milking 900 cows with a mid $7 payout under a new vibrant Dairy Company has to be attractive. A 50 bale rotary shed, complete with ACR's, auto plant and flood wash and a meal system is at the heart of the property. Three GJ Gardner homes all built in 2014 are well positioned and provide a high standard of living. The property provides a good balance of rolling contour and aspect and consistent rainfall supports excellent grass growing ability.

bayleys.co.nz/5511314

4

1

2

Auction (unless sold prior) 2pm, Thu 12 Mar 2020 3 Deans Ave, Chch View by appointment Austen Russell 027 441 7055 austen.russell@bayleys.co.nz Shari Ferguson 027 266 6850 shari.ferguson@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – January 20, 2020

TE ONE A MARA 465 State Highway 49, Tangiwai An opportunity here for the astute investor to secure a diverse property with scale, contour and a stunning scenic environment. Currently a productive 345,000 KG/MS 800 cow herd (5yr average) standalone dairy unit. Comprising of 512 ha total (448 ha effective) plus 278 ha lease adjoining support land.

The free draining volcanic soil types opens up for diversification from other land uses or to run in conjunction with existing model. Improvements include a 60-bail rotary shed, 3 dwellings, reticulated water scheme. Te One A Mara will be available for inspection from 12th January 2020 by appointment.

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

29

512 Hectares Tender

nzr.nz/RX2076585 Tender Closes 11am, Thu 27 Feb 2020, NZR, 1 Goldfinch St, Ohakune.

Jamie Proude AREINZ 027 448 5162 | 06 385 4466 jamie@nzr.nz NZR Central Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

LIFESTYLE 1 Bristol Street Levin Office 06 366 0880

Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

Motivated vendor

TENDER

WEB ID LL73863 LEVIN 213 Hokio Beach Road View By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 30th January, 2020 at 1.00pm, This attractive 330m2 homestead set on 7.9065ha (unless sold prior), 1 Bristol Street, Levin with unique and exceptional features, there is real potential to become more than an amazing family home. Downstairs is graceful and timeless, from the 4 formal entrance hall, to the separate lounge and gracious family dining room. Remodelled former commercial kitchen features near new gas range, 2 stainless steel breakfast bar and custom cupboards.

Murray Doreen Huge fully enclosed porch plus utility room, office and Mobile 027 490 4773 Office 06 366 0662 single bedroom, three toilets. (Tender + GST).

3

TENDER

murrayd@pb.co.nz

pb.co.nz

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

AUCTION

MAHOENUI, WAITOMO 2627 State Highway 3

3

Dairy Farm or Grazing Unit - You Decide • • • • •

388 hectares freehold with another 75 hectares of lease 50 bail rotary with feed pad, three dwellings, calf sheds, implement shed, tractor shed, workshop and hay barns Fertility, races and comprehensive re-grassing have all been done to the highest order Would make a fantastic bull, fattening or cattle grazing unit The vendors have expressed strong motivation to meet the market and intent of selling this property at auction

1

AUCTION

(Unless Sold Prior) 11.00am, Friday 21 February Panorama Motor Inn, Awakino Rd, Te Kuiti

VIEW 11.00-12.00 noon Tuesday 28 January, 4, 11, February Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855 | B 07 878 0265 E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEK31351

TENDER

SOLD

KAKA POINT, OTAGO Erlstoke - Rural Coastal Investment Property •

•

•

•

609.2705ha total farm or two separate units being Homestead block of 363.34ha and Lighthouse block of 245.65ha, subject to survey Particularly healthy country with top calves sold annually in the local calf sales and excellent weights obtained with lamb finishing Quality improvements including well appointed homestead, two woolsheds, two sets of cattle yards, utility sheds and haybarns Production includes 220 breeding cows, 800 breeding ewes plus winter grazing of dairy stock

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 12.00pm, Friday 28 February

TE AWAMUTU, WAIKATO Picturesque & Productive •

VIEW By Appointment Only • • Stewart Rutter M 027 433 7666 B 03 418 1381 E jrutter@pggwrightson.co.nz Jason Rutter M 027 243 1971 B 03 418 1381 E jrutter@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/BAL31717

• • •

177 hectares good mix of contour - excellent infrastructure High production per cow and per hectare Five homes all compliant with current requirements - multiple titles Very good 36 ASHB with adjacent feed pad and Millfos SCR technology Additional 24 ASHB with Laval plant - direct supply to nearby calf rearing complex Excellent racing and water (three bores) with 100 hectares effluent irrigated

‘Rural Property Pulse’ magazine out now – www.pggwre.co.nz/rural-property-pulse Request your printed copy by contacting your local consultant today.

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008.

3

John Sisley M 027 475 9808 E jsisley@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/HAM29086

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

www.pggwre.co.nz

4

Helping grow the country

Agri Job Board

FARMERS WEEKLY – January 20, 2020

Livestock and Pasture Manager

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

31

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

JOBS BOARD

Aria – permanent position

Commercial Manager Contract Milker

NEED

Farm Business Manager Opportunities

STAFF?

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

Feedlot Manager Livestock and Pasture Manager

Call Debbie

0800 85 25 80

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

GET IN TOUCH

*conditions apply

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

• Close to Rotorua and Tauranga• 175 ha milking 480 cows • 32 aside Herringbone shed Our clients operate a substantial family farming operation, comprising four dairy farms in the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. They have a passion for the industry and work hard to ensure their farming business operates in a sustainable and profitable manner.

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

EMPLOYMENT

This farm is well set up with sound infrastructure include a 32-aside herringbone shed with in-shed feeding, and good support buildings and machinery. It is operated on a system 2 - 3, with a focus on keeping things simple and efficient. Combine all of this with the summer safe district, and there is no surprise that there is an average production of 196,000kgMS, with some upside.

REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY Please print clearly Name:

We are now looking for an experienced contract milker who can lead a team and is prepared to do the extra things that will make the difference between good and great performance. You will have strong animal husbandry skills and the ability to think outside the square to make the most of the resources available. In addition you will need to share our clients values of caring for and nurturing the environment, the animals, and your people.

Phone: Address: Email:

Located in a very welcoming community with regular community activities, a sought after primary school which has adopted the Cornerstone Values programme (year 1 to 8). Rotorua (20 minutes away) and Tauranga (only 30 minutes away) provide plenty to do with numerous lakes and beaches within easy reach.

Heading: Advert to read: LK0100996©

Application close 25 January 2020.

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

CONTRACT MILKER OR LOSM

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, go to www.no8hr. co.nz (Ref#8HR1257) to apply today and find out more.

WE ARE THE SOLUTION

Farm Manager

LK0100828©

LK0100758©

Livestock and Pasture Manager required for 370 hectare Aria sheep and beef unit, to be responsible for livestock management, feed budgeting, pasture management, and livestock sales and purchase.

We are seeking a proven stockperson experienced with managing sheep and beef production and finishing, including intensively managed bull and steer cell systems and hill country sheep farming operations, and experienced with livestock sales and purchasing. Must be able to work as part of a team, and contribute to maintenance and other support activities.

Quad bike experience and clean drivers license essential. Own dogs required. Must live on farm – 4-bedroom family home will be provided.

Applications close 31 January 2020.

Contact: Nicholas Barclay Mob. 021 260 5710 nicholasnbarclay@yahoo.com

www.no8hr.co.nz | ph: 07-870-4901

FARM BUSINESS MANAGER OPPORTUNITIES • Full financial and farm management responsibility • Roles where the buck really does stop with you • Canterbury and Waikato opportunities We are looking for enthusiastic and capable operators to undertake the role of Farm Business Manager within the Spectrum Group. Successful applicants will have input into all aspects of the farm business’s operations including staff recruitment, the preparation of an annual farm management plan and the financial budget.

With one opportunity in the Waikato and another in Canterbury these roles are supported by a skilled administrative and operational team who provide expertise and systems to guide your development into the role. Spectrum Group takes pride in developing great people, so while experience is important, attitude is essential – if your referees tell us that you are enthusiastic, driven and results focused, this may be just the opportunity to fast-track your management career.

Waikato Farm Overview • 620 cows • 185ha well set up farm • Located 15 minutes from Cambridge and five minutes to Tirau • 32-aside herringbone dairy with in-shed feed system • Three full-time staff reporting to this role Canterbury Farm Overview • 1200 cows • 320ha dairy platform plus 40ha self-contained support block • Rakaia district • 50-bail rotary with ACRs • Irrigation via a combination of pivots and roto-rainers • Recently upgraded fencing and stock-water system • Five full-time staff reporting to this role

If you’re interested in a career in a progressive and future-focused business, log on to www.spectrumgroup.co.nz to find out more about Spectrum and log onto www.no8hr.co.nz (Ref#8HR1254) to register your interest.

www.no8hr.co.nz | ph: 07-870-4901

LK0101011©

Spectrum Group has built its reputation through clear strategy, hard work and the opportunities it provides for its people. From training and career pathways through to investment opportunities, this is a business run by farmers with prudent independent oversight and an eye always for securing talented people.

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

Noticeboard

LK0100408©

HOMES FARM SHEDS SUBDIVISIONS PUMPS

High Country Cabins & Construction

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

ATTENTION FARMERS

www.highcountrycabinsandconstruction.com

LK0100984©

• Farm accommodation • Horse stables • Small buildings

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

Available in kitset & fully build packages.

Available NZ wide.

Further information phone 027 963 5390

DAGS .25c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks.

PV Weber Wools.

Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

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

0800 436 566

CHILLERS & FREEZERS [For farmers and hunters]

udly NZ Madew Pro Since 1975

021 441 180 (JC) frigidair@xtra.co.nz powered by

SHEEP JETTERS SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET

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

DOGS FOR SALE END OF SEASON clearance sale.

Fifty dogs from $395! Deliver, trial, guaranteed. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07-315-5553

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

HEADING AND/OR HUNTAWAY, mainly for cattle. For work on a small hill country block.

Would suit older dog as a retirement job. Northern Manawatu. Phone 0274 851 222.

BUYING 400 DOGS annually NZ wide! No one buys or pays more! Mike Hughes 07 315 5553.

YOUNG HEADING EYE dog for station work. Phone 06 838 8120.

FARM MAPPING LK0101026©

CRAIGCO

PESTS A PROBLEM? Possums, hares, rabbits, goats, turkeys, wallabies, deer and pigs. Free eradication. NI only. Phone 027 417 2077 evenings.

When only the best will do!

SIMPLE AND CLEAR farm maps with paddock sizes will help you achieve your daily goals. Get a free quote from farmmapping. co.nz

FOR SALE 2x NORTHERN LIGHT marine generators. Model M1064A-67KW (John Deere) Year 2014. Only 24,000 HRS Running.

Main control unit, sound shields, base plate for installation, mixer and silencer for marine use included. Price includes $25,000 worth of spare parts.

Professionally maintained.

Transport at buyers cost from Silverdale. $25,000 for the 2. Offers welcome. gennz9447@gmail.com

Guaranteed Performance Save time and Money . Flystrike and Lice cost $$$ Quick to Set up . Easy to use . Job Done Robust construction. Auto shut gate. Adjustable V panels Total 20 Jets. Lambs 5 jets. Side jets for Lice.

Davey Twin Impeller Pump. 6.5 or 9.0 Hp motors

GOATS WANTED

06 8356863 . 021 061 1800

www.craigcojetters.com

LK0100716©

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.

Heavy duty long lasting Ph 021 047 9299

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

027 643 0403.

HORTICULTURE NZ KELP. FRESH, wild ocean harvested giant kelp.

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

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

POLL DORSET RAMS, muscle scanned, SIL recorded.

Brucellosis accredited. All sires. Foot rot and eczema tested.

Phone 09 292 2504 or 021 0731 620.

SOUTHDOWN TEXEL X rams for sale. One was a recent winner of the scanning class 2019 Masterton A&P show. Open to offers. Phone 06 372 5828.

LIVESTOCK WANTED 2019 SPRING BORN Friesian heifers. F12 and above $1400 / head. F8 to F11 $1300 / head.

F0-F7 $1100 / head. All prices are plus GST and less commission. Delivery Date – Approx 10th April 2020. True to type Friesian Heifers. Standard Chinese Protocol, heifers must have been on the property for a minimum of 6 months at the time of delivery. Please phone TJ on 0273148833 for more information. tj@ dairylivestock.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

PROPERTY FOR SALE MAHIA BEACH PROPERTY. Well built 2-bedroom home has own rain water supply and septic tank. Walking distance to the beach.

Second section with seaview, has potential. Phone Todd, evenings only. 07 282 1065.

STOCK FEED HAY 12 EQUIVALENT squares $70; SILAGE rounds $80; STRAW 12 equivalent $50; HAY rounds. All orders supplied in unit loads. Phone 021 455 787.

WANTED TO BUY

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER GST $4400 INCLUSIVE

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

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

300 FrFrX - KiwiX genuine autumn calving cows, at least 100 at a time. Prefer F12+. In milk, good capacity, excellent RA% Mark Mackie 027 451 5311 100 in-milk cows. Need to be fully recorded and transferable. Friesian or Crossbred. DTC 10th-20th July. Herd test info provided with cows.

Michael Conwell 027 226 1611 320 OAD fully-recorded JsyFrX spring-calving herd for 1/6/2020 delivery. Northland area. Also, 300 genuine Xbd autumn-calving herd.

Noel Baker 027 455 5828 Live export opportunities also available. Contact your local NZFL agent or John Watson 027 494 1975 for details.

THE TRANSPORT DIRECTORY COMING SOON • Located between the Livestock section and the Markets – the ideal spot for capturing farmers attention • Reach our 78,000+ rural audience around all of the regions • Online reach with the Farmers Weekly digital edition sent out to all e-newsletter subscribers • We can even link your ad directly to your website or Facebook page

• Dairy Farmer - The pulse of our Dairy community

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

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

DAIRY HERDS WANTED

Call Hannah today on 06 323 0761 or 027 602 4925 to talk to us about your Transport marketing needs now!

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

11.5HP Briggs & Stratton Motor.

Industrial. Electric start.

415 Xbd cows, BW102/45; PW134/59; RA95% and 75 Xbd R2 heifers, BW134; PW149; DTC 19/7. Great shifting. $1850 & $1550 respectively.

1/6 delivery. WAI78292. Steve Emile 027 224 3880 380 Fr & Xbd cows, BW66; PW94; RA99%. DTC19/7 (vetted to dates).

Good production, SCC & records.$1925 WAI78275. Steve Morton 027 246 5165 200 Ambreed Friesian cows DTC 24/7. Bred for 35 years using nominated semen (WWS, Semex & CRV). Previous production near 500kgMS/cow. $1890 WAI78140. Michael Conwell 027 226 1611 272 Xbd cows, low input; costs; SCC & MTs – high profitability. $1750 WAI77749 Michael Conwell 027 226 1611 445 KiwiX cows, BW106/46; PW146/63; RA100%. Approx half are A2A2. Closed herd for 35 years. $1975 KIN77447 Brett Wallbank 027 488 1299 Pick of 130+ from 160 Jersey to Xbd cows, BW112; PW147; RA92%.

DTC 10/7. $1750 WAI78351 Jono Wright 027 801 3052 240 Xbd cows available on a pro-rata LIC split, BW103/47; PW125/67; RA100%. DTC 28/6. $1850 WAI78387 Ollie Carruthers 027 451 5312

- Reach our 24,000+ dairy audience in a glossy magazine

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

1.2m cut

DAIRY HERDS FOR SALE

*We also have our Dairy Farmer Magazine!

MASSEY FERGUSON sod seeder 562 or parts in any condition. Phone Stan 07 332 2477 or 027 574 5194.

LK0100992©

We could save you hundreds of $$

ATTENTION FARMERS/ FORESTERS

LK0100923©

ANIMAL HANDLING

POWER CABLE

Prices include delivery to your door!

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

Livestock Noticeboard

2532 TRANSPORT

32

Livestock Noticeboard

WANTED

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

2019 Spring born Friesian heifers - F12 and Above $1400 / head - F8 to F11 $1300 / head - F0-F7 $1100 / head All prices are plus GST and less commission

STOCK FOR SALE 15 MTH FRSN BULLS 350-480kg

Delivery Date – Approx 10th April 2020

20MTH FRSN HERE & FRSN ANG

• True to type Friesian Heifers • Standard Chinese Protocol, heifers must have been on the property for a minimum of 6 months at the time of delivery.

LK0100913©

Please phone TJ on 027 314 8833 for more information tj@dairylivestock.co.nz

A collected, calm and respectable lady went into the pharmacy, walked up to the pharmacist and looked straight into his eyes and said “I would like to buy some cyanide please.”

The pharmacist was surprised and asked, “Why in the world do you need cyanide?”

The lady replied “I need it to poison my husband.”

The pharmacist exclaimed “Lord have mercy! I can’t give you cyanide to kill your husband.

Absolutely not. You cannot have any cyanide!”

The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a photo of her husband in bed with the pharmacist’s wife.

The pharmacist looked at the photo for a second and said “you didn’t tell me you had a prescription.”

Supplied by Lindsey Thompson

STEERS 400kg

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

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

5TH ANNUAL

SOUTHDOWN RAM SALE

FRANKTON SALEYARDS 23RD JANUARY 2020 11am Start 73 x 2th Polldorset 47 x 2th Suffock 20 x 2th South Down 12 x 2th Poltex 20 x Romney 8 x Perendale

LK0100983©

Contact: NZ Farmers Livestock Agent: Brent Bougen 0272 104 698 PGG Wrightson Agent: Cam Heggie 0275 018 182

Friday 21st February 2020, 1pm Inspection from 11am On Account of A D Gillespie 56 McGraths Road, Oxford

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Wiltshire On Farm Auction

11th Feb 2020 at 12pm Light Luncheon provided

Approximately

SALE TALK

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

WAIKATO PREMIER RAM FAIR

High yielding imported bloodlines

Contact Art & Jill Eastham 027 419 8768 www.talla.co.nz

15MTH HEIFERS / STEERS 300-400kg

850 ewe lambs, 200 cast for age ewes, 60 2th ewes, 30 ram lambs.

1019 Mangaorapa Rd. Porangahau Martin & Mary Taylor - Ph: 068555322 Emma & Andy Martin - Ph: 068555348

Email: taylors@glenbraestud.co.nz www.glenbraestud.co.nz

Terms: Cash on the day unless PGG Wrightsons current a/c holders. Eftpos available

Simon Smith, Genetics Specialist - 027 444 0733 Callum Stewart, National Genetics Manager - 027 280 2688 Sam Wright, Livestock Representative - 027 247 9035

Weekly Auctions Wednesday night – North Island Thursday night – South Island Sell your livestock on bidr® - all the benefits of an auction, with no vendor transport costs and livestock does not leave the farm unless sold at the price you want.

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

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

We will offer 50 Southdown Rams Contact Anthony Cox (RLL) 0272 083 071 Brent Macaulay (RLL) 0212 200 850 Aaron Leckie (RLL) 0274 730 808

Are you looking in the right direction?

NORTH ISLAND HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE

Call HANNAH 0800 85 25 80 www.rurallivestock.co.nz Catalogues available online

LK0100995©

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

For Sale Wiltshire Rams

DAIRIES FOR SALE 285 Xbred Herd BW98 PW130 RA100% DTC 21/7, 440ms, 100% mated to AB, $1900 Kelly Higgins 027 6002374 Ref: DH1222

DAIRY HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE PGG Wrightson Dairy representatives are specialists at marketing and selling dairy herds.

Benefit from the nationwide team that is dedicated to matching herds with the right buyers and achieving an optimal outcome for your business.

420 Fr/FX Herd BW57 PW79 DTC 3/8 Hard working great shifting herd $1600 Grant McIlroy 027 3459262 Ref: DH943 425 Fr Herd BW101 PW126 DTC 18/7 Strong cows, Est 50yrs+, Farm Sold $1875 Val Ditchfield 027 5737480 Ref: DH935 100 Xbred Herd BW78 PW101 RA99% DTC 1/8 System 1, 370ms on a tough farm. $1780 Colin Dent 027 6468908 Ref: DH711 60 Fr/FX R1yr Heifers BW159 PW187 Pick 60 from outstanding CRL $850 Sam Arends 027 3433529 Ref: DR1243

EXPERT LOCALS.

No shearing

140 Xbred R1yr Heifers BW106 PW117 Complete capital replacement line $750 Richard Baird 027 4070562 Ref: DR926

Urgently Required

NATIONWIDE REACH.

All born twins

pggwrightson.co.nz/bidr

Ideal for hogget mating

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Enquiries phone Greg or Charles 06 388 7555

PW 148

$1,700+GST

•

Long established herd off tough hill country farm. Herd has been in same family for 90 years.

Kim Harrison – 0275 010 013

Agonline ref: 5956

320 Top DNA’d F12 & X Bred Herd PW 158

$1,930+GST

•

RA100% Selling 320 Cows which will be an even Computer Split from their 546 2-8 year F12 - X/Bred Herd. All Cows are BVD blood tested clear & averaged 472 MS on a System 3 last season.

Peter Forrest – 027 598 6153 Agonline ref: 5949

175 MA Friesian Cows BW 54/46

PW 42/65

$1,850+GST

•

LIC bred, long established (66 years ) herd, tested Friesian. Low somatics, farmed on a grass 2/3 system & wintered on the farm & in calf to friesian sexed semen for 3 weeks.

Peter Forrest – 027 598 6153

Agonline ref: 5874

BW 82

450 Friesian & Friesian X Herd PW 104

$1,950+GST

•

RA100% LIC Bred Friesian, Friesian X Herd doing good production on a System 3.

Young herd at an average age of 3.85 years.

Mark Crooks – 027 590 1452 Andrew Leggett – 022 038 3216

Agonline ref: 5952

LK0100945©

LK0100985©

A genuine Autumn Calving Herd or Cows DTC March, recorded, no carryovers Brent Espin 027 5513660

BW 113

SOLD

Very meaty

Up to 70 x A2A2 In-Calf Jsy or JsyX heifers Trevor Hancock 027 2838389

110 OAD Kiwi X Cows

BW 117

450 Mixed breed Herd BW85 PW119 RA93% DTC 20/7, 3-digit code, rolling farm, $1750 Stephen Weck 027 4551106 Ref: DH1160

Visit our Website, we have a great selection of Dairy Livestock on quote.

33

DAIRY SHEEP GENETICS Rams and semen available from top imported bloodlines

STEERS 400-440kg STOCK REQUIRED STORE LAMBS

15MTH ANG

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

LK0101025©

FARMERS WEEKLY – January 20, 2020

NATIONAL TEAM. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

34

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)

5.60

5.70

5.50

NI lamb (17kg)

7.75

8.00

7.20

NI Stag (60kg)

8.40

8.50

10.10

NI Bull (300kg)

5.65

5.80

5.00

NI mutton (20kg)

5.40

5.70

5.00

SI Stag (60kg)

8.50

8.50

10.10

NI Cow (200kg)

4.10

4.30

4.00

SI lamb (17kg)

7.70

7.90

7.10

SI Steer (300kg)

5.35

5.40

5.20

SI mutton (20kg)

5.40

5.55

4.95

SI Bull (300kg)

5.55

5.70

5.00

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

4.20

4.25

3.90

UK CKT lamb leg

11.40

11.45

8.72

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 8.03

6.80

US domestic 90CL cow

8.08

8.00

6.58

North Island steer slaughter price

$/kg CW

6.5

$/kg CW

7.0

11.5

6.0

10.5

5.0

9.5

South Island lamb slaughter price

$/kg CW

5.0

5.5

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Aug 2019-20

WOOL Last week

Prior week

Last year

-

-

2.90

37 micron ewe

2.65

-

30 micron lamb

-

-

Coarse xbred ind.

Feb

5-yr ave

Apr

Jun

2018-19

Dairy

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Aug 2019-20

Aug 2019-20

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

616

616

650

2.75

Super

314

314

315

5.00

DAP

787

787

813

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

Fertiliser FERTILISER

(NZ$/kg) Dec

7.5

7.0

6.0

Oct

8.5

6.5

8.0

South Island stag slaughter price

6.0

South Island steer slaughter price

5.0

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Company

Close

YTD High

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

5.21

5.25

YTD Low 4.9

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

22.64

22.65

21.2

7.75

480

Auckland International Airport Limited

9.07

9.21

8.81

7.25

440

The a2 Milk Company Limited

14.8

15.05

14.37

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.53

4.595

4.33

400

Ryman Healthcare Limited

16.44

17.18

16

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

5.25

5.3

4.93

$/tonne

$/kg MS

6.5

9.0

4.5

8.5

8.0

10.0

6.5

9.5

7.5

5.5

4.5

Last year

10.5

9.0

6.0

5.0

6.75 6.25

360

5.75

Feb-19

Apr-19 Jun-19 Sept. 2019

Aug-19

Last price*

Dec-18

Prior week

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

3145

3110

3280

SMP

3060

3070

2970

AMF

4750

4750

5175

Butter

4000

4000

4150

Milk Price

7.40

7.35

7.40

$/tonne

3200 3100 Feb Mar Latest price

Apr

May 4 weeks ago

Jun

5.31

5.35

5.07

5pm, close of market, Thursday YTD High

YTD Low

14.8

15.05

14.37

440

Comvita Limited

2.99

3.25

2.98

420

Delegat Group Limited

11.8

12.1

11.4

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.05

4.06

4

Foley Wines Limited

1.87

1.91

1.87

400 380

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.8

0.8

0.8

360

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.195

0.197

0.195

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.15

2.17

2.06

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.37

2.39

2.36

Sanford Limited (NS)

8.15

8.2

7.96

Feb-19 Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

5

5.17

4.95

SeaDragon Limited

Scales Corporation Limited

0.003

0.003

0.002

Seeka Limited

4.66

4.66

4.51

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

8.68

9.1

8.67

320

T&G Global Limited

2.91

2.93

2.85

300

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

16755

16888

16713

280

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11738

11738

11538

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11487

11487

11233

260 240 220

Jan

Fletcher Building Limited

Company

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3300

7.09 7.55

Close

Dec-18

3400

7.55 8.08

The a2 Milk Company Limited

320

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

7.55 7.79

Listed Agri Shares

340

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Contact Energy Limited Port of Tauranga Limited

Dec-19

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3000

Feb-19 Apr-19

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

$/tonne

Nearby contract

320

Oct-19 Dec-19 Sept. 2020

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

US$/t

North Island lamb slaughter price

10.0

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.5

$/kg CW

7.72

$/kg CW

US imported 95CL bull

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

200

Dec-18

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Feb-19 Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

16755

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

11738

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

11487

35

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER COW ( $/KG)

4.10

SI SLAUGHTER BULL ( $/KG)

5.55

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

7.70

MAJORITY OF THE STORE LAMBS AT COALGATE ( $/HD LW)

104-121

MyMilk spreads north Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA has extended its MyMilk supply share scheme to the North Island to attract new suppliers.

After five years and 145 participants in the South Island MyMilk will be offered for the 2021 season in the north.

Participants can supply milk to Fonterra for up to five seasons on annual renewals without share requirements.

They need to be first-time dairy farm owners who meet eligibility criteria, which include an exemption for previous ownership or equity share of up to 20% of a supply farm. The exemption is an aid to farm succession.

They can also be converting to dairy or an existing farm that previously supplied another processor.

The scheme is also being extended to help existing Fonterra farm owners buy another Fonterra farm.

MyMilk suppliers have 5c/kg a season deducted from the farmgate milk price and that goes into buying Fonterra Shareholder Fund units, preparatory to becoming shareholders.

They can earn reward dollars for Farm Source buying but they are locked until the transition to share ownership.

Joining MyMilk can be done at any time, unlike new shared supply cooperative membership that must begin at the start of the season.

Participants are required to meet the same terms and conditions as full shareholders with regards to milk quality, safety and sustainability.

MyMilk has a supply ceiling of 5% of

INCREASED demand for processed cheese in competition with natural cheese has driven rennet casein powder prices to record levels.

Rennet casein prices on the Global Dairy Trade platform have soared 40% in the past six months to US$9000/tonne, the highest level since 2015.

Fonterra is the only manufacturer and exporter of rennet casein in New Zealand, at only two of its plants, Maungaturoto in Northland and Hautapu in Waikato.

Its production of the cornerstone ingredient for processed cheese is at maximum capacity.

Rennet casein production is between 16,000 and 20,000 tonnes annually,

PROCESSING: Higher demand for processed cheese is being filled by the La Montesa plant in Mexico, using Fonterra rennet casein.

This season’s ram sales have been particularly positive, with breeders breaking records throughout the country.

PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager Callum Stewart says the ram sales to date have lifted prices by around ten per cent, with some sales resulting in prices increasing between 20 and 30 per cent.

“Farmers have reaped the benefits of a strong commercial selling season, and are prepared to invest those returns to keep improving production. Performance and phenotype and FE Tolerant are highly sought after. Those breeders demonstrating good quality genetics are receiving exceptional demand.

“Sales results have been consistently buoyant across the country. When the market sees quality genetics, farmers are prepared to purchase,” he said.

HAPPY: Southland MyMilk suppliers Don and Jess Moore and their children with Farm Source director Richard Allen.

the co-operative’s milk collection.

Meanwhile, 10% of Fonterra shareholders used the Fixed Milk Price option in its first season of operation.

After the seventh monthly offering in December 1033 farmers had signed FMP contracts for 2019-20 milk supply at prices ranging from $6.60 to $7.46/kg, including the 10c service fee.

Fonterra’s announcement in early December of a 25c boost in the farmgate milk price forecast range to $7-$7.60 curtailed farmer interest in the December FMP offering.

There were 85 applications for 3.9m

kilos at the fixed price of $7.46 and as the co-op made available up to 14m kilos all applications were successful.

In total 63.5m kilos were contracted in the seven offerings from June to December.

That represents 4.3% of Fonterra’s latest DIRA forecast supply from shareholders of 1479m kilos.

Only in August did the application total of 19.4m kilos exceed the offered amount of 15m kg and all applications were scaled back to 77%.

FMP offerings will resume in March, for milk to be supplied next season.

Processed cheeses drive casein prices Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

Ram sales break records with farmers willing to invest in quality genetics

engineer David Macdonald, the product portfolio manager for protein and specialty products, said.

Demand for rennet casein is strong from key markets in China and Latin America as the generally cheaper processed cheese competes with higherpriced natural cheese out of the United States and Europe.

“European supply of rennet casein, which is our main competition, is stable, perhaps down slightly in their dairy off season,” he said.

“We expect European companies to ramp up and chase these high returns from March onwards.”

Fonterra’s rennet casein commands a premium of about 10% better than other sources because of its quality and consistency and some yield advantage to

processed cheese makers.

The composition of typical processed cheese is about 17-18% rennet casein, Macdonald said.

Manufacture of processed cheese, the likes of Kraft single slices, is a recombination of dairy and non-dairy ingredients.

It is not cheese made from fresh milk and in NZ the best-known examples are the Chesdale varieties.

Processed cheese has a longer shelf life and melts without separation when heated and cooked.

Rennet casein sold on the GDT platform does not contribute directly with the farmgate milk price model as a reference product but goes instead to Fonterra’s earnings.

Less than 1% of total milk supply is used to make rennet casein powder from skim milk, leaving behind whey for use in other processes, Macdonald said.

In product optimisation calculations rennet casein provides good returns relative to other processing streams but that can turn around quickly.

Rennet casein is considered a base level product and Fonterra makes higher forms of dairy proteins for specialised purposes, Macdonald said.

Rennet casein prices have traditionally been quite volatile and for that reason Fonterra would need to see a long-term trend to consider making more.

Highlights include Meadowslea, Fairlie in late November, where 275 rams sold for an average of $1372; Glengarry Poll Dorset, Feilding, selling 128 rams averaging $1476; Merrydowns, Southland where 126 Romney rams sold averaging $1585 and 79 Southdowns fetched an average of $1167 in early December. Later in December at Kikitangeo Romney, Wellsford 112 rams averaged $1948; at Turiroa, Wairoa 104 terminal rams sold on average at $1164; and Wharatoa, Clydevale cleared 266 rams of various breeds, averaging $1443.

Meanwhile, the absence of rain in several North Island districts will influence the livestock market, says PGG Wrightson Livestock national sales manager Matt Macfie.

“Dry conditions, particularly in the Far North, also in the King Country, Coromandel and Manawatu, are prompting some farmers to offer store stock earlier than anticipated. Hill country in these districts is beginning to look barren and with feed sufficient to graze through the next two months lacking, plenty of stock will come to the market sooner rather than later.

“At the same time, fluctuating Chinese demand has brought an anticipated price correction of around $1 for sheep.

Although this was foreseen, it has come quicker than expected. Farmers operating in this market will still make good money, though below the peak levels on offer late last year,” he said.

Helping grow the country

36

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

Weather, China make sellers meet market Prime ewe throughput lifted in most districts last week with continuing dry conditions giving vendors the push needed to press the offload button before conditions deteriorate further.

Most ewes traded at softer levels, particularly at some of larger the North Island sales where, with easing schedules and very tight processing space, vendors had to meet the market.

Kill space for prime cattle is at a premium and with China sitting out of the beef market for the time being that flowed through into lower prices.

The dry conditions also negatively affected store prices with buyers cautious about taking on extra mouths.

NORTHLAND Wellsford store cattle • Traditional two-year steers, 515-773kg, returned $2.83-$2.86/kg • Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 483-561kg, eased to $2.67$2.80/kg • Yearling Angus steers, 382kg, managed $2.83/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian, 347-366kg, returned $2.84-$2.91/kg • Autumn-born weaner Charolais-cross steers, 196-248kg, fetched $765-$800 Summer conditions coupled with easing schedules meant a softer sale for most at WELLSFORD last Monday.

Most two-year steers eased, though Hereford-dairy, 513595kg, maintained levels of $2.67-$2.77/kg. Eight two-year Angus heifers, 403kg, managed $2.70/kg, with Murray GreyFriesian of the same weight earning $2.63/kg.

Yearling Angus-cross steers, 348-376kg, eased to $2.59$2.66/kg, with Hereford-dairy of similar weight trading at a 6-11c/kg discount for almost identical returns. HerefordFriesian, 377-422kg, softened to $2.74-$2.80/kg. Hereford and Hereford-cross heifers, 266-366kg, came back to $2.44/ kg to $2.62/kg. Friesian and Friesian-cross weaner bulls, 115-150kg improved to $350-$450, $3.00-$3.18/kg.

Kaikohe cattle • Better two-year dairy-beef steers sold up to $3.00/kg • A handful of 18mth beef-cross heifers earned $2.30/kg to $2.50/ kg • Better weaner dairy-beef heifers managed $400-$450 • A good pen of dairy-beef steers, 140kg, realised $605 • Beef-cross cows with calves-at-foot fetched $1000 all counted A bigger gallery of buyers was on the job at KAIKOHE last Wednesday, though bidding was subdued on the 380 head yarding with continuing dry conditions, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. Most 18-20mth dairybeef steers returned $2.70-$2.80/kg. Autumn-born weaner whiteface steers managed $850, $3.22/kg. Weaner dairybeef steers traded at $450-$530 for most.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle sale • Light prime steers managed $1280-$1590, $2.70-$2.88/kg • Prime heifers softened to $1400-$1800, $2.70-$2.82/kg • Medium weaner steers eased to $490-$610 • Medium weaner heifers came back to $430-$580 • Boner cows were discounted 30c+/kg ranging from $1.31/kg to $1.98/kg Vendors were pleasantly surprised with the outcome of

START ‘EM YOUNG: High Peak’s Guild family cousins, Henry, Paddy, Jonty, Polly and Rosa watch on at the Rakaia Gorge lamb sale last week.

the first sale of 2020 at PUKEKOHE on Saturday, January 11.

Expectations had been low with continuing dry conditions, limited processing space and falling schedules, but most cattle sold at relatively good levels. Medium 15mth heifers managed $2.74-$2.80/kg. Bulls traded at $1300-$2410, for a 20c/kg discount on average trading over a range of $2.67/kg to $2.96/kg.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Prime Charolais heifers, 580kg, sold well at $2.88/kg • Beef cows traded at $1.90/kg to $2.20/kg • Prime lambs averaged $140 • Top ewes sold up to $170 TUAKAU hosted a 15-18month steer fair on Thursday but dry conditions dampened the market, PGG Wrightson agent Chris Elliott reported. The sale drew about 1100 cattle, with Hereford-Friesian and Angus dominating.

Steers around 400kg typically returned $2.70-$2.85/ kg, condition dependant. Prime steers eased slightly on Wednesday, with heavier lots making $2.85-$2.95/kg. The heifer market softened 15c/kg on the previous week. Top heifers sold up to $2.88/kg, but the balance earned $2.60$2.68/kg. Well-conditioned Friesian cows fetched $1.80/kg to 2.15/kg, with medium boners, $1.50/kg to $1.80/kg, and light, $1.20/kg to $1.50/kg. Hereford bulls returned $2.80/ kg to $3.00/kg, and dairy, $2.60/kg to $3.00/kg. Prime lambs traded at $120-$182 on Monday and store lambs ranged from $60 to $110.

WAIKATO Frankton dairy-beef weaner fair • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 116-118kg, improved to $445-$470 • Hereford-Friesian bulls, 128-129kg, eased to $555-$575 • Hereford Friesian bulls, 100kg, came back to $460-$480 • Friesian bulls, 174-182kg, softened to $520-$540 • Friesian bulls, 112-143kg, mostly held at $390-$485 Throughput increased to 970 cattle at FRANKTON last Tuesday. Bull numbers were a carbon copy of last sale, with steer and heifers increasing as continuing dry conditions draw more out to sale. Hereford-Friesian steers, 106kg, traded at $510, with Hereford-dairy, 113kg, earning $425.

Heifers had mixed results, though there were highlights including Hereford-Friesian, 108-113kg, steady at $400$440. Hereford-Friesian bulls, 103-123kg, softened to $520$555. Hereford-dairy, 139kg, returned $500, with $422-$465 common ground for the balance, 109-126kg.

Frankton cattle • Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 512-534kg, returned $2.80/kg • Ten 2-year Friesian bulls, 493kg, earned $2.75/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 305-326kg, eased to $2.42$2.52/kg • Yearling Friesian bulls, 434kg, fetched $2.76/kg • Hereford-Friesian prime steers, 556-574kg, traded at $2.80-$2.81/ kg Just on 616 cattle were penned at FRANKTON last Wednesday, with most trading on a softer market. Ten twoyear Hereford steers, 484kg, topped their section at $2.87/ kg, while Hereford-Friesian, 369- 399kg, mostly earned $2.72-$2.76/kg.

Autumn-born yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 322344kg, earned $2.70-$2.79/kg. Yearling exotic bulls, 259317kg, traded at $2.46-$2.49/kg. Prime beef-dairy heifers, 511-562kg, softened to $2.68-$2.73/kg, with 14 South Devon, 451kg, a hard sell at $2.66/kg. Traditional bulls, 591640kg, lost 14-30c/kg to $2.82-$2.89/kg.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Two-year Hereford bulls, 469-541kg, ranged from $3.16/kg to $3.55/kg • Three-year Hereford bulls, 680-727kg, returned $3.18-$3.20/kg • Yearling Angus steers, 323kg, made $3.19/kg • Prime lambs earned $75-$146 Most two-year cattle at RANGIURU last Tuesday sold in the range of $2.74-$2.84/kg. Much of the yearling section were bulls, with Hereford-Friesian, 347kg, sold for $3.03/ kg, while 292kg Hereford-Friesian proved the best of the heifers at $3.10/kg. Prices for prime steers were essentially stable, with Hereford-dairy, 616kg, at $3.00/kg, while the remainder of steers sold for $2.83/kg to $2.97/kg. Boner cows, 452-605kg, also held with most trading from $1.68/kg to $1.85/kg.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • The only two pens of prime lambs made $110 and $133 • Two-tooth wethers made $141 1300 store lambs were available at MATAWHERO last Friday and they continued to be well supported by buyers as a decent amount of rain has fallen in the district over the past few days. Prices were on par with last weeks small sale, with male lines the majority at $87-$106, with mixed-sex and ewe lines $70-$100.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle and ewe fair • Two-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 482-548kg, made $2.59-$2.67/ kg • Yearling Speckle Park-cross steers, 337kg, earned $3.09/kg • Yearling Speckle Park-cross heifers, sold for $2.87/kg • Medium to heavy lambs traded at $70-$115 The market fell sharply at TARANAKI last Wednesday, caused by a drop in schedules and limited buyers. Most 2-year steers only reached $2.79-$2.84/kg, while the balance of lighter and lesser quality animals was hard selling at $2.70/kg and below. Top end yearling steers typically earned $2.80-$2.90/kg, while same aged heifers were mostly $2.56-$2.63/kg. In the sheep pens, capital stock 2th ewes fetched $230, while medium to light made $175$200. Top five-year ewes made $175, while lighter ewes earned $120.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Very heavy ewes eased to $141-$149.50 • Very good ewes softened to $127-$132 • Medium-good to good ewes held at $119.50-$125.50 • Very heavy mixed-sex lambs came back to $134-$160 • Medium-good mixed sex lambs eased to $109-$128 Ewe throughput lifted at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday. Most traded at softer levels with demand declining in line with easing schedules and vendors had to meet the market. Heavy ewes softened to $136.50-$139.50, as did light-medium types back to $80-$101. A very small offering of lambs was penned and included a smattering of male lambs, heavier types managed $139-$142, with medium to medium-good trading at $102-$126.50.

There were no cattle penned this sale.

Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • Two-year traditional steers, 486-497kg, eased to $2.90-$2.94/kg • Yearling Angus steers, 383kg, returned $2.98/kg • Yearling Angus heifers, 296-302kg, softened to $2.74-$2.98/kg • Medium-good cryptorchid lambs were $104-$122 • Medium ewe lambs made $80.50-$95 Just 374 cattle were penned at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday. Most traded at softer levels, with good yearling

SALE YARD WRAP

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020

37

fairs. The first half was solid with these averaging $240, however medium and lighter types were a tough sell.

Bottom cuts did well to make $150.

BREED OF THE FUTURE? A Wiltshire ewe contemplates her $317 price tag, the highest price so far at the Stortford Lodge Ewe Fair, which is otherwise proving to be a relatively tough market. The line was sold by Dean Freeman, second from left, from Redshaw Livestock.

traditional and Simmental-cross steers, 383-416kg, the only cattle to break the $3/kg mark, at $2.98-$3.02/kg. A lot of the yearling heifers were 266-345kg Angus-Friesian or Angus-cross at $2.34-$2.74/kg. Weaner Friesian bulls, 106127kg, earned $370-$445. Sheep throughput held on last sale at 3400 head.

Overall the market eased slightly relative to weights, coming out at $98 on average. The top-half of the male lambs were mainly $104-$129.50 (though the top line was $143) and the rest $72-$96. One pen of ewe lambs was $115, but the other solid lines were $86-$102, with lighter cuts $72-$86.

Stortford Lodge ewe fair • Top cut of 2-tooth Wiltshire ewes reached $317 • Top 2-tooth Romney ewes made $230-$272 • Top 5-year Romney ewes earned $171-$193 Close to 21,000 ewes were offered at the STORTFORD LODGE ewe fair last Friday. A good buying bench gathered, as buyers from as far afield as Cambridge and Masterton registered their intention, though the large volume was hard to absorb. The market was below expectations on most lines, though a line of 2-tooth Wiltshire ewes did buck the trend as the top cut reached $317, and the balance $270.

The balance of the 2-tooth Romney ewes made $180-$220, and Romdale, $180-$236. Four-tooth Romney ewes fetched $186-$225.

MANAWATU Fordell yearling sale • Heavier lines 380kg and above sold for around $3.10/kg • Medium to light types struggled at the $3.00/kg There was 1276 of mostly traditional yearlings at FORDELL last Tuesday, for the final ever sale at these yards. Dry conditions and low feed levels, particularly in the hill country meant there was no real depth of buyers, which came from Taranaki, Raetahi, Manawatu and locally.

Though heavier lines were still sought after, medium to lighter types were more of a struggle.

Ongarue ewe fair • Romney 6th capital stock ewes fetched $262-$275 • Romney 4yr capital stock ewes made $170-$200 • Best 5yr Romney ewes traded at $170-$200 • Medium 5yr Romney ewes earned $140-$165 There was around 12,000 ewes on offer at the ONGARUE ewe fair last Tuesday. Buyers mostly came from the Waikato, Taihape and locally to compete for top quality ewes. There were exceptional capital stock Romney ewes on offer, with 2th earning $250-$302 and 4th just above this at $260-$316.

Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Hereford bulls, 640-730kg, dropped to $3.02/kg • Jersey bulls, 430-550kg, fell 22c/kg to $2.43/kg • Jersey bulls, 350-365kg, improved 5c/kg to $2.74/kg Bulls contributed 222 of the 273 cattle at FEILDING last Monday. Over 120 were Hereford, with the top cut, 778808kg, fetching $3.03-$3.11/kg, while nearly 90 weighed

640-730kg and 30c/kg was taken out of last week’s prices, with most selling at $2.99-$3.09/kg. The prime sheep market showed a downwards adjustment of around $10 per head. Half of the lambs were heavy types at $136-$152, while medium and medium-good earned $100-$132. The top cuts of the ewes sold for $130-$144, with medium-good $101-$122.

Feilding store sale • Two-year Friesian bulls, 515-610kg, were $2.77-$2.83/kg • Yearling traditional steers, 385-470kg, made $2.94-$3.11/kg • Yearling beef-Friesian heifers, 330-365kg, were $2.61-$2.71/kg • Average store lamb lifted to $101 • Good male and terminal-cross lambs were mainly $109-$117.50 A mixed-quality line-up of around 750 store cattle sold for similar levels to the week prior. There were few twoyear cattle, but some 605kg Angus steers were $2.87/kg, 490-510kg Hereford-Friesian steers made $2.66-$2.71/ kg and some 515-610kg Friesian bulls were centred on $2.80/kg. Yearling steers went as high as $3.33/kg for 400kg Simmental-cross, but other traditional lines remained around $3/kg. Generally beef-Friesian steers were $2.60$2.80/kg through the main weight-bands. A single goodsized line of 485kg yearling Friesian bulls were $2.62/kg.

Almost all 300kg plus yearling heifers were in the $2.50$2.70/kg range for all breeds. Seven thousand store lambs experienced a small lift in prices once weights were taken into account. The line-up was very big pens of later-born hill country lambs. Earlier pens of male and terminal lambs mainly sold at $109-$120, but this came back to $90-$100 through the more medium types and better ewe lambs.

Interest was limited on longer-term types with $59-$75 covering these.

Rongotea cattle • Two-year Hereford bulls, 606-75kg, eased to $2.84-$2.91/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 252-355kg, sold well at $2.97/ kg to $3.13/kg • Yearling Hereford bulls, 445-601kg, earned $2.90-$3.00/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 258-310kg, returned $2.61$2.71/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 105-195kg, held at $400-$615 Service bulls dominated at a large yarding at RONGOTEA last Wednesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Two-year Angus bulls, 562-601kg, earned $2.88/kg, with Hereford-Friesian, 450-515kg, at $2.62-$2.64/kg. Yearling Angus bulls, 490-505kg, sold over a range of $2.69/kg to $3.12/kg, with Friesian and crossbred bulls, 335-460kg, also varied at $2.27/kg to $2.65/kg.

Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 100kg, improved to $480, while Hereford-Friesian heifers, 92-110kg, made $400-$520.

WAIRARAPA Masterton two-tooth ewe fair • Top two-tooth’s made $230-$255 • Second cuts were mainly $169-$198 Selective bidding made for a split market on the 5000 two-tooth’s offered on day one of the MASTERTON ewe

Masterton aged ewe fair • Four-tooth Romney were all $224-$236 • Good four-tooth to four-year ewes were $174-$212 • Five-year ewes averaged $144 It was a sale of two halves at for the 10,500 aged ewes on day two of the MASTERTON ewe fairs. Early pens of younger ewes (often capital stock) went well with fourtooth’s all $224-$236 and the mixed-age pens were rarely below $174.

It started out well enough on the five-year ewes with the opening pen $200. Other top cuts were mainly $170-$190 before dipping down to $155-$165 on the next set. The second half of this section was much tougher – almost all were $100-$130, with the odd lighter cut at the end even lower.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • Hereford-Friesian steers, 580-700kg, dropped 15c/kg to $2.57$2.64/kg • Half of the prime ewes made $150-$227 • Top prime lambs made $171-$186, with most $126-$153 The first pens of Charolais steers were the highlight of the cattle section at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday, and 620-650kg sold for $2.98-$3.08/kg. Prices fell as the auction progressed with the next cut, Angus, 575-685kg, that earned $2.60-$2.70/kg. The occasional pen of heifers sold well, with Angus, 575-630kg, at $2.57-$2.65/kg, but most others over 500kg were $2.30/kg to $2.45/kg. Most store lambs softened with better end mixed sex returning $88-$108 and medium types easing to $70-$100.

Coalgate cattle and sheep • Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 325kg, fetched $2.66/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 329-364kg made $2.45-$2.55/ kg.

• Prime Shorthorn bulls, 563-720kg, earned $2.50-$2.60/kg.

Sale day changed to Wednesday at COALGATE due to the Rakaia Gorge lamb sale being held the following day. Most store lambs traded were at the heavier end of the scale, earning $112-$121, with second cuts at $90-$104. Prime lamb prices dropped, with the top end $180-$192, and two-thirds of the tally making $120-$149. Prime ewes held, with very heavy types at $204-$232, and good to heavy ewes returning $140-$194. The cattle sale was small with just over 100 head presented.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka Prime cattle and sheep • Prime Hereford bulls 545-725kg, lost 27c/kg to $3.06/kg • Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 510-680kg, fell 13c/kg to $2.56/kg • Prime Jersey bulls, 490-510kg softened 12c/kg to $2.47/kg • Heavy ewes sold $170-$217 A softer cattle market at TEMUKA last Monday had high yielding exotic bulls at $2.76-$2.86/kg. Heifer prices matched steers for the most part with 570-670kg beef lines trading for $2.54/kg, and traditional 485-580kg stable at $2.56/kg. The sheep tally was just shy of 6000. Prime prices were stable, with the top lamb cuts $180-$222, and half of the entries $140-$179. Store lambs eased, down $3-$5 per head, with the heavy lines $95-$106.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep • Heavy prime lambs held at $140-$160 • Heavy prime ewes eased to $150-$160 • Prime rams earned $80-$100 • Top store lambs softened to $110-$115 A moderate yarding was on offer at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson agent Russell Moloney reported. Prime lambs held for most, with medium types steady at $120-$130, while lighter lambs lifted $10 to $110.

Prime ewes eased and light to medium dropped $10 to $90$140. Medium to small store lambs traded at $75-$105.

SOUTHLAND Charlton sheep • Heavy prime lambs eased to $150-$160 • Heavy ewes eased significantly to $140-$160 • Top store lambs eased to $110-$120 A medium prime yarding sold to limited demand at CHARLTON last Thursday. Ewes felt the largest softening with medium to heavy back $40-$80, leaving medium trading at $115-$130, while lighter types held at $75-$100.

Light to medium lambs softened to $115-$145. A very small offering of lambs had reasonable demand, though eased $5-$15, with light to medium earning $85-$105.

Markets

38 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 20, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

NI SLAUGHTER STEER

SI SLAUGHTER MUTTON

($/KG)

($/KG)

FRIESIAN BULLS, 130KG, AT FEILDING WEANER FAIR

($/KG)

($/HD LW)

7.75

5.60

5.40

high $3.18-$3.20 lights Top Three-year

465

Hereford bulls at Rangiuru

On-farm sale tops record Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

H

IGH Peak Station’s 25th onfarm lamb sale was better than last year’s record, its operations manager Hamish Guild says.

The station, one of four in the Rakaia Gorge lamb sales run on Thursday, sold the best of its Suffolk-Perendale lambs at $141-$161, up $20 a head on last year’s record.

Genuine store lambs ranged from $115-$130 with later born lambs selling from $90-$105.

“We did have a better top end but we also had a better spread from top to bottom which more reflected the age of the lambs.”

Guild said the lambs had come on well with the heat over the past couple of weeks and with prices driven by the climate and markets it was a very pleasing result.

“The schedule went the other way around at the end of last year and coming into the New Year you can never be quite sure how the market settles.

“The sale today is indication the sheep industry is in a good space. At least in the short to medium term it’s a good outlook,” Guild said.

Hazlett Livestock auctioneer Ed Marfell said the prices across all four stations reflected the well-bred high country lambs well-known for their high-end genetics and their shifting ability.

“This is the 25th sale run and we have repeat buyers who know what they are getting and people will pay for what they know will finish well.

“We have seen a tremendous line-up of undrafted hill country lambs. There’s been a huge crowd following and good buyer numbers.

“The prices paid show the confidence in these lambs and in the sheep industry in general,” Marfell said.

While the schedule has dropped it is still high for this time of the year.

“Yes, the China reaction has had an impact but it’s not the only market.

“We have got to stay positive, that’s the game we are in.”

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QUALITY: Farmer Milly Adams, front, got the trifecta when she bid up large to secure the top three pens of lambs at High Peak Station during the Rakaia Gorge lamb sales run.

Photo: Annette Scott

The simple reality is we have water on the plains, crops are coming off and it suits cropping farmers – it works for everyone.

Ed Marfell Hazlett Livestock Pushed by the continuing strong demand for store lambs buyers bid up briskly with the 15,600 lambs sold across the four stations all destined for Canterbury cropping farms.

“The simple reality is we have water on the plains, crops are coming off and it suits cropping farmers – it works for everyone.”

Value will always be relevant to stock quality and the climate at the time and

while bidding fetched some record prices the market indicators are driving confidence for everyone.

“Adding to that these properties have earned their reputation year in, year out,” Marfell said.

At Snowdon Station the top prices ranged from $152 to $184, up from the $147-$167 of last year, while the genuine store lines sold from $125-$147, ewe lambs $138-$$180 and later born lambs $100-$118.

Paying $161, $141 and $122 for the top three pens of Suffolk-Perendale lambs at the High Peak sale made Milly Adams just a little bit excited.

Farming with her father Andrew at Greendale in central Canterbury the sheep farmer said she knew what she was after.

“Dad has been buying here for a long time. We know the lambs and we know they do well for us,” Adams said.

Mt Oakden and Peak Hill Stations also sold lambs.

$230-$255 Top ewes at Masterton Two-Tooth Ewe fair

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Game of two halves for ewe fairs AS A rugby-loving nation any opportunity to use the age-old analogy about a game of two halves is always jumped on and it is perfect when reflecting on the results of the first ewe fairs of 2020.

It does mean, though, the fairs have not always posted results that meet the high expectations many have for them, myself included. High levels were reached but perhaps not as consistently as many had hoped.

The common theme across all the North Island fairs has been the best lines were chased hard for replacements, typically by returning buyers, and either met or exceeded last year’s levels but from there very selective bidding or a lack thereof meant sellers had to meet the market at levels below their expectations.

That’s not to say the fairs were a disaster, though, as ewes continued to achieve prices rarely seen in New Zealand’s long agricultural history.

The best of the two-tooth ewes sold into the $200s and some even pushed into the $300s while top five-year ewes were very consistent across the yards at $170-$210 though the balance varied from $120 to $165.

To put that into perspective, 20 years ago in 2000 older ewes at the January Stortford Lodge ewe fair sold for $35-$70 and vendors walked away happy.

When looking for an explanation as to why the breeding ewe market was not as consistently strong as many hoped the finger needs to be pointed at a few factors. A dry summer is not unusual for most areas but has had an impact with fewer buyers keen to take on extra mouths.

Sliding schedules and tight processor space is also held accountable as well as a larger volume of ewes available at these fairs this year. Also, the number of buyers looking for replacement ewes appears to be diminishing year on year, with a swing towards trading and fattening stock rather than dealing with the workload that comes with breeding stock. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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