Farmers Weekly NZ September 21 2020 by AgriHQ

24 Turning agritech strategy into reality Vol 19 No 36, September 21, 2020

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Fonterra’s looking good Hugh Stringleman

hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

ONTERRA made a welcome return to profitability in the 2020 financial year, despite the global disruption of covid-19 and the directors were able to make a modest 5c a share dividend. Chair John Monaghan says the company was match fit when covid hit having divested Tip Top and DFE Pharma for good prices beforehand. When those abnormal gains of 32c were deducted, 11c a share was available for dividend and the directors opted to pay out 40% at the lower end of their policy range. For the first time in several years, Fonterra declared a retention of 38c a share. Monaghan says the board had an option to pay a special dividend from asset sales in future. When the covid-19 pandemic erupted Fonterra stayed firm on its new core strategy and was able to be agile and profitable, he said. Fonterra will pay out $80

million on 1.7 billion shares and units on October 15 but with no imputation credit. Resident withholding tax will be deducted at 33%, or 1.65c/share. Monaghan says distributing a 5c dividend was a prudent decision in the context of so much covid-19 uncertainty. “We haven’t yet reached our debt target and we are still in a sales process for China Farms,” he said. “It is a decision that balances our aims of further reducing debt and distributing earnings. “We expect to continue to pay dividends in the future, assuming normal operating conditions.” Coupled with the confirmed $7.14/kg milksolids farm gate milk price, fully shared farmersuppliers will receive $7.19 for the 2020 season. It is the fourth-best seasonal final payout in the co-operative’s 20-year history. Chief executive Miles Hurrell says the conservative 5c dividend for 2020 was a reflection of the unprecedented situation regarding the covid-19 pandemic. “We still are in a debt repayment requirement so hence the need for a conservative dividend,” he said.

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Drought-proof future IN A continuing feature looking at New Zealand farming’s response to climate change, Richard Rennie spoke to AgResearch scientist Dr Shannon Clarke about her work in a new field

“We increased our profit after tax by more than $1bn, reduced our debt by more than $1bn and this has put us in a position to start paying dividends again.” “I am proud of how farmers and employees have come together to deliver these strong results in a challenging environment.” Monaghan and the farmerdirectors will present 30 farmer roadshows this week assisted by the regional managers because the Auckland head office team is prevented from travelling.

of genetics that will help develop livestock and forages more resilient to climate stress. Photo: Sharron Bennett MORE: Read the full story P12.

He is standing down at the annual meeting on November 5 after two years as chair and 12 years as a director and Peter McBride has been nominated as chair-elect. Monaghan says his two years in the chair had been tumultuous and that he would retire from the board knowing the co-operative had returned to good health. “When there is a big task ahead you need to put your head down and get on with it, ignoring the barking dogs,” he said.

I am proud of how farmers and employees have come together to deliver these strong results in a challenging environment. Miles Hurrell Fonterra chief executive

NEWS

12 Health of future cows will boost resilience

The climate smart cow of the future will rely at least as much upon good health for her resilience and robustness as she will upon genetic traits for heat tolerance.

REGULARS Newsmaker �� 24 New Thinking �� 25

7 PM gets taste of food innovation Riddett Institute postdoctoral fellow Dr Alejandra Acevedo-Fani talks to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about the work the institute is doing to develop hybrid protein foods that bring together the best attributes of plant and animal materials.

Editorial �� 26 Pulpit �� 27 Opinion �� 28 World �� 31 Real Estate �� 32-36 Employment �� 37 Classifieds �� 38 Livestock �� 39-43 Weather �� 45

4 Farmers urged to consider

alternatives

Farmers are being encouraged to have a Plan B up their sleeve if feed supplies do not flourish over the spring season.

Markets �� 44-48

9 Slow start to fine wool season Demand for Merino wool has taken a hit but it’s not a dramatic downturn, says New Zealand Merino (NZM) chief executive John Brackenridge.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Fonterra examines co-op structure Total revenue was up $1.1bn to $21bn and consumer and foodservice sales were 33% of the total 4.62m tonnes. The average currency conversion rate achieved during the year was US66c, which gave a revenue advantage compared with 69c the previous year.

Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE review of Fonterra’s capital structure is a priority now that the co-operative’s vital signs have stabilised and profitability has returned. Without committing to any timeline, outgoing chair John Monaghan and chief executive Miles Hurrell have stated the principles for the capital structure review are now under way. Among them is a framework to retain milk supply and provide financial flexibility for farmers. It must be a transition that is affordable, achievable and fair to unit holders and shareholders. A new structure should align incentives between farmers, with their mainly supply shares, and general and institutional investors in the Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund units. After two years of waiting for company profitability and a return to paying dividends, the 2020 final dividend of 5c a share and FSF unit was underwhelming. Normalised earnings per share were 24c, yet the new dividend policy applied by directors indicated a range of 5-7c after abnormal items and the decision was to pay the lesser amount. Net debt has been reduced by $1.1 billion to $4.7bn, and the debt-to-debt-plus equity ratio has fallen to 41%. Reported profit after tax at $659 million was $1.3bn higher than the $562m loss last year. Demand for dairy products had proved to be resilient in the covid-19 pandemic and Fonterra’s diverse customer base and ability to change product mix meant it could move between markets and continue to drive value. Excluding gains from asset sales, impairments and costs relating to the strategic review, normalised earnings before interest and tax were up from $812m to $879m. The Ebit for the ingredients

The best way of coping with uncertainty is to stay on strategy and focus on what is within our control. Miles Hurrell Fonterra chief executive

ACCOMPLISHMENT: John Mongahan is stepping down having delivered the Fonterra turnaround.

division improved from $790m to $827m. “In the second half we saw restaurants, cafes and bakeries close and intermittent spikes in supermarket sales, creating uncertainty across the global dairy market,” Hurrell said. “This resulted in softening milk prices which helped improve the gross margin and profit in ingredients.” Despite all the upsets for foodservice due to covid, normalised Ebit was up 14% to $209m. However, normalised Ebit for consumer businesses fell to $149m from $227m after impairments of $57m applied to the Chesdale brand and the goodwill of the New Zealand

consumer business. “Due to the economic outlook, our cashflow projections in NZ consumer goods are lower than we estimated last year and we have decided to write down the goodwill by $21m,” he said. Hurrell says the Australian businesses had returned to profitability despite drought and bush fires. “We are comfortable with our share of milk to make the consumer products and return the ingredients manufacturing to a sound basis,” he said The debt reduction was helped by the sale of DFE Pharma and Foodspring for $623m cash in the first half of the year. Fonterra’s Beingmate shareholding has been sold

down to 9%, half of the original purchase. China Farms asset value has been written down a further $63m with information from the sales process and Fonterra’s share of DPA Brazil has also been written down by $45m. The China farming joint venture with Abbott has also been written down by $65m on updated valuations. Capital expenditure was substantially reduced from $600m to $419m, under half the levels of five years ago when Fonterra was still building processing capacity. Total NZ milksolids collected over the season was unchanged at 1,520m/kg and the daily peak in processing was 82.6m litres, well below the 90m-plus total capacity.

The outlook for 2021 includes an earnings guidance of 20-35c a share along with the farm gate milk price range of $5.90-$6.90/kg. “The supply and demand picture remains finely balanced and for that reason we are maintaining our previous forecast range,” Hurrell said. “Significant uncertainties continue, including how the global recession and new waves of covid-19 will impact demand and what will happen to the price relativities between the products that determine our milk price and the rest of the product range. “As a result of these uncertainties and given that the financial year has just begun, we are giving a forecast earnings range wider than we usually would. “The best way of coping with uncertainty is to stay on strategy and focus on what is within our control. “We need to stay agile and draw on our strengths across the supply chain to manage and adapt to the changing global situation.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Farmers urged to consider alternatives Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz FARMERS are being encouraged to have a Plan B up their sleeve if feed supplies do not flourish over the spring season. AgFirst director James Allen has been appointed by MPI to keep a watching brief over national rainfall, pasture growth and feed supplies after the dire outcome of this year’s drought in Hawke’s Bay. Allen says the winter-early spring had delivered some ideal conditions for lambing and calving and, as of now, most regions appeared outwardly well watered. “Most areas are looking reasonably good with exceptions of South Canterbury and North Otago, which are dry,” he said. “Most of the country has enough moisture to keep grass growing and is getting good pasture utilisation.” However, the flip side to this was anecdotal evidence from farmers that bore levels are low and sub-soil moisture is also very low, leaving many nervous about what summer could bring. Many regions in both islands this year have been faced with a second consecutive dry year, with year-to-date rainfall as low as only 55% of historical averages.

LOCK IT IN: AgFirst director James Allen is urging farmers to have a date written down upon which they make the big calls on stocking and feed supplies.

The Government had recognised the implications of last year’s dry, and Allen’s appointment was an effort to be more proactive this year in predicting likely risks. “When it comes to having supplementary feed, the cupboard is empty,” he said. Drought recovery in Hawke’s

Bay and floods in Northland served to drain the country’s remaining supplement surpluses months ago, leaving this spring’s growth even more critical for restocking barns and silage pits. “We are encouraging farmers to work on maximising their silage harvest this spring, getting good

quality and plenty of it where possible,” he said. This represented Plan A, with all going well and good spring rains to encourage growth. Plan B was required should things not go to plan and feed starts to tighten early on. “We are encouraging farmers to have a trigger date by which they will make critical decisions on which levers to pull for stock numbers and feed,” he said. He urged farmers to write the date down and likened the temptation to delay a decision as going another round in a casino session. “You hold on and hope things come right,” he said. He agreed in the past high returns for red meat or good milksolid prices made making that decision to throttle back that much harder. “People opt to hang on longer than they should, most years when you do the analysis, they do not come out of it any better by the time they have had to source extra feed,” he said. He has noticed a lift in maize area due to go in this season, along with summer dry supplement crops like chicory, plantain and turnips, reflecting a degree of caution over how dry summer may be.

People opt to hang on longer than they should, most years when you do the analysis, they do not come out of it any better by the time they have had to source extra feed. James Allen AgFirst Forecasters have been predicting a strengthening likelihood New Zealand experiences a La Nina event this summer, which may bring more welcome north-easterly rainfall along the coast. Both Australian and New Zealand forecasters have put the countries on La Nina alert status, with five of eight weather forecasting models anticipating a La Nina formation during October. Allen cautioned it was not panic stations yet, but was urging farmers to keep a careful eye on meteorological indicators and what they may mean for their respective districts.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

HUGE POTENTIAL: New Zealand’s fledgling hemp industry could match the country’s horticulture or viticulture industries in 10 years if regulatory changes are made.

Hemp could be billion-dollar industry Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz HEMP could be New Zealand’s next export success story, comparable to wine or kiwifruit, worth $2 billion and supplying 20,000 jobs by 2030. But that scenario is only possible if regulations that largely prevent utilising the cannabidiol (CBD) parts of the hemp plant are reformed, a new report says. The report, commissioned by the NZ Hemp Industries Association Inc, funded by AGMARDT, is authored by Nick Marsh. He hopes the report will dispel some of the ignorance around cannabis, where for most people the word means the negative connotations around marijuana. “The primary reason is to get hemp on people’s radar screens as a major opportunity

for our economy in terms of an agricultural crop,” he said. There are three areas of the hemp plant where a grower could make money – the seed, the flower and the stalk – with each component serving a different market. While the cultivation of hemp is permitted in NZ to produce hemp seed oil products as well as fibre, products containing CBD with less than 2% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are classified as medicine under current law. Marsh says granting the industry access to making CBD products would allow it to create products in the lucrative nutraceutical industry. “The nutraceuticals could absolutely blow the top off the industry. That’s why we’re pushing it so hard, but you have to change the regulations,” he said. Of the $2bn scenario, products made from hemp nutraceuticals

derived from cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids could be worth $1.5bn. The report also predicts $183 million from seed products and $317m in fibre products. If the status quo is kept, seed and fibre products would earn $500 million and bring 5000 new jobs in the regions. “For the New Zealand hemp industry, and those lawmakers who have the power to remove the constraints on its growth, the question that is begged by this review of the global growth and opportunity in the hemp industry is: ‘If not now, then when?’,” the report asked. It says the global hemp industry is projected to grow from US$4.6bn in 2019 at an annual growth rate of 34%, to US$64.8bn by 2030. The biggest share of this market is expected to be CBD and other cannabinoid products, followed

by seed food products, as well as an increasing demand for low and high-tech fibre products both locally and overseas. Marsh says there was no justification for keeping the regulations in place because CBD was a safe product. “No one has ever died from CBD,” he said. NZ needed to follow Australia’s example and transfer hemp regulations from the Ministry of Health to the MPI. This would facilitate an economic discussion of hemp rather than it being looked at only from a medical safety point of view. Marsh envisioned different cultivars of cannabis being grown in different regions of NZ, which could in time create regional varieties – much like Marlborough sauvignon blanc and Otago pinot noir. Currently, around 1200-1500 hectares of hemp is farmed in NZ.

“In fact, the conditions in New Zealand have proved to be excellent for hemp production, resulting in high yields per hectare. The crop can be harvested within 100 days or matured to produce a seed crop within 140 days,” the report said. Growers can expect returns of $4000-$5000/tonne for seed and US$500/t for fibre – depending on specification. At the market end, depending on the final product, a hectare of hemp can make around 250 litres of hemp seed oil retailing for up to $75 a litre, or a tonne of hemp seed for food, retailing up to $70/ kg for hulled hemp seed. Three tonnes of hemp fibre can be harvested for rope and textiles, retaining for $2/kg or that fibre can be turned into hemp hurd (pulp), useful for the production of paper and construction materials such as hempcrete, retaining for $1/kg.

Establishment key to successful hemp crop Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz BLAIR Drysdale is into his third season of growing hemp on his Southland farm and is still finetuning how it fits into his crop rotations. He grows 10ha of hemp on his 320-hectare farm, harvesting the seeds which are then pressed into oil and sold online. “It’s a fully integrated system which was the plan from the outset. We spent 15 years looking to do something from paddock to consumer and it was about finding the right plant that fitted in with our infrastructure,” he said. It also had to be healthy and beneficial to people and hemp ticked those boxes. The popularity of the oil surprised him with the bottled product selling out.

He also grows wheat, barley and oats in rotation, along with oil seed rape and tulips. He also farms store lambs and hoggets, and grazes dairy heifers. He learned partly by trial and error but also by researching the crop online and asking knowledgeable people. “We didn’t want to go too big too quickly. It’s about finding our feet with the plant itself with the harvesting, drying and processing,” he said. “There’s a few steps we need to put in place before we go mad on it.” His advice for people thinking of growing the crop was the same – do the research first and seek advice from others. “The internet was our friend and we became members of the New Zealand Hemp Industry Association – there’s a great

information base there, and just get in touch with people who have done it,” he said. This year, he will plant it after spring-sown wheat, which was harvested in autumn and will disc drill the crop in late November. “The biggest problem to date has been establishing the crop and keeping on top of the weeds without using chemistry.” In the past he used a tine drill but is switching to a disc drill this season in the hope of solving that issue. He says this should reduce the soil disturbance and, therefore, reduce the weeds. He has brought back his sowing date from December 10 last season to late November. While sowing in December allowed him to manipulate the plant height, it has come at the cost of yield. He hopes this will lead to better

RESEARCH: Hemp grower Blair Drysdale’s advice for people thinking of growing the crop is to do the research first and to seek advice from others.

establishment and yield with this season’s crop. Harvesting usually takes place around April 5. “This year, the aim is to hit 1-1.2 tonnes/ha (seed). I’m pretty confident if it’s a reasonable season of hitting it with what we have learned in the past,” he said. The hemp fibre is sold to a local farmer, who uses it as bedding in the calf shed.

“They came back this year and got more because the calf rearers loved it because it is so dry.” He also suspects the hemp would do well being sown with the drill behind older pasture because the dead pasture may aid weed suppression. He’s also sown it behind whole crop oats, which worked well, and last season he sowed it behind barley stubble.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Livestock export suspension ‘crippling’ Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz LIVESTOCK exporters fear farmers will lose valuable income while an independent inquiry into shipments is carried out. MPI imposed the temporary suspension following the maritime tragedy of the Gulf Livestock 1 off the coast of Japan earlier this month. “This is one time when (the) Government needs to suck it up, give some dispensation and let everyone at least get the immediate crisis sorted,” live export consultant Brent Wallace said.

“The cost factor of cattle sitting around is not sustainable for anyone involved, and not for the Chinese either where these cattle are going. “China has been very good to the (New Zealand) agricultural industry over many years, going forward if they can’t get cattle from us (NZ) in the short-term, they will go somewhere else,” Wallace said. “I have just had to tell our farmers to carry on without us, we had a ship booked for September 28, that’s now been diverted to Brisbane to offload crew, including some Kiwis. “Waiting for a government decision is crippling.”

Federated Farmers dairy chair Wayne Langford says the uncertainty is concerning. “Yes, it’s important we get a real sturdy inquiry into this maritime tragedy, but farmers don’t have all the time in the world to wait on a decision. “These export dollars are a significant part of hundreds of farming businesses and we need some certainty very quickly for farmers’ own management,” Langford said. Interim spokesperson for 600 farmers and farming related entities (FAFRE), Hawke’s Baybased Doran Livestock director Wayne Doran says MPI’s response

to date to the tragedy leaves far more questions than answers. He says many of the farmers who have animals in quarantine have received notification that the exporter is no longer able to pay for the animals. “The situation for them is dire, both financially and mentally,” Doran said. FAFRE believes MPI is not acting lawfully, especially given the circumstances surrounding its certification that allowed the Gulf Livestock 1 voyage to sail. Doran says FAFRE is seeking legal advice as it considers appointing a litigator. MPI deputy director-general of

agriculture and investment service Karen Adair says as the agency that issues Animal Welfare Export Certificates for shipments, it needs to do all it can to ensure people and animals on livestock export boats are safe. “It is entirely appropriate, the review is fully independent and transparent and provides an opportunity for various parties to contribute in an open way, including exporters,” Adair said. The review is expected to take about a month. Adair says there will be no livestock exports by sea until the review has been completed and considered.

Prime Minister gets taste of food innovation RIDDETT Institute postdoctoral fellow Dr Alejandra Acevedo-Fani talks to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about the work the institute is doing to develop hybrid protein foods that bring together the best attributes of plant and animal materials. The institute’s researchers are combining dairy or beef protein with plant protein to create textures similar to those of conventional meats. On Thursday, Ardern and Finance Minister Grant Robertson spent about 90 minutes at FoodHQ and Massey University’s FoodPilot, which is part of the NZ Food Innovation Network. As part of the visit, they also heard about a range of food innovation projects being undertaken, including NZ’s only spirulina farm, work being done to increase plant yields through ultra-violet light and research to better understand antimicrobial resistance on NZ dairy farms.

“It’s alright to talk“

Want to talk? Connect to supports that can help you right now: 1737 Need to Talk? Is a mental health helpline number that provides access to trained counsellors who can offer support to anyone who needs to talk about mental health or addiction issues. It is free to call or text at any time. Youthline www.youthline.co.nz offers support to young people and their families, including online resources about a wide range of issues that affect young people. It can be contacted by calling 0800 376 633, texting 234, email (talk@youthline.co.nz) or online chat. Domestic violence and advice & support, call Women’s Refuge Crisis line 0800 733 843. 0800 787 254 www.ruralsupport.org.nz

Alcohol and drug helpline 0800 787 797.

What’s up www.whatsup.co.nz offers counselling to 5 to 18 year olds by freephone 0800 942 8787 (1pm-10pm Monday - Friday, 3pm-10pm weekends) or online chat. Mental health information and advice for children, teenagers and families is available on its website. The Lowdown www.thelowdown.co.nz is a website and helpline for young people to help them recognise and understand depression or anxiety. It also has a 24/7 helpline that can be contacted by calling freephone 0800 111 757 or texting 5626.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

SWAG defends itself amid criticism THE Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) formed to lead the languishing wool sector out of its doldrums is off to a strong and promising start, says group chair Rob Hewett. But not all industry stakeholders agree, expressing concern that SWAG lacks fair and industry-wide representation. National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests chair Craig Smith says the council believes it has been blindsided. “As a national council representing 80% of post-farm gate stakeholders, including brokers, merchants, woolscourers, testers and exporters, as a collective group it was never invited to be represented,” he said.

I understand there are some great people in SWAG, but who is representing the industry? Craig Smith National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests “We have been left completely out of the loop and in the dark. “I understand there are some great people in SWAG, but who is representing the industry? “Without industry support it is not going to work and it’s very hard to give support to something the industry has no idea of what’s going on.”

Hewett says it is only a matter of time before SWAG is ready to go out to the industry. “We expect to have a Zoom to get stakeholder engagement,” he said. “We will be communicating transparently with them in the very near future. “We have had one meeting and we are really getting our act together, things are moving quite fast. “We have established the framework, sub-committees are in place and looking into terms of reference and accountability. “We are not too far away from going out to the wider industry.” The renewed focus on stimulating consumer-led innovation aims to define the problem and find the solution. SWAG is a collaboration of representatives from across the primary sector who bring a broad range of skills and experience together to address the challenges facing strong wool and lead change in the sector. Hewett says a chief executive will be appointed within the next two weeks and he expects projects will be identified and on the table for government approval early next year. The priority will be for genuine consumer-led projects, with a market, identified as ready for a step further. Hewett says the Project Action Group (PAG) recognised that the strong wool sector can learn from its fine wool neighbour and what it has achieved, while for 20 years strong wool prices and demand have gone in the opposite direction. “I’m aware not everyone across

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STEADFAST: Strong Wool Action Group chair Rob Hewett has defended the group’s formation, saying they will not be afraid to make decisions that may require change to existing industry structure.

the industry will agree but the fine wool model is one we can’t ignore,” he said. “Innovation in the wool sector is in fine wool. “If we want scalable consumerled innovation that’s where it’s got to come from, there’s no secret in that. “We (SWAG) is a group of independent industry aligned people passionate about wool. “We are not industry-good, but we are accountable to those that fund us. “That’s been deliberate given there’s been so little action over the last 20 years, it’s time to break the mould. “We will be informing, and we will make decisions and recommendations that from our view are in the best interest of the industry. “We will not be afraid to make decisions that may require

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change to existing industry structure that existing (industry) players have not done in 20 years.” Hewett says while SWAG members will receive a payment, it’s certainly not what they are worth, it’s just a recognition. He says the meat processor led genesis had been discussed at meat sector level over the past five years. “This is not a meat sector takeover,” he said. “We need the sheep sector to be strong and we need wool strong to help support meat. “The (PAG) report prompted thinking and just happened to come in tandem with the report.” Federated Farmers’ meat and wool chair William Beetham says elected farmer representatives have indicated 100% support for SWAG’s work. “The feedback has been

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great, let’s get on with it and wmove forward,” Beetham said. “There’s a strong will from growers for us (Feds) to really get close and support SWAG and to be the conduit back to farmers. “With the skills, knowledge and experience in SWAG, they will be aware action is needed quickly and farmers as stakeholders have the confidence they will do that. “Most importantly, we see this a great opportunity to get behind this group, support it to drive action and move forward. “It’s going to be up to industry to engage in the process now.” In May, red meat exports topped a record $1 billion. “If we can imitate the experiences and successes of the red meat sector and implement it into our wool sector, do it even better, that’s where I see great opportunity to make change,” Beetham said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

IMPACT: PGG Wrightson wool manager Grant Edwards says the economic pressure created by covid-19 had resulted in reduced demand for fine wool.

Slow start to fine wool season Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz DEMAND for Merino wool has taken a hit but it’s not a dramatic downturn, says New Zealand Merino (NZM) chief executive John Brackenridge. Fine wool prices, both in NZ and Australia, have struggled since the start of the fine wool selling season last month. Prices at NZ auctions have been 40% back on the same time last year. Fine wool in the 17-18 micron range was fetching $13-$15 a

kilogram clean, at the fortnightly South Island wool auction that again saw cautious bidding from the floor, with the market yet to find stable ground after very fluid movements occurring on both sides of the Tasman in recent sales. Merino sheep are typically shorn between July and October with the main selling period for this wool running from August through to early December. PGG Wrightson wool manager Grant Edwards says the economic pressure created by covid-19 had

STABILITY: NZ Merino chief executive John Brackenridge says the fall of the commodity market reinforces its model that provides stability for both growers and the end market.

resulted in reduced demand for fine wool. Coarse wools, already under significant pressure pre-covid, have also been heavily impacted. “It’s tough going for wool prices, the world is in a degree of turmoil and it’s really affecting our supply chain,” he said. Edwards says the one positive for fine wool growers is the option of secure forward contracts. “They don’t have to operate in the open market and would have realised better prices,” he said. Edwards says it is difficult to predict when market conditions will improve. Brackenridge says while NZM sells in the Australian market, with expectation of achieving better prices, it is a small percentage of NZM’s wool that goes to commodity. He says close to 70% is sold into long-term contracts and that market has not fallen. “Overall, contracts are buffeted from extremes and we have very few farmers that choose commodity,” he said. Brackenridge says the fall of the commodity market reinforces the NZM model that provides stability for both growers and the end market. Key factors in the downturn are the suiting market and the active outdoors market, both initially

took a hit when retail shut down because of covid. New channels now, particularly online, are kicking in. “The commodity market will bounce around in an environment such as this. “Occasionally, there’ll be little nuances in the contract market but generally it’s very much business as usual for growers,” Brackenridge said. Uncertainty is expected to hang about for a while yet. “No one can say we are through the worst, or when it will get better,” he said. “There will be rocks on the road yet. “As an industry we are continuing to stay close to the markets and brand and they will stay around so long as we continue to provide points of difference.” According to Australian-based Mecardo analyst Andrew Woods, the current down cycle in Merino prices, currently about 60% down in Australia, while on par with the 1932 downturn, is not as large as the four main down cycles of the 20th century. “The four biggest downturns of the 20th century fell in price by 70 to 80%,” he said. “Prices are currently down by 60% on the 2018 highs, so there is potential for prices to fall in the next couple of quarters.”

The downturn in price in 1921, following the Spanish flu, saw prices fall by 75%, before recovering in 1923. Unfortunately, Woods says, this means historically there is some precedent for further downside in the coming months if demand does not improve.

Now, the uncertainty centres on time, and how long before we can expect prices to start picking up. Andrew Woods Mecardo “If the market follows recent recoveries, prices will be expected to recover around half of the 2020 losses a year or more after the cyclical low has been made,” he said. “Now, the uncertainty centres on time, and how long before we can expect prices to start picking up. “The key point to remember is that we do not know when the cyclical low point will be. “That is for hindsight to determine.”

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Confidence pushes GDT up by 3.8% Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz MILK powders led the way to a 3.6% increase in the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) price index, the first market lift in more than two months. The September 17 GDT auction contained healthy price increases for four of the six dairy commodities offered, 2.7% fall for lactose and 1.4% fall for butter. Skim milk powder bounced an unforeseen 8.4% across all contract periods and the price average of US$2889/tonne ended near whole milk powder at $2985, up 3.2%.

Buyer preference for NZ product remains a key dynamic along with a shift in procurement strategies related to covid-19. Thomas Bailey Rabobank Anhydrous milk fat rose 2% and cheddar was up 7.2%. Commentators were surprised by the size of the SMP increase and the lack of a margin with WMP. Rabobank dairy analyst Thomas Bailey says NZ SMP was now selling at a 23% premium over the same products from the European Union and the United States. “Buyer preference for NZ product remains a key dynamic

along with a shift in procurement strategies related to covid-19,” he said. “For food security, ingredient buyers are willing to hold more stocks to avoid any complications in trade challenges.” China doesn’t manufacture SMP because it lacks a market for the milkfat byproduct. “Also, government food buying problems are at play and SMP is an easily stored source of protein,” he said. ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown says good spring weather and early season increases in NZ milk production appear to have eased any worries about product availability in the months ahead. “With that in mind, the WMP increases are encouraging,” he said. ASB was sticking with its $6.75/ kg milk price prediction and didn’t expect any immediate change to Fonterra’s own forecast range of $5.90 to $6.90. Westpac senior agri-economist Nathan Penny says the GDT prices justified his $6.50 milk price forecast and that the weakness in milkfat product prices was related to their exposure to restaurant and café demand. “Covid outbreaks over August and early September put pressure on market confidence and in turn on prices,” he said. “But as covid case numbers settle again, confidence has returned to dairy markets, and prices have stabilised once again.” NZX says its own milk price predictor had gone up 11c to $6.78/kg after the latest GDT prices and the futures market reaction.

CONSUMERS: Rabobank analyst Thomas Bailey says buyer preference for NZ product remains a key dynamic along with a shift in procurement strategies related to covid-19.

Exports moderate dreadful GDP fall Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

THE record 12.2% fall in gross domestic product in the June quarter due to the covid-19 shut down contained a small positive effect from primary exports. The official Statistics New Zealand announcement of by far the worst quarterly GDP figure in more than 30 years of comparable data also confirmed an annual decline of 2%, the first since March 2010. The previous record negative was minus 2.4% in the March 1991 quarter. Two consecutive quarters of negative growth qualify as an official recession – the March 2020 GDP was minus 1.4%.

Stats NZ did not identify the primary sector’s part in the dismal GDP figures but agriculture comprises 7% of the country’s GDP, which is approaching $300 billion annually. However, a special covid-19 data series tracks commodity exports among a number of economic indicators and the impact of the pandemic. Dairy, meat, fruit and seafood all brought in higher export revenues during the seven months from February to September this year than in the 2019 corresponding period. Dairy was up 7% to $9.33 billion, meat up 4% to $5.2bn, fruit up 16% to $3.37bn and seafood up 19% to $1.19bn.

Forestry was steady on $3.25bn. Announcing the huge fall in GDP, Stats NZ national accounts senior manager Paul Pascoe says essential industries like food and beverage manufacturing fell much less than retail, accommodation and transport. Household spending fell 12.1% over the June quarter. Expenditure on household services such as domestic and international air transport and restaurant and takeaway meals fell sharply. The NZ GDP fall was comparable to those of Canada, Germany and the United States but worse than Australia’s minus 7% and better than the United Kingdom’s minus 20%.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

More work ahead for rural broadband FEDERATED Farmers’ latest rural broadband survey has highlighted some of the cracks in the country’s rural network that opened under the stress of the covid-19 lockdown. Based on responses from 900 people, the survey has revealed 25% of New Zealand’s rural users are stuck on a relatively slow internet speed of 5Mbps, and only one-third of users had uncapped data plans. Feds president Andrew Hoggard says the survey was conducted mid-lockdown, and came at a time when the entire network was under unprecedented levels of stress. He says while a third of users being capped may seem high, there would be a portion who were at the high end of data allowances. However, he says that the 5Mbps speed for 25% of rural users was concerning, particularly over lockdown when farm businesses were conducting data hungry activity like Zoom calls. He referred to then Feds president Katie Milne who had to grapple with 1.5Mbps during

Zoom calls within the executive over lockdown. “I am told you need at least 1.5Mbps allowance per person in the household,” he said. Telecommunication Users Association of NZ (TUANZ) chief executive Craig Young says he was not overly surprised to learn that a proportion were still on such a slow speed. “Two things are coming out here. One is that some are still on copper, distant from cabinets and cannot get wireless,” he said. “Secondly, there is still some older wireless Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) services that are under the constraint of capacity and are older technology.” Like Hoggard, he believes the problems experienced were increasingly localised, to the point of household clusters within a district, rather than being widespread across a region. “So, what you may be seeing is in some places with those conditions it is getting congested. It can come right down to a particular tower with these problems,” he said.

“With projects being done now, there is infilling going on in areas to fix those problems. But it won’t stop them altogether, it will keep happening as long as demand for data grows.” The survey also revealed 60% of rural users have access to 4G cellular. While that appeared a reasonable amount, Hoggard cautioned it did not indicate how much of a farm’s footprint might receive that level of coverage. “For us, we get three to four bar coverage, but it is only over 50% of the farm, the rest is gone.” At TUANZ’s online symposium last week, Wireless Internet Service Providers Mike Smith chair said cellphone via WiFi technology offered an emerging solution to farmers seeking better cellular connectivity in difficult cellphone regions. Young says any funding postRBI had to recognise there was a constant need to upgrade technology. “The more it gets used, the more it will get congested,” he said. He says the Rugby World

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COVERAGE: Feds president Andrew Hoggard says cellular coverage on farms can vary significantly, even within the farm boundary.

economically and while RBI 1 and 2 had significantly lifted coverage nationally, there remained work to be done in parts of the country. “The additional $50 million on offer is welcomed, over the next 10 years much more will be needed as we upgrade to meet demand. We do not want the gap to widen in 10 years’ time, when we have been working hard to close it,” he said. “The Netflix era has changed things and rural networks need to keep up with it.”

Cup and covid-19 lockdown had been two key catalysts to keeping the infrastructure upgrades continuing, and he welcomed what appeared to be continuing cross-party support among politicians to hold fast to broadband plans. Smith says the challenge for rural broadband delivery using wireless services was the high operating costs that accompanied the technology. Fibre to rural users would always be hard to justify

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News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Climate smart cow of the future Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE climate smart cow of the future will rely at least as much upon good health for her resilience and robustness as she will upon genetic traits for heat tolerance. LIC dairy geneticist Dr Richard Spelman says the breeding company’s work to develop the cow of the future now requires significant focus upon her welfare and health needs, which will in turn help deliver a more robust animal to cope with the climate challenges of the future.

As a society though, as we face these challenges like climate change, we will have to discuss this again. Richard Spelman LIC LIC has been working within the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures programme, a combination of the Sustainable Farming Fund and Primary Growth Partnerships programme. The study for cows with more longevity and resilience received $25 million through the Resilient Dairy initiative. Launched last year, the sevenyear programme aims to lift dairy productivity by producing cows with improved health, wellbeing and environmental resilience. “With many animal health aspects already being recorded by farmers as required by their milk companies,

we can start to breed for traits like mastitis and lameness as well recorded phenotypes,” he said. A burgeoning animal health issue under climate warming is increasing incidence of facial eczema, once regarded as an “upper North Island” disease, but recorded in 2016 as far south as the Grey River valley for the first time. This work includes a study monitoring the level of an enzyme measured in herd testing milk samples to indicate the level of liver damage that often results from eczema. “It is an area we were aiming to do a lot more work in over March-April but covid put a stop to that,” he said. Spelman says the beauty of having 70% of the country’s dairy farmers engaged in herd testing means sample populations are large enough to provide valuable and accurate data on the country’s herd population for such work. Taking infra-red methods already used to get fat and protein samples, and widening the light spectrum may also provide a non-invasive indicator of other heritable health traits in dairy cows. Looking specifically at heat tolerance in a separate project, Spelman and his colleagues have also been involved in the “rapidly evolving climate smart dairy cattle” programme, led by AgResearch and supported by LIC and CRV. The $10 million project is studying how genetic variation can give dairy cattle greater heat tolerance and how that can be utilised in elite dairy animals through genetic editing. New Zealand dairy cows can be severely affected by heat stress over summer, with their comfort zone of 5-20C often exceeded throughout both islands, and lower than the

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zone of comfort humans can tolerate. With rising temperatures an outcome of global warming dairy cows are described as having a “mutually detrimental” relationship with climate change. Not only impacting on it through emissions, but suffering the consequences of resulting elevated temperatures. The Senepol breed has been found to carry the heat tolerant genetics which are strongly heritable. But Spelman says using traditional breeding technology could take seven to 10 years to transfer them into elite dairy sires and the national herd. The project does, however, allow for gene editing work through AgResearch special facilities. The project comes as NZ continues to stand away from a national debate on “where to” with genetic editing. “As a society though, as we face these challenges like climate change, we will have to discuss this again,” he said. However, Spelman says he was not expecting to see much progress on the debate soon.

RESILIENT: Dr Richard Spelman says dairy cows of the future will be more resilient in part due to greater breeding focus on health and welfare characteristics.

Research into genetic resilience Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz SUFFERING major stress through drought may not be an experience farmers value having too often. However, researchers are learning that for animals and plants, such a stressful experience may deliver genetic resilience that helps deliver offspring capable of dealing with such events better in the future. AgResearch animal genomics team leader Dr Shannon Clarke is heading up research studying the little known but rapidly growing field of methylomes. This research is a study of the natural modification of DNA methylation that happens to all living organisms during development and as a result of that organism experiencing a sustained stressful event. The science includes studying the heritability of such changes, which in turn improve the organism’s offspring’s ability to cope with such an event in their own lifetime. Clarke points to the study of epigenetics methylation as a subset of epigenetics. This is the high-profile work conducted by the likes of Sir Peter Gluckman, studying the impact of a mother’s lifestyle and environment upon her child’s future development. Gluckman’s work included research on the links between maternal diet and childhood obesity. “What we are trying to do with this project is to look paternally two or maternally three generations later at

the molecular signature of the DNA to see if it has been passed on from that stressful event, and select better strains for forages or livestock that may be tolerant to drought, for example,” Clarke said. The work is driven with one eye on the need to accelerate the rate of species adaptation to climate change, while also dovetailing into the demand for future hybrids and breeds that also meet the mandate of helping lower greenhouse gas emissions. The work is seeking out individual plants and animals that have endured a stressful event over their lifetime, and by default have effectively inoculated future generations against similar events. “Ultimately, just as you use genomic selection to find the best animals now, you can add this to your selection process,” she said. Fortunately for the AgResearch team, the research body has a vast library of genetic material from plants and animals from which they can assay the molecular signature of variations bought on by environmental changes. “This is an invaluable resource the NZ agri sector has, and it has been maintained by AgResearch, so we hit the ground running,” she said. Meantime, there are also a large number of long-term trials for plants still in the ground, some for over 20 years that will provide valuable material and have often been subjected to significant environmental stress like drought. While heat tolerance

and ability to grow in dry conditions are obvious selectors for climate resilience, facial eczema (FE) is another environmentally inflicted condition researchers would like to study. FE will tend to appear more frequently as conditions heat up throughout more of the country. The methylome work will also involve studying a sample organism’s chronological age versus its biological age, something along the preoccupation of humans intent on staying younger than they may actually be. “It could be if the organism looks biologically younger than it is, then they may be capable of living longer and being more productive,” she said. Clarke says the current project has benefitted by already having the necessary kit and tools to extract the molecular signatures identifying a change. But she says it is too early to identify what may be first off the rank commercially. However, it could be the longevity selector that drives the first candidates for commercial selection. “In which case, we could be looking at five to 10 years out,” she said. In a market-place sensitive to food provenance and purity, the fact this science does not require genetic editing is also a plus. “This is a natural phenomenon that happens to all living things. And the livestock industry already has these DNA indices on hand, so the information is there to grab,” she said.

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Four starters vie for two Fonterra seats Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA has four strong candidates for two positions as farmer directors, one of which is a vacancy to be left by retiring chair John Monaghan. The independently assessed candidates are one-term director Brent Goldsack, seeking reelection, second-time candidate Cathy Quinn, former Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Spectrum Group founder and managing director Mike O’Connor. The four may be joined by others who self-nominate before the full field is known on September 25. The assessment panel was made up of chair Tony Carter, Joan Withers and Rob Campbell. They put forward Quinn, Guy and O’Connor for candidacy and will also provide an assessment of Goldsack, who chose to participate although entitled as a director seeking re-election he automatically goes into the ballot. Candidate statements and biographies, plus the assessments, will be distributed to all Fonterra farmer-shareholders in the voting pack. Goldsack was first elected in 2017 after more than 20 years as a

Cathy Quinn.

tax and financial advisor with PwC in Hamilton. He is a director of Rabobank and chair of Waitomo Petroleum. The family owns three Waikato dairy farms totalling 1500 cows and takes an active role in the businesses. Auckland-based Quinn stepped down last year from chairing MinterEllisonRuddWatts after 30-plus years as a commercial and corporate law partner. She is a director and shareholder of a family dairy farm in Waikato and is a director of Fletcher Building,

Mike O’Connor.

Nathan Guy.

Tourism Holdings and Rangatira. Guy is retiring this year from Parliament after 15 years as the National MP in Levin. He is the fourth generation of the family in public service and is managing director of Kereru Farm with 1400 cows that began supplying Levin Dairy Co-op in 1933. O’Connor and his wife Andrea farm in partnership with former Fonterra director Ian Farrelly and Brett and Karen Sterritt as Spectrum Group

with 50 employees and 8200 cows on 2200ha in Waikato and Canterbury, producing more than three million kilograms of milksolids annually. The O’Connors sharemilked for 12 years before purchasing their first farm in 1992 at Te Awamutu, where they still live. Voting packs will be mailed on October 13 and shareholders can vote by internet or post before November 3, ahead of the annual meeting to be held on November 5.

Brent Goldsack.

Candidate statements and biographies, plus the assessments, will be distributed to all Fonterra farmershareholders in the voting pack.

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BEGINNINGS: Fonterra senior executive Kelvin Wickham launched Milk for Schools at Manaia View School, Whangarei, in 2012.

School milk supply redirected Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA will finish the Milk for Schools programme at the end of the year, while putting more support and products into lowerdecile school breakfasts, charities and food banks. Launched in Northland in 2012 and gradually extended nationwide, Milk for Schools distributed UHT milk in 200ml or 1-litre Tetra Paks and reached 140,000 primary age school children. It seems the redirection of the Milk for Schools supply during the level four nationwide lockdown in April prompted the change in Fonterra policy. “We took a good look at what the country is facing, particularly in the context of covid-19, and asked if our current way of doing things is supporting the people

who need it most,” chief executive Miles Hurrell said. “We can see there is a need for us to expand our thinking and take a more holistic approach that reaches more people, which is why we’re making these changes.” Along with partners Sanitarium and the Ministry of Social Development, Fonterra wants to extend the decade-old KickStart Breakfast programme to a further 200 schools, bringing the total to about 1250. It will also partner with NZ Food Network to distribute milk to charities, food banks and community partners. Fonterra said later the goal was at least four million serves to the network this financial year. “This refresh is a much more efficient, environmentallyfocused and impactful way to get milk to more kids each day,” he said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Forest tech compromised by timber prices Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz OPTIONS for adding value to timber using biofuel technology have been welcomed as wellintentioned but unattainable unless significant changes are made to the sector’s ability to compete globally. The Wood Fibre Futures report, compiled by a consortium of forest technology companies, has identified wood processing technologies that could meet goals of a higher value, lower carbon economy.

For anyone in the business of processing residue, it needs to be cheap residue and ideally in an environment with high crude oil prices. Right now, we have neither of those. Jon Tanner Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association

It has identified 15 key technologies with a particular focus on turning residual forestry biomass into “biocrude” and liquid biofuels.

But Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association chief executive Dr Jon Tanner says until New Zealand was functioning on a level playing field globally, or significant government commitment rebalanced that field, this technology would never have a realistic chance of launching here. The report’s opening pages highlight Tanner’s own concerns about the sector’s potential. It states the residual wood biomass that would be used for the processing is expensive in NZ, at about 20% more than key competing countries. “For anyone in the business of processing residue for biofuel, it needs to be cheap residue and ideally in an environment with high crude oil prices. Right now, we have neither of those,” Tanner said. The report highlights how NZ’s difficult terrain, smaller felling areas, low carbon price signal and small local investor market are all also working against investing in higher value forestry processing here. Tanner says there were companies including Oji Fibre Solutions that would be only too willing to pick up the technology for creating such fuels today, but the cost of raw material was simply too high. “Basically, we have China buying all grades of timber, including residue to use in their boilers or for cheap industrial use,” he said. “They are paying inflated prices for all material because of the

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subsidies they receive to add value back in China.” For the past decade, NZ has submitted strongly to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to try and have subsidies on wood processing removed, to no avail. Over that time, WTO power has diminished, and even more so with the United States stymieing its appeals body. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs GOOD, BUT: Jon Tanner says the timber processing sector welcomed new value add opportunities, but and Trade NZ’s business environment was compromised by overseas competitor subsidies. have done a good depreciation on plants are some of its transport fuel bio-based job of documenting all this of those,” he said. by 2030, and wood sourced protection, but WTO rules have “The Government has to get in energy is the second major gone out the window and are and play the same game as the generation source there after not likely to come back any time rest of the world on this.” hydro. soon,” he said. Tanner says the report did However, both countries have “All other countries are rushing reinforce the level of technology significant funds to tap into. to protect their value added and capacity NZ has for such Finland can tap a €11 billion sectors. So we need to change innovative use of forestry. European Union innovation direction too, if we want to get He also welcomed discussion fund. Investment grants for up to this sort of development off the by minister for economic 40% of a renewable fuel project’s ground.” development Phil Twyford cost are also available. Finland’s The report highlights how about putting a carbon cap on US$70 a tonne carbon price also countries, including Canada induces moves to low carbon fuel, buildings. and Finland, are proving such “Once you have done that, compared to NZ’s NZ$34 a tonne forest to fuel technology can be wood comes to the fore. However, price. developed. then the risk is we see cheaper “So, we are about to start Canada has developed a clean wood from Canada or Austria fuel standard that comes into play talking with the Government to used, unless the business see what exactly will be done to in 2023 and will utilise forestry environment for forestry changes get NZ into these sectors. Things waste for fuel input. here,” he said. like tax breaks, accelerated Finland is aiming to have 30%

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18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Greens hit the regen button Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz A FERTILISER levy, tighter nitrogen (N) limits and a ban on palm kernel may have farmers scrambling for feed alternatives, should the Green’s agricultural policy come into play postelection. The policy also includes significant investment into regenerative and organic farm practices. It also comes with acknowledgement from Green party co-leader James Shaw the transition to more sustainable farming systems is a national challenge, with almost $300 million being set aside to aid that transition. “We know a lot of farmers want to make that transition but are indebted and on that hamster wheel, unable to get off it,” he said. Shaw says it was a possibility a portion of the funds could be committed to helping indebted farmers reduce debt and transition to lower input farming systems.

It would be helpful to the broader regenerative movement if we had a better definition of it. James Shaw Green Party “That might be an option. The idea is to put the money out there and not be overly prescriptive,” he said. “We have committed to putting the money on the table and look at the best ways to support transition.” Coming on the heels of the

REGENERATIVE FOCUS: James Shaw intends to commit $5 million in the Green’s agri policy to research into regenerative farming practices in NZ.

Government’s 190kg a hectare a year N limit, the fertiliser levy is estimated to cost an average dairy unit $1500 a year, based on N and phosphate use. “We wanted to set a price signal, without it becoming too burdensome. It is enough to make people think they would not mind paying less and getting more efficient with their use,” he said. The levy payment is estimated to generate about $30 million a year and would go back into the funding pot to aid transition. The levy value marks a significant step down from the Green’s proposal to tax nitrate losses in the last election. That was proposed at the rate of $2 a kg of nitrate losses. At the time, it was estimated it would have cost the average Canterbury dairy farm $18,000 a year. Shaw acknowledged the work done since by Labour in tightening water standards, but says the Greens’ focus on regenerative and organic practice

transition aimed to move changes along quicker. The controversial Dissolved Inorganic Nitrate (DIN) figure for nitrate levels in waterways that has been pushed out beyond the election has also come under the Green party spotlight. Shaw says the Greens intended to ensure that it did not slip from the post-election agenda and got a thorough revisit in the coming year While N use will be more costly, using palm kernel to replace it in the feed budget will also be unlikely with the product being banned. “We have already seen Pamu step away from it, and Fonterra incentivise their farmers not to use it,” he said. “I think most farmers would be horrified to know their use of it makes them responsible for the extinction of the Sumatran orangutan. “There are other sectors in NZ who would be happy to supply that feed, like the grain sector.” Shaw says while the Greens were wanting to encourage a move to more regenerative farming techniques, he also recognised the shortcomings in definitions and understandings of the term “regenerative.” “It is a term getting thrown around a lot,” he said. What we know after several decades of organic farming is there are clear standards which significantly boost that sector’s value. It would be helpful to the broader regenerative movement if we had a better definition of it. “We do need to cut down on trendy but ill-defined use of the term.” He acknowledged the risks of committing taxpayer funding to a sector that lacks empirical evidence of its success in an NZ farming context, drawing largely on United States, Australian and European experience. “Part of what we propose is

more research into it. We do need a much better understanding of it in a NZ context. We have committed $5 million over three years to exactly that question. You leave yourself an option then if you are barking up the wrong tree,” he said. The Greens also intend to boost organic regulations around the Organic Products Bill introduced to Parliament in March. “We do not intend to reinvent it, but there are some things we feel it comes up short on,” he said. It doesn’t include a particularly robust definition of organics. We would also like an industry group to oversee its legislative mandate.” Shaw says one area he would

have liked to see more progress on was that of water storage on smaller-farm scale levels, and he wanted that to advance over the coming election term. Meantime, he was confident the Green’s policy could dovetail with the Labour party’s efforts to date. “David Parker has worked hard on water standards, and I think Minister (of Agriculture Damien) O’Connor would be keen to see the additional financial support,” he said. Shaw says when combined with the $700 million Labour had committed to healthy waterways, the Green’s $300 million meant an average of about $20,000 a farm committed to water quality.

Climate risk profile now required REPORTING on climate risk will be a mandate the New Zealand financial sector will have to legally meet, with 200 companies required to disclose their exposure to climate risk. Announced this week by minister for climate change James Shaw, the new rule is based on a “comply or explain” basis and will affect all financial businesses that have total assets or investments over $1 billion. The rule means businesses meeting the criteria are required to make annual disclosures covering governance arrangements, risk management and strategies for mitigating climate change impacts. The move makes NZ the first country in the world to require the disclosure as Australia, Canada, the UK, the EU and Japan all work on a disclosure

framework. “Many large businesses in New Zealand do not currently have a good understanding of how climate change will impact on what they do,” Shaw said. “The changes I am announcing will bring climate risks and resilience into the heart of financial and business decision-making. It will ensure the disclosure of climate risk is clear, comprehensive and mainstream.” Those entities captured by the requirements include large Crown financial institutions ACC and the NZ Super Fund. It also includes licensed insurers with over $1bn in total assets under management and will also require overseas organisations to disclose their policies under their NZ reports. The disclosures will be required from 2023 at the earliest.

DOC shifts tahr control focus THE remaining focus of tahr control is shifting to the West Coast and Westland. After consulting with the Game Animal Council, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced in addition to 55 hours flying time to control tahr in national parks, it will devote up to 77 flying hours to hunt animals in less accessible areas of their feral range. The two main areas to be targeted are Landsborough near Haast and South Whitcombe Whataroa on the West Coast side of the Southern Alps. Operations director Dr Ben Reddiex says outside the national parks, DOC is avoiding popular hunting spots and huts and focusing on less accessible locations where tahr have reached high densities.

“Animal numbers can easily build up in the dense, rugged and scrubby West Coast terrain which is less suitable for ground hunting,” he said.

Plans are also progressing to improve hunter access where possible, including extending the popular tahr ballot.

“For example, we are still regularly finding groups of up to 30 tahr in the Landsborough where access is challenging.” Control has been completed in the Wills, Makarora and

Hunter regions and planned control in the South Rakaia and Upper Rangitata has been reduced as it is favoured by ground hunters. Reddiex says DOC is pursuing a targeted control programme and has no eradication plans. “Within the feral range, and outside of the national parks’ management unit, we’re only targeting high densities of female and juvenile tahr,” he said. “We’re also avoiding areas around huts and the ballot landing sites. “We will continue to leave identifiable male tahr for hunters outside of the national parks’ management unit. “Plans are also progressing to improve hunter access where possible, including extending the popular tahr ballot.”

GOAL: Dr Ben Reddiex says DOC is pursuing a targeted control programme and has no eradication plans. Photo: Koshyk/Wikimedia Commons

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20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Farming’s never-ending opportunities When poor health impacted Vicky O’Connor’s ability to work on-farm, she picked up a camera and started her photography career again. Now, she’s sharing her story to help others. VICKY O’Connor has worked in agriculture her whole life. She was born in South Canterbury and grew up on high country stations, studied farm management and worked in a wide range of roles, including at Federated Farmers and in a veterinary business. Vicky and her partner have been on their current farm in Pongaroa for four years. “We came up from the South Island five years ago and worked on a sheep station in Taihape, while we looked around for farms, then we found our 530-acre sheep and beef farm,” she said. Vicky says life on the new property brought challenges. “After we took over, we really concentrated on increasing our lambing percentages. Things were looking good at scanning, we’d increased our percentage by over 40%, then in the first week of lambing, we got a storm and lost about 30% of our lambs. Then last year, we had the drought. So, it’s been a journey,” she said. Despite that, Vicky says she loves rural life. “What do I like about farming? Everything. Being outside. Working with the animals. Even in the cold weather

when you’re rugged up on the bike. I also love that emotional attachment you have to the land and the responsibility of that. “Farming gives you a neverending opportunity to change and grow.” Everyone has a backstory and Vicky’s is more colourful than most. It also includes plenty of adversity down the years – horse riding and quad bike accidents, being attacked by wild dogs in Nepal and contracting rabies, working as a farm rep during the Canterbury earthquakes, dealing with the sickness and loss of loved ones and, lately, serious physical health issues herself. Chronic pain and back reconstruction surgery have increasingly limited what Vicky can and can’t do on-farm. For example, it’s preventing her from helping with lambing and calving this year. It’s even put on hold one of her favourite past times – horse riding. She’s doing that tough, and describes her horses as soul mates. What’s got her through is an extremely resilient mindset. “Ten weeks ago, my back gave way again. This wasn’t unexpected but Tuesday 6/10/2020 – 6pm-8.30pm came a lot sooner In aid of World Mental Health Day, presented by PressGo than I’d hoped – the Workplace Wellbeing Networking Event extreme pain hit and Where: FMG Stadium, Waikato - Splice Construction Room Tickets $55 p/p excl GST - sold on Eventbrite or email still hasn’t left me,” admin@pressgo.co.nz to register she said. Bringing together employers, business leaders and “I’m now managers to hear from industry leaders in the area of scheduled for further wellbeing. Learn the secrets of workplace culture, tips and advice on what you can do and network with a common spinal surgery. But I passion. always look at what AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business I can control. “Let’s 3 full-day workshops run over three months. Equips and face it, everyone has supports women involved in sheep and beef and dairy their own baggage farming to lift business performance. but we each have Locations and dates (3 modules): • Darfield: 23rd Sept, 28th Oct & 18th Nov a toolbox of things • Napier: 23rd Sept, 28th Oct & 18th Nov that we can use to do • Waipawa: 24th Sept, 29th Oct & 19th Nov something about it, • Milton: 14th Oct, 4th Nov & 25th Nov and that’s different • Winton: 15th Sept, 5th Nov & 26th Nov • Cheviot: 14th Oct, 4th Nov & 25th Nov for everyone too. • Culverdon: 15th Oct, 5th Nov & 26th Nov “So, don’t look over

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Website: To register visit www.awdt.org.nz/programmes Contact: keri@awdt.org.nz for more info

AWDT Future Focus Programme designed for farming partnerships to plan their business together. Two full-day workshop delivered over two months. Locations and dates (2 modules): • Oamaru: 13 Oct & 3 Nov • Rangiroa: 14 Oct & 4 Nov • Feilding: 20 Oct & 17 Nov • Dannevirke: 21 Oct & 18 Nov • Te Awamutu: 20 Oct & 24 Nov • Napier: 28 Oct & 23 Nov • Winton: 10 Nov & 1 Dec • Milton: 11 Nov & 2 Dec Website: To register visit www.awdt.org.nz/programmes Contact: keri@awdt.org.nz for more info Wednesday 21/10/2020 – Thursday 22/10/2020 NZGSTA Annual Conference 2020 Where: Crowne Plaza, Queenstown. Registrations and conference programme can be downloaded from our website https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/ nzgsta-conference-2020/

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

PURPOSE: After Vicky O’Connor’s health impacted her on-farm lifestyle, photography gave her a different lens on her own life.

farmstrong.co.nz

the boundary fence and compare yourself to others. Look at what you can do, not what you can’t. “For instance, I’d put on weight during my immobility so I thought, I can do something about that. So I ate well, kept moving, made sure I got enough sleep and et cetera. When you start to succeed in those little goals, you feel stronger as a person and you give yourself more choices.” Vicky says she’s learnt the sort of positivity that comes from necessity. “That’s why I’m keen on helping Farmstrong. I can see it gives people strategies and skills to add to their toolbox so they can deal with what life sends their way and move forward.” Vicky says her recent health setbacks have not only made her appreciate farming life more, but also rekindled her other great passion – photography. Many years ago, she took photos to help one of the children’s oncologists raise funds for Children’s Cancer Research creating cards and calendars that earned over $200,000. She went on to capture rural life with iconic images of high-country mustering and life on-farm. Now, she’s picked up her camera again supplying images of rural life to different agriculture companies, newspapers and magazines. “When we shifted from south to north, I’d just lost my father and was going through this traumatic health experience. I didn’t even feel well enough

physically or mentally to go out and meet neighbours. It was extremely challenging. So, my photography has been a key part of reconnecting with the world,” she said. “It’s also given me back my ‘why’. “Everyone needs a purpose in life that makes them tick, it doesn’t matter what it is, and photography is mine. “Doing something creative made me feel better and I realise now I need to do that off-farm stuff to keep well.” Vicky’s familiar with Farmstrong’s 5 Ways to Wellbeing – staying active, connecting with others, giving back to community, learning and taking a few moments throughout the day to be grateful for what you have. She says photography ticks many of those boxes. “I kept my photography lowkey for ages, but it has brought huge benefits for my health and wellbeing,” she said. “After all, the essence of photography is about recognising the little moments in life that most of us miss because we are in such a hurry. It’s also a great way of meeting new people and giving something back to them. I’ve been fortunate that I’m close friends with the couple who’ve been managing Molesworth Station for many years. “Years ago, I got invited to do a cattle muster. I hadn’t been on a horse for ages and riding the flats and documenting things with my

camera was an amazing thing to do. “So many people have thanked me for those images. It makes it very worthwhile when you can do that for people.” It’s no exaggeration to say photography has given Vicky a different lens on her own life. “Everyone has a story, and this is mine. I never gave up and I never will. Agriculture is who and what I am,” she said. “Photography has shown me that we can be connected with agriculture in many different ways. I’m proud to be able to use my photography to showcase our agriculture industry, here and overseas, in a positive way. “Everyone in the farming sector has to deal with challenges. The challenge for me at the moment is just being able to throw my leg high enough to get over the fences. I’m at the middle stage of my life and I can no longer do all the things I wanted to do, like take the horse out and ride around the farm. But I’m determined to get back in the saddle and ride again, so watch his space.” Vicky says in the meantime, she’s learnt to focus on what she can do. “I’ve also learnt there’s only one person who can do it for me, and that’s me,” she said. “If sharing my story can help anyone else out there who’s struggling a bit, then that’s a really good thing.” is the official media partner of Farmstrong

SILVER LINING: Vicky O’Connor says her recent health setbacks have not only made her appreciate farming life more, but also rekindled her other great passion – photography.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Partnership boosts farm profits in red meat sector Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz INDEPENDENT research has revealed the productive benefit of the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) will lift farm profits by almost $100 million by 2025. An evaluation of the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) project by independent research business Scarlatti shows the productive benefits of the RMPP programme is delivering a major boost to New Zealand’s red meat sector and set to lift annual total farm profit before tax by a further $96.4m in the next five years. The benefits are forecast to continue beyond 2025, meaning that for every dollar invested RMPP will return $17 in value. The $64m RMPP programme brought together farmers, meat processing companies, Beef + Lamb NZ, banks, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in an innovative collaboration to improve the productivity and profitability of NZ’s sheep and beef sector. The seven-year programme is scheduled to culminate in March 2021. RMPP chair Malcolm Bailey says farmers have been saying for some time that the programme has helped them access information and support so they can make more informed decisions for the benefit of their businesses.

Additionally, he says, the independent evaluation clearly demonstrates the range of real and tangible benefits that RMPP has delivered both behind and beyond the farm gate and in rural communities across NZ. RMPP’s projects, such as the Action Network and the NZ Farm Assurance Programme (FAP), would not have been achieved without RMPP programme investment and coordination. “Farmers and red meat sector businesses have successfully developed, tested and introduced new ways of engaging with information and technology, he said.

Key findings of the Scarlatti research revealed farms participating in the RMPP Action Network will, on average, increase profitability by $17,712 per farm, each year.

“Farmers are adopting more effective measuring and monitoring to support informed decision-making and are

IMPROVE PERFORMANCE: RMPP chair Malcolm Bailey says farmers are adopting more effective measuring and monitoring to support informed decision-making.

increasingly using digital farm management tools. “Hundreds of like-minded farmers who are working together alongside trusted experts in facilitated small groups now have the confidence to put their ideas into action.” The RMPP Action Network has never been about telling farmers what to do. “It has been about creating an environment where farmers can learn from each other, share what works, embrace change and make better decisions for the future of their business, their family and NZ,” he said. Key findings of the Scarlatti research revealed farms participating in the RMPP Action Network will, on average, increase profitability by $17,712 per farm, each year. When averaged across the sector, including farms that gain a spill-over benefit and farmers that do not benefit, the impact of the Action Network is to raise

profitability by $46m across the entire sector by 2025. The impact on profitability for farmers participating in training programmes varies depending on whether they are engaging with an e-learning module or undertaking a multiday training workshop. The aggregate impact of all training courses is to raise industry profitability by $18.5m across the entire sector. In 2025, the increase in profitability resulting from RMPP’s investments in talent attraction will be $3.15m across the entire sector. The Electronic Animal Status Declaration (eASD) technology is saving farmers, livestock representatives and meat processors’ time and reducing costs. The eASD development is projected to be generating an annual economic benefit of $6.69m across the industry in five years. The NZ FAP is also forecast to be

generating an annual economic benefit of almost $1m across the industry by 2025. More than 1500 farmer businesses, 90 facilitators and 205 action groups have now joined the RMPP Action Network, which has improved farm productivity and profitability by helping farmers make more informed decisions. “Members of action groups are working together with other like-minded farmers and rural professionals to identify ways to improve the performance of their farm business,” Bailey said. “They’re also benefiting from a network of experts who can share new knowledge and ideas. “Small farmer-led groups supported by facilitators, experts, tools and resources are one of the most effective ways to help farmers make positive changes on-farm and improve their productivity and profitability.” RMPP has also helped to attract more talented employees in the red meat sector.

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22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Focus on workplace drug, alcohol policies Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz THE head of a drug testing company says cannabis consumption will increase if it is legalised and employers should move to deter its use in the workplace. The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) chief executive Kirk Hardy suggests employers take a deterrent approach by updating drug and alcohol policies, talk to staff, clarify expectations and boundaries and implement measures such as random drug testing. “Increased use means more people turning up to work who are impaired, whether it is 24 hours or 72 hours after they have consumed cannabis,” he said. “That is a big challenge for employers.” Each year, TDDA conducts 200,000 random drug tests for business and Hardy says they find traces of drugs in 5%. Of that 5%, 70% is cannabis but a number have traces of a multiple of drugs in their system. Hardy says updated workplace drug and alcohol policies should provide some protection for employers. Policies should create a safe

work environment, have a catchall drugs testing system, state the method and frequency of testing and include provision for rehabilitating staff who test positive. There are no tests to measure the degree of impairment, only if a person has consumed cannabis. Depending on the test, it can detect consumption within the previous 72 hours through a urine test, or up to four weeks from blood. Hardy says tests are usually conducted pre-employment, randomly, post-incident or if an employer has reasonable grounds. To detect cannabis, tests are either done orally or from urine samples. Urine tests are the most accurate. Hardy says case law has determined health and safety concerns override any notion drug testing breaches human rights. “It’s a requirement of health and safety,” he said. “Ultimately, workplace safety is fiduciary duty for employers, to make sure everybody goes home safe at night.” Tests cost just under $80 each and Hardy says they must include everyone, both employers and employees. As with alcohol, the effects

Report predicts a brief spike in cannabis use Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz A MINISTRY of Justice commissioned report expects the legalisation of cannabis will lead to a short-term increase in use before declining. The report by researchers BERL estimates 74 tonnes of cannabis

EXPECTATION: Cannabis legalisation will mean 1930 fewer police warnings, 1200 fewer charges, 940 fewer convictions and lower justice and corrections costs of more than $10 million.

are currently consumed by 560,000 users each year. Daily users consume 62 tonnes and each year 1115 people are hospitalised due to health issues with cannabis use. Based on what happened following legalisation in Colorado and Washington, BERL expects an immediate but short-term 30% increase in the amount of cannabis consumed and the number of users to increase 25%. This will lead to a further 300 people a year hospitalised at an extra cost of $4 million. But, after three to five years it expects use to tail off and forecasts annual sales of 50 million tonnes supplied by 567 licenced growers. This will be sold through 420 retail stores and licenced premises. Total staff employed is estimated at 5000. Legalisation will mean 1930 fewer police warnings, 1200 fewer charges, 940 fewer convictions and lower justice and corrections costs of more than $10m. Expected income from the excise tax is $640m. As a comparison tobacco raises $1.8 billion and alcohol $1bn. In addition, the cannabis industry would generate $181 from GST, $56m licence fees and $40m from income and company tax.

and degree of impairment from cannabis differ between individuals, but workplace drug and alcohol policies must set a standard and everyone holds to the standard. “No one can determine impairment, but if you test positive there is a risk of being impaired and that is all they need to know,” he said. Hardy says should the referendum succeed, cannabis will be readily available. A BERL report calculates there will be more than 420 cannabis outlets established, greater in number than KFC, McDonald’s and Burger King combined. Employers and Manufacturers Association’s employment relations and safety manager Paul Jarvie says the association does not support legalisation. “It’s too open-ended, open to a lot of potential loopholes and requires companies to resource and manage something that is unmanageable,” he said. This was especially an issue for small and medium companies which did not have the resources to manage drug testing. But that onus will change should the referendum succeed. “We are saying to companies they need to revisit their drug

THOROUGH: The Drug Detection Agency chief executive Kirk Hardy says workplace policies should create a safe work environment and have a catch-all drugs testing system.

and alcohol policy to make sure it is robust enough to deal with someone coming to work with a bottle of beer as that will be the same as someone coming to work with a joint,” he said. Jarvie says potentially staff could smoke while on their tea or lunch break, visit a legal dispensary or consume the active psychoactive component, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via food. He urges business to restate the standards expected of staff while at work. “You have got to be seen to be

taking all reasonable and practical steps,” he said. An example of the complexity of managing cannabis is the reality that many business health and safety plans have exclusions that allow the consumption of alcohol on certain occasions. Jarvie says to be consistent, businesses may have to consider whether cannabis should similarly be exempt at times. The issue has created a lot of anxiety among employers who, Jarvie says, note legalising cannabis contradicts the Smokefree 2025 policy.

Legalisation leads to education Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz THE politician advocating for the legalisation of cannabis expects a yes vote at this year’s referendum will change the way people use the drug. Green MP Chloe Swarbrick says with 500,000 people using the drug, NZ has one of the highest cannabis consumption rate per capita in the world, meaning large numbers of people have the drug in their system when at work. She acknowledges the health and safety concerns of employers having impaired people in the workplace, but says by making cannabis legal, users will have a more responsible approach and attitude towards the drug which will make workplaces safer than currently. Swarbrick says removing the product from the black market will also enable education about the dangers of use and control over its strength and accessibility. “What we have got with the situation in NZ and the level of cannabis consumption, is the worst of all ills,” she said. “People still do it, people hide it and on top of that there is no potency or quality control.” A non-binding referendum being held alongside next

PROGRESSIVE: Cannabis legalisation advocate and Auckland-based Green MP Chloe Swarbrick says the opportunity now exists to invest in drug-testing tech, and allow an open and frank conversation about the risk of consuming.

month’s general election will ask voters if cannabis should be legalised. Swarbrick says if the referendum is supported and if the next Government decides to accept the result, it will take at least a year to become law. During that period, it will be considered by a Select Committee and have input from submissions, including from employers and WorkSafe. The Auckland-based MP says

if it becomes legal, businesses need strong drug and alcohol policies and to engage with staff. She concedes there is no way of measuring impairment from the drug, such as breath testing provided for alcohol. With cannabis being legalised around many western countries, she says the opportunity now exists to invest in such technology and allow an open and frank conversation about the risk of consuming, something that could not happen when it was illegal. Swarbrick rejects the perception that legislation is counter to the Smokefree 2025 policy. “I love this argument. It highlights the benefit of legalisation,” she said. “Right now, there are no controls.” As with tobacco, legalisation will allow controls over the supply chain, packaging, purchasing, access and product toxicity. Based on overseas experience, Swarbrick expects use among young people to fall, to remain stable among the middle aged but increase among older people. She predicts the portion of uses consuming the drug at harmful levels, will also fall if it is made legal, making workplaces safer.

AginED Ag ED

FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U PR EN E

Volume 25 I September 21, 2020 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz 1

Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz

2 Find and watch the OnFarm Story of Maurice Judson “Average just isn’t in the picture” and read the accompanying article “Data and science do the work”. 3 Where in NZ is Wistaria (the farm) that Maurice & Renee Judson manage? 4 Why does the farm use so much science and data in its decision making and running?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

Go the AgriHQ market snapshot page

2 What was the South Island mutton price last week? 3 How is this tracking compared to year-ago levels?

STRETCH YOURSELF:

Wistaria runs 75% sheep, 20% deer and 5% cattle? What are the small percentage of cattle that they produce used/farmed for?

2 What data do they collect from their sheep? How do they use this? 3 What data is collected from the deer they farm? What is this then used for? 4 Maurice talks about farming with the consumer in mind and that their farm works well with the Silver Fern Farms plate to paddock concept. What is this? 5 Can you think of other ways that consumers could learn about where their food comes from? Do you think that the average NZ consumer wants to know this?

How much does a ruminant eat?

Sheep & Water A Massey University study found that in winter sheep spend very little time near creeks and streams. Video surveillance footage showed some sheep will drink from a stream by kneeling beside the water in order to avoid getting their feet wet. This information will help us better understand the impact of sheep on the water quality of our waterways.

1 kilogram of dry matter of various ruminant feeds, moving clockwise from top left: ryegrass pasture, pasture hay, maize silage, brewers’ grain, maize kernel, barley grain, and a pelleted ruminant feed.

• The rumen contains microorganisms that ferment/ digest the carbohydrates in the feed into compounds that the animal can absorb and use as an energy source.

Compare last week’s average slaughter price with the same time last year, what is the difference in $/kg?

2 It is expected that the NI lamb slaughter prices at the processors may have ‘hit their peak’ for this year. What is meant by this? 3 What do you think will happen to prices once the supply of new season lambs picks up later in the year? Hint: Look at the lines from last year and the five-year average in November-December.

Did you know the names of these farming words in Te Reo Māori?

The amount of water and fibrous carbohydrate a feed contains contributes to the “bulkiness” of a feed. The bulkier the feed, the more space it takes up in the rumen. Fibrous feeds need to be chewed and rechewed (rumination) and are slower to digest. Using our knowledge of ruminant stomach anatomy and physiology and animal nutrient requirements, we can ensure that we offer the best diet to our ruminant livestock.

• Rumen capacity of a cow is typically around 60-120 kg and a sheep, 4-8 kg.

Ngā kupu a te pāmu

Food is made up of water and dry matter. The dry matter is where all the feed energy and nutrients are contained. Ryegrass pasture is about 85% water and 15% dry matter, while hay is about 85% dry matter and 15% water.

• Ruminants have large 4-compartment stomachs – the largest compartment is called the rumen.

This graph shows the AgriHQ average North Island lamb slaughter price for this year, last year, and the five-year average. Prices this year have been tracking well below year-ago levels for a while now. This has been driven by numerous factors such as low overseas demand due to covid-19.

• Sheep need 4 litres of water per day. • In many areas of New Zealand, in late-autumn, winter and early spring, sheep can get all the water they need from the pasture they eat. • Sheep are not required to be fenced from waterways in the new freshwater regulations.

Want to learn the science behind animal production? Check out the Bachelor of Animal Science (www.massey.ac.nz/bansci), or find us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAnScMassey

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For answers to last week’s questions and more content head to our website: www.sites.google.com/view/agined/home

Newsmaker

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Turning agritech strategy into reality After two years at the helm of AgriTech New Zealand, Peter Wren-Hilton has decided to step down as executive director. He spoke to Colin Williscroft about how the sector is placed for the future and what challenge is next for him.

GRITECH in New Zealand is at the beginning of a new chapter, which for Peter Wren-Hilton is a good time for someone else to take over the day-to-day running of the organisation he helped establish, so he can devote more time to working in the sector rather than on it. Wren-Hilton was AgriTech NZ’s inaugural director for almost two-and-a-half years, ensuring the member-funded organisation is now a key connection point for innovators, investors, researchers and regulators wanting to utilise technology to increase productivity and maximise profitability in the primary sector. In 2015, he and wife Jacqui were based in Silicon Valley when they became aware of the potential for future investment in agritech, although at the time there was little of it happening in NZ. He says one of the reasons for that was a lack of collaboration between government departments, which were instead largely working in silos. For the sector to grow that approach was not an option and he spent two years looking at how to address the problem. The result was AgriTech NZ, which today has more than 160 members, including most large NZ agribusinesses, government agencies, Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) and universities. The organisation was closely involved in putting together the recently launched agritech industry transformation plan, a two-year plan with $11.4 million of government funding to address some of the challenges facing the sector. Now that the strategy is in place, the next step is to implement it. To help facilitate that, WrenHilton, who with Jacqui will continue in an advisory role with

AgriTechNZ, will turn most of their attention back to Wharf42, a Tauranga-based company they established in 2012. One of their initial focuses will be helping to build closer ties with the Australian agritech sector. Last year, he was approached by the NZ and Australian governments to help build a framework for trans-Tasman agritech collaboration. That’s seen the launch of the Australia-New Zealand Agritech Council, which aims to position the region as a key agritech hub in the global market. Collaboration rather than competition between the two countries is important, given the distance from global markets. “For New Zealand, a poor performing Australia is absolutely not in our best interests,” he said. “For investors sitting in San Francisco, London or Singapore, they want to see a strongly performing trans-Tasman region. “As we move towards a postcovid-19 world, the importance of building regional supply chains is critical. As recent events have shown, the impact of closed borders on international trade is significant. “The potential for a more open trans-Tasman border brings opportunities to not only access each other’s markets, but to collaborate and penetrate global markets. “The creation of the Australia New Zealand Agritech Council is a first step towards this, however a more detailed understanding of the strengths and synergies between both countries’ agritech sectors is required.” Wren-Hilton says improvements also need to be made around the commercialisation of research. While universities and CRIs undertake a considerable amount of research in the food and fibre space, they are not well

NEXT CHAPTER: AgriTech NZ’s executive director Peter Wren-Hilton is stepping down to pursue other interests in the sector.

known for commercialising their innovations. He says there appears to be a lack of connection between research and the market and the industry transformation plan provides an opportunity to have a close look at funding models and settings to make commercialisation a more significant part of projects. That will require a change in mindset, as currently much of the government or academic funding towards agritech has no requirements attached to speed up work and get it commercialised, instead being for a set amount of time. It’s important to meet the moment and get products to market when the need and interest is there. Delay runs the risk of the market moving on and finding another solution or product. The key is to streamline distinct research areas and create a fast

track to commercialisation. But it’s also important to engage with those who will use the technology, and for agritech, that’s farmers. “It doesn’t matter how good the tech is if people aren’t using it,” he said. NZ can mount a good case to being a place to test new agritech, with the relatively wide range of climatic conditions and different growing systems in a small area. More can be done to increase the amount NZ agritech exports. In the AgriTech NZ report Aotearoa Agritech Unleashed, Callaghan Innovation and MBIE estimate that the export revenue from NZ agritech has remained relatively flat for the last five years at approximately $1.2 billion a year. Israel achieves 10 times that. He says NZ has some great tech based around pastoral farming systems but large parts of the world don’t use those farming

The potential for a more open transTasman border brings opportunities to not only access each other’s markets, but to collaborate and penetrate global markets. Peter Wren-Hilton Agritech NZ systems, so the technology is not relevant to them. There is a need to make technology developed in NZ more relevant to overseas markets, which will require more of a focus on adapting what has been developed to address what’s required overseas.

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New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

FAMILY BUSINESS: Solagri Energy founders Peter Saunders and Hamish Hutton have big aspirations for their solar generation and energy storage technology on NZ’s rural grid.

New tech to cut rural energy costs An innovative new player in rural electricity supply has commissioned its first investor-owned solar system on a North Canterbury dairy farm. Solagri Energy Ltd founders share their business journey with Annette Scott.

EW Zealand dairy farms can now get solar electricity and large-scale battery storage on-farm with zero capital outlay. Solagri Energy Ltd, a new and innovative player in rural electricity supply, has commissioned its first investorowned solar array and large-scale lithium ion battery system on a North Canterbury dairy farm. Co-founders Peter Saunders and Hamish Hutton just happen to be cousins with their business idea stemming around a family campfire. “I was working in the renewable energy space in the wine industry and Hamish was working with a dairy company and that’s where the base idea came from,” Saunders said. “Hamish suggested the idea over a campfire and we decided to launch into it.” Almost three years later, the two Cantabrians are celebrating success. “It’s been a long time getting to this. It’s nice to have a system we can kick to touch,” he said. “It works, now it’s time to get into the game and sell it.” The Solagri Energy system, a 58 kW array and 128 kWh battery, has been installed on Richard Stalker’s 700-cow dairy farm near Rangiora at no cost to the farmer. Stalker’s system, the first of its

kind in New Zealand, provides all the dairy shed’s energy requirements and has not cost the farm any capital. Stalker’s only contribution is the one-quarter hectare of land that the array sits on. The farm’s energy tariff is now substantially reduced and it is locked to inflation for the 20-year life of the system. This fully protects Stalker’s business against any future energy price rises. “The Government forecasts electricity demand in NZ will double by 2050,” Saunders said. “There is pressure on a lot of large industrial users to come off coal and use electricity.” Solagri offers farmers a sensible way to eliminate their future electricity price risks. “By locking in a lower energy price for the next 20 years, at no capital cost, Solagri’s customers get the peace of mind of knowing they are not exposed to any future price hikes,” he said. Saunders and Hutton, working in partnership with a team of international solar engineers and investors, recently raised a second round of funding from North Canterbury lines company MainPower. The company’s mission is to build a centre of excellence for the application of solar generation and energy storage technology on NZ’s rural grid.

NEW TECH: The first of its kind in NZ, North Canterbury dairy farmer Richard Stalker is happy to see the solar energy array in his paddock.

The main values behind what we are doing is to keep the rural grid relevant. Peter Saunders Solagri Energy “The main values behind what we are doing is to keep the rural grid relevant,” Saunders said. The team is bringing together the most advanced renewable technologies in the world with leading engineering expertise, high-volume purchasing, strong grid partnerships, an understanding of dairy farms and corporate finance expertise to deliver much better long-term energy outcomes. While initially targeted for Kiwi dairy farmers, poultry and wine and some agri-industrial

businesses are other industries the system could work for. Solagri’s engineers have spent 18 months analysing the complexities of deploying the latest renewable technologies on dairy farms to produce an optimised system that maximises benefits for both farmers and investors. “Working directly with the world’s leading manufacturers has produced a state-of-the-art solution way beyond what’s on the market here yet,” Hutton said. “We have delivered a system that maximises financial benefits to our farmers while providing solid returns for our investors.” The specific technologies used remain under wraps. “But we are always moving forwards in testing every new innovation to maximise future gains for our farmers,” he said. With its strong international network and its focus on bringing the very latest innovations onto Kiwi farms, Solagri believes it

can contribute significantly to modernising NZ’s rural energy sector. Stalker’s system went live on August 4 and it is exceeding expectations. “We’re looking forward to adding even more value for Richard (Stalker) when we can install a powerful DC fast-charger so he can plug in, and charge up fast at very low cost, while he’s milking,” he said. Stalker is happy to see the greatlooking array in his paddock. “NZ’s dairy industry has been built by forward-thinking farmers,” Stalker said. “Solagri’s system isn’t just good for our bottom line, it’s also good for enhancing our sustainability story and our reputation as an innovative employer.” Solagri is now entering a 30-dairy farm pilot with farmers around the country. With big aspirations the ultimate goal is aiming for 1500 farmers.

Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

EDITORIAL GDP results unsurprising

AST week’s growth domestic product figures made for grim reading with New Zealand’s output down more than 12% for the quarter, putting us officially into recession. It was to be expected. Covid-19 has cast a shadow over the entire economy this year and with people confined to their homes for a part of it, there’s been nothing to spend on. Border closures have seen visitor numbers flatline. But the one ray of light in all this has been the primary industries, which are very much alive and kicking. Dairy, meat, fruit and seafood all brought in higher export revenues during the seven months from February to September than in the 2019 corresponding period. That’s proof that food producers are still hard at work, feeding the world and bringing in valuable export returns to keep the money-go-round moving. It’s quite astounding that some are still arguing the choice is between saving lives and saving the economy when it comes to devising a covid-19 strategy. NZ sits somewhere in the middle of those nations that have seen a big decrease in economic output. But we’re on top of the virus for now, and that puts us in a solid position to emerge from the pandemic strongly. Other nations looking for the feted V-shaped recovery are still locked down and still seeing big numbers of infections. Their hopes of a swift return to prosperity look slim. In sport we’re told to play what you see – the game isn’t played on a whiteboard in the changing room. The fact is that the pandemic exists and there was always going to be a giant challenge, no matter what tactics were employed. Just look to Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States for proof. Our primary sector is strong. It has good people producing great food to willing customers. We’ve worked hard this year and can be proud of the contribution we’ve made in such trying times.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Green Party’s ag policy is confused, misleading THE minor Green Party agricultural policy appeals to its non-electorate urban base by using classic three-stage dog whistling to first attack farmers with legislation, regulation and cultured public opinion. Then denies that because it’s about water use and storage, soils, biodiversity, methane, animals, tenure review and even recreational coastal set-netting, followed by attacking its critics. The Minister of Conservation claimed the public was never compensated for environmental damage and loss from farmers’ food production that we all nutritionally and economically survive on. Adding 300,000ha after tenure review was not enough because some lessees are also benefitting. Even with inadequate Crown weed and pest control,

farmers are expected to spend and do more. Crown priority is protecting Stockton snails but encouraging weka that eat them into National Parks. Or protecting a small area of forest against water storage, even with improved downstream ecology, as well as social and economic benefits. Their confused policy uses the undefined term regenerative agriculture more than 30 times to move us away from industrial farming with misleading reasons and methods. It is based on their repeated clean and green food production and export needs, when our customers prioritise safe, healthy, nutritious, taste, price, convenience and availability over that. The current degenerative farming increasing export income by more than 50%

in 10 years to 11% of GDP is wrong. Their focus is plant-based production for ecological reasons, with a Minister of Animal Welfare separate from the Minister of Agriculture because farmers do not know how to look after animals. Helped by an Associate Health Minister encouraging reduced meat in hospital diets to reduce emissions. And, the illogical aim to lead the world as the only country to include agriculture in an ETS when our emissions per kg of food product were already more efficient than the global average for sheep by two times, milk by three times and beef by four times, yet ignore the Paris Agreement to not harm food production. Greens believed they knew more about managing plants, animals and the environment than farmers who do the work.

So, punitive legislation was implemented with limited consultation, economic or social analysis, and resulting misplaced bureaucratic control at farmers’ cost. Post-covid, that now shrinking urban base realises farming is more sustainable and resilient than other sectors like services and tourism and only limited time for ideological authority. Nick Grabartte Brightwater

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Fast decisions in a fickle world Nick Hume

HILE farming hasn’t been hit by covid-19 in the same way the retail, hospitality or tourism industries have, it’s obvious things are anything but business as usual. The word ‘volatile’ applies to everyone as we all evolve with a new economy – and indeed a new world. One thing that is increasingly becoming an issue for farmers is the need for instant, up-to-date and accurate information on business performance to enable them to make fast, informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment. The variables that apply to these decisions (weather, commodity prices, exchange rates, regulation and demands from stakeholders) are changing quicker than ever and without timely correct information it’s hard to react. And then there’s lending. While it was already proving hard to secure lending prior to lockdown, banks are understandably much more cautious in a covid-19 affected world. The tide has turned and if extra finance is needed in a hurry, farmers need to present a lot more information than before. For many in the industry, the thought of more budgets and spreadsheets is not an appealing one. When you spend your days outside in a very physical job, the idea of staring at a computer screen, trying to round up even more figures, is not exactly a joyfilled prospect. The world we live in is volatile and variables change, so people need to change their budgets and update their stakeholders in realtime too. For example, over lockdown one of the major banks decided to issue a low milk price (unguided in my opinion) that sent many of our farming clients (and their lenders)

The

Pulpit

into panic. We had moved from generating cash to haemorrhaging it overnight, it wasn’t a good situation. Add the stress of the drought and there were a number of farmers wondering if they should change careers. Those that were able to update their budgets in real-time settled the panic and moved into developing plans and strategies to handle such a payout. So, what tools were these farmers using to update their budgets in real-time? Many of our clients are using a combination of Xero and Figured as their financial reporting software. The combination of these two products allows users to update the input variables at the click of a button to determine a forecast landing point for a season. Many farmers facing the drought that took the gloss off the 2020 season (not to mention the prospect of facing a $5.60 payout for the 2021 season) were in danger of exhausting their reserves to make it through the next season, unless they made changes to their annual plan. With Xero and Figured they were able to alter the input variables,

INFORMED: Client advisor Nick Hume says the simplicity of all these software tools mean changes can be made to any forecast that will reflect immediately.

which updated and flowed through to their cash forecast and gave them an indication what cash was needed or available throughout the season. Based on this, some deferred capital expenditure, some reassessed provisional tax payments and some farmers were able to renegotiate with their lender. In the cases where options were limited, the business owners were aware of the possible result and informed their stakeholders. In addition to the real-time information they were fully compliant with IRD. The simplicity of all these software tools mean changes can be made to any forecast that will be reflected in the output reports immediately, and can be used when communicating with your lender. We are aware of situations where banks are renewing facilities with a stronger requirement for regular reporting. The reports we have been able to assist clients deliver

to their bank from Xero and Figured appear to be the preferred option, with Paysauce becoming another strong tool. We are also aware of situations where banks are renewing facilities with a stronger requirement for regular reporting. The reports we have been able to assist clients deliver to their bank from Xero and Figured appear to be the preferred option. Compliance is a word that is costing farmers more and more every season, but there are new tools out there that can help. For example, PaySauce is also a great tool which automates payroll compliance and helps satisfy HR and regulatory requirements. It takes the stress out of doing your wages and ensures you meet the minimum employment requirements. While technology was never a major part of the farming equation when the older generation were in charge, it’s an inevitable part of the industry today, and while it may

Living the dream Resilient Resourceful Rewarded

James and Janeen Bruce: “We were managing a farm in the north Wairarapa when the chance came up in 2009 to buy a farm in equity partnership. Over the past eleven years we’ve bought out the equity partner, done extensive fencing, fertiliser and lucerne development on the 410 effective hectares, and lifted sheep performance to a high level. Extra income from handling horses, Janeen’s co-ownership of three child care centres, and lease blocks have enabled us to survive, then thrive. I can solo farm 6,300 to 7,500 stock units on the home block plus 330 effective hectares leased, but often leave big drafting jobs to weekends when my two older daughters can help.” “Wairere genetics have played an important part in our success. We run an FE resilient flock for Wairere, tested at .55 sporidesmin this year, and a straight Romney flock. The Waireres cope well with the seasonal variability in this 770mm average rainfall climate. They bounce back, and are easycare. We also appreciate Wairere sponsoring the annual Martinborough bull ride that I organise. Coaching the Martinborough rugby team to win the Wairarapa championship was a thrill in 2019. We farm in a great community here, pulling together, succeeding together.”

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seem a daunting prospect, these tools are all developed with easeof-use in mind. Once you get your head around using some – or all – of them, you’ll be able to forecast in advance and pivot quickly and easily when needed. This then allows you to focus on what is happening in the paddock and spend more time with your family.

Who am I? Nick Hume is a Client Advisor at BFA. He’s a Chartered Accountant with a postgraduate in Accounting, as well as Bachelor of Business studies from Massey University with much of his 17-year career spent working with Agri-business clients.

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

James Bruce, near Martinborough, feeding baleage to Wairere Romney ewes which tailed 162% in 2019. Mid March, 2020.

Opinion

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Benefits of cropping under irrigation Alternative View

Alan Emerson

LET me start by saying I support irrigation. It seems ridiculous to me that we have an abundance of water and let it run out to sea where it benefits no one. The issue is that whenever irrigation is mentioned all the lunatic fringe go hysterical about the fact that irrigation means dairy. It’s that same fringe that insists we get animals out of agriculture and grow mung beans instead. The irony is that mung beans need water as much as cows do. As I’ve mentioned previously, I spent a week at the massive Ord River irrigation scheme in north west Australia. It’s far bigger than anything we have and there isn’t a farm animal in sight. It is all cropping. It’s also a long way from the markets but it is still a profitable enterprise. To get a local perspective, I went to the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) website which contains a heap of pertinent information about crops and irrigation. Knowing little about cropping I rang them up and spoke to the chief executive Alison Stewart. To say she is impressive would be an understatement. She started by telling me that cropping under irrigation has both economic and environmental benefits. I knew about the first, not the second. FAR has done considerable research on crops under irrigation. There are crops in Canterbury you can’t grow without water. Additionally, the climate changing parts of New Zealand will have huge potential growing different crops with irrigation. Hawke’s Bay is a good example because of its benign climate. Beans, soya, specialty greens and vegetables were the examples given. The issue is that to grow those crops you need irrigation and we

RESEARCH: The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) completed a 15-year trial that considered irrigated and non-irrigated areas and the impact on the soil.

With good irrigation practices for cropping, you increase the yield which means a better financial return. know the aversion of the Hawke’s Bayers to water storage, as witnessed by the Ruataniwha Dam debacle. What I hadn’t realised was that sediment runoff and fertiliser pollution were considerably less with irrigated crops. “With nitrogen (N) there isn’t an issue. We measure the N currently in the soil, we estimate what the plant needs and apply the difference. With cropping an N cap makes no sense at all. We only

apply what the crop needs. Our growers are very good,” she said. FAR has also completed a 15year trial that considered irrigated and non-irrigated areas and the impact on the soil. “There was an increase in soil carbon and reduction in N runoff under irrigation,” she said. The increase in soil carbon with intensive cropping appealed to me far more than trying to achieve the same result with the unproven regenerative agriculture. With good irrigation practices for cropping, you increase the yield which means a better financial return. You have a more diversified farming system with increased environmental benefits. You don’t have runoff and you don’t have N problems. “It’s a win for the farmer, a win for New Zealand,” she said. Many overseas countries

are green with envy over NZ’s abundant water supply, water we can use. It’s a major competitive advantage for NZ but one that we’re largely ignoring in no small part to an army of uninformed Luddites. Add to that the vagaries that a changing climate will bring and the regular supply of water becomes a necessity, not a luxury. It’s a total no-brainer. It will allow us to grow different crops in a warmer climate, increase returns, increase carbon in the topsoil and reduce pollution. It begs the question as to why we’re not doing it now. What was also interesting was that talking to Stewart changed my views of the arable industry. I was aware of it as we all are but not the intricacies of it or the potential it holds.

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It is a $1.6 billion industry that is mainly commodity driven and aimed at the local market. It has massive export potential. It has little public profile although that will definitely change. “The public doesn’t know about us and politicians don’t understand the complexity of our industry. “Some of our farming leaders are more interested in the status quo than being innovative,” she said. “The livestock sector largely ignores arable. A combination of the two provides the best for animals and for plants. Diversification is the way forward.” A lot of that needs to change and I believe it will. Through Stewart’s influence, the profile of the arable sector will certainly increase and with it, public understanding. I certainly accept that politicians don’t accept the complexity of the arable industry and really the only people that can change that is FAR itself. Currently, it is just a domestically focused industry, albeit at $1.7 billion. I would sincerely hope that if FAR could demonstrate the export potential of crops then politicians would become enthusiastic. Finally, I was most impressed with FAR, the people I dealt with there. It was a bright ray of light amongst all the criticism and negativity.

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

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Project to identify the potential of RA Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

EARLIER this year before lockdown, B+LNZ announced its intention to conduct research into consumer attitudes to red meat produced using regenerative agriculture (RA) practices. This project has now been bolstered by an injection of financial support from MPI’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund and the involvement of the wine industry’s Bragato Research Institute, which is keen to discover any potential for improving vineyard management, as well as evolving brand messaging across the wine industry. B+LNZ’s purpose in conducting the research is to discover what RA, and as a result, the food produced from it means to consumers in three major markets for our beef, lamb and venison. The research will explore the attitudes of consumers, retailers and experts in the USA, UK and Germany to identify how or if it can be defined in the New Zealand context, whether it can produce a premium and, just as relevant,

what it implies for producers. An essential objective will be to determine how far current farming practice in this country conforms to the perception of RA in each of these markets. Project leader Hugh Good wants to allay any fears the project will lead B+LNZ to push its levy paying farmers into unprofitable activities. In contrast, he is concerned to ensure we capture any early mover advantage, given how closely aligned NZ farming practices are with the RA philosophy. A coalition of big corporates has emerged including Google, Danone, Nestle, Walmart and Unilever to scale up RA, while General Mills has pledged to apply regenerative methods to one million acres, equivalent to a quarter of their production, by 2030. The concept is clearly gaining serious traction in the Northern hemisphere, especially the USA, another driver for conducting the research which will enable NZ agriculture, food and wine production to keep up with developments. Meat companies Silver Fern Farms, ANZCO Foods and First Light are supportive of the project, with First Light’s sustainability manager Nicola Morgan on the steering group. First Light supplies branded products to 500 retail stores, as well as directly to 400 high net worth individuals who,

Morgan says, are seeking certainty that what they buy has not been mass-produced by mainstream US food producers. NZ producers are in the process of building a reputation for grass-fed, antibiotic and GMO free red meat (think Taste Pure Nature) and these consumers want reassurance it is produced in a way that protects and enhances natural resources. ANZCO’s Lynsey McQuinn summarises her company’s position as wanting to understand the extent of consumer demand for regeneratively produced products, if they can command a sufficient premium and how to position products to appeal to the consumer. However, she also asks whether it is economical to farm regeneratively and what the economies of scale would be. To be viable, outputs must satisfy a consumer need, be environmentally sustainable and lastly return a profit to the producer. RA means different things to different people in different countries, although it appears to have the highest profile in the United States where soil health in the prairie states is poor – improved soil health and carbon sequestration have been achieved by regenerative practices such as non-tilling, crop rotation, cover crops, reduced impact grazing and avoidance of synthetic fertiliser

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the research is to discover what regenerative agriculture, and as a result, the food produced from it means to consumers in three major markets for our beef, lamb and venison.

application. There are a number of similarities between the way we farm in NZ and what appears to fit within the definition of RA. In last spring’s Fertiliser Review, soil scientist Dr Doug Edmeades compared NZ’s pastoral system with six elements of the RA concept – rotational, planned in situ grazing, closed systems, perennial crops and pastures, building soil organic matter, encouraging biodiversity and the health of soils, plants and animals – and concluded that it looked very much like RA in practice. B+LNZ chair Andrew Morrison says lots of soils have deficits which must be replaced by a range of inputs such as fertiliser, which is essential to restore soil health. In his opinion, farming must always be informed by science. Professor of Soil Health at Waikato University Louis Schipper maintains RA has no set recipe and can be difficult to justify from a scientific perspective, with its proponents claiming the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Good believes NZ has a better starting point for regenerative

claims than most other countries where farming systems and conditions are much further behind. The research will provide an opportunity to find out what the target markets want and the value consumers ascribe to it, enabling the appropriate marketing messages to be defined and tested. Good agrees any market positioning must be consistent with Taste Pure Nature, which is already gaining exposure in California. The major questions with the concept are whether it is possible to market NZ red meat and wine, produced using similar farming practices, under an RA umbrella which has no clearly defined set of principles, the added value that can be achieved and what further changes to farming methods are necessary.

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

Surprising discovery on inhospitable Venus Steve Wyn-Harris

DAVID Bowie in his song of the same name asked the question: Is there life on Mars? And we all thought there just might be. Humans have been asking that same question for over 200 years. It was then that the ice caps had been observed at each pole and they would shrink and expand with the Martian seasons. So, it had water, or at least ice, and although smaller and further from the sun than the earth, life was quite possible. Especially in early history when it would have been warmer. A frenzy of speculation erupted 130 years ago when it was reported that canals could be seen on the surface of the planet. HG Wells wrote the book The War of the Worlds, which further entranced and alarmed the public about the possibility of life there. Especially when the radio adaption aired, and folk took it to be a newscast about a Martian invasion. Subsequently with better

telescopes, the canal theory was put to bed. A large amount of effort and cost has gone into sending probes and rovers to Mars to try and uncover the evidence to back this proposition of life there. There have been tantalising clues that life might have existed but as yet nothing conclusive. But they are still looking. The Curiosity rover is still wandering around and there are several more missions on their way to the Red Planet, or planned. Then the news last week that no one was expecting. It was a surprise because it concerns Venus and nobody in their right mind would think you could have life on Venus. It is a planet with greenhouse induced global warming on massive steroids. The atmosphere is 96% carbon dioxide, the atmospheric pressure is 92 times that of Earth at sea level and it has a surface temperature of 500 degrees Celsius. It is one inhospitable planet. So, there has been no speculation about life there or any fear of imminent invasion by Venusians. But astronomers have just reported detecting a rare molecule called Phosphine in that hellish acidic atmosphere of Venus in relatively abundant amounts. Phosphine gas on earth can only

be made by life forms. It’s a nasty gas and was used in WW1 as a chemical weapon and is used as an agricultural fumigant. The hypothesis at this point is that microbes living high in the ever-present clouds of Venus have found themselves a niche and are busy doing whatever it is that Venetians like to do. New Zealand-based Rocket Lab has been planning their own mission to Venus scheduled for 2023 to look for signs of life, and this was before the phosphine discovery. Other solar system candidates for life include three of Jupiter’s moons – Calisto, Ganymede and Europa – and Saturn’s moons – Titan and Enceladus. Outside of our solar system, there have now been over 4000 planets orbiting other stars discovered and 30 years ago we knew of none. With 100 billion stars in our galaxy alone and 100 billion galaxies in the universe, the odds that there is other life out there (but not as we know it, Jim) is astronomical. It has to be there but with such vast distances, will we ever find out? So, why all this interest and fascination about life on worlds other than Earth? Because the confirmation of this would shake to the core science, religion and the way we humans

think of ourselves. For as long as we have been able to think, we’ve liked to believe we are special and outside of nature. Religions have specifically taught that. Galileo is an example of someone who got into big trouble with the Catholic Church when he pointed out that it was the earth going around the sun along with the planets, rather than the whole of the universe circling around us. He was convicted for heresy for that view. Four hundred years later, the church has nearly gone as far as saying he was right, but not quite. Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) was set up 30 years ago and has been listening for signals that an intelligent lifeform might have sent. On the other hand, we have been broadcasting ourselves to the universe as our radio and television signals have radiated out to more than 100 light years around us and might have been picked up by the very aliens we are listening out for. My own show, The Cockies Hour, has now travelled 25 light years and with 100-star systems within that distance, who knows what they are making of that? If SETI tomorrow announced definite proof of an alien signal from an advanced civilisation, all news of covid-19, the NZ election,

Trump, and the economy would be consigned to the back pages. At least for a few days.

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

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From the Ridge

Heavy duty long lasting Ph 021 047 9299

Opinion

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Meat v veg reality show insightful The recovering academic Nicola Dennis

I’VE just finished watching families eat their children’s pets on primetime tv. The premise for Meat the Family sounds like it came straight out of the animal activist’s handbook – families are given young farm animals to rear for three weeks, knowing that they will be condemned to slaughter unless the family adopts a vegetarian diet. The show had the potential to be a complete media beat-up, but it was refreshingly impartial. I expected to see cute baby animals with endearing names and uninitiated urban families dry-retching in abattoirs. I was not wrong. But, I also saw sheep undertaking intelligence tests at Oxford university, German pigs putting money in piggy banks and preteens eating bull’s testicles. It was actually a pretty good watch. There were four British families that were followed over the threepart series. I will refer to them as the chick family, the pig family, the lamb family and the calf family because those were the animals they were given to look after – and because I haven’t dutifully memorised the names of the 17 people in the experiment. The chick family visited a

humongous multi-story chicken farm that gave everybody (including me) pause for thought. The kids taught their chickens to perform a circus for the family. And then they ate their pet chickens Clucky, Jennifer and Hayley. The youngest kid didn’t even blink, “tastes good” she said, shrugging to whoever had stuck the camera in her face. The adults had a harder time of it, but they knew that their selectively-bred meat birds were not capable of living much beyond the usual 6-week slaughter age and no one in the family was prepared to be vegetarian. I felt a little sorry for the chick family because three roasting birds was a bit of a stiff deal in comparison to the two whole porkers that the next family received. The pig family’s pork was hard won, though. They gave vegetarianism a go, but it wasn’t sticking with their meat-loving family. They took bacon off the menu after researching the nitrates used in food preservation and vowed to be more conscious of their food choices. They wept inconsolably and then resolutely committed Pauline and Renie to slaughter. The lamb family was all in. They lambed a ewe. They castrated a ram lamb.They visited an abattoir and were pleasantly surprised at how civil it all was. The father stayed up all night guarding the lambs cause he thought they were too small to be on their own. They looked like they could give the whole sheep farming thing a bit of a go until the farmer mentioned how little he earned. The kids

RAW: A reality TV show about families having to spend three weeks caring for livestock before deciding whether they’ll eat or adopt vegetarianism highlights consumer preferences.

campaigned to save the lambs from slaughter, but in the end everyone was pretty chuffed at how much meat Gucci and Chanel provided. This brings us to the calf family, which contained out-and-out carnivores and vegetarians from the onset. How this family came to be is a mystery. The mother and one of the daughters had been vegetarian for years. The son and the father would eat literally anything that once walked. And I mean anything. They tried to convince the vegetarian faction that they could contribute to fewer animal deaths if they substituted more of their choice cuts with offal. We saw them eat a lot of offal. In the end, the whole calf family committed to a vegetarian diet and the Jersey bull calves went to live at an animal sanctuary. A cynic might argue that three weeks of calf rearing isn’t long

enough for the true Jersey bull experience. The carnivorous father and son might have gone straight for the jugular if they were there to witness Tomos and Bedwyr riding and brawling when they got older. But, it was their decision to make and they put a lot of legwork into it. The vegetarian calf family was not anti-meat, they were well aware that meat could be farmed sustainably and that, conversely, vegetable production could be unsustainable. They just went a different way to the other families and we will respect that. Besides, it would be petty to nitpick when the score is 3:1 to the meat eaters. Naturally, the vegan community were not receptive to Meat the Family. Open letters were written to the broadcasters about this “abhorrent” and “disturbing” show.

Time to put up or shut up A FEW weeks ago, I turned on the wireless at lunchtime to see if there was anything of interest to listen to. As luck would have it, host Jamie Mackay had our prime minister on his program and they began by discussing some survey results that had just been released by the dairy sector. DairyNZ conducted a survey called The View from the Cow Shed to highlight to policy makers the issues impacting farmers in the real world. This was the first time I had heard any mention of the survey and when host Mackay started discussing the results with the Prime Minister, I nearly choked on my lunch. There were three particular areas of focus they discussed; connectivity, confidence in the future and mental health. When told that “50% of farmers say they don’t have access to the broadband internet they need and 52% don’t have adequate mobile reception on-farm” our Prime Minister sounded genuinely surprised and mused that she would like to see where the data had come from. Now, I could be wrong but based on what I heard, she had no idea that connectivity

is such an issue out on Kiwi farms. More alarmingly, the next topic was farmers’ thoughts on where we are heading in the next few years. The survey concluded “when asked about their community’s outlook over the next three years, 64% of farmers expect things to decline.” Again, this information was met with genuine surprise that anyone in our primary sector could have such a negative outlook. But the last topic was the one that made me sit up and really pay attention. The survey stated that “62% of farmers say they or someone on their farm had experienced mental health issues over the last year – with an uncertain regulatory framework identified as one of the main contributing causes.” I translated this to mean nearly two-thirds of those involved in dairying are currently suffering mental health problems, and the Government is causing much of that anguish. Now, as a sheep and beef farmer I would argue that these results are just as relevant across our industry, and indeed all the primary sectors in New Zealand.

But I wanted to see if my reaction to what I had heard was a broader reflection on the current state of feeling in the farming sector. So, I thought I would run my own very simple, one question survey on social media and ask, “what is causing you the most stress/anxiety in 2020?” There were four answers to choose from: lack of broadband internet, covid-19, proposed legislation from the Government or the missus (or mister of course). The last answer was just to provide some lightheartedness to the seriousness of the survey. I then waited a week for answers to come in and when they did, I was shocked by how significantly my gut feeling had been reinforced. Seventy-five percent of those who responded chose “proposed legislation from the Government” as what is causing them the biggest headache in 2020. Just 15% chose covid-19 and there was an equal split of 5% each for lack of broadband internet and trouble within the relationship, which is way above my pay grade. To give these results some perspective, 2020 has been dominated by one topic and that

is covid-19. Globally, there have been nearly 30 million cases and 926,000 people have died from this pandemic. Here in NZ, we have been locked down, or up, for months on end. The economy has been gutted like a fish, hundreds of thousands of people have lost their jobs and thousands of businesses have been forced to close for good. Yet for us farmers, the stress and anxiety associated with the worst global pandemic in a century pales in comparison to what our government is doing to us. How could it be that our primary industries are suffering so much angst at the hands of a government that relies so heavily on our economic success to get themselves out of a ginormous fiscal hole of debt? But more importantly, what are we farmers going to do about it? I often hear a term bandied about that goes something like this: “Oh, but if we are not in the tent during these negotiations we will be shut out and that is not good for the industry.” Well, I have a different philosophy on other people deciding the future of my career,

To be fair, I think we farmers would have done the same if the score was reversed. It’s not like eating backyard pets is the cornerstone of agriculture. Anyway, I learnt something from the show. Something that I used to know, but forgot after years of dealing with risk-averse levy industry bodies and research institutes. I relearned that most people can handle a ‘warts and all’ tour of food production. When we step out of the bizarre and artificial meat versus veggie shouting match that takes place in the media, we are reminded that our consumers are actually fully-fledged adults who are capable of making balanced decisions.

Your View Nicola Dennis is a small-time farmer in North Otago, an ex-scientist, a mother and an analyst for AgriHQ.

Off the Cuff

Andrew Stewart

my family’s livelihood and the land we hold so dear. Sometimes those inside the tent propose things so unpalatable that the tent needs to be burnt to the ground to show that those outside don’t appreciate their lives being messed with. We are at that stage now. It doesn’t matter if you are a cow, sheep, wool, fruit, cereal, grain, organic, regenerative, chicken, goat or camel farmer, we need to act decisively and with unity. Because if we don’t, our primary industries that are currently holding this economy afloat will slowly sink into a quagmire of legislative slop over the next decade. As an industry, it’s time to put up before we are forced to shut up.

Your View Andrew Stewart is the RangitikeiManawatu Federated Farmers meat and wool chairman and a sheep and beef farmer in Rangitikei.

World

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

No EU trade deal will increase beef prices BEEF farmers are likely to see prices rise further in 2021 if the UK and the EU fail to agree on a free-trade deal, according to Scottish levy board QMS. The probability of a deal being reached fell last week after prime minister Boris Johnson said the UK would walk away if agreement cannot be rapidly reached and trade on World Trade Organisation terms. However, some political commentators believe this is posturing intended to get the EU to compromise on remaining issues such as state aid and access to UK fishing waters. The UK government has said in the event of a deal not being reached it would impose 40% tariffs on imported beef from all countries, putting beef from Ireland on the same footing as imports from Brazil and Argentina. Although, British product leaving the country would be hit

with tariffs when entering the EU, with the UK not self-sufficient in beef, the net effect is likely to drive prices up according to QMS director of economic services Stuart Ashworth.

There is generally an expectation that volume of cattle in the supply chain over the next six months will remain tighter than normal. Stuart Ashworth QMS QMS said the UK was about 86% self-sufficient for beef in 2019 on a basic measure that does not take into account the demand for and

supply of different cuts of meat. Scotland saw calf registrations edge 0.1% higher to 552,700 last year after three years of declines, but they remain 1.7% below the five-year average. “There is generally an expectation that volume of cattle in the supply chain over the next six months will remain tighter than normal,” said Ashworth, helping to support the current high prices. Processors are working hard to get ready for the new trading regime next year, but still do not have all the information they need to prepare for the additional logistical barriers presented by leaving the EU’s single market. It is unlikely that all the information will be available until the exact detail of the trading relationship becomes clear, he said. “Soft Brexit or hard Brexit – we will be able to trade. The biggest concern remains the extent of

IMPACT: New Zealand’s tariff-free quota will be split between the EU and the UK next year, meaning it will not be able to send as much lamb into the EU tarifffree as before.

quota and tariff-free trade with Europe,” he said. With the UK a net exporter of lamb, it is inevitable that prices will fall from their current high levels in the event that there is a tariff barrier into Europe, he said. However, it is too early to say how far they would have to drop to be competitive, as it remains to be seen if the EU would be able to source cheaper lamb from anywhere else in sufficient quantities.

Germany confirms first case of African swine fever GERMANY has confirmed its first-ever case of African swine fever (ASF) amid concerns that the deadly disease in pigs is spreading to the West. Agriculture minister Julia Klöckner announced in a press conference in Berlin on September 10 that a wild boar in the eastern state of Brandenburg had tested positive. The suspected case “unfortunately has been confirmed”, Klöckner told reporters. She says the infected area will be cordoned off. The authorities have prepared for the eventuality of ASF occurring in Germany and will be putting in place measures to prevent the disease spreading further, she added. The carcass was found 6km from the Polish border, and only 30km from the last confirmed case of ASF in Poland. A sample was taken and a positive result was confirmed at Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut laboratory, Germany’s national institute for animal health. The institute says the responsible veterinary authorities on site must now take the necessary measures and stressed that it was “now extremely important for farmers to carefully observe farm biosecurity”.

LOSS: Last year, ASF wiped out around 120 million pigs in China, more than a third of its pig population. Photo: Adobe Stock/Photocech

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture had placed the country on high alert for the presence of ASF after wild boar had been found dead in western Poland, close to the German/ Polish border this summer. The ministry warned that an incursion of ASF into Germany would have “severe implications for the animals as well as for the economy. And an incursion into the wild boar population “would be critical”, since “possibilities to control the disease are limited”.

For Pekka Pesonen, secretary-general of Copa and Cogeca, the umbrella group for European farming organisations, said: “The identification of infected wild boars in Germany today is of course a source of concern for the whole European pig meat sector. “Nevertheless, we should be reassured. Germany proved its capacity for rapid response and effective actions while the Brandenburg region has a low pig production.” Since August 2018, there

have been reports of a massive presence of the disease in China. Moldova, Russia and Ukraine also continue to report cases of ASF. Last year, ASF wiped out around 120 million pigs in China, more than a third of its pig population. Cases have now been confirmed in around 10 European countries. Germany is by far Europe’s largest pork producer – and a key supplier of pork to China – producing more than five million tonnes of pigmeat each year. In May, the AHDB produced a report which warned that the progression of ASF into Germany “would be significant”, as many key importers outside of the EU “tend to place a total ban on pork imports from ASFinfected countries, even if the disease is just in wild boar”. The National Pig Association says there are fears that a confirmed case could damage that trade, with a wider knock-on effect on the German and EU pork market. ASF is a contagious viral disease, impacting pigs and wild boar, but not people. It is recognised as a major threat to global food production and food security. No cure or vaccine currently exists for the virus. UK Farmers Weekly

New Zealand’s tariff-free quota will be split between the EU and the UK next year, meaning it will not be able to send as much lamb into the EU tariff-free as before. This could level the playing field with UK lamb, unless the EU increases access to NZ. Ashworth says it also remains to be seen if some of the cost of the tariff could be passed on to consumers, or if they would reduce demand by substituting lamb for other meats. UK Farmers Weekly

Tech project to evaluate virtual fencing WEARABLE sensors and virtual fencing could be part of a pan-national research project to assess the efficacy of precision livestock farming in sheep and goat farming. The £5m (about NZ$ 9.8m) TechCare initiative involves nine countries and will look into how technologies can be used to manage sheep and goat welfare and improve performance. The four-year project is being led by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and is likely to include SRUC’s hill and mountain research centre at Kirkton, Crianlarich, as a trial farm. SCRUC researchers have trialled virtual fencing, which is a satellite geolocation system that keeps livestock on a predetermined grazing platform by attaching collars containing global navigation technology. An electrical impulse is produced when livestock cross boundaries. Project details are to be finalised. Work will start by running workshops with industry stakeholders this winter. “Many of the challenges to the welfare of sheep and goats in Scotland and Europe – including a lack of supervision, provision of feed, risk of predation and long-distance transport to slaughter – arise from the constraints imposed by the harsh climatic and geographic conditions in which they are often reared,” project leader Claire Morgan-Davies said. “However, a precision livestock farming approach could help to improve welfare management and so mitigate the effects of these welfare risks for the benefit of sheep and goat farmers around the world.” Ireland, Norway, Spain, Italy, France, Romania, Greece and Israel are the eight other countries working with the UK on the initiative. SRUC will cooperate with the Moredun Research Institute and Breedr in the UK. Funding has come from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. UK Farmers Weekly

NEW LISTING

Hastings Glen Aros Station, 2185 Raukawa Road

Strong limestone soils and excellent natural water

Located in the tightly held Raukawa district only 30 kilometres south of Hastings, 'Glen Aros Station' is a top quality 603 hectare limestone landholding. With the option to purchase the entire property, the 98 hectare title or the 504 hectare title separately, both have fantastic potential to further improve large areas of easy contour, and with excellent on farm limestone water sources, irrigation options are plentiful. Featuring a well positioned four bedroom homestead with exceptional views over the farm, near new kitchen, Astro tennis court, and heated swimming pool. Each title has a four stand woolshed and with two sets of strategically placed cattle yards (on the 504 hectare title), Glen Aros is set and ready to go. Don't miss the opportunity to invest in a very well maintained station boasting very good conventional fencing, well thought out laneways and excellent soil fertility.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Tue 20 Oct 2020 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz

EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2852326

NEW LISTING

Waiau 1075 Leslie Hills Road

Emu Plains

A well-presented and productive 413.9421ha property suitable for finishing both sheep and cattle, or for cropping. A well-balanced farm with predominantly easy-rolling contour and flats, it has fertile soils, a good regrassing and fertiliser programme and is extremely well set up for ease of management. Farm infrastructure includes a four-stand woolshed, two sets of excellent cattle yards, two sets of sheep yards, large new grain/implement shed and a hayshed. The large family home has been extensively refurbished, is very well sheltered and is set on an elevated site with wonderful north-facing views over the farm. In a fantastic location, this quality farm package provides an excellent opportunity for stock or cropping buyers.

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty

bayleys.co.nz/5513063

(unless sold prior)

12pm, Thu 15 Oct 2020 3 Deans Avenue, Christchurch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Peter Foley 021 754 737 WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 21, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

ALL ACROSS THE

From north to south, Bayleys is New Zealand’s number one in rural real estate.

Ngapara 89 Brookstead Road Attractive first farm ‘Brookhaven’ is a well presented and well planned dairy conversion, approximately 139 hectares, located in the heart of the Waitaki Region. This farm has been developed to a high standard with approximately 130 hectares of the property irrigated by two centre-pivots, fixed grid and K-Lines. Water is supplied by the reliable North Otago Irrigation Company and the Tokarahi Community Scheme. Infrastructure on the farm includes a 40-aside Herringbone dairy shed with Waikato plant and during the 2019/2020 season production was 182,000kg/MS from 450 cows. Two dwellings complete this package.

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 4pm, Thu 1 Oct 2020 Unit 7/50 Theodosia Street, Timaru View by appointment Joel Meikle 027 814 5208 joel.meikle@bayleys.co.nz

As the largest full-service real estate company in the country, our wide reach and ability to find rural property buyers is second to none. We have passionate salespeople on the ground in every region nationwide. From dairy to horticulture, lifestyle to forestry, they’re experts in their fields. Part of the local community, the Bayleys team is committed to finding the best buyer every time. So whether you’re buying or selling a 500-acre farm or a 5-hectare lifestyle block, you’re in altogether better hands with Bayleys.

0800 BAYLEYS or bayleys.co.nz/rural LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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

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

Balmoral - 202 ha + 52 ha

TENDER WEB ID PR77543

TIRAUMEA 13151 Route 52 and 50 Puketawa Road Located in the farming district of Tiraumea and centrally located to Pahiatua, Pongaroa and Masterton is Balmoral, originally a larger scale breeding and finishing property which has been offered to the market in smaller portions. The two portions of 202ha* and 52ha* has a mix of easy to medium hills and over 34ha of flats in improved pastures, a further 40ha is suitable for cultivation. An all weather laneway provides excellent access through the 202ha* property and combines well with a set of

satellite yards to create ease of day to day operation. The improvements are of a high standard on the 202ha portion including a 5 stand woolshed with an excellent covered yard facility (1200NP), a impressive 1990's 3 bedroom cottage, single man quarters and a large lockable implement shed. The 52ha portion features dual road frontage and a dagging shed and sheep yards.

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 22nd October, 2020 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 129 Main Street, Pahiatua

Jared Brock

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

John Arends

These portions provide an excellent add on or first farm opportunity in a sought after farming district.*Subject to Survey.

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

Cavelands 478 ha

TENDER WEB ID PR77973

EKETAHUNA 85496 State Highway 2 Cavelands is an intensive cattle finishing property located 10 km south of the rural township of Eketahuna and 25 km North of Masterton. The property has gone through an extensive development programme in recent years including subdivision, reticulated water and re-grassing allowing the property to carry up to 1,000 head of cattle.

An exceptional balance of contour featuring over 200 ha of cultivatable land well supported by 240 ha of easy to medium hill making up the effective area. Infrastructure includes covered cattle yards, extensive shedding, 30 ASHB cowshed and feed pad with three dwellings completing the package. If you are looking for a larger scale summer safe finishing property Cavelands certainly warrants inspection.

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 15th October, 2020 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers 129 Main Street Pahiatua

Jared Brock

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

John Arends

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

pb.co.nz

0103993

264.99x390 Full page-2 21/09

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Irrigated dairy unit

Dairy support or beef finishing

DEADLINE SALE

WEB ID WMR77842 WAIMATE 78 Waipari Road, Ikawai View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 8th October, 2020 at •239 hectares on SH82. 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), 76 Queen Street, Waimate •Flat, rolling to steeper contour •101 hectares irrigated M.G.I Water •Two homes •40 bail rotary shed •Excellent buildings, including near-new calf shed Tim Meehan *Potential for Forestry Aprox 134ha 4 Mobile 027 222 9983 •Very realistic Vendors tim.meehan@pb.co.nz

DEADLINE SALE

WEB ID WMR77887 WAIMATE 2808 Hakataramea Highway • Well set up dairy support or beef finishing property • 178 hectares including 61 hectares irrigated • M.G.I water - super reliable and cost effective • Prime location • Set up for rearing and growing cattle • Nestled alongside a productive dairy unit which is also for sale

DEADLINE SALE View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 8th October, 2020 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), 76 Queen Street Waimate

Ian Moore

Mobile 027 539 8152 ian.moore@pb.co.nz

Ian Moore

Mobile 027 539 8152 ian.moore@pb.co.nz

Tim Meehan

Mobile 027 222 9983 tim.meehan@pb.co.nz

Unique money spinner here

TENDER WEB ID MOR02871

TE POI Tauranga Road 181 ha and 35 ha. Here is your chance to buy a well set up farming operation milking 290 cows autumn calving cows with all young stock and 50 head of beef cattle also farmed on the property. Production is consistent around 150,000 kgMS and with maize silage and grass crops grown on farm, this operation is profitable. This property has provided for three generations of family and hasn't been on the market since 1919 which sums up the enjoyment and pleasure that all have had with this unique farm. The farm consists of 216 ha with 136 ha in grass along with two adjoining leases of 28 ha.

pb.co.nz

The non-effective area is native bush that has no restrictive covenants in place. The location of the farm is ideal being approximately 10 km south east of Matamata and a leisurely 20 minute drive to Tauranga. Farm infrastructure is good and the buildings include two herd homes, implement sheds, 3 x 250 T silage bunkers, calf sheds, workshop, haybarns and a 26 ASHB with a modern De Laval swing over plant.

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Tuesday 3rd November, 2020 at 2.00pm, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Cnr Arawa & Tui Streets matamata

Ian Morgan

Mobile 027 492 5878 ian.morgan@pb.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 21, 2020

GLENBROOK STATION - 1,178HA ONE HOUR FROM NAPIER 57 Glenbrook Road, Putorino, Hawke’s Bay

1,178 hectares Tender

nzr.nz/RX2490495

Glenbrook is a traditional northern Hawke´s Bay sheep and beef station located just one hour north of Napier on SH2. The 1,178ha station offers significant scale combined with excellent access onto the property and a mix of contour, ideal for finishing and breeding operations. Situated 60km north of Napier, Glenbrook Station has direct access off SH2 as well as multiple access points off Glenbrook Road, greatly assisting workability. The majority of contour is classified as Class 6 hill country with the finishing country located at the front of the property. Access on Glenbrook is via a network of 4wd tracks and leading ridgelines. Located next to Glenbrook is the Putorino village - this includes multiple houses, a primary school and sports complex providing recreation in the district. Boasting multiple dwellings including the original homestead, a 3 bedroom cottage plus single-mans quarters and shearers quarters. Other improvements include; a 7 stand woolshed with covered yards, 3 stand statellite woolshed, 2 main sets of sheep and cattle yards plus 4 sets of satellite yards, an airstrip, reticulated water system servicing the front part of the property, which could be extended plus approx. 31 ha of mature pine trees over 4 blocks.

Tender Closes 12pm, Mon 19 Oct 2020, NZR, 5 Ossian Street, Ahuriri, Napier. Duncan McKinnon 021 241 9073 | duncan@nzr.nz Hawkes Bay Real Estate Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

Golden Opportunity

2.85 ha

Meat Chicken Farm - Eureka This meat chicken farm is located in the mighty Waikato within an easy commute to Hamilton City. It offers buyers a profitable some-what relaxed lifestyle with the certainty of a consistent return on investment regardless of the weather. The three automated growing sheds are well maintained and fitted with some of the latest technology. The property comprises of 2.8 ha (approx), some of which is fenced off and planted in established olive trees that could in time provide an extra revenue source without compromising the ability to run a handful of beefies or sheep. To top it off the tastefully refurbished family home has a northerly aspect. providing quality living for all of the family.

matamata.ljhooker.co.nz/H3ZHR1

TENDER

HASTINGS, HAWKE'S BAY `Kautuku' - You Can't Get Better

For Sale Tender closes Thurs 22nd Oct, 1pm (unless sold prior) ___________________________________ View By Appointment ___________________________________ Agent Peter Begovich 027 476 5787 Rex Butterworth 021 348 276 LJ Hooker Matamata 07 888 5677 Link Realty Ltd. Licensed Agent REAA 2008

This stunning 420ha property is in five titles, located approx. 10 minutes west of Hastings. World class Twyford soils on the flats with irrigation consents. Two renowned water fowl lakes with extensive lifestyle options and easy rolling hills. Fully reticulated water to all paddocks, plus a strong fertiliser history. Good infrastructure, multiple sheds, sheep and cattle yards, four-stand woolshed, 3-bedroom cottage and sundry sheds, plus a 31ha deer unit. The farm supports a cash cropping/lamb and cattle finishing business, and being on the doorstep of Hastings will have great appeal.

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) Closes 4.00pm, Tuesday 20 October (Will Not be Sold Prior)

VIEW

By Appointment Only

Paul Harper H 06 874 3849 M 027 494 4854 E paul.harper@pggwrightson.co.nz Doug Smith H 06 877 6109 M 027 494 1839 E dougsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/HAS32730 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Helping grow the country

NZ’s #1 Agri Job Board

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

FARM MANAGER

2IC/GENERAL HAND WANTED

This position would suit a honest, reliable, self-motivated person who is able to work on their own under direction of the Farm Manager.

The Tongariro Block of Tuatahi Farming Partnership is a 900ha lamb, cattle and deer finishing property located on the outskirts of Turangi town ship in the Central North Island, with good schools and busses available. Many recreational activities available on your back doorstep including hunting, fishing and skiing.

Must have NZ residency. 4-bedroom house available. School bus at gate. Salary negotiable.

The ideal applicant will have: ■ A strong business acumen and financial awareness. ■ Experience with managing, motivating and coaching staff. ■ Experience in a Farm Management position, experience managing an intensive sheep and beef breeding and finishing operation.

Ph Peter and Trixie Foote 09 434 6590 pb_tfooties@xtra.co.nz

The 900ha property has been designed and developed as an intensive finishing operation with central lanes, 4ha paddocks, a re-grassing program and a full reticulated water system.

TE KUITI LIVESTOCK CENTRE

LIVESTOCK SALEYARD MANAGER – WELLSFORD SALEYARD

This is a key role in the Tuatahi business and the employment package offered will be extremely competitive for the right person. Key attributes required for this role are: • A passion for and experience in high performing intensive finishing operations • The ability to maintain accurate records and report objectively to management • Business and Financial Planning and accountability • Excellent pasture management and feed budgeting skills • Ability to plan and monitor all aspects of the farming operation and performance • Use of technology in all aspects of the farming operation If you are passionate about farming, have a great work ethic and a desire to advance your farming career this is the position for you.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new Saleyard Manager to join our Wellsford Saleyard team. You will be responsible for carrying out the management of Saleyard operations and management of repairs and maintenance to the facility. This role requires knowledge and management of the compliance issues relevant to livestock and the saleyards environment. The applicant must have experience handling livestock. This is a salaried position 20 hours/ 3-day work week. Remuneration will reflect the successful applicant’s experience. Position start date October 2020. If this sounds like an opportunity for you, please email your CV and cover letter with any questions to Mischa Hull at mhull@associatedauctioneers.co.nz

JW103932©

The Tongariro Block has three full time staff living on farm and casual or part time staff as required.

Applications close 16th October 2020

The Farm Manager reports to the General Manager and is responsible for leading and managing a team of 5 staﬀ to achieve ﬁnancial, production and performance targets and goals. The Wandle is a dynamic environment so identifying opportunities and potential risks and adjusting plans in response to market, climate and other factors is an important aspect of the role. LK0104008©

We are seeking an experienced, high performing farm manager with a passion for intensive finishing operations.

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farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

AG JOBS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Operation

dave@tuatahi.co.nz Phone 027 280 4292

The Wandle is a 2,550 ha (effective) breeding and finishing farm located in Middlemarch, wintering approximately 15,000su and peaking at over 30,000su. It runs 230 Angus cows and 4,000 Headwater ewes, as well as a large finishing and trading operation, finishing 25,000 lambs and 1,400 cattle.

You will need previous drystock experience, be competent with farm machinery and tractors on hill country, skilled in farm maintenance and have one or two good working dogs.

Intensive Finishing

Applications in writing to David Horner should include a cover letter, CV and a minimum of two work references.

Lone Star Farms, Middlemarch, South Island

For a 439ha bull beef unit at Purua 27km west of Whangarei.

Farm Manager for

■ Track record of managing and achieving high stock performance levels. ■ Managed a farm financial budget, reporting against it monthly. ■ Good knowledge of agronomy and experience in growing winter fodder crops. ■ Competent in formal feed budgeting and planning.

Lone Star Farms will require the successful candidate to undertake and pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Further information is available at www.lonestarfarms.co.nz Interested applicants should phone Tania during business hours on 03 545 7602 to discuss. Applications close on Wednesday 30th September 2020

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

JOBS BOARD 2IC / General Hand

Livestock Saleyard Manager

Assistant Manager / 2IC

Shepherd

Deer Manager

Silver Fern Farms Graduate Career

Farm Manager Fencer / General Livestock Cadet

Stock Manager Tractor/Truck/Machinery Operator

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

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

EMPLOYMENT REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY Please print clearly Name: Address: Email: Heading: Advert to read:

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

Phone:

*conditions apply

LK0104005©

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 21, 2020

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

ATTENTION FARMERS YOUNG FARMING committed family looking for a lease opportunity. Sheep and Beef ideally on the North Island’s east coast. Good farmer with proven results and a desire to improve any land in our care. All land area sizes considered. Phone 021 830 350. FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT Only $6.00 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 brianmace@xtra.co.nz DAGS .20c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

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

BRIDLES STATION TYPES made to order. Lighter models. Pack saddles complete. Breast Plates. Leg Straps. Hobbles. Cruppers etc. Phone Otairi Station. 06 322 8433.

DOGS WANTED 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. BUYING DOGS NZ Wide. No One Buys or Pays More! Email: mikehughesworking dogs@farmside.co.nz 07 315 5553.

FORESTRY WANTED

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

GOATS WANTED

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

GRAZING AVAILABLE NOVEMBER TO MAY. Adult beef dairy cattle. Located Central Hawke’s Bay. Phone 06 855 5039. 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

HORSES FOR SALE CLYDESDALE COLT YEARLING. Well handled. Price $5,000. Phone Bruce 07 543 3950. TWO 13.2HH Welsh ponies. Both straight actions. No riders. Ph 027 243 8541 or 06 388 0212.

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

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE PENNY LANE. Bull sale 28th of September. Pedigree Hereford, Angus and Jersey. Renowned Penny Lane bull plan. No Cost. Fair dinkum. No nonsense. Grazing until required. Details phone 06 762 8058.

A slim petite lady, with brown hair and green eyes. Tired of being alone, she would like to find a genuine gentleman who enjoys the country lifestyle. She loves animals, horse riding, long bush walks, cooking and entertaining. To meet, please call

0800 446 332 Quote code 47

76 80 +GS

www.countrycompanionship.co.nz

PROGRESSIVE RED DEVON BULLS

SUPPLYING FARMERS SINCE 1962

25 YEARLING BULLS for sale. All raised on hill country, good temperament. Good growth rates, easy calving low birth weight sires. BVD tested and vaccinated, TB status C10 asking $1700 +gst for more details please call Rose on 021 026 03230 or Gavin on 021 052 4667.

Industries Ltd

Free quotes Markets for all species Email: BTZforestry@gmail.com

Free range & barn eggs

T H IN K PRE B U I L T

SUPPLIERS OF: • Nest boxes – manual or automated • Feed and drinking trays • Plastic egg trays Quality products made in Europe or by PPP

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

A trusted name in the poultry industry for over 50 years

NEW HOMES SOLID – PRACTICAL

0800 901 902

WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

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

RAMS FOR SALE

Industries Ltd

sales@pppindustries.co.nz www.pppindustries.co.nz

NOTICEBOARD REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

WILTSHIRE & SHIRE® Meat rams. Low input. www.wiltshire-rams.co.nz 03 225 5283.

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

WORK WANTED SHEPHERD LOOKING FOR for work in the King Country area, with some horse work. 027 800 6769.

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

www.woodmizer.com

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

DOLOMITE

Phone:

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

Address:

0800 436 566

Email:

CHILLERS & FREEZERS

Heading: Advert to read:

[For farmers and hunters] Become self-sufficient

udly NZ Made Pro Since 1975

021 441 180 (JC) frigidair@xtra.co.nz

LK0103869©

LK0103214©

We are not committed to one buyer that is how we get our customers the most profit we can. Set up to do the smaller, trickier wood lots. No job too big or too small.

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

Poultry Equipment

0800 901 902 sales@pppindustries.co.nz www.pppindustries.co.nz

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

Farmers/Woodlot owner Tired of waiting for someone to harvest your trees?

HOMES FARM SHEDS SUBDIVISIONS PUMPS

CONTROL FLYSTRIKE & LICE Includes • Jetter unit • Pump & hose kit • Delivery to nearest main centre

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

(Obtaining the best profits for our customers)

POWER CABLE

We could save you hundreds of $$

Please contact Rory Boleyn 027 436 9133

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

BTZ Forestry Marketing and Harvesting

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

When only the best will do!

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

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER GST $4400 INCLUSIVE

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

11.5HP Briggs & Stratton Motor. Industrial. Electric start. GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

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

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

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Looking for expressions of interest to grow lucerne, oats and red clover for hay. South Island wide.

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12-MONTH HEADING dog and bitch, fast, strong, good command, pulling sides. Station and trial potential. Contact Nolan Timmins. 027 932 8839. 12-MONTH-OLD Huntaway dog. Working. 4-MONTHold Huntaway dog pup. Phone 027 243 8541. BREEDING. TRAINING. Selling. Delivering! www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos – Email: mikehughes workingdogs@farmside. co.nz – 07 315 5553.

WETHER GOATS WANTED. North Island Contact David Hutchings 027 4519 249. South Island. Contact Dion Burgess 022 199 7069 and for all other South Island goat enquiries call Dion Burgess.

Don’t Be Alone

VETMARKER

LAMB DOCKING / TAILING CHUTE

LK0102936©

DOGS FOR SALE

LUCERNE WANTED

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ANIMAL HEALTH

GORSE AND THISTLE SPRAY. We also scrub cut. Four men with all gear in your area. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

PERSONAL

LK0103279©

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

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

LK0102279©

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

CONTRACTORS

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 21, 2020

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ANIMAL HANDLING

Noticeboard

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

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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

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 21, 2020

Livestock Noticeboard

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

STOCK REQUIRED

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

Speckle park Bulls available for private sale

“Proudly Based in Hawke’s Bay”

UPCOMING AUCTIONS Monday, 21 September 2020 12.00pm – Mt Mable Angus Yearling Bull Sale 7.30pm – Hoko Herefords Tuesday, 22 September 2020 12.00pm – Morrison Farming Ezicalve Annual Bull Sale 1.00pm – Takapoto Angus Spring Bull Sale

1000 ROM

EWE LAMBS 1YR FRSN BULLS 200-280kg 420-520kg R2YR FRSN BULLS 60 R1YR ANG HEIFERS 250kg 500-600kg R2 OR R3YR STEERS

Thursday, 24 September 2020 7.00pm – National Sale, PER KG 7.30pm – National Sale, PER HEAD

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Friday, 25 September 2020 12.00pm – Waiterenui Yearling Angus

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

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

• BVD tested and vaccinated • Semen tested • M. Bovis tested

A Canterbury based stud recently established from the best genetics available in NZ, Australia and Canada.

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

Friday 25 September at 1pm

LK0104000©

• Yearling and 2 year old • DNA tested • Parentage verified

60 lots comprising Speckle Park and Hereford Yearlings

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

www.kotingotingospecklepark.co.nz

TIMPERLEA ANGUS Maternal, docile cattle

Are you looking in the right direction?

Focused on fertility Easy calving Carrfields Livestock Agents: Chris McBride 0275651145 (Masterton), Bunter Anderson 0274441169 (Masterton), Tom Suttor 0276164504 (Hawke’s Bay), Monty Monteith 027807052 (Hawke’s Bay), Hamish Manthel 0274320298 (Fielding), Kelly Higgins 0276002374 (Cambridge), Brent Espin 0275513660 (Taranaki)

BULL SALE 30 Yearling Angus Bulls 16th October 2020 1710 Carleton Rd, Oxford

CATALOGUE ON-LINE AT

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

To advertise Phone Ella Holland 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

annual angus bull sale

Enquiries to Marie FitzPatrick P: 0273381658 E: mgtimperley@hotmail.com

Friday 25th September 2020 – 11.30am 341b Matauri Bay Road, RD1, Kaeo, Northland, 0478 66 Lots - Comprising 52 x R2 Bulls & 10 x 18 Month Bulls

PRELIMINARY NOTICE

LONG ESTABLISHED TAIERI IN MILK DAIRY HERD AUCTION

• The stud herd is run under

To be held on Farm Beehive Road, Momona on the Taieri Plain

• Matauri has established itself as a leading provider of NZ based Angus genetics throughout the Australasian industry

commercial conditions on hill country

Thursday 15th October 2020 11am

Rural Livestock have been favoured by our vendors Glenbriar Farm Ltd (Mike Todd & Melinda Tiller) 390 Frs/FrsX Spring calving Dairy Cows BW 100 (up to 245) PW 115 (up to 467) RA 94%

Contact eter O’Neill (RLL) P Mike Thompson (RLL) peter.oneill@rll.co.nz michael.thompson@rll.co.nz 027 434 7352 027 479 9474

LK0104016©

This is a top-quality Friesian/FrX herd, with great dairy type. Good honest cows, producing very well. Herd has been farmed by our vendors for over 20 years. Historically done 1,700kgMS/ha, 430-440kgMS/cow. Hard to find herds of this quality. Herd is for genuine sale due to the sale of the property. All cows to be sold in milk, calved from 1st August 2020. Cows will be sold in lines on similar age and PW with lines to suit all purchasers. Expressions of interest contact the selling agents.

• Matauri genetics have had phenomenal success in a wide range of environments • Matauri sire lines continue to top sales on both sides of the Tasman

CONTACTS Cam Heggie Bruce Orr

027 501 8182 027 492 2122

Neil Miller Colin Maxwell

027 497 8691 09 405 0357

For more info and catalogues please email colin@matauriangus.com or visit www.matauriangus.com

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

WE’RE GROWING

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 21, 2020

PROGRESSIVE LIVESTOCK LTD

WANTED

THE CASHMERE INDUSTRY

2019 BORN FRIESIAN HEIFERS F12+: $2000 + GST / head F8-F11’s: $1900 + GST / head F7/Unrecorded: $1700 + GST

GROW WITH US.

ROSEGOWAN HEREFORD 1st ANNUAL ON-FARM SERVICE BULL SALE

2020 AUTUMN BORN FRIESIAN HEIFERS F12: $1600 + GST / head F8-11‘s: $1500 + GST / head F7/Unrecorded: $1300 + GST

+64 27 228 7481 info@nzcashmere.com

Muggeridge Family Farms C/- Robert & Alison Muggeridge 811 Kina Road, Oaonui Opunake, Taranaki

2019 BORN PURE BRED HEREFORD HEIFERS $1200 + GST

www.nzcashmere.com Follow us on

Delivery Date – approx. 10/12/20

TUESDAY 6th October 2020 Start Time: 12pm Sale held undercover with BBQ Lunch Provided

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

LK0103865©

2020 PRICING:

15 - 2yr PB Hereford Bulls 40 - 1yr PB Hereford Bulls 20 - 1yr JSY Bulls (A/C CB & J Lock)

$110 - $150 PER KG

ANIMAL HEALTH All Bulls are TB/BVD tested negative BVD & Letpo Vaccinated Herd TB Status C10

NORTH & SOUTH ISLAND

PHONE TIM ON 027 443 7420 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Grazing or Lease Blocks Wanted

BEXLEY HEREFORD

11TH ANNUAL YEARLING BULL SALE All home Bred Bulls 25th September 2020 – 12 Noon

Region: North Island south of Auckland

A/c Colin & Carol King Awakino Gorge SHW 3

Time: Mid-October onwards

37 Reg. Hereford Bulls 10 PB Hereford Bulls 21 Angus Yearling Bulls

Please Contact Matt Muggeridge Luke McBride Kent Myers John Davidson

027 237 8661 027 304 0533 027 247 6970 027 452 3882

Vendors: Robert & Alison Muggeridge 027 659 1188 or 06 763 8401 www.progressivelivestock.co.nz

Contact Nick Dromgool 027 857 7305 nick.dromgool@geneticdevelopment.co.nz JW103736©

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Contact: Stephen Sutton 027 442 3207 NZFLL Brent Bougen 027 210 4698 NZFLL Grant Ross 021 174 8403 Carrfields Colin & Carol King 06 752 9863

Payment Due 20th October 2020 PLL Bull Plan Finance Available. Free Transport Taranaki Wide T&C.

Payment: Options structured to meet your business

BVD Tested & Vaccinated, TB Tested C10, Viewing from 10am

Payment Terms

LK0104013©

Call now & join the renaissance of this exciting industry.

Livestock Noticeboard

BREEDING ANGUS BULLS FOR HEIFER MATING YOU CAN TRUST

BullsEye Sale

David & Fiona MacKenzie and Greg & Vicki Straker

Thursday 24th September

15th Annual Service Bull Sale Held on farm 300 McDonald Mine Road Huntly Sale is signposted from Huntly Bridge. Undercover & Streamed Live with Online Bidding 425 BULLS COMPRISING: 11.30am Beef Bulls 30 R3 PB Hereford 60 R2 PB Virgin Angus 15 R2 PB Virgin M/Grey 150 R2 PB Virgin Hereford 10 R2 Virgin Red Devon 1pm approx Dairy Bulls 125 R2 Jersey 35 Virgin Autumn Born Jersey Sale will conclude at approx 2pm. All bulls are BVD & TB tested & BVD double inoculated. All bulls have been sample tested to extremely high percentages for M Bovis and results show M Bovis not detected. Our vendors stand behind their bulls, if there is an issue with a bull when delivered you can swap the bull or be fully refunded. Delivery on sale day if needed, then every Monday from 28th September until 2nd November - you pick your day/s. Auctioneers note: I have personally inspected all bulls and can vouch for their excellent temperament and condition. Buyers can buy in confidence at this sale, not only because of the bulls, but the vendors that stand behind their article. Where else do you get the chance to pick what you want, get delivery when you want and pay via Bull Plan if you want! Remember online bidding is available if you are unable to make it to the sale. Agent in Charge: Bill Sweeney - 027 451 5310

Pinebank

Glanworth

70 Yearling Bulls by Private Treaty from October

40 Yearling Bulls by Auction 1st October – 12 Noon Viewing from 10.30am

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

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

anguswaigroup.co.nz

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

farmersweekly.co.nz

LK0099191©

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 21, 2020

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

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

Spring Bull Sale

To advertise Phone Ella Holland 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

35 2yr Bulls 60 Yearling Bulls

Selling 12 Pure Bred 21 month old bulls for Spring delivery. BVD tested and vaccinated. Birth weights available.

Industry – leading maternal and fertility traits including a selection especially suitable for heifer and dairy-cow mating

Wednesday 30 September 2020 at 7.30 pm

On-farm, Fairlie, Friday, October 9th

JW103833©

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Sign up at bidr online sale Bill Flowerday – Tauranga bilanwen@farmside.co.nz Phone 027 272 4361 Enquiries: Bruce Orr 027 492 2122

Key: Dairy

Online bidding opens Sunday, October 4th at www.meadowslea.co.nz through the

platform

Wednesday 23rd September, 11.30am

Thursday 24th September, 11.30am

A/C Client • 150 MA Frsn/Frsnx In-Milk Cows.

A/C M & A Fox

Further enquiries: Brad Osborne 0272 081 015

Celebrating 50 years in New Zealand

CATTLE WITH TASTE!

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Comprising: •

150 Friesian In Milk M/A Cows

BW 98, PW 102, RA 99%. Farm sold, been in family for 42 years. Calved 15th July bull out 9th Dec. LIC breeding for last 20 years, with BWs up to 192 & PWs up to 354. Currently producing 2.03 m/s, SCC 163 on system 2. Cows bred for capacity, udder confirmation & temperament. Herd test figures available. TB C10, lepto vacc, BVD neg, M/Bovis not

BW 127, PW 138.

M/Bovis not detected.

Well grown, top condition, recorded & transferable.

Catalogues available on www.agonline.co.nz

detected. TB C10, lepto vacc, BVD neg,

Further enquiries: Chris Ryan 027 243 1078 Regan Craig 0275 028 585

Further enquiries:

MORRINSVILLE IN MILK COWS & HEIFER SALE

29TH ANNUAL POLLED HEREFORD BULL SALE

Wednesday 30th September, 11.30am

Thursday 1st October, 12.30pm A/C Est WG Thomson & GM Cornes Frankton Saleyards Comprising 66 Bulls: • 40 2yr Hereford Service Bulls

Comprising 140: • 1st Herd of 70 Mainly XBred Cows. BW 64, PW 88. A2 & herd tested. Vendors retiring from dairying. Genuine line of honest hard working cows. •

2nd Herd of 50 cows. BW 103, PW 124. A2 & herd tested. Mix of Jsy/Frn & XBreds. Smart looking line in great order milked on a very hilly farm.

•

3rd Line of 20 1st calves. BW 80, PW 90. CRV bred XBred content. Very well grown.

Details will be available on www.agonline.co.nz

MURRAY GREY BEEF

1779 Gordonton Road, Taupiri

A/C Client • 32 In Milk Frsn/Frsn X Heifers.

Morrinsville Saleyards

YEARLING SALE: 25 BULLS

Other

FRIESIAN IN MILK HERD SALE

BWs up to 220, PWs up to 371. Cows in good condition and are doing the business.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2020, 1PM 839 VALLEY ROAD, HASTINGS

Sheep

MORRINSVILLE IN MILK SALE

BW 112, PW 130 (30% of cows are A2A2). Our vendors bring 150 spring calved in-milk cows to the market due to a new venture. A high percentage of these cows are very young. These cows are currently doing 2MS per cow per day on system 2 with a current SCC of 130,000.

Call: David Giddings 027 229 9760 Email: giddingsfamily@xtra.co.nz

Cattle

Further enquiries: Andrew Reyland 027 223 7092 Shaan Featherstone 027 666 1198

Genetics

Better stud stock for better business

Livestreamed Auctions

pggwrightson/yearlingbullsales

Shaan Featherstone 027 666 1198 Dean Evans 027 243 1092

Top bulls from long established stud farmed on coastal hill country. Top stud Hereford sires used from Koanui, Mokairau, & Otapawa studs. Bred for calving ease & temperament bulls fully guaranteed. BVD tested & inoculated. TB status C10. Further enquiries: Chris Leuthart 027 493 6594 Vaughn Larsen 027 801 4599

PRELIM NOTICE - HERD DISPERSAL OF QUALITY HIGH GENETIC & HIGH PRODUCTION IN MILK COWS Thursday 1st October, 11.00am 29 Ohanga Road, Onaero, Waitara A/C Waiau Trust (Jim & Sue Webster) • 65 Friesian & Friesian X Quality In Milk Cows Herd BW 171, Herd PW 216 Rel 100% BWs to 330, PWs to 493 Comprising numerous contract cows. For further details please contact: Jeff See 027 568 0813 Kim Harrison 027 501 0013 Andrew Reyland 027 223 7092

EARLY MATURITY • HIGH YIELDING CARCASE • PROVEN IMF P: 06 323 4484, E: murraygreys@pbbnz.com, murraygreys.co.nz Like us on facebook: NZ Murray Grey Breeders

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

Helping grow the country

A/c Troy Stevenson On Friday 2nd October 2020 at 437 Patiki Rd, Pihama, South Taranaki Start Time: 11.30am (undercover) BBQ Lunch provided

A/c Mrs A Tapsell & Family – Pukenga Farms On Wednesday 30th September 2020 at 113 Waewaetutuki Rd, Maketu, Te Puke Start Time: 11.30am (Undercover) D/c no 21455

COMPRISING: • 150 Fsn/FsnX In-Milk Cows • BW136 PW180 RA100% • Herd test data available • Predom 2-5yr Cows

COMPRISING: • 335 Predom Kiwi X complete Dairy Herd • BW148 PW180 RA99%

DETAILS: • TB C10, Mycoplasma Bovis not detected & BVD negative • All Cows in-milk, milked in a rotary shed twice daily • 5th Annual In-Milk Auction, mostly 1st & 2nd Calvers • High selection criteria & only sourced from South Taranaki AUCTIONEERS NOTE: All cows personally guaranteed by our Vendors, offering 1week trial. The cows are purchased to supply calf milk then sold. Buy with confidence. Previous buyers have all provided great comments. We totally recommend.

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Owner bred & farmed operated for 60+ yrs & the cows will be auctioned in good mating condition. 25% replacements included annually. Rare opportunity to purchase hard working herd with high index’s & long consistent breeding programme.

LK0103905©

Contact your local Carrfields Agents for details & photos

Contact your local Carrfields Agents for details & photos CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENT: Richard Baird 027 407 0562 VENDOR: Kiri Tapsell 027 867 3363 Catalogues can be downloaded from our website

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

HIGH INDEXED CLOSED IN-MILK HERD DISPERSAL AUCTION 75% A2/A2 IDENTIFIED A/c Heldia Farms Ltd On Monday 5th October 2020 at 1264 SH5, Tirau (Fitzgerald Glade) Start Time: 11.30am (undercover) COMPRISING: • 190 predom Jsy & Jsy X in-milk dairy cows • BW167/52 PW181/54 RA100% • 36 R1 replacement heifers BW219 PW222 • 37 Rising weaner heifer calves, expected BW241 av • 3 2yr Jsy ID bulls, 4 1yr Jsy ID bulls

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: A/c AR Thomson 40 In-Milk young crossbred cows BW138 PW183 RA85% milked OAD TB C10, H/B Shed, genuine quality cows

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: No fuss cows milked on rolling contour. Been bred & owner operated for 40+ yrs & the cows will be in great condition. Great opportunity to purchase hard working, well managed dairy replacements. PAYMENT TERMS: Payment is due on 20th October 2020

PAYMENT TERMS: Payment is due on 30th October 2020 Contact your local Carrfields Agents for details & photos

VENDOR: John & Nellie Engels 07 883 4884

A/c RE & CH Newcombe On Monday 28th September 2020 Address: SH 1, Karapiro, South of Cambridge At 11.30am (Undercover)

DETAILS: • Owner bred & farmed for 40+ yrs, herd tested • TB C10, Lepto & BVD annually, H/B Shed • 450 ms/cow, 80,000 av SCC, 3% empty rates • A2/A2 verified, system 1-2 feeding, no PKE

DETAILS: • Loved & well farmed by owners, 27yrs • Index stats in top 4% NZ, herd tested, flat to steep farm • TB C10, Lepto annually, h/b shed, 120,000 SCC av • Always LIC PSS bred, OAD from January

CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENT: Kelly Higgins 027 600 2374

LONG ESTABLISHED IN-MILK HERD AUCTION

COMPRISING: • 110 M/B in-milk dairy cows – unmated • BW101 PW150 RA94%

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: A wonderful predom Jersey based herd in grand order, farm leased out, totally closed herd, system 2 feeding, shed drenched, very quiet contented dairies. Totally recommend these tidy very hard-working dairy cows & replacements.

PAYMENT TERMS: Payment is due 20th October 2020

PAYMENT TERMS: Payment is due on 20th January 2021

Catalogues can be downloaded from our website

DETAILS: • Owner bred & farmed for 60+ yrs, herd tested • TB C10, Lepto & BVD annually, H/B Shed • 466 MS/Cow, 138,000 av SCC, sold in-milk, unmated • System 3 feeding calved from 15th July • 3 Digit Herd Code, always LIC bred • Last 10 yrs LIC Forward Pack breeding programme

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 21, 2020

Contact your local Carrfields Agents for details & photos CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENT: Kelly Higgins 027 600 2374 VENDORS: Ricky Newcombe 027 376 3937 or Russell Thomson 027 600 2959

LK0103908©

HIGH INDEXED IN-MILK LIC BRED HERD AUCTION

OUTSTANDING YOUNG IN-MILK COW AUCTION

CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENT: Brent Espin 027 551 3660

Livestock Noticeboard

LK0103907©

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

LK0103906©

Catalogues can be downloaded from our website

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

YEARLING SPECKLE PARK BULL SALE 1st October 2020, 12pm 400 Brunskill Road, Cambridge

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

farmersweekly.co.nz

Glen R Angus Annual Bull Sale

35 Rugged 2-year-old Bulls Monday October 5th – 1.30pm 20 BULLS, 5 PUREBRED HEIFERS, 8 SPECKLE SIRED CROSSBRED HEIFERS IN TWO LOTS OF 4.

Open Day to view bulls: Tuesday September 22nd from 2.00pm Sandown 445 Deans Road, SH 72, Darfield

Call Peter Heddell on 027 436 1388

Ram your message home here! If your rams have genetics farmers should invest in this season contact Ella and discuss options to get your message across. Ella Holland: 06 323 0761 or livestock@globalhq.co.nz | farmersweekly.co.nz

LK0103660©

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – September 21, 2020

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

SALE TALK

ANNUAL YEARLING BULL SALE TWIN OAKS ANGUS STUD

GRANTLEIGH FARMS LTD TWIZEL

A/c Roger & Susan Hayward

Thursday 24th September 2020 163 Clemett Rd, Te Akau Start time: 1.00pm

Viewing from 10am COMPRISING: • 47 Ylg Murray Grey Bulls

• 9 Ylg Ang/HfdX Bulls

JW103892©

• 3 Ylg Angus Shorthorn X Bulls

CONTACT: VENDORS: Roger & Susan 07 828 2131 PGGW AGENT: Richard Johnston 027 444 3570 CARRFIELDS AGENT: Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131

Without looking up, Grandpa said, “I told you before, those dishes are as clean as cold water can get them!” LK0103658©

• 43 Ylg Hereford Bulls

ENQUIRIES TO: Grant Midgley 027 444 6886 Carrfields - Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131 PGGW - Jonty Hyslop 027 595 6450

For lunch, Grandpa made hamburgers. Again, John was concerned about the plates, as his appeared to have specks of dried egg on it. “Are you sure these plates are clean?” he asked.

COMPRISING OF: 45 R1 Bulls Bred for performance, maternal production. The Catalogue has a mix of bulls with over 95% suitable for heifer mating.

• 25 Ylg Angus Bulls

All bulls are EBL, BVD & Lepto Vaccinated & BVD boosted Herd is M Bovis Negative A line of very well grown, forward bulls suitable for Heifer or Cow mating. 5% Purchaser Rebate available

His grandpa replied, “They’re as clean as cold water can get them. Just go ahead and finish your meal.”

ON FARM Also available to bid on Auctionsplus as well as on farm

Friday 2nd October 2020 Signposted from SH8, Twizel, Ben Ohau Road Commencing 1pm

Quality Hill Country Angus Bulls

John visited his 90-yearold grandpa who lived way out in the country. On the first morning of the visit, John’s grandpa prepared a breakfast of bacon and eggs. John noticed a film-like substance on his plate, and asked, “Are these plates clean?”

First Annual Yearling Bull Sale 2020 On Farm Sale 2nd October 2pm 1912 Pohangina Valley East Road Ashhurst, Manawatu

LK0104003©

ON FARM BULL SALE

• • • • •

Calving ease Short gestation Temperament Low to moderate birth weights All bulls born and breed off steep hill country under the Ruahine Range • Closed herd with no cattle trading.

Contact Dave & Nicole Stuart Home: 06 329 4748 Cell: 027 422 7239 Email: komako.farm@gmail.com Agents: Carrfields Livestock: Cam Waugh 0274 800 898

Stephen Harris Livestock: Mark Anderson 0274 691 004

Later, as John was leaving, his grandpa’s dog started to growl and wouldn’t let him pass. John said, “Grandpa, your dog won’t let me get by!” Grandpa yelled to the dog, “Cold Water, go lie down!”

56th Annual Hereford Bull Sale Wednesday 23rd September, 12noon

We have your Stud & Service Bull needs covered for September/October 2020

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

36 TOP YEARLING BULLS & 62 2-YEAR OLD BULLS

Upcoming Auctions – September Date

Client

Area

Information

22.09.20

Ratanui Angus

Tolaga Bay

25 1 yr Ang bulls

Tom Suttor

027 616 4504

22.09.20

Whangara Angus

Gisborne

40 1 yr Ang bulls

Tom Suttor

027 616 4504

23.09.20

Turihaua Angus

Gisborne

35 1yr & 2yr Ang bulls

Tom Suttor

027 616 4504

23.09.20

Bushy Downs

Te Awamutu

98 1yr & 2yr Hfd bulls

Mike McKenzie

027 674 1149

24.09.20

Twin Oaks Stud

Te Akau

45 1yr Ang bulls

Callum Dunnett

027 587 0131

24.09.20

Motere Angus Stud

Waipukurau

45 1yr Ang bulls

Tom Suttor

027 616 4504

25.09.20

Matauri Angus Stud

Matauri Bay

53 1yr & 2 yr Angus

Neil Miller

027 497 3492

25.09.20

Maungahina Stud

Masterton

57 Sp Pk 1yr bulls, Hfd ylg bulls & low birth weight 2yr Hfd bulls

Bunter Anderson

027 4441169

25.09.20

Bexley Yearly Hereford

Awakino

63 1yr Hfd, 1yr Ang bulls

Grant Ross

021 174 8403

25.09.20

Waiteranui Angus

Hawkes Bay

25 1yr Ang bulls

Tom Suttor

027 616 4504

Tom Suttor

027 616 4504

Monty Monteith

027 807 0522

28.09.20

Rangatira Angus Stud

Gisborne

29.09.20

Ngakouka Herefords

Dannevirke

1yr & 2yr Ang female dispersal sale 35 1 yr & 2yr Hfd bulls

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

Agent Contact

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

Upcoming Auctions – October Date

Client

Area

Information

Agent Contact

01.10.20

Premier Cattle Company

Cambridge

20 Sp Pk 1yr bulls & 5 1yr Hfrs 8 F1 Sp Pk Hfrs

Kelly Higgins

02.10.20

Grantleigh Farm

Twizel

02.10.20

Komako Angus

Ashhurst

12.10.20

Okawa Poll Herefords

16.10.20

Hall Genetics

027 600 2374

TOP GENETICS ON OFFER

118 1yr MG, Hfd & Ang bulls Callum Dunnett

027 587 0131

YEARLING & 2 YEAR OLD HEIFER DISPERSAL SALE

30 1yr Ang bulls

Cam Waugh

027 480 0898

Mayfield

45 1yr Hfd bulls

Callum Dunnett

027 587 0131

Maitland

96 1yr & 2yr Galloway, BG, Ang bulls

Matt McBain

027 306 5807

MONDAY 28th of SEPTEMBER 2020, 11am at COVENTRY STATION, GISBORNE SALE CATALOGUE AVAILABLE NOW on www.rangatiraangus.co.nz VIEWING SUNDAY 27th of SEPTEMBER between 1pm & 4pm or by appointment

AA INSPECTED

The sale will simultaneously be LIVE STREAMED ONLINE with remote bidding available through bidr.co.nz.

HEIFER’S SIRES PICTURED BELOW

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

BULL POWER PLAN Have Your Service Bulls Covered This Season Purchase your Spring Service Bulls now and pay only $60 per head *Terms and Conditions Apply

LK0103555©

admin fee with the balance due by the end of February 2021*

KAHARAU OUTLANDER 632 as a 2 YEAR OLD NEW ZEALAND’S HIGHEST PRICED 2 YEAR OLD BULL 2018

TURIROA MAVERICK L945 PURCHASED IN 2017

Please contact us if you would like to view the cattle or receive a sale catalogue. Charlie & Susie Dowding P: 06 8623876 M: 027 4 752 798

E: cdowding@xtra.co.nz

Alastair MacPherson P: 06 8628077

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Sarah Friel

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.75

6.00

NI lamb (17kg)

7.25

7.20

8.60

NI Stag (60kg)

6.20

9.30

NI Bull (300kg)

5.60

5.70

NI mutton (20kg)

4.90

5.55

SI Stag (60kg)

6.60

9.30

NI Cow (200kg)

4.35

4.25

4.60

SI lamb (17kg)

7.00

6.95

8.45

SI Steer (300kg)

5.20

5.90

SI mutton (20kg)

4.65

5.60

SI Bull (300kg)

5.15

5.50

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

4.05

4.35

UK CKT lamb leg

9.60

9.47

10.32

US imported 95CL bull

8.06

8.20

8.34

US domestic 90CL cow

7.11

7.35

7.78

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

4.50

8.0

$/kg CW

9.0

South Island steer slaughter price

6.50

South Island lamb slaughter price

7.0

5.0

Oct

5.00

WOOL

4.50

(NZ$/kg) Feb

5-yr ave

Apr

Jun

2018-19

Dairy

Aug 2019-20

Dec 5-yr ave

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Oct

Dec

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

2018-19

2019-20

Fertiliser

Aug 2019-20

FERTILISER Last week

Prior week

Last year

Coarse xbred ind.

1.94

1.88

2.75

37 micron ewe

1.95

1.85

30 micron lamb

1.90

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

578

616

Super

294

314

DAP

758

750

787

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Company

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

32.45

37.89

YTD Low 21.1

21.74

13.8

8.00

430

The a2 Milk Company Limited

17.88

7.50

420

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.885

5.8

3.61

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.11

9.21

4.26

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.685

5.09

3.445

Ryman Healthcare Limited

17.18

6.61

5.62

3.595 4.9

7.00

$/tonne

$/kg MS

Feb

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

6.50 6.00 5.50

Oct-19

Dec-19 Feb-20 Sept. 2020

Apr-20

Jun-20 Sept. 2021

Aug-20

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Last price*

410 400

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

4.95

390

Port of Tauranga Limited

7.38

8.14

Mainfreight Limited

46.3

48.73

Contact Energy Limited

6.33

7.74

4.54

380

Sep-19

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

SMP

2825

2780

2620

AMF

3975

4000

4050

Butter

3690

3650

Milk Price

7.22

Jan-20

Mar-20

May-20

Jul-20

405

395 390 385 380

Sep-19

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Nov-19

Jan-20

Mar-20

May-20

Jul-20

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL 400

2900

350 $/tonne

2920

2880 2860

Listed Agri Shares

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

The a2 Milk Company Limited

17.88

21.74

13.8

3.2

4.97

1.66

Comvita Limited

400

* price as at close of business on Thursday

2840

Nov-19

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

$/tonne

Nearby contract

US$/t

South Island stag slaughter price

5-yr ave

5.50

Dec

Last year

6.0

6.00

Oct

$/kg CW

5.00

12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

7.0

5.0

5.50

4.00

$/kg CW

8.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

6.0

6.00

4.00

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price 6.50

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

Delegat Group Limited

14.98

15.08

6.39

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.05

4.06

3.41

Foley Wines Limited

2.02

2.13

1.35

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.74

0.9

0.68

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.175

0.21

0.17

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.77

2.3

1.29

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.72

3.01

1.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

5.57

8.2

5.5

Scales Corporation Limited

4.95

5.35

3.3

Seeka Limited

4.05

4.74

3.4

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

6.03

9.1

4.36

T&G Global Limited S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

2.75

2.93

2.35

16143

16959

12699

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11777

12094

8499

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12069

12701

9100

300 250

Jul

Aug Sep Latest price

Oct

Nov 4 weeks ago

Dec

200

Sep-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Nov-19

Jan-20

Mar-20

May-20

Jul-20

YTD Low

16143

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

11777

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

12069

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview We kick off with a big high this week – and that has nothing to do with the upcoming referendum. High pressure smothers the North Island bringing light winds to many regions but winds increase around Cook Strait and the South Island, these places are on the edges of the high with warmer nor’westers forming. By Wednesday, the high properly departs the South Island allowing a cold front to move northwards with heavy West Coast rain and warm windy weather in the east of both islands. Later this week, the front moves into the western North Island and crumbles into showers. Going into the weekend it’s more of the same – westerlies and another West Coast cold front and by Sunday more high pressure across NZ.

Price decline for ewes with LAF

16/09/2020

Source: NIWA Data

HE ewes with lambs-at-foot (LAF) market has not lived up to year-ago levels, however prices haven’t been bad. It would seem poor scanning results because of the earlier drought will have left some farms in need of replacement stock. This could partly explain why demand for high quality offerings has been maintained, despite the softer market outlook. In the last week, South Island vendors have been hoping to achieve $100-$110 per head all counted, but prices have landed between $90-$100. In the North Island, good lines of ewes with LAF have been fetching between $90$118/hd all counted, while poorer quality offerings have bottomed out at $75. It is not uncommon for ewes with LAF to see a price drop as lambing progresses and more vendors enter the market. However, the peaks of last year were not available earlier in the season. South Island prices last year started the season at $110-$115, while last year’s North Island market kicked off at $129-$134. By this time last year, the North Island market had eased to $110-$120. This year, the lower end price range has dropped below $100/hd all counted. Past sale yard prices for ewes with LAF illustrate that this season’s prices are in no way low. Only a few years ago, today’s low price of $75/hd all counted was the average price for ewes with LAF. Based on AgriHQ sale yard data, the five-year average for

Highlights

Wind

High pressure means many areas have variable light winds for the start of this week and most likely again around Sunday. For the other days, we have W to NW winds building (brisk at times but not as strong as last week).

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature Warmer than average in most regions for the week ahead. No extremes although many eastern areas may be several degrees warmer than average due to the nor’westers continuing at times. Frosts look minimal.

14-day outlook

High pressure and Southern Ocean lows look to be the theme coming up. There’s a fairly strong belt of highs crossing Australia and coming our way. The Southern Ocean is also quite stormy, so between the highs and southern lows, NZ looks to have more the usual spring westerlies and western rain bands – mainly affecting the West Coast. This means a continuation of the drier than normal patterns in the east and the north of NZ.

Wednesday is the Spring Equinox, at precisely 1.30am. After this date, the nights become shorter than the days again. The slide to summer. Also, this week is still leaning drier than normal in many places, especially north and east.

7-day rainfall forecast

100

200

Sarah Friel sarah.friel@globalhq.co.nz

ewes with LAF is $96/hd all counted, this season’s average so far is $100. So, while prices have dipped from the highs of 2018-19 by 10-13%, they are still holding up well. This signals that there are still buyers out there with the confidence to purchase new season lambs knowing future returns will be lower. There is an evident connection between the drop in price for ewes with LAF and the drop in slaughter prices. For the past month, the average NZ slaughter price for both ewes and lambs has been down 14-17% on last year. This means that ewes with LAF buyers stand to make less money at the processors, so have less money to spend. While the current lamb slaughter price is not so bad comparatively, the outlook to the end of the year – when these buyers would be potentially looking to cull the ewes and offload the lamb – is not so rosy. AgriHQ’s September Livestock Outlook forecasts average lamb slaughter prices in December will be under $7/kg, with further downside expected into the new year. This future uncertainty will be taking some heat out of current ewe with LAF prices. The bottom line is, people who have always farmed for the ewes with LAF market plan – their matings and lambing around these sales – know how to achieve the best results. They turnout earlier-born, terminal sired lambs which have greater growth potential, feed efficiency and carcass quality. Additionally, the 10-13% ewe with LAF price drop is not significant when compared to the added cost of carrying ewes and lambs later into the season. Farmers who bred for this market and sold early will have maximised their returns while minimising the risks of selling later.

400

In a nutshell, the east leans dry over the next week, and northern NZ is fairly dry too. Western areas have fairly average rainfall, especially the West Coast, and the lower North Island from about Kapiti up to Taranaki. But further north in the upper North Island – and most other places elsewhere – it’s mainly dry/drier than average.

LINE-UP: A line of 48 two-tooth ewes with 87 lambs-at-foot at Stortford Lodge. Sold for $113.50 all counted.

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

Positive start to yearling bull sales season This spring’s yearling bull sale season began in early September, progressing through the country from the top of the North Island, scheduled to finish with late October sales in Southland. PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager Callum Stewart says general uncertainty makes the market difficult to predict. “Many of the fundamentals for red meat are positive. Values close to where they were at the equivalent sales last year would leave all parties happy. “We have slightly more bulls on offer this year. Breeders are emphasising affordability and quality. Of the predominantly Hereford and Angus

bulls on offer, purpose-built breeding programmes favour low birth weights and rapid growth. Purchasers look for easier calving and young stock that will mature fast, providing the opportunity to sell progeny early. “Vendors are realistic. Uncertainty has made the market volatile this year. Breeding is focused on added value: providing beef product into the industry, using good genetics to offer dairy farmers an alternative to producing bobby calves,” he said. PGG Wrightson Livestock Genetics Representative for the Upper North Island Cam Heggie said the initial sales showed farmers are receptive to what the

breeding programmes are producing. “At the first sales in Northland, we achieved full clearances of the yearling bulls, with prices up $200 compared to last year. Our vendors are delighted. They are pursuing low birthweight programmes, and have proven they can breed bulls to do that job. Farmers recognise that and come forward on sale day to buy their yearlings,” he said. Selected sales are combining on-site auction activity with bidr®, opening the auctions to a nationwide gallery of purchasers. Callum Stewart says the number of people using bidr® to watch or participate in the sales is growing, and the platform has strong potential around genetics.

SALE YARD WRAP

Lambs blow in with wind The nor’wester winds that earmark spring have been whipping up topsoil from recently turned over pastures in Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu and on the Canterbury Plains, heralding the start of the end of the old season lamb offload. As the paddocks are readied, the last of the lambs head off the paddocks to the processors or sale yards, with September typically showing a small bounce in volume before dropping right off. NORTHLAND Wellsford yearling fair • Better traditional steers, 270-281kg, improved to $3.30-$3.42/kg • Top Hereford-Friesian steers, 326-330kg, held at $3.13-$3.18/kg • Hereford-Friesian steers, 231-260kg, also held at $3.37-$3.48/kg • Angus heifers, 274kg, were well-rewarded at $3.21/kg • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 267-366kg, eased to $2.87-$2.93/kg A good turnout of buyers at the WELLSFORD yearling fair last Monday meant that vendors were required to stay outside for much of the proceedings. Angus-Friesian steers, 303kg, sold well at $3.07/kg, though 204kg and 217kg were discounted to $2.84/kg and $3.11/kg respectively. HerefordFriesian had mixed results with 266-312kg back to $3.14$3.21/kg, though 181-202kg improved to $3.56-$3.61/kg. Hereford-dairy, 241-264kg, also eased to $2.90-$2.95/kg. Hereford heifers, 229-236kg, softened to $2.84-$2.92/kg. Top Angus-Friesian, 241-329kg, returned $2.65-$2.80/kg, while 208kg improved to $3.15/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 257267kg, managed $3.05-$3.16/kg, with 174-175kg steady at $3.49-$3.62/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • Forward 2-year steers made $2.80-$2.86/kg • Yearling Angus-cross steers fetched $2.73/kg to $2.94/kg • Yearling heifers earned $2.55/kg to $2.68/kg • Boner cows sold at $1.88/kg to $2.16/kg • Prime bulls traded at $2.17/kg to $2.81/kg Prime cattle continued to sell on a strong market at PUKEKOHE, with steers at $2.86/kg to $3.08/kg and heifers at $2.82/kg to $3.01/kg. Demand eased for lighter or offtype weaners, while better weaner steers made $505-$520 and heifers $450-$685.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Hereford-Friesian steers, 547kg, made $3.00/kg • Angus-Friesian heifers, 470kg, fetched $2.79/kg • Well-conditioned Friesian cows eased to $1.90-$2.24/kg • Heavy prime lambs reached $195 Around 1100 store cattle were presented at TUAKAU last week but a lack of rain saw the market ease, PGG Wrightson agent Chris Elliott reported. Good steers, 400-500kg, made $2.82-$3.00/kg, and 300-400kg ranged from $2.60/ kg to $3.00/kg. Good weaners realised $550-$600. Most heifers, 300-500kg, earned $2.40/kg to $2.85/kg. Lighter 200-300kg eased to $2.30-$2.60/kg, with 163kg Hereford at $300. The market softened for a big prime yarding on Wednesday. Heavy prime steers traded at $2.90/kg to $3.06/ kg and medium, $2.70-$2.79/kg. Charolais heifers sold up to $3.03/kg, while other heavy types fetched $2.80-$2.89/ kg. Boner cows traded at $1.40/kg to $1.89/kg. Good beef bulls, 690-720kg, sold well at $3.13-$3.18/kg. Jersey service bulls fetched up to $3.58/kg. Medium to heavy prime lambs made $120-$195 on Monday. Good stores earned $85-$105. Heavy ewes traded at $120-$150 and medium, $85-$110.

WAIKATO Frankton Cattle 15.09 • Ten 2-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 431-435kg, sold to good interest at $2.99-$3.02/kg • Quality yearling Angus-Friesian steers, 260kg, improved to $3.12/ kg • Top prime beef-dairy steers, 532-666kg, improved to $3.01-$3.06/ kg Store cattle throughput lifted to 765 head for PGG Wrightson at FRANKTON last Tuesday, though there was little demand for longer-term or off-bred types. Just 64 2-year cattle were penned. Better dairy-beef and traditional heifers, 369-466kg, returned $2.85-$2.93/kg. Yearlings made up over 70% of the offering. Hereford-Friesian steers, 220224kg, held at $3.08-$3.14/kg with 200-202kg $2.77-$2.83/ kg. Beef-dairy heifers, 209-283kg, returned $2.53-$2.66/ kg. Friesian bulls, 205-284kg, softened at $2.29-$2.43/kg. Autumn-born weaner heifers, 116-143kg, realised $300$435. Hereford-Friesian bulls, 133-147kg, came back to

$485-$530 and 121-145kg, $390-$485. Prime throughput eased. Most boner heifers, 410-438kg, eased slightly to $2.43-$2.55/kg, though three at 436kg held at $2.61/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle 16.09 • Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 455-503kg, realised $2.91$2.95/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 189-306kg, mainly held at $2.65-$2.76/kg • Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 568-647kg, fetched $2.89-$2.98/kg Late truck arrivals meant a delayed start to the day for New Zealand Farmers Livestock at FRANKTON last Wednesday. Store cattle numbers lifted to 530 and yearlings made up close to 60%. Two-year beef-cross, exotic-cross and traditional steers, 389-512kg, mostly held at $2.80-$2.83/kg. Better beef-dairy heifers, 388-429kg, were mainly steady at $2.74-$2.82/kg, while 344-399kg softened to $2.63-$2.72/kg. Yearling dairy-beef steers, 236-291kg, softened to $2.52/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 279-362kg, returned $2.53-$2.56/kg. Friesian filled the lion’s share of the bull pens and 192332kg were discounted to $2.41-$2.53/kg. Prime cattle throughput was steady. Hereford-dairy steers, 540-626kg, softened to $2.80-$2.89/kg. All heifers, 432-494kg, held at $2.78-$2.86/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Waikato feeder calf sales A drop in throughput at WAIKATO calf sales was overdue as calf rearers are largely full. Supply came back to 1000 total at FRANKTON and TIRAU, but most classes still eased. Good Friesian bulls came back to $60-$70, though low values already in place on medium and light pens meant they held at $10-$45. Hereford-Friesian prices were back across the board by around $40. Good calves made $180-$220, medium $80$160 and small, $20-$60. Red factor lines were discounted up to $100 further in most cases as they sold for $15-$70. Simmental-cross held value at $170-$190, but Angus-cross eased to $115 for medium. Hereford-Friesian heifers held, and good lines made $90$170, medium $40-$80 and small, $15-$35. Read more in your LivestockEye.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Two-year Hereford-dairy steers, 340-435kg, made $2.76-$2.89/kg • Two-year Hereford-dairy heifers, 450-560kg, earned $2.90-$2.95/ kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 294kg, sold well at $3.50/kg • Prime steers were all over 500kg and earned $3.11-$3.20/kg • Boner Friesian cows, 420-616kg, traded from $1.95/kg to $2.26/kg Advertised lines of yearling Charolais-Simmental heifers were popular at RANGIURU last Tuesday. The top pen weighed 345kg and earned $3.04/kg while second cuts, 321-347kg, fetched $2.85-$2.88/kg. The remaining yearlings were more varied as Angus steers, 258kg, made $2.83/kg and dairy-beef, 250-295kg, $2.46/kg to $2.62/kg. Hereford-beef heifers, 308-363kg, earned $2.98-$3.00/kg while Hereford-Friesian and Angus-Friesian, 262-276kg, were available in numbers and sold well from $3.11-$3.19/ kg. A small sheep section posted some good prices as lambs earned up to $141 and ewes $139. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Male store lambs made $130 • Mixed sex store lambs fetched $76 There was a small yarding at MATAWHERO last Friday where top prime lambs sold at $175-$186 and light to medium types made $130-$158. Two-tooths earned $119$139, with mixed-age ewes at $161. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle

• • • •

Three-year steers, 417-442kg, eased to $2.71-$2.81/kg Better yearling steers traded at $3.20/kg to $3.35/kg The average yearling heifer, 260kg, held at $2.38/kg Prime steers earned $2.94-$3.00/kg Wild weather reduced buyer confidence at the TARANAKI cattle fair last Wednesday. The average two-year beef-dairy steer dropped by 20c/kg to $2.81/kg. In the two-year heifer pens, 140 head of annual draft, hill-country heifers sold well with the top end at $2.90-$2.97/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Most very heavy ewes traded at a softer $156-$166 • Good to heavy ewes eased to $115-$144 • Very heavy cryptorchid and male lambs held at $190-$202 • Most very heavy ewe lambs traded at $152.50-$169.50 Sheep throughput increased at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday, and ewe numbers almost doubled. Top-end ewes held at $184-$201.50. Medium to medium-good types softened to $95-$114, while lighter ewes held at $47-$94. Lamb numbers increased slightly, and demand was solid as buyer numbers lifted. The balance of male lambs improved to $141-$172. Top ram lambs returned $193-$200.50, while most very-heavy mixed-sex lines earned $149-$166. The cattle offering consisted of a small mainly dairy-bred lineup. All heifers, 405-505kg, held at $2.66-$2.72/kg. Three good Angus cows, 532kg, fetched $2.20/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • Two-year beef-cross bulls, 493-499kg, held value at $3.18/kg • Quality 2-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 392-440kg, sold well at $2.80-$2.86/kg • 18-month beef-cross bulls, 432kg, returned $3.13/kg • Capital stock Perendale ewe lambs sold for breeding at $154 In a yarding of 304 cattle, 195 were part of special entries found in the 2-year pens at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday. Two-year Friesian steers, 466-497kg, sold well at $2.51-$2.55/kg, while red Hereford-Friesian heifers, 433kg, were discounted to $2.69/kg. The yearling market was harder and 206-228kg Friesian bulls made $2.63-$2.67/ kg, while Angus-cross heifers, 121-173kg, traded at $310$430. The ewes with lambs-at-foot market was split into lines with older but fewer lambs at $97-$115 all counted, and younger multiple lambs at $75-$78. Store lamb volume dropped to 1700 head and good ewe lambs held at $136$141. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Most lambs were heavy types at $160-$175 • Good ewes returned $130-$159 Large line sizes of prime lambs were a feature at FEILDING last Monday. Quality was also high with the top 15% very heavy types that were priced at $180-$191.50. Medium-good lambs traded for $131-$159.50. Mediumgood ewes earned $124-$129 and a small entry of medium lines, $107-$121. The cattle section was a non-event with just two boner cows gracing the pens. Read more in your LivestockEye. Manfeild Park feeder calf sale Calves totalled just 290 at last Monday’s MANFEILD PARK sale. Good Friesian sold for $155-$160 and medium $130, while good Hereford-Friesian and beef-cross achieved $160-$185. Medium types of these breeds returned $125$150. The best of the heifers was Simmental-cross at $180-$200 while Hereford-Friesian and Angus-cross fetched $100-$130. Medium lines made $70-$85 and beef-cross, $110-$135. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store cattle and sheep • Yearling traditional steers, 255-320kg, lifted to $3.40-$3.60/kg • Yearling Hereford bulls, 310-355kg, made $1400-$1660 • Two-year Angus heifers, 450kg, made $3.05/kg • Ewe with LAF lifted slightly to $88-$95 all counted • All lambs averaged $119.50

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020

550kg. The bulk of the remainder were 492-515kg HerefordFriesian at $2.80-$2.83/kg. Angus and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 464-502kg, earned $2.72-$2.80/kg. A small yarding of mixed quality was found in the store cattle section. Many of both the yearlings and 2-year cattle were dairy types that struggled to sell. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime cattle and all sheep • Prime Speckle Park-Friesian steers, 573kg, earned $2.97/kg • Prime Hereford and Hereford-Friesian steers, 540-630kg, earned $2.80-$2.92/kg • Medium to heavy store lambs mostly traded for $103-$134 • Prime lambs firmed with the top pens $210 and half of the section $164-$196 • Ewes with lambs-at-foot sold for $60-$90 all counted Prime steers and heifers met keen competition at TEMUKA last Monday. No steers had been able to reach the $3/kg mark at the previous sale but the best Angus, 542629kg, achieved $3.00-$3.05/kg. The most numerous and best-performing heifers were 470-725kg Hereford-Friesian that despite the wide weight range mostly sold for similar values from $2.73/kg to $2.86/kg. Boner cows pushed higher as 559-627kg Friesian firmed to $1.97-$2.09/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

BUSINESS AS USUAL: This photo taken at the Coalgate yards nearly hides the fact high winds battered those attending the sale. It did not deter bids on prime lambs though and these Suffolk-cross sold for $215.

A good-quality yarding of 1100 cattle mostly sold to a steady or firmer market. A hundred two-year traditional steers were 470-585kg and made $3.20-$3.25/kg, whereas 375-525kg Hereford-Friesian were $2.80-$2.95/kg. Twoyear Friesian bulls, 390-430kg, made $3.05-$3.15/kg. Most of the two-year heifers were 330-360kg Angus at $2.75/kg. Traditional yearling steers mostly made $3.40-$3.60/kg, while 350-380kg Hereford-Friesian were $3.05-$3.20/kg. Yearling 215-335kg Hereford-Friesian heifers were $2.50$2.70/kg. Luckily only 1500 lambs were yarded considering the very cold and wet day. Only five pens of ewes with lambsat-foot sold for only a little more adjusting for quality. Most pens were $88-$95 all counted, the most expensive holding docked, terminal lambs. All sexes of lambs sold for similar amounts. Prime types were around $155, heavy store lines circled $140, mediums were $120-$130 and all but the tail-enders made $100-$115. Read more in your LivestockEye Rongotea cattle • Two-year Speckle Park-cross steers, 783kg, made $2.97/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 175-190kg, held at $2.79/kg to $2.97/kg • Boner cows, 450-581kg, softened at the top end to $1.81-$1.89/kg • Top feeder calves fetched $155-$205 Buyers showed a clear preference for heavy cattle at RONGOTEA last Wednesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Top two-year Hereford-Friesian steers were mostly steady at around $2.85/kg, while Angus-cross were of lighter weights at 349kg and softened to $2.49/kg. Two-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 432-475kg, eased to $2.63/kg to $2.80/kg. Yearling Hereford-Friesian bulls, 195-244kg, sold at $2.05/kg to $2.33/kg, with same breed heifers, 150-333kg, firm at $2.33/ kg to $3.20/kg.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • Two-year Angus steers, 435-474kg, managed $2.85-$2.93/kg • Two-year Hereford steers, 409-476kg, made $2.83-$2.93/kg • Prime Charolais and Charolais-Hereford steers, 585kg-608kg, fetched $3.05-$3.15/kg • Prime Hereford heifers, 458-520kg, earned $2.75-$2.80/kg An oversupply of store cattle affected prices at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday. Most of the two-year steers were 395-480kg Hereford-Friesian that made $2.52-$2.64/kg, while the best heifers of this breed, 408kg, managed $2.33/kg. Yearlings were hard going with most not able to achieve $2/kg. Close to a quarter of the prime steers were high yielding traditional lines, 550-635kg, that sold for $2.89-$3.00/kg. Hereford-Friesian were the most numerous of the heifers and 495-610kg traded for $2.65$2.75/kg. Store lambs mostly earned $106-$144, while prime lambs made $130-$190 with medium pens most sought after. Prime ewes earned $90-$185. Read more in your LivestockEye. Coalgate cattle and sheep • Two-year Angus steers, 234kg, made $2.95/kg • Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 363-388kg, fetched $2.53$2.58kg • Store lambs mostly sold in four main pens that earned $113-$131 • 146 TefRom ewes and 226 Sufftex lambs traded for $110-$116 all counted Over 2300 prime lambs were offloaded at COALGATE last Thursday. Heavy lambs made $190-$216 but the real meat of the sale was at the $180-$190 mark where a third of the lambs sold. The bulk of the remainder made $141-$178. Heavy prime ewes made $177-$220, but half the tally was light at $80-$117. There was less competition for prime cattle and buyers only needed $2.91-$3.00/kg for steers over

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Temuka store cattle • Two-year Hereford and Charolais-Friesian steers, 480-503kg, earned $2.59-$2.69/kg • Yearling Angus steers, 281-325kg, achieved $3.24-$3.33/kg • Yearling Charolais-cross steers, 245-277kg, made $3.17-$3.18/kg The gallery at TEMUKA was small with buyers very cautious in their purchases due to dry conditions. Most two-year steers in the 350-408kg weight range were dairy-beef and priced at $2.42/kg to $2.58/kg while same weighted heifers earned $2.35-$2.47/kg. One third of the yarding were yearling steers which included AngusHereford, 192-260kg, $2.76-$2.81/kg with a few pens above and below this mark. Hereford-Friesian contributed the majority and 186-284kg traded at $2.63-$2.72/kg and red-coloured pens, 213-248kg, $2.42-$2.51/kg. HerefordFriesian also provided the bulk of the yearling heifers. Only two pens were heavier than 200kg at 215kg and 289kg and they earned $2.32/kg and $2.42/kg respectively. Murray Grey-cross, 159-189kg, made $2.01-$2.12/kg, while the balance sold to selective bidding. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep • Two-year Angus-Friesian steers, 320-330kg, made $2.67-$2.69/kg • Boner cows over 500kg sold at $1.70/kg to $1.85/kg • Prime ewes firmed with heavy types at $146-$160, medium $122$140 and light $80-$110 • Ewes with lambs-at-foot traded at $80-$95 all-counted There was a small yarding of cattle at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday where steers over 500kg were mostly steady at $2.50-$2.65/kg and similar weighted heifers made $2.42/kg. A large yarding of store cattle sold on a sound market where 2-year traditional steers, 471kg, made $2.74/kg, with 2-year Angus heifers, 486kg, $2.70/kg. Yearling dairy-beef steers, 254kg, traded at $2.95-$3.05/kg, with 180-228kg heifers at $2.39/kg to $2.61/kg. Heavy prime lambs held at $157$160, medium $130-$141 and light $107-$123. Store lambs softened with the top end at $90-$100, medium $75-$85 and light $50-$65. Charlton sheep • Two-tooth ewes fetched $140 • Prime ewes strengthened to $165, with medium at $130-$145 and light $60-$70 • Local trade rams made $60 There was a small yarding of sheep at CHARLTON last Thursday where heavy prime lambs held at $160, and light to medium returned $130-$150.

Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – September 21, 2020 NI COW

SI LAMB

NI STEER

($/KG)

4.35

7.00

5.75

TWO-YEAR BEEF-FRIESIAN HEIFERS, 385KG, AT TARANAKI ($/KG LW)

2.82

high $2.54-$2.64 Herefordlights Two-year Friesian steers, 400-

Yearling HerefordFriesian steers, 280440kg, at Canterbury Park 330kg, at Wellsford Fair

MIA marks a record year for meat exports

15% rise in the value of beef set a new record for total exports from the meat industry in 2019-20 of $9.4 billion, the latest Meat Industry Association annual report says. China paid a total of $4.7bn across all industry products, providing half of the export revenue. Beef accounted for $3.8bn, led by a huge 30% increase in sales to China, totalling $1.55bn and representing 41% of all beef sales in the financial year to June 2020. The United States fell to 30% share of beef exports, worth $1.16bn, followed by Japan at $217 million, up 19% on the previous year. The value of sheepmeat exports increased by 4% to $4bn and China took $1.7bn or 43% of sales, up 23% on the previous year. In terms of weight, China took over 50% of sheepmeat exports, at 209,000 tonnes. The United Kingdom was a distant second, buying lamb worth $413m, which was 10% of the total. The volume to the UK fell by 11% so the average price achieved was $10.83/ kg, up from $9.72 the previous year. The US (9% share), Germany (7%) and Netherlands (5%) filled places three to six. Co-products accounted for 17% of the meat industry’s export earnings at $1.6bn, led by casings and tripe and followed by edible offals, prepared and processed products, meat and bone meal, blood products and tallow. There was a 30% fall in the export value of hides and skins but Italy remained the number one destination with 40%. MIA chair John Loughlin says African swine fever in China dominated most of the year until covid-19 took over. He praised the quality of the industry’s response to covid, saying that restrictions and physical distancing

IMPRESSED: MIA chair John Loughlin praised the quality of the industry’s response to covid restrictions, coupled with drought, while averting animal welfare problems.

Large scale afforestation will result in fewer livestock processed and jeopardise the viability of plants and jobs. John Loughlin Meat Industry Association

coupled with drought in many regions could have led to animal welfare problems, but these were averted. There were no reported cases of covid-19 transmission in a NZ meat

$875-$1050

processing site, in contrast to other countries where meat plants were infection hot spots and people died. Resilience and flexibility characterised the industry’s response and Loughlin praised the work of trade officials. Although he was not so happy about the climate change framework of permanent land conversion from sheep and beef cattle to carbon storage in pine forest. “It means emitters are compensating for their environmental problems rather than solving them,” he said. “Large scale afforestation will result in fewer livestock processed and jeopardise the viability of plants and jobs.” The industry accounts for 92,000 fulltime jobs or nearly 5% of the national workforce.

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Spring offers mixed fortunes SO FAR spring has provided farmers with mixed fortunes, as conditions have been great for lambing and calving in most areas, but once again we find ourselves with very limited rain falling and that is starting to cause concern. Wind in many areas has been relentless, fraying the nerves and sending topsoil on freshly cultivated paddocks sky high. Other places have even had a bit of snow. It has also meant mixed fortunes within the sale yards, especially for store cattle, which are the main focus right now. Cattle supply has been plentiful around the country as a combination of annual draft, later offloads and the need to still reduce pressure further on-farm has kept volume on the higher side for most yards. In these modern times, the ratio of traditional to beef-dairy now swings more towards the latter. And while the clean lines of these types are popular, there are plenty that do not meet buyer approval and are discounted for one reason or another, whether it be colour, condition, type or other factors such as horns. Traditional and exotic cattle tend to hold their own these days, especially the older, short-term steers, but there has been hesitancy even for these breeds on the longerterm yearlings. Typically, by this time a grass market would have kicked in, but there are few regions that can boast about surplus feed and that is impacting all classes, regardless of breed. The buyers are appearing at the bigger sales but lack the determination to ensure they take cattle home, seemingly happy to hold off for another week to see what the weather does. This contradicts last year’s market as we were riding a wave of positive outlooks for both feed levels and market demand, but we all know that in farming no two years are ever the same. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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