Farmers Weekly NZ February 22 2021 by AgriHQ

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Meat markets evolve Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

HANGING eating patterns as global consumers respond to the covid-19 pandemic is forcing meat exporters to shift their focus to retail markets, which will require more stock supplied out of season. The global retail sector is growing rapidly for meat exporters as consumers, forced due to the pandemic lockdown, are cooking for themselves at the expense of foodservice. For the past year, meat exporters and Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) have collaborated to target retailers, celebrity chefs, influencers and conscious foodies through television, social and digital media to buy New Zealand meat. That included a NZ lamb cooking segment on the Good Morning America television programme with celebrity chef George Duran, which was viewed by four million people. Alliance Group global sales manager Shane Kingston says the pandemic has accelerated the growing market of people cooking and eating at home. “There is a lot of evidence and data that I have read where people required to stay at home are resetting their behaviour,” Kingston said. “Penetrating the in-home dining occasion is a critical part of our success.” That means supplying cuts that are easy and quick to cook. And for many consumers lamb,

TARGET MARKET: Last year, four million viewers in the US were told the merits of cooking with NZ lamb on the Good Morning America television show by celebrity chef George Duran (centre), pictured with presenters Amy Robach and Michael Strahan.

which accounts for less than 3% of global meat consumed in the home, is an unfamiliar meat. Kingston says foodservice remains a key market and platform to test and promote lamb and venison, but the biggest growth area is home-cooking. “Retail and in-home dining will be a larger proportion of sales than it was previously,” he said. That provides a challenge for exporters. “We’ve got to be able to confidently guarantee 365-day supply,” he said. Kingston says Alliance is looking how to incentivise and reward suppliers willing to provide out of season supply.

Silver Fern Farms (SFF) chief executive Simon Limmer says growing retail demand, especially e-retail, is changing supply logistics and will require greater volumes of out of season livestock. “It is even more important to focus on the supply chain, produce sustainable, nutritious product with animal welfare components, because we are seeing a real shift in consumer behaviour and covid-19 has accelerated that shift,” he said. Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Tony Egan says the pandemic and uncertainty around Brexit illustrated how quickly markets evolve and the

Penetrating the in-home dining occasion is a critical part of our success. Shane Kingston Alliance Group need for companies to be creative and flexible. “We gained a much greater understanding of the complexity of cut specifications and packaging,” Egan said. Egan says businesses require a culture to enable a quick

response to market changes, adding the meat industry worked collaboratively during the pandemic, realising there was mutual benefit. “We have reached a point where we realise there are major changes ahead for farming and land-use, and we have to be smart on our feet to survive,” he said. B+LNZ’s global manager of the NZ Red Meat Story Michael Wan says the pandemic accelerated a change in buying patterns as consumers sought a protein-based diet to boost their immunity. The US online grocery turnover grew from $1.7 billion ($US1.2b) in 2019 to $10b ($US7.2b) last year. Wan says not only have NZ companies successfully pivoted their focus to retail, but used digital and social media to connect with potential customers. He predicts meat company sales will in the future be more balanced between retail and food service. “It will balance out,” Wan said. “There will still be a strong foodservices presence, but it will be different and be balanced by a larger retail presence.” B+LNZ used its Taste Pure Nature brand to raise awareness and Wan says research shows the US’ awareness of NZ farming practices has increased by 17% to 58% in the last 22 months. Despite dire predictions, the value of NZ red meat exports reached an historic high of $9.2b in 2020, up 1% on 2019 and 7% higher than 2018. Farm gate values for lamb and mutton are holding above the five-year averages, but are below that benchmark for beef.

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4 Vocational training changes welcomed Former farmer-elected DairyNZ director Ben Allomes takes his hat off to the Government for making changes to the in-job and vocational training sector, as he says the old framework was outdated, broken and creating the wrong behaviours.

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10 Plan to bolster NZ’s wool sector

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

M bovis review gets underway Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz AN INDEPENDENT review of the Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme is aimed at identifying lessons that can be learned from New Zealand’s largest biosecurity response. Driven by the programme partners, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), DairyNZ, and Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ), the review is deemed best practice given the scale of the eradication programme. It will also fulfil a commitment made to farmers at the start of the programme, DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says. “Eradicating Mycoplasma bovis is hard work, but with the whole sector working together we have made really good progress,” van der Poel said. “It is best practice to carry out a review of an eradication programme of this scale. “It’s important we capture what we’ve learned and utilise it for anything we might face in the future.” B+LNZ chair Andrew Morrison says continuous improvement is the next step of the journey. “There’s been a lot of good work by farmers and people involved in the programme, and we have worked hard to make improvements,” Morrison said. “We have a philosophy of continuous improvement and this review is the next step in our journey.” Nicola Shadbolt has been appointed chair of the review panel. A farmer with significant experience in the agriculture sector in NZ, Shadbolt is a professor of farm and agribusiness management at Massey University. She has authored more than 100 research articles, is editor of two international academic journals and co-edited the

LEAD: Massey University’s professor of farm and agribusiness management Nicola Shadbolt has been appointed chair of the M bovis review panel.

Eradicating Mycoplasma bovis is hard work, but with the whole sector working together we have made really good progress. Jim van der Poel DairyNZ textbook, Farm Management in New Zealand. Roger Paskin, Caroline Saunders and Tony Cleland are the three appointed review panel members. Paskin is the former chief veterinary officer for the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia,

where he had technical oversight of all animal disease control, surveillance, traceability and health certification programmes. He was engaged by DairyNZ to review case and data management of the M bovis programme in 2019. Saunders is president of the UK Association of Agricultural Economists and has significant experience in the agribusiness and biosecurity sectors, including nine years as a member of the Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee. She is a professor of trade and environmental economics at Lincoln University and director of its Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit, and has undertaken research for a wide range of private and public organisations, including the EU Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT),

well from the beginning, what changed as the programme made improvements and what can be taken onboard for future biosecurity responses.” The M bovis Governance Group’s independent chair Kelvan Smith says the review has a different focus from previous reviews, such as analysis by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), which focused on the possibility of eradication. “The eradication programme is going well, as shown by the reduced number of farms under controls over the past year,” Smith said. “Everyone involved has played their part and I thank everyone for their efforts to date.” Farmers will be invited to take part in the review in due course. The review is expected to take at least six months and will be shared publicly once completed.

the Treasury and Fonterra. Cleland is chair of the FMG board and has extensive experience in the rural sector as a dairy farmer, and one of the founders and a director of FarmRight, a company which manages $1 billion of assets. He has held a range of governance roles, including director of several large-scale farming businesses. Shadbolt says it is important to consider what could be learnt from the M bovis response to strengthen NZ’s biosecurity system. “The Government and farmers have committed a great deal of time and effort to eradicating M bovis, and it’s been a significant undertaking for everyone involved,” Shadbolt said. “We can learn a lot from looking at the response overall, and understanding what went

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Vocational training changes welcomed There’s a lot happening at present in the vocational educational sector as a result of the Government’s Review of Vocational Educational (RoVE), which includes the establishment of industry-based centres of vocational excellence (CoVE), workforce development councils and the establishment of Te Pukenga. On top of that, there’s targeted apprenticeship funding as part of the covid response. Colin Williscroft looks at the potential benefits of the new approach to vocational training to the primary sector and how the industry can find the extra 50,000 workers it needs. FORMER farmer-elected DairyNZ director Ben Allomes takes his hat off to the Government for making changes to the in-job and vocational training sector, as he says the old framework was outdated, broken and creating the wrong behaviours. Allomes, a Woodville dairy farmer, is one of seven directors on the new Food & Fibre CoVE board that is responsible for a wide-ranging sector that adds areas like forestry and seafood to traditional agriculture and horticulture businesses. He says ongoing education is critical to anyone’s success in the workforce and he is optimistic that under the new setup, values and pathways can be put in place to make that more accessible. Allomes says the CoVE plans to pick the eyes out of the best programmes occurring across the wider food and fibre space and then share them with others in the sector to ensure there is no doubling up. “There is a real desire to work together and a lot of people want to stop the duplication,” Allomes said. That desire to abandon the old silo-based approach, coupled with two other changes within the primary sector, leads Allomes to believe that the opportunity to make real and lasting improvements to primary industry training has never been greater. The first of those changes is the momentum built by Young Farmers through programmes like Agrikids, TeenAg and its network of clubs and regional competitions around the country that has increasingly led young people coming through the system to stand up and say they

are proud to be a farmer. The second is the growing number of farming workplaces being led by people committed to creating an environment where employees feel valued and encouraged to undertake lifelong training in a variety of formats. “It’s very exciting times. I got frustrated in the past and I could have thrown my toys out of the cot, but I knew the stars would align at some point,” he said. “But my goodness, we need it to happen. There’s a big requirement for good people. And we need the right workplaces, so we don’t lose them.” He says one of the challenges the CoVE board faces is that the new models don’t turn into another talkfest. “It has to deliver and we need to make sure it does,” he said. Fellow CoVE board member and Federated Farmers national board member responsible for skills and training William Beetham says the changes to the vocational training sector are long overdue. He says the previous approach to vocational education faced a multitude of issues, including its funding model, validating qualifications and a lack of coordination across the sector. While there will be big challenges implementing the new system, including asking training providers that in the past competed against each other to come together under one banner, he is optimistic they can be met. “The old system failed us on so many levels. We’ve now got an opportunity to look at not just one part of the system but all of it, including what vocational training should look like and how

NEW APPROACH: Ben Allomes says there is a real desire to stop duplication in vocational training and instead work together.

The old system failed us on so many levels. We’ve now got an opportunity to look at not just one part of the system but all of it. William Beetham Food & Fibre CoVE employers can become better onfarm,” Beetham said. “It’s got to be different.” Dairy Training Limited manager Cath Blake says once everything comes together under RoVE, the food and fibre sector will be the better for it, with the goal being a wider and more accessible range of training and upskilling options

for people available across the primary sector throughout their careers. Blake says prior to the announcement of RoVE, the dairy industry had been pushing for a new model of training involving pathways and “credentialisation” that includes both formal and informal training engagement. The idea is to develop a platform that can deliver training throughout a person’s whole career, providing lifelong training options rather than just at the beginning of someone’s working life, with formal training complemented by informal channels like discussion groups and short courses. “It’s about showing a pathway that people can move in and out of, depending on where they are in their career and at what stage the season is,” Blake said.

She says it’s important that training is available at all levels, not just restricted to entry level. That means being able to deliver training in areas like human resources and financial practices, along with people management, not just things like safe vehicle training or stockmanship, to help drive skills growth right throughout someone’s career. Allomes agrees, saying that when he was on the DairyNZ board the biggest return per dollar of training investment was at management level. Blake says the dairy sector needs to develop a range of skills within its workforce and that there are a lot of new tools and initiatives that can be utilised as part of training. Videos are one of those avenues but the dairy industry has already used others, like virtual reality and voice to text software, to deliver training and assessment to suit individual learning styles. She says it’s important to understand that changes that are part of the RoVE initiative are designed to work together and once the people involved get into their roles and are clear about their responsibilities, there is great potential to increase peoples’ skills across the food and fibre sector. But a coordinated approach is necessary, as the last thing anyone wants is for farmers to be confused about the changes being made.

NEW

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Trainers for new shearing course named Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz A GROUP of respected industry trainers from around the country will run the first upskilling courses for young shearers and wool handlers in a pilot programme contracted by the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association (NZSC) through Kaiaka Wool Industry Training NZ. The courses, put together by training provider WOMOlife and set to begin at the end of March, include an online series of videos featuring experts in their fields, inshed training by highly respected industry trainers, and movement coaching to protect and improve the skills of the group. Head trainer Carmen Smith brings more than 25 years of knowledge and expertise to the programme, and along with her partner Gavin, runs a 340ha sheep and beef farm in Waipukurau. A former shepherd, these days Smith, who has plenty of awards under her belt, is a shearer, wool handler and presser, and has worked in sheds all over the world. Along with Nathan “Stratty” Stratford and Jeremy Goodger, Smith also features in the courses’ learning videos, which were shot by internationally-recognised producer and director Celia Jaspers, whose extensive portfolio includes Country Calendar. The two-to-three minute videos will complement the in-shed training and will enable those on the courses to check what they are doing on their phones while they are at work. Another award winner, world record holder Justin Bell has more

than 28 years’ expertise in the shearing industry and is joining Smith as a trainer. He knows what it takes to shear for hours on end, day in and day out, and is keen to pass on his knowledge and expertise to those starting out and younger shearers wanting to upskill. Bell, whose family farm is at Weber near Dannevirke, has set three world records and currently still holds the two-stand eighthour strong wool lamb record. Also joining the team is Gisborne-based Deano Smith, an award-winning speed shearer, who has worked in Australia and around New Zealand, and loves passing on his knowledge and skills to younger shearers. With more than 30 years’ experience, trainer Mouse O’Neill has spent a lot of time on big high country stations in Central Otago as both a wool handler and as a shearer. The trainers are rounded out by Stu Munro, Sarah Higgins, Leonora Smith and Sheree Alabaster. They will be supported by assistants Luke Mullins, Luke Paulsen and Clara Taingahue, with others still to be announced. The training programme, which is focused on the Gisborne/ Hawke’s Bay and Otago/Southland regions, is a $1.8 million contract awarded to WOMOlife by Kaiaka to develop and implement a pilot model for training during the next 18 months. During the pilot period, it is intended that 270 people will receive training and 150 new jobs will be created. WOMOlife managing director

TECHNIQUE: Luke Mullins, front right, will share his expertise and experience with young shearers who enrol in the new WOMOlife training courses.

Alister Shennan is confident the new training model, that combines in-shed learning with digital platforms so young people can access training online, will engage young workers and those wanting to be upskilled in the first years of employment.

Farmers and shearing gangs win with better productivity and employees win with faster skills growth and increased confidence.

“We keep workers on the job – leaving the classroom behind – to focus on the way youth find information and absorb skills, which is primarily on-the-job training, using correct movement techniques and accessing a series of online videos in bite-sized learnings,” Shennan said. “Our model allows staff to learn when they start, then to build skills quickly while on the job.

“Having access to correct movement techniques and highquality online courses promotes faster learning and increased ability. “Farmers and shearing gangs win with better productivity and employees win with faster skills growth and increased confidence.” Kaiaka chair Dr Gabrielle Wall says the Kaiaka board appreciated WOMOlife’s blended approach to training, with the combination of hands-on training and a fit-forpurpose online platform. “For a practical role in a handson industry, there’s no substitute for having an experienced trainer working with trainees in the woolshed,” Wall said. “WOMOlife’s online platform will give trainees the best of both worlds by combining handson training with 24-7 access to relevant, high-quality resources to support trainees with their learning.” Wall says it was of critical importance to the board that it focus on developing a viable training model that is sustainable for the industry both now and in the future, and it believes that WOMOlife’s approach will deliver

that due to its blended approach and potential for “just in time” learning. “The geographic spread of trainees, their individual needs and next steps in learning, make it challenging to sustain a model of training which is solely hands-on with the trainer and trainee in the same place at the same time,” she said. WOMOlife stands for work wise, move wise, and at its core is a philosophy that revolves around that by doing those two things, people will be better placed to achieve a longer, more sustainable career. It is the first offshoot of Agricademy, a new entrant in New Zealand’s agricultural training sector. Agricademy is a joint venture between Ecadame, a training model, platform and IP company, and publisher, information and data business GlobalHQ. Its core purpose is to launch 50,000 successful careers in agriculture by the end of 2025. It plans to achieve that goal through the creation of sector specific industry attraction and training programmes.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Wiltshire sale exceeds expectation Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz FARMERS’ patience with the strong wool market might have finally worn out after extremely strong prices for ewes were reached at the dispersal sale of the McMillian family’s flock of shedding sheep. Pens of two, four and six-tooth Wiltshire ewes, as well as ewe lambs, all cracked the $500 mark at the sale held at the Te Kuiti Saleyards. The yards were packed with around 200 people, with buyers coming from across the North Island, including Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay and the wider King Country. The top price among the ewes was a pen of four-tooths that made $565, followed by a pen of six-tooth ewes that sold for $545. PGG Wrightson agent Marty Cashin says the result exceeded all of his expectations. “We knew it would be good because of the breed and the quality of the stock. To get $500 for ewe lambs, far out,” Cashin said. He strongly suspects the prices are a record, adding, the sale also reflected the attitude of farmers to strong wool, where they want genetics that would mean they do not have to shear their sheep. “So many people are wanting to go that way and the quickest way to do it is to buy purebreds,” he said. He says farmers would struggle to go to another Wiltshire sale

and find an as even line of sheep as those. It was also a rare sale of capital stock Wiltshires. Sandra McMillan says she was blown away by the result. “I knew the stock was quality, they always have been – it’s what Grant believed in and it’s a fitting tribute to him,” McMillan said.

I knew the stock was quality, they always have been – it’s what Grant believed in and it’s a fitting tribute to him. Sandra McMillan Wiltshire breeder She says her late husband would have loved the turnout at the sale. Cashin says the sale marked the end of an era that started in 2004 when the McMillans decided to breed commercially viable shedding sheep. “Grant was so passionate about the Wiltshire sheep, sourcing the best genetics he could, running field days and talking at farmer discussion groups, all to help promote the breed,” he said. “I think he was pretty instrumental in getting Wiltshires from being hidden in the back paddock to being shown off in the front.”

SOLD: Wiltshire sheep were in hot demand at the Te Kuiti saleyards with prices soaring above $500 for both adult ewes and ewe lambs.

Top pens of two-tooth ewes made $480-$530, with the next line selling for $305-$335 and they averaged $473. Four-tooth ewes made $540-$565 and $350-$445, averaging $525. The best of the six-tooth ewes sold for $515-$545 and $440-$480 for the rest, averaging $520. Four-year-old ewes sold for $515-$525 and $455-$470,

averaging $497. Five-yearold ewes sold for $420-$465, averaging $429 and six-yearold ewes sold for $330-$370, averaging $365. The best of the ewe lambs sold between $500-$525, with the next cut making $370-$460 and $240$270 for those at the bottom. The ewe lambs averaged $400. The McMillan flock of

mixed-age ‘Meatmaster’ ewes – a crossbreed mix of Wiltshire, Dorper and Damara – sold from $455-$480. The top price for the McMillan rams was $3600 for a four-tooth Wiltshire and these ranged from $1250-$3600. The next best price was for a Meatmaster ram that made $3100, while the rest ranged from $200-$2350.

Top end lambs a hard sell at Tekapo lamb sale Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz DESPITE a large buyer gallery, limited interest for the top end lambs at the Tekapo lamb sale made for hard selling as auctioneers struggled to take bids. It was a different story though when it came to the medium and lighter-type pen lots.

Overall, vendors and agents were happy; in some cases the sale exceeded expectations. Mark Yeates PGW Wrightson “There wasn’t a lot of interest in buying the better lambs, not a lot of bidding, it was certainly weaker than anyone anticipated,” PGG Wrightson livestock auctioneer Joe Higgins said. “We saw a definite

strengthening in the market when it came to the medium and lighter lambs, bidding was brisk and competitive. “A couple of buyers looking for bulk lots of lambs pushed the sale along and we started to meet buyer and agent expectation.” The annual lamb sale offered 11,000 lambs from 17 individual station vendors, including a handful from outside the region. Traditionally a straight fine wool lamb sale, this year saw several lines of terminal sire and terminal-Merino cross lambs penned. “While the half and quarterbred lines sold in similar dollars to the Merinos, on a per kilogram basis, the half-breds made a premium over the Merinos, even fetching the top price of the sale.” he said. Overall values were back $5-$10 on last year’s sale. The tops of the Merinos sold from $90-$115, medium and lighter-types for $65-$89, with lighter lambs ranging from $45$64. Smaller Merino ewe lambs sold for $117.

The top price of the day was a line of undrafted black face mixed-sex lambs that sold for $143. Down the road, the annual Omarama lamb sale followed, here 19,000 lambs were sold on behalf of 21 vendors. “We had a good strong buyer gallery with interest throughout the sale, across all sections,” PGW livestock manager Mark Yeates said. Like Tekapo, there were several lines of terminal sire black face and Southdown cross lambs in the line-up. Buying was particularly strong for lambs heading to the Mid and North Canterbury regions, where cropping farmers are starting to buy up in larger numbers. “We had lambs go to Central Otago in the south and as far as Cheviot with a lot going to Mid Canterbury,” he said. “While some of the lambs were a bit smaller, it was more agerelated with later lambing, but overall, vendors and agents were happy; in some cases the sale exceeded expectations.” Yeates says the Merino section

STRUGGLE: PGW auctioneer Joe Higgins had his work cut out for him selling the top end of the lambs at the annual Tekapo sale.

met with firm demand with half-breds, in particular RomneyMerino cross, attracting a very good following. The top end of the Merino wether lambs sold from $115$120, mediums $97-$115 and younger, smaller mix-sex lambs for $40-$50. A line of Merino ewe lambs sold for breeding made $136.

The best of the terminal sire lambs sold from $100-$102, with smaller lambs making $55$60. The tops of the half-bred wether lambs sold from $101-$119, while the best of the ewe lambs made $115-$126. Smaller lambs sold from $60-$70. Over the two sales, 30,000 lambs were sold in the one day.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Cavalier grows Aussie presence CAVALIER Corporation is planning to extend its retailer network to a further 300 stores in Australia, chief executive Paul Alston says. It also plans to build on its small Asian and US businesses as part of its new global strategy. The Australian distribution expansion is an ambitious target for the born-again wool-only carpet manufacturer. It also experienced a 10% decline in woollen carpet sales volumes into Australia during its last five-month trading period to November. Alston told an NZX retail investor presentation last Tuesday that the company was holding to its guidance for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) of between $4 million and $5m for the six months to December, ahead of what was a normalised ebitda of $3m, after transformation costs, for the comparable 2019 sixmonth period. That will exclude gains from the sale of its Auckland property and staff redundancy costs of about $1 million for the period, he says. Outside of the greatly enhanced Australian distribution and retail footprint, Alston says the group is also looking into the “massive growth opportunity” of moving its new “lifestyle range” of carpets and natural fibre products into China and the US. To that end, it had also secured funding from NZ

We believe the world is changing and the time is right for Cavalier flooring to evolve, to deliver desirable, safe, sustainable and highperforming natural interior solutions. Paul Alston Cavalier

EXPAND: Cavalier chief executive Paul Alston says outside of the greatly enhanced Australian distribution and retail footprint, the group is also looking into moving its new lifestyle range of carpets and natural fibre products into China and the US.

Trade and Enterprise. With a war chest built up through the sale and leaseback of its Auckland manufacturing facility for $25.5m and the selldown of its existing, lower margin synthetic stocks as part of its shift to wool, Alston says the firm was looking at substantial spending on marketing and design. Last year, he told BusinessDesk this would increase staffing levels from about 470 to 500, though that was still a far cry from the 1200 it

employed several years ago. The company had also appointed commercial interior designer Paul Izzard to the board three months ago. “We felt that having someone who’s an interior designer and then can talk about fashion was a really important addition to the board,” he said. Alston says the principle was to “go back to what we believe we’re good at, which is well-woven carpets,” while diversifying its

“Bremworth lifestyle” range of interior solutions as accessories to a household design range. “We believe the world is changing and the time is right for Cavalier flooring to evolve, to deliver desirable, safe, sustainable and high-performing natural interior solutions,” he said. “Twenty years ago 80% of carpet that was sold in this country was wool. Now that’s about 15% and that change happened very quickly, over a five-year period.” But the tide on plastic has shifted, he says, and while supermarkets are getting rid of plastic bags, what “people don’t realise is that the average Kiwi home has the equivalent of 22,000 plastic bags on the floor”.

This was a “clear disconnect” during a time when people are becoming more aware of the impact plastics have on the environment with a growing concern about plastics and microplastics in food chains. “We’ve seen estimates that people ingest the equivalent of a credit card in plastic every week,” he said. Alston says while Cavalier was moving away from synthetics, which represented about 2.5 million kilograms of its fibre consumption per annum, “we were quite a small synthetic player so you can only imagine the size of the stockpile that’s being generated”. Its current wool carpet range, he says, is made with 87% natural materials, but the firm was working with Auckland University to look at replacing backing and some of the glues which aren’t natural, to push up the natural percentage. But, he says, with only about 5% of people making purchasing decisions “purely on the sustainability story” the manufacturer had to make sure it was designing and making things that people want to have in their home. Alston says the transition exclusively into wool would take about two to three years, returning to profitable growth by 2023. – BusinessDesk

Sector optimistic over winter grazing changes Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz FARMING leaders are cautiously optimistic the Government will make changes to the winter grazing provisions included in its freshwater regulations. Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) chair and Southland farmer Andrew Morrison says a final decision is expected within the next two weeks, but comments from government ministers and ministry officials makes him cautiously optimistic the rules will be made more practical.

The new regulations have been described as unworkable and Southland Federated Farmers president Geoffrey Young is also optimistic they will be changed. “I’m certainly quietly optimistic based on what I am hearing out of Wellington,” Young said. Last week B+LNZ, DairyNZ and Federated Farmers met Primary Industries Minister Damian O’Connor and Environment Minister David Parker to discuss the freshwater regulations, with many southern farmers saying the winter grazing provisions will add

compliance without improving water quality. Prior to Christmas, the Winter Grazing Advisory Group initiated by O’Connor delivered a report suggesting the rules be amended to shift the focus to protecting critical source areas instead of managing the impact of grazing. It recommended removing rules limiting pugging, dates when grazed crops must be replanted. It also recommends removing the requirement to determine if the mean slope of a paddock was 10 degrees, therefore requiring

resource consent for winter crop grazing. Instead, it recommends replacing it with a specific maximum slope of 15 degrees. The group’s recommendations, called a winter grazing module, come from a pan industry group representing farmers, producer groups, Fish & Game NZ, Environment Southland and Iwi. Local Government NZ, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Ministry for the Environment (MfE) were observers and provided advice.

Morrison says the fact the recommendations were unanimously supported by the group’s diverse membership, is significant. “The feedback from both ministers is that they view the report favourably and are viewing the process as a very good process because it takes into account the concerns across the community, a desire to deliver practical outcomes and involves the deliverers, Environment Southland, local farmers and Fish & Game,” he said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Manuka honey sells for $5k a jar Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz JARS of New Zealand-made honey have been selling for almost $5000 each in London. The honey is part of The True Honey Company’s range of highquality Manuka honey called Rare Harvest that has a unique manuka factor of 33. Only 200 230g jars of the honey were produced, and Harrods in London bought the lot. The honey is from the 2019-20 season and sold by Harrods for more than £2500, which equates to just under $5000. True Honey chief executive Jim McMillan says as far as he’s aware, it’s some of the highest-rated

Manuka honey ever produced. The Dannevirke-based company flies in its 6500 hives by helicopter to remote active manuka-producing locations throughout the North Island and the top of the South Island. He credits the placement of those hives, the skill and expertise of the company’s workforce, and the weather conditions aligning for the purity of the honey sold to Harrods. The UK luxury retailer has been stocking True Honey products for a few years and McMillan says the honey is also sold into Arab states, including Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Dubai, along with European nations like Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

They are also in negotiation with luxury outlets in the United States and China. McMillan says the company prides itself on the relationship it has with the landowners of the locations of its hives. “They are an extension of our team of partners. They are an essential part of the production of high-grade honey,” he said. The majority of True Honey products are exported, but it can be ordered on the company’s website. Although the Rare Harvest honey was the purest produced, McMillan says they are continually trying to push boundaries to try and produce even higher grade honey.

RARE: True Honey operations manager Bryant Chase oversaw the production of the honey sold to Harrods in London.

GDT pushes prospect of higher milk prices Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz SUSTAINED increases in Global Dairy Trade (GDT) prices have pushed the New Zealand farm gate milk price for this season into the mid-$7/kg territory, where it might deliver the second-highest Fonterra payout in 20 years. The GDT index of 1170 and an average price of US$3746/tonne rose 3% in the latest auction, the 10th rise in 12 auctions over the past six months. During that time, the dairy market has lifted by 28% and it is now 20% higher than a year ago. The index is the highest it has been since April 2014, towards the end of a season in which Fonterra delivered an $8.40 milk price. However, that season contained GDT indexes consistently over 1400, a level somewhat higher than presently. The second level of payouts

was $7.59 in 2007-08 and $7.60 in 2010-11, both now threatened by the latest lift in world dairy prices. The NZX forecast rose 8c to $7.58 after the GDT auction and the subsequent reaction on the Dairy Derivatives market for milk and dairy price futures. Over the past two months the physical market, as monitored by the GDT prices, has consistently

exceeded predictive prices in the derivative markets. “While further price gains had been on the cards at auction, the sharp lift was some way in excess of what the futures market was pegging,” ASB economist Nat Keall said. “In other words, dairy prices are continuing to surprise on the upside.”

COMPARISON: The index is the highest it has been since April 2014, towards the end of a season in which Fonterra delivered an $8.40 milk price.

He called the latest GDT auction a “whopper” containing 4.3% increase for whole milk powder and smaller lifts for cheddar, butter and anhydrous milk fat. Strong demand from China has fuelled the market over the past three months, Keall says. “Domestic consumption has risen steadily over the course of 2020 as the Chinese economy has picked up, but domestic stockpiles haven’t managed to keep up, despite aggressive purchases through most auctions,” he said. Westpac senior agri-economist Nathan Penny says he expected the market to continue to rise in the short-term and the latest results confirmed his milk price forecast of $7.50. Dairy prices fitted Westpac’s economic theme that 2021 would be the year in which NZ agriculture cashes in on its resilience. Prices across a number of

industries are firm and getting firmer, with dairy leading the way. China was the only major world economy to grow in 2020 and that momentum has continued into 2021.

Dairy prices are continuing to surprise on the upside. Nat Keall ASB Penny says vaccination against covid-19 would also give world food markets a shot in the arm. High grain feed prices were constraining the growth in milk production but eventually that would moderate, perhaps towards the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022.

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News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Plan to bolster NZ’s wool sector Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

MISSION: Young Kiwi inventor and entrepreneur Logan Williams is banking on cornstarch and fibre to save the strong wool industry.

I’m confident we can make $1/kg (for Keravos), then it’s a billion-dollar company, potentially one of the most profitable companies in NZ, and returning dollars to farmers. Logan Williams Keravos cornstarch with coarse wool. PLA is widely used around the world as a plastic substitute, but combining it with wool is unique. In just 18 months, a global patent was secured, the company Keravos was established to market the pellets made from PLA and wool, the factory was built, and, amid covid, processed four tonnes of material a day. The new biocomposite Keravos is wholly organic and categorised as industrially biodegradable and compostable.

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Broadening the scope, a bond with biopolymer is also being explored. “The way we see it is if we can partner with plastics companies and launch a product, we can be part of the journey to help them get a natural solution,” he said. “We have made our invention accessible to everyone, no one has to change the machinery, equipment or factory, and that’s how simple it is, so it’s actually really easy to get customers on board. “They are really invigorated for a market because plastics is this highly commodities market where everyone’s fighting for the smallest margin. “If we can come in and put this exciting natural fibre into these products, it gives them a marketing edge to get a premium for their products, so everyone is excited to join us.” Williams says with scale there’s the ability to completely transform the wool industry. Keravos has a wide scope of uses and is casting its net as wide as possible, currently supplying for 16 different products,

including kayaks, catamarans, tiles, buttons and zippers, furniture, lighting fixtures, claddings, doors and fabrics. Partnered with NZM through dollar-for-dollar funding with the Ministry for Primary Industries in the W3 Unleashed PGP, Keravos set the wool price at $3 a kilogram for the first two years. “That’s so we can get on our feet and then $5 is the target after that, which should be really transformational for the whole industry,” he said. Any type of wool is acceptable. “The type of wool actually doesn’t matter when we are just feeding it into a pellet,” he said. “We really want to get to the point where we have a broom and a shovel on the bottom of the shearing shed, scooping up every last bit of wool, dags and all.” Williams’ motivation is driven by his desire to solve real life problems. NZ produces about 220,000 tonnes of wool a year and 90% of that is strong wool. “I’m confident we can make $1/kg (for Keravos), then it’s

a billion-dollar company, potentially one of the most profitable companies in NZ, and returning dollars to farmers,” he said. “We are a country that is producing thousands of tons of just commodities, where we could actually be achieving a lot more value by making consumer-facing products. “We need to be making products that are valuable and selling directly to customers, not just being invested in the supply chain and losing a story.” While his inventions have undoubtedly paid off, Williams, despite being a millionaire at 25, is not driven by money. “I get really frustrated with problems; I do this because I’m passionate about science and technology, and inventing things that will improve NZ,” he said. Williams is taking part in E Tipu 2021 – shaping the future of food and fibre, which will be held in Christchurch in May.

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THE strong wool industry can pin its hopes on a resurgence with $5 a kilogram return for coarse wool fibre in the sights of Kiwi inventor and entrepreneur Logan Williams. Just 25 years of age and hailing from Timaru, Williams hit the headlines when he developed and successfully exited four revolutionary inventions, including polarised contact lenses to treat photosensitive epilepsy and a system to destroy methane gas produced on farms. He received awards for his inventions, including a National Merit Award at the Eureka Science and Innovation Competition. He is also named in 2020’s Forbes’ 30 under 30 – the wellknown American magazine lists who it considers the most promising businesspeople under 30 in the world. Williams has sold four of his inventions, three to overseas companies, and is now on a mission banking on a cornstarchwool combination, to save the NZ strong wool industry with his latest invention. Shoulder-tapped by the NZ Merino Company (NZM) to take up the role as director of technology and innovation in late 2019, Williams is dedicated to championing sustainable business. “The strong wool industry is incredibly interesting, most farmers will know that it actually costs more to shear their sheep than they get for the wool, so it’s actually quite dire,” Williams said. “Whatever invention I created had to have scope and scale, so what I did was look for the industry that uses the most material and of course that’s plastics – they use thousands and thousands of tonnes a year.” Williams worked out a method to break down the wool and put it into pellets. “And pellets are pretty much the building block for all plastic products on the planet,” he said. The method combines polylactic acid (PLA) from

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News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

EU imports tax: threat or op New Zealand farmers have been quick to claim world champion status for carbon efficiency. So why are they so nervous about a planned European tax on the carbon emissions of imports? Nigel Stirling reports.

T HAS been described by the European Union’s top bureaucrat as the continent’s “man on the moon moment”. An ambitious plan to decarbonise the European economy known as the “Green Deal”. “The goal is to reconcile our economy with our planet,” European Commission president Ursula van der Leyen boldly declared when first revealing the plan in December 2019. European politics has been likened to an episode of Grand Designs but with the cast of the Sopranos: lofty ambitions backed by charming menace. The Green Deal’s lofty ambition is to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 55% below their 1990 levels by 2030, greater than the 40% previously aimed for. But European businesses are concerned such ambitious targets will make them uncompetitive against imports from countries not doing as much to reduce emissions. Known as carbon leakage, that’s something the EU is keen to avoid. That’s where the menace comes in. A key feature of the Green Deal is a tax on imports the EU plans to use as a cudgel to bring climate laggards into line and level the playing field for European businesses forced to buy carbon credits to offset their own emissions, when most of their trading partners aren’t. Details of how the so-called border carbon tax will operate are due by June. The European Commission says it is likely to start in 2023 with imported competition from high emissions sectors such as cement, steel and aluminium.

However, last month, while the European Parliament’s environment committee backed the border tax, it also called for it to cover all imports into the EU. Crucially the committee also echoed the EU Commission when it said the tax must comply with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and not stifle competition from more efficient producers. But that’s easier said than done. A source close to the Beehive believes old habits die hard within the EU and no matter its good intentions, a carbon border tax would be open to abuse.

A lot of the people who are proposing these things have no idea of the complexity of coming to some kind of reasonably agreed versions of methodologies in things like agricultural products. Ben O’Brien B+LNZ “If I put that alongside the last 30 years of experience with the EU, you would have to be pretty worried that they would find a way to use this additional tool to protect some of their weaker industries and obviously agriculture is one of those,” the top-level source said. NZ will argue strongly its farmers should be given credit for carbon efficient production.

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“What we want to see from the EU is that those who have made real commitments and are really doing things in this space – as we would argue we are – are exempted or face a reduced tax,” they said. Interestingly, NZ was not among a dozen WTO countries in November to question whether the carbon border tax was more about the EU protecting its domestic industries and raising revenue to fund its recovery from the pandemic. The devil will be in the detail, according to a trade lawyer, who says whether the measure is a threat or an opportunity for NZ will depend on how the EU accounts for the emissions of the products it imports. If the EU is as good as its word, the tax will comply with WTO rules on national treatment. Set out in Article 3 of the 1947 GATT agreement this prohibits taxes, laws, regulations or any other requirements giving protection to domestic industries at the expense of imported competition. In practise this would mean the EU tax on the carbon emissions of imports must not be greater than the carbon credits EU producers have to buy to offset their own emissions when making likeproducts. “So, if you have lamb in France being taxed at a certain level, then the point is to make sure that NZ lamb faces the same tax,” Chapman Tripp trade law consultant and former trade negotiator Tracey Epps said. If that sounds complicated, it’s because it is. Multiplied across the many thousands of products imported into the EU, each with unique

NON-STARTER: Dairy Companies Association executive director Kimberly Crewther says a border tax based on national emissions of the imported product’s country of origin was a non-starter for the NZ industry.

emissions profiles, and every one to be authenticated before being signed off by EU customs authorities, it sounds like a bureaucratic nightmare. Epps says it will be tempting for the EU to tax imports according to the emissions of the product’s country of origin, rather than the exporting industry or the exporter or product itself. While administratively easier, such a system risks WTO lawsuits from trading partners. “If you had done it on a country-by-country basis, rather than product-by-product, then

you would imagine that some of the imported products would have been taxed in excess of the domestic-like product,” Epps said. Dairy Companies Association executive director Kimberly Crewther says she had seen little to indicate agriculture would be subject to the EU’s border carbon tax initially. Nevertheless, EU agricultural emissions had been rising at a faster rate than those from other sectors and this was putting pressure on its farmers to be brought into the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

portunity? Once European farmers were forced to buy carbon credits to offset their emissions they would be likely to strongly lobby for imports not facing the same carbon costs to be subject to a border tax, so they were not left at a competitive disadvantage. For that reason, the NZ dairy industry was watching talks in the EU closely.

If you had done it on a country-by-country basis, rather than product-by-product, then you would imagine that some of the imported products would have been taxed in excess of the domestic-like product. Tracey Epps Chapman Tripp Crewther says a border tax based on national emissions of the imported product’s country of origin was a non-starter for the NZ industry. Such an approach risked squeezing out relatively efficient producers in high emissions countries and incentivising higher global emissions overall. “There is a risk that because of the complexity that people will look to simplify and that is where you can get some of the perverse outcomes,” Crewther said. “Those producers … their efficiency of production is what you want to be encouraging through your climate policies not penalising.” While she did not say it, Crewther may have had NZ dairy farmers in mind when making those comments.

Although a recent industrycommissioned study found NZ farmers to have the lowest carbon footprint of any milk producers in the world, the country’s overall emissions record is less flattering. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), NZ’s increase in emissions since 1990 was the second highest of any industrialised country. Crewther says the temptation will be for countries to put their own interests first and the climate second when designing carbon border taxes. “What that highlights is the need for an agreed global mechanism,” she said. But even if agreement can be reached between countries to calculate border carbon taxes based on emissions of the individual product, rather than of its country of origin, consensus still seems some way off on how to account for those individual emissions and from livestock in particular. Ben O’Brien has been at the forefront of that debate as Beef + Lamb NZ’s (B+LNZ) representative in Brussels. He says it has not been an easy matter to get agreement on. “It is easy for cement and steel. Everybody knows how they are manufactured and their emissions,” O’ Brien said. “But the fact is that people are producing agricultural products in all kinds of different climates and raising animals with all sorts of different inputs. “It is not the same one-size-fitsall sort of game.” B+LNZ will publish research later this month showing the carbon footprint of NZ sheep farmers to be the lowest in the world. Despite the parochial result, it is hopeful of international support for the research because

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Change in net emissions since 1990

CARBON EMISSIONS: NZ’s increasing emissions since 1990 with trading partners.

it accounts for carbon storage in farm soils and vegetation, which most international farming groups agree has been understated when calculating net emissions from livestock. While the research will be sent to global bodies working out how to properly account for GHG emissions, that work was still at a very early stage for agriculture, O’Brien says. In the meantime, he expected the EU to push ahead with its border tax. “A lot of the people who are proposing these things have no idea of the complexity of coming to some kind of reasonably agreed versions of methodologies in things like agricultural products,” he said. “Whether they will hold off until everybody agrees, I suspect they will not. “In the end it is going to be very imperfect and there will be a political judgement from the Europeans about how imperfect they can get away with. “It has all the makings of a fine trade barrier.”

Carbon footprint of milk production

CARBON FOOTPRINT: NZ dairy industry compared to competitors. Photo: AgResearch/Dairy NZ

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Concern over deer emissions targets Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz DEER farmers will be looking to implement some novel intervention if they are to achieve climate change emission reduction targets. Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) chief executive Innes Moffat says while the industry welcomes many aspects of the Climate Change

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Commission’s interim report, it will be a challenge for deer farmers. Moffat says it is unclear how deer farmers will meet their greenhouse emission targets. “It will be a challenge for deer farmers with extensive farming systems to achieve its emission reduction targets without some novel intervention,” Moffat said. The headline message for livestock farmers is that if the commission’s recommendations are adopted, they will need to reduce their net methane emissions from 2018 levels by 13% by 2030, a further 7% by 2035 and another 4% by 2050. “We need to make our animals and farming systems more efficient, producing more venison and velvet from reduced feed intake, potentially on a smaller grazing area,” he said. “The challenge for livestock farmers is to maintain profitability, while reducing total feed intake. “These targets will be challenging for extensive livestock systems.” DINZ supports the work of the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium, which is investing in finding methane inhibitors that will work for NZ’s pastoral farming systems. But Moffat says some aspects of the report require further information or explanation. “Work is also needed on how to treat farmers who are already doing the right thing by the climate so they are not unfairly penalised,” he said. It is unclear where the large-scale afforestation proposed in the report will be located and whether it will be at the expense of deer and drystock farming. “Many deer farms already contain a good mix of productive pasture and retired native or exotic forestry,” he said. He says a reduction in livestock numbers by 15% as highlighted in the report seems to be an extrapolation of historic trends and historic increases in productivity. “While the focus should be on reducing net emissions, it is unclear when these production trends will reach a biological limit,” he said. “The report does not specify if the expected farm efficiency gains are spread evenly throughout the industries and regions.” DINZ welcomes the recognition that all New Zealanders, not just farmers, need to make major changes. “The methane emissions from livestock are not the big bogey that many commentators have portrayed them to be,” he said. “The real challenge lies in reducing emissions of long-lived gases, especially carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.” Moffat says recognition in the report that NZ livestock farms are the most efficient in the world is pleasing. “Replacing them with carbon forests, on all except our least productive land, makes very little long-term sense – environmentally or economically.” DINZ will be further analysing the finer detail in the content of the report over the coming weeks and preparing its submission. Deer farmers are invited to offer their views on the report to DINZ by contacting lindsay. fung@deernz.org Public submissions on the commission’s draft report close on March 14. “I encourage interested farmers and industry representatives to visit the commission’s website to get more information and to consider making a submission,” Moffat said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

BIGGER: The working demonstrations at the 70th South Island Agricultural Field Days have expanded to be more accessible to the public.

Photo: Annette Scott

Field days gear up for the punters ORGANISERS of the 2021 South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) are gearing up for one of the biggest events yet in the 70 years it has been running. Event chair Michaela McLeod says the agricultural sector has struggled both from a financial perspective, as well as socially due to covid-19. “There have been a number of A & P Shows and other events cancelled around the country,” McLeod said. “They are such important events for farmers and traders and I know it’s been very hard on a lot of people not having them. “The biennial field days set for March 24-26 will be a big opportunity for the agricultural industry to get together. “It will be a chance to celebrate all the latest developments and innovations in the sector, as well as a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues.”

Celebrating its 70th event, SIAFD is one of the largest and longest running field days in NZ. The event will offer something to interest everyone, not just those in the agricultural sector. “I’d say the technology sector has continued to advance this year, even with covid-19,” she said. “There are some exciting new innovations which people may have read about, but at the field days they will have a chance to see them, not only on display but in action. “The working demonstration area has definitely expanded, and we have made them more accessible to people.” Most regular exhibitors will return to the Northland Field Days this year, despite the rocky economic pathway since the 2020 event and some new ones will help fill the venue. Last year’s event was held only

a few days before the nationwide covid-19 lockdown and turned out to be the only agricultural field days in the country held during the year.

We are constantly monitoring the covid-19 situation and will continue to follow industry and government guidance.

SIAFD Northland’s annual field days are on March 4, 5 and 6 on the corner of State Highway 14 and Awakino Point East Road, Dargaville. The gates open to

members of the public at 9am each day. The 33ha grounds have more than 250 exhibitor sites, three lifestyle pavilions, two rural pavilions, three food courts and a bigger markets area this year. The pavilions provide smaller spaces for exhibitors who cannot afford their own site. There is also a demonstration area, tractor-pull course, a cutting horse arena and sheepdog trial course. All exhibitors must have a hand sanitising station and tracing posters will be everywhere. Central Districts Field Days are still on at this stage, although organisers are keeping a close eye on covid-19 alert levels. A statement on the event’s website says as long as the alert level is at Level 1, the field days will proceed as planned, although exhibitors and visitors are asked to follow the Ministry of Health’s

advice and stay at home if they are feeling unwell. If either the country as a whole or the Manawatu region go into Level 2 or above, the event will be cancelled as crowds of more than 100 people will be prohibited. If it’s cancelled because of covid-19, all ticket holders to the March 18-20 event will receive a 70% refund on their full ticket price. The money retained will go towards offsetting some of the event’s fixed costs, supplier payments and staffing costs. “We are constantly monitoring the covid-19 situation and will continue to follow industry and government guidance,” the website states. Alternative event options, should Central Districts Field Days 2021 not be able to go ahead, are being worked on. Future updates will be available at cdfielddays. co.nz

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16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

The making of a world record GORE shearer Megan Whitehead recently set a new women’s world shearing record by clipping 661 lambs in nine hours. A remarkable achievement for a 24-year-old who has only been shearing four years. Farmstrong caught up with her the next day to find out how she did it. How are you feeling today? I feel quite normal really. I don’t feel too bad, I’m a little bit tight in some of my muscles but overall, I’m feeling pretty good. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet to be honest. It’s a relief. Why did you get into shearing? I love the physical side of shearing and the competitive side, too. In shearing, you get paid on how hard you want to work. I get a lot of satisfaction from pleasing the farmers and leaving work every day after reaching my targets. It’s very satisfying. It’s also fun racing people every day. I love that side of it. Tell us about your preparation for the record. What did you do? To break the record, I did a lot of training and completely changed my diet. I was going to the gym six nights a week after shearing. I was doing a lot of mobility work and cardio work. I’ve always stretched before work. I also went over the mental side of things – learnt breathing techniques such as box breathing where you hold your breath for five counts and then breath out for five counts. It’s a good way to relieve stress. I also did 20 minute meditations. That relaxes you too. When you’re shearing you’re constantly thinking. It’s just such a big mental game. You’re hitting targets and pushing yourself to the limit. What was the biggest challenge on the day? To set a record, it’s not just the

physical side, you’ve got to be mentally strong and prepared as well. You constantly need to keep yourself in a positive and good head space. During the last run, the sheep weren’t quite sitting, so the last run was mentally very tough. I wasn’t too tired at all, but it was just mentally draining to stay focused. But there was no way I was ever going to give up. When you really want something and love doing something so much you just keep pushing through. That’s why I had dad as my second. He was constantly talking to me and keeping me positive as well. It was a real team effort. What did you learn from the experience? You do go through a lot of pain in shearing, but if you come to terms with it, it becomes your friend after a while. You’re working alongside it all the time to push yourself to be better. You have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. That’s the main thing I’d say. If you want to get better at something you’ve got to learn to work outside your comfort zone. Megan’s father, Quentin, also chatted to Farmstrong and provided the back story. How did Megan get into the industry and progress so quickly? Megan was shepherding but one day a shearer didn’t turn up for work, so she helped out and shore 80 for the day. She got the bug, came home and said ‘I think I want to be a shearer’. So I said, ‘Well, if you’re going to be a shearer, you’re going to be a good shearer.’ She got a job locally and I’d pop out to the shed occasionally and show her the pattern that I shore with, which was the pattern taught to me by John Fagan who taught Sir Dave Fagan, the greatest shearer the world has ever seen.

5 ways to break a world record MEGAN Whitehead’s solo women’s record of 661 lambs in nine hours is a case study in the power of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing that Farmstrong promotes. These are the healthy habits which the science of wellbeing says not only improve how we feel, but also our productivity and performance. Let’s see how they helped Megan achieve her world record. Learn – Megan learnt the ‘Fagan pattern’ from her dad, which meant she could shear faster. She also learnt breathing and relaxation techniques. Connect – Megan surrounded herself with a great support team. A large crew was helping around the shed on the day, including her father Quentin.

Southland shearing legend and multiple NZ representative Nathan Stratford was looking after her gear. Take notice – During her five shearing ‘runs’ on the day, Megan had thinking strategies that trained her mind to stay focused and in the moment. Keep active – Her body was in tip top condition to meet the physical challenge of a ninehour day in a hot woolshed. She went to the gym six days a week, even after a day’s shearing. Giving back – Megan dedicated all her spare time for seven months to showcase women’s shearing. Asked about her feat, she downplayed it, saying she was just “one of many capable female shearers”.

SUPPORT: Megan Whitehead’s father, Quentin, who describes her as a very determined and strong-minded person, looks on as she shears her way to a world record.

So Megan never knew any bad habits, she only knew the fast way to shear a sheep. That’s how she’s progressed so quickly. Going for a world record brings a lot of attention. How do you manage that pressure? Megan gives everything 150% and made the sacrifices required during her seven months of training for this record and it’s all paid off. She’s a very determined and strong-minded person and that’s the reason she managed to do it. Because you can have all the skill in the world, but if you can’t mentally control everything that’s going on it’ll be tough, and that was the challenge all day. When you have a bad patch during a run and you’ve got to be able to control how you react to that. The ability to stop and have a little breather and get back in the right headspace is vital. That’s how I was helping all day. Leaning over the pen and offering encouragement. What do you like about the industry? You’ve got to love shearing to do it because shearing’s a hard job.

There’s not many jobs where you take a sweat towel to work with you. Builders and construction workers don’t have a sweat towel hanging over their scaffolding. But once it gets in your veins, every time you’re in the catching pen and catch a sheep, you’re trying to shear that one better than the last one. That attitude and desire is what separates the top shearers in the world. I don’t know if I got to a million sheep, but I must’ve been close. But to the very last sheep, I was always keen to shear the next one better than the last.

for Cody Waihape at Platinum Shearing who runs one of the most professional shearing gangs I know of. It’s a great environment to work in. All the young people are well supported, they go to shearing schools and go to competitions, and he makes sure they are looking after themselves after work – eating properly, getting enough sleep and doing stretching and conditioning. And contractors like that tend to attract all the good shearers. Professionalism attracts professionalism.

How have things changed in the industry since you started in terms of preparation, conditioning and looking after people? The shearing industry’s come a long way in the last 20 years. When I was shearing, a lot of the old fellas wouldn’t even encourage you to drink water, so most of the day you were shearing dehydrated. So there’s a lot more knowledge and support there now. Most contractors are very supportive of their crews. For example, Megan worked

There’s a shortage of shearers at the moment. Do you think something like this will attract more women into the industry? The shearing industry’s been lucky with the number of women who have picked up the hand piece over the past five years. There are some really good women shearers out there. It’s great to see them on the stand. They bring a great attitude. If we can get more women involved in shearing, you’re going to double the potential pool for the workforce. Especially now with covid, it’s just so expensive to get shearers into the country and through quarantine. We do need to get more young shearers. It definitely helps to have role models like Megan, so young people can see shearing is something they could do as well. She is a real model for any young person picking up a hand piece in New Zealand.

VICTORY: Megan Whitehead with former the record holder and champion shearer Emily Welch, who was there on the day to support her.

Don’t miss three full days of non-stop action at this year’s Golden Shears from March 4-6. It’s 2021’s biggest shearing, wool handling and wool pressing event, not just in NZ but worldwide. Tickets are available at: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/ golden-shears-2021/masterton

News

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

How covid changed the perception of NZ Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz CONSUMERS in New Zealand’s main markets have slowed down, got closer to nature, become more resilient and finally realised NZ and Australia are indeed two different countries. Results from the latest New Zealand Global Perceptions survey run by The New Zealand Story and Export NZ have provided some insights to distinct changes in consumer behaviour over the pandemic. They are likely to influence how NZ markets its food and beverage products in coming months, and possibly years. The survey was conducted in June last year as the pandemic bedded into most of NZ’s major markets, with survey data coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, China and Australia. “This pandemic has really changed global consumers’ perceptions of the world and what is important to them,” consumer insights company One Picture’s consumer strategy director Alex Jones said. “We have the opportunity to shift and highlight the changes that line up with our perceptions and their perceptions of NZ, especially when it comes to our care for our place and our people.” One overall shift in attitude is for consumers to seek out enriching experiences and products over entertaining products and experiences. This is underpinned by a general sense of hope that other global challenges like climate change can also be dealt with. But a level of anxiousness has also driven a greater move

towards national protectionism than global teamwork, making it a greater challenge to market NZ goods to be more familiar and closer to the rest of the world. “We found everyone was like this with the exception of Germany, which was looking at that European bubble,” he said. In this environment, our approach to covid has boosted global awareness of NZ. Most consumers surveyed knew about this country’s lead on covid, even recalling unprompted national slogans like “team of five million” and “going hard and going early”. “We are no longer just epic landscapes and Lord of the Rings,” he said.

We are no longer just epic landscapes and Lord of the Rings. Alex Jones One Picture In addition, the earlier and perennial difficulty of NZ distinguishing itself from Australia in our key markets has also diminished, with a far greater awareness that the two countries are not one and the same. Consumers have also folded Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, seen as a compassionate person and a mother, into a NZ brand image of being young, positive and human. “Consumers used to really focus on what we had, our nature, our landscape, our agriculture. The focus has really changed to how we live, the fact we are respectful,

inclusive, forward-looking and we really have a high quality of life,” he said. Jones says introducing what we are ourselves as a people provides an angle to help tell better, deeper stories about everything we grow, make and create. But many consumers were also aware NZ has had a relatively easier journey with covid, thanks to an absence of shared borders, being far from the rest of the world, having a small population and being behind other countries in contracting the disease. “We also heard covid bought our ‘shadows’ more clearly into focus for a number of consumers we spoke to,” he said. “We went from small to smaller. We went from expensive to unobtainable. Their wallets may have shrunk, or supply chain challenges had taken away the option to buy from NZ. Thirdly, we went from remote to isolated. Covid 19 has made it harder to engage with us.” Being seen as a ‘closed’ country was now one of the biggest battles for NZ as it opens up again. But our decisive action to care for people has stood out as a big positive in this country’s story. “We have almost showed the way – there is a different way of dealing with covid 19 and what that could mean for citizens down the track,” he said. Distributors and suppliers of NZ food and beverage in the survey revealed there was no better time to tell the NZ story. “We have the world’s eyes upon us,” he said. But consumer decision-making has been disrupted, and there has been a shift towards local producers, making finding the ‘local’ in what NZ produces,

TONE: New Zealand Story director Rebecca Smith says getting the tone of messaging from covid-free NZ to the rest of the world was vital so as not to be seen as arrogant.

whether it be family owned or ingredients, vital. Meantime, price sensitivity is increasing, and NZ producers need to show we are doing more for consumers per dollar spent. NZ Story director Rebecca Smith says there was always a risk NZ could be seen to be arrogant, given our covid status. “Getting the tone right is absolutely critical. We are in a unique situation. It is challenging just for people to see us posting holiday snaps, when customers or suppliers have had children home for a year.” She did not believe NZ was viewed as a global leader based

solely with our PM’s popular approach. “We have a very close alignment, not accidental, between our country’s values and the government-Prime Minister of the day. New Zealanders vote based on values. “If it were just our PM or government, it would have been obvious it was not deeper. NZ has demonstrated we are cohesive in how we operate.”

The full results of the survey can be viewed online: https://toolkit.nzstory. govt.nz/assets/438452

“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.

rural people helping rural people

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Lincoln to host focus day off-farm Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) Summer Focus Day is set to go ahead, despite operational restrictions due to Mycoplasma bovis. The LUDF has been operating under Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) restrictions after the university’s two separate research farms, Ashley Dene Research and Development Station, and Lincoln University Research Dairy Farm (LUDRF), were struck by M bovis. As a result, LUDF was placed under notice of direction pending results of testing.

It’s been good to be able to relocate to a farm operating and achieving very similar results. Jeremy Savage LUDF The university is now going through the processes of the MPI eradication programme, including depopulating up to 700 cows across the two research farms, decontaminating and restocking. The186ha LUDF unit has

continued business, with the farm’s management deciding to go ahead with the Summer Focus Day, but off-farm. This will now be held on February 23 at Balmaghie dairy farm in Mid-Canterbury. Getting underway at 10.15am, the focus day will begin with an introduction to Balmaghie Farm, a low supplement, lowcost operation milking 700 cows, producing 500kg of milksolids per cow. LUDF farm consultant Jeremy Savage says Balmaghie follows similar operational processes and is achieving similar results to the LUDF. “It’s been good to be able to relocate to a farm operating and achieving very similar results, and where we may likely reach farmers that aren’t able to make it to the focus days at Lincoln,” Savage said. The focus day will present a season update on the LUDF, including a profitability report, mating results, production, managing with low nitrogen use and successful regrassing. LUDF’s four focus days, run in conjunction with the seasons, are aimed at dairy farmers, owners, managers and staff, and dairy industry professionals. Questions and group discussion is encouraged to make the day an all-round learning experience for everyone.

FOCUS: Lincoln University Dairy Farm’s four focus days, run in conjunction with the seasons, are aimed at dairy farmers, owners, managers and staff, and dairy industry professionals.

Operating with the support of the farm manager and some of the industry’s best farmers and technical input, the LUDF has lifted production through increasing efficiency across the business. The primary objective of

the farm is to develop and demonstrate world-best practice pasture-based dairy farming systems and to transfer them to dairy farms throughout the South Island. LUDF also provides specific seasonal objectives and ongoing

research for the South Island Dairy Development Centre.

For more information on the LUDF and the focus day at Balmaghie go to http://www.siddc.org.nz/lu-dairyfarm/focus-days-and-events/

Gumboot sales are booming for Skellerup Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz RUBBERWARE sales in export markets and rubber footwear sales in New Zealand boosted Skellerup’s agri division to a record earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) of $15.3 million in the first half of FY2021. The interim result for the

division was an increase on the previous corresponding period of 56% as revenue grew 18%. The agri division result also contained the first full six-month contribution from the Silclear business in the United Kingdom. The agri division manufactures dairy consumables and rubber footwear, including milking liners,

silicone tubing, teat sprayers and hose nozzles. Chief executive David Mair says further operational improvements in its Wigram plant in Christchurch were significant contributors to earnings growth. “Improvements in cycle times have enabled better inventory management to smooth out the peaks and troughs of

manufacturing and changes in shift patterns has been key and delivers sustainable earnings improvement,” he said. Skellerup’s industrial division also had a good first half, Ebit up 52% to $15.5m and revenue up 7%. As a whole, the company declared revenue up 11% to $136.6m, Ebit up 53% to $27.6m,

Keep an eye out

and net profit after tax of $19.5m, up 61%. Cashflow was up 33% and net debt down $15.5m to $13m compared with the FY20 balance date. Directors declared an interim dividend of 6.5c, up 1c, and have increased the earnings guidance for the full year from $30-$35m to $33-$37m.

MARCH 2021 | $8.95

The latest Dairy Farmer hits letterboxes on March 1. Our OnFarmStory this month features Matthew and Katherine Spatoro who ditched successful careers in Melbourne for sheep milking in Waikato. We also catch up with the boss of Samen, whose team is working to improve the New Zealand dairy herd, and talk with a Taranaki farmer who changed his entire farm system.

Crossing the ditch

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farmersweekly.co.nz 0800 85 25 80

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20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Native trees come with some caveats Planting more native trees for carbon sequestration features strongly in the Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) recommendations released this month. Scion scientists Dr Tim Payn and Steve Wakelin are leading work to help provide a better understanding of how native trees can be integrated back into New Zealand’s landscape and carbon soaking toolbox. Richard Rennie reports. WHILE recommending more native trees be planted in coming years, the CCC also notes there is limited knowledge on cashflows and carbon absorption rates for natives. Steve Wakelin and Dr Tim Payn agree in principle with this goal to plant more natives for carbon benefits, but also want to highlight the additional environmental and biodiversity benefits of this focus. They also note there is a devil in the detail behind the commission’s recommendations. While acknowledging NZ can grow exotic forests “with one hand tied behind our backs,” native afforestation remains a relatively new and uncertain game. As appealing as it could be to see the country replanted in lost forests, the scientists caution there could also be some sacrifices in how much carbon is absorbed when opting for natives in the short-term. “There is a deliberate trade off that will occur between sequestration rates, and increased biodiversity and environmental benefits from having more natives,” Wakelin said. “This has yet to be analysed in detail.” The commission has recommended both natural regeneration on farms and native plantations, but it is not always clear which they are referring to within their report. The scientists caution there can be significant differences in carbon sequestration rates, establishment costs and cobenefits from other ecosystem services. The rate of carbon absorption (sequestration) by regenerating

native forests is known to be considerably slower than exotics. Well-managed native plantations are likely to fall somewhere in between. The commission’s report adopts the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) lookup table assumption a hectare of new native forest of any type will absorb about 6.5 tonnes carbon dioxide every year over 50 years, compared to an average exotic plantation soaking up 34t a hectare every year over 30 years.

There is a deliberate trade off that will occur between sequestration rates, and increased biodiversity and environmental benefits from having more natives. Dr Steve Wakelin Scion However, there is evidence some more intensively managed plantations, including kauri and totara, can absorb carbon dioxide at significantly greater rates than natural regeneration, and for longer than typical exotic plantations. Other factors pertinent to landowners include the higher establishment costs for planting natives and ensuring their survival, estimated in the report at $6600 a hectare, and access to native seedlings for planting, or

nearby seed sources for natural regeneration. The commission estimates there is about 740,000ha of marginal land unsuitable for commercial forestry that could be allowed to regenerate naturally, providing pests were managed within that estate. The potential for pines to be used as the nurse crop has been raised, with a managed transition to native forest and retreat of the exotic species. This approach maximises the carbon sequestration strengths of the exotics and native species, which provide a carbon sink in the short and long-terms respectively. Wakelin cautions in either case, there is potential for a net loss of carbon at some stages during the transition. ”It would be unwise for a farmer or New Zealand’s Climate Change budget to just count on continuously positive carbon uptake,” he said. But the scientists also maintain there are other opportunities for landowners who have fenced riparian zones, with about 180,000km of waterways offering opportunities for more than just flaxes and manuka on them. Payn believes the commission’s target of 25,000ha a year of native forest planted until 2050 is not an unattainable amount. “If everyone did a small amount across all farmland, you could hit those numbers quite quickly. Even if you think of the corners of paddocks not irrigated, for example, biologically it is quite possible,” he said. But the scientists agree with farming commentators like Whanganui Federated Farmers

GOING NATIVE: Dr Tim Payn cautions there is still much to be understood about native forests and their carbon sequestration ability.

president Mike Cranstone, who recently wrote NZ could not “plant its way out of climate change and must decarbonise and reduce emissions at source”. “Forestry is a key component in the commission’s advice, but trees are not the be all and end all,” Payn said. “However, they do bring a level of flexibility and buy us some time. As you go through your five-year carbon budgets and review if we are meeting targets or not, there is the flexibility there to increase forestry plantings if necessary.” Farm offsetting, where trees are planted that absorb that farm’s emissions are also a useful tool for buying some time, but it is one the scientists also see as secondary to the commission’s goal to see emissions reduced at source. They also caution about the need to make well-informed

decisions prior to locking up land for decades, knowing both the economic, environmental and biodiversity benefits they may bring. “Farmers need to be very clear about what they want to achieve and take a realistic look at the positive and negative impacts of their land-use decisions on their own farms,” he said. The decision to plant land into carbon forests will be influenced by rising carbon prices, with planted forests on farms capable of generating increasingly healthy carbon earnings as prices surge over $35 a unit, with forward contracts to 2025 offered at $46. The commission has called for a ceiling of $100 a unit. “And if you can earn carbon credit income early it helps with your establishment costs, versus waiting 28 years for income from cutting down the forest in the traditional farm forestry model,” he said.

Knowledge needed to spread native story Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz WORK is well underway to improve the level of knowledge and information available to farmers keen to tap into carbon capture opportunities on their properties. Despite strong farmer interest in field days about forestry and trees on farms, a frequent concern for both farmers and foresters has been the availability of advice to help farmers get the “right tree in the right place”.

Scion’s Dr Tim Payn and Steve Wakelin say there is a lot of information out there, if one knows where to find it, including regional councils and the Farm Forestry Association. Both He Waka Eke Noa and Te Uru Rakau are focusing on extension approaches, with a knowledge hub being developed by Te Uru Rakau. New knowledge is being added; for example, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council issuing farm case studies to showcase opportunities to integrate

forestry into the landscape. “There are a number of farm scale evaluations now going ahead, on how to rearrange your farm to increase forestry and carbon capture,” Payn said. The ground shift from the traditional forest plantingharvest model to carbon income is seeing a variety of options presented to farmers. This has even included establishing high-value ginseng crops below a forest canopy on some iwi land. Scientists are also keen to work more with farmer-led

community catchment groups that have had success with specific native plantings, sharing those success stories more widely. Local information is the key. “In the past there have been national-level studies on landuse, but a lot of this does not translate to an individual farm level. With native plantings it comes down to a farm specific level. We are also used to dealing with radiata pine, which to be honest is hard to go wrong with when planting, compared to establishing natives,” he said.

There are a number of farm scale evaluations now going ahead on how to rearrange your farm to increase forestry and carbon capture. Dr Tim Payn Scion

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

SFF, DINZ team up on project Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz PROCESSING company Silver Fern Farms (SFF) has been selected to work with Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) to develop a venison marketing project in China. Five applications for contestable funding were received by DINZ for a project that would support the development of a new market for venison in China. DINZ chief executive Inness Moffat says all the applications were of a high standard, but an external review panel determined that the SFF proposal was the one most likely to benefit the wider industry. It was also deemed the one that would have the greatest impact in China. The $450,000 new venison market development project will be funded 50:50 by DINZ and SFF. The $225,000 DINZ grant is funded from reserves in response to major disruption to venison markets caused by the impact of covid-19 on hospitality businesses. DINZ also allocates $400,000 each year to company venison promotions that meet the criteria for joint promotion. Moffat says the projects that were unsuccessful in their applications for the contestable fund are eligible

for joint promotion funding. Covid has severely disrupted sales of premium venison cuts normally sold to high-end restaurants in Northern Europe and North America, many of which have closed their doors or are operating at greatly reduced capacity. China is now NZ’s third largest market for venison by value and volume, behind Germany and the United States at first and second. “China is still a developing market with limited experience with venison cuisine importers,” he said. “Supported by NZ marketers and DINZ, it is continuing to develop new butchery techniques, cuts and cuisines for venison that appeal to Chinese tastes.” SFF welcomed both the funding and independent endorsement of the company’s marketing strategy, group marketing manager Nicola Johnston says. “It reinforces the strength and content of the SFF’s venison recovery and growth strategy,” Johnston said. “It also recognises the unique value of our company’s infrastructure of China-approved processing plants.” The funding will support projects that are above and beyond the activity SFF has already initiated in China. New projects will involve customer

We are excited to see what traction these additional projects can provide. Nicola Johnson Silver Fern Farms and consumer insight, new product development, customer usage, education and promotion. “We are excited to see what traction these additional projects can provide,” she said. Meanwhile, despite covid disruptions, total venison export volumes were up in 2020, albeit at lower prices. Average venison prices fell by 17% as marketers moved products to channels and markets that would not normally be able to compete with foodservice for supply. This reduced the build of inventory in NZ and provided the cashflow to pay farmers for their deer. While restaurant closures and a near absence of tourists in Europe and North America put a damper on returns to farmers, on the positive side lower prices have been a lubricant for sales.

BEST SUITED: DINZ chief executive Inness Moffat says all the applications were of a high standard, but the SFF proposal was the one most likely to benefit the industry.

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22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Bittersweet kiwifruit settlement Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

MAF personnel had not acted with reasonable care, and their failures were the likely cause of Psa introduction to New Zealand. AN OUT-OF-COURT settlement But it had also held the Crown between the Government and had immunity from claims and kiwifruit growers has been met MAF did not owe the orchardists a with mixed emotions by the duty of care. It had found the risk sector. of liability meant such a duty of The Crown had faced a $450 care would be unfair, unjust and million negligence claim by unreasonable. kiwifruit grower group Strathboss The kiwifruit group has Kiwifruit and Seeka for losses accepted a settlement of $40 incurred from the 2010 Psa million and Seeka chief executive outbreak. Michael Franks says it was some acknowledgement by the Government for the impact the It is not an incursion had on growers and insignificant sum, but industry. we do have mixed However, he says, business pragmatism and the ability emotions about it. to return some funds to the participating growers was an overriding consideration. Michael Franks “It is not an insignificant sum, Seeka but we do have mixed emotions about it,” he said. The payment has been After the Court of Appeal acknowledged by the Ministry for agreed with an earlier High Court Primary Industries (MPI) director decision about MAF’s failings in general Ray Smith as confirmation keeping Psa out, the Government it is time to move on and close had sought a Supreme Court the long-running legal challenges hearing, scheduled to begin this that reach back to the first filing week. in 2014. The Court of Appeal had agreed “This payment to settle is a with a High Court decision that sensible one on a per head basis, given the number of claimants in the class action, and their legal and litigation funder costs,” Smith said. Smith noted Wednesday 24/02/2021 – Thursday 25/02/2021 The East Coast Farming Expo in its April 2020 Connecting Sheep and Beef Farmers decision the Two days of interactive demonstrations, exhibits Court of Appeal and seminars providing sheep & beef farming had found it communities the opportunity to interact face-to-face would not be fair

Agrievents

with industry leaders providing thought provoking ideas to farm smarter! Where: A&P Showgrounds, 46 Ruataniwha Road, Wairoa Time: Gates open 9am More Information: www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz

or reasonable to make the Crown legally responsible for losses of that kind, therefore no legal duty of care was owed by MAF staff to the plaintiffs. “The staff were protected by statutory immunity, as was the Crown,” he said. There are approximately 212 growers participating in the action along with Seeka, the largest orchard operator in the country. After the outbreak Seeka had to lay off 62 staff and suffered a $7.1m loss in the season Psa was discovered. Overall, the outbreak cost the entire kiwifruit industry over $800m. Strathboss group spokesperson and grower John Cameron acknowledged the group had

settled for significantly less than had been sought. “I think the Crown had set on a number pretty early on, and this was close to it,” Cameron said. “It is an acknowledgement that they had some responsibility; I believe 110% the Government would not have paid out a cent had they thought they were not responsible.” He says there was a mixture of happiness and disappointment among the plaintiff growers about the settlement. “But our team was always aware that getting a court ruling would be hard in a Supreme Court. I firmly believe negligence was never going to be in doubt, it was

really about whether liability and duty of care came back to the Crown,” he said. Franks acknowledged the MPI of today that was settling the case is not the MAF of a decade ago. “Their far more responsible approach to biosecurity is a contrast to the cavalier attitude to biosecurity taken by the last regime,” he said. He says he believes the more controlled and responsible approach to biosecurity today is largely in part to the actions taken by growers in the wake of the Psa outbreak. He says the payment by MPI is also an acknowledgement by the agency of the harm the issue had caused growers.

FMG Young Farmer regional final postponed

Thursday 04/03/2021 – Saturday 06/03/2021 The Golden Shears The Golden Shears has become an inter-nationally recognised competition for its quality and excellence in the skilful art of shearing and wool handling. The three days of competitions encompass open shearing, wool handling, wool pressing as well as the coveted triathlon award. Where: 2 Dixon Street, Masterton Time: 8.00am – 5.00pm For more information: www.goldenshears.co.nz

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Thursday 08/04/2021 Seeing, Understanding, Believing Field Day Since November 2020 in a project funded by the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge, farmers within the Nguturoa Catchment near Linton have been studying stream health, greenhouse gas and farm management issues. The field day is an opportunity to discuss and see the results from our project to date with farmers, industry groups, scientists and policy agencies Where: 267 Millricks Line, Linton in the Manawatu Time: Start 10.30am and finish at 4.00pm including a farm and stream walk. For further information contact Terry Parminter at KapAg Ltd, terry.parminter@kapag.nz In the event of raised Covid-19 Alert Levels in the region, the field day will be cancelled.

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

COMPENSATION: Seeka chief executive Michael Franks has welcomed the settlement with mixed emotions.

ORGANISERS have postponed the Northern FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Final based on Government recommendations. They say given the uncertainty around the latest covid-19 community cases, postponement of the event is the safest and most cautious option despite contingency plans we have in place to run events during an Alert Level 2. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith says she appreciates the decision will be disappointing “but for the safety of competitors, volunteers, spectators and sponsors it’s the right thing to do”. “We have plans in place that would allow us to run events during Alert Level 2 that strictly adhere to all government and Ministry of Health guidelines,” Coppersmith said. “However, given the uncertainty around whether or not Auckland will be in Level 2 by the weekend, postponement of the Regional Final has been

the most responsible option.” Coppersmith acknowledged all of their northern competitors and highlighted the efforts of volunteers, sponsors and staff as they work through these details.

We have plans in place that would allow us to run events during Alert Level 2 that strictly adhere to all government and Ministry of Health guidelines. Lynda Coppersmith New Zealand Young Farmers

“Organisers are working hard to set a new date for the event and will provide an update as soon as they can,” she said.

TO BE CONFIRMED: New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith says in light of current covid restrictions, organisers will provide an update as soon as they can.

AginED Ag ED

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

Volume 44 I February 22, 2021 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz FEELING THE PRESSURE? IT MIGHT BE THE SQUASH ZONE!

The following activity has been supplied by Beef + Lamb New Zealand. For more information or other animal health resources head to: www.beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub

Lately we've been talking about wind tunnels and what makes New Zealand so windy sometimes, but while our mountains, ranges and location on earth all contribute, it's the weather/atmosphere itself that starts the wind in the first place. Under high pressure the weather is usually calm and mainly dry. High pressure zones are also known as anticyclones in our part of the world, because they spin anti-clockwise. What is the opposite of an anti-cyclone? The lines on the weather maps that measure air pressure are called isobars. The closer the isobars are together, the steeper the gradient of air pressure that makes wind. (Like how lines on a topographical map squeezed together show the steepness of a mountain, or valley). That's why the middle of highs have little wind - but the outer edges of them do. In this map, what would the winds be like in Northland? Windy or calm?

1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz

Healthy liver (left) and FE-damaged liver (right)

2 Find and watch the OnFarmStory of Rob and Mary Andrews “Some of the Wacky ideas do work out” and read the article “Under the sacred mountain”. 3 What is the name of the property that Rob and Mary manage? 4 Who owns this farm?

Facial eczema (FE) is a disease of the liver that affects sheep, cattle, deer, goats, llamas and alpacas. It is caused by spores of a fungus which grows on dead plant material at the base of the pasture, and most commonly perennial rye grass. This is a serious disease and something that the industry is trying very hard to mitigate or better yet, avoid. The fungus is always present in the pasture, but when temperatures and moisture levels are high, and grass minimum temperatures remain above 12-13 degrees, the fungus suddenly grows rapidly and produces vast numbers of toxic spores which are then ingested by animals.

STRETCH YOURSELF: In this map, what direction would the airflow be over Stewart Island?

How is the farm utilised? What portion is grazed and what other ways is the land being used?

The liver damage associated with FE can cause animal health issues even if no clinical signs are present and can reduce lifetime productivity of an animal by up to 25%. Clinical signs include:

2 What proportions of stock does the farm winter?

• Animals may look dull and/or weak

3 Because the farm is owned by Ngati Porou and therefore is there to give all people of Ngati Porou a whakapapa turangawaiwai (a place to call home). It has a board and a general manager that oversee the farms productivity and progress? Why do they need this? What do these people do?

• Photosensitivity. This shows as red, sore patches on skin like sunburn

4 Where do Rob and Mary finish their stock? Why don’t they do this on Pakihiroa?

• Prevention is key, so farmers are urged to keep an eye on regional spore counts and getting pasture spore counts

• Liver failure • Sudden death How can farmers prevent FE?

• Breeding animals for FE tolerance Lows and tropical cyclones are more like a "crater in the atmosphere", like someone's pulled the plug and the air is being sucked into it. This is why they can be so stormy near the centre. These are the opposite of high pressure systems. Draw a line between the centre of a big high and a nearby low(s) and you’ll find the squash zone - a belt of windy weather that is half generated by high pressure and half generated by low pressure. Where is the squash zone in this map?

• Use zinc in feed, drenches or water or with a zinc bolus • Plan to use safer feeds such as brassica crops where possible DON’T FORGET TO SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ and the whole Gurt and Pops collection could be yours! We want to see howyou stay safe on the farm. Send us in a photo of you being safe on the farm these holidays, along with your answers to two of the questions below to get yourself in the draw.

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1

BE O IN T ! N I W

Why do you never drink out of bottles that are in the workshop? If we walked into this paddock with cattle what could go wrong? Why should you never go somewhere on the farm without talking to an adult first? Before riding your motorbike, what should you dress yourself in and why? Send your entries to: agined@globalhq.co.nz (we will draw the winner on February 28th)

What time of the year do you think is the most risky time for FE?

2 Apart from the animal welfare, why do you think it is important for farmers to control diseases such as FE? 3 Do some research and see if you can find what the spore count is in your area. For more information or other animal health resources head to www.beeflambnz.com/ knowledge-hub

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Newsmaker

Holgate ready to tackle new role Long gone are the days of a bank’s sole function to take an investor’s money and lend it to borrowers. Today, banks are becoming intimately involved in the businesses in which they invest. Neal Wallace spoke to Rabobank’s new head of sustainable business development Blake Holgate.

LAKE Holgate has some big questions for which he hopes to find some answers. Rabobank’s newly appointed head of sustainable business development says near the top of the list is defining exactly what sustainability means in the context of New Zealand farming. Defining the much maligned word is central to the future of NZ agriculture and Holgate is confident that meeting such a standard, once it is defined, is achievable. “I think we need a clear distinction of what it looks like, of what it is we’re trying to deliver and achieve,” Holgate said. “We need to find a pathway to achieve that. How can it be done, then measure and report on that so we can show we are achieving it?” He says sustainability means different things to different people, which means farmers have to satisfy differing expectations. Issues such as water quality are important to the NZ public, but to consumers in our export markets, the priority tends to be food safety and animal welfare. “That is the challenge being a major food exporter, having multiple masters that we must satisfy,” he said. The same challenge exists defining and substantiating claims about regenerative agriculture. “Are we talking about an outcome-based approach where we are regenerating the environment with farming?” he asked. “In lots of ways farmers are there, or thereabouts, at

the moment because we are improving the environment through the way we farm.” Holgate’s appointment is very much a back-to-the future role. Eight years ago, he was employed by Rabobank in a sustainability role having previously completed a thesis for the bank in 2013 on the impact of National Policy Statement on freshwater, which was being introduced by the National-led government.

My role will allow managers to understand and discuss with their clients the risk environment of regulation and what it means to the farm, long-term investment and planning.

The thesis was a requirement of his MBA course at the University of Otago, after which he was offered a job with Rabobank. That role expanded several years later to include analysing animal protein markets. With growing environmental and compliance issues facing the sector, Holgate says the bank sees a need for a specialist role helping clients address the impact of environmental rules and regulations. His role covers three areas: helping clients get the right information, products and services to meet the regulatory environment; help Rabobank

understand the impact of environmental regulation; and to provide commentary and make submissions, where applicable, on environmental policies. Holgate stresses he will be working for Rabobank staff and clients not the primary sector. “My role will allow managers to understand and discuss with their clients the risk environment of regulation and what it means to the farm, long-term investment and planning,” he said. His work will enable bank managers and farmers to put plans in place to address these issues, to help clients link with local experts and advisers and to also connect into the bank’s international network. “If we’re actually having this conversation with clients, it will put the potential business risks front of mind for them and allow us to better tailor solutions,” he said. Given most NZ farms were family-owned without the resources to employ specialists to deal with the host of new rules and regulations, Holgate says it can become overwhelming and create uncertainty and concern. “This isn’t a one-size-fits-all business,” he said. “It depends where you are, what you are farming and your philosophy.” The key for farmers to address these issues and fulfil pending obligations such as farm environment plans (FEPs), is to digest and collect relevant data and then present it in a useful form that meets the required regulatory standards. “We need to make the process easy and streamlined for clients,” he said. “This area is not about a lack

PLAN: Blake Holgate says Rabobank sees a need for a specialist role helping clients address the impact of environmental rules and regulations.

of information, there is almost too much, but it is clear we need succinct communications about where and how we gather and present it.” With the Government still forming freshwater and climate change policies, Holgate says what is exactly required from farmers is unknown. Rabobank chief executive Todd Charteris says the market for sustainable finance, specifically used for activities that will benefit the environment or society, is growing. “Blake will play a lead role in identifying new opportunities for the bank and our clients in this area,” Charteris said. Born and raised on a South Otago sheep and beef farm,

Holgate attended Dunedin’s John McGlashan College. After high school, he studied law at the University of Otago and worked at the Dunedin law firm Anderson Lloyd in the area of resource management dealing with clients as diverse as mining companies, property developers and environmental groups. Reflecting his career choice after four years, he decided to return to study, completing an MBA. A requirement of the course was to complete a thesis, so he wrote to banks seeking support to study the rising impact of environmental regulation. Rabobank agreed, launching Holgate’s career with the rural lender.

AGMARDT associate board member opportunity THE Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT) is inviting applications for an associate board member to join its board of trustees. AGMARDT is an independent, not-for-profit charitable trust, with more than 30 years’ experience funding and fostering innovation, research and leadership capability in Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and fibres sector. “Agribusiness is pivotal to New Zealand’s economic and environmental wellbeing,” AGMARDT chair Richard Green said. “The future success of our food and fibres sector relies on building strong leadership, management

and governance capabilities now. “At AGMARDT, as future shapers with an eye on the big trends that will influence our sector, we are focused on supporting the next generation of leaders to succeed and help accelerate positive change. “The associate board member position is a rare opportunity in agribusiness for talented individuals and emerging leaders to experience and observe governance first-hand in an innovative agribusiness environment. “We’re inviting emerging leaders and talented individuals to apply for this position.” The position is for an 18-month term, and the associate gets to attend regular board meetings

and participate fully in discussions, and develop their own Governance Development programme in conjunction with the board. “The position provides a direct pathway to governance roles. We hope that once the associate has completed their term, they should be able to hit the ground running in whatever future governance role they choose to take on,” he said. For Taranaki dairy farmer Liam O’Sullivan, who completed his term as associate trustee on September 30, the role has provided invaluable learning and opened new doors. “Nothing beats an active role for accelerating development and this role has definitely provided

that for me,” O’Sullivan, who has a background in agri-banking, a BA in Agriculture, Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Studies and is a graduate of the Fonterra Governance Development Programme, said. “The support of the other trustees has significantly enhanced the value I have taken from the interactions around the board table. And, a real highlight has been the exposure to innovation, people development and in-market connections that AGMARDT supports.” The role also gave O’Sullivan the opportunity to attend the International Horticultural Immersion Programme in Europe, a two-week executive education immersion programme

with a whole-of value chain focus, incorporating themes of collaborative innovation and capacity building. “The trip gave me an appreciation for the great natural advantages we have in New Zealand as food producers, our need to continue to be better than the rest of the world in terms of our quality assurance and food safety, and to focus on value-add pathways for products,” he said. “The full supply chains across the agriculture and horticulture sectors is where I see my future contributions in governance.”

Applications close on March 8. An online application form is available at www.agmardt.org.nz

New thinking

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

App simplifies seasonal staffing As the seasonal push to harvest horticultural crops draws closer, so does the additional pressure on growers to try and source seasonal staff. But an app founded by a Nelson woman makes the arduous paperwork task a lot simpler and helps employers find the staff they need. Richard Rennie spoke to Genevieve Griffin-George about her PICMI app.

HEN Genevieve GriffinGeorge was unexpectedly called back to her parent’s Tasman orchard from France after her father suffered a major tractor accident, she found herself immersed in trying to keep the family’s SunGold kiwifruit orchard running. This included employing staff on their 3.5ha orchard, and she quickly discovered how timeconsuming this single but vital task proved to be. “Typically, you could expect to spend at least two hours on the paperwork, induction, health and safety aspects, and assessment of staff, (and) I quickly came to realise that there had to be a better way.” Her initial concern was that it was a problem only she was experiencing, given her greenness to the orcharding business, but was proved wrong. “Any orchardist I spoke to assured me it was one of their biggest issues as well, GriffinGeorge said.” Once her dad recovered from the accident, Griffin-George took up a business consulting job in Wellington’s corporate world but the issue continued to follow her around in the back of her mind. “I knew I needed to develop a means of recording seasonal workers’ recruitment and employment in a way that was contactless and would get them on board quickly,” she said. Experience had shown that

delays could lead to potential staff walking away from the offer, taking up another job elsewhere, or simply leaving the district. She partnered up with two developers to come up with the prototype app PICMI, along the way picking up innovation awards and a profile at the 2019 Fieldays. It also earned her a spot as the first, and so far only, Kiwi to address the prestigious Australian agri-tech event EvokeAg last year just prior to lockdown. Lockdown placed PICMI in the right place at the right time, with growers scrambling for staff as covid protocols, which they had to meet if they were to retain essential industry status, loomed. The app’s contactless hiring process that integrates templated contracts, including New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated’s seasonal contract, also captures job seeker details and provides candidates with induction information, removing the need for paperwork and timeconsuming orchard site visits prior to work commencing. Working with growers, she determined what the key criteria were for positions, including questions around physical capabilities and experience. “I had found that my recruiting on the orchard had become very cluttered, with multiple outlets advertising our need for staff, including a sign at the gate, and it was hard to keep track of who was coming and where from,” she said. PICMI enables orchardists to

USEFUL: PICMI developer Genevieve Griffin-George says getting seasonal staff on board can be one of the most stressful times of year for growers.

I knew I needed to develop a means of recording seasonal workers’ recruitment and employment in a way that was contactless and would get them on board quickly. Genevieve GriffinGeorge PICMI track how well positions are being filled in real time, and further development intends to enable orchardists to notify other PICMI users if they come across staff

they themselves can’t take on, but others may be able to. “For jobseekers it reduces the friction to find and do work. They know straight away if they have a job or not. Most apply for many jobs and then wait, hoping to hear back. This causes frustration for both parties,” she said. The ability to customise aspects of PICMI, given no two orchards are the same, adds to its flexibility, tailoring employment needs like specific positions and restrictions within the app. The app has the ability to deliver an income for GriffinGeorge as her company is based on a “pay per contract signed” model at $19 a staff contract, with the first 10 offered for free. “After that you only pay as you are hiring,” she said.

Feedback has been that the cost represents a significant saving in time, with contracts usually being completed within 20 minutes of the employee signing up. “We are already seeing PICMI deliver some fantastic results for customers this harvest season. Our newest Bay of Plenty customer registered 670 jobseekers and 450 of them secured contracts to work this season. Of the contracts, 45% were signed within one hour and 80% within one day,” she said. She is confident the app is as valid overseas as it is in NZ, with growers all over the world plagued by staff shortages for seasonal work. “We have already had interest from Australia and elsewhere,” she said.

Otago University set to appoint ag professor Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

NEW COURSE: The new appointment follows the University of Otago’s establishment of an Agricultural Innovation degree course in 2020. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

THE University of Otago is appointing a professor of agriculture. In what is a new appointment in a new academic field for the university, it follows the establishment last year of an Agricultural Innovation degree course and the establishment in 2016 of Ag@Otago, where more than 60 researchers across various disciplines were encouraged to tackle agricultural issues. The university’s pro-vice chancellor – sciences Professor Richard Barker says the role will provide academic leadership to the Agricultural Innovation degree course. “To give the programme the best chance of flourishing, we are investing in a senior level academic appointment to drive the programme forward,” Barker

said in a statement. Barker says the appointment also recognises the importance of agriculture to New Zealand, both historically and for the future, but also to help address pending staff shortages in the next few years, especially those with tertiary qualifications. “The new major and minor in Agricultural Innovation are designed to capitalise on the extensive academic and research expertise at Otago, coupled with interest from prospective students as shown by meeting numerous prospective students and families at field days around the country who wished that Otago had a presence in agriculture,” he said. “It is also a logical extension of the establishment in 2016 of a University of Otago Research Theme, Ag@Otago, involving more than 60 researchers at the University of Otago with an active interest in agricultural research.”

Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

EDITORIAL Red meat sector deserves recognition

OR decades the meat industry has been disparagingly labelled a dinosaur. This derogatory moniker was, in many cases, justified as companies focused on competing and fighting with each other, but thankfully, that is no longer the case. This change in focus has been graphically evident in the last year in response to the global covid-19 pandemic; a quite remarkable response to a once in a lifetime economic and social disruption that has not been acknowledged. As the world went into lockdown last year to contain the virus, foodservice markets shut overnight. Forced to address the loss of a significant chunk of their sales, companies had to immediately find or extend distribution channels and markets then reformat product for global retailers. Consider the enormity of that task alone, without the added challenges of maintaining livestock processing and reconfiguring plants to accommodate social distancing for staff. Several plants had staff test positive for the virus, but to the credit of workers and management, it was contained despite the potential to spread rapidly. Having dealt with one set of challenges, this season companies have contended with supply chain disruption at ports caused by measures introduced by countries to keep the virus out. By all reports, most meat is finding its way to market – quite an incredible feat. As we have previously reported, all this is being achieved while companies have maintained meat prices above historic levels for most of the season, no doubt helped by extra demand from lockdown, forcing consumers to cook at home. The fact all of this has been done in the past year despite a mountain of disruption, would not have been achieved by a dinosaur industry. It shows companies are focused on their business, consumers and taking market share off competing protein producers and not the company down the road. History will look favourably at the performance on the whole of New Zealand’s primary sector to the 2020 covid-19 pandemic, but the meat sector deserves special attention.

Neal Wallace

LETTERS

Someone has to pay for the damage TREVOR Walton’s opening comments about forestry’s contribution to rural communities is not far off the mark. Our home is in Waimiha, where in the 1990s eight farms were planted and most of that is now coming to harvest, with seven gangs now operating. Twenty-five to 30 trucks leave the valley per day. Some staff stay locally in rentals for the three or four years, others come and go in utes daily, but it is left up to the long-term locals to keep the community cohesion going. So, it is fair to say the effects of forestry are not popular. However, to suggest the decision around rate differentials are fuelled by prejudice is wrong in my view. Differentials should be

used to create equity. Examples are not hard to find here in the Ruapehu District Council, where the capital value of a 500-hectare sheep and beef farm is the same as for a 5000ha forest. Capital Value is land value plus the value of improvements. Forestry has low land value and the only improvements are a half share in a boundary fence, internal roads and skid sites, thus a low Capital Value. The crop is not valued for rates; this is an instance where a differential should be used. Roading rates per hectare can be 10 times less for a forest than a sheep and beef farm. Thus, to lift a forest to equal terms per hectare is actually going to require a 10 times differential.

But that is not all. Perhaps we could use tonnage as a comparison, given that each property pays approximately the same roading rate. Take 5000ha over a 30-year rotation, harvesting 400 tonnes per hectare. That amounts to two million tonnes of produce. For comparison’s sake, that equates to 2222 30-tonne loads outgoing per annum. The 500ha sheep and beef farm would put out about 40 loads annually. Incoming loads are difficult to assess, but maybe 10 times over all for the 5000ha forestry block, mainly road metal. Ignoring the incoming loads, the harvested product for the forestry block is 55 times the farm. Quite a lot. So if roading rates were based on tonnage, the forestry block

could be liable for a 55 times differential. It is unlikely to happen as it would drive the forestry industry broke and councils don’t like doing that. However, someone has to pay. Should it be the general ratepayer or farmers? I don’t think so. I don’t agree that these decisions to impose forestry differentials are driven by prejudice at all. They are driven by timid attempts at creating equity. Walton’s parting comment that “rates should never be used to penalise others” could be turned around to say “rates should never be used to subsidise others”. Jim Walker Waimiha

Letterof theWeek EDITOR Bryan Gibson 06 323 1519 bryan.gibson@globalhq.co.nz EDITORIAL Carmelita Mentor-Fredericks 06 323 0769 editorial@globalhq.co.nz Neal Wallace 03 474 9240 neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz Colin Williscroft 027 298 6127 colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz Annette Scott 021 908 400 annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz Hugh Stringleman 09 432 8594 hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz Gerald Piddock 027 486 8346 gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz Richard Rennie 07 552 6176 richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz Nigel Stirling 021 136 5570 nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Could the housing market benefit ag? Andrew Laming

ENDING in the agriculture sector could benefit from the rhetoric around the affordability of housing, and government signals that the investor frenzy will be tackled. The whole issue is political dynamite, but this government seems determined to try to solve it. Past governments did a few traditional things like loan-tovalue (LVR) restrictions and ruled out a few others like capital gains taxes. But those measures haven’t really worked, and they haven’t in other countries either. It doesn’t actually address the underlying issue, which is how ridiculously easy capital is available from banks in the home loan sector. As we say in the NZAB office, “It’s the capital, stupid”. Last year the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) continually expanded its Large-Scale Asset Purchasing (LSAP) to over $100 billion. This was effectively printing money and making more capital available to the Government and banks. A big chunk of this money found its way into the banking sector, where regulations and corporate profitability models are highly stimulative to home lending. That is because it is easier to originate and service a home loan, like painting by numbers for credit departments. Also, RBNZ capital regulations mean that a home loan is over 100% more profitable at the same margin, than one to agriculture or business. But that may be all set to change. Take these soundbites from Finance Minister Grant Robertson into consideration: “We want to tilt the balance towards first-home buyers,

The

Pulpit

If your bank is showing an increase in agri loan appetite, don’t let this distract you from following a clear and deliberate decisionmaking process.

while also incentivising more investment into the construction of homes. “We all know that building more houses, particularly affordable housing is critical, but we can also do more to manage demand, particularly from those who are speculating. “It is the time for bold action. The market has moved quickly and rapidly in a way that is not sustainable – we have to confront some tough decisions and we will do that.” Some of his comments may refer to the Resource Management Act (RMA) changes, but he is about to make it way tougher for investors trying to buy existing homes. Banks are feeling the heat and

have become a lot more sensitive to the social impacts of lending. They don’t want to be seen encouraging the property market via increased capital availability to take it out of the reach of homeowners. So, here are two ways we see the Government could have an influence, aside from more LVR restrictions. Firstly, make an amendment to the RBNZ Act to change its mandate to include housing affordability, alongside monetary policy and full sustainable employment. To actually implement that, the RBNZ would then immediately increase the riskweighted assets requirements for lending to investor rental properties. In short, require the banks to hold more capital against these loans, making them less profitable. Cue much higher interest rates for these loans. Secondly, make interest payments on housing investments non-tax deductible, excluding new builds. Immediately the outcry would be “that makes no economic sense,” but the Government wouldn’t care, and it was done in the UK in 2017 to stifle property investment. It would immediately make housing investment less attractive, but it is not as bad as it sounds, being a net impact between 1-2% reduction in cash yield. But why would this be good for agricultural lending? The amount of capital in the banking system wouldn’t come down and if you make some parts of the lending market less profitable for banks, they will examine other parts more favourably. Take a look at the graph below. As of November 2020, there were $293 billion of home loans in NZ, up $21b for the year.

GREEN SHOOTS: NZAB director Andrew Lemming says we are seeing the green shoots as banks are more open to new transactions and properties are beginning to shift.

In agri, there was $62b down over $1b. Look at the scale of difference – even a small shift in the direction of capital would have a big impact in the agricultural sector. And this is just debt availability. The flow-on impacts include investor appetite and their willingness to put in their own equity capital, which would magnify the trend. Even if only a small number of ex-housing investors start looking at agri or business as a place to invest, then that will drive a big change in the sentiment of the sector. It becomes a steamroller; no different than what is currently happening in the housing sector. I have seen fear of missing out (FOMO) in many markets before. Housing has currently got it, agri has seen it before too. We may see it again. And one last thing – cash yields in farming are extraordinary at present. While only slightly above longrun averages, when compared to lowering alternative property investment classes like housing, agri returns are almost double. That is going to get noticed. We are seeing the green shoots as banks are more open to new transactions and properties are beginning to shift.

As the appetite of banks for agri loans increases, that feeds into farm balance sheets and competitive tension will drive down margins. But farmers should not let go of the great gains in financial literacy they have made over the past five years. They should not cast aside the robust decision-making processes to make sure strategic choices are grounded against many different factors. If your bank is showing an increase in agri loan appetite, don’t let this distract you from following a clear and deliberate decision-making process. We see change in agri appetite being more volatile in the future and individual banks being “in” or “out” on shorter cycles. That calls for careful management.

Who am I? Andrew Laming is a director of NZAB, the agricultural loan broker, based in Timaru. Formerly he was an agribusiness banker for 17 years.

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

Opinion

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Sheep and beef farmers, take a bow Alternative View

Alan Emerson

THERE was a tut-tut style article from Guy Salmon recently telling us that Kiwi farmers needed to start pulling their weight if there’s any hope of preventing catastrophic flooding in coastal areas. He added that we needed to be encouraged to switch land-use. I have difficulty taking Salmon seriously and the article reinforced my view. He came from a single established position and gave a strong appearance of ignoring any information that was contrary to his view. He also ignored research. A joint University of Canterbury and Occidental College of California report tells us that the rock Olivine contains the carbon sequestering magnesium hydroxide. There are billions of tonnes of it in the Red Hills near Nelson. Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) is breeding bulls whose progeny has a lower carbon footprint. Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) have released a report showing farmers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are largely mitigated by vegetation on their farms. Whereas GHG emissions

from transport have increased 90% since 1990 emissions from agriculture are largely unchanged. I recently supported the Climate Change Commission report. What it doesn’t do is to recognise the contribution farmers are making to reduce pollution and to realistically assess their obligations or otherwise. B+LNZ have completed an excellent report that has been peer reviewed. It shows that sheep and beef farms are close to being carbon neutral. The reason is because of the significant amount of carbon sequestering vegetation that already exists on sheep and beef farmland. There’s approximately two million hectares of it, or just under 20% of all sheep and beef farm area. In addition, 77% of that carbon sequestering wood is indigenous vegetation, meaning the sequestering will continue into the indefinite future. Unsurprisingly, the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) claimed the report “overestimated the actual amount”. I’m staying with the B+LNZ figures. What surprised me is that around 12% of our woody carbon stocks and over 40% of our total carbon stock, that held above and below ground, is on sheep and beef farms. I think sheep and beef farmers should take a bow, our contribution to the environment is better than considerable, it is massive. We could expect a congratulatory letter from Climate

FACTS: New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector is provably carbon neutral, and our dairy industry is the world’s most efficient, Alan Emerson says.

Change Minister James Shaw and Environment Minister David Parker, but I’m not holding my breath. The research was compiled by Auckland University of Technology’s Dr Bradley Case and peer reviewed by Landcare Research chief scientist Dr Fiona Carswell and ecologist Dr Adam Forbes of University of Canterbury. It provides a major platform for the sheep and beef sectors contribution towards us being carbon neutral by 2050. The report makes the point that “if farmers are going to have to pay the cost of their emissions it is vital that they get credit for the genuine sequestration happening on their farms”. I would agree and would suggest that it would be manifestly unjust to do otherwise. So, the sheep and beef sectors

are largely carbon neutral now, and we can be left alone to make New Zealand prosperous postcovid-19. The dairy sector is in a different position. They are the world’s most efficient dairy producers and provably so. Detailed research by some of our top scientists at AgResearch shows our carbon footprint of milk production is a fraction of those of other dairy producing countries. NZ is at .74kg CO2 for each kilogram of fat and protein corrected milk. Australia sits at 1.06, the US is at 1.09 and the Netherlands at 1.28. What that tells me is that if the Government is serious about global warming it should be encouraging our dairy industry as the emissions from milk produced in NZ are a fraction of that produced elsewhere.

As we know, it isn’t just NZ’s emissions, it is the international emissions that are the global warming problem. We contribute just .1% of global warming gases. Our contribution to lowering international emissions would be to increase our dairy herd. There’s a further issue with dairy as new technology, genetic modification, breeding and feeding can all play a part and lower our emissions still further. Fonterra is already trialling the Dutch product that reduces methane emissions by 30% in grain-fed cows. They want to find out if it will work with grass-fed animals. There’s also a vaccine that could lower emissions and there’s genetically modified grass that was developed here, but because of our outdated laws can’t be field trialled. So, despite criticisms by the likes of Salmon and others, NZ agriculture is excelling when it comes to mitigating climate change. Our sheep and beef sector are provably carbon neutral and our dairy industry is the world’s most efficient. That tells me if we’re serious about mitigating global emissions we need more cows. A small increase in NZ’s gases would make a major contribution to international global warming.

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

Myanmar coup is cause for concern From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

THERE is trouble brewing in Myanmar and I’m concerned for the people. I have a soft spot for the country because one of the best weeks of my life was spent there in April 1983. Then it was called Burma – the ruling military changed its name in 1989 – and I’d been a hippy travelling around South-East Asia on my way back to a farming career. Don’t think poorly of me because of the hippy admission. I was in good company. George Harrison, John Lennon, Carly Simon and Jack Nicolson, as well as a bunch that became billionaire businesspeople. If you want a closer to home example, there’s that bastion of Wairarapa conservatism and success Derek Daniell. I note that he never puts pictures of himself of his halcyon days with his long locks, flowery robes, driving

around California in his Cloud Nine V8 wagon airbrushed with blue sky, birds and rainbows, as he sought out his guru when he published his ram newsletter. To get into Burma in 1983 wasn’t easy. It was just starting to open its borders a crack after 35 years of self-imposed isolation. I was in the first several hundred to visit since WW2. I had to fly in from Bangladesh and then exactly a week later be on a Biman Bangladesh plane heading for Thailand. To overstay was a bad idea. All the land and sea borders were shut tight. It had been a British colony until the Japanese invaded during the war and was granted independence in 1948 and then in 1962, the military had a coup d’état and ran it as a unique military dictatorship with an underlying socialist Buddhist ethos. For all its independent life, it has been beset with rampant ethnic strife because of the myriad ethnic groups, leading to an ongoing civil war and gross human right breaches as we have seen recently with the appalling treatment and genocide of the Rohingya Muslims. Which is such a shame as it is a country rich in resources, a proud

history and during my visit, lovely gracious people. I landed in Rangoon, now called Yangon, and straight away jumped into a train that travelled through the night with all the lights fully lit and loud garish music blasting from the speakers. I spent the day in Mandalay as I’d previously read the likes of Somerset Maugham, some of whose books were set in this area. I found the ferry to take me down the Irrawaddy River in the dark and was directed to the cabin with the other foreigners, found a spare bunk and, given the sleepless night before, fell into a deep slumber. When I woke at dawn, the ferry was on its way down river and I listened to three fellows chatting and thought ‘those are Kiwis not Aussies’. I hadn’t bumped into a Kiwi for a couple of months. Then a couple asked them if they were Kiwis and announced so were they. I piped up and the two remaining Americans, along with the six New Zealanders, were dumbfounded at this sudden national reunion of a small country all in the most unlikely place to be. The ferry got stuck a couple of times until leaving us on the jetty of the ancient city of Pagan, which is why we had all travelled to Burma to see.

It was a remarkable experience wandering around the remains of over 2000 temples and pagodas, which were spread across hundreds of hectares with farmers tilling the fields amongst them. At this ancient city’s peak in the 9th to 13th century, there had been 10,000 of these structures and many left were still huge and in not bad shape. Still housing their giant buddhas who have gazed solemnly at gawking tourists for 800 years. But it was the rampant temple building and the reduced tax take that made the Pagan Empire vulnerable and Genghis Khan’s grandson Kublai swept down from Mongolia and finished off the kingdom in 1286, and Pagan, having once housed 200,000 people, became a dusty forgotten village. I swapped a couple of t-shirts with a farmer for two of the 1000-year-old clay opium pipes he had ploughed up. These pipes later caused a very intimate examination from the Australian Border staff on my way home, but remain some of my most prized possessions. Nowadays, you wouldn’t take archaeological artifacts out of a country and wouldn’t be allowed to. In my defence, these villagers had 100s of them.

Over the last few years, Myanmar has been struggling back to democracy as the ruling junta slowly released its grip on power. But at the beginning of February, they conducted a coup, seized power and imprisoned the leaders of the party that had recently won a landslide at last year’s election. Now people are taking to the streets in demonstrations angry at this turn of events. The military has responded by putting conflict-ready troops on the streets. The Burmese military have turned their guns on their own people in the past and the situation building is not good. One must hope that the internal and international pressure, along with modern technology able to broadcast real time happenings, stays the army’s weapons. It’s a naïve wish, but I hope this is a country that can find its way back to real democracy and learn to deal with its ethnic problems and then use the natural wealth to benefit all its citizens.

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

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Don’t pass the buck Cameron Bagrie EXPORTING is normally associated with sending goods overseas. We need to redefine the term to now include exporting problems, also known as passing the buck. School attendance, housing and the environment are examples. We need people to stand up and declare the buck stops here. Declining school attendance sets a bad platform for regular work attendance. A failure to get the education sector delivering is a pending timebomb for businesses, including agriculture and horticulture. In 2015, 70% of students regularly attended school. To be regularly attending school requires 90% attendance. Thirty percent of students did not meet that in 2015. In 2019 regular attendance dropped to 57.7%. That is more than 40% not attending regularly. That decline has been described by the Ministry of Education as looking like a systemic trend. Maori and Pasifika regular attendance is below 50%.

The biggest declines in attendance between 2015 and 2019 have been in primary schools. In the Hawke’s Bay, 20% of students have an attendance rate that is below 80%. A couple of other regions are worse. Little wonder the apple industry in the Hawke’s Bay has been importing labour and reliant on it. Some hard questions should be asked on student attendance – and solutions demanded. The median house price is more than seven times the median income. Rents chew up a large proportion of income. The social housing waiting list has hit 22,000. Housing failures risk exporting a systemic problem into wage demands as a catch-up move rather than addressing the fundamental issue of housing at a reasonable price. Too much attention is on putting money into people’s pockets (while admirable if we link it to productivity) and not enough on containing what goes out of the pocket. I hope the Commerce Commission’s investigation into supermarkets

IMPACT: Declining school attendance could set a bad platform for regular work attendance.

has some substantive outcomes. Housing is a major cost, whether that be to build, buy or rent. Living cost inflation for lower income groups outpace living costs for higher income groups, and housing costs are a key culprit. Interest rates are low so servicing a mortgage is easier, but good luck getting together a deposit if you cannot leverage the bank of mum and dad. Housing is a major concern for 53% of New Zealanders according to the latest IPSOS Issues Monitor. Kiwibuild has been a debacle, poor policy and middle-class welfare.

The social contract between citizens and the Government for the provision of reasonable cost housing has been broken. The situation has become so ridiculous that a recent article pointed the finger at the horticulture sector for ousting people to accommodate seasonal workers. The accommodation was purposely built for seasonal workers, but temporarily used to house families as interim help. That help was never a long-term solution. Demand for higher pay is escalating. There is truth in the need, but some fundamental failures in housing policy

are exaggerating it, adding unnecessary extra cost to businesses. The environment is another issue of our age. We need to stop pointing the finger and exporting the problem to farmers. Farmers have worn the pointed fingers despite most playing by the rules, and many doing even better than what the rules require. It is about time city folk or policymakers considered what the equivalent of a Farm Environment Plan – call it a Household Management Plan (HMP) – would look like. A HMP would look at water usage, contanimanets down drains, effluent disposal, recycling practices, usage of pesticides and fertilisers, storage of hazardous goods, right down to a management plan for the pet. And make sure the plan is audited and reviewed annually. No government will implement a HMP, but it provides food for thought. Being small or a household and not a business does not exclude responsibilities. Everyone needs to play their part. New Zealand is not going to turn the dial on climate change in a global sense, but is stepping up, but this means households too, not just farmers. I have provided three examples. There are lots more. As attention turns to 2021, it is time to look hard at some key issues and people who are not prepared to pass the buck.

CCC plan needs broad support to work Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

IN SPITE of its measured, nonconfrontational tone and its science-based approach, the Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) draft advice for consultation is a masterpiece of communist state planning. The commission has delivered exactly what I imagine it was tasked with doing: produce a step-by-step template for a 30-year plan, which is very hard to argue with, and, therefore, the Government can adopt as policy to silence almost all critics, both national and international. This will counter claims that New Zealand is not serious about tackling climate change and protect our trading status from the threat of non-tariff barriers imposed by more environmentally responsible trade partners. The draft advice allows for a short consultation period, after which it will be finalised and, most likely, formally adopted. Presumably the Government will be seeking cross-party support to ensure the policy is not subject to amendment or abolition with each change of government. Environment Minister David

Parker’s attitude to discussing such matters with the National opposition does not bode well if he follows a similar course to the just announced replacement for the Resource Management Act (RMA). He hasn’t yet spoken to National because “they’re not the Government”. Bearing in mind climate change is our “nuclear free moment,” according to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, it seems this will require all the cross-party support possible. The release of the CCC draft advice document has provoked relatively little downright critical reaction if agricultural sector responses are anything to go by. There is general relief the recommendations are as apparently reasonable as they are, with livestock numbers “only” required to fall by 15%, offset by a recognition that planting more land in pine trees is not the way to solve the problem. The Meat Industry Association (MIA) points out reducing livestock while maintaining productivity will be difficult, while the meat processing sector will be affected adversely by reduced throughput. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) general manager – policy and advocacy Dave Harrison told me the CCC document contains both positives and negatives, but the main positive is the commission’s political independence, which will create certainty for the sector. He agrees the 15% livestock reduction is a concern with no silver bullet to achieve it, but he is optimistic a whole series of small, incremental

improvements will make it possible, just as has been the case over the last 30 years. In his opinion it is more important to focus on the desired outcomes, rather than prescribing how to achieve them.

I have only been aware of two opinion pieces which question the validity of the CCC’s prescriptive approach, neither of which tries to argue against the importance of fighting climate change. He is also convinced carbon sequestration through native tree planting on pastoral land provides a major opportunity for sheep and beef farmers to meet their obligations. B+LNZ is preparing its response to the consultation and it is planning to hold a series of webinars at which farmers will receive a briefing about the recommendations as well as assistance to prepare their own individual responses. I am surprised by the low level of pushback from industry lobby groups and commentators in general. I have only been aware of two opinion pieces which question the validity of the CCC’s prescriptive approach, neither of which tries to argue against the

importance of fighting climate change. Their scepticism is based on the failure of communist Russia and Mao’s China to deliver a successful outcome for their populations by adopting grandiose and prescriptive fiveyear plans. Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Matthew Hooton says CCC chair Rod Carr has gone from being a champion of the free market to a proponent of more far-reaching, centrally-driven economic and social change than envisaged by Michael Joseph Savage and Roger Douglas. Even the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recognised the impossibility of a single committee prescribing a solution to the threat of climate change, preferring to let individual governments impose sinking lids on carbon emissions and use trading schemes to set the price for emissions. It is of course much simpler to devise specific targets for a single economy, although past experience suggests lobbying by interest groups will soon create exceptions, which will inevitably distort the overall plan. It can be argued the exclusion of agriculture from the Emissions Trade Scheme (ETS) as a result of successful lobbying is an excellent example of how distortions arise. How much harder it will be to achieve the different targets for biogenic and non-biogenic methane, long-lived gases, electrification of heavy, medium and light vehicles, reduced volumes of waste to landfill,

let alone a given reduction of livestock numbers? Assuming the Government of the day is unable to compel measurement and achievement of these targets, performance will be entirely dependent on the emergence of new technologies at a realistic cost to implement and the willingness of companies and individual operators to adopt them. Central and local government will also have to do more than appeal to people’s sense of duty, but set an example of the campaign in action. Unfortunately, just telling people how critical the battle against climate change is for the planet’s survival, the Government must explain what the adopted measures will achieve and why. From a purely personal perspective, I will remain sceptical about electric vehicles until a politician stands up and presents clear evidence the mining of minerals in impoverished countries for battery manufacture and the disposal of those batteries when they wear out are less harmful than burning fossil fuels. While I support this government’s intention to fight climate change, I remain unconvinced the means proposed by the CCC will achieve the desired result. It may solve the PR problem.

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

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

On Farm Story

Pack leaders in honest products A Rangitikei couple has used their initiative and entrepreneurial spirit to combine their strong wool and family story with social media marketing, to create a new business they can run from the farm. Colin Williscroft reports.

AM and Sophie Hurley had for a while been thinking about finding new avenues for their wool and a couple of years ago they saw an opportunity. Today, Honest Wolf-branded products are being bought by people across the country and around the world. Proof that inspiration can be found almost anywhere if you’re looking for it, the Hurleys found theirs in New Zealand’s ban on single-use plastic shopping bags. “We saw an opportunity where our wool could fill the gap in the market,” Sophie said. “They obviously needed a replacement. A reusable shopping bag. “So our first product idea was the casual shopper, a shopping bag replacement that was reusable and sustainable.” They’ve since expanded the range of products, but the underlying driver behind what they are doing is to add value to the sheep and beef they produce. “We’re trying to move away from the commodity that quite often our meat and wool gets lumped into,” Sam said. “We want to break that down and essentially add value to every kilo of wool that we can.” Sam and Sophie are the third generation of Hurleys to farm Papanui Estate, the family operation started by Sam’s grandfather Ray in the 1950s. Today Papanui serves as an umbrella to four farms in the Rangitikei/Manawatu area. Combined, it’s just over 5000 hectares of sheep breeding, and a lamb and beef finishing operation. “We run about 25,000 ewes and have a cattle trading policy, so we buy anything from yearlings to two-year-olds, then take them up to finishing weights on our finishing properties at Cheltenham and Ohingaiti,” Sam said. He and Sophie live on the

breeding farm on Turakina Valley Road outside of Hunterville, while his parents Andy and Anna, and his brother Jack and his fiancé Emma, look after the finishing side of the operation. The longstanding family connection to the land they live and work on is an important part of how they market the everyday consumer products they sell online under the Honest Wolf brand. “People like the story behind the wool,” he said. “They like the family history, that we’ve been farming here for 70 years and through those years there’s been a lot of change around farming practices and improving our environmental position, which we’ve been part of. It builds on the whole thing.” Sophie, who comes from a Wanaka farming family, says the “honest” part of the brand comes from their products being made out of honest products, like the wool they produce on-farm and NZ leather. “We’re pretty upfront with how we farm, that it’s sustainable, environmentally-friendly and we follow good animal health practices,” she said. “The wolf part is trying to be a leader among the pack in ways of diversifying, using wool in the hope that others might follow with what they produce on their farms.” The idea is to try and meet some of the challenges currently facing the strong wool industry by adding new and exciting brands and products. “We wanted a name that was a fashionable brand to help reach urban consumers,” she said. “To help grow the story of wool and get fashionable products out there to consumers who will then learn the benefits that come with wool, in the hope they buy more wool products.” They started talking about

LOCATION: The farm is in the central North Island hill country.

TEAMWORK: Sophie and Sam Hurley, with Harry, 11 months. The Hurleys have built a business they can run from the farm. Photo: Colin Williscroft

We just weren’t getting paid a lot for our wool compared to finer microns, so that’s where it kicked off. Sam Hurley Honest Wolf the business while on their honeymoon in 2018 and because of the move to ban single-use bags from supermarkets and other

retailers, decided to begin their business with their own solution. Not only is their wool equivalent sustainable and reusable, Sam says it has other benefits too. “Because of wool’s natural qualities we thought it would be a good fit. It thermo-regulates, so you can put something cold in it and it will keep it cooler for longer. Or you can put something hot in it and it maintains that temperature for longer,” he said. “It takes us an hour to get to town for groceries, so we’d thought about that advantage. “It’s also biodegradable and made from a renewable resource, so it ticked a lot of boxes for us in what we thought a product in the modern world should represent.” On top of that it’s extremely durable and can carry a lot of weight in comparison to other

options, with their bag holding about 10kg. Sophie says once they got the bag sorted, they saw an opportunity to dive into other everyday products that could be made out of wool. Today, among other things, they produce overnight bags, wallets, caps, tote bags and laptop sleeves. Despite having no formal design experience in the past, she says they’ve always had an eye on design, so have done the bulk of it themselves, with input from family members and their agent in India, where their products are manufactured. In an ideal world they would like to manufacture in NZ, but the felting process they use and the machinery that produces it is not available here. All their products are made out

On Farm Story

of 35-micron ewes’ wool, which is not a grade you want to wear close to your skin in its raw form, so they decided early on that felting was the way to go. Sam says they had long seen the decline in strong wool prices. “We just weren’t getting paid a lot for our wool compared to finer microns, so that’s where it kicked off,” he said. “We wanted to find a different avenue for our strong wool and after exploring a lot of different avenues we thought felting was a cool and modern way where we could jazz up what was traditionally going into carpets. “But the process had to lend itself to the properties of our wool and felting seemed to tick a lot of those boxes.” Distance, and on top of that covid, has not been an insurmountable challenge. The wool is picked up from the farm and taken to Hawke’s Bay for scouring before it’s shipped to India. The process of drying, then dying the wool, even before products are manufactured, takes weeks. Then the finished products are shipped back to NZ and trucked to the farm before being sent out to customers. Sophie personalises the process by adding a note to every package she sends out. There’s a bit of to-ing and fro-ing in product development, with work on designs assisted by video and photo exchanges with their agent in India, before samples are sent back to NZ. That’s followed up by tweaking of the finer details, just to make sure everything is okay. They also like to get their customers involved in the process, and so ask them a variety of questions through their social media accounts. “We talk to him (their agent) most nights. It’s crazy that he could be in India and we are in the Turakina Valley and still run a business,” she said. “But it’s been a good time to launch a business like ours when a lot of companies are going online.” Social media has been a big

PRODUCT: The range of products made from their ewes wool includes a reusable shopping bag, an overnight bag and caps.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

HOMEGROWN: All Honest Wolf products are created from wool grown on Papanui Estate.

It’s been a good time to launch a business like ours when a lot of companies are going online. Sophie Hurley Honest Wolf part of the Honest Wolf marketing strategy. Sam says it’s been a great tool to be able to show urban consumers how the wool is produced and then shorn. “There were a lot of ideas out there from some urban consumers that were quite negative, like that the animal had to die or that they were harmed – of course, neither is true,” he said, “We’ve enjoyed being able to help educate people through the different social media (platforms).” They’ve also used those platforms to share their products’ life cycle. He says that’s led to some great feedback and questions. “Consumers have been able to get involved, which we’ve been able to include in new batches of products, things like making additions or changing colours,” he said. “It’s been great that we’ve been able to adapt quickly and social media has been a big part of that.” They launched their brand just after covid hit, which was not part of the plan. “It was a bit risky, but we sold out our first batch pretty quickly,” she said. “It was hard to figure out how much to order to start with.” They had to learn quickly how to manage their inventory and play catch-up to ensure products were available to meet consumer demand. Since then, they’ve had to deal with increases in shipping costs

OPTIONS: The Hurleys want to find new avenues for their strong wool.

and delays in shipping, which has meant they’ve sometimes had to switch to air shipments to meet demand. Sophie says their products have been well-received by the rural market. “Everyone understood the story because it’s so relatable to many farmers around the country. We’re just trying to get our products out to as many urban customers as we can as well,” she said. Online orders for those products have been coming in from around the country, while they’ve also shipped some to Australia, the UK, Europe and the US. Corporate clients have also been a good market. “We’ve had a good response there and it’s one we want to keep pushing,” she said. “There’s a big drive at the moment, especially in the rural industry, for giveaways. Like

giveaway products with things like drench and vet products. “There’s a ‘send it back’ (option) if it’s not a sustainable product. That’s been a good fit for us, to be able to provide something from our product range that companies can offer as a gift with purchase, a customer present or part of a staff uniform.” Silver Fern Farms and Carrfields are two companies who have seen the merit in what they are doing and it’s something they want to keep pushing to other corporates. Products can be customised, including colour, to suit various corporate requirements. Looking to the future, the Hurleys aim to consolidate their base range of products and if necessary, keep tweaking them to make improvements. Every product they sell has a topographic map of the farm, including the names of paddocks,

printed on the lining to help tell the story of their wool. By doing that buyers, no matter where they are in the world, can draw a connection with the product and where the wool it’s created from is sourced. In the past, all the wool produced on the farm went to carpet, but Sam says they would like to see a time where one day it instead all went towards their own products. “For both of us, it’s great being involved in the growth of this product. It’s been really cool to see how it’s developed,” he said. “For so long we’ve just seen wool leave in a 190kg wool fadge without any real connection to where it’s going or who it’s going to, so it’s great that we’ve been able to see it go full circle.” >> Video link: bit.ly/OFShurley

World

32 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Imported sugar is ‘sold as British’ BRITISH Sugar managing director Paul Kenward has criticised labelling rules which allow imported sugar to be sold with a Made in Britain logo. Imported sugar can be sold with a Union Flag if it is processed and packaged in the UK – even if it was grown abroad. Kenward suggested this was unfair to British sugar beet growers – although it is standard practice and does not contravene any rules. “It annoys me, and I am sure many farmers that a product that is grown in Belize or Brazil, shipped around the world, then cleaned up in the American Sugar Refining facility in London can be packed in a bag with a Union Flag, saying ‘Made in Britain’.” American Sugar Refining – also known as the ASR Group – is the parent company of Tate and Lyle, which processes imported raw cane sugar at its Silvertown facility in east London. The Thames refinery is one of the largest sugar refineries in the world, with a capacity of 1.2m tonnes annually. A spokesperson for Tate and Lyle Sugars says the company had the utmost respect for the hard work and skills of UK beet farmers. “We have hosted many of them at

our east London factories over the years and know they too have the same respect for the complexity of our factories, the investments we have made in them, and the skills of the 850 people employed at them,” they said. “It is disappointing that Paul doesn’t share that respect.” Kenward hit out about the labelling rules on social media amid an ongoing debate about the Red Tractor farm assurance scheme. Arable farmers have questioned the value of the scheme, which they must join to satisfy the requirements of many major buyers, food processors and retailers. Growers have asked why they must belong to the scheme, when imported food doesn’t always have to meet the same standards. Kenward says the scheme helped to ensure supermarkets sold Silver Spoon sugar produced from domestic sugar beet – not just imported sugar. “The British branding and Red Tractor certification helps us get listings in UK supermarkets, which creates value we share with our growers,” he said. “If we can’t list it, money doesn’t flow to our growers.” Growers have also questioned why the Red Tractor logo is shown on the

back of Silver Spoon sugar rather than the front. The front of Silver Spoon sugar used to show a red tractor with the words “the only sugar grown in Britain”. Now it shows a silver spoon with a smile, with the Red Tractor logo hidden from view on the shop shelf. This was highlighted in a recent tweet by farmer Rich Maddever, showing Silver Spoon and Tate and Lyle granulated sugar side by side in a retail outlet. But Kenward says consumers liked the new packaging, which was recently redesigned. “It’s more fun than the older pack, and has more personality. And it is wrapped in the flag, has the Red Tractor logo, and the story of our growers.” British Sugar has been locked in a dispute over sugar imports after the Government confirmed plans to allow an extra 260,000 tonnes of raw cane sugar into the UK tariff free after Brexit. NFU Sugar, which represents sugar beet growers, also condemned the decision, which it said could devastate the UK’s domestic sugar industry. The Government has said it does not expect the additional sugar imports to adversely affect British sugar beet growers or the sugar refining industry. UK Farmers Weekly

DISPUTE: British Sugar has been locked in a dispute over sugar imports after the Government confirmed plans to allow an extra 260,000t of raw cane sugar into the UK tariff free after Brexit.

UK could soon grow haricot beans

PROGRESS: NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes says Brexit had put investment on hold for many companies, so Cadbury’s return comes as good news.

Cadbury returns production to UK CADBURY returning more of its production to its Bourneville site is positive news for the UK dairy industry. NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes says it was good news, as there had been a fear when Cadbury was taken over by Mondelez they would move production away from Bourneville. “It has got to be good news for the supplying farmers,” Oakes said. Milk is sourced from the Selkley Vale group cooperative. Oakes says the group

seemed to have a very positive relationship with Cadbury and this built on that. He added it was also a positive for the Midlands area as Cadbury was a big employer. He said Brexit had put investment on hold for many companies as they waited to see what the situation would be regarding access to the European market, adding the industry was now hoping there would be more innovation in the dairy sector, producing added value products in the UK. UK Farmers Guardian

UK FARMERS could soon be growing haricot beans used to manufacture baked beans thanks to a new initiative between an agronomy company and a university, offering growers a valuable new break crop. Developed by scientists at the University of Warwick, three bean varieties have been bred to suit the UK growing climate, with the aim to increase UK food production and reduce reliance on imported bean crops. The university’s research commercialisation department, Warwick Innovations, now hopes to promote the commercial production of UK haricot beans and expand the area grown by teaming up with UK agronomy firm Agrii. Under the new supply chain collaboration agreement, a number of pre-commercial field trials will be carried out by the agronomy company. Detailed research will be undertaken to enable a proof-ofconcept to help create a growing model that fits UK farming systems.

TAILORED: Three bean varieties have been bred to suit the UK growing climate.

Agrii head of agronomy Colin Lloyd explains how the haricot bean varieties can be grown on a commercial scale and offer a broad range of benefits for UK farming. “Haricot beans could provide an alternative short-season break crop for cereal rotations, improving soil and contributing to responsible land stewardship, as well as adding to the viability of farming businesses,” Lloyd said. All three varieties have been bred to be grown in UK conditions and selected for their quality, versatility and suitability for different end uses. The varieties are: Capulet, a white bean; Godivia, a blonde variety; and Olivia, a black bean. They are all fast-cooking and suitable for commercial canning in British baked beans. Growing haricot beans on a commercial scale in the UK also has the potential to reduce food miles.a In the UK alone, the leading brand of baked beans is responsible for shipping 50,000

tonnes of North American beans a year, with other brands currently importing beans from North America and some African countries. Eric Holub, from the University of Warwick, says self-sufficiency in food production is important for reducing human impact on global climate. “British-grown beans can help us shift our diets to a healthier future, adding to other UK ingredients to supply the growing trend of flexitarian diets with new markets such as BritMediterranean and BrexMexican style food,” Holub said. Agrii’s market development and pulse seed manager Peter Smith notes his excitement in working closely with the university and food companies, including Princes Foods, to increase UK crop and food production. Suzanna Wood, from Warwick Innovations, says the innovative food crop market has the potential to change the UK’s home-grown food model.

Oparau 1092 Moerangi Road Open Day

Oparau drystock 982 ha in 9 titles with approx 810 ha effective. Subdivided into approx 53 paddocks. The contour is mainly easy to medium hill with the odd steep sidling. All-weather 4WD vehicle access around the farm is made possible from various quarries on the property. Two modern brick dwellings, deer shed (accredited) and yards, woolshed, lockable workshop, four-bay implement shed, two fert bins, all-weather air strip, water from spring pumped to manacon tanks then gravity fed plus dams. With the owners having placed huge emphasis on fertility and environmental issues over the past six years, this farm is ready for the new owners to reap the rewards. The owners breed velvet stags which are moved off to a smaller specialist finishing unit, where they cut in excess of seven tonnes of velvet each year. A 3,600 Wiltshire ewe flock produce prime export lambs, whilst a modest beef cattle herd helps maintain pasture quality for fawning deer.

Deadline Sale closes Thursday 18th March, 2021 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) View Wed 24 Feb 11.00 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/TER78563

Doug Wakelin M 027 321 1343

E dougw@pb.co.nz

Paul O'Sullivan M 027 496 4417

E paulo@pb.co.nz

Takapau 3591 State Highway 2 Tender

Oakcott ventures piggery - cash is king! This is a 'one of kind' opportunity, a highly profitable piggery operation ideally located at Takapau in the desirable Central Hawke's Bay district. The property consists of 21.0003 ha and is very well improved from both the lifestyle and business perspectives. There is a very good main homestead plus a garage/workshop/stables building alongside the dwelling, providing a great base to really enjoy the Hawke's Bay lifestyle from. There are extensive piggery improvements, including office/staff room, meal and bulk grain mixing shed, sow mating shed, dry sow shed, two farrowing sheds, three solaris sheds, four fattening sheds, pig finishing sheds and weaner accommodation, plus five grain silos with combined holding capacity of 1,500 tonnes. There are high levels of piggery management practices in place with a recent Pig Care Audit Rating score of 90% in November 2020. Overall, this is a property with a high level of improvements and it represents an excellent business purchase opportunity

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

Tender closes Thursday 11th March, 2021 at 4.00pm View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/HVR80132

Chris Heenan M 027 599 3527

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

Substantial Dairy, Dairy Support, Lifestyle and Sheep/Cattle Farming Portfolio Woodleigh Farm Trust, located in the Wairarapa District, offers its property holdings for sale providing an outstanding opportunity for either owner operators or investors seeking to acquire a large mixed agricultural portfolio of two supported dairy units, a large lifestyle property as well as a substantial drystock sheep and cattle unit all with an exceptional location north of Masterton in the semi-summer safe localities Kopuaranga and Mauriceville.

The two dairy units and lifestyle property with dwelling share common boundaries, with the other two properties within 7 km from the dairy units.

• 235 Donovans Road, an irrigated dairy unit of 143.6 ha

For more information about these properties please contact our Team

• 631 Opaki Kaiparoro Road, dairy unit 173.8 ha with multiple titles

These properties are available as individual units or any combination, including options for going concern including livestock, plant and machinery.

• 346 Opaki Kaiparoro Road, 90.84 ha, currently used as dairy support block with subdivision potential • 398 Opaki Kaiparoro Road, 29.97 ha lifestyle/support block with substantial dwelling with subdivision potential • 436 Jacksons Line, 362.6 ha sheep and cattle property currently used as dairy support John Arends M 027 444 7380

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496

Paul Joblin Steve Penn M 027 443 3756 M 027 448 1221

Kopuaranga 235 Donovans Road Tender

Woodleigh - 143 ha Located 14 km to the north of Masterton is a well sought after mid-scale dairy unit featuring favourable soil types and contour. Farming improvements consist of a 26 ASHB milking shed, various implement, feed and calf rearing sheds. Approximately 35 ha are irrigated by K-line system providing early summer growth assurance. Currently milking 280 cows, with average annual production over the past three years being circa 85,000 kgMS of an effective platform area of 112 ha. The remaining area is in a mix of native bush and established woodlots. Woodleigh is completed with two dwellings with the main homestead featuring three bedrooms + office and two living areas. Woodleigh features some of the districts most favourable soil types and is well suited to continue as a dairy operation or diversify into finishing/cropping.

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

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82772 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

Kopuaranga 631 Opaki Kaiparoro Road Tender

Kopuaranga - 173 ha Located some 14 km to the north of Masterton is a well sought after mid-scale dairy unit featuring favourable soil types and contour. Farming improvements consist of a 24 ASHB milking shed, three old woolsheds, various implement, feed and calf rearing sheds. The property has milked up to 450 cows, which has previously included a winter milking herd of 160 cows. Average production over the past three years is circa 120,000 kgMS off the platform area of 160 ha. The property features a three bedroom homestead set in mature grounds. Kopuaranga features excellent road frontage and multiple titles providing subdivision options for the incoming purchaser.

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82771 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz

Kopuaranga 398 Opaki Kaiparoro Road Tender

Support/cropping block - 29 ha Located within the Opaki District, some 12 km to the north of Masterton is a well apportioned 29 ha larger lifestyle/support or cropping block. Improvements on the property include an attractive modern homestead of 320 m2. The home features a master bedroom suite, two further double bedrooms, an open plan kitchen, dining, family room, a formal lounge, family bathroom and laundry on the ground floor. A large fourth bedroom/rumpus room on the upper floor above the garage. The home sits within attractive developed gardens, which include a covered patio area attached to the house, a double detached garage and wood shed. The property has been utilised as dairy support and cropping and is well suited to most farming practices utilising some of the districts best soil types.

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

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82770 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

Kopuaranga 346 Opaki Kaiparoro Road Tender

Millers Block - 90 ha Comprising 90 ha of fertile dairy support land located within the Opaki District, some 11 km to the north east of Masterton. The land is currently all in pasture and is being utilised for the production of hay, baleage and for grazing but could also be utilised for growing crops. Farming improvements include large cattle yards, laneway, reticulated water and hayshed. The property is well subdivided into 16 main paddocks by both conventional and electric fencing. This bareland property features an excellent building platform should you wish to build your dream home within commuting distance to Masterton.

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82769 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz

Mauriceville 436 Jacksons Line Tender

Val'dor - 362 ha Val'dor is a summer safe sheep and beef semi finishing farm situated approximately 18 km to the north east of Masterton. The farm is currently being operated as a dairy support block running young stock and wintering mixed age dairy cows. Val'dor features a four bedroom home with expansive decking set in mature grounds. Farming improvements include a four stand woolshed with adjoining covered yards, various shedding, satellite yards, cattle yards, a fertiliser bin and airstrip. The property has a good range of contours, including some 95 ha of easy cultivatable hills, the remaining area is mainly medium hill with some steeper sidlings. In addition there is some 12 ha of pine trees and bush, and a further 5.6 ha of QE11. Located in a sought after district, Val'dor provides the astute purchaser an excellent add on or first farm.

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

Tender closes Tuesday 30th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 203 Chapel Street, Masterton View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82752 Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 Paul Joblin M 027 443 3756 Stephen Penn M 027 448 1221

E jared@pb.co.nz E paulj@pb.co.nz E stephenp@pb.co.nz Proud to be here

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Woodville 231 Bluff Road Tender

A real change in real estate.

Craighill - 77 ha Craighill provides the astute purchaser the ultimate grazing/finishing block centrally located, 9 km from Woodville township and 12 km to Pahiatua. Featuring 13 ha of premium flats consisting of some of the Tararua districts best soil types with the remaining area easy to medium hill and well subdivided by conventional and electric fencing. Currently utilised as a sheep and beef breeding and finishing unit, the property is well suited to dairy support or utilising the superior flats as a smaller cropping operation. Farming infrastructure includes woolshed and covered yards, implement sheds, workshop and cattle yards. Complete with a fully renovated four bedroom, two bathroom home. Property Brokers Pahiatua Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Tender closes Thursday 18th March, 2021 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property brokers 129 Main Street Pahiatua View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR82201

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 John Arends M 027 444 7380

The Property Brokers and Farmlands partnership means great things for provincial real estate Together our combined strengths complement each other to create bigger networks, more buyers and better results. For more information call 0800 367 5263 or visit pb.co.nz/together Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Your destination for rural real estate Market your property to an audience that counts

Add another touchpoint to your campaign on the website built for farmers. Align your brand with content farmers read: • Geo and agri sector targeting options available • Post campaign analysis of your adverts performance • Advertise on our Real Estate page alongside relevant editorial content • Enrich your print ad - Click through to your property videos or websites from the virtual edition.

Contact your agent to advertise today! 0800 85 25 80 farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

Proud to be together

Whakarongo 522 Napier Road

Executive lifestyle on a grand equestrian property

On the doorstep from Palmerston North sits a superbly maintained rural escape with state-of-the-art equine facilities, immaculate homes and pastures. This rare property is an acclaimed thoroughbred breeding and training stud, but there is ample opportunity for horticulture or livestock. The executive home offers spacious country lifestyle for the whole family. The open-plan kitchen and entertaining space flows onto a curated rural outlook with sweeping views across the property. A generously sized second home provides another haven. The equine infrastructure has been meticulously developed; a purpose-built arena, track, walker, fencing, vet facilities, stables and admin complex culminate in everything you need to keep your prized charges safe and under excellent care.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 2pm, Thu 11 Mar 2021 49 Manchester Street, Feilding View by appointment Andrew Bonnor 027 941 7630 andrew.bonnor@bayleys.co.nz

MID WEST REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/3100369

FINAL NOTICE

Mangaweka 90 Terrace Road 75 hectares - two small farms with flats and views Located just two kilometres from State Highway 1 and Mangaweka, featuring large flat areas and breathtaking Rangitikei River views, available as a whole or in the two following parcels. Terrace Flats: 33.8 hectares mainly flat on two terraces and including a covered fertiliser bin and a shared airstrip. Superb building sites with outstanding views in a private location. Tunnel Farm: 41.4 hectares oozing privacy and location. Add panoramic views, a large undeveloped flat, an old railway tunnel plus native bush. The result is a rare opportunity to develop this hidden gem into something special.

bayleys.co.nz/2900311

bayleys.co.nz

Whanganui 313 State Highway 3 For Sale offers invited by (unless sold prior)

4pm, Thu 18 Mar 2021 View by appointment Pete Stratton 027 484 7078 peter.stratton@bayleys.co.nz BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Ripe for the picking Well known and respected berry brand, Windermere Farms has been producing quality berry fruit since 1972. Located on State Highway 3 just a five minute drive north of Whanganui, the café and shop are popular destinations for both locals and visitors. On offer is land, buildings, home and business. With a significant development by the current owners in production processes and investment in technology and infrastructure, this offering provides a sound investment with multiple revenue streams and scope for growth. This is an ideal opportunity to be part of an industry hitting new heights in regards to scale of production and in the delivery of quality fresh produce year round.

bayleys.co.nz/3001423

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (will not be sold prior)

2pm, Thu 25 Mar 2021 158 Wicksteed Street, Whanganui View by appointment Knud Bukholt 027 222 6161 knud.bukholt@bayleys.co.nz John Bartley 021 240 9889 john.bartley@bayleys.co.nz BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Ohakea 144 Tangimoana Road

Canterbury 531 Murrays Road, Hawarden

Fertile arable land opportunity

The Triangle - winter dairy grazing Auction (unless sold prior) 12pm, Fri 19 Mar 2021 243 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North View 10-10.45am Wed 24 Feb or by appointment Andrew Bonnor 027 941 7630 andrew.bonnor@bayleys.co.nz

This fertile 39.8588 hectare (more or less) block of arable land with outstanding soil unencumbered with fencing, offers the potential purchaser the opportunity to grow various crops and look at a number of other land use options. The current owner has grown maize grain crops on the property for over 20 years and maintained a fertilizer program to ensure the continuing high yields. The crop currently growing on the property certainly reflects the fertility of the soils. Located at just above sea-level, the climate is obviously suitable for maize, potatoes and a variety of other crops. There is a 2 bay implement pole shed and a large workshop/ machinery shed. In a great location just off state highway one at Ohakea just over the Rangitikei.

MID WEST REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Seize the opportunities offered by this substantial 208.1246ha North Canterbury dryland farming operation. It is currently run as a dairy grazing and sheep and beef finishing property, wintering up to 1,800 cattle on crop. Bordered by three road frontages, the paddocks are well fenced with good lanes, providing convenient access. Good Darnley soils offer a solid platform for continued productivity. Set for the future, the property has the ability to continue this winter dairy grazing operation. Stock water is supplied via the County Scheme. Farm infrastructure includes a woolshed, hay/implement sheds, grain silos, a good family home and self-contained sleepout. A superb property.

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (unless sold prior)

12pm, Thu 11 Mar 2021 3 Deans Avenue, Christchurch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Peter Foley 021 754 737 peter.foley@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/5513867

bayleys.co.nz/3100371

The Investment Opportunity of 2021 Two stand-alone Countdown supermarkets For sale individually or together.

COUNTDOWN STRATFORD New 10 year lease | $705,000 Net p.a (approx.)

North Canterbury 1093 Omihi Road, Omihi Omihinui Omihinui is in an exceptional location, has versatile soils, strategic water and a good standard of infrastructure, setting this 246.0897ha farm apart. The bulk of the property has been regrassed within the last five years. This property has all its consents in place and is well-positioned for the future. Good lane systems, new reticulated stock water system, a good standard of fencing and high fertility provide multiple farming options. There is a history of specialist small seed production, cropping and cattle and lamb finishing. An immaculately presented and well-farmed property with an attractive homestead and grounds – this is a complete package.

bayleys.co.nz/5514375

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty

COUNTDOWN MOSGIEL

(unless sold prior)

New 10 year lease | $954,557 Net p.a (approx.)

For sale via Deadline Private Treaty with offers to be lodged by 4pm Wednesday 10th March 2021.

BENET CARROLL STRATFORD +64 21 028 94537 benet.carrol@colliers.com

countdowninvestments.co.nz

BLAIR PETERKEN NATIONAL +64 21 421 426 blair.peterken@colliers.com

DEAN COLLINS MOSGIEL +64 27 499 0974 dean.collins@colliers.com

LICENSED REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

Team Taranaki

Opunake 497 Wiremu Road Large Dairy Unit – Taranaki Only 12.8kms from Opunake, this 315 hectare mainly flat daily unit consists of 285.67 Hectares of Freehold land with four titles plus 29.1374 Hectares of PKW. Buildings consist of 50 bale rotary dairy, 4 feed sheds, 4 implement sheds. Paddocks are serviced by well maintained central metal race. Stock currently includes 400 dairy cows plus 455 mixed stock. Supplements made – 750 tonne Maize, 900 bales hay/silage. There are four houses – the main house has five bedrooms, expansive open plan living. Options available. Please ring for more information. Tender closes 26 March 2021, 4.00pm at 51 Devon Street West, New Plymouth (unless sold prior) View Thursday 25 February and Thursday 4 March 11.30am - 1.00pm (can bring 4WD) taranakiharcourts.co.nz/NP8243

Pat McFetridge AREINZ M 027 273 3940 P 06 759 9160 pat@taranakiharcourts.co.nz

Linda McFetridge M 027 207 6809

linda@taranakiharcourts.co.nz Team Taranaki Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Hikurangi 859 Russell Road

For Sale

Be the new kid on the Block... When you buy this well-established dairy goat farm. 2021 is the year my vendors want to retire and so present their industry leading dairy goat operation for your perusal. Multiple options exist here today; 1. Buy the entire package as a full blown going concern 2. Split the farm and Shares into two, and set up a second goat unit 3. Purchase the NZDG Shareholding (170,000 shares) and the leading genetics goat herd and relocate the operation to your own property.

Deadline Sale 12 Noon Thursday 18 March 2021(unless sold prior) View: harcourts.co.nz/ML4499

So, they are ready to do a deal – it’s time to hand the baton over…is it to you?

Farm “Koputara” - Total 244.99 ha

Thinking of Selling your Rural or Lifestyle Property?

690 Wylie Road, Himatangi

Auction

•

First time on the market in 148 years

•

Two titles – 235.52 hectares on the western side of Wylie Road bareland and 9.46 hectares on the eastern side of Wylie Road with bore, stock yards and woolshed

•

This is a large flat farm with quality sand country, ideal for finishing stock and complementing an existing farming operation

•

“Koputara” will be offered firstly as one block and if not sold will be offered as separate titles

Property ID RAL809 ruralandlifestylesales.com

Auction: 1.30pm Wednesday, 10 March, 2021 at Rural and Lifestyle Sales 56 Stafford Street Feilding. Call Richard or Robert to view or for more information.

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

Rural and Lifestyle Sales.com Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

Farm Land of Opportunity - 183.2441 ha

Open Farm

671 State Highway 31, Otorohanga

$4,750,000 +GST

•

Location couldn’t be better, 7km to Otorohanga and only 24km to Te Awamutu

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The property is in 5 Titles, with 2 blocks one on each side of the road with an underpass connecting the blocks. Contour is mostly flat and rolling with some steeper sidlings

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With quality infrastructure including a 40 ASHB shed, feed pad, silage bunker and ample shedding, new effluent pond. Water is sourced from a refurbished consented well on farm

•

This property boasts 2 houses, both with 3 bedrooms and good garaging

Open Farms: Wednesday 24th February & 3rd March 1.00 - 2.00pm Call Steve now for more information.

Steve Mathis 027 481 9060 steve@rals.co.nz

Property ID RAL742

Rural and Lifestyle Sales.com Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

ruralandlifestylesales.com

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

FINAL NOTICE

PUKEATUA, WAIKATO 196 Waimanu Road Cattle Grazing and Finishing 191 hectares of cattle grazing and finishing . The contour is of easy rolling contour, with an extensive laneway system . The vendors have run dairy grazers and finished heifers and steers to excellent weights . In 2020 they wintered 229 rising three-year cattle, 240 rising one year dairy grazers and 100 ewes. Very good fertiliser history and ample water reticulated throughout. The homestead is four-bedroom weatherboard home set amongst tidy and wellestablished gardens. The retiring vendors have provided the next owners a very good base for this farm to carry on being a top producer. pggwre.co.nz/TEK33421 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

TENDER

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 1.00pm, Wed 24 March PGGWRE, 41 Market Street, Te Awamutu

VIEW 11.00-12.00pm

Wednesday 24 February & 3 March

Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855 B 07 878 0265 E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

TAUMARUNUI, WAIKATO 987 Ongarue Back Road, Pukeawa This large dry-stock hill property of 696ha (more or less) in the heart of the King Country with above average infrastructure and in a highly presentable state, is for definite sale by Tender. Located only 13km north of Taumarunui. The contour of mixed medium to steeper hill with easy flats around sheds and homestead. Many natural water supplies throughout the property. A very good example of a breeding /finishing farm. The vendor has undertaken a major development programme including a new executive homestead, covered yards and other supporting farm buildings.

TENDER

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 10.00am, Fri 19 March PGGWRE, 57 Rora St, Te Kuiti

VIEW 11.00-1.00pm

Tuesday 23 February & 2 March

Trevor Kenny M 021 791 643 Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855

pggwre.co.nz/MAT33411 Helping grow the country

Tech & Toys

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising 0800 85 25 80

SHEEP JETTER Sheep dipping… made easier!

• Fantastic penetration • Get one now before price increase

7685

Innovative Agriculture Equipment

+ GST

Serving NZ Farmers since 1962

LK104874©

• Manufactured from stainless steel • Electric Eye • 800-1000 sheep per hour

www.pppindustries.co.nz / sales@pppindustries.co.nz / 0800 901 902 Heavy duty means made for heavy work - and quality built BERTI mulchers have the design and construction to power through any task.

HEAVY DUTY BERTI MULCHERS

• Mulches tree prunings • Thick standing gorse and scrub • Heavy duty, swinging hammer or tungsten carbide fixed tooth options • For tractors up to 300hp

MAKE SHORT WORK OF ANYTHING. WHEN IT COMES TO HEAVY PRUNING AND TOUGHER STANDING GORSE AND SCRUB, FORESTRY MULCHERS HAVE THE POWER AND CAPABILITY TO GET THE JOB DONE.

FGD1176

Talk to us now for mulchers up to 6.0m working width and for tractors up to 300hp. To see videos of these mulchers in action visit our website. CALL FARMGARD 24 HOURS

FIND OUT MORE AT

Nationwide Dealer

0800 FARMGARD

farmgard.co.nz

Service Network

35 years, Generations of

Experience

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising 0800 85 25 80

Tech & Toys

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

ANDWEEDER C50 (Developed by Andy Lysaght)

The Andweeder® C50 is redefining large-scale weeding in a way that benefit sectors of the agricultural industry, a mechanical non-chemical inter-plant weeder. Read our reviews below to show how two successful NZ companies are finding the Andweeder® C50: Gareth Holder – Redloh Horticulture • Consistent savings of approximately $200-$250/ha • Timing is key to cost-effective pumpkin weed control. The Andweeder C50 is the tool for achieving this result • Now the majority of plantings require only a quick hand weed, or no hand weeding at all, with only two C50 passes • Considerable cost saving in direct labour costs and time to organise this • The Andweeder C50 is an integral part of our weed control tools

See us at Central Field ays – Site SE4

On the way to the job.

Hamish Thomas — Cropping Manager, NH Packing and Farming Co Ltd Running the Andweeder C50 in squash crops C50 gives us the ability to weed our crops at a critical stage Resulted in a limited amount of manual hand weeding Continued support and knowledge from Andy when necessary is appreciated

The Teatwand Exact is an Automatic Teat Spraying System suitable for any rotary platform type new or old running at speeds approaching 5.5 seconds per stall.

NH produce running a 3 row Andweeder C50 on side shift tool bar with vision technology guidance & the tractor running on GPS

LK0105842©

Thorough teat spray coverage of all four teats is achieved with the use of two independently controlled spray nozzles that extend under the cows’ udder as the rotary platform passes.

For more information see our video on YouTube – Andweeder® C50

0800 888 212

onfarmsolutions.com

DOLOMITE

4X4 TAGALONG TOURS

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS ✁

We also clean out and remetal cattle yards – Call Us! FROM THIS

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

Bring your own 4X4 on a guided tour to discover more of the South Island.

0800 436 566

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

Molesworth Station, St James and Rainbow Stations Dates 2021: March 21-24.

Nominate a school on booking and we’ll donate $100 on payment of your account.

sales@onfarmsolutions.com

Noticeboard

Under Woolshed/Covered Yards Cleaning Specialist www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

APE. TAIH UNE. G N KI S. AK WORTIHI. OHRK AREA W] O E A N A P R L SHED ONA NATI K YOUR [BOO

VISIT OUR WEBSITE, SEND US AN EMAIL OR CALL US TODAY

Call Andy on 021 672 241 or email: andylysaght@xtra.co.nz

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

Since 2008, Onfarm Solutions has been committed to help dairy farmers to win the war against mastitis.

Dates 2022: Jan 9-12; Feb 5-8, 20-23, March 13-16, 20-23, 27-30; April 3-6, 24-27

TO THAT

Other dates available for groups of 6 or more people on request LK0106046©

Phone 0274 351 955 Email info@southislandtoursnz.com www.southislandtoursnz.com

International C1100 6-281 engine gaskets available.

Ph 07 308 5299

Phone Mark 0800 478 729 or Tracey 027 554 1841

QUALITY Feeds You Can TRUST

Adventures - 4WD Tours Information packs are available for the 2022 season See us at Central Field Days – Site K24 STANDARD FEEDER (C6 Pinned) • • • •

1 x 6 foot bale 2m diameter 15 feed positions 15 - 30 animals

100% New Zealand Made Quality Stockfeeders

0 $ 85 +GST

OVAL FEEDER (S2 Pinned) • • • • •

3 x 4 foot bales 2 x 6 foot bales 24 feed positions 24 - 48 animals 4m long

$ 120+G0 ST

0800 104 404 | www.stockfeeders.co.nz

New Zealand’s proven stock feeder for 24 years | 100% New Zealand Tensile Steel

info@nzadventures.co.nz Ph: 03 218 8569 027 550 6727 or 027 435 4267

www.nzadventures.co.nz

LK0105450©

✁

New Zealand’s Number 1 service provider for under woolshed and covered yard cleaning since 2004

LK0105978©

✁

Phone Scott Newman Freephone 0800 2SCOTTY (0800 27 26 88) Mobile 027 26 26 27 2 scottnewman101@gmail.com

Available in Squares & Rounds

FOR SALE LK0105894©

3 row Andweeder C50 with manual side shift

The Teatwand controller can easily adjust the sequencing and spray volumes applied to cows' teats.

LK0105719©

•

RELIABLE - EFFICIENT AND DOESN'T TAKE LUNCH BREAKS!

LK015995©

•

LK0105970©

• •

Heavy duty long lasting Ph 021 047 9299

Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

SHORT TERM HIGH profit beef program looking for suitable farmers. Contact Annie 021 825 198. JONES DAG CRUSHING. Buyers of wet and dry dags, we also buy sheep manure from under woolsheds and covered yards. Pick up service available for loose and baled. Phone Andrew 027 208 5270 DAGS .25c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

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

MACEWAN MASPORT MAJOR. 3 phase milking machine. Still in use. $3000 ono. Phone 027 657 6280. FOR ONLY $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Marie on 0800 85 25 80.

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

HAY FOR SALE HAY ROUNDS $75+gst; squares $60+gst. BALEAGE $75+gst. Unit loads available. Top quality. Phone 021 455 787.

CRAIGCO

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556. AVAILABLE NOW Lowinput, Wiltshire/Composite terminal sires for hogget mating. Contact Richard Morrison, 021 626 513. richard@thegullies.nz www.thegullies.nz WORD ONLY ADVERTISING. Phone Marie on 0800 985 25 80. KAKAHO WILTSHIRES. Full shedding sheep. 2 tooth ewes.Ram lambs and ewes available end of February.Phone 03 439 4761.

PERSONAL

STOCK FEED MOISTURE METERS Hay, Silage dry matter, grain. www.moisturemeters.co.nz 0800 213 343.

A Country Romance For Lonely Men & Women in town or on the land, seeking companionship and love. Call CCN your Personal Matchmakers today. All ages & areas welcome. Please call

0800 446 332

WORD ONLY ADVERTISING. Phone Marie on 0800 985 25 80.

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

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO RENT

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

OLD HOUSE OR cottage with garage. A bit run down is OK. Manawatu. Mike. 027 672 6435.

HONDA SL125 or TL125. Any condition considered. Phone Mike (03) 546 7297. mbmurphy1@outlook.com

WORK WANTED SHEPHERD LOOKING FOR position on farm or station preferably with horse work 027 800 6769

Got something to sell? List it in Farmers Weekly classifieds 0800 85 25 80 classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Livestock Noticeboard

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

WANTED FORESTRY/ FARM WOODLOTS

SHIRE® (hair) & WILTSHIRE (shedding) MEAT RAMS FOR SALE NOW! HARDY low input EASY CARE MEAT SHEEP NO FLY STRIKE, NO DAGGING, NO SHEARING, NO VACCINES, NO DIPPING

(All volumes – big or small)

NO DRENCHING SINCE 1989

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

Reduced work, high fertility, hardy, fast growing lambs. Stud established 1987

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

ALSO TUFTY® (POLLED HIGHLAND) BULLS, COWS & CALVES AVAILABLE

GUARANTEED PAYMENTS

Certified BioGro (215) Organic since 1989. Deliver all over NZ

SHEEP JETTERS

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

Phone Tim & Helen Gow 03 225 5283 www.organic-rams.co.nz • Email: tim@organic-rams.co.nz Shearing Shed used for events now!

THI N K PRE BU IL T

SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET

NEW HOMES SOLID – PRACTICAL

Our focus is your future

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

Guaranteed Performance Save time and Money . Flystrike and Lice cost $$$ Quick to Set up . Easy to use . Job Done

06 8356863 . 021 061 1800

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

www.craigcojetters.com

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

LK0105297©

Robust construction. Auto shut gate. Adjustable V panels Total 20 Jets. Lambs 5 jets. Side jets for Lice. Davey Twin Impeller Pump. 6.5 or 9.0 Hp motors

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

GENUINE REDUCTION

JOBS BOARD

12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

Groundsperson / General Hand

WILTSHIRE AND WILTSHIRE COMPOSITES AVAILABLE NOW

Grower Herd Supervisor Labourer

LK0105803©

GST INCLUSIVE

To find out more visit

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

FE resistance. Worm tolerance. Self-shedding.

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

Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz LK0105354©

$3900

Very limited stock

Less drenching, less dipping, less dagging, less shearing.

Senior Shepherd

Special Price

$4200

Any stock purchase comes with a free night at The Cottage at The Gullies. WWW.THEGULLIES.NZ

LK0106063©

ATTENTION FARMERS

FOR SALE

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

LK0106051©

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

FARM MAPPING

ACHIEVE YOUR DAILY goals with simple and clear farm maps. Visit farmmapping.co.nz for a free quote.

LK0105799©

ANIMAL HANDLING

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

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

Livestock Noticeboard

SALE TALK

Glenrobin Stud

Beltex X Ram Lamb Sale

TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor? JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.

Sale Day: Tuesday 9 March 2021 AUCTION at Gore Showgrounds Viewing from 12pm Sale starts 2pm

Also on

– hybrid livestreamed auction

Sale consists of approximately 100 Ram Lambs sired by top pure Beltex Rams: • Beltex X Texel Ram Lambs

LK0106075©

• Beltex X Poll Dorset Ram Lambs • Beltex X Suffolk Ram Lambs, • Beltex X South Suffolk Ram Lambs This includes some ¾ Beltex X Ram Lambs. All Ram Lambs are showing the unique double muscling and the higher yielding density characteristics of the Beltex breed.

Open Day: Monday 1 March 2021 at 133 Robinson Road, Glenham, Wyndham Viewing from 1pm – 3pm

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

Callum McDonald PGGW 027 433 6443 Brent Robinson 03 206 4958 or 027 206 4958 Michael Robinson 027 210 5977

TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water? DONALD: H I J K L M N O TEACHER: What are you talking about? DONALD: Yesterday you said it’s H to O TEACHER: Glen, how do you spell ‘crocodile’? GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L TEACHER: No, that’s wrong. GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.

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

Beltex-Suffolk and Suffolk 2 tooth rams and ram lambs available now.

Conditions apply

Suffolk stud based mid Canterbury. Well grown top quality rams with EM and weight data.

Beltex

Phone Anna 021 084 38170

www.bishamptonsuffolks.co.nz

Ready to talk some Bull?

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

h Annual Ram Lamb Sale Fourt

5 March 2021

Viewing from 11am, Sale starts 1.30pm ‘Rangiatea’, 571 Upper Downs Rd, Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury

CLEARING SALE OF LIVESTOCK, MACHINERY, PLANT AND SUNDRIES

Purebreds (16), Suffolk Cross (30), Texel Cross (29) Cheviot Cross (10), Interbred Beltex Suffolk (6) Also, Beltex Cheviot Ewe Lambs (47)

Friday 5th March 2021, commencing at 12 noon On account of Radfield Ag, C/- David & Hilary Ward 362 Fairfield Road, Ashburton

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

Callum Dunnett

027 587 0131

Blair Gallagher John Tavendale 021 022 31522 027 432 1296

Simon Eddington

Hamish Gallagher 027 550 7906

0275 908 612

KIKITANGEO ROMNEY STUD STUD EWE & STUD SIRE DISPERSAL 24 February 2021 at Wellsford Saleyards Centennial Park Road, Wellsford Formalities start 10.30 Auction at 11.00

n level of o ti ic tr s e r t n d. urre Under the19c the sale will procee Covid • 332 2th ewes • 128 4yr ewes • 160 4th ewes • 64 5yr ewes • 165 6th ewes • 4 stud sires

farmersweekly.co.nz

Catalogues available beginning February online from the Kikitangeo website or by contacting Cam Heggie (PGG Wrightson) 027 501 8182 or Grant Palliser (PGG Wrightson) 027 590 2201 Vendor: Gordon Levet 09 423 7034 www.kikitangeo.co.nz

LK0106010©

Tallies approximate

Livestock 350 Crossbred Male Lambs Machinery 2012 Case IH 8230 Combine with 2012 Case IH 2162 30 foot Draper, (Mac Don), John Deere 8220 Tractor (6360 hours), Trimble GPS, motor rebuilt 100 hours ago, 23 Run Cross Slot Electric Drive Drill, Case Puma 155 4WD Tractor with Front End Loader, 1993 Foden Truck with Removable Bin (268,000 kms), 2017 SAM Sprayer-4000 litre Tank, 24 metre Boom, Trimble GPS (900 hours), 2 x 188 Massey Ferguson Tractors, Massey Ferguson 185 Tractor, Massey Ferguson 165 Tractor, 2013 Holden Colorado Utility (183,000kms), 2010 Holden Colorado (195,000kms), 2007 Holden Rodeo (261,000kms), 2001 Holden Rodeo Single Cab Ute (256,000kms), 2005 CRF 100 Honda Motorbike, Honda TRX 300 Motorbike, 4 axle Tub Tip Trailer, 2012 Honda TRX 42OTM Motorbike, 2012 Case IH 30 Pick Up Front and Trailer, Fork Lift Plant and Sundries Generator P14FOX- N19021, Log Splitter, Mulcher, Semi Trash Pump, Cambridge Roller, 17 foot Grubber, Bamford Rake, 6 metre Folding Cambridge Roller, 4 inch Grain Auger, 2 x Kuhn Mowers, Prattley 3 Way Auto Drafter, 5 Advantage Next Generation Feeders, Mobile Grain Feeder, 2 Bay Dog Motel, Bag Sewer, Weed Wiper, Prattley Foot Bath, 20 litre Sprayer, Oil Filtration Plant, Inverter Cutter, Drill Press, Numerous Workshop Equipment, Quantity of Grease & Oil, Electric Fence Gear, Shearing Handpieces Outside Entries On Account Of Dumbarton Land Company 1990 Nissan Navara 4 x 4 Flat Deck Utility, Yamaha Grizzly 400 4 wheel Bike, TK Bedford Truck and Grain Bin (Steel Bin), 6 metre Cousins Furrow Press, Farmhand HG3000 Hay Grinder, 9 Furrow Dunhill Plough (new boards), Aitcheson 24 Run Drill, Briggs Hose Trailer, Daihatsu BT24 Flat Deck Truck with Stock Crate, Todd 8 inch Unloading Auger, 12 foot Murphy Pickup on Blind Front, 2 Kiwi Shearing Machines, 2 Vertical Drive Sunbeam Shearing Machines, Vertical Drive Stewart Shearing Machine, Jones Front End Loader On Account Of Talleys Group Ltd Case 7220 Tractor 4 WD, Duals, (11350 hours), Red 6 Reel Hayrake, Paddon 10 Reel Hayrake, Heavy Tine Grubber 17 tyne, 12 foot, Rear Grader Blade, Borderdyke Former, Boaderdyke Roller, Clough 923 23 foot Wideline Cultivator, 12 foot Austin Cambridge Roller, Duncan 701 Seedliner Drill, Blue 6 Furrow Plough Conditions Of Sale: Sale will be conducted Purchase Price plus GST. Intending purchasers will be required to register prior to commencement of sale. Terms are Strictly Cash unless prior arrangements are made with PGG Wrightson Livestock Auctioneers Note: Terms and Conditions are available on the 2012 8230 Case Combine, 2017 Sam Sprayer, 23 run Cross Slot Drill and John Deere 8220 Tractor Photos of Main Items may be viewed at www.agonline.co.nz No Eftpos Facility Available Enquiries to: David Ward 027 430 2102 Michael Buchanan 027 439 0879 PGG Wrightson Auctioneers Ashburton

Helping grow the country

LK0106071©

Livestock Noticeboard

16MTH STEERS Lines 400-480kg (Property Sold) 1000 x MA Rom Ewes 2TH & 5YR

STOCK REQUIRED

STORE LAMBS – Shorn 25-35kg 16MTH HEIFERS 300-350kg

R3YR ANG STEERS

520kg+

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

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

NATIONWIDE DAIRY SPECIALISTS Go to: www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz Register your requirements and be informed when new listings arrive

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

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

WILTSHIRE Triplet and twin ram lambs

WAIRARAPA TEXEL DEVELOPMENTS

Ph Stu 06 862 7534

Flock10 / SIL No. 2960

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

• For sale 2th Texel Rams Fully performance recorded and ranked from one of New Zealand’s largest registered studs.

UPCOMING AUCTIONS Wednesday, 24 March 2021 10.30am Kikitangeo Romney Stud - Stud Ewe & Stud Sire Dispersal **LIVESTREAM ONLY**

• Terminal and Maternal sires available • Free transport offered

Friday, 5 March 2021 1.00pm Beltex NZ Fourth Annual Ram Lamb Sale 7.30pm Southland/Otago Store Lamb Sale

Within the lower 1/2 of North Island, for lines of 5 or greater purchased

• Wairarapa Texel Developments Partnership

LK0105779©

Stay ahead of the rest

STOCK FOR SALE 16MTH FRSN BULLS Lines 300-350kg 16MTH FRSN BULLS Lines 440-500kg

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

LK0105897©

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 22, 2021

“Muscling up and meating the market”

Wednesday, 10 March 2021 8.00pm NZ Milking Shorthorn Association AGM Sale

Stewart Cowan – 06 372 2770 texels4u@gmail.com Andy Phillips – 027 238 4961 halfy490@gmail.com

Selection of listings: • DW1937 – 85 x Top Xbred Wnrs BW205 PW222 – $600 p/h CR Line – LIC bred Call: Stewart 027 270 5288

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

• DR2057 – 43 x Xbred I/C Hfrs BW211 PW233 – $1,750 p/h G3, Herd 500ms, DTC 15/7 Call: Steve 027 278 3837 • DH2014 – 300 x Jsy/X Herd BW124 PW136 – $1,550 p/h OAD milking hard farm DTC 20/7 Call: Andrew 027 449 1228

Key: Dairy

Sheep

Other

ANNUAL 15MNTH CATTLE SALE WAIPUNA VALLEY FARMS

• DH2042 – 180 x Fsn/X herd BW170 PW198 – $1,750 p/h DTC 1/8, LIC 28yrs, hard farm Call: Max 027 538 4961

DAIRY HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE LK0105982©

• DH1927 – 250 x CRV Xbred top herd, capacious – $1,650 p/h 380ms/cow hard farm, DTC 10/7 Call: Paul 027 304 8994 Contact your local agent or call: Trevor Hancock 027 283 8389 or Paul Kane: 027 286 9279

Cattle

PGG Wrightson Dairy representatives are specialists at marketing and selling dairy herds.

315 Straight Frsn Cows

FRANKTON SALE YARDS Monday 1st March 2021 12 Noon

BW 76

PW 66

$1,750+GST

•

RA 97%. DTC 13/7 - DNA Profiled (G3) 50 years ownership. Regan Craig 027 502 8585 Agonline ref: 8643

Approx. 500 Weaners comprising: 100 x Weaner Steers 140 x Weaner Heifers 250 x Weaner Hfd Bulls

200 Frsn Frsn X Cows

On A/c: Tinopai Farm 75 x Wnr Angus Steers 45 x Wnr Angus Heifers

BW 69

PW 79

$1,700+GST

•

RA 87%. DTC 20/6, Good udders 20 years ownership. Ben Gordon 027 270 7729 Agonline ref: 9576

On A/c: Okupata Herefords 40 x Wnr Hfd Bulls 60 x Wnr Hfd Heifers On A/c: Aotea Trust 80 x Wnr Hfd Bulls

NATIONAL TEAM. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

On A/c: J & K Lamb 40 x Wnr Hfd Bulls

BW 95

Friday 26th February, 12.30pm Tuakau Saleyards

$1,825+GST

PW 136

•

Comprising 1050 Cattle: • 150 15Mnth Ang/Ang/Here X Steers • 800 15Mnth Traditional & Exotic X Heifers • 120 2 1/2yr Traditional Heifers In conjunction with these annual draft 15 mnth hfrs, this years sale will feature a quality line of traditional steers & an opportunity to purchase short term 2½ yr heifers. Farmed in large mobs on genuine hill country Heifers guaranteed empty. Cattle in hand several days prior to sale, trucked over 2 days. Cattle renowned for their shifting ability. Please note any potential change in Auckland COVID levels may affect sale venue. Please contact the vendors agent for any enquiries. David Short (Vendor) 07 826 7763 Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858

DTC 25/7 368 M/S per cow, system 2 Agonline ref: 9222

160 Jsy Jsy X Cows

Benefit from the nationwide team that is dedicated to matching herds with the right buyers and achieving an optimal outcome for your business.

FRANKTON BEEF WEANER FAIR

180 Frsn Frsn X CRV Cows

BW 62

PW 82

$1,200+GST

•

DTC 18/7 Farm sold/sole agency. Allan Jones 027 224 0768 Agonline ref: 9303

150 Frsn Frsn X Cows BW 31

PW 44

$1,750+GST

•

RA 81%. DTC 24/7 30 years breeding 3 digit herd code. Rhys Mellow 027 664 5143 Agonline ref: 8751

180 CRV Frsn Frsn X Cows $1,650+GST

•

CRV Herd. Milked on dry pumice country. Good capacity Cows on System 1. Joseph Stewart 027 829 8412 Agonline ref: 9391

270 M/A Frsn Frsn X & Jsy Hill Country Herd BW 53/29

PW 73/15

$1,625+GST

•

Rod Kamphorst 027 499 4937 Agonline ref: 9091

List Your Dairy Herd Now

On A/c: Springhill Farm 10 x Wnr Hfd Bulls

On A/c: Bicheno Cattle Ltd 30 x Wnr Hereford Bulls

You’re in control with LK0106054©

On A/c: C.B. Norman 10 x Wnr Hfd Bulls 10 x Wnr Hfd Heifers

For more information contact your local livestock rep or visit our website www.pggwrightson.co.nz/go-stock

Contact: Brent Bougen 0272 104 698

pggwrightson.co.nz/dairyherdsales

Hybrid Auction Sale streamed live via MyLiveStock

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

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Mel Croad

Suz Bremner

Reece Brick

Nicola Dennis

Sarah Friel

Caitlin Pemberton

Deer

Sheep

Cattle BEEF

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.05

5.00

4.80

NI lamb (17kg)

6.55

7.00

NI Stag (60kg)

5.30

8.00

NI Bull (300kg)

5.00

4.80

NI mutton (20kg)

5.00

4.55

SI Stag (60kg)

5.45

8.00

NI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.35

SI lamb (17kg)

6.35

6.40

6.95

SI Steer (300kg)

4.60

SI mutton (20kg)

5.10

4.40

SI Bull (300kg)

4.60

4.75

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.65

UK CKT leg

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

7.75

7.48

7.29

6.81

7.90

North Island steer slaughter price 6.50

South Island steer slaughter price

$/kg CW

10.0

South Island lamb slaughter price

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Jun

Aug 2020-21

Jun

Aug 2020-21

Last year

2.13

2.08

2.53

37 micron ewe

30 micron lamb

1.93

2.15

$/tonne

6.50 6.00

637

567

2.45

Super

305

314

3.80

DAP

849

787

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3640

3535

3410

SMP

2835

2830

2825

4140

4100

4050

Butter

3500

3460

3430

7.34

7.33

$/tonne

7.99

6.65

The a2 Milk Company Limited

10.95

12.5

10.41

Ryman Healthcare Limited

15.75

15.99

14.5

Mainfreight Limited

68.14

69.98

64.85

Fletcher Building Limited

6.5

6.7

5.67

Infratil Limited

7.41

7.9

7.12

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Feb-21

395 390

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Feb-21

350

3400

6.9

390

400

3500

5.54

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.42

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3600

9.94

4.635

Feb-20

3700

6.04

7.6

380

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

31.09

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.97

385

* price as at close of business on Thursday

YTD Low

36.21

4.66

400

7.25

YTD High

32.4

6.56

405

$/tonne

AMF

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

Spark New Zealand Limited

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

Feb-20

Last price*

Fertiliser

395

380

Oct-20 Dec-20 Sept. 2021

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

Milk Price

Aug 2020-21

Urea

385

Nearby contract

Jun

Last year

400

7.00

Jun-20 Aug-20 Sept. 2020

Apr 2019-20

Prior week

405

Apr-20

Feb

Last week

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

7.50

Feb-20

Dec

FERTILISER Prior week

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

3300

Apr 2019-20

Last week

Coarse xbred ind.

5.50

Oct

5-yr ave

(NZ$/kg)

Dairy

7.0 5.0

WOOL

2019-20

8.0

7.0

4.50

5-yr ave

9.0

6.0

5.00

Apr

South Island stag slaughter price

11.0

5.50

Feb

7.0 5.0

5.0

Dec

8.0

6.0

6.00

Oct

9.0

$/kg CW

8.0

$/kg CW

4.50

Last year

6.0

7.0

9.0

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.0

8.0

5.00

6.50

$/kg MS

11.15

5.0

5.50

4.00

US$/t

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

6.0

6.00

4.00

9.93

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

7.29

US domestic 90CL cow

Last year

10.0 9.78

Export markets (NZ$/kg) US imported 95CL bull

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

William Hickson

Ingrid Usherwood

300

Listed Agri Shares

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

ArborGen Holdings Limited

0.183

0.195

0.161

The a2 Milk Company Limited

10.95

12.5

10.41

Comvita Limited

3.25

3.48

3.1

Delegat Group Limited

14.65

15.4

13.75

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.72

4.35

Foley Wines Limited

1.96

2.05

1.89

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.9

0.81

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.6

0.61

0.44

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.55

1.72

1.49

PGG Wrightson Limited

3.24

3.65

3.14

Rua Bioscience Limited

0.52

0.61

0.495 4.41

Sanford Limited (NS)

4.5

5.23

Scales Corporation Limited

4.8

5.09

4.8

Seeka Limited

4.89

4.94

4.66

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

4.3

5.24

4.26

T&G Global Limited

2.92

2.9

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

14813

15491

14656

S&P/NZX 50 Index

12634

13558

12511

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12639

13978

12424

250 Mar

Apr May Latest price

Jun

Jul 4 weeks ago

Aug

200

Feb-20

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Feb-21

YTD Low

14813

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12634

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

12639

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview This week kicks off with high pressure and an increasingly humid northerly quarter flow across the country. This is due to both departing high pressure to our east and a small but potent incoming low in the Tasman Sea. By Tuesday a surge of northerly gales is likely as the low moves into Fiordland and unravels. But high pressure will grow from the west this week and smother what showery remnants remain in the New Zealand area. High pressure will dominate into this weekend, but there may be a few heavy downpours inland. Next week looks more like a La Nina weather pattern for NZ as easterlies return across the week bringing cloud, morning showers and afternoon inland downpours, mainly for the North Island.

Market and weather encourage optimism

18/02/2021

Sarah Friel sarah.friel@globalhq.co.nz

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Temperature

Wind

Expect strong to gale force winds from the northerly quarter on Tuesday this week (watch for possible MetService wind warnings), otherwise high pressure returns with lighter winds mid-to-late week. Next week, expect an easterly flow, or light winds/sea breezes.

Highlights/ Extremes

Warmer than average by day, with many places coming up, or about normal. After a spate of belowaverage nights, the week ahead doesn’t look quite so cool, although it’s worth noting we’re now past two months since the longest day of the year.

14-day outlook

This week starts off with high pressure departing NZ, allowing a windy northerly to kick in ahead of a Tasman Sea low, which will bring heavy rain to the West Coast. High pressure returns later this week. Next week is dominated by high pressure further south of NZ, and this allows the La Nina-like easterlies to kick back into the North Island, likely for the rest of February.

Windy Tuesday with gales in some southern places, while heavy rain affects the West Coast. Droughts may still continue to form in the North Island. Despite possible showers next week, the rainfall totals for the rest of February aren’t too big for most.

7-day rainfall forecast

100

200

400

Heavy rain for the West Coast this week as a low from the Tasman Sea moves in and falls apart there – in some locations rainfall totals may exceed 150mm. The North Island and the eastern South Island leans drier than average this week, but next week’s hit-and-miss downpours will bring further relief to some parts of the North Island’s interior, along with a few eastern showers.

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

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

EW Zealand farmers’ nerves have been wracked since the middle of last year when the summer drought finally came to an end. No one will need reminding of how challenging the drought was, especially as the effects were compounded by a national covid-19 lockdown, which hindered farmers’ ability to offload stock. The unique severity of last year has kept weather concerns front-of-mind this summer. These concerns were somewhat alleviated by good rainfall over the festive period, which had farmers in both islands feeling confident, and some even thinking they had offloaded prematurely ahead of Christmas. However, some very hot, windy days were to follow and both islands looked decidedly drier. Destocking measures ahead of Christmas led to a soft supply of cattle to the store market throughout January. This trend has shifted through February, and based on yard data tracked by AgriHQ, 2600 more cattle have moved through the yards so far this month compared to the same period last year. Elevated selling activity is an encouraging sign of a stronger market. Evidently, the market is more competitive than it was this time last year, when R2 steer prices were rapidly decreasing. This week, North Island R2 steer prices were 10c/kg above 2020 prices and have been steady, while South Island prices are still depressed. Overall, the cattle store market is by no means booming, and demand has been capped by low feed levels in key buying patches such as Hawke’s Bay and lower than normal farm gate prices. A quiet store market, dry pastures and rising covid-19 alert levels may be giving some farmers a sickening sense of déjà vu. Although, weather conditions have turned a corner, with rain falling in drier areas of the North Island. Gisborne, eastern Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty and Northland all had some significant precipitation, recording 40-150mm. Unfortunately, King Country,

Waikato and the east coast of the South Island appear to have missed out on heavier falls. Increased rainfall and cooler temperatures across the country have created a definite autumnal feeling. According to RuralWeather’s Philip Duncan “an autumn weather pattern is slowly developing”. NIWA data supports this, with indications of cooler soil temperatures yearon-year. So, will recent rain and an autumn feel take the edge off drought anxiety? We still have two more weeks of summer to get through and as Duncan pointed out, rain now is more of a silver lining rather than a silver bullet. La Nina does improve the outlook for subtropical rainmakers in March but according to Duncan, this is reliant on elevated high pressure abating. Overall, farmers are in a better position than they were this time last year. A precautious approach to summer this year means farmers are prepared with supplementary feed and have been critical with stock numbers to lessen pressure on water and feed resources. Anyone looking to increase cashflow can offload cattle on a more receptive market, and buyers in western regions still have grass to burn. As with everything, covid-19 developments will impact the market this year, but a more temperate summer removes one hurdle from the track.

DATA: Based on yard data tracked by AgriHQ, 2600 more cattle have moved through the yards so far this month compared to the same period last year.

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

ruralweather.co.nz

SALE YARD WRAP

Level 3 stills the gavel Wellsford and Tuakau sale yards were again forced to close the rostrum doors last week as new cases of covid-19 plunged the Auckland region into Level 3. Sales further north went ahead though and despite some buyers unable to make the trip, recent rain boosted optimism and values at Kaikohe. At New Zealand’s most-northern sale yard Houhora, the annual cattle fair was well-supported by local buyers and the mainly exotic yarding sold to expectations. This fair officially kicked off the 2021 beef weaner fair season. NORTHLAND Kaikohe cattle • R2 beef-cross made $2.45-$2.55/kg • Weaner beef-cross steers traded at $2.90-$3.00/kg • Weaner heifers sold at $2.60-$2.70/kg There were around 450 cattle offered at KAIKOHE last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. Good rainfall boosted optimism and values firmed 10-15c/kg across the board. R3 steers mostly earned $2.70-$2.75/kg and bulls, $2.45-$2.55/kg. Good R3 AngusFriesian heifers, 400kg, sold well at $2.60-$2.65/kg. Houhora cattle fair • R3 Santa Gertrudis-cross steers sold for $1310 • Top autumn-born R1 Simmental-cross steers made $1010 HOUHORA in the far north kicked off the 2021 beef weaner fair season last Thursday, and the fair was wellsupported by local buyers, PGG Wrightson agent Dean May reported. A total tally of 250 head featured autumn-born R1 exotic cattle. Top South Devon-cross steers made $875 and second cut $825. Most of the top cuts of steers traded at $900-$1000 and medium types, $780-$920. Heifers were mainly medium types of exotic, South Devon-cross and Simmental-cross and found values at $650-$800. This fair is one of just two held at Houhora each year with a larger cattle fair calendared in spring.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • Medium R2 steers made $2.50/kg to $2.66/kg • Weaner steers earned $490-$590 • Weaner heifers sold at $380-$405 • Boner cows fetched up to $1.30/kg with heavy cows at $2.13$2.17/kg Values were solid at PUKEKOHE and quality cattle met with competitive buyers. Prime steers earned $2.46/kg to $2.61/kg, with forward R3 steers at $2.53/kg. Light R2 crossbred heifers traded at $2.30/kg to $2.46/kg.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle sale16.2 • R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 341-369kg, improved to $2.64-$2.70/kg • R2 beef-dairy heifers, 311-342kg, fetched $2.40-$2.52/kg • Weaner beef-dairy heifers, 127-150kg, were consistent at $325 Good rain preceded last Tuesday’s cattle sale at FRANKTON, which buoyed buyer numbers for PGG Wrightson. Quality varied throughout the mainly dairy based offering. Weaner beef-dairy steers, 108-133kg, earned $250-$300 with same breed bulls, 105-132kg, at $280-$320. Better Friesian bulls, 143kg, improved to $350 while 102110kg earned $140-$230. Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 681kg, strengthened to $2.64/kg with same breed heifers, 456kg, at $2.19/kg. Eleven Angus bulls, 634-660kg, sold well at $2.64-$2.70/kg. Better boner Friesian cows held at $1.53-$1.61/kg while the balance eased to $1.32-$1.39/kg. Four Friesian-Jersey cows, 497kg, earned $1.44/kg while the remainder, 406-508kg, had to settle for $1.29-$1.37/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle sale 17.2 • R2 beef-dairy heifers, 342-374kg, held at $2.38-$2.41/kg • Special entry R3 Hereford bulls, 376-409kg, managed $2.63$2.69/kg • Prime Pointed Galloway-cross heifers, 457kg, topped their class at $2.53/kg A smaller offering of just over 240 cattle were penned by New Zealand Farmers Livestock at FRANKTON last Wednesday. A consignment of capital stock Hereford bulls was offered and R3, 421-455kg, returned $2.49-$2.59/kg with R2, 328-381kg, at $2.53-$2.62/kg. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 473kg, lifted to $2.59/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 101kg, sold well at $460 and Hereford-dairy heifers, 107kg, held at $370. Friesian bulls, 153-178kg, realised $445-$490. Just three prime Friesian steers were offered and at 591kg managed $2.52/kg. Hereford-dairy heifers,

437-457kg, earned $2.48-$2.49/kg. Three Pointed Gallowaycross cows, 663kg, fetched $1195, $1.80/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 340kg, made $2.69/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 356kg, earned $2.47/kg • Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 782kg, fetched $2.71/kg • Boner Friesian and Friesian-cross cows, 467-532kg, ranged from $1.38/kg to $1.57/kg • Wiltshire ewe lambs achieved $190 with rams $144 A mixed quality entry of cattle was yarded at RANGIURU last Tuesday. A small line-up of R2 steers presented and was dominated by Friesian, 354-428kg, that sold for $2.03$2.06/kg. A variety of dairy-beef heifers, 320-397kg, traded across a range of $2.06/kg to $2.25/kg. Weaners were mostly Hereford-Friesian and 102-132kg steers sold at $355-$500 and heifers, 123-146kg, $200-$430. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • R3 Hereford-Friesian steers held at $2.66/kg • R3 Angus-cross and dairy heifers all sold over a range of $2.25$2.33/kg • The top end of R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 364-405kg, earned $2.52-$2.61/kg Good rainfall earlier in the week improved confidence at TARANAKI last Wednesday. A highlight was an offering of very quiet special-entry RWB cows which were a mixture of Charolais-cross and Hereford-cross, which had been run with purebred Charolais and Hereford bulls and mostly earned $1.88-$1.97/kg. Two lines of R2 owner-bred, late-born Hereford-Friesian had strong competition from bidders to realise $2.96/kg and $3.45/kg, while most of the balance earned $2.40/kg to $2.60/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Taranaki dairy-beef weaner fair • Better Friesian bulls returned $425-$470 • The top end of the dairy-beef softened to $455-$490 • Quality owner-bred Hereford-Friesian heifers, 130-138kg, achieved $400-$420 There was a smaller yarding of 450 head at the TARANAKI dairy-beef weaner fair last Thursday. Speckle Park-Friesian and Angus-Friesian steers, 172-176kg, fetched $500-$520 and the balance sold in a range of $360-$450. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero cattle fair • Later-born R2 traditional steers earned up to $3.25/kg • Top end R2 traditional heifers firmed to $2.46-$2.53/kg • Better weaner traditional steers made $550 • Weaner heifers made $350-$440 A very good line up of 1400 cattle was presented at the MATAWHERO cattle fair last Tuesday and the market firmed. R3 steers strengthened by at least 10c/kg. The top end included very nice annual draft Angus held good interest and reached $3.04-$3.12/kg, while the bulk of the yarding was secured around the $2.80-$2.90/kg mark. The majority of R2 steers were on par with the previous sale at $2.60/kg to $2.80/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Matawhero sheep • Heavy prime lambs made $120-$130 with the balance at $102$119 • Heavy mixed-age prime ewes earned $133-$140 • Prime rams fetched $70-$75 Good rainfall has reduced the pressure to offload lambs which was evident at MATAWHERO last Friday with just 30 mixed-sex lambs on offer which sold at $102. Five-year Romney breeding ewes traded at $113-$128, with twotooths at $131. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Heavy to very heavy ewes held at $132.50-$159 • Medium ewes also held at $103-$108 • Very heavy male and mixed-sex lambs returned $141-$150 • Eight heavy ewe lambs fetched $130 Overcast skies and cool temperatures had buyers donning jackets last Monday at STORTFORD LODGE. Ewe throughput pushed to 3130 as continued dry conditions encouraged vendors to shed any extras. Most ewes held value and good to very good types made $110-$131.50. The top end of light-medium types firmed to $90.50-$91.50 with the balance steady at $79-$85. Lamb volume lowered to 244. Good to heavy ram and mixed-sex returned a softer but consistent $95-$120. No cattle were penned. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • R3 Hereford-dairy steers, 588-628kg, earned $2.38-$2.47/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 329-338kg, made $2.37-$2.44/kg • R2 Charolais-cross heifers, 363kg, made a premium at $2.59/kg • Good to heavy mixed-sex lambs from the Chatham Islands firmed to $92-$105 • Good male lambs returned $93-$99 Both sections of the STORTFORD LODGE sale last Wednesday were completed by the lunchtime whistle. The Chatham Islands were a big contributor of cattle and ewes. Local Romney ewes reached $142 and Chatham Islands lines made $88.50-$134. Rain firmed the store lamb market and medium mixed-sex returned $75-$85. Just one line of Charolais-cross heifers broke up the red, black and white cattle scene. R3 Hereford-dairy heifers, 602kg, returned $2.36/kg and light R2 traditional heifers from the Chatham Islands sold for $2.45-$2.53/kg. R2 Hereford steers, 321kg, traded at $2.56/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Jersey bulls above 489kg made $2.32-$2.39/kg • A small number of prime steers earned $2.31/kg • Prime cows sold in a wide range though most fetched $1.65$1.75/kg Cattle tallies lifted to 164 at FEILDING last Monday, and overall the market softened. The yarding mostly consisted of bulls and better traditional lines earned $2.55-$2.65/kg. Prime heifers eased 5-10c/kg to $2.30-$2.40/kg. Boner cow numbers lifted, and the lion’s share traded at $1.40-$1.50/ kg. The top end of the prime lambs firmed $3-$4 to $139$149 with medium $123-$134 and light $109-$119. The top end of the prime ewes sold to $160 and the balance held at $120-$147. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store sale • R3 Angus steers, 515-620kg, were $2.70-$2.80/kg • R2 traditional steers, 340-425kg, made $2.75-$2.95/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 370-460kg, sold for $2.40-$2.55/kg • Male lambs averaged $104.50 It was another steady-to-softer sale for the 950 cattle at FEILDING. Run-with-bull Angus cows, 465kg, made $1000, $2.15/kg. The heavier, 465-535kg, R2 traditional steers were $2.60-$2.75/kg. R2 Friesian bulls were a hard sell, 420-465kg mainly bid up to $2.25-$2.40/kg. R3 traditional heifers, 375kg, made $2.40/kg. R2 Angus and Charolais-cross heifers, 335-380kg, sold at $2.60-$2.65/kg. Weaner dairy bulls, 140-150kg, all made $400-$420. It was a stronger sale for the 5500 store lambs. Good-toheavy males were $105-$110, with only the odd line getting up to $114. Medium males were $95-$100. Heavy ewe lambs were $109.50 while good-to-medium lines made around $95. Light lambs of all sexes were mainly $70-$80. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rongotea cattle • R2 Charolais-cross and Red Poll bulls, 385-450kg, sold at $2.47/kg • R2 heifers sold over a range of $2.31/kg to $2.56/kg • Friesian boner cows, 533-628kg, fetched $1.38/kg to $1.47/kg

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021

SEASON KICK-OFF: New Zealand’s most-northern sale yard Houhora held one of two annual fairs last Thursday to kick off the 2021 beef weaner fair season. Autumn-born R1 cattle were offered and this pen of South Devon-cross heifers sold well at $700.

• Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 115kg, achieved $500 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian and Charolais-cross bulls traded at $400-$450 Good-quality R3 Hereford-Friesian steers sold at $2.38/ kg to $2.52/kg at RONGOTEA last Tuesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. R3 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 473-516 kg, earned $2.40-$2.45/ kg, with same aged Hereford bulls, 635kg, at $2.66/kg. Weaner heifers varied from $320 to $450.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park prime cattle and all sheep • Charolais-cross steers, 665-725kg, earned $2.62/kg • Murray Grey and Charolais bulls, 568-697kg, reached $2.55$2.65/kg • Charolais heifers, 478-490kg, pushed to $2.53-$2.58/kg Two-thirds of the steers at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday were well-finished and over 560kg. A level of $2.57$2.62/kg covered the top cut while dairy-beef types sold for $2.45-$2.55/kg. Traditional and Charolais heifers over 500kg often made $2.30/kg to $2.42/kg. Dairy-beef types over 500kg reached $2.42/kg, but lesser pens such as 420-495kg Hereford-Friesian traded from $2.15/kg to $2.29/kg. Store lambs chiefly returned $75-$104 and prime lambs generally $95-$185. Ewes fetched up to $250 with the lion’s share $118-$179. Read more in your LivestockEye. Coalgate cattle and sheep • Prime Angus and Angus-Hereford heifers, 460-579kg, fetched $2.32-$2.44/kg • Angus-Friesian and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 483-565kg, made $2.27-$2.38/kg • R2 Speckle Park-cross steers, 358kg, made $2.09/kg • One pen of weaner Angus steers made $770 with their sisters $700

• The top store lambs earned $100-$109 and the majority $80-$96 Another quality yarding of prime steers was penned at COALGATE last Thursday. Most were dairy-beef over 500kg and sat in the tight range of $2.30/kg to $2.45/kg. Friesian bulls, 547kg, fetched $2.43/kg. Close to half of the store cattle were weaner Friesian bulls. The best of these were 165-175kg and $290-$300, but the majority weighed 111112kg and sold for $200. The best prime lambs made $140-$173 with medium types $119-$139. Ewes largely returned $120-$200 with the top price $236. Read more in your LivestockEye.

• R3 Charolais-cross heifers, 419kg, earned $2.15/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 432-492kg, made $2.30-$2.39/kg • R2 Friesian bulls, 461-503kg, returned $2.17-$2.25/kg A mixed quality line-up at TEMUKA last Thursday met limited interest. R2 traditional cattle were few and far between but attracted the strongest competition with steers and bulls, 353-399kg, priced at $2.55-$2.58/kg. However, more than half the offering sold below the $2/kg mark. Weaners varied dependent on quality and included Speckle Park-cross bulls, 168-193kg, at $340-$375 while the best Hereford-Friesian, 196kg, earned $380. Steers were mostly 129-165kg Hereford-Friesian at $300-$455. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cattle: all sheep • Perendale ram lambs varied from $100 to $123 • Good store mixed-sex lambs held at $100-$109 • Prime Friesian steers, 499-550kg, made $2.25-$2.30/kg • Prime heifers eased with most $2.27-$2.37/kg • Prime Friesian bulls traded at $2.38-$2.40/kg Store lamb tallies fell but prime ewe volume lifted at TEMUKA last Monday. Store lambs held and medium mixed-sex made $90-$93 and Corriedale wethers $92-$103. Prime lambs also held and varied from $100 to $158. A firm market for ewes meant heavy types reached $200-$220 and the majority $110-$179. The prime cattle tally lifted to just under 500 and the market held for better-quality cattle. Dairy-beef and beef-cross steers above 540kg firmed to $2.41-$2.51/kg while lighter types eased to $2.23-$2.33/kg. Boner cows earned $1.45-$1.55/kg with the top end steady at $1.70-$1.80/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka store cattle • R3 Angus heifers, 396-422kg, fetched $2.19-$2.25/kg

SOUTHLAND Lorneville sheep • Heavy prime ewes made $150-$222 with medium $122-$142 and light $80-$120 • Prime two-tooths earned $132 • Local trade rams fetched $50 Heavy prime lambs made $124-$135 at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday with medium at $111-$120 and light $102-$109. Top store lambs sold at $90-$103, medium $80-$85 and light $70-$75. Charlton sheep • Heavy prime ewes earned $150-$175 with medium $130-$145 and light $90-$115 • Local trade rams made $45-$65 • Top store lambs fetched $100-$112, medium $85-$95 and light $70-$80 There was a good-sized yarding of prime sheep at CHARLTON last Thursday which sold to solid demand. Heavy prime lambs made $125-$135 with medium $115$123 and light $106-$114.

Where livestock market insights begin LivestockEye • • • •

LivestockEye reports provide full sale results and informed commentary and is emailed directly after the sale. The most comprehensive and independent sale report you can get your hands on. Only AgriHQ sample-weighs store lambs to give you $/kg LW benchmark pricing. Choose from 10 sale yards across the country or check out our other popular reports.

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Markets

52 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 22, 2021 NI STEER

SI STEER

SI MUTTON

($/KG)

5.05

4.60

5.10

R3 TRADITIONAL STEERS, 500KG AVERAGE, AT MATAWHERO ($/KG LW)

2.86

SI wool sales strengthen Annette Scott

annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

HE South Island wool market strengthened with some recovery in pricing in recent sales, but farmers are reminded the value of the wool starts in the shed. The South Island strong wool indicator last week increased 9c/ kg clean, compared to the previous sale, and all price movements were positive. The continuing positive tone in the crossbred sector saw a good clearance from the bench with lambs wool and better-style ewe fleece most affected, when compared to the previous Christchurch sale two weeks earlier. Crossbred fleeces sold for $1.50/ kg-$1.90/kg clean, depending on the quality of fleece. Wool coming in at 27 to 29-micron topped the crossbred lamb market at $2.60/kg clean, while 23-micron hogget fleece lifted 3% to sell for $10.40/kg clean. Despite the lift, 7% of the offering was passed in. PGG Wrightson South Island auction manager Dave Burridge says with the firming Kiwi dollar and upon entering Chinese New Year, the resulting stronger returns underpinned renewed marketplace activity. The value of the wool is still largely influenced from the woolshed, CP Wool national wool manager Simon Averill says. Although wool prices are unacceptably low, wool buyers at auction will pay premium for good style, well-prepared wool. “Wool preparation in the shearing shed is the start of the wool processing pipeline,” Simon Averill said. “There is saleroom competition for lines of wool with good colour, free of vegetable matter and free of pigmented fibre and brands, ensuring the grower receives the best price for

ADVICE: Although wool prices are unacceptably low, CP Wool national wool manager Simon Averill says wool buyers at auction will pay premium for good style, wellprepared wool.

There is saleroom competition for lines of wool with good colour, free of vegetable matter and free of pigmented fibre and brands. Simon Averill CP Wool their wool clip and the buyer does not find any surprises in the wool when it comes to processing. “While it might be tempting to save some cost and just get the wool out the door, good wool preparation and presentation will deliver long term benefits.” It will also ensure wool remains a quality fibre of choice with processors and customers. In an update to shareholders, the Primary Wool Co-operative (PWC) reinforced the importance of caring for wool at shearing time.

“Facing the prices that we’ve seen for the past few years we can understandably be frustrated when we know the fibre is worth more than we’re making in our wool cheques,” PWC chair Hamish de Lautour said. “If we don’t care for the wool in the sheds the value of our wool product as a nation will continue to suffer,” de Lautour said. PWC is working hard to increase the value of wool on the other side of the farm gate through involvement with the companies it works with. The co-operative urged shareholders to help by maintaining the integrity of the product on their side of the gate. In offering some basic guidelines before shearing begins, farmers should ensure that the working conditions of contracting staff are adequate and the shed clean and tidy. The contractor should be aware of the grower’s requirements, with an acceptable number of wool handlers to ensure a good job is done. The aim should be for 180kg bales with specification forms filled out in full.

$2.32-$2.44 high $88-$97 store mixed-sex Prime traditional heifers, lights Good lambs at Canterbury Park 460-580kg, at Coalgate

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Perendale-only ewe fair not held this year OVER the past few weeks ewe fairs have gradually made their way down the country, and the Balclutha sale yards played host to two fairs this season – a two-tooth fair held on Friday, February 5, and aged ewes the following Friday. Past years have seen three fairs held as a special Perendale-only event was justified, but a decline in entries meant that extra sale was not required. A total of nearly 7900 two-tooth ewes were offered on the first day and Rural Livestock agent Mark Sheppard reported that was a typical sized yarding. “That was a standard sized fair for the younger sheep and included some capital stock, though most were offered by regular vendors. Around half were homebred and the balance brought in as lambs to target this fair,” Sheppard said. Ewes travelled in from Hindon and south of Owaka, with entries from Gore also included. The promise of quality ewes drew in regular buyers from Banks Peninsula, South Otago and Southland, and Sheppard says there was plenty of confidence on the rails. “Buyers are confident about the sheep job. New water regulations are making it harder to farm cattle and trading lambs are getting more difficult to find, so it is perceived that buying ewes is a viable alternative,” he said. Two-tooth prices were firm on last year, and the top Romney ewes achieved $240-$254. Medium Romney sold for $220-$230 and third cuts for $180-$210. Romney-Texel reached $230-$245, and good Coopdale from a regular vendor came close to topping the fair at $252. Eight pens of Perendale tended to be harder to move and the top pen made $220, and second cut $190. The aged ewe fair was a quieter event as around 4000 were entered, and that size sale did not attract a large buying bench in. However, all lines were purchased as replacements and two-shear Romney reached $222 and Composites sold for $160-$170. Three-shear and fourshear Composites traded at $145-$160, and most annual draft ewes earned $140-$154. The top five-year ewes reached $188. The ewe fair season winds up in Otago and Southland over the next few weeks – both in the sale yards and on-farm – but buyers will have the opportunity to start purchasing in-lamb ewes in the North Island from May. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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