Farmers Weekly NZ April 22 2019 by AgriHQ

5 SFF not there yet Vol 18 No 15, April 22, 2019

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Meat bonanza Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

ANG on for the ride, New Zealand – the African swine fever disaster breaking down pork supply in China is creating a huge opening for sheep meat and beef producers, special agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen says. The Chinese need for protein will push up both demand and thus prices there and for other customers. Pork is easily the number one meat protein in China and research indicates the swine fever impact could create an 8.2 million tonnes gap in total protein supply there this year. Imported pork is expected to make up just over half of that gap. But the shortfall could continue for the next two to three years at least, Petersen said. China is combing the world looking for pork. NZ can’t supply that but the pork woes have boosted demand for other proteins. “There’s no doubt the incredible demand we’re seeing from China for our sheep meat and beef is due in part to African swine fever,” Petersen said. “There’s a lift in demand for all cuts, all product ranges.” That demand is underpinning world prices, which will also have to be met by other markets. The disease has been in China for the last eight months and has spread to neighbouring countries. Petersen is surprised the

reaction to it has been as low as it has for so long. “We’re seeing a massive shift in demand for protein and China is licensing processing plants in Europe and all round the world, so it’s not just NZ.” The scale of the Chinese protein shortfall referred to by independent analyst Simon Quilty in Australia is vast when compared to total NZ production, with beef at about 560,000 tonnes a year. Petersen didn’t want to estimate a possible level of sheep meat and beef price rises but noted Quilty’s comment Chinese hog prices have jumped 25% in recent weeks. “That’s why I say hang on for the ride because we are seeing a pricing shift and that strong demand growth can quickly come back to the NZ farmgate. “It will be exciting but there could be speed bumps along the way.” Quilty said mutton imports into China rose 57% last year and lamb imports were up 10% and there is no reason why that trend won’t continue. The Chinese buy of pork in the United States is likely to be the largest protein-buy programme in the history of US pork exports. NZ farmers sold a lot of older ewes into that mutton rally at good prices, providing a major boost for farm viability, Petersen said. He doesn’t expect farmers to kill more capital breeding stock but they will breed from hoggets and keep more ewe lambs as they cull older ewes. “At $7/kg for lambs it’s an

It will be exciting but there could be speed-bumps along the way. Mike Petersen Trade envoy

ACROSS THE BOARD: Chinese demand for sheep meat and beef is increasing for all cuts and all product ranges, agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen says.

incredible time to be farming and it’s the same for beef. “Farmers can be confident for this calendar year.” He thinks the Chinese situation will bring gains mainly for frozen product because there are still challenges with chilled and supply chains there but there will be chilled opportunities as well.

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Quilty said the improvement in the US prime beef market will rely on global displacement with greater exports into China from NZ, Australia and Brazil while the US will be the backfill in Japan, South Korea and other key beef markets that compete directly with China. It will take another six months

before the full effects are seen in the US domestic beef market. However, he expects more rapid price rises in the manufacturing beef market because of the strong price relationship of some beef trims to pork trims, especially if the Chinese pork-buying tightens domestic supply. Manufacturing beef prices have already risen significantly in the US in the last three weeks. NZ exporters have achieved very good results in adding value to meat cuts in recent years and have only to keep the trend improving. He is sure they will be careful not to rely too much on one market. They know from experience the NZ industry does best when it has the widest market diversity it can achieve. ASB Bank says China’s share of NZ’s lamb exports has increased from 18% in 2014-15 to 29% this supply season and for beef the increase was from 10% to 36%. The rising middle class means more Chinese can afford expensive steak and lamb cuts. And the pork shortage and price increases mean many people will turn to other meats such as beef and lamb as substitutes, ASB said.

NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW We’re back to high pressure again this week and following the rain that fell over the weekend it should again be positive for pasture growth, especially as there is no cold snap likely this week. This week also looks frost-free for most of New Zealand so, again, a positive keeping soil temperatures higher and helping get that last-minute pasture growth in before the coldest months arrive. High pressure dominates NZ this week but rain moves onto the West Coast this weekend.

4 $7/kg to start new season Dairy farmers will ease into the new season with optimistic milk price forecasts following the tenth consecutive rise in Global Dairy Trade results.

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7-DAY TRENDS

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

Wind

Rain A mostly dry week this week with remaining rain on Monday clearing the North Island to the east. Apart from a couple of isolated coastal showers the week ahead is mainly dry. Heavy rain is possible on the West Coast this Saturday.

A weak area of low pressure basically falls apart over the North Island today so wind directions vary but are mostly light. High pressure means light winds for most of the week. A northwesterly flow strengthens on Saturday ahead of a cold front.

Highlights/ Extremes

Opinion ��24

ON FARM STORY

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Temperature Fairly average temperatures this week and, in fact, with a lack of southerlies might be a tad warmer than last week. Frosts are not forecast in any main regions and warmer-than-average days are likely later in the week.

Not much in the way of extreme weather this week but the two main highlights are: 1) Like last week another large high will perfectly cross over NZ. 2) This weekend a chance for heavy rain again on the West Coast.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

Over Easter we got rain across the driest regions and once remaining wet weather clears away from the country on Easter Monday the rest of the week is dominated by high pressure and, hopefully, a fair bit of sun. This will be great for a boost in pasture growth and even if the nights are a little cool they shouldn’t be too cold. Afternoons look warmer than average by late week or this weekend, which is a positive for pasture growth.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Nait to get tough with farmers Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz FINES of $100,000 for individual farmers and $200,000 for farm companies are likely for Nait breaches. The new penalties are in response for calls from the industry to improve the Nait scheme, Agriculture and Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor says. They are the next step to create the animal tracing scheme New Zealand needs to keep its primary sector and economy safe. The changes will tighten rules for handling untagged animals, improve the use of data and align penalties with other laws to reflect the seriousness of noncompliance. They follow changes made last year to improve the Nait scheme, including operational changes in OSPRI. “I have heard the calls from industry for common sense changes to make Nait an effective business and biosecurity tool. “The proposed changes will ensure there is proper oversight of the agency managing the scheme and gives the Government the ability to deal with any performance issues that affect biosecurity,” he said. While Nait compliance has improved in recent months more work is required to improve animal tracing. The existing penalties were targeted at small-scale offending and were capped at $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for corporates. “This is a relatively small cost and does not act as

a disincentive to offend,” O’Connor said. The Ministry for Primary Industries has been cracking down on non-compliance and last year 97 farmers were fined for breaches of the scheme. The biggest fine was $300. Cabinet will introduce the changes to the Parliamentary select committee process about August with legislation not likely till early next year. Meanwhile, efforts to get more farmers fulfilling their Nait obligations have ramped up with a big focus on education. “Compliance is important but we should also make it easy and this means we need to do more work to ensure we have a world-class traceability system that is future-proofed. “When there is willful noncompliance with the Nait scheme the entire sector is put at risk. “This is unacceptable and I know MPI is focusing on holding those people to account,” O’Connor said. Beef + Lamb says it supports the changes. They are sensible and the industry-good farmer body is looking forward to working with O’Connor and MPI to push the changes and improve Nait, its technical policy manager Dr Chris Houston said. “Beef + Lamb is pleased to see the Ministry for Primary Industries listened to feedback from the consultation process and have proposed sensible changes to the NAIT scheme. “We’re looking forward to working with the Government and MPI on progressing and implementing these changes to improve NAIT,” he said.

Better

ALERT: It is important for the biosecurity response to be ready for the increase in cattle movements before winter, Biosecurity and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says.

Bovis restrictions on more farms Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz MORE farms than usual will be put under restrictions as Biosecurity New Zealand and the Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme partners Beef + Lamb and DairyNZ ramp up winter activity. M bovis programme director Geoff Gwyn said increasing activity in the lead-up to winter stock movements will help control disease spread and give farmers as much certainty as possible heading into the busy winter period. “This means the programme will see a surge in the number of properties contacted about the movement of risk animals and a higher number of properties than usual will be placed under movement restrictions,” Gwyn said. “This is happening in a short period because of increased surveillance late last year that has resulted in a peak in the number of high-risk properties that we have identified and the desire to get ahead of the curve

before autumn and winter stock movements get into full swing.” About 300 farmers who have had high-risk animals move to their properties will be contacted as a priority over the next few weeks.

The programme will see a surge in the number of properties contacted and a higher number of properties than usual will be placed under movement restrictions. Geoff Gwyn MPI “We would expect 250 of those to have notice of direction movement controls placed on them immediately and following testing that 10-12% may become Confirmed Properties.”

A further 800 properties will be contacted about very low-risk animal movements. “We are now entering a period where we will have to look at a greater number of farms to find a diminishing number of Confirmed Properties,” Gwyn said. Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor said it’s important to note no country has tried eradication before so NZ is paving the way and learning a lot. “As the programme evolves we are reaching further out into historic animal movements and ahead of June when many farmers move their cattle for winter I’m committed to ensuring the disease does not spread.” O’Connor has asked international experts on the Technical Advisory Group to bring forward their next review from the middle of the year and start work now. “The last review showed good progress had been made and resulted in meaningful changes to the programme, however, we must be vigilant and use the best and most current information and advice.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

$7/kg to start new season DAIRY farmers will ease into the new season with optimistic milk price forecasts following the tenth consecutive rise in Global Dairy Trade results. At the latest GDT auction the index rose 0.5% with anhydrous milk fat up 4.2% and butter up 3.5%. Butter has risen 38% this year because of a squeeze on supply out of New Zealand and renewed demand from food service and consumers around the world. Rabobank dairy analyst Emma Higgins has called a bold $7.15/kg opening forecast for next season and a lift in the result for this season to $6.65. Stagnant global milk supply and robust demand for Oceaniaorigin dairy products will support strong NZ milk prices for the rest of the season and into the next. “From December through to mid April commodity dairy prices have jumped an average 24% with butter and skim milk powder the

two products to shift the needle most significantly,” she said. The 10 straight rises in the GDT index over fortnightly auctions since mid November equal the record run of increases set six years ago, in the first half of 2013. The difference being the 2013 streak made a 60% cumulative increase versus 30% this year. That extraordinary run of increases in early 2013 enabled Fonterra to open the 2013-14 season with a prediction of $7, something now widely expected to recur next month for 2019-20. ASB rural economist Nathan Penny said butter prices have risen because NZ is the largest butter exporter and the dry summer sharply curtailed production. “This butter price surge is another indicator of the tightness in global dairy markets. “Indeed, with NZ production growth now well past its peak and production offshore already weak we expect dairy prices to continue to move towards a cyclical peak over 2019. “All up, this suggests a strong

BOLD: Rabobank dairy analyst Emma Higgins predicts an opening farmgate milk price of $7.15 next season after this finishes at $6.65.

start to the new season and upside to our $7/kg milk price forecast.” Westpac senior economist Anne Boniface said while prices for butter and AMF are below the record levels they reached in 2017, demand appears to be remaining robust even at these levels. “Over time we would expect the relative prices of milk fat and protein to return to average levels, as manufacturers increase production of whichever products generate better returns (whole milk powder or skim milk powder and fats). “That increased supply will put

downward pressure on prices, however, divergence can persist for an extended period.” Westpac also predicts $7 for next season. Looking deeper into nextseason Higgins doesn’t expect last spring’s and early summer’s great pasture growth conditions to repeat so NZ milk production will fall by 1%. On the demand side, she thinks China’s modest consumption growth will continue along with steady demand in other key markets. However, uncertainty reigns across the wider demand picture

Back-in-the-day Back-in-the-day, the old acre rule of thumb which held farmers in such good stead was, “a hundred weight of super every year and a ton of Lime every third year”. There is no doubt that back then New Zealand’s farm soils were both acidic and Phosphorous deficient, therefore this rule of thumb worked very well. I also agreed fully with an old timer who, (when I was in my early sixties), informed me very clearly, that, “Boy, Super phosphate made this farm”. Move forward sixty years until today and we have quite a different picture. While the relative cost of AgLime at the quarry hasn’t moved a lot, the costs involved in the transportation and application of that Lime to hill country farms has escalated to the stage that the cost of the Lime itself is a fraction of the onground costs. As a result, I’ve have seen Ag-Lime application rates as low as 200kg/ ha, (80kg acre), being recommended. Due to soils natural pH buffering characteristics, (or resistance to

change), such low rates are most unlikely to have any beneficial effect. I’m saddened by our New Zealand fertiliser industry when I encounter farmers who have been advised by their Fert Rep to abandon all future Liming programmes in favour of applying more and more NPK, based on what I believe to be mis-leading mathematical “Economic Return” calculations. There is a vast amount of scientific literature that proves Lime applications are not just about pH and Calcium pasture requirements. Calcium plays a vital role in improving soil structure, water holding capacity and the health of all essential soil life. The reality is that Liming is viable even on hill country. This is especially true when taking advantage of the onground cost benefits of using Prilled Ultra-Fine Particle Lime. Phosphorous is essential for healthy plant growth. Consider the facts, that as little as six kilograms of Phosphorous actually leaves a sheep and beef farm per ha per year and also that the vast majority of farms I visit

in 2019-20, she said. “At present, many economists are using adjectives such as fragile, delicate and precarious to describe global economic growth over the next 24 months. Rabobank itself is expecting a US recession for the latter half of 2020. “We are cautious that the risks are skewed to the downside over the second half of the new season and squarely focused on the affordability of dairy in an environment of weaker economic growth and rising retail prices.”

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have Total Phosphorus levels of more than a 1000kg/ha, then from a purely economic point of view it’s time to apply Lime and gain access to what is just a tiny percentage of those fully paid for Phosphorous reserves. When Phosphate applications are required, my preference is a non-leachable, readily plant available source such as fine particle RPR or Guano. There is a false belief that RPR is only a suitable choice when soil pH is below 5.7. Presumably this belief has come about as a result of very basic, benchtop, chemical, laboratory tests where RPR was exposed to acids, however when RPR is applied to soil it’s not the soil acids that break down the majority of the RPR, it’s the powerful enzymes exuded by Phosphate solubilising bacteria and fungi in the soil. These bacteria and fungi thrive at pH’s above 5.7. If you would like more information, our sample pack, or if you would just like to chat please phone Sandra on 06 858 5235. © Andrew de Lautour 2019

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

SFF targets $30m a year profit Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz SILVER Fern Farms has set ambitious earnings targets for the next five years after performing below expectations last year. By 2023 the operating company Silver Fern Farms wants to have five years of earnings totalling more than $150 million, chief executive Simon Limmer said. The strategy includes a 10% return on equity for the meat processor and exporter, halfowned by Silver Fern Farms Co-operative and half by Chinese group Shanghai Maling. “These are goals that will stretch us,” Limmer said in the cooperative’s annual report. “They target a fundamental shift in the financial performance of the business.” SFF now has a solid platform to work from and the objectives are realistic and attainable, he said. Meat companies in New Zealand have historically struggled to achieve returns on equity anywhere near 10%. The report said SFF had shareholders’ funds of $500.7m on December 31. To get a 10% return on that would have required a bottomline profit of $50m. The actual after-tax earnings of $5.8m produced a return on equity of just 1.16%. SFF had sales of $2.4 billion for the year, operating earnings (Ebitda) of $32.4m and a pretax profit of $6.3m. Low processing volumes at crucial times, early 2018 and in December, brought added costs and eroded margins and overall profitability. It was the worst December trading in 10 years. The $150m five-year aggregate target clearly allows for higher earnings towards the end of the five-year period as the business benefits from capital investment – $50m across the last two years in

These are goals that will stretch us. They target a fundamental shift in the financial performance of the business. Simon Limmer Silver Fern Farms

WAY TO GO: Silver Fern Farms is not yet performing as it should and its goals will stretch it, chief executive Simon Limmer says.

operating assets, operational and sustainability improvements and IT systems. “We must lift the profitability of the business to sustain our aggressive capital reinvestment programme and to more actively progress our in-market investment in sales and marketing capability and programmes to grow value in the market,” Limmer said. A third five-year goal for the business is to achieve industryleading safety, quality and sustainability. SFF has continued to pay strong farm-gate prices to farmers across all meat species, Limmer said. Co-operative chairman and joint SFF chairman Rob Hewett said the operating company is in a period of intense capital

investment across infrastructure and systems to ensure it can sustain a high level of performance. “While the current level of profitability is lower than what we consider appropriate we have an expectation that we will be in a position to derive significant future value from our equal share in the company.” Limmer led the strategy review, which decided the group’s Plateto-Pasture strategy is the right one, with the focus being to execute accurately and with urgency. “The business must be marketled with a strong customer focus essential if we are to respond with pace to changes in consumer preference,” Hewett said. “Our grass-fed products must reach those conscious consumers

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who are willing to pay a premium for Silver Fern Farms quality.” SFF has revised its operating model to aim for greater collaboration, innovation and performance across the business. The six pillars are market and customer-led, efficient and aligned infrastructure, capability, differentiated livestock supply, technical evolution and commercial agility. Limmer said highlights of the 2018 year include China’s ongoing demand for protein, leading to SFF sales there exceeding $500m for the first time. It also had a lift in demand from pet food manufacturers for venison trim, especially from the United States where there is an apparent trend towards premium pet food. That kept prices up to

some extent following a softening in demand from European consumers. At balance date, SFF had total assets of $757.85m, compared to $780.4m a year earlier. Total liabilities were $257.1m, including nearly $135m in borrowings, which Hewett said was seasonal debt taken into balance date, a time of high outgoings but not the high point of sales, which comes later in the season. Total current assets are $429.8m compared to current liabilities of $247.4m and trade receivable at $224.7m were more than twice the $101.7m of trade payables. SFF’s equity ratio was 66% but that number should be considerably higher now as greater volumes of product are sold. The co-op’s 50% share of SFF’s assets is worth $250.36m and a $15m of goodwill put its equity at $265.8m. It has total equity, excluding members shares, of $283.3m including cash and nearcash of $18.1m. Total assets are $316m and it has no borrowings. The co-operative made a pretax profit of $2.4m as its share of SFF’s earnings and an after-tax profit of $0.9m. After balance date, the cooperative was due to receive $874,000 as a half-share of the SFF dividend of $1.7m. The payout is based on SFF’s policy of paying out at least 30% of after-tax profit.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

THAT’S US: Fonterra staff from around the country responded to the plight of West Coast farmers.

WHAT A MESS: West Coast fences were left tangled with debris or buried in silt after last month’s flood.

Co-op fencers help after Coast flood Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz AN EMERGENCY response team of five people from Fonterra put in two weeks of hard work mostly restoring fences on West Coast farms after last month’s storm. Team leader and national emergency response team director Kevin Lockley from South Taranaki said the participants were selected because of their general farming backgrounds, fencing skills and ready availability away from their usual work. They are plant operators and tanker drivers from throughout Fonterra’s 30 sites and just some of the 98 trained emergency response members on call nationwide. Lockley has been doing this work since before the formation of

Fonterra and works on emergency response, hazardous substances and compliance at the Whareroa plant, Hawera. Most of the responses he has led have been after floods or storms, about 12 in the past decade, including the Kaikoura and Christchurch earthquakes and the Edgecumbe and Manawatu floods. “Some conversations beforehand with Federated Farmers on the West Coast helped us select the right mix of people for the tasks. “This means we can work autonomously, fixing fences, while farmers can focus on other important jobs on the farm.” The team stayed in a farmhouse at Arahura, a little north of Hokitika, and worked in the district for the first week.

Because accommodation was hard to find in the south they then commuted to farms in the Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier areas after the Waiho bridge was replaced. Travelling time was 90 minutes each way and the team members also had their grocery shopping, cooking and laundry to do. Nevertheless, they had worked every day since arriving on the coast with three utilities loaded with fencing gear on Wednesday, April 3, and were looking forward to getting home for the Easter holiday, Lockley said. Arahura sharemilker Mark van Beek said the team members must have spent eight or nine days on two farms belonging to the Mawhera Incorporation just fixing boundary fences and lanes. Many fence lines, especially

the seven or eight-wire boundary fences, were completely tangled with debris or buried in silt. It was quicker and more economical to put in a brand-new fence, van Beek said. About half of the farm on which van Beek has 500 milking cows and 300 replacements was inundated by the floodwaters of the Arahura River, amounting to 100ha. A further 40ha or a third of the second Mawhera dairy farm was also flooded. Born and raised on the Coast, he said he had seen big floods before but nothing like this. An older neighbour in the valley said that was the biggest in 80 years. He estimated the team erected between 20km and 30km of fencing in total.

Having the help meant milking could continue, once-a-day, to the planned end of the season when farm workers would begin rolling up the old fences and restoring races and subdivision. “It will take at least 18 months to completely clean up and get new pastures established although we have had follow-up rains which have washed silt off some of the grass.” Fonterra continued to pay the team their normal hourly rates while they were on the Coast. Federated Farmers, as the lead agency, did the arranging of farms with needs and the right machines and materials to be on hand, like post rammers. Lockley said Fonterra’s philosophy is to help all farmers who need it and not just the cooperative’s members.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Living affects the environment Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz OUR way of life is putting the environment under pressure. A report produced by the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand with evidence and trends of what is happening to the environment highlights nine key issues. It is based on a comparison with previous reports, analysis of more than 60 indicators and new methods. It found native plants, animals and ecosystems are under threat, changes to land vegetation are degrading soil and water, farming is polluting our waterways and water use affects freshwater ecosystems. Urban centres create environmental pollution with urban sprawl occupying the best soils and destroying native biodiversity, it said. And commercial fishing techniques are detrimental to the ocean environment, greenhouse gas emissions per person are among the highest in the developed world and climate change is already having and effect. It said development and associated economic growth supports living standards with agriculture contributing 4.2% of gross domestic product and employing 122,000 people while forestry generates $1.7 billion and jobs for 6000 people. A focus of the report is the impact of urban growth, a topic covered in depth by Farmers Weekly in February and March, and

the environmental impact of urban living. Urban centres occupy 228,000ha, less than 1% of NZ’s land area, and are home to 86% of the population. But it warns urban sprawl is soaking up top-class soils, which represent just 5% of all soil, and adversely affecting native biodiversity. Most urban centres occupy high-quality soils on fertile, coastal flood plains cut out of native forest and drained wetlands.

Urban waterways are more polluted than rural areas and have heavy metals and higher concentrations of E coli.

Urban areas grew 10% between 1996 and 2012 and from 1990 to 2008 29% of that growth was on high class soils. On average 5800 new lifestyle blocks are subdivided on the fringes of urban centres each year and a 2013 study found 35% of Auckland’s best soil is on lifestyle blocks. “Our versatile land and high-class soils are gradually being lost to urban growth, making them unavailable for growing food,” the report said. “The loss of versatile land is happening at the same time as our food production system is under pressure to increase production without increasing its effect

on the environment. “This loss can force growers onto more marginal land that is naturally less productive and requires more inputs, like fertiliser.” Urban waterways are more polluted than rural areas and have heavy metals and higher concentrations of E coli. The report found 94% of river length in urban areas is unsuitable for swimming and pollutants may affect sensitive aquatic species and encourage algal growth. It noted urban air pollution has decreased. Farming and urban expansion threatens ecosystems and biodiversity in marine and fresh water and land environments while the removal of native forests, draining wetlands and clearing land for farming has caused the loss of soil. In 2012 just over half NZ’s land had modified land cover such as urban areas and exotic vegetation. Exotic pasture species cover 40% of NZ’s land area and exotic forestry 8%, concentrated in the central North Island. About 100 dams generate 60% of NZ’s electricity but the disrupted flow, loss of native forests, shrub lands and wetlands affects water flow, the natural flushing of rivers and streams, recreation, carbon storage, the purifying of water and habitats for native species. It also leads to erosion with studies showing 44% of soil that enters waterways comes from pasture land. NZ has the second highest volume of water

take per person in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development with 51% of all consented water used for irrigation. Demand for water doubled between 2002 and 2017 because of irrigation growth, primarily in Canterbury. The report also looks at climate change saying that while NZ is a small

contributor to global emissions (0.17% in 2013) its emissions per person are high relative to international measures. At 17.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per person, NZ is ranked fifth of the 43 industrialised countries. NZ’s gross greenhouse gas emissions have risen 20% since 1990 but have been relatively stable in

the last decade despite the economic and population growth. “This means our emissions per person are lower now than 10 years ago. “Similarly, our emissions per unit of gross domestic product since 1990 are 43% but still high internationally, the fourth highest in the OECD in 2016,” it said.

Farmers’ fundraising for the Muslim community The Muslim community has a significant role in the country’s meat processing industry, including certifying exports as Halal. ANZCO has joined the wider meat industry in setting up a charitable trust for those affected by the mosque attacks in Christchurch. Farmers sending their stock to ANZCO can nominate: • a number of animals • or a sum of money from the sale Proceeds will be paid directly to the Meat Industry Association Halal Community Response Fund that’ll be distributed to “Our People, Our City Fund”, part of The Christchurch Foundation.

When booking let your rep know either the number of animals or the amount of money you’d like to donate. You’ll need to add this in the Description field on your ASD form.

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News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Otago farm’s food award THE Crutchley family from Maniototo high country have claimed a top award in this year’s Food Producer Awards with their Provenance lamb. The family’s Provenance brand won the Ara Wines Paddock Champion Award for a lamb product judges praised for its juiciness, moistness and good flavours. David and Glenis Crutchley’s 6121ha dryland farming operation near Naseby transitioned from conventional farming systems to biological farming eight years ago. They dropped conventional fertilisers for fish-based nutrients and a focus on building up soil micro-bacterial activity. “This award is the culmination of 10 years of hard work for the family and is very welcome,” Glenis said. Awards in the 2013 and 2014 Glammies Golden Lamb Awards run by Beef + Lamb were precursors to this latest award. Provenance offers fresh and frozen cuts from 17kg carcasses, delivered direct

YUMMY: B+LNZ ambassador chef Michael Coughlin says Provenance lambs delivers taste far beyond traditional cuts.

to consumers and chefs. Beef + Lamb ambassador chef Michael Coughlin, past owner of Bell Pepper Blues and Pier 24 restaurants in Dunedin, welcomed the recognition the family gets from the award. Coughlin said from a chef’s perspective the Provenance product

delivers a taste experience far exceeding conventional lamb cuts and is rapidly gaining a reputation among chefs for its cooking ability and consumer acceptance. “From a chef’s view it is a very user-friendly product but it is also a product that goes beyond the usual claims around

sustainability. “There is a whole new level of ethical and sustainable practices behind how the Crutchleys rear their animals and it is something David and the family are very passionate about.” The supreme award went to the Wooden Spoon Boutique Freezery, for a blackcurrant ice-cream. The product had its origins in a group of Otago Girls High School students asking the company to create a new flavour for their young enterprise scheme. The ice cream was praised for its texture and fruity flavour. Whitestone Cheeses from Oamaru was awarded the people’s choice favourite producer award. Head judge Lauraine Jacobs said it was impressive to see the innovative use of premium ingredients largely grown and harvested in NZ. After three years of awards there are now more than a quarter of a million Food Producer Awards stickers on food and drink products around NZ.

Wool shines for vendors Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

SELLERS were well ahead on a big volume day at Wednesday’s Christchurch wool sale. Prices for about 11,000 bales of end-ofseason wool were strong across most styles, PGG Wrightson’s South Island sales manager Dave Burridge said. Longer combing lambs’ wool was especially sought-after. Lambs’ wool continues to be the star performer, compared to adult crossbred wool, even with the higher volumes coming forward. A very limited volume of early-season, midmicron wool also found solid buyer support with indications finer wool growers are in for another strong season, Burridge said. Crossbred fleece 31 to 35 microns was 2% to 4% dearer on the sale a fortnight earlier with 35-micron and stronger being up by similar rates and crossbred, second-

shear was about 2% stronger. Mid micron wool was up to 10% dearer for the better styles. Crossbred lambs’ wool was 2% to 5% stronger in price with the best results being for longer fleece. The pass-in rate was 8%, which compares well with previous Christchurch auctions. Sales, all by micron level, price/kg clean: Full wool, good-to-average colour: 28, $11.32, up 42c; 29, $10.52, up 10c; 32, $5.67, up 20c; 33, $4.91, up 33c; 34, $4.65, up 19c; 35, $3.84, up 22c; 36, $3.45, up 20c; 37, $3.22, up 27c; 38, $3.07, up 13c; 39, $3.02, up 8c. Crossbred, second-shear: 33, 3-to-4 inches, $4.71, up 24c; 2-to-3 inches, $3.67, up 25c; 35, 3-to-4 inches, $3.71, up 29c; 2-to-3 inches, $3.05, up 9c; 37, 3-to-4 inches, $3.08, up 11c; 2-to-3 inches, $3, up 10c; 39, 3-to-5 inches, $3.02, up 14c; 3-to-4 inches, $2.95, up 7c; 2-to-3 inches, $2.95, up 1c. Crossbred, first lamb shear: 28, $6.81, up 4c; 29, $6.29, up 5c; 30, $5.60, down 25c; 31, $5.27, up 19c; 32, $5.21, up 37c; 33, $4.85, up 20c.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Tenure plans alienate farmers Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz THE Government has been warned it will be in breach of contract with farmers if it tries to wield greater influence over the management of ecological and biodiversity values on Crown pastoral lease properties. In its submission on proposed changes to the Government’s management of South Island pastoral leases, the lobby group the High Country Accord said proposed changes will re-weight property rights. But that cannot be done without the agreement of lessees. They say the Government wants to impose additional purposes against which all other activities, including pastoral farming, are subservient, which is unacceptable to lessees. Lands Minister Eugenie Sage proposed changes to managing pastoral leases includes ending tenure review and making decisions by the Commissioner of Crown Lands more accountable and transparent. Tenure review is when the Crown and lessee agree to split a pastoral lease between conservation and freehold. Sage says the end to tenure review is a commitment by the Government to be a long-term owner and steward of South Island high country leasehold land. She also wants greater management of natural landscapes, indigenous biodiversity and cultural and heritage values. Her proposal requires the commission to seek more guidance on and apply standards to applications for activities like burning and forestry, requiring the office to get more expert advice, to consult more on discretionary consent applications and to report regularly against a monitoring framework. The accord, formed in 2003 to promote and protect the rights of pastoral lessees, warns the extent the Crown can achieve those goals without the agreement of lessees is limited by the terms of the

WARNED: The High Country Accord says the Government will be in breach of high country pastoral lease contracts with farmers if Lands Minister Eugenie Sage’s proposals are pursued.

leases designed in 1948. “These contracts delineate the Crown’s contractual rights of environmental control. “Officials have noted that the Crown does not have a right to control ecology and improve biodiversity. “That is, however, precisely what is inherent in the Government’s proposed outcomes.” The Environmental Defence Society and Royal Forest and Bird support the proposals, saying indigenous biodiversity and landscape values must be managed better and public access improved. They want the consenting process altered to provide for clear environmental bottom lines, decisions to follow the Resource Management Act, to make technical advice in decisionmaking mandatory and increase public consultation. The accord says the Government must continue to

respect its contractual obligations for the 34 leases still completing tenure review In November 2017, 125 of the 303 pastoral leases had completed the tenure review process in which 302,000ha was added to the conservation estate and 346,000ha made freehold.

Officials have noted that the Crown does not have a right to control ecology and improve biodiversity.

The submission conceded public perception and understanding of tenure review is poor and not helped by perceived problems from a small number of cases of inappropriate subdivision or farm intensification.

That has led to some poor political decisions. “The lack of a widespread understanding of the nature of the lease contract and poor levels of public understanding of the benefits which have been achieved by the majority has had the unfortunate result of a bad political decision.” The same focus has not been paid to monitoring the Department of Conservation’s management of the 302,000ha of former pastoral lease land it now manages. The accord said the decision to end to tenure review was made without effective consultation with lessees and the Government’s reasons lack merit. It supports the advice of Government officials that tenure review is the most effective mechanism to safeguard biodiversity, landscape and cultural values and submitted it should be retained and tactical and operational failings fixed.

There needs to be recognition the high country today is much healthier than in 1948 when the legislation enabling pastoral leases became law. That improvement will continue under the stewardship of leases, provided the lessor collaborates with its remaining 170 lessees instead of imposing its will through regulation. “The future relationship between the Crown and lessees will require the Crown to stop periodically abusing its position of dominance and instead recognise the positive contributions made by high country farmers and their families to the environment, their local communities and the national economy. “It requires the Crown to recognise the alienation to lessees of the property rights represented by the lease contract and that unilateral action is not an effective path to its desired outcomes.” The discussion document attracted 2500 submissions.

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News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Lower carbon food chain challenges A dive into the little-known field of energy return on investment for his Nuffield Scholarship was the extension of a long-held interest for Solis Norton of Otago. It measures energy flows through New Zealand’s primary food chains to see how we might move to zero emissions by 2050 while remaining a viable economy. He spoke to Richard Rennie. NUFFIELD scholar Solis Norton acknowledges the area of energy return on investment (EROI) is not top of mind for many but his year’s study found the field holds important tools for one of this country’s most pressing demands – getting to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. “Mapping out the transition to carbon zero using economics is a good starting point but mapping our true energy use during the transition is critical too. This is what EROI does. Our path to carbon-zero economic prosperity will collapse if we run short of energy along the way.” He is intrigued by how cheap and incredibly energy-dense fossil fuels have underpinned the world’s ability to feed an evergrowing population. “Just how hard will it be to continue doing so while uncoupling to renewable options?” EROI weighs up the impact of that uncoupling. It measures the amount of energy invested into a system and the energy that comes out of it, expressed as a ratio of energy output to energy input. The renewable energy systems appear to return a lot less energy over their lifespan than their fossil fuel counterparts relative to the energy invested in running them. The EROI ratio is, for example, around 20:1 for diesel made from a fossil source but around 3:1 for diesel made from biomass. Another important comparison is coal and biomass, both fuel options for a milk drying plant. The ratio for coal is about 45:1 but the ratio for woody biomass is about 10:1. The exact ratios have not yet been accurately established but available estimates suggest some big differences. “The question is, what are the

Our path to carbon-zero economic prosperity will collapse if we run short of energy along the way. Solis Norton Nuffield Scholar

OUT OF GAS: Solis Norton of Otago challenges the low-carbon future.

financial implications of this for the rural sector? And, given the whole country is making this transition, what is the financial impact to the nation?” He found Fonterra, at least, has begun to see this challenge from a financial perspective. He is sure an EROI perspective will make its situation far clearer and help with an efficient transition. “What I drew from my study was that if we are making a transition to different energy sources, that ratio is essential to find the most efficient mix of them and we simply have not looked at that as a society when discussing a transition to lower carbon emissions.” He sees that lack of analysis as a glaring flaw in the recent Productivity Commission report on transitioning to a low-

emissions economy. Norton works with many farmers through his work as project manager of DeerPRO, which is a part of Deer Industry New Zealand. He believes farmers are the most likely to understand the EROI concept and be capable of responding to it. “They are very aware of the balance of inputs and outputs in a complex farm system. They have a practical view of things and they’re innovative – they’re the perfect group to get this.” But he maintains it is an understanding needed across the entire primary food production chain, from behind the farm gate to processing, transport and consumers. “There is little point in creating optimally managed dairy farms if emissions regulations make

drying milk impossible.” “From an energy density view, organic and less intensive farm systems tend to have a proportionally lower inputs and outputs than their conventional counterparts, often by a considerable margin, even 1525%. So a nationwide shift to lower-intensity farming systems will reduce our total production.” He reckons the old value-add chestnut will take on a new shape and urgency as we seek greater financial return from products with lower energy and emissions footprints. Beyond the rural sector his study also looked at what Zero Carbon 2050 will look like for a kiwi citizen from an energy perspective. The EROI ratio for our national economy is around 20:1 today, in

the 2050 projection its about 10:1. Yet GDP is projected to double in the same period, which he feels is overly optimistic. “Let’s break it down to the average person on the street. In the 2050 projection their energy use is 37% lower so the same as what the average person used in the late 1970s. “There is no comment on how efficiently we use that energy. It is possible we may be able to get more out of it than we did in the 70s, if you put your rose-tinted glasses on. “Take them off and look at our expectations today compared to the 70s. Flying to Fiji for the midwinter break and that big new SUV are just not going to get us the emissions result we need.” Norton recommends a transition institute to link the energy ratios with the economics for the Climate Change Commission to ensure goals are realistic and attainable within physical energy constraints. “It is in line with other efforts to better link and value the noneconomic aspects of things like water quality, biodiversity and other ecosystem services in final policy.”

The Nuffield Scholars’ reports can be found here: https://ruralleaders.co.nz/ nuffield-scholar-reports/

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News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Treasury suggests OIO power shift Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

HI-TECH TAG: Moovement sales manager Pieter Vogels with one of the Australian company’s new cattle ear tags.

Tags keep track of stock Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz THE development of cattle ear tags, animal tracking and recycling has been taken to a new level by an Australian company. Queensland-based Moovement has developed a GPS ear tag, weighing 35 grams, that updates the location of the tag-wearing beast every hour and has a builtin solar panel for recharging the battery. The tags, designed to last five years, are attached to the ear with a double pin. A lost tag can easily be found using GPS. Sales manager Pieter Vogels says the package includes a farm map and information about the location of cattle can be sent to a phone and provide an alert if an animal has not moved for some time or if it breaks into another paddock. It also provides an ability to track stolen animals and

ensures stock aren’t missed at mustering. Vogels says Moovement, which had a stand at the recent Rabobank Farm2Fork summit in Sydney, can also provide information on how stock have grazed a paddock by tracing their movements. The tag contains information such as the tag number, age, breeding lines and comments inserted by the owner. The system requires access to a 3G or 4G communications network and for large properties, multiple antennas might be needed to provide coverage. Tags cost NZ$31 and $6 a head a year for the app subscription. The network costs about $800 but rises to $2650 if an antenna is needed. Vogels says other adaptions are being developed for inclusion in the tag, such as technology to detect cows coming on heat and calving.

GOVERNMENT ministers could be given greater power to approve or reject foreign investment a review of the rules governing it suggests. A Treasury discussion document outlining issues it wants addressed in a review of the Overseas Investment Act seeks feedback on what assets should be screened during consideration of sale to a foreign buyer, who should be screened and how that screening process can be improved. Options suggested include an extension to the authority ministers must consider investment applications. The document suggests a minister could approve an application if it is in the national interest or extend their power to block transactions less than $100 million if there are risks to NZ’s national security and-or public order. Associate Finance Minister David Parker says investment is crucial to grow the NZ economy but reform must be a balance between supporting high-quality investment and ensuring governments have flexibility to manage any issues arising from overseas investment. Treasury says consideration of what land should be screened will focus on investment in sensitive land adjoining land with sensitive characteristics such as foreshore, lakebeds and some conservation land. Consent is required because management of land sold to a foreign buyer might impact on adjoining sensitive land. It will also look at whether sensitive adjoining land should apply only to land next to foreshore, lake beds and land

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significant to Maori. The review will also address the criteria for foreign investment in short-term leases of sensitive land, whether that should increase from three years to more than 10 with rules tailored according to the type of land being leased. The document states defining overseas investors is straightforward but it becomes complicated when an investor is a business or entity with multiple owners including NZ residents or entities. Some companies are technically an overseas person yet face significant costs when applying for consent to invest in NZ. Treasury is also seeking feedback on the percentage of overseas ownership or control that tips it from being a NZowned company to an overseas company. It is also considering whether the right information is being gathered about investors

It is also considering whether the right information is being gathered about investors.

including information required as part of investor tests, which ensure they behave in a way consistent with NZ laws and norms. Similarly, the document asks whether the good character component should more explicitly focus on the applicant’s history of paying tax. It will also look at the criteria that assess the benefits to NZ of an investment, saying some is unclear and overly complex and ignores issues such as threats to national security and issues critical to the economy such as the ongoing supply of services such as electricity.

Taste Pure gets bite at Big Apple Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

Stay Farmstrong

WE NEED IT: Associate Finance Minister David Parker says investment is crucial to growing the economy.

A FREE, big-screen advertisement in the middle of Times Square in New York was a bonus for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s conscious foodie promotion. B+LNZ’s Taste Pure Nature strategy is aimed firmly at California but a news wire service was impressed by the signage and ran with it in New York’s highest profile advertising spot. “It’s not our target area and we weren’t paying for it but it reaffirmed for us that our messaging is right in promoting our natural food,” market development general manager Nick Beeby said.

It’s not our target area and we weren’t paying for it but it reaffirmed for us that our messaging is right in promoting our natural food.

B+LNZ and its meat company partners launched the Taste Pure Nature strategy in California on March 21 with a conscious foodie population estimated at about 16 million people as the target market. After a strong, immediate number of hits on the website the promotion is showing

encouraging early results, with the digital tracking showing a good number of people are moving from the static advertising to see the marketing video. Another good sign is that a lot of people are staying on the website for more than two minutes, an indicator of solid interest. “The results we’re seeing are that we are getting to the right people,” Beeby said. He expects to have enough data on market findings in the next two to four weeks to move to the next stage of the promotion. In California the initial focus is on the high population areas of Los Angeles county and the bay area of San Francisco.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Market positive on PGW changes Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz PGG Wrightson shares reacted smoothly to the surprise retirements of the three longterm New Zealand directors, rising about 3% to 51c a share in the two days after the April 15 announcement. There might be expectations the Cushing family investment vehicle H and G increasing its shareholding and David Cushing becoming a director will lead to further corporate activity at the country’s biggest rural services group once the already agreed sale of the PGW seeds business is completed. H and G has a strong agri focus and a track record for corporate change in NZX-listed companies, notably the events leading to the formation of PGW in the early-2000s and since then at Tourism Holdings and recently at Skellerup. PGW deputy chairman Trevor Burt, independent audit committee chairman Bruce Irvine and independent director John Nichol will leave the company on April 30. Irvine has been a director since 2009, Burt since 2012 and Nichols since 2013.

GOING: PGG Wrightson deputy chairman Trevor Burt is leaving the board. No reasons were given for their departures. Burt has effectively led PGW in recent times, especially during the process leading to the agreed sale of the seeds business to Danish group DLF Seeds. The departures are sudden and the timing is interesting, given the sale is still subject to Overseas Investment Office approval. The sale for about $431 million will provide a one-off profit of $120m for PGW, which has suggested a capital return to shareholders of up to $292m is likely.

Irvine wouldn’t comment on the trio’s departure but is confident the sale will be completed. Controversial Chinese group Agria remains a 46% owner of PGW shares but is in the process of selling a 2.2% stake of 17m shares to H and G at 49c a share. That will make H and G the owner of just over 20m shares and the fifth biggest shareholder. The deal is subject to conditions. David Cushing jointly owns H and G with his father Sir Selwyn Cushing and will join the PGW board on April 30. Investors should be encouraged by his involvement as a significant minority shareholder. Through H and G and other entities the Cushings also own about 70% of corporate farmer Rural Equities, whose farms are major PGW clients. David Cushing is Rural Equities’ executive chairman and his deputy chairman there, Rodger Findlay, will also join the PGW board, as its incoming chairman. He has a background in investment banking and farm ownership and has spent the last decade in business governance roles including a current directorship at Ngai Tahu Holdings, which owns about 4% of PGW. Findlay was also some years

ago an outside expert on PGW’s short-lived agritech committee. The Cushing family-controlled North Island rural services group Williams and Kettle was merged into PGW before the 2005 merger with Pyne Gould Guinness, which formed the current PGG Wrightson. One of PGW’s best businesses, Fruitfed Supplies, was part of Williams and Kettle. Sir Selwyn spent several years as a PGW director after the merger. The third new PGW director is Sarah Brown, a Southland commercial lawyer with governance roles in the electricity sector and a former chairwoman of the Southern Institute of Technology. Cushing, Findlay and Brown will be considered independent directors though Cushing was an alternate director for Agria for a time around 2010 when it was taking control of PGW. Agria is represented on the PGW board by current chairman Joo Hai Lee who will become deputy chairman when Findlay takes over as chairman and also by U Kean Seng. Ronald Seah remains as an independent director. Agria and its executive chairman Alan Lai have spent the last few years facing action

The departures are sudden and the timing is interesting. from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. That action, relating to events in the US and China, was settled in December with Agria and Lai paying a US$3m fee. The company was earlier also made to delist from the New York Stock Exchange. Irvine, who led PGW’s independent director committee overseeing Agria’s relationship with the SEC, told the NZX the events did not involve PGW. Agria was also subject to an OIO action in NZ, during which it agreed to reduce its stake in PGW from just above 50%. That led to the sale of shares to Ngai Tahu, which had previously been an investor in Agria Singapore, through which the PGW-stake is held. A subsequent High Court case found Agria had breached good character conditions required of foreign investors in NZ. It required Agria and Lai to each pay $100,000 as a civil penalty and $30,000 court costs.

OIO approves sale of PGW seeds to DLF Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz PGG Wrightson shares spiked in early NZX trading on Thursday after the Overseas Investment Office approved the sale of its seeds business. The shares jumped 4c, or 7.7%, to 56c on five early trades. Buyers were looking to pay that same price but sell quotes were at 59c.

PGW expects to complete the sale of the seeds business to Danish group DLF Seeds at the end of April or early May, deputy chairman Trevor Burt said. Chief executive Ian Glasson said it is an excellent outcome for the group and its customers as the sale agreement provides for a close working relationship between PGW’s rural services division and the seeds business under DLF ownership.

The price for the deal, agreed in August last year, is $434 million, including DLF taking on $21m in debt, for a net price of $413m. PGW expects to make a oneoff, after-tax profit of $120m on the transaction and to have a net cash surplus of about $210m. “The options for a capital return to shareholders being contemplated by the board would allow PGW to reset its debt position and right-size its

corporate operations,” Burt said. The company has previously suggested a capital return of up to $292m could be made to shareholders. OIO approval was the final condition required for the sale to proceed following earlier consents from PGW shareholders, the Commerce Commission, research and development programme partners and regulatory authorities in Australia

and Uruguay, where the seeds business also operates. Danish co-operative DLF Seeds already has a research and development business in New Zealand, probably the fourth biggest in the sector. PGW seeds is the biggest. DLF has a very big northern hemisphere presence and has said its ownership will provide market opportunities there for PGW seeds products.

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News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Stop and smell the roses farmstrong.co.nz

TIME off farm is the number one wellbeing priority for farmers but many are still reluctant to take breaks. Kate and Mike Gee-Taylor of Rangiwahia are on a mission to change that. They own a typical family farm, a 566ha sheep and beef operation in hill country at Rangiwahia in Manawatu. Mike grew up there and met Kate 28 years ago. They still both love the area and the lifestyle. But life’s thrown up a few challenges too. Two years ago Kate fell ill and nearly died. It took 30 units of blood to save her. “Mike was grey with worry and I was green and sick,” Kate says. But what she remembers most is the way the community rallied around them. “Our neighbours were absolutely amazing. They organised two men a day to help Mike during weaning. Our pantry

I’d never got the link between activity and your mental health but the doctors are right, exercise really does make you feel better. Kate Gee-Taylor Farmer

was full of food. They mowed the lawns. They did housework.” The magnitude of such a scare took on a toll on Kate’s confidence too. She felt pretty down afterwards. “I ended up going to a shrink. It was the best thing I ever did in my life. It made me realise the true value of friends and the importance of getting offfarm and catching up with them regularly.” The whole experience made her determined to give something back to the rural community that had supported her. First up, she organised a pest destruction Tuesday 30/04/2019 day for local Lely Astronaut Robotic Milking Open Day dads. When Where: 603 Campbell Road, Bunnythorpe, Manawatu that proved Time: 10.30am - 2pm. BBQ lunch provided. a hit she For more information contact Steve Bromley, Lely Center in contemplated Manawatu - 0275 410 132 something more AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business & Wahine ambitious. Maia, Wahine Whenua By then Kate 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony and Mike had run over four months. Equips and supports women made their involved in sheep and beef farming to lift business own health performance. much more a Registrations for 2019 programmes are now open, visit the priority and website for more information and to register. Locations and dates (3 modules & graduation): Tuatapere: 22 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul & 14 Aug Winton: 23 May, 20 Jun, 18 Jul & 15 Aug Taihape: 22 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul & 14 Aug Geraldine: 30 May, 27 Jun, 25 Jul & 22 Aug Opotiki (WMWW): 29 May, 26 Jun, 24 Jul & 21 Aug Blenheim: 5 Jun, 3 Jul, 31 Jul & 28 Aug Christchurch (WMWW): 5 Jun, 3 Jul, 31 Jul & 28 Aug Little River: 6 Jun, 4 Jul, 1 Aug & 29 Aug

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DAY OUT: Farmers take a break on their ride.

taken up bike riding for a change of scene from farming. “I’d never got the link between activity and your mental health but the doctors are right, exercise really does make you feel better. It’s a great way to destress.” On one excursion the couple noticed a store in Ohakune where they could rent e-bikes. Kate decided to organise a group ride for local farmers. “It was about being brave enough to just invite people. I went old school, got some nice invitations made up with the info and sent them out to everyone by mail.” The personalised approach worked. She ended up with 23

riders, including some who hadn’t been on a push bike since primary school. The group overnighted in Ohakune, rode to the Bridge to Nowhere, swam in the river and returned by jet boat. “It was one of those magic days – beautiful weather. The 30km we did back in the jet boat was like being in Jurassic Park, that river is so beautiful. We went mid-week and people had been given plenty of warning so they could work their schedule around the date.” The impact was transformational. “This was about getting farmers off-farm, meeting new people and talking about other things apart from farming.

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LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Bicycle ride organisers Kate and Mike Gee-Taylor are helping farmers get away from it.

“For a lot of them it was the first time in a while they’d had a day off, of just doing their own thing. In the van they were all saying things like, ‘hey, we should this more often’ and ‘gosh, it’s nice to be off farm’. And they all asked afterwards, what are you going to organise next?” “What I learnt was that these men all realised they needed to take a break but it actually took someone else to organise it for that to happen.” Kate says the industry needs to challenge stoic attitudes that prevent farmers getting the downtime they deserve. “Farmers can be really reluctant to leave the farm but it’s important for their health and wellbeing that they do. Farming can get very pressured. To be sustainable you need to look after yourself.” Kate says maintaining connections with neighbours is the key to handling the ups and downs of not just farming but life in general. “It’s all about sharing the load. If you’re having trouble on the farm and your sheep aren’t getting fat, the chances are other guys will have a solution, maybe a drench you haven’t tried. Also, if you see people regularly you can soon tell if they’re under the weather and need a hand. “You don’t need to organise an event. It can be as simple as ringing a neighbour and turning up in your farm clothes for a coffee or seeing if they’re up for a game of cards after dinner during the winter. “Sometimes in farming it’s easy to just muddle along and get in a real funk. I’ve been there. Every so often you just need to stop and smell the roses.” is the official media partner of Farmstrong

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News

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

New effort to attract youngsters Luke Chivers A PROGRAMME to promote primary industry careers has been launched by Rabobank, Young Farmers and Lincoln University. The programme, Rabobank FoodX, is a series of events to expose young people to animals, food production and marketing, agribusiness and science. Rabobank NZ general manager Hayley Gourley said the programme addresses the shortage of young people in the primary sector. “We recognise there is a shortage of young people coming into the agricultural sector so we looked at how we could play our part in connecting people with industry and promote agriculture to young people as a career option.” It will be attended by 30 years 12 and 13 students from a dozen urban Canterbury high schools who will visit a range of rural businesses including Rakaia Island, Synlait, Gladfield Malt, Hellers and the Lincoln University dairy farm. “We’re hoping the students walk away with enthusiasm for agriculture and hopefully talk to their friends about it as well as asking their teachers why agriculture isn’t a subject they can study at school. “Many of the students I speak to say agriculture isn’t available in their school or that it’s available only by correspondence so seeing that become part of the NZ curriculum would be a good outcome in the long-term,” she said. The four-day programme will go some way to bridge the divide between rural and urban audiences and change perceptions on careers in agriculture. “The aim is to raise awareness of the huge range of exciting careers in the primary sector, their importance to NZ and encourage

TASTY: Students from the Rabobank Food X Camp Ralph Rasonabe, left, Andrei Pechaty and Paul Baliguat examine malted barley on a tour of Gladfield Malt, near Dunsandel, Canterbury.

We recognise there is a shortage of young people coming into the New Zealand agricultural sector so we looked at how we could play our part in connecting people with industry. Hayley Gourley Rabobank young people to consider a career in this broad field.” The primary sector, while still a major part of the economy, faces big challenges in attracting enough young people. By 2025 it will need 50,000 more people and about half of them will require a level 4 or higher NCEA qualification.

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Rabobank FoodX will also help change the views of secondary school teachers, some of whom have not always been supportive of agriculture as a career path for students, Gourley said. “We need people with passion. “We need to make sure we have people entering the industry with the next bright ideas, who want to lead the primary industries going forward. We have a small role to play but I believe we can contribute to those outcomes.” Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith said the primary industry was all about people and provides great opportunities. “The moment you’re immersed in the sector you love it. “It gets in your blood. “NZ’s food and fibre is a great industry to be a part of. “For some young people it may be studying agri-commerce at university and for others it may be getting out on-farm but NZ

Young Farmers hopes to support that journey from initial interest to being involved. “We want to excite young people and connect them to the opportunities available.” Seventeen-year-old Amber Campbell from Burnside High School is attending Rabobank FoodX. It piqued her interest because it supports some of her subjects. “We’ve recently been looking into food and security so I wanted to deepen my understanding of that,” Campbell said. “And, as someone who’s from the city, it’s not often we get an opportunity to learn about the rural sector. “I hope to find out more about what it has to offer.”

Listen to Farmers Weekly journalist Luke Chivers speak to Rabobank NZ general manager Hayley Gourley bit.ly/foodxiv

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Sheep ambassadors sharing aspirations Sandra Taylor

A lot of the challenges and opportunities they were facing were all the same. Esthere Guy-Meakin B+LNZ B+LNZ international trade manager Esther Guy-Meakin who, with B+LNZ director Phil Smith accompanied the group as it toured the country, says the key objective was to create a greater understanding of NZ farm systems. “I’m hoping those future leaders took away some real nuggets of knowledge after gaining insight into a different way of doing things.” The ambassadors ranged in age from 25 to 40 and came from a variety of backgrounds, from farmers to research scientists and agribusiness professionals. Esther said the programme aims to create international networks and that has certainly happened with previous ambassadors who continue to discuss issues and challenges among their year-group peers from all three countries. While everyone’s day-to-day realities are different the programme shows there are more commonalities than differences. “A lot of the challenges and opportunities they were facing were all the same.” The tour – which covered both islands – took in visits to sheep research centres, several farms including the Maori Corporation farm Gwavas Station and B+LNZ’s Future Farm Lanercost, a seed company, Merino NZ, Progressive Meat’s processing plant and a B+LNZ innovation farm. One of the highlights was a visit to Katey Craig’s Otitahi Farm in Taranaki. Craig, who was an ambassador in 2018, is a full-time shearer and leases a 200ha sheep and beef farm where she runs breeding ewes and trading cattle. The ambassadors saw how Craig, 26, is forging a path to farm ownership at such a young age, driven by a very strong work ethic and natural talent. The group met industry leaders including Morrison and B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor. Morrison is confident in the future of the sheep industry after meeting the ambassadors. “As an industry it is the discussions that we are having across borders that heartens me. “Irrespective of where we farm, we all want to produce a quality product and get properly rewarded for it. “That is a shared aspiration.”

OUT AND ABOUT: The Sheep Industry Ambassadors visited several farms on their trip round New Zealand.

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FUTURE leaders from New Zealand, the United States and Australia have been brought together in the Sheep Industry Ambassadors programme. Replacing what was formerly known as the TriLamb programme, the ambassadors programme was an opportunity for the best and brightest of young sheep industry talent to share ideas, knowledge and look at ways they can collaborate to promote sheep farming and the consumption of sheep meat internationally. It was NZ’s turn to host the annual event and Beef + Lamb NZ chairman Andrew Morrison said it showcased NZ’s grass-fed farm systems. The ambassadors saw first-hand some of the practices that allow farmers to deal with climate and business challenges and capitalise on this country’s unique environment. They also met people working at every stage of the value-chain from farmers to processors and marketers.

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20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

News

Mentoring takes farmers further Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

NEARLY halfway through a big, pioneering, five-year farmer extension project in Northland its benefits are becoming apparent to target farmers, their associates and the region. Extension 350 (E350) has considerably widened the time-honoured farm discussion group approach of farmers helping farmers. Private farm consultants are group facilitators and counsellors as well as delivering their one-on-one advice and skills. The seven E350 consultants, used to working with the more motivated farmers either in farm business upper quartile or wanting to get there, are now working in the middle of the bell curve. The project is designed to develop and improve such businesses in performance, well-being and the environment. Its partners are Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Northland Regional Council and regional development agency Northland Inc. Planned expenditure is $4 million to $5m, including in-kind support from the partners. The scheme has 10 clusters running for three financial years in an overlapping time line. Group one, which is two dairy clusters and one sheep and beef, runs from mid 2017 to 2020. Group two (with two dairy and two sheep and beef) runs from 2018 to 2021 and group three (all dairy) from 2019 to 2022. A cluster has five target farms, each with a mentor farmer and five associated farmers. One professional farm consultant a cluster works with the five target farmers, helped by the mentor farmer. That’s 35 farms in each cluster – 350 farms out of Northland’s 2000 livestock farms. Target farmers, mentor farmers and consultants meet about 20 times over the three years and target farmers have to adopt plans, implement improvements and make written reports every two weeks. They also attend a markand-measure course on goal-setting and have whole farm assessments and farm environment plans drawn

WEBMASTER: Northland’s Extension 350 project leader is a dairy farmer and former rural professional Luke Beehre.

A simple cell unit replicated 50 times. Ken Hames E350 up with the relevant regional authority or industry-good body. Associates participate through regular emails, annual field days and associate meetings. Once a year all participants are invited to a recognition dinner with a motivating guest speaker – last week that was former All Black and Northland businessman Eric Rush, last year it was mental wellness advocate Mike King. E350 project leader Luke Beehre said the design and delivery acknowledges a broad-brush technique will not work because each farmer is different and needs a tailormade package. “We adapt, build in flexibility and contract the right consultants. “But two simple tools are used in all cases, every time they report – a wellbeing barometer and an environmental question.” Target farmers are asked to rank themselves from one to 10 on the well-being barometer. “The answer is a conversation starter and gets around the reluctance of farmers to talk about themselves. “The environmental question is along the lines of what has been done on-farm since the last meeting. “Hopefully, that is a spur to achieve regular work on things that might get shunted by the

day-to-day farming tasks.” Beehre paid tribute to the target farmers because change is always hard, especially in the first 18 months. Likewise the mentors, who invariably end up doing more than initially outlined though the scheme can’t pay for their input. “Our funding partners have also put in significantly more than their contractual commitments.” Recently, the steering group was split in two forming a governance group that meets quarterly and an operational group meeting monthly. Though the funding partners are part of both groups their representatives are different, with the appropriate skills. On the administration side Beehre is helped by project manager Liz Campbell and assistant Jan McPhail and that adds up to two full-time equivalents in the budget. They organised 15 events between February and May, including public field days, mentor training and the recognition dinners. The database of reports and performance measures is starting to build up, eventually to be evaluated by AgResearch with input from B+LNZ and DairyNZ on technical matters. E350 chairman Ken Hames, a farming and community leader from Paparoa, said MPI sees Northland as a pilot study on a larger scale to replicate the earlier success of the Northland DairyNZ focus farm experience of Alister and Lyn Candy, Okaihau. “Then two partner farms that followed proved it wasn’t a fluke – the Lunjevichs in the Far North and the Andersons near Wellsford. “It may look complicated but really it is a simple cell

unit replicated 50 times. “Where it does get complicated is in the back office for keeping the records and ensuring accountability for public funding.” Hames said one sticking point is the amount of time needed for a consultant to build a cluster before beginning the three-year term. For example, nationally recognised consultant Trevor Cook, a Feilding vet, began work before Christmas to meet the July 1 start date for a stage-three cluster. The other six consultants are Northlanders Tafi Manjala, Gareth Baynham, Kim Robinson, Kim LeighMacKenzie, Karla Frost and Neil Smith. Manjala, who has contracts for two dairy clusters, said the involvement of a wider team for each target farm makes the mode of consultancy different to his normal way of working. “We get more perspectives, which has advantages and disadvantages, and we always have to bring it back to what is relevant for that farmer. “The mentor farmers are a powerful influence because they have been there-done that, unlike me. “Our target farmers have added expectations to put the agreed plans into action because there are several fellow farmers asking about progress. “At first the target farmers might have low motivation but they catch up to the higher motivation levels of my private clients.” The E350 concept will travel to other regions, both Hames and Beehre believe, but will need passion among the participants and some local adaptation.

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Newsmaker

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

WE’RE BEST: Newly elected Beef + Lamb director Nicky Hyslop says Kiwi farmers are some of the most efficient food producers in the world and that must be maintained while minimising the impact environmentally.

Leading is itself a challenge South Canterbury farmer and newly elected Beef + Lamb director Nicky Hyslop is committed to sheep and beef farming, admitting her real affinity with the land and rural people is what gets her out of bed in the morning. She talked to Annette Scott.

ICKY Hyslop grew up on a high country station and she’s passionate about contributing to the life and industry she’s always known. Last month she was elected as the central South Island director on the Beef + Lamb board. “I have a real affinity with the land and rural people because it’s been woven into my life. “The feeling of being able to make a difference in that space, I guess I can say, is what gets me up in the morning.” Hyslop said it’s not that she has striven for the leadership roles she’s landed. “I haven’t necessarily been overly ambitious about standing on the leadership podium. Actually, sometimes I find that quite a challenge. “What I am ambitious about is contributing and being part of the conversation. “It’s that feeling of making a difference that drives me.” Raised on Clayton Station near Fairlie, Hyslop did a science degree at Massey University with honours in farm management then spent 20 years as a registered farm adviser in the Canterbury sheep, beef and deer sectors. In that time she was also contracted to B+LNZ to facilitate a number of extension programmes including monitor farms, profit partnerships and future farm projects. Together with husband Jonty, who is also a livestock agent, the couple farm The Levels, a 220-hectare intensive sheep, beef and cropping property in South Canterbury.

With 15 years of rural governance experience through irrigation schemes, private farming companies, the Canterbury Water Management Strategy regional committee and IrrigationNZ, Hyslop is confident she can effectively contribute as a B+LNZ director. In 2016 she was the recipient of the Grasslands regional award for irrigation and consultancy services in South Canterbury, was chief judge for the Lincoln University Farmer of the Year from 2014-2017 and is a director of the Timaru District economic agency Aoraki Development. “I believe my broad agricultural and governance experiences, not least the business of running our own farming business, has enabled me to gain invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities we have as farmers.” She said B+LNZ is uniquely placed to lead the sector through the demonstration of good farming practice and identification of farming excellence through research and innovation. “I am excited and looking forward to being a part of and contributing to that difference this can make for farmers.” B+LNZ has committed to sheep and beef farmers achieving good farming practice by 2022. This will be predominantly captured through land or farm environment plans, which is not a new concept but to bring all the levy payers into the framework will be a challenge. “To motivate farmers that an LEP is a valuable management tool and not just a compliance

requirement will be the test. “I have experienced first-hand the benefit of going through an audited LEP process and apart from the competitive nature of wanting to achieve a high audit result, the invaluable process of identifying areas of environmental risk and opportunities for more biodiversity will put our farming business in a stronger position going forward.”

The potential solutions to many of the environmental challenges we face could be delivered by science but we are in catch up mode. Nicky Hyslop B+LNZ Hyslop said just knowing that they are improving their environmental footprint is also motivation to work through the paperwork. “But I get that not all farmers will initially see it this way and I back B+LNZ’s many extension programmes to get even the most reluctant farmers involved.” Research and innovation is another critical part of achieving not just good farm practice but also farming excellence. “The potential solutions to many of the environmental challenges we currently face could be delivered by science but we are in catch-up mode.

“Not only do we need to keep investing in research as a sector but we need to keep encouraging big business and this Government to do so too. “Internationally, we lag in the amount of investment in research and development so we need to be smart about how we proceed and any research spend needs to be future-focused and highly relevant and implementable at scale. “Regulation may be part of the mix to ensuring we have the right framework to operate but it needs to be practical and compliance requirements streamlined to avoid an over-the-top, bureaucratic and idealist system. “I am wary of some government work streams and objectives that may look to produce overly prescriptive national policy statements that direct our regional councils in a punitive direction. “This would put at risk the huge amount of collaborative work that has been done in local communities to find enduring solutions to issues like water quality and biodiversity. “So, there is work to be done and that’s all centred on building constructive relationships within government, both at a political and department level.” Market insights and being at the table for international trade discussions will continue to be important as other countries look to position their food production in a world of rapid developments and continuous disruption. “Alternative protein is just one example of threats to our market position as is the current Brexit issue.”

Hyslop cites biosecurity, food safety, animal welfare, health and safety as also important and requiring B+LNZ to be pro-actively engaging with government departments and other primary sector organisations to ensure they are well managed. “The environment – climate change, water quality and soil health are huge areas that we as farmers must recognise and publicly acknowledge our contribution to, both good and bad, and commit to demonstrable improvements. “I see B+LNZ’s environmental strategy launch last year as a start in this journey but there is so much work to do to ensure we all deeply understand the science and the long-term consequences of any significant changes to the way in which we farm to produce food. “We are some of the most efficient food producers in the world and we need to maintain this while minimising our impact environmentally.” With three teenage daughters Hyslop enjoys following their variety of sports in her spare time, sharing with them a particular love of all things equestrian. “Not that I get much time to ride myself these days but I’m often keeping the girls’ horses fit while they are away from home and I get to go hunting once or twice in the season.” Or she can often be found just reading a book. “That’s really not that glamorous but I find it a good way to just chill and as a family we all get a lot of fun and enjoyment out of our kids’ sports.”

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Big boost from fertility values When dairy farmers say Dr Chris Burke’s address on fertility breeding values is the most exciting thing they have heard DairyNZ must enjoy a collective hug. Northland Dairy Development Trust had him back to speak twice recently because the reaction to his first presentation was so positive. Hugh Stringleman listened in.

MPROVING accuracy in fertility breeding values can reduce cow wastage and accelerate genetic gain, colead scientist Dr Chris Burke says. One way of doing that is to find new traits to improve cow genetic merit for fertility and the most promising is the age of cow puberty. Fertility makes up 13% of the index weighting in breeding worth (BW) but it also has low heritability. In recent years the fertility of the national herd, while good by international standards, has not improved when measured by the six-week in-calf rate. If national targets for reproductive performance were reached $500 million a year more profitability for dairy farmers would be generated. A major project led by Burke, Dr Susanne Meier and Dr Claire Phyn has run since 2014 using two groups of females with extreme differences in their fertility breeding vales (FBVs). After widespread contract mating of 2500 cows to selected sires, 640 Holstein-Friesian heifer calves were collected by DairyNZ, half of them with high-FBV (plus 5%) and half with low-FBV (minus 5%) and run as a herd. Other differences in genetic traits were evened out as much as possible. In the lead-up to heifer mating in 2016 both groups showed the same rates of live weight gain but the high FBVs reached puberty on average 21 days earlier than the low FBVs, 358 days versus 379.

CONFIDENCE: Fertility breeding values do the job but can be improved, DairyNZ scientist Chris Burke says.

DIFFERENCES: Scientists at AgResearch’s Tokanui farm have measured the performance of cows with low and high fertility breeding values.

They were also 25kg lighter at puberty, 271kg versus 296kg. “Puberty differences could provide us with earlier predictors of fertility than the current measures and offer an exciting opportunity to improve fertility in the whole dairy industry,” Burke said. The puberty trait is more heritable and could therefore improve the reliability or accuracy of the fertility BV for younger bulls. Puberty and the onset of oestrous can be measured with activity monitors worn by the cattle for the number of steps and times spent standing up and lying down. He thinks new models of

Fit-Bits for cows with different applications in measuring physiology are likely to become more commonplace in dairying. Measures of cow fertility could effectively start 12 months earlier than the three-week submission pattern in first lactation but culling heifers on the basis of late puberty isn’t very practical, Burke said. When managed and milked together at AgResearch’s Tokanui dairy farm, the high FBVs went on to have substantially greater threeweek and six-week submission rates in first lactation. After 12 weeks of mating in 2017 18% of the high FBVs were not in calf versus 42% of the low FBVs. Burke said the large differences

PAYOFF: Reaching national reproductive targets for dairy cows could had $500 million a year to farmers’ profits.

in submission and pregnancy rates provide confidence in the current FBVs. The economics of reproduction mean the measured 34% sixweek in-calf rate gap and the 25% not-in-calf rate gap would add up to $166,750 to farm profitability in the average-sized herd of 432 cows. That is the difference between a herd of plus-5% FBVs and a herd of minus-5% FBVs, neither of which is likely to occur in reality. However, cows with strong fertility contribute a much tighter pattern of calving across the herd and generally have longer lactations. As the project continued into the second lactation (2018-19) the big differences in reproductive measures between the two groups continued to show up. Burke said not all the poor fertility cows were lost out of the system during first lactation as many farmers believed they would be. Now, at the end of second lactation, there are 177 high FBVs due to calve next season but only 68 low FBVs. Annual loss rates, not all related to the fertility study, were 30-40% in the low FBVs. “It emphasises again the link between reproductive performance and cow wastage,” he said. The project continues with plans for more than 5000 heifers from 60 participating herds to be tracked later this year. Burke said puberty will be measured to ensure it was indeed correlated with subsequent cow fertility, across different breeds and farm environments. “We want to see that puberty is indeed a good indicator of cow fertility and that it is not causing a disadvantage in other traits. “We need to follow all these

animals through at least the first lactation to ensure we are getting the gains we are aiming for.” Benefits in genetic gain for farmers from the project are probably five to 10 years away if everything goes right. “This trial is readily relatable for farmers.

An exciting opportunity to improve fertility in the whole dairy industry. Chris Burke DairyNZ “Reproductive performance is among their top 10 concerns and they do not like to see cows sent to the works because of failure to get pregnant. “We have provided hope for the future in reproductive performance.” But Burke also sounded a note of caution. “Most of the influences over reproduction are in farmers’ own hands – so we don’t want to have them overly confident that all their problems will be solved genetically.” The cow fertility project is a major component of the Pillars of a New Dairy System, a sevenyear partnership between the Government and the dairy industry that addresses an estimated $1 billion a year of inefficiencies. Funding is from DairyNZ and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment with support from AgResearch. More funding and resources are provided by Fonterra, LIC and CRV Ambreed.

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

EDITORIAL

Rural communities want fair treatment

HERE are glaring omissions in the Government’s push for New Zealand to be carbon neutral by 2050. Numerous efforts by this newspaper to unearth any study on the social and economic impact on exports and rural communities from carbon-absorbing trees replacing livestock have been unsuccessful. Either such reports or studies do not exist or aren’t a priority. They need to be. Exactly how much grazing land will be planted in trees is unknown but, in addition to NZ First’s One Billion Trees policy, some models predict up to 5.4 million hectares will be needed to offset emissions by 2075, with the greatest areas in Canterbury, Otago and Manawatu-Wanganui. Planting of this scale will devastate some rural communities as livestock-dependent jobs are replaced by short-term forestry jobs. Forestry companies are already buying farms, anticipating heightened carbontrading activity and with farmers soon paying an emissions tax, they will be even less competitive. The future of these communities and the economic impact from the loss of livestock-based exports deserve greater consideration, especially given a recent Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment study on how the Hurunui District of Canterbury could look in 2075. Based on a 20% reduction in biological emissions and no offsetting allowed for fossil fuels, it found the area of sheep and beef would fall 18,000ha and forestry, virtually all plantation, would increase 22,000ha. Climate Change Minister James Shaw is showing little sympathy by ruling out treating short-lived methane emissions differently from carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide because of the need to restart the consultation and legislative programme. But to do so would reflect the relatively short 12-year lifespan of the gas and give farmers an achievable reduction target that has a meaningful impact on global warming. We all must do our bit to reduce greenhouse gases but rural NZ is being asked to sacrifice its communities, businesses and heritage and the economy could also suffer. This potential impact deserves greater consideration and respect than the lip service received so far.

Neal Wallace

LETTERS

Avoid pest panic and poison THE forecast super mast season is a common occurrence. We have had at least three in the last seven years, when there are favourable weather conditions. Federated Farmers, which has been the leading proponent of genetic engineering, is in near panic mode over this event and is calling for research into the sterilisation of pests using gene editing (GE). GE for controlling pests is not only short-sighted but shows how ignorant its knee-jerk reaction really is. GE technologies are unproven and have serious and complex dangers that cannot be touted as a solution in this simplistic and inherently misleading way. There are many risks associated with GE technologies and the ability to control the downsides of technology are incalculable. Both transgenic and GE

techniques have been used in NZ at AgResearch on cows. These experiments caused chronic suffering, abortions and deformities to the animals and the intended product was a failure. Cruelty to sentient animals, regardless of their pest status, is unacceptable. Multiple research into GE Crispr techniques has shown many serious mutations to the organism’s genomes. These mutations can be passed down through generations with nothing known about the dangers if they transfer to other animal species. Further concerns have been raised over the involvement of the United States Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency, which is responsible for the development of emerging technologies for military use. It sought permission to test GE rats for release in offshore islands, which was refused.

We should be asking “Is this another way to test military biotech by pressuring the minister to carry out this dangerous research?” The panicked GE proposition for pest control is more dangerous than the indiscriminate, untargeted dropping of poisons. Until a policy is put in place that recognises the natural cycle of life in this country we are going to lurch between unacceptable solutions, which increasingly kill our native birds and non-target animals. Claire Bleakley President GE Free NZ

We can agree THE Pulpit contribution (March 4) from Andy Glenie might be how Auckland lawyers resolve disputes but ignores the flexibility of legislated mediation and

arbitration options needed to resolve rural disputes. There are specifically trained and accredited professionals with farming experience who can modify the antagonistic and expensive processes he quoted. Mediation does not have to be a compromise between parties who have agreed on the process. The Arbitration Act allows the parties to agree on procedures, basis of hearing, required statements and documents, use of experts and the decision process. Garrick Batten Brightwater

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

COLLECTIVE WISDOM: Simon Osborne, second from right, talks to Murray Thomson, left, with Nigel Greenwood, right, as they check the barley.

Many try farming with curiosity John King

RE you up to something really interesting but feel you can’t share it with anyone? Meet Simon Osborne, Nigel Greenwood and Jono Frew who are cropping farmers near Leeston. A year ago they didn’t know each other. Today they run an amazing social media platform that gets farmers to open up and share about what they’re doing at home. It’s called Quorum Sense. Every day the Quorum Sense WhatsApp group is alive with videos, photographs, questions, stories and sharing of projects happening on farms. Apart from pictures of tractors and headers the posts cover everything from sowing and fertiliser rates, equipment, post grazing residuals to animal health and alternatives to agrichemicals. Farmers join from all over the country eager to enjoy banter exploring farming with curiosity. WhatsApp works in real time as if someone is there with you. For some it’s brought a sense of fun into their farming operations because of what the group offers. “Farmers can spill their guts,” Greenwood says. “It’s a safe place for them to explore issues they can’t in their communities. It brings them out of themselves because they are suddenly mixing with like-minded people.”

Their stories are similar – farmers doing their own thing in isolation, in this instance mostly trying to figure out how to profit from ecological processes in farming. “I’ve been conservation farming for three decades” Osborne says. “I didn’t even know Nigel was around the corner.”

The industrybased criticism levelled at farmers and professionals exploring regenerative agriculture is why the group exists – support from every professional agency in New Zealand is absent.

Bringing weird ideas into the open exposes farmers to being labelled unreasonable. Instead they can join an online community of like-minded people contributing observations and insights into similar projects and problems. “I know farmers don’t talk any more because as a competitive farmer I was one. Everyone is competition, nobody talks and shares, working things out together,” Frew, the group administrator, says. He puts success down to

sharing things without a filter. “There is no shame with things not working and all having a laugh about it. “I wanted others to realise I was okay being the person who didn’t have to know everything, supporting unknowingness and having a go anyway.” Being okay with stuffing it up while sharing and laughing about mistakes, whether being naive or from acts of god creates a community looking for the fun side of life. In the rush to be better than anyone else farmers neglect the very thing they are working for, family and friends. Frew is the first to acknowledge focusing on farm ownership cost him his wife and kids. It was a big wake up call. His journey highlights how tension between people creates division. While rural communities are proud of how they come together during crisis, farmers are exposed to critical judgment every day when doing something that’s not normal. One thing isolating farmers is when they can’t discuss innovative ideas without being ridiculed by peers and industry professionals. It’s always been there, bound up in customs and traditions threatened by new ideas. Farmers are also their own worst enemies because they are so attached to their own opinions and views. In Quorum Sense farmers stop defending everything they do because they don’t have to be

so bloody perfect or fit what’s normal. It’s an environment where they can separate their self-worth from their trials and tribulations. Letting go of expectations with ideas and projects makes dealing with critical comments easier to learn lessons for next time. And that becomes even more important considering the group focus is regenerative agriculture. Farmers joining are curious about working with nature beyond tree planting and fencing waterways. The industry-based criticism levelled at farmers and professionals exploring regenerative agriculture is why the group exists – support from every professional agency in New Zealand is absent. In Australia the National Programme for Environmental Science released a report last year highlighting New South Wales pastoral farmers working with nature by focusing on soil, plant and livestock relationships. They had less debt, risk and mental health issues than elites in the Holmes and Sachett benchmarking state database. As a result they were significantly more confident in their ability to deal with adverse climate and market events. The research was not done by agricultural scientists and bankers. The drought is now revealing who are the better farmers. Quorum Sense taps into such networks across the globe bringing farmer-to-farmer

The

Pulpit

communication and using scientific information from farmer observation and insights. This community develops and maintains farmer confidence for trying ideas and creating farm projects while sharing outcomes for others to follow. It’s a relief for those who join it.

Who am I?

John King is a consultant specialising in holistic and regenerative farming and educator in Christchurch. He is also a Red Meat Profit Partnership facilitator.?

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

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

No farm supporters in Parliament Alternative View

Alan Emerson

AS I said last week, I see no point in military style semiautomatics, exploding ammunition or large magazines for military rifles. It wasn’t farmers or hunters who encouraged any of that, it was governments. Also, in the past each rifle or shotgun had an individual registration certificate and the government stopped that. We were told a system to register individuals would be fine and robust but, as the Christchurch tragedy showed, it wasn’t. I don’t have a problem with the thrust of the Government’s legislation but I have a major issue with the process and detail. The most salutary message for the rural, provincial sector, however, is the passage of the legislation showed, beyond all doubt, that when it comes to the crunch we have no support in Parliament. Federated Farmers prepared an excellent submission wanting an exemption for those farmers, a few hundred, who have problems with pests to be able to keep their semi-automatic rifles. Their spokesperson, a highly intelligent and reasoned Miles

Anderson presented to the committee. He pointed out there are five million hectares of privately owned high and hill country in New Zealand. “What these landowners have been left with is the equivalent of painting Auckland harbour bridge with a toothbrush,” he said. “Where were the ministers of agriculture, biosecurity, forestry, conservation and land information when common sense was needed around this important issue?” In a phrase, missing in action. Federated Farmers was one of just 20 submitters allowed to present to the select committee despite there being thousands of submissions.

The two farmers on the finance and expenditure committee, Amy Adams and David Carter, didn’t show.

The two farmers on the finance and expenditure committee, Amy Adams and David Carter, didn’t show. One would have thought, with the utmost respect, they should have been there to hear Federated Farmers’ views. One would have hoped, again with the utmost respect, they could have presented a differing view to the committee’s report. If they couldn’t have attended

SILENT: Barber Kuriger is among the farmer MPs who failed to speak up for the rural sector.

they could have appointed a substitute, if they were interested in representing farmers, that is. As one observer told me, those on the select committee when Feds presented had no idea. When the legislation was debated in Parliament we didn’t get any support either. As well as the two politicians I’ve mentioned in National you have farmers Nathan Guy and Barbara Kuriger. Todd Muller has been forthcoming in claiming to represent the rural sector and Hamish Walker and Alastair Scott, amongst others, are MPs representing rural electorates. In NZ First you have Mark Patterson who is a farmer and Shane Jones who claims to be the saviour of the provinces. Did any of them bother to support a few farmers’ ability to have semi-automatics? Obviously not. Why not? I would have thought it would have been a good tactic, if only to

flush out the anti-farmer MPs. In addition you have National’s Mark Mitchell and NZ First’s Ron Mark who certainly know about rifles and semi-automatics. Their silence was deafening. So, to repeat my original premise, the passing of the gun law legislation showed beyond all doubt farmers and provincial NZ have no real support in Parliament. So what have we ended up with? There are more than 2000 Department of Conservation staff who can legitimately have semiautomatic rifles to control pests. There are about 4000 regional council staff who can do the same thing. In addition, there are registered pest control contractors who will be allowed to own semiautomatics yet a few hundred farmers are banned. One could ask why? Does Parliament en masse trust

DoC, regional council staff and independent contractors more than it trusts farmers? One could also suggest it would be infinitely safer to have a semiautomatic locked up in a farmer’s house than in the boot of a DoC or regional council vehicle. The Greens tell us they want to protect the environment spending tens of millions of dollars to control pests yet they’re ignoring private land and don’t tell me contractors, they’re totally impractical where we live. In the absurd stakes you have DoC shooting goats at the back of our place. They asked our permission and we willingly granted it. What that achieved was to drive the goats out of the DoC estate onto private land and Parliament has deprived us of the ability to control them. The Government wants to plant a billion trees. Most of them will be on private land where pests will need to be controlled. One could respectfully suggest no semi-automatics, no trees. Politicians and the police are asking everyone with semiautomatics to hand them in. Will criminals and the gangs obey? I’d strongly argue no so all that will happen is law-abiding citizens will comply. Non lawabiding citizens won’t, which won’t make NZ any safer now than it was two months ago.

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

Don’t believe M bovis rhetoric The Voice

Craig Wiggins

I HOPE feedback requested by DairyNZ of farmers on whether to support the 3.9 cents a kilogram of milksolids levy to fund the Mycoplasma bovis response has been seen by farmers as a chance to pull the handbrake on the many failings the Ministry of Primary Industries and the misinformation it is creating while the response juggernaut is mindlessly travelling in the same way as a chicken removed from its head. Living in Ashburton I am in constant contact with farmers who tell me of the many inconsistent actions MPI is taking that defy logic when eradication is the end goal. For example, let me tell you about a bull that tested positive after being traced from an infected property. The bull was the only animal out of a herd of 200 including the heifers he was

mating with along with the other bulls in the mob that was blood tested with a positive result. MPI decided the animal was under the 5% threshold for the herd and instead of taking that animal to slaughter took another blood test. Between the results of the two tests the movement restrictions on the farm where lifted, allowing the farmer to do what he liked with that bull. He could sell, dispose of or put it into the herd or another herd from another block.

I suspect eradication will be off the table in 12 months as the enormity of the mistakes and misinformation rises to the surface. If eradication is the end goal would the best practice not be to keep this farm under surveillance and movement control until the correct action is taken to eradicate this particular threat to New Zealand’s dairy industry? There is anecdotal evidence

of farmers being advised in one way by the response team only to have a subsequent complete U-turn imposed at a later date and illogical, contradictory advice or instruction given to various farmers. I suspect eradication will be off the table in 12 months as the enormity of the mistakes and misinformation rises to the surface. What misinformation you say? I suspect, as do many involved, the numbers supplied to the media and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and other industry groups such as Federated Farmers, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb have been altered to portray a response on the right track. Enough to have Federated Farmers president Katie Milne stand in front of a camera and state “It would be a shame to turn our back on the good work done up till now”. Well, Katie, farmers want you to drive over the hill from the West Coast to Ashburton and bring Damien with you to talk to a fair number of farmers who no longer buy into eradication, having done all required by MPI, taken a hit for the team and seen a bungled chance to take the eradication football over the try line.

Thing is, I don’t think the boffins in Wellington nor Federated Farmers want to hear from these farmers publicly because it will undermine the empire that is now MPI. There was a lot of talk before Christmas that MPI directorgeneral Ray Smith had farmers’ confidence to ensure a more transparent and stringent process. However, the changes are too slow coming and the extra pressure on MPI of the fruit fly incursions and the revelation that cruise ships are not being fully inspected have taken the attention away from the M bovis campaign. Many people have lost focus on the virus that has changed so many farmers’ lives and is costing the taxpayer and industry millions because many believe M bovis is all but done and dusted. Recently, we imported some used travel boots for a horse with gel-pads to absorb the shock of the roads as they spend hours standing in the horse float. These boots were declared on the travel declaration of the friend bringing them in. She was unaware of the condition of the boots because they were in a plastic bag and did us a favour bringing them in. The amount of seeds and dirt on and in these boots was

UNCLEAN: This set of horse boots came into the country complete with dirt. incredible. We were embarrassed and apologetic because we had asked the seller to clean them and fully expected MPI to spray them on entry. They were inspected and passed without action. I think the photo tells the story. If NZ doesn’t investigate MPI’s effectiveness as the country’s watchdog and incursion management agency, especially in the way it’s handled and is continuing to throw money at M bovis, none of us will have to worry about a capital gains tax.

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Food production at fork in road Chasing Value

Daniel Eb

ALTERNATIVE protein, plantbased diets, climate change, evolving animal ethics. Welcome to the disrupted food system. As Kiwi food producers, now is the time to ask hard questions about how we got here and where we go next. Let’s start with a story from an old farmer. Matt Rothe heads a sustainable food program at Stanford University, and his grandfather bought one of the first tractors. The old man recalls the promise of this incredible new machine – it would make farming “better”. Like many of his neighbours, he took out a loan and entered the modern age of agriculture. Productivity skyrocketed. It soon made sense to take another loan. He bought more land and started optimising for an efficient, single-crop model - supported by more breakthrough technology like fertiliser. Productivity went through the roof, for him and every other farmer in the system. The abundance of food was great for supermarkets and shoppers, but soon began a decades long decline in commodity prices. Despite hard work and massive yields, Matt’s grandfather found

himself in a debt trap. This story is about productivism in agriculture, a model where farmers, processors and retailers focus on producing as much food as possible, as cheaply as possible. Also referred to as the agricultural technology treadmill, productivism runs deep in the New Zealand farming psyche. Enough that it’s often just accepted as “the way”. The first thing a farmer will tell you is where they live. The second thing is their stock count or yield. We define ourselves by our output. For a long time, chasing production worked just fine there was always more bush to tame and more customers to sell to. When we finally had no more room to grow outwards, we formed science, business and government alliances to drive productivity inside the model. More-from-more became morefrom-less. It’s only now, rapidly confronted by a strained and more complex food system, that we recognise its limitations. Productivism is not a resilient model in a world of climate change, a fracturing social license and alternative foods intent on disruption through brute force efficiency and price. Challenges aside, we need to honestly answer Matt’s grandfather’s question – has productivism made farming better? While delivering record production, our rural heartlands have suffered painful declines in talent, social mobility and cohesion. The continued resilience of rural New Zealand is a testament to those holding

our communities together. The breakdown is not the fault of farmers, but of a system hooked on cheap food and blind to the social and environmental costs of its production. When we start to look for it, productivism is everywhere. Take for example the proposed methane-limiting vaccine for livestock. Despite good intentions, it’s an example of more-from-less innovation that puts the product before people and our values. Is this how our customers want us to farm? Are we treating our animals with dignity? We’re at a pivotal fork in the road. As we take stock of our future, we need to do two things. Reconnect with the values of farming and frame the choices ahead. To reconnect with our core values, ask a farmer why they do it. The answer isn’t stocking rates or profit margins. Those are important, but the why of farming is family, community, growing healthy food and caring for the land. Framing the other road is more difficult, but Kiwi professors Eric Pawson and Harvey Perkins’ relationships economy concept is a good starting point. Contrasting the commodity based productivism of the dairy industry with the revival of Merino wool, they describe how value is not about scaling up, but scaling across the people and place our products touch. For Merino and its signature Icebreaker range, value is co-produced through deep customer insight and advocacy, overseas relationships,

LEADER: Matt Rothe heads a sustainable food programme at Stanford University.

transparency and provenance storytelling. When we imagine food production as a web of relationships, we see new potential for economic value. Already, the seeds of value capture can be seen in Community Supported Agriculture or directto-consumer food and fibre brands. Carbon forestry is proving that using land for collective environmental gains can generate returns. Community led catchment groups are improving local waterways. Regenerative farmers are proving that the holistic system can be profitable and a better way to farm. In the same way that the government’s living standards framework will help us see society as more than an economic engine, we need to start prioritizing the soft parts of our food system. These are long-term value investments like producercustomer connection, urban-rural community links, environmental progress, on-farm biodiversity, animal ethics and international leadership. As we eye up this new road, I’m optimistic. The world is urbanising, digitising and modernising at a blistering pace. Every day we give a little more

of ourselves to the algorithms, platforms and devices in the name of convenience. This shift only makes the core values of farming more precious; connection to the land, being humbled by the elements, tradition, caring for animals and wildlife, environmental regeneration, nourishing people. We live in the age of Vegan Burger King and doctors prescribing nature to ease the anxieties of modern life. In this world, we’ll find new value in farming when we focus on people, not production. As we brace ourselves for the challenges ahead – adapting to climate change, safeguarding our biodiversity, sustainably feeding Kiwis – farmers will be our heroes. Their actions flow through our food system and shape our health and environment. While the big decisions might be made in city boardrooms, it will be farmers who get in the mud and get the job done.

Your View Daniel Eb is the founder of Dirt Road Comms, a communications agency focused on transforming our food system and the rural New Zealand story.

Maori farms are doing good things From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

LAST week I attended one of the Ahuwhenua Trophy finalist field days. The trophy has been going for 86 years, having been set up by Sir Apirana Ngata and Lord Bledisloe to encourage skill and proficiency in Maori farming. The competition had already been to the other finalists, Whangara Farms and Kiriroa Station, owned and run by the King family, both properties in Gisborne. This one was on Gwavas Station at Tikokino, bought by Te Awahohonu Forest Trust in 2011 to complement its sheep and beef farm, the 2600ha Tarawera

Station on the Napier-Taupo road. I was interested to see what they had done with the farm as I’d been on Hawke’s Bay’s first monitor farm committee on that property in the late 1990s so hadn’t seen it for nearly 20 years. It was a property with so much potential but needed a decent capital development spend and those of us who had farmed from the mid 1980s through the 1990s were very constrained as it was a tough time to be farming. Indeed, the trust went through really difficult times like the rest of us. It had finally wrested ownership of some of the ancestral land at Tarawera back in the mid 1950s after 70 years of court cases. But the land was underdeveloped and the trust eventually took control of Tarawera Station, which had been somewhat developed but with debt was barely breaking even, in 1987. Another 8000ha was leased to the Crown at a peppercorn rental of $1000 a year with the trust getting 15% stumpage at harvest

of pines that were planted from 1971 to 1986. The Crown wanted to exit all its lease agreements in the mid 1990s and the trust needed to bring in two joint venture partners for 50% of the forest and borrow $17.5m for its half with stringent repayment requirements by the bank. It harvested and replanted until 2016 and now awaits the second crop but that big risk allowed it to further develop Tarawera then buy Gwavas from the forestry returns. A tent marae was set among the beautiful tree plantings the Hudson family had lovingly planted through several generations. Naturally, we began with a powhiri, which was fantastic and lasted an hour. I willingly lined up and hongied all and sundry then there was morning tea to deal to. It was a couple of hours from the start before we set off for a farm tour but no one was complaining.

We’ve had a great season here in Hawke’s Bay so there was grass for Africa and plenty of evidence of the development programme over the last eight years with $750,000 spent on water systems and the same on subdivision so there are now 290 paddocks and 650 troughs over 1000ha. That spend is starting to show real dividends. I’ve always worked on at least a 20% return on capital for development and would like to know where you can get a better return in agriculture. The previous two financial years showed a reasonable $1400 gross farm revenue with $400 EFS/ha but the in 2017-18 year, on the back of excellent returns and good production, Gwavas made a very credible $1900 GFR/ha and an excellent $839 EFS/ha. It sounds like the early September storm that affected many east coast farms also hit Gwavas so it won’t achieve those giddy heights this year but looks well set up for a good production season next year given the quality

stock and feed levels we saw. We have been talking for a long time about the potential gains from a lift in the significant sector that is Maori agriculture and this day showed me there are exemplar models out there already for others to emulate. The competition reaches its climax in Gisborne on May 24 at the awards dinner. Gwavas will be a strong contender but I hear great things about Whangara Farms and as chairman of the east coast region for the Ballance Farm Environment Awards saw the King family win several categories at our own awards two years ago and heard very good things from our own judging team. Whichever enterprise wins, they are all great examples of the good work that is being done out there daily.

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

On Farm Story

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Farming to create fresh air When people think of farming, few think of carbon farming. But Canterbury farmers Warrick and Cece James are using agriculture to feed people and fight climate change. Luke Chivers spoke to them on-farm.

MAGINE carbon emissions and what springs to mind? Most people tend to think of power stations belching out clouds of carbon dioxide or queues of vehicles burning up fossil fuels as they crawl, bumperto-bumper along congested urban roads. But in Canterbury’s picturesque Selwyn Gorge the owners of a forest of 18-year-old pine and Douglas fir trees are confident that at harvest age the trees will still be worth more alive than dead and will continue to be indefinitely. This is the world of carbon farming – growing trees for carbon credits. “I’ve always thought of myself as a sheep and beef farmer,” 56-year-old Warrick James says. “I never thought that I’d end up removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in a forest,” he laughs. Warrick and his wife CeCe grew up in rural New Zealand and have long lived with the ethos of giving back. “We were raised to believe that you’ve got to do something for the betterment of your region. “It’s a feel-good business we’re in. “It’s good for the environment and we’re lucky enough to be earning income from it, too,” CeCe says. The 1300-hactare Selwyn Gorge property, with 520ha of forest, was bought by the couple in 2010. It is classified as a Permanent Forest Sink Initiative as part of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) under the Kyoto Protocol.

OUTLOOK: CeCe and Warrick James farm land he describes as rolling-to-steep, inland country prone to unpredictable weather.

Kyoto forests are those planted since 1989 on land not previously forested and earn credits for the carbon they sequester as they grow. The Selwyn Gorge forest sequesters about 26,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – equivalent to 3000 households’ emissions – and earns an equivalent number

of carbon units. Some units are sold under contract to Z Energy, which has obligations as an emitter under the ETS. Warrick and CeCe have another 130ha of trees planted on another property, which, with the guidance of their forestry consultant Mark Belton, is earmarked for carbon farming or

WORKING: CeCe and Warrick James among the trees they are farming fresh air from.

possibly timber production under the new ‘averaging’ system. They hope to increase their tree planting in years to come, using carbon credits to purchase land and develop new forests. It is a farming operation Warrick and CeCe least expected. The couple met in Wellington in the early 1990s.

CeCe was managing an art gallery while Warrick was in town for a weekend away from his family farm. Their paths crossed and shortly after they found themselves tying the knot and moving to central Canterbury. They worked Warrick’s family farm at Springfield for more than 10 years, running sheep and beef in partnership with his parents Roger and Estelle James. In 2007 the farm was sold. “CeCe and I moved to a leased property nearby so we could retain our livestock while we considered our options. “At that stage sheep and beef farming was in a pretty poor state so it was hard to have the appetite to get back into it. But that passion was cemented and it was our family’s wish to continue in that vein,” he says. Two years later the couple settled their own farm, Flagpole, and have been running it as a duo ever since. It is now a 1525ha property made up of two farms 10km apart, which Warrick describes as rolling-to-steep, inland country prone to unpredictable weather. It is home to sheep and beef. The flock wintered includes 1900 mixed-age Perendale ewes and up to 700 ewe hoggets, which are mated. “In recent years, with wool returns lowering, we needed to have a sheep that produced more lambs and good weights, hence the Perendale,” Warrick says. It is a breed developed by Massey Agricultural College for use in steep hill situations, known for its effortless lambing,

On Farm Story

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

PASSIVE: As well as farming sheep and beef CeCe and Warrick James regard growing trees as a form of passive farming.

good mothering and survival and strong fertility with low losses from scanning to lambing. The lambs are easily finished to produce a lean, heavyweight carcase ideal for the chilled trade. Cattle numbers wintered are 130 mixed-age breeding cows – half of them are registered stud Limousin, the remainder are commercial. Last season the pair also wintered 130 calves, mated 25 R2 heifers and raised 25 R2 bulls, which were sold to breeders nationwide.

Climate change is something we’ve believed in for many years, even before we got involved with this property. It’s a major issue of our time and our generation. CeCe James Farmer “My father was one of the first to import the Limousin breed from France into NZ in 1973 and we’ve been running Limousin cattle as a stud ever since,” Warrick says. Like the Perendale, it is a breed with an advantage. “We get a premium for our cattle because of its high yielding carcass without a lot of fat and with more meat in the high-value cuts. People know they’re going to get a better price when they go

to slaughter those animals,” he says. They are good enough for the cattle to be given the spotlight at events around Canterbury, such as the region’s A&P Show, and over the years have won various awards in cattle judging and carcass competitions. As for pasture, the James family experienced strong growth last season. “The grass is actually ahead of us,” Warrick says. “We’ll eventually catch up with the grass and knock it down so it’ll be right for next season.” But farming has not always been an easy ride for the couple. “Every day we’re constantly measuring ourselves against the elements and making decisions, whether it’s dry or winter conditions,” Warrick says. And weather is only part of the equation. Finding ways to add value and diversify their farming operation has been of increasing importance, especially when sheep and beef were on the decline. “So, when Flagpole came up for sale and it had not only the sheep and beef option but had another income, which was the trees, I did some research on that and found there could be money to be made.” He was right. Under the Paris Agreement signed by the Government NZ must find 200 million tonnes of greenhouse gas reductions by 2030. The Government also wants NZ to be carbon neutral by 2050. Combine that with the one billion trees by 2028 programme

and Government planting grants totalling $238m mean it is a great time to be planting trees. And improvements to the ETS and demand for carbon credits have resulted in prices reaching some of the highest levels since the scheme started. This a turnaround from the past eight years. “With NZ’s obligations to get our emissions down, the trees play a very vital part in that,” Warrick says. “What happens is that we grow a forest that sequesters carbon, it’s measured and MPI regulate it. “Then we’re able to sell that carbon to people who are actually emitting – the fuel companies and energy companies – and so they’re obliged to actually go out and buy their carbon credits.” That offsets their emissions, he says. “The method behind it all is that with the price of carbon going up, carbon credits basically become sort of like a tax to the emitters. The higher the price, the more they have to try and change their way of operating in order to reduce their emissions. “On the flip side is it encourages people, like ourselves, to plant and grow more trees. So, the method behind it sort of selfbalances.” The beauty of carbon forestry farming is it is actually very simple, Warrick says. “I’ve farmed livestock all my life and you’re vaccinating, drenching and dagging sheep and also getting booted around in the cattle yards. But carbon forestry is a very passive form of farming, really.”

There’s an old saying, ‘Farmers buy retail, sell wholesale and pay the freight both ways.’ “Well, it doesn’t apply with carbon forestry farming because there is no freight and the expenses are very minimal,” he says. “Our product is just a phone call to our carbon broker and technical advisor Ollie Belton, our consultant’s son, who has an emitter who needs to buy the product.” And once established, the trees require very little maintenance. “You can buy blocks in different parts of the country and develop them without having to worry about labour and the day-to-day management of them.” On the other hand, it’s another good form of future succession and retirement. “We’ve got different blocks and trees. We’ve got a farming operation. “We can split that up for our children and when we need to retire we’ll have a passive form of income as well.” Warrick says carbon forestry offers huge opportunities, especially on hill country properties. “There are always areas on your farm that are probably better suited to trees than pastoral farming. “I’m not an advocate for putting them on your best land but, instead, on land that you believe isn’t producing wealth from other forms of farming. “We’ve got to be careful because, while we’re passionate about reducing our carbon footprint, when you plant trees in

the ground there’s no going back from that. “Even if we were to cut them down, you have to replant. So, yes, we’re cautious but I think it’s another good option for farmers. It’s another form of income and it’s good land use on marginal areas.” It is all about thinking ahead, CeCe says. “None of us know what’s around the corner. “We certainly didn’t know 20 years ago that we’d be farming trees.” But one thing the couple do know is that climate change is a major issue of our time. “Climate change is something we’ve believed in for many years, even before we got involved with this property. It’s a major issue of our time and our generation,” she says. “We all need to do our bit to help solve the problem, not just us farmers but the wider public too. Everyone has got to do something. “We’re really proud to be part of the solution, even if it is in the big scheme of things only a small part.”

>> Video link: bit.ly/OFSjames

NEW LISTING

Dargaville Surrounds 455 Paradise Road, Tangiteroria

Traditional sheep and beef

On offer is a faithfully farmed 407ha beef and sheep property farmed by the same family since 1906. Representing as an opportunity to secure a easy rolling large scale finishing, breeding or fattening block. The property is well set out with a central race, in excess of 80 paddocks and above average fencing and improvements. Capable of carrying in excess of 4000su, our vendors operate conservatively without bought in feed or any form of electric tape or techno system. With good water and renowned for its warm valleys and winter grass growth, regular fertiliser applications ensure that this profitable unit will benefit our new owners in the years to come. Stock handlings a breeze with well laid out paddocks, concrete cattle yards and sheep handling facilities for 1200 ewes. Our vendors are entering the next chapter in their lives, this could be yours.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1pm, Wed 22 May 2019 84 Walton St, Whangarei View by appointment Todd Skudder 027 439 1235 todd.skudder@bayleys.co.nz

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1020314

NEW LISTING

Nuhaka 331 Kokohu Road

Kokohu Station - 11,000+ stock units With spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean, Cape Kidnappers and across to Mahia Peninsula, Kokohu Station offers a superb setting to live and farm. Circa 1400ha of farmed land, with additional lease blocks providing sought after scale. Nestled amongst a very productive farming climate, with a favourable balance of up to 2M of rainfall to the back and 1200mm at the front of the farm, providing largely summer safe farming, and moderate winters. Evidence of 30-yrs of robust fertiliser history is clear, with an abundance of feed servicing the 11,000SU (wintered) sheep and cattle operation. Two adjacent lane-ways to the north and south of the farm gives ease of stock workability, supported by a high standard of fencing and very good farm infrastructure. The 6-stand woolshed (2000NP), and 2-tidy homes supported by a single mans quarters further enhance this superb station.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 22 May 2019 10 Reads Quay, Gisborne Simon Bousfield 027 665 8778 simon.bousfield@bayleys.co.nz James Bolton-Riley 027 739 1011 james.bolton-riley@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2751328

MACPHERSON MORICE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 22, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

NEW LISTING

Whangarei Heads 39 Castle Rock Way

Huntly 577 Bain Road

Rock solid real estate

Puketotara

A stunning 1.4690ha (more or less) picturesque property in all respects awaits the most discerning buyer who wishes to secure a special place to live or holiday. With spectacular harbour views and beach access immediately below to launch the boat, this property is out on its own. Nestled in a quiet, sheltered, rural setting in a gated estate, the peace and privacy shall be a big attraction. A portacom with power supply is located adjacent to the superb flat building site. A few large boulders as a feature, along with those on the surrounding hillside, add a special ambiance to the property. Only 1.1km to the Old Taurikura Store and walking distance to the Whangarei Heads Primary School along with a mountain walking track to the top of Mount Manaia.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1pm, Wed 8 May 2019 84 Walton St, Whangarei Phone for viewing times Stewart Ruddell 027 273 6860 stewart.ruddell@bayleys.co.nz Wendy Ruddell 021 438 211 wendy.ruddell@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

One of the Waikato’s landmark rural finishing properties, this 1145ha (more or less), offers a wealth of future farming options. With its quality infrastructure, including four dwellings, and good balance of contour, the property has continually turned out well finished heavy cattle and prime lambs as well as good arable crops. The station has an effective farm area of approximately 970ha. With approximately 171 well-fenced paddocks, this intensive subdivision, supported by high quality access tracks, means the farming land is well utilised and pastures efficiently grazed. The property is approximately 47 kilometres north-west of Hamilton, an area becoming increasingly popular for its proximity to Auckland and its location within the growing Waikato region.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Wed 8 May 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton Phone for viewing times Mike Fraser-Jones 027 475 9680 mike.fraserjones@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2310402

bayleys.co.nz/1050332

“ARDALE”

Paradise Valley

145 HECTARES

643 Paradise Valley Road 4

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Tue 30 Apr 2019 1092 Fenton Street, Rotorua View 1-2pm Sun 28 Apr Derek Enright 027 496 3974 derek.enright@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Plenty of options in Paradise This very productive property has multiple uses including beef, sheep, dairy support and tourism. 266ha more or less in three titles, well subdivided, tracked with water to all paddocks, three bay woolshed, five bay implement shed with lockable workshop. Used as a dairy support block typically grazing 350 R2 heifers and 350 R1 heifers through summer.

bayleys.co.nz/2450128

Waitahora Road, Dannevirke 2

Auction 2nd May 2019 at 12.00pm (unless sold prior) View by appointment www.harcourts.co.nz/WR33622

Wilfred Lewin M 021 239 3141 P 09 430 1000 Des Smeath M 0274 498 273 P 09 430 1000 Optimize Realty Ltd Licensed REAA Agent 2008

FOR SALE BY TENDER

LK0097179©

This property is seriously on the market to sell. It is ready for the next family to move in to the recently renovated eight bedroom home. Six sheds with 2,000 free range hens in each, producing over 3 million eggs per year. This profitable farming enterprise also comfortably carries 130 mixed aged cattle to add to the overall cash flow. As well as the free range chickens there is also approximately 140 ha available to run beef, grow trees or harvest Manuka honey.

Craig Boyden M: 027 443 2738 O: 06 374 4105 E: @craigb@forfarms.co.nz

Viewing by appointment www.forfarms.co.nz www.forfarms.co.nz

ID FF2817 Property ID FF1299

LK0068450©

Paparoa 280 Porter Road

This versatile finishing block boasts a host of farming options, excellent balance of contour and soil types. Very good array of improvements – 4 stand wool shed, 4 bay implement shed, deer shed, 14 hectares deer fenced, reticulated spring fed water supply, superbly complimented by large attractive four bedroom homestead situated in park-like grounds. This is a very special spot, 17km from Dannevirke in the renowned Waitahora District.

LIS TI N G N EW

OUTSTANDING DAIRY FARM WITH GREAT MIX OF SOILS AND RECENT INFRASTRUCTURE 988 Tangimoana Road, Ohakea, Manawatu This well presented unit, located in a strong dairying district, is less than 10km south of Sanson. "Standing out from the crowd" for a number of reasons, including the mix of soil types - while the property includes Ohakea silt loam soils that predominate in the locality, the areas of Carnarvon black sandy loam and Kairanga peaty loam provide strong maize country, with a small area of lighter sand supplying a winter balance. At it’s heart is a 10 year old 40AS dairy, with ACRs, auto-drafting and in-shed feeding, it works nicely as a one person shed with the current 30 clusters. The balance of the on-farm infrastructure is virtually all less than ten years old, having been re-fenced with new water reticulation system installed. Pastures are young with the majority of the farm re-grassed in 2017 and 38 hectares of new pasture sown this Autumn. Run as part of a larger business, the farm has typically milked the younger cows, with peak production close to 150,000kgMS from 350 cows. Overlooking the farm and district, is a spacious four bedroom 1970’s home set on a unique high point, that has been tastefully re-decorated. Open days 11am, Tue 23rd, Tue 30th April & Tue 7th May 2019, or call for a private inspection.

LARGE CROPPING & FINISHING UNIT Papakowhai, 420a Kahutara Road, South Wairarapa Papakowhai is an intensive cropping and stock trading / finishing property sitting on heavy alluvial silt soils (80%) and sand based soils (20%) located on the edge of Lake Wairarapa, just one hour´s drive from Wellington. The main crop recently grown has been maize grain, but the property has successfully grown maize silage, potatoes, barley, peas, and wheat. The 17/18 maize grain yield was 15 dry t/ha. 185ha of maize grain was planted last spring for May/June harvest. The livestock are mainly Friesian weaner bulls taken through one winter and trade lambs to top off the feed demand. Papakowhai has three titles and there are 320ha effective, in 80 main paddocks, with an excellent water supply. The property is well drained with two main automated systems. The huge fertiliser application history is evident with the recent soil test indicating optimal levels with pH around 6 and Olsen P levels of 30-52. To top off this prestigious property there is a spacious modern family home with five bedrooms and an office with an in-ground solar-heated pool plus an asphalt tennis court. A fully-lined sleep-out attached to the large double garage (with mezzanine storage) provides further accommodation. Down past the house and sheep yards are the main farm buildings which include a nine-bay implement shed with an attached four-stand woolshed and workshop, and cattle yards. It´s been a long time since a superior cropping farm of this scale has been marketed.

129.60 hectares Video on website

nzr.nz/RX1861762 Tender Closes 11am, Thu 23 May 2019, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

343 hectares Video on website

nzr.nz/RX1551983 Price on application Blair Stevens AREINZ 027 527 7007 | 06 370 9199 blair@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 22, 2019

ON FEILDING’S DOORSTEP

64 hectares Video on website

234 Sandon Road, Feilding, Manawatu Located 2km from the edge of Feilding, this 158 acre farm is superbly positioned. Outstanding stock handling facilities include a three stand woolshed, with adjoining hayshed and combination sheep/cattle yards, all on concrete. Trough water is reticulated throughout from a high-point tank sourced from two dams. Our vendor is non-GST registered so the property is offered for sale on an inclusive of GST basis. Currently in four titles, this is a quality address. Open days 10am, Sun 28 Apr, 2pm, Tues 30 Apr, 10am, Sun 5 May, 2pm, Tue 7 May, or call for an inspection.

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

nzr.nz/RX1722631 Deadline Sale Closes 11am, Wed 22 May 2019 (unless sold prior), NZR, 20 Kimbolton Rd, Feilding. Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

VIEWS FOR MILES • What a find!! Awesome living on the edge of Feilding on this outstanding 43 hectare property (STFS). • Once you leave town you enter the property as the sealed driveway leads to the home that is positioned to capture all of the views. • The home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, large living area, four car garaging and very large rumpus room. • Other facilities include stables, hayshed, workshop and woolshed with cattle yards. • The land is made up of some rolling hills and a lot of river silt flats. • Currently the property is running some dairy grazing along with cattle and sheep. • Fantastic opportunity to secure this smaller holding right on the edge of Feilding, set up to run any agricultural pursuit including dairy heifers, sheep and beef or even horses. • This is paradise and the new owners will fall in love with it as our Vendors did. • If you want to be the new owner then call Les to inspect. • For sale by Tender closing 2pm on Friday 26th April 2019 if not sold prior

LATE SEASON OPPORTUNITY

• Secure your winter grazing with this 42 hectare dairy run off situated at Mangamaire in the Tararua District. • Contour is flat to rolling with some good hay country along with the use of the adjoining railway lease. • Very good Matamau silt loam soils that are free draining. • There are gravity fed stock troughs along with a lime metal pit. • Facilities include a good hay shed and cattle yards. • Great chance to buy into a very good farming area, just 30 mins east of Palmerston North. Act now and call Les to inspect. • For sale by Tender closing 2pm on Friday 26th April 2019 if not sold prior.

• Situated in the Tararua farming district of Mangamaire is this top notch 120 hectare dairy unit with good free draining soils. • Includes a modern 34 aside dairy, haysheds & lockable workshops. • Nice three bedroom family home and a second one-bedroom unit. • Currently run as a dairy unit and would also be a great finishing or supplement property, with two thirds flat and the rest rolling. • Combined with the adjoining 85 hectares, this farm is milking 410 cows and has produced consistently. • Buy into this summer safe area with takeover to suit. Call Les. • For sale by Tender closing 2pm on Friday 26th April 2019 if not sold prior.

Sallan Realty

Google ‘Sallan Realty’ Your Farm Sales Specialist

SUPPLEMENTS OR GRAZING

• • • • •

Situated in the Mangamaire District in the Tararua is this quality flat 85 hectare property in three titles made up of flat fertile river silt soils. Good sheds including disused dairy. Lovely three bedroom villa. Currently leased to the adjoining dairy farm and very well set up. There is the option to include the Vendors’ own home which is on its own title of 1.2ha and is well appointed four bedroom brick home with established grounds and in-ground pool. • Vendors will consider splitting it up so to inspect and discuss your options call Les. • For Sale by Tender closing 2pm on Friday 26th April 2019 if not sold prior.

LK0096977©

DAIRY RUN OFF ANYONE?

LES CAIN 0274 420 582

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 22, 2019

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster. FOR SALE AVOLAND AVOCADOS NORTH MOTTON, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

MATURE COOL CLIMATE AVOCADO FARM AND BUSINESS Located on the banks of the Whakatane River, Taneatua. A great spot for swimming, trout fishing and close to the Te Urewera forest for hunting. Area 60.7028ha effective area 57ha. There is an additional 14ha more or less leased support block just up the road, all set up for winter grazing, if required. Production, has achieved 97,687kg MS from 200 cows, now milking 100 cows, for convenience 1st August calving date. Contour, flat, centrally raced to 33 paddocks with strong pastures on alluvial soil type, all water from an upgraded bore supply. Farm buildings, 1970's 14 aside herringbone shed with an Alfa Laval milking plant, 180 cow yard with backing gate. 1 half round hay barn, 3 bay enclosed implement shed, 1 calf shed. Loading race is located at the milking shed. The home was built in the 1950's, four double bedrooms and open plan living all and renovated inside, in good condition, also a semi selfcontained sleepout set among mature grounds. There is a second disused home on the property in as is where is condition. Farm can be bought as a full going concern. Open days Wednesday 24 April 11.30 - 12.30

+ Avoland Avocados comprises a 17ha* landholding on the central north coast of Tasmania and is a fully irrigated 3ha* orchard with 1,005* mature Hass trees and an additional 200* new Hass trees producing high quality avocados

+ Improvements include a new 300sqm* packing shed, six additional sheds and 10kva solar array

+ Excellent soil types (red ferrosol soil), access to high quality water and a cool temperate climate

+ 50ML* water allocation from the Kindred North Motton Irrigation Scheme and a 14ML* catchment dam with water being delivered to the orchard via a fully automated filtered system to ground level sprinklers (2 per tree)

+ 2016/17: 22,000kg* of fruit; 2017/18: 32,200kg* of fruit; now picking 2018/19 harvest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; estimate 65,000+kg* of fruit

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Closing Friday 3 May 2019 at 4.00pm (AEST)

+ Plant and equipment utilised within the existing business will be included in the sale

DAVID ROBERTSON +61 407 697 797

SHANE MCINTYRE +61 429 557 070

*approx. property.cbre.com.au

colliers.co.nz

CBRE (V) Pty Ltd, Level 34, 8 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 22, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

ROTOKAURI, WAIKATO 130 Duck Road When Location Matters • • • • • • •

38ha in three titles Titles can be purchased individually Flat to easy - some sandy silt Excellent yards, 24ASHB and nine bay shed Great building sites on all three titles Cropping, grazing, lifestyle - the choice is yours Contact the agent today for property details

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Wednesday 15 May

VIEW

12.00 - 1.00pm, Friday 26 April

John Sisley M 027 475 9808 E jsisley@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/HAM30301 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

THE DESTINATION FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE Land is the biggest asset to any farming business so it pays to stay up to date with the market.

Connect with the right audience at

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

MOHAKA, HAWKE'S BAY Golden Kiwifruit Investment Opportunity! • • • • • • • •

Kiwifruit orchard - Gold and Green G3: 19.79 canopy ha, G14: 6.9 canopy ha Hayward: 10.78 canopy ha Bruno and Tomua: 1.7 canopy ha Excellent artificial and growing shelter belts Frost protection by wind machines and water Well-maintained access tracks and storage areas Accommodation and staff facilities

PRICE BY NEGOTIATION Plus GST (if any)

VIEW By Appointment Only

Tom O'Sullivan M 027 484 4340 | B 06 872 9714 E tom.osullivan@pggwrightson.co.nz Peter Dick M 027 446 1714 | B 06 873 7706 E peterdick@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/HAS30214 Helping grow the country

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

Employment

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 22, 2019

Operations Manager ADB Williams Trust - Dannevirke

Weigh crate operator

Join the frontline team at AgriHQ with this hands on role.

The successful applicant will be:

Operated by the country’s most innovative multimedia agriinformation hub GlobalHQ, AgriHQ is at the forefront of livestock market information.

The station is administered by the ADB Williams Trust, tasked with ensuring the mandate to support charitable purposes and in particular training and education for persons in farming. Their governing philosophy is to operate a profitable business utilising best practice systems and processes on farm whilst providing a platform for Cadets to develop their careers through the Trust’s Agricultural Training Cadetship (established in 2018).

• • •

This role is an integral part of the foundations that make up AgriHQ’s business and while down at the sale yard, you will be the face of AgriHQ for many of our customers.

• •

Accuracy and attention to detail is key as information collected at this point flows through to AgriHQ’s sound and respected reports and make up part of the commentary on the market pages in GlobalHQ’s flagship newspaper, Farmers Weekly.

The Trustees seek a well-rounded Operations Manager to drive the planning, management and day-to-day running of this entire farming operation. The appointee will bring a high level of business acumen with proficiency in financial management, budgeting, recording and reporting and will exhibit confidence in practical farming. Cadet mentoring in conjunction with the academic tutor and wider team, overall brand and community alignment are all integral aspects of this role.

The role: You will attend the Feilding store sale each Friday plus extra days as and when required. Alongside another team member you will efficiently weigh as many lines of store lambs as possible, recording the data.

This is a unique opportunity for the appointee to grow their personal brand and extend their experiences into an environment with a rich history and a strong focus on the future of agriculture.

Skilled riding a two-wheeled motorbike. Confident and calm working with cattle. Experienced with 8 wire fencing and general farm maintenance. Current Full Driver’s License is a must. Dogs not essential.

At Koanui you will be part of a dynamic team and required to work alone at times. A competitive salary is negotiable based on your level of experience. Accommodation can be provided on a school bus route. Email your CV, Cover letter and 2 referees to: jen@koanui.info by April 30th, 2019. Phone 06 8747844 for more info.

Attributes needed:

LK0097326©

An excellent package to reflect the responsibilities of the role is on offer including a large, 4 bedroom home with a newly renovated kitchen. Schooling is available in Dannevirke, with a school bus at the gate.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Koanui Polled Herefords is a 1200ha property 20 minutes from Havelock North. We calve 800 performance recorded Hereford cows and lamb 500 ewes.

– Feilding sale yards, casual basis

Pukemiro Station is a well-developed 1000ha sheep and beef breeding and finishing property situated just 10 minutes from Dannevirke in the Otope Valley with an additional 418ha summer safe property nearby in the Coonoor district.

To view a Job Information Pack or to apply, please visit www.ruraldirections.co.nz or phone the Rural Directions team in confidence on 06 871 0450 (Reference #2484).

GENERAL/SHEPHERD WANTED

SHEPHERD GENERAL

• A good level of physical fitness • Excellent stock handling skills • Be able to work as a team in close quarters with other staff members • Be able to operate the portable weigh crate • Be able to work around other persons operating in the Feilding sale yards in a professional manner and without causing conflict • Be able to work efficiently and effectively to ensure the job is completed under time pressures

We are looking for an experienced Shepherd General to join our team. We are a deer only farm located in the Rerewhakaaitu, between Murupara and Rotorua.

Training will be provided. For more details please contact suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

RECRUITMENT & HR LK0097354©

RUN OFF YOUR FEET?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person, preferably with previous experience working with deer. Ideally, you will have tractor, fencing and chainsaw experience. On occasion you will be required to work on two other Company farms to help out and cover periods of leave. No dogs are required. Success in this role may lead to a management position, in time. A 3 bedroom house is available, so could suit a couple or family. For more information please contact Mike Ramsey on 07 878 7077 Please apply with your CV and cover letter to: hra@crusadermeats.co.nz

Advertise your vacancy in Farmers Weekly

Applicants must have NZ residency or valid NZ work visa.

Phone Debbie Brown 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

JOBS BOARD RURAL SECTOR

JOBS BOARD

OPERATIONS MANAGER

To be effective in this role you will need to have proven experience in the following: Dairying and farm management; Financial and budget implementation; Staff performance, retention and development; Accurate and detailed business reporting using Microsoft office suite, Excel; Compliance with Health and Safety and Environmental Regulations The successful applicant will have the ability to work within

Assistant Manager

a corporate organisational structure that requires the following personal attributes: A willingness to adhere to the values and procedures of the Incorporation; An attitude of openness, honesty and respectfulness; An ability to build effective relationships within an organisation; Proven vision and leadership skills, including strong communication skills; Demonstrated skills in the sharing of knowledge to build and develop staff. The appointee to this role will be required to work to achieve KPI’s to ensure that the farming operations under their direct responsibility continue to produce high end results for the Organisation.

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Contract Milker Dairy

• 2019 Trainee Programme - Livestock Farm Manager Representative Hand •General Agribusiness •Livestock Agronomy Manager •Manager Analyst • Dairy Manager •Operations General Maintenance •Other Livestock Specialist •Shepherd Manager •Shepherd PastureGeneral and Grazing Specialist • Sharemilker Stock Manager • Shepherd Person •Stock Shepherd/General

If you believe you have the key qualities and experience for this critical leadership role, please send your Cover Letter and CV to: jobs@fegan.co.nz or call 07 823 0105 for more information.

Tractor/Truck/Machinery Operator

LK0096815©

Our client is seeking a new team member who has the knowledge and skills to join them as a successful Operations Manager and who has proven management experience within the dairying sector that will enable them to develop their own team. This exciting role will oversee the farming operations across eight farms and will work closely alongside the current Operations Manager reporting directly to the General Manager.

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the

LK0097332©

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation manages one of the largest farming operations in New Zealand and is regarded as one of the most innovative and progressive agribusinesses owning in excess of 11,500ha, of which 3,854ha is dedicated to dairying, 1,700ha allocated to dairy support and the rest in forestry.

LK0097328©

Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the employment section of the Farmers Weekly employment section of the Farmers Weekly and added valuevalue it will be uploaded to andasas added it will be uploaded to farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or month or farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one close of application.

close of application.

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

0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Classifieds

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

ATTENTION FARMERS FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT $5.85 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 brianmace@xtra.co.nz DAGS .30c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

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

DEERLAND TRADING LTD buying deer velvet this season and paying above the average. Also contractor required to buy deer velvet. Payment on commission basis. Contact 021 269 7608.

TARPAULINS PVC TARPS. All sizes. Top quality Ripstop PVC.NZ Made. Phone for quote Westlorne Ohakune 06 385 8487. www.westlorne.co.nz or email: westlorne@xtra. co.nz Free delivery North Island.

ATTENTION WINTER MILKERS. Free autumn service bulls, Hereford/ Angus/Jersey. Experienced lease bull supplier. Phone 027 739 9939. BEEF SHORTHORN BULLS, R1 and 2yrs. Sired by Saskvalley Taskforce and Glenrossie Dazzler. Rough Ridge Primo semen available. Phone Bill 021 556 806 Takaka South Island. WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556.

DOGS FOR SALE BORDER COLLIE pedigree. Strong eyed, working pups. Working lambs at 8 weeks. Bred from the finest international working lines. 25 years of breeding. Phone Somerton Park Kennels. 03 342 8488 or 021 264 250. WILL WORK FOR food! Huntaway and Heading dogs. Deliver South and North Islands, trial, guaranteed. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553.

DOGS WANTED 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. BUYING 350 DOGS annually South and North Islands. No one buys or pays More! www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553.

FORESTRY WANTED

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

FARM MAPPING YOUR FARM MAPPED showing paddock sizes. Priced from $600 for 100ha. Phone 0800 433 855. farmmapping.co.nz

GOATS WANTED

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

GRAZING AVAILABLE WINTER COWS. 11 hectare of swedes. Up to 300. nilsreiten@gmail.com or phone 022 398 9705. Taumarunui.

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

PROPERTY WANTED HOUSE FOR REMOVAL wanted. North Island. Phone 021 0274 5654.

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

STOCK FEED HAY 12 EQUIVALENT squares $70. 15 equivalent rounds $75. STRAW 12 equivalents $55. BALEAGE at $80. Unit loads available. Phone 021 455 787.

WANTED TO RENT OLD FARM HOUSE with double garage to make art in. I’m a retired gardener and happy to help in garden for reduced rent. Quiet spray-free area required. Wanganui to Manawatu. Phone 027 672 6435.

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

Charity Auction

0800 436 566

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS Under Woolshed/ Cover Yards Cleaning Specialist

40 FOOT CONTAINER CONVERTED TO ACCOMMODATION UNIT Double glazed windows and bi-fold doors Fully lined and insulated, LED lighting, gas califont and stove Separate kitchen/living, bathroom and bedroom

www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

Taking bookings for greater Gisborne/East Coast areas

Charity Auction on behalf of Hunterville Lions Club 11am, Sun 12 May 2019 – 23 Bruce Street, Hunterville

Ph: Scott Newman 027 26 26 272 0800 27 26 88 NZ’s #1 service provider for under woolshed cleaning for more than a decade

Contact Peter Barnett 027 482 6835 www.nzr.nz/RX1863305

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING

Do you have something to sell? Call Debbie

Moa Master provide quality products and services at affordable prices 13.5HP. Briggs & Stratton Motor. Electric start. 1.2m cut

$4400

GST INCLUSIVE

MOA MASTER

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

POWER CABLE

Family Owned and Operated Shearing Business Johnny, Dion & Sarah King Steeped in tradition and the knowledge of shearing for today’s farmers. We have double and single Hecton crutching trailers. Stay out teams available.

$4200

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

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

0800 85 25 80

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

We could save you hundreds of $$

HOMES FARM SHEDS SUBDIVISIONS PUMPS

KING SHEARING

For more information: Johnny King 027 527 1714 Sarah King 021 706 866 Ask us about our King Spraying operation.

CLASSIFIEDS

Prices include delivery to your door! For friendly & professional advice CALL 0800 843 0987 Fax: 07 843 0992 Email: power@thecableshop.co.nz THE CABLE SHOP WAIKATO www.thecableshop.co.nz

CLASSIFIEDS

REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

ADVERTISING

Advertise in the Farmers Weekly

Have something to sell? Advertise in Farmers Weekly

$2.10 + GST per word - Please print clearly Name:

LK0097250©

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

LK0097257©

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

FARM SERVICES /SUPPLIES

LK0095684©

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

DEERLAND TRADING LTD

LK0097317©

ANIMAL HANDLING

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

LK0097237©

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 22, 2019

Phone:

Address:

Phone Debbie Brown 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Email: Heading: Advert to read:

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

T H IN K PRE B U I L T ATIONAL VISIT US AT NITE#RL61 FIELDAYS S

12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

NEW HOMES

SOLID – PRACTICAL WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

Return this form either by fax to 06 323 7101 attention Debbie Brown Post to Farmers Weekly Classifieds, PO Box 529, Feilding 4740 - by 12pm Wednesday or Freephone 0800 85 25 80

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

LK0097239©

GST Special Price $3990 INCLUSIVE Very limited stock

To find out more visit

LK0097258©

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

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

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

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 22, 2019

GETTING MORE MONEY BY E, C N A M R FO ER P R U YO G IN S EA R C IN A IS T H G EI W S S A C R A C D N A D EL YI TS EN C E R O M W FE A . M IU EM R P L EA R ’S IT M IU EM R P A Y LL EA R ’T N IS O IL K PER AN ILLUSION!

GET THE CHAROLAIS PREMIUM IS OsreLA HoreAR C rces sou fles #m bee

#begreengowhite #whenkilosmatter #weightpays #yieldpays

AUSTREX NZ LTD L I V E TO C K E X P O RT E R S

BUYING NOW

FRIESIAN Y Yearling & FRIESIAN AUTUMN Mated Yearling Heifers – F12 or Better – FOR CHINA EXPORT Enquiries to: Paul Tippett 027 438 1623 Colin Jordan 027 667 0903 David Kelk 027 644 1285 or contact your Agent

www.austrex.com.au

LK0097330©

Southwind Ayrshires The Ultimate Dispersal Friday 26th April 11am Vendors: Albie and Hilary Jane 631 Pembroke Road, Stratford

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

www.charolais.net.nz

BULL SALE RESULTS 2019

One of the best Ayrshire cows ever to be offered for auction In New Zealand. Sale comprises of • 56 stud cows • 11 stud incalf heifers • 28 stud calves • 5 stud bulls Comment: This offering is as good an Ayrshire offering as any in the last 50 years. A sale that dairymen from all breeds should attend.

LK0097385©

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NEW ZEALAND Inc

Southwind DW Queenas – selling as Lot 5

A superb catalogue is available by contacting: Sale Manager – Selwyn Donald (027) 437 8375

Farmers Weekly will be sending the autumn bull sale results e-newsletter from May 2019. Contact Nigel on 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or livestock@globalhq.co.nz to sign up or include your sale results and receive weekly updates.

DON’T MISS OUT.

farmersweekly.co.nz

LK0097310©

• Improve the performance of your bottom end cows. • Get the free effects of hybrid vigour. • Get the significant advantage of a Charolais cross heifer compared to a straight British bred. • Get your cattle away quicker at bigger weights meaning less impact on the environment.

Livestock

260 Frsn/Xbreds BW38 PW50 DTC 25/7 360ms, long walks on wet farm $1475 88 G3 Frsn with A2A2 content BW56 PW59 DTC 1/8 17yrs LIC, 400ms system 4 $1750 81 Frsn cows BW63 PW78 RA98% DTC 22/7 Owned 15yrs CRV & LIC, 400ms $1720 Paul Kane: 027 286 9279 National Dairy Coordinator 230 Frsn/FrsnX herd BW74 PW 86 DTC 15/7 70% A2A2, 375ms. $1650 SC 80 Jsy/JsyX cows BW80 PW130 DTC 27/7 4wks AB, 80% A2A2 $1700 JK Pick 25 from 54 Frsn/FrsnX I/C hfrs, BW124 PW132 DTC 21/7. $1650 GR Matt Hancock Ph:027 601 3787 Waikato Dairy Coordinator

Genuine Hill Country Herd Dispersal Auction Sundries 9.30am, Livestock 11am Vendors J & K Robinson and M & O Robinson

Sale to be held on the property will comprise of: • 182 Friesian and Ayrshire recorded cows • 45 Friesian and Ayrshire recorded in calf heifers • 54 Friesian and Ayrshire recorded yearling heifers • 2 Brown Swiss recorded yearling heifers • 6 Ayrshire recorded 3, 2 and 1 year bulls

(F12-F16 only) Must be fully recorded with a sire and dam. Subject to selection and Chinese health protocol tests. Must have been on farm for 6 months.

Enquiries to Brian Robinson Ph 027 241 0051 Selwyn Donald Ph 027 437 8375 or Carrfields Livestock Ltd: Pat Sheely Ph 027 496 0153 Brian Hodge Ph 027 244 0845 Phillip Webb Ph 027 801 8057

LK0097220©

Delivery end August 2019

400-500kg

Details: • Herd calv 13/7 – 6wks Nom LIC Fsn – Tailed Hfrd • 440ms/cow – 1800ms/ha – system 5 feeding (min concentrates) • Rolling contour, high stocking rates – in good condition • HB shed, TB C10, Lepto, BVD clear – M-Bovis negative • Cows dry and in milk – LIC computer split of half herd sold – genuine balance

View catalogue on

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

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

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com www.ayrshire.org.nz www.nzholstein.org.nz

To advertise

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

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

TE KUITI RWB HEIFER FAIR

LK0097244©

Contact the auctioneers, Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd or Carrfields Livestock

WANTED – FRIESIAN HEIFERS

R2 YR FRIES & BEEF BULLS

Payment terms: 31st May 2019- delivery can be delayed to end of May for farmers without farm access. Enquiries to; Mike McKenzie Carrfields 027 674 1149 Steven Weck Carrfields 027 455 1106 Vendor Peter and Joanne George 027 430 1733

LK0097244©

R1yr Heifers and In Calf Autumn Born Heifers (to Dairy Bull)

LK0096432©

2018 BORN FRIESIAN HEIFERS

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

MA ANGUS COWS NOV BULL

Notes: Very good operators – consistent farm performance has resulted in National Dairy Excellence Award recognition. All owner bred and farmed - no c/overs, no bought in cows, owned 28 years, LIC Nom breeding history – totally recommend as dependable dairy replacements.

289 head TB status C10, Lepto vaccinated, Myco Plasma milk tested clear. Run on a steep to very steep farm with no flat paddocks these cows are expected to shift very well. Long cold winters and dry summers are the norm. They are very well bred with top overseas and NZ genetics used. Calving is due to commence from 1/8/19 to AB and after 6 weeks AB dairy bulls were run until the 10/1/19. The 250 cows milked are expected to produce 85,000kg ms this season (on track for 100,000 before the dry weather). Peaked at 30 litres and 2.2kg ms/cow. Cell count average 180,000. Cows will be in milk on sale day. Cattle are of very good conformation with top udders. LIC transfers available. These cattle are recommended to those in need of replacements.

280 CRV Frsn cows BW22 PW39 RA91% DTC 20/7 Very good age spread, true to breed $1750 147 XBred Cows BW112 PW168 RA98% DTC 24/7 Top 2% Herd OAD last 2 years $1950 70 Spring calving C/O Frsn FrsnX Cows BW50 PW75 RA93% All G3 profiled $1550 Philip Webb Ph: 027 801 8057 Central & Southern North Island Dairy Coordinator

150 MA SIF HINDS

155 x Fsn and Fsnx LIC Bred in calf cows BW77 PW89 R/A 98% 36 x Fsn and Fsnx in calf hfrs BW108 PW113 – calv 13th July to Jrsy

76 Spencer Road Tirohanga RD 1, Atiamuri

150 Big Frsn Cows-Long History Herd Overseas Breeding Big Producers DTC 1/8 48 CRL CRV Frsn FrsnX Heifers DTC 23/7 Top Quality very well grown $1600 Wanted: 100 Top producing Crossbred cows from Rotary Shed, DTC 25/7 onwards Brent Espin Ph: 027 551 3660 Taranaki Regional Manager

STORE LAMBS 28-42kg

A/C Ridge End Farms Trust 292 Parawera Rd, Te Awamutu Dairy no.73891 Date: Wednesday 1st May 2019 Time: 11.30am – under cover

Tuesday 30th April 2019

FOR SALE 60 R2 YR ANGUS DAIRY BULLS 550kg 1300 MA EWES CAP STOCK RWR 05/03 STOCK REQUIRED

Long Established LIC herd auction

Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd

For Sale

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

THURSDAY 2ND MAY 12 NOON CAPITAL STOCK - FARM SOLD A/c NW & CC Woodcock 23 R2yr Angus Heifers VIC Angus - Bull dates 24/10/18 - 3/1/19

TE KUITI RWB COW FAIR FRIDAY 3RD MAY 12 NOON A/c NW & CC Woodcock 30 R3 Angus Cows VIC Angus 18 R4 Angus Cows VIC Angus 11 R5 Angus Cows VIC Angus 14 R6 Angus Cows VIC Angus 16 R7 Angus Cows VIC Angus 9 R8 Angus Cows VIC Angus 10 R9 Angus Cows VIC Angus 9 R10 Angus Cows VIC Angus Bull dates 24/10/18 - 15/1/19 AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Cows come forward in excellent condition off Tauwhare Hill Country faithfully farmed for many years. Mainly bred from Mangapapa Stud Sires. Contact Agent Rod Harper 07 856 0022 - 027451 5321

LK0097305©

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 22, 2019

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

For more information call: Your local agent or Andy Carlson 0274 529 697 Des van der Wal 021 933 018

BULLSEYE SALE 3RD AUTUMN ON FARM SERVICE BULL SALE Undercover

FOR SALE

White Hereford straws for sale Easy calving, great meat, great colours. New, rare and exciting

3rd Annual Angus Female In-Calf Production Sale On-Farm Fairlie – Wed 1st May at 12 Noon Offering: 93 Stud Angus Fully Recorded Females including: Selected – 40 R2yr, 20 R3yr, 16 R4yr 17 Annual draft capital stock stud cows

Delivery dates are: Monday 6th & 20th May and Monday 3rd & 17th June or by arrangement. The bulls are TB & BVD tested and double innoculated, Nasal sample tested for M Bovis, complete traceability.

230 - 2yr & 3yr Quality Service Bulls

Note: Cows are mated to all the Top Stud Sires at Meadowslea

160 Hereford Bulls - 40 Angus Bulls - 30 Jersey Bulls FINANCE OR BULL PLAN AVAILABLE TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY I have inspected these bulls and they come forward in excellent condition. The Herefords are well marked and have very good temperament. Buy in confidence!

Agent in charge: Bill Sweeney - 027 451 5310

Phone Brad Devlin 027 498 1203

LK0097219©

LK0097202©

: R2yr heifers mated to top low birthweight calving ease yearlings

www.meadowslea.co.nz

Sale CommenCeS - 12 noon

On Account of David & Fiona MacKenzie 300 McDonald Mine Road Huntly

Approx. 70 R2yr Commercial Meadowslea-bred heifers Ex Grays Hills Stn, Braemar Stn, Horwell Downs

Vendor: D S Giddings 03 685 8027 Auctioneers: PGG Wrightson Participating companies: PWA, RLL, Carrﬁelds

MONDAY 6TH MAY 2019

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

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING Have ewe heard the most successful place to advertise your livestock is in Farmers Weekly?

To advertise

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

Livestock

Facilitated by 21st Annual In Calf Heifer Fair Auction

QUALITY

VENDORS:Clem & Una Shotter Capital Replacement Lines Wednesday 24th April 2019 START: 12 noon 599 Hurford Road Omata, New Plymouth

COMPRISING OF:

CLEARING SALE HERD & MACHINERY AUCTION A/C of Wairere - Aria Ltd LP 522 Aria Rd, Piopio S/N 74972

Tuesday 30th April Start Times As Follows 10:30am - MACHINERY 11:30am - HERD / HEIFERS LIGHT LUNCHEON

WE WILL OFFER 450 Strong well conditioned Dairy Cows. • Friesian /FX BW 47 PW 65 RA 82%

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 22, 2019

130 Frsn/Frsnx Heifers BW’S UP TO 184, PW’S UP TO 211 Calving from 22nd July to jersey bulls – removed 18th December All scanned InCalf 12th April Heifers – BVD tested clear and vac; lepto vac; 10 in 1 vacc TB - All heifers selected from C10 herds

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Within this year’s line-up are handpicked heifers from complete replacement lines, hard to find better conditioned quiet and high indexed heifers which you can select from. For 21 years our vendors have been offering outstanding dairy heifers for buyers and many repeat buyers know they are confidently purchasing quality well-bred replacements.

FARM

MACHINERY

SALE

10 MAY FROM 10.30AM AT TINWALD SALEYARDS, ASHBURTON

PAYMENT TERMS:

Sale includes a 2013 Deutz 100G Agrofarm 3, 2009 Vicon Medium Square Baler, 2008 McCormick XTX145, 2014 JCB Loadall 536-60 Agri, 2005 Grain King Agrichaser 18 tonne plus a range of CLAAS 3500 liners, 4 rota rakes. Other top items such as windrowers, tractors and more are available.

Payment is due on 5th June 2019. Delivery within 2-3 days of auction.

LUCKY HEIFER DRAW OF $1000.00 CASH

To view all listed items visit carrfields.co.nz

Light luncheon available

• Calving Date 25/7/2019 till 7/10/2019 • Tailed with Pure Angus Bull • SCC 150,000 Average For The Year • Whole Herd Dry Cow Treated • TB Status C10 - BVD Negative • M / Bovis Milk Tested Clear

View the sales catalogue on carrfieldslivestock.co.nz or your local Carrfields Livestock Agent Colin Dent 027 646 8908

LK0097350©

• In Calf to Fsn CRV 5 Weeks

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

CONTACT CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE CANTERBURY

03 307 9400

CONTACT DRUMMOND & ETHERIDGE

0800 432 633

• 140 IC Frsn/FX C/D 20/7 Bull Out 30/12 • 25 2018 Born Friesian/FX Heifers. A Strong Capacious Herd of Cows Farmed on rolling country with lots of young cows producing in excess of 400 kg/ms with over 250 cows 4 years old and younger with BWs 100+ PWs of up to 260.

This Young Herd Will Shift Well To Anywhere In The Country. 2016 Massey Ferguson 7715 4x4 150 HP Duals, 2016 Massey Ferguson 4235 75 HP Duals 6000 hours loader /bucket, 2014 Sam Tandem Spreader 6 ton, 2016 Honda side-side 1000 with 607 hours, 2010 Buckton feed wagon-side feed SD 83, Krone Easy cut 3.2m multi disc mower, 2001 Atkinson undersower multi disc roller on hydraulic wheels, 1995 Suzuki Vitara 288,000km, Cambridge Roller 2.8m with hydraulic wheels, Farm Gard hydraulic grader blade 2.4m, Hustler bale feeder, Shear grab/forks, 2000L S/Steel diesel tank, Calf collection pen, S/Steel vat 5000L, CT Pro park feed bucket, Normady PK trailers x 2, Alloy wheel platform Gallagher load bars plus Quick hitch

PAYMENT 14 Days from Date of Sale for Livestock. prior arrangement with management. All Prices are subject to GST.

DELIVERY: To Suit Prior to 30th May FOR DETAILS CONTACT COLIN OLD

027 870 4434

STEVE OLD

027 471 2801

HARRY VAN DE VEN

027 486 9866

www.progressivelivestock.co.nz

Hit the bulls-eye with advertising in Farmers Weekly. Reaching over 78,000 rural mailboxes weekly we are the ideal space to engage with the right audience for your bull sales. Farmers Weekly also publishes a free weekly e-newsletter during autumn and spring that showcases bull sale results from around the country. Adding digital advertising options to link to your catalogue offers added benefits. To find out more, contact Nigel Ramsden on 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz

LK0097312©

Machinery is Payment on the day unless

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 22, 2019

Est. 1981

2ND ANNUAL IN-CALF FEMALE SALE

“Yes”, she replied”.

Henderson Partners

1pm Thursday 23rd May

COMPLETE DISPERSAL SALE SPRING CALVING HERD & REPLACEMENTS

Offering: 26 R2 Bulls

130 Head 15 Registered R2 Heifers 15 Registered R3 Second Calvers 25 Registered Mixed-Age Cows 75 Commercial R2 Heifers – 25 Commercial Stern Heifers – 50 Station Heifers

Heifers originate from clients Fox Peak Station, Te Puke & Kuriheka plus others.

Contact James Fraser 021 186 4796 View catalogue at

www.sternangus.co.nz PGGW, Carrfields, PWA, HRL, RLL

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

LK0097324©

She looked a little perplexed, and stared at me in stunned silence for a few seconds and asked, ‘And Tigger?”

Pio Pio

Sterndale, Pleasant Point 3.30pm Wednesday 1st May

“Well, the food goes into our tummies and our bodies take out all the good stuff, and then whatever is left over comes out of our bums when we go to the toilet, and that is poo.”

LK0097198©

So I said, “you just ate breakfast, yes?”

Auahi Charolais

SALE TALK

My three year old girl asked me, ‘Where does poo come from?’ I was a little uncomfortable but decided to give her an honest explanation,

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

Maximum C10 • Fully guaranteed Inspection anytime Ph John 07 873 8477 or 027 633 1776

stud angus heifer dispersal sale

FRIDAY 26th APRIL 2019 – 12.30pm

341b Matauri Bay Road, RD1, Kaeo, Northland

A rare opportunity to purchase genuine capital stud PTIC Heifers from a leading Angus herd. These heifers could be an invaluable addition to an existing herd or a strong foundation for anyone wishing to establish a new stud prefix.

HAVE A SALE COMING UP?

83 Lots R2 PTIC 2017 BORN HEIFERS

Matauri genetics have enjoyed phenomenal success in a wide range of environments having been used in well over 200 registered herds throughout Australasia. Matauri Reality 839, arguably NZ’s all time most successful Angus stud sire, has a huge presence in many of the pedigrees in this catalogue. Shifting ability, high dollar indexes and structural integrity define the line of heifers in this offering. THE HERD IS C10 RATED FOR TB. ALL HEIFERS ARE TESTED CLEAR FOR KNOWN GENETIC DEFECTS.

Call Nigel

0800 85 25 80

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

FROM HERE...

CONTACTS Cam Heggie Bruce Orr Neil Miller Tom Bayly Colin Maxwell

027 501 8182 027 492 2122 027 497 8691 027 415 4125 09 405 0357

Monday 29th April 11.00AM Start 1305 Old Te Aroha Road, Matamata A/C Penoak Farms Ltd Comprising 290: 123 Friesian in calf cows 21 Ayrshire in calf cows 19 Jersey in calf cows (BWs up to 150 PWs up to 329) 7 Brown Swiss x in calf cows 30 Friesian in calf heifers 5 XBred in calf heifers 16 Ayrshire in calf heifers 8 Jersey in calf heifers 1 Brown Swiss in calf heifer 50 Friesian 2018 born autumn heifers (unmated) 10 Jersey yearling heifers TB status C10, Lepto vaccinated, Myco Plasma milk tested clear. This long established herd of very good conformation cows has a recorded Ancestry of 100%. Last season the 383 cows (spring and autumn calving) averaged 431kgs milk solids per cow. Cell count average 96000. Herd is milked in a rotary shed with little supplements fed. All cows were dry cow therapy treated annually. Cows will be in milk on sale day. This spring calving portion of the herd (Autumn calvers sold February 2019) commences calving from the end of July. All cows in calf to AB (breed to breed) and no bulls run with herd. heifers in calf to easy calving Angus. The farm is on the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges and is prone to very wet and windy conditions. Long walks is also part of the routine so these cattle are recommended to shift well. The latest NZ and overseas genetics have been used resulting in a very good uddered, nice quality herd. The Ayrshires, are very good type and production cows and the Jerseys are top producers, have high indices and are of very good conformation. Several Jerseys have been contracted to AB companies in the past. Those searching for larger, more capacity in there Jersey cows should attend this sale. All cattle will be presented in very good condition with the in calf heifers and unmated heifers well grown. Catalogues giving all details are available from the auctioneers or are able to be viewed on line at www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com, www.agonline.co.nz, www.nzholstein.org.nz or www.ayrshire.org.nz All enquiries to the auctioneers Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd Phone Brian Robinson on 0272 410051 and PGG Wrightson Phone Dean Evans on 0272 431092

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

FINISH THE JOB FIRST LIGHT WAGYU IS QUIETLY GROWING IN LINE WITH DEMAND FROM OUR DISCERNING NEW ZEALAND AND INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS.

THIS YE AR WE HAVE A LIMITED RELE A SE OF WAGYU C AT TLE AVAIL ABLE TO PURCHA SE.

• • • • •

R1yr and R2yr cattle to purchase Proven sustainable premium returns Fixed pricing for store and finished cattle Producer group of NZ’s elite cattle farmers Bred and reared under strict bio-security protocols

ANTIBIOTICS OR ADDED HORMONES EVER

Talk to us - 0800 4 Wagyu (0800 492 498) info@firstlight.farm www.firstlight.farm

...TO HERE

King Country BULL BREEDERS OPEN DAY •VALUE – bulls for every budget • VARIETY – 7 breeds from 18 studs •VOLUME – approx. 500 bulls for inspection The following studs will be open 10am - 3pm on their respective day. 1. Hingaia Angus Richard & Andrew Jolly 027 499 7159 147 Hingaia Rd, Te Awamutu 2. Storth Oaks Angus Tim & Kelly Brittain 027 593 5387 524 Paewhenua Rd, Otorohanga 3. Kia Toa Charolais Paul & Claire Grainger 027 209 1959 973 Troopers Rd, Te Kuiti 4. Strathmoor Herefords Bruce & Melva Masters 07 878 8502 317 Mokau Rd, Te Kuiti 5. Potawa Simmentals Andrew & Tracey Neal 027 366 5514 488 Mangaotaki Rd, Pio Pio 6. Iona Angus Bruce & Audrey Bevege 07 877 7541 Rauriki Road Aria 7. Kaha Speckle Parks Katherine Robertson 021 525 723 142a Paekaka Rd, Pio Pio 8. Raupuha Shorthorns Russell & Mavis Proffit 027 355 2927 1933 State Highway 3, Mahoenui 9. Ipurua South Devons Peter & Caroline Foss 07 877 7881 54 Kumara Rd, Aria

6th May – Day One • Potawa • Kia Toa • Hingaia • Storth Oaks • Okupata • Strathmoor

1 2 3 4

5 7 18 8

6 9

10 11

14 15

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

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

7th May – Day Two • Iona • Tarangower • Raupuha • Rockend • Ipurua • Kaha • Auahi

10. Tarangower Angus Rob & Nikki Purdie 07 877 8935 912 Ngatarawa Rd, Mahoenui 11. Rockend Herefords Peter & Kirsty McCormack 07 877 7897 603 Paraheka Rd, Aria 12. Colvend Shorthorns & Angus Alan and Val Park 07 894 6030 841 Tapuwahine Rd, Ongarue 13. Blackridge Angus Dean & Teresa Sherson 027 690 2030 675 Taringamotu Rd, Taumarunui 14. Springdale Angus Ian & Karenne Borck 07 895 3452 1094 Taringamotu Rd, Taumarunui 15. Shian Angus Brian, Sharon, Rob & Tracey Sherson 07 895 7686 40 Mead Rd, Taumarunui 16. Pukenui Angus Alan & Cathy Donaldson 07 896 6714 303 River Rd, Taumarunui 17. Okupata Herefords Tom Atkins 027 711 1291 860 Okupata Rd, Oparau 18. Auahi Charolais John Henderson 07 873 8477 Auahi South Rd Piopio

9th May – Day Three • Colvend • Shian • Blackridge • Springdale • Pukenui NOTE: 10am –2pm only

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings ELITE INCALF HEIFER FAIR Tuesday 7th May 2019 11.30AM Start Morrinsville Saleyards A/C Glen Koru

Key: Dairy

Monday 6th May 2019 11.00am start 44 Black Road, off Wattle Road, Te Kauwhata

Thursday 9th May 2019 11.00AM 405 Knight Road, RD9, Ruatangata - Whangarei A/C RM Farms Ltd Comprising 320 X Bred/Frsn/Jsy Cows BW 137 PW 184 RA 100% 140 X Bred/Frsn/Jsy In Calf Heifers. BW 140 PW 169. This outstanding herd has been farmed by Shepherd family since 1942 and would be one of the highest producing (consistently around 400 m/s) system 1 OAD herds to be sold this season. Herd calving 15th July LIC Jsy/X Bred bulls, tailed off Jsy bull out 7th Jan, scanned to dates. TOP 75 cows ave BW 180 PW 331 with individual BWs up to 280 PWs to 575. 23 cows carry AI contract for 2019/20. In calf heifers mated to AI X Bred/Jsy bulls for 6 weeks start calving 15th July. All young stock are reared and grazed on property including their service bulls. Herd will be dried off prior to sale and dry cowed. 315 Animals have been confirmed A2/A2. Purchasers requiring genuine hard working cows with top genetics, high fertility with over 70years AI breeding and herd testing. TB C10, EBL free, BVD clear, M/Bovis milk test clear. Payment/Delivery 14days for sale date, delivery immediate unless prior arrangement made before sale day. Catalogue’s & 3GPs available on Agonline or contact PGG Wrightson Agents Kevin Brown 027 434 7561 Steven Josephs 027 420 5167 Andrew Reyland 027 223 7092

Tuesday 7th May 2019 10:30am Machinery & Equipment,12:00pm Cows 1811 Otewa Road, Otorohanga A/C Trek Farms Ltd, C/O French Family Comprising: 100 Frsn X Jsy In Calf Cows 28 Frsn X Jsy In Calf Heifers Contractor Machinery and Equipment: • McCormack MTX 110 (frontend lock 4wd), McCormack MTX 175 (4wd). • Fiat 80-90(Frontend lock, 4wd), & Fiat 450 (2wd). • Trailer (Uni, hydraulic tip, tandem axil,10 ton), & Trailer(hydraulic tip, dual wheels, 6 ton). • Sam feedout Wagon (side delivery, tandem axil, 12 cube), Duncan Renovater seed drill, • Vicon balepac Bailer(bailer-wrapper), 2 X Kuhn 7 disc Mowers, Sitrex 7800 Swather, • Sitrex RT/5800-H Tedder, Kuhn 3 m Power Harrows, Sam Fertiliser Spreader(5 ton), • Cambridge Roller, Silvan 900lt Spray unit, Heavy Duty Levelling Bar(on wheels), • 2 X Mobile feed trough (6X2 meters), & Dual wheels (16.9X38, spacers & clamps). • Numerous sundry items. Herd Details: • Xbred content of herd. • Average BW 25 PW 52 RA 93% • BWs up to 138 PWs up to 263. • Calving from 20th July 2019. AI to CRV Frsn & Xbred, tailed off Angus bull. • Bull out 22nd Dec 2018. • TB C10, EBL Free, M/Bovis milk tested free. • H/Bone shed. Heifer Details: • Average BW 47 PW 67 RA 100% • Xbred content of heifers. • Calving from 20th July 2019. • Tailed off Jsy bull, bull out 20th Dec 2018. Cows with great type and confirmation. Herd working hard on steep hills and long walks. Doing great production on a low input system. Payment - 14 days from sale. Delivery - Immediate or by prior arrangement with the agent. Catalogues available on agonline.co.nz or contact Wium Mostert 027 473 5856.

FEILDING WEANER FAIR – SUE BROTHERS

PRELIMINARY NOTICE: OKARE STATION ON FARM LAMB SALE

Wednesday 24th April Feilding Saleyards Complex, 11.30am

226 Okare Road, Wairoa Thursday, 2nd May @ 12pm

6 Autumn Born ET Ylg Heifers (unmated) BW 175 PW 192

BW 40 PW 36 RA 91%

Comprising 240 Friesian In Calf Cows

34 Frsn/Frsn X Incalf Heifers BW 130 PW 130 Calving 1st July to AB includes 3 contract heifers.

Cows calving 10th July to LIC Friesian for 4 weeks tailed off Hereford bull, bull out 20th Dec. Cows ave 350m/s, ave SCC 180. BWs up to 122 PWs up to 149. Cows dried off 5th April, dry cow treated and teat sealed. Herd has 30yrs LIC breeding with excellent fertility history (4.5% MT rate) and dairy type, conformation

A/C Ngatoka Farms

TB C10, EBL Free, BVD Free, Lepto Vacc,

59 Frsn/XBred/Jsy Incalf Heifers BW 132 PW 141

MBovis milk tested neg, H/Bone shed. Payment/Delivery: Payment 14days from sale date, delivery immediate or 1st June by prior arrangement.

Calving 20th July to AB includes 1 contract heifer. Heifers A2/A2 tested. All 3 are complete replacement lines, well grown, exceptional genetics from our vendors. Numerous bulls from these herds have used at AI companies siring thousands of daughters in national herds.

Catalogues available on agonline.co.nz or contact Steve Taylor 027 648 6711.

FRIESIAN HERD AND IN CALF HEIFER

Catalogues/Profiles and AI Contracts available on Agonline.

Tuesday 30th April 2019 11.30am start 414 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo

Contact PGGW Agents: Andrew Reyland – 027 223 7092 Chris Ryan – 027 243 1078

A/C T Shove Comprising: 137 Frsn In Milk Cows 58 Frsn In Calf Heifers Herd Details • Average BW 59 PW 53 RA 100% • Calving from 25th July 2019. AI to LIC Frsn, tailed off Angus/Hfd bull. • Bull out 28th Dec 2018. • BWs up to187 PWs to 367. • Herd DNA profiled. • 1 Contract mated cow. • TB C10, EBL Free, M/Bovis milk tested free. • H/Bone shed. Heifer Details • Average BW 83 PW 59 RA 100% • DNA Profiled. • 1 Contract mated heifer. • Synchronised to AI Frsn LIC, calving from 17th July 2019. • Tailed off Hfd/Angus bull. Bull out 26th Nov 2018. Vendor’s emphasis on strong, capacious cows with top udders to produce consistently year after year.

CAPITAL STOCK SOUTH DEVON BREEDING COW DISPERSAL Friday 3rd May 2019 12.00 Start Te Kuiti Saleyards To be sold in conjunction with Te Kuiti RWB & In Calf Cow Fair. A/C Aramiro Station - Raglan 120 MA South Devon VIC Cows Vic South Devon bulls 5th Nov-31st Jan. 35 R2yr South Devon VIC Heifers VIC Twin Oaks Angus bull, 5th Nov - 31st Jan. Owing to a change in farming policy we will offer this long established herd which has been bred by Tironui (Pethybridge) stud sires for the past 20years. 20% replacements have been added annually.

Other

TOP INDEX HERD AND IN CALF HEIFERS DISPERSAL SALE

A/C Whakapona Farms

A/C Monowai

Sheep

COMPLETE FRIESIAN HERD DISPERSAL

63 Frsn/XBred/Jsy Incalf Heifers BW 145 PW 167

Calving 7th July to AB, includes 17 contract heifers.

Cattle

Payment - 14 days from sale.

HERD AND MACHINERY SALE

PGG Wrightson will offer approx 6000 lambs

We will be offering on:

Grand opportunity to purchase one earmarked lines of well bred Wairere lambs of hill country reknown for their shifting ability.

A/C Sue Brothers Ohakune Approx.

Rebate commission paid to recognised outside companies by arrangement prior to sale day.

400 H/A X Wnr Strs TBD

To be drafted.

Delivery - Immediate or 1st June by prior arrangement.

Contact Chris Leuthart 027 493 6594 or 07 825 840.

Catalogues available on agonline.co.nz or contact Wium Mostert 027 473 5856.

400 H/A X Wnr Hfrs TBD

Enquiries: Ian Rissetto – 0274 449 347 or 06 838 8604 Jamie Hayward – 0274 347 586

Enquiries to Robert Auld – 027 590 1335

DAIRY HERDS & INCALF HEIFERS FOR SALE NORTH ISLAND HERDS & INCALF HEIFERS FOR SALE 260 X Bred Cows BW 69

PW 106

230 Frsn Cows $1,650+GST

BW 40

•

RA80% Calving 15th July, will computer split. Vaughn Larsen – 027 801 4599 Agonline ref: 3438

4 Frsn/Frsn X In calf Hfrs BW 109

PW 113

Agonline ref: 3771

225 Frsn/Frsn X Cows $1,590+GST

BW 52

•

PW 86

37 Jrsy/Jrsy X Cows

$1,650+GST

•

BW 72

PW 103

122 X Bred/Frsn In calf Hfrs $1,500+GST

•

BW 127

PW 145

64 Frsn/Frsn X In calf Hfrs

$1,600+GST

BW 93

•

PW 126

$1,250+GST

•

RA91% Calving 10th July, will computer split. Steve Taylor – 027 648 6711

Calving 14th July, Ambreed herd new to market. Matt Hughes – 027 405 2824

Calving 20th July, Jrsy content out of herd. Jason Roberts – 027 243 1429

Calving 25th July, Jrsy bull capital line, new to market. Dean Evans – 027 243 1092.

Calving 1st Aug, Jrsy bull capital line 1st June delivery. Ben Gordon – 027 275 6610

Agonline ref: 3209

Agonline ref: 3782

Agonline ref: 3618

Agonline ref: 3779

Agonline ref: 3686

46 Jersey/Jersey X Incalf Heifers

$1,320+GST

Calving 2nd July, Jrsy bull, bull out 10th Nov. Todd Van Berlo – 027 529 7748.

PW 36

BW 163

PW 179

$1,600+GST

•

Pick 25 from 45 Frsn/Frsn X Incalf Hfrs BW 50

PW 60

$1,300+GST

•

RA100% A complete line of Jersey & Jersey Cross heifers. Years of breeding with the vendor retiring. High BW and well grown. Lyle Smart – 0277 426 833

RA97% Pick 25 from 45 for $1300. This is great value for money for these well grown, friesian, friesian cross heifers. Craig Murray – 027 322 0063

Agonline ref: 3670

Agonline ref: 3615

40 Friesian InCalf Heifers BW 98

PW 85

213 M/A Frsn/Frsn X, Jsy Cows

$1,650+GST

•

RA100% Due to a change of farming practice, this Complete Line of Friesian InCalf Heifers are on the Market. Well Grown with years of Breeding, Grazed on farm their whole life. Lyle Smart – 0277 426 833 Agonline ref: 3662

The Dairy Livestock Clearing Sale Specialists PGG Wrightson Dairy representatives are specialists at dairy livestock clearing sales. Benefit from the team that is dedicated to matching herds with the right buyers and achieving an optimal outcome for your business.

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

BW 68

PW 106

$1,550+GST

•

RA83% Milked on Sand country farm on a system 2 with the cows wintered on the property , Cows have averaged 351 milk solids to 22/3 /19 & now on OAD. Peter Forrest – 027 598 6153 Agonline ref: 3636

For photos and more information on listings visit www.agonline.co.nz

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Nicola Dennis

Mel Croad

Cattle

Reece Brick

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.45

5.35

NI lamb (17kg)

7.25

7.20

NI Stag (60kg)

9.00

9.10

11.00

NI Bull (300kg)

5.15

5.10

5.20

NI mutton (20kg)

5.05

4.85

SI Stag (60kg)

9.15

11.00

NI Cow (200kg)

3.90

4.10

SI lamb (17kg)

6.75

7.05

SI Steer (300kg)

5.05

5.30

SI mutton (20kg)

4.85

SI Bull (300kg)

4.80

4.75

5.05

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.45

3.40

3.95

UK CKT lamb leg

9.20

9.21

9.14

US imported 95CL bull

7.91

7.88

6.32

US domestic 90CL cow

7.16

7.15

6.57

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

6.0

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

8.5 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW South Island steer slaughter price

Jun

2017-18

$/kg CW

$/kg CW $/kg CW

Dairy

Aug

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

30 micron lamb

Apr 2017-18

Jun

Aug 2018-19

Last week

Prior week

Last year

2.96

2.95

3.02

$/tonne

6.0

Jan-19 Sept. 2020

625

523

3.10

Super

321

307

4.60

DAP

833

775

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Last price*

Mar-18

May-18

Company

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

Mar-19

vs 4 weeks ago

Ryman Healthcare Limited

11.85

12.5

10.4

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

3.93

3.95

3.51

Contact Energy Limited

6.8

7.03

5.82

Fletcher Building Limited

5.08

5.34

4.57

Port of Tauranga Limited (NS)

5.7

5.75

4.9

5pm, close of market, Thursday

4.080 9.400

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.320

4.850

4.170

Foley Wines Limited

1.950

2.000

1.470

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.050

0.750

360

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.930

2.940

2.100

340

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.520

0.570

0.470

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.960

7.060

6.350

Scales Corporation Limited

4.980

5.070

4.340

SeaDragon Limited

0.003

0.002

Seeka Limited

5.120

4.200

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

10.500

11.350

8.860

T&G Global Limited

2.720

2.810

2.600

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity

17227

15063

S&P/NZX 50 Index

9982

8732

S&P/NZX 10 Index

9666

8280

5950

Butter

5625

5350

5310

Milk Price

6.48

6.50

6.46

$/tonne

3.54

10.200

5950

380

320

Mar-18

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

Mar-19

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL 350

3500 $/tonne

12.3

4.18

10.200

6000

US$/t

15.99

Delegat Group Limited

AMF

Oct

15.5 3.69

10.420

400

Sep 4 weeks ago

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd Spark New Zealand Limited

5.420

2475

Aug

7.065

4.200

2510

Jun Jul Latest price

8.4

Comvita Limited

2540

3000 May

8.015

YTD Low

SMP

3100

3.38

Auckland International Airport Limited

16.040

420

3200

4.29

YTD High

3500

3300

4.055

16.000

3325

3400

10.42

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

The a2 Milk Company Limited

3280

3600

YTD Low

16.04

WMP

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

YTD High

Company

440

* price as at close of business on Thursday

The a2 Milk Company Limited

Listed Agri Shares

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

400

320

Mar-19

Fertiliser 625

360

Nearby contract

Aug 2018-19

Urea

440

6.5

Nov-18

Jun

Last year

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Sep-18 Sept. 2019

Apr 2017-18

Prior week

480

Jul-18

Feb

Last week

Grain

Data provided by

7.0

May-18

Dec

FERTILISER

37 micron ewe

2018-19

MILK PRICE FUTURES

5.5

Oct

5-yr ave

Coarse xbred ind. 5-yr ave

$/kg MS

6.5

(NZ$/kg) Apr

8.5 7.5

WOOL

Feb

9.5

5.5

5.0

Dec

South Island stag slaughter price

10.5

6.5

5.5

Oct

8.5

11.5

7.5

4.5

9.5

6.5

8.5

6.0

10.5

6.5

South Island lamb slaughter price

4.5

Last year

7.5

4.5

5.0

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.5

7.5

5.5 5.5

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

300 250 200

Mar-18

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19 Mar-19

17227

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

9982

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

9666

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

3.90

SI SLAUGHTER STEER ( $/KG)

5.05

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

6.75

PRIME ANGUS-CROSS STEERS, 590-665KG, AT CANTERBURY PARK ( $/KG LW)

2.57

Seasonal transition apparent NORTH ISLAND

ORTHLAND still has green grass everywhere but there’s not much of it. Farms would normally be knee-deep in kikuyu and it would be a challenge to manage it but that’s not the case. It’s not a disaster but lots of dairy herds have been partially dried off. Outstanding autumn weather has been the main feature this week for Franklin vege growers and, in fact, for much of the North Island. Days have been mainly fine and clear but with noticeably cooler temperatures overnight. The first mechanical sowings of early onion seed are under way and irrigation plants are still operating to maintain growth but there’s not a huge demand for many mature crops, which isn’t good. Growers haven’t been able to work out why and with good weather for growing it’s likely some lines will be oversupplied. Waikato farmers were very keen for about 150mm of rain to fall this weekend but it looked as though it would be more like 10mm. Autumn-calving farms are struggling to feed the new mums so are using a lot of supplementary feed. Other dairy farmers are drying off herds to keep condition on the cows. Sheep and beef stock are in good condition and store market prices have improved. It’s been a marvelous week for harvesting kiwifruit in Bay of Plenty. It’s been one of, if not the best starts to the shipping schedule for exports. The fruit’s flowed well from orchard to packhouse to ship. King Country’s had a few frosts, which will be good to kill bugs. Some farms here and south of Lake Taupo have been hit with late season cases of facial eczema, which is a worry. Mount Ruapehu has a bit of snow on now and it’s looked pretty in the glowing, red, evening light. Taranaki’s turned cold and with all the recent rain farmers were hoping to get good grass growth but that hasn’t happened. Soil temperatures fell very quickly from 18C to 11C. Some farmers are pulling the pin on milking for the season but it does depend where you are. Others will keep going for a few more weeks. The cold hasn’t made much difference yet to East Coast pastures and farms look good going into late autumn. Cropping farmers are getting winter vegetables in. Maize is still being harvested and that will carry on until June. The Gisborne wharf is still stuffed full of logs for export. Most orchardists are up to date with work in Hawke’s Bay because conditions have been so generous. Generally, apple volumes have been 10% to 15% down on last season. The fruit has been smaller than expected. They’re into the home run with apples now, the pink lady group is being picked. One larger operator is talking about sending seasonal workers home now. Wairarapa’s been cold and the farmer we spoke to was envious of the warmer temperatures further north. It’s too cold for pasture growth and there’s less of it around than last year. Dairy farmers are getting ready to dry herds off. There is real concern in the farming

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LivestockEye

We create transparency for the industry with these independent, objective reports providing full sale results and informed commentary covering 10 saleyards across NZ that are emailed directly after the sale.

Livestock Insight HELPING HAND: Taylor Bremner helps her Poppa, AgriHQ employee Dodge Hansen, weigh lambs at Stortford Lodge last week.

circles in Manawatu as winter creeps closer. It has been very dry. The 20mm to 40mm of rain about 10 days ago didn’t get any follow-up and now it’s cold. Farmers are thinking “oh dear” or something stronger, “what will this mean”. They’re feeling a bit pessimistic. Lots of store stock are being off loaded. Horowhenua’s had stunning days and on-farm it’s completely different to just up the road in Manawatu so people are feeling lucky. There’s been just enough moisture each week and just enough heat so new grass is popping up quickly. SOUTH ISLAND Late variety apples and gold kiwifruit havesting is motoring ahead in the Nelson/Motueka area. People are also picking and packing feijoas while the pears and grapes are done and dusted. Ditto for grapes in Marlborough where yields are down but quality is top-shelf. Grape growers are checking on soil fertility to see if fertiliser needs to go on before pruning starts. On-farm ewes are on a fast rotation while the rams are out and calf weaning has finished. It’s been a settled week at Rununga on the West Coast. Our contact’s had no rain and says a drop or two would be nice but because its firm underfoot

everyone’s getting lime on paddocks to maintain a good soil pH profile. As winter approaches dairy farmers are extending rounds so grazing less of the farm each day as they approach drying-off. A sheep farmer and breeder at Conway Flat in North Canterbury says this is the most important time of the year for his Perendale stud. He’s in the middle of single mating ewes. This means organising which rams will go with which ewes and it takes a lot of research in terms of genetics and performance scanning data. The 30mm of rain in the area last week is keeping pastures growing and, apart from some late oats, all winter feed crops are in. A dairy farmer near Balclutha in south Otago says milk production’s on track. He expects his herd will be dried off by mid to late May. The cows are on 90% grass and 10% supplements including silage, barely and palm kernel. There’s a bit of rain in the gauge but more is needed. Foggy mornings and beautiful days have blessed western Southland this week. Lambs and bulls have been going to the works and fertiliser is being spread on paddocks. The rams are going out this week and in preparation ewes have all had selenium, iodine and an up-and-go drench with trace elements to boost their overall condition.

Courtesy of Radio New Zealand Country Life You can listen to Country Life on RNZ at 9pm every Friday and 7am on Saturday or on podcast at radionz.co.nz/countrylife

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

Weaner fairs hold up well Weaner fairs and calf sales are now well through and while the new level of pricing seen last year took some adjusting to at the earlier fairs, for the majority, those levels have been maintained throughout the season. Heifers have been one of the highlights of the later fairs with several yards reporting a firm market as the season winds down. At Temuka last Wednesday the Fairlie Basin Section calf sale featured an impressive consignment of 900 traditional hill country calves from Fox Peak Station. This is easily the biggest offering of calves from one property to venture forward to the yards and the vendors were pleased with returns. NORTHLAND Wellsford supplementary weaner bull and steer fair • Angus steers, 197-278kg, eased to $620-$760 • Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 222-309kg, softened to $675$810 • Charolais steers, 185-212kg, held at $670-$720 • Angus-Friesian steers, 143-150kg eased to $500-$555 • Hereford-Friesian steers, 145-193kg, softened to $565-$700 Though the rostrum at WELLSFORD last Monday was packed, the attraction was more of a school holiday outing than buying any of the 1150 weaners offered, and the market eased. Hereford steers sold in two main bands with 156-208kg earning $560-$685, and 217-283kg, $690-$800. AngusFriesian, 242-289kg, came back to $650-$765, and HerefordFriesian, 261-301kg, eased to $750-$840. Bulls traded on a softer market and Hereford-cross, 205211kg, returned $615-$740, and Friesian, 146kg, $500. A consignment of Kiwi-cross, 222- 241kg, earned $420-$555. Wellsford weaner heifer fair • Angus, 181-216kg, eased to $460-$535 • Hereford, 205-248kg, softened to $525-$630 • Angus and Angus-Hereford, 185-270kg, came back to $500-$665 • Angus-Friesian, 136-184kg, softened to $400-$500 • Hereford-Friesian, 153-201kg, eased to $500-$595 It was all action again last Tuesday at WELLSFORD for the weaner heifer fair, with 811 penned. Like the boys the day prior there was a limited buying bench in attendance, and with bidding cautious the market eased. Hereford-cross, 164-237kg, were discounted to $485$545. Charolais, 179-220kg, managed the smallest adjustment, back just $20 at $590-$675. Beef-dairy heifers also softened with Hereford-Friesian, 112-152kg, back to $395-$495. Autumn-born weaners sold to per head budgets, with all 317-344kg earning $800-$810. Kaikohe weaner fair • Top traditional and exotic steers made $780-$890, $3.00-$3.35/kg • Good beef bulls sold to $750-$800, $2.80-$2.90/kg • Friesian bulls, 150-180kg, traded at $550-$610 • Best of the traditional heifers made $600-$700, $2.60-$2.70/kg • A lot of dairy-beef heifers weighed 120-160kg and sold for $350$430 The yards at KAIKOHE were packed as 850 weaners made the journey last Wednesday. Prices were discounted but vendors met the market, with steers selling to expectations while bulls and heifers proved to be harder work, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. Second cuts of traditional and beef-cross steers made $650-$750, $2.80-$2.95/kg, while medium dairy-beef traded at $2.60-$2.70/kg. Medium bulls were a mix of beef and exotic-cross and returned $550-$650, $2.50-$2.70/kg. Heifers sold to limited interest as medium beef and exotic lines made $2.20-$2.60/kg, with crossbred dropping to $2.00-$2.20/kg.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle sale • Prime steers firmed to $2.66-$2.86/kg • Prime heifers also firmed to $2.60-$2.79/kg • Heavy boner cows traded at $2.10-$2.13/kg • Good weaner steers sold for $720-$870, $2.80-$3.00/kg

• Good weaner heifers returned $605-$680, to a top of $3.24/kg Results were very positive at PUKEKOHE on Saturday 13th April, with all classes showing improvement due to recent rain and low supplies. R2 beef and beef-cross steers traded at $2.45-$2.70/kg, while Friesian returned $2.10-$2.30/kg. Light prime heifers sold for $915-$960, $2.40-$2.60/kg, while one pen of bulls made $2000, $3.00/kg. Weaner results were solid and small steers realised $380$550, and medium heifers, $440-$500.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Prime heifer prices eased 10c/kg • Good beef cows fetched $2.04-$2.13/kg • Heavy prime lambs sold to $175 • Top prime ewes returned $223 About 450 prime cattle were yarded at TUAKAU last Wednesday, and the market softened due to a short week and tight kill space, Chris Elliott of PGG Wrightson reported. Prime steer prices eased by 3-4c/kg as heavy lines traded at $2.75-$2.84/kg, and good-medium $2.68-$2.75/kg. Lighter and lesser-bred steers made $2.24-$2.35/kg. The better heifers returned $2.65-$2.70/kg, medium $2.58$2.65/kg and light $2.30-$2.60/kg. Good-medium beef cows fetched $1.95-$2.04/kg, and light $1.65-$1.90/kg. Boner prices also eased as the top Friesian earned $1.85-$1.95/kg, medium $1.50-$1.85/kg, and lighter $1.10-$1.50/kg. Prices were firm at last Monday’s sheep sale. Heavy prime lambs traded at $160-$175, medium $130-$160 and forward-store $105-$130. Lighter stores made $75-$90. Medium prime ewes fetched $100-$130 and light $70-$100.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 341-423kg, softened to $2.58-$2.67/ kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 333-367kg, eased to $2.24-$2.37/kg, and 387-438kg, $2.42-$2.67/kg • Autumn-born one-year beef-dairy steers, 457-520kg, managed $2.47-$2.65/kg • Weaner Angus steers, 173-215kg, eased to $465-$567 • Weaner Hereford bulls, 283kg, topped their section at $750 Throughput decreased slightly at Frankton last Wednesday, and buyers were cautious about taking on long-term options. R2 beef-cross steers, 339-356kg, softened to $2.37-$2.40/ kg. R2 Angus-cross heifers, 403-453kg, held at $2.33-$2.65/ kg, while beef-cross came back 25c/kg. Weaner Hereford-cross steers, 104-216kg, eased to $370-$530, though Hereford-Friesian, 166-215kg, bucked this trend by improving to $620-$635. Traditional weaner heifers, 136-241kg, returned $300-$550, and beef-dairy, 102-207kg, $310-$432. Vetted-in-calf mixed age Hereford cows, 465-503kg, earned $800-$950, though five at 477kg pushed to $1090, and ten Hereford-Friesian, 484kg, $1120. Hea

BAY OF PLENTY

Rangiuru cattle sale • Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 642-651kg, firmed to $2.83-$2.90/

kg, and heifers, 553-585kg, $2.77-$2.80/kg Boner Friesian cows, 424-472kg, firmed to $1.46-$1.52/kg Vetted-in-calf Angus cows made $1160-$1400 R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 313-356kg, held at $2.50-$2.57/kg Good R2 heifers in a 356-430kg range made $2.38-$2.44/kg but lesser types, $2.13-$2.17/kg Cattle tallies exceeded 1000 head again at RANGIURU last Tuesday, with a predominantly mixed quality yarding of store cattle. A consignment of Angus and Angus-Hereford cows were an unusual sight and sold to Waikato. R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 372-376kg, made $2.29-$2.35/ kg, while Angus heifers, 320-384kg, sold for just $2.14$2.16/kg. Autumn-born weaner Angus heifers, 213-235kg, looked buy-able at $465-$600, and 186kg South Devon made $680. Spring-born Friesian heifers, 163-174kg, only reached $198$200, and Hereford, 271kg, $500. Friesian and Friesiancross bulls, 146-195kg, all traded at $250-$375. • • • •

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle sale • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 263kg, sold for $2.72/kg • R2 Charolais-cross heifers, 466kg, made $2.51/kg • Weaner Speckle Park-cross steers, 265kg, earned $860 Last week’s TARANAKI cattle sale struggled, with falling demand putting downward pressure on prices. R2 steers were more resilient with help from outside buyers. Better quality made $2.62-$2.72/kg, while heifers varied although most made $2.23-$2.38/kg. Weaner steers largely sold for $520-$630, while heifers traded in two ranges of $400-$450 and $520-$630. Prime steers sold for $2.51-$2.68/kg, and boner cows, $1.68-$1.79/kg.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime sale • All prime steers, 590-690kg, traded at $2.73-$2.89/kg • Angus and Angus-Hereford cows, 495-606kg, earned $1.91-$2.00/ kg • Very heavy cryptorchid lambs topped their section at $186.50$197 • Heavy and very heavy male lambs returned $141-$180 • Very heavy ewes improved to $162.50-$185 Cattle throughput lifted at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday, and with demand solid the market was positive. Angus-Hereford heifers, 570kg, sold well at $2.79/kg, while seven Simmental-cross cows, 700kg, pushed to $2.05/kg. Prime lamb numbers increased with most heavy males. Very heavy rams eased to $160.50, while very heavy mixed sex traded at $166-$182, and the balance, $110-$162. Good ewe lambs softened to $134.50-$138.50. Ewes numbers dropped and most improved. Very heavy types earned $162.50-$185, with heavy improving to $153$160.50, and good, $134-$140. Light-medium to medium earned $103-$119. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • Medium to good male lambs came back to $111-$120 • Medium-good mixed sex lambs traded at $97-$110 • Good ewe lambs made $104-$122 • R2 Hereford-Friesian and beef-cross steers, 413-449kg, made $2.60-$2.67/kg • R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford heifers, 363-404kg, fetched $1030$1080, $2.67-$2.84/kg Bigger entries of lambs and a lack of rain meant prices eased $5 at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday. One line of heavy cryptorchid made $142, and light, $91-$102. Light to medium ewe lambs made $85-$108. A line of run-withram ewes from Rotorua sold within value at $136. Cattle prices reflected that most lines had dairy-blood, but quality was sought and paid for. Most R2 beef, beefcross and beef-Friesian steers and heifers, traded at $2.60$2.70/kg. Weaner Angus heifers, 225kg, made $675, while Friesian bulls, 216-257kg, eased to $510-$600. Two lighter lines at 149-175kg earned $480.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle, sheep and calves • Angus-cross cows, 545kg, softened to $1.77/kg • Friesian boner cows, 467-525kg, eased to $1.50-$1.64/kg, and 538-610kg, $1.61-$1.70/kg • Very heavy ewes improved to $156-$158 • Heavy ewe lambs improved to $131-$149.50 • Very heavy mixed sex lambs eased to $150-174.50, and heavy, $131-$148 Cows once again made up the majority at FEILDING last Monday, and all softened with prime, 458-870kg, back to $1.64-$1.80/kg. Ewe throughput lifted and prices were steady to lifting. Medium-good to good held at $107-$136, and lightmedium to medium, $74.50-$96.50.

SALE YARD WRAP

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019

• • • •

R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 385kg, made $2.49/kg Weaner Angus steers, 185-210kg, were $660-$695, $3.29-$3.55/kg The median prime lamb price was stable at $144 Good store lambs were steady, mainly making $105-$116 It was a bit of a tough day for the 150 store cattle on offer at COALGATE last Wednesday. R2 steers and heifers were mainly beef-dairy types and came back another 10c/kg on the previous week. Some traditional R2 heifers, 345kg, were the strongest per kilo at $2.54/kg. The calves were a varied mix, with 140-165kg Angus heifer and mixed sex lines making $500-$550. Store lambs were steady through the better cuts, but fell away on the poorer quality types, which were the majority. Medium store lambs were $90-$101, light $79-$86, and very light $60-$75. Prime lambs and ewes both made similar values to past weeks. Prime lambs were mainly $130-$159, and mid-range prime ewes, $121-$149.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY

TOP LINE: Carrfields agent Angus Schaw sold this consignment of well-bred Romney ewe lambs from Forest-Home Farms, Wakarara, at Stortford Lodge last week. The first cut, pictured, made $122 and was sold for breeding while the second cut made $114.50.

Prime lamb numbers decreased, with prices mixed. Heavy cryptorchid and male lambs eased to $131-$144, while very heavy males improved to $152-$173.50. Forward store types returned $121-$128. Friesian bull calves traded at $160-$300. HerefordFriesian bulls returned $200-$375, and heifers $80-$185. Rongotea cattle sale • R3 beef-cross steers, 455-561kg, made $2.52-$2.54/kg, and heifers, 325-345kg, $2.40-$2.46/kg • R2 beef-cross heifers, 316-370kg, sold for $2.21-$2.36/kg • Weaner Charolais-cross heifers, 132-147kg, traded at $430-$480 • Good Hereford-Friesian bull calves sold to $360 • Boner Friesian cows, 491-588kg, held at $1.54-$1.57/kg Prices for some cattle at RONGOTEA last Wednesday struggled to meet vendors’ expectations, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent John Watson reported. R3 Hereford-Friesian bulls, 380-620kg, earned $2.40-$2.66/kg, and R2 crossbred, 295-440kg, $2.27-$2.38/kg. A good number of weaner cattle were penned and Friesian bulls, 127-217kg, made $310-$570, and HerefordFriesian, 118-245kg, $360-$660. Heifers made reasonable values with Angus and Hereford-Friesian trading at $345$635, though lesser dairy-cross were off that pace. Calf quality improved and Friesian bulls made $150-$250, and beef-cross, $160-$290. Hereford-Friesian and Anguscross heifers sold for $150-$230. Feilding store sale • R2 beef-cross steers, 395-400kg, were $2.76-$2.78/kg • Weaner beef-cross steers, 140-145kg, made $555-$565 • Good ewe lambs were $110-$117.50 • Medium-to-light ewe lambs mainly made $90-$102 • Heavy ram and cryptorchid lambs were ranged from $119-$137 Only a hundred cattle were on offer at FEILDING last Thursday, with a change of sale day due to Good Friday. Prices mainly reflected the varied quality and few meaningful trends could be seen. The sheep were similarly empty, only yarding a little more than three thousand store lambs. A small gallery of buyers mostly paid a little less than the previous week, though mixed quality had a large bearing on what was paid. All lambs sold averaged $112. Feilding weaner heifer fair • Traditional heifers, 230-270kg, lifted to $3.05-$3.36/kg • Better 190-225kg traditional heifers were $2.86-$3.14/kg • All 155-180kg traditional heifers received $500-$575 • Charolais-cross heifers, 240-280kg, were $725-$765 • Exotic heifers, 215-245kg, eased to $2.72-$2.88/kg A thousand heifers were on offer at FEILDING last Wednesday, with the bulk traditional and a sprinkling of exotics which came in from similar properties to the fair the day prior. Heavy, quality heifers were in demand, with 230kg plus traditional making a 20c/kg premium on the previous week. It was a mixed bag through the mid-weights on all breeds, with some selling on a firm market while others were at a clear discount. On average traditional heifers were $3.09/kg for 210kg, and exotics $2.86/kg for 230kg. Feilding weaner steer and bull fair • Traditional steers, 265-295kg, were $3.55-$3.75/kg • Traditional steers, 230-250kg, usually made $3.49-$3.69/kg • Traditional steers, 205-225kg, went for $3.69-$3.85/kg

• Exotic steers, 245-295kg, sold at $3.33-$3.44/kg • Exotic steers, 185-240kg, ranged across $3.45-$3.74/kg Another yarding of more than 2000 weaner steers and bulls sold at FEILDING last Tuesday, without too much weakness despite the volume. Once again later-born calves from reputable stations made a clear premium above anything else. This was obvious in the lighter cuts where 185-205kg traditional steers were split into two bands of $765-$800 and $680-$735. There was a small premium on calves wearing Angus Pure tags too. On average traditional steers eased 10c/kg to $3.67/kg at 225kg. Bulls were an odd mix of mainly Angus and Angus-cross. A line of 235kg Angus were the strongest at $3.55/kg, $830.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • Canterbury Park cattle and sheep Medium-good to good mixed sex lambs traded at $102-$113 • Heavy ewe lambs sold for $105-$114 • Most prime lambs held at $100-$149 • Prime beef-cross steers, 480-663kg, eased to $2.51-$2.59/kg • R2 traditional heifers, 375-415kg, eased to $2.48/kg Volume increased at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday, with extra lambs and store cattle penned. Medium and longer-term store lambs took preference over short term, though overall prices eased. Heavy mixed sex made $107-$121, and lighter $70-$104. Top prime lambs reached $150-$177, and very heavy ewes still made $197$252, with most of the balance at $116-$158. Two short kill weeks affected prime cattle and most prices eased, though Hereford-cross heifers, 480-525kg, held at $2.44/kg. Mixed quality and limited interest impacted prices for store cattle. R2 beef-cross steers, 431-446kg, made $2.67$2.76/kg, and Friesian-cross, 383-455kg, $2.11-$2.17/kg. Canterbury Park calf sale • Angus steers, 223-304kg, softened to $810-$1025, and 159-190kg, $550-$680 • Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 210-249kg, eased to $780$870 • Charolais-cross steers, 195-275kg, were well sought earning $665-$900, $3.22-$3.41/kg • Angus heifers, 179-277kg, eased to $510-$745 • Charolais-cross heifers, 166-260kg, improved to $520-$805, $3.05-$3.14/kg Just under 1150 quality calves were penned at Canterbury Park last Tuesday, with some very good shopping. Heavy steers lost 20-29c/kg on average, whilst light to mid-range traded at a 5-13c/kg discount. Autumn-born beef steers, 318-342kg, sold well at $1000-$1060, $3.02-$3.15/kg. Angus-Hereford steers, 259-289kg, returned $760-$995, and Hereford, 236-248kg, $770-$805, $3.25-$3.27/kg. Heifers were hard work, with mid-range to heavy types discounted 40-50c/kg for most, and $2.60-$2.85/kg common ground. Angus & Angus-Hereford heifers, 213-261kg, managed $585-$660, while Angus-Hereford, 283-306kg, held at $785$870, $2.52-$2.74/kg. Angus & Angus-Hereford bulls, 156-194kg, returned $500$580, $2.71-$2.98/kg. Coalgate cattle and sheep • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 320-455kg, fell to $2.03-$2.20/kg

Temuka prime and boner cattle, all sheep • Good wether lambs sold for $103-$114 • Medium to good mixed sex lambs eased to $90-$116 • Medium ewe lambs lifted to $90-$106 • Angus steers, 542-780kg, traded at $2.63-$2.73/kg • Boner Friesian cows, 398-503kg, held at $1.36-$1.46/k A year to the day that sheep volume at TEMUKA peaked it has done it again, with 11,000 yarded, including 8852 store lambs. Per head buying on lighter lambs resulted in a solid market with $70-$106 common, though better lines eased. Heavy prime lambs held value at $150-$180, though longer term types eased to $100-$149. Ewe volume was limited and prices steady, though a range of quality meant they varied from $80 to $159. Mixed age Romney ewes, runwith-ram, sold for $138-$155. With supply and demand for prime and boner cattle wellmatched markets remained mostly steady. Good prime heifers traded at $2.34-$2.48/kg regardless of breed, while Friesian and Friesian-cross bulls varied from $2.40-$2.46/ kg for the better yielding lines, down to $2.10-$2.18/kg. Good boner cows sold to $1.45-$1.58/kg Temuka calf sale – Fairlie section • Angus steers, 205-240kg, sold for $785-$890 • Angus steers, 156-195kg, returned $690-$760 • Angus-Hereford steers, 180-230kg, made $740-$870 • Angus heifers, 200-230kg, traded at $650-$785 • Angus-Hereford heifers, 155-212kg, held at $550-$665 Just over 2100 calves made up the Temuka calf sale – Fairlie Section last Wednesday. 900 were from Fox Peak Station and consisted of 500 steers and 400 heifers. Big tallies meant the opportunity to buy big lines of calves, with some offering 60 to 130 head. Steer prices held, while the heifer market had a firm tone. Top Angus steers sold for $1000, while Charolais-cross, 228-268kg, made $770-$930. Heifers sold over two main ranges with the top cuts making $665-$785 across all breeds, and much of the balance, $420-$655. Top heifer price was $830 for AngusHereford.

OTAGO Balclutha sheep sale • Prime lambs held, with heavy types at $130-$145, and medium $110-$125 • Heavy ewes firmed to $140-$158 • Medium to good store lambs eased to $90-$110, and light, $70$85 A good sized yarding of prime sheep greeted those attending the Balclutha sale last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson agent Russell Moloney reported. Prices mainly held, with third cuts of lambs making $100-$110, while medium ewes made $120-$130, and light, $60-$100.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep sale • Heavy prime lambs held at $139-$151, but medium and light types firmed to $116-$138 • Store lambs held at $60-$108 • Good and medium boner cows firmed to $1.35-$1.50/kg, and light held at $1.20-$1.30/kg • R2 Friesian steers, 440kg, firmed to $2.09/kg • R2 Hereford-cross steers, 480kg, made $2.39/kg and heifers, 370kg, $2.29/kg Despite the days getting shorter and colder demand was still solid at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday. Ewe prices firmed, and heavy types made $134-$168, medium $110-$127 and light, $79-$97. Rams sold for $74-$116. Cattle volume reduced, with most found in the prime pens. Good steers eased slightly to $2.40-$2.42/kg, while beef heifers made $2.20-$2.38/kg. Dairy heifers firmed to $1.80-$2.00/kg. R2 Friesian-cross steers, 478kg, earned $2.15/kg, and weaner Hereford-cross bulls, 168kg, $495.

Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 22, 2019 NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER BULL

NI SLAUGHTER STEER

($/KG)

TRADITIONAL STEERS, 225KG, AT WELLSFORD WEANER FAIR

($/KG)

($/HD)

7.25

4.80

5.45

675

high $90-$116 lights Good mixed sex

$805 -$830 Angus heifers, 250265kg, at Feilding Weaner Fair

lambs at Temuka

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Friesian bull prices align with 2015

GOOD PRICES: West Wanaka Station’s calves wait for the PGG Wrightson auctioneers at the Upper Clutha Calf Sale on Tuesday.

Weaner buyers in paradise

Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

UYERS drove into the Upper Clutha high country for Tuesday’s annual weaner sales and made the most of the sunny conditions, buying good calves at good prices. “It was our third on-farm day since the Cromwell yards closed and the first fine day so buyers saw what paradise is like,” PGG Wrightson’s Otago regional livestock manager John Duffy said. Across the four locations and seven vendors 1214 calves were sold at an average of $840. About 45 buyers were registered, attracted by the traditional breeds and well-bred calves, all Angus or Anguscross or Herefords. “They’ve got good reputations, all from quality cow families and the vendors get in the best bulls so there are a lot of repeat buyers,” Duffy said. The sale started just under Mt Aspiring at Mt Aspiring Station then moved to the biggest sale at West Wanaka Station then to Alpha Burn Station at Glendhu Bay before heading to Hillend Station in

Cardrona Valley where smaller numbers were also brought in from Highlandburn Partnership, The Larches and Avalon Station. With a favourable spring and summer cows had done very well and the calves showed the benefit being healthy with good, shiny coats.

Buyers are more cautious and the vendors are accepting that and they’re both quite happy. John Duffy PGG Wrightson Sale numbers were similar to last year with prices back some but not to the extent of earlier weaner sales around the country where prices have been down $100 to $150 a head. “The average wasn’t too far behind and some of the top prices for the top Angus and Angus-cross steers were close to last year,” Duffy said. In that category demand was really

strong and prices ranged from $1000 to $1130. Medium offerings were $850 to $950. The top Hereford steers were $890 and mediums $810. The top Hereford bull calves fetched $1050 to $1070 and medium animals $920. Among the heifers the top HerefordAngus sold at $820 for breeding and straight Angus from $605 to $775 with the best-priced of those also having a breeding future. Other heifers were sold for finishing with medium Angus-cross at $650 to $730 and Herefords at $540 to $625. Most vendors keep their better heifers for breeding and the calves on offer were mainly a bit lighter. Duffy said the on-farm sales were the most balanced and fairest of the last three years with prices over the last couple of years being at levels where buyers struggled for margins as they fattened the stock. “Buyers are more cautious and the vendors are accepting that and they’re both quite happy.” Quite a few of the calves were bought by buyers around the Wanaka region with others heading to Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury, North Otago and Southland.

FOUR-YEAR lows for schedule prices, dry conditions and that Mycoplasma bovis cloud that just doesn’t seem to dissipate are all impacting on Friesian bull prices this year, with prices looking set to align with 2015 levels. A market correction has been noted already this year with prices coming off the high levels seen in peak of 2016-17 when prices at North Island yards such as Feilding, Frankton and Stortford Lodge started at $2.60/kg but peaked at about $3.40/kg for R2 Friesian bulls. Recently AgriHQ’s Livestock Insight quoted paddock prices for R2 Friesian bulls, 400kg LW, at $2.40/kg with quotes ranging from $2.30$2.55/kg. Compared with the previous year’s $2.65/kg, current levels are trading at a 15-35c/ kg LW deficit though that is relative to schedule prices for M2 bull with a 35c/kg CW decrease at this time last year. However, despite that correction, this year’s prices alone have come a long way in the last 10 years, like all classes of cattle. In 2008 those selling bulls were budgeting on prices of $1.60-$1.77/kg but roll forward to 2018 and $2.72-$2.84/kg averages were common. That’s an increase of $1.08-$1.12/kg though not all years showed improvement. From 2009 to 2012 prices lifted on average 10-20c/kg year-onyear but drought saw a correction in 2012-13 by a similar level. From there prices continued to climb and the 2014-15 season showed the biggest lift of 30-40c/kg, with a further 15-30c/ kg added in 2015-16. In a nutshell, compared to historical data this year’s prices are still relatively high but, of course, bulls are one class of livestock where buyers stick firmly to budgets calculated from schedule prices and outlooks and can prove to be a tough crowd. Looking back over the historical data it is interesting to see the growth in volume of Friesian bulls available at the yards. In 2007 and 2008 the only significant entries to be found were at Feilding and Frankton but fast-forward to recent times and the likes of those two yards and also Stortford Lodge and Temuka now offer significantly more in the way of volume. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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