Farmers Weekly NZ November 23 2020 by AgriHQ

Vol 19 No 44, November 23, 2020

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Brexit frustrations mount Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

EW ZEALAND trade officials have given the European Union and the UK another earful over their plans to carve up agricultural import quotas at the end of the year. European quotas for NZ sheepmeat, dairy and beef are due to be split between the pair when the UK completes its exit from the EU on December 31. The quota is to be divided up between the UK and the remaining 27 member states of the EU based on how much NZ exporters sold into those respective markets between 2013 and 2015. NZ has long opposed the split, which it says reduces the value of the existing quota by curtailing the flexibility of exporters to move between the two markets and is illegal under international trade rules. In the case of sheepmeat, NZ’s current right to sell 228,000 tonnes without incurring a cent in tariffs would be divided down the middle between the UK and continental Europe so that NZ exporters could only sell up to 114,000t to either before tariffs kick in. At the most recent meeting of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Committee on Market Access on November 12, officials from NZ criticised the UK and EU’s “limited engagement” with concerns from a number of WTO members about the proposal to split the quotas. “The time is now for the EU and the UK to demonstrate it has

heard these concerns and that it is ready to bring to the table meaningful answers to address them,” a NZ official said. Any changes to market access arrangements should be in line with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade which states no WTO member should be left worse off by any trade agreement by any other member, the official said. NZ’s comments were endorsed by Russia, the United States, Canada, India, Australia, Mexico, Paraguay and Uruguay. The EU said it was continuing to consult WTO members, declaring “good progress” was made at the last round of talks in October. “The EU welcomed the increased engagement of many members and said it stood ready to make progress paving the way towards a constructive finalisation of discussions with as many members as possible by the end of the year,” a WTO official said. “In the same vein, the UK reiterated its commitment to engaging in good faith with members in … negotiations and to building on the progress and constructive conversations of recent negotiations.” Geneva-based journalist and former WTO official Peter Ungphakorn says because the UK remained part of the customs union until the transition period expired at the end of the year, it could not yet officially deviate from the proposal it agreed with the EU for splitting the quotas. “After the transition it is free to do what it wants,” he said. “Taken at surface value at least, some of the language used suggests the UK might be more flexible than the EU. “It’s possible that after the transition, the UK might be willing

POSITION: Former World Trade Organisation official Peter Ungphakorn says because the UK remained part of the customs union until the transition period expired at the end of the year, it could not yet officially deviate from the proposal it agreed with the EU.

to expand some quotas through a memorandum of understanding or some other document. “It could certainly be done through new free trade agreements, which would bypass the WTO process completely.” NZ has previously opposed bypassing the WTO and said trade agreements with the EU and the UK were to improve market access and not restore rights withdrawn illegally. However, Ungaphakorn says a case at the WTO could be difficult for NZ to win. “Some lawyers argue that the UK and EU are fully within their rights to split the quotas this

way under WTO law,” he said. “They say WTO law treats quotas purely as numbers, not the commercial value of access to the markets. “If they are right, then the other countries stand little chance of winning a legal challenge in the WTO.” The Meat Industry Association’s chief executive Sirma Karapeeva was not convinced legal action was NZ’s best bet. “The Government is continuing to put pressure on the EU and the UK to come to the table and I think that has to be the first course of action to try and collectively resolve this in some constructive

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ROUND THE FARM TABLE Chef and good keen man Al Brown chats to BFEA entrants from around the country and finds they’re committed to sustainable farming – and growing delicious food.

At any one time there are up to 250,000 seedlings on Stephen and Sam Wade’s Lynwood Avocado Nursery in Whangarei – in fact, half of all the avocados planted in New Zealand started their life here.

Stephen: Yeah, ‘Trees for the people, trees for the planet’ is our vision. Sam wrote it, and at its simplest that is exactly what we do. Avocado trees are a sequester of carbon for the life of the tree!

It’s a far cry from when Stephen’s parents John and Pamela took a punt and planted their first avocado trees on their grazing farm in 1983. None of the family had ever eaten an avocado let alone grown them!

Sam: But we look to make a difference everywhere – from capturing sunlight in our insulated greenhouses, to using sustainable waste products for potting. We hand-water to ensure no excess usage and return any waste organic material back into our own orchard, which not only acts as mulch but improves our soil structure.

“In the early days, none of us knew how to grow avocados. We compared ourselves to our equally fresh neighbours and were just happy if we were doing equally well – or badly!” laughs Stephen Today Lynwood Avocado Nursery is the country’s largest avocado nursery (13ha), producing some of the world’s best avocado trees, and supplying New Zealand orchards, retail nurseries and customers around the world. As the nursery has grown, so too has the Wade’s vision to create lasting, positive change for their farm, region and industry, picking up three awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, which has opened doors for them to continue to learn and share their knowledge. Al Brown chats to them to find out more. Al. I saw your vision on your website – it’s awesome. Would you say that is the basis of your business?

Al. It’s no wonder you’ve done so well in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards! Sam: Yes, the awards have been great for us. We found it fantastic meeting judges with such a breadth of experience. Having them run an independent eye over everything we do and adding constructive feedback has been so valuable. They gave us insight that we are often too busy to see. Al. And I know that you have held open days at the nursery, so the sharing continues. What’s your advice for those who are starting out? Stephen: We’ve always believed you never stop learning, so being open to new ideas from everywhere is really important. Even after 35 years we’re still trialling new things every day. I’ve realised the more I know, the more I don’t know.

No.2 Stephen and Sam Wade. Plant propagators/ horticulturalists, Lynwood Avocado Nursery, Maunu, Whangarei

WITH

Al. I love that you’re always looking ahead. Over the next 20 years, what’s going to make NZ ag and hort famous on a global stage do you think? Sam: As a country we have an amazing story to tell based on great soils, abundant water, and strong ethical, environmental and safety standards, so I think there’s a real opportunity there to bridge the gap between rural and urban, by reconnecting people to the source of their food. Stephen: Going forward, we’ll need to optimise land use, so we’ll see more horticulture. But equally, our incredible grass-fed and free-range dairy and meat products will always play a vital role in our economy.

NTIL SALAD LE d n a O D A C O V A Y M TRY STRAIGHT A T E F D E P IP H W H IT W ERY. FROM LYNWOOD NURS

Al. Speaking of products, how good is an avocado?! What’s your favourite variety? Stephen: My absolute favourite is a perfectly ripe, nutty and creamy Hass avocado. There’s barely a meal that goes by that doesn’t include avocado. Al. So, there’s avocados included on the menu for dinner at yours then. Who are you inviting? Stephen: I’m going to say . . . David Attenborough who might impart some of his wisdom, Winston Churchill to give one of his famous speeches, and Jeremy Coney to tell a few jokes and talk cricket. Sam: Sam Hunt who is a national treasure and wordsmith, Billy Conolly for a good laugh and Kupe to hear about his fantastic journey and discovery of our beautiful unspoilt land.

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The Ballance Farm Environment Awards is a pan-sector programme that promotes best practice, sustainable farming and growing. To join the journey or find out more, visit nzfeatrust.org.nz

NEWS

ON FARM STORY

34 Business diversity brings rewards

Simon and Pip Todhunter run a diversified farmingbased business on the Kaikoura coast, which means they have plenty of balls in the air to keep an eye on.

REGULARS Newsmaker �� 28 New Thinking �� 29

20 Dairy company cleans up at Biosecurity Awards

Editorial �� 30

Taupo-based dairy company Miraka was the big winner at the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards held in Wellington last Monday night.

Pulpit �� 31 Opinion �� 32 On Farm Story �� 34-35 World �� 36 Real Estate �� 37-45 Employment �� 46 Classifieds �� 47 Livestock �� 48-51 Weather �� 53

17 Show’s livestock entries

Markets �� 52-56

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Although some of the larger A & P events like Canterbury’s New Zealand Agricultural Show and the Hawke’s Bay Show could only run much-reduced programmes this year, with no family fun days out because of covid-19, others have been more fortunate.

28 Back to the future The shortage and absence of foreign backpackers looking for work has orchardists worried fruit may be left unpicked.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

SWAG looks to industry for funds Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE new Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) is open for contributions as it targets a working budget. The SWAG company is now established and incorporated and over the coming 12 months aims to raise $700,000 from industry to fund the necessary activities of the company’s work. SWAG Ltd, charged with identifying opportunities to increase demand and value for New Zealand produced strong wool, has a mandated two-year lifespan from its incorporation at which time it is then required to liquidate the company. With the operations of SWAG jointly funded by industry and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), given the national importance of the work envisaged, MPI will contribute on a matched basis of 80% of the funding for industry 20%. The industry target of $700,000 matched by MPI funding is hoped to secure a total operational budget of about $3 million. “The Government see the SWAG project as an essential catalyst of change within the wool sector and is endorsing this project by agreeing to match all industry contributions, so this is a unique opportunity for SWAG to leverage your contribution to fund this vital project,” SWAG said in a written document to potential industry contributors. Contributions confirmed to date include $50,000 each from Alliance, Affco, Anzco, Silver Fern Farms, Ovation, NZ Wool Scours, and Landcorp, $25,000. Others tagged as future contributors include wool exporters, wool brokers, merchants, test houses, WRONZ, shearing contractors and larger sheep stations. SWAG chair Rob Hewett says industry contributors have

been led by the five major meat processors with wool specific interests now joining the effort. Hewett says as the project ascertains more firm costings, the size of the investment required will be determined. “We are conscious of the costings as we establish and develop the pathway with the workload changing as it matures,” he said.

Yes, we know the strong wool industry is in a bad way, but do we need to be doubling up with very little accountability, no impact on the market or returns to growers and the national council for wool interests getting no communication and no feedback? Craig Smith NZ Wool Council

“We are really pleased with the level of support we have got from contributors to date and heartened with the general understanding of wider industry support of the strong wool sector. “We are number one consumercustomer focused, and we need to do things differently.” SWAG has been portioned into three groups; one dealing with consumer-focused work; a second group is dealing with the industry good standards, data collection and training requirements; the third is helping to coordinate and support the chief executive. Engagement is underway with international consumer research and product development

companies to better understand consumer-focused market opportunities and how to reach these consumers. “We are heartened by the responses from market discussions with strong interest within these companies as they see the emerging consumer opportunities around strong wool applications combined with our NZ back story,” Hewett said. The consumer understanding project, working with IDEO out of San Francisco, is expected to be completed by March 2021 when defined market and product opportunities will become clearer. In addition, MPI has completed a domestically-focused environmental scan to give SWAG a better understanding of who is undertaking innovative work with strong wool in NZ. “Where these entities are comfortable with it, MPI is introducing them to SWAG,” he said. “It is important that SWAG is aware of companies who are producing strong wool products that meet consumer expectations and demands already so we can incorporate these entities in the eventual set of recommendations to MPI,” Hewett said. The National Council of NZ Wool Interests (NCNZWI) believes SWAG is double-dipping government funding and doubling up on the already W3: Wool Unleashed Government PGP programme with the NZ Merino Company. The W3, a $22m seven-year programme, kicked off in 2016 aiming to deliver premiums for NZ’s strong wool sector from applying a customer-led approach to wool production and processing to develop products that align with customer preferences. “The wool industry is very frustrated at the lack of information and direction,” council chair Craig Smith said.

SUPPORT: SWAG chair Rob Hewett says industry contributors have been led by the five major meat processors with wool specific interests now joining the effort.

“To us as an industry we look to be doubling up again – same funding, same money and no one is prepared to give us answers with no responses to our interest from either SWAG or MPI. “We are five years into the seven-year (W3) programme, $11.54m has been spent, that we know of, but there’s been no June or September quarterly reports issued and no answers, no real benefits of that money spent and wool prices are at an all-time low.

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“Yes, we know the strong wool industry is in a bad way, but do we need to be doubling up with very little accountability, no impact on the market or returns to growers and the national council for wool interests getting no communication and no feedback?” Hewett declined to comment on the W3 Unleashed programme. “And we (SWAG) will work with anyone who wants to work with us,” he said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

No evidence of export covid claims Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz NEW Zealand officials believe cross-contamination is the cause of a sample that tested positive for covid-19 found on NZ meat packaging in China. Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor says authorities in the Chinese city of Jinan have confirmed the sample taken from packaging on a shipment of NZ tripe has tested positive for coronavirus’ genetic material. The NZ consignment was stored in a cold storage facility along with meat products from other countries.

We have no visibility of how the product is handled and distributed once it clears a port in China. Sirma Karapeeva MIA “There is no evidence that the New Zealand product was the source of covid-19 on the packaging of products in the cold store facility,” O’Connor said in a statement. Meat Industry Association (MIA) chief executive Sirma Karapeeva agrees. “It (the cross-contamination) was after being stored alongside

product from other countries,” she said. “Furthermore, we have no visibility of how the product is handled and distributed once it clears a port in China. “The risk of covid-19 transmission by food or food packaging is also negligible.” Government and industry officials are working with their Chinese counterparts and have stressed NZ has rigid covid-19 controls in place and a record of managing the disease. “New Zealand food and fibre exporters have responded well to managing the risk of covid-19 transmission, keeping their workers and product safe, and their exports flowing,” O’Connor said. Karapeeva says the meat industry has implemented protocols with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which provides guidance and a minimum standard processors must meet. “The protocol, which is consistent with other industries and guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), means we have a robust first line of defence against the transmission of the virus,” she said. The industry is also closely watching and reviewing international developments about transmission and is taking advice from experts such as the NZ Food Safety Science Research Centre about how to respond to these emerging risks as knowledge about the virus grows.

NO PROOF: Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor says there is no evidence that the New Zealand product was the source of the covid-19.

China rebukes meddling Five Eyes STOCKS exposed to China, including A2 Milk, Synlait Milk and the Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund, will be in for a rough ride after the Five Eyes security alliance – Australia, Canada, the US, UK and New Zealand – called on China to “stop undermining the rights of the people of Hong Kong,” prompting a speedy response from the world’s most populous nation. NZ joined its allies in condemning new rules to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong, just days after signing the Regional Comprehensive and Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade and investment pact, spearheaded by China. “The disqualification rules appear part of a concerted campaign to silence all critical voices,” the alliance said in a

joint statement. “We call on China to stop undermining the rights of the people of Hong Kong to elect their representatives in keeping with the Joint Declaration and Basic Law and we urge the Chinese central authorities to reconsider their actions.” Hong Kong last week expelled four opposition members from its legislature after Beijing gave city authorities new powers to curb dissent. China was quick to respond. “No matter how many ‘eyes’ you have, be careful not to be poked and get blind by harming China’s sovereignty, security and development interests,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a news conference on Thursday, the state-owned Global Times reported.

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Separately, state-owned Xinhua quoted Zhao as saying “we deplore and firmly oppose relevant country’s fingerpointing over China’s Hong Kong affairs, which is a flagrant violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations.” China accounts for about 20% of NZ’s goods exports – twice that to Australia – and any political tensions raise the prospect of trade retaliation, especially for dairy exporters. NZ exports into China are already facing some headwinds after Jinan city authorities in China confirmed a sample taken from packaging on a shipment of NZ tripe tested positive for covid-19 genetic material, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. – BusinessDesk

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Redress bill hits Alliance profit Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz A $20 MILLION provision to settle historic employee entitlements has taken the gloss off Alliance Group’s annual result for 2019-20. The underlying pre-tax profit was $27.4 million, but the $20m adjustment for settling a claim with the NZ Meat Workers Union, known as doffing and donning, has reduced that to $7.5m. This compares to a $20.1m pretax profit in 2019. There will be no profit distribution this year. Last year $9m was paid to 4300 farmer shareholders. Turnover was a record $1.8 billion, up on the $1.7b recorded a year earlier. Assets were $70m higher than 2019 due in part to higher inventories, $135m compared to $105m.

The underlying result, if you had told me six months ago we would have achieved that result, I would have laughed at you. Murray Taggart Chair Murray Taggart says this was due to market disruption from covid-19 but also a higher than expected September kill, especially beef. He described the co-operative’s financial performance as credible given the disruption and volatility from covid-19. “The underlying result, if you had told me six months ago we would have achieved that result, I would have laughed at you,” Taggart said. Difficulties faced by the co-

operative extended to farmers when plants could not be run at capacity due to covid-19 provisions. But that was not all they faced. “Like many businesses, we have been impacted by the pandemic, however our farmers also experienced extreme weather, including drought, snow and flooding in parts of the country, and difficult growing conditions,” he said. The doffing and donning provision stems from successful legal action taken against the industry by the NZ Meat Workers Union seeking financial compensation for the time and wages lost as workers change out of and into safety gear at meal breaks. Taggart says Alliance has had constructive discussions with the union about resolving what is a significant and complex issue for the industry. He praised the 5000-strong workforce and farmer-suppliers for their response to disruption caused by covid-19. As countries went into lockdown and food service channels ground to a halt, Taggart says sales and marketing teams displayed agility and diverted product, and changed format for sales into different markets. Chief executive David Surveyor says the end of year result excludes money the company may be eligible for under the Government Wage Subsidy Scheme. “Alliance and the Ministry of Social Development are currently working in a principled and constructive manner to resolve the amount Alliance is entitled to retain,” he said. “None of this amount will be recognised until discussions with the Ministry of Social Development are complete. “The co-operative has already returned money that was not required for the purpose of retaining jobs and income.”

SILVER LINING: Alliance Group’s chief executive David Surveyor says the result excludes money the company may be eligible for under the Government Wage Subsidy Scheme.

Taggart says Alliance has returned more than half the $34.3m it received but because the scheme is based on forward assumptions, the status of the remainder is not clear. Surveyor says Alliance increased its market share for all species but especially cattle, with numbers growing 50% over the past five years, reaching 300,000 this year. Capital expenditure includes projects to lift capacity at the Smithfield and Dannevirke plants and a $5m programme to reconfigure the venison plant at Lorneville near Invercargill to also process cattle. Alliance is also investing $12.5m in new processing technology at Lorneville and another $3.2 million to upgrade the plant’s Engine Room 2. Looking ahead Taggart says there is some nervousness about growing protectionism among

countries and the impact of government policies on farming, especially afforestation and freshwater. He described the farming impact of the Government’s Essential Freshwater reforms as “huge.” “No one thinks it is wrong not to have ambition for higher water quality, but when you look at the impact of the regulations in their unfettered form, they have been poorly conceived, they are impractical and when you tally up the impact on the economy, it is economic vandalism,” Taggart said. “When people measure the quality of water coming out of Department of Conservation (managed) land and it does not meet quality standards, what hope have farmers got?” Taggart was equally critical of policies that allow companies to

offset their carbon emissions by planting trees saying it swallowed up farmland yet did not reduce emissions. There is also concern at growing trade protection. “The trend was happening before covid-19, but the pandemic has made people focus on food security,” he said. It was not yet affecting trade to any great degree, but Taggart says the splitting of NZ’s sheepmeat quota between the EU and UK and the issue with a covid-19 sample found on beef packaging in China, are trends the meat industry is watching closely. He described markets in Asia and China as strong, online and home delivery business as growing, and lamb prices as still historically strong. However, venison and its reliance on foodservice was struggling.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

RCEP could bring big NZ export gains Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com NEW Zealand’s inclusion in the world’s largest trade agreement could go some way to solving a billion dollar problem for the meat industry. Last week NZ, along with Australia, China, South Korea, Japan and the 10 countries of ASEAN, signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) after beginning negotiations in 2012. The door has been left open for India to rejoin the agreement after it left last November. The current RCEP countries account for 30% of global population and economic output, eclipsing the 11-country Comprehensive and Progressive TransPacific Partnership, which accounts for 13% of world GDP, which NZ is also a part of. Before the withdrawal of the United States in 2017, the then-TransPacific Partnership accounted for 36% of world GDP. Unlike other trade deals, the benefits to NZ’s agricultural exporters from the lowering of tariffs are minor. That’s because NZ already has agreements with all of the countries involved to lower or eliminate tariffs.

RCEP at a glance • Signed by NZ, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China and the 10 countries of the ASEAN trading bloc (Thailand, BruneiDarussalam, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia). • Estimated net boost to NZ’s GDP of $2b by 2045. • Two-thirds of gains from lowering of non-tariff barriers to goods exports. • Small gains from elimination of 5% tariff on sheep meat and beef exports to Indonesia. • Expected to enter into force in 2022.

In addition, some of the tariffs that remained from those previous agreements weren’t up for negotiation in RCEP. According to an analysis for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), tariff reductions across all of RCEP will actually deduct $410 million, or 0.08%, from GDP as NZ exporters lose some of their competitive advantage from previous tariffbusting deals to rivals who are getting the advantage of lower tariffs for the first time. More happily, there are bigger gains predicted for NZ exporters from other parts of the agreement. These include $1.7 billion from the lowering of non-tariff barriers and another $410m of benefits from streamlining customs procedures. The Meat Industry Association’s Sirma Karapeeva says the agreement contained a number of provisions that would be helpful to meat exporters. These included an expectation all goods should be cleared by customs authorities within 48 hours, and perishable goods within six hours. “A six hour clearance process is hugely fast and will be really beneficial for our chilled meat exports into that region,” she said. Improving procedures for allocating import licenses would also be helpful. In 2016, the Government won a World Trade Organisation (WTO) case against Indonesia for using import licensing rules to block NZ beef. To get the licenses, Indonesian importers had to buy designated quantities of locally-raised and slaughtered beef before they could import any from NZ. Even then, Indonesia issued the licenses late and for only three months at a time. “You might ship it and then suddenly realise that it arrives outside that window and the importer no longer has a license,” she said.

BIG DEAL: The current Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership countries account for 30% of global population and economic output, eclipsing the 11-country Comprehensive and Progressive TransPacific Partnership.

Karapeeva hoped RCEP would prevent countries from using import licensing to favour local producers in the future. “These might not sound like sexy issues, but they are really where the rubber hits the road for a lot of our members because they

hold up trade, regardless of what the level of tariffs might be.” As part of its WTO lawsuit, NZ put the cost of Indonesia’s tactics at a billion dollars in lost sales between 2010 and 2015. A 2016 study by the New Zealand Institute of Economic

Why India’s presence matters INDIA’S absence from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a significant lost opportunity for NZ agricultural exporters, according to an official analysis of the agreement. Tariffs ranging from 130% on dairy products to 30% for sheep meat and 30% to 50% for apples and kiwifruit gave NZ negotiators plenty to aim for until India withdrew from negotiations last November.

With NZ having trade deals with all other RCEP members except India, the potential gains from the agreement from tariff reductions after it left were significantly reduced. According to an analysis of the deal for MFAT, the anticipated economic benefit to NZ from cuts to tariffs across all RCEP countries went from $260 million with India included to minus $410m without it, a difference of $670m. Without India, the RCEP is

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Research (NZIER) estimated non-tariff barriers cost NZ beef exporters a billion dollars annually in the Asia-Pacific region. “That gives you a sense that there is money being left on the table because of these regulatory barriers,” she said.

expected to add $2 billion to NZ’s GDP by 2045. If India were to rejoin the net benefit would increase by more than a billion dollars to $3.2b. A fast-track accession process has been included to encourage India to reconsider its membership. India’s concerns with the agreement stemmed partly from a fear lowering tariffs would open its farmers to a flood of imports from Australia and NZ.

News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Ditch breeding cows to cut gases? Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz RESEARCH suggesting the beef farming sector could significantly reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint by folding calf production into the dairy-beef sector has been met with mixed response from farmers and advisors. The research, focused on reducing GHG emissions of New Zealand beef through better integration of dairy and beef production, suggests the beef sector stands to shave off 22% of its annual GHG production. This would involve dairy-beef calves completely replacing beef breeding cow calf production. The report authors, who included Dr Stu Ledgard of AgResearch, also suggested dairying’s social licence to operate would also improve by replacing bobby calf slaughter with dairybeef calves for rearing. The report authors acknowledged in practice, a 100% reduction in beef breeding cow numbers would be unrealistic because some beef bulls would always be needed to inseminate the dairy herd. The ratios of bulls to steers to heifers slaughtered was not changed, but it was also acknowledged running more bulls could achieve even greater reductions, due to more rapid growth rates. They also assumed pasture suitable for finishing traditional beef animals could be used for finishing dairy-beef animals, while some of the pasture currently used by breeding cows would also be used to finish the dairy beef animals. But sheep and beef farmer and

former Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) chair James Parsons, who has just made the move back to breeding cows on his hilly Northland property, has defended the role the animals play on many steeper North Island properties. “Breeding cows will always metabolise a lot of feed that is not always the best quality,” he said. “You would want to know with the work, have they focused enough on what the breeding cows contribute? “On hill country she will groom feed before other stock comes in. We had been using dairy bull beef on our farm on the steep hill country to do the similar job. “But we are eating more grass across the entire farm with the breeding cows there now, not wasting as much. They are making it possible for the rest of the stock to eat better pasture too.” He argued for much of NZ’s hill country, the breeding cow still performs a vital role and actually helped reduce gas emissions by ensuring other stock had higher quality feed in their wake, making for quicker finishing times. AgFirst consultant and longtime beef advisor Bob Thomson says it paid to consider the beef cow’s contribution to the entire farm system, rather than just her economic value. “The basis of any of these sorts of arguments, in simple terms, is predicated on increasing the efficiency of production, as each tonne of pasture eaten equates to the same amount of methane production,” he said. “The article has merit in addressing the GHG efficiency argument. “However, it is somewhat academic, having no consideration of the pasture

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It is somewhat academic, having no consideration of the pasture grooming role breeding cows afford on our extensive sheep and beef farms. Bob Thomson AgFirst grooming role breeding cows afford on our extensive sheep and beef farms.” He says if nothing else, the research paper prompts the question about what alternative stock classes there are for farmers to opt for today. “I always ask farmers, ‘how many (breeding cows) do you really need?’” he said, “The next question is ‘what is a good alternative if you didn’t use them?’” An argument often put up by farmers is that dairy-beef genetics cannot match the robustness of breeding cows. But he says in some cases this was not true. He pointed to good genetic options being revealed in the B+LNZ dairy-beef progeny trials that provided data on winwin options for both dairy farmers and their beef farmer clients. “This includes short gestation, low birth weight animals that are also high growth, and easy finishing with good marbling. It’s a trick quite a few people are missing,” he said. Thomson conceded that on some farms there was an environmental case for looking at breeding cow alternatives.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Bob Thomson says there is some merit in looking at breeding cow alternatives, but it can’t be just about greenhouse gases.

“Overall, beef breeding cows have gotten much bigger, by about 100kg over my time. When big cows are farmed in steeper country, with inevitable soil disturbance coupled with heavy rain events, you definitely risk losing soil and your phosphate into waterways,” he said. Thomson says the research was also too simplistic by addressing just GHGs. It failed to consider other negative environmental impacts, such as the encroachment of dairy cows onto areas where nitrogen leaching has a negative impact. The research authors also noted the “social licence to operate” for the dairy sector would be extended if dairy-beef replaced bobby calf slaughter.

He says that issue was a burning bridge for the sector, but also one that perhaps should be the responsibility of the dairy sector. He suggested that if you were to take a holistic view, consideration may need to be that one million less dairy cows, rather than one million less breeding cows, was the solution. “The question that needs addressing is, where will the one million surplus bobby calves be farmed if they are reared and finished? GHG’s are just one of the considerations,” he said. Agricultural economist Phil Journeaux says if nothing else, the research raised an important issue facing the dairy sector, which may only have a decade before killing bobby calves was no longer acceptable.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Delays hit avocado exports Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz AVOCADO exports are battling air and sea freight disruptions this season to move an estimated 4.2 million 5.5kg trays of fruit, a 10% increase on last season. NZ Avocado chief executive Jen Scoular says the industry faced repeated delays and timetable changes with shipping lines and airlines. These disruptions and their effects were communicated to the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) on a weekly basis and passed on to a cross-government group concerned with facilitating exports. Arranged by Auckland International Airport, the head of cargo for Air New Zealand had joined a Zoom meeting of avocado exporters last week to discuss some of the issues. Major exporter and Avoco director John Carroll says the NZ industry’s plan to diversify more into Asian markets had taken a backward step this season. “At the beginning of the export season in August, we planned to shift more fruit by ship than air, but changed positioning and scheduling have thrown up lots of

Normally our shipping lines run like bus timetables, but not this year. John Carroll Avoco

REWARD: Runners who finished the Auckland marathon last month lined up for some smashed avocados on toast.

issues as the season progresses,” he said. Fortunately, the Western Australia crop was lighter and NZ fruit had sold well in Australian supermarkets and stores. Our supply window might be lengthened a little and our larger fruit were bringing very good prices. “The logistic difficulties mean

G E T

we are struggling to get good flow and consistency and some fruit arrives later than the permitted times for supermarkets, but we have other outlets,” he said. Carroll says the industry thought covid-19 lockdowns earlier in the year had occurred at the “right” time for NZ avocados, effectively between seasons.

T H E

But since August, the consistent stream of unusual freight problems has made life difficult. “Normally our shipping lines run like bus timetables, but not this year,” he said. In the major growing areas of Bay of Plenty and Northland, picking and packing had proceeded well so far without rain delays.

TO O L S

Unfortunately, last summer’s drought had resulted in smaller fruit sizes and a need for more delayed picking to give fruit time to size up. Nonetheless, Carroll was confident the outcome would be average prices exceeding last year’s orchard gate return of $17$18/tray. Scoular says the domestic market was getting really good quality fruit this year, perhaps related to the drought during growing. NZ Avocado sponsored the Auckland marathon on October 31 and gave out avocado on toast to runners after they finished. “It was so popular we had queues up to 15 minutes long, which shows Aucklanders really love their avocados,” he said.

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12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

NZ grains met with willing market Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz BUYERS are recognising the benefits of New Zealand grown grains as the market keeps up with bumper cereal crops. The 2019-20 cereal harvest yielding total grain production for the season at more than one million tonnes, has met a willing market. “It’s great to see that willing growers are finding willing buyers,” Federated Farmers arable grains vice-chair Brian Leadley said. In the October Arable Industry Marketing Initiative (AIMI) report released this week, cereal grain production of wheat, barley and oats for the season totaled almost 900,000 tonnes, and maize grain 180,000t, for a total of just more than one million tonnes. Unsold stocks of grain across all six crops have reduced by 50% between July 1 and October 10. This follows good demand for feed barley over recent months. When compared to the same time last year, unsold stocks across all six crops are pretty much unchanged, with an increase in the unsold stocks of milling and feed wheat to 57,600t, up by 18,600t, and offset by a decrease in unsold stocks of malting and feed barley of 38,700t, down by 18,900t. There is 25% less sold feed barley stored on-farm compared to the same time last year, which indicates that more grain has made its way to buyers. Sold milling oats still stored onfarm is 65% lower, showing that milling oats has made it to the mills earlier than last year. The intentions of milling oats show area increasing by 86% this season, with milling oats the only cereal to increase the number of hectares contracted. Feed oats have a similar story

INVESTED: Federated Farmers arable grains vice-chair Brian Leadley says the latest industry survey results show the local industry is pretty committed to domestic grain.

Obviously, we have plenty of end users recognising the benefits of quality NZ-grown grains, whether that’s for products for human consumption or for stock feed. Brian Leadley Federated Farmers

to milling oats with 58% less sold feed oats sitting on-farm. “Obviously, we have plenty of end users recognising the benefits of quality NZ-grown grains,

whether that’s for products for human consumption or for stock feed,” Leadley said. The AIMI survey report shows the total area sown, or intended to be sown this season, in cereal crops is estimated to be 95,500 hectares, down 3% on last year. At the time of the survey in mid-October, 85% of this total area had been planted, while 15% was still to go in the ground. Spring sowings in Southland have been delayed by wet conditions, but growers in other regions reported concern over low moisture levels. Feed barley was the worst impacted crop with 10,000ha waiting to be sown. Milling oats and malting barley were also impacted in Southland. Leadley says this underlines the case that re-sowing paddocks

used for winter grazing by a blanket national deadline, despite regional climate variations, is a flawed approach. “The intent of the freshwater regulations to stop nutrients from moving is right, because plants hold the soil,” he said. “But to try to do it by putting a timeframe on it with no regard to good management practice allied to weather conditions is detached from common sense.” Heavy sowing machinery used on paddocks that are too wet just compacts the soil. “You get a double hit. You get run-off from compact soil, and it also means that you might only get 40-50% germination of the plants,” he said. “Fewer plants mean less root mass to hold the soil.” Meantime, some covid-related

turbulence is still apparent in contracts for malting barley. The AIMI report found the percentage of hectares forward sold for malting barley was only 41%, compared to 97% at the same time last year. “It’s known that the lockdown and subsequent restrictions hit the sale of kegged beer, though bottled beer for drinking at home continued at pace,” he said. “I think it’s just that uncertainty factor. “There had been talk that China’s ban on Australia’s barley might lead to product landing on us from across the Tasman, but it hasn’t happened. He was confident the malting barley market and forward contracts would pick up again, saying NZ’s local industry is pretty committed to domestic grain.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

A2 Milk sees a way through sales dip Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz A2 Milk Company says it can deliver a small increase in revenue during the current financial year and maintain its 31% earnings margin on sales. During the company’s virtual annual meeting, acting chief executive Geoffrey Babidge forecast annual revenue in the range $1.8 billion to $1.9b, compared with $1.73b in FY2020. But revenue in the first half-year ended December 31 would be $725 million to $775m, down from $807m in 1H20. A2 expects a growth recovery in the second half of the financial year, dependent on a number of key assumptions, including improvement in the daigou channel for sales and continued growth in the China label business. Babidge says due diligence on the proposed purchase of 75% of Mataura Valley Milk (MVM) was nearly complete and it supported the rationale for the investment. He described MVM, now owned by state-owned China Animal Husbandry Group, as a state of the art nutritionals facility within the favourable Southland milk production environment. The daigou sales channel had been hammered by covid-19 lockdowns that prevented Chinese agents and resellers accessing infant formula cans in Australian and New Zealand stores to freight to China. The other sales channels are in-market mother and baby stores and e-commerce sites. A2 has grown infant formula sales by 500% in the past five years and all three sales channels have contributed. Presently, ANZ daigou sales are half of the total, cross-border e-commerce is 25% and Chinese label in stores and supermarkets make up the other 25%. It expects ANZ daigou sales to recover as the threat from covid-19 recedes and it drew attention to the good growth in Chinese-label products in stores in China. “Our China label and English label products don’t compete with each other, but rather work together to enhance our overall brand proposition,” Babidge said. Brand awareness and loyalty were still growing in the core markets of China for infant formula and Australia for liquid milk. “This gives us confidence that, notwithstanding the current headwinds, the fundamentals of the business over the medium term remain sound,” he said. Chair David Hearn echoed those statements, saying sales would improve as the channel mix adjusted, restrictions eased, pricing stabilised and the unprecedented impact of the pandemic receded. The Mataura deal, if it proceeded, would deliver a world class plant in operation without the usual time and risks that developing a greenfield opportunity would inevitably entail, for approximately $270 million. During the annual meeting, A2 paid a tribute to the late Sir Robert Elliott who conducted some of the early scientific work on distinguishing A2 beta protein in milk from the more widespread A1 and any human health effects. A2 Milk was founded 20 years ago by Dr Corrie McLachlan with encouragement from Elliott. UK-based Hearn and director Julia Hoare of NZ were re-elected and independent director Jesse Wu, of Shanghai, was re-elected for a short

period only before stepping down to an advisory role. Former managing director and acting chief executive Babidge is to step down from his acting position in early 2021 when appointee David Bortolussi will join the company. The company’s volatile share price dropped 4% on the day of the meeting, to below $15, having traded in a wide range from $21 to $14 during the turbulent year.

OPTIMISTIC: A2 Milk Company acting chief executive Geoffrey Babidge expects daigou sales to recover as the threat from covid-19 recedes.

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News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Dairy prices rise above covid-19 Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz GLOBAL Dairy Trade (GDT) prices rebounded by 1.8% in the latest online event, recovering the 2% loss in the first November auction. Whole milk powder (WMP) prices rose 1.8% with Fonterra regular grade WMP to ship in December up 2.5% and in January up 1.9%. Demand from China was strong and from here on the volumes of WMP on GDT will fall as the New Zealand dairy season wanes. All of the WMP grades and contract periods were over US$3000/tonne, an indicator of strong farm gate milk prices when exchanged into NZ dollars (NZD). Skim milk powder (SMP) prices were up 2.5% to average US$2800, anhydrous milk fat was up 4.1% and butter up 0.4%. NZX dairy analyst Amy Castleton says her computer modelling after the latest GDT event, incorporating the dairy futures market reaction, was for a milk price of $7.13/kg milksolids, up 12c from a fortnight ago. WMP futures have indicated prices above $3000 through until July 2021, with a peak of $3145 in April. The September 2021 milk price

The roll out of covid-19 vaccines will gradually allow more people to return to restaurants and other venues that milk fat consumption relies upon.

FORECAST: Whole milk powder futures have indicated prices above $3000 through until July 2021, with a peak of $3145 in April.

Nathan Penny Westpac futures market has risen 10c and now stands at $6.95 and the 2022 contracts have risen 2c to be $6.70. She says these levels have returned to where they were a month ago. The unexpected movement in the latest GDT was lactose falling by 18.8% to US$887/t. This product has lost 33% of its value over the past seven auctions and the price level is the lowest since March. Lactose is not going to push the farm gate milk price around because it is a minor component of dairy processing. Westpac agri-economist Nathan Penny published his first prediction for the 2021-22

season at $7/kg, along with a few provisions. “Our positive view centres on further likely improvements in global dairy demand as the world gradually gets on top of covid-19 by next season,” he said. But the major uncertainty was the NZD value against the United States dollar, having risen 2c in the past week to 69c. “If our economic resilience continued to surprise and interest rates began to rise then the NZD could increase and that would

push down dairy prices. “Looking by product, the key change would be the normalisation of milk fat demand and prices,” he said. “Consumers have been eating less cream and other milkfat products in restaurant settings. “The roll out of covid-19 vaccines will gradually allow more people to return to restaurants and other venues that milk fat consumption relies upon.” On the supply side, Penny expects modest growth around the

world in the order of 1% annually. ASB economist Nat Keall says the latest GDT result was broadly in line with recent auctions – prices moving less dramatically than earlier in the year, volumes down modestly on year-ago levels, and a relatively flat contract curve. “In aggregate, this continues to suggest a more settled market than earlier in the year, when sharp falls and steep lifts were the order of the day and covid-driven uncertainty was at its peak,” Keall said.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Online wool auctions are gaining in popularity Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz INDEPENDENT wool brokers are making the transition to online wool auctions as digital wool trading weaves the way forward for the New Zealand wool industry. Wool Online Ltd is a joint venture between Wool Connextions Ltd, a Canterburybased wool broker, and Golden Micro Solutions Ltd, a Marlborough-based software development company. Wool Online co-director Allan Udy says online wool trading has been dragging the chain over the past 10 years, but covid-19 has made people think outside the box. Wool Online is the first online selling platform to gain a level of acceptance within the NZ wool industry. In the early 1990s, a software package for selling wool was developed by Cardinal Networks, but this quickly foundered after very little wool was sold through the system. Likewise, by 2003 the NZ Wool Board’s WoolNet e-marketplace, the first internet-based wool selling system in the world, was closed due to a lack of participation after having sold just 10,000 bales of wool. In contrast, Wool Online has been enabling the sale of four or five times that volume, every year, having pushed through one million bales since 2010. Covid-19 has almost doubled the Wool Online statistics. “A number of brokers are talking to us now about the move to online instead of using the open-cry of the Napier and Christchurch wool auctions,” Udy said. “On June 3 when we ran our weekly auction, which included some of the North Island brokers for the first time breaking with over 150 years of open-cry auction tradition, we sold 935 bales on that one auction and 700 bales on tender. “In total from June 3 to October 22, Wool Online sold 23,104 bales on the auction and 13,000 bales on tender.” With the North Island brokers

on board, capacity and volume has almost doubled. “From our perspective, we initially developed and have continued to enhance Wool Online so that it’s a tool that all sellers of wool in NZ can use to get in front of all the major NZ wool buyers,” he said. “Online is the direction for the industry to move forward and we’re committed to continuing to develop the platform to make it work for the entire industry, including growers. “Wool Online is a costeffective trading platform for all parties and if our tools can help the industry on the return to all-round prosperity, even in a small way, we’ll be happy.”

With the additional support of more brokers, merchants and buyers this certainly has the potential to be a staple method of sale in the exchange of wool in NZ. Ryan Cosgrove Buyer For the past decade, Wool Online has listed wool sourced exclusively from merchants of the WoolFirst network, NZ’s federation of smaller, independent wool buying businesses dotted up and down the country. Canterbury-based wool broker Wool Connextions Ltd aggregates the various lots from the participating merchants into a single sale catalogue and has been selling to the main NZ exporters on a weekly basis. Over the past year, the Wool Online software has been upgraded to enable any wool broker to list and sell on the platform. A new auction mechanism has been developed, which more closely mimics the way an open cry auction proceeds and

this, along with other changes has made the system, is more effective for both buyers and sellers. “The covid-19 crisis has made everyone realise that there can be situations when it’s simply not feasible or desirable for brokers and buyers to travel to Napier or Christchurch for the traditional open-cry auctions,” he said. The Level 3 and 4 lockdowns helped focus the industry’s mind on the possibility of increasing the volume of wool traded online. Wright Wool (Waipukurau), Kells Wool (Napier) and East Coast Wools (Gisborne) all listed catalogues of wool for sale postcovid and despite the depressed market, they were happy. Group spokesperson Philippa Wright says it was great to finally make use of the platform. “We’ve been watching Wool Online develop over the years and have always thought that there’s a need for the industry to move toward more efficient selling,” she said. “That (June) sale demonstrated how simple and effective online sales could be, for everyone. “I’m well aware of the difficulties that change brings, but it does prove that Wool Online is a suitable option that the industry can confidently get behind.” Ryan Cosgrove, a buyer from NZ wool exporter John Marshall & Co, also supports the new online sale model. “The additional ability of this new sale model to scale with extra volumes of wool means that it’s a logical progression to make use of the system on a regular basis,” he said. “With the additional support of more brokers, merchants and buyers, this certainly has the potential to be a staple method of sale in the exchange of wool in NZ.” Wool Online plans to further enhance the system as it works in conjunction with brokers and exporters to ensure it continues to provide a selling mechanism that works well for the entire industry.

INTEREST: Allan Udy says selling online at less cost gets greater returns to the grower, but until now there has been a state of inertia to get more brokers on board.

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ON THE MOVE: Wool brokers are making the move to online wool auctions.

News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Flattening demand to cut power costs Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz DAIRY farmers could cut electricity cost by more than 3% by shifting some activities to outside peak pricing periods, adopting technology and switching to a variable pricing model. University of Otago researchers looked at the electricity consumption of six large scale dairy farms and found 20% of costs occurred in the dairy shed during morning milking. That figure was based on a time-of-use pricing model in which electricity companies offer variable charges based on time of day, day of the week and time of year. Flattening demand would reduce electricity costs for milking by 3.3% as demand shifted to offpeak periods. Curtailing or avoiding irrigation during peak demand periods would further reduce costs, but researchers found time-of-use changes for irrigation were more difficult to make due to the necessity of applying water when it was needed. In 2016, dairy farming used 5% of national electricity usage reflecting growth in the sector, increased irrigation but also greater mechanisation. As a comparison, residential accounts for 32% of electricity consumption. The researchers found using currently available technology for remote control management of machinery, scheduling and automation can lead to more efficient and accurate running of equipment and therefore electricity savings. Most equipment is run simultaneously, including

irrigators, which creates two electricity peaks a day. These peaks are compounded by multiple farms following the same routine while connected to the same low-voltage network, with the potential for network congestion, possible voltage drop or a failure of the cable.

This means 20% of daily electricity costs, excluding irrigation, would come from the morning peak period, despite most of the milking activities occurring before the morning peak.

“Despite these problematic characteristics for the electricity grid, dairy farms are a potential source of demand flexibility due to their unique combination of high volumes of electricity consumption and their geographic dispersion around the regions of New Zealand,” the researchers said. The six farms in the study used a total of one million kWh and the three irrigation pump houses used 1.2 million kWh between August 1, 2016 and May 15, 2017. From July 17, daily consumption in the sheds gradually built from around 500 kWh/day to 3000 kWh/day at the beginning of September, peaking at 4000 kWh/ day. Daily electricity was stable until March when milk production started to fall as cows were dried off. Peak electricity pricing is from

7am to 9.30am, which overlaps with milking, pushing the average daily electricity cost on the study farms to $776.24. Time-of-use charging means that the first half of the morning milking, from 4.30am to 7am would cost an average of $95 per day, while the second half from 7am to 9.30am would cost $159. “This means 20% of daily electricity costs, excluding irrigation, would come from the morning peak period, despite most of the milking activities occurring before the morning peak,” they said. Electricity charges can be lowered by shifting some activities associated with milking to outside the morning peak pricing period, and using technology and automation will save electricity charges, but the researchers acknowledge starting milking two hours earlier could be unpopular with staff. The cost of pumping, water heating and refrigeration alone use 90% of the electricity, but steps such as pumping shed water and storing overnight to supply the water requirements of the following day could cut costs. Bore sourced water is earth chilled and can provide initial milk cooling through a plate heat exchanger to reduce the milk temperature from around 38C to between 12-15C, reducing the need for compression chillers. The use of effluent pumps could also be avoided during peak periods, instead run during shoulder periods, reducing demand by up to 30 kWh. Another option is to move to once-a-day (OAD) milking or 3-in2 milking. Shifting demand to flatten demand throughout the milking season at the mean use of 146 kW/

STRATEGIC USE: The use of effluent pumps could be avoided during peak periods, instead run during shoulder periods, reducing demand by up to 30 kWh.

day, would lower by 3.3% ($750.36 a day) or savings of $7428 for a 287-day milking season. By using precision irrigation systems, applying water outside the peak electricity periods reduced pumping costs from $160/hr to $114/hour.

Savings can be significant. “Without any changes to the existing regime of constant use across the day, the average cost is $3188/day,” the researchers said. “Over the 80 days that irrigation was used in the season, this total cost would be $255,040.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Show’s livestock entries strong Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz ALTHOUGH some of the larger A & P events like Canterbury’s New Zealand Agricultural Show and the Hawke’s Bay Show could only run much-reduced programmes this year, with no family fun days out because of covid-19, others have been more fortunate. The Stratford A & P Society is holding its annual show on November 28 and 29 and vice-president Ross Soffe says livestock entries are very good, with about 250 dairy entries and 65 for beef. It’s the biggest number of beef entries at the show for quite some time, he says, while dairy entries are ahead of last year, returning to where they were before Mycoplasma bovis. Pig entries, well up on recent years, are similar to beef. Soffe says the three livestock categories have all been given royal event status by the Royal Agricultural Society. The show also features Stratford A & P Society competitions for young stock handlers across a range of age groups, along with a round of the southern west coast North Island young handlers’ competition,

an open event for handlers from ages 12 to 21 competed for across a number of shows. This year’s Stratford show has the second running of the Beledene Shield competition, which is judged across all breeds by any certified judge there on the day, to find the premier dairy cow at the show. Named after sponsors of the Revell family’s Beledene Stud, it has a prize pool of $6500.

Competitions like these recognise the tremendous skill and physical prowess of today’s shearing and woodchopping athletes.

Individual breed classes are held on the Saturday, with an all-breeds day, including the Beledene Shield on the Sunday. There is also an equestrian competition on Friday afternoon before the show itself, along with other competitions including shearing, dog trials and farriering.

As well as more than 200 trade stalls, there will be the usual food and entertainment available, as well as a children’s zone and vintage machinery exhibits. The event is at the Stratford A & P Showgrounds. The Whangarei A & P Show, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary, is on December 5, with shearing and woodchopping taking centre stage. It’s been more than 30 years since shearing was last held at the show, with woodchopping back after an absence of four years. Whangarei A & P Society chief executive Chris Mason says heritage sports such as shearing and woodchopping have played an important role in New Zealand history. “Competitions like these recognise the tremendous skill and physical prowess of today’s shearing and woodchopping athletes. Not only are the competitors super fit, their talent and skill levels are eye-catching for spectators,” he said. The Whangarei show, at Barge Showgrounds, will be the first of the 2020-21 shearing sports season, which will see nine competitions in the Northern region.

EYE-CATCHING: Woodchopping is back at the Whangarei A&P Show after an absence of four years.

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18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Fonterra sells PKE importer Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA has sold its half share in Agrifeeds to its partner Wilmar International for $27.5 million, effective immediately. It has retained the right for subsidiary Farm Source to be the exclusive seller of Agrifeeds palm kernel expeller (PKE) and PKE blends through the nationwide rural service stores. Agrifeeds is a fertiliser and animal feeds business, based on PKE, distillers’ dried grains, maize, soybean and canola meals, molasses and supplementary minerals. Most of these feed inputs come from the Asia-wide supply chain of Wilmar. Wilmar International is a Singaporebased listed company with 90,000 employees worldwide in numerous subsidiaries that process and manufacture major foods for humans and animals such as sugar, edible oils and bread. Since 2015, it has been a part owner of Goodman Fielder in New Zealand and Australia, incorporating wellknown brands Edmonds, Meadow Fresh, Meadowlea, Kiwi, Huttons, Quality Bakers, Nature’s Fresh, Vogels and Puhoi Valley Cheese. The Agrifeeds joint venture between Fonterra and Wilmar was formed in 2008 to secure the supply chain

Fonterra council wants quick action Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

WIDESPREAD: PKE is a widelyused imported supplementary feed for dairy cows.

to NZ of PKE and other imported ingredients. Farm Source director Richard Allen said the past 12 years had produced good profits and ensured a competitive animal feeds market. “As part of a continuous review of Fonterra’s investments, we have concluded ownership of Agrifeeds is no longer necessary to ensure farmers have access to sustainably sourced and competitively priced feed,” he said. He says the Agrifeeds sales team

would continue to be employed by Wilmar and there would be no change to the services, product range and support available to Fonterra farmers. PKE is a widely-used imported supplementary feed for dairy cows, which is criticised by climate activists as unsustainable for greenhouse gas emissions, but is a by-product of a much larger palm oil industry. Fonterra has effectively capped PKE feeding to cattle since 2017 by grading milk composition on a fat evaluation index.

THE Fonterra Shareholders’ Council wants to implement structural and procedural changes recommended by the recent steering group review as quickly as possible, chair James Barron says. “As a large number of the recommendations involve interaction with others in the cooperative, such as the board, management and shareholders, we want to get started quickly,” he said. Barron says implementing the review’s 27 highlights will go a long way to addressing the concerns of farmers expressed in the three remits to the annual meeting by Lumsden-based Tony Paterson. Paterson proposed

alternative council reforms and to cut its annual budget by $1 million. They received between 35% and 40% voter support, short of the 50% needed to override the usual procedural remit about the council. The council’s 2021 budget of $3.15m and work plan was approved by 75%. Barron says the council would meet shortly to review Fonterra’s first-quarter performance and after that meeting it would send a quarterly update to all shareholders. The changes in the council are designed to give more teeth to the co-operative’s watchdog, put some distance between it and the company to avoid conflict of interest and considerably improve the council’s interactions with farmers.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

MyFarm reports a big rise in hort investment RURAL investment specialist MyFarm has seen a big increase in New Zealanders looking to invest in the primary sector, with the horticulture sector particularly popular. MyFarm head of sales Grant Payton says rapidly building demand for horticultural investments has seen MyFarm raise $102 million of investor equity since April, double the $46m average annual investor equity it raised between 2016 and 2018. MyFarm, which was established in 1990, began offering exposure to horticultural assets in 2015. It partners with experienced operators in key sectors to put together investments in vineyards, apples, kiwifruit, hops, manuka honey, cherries and commercial property. Most proposals are structured with a lease model that provides investors with a regular return through rental payments. The 11 MyFarm syndicates established between April and November included six kiwifruit orchards, two vineyards, two commercial properties, a manuka plantation and a hop garden development.

IN DEMAND: MyFarm’s most recent gold kiwifruit investment at Otamarakau, a 13.3 hectare, $18.45 million Bay of Plenty orchard, was fully subscribed within four days.

Of the total 824 transactions, 70% were by repeat investors at an average investment of $124,000. Payton says MyFarm’s most recent gold kiwifruit investment at Otamarakau, a 13.3 hectare, $18.45m Bay of Plenty orchard, was fully subscribed within four days. “The record low interest rate environment is one of the key factors for investors’ decision to diversify into horticulture,” he said.

PERFORMING WELL: MyFarm head of sales Grant Payton says investors increasingly see the primary sector as an area that can deliver regular, steady returns.

Pre-Christmas IPO for Rural Land Co NEW Zealand Rural Land Company plans to list on the NZX on December 18, raising at least $75 million and as much as $150m, in an initial public offering. The company – which plans to buy farmland and act as a rural landlord – will sell between 60 million and 120 million shares at $1.25 apiece to buy land, its offer document shows. The offer opens on November 23 and closes on December 11. NZ Rural Land Co hasn’t closed any deals yet, but has identified 21 South Island dairy farms spanning 9239 hectares it said are suitable for a buyer of scale. It plans to limit debt levels at 30% of total assets, meaning it will have headroom of between $102.9m and $207.1m, depending on how much money it raises in the IPO. “Our initial focus is on acquiring New Zealand dairy properties. However, we intend to expand our focus to other NZ primary sectors,

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particularly as investment opportunities arise in horticulture, viticulture, forestry, as well as sheep and beef,” chair Rob Campbell said in the document. If the company can’t seal any suitable transactions before the end of next year, it will hold a special shareholders meeting to liquidate and return capital to investors. NZ Rural Land Co will restrict total foreign investment to 24.9%, meaning it won’t fall foul of Overseas Investment Act screening rules. It doesn’t plan to pay any dividends in the 2021 financial year while it’s making acquisitions. Once it has secured farms, it plans to pay 90-95% of adjusted funds from operations, the favoured metric used by listed property vehicles, which strips out property revaluations, adds back depreciation and amortisation, deducts maintenance capital spending, and looks through other noncash adjustments. – BusinessDesk

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20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Miraka cleans up at Biosecurity Awards Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz TAUPO-based Dairy company Miraka was the big winner at the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards held in Wellington last Monday night. Miraka won the Government Industry Agreement Industry Award for achieving enhanced biosecurity awareness and culture change on-farm, then followed that up by winning the New Zealand Biosecurity Supreme Award from eight other category winners. The company has created a course educating its suppliers about biosecurity risks in the dairy industry from cow to bottle. Miraka established its farming excellence programme five years ago to build farmer resilience, future-proof farmer regulatory compliance, extend its organisational values across its supply chain and start a traceable brand story. According to award summary notes, it has been able to demonstrate tangible behaviour change to farming operations and mindsets through education,

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Happy at the biosecurity NZ awards night are, from left, Biosecurity New Zealand head Penny Nelson, Chris Leach from Miraka, Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor, Miraka’s general manager of milk supply Grant Jackson, chief executive Richard Wyeth, Murray Hemi and Warren Landles. Photo: Lance Lawson Photography

resourcing and financial incentives. After involvement with a sector foot and mouth disease exercise

in 2017, Miraka identified that biosecurity was missing from the programme and it set about working with external parties,

Primary ITO and Hamilton-based farm auditor QCONZ, to establish an industry-available and NZQA funded farm owner/management training short course. Each participant was trained in biosecurity risk assessment, risk mitigation and how to create and implement a biosecurity plan within their business. Through educational initiatives and a 1c/kgMS incentive, within a year 72 out of 104 Miraka farmers fulfilled the criteria and had implemented a biosecurity plan.

Each participant was trained in biosecurity risk assessment, risk mitigation and how to create and implement a biosecurity plan within their business.

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In accepting the GIA Award, Miraka’s general manager of milk supply Grant Jackson said for the programme to work it was important that, rather than enforce compliance, suppliers needed to engage with the idea so that they owned their farm’s biosecurity plan, which they could evolve themselves. He says the plans will be audited and the aim is to use education to encourage the 30% of suppliers who don’t now have a plan to get one. The kiwifruit industry was also recognised at the award ceremony. The Minister’s Biosecurity Award was won by Linda Peacock of Kiwifruit Vine Health in Mount Maunganui, who has worked collaboratively with growers and technical teams for more than 30 years from all growing regions. Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor says Peacock has shown passion, empathy, energy

and focus to help take sciencebased information and turn it into practical solutions for growers. Peacock said her work was all about creating links between scientists and growers, letting scientists know what growers needed and then helping those on the ground understand what the science was saying in practical terms. The kiwifruit industry itself, which this year marked 10 years since the kiwifruit disease Psa arrived in NZ, was given a special award by O’Connor for what he called the sector’s exceptional leadership, collaboration and commitment in coming up with a recovery plan that showed an outstanding commitment to NZ’s biosecurity. Other award winners included Dr Mary van Andel, a veterinary epidemiologist who won the Eagle Technology Local and Central Government Award for her strategic leadership during the Mycoplasma bovis and covid-19 responses, including the design of the M bovis response; tech company Onside, which won the Bio-Protection Research Centre Science Award for its work to provide network technology to inform risk-based testing of eradication and biosecurity incursions in the primary sector; and Groundtruth, which runs Trap.nz, the largest trapping database in the country. Looking to the future, winner of the inaugural Kura (Schools) award was St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton for its agribusiness programme, which focuses on biosecurity in the primary sector, including Queensland fruit fly and M bovis; while the AsureQuality Emerging Leadership Award went to Thomas (Tame) Malcolm, for more than a decades’ experience in environmental management roles in Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Canterbury, including working for Ospri, Waikato Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and Te Tira Whakamataki (the Maori biosecurity network).

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Open Farms set for a return next year Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz

PURPOSE: Project founder Daniel Eb says they built Open Farms so that every Kiwi could have access to a genuine on-farm experience.

OPEN Farms will return for its second year on February 21. The initiative is designed to get urban-based New Zealanders to experience first-hand where their food comes from. Last year’s event saw 3500 people visit 45 farms across the country – ranging from high-country sheep stations to permaculture orchards, dairy farms and even an indoor microgreens producer in central Wellington. Farmers can register on Open Farms’ website if they wish to host an open day. Visitor registrations will open in late January. Project founder Daniel Eb says they built Open Farms so that every Kiwi could have access to a genuine on-farm experience. “To get there, we’ve streamlined hosting for farmers – all the guides and resources are in one place,

Northland genetics sold EXPANDING Northland sheep and beef breeding enterprise Ashgrove Genetics held the 40th Coopworth ram sale last week, with three supplementary breeds on offer. Ashgrove principal James Parsons says 39 Coopworth rams sold at an average price of $1630. The first two rams sold were in the top 5% of Coopworth rams nationally and they made $3000 each. There were more passings this year than last year when

Ashgrove had a full clearance at $1900 average. The added breeds were 21 Sufftex rams sold, averaging $1047, and a small offering of Romworth rams averaged $1040 and Romney rams $900. It was the first offering of Murvale Romneys after the Parsons family bought the historic stud of the Trusdale family, in North Waikato, when Charles Trusdale sold the farm and retired. Ashgrove Coopworths moved four years ago from

Maungaturoto, when David and Sarah Hartles sold the stud to James and Janine Parsons, in partnership with Chris and Hayley Parsons. Recently Ashgrove made a similar arrangement with Colin Maxwell to take over Matauri Angus stud, near Kaeo. The registered Angus cow herd, numbering 200, has moved to the 600ha Ashgrove Farm at Tangowahine, in the hill country west of Whangarei. The Maxwells will have a final Angus bull sale next year.

and Open Farms will manage all visitor marketing and registration,” he said. For most urban people, their relationship with food was a relationship with the supermarket and it was taken for granted that there would always be food there. The covid-19 pandemic and the rationing of some food supplies was a reminder of that relationship. He says Open Farms was something that could help people re-evaluate that relationship. The covid-19 lockdown also saw a slowdown, “back to basics” idea emerge where people wanted to reconnect with their food source. He says Open Farms let people experience some of the magic places found on New Zealand farms. Eb believes the event is well set up to handle any covid-19 issues. By design it was structured to run at a Level 2 environment with automatic track and tracing of all visitors, and the ability to scale farm visits down when required. “We’re pretty flexible, but if it gets higher than Level 3 or 4, we might have to postpone. But we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” he said. Registrations had just opened and he expected many of last year’s farmer hosts to sign up again. Those registrations will close midFebruary. “The hosts rated their day really nicely and most indicated they wanted to do it again,” he said. Feedback from hosts and visitors was overwhelmingly positive from last year’s event. Three-quarters of events were fully booked and 91% of visitors intend to visit a farm again. He says the research showed that getting on-farm changes

We’ve streamlined hosting for farmers – all the guides and resources are in one place, and Open Farms will manage all visitor marketing and registration. Daniel Eb Open Farms how we view our role in the food system. “Seventy-two percent of visitors left a farm wanting to buy food direct from a farmer and 64% were more willing to pay a premium for sustainably grown food. This is the right trajectory for citizens, farmers and our environment,” he said. Farmers can post an Open Farms event, set and track their visitor numbers and download a host handbook covering health and safety, activity ideas, checklists and more via the website. Events on the day differ by farm, but can include anything from farm walks to animal displays, conservation tours, compostmaking, fruit picking and more. “There’s nothing stopping any farmer from doing it,” Eb said. North Auckland sheep and beef farmer Nicky Berger is one host looking forward to hosting an open day and helping Kiwis connect with their food. “We take a lot of pride in producing nutritious food for our urban cousins and caring for the land,” she said. “It’s a passion worth sharing and we’re really excited to open the family farm come February 21.”

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24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

NZ Pork disappointed with court ruling Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz NEW Zealand Pork says it is assessing its options after a High Court judge ruled that the animal welfare standards governing the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls are unlawful and invalid. The judgement released by High Court Justice Helen Cull directed the Minister of Agriculture to consider recommending new regulations phasing out the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls and consider making such changes as are necessary to minimum standards. Cull ruled the standards, introduced in 2018, had bypassed earlier law changes designed to phase out the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls for pigs. The case was brought to the court by the New Zealand Animal Law Association (NZALA) and animal welfare group SAFE. The two groups sought a judicial review of the Animal Welfare Act’s regulations for the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls for sows. The 2018 standards were introduced by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor after receiving advice from the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC). These standards did not include a timeframe to phase out crates and stalls usage and allowed the practice to continue. A disappointed NZ Pork chief executive David Baines says the judgement found failings with the NAWAC process in developing the regulations and standards. “The judge’s scope was to review the legal process that was undertaken to develop regulations and codes of welfare rather than specifically addressing the use of indoor farrowing systems,” he said. Baines says if a decision was taken to remove farrowing systems, then he expected the Government to apply the same

production requirements to imported pork, which made up 60% of the pork consumed in NZ. “In line with other countries that have been required to limit the use of farrowing crates, we would also expect financial support for affected farmers to complete the necessary changes to facilities and to also compensate farmers for the loss of productivity that will ensue,” he said. “Imported pork comes from many countries whose animal welfare standards are lower than in NZ, and in some cases, their practices are illegal in this country.” There are around 100 commercial pig farmers in NZ, with half of the commercial sow herd on indoor farms, most with farrowing crates. Less than 3% of the indoor commercial herd used indoor farrowing pens, which used a farrowing crate temporarily for the first few days after a sow farrows. Just under half of the commercial sow herd is outdoorbased, mostly using individual huts for farrowing and lactation. There are also hybrid systems, such as outdoor-based farms, that use farrowing crates or indoor pens in early lactation, before transitioning sows and piglets to individual huts outdoors. Baines says changing to an alternative system would not be without challenges. “They are more expensive to install as they have a larger footprint. This means that an existing building that currently has farrowing crates would accommodate fewer sows if it was converted to farrowing pens,” he said. A farm that cannot simultaneously invest in converting the existing systems as well as constructing new infrastructure in order to retain their current herd size would likely have to decrease the number of sows.

UNLAWFUL: Farrowing crates may soon be banned if the Government follows a High Court judge’s recommendations.

Some farmers that may not have a clear succession plan will certainly struggle to justify the expenditure and choose to exit pig farming. David Baines NZ Pork He says this would reduce the number of pigs produced per year and that it was difficult to say what the future of these farms will be. “Some farmers that may not have a clear succession plan will certainly struggle to justify the expenditure and choose to exit pig farming. Given the NZ pork industry is already very small and with half potentially being affected, this would have a major impact,” he said.

Baines described farrowing systems as maternity wards for sows. “They support the survival of as many well-grown healthy piglets as possible, whilst also meeting the needs of the sow,” he said. “In 2016, NAWAC concluded that the use of farrowing crates was the best system available to meet the welfare needs of the piglets and the sow. “Piglet crushing is a welfare issue, and this system is the most effective at protecting piglets from being crushed by their mothers. This is why alternative indoor systems, such as farrowing pens, have not been widely adopted by farmers in any country, due to lower piglet survival.” Sows spent a maximum of 28 days in indoor farrowing systems after giving birth and typically spent 80% of their time in social groups when not in a farrowing system. Worldwide, farrowing crates are the most common system used

to house sows and piglets until piglets are weaned. No country has completely banned their use, he says. SAFE chief Debra Ashton says the case was about giving mother pigs the freedom to live more natural lives and respecting them as sentient, instead of treating them as simply “units of production.” NZALA’s president Saar Cohen says the judgment raises serious concerns about NAWAC’s conduct. “At best, they lacked proper understanding of their legal duties and were let down by MPI’s legal advisors,” he said. “At worst, NAWAC acted in bad faith by letting economic factors and industry pressure outweigh their duty as scientists and independent advisors. Worst of all for NAWAC, they caused a major embarrassment to the Minister who relied on their advice without question.” O’Connor had no comment on the ruling.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Water storage project underway in the north Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE Matawii water storage dam near Kaikohe in Mid-Northland is the first to be consented under the previous government’s fasttrack provisions to help economic recovery from covid-19. It was given the greenlight 55 days from application by an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) panel under former Environment Court chief justice Laurie Newhook. The fast-tracked consent is for an 18ha, 750,000 cubic metre reservoir in the upper catchment of the Kopenui Stream, east of Kaikohe, behind a 24m high dam. The water is to be used for irrigation and for commercial, industrial and municipal uses, especially as a backup for the nearby town during droughts. Some of the water would augment the Wairoro Stream and be transported about 5km to the south of the town, where it would be taken out and reticulated to volcanic areas where

there are already horticultural developments. Above-median flows in the Kopenui would be captured in the dam, while below-median flows bypass the storage and continue downstream. The application was made by the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust under the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-Track Consenting) Act 2020 to urgently promote employment to support the recovery of the economy. The trust is chaired by exforeign minister, 30-year National MP and Northland resident Murray McCully, assisted by former Labour MP Dover Samuels, local businessman Ken Rintoul and Dargaville accountant and kumara grower Kathryn de Bruin. Matawii was top of the list of 17 shovel-ready projects for which applications could be made under the Act and was the only rural project. Irrigation is planned to start in the summer of 2022, about 14 months from now. The panel said it had regard for dam safety and construction controls, Treaty of Waitangi principles and Maori cultural

issues, potential archaeological matters, landscape and visual amenity, and aquatic and terrestrial ecology. The trust was granted $8.5 million and loaned $60m by the Provincial Growth Fund and one of his final acts as regional economic development minister was for Shane Jones to symbolically begin construction on the access road to the dam site. At that ceremony, Far North District Council mayor John Carter said Matawii was Kaikohe’s opportunity to replicate the irrigation development downstream of two lakes in the Kerikeri scheme, built in the 1980s. The fast-track EPA route was instead of the probably lengthy Northland Regional Council, Resource Management Act and Environment Court appeal process. But it also has detractors. A group of concerned residents at Ohaeawai, near to a second proposed site for water storage in the mid-north, called Te Ruaotehauhau, held public meetings recently when they

BOOSTED: The trust was granted $8.5 million and loaned $60m by the Provincial Growth Fund and one of his final acts as regional economic development minister was for Shane Jones to symbolically begin construction on the access road to the dam site.

heard about the dam site. The second lake was planned to be 30ha in area and store 1.4m cubic metres of water behind a 21m high dam. Residents said they were concerned about the increased spraying that would result from orchard developments. Some called for Te Tai Tokerau

Trust to go through the usual consent process and not the fasttrack route, so that residents could have their say. Neither of the water schemes in the Kaikohe-Ohaeawai districts are expected to cater for dairying, rather for kiwifruit, avocados, market gardens and other higher land uses.

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26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Opportunity in meat substitute market Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE appetite for plant-based meat substitutes has emerged as more than just a fad with consumer preferences now demanding specific brands and ingredients. A new report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank reveals the growth of plant-based meat substitutes as creating new opportunities for grains, oilseeds and pulse producers. Rabobank says that as consumer preferences start demanding certain brands over others, and with them certain ingredients over others, producers of plant-based meat substitutes will increasingly turn their attention toward ingredient sourcing to strike the right balance between quality and price. The report says current New Zealand consumption of plantbased proteins is dominated, as it is in Europe and North America, by soy and wheat proteins accounting for more than 70% of the proteins used. While varying between markets, pea proteins, rice, lentils and niche grains have also gained prominence in the plant-based meat substitute segment. NZ’s prospects of capitalising on the growth of plant-based animal protein consumption would largely hinge on greater demand for products utilising protein sources other than soy, RaboResearch grains and oilseeds

GROWTH: RaboResearch grains and oilseeds analyst Cheryl Kalisch-Gordon says increased usage of field peas as a protein source in meat substitutes creates the greatest opportunity for New Zealand.

analyst Cheryl Kalisch-Gordon said. She says that for NZ provenance will support success. Plant proteins are already an important contributor to meeting the protein needs of the global population. Wheat in the form of bread, pasta and other flour products provides 20% of the daily protein for more than half the world’s population, while soy proteins have been used for thousands of years in Asia in tofu and tempeh, and in textured protein food additives since the mid-late 1900s.

Historically plant proteins have primarily, though not exclusively, been consumed where meat has been unavailable or unaffordable, or to extend the available meat further given cost considerations. Over the past decade the global consumption of plant proteins has continued to increase in developed economies, but with change driven by consumer demand and with innovation for plant-based proteins aimed to complement or substitute animal proteins. Global growth in the total meat substitutes category of tofu,

veggie burgers and analogues, averaged 4% a year between 2014 and 2019, well above that of the much larger total global meat consumption. Growth in plant-based meat substitutes has been a key driver of this growth and is expected to continue to be so over the coming decade, supported by the extent of investment in the sector. Over the past decade, in the US alone, more than US$2.3 billion of venture capital was raised by companies in the plant-based food domain. The investments from outside the US should also be counted, as well as the non-venture capital. In 2019, plant proteins consumed in NZ and Australia in plant-based meat alternatives amounted to 10,000 tonnes of whole grain equivalent. “Increased usage of field peas as a protein source in meat substitutes creates the greatest opportunity for NZ,” KalischGordon said. “Currently, field peas are the only pulse produced in NZ at scale. “At just 8000 tonnes per annum, this is still a relatively small volume.” There is no protein isolate capacity in NZ, so plant-based meat substitute consumption in NZ relies on imported consumerready products. There is scope to increase to 20,000t of field pea production with appropriate price signals, but this would still represent a small supply base on which to build processing capacity.

“Given the challenges in achieving competitive unit costs in production and fractionation without scale, a NZ supply chain aiming to secure opportunities from plant-based meat substitutes would be relying on an even stronger provenance premium to be paid by manufacturers and consumers to cover the costs of production,” she said.

A NZ supply chain aiming to secure opportunities from plant-based meat substitutes would be relying on an even stronger provenance premium. Cheryl Kalisch-Gordon RaboResearch Plant protein ingredient suppliers expanding capacity and diversifying ingredients to meet demand growth; collaboration along the supply chain ranging from purchasing agreements to joint ventures and vertical integration to cater for changing geographic volume, variety, quality and availability; and new entrants that can develop stateof-the-art greenfield facilities to cater to the emerging needs of the segment – are highlighted in the report as ways to best make use of the opportunities presented.

Sanford upbeat despite significant fall in profit SANFORD fishing company has been hit hard by the loss of foodservice sales during the covid-19 pandemic, reporting a 46% fall in net profit to $22.4 million.

Revenue was down 14% and underlying earnings down 41% for New Zealand’s largest and oldest fishing company. Acting chief executive Andre Gargiulo says the covid-19

shutdowns saw sales in North America fall by 30%. “We acknowledge this is a disappointing result, both for our investors and for our people, who have worked incredibly hard through

the extra challenges brought on by the pandemic,” he said. “However, we are confident that our strategy to get closer to our consumers and maximise the value of our products is the right

one that will see us recover from the immediate impact.” Sanford’s share price settled around $5 after the disappointing results, having fallen about $2 during the past year.

“It’s alright to talk“

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

Alcohol and drug helpline 0800 787 797.

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

rural people helping rural people

AginED Ag ED

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

Volume 34 I November 23, 2020 I email: agined@globalhq.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz Rural health careers promotion tour hits the road

GROW YOUR KNOWLEDGE Grow your knowledge

An initiative to raise awareness and interest of health careers in rural areas is hitting the road with about 40 medical, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, midwifery and allied health students involved in the school tours visiting rural high schools in Whanganui, Manawatu, Taranaki, Tasman, Canterbury, Westland, West Waikato, and Northland over four weeks from 9 November-4 December 2020.

Z U H M V R L P Q A B P N U R E K

E W Q I U G E V Y O Z I L E Y F W

N C A R B O N V T F T P G O M P L

F Z G I A M P I O R I E P N U J F

C E B O A T S F O L N N T L Y G W

J B R L F J C G H E C G S A A I H

P A L T N Q E Q R Y N E H A E O S

W F A E I N J A B I P B T Y E H J

B F R N D L T B P A L D J I D P W

A R A V E I I P K H I O R Z H Z E

R E B N O J O S W O N K K U T W I

L D L N C R B B E S S I W A X E I

E A E X C T W I H R E U Y M L F S

Y E N O I T A R T S E U Q E S E X

H R H O E K P M E G D E K Z F Z F

R P C R N O I T A G I R R I Z Z I

S S G A C E U A I L E C A H P C A

1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz During the school visits, the tertiary students will run 2 Find and watch the OnFarm Story of Mike Porter interactive workshops with year nine and ten pupils teaching “Getting the balance right” and read the article them how to perform CPR and take blood pressure, as well “Liberated, they sold the plough”. as discussing other areas of health including midwifery and dentistry. The tertiary students will have the chance 3 Where in NZ does Mike farm? How big is his farm? to share their own training experiences and journeys into Arable barley carbon cropping fertiliser irrigation kale linseed 4 What does Mike farm and produce on his land? health, ultimately inspiring rural young people to think about arable barley plough carbonregeneration croppingsequestration nitrogen oats peas phacelia the possibilities of training to become health professionals. spreader wheat white clover fertiliser irrigation kale linseed The tertiary students on the tour are members of SoRHA, a network to connect people studying medicine, nursing nitrogen oats peas phacelia and allied health and give them a voice plough regeneration sequestration in improving health outcomes for all rural spreader wheat white clover and remote New Zealanders. Take a look at www.sorha.org.nz for more information.

Did you know?

STRETCH YOURSELF:

How long do you think it takes for NZ lamb to arrive to China on a ship?

1 Mike has a no till system, when did they first cease tilling? Why did they adopt this no cultivation system?

2-4 weeks

2-4 days

2-4 months

Which answer do you think is correct? Head to our website to check your answer.

STRETCH YOURSELF: This graph shows the total exports of New Zealand lamb. 1 Go the AgriHQ market snapshot page 2 What was the North Island mutton price last week? 3 How is this tracking compared to year-ago levels?

Total exports in October decreased from both the previous month and the previous year. This reflects a decrease in buying from China (traditionally one of the biggest importers of NZ lamb) and Europe. Last October, China was buying a lot of New Zealand lamb in preparation for Chinese New Year. 1

How many tonnes of New Zealand lamb was exported in October? How much lower is this than the previous year?

2 Do some research, when is Chinese New Year and why is it an important time of year for lamb demand? 3 Another driver of reduced export volumes in October was a decrease in product heading to Europe. What is happening there that is affecting the demand for NZ lamb?

2 The Porters talk about carbon sequestration and the current push to plant trees for this purpose. They argue that it is only the trees that sequester carbon, so therefore the only way you can maintain this is to leave them forever and basically retire the land? How does this fit with what you currently know about carbon sequestration? 3 Mike believes that more research needs to be carried out on soils ability to sequester carbon? What do you think about this idea and can you see advantages to researching our carbon sequestration possibilities further? 4 With relatively low rainfall their farm can get dry but installing irrigation is difficult and creates other issues. How does the Porters farming system work around this issue? (i.e. How do they keep soil moisture at optimum levels?) 5 Mike has cut nitrogen use by 20%. How has he achieved this? 6 As an arable farmer, why does Mike also choose to run ewes and cattle?

For more related content please head to our website at: www.sites.google.com/view/agined/home

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Newsmaker

Back to the future The shortage and absence of foreign backpackers looking for work has orchardists worried fruit may be left unpicked. Cromwell stone fruit growers Kevin and Mark Jackson spoke to Neal Wallace.

HE success or failure of the stone fruit season can be decided in a few minutes, but the risks posed to this season’s crop have been compounded by covid-19. Weather gods will always stand in judgement, but this season there is the added urgency of having sufficient pickers and the challenging logistics of getting fruit to markets round the globe with fewer aircraft services. Father and son team Kevin and Mark Jackson are fourth and fifth generation orchardists in Central Otago, growing 50ha of cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums and some pipfruit near Cromwell. Mark says there is still doubt whether they will have sufficient staff, but the variety of fruit they grow has previously worked in their favour as they offer consistent work for pickers for six to eight weeks starting in early December. “We are not prepared to say and we can’t guarantee as staffing is continuously changing,” Mark said. “We are okay for now, but best bet mid-January onwards is that it might be testing.” At the peak of the season, the orchard employs up to 100 people, and while backpackers have made up 80% of their workforce, Mark says he has been surprised at the level of inquiry from New Zealanders seeking work this year. Many are students unable to travel due to covid-19 restrictions, so are staying home and looking for work. It is a case of back to the future for the Jackson family. The original family orchard was in the Cromwell Gorge and bought by Kevin in 1969. Ten years later it was flooded under Lake Dunstan, part of the Cromwell hydro-electric dam.

ONLY THE BEST: A fruit picker picking cherries on the Jackson orchard.

There were no international backpackers back then, and each year students from Otago, Canterbury and Southland would descend on the orchard to pick fruit. Kevin grew up in Alexandra in the 1950s and 1960s and despite the wishes of his parents, had little interest in school but plenty in being an orchardist. After leaving school at 15 and a brief stint working in a drapery business, he convinced his parents that his future lay in orcharding.

We are okay for now, but best bet midJanuary onwards is that it might be testing. Mark Jackson Newly married, in 1968 they approached Ross Pearson about buying his Cromwell Gorge orchard. “Ross Pearson always had a reputation of growing the best fruit,” Kevin said. He agreed to sell it, in what proved an enlightened move for Kevin. Pearson had pioneered the exporting of apricots to the US, which Kevin continued. But just as significantly, the intense heat in the gorge ripened fruit up to two weeks earlier than other orchards and fruit quality was exceptional. “Because the crop matures 10 to 14 days earlier, in some cases the price was 100% higher,” he said. But the venture was all too short-lived. The Government building of a hydro-electric dam at Clyde turned the Clutha River into a lake, including Kevin’s orchard.

Politically the dam was contentious and, in an ironic twist, Kevin was both an opponent but also a beneficiary. He owned a share in a tourist venture taking people by boat on the Clutha River, and as the dam project progressed, Ministry of Works staff were his biggest customer, necessitating the purchase of a second boat. For several months of the year when things were quiet on-orchard, Kevin would ferry engineers during the day and at night host meetings of dam opponents. It also created a split in the family, with his brother Bruce a keen supporter of the project. “Every Sunday night my mother would host a family dinner, which was a tradition,” Kevin said. “My brother and I would debate the dam, [and while] we wouldn’t argue, our mother would step in before it got too serious.” Two years before being forced to leave, the Jacksons bought 30ha of bare land close to Cromwell and developed their current orchard. It has since grown to 50ha. Much has been said about wages paid to orchard staff and Mark, who manages the business, says pay works out at about $19-$20 an hour, similar to the statutory minimum wage. Harvest volumes at the start and end of the season are lighter so rates are lower, but are compensated for during the main harvest when the bulk of the fruit is picked. Kevin says previously they have offered contracts for staff, but the actual pay works out similar to casual rates. The cherry season starts in late November and ends at Christmas when the harvest of peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums begin and continues through to March. Then the pipfruit harvest starts.

UNPREDICTABLE: Cromwell orchardist Mark Jackson says covid-19 has thrown the industry a number of curve balls.

OLD HAND: Long-time Central Otago orchardist Kevin Jackson.

During the season they export about 100 tonnes of apricots to Australia, the US and Europe, and

HARVEST: Apricots from a previous season ready to be sent to the packhouse.

about 30t of cherries to Asia. The rest is supplied to the domestic market or sold through their roadside stall. Kevin says online sales have been doubling every year, but have increased at a much greater rate since covid-19 struck. Covid-19 has thrown them another curve ball for this season, the possibility of disrupted airfreight services. “A lot of our freight cargo has gone on passenger planes,” Kevin said. “Without those flying, there has been talk of bringing in cargo planes to handle the fruit, but because they come here empty, the cost will be much more expensive.” Being perishable, timing is essential and Kevin says in previous seasons, logistics has ensured the fruit is in overseas markets within days of being picked. While an exporter handles those logistics, Kevin says ensuring that continues despite disrupted flight schedules could be challenging.

New thinking

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Building better food packaging Scion researchers are looking forward to a survey about how Chinese consumer attitudes to food safety and packaging have changed in their new covid world. Dr Kate Parker and Eva Gaugler spoke to Richard Rennie.

WO years ago, research into Chinese consumers’ attitudes in the wake of numerous food scare issues revealed, perhaps unsurprisingly, consumers were more concerned about food safety than sustainable packaging. “The three key areas were focused on: product security, freshness and authenticity,” Scion researcher Dr Kate Parker said. Now that covid has entered our lives, the researchers are keen to gauge how much those perceptions have or have not changed. “Looking back over the covid pandemic, initially the trends worldwide were for people to put packaging ahead of sustainability, but it is suggested sustainability is returning as people have learnt to live with covid,” Parker said. The subject of food packaging has been topical lately, both in New Zealand and China, with real concerns and covid investigations into food packaging as a vehicle for infection, following outbreaks in both countries. “Some studies have suggested covid can live longer on some material than others. But there has been enough fear out there about some packaging as an infection source, even if it is misinformed, it can drive consumer behaviour,” fellow Scion researcher Eva Gaugler said. Scion is one of several members of the NZ-China Food Protection Network, and is the only organisation with a focus on packaging within the member group.

Shifts in global expectations about packaging and Chinese demand for NZ food products means the organisation and the scientists are well placed at this point in time. The massive Chinese market is also starting to enforce standards on manufacturers for recyclability and has stamped out taking other country’s packaging and plastic waste, and, in turn, making the squeeze for alternatives more global than it was.

There has been enough fear out there about some packaging as an infection source, even if it is misinformed, it can drive consumer behaviour. Eva Gaugler Scion A leader in sustainable biobased materials, Scion researchers also work in bioplastics and biomaterials, initially sourced from forest feed stock, but increasingly from any type of plant waste stream. One bioplastic already on the market is PHA, a sugar derived polyester. “Essentially you can adjust the feed source you provide the microbes that create the bioplastic, and it will change the polymer output,” she said. Pressure on companies and governments to deal with packaging better has

also intensified in the past two years, thanks to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastic Economy Global Commitment. This requires all plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. The NZ government and multiple companies have signed up, along with many heavy hitting overseas corporates. Backing includes $200 million from five capital funds for the creation of a “circular” plastic economy. But Gaugler says despite the best intentions, and bioplastics, getting consumers to recycle involves a reasonable level of behavioural understanding. “You need to understand what motivates consumers. Are they driven by a dollar return, or is it more altruistic/value driven, and is it easy enough for them to do?” she asked. The researchers hope the forthcoming China survey will help them better understand this, and to differentiate from behaviour there, as compared to NZ consumers, for example. “I think Kiwis want to do the right thing and recycle but because we don’t really have the recycling and composting infrastructure everywhere, they tend to get disillusioned,” she said. The Government has mandated a waste minimisation programme and both researchers hope this will see greater infrastructure development for both composting and recycling of materials. Ultimately, Parker would like to see packaging recycling becoming as “natural as putting on your seatbelt.”

INSIGHT: Scion researcher Eva Gaugler says it’s important to understand what motivates consumers purchases and the trends that may influence them.

Get the full story at farmersweekly.co.nz

KEEP AN EYE OUT Our OnFarmStory this month features Canterbury farmers Christo Keijzer and Lucy Appleton who milk buffalo to make a variety of Italian cheeses, with a growing demand for their product. We also talk to Maryanne Dudli from Taranaki, who milks and farms on her own, and we take a look at developments in dairy careers and training.

DECEMBER 2020 | $8.9 5

Th e c he e s e factor

Demand for buffalo cheese soar s PLUS:

Life as a so lo ➜ Taranaki

farmer

woman goe s it alone ➜ An interna tional voice for farmers ➜ Camping made glamo urous

2460DF-12x7

The latest Dairy Farmer hits letterboxes on November 30

Opinion

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

EDITORIAL Why the sector is a solid investment

N THESE trying economic times, it’s good to see investment dollars continue to pour into the primary sector. It’s obvious that the pandemic has hit many people hard, but there are also people lucky enough to have options about where to invest. MyFarm reports a big increase in the number of New Zealanders recognising that the return on capital from agriculture and horticulture far exceeds leaving it in the bank. It has raised more than $100 million for horticulture investments since April, which is more than double its annual equity raised annually between 2016-18. The New Zealand Rural Land Company hopes to list on the stock exchange by the end of the year as well. The company will put equity it raises into farmland, mainly dairy to begin with, and act as a landlord. Our skewed tax system means property is still the investment of choice for many, but those in the know are putting their money where it will grow. Sure, the return from a rental property in our hot housing market will probably fill the back pocket in just a few years. But is it helping New Zealand flourish? Food production will be a key driver of growth as we recover from the economic fallout of covid-19. And we’ve seen that food producers have a certain insulation from covid-19 that other sectors lack. So there’s every reason, if you have some money to invest, to look to the productive sector rather than the housing market. Investing in the primary industries will provide monetary returns but also jobs, community and prosperity for others. You’ll be a part of helping New Zealand businesses grow and thrive, feed the world and give meaningful employment to New Zealanders. What’s not to love about that?

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Meddling, not trees, are the problem READERS of my previous letters to the editor might be under the impression that I don’t like forestry. I am actually quite in favour of trees in general, having planted hundreds myself. What I am opposed to, is government intervention. When wellmeaning governments intervene in markets or natural processes, unintended consequences invariably result, often worse than the problem they’re trying to fix. So, I was amused and frustrated at the same time to see on the front page of Farmers Weekly (November 16) the Government announcing a limit on the planting of trees on better-classed land. The first intervention to financially promote planting of trees created a range of perverse

outcomes. Rather than cutting their losses, the Government has doubled down and tried to fix intervention with more intervention. Inevitably, this new round of intervention will create new perverse outcomes. In my own region, I know of a farm planted in manuka that will provide quite a number of jobs for the extraction of oil. This enterprise appears to have come about naturally, as the result of enterprise and market forces. Under the proposed new regime, would it get the go ahead? How many other undreamed good ideas of the future will be stopped in their tracks by an added regulatory hurdle? After enough good ideas are killed by this new regulation, we can be assured that another round

of meddling will follow. It reminds me of a prayer I heard once, “God save us from evil men, and well meaning good men.” David Skiffington Cheltenham

Appreciating biodiversity I JUST wanted to let you know that your recent article in Farmers Weekly (From the Ridge, November 2) about natural biodiversity on the farm was very impressive to read. As a farmer’s daughter, your piece reminded me just how much life surrounds our livelihood and to appreciate the diversity we have in our paddocks, streams and troughs.

Thank you for writing such a wonderful, descriptive article. Emily Lewis Tararua

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Doing more harm than good Ian Carter

T WAS with great sadness that I read the announcement about the High Court decision to challenge the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee’s (NAWAC) view of farrowing crates. I have spent my life understanding and farming my animals with care, and to know that I may be forced to change from a proven system that cares, to one that will create more harm than good, is tough to contemplate. As farmers, we spend a lot of time in nature and through this exposure, we learn to respect that nature is not always kind. Humans have gone to great lengths to minimise the discomforts of nature in their own lives, equally we strive to do the same for our companion animals (pets) and also our domesticated animals which we farm. Farrowing systems have taken generations to develop and continue to evolve as we learn more. It’s used all around the world. Countries like Denmark, Sweden and Finland – the very countries we aspire to in terms of how they treat their resources, including young people and animals – recognise their benefits and use them. They’ve tried other means, as have most countries, but all to date have not been as successful at managing the needs of the sow and the newborn piglets at such a vital stage of their lives. Farrowing crates save millions of piglets worldwide every year. No other system gets close to meeting the needs of this farmed animal. Well over 80% of pork products consumed in New Zealand will have started their lives in a farrowing crate. I estimate that farrowing crates could save over 200 piglets a day in NZ if they were universally used.

The

Pulpit

That’s 200 piglets each day going on to having a meaningful life. For a small industry who grows animals just for NZ consumption, that’s a large amount. For anyone dealing with raising animals, our focus is on growing them to their potential. Losing them prior to this, conflicts with our passion and our reason to farm. As a first-generation farmer I have spent 40 years of my life farming animals – I’ve clocked over 30 years in the pig sector – and have been lucky enough to have been involved in farming most species. My pan sector view is that farmers aren’t afraid of change. We are constantly changing and adapting our systems, our breeding herds, our on-farm practices. We use science that helps us ensure what we are doing is factual and proven. I was the chair of the NZ Pork board and one of the industry representatives during the NAWAC farrowing crate review. There was a complete and thorough investigation into farrowing systems completed by NAWAC in 2016. There has been no new science since to suggest

PERSPECTIVE: Ian Carter says focusing decisions solely on idealised views of nature is flawed and does not necessarily improve animal welfare.

any need for significant change. For the benefit of an animal’s welfare, these decisions must only be made on science not emotion or perceptions, which can have unintended consequences that cause more harm than good. Emotive and perceptive decisions should be left solely for the individual consumer to make at their point of purchase. There are pros and cons in all walks of life and we all know there’s no

such thing as ‘ideal all the time’. The one thing, however, that is prevalent in all species is the instinct to survive. Most mothers will compromise their lives for that of their progeny, this instinct is universal across most species. In a farrowing system, the sow’s essential needs are met and she can focus on her role of caring for her many piglets. A farrowing system is used for approximately four weeks – from just prior to

birth through to weaning at up to four weeks of age. During this time, the sow doesn’t need to concern herself with safety, predator threat, shelter, warmth, seeking food or water. It is all provided for her. She can focus on nurturing her piglets. In this same system, the piglets have areas that are warmed at a higher temperature than the sow, which helps provide them freedom from the sow accidentally lying on them and killing them. Sows are large (250kg-plus) animals which give birth to large numbers of piglets, each roughly 1.5kg. Accidental lay-ons are the biggest driver of mortality in pig production. Those who understand our animals see the farrowing system for what it is, a maternity unit of care. As humans we seek comforts along with nature. Why do we question farmers who want the same for their animals? To focus decisions solely on idealised views of nature is flawed and it does not necessarily improve animal welfare, in fact it can do more harm than good. Globally, pig farmers understand this and have developed systems based on the needs of the pig at different stages of their life to provide for it. The outcome is that more of their babies survive and prosper. How can that be wrong?

Who am I? Ian Carter is a farmer and former chair of the NZ Pork Industry Board.

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

Field day focuses on farm irrigation Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz WITH groundwater levels in many parts of the country at very low levels, many farmers are looking at water storage options – and more than 50 turned up to a recent on-farm field day organised by the Wairarapa Water Users Society. Held on Rupert Handyside’s farm just out of Masterton, the day began with Handyside talking about his nine-hectare storage pond, including a project description, planning requirements and some of the challenges that came with it. The storage facility took four months to build, due to weather-related delays during construction. It can hold more than 400,000 cubic metres of water providing Handyside, who finishes cattle and lambs, with irrigation across

OPTION: As soil moisture levels drop many farmers are looking at water storage options.

128ha of the farm, up to 120 days a year. GV Electrical’s Gordon Mouldey, who worked on the project, says farmers considering on-farm water storage need to

consider future operating costs, the biggest of which is power. Handyside has a pumpoperated scheme, with the pump motors chosen because of their efficiency.

Mouldey says it costs an average of about $290 a day in power costs to run, about $5500 a month at its peak, with an average monthly cost of about $3000. Water is applied at a rate of 3mm over 24 hours, although that can be increased to 4.5mm if necessary, the philosophy being to apply a small amount of water often. He says when considering how much water to apply, it’s important to understand soil structure on the farm. CHB Earthmovers director Justin Neville says one of the biggest unknowns in building a storage pond can be unsuitable material at the site’s location and sometimes it is necessary to cut down before building back up. He says spending an extra $20,000 to $30,000 doing preconstruction investigations and testing can save up to $500,000 at the back end of a project.

Earthworks on Handyside’s project worked out at around $1.50 per cubic metre of water, Neville says, which is one of the cheapest he has been associated with as some have gone up to $6. Wakamoekau Community Water Storage Scheme engineer Inia Rademakers gave those at the field day an update on the project. The project team has been gathering information, reports, points of view and input from a variety of people and organisations. It is on track to submit a resource consent application for the project, which will have a capacity of 19 million cubic metres of water. Its estimated construction cost is $100 million to $120m, and it will be capable of supplying 28 million cubic metres of water a year at greater than 90% reliability.

Opinion

32 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

A little fact-checking goes a very long way Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I RECENTLY had a disagreement with Radio New Zealand (RNZ). Not the rural section, which I find highly knowledgeable, responsible and balanced, but the news side, which I find anything but. It was about an article by animal welfare campaigner Angus Robson claiming that MPI was under-resourced to police animal welfare issues. What the size of the problem was, he didn’t say – or offer any proof. That was followed by wellknown campaigner Alison Dewes, who suggested that vets were reluctant to report any animal welfare issues because of the fear of repercussions from rural communities. I’ve always found vets were made of sterner stuff, and believe they are an integral part of any rural community I’ve been involved with. As with Robson, no proof was given, which told me RNZ didn’t want any. I’m fast getting over the consistent farmer bashing by sections of the media. If a statement comes from Greenpeace, Fish and Game or SAFE, it seems to appear with indecent haste. If a statement comes from farmers, nothing much seems to happen. It is the same with effluent. If a farmer’s system breaks down and

a few buckets of sewage escapes into a waterway, it gets massive media attention. Correspondingly, councils can put 400 Olympicsized swimming pools worth of it into a harbour, and little gets said. Likewise with animal welfare. MPI receives between 500 and 700 complaints each year, the majority of which aren’t upheld. The RSPCA receives over 9000 complaints each year over cruelty to dogs in urban New Zealand. You can often read about rural issues, but just not those in urban areas. Getting back to my rant with the news section of RNZ.

A lot of the animal management on those lifestyle farms bears no relation to what happens on real farms.

On questioning Robson’s credentials, RNZ told me that it was due to his past experience with animal welfare campaigns that gave him credibility. I’m aware he ran an anti-farmer campaign about pugging in Southland, but unaware of anything else except that he’s a mechanical engineer. When I suggested that living on a lifestyle block didn’t qualify someone to be a farmer, I was told I was wrong and that lifestyle blockers were farmers just like anyone else. Think of the absurdity of that statement.

It is estimated that there are over 200,000 lifestyle blocks in NZ. Over 7000 change hands each year. Correspondingly, there are 12,000 dairy farms and 16,000 sheep and beef units, meaning lifestyle blocks outnumber farms farming animals by almost eight to one, yet RNZ, or the State Radio, which you and I own, still classifies them as farmers. A lot of the animal management on those lifestyle farms bears no relation to what happens on real farms. One local sale yard had an instruction sheet telling lifestyle purchasers basic things like “if you get an animal that’s only a couple of days or weeks old, you need to give them milk – they can’t survive on grass alone.” Mind you, that’s a fact that every bonafide farmer knows, but then lifestylers are farmers according to RNZ, even if they don’t have animals or crops. My issue is that a blaze of publicity was given to a story with no proof of a problem. Last week I wrote an article on Rural Support Trusts and the great work they do with an increasingly stressed and by statistics suicideprone rural sector. The resources they have to do that vital work are infinitesimal. That was illustrated by an article in Stuff last week, where a farmer had been convicted of breaching the Animal Welfare Act. Here’s the rub. The farmer concerned had been suffering severe depression that had started with the Canterbury earthquakes. He pleaded guilty, was convicted and discharged with permanent name suppression.

PERCEPTION: Living on a lifestyle block doesn’t automatically give you farmer bragging rights, says Alan Emerson.

His statement to the Court read: “Fortunately when MPI stepped in, it was a wake-up call and a shock. I realised I had lost perspective and resolved to get the stock back to full health.” The judge in the trial said that rural mental health “was a real issue.” Talking to Steve Thomson of the local Rural Support Trust was interesting. “When farmers get stressed they forget about stock,” he said. “Stock welfare is often a sign of long-term stress. “I look around a farm and can tell straight away if things aren’t right. “Even when farming enjoys good times, depression is always there”. Farmstrong is another iconic organisation that supports farmers wellbeing. All Black Sam

Whitelock is the public face of the organisation. They recently released research findings that showed a clear link between diminished wellbeing and on-farm injuries. In fact, 58% of 500 respondents showed that diminished wellbeing contributed to their accident. My point is simply that having an army of animal welfare officers and Worksafe inspectors will solve little. Adequately resourcing Rural Support Trusts and Farmstrong will assist both animal welfare issues and reduce on-farm accidents. Someone should tell Radio NZ.

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

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

I’VE just been chased in from an evening muster ready for weaning tomorrow by a skiffy southerly, which dropped the temperature several degrees and reminded me to be better prepared next time – and always have something warm on hand. As I was taught. Our country’s position of several islands in the middle of a vast ocean within the roaring forties obviously gives us changeable weather. These weather changes have caught many people out in the high country – both visitors and Kiwis – and many have paid the price with their lives. Anyway, I wasn’t in any great peril and only five minutes from the house and a hot shower, but it

reinforced that lately the weather has been all over the place even for late spring. The previous three days had been gloriously still and warm, and it was a great pleasure to be out on the farm. I just hope the southerly will clear overnight and the weaned lambs will be reasonably dry as we must crutch, vaccinate and drench them regardless, and weigh them all as well, as they are the studs. Just before Labour weekend we were all getting twitchy as. Although most had reasonable feed levels, the ground was very dry, and we were going to get into trouble quickly. But some modest rainfalls either side of Labour weekend certainly kicked the late spring growth into gear and I quickly went from having good feed levels to losing control and quality rapidly. The nasty weather pattern that deluged poor Napier with nearly 250mm of rain in one day brought 70mm here, and I hear up to 150mm towards the coast. For pastoral farmers it was an important rainfall and our biggest

daily rainfall for a couple of years. But devastating for those residents of Napier who had their houses inundated or destroyed by slips on the hill.

The other reason I’m happy to be down to the last couple of mobs is the uncertainty of where beef prices might go as the pandemic continues on its merry way around the world.

I’d just started killing my twoyear-old bulls, and although tempted to slow that flow of animals off-farm, as they have big mouths and help maintain pasture quality, I have kept quitting them. They are big enough for me at over 600kg and just start doing too much damage. I watched one the other day give

his mate a nonchalant flick with his head sending him crashing into the fence, breaking a post and several wires. It’s not like my list of repair jobs wasn’t long enough already. I can still move quickly in the yards when loading them onto a truck if I have to, but now in my 60s, where the process once was an exciting challenge when things didn’t go according to plan, now there is just anxiety to get them on the truck with as little drama as possible for all concerned. Mind you, I think my more mindful and cautious approach has probably improved the way the animals react, but I still never take them for granted. The other reason I’m happy to be down to the last couple of mobs is the uncertainty of where beef prices might go as the pandemic continues on its merry way around the world and a NZ dollar sitting on 69c against the US at the time of writing. Worrying about some scruffy pastures is of less concern. The same uncertainty about future pricing will see me stick

to the annual plan of quitting as many terminal lambs off mum to the works as possible. They were on target a month ago when I drenched them, but I won’t really know until this Sunday when we will have a big day drafting all the killable ones off the first big mob and I’ll check my eye with the scales and put a hand on them. I’ll give them a dag and they will spend the night with mum before being separated again early the next morning, and they too will get a truck ride. The balance of lambs will be drenched, vaccinated and crutched. Just as all other sheep farmers will be doing over the weeks and months ahead. It’s busy times on the farm but a culmination of a lot of work, planning and decisions over the course of the year, so also satisfying.

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

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Time for Fonterra to find its path

IT IS now approaching three years since Theo Spierings’ departure from Fonterra was announced. The focus ever since has been getting Fonterra back into a stable financial situation. When Spierings left, Fonterra was in big trouble with lots of stranded and unprofitable assets. That stabilisation process will essentially be completed over the next 12 months. In what direction does Fonterra then head? The new Fonterra will be a much leaner operation having divested itself of China Farms, Beingmate, DPA (Brazil) and DFE Pharma (Europe). There will still be rough edges in Australia and Chile to be sorted out, but Fonterra will overall be in a position of low business risk. The core business of the new Fonterra is now commodities and specialised ingredients. The specialised ingredients make their way either directly or indirectly into foodservice. They include items such as mozzarella cheese. They can also include powders formulated for specific purposes.

For many years, Fonterra sailed along in ignorance. It did not recognise its own incompetence in key areas. Instead, it kept congratulating itself based on believing its own PR Fonterra’s fundamental business structure is as a processor of raw milk into a range of products sold to other businesses (B2B). From a business risk perspective, it has an enviable position where it pays its farmer suppliers on a delayed basis and with its farmer suppliers carrying the risk of market volatility. Essentially, Fonterra clips the ticket for processing the milk. Unless Fonterra does something totally wayward, it must make a profit on those core processing activities. Even if it makes a huge mess of those activities, it can solve the financial issue simply by clipping the ticket harder. Although there is a formula linking the farm gate milk price to international dairy prices, Fonterra does not have to pay that price to its farmer suppliers. And those suppliers have nowhere else to go, at least in the short and medium-term. The appalling situation that Fonterra got itself into during the Spierings and John Wilson watch has been analysed by some but

LACKING: The key focus of the current Fonterra vision is supposedly on value-adding but there’s a big gap between that vision and the existing steps to implementation.

the background relates to capital structure. The existing structure was designed in pre-Spierings days and implemented around the time of his arrival. The key purpose of the new structure was to shift share-redemption risk away from Fonterra itself and onto farm balance sheets. The biggest risk to Fonterra currently in terms of capital structure remains potential loss of farm gate milk, with this occurring in an environment where overall New Zealand milk production is not increasing and may even decrease. The shares of departing farmers would normally be taken up by non-farmers as units in the Shareholders’ Fund. Alternatively, Fonterra could cancel the shares and fund this through either bank debt or bond issuance. However, to the extent that some Fonterra shareholders are currently looking for a change in capital structure, a key issue in their minds is the capital they have to tie up in Fonterra. It is easy for some farmers to forget the fundamentals of a co-operative.

If members want to share in the benefits of the co-operative, then they do have to provide capital to service their share of operations. A big issue for Fonterra going forward is the diversity of its members. When it comes to voting for directors, it is the big farmers with herds of more than 600 cows, and in many cases business entities of some thousands of cows, who can dominate. They are the ones who produce most of the milk. However, most Fonterra farmers still have fewer than 400 cows. These farmers have limited voting power. Right now, most farmers, regardless of the size of their operations, are supportive of what Fonterra has been doing to stabilise company finances. However, scratch beneath the surface and there is less uniformity as to what Fonterra should look like in future. Most farmers are probably looking for a low-risk model, compatible with the reality that, relative to their farm businesses, Fonterra is just an add-on. In

many cases, those on-farm businesses are highly indebted. From that perspective, and with on-farm regulatory issues a big concern, it is not a time to take on new risks. All of this means that Fonterra is likely to continue operating within a framework of producing commodities plus specialised ingredients for food service. Trying to develop consumer brands is likely to remain in the background. Despite the relative simplicity of this framework, I expect there will be interesting discussions around the board table over the next year in regard to fine-tuning what this all means in terms of operations. With the possible exception of A2, don’t expect anything that is particularly visionary.

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

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more analysis is required. My own perspective is that it arose from deep-seated arrogance within the company as to its own abilities and an unwillingness to recognise and then respond to internal weaknesses. It was a mix of the wrong internal structures and the wrong type of people in some key positions. For many years, Fonterra sailed along in ignorance. It did not recognise its own incompetence in key areas. Instead, it kept congratulating itself based on believing its own PR. So many of the mistakes were avoidable if they had only listened. One of the first questions now is whether Fonterra has learned from those mistakes. Achieving financial stability is a huge step forward, but is Fonterra likely to make the same mistakes again? The Fonterra board also looks different from three years ago. There is considerable diversity and mix of skills within the board, but the farmer-elected members look very different from the typical Fonterra farmer. Essentially, Fonterra farmers have elected a cohort of directors whose key links to the industry are mainly through family corporates and who in most cases have undertaken their careers off-farm. This situation is not necessarily a flaw. But it does raise interesting questions of perspective alignment, and the importance of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council in monitoring that alignment. The latest elections saw the reappointment of a finance and accounting specialist who had just completed a three-year term on the board, and who easily beat all other candidates. The second candidate to be elected is a new board electee. This second electee is a lawyer with mergers and acquisition experience, who convincingly beat four other candidates. These included a director from previous times who felt there was unfinished business to sort out, together with a previous minister of finance, a highly successful farmer, and another accountant-type person. The key focus of the current Fonterra vision is supposedly on value-adding. However, I see a big gap between that vision and the existing steps to implementation. Several years ago there was a lot of talk about mozzarella. Fonterra had its own revolutionary intellectual property allowing it to make mozzarella cheese much more quickly than other companies. As for production facilities, first there was Mozz1, then Mozz2 and then Mozz3. It cost a lot of money. More recently, all seems to have gone quiet. The Mozz3 plant was lying idle for quite some time and may still be seriously underused. Fonterra has said nothing of note thereof, so what is the future with foodservice mozzarella? The other big opportunity was to drive through with the A2 project. The lack of progress has been papered over with PR spin. They messed that up in ways they have yet to admit. Another question lurking in

Cents

The Braided Trail

34 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

On Farm Story

Business diversity brings rewards Simon and Pip Todhunter run a diversified farming-based business on the Kaikoura coast, which means they have plenty of balls in the air to keep an eye on, as Colin Williscroft found out.

HE Todhunters run a combined sheep and beef, contracting and glamping operation at Kekerengu, 40 minutes north of Kaikoura and an hour south of Blenheim. They are a couple who work on gut-feel when it comes to what they do, and that it’s better to focus on the positives around them rather than dwell too much on things that are out of their control. On their mainly hill country property of about 1100 hectares, they run about 2500 ewes and up to 1000 bulls, half of which are for beef, the remaining half Jerseys and Herefords are grown out for the dairy industry as service bulls. Bull numbers are weatherdependent on the summer-dry property, with higher numbers run in a good year. The couple also run Ngaio Downs Contracting, a small contracting business that provides direct drilling, spraying and cultivation services to farmers in the area. A third aspect to their business is glamping, which they operate through the Canopy Camping umbrella, a company that runs a website and marketing service, as well as taking bookings, for glamping campsites around the country, in exchange for a commission. The Todhunters’ site has three tents, sleeping 10 people, which mainly attract groups, especially families and friends, with the majority from Christchurch. The farm is divided into about 140 paddocks, all of which have water in them. The goal is for most of the bulls to be gone by Christmas. Then, after a break in January and February, the bulls start coming through again as the grass grows. Following a traditional beef cow system on the farm allows stock to move with the climate,

following the growth curve. There’s about 300ha out the back of the farm that can be run slightly more intensively but other than that, stock is rotated year-round, apart from the month during lambing. One of the main challenges on the farm is the climate, which can be unpredictable. Two weeks before Farmers Weekly visited, the couple were looking at unloading stock because of the dry conditions, however the arrival of rain saw grass growth pick up to the extent where they were considering going the other way and buying in more stock. “It’s an ever-changing market and climate, and we try to use that to our advantage,” Simon said. “We’ve tried to build a farming system around our weaknesses that turns them into opportunities if we can. He says they chase profitable stock, “something that we can hop in and out of.” The dairy service bulls are, income-wise, ahead of anything else on the farm but their sale time is locked in to when dairy farmers want to put the bull out with their cows. On the flipside, the Todhunters can move in-and-out of trading Friesians. “The price doesn’t go up and down for them like it does for prime animals, so we can get in and out of them when we want,” he said. They are also good converters of the type of feed on-farm into product.

FAMILY: Pip and Simon have three children, Georgie, 11, Charlie, seven and Honor, nine.

The farm’s glamping operation allows Pip, who studied tourism at Lincoln, to use her degree in a way she never expected.

I feel sorry for people who have a job where they arrive at work and punch in and out without any real memory of what they did for the day. Simon Todhunter “When we came back from overseas to Simon’s family farm, I saw the opportunity here with the sea at the front of the farm and the river at the back,” she said. “Then I saw something about Canopy Camping and I thought that it would fit with us really well.

LOCATION: The farm is at Kekerengu, an hour south of Blenheim on the Kaikoura coast.

“And it does, because they take care of all the bookings and the money side of it all. “I’m pretty much a cleaner but I get to meet the guests as well, which I really enjoy.” They started glamping in 2015, but at a site on the farm that’s further south from where it is now. After the Kaikoura earthquake the following year, everything changed. The main highway was closed, cutting off tourist traffic, which resulted in the glamping being shut down for about two years. Their own home was damaged in the earthquake but they used the opportunity to rebuild the homestead where the glampsite was. “It’s the best site on the farm,” Pip said. “We always dreamed of building a house there but never thought we would.” Reopening for glamping has also paid off. “We’re fully booked every

weekend and have also had a lot of mid-week stays,” she said. “It (having to close) was a hiccup but we’re back into it now, and it’s great to see all the people coming in.” She says there’s potential for it to do even better. There’s talk of a whale trail bike ride going down the coast from Picton to Christchurch, which would be good for tourism and accommodation providers in the area. “I think this area gets a bit underestimated,” she said. “A lot of people just see it as a place on the way from Christchurch to Picton but there is actually a lot more happening in the area.” The other aspect of their business, Ngaio Downs Contracting, started almost by accident. Simon says they had a drill and a tractor on the farm and Kekerengu is at the end of the line as far as getting service from

REOPENED: The glampsite was closed for two years after the earthquake but is again proving popular, especially with families.

On Farm Story

contractors further north or south. “So, we ended up doing a bit to help our neighbours out and it kind of grew from there,” he said. Today, in terms of hours, it employs one person full-time and could probably do another. “I enjoy it, it gets me around the area interacting with people,” he said. “I’m probably a bit of a dieselhead, so it gets that fix sorted.” He admits that he can get sick of doing one thing on the farm all day, so being able to get off the property and do something else works for him. The business is well established after assuming its own identity about three years ago. They left the gear that was on the farm, which meant buying all the contracting machinery they have at present, pretty much new. That involved having to make plenty of repayments but they are almost at an end, with the business standing on its own and doing well for the couple, with this spring the busiest they have been. The couple place a big emphasis on looking after their staff, saying it’s the people who have been part of their team who have got them through some challenging times post-earthquake. “We’re only as good as our staff,” Simon said. With the contracting business busy at this time of year, the farm

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

BALANCE: There are up to 1000 bulls on the farm; about half for beef and the rest are grown out for the dairy industry as service bulls.

staff don’t always see a lot of Simon, so it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. “I hope we have a good relationship where they feel they can discuss stuff with me,” he said. “That’s important because they are a huge part of what we do.”

They have two staff who look after the day-to-day stock side of the farm and another who does the tractor work, with someone else in Kaikoura to help out with additional tractor work when needed. “We haven’t struggled with staff at all,” he said.

TOP SPOT: After their original house was damaged in the Kaikoura earthquake, the Todhunters rebuilt on what is viewed as the best location on the property.

DIVERSIFIED BUSINESS: The contracting company began as a way of helping neighbours and has grown from there.

“I hope that’s because of the way we look after them. They seem to come and stay and the ones who go, we still keep in touch with them. “I hope it’s not just a job. I feel sorry for people who have a job where they arrive at work and punch in-and-out without any real memory of what they did for the day. “I like to think here it’s another adventure for them. We have a lot of laughs and that culture is really important.” After leaving school Simon went to Telford and then spent a year or so working in Australia doing a variety of work, including driving tractors and working on cattle stations. He also drove trucks in the United States for a while. Pip grew up in Timaru, then went to Lincoln. She and Simon had a few mutual friends, who they met through about 20 years ago. They went and did their own things for a while, then travelled overseas together before coming back to live where they are now. They have three children, Georgie, 11, Honor, nine, and Charlie, seven. Pip says the children enjoy living where they do and the lifestyle it brings. “When we go to town they enjoy the city life but they’re always pretty keen to get back to the farm,” she said. She says although it’s a great spot to bring up kids, it can be a bit isolated and when the children reach high school it will be a bit of a challenge, with probably boarding school likely the only option. Farming is a challenge in itself and the curveball thrown by the Kaikoura earthquake was another, but Simon says it’s those things that have made the couple who they are now. “The earthquake was massive along the coast but here, everything that was broken got fixed. We’re living in a new house now,” he said. “When there’s bad times you have to try and think that out of every negative there’s a positive.

Sometimes you’ve got to step back and have a look at what you have done and celebrate your achievements a bit more. Simon Todhunter “Pick up the ball and go with it if you can. “It doesn’t always work, but sometimes the wrong decision is better than no decision.” Pip agrees. “Don’t sweat the small stuff and just appreciate what’s around you,” she said. “We’ve got family around us and this beautiful view and the coast. Just try and find positives in everything.” As for the future, Pip says they are always interested in new opportunities, whatever form they might take. “We are looking for something that’s outside the square, but we don’t know what it is yet,” she said. Simon says every opportunity that has come their way has not been something that they have really sat down, pulled apart and analysed first. “That’s probably our weakness, that we do lack a bit of planning,” he said. “We’re both pretty gut feel – if it feels good, we’ll do it.” “Sometimes by the seat of our pants,” Pip said. As with any farming operation, there are a lot of balls in the air, but Simon can’t imagine doing anything else. “As you get older, your appetite for stress and pressure is not where it once was, but with that comes other things,” he said. “You probably get a little bit better at managing that. “Sometimes you’ve got to step back and have a look at what you have done and celebrate your achievements a bit more.” >> Video link: bit.ly/OFStodhunter

World

36 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Wheat imports rise ahead of Brexit WHEAT imports surged during July and August with millers looking to lock in supplies ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31.

So not only did we have a smaller area planted and therefore a smaller crop, we also have a poorer-quality crop as well. David Eudall ADHB Trade data collected by HMRC shows that during July and August a total of 367,000 tonnes of wheat was imported into the UK, compared with 223,000t in July and August of 2019. September’s figures are expected to be released later this week.

The UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) head of arable market specialist David Eudall says this is a trend he expects to continue for the rest of the year, with millers still facing uncertainty about trading arrangements and tariffs from January 1. “Millers have bought a huge amount of milling wheat to come into the country before December 31 to get around any trade issues that may appear,” he said. However, a significant level of imports was inevitable this year given a smaller domestic milling wheat crop – because of the reduction in the area planted – and reduced quality, he said. This year only 31% of UK-grown Group 1 milling wheat varieties met the full bread-making quality specification, which is 14% below a year ago and 7.2% below the five-year average. “So not only did we have a smaller area planted and therefore a smaller crop, we also have a poorer-quality crop as well,” he said.

BELOW STANDARD: This year only 31% of UK-grown Group 1 milling wheat varieties met the full bread-making quality specification, which is 14% below a year ago and 7.2% below the five-year average.

Eudall says latest cereal use figures from the milling industry showed that imported wheat use between July and September had risen by 48.3%, compared with last

year. However, this apparent rise has to be seen in context. While 134,000t of imported wheat were used by the UK milling industry during September, this

is still significantly less than the levels seen back in 2012-13 and 2013-14, when there were months where the UK was using more than 200,000t of imported wheat.

Net zero ‘biggest change’ on Scot farms REDUCING greenhouse gas emissions will see the biggest change in Scottish farming since the switch from horses to tractors, says a report. Growers and livestock producers have a vital role and must receive financial help for Scotland to meet its climate change targets, adds the study. “This engagement must have political and financial recognition,” warns the Farming For 1.5º document, which was published on November 9. The report follows an inquiry which brought together farmers, scientists, researchers, policy experts, environmentalists, practitioners and campaigners. It set out to find consensus on a path to net zero for farming that delivers a robust agricultural industry integral to the culture, nature and prosperity of Scotland. The report says embracing the opportunity to reduce emissions while sequestering carbon will benefit farmers and the

agricultural sector as a whole. “It will be able to claim a progressive central role and be seen to be offering leadership in a field in which it has – until now – been seen to be a reluctant player,” the report said. Scotland’s climate change ambition is to be net zero by 2045 at the latest – five years before the 2050 target set by the UK government. Agriculture is the thirdlargest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland, accounting for 18% of total emissions – including those from the livestock sector – says the report. But it also points out that agriculture has a big opportunity to sequester carbon. The study proposes whole farm action plans covering the three key greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. It suggests more farmers

should adopt measures such as direct drilling, zero and minimum tillage, as well as improving nutrient and manure management. The report calls for the “multiuse of land” to become the norm, including agroforestry, using wetlands as natural flood defences and building multispecies pastures. Planting trees also has an important role – as farm woodlands, hedges and shelter belts, as well as larger blocks of forestry, says the report. “These changes collectively represent as great a change to Scottish farming within a generation as the change from horses to tractors,” it said. “They can and must be achieved fairly. Farmers who want to play their part in this transformation can and must have profitable businesses and good livelihoods if Scotland is to have a just transition to net zero.” UK Farmers Weekly

FINDINGS: The Farming for Scotland report says embracing the opportunity to reduce emissions while sequestering carbon will benefit farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.

INVESTIGATION: Testing is underway to determine if it is a highly pathogenic strain and whether it is related to the virus currently circulating in Europe.

Vigilance urged after bird flu outbreaks TWO different strains of avian influenza have been confirmed in Kent and Cheshire with poultry keepers across the UK being warned to remain alert and maintain good biosecurity. In Kent, the H5N2 strain was found at a small commercial premises near Deal, while the H5N8 strain was confirmed at a broiler breeder near Frodsham, Cheshire. All the birds at both properties will be culled to prevent the spread of the disease. Further testing is underway to determine if it is a highly pathogenic strain and whether it is related to the virus currently circulating in Europe. Public Health England says the risk to public health from the virus was very low. “Bird keepers must remain vigilant and report any signs of the disease, while ensuring that good

biosecurity is practiced onsite,” British Poultry Council chief executive Richard Griffiths said. “We are working with Defra and are remaining vigilant on poultry sites to minimise the risk to the national flock. We will closely follow this and provide an update over the coming days.” Poultry keepers could take “simple measures” to protect flocks, including keeping bird housing clean and tidy, cleaning footwear before and after visits and placing feed and water in enclosed areas protected from wild birds. They were also advised to fence around areas birds were allowed to roam and limit access to areas visited by wild waterfowl, plus avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species where possible. UK Farmers Guardian

Taupo 3723 State Highway 5 Open Day

Central Plateau dairy • 1,022 ha dairy farm located 38 km south-east of Taupo in the Rangitaiki district • Contour predominantly flat to undulating with small area of easy hill; pumice and loam soils with good fertility levels • 2,825 cows, last season 1.018m kgMS with 960 kgDM per cow imported feed • 120 paddocks with access via wide stock races maintained from on-farm quarry • Run as two separate units with independent water supplies sourced from three bores; two 80 bail rotary dairies with inshed meal feeding systems; new lined effluent storage ponds, 335 ha covered by travelling irrigators • Dwellings include eight modern brick homes plus additional single staff quarters • Offered for sale as turn-key operation including livestock, plant and machinery • Attractive yield forecast with full management contract available

Tender closes Tuesday 15th December, 2020 at 4.00pm, Property Brokers Ltd - 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu View Thu 26 Nov 11.00 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/TWR02952

Dave Peacocke M 027 473 2382

E davep@pb.co.nz

David McGuire M 027 472 2572

E david.mcguire@pb.co.nz

Te Awamutu 1252 Owairaka Valley Road Open Day

Castle Rock An excellent beef finishing property offering size and scope, situated 25 km south east of Te Awamutu • 269.46 ha - 1252 Owairaka Valley Road, Wharepapa South, Te Awamutu - plus an additional 34 ha finishing block • Exceptionally well presented; finishing approx. 800 beef cattle per season • A well balanced mix of easy rolling contour and medium hill; v.g. fencing & races; fully reticulated water supply • Very good range of well maintained buildings; 4-stand woolshed, covered sheep & cattleyards, automated cattle crush with scales, 6-bay implement shed incl lockable workshop • Quality 4 brm homestead; spacious living, large decks, inground pool, bbq area, tennis court - has been utilised as a lodge for on-farm adventure tourism business; very good 3 brm dwelling in sunny north facing position • An aesthetically pleasing property with mature specimen trees, woodlots, rocky outcrops; Puniu River with trout fishing on southern boundary - primary school - 2 km; bus for secondary school Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz

Auction 12.00pm, Thu 17th Dec, 2020 View Thu 26 Nov 12.00 - 2.00pm Web pb.co.nz/TWR03019

Brian Peacocke M 021 373 113

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

Omanawa 848 Taumata Road, RD 3

Eketahuna 339 Mangaroa Road Open Day

Tender

Dairy opportunity in Tauranga 174.4 ha in five titles located 15 minutes south of Tauranga at 848 Taumata Road. This dairy unit is a reliable production unit milking around 415 cows generating a five year average production of 162,559 kgMS. There is a good range of housing with a four bedroom lockwood and a modern three bedroom managers home. Farm buildings include a 36 ASHB dairy, large calf shed/workshop, implement shed and a half round hay barn. Contour of the property is gentle rolling to rolling with 38 ha of steeper country planted in an assorted range of forestry trees.

Mangaroa - 82 ha Tender closes Wednesday 9th December, 2020 at 2.00pm, (unless sold prior) View Wed 25 Nov 11.00 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/MAR72597

Ian Morgan M 027 492 5878 Peter Foley M 021 024 19121

This first farm opportunity provides options to the market, located just 30 km south of Pahiatua and centrally located to the Manawatu and the Wairarapa in the farming district of Nireaha. This property is suited to continue as a well established dairy unit or a summer safe finishing or support property. Featuring virtually all flat contour, excellent races and superior pastures resulting in a production average over 70,000 kgMS on a low cost system. Infrastructure is well provided with a 18 ASHB with round yard, feed pad, in-shed feeding and an excellent array of farm shedding.

Tender closes Thursday 10th December, 2020 at 2.00pm View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR77832

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

Dannevirke 222 Armstrong Road Tender

Visually attractive bareland block With size, location, excellent soil fertility and contour this 44.71 ha farm has plenty of options. The contour of the property consists of terraces and sidlings with approximately 65% cultivatable. Water is provided by water ram drawn from the Tamaki River and reticulated to troughs in all paddocks. The farm is well fenced with 29 main paddocks being a mix of conventional with some electric support. In addition, there is a central laneway and farm track leading down to the lower Tamaki River terrace. The property has an excellent fertiliser history with soil tests available on request. This bare land property is available for purchase now. Location and appeal make this picturesque property a must to view!

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

Tender closes Thursday 10th December, 2020 at 2.00pm, Property Brokers Ltd, 47 High Street, Dannevirke View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/DR74881

Jim Crispin M 027 717 8862

E jimc@pb.co.nz

Chris Heenan M 027 599 3527

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

Dannevirke 16 Corby Road Tender

Corby Road - 167 ha This established dairy unit certainly presents options to the market; being located only 14 km from Dannevirke and under 40 minutes drive to Palmerston North. Extremely well catered for with a centrally located 40 ASHB shed with large rectangular yard, large feed pad, concrete silage bunkers and ample effluent storage. The low cost farming system is milking 400 cows on the effective platform of 121 ha of which almost all is flat and is in modern pastures on some of the districts best soil types . Two well kept family homes set in mature grounds completes an appealing and well presented package with the main home being a four bedroom brick home with double external garage. Numerous titles and split options cater to all facets of the market either it being support, cropping, fattening or continue with the existing dairy operation and take this property to the next level.

Tender closes Tuesday 15th December, 2020 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Property Brokers, 129 Main Street, Pahiatua View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR79579

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496

E jared@pb.co.nz

John Arends M 027 444 7380

E johna@pb.co.nz

A real change in real estate. The Property Brokers and Farmlands partnership means great things for provincial real estate Together our combined strengths complement each other to create a unique offering: - A nationwide network from Northland to Southland - Over 750 staff across 75 locations dedicated to real estate - A deep understanding of the land with market-leading expertise in property sales and marketing Bigger networks, more buyers, better results. For more information call 0800 367 5263 or visit pb.co.nz/together

Proud to be together

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

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

Proud to be here

Boundary lines are indicative only

Helensville 23 Rogan Avenue Riverfront farm - top of its class! Long recognised as one of the premier farms in the region, this 116 hectare dairy operation has an impressive production and profit history, with a quality setup to match. Operating on a low input system, the farm has a recent production high of 112,300 kgMS and four year average of 108,564kgMS off its 108 hectare milkingplatform (1,005kgMS/ha). Its rich fertile soils provide for quality pastures or horticultural uses. Quality infrastructure includes a 36 ASHB shed and four-bedroom home with views across the farm. This is a farm, a great investment opportunity or lifestyle change with fishing. duckshooting and Auckland at your doorstep.

Ohaupo 445 Mystery Creek Road 4

Blue chip property and location

Take a virtual tour: vimeo.com/480455512

This stunning property bordering the Waikato River combines 20.15 hectares (more or less) of prime land, considerable farm infrastructure, an elegant two storey schist and plaster home, and a two bedroom cottage with great earning potential. Established to allow for most forms of grazing (including equestrian), with infrastructure to match. Infrastructure includes an 8 block stable complex, four tie up stalls, wash bay, mare and foal crush, and a two stand shearing facility with sheep pens. Other farm buildings include a large implement shed with lockable doors and power, hay barn, cattle yards with head bale, sheep yards, lunge ring, concrete pad for horse shavings and a loading bay. If you are looking for something special, call now.

bayleys.co.nz/1202291

bayleys.co.nz/2311911

Whatawhata 2042 Te Pahu Road

Canterbury 150 Swamp Road, Springston

Supreme offering! This 48ha (more or less) block in two titles displays characteristics of a vision over time, a quality property that represents both farming and environmental values. Immaculately presented the infrastructure includes a unused dairy shed, large barns plus an excellent set of cattle yards. With flat contour and mix of sandy loam and river silt soils, multiple options could be explored. Currently grazing dairy heifers, with surplus grass cut for silage. The homestead exudes country charm with an element on modern living. Located west of Hamilton, this is a once in a century opportunity.

bayleys.co.nz/2311866

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 10 Dec 2020 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View by appointment John Barnett 021 790 393 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz Jayne McCall 021 606 969 MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, KUMEU, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 10 Dec 2020 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Wed 25 Nov & Wed 2 Dec or by appointment Scott Macdonald 027 753 3854 scott.macdonald@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Tue 15 Dec 2020 Lakewood Block C, Unit 1, 36 Lake Street, Cambridge View by appointment Alistair Scown 027 494 1848 alistair.scown@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Loaded with opportunity Ideally situated, this 107 hectare dairy farm offers a rare opportunity to purchase an established farm operation in a prime position close to Lincoln township. Milking through a 28-bail rotary shed with an existing meal feeding system, the dairy unit has historically produced between 164,000kgMS and 173,000kgMS from a herd size of approximately 400 cows. The farm has excellent access with good shelter and is fully irrigated from a 140 metre well using K-line sprinkler pods. Accommodation is provided by three separate homes. Located close to Lincoln township and within an easy commute of Christchurch city, this property provides an excellent balance between farm life and the convenience of town amenities.

bayleys.co.nz/5513696

bayleys.co.nz

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 12pm, Thu 3 Dec 2020 3 Deans Avenue, Christchurch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Evan Marshall 027 221 0910 evan.marshall@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – November 23, 2020

FOR SALE

TOKOMARU BAY FORESTRY ESTATE

1944 Mata Road, Tokomaru Bay East Coast Region

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

MANGATARATA STATION

FOR SALE

1944 Mata Road, Tokomaru Bay East Coast Region LARGE-SCALE FARM LAND FOR SALE - MULTIPLE PURCHASE OPTIONS

LARGE-SCALE FORESTRY ESTATE - MULTIPLE PURCHASE OPTIONS

Comprised of four adjoining forests and one station, Tokomaru Bay Forestry Estate is a largescale plantation forestry and pastoral farming opportunity located in the East Coast Region of New Zealand. Included in the sale is the option to purchase the freehold land and trees comprising Mata Forest, Mangatarata Forest, Te Rawhiti Forest, Onetohunga Forest and the Mangatarata Station together or separately. Recent inventory, mapping and harvest records are available - Call Arotahi Agribusiness today to receive a detailed Information Memorandum. + + Thursday 17 December 2020 at 4pm (NZDT) + + + Wyatt Johnston +64 27 8151 303 +

Deadline Expressions of Interest:

Chan Singh Jeremy Keating

+64 27 767 7113 +64 21 461 210

3,466.67ha combined freehold land Mature forest of 1,191.8ha* NSA Age Class (1994-1998) 644.7ha* cutover/replanted land 889ha* farm land available Post ’89 land with significant carbon earning potential

Mangatarata Station is a large working farm located in the East Coast Region of New Zealand. On offer is up to 899ha (subject to survey) of farm land with a full complement of farm infrastructure, including 6-stand woolshed, modern covered yards, satellite yards, dam and reticulated water systems, stables, and various other farm outbuildings. Accommodation includes workers’ cottages, shearers’ quarters and the renovated homestead, set on a large section with expansive views to Mt Hikurangi and Tokomaru Bay.

Deadline Offers:

Thursday 17 December 2020 at 4pm (NZDT) Wyatt Johnston Chan Singh Jeremy Keating

+64 27 8151 303 +64 27 767 7113 +64 21 461 210

+ + + + +

Up to 899ha* subject to survey 765ha* effective, carrying approximately 7,270 stock units Renovated 5-bedroom 1920s homestead 6-stand woolshed, modern covered yards, satellite yards (3), dam and reticulated water systems Available as entire farm, home block only or northern runoff only

*Approximately

Arotahi Agribusiness Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

SOUTHERN WIDE REAL ESTATE

Your destination For Rural real Estate

Hargest House, Level One, 62 Deveron Street, Invercargill 9810

p 03 218 2795 e southland@swre.co.nz w www.southernwide.co.nz

ITS ALL ABOUT SCALE

Get in touch with your agent today

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

5788.9611 HA FARMED 1577 OWAKA VALLEY ROAD

This large scale farm has undergone an extensive development programme over the last 28 years, improving its carrying capacity and productivity. Currently wintering 19,250 sheep and 600 cattle. There is approximately 3400 hectares in paddocks, the balance being oversown and native country which provides a good mix of earlier and summer safe farming. Extensively farmed with excellent infrastructure including four modernised homes, three sets of sheep yards, two sets of cattle yards and two woolsheds which have all been maintained to a very high standard. The property has established and well maintained forestry blocks and is very suitable for large scale forestry development. If scale is what you are looking for then please contact us promptly. Wayne Clarke 0274 325 768 Web Ref SWI2244

LIS TI N G N EW

SCALE, CONTOUR AND LOCATION 4956 State Highway 50, Hastings

599 hectares Tender

nzr.nz/RX2484648 Tender Closes 12pm Wed 16 Dec 2020, NZR, 5 Ossian Street, Ahuriri, Napier Duncan McKinnon 021 241 9073 | duncan@nzr.nz Hawkes Bay Real Estate Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

N EW

LIS TI N G

Glenlyon is a large scale farming enterprise which has been in the same family for 122 years. There is significant opportunity to take the property to the next level of production, which could be a high performing finishing operation. Supporting the scale is the easy contour, excellent workability plus the reticulated water system which is sourced from the Mangaonuku Stream. Located midway between Hastings and Waipukurau on SH50, the slightly higher altitude places Glenlyon in a higher rainfall band. Subdivided into approx. 50 paddocks there is opportunity to intensify further and expand the existing reticulated water system. The fencing is largely conventional post and batten with some 4 wire electrics.The homestead at the front of the property could be restored or, build a new home on an elevated site and take advantage of commanding views. Other improvements include two small cottages and a range of other shedding. In summary, an excellent opportunity to own a well located, large scale property in HawkeÂ´s Bay with plenty of potential.

COUNTRY CHARACTER ON 20HA 13 Marshall Road, Hunterville, Rangitikei Located on an elevated site, on the edge of Hunterville, this four bedroom plus office home has been lovingly renovated and provides modern living, cognizant of the era it was originally crafted in. The striking chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen, main bathroom and laundry/second bathroom share a fresh neutral palette contrasting the warmth of the original timber. The land is easy/ medium hill and watered via reliable dam water and scheme supply. The current owners have run a simple breeding programme with all lambs generally finished. Stock facilities include sheep yards, cattle yards and a two stand woolshed.

20.06 hectares Buyers $825,000+

nzr.nz/RX2585536 OPEN SAT 3.00-3.30PM Tender Closes 11am, Fri 11 Dec 2020, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

WELL DEVELOPED SAND COUNTRY 664 Raumai Road, Bulls, Rangitikei There has been significant development of stock water, subdivision, cattle yards and pastures here. A large plain of Pukepuke sands, is balanced with sand ridges of lighter Foxton Black & Himatangi sands; around 100ha has been drilled into new species. Quality stock water is supplied via a 144.5m bore. A large set of steel circular yards provides a facility par excellence. A high stud implement/hayshed rounds out the facilities. A short settlement is an option. Open Day 10am, Wed 25 Nov 2020.

146.98 hectares Tender

nzr.nz/RX2503251 Tender Closes 11am, Thu 10 Dec 2020, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

N O TI CE FIN AL

GREAT BALANCE - SELF CONTAINED UNIT - 264 HECTARES 189 Thorburn Road, Dannevirke

nzr.nz/RX2510099 Dave Hutchison 027 286 9034 | dave@nzr.nz Blair Stevens AREINZ 027 527 7007 | blair@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

FIN AL

N O TI CE

189 Thorburn Road is a fully self contained and consented dairy and dairy beef finishing block with excellent balance . Situated a short 15min drive west of Dannevirke, the property is in a recognised summer safe environment. Access is excellent with well developed laneways and shelter belts on the milking platform and 4WD tracks on the runoff blocks. The effective area is 190ha with 100ha being dairy platform and the farm is subdivided into around 80 main paddocks. Current farming policy milks around 200 cows and keeps all replacements on as well as taking 50-60 beefies through each year. Recent soil tests confirm excellent fertility with average pH at 6.0 and average Olsen P at 27. Good quality reticulated water is sourced from a reliable spring. Farm infrastructure consists of a 30 bail herringbone dairy shed with 450 cow yard, ten bay implement shed/one bay a workshop, nine bay calf shed, cattle yards and fertiliser bins. There is a four bedroom home and second two bedroom house supporting the farming operations. This property presents an opportunity for those looking for summer safe country with strong on farm infrastructure and with options to continue the current operations or look at changing direction to a drystock finishing farm - the choice is yours! Tender Closes 1pm, Wed 02 Dec 2020 (Unless sold prior). Address for Tender delivery; Dorrington Poole Lawyers, 38 Denmark Street, Dannevirke 4972.

264 hectares Video on website

TURN-KEY BUSINESS - OUTSTANDING PERFORMER- 722HA Taki Taki, 1791 Whangaehu Valley Road, Masterton Taki Taki is a hill country sheep breeding and bull finishing unit of exceptional quality. Situated a short 20min drive north of Masterton most of the land faces away from the drying north-west wind. Access is excellent with a metalled central track that feeds into well established lane ways. The effective area is 682ha with 93 main paddocks being made up of 19ha of flats, 69ha of mowable hill country and 594ha of well developed medium hills, parts steeper, with the balance being forestry and native bush. The current farming policy based off exceptional grass growth winters 4000 breeding ewes, 1650 ewe hogget replacements, 750 finishing lambs and 250 R1Y & 140 R2Y Friesian bulls. A very consistent fertiliser policy since the late 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shows with soil test results averaging pH 5.6 and P 35. Water supply is a robust combination of reticulation and dams, with back up capability. There is a 4 bedroom homestead, 3 bedroom managers house and a 3 bedroom cottage. 3 woolsheds (5 stand main with covered yards), cattle yards, 13 sets of sheep yards and a double access airstrip also support the farming operations. Taki Taki presents a turn-key opportunity for those who value high quality land, excellent infrastructure, great location and a property with a big high performance engine! Tender Closes 4pm, Thurs 3 Dec 2020. Address for Tender Delivery; NZR, Level 1, 16 Perry Street, Masterton 5810, or via email by arrangement.

722 hectares Video on website

nzr.nz/RX2537741 Blair Stevens AREINZ 027 527 7007 | blair@nzr.nz Dave Hutchison 027 286 9034 | dave@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

SUPERB BALANCE - POTENTIAL PLUS Hutinga, 96 Bruces Road, Kopuaranga, Masterton Hutinga is 10min from Masterton. With around 175ha of flats, and other easy/medium hill country, the balance and location offer flexibility of farming systems with irrigation & subdivision potential. There is a renovated five bedroom homestead & whare, woolshed, yards & hayshed. There are multiple land use possibilities and multiple purchase options available . Hutinga is an extremely well balanced property, with diverse soil types and untapped potential waiting for an energetic new owner(s).

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – November 16, 2020

RUA RIMU STATION

496 hectares Video on website

1337 hectares Deadline Sale

568 Matau North Road, Matau, Stratford

nzr.nz/RX2561340 Blair Stevens AREINZ 027 527 7007 | blair@nzr.nz Dave Hutchison 027 286 9034 | dave@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Tender Closes 4pm, Tue 8 Dec 2020.

Rua Rimu Station is a large-scale, attractive sheep & beef farm that opens up an opportunity to the astute investor. The 1337 ha property comprises of approx. 500 ha of strong grazing land carrying 2500su, added to this is around 100 ha of established Manuka, ideal for beekeepers and the balance of native bush which host good numbers of deer plus pigs for the recreational hunter. Extensive, quality conventional fencing, good tracking and laneways for ease of stock movement. Improvements include a 4-stand woolshed with 1000NP and new covered yards and a 4 bay lockable implement shed with concrete floor.

nzr.nz/RX2577028 Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 17 Dec 2020, NZR, 1 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune. Alan Blackburn | Jamie Proude 027 203 9112 | 027 448 5162 alan@nzr.nz | jamie@nzr.nz NZR Central Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

20 3-20 201 Re al E ies state A g e n c

130 WI DUNCAN ROAD, DANNEVIRKE

FOR SALE BY TENDER

PRIME DANNEVIRKE BARELAND 48 hectare (subject to survey) flat dairy run-off or finishing block within 6kms of Dannevirke. ✓ Olsen Ps of 26-48 ✓ Dairy run-off or finishing ✓ 16 paddocks ✓ Free-draining silt loam ✓ 54m² hay barn ✓ Ideal investment opportunity to lease out ✓ 30 ha neighbouring block also available ✓ View by appointment ✓ forfarms.co.nz/property/FF3018 Jerome Pitt M: 027 242 2199 O: 06 374 4107 E: jeromep@forfarms.co.nz

FOR SALE BY TENDER 4pm Thursday 10 December

178 WI DUNCAN ROAD, DANNEVIRKE

FOR SALE BY TENDER

30 HECTARES OF PREMIUM FLATS 30 hectares (subject to survey) of flat bareland ideal as a dairy run-off, finishing block or investment to lease out. ✓ Within 6kms of Dannevirke ✓ 10 paddocks ✓ Free-draining silt loam ✓ Gallagher electric fence unit ✓ 48 ha neighbouring block also available ✓ View by appointment ✓ forfarms.co.nz/property/FF3105

For Farms (NZ) Ltd 138 High Street DANNEVIRKE

Ready, Set, West We Go!

FOR SALE BY TENDER 4pm Thursday 10 December

LK0104756©

Jerome Pitt M: 027 242 2199 O: 06 374 4107 E: jeromep@forfarms.co.nz

Te Pahu 979 Limeworks Loop Road

www.forfarms.co.nz www.forhomes.co.nz 06 374 4104

This exceptionally well appointed 115ha Te Pahu dairy unit offers an awesome opportunity to purchase in this super popular locality. With an additional 19ha available to lease plus the exceptionally well bred herd PLUS super keen sellers- what are you waiting for? See you at an open day soon

115ha For Sale

Deadline Sale 12 noon 17 December 2020 (unless sold prior) View 25 November, 2, 9, 16 December 11am - 12noon harcourts.co.nz/ML4477

Kevin Deane

AREINZ

DIRECTOR/RURAL SALES

M 021 970 902 | P 07 889 8205 E kevin.deane@harcourts.co.nz www.harcourts.co.nz Kevin Deane Real Estate (Morrinsville) Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

FINAL NOTICE

TENDER

WAIKARETU, TUAKAU 'Pairama Station' In 1913, a young 17-year-old came north from Wellington to develop 1700 acres of scrub land. Three generations of his descendants have continued his dream and today Pairama Station is 867ha of extensively developed pasture with pockets of native bush. The five-stand two-storey woolshed, and concreted cattle and sheep yards is at the hub of the farming operation. The homestead was extensively renovated in 1985. The workers cottage is situated to capture the morning sun. Pairama is a turn key operation. Do not miss this opportunity to invest in this historic and well-managed station.

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm Friday 11 December

VIEW By Appointment Only

Adrian van Mil M 027 473 3632 E avanmil@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/PUK32992

KIMBOLTON, MANAWATU A well presented 611.5ha of genuine Manawatu hill country, 48km north of Feilding. This property has it all featuring good balance of contour and strong soil types. • Sound three bedroom home • Four-stand woolshed, covered yards 2000NP • Cattle yards • Four bay implement shed, one bay lockup • Large four bay machinery shed • Three satellite yards A turn key operation with scale, not often found in this location.

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) Closes 2.00pm Tuesday 15 December

VIEW By Appointment Only

Wayne Brooks M 027 431 6306 E wayne.brooks@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/FDG33197

TENDER

NEW LISTING

WALLINGFORD, HAWKE'S BAY Entry Level Farming Opportunity Fantastic opportunity for entry level into a farming business. 169.13ha (417.9 acres) 25km south east of Waipukurau in the Wallingford District. Covered sheep yards attached to a five-stand woolshed. Easy contoured with a component of flats. Well watered from a trough system plus dams and stream. Cattle yards, hay barns, all-weather airstrip with large covered bin. Option to purchase an adjoining 11 hectares with home. Great first farm or add-on to an existing operation.

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) Closes 4.00pm, Friday 11 December

VIEW By Appointment Only

TE ANAU 777 Wilderness Road

Paul Harper M 027 494 4854 E paul.harper@pggwrightson.co.nz Doug Smith M 027 494 1839 E realestatehastings@pggwrightson.co.nz

Impressive Fiordland Dairy Farm • • •

pggwre.co.nz/HAS33174

• • • •

First time on the market since conversion 338.29ha dairy unit showing excellent performance 54 bail rotary cow shed with Protrack system and automatic cup removers Producing 275,000kg MS average over last two seasons Modern substantial five bedroom homestead Open Space Covenant area of 30.36ha Well fenced and laned, pastures in excellent condition with easy contour and some hill paddocks

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) Prior Offers Will Be Considered Closes 12.00pm Wednesday 16 December

Nick Robertson M 027 431 6533 E nrobertson@pggwrightson.co.nz Andrew Patterson M 027 434 7636 E apatterson@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TAN33235

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

For more great rural listings, visit www.pggwre.co.nz www.pggwre.co.nz

Top Class - Hill Country

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008

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FARMERS WEEKLY – November 23, 2020

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

JOBS BOARD

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Dairy Support Manager Required

Do you have the skills to lead a great team? Are you looking for that next step in the industry? Our clients are looking for someone to replace their current contract milker who is moving on to herd ownership.

HFG consists of 10 dairy farms and 2 support farms in the greater Manawatu. HFG prides itself on its family culture, which includes philosophy and practises within the farming group. We have a Farm Manager position available at Tahuna, near Bulls. Tahuna is 366ha with 230ha irrigated via 4 pivot irrigators. Excellent cattle yards with integrated technology. Support staff are provided in the peak months. The Manager will be responsible for: • Executing the farm plan • Record keeping and reporting weekly • Animal welfare and management • Pasture management and feed budgets • Intensive feed management • Irrigator management • Health & Safety • Planning and communication

The 660ha effective milking platform is located near Whangaehu, 20 kilometres South of Whanganui City Centre. The farm consists of 200 ha highly productive fertile river flats with the balance 460 ha of terraced and rolling hills. The farm is supported by a large property located in Waverley which the farm owner manages. All replacement heifers and most of the herd is wintered off on this property. There is great infrastructure on farm including the 70-bail rotary with in-shed feeding and ACR’s. There are high quality calf rearing facilities and sheds, a new effluent storage system and plenty of water for stock. There are five houses available for use by the farming team including a four-bedroom homestead for the contract milker. The farm typically milks 1650 cows in three mobs on a pasture-based system and is forecast to produce 580,000 kg MS this season. A mob of 350 – 400 cows is milked once a day on the farthest hill blocks. Options for education are abundant in the local rural community, with Whanganui close by. With a proposed start date of 1st June 2021 we are looking for an enthusiastic, competent contract milker to run this farm like they own it. Previous experience as a contract milker or with large scale management is a must have.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Send your cv to Melissa on melissa@bakerag.co.nz by December 4th. There is a property information document available on request.

REDA is one of the leading brands in the merino textile industry. It firmly believes that it has the responsibility to promote change through sustainable innovation and environmental awareness, and that its future success will be built upon the strength of its people and social progress within local communities.

Expressions of Interest for Competent and Experienced

REDA owns and operates three New Zealand Farms: Otamatapaio Station, (Rugged Ridges Station under the control of Otamatapaio), Glenburn Trading in the Waitaki District and Glenrock Station in the McKenzie District, totalling 30,000 hectares and farming 37,000 stock units. There has been significant investment in the combined properties over the last 8 years, mainly into irrigation. At Glenburn more than 370 hectares are now irrigated by spray irrigation. As a result, the farms have been able to diversify their revenues, which today are coming from high quality fine merino wool, mid-micron wool, and the sale of sheep and cattle. REDA is looking to appoint a full-time, dedicated Operations Manager to advance the success of its New Zealand operations and lead the business into its next phase of innovation and growth. The Operations Manager position presents a great opportunity to join a team with a clear vision: to be the most innovative and sustainable farming operator, respecting the environment, while being self-sufficient and generating sufficient returns to allow investment in new business opportunities. Reporting directly to and working closely with the board, the successful candidate will be responsible for: leading, supporting and developing a team of 4 Managers; cultivating team culture; maximising the efficient use of resources; financial management, including budgeting and forecasting; maintaining and growing our relationships with stakeholders; and enhancing our reputation in the community. This role presents an exciting opportunity for the right person. You will need an eye for detail, but also be able to see the big picture, identifying opportunities for growth, expansion and diversification. You will also need to be dynamic, capable of embracing and driving change and innovation and have a proven track record in leading and managing a profitable farming enterprise. We anticipate negotiating an appropriate remuneration package with the successful candidate to reflect the scope of the role and level of experience. To obtain a Job Information Pack for this role, or to apply, please contact Tavendale and Partners by email to REDAopportunity@tp.co.nz

CONTRACT MILKER/EQUITY PARTNER South Canterbury

We are looking for an experienced and organised contract milker for our clients 800 cow dairy farm in South Canterbury commencing 1 June 2021. This role is an exceptional opportunity for someone looking to progress in their farming career. The successful applicant will be incentivised to purchase an equity shareholding in the business after a qualifying period. The 260 hectare pivoted property is spring calving, with excellent infrastructure and access to a support block. The farm has a sound production history with very good milk production performance. It is expected that the contract milker will be motivated to drive the farms performance, as well as taking full responsibility for the daily decision making. There will be a requirement to formally report to the farm owners on a monthly basis. The successful applicant must: • Have experience in irrigation management • Excel at pasture management • Understand the key factors of feeding to maximise milk production • Be capable of taking on all animal health requirements including record keeping in MINDA and NAIT • Be confident in communicating and organising all contractor and key rural professional requirements to the farm, e.g. vets, contractors, feed suppliers. • Have a proven staff employment record, and be able to show good employment practices. In return we offer help for someone wishing to climb the ladder to farm ownership. Flexible business arrangement. Tertiary qualifications would be advantageous. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand, be drug free, and provide an up to date CV with references, including their current employer. Apply to Lycinda Lett, AgFirst at recruitment@agfirst.co.nz with Reference STHCAN800 Closing Date for Applications 5th December 2020

Connecting rural employers and job seekers. With over 7000 monthly page views, 5000+ Facebook likes, and delivered to every rural mailbox in New Zealand each week, Farmers Weekly Jobs is the #1 place to list your rural vacancy. Email classiﬁeds@globalhq.co.nz or call (06) 323 0765 today

www.farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

A tidy 3-bedroom house is available with schooling nearby in Bulls. 20 minutes to Feilding, 30 minutes to Palmerston North.

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Under the Human Rights Act, 1993, it is unlawful, apart from some exceptions, for employment advertisements to restrict applicants because of their sex, marital status, religious belief, colour, race, national origins, age, family status, or sexual orientation.

Hopkins Farming Group - Tahuna Farm

Competitive remuneration available. All applicants must have NZ residency or valid work visa. Apply with your CV & cover letter to: office@hopkinsfarming.co.nz Applications close Tuesday 1st December 2020

Central Waikato 50:50 Sharemilking Position On Offer: • 50:50 sharemilking contract starting 1st June 2021 • Farm less than 20 minutes to Cambridge or Morrinsville, with excellent schooling options • 135ha platform, 60 paddocks, easy rolling contour and some medium hill • Milking 340 cows, 34 ASHB dairy with auto cup removers and in-shed meal feeding • Last three seasons average 126,420kg MS with current season target 140,000kg MS • Renovated three-bedroom character home with wood burner and three heat pumps We are seeking: • A motivated individual or couple with a proven track record of dairy farm management or contract milking Key attributes to succeed in this role will include: • Open and transparent communication skills • Ability to build strong relationships with farm owners, contractors, suppliers and farm advisor • Feed budgeting and regular pasture cover assessment is essential to maximise pasturebased production • Excellent animal husbandry and general farm maintenance skills To Apply: Please email your CV, statement of financial position, and details of two referees to: Dave Peacocke dave@pastoral.co.nz 027 473 2382

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EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISEMENTS

Large Scale Contract Milking Position – 1650 cows

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Block Manager Dairy DairyMasters Training Courses Experienced Contract Milker Farm Manager Fencer General General Hand General Manager Home based telephone interviewers Large Scale Contract Milking Position Operations Manager Sharemilking Shepherd Shepherd General Tractor / Truck / Machinery Operator

Noticeboard

New book by farmer and hunter Kerry Butler may offend those of a sensitive disposition as it includes steamy tales about hot-to-trot women. To see all about it including photos from the book, and to read sample chapters just google: Kerry Butler CHB.NET

PINE WOODLOT VALUES Ltd.

12-MONTH HUNTAWAY bitch. Basic commands on training sheep. Phone 021 137 2714. DELIVERING DOGS South & North Islands 15/12/20 www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos – email: mikehughesworkingdogs@ farmside.co.nz WORD ONLY ADVERTISING. Phone Marie on 0800 985 25 80.

52 hectares for lease – Bainesse location. Suitable as a dairy run off. Available Autumn 2021, long term lease preferable. Contact Cooper & Associates nigelcooper32@gmail.com

ANIMAL HEALTH

w w w. e l e c t r o t e k . c o . n z

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

STOP BIRDS NOW!

P.O. Box 30, Palmerston North 4440, NZ

ATTENTION FARMERS

ZON BIRDSCARER

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz DE HORNER

Phone: +64 6 357 2454 HOOF TRIMMER

EARMARKERS

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

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

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

Tour 1 Molesworth Station, St James, and Rainbow Stations

FO SALR E

Dates 2021 Jan 25-28, Feb 21-24, March 28-31, April 25-28.

Tour 2 D’Urville Island and Marlborough High Country Dates 2021 March 5-9, March 21-25, April 11-15. Other dates available for groups of 6 or more people on request

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

WOOL

Independent wool brokers Est. 1983

Dedicated to delivering farmers the best service and best returns

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Contact Ray Hindrup 027 353 4515 or email: hindrup.logs@gmail.com – pinewoodlotvalues.co.nz

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

4X4 TAGALONG TOURS

Thinking of logging your pine woodlot?

Maximise your share of the profit and achieve your fair share.

(DAIRY RUN-OFF)

SELLING

SOMETHING? 0800 85 25 80

GOATS WANTED

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

FARM MAPPING GET PADDOCK SLOPE estimates for winter grazing from farmmapping.co.nz or phone 0800 433 855 for a free quote.

FARMSHED CLEANERS UNDER WOOLSHED and covered yard cleaning with industrial vacuum unit and/or skid steer loader. Covering all of the South Island. Now under new ownership. Please call 022 689 8772.

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

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER 12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

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.

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

PERSONAL

WANTED TO BUY

Country Beauty! Dianne is full of life, love and laughter. She loves the Country Lifestyle, swimming and cooking. Dianne is now looking for a man who is genuine and affectionate. For more details on Dianne and many other beautiful ladies in your local area please call

0800 446 332 Quote code 49

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

WORK WANTED FARM SITTING / CARETAKING. Retired Male farmer. Okay with stock work & fence repairs etc. North Island. References and clean Justice of Department record available. Phone 027 214 8126.

LEASE LAND WANTED STORE AND/OR finishing type country – sheep and beef. Prefer Manawatu, Tararua, South Rangitikei, North Horowhenua - any size block considered depending on location. Present lease block is currently going into trees. Please phone Gerard 027 814 6764. WORD ONLY ADVERTISING. Phone Marie on 0800 985 25 80.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556. TOP WILTSHIRE RAMS. Diverse Genetics. 15 years selecting. Joe Adams 021 119 0700. Para Farm, Waiouru.

CHRISTMAS CLOSE DOWN & 2021 OPEN DATES Our last Farmers Weekly publication for 2020 is December 14. Our office will be closed from 5pm December 16 and will reopen January 5, 2021 for our first publication January 11. Booking and material deadline January 6

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WARNING

DOGS FOR SALE

Phone Debbie 06 323 0765 or email: classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

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

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

✁

0800 436 566

ANIMAL HANDLING

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

LEASE AVAILABLE

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DOLOMITE

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

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FARMERS WEEKLY – November 23, 2020

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

RU THIN GNG N EA I I R K ORORAKPAERAAPDANOW] WW AIORUR SHE TAWIH KY

FROM THIS

Ph 021 047 9299

Adding value from shed to sale! 4 3 S ever n S tr eet Pandor a, Napier

To find out more visit

www.moamaster.co.nz

. 06 835 6174 . www.kellswool. co. nz

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

Premium New Zealand Merino heirloom baby blankets

TO THAT

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

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Live Auction . Online Auction

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

✁

Heavy duty long lasting

Special Price $4200 Very limited stock

GST INCLUSIVE

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[BO

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

de F liv ree Ch er y ris un tm til as

At Natures Gift For Baby we believe the key to a good nights sleep is a great blanket! Gentle on Baby’s skin and gentle on the environment.

www.naturesgiftforbaby.com

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5 timeless colours. $99ea

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

Livestock Noticeboard

SALE TALK

The redhead tells the blonde, “I will go to the market and see if I can find one for under that amount. If I can, I will send you a telegram.” She goes to the market and finds one for $499. Having only one dollar left, she goes to the telegraph office and finds out that it costs one dollar per word. She is stumped on how to tell the blonde to bring the truck and trailer. Finally, she tells the telegraph operator to send the word “comfortable.” Skeptical, the operator asks, “How will she know to come with the trailer from just that word?” The redhead replies, “She’s a blonde so she reads slow: ‘Come for ta bull’.”

STOCK REQUIRED

Here at Farmers Weekly we get some pretty funny contributions to our Sale Talk joke from you avid readers, and we’re keen to hear more!

A blonde and a redhead have a ranch. They have just lost their bull. The women need to buy another, but only have $500.

FARMERS WEEKLY – November 23, 2020

If you’ve got a joke you want to share with the Farming community (it must be something you’d share with your grandmother...) then email us at: saletalk@globalhq.co.nz with Sale Talk in the subject line and we’ll print it and credit it to you.

“Proudly Based in Hawke’s Bay”

300kg ANG STEERS

1YR BEEF BRED HEIFERS

2YR BEEF BULLS 480+kg 100kg FRSN/BEEF X BULL CALVES

STOCK FOR SALE

50 ANG & ANGX 1YR BULLS 440kg 120+kg FRSN BULL CALVES

SILVERDALE SOUTHDOWN STUD

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Rams available

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

Conditions apply

l Early maturing l Easy lambing l Ideal for hogget mating

4th On Farm Lamb Sale

Contact Janet Gray 021 936 377 or 06 324 8095 Diane Gray 021 593 984

Anerley Station Tinui Valley Road, Masterton (approx 20km from Tinui Village)

SHIRE® (hair) & WILTSHIRE (shedding) BOOK HARDY MEAT BRED 2 TOOTH RAMS NOW!

Tuesday 1st December – 11.30am start

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

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

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

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NO DRENCHING SINCE 1989

Shearing Shed used for events now!

Comprising approx 4500 lambs: • 2000 M/S Black Face lambs • 2500 White Face C/O lambs – Romney

Live music ◆ Guitar & songwriting workshops ◆ Ayurveda ◆ Kundalini Reiki energy healing ◆ Kundaini yoga ◆ Children’s & family yoga ◆ Sabbatical fallowing & organics workshops ◆ Food trucks or own food ◆ Family friendly play areas, walks and animals ◆ $10/day camping on site ◆ Shire hair sheep & Tufty cattle ◆ Brain gym ◆ Open mic night ◆ EVs Cars Bikes UTvs

Festival 2021 1-3 January 2021

™

HEALING & MUSIC

www.revitalize.nz

Tickets via www.eventfinda.co.nz ◆ PAUL UBANA JONES ◆ CRAIG SMITH ◆ JULIAN TEMPLE BAND

J a n u a r y 2 0 2 1 D e liv e r y

All lambs undrafted and antibiotic free. Craig Nelson 021 457 127 Vendor: Hamish Johnson 06 372 6879

Phone Tim & Helen Gow 03 225 5283 www.organic-rams.co.nz • Email: tim@organic-rams.co.nz 2nd annual

EXPORT WANTED

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HARDY low input EASY CARE MEAT SHEEP NO FLY STRIKE, NO DAGGING, NO SHEARING, NO VACCINES, NO DIPPING

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING Advertise your ram sale in Farmers Weekly 0800 85 25 80

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

2576 Clifden Blackmount Rd, between Manapouri and Tuatapere

19 Born PTIC Friesian Export Heifers F12 + $2000 F8-11 $1850 F7 UNRECORDED $1600 2020 Autumn Born Hfrs $1600 GET PAID ON TIME EVERYTIME

Please Contact North Island

Luke McBride Wayne Doran

027 304 0533 027 493 8957

Richard Harley Greg Collins

021 765 430 027 481 9772

South Island

Call Ella Holland

Rocklea 13 ANNUAL ON FARM RAM SALE

Ewe wanna ram… then boy do we have rams

110 South Suffolks, 34 Poll Dorsets, 19 Texel Cross Rams up for Auction

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Every Every drop drop means means quite quite a a lot lot when it’s from Genetics Every drop means a lot Peters when it’s from Peters Genetics when it’squite from Peters Genetics

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PERFORMANCE, PRODUCTION & PRICE – THE WINNING COMBO

• Eye muscle scanned • SIL Recorded • All Sires are DNA foot scored

Friday 4th December 2020 Time: 1pm. Viewing from 10am onwards 1529 Ngapaeruru Road, RD 3 Dannevirke PMS – PMS 173 C

Simon Prouting 06 374 3661 | prouting@inspire.net.nz RGB – 241, 90, 41

TREVOR PETERS TREVOR 03 446PETERS 6030 03 446 027 2016030 4490 027 201 4490

CLAYTON PETERS MORGAN PETERS PETERS CLAYTON PETERS MORGAN 03 204 8849 03 204 8817 03 204 03 204 027 4408849 7411 027 2228817 4421 027 440 7411 027 222 4421

SHANE CARTER SHANE JUSTIN WALLIS 03 446CARTER 6064 03 03 446 976 6509 027 3646064 1438 027 027 364 225 1438 8330

Call Call the the Peters Peters group! group!

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www.petersgenetics.co.nz www.petersgenetics.co.nz

Tom Suttor Neville Clark Callum Dunnet

PMS – PMS 445 C

PMS – n/a

RGB – 60, 76, 64

RGB – 255, 255, 255

CMYK – 0, 80, 95, 0

CMYK – 50, 28, 24, 65

CMYK – 0, 0, 0, 0

HTML – f15a29

HTML – 3c4c54

027 616 4504 027 595 6537 027 587 0131

Livestock Noticeboard

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

GLENGARRY POLL DORSET 54TH ANNUAL SALE

Grazing or Lease Blocks Wanted

Weaner Heifers Wanted

Region: North Island south of Auckland

Recorded Sires

Payment: Options structured to

F12 + with Friesian sire 100kg plus

NATIONWIDE

Monday, December 7th, 2020 – 1pm

Deposit paid on commitment.

Contact Nick Dromgool

027 857 7305

nick.dromgool@geneticdevelopment.co.nz

130 Rams up for Auction Why you should buy a Glengarry ram: • 44 years performance recording • Major emphasis on growth, survival and muscling • All sires DNA tested for footrot and muscling genes • No. 1 ranked Terminal Sire 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 & 2017 (SIL ACE list) • 550 stud ewes means only the best rams are sold • Four rams in Top 20 2020 SIL Terminal Lamb Growth • 1st Ranked Ram 2020 & 2019 SIL Terminal Sire Lamb Growth

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• Open Headed, Upstanding sheep • High Fertility – 5 year average 170% • Fine Wool Corriedales – 26.8 micron ram hogget average • Footrot Resistant – ALL rams tested • SIL recorded • Drought Resistant, Long Living and Fence Friendly • Proven Genetics and Quality Assured

For ram and semen enquiries contact Ross & Ben Pratt today: Ross 06 323 3827 • RD 5, Feilding Ben 027 2356 577 • RD 2, Kimbolton • benpratt@xtra.co.nz

WILFIELD CORRIEDALES

Callum Stewart 0272 802 688 Maurice Stewart 0272 469 255 Ryan Shannon 027 565 0979

1213 West Coast Road, West Melton, Christchurch Contact Robin Wilson • robin.wilfield@xtra.co.nz • 021 1583866 www.wilfieldsheepstud.co.nz • www.facebook.com/Wilfield sheep stud

“If one of our Romneys or Maternal Composites break out with facial eczema, we will refund your entire ram purchase.”

MANFEILD PARK FEILDING

Will Jackson

TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2020 - Start time 10.30am

Romney • Composite • Perendale • Suffolk

2 Perendale Rams 7 Poll Dorset Rams 3 South Suffolk Rams 23 Southdown Rams 9 Dorset Down Rams + 5 Dorset Down Ewes 9 Texel Rams 11 Suffolk Rams 2 Dorper Rams

View catalogue online at www.pivotdesign.co.nz under catalogues 2020. Rams for the Feilding Sale have been selected on type and performance for typical North Island sheep breeding conditions.

Auctioneers:

• FE testing for 35 years, and above FE Gold Standard for 8 years • Romney sires tested at 0.7mg of Sporidesmin/kg of live weight and Maternal Composites 0.65mg • Ewes run in commercial conditions under no drench policy • Modern and prolific ewes lambing between 140-150% on hard hill country LK0104590©

Sale can be viewed LIVE by going on to www.mylivestock.co.nz and click on Live Auction. Follow the instructions to either just watch, or register in advance if you intend to buy.

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J12 + with Jersey sire 80kg plus

Feilding Saleyards Manchester Street, Feilding

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meet your business

FEILDING ELITE RAM & EWE SALES

• All rams guaranteed for soundness and structure for 2 years • Romney and Maternal Composites have a lifetime guarantee against FE

Penciling in Ram Orders NOW Rams for sale in January 2021 by private treaty

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FARMERS WEEKLY – November 23, 2020

Will Jackson phone 07 825 4480 william@piquethillfarms.co.nz www.piquethillstud.co.nz

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – November 23, 2020

ORARI GORGE GENETICS LIVE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES Carrfields Livestock Agents currently hold export cattle shipment details from multiple

Contact:

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of timing, and pricing that suits you. for more details or

– Ready when U R

DO YOU WANT LESS WORK?

reputable exporters that gives you the choice Contact your local Carrfields Agent

SOUTHDOWNS

FAST GROWTH, HIGH YIELD, LESS DRENCHING, GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE

Paul Kane 027 286 9279 National Dairy & Live Export Co-ordinator

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Find a registered breeder at:

Orari Gorge Romney, RomTex and Terminal actively select for FEWER DAGS AND GREATER RESISTANCE AND RESILIENCE TO WORMS.

www.southdownsheep.org.nz

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Breeding MORE PROFITABLE & MORE SUSTAINABLE sheep in the HILL COUNTRY for the HILL COUNTRY.

Breeding the difference

“Home of the Beef + Lamb Genetics Low Input Progeny Test”

38TH ANNUAL ELITE SIRE STAG SALE

NOW ALSO SELLING TERMINAL RAMS Please contact us any time for more information or to arrange a visit.

ON-FARM RAM SALE

Saturday 9th January 2021 @ 1pm

Wednesday 9th December 2020 2409 Christchurch Akaroa Road Kaituna Auction 1.00pm Viewing from 11.00am

FEATURING FULL BROTHERS TO:

MORDECAI, TITANIC, ROBERT HAY, PHOENIX, ICONIC Robert & Alex Peacock |

OFFERING 100 RAMS Camla South Suffolks La-Mac Hampshires Maclaka Southdowns Lochaire Poll Dorset

RURAL LIVESTOCK AGENT: Anthony Cox 027 208 3071

Plus sons of:

robert@orarigorge.co.nz

Orari Gorge Station, RD 21, Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand

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For further details contact: CARRFIELDS AGENT: Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131

03 692 2893 |

CANE, ORLANDO, FITZROY, KALLIS, RIGBY, APEX, ADIDAS, MUNRO, MCCAW. WALTER (DAVIDSON SON), ABRAHAM (LINCOLN SON), AND BOSS (PURE GERMAN). SCAN FOR CATALOGUE

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING PHONE ELLA HOLLAND 0800 85 25 80

2ND ANNUAL ON-FARM SALE

WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020

Catalogues will be posted out in December

ALL ENQUIRIES: Barry Gard 021 222 8964 bgard@foverandeerpark.co.nz www.foverandeerpark.co.nz

MANU POLL DORSET 32nd Annual Ram Sale A/c AA & DJ Clements

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100 Romney, Dorset Down, Border Leicester & Dorbell rams HERMISTON LETHAM RAMS

1629 Mitcham Road, Ashburton Viewing from 12.00pm Sale starting at 1.30pm Manu 86/17

To be held on the property of Alex & Delwyn Clements 201 Drake Road, Purua, Whangarei

Monday 30 November 2020 1pm start

57 One Shear Poll Dorset Rams All Rams Ovine Brucellosis Accredited All Rams Eye Muscle Scanned All Manu Rams Performance Recorded (SIL)

Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131 Simon Eddington 0275 908 612

.co.nz 0800 TO BIDR (0800 86 2437)

Contact: Alex Clements 09 433 5871 clements@ubernet.co.nz Auctioneers: Carrfields & PGG Wrightson

Trade Livestock Like never before

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – November 23, 2020

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

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook

39 Beltex cross two tooth Rams

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Sons from the third best priced purebred Beltex Ram sold in New Zealand in 2019.

PHONE ELLA HOLLAND 0800 85 25 80

Beltex is a double muscled sheep, built for muscle and high yield percentages.

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard FEILDING STORE SALE

UPCOMING AUCTIONS Monday, 23 November 2020 2.00pm - Ipurua Wiltshire Ram Sale

Friday 27th November 11.30am

Private sale, ring for more info and to view.

Tuesday, 24 November 2020 12.00pm – Elite Charollais Ram Sale 2.00pm – Omagh Suffolk Stud Annual Ram & Ewe Sale

Contact: Amanda Kittow 06 856 5596 027 825 4406 Central Hawke’s Bay

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A/C JJ Farming Ltd Kiwitea • Approx 100 MA Angus Cows with Ang & Hfd calves at foot. Mainly 3-7yr olds. Purchased as Capital Stock from Mokai Station Taihape. Contact: Tony Gallen 0275 901 711

Wednesday, 25 November 2020 1.00pm – Hermiston 2nd Annual Ram Sale Thursday, 26 November 2020 1.00pm - Rolling Rock Poll Dorset Ram Sale Friday, 27 November 2020 10.00am & 1.00pm - Canterbury A&P Elite Ram & Ewe Sale

Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz Helping grow the country

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

2ND ONFARM SUFTEX/ BELTEX RAM SALE

Moerangi Wiltshires Te Kuiti Saleyards | Wednesday 25 November, 2020 - 1pm

“Pareora Downs” 94 Pareora Ford Road, RD4, Taiko Tuesday 1st December 2020 Commencing 2.30pm Viewing from 1pm • 100 2th Suftex/Beltex x Rams Terminal High Performance, E.M.A. Scanned Rams with predictable outcomes that create maximum profits. All rams Brucelosis tested. Buyer Rebate of 6% available. Ram Delivery on day of sale unless organised otherwise. Signposted from SH1 Pareora River Road & SH8 Robinson Road. Enquiries: Grant Black 0274 477 616 Jonty Hyslop (PGW) 0275 956 450

Shabor Ltd 2nd Annual Sale - ‘No wool, no worries’ 70 hill country bred Wiltshire 2th rams • Selected from an elite flock within one of New Zealands largest commercial flock of Wiltshires • Bred for growth, meat yield, strong conformation, eczema & parasite tolerance • All rams tested bruccellosis clear Additionally 100 - 2th Wiltshire ewes • Vaccinated for toxo and campy Enquiries: Rhys Hughes 07 280 7678 Paul Mitchell 027 273 3538 (PGG Wrightson Livestock) Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

PGW New Zealand Hind/Stag/Wapiti Bull Sales Itinerary December 2020 Sales Fri 4th

Tue 8th Wed 9th

Peel Forest Est. Peel Forest Forester Genetics 1.00pm Velvet Awards Dinner Invercargill Ruapehu Red Deer Taihape 1.30pm Fairlight Station Northern Southland 11.00am

January 2021 Sales Fri 11th

Sat 12th

Forest Road Farm NZ Red Deer Hawkes Bay 12.30pm Wilkins Farming Ltd. Hawkes Bay 3.00pm

Sun 10th

Mon 11th

Sarnia Deer Cambridge 11.30am Tue 12th

Peel Forest Est. Peel Forest 1.00pm Deer Genetics NZ Geraldine 4.30pm Rupert Red Deer Geraldine 11.00am Rothesay Deer Methven 4.00pm

Wed 13th

Netherdale Deer Balfour 1.30pm

Sun 17th

Lochinvar Wapiti Te Anau 11.00am

Thu 14th

Arawata Red Deer Pinebush 12.30pm Altrive Red Deer Riversdale 5.00pm

Mon 18th

Littlebourne Wapiti Winton 1.00pm Tikana Wapiti Winton 3.30pm

Fri 15th

Annadale Deer Invercargill 9.30am Wilkins Farming Ltd. Athol 2.00pm

Tue 19th

Clachanburn Elk Ranfurly 1.00pm

Thu 20th

Edendale Wapiti Mt Somers 1.00pm

Raincliff Station Wapiti Raincliff 10.00am Black Forest Deer Park Outram 4.30pm

These sales are in conjunction with Head to bidr.co.nz for full auction details

PGG Wrightson Deer Specialist Team Graham Kinsman NZ Deer Stud Co-ordinator 027 422 3154

Murray Coutts Mid & South Canterbury 027 403 9377

John Williams Otago 027 241 4179

Ben Beadle Southland 027 728 1052

Ron Schroeder North Canterbury/West Coast 027 432 1299

John Duffy Deer Auctioneer 027 240 3841

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Sarah Friel

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.45

6.30

NI lamb (17kg)

7.10

9.00

NI Stag (60kg)

6.20

9.00

NI Bull (300kg)

5.40

6.40

NI mutton (20kg)

5.10

6.20

SI Stag (60kg)

5.90

9.00

NI Cow (200kg)

4.00

4.90

SI lamb (17kg)

7.00

9.00

SI Steer (300kg)

5.00

6.05

SI mutton (20kg)

5.05

6.25

SI Bull (300kg)

4.85

4.95

6.10

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.60

4.70

UK CKT lamb leg

9.11

9.16

11.60

US imported 95CL bull

7.45

7.51

11.01

US domestic 90CL cow

7.45

6.45

8.38

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

5.50

5.0

5.00

$/kg CW

4.00 South Island steer slaughter price

6.50 $/kg CW

10.0 South Island lamb slaughter price

Oct

(NZ$/kg)

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Dairy

Oct

Dec

Aug 2020-21

Apr 2019-20

Jun

MILK PRICE FUTURES

Apr

Aug 2020-21

Last week

Prior week

Last year

2.23

2.79

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

602

616

297

314

768

787

37 micron ewe

2.15

Super

30 micron lamb

DAP

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Company

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

33.44

37.89

YTD Low 21.1

5.97

6.455

3.61

420

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

7.00

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.72

9.21

4.26

410

The a2 Milk Company Limited

14.54

21.74

13.8

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.535

5.09

3.445

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

5.88

6.04

3.595

Ryman Healthcare Limited

15.51

17.18

6.61

Mainfreight Limited

59.95

60.11

Contact Energy Limited

7.74

8.26

4.54

Port of Tauranga Limited

7.27

8.14

4.9

$/tonne

7.50

6.50 6.00

400

Sept. 2021

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Last price*

WMP

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

2975

2950

vs 4 weeks ago

2725

2700

2815

AMF

4000

4150

Butter

3775

3560

6.85

6.80

405

3145

SMP

Milk Price

Oct-19

395 390

380

Oct-19

* price as at close of business on Thursday

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3200

400

YTD High

The a2 Milk Company Limited

14.54

21.74

13.8

3.2

4.97

1.66

15.08

6.39

4.43

4.72

3.41

Foley Wines Limited

1.97

2.13

1.35

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.78

0.9

0.68

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.225

0.26

0.17

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.69

2.3

1.29

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.96

3.01

1.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

5.05

8.2

4.81 3.3

Scales Corporation Limited

4.8

5.35

Seeka Limited

3.97

4.74

3.4

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

5.64

9.1

4.36

T&G Global Limited

$/tonne

350

3000 2900 2800

2.73

2.93

2.35

15537

16959

12699

S&P/NZX 50 Index

12557

12765

8499

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12826

13131

9100

300 250

Nov

Dec Jan Latest price

Feb

Mar 4 weeks ago

Apr

200

Oct-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

Aug-20

Oct-20

YTD Low

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

3100

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

Delegat Group Limited

385

6.97

Listed Agri Shares Comvita Limited

400 $/tonne

Nearby contract

380

N …

…

J…

…

Sept. 2020

… M

N …

J…

390

5.50

US$/t

Jun

2019-20

Fertiliser

Aug 2020-21

Grain

Data provided by

Feb

FERTILISER

Coarse xbred ind. Jun

2019-20

7.0

5-yr ave

4.50 Apr

8.0

5.0

7.0

WOOL

Feb

9.0

6.0

8.0

5.00

Dec

South Island stag slaughter price

11.0

5.50

5-yr ave

$/kg MS

5.0

Oct

7.0

6.0

6.00

4.00

8.0 6.0

9.0

4.50

9.0

7.0 6.0

Last year

10.0

8.0

6.00

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

11.0

$/kg CW

6.50

$/kg CW

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

North Island lamb slaughter price

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

15537

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

12557

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

12826

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

Pulse

WEATHER

Store lamb numbers tighter than usual

Soil Moisture

Overview This week kicks off with a fading southerly and some afternoon downpours inland. On Tuesday high pressure will dominate the South Island but a few small areas of downpours are possible around the North Island, mostly in the east and the Far North. By mid-week NZ may have a big low moving in from the Tasman – but at time of writing this forecast, one niggly model was pushing back, saying high pressure may win. The best way to stay on top of the uncertainty is to keep up to date with those rainfall accumulation maps at www. farmersweekly.co.nz/weather. This weekend another high rolls in from Tasmania, but there are finally some signs of La Nina around New Caledonia (a possible low). Not locked in but worth monitoring.

19/11/2020

Mel Croad mel.croad@globalhq.co.nz

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Wind

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature

Nothing too stormy this week due to a big uptick in high pressure, unless this Tasman Sea low deepens and moves in. Expect varying wind flows and perhaps a more settled feeling than the previous week has been, which was fairly windy at times.

This week may kick off a little cool on Monday morning but the week ahead looks quite mild with above average temperatures by day in many regions.

14-day outlook

A potential Tasman Sea low this week but high pressure may smother it. Well worth monitoring. This Sunday a subtropical low may form to NZ’s north west (classic La Nina). Also worth monitoring.

7-day rainfall forecast

High pressure is dominating for the rest of November, but La Nina is sure trying to push back. Remember, La Nina is only moderate this year, overall. The positive for rainmakers will be the warmer than average sea conditions, which Farmers Weekly recently touched on. This week we’ll start to see this warmer sea surface help try to make offshore rainmakers. A low in the Tasman and then another up around New Caledonia – both are a sign of La Nina.

100

200

400

Rain this week is possible. We have La Ninalike weather (some afternoon downpours on Monday, some small slow moving areas of rain/showers in coastal fringes this week). Plus that Tasman Sea low which could bring a period of rough weather and rain – your local RuralWeather.co.nz forecasts can help you clarify your rainfall chances – this low is one to watch. Overall, drier than average South Island and some wet weather for the North Island.

PRING lambs are showing up at processing plants and in the store pens, but in many cases it’s more of a trickle than a flow. On-farm feed conditions are influencing buying and selling patterns. While slaughter rates are tight, good feed levels don’t appear to be giving farmers the confidence to step into the store market. Market enthusiasm has been slow to build, but it’s early days. Some of this is reflective of the lack of lambs reaching finishing weights and therefore remaining on-farm. This limits the opportunity to start buying in decent numbers of store lambs. Others that would normally sell store are preferring to hold on to lambs given the feed that’s building ahead of them. Of course, it’s not the same for every region and there are some that have already tested the store market and have come away relatively happy. AgriHQ analysis shows farm gate slaughter prices are currently sitting $2/kg below this time last year, therefore limiting store values. Once the store market gathers momentum, there will be less focus on how it started and more focus on how it finishes up. One thing for certain is traders are going to be competing for a smaller pool of lambs this season, and that could mean cheap store lambs aren’t as plentiful to come by. The recently completed 2019-20 processing season covered 53 weeks, which pushed export lamb slaughter to 19 million head. This season, Beef + Lamb NZ have estimated a one million head drop in the lamb crop will reduce the export lamb slaughter closer to 17.4m head. While this number is currently under revision, it will

clearly be less than last season. Not only are meat companies going to have to deal with significantly less lambs compared to last season, but on-farm competition for store lambs is likely to remain strong through the season. This is on the proviso that NZ does not head into another covid-19 lockdown that would challenge any status quo. Typically store lamb prices follow slaughter prices trends. AgriHQ November Livestock Outlook indicated a clear trend for lamb prices into 2021, which would suggest store values will edge lower. Back in 2018 the market actually saw store lamb prices track higher into December while slaughter prices came down. This was due to a very strong grass market operating in the weeks before Christmas. However, this trend can also develop as crops come on stream and store buyers front up looking for numbers. Plenty of green feed crops are already in the ground, as farmers look for ways to mitigate summer feed shortages. Most of these crops are earmarked for store lambs. It does raise questions of where these lambs are going to come from as this is the firsttime lamb slaughter estimates have dived below 18m head. If the market strengthens to a level that justifies offloading store lambs and replacing with a different class of stock, we could see the recycling of store lambs through the sale yards as some opt to resell rather than finish. This trend has emerged over the last two winters but if justified, it could show up earlier in the season. This might go some way to offsetting what could be the smallest export lamb slaughter season to date. If store lamb prices do climb to a desirable level, we could see more ewe lambs being redirected out of breeding programmes and into finishing programmes – thereby further reducing future flock numbers but improving store lamb availability.

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

My Daily Digest The news you need to see in a daily newsletter from the biggest rural newsroom in the country.

REDUCED: Traders will compete for a smaller pool of lambs this season.

SALE YARD WRAP

Cattle flood into yards Farmers have been quick to respond to the grass market, offloading large volumes of store cattle into yards last week. The Frankton sale yards alone penned nearly 4000 over the course of the week and the market barely faltered. At this yard, yearling and weaner cattle at least held value and in some instances firmed, though a larger volume of 2-year cattle did result in a softer market. NORTHLAND Kaikohe cattle • Two-year beef and beef-cross heifers fetched $2.65-$2.70/kg • Better yearling beef and beef-cross steers mostly made $3.00/kg to $3.30/kg • Beef-cross boner cows were firm at $1.80/kg to $2.00/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls sold in a range of $360-$460 • Weaner dairy-beef heifers traded at $410 Cattle numbers lifted to around 850 head at KAIKOHE last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. Overall, the market softened with the region needing a bit more rain to keep momentum going in the store market. A large portion of the yarding was 2-year steers where the best beef types, 450-500kg, earned $2.90$2.94/kg, and dairy-beef, $2.45/kg to $2.60/kg. Yearling bulls sold at $2.85/kg to $2.90/kg and better yearling heifers, $2.80-$2.90/kg. Wellsford store cattle • Two-year traditional steers, 342-396kg, lifted to $2.98-$3.03/kg • Yearling Angus steers, 222-242kg, fetched $3.67-$3.74/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 268-373kg, strengthened to $3.32-$3.46/kg • Yearling Angus heifers, 217-266kg, pushed to $3.08-$3.11/kg A big yarding of 828 cattle was offered at Wellsford last Monday. Competition was strong from buyers trying to keep up with flourishing pastures. Two-year Angus-Friesian steers, 378-478kg, strengthened to $2.97-$3.05/kg. Yearling Hereford-Friesian, 203-226kg, improved to $3.72-$3.85/kg and 197kg managed $4.04/kg. Angus heifers, 362kg, held at $2.85/kg. Angus-Friesian and Hereford-Friesian, 201235kg, improved to $2.94-$3.06/kg, and 193-198kg, $3.11/ kg to $3.28/kg. Friesian and Friesian-cross bulls, 369-379kg, managed $2.79-$2.82/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 109kg, earned $550 and same breed heifers, 90kg, $430. Read more in your LivestockEye.

AUCKLAND Pukekohe cattle • Prime steers firmed to $2.77-$2.82/kg • Prime heifers lifted to $2.70/kg to $2.84/kg • Medium store 2-year steers fetched $2.55-$2.63/kg • Boner cows made $1.67/kg to $2.16/kg Cattle prices improved strongly at PUKEKOHE where medium crossbred weaner steers strengthened by over $100/head to $490-$555, and crossbred heifers, $494-$515. Medium yearling steers sold at $2.63/kg to $2.83/kg.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Hereford-Friesian steers, 575kg, made $2.78/kg • Prime Angus steers, 720kg, earned $2.94/kg • Heavy beef cows, 650kg, fetched $2.32/kg • Top new-season prime lambs reached $179 TUAKAU store cattle sale drew a huge yarding of 1700head last Thursday, Carrfields Livestock agent Karl Chitham reported. The market held and most 400-500kg HerefordFriesian steers managed $2.84-$2.95/kg while 280-340kg made $3.00-$3.15/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 117kg, realised $540 and 550kg Friesian bulls, $2.70/kg. The heifer section included 410kg Hereford-Friesian, at $2.68/ kg, while 353kg earned $2.81/kg and 260-290kg, $740$820. Prime steers, 580-720kg, traded at $2.86-$2.94/kg on Wednesday, heifers 480-550kg returned $2.80-$2.83/kg and lighter types, $2.72-$2.77/kg. Strong demand for cows saw 480-550kg Friesians reach $1.87-$2.11/kg. Medium-good new-season prime lambs managed $143-$179 on Monday. Lighter primes fetched $117-$132 and forward stores, $84-$112. Medium-good ewes made $152-$177 and lightmedium, $99-$135.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle 17.11 • Yearling Angus steers, 351kg, fetched $3.39/kg • Yearling Angus heifers, 297kg, managed $3.60/kg • Yearling Charolais-Angus heifers, 365kg, realised $3.19/kg

Store cattle throughput lifted to 1103 head at FRANKTON last Tuesday where PGG Wrightson presented a quality line-up that included annual draft and exotic lines. Locals were joined by buyers from Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay and Auckland. Better 2-year beef-dairy steers, 453-498kg, traded at $2.87-$2.99/kg while Hereford-dairy, 388-423kg, managed $2.68-$2.73/kg. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 430453kg, returned $2.76-$2.77/kg. Yearlings made up 70% of the offering and good competition improved returns for most. Twelve prime Charolais-Friesian heifers, 576kg, topped their section at $2.90/kg while other beef-dairy, 405-471kg, earned $2.69-$2.73/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton cattle 18.11 • Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 420-488kg, eased to $2.74$2.79/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 286-326kg, held at $3.02-$3.06/ kg • Prime Hereford-Friesian steers, 523-664kg, eased to $2.72-$2.78/ kg Store cattle numbers swelled to 808 head last Wednesday at FRANKTON for New Zealand Farmers Livestock and quality was mixed throughout. Two-year cattle had the largest increase and the market softened for most. Two-year Hereford-dairy steers, 391-411kg eased to $2.59-$2.67/kg. Angus and better beef-dairy heifers, 325-398kg, managed $2.75-$2.87/kg. Yearling cattle met better demand than their older counterparts and most held. Hereford-dairy steers, 285-322kg, held at $2.89-$2.98/kg, as did 209-298kg Hereford-Friesian at $2.70-$2.75/kg. Friesian bulls, 242372kg, maintained levels of $2.70-$2.84/kg. Most prime heifers, 451-508kg, returned $2.71-$2.77/kg regardless of breed and beef-dairy bulls, 499-575kg, earned $2.67-$2.70/ kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Frankton dairy-beef weaner fair • Weaner Hereford-Friesian bulls, 154kg, sold well at $640 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers mostly earned $605-$655 There was a decent sized yarding of around 1700 head at the FRANKTON dairy-beef weaner fair last Thursday. Quality calves sold well, though the lift in numbers allowed buyers to be selective. A late start meant heifer data was not able to be collected, though better autumn-born whiteface heifers made $560-$590, and the top end of the spring-born weaner heifers traded around $510-$540. Heavy Friesian and Friesian-cross bulls above 130kg sold well at $500 and above, whilst the balance was mostly $400-$495. Read more in your LivestockEye.

KING COUNTRY Te Kuiti sheep and cattle • Medium prime new season lambs made $129-$135. • Angus cows with calves-at-foot earned $1310-$1700 per unit There was a decent yarding of new season store lambs at TE KUITI last Thursday where the top end earned $91-$95 with medium $70-$75. Heavy prime ewes sold well at $151$188 with medium $132-$144 and light $60-$90. There was a big yarding of good-quality cattle last Friday with around 850 head. Two-year beef steers, 479-520kg, realised $2.89$2.90/kg with the better Hereford-Friesian, 518-541kg, at $2.79-$2.86/kg. Better yearling dairy-beef steers, 376-402kg, sold at $3.04-$3.09/kg.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Prime Angus-Friesian steers, 734kg, achieved $3.00/kg • Two-year Angus and Angus-cross steers, 459-536kg, earned $2.78-$2.89/kg • 500 new season lambs earned $51 to $128 • A limited number of hoggets were $115-$155 The biggest cattle yarding since May featured at RANGIURU last Tuesday. Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 476-512kg, fetched $2.83-$2.89/kg while Friesian, 467-520kg, were $2.72-$2.79/kg. A good portion of the gallery were looking for longer term cattle. Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 254-340kg, featured and sold in the range of $2.99/kg to $3.46/kg. The prime pens were

comparatively quiet but included Hereford cows, 455497kg, the bulk of which were in-calf and $2.04-$2.06/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rangiuru dairy beef weaner fair Only a moderate gallery was present at RANGIURU’s first dairy-beef weaner fair of the season last Wednesday. There was good demand for well-marked beef-dairy pens, but it was harder to attract interest in Friesian bulls. HerefordFriesian bulls over 110kg mostly traded at $550-$610 and 95-108kg, $535-$560. Friesian bulls over 110kg were priced at $300-$480. A level of $350-$455 was found for the bulk of the heifers where Hereford-Friesian and HerefordJersey over 110kg dominated the pens. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Top ewe lambs made $94-$94.50 with medium $70-$73.50 and light $40 • Six-year Romney store ewes sold at $71-$106 • Ewes with lambs-at-foot fetched $99 all-counted • Heavy prime ewes achieved $171-$191 with medium $131-$164 and light $101-$127 There was a large yarding of store lambs on offer at MATAWHERO last Friday. The top end of the male lambs earned $104-107, with medium $94-$94.50 and light $47$80. Better mixed-sex lines traded at $93.50-$106, with medium at $71 and light $30-$43. Prime new season lambs fetched $108-$130 with hoggets $108-$130. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • In-milk dairy cows typically earned $1000-$1200 • Autumn-born R2 Hereford-Jersey heifers, 379kg, made $2.88/kg • Top end 2-year Angus-cross heifers returned $2.75/kg to $2.87/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 289kg, made $3.29/kg • Better prime steers and heifers traded at $2.76-$2.82/kg Good values at the previous week’s cattle fair encouraged a decent number of cattle to market at TARANAKI last Wednesday. Top end 2-year steers weren’t far off the previous week with 502-539kg Hereford-Friesian at $3.01$3.03/kg, while anything that didn’t tick all the boxes sold accordingly under $2.80/kg. Yearling steers of more desirable breeding sold well, achieving upwards of $3.00/ kg. Better yearling Hereford-Friesian and Speckle Parkcross heifers fetched $2.78-$2.86/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Taranaki dairy-beef weaner fair • Better weaner Hereford-Friesian and Speckle Park-cross bulls, 120-130kg, sold at $600-$615 • Weaner Speckle Park-cross heifers, 120-140kg, fetched $470-$495 • Weaner Charolais-cross heifers, 128kg, traded at $500 Just under 1500 weaners were penned at the TARANAKI dairy-beef weaner fair last Thursday. The Friesian bull market lacked enthusiasm, though two lines of good quality achieved $500-$520 with most at around $400-$460. The top end of the steers firmed and those above 130kg made $620-$650, with most heifers in a range of $400-$450. Read more in your LivestockEye. nem res

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford prime cattle and sheep • Medium male lambs made $94-$105 • Medium mixed-sex lambs eased to $92-$107 • Angus cows with calves-at-foot sold for $1640-$1815 per unit • Three-year Hereford heifers, 502kg, sold well at $1710, $3.41/kg • Yearling Angus steers, 296-364kg, held at $3.44-$3.51/kg Lambs flooded into STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, but a limited buying bench resulted in a softer market. Good males made $115-$118.50 and a light consignment of wethers sold for $69-$101. Ewe lambs ranged from $69 to $93 and hoggets with lambs-at-foot firmed to $89-$105 all counted. Adult cattle made up nearly half the 950 head yarding. Two-year beef-cross bulls firmed to $3.26-$3.29/

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020

remainder $100-$176. Heavy heifers matched steer prices and included 477-590kg Hereford at $2.60-$2.66/kg and Speckle Park, 525-615kg, $2.69-$2.71/kg. The balance was largely dairy-beef, 445-625kg, $2.55-$2.65/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Canterbury Park store cattle • Two-year traditional steers, 333-452kg, earned $2.79-$2.87/kg • Yearling Hereford heifers, 280-306kg, made $2.85-$2.93/kg • Yearling Murray Grey heifers, 236-316kg, traded from $2.69/kg to $3.03/kg With three weeks since the last store cattle offering the gallery at CANTERBURY PARK was quite large for the first additional Wednesday sale. Heavy cattle were popular and in the heifer pens 324kg Angus and Angus-Hereford fetched a premium at $2.84/kg while Hereford-beef, 350-416kg, traded at $2.57-$2.67/kg. Yearling heifers were in better condition than the steers and outperformed them. Anguscross were the only breed where steers had the upper hand with 267-347kg priced at $2.62-$2.71/kg while 260327kg heifers returned $2.54-$2.62/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Coalgate cattle and sheep • Prime steers over 600kg traded at $2.65-$2.72/kg • Prime bulls over 700kg earned $2.78-$2.82/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 296kg, managed $2.87/kg A good number of quality lines came forward at COALGATE last Thursday. Prime heifers had a decent sale and Hereford-Friesian, 540-572kg, matched steer values at $2.60-$2.62/kg. Friesian and Shorthorn cows sold well as most over 500kg earned $1.99-$2.10/kg. Just over 1000 store lambs traded hands. The top pens made $101-$107 with the balance $70-$89. Prime lambs and hoggets were mostly $120-$184 while several ewes reached $200-$250. Close to a third of the ewes earned $160-$194 and most others traded for $112-$159. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY PLENTY THERE: Buying orders from outside the region filled the few empty seats left beside locals at Frankton to ensure the three cattle sales for the week were well-contested.

kg for the top lines and the top pen of Hereford-Friesian heifers, 432kg, made $3.36/kg. Friesian bulls, 521-534kg, eased to $2.82-$2.91/kg. Yearling beef-dairy steers averaged 285kg and $3.07/kg and heifers, 270kg and $2.73/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Dairy-beef steers and heifers, 430-540kg, were $2.65-$2.78/kg • Two-year Angus bulls, 503-550kg, fetched $2.98-$3.09/kg New season lambs outnumbered hoggets at FEILDING last Monday. The top cuts earned $187-$192 with heavy pens $160-$179. Top ewes managed $194 while good numbers were $180-$189 and the rest $101-$149. A big yarding of cattle offered a mix of types which included store 2-year Angus bulls. Several ex-sires had good results for what they were: up to $3.13/kg for a 650kg Friesian and $2.90/kg for 670kg Hereford. A few good-conditioned Friesian cows, 510-650kg, earned $1.94-$1.95/kg, but most were 485-600kg medium--good pens at $1.73-$1.85/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store cattle and sheep • Ewes with lambs-at-foot earned $132 all-counted • Mixed-age Romney ewes made $130 • Better yearling Hereford-Friesian steers made $3.11-$3.13/kg • Traditional cows with calves-at-foot traded at $1710 per unit There was a large yarding of around 2300 cattle at FEILDING last Friday. The top end of the yearling steers earned $3.62-$3.71/kg, with the next cut around $3.45$3.55/kg. Better yearling Friesian bulls earned $3.10/kg with then next either side of $2.70/kg.

The top end of the mixed-sex store lambs traded at $100$128, with medium $81-$97, light $59-$75 and cryptorchids at $75-$99. Better ewe hoggets fetched $118-$126 with the balance at $78-$90. Read more in your LivestockEye. Rongotea cattle • Autumn-born R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 389kg, earned $2.88/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers were mostly steady and traded up to $3.25/kg • Autumn-born weaner Friesian bulls, 210kg, fetched $550 • Weaner Speckle Park-cross heifers, 115kg, sold at $480 Confidence has continued to build at RONGOTEA, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Two-year Hereford-Friesian steers, 414-543kg, made $2.57/ kg to $2.73/kg while same breed heifers firmed to $2.63/ kg to $2.74/kg. Yearling Friesian bulls, 287-370kg, fetched $2.70/kg to $2.92/kg, and 340kg Angus-cross, $2.85/kg. In the weaner pens, 109-125kg Friesian bulls traded at $400$470 and 118-120kg Hereford-Friesian and Speckle Park managed $470-$480.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park prime cattle and all sheep • Traditional and dairy-beef steers over 500kg earned $2.60-$2.70/ kg • Murray Grey-cross steers, 560-715kg, returned $2.68-$2.76/kg • Top store lambs made $107 while the balance was $60-$87 Volume was light in the sheep section at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday. Prime lambs and hoggets had a good following with heavy lines at $160-$170 and second cuts, $120-$158. Ewes had a decent sale and over 100 sold for $206-$278. A good number traded at $180-$198 and the

Temuka prime cattle and all sheep • Bulls over 600kg fetched $2.65-$2.75/kg • Traditional and dairy-beef steers over 500kg sold for $2.57-$2.65/ kg • Friesian cows, 575-685kg, made $1.75-$1.86/kg • Store blackface lambs reached $103 and the remainder made $67-$94 • A pen of 291 hoggets with 265 lambs-at-foot were $94 all counted The yarding at TEMUKA last Monday featured plenty of new season lambs. The bulk were prime lambs that mostly traded at $120-$174. A few hoggets made $160-$167 while most were $100-$158. Top ewes earned $201-$262 and the balance $100-$196. Heavy heifers matched the steers and included 575-580kg Hereford-Friesian at $2.53-$2.57/kg. Lighter pens were a tougher sell and red Hereford-Friesian heifers, 406-468kg, were $2.30-$2.37/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka store cattle • Yearling traditional steers, 300-400kg, fetched $3.00-$3.10/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 295-355kg, made $2.58-$2.70/ kg • Yearling Simmental-Hereford heifers, 358-383kg, earned $2.84$2.93/kg • Yearling traditional heifers, 265-390kg, fetched $2.71-$2.76/kg Plenty of vendors took the opportunity to offload into TEMUKA last Thursday. Hereford-Friesian dominated the yearling section and included 300-410kg heifers that returned $2.56-$2.63/kg. Friesian bulls, 200-400kg, consistently sold for $2.44-$2.54/kg. Less than 100 2-year steers and heifers were penned and 419kg Angus-Hereford heifers performed best at $2.60/kg. The better end of the steers was Hereford-Friesian, 388-443kg, $2.45-$2.51/ kg, followed by Simmental-Friesian, 406kg, $2.49/kg. The remaining pens of both steers and heifers ranged from $2.04/kg to $2.32/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

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Markets

56 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – November 23, 2020 NI LAMB

NI STEER

SI COW

($/KG)

5.45

7.10

3.60

YEARLING BEEF-DAIRY STEERS, 265KG AVERAGE AT WELLSFORD ($/KG LW)

3.26

high $94-$105 male lambs at lights Medium Stortford Lodge

$2.79-$2.84 Two-year traditional steers, 354-452kg, at Canterbury Park

Buyers head on-farm for lambs ACROSS THE RAILS

Suz Bremner

suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

UYERS packed their gumboots and headed out onto Canterbury farms for another round of sheep sales. A high volume of prime and store lambs, as well as cast-forage ewes made the trip to the farms worthwhile and let’s face it, who doesn’t like a jaunt into the countryside? The week kicked off in North Canterbury with a two-vendor sale, run by Hazlett Limited, followed by the Glenmark Drive sale, a nine-vendor event stretching along the Glenmark Drive Road and finishing up with PGG Wrightson at Waipara Gorge. The week finished on Thursday with another PGG Wrightson sale in Darfield. In total 25,000 lambs were offered and nearly 4000 ewes. Hazlett general manager Ed Marfell says the timing of the on-farm sales was ideal, following warmer temperatures that has allowed the lambs to bloom. “The lambs were at their peak to be sold, so the timing was ideal,” he said. “Canterbury looks good at the moment, but the nor-west can change that around quickly and vendors were relieved to get these sales under their belts.” And vendors were also pleased with the results. “Given the year and the way it has been, vendors were certainly satisfied with results,” he said. “They are not the prices that they got last year, but if you had told them three years ago that they would have been making the averages we saw, then they would have been stoked.” There was a clear preference for

BEST OF THE BEST: Top quality Suftex lambs were offered at the JR Wigley’s property, Dalrachrie Downs. The top pen pictured sold for $170.

terminal-cross lambs across all the sales and Marfell says that was expected with it being too early for the halfbred buyers. Across the various sales prime lambs reached $165-$176 and second cuts $125-$140, while good store lambs sold for $100-$110 and small types were down to $58. Heavier lines were estimated to make $3.20-$3.30/kg and lighter types, $3.50-$3.60/kg. Cast-for-age ewes also posted pleasing results as a need to fill processor space drove the market. A big day finished at MG and GA Forrester’s property, tidying up a five-hour marathon of selling and travelling on Tuesday. The same crowd that started the day were there to see it finish and PGG Wrightson auctioneer Glen Peddie reported that the last sale of the day was very successful “Regular buyers from MidCanterbury for primes and Southland for the stores provided

good competition and the vendors were very pleased,” he said. “The lambs over all the sales were better this year and there was plenty of buyer support.” Peddie also auctioned off SuffBorderdale mixed-sex lambs for GD Gillanders and Sons (MidCanterbury) on Thursday and reported that while the prime lambs held, he felt that the store lambs strengthened. “The Gillanders have been farming for generations and always offer up a very consistent type of lamb, which buyers appreciate as they know what they are getting. Buyers were mainly local and had been buying here for a long time,” he said. Results: Awapuni Partnership, Waikari – 1725 Romney-Suftex mixed-sex, $58-$135, $94.82 average. 251 ewes, $138-$174. Northcote Farming, Highfield –

SOLD: PGG Wrightson auctioneer Glen Peddie sells a line of Longdown mixedsex lambs for MG & GA Forrester at their on-farm sale at Waipara Gorge.

2960 Suffolk and Suftex mixed-sex, $85-$164, $106.17 average. 149 Romney mixed-sex, $99-$108. Glenmark Drive sales, Manahune – 2030 Suffolk-cross mixed-sex, $59-$172, $110.40 average. 443 halfbred wethers, $60-$100. Dovedale Farm – 2103 Suftex and South Dorset Down mixedsex, $79-$165, $199.70 average. 221 ewes, $130-$166. Glenmark Springs Partnership, I and J Knowles – 3510 Suftex and Romtex mixed-sex, $66-$170, $104.75 average. 530 ewes, $129$165. Shellrock, HD and T Bethell – 1680 blackface mixed-sex, $180$144, $92 average. 866 Romney ram lambs $75-$106, $88.80 average. JG &LM Murchison – 730 Southdown-cross mixed-sex, $77$139, $96.15 average. Red Oak Stud, Weka Pass – 1305 blackface-cross mixed-sex, $78-

$141, $108 average. 850 Romney ram lambs, $70-$132, $96.30 average. 306 Romney ewe lambs, $66-$120, $93.14 average. 578 ewes, $127-$153. Dalrachrie Downs, JR Wigley – 1930 Suftex-cross mixed-sex, $75-$170, $118.70 average. The Three Deans, D and L McPherson – 624 blackface-cross mixed-sex, $79-$125, $97.90 average. 220 halfbred wether lambs, $80-$100. 336 ewes, $126$157. MG and GA Forrester – about 1700 Longdown mixed-sex, prime $126-$176, store $66-$106. GD Gillanders and sons, Darfield – approx. 2200 SuffBorderdale mixed-sex, $77$164, $109.40 average. 400 AD Borderdale ewes, $124-$232.

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