Farmers Weekly August 24 2020 by AgriHQ

11 PGW battled through lockdown Vol 19 No 32, August 24, 2020

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Water rules ‘unworkable’ Neal Wallace

neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

NVIRONMENT Southland may ask the Government to relax new strict rules controlling the winter grazing of livestock which is widely considered as unworkable in the cooler southern region. Southland Federated Farmers president Geoffrey Young has upped the pressure on the Government, advising members not to seek resource consent if they are unable to meet the new grazing regulations. Southern farmers are angered at the requirement to resow winter crop paddocks by November 1, a month later than the rest of NZ, the extent of pugging permitted on paddocks and limits on winter grazing paddocks with a mean slope exceeding 10 degrees. These provisions are included in the suite of essential freshwater measures regulations released in May. Environment Southland chair Nicol Horrell has some sympathy and is seeking to defuse tension by arranging a meeting with farmers, the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to discuss concerns. He says Young’s boycott call reflects frustration with the rigidity and impracticality of the new regulations for southern farmers. “It will be helpful to get everyone in a room and work through the issues which may require having to go to Wellington to talk to ministers,” Horrell said. “We all want improved water

quality, but we do need a bit of flexibility in the southern South Island. “This is too prescriptive. We are not able to add a regional favour.” Young welcomed the council initiative but stood by his boycott call. “Essentially, we are advising farmers to refrain from applying for resource consent for wintering,” he said. “It is unworkable, a waste of money and a waste of resources. “The regional council doesn’t have the resources to process the 2000 to 3000 consents required in Southland because everyone who winters on crop will breach at least one of those three rules.” He wants winter grazing conditions to be included in farm environment plans rather than requiring resource consent. “I believe if Southland farmers have to apply for resource consent for winter grazing it could cost $6$8 million and that is money not being spent on their farms or the environment,” Young said. “It should be about outcomes not regulations.” Young says the policy shows the Government did not consider farmer submissions during consultation as they do not reflect the later growing season in the south, wet ground conditions in spring which can delay the resowing of cropped paddocks, and the consequences on stock numbers of the slope provisions. He notes Environment Southland has commended farmers for their winter grazing practices this year. Environment Minister David Parker says Young’s boycott call is irresponsible. “No one is above the law,” he said.

DEFIANT: Southland Federated Farmers president Geoffrey Young is leading farmer backlash against new winter grazing measures, saying they are unworkable in Otago and Southland. Photo: Natasha Chadwick

“The intensive winter grazing regulations reflect very closely the consultation document from September 2019. “The regulated slope, size and pugging thresholds were options outlined in the consultation document.” He says the regulations are to ensure intensive winter grazing does not pollute rivers and estuaries. “The Government is determined to improve and protect our waterways. Mr Young in Southland should play his part,” he said. Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard shared the concerns of southern farmers

saying blanket regulations did not account for regional differences. “If it’s stupid law and ain’t going to work, then we should keep saying it is stupid law and ain’t going to work,” Hoggard said. Green Party MP Eugenie Sage accused farmers on social media of attacking law they had been consulted on, but Hoggard says farmers were within their rights to criticise law if it is unworkable. Otago Regional Council chair Andrew Noone has heard similar complaints from Otago farmers and his council is looking to find a solution. Farmers have told him low slope

maps provided by MfE to assist management of intensive grazing and stock exclusion, contain major anomalies. Otago Federated Farmers president Simon Davies says he understood Young’s approach and frustration and says the Government’s freshwater goals could have been achieved without such heavy-handed restrictions. “I don’t agree with the Government’s standards,” he said. “They are impractical and I question if they will achieve the results they are wanting.” He is working with the ORC to find practical and simple solutions.

NEWS

18 Armadillo Merino aims for the moon

Merino wool has long been praised for its versatility, but Andy Caughey tells Neal Wallace how he is taking use of this miracle fibre to a whole new level.

REGULARS Newsmaker �� 18

10 Growers caught in no man’s land Working south of the Bombays has taken on a whole new level of complexity for produce growers caught with land and operations between Waikato and the locked down super city of Auckland.

New Thinking �� 19 Editorial �� 20 Pulpit �� 21 Opinion �� 22 World �� 24 Real Estate �� 26-29 Employment �� 30 Classifieds �� 30-31 Livestock �� 31-35 Weather �� 37

8 Growing demand for

antibiotic-free meat

A sudden surge in orders for antibiotic-free meat has processors on the hop as they struggle to meet market demand.

14 Arable sector must determine its future

The next five years will be crunch time for the arable sector that can choose to stand up and shine or remain under the radar, Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) chief executive Alison Stewart says.

our pioneering

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Scramble over new freshwater rules Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz REGIONAL councils and industry good groups are scrambling under a tight timeframe to get to grips with how new freshwater regulations will be implemented and what its impact on farmers is likely to be. The new Essential Freshwater rules became law earlier this month and in the past couple of weeks councils and groups including Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) and DairyNZ have been studying the detail of the regulations so they and the people they represent are as prepared as possible for changes when they come into effect. Some of those changes come into effect next month, while others will be rolled out over the next few years. Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) regional sector chair Doug Leeder says the sector, made up of the 16 regional and unitary councils who act as environmental regulators, needs support and guidance from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE). He says, given the restraints of councils’ present capabilities, a lot of work will be required to come up with a standardised approach to the regulations that can be applied across the country to minimise the potential for churn, waste and litigation for local government organisations and the primary sector as a whole. “It’s early days but we are working on it with speed. It’s a high priority,” Leeder said. More operational staff, including scientists, policy planners and consent and compliance advisers, all of whom are in short supply, will be needed to make the new programme work, which will require additional funding in councils’ long-term plans. Like their counterparts around

the country Otago, Taranaki and Horizons (Manawatu-Whanganui) regional councils are working through the regulations to see how their requirements should be interpreted in their areas. Otago chairman Andrew Noone says his staff are still coming to grips with the implications of the new regulations. “I don’t think we are fully across it yet, whether that is our fault or because it has come down the pipeline at a swift rate, but we’re all catching up,” he said. He estimates the council will need to employ about 50 extra staff in coming years to fulfil the requirements of the new rules. Taranaki director of operations Stephen Hall is confident the region’s long-running riparian management programme, under which farmers have voluntarily fenced and planted thousands of kilometres of streambanks, will help ensure the region can largely meet most, if not all, of the new stock exclusion requirements. He says the programme is nearing completion and an independent study by NIWA has confirmed it is a significant factor in sustained improvements in waterway health in the region. Horizons strategy and regulation group manager Dr Nic Peet says the new package of rules is large and complex and in places there is a need to better understand how they will be applied in a practical sense, which is something councils are working together and with MfE on. One of those is the low slope map being used as part of new stock exclusion requirements. Whether or not property is classified as low slope relies solely on a MfE map. Federated Farmers Waikato president Jacqui Hahn says the federation is concerned about what is deemed to be low slope land, as in reality the map, which as part of the new regulations will need Cabinet approval for

CONCERNED: Federated Farmers Waikato president Jacqui Hahn says the low slope map that is part of the new freshwater regulations is unfair and needs changing.

This is a fundamental change in approach, which will have significant implications for our communities when it is applied in regional plans. Sam McIvor Beef + Lamb NZ changes to it, captures many farmers on steep country. The mapping appears to have been done on a land parcel basis irrespective of the actual slope of paddocks, something Hahn says is unfair to many farmers

and potentially very costly. She says the federation is going to push for changes to the low slope rules. B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says the devil was always going to be in the detail of the new regulations, which is proving to be the case. In an email to farmers he said from B+LNZ’s reading of the new rules virtually all winter grazing is likely to need a consent next year, because of the stringency of some of the permitted requirements and because farmers will also need a certified farm plan to meet permitted criteria. He says there are also provisions in the regulations that need further analysis, giving the example of a new concept that requires regional councils to meet a baseline year, or earlier, for

water quality with any movement from that level considered to represent degradation and so must be addressed. “This is a fundamental change in approach, which will have significant implications for our communities when it is applied in regional plans,” McIvor said. DairyNZ senior environmental change specialist Helen Moodie says DairyNZ has written to farmers with advice on what the new regulations mean across different regions based on its current understanding of how councils will implement them. She says more information on how regional councils plan to implement and monitor the new rules will become clearer in coming months and once that detail is available, DairyNZ will provide more advice.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Record low wool prices edge up Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A SMALL recovery in crossbred wool prices coupled with good demand for new season’s lambswool is shining a glimmer of light for crossbred wool growers at the end of a long, dark tunnel. PGG Wrightson (PGW) wool manager Grant Edwards said record low prices are beginning to edge up. “We all know this year has been extremely difficult for wool with sales suspended for six weeks in late March as the international wool industry set out to combat the challenges created by the covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

We are pleased to have turned a challenging situation into an opportunity to cement our relationships with key customers and protect the interests of our growers and our contracts. Palle Petersen

At the resumption of New Zealand’s market, strong wool prices were down 25-30% on what were already record low levels prior to the crisis. Prices dropped a further 10-15% throughout June, although have more than recovered throughout July and into early August to prices closer to pre-covid levels. Edwards said featuring in this albeit minor recovery, all export companies are participating and bidding enthusiastically at auction. New business written out of India and China has provided the impetus, accounting for the bulk of the market. Wool deliveries to Europe have also resumed with pre-covid existing orders flowing through the supply chain. “Growers putting wool up for auction are generally prepared to meet the market at current levels realising low passing rates,” he said. Consistent with more normal conditions, top wools with low vegetable matter content and good colour are in steady demand and achieving premium returns compared to less sought-after types. “Crossbred prices, however, remain largely unsustainable given harvesting costs,” Edwards said.

New season’s crossbred lambswool contracts have proved popular and provided substantial premiums compared to the current auction levels. “There’s ongoing demand for good quality crossbred lambswool going into upholstery and home textiles,” he said. “These contracts have been building over several years with markets largely through Europe, with up to 10 major customers.” Edwards said fine wool prices are being largely driven by the Australian market and have undergone a similar decline to that of crossbred wool prices in NZ. Early August, Australian fine wool prices are about 30% back on pre-covid levels and 40% back on those achieved last year. “NZ growers will be watching price trends with some apprehension as we kick off our fine wool season which runs from late August to November. “Fine wool returns to growers throughout NZ are being underpinned by forward contracts, which many growers have elected to take,” Edwards said. PGW’s international sales and marketing arm Bloch and Behrens has been at the sharp end of the covid pandemic with numerous

GROWTH: PGG Wrightson wool manager Grant Edwards says good demand for new season’s crossbred lambswool destined for upholstery and home textiles in Europe have provided substantial premiums compared to the current auction levels. Photo: Annette Scott and multifaceted challenges at every point in the supply chain, Bloch and Behrens general manager NZ Palle Petersen said. One of the strengths with its loyal and well-established customer base is that each customer has found ways to tailor solutions to help get through the unprecedented period. “This has enabled them to honour contracts and we have increased flexibility around the delivery of existing shipments and occasionally allowing slightly longer payment terms.

“We have successfully done this without affecting our growers’ contracts,” Petersen said. “Working with our international customers, we managed to sign up some very good new business, which enabled us to offer fresh crossbred lambswool contracts for 2021. “We are pleased to have turned a challenging situation into an opportunity to cement our relationships with key customers and protect the interests of our growers and our contracts.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

A2 Milk posts yet another blockbuster Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz A2 MILK Company continued to pour out profit in the 2020 financial year but is yet to reveal its manufacturing expansion plans from what is now $854 million cash on hand. The policy of not paying a dividend has continued, investing all profits in the growth strategy. Revenue, earnings, net profit and earnings per share all increased by more than 30% on the previous financial year. The rate of growth slowed marginally during FY2020 when compared with the 40% increases in FY2019 over FY2018. A2 chairman David Hearn said covid-19 had a modest positive impact on revenue and earnings and that exchange rate movements had gone in the company’s favour. “We are fortunate to be supplying essential products that are well positioned and appealing to consumers.” Revenue was $1.73 billion, up 33%, and more than three times the $500m revenue achieved in FY2017, four years ago. Infant nutrition accounted for $1.42bn of the revenue, liquid milk sales were $223m and other A2 products $85m. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) were $550m, up 33%, and net profit after tax was $386m, up 34%. Earnings per share were 52.39c, which on the current share price of $21 makes the price/earnings ratio about 40, one of the highest on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Because of the extraordinarily large number of A2 shares, around 740m, the company

has the second highest market capitalisation on the board, at $15.5bn. A 5% minority of the shareholding is held by 40,000plus small investors with fewer than 5,000 shares ($100,000) each and 150 institutional shareholders have 100,000-plus, owning collectively 87% of the company. However, the net tangible asset backing is only $1.28/share, or $950m. Among those assets is A2’s 20% shareholding in Synlait, its major A2 milk and infant formula partner, on the books at $252m with a fair value loss of $56m during the year. Synlait’s share price has lost 25% over the past year, including a low point of $4.40 mid-March and sits around $7 currently. It reports on September 28. Investors have added 50% to the A2 share price over the past 12 months and the price dropped from $17 to $15 at the beginning of the covid-19 lockdown here and in China, followed by a strong recovery in the past five months. The company said marketing expenditure was up 45% to $194m and that China label infant nutrition was sold in 19,000 stores. China labelling is for in-market sales as a replacement for the daigou English label trading that has dominated A2’s revenue in the past – bulk purchasing in Australian retail stores followed by mail and courier delivery to China. Liquid milk sales in Australia and NZ were $152m, up 14%, and US sales rose 90% to $66m through about 20,000 stores. With regard to physical assets, A2 said it had agreed to underwrite the expansion of the manufacturing facilities of Kyvalley company, Victoria, its

NEW FACE: Acting chief executive Geoff Babidge will be giving way to newcomer David Bortolussi, pictured, early in 2021, formerly a senior executive at HanesBrands, Fosters and McKinsey. long-term fresh milk supply partner. “Through this arrangement we will acquire the Kyabram milk processing facilities and fund its expansion and upgrade,” A2 said. “Kyvalley will manage the assets under a lease and revised longterm supply agreement.”

We are fortunate to be supplying essential products that are well positioned and appealing to consumers. David Hearn A2 Milk chair However, this was not the major expansion of facilities anticipated by the company and investors with the $800m cash. Acting chief executive Geoff Babidge will be giving way to newcomer David Bortolussi early in 2021, formerly a senior executive at HanesBrands, Fosters and McKinsey.

A2 working on MVM acquisition Hugh Stringleman company of A2’s strategic hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz partner in China, CSFA Holdings Shanghai (China State Farm). TWO days after its very strong A2 acting chief executive annual results announcement Geoff Babidge said the A2 Milk Company said it was proposed investment in MVM in exclusive due diligence to would sit alongside the existing purchase 75% of Mataura arrangements with Synlait Valley Milk (MVM) for $270 and Fonterra, which would million. remain. The proposal values the “Our intention would be Southland dairy company, to invest further to establish which has been in production blending and canning capacity for two years, at $385m. at Mataura’s facility to support The A2 move is facilitated the establishment of a fully by MVM’s current majority integrated manufacturing shareholder, China Animal plant for infant nutrition,” he Husbandry Group, which said. would retain a 25% Synlait responded with an interest. assurance that its relationship It is a wholly owned with A2 was sound and that subsidiary of China National Synlait would support and Agriculture Development enable the growth aspirations. Group, which is also the parent

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

NZ must refresh approach to food sector NEW Zealand’s food story will underpin a unique new brand strategy capitalising on the country’s high international profile and distinctive bi-cultural story, former chief science advisor to the prime minister Peter Gluckman says. In an online address to the ANZ-Kanganews New Zealand Capital Markets forum, Gluckman said the country needs to update its economic strategy to both capitalise on its food story and also focus on the “weightless economy” in the wake of covid-19. Adding the country needs to make necessary changes now “rather than to have changes effectively imposed on us through a sudden loss of markets with environmentally conscious trading partners.” He said the nation’s highest income producers – tourism, export education and agriculture – were all threatened by long term challenges and it was “unrealistic to return to a pre-covid business as usual mindset.” Gluckman, director at the University of Auckland’s apolitical think tank Koi Tu, believes the pandemic could hasten the move globally to online learning, which may over time limit NZ’s long-term export education opportunities. In that context, NZ’s “most important asset will be knowledge

and the weightless economy,” he said. Yet building this asset will require new strategies and much more than the rather limited efforts made by successive governments. With cities the “hubs of innovation” attract and retain people and capital; Auckland must be able to compete with Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore and London, he said. While the innovation sector is growing fast, scaling up is much harder and businesses are yet to reach a “critical mass” of labour and capital, creating enough capacity to market globally and earn at scale. That means working harder to take advantage of NZ’s reputation and help it attract entrepreneurial activity. Universities would play a central role in that, both in the creation of new ideas and processes and in creating the “next-generation” workforce, Gluckman said. “World-ranked universities act as magnets for talent and private industry. Silicon Valley would not exist without Stanford University. Efforts must be made to have at least one globally high-ranked university here,” he said. He believes covid-19 has created an incentive to “rethink our path ahead” and to find ways to discuss

the complex issues and appreciate the trade-offs involved. “How can we sustain and transform our economy in ways that allow our social and environmental futures to flourish?” he asked. “Any shift will take time and needs a coordinated strategy agreed across many sectors of government and society.” Too many issues remained in the “too hard basket,” such as trans-generational disadvantage, NZ’s bi-cultural and multi-ethnic nature, water and land use, low productivity, and a narrow view of our economic future. “Around the world the call for a post-covid reset has focused on the green economy, climate change, environmental degradation and social progress,” he said. “There is no doubt NZ will follow this path. “This means we need a major reset of our key industries.” He said a global shift against carbon-intensive goods and services will over time heavily affect tourism and ruminant animal-based agriculture. “The primary and food sector is again dominating our economy but it needs to evolve to be environmentally much more sensitive and conscious of future market trends,” he said. – BusinessDesk

NEW PATH: University of Auckland’s Koi Tu director Peter Gluckman believes covid-19 has created an incentive to rethink our path ahead and to find ways to discuss the complex issues and appreciate the trade-offs involved.

Seeka posts strong six-month profit Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

GOOD RESULT: Seeka chief executive Michael Franks.

SEEKA has reported a 55% increase in its profit for six months to June 30, a result driven in part from a taxation change benefit and an increase in underlying earnings for the period. The orcharding and postharvest company has also recorded a 5% increase in total revenue to $178 million, and has

anticipated a share dividend of 10c a share payment. In a statement, the company noted the impact of covid-19 and a “severe” labour shortage placing significant pressure upon the business. This was accompanied by the impact on operations as a result of the loss of the fruit taste profile sampling service at the start of the season, previously offered by Eurofin. Chief executive Michael Franks

said the summer drought also impacted kiwifruit volumes in areas where irrigation was not available. The company also announced the conditional sale and leaseback of three mature Australian orchards, sold for A$26.5m. The sale of these orchards is expected to help reduce company debt, now at $129.3m, compared to $148m last year. A capital gain on sale is also

expected to deliver an additional $12m in profit. The company is expecting to experience lower operational earnings in the second half of its financial year, the result of lower fruit volumes in store and an earlier selling season. Early full year-end to December predictions have Seeka generating a net profit in the range of $9-$12m. The 2019 full year profit was $9.9m.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Growing demand for antibiotic-free meat

STRUGGLE: Alliance general manager livestock and shareholder services Danny Hailes said supply is not meeting market demand and Alliance is paying a premium to get farmers on board.

Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A SUDDEN surge in orders for antibiotic-free meat has processors on the hop as they struggle to meet market demand. Alliance general manager livestock and shareholder services Danny Hailes said the cooperative is desperately seeking farmers to join its Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA) programme. He said while global markets are generally subdued, there is growing demand for antibiotic-free meat.

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“We have one customer, (in) North America, where demand is just growing as customers become increasingly conscious of what they are eating,” he said. “Put it like this, it’s at the stage where I’d like to drown our salespeople in RWA lambs.” Hailes said hundreds of thousands of RWA lambs are raised by farmers right across the country. “We are procuring from across the country all year round but May to September is the key market time for North America,” he said. “We currently have lambs coming in from Canterbury, northern South Island and parts of the North Island. We do have them from Southland depending on the seasons.” But the supply is not meeting market demand and Alliance is paying a premium to get farmers on board. “This is one bright feature of the market’s current doom and gloom and we are out there paying a premium to get farmers in the programme,” he continued. “At the moment, we are trying to get our hands on every antibiotic-free lamb and we are paying a 15c (a kilogram) premium to get them.” On a 23kg lamb that is worth having, Hailes said. The demand for antibiotic-free meat has been steadily growing over several years but Hailes said it is escalating rapidly now.

At the moment we are trying to get our hands on every antibiotic free lamb, and we are paying a 15c premium to get them. Danny Hailes Alliance

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“People are more and more mindful of what they are eating and they want assurance these animals have been raised without antibiotics,” he said. “On this basis we expect this will only keep growing.” The Alliance RWA programme provides the assurance the customer is demanding. “We make sure our producers are farm assured; farm audits are a part of this to become RWA certified,” he said. “Any farmers who think they are able to supply need to get in touch with us, it’s key for them to get into the programme. This is a classic example of sales market demand for a particular product as we try to market demand both ways – farmer to the customer and customer to the farmer.” Meanwhile, loyal shareholders in Alliance Group have been rewarded with a $5 million distribution. The quarterly payments, April-June 2020, have been made to platinum and gold shareholders who commit 100% of their livestock to the company. Farmers are paid an additional 10c/kg for each lamb, 6c/kg for a sheep, 8.5c/kg for cattle and 10c/ kg for deer. Alliance Group chief executive David Surveyor said the loyalty programme is an important part of the company’s strategy to recognise and reward its loyal shareholders. The platinum and gold shareholders also receive other benefits including priority processing and the opportunity to take advantage of Alliance Group’s free store stock facilitation service. The latest distribution brings the total amount distributed to loyal shareholders in the 2019-20 season to $13 million. With the 2020 annual roadshows looming, farmers are being encouraged to register to attend an event in their region. In all, 23 meetings will be held across the country starting out in North Canterbury on September 22.

For more details and to register go to www. allianceroadshows.co.nz

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

DairyNZ releases election wishlist DAIRYNZ has released its policy priorities for the upcoming election, focusing on science investment, future-proofing dairying and getting the right environmental policies in place. The priorities are based on feedback received from 248 farmers the organisation surveyed in July. DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle said the organisation wanted to give voice to dairy farmers’ concerns and priorities to help politicians better understand the issues impacting on farmers. It listed 10 priorities which are: Invest in R&D for our primary sector to unlock more value and volume. Set a clear strategy for science funding that is appropriately resourced to support farmers to reduce their environmental footprint while increasing profit. Work with the sector to meet workforce needs through training and recruitment of Kiwis, as well as skilled migrant workers. Invest in rural broadband and improved mobile coverage to better connect our rural communities with NZ and the world. Develop a national water storage strategy and invest in water storage to increase water supply in times of drought, enable land-use flexibility and unlock economic potential. Develop and enforce a worldleading biosecurity system that

is properly resourced, learns from our M bovis experience and ensures everyone plays their part. Reform the RMA to reduce compliance costs for farmers, increase efficiency and drive better environmental outcomes. Partner with farmers and support them to play their part to meet new environmental standards. Ensure targets for water quality improvements are fair and equitable, clear, scientifically robust and have pragmatic timeframes for implementation. Review the methane targets in the Zero Carbon Act to ensure they are firmly grounded in science and align our international and domestic targets by applying a split gas approach to our Paris commitment and carbon budgets. The survey compiled feedback from dairy farmers across New Zealand. Key trends include challenges with mental health, technology and government regulation. While it was encouraging to see that 94% of farmers were proud to be working in the dairy industry, 62% of farmers said they or someone on their farm had experienced mental health issues over the last year – with an uncertain regulatory framework identified as one of the main contributing causes. “Fifty percent of farmers said they don’t have access to the

PRIORITY: One of DairyNZ’s 10 priorities for the upcoming election is to ensure targets for water quality improvements are fair, equitable and scientifically robust.

broadband internet they need and 52% don’t have adequate mobile reception on-farm,” Mackle said. He said when asked about their community’s outlook over the next three years, 64% of farmers expect things to decline.

“Farmers were also asked what motivated them the most to get out of bed in the morning – what was great to see is that working and caring for animals is the main driver for 43% of farmers. Providing for their family

came in a close second,” Mackle said. “This sends a tremendous message that farmers really value what they do, and that animal care remains at the heart of their farming business.”

Mood of uncertainty drives GDT down again THE prices of most dairy ingredients drifted lower in the latest Global Dairy Trade auction, but not enough to threaten current farm gate milk price forecasts. Dairy market analysts said the current mood is one of high uncertainty and that higher price volatility has characterised this year and will persist for a while yet. Whole milk powder prices, butter, anhydrous milk fat,

cheddar and lactose all fell 2-3% and only skim milk powder rose by 1.1%. Therefore, the GDT price index fell by 1.7% and the average price across all products was US$3004/ tonne. The index has fallen a total of 7.5% over the past three fortnightly auctions but in June it rose by more than 10%. “Despite their recent fall, dairy prices remain consistent with our milk price forecast of $6.50/kg,”

Westpac senior agri-economist Nathan Penny said. “The steep price fall over August comes as several countries battle renewed outbreaks of covid-19 and as total global case numbers continue to increase rapidly. “It appears that dairy markets are acting on this renewed risk and have pushed prices lower. “We expect outbreaks to wax and wane, but generally most key dairy markets continue to manage covid-19 well, notably China.

“Accordingly, we anticipate that as these countries get on top of these virus flare-ups some of the August price falls may prove temporary.” Rabobank dairy analyst Thomas Bailey, from the United States, said the China national strategy of maintaining large inventories of dairy powders for food security might be pushing demand from North Asia. Other countries, such as in Southeast Asia, don’t have

those policies and therefore government-backed financing may not be an option. Outside of China, covid-19’s drag on economies may be driving a wait and see approach to buying. NZX dairy analyst Amy Castleton said her farm gate milk price model had gained 2c to $6.66/kg when WMP futures contracts rose in price for laterdated contracts, along with the lift in SMP prices.

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

DELAYS: Due to strict police monitored patrols between the two regions, Kylie Faulkner says she has workers caught for up to two hours at checkpoints before they can make it to work. Photo: Fraser Newman

Growers caught in no man’s land Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz WORKING south of the Bombays has taken on a whole new level of complexity for produce growers caught with land and operations between Waikato and the locked down super city of Auckland. During the national level four lockdown the greatest problem for growers was the overnight loss of markets and outlets for produce. But Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association president Kylie Faulkner said this time it was the logistics of trying to operate blocks of growing land lying in neighbouring Waikato. “There is this invisible line which we are dealing with here in Bombay,” she said. “We have a block here in Auckland region on Mill Road, but if you go down the road towards Pukekohe, the next block is in Waikato.” Due to strict police-monitored

patrols challenging motorists crossing between the two regions, she has workers who are being caught for up to two hours at checkpoints before they can make it to work. “There seems to have been a fair bit of miscommunication and conflicting messages about what documents are required. I went to one checkpoint with documents, to be told I needed new documents to get an exemption.” She appreciated the tough job given to authorities to try and avoid illegal movements, but had hoped more priority could be given to essential workers who were not only supplying Auckland, but the entire country with produce. Produce companies and their staff are classed as essential workers under covid conditions. “But unfortunately there seem to be a lot of other people who also think they are essential,” she said. Faulkner was somewhat

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philosophical about the problems, accepting the Government was unlikely to move the boundary line on account of growers’ needs, while also trying to contain the virus. “But we do tend to think it may have been more practical to have made the lockdown area from Taupo north,” she said. Pukekohe grower Brendan Balle said the decision to put the checkpoints where they were has made practical day-to-day operations near impossible for his produce business. “If we have a tractor puncture on the south side of the boundary, our repair guy can’t come over from the Auckland side to fix it,” he said. He said the majority of the Pukekohe growing area falls on the Waikato side of the boundary, but packhouses are on the Auckland side, and delays for trucks travelling those routes were becoming untenable. The 10-minute trip between

HorticultureNZ chief executive Mike Chapman said prospects for any major shift in defining the boundary looked unlikely, but not through lack of trying. “We have been incredibly active in trying to resolve this problem. We suggested a new boundary, and (while) it was considered (it) was also rejected.” Meantime, HortNZ is working with the Government to try and make passage for essential produce workers faster and more seamless. Chapman said HortNZ had been told by the Ministry of Health, which is in charge of the border controls, the best solution will be to have the covid cluster eliminated by next week, and have the controls lifted. “They are concerned about covid, and we are concerned about growing. You can see both sides, but the boundary is in the worst position for vegetable growers,” he said.

Pukekohe and Tuakau has stretched to nearly an hour. He also challenged the decision to put the main checkpoint on Mill Road near the motorway, which strictly speaking was not the true boundary between the regions. “This is the usual drink-drive checkpoint choke point. A better boundary would have been at Drury, to the north, this is all growing area here and it is a major disruption to supply that goes all over New Zealand,” he said. His concern was also over animal welfare issues, with farmers who had stock in the Waikato region struggling to get in each day to feed and water them. People living on the Waikato side of the Auckland boundary now had to travel 100km south to Huntly for any substantive supermarket shopping, and some rural communities near Port Waikato were struggling to source groceries.

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farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

PGW takes a hit from lockdown Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz COVID-19 killed agency trading and net profit in the second half of the 2020 financial year for major listed rural servicing company PGG Wrightson. It made a net loss of $4.9 million in the six months ended June 30 after taking a $10m hit to earnings, net of about $3m received from the Government’s wage subsidy. “Real estate, water, wool and sale yards were effectively unable to operate for the duration of the lockdown,” chair Rodger Finlay said. “While the result for 2020 was not what we had targeted at the start of the year (earnings in excess of $30m) it nevertheless reflects well on the resilience of the business, our people and the support from our customers in what has been an extraordinary year. “To deliver a trading performance similar to last year, after the level of disruption that we have experienced, is heartening and demonstrates that the business is in good health.” Operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) were $45.2m, but that included a positive contribution of $21.7m from the new accounting lease standard. More than half of the company’s 160 sites are leased, mainly the retail stores rather than the saleyards, and a fleet of over 700 vehicles is also leased. Excluding the impact of the lease adjustment, operating earnings were $23.4m compared with $24.4m in the year before. Directors decided not to declare a final dividend in light of the ongoing global challenges and the second-half loss and are not prepared to make a guidance for the current year. However, shareholders did receive an interim dividend of 9c/share in April. They also benefited from a capital distribution of $234m last August following the sale of the grain and seed business, which was equivalent to 31c/ share before the 1-for-10 share consolidation. The new shares dipped to a low point of $1.60 in March and then recovered post-lockdown to briefly touch $3 in July before settling to $2.65, currently. Revenue for PGW in the 2020 financial year was $788m, down $10m on the previous year. Agency revenue (livestock, wool and real estate) took a $30m hit and net profit for that division was down 60%. Livestock operations also suffered from drought and a shortage of processing capacity during the second half. Net profit for retail and

LOOKING GOOD: Chief executive Stephen Guerin says the outlook for the coming year in horticulture-related retail is good as returns from fruits are positive.

water was down 10% although its Ebitda was up 80% to $34.7m, from which $16m was deducted in depreciation and amortisation expenses. Chief executive Stephen Guerin said a highlight of trading were the good results obtained by horticultural business Fruitfed Supplies and related water products and services.

To deliver a trading performance similar to last year, after the level of disruption that we have experienced, is heartening and demonstrates that the business is in good health. Rodger Finlay PGW chair “We continue to grow strong market shares in grapes, pipfruit, stonefruit and kiwifruit and are increasing our presence in avocados and cherries,” he said. “The outlook for the coming year in horticulture-related retail is good as returns from fruits are positive.” Specialist staff numbers were increasing in areas of the country where land use changes to horticulture were occurring.

A new building on the Alexandra leased site would be fit for purpose for Fruitfed. It is one of four new sites under construction, the others being Taupo, Mayfield and Darfield. PGW was offering finance for big orchard machines such as sprayers and frost-fighters. Guerin said change was needed in strong wool along the lines recommended by the report commissioned and released recently by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. Company-owned private exporter Bloch and Behrens did buy wool on contract for European orders, but Guerin believed auctioneering needed to move towards a dairy-style online event. “As a consequence of the pandemic, our wool business has facilitated the sale of less bales and at lower margins,” he said. “Farmers have elected to hold wool rather than sell into the current market.” E-commerce was very useful during the pandemic lockdown with a good uptake by lifestyle block owners and the enthusiastic use of bidr for livestock sales. Although it was too early to provide guidance, the company had a healthy measure of optimism with solid returns continuing in dairy, red meat and horticulture. A trading update should be available at the annual meeting in October.

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12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Book to help kids through tough times farmstrong.co.nz

A NEW children’s book designed to generate discussion about mental health in rural communities is proving a hit with schools. Use Your Voice tells the story of two dogs. Huntaway Jess loves chasing sheep round the high country but the pressures of life get to her and she loses her ability to bark. No longer much use onfarm, she finds herself confined to her kennel. As her mood changes, the colour slowly drains from the illustrations. A powerful metaphor for kids. But help is at hand in the form of sausage dog Poppy who teaches Jess to share her feelings rather than bottling them up. The more Jess follows Poppy’s advice, the more the colour returns, until Jess is back to her old self, yapping and rounding up sheep once more. Author Harriet Bremner says she wrote the book to normalise conversations about mental health issues and help schools pass on important self-care strategies to kids. Teacher Kathy Mehrtens from Windwhistle School in Canterbury says the book succeeds on both counts. Harriet recently visited there with the real-life dachshund Pops. “Our children are taught strategies to strengthen their mental wellness, just as they are taught the importance of keeping physically safe and well,” Kathy said. “So it was loads of fun to have Harriet and Pops actually visit

to help us deliver key messages about this.” Harriet, a former primary school teacher herself, says the challenge now is to get the book into the hands of as many other rural schools as possible. “We know storytelling is one of the best forms of learning because kids really engage in role play and put themselves in the characters’ shoes,” she said. “Use Your Voice shows them that if you don’t talk about how you’re feeling, it’s as if you’ve lost your voice. It also teaches them what to do if one of your friends is feeling sad, or where to go if you’re feeling sad. “I wanted to show children what it can feel like when you’re battling with your mental health, (and) you can feel caged-in just like Jess. “So Poppy teaches Jess some self-help strategies. “If one of your friends is crying, don’t just tell them to ‘suck it up,’ check that they’re okay and have a conversation with them. “I hope the kids come away understanding they need to help and support each other.” Harriet also has an extensive farming background. She grew up on an isolated sheep and beef farm on Banks Peninsula, moved with her parents to Kekerengu where they ran another sheep and beef farm and then lived in Kaikoura when they went dairy farming. She turned to writing to cope with her own grief when she lost her partner to a farming accident in 2017. This is her third children’s book in a rural setting. The first, Bob’n’Pops, introduced her dog

KIDS FOCUS: Author Harriet Bremner with her dog Pops and the children at Windwhistle School, Canterbury.

character Poppy. The second, Be Safe, Be Seen, aimed at keeping children safe on farms. Use Your Voice is already earning plaudits and was the winner of the Like Minds, Like Mine Creative Grant supported by the Mental Health Foundation earlier this year and was supported by nationwide rural wellbeing programme Farmstrong. Harriet currently works for Safer Farms, an initiative set up by the Agricultural Leaders Health and Safety Action Group (ALHSAG). The health and safety advocate says the underlying theme of Use

Your Voice is the need for greater discussion and understanding of rural health and safety issues. “I just want to highlight that everyone has a voice and needs to find the courage to use it. Because without speaking out, there is no voice and without a voice, there is little hope,” Harriet said. “This is a story about hope and how to move through difficult times. All it takes to make a positive difference to Jess’ life is one dog/friend who believes in her and gives her strategies to work through her hardship. “So, the message is, always be kind. You don’t know what people

are dealing with, your small act of kindness could make their day.” is the official media partner of Farmstrong

Copies of Use Your Voice can be ordered online here www. gurtandpops.com Farmstrong is a rural wellbeing programme that helps farmers and farming families live well to farm well. To find out what works for you and “lock it in”, check out our farmerto-farmer videos, stories and tips on www.farmstrong.co.nz

Fonterra secures China role Hugh Stringleman

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FONTERRA has gone for muchneeded stability and experience when confirming Teh-han Chow as chief executive of Greater China businesses. He will oversee ingredients, foodservice, consumer brands and China Farms. As acting chief executive in China since December – when Christina Zhu resigned – and former president of NZMP division for China and Southeast Asia, Chow is a proven leader in the region. The covid-19 disruption in China has made for an eventful year, including a long period in which Chow was in Shanghai while his family remained behind in the United States. He was in the US on holiday when the virus first hit Wuhan and Chinese cities began to impose travel restrictions, and returned to China to lead 1800 employees through the lean months of January, February and early March. Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell said Chow

IMPACT: Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell said Teh-han Chow had made an impressive contribution during his eight months in an acting capacity.

had made an impressive contribution during his eight months in an acting capacity. “He has implemented our new strategy across the Greater China business, and over the course of this calendar year, has shown outstanding resilience, resourcefulness and empathy in getting his team and our

China business through the ongoing challenge of the pandemic,” he said. “The insights and experiences he’s shared with the rest of us have been invaluable in our global response.” Before joining Fonterra in 2015, Chow was chief executive of Louis Dreyfus in China, a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. He was also managing director Greater China for Simplot, a food and agribusiness company. Chow has tertiary qualifications in marketing and international management from US educational institutes. An early measure of Chow’s achievements for Fonterra will be released on September 21 when the 2020 annual results contain regional figures for China compared with the previous year. In recent times China’s results have been good for ingredients and foodservice and bad for consumer and farming, but that may have reversed under covid.

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

TEAM EFFORT: Foundation for Arable Research chief executive Alison Stewart believes the NZ public has recognised the value of having a local grains industry, something that they had been taking for granted for years.

Arable sector must determine its future Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE next five years will be crunch time for the arable sector that can choose to stand up and shine or

remain under the radar and let the larger primary sectors direct New Zealand’s agri-economic development, Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) chief executive Alison Stewart says.

For many years the arable sector has been viewed as the invisible partner of NZ agriculture, given the arable industry’s predominantly domestic, commodity market focus and

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the fact that it has chosen to fly under the radar on most of the major policy issues affecting NZ’s economic, environmental and social development, Stewart says. “However, I believe the invisible partner image is slowly changing and could change even more if the entire sector worked together to make it happen,” she said. Think about covid-19, what was the first food to fly off the supermarket shelves as NZ moved into lockdown? Not meat, not milk, not fruit, but bread, then flour and pasta. “Suddenly the NZ public recognised the value of having a local grains industry, something that they had been taking for granted for years.” Add to that the challenging drought conditions in the North Island over the past six months, which have driven a strong demand for more locally produced animal feed, and the role of the NZ arable sector in sustaining the NZ economy is starting to become more obvious to a lot more people. There’s also more to arable than food and feed. Integrating arable crops into farming systems could contribute to a reduction in NZ’s agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and help protect NZ’s natural resources, supporting its position as a leader in sustainable food production. “The much tried and tested mixed crop-livestock system suddenly becomes an attractive option when you are looking for a business model that has a positive environmental footprint and delivers the resilience and adaptability that we know will be required into the future,” she said. “You don’t need to be a brain surgeon to work out the potential opportunities for cropping in this future scenario.” So, how can the arable sector build on the good things it has to offer? The next three to five years will be crucial. “It can choose to stay under the radar and let the larger primary sectors direct NZ’s agri-economic

and environmental development,” she explained. “Or it can stand up and be counted by promoting the benefits of arable cropping to the other sectors, to the Government and to the wider NZ public.” The sector has strong messages that should resonate with each of those groups. “We know NZ-grown grain and silage can add value to the livestock sectors,” Stewart said.

The much tried and tested mixed crop-livestock system suddenly becomes an attractive option. Alison Stewart Foundation for Arable Research “We know the Government is committed to reducing the environmental impacts of the agricultural sector. We know that New Zealanders like the idea of eating food grown in NZ. “We need to bring the evidence to the table and present it in a way that encourages them to embrace it as part of their systems,” she said. Stewart said FAR is a vibrant research agency that can deliver the research to show the benefits of arable cropping. “Most government agencies have a very simplistic view of what we are and what we do. We need to work together to provide them with an understanding of how arable underpins much of NZ’s agricultural sector by producing seed and providing feed. Stewart said FAR can fund the research needed but growers will need to help make things happen. “It will take more resources than we (FAR) have to drive all of the cogs in the wheel to get us to where we want to be,” she said.

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16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Farmers urged to take up agritech solutions Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz ACCURATE on-farm decisionmaking has moved beyond human capability with pressure mounting for technology to take the lead, according to a new report created by agribusiness banking group Rabobank. The Digital Pathway to Power report suggests the growing complexity of on-farm decisionmaking means farmers need to adapt to the times, or risk getting left behind. The report aims at triggering a deeper relationship between farmers and the supply chain, detailing key considerations for farmers, farm input companies and other supply chain businesses to increase accuracy in their business decision-making by implementing and better using technology. This could include everything

from fertiliser and ag chem application to optimal stock feeding programmes. “Over time, we believe this approach will be a game changer for agricultural supply chains,” report author, Rabobank agricultural analyst Wes Lefroy said. For many farmers, Lefroy says, it remained a challenge to transition to making decisions based on hard data rather than on past practice and intuition. With the increasing complexity of on-farm decisions, pressure is mounting for technology to take a lead. “On-farm, the complexity of decision-making has been increasing for some time, driven by factors such as growing farm size, changing climate and increasing regulation,” he explained. “The intellectual power to optimise many on-farm decisions

has now moved beyond human capacity and there is a greater need for technology to play a central role.” Lefroy acknowledged there will be hurdles to adoption. For many farmers and farm input companies, extracting value from existing technologies requires significant investment of funds, time and technical expertise. “Two major hurdles have been limiting the capacity of technology to play a fundamental role in farm decision-making,” Lefroy said. “Firstly, technologies have lacked the ability to collect data from the required number of variables. “Secondly, in many cases, analysis tools do not account for different relationships between these variables and the actual process of collecting data, analysing it and acting on it is

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AG TECH: Rabobank agricultural analyst Wes Lefroy says the benefit of greater investment in new technologies will be improved on-farm decision-making and increased returns.

arduous and complex. The report outlines a framework for farmers and farm input companies to enhance the capability of technology in the sector focusing on four steps that need to be considered. These cover collection of the right data for all the physical on-farm variables in the required resolution and quality, and the automatic transfer of data collected to an analytical platform in a safe and timely manner – highlighted in the report as currently the key pain point for many farmers across the globe.

The intellectual power to optimise many on-farm decisions has now moved beyond human capacity. Wes Lefroy Analyst Analysis tools that process a solution in a form that is easy for farmers with little or no experience to interpret, and autonomous execution of a response with greater speed and accuracy than traditional execution techniques, complete the outlined framework. “This type of framework, when up and running, could fundamentally change the way that we see decisions made on the farm,” he said. “We could either see machines or platforms that do it all – data collection through to execution.” As an example, Lefroy said a drone could scout for pests,

process and then analyse the data on an invasion and then execute on that data by going and spraying them – all without farmer intervention. Alternatively, there could be an app store approach where users can choose different applications for each step in the pathway and the platform facilitates that process along the pathway. Farm input companies have a key role to play in developing and facilitating this approach that would enable them to play a bigger role in farm decisionmaking. “Companies, and more specifically input companies, are in an advantageous position to implement solutions like this to support farm decision-making,” Lefroy said. “The access they have to many farmers enables input companies to achieve scale and build solutions with the required accuracy and to support decisions based on a wide-range of data sets and experiences. “Further, it enables the relationship between farmers and those in the supply chain to deepen, with the role of the farm input company effectively moving to that of coach to improve users’ decision-making.” Lefroy said it will be important for farmers to assess the strategic implications of what this systemic change may be for their farm business, such as their approach to data sharing, the types of skills employed within the business and the partners they engage. While some of these new platforms may be at least five years away, Lefroy said the Digital Pathway to Power approach could help provide direction for longterm investments in ag tech.

Contact us Editor: Bryan Gibson Twitter: farmersweeklynz Email: farmers.weekly@globalhq.co.nz Free phone: 0800 85 25 80 DDI: 06 323 1519

AginED Ag ED

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

Volume 21 I August 24, 2020 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz

Iron has many functions in our bodies but the main three crucial roles of iron are; to carry oxygen around the body, ensuring a healthy immune system and making energy.

WEEK

Iron is a mineral found in some foods and is essential for good health and for physical and mental well-being. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world.

WA R E NA N

suffering frequent infections, feeling the cold quickly, tiring easily, and having an inability to concentrate. When it comes to iron in our foods not all iron is created equal, for example, eating just 120g of lean rump beef steak provides the same amount of absorbable iron as 19 cups (1400g) of cooked silverbeet. Your body can use about 15-25% of the iron in red meat, but only about 5-12% of the iron in silverbeet.

WO RLD

Did you know:

This week is iron awareness week, so we thought we would look at some relevant facts and figures on iron.

There are simple steps you can take to improve your iron intake;

Eat red meat and vegetables together, get plenty of vitamin C, not all iron is equal, choose red meat over white, keep you meals tannin free (drink tea and coffee between meals rather than with them), extra iron for exercise, beware of dieting, don’t rely on supplements, eat lean meat regularly for top iron intake.

In conjunction with Beef+Lamb NZ

In NZ statistics show that 1 in 14 women are low in iron and over 1/3 of teenage girls don’t achieve their daily iron requirements.

Teen girls are one of the groups that are impacted significantly by this silent epidemic and over a third are not getting their daily iron requirements. With things like rapid growth spurts, onset of menses and possible dietary introduced issues surrounding fad eating/dieting compounding any dietary lack of iron. For more information and links to a great podcast on this topic from Beef+Lamb NZ head to our website: https://sites.google.com/view/ agined/home

One of the hardest things with detecting iron deficiency is that the symptoms are things that we often just put down to a busy lifestyle, like feeling tired or lethargic, often irritable or grumpy,

We will also have links to some delicious iron boosting recipes and other informative resources from Beef+Lamb NZ

Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz

2 Find and watch the OnFarm Story of Lee Askew “This is from my farm” and read the accompanying article “Askew is living the good life”. 3 Where does Lee Askew originate from? 4 Where in NZ is Shemshi Red Devon Beef based? 5 What breed of cattle does she breed and produce?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 What attributes do Red Devon cattle have that make them attractive for smaller-scale farming? 2 Lee believes that the public has a desire to know where their food originates from, with the paddock to plate ideology. Do you agree? Why or why not. 3 Lee sells a range of cuts of meat as well as ready to eat foods like gourmet pies and steak burgers. She has also added a biltong machine, what is this and what can you produce with it? 4 Lee also has other business diversifications on her property, what are these? 5 Where did the cattle stud name “Shemshi” originate from? What is its meaning?

FILL YA BOOTS: 1 What is the definition of a ‘steer’? 2 What is the difference between a ‘heifer’ and a ‘cow’?

1 Go the AgriHQ market snapshot page Average North Island 230kg one-year store steer

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

STRETCH YOURSELF: This graph shows the average North Island 230kg one-year store steer prices. 1

What has happened to the average one-year steer price in the last couple of weeks?

2 Good weather conditions recently have helped grass growth for many regions. Why do you think this has an impact on store cattle prices?

Share your AginEd photos on our Farmers Weekly facebook page Remember to use the hashtag #AginEd Letters to: agined@globalhq.co.nz

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

Newsmaker

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Armadillo Merino aims for the moon Merino wool has long been praised for its versatility, but Andy Caughey tells Neal Wallace how he is taking use of this miracle fibre to a whole new level. performance-base layer Merino wool clothing, not just for soldiers but also for firefighters, policemen, those working in extreme conditions, adventurers and sportsmen. Initially their target market did not consider wool a technical fibre with qualities superior to synthetics. “Most synthetic material has one single attribute which is promoted. You look at wool and it has multiple attributes,” Caughey said. “We have to convince them of the overall range of attributes wool delivers.” They have had to bat away misconceptions that synthetics are performance enhancing and that the quality and material of their layers of clothing is what saves their lives. Caughey says a wool-base layer is crucial. Being breathable, comfortable to wear and having a higher melting point to synthetics, and since the melting fabric does not drip, it is a safer product. “We really are a skin care company that focuses on

OUT OF THIS WORLD: Armadillo Merino clothing is used by astronauts in flights to the International Space Station and is being considered by NASA for its 2024 expedition to the moon.

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understanding the interface between the skin and the first layer of clothing, the comfort layer,” he said. Caughey says they promote wool garments by targeting key people in key sectors, for example, those who provide breathing apparatus training for the UK Fire Service. These firefighters are most likely to enter burning structures and require clothing of higher safety standards. High cancer rates among US firefighters stemming from the material their uniforms are made of is looming as a major health issue. Questions are being asked by firemen, unions and insurers about the materials their clothing is made of, which includes Teflon, and Caughey wants to work with other clothing companies to create a safer uniform that includes wool. “There are so many complementary trends that align with wool such as safety, health and wellbeing,” Caughey said. A career working in Merino wool marketing and clothing companies taught Caughey consumers don’t buy wool, they buy products and brands. Icebreaker was not the first manufacturer of Merino wool clothing, but they designed a product and brand that resonates with consumers as did Allbirds with Merino wool shoes. Caughey says growing concern with safety, health and wellbeing suits the solution that strong wool offers but it needs brands and products that resonate with consumers. “From everything we know, what we haven’t done is have the right brand champion,” he said of strong wool. “You have got to work with a

SPACE QUEST: Armadillo Merino managing director Andy Caughey.

We really are a skin care company that focuses on understanding the interface between the skin and the first layer of clothing, the comfort layer. Andy Caughey manufacturer and brands that resonate with young people. “You’ve got to talk to people through branding. “The inherent attributes of wool are there, it’s a matter of reeducating consumers.” Raised on a sheep and beef farm in West Otago, in the last year of an Agriculture Commerce Degree at Lincoln University he studied marketing which led to a career with exporters Wilson Neill. After several years Caughey headed to Europe before landing a position in 1996 as international marketing manager for the NZ

Merino Company based in the UK. He later joined US Merino clothing manufacturer Ibex as vice-president of sales and marketing before being appointed managing director of UK knitwear manufacturer John Smedley. While at Ibex he noticed rock climbers and trampers, often with little money, were paying high prices for Merino clothing, and those risking their lives in the interests of public good, such as firefighters and soldiers, were wearing synthetic fibres. “It didn’t make sense, but that is the power of marketing,” he said. In 2011 he left John Smedley and started Armadillo Merino with Hamish Morrin. The company sells direct to consumers or via distributors and operates totally online. At Christmas Caughey decided to relocate to Wanaka from the United Kingdom due to the uncertainty with Brexit, a decision accentuated by the covid-19 pandemic. The move will allow him to focus on potential markets in Asia-Pacific and North America, now they have distributors in Europe and the United Kingdom.

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HE qualities of New Zealand Merino wool clothing are being tested in some of the planet’s most hostile and extreme workplaces and environments – and beyond. Otago-raised Andy Caughey has for the past nine years been developing and promoting next-to skin Merino wool clothing and socks under his brand Armadillo Merino. Armadillo clothing is now being considered for astronauts involved in NASA’s 2024 expedition to the moon. Breaking the hold of synthetic fibres is challenging but by getting key people in selected industries to trial and evaluate his products, they learn of wool’s attributes of flame resistance, comfort, odour free and breathability. Images of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan war zones with burns and injuries accentuated from wearing clothes made from synthetics resonated with him from a career working with Merino wool clothing. Armadillo designs high-

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Sheep milker looks to future Award-winning Christchurch farmers Ian MacDonald and Tanya Whiteford spoke to Richard Rennie about their pioneering on-farm mobile milking system.

RYING to run a small-scale farm economically on the edge of Christchurch amid the creep of high-value lifestyle blocks is a challenge for any farmer. But it is even greater for Ian MacDonald and Tanya Whiteford, embarking on running a commercial sheep milking operation. Their highly innovative approach to dealing with those challenges has not only assured the future of his farm business, but earned them the inaugural B.linc Celebrating Success Innovation Award for onfarm design. Tipping milking convention on its head, Ian decided the ideal approach for milking his dairy sheep was to visit them in the paddock, rather than have them undergo the traditional trudge their other dairy relatives have done for generations. His idea to create a mobile milking platform came as much from looking over the horizon of his farm’s future, as it did from present day practicalities. “We were wanting to milk 300 sheep on a 22ha block that is very close to town, and looking around will probably eventually become lifestyle blocks,” he said. “I realised I could spend $500,000 building a sheep dairy, only to have the next person come along and put no value on it because they don’t want the land for that reason.” He reasoned a good option to the usual concrete and steel dairy solution was to trailerise his milking infrastructure, putting the entire system on wheels and making it capable of being trailed around the farm for the once-aday (OAD) milking exercise. It also seemed logical to have a movable asset that could be shifted to a bigger farm as the sheep milk market allowed growth. Tipping convention on its head is not a breach of character for

Ian. He has a strong background in animal breeding and has been crossing Lacaune, East Friesian, Awassi and Dorper genetics in an effort to deliver what he describes as a “Land Cruiser” of milking sheep, rather than a Ferrari. He has gone as far as creating a selection index based on his early efforts in Motueka where Brian Beuke of Neudorf milked Ian’s fledgling flock 2009-15 through a plant that had milk meter technology on it. This enabled Ian to build a picture of the higher performing animals. He has also opted for a “wean then milk” approach with his flock, leaving lambs on their mums until weaning at 15kg, and then continuing to milk the ewes OAD. “It will tend to yield less than the more conventional dairy type approach taken by some of the bigger Taupo sheep milk operators, but we feel comfortable with this approach, and our customers do too,” he said. But his decision to opt for a mobile milking plant took the operation to a whole new level of pioneering. The New Zealand Farm dairy operational code of practice (COPNZCP1) is based around dairy cow sheds, with specific requirements managing hygiene and effluent. It did not easily allow for a mobile design. “I found in some areas the COP was not appropriate for small ruminants. I had to write variations to the code and demonstrate to MPI it could be done through an 18-month validation process,” he explained. It took four and a half years of problem solving. First came a “proof of concept” eight-bail machine, then 18 months to the validated 16-bail trailer, and 18 more months for the latest 20-bail iteration. The eight-metre-long machine has eight innovations that helped Ian get it over the line for

“I found in some areas the Code of Practice was not appropriate for small ruminants. I had to write variations to the code and demonstrate to MPI it could be done through an 18 month validation process

PORTABLE: Ian MacDonald felt compelled to create a fully self-contained, portable sheep milking system for his small block near Christchurch.

the MPI validation process. This includes an inboard effluent storage and distribution system, where post-milking effluent can be distributed across the farm via a dispersal system controlled by bluetooth from the cab and captured on a field navigation system. High quality Norwegian milk vat and chilling technology pulls the milk down to 3°C, even lower than NZ standards required. The two-vat system on the 4WD truck towing the trailer is the same type incorporated into milking systems used on the Swiss-French border for milking cows. An efficient Canterbury-built mobile wood-fired boiler heats water to 85°C in two hours for plant washdown after milking. Between four to five litres of diesel is used by the 22kVh generator per day and refrigeration is plugged into mains power after milking. Overall, running costs for the entire system are low and it can be run by one-labour unit. The 20-bail unit can push through 200 sheep an hour, while also distributing 250g of uncrushed barley as supplement feed via a venturi air-powered feed delivery system. Overall, he says it was not so much technical problems that presented the greatest initial

challenges, rather convincing authorities what he had conceived was possible. “We needed to demonstrate we fully understood the ‘fit for purpose’ intent of the code,” he said. “MPI seemed tough at desklevel evaluation but fair in the field having seen the system operating and the excellent validation results.” Ian installed raceways around the farm for locating the trailer milker, ensuring sheep entry and exit is well-defined, with water pipes handy to supply the plant’s plate cooler. He admits he is not an engineer, and was happy to engage with well-known Canterbury dairy engineering family firm Read Milking Systems for much of the project. University of Canterbury engineering school was also very helpful with student Thomas Frewen completing his masters thesis on the project. The accompanying truck doubles as a collection point and milk tanker, and Ian can spend nine hours on the road twice a week distributing raw milk for The Sheep Milk Supply Group Ltd. This is to any of six cheese making clients around central South Island that are shared with two other Canterbury families also milking sheep.

Ian MacDonald Company Milking sheep farmer “For us the plant is really just part of the jigsaw, and breeding the right ewe to fit our wean-to -milk system is another big part of it,” he said. “We don’t have plans to make more and sell it. Our job as farmers is to make wholesome food in a sustainable way.” GlobalHQ co-owner and sponsor of the B.linc competition Dean Williamson said the sheep milking unit stood out for its daring take on what constituted a milking system. He said the judges respected Ian’s persistent, innovative efforts to get it over the line and help rewrite standards around milking plants. B.linc Innovation based at Lincoln University campus is a collaberative group linking existing knowledge bases to startup companies across the agriscience and technology sector. Julia Henson of B.linc said the awards have helped celebrate new ways of thinking and devleop innovative working solutions during the lockdown and beyond in New Zealand’s primary sector. “All winners have shown incredibly innovative solutions alongside actionable pathways to improve outcomes for NZ primary industries,” she said.

Watch the interview at: farmersweekly.co.nz/sarahscountry/

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Opinion

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

EDITORIAL

Councils in dark on water rules

O IT once, do it properly and make sure everyone is wellinformed and, as much as possible, on the same page. That might sound like common sense when it comes to making change but it has to be questioned whether the implementation of the Government’s freshwater reforms, which became law earlier this month, is meeting those goals. No one is questioning the need and desire to improve freshwater quality but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain faith in parts of the process. For something so important, should it not be a priority to make sure everyone involved is, where possible, kept in the loop every step of the way? It seems that’s not the case. Although the law changes have been driven by the central government, it’s going to fall to local governments to enforce them. With that in mind you would have thought that by now those councils would have received some clear guidelines from the government department responsible, the Ministry for the Environment, on interpretation and implementation of the regulations, so at the very least they are applied consistently across the country. Instead, every council approached by Farmers Weekly has said they are still trying to get their heads around the new regulations and how they will be enforced in their region. I’m not blaming the councils for any confusion on their part, in fact, I feel for them. Not only are they trying to understand the new regulations without any guidance from those who helped put them together, they will also have to somehow find enough skilled staff – and the money to pay them – to make sure the regulations are enforced fairly and consistently. Good luck with that. In the meantime, farmer groups are also in the dark over aspects of the new regulations. Surely, it would have made sense for them to also be better informed by this stage so they can play their part in not only informing their members but also ensuring anyone who is not convinced of the need to improve water quality that they have to play their part.

Colin Williscroft

LETTERS

Wool insulation a mission to find MY HUSBAND and I are sheep and beef farmers and the main part of our home was built in the 1880s. It had no insulation and when the time had come to insulate, I decided that we needed to buy wool insulation, and what a mission that is. I googled “wool insulation” and a company in Hamilton came up with a loose product that has to be blown into the ceiling/wall cavities. Terra Lana also came up, but for installation and delivery in Canterbury. Bunnings and Mitre 10 don’t stock it and it wasn’t on their systems at all (but apparently Terra Lana was a year or two back at Bunnings). I contacted Bunnings in Palmerston North after being unable to find it and asked if they could help. One of the girls there mentioned that they used to stock Terra Lana and offered

to do some research for me. She emailed back saying they could get the wool insulation from Terra Lana for me. Why is wool insulation not on the shelves in trade stores? You would think that with all the push to get rid of plastic, using a natural fibre in a mostly natural product would be at the fore. Wool is the way to go. Denise Gavin Pahiatua

Never-ending wool woes WHAT went wrong? Firstly, we need to look closer home. How can we sell our wool globally? Sustainability with such a versatile product that this country has failed to unleash its full potential. And, with the impact of covid-19, you would have thought that it would be more

important than ever to do so now. How many New Zealand farmers have 100% pure wool carpet or even woollen wallpaper in their houses? We as farmers need to lead by example. Some of us may have found a niche market to promote their wool, which is a credit to them, but others who haven’t will need help. Secondly, we have lost the unique quality of our wool due to the lack of consistency. It would have been far better to find other uses like woollen covers for new lamb and insulation, just to name a few. Once we developed this product called The Golden Fleece – a yarn that was so strong that it could be used in the manufacturing of bulletproof vests. I wonder what other products this yarn could have been used for.

What happened to the Golden Fleece? Has it been sold to foreign market or is it abandoned in a dark corner collecting dust? You would question how many more products developed – plus opportunities – have been lost this way. Our Government needs to step in and subsidise the price of pure wool carpets and make it cheaper than synthetics and more affordable to national consumers. Finally, we could promote all our fibres under one simple brand – Natural Fibres NZ. That brand will include wool, cashmere, mohair, alpaca and possum. Hence we will bring together our farmers from all genres to share their ideas, experiences, knowledge and also keep their common passion alive. Owen Gibson Southland

Letterof theWeek EDITOR Bryan Gibson 06 323 1519 bryan.gibson@globalhq.co.nz EDITORIAL Carmelita Mentor-Fredericks 06 323 0769 editorial@globalhq.co.nz Neal Wallace 03 474 9240 neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz Colin Williscroft 027 298 6127 colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz Annette Scott 021 908 400 annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz Hugh Stringleman 09 432 8594 hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz Gerald Piddock 027 486 8346 gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz Richard Rennie 07 552 6176 richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz Nigel Stirling 021 136 5570 nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com Riley Kennedy 027 518 2508 Cadet journalist riley.kennedy@globalhq.co.nz

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Not all old men are grumpy Rick Cameron

ECENTLY we read vitriol attacking funding for regenerative education as if a misdirection of government funds. The inference that only the approved are capable of scientific agricultural conclusions is misguided. Aside from insulting our intelligence, it reeks of dark age thinking reliving historical glory days. All science is anecdotal of a past point in time, yet living agriculture is about decision-making for the future markets. Ask any ram, bull or plant breeder whose minds are decades ahead. It is our duty for the future to produce nutrient-dense foods for today’s children. We are all paying increased health costs for poor nutrition. Discerning mothers will scan the supermarket stalls for food with their phones enabling validated choices. Producers can validate their outputs from their own practices, as we learn together. Soil health and its improving practices are major contributors to these differences. The subtleties take time and knowledge to apply for those willing to learn. Farmers are sharing results from their self-funded open-air laboratories of these good and bad comparisons. This is what regenerating agriculture is all about and it has yesterday’s teachers scrambling for definitions. These futuristic results are peer reviewed and shared through Quorum Sense and other Facebook groups with screened memberships. This will create jealousy, not only for the data but as a competition for taxpayer funding. Regenerating agriculture is

The

Pulpit

an attitude change from the increased awareness of nature’s powers. Video and the internet have revolutionised how and whom we graziers and croppers learn from. The majority of our teachers are international grandparents sharing wisdom, pictures, figures and results we can see in our own homes. They are not commercial scientists with pre-designed agendas or sales representatives on commissions. They are sharing what doesn’t work as well by volunteering their time and properties for inspection. These gifts of time and resources are deemed a cult and if kindness to our fellow human beings is deemed to be a cult, sobeit. It is interesting that the strongest critics stimulating debate here in New Zealand are commercially funded authors. Nature’s powers around underground livestock has been illustrated to such an extent with colour video and microscopes to expose our unintended arrogance. The losses due to disturbance, laying bare and synthetic interference can be clearly seen.

These dots are being connected to the foods we consume. Livestock play an integral part of nature’s powers that the fence has interfered with, and grazers will learn the powers of plant recovery that differ for tufted grasses versus turf grasses. Higher density, short interval, with frequency of moves for better animal performance, suffers from a lack of a simple mechanical gate time release mechanism for widespread adoption. Any student is capable of solving this to create themselves an opportunity. Correct animal nutrient placement reduces the need for imported fertiliser. With knowledge of adaptive planned grazing for correct plant recovery while remaining vegetative, the existing seed bank delivers greater diversity within 2-4 years. This keeps on improving, increasing soil organic matter and retaining more rainfall. These three factors help mitigate the highest cost to farming, which are those extended dry periods. From experience we have not seen any economical nutrient losses in our nine years of herbage testing the same plots. Our 100m2 maintenance fertiliser plot doesn’t plate any more grass than the animal-only paddock surrounding it. From hundreds of penetrometer readings, the most grass grows where dung and urine are placed, regardless of resistance. Just as we observe animals’ wisdom with a multichoice mineral trailer, we find it too exposes a list of myths in nature’s living environment. It is understandable the fear of losing volume production exists but, more volume alone is stressful to resources be they land, water or human. And not always an increase in net profit. If we are not profitable, we are not worthy community

USE YOUR EYES: Rick Cameron says all science is anecdotal of a past point in time, yet living agriculture is about decision-making for the future markets.

contributors, and quality becomes the smarter target. The future, if one is to add value, is to add taste and the increased nutrients within that. This is old technology I have used on-farm for two years with no help or interest from any existing government-funded institution. A matchbox sized spectrometer it is easily pocketed by both customer and producer. I have created fingerprints for chemicals, live animal fat, water, metals, wool types and grass quality as well as the standard readings for fruits, meats, dairy, cocoa and body fat. With Kiwi ingenuity and curiosity, there is opportunity to validate minerals in soil, herbage and grains. So, now self-motivated risk-

takers can meet online in Quorum Sense, where hobbies are turned into business. The Government’s courage to invest is looking pretty good supporting grassroots innovators. Be warned, this can be pleasurable and NZ needs happier farmers now more than ever.

Who am I? Rick Cameron is a South Otagobased beef and sheep farmer and director of Agwool.

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

Survival is outstanding

y “Our Southland farm is very exposed and cold, but we consistently achieve 150% STS.”

y “Farming Wairere Romneys prior to switching to Wairere Tufguy, we have seen continual improvement in our flock performance.”

y “The demand for Wairere store and surplus stock is a huge asset. They command a premium and it’s very easy to sell them.”

y “It’s definitely the Wairere genetics that have lifted our performance.” y “153.9% lambing in 2019, in what was a very tough spring,

exceeded our expectation, with more lambs POM than ever before.” Norman and Ian Hunter, Redan Valley, Wyndham.

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Opinion

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Freshwater issues are everyone’s problem Alternative View

Alan Emerson

THE agriculture people at Massey must get annoyed at some of the anti-farmer vitriol coming out of its hallowed halls. I’m talking about a report on drinking water quality released earlier this month. The headline Drinking Water Study Raises Fresh Concern Over Intensive Farming was bad enough but that pales in insignificance when it comes to the commentary. Mind you they did use “machine learning algorithms to determine contributions of land use, geology, topography and vegetation.” Put simply, that tells me that the research relied heavily on constraints and assumptions. I’m reminded of the quote that says, “all models are flawed but some are useful.” Basically the research told us the situation with water is all doom and gloom in the dairy areas, and then they tell us that it’s fine in some other areas because the streams run through native bush. That was counter to the Ministry for the Environment Report, Our Freshwater 2020, released earlier this year. It said, amongst other things

that “pollution of our freshwater is not the result of single land use but comes from a mosaic of cities, farms and plantation forests.” Pointing the proverbial bone in just one direction is, at best, counter productive. Getting back to the Massey brains trust you can read that “water supplies coming from catchments of predominantly native vegetation will have water with less or no pathogens. Water supplies coming from catchments dominated by agriculture will have more pathogens.”

It’s also important to remember that nearly half the nation’s wastewater plants discharge into rivers and lakes, the rest go into the sea or on land. That statement alone would knock your socks off. Water running through native vegetation is likely to be in the high country or at the source of streams and rivers. Water in dairying areas has obviously run through farms but also towns and villages. In the MfE study we can read that 99% of the rivers running through urban areas exceeded the guidelines for nutrient or turbidity levels. It’s also important to remember that nearly half the nation’s

wastewater plants discharge into rivers and lakes, the rest go into the sea or on land. Pollution, yes, but it has nothing to do with dairying. We are then told that “Havelock North is a warning we should not take lightly.” That annoyed me. The pollution at Havelock North had nothing to do with dairying although the Massey types at the time suggested it did. There’s little dairying in Hawke’s Bay and it’s not around Havelock North. The pollution there was caused by faulty equipment. It was human error pure and simple. Further to blame E-coli presence on cows is simplistic. A large source of pollution is our duck population. The Massey report talked about water before it had been treated. I’d suggest that is simplistic. We treat water, we pasteurise milk, we disinfect and heat treat. To be harmful, the treated water needs to be polluted and that inevitably won’t be the fault of cows. The MfE report also says when it comes to water quality “we’re all in this together.” Someone should tell Massey that. What I found interesting is that the media showed indecent haste in promoting the Massey bandwagon when I felt there was a far more important dairy story out there. There was a recent UK study that found that cow’s milk from grass-based systems is environmentally more friendly

SUPERFICIAL: To blame E-coli presence on cows is simplistic. A large source of pollution is our duck population.

than plant-based alternatives. It showed vegans and others who buy milk substitutes made from soya for their latte and cappuccino or breakfast cereal are harming the planet. The study was published in the UK Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition. It is a reputable publication. It claimed that consumers’ ever increasing demand for soy and palm kernel is “fuelling the destruction of rainforest.” Strangely, it received no media coverage that I was aware of here in New Zealand yet it is a major story supportive of our NZ farming systems. My simple point is everything we do will have some polluting effect. Picking on one area, in the Massey case of dairying is both facile and, I’d suggest, dishonest. With water quality everyone is involved. What I found depressing is that we’re in a world dominated by covid-19. NZ is most fortunate having a sustainable, grass-fed, reputable

food production sector. We need to be celebrating that. Without it as a nation we’d be well and truly stuffed. The primary sector can help put our economy back together. I’m unaware of any other area that can. I would sincerely hope the media can figure it out. Continuously bashing our sector and encouraging restrictions and regulations will hit them in the pocket the same as everyone else. With parts of academia, I despair. The simple fact is that highlighting what I would call a very average anti-farming report based on modelling while ignoring a major breakthrough on the benefits of grass-fed milk production shows either ignorance or bias amongst our mainstream media. It needs to change.

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

Are you jaded by all the breaking news? From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

BREAKING news! Just joking, there is no breaking news at this moment. I just wanted to test you. But did your eyes open, your pupils dilate, your throat constrict just a little? Did your pulse and respiration increase, your attention focus and your adrenal gland give a small squirt of adrenaline? Or perhaps you have become immune to the alert of imminent breaking news? Can we take any more breaking news? Perhaps we have now passed peak breaking news. However, it would appear that 2020 will be the year of breaking news.

First, there was that news report in early January that I heard on the radio of the death of a bloke in a city in China I’d never heard of from a mystery disease. I said to Jane that it was odd they were reporting this single death when 27,000 die in that country every day. Who said one man can’t change the world? Tell that to the guy who ate an undercooked bat. We watched events unfold overseas as the virus spread and the pandemic took hold. Breaking news after breaking news told us the increasing infection rates and death rates country by country. Then on February 28, we had our own first case. The breaking news on March 23 from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was that we were now in level three and would be at level four – and total lockdown – within two days. I got a plaintive text from a son whose birthday it was complaining that the day was meant to be about him. Just last week the breaking

news was about the election being postponed for a month. We may have held elections during the two World Wars but have delayed elections on three previous occasions. The first time was at the end of WW1 in 1917 and was held in 1919 instead.

It would have suited Labour to stick with the original date, but they have made a good compromise call in terms of working towards a free, fair and safe election.

The Government of the day postponed the 1934 election because of the Great Depression. It hoped that the economic situation would improve but the ploy didn’t work. Labour was elected in 1935 for the first time and Michael Joseph Savage

became prime minister. The third time was the 1941 election, which was postponed until 1943 and saw Labour reelected. It’s possible that this latest cluster of the virus could be cleaned up by September 19 and, if things worsen further out, it might prove to have been as good a time to hold an election as any time but now we have a new date. I was disappointed on a purely personal level because September 19 is also Talk Like a Pirate Day, and the word is Jacinda Ardern sounds good when talking like a pirate as does Simon Bridges but Judith Collins with its lack of an r just doesn’t work, so I guess she will be pleased about the change. It would have suited Labour to stick with the original date, but they have made a good compromise call in terms of working towards a free, fair and safe election. Both National and NZ First have grabbed the extra four weeks with both hands as it’s unlikely they could poll worse and unfolding events may assist their chances.

The surprising thing about the news of the election date postponement was how quick it dropped out of the news cycle. It’s a big deal but within a day it was buried by breaking news of the new cluster slowly growing and the impacts on Auckland being at level three. The usual arms race leading up to an election is the law and order debate, and who can be the toughest on crime and criminals. This time it’s looking like who is going to be toughest on shoring up the border and who will do what to the miscreants who break the rules and put us all at risk. From this we can see that all parties have signed up to the eradication policy and appear to have minor differences on how to maintain it. Perhaps sometime in the future we will see the media declare, “Today we have no breaking news.”

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 – August 24, 2020

Industry doing a superb job Allan Barber

THE return of community transmission underlines the excellent performance of the whole meat industry since covid-19 reached New Zealand nearly six months ago in March. Farmers, transport and logistics operators, sale yards, exporters and domestic processors have all combined to ensure the health and safety of participants, while meeting the demands of customers, with only a minimal number of temporary plant closures. This contrasts markedly with experience overseas in countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia and Germany with admittedly a much higher incidence of coronavirus outbreaks in the rest of the world than here. In April seven major American meat facilities shut down with cold storage inventories of beef, pork and poultry equivalent to two weeks of total production and almost half of Canada’s beef processing capacity was halted after Cargill’s closure and a slowdown by JBS in Alberta.

A feature of the interruption to processing in the USA was the great difficulty for farmers to get their stock processed, accompanied by a surge in retail pricing which reflected positively in processor margins, while livestock prices plummeted. Closer to home Melbournebased Cedar Meats, the site of a lockdown back in April, has just gone back into lockdown as a result of a worker testing positive on August 14. Affco chief executive Nigel Stevens makes the point one of the most pleasing aspects of NZ’s industry’s handling of the pandemic challenge was the way industry competitors, Meat Industry Association and MPI “collaborated to develop and implement covid-related plant operating protocols which gave employees confidence they would be kept safe, and provided assurance to our export markets.” A major feature of NZ’s covid response has been the wage subsidy payable to those businesses which could demonstrate a 30% reduction in monthly revenues between April and June, subsequently extended to September 1, and again in response to the latest move to level three in Auckland and level two in the rest of the country. The meat industry clearly split down two sides of the wage subsidy line with, initially, Alliance, Anzco, Silver Fern Farms (SFF) and Blue Sky Meats

applying for the subsidy, although SFF has since repaid the total sum of $42.8 million. Anzco received $2.7m across five different business units and Blue Sky $2.3m, while Alliance has retained the $33.1m which it originally applied for, although chief executive David Surveyor says it will support MSD in any audit of the application and return any amount that falls outside the scope of the scheme. Alliance’s justification for the claim is primarily its higher proportion of sheep and lambs processed than other processors more weighted towards beef. The wage subsidy meant Alliance was able to ensure staff wages were not impacted by the lower volume of livestock through its plants during the lockdown, while also continuing to pay those with underlying health conditions or aged over 70. On the other side of the divide, processors like Affco took the view they were privileged to be allowed to continue operating during lockdown and decided not to apply for the wage subsidy, although they were equally affected by the processing protocol which affected both throughput and profitability. However, drought and covidrelated processing delays resulted in higher volumes than usual heading into winter with the eventual outcome expected livestock volumes were processed during the season as a whole, if

not in the forecast daily or weekly tallies. This had the advantage for both meat companies and employees of extending the season, although farmers in some regions had to feed stock longer than they ideally wanted. Although prices have come off their peak and the outlook is uncertain, farmer returns have held up pretty well and generally the 2019-20 season, for all its challenges, will be relatively good for all participants, unlike I fear 2020-21. Another company which did not apply for the wage subsidy was Wilson Hellaby, owner of Auckland Meat Processors which is the largest processor of meat for the Auckland market. Located in South Auckland, close to the latest outbreak, the company is sensitive to the risk of any cases on its plant, but Fred Hellaby is hopeful it would be possible to contain any outbreak to one department, because the company is now operating in defined bubbles. At this stage, the plant is operating normally for the time of year, using holiday rotations to ensure maximum continuity of employment. Hellaby reports an inevitable change to the company’s sales configuration with food service and exports affected, while the retail and home delivery business is very buoyant. He confirms the plant rigorously observes mandatory

Time to be KYND to yourself DURING the winter months, farmers often have more time for maintenance and planning than they do at other times of the year. Yet they often forget and neglect maintaining the single most important piece of equipment onfarm – themselves. I must admit to being one of those farmers. At the beginning of the year, I finally booked myself in to see our family GP after a lump near my glands had been annoying me for a number of months. I also took with me a blood test script that had been pinned in my office for nearly two years. After having a good poke and prod of my neck, Doc diagnosed that he couldn’t really see any concern about said lump but asked to check out the rest of me while I was corralled in his clinic. It didn’t take long to find something else wrong. Down on my puku he spotted a reasonably small abdominal hernia which he suggested should get fixed, if I wanted to, as it wasn’t going to get any smaller by itself. He also reminded me to get my long overdue bloods done so I trundled off next door to get a needle in the arm. Now, probably like many men my age (mid-40s), I have long held the opinion that my health is pretty good. I eat pretty well, drink on

occasion and lead a very active life on a hill country farm which serves me far better than any gym membership. So, I was a bit shocked when I got my blood results back and the numbers were not good. As we all know in farming, the data doesn’t lie and my cholesterol figures in particular were way higher than recommended. The notes also went on to say I needed to reduce my intake of animal fats if I wanted to reduce my risk of CVD. Not knowing what CVD was I asked Dr Google and was taken back once again when it told me it meant Cardiovascular Disease. This was a real wake up call for me and should be a reminder to all farmers. We spend much of our lives dealing with numbers and data in our businesses yet presume that the same figures that correspond to our health are good without actually knowing. So, I booked myself in for my hernia surgery (which went very smoothly) and set about trying to implement changes in my life so that when I go back for my next blood test, the numbers will be reducing. Then as part of my newfound awareness of looking after myself I stumbled across Dr Tom. For those that don’t know, Dr. Tom Mulholland is a former emergency department doctor,

who decided too many Kiwis were becoming ill from preventable diseases. He set out to become the ambulance at the top of the cliff, by turning a retro Chevy ambulance into a pop-up medical clinic, and is travelling around New Zealand testing people for pre-diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol. I watched an incredible video he had filmed about a farming father, husband and son who had passed away suddenly and left huge holes in the lives of those left behind. Thinking about my own family – and my less than ideal test results – I made contact with Tom and asked if his wellness tour might be heading through the Rangitikei any time soon. Less than two weeks later he was sitting at our dinner table with my family and some local farmers having a chat about his mission. He talked about his own story before doing some very lowkey blood pressure testing and introducing us to his brainchild, the KYND app for health and wellness. This is a risk assessment tool that measures health and wellbeing. It is constructed by a series of questions, that provides users with scores for their physical (BODY), mental (MIND) and social (LIFE) health.

KYND measures things such as blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety and stress levels and uses a simple traffic light warning system to identify red (warning), amber (needs work) and green (doing good) areas. I would recommend all Kiwis need to have the KYND app on at least one device in their lives; Tom’s mission is to get 10,000 farmers to download it. It is free, it is easy and probably most importantly the information it provides you is accurate and you can’t escape from it. And if you want Tom to come and visit your farm, just give him a call. He is a genuine good bastard that is doing an incredible job raising awareness about the most important aspects of our lives; our health. As farmers, we are naturally kind in many aspects of our lives. We are kind to our animals, we are kind to our families and we are kind to our communities. But sometimes we need to be kind to ourselves.

NOTABLE: Whether with or without the wage subsidy, the meat industry has served the country extremely well during the global pandemic.

distances between workers and hygiene protocols to minimise the possibility of an outbreak. As the major supplier of beef, lamb and pork to the Auckland market, Wilson Hellaby is a particularly important component of the domestic supply chain. Whether with or without the wage subsidy, the meat industry has served the country extremely well during the global pandemic.

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

Off the Cuff

Andrew Stewart

www.kyndwellness.com https://www.drtomonamission.com

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

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Heavy duty long lasting Ph 021 047 9299

World

24 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Focus on immunity-led disease management CALF scours and pneumonia among youngstock in the beef suckler herd continues to be a major gripe for UK beef producers. More than half of over 140 respondents to MSD Animal Health’s most recent National Youngstock Survey said they had experienced a problem; about 70% claiming to have had a calf scour issue and 60% having seen signs of pneumonia in their youngstock. In addition, more than 35% of these producers also said that they had suffered beef calf mortalities as a result of these diseases. MSD Animal Health survey coordinator Robert Simpson said: “It is perhaps not surprising then that improving farm biosecurity and disease prevention were high up on beef farmers’ priority lists

Advice on treating calves • Use an antibiotic that targets the bacteria causing pasteurella and mycoplasma – speak to your vet to ensure you pick the right one. • Administer pain relief. • Keep calves drinking milk: One of the biggest failures often seen in the treatment of sick calves is removing or reducing the amount of milk fed to animals. This reduces energy and the calf will lose weight and become weaker. • Calves with pneumonia usually still want to drink/eat. It is not recommended to tube feed milk to calves older than 10 days as the milk could get into the rumen and cause digestive problems. • If calves won’t drink (this is often the case with calves that have diarrhoea) then consider tubing them small amounts (1 litre a day).

when asked about what they were looking to improve”. “Indeed, intent to take action in this area was second only to improving stocking density and rearing facilities in everybody’s top 10 wish list. “Interestingly, similarly to dairy farmers, beef producers typically rated their youngstock rearing practices at more than seven out of 10, with more than 70% feeling they were giving enough attention to youngstock. “However, many beef units are not monitoring calf growth rates, which would inevitably highlight room for improvement on some units.” With scour said to be the most common cause of disease and death in young beef calves during the pre-weaning period, management of the disease

is one of the main reasons for antibiotic overuse, according to the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance, something, Simpson says, the industry is striving hard to change. “Infectious scours can be managed effectively in suckler calves by sound hygiene practices and pre-calving dam vaccination,” he said. “Suckled beef calves then gain immunity-led scour protection by drinking enough of this fortified colostrum from their mothers early in life. “However, in our sample, only 30% were practising dam vaccination to control calf scours.” According to survey findings, 63% of beef farmer respondents reported calves gaining their colostrum solely from natural suckling.

MORTALITY RATE: From the survey, 35% of beef farmer respondents reported that they had suffered mortalities as a result of calf scours and pneumonia.

“It is more unusual for beef producers to test dam colostrum quality, but is well worth doing if you want to improve your immunity-led disease prevention plan,” Simpson said. “Only 7% of the beef farmers we surveyed were testing colostrum quality, whereas in our dairy farmer sample 25% of respondents said that they always did.” Adding pneumonia is another disease area where the control

focus has previously often been treatment with antibiotics. “This disease also leaves an unwanted legacy even in calves that do recover, with depressions in growth rates,” he said. Indeed, a pneumonia challenge in beef cattle has been shown to reduce gain by 202g per day from birth through to slaughter. Consequently, immunity-led disease prevention has to be the way forward.” UK Farmers Guardian

Six signs of pneumonia in calves PNEUMONIA is a respiratory disease that causes inflammation of the lungs. An infection in preweaned calves can reduce milk production later in life by 10-15% depending on the severity. But if you catch it early – in the first two to three days – calves are much more likely to recover fully. Therefore, knowing the symptoms is key. There are six main signs calves with pneumonia will exhibit. If a calf has three of these you should treat it immediately. Director of technical services at breeding company World Wide Sires Dr Scott Abbott explained the main signs to look out for. 1. Temperature: Take the rectal temperature. Higher than 39.5C indicates the calf may be sick. 2. Nasal discharge: Look for a

EARLY DETECTION: Knowing the symptoms of pneumonia is key to catching it early.

small amount of cloudy discharge up to excessive mucus discharge. 3. Coughing and increased respiration rate: Pinch the calf’s throat gently. If it starts coughing it’s a sign it has irritation. Other symptoms to look out for are repeated coughing in calves with

more severe symptoms, and laboured breathing. 4. Slow feed intake: Calves with pneumonia usually keep eating and drinking, but they will have a slower intake and will remain standing after they have eaten. This is because they feel

uncomfortable due to feeding increasing the amount of pressure on their already-swollen lungs. 5. Eye discharge: This can be a small amount of discharge near the tear duct, up to heavy discharge surrounding the eye and which has formed crusts. 6. Ears: In clinical cases calves’ ears will sag and they will also flick their ears. This is a sign they have mycoplasma which causes fluid on the ear. In very severe cases it can cause swelling of the forehead due to the immune glands being enlarged. If calves have these symptoms, treat immediately without diagnosing another two signs using an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. UK Farmers Weekly

September 202

KEEP AN EYE OUT

Incl $8.95 GST

Farming through the lens

The latest Dairy Farmer hits letterboxes on August 31

Biological farm gets results ing New head of AgResearch

who runs YouTube channel Farming with a Laugh aimed at educating and informing people about farming.

A Waikato farm er is informative yetgiving people a laugh with his funny farming videos

We also talk with Bay of Plenty farmer Alan Law who has made the switch to biological farming. This month we showcase different bull breeds to help farmers make the right purchasing decisions for their herd.

Get the full story at farmersweekly.co.nz

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Farming with a laugh

Our OnFarmStory this month features Waikato farmer Bart van de Ven

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Hangaroa 1169 Ruakaka Road

Income and recreational opportunities

60km West of Gisborne, Awapiko Station is located in the heart of the Tiniroto community. Spread across circa 570ha of clear grazing land and native bush, Awapiko offers farming, recreation, and the possibility of other business opportunities. Lending itself to a mix of sheep and beef grazing, honey production, tourism and recreational activities, other lucrative opportunities can also be realised through growing markets. With the potential to develop and lift production, this farm will appeal to those that are looking for a challenge and those searching for first farm opportunities. Options to suit buyers at multiple levels can be discussed. A spacious four bedroom, two bathroom homestead is set on an elevated site. Nearby are two cottages ideal for extended family and friends or to rent as an AirBnB using the recreational activities along the bounding Hangaroa River.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 16 Sep 2020 10 Reads Quay, Gisborne View by appointment Stephen Thomson 027 450 6531 stephen.thomson@bayleys.co.nz Simon Bousfield 027 665 8778 simon.bousfield@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2751861

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

Central Hawke's Bay 721 Atua Road, Elsthorpe

'Springbush' is as good as it gets

Located only nine kilometres from Elsthorpe village, Central Hawke's Bay with a similar travelling distance to Waipukurau and Hastings is 'Springbush' a magnificent 156 hectare finishing property. This immaculate 385 acres boasts a large 2005 built four bedroom home (plus office) which is nicely elevated to capture the impressive rural landscape of the farm to the east. A very productive unit with over 70 hectares of flat to easy land that has been regrassed, with the balance easy hill, the fertility ensures all lambs and cattle are finished to excellent weights. Improvements include a large near new set of cattle yards, four stand woolshed/sheepyards complex, all topped off with a fully reticulated water system. A must view for the first or retiring farmer, or for those that want a powerful additional finishing property. Don't snooze it will be gone.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 10 Sep 2020 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Andy Hunter 027 449 5827 andy.hunter@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2852273

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Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 24, 2020

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RURAL Office 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Hinau Hills - Canterbury

A real change in real estate.

TENDER

WEB ID DFR77322 SHEFFIELD 110 Waianiwaniwa Road View By Appointment TENDER closes Wednesday 16th September, 2020 at 120 ha hill country breeding property located near 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) Sheffield in the Malvern Hills. This property boasts a strong balance of contour and soil types that provides outstanding versatility, thus combined with an excellent Gareth Cox fertiliser and productive history ensures this property Mobile 021 250 9714 Office 03 975 4506 offers a quality investment option. Good range of gareth@pb.co.nz modern farm improvements supports easy management. Genuine properties of this scale and location close to the plains are highly sought after, we Matt Collier recommend your immediate inspection.

TENDER

Mobile 027 205 6626 mattc@pb.co.nz

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Boundary lines are indicative only

Maramarua 155 Finlayson Road Rural living is calling Are you looking for your new lifestyle opportunity? Discover the exciting opportunity of this 16.98 ha (more or less) property. A 110sqm (more or less) three bedroom house is well positioned on the property. The easy contoured land is currently fenced into several paddocks, weather you want to graze sheep, cattle, or horses there is plenty of space here. Water supply to each paddock from the spring on the property. Other features on the property include a three bay implement shed ideal for storage of the farm equipment. Located 6km from State Highway 2 and easy access to Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula. Contact us today to secure your new lifestyle dream.

bayleys.co.nz/2311577

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 17 Sep 2020 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 1-1.45pm Wed 26 Aug Karl Davis 027 496 4633 karl.davis@bayleys.co.nz Lee Carter 027 696 5781 lee.carter@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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

Proud to be together

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Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 24, 2020

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

END OF AN ERA - THE HAMMER MUST FALL!

AUCTION - FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2020, AT 3PM IN TIMARU FOVERAN STATION, 860 MCHENRYS ROAD, HAKATARAMEA VALLEY, SOUTH CANTERBURY SHEEP/BEEF AND DEER

View video online 3D virtual tour and video available online

Our vendors instructions are clear - no longer part of their core business assets, this farm must go. Your participation in the process is recommended and made easy with full due diligence information, including financials. Call us today to register your interest, the hammer will be going down on auction day. You will not want to miss this incredible opportunity!

2645.8515 hectares

Recent irrigation development

Multiple income sources

Substantial water allocations

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67011751

Top red deer genetics

Sheep and beef

Richard O’Sullivan 027 292 3921

Ruth Hodges 027 309 0334 Agri Realty Ltd, Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Your destination For Rural real Estate

FOR SALE AN ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENT 504 WAIRAKEI ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH ASKING PRICE: $3,600,000 + GST (IF ANY)

Get in touch with your agent today

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

GOVERNMENT AND AGRI-TENANTED INVESTMENT A fantastic opportunity to acquire a high spec, post-earthquake investment - fully occupied with blue chip Government and Professional Services tenants. Strong tenant covenant with Education Review Office (ERO) and Brown Glassford & Co. The education-based Government department and highly reputable agri-accountancy firm provides excellent security of cashflow for investors. Call our agents today for further information.

+ + + + + + + +

Quality post earthquake build Fully occupied Outstanding tenant covenant Government + Agri sectors Excellent local amenity Unique secured car parking Net Rental: $252,080 pa Circa 7% return

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Thursday 10 September 2020 at 4.00pm* TIM ROOKES 027 562 3700

CAMERON DARBY 027 450 7902

*Unless sold prior www.cbre.co.nz/20072020 CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

FINISHING LAND WITH WILDERNESS Flat Hill Road, Tutira, Hawke’s Bay This property combines a mix of finishing country in a reliable rainfall area and real X-factor wilderness. Situated one hour north of Napier, this 212ha bareland property enjoys a mix of contours with approx. 140ha currently grazed and 45ha in a cultivation programme. Currently run as a "summer safe" beef and lamb finishing operation with reticulated water system. Options are plentiful; further develop the established summer safe farming operation, set up as an escape or hunting destination, or build a house to take advantage of the spectacular views.

DAIRY OR FINISHING / CROPPING UNIT 147 Mellington Road, Hunterville, Rangitikei A quintessential "first farm", with soil types that offer lots of land-use alternatives. Around 72 hectares is of croppable contour, Kiwitea Silt Loam, with the balance medium hill. Considerable recent development includes upgrades to the water system, fencing, effluent, and generous capital fertiliser. Running a 180-190 cow, wintered on system, the recent seasons average has been 80,000kg MS. Two solid homes, largely original to their 1960s heritage.

212.14 hectares Tender

nzr.nz/RX2391120 Tender Closes 12pm Thu 24 Sep 2020, NZR 5 Ossian Street, Ahuriri, Napier Duncan McKinnon 021 241 9073 | duncan@nzr.nz Hawkes Bay Real Estate Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

87.96 hectares Video on website

nzr.nz/RX2075576 Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited

| Licensed REAA 2008

OFTEN SOUGHT BUT RARELY FOUND Corner Ruatiti Road & Middle Road, Ohakune A prime flat contoured 19.83 hectare bare land title, situated only a short drive from both Ohakune and Raetihi townships and only 2 km from State Highway 4. With it’s two long tar sealed road frontages giving excellent access to the entire property and the potential to further subdivide, coupled with top Ohakune silt loam soils and reliable quality water supply make this property ideally suited as a fattening unit, market gardening, horticultural cropping unit or simply create your lifestyle dream from this blank canvas with its numerous mountain views and building sites.

VINEYARD INCOME + LIFESTYLE Vineyard Lane, Martinborough, South Wairarapa This is a tidy well managed vineyard located in Martinborough that has potential to be subdivided into smaller blocks to suit. The options are the whole vineyard (49ha), Southdown Block (30ha), Drapers (20ha) and/or two lifestyle blocks of around 4ha each (STFS). There are options with immediate income on offer from existing arrangements. Southdown Estate sauvignon blanc grapes are sought after with some of NZ’s best known wineries being supplied. The vineyard is situated on gently sloping downs with water from a large irrigation lake. There are numerous potential building sites with 360 degree views.

19.83 hectares Price by negotiation

nzr.nz/RX2219535

Jamie Proude AREINZ 027 448 5162 | 06 385 4466 jamie@nzr.nz Jules Brand 027 515 5581 | 06 385 4466 juliane@nzr.nz NZR Central Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

4 to 49 hectare options Video on website

nzr.nz/RX1675844 Price by negotiation

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

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Employment

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 24, 2020

KIKITANGEO

SHEPHERD

Hawke’s Bay hill country breeding and finishing operation requires a Shepherd with a team of three to four working dogs.

North Island Livestock Sales Manager

Must be prepared to work in a team or individually, will include some general work. Single accommodation provided.

FLEXIBLE LOCATION IN THE NORTH ISLAND

JOB VACANCY – STOCK MANAGER

Apply with references to ngahere@slingshot.co.nz

Kikitangeo is a 600ha sheep and beef farm located 80km north of Auckland, 5km west of Wellsford.

ASSISTANT MANAGER (2IC)

This senior sales leadership role is critical in driving a strategic sales culture and growth in business revenue.

Transitioning from a Romney Stud to a commercial farm, we are looking for someone experienced in all aspects of stock management and rotational grazing.

Reporting to the GM Livestock, and a key member of the Livestock Senior Leadership team, the role will provide expert guidance to the sales teams in the North Island. Responsible for five regions and a sales force of over 150 Livestock Representatives, this role will shape the focus to drive existing business and develop a high performing sales culture. Through our leaders, it will be responsible for attracting, developing, building and maintaining an engaged, professional and future-focused workforce.

Equally important as stock experience is a willingness to assist with other work required on a busy farm.

We have a vacancy for an experienced dry stock farmer at our run-off in Waikite Valley near Rotorua. The farm is a run off for seven of our dairy farms, holding 3500 animals at peak.

A 3 bedroom house is available. School bus at the gate. Salary negotiable.

Greg & Patrece Ward – Tel 021 423 236 or 021 086 44724 Email patreceward63@gmail.com Website www.kikitangeo.co.nz

LK0103460©

For a full description and how to apply, please refer to our website.

To find out more or apply; https://careers.pggwrightson.co.nz/search and enter reference number 15045FARWEE.

You must be fit and healthy as this is a physically demanding job that requires a lot of stamina, from receiving, raising and returning calves, to fencing, feeding out and general farm maintenance on hilly terrain. Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid open work visa. A 3-bedroom house is available.

For more information on this opportunity, please contact Peter Moore on 021 526 747.

www.pggwrightson.co.nz

LK0103368©

Contact Colene: 027 446 9556 or email CV to: colene@maxwellfarms.co.nz

Helping grow the country

0101788

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63.57x120

FARM OPERATIONS MANAGER // WESTERN SOUTHLAND

Central Hawke’s Bay Rural Directions is excited to bring this 2IC/Livestock Manager role to the market. The privately owned, semi-intensive 2,312ha property, located just 20 minutes from Waipukurau offers scale, responsibility and autonomy within their sheep, beef and deer breeding and finishing farming business. The infrastructure has been developed to a high standard, along with good farming policies. The appointee to this position will have a minimum of six years farming experience and requires a high level of stockmanship with a team of 4-6 good working dogs. A strong understanding of pasture management, stock rotations and animal heath, along with feed and cash cropping knowledge is required. FarmIQ is being used to capture farm data, therefore the willingness to embrace new technologies would be ideal.

• 2021 Scholarships

• Livestock Manager

Together the farms total 733ha, since 2003 these have operated as dairy support blocks for three platforms located in Kapuka. On average there are 700 R1yr, 700 R2yr and bulls/beefs grazed annually; a fully self-contained system also wintering dairy cows.

• 2IC/Livestock Manager

• Livestock Sales

• Assistant Manager / 2IC

• Sales Manager

Both blocks are a mixture of flat to large hill blocks with some bush blocks at the Tuatapere property.

• Farm Operations Manager

• Shepherd

The successful applicant will require excellent animal husbandry and pasture management skills along with good business reporting abilities. We are seeking a self-starter who can manage their own time well, communicate with the Dairy Operations Manager on a regular basis and help us continue to grow an efficient and profitable business.

• General Hand

• Tractor/Truck/

Manager

• Shepherd General

• General Manager

Machinery

• Live-in Couple

Operators

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

A modern three bedroom home is available.

*conditions apply

Contact Debbie Brown 027 705 7181 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Competitive Remuneration. Please send CVs to brad@orakafarms.co.nz

Classifieds

EARMARKERS

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There is an excellent remuneration package in place; accommodation is a warm 4-bedroom home with large living areas. There are great schooling options available and a high school bus at the end of the road to Central Hawke’s Bay College.

Applications close 5pm Monday, 31st August 2020

FW Jobs Board

We as an employer strive ourselves on being supportive and encourage ongoing development. This is a long term position. We have a 2IC ready to support the position with four years’ experience on the blocks.

The 2IC/Livestock Manager will need to be a collaborative and supportive person to manage the capable team of four staff and to encourage their continued development and growth. You will need to be well organised, with the ability to multi-task and manage lots of moving parts, whilst at the same time maintaining focus on the bigger picture of the business. In the absence of the Farm Manager you will be responsible for the property and need to be comfortable with this level of autonomy.

To view a Job Information Pack or to apply, please visit www. ruraldirections.co.nz or phone the Rural Directions team in confidence on 06 871 0450 (Reference #2520).

JOBS BOARD

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2IC / Livestock Manager

A Farm Manager is required for two dairy support blocks located in Western Southland. The Primary farm is located at Colac Bay, 10mins from Riverton with a smaller block located 30mins away at Tuatapere. Our Colac Bay farm is a wonderful piece of southland with plenty of adventure at your doorstep.

BIRDSCARER DE HORNER

RECRUITMENT & HR

HOOF TRIMMER

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T HI NK P R E B U I L T

BTZ Forestry Marketing and Harvesting

You’re reading the Farmers Weekly and so are the people you want to employ.

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

GET IN TOUCH

For all your employment ads Debbie 027 705 7181 classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

(Obtaining the best profits for our customers)

NEW HOMES SOLID – PRACTICAL

WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

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

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

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

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

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WE ARE THE SOLUTION

Classifieds

0800 436 566

GRAZING LEASE WANTED

Anything considered. Phone 022 574 1426

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

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

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

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

LK0103556©

HARD WORKING young farmer with good references. Gisborne, Wairoa areas preferred.

FORESTRY

VETMARKER

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

LUCERNE WANTED LK0102936©

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

Please contact Rory Boleyn 027 436 9133

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

76 80 +GS

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

DOGS FOR SALE BREEDING. TRAINING. Selling. Buying. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos – email: mikehughesworkingdogs@ farmside.co.nz GOOD KEEN Huntaway, 6 months old. Must go to a good home. Phone 06 329 4890.

DOGS WANTED

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SUPPLYING FARMERS SINCE 1962

Industries Ltd

SUREFOOT MAT 1.5m x 1m x 24mm $98ea + Frt & GST (6 or more freight free). Phone 0800 686 119.

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

CALF TRAILER MATS

CONTRACTORS LK0103152©

LAMB DOCKING / TAILING CHUTE

DAGS .20c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

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

FO SALR E

WANTED

GOATS WANTED

FERAL GOATS WANTED. All head counted, payment on pick-up, pick-up within 24 hours. Prices based on works schedule. Experienced musterers available. Phone Bill and Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916. GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis. NAKI GOATS. Trucking goats to the works every week throughout the NI. Phone Michael and Clarice. 027 643 0403. WETHER GOATS WANTED. North Island Contact David Hutchings 027 4519 249. South Island. Contact Dion Burgess 022 199 7069 and for all other South Island goat enquiries call Dion Burgess. BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie Brown on 0800 85 25 80 to book in or email classifieds@ globalhq.co.nz

SELLING

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

0800 85 25 80

GST $4400 INCLUSIVE

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE

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

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

HAVE A SALE COMING UP? Call ELLA 0800 85 25 80

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

FOR ONLY $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie on 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@ globalhq.co.nz

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER

MATURE FULL TIME live in housekeeper (inc meals) required for a busy older semi retired man in exchange for lodging & expenses on a beautiful semi rural estate 15mins from Taupo. Suit somebody who would also be avail for part time paid work assisting me with the running of my estate. Must have good communication skills, sense of humour and time flexibility. Email CV, skill set & contact details to Trevor at down890@ hotmail.com

Who is looking for a like minded country gentleman to share her life with. 5’3, brown hair, green eyes, fit and active with a slim build. She loves the country life and the challenge it throws at her. Enjoys horse riding, camping, fishing, country music and cooking. To meet, Please call

0800 446 332 quote code 61

Free range & barn eggs SUPPLIERS OF: • Nest boxes – manual or automated • Feed and drinking trays • Plastic egg trays Quality products made in Europe or by PPP A trusted name in the poultry industry for over 50 years

www.countrycompanionship.co.nz

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

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

STOCK FEED HAY 12 EQUIVALENT SQUARES 100+gst. BALEAGE $110+gst. Unit loads available. Phone 021 455 787.

WANTED TO BUY

0800 901 902

✁

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

HIGH COUNTRY JOURNEYS Drive from station to station and experience the majestic South Island High Country TWO STUNNING SELF DRIVE 4WD DRIVE OPTIONS

South Island High Country Grand Slam Self drive your own 4WD from Blenheim to Cardona in Central Otago through a network of high country tracks including Molesworth on this 7 day 8 night tour. The Great Explorer Self drive from Lake Ohau to Cardrona through the majestic high country and Tussockslands of the Mackenzie Basin, Central Otago and Northern Southland with this 6 day 7 night tour.

Both these tours are; Fully guided with radio contact; Fully catered and stay in very comfortable lodge and farmstays; Made up of smaller tour groups (6-9 vehicles) and travel at a quieter pace.

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2021/22 SEASON Contact John Mullholland Phone 027 228 8152 • RANFURLY info@highcountryjourneys.co.nz

ANDERSON BULLDOZER water pump, please email Tataramoa@hotmail.com

www.highcountryjourneys.co.nz

WE’RE GROWING

THE CASHMERE INDUSTRY

GROW WITH US.

North Island – Auckland South 7-10 day old Friesian calves F12+ with recorded Friesian sire.

Weaner Heifer calves

Call now & join the renaissance of this exciting industry.

Nationwide F12 + with Friesian sire 100kg plus J12 + with Jersey sire 80kg plus Deposit paid on commitment.

+64 27 228 7481 info@nzcashmere.com

www.nzcashmere.com Follow us on

CELEBRATING 50 YE HEREFORD BULLS FOR TH

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

2020 PRICING: GroWTH & meAT

mIl

$110 - $150 PER KG

TE TAUMATA POLL HEREFORDS PREDICTABLE PROFITABLE PERFORMANCE GENETICS

FROM THIS

33rd AnnuAl on fArm Bull SAle

June 7th 2012 at 12pm

IN ING PA K R WO IRARA WA

Romney and

To view our bull sale catalogue & Border Leicester pictures of sale lots go to:

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

Rams www.tetaumata.co.nz Book now

TO THAT

free DelIVerY

BVD VACCInA Beef

POLL HEREFORDS Est. 1962

A SHED HASN’T BEATEN US YET!

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

LK0103492©

✁

Phone Scott Newman Freephone 0800 2SCOTTY (0800 27 26 88) Mobile 027 26 26 27 2

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

Industries Ltd

LK0103133©

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

M O R R I S O N WILTSHIRES & Low Input Composite Sheep. NZ’s Original Wiltshire Flock. Ewes and rams available now. Contact Richard Morrison: 021 626 513 richard@ thegullies.nz - www. thegullies.nz

Poultry Equipment

Recorded Heifer calves

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

LK0102988©

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556. HEREFORD BULLS 3 x R2. 14 x R1. BVD clear and vaccinated. Phone 027 4944 262.

Country Lady

Heifer Calves Wanted

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

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

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

PERSONAL

Livestock

SOMETHING?

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

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

LK0103169©

For a delivered price call ....

ATTENTION FARMERS

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NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser

ANIMAL HANDLING

2TH Border Leicester Rams

Alistair & Eileen McWilliam Ph 06 372 7861 www.tetaumata.co.nz Te Taumata Genetics

LK0103579©

DOLOMITE

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

LK0103549©

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 24, 2020

Alistair & E 15

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

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 24, 2020

STOCK REQUIRED

“Proudly Based in Hawke’s Bay”

SIL EWES Due Aug/Sept 1YR FRSN BULLS 180-260kg R2YR BULLS

Online sale at

400-460kg

R2YR & R3YR ANGUS STEERS

2YR HEIFERS

450kg+

370-420kg

TOP GENETICS ON OFFER

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

YEARLING & 2 YEAR OLD HEIFER DISPERSAL SALE

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

MONDAY 28th of SEPTEMBER 2020, 11am at COVENTRY STATION, GISBORNE

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

AA INSPECTED

SALE CATALOGUE COMING SOON on www.rangatiraangus.co.nz

VIEWING SUNDAY 27th of SEPTEMBER between 1pm & 4pm or by appointment The sale will simultaneously be LIVE STREAMED ONLINE with remote bidding available through bidr.co.nz.

HEIFER’S SIRES PICTURED BELOW Kokonga Ironside 5005 Boehringer Ingelheim Dairy Sire

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

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

with Farmers Weekly PHONE ELLA HOLLAND 0800 85 25 80

346 Kokonga East Road (end of road by woolshed) off the Port Waikato - Waikaretu Valley Road, RD5 Tuakau

PMS – PMS 173 C

PMS – PMS 445 C

RGB – 255, 255, 255 CMYK – 0, 0, 0, 0

HTML – 3c4c54

POLLED HEREFORDS

Friday 4 September 2020 12 NOON - UNDER COVER PAULSEN ROAD, WAERENGA, TE KAUWHATA, NORTH WAIKATO

PMS – n/a

RGB – 60, 76, 64 CMYK – 50, 28, 24, 65

HTML – f15a29

Alastair MacPherson P: 06 8628077

E: cdowding@xtra.co.nz

ANNUAL ON-FARM BULL SALE

12.30pm – 68 NGATAIPUA RD, TURUA, THAMES Sale will be live on also RGB – 241, 90, 41

Charlie & Susie Dowding P: 06 8623876 M: 027 4 752 798

FOR BUTTS, NUTS AND GUTS

17TH SEPTEMBER 2020

CMYK – 0, 80, 95, 0

Please contact us if you would like to view the cattle or receive a sale catalogue.

HUKAROA

KAIRAUMATI POLLED HEREFORDS SALE

TURIROA MAVERICK L945 PURCHASED IN 2017

Bred, reared and raised naturally on strong hill country 80 quiet, easy-calving Hereford bulls 2 year olds & yearlings

FREE GRAZING UNTIL 1st OCTOBER 2020

27 RSG 20 MTH BULLS 24 1-YEAR BULLS

Have you got a sale coming up? Advertise in Farmers Weekly To advertise Phone ELLA HOLLAND 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Enquiries to: Dean

& Lisa Hansen 07 826 7817 or 0274 40 30 24

24th Annual On Farm Sale Thursday Sept 17th 2020, 12 Noon

183 Mangaotea Road, Tariki, Taranaki 170 Registered and Purebred 1 year and 2 year Angus, Hereford, Murray Grey and Jersey.

Full Traceability and Strict Biosecurity Policies. Contact Robin Blackwell 06 762 4805 • mangaotea@xtra.co.nz

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GOING GOING GONE!

ALL BULLS FERTILITY & SEMEN TESTED LK0103170©

Bulls born and bred on the top of the Coromandel

LK0103433©

Contact Roy or Kaye Ward 021 128 7174 Dave Stuart 027 224 1049 Cam Heggie 027 501 8182

BVD tested clear and twice vaccinated Tb C10 and Lepto Vaccinated

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 24, 2020

RANUI

YEARLING BULL & HEIFER SALE

ANGUS

12 noon Tuesday, 8th September, 2020 Karamu, 662 Rangitatau East Rd, Wanganui

Start your spring planning now!

ON OFFER: 26 East yearling bulls Karamu, 662 Rangitatau Rd, Wanganui 30 yearling heifers On offer: 12 noon Tuesday, September 25, 2007

or Contact your local agent

Ella Holland: 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or livestock@globalhq.co.nz JW103349©

3211

Maria Johnstone 027 610 5348

 Vet inspected  Quiet temperament

Contact Ella to talk over your options for the 2020 selling season to make sure your message reaches the right audience.

& Early Gestation

 All cattle BVD & EBL tested ENQUIRIES TO:  All cattle electric fence trained Lindsay Johnstone 027 445  TB status C10

Promote your 2020 yearling bull sales

YEARLING BULL & HEIFER SALE

25 yearling bulls have Low Birth 30 yearlingBulls heifers, which will be sold Weight in lots

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

farmersweekly.co.nz

INQUIRIES TO: Lin Johnstone Lindsay Johnstone 06 342 9833 06 342 9795 W & K AGENTS Blair Robinson Don Newland 027 491 9974 027 242 4878

Stokman Angus Yearling Bull and Heifer Sale 100 Registered Bulls 40 Commercial Yearling Angus Heifers Wednesday 16 September 2020

THIRD ANNUAL YEARLING SALE Thursday 10 September 2020 at 2pm | 216 Wiltons Road, Carterton Open day will be held Wednesday 26th August 2-4pm All agents and farmers welcome

1708 Te Kopia Road Rotorua - 1.00 p.m.

Your Angus Bull Source Calving Ease

+4.4

+1.6

Birth Weight

+3.15

+4.3

200 Day

+46

400 Day

+83

Self Replacing +146

+114

Angus Pure

+133

+164

* Fertility and semen tested * HD50K Genomic tested for better EBV accuracy * All Bulls carcass scanned * BVD tested and vaccinated * EBV recorded, C10 TB status * Well grown, suitable for heifers or cows * Quiet dispositions

PROGRAMMED TO PERFORM

Call for a catalogue or view on www.angusnz.com PGG Wrightson Cam Heggie 027 501 8182 Sam Wright 027 247 9035 Pete Henderson 027 475 4895 Central Livestock: Shane Scott 027 495 6031

McFadzean Meatmaker bulls consistently wean over 60% of cow weight 40 Years of Proven Performance • Top Quality Simmental Angus bulls Mark & Sherrie Stokman 07 3332446 Mark 027 640 4028 Sherrie 027 499 7692 mtkiwi@farmside.co.nz

For more information or a catalogue contact us: John McFadzean 06 372 7045 | Johnie McFadzean 06 379 7401 / 027 429 5777 Andrew Jennings PGG Wrightson 027 594 6820

www.mcfadzeancattlecompany.co.nz 7% rebate for non participating agents

Like us on facebook: StokmanAngusFarm

MATAPOURI POLLED HEREFORDS

LK0103390©

NZ Breed Average EBV’s on Stokman Sale Bulls Average

Clements Farms [Matapouri] Ltd

47th ANNUAL SPRING BULL SALE

Friday 4 September 2020 – 12.30pm – Undercover on Marua Farm [11km east of Hikurangi] • • • •

As well as the usual payment terms, we offer the following 2 options: Bulls may be left on the property until 10 October 2020, with payment within 14 days of the sale OR If bulls uplifted on the day of sale, payment due on 1 November 2020. An overriding commission of 6% is payable to non-participating Companies

Brian Clements Phone: 09 433 7033 • Ian Clements Phone: 0274 974 864 Auctioneers: Carrfields Livestock, Tim Williamson 09 433 7919 or 275 117 778 or PGG Wrightson, Mike Laing 09 436 0309 or 0275 986 736

LK0103387©

Offering approximately 65 R2Yr Hereford Bulls & 85 R1Yr Hereford Bulls Catalogues available from mid-August

All Yearling Bulls in the top 25% in NZ for low birthweight EBV Calving ease is important - come north and share our dream! TB C10 and Brucellosis accredited BVD antigen tested clear & vaccinated twice

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

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 24, 2020

RIVERLEE HEREFORDS

Safe, Traceable, Quiet Bulls

Spring Bull Sale 10th September 2020, 11.30am Held under cover on farm 2354 Rangiwahia Rd Rangiwahia, Manawatu

Also online at: www.mylivestock.co.nz

Bulls For Heifer Mating

AIMING FOR ZERO BOBBIES AND HIGH VALUE CALVES?

THE CHOICE IS 62 2yr Polled Hereford Bulls

300 BULLS AVAILABLE MIKE CRANSTONE - 027 218 0123 SALE Thursday 17 Sept, 12noon Riverton Herefords, Wanganui

www.herefords.co.nz

Enquiries & Visitors Welcome Murray & Fiona Curtis 06 328 2881 or 027 228 2881

Email: mfcurtis@farmside.co.nz

LK0103392©

www.ezicalve.co.nz

Catalogue can be viewed at NZ Herefords.co.nz Selling Agents: Carrfields Livestock: Dan Warner 027 826 5768 NZ Farmers Livestock: John Watson 027 494 1975

LK0103263©

WILL MORRISON - 027 640 1166 SALE Tuesday 22 Sept, 12noon Ardo Herefords, Marton

BRED FOR CALVING EASE, MODERATE BIRTH WEIGHT AND TEMPERAMENT.

Need an Angus bull ving and Heifer mating Specialising in Ease of Cal

CONSIDER THIS . . . Fully Registered 300 cow herd Specialising in ease of calving and heifer mating All our best bulls offered at our annual yearling sale Full EBVs on all animals Angus GS™ genetic tested Excellent Temperament

Our complete program (all 300 cows) is focused on ease of calving and heifer mating Good selection of bulls with growth and carcass attributes without compromising ease of calving

WHO ELSE IN NZ TICKS ALL THOSE BOXES?

FERTILITY Calve as 2 yr old Only 43 days mating - cows Only 30 days mating - heifers Cull everything that doesn’t rear a calf

Chris & Karren Biddles, RD1, Te Kopuru, Northland P: 09 439 1589 | m: 021 795 929 e: chris@teatarangi.co.nz

106 Yearling Angus bulls at our Annual sale, on farm & now online via: www.bidr.co.nz

2nd September 2020, 12.30pm

Have your dairy service bulls covered this season Purchase now and pay only $60 per head with the balance due by 28 February 2021*

Maximise Cash Flow 11:30am

Tuesday 8th Septembe r

• •

Sell the bulls when you are finished and pay the difference Sell your cull cows or other livestock to offset the balance due

Service Bull Auctions / Paddock Sales •

Purchase your bulls in the paddock or at one of our service bull auctions

Contact your local Carrfields Livestock representative

230 Yearling Jersey Bulls for Sale in Cambridge, Waikato + My Livestock Live Auction Hybrid Auction

Quality, Well Grown, High BW, Low Risk ONE OF THE TOP 10 NZ HERDS - BW 237 - PW 258

Enquiries to Richard and Christine - 027 353 5693

To view our bull auctions / listings or locate a representative visit: www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Catalogue available at jersey.org.nz/link-livestock NZ Farmers Livestock - Ollie Carruthers - 0274 515 312 Link Livestock Ltd - Ross Riddell - 0272 111 112

*Terms and conditions apply

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – August 24, 2020

Specialist Bulls recommended for heifer mating

Feilding Saleyard

JW103571©

Friday Sale 28th August AKITIO STATION 100 1yr Angus & Mcfadazean meat maker Strs 270-310kg 80 1yr Angus & Mcfadazean meat maker hfrs 240-280kg Top line of coastal hill country yearlings

It is well recognised that calving ease and fertility are major drivers of profit and this is especially relevant for heifers. Higher calving ease means more live calves on the ground. Calving difficulty costs money in labour time, veterinary fees and delayed rebreeding for the heifer. In addition, loss of one calf costs more than the profit from 20kg of growth across a group of 25 animals. Mahuta Herefords and Angus Studs run by John and Mary Allen specialise in breeding bulls for heifer mating. While the focus is on beef heifers, there are bulls with calving ease EBVs in the top 1% for calving ease ebvs and these are suitable for dairy heifers. Repeat clients are evidence of the success of this program.

Contact Cam Waugh 027 480 0898

John says “using a high calving ease bull gives you peace of mind in calving 2-year-old heifers”.

Upcoming Northland Spring Cattle Fairs:

John places emphasis on breeding bulls which will increase profits for their clients. These are bulls with sound structure and higher calving ease, higher growth, and fertility. Most bulls also have negative gestation.

WELLSFORD GROWN CATTLE FAIR Monday 7th September 250 x 2yr old Steers 150 x 2yr old Heifers

Bulls are semen tested before the sale and vaccinated for BVD. LK0103173©

Further enquiries contact: Robert McLean 027 590 4829

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

SALE TALK

Three men are in the middle of a desert when their car breaks down. For their hike to town, they each decide to take one thing with them. One man takes a jug of water. The second man takes a sandwich. The last man takes one of the car doors.

The last man replies, “If I get hot, I can just roll down the window.”

Think Mahuta – Herefords & Angus

Annual Yearling Bull Sale Friday 18th September 2020

GOING GOING GONE!

200 x Autumn Born Steers 800 x Yearling Steers 200 x Yearling Heifers Further enquiries contact: Paul Chapman 021 242 7799 Tim Williamson 027 511 7778

LK0103547©

WELLSFORD SPRING YEARLING & WEANER

BLNZ recommend specialist bulls for yearling heifer mating and trouble-free calving sets a heifer up to produce a good weaner. These bulls are well grown [500kg], have high calving ease EBVs [top 5%] and many above average growth.

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

Contact: John Allen 09 233 3097 or 027 440 7504 jvmeallen@xtra.co.nz

To advertise Phone ELLA HOLLAND 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

LK0103175©

Approx. 1200 Cattle

Approx. 300 head

HEIFER MATING

Offering: 60 Hereford bulls & 10 Angus bulls

Friday 11th September

Further enquiries contact: Robert McLean 027 590 4829

Looking for a bull for

The first man says to the last man: “I’m bringing the water because if I get thirsty, I can take a drink. And it makes sense to bring a sandwich in case we get hungry, but why bring a car door?”

MAUNGAKARAMEA SPRING FAIR

Monday 14th September

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

We have your Stud & Service Bull needs covered for 2020

MATAWHERO CATTLE SALE, GISBORNE 1st September 2020, 11am

Comprising Approx 2450 cattle: • 15 R3yr Ang Hfrs VIC • 60 R3yr Heifers MT • 450 R2yr Steers • 170 R2yr Heifers • 105 R2yr Beef Bulls • 875 Ylg Steers • 625 Ylg Heifers • 150 Ylg Beef Bulls Several lines of quality home bred hill country cattle. Enquiries to: Jamie Hayward 027 434 7586 Chris Hurlstone 027 598 6542

Upcoming Auctions to the 21st September Date

Client

Area

Information

Agent Contact

03.09.20

Waimarire & Otengi Stud

Kaeo

83 Hfd 2yr bulls, Autumn bulls, 1yr bulls

Neil Miller

027 497 3492

04.09.20

Matapouri Stud

Marua

140 1yr & 2yr Hfd bulls

Tim Williamson

027 511 7778

08.09.20

Kevin Flower

Dargaville

50 1yr & 2yr Hfd bulls

Haydn Evans

021 985 863

09.09.20

Charwell Stud

Whakatane

100 1yr & 2yr Hfd bulls

Bruce Orr

027 492 2122

09.09.20

Haumoana Herefords

Whangarei

40 1yr poll hfd

Paul Chapman

021 242 7799

10.09.20

Riverlee Herefords

Rangiwahia

64 2yr Hfd bulls

Dan Warner

027 826 5768

11.09.20

K & K Shotter & J Ross

New Plymouth

65 1yr Jsy bulls

Colin Dent

027 646 8908

15.09.20

Waitangi Angus

Paihia

100 1yr Ang bulls

Reuben Wright

027 284 6384

15.09.20

Fowler Farms

Hawera

345 1yr, 2yr, 3yr Hfd, Ang, Jsy, MG, RD bulls

Brent Espin

027 551 3660

16.09.20

Piquet Hill Farms

Te-Akau / Huntly

400 1yr, 2yr, 3yr Ang, Fsn, Jsy, Hfd bulls

Jack Kiernan

027 823 2373

18.09.20

WE & JJ Craig

Stratford

350 mixed bull breeds

Colin Dent

027 646 8908

21.09.20

Hillcroft

Waiterimu

145 2yr Ang, 2yr Hfd, 1yr Ang Craig Chamberlain 027 532 0253

21.09.20

Mount Mable

Dannevirke

32 1 yr Ang bulls

Rhys Dackers

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

027 241 5564

UPCOMING AUCTIONS Thursday, 27 August 2020 7.00pm – National Livestock – per kg 7.30pm – National Livestock – per head

BULL POWER PLAN Have Your Service Bulls Covered This Season LK0103554©

Purchase your Spring Service Bulls now and pay only $60 per head *Terms and Conditions Apply

Call ELLA

0800 85 25 80

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

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

Admin fee and with the balance due by the end of February 2021*

Are you looking in the right direction?

Yearling Bull Sales Contact Caitlin Rokela 027 405 6156 to find out how bidr can support your upcoming sale. For more information go to bidr.co.nz or contact the team on 0800 TO BIDR

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Graham Johnson

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.60

6.00

NI lamb (17kg)

7.25

8.40

NI Stag (60kg)

6.20

9.00

NI Bull (300kg)

5.55

5.60

NI mutton (20kg)

4.95

5.50

SI Stag (60kg)

6.25

6.20

9.00

NI Cow (200kg)

4.15

4.50

SI lamb (17kg)

7.00

8.10

SI Steer (300kg)

5.10

5.00

5.80

SI mutton (20kg)

4.65

5.50

SI Bull (300kg)

5.00

5.40

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

4.00

3.90

4.30

UK CKT lamb leg

US imported 95CL bull

8.06

8.12

US domestic 90CL cow

7.53

7.51

7.73

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

9.71

Last year

9.64

9.97

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

6.50

6.0

5.50

5.0

5.00

$/kg CW

South Island steer slaughter price

6.50 $/kg CW

8.0

12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

7.0

Last year

South Island stag slaughter price

Oct

Dec

Feb

5-yr ave

Apr

Jun

Aug

2018-19

2019-20

6.0

6.00

5.0

5.50 5.00

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Fertiliser

Aug 2019-20

WOOL

4.50 4.00

South Island lamb slaughter price

9.0

4.00

FERTILISER

(NZ$/kg) Oct

Dec

Feb

5-yr ave

Apr

Jun

2018-19

Dairy

Last week

Prior week

Last year

1.94

1.88

2.96

Coarse xbred ind.

Aug 2019-20

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

572

616

294

314

750

787

37 micron ewe

1.85

Super

30 micron lamb

1.90

DAP

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Company

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

34.76

37.37

YTD Low 21.1

The a2 Milk Company Limited

19.92

21.74

13.8

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.84

5.8

3.61

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.45

9.21

4.26

8.00

430

7.50

420

7.00

410

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.95

5.09

3.445

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

4.995

5.62

3.595

400

Ryman Healthcare Limited

13.2

17.18

6.61

Port of Tauranga Limited

7.4

8.14

4.9

Contact Energy Limited

6.32

7.74

4.54

Mainfreight Limited

44.8

46.95

$/tonne

$/kg MS

7.0

6.00

4.50

6.50 6.00

390

5.50

Sep-19

Nov-19 Jan-20 Sept. 2020

Mar-20

May-20 Sept. 2021

Last price*

WMP

Aug-19

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

405

3240

SMP

2825

2780

2620

AMF

3975

4000

4050

Butter

3690

3650

Milk Price

7.22

7.23

390 385 Aug-19

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL 400

3200

350 $/tonne

3400

3000 2800

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

The a2 Milk Company Limited

19.92

21.74

13.8

4.97

1.66

Delegat Group Limited

395

380

Listed Agri Shares Comvita Limited

400

* price as at close of business on Thursday

2600

Oct-19

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY

$/tonne

Nearby contract

380

Jul-20

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

US$/t

8.0

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

$/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

13.33

6.39

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.86

4.06

3.41

Foley Wines Limited

1.71

1.91

1.35

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.72

0.9

0.68 0.176

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.188

0.21

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.77

2.3

1.29

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.6

3.01

1.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

5.96

8.2

5.55

5.35

3.3

Seeka Limited

3.95

4.74

3.4

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

6.69

9.1

4.36

Scales Corporation Limited

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

2.79

2.93

2.35

16286

16959

12699

S&P/NZX 50 Index

11662

12073

8499

S&P/NZX 10 Index

12271

12568

9100

300 250

Jul

Aug Sep Latest price

Oct

Nov 4 weeks ago

Dec

200

Aug-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Jun-20

YTD Low

16286

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

11662

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

12241

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

Pulse

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview The early spring pattern continues with low pressure smothering New Zealand on Monday but then the usual windy sou’westers kick in behind it. The week ahead will be cooler than last week with our winds this week mostly from the south west, coming out of the Southern Ocean/ south of Australia region (the opposite of the sub-tropical nor’easters we had in many places last week). In saying that, the windier weather will keep overnight lows up with frosts less likely in the earlier part of this week. However, later this week high pressure expands again from the west, bringing colder nights, lighter winds and drier skies. Next week, looks spring-like with more windy westerlies and highs centred further to the north.

Good season for SI prime lambs

20/08/2020

William Hickson williamhickson@globalhq.co.nz

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Wind

Winds this week lean south to south west, tilting more westerly later in the week/weekend. While a little blustery at times in exposed areas nothing too significant is currently showing up. Winds mainly cooler in the west but milder in the east.

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature Cooler this week compared to last week for many regions as winds swing from sub-tropical northerly quarter to coming out of the Southern Ocean. With high pressure coming in later this week (bringing lighter winds) expect some frosts in the south around then.

14-day outlook

While Monday this week kicks off with low pressure smothering NZ, this time next week it will be high pressure pushing back in – meaning as we end August and start September, westerlies are likely with drier weather in the north and east.

7-day rainfall forecast

HE decent season for lamb at the South Island sale yards has continued in the leadup to new season lamb supply coming online soon. The yards covered by the AgriHQ LivestockEye reports – Temuka, Canterbury Park and Coalgate – are typically a popular outlet for prime lambs, and until lockdown this year throughput through these yards was 5% higher than 2019. Although there was a slight increase in volume at the first post-lockdown sales, volume since then has realigned with the past year. That lack of significant volume is creating a strong procurement competition between processors as the South Island lamb supply hit record lows a few weeks back. Sellers are, therefore, opting to take the sale yard route as premiums can often be made from the increased competition provided by multiple buyers needing to fill contracts. It is also one of the few outlets for the oversized lambs that would incur penalties if sent directly to the processors. The median lamb price paid at these centres has hovered around the $150 mark in August thus far, with the Temuka sale on August 17 reaching all the way to $167. The mild 2020 winter may be impacting these values by allowing lambs offered to have higher yield potential, especially if they were held on the property for longer than usual as a result of lockdown.

While the current August prices are $5-$10 higher than the five-year average, they have started a more restricted curve upwards than usual as the number of oldseason lambs dwindles. The median price each week has also been tracking higher than usual for this time of year, but prices for the heaviest pens during August have lagged significantly behind previous years. Only one pen so far in August, at Coalgate on the 14th, has been able to reach $200. During 2019, this level was reliably hit each week from the end of May through to the final week of December. In contrast, during 2020 prices of $200 or above have only been achieved at a third of the sales since May and usually only by a handful of pens. This reflects the lack of export markets that processors have for heavy lamb cuts – heavy lambs are only desirable to keep plant throughput up (i.e. to cover fixed plant costs) – so buyers are motivated to avoid these if other options are available. At current auction prices, margins are tight for processors and they will be looking to reduce the rates they pay as much as they can in the short term. That will see downwards pressure applied to prices promptly if they can secure enough supply. With this in mind, any prime lambs should be making a trip to the sale sooner rather than later, particularly as heavier carcass weights will become a problem for processors as production begins for the Christmas trade, whose specifications reward a lighter framed animal.

SI prime lamb median

The 14-day outlook locks in what we already pretty much knew: spring weather has arrived early. The days are, generally, milder than normal and rainfall recently has been back to normal in dry areas (like Auckland). However, the theme over the next 14 days is to transition away from low pressure and to be in the halfway mark for the next week (windier westerlies). But high pressure returns into early next week, especially northern areas, encouraging more southern westerlies.

100

200

400

The bulk of the wet weather coming up will be in western areas of both islands but the low on Monday to kick off this week. We will see some eastern wet weather for a time too. Keep up to date with our online rainfall accumulation maps here: www.farmersweekly. co.nz/weather – updated twice daily.

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

GET THE EDGE... Discover how we can help you keep up to date with market conditions. Head to agrihq.co.nz or call 0800 85 25 80

Livestock Outlook

For those who want to see and understand forecasting, this monthly report projects farmer operating prices six months ahead and supports these prices with analysis of supply/demand, procurement factors, key export markets and exchange rate effects.

Livestock Insight

Every week, we explain the context of the current market situation, drivers which are impacting the livestock markets and what to expect in the coming week.

LivestockEye

We create transparency for the industry with these independent, objective reports providing full sale results and informed commentary covering 10 sale yards across NZ that are emailed directly after the sale. 2476AGHQ

If you love the information you get from these pages, you will love AgriHQ’s livestock reports.

SALE YARD WRAP

Demand for breeding ewe hoggets The dry and drought conditions earlier in the year meant farmers in affected areas had to offload stock as feed and water levels diminished. Breeding ewe flocks were not immune and replacement ewe hoggets found themselves on trucks bound for the processors or sale yards. This has led to a small resurgence in demand for well-bred old season ewe lambs to purchase as replacement hoggets, as some farmers look to start rebuilding flock numbers.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Hereford-Friesian steers, 477kg, made $3.00/kg • Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian steers, 90kg, fetched $505 • Well-conditioned Friesian cows traded at $2.10/kg to $2.44/kg Prices for a yarding of 350 store cattle eased slightly at TUAKAU last week, PGG Wrightson agent Chris Elliott reported. Heavy R2 steers, 450-588kg, traded at $2.85/kg to $3.00/ kg with 300-400kg at $2.70-$2.95/kg. R2 heifers, 400-511kg, returned $2.60/kg to $2.92/kg and 300-400kg, $2.70/ kg to $2.91/kg with autumn-born weaners, 98kg, $390. Wednesday’s prime market was firm. A small offering of steers traded at $2.92/kg to $3.07/kg, with heavy heifers earning $2.85/kg to $3.00/kg and medium, $2.85-$2.88/ kg. Medium cows managed $1.86/kg to $2.08/kg and light, $1.60/kg to $1.78/kg. Heavy prime lambs sold at $145-$185 on Monday. Medium primes fetched $125-$140 while good stores made $100-125 and medium, $70-$100. A small entry of ewes sold from $60 to $145.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • R3 Angus and Hereford-Jersey steers, 510-530kg, made $2.96$3.00/kg • R3 Angus heifers earned $2.77-$2.86/kg • R2 Angus heifers, 324-372kg and run-with-bull, earned $2.45$2.55/kg • 150 sheep were yarded with lambs $88-$145 and ewes $113-$140 The general tone of the sale at RANGIURU last Tuesday eased, but there was still plenty of bright spots. The R2 pens held predominantly heifers, which included HerefordFriesian, 287-341kg, at $2.76- $2.88/kg and Charolais, 255kg, $3.08/kg. Hereford-Friesian steers, 364-453kg, made $2.81/kg to $2.97/kg. while R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 158-300kg, sold for $600-$920. Prime Hereford cows, 482-527kg, traded for $2.24-$2.27/kg with one pen, 593kg, at $2.39/kg. Only two pens of steers sold, and they were both very heavy. Hereford-Friesian, 717kg, returned $3.10/kg, and Angus, 681kg, $3.05/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Top prime lambs fetched $185-$208 with the balance at $120$135.50 • Prime ewes made $149 • Mixed-age Romney ewes fetched $118 There was a small yarding of store lambs at MATAWHERO last Friday where the top end of ewe lambs made $118$126.50 and medium $91-$110.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle sale 18.08 • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 420-499kg, softened to $2.92-$2.99/ kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 236-283kg, improved to $3.30-$3.33/ kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 187-289kg, eased to $2.90-$2.99/kg Store cattle increased to 525 head for PGG Wrightson at FRANKTON last Tuesday, where local buyers had competition from Taupo and Raglan. R2 red HerefordFriesian steers, 397-497kg, were consistent at $2.87-$2.88/ kg. Angus-Friesian heifers, 320-385kg, fetched $2.75$2.83/kg, and red Hereford-Friesian, 364kg, $2.79/kg. R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 172-185kg, realised $2.73$2.78/kg, and Angus-Friesian, 246-303kg, $3.11-$3.23/ kg. Charolais-Friesian heifers, 178-204kg, returned $2.81$2.84/kg. R1 Friesian and Friesian-cross bulls, 237-275kg, earned $2.32-$2.36/kg. Prime Angus-Friesian steers, 552-633kg, held at $2.91-$2.93/kg and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 466522kg, $2.86-$2.89/kg. Angus cows, 472kg, held at $2.30/ kg, while 410kg improved to $2.06/kg. Boner Friesian cows, 460-626kg, held at $2.20-$2.22/kg, with 475-520kg at $2.08$2.17/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

Frankton cattle sale 19.08 • Quality R2 Angus steers, 314-364kg, improved to $3.12-$3.13/kg • R1 Simmental-Friesian steers, 285kg, were firm at $3.04/kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 227-232kg, eased to $2.87-$2.91/kg New Zealand Farmers Livestock penned just under 500 store cattle last Wednesday at FRANKTON. Seven R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 314kg, reached $3.28/kg. Hereford-Friesian and red Hereford-Friesian heifers, 385418kg, strengthened to $2.89-$2.91/kg. R1 Angus-Friesian steers, 235kg, held at $2.87/kg with the balance of beefdairy, 136-290kg, mostly $2.91-$2.97/kg. Angus-Friesian bulls, 177-233kg, returned $480-$560 with Ayrshire-cross, 145-209kg, $300-$480. Top Friesian bulls, 282kg, sold well at $710, with lighter types $280-$460. Better autumn-born weaner beef-dairy heifers, 88-134kg, fetched $370-$465 and Hereford-Friesian bulls, 89-149kg, $400-$560. Well-marked Friesian bulls, 137kg, fetched $535. Prime steers, 476-668kg, held at $2.88-$3.00/kg, while Hereford-Friesian heifers, 414-461kg, strengthened to $2.91-$2.93/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Waikato feeder calf sales Friesian bull calves and most heifers came back at FRANKTON, TIRAU and TE AWAMUTU last week, however beef-cross bulls were steady to firm. Good Friesian bulls made $90-$160 though Te Awamutu reached $185-$215. Medium Friesian bulls made $45-$85 and small, $15-$40. Hereford-Friesian lifted to $270-$350, while medium and small held value at $200-$260 and $100-$190. Good Anguscross also improved to $180-$240 and Simmental-cross at Frankton made $290-$360. Heifers proved hard to shift and good Hereford-Friesian made $120-$220, while beef-cross of same size returned $70-$145. Medium Hereford-Friesian came back to $80$110, while the balance of the heifers sold for $20-$60. Speckle Park-cross made $100-$120. Read more in your LivestockEye.

KING COUNTRY Taupo cattle sale • R2 Friesian bulls, 376kg, sold well at $2.93/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 397-443kg, returned $2.77-$2.82/kg • Feature pens of R1 Angus-Hereford steers, 205-209kg, hit $4.04$4.14/kg Short-term cattle were the focus for a mainly local buying bench at TAUPO last Thursday. R1 steers also had a good sale and ranged from $3.58-$3.62/kg for 185-219kg, with heavier lines at $3.23-$3.42/kg. R1 heifers differed dependent on breed and quality, and Simmental, 222260kg, made $750-$780, with good weighted beef-Friesian also up to $700-$800 for varied $/kg. Lesser sorts were off that pace. Two pens of Friesian bulls, 224-255kg, sold for $2.61-$2.78/kg and good weighted beef-Friesian, 312325kg, $2.77-$2.89/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • Twenty in-milk dairy cows made $1000-$1600 • R3 heifers mostly sold at $2.70-$2.80/kg • R2 heifers earned $2.75-$2.85/kg • R1 Friesian bulls eased to $2.22/kg to $2.41/kg • Autumn-born weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 91-109kg, traded at $410-$440 There were just over 360 head of mixed-quality store cattle at TARANAKI last Wednesday. R3 steers mostly held and better-quality types achieved $3.05-$3.11/kg, with second cuts at $2.93-$2.99/kg. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 390kg, sold at $3.21/kg, although the bulk traded at $2.93$3.03/kg. R1 steers were lighter and softened with HerefordFriesian, 146-188kg, back to $3.72-$3.84/kg, and Angus and Angus-cross, 185-185kg, $3.35-$3.39/ kg. Better heifers made $2.76-$2.83/kg. Friesian boner cows, 521-737kg, were well rewarded at $2.29-$2.31/kg, and two prime steers also sold well at $2.98/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep

• • • •

Most very heavy ewes eased to $140-$150 Very heavy cryptorchid lambs strengthened to $179-$194 Most very heavy ram lambs held at $181-$190 Heavy mixed-sex lambs returned $135.50-$148.50 A moderate yarding of 880 sheep were penned at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday. The smaller ewe offering of 207 mainly eased though four top ewes held at $181 and nine very good types, $128.50. Good ewes softened to $106-$111, while lighter types held at $64-$85.50. Lambs numbered just under 650. Top males softened to $159.50, though 16 heavy types held at $145.50. Top mixed-sex lambs eased to $160-$165. Heavy to very-heavy ewe lambs earned $142-$163. A single Shorthorn bull, 675kg, was picked up for $2.20/kg, and three cows of the same breeding and 447kg, $1.90/kg. Read more in your LivestockEye. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • R2 Angus & Angus-Hereford steers, 497-535kg, lifted to $3.40$3.46/kg • R2 beef-cross bulls, 495kg, firmed to $3.12-$3.23/kg • Top R1 Angus steers, 295-316kg, achieved $3.86-$3.96/kg • Most ewes with lambs-at-foot made $105-$110 all counted • Good ewe lambs improved to $120-$125 Spring sale mode hit STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, as 900 cattle were penned and 570 ewes with lambs-at-foot. Cattle buyers were selective and quality sold well but lesser lines were well off the pace. Several lines of R1 steers bettered $1100, though heifers were lighter, and most sold for $440-$695. Traditional in-calf cows varied from $2.30/kg to $2.83/kg. Old season lamb volume was high at 7700, but like the cattle results varied dependent on buyer tastes. Very heavy ewes and males held at $150-$174, though good types eased to $135-$145. Medium mixed-sex made $110-$126, and light ewe lambs, $40-$72. Read more in your LivestockEye.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Friesian cows, 473-483kg, provided the bulk of the cattle at $2.11$2.18/kg. The morning started with a frost at FEILDING last Monday. Lamb prices continued their good run with very heavy types $182-$195. Heavy lines provided the majority at $159-$179 and medium-good lambs made $136-$158. Ewe volume and quality reflected the time of year and the heaviest two in good condition made $141 and $147 respectively, though the balance lacked any real quality and sold for $90-$124. Read more in your LivestockEye. Manfeild Park feeder calf sale The Monday sale at MANFEILD PARK yarded 405 head. Friesian bulls eased but good beef-cross held value. Top Friesian reached $100-$150, medium $50-$80 and small, $20-$40. Hereford-Friesian reached $250-$300, with medium and small, $100-$220. Other beef-cross returned $100-$190, though Belgian Blue-cross topped the sale at $410. Heifers eased and the top beef-cross lines across all breeds made $140-$185, while medium fetched $100$130. Small calves made $60-$80. Read more in your LivestockEye. Feilding store sale • Traditional steers, 415-565kg, made $3.20-$3.25/kg • One large pen of 435kg Angus R2 heifers jumped to $3.30/kg • R1 traditional steers, 225-275kg, eased to $3.70-$3.80/kg • Ewes with LAF mostly made $101-$116 all counted • Ewe lamb average held at $124 Another marathon cattle sale saw most sections sell for similar values as the week before. A lot of the R2 steers were 340-560kg Hereford-Friesian, with clean-marked lines making $2.85-$3.05/kg. Six big pens of 395-515kg Friesian bulls all made $3.00-$3.05/kg. Traditional R2 heifers, 325-475kg, were mainly strong selling at $3.15-$3.20/kg. Traditional R1 steers centred on $3.75/kg. Light Friesian bulls held around $2.95-$3.05/kg but heavier cuts were often passed in. A moderate sheep yarding almost had more attention on the ewes than the lambs. Almost twenty pens of ewes with lambs-at-foot softened slightly. Good-

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020

The top prime lambs reached $180-$181 and two-thirds of the tally earned $130-$179. The best ewes were $199 with heavy types $160-$198. Medium ewes provided most of the section and earned $109-$139. Mid-range store lambs earned $110-$141. Read more in your LivestockEye. Temuka store cattle • R2 Charolais-cross steers, 343-396kg, achieved $3.23/kg • R2 Simmental-Hereford steers, 403kg, managed $3.07/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian bulls, 333kg, sold for $3.01/kg • R1 Charolais-Simmental steers, 247-288kg, made $880-$925 Most buyers were after short-term cattle at TEMUKA last Thursday. Close to 50 R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 410-480kg, improved to earn $2.75-$2.86/kg, whilst a consignment of Hereford, 329- 375kg, made $2.65-$2.74/kg. Plenty of Chatham Islands Red Devon bulls sold very well at $2.83/kg to $2.96/kg. Traditional heifers, 350-365kg, firmed to average $2.65/kg while dairy-beef types, 360-415kg, also improved to $2.50-$2.59/kg. Buyers had plenty to choose from in the R1 pens, but they were not as popular as older cattle. The steer pens were mostly beef-cross that made $450- $680. Heifers outnumbered bulls and steers 2:1 but were generally lighter than their male counterparts. Murray Grey heifers, 208-264kg, made $505-$650, while Hereford-Friesian over 200kg sold for $540-$590. Read more in your LivestockEye.

OTAGO

DROUGHT IMPACT: Paul Sorensen, Kereru, purchased 271 Romney ewe lambs for $152 from Atua Farm, Elsthorpe. With top Hildreth genetics, he targeted these for replacement hoggets as his usual supplier had to offload earlier due to the drought.

to-medium types mainly made $101-$116 all counted and lesser types were $80-$90 all counted. In-lamb ewes were tough selling, with the better lines $160-$170 for all percentages. Good male lambs made $140-$150, mediums $130-$135 and $110-$120 cover the majority of the lighter cuts. Ewe lambs peaked at $140-$150, moving to $120-$130 on the mediums and $110-$120 for much of the rest. Rongotea cattle • R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 865kg, made $2.64/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 700kg, earned $2.81/kg • R2 Murray Grey-cross heifers, 408kg, sold at $2.28/kg • R1 Friesian bulls, 310kg, traded at $1.97/kg • Angus boner cows, 365-505kg, sold at $1.96/kg to $2.14/kg Buyers were greeted by some welcome rain at RONGOTEA last Wednesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. R1 HerefordFriesian steers, 207-280kg, made $2.48/kg to $3.15/kg. Angus bulls, 297kg, managed $2.93/kg and HerefordFriesian heifers, 163-230kg, $2.22/kg to $3.49/kg. Weaner bulls and heifers sold at $340-$450. Friesian cows with calves-at-foot were bought for $960 all-counted with Angus at $1300, while in-calf Friesian made $1300 and crossbred $1280.

CANTERBURY Coalgate cattle and sheep • Prime Hereford steers, 583kg, made $3.20/kg • Prime Angus steers, 596kg, fetched $3.18/kg Prime Charolais and Charolais-cross heifers, 505-685kg, made $2.87-$2.92/kg • Ewe lambs provided half of the store section and earned $122$144 • Other store lambs generally earned $110-$132

Most prime steers at COALGATE last Thursday were high-yielding types over 550kg that made $3.00/kg to $3.16/ kg with many 450-550kg lines closer to $2.90-$3.00/kg. Angus and Angus-cross heifers, 450-780kg, contributed half of the section and earned $2.75-$2.86/kg. The only pen of R2 steers was Hereford-Friesian, 375kg, $2.59/kg while same breed heifers and mixed-sex, 343-390kg, ranged from $1.87/kg to $2.31/kg. R1 numbers were mixed in quality with Hereford-Friesian bulls and heifers, 131-248kg, priced at $350-$460. The sheep section was top heavy with prime ewes and those in good or medium condition traded for $100-$130 and heavier lines $135-$190. Heavy lambs earned $160-$191 and lighter types mostly $121-$159. Ewes with lambs-at-foot were entered and included a pen of 51 ewes and 47 lambs. These sold for $101 all counted, with smaller pens mostly $108-$117. Read more in your LivestockEye.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime cattle and all sheep • High-yielding steers over 500kg were mostly priced at $2.81$2.91/kg • Charolais-cross heifers, 620kg, pushed to $3.00/kg • Friesian heifers, 443-449kg, made $2.15-$2.24/kg • Consignments of heavy store lambs from the Chatham and Pitt Islands made $135-$180 Boner throughput climbed at TEMUKA last Monday but there were also large entries of good beef cattle. Angus heifers, 545-599kg, traded at $2.87/kg to $3.05/kg while Hereford and Angus-Hereford, 480-528kg, were close behind at $2.97-$3.01/kg. Mid-range Hereford-Friesian, 435-505kg, averaged $2.74/kg, but red lines were $2.49/ kg. Angus and Angus-Hereford also featured in the cow pens and buyers paid $2.16-$2.19/kg for pens above 600kg.

Balclutha sheep • Heavy prime rams made $70 • Top store lambs fetched $110-$125, with medium $90-$100 and small $60 A small yarding of prime lambs was penned at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday, which sold on a steady market with heavy types at $150-$170, medium $130-$140 and light $120. Prime ewes were limited, and heavy firmed to $150-$170, with medium $120-$130 and light $80-$90. Five-shear Romdale, unscanned in-lamb ewes featured and earned $180, while a line of Romney ewe hoggets returned $148.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep • R2 Angus steers and heifers, 4017-416kg, traded at $2.78-$2.81/ kg • Better boner cow made $2.00/kg, with lighter types at $1.54/kg to $1.70/kg • Top store lambs firmed at $95-$110, with light to medium $65$90 • Heavy prime ewes strengthened to $138-$158, with medium $102-$121 and light $70-$97 • Local trade rams fetched $92-$96 There was a small yarding of prime cattle at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday. Good steers, 650-710kg, fetched $2.60-$2.66/ kg. A moderate store cattle offering included R1 Murray Grey-cross and Hereford-cross steers, 211-238kg, at $2.80-$2.82/kg, whilst Friesian bulls, 290-300kg, fetched $2.59-$2.67/kg. Good R1 Murray Grey heifers, 238kg, sold at $2.82/kg, while Hereford-cross, 164kg, were $2.44/kg. Heavy prime lambs eased slightly to $151-$178, with light to medium $106-$140. Good-quality two-tooths returned $132. Ewes with lambs-at-foot were earned $95 all-counted and lighter mixed-age Romney ewes, scanned-in-lamb traded at $150. Charlton sheep • Heavy prime ewes eased to $140-$150, medium $115-$130 and light $80-$100 • Heavy local trade rams earned $70 There was a medium sized yarding at CHARLTON last Thursday where prime lambs earned $150-$175, medium $130-$145 and light $120-$128. The top end of a very small yarding of store lambs fetched $115, with light to medium at $80-$90.

Where livestock market insights begin LivestockEye • • • •

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Markets

40 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – August 24, 2020 SI STEER

NI LAMB

NI COW

($/KG)

7.25

5.10

4.15

R2 TRADITIONAL STEERS, 465KG AVERAGE, AT STORTFORD LODGE ($/KG LW)

3.28

279-420kg, at Temuka

Home cooks targeted Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

EAT companies are changing portion sizes and targeting midweek meals as they switch products from food service to chilled retail markets. Farmers Weekly last week reported the demise of food service markets around the world due to the global covid-19 pandemic forcing meat companies to divert product away from traditional frozen and food service markets. AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad says any increase in chilled meat volumes is welcome. “Any lift in the volume of chilled product is a win-win for both exporters and producers, but in the current economic climate it may be a hard ask to gain further traction beyond what is already being achieved,” she said. Sales of chilled product make up about 12% of New Zealand’s annual 780,000 tonne lamb and beef exports. Croad says the proportion of chilled lamb exports between October and December last year was about 20% of total lamb exports and the five-year average over those three months is 26%. The long term average is lower for beef with the proportion of chilled beef at 6% of total beef exports over a 12 month period. “There is still a significant reliance on frozen which may hamper the ability to push up volumes of chilled exports,” she said. Croad says making a switch to chilled requires relationships with customers and access to chiller space. Meat companies say they are responding to growing demand from consumers forced by government lockdowns to cook at home. Alliance Group sales manager Shane Kingston says to compensate for the lower consumption from the food service sector, it has been working with

CONSUMER NEEDS: Meat companies say they are responding to growing demand from consumers forced by government lockdowns to cook at home.

its partners to place more product into retail and online. “We have been also re-balancing our portfolio of supply into other markets and changing product specifications so that we have the right products for the various markets,” he said. “We continue to develop consumerfacing programmes with our global retail customers and have been increasing our chilled volumes because this is what consumers are seeking during the pandemic.” Consumers want healthy and nutritious quality NZ red meat. “As with any key trading period, retailers do provide additional chilled space to support a strong programme,” he said. “Freight availability via sea is continuing in line with normal levels.” Last year, Silver Fern Farms (SFF) took a major step into retail by supplying red meat retail packs to 14 Fairway Market stores in the US Tri-

high $2.83-$2.96 $130-$180 South Island lights R2 Red Devon bulls, Most prime lambs

state area, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. This complemented existing supply arrangements to local butchers and restaurants. SFF is also working on retail opportunities in the China market. It recently made its range of retail red meat products available to NZ consumers through a partnership with e-commerce retailer Gourmet Direct. Group marketing manager Nicola Johnston says the partnership with Gourmet Direct was a natural fit given the growth of online shopping following the covid-19 lockdown. Orders are filled overnight and Johnston says it also provides the company with market and product information. Its retail packs will continue to be available through existing retail outlets and come trimmed and in serving portions.

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Trickle of ewes with LAF turns to a flood at Stortford Lodge A TRICKLE of ewes with lambs-at-foot turned into a flood at Stortford Lodge, as they made their annual pilgrimage down from their hill paddocks of northern Hawke’s Bay. Sitting alongside Feilding, these two yards cumulatively offer up the biggest supply of this class nationwide and at Stortford Lodge 2700 ewes and 3600 lambs graced the pens from August to November in 2019. This was on the low side compared to other years, though, as more paddock sales were completed. In 2017, tallies totalled just over 6000 ewes and 8500 lambs at this yard. There are a few extra buyers looking into this market this year which has given it a boost, not that it needs one given it is a niche and quite lucrative anyway. The regular purchasers have been joined on the rails by out-of-towners from further south, who have a bit of feed up their sleeves and are keen on the smaller outlay that this class offers. Also elbowing in are local farmers who had to make the tough decision to cull breeding ewes because of the drought and are now looking to get lambs on the ground to keep the farming systems ticking over. With each different buyer comes a different set of preferences and that can make this market a hard one to judge. Docked lines are looked upon more favourably than lines that are yet to meet the docking crew, but the majority of those offered still have that task ahead of them. Older lambs take precedence over lambs that are under two weeks old and, more often than not, lines with a lower ewe-lamb ratio are targeted over a line that is teeming with lambs. Ewe condition also has a significant impact and this year rearing lambs has not been an easy task for the girls given what the season has thrown at them. To date, this year’s market for similar conditioned ewes is trailing 2019 levels only by $5-$10, with most still managing to sell for $105-$110 all counted. There is opportunity to buy lines priced either side of that level, though $80 seems to be the floor and only a select few have exceeded $120. suz.bremner@global.co.nz

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Farmers Weekly August 24 2020

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