Farmers Weekly NZ May 25 2020 by AgriHQ

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Vol 19 No 20, May 25, 2020

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With the demise of New Zealand’s $41 billion tourism industry because of covid-19 the primary sector will carry an even greater economic burden. Not only will it fund the lion’s share of health, education and social welfare but also service the $200 billion the Government plans to borrow. This week we start the series, Growing Our Recovery, which looks at what obstacles and opportunities the sector faces as it leads NZ out of economic recession.

Farmers feel the love Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

ENEWED trust in the primary sector is being shown by the Government and its officials as they see changing economic fortunes around the globe, sector leaders say. “We are picking up an awareness amongst Government that the stakes have all of a sudden got very high, not that they weren’t high before, but the stakes now are doubly high and they’re very much aware of that,” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said. The Government is making more effort to consult and work with the food producers and while that is welcome politicians still have the final say on policy. Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says trust was strengthened between companies and the Ministry for Primary Industries as they worked together to tweak processing protocols to enable increased capacity at meat works during the lockdown. Beef + Lamb chief executive Sam McIvor describes the level of trust as the best he has seen in years, cemented by working together through the covid-19 response. “There is probably as strong a sense of partnership as I have seen for the last two to three years. They want to walk alongside us and find solutions.”

While that co-operation will help with issues such as trade McIvor can see it leading to the resolution of other issues. He says there is a realisation by the Government and officials that farmers need to be a part of any policy to address issues such as freshwater quality or climate change. “Policymakers are starting to realise that more,” McIvor says. Horticulture NZ chief executive Mike Chapman says daily meetings with MPI during the lockdown ensured quick and timely decisions but also strengthened their relationship. “Covid-19 has enabled them to see the importance of horticulture to NZ. “They’re seeing us differently because things have changed. “Tourism is not what it used to be and international students are not here so they have got to back those horses that are winners and that is in partnership with food producers,” Chapman said. Given the primary sector’s extra economic burden policies for freshwater and climate change need to be looked at in a different light, Mackle says. “It does mean that post covid-19 we have got to have another look for more practical ways to achieve this.” Conversely, that does not mean the primary sector can ignore those issues but the proposed policies need a rethink to make them workable and not hamstring the sector. Mackle says the primary sector

UNITY: Primary industries leaders say the sector has never been more united and now it and the Government are productively working together.

is increasingly talking to the Government with one voice on issues. “To be frank, the food production sector is working a lot closer, certainly more so in the last three years, than at stage of my time here.” Some differences remain, especially on issues such as water,

but the degree of co-operation will help design and promote practical solutions to environmental issues. And farmers sense renewed respect from the urban public, something that is appreciated. “Farmers feel a sense of pride and feeling that they are valued,” Mackle said. Chapman says any Government initiative needs to be industry-led. “Pre-covid, horticulture was making significant gains in all four categories – financial, social, environmental and health sustainability. “What we now need to do is

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accelerate these outcomes for the benefit of NZ. Growing our way out of covid will not be easy. “It requires the Government to partner with industry, loosen regulatory requirements and urgently support key projects such as significant water storage infrastructure. The Government also needs to support trade access and ensure that the offshore labour that industry needs remains available.”

MORE: MINISTRY OF FOOD ROB HEWETT

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NEWS

8 Councils relish new green jobs The heads of two regional councils have welcomed the Budget’s promise of increased green jobs spending coming as more people have lost jobs and a winter of potential unemployment looms.

REGULARS Newsmaker �� 18

18 Helping to make a difference

New Thinking �� 19

Farmers helping farmers, that’s what the Rapa Feed Run is all about, Daniel Hansen says.

Editorial �� 20 Pulpit �� 21 Opinion �� 22 Real Estate �� 24-26 Employment �� 27 Classifieds �� 27-28 Livestock �� 28-35 Weather �� 37 Markets �� 36-40

9 Covid impact misses red meat

12 Covid not all bad for food

The economic impact of covid-19 will ease prices but New Zealand’s red meat industry is well placed to weather the storm, Rabobank analyst Blake Holgate says. 265W X 100H MM

Despite the chaos and uncertainty during the covid-19 lockdown most food and beverage firms are optimistic about the next year.

firms

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

World of unknown affects forecast Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz FONTERRA has published a shiny set of third-quarter numbers to cushion the impact on farmershareholders of a $1/kg reduction in the mid-point of its milk price forecast for next season. Ten days before the start of the new season it released a wide-ranging $5.40 to $6.90 opening forecast – representing the difference between despair and satisfaction for New Zealand farmers. At the same time it shrank the range for this season, now $7.10 to $7.30, and showed the big blocks are in place for a solid outcome to a tumultuous year. Normalised earnings before interest and tax for the nine months were $815 million, up $300m from the previous corresponding period. Reported Ebit was $1.1 billion, three times that of the 2019 comparison, before impairments and other normalisations. The guidance for earnings a share was left at 15c to 25c with an expectation of delivering in the top half of the range, chief executive Miles Hurrell said. No decision has been made on the payment of a dividend and the wide range reflects the challenges of nailing the full-year earnings in a world of unknowns. “There are significant uncertainties in the last quarter – how quickly the food-service sector recovers, timing of shipments and how the economic downturn will impact us,” he said. “As an exporter of 95% of our production, many of our markets are prone to sudden shocks. “However, the global nature of covid-19 is like nothing we have experienced before.”

Chairman John Monaghan was pleased to be able to signal the $7.20 mid-point this season while opening the new season at a $6.15 mid-point. The new advance payment rate policy announced in April will deliver a starting level of $4.01 in June-August, being 65% of $6.15. The schedule is effectively frontloaded to deliver $30,000 more for the benefit of the average farm before Christmas, he said.

Many of our markets are prone to sudden shocks. Miles Hurrell Fonterra That benefit is derived from the improved cashflow in the co-operative – $698m over nine months, up $1.4b on the previous comparable result. Debt had fallen to $5.7b on April 30, down from $7.4b. With his two-year term as chairman coming to an end at the annual meeting in November Monaghan said the fourth quarter will be very challenging. European and United States dairy companies will produce more of Fonterra’s product range and their governments are already starting to support farmers and prices. Digging into the divisional results and the different markets, Hurrell said ingredients delivered normalised Ebit of $668m, up 9%, food service $208m, up 54%, and consumer $187m, up 46%. The effects of covid-19 on ingredients were minimised by advance contracting and consumer sales spiked as people stockpiled

and bought food to cook at home. Australia’s ingredient business, while only a tenth the size of NZ’s, continued to struggle for any profitability, reporting a gross margin of 1%. Food service operations were the most affected as restaurants, bakeries and cafes closed under lockdowns, especially during the second quarter. While Chinese food service has recovered it is not back to 100% and shutdowns are now affecting Oceania, southeast Asia and Latin America. “We expect this impact to show up in our fourth-quarter results.” Hurrell said the width of the milk price forecast range for 2021 reflects the increased uncertainty the cooperative faces. “We are saying that the final milk price in 15 months’ time could have a five in front of it but global economies may pick up faster than predicted, hence the six.” DairyNZ said its farmers’ breakeven price for 2021 is $5.80 to $5.90, excluding principal repayments or buying assets. Chief executive Dr Tim Mackle encouraged farmers to get their own budgeted expenses down below the break-even price. “For most a break-even under $5.75 is achievable with reduced spending on the big-ticket items of feed, wages and repairs and maintenance along with restrictions on capital expenditure and personal drawings.” ASB senior rural economist Nathan Penny said the lack of a dividend announcement shows Fonterra is still in repair mode. “While last year’s result set an incredibly low bar the result, nonetheless, does indicate that Fonterra is on track to record a profit this financial year.”

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YOU CAN DO IT: A break-even figure of less than $5.75/kg MS is achievable for most farmers, DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Food ministry would seize covid moment A nation that manages to unite and fight covid-19 is well placed to draw breath, reform and address its next big campaign – supporting, nurturing and promoting Kiwi food. Food writer, editor and chef Lauraine Jacobs believes New Zealand is at a time that cannot be wasted, where our efforts on dealing with covid-19 put us in the global spotlight and having a Ministry of Food could ensure our high-quality produce gets to share that spotlight. She spoke to Richard Rennie. FOODIE Lauraine Jacobs says the concept of a Ministry of Food is not new and first mooted in 2006 by food writer Kate Fraser. “It is a debate that has been ongoing but never come to fruition. Now it is time that it did.” As the primary sector has grappled with perceived ruralurban divides, environmental criticism, labour challenges and debt stress its collective purpose to produce high-quality, nutritious food for the local population and earn valuable export dollars has been lost on central government. But Jacobs says that has changed and now more than before the sector has the Government’s attention. There is a tacit recognition food will set the course out of economic challenges for the foreseeable future. But to achieve that by simply focusing on farmers and growers alone will not be enough. A Food Ministry could provide a common roof for the entire food chain. It would also be the agent to

GRAM IT: Lauraine Jacobs says social media and covid-19 have set the stage for New Zealand food producers finding their place in the world.

focus New Zealanders, young and old, rural and urban, rich and poor on something that everyone engages with. “We produce some of the best food and wine in the world

and this is at a time when more people than ever are paying close attention to what they eat and are cooking for themselves and their family, proudly posting it on social media.” The covid crisis has set the stage for NZ food to be in the spotlight and put some actors in place to start a campaign that could benefit from ministry horsepower behind it. “We have seen Massimo Bottura, regarded as one of the best chefs in the world with a three star Michelin restaurant in Modena, promoting superb NZ produce on his Instagram post, where he’s been cooking at home on his #KitchenQuarantine video site. “We need this sort of promotion, a hash tag for our food products to go even wider and someone heading it up, ideally a good minister.” The worldwide social media audience for messages and images from NZ is already estimated by Facebook to be about a billion people.

And just as former Prime Minister John Key assumed the role of tourism minister to give that nascent sector a boost, she believes Jacinda Ardern with her rising global appeal is the ideal head for a Food Ministry. She agrees NZ’s national pride is well charged now as the country deals with covid and, ideally, could be channelled to pivot to all things NZ food. “And it is encouraging when you already see the PM behind the support-local campaign that has been running.” Jacobs was horrified, however, to see guidelines around children’s nutrition discouraging dairy and red meat in diets. “That really is tantamount to treason.” Jacobs points to other countries that have recognised the disconnect in their food supply chains and are working on national strategies to preserve local production and improve links. “The United Kingdom has launched its National Food

Strategy initiative. It is the first review in 75 years and it aims to address the entire food system, including environment, health, jobs and the role everyone plays in it.” As the rest of the world stares at its apartment walls, listlessly counting off days of governmentimposed imprisonment, Jacobs believes NZ’s enduring appeal of its clean-green environment has leapt to another level with a cleangreen, covid-free lifestyle. Travel here is difficult for the foreseeable future. But a sliver of the NZ oasis can be sampled by enjoying our quality food and drink, almost as an act of escapism amid covid lockdowns. “The likes of me as a food writer have spent the last 35 years banging on about how you can cook good food at home. But it took a global pandemic to make people do it and suddenly they are engaged and interested in cooking quality food. “This is our big moment and we can’t waste it.”

Lime – The key to pasture re-generation after drought

Calcium is critical for the formation of a good open soil crumb structure. This open structure results in a soil that is well aerated, water easily soaks in, (instead running off), and the soil retains rainwater like a sponge. A good soil structure means that seeds germinate well, and their developing roots easily grow through friable soil. Soils that are low in Calcium are inclined to be tightly packed, skin over, and develop a thatch layer all of which restrict water penetration after the prolonged dry periods that we have been through. Within plants, Calcium’s roles include the stimulation and growth of roots and root hairs, the production of the lubricant that plant roots produce to allow them to push and slide though the soil as they penetrate deeper. Calcium improves plant disease

resistance by building stronger cell wall structures and, as in humans, pathogens enter by excreting enzymes that break down cell walls and once there is a hole in the cell wall, the pathogen enters and starts to do damage. Calcium also plays a vital role in the transport of Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorous as well as other minerals and trace elements both into and throughout the plant. A plant that is deficient in Calcium will tend to have a poor root structure that is shallow, brown and overly branched, however it is important to understand that Lime’s biggest role is as a soil conditioner and that a healthy, high fertility soil will contain far more Calcium than plants require as a nutrient. As Calcium is a part of all living cell wall structures, large quantities are utilised by the soil’s vast microbial workforce. An earthworm’s digestive system relies on a Calciferous gland that is totally dependent on Calcium for its proper functioning.

Most farmers report an increase in worm activity after applying Lime. Other than a couple of months prior to calving, there is no wrong time to Lime and any Lime is better than no Lime, however it’s important to know that independent scientific research has proven that when you buy Lime, “The higher the Purity and the finer the grind, the less you need and the better the results”. PFP Fertilisers Lime Prills are manufactured from high purity Lime that we grind to an ultra-fine powder. Our typical low application rates of 250kg/ha mean that, the all-important, on ground costs are dramatically reduced when compared to an equivalent application of 2½ tonnes/ha of conventional AgLime. PFP’s Lime Prills can be applied by any conventional fertiliser spreading methods. For an obligation free sample and information pack, or, to have a chat about your individual situation or requirements with me, phone 06 858 5235. © Andrew de Lautour 2020

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Raising soil pH goes a long way to achieving optimum pasture production and maximising the financial return on your farm’s fertiliser investment. Lime has often been labelled the “King of fertilisers”. Lime applications are about far more than just raising pH.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

KEEP ON TRUCKING: A load of hay is ready to go to Hawke’s Bay farmers from Manawatu bull stud Atahua Angus.

Farmers aim to feed the need Laughter the best medicine A LIVE online comedy event on Tuesday will provide some humour for farmers. At 7.30pm the Online Drought Shout will broadcast on a special edition of the Sarah’s Country show on the Farmers Weekly website and the Ballance Facebook page. Hosted by Te Radar, the event is a move away from the usual Rural Support Trust drought shouts by going virtual to avoid breaking restrictions on social events. The line-up of comedians includes Paul Ego, Justine Smith and Gary McCormick. And resilient farmer Doug Avery will share his experiences. Ballance East Coast regional sales manager Hadyn Eade says running a comedy event is not something the farmerowned co-op has tried before but it wants to give farmers a break from their day-to-day challenges. “We can’t give them rain but we can help them have a laugh – laughter is such good medicine.”

Colin Williscroft colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz AN AGRIHQ initiative started earlier this year is playing a key role providing options for farmers wanting to buy supplementary stock feed while donated balage and hay continue to be trucked into Hawke’s Bay. In February AgriHQ saw a growing demand for supplementary feed from farmers relying on various avenues to supply their needs. To connect buyers with sellers it set up the AgriHQ Feed Noticeboard to let sellers listing what they have got, its cost, their location and contact details. Commercial leader Steph Holloway says the online noticeboard proved popular popular from the start with it not uncommon for feed to be listed one day then gone the next. Sellers from Northland to South Canterbury are offering everything from hay and feed grain to processed vegetable waste. The sellers are contacted weekly to make sure listings are up to date. It’s a resource being recommended by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Rural Support Trust staff working in regions like Hawke’s Bay. Donated feed continues to be trucked into Hawke’s Bay with farmers from other regions following the example of the Rapa Feed Run, which has resulted in more than 1000 bales of feed

donated by Wairarapa farmers being trucked north. In the past week Manawatu farmers have joined in. One Manawatu truck and trailer left for Hawke’s Bay carrying 39 bales of silage from 10 farmers with another 28 bales likely to follow, including 10 of lucerne and about 20 bales of hay. On top of that Kiwitea bull stud Atahua Angus donated 40 large round bales of hay. The stud’s Michelle Dalziell says the load is destined for farmers in the Puketapu area just west of Napier. One of the stud’s bull clients from Taihape mentioned his father, who farms in the area, was in need of stock feed so they decided to help because it’s the right thing to do. The hay will be shared among

the client’s father and his neighbours. Some rain but nowhere near enough has fallen in Hawke’s Bay in the past week and the feed shortage is still critical. It’s a similar situation further north. Waikato has had welcome rain in the past month but most of it missed Hauraki, Coromandel and South Auckland where pasture covers are very low. Federated Farmers HaurakiCoromandel president Kevin Robinson says the situation is serious. “The drought is compounded by challenges with pests like crickets and slugs and we have just not been getting the rainfall we need.” Farmers have fed a lot of supplementary feed over summer and many have eaten into or even

used their entire winter reserves. Fortunately, pasture growth has generally been good for the rest of the region, enabling good recovery before winter for most but there will be challenges and risks in spring, Waikato Rural Support Trust chairman Neil Bateup says. “The feed situation remains tight for everyone. It is imperative everyone has a plan and continues to review their plan. Seek advice from your neighbour, farm adviser, accountant and bank. “We will eventually come through the other side of the drought with the support of each other, our neighbours and our communities. “Our farmers and growers are going to be crucial to New Zealand’s recovery from the covid-19 outbreak. Please reach out for advice and support where you need.”

Drought relief fund at $1 million WITHIN a week of being established the Hawke’s Bay Mayoral Drought Relief Fund has reached $1 million with two councils yet to set their contributions. The fund was set up by the mayors of Central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings, Napier and Wairoa and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to help drought-hit farmers. The regional and Hastings

councils have each pledged $200,000 with Central Hawke’s Bay and electricity lines company Centralines giving $50,000 each. The Government has put in $500,000. The Napier and Wairoa councils are yet decide. Regional council chairman Rex Graham says farming is a mainstay of the Hawke’s Bay economy and it is time for the wider community to help

farmers get through a very difficult time. “I see this as an investment in our economy. We are going to need these farmers more than ever as the economic downturn really bites into 2021.” The aim is to create a $2 million relief fund using the central and local government funding and other options. The money will be held by the Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Trust.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Wool export contracts shaky Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com FOREIGN wool buyers are threatening to walk away from contracts with New Zealand exporters as they fight to survive the global coronavirus lockdown. That was just one factor behind a savage 25% slump in crossbred wool prices at the first auction since the local lockdown ended at Napier last Thursday. Exporter Masurel Fils managing director Peter Whiteman said many foreign buyers were being forced into desperate measures because of shut factories as well as a collapse in demand for the textiles they produced. “We still sell a lot of wool to Europe and the UK for spinning to make carpets. Those customers are asking us for delays. “That is natural. Of course we have to do that because they are shut. “They have bought it six or eight months ago ... it is coming due for shipment and they are saying ‘just hold it, we cannot take it at the moment’.” Even though mills were increasingly able to get back to work in China, NZ’s largest market, many were being forced to continue to sit idle because of a collapse in demand for their products in the West. “They are saying ‘We have had our rug orders cancelled by Germany’. “They just do not want the wool and that is where we are having real issues.” Whiteman said exporters were having to take a “firm line” with some customers but he acknowledged there was a limit to how far they could push for payments from many of them. “I mean, if you are going broke how can you pay for your wool? “And some of them will be going broke, that is for sure.” Peter Crone of Christchurch-based exporter John Marshall & Co used the enforced hiatus in the wool-selling season created by the lockdown to chase customers for payments or confirm letters of credit for contracts already agreed. Some customers had threatened to walk away from contracts unless offered deferred payments or hefty discounts, or both. “There is all kinds of things happening at the moment that are pretty serious and are having serious repercussions right now to the industry with respect to prices.” The situation has sapped exporter demand for wool on the local market.

NO DEMAND: Exporter Masurel Fils managing director Peter Whiteman said many foreign buyers were being forced into desperate measures because of shut factories.

We will be doing very little buying in the next month until we get a clearer picture. Palle Petersen Bloch & Behrens Bloch & Behrens general manager Palle Petersen said the exporter sat out last Thursday’s North Island sale and was not in a rush to start buying again despite rock bottom prices. “We will be doing very little buying in the next month until we get a clearer picture.” Petersen was not confident of a speedy recovery in demand from overseas customers. “The reality is that a lot of NZ’s crossbred wool ends up in commercial carpets and upholstery, which ends up in airlines, hotels, cruise ships, basically all those areas where we know they are in a bit of trouble. “It is going to take a long time to get back to anywhere near normal.”

Bloodbath at wool sale A VETERAN wool broker says last week’s North Island sale was the most brutal in his nearly four decades in the industry. Prices dropped by 25% on average, with even steeper declines for lambs wool and second-shear ewe fleece. That was despite the number of bales put up for sale being capped at just 7000 in an effort to stave off a complete meltdown at the first auction in two months. Brokers could have put up far more, with 40,000 bales estimated to have arrived at already bulging wool stores during the lockdown period. The best ewe fleece fell to 210c per kg clean, down from 260c at the last auction on March 19. Lambs wool and second-shear ewe fleece was even cheaper. More than a third of bales were passed in after failing to reach reserve prices. PGG Wrightson’s Dave Burridge said prices were now as low as at any time since the late 1980s when the Wool Board intervened in the market to support prices

received by farmers. The size of last week’s price fall was also unprecedented. “Certainly as far as crossbred wool, which is predominantly what we grow here in NZ, we have never seen this before.” Burridge said brokers and exporters planned to meet after each sale till the end of the season to review the number of bales put up for auction. However storage space was becoming a problem. “At the moment there is still some capacity left in stores but if brokers were to hold off on further sales there is going to be an issue around how do we carry the surplus. “There is no easy fix to this and we are hopeful that some of the European markets will open up in weeks not months.” Despite last week’s bloodbath Burridge said another 7000 bales will be offered at this week’s South Island sale as planned.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Councils relish new green jobs Richard Rennie & Gerald Piddock THE heads of two regional councils have welcomed the Budget’s promise of increased green jobs spending coming as more people have lost jobs and a winter of potential unemployment looms. Waikato Regional Council chief executive Vaughan Payne said the region’s environmental challenges align strongly with the Budget’s green jobs initiative, and the council had applied for a large number of projects. “Our emphasis has been on green infrastructure. It’s a great opportunity to support some of those big issues that we have been trying to address for some time – water quality, biodiversity and, increasingly, climate. The shovel-ready projects the council has put together would result in 1000km of extra waterway fencing, four million trees and hundreds of jobs. “It’s good to see the alignment between those ideas and what we are seeing in the Budget.” He expects jobs to range from those involving physical labour to project management and coordination and administration. “It’s a whole range of skills you would expect to see in a large infrastructure project.” The green jobs package could help reduce the costs of central government’s freshwater and

GET IN QUICK: Regional councils need to quickly pick up displaced workers for green jobs, Bay of Plenty Regional Council chairman Doug Leeder says.

biodiversity policies and climate change for landowners but not the council. “As a council we have continued to maintain our budget lines through this crisis so that we’re continuing with our own planting

programme and our own fencing of waterways. “But what this package could do is accelerate the amount of work that we can do with the community. It’s complementary to our existing work programme and

reduces costs to the community.” Bay of Plenty Regional Council chairman Doug Leeder had high hopes there would be some focus on boosting Coast Care and wetland projects and was not disappointed. “There is a significant amount of money there, about $1 billion that is committed to green project jobs. Because they are to be delivered on a regional basis, regional councils will now have to deliver on these. The $1.1b allocation aims to create 11,000 environmentfocused jobs in the regions. It includes $433m for regional environmental projects and $315m for biosecurity, specifically weed and pest control. “We now want to make sure that those people who have been displaced can be picked up pretty quickly and placed in these jobs,” he said. It is now up to councils to work with the Ministry for the Environment to determine what projects are priorities. Leeder hopes some established projects involving farmer groups and retirees will get some extra money and manpower to speed them up. “I think we should be able to hit our straps with these projects in the next two months. We don’t want to lose people who may have lost their job and don’t get back into it.”

His region is particularly susceptible to the ebb and flow of seasonal work and with the kiwifruit harvest nearing its end in June he hopes there will be a good supply of capable people looking to sign on.

It’s a great opportunity to support some of those big issues that we have been trying to address for some time. Vaughan Payne Waikato Regional Council

The tourism mecca of Rotorua has been hit hard by the covid crisis with 400 people recently laid off from the Te Puia geothermal centre and more hospitality workers expected to follow. Leeder is confident the council can work closely with iwi groups including Te Arawa to expand projects already started. They include the Te Arawa Catfish Killas. That project aims to stop the spread of catfish in Rotorua’s lakes and ultimately eliminate them.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Covid-19 impact misses red meat Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE economic impact of covid-19 will ease prices but New Zealand’s red meat industry is well placed to weather the storm, Rabobank analyst Blake Holgate says. While there will be challenges the crisis presents a chance for the sector to reposition agriculture in the eyes of the public, government and future talent, Holgate told farmers in a Beef + Lamb Farming for Profit webinar. As global economies founder in the wake of covid-19 there are factors that will cushion the blow for red meat producers. They include a softening NZ dollar, the ability of the red meat industry to shift supply quickly as opportunities arise, the continued impact of African swine fever on protein stocks in China and globally tight supplies of lamb. “We will see prices ease rather than see a significant decline but this is still a fast-moving situation.” But red meat producers and processors hit the covid-19 crisis in good shape. Commodity prices were performing well and processors had reduced debt, driven by the strong emergence in recent years of China as a new market. With China now NZ’s predominant export market the relationship, despite concern of too much reliance on one market, might prove to be particularly beneficial in the next year. While the global economy grew solidly at 3-4% in recent years economists had signalled a slowdown even before covid-19. Holgate said the economic damage is not the disease, it is the containment efforts and they have both immediate and long-term implications. February saw a 54% decline in red meat shipments to China compared to the previous year and

in March that was reduced to a 25% cut with shipments expected to show an increase again for April. Product was diverted to Europe, the United States and secondary Asian markets in February and value was retained but as other parts of the world have shut it is the high-value cuts destined for the food-service sector that have taken the biggest hit. Panic buying and the reduction in eat-out options have not entirely offset the loss of spend in the food-service sector becausse with supply chain and packaging issues it is not easy to switch products between retail and food service.

We will see prices ease rather than see a significant decline but this is still a fast-moving situation. Blake Holgate Rabobank “It’s the cuts rather than the product that has been impacted. “We are struggling to keep up with demand for the lower-value cuts while demand for primal cuts has nosedived.” Unfortunately, demand and price strengthening of the lowervalue cuts are unlikely to offset the drop in value of the primal cuts, Holgate said. B+LNZ said, in a farmer update, despite the covid-19 market disruption the sector’s exports have continued, surpassing $1b in March, a record for monthly exports. The robust March performance is underpinned by strong trade networks and customer relationships, enabling products to be shifted to other markets

when supply chains have been interrupted. The strong results have helped offset the increased costs farmers and companies have faced because of covid restrictions. The sector is underpinned by strong fundamentals and is therefore well placed to get through the volatility, B+LNZ said. Initially, the impacts cut the value of exports to China by 45% to $175 million compared to February 2019. Despite the disruptions, export data shows successful market diversification with increases in exports to other markets, including North America, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Middle East and Britain. As China flattened the covid-19 curve and began to tentatively reopen the economy there has been some recovery in demand with export volumes of lamb to China lifting 105% in March and beef exports to China lifting 54% in April. As covid-19 spread globally NZ red meat exporters experienced similar challenges in other key markets, including the US. Over the next couple of months it is expected the Chinese market will continue to cautiously recover while demand and supply chain issues might affect exports to other large trading partners such as Europe and Britain. Already that is playing out with European Union sheep meat imports from NZ down by 28% in April compared to last year. Some countries have introduced protectionist measures such as export prohibitions and restrictions creating extra complications and uncertainty in the trading environment. That protectionism creates volatility and adversely affects supply, prices and food availability. To date it has not impacted red meat but it is something we are watching very closely, B+LNZ said.

SOFT IMPACT: Rabobank analyst Blake Holgate says as global economies flounder in the wake of covid-19 there are factors that will cushion the blow for red meat producers.

GDT market looking post-covid direction Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

GLOBAL Dairy Trade produced a mixed bag of minor movements in dairy prices last week that analysts think reflects the market looking for direction to the post-covid dynamics. The GDT price index rose 1%, only the second small increase over eight fortnightly auctions in four months. Contributing to the index were a 0.5% fall in whole milk powder prices, a 1.9% fall in butter, 2.7% rise in anhydrous milk fat and 6% fall in cheddar. Rabobank dairy analyst Tom Bailey wasn’t surprised skim milk powder prices rose 6.7% to sit only US$130 a tonne or 5% lower than WMP prices at the same event. The United States and European governments have begun to support their

struggling local markets through programmes such as inventory financing and food aid. Westpac strategy head Imre Speizer said the combination of rising dairy production in Europe and the US with faltering demand because of covid-19 uncertainties will act as a lid on dairy prices. “That said, our forecast for the Fonterra milk price for the 2021 season of $6.30 assumes further weakness in global dairy markets.” ASB senior rural analyst Nathan Penny said he is comfortable with a cautiously optimistic $6.50 forecast, at the higher end of the Fonterra range. NZX dairy analyst Amy Castleton said her forecast increased by 16c to $6.20 after the latest GDT and the dairy derivatives market reaction.

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News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Good interest in online bulls Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz NEW-LOOK bull sales have started well this winter with higherquality offerings, pleasing results and both vendors and intending buyers willing to adapt, PGG Wrightson national genetics manager Callum Stewart says. Early in the sale season about half of vendors elected to hold their sales online because of the covid-19 restrictions on buyers’ travel. Agents report breeders with later dates have adopted a waitand-see approach to holding their on-farm sales. “Along with all the other challenges that farming faces the changes in selling channels and sale formats have been well accepted and the outcomes generally pleasing.” Stewart said vendors have responded with quality offerings rather than quantity and put together good marketing campaigns. Viewing opportunities are being provided ahead of sales and videos are not intended to completely replace eye appraisal for those who require it. Stock agencts have put in considerable time and effort

to prepare their clients, take videos, canvas buyers and help all participants with information and the technology. Stewart said it is too early in the selling season to gauge the strength of the market but clearances, averages and top prices do appear to be holding up. Carrfields stud stock agent Callum Dunnett said most beef farmers are upbeat about the bull sales and remain keen to see, select and buy. The added technology is now here to stay and enhances the whole process, in his opinion. “We might not see the top money of previous years, for a number of reasons, though the early results have been encouraging.” Angus vendor Tim Brittain, whose Storth Oaks bull sale of about 80 lots is on May 28 at Otorohanga, said the video uploads drew inquiries from the length of the country. “We have been contacted by people who won’t be able to travel and we have provided as much information as possible.” Brittain uses an independent structural assessor, Bill Austin, and publishes fertility tests. Vendors John and Tracey Cochrane from Delmont Angus in

Clinton, Otago, also elected to go with a hybrid auction format with auctioneer control from the farm and live-streaming of the penned bulls. On May 19 they sold 24 of 24 offered online and three afterwards and averaged $8075 with a top price of $13,600. A top price of $25,000 was made by an Angus bull in the first week of online auctions. The PGG Wrightson Bidr Angus sale on May 13 had 15 bulls offered and 13 sold with an average of $9807. The top price was paid by Tahu Ruanui Angus at Taihape for a bull from Te Mania, North Canterbury. Penvose Angus at Wedderburn, Central Otago, sold 31 of 34 bulls offered on Bidr on May 16 with an average of $7132 and a top price of $13,000, sold to Hawkdun Station. Kaimoa South Devons at Eketahuna sold 22 of 23 bulls on May 18, averaging $6950 with a top price of $11,000 made twice. Vendor Mark Eagle said the on-farm sale attracted about 50 farmers, 17 of whom bought bulls and delivered his best average price historically. “Recording and distancing requirements were observed, we had a really fine day and people

PROMISING: Bull sellers are focusing on quality rather than quantity for online sales, PGG Wrightson national genetics manager Callum Stewart says.

were just glad to be out, looking at bulls and catching up with each other,” he said. The Hammond family at Ruaview, Ohakune, sold 12 Angus bulls at an average of $7715 with two top prices of $10,300 then followed that with seven Simmental bulls sold, average $5514, top price $10,100. Glenwood Angus at Mosgiel on May 14 sold 11 of 12 bulls for an average of $5850 and a top price of $9000.

The Loch Lomond South Devon bull sale at Mosgiel on the same day sold five to average $5100 with a top price of $8000 paid by Richard Nicol. The Taiaroa Charolais stud in Paerau Valley, Central Otago, sold 15 of 19 bulls on May 18, averaging $5678 and achieving a top price of $8500. Okahu Hereford at Ruapehu offered 22 on May 14 and sold 16 with an average of $5644 and a top price of $12,000.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Fieldays teams up with TradeMe

NEW PARTNER: The virtual Fieldays event has partnered with TradeMe to help boost the online trading options for its exhibitors.

Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz FIELDAYS has formed a partnership with TradeMe for its virtual event in July to give online exhibitors the chance to sell their products and services through the online trading platform. TradeMe is a trusted online e-commerce platform and the partnership brings together two iconic New Zealand brands, Fieldays’ marketing and communications manager Taryn Storey said. “For some of those exhibitors who don’t have a pre-existing e-commerce capability on their digital platforms TradeMe might be an option for you to still be able to retail products and services.” It also give exhibitors an extra audience to the one at Fieldays, she said.

The fact that there are no borders and it’s accessible 24/7 right across the globe, we’re reasonably confident that we’ll exceed the numbers we see at the physical event. Taryn Storey Fieldays Storey describes the online event as “a fully immersive, fully interactive experience that people can interact with any time of the day or night”. It will run from July 13-26 and has scheduled seminars and demonstrations and live video content. It takes all the elements of the physical event and displays them online. Access to the virtual event is free but visitors must register. People can access content and speak to visitors, which is key because the event coincides with calving for North Island farmers. The platform has several different ways for people to access specific sites. They include through the platform’s home page, using a representative map and using the search function, which uses tags and filters to narrow the list of hits. Storey said a planned online schedule of content will let visitors interact in an attempt to replicate the physical event as much as possible. The events include webinars and livestreaming such as the innovations awards or Kitchen Theatre, which can be viewed on a new Fieldays television channel. Digital site producers are available to help exhibitors get the most out of their virtual sites. Storey said they were conscious of the importance the event has for site holders and the wider farming industry. “The prospect of not holding the event in June for the first time in 51 years is a pretty difficult concept.” Storey is confident visitor numbers for the online site will be greater than or equal to those who physically attend the event. “The fact that there are no borders and it’s accessible 24/7 right across the globe, we’re reasonably confident that we’ll exceed the numbers we see at the physical event.”

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News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Survey shows farmers valued CRITICISM of farming isn’t about farmers, it’s about practices, a survey after the Open Farms days in March has found. The survey, which was emailed to people who provided contact details when they visited one of the farms, suggests farmers are valued and seen as part of the solution to achieve sustainability. More than 3500 people visited one of 45 farms as part of Open Farms field days and of the 322 who replied to the survey 60% said buying New Zealand-grown food or buying direct from a farmer is the most effective way they can support sustainable farming. Farmers were also cited as the group that can make the biggest difference to the quality of NZ’s waterways. However, respondents were concerned some farming practices, including synthetic fertiliser use, corporate farm ownership and land use in some areas are not sustainable and need to change. Positive comments from the survey included being proud the NZ farming model is sustainable by international standards and appreciating the hard work farmers do to provide food for society though others were worried about a dependence on synthetic fertiliser and meat consumption, especially beef, needs to be much less.

THEY KNOW: People have a good understanding of farming, a survey has found.

Our Land and Water theme leader James Turner said the results suggest people who took part have a good understanding with 28% rating science in farming as the best aspect of the open days. The level of technical interest can provide educational and marketing opportunities across consumer-friendly concepts like regenerative farming, carbon sequestration and brand NZ. Respondents agreed with the findings of a 2019 survey of rural decision-makers that NZ’s

environmental priority should be keeping stock out of waterways, with 43% identifying that as the most effective way to protect lakes and rivers, followed by reducing fertiliser use (34%), tree planting (31%) and land use diversification (29%). The rural decision-makers survey found 81% of farmers are already actively keeping stock out of waterways and 77% are actively managing fertiliser use. Turner says the areas of agreement will provide a good place to start a conversation between rural and urban

communities, which can be built on from there. The Our Land and Water survey was designed to deliver information to a wider research theme called Capacity for Transition. “The Challenge is focused on understanding what it will take to transition NZ to a more sustainable future,” Turner says. “It’s about having well informed public debates, understanding our collective responsibility and removing barriers to change. The Open Farms project and resulting survey contribute to this.”

The Challenge is focused on understanding what it will take to transition NZ to a more sustainable future. James Turner Our Land and Water

Covid not all bad for food firms Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

a drop in turnover with 60% expecting it to stay lower than their pre-covid predictions. “However, 18% feel their DESPITE the chaos and turnover will exceed levels they uncertainty during the covid-19 had projected pre-covid over the lockdown most food and beverage next six months, suggesting they firms are optimistic about the next had been able to take advantage year. of the opportunities offered by the Food innovation hub FoodHQ new environment.” surveyed nearly 300 firms in early The main message from the May on their confidence levels. survey has been firms pivoting to “What was the really positive a direct-to-consumer approach message from it was that over and a targeted digital strategy two-thirds were very or somewhat have come out in good shape. positive about their business over “For many of those firms what the coming 12 months,” chief covid-19 has done is to speed executive Dr Abby Thompson up the process to get there. It’s said. something they would have otherwise just put off.” There are many examples of firms that successfully moved into a more digital space, she said. ■ Ideal for trimming cows tails, Christchurch firm Trickett’s shearing sheep, alpacas and goats Grove, a walnut grower ■ Variable speed from 2400-3500 co-operative, had a 500% rpm increase in online sales. ■ Latest brushless motor technology General manager Shane means minimal heat build up McKenzie said it felt like ■ 1400gms means 100-200gms there was a movement to lighter than standard handpiece support smaller producers ■ At 2700 rpm the 12-volt lithium will trim up to 400-500 cow tails selling online. or crutch 300-400 sheep “People have the time JUNE Special Deal – receive an ■ Auto reset fuse for overload or extra lithium battery and interest to look for local lock up businesses when they may not have previously.” Winter is a great time to have your Handypiece Thompson said the serviced & repaired challenge from now is to ensure consumers’ behaviour View in action go to www.handypiece.co.nz remains close to what it was Email: dave@handypiece.co.nz in the lockdown. They are representative of the food and beverage sector with two-thirds having fewer than 20 employees and about a quarter more than 50 employees. Their rapid response to shifts in consumer buying behaviour was particularly encouraging, she said. “We had 23% of the businesses change the types of products they made and 50% changing how and where they sell their products.” Despite the lockdown shockwave 72% kept all their staff with almost two-thirds claiming the wage subsidy. Most businesses reported

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The quality of courier delivery services, particularly to rural users, will influence that. “There is an issue over the time of delivery for some chilled and perishable products and the restriction that puts on being able to make rural customers, in particular. It is possible that we do see a niche courier delivery service evolve to serve this part of the market.” She expects there will be slippage back to conventional retail buying as life resumes a new normal. “A quarter of businesses we surveyed changed their products over lockdown so they may have to do that after lockdown too.” The advantage of more direct sales and digital ordering is that feedback will come quickly on consumer behaviour, making response from firms more informed and timely. Thompson cautions food producers might not want to make too much of this country’s near covid-free status in marketing. “At the moment that has strength but in another six months you have other places like Tasmania getting close to where we are at also. It is a nice add-on claim.” Food producers must first and foremost ensure they produce products consumers love and the brand NZ/covid-free label is only a useful aside.

NOT SO BAD: FoodHQ chief executive Dr Abby Thompson said some firms are doing better than expected in the covid crisis.

Given the fragmentation of food markets to reflect a wide range of consumer tastes Thompson believes the time has never been better for small to medium Kiwi food companies armed with the agility of digital platforms to find their tribe around the world. But given their relative small size few firms have access to the marketing, information technology and research support sometimes needed and that is where a New Zealand Inc approach is of value. She agrees it could start from an overarching ministry for food but is cautious about adding another layer of bureaucracy. “That said, there does need to be more of a cohesive approach.”

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News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Covid fails to stop moving day Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz

HOMEWARD BOUND: The Ford family of Ashburton were all mustered in to help walk their in-calf heifers the four-hour journey home for calving.

Sending animals off to grazing?

We’ve seen a change where they are prepared to take on a little more price risk.

The movement must be recorded in NAIT

Richard McIntyre Federated Farmers

• Farmer must create the sending movement • Grazier must confirm the movement (or create a receiving movement).* Need help? Call 0800 482 463 or contact your information provider.

* Failure to record and confirm farm to farm livestock movements in the NAIT system may result in a $400 fine per animal or prosecution. The requirement to record livestock movements within 5 business days in the NAIT system is temporary and will return to 48 hours after the National State of Emergency is lifted.

NAIT is an OSPRI programme

MOVING day is under way again for many dairy farm workers following several weeks of covid-19 lockdown disruption. Level four reduced the time farmers had to move because it put on hold much of the shifting and preparation done in the lead-up to the move. Federated Farmers sharemilkers spokesman Richard McIntyre said the resulting uncertainty caused some issues. Moving companies were also booked ahead months in advance and the lockdown did lead to stress, he said. McIntyre’s sharemilking neighbours had bought a farm and were in the process of moving when the lockdown occurred. It forced them to wait out those weeks. “It means that a lot of stuff that would have happened over the last month and the month before the move, people have been a bit stalled in their moving ability.” The uncertainty around the requirements of who can help these farmers move was also an issue, he said. “Often you plan for all of your friends and family to help you and it was unknown how that was going to go.” While data around the numbers of farmers moving to new jobs will not be available till later in the year there seem to be plenty of people moving around, he said.

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“It’s a good enough milk price and cow prices are cheap enough. It’s not a bad time to upgrade sharemilking positions.” Anecdotally, he had heard that while there are still plenty of contract milking jobs available there has been a quiet shift back to variable order jobs as sharemilkers were buoyed by recent good milk prices when they signed contracts late last year. “We’ve seen a change where they are prepared to take on a little more price risk.” He hopes those farmers signed contracts where they will be paid a reasonable income if the forecast is lower than expected. “So often these contracts get signed on last year’s milk price or a heavily optimistic milk price and then it drops back and there’s a lot of pain and suffering and it’s completely avoidable.” DairyNZ believes 5000 dairy farm households could be moving this season. Covid-19 meant those farmers faced extra challenges around planning, hygiene procedures and contingency steps to protect health and safety, DairyNZ people team leader Jane Muir said. New industry guidelines have also been created to help farmers move. They encourage farmers to share their moving day plans with everyone involved to ensure the move goes as smoothly as possible. “Based on the Government information to date gatherings will be limited to 10 people on moving day so the numbers of friends and family who can assist will be limited and physical distancing should still be managed appropriately,” Muir said. Records must be kept of everyone helping to support contact tracing if someone gets sick. Everyone involved should carry a letter from the farmer authorising their involvement. Surfaces frequently touched should be regularly cleaned with disinfectant during the move and the house and dairy shed need to be thoroughly cleaned. The guidelines also include advice on preparing and transporting stock. For both covid-19 and biosecurity reasons it is recommended cows are not milked during their journey so drying off cows before transport is encouraged.

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News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Pressure on groundwater bites Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz WELL-DRILLERS in the upper North Island are pushing their rigs hard as increasing numbers of rural households and farmers queue up to get more water from stressed aquifers. Meantime, scientists in key catchments are closely monitoring low ground water and stream levels heading into a second consecutive dry winter. Auckland has experienced its driest four months on record with regions to the north and south also scorched by the extended drought. Kelly Brown of Brown Brothers Drilling in Hamilton said his order book is full of clients with shallow bores wanting them deepened or new ones drilled. “The deeper aquifers are pretty much okay. They are based on water that is sometimes hundreds of years old. “But the shallower ones under 10m deep, some are drying up. It is partially because people are not managing them very well and assume they are an infinite supply

NOT SO WET: Water levels in both shallow and deeper bores are slipping lower in an area under increasing pressure as orchard expansion continues, Bay of Plenty Regional Council science manager Rob Donald says.

when these bores are heavily dependent on surface rainwater to recharge them.” Clients include a mix of rural

households, dairy farms and bach owners with particularly strong demand from the Coromandel Peninsula. The Bay of Plenty and ThamesCoromandel District have recorded the lowest four-month rain figure since records began in 1898. Brown said the last notable drought was in 2008 but this one is even worse. “Each year we seem to find the water levels drop a bit.” He attributed the lower levels to winters becoming drier, with less winter rain to recharge aquifers. “You will always have a dry summer but the winters seem drier and warmer now.” Waikato Regional Council senior scientist Bevan Jenkins said records for waterways and ground water often do not extend much beyond 30 years but data indicates levels are now near lows for that period. “Waikato has had seven of its driest summer periods in 100 years since 2008. The three-month period we monitored prior to the covid lockdown indicated we are in a period that is one of the driest

for rainfall going back 100 years.” In 2019’s record dry period rainfall was down by a quarter on the region’s average. The Coromandel Peninsula, in particular, is extremely dry with stream flows at record low levels. Jenkins will be watching closely to see how winter rain plays out this year given the vital role it has in recharging the region’s aquifers. Further north Sam Korewha of Kiwi Welldrillers in Auckland said greater pressure on aquifers for irrigation around the Auckland region has pressured aquifers and he has noticed a decline in water levels over the past five years. Aquifers can recharge rapidly if the soil is porous enough but requires good, steady periods of rain, something lacking throughout most of the upper North Island this year. “People are getting desperate for water. The periods between good rainfall going from summer to autumn have only got longer.” Auckland’s dam system has recorded its historically lowest levels ever, with some only at 29% of capacity. Bay of Plenty Regional Council

You will always have a dry summer but the winters seem drier and warmer now. Kelly Brown Brown Brothers Drilling science manager Rob Donald said both shallow and deeper bores are slipping lower in an area under increasing pressure as orchard expansion continues. Most of the waterways the council monitors in western and central Bay of Plenty are at historic low flows. “We are seeing more stress in the western Bay of Plentry than the east and it is a combination of lower recharge in aquifers and increased water use as a result of the drier weather.” Donald suspects he might be witnessing a new normal for Bay of Plenty as climate change bites. “It is already mid May and we have not seen any rain yet for this month.”

Drought drives new hydrological study Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE drought has kick-started community water schemes in Northland that have been investigated and talked about for years, even decades, hydrologist Jon Williamson says. His firm, Williamson Water and Land Advisory, has been providing services to Northland clients and local bodies long before and during the drought. The figures for water resources show this has been the fourth most severe drought in the past 50 years, he said. “My proviso is that this drought is not over yet.” For example, in the early 1990s

five dry winters and drier-thannormal summers combined to produce a worse situation for farmers and groundwater levels. It is not all bad because adverse events tend to bring about change, Williamson said. To get action you need a driver, which is the drought, political will and social licence. Quick-fix schemes for Kaitaia and Kaikohe have been built and attention has turned to Whangarei’s supply sustainability where the main Whau Valley dam is now at 44% of capacity. The Kaitaia solution was proposed by Williamson as far back as 2008. Lack of rain across Northland means surface water features such

GOING: The drought has renewed impetus for water storage in Northland.

My proviso is that this drought is not over yet. Jon Williamson Williamson Water and Land Advisory as farm dams and streams have suffered the most. Deeper aquifers are relatively unaffected and holding up rather well. Levels in those aquifers are subject to longer-term climate effects and the type of surface land use, such as pine forests that

can draw water from depth. The huge Aupouri aquifer in the Far North, where bores supply irrigation for avocado orchards, contains up to 100m of saturated sand and a large, deep water volume. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, who is a list MP for NZ First in Northland, recently nominated the Mid-North A storage and irrigation scheme near Kaikohe as being ready for construction. It will be several small, new lakes connected with pipes. It is one of three such schemes proposed for the region and given new impetus by the Provincial Growth Fund. Williamson said these schemes

were designed to have more components in future as needs arose, funding was available and confidence grew. They also combine community and commercial users in a broad range of participants. The PGF guidelines say irrigation must be designed for sustainable, higher-value uses and will not have negative impacts on water quality. Scheme designs must have security risk assessments given the variability of rain, he said. He does not subscribe to a lack of hydrological knowledge theory that hinders development. “I believe we have the details to provide a complete picture of the resources.”

AginED Ag ED

FOR E FUTURIA G R R S! U E N E R P

Volume Eight I May 25 2020 I email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz I www.farmersweekly.co.nz

National Lamb Week!

If you don’t already know, National Lamb Day commemorates the first shipment of frozen sheep meat in 1882 from Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand on the ship Dunedin, heading for London. Originally it was celebrated on the 15th of February (the day that the ship left Port Chalmers), but was then amended to the 24th of May to mark the day that the shipment arrived in London. The first voyage was instigated and organised by William Soltau Davidson, who had significant land holdings in New Zealand and a large interest in refrigerated experiments.

In New Zealand we observe National lamb day on the 24th May so we thought we might go one better and have a National Lamb Week!

Along with Thomas Brydone who helped to improve the existing refrigeration technology to a point that the shipment could be undertaken. When the Dunedin left Port Chalmers they had approximately 5,000 carcasses on board, with only one carcass needing to be discarded upon arrival, giving them superiority over Australian shipments at the time. This technology was the start of allowing family farms in New Zealand to become an internationally viable commodity, and essentially establishing the New Zealand meat export industry.

FILL YA BOOTS:

Painting of the Dunedin by Frederick Tudgay

1 How would you have kept the meat frozen on board the ship? Remember it is 1882! 2 Create a plan/picture of your 1882 “freezer” 3 Share them on our Facebook page or email to agined@globalhq.co.nz

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 How long did it take the Dunedin to arrive in London from Otago? 2 Why is the meat export industry so important to farmers and New Zealand? 3 Send your response to agined@globalhq.co.nz We may choose your letter to feature in Ewe said!

Have a go:

1 There were also other refrigerated products on board the Dunedin, can you find out what these were?

DIGGING DEEPER...

AgriHQ Average North Island lamb slaughter price

$/kg

2 The Dunedin sailed its final journey in 1890, why was this its last voyage?

winter lamb shanks

Here is a delicious winter favourite for you to try (if it is possible that you haven’t had this super dish before) - 8 Lamb Shanks - 12 pickling size onions - 2, 6cm long branches rosemary (dried rosemary is fine) - 1 cup beef stock - 2 cups red wine - Salt

- Freshly ground black pepper - ¼ cup redcurrant jelly - 2 teaspoons wholegrain mustard - 24g button mushrooms (optional) - Chopped parsley for garnish if wanted

Place the shanks in an ovenproof dish and brown at 200C for 20 minutes. Peel onions and wash rosemary. Drain any fat from roasting dish. Add onions, rosemary, stock, red wine, salt, pepper, redcurrant jelly and mustard to dish, stirring to combine. Return to oven and cook at 160C for 2 hours. Wipe mushrooms and add to pan 20 minutes before the end of cooking. Serve garnished with chopped parsley. There are so many ways to enjoy our delicious homegrown New Zealand lamb, show us pictures of your delectable lamb dishes. Send them to agined@globalhq.co.nz

1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz 2 What is this week’s North Island Lamb price? 3 Is this better or worse than last week? 4 How does it compare to last year?

STRETCH YOURSELF: Look at the ‘AgriHQ Average NI Lamb Slaughter Price’ graph. - Can you give a reason for the drop in the average lamb price in April? Hint: Could workers at the processors continue doing their job as normal during the lockdown? - The supply of lambs in the North Island is predicted to be low through winter. Discuss with your teachers or parents, what could you expect this to do to the lamb price provided things like demand remain normal? Share your AginEd photos on our Farmers Weekly facebook page Remembera to use the hashtag #AginEd Letters to: agined@globalhq.co.nz

1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz 2 Find and watch the OnFarmStory of Harry De Lautour, “Show the world how we’re doing things” and read the accompanying article “It’s all about the bloodline” 3 What size is Te Whangai Station and where is it located?

STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 Harry and Kate De Lautour are carrying on their families’ focus of natural parasite resistance of sheep; how do they do this? 2 They run around 7800 mixed-age ewes. How many stock units per hectare did they run in 2018? 3 What message is being well received in the United States, that is benefiting the De Lautours and others that are using similar farming methods. Why do you think there is an interest in this?

Newsmaker

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Helping to make a difference Daniel Hansen and his wife Sophie are the Wairarapa couple driving the Rapa Feed Run that has found and sent stock feed from their region for Hawke’s Bay farmers in desperate need because of the drought in the area. Daniel spoke to Colin Williscroft.

ARMERS helping farmers, that’s what the Rapa Feed Run is all about, Daniel Hansen says. A few weeks ago when he and wife Sophie realised just how tough it was for Hawke’s Bay farmers with no feed and struggling to get stock off their farms with saleyards closed and delays at meat works they wondered what they could do to help.

From the time it travelled north out of Masterton there were people on the side of the road holding signs, waving and showing their support.

Their solution was simple. If farmers in their neighbourhood could supply even just one bale of feed it had the potential to add up to a meaningful quantity for those struggling to feed stock further north. The Hansens thought they might be able to co-ordinate a couple of truckloads. Within 48 hours 300 bales were

pledged. That soon went past 500 and by the time a convoy of eight trucks left Wairarapa, followed by another the next day, more than 630 bales of hay, straw and balage from about 100 farms were being trucked north. The number of bales of all shapes and sizes including round and square balage, round and square hay and mini bales of balage has since gone past 1000, contributed from about 110 farms and lifestyle blocks. Hansen drove the first truck in the convoy, something he says was pretty humbling, not only because of the efforts of Wairarapa farmers and trucking companies but because he’s from Hawke’s Bay himself, having spent 30 of his 34 years there. He’s originally from the Maraekakaho area, about 20km inland from Hastings, having grown up, gone to school and farmed there and where he still knows plenty of people and they know him. The small town was one of the places where the convoy stopped to deliver some of its bounty. “It was pretty cool dropping it off in the area, knowing that it would make a difference to a farming family there. “That was special. “There was a heap of people there when we drove up to the

TEAMWORK: Sophie and Daniel Hansen, with seven-month-old Ella, have co-ordinated Wairarapa farmers sending stock feed to their Hawke’s Bay counterparts. Photo: Piers Fuller/Stuff

monument in town and for me to be driving one of the trucks, it was pretty neat.” Part of that was hearing “is he even driving one of the trucks?” from someone in the crowd. The convoy was full of emotion before then. Hansen says from the time it travelled north out of Masterton there were people on the side of the road holding signs, waving and showing their support. It started at Mikimiki, about 10 minutes up the road, and continued into Hawke’s Bay and along State Highway 50. “The trucks we were driving, they’ve never had their horns tooted so much before. “I lost count. It was all the way through. “The whole trip, we had a

tear in our eye, it was absolutely awesome.” Despite living in Wairarapa for only the past couple of years he’s impressed with the sense of community and desire to help others that exists. Not only have farmers, agents and farm consultants got behind the initiative, trucking companies and their drivers have been crucial, drivers donating their time and companies their trucks, charging only a limited amount to cover road costs. They include Reisima Haulage, Martinborough Transport, Harrisons Transport and Williams Trucking while Flat Point Station also provided a couple of trucks, including the one Hansen drove. “It’s been fantastic. The people are hugely generous.”

He’s pleased to see the momentum that has gathered behind what started as a small number of farmers wanting to help. “There’s been a real bow wave of support. At the start we hoped it might spur people in other regions on and that’s what’s happened.” Rural communities in Taranaki, Manawatu and potentially Tararua are coming to the party with similar feed donations while help from rural support trusts in Hawke’s Bay and Wairarap has also been invaluable. In the meantime, the Hansens are still fielding calls from farmers wanting to donate feed. As long as it keeps coming in and there’s a demand for it they will keep coordinating efforts to send it where it’s needed.

JUNE 2020 Incl $8.95 GST

KEEP AN EYE OUT

A lifelong love of red cows Farmers pay les s for biosecurity

The latest Dairy Farmer will hit letterboxes on June 2

Environmental stewards

Our OnFarmStory this month features Waikato farmers Tim and Rach Phillips who have spent years creating an award-winning farm business centred on environmental protection.

2460DF-12x7

We also catch up with a Mid Canterbury farmer who has been smitten with Milking Shorthorns since he was a youngster as well as the new Dairy Women’s Network regional leader and more.

Waikato farmers wa great shape for nt to leave the land in future generation s

Get the full story at farmersweekly.co.nz

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Trial shows humates boost grass The reputation of coal rivals that of tobacco. But a recently published, peer-reviewed study shows humates, which originate from the lowest quality coal, have major benefits in boosting pasture growth. Neal Wallace reports.

UMATES used with urea fertiliser can boost pasture production by 10% to 15% over urea alone, while also increasing the longevity of the urea, a five-year trial in Southland has found. The results have been published in the international science magazine Nature, validating anecdotal evidence humates can help significantly lift pasture production. Southern Humates owner Malcolm Sinclair says humates form as organic compounds and come from the seams of some lignite deposits. They consist of complex organic chemicals created by the longterm breakdown of plant material. It has historically been claimed humates can boost soil fertility by altering bacterial populations, increasing the ability of plants to take up nutrients through their roots. Sinclair says having the result published in Nature is an endorsement and validation of the trial, done on a farm near Mataura, and the product’s qualities. “This trial has represented a significant investment in time and funds for us. “The fact it extended over five years has meant it has cost more than the usual one-year trial but it has delivered results that can give farmers and industry assurance there are real, sustained benefits from humate use in pasture systems,” he says. The trial was done by soil scientist Peter Espie over a period longer than usual to provide scientific rigour. Five different combinations of urea-humates were applied by weight, ranging from zero humate to humates equivalent to 20% of the weight of urea applied. The total urea applied ranged

SURPRISING USE: Southern Humates owner Malcolm Sinclair at his Southland humates mine.

There is a view that if you get your biology right it holds on to nutrients better. Malcolm Sinclair Southern Humates from 160kg to 260kg a hectare a treatment. The drymatter of the pasture grown in each sampled plot was measured for its growth at regular intervals throughout the trial. Sinclair said it was important to invest in a validated, longterm trial to provide information farmers can trust and prove the anecdotal evidence supporting humates’ value is based on proven yield data. The trial predictably found use of straight urea increased production but with the addition

of humates the production increase was boosted further by the addition of 10% and 20% humates by weight. The 10% addition of humates generated 9% extra drymatter above that generated by urea alone. The 20% humate generated a 10% increase. The study found the effect of adding humates is consistent and persistent. Pasture performance was particularly strong in early spring when nitrogen levels can be limited and the 10% addition delivered a 31% lift in pasture production over standard urea application and a 41% boost when humate levels were increased to 20%. Adding humates to urea also increased the urea’s longevity with a late summer application continuing to generate positive pasture responses for seven more months. The report authors suggested

ARE YOU A TRAILBLAZER?

coating urea with a bioactive, humic layer could open up opportunities for making nitrogen use more sustainable as the planet grapples with nutrient runoff and groundwater contamination. Research is under way at Dory in Canterbury to quantify if humates can slow or stop the leaching of nutrients. Initial research has found humates might reduce the amount of nitrogen available for leaching by helping plant root systems and microbiomes better contain nutrients. “There is a view that if you get your biology right it holds on to nutrients better,” Sinclair says. The quality of humates differs according to the age and quality of coal but he warns not all humic products are the same. The lower the quality of coal the higher the quality of humates and Southland has vast resources of lignite or young coal. “Variation in the composition

and activity of humic products has long been recognised for the inconsistency in plant responses that can be reported. “We have worked to deliver a consistent product over the years and the results reflect that level of quality.” Sinclair, an agricultural contractor, stumbled on to the humate business. To keep staff over the quieter winter months he worked mining coal for domestic Southland use. A casual meeting with sol scientist Dr Andrew Young introduced him to soil biology then the role of humates. Two years ago Sinclair sold his contracting business and established Southern Humates and now supplies the product all over NZ with sales increasing because of the growth of regenerative farming. Farmers mix and apply humates to pasture with existing fertiliser or lime.

Here at Zimmatic® we want to acknowledge the world-class leadership of New Zealand and Australia farmers with the Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.

BE IN TO WIN A FANTASTIC PRIZE PACK.

Simply tell us how someone you know is leading the way in sustainable water management, environmental stewardship, resource efficiency and waterway protection and they will have a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

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Opinion

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

EDITORIAL

Time to seize the moment

F THERE’S one thing that we can be certain of in the wake of the level four lockdown it’s the importance of food. Lining up with two dozen other hungry people at the supermarket each week just to get in gives people time to ponder food security and its fragility. It could be argued security has been taken for granted in recent years but covid-19 appears to have changed a few people’s opinions on New Zealand food producers. Agriculture is the engine room of NZ’s economy and the recent Budget highlighted the role it will play in bringing proseprity back to a country that will navigate the next while without international tourism. The export receipts from selling our high-quality food around the globe will line the new nest we find comfort in. But what of the future? How can NZ agriculture sieze this moment and evolve further, gain more value and be even more sustainable? Some are calling for impending environmental regulations to be delayed. Now’s not the time to burden farmers further they say. That’s the wrong call and leaders such as Mel Poulton (Farmers Weekly, May 18) and Rob Hewett in this edition lay out a compelling argument why we need to keep the foot on the accelerator to sustainability. We also need to reaffirm trade ties as much as possible. Other nations are worse hit by covid-19 than us and have longstanding food security issues. They’re looking for producers they can trust with verifiable environmental credentials. NZ has built its wealth on this promise but it’s a vow that needs renewing often. A commitment to farm well, the technology and tracing to prove it and a focus on the welfare of animals and people is key to success. Regardless of whether they voted for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern it’s apparent her mantra of kindness and empathy has resonated with New Zealanders from all walks of like. If we’re kind to our land and our people the sector should have similar success in navigating adversity.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

We get a lot for our levy money IN THE May 11 edition Beth Parker wrote against supporting the DairyNZ levy. The main basis was its information can be acquired free from other sources. There seemed little appreciation of what DairyNZ does or that the others’ free stuff will have built it into their product pricing. Other organisations like Federated Farmers are not free though they have many freeloaders. The directors of my farm enterprise have voted a resounding yes to the levy. Why? DairyNZ provides much more than high-quality, unbiased, regionally and nationally relevant information for all farmers. The farm systems spend supports field days, the CO

team and numerous regional projects including the Northland Focus Farm project, which developed a check-list leading to a $185,000 annual profit increase relevant to Northland farms. Research and development money is researching lownitrogen strategies and tools to help sustain profitability in the lower-nitrogen regulatory regime headed our way. Another project is identifying the traits behind the highfertility genotype its research has found can lead to more than 30% improvement of six-week in-calf rates for first and second lactation cows compared to those of lower fertility. There is other highvalue, high-quality, unbiased research regularly coming from DairyNZ. The biosecurity spend gives dairy farmers a voice in TB control. This portion,

about 24%, would quickly be replaced by charges through regional rates or meat levies. Environmental protection activities have seen no less than 29 high-quality, wellresearched submissions on national policy statements, bills and regional plans in the last year. Some of this work became the core financial analysis for the water-quality reforms proposed but never assessed by the Government. The more recent He Waka Eke Noa initiative, a farm industry proposal to manage greenhouse gas emissions, was formed with DairyNZ involvement. It has avoided agriculture being put in the Emissions Trading Scheme and will have significant financial and compliance benefits for dairy farmers and, more importantly, some control over the process.

Another recent submission addresses the Biodiversity Bill. If left as proposed landowners will have major land-use impairment of their properties over areas identified as being or next to biologically sensitive areas of their farms. Maybe news to many, but DairyNZ’s Rosie the Cow education modules are integral components of the teaching resource in several Auckland schools. The list of industry and community schemes, training courses etc goes on. That DaiyNZ has been doing all this on an investment of 3.6c/kg milksolids since 2008 is incredible. Any claim that private suppliers will fill this gap is simply naive and to believe they will do it for free, even more so. Wayne Stachurski Thames

Letterof theWeek EDITOR Bryan Gibson 06 323 1519 bryan.gibson@globalhq.co.nz EDITORIAL Stephen Bell 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 03 308 4001 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 – May 25, 2020

Farmers miss forestry wealth Graham West

N AVERAGE Jack and Jill farmers work extremely hard to create wealth for themselves and

The

others. They face adversity of all types, getting up each morning determined that growing more grass and converting it into great products will one day make them and their children well off while dealing with mounting environmental and compliance costs that would stop a charging bull. But who in farming is asking is this the only way to wealth and wellbeing? Are we farmers really informed of the opportunities for land use change? Among the many controversial opinions raised about land use and the environment there has recently developed an anti-pine and anti-commercial forestry sentiment. Public opinion now suggests forestry investment is not in the best interests of New Zealand. This view seems to have come about from a lack of factual information and perhaps could be better informed. I want to address this view with some easy-to-find facts and figures that might let us answer the questions above with a little more openness and clarity. The excellent Deloitte’s summary of the top 200 NZ companies’ financial records provides data for an interesting comparison of how relevant large commercial enterprises are performing. The table is taken from the summary and gives the financial performance of all 12 pastoral companies and 11 forestry companies listed in the top 200. They are ranked by return on assets and while most of the pastoral companies are processors and most of the forestry companies are growers there is a stark contrast in the investment performance between them, with A2 Milk being the exception. This becomes more obvious when graphed and if we assume that from profitable companies we get reinvestment and from reinvestment we get more jobs, where should we be putting our capital? While some will say wood has experienced high prices in the last

The big earners

Pulpit

The public has not been well informed of the wealth created by forestry and farmers have not been well informed of the opportunity forestry offers them both in terms of more resilient cashflows and environmental mitigation. financial year so have milk and meat. There have been many opinions voiced that pastoral land is too good for forestry and we will all suffer economically if we change too much land into forestry. Most of the plantation forests have been planted on marginal land, a mixture of land use classes six, seven and eight, often problem areas because of erosion, weeds or nutrient deficiencies. The Beef + Lamb sheep and beef farm survey 2018-19 gives farm profit before tax for North Island hill country of $325-$450/ ha a year for generally similar land developed into pasture 50 years ago or more. B+LNZ reports average returns on farm capital for these properties of 1.6-3.5%. Deloitte’s indicates forestry returns for this class of land of $1000-$2000/ha a year and average returns on capital of 5% to 9%.

Ranking

Forestry Pastoral

5.0

10.0

Pastoral

A2 Milk

Forestry

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0.0

Company name

15.0

20.0

% return on assets

25.0

30.0

35.0

Profit ($m after tax)

Assets ($m)

Return on assets (%)

288

993

Synlait Milk

1148

8.5

Open Country Dairy

775

3.2

Dairy Goat Co-op

261

2.4

255

2.1

Alliance Group

1.4

Silver Fern Farms

758

0.8

Westland Dairy

588

0.1

1782

-0.6

-11

Profit ($/ha)

33.7

Tatua Co-op Dairy

Landcorp

Comparison of return on assets for top NZ pastoral and forestry companies

-5.0

Sector

Oceania Dairy

-10

428

-2.5

Fonterra

-605

17,074

-3.4

ANZCO Foods

-27

-3.5

Matariki Forestry

240

1476

17.8

-29

2025

Kaingaroa Timberlands

584

4731

13.3

3172

Taumata Plantations

214

2367

9.3

1252

Nelson Forests

1211

7.5

1063

Pan Pac Forests

1092

7.2

2115

Oregon Group

107

1610

6.7

963 812

Summit Forests

347

6.5

Sumitomo Forestry

532

4.4

Oji Fibre Solutions

1269

2.0

China Forestry

272

1.5

181

Juken

463

0.8

Dairy farms are expected to return net profits of about $1000$3500/ha a year. Established and well managed forests on moderately flat land like Kaingaroa in the central North Island are giving the same high return with little or no environmental impact. Despite the sentiment that flat pastoral land is too good for forestry, when you compare like with like, ie a mature operating forest with a mature dairy farm on similar land there is little difference in investment return. If we look at export earnings as an indication of national benefit, forestry again performs very well. Forests are often misunderstood by farmers. Active farmers like to be busy accomplishing things every day and forests do not need daily care and hence seem nonintensive and below optimum returns. And the 25-30-year delay till timber harvest is seen as a major hurdle and financially unworkable if there is a mortgage to pay. However, new forests will be allowed to use the averaging rules of the Emissions Trading Scheme that greatly change the cashflows. Selling carbon credits could supply farmers with enough interim cash to reduce debt, make farm improvements or develop a range of forest age classes that could give frequent timber harvests from part of their property. Growing trees to offset emissions on leased marginal land hasn’t been well understood but offers dairy farmers a way to address the voluntary emission scheme they have offered to develop for the Government. While carbon prices are stabilised with a Government-

IN THE KNOW? Are farmers well informed about the opportunities for land use change?

guaranteed price of $20/tonne the upper limit is suggested to be $50/ tonne. Forests are flexible in terms of time of harvest and wood yields can be taken when cash is needed. Scale is often raised as an impediment to good forestry returns but a recent survey of farm foresters proves high returns can be earned from small, well managed woodlots. Location has greatest impact. Moderate contour land close to mills or ports can be very profitable but land that is steep and remote has high forestry costs and is not suited to shortrotation timber harvests. However, forestry does have a different pattern of employment to farming but if farmers integrate forestry into their business planning themselves and use farm labour in tree crops there’s not much change. On balance, the public has not been well informed of the wealth created by forestry and farmers have not been well informed of the opportunity forestry offers them both in terms

of more resilient cashflows and environmental mitigation. The average Jack and Jill farmer deserves better factual information and less rhetoric than we have read over the last year. The culture of livestock farming is not threatened by the culture of forestry. Attend a farm forestry field day sometime, trees make you feel good. At future A & P Shows and field days we will hopefully see better information services and improved integration and understanding.

Who am I? Graham West is chairman of the Bay of Plenty Farm Forestry Association and a member of the Farm Forestry Association executive committee.

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

Opinion

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Select set plots farming’s future Alternative View

Alan Emerson

TO MAKE the most of the Budget we must be united as a sector. We must know what we want and how to get there. Sadly, we don’t. The Agriculture Strategic Coordination Group is tasked with guiding the primary sector post covid-19. It’s making some monumental decisions on your behalf in, I’d suggest, a secretive and undemocratic manner.

If Feds policies and statements are extreme and at odds with farmers’ beliefs then farmers leave and the organisation immediately fades into obscurity.

It’s come out of the Ministry for Primary Industries, so I asked what it is. Its answer said “Since the covid-19 response started MPI worked closely with industry leaders and sector groups to advise and support them and to help them safely operate as essential businesses.

“The co-ordination group represents an extension of that work and comes together as the primary sector looks to build on its success to support New Zealand’s economic recovery both at home and overseas.” It then gave examples of the membership, which includes all the levy groups and the Federation of Maori Authorities and, surprisingly, Mike Petersen. The group has an executive director and secretariat along with the director-general of MPI and the chief executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. MPI has 14 senior managers and support staff on its address list. The cost to the taxpayer is considerable. They group are discussing major issues that affect you and me. They have a vision and strategic direction that “provides a framework that underpins ongoing work for recovery and growth of the sector”. They’re making decisions on leadership, growth, water storage, market investment, reducing costs and access to capital to name a few. They’ve produced a draft eightpage glossy, Fit for a Better World. I’m unaware of any independent scientific or economic analysis or any grassroots farmer input. And before you shout about Beef + Lamb, DairyNZ et al they are levy organisations. They are there by virtue of the Commodity Levies Act. What they do well is extension. What they do badly is politics. When Climate Change Minister James Shaw was asked about the water reforms and Federated

Farmers’ opposition to them he replied there are a number of voices in the farming community actually saying the opposite. It’s called divide and conquer. We’re our own worst enemies. I want clean rivers but I’m unconvinced the current proposal will work. It’s not costed and it’s one size fits all. There are three voluntary industry organisations notably absent from the brains trust. They are Federated Farmers, the Dairy Companies Association and the Meat Industry Association. Feds represents farmers, the Dairy Companies Association the dairy processors and exporters and the Meat Industry Association likewise for meat. Developing any industry grand plan without their input is both stupid and arrogant. It’s also delusional because without grassroots and industry support no grand plan will work. My issue is that Federated Farmers consults its membership at length. The office holders and executive of Feds know exactly what farmers think. I’m sure the dairy companies and meat industry do as well. Excluding those groups tells me MPI wants to cast their pearls to the swine without any independent input. I have an additional issue with the members of the talkfest. Why didn’t any member of the farmer organisations insist Federated Farmers be part of the group? Without Federated Farmers there just isn’t any farmer input. Without the dairy companies or the meat industry there’s no specialist knowledge of processing and export.

REFORMERS: Former special agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen is among a group reportedly formed to set new rules for farming.

Were Beef + Lamb and DairyNZ so Machiavellian they thought they could promote their organisation at the expense of Feds and, I’d add, their levypayers? Recently, DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel espoused that Federated Farmers could have more extreme views than his organisation. If Feds policies and statements are extreme and at odds with farmers’ beliefs then farmers leave and the organisation immediately fades into obscurity. That the organisation is growing is witness to the fact it’s not. If levypayers disagree with their industry good organisation they must wait up to six years to have any effect. So, post covid-19 we have state bureaucracies deciding what’s best

for the primary sector without any grassroots consultation. We also have the levy groups undermining the sector, enabling the Government to divide and rule. I suggest that isn’t doing their levypayers any favours and seems to me more about patch protection than industry good. The tragedy is that covid-19 is the biggest threat facing our country and economy in my lifetime and when it comes to the crunch the primary sector comes across as divided and subservient.

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

Digital diary not all it’s cracked up to be From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

I’VE been keeping a farm diary since 1983, recording 37 years of toil and the blood, sweat and tears spilled onto the rich Hatuma soils. My father kept one from the day we came to this farm on May 1 1963, 20 years before I took over. They sit in my office on a shelf stacked in a couple of big piles in year order. In those early years when I was farming with little idea what I was doing I used to read back what I had done the previous year or two to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. The days were filled up with every farming duty performed.

When the three boys turned up in the 1990s I entered a lot of family doings as well so they have ended up as an amalgam of farming and family life, much, I imagine, like so many other farm diaries all around the country. When I’m long gone I doubt the family diaries will be anything they will fight over but it would be nice to think they might be tucked away somewhere for posterity and not burnt along with the rest of my own little treasures that I can see them biffing. But I’ll be dead so it won’t trouble me what they do. However, in recent years my assiduous daily diary entry has become a weekly or so catch-up. Previous years’ diaries are added to the pile and now rarely consulted. They feel unloved and without purpose. I find it difficult to remember what I did the previous day or so let alone a week earlier. Usually, our remarkably busy planner is a guide but given

every upcoming activity in it was cancelled two months ago and it remains a barren procession of days marching into the months ahead it is of little help. So, I pricked up my ears when I

I find it difficult to remember what I did the previous day or so let alone a week earlier.

read an app to help people record where they have been on any given day would be released on Wednesday. It is exactly what I need. No longer do I have to invent what part of the farm I was working on and making up jobs I did there just to fill my diary pages. I do this because I worry that future potential readers will come to the reasonable

conclusion that in my declining years I did bugger all, which is not the case. I’m still working as hard and nearly as long as ever. I just cannot remember what I’ve been doing. What will be even better is that my new digital diary will allow me to compare digital diaries with anyone I bump into out there and if one of us finds out we have contracted covid-19 and the diaries remind us we were in the same spot at the same time we can tell them the bad news. I was so enthused at the prospect of my new app I downloaded it as soon as it was available. And it was free. However, my enthusiasm has turned to disappointment. It seems that to get it to record my movements it needs to scan those funny little squiggly pictures that look like a crossword gone wrong, called QR codes. But I have a plan. I’ve ordered 150 of these QR things and

CUNNING: Steve Wyn-Harris plans to have 150 QR codes, one for every paddock.

propose to have one for every paddock, thus establishing exactly where I was and when on-farm the previous week or so. Brilliant.

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 – May 25, 2020

Farm issues need urban approval Rob Hewett MARCH saw a seismic economic landscape change with covid-19 here, there and everywhere. For some the change is likely permanent. Who’d want to have shares in an airline? Meanwhile, in agriculture the issues of environment, sustainability and emissions have not evaporated. Instead, they are likely to be more important than ever. Covid-19 disrupted food supply chains made people think carefully about where their food is coming from, probably for the first time in their lives. The discussion morphed from light-hearted smashed avocado/ millennial hazing to toilet paper fist fights (Australians ...) and supermarket rationing of previously untrendy commodities like yeast, flour and pasta. Food bank demand went ballistic. Many food charities have appeared, for example, Meat the Need sprang into life, putting meat on the table for those in need via farmers donating animals. It’s a truly inspirational way for growers to link with consumers and build a selfless reputation in a time of need. Farmers, it seems, might be cool again. Have we got our mojo back with our townie cousins? Perhaps a bit early to tell. But the window is open for the conversation to occur. Why did our mojo go-go? Farmers have lost touch with the urban communities. Why? No longer do most townies have farming relatives where cousins are packed up and sent to enjoy school holidays.

The vast majority of our population are mall rats and their only exposure to grass is when they mow the lawn – if they have one. Farming happens mysteriously, out there, beyond the urban sprawl. We’ve believed our own press that farmers are the backbone of the NZ economy. We became complacent because we’d been told our efforts are noble and our urban cousins need us more than we need them. Meantime, they’ve moved on. Do consumers know or care about how much Australian beef is sold in supermarkets? How many meals are now made from Mexican chickpeas? We’re still remembering how good the Korean War wool boom was (in 1951) and asking why it isn’t like that today for us farmers?

Farmers, it seems, might be cool again. Urbanites have observed rural sector capital appreciation. How many real farms can you buy for less than $3m these days? Then they relook at their lot, wondering how they’re ever going to buy a house. Looking over the fence again, they eye farmers enviously, not always understanding the true costs, the climate and market risks and our efforts for the rewards received. The green-eyed monster is alive and well. As a generalisation, people have never had a food supply so good as those alive today. Malthus’ doomsday scenario

of global population growth outpacing agriculture’s production ability has not yet come to pass. Changing technological, genetic and management practices continue to increase food production far in excess of what was envisaged even in our lifetimes. It is debatable whether this food supply is sustainable (water constraints, production system sustainability), if the food is sufficiently nutritious (heavily processed, calorie dense, nutritionally bereft, cheap foods) or even if the food is reaching those most in need. Until covid-19, most New Zealanders did not think about farming in the context of where their food comes from simply because their food needs were satisfied. When they do think of farming many perceive rich, entitled, whinging cockies with overintensified farms, polluted waterways and too many farting animals in a degraded environment. No wonder we have lost touch with many of our urban cousins. It’s not as bad as all that suggests. NZ agriculture is working hard to build a relationship with our urban cousins and clearly tell our story. It’s hard. Nothing sells as well as bad news and NZ agriculture is trying to sell a good news story of hard work and determination to get it right. Thankfully, given current economic climes, consumers also want to relationship-build with food producers. The opportunity is ripe for the 30-year-old, slowly widening rural-urban gap to close. We need our urban cousins to understand our businesses.

TAKE AIM: Rob Hewett says its time for farmers to set their sights on bridging the rural-urban gap.

We have environmental and sustainability headwinds facing us, requiring a collective deep breath and a mature nationwide discussion on contentious topics like genetic engineering, water harvesting, nutrient management and emissions profiles. As a country, we aspire to add sustainably produced to our list of attributes. The Primary Sector Council’s long-awaited inspirational vision and strategy, Te Taiao, has been overshadowed in the media by covid-19. It is easy to forget about sustainability among the need for isolation distances and hand sanitiser. Agriculture will lead NZ out of the covid-19 wilderness. Brand NZ is seen by many as a proxy for safe, trustworthy food. The world has looked favourably upon NZ and the way the covid-19 crisis has been handled to date. Now the world is looking to us to help solve their

food problems. NZ agriculture will be the saviour of the NZ economy and urbanites will benefit as much as farmers. For NZ agriculture to perform to its sustainable potential we need agreement from our urban cousins for these technologies and practices to occur as we strive to produce high-quality food with less environmental impact. To have that discussion they need to understand us and why we do what we do and why agriculture is so important to NZ’s economic welfare. He waka eke noa. We’re all in this together.

Who am I? Rob Hewett is a sheep, beef and forestry farmer at Clutha in Otago. He is the co-chairman of Silver Fern Farms, chairman of Farmlands, a director of T&G Global, Pioneer Energy, Pulse Energy and Southern Generation Partnership and is on the council of Lincoln University.

Political inaction will hike taxes Cameron Bagrie THEY say the two inevitabilities in life are death and taxes. There is a variant of the second, higher tax rates. New Zealand is facing a Herculean effort if tax rises are to be averted down the track. That Herculean effort will require a prolonged post covid-19 spending diet or conjuring up an economy that can grow faster over an extended period so the tax take expands. The economy needs the support being provided by the Government in the form of borrowing big and running large deficits. Without it many businesses will fail and we will see unemployment skyrocket and sow the seeds of a decade of social challenges. The price of insulating the economy from a deeper recession is not cheap. Net government debt is headed to $200 billion. That is up from $57.7b in 2019. Expectations are that will not be the peak. Net debt eases to 47.7% of GDP by 2030 from a forecast peak of

PAYDAY: Could selling assets like power stations and farms help avoid tax rises to pay off government debt? Photo: Chris Sisarich

53.6% in 2024. But finance costs keep rising as we emerge from a ridiculously low interest rate world to a low one. By 2030 NZ is projected to be spending more on finance costs than law and order, core government services and defence combined.

Finance costs will be almost be as much as we spend on education and above 8% of expenses at $18b. Even if we net off interest income the figure is still $13b by 2030 compared to $1.7b in 2019. The Government response is about supporting people and the

economy. At some stage we are going to need a bold plan to lower the debt burden. So, what can be done? Sell some assets. Why does the government need to own electricity producers and retailers? Or farms? Politically impossible to move forward on. Identify some major savings such as raising the age of entitlement for NZ Super. Needs to happen but another for the politically infeasible basket. Maybe one political party will be bold. Drive efficiencies across the government including local government sector. If only it were that easy. We are bold unlocking NZ’s economic potential. Clear deliverables, not talk, around unlocking NZ’s potential regarding renewable resources – we are one of the wealthiest countries in the world on a per capita basis – and aquaculture are needed. Back sanctuary NZ and market visas to people who can come to NZ to invest. We want their intellectual capital and

businesses’ savviness and people committed to NZ, not just those here to build a bunker or an expensive bolt hole. Small things such as more money in the Budget for the likes of the Commerce Commission were a positive step. Driving growth does not have to be about spending big bucks. There are many avenues. We enter a prolonged period of spending restraint. It will be essential but what government will have the mettle to follow through? It will involve tight Budgets like we saw after the global financial crisis. The Government’s Fiscal Strategy report shows capital investment being crunched from $6.6b to $3b between 2025 and 2030 to help debt stabilise. Government depreciation on assets is more than $5b. Are we prepared to underinvest? If you believe any of those levers will be pulled aggressively we might be able to avert tax hikes. If you do not, the questions become who takes the hit and what potentially new taxes could be on the horizon?

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

Cambridge 352 Grice Road

Kingsclere agistment farm

The quality of this property is evident as you drive in the gates and meander along through an umbrella of established specimen trees. With a backdrop of hills and with views out to Mt Kakepuku and Mt Pirongia, the award winning home is set in a beautifully manicured garden leading to a peaceful bush walk overlooking gently rolling farmland and a small lake.

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty

The home features four bedrooms, two with ensuites, three car garaging and is cleverly positioned to capture all day sun. Built with careful thought and planning this lovely 362sqm home is an elegant mix of block walls, stylish gas fireplaces, subtle timber features and beautifully appointed bathrooms.

bayleys.co.nz/2311266

(unless sold prior)

4pm, Tue 23 Jun 2020 Lakewood Block C, Unit 1, 36 Lake Street, Cambridge View by appointment Alistair Scown 027 494 1848 alistair.scown@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

06 323 3363 Farm & Lifestyle Sales 420 Junction Rd North, Kimbolton

$1,310,000 +GST

BARELAND

Web ID RAL724

Strong Hill Country with Supporting Flats

189.22 hectares

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Approximately 145ha effective grazing with 30ha flat-easy rolling Very well subdivided to 30 paddocks with excellent tracks Reticulated water supply to 16ha of flats, balance supplied by 6 dams (2 new) & creeks There are no livestock yards, woolshed or mains power on the property Non-grazing land includes 18ha of pines, planted in 1996 with some pruning done There is 9ha QEII Trust open space covenant and 22ha of native bush The property has been run in conjunction with an adjoining farm with carrying capacity assessed at 9 - 10 stock units/ha on the hills and 14 su/ha to the flats ▪ We estimate 15 - 1600 stock units can be run here

027 543 1610 richarda@ruralandlifestylesales.com

We’ve got you covered with digital and print options.

Robert Dabb

Contact Shirley Howard phone 06 323 0760, email shirley.howard@globalhq.co.nz

027 255 3992 robertd@ruralandlifestylesales.com

www.ruralandlifestylesales.com

2480REHP

Richard Anderson

Looking for the complete package?

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Mt Biggs new build 22.4ha

A real change in real estate.

TENDER

The Property Brokers and Farmlands partnership means great things for provincial real estate WEB ID FL75970 SANSON 200 Cemetery Road Sitting on top of the hill, well off the road, in a private setting, how perfect. The home has just been completed but situations have changed. This is your opportunity to gain a beautiful home on a larger lifestyle block. The gorgeous 2019 house has an appealing floor plan, designed for those who crave a low maintenance lifestyle. It is a home that offers easy living and the positioning and layout takes advantage of the views, sun and outdoor flow. The outside is a blank canvas, make it your own and develop the gardens to fit with your needs and lifestyle. The land is well fenced.

TENDER

Together our combined strengths complement each other to create bigger networks, more buyers and better results.

View By Appointment TENDER closes Wednesday 10th June, 2020 at 1.00pm, Property Brokers 54 Kimbolton Road Feilding

For more information call 0800 367 5263 or visit pb.co.nz/together

4 2

Proud to be together

Lianne Masters

Mobile 027 288 1801 lianne@pb.co.nz

Bellmack Farm - 469 ha

TENDER WEB ID PR75495

DANNEVIRKE Fairbrother, Baker and Kumeti Roads Three separate properties which has been run in conjunction for more than 50 years in a renowned summersafe environment which is located minutes from Dannevirke township. All three properties which share common boundaries feature favourable contour with flat to rolling downs rising to some steeper faces against the Ruahine Ranges. Bellmack Farm features a good level of improvements with two woolsheds, sheep yards, cattle yards and a comfortable four bedroom home completing a well sought after package.

pb.co.nz

Available individually or a combination of any, these properties are sure to cater to sheep, beef, dairy grazing or a summersafe add on to an existing business. Fairbrother - 103.3966 ha Web ID PR75496 Baker - 156.7702 ha Web ID PR75497 Kumeti - 209.0736 ha Web ID PR75395

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 11th June, 2020 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Lloyd Dodson and Pringle, C/murray@ldp.co.nz or delivered to 9 Ward Street, Dannevirke

Jared Brock

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

John Arends

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

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

FIN AL

N O TI CE

ATTRACTIVE UNIT WITH POTENTIAL

376 hectares Tender

"Woodhurst", 338 Tinui Valley Road, Tinui, Masterton Woodhurst is a well balanced smaller farm with its own unique ecosystem. Around 175ha effective; 31ha alluvial flats, 15ha terraces, 47ha easy hill, 55ha steeper + 50ha of scrub grazing. Opportunities exist for hunting in the remaining 178ha of native bush, pines & scrub. 3 bedroom cottage, 3 stand wool shed & support buildings. Over the last few years the farm has not been run intensively and is currently well understocked, offering an immediate source of feed from the June settlement.

nzr.nz/RX2332941 Blair Stevens AREINZ 027 527 7007 | blair@nzr.nz Dave Hutchison 027 286 9034 | dave@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Tender Closes 4pm, Thu 4 June 2020,16 Perry St, Masterton.

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

Your destination For Rural real Estate Get in touch with your agent today

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

ARGYLL, CENTRAL HAWKE'S BAY Limestone Country • • •

• • • •

43.6 hectares (107.73 acres) of strong sheep and beef country Located on the Argyll Ridge, approx. 38km from Hastings and 22km to Waipawa A well presented three-bedroom home. Large living areas and expansive decks. Well set back on an elevated site Subdivided into five main paddocks with good stock water from troughs and a running stream Good fertiliser history Larger starter block in an area seldom traded Opportunity to expand exists here

TENDER

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 25 June

VIEW

By Appointment Only

Paul Harper M 027 494 4854 B 06 878 3156 E paul.harper@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/HAS32283 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Helping grow the country

Agri Job Board

Farming Manager

Noticeboard

2 YEAR WARRANTY. NZ ASSEMBLED. ELECTRIC START & QUALITY YOU CAN RELY ON

EMPLOYMENT REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

13.5HP. Briggs & Stratton Motor. Electric start. 1.2m cut

Please print clearly

Craft beef on the Pacific

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

Phone:

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

$4400

Email:

GST INCLUSIVE

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

$4200

GST INCLUSIVE

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

GST $4200 INCLUSIVE LK0102193©

Address:

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

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

Heading:

The Lansdowne Farming Manager will spend 50-70% of time at Lansdowne, the rest working at a nearby station. Regardless, Lansdowne will be a full time employer, providing 2-bedroom house with separate farm office.

Advert to read:

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

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

IN ING PA K R WO IRARA WA Nominate a school on booking and we’ll donate $100 on payment of your account.

✁

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

GlobalHQ, based in Feilding, is the country’s most innovative multimedia agri-information hub. We work hard to create valuable content that informs, inspires and entertains. We invest in great people, and products including Farmers Weekly, On Farm Story, the Dairy Farmer and the AgriHQ suite of data and analysis products. Our long serving sub-editor is retiring and we need to fill the role of Senior sub-editor for our company. We are looking for a smart-thinking candidate with agriculture industry knowledge, to work alongside our award-winning team of rural journalists and freelance writers.

Shepherd

A position has become available on a 5500 acre, 20,000su hill-country property, 14km east of Taihape. Applicants should have: • 2-3 good working dogs • Experience with horses would be helpful • A strong work ethic • Able to work as part of a team The position offers single accommodation and a competitive package based on experience.

For further information contact Kevin Saville 06 388 0966 or email: kr.saville@gmail.com

0101788

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

63.57x120

JOBS BOARD FW Jobs Board

2IC

For more information please visit our website or contact us info@nzadventures.co.nz Ph: 03 218 8569 027 550 6727 or 027 435 4267

www.nzadventures.co.nz

Assistant Manager

You will have qualifications and experience in journalism, an excellent standard of grammar and spelling, an understanding of media law, meticulous attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Farm Assistant Farm Manager Livestock Finishing Unit Manager

You will have sub-editing experience including headline writing, page layout and photo management along with experience with content management systems and news website management.

FOR SALE

SEE PAGE 28

NOTICEBOARD

FOR MORE NOTICEBOARD ADVERTISING

Livestock Representative Manager

This role has scope for reporting and you are expected to contribute to the editorial leadership group.

ADVERTISING

Senior Sub-editor Shepherd

Feilding based at our head office - GlobalHQ Ltd. To request a job description and application form please email hr@globalhq.co.nz

Information packs now available for 2020/21 season

Motukawa Land Company

LK0102217©

Senior Sub-editor - GlobalHQ Ltd

A SHED HASN’T BEATEN US YET!

LK0102409©

WE’RE HIRING

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

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

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

LK0100828©

LK0102467©

To register your interest, please scan and attach to an email a cover letter and CV to: Jay@LansdowneFarm.co.nz

TO THAT

LK0102408©

In addition, you need to show ability to plan ahead, to follow a plan, to communicate, take responsibility, share the credit. Compensation will be a salary based on experience, reviewed regularly, with the housing and utilities provided.

Applications close Friday 12 June, 2020

✁

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

We require ambition and outside-the-square thinking to grow this value-added trade. Of course we also need practical pastoral farm skills, robust health and ability to work hard and be outdoors.

Lansdowne Farm www.lansdownefarm.co.nz

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

Name:

Lansdowne Farm on the Conway Flat is looking for enthusiasm in a new Farming Manager. We produce branded, craft beef along the Pacific coast for the dining trade - Lansdowne Beef®. Market launch last year was successful but has lately been interrupted by the pandemic.

We’ll come back to you promptly.

*conditions apply

Have something to sell? Advertise in Farmers Weekly

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

Phone Debbie Brown 06 323 0735 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

TO ADVERTISE PHONE DEBBIE 06 323 0765

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

SELLING AND BUYING. Delivering May 30th. www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553. WORD ONLY AD in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Debbie 06 323 0765.

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

FARM MAPPING SIMPLE AND CLEAR farm maps with paddock sizes will help you achieve your daily goals. Get a free quote from farmmapping. co.nz

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

SHEEP / BEEF, breeding or finishing. Experienced operators. Guaranteed regular income from a trusted company who will add value to your property. Phone 021 228 4238 or 06 873 3696.

Clover, Bush,

LK0101288©

SELLING

SOMETHING?

Heavy duty long lasting

06 323 0765

Ph 021 047 9299

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

(All volumes – big or small)

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

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

• Beeswax • Spoil yourself with our delicious honey

Give us a call 027 672 9488 or order from our website:

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

beesrus.co.nz

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

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

WANTED FORESTRY/ FARM WOODLOTS All paper work is done for you around health and safety, resource consent application and management.

Multifloral in Raw and Creamed

12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

Heavy duty construction for serious wood splitting. Towable.

www.woodmizer.com GST Special Price $4200 INCLUSIVE Very limited stock

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

To find out more visit

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

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

PERSONAL Love Is A Blending Of Two!

FOR SALE

A country lady by heart, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She would like to find a gentleman with similar interests. She enjoys bush walks, cooking, gardening, swimming, camping and a good conversation. To meet, please call 0800 446 332 Quote code 61 www.countrycompanionship.co.nz

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

LK0102194©

DOGS FOR SALE

LEASE LAND WANTED

WE ARE ST IL SELLING! L • Large range of honey: • 1kg, 2.5kg and 5kg

STANDARD FEEDER (C6 Pinned) • • • •

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

100% New Zealand Made Quality Stockfeeders

0 $ 85 +GST

OVAL FEEDER (S2 Pinned) • • • • •

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

LK0101514©

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

FO SALR E

LK0102464©

CONTRACTORS

Head to agrihq.co.nz/feed-noticeboard for listings near you

Visit

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

LK0102513©

ATTENTION FARMERS

NORTH ISLAND. Gisborne or Wairoa area preferred. Beef cattle or sheep. Excellent rates paid. Flexible time-frame. Phone 021 228 4238 or 06 873 3696.

WE HAVE

If you have surplus feed for sale, grazing options or merchant supplies that you would like to list, simply fill out the form online and we’ll post it on our site.

www.innotek.co.nz or call 0800 872 546

GRAZING WANTED

NEW ZEALAND HONEY DIRECT FROM THE BEEKEEPER

AgriHQ has set up a temporary noticeboard to make it easier to find supplementary feed for your livestock.

SportDOG PetSafe

Remote Trainers Containment Systems No bark collars

QUALITY

Supplementary feed available

INNOTEK

GRAZING AVAILABLE UP TO 350 HOGGETS. Taihape area. $4 + GST per head, per week, 3 months minimum. Quality grazing, quality management, quality product. Phone 06 382 5522.

STATION TYPES. Heavy NZ leather. Hand sown. Breast plate. Leg straps. Hobbles. Crupper, etc. Phone Otairi Station. 06 322 8433.

Feed Noticeboard

0800 436 566

DOG TRAINING PRODUCTS

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

BRIDLES

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

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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.

LK0102490©

ANIMAL AND HUMAN healer, now doing absent healing. For more information phone Ron Wilson 027 435 3089.

LK0102224©

GOATS WANTED

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

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

DOLOMITE

ANIMAL HANDLING

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

Noticeboard

LK0102496©

$ 120+G0 ST

0800 104 404 | www.stockfeeders.co.nz

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

NOTICEBOARD ADVERTISING Have something to sell? Advertise in Farmers Weekly Phone Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

Livestock Noticeboard

PETER & CAROLINE FOSS

Covid-19 Alert Glenanthony 31st Annual bull Sale rescheduled to 18th June

TE KUITI SALE A/c Taumata Moana Stn, Te Anga On Friday 29th May 2020 at 12pm

Auctioneers Note: These Weaners bought forward are very well bred on steep hill country and all have been weaned. Contact: Cam Waugh 027 480 0898

WILTSHIRE RAMS AVAILABLE > Genuine full shed sheep > No shearing > No dagging > No dipping

LK0102438©

LK0102482©

ON FARM SALE 12:30pm 18th June

For futher catalogue information see www.glenanthony.co.nz or call Tony 027 280 6148

Sound well fleshed sires, Excellent temperament 200 Fully breedplan recorded cows 25 Bulls Catalogued

300 Angus Weaner Steers 100 Angus Weaner Heifers

BUY A GLENANTHONY SIMMENTAL BULL 825 Farm Road, Waipukurau All bulls semen & service tested and BVD tested & vaccinated

495 Potaka Road, RD 1, Aria, King Country Ph/Fax: (07) 877 7881 Email: pcfossy@xtra.co.nz

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

26TH ANNUAL SALE THURSDAY 4TH JUNE, 1PM, TE KUITI SALE YARDS

BULL OPEN DAY • ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY 1-5 PM

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

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

Westwood Shorthorn Bulls for sale by Private Treaty until 10th June

See www.shorthorn.co.nz to view bulls for sale Westwood Shorthorns and Coloured Sheep All bulls’ blood tested negative for BVD and vaccinated, TB C10 LK0102505©

(Or PGG Stud Stockman Callum McDonald 027 433 6443)

Rolling Rock Angus

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Farmers choose us first for news, opinion, analysis, market updates and even their own livestock advertising.

FIRST ON-FARM SALE

HAVE A SALE COMING UP?

Friday 5th June 2020, 10am 20 TWO-YEAR-OLD ANGUS BULLS Breakfast and inspection from 7.30am

Call HANNAH 0800 85 25 80

LK0102404©

Rolling Rock Angus was founded on females purchased at the Springdale Dispersal Sale For enquiries and pre-sale inspection John Harrington Ph 07 210 1486 • Mobile 021 276 9557 johnnyoharrington@gmail.com 856 Mangiti Rd, Te Akau

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

farmers weekly hits 78,039 Rural letterboxes

For more contact: Hannah Gudsell 06 323 0761 or 027 602 4925 livestock@globalhq.co.nz 2537FW BULL SALES

Anita Erskine, Westwood, Papatotara, Tuatapere RD 9691 Phone: 03 226 6713 Email: westwood.farm@xtra.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/advertising

TAUMARUNUI ANGUS BULL SALE DAY THURSDAY 28TH MAY – 11am Shian; 2pm Black Ridge; 4.30pm Puke-Nui

AUCTION INFO: All three sales will be on farm and run in conjunction with MyLivestock online auction for those who prefer to remain at home. For more information visit https://mylivestock.co.nz/go/static/liveauction or freephone 0800 695 483

40 Meads Road, Taumarunui

BLACK RIDGE ANGUS STUD

On Farm Bull Sale 35 two year old bulls

NEW SALE TIME 11am, 28th May 2020

44 Two Year Old Bulls BVD, Lepto, 10 in 1 vaccinated Libido tested & semen evaluated.

Taimate Mako L26

THURSDAY 28TH MAY 2020 AT 4.30PM

Matauri Ranger L362

Bull Sale Venue: 303 River Road, SH 43, Taumarunui

Kaharau 321 Waiterenui M3

Contact: Brian & Sharon: Ph 07 895 7686 Email: b.sherson@xtra.co.nz Rob & Tracy: Ph 07 895 6694 Mobile: 027 230 8230

www.shianangus.co.nz Follow us on

BU LL SALE

Bulls sired by:

Tangihau Kaino H29

ANGUS

NEW SALE TIME 2PM on Thursday 28th May 2020 DEAN AND TERESA SHERSON

675 Taringamotu Road, RD 4, TAUMARUNUI 3994 p: 07 896 7211 m: 027 690 2033 e: dean@blackridgeangus.co.nz

All bulls libido tested and semen evaluated Inspection and enquiries always welcome

3 7 Bu lls Alan & Catherine Donaldson

p: (07) 896 6714 e: agcsdonaldson@gmail.com www.pukenuiangus.co.nz

find us on facebook

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

SALE TALK A farmer was minding his own business when a police officer comes up to him and says, “We got a tip that you may be growing illegal drugs on the premises. Do you mind if I take a look around?” The old farmer replies, “That’s fine, you shouldn’t go over there though.” As he points at one of his fields. The officer snaps at him, “We have a reliable source so therefore I can go wherever I want!” With this he pulls out his badge and shoves it into the farmers face. The farmer shrugs this off and continues with his daily chores. About 15 minutes later he hears a loud scream from the field he pointed out earlier. Suddenly he sees the officer sprinting towards him with a large bull on his heels. The farmer rushes to the fence and yells “Your badge! Show him your badge!”

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING PHONE HANNAH 0800 85 25 80

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

Oamaru

Conditions apply

For Sale

30 Pedigree Jersey Heifers I/C 1/8 70 years owner bred Absolute top cattle $1600

Gisborne Angus Breeders Sale 30 Angus Bulls

40 Pick of 55 Friesian Fx In Milk M A Cows Doing 580 M/S Barn & paddock vows Calved from 9/3/20 $1800

Matawhero Sale Yards

LK0102499©

YEARS NEW

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

Phone: John Cheesman 027 494 6604 CONTACTS: ALPINE ANGUS Steve Herries 027 289 3001

Sale Date:

GLENWOOD SUFFOLKS

ORERE ANGUS Ben & Kylie Johnson 06 867 8089

Monday 22nd June 2020

WAIMATA ANGUS Pat & Evelyn Watson 06 867 0336

Sale Time:

Sale starts at 12.00pm

Complete Dispersal of Ewes born 2015-2016-2017 & 2019 Ewe Hoggets Friday 3rd July 2020 – 1pm Shefﬁeld Saleyards

PINE PARK ANGUS TUESDAY, 2nd JUNE, at 1pm. Online on

40 20-year-old bulls Sale Thursday 4th June – 11.30am

Glenwood has sold 16 stud Sires in the past decade Contact Michael Howie (Vendor) 03 312 3213 Anthony Cox (RLL) 0272 083 071 anthony.cox@rll.co.nz

Bidr.com or

On the property, Wairere Road, off the Meremere Road, Hawera

Brent Macaulay (RLL) 021 220 0850 brent.macaulay@rll.co.nz

Bulls available from the top 20% of Australasian TACE

and

www.rurallivestock.co.nz

qualifying bulls

All enquiries to Stock & Station companies or Cedric Lander, R.D.12, Hawera. ph 06 272 2899 or 021 144 3862 Email: cedric.lander@yahoo .co.nz

Please call to arrange a viewing Phone: Edward 021 704 778

LK0102349©

AngusPure

Sale Day - Open Everyday Otapawa will be hosting Open Paddock Sales this year, due to Covid restrictions. We welcome you to view and purchase the Bulls direct from the Paddock. Book a day and time that suits.

Pio Pio

Est. 1981

Sale date 29th May – 2pm

Douglas 027 9197150

Or your Agent

Held on farm 2354 Rangiwahia Rd, Manawatu And online at: mylivestock.co.nz/liveauction Lot 4. Growth EBV’s top 1%

On-farm sale with online bidr participation Inspection of bulls available from 12pm. Pre-sale inspection to suit.

Bulls are available for viewing and purchase anytime.

Stuart 027 8484408

RIVERLEE HEREFORDS 4th Annual Bull Sale 9th June 2020, 1.30pm

Auahi Charolais

Henderson Partners

LK0102468©

Annual 2 yr old Angus Bull Sale

Lot 1 Ear tag 74

20 R2yr Polled Hereford Bulls

Lot 3 17 month old bull

HILL COUNTRY BRED FOR HILL COUNTRY FARMERS

Hill Country Cattle Thriving in any Environment

otapawa@xtra.co.nz

www.otapawa.co.nz

Lot 28 Ear tag 44

We have decided that in the current situation to create buyer interest, all bulls will be placed on the market between $3,500 - $3,800

PGG Wrightson Agent Vendor

Karl Swanson 027 202 0865 John Henderson 027 633 1776

www.herefords.co.nz

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

Email: mfcurtis@farmside.co.nz

LK0102380©

Lot 2 Ear tag 1

LK0102305©

Selling Agents Carrfields Livestock: Bruce Orr 027 492 2122 Dan Warner 027 826 5768 NZ Farmers Livestock: John Watson 027 494 1975 Brent Bougen 027 210 4698

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

PROGRESSIVE LIVESTOCK LTD PRELIMINARY NOTICE

RANUI BULL SALE

HOLSTIEN DAIRY COWS Complete Dispersal Of Spring Calving Cows

ON THURSDAY 4TH JUNE* •

www.progressivelivestock.co.nz

•

Confirmed on-farm bull sale

Bull viewing available for the month of May - by appointment only. Contact Lindsay or Maria Johnstone today 027 445 3211 or 027 610 5348

KAIKOURA LIVESTOCK LTD

ranuiangus.co.nz

Capital line established in 1958, split into two MA lines and two heifer lines for buyer convenience or buy as one herd

ARE YOU GETTING TOO MANY BULL BREAKDOWNS?

Jersey/Jersey X 268 MA cows BW144 PW 157 Doing 360/cow until end of April. Calving 04/08/2020 $1650

UPCOMING SPECKLE PARK BULL SALE

Jersey/Friesian X 226 MA cows BW115 PW 141 Calving 04/8/2020 $1650

3rd Annual On Farm Sale

Jersey/Jersey X 44 In-calf R2 Heifers BW190 PW202 Calving 01/08/2020 $1400

To be held on farm and under cover at: 331 SIMPSON ROAD, RUAWAI, NORTHLAND LK0102439©

X-bred 69 In-calf Heifers BW158 PW 175 Calving 18/08/2020 $1400 Jersey X/Friesian X Carry over cows 24 BW145 PW 184 $1400 54 BW133 PW 158 $1400

Waigroup bulls are backed with a rigorous guarantee. CALL US TODAY

BELOW SEA LEVEL SPECKLE PARK STUD

Both MA mobs 4.7 Condition Score

Contact Liam Harnett 03 319 6484 or 027 221 8813 For more information and photos go to https://kaikouralivestock.co.nz/

WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE 2020 AT 1 PM Online bidding available through our “mylivestock” website. 45 well bred 15-month and R2 Pedigree Speckle Park Bulls and selected semen and embryo packages. Pinebank Sales: 2-Year bulls by private treaty through June Glanworth On-Farm Auctions: 2-year Bulls June 25th at 2:30pm

Featuring lots of outcross bloodlines. ONLY AVAILABLE AT BELOW SEA LEVEL

For all enquiries please phone our vendors: John & Jan Bellamy and Family 09 439 2450 or 021 1227 710

DAIRIES FOR SALE Great Buying Opportunities

Or NZFL Agent: Blair Sidwell 021 325 325

300 Fsn/FsnX Cows BW101 PW131 DTC 25/7 to LIC 5wks, low som cell Computer split from 1100 cow herd All 2-8yrs, good condition $1450 Willie Purvis 027 630 7004

LK0102478©

Online catalogue available soon

VISITORS & ENQUIRIES WELCOME

PINEBANK Established 1919 Willie Falloon Ph: (06) 372 7041 E: falloon@xtra.co.nz GLANWORTH Established 1952 Shaun Fouhy Ph: (06) 376 8869 E: glanworthfarm@gmail.com

www.anguswaigroup.co.nz

19 Fsn/FsnX I/C Hfrs, BW164 PW180 DTC 25/7 to Jsy, long estab herd $1000 Brent Espin 027 551 3660 Ref: DH1869 30 Xbred I/C Hfrs BW135 PW177 DTC 10/7 to Jsy, 1st Cross DNA $900 Hamish Manthel 027 432 0298 Ref: DH1819

50 Jsy/JsyX C/overs BW174 PW191 DTC 10/7, owner bred, very good $1350 Kelly Higgins 027 600 2374 Ref: DR1439

LK0101443©

115 Xbred Cows NZMI 50 DTC 22/7 to AB nom, System 2, 490ms/cow HB shed, H tested, WWS & Semex $1300 Mike McKenzie 027 674 1149 Ref: DH1814

65 Fsn/FsnX Cows, BW100 PW151 RA97% DTC 10/7 to AB, Spg calvers from Autumn herd Great condition, very well farmed herd $1450 Matt Hancock 027 601 3787 Ref: DH1802 Visit our Website for the best selection available

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

with Farmers Weekly PHONE HANNAH GUDSELL 0800 85 25 80

M.Bovis tested Negative

LK0102495©

The sale will be conducted in accordance with the Level 2 Covid-19 restrictions and precautions now in place.

LK0102498©

For more details please contact

Contact: Will MacFarlane 06 874 8762 will@waiterenui.co.nz

LK0102472©

70 Spring Calving Friesian Cows Owner : John Pouls 027 271 6363 Agent : Colin Old 027 870 4434

50 ANGUS 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS FRIDAY 12TH JUNE AT 1PM 839 VALLEY ROAD, HASTINGS

40TH SALE

A/C John Pouls 369 Ryburn Road Ohaupo

BULL SALE

JOIN US FOR OUR

WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE 2020 Commencing at 11:00am

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

STOCK REQUIRED

KAIRURU POLLED HEREFORDS

SIL EWES to terminal RAM Feb/Mar R2YR FRSN

SINCE 1979

BULLS 420kg+

R2YR EXOTIC HEIFERS

LAMBS ON FARM SALE ON-FARM SALE

29TH ANNUAL SALE 3 JUNE - 1PM

STORE

– Males & Ewes

Clients require Balage, Hay, Grazing etc.

at Kairuru, Reporoa (midway Rotorua – Taupo) in conjunction with BIDR

LK0102095©

51 Rising 2yr bulls www.totaranuistud.co.nz Email for a catalogue: bulls@totaranuistud.co.nz Daimien & Tally 06 376 8400 or 021 430 710

LK0102245©

Friday 5th June @ 1.30pm on farm, Pahiatua

26th March at 1:00pm 28 R2YR BULLS Bull viewing prior is welcome.

LOT 4

Raupuha

Longview

Kerikeri Bidr Sale 22nd May, 11.30 09 401 9633 - Shane & Dot

Glenrossie

Lochburn

Taupiri Private Sales 07 824 6751 - Kelvin

Aubrey

Waitomo Private Sales 07 873 6968 - Ron

Carnegie

Waiuku Private Sales 021 031 3091

Browns

Roscliff

Stratford Private Sales 06 765 7269 - Jack

Ongarue Sale 26th May, 3.30 07 894 6030 - Alan

Hiwiroa Sale

Hinewaka Sale

Takaka Private Sales 021 556 806 - Bill

Masterton Sale June 3rd, 3pm 06 372 7615 - David

Waipukurau Sale to be announced 06 858 5369 - Jim 06 855 4737 - Nick

7 heifer calves 7 bull calves

WELCOME

Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 8857 Email: anui@xtra.co.nz @AnuiStudLivestock

Registered Polled Herefords

Woodcall

NB* Due to Covid 19, the Bull Sale format is subject to change. Please check our facebook page for updates and any revisions.

Registered Speckle Park

Dunblane

ing a KEVIN &UsJANE in McDONALD orn bull

Waikari Private Sales 027 233 3678 - Chris

Glenbrook Station

Carriganes Cattle

Omarama Private Sales 021 285 9303 - Simon

Tokanui Private Sales 03 246 8498 - Allan

T U E S DAY 9 T H J U N E 2 0 2 0 * , 1 0 . 3 0 A M 1 0 2 L AW S R O A D , D A N N E V I R K E

Colvend

Kumara Private Sales 027 379 8167 - Chris

Glenfern

O N - FA R M B U L L S A L E

INSPECTIONS 13 in-calf R2yr heifers 13 heifer calves

Mangaotuku

Turiwhate

Tuatapere Private Sales 03 226 6713 - Anita

Katikati Bull and Incalf Heifer Sale Private Sales 07 552 0815 - Ken 021 520 244 - Craig

Te Awamutu Private Sales 027 211 1112 - Ross

Te Kohanui

Westwood

Orena

Morrinsville Private Sales 07 889 5965 - Hamish

Waitara Private Sales 06 754 6699 - Roger

Marton Private Sales 06 327 8185 - Alan

FIR

Whangarei Heads Sale June 28th, 1pm 09 434 0987 - David 09 434 0718 -Will

Bullock Creek

Mill Valley

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

Mark Crooks – PGG Wrightson 027 590 1452

Check them out

Whangamomona Private Sales 06 762 3520 - Aaron

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

KEVIN & JANE McDONALD (REPOROA) 07 333 8068 • 027 451 0640 JEFF & NICOLA McDONALD 021 510 351 • kairuruNZ@gmail.com

Looking for a Beef Shorthorn? Mahoenui Sale 26th May, 9am 07 877 8977 - Russell

Visit our Website for more LIVESTOCK

Dunsandel Private Sales 022 470 2447 - Sarah

Rough Ridge

Ranfurly Sale May 15th, 11am 03 444 9277 - Malcolm

Maerewhenua

Shorth ing ss-breed o y ur cro l increase wil program ne up to bottom li 20%

07 333 8068

Oamaru Private Sales 03 431 2871 - Norman

Glendhu

Heriot Sale May 19th, 11am 027 497 8104 - Fraser

Renowned for great marbling producing top quality meat Keep an eye out on our facebook and website for updates

LINDSAY JONES

0274 528 603

SIRES OF 2020 BULLS INCLUDE: MUSGRAVE STUNNER

(4 of these used as yearlings)

RANGATIRA TAURUS

(purchased in 2017 for $47,000)

AYRVALE BARTEL MATAURI OUTLIER

10th JUNE 9AM

Breakfast and viewing from 7am

BULLS ALSO AVAILABLE BY PRIVATE TREATY

www.s h or tho r n.c o .nz

JUSTIN & MEG KING, 34 PAULSEN ROAD, TAKAPAU

P: (06) 855 8288 | M: 027 248 8400 | E: justin@brookwood.co.nz

www.brookwood.co.nz

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

Livestock Noticeboard

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

Hinewaka Shorthorns 17th ANNUAL BULL SALE Wednesday 3rd June 3pm – on farm

LK0097818©

20 R2YR BULLS View online catalogue at www.hinewakashorthorns.co.nz and visit our facebook page

David, Pip & Mitch Blackwood – Ph: 06 372 7615 456 Te Wharau Road, Masterton

MERCHISTON ANGUS

Hillcroft Angus Hill Country Specialists

EST 1955

Est. 1960

ASCOT HALLMARK H147 [NEW AI SIRE]

42 ANGUS BULLS

LOT 2, LOT 5, LOT 8

Top 20 rising 2-year-old bulls • BVD clear & twice vaccinated

Online auction: bidr.co.nz – Catalogue on bidr website

Malcolm 07 828 5709 Fraser 07 828 5755 0272 85 95 87

www.hillcroftangus.co.nz

BULL SALE RESULTS 2020

LK0102253©

Please ring for pre-sale inspection

Putorino Road, Rata Enquiries to: Richard Rowe 027 279 8841 e: mercang@farmside.co.nz or see ebook online at Angus NZ

Farmers Weekly will be sending the autumn bull sale results e-newsletter from May 2020. Contact Hannah on 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or livestock@globalhq.co.nz to sign up or include your sale results and receive weekly updates.

GET IN TOUCH TODAY.

farmersweekly.co.nz

LK0102213©

3RD June at 2.30pm on farm and on BIDR

Annual June Sale – Tuesday 2 June 10am

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

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

OREGON 130.71x100angus 0097594 Oregon Angus

34 BULLS

Tuesday 2nd June 2020 – 3pm

AT MORLAND 1464 MASTERTON STRONVAR ROAD

WO O D R I C H O N H C E E B WOODBURN

KEITH & GAE HIGGINS 06 372 2782

OPEN DAY WEDNESDAY 20TH MAY, FROM 12PM

LEES VALLEY

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard WEEKLY AUCTIONS

BULL SALE ALLENDALE ANZAC K4 - Ai Australian Sire

beechwood fast round 580 - AI sire

GRASSMERE GALLANT 244

(JEFFRY) SIRE OF PLENTY OF 2019 BORN CALVES

ROB & JULIE STOKES 77 MASKELLS ROAD, RD 1, AMBERLEY 7481 Ph: 03 314 8251 M: 0277 571 673 e: rstokes@xtra.co.nz

Wednesday night – North Island Thursday night – South Island

thursday 4TH JUNE 2020

FEATURE AUCTIONS

sires

Tuesday, 26 May 2020 10.00 am Peters Angus Bull 11.30 am Tarangower Angus & Rockend Hereford Bull 2.30 pm Limehills Polled Hereford 6.00 pm Duncraigen Hereford

77 Maskells Rd, Amberley Allendale Anzac K4 BEECHWOOD Fast Round 580 Beechwood Galleon 9 Limehills Stamper 89 Limehills Smoke 48 Locharburn Kipper 80 (Horned) Monymusk Kruger Woodburn Smoke 67 MF Fortune 16 33

ROZLYN STOKES

Tim & Helen Molloy

ROB & MARY ANN BURROWS

2283 CARLETON ROAD RD 1, OXFORD 7495 Ph: 021 136 2298

POLL HEREFORD & SPECKLE PARK

200 MARSHMANS ROAD, RANGIORA, 7477 Ph: 03 313 2857 M: 0272 633 582 e: rj.ma.burrows@xtra.co.nz

897 MARSHMANS RD RD 7, RANGIORA Ph: 0272 033 854 e: mollyfordltd@gmail.com

Wednesday, 27 May 2020 1.00 pm Storth Oaks Angus Bull Sale 4.00 pm Hauroko Valley Combined Bull Sale Thursday, 28 May 2020 11.30 am Monymusk Polled Hereford 4.00 pm Waikaka Hereford Friday, 29 May 2020 12.00 pm Kay Jay Angus Bull 3.00 pm Auahi Charolais Bull

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

The bull sales specialists Breeding Better Business If you’re looking for a planned approach to success, get in touch with your local PGG Wrightson Genetics Specialist to find out when and how these sales are being held, or to schedule your sale.

Upcoming bull sales

www.pggwrightson.co.nz/bullsales

Or to view the upcoming sales go to

www.bidr.co.nz

LK0102117©

OREGON DYNAMITE

Livestock Noticeboard

FARMERS WEEKLY – May 25, 2020

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

Top quality bulls bred for NZ Farmers LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Stortford Lodge Sale Yards Stortford Lodge Wednesday 3rd June 11.30am

Are you looking in the right direction?

Glenview Farming – Tangoio CAPITAL STOCK FLOCK 400 4th Romney Ewes 400 6th Romney Ewes 400 4yr Romney Ewes SIL Romney Ram 29/2

Farm sold.

Call HANNAH

Monday 8

June 2020

BVD Tested Clear BVD Vaccinated Breedplan Recorded TB Status C10 Herd completely free of known genetic defect Only proven NZ bred bulls used in last 10 years Renowned for great temperament Three year guarantee

Enquiries and inspection welcome. Contact

Kevin or Megan FRIEL ph: (06) 376 4543

35th Annual Sale

0800 85 25 80

livestock@globalhq.co.nz LK0102474©

Forbes Cameron bred, off hard coastal hill country.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

625 Jackson Road, Kumeroa

kev.meg.co@xtra.co.nz

www.mtmableangus.co.nz

Enquiries: Neil Common 027 444 8745

TE WHANGA ANGUS power plus performance

LIVE EXPORT WANTED 2019 BORN FRIESIAN HEIFERS F12: $1500 + GST / head F8-F11’s: $1400 + GST / head F7 / Unrecorded: $1200 + GST 2019 BORN HEREFORD HEIFERS $1200 + GST 2019 BORN SIMMENTAL HEIFERS $1200 + GST Delivery Date – approx. 20/08/20 SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

2020 FRIDAY 5 JUNE SALE DATE 10.00

Thursday 4th June 2020 at 12 noon

• Standard Chinese Protocol, heifers must have been on the property for a minimum of 6 months at the time of delivery.

23, 2 year old Angus Bulls

JASON COFFEY 691 Te Kopi Rd, RD4, Masterton P. 06 372 77 20 M. 0274 570 526 www.borthwick.co.nz te_whanga@borthwick.co.nz

Enquiries:

John Bayly • 09 402 7552

LK0102361©

57 - 2YR OLD ANGUS BULLS On farm sale in conjuction with Online BIDR

• True to type Friesian Heifers, including the F8-F11 unrecorded heifers.

www.waitangiangus.co.nz

Key: Dairy

Thursday 27th May, 11.30am

A/C Fairmont Farm Comprising:

Tuesday 26th May 10.30am Pigs 11.30am Sheep 11.30am Boners/Bulls 12.00pm Feeder Calves 12.00pm Store Cattle

•

45 In Calf Jersey Heifers

Comprising:

•

2 Jersey Bulls(1&2 year old)

• 500 Sheep • 50 Boners • 100 Feeder Calves • 500 Store Cattle

• 450 Ang & Ang/Hfd Wnr Strs

For further details contact: Vaughn Larsen 027 801 4599 Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858

Further enquires:

Tuesday 26th May, 11.30am | DN:76685

Thursday 4th June 11.00am 1221A Cameron Line, RD5, Fielding

Enquiries: Regan Craig 027 502 8585

Sheep

FEILDING WNR FAIR

FAIRMONT FARMS IN CALF JERSEY HEIFER SALE

Herd DTC 16/07/2020 for 4 weeks to Ambreed Nominated Frsn/Jsy & Kiwicross. Tailed off with Hfd & Ang bulls, bulls removed 18/12/2019 all vetted to dates. Heifers DTC 16/07/2020 to Jersey Bulls, bulls removed 10/12/2019 (bulls out early.) The herd consistently produces 380-400kg m/s cow. Milked on a system 2 twice a day through a herringbone shed SCC ave 19/20 season 107,000. TB C10, Lepto vacc, Mbovis undetected, blanket dry cowed by Anexa vets. PGG Wrightson are privileged to offer this well uddered young (154 cows 5yrs & younger) Frsn/Frsn X Herd & R2yr Heifers. Both the herd & heifers come forward in very good condition. Payment terms 14 days from sale date, delivery immediate or by prior arrangement. Catalogues available on Agonline.

Cattle

FRANKTON COMBINED SALE

COMPLETE QUALITY FRSN/FRSN X HERD & IN CALF HEIFERS

66A Washbourne Road, Morrinsville A/C Tayco Farms, Phil & Jenny Taylor Comprising: • 170 Frsn/Frsn X In Calf Cows BW 83 PW 108 RA 91% (BW’s up to 210 PW’s up to 448) • 49 Frsn/Frsn X R2yr well grown In Calf Heifers BW 140 PW 154 RA 100%

NORTH ISLAND

PHONE TIM ON 027 443 7420 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Heifers are very well grown & are showing well forward in calf, due to calf 27th July. Very high standard of dairy conformation, production & temperament has been bred into the over many generations. Herd production on 50 Ha running 200 cows is 500ms/cow. If you are looking for genuine top quality heifers that look the part & produce the goods over many lactations you should attend this sale. Deferred payment available till 20th October, delivery immediate or by prior arrangement. Catalogues available on Agonline. Contact:

Andrew Reyland - 027 223 7092 Jamie Cunninghame - 027 583 3533 Peter & Kathy Horn (Vendors) - 06 323 2711 OR 027 443 6412

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

Other

Feilding Saleyards Complex A/C Ricky Alabaster Family Trust Kowhanui Stn Rangitane Stn Maharangi Stn Late Born of Taihape & Wairoa Hill Country Maurice Stewart 0272 469 255

FEILDING WEANER FAIR

FEILDING STORE SALE

Thursday 27th May, 11.30am Feilding Saleyard Complex We will be offering Approx: • 1000 Trad Wnr Strs • 50 Exotic Wnr Strs • 60 Trad Wnr Bulls • 250 Trad Wnr Hfrs • 50 Exotic Wnr Hfrs Annual Lines Hiwipapa, Motukawa, Kelly Land Co, Ricky Alabaster F/T, A & K Coogan F/T, Lochgowan, A & A Coogan F/T, G & J Cripps, Hardrock Stn, Ngakaroro Land Co, Ohaku Trust, P Harris, Te Ruru

Thursday 5th June, 11.30am Feilding Saleyards Complex A/C Siberia Stn, Turakina Valley • 160 R3yr Hereford Hfrs VIC Ang Bull 1/12 Hfrs sourced from Beaumont Stn, Maniototo as Ylgs every year. Bulls sourced from Atahua Angus Studs. Farmed on Steep Hill Country. Great Shifting Cattle. Photos available. Further enquires: Maurice Stewart 0272 469 255

Helping grow the country

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)

5.00

4.90

5.50

NI lamb (17kg)

6.60

6.55

7.50

NI Stag (60kg)

5.50

5.70

8.95

NI Bull (300kg)

5.05

4.90

5.20

NI mutton (20kg)

4.55

4.50

5.15

SI Stag (60kg)

5.50

5.70

8.95

NI Cow (200kg)

3.50

3.35

4.05

SI lamb (17kg)

6.45

6.35

7.20

SI Steer (300kg)

4.50

4.40

5.05

SI mutton (20kg)

4.05

4.95

SI Bull (300kg)

4.45

4.35

4.90

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.00

2.90

3.45

UK CKT lamb leg

10.17

10.25

9.84

US imported 95CL bull

9.57

9.29

7.78

US domestic 90CL cow

11.10

10.73

7.55

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

5.50

7.0

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

$/kg CW

4.50

5-yr ave

Apr

Jun

2018-19

Dairy

Dec

Feb

Apr

Aug 2019-20

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Aug 2019-20

Fertiliser

Aug 2019-20

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Coarse xbred ind.

2.96

37 micron ewe

30 micron lamb

2.15

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Urea

567

625

Super

314

321

DAP

787

833

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Company

YTD High

32.22

21.1

The a2 Milk Company Limited

19.17

20.39

13.8

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

YTD Low

430

7.25

420

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.82

5.8

3.61

Auckland International Airport Limited

5.68

9.21

4.26

410

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.415

4.93

3.445

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

4.86

5.62

3.595

Ryman Healthcare Limited

12.6

17.18

6.61

Port of Tauranga Limited

7.3

8.08

4.9

Contact Energy Limited

6.15

7.74

4.54

Vector Limited

3.75

3.79

2.95

$/tonne

7.75

6.75 6.25 5.75

Jun-19

Aug-19 Oct-19 Sept. 2020

Dec-19

Feb-20 Sept. 2021

Last price*

380

Apr-20

Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

Listed Agri Shares

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

2600

2580

2715

SMP

2500

2380

AMF

4100

4050

4200

Butter

4175

3825

Milk Price

7.20

420 410 $/tonne

Nearby contract

400 390

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

400 390

370

Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

19.17

20.39

13.8

Comvita Limited

4.01

4.97

1.66

Delegat Group Limited

11.1

12.1

6.39

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.62

4.06

3.41

Foley Wines Limited

1.65

1.91

1.35

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.7

0.82

0.7

0.188

0.21

0.188 1.29

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.87

2.3

PGG Wrightson Limited

2.56

2.74

1.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.85

8.2

5.55

Scales Corporation Limited

5.17

3.3

0.068

0.205

0.001

Seeka Limited

4.5

4.74

3.4

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

7.16

9.1

4.36

SeaDragon Limited

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

380

* price as at close of business on Thursday

2750

500

2700

400

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index

2650

S&P/NZX 50 Index

10732

12073

8499

300

S&P/NZX 10 Index

11168

12096

9100

$/tonne

US$/t

Jun

2018-19

FERTILISER

(NZ$/kg)

Feb

Oct

5-yr ave

WOOL

5.00

Dec

South Island stag slaughter price

$/kg CW

8.0

5.0

6.00

Oct

Last year

6.0

South Island steer slaughter price

6.50

4.00

South Island lamb slaughter price

9.0

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 12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0

5.0

4.50

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

7.0

5.50 5.00

$/kg CW

8.0

6.0

6.00

$/kg MS

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price 6.50

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

2600 2550 2500 May

T&G Global Limited

Aug

Sep 4 weeks ago

Oct

2.93

2.35

16941

12699

200 100

Jun Jul Latest price

2.68 16360

Apr-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Apr-20

16360

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

10732

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

11168

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER COW ( $/KG)

3.50

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

6.45

SI SLAUGHTER STEER ( $/KG)

4.50

PULSE

Tough times for venison Graham Johnson

graham.johnson@globalhq.co.nz

HE drop in farmgate venison prices from a spring peak of $9.60/kg last year to $7/kg in late April shows many farmers have already fought a long, hard pricing battle akin to market conditions in 2001. The past month has created an unbalanced supply and demand, slashing farmgate prices further to $5.50/kg. Demand in key markets is weak because of the closure of restaurants. That is being matched with an unseasonably high supply of New Zealand venison. The drought is pressuring many to offload breeding hinds and some velveting stags. Two of the five major venison companies have moved to an owner account model meaning producers will be paid the balance of the schedule price once the venison is sold. A multitude of factors will shape any revival in market demand. The relaxation of covid-19 restrictions and the reopening of restaurants in Europe and the United States will be a significant first step. The NZ venison industry needs restaurant trade to resume to absorb stocks and encourage new orders. In Europe there were high volumes of European hunting venison in cold storage before covid-19. That might limit any initial upside for NZ venison. The other concern is that economic conditions in the markets could be marred by a lengthy recession with

consumers trading down to cheaper proteins. The pet food market that boomed over the last few years as a profitable outlet for venison byproducts was already under immense pressure before covid-19 because of falling demand and weaker prices. That market now remains in limbo with the Chinese wild-food ban. Venison bones are included in the ban but the Primary Industries Ministry is working with Chinese authorities to ensure NZ farmed deer products are taken off the list. Red deer cuts have recently been classed as special livestock and excluded from the ban. However, some other species of deer are classified in the wild-food ban, resulting in confusion and uncertainty in the Chinese market. How different provinces interpret and enforce the ban is unknown. It has the potential to slow the recovery in the market. In the last year China grew to become NZ’s thirdlargest venison export market behind Germany and the US. A return to $10/kg for venison should not be a short to medium-term goal for farmers. Early indications point to a spring peak between $6.50-$8/kg, which clearly indicates the high level of volatility in the venison market. The restaurant market recovery, reducing cold storage stocks and improving confidence in key markets will all affect peak spring prices. A strong supply, which hints at a reduction in capital stock, combined with weak demand highlights a softer outlook despite exporters working to sell products. Venison will recover, it always has, but the timing is still very unclear. COME BACK: Deer farmers are waiting for restaurants to open again to help boost venison prices. Photo: Kieren Scott, Minaret Station

WEATHER Soil Moisture

Overview We finally have rain spreading across parts of the North Island to kick off the week. The rain bands are a bit broken with some areas getting solid sub-tropical downpours while others get more drizzly, broken-up rain or showers and drizzle. Generally, much of the North Island gets some wet weather today and tomorrow then it eases to showers and clears on Wednesday. The South Island also gets some rain today and tomorrow but it won’t penetrate south of Canterbury. The rest of this week has showers about with the next high on Sunday. Westerlies look more likely next week.

21/05/2020

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Temperature

Wind

Sub-tropical winds will kick off this week and some places my have a gusty north, northeast or easterly flow then turn windy southerly in the usual places like Wellington. Winds are lighter later in the week and ease this weekend for most.

Mild sub-tropical winds start the week then we turn colder southerly and later in the week return to more normal conditions.

14-day outlook

Highlights/ Extremes Expect some good rain totals in the North Island and upper South Island over the first 48 hours of this week but not everyone will get what they need. Keep up to date with the new North Island and South Island rain accumulation maps at farmersweekly.co.nz/weather.

7-day rainfall 7-DAY RAINforecast MAP

A low today and tomorrow with sub-tropical connections will drift over the North Island bringing rain with some heavy falls and some drizzly, patchy stuff too. By mid week high pressure grows back temporarily then after that we get into a more showery pattern with neither high nor low pressure dominating. A high rolls in on Sunday briefly and next week looks like more westerly winds with drier eastern weather and showers back on the western side of New Zealand.

The North Island finally gets wetter than average this week in a number of regions. Some drought regions in the very north might not get the sustained rain other regions further down the island get so totals will certainly vary. Later this week showers are more likely with further isolated hit-and-miss relief. A generally positive week for the North Island but still drier than normal over a large portion of the South Island including the West Coast.

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

Buying and selling now live on our easy live auction platform

Online, real time bidding at auctions - on-farm and saleyard In a New Zealand first, farmers can actively participate (and bid) in live livestock auctions streamed from saleyards and on-farms via MyLiveStock.co.nz. NZ Farmers Livestock are conducting on-farm sales via our new hybrid platform. Talk to us today.

THIS WEEK ONLINE / Saleyard action / Plus Shian Angus, Black Ridge Angus and Puke-Nui Angus Bull Sales supported by live online bidding 28 May

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

Sale yards play covid catch-up While a few sellers tested the waters at early sales post-lockdown, the first full week nationwide was extremely busy as sale yards played catch-up. As well as big regular sales some yards held special days for weaner cattle, which were originally calendared to be held in the lockdown period. A sense of normality has returned and demand for store stock is creeping up though the main focus was on the traditional and better-bred cattle, with demand slower to lift for dairy-beef. NORTHLAND Kaikohe sale • Better weaner beef-cross bulls earned $2.60/kg • Angus and dairy-cross cows made around $1.20/kg With rain still needed, the market at KAIKOHE last Wednesday was hard going. While there were buyers present, they were hesitant and cattle needed to be of good quality to have any demand, which resulted in a wide range of values. Two-year beef-cross steers, 370-430kg, sold at $2.30/kg to $2.42/kg, while heifers were difficult to move and traded at $2.00/kg to $2.15/kg. In the weaner pens, beef-cross steers sold over a wide range of $2.55/kg to $2.70/kg depending on weight, and beef-cross and exotic heifers were discounted to $2.00/kg to $2.25/kg. Wellsford store cattle • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 357-454kg, softened to $2.37-$2.39/ kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 313-435kg, eased to $2.04-$2.12/kg. • Weaner Angus-cross steers, 140-166kg, held at $465-$495 • Weaner traditional heifers, 215kg, softened to $495 A moderate yarding of 453 cattle was penned at WELLSFORD last Monday. Buyers were selective in their bids and auctioneers worked hard to secure new homes for almost all offered. Seven R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 455kg, topped their section at $2.34/kg, while 418kg had to settle for $2.02/kg. Hereford, 370kg, varied from $2.07-$2.16/kg, and Angus, 319kg, softened to $2.04/kg. Weaner Hereforddairy steers, 170-213kg, softened to $390-$405, as did 226285kg to $550-$695. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 240-280kg, eased to $595-$645 with the balance, 142-165kg, back to $470-$490. Friesian bulls, 185-213kg, were good shopping at a discounted $370-$465.

COUNTIES Tuakau sale • Hereford-Friesian steers, 427kg, made $2.43/kg, $1040 • Prime heifers made $2.59/kg • Heavy beef cows, 710kg, fetched $1.79/kg • Good shorn wether lambs, 34kg, sold well at $102 TUAKAU saleyards swung back into action last week, with about 700 cattle on offer at Thursday’s store sale, Karl Chitham of Carrfields Livestock reported. Quality of the yarding was mixed and lighter stock was hard to shift. But good Hereford-Friesian steers at 313kg made $795, and Hereford-Friesian, 177kg, earned $545. In the heifer section, Hereford-Friesian,355kg, fetched $806 and red HerefordFriesian, 319kg, $692. Prime steers, 630-710kg, traded at $2.47-$2.58/kg on Wednesday, with 520-580kg steers making $2.46-$2.53/ kg. Beef heifers, 570-630kg, sold at $2.52-$2.59/kg and 450-520kg sorts made $2.28-$2.45/kg. Medium boner cows earned $1.47-$1.54/kg, with lighter cows selling down to $0.90/kg. Heavy prime ewes traded at $117-$134 on Monday. Medium ewes returned $105-$121 and light, $66-$87. Prime lamb prices ranged from $72 to $150 and light-medium stores made $68-$90.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle Tuesday, May 19 • R2 Angus steers, 447kg, improved to $2.53/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian and Charolais-Friesian heifers, 400-403kg, held at $2.30-$2.31/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 214-237kg, held at $460-$520 Wednesday, May 20

• Autumn-born R2 Devon-cross steers, 285-309kg, made $2.48$2.49/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 143-147kg, improved to $340-$345 • Prime South Devon-cross steers, 556kg, topped their section at $2.50/kg PGG Wrightson kicked off two days of cattle sales at FRANKTON last Tuesday with 901 penned. R2 HerefordFriesian steers, 410-428kg, and Charolais-Friesian, 376-398kg, sold well at $2.33-$2.41/kg. Weaner HerefordFriesian steers, 132kg, reached $3.37/kg, while beef-dairy steers averaged 170kg and $2.47/kg. Beef-dairy heifers averaged 190kg and $2.45/kg. Despite the deluge of bulls offered some held or firmed, such as Friesian, 169-237kg, $400-$520. Prime Angus cows, 371-487kg, returned $1.50$1.61/kg, while boner Friesian, 481-553kg, held at $1.42$1.52/kg. Just shy of 530 head were penned by New Zealand Farmers Livestock last Wednesday. Most R2 Angus steers, 424-455kg, eased to $2.33-$2.39/kg, whilst ten AngusFriesian, 438kg, improved to $2.40/kg. Weaner HerefordFriesian steers, 176kg, lifted to $3.18/kg, while lighter types held. Angus-Hereford heifers, 245kg, managed $615, and Hereford-Friesian, 144-187kg, $465-$495. Friesian bulls dominated their class and top 190-203kg held at $385-$420. Prime Hereford-dairy steers, 568-587kg, were consistent at $2.34-$2.35/kg, with in-calf Hereford-Friesian cows, 518kg, purchased to farm on at $1100.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • R3 Angus heifers, 495kg, fetched $2.40/kg • R2 Murray Grey heifers, 413kg, earned $2.35/kg • Weaner Charolais-cross steers, 327kg, sold well at $960 and heifers, 306kg, $825 • Prime Angus & Angus-Hereford bulls, 712kg, made $2.77/kg A wave of weaner cattle came to market at RANGIURU last Tuesday. Attendees were very keen to get buy and R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 335-345kg, sold well at $2.46$2.49/kg while Hereford-Friesian heifers, 361-390kg, made $2.16/kg to $2.33/kg. Weaner results were good, and the volume was easily absorbed by a large bench of buyers. Several lines of steers exceeded $3.00/kg, with Angus & Angus-Hereford, 177kg and 230kg, popular at $500 and $710 respectively. There was plenty of interest in Angus and Angus-Hereford heifers, and over 80 in the 185-232kg range earned $470-$595.

KING COUNTRY Taupo cattle sale • R2 Angus steers, 279-322kg, returned $2.28-$2.33/kg • Most R2 heifers sold from $1.96/kg to $2.11/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 191-221kg, made $405-$470 A mixed market eventuated at the TAUPO cattle sale last Thursday, with reasonable demand found for a moderate yarding of older cattle while buyers were selective on weaners. Top R2 Angus steers achieved $2.19-$2.24/kg, while one line apiece of Angus and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 300kg, reached $2.26-$2.33/kg. Weaner steers ranged from $390 to $590 for a mainly beef-cross line up, and two lines of similar bred heifers sold for $2.02-$2.08/kg. Simmental-cross heifers, 289kg, traded at $650, $2.25/kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 183-200kg, $360-$400.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep • Store ram lambs earned an average of $81-$90 • Prime lambs traded at $136-$161 • Prime mixed-age ewes mostly sold at $145

Numbers lifted at MATAWHERO last Friday, with around 4500 store lambs on offer. At the top end, male lambs lifted to $99-$122, with the bottom end at $61-$89. Mixed-sex lambs were of lighter weights and these sold accordingly with the best at $75. Ewe lambs strengthened and the heavier types fetched $81-$112.50 and medium, $66-$71.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle • R2 Traditional steers, 303-471kg, fetched $2.36-$2.40/kg • Weaner Angus-Friesian steers, 262kg, made $715 • Weaner Hereford bulls, 266kg, traded at $785 The TARANAKI cattle sale last Wednesday went better than expected, with a lift in demand both in the rostrum and online for R2 steers. Hereford-Friesian, 425-495kg, had the biggest jump, up an average of 14c/kg to $2.49/kg, with the better types able to reach $2.54-$2.64/kg. The balance varied depending on breed and type, although typically sold either side of the $2.30/kg mark. R2 heifers also improved on the previous sale with the average beef-dairy up 20c/kg to $2.15/kg, and the top end, $2.25-$2.35/kg. Clearing backlogs at processors were evident with prime steers strengthening to $2.52-$2.64/kg, and prime heifers at $2.52/kg.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 584-633kg, strengthened to $2.37$2.40/kg • Top mixed-sex lambs returned $136-$143.50 • Eleven very-heavy ewe lambs eased to $130.50 • Thirty-one good five and six-year ewes sold well at $95.50 An eight-week hiatus for prime stock ended last Monday at STORTFOD LODGE. A small but quality yarding was presented in the rostrum and most traded at improved levels. Three South Devon steers, 642kg, had good interest at $2.52/kg, and a single heifer of the same, 565kg, fetched $2.53/kg. Total sheep throughput was just under 450 and the reduced offering of lambs traded at softer levels than seen in March. Heavy mixed-sex lambs fetched $110.50$118. Very-heavy mixed age ewes held at $135 and medium to good improved to $80.50-$95. Heavy ewes were the exception as they softened to $106-$109. Stortford Lodge weaner fair • Angus steers, 200-238kg, sold for $600-$700 • Exotic-cross steers, 248-368kg, varied from $700 to $820 • Top Angus heifers, 195-221kg, returned $540-$585 Weaner cattle were offered last Tuesday at STORTFORD LODGE, due to over 1000 older cattle booked in for the Wednesday sale. Registered buyer numbers were low but those that did show interest meant business and prices exceeded expectations. Just on 500 weaners were penned and top Angus steers returned $3.00-$3.02/kg, second cuts $2.86-$2.91/kg, and third $2.73-$2.79/kg. Top exotic steers matched the second cuts. The best of the Angus heifers earned $2.59-$2.65/kg, though one line of 195kg pushed to $2.77/kg. Exotic-cross heifers largely traded from $2.32/kg to $2.46/kg, while the top line at 237kg made $550. Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • Mixed-age Angus cows, vetted-in-calf to Angus bull, sold for $1040-$1220 • R2 Angus steers, 380-436kg, held at $2.41-$2.47/kg • Top cryptorchid lambs lifted to $95-$110.50 • Top ewe lambs also lifted to $100-$110 • Medium ewe lambs improved to $80-$90 and light, $68-$72 The waters were tested the previous week at the first sale post-lockdown, but it was all go at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, with sizable volumes of cattle and sheep. Adult cattle numbered 980, while just over 5200 sheep were offered. The cattle yarding featured stock only offered due to the drought, which included in-calf traditional cows. Most were purchased to farm on. The steer market started off at levels seen of late, but lines 350kg and under proved harder to shift. Angus, 313-318kg, made $2.14-$2.19/ kg, while traditional heifers averaged 320kg and $1.84/ kg. Values similar for dairy-beef heifers and Friesian bulls averaged 340kg and $2.01/kg. The lamb market lifted for the most part, though drought-affected types sold at a discount.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep; feeder calves • Top Angus steers, 610kg, made $2.45/kg • Angus-cross heifers, 790kg, achieved $2.60/kg • One pen of Hereford & Angus-Hereford cows, 609kg, returned $1.48/kg The usual buyers were in attendance last Monday at the first FEILDING prime sale in eight weeks. Lots of small lines occupied the sheep pens with two-thirds of the lambs

SALE YARD WRAP

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020

BACK IN BUSINESS: Traditional weaner cattle contributed 80% of the 1600 head offered at the Feilding weaner fair last Thursday with the balance mainly exotic.

graded as heavy. Half earned $160-$165 with the balance $140-$152. The best ewes were very-good types that made $125-$145, while good traded at $121-$123. Boner cows and heifers had varied returns with many lesser quality types. Friesian and Friesian-cross heifers, 400-445kg, ranged from $1.11/kg to $2.07/kg with Friesian cows, 362-464kg, mostly $1.10-$1.18/kg. A small yarding of feeder calves included good Friesian bulls at $140-$150, while Hereford-Friesian bulls and heifers earned $150-$200. Feilding dairy-beef weaner sale • Friesian bull calves, 175-200kg, were $430-$460 • Friesian bull calves, 140-150kg, earned $280-$330 • Whiteface heifer calves, 150-160kg, made $345-$380 A little more than 900 dairy-beef calves were offered at FEILDING last Tuesday, where prices were largely passable given where the market has been lately. Two-thirds were Friesian bull calves with, 155-220kg, typically making $2.30/kg to $2.50/kg, while lighter cuts generally ranged from $2.00/kg to $2.20/kg. Beef-cross bull calves could only reach the same level leaving a good portion passed in. Decent quality heifers including 145-205kg whiteface and Speckle Park calves managed $2.20-$2.40/kg, anything else did well to get $1.80/kg. Feilding beef weaner sale • Traditional weaner steers, 230-265kg, returned $2.85/kg to $3.00/ kg • Traditional weaner steers, 185-215kg, earned $2.95/kg to $3.20/kg • Traditional weaner heifers, 170-235kg, realised $2.30/kg to $2.60/ kg Around 1600 beef weaners were offered at FEILDING last Thursday, where the auction ran with relative ease. Moderate numbers of exotic steers were mixed in quality, which affected prices, however a large consignment of 190-240kg Saler-cross made $2.80-$2.90/kg. Two big pens of 255-300kg Angus bulls were $2.40/kg to $2.55/kg, while the balance had mixed results. Interest dipped off on the heifers, though mid-range traditional types still sold well enough, while anything below 170kg was mostly $285-$330. Exotic heifers had mixed returns, with $2.25/kg to $2.40/kg the middle-ground. Feilding store sale • R3 Angus steers, 470-635kg, were $2.68-$2.77/kg • R2 exotic steers, 465-530kg, made $2.51-$2.53/kg • Four to five-year Romney ewes, SIL 153%, made $165 • Male lamb average lifted to $120 • Ewe lamb average lifted to $105.50 Around 400 store cattle at FEILDING enjoyed a fair solid sale. Some prime R3 Angus steers began the sale very strong, making up to $2.77/kg. Several lines of cleanmarked R2 Hereford-Friesian steers were $2.19-$2.32/kg. A variety of mixed bred beef-cross R2 bulls, 330-460kg, made $2.15-$2.25/kg. Almost all heifers were dairy-cross with $2.04-$2.10/kg the usual rate paid, though two pens of better-quality Hereford-Friesian were above the rest at $2.32-$2.40/kg. The sheep yards had 13,000 lambs in, but there just wasn’t enough to go around. Male lambs began on a strong note, and if anything the sale improved as the auction moved into the deeper cuts. Top-cuts of males were $134-$141.50, other good lines $120-$130.50, while mediums were at $102-$113.50 and the lighter pens $71$87. On the ewe lambs, the cream of the crop made $120$127.50, moving to $110-$120 on other good lines, whereas

mediums were $99-$108.50 and the rest mostly $74-$87. Medium run-with-ram ewes were $112-$137. Rongotea sale • R3 Hereford-Friesian bulls, 630kg, made $2.51/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian and Angus-cross steers, 359kg-445kg, fetched $1.98-$2.06/kg • R1 Hereford-Friesian steers, 153-277kg, traded over a range of $1.91/kg to $2.75/kg • Friesian boner cows, 581kg, earned $1.54/kg The cattle pens were at full capacity at RONGOTEA last Wednesday with strong demand from buyers with good feed reserves prior to winter, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. R3 HerefordFriesian steers, 525-665kg, made $2.10/kg to $2.44/kg, with Angus-cross, 428kg, at $2.22/kg. R3 beef-cross heifers varied, although the better types fetched $2.12-$2.18/kg. R1 Angus heifers, 192-215kg, earned $2.60-$2.67/kg, while same-aged Friesian bulls, 123-252kg, made $1.53/kg to $1.98/kg. In the feeder calf pens, Belgian Blue-cross and Simental-cross bulls reached $200-$210, and same breed heifers at $200-$295, though Hereford-Friesian traded at $115 and below.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • Good R2 steers, 415-462kg, earned $2.15-$2.19/kg • Prime lambs varied from $105 to $155 • Very-heavy prime wethers made $206-$226 • Most prime ewes returned $70-$158 • Most store ewe lambs made $74-$112 Mid Canterbury crop buyers stocked up on lambs for winter at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday. Shorn and male store lambs made a premium, with medium and short-term types of all sexes popular. Prices were higher than recent paddock prices, with the top shorn male lambs at $94-$117, and mixed-sex $99-$109. Quality prime cattle sold well and Angus and Hereford-Friesian, 520-599kg, provided the bulk of the steers at $2.10-$2.20/kg; a price matched by similar weighted heifers. R2 heifers outnumbered steers two to one, with red-coloured Hereford-Friesian, 355-395kg, the majority at $1.86/kg to $2.01/kg. Canterbury Park calf sale • Angus-Hereford steers, 405kg, sold for $1010 • Angus & Angus-Hereford steers, 341kg, made $900 • Simmental-cross steers, 343kg, earned $955 CANTERBURY PARK’s first calf sale for the year doesn’t normally occur as late as May, and just shy of 1200 were yarded across 170 pens last Wednesday. Angus and AngusHereford steers made up a third of the tally, with 300-350kg at $800-$850 and 200-300kg sold for $590-$790. Exotic types sold well, such as Charolais and Charolais-cross, 185-306kg, $580-$955. Traditional heifers, 270-390kg, often made $620$750, with one pen of Simmental-cross, 290kg, at $770. Only 50 bulls were put forward, but they did include the top per kilo rate of the day of $4.02/kg, when $750 was paid for seven 186kg Murray Grey. Coalgate cattle and sheep • Autumn-born R2 Angus-cross steers, 299kg, made $2.34/kg • R2 Angus heifers, 343kg, fetched $2.04/kg • Weaner Belgian Blue-Charolais steers, 281kg made $760, and heifers, 248kg, $675

Nearly five times more store cattle were yarded at COALGATE last Thursday than the pre-lockdown sale back in March. The store cattle started well as 29 R2 HerefordFriesian steers, 427-474kg, traded at $2.27-$2.34/kg. Over half of the store tally was found in the weaner pens, where Hereford steers, 208-249kg, made good values at $590-$705. A large gallery watched the 2150 store lambs improve over the previous sale with half the yarding at $100-$117, and the balance $71-$97. Prime lamb prices were solid and evenly spread out a $101-$175 range. Heavy ewes made $162-$216, with the biggest volume sold for $100-$157.a

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka Prime and boner cattle; all sheep • Beef and beef-cross steers, 504-720kg, varied from $2.17/kg to $2.34/kg • Angus bulls, 620-674kg, fetched $2.11-$2.25/kg • Hereford-Friesian and Angus-Hereford heifers, 420-465kg, traded at $2.00-$2.10/kg • Prime lambs mostly made $110-$160 The main feature of the first post-lockdown yarding at TEMUKA was nearly 1400 store lambs, with heavier mixedsex pens $89-$120. Prime lamb and ewe tallies were around half the usual total with both sections considered to have sold in line with schedule prices. The top pen in the ewe section reached $180 and the lion’s share traded at $105$156. The cattle section was dominated by boner cows and heifers that contributed 250 of the 300 head offered. A small gallery held this market at similar levels to the last sale with the majority Friesian cows, 445-800kg, that sold from $1.01/ kg to $1.20/kg. Temuka Store cattle • R2 Angus steers, 400-548kg, were priced at $2.32-$2.40/kg • R2 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 293-407kg, made $2.22$2.31/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 329-415kg, traded at $1.95-$2.05/kg It was a long time between store sales, but these cattle finally graced the pens at TEMUKA last Thursday. Just short of 700 were yarded and with the usual calf sales missed during lockdown weaners provided most of the tally. Wellmarked R2 Hereford-Friesian steers over 300kg were able to achieve $2.32-$2.40/kg, but prices varied for the remainder as same weighted pens ranged from $1.99/kg to $2.25/kg. Weaner Angus or Angus-Hereford steers sold in two price brackets: 220-292kg that made $610-$800, and 200-220kg pens earned $480-$550, while their sisters over 220kg managed $530-$680.

SOUTHLAND Lorneville cattle and sheep • Yearling Hereford-cross bulls, 238kg, fetched $2.18/kg • Heavy prime lambs made $120-$133 • Top store lambs were bought for $90-$105, and medium $75-$85 There was a small yarding of prime cattle at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday. Prime beef-cross heifers, 360kg, earned $1.50/ kg, while cows 450kg and above sold at $0.90-$1.00/kg. The store pens were mostly R2 Hereford-cross steers, 387-510kg, which traded at $2.00-$2.07/kg, while R2 beef-cross heifers, 376-487kg, were harder work at $1.95/kg and below. In the sheep pens, light to medium prime lambs made $100-$119, while heavy prime ewes sold for $115-$130, medium $100$114, and lights $70-$90.

Markets

40 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – May 25, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

NI SLAUGHTER MUTTON

SI SLAUGHTER COW

($/KG)

GOOD MIXED-SEX LAMBS AT CANTERBURY PARK

($/KG)

($/HD)

6.60

4.55

3.00

100

Velvet up, venison down Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

ELVET exports for March were up while venison exports were down, telling two different stories for the deer industry. While is too early to do a wrap on the velvet season, exports to South Korea in March were very healthy, Deer Industry New Zealand marketing manager Rhys Griffiths said. Velvet exports in March were $10.8 million, up on March 2019 at $6.7m. But exports for the year ending March 31 at $58m are back $4m on the $62m of the previous year. The 2019-20 season was later than the previous year and the figures reflect that, Griffiths said. “What they don’t reflect is any disruption caused by covid-19 at both ends of the supply chain. Maybe we will see that when April figures come out.” On the other hand, venison figures clearly show the early impact of covid-19. With reduced processing capacity March slaughter fell 8% on the corresponding time last year with exports for the month at 1319 tonnes, down 30% on 2019. The United States was the most affected market taking just 218 tonnes, down 55% on March 2019. Exports to Switzerland and the Netherlands dropped from 100 tonnes in March 2019 to virtually zero this March. Dinz chief executive Innes Moffat said venison companies have provided some clarity on the state of the market and given guidance for future prices. The biggest hit in schedules has come from Silver Fern Farms dropping $2 a kilogram, bringing the price paid into the $5 range. Alliance dropped 50 cents off its schedule. This time last year venison schedules were at $9/kg. Moffat said venison marketers stress the situation is temporary while waiting for the world’s restaurants to reopen. “We expect more news in the weeks

CONFIDENT: Deer Industry New Zealand chief executive Innes Moffat belives demand for venison will pick up as market disruption recedes.

ahead and while we may not like the news it’s better to have a degree of certainty to help with planning the difficult months ahead.” The pace with which restaurants reopen over the next phase of the covid-19 pandemic will determine the volume of venison they will order, Moffat said. “Only three months ago we were looking forward to a solid year with good prospects in a broad spread of markets. “Now we are being hit by an unimaginable series of events – a global pandemic, African swine fever and access disruptions in China, a fragmented approach to dealing with the crisis in the US and a drought and feed deficits across much of the country.” However, there is confidence once the disruptions are managed those markets will again want NZ venison.

Premium products have been hurt, 2020 will be a tough year but we know the people who buy our venison still want it. Innes Moffat Deer Industry NZ “For us what is vitally important is that NZ venison processors have committed to continue processing as we go into winter.” All the venison companies are developing alternative channels – small goods for retail, home delivery and an increased focus towards online sales.

high $2.85-$3.00/kg $470-$620 traditional lights Traditional weaner Weaner heifers, 185-235kg, at steers, 230-265kg, at Feilding

Rangiuru

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Paddock prices adjusted by good prices at the sale yards THE return of the sale yards really threw the cat among the pigeons when it comes to store lamb pricing, with results from all sales since level two well above paddock prices. The only way to sell lambs over lockdown was in the paddock and with no sale yards to set the mark, prices stayed largely stagnant over the seven weeks. The first few weeks were a time of readjustment to a new normal and plenty of uncertainty in everything while subsequent weeks felt a bit like no-man’s land. That was followed by the announcement sale yards would reopen in level two, which created a holding pattern for those last few weeks. Over that period a $2.60/kg LW average was not uncommon for males on both islands while ewe lambs traded about $2.40/kg LW. When the yards reopened that was set to rights, though, as the extra competition garnered from the physical auction environment along with a reduction in backlogs at the processors, which allowed their buyers to re-enter the market, increased the competition for store lambs. Lambs at the yards are sold on a per-head basis but paddock prices are usually per kilogram so it is fortunate our LivestockEye weigh crates give us the ability to produce kilo prices to make a clear comparison. Paddock sales do not include the yard fees but demand has been such at the yards that any extra costs incurred to sell via this channel were offset. At the first sales post-lockdown in the North Island prices improved to $2.80-$3/kg LW only to be bettered over the past week by another lift to $3.20-$3.30/kg LW for the better males and ewe lambs. For the small entries of South Island lambs prices have been even better with Canterbury Park able to achieve $3.30-$3.60/kg for some lambs. There are, of course, dry and drought-affected lambs that will not reach such levels and the next few weeks will determine if this is simply a honeymoon period or if these levels are here to stay. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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