Farmers Weekly NZ November 25 2025

Alliance fate in hands of shareholders

ALLIANCE Group will now play a waiting to game to see whether its 4500 shareholders will provide the new capital it needs, despite the co-operative this week reporting a second successive annual loss.

Alliance announced an after-tax loss of $95.8m for the year ended September 30, which compares to a $70.2m loss for the previous year, a result chair Mark Wynne described as disappointing. He said the company is budgeting for a return to profitability this year on the back of improved markets and benefits from the cost-saving measures it has introduced.

The underlying after-tax loss was an improvement at $47.6m after allowing for one-off costs associated with restructuring, including the closure of its Smithfield plant.

Wynne told Farmers Weekly that the board and management had made several tough decisions, including $51m in restructuring and reducing the salaried workforce by 40%, predominantly a mix of Smithfield workers and staff working on a now-completed computer upgrade.

The annual report shows debt increased $57m between 2023 and 2024 from $180m to $238m,

a figure Wynne said is a concern and an indication of why the cooperative needs an increase in its capital base.

Alliance is seeking between $100m and $150m in new capital, initially from shareholders, to address a reduction in shareholder equity that was 70% in 2017 but fell to 48% last year.

“It’s a terrible time to go to farmers, we couldn’t have played it worse, but if we want to remain a co-operative, it’s what we have to do,” said Wynne.

Some farmers “do not have the appetite”, and told the company they will not be increasing their shareholding. Others are still considering their options –and a significant number have committed.

The 2024 accounts show increased shareholding boosted equity from $104m to $108m.

Wynne said it will be early next year – when stock flows start to peak – that the board can assess the level of shareholder support. It has recruited Craigs Investment Partners to assess other options.

Wynne declined to provide details but said there is interest in the business from outside parties.

For the third time since announcing the recapitalisation process, Alliance has lowered the amount it retains from livestock processed so shareholders can

Moving NZ Merino, sheep to shop

Barcaldine farm in North Canterbury has forged a partnership with Devold of Norway, a wool garment brand 18,000km away that enjoys international acclaim for its highperformance outdoor active Merino products and sustainable ethos.

PGG Wool SHEEP & BEEF 15-18

Tulips an unlikely gas crop

Thailand’s efforts to better manage its natural gas resources are delivering an upside for an unlikely floral crop.

10

Hard to see red meat consolidation working, says Allan Barber.

Photo:

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Contents

Focus

1-11

12-13

15-18

19-22

23-30

31

32

33-35

36-39

40

VALUED: Northland Regional Council chair and dairy farmer Geoff Crawford says it is invaluable taking the time to visit Fonterra’s markets to better understand how dairy farmers’ milk supply is consumed.

News in brief

Farmlands’ loss

Farmlands rural supplies co-operative has declared another trading loss, of $14.3 million, after revenue came down by 8.5% to $740m in the 2024 financial year ended June 30.

The results are reflection of tough times for farmers and growers, chair Rob Hewett said.

A high-profile Southland dairy farmer and his business have been ordered to pay $71,500 in fines.

Environment Court Judge Prudence Steven fined Reza Abdul-Jabbar $13,000 for an abatement notice contravention, and fined his company Marshall Road Farm Trustees Limited (formerly Rural Practice Ltd) $58,500 for discharge offending and an abatement notice contravention.

Farmer fined Conservation review

Consultation is underway on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system.

The Department of Conservation has released two discussion documents for public consultation. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the aim is to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies.

Forecast up

China has clearly returned in force to the market for dairy commodities, Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon says.

The lift in Chinese demand has boosted Global Dairy Trade prices and prompted Westpac to raise its farmgate milk price forecast from $9 to $10.

“Chinese buyers are facing a substantial challenge to rebuild their stocks of milk powders in particular.”

Price shocks halt maize planting plans

Gerald Piddock NEWS Arable

INADEQUATELY priced maize

grain contracts have resulted in Gisborne and Wairoa growers pulling back on the amount planted this spring for fear of financial losses.

The only people planting maize this spring are doing so because they have to make farm machinery payments, Gisborne Federated Farmers arable chair Allan Newton said.

“Financially it’s disastrous.

Anyone growing maize in the Wairoa area is really only growing it for love and to make enough money to pay their gear off,” he said.

With contracts being offered at $460 a tonne, farmers would have to achieve a 10t yield just to cover the costs of growing it.

“Even at $460, it’s really only a subsistence existence on the east coast.”

At $460 delivered to Waikato, it will cost 9-10t to the hectare of product to break even, he said.

Once drying and transport costs are removed, the actual amount growers would get could be as low as $320 a tonne.

“The cost of growing is around $2800 a hectare, so there’s not a lot of fat in the system.”

If the weather turns bad and the

Continued from page 1

reach the new required level of shares.

From mid-November it switched to $1/stock unit for lamb, sheep and bobby calves, $12 for cattle and $4 for deer. When initially announced, it was up to $4/stock unit.

Shareholders are required to increase the number of shares held for each stock unit processed from 12 to 16 shares.

Wynne said while costs have been a focus, the board and management have sought to

yield is poor, it will be an easy way to make a loss.

There are few options for other arable crops because of the lack of supporting infrastructure, he said.

Newton plans to plant 20ha of his farm in maize this season.

In the past he has planted as much as 200ha in maize but he has reverted it to grass and will graze cattle this season.

“I can’t afford to take the risk of making a loss with maize.”

I

can’t afford to take the risk of making a loss with maize.

Allan Newton Federated Farmers

In Waikato, growers have had a dream run for planting in terms of weather and ground conditions, Waikato Federated Farmers Arable chair Don Stobie said.

Maize silage sales have been steady, and with the forecast slightly reduced planted area he does not think there is much spare left to be sold at present.

Maize grain contracts were few and far between earlier in the season, he said.

“The two main reasons for this have been the grain volume carried forward from last harvest and

extract more value by investing in meat eating-quality technology that measures marbling in beef and intramuscular fat in lamb, with qualifying animals commanding higher returns.

Other initiatives include tightening management of distribution channels, developing new fifth-quarter products, with two showing potential, and improving the flow of market information to farmers.

The budgeted return to profitability will be challenging, said Wynne, given an extremely wet spring in the south and continued

the lack of gas supply to the two main grain drying companies, PGG Wrightson and Viterra.

“They were holding off from putting out contracts until they could secure enough gas supply to run the dryers in the autumn.”

Both of these issues have been slowly resolved, with contracts now being offered to growers, he said.

While the gas issue may have been resolved this season, companies are going to have to find long-term solutions to provide certainty to growers, he said.

“As a maize grain industry, we cannot do business year to year with the sort of uncertainty around gas supply that occurred this year.”

H&T forage and cropping adviser Grant McDonald said Gisborne, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay and Manawatū are back in terms of planting intentions both for maize grain and maize generally.

Inventories are low with grain buyers having sold all of the grain they had dried after harvest.

“I have a customer still sitting on 1200t unsold, waiting for the price to get over $500.”

While some growers were burnt last season from dairy farmers not honouring feed contracts, the prospect of a dry summer along with the higher forecast has seen some already inquiring about securing supplementary feed, he said.

land use change, but he said Alliance has the support of its banking syndicate.

The board has in recent months held 42 woolshed meetings with shareholders plus video meetings and Wynne said a common complaint was the role of thirdparty traders supplying livestock to the co-operative.

Farmers say their role is inequitable in a co-operative, with claims that on occasion they are paid more than for comparable stock supplied by co-operative shareholders.

Wynne said Alliance currently

sources about 20% of its livestock from third-party traders but intends to prioritise direct supply from shareholders through a livestock-representative-first procurement model, “ensuring our livestock representatives are not undercut on price”.

Third-party traders still have a role filling weather-created supply shortages and at the shoulders of the season.

“Our long-term goal is clear, to increase the percentage of livestock procured directly from our farmer shareholders.”

Relationships are built on trust

and confidence and Wynne said the main point of the woolshed meetings was to listen to shareholders.

It’s a terrible time to go to farmers, we couldn’t have played it worse.

Mark Wynne Alliance Group

“They were very clear. Talk is cheap, they need us to walk the talk.”

NEEDS: The only people planting maize this spring are doing so because they have to make farm machinery purchases, says Gisborne Federated Farmers arable chair Allan Newton.

Farm assurance programme widens scope

Neal Wallace MARKETS Exports

ABROADENED

New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme

could provide global meat and dairy customers with verification that our production systems meet their standards.

Launched in 2017 by the meat sector, with the latest NZFAP Plus version released in late 2021, NZFAP has 8500 subscribers and growing, providing much of the production information sought by customers such as Nestlé, Mars and McDonald’s.

NZ Farm Assurance Inc (NZFAI) independent chair Nick Beeby said the programme is currently geared up for the meat, deer and wool industries, providing customers with proof of origin, traceability, food safety and animal welfare information.

Beeby said NZFAI is talking to dairy companies and the wider dairy industry about collaboration and is working with IT companies that operate in the agricultural sector about simplifying the collation and aligning of data.

The supply of dairy cattle for beef production means dairy is partly involved, but that sector has its own production verification standards.

Beeby said verification requirements are being driven by certain markets.

The clear message coming from some of our highest-value meat and dairy customers during the

Farmers Weekly Meeting the Market tour was the need for proof that production systems meet customer standards.

Nestlé, Mars and McDonald’s all said they not only want evidence we are as sustainable as we say we are, but that we demonstrate continuous improvement.

Much of the information they require is also sought by

Standards are top of mind for dairy

Neal

Wallace MARKETS Dairy

THE dairy industry is well on the way to validating the sustainability and efficiency of its farm production systems.

David Burger, DairyNZ’s policy and farm solutions manager, said more than 80% of dairy’s 10,600 farmers currently have a farm environment plan that addresses water quality, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity.

The goal is for all farmers to have farm plans in 2025.

“Farmers take their regulatory obligations seriously,” said Burger.

“Global demand for NZ dairy is strong due to our high standards of production and low footprint.”

Burger said dairy is a collaborative industry with multiple parties working to support sustainable and profitable outcomes.

“However, our role as an industry good organisation is to support our farmers to improve their farm systems to meet the demands of the future, including investing in science and research and scrutinising any additional policy, regulation or certification asks of farmers, not adding more.”

Chad Tustin, the acting divisional manager bilateral

relations and trade with the Ministry for Primary Industries, said the European Union’s proposed policy requiring importers to prove production has not added to deforestation, is an example of officials ensuring NZ’s production systems are understood.

“The proposed delay to the implementation of the EU deforestation regulation, if passed by the European Parliament, would alleviate the considerable uncertainty our exporters have faced due to the delays from the European Commission to issue guidance and prepare their systems for implementation.”

processors, regional and district councils and government departments.

Beeby said once farmers have that audited information in a form that satisfies the various requirements of bodies, it will be up to them as owners whether they want to share it.

“They have got the data, the standards and are independently audited,” he said.

As owners of the data, Beeby said, it is up to farmers how they use it.

“We are not a regulatory body,” he said.

The purpose of farm assurance plans is to create one supply compliance agreement across multiple meat companies that is practical and reduces duplication.

NZFAI general manager Megan Mounsey-Smith said a farmer supplying three meat companies faced three audits.

Between 2017 and 2020 NZFAP has achieved a 37% reduction in farm audits and 36% reduction in costs.

There are 16 meat companies and 18 wool companies involved in the programme.

She said data and information requirements are such they can

be compiled without the need for farmers to employ professionals while audits are outcome based rather than prescriptive or detailing what farmers need to do.

Having uniform standards across multiple companies also ensures that signatory companies have a united front should customers make unrealistic demands.

The foundation NZFAP programme covers livestock movement, food safety, biosecurity, animal welfare, agricultural chemical use and storage, use of supplementary feed, animal husbandry, farm systems and animal handling facilities.

There are additional voluntary standards such as NZFAP Plus silver and NZFAP Plus gold, which are more aspirational with different information requirements built around the three pillars of people, environment and biosecurity.

Beeby said these are demanding obligations for farmers who are inherently excellent operators, but increasingly customers are expecting proof of claims. expecting proof of claims.

ORIGIN: NZ Farm Assurance Inc independent chair Nick Beeby says the programme is currently geared up for the meat, deer and wool industries, providing customers with proof of origin, traceability, food safety and animal welfare information.

Photo: File

PLANS: David Burger said more than 80% of dairy’s 10,600 farmers currently have a farm environment plan that addresses water quality, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity. Photo: File

Pāmu facility fills methane research gap

Staff reporter TECHNOLOGY

Emissions

A NEW feed conversion efficiency and methane testing facility run by Pāmu has had its first heifers arrive, marking an important step in developing low-methane breeding programmes for New Zealand livestock.

The facility, at St Kilda near Taupō, provides measurement data for residual feed intake and methane selection for beef and dairy-beef genetics for both Pāmu and wider industry use.

It will also offer capacity for other research such as testing other methane mitigation technologies to help with its commercialisation and to support the development of better ways of measuring methane in cattle.

The government-owned farmer is hosting an open day for farmers and industry to visit the facilities at St Kilda on Wednesday, February 12.

Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie said it marks a coming together of their strategic programmes.

“This includes developing an

integrated profitable dairy beef approach; lowering pastoral greenhouse gas emissions and farming more sustainably; as well as the broader role of Pāmu in collaborating in pastoral emissions reduction for the good of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The work, which is supported by Pāmu subsidiary Focus Genetics, helps fill the gap in low-methane breeding nationally, as referred to in a recent report by the Climate Change Commission.

While work is well underway in the dairy sector, there is not enough evidence that lowmethane breeding for beef cattle would be available for the next contribution period, which is 2031-2035, the report said.

“This facility is an important step forward. If we can measure, then we can manage and implement low-methane breeding programmes for New Zealand livestock,” Leslie said.

“This, in turn, ensures more low-emission beef and dairybeef genetics are available for the agricultural sector, contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand meeting its international commitments to reducing greenhouse gases.”

STEP: The arrival of the first heifers marks an important step in developing low-methane breeding programmes for New Zealand livestock.

Horticulture exporters look to progress in India

Richard Rennie MARKETS Horticulture

THE horticultural sector is revisiting efforts to sell more produce into the Indian market, with a top-level delegation due to visit New Delhi and Mumbai before Christmas.

A full horticultural delegation will include representatives from the kiwifruit, onion, avocado and summer fruit sectors.

Hopes are for talks to restart over access for kiwifruit, following progress stalling in the wake of last year’s India-NZ Business Council summit in New Delhi.

That meeting had hoped to announce that Zespri had secured a lower tariff rate for its kiwifruit, while offering Indian kiwifruit growers access to NZ skills and IP in return.

At present Zespri faces a 33% tariff on its kiwifruit exports there.

The 2023-24 season had 285,000 trays of Green fruit sold there through a collaborative marketing arrangement between Zespri and Freshmax.

This is down significantly from the 750,000 trays marketed in 2021-22 and 2020-21.

Last July Zespri announced it was working with NZ and Indian governments alongside Plant & Food Research on ways to assist the local kiwifruit grower sector in India’s Northeastern region.

In exchange, tariff relief was being sought for NZ fruit, enabling Zespri to boost its market development efforts.

Zespri also has one eye on the counter-seasonal supply options India could offer in the future as it works to keep retailer supplies stocked all year round through globally supplied fruit.

However, progress in the 12

months since the summit has been slow, with efforts apparently stalling with federal government departments in India.

Michael Fox, Zespri’s head of global public affairs, said Zespri is looking forward to supporting the delegation in December.

“Business will be leading the way with India, building personal relationships to give the government a platform for wider trade talks in the future,” he said.

He acknowledged any trade deal with India would not be as transactional as an FTA with the likes of China, with established relationships playing a big role in success.

Onions NZ CEO James Kuperus said the exploratory trip aims to see where NZ Onions could meet Indian demand for non-traditional brown onions, usually used more in Western cuisines in restaurants and hotels there.

“They tend to use a shallots and red onions, which we do produce here. But our mantra is for markets to consume local produce, while we here in NZ provide differentiated produce.”

NZ onions currently face a 30% tariff in India and a fumigation requirement that is not conducive to providing the highest quality product on arrival.

Kuperus said producers are taking a long-term view of the Indian trade market, anticipating at least five years to gain greater access.

“We are trying to fall in behind the government to invest in relationships and not shy away from the challenge.”

NZ is ranked ninth in the world’s top 10 exporters of onions globally, with the Netherlands and China dominating.

More extensive trade talks that play into a free-trade agreement have remained elusive, after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon promised he would have a deal signed by the end of his first term in power.

However, dairy remains a major stumbling block to any rapid signing of an FTA.

It is yet to be confirmed whether Minister of Trade Todd McClay will accompany the delegation on the Indian visit.

COOKING: Onions NZ CEO James Kuperus is hoping a delegation visit to India in December will be the first step in opening up a new market for NZ onions and other horticultural produce. Photo: File

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Counting burgers, blocs in Trump tariff war

ANigel Stirling MARKETS Trade

FACT-finding mission to Washington

DC has uncovered factors for and against New Zealand farmers being spared the worst of United States president-elect Donald Trump’s global tariff attack.

Former trade negotiator Charles Finny and Sense

Partners economist John Ballingall travelled separately to the US capital this month to speak to trade officials, think tanks and New Zealand embassy staff.

“What seems absolutely certain is there is going to be something done on China and there is going to be a major dust-up with the European Union and Mexico,” Finny said.

“People have got a bigger question mark about whether there is a blanket tariff on everyone else or will it be more targeted.”

Finny said Trump wants to punish countries with high tariffs against US exports by imposing equally large tariffs against them.

Because successive governments have lowered tariffs, NZ does not fall into that category.

“That would suit NZ fantastically but I wouldn’t be too optimistic.

“Not one person I spoke to was super-optimistic that he will not do what he said he is going to do on tariffs.”

Trump has threatened tariffs of 60% against Chinese imports, and up to 20% for all other imports.

Ballingall, who calculates the cost of a 20% tariff on NZ exports to the US at $1.76 billion, said expectations among some NZ exporters that food imports would be spared appeared optimistic given only 7% of the 50,000 importers who applied were granted tariff exemptions in Trump’s previous term.

“It will be challenging for our consumer goods to get an exemption but 7% is not zero and there is a bit of time to start building our arguments and show why making exports from NZ more expensive would really hurt consumers during a cost of living crisis.”

In NZ beef farmers’ favour are strong links between Trump and the largest importer of NZ manufacturing beef in the US, McDonald’s.

Burger prices are politically contentious in the US, second only to gasoline prices, and

Trump would not want to be blamed for them going up.

“The CEO of McDonald’s has Trump on speed dial and McDonald’s will have a strong argument to make,” Finny said.

“The case is less strong when you move into other products.”

The US is the biggest market for NZ wine and the second largest for lamb after China.

Both Ballingall and Finny said it is unclear whether NZ’s status as partner with the US in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing agreement would count for anything when pleading its case for tariff exemptions.

And that case would be at risk if NZ was seen to be exploiting a trade war between the US and China.

As with Trump’s previous tariffs on China, it is likely that China would retaliate with tariffs of its own against US agricultural exports –potentially creating shortfalls in the Chinese market.

“The US could say, ‘If we see you trying to benefit then we are going to go after you’ – I would not rule that out at all,” Finny said.

“If there is one thing that there is a consensus on in this town, it is that China is no good.”

Live export push goes ahead

THE government is forging ahead with plans to reinstate livestock exports.

In an announcement last week, Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard confirmed the government is continuing work to reinstate live exports by sea, banned by the previous government in April 2023.

“The government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate

the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of livestock exported by sea,” he said.

“We will amend the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to ensure exporters effectively manage animal welfare outcomes throughout the entire supply chain.”

Hoggard said the government is committed to making sure that when the trade is reinstated, “we have the highest standards of animal welfare”. Changes to the Animal Welfare Act are only a part of that.

PUNISH: Former trade negotiator Charles Finny said US president-elect Donald Trump wants to punish countries with high tariffs against US exports by imposing equally large tariffs against them.

Photo: Files

Annette Scott NEWS Livestock

Farmers want consultation on GE changes

DISCUSSION:

Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford says he is hearing concerns from a number of farmers about the direction GE legislation is taking.

File

Gerhard Uys TECHNOLOGY Genetics

THE vast majority – 93% – of farmers surveyed think it is important that there is widespread consultation with farmers and growers on changes to New Zealand’s geneediting regulations.

Account director at research company Truwind (formerly Research First) Liz Morley said the figure is from its independent research that surveyed farmers across all sectors of the industry about their perceptions of biotechnology.

Approached for comment, Tony de Jong, manager biotechnology policy & regulation at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), said liberalising genetic engineering laws is something that was campaigned on and committed to in the government’s coalition agreements. It was agreed that there is a process for people to have their say during the Select Committee stage, which is likely to be in early 2025, De Jong said. There is no public consultation scheduled before that process.

The MBIE, which is leading the reform process, has been informed by three advisory groups – a technical advisory group, industry advisory group and Māori advisory group – De Jong said.

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Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford said he is hearing concerns from a number of farmers about the direction GE legislation is taking.

Federated Farmers will be considering adjusting its position to represent farmers who have concerns about rule changes. There is a lack of understanding about what the rule changes mean, he said. He encouraged farmers to talk to their local Federated Farmers representative so their voice could be heard at the National Council.

Concerns are more around losing control over what they’ve been farming for generations.

Liz Morley Truwind

Langford said he is meeting soon with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and that GE rule changes are “far from a done deal”.

Morley said a social media analysis in the lead-up to the election showed gene editing was never a driver of conversation when compared to issues such as gangs, GST, clean car discounts, free dental care, foreign property buyers or National’s landlord tax policy.

Despite misgivings about the government’s approach to public consultation, 59% of respondents in the survey said regulations need to be changed.

Asked what impact introducing GE or genetic modification (GM) would have on New Zealand’s image, 23% of farmers and growers thought it would have no impact, 5% a very positive impact and 24% thought it would have some positive impact, but 37% thought it would have some negative impact and 11% said it would have a very negative impact.

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Comments from farmers were generally positive, “and tend to be around meeting climate targets and continuing to farm in a similar way that they are now”.

“Concerns are more around losing control over [what] they’ve been farming for generations, so patents and copyrights, rather than devaluing products in the eyes of the consumer, [such as] the New Zealand brand.”

The survey showed both the general public and farmers are still unsure of exactly what GE or GM mean, and whether it is or is not already allowed in New Zealand.

Farmers and growers in the survey who opposed changes cited a lack of information on the long-term effects of GE and said improvements can be made without resorting to genetics.

Farmers Weekly reported earlier that there were concerns among especially the organic sector that GE technology rule changes are being rushed through by the government without public consultation.

Photo:

GDT prices scaling 2022’s record peak

Hugh Stringleman MARKETS Dairy

GLOBAL Dairy Trade prices

increased by 1.9% in the second fortnightly November auction and the GDT index is now the highest it has been since July 2022.

At 1239 points currently the index is 25% higher than it was 12 months ago and is returning to the slopes of the 1300-plus, 10-year record peak reached between January and May 2022.

Price increases were strong for milk powders and milkfat products but fell for cheddar and mozzarella.

Whole milk powder, which was half of the auction volume, rose 3.2% and skim milk powder was up 0.9%.

Anhydrous milk fat went up 1% and butter 0.5%.

Mozzarella fell 6.6% and cheddar 3.1%.

NZX dairy analyst Rosalind Crickett said the New Zealand milk production figures for October are expected to show a 2.5% lift in the season to date and the outlook for dairy production elsewhere in the world is constrained.

She said the United States is grappling with bird flu and Europe with bluetongue virus.

Demand for imported milk powders is improving in China as local inventories run down, having dropped 90% in the latest month-end statistics.

Dairy analysts’ forecasts for farmgate milk prices are at or above $9.50, which is the new Fonterra mid-point prediction, and the SGX-NZX milk price futures market is quoting around $9.90.

STRONG: Price increases were strong for milk powders and milkfat products but fell for cheddar and mozzarella.

Photo: File

Trade envoys head back down to economy class

ENigel Stirling POLITICS Trade

XPORTERS are concerned bleary-eyed trade negotiators may no longer be as effective as they once were after government cost-saving measures sent them down the back of the plane on some long-haul flights.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has confirmed to Farmers Weekly that its negotiators are no longer permitted to fly business class for flights of 16 hours or less and must instead travel in premium economy or economy class.

The new policy, which has saved the taxpayer nearly $2 million in less than six months, has been criticised by one exporter group concerned that the downgrade risks leaving negotiators jetlagged as they arrive in foreign capitals to clinch complex trade deals often worth billions of dollars.

“Making our negotiators travel long distances in economy class doesn’t seem to be a very good thing when often we want

them to get to work straight away,” said Stephen Jacobi, of the International Business Forum, representing exporting heavyweights including Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms and kiwifruit marketer Zespri, and a former trade official himself.

“They might fall asleep in their meetings.”

According to Air New Zealand’s website, a business class ticket flying with Air China in midDecember direct from Auckland to Beijing and back again costs $10,297. The same trip on a premium economy ticket costs $5,670. A business class ticket comes with access to airport lounges, priority check-in and boarding and a lie-flat bed not available to economy class passengers.

An MFAT spokesperson said the policy change had saved $1.7m since March despite total travel being up 21.8%.

“In the event that travel is economy or premium economy, the policy expectation is that bookings should allow for an arrival date/time that enables sufficient rest and recuperation prior to commencing work,” the

spokesperson said.

The Labour Party’s trade spokesperson, Damien O’Connor, slammed the policy as “another example of the stupid prioritisation by this government that wants to hand back tax cuts to landlords and squeeze some of the most important officials we have as a country”.

“This is one area where we should respect the commitment and the incredible ability of our trade negotiators and at least give them a bit more comfort on a 16-hour flight so they can negotiate more capably when they get there.”

Trade Minister Todd McClay said the policy change is an “operational matter” for MFAT to decide on.

“It is important to spend taxpayers’ money responsibly ... our trade negotiators are the best in the world, even half asleep they’d still be better than the other side – evidenced by the two high-quality trade deals we have completed this year.”

Asked whether the search for savings had extended to McClay’s own air travel, his office did not respond.

Thai market highlights brand value for farmer

Richard Rennie MARKETS Dairy

ANORTHLAND dairy

farmer’s recent visit to Thailand has him urging Fonterra executives to double down on due diligence before selling off the co-op’s longstanding brands business.

Geoff Crawford’s recent visit to Thailand had him wearing two hats: he came as a Northland Fonterra dairy farmer to check out where his milk was going in this bustling market, and also as chair of Northland Regional Council, exploring investment opportunities between the region and Thailand.

The first-time visit to Thailand included catching up with Fonterra executives and visiting the multiple sales channels that comprise outlets in the valuable $600 million export dairy market.

“The really big area over here for Fonterra are the Seven-11s. They seem to be everywhere, and they have many, many convenience products in them that contain Fonterra dairy products. That is right across the liquid and food areas, from things like protein drinks through to ready-to-heatand-eat toasted sandwiches.”

The 2022 Northland Supreme Ballance Farm Environment Award winner has a considerable stake

in the success Fonterra does, or does not, enjoy in markets like Thailand.

He and his wife Jo milk 1500 cows over 260 hectares, producing 600,000kg milksolids, alongside a 300ha beef unit.

Crawford sees it as vital that farmers make the time and effort to see how such intense, urbanised markets are consuming their products, both as branded consumer items and as ingredients in other brands’ products.

That sort of stuff we don’t see as farmers, and we need to venture out to get an understanding of the brand and where it is consumed.

Geoff Crawford Northland

“Anchor is the No 1 brand in Sri Lanka. That sort of stuff we don’t see as farmers, and we need to venture out to get an understanding of the brand and where it is consumed.”

That interest also extends to his strong feelings about needing more information on the upcoming decision on whether the farmer co-op divests itself of its brands. It is a feeling the Thailand visit only reinforced.

“The people I spoke to hold

Fonterra and its brands here in high regard, they are very respected.”

He believes a deeper dive and solid due diligence on the reputational value of those brands is owed to shareholders before a vote is taken.

“We have got something really special other dairy companies don’t have, and I think we are undervaluing it. At the least we should be offered a range of choices on what to do with the brands business.”

While Fonterra executives maintain the co-op does not “do” brands well, Crawford does not see that as a reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

“If you are not good at it, then let’s find somebody who is good at it and separate it off and give it a go.”

He sees the “Company A, Company B” plan proposed by Sir Henry van der Heyden almost 20 years ago as a viable option with the brands company separate, but still under some shared-up farmer control.

“Being in a separate business, you have the opportunity to stay in the brands business if you wish.”

Meantime as Northland Regional Council chair he was keen to get his beloved district on the map of Thai businesspeople and investors.

After attending a Thai-NZ business summit held during his visit he could point proudly to confirmation from the Thai

foreign minister’s department that a delegation intends to visit Northland before Christmas.

“For Northland, this is a big win, we have never had a group of foreign investors and ministers come specifically to visit our region.”

NIWA recently commissioned a facility at Ruakaka to demonstrate the viability of land-based aquaculture capable of producing

PRETTY COOL:

The enclosed ‘coolhouse’ at the PTT terminal attracts locals keen to enjoy the cooler flower-growing temperatures indoors.

it is invaluable taking the time to visit

markets to better understand how dairy farmers’ milk supply is consumed.

600 tonnes a year of kingfish. It could be a joint investment option with Thailand.

This project has a particular resonance for Crawford, New Zealand’s ocean spear-fishing champion who has regularly speared feisty kingfish off the Northland coast.

• Rennie travelled to Thailand courtesy of the Royal Thai Embassy

Tulips an unlikely gas crop

Richard Rennie MARKETS Dairy

THAILAND’S efforts to better manage its natural gas resources is also delivering an upside for an unlikely floral crop.

The country’s state-owned energy company, PTT, operates a liquid natural gas terminal in the Mueang Rayong district southeast of Bangkok, receiving offshore gas supplies and super chilling them into more storable liquid natural gas (LNG). The plant enables the authority

to better manage consistency of supply for electricity generation.

But within the harshly industrial landscape a greenhouse supports a thriving tulip-growing operation that benefits from the cold energy released once the LNG is “regassed” to enable it to be put into the national grid.

The LNG is cooled down and stored at -160degC, but is bought to ambient temperature to return it to its gas form.

Often the cold energy released in the process is wasted. But the Thais have found tulips and lilies thrive in the 15degC temperatures

the cold energy release can consistently deliver in a large, publicly accessible “coolhouse” facility that uses all-natural lighting.

As part of the SOE’s corporate responsibility programme, the large coolhouse area is accessible to the public and many come to enjoy the flowers and the lower temperature, roughly half what Thailand’s typical hot humid weather sits at.

The centre also incorporates a forest conservation centre and an

Continued next page

VALUED: Northland Regional Council chair and dairy farmer Geoff Crawford, centre, says

Fonterra’s

Fonterra steps up systems for Thailand

Richard Rennie MARKETS Dairy

AFTER 18 months in his role as Fonterra’s Thailand consumer & foodservice operations director, Montien “Joe” Boonpiemsak says the co-op is starting to see the benefits of a focus on tighter supply chain management, delivering improved returns to its farmer shareholders.

Latest data has the Thai dairy market worth about $780 million a year in export earnings for New Zealand, with most of this country’s major dairy operators having a stake in a market that includes a rapidly ageing population and growing middle class.

The dominance of Fonterra in Thailand’s dairy landscape is greatest in its ingredients sector, one that globally delivered a return on capital of 10.2% in FY2024

“Supply operations are really the custodians of the entire business, to ensure we bring good quality products to customers at the right time in the right way, while trying to remain as lean as possible,” Boonpiemsak said.

“We have improved our forecast accuracy by 40% in the past year and removed the differences and silos between cross functions, reducing risks of losses, surpluses, and the need to discount to move product.

“We have spent the first six months shaping an integrated business planning model that is pretty much our ‘Air Cobra’ in the supply chain battle ground.

“We also ensure our supply chain reliability to our customers are in place –and once we are there, it has given us more space for improvement and transformation works in our supply chain.

“It means we’re now starting to have leaner logistics, lower lead times to customers with lead time on product arrival reduced by 28%.”

Fonterra has its eye firmly on continuing to build the number of client products that feature its ingredients and are sold through convenience stores.

“When I left Thailand 14 years ago there were about 7000 stores. Today there are over 15,000 stores. Ready-to-eat products are a big part of what they offer, and our ingredients feature in many.”

Heat-and-eat curry dishes, desserts, cheesecakes and even pre-packaged, pre“toasted” sandwiches that just need to be heated, all feature.

Thailand is Fonterra’s largest ingredients market in southeast Asia, in a country that does not traditionally consume large quantities of dairy products.

But by importing largely Fonterra ingredients, re-packaging and processing them, then exporting them throughout southeast Asia, Thailand is ASEAN’s largest dairy exporter.

Thais are also familiar with milk from an early age thanks to a nationwide school milk programme that consumes about half the

Continued from previous page

education hub, and is restoring a wetland area beyond the facility with hundreds of indigenous plant species.

Over a million bulbs are purchased each year, including some supplied from Australia and New Zealand.

A company spokesperson said the operation has an annual harvest of about 2.5 million stems a year, most of which are either sold locally, or at Bangkok flower

Fonterra’s Thailand consumer & foodservice operations director, Montien “Joe” Boonpiemsak, says the co-operative aims to get more of its products into food items often retailed through the prolific Seven-11 chain.

milk produced by Thailand’s 800,000 cows.

The country’s ageing population means the population aged over 65 is likely to have doubled as a percentage from 15% to 30% by 2040, while its birthrate is among southeast Asia’s lowest at 1.3 per woman.

When I left Thailand 14 years ago there were about 7000 stores. Today there are over 15,000 stores. Ready- to-eat products are a big part of what they offer, and our ingredients feature in many.

Montien “Joe” Boonpiemsak Fonterra

Recognising this, Fonterra’s consumer business has focused on its Anlene brand, with a campaign to build awareness of the value of consuming more of it at a younger stage in life than may normally have been the case.

“While some markets may have it as a powdered product, the biggest market here is for the convenient liquid form, with UHT liquid being our main one here now.”

That campaign is paying dividends, with Anlene’s market share in the last six months reaching an all-time high.

In the food service sector Fonterra has made advances with KFC, incorporating a specialised cooking cream. Globally, food service is a good earner for the co-op, earning $1.8 billion globally last year and generating a 29% margin.

“We had our own chef in our team here and learning from South Korea, looking at how cheese can be incorporated into local dishes.”

markets. Other crops being trialled include wasabi and strawberries, and research is being conducted on antioxidant extraction from tulips for human health use.

The plant uses chilled wastewater from the re-gassing process, which is also used to make dry ice, part of the Thai King’s Royal Rainmaking Project.

• Rennie travelled to Thailand courtesy of the Royal Thai Embassy

When it comes to clostrid ial vaccines, lam b sur vival is what truly mat ters.

Recent adver tising from MSD Animal H ealth N ew Zealand sugge st s that choosing Ultravac ® 5in1 over their 5in1 produc t for your lambs is a gamble Their claim , based on a small study of 120 lambs , argue s that more lambs re sponded to vaccination with their produc t at docking and weaning based on antitoxin blood titre change s

B ut when it come s to clos tridial vaccine s , lamb sur vival is what truly mat ters Ultravac 5in1 is the clostridial vaccine proven to reduce lamb los se s under N ew Zealand farming conditions

A peer-reviewed trial of over 3 ,4 0 0 lambs showed that vaccinating with Ultravac 5in1 at docking and pre -weaning reduced lamb deaths by 2 3 6% in the first year of life You can read more about it at SheepSolu tion s co nz

At Zoetis , we’re commit ted to suppor ting your succe ss with science -backed produc t s and ser vice s We consider that it ’s choosing not to vaccinate which is a gamble not whether you choose Ultravac 5in1 or another produc t

Veterinarians are animal health exper t s: we strongly recommend you talk to your vet about the par ticular clostridial vaccination needs of your farm and follow their trusted advice

Kind regards ,

Vane ssa Macdonald G eneral Manager Zoetis N

ew

Zealand

Low dose, h ig h ef ficac y ewe a n d l a m b vacci n es .

ADVANCE:

From the Editor

Keeping up the GE conversation

TCraig Page Deputy editor

HERE has been plenty said already about the government’s plan to free up New Zealand’s gene editing regulations, but, judging by comments from farmers and growers, more serious conversations are needed before the legislation becomes law.

The government confirmed in August it is ending the country’s almost 30-year ban on gene technology outside the lab, in a move, it said, that will bring health, productivity and climate gains for New Zealanders.

It is hoped the new legislation will be in place by the end of 2025.

The decision was met with delight by scientists, who described it as a game changer.

But a recent survey from company Truwind (formerly Research First) has shown 93% of the farmers it surveyed think it is important there is widespread consultation with farmers and growers on

the changes before the go button is hit.

That is not to say farmers are against it – 59% of survey respondents say the regulations are needed.

Asked what impact introducing gene editing (GE) or genetic modification (GM) would have on New Zealand’s image, 23% of farmers and growers thought it would have no impact, 5% a very positive impact and 24% thought it would have some positive impact, but 37% thought it would have some negative impact and 11% said it would have a very negative impact.

According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, people will have a chance to have their say during the Select Committee stage, likely to be in early 2025, but there is no public consultation scheduled before that process.

Federated Farmers is also aware of concerns from farmers about the direction GE legislation is taking and plans to discuss it further.

The general feeling is that there is a lack of understanding of what the rule changes mean.

An opinion article sent to Farmers Weekly last week by a group of dairy farmers raised concerns.

“It’s easy to be pigeonholed as antiscience when it comes to conversations about GMOs, so let’s get this out of the way quickly,” it read. “Like most farmers, we are innovative and keenly interested in science that helps us do things better for our

It is clear is that those likely to be impacted still have questions and genuine fears.

businesses and the land. We can’t afford not to be.

“But we also can’t afford to get carried away by science our customers don’t want. Our business success depends upon aligning with what our premium markets expect.”

Not surprisingly, organic certifier BioGro New Zealand has also urged the government to slow down the regulations.

Like any changes, there is misinformation doing the rounds over GE, which is frustrating scientists who see the move as a great opportunity.

AgResearch scientist Richard Scott said they are not interested in progress at any cost.

Crown Research Institutes have a clearly defined role to work for the benefit of New Zealand, and introducing new technologies that knowingly damage industries and markets would run counter to everything they stand for, he said.

What is clear is that those likely to be impacted still have questions and genuine fears.

This is a radical change for New Zealand and surely taking time to listen to those impacted is the logical first step.

Letters of the week Supporting the best to be even better

Tim Henshaw

Westpac head of agribusiness

THERE is nothing like a trans-Tasman rivalry to ignite Kiwi passions, as in “Aussie-owned banks unfairly targeting New Zealand farmers” (Federated Farmers, November 18).

This has generated several headlines and colourful media releases from industry bodies, but what has gone under-reported is the reason we have chosen to set these targets in the way we have.

We earn our way in the world by the licence other countries extend to us to sell our exports in their markets. In recent years we’ve seen climate change emerge as an important consideration in this regard, with over 80% of our export markets having either made, or are planning to make climate-related disclosures mandatory.

Emissions reductions have flowed into the private sector, and companies like Nestlé and Sainsbury’s are increasingly focused on removing carbon from their supply chains. It’s why major Kiwi exporters like Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms have been so active in making emission reductions a central part of their business strategy.

The stark truth is we will have to improve further if we want to retain our ability to trade with the world.

This is where our emissions intensity targets come in.

The targets are similar to those of other New Zealand organisations within the agri sector including other major agri banks, and are based on an internationally recognised emissions reduction pathway. We have also commissioned independent research by Lincoln University on top of this to show what is practically achievable in New Zealand right now.

Westpac is helping to support this change through our Sustainable Farm Loan product, and 43% of our rural customers are now taking advantage of this to help make their businesses climate ready.

Addressing the elephant in the room, the reason for the different targets is quite simply because our farmers are already more emissions-efficient than their Australian counterparts.

This has been shortsightedly characterised as a negative by some, but in a world where emission reductions increasingly shape market access and consumer choices, being more emissions-efficient than Australia is not a nice to have but a critical competitive advantage we must retain.

As is often the case, some of the facts have also been lost in translation. Firstly, under Westpac’s targets Australian farmers need to make a bigger overall reduction in their emissions than Kiwis. It’s just that our starting point is lower. Secondly, these targets are for our portfolio as a whole – not for individual farms or farmers.

Lessons from elephant eaters: Tony Egan

In this series, the regular Eating the Elephant contributors hand the pen to four farming New Zealanders with a history of taking on big challenges.

TONY Egan has forged an impressive career in the New Zealand primary Industries. He currently heads up Greenlea Premier Meats in Waikato and is a member of the Meat Industry Association Council after previous leadership roles with Asure Quality and AFFCO.

He has sat on the board of directors for Hill Laboratories, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the Dairy Goat Cooperative and AGMARDT.

The Greenlea Foundation contributes significantly to rural communities, from natural disaster relief to supporting those in need through a range of charitable organisations such as Vinnies and KidsCan. Greenlea also sponsors the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter in the central North Island.

FULL TIME: The best investment in time Tony Egan ever made, he says, was ‘buying shares in a meat business. I have to work so hard looking after them that I never have time to spend on anything else!’

Those who have worked with Egan will know both his love of poetry. And wit.

Fittingly, his contribution to this “Lessons from elephant eaters” series is by far the shortest.

When the answers came back, we didn’t quite know what to make of them. But, as with reading poetry, the more we read, the more we appreciated it.

Don’t forget that when you are eating an elephant, it is better to be a live dog than a dead lion.

It’s clear that his biggest lesson for elephant eaters is to not take it all too seriously – a lesson your usual Eating the Elephant writers can probably stand to learn.

Who are you and what do you do?

Managing director of Greenlea Premier Meats.

With a niece who’s a vegetarian and thinks I’m a psychopath with 250,000 victims every year. I’m not, but I do have six kids and a happy wife!

Why did you choose a life in farming/ food and fibre?

I was ambitious and thought I

Hard to see red meat consolidation working

Meaty matters

Meat industry commentator: allan@barberstrategic.co.nz, http://allanbarber.wordpress.com

AT FIRST glance Silver Fern Farms’ interest in being part of Alliance’s future sounds like a potentially positive outcome to the problem of too much capacity chasing too little livestock.

The Dunedin-based processor’s chief executive, Dan Boulton, has signalled that company’s willingness to be part of a constructive solution, although both parties recognise it is too early in the process for this option to be explored.

Boulton was reported as saying in his view Silver Fern Farms’ support was the only way to create long-term value for both parties and the sector as a whole, because of their shared challenges both internationally and domestically.

In response to my question regarding what type of support he had in mind, Boulton replied: “While we are confirming our

intention to be constructively involved, it would be premature to speculate on the potential specific outcomes of our involvement. That detail and those conversations will come in time.

“However, we wouldn’t be signalling our intent to be constructively involved if we didn’t believe there were opportunities to create truly long-term value for both parties and the broader sector.”

As far as I can see, this proposal has several fishhooks that suggest it will be hard to knock into a viable shape.

In the first place, it is unclear whether this approach is an initiative of the main company, which has adequate capital reserves supported by its 50% shareholder Bright Foods, or the farmer-owned co-operative, which holds the other 50%.

In view of Boulton’s recent comments about the need to cut $80 million from the cost base and reduce capital expenditure by $50m to address a particularly hard final quarter, it is unlikely the Chinese part-owner would be keen to invest further in meat processing, especially a lossmaking competitor.

Strategically, SFF does not require further processing capacity, unless it intends to increase its share in declining sheepmeat and static cattle markets. The last thing it needs is to acquire a share of ageing assets from Alliance.

The main objective ought to be to invest continually in its own plant infrastructure to ensure it is able to match more efficient

could feed the world ... fortunately India didn’t eat beef, so I got to stop for smoko.

What are you most proud of and why?

My longevity. Why? Because my competitors think I am never going to retire!

What is something unusual about yourself that you love?

Well, this is the first time in a while that I appear to have all the answers, which some might say is unusual. When it comes to love I think of monthly board meetings!

What is the best investment you’ve ever made (time, money, energy, product)?

Buying shares in a meat business. I have to work so hard looking after them that I never have time to spend on anything else!

What book changed your life and why?

The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock by TS Elliot. Despite the long title, it’s a poem. I’ve been

trying to work out what the hell it means ever since!

What advice would you give to a young person today?

What’s as good as it seems or as bad as it sounds? Nothing! So close your eyes and have a go!

What is the biggest thing that makes you optimistic for the future?

Seeing the strain on my children’s faces as they bring up my grandchildren!

What is the biggest thing that makes you pessimistic for the future?

My bathroom mirror and the way it laughs at me – it never takes anything seriously!

What will the food and fibre sector of 2040 look like?

I think we may need to repurpose sheep.

I trust this helps clarify matters for you and don’t forget that when you are eating an elephant it is better to be a live dog than a dead lion. All the best, Tony.

and lower-cost competitors at the direct cost level.

Alliance chair Mark Wynne appeared to welcome the approach from SFF, but said the co-operative had engaged Craigs Investment Partners to identify capitalraising options from domestic and international partners, as well as awaiting the outcome of shareholders’ capital contributions deducted from livestock payments.

It is worth remembering that SFF’s efforts to attract money from shareholders in 2015 came up well short of what was needed, resulting in the sale of half the company to Shanghai Maling Aquarius, now Shanghai Bright Foods.

While initial indications from the capital-raising process look encouraging, Wynne said it will ultimately be up to shareholders to make the final decision. In all probability this means discussions between the two meat companies will not occur until the external fundraising options have been exhausted and shareholders have voted in favour of talking to the erstwhile enemy up State Highway 1.

Another problem with cooperation is the cultural difference between the companies, much like the tribal support for competing football teams in the same city, such as Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool.

Alliance has released its September year-end result, which is an even larger loss than 2022, although the pre-tax loss before one-off write-offs including the closure and redundancy payments following the closure of Smithfield

UP AND DOWN: Meat processing and exporting is not for the faint hearted, nor apparently for farmer-owned co-operatives that struggle to build enough reserves in good years to cope with the inevitable downturns, says Allan Barber.

The last thing SFF needs is to acquire a share of ageing assets from Alliance.

was $69.5m, an improvement on last year’s $97.9m.

However, the improvement was mainly the result of a slightly better gross margin, partly offset by a 31% increase in finance costs. Without substantial capital injection, this situation is unsustainable.

Comments from SFF about the difficult season and actions taken indicate that company too is likely to incur another loss for the calendar year.

Meat processing and exporting is not for the faint-hearted, nor apparently for farmer-owned

co-operatives that struggle to build enough reserves in good years to cope with the inevitable downturns. Anecdotal evidence suggests privately owned companies, some but not all exclusively processing cattle, have remained profitable in the present trading conditions.

This is because of low debt levels, continuous investment in processing assets, and tight control of overheads.

It will not be possible to get a real gauge on the true position until next year, when we see how successful Alliance’s equity-raising and restructuring efforts have been and whether SFF has the capacity or appetite to be part of an industry solution.

Allan Barber

The importance and value of journalism has been recognised for centuries.

We call it the fourth estate because it’s a key pillar of a functioning democracy.

Unfortunately we also call it the free press, not because it should be free but because it is vital to safeguarding our freedom.

News media organisations are all struggling to find business models that allow them to continue doing their vital work while earning a living.

Farmers Weekly is no different. We believe our work is important, that it keeps our industry honest, tells the stories of our community and advocates for their interests.

There are numerous stories we could highlight to emphasise that worth – cyclones, government overreach, dodgy business deals – we’ve covered them all and farming is better for it.

Our team of journalists is inspiring to work alongside every day. They’re smart, experienced, well-connected and empathetic. They understand farming life in a way no other news media in Aotearoa does.

We believe what we do is worth something, and that’s why we’re asking our readers to show they see worth in it too by contributing.

Imagine only being able to read about the aftermath of a cyclone in a newspaper based in Auckland.

Would they tell your story well?

Bryan Gibson Managing editor

They’re actual stories in Farmers Weekly, from the grassroots. It’s relevant, especially the regional saleyard market information.

IT EASY TO DONATE

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Dean Rabbidge, Wyndham sheep and beef farmer

Sector Focus Sheep &

Taking NZ Merino to the world, sheep to shop

Staff reporter MARKETS

Food and fibre

ALONG the Leslie Hills Road in North Canterbury is Barcaldine farm. As the crow flies, you’d be able to pinpoint it pretty much directly between Waiau and Hanmer, and it’s this ideal “location, location, location” that has enabled the farm to form an incredible partnership with Devold of Norway – a wool garment brand 18,000km away, with international acclaim for its high-performance products and sustainable ethos.

At 2600 hectares, the property runs a 70% sheep to 30% cattle, of around 7500 stock units.

his knowledge is very valuable,” Nicolson said.

“The feedback we get is great and the lines of communication are always open, which is much appreciated. Even going through the wool store and hearing what other people are doing and achieving is good for our business, as it helps us to understand what we could accomplish and how far we can take it.”

Nicolson remembers what it was like before signing up with Devold, when the whole, traditional-style clip used to go to auction.

But that type of Merino had its challenges in the North Canterbury climate and the decision was made to move away from the style of sheep and more into an easier-care, higher-micro

“Because the majority of the farm is hard hill, it’s quite well suited to Merinos,” said Chris Nicolson.

“Barcaldine has been a part of the Roxburgh family since 1945 and today the farm is run by Hamish Roxburgh, a permanent shepherd Deegan Devree and myself. Emily and I are the third generation to take the reins –along with our children Archer, 5, Elsie, 4, and Sylvie, six months – and we are really grateful to Hamish and Grace for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible place.”

Thanks to PGG Wool, Barcaldine has been able to lock in a highly sought-after partnership with Devold, which offers it fixed-price contracts for its wool. This means Nicolson and his team know exactly what they are going to be getting over a set period, giving them price certainty in an often uncertain market.

“The farm has worked with PGW for generations and the relationship since I have been on the scene has been great. Peter McCusker is our wool rep and he does a fantastic job. He is a great all-round sheep man and

sheep with a bit more grunt.

And with a change of wool, Nicolson and the team wanted more security with their wool clip. McCusker suggested Devold and organised Craig Smith from Devold NZ to come out and talk the Barcaldine team through it. They ended up signing up the majority of their fleece with the Merino clothing brand.

“It was certainly a very sound move financially, but we have

also been nothing but impressed by Devold and the business model they have created. It really is exciting to be a part of the frequent get-togethers, where growers can rub shoulders with each other, hear from the crew in Norway and catch up on what markets they are supplying, as well as any new innovations they are working on,” Nicolson said.

“The whole system is so aligned and in-house, we feel very fortunate to be a part of it. We are looking forward to seeing what the future may hold!”

Devold is just as thrilled with being able to secure the best Merino in the world right here in the South Pacific.

“The wool in New Zealand is really consistent,” said Smith, general manager and “wool guy” of Devold NZ.

“Our company ethos is to strive for quality in everything we do and everything we make, so we have to buy the best wool we can. Wool is a bit like wine in that it is controlled by climatic conditions (and feed) so while it can fluctuate year to year in New Zealand, it’s not as dramatic as compared to somewhere like Australia, where the weather goes from one extreme to the other.”

Founded 173 years ago by Ole Andreas Devold who made beanies, scarves and gloves for the Norwegian fishermen, today the Devold brand is global, specialising in outdoor active Merino clothing. It is fully vertical in that it buys on a forward contract basis.

With wool commodities there are usually a lot of people between the farmer and the brand, but because Devold is striving for absolute superiority in its wool, it provides a fixed price directly to its growers.

“The reason we do that is because we base everything around quality and if we don’t know the quality then we can’t make good garments.

“We also pay a higher premium for our wool, above the commodity price, because of the specifications

we set for the wool we require,” Smith said.

And there’s no question this practice is working for the company. When it was buying processed wool, for every 100 garments being made on average 15 would be rejected by consumers or by the production floor. Now that it has gone direct to growers, the rejection rate is less than 0.5%.

the head office in Norway where they met our whole team. They also got to see the wool garments with their own label on it and I tell you what, many tears of pride were shed,” Smith said.

“Traditionally, once you’ve shorn a sheep you put the wool on the truck and will never know where it’s gone. But not with us. Our sheep-to-shop programme is 100%

“I believe the wool industry is too far removed from the grower. When it comes to Merino, 80 to 85% is sold on the auction system and the grower has no idea where it goes, and the brand doesn’t know where their wool has come from,” Smith said.

“So we know exactly where our wool is being shorn, and through our partnership with PGG Wool and our growers, we’re able to trace its journey from the farm to the wool store and all the way to Lithuania where the clothing items are made.”

And when you become a part of the Devold family as a grower, you know exactly where your wool is going. In fact, most have seen the end result with their own eyes.

“We have taken two tours to Europe, so our farmers can follow their wool through the pipeline so to speak. We went to the factory to watch the production lines and to

traceable and we love sharing our growers’ stories with those who buy our Merino garments.”

With such a strong bond between grower and brand, you can understand why those in the “inner circle” would be protective of the partnership. They don’t take lightly who they bring into the Devold family, so they’ll always get approval from everyone involved before bringing in more growers.

Working alongside PGG Wool has definitely contributed to the overall success of the venture.

“We believe in Peter McCusker, Dave Burridge and the quality of the growers they represent. They are a wealth of knowledge and not only add value to farmers like Chris but are ultimately an extension of our brand.

“The wool we want is very particular and I know it is what drives them to always deliver.”

– Article courtesy of PGG

FUTURE GENERATION: Chris and Emily Nicolson with children, from left, Archer, Sylvie and Elsie.

Photos: PGG Wool

Wool

MAKING A POINT: PGW Wool rep Peter McCusker with grower Chris Nicolson discussing a mob of Merino ewes in for shearing.

PARTNERSHIP: Barcaldine has been able to lock in a highly sought-after partnership with Devold, which offers it fixed priced contracts for its wool.

TESTING: Peter McCusker, PGW Wool rep, checks the quality of wool from a Merino fleece at Barcaldine.

Free Facial Eczema text service Info and support is just a text away

Don’t let Facial Eczema (FE) catch your farm off guard this season!

B+LNZ’s free text service keeps you informed with regional pasture spore counts, management tips and expert insights to help you protect your stock and maintain productivity.

Sign up today to start receiving texts at www.beeflambnz.com/fetext

Stay alert, stay prepared, and make the best management decisions for your stock.

Map is based on faecal FE spore counts from the B+LNZ sheep poo study.*

Facial Eczema (FE) is a severe and costly disease that has impacted New Zealand livestock farmers and their animals for over 100 years, costing an estimated $332 million annually to our economy

Highest number of faecal FE spores observed

Lowest number of faecal FE spores observed

*Facial eczema spores identified across NZ in 2023/2024 season, the results are from 202 farms The presence of spores indicate potential FE risk.

Northland

Auckland

Waikato/King Country Taranaki

Tasman Nelson West

Gisborne Hawke’s Bay

ManawatūWhanganui Bay of Plenty

Wellington Southland Otago

Marlborough

Canterbury

From zero ag interest to farming leader

Cheyenne Nicholson PEOPLE Farm management

IT MIGHT come as a surprise to some who know her, but Sandra Matthews – wellknown in the farming sector as a farmer and leader – was not at all keen on agriculture back in her school days.

“I don’t think I’ve ever actually told anyone this – I wagged most of my agriculture classes at school. I just had zero interest in anything to do with farming. I was a bit of a rebel back then ... I probably still am,” she said.

Despite being from a farming community in Goulburn, New South Wales, Sandra had little to do with the land. Her mother was

a teacher and her father a police officer.

She forged a successful career in banking and finance, until her path took a different route during a trip to the historic site of Gallipoli, where she met Ian Matthews.

“When I moved here and got married to Ian I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into, no one probably does when they don’t come from a farming background.”

Ian and Sandra own Te Kopae Station in Tairāwhiti and are the fourth generation to farm the land at Rere. In the beginning, Sandra had little to do with the farm when it was still under Ian’s parents’ ownership, instead holding down an off-farm job. In 2003 the couple purchased part of the farm and leased the other part before

eventually buying the whole farm.

“We decided then that if we were buying the farm, we both needed to be involved and do it together. It felt like a crash course in genetics, feed budgets, soils, fertilisers, the whole nine yards. And I must say, I loved it.”

Early in their farm-ownership journey, they got involved with Beef + Lamb NZ as a monitor farm. Sandra credits this programme as being “the making” of their farm business.

“It forced us to step back and look at what could be instead of what had always been. It set us up incredibly well.”

A large part of her introduction to farming was not just learning about the practical things but also learning about and understanding

the people in the farming community. This has been the foundation for much of her work in the sector ever since.

Wanting to take her transferable skills from the banking and finance world and put them to good use,

Sandra quickly got involved with various councils and industrygood committees.

From Agri-Women’s Development Trust to Farming Women Tairāwhiti, Endometriosis New Zealand, Rural Communities Trust and Rural Women New Zealand, Sandra’s board experience is extensive. She’s hoping to take it up a notch soon by running for president of Rural Women New Zealand.

“I’ve tried to give back to the community over the years but honestly I think I’ve got more out of them than I could ever possibly give back.

“The support I’ve had over the years has been invaluable and for me, it really hammers home the thing that I really love about farming, and that’s the people.”

Sandra’s love of farming has flourished over the years and she says she can’t imagine being anywhere else.

“Farming and rural communities are the heart and life-blood of the nation, that’s why it’s so crucial we support them.”

BLNZ rolls out drench support programme

BEEF + Lamb New Zealand is supporting farmers who are tackling drench resistance by expanding its Livestock Parasite Management Groups across the country. These LPMGs, set up to encourage peer-to-peer learning

and problem solving, provide a platform for participants to share knowledge and develop sustainable strategies for parasite control.

The pilot group in Wairarapa, launched in 2022, has shown that collaboration leads to practical solutions, said BLNZ.

“The pilot demonstrated that when farmers share their experiences, they can develop

practical strategies to manage drench limitations while improving animal health and productivity,” Dr Cara Brosnahan, principal scientist at BLNZ, said.

Based on the success of the pilot, BLNZ is now establishing seven new LPMGs nationwide, facilitated by experts.

These groups will meet for half a day four times a year over a three-year period, with a small fee to join.

Membership is intentionally limited to ensure detailed discussions are possible. A diverse mix of age, experience, geographic regions and farm systems will be present in each group. The goal is to enhance the breadth of shared knowledge and insights for sheep and beef farmers.

Sara Sutherland, a vet from the Vet Clinic who facilitates the Wairarapa group, noted that farmer participation is key.

“Farmers are learning from each other, sharing perspectives and adapting management tools to suit their operations,” she said.

For Wairarapa group member Martin Reisima, the discussions

led to practical changes in how he manages parasites on his 17,00018,000 stock unit operation.

“I’ve moved away from automatically drenching lambs every 28–30 days. Monitoring often shows they don’t need it,” he said.

He also stopped drenching lambs before weaning based on faecal egg counts (FECs), which indicated no worm burdens. This change has saved significant time and costs without impacting weaning weights.

In Northland, vet and facilitator Garth Riddle highlighted the value of collaboration.

“Farmer-led solutions are crucial because farmers know their animals best and understand the unique challenges on their farms. Working together to find tailored solutions is key.”

Brosnahan emphasised the ripple effect of this knowledge-sharing approach.

“The tools and knowledge from these groups won’t stay with just the participants. They’ll be shared with other farmers, strengthening the whole sector.”

When farmers share their experiences, they can develop practical strategies to manage drench limitations.

Farmers joining LPMGs will gain access to expert guidance, resources from BLNZ and Wormwise, and peer support. The groups not only improve parasite management but also contribute to building more resilient farming systems.

Interested farmers are encouraged to contact their local facilitators to see if there is still space available in the groups: Wairarapa – Sara Sutherland; Gisborne – Greg Tattersfield; Dannevirke

– Simon Marshall; Hawke’s Bay – Richard Lee; Waikato – Jeremy Leigh; Northland – Garth Riddle; North Canterbury – Sarah Williams; Southland – Rochelle Smith.

Dr Cara Brosnahan Beef + Lamb NZ

GENERATION: Sandra Matthews and her husband Ian own Te Kopae Station in Tairāwhiti and are the fourth generation to farm the land at Rere. Photos: Supplied

TEEN DREAM: Farming was never a career Sandra Matthews considered and she actively avoided attending all things ag-related during her high school years.

COMMUNITY: Sandra Williams says a large part of her introduction to farming was not just learning about the practical things but also learning about and understanding the people in the farming community.

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FEDERATED FARMERS

Radical pine planting proposal slammed

Federated Farmers is calling for the Government to urgently distance itself from a radical new pine planting proposal released by the Climate Change Commission earlier this month.

“The proposal would see large swathes of productive farmland sacrificed in the name of emission reductions,” Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says.

“That would be the death knell for sheep farming as we know it in New Zealand, but also our small towns, rural communities and the families who call them home.”

Williams was responding to advice from the Climate Change Commission about how New Zealand could achieve a new Paris target of a greater than 50% emission reduction.

New Zealand currently has a Paris Target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, but the Government has been asked by the UN to come up with a new 2035 target by February.

“New Zealand needs to have a serious conversation about these targets and how much they are going to cost us as a country – and I’m not just talking financial costs,” Williams says.

“If the only way we can meet our international obligations is to plant entire communities in trees, undermine our productive sectors,

or buy offshore units, then we have a serious problem.

“I think most reasonable New Zealanders would absolutely reject any future for our country that involves planting some of our most iconic rural landscapes in a blanket of pine trees.”

The Commission envisages that by 2035 New Zealand will have 12 to 15% fewer dairy cows and a drastic 18 to 24% drop in sheep and beef stock.

Most reasonable New Zealanders would absolutely reject any future for our country that involves planting some of our most iconic rural landscapes in a blanket of pine trees.

Toby Williams Federated Farmers meat and wool chair

They also assume that between 2021 and 2030, 322,000 to 437,000 hectares of pine trees and 135,000 to 412,000 hectares of native trees will be planted.

This totals up to an astounding 850,000 hectares of land soon to be converted into forest, forever changing the face of rural New Zealand and our unique landscapes, Williams says.

For context, that’s an area five times the size of Molesworth Station to be planted in additional trees by 2030 – or to put it another way, almost 3.5% of New Zealand’s total land mass.

Williams says this is a situation Federated Farmers will fight tooth and nail to ensure is never allowed to come to fruition.

The organisation is gearing up to resist any such move.

“It’s nothing short of a recipe for total economic ruin – and it would all be self-inflicted.

“More trees will mean fewer sheep, fewer cows, fewer jobs, fewer people, and billions of dollars less export income every year – but at least we’ll get a pat on the back at the next UN climate change conference.

“This all may sound good to some policy analyst sitting in a central Wellington office playing with a spreadsheet, but in reality it will be a total disaster for our communities and our country.

“When you dig into the numbers they might add up, but that doesn’t mean they make sense, particularly for our small towns and rural families being surrounded by a wall of pine trees,” Williams says.

“The Climate Commission don’t even know where all these trees would go, if the right infrastructure is in place, or if the nurseries could even scale up that quickly.

“That’s because it’s all based

on computer modelling done at the aggregate national level, not at a more granular regional or community level.”

The most recent Beef + Lamb NZ Stock Number Survey showed, in just a 12-month period, ewes and beef cattle numbers fell 3%, while hogget numbers fell 7%.

“The Government needs to take urgent action to stop the needless destruction of New Zealand’s oncethriving sheep and beef sector,” Williams says.

“The last thing they should be doing is signing up to new, and even

more unrealistic, climate targets, particularly when they don’t even know how we will meet our current target.

“Instead, they should be focused on urgently reviewing the badly broken ETS settings that distort the market and encourage the mass planting of pine trees on productive farmland.”

Federated Farmers says the National-led coalition Government should follow through on their campaign promise and limit on farm conversions to forestry to protect local communities.

YO

S

PINE PAIN: The Climate Change Commission’s vision for 850,000 more hectares of farmland planted in trees is a recipe for economic ruin, Toby Williams says.

Prime Minister kicks off farmer public meetings

This week Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be kicking off a series of public meetings with Federated Farmers in the Waikato (26 November) and Canterbury (29 November).

The events are part of the Restoring Farmer Confidence Tour and are being pitched as a not-tobe-missed celebration of all things New Zealand farming.

“It’s not every day the Prime Minister comes to town with the sole purpose of speaking with, and listening to, grassroots farmers,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.

“That’s why we’re really encouraging farmers, or anyone who supports our farmers, to come down

and pack these rooms to the rafters.

“There will be plenty of opportunities for farmers to ask questions directly to the leader of our country about the future of farming and our rural communities.”

It’s not every day the Prime Minister comes to town with the sole purpose of speaking with, and listening to, grassroots farmers.

Wayne Langford President, Federated Farmers of NZ

The first public meeting will be from 12pm – 2pm on Tuesday, 26 November, at the Mystery Creek

Events Centre near Hamilton.

The tour will then head further south for a second meeting in Canterbury from 12pm – 2pm on Friday, 29 November, at the Ashburton Event Centre.

“This is so much more than a public meeting. It’s a chance to bring all our rural communities together for a day off the farm,” Langford says.

“We’ll also be cooking up a free BBQ lunch for all those who join us on the day, with plenty of lamb racks, steak sandwiches and milkshakes to go around.

“I mean it when I say this event is not an event you’re going to want to miss – so bring the kids, bring your staff, and let’s enjoy a great day off the farm to finish the year on a positive.”

Herd purchase missing from KiwiSaver bill

GOOD START:

Federated Farmers is delighted Suze Redmayne’s KiwiSaver amendment member’s bill is now in Parliament’s traditional ‘biscuit tin’, and in with a chance of being drawn for debate.

Federated Farmers say a new members bill that would amend KiwiSaver rules to make things easier for young farmers and farm staff is a good first step but doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne’s KiwiSaver (First Home for Farm Land and Service Tenants) Amendment Bill would allow someone to withdraw their KiwiSaver funds to buy a first farm.

It would also open the door for those currently living in service tenancies, such as farm staff, to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home without having to live in it straight away.

“This bill will go a long way in supporting young people in our rural communities to get on the property ladder and build some equity,”

Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre says.

“That can only be a good thing for the next generation of farmers who are really struggling with high interest

Taranaki dairy farmer

Federated Farmers sharefarmer chair

rates and a lack of support from their banks.”

In the lead-up to the 2023 election, Federated Farmers called on the Government to allow young farmers to withdraw their KiwiSaver funds to buy a first home, farm, herd or flock.

“What’s incredibly disappointing is that this bill won’t allow people to withdraw their KiwiSaver funds to buy their first herd or flock,” McIntyre says.

“From my perspective that’s absolutely critical for famers who are just starting out – particularly sharemilkers – to build equity as they

This bill will go a long way in supporting young people in our rural communities to get on the property ladder.

Richard McIntyre

Federated Farmers dairy chair

progress through the sector.

“We’ve got young farmers scrimping and saving to get the cash together to buy their first herd, and sometimes they’ve got tens of thousands of dollars in their KiwiSaver they can’t touch.

“At the same time, we’ve got plenty of people at the other end of their career looking to sell their farm or get a sharemilker on, but can’t find anyone with enough capital.”

Allowing more flexibility to buy a first herd or flock would help address both these significant issues and support the next generation of Kiwi farmers.

“It would put young farmers in a much stronger financial position with their initial equity, but they’d also have less debt – which means they’d be paying less interest too.”

Federated Farmers will be pushing hard for all political parties to support this bill and for amendments to allow the purchase of a herd or flock.

GET ALONG: Wayne Langford is encouraging farmers to bring their family, and staff to their local Restoring Farm Confidence event.

THE RESTORING FARMER CONFIDENCE TOUR

Farmers and rural communities are invited to join Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford for a public meeting about how we can restore farmer confidence

Tuesday 26 November

Mystery Creek Events Centre, Waikato, 12pm – 2pm

Friday 29 November

Ashburton Event Centre, Canterbury, 12pm – 2pm

Wednesday 4 December

Southern Field Days Site, Southland, 12pm – 2pm

T hr ow on your gumboots, jump in the ute, and we’ ll see you ther e.

Flawed RPS wastes more dollars

Greater Wellington Regional Council is wasting ratepayers’ money by needlessly continuing work on greenhouse gas rules, Federated Farmers Wairarapa president David Hayes says.

The council’s new emissions reduction targets were set in place based on guidance from the previous Government, but they could have chosen to pause things. They’re out of step with national targets and defy the coalition Government’s clear intention to stop regional councils setting such targets.

“It’s the freshwater regulation debacle all over again.

“A number of regional councils squandered countless staff hours and ratepayer dollars by ploughing ahead with land and water plans, despite knowing full well new national direction on freshwater management is coming,” Hayes says.

Federated Farmers pointed out the absurdity of this waste, and last month the Government moved to block councils from bringing in any

new freshwater regulations until the new national planning directions are out.

“Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) doesn’t seem to have learned the lesson.

“The Government is set to repeal the RMA and replace it with legislation that won’t allow councils to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, yet GWRC is ploughing on wasting ratepayers’ money on a regional climate change target.”

In a recent paper to Cabinet, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the new laws will be based on the enjoyment of property rights, with a focus on managing material environmental effects.

The replacement legislation

“should narrow the scope of the resource management system and the effects it controls,” Bishop advised Cabinet.

“Greenhouse gas emissions are already managed by other policy interventions. I do not believe that councils should be able to use resource management to … manage greenhouse gas emissions.”

Despite strong objections on multiple issues by Federated Farmers and others, GWRC has brought in Change 1 to its Regional Policy Statement (RPS).

This RPS becomes the guiding document for GWRC and district councils as they work on land use rules and approve resource consents, including for farming-related activity.

In developing these unnecessary RPS policies, GWRC ignored the need for a national approach to climate change and sought no input from farmers, Hayes says.

“This is destroying trust, and we have no confidence the regional plans will be developed correctly.

“These planning processes will be costing considerable amounts of money, and the results put at risk investment in this region, including in food production.”

Throughout the process Federated Farmers has consistently argued setting emissions targets is a job for central government, which can weigh up international requirements and agreements, Climate Change Commission advice, and what works for the economy.

“To have a council stepping in is duplication, and risks confusion and inconsistency,” Hayes says.

GWRC’s target of halving all greenhouse gas emissions in just six years is “outside the realm of possibility”.

Our message to GWRC is that we’re saving farmers’ and ratepayers’ money by downing tools. The council should do the same.

David Hayes President, Federated Farmers Wairarapa

“The council doesn’t have the policy levers to change things like the cars people drive, so the risk is they will pursue these unrealistic targets by denying consents for things like farming.

OVER-REACH: David Hayes says setting emissions reduction targets is a job for central Government. “To have a council stepping in is duplication, and risks confusion and inconsistency.”

“Setting targets that aren’t achievable simply creates uncertainty and risk without really advancing environmental objectives.”

GWRC should be waiting to see what a new RMA looks like, he says.

“Otherwise, it’s likely to make a whole lot of time and people’s efforts pointless, not to mention the stress and uncertainty this creates for Wellington region businesses and farmers.”

Until new resource management laws are in place, it remains lawful for GWRC to set emissions targets under the current RMA.

Hayes says Federated Farmers has decided not to appeal the RPS in regard to emissions targets as the Government will change the rules anyway.

“An appeal would need to be based on points of law, and for now the old legislation still applies.

“There is no sense in throwing away potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars of our members’

money on lawyers and hearings, with little or no chance of success and the risk of unexpected outcomes.

“We’ll achieve what farmers and the community need from the Government reforms that are coming.

“Our message to GWRC is that we’re saving farmers’ and ratepayers’ money by downing tools.  The council should do the same.”

New Zealand needs a national food, energy and emissions policy that enables innovation, grows the economy and addresses the impacts of climate change, Hayes says.

“Instead, we are getting a disorganised and simply wrong approach.

“Farmers are best placed to develop plans for their farms, including where to grow trees, have pasture and protect wetlands and native trees. Instead, we could end up with inexperienced officials determining how to manage a farm.

“This is just fundamentally wrong.”

HALT: Last month the Government moved to block councils from bringing in any new freshwater regulations until the new national planning directions are out. Photo: File

Taumarunui opportunities await

204.48 ha (more or less)

A rare opportunity to increase your farming operations or future forestry investment. Located in the Ruapehu District, renowned for its outstanding tree growth and agriculture. Comprising 204.48 ha (more or less, subject to title, council consent has been approved).

An attractive rural property with a natural water source, ease of access, well tracked, skid site options, 14 paddocks, cattle yards, 12 ha (approx) of bush and a two bedroom sleep-out. The sheltered property is part of 1339 Hikumutu Road. Access is on Pokatea Kokakonui Road, which runs along the property’s eastern boundary and is only 15 minutes from either Taumarunui or Owhango.

Turakina 28 Bruce Road

Auction

Turakina potential - Quarry 48 ha, 3 titles

Nestled at the corners of Wanganui and Bruce Road in Turakina, this expansive 48.85 ha property is brimming with opportunity Spanning three titles and intersected by Bruce Road, these blocks boast features that cater to a wide range of needs. The land offers a balanced terrain, primarily flat to gently rolling, with a small, steeper sidling on the northern corner. A standout asset of this property is its productive metal quarry, sitting on a separate title of approximately 11.71 ha, offering further versatility and enhancing its value. The picturesque Kahurauponga Creek meanders through the property, providing a natural water source, ideal for stock needs. Auction 11.00am, Fri 6th Dec, 2024, Property Brokers, 51 Taupo Quay, Whanganui

By appointment

Opunake 1528 Wiremu Road

Tidy dairy farm 258 ha dairy farm with 235 ha (more or less) effective milking platform. The contour varies from flat to rolling. Heifers are grazed on year round as a self contained unit so there is potential to

more cows with heifers grazed off. Infrastructure includes a 31 ASHB shed equipped with a DeLaval plant numerous sheds including calf sheds and a workshop and four hay barns. There are two water pumps that supply the 76 paddocks which are all accessible by way of well maintained races. The main house is a three bedroom brick and weatherboard home with a sleepout attached to the double garage. The second three bedroom home (with car shed) has recently had the interior painted.

Pohangina 1624 Pohangina Valley East Road

Porewa farm - 343 ha

Located 30 minutes from Ashhurst in the picturesque Pohangina Valley this property offers an excellent opportunity for first farm ownership or to be an outstanding addition to an existing business All except for 30 ha of the 240 effective ha are deer fenced. A central lane provides access directly to the deer handling facilities with other improvements including a four bedroom home, woolshed and sheep yards, implement shed and sundry farm buildings This property has special aesthetic appeal with the Ruahine ranges as a backdrop and the Pohangina river on its doorstep. This coupled with the diverse range of livestock classes you can farm means it is well worth your consideration.

Blair Cottrill M 027 354 5419

Eketahuna 454 Parkville Road

Spring Grove - 231 ha

This 231 ha dairy operation is located in the very reliable rainfall (1,800 mm p.a.) district of Parkville, just west of Eketahuna.

Over the past 10 years Spring Grove has had a range of farming systems ranging between system 2 and system 5. The property has milked a peak of 580 cows on a system 5 model during this time but is currently milking 450 cows on a low cost system. Production has averaged 173,633 kgMS over the past five years while the operation is targeting 180,000 kgMS this season.

This well apportioned dairy unit includes a 40 ASHB cowshed suitably supported by an adjacent 400 cow feed pad and numerous calf shedding. Accommodation is provided by way of a four bedroom main home with expansive views over the farm and a tidy three bedroom second home. Both houses also feature adjacent self contained sleepouts The property sits on five separate titles, providing multiple purchase options

Ashburton 701 Wilkinsons Road

Deadline Sale

- dairy support

Welcome to Craigellachie Mitcham, a well located approx 200 ha property just 22 km northwest of Ashburton. Currently operated as a dairy support farm, this versatile property features high quality soils that offer the potential for a wide range of farming activities including arable, specialist small seeds, horticulture and stock finishing. Efficiently irrigated through the Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation Limited Scheme (ALIL), the property also includes essential infrastructure such as cattle yards and sheds, making it ideal for modern farming. The property also includes a comfortable four bedroom family home, with stunning views of Mt Hutt and the Southern Alps.

Tender closes 2.00pm, Mon 16th Dec, 2024, Property Brokers Pahiatua, 129 Main Street Pahiatua

View By appointment

Web pb.co.nz/MR194199

Jamie Smith M 027 220 8311 E jamie.smith@pb.co.nz

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 E jared@pb.co.nz

John Arends M 027 444 7380 E johna@pb.co.nz

Temuka 359 Goodwin Road

Ownership ambitions or strategic investment

We are pleased to offer this well located and positioned entry level dairy farm or perfect strategic addition of a dairy farm to existing farm portfolio s. This a productive dairy unit based on quality soils and currently milking 345 cows and budgeted annual production circa 140,000 kgMS. Situated in the prime Waitohi farming area and in close proximity to Timaru Temuka and Geraldine for services, amenities and schools. The 103.22 ha dairy platform has been developed with ease of management in mind and perfect for a husband and wife team. Quality and well maintained infrastructure includes an efficient 30 ASHB shed (ability to increase to 36AS) with in-shed feeding and ACR's.

Scan for more

Craigellachie Mitcham

Feilding 158 Finnis Road

Picturesque paradise - Incredible views!

This picturesque 6.25 acre (more or less) property offers the benefits of a top location, breath taking views, and a beautifully presented brick three bedroom family home Welcome to your own rural retreat! Lovingly maintained this tidy 174m2 (approx.) home perfectly captures the restful lifestyle on offer in this beautiful pocket of the Manawatu

Entertaining and family living are enjoyed with an abundance of space where relaxation knows no bounds The lightfilled kitchen with breakfast bar, an open plan dining and living area makes for easy hosting and the seamlessness between the home and landscape makes this a perfect lifestyle block. Curl up for family movie nights in front of the projector in the lounge, what a spot! The three bedrooms are serene sanctuaries supported by a family bathroom and an ensuite and walk in wardrobe off the master bedroom - every room is well-appointed with a cosy feel. Its ample dimensions are complemented by a large sun-soaked deck and expansive lawn.

3 2 1 6 For Sale Buyers $1,149,000+ View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/BL185092

E kay@pb.co.nz

Breeding and finishing 305ha

On the doorstep of the Pongaroa village is this 305ha (Subject to title) sheep and cattle breeding and finishing unit Consisting of a mix of contours, the opportunities to utilise all these aspects provide the ability to breed and finish all stock on the farm

The property currently has a quarry operation and has been currently subdivided by the vendors The farm is currently leased to a local farmer

A four bedroom brick home with lovely views, three stand woolshed, sheep yards, two sets of satellite sheep yards and miscellaneous sheds, an airstrip and a fertiliser bin complete the infrastructure bayleys co nz/2871064

Breeding property with potential and scope

A rare opportunity to increase your farming operations or future forestry investment in the Pongaroa district Located at the end of Waikakahi Road, is this 391ha (more or less) property looking for new stewardships

The property includes a two storey four-bedroom home, three stand wool shed, covered yards, two bay hayshed and a three bay shed

Currently run as a sheep and beef farm, the property is subdivided into approximately 40 paddocks with a mixture of electric and conventional fencing bayleys co nz/2871076

305 ha

Tender (will not be sold prior)

Closing 12pm, Wed 11 Dec 2024

26 Takapau Road, Waipukurau

View by appointment

Vic Ellingham 027 201 6707

vic ellingham@bayleys co nz

Andy Hunter 027 449 5827

andy hunter@bayleys co nz

391 4092 ha

Tender (will not be sold prior)

Closing 12pm Wed 11 Dec 2024

26 Takapau Road Waipukurau

View by appointment

Vic Ellingham 027 201 6707

vic ellingham@bayleys co nz

Pongaroa 37 Waikakahi Road Pongaroa

Pongaroa 384 Waikakahi Road

Waihaha Te Putu Road

A World of Opportunities

Look what’s on offer here on the Western Bays of Taupo; 440ha of predominately ver y easy rolling land close to the shores of the magical Lake Taupo.

With a long histor y of producing top stock , this easily managed property also represents an enviable locality to live in, particularly if you enjoy hunting or fishing Well fenced and watered with a good range of supporting infrastructure you’ll also be impressed with the nearly 50ha of established pine tree plantations. Add in over 10,000 NDA’s and you’ve got a compelling “must view” proposition in front of you

With my clients committed to a time-based sale I look for ward to meeting with you soon. Call me today for an appointment to view

Tender Friday 20th December 12:00pm (unless sold prior) View by appointment www.harcourts.co.nz/ML8644

Kevin Deane M 021 970 902

440ha

PAPAMOA, BAY OF PLENTY 250 Bell Road

Fishing or Surfing Minutes after Milking?

113ha dairy farm on one title

38ASHB shed with GEA plant (replaced 2018)

Currently milking 750 cows utilising additional lease land, 5yr avg production 334,146kg MS

• 450 cow feedpad with concrete supplement bunkers

Modern effluent system, spread via travelling irrigators

Three dwellings plus numerous sheds

• Only minutes away from beaches, boat ramps, shops and cafes

Phone or email for a full Information Memorandum

GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm Thursday 12 December VIEW 11-1.00pm Wed 27 Nov and By Appointment

M 027 801 2888 Tim Gallagher

E tim.gallagher@pggwrightson.co nz

M 027 223 3366 David McLaren

E dmclaren@pggwrightson.co nz

WAIPUKURAU, CHB 160 Ashley Clinton Rd

Middle Hills

Middle Hills is an iconic finishing farm in Central Hawke’s Bay. Held in four titles, the property comprises flat to very easy rolling land. Subdivided into 74 main paddocks with extensive lanes Fully reticulated from three bores spread across the farm. Large areas suitable for arable cropping. Farming infrastructure comprises four stand woolshed a workshop, several implement sheds, hay barns, covered sheep yards, extensive cattle yards Two homes. Significant inputs over recent years allow the finishing of lambs, steers and bulls. An outstanding property.

pggwre.co.nz/HAS40395

OAMARU, NORTH OTAGO

'The Dasher' Station - Leasehold and Freehold

A substantial breeding and finishing property extensively developed and improved over the past 12 years. 6,224ha is Crown Leasehold, on a perpetual 33 year Lease and 74ha is Freehold on a separate title. 2024 the vendors wintered 5,777 MA ewes, 2,500 hoggets, 65 rams, 267 I/C MA cows, 83 I/C heifers, 284 Mixed sex calves, and 11 breeding bulls Extensively developed with impressive covered yards, over 60km of new tracks, 30km of new fencing, extensive capital fertiliser and lime applied, re-grassing and stock water reticulation. Endless potential.

Machinery

Euro vision-ary for the agriculture sector

Jaiden Drought TECHNOLOGY Machinery

Christmas came early to the 120,000 innovative farming folk who attended this month’s biennial EuroTier event at the Marque agricultural show facility in Hanover, Germany.

The venue is an impressive, sprawling array of 13 indoor halls jam packed with equipment, tech and innovation; dedicated largely to the livestock, poultry and pig sectors from a total of 2219 exhibitors (65% of them from outside Germany).

Like most agricultural companies who now employ more software engineers than mechanical engineers, a fast-paced technology theme was evident with various forms of how Artificial Intelligence can streamline producers’ lives. Manufacturers flexed their technological muscle with the offerings ranging from calf feeders that talk to you and report on how your animals are performing, to scanning technology that can decipher the sex of chicks within milliseconds.

Recapping some of the noteworthy winners for the livestock sector (and bear in mind this is predominantly a free stall barn-based show), gold medal in the animal welfare section went to the Flex Air Stall (by Danish company Cow-Welfare) for its cow air conditioning system which pumps fresh outdoor air into stalls through vents to combat the negative effects of heat stress.

Because this is fundamentally a machinery column and I am only a part-time dairy farmer but full-time tractor nerd, there was thankfully also plenty to keep those with my heavy metal disease engaged. Mixer wagons and loading tech took up the lions share of the floor space.

Speaking of loaders, Weidemann introduced its ‘Follow me’ assistance system on the Hoftrac range of wheeled loaders. This allows the operator to be outside the machine and have it follow them autonomously to the next job.

If having the machine following you around like a puppy cramps your style by being too labour intensive, then the French manufactured ManuRob Loadix

might be more your cup of tea. For the measly sum of NZ$645,643.55, you get a fully electric loader that can lift two ton to 4.1m, has cameras to identify what it’s loading and uses a combination of RTK GPS and LiDAR to navigate its way around the yard – a bargain.

Sticking to the autonomous theme and applicable here to those in the cut and carry system, is the Lely Exos autonomous zero grazing machine. As the description suggests, it cuts the fresh grass, transports it to the shed and distributes grass to the awaiting animals completely by itself.

Not to be outdone in the autonomous feeding stakes, Trioliet showcased the new Triomatic WP2 600 robotic feeder which when combined with Trioliet Batch&Traffic manager, can scale the system’s capacity to a maximum of four robots, working simultaneously together feeding up to 2500 housed cows. Now that’s cool.

Self-propelled mixers were unsurprisingly the major theme and despite their eye watering price tags, EuroTier had everything from the Kuhn Aura with its

integrated loading head, right up to the more industrial approach of the Strautmann Primus 600 self-propelled feeder with a sixcylinder 205hp FPT engine and tub capacity of 17-22 m3.

The ground up redesign now includes the Strautmann Feed

Control system which has all the machine and feeding parameters in one monitor.

The old Casio might be smoking from calculating the cost/benefit of some of these machines, but one thing is for sure, innovation is alive and well in the ag sector.

and 50 spare knives valued up to $1184 plus GST, and a t wo year warrant y (double the normal warrant y) This is an unbeatable deal so hurr y now, of fer ends 28 Februar y 2025

THEMES: Automation and AI were clear themes at EuroTier 2024 held in Hanover, Germany.

Photo: Supplied

Senior Drystock Manager – Hororata, Canterbury

Opportunities like this don’t come very often. Minerva Farms Ltd are looking for a Senior Drystock Manager, the drystock operation is integral to supporting the wider farming business through providing high quality heifers to the dairy farms, breeding bulls and wintering cows..

Reporting to the Group Operations Manager and part of the Senior Management Team, this is an exciting opportunity to join this highly productive business showing your previous pasture & supplement feed management, stock management and strong cost control experience all while managing a team of 4 full time staff and 3 casuals.

The Farm

• 1072ha effective, spread over 8 blocks, 2 “hubs”

• Carrying 2200 R2 heifers and 2100 R1 heifers

• 420 Breeding bulls

• Contour flat

• Irrigation – Central Plains water, mix of pivots, rotar rainers and K-Lines

The Details:

• 3 bedroom managers house.

• Local schooling at Hororata and Darfield

Candidate background:

• You’ll be a great leader with the technical skill set to deliver excellent results and best practice management. Keeping a team on track with their targets, strong delegation skills and confidence in training/coaching others and getting consensus from the team, taking them all on the journey!

• Experience growing replacement heifers and breeding bulls.

• Eight years or more experience working on a dry stock farm.

• Experience in pasture, cropping (kale and fodder beet), cattle management including management and administering an animal health program set by the farms vet.

• Sound tractor and heavy machinery knowledge

• Strong organisation skills, planning ability and record keeping including farming specific computer software and mobile apps.

• Experience and attention to detail with the KPI’s and weekly/monthly reporting, assisting with budgets for the next season.

• Exceptional communication skills translating goals, targets and KPI’s into everyday language and action.

• Leading compliance at all levels including environmental standards, animal welfare and H & S (walking the talk and implementing this on a daily basis at farm level).

Please apply now through the No8HR website www.no8hr.co.nz this job has the reference number #32772 – Senior Drystock Manager, Hororata, Canterbury.

We’re on a mission to turn yo ur fresh milk into delicio us ice cream and share it with the world.

Why partner with us?

Direct raw milk supply to a fast-growing ice cream business

Attractive financial returns. Improved cash flow for your farm. Farm gate pick-up.

Expert dairy sourcing team.

Support available for infrastructure where needed.

Get in touch: inquiries@talleys.co nz

We’re currently looking for milk supply from the Tasman region to Motueka.

ADELONG

20TH ANNUAL ON FARM RAM SALE

Neville & Dianne Greenwood, Ellesmere Wednesday 4th December - 2pm start Viewing from 12pm

> 110 Poll Dorset 1 shr Rams 40 of the above with foot score 1.1 to 1.3

> 20 Suffolk, Texel, Poll Dorset X 1 shr Rams

Catalogue available via contact details below or on the Hazlett website: www.hazlett.nz/whats-on

Further enquiries: Callum Dunnett (Hazlett) 027 462 0126 Neville Greenwood (Vendor) 027 431 1431

Advertise

• Ram weaning weights 40-58kg at 100 days

• Suffolk/Texel, stabilised for 20+ years

• Constitution and longevity

• Winner, best pen of rams for prime lamb production, CHB Show (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) Weightlifter

LAMMERLAW ON

FARM RAM SALE

THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER

59 Oldfields Road, RD 17, Fairlie Viewing from 11am Helmsman Sale Commences at 1pm

>30 Romney Rams >20 Romdale Rams

Focusing on Growth Rate, Fertility and Worm Resilience. Facebook: Lammerlaw Romney Stud

Further Enquiries: Callum Dunnett 027 462 0126 Hamish Zuppicich 027 403 3025

hazlett.nz

SNOWDON STATION RAM SALE

FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER

A/C Annabel Tripp 566 Snowdon Road, Darfield Viewing from 10am, Sale 1pm

>100 Perendale Rams >100 Suffolk Rams

Further enquiries: Callum Dunnett (Hazlett) 027 462 0126

Ed Marfell (Hazlett) 027 462 0120 Glenn Peddie (PGGW) 027 200 2232 Simon Eddington (PGGW) 027 590 8612

WAIKURA STATION ON FARM SALE

Tuesday 10th December

Ewes & Lambs:

> 7300 Suftex x Wether & Ewe Lambs

> 3750 Romdale & Wiltshire x Wether & Ewe Lambs

>750 5 Year Romdale Ewes

>750 CFA Ewes

Cattle:

> 150 Mixed Age Angus Cows with Calves at foot

> 40 15 month Angus Steers

> 30 15 month Angus Heifers

1904 Waikura Valley Road, Gisborne Commencing at 1pm We are a

All cattle are bred with Hallmark and Twin Oaks bulls.

TB Status C10

Auctioneers note:

A grand opportunity to purchase well-bred, high-quality livestock in large numbers that are renowned for their shifting ability

The entire 2024 lamb draft is on offer (other than replacement ewe lambs that are being retained). No lambs will have been drafted prior to sale. These high-quality lambs are both NZFAP and ABF accredited.

Further Enquiries: Richard Johnston 027 444 3511

hazlett.nz

Our commitment to you is to provide quality advice and to optimise value for you at every opportunity Give us a call and we’ll prove it.

› Hazlett Livestock

› Hazlett Agronomy

› Hazlett Insurance

Hazlett Funding

Hazlett Procurement

Growth + meat = profit

NUMBER 8 WAGYU

Fullblood Female Sale

•

Wednesday 4 December | 11.30am

(Open Day - Monday 2 December | 9 00am -1 00pm) 282 Rotoorangi Road, Cambridge

A/C Quattro Centro Properties Ltd.

Claas Ares 557ATX Tractor (6201 Hours), 1997 Isuzu Forward FXZ 270 Truck, Kubota RTV X1140 Side by Side, Aitchison Rotatiller, Hustler LX 1150 Boom Sprayer, Gallagher Muchler, Pearson Bale Grab, Carryall Tray, David Brown 1212 with FEL, Levelling Bar, Heavy Duty Hydraulic Grader Blade, Kubota Z231 Ride on Mower, Vogal 3pt Fert Spreader, Tractor Rippers, PVC Irrigation Pipes, Water Fittings, Wooden Poles (6 5mtrs), Hot Water Cylinders x 4, Concrete Troughs, 30,000L Water Tanks x 3, Small Nursery Trees, Tractor Topper, Small Trailer, Concrete Mixer, Corn Picking Bags x 8, Karcher MV 6 P Premium Vacuum, Staffroom Equipment, S/S Benches, Water Transfer Pump, Fence Reels and Standards, Fencing Supplies, Karcher Water Blaster, Air Compressor, Rotary Hoe Roller Machine, Tool Benches, Native Timber Bundles (Rimu), Tractor Tip Trailer, Water Tank Trailer, Hydro Mulch 100 & Moss, Fertiliser Tablets, Planting Bags, Husqvarna DT18 Dethatcher, Misc Hort/Agri Chemicals, Bamboo Stakes, Tractor Project Trailer, Pruning Ladders, Garden Tools & Knapsacks, Pallet Forks, Diesel Tanks, Mole Plough, Square Mesh Sheets, Reinforcing Mesh Sheets, Boiler Unit, Quick Hitch, Steel Gates, Plastic Planter Boxes Pallets, Stoll Robust F16 Loader and Brackets, plus lots of numerous other items

Terms of Auction

All items will be sold as

-

Viewing

“20 DECKS!”

“Yep,

“Fish?” queries Noah.

“Yep,

“Check.”

“OK

“With 20 decks, one on top of the other?”

“Check.”

“And you want it full of Carp?”

“Check.”

“Why?” asks the perplexed Noah, who was slowly but surely getting to the end of his tether.

“Dunno,” says God, “I just fancied a Multi-Storey Carp Ark.”

Key: Dair y Cattle Sheep O ther

Thursday 28th November 2024 1pm Start

A/C Trevor & Trish Johnson 4557 Ohura Rd, Taumarunui (Ram Selling Complex)

. 600 Yearling Steers

. 500 Yearling Heifers

These later born great shifting hill-country Yearlings are Angus, Angus/Hereford Cross and Hereford.

Angus Bulls have been purchased from Stokman and Waitangi with Herefords from Kokonga.

The Cattle will be drafted into lines and weighed 10 days prior to the sale with viewing on Sale Day from 9.30am - 12.30pm.

A list of yard addresses will be available upon request from the Auctioneers.

A Catalogue will be available on Bidr and MyLivestock prior to the sale

A 2% Purchasing Rebate will be paid to recognised Companies making arrangements prior to the Sale. The Cattle will be shown at the Auction via video taken at drafting and weighing.

For more information contact:

Marty Cashin (PGW) 027 497 6414

Vaughan Rogers (NZFL) 027 452 1568

•

Markets

S Island lamb sales surge on fatter feed

Mother Nature puts a spring in the step of farmers who just last month were bogged down in the mud.

Sara Hilhorst MARKETS Livestock

IF you spoke to anyone associated with farming in the South Island six weeks ago, you would have found they were all feeling a bit apprehensive about the spring conditions. Southland was drowning and stuck in mud, and the central and northern parts of the island were calling out for rain.

Since then, Mother Nature has delivered the goods required to most regions, and there has been a renewed spring in farmers’ steps.

Feed is rocketing through Mid and South Canterbury, and even North Canterbury has received some long-awaited moisture. Store stock shortages remain evident and farmers are seeking more mouths to keep pasture growth under control.

Marlborough is green and around Blenheim is looking the best it has for years. With Canterbury show week done and dusted, tractor activity has picked up and plenty of supplementary feed is being made.

This improved growing season has put the bulk of the island in

a good position to take on store stock.

Spring lambs at the saleyards through November have consistently returned early- to mid-$4/kg at 20-30kgLW on the back of limited numbers. Tallies last week were more readily available as the run of annual Canterbury on-farm lamb sales got underway.

All farms put up good quality lambs that made around an estimated $4/kgLW and in some cases, a touch more. The two-week window available to purchase larger lines of store lambs has come just at the right time for South Island buyers at the peak of the growing season.

Highfield in Waiau kicked off the first of these on-farm sales on Monday November 18, offering 3000 Romney-South Suffolk and Suftex mixed-sex lambs.

Hazlett agent Jon Waghorn said it was a strong sale and lambs were “strong, healthy, and wellpresented given the earlier tough spring conditions”.

Hazlett general manager of livestock Ed Marfell said it was a good day in which “we saw fewer lambs due to the dry conditions but of better quality”.

There was a full clearance to buyers locally, but there was deep-

Proudly sponsored by

Marlborough is green and around Blenheim is looking the best it has for years.

south interest too, which was a positive sign that they are coming out the other side of their wet spring conditions.

However, at this stage, local pastures can more than handle the lambs on offer to them and large Southland offloads aren’t a priority. On average lamb weights were on par with last season and prices ranged from $91-$173, roughly a $20 improvement on last year.

Next up was the annual Glenmark Drive sale on Tuesday in North Canterbury. Auctioneers enjoyed an afternoon of selling across five properties. Buyers came from far and wide, from Marlborough to Southland.

There was no North Island interest. Hawke’s Bay buyers

have been present in previous years, but dry conditions there have cut demand. Just under 8500 lambs sold from Glenmark Farm, Manahune, Red Oak, Mount Cass, and JJC Gardiner. These included options of blackface, whiteface, and Wiltshire-cross lambs.

The wide weight range in lambs offered meant there was a large variance in returns, with top cuts suitable to head straight to the processors. Across all farms, prices were up on average $20-$30 from last year.

Terminal lambs from Manahune ranged from $65-$166 and 1000 blackface and mixed-sex Romney lambs from Glenmark Drive, made $88-$163. Male Wiltshire-cross lambs from Mt Cass earned $91$165 and a small pen of ewe lambs found $93. Red Oak put up some Romney wethers at $95. Up to $160 was paid on the remaining mixed-sex blackface. Topping the afternoon was mixed-sex blackface lambs from JJC Gardiner that fetched $102-$178.

Banks Peninsula followed on

POPULAR: On-farm lamb sales are always popular events on Banks Peninsula. On Wednesday, November 20 Romney ram lambs and terminal cross blackface mixedsex lambs were offered, making $80-$176.

Wednesday and offered Romney ram lambs and terminal cross blackface mixed-sex lambs. These made $80-$176.

Across the sales, a small portion of ewes were available and met by good demand. Annual draft works ewes sold well relative to schedule at no less than an estimated $4/ kg. Some buyers saw a good opportunity on annual draft halfbred ewes to carry through to breeding.

Some of these ewes would typically be sold at ewe fairs but were on the market to make room for other stock. Up to $120 was paid on these.

Until now, some farmers had been purchasing lambs out of the North Island to get their numbers. Agents noted that they would quite like Hawke’s Bay to receive some rain to keep the top end of the South Island store lamb market strong.

However, with no significant rain in Hawke’s Bay for some time now, it’s going to take a bit to turn this region around.

Photo: File

Cattle Sheep Deer

Weekly saleyard results

These weekly saleyard results are collated by the AgriHQ LivestockEye team. Cattle weights and prices are averages and sheep prices are ranges. For more detailed results and analysis subscribe to your selection of LivestockEye reports. Scan the QR code or visit www.agrihq.co.nz/livestock-reports

Make informed livestock trading decisions with AgriHQ. Track key saleyard, paddock and

FEATURE: Autumn-born weaner Charolais-cross bulls were

big feature at Te Kuiti on Friday, November 15. Seven lines were offered and they ranged in weight from 153kg to 222kg, and sold for $805-$1100.

Photo: bidr.co.nz

Spring looks set to hold on into December

LONG-range forecasting is a bit like opening up a book and reading from the halfway mark. Sure, it tells a story, but does it make a lot of sense? For it to make sense you need to go backwards and read the beginning – and that’s where long-range forecasting comes in.

I’m being asked two questions daily lately. 1) What is happening with La Niña? 2) What will summer be like?

If 2024 was a book we’re basically in the last chapter and we’re trying to predict how the book will end – and what the second book in this series (which we start reading in January) will start off like.

So to do that, we need to read the first 11 chapters of this year’s book – from a long-range forecasting point of view we need to look back at the weather trends of 2024 to suss out how the year ends, and how 2025 may start. Put simply, December looks like an extension of November and the rest of spring. The main

drivers of New Zealand’s weather, in my humble view, are the storms circling Antarctica over the Southern Ocean. These powerful lows continue to retain the energy of mid-winter storms.

I’ve said this before but think of isobars on weather maps the same way you see topographical lines on a land map.

With that in mind I see all the storms south of NZ as being in a deep canyon in the sky, with the deepest part near Antarctica. The start of this “drop down” is over the South Island. The air pressure from about the South Island southwards drops right off towards these storms near Antarctica.

But northern NZ sees the air pressure steadily climbing to a plateau where winds are lighter, skies are drier. This is what is creating our unsettled spring and it explains why it’s the lower and western portions of the South Island most exposed to rain events (as lower air pressure encourages heavier rain).

For the next two weeks I see no serious change in this (although an uptick in high-pressure zones further south may bring some drier spells for those wet parts

the lower North Island and South Island.

RAINMAKERS: This 15-day rainfall image shows rainmakers north and south of NZ – but a lot of dry, or below normal rainfall for many regions.

Northern NZ sees the air pressure steadily climbing to a plateau where winds are lighter, skies are drier.

of the South Island). December looks likely to be another “spring month” especially if you live in

So that leads to 2025. I’m no fan of long-range forecasting in NZ. It’s notoriously terrible. Some outlets make bold three-month seasonal outlooks, only to pretend they never said it once it doesn’t pan out.

My gut instinct – based on the weather we’ve seen here all year, and coupled with the no-show

from La Niña (again, something other forecasters boldly talked about all year) and perhaps a lean towards El Niño (but remaining in neutral as it is now) suggests that the westerly-driven pattern may carry on into January. We’d expect it to be more sluggish by then, though.

We’ll take a closer look at global Pacific modelling for our summer next week.

Philip Duncan NEWS Weather