Farmers Weekly NZ April 29 2019 by AgriHQ

3 MPI news upsets farmers Vol 18 No 16, April 29, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz

Bank plan’s big bill Nigel Stirling

nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

ARMERS could face paying up to $800m a year in extra interest costs if a proposal to protect the banks from going under in the event of a onein-200-years economic meltdown goes ahead. Estimates of the impact on interest rates range from the Reserve Bank’s own stab of 20 to 40 basis points up to the 120 bps estimated by the local arm of Swiss investment bank UBS, Federated Farmers says. Multiplied across the agricultural sector’s $63 billion debt pile that would see farmers slugged for anywhere between $120m and $800m in extra interests costs annually. “For farmers an increase in costs along the lines of the Reserve Bank’s modest estimate would be unwelcome enough while the worst-case scenario would be devastating,” the federation wrote to the Reserve Bank. The bank wants trading banks to increase the minimum amount

of capital they hold against loans from 8% to 16% within five years. The increase is designed to ensure the banks have the capital needed to survive the writedowns on loans the Reserve Bank estimates would come with a onein-200-years downturn. Officially, the cost to the banks of meeting the new capital minimums is being put at $20b but banking sources believe it could be billions more. Westpac NZ chief executive David McLean said shareholders in the banks’ Australian parent companies will not stump up that sort of money unless they can see a return. In all likelihood that means interest rates would have to rise to offset the decrease in returns that would come with holding higher amounts of capital against the same amount of lending. “We think the middle of that 80 to 120 basis points range is where it might come out but that is an average across all lending and it may fall differently across different portfolios of lending,” McLean said. The increase is likely to be at the higher end of that range for agricultural lending because of

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DON’T BLAME US: The Australianowned banks don’t want to cut lending savagely and spark a run on land values, Westpac New Zealand chief executive David McLean says.

the higher risk weighting applied to lending against farms, which historically experience bigger ups and downs in values and are seen as a riskier form of security than houses. Because agricultural lending soaks up more capital per dollar lent the returns are lower for the banks’ shareholders relative to other types of lending where less capital is required.

The impact for farming is potentially significant.” Amy Adams National Party If the banks cannot raise sufficient capital to meet the new requirements, lower-returning farm loans will be the first in line to be cut back. However, McLean said all the Australian-owned banks have large exposures to farm lending and it is not in their interests to cut lending savagely and spark a run on land values. “We are not going to do things

that hurt our farming clients or the industry and ourselves as well but having said that if this policy goes through it will put us in a very, very difficult position.” Federated Farmers spokesman Andrew Hoggard said the size of the interest rate increases being bandied about would severely curtail farmers’ capacity to improve their properties to meet increased environmental regulation or to simply make them more productive. The most indebted could be tipped up completely. “We are probably lucky that we are in a period of reasonable commodity prices at the moment but that could change very quickly and an increase in rates like that could be enough if prices went backwards to force some farmers into some pretty tough times or even forced sales.” Recent debate over the Government’s Tax Working Group proposals had overshadowed those from the Reserve Bank even though they have the potential to be far more far-reaching in their impact and costly to the economy than a capital gains tax. But unlike the capital gains tax proposal it looks unlikely

the Government will pull the handbrake on the Reserve Bank’s plans. A spokesman for Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the central bank does its business independently of the Government and the increases in capital being proposed do not require it to sign them off. However, National Party finance spokeswoman Amy Adams said that is a cop-out. “This is not the Governor of the Reserve Bank acting in his rightly independent role as controller of monetary policy … it is him acting as a regulator of the banks and in that role he should expect the same sort of oversight that any regulatory agency would expect.” The central bank had failed to come up with a robust costbenefit analysis, she said. Without that it is possible the proposals will end up costing taxpayers more in higher borrowing costs than the benefit of protection from bank bailouts that are very unlikely to happen. “The impact for farming is potentially significant and at the very least the Minister of Finance should be asking the Governor exactly what the cost is going to be and why he thinks it is necessary.”

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NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW THIS week kicks off on a colder note with daytime highs down by several degrees in most places, some down by double digits from where they were a couple of days ago. A large high is rolling in this week and that will lock in the cold, bringing chillier overnight lows. There might be a few frosts on Tuesday morning as a result of this high, with daytime temperatures gradually lifting back up as the week goes on. This coming weekend has an interesting set-up. A big low is likely to cover much of the Tasman Sea but high pressure might still be around New Zealand. It’s unclear how this will unfold so check our daily updates at www.farmersweekly.co.nz/weather.

4 Buyers, not brands, in control Dairy companies will ignore consumer trends at their peril because brands are no longer in control, market researcher Julian Mellentin says. Big goals on order for ag �� 10 Crickets fans out for dukka �� 14 Mataura Valley considers expansion plans �� 18

Opinion ��24

ON FARM STORY

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

Wind

Rain Monday kicks off with more heavy rain in parts of the country plus brief heavy showers. High pressure on Tuesday brings dry weather to most but the West Coast might get rain by Thursday. A few showers on Friday.

A strong, cold, south to southwest change moves in today but eases back significantly in most places by Tuesday. Warmer northwesters arrive in the south by Wednesday and northerly quarter winds spread over the rest of NZ by Thursday.

Highlights/ Extremes

Newsmaker ��22 New Thinking ��23

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Temperature Colder than average for many places on Monday because of the southerly and a cold start to Tuesday with some frosts possible in the South Island’s interior. Mild weather returns later in the week as northerly quarter winds develop.

The biggest highlight this week will be the cold southerly change today bringing strong winds and heavy rain plus snow on the mountains and ranges. The next main highlight is a large Tasman Sea low forming this coming weekend.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

Drier than normal soil conditions continue through the spine of the North Island from the Far North to central Waikato and the Central Plateau to Manawatu. In the South Island soil remains drier than normal between Nelson and Marlborough, parts of Southland and Canterbury. Except the West Coast, most places are drier than average this week but colder conditions do quickly fade with warmer weather a positive for pasture growth later this week. More rainmakers are now forming around NZ too, compared to previous months.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 25/04/2019

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REGULARS Real Estate ��30-35 Employment ��36 Classifieds ��37 Livestock ��38-43 Markets ��44-48

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

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For more weather information go to farmersweekly.co.nz/weather

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

TOO LATE: Feds leader Chris Ford says cows are already on the move and farmers needed certainty in the next six days, not six weeks as proposed in the ramp up of the Mycoplasma bovis response.

OVER IT: Frank Peters is over Mycoplasma bovis and just wants to move on and be a farmer.

Too many farmers are hurting Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz MYCOPLASMA bovis hotspot farmers are angry at news an unprecedented number of farms will go under movement control before winter. The Ministry for Primary Industries said the M bovis response programme will ramp up over the next six weeks. M bovis programme director Geoff Gwyn said it will give farmers as much certainty as possible heading into winter. “Well, what sort of certainty is that,” Mid Canterbury dairy farmer Frank Peters said. “We have been led to believe, and I have always thought, it’s been ramped up all the time. “It’s a bit disappointing to hear that when they have been telling us they have been onto it like a rat up a drainpipe. “We have been hearing everything is fine and dandy and all under control and suddenly they are looking at a multitude of more farms.

“My view is I got a lot of confidence then they came out with this – yet another spanner in the works. “I’ve certainly lost confidence in the last two weeks.” Peters’ farm is confirmed as clear of M bovis. It was depopulated and restocked ready to roll back into full action on June 1. “We’ve got 1400 cows to start the new season on June 1. “I’m over bovis – I don’t want a bar of it any more,” he said. “At some point you have to decide if you want to be a farmer. I’ve made the decision I want to get on and farm again and that’s the focus now. “I don’t need the grief. We just want to get on and do what we do best – farming.” Peters said he’ll be forever willing to help other M bovis affected farmers where he can. “I have helped MPI as much as I can and I’m not getting nearly enough back. I’m over that now.” With autumn calving all but

finished Peters is pretty happy with how things are tracking. “The spring herd we couldn’t get like for like replacements and production is down a bit so we’ll have to work on that down the track. “We’re still chasing a bit of money (compensation) and meantime our one focus is farming and getting back to where we were before the bovis nightmare.” Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury dairy chairman Chris Ford is at the heart of M bovis with his province harbouring 42% (67) of the 161 currently Confirmed Properties. He said Mid Canterbury farmers were blind-sided in learning there’ll be a surge in the number of properties going under movement restriction. “This has come totally out of the blue and farmers are rightly very concerned. “This is escalating the stress and anxiety already rampant at the grassroots levels here,” Ford said.

“I honestly don’t think MPI is ready for the ramifications of what could occur.” Over the coming six weeks MPI plans to contact 300 farmers identified with high-risk animals with 250 of them expected to go under notice of direction movement controls. A further 800 properties will be contacted about very low-risk animal movements. “Over the next six weeks. Farmers need to know in the next six days,” Ford said. “Farmers have grown and contracted to winter crops. This doesn’t happen in the farm plan in six weeks and this will impact on graziers too. “Will a grazier take animals from a farm under active surveillance?” He questioned just how much MPI really understands of the dairy farming model it is trying to control. Ford said farmers just want the response handled smartly and in consultation with farmers.

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“We need co-operation not brutal enforcement.” He acknowledged there have been improvements but there are still many shortfalls. “I’m hearing horror stories every week of MPI having no compassion and we as fellow farmers are the listening ear and crying shoulder. It’s very hard not to be emotional.” Ford said MPI is behind the eight-ball with its timing as animals are already on the winter move. “How can they wake up one morning and put this out and believe it will help give certainty when hundreds of thousands of cows are already moving. “The big question for MPI and its response partners DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ is how much pressure do you expect our grassroots people to take? “The mistakes need to stop. We are hearing horror stories every week. “Too many farmers are hurting,” Ford said.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Buyers, not brands, in control Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz DAIRY companies will ignore consumer trends at their peril because brands are no longer in control, market researcher Julian Mellentin says. The British food industry consultant is the author of a new study called Eight Key Trends in Dairy Nutrition. He owns London consultancy New Nutrition Business and a business-to-business newsletter of the same name. Mellentin argues there is an increasingly wide gap between the performance of companies that understood the key consumer trends and make them part of their strategy and those that don’t. “Key to success in dairy nutrition is that alongside your volume business you should incubate new products that are trend-connected – lower volume but usually higher margin. “These are the seeds from which future great trees can grow.” His eight trends are protein, digestive wellness, snackification, authenticity and provenance, permission to indulge, reinventing sweetness, plant-based and fat reborn. His example of a dairy

TASTES: Global demographics, rapid urbanisation and rising wealth are driving changing consumer trends, Fonterra global insights manager Roshena De Leon

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER: Big companies mistakenly think their scale gives them a competitive advantage, New Nutrition Business owner Julian Mellentin says.

company embracing three of the trends, protein, provenance and snackification, is Graham’s Family Dairy in Scotland with its Goodness ice cream, cheddars and cream cheeses and proteinboosted liquid milks. Mellentin also points to the Valio co-operative in Finland that connected to the plant-based dairy alternatives trend. And to the giant food company General Mills’ innovation with Oui by Yoplait, in single-serve glass pots.

“The brand is unlike anything that this volume-driven, lowpriced company had done before, combining provenance with artisanal style packaging and within a year it was on track to be a $100 million brand.” Established brands are no longer in control but are tossed about by waves of consumer trends, he said. “If the trends are against you it’s better to acknowledge the new reality and work with it than to wish it weren’t so or to tell yourself that the consumer will come back round to your way of thinking. “Against the powerful forces of the free market, resistance is useless.” And for big companies that think their size insulates them against these forces, Mellentin has a strong message. “Often senior management teams think of strategy primarily in terms of big volumes and big market shares and this has become a trap in which companies live in a low-price, commoditised market and struggle to maintain margins,” he said. “Being a big company is not always the source of competitive advantage that it was.” He used A2 Milk as an example of what appeared to be a wacky and weird idea becoming very successful when connected to a major consumer trend – digestive wellness. “When it debuted it was regarded as eccentric, lacking in science and certain to fail. “Now, A2 Milk is the world’s most profitable dairy company.” Through New Zealand eyes, Mellentin’s insights look a little old hat. A2 was initially a NZ launch that found more success in Australia and the company is now partnering with Fonterra. It might be profitable and continuing to grow but it has never paid a dividend to shareholders. Whey protein concentrate has been a best-seller for Fonterra in sports, paediatric,

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health and aged nutrition products. It recently launched Anchor Protein+ flavoured milk drinks with no added sugar on the local market. Fonterra has also made a small undisclosed investment in Motif Ingredients in the United States, which develops and commercialised bio-engineered foods. “The complementary nutrition category – where plant, insect, algae and fermentation-produced nutrition co-exist alongside animal proteins, including cows’ milk, is fast evolving.

Being a big company is not always the source of competitive advantage that it was. Julian Mellentin New Nutrition Business “It’s not a case of either-or but both,” Fonterra’s global consumer chief Judith Swales said. Specialty milks, creams, yoghurts and spreads, artisan cheeses and richer, more exotic ice creams are readily available throughout the country at treatyourself prices, typified by the Lewis Road Creamery range. Meadow Fresh and Puhoi Valley brands, owned by Goodman Fielder, have a big range of yoghurts, milks, cheeses, creams and smoothies, many with added calcium, protein or vitamins. From the perspective of the NZ dairy farmer, on-trend dairy foods for the local market do not pay the bills. The industry earns 95% of its

income from exports and about two-thirds of that from dairy ingredients, not from consumerready foods. The NZ Milk Products division of Fonterra, the major processor and exporter of the ingredients, has a global insights manager, Roshena De Leon, to identify trends and suggest ways the advanced ingredients product range can respond. She said the underlying causes of current trends are changing global demographics, rapid urbanisation and rising wealth. Her five major trends for 2019 are digestive health, wellness beyond the physical, snacking, ethical products and new experiences in food and beverage consumption. As science learns more about gut biome there will be plenty of opportunities for dairy in new formats and with a range of positioning stories. Wellness beyond the physical includes dictating, designing and personalising your life in more flexible ways by making lifestyle choices, De Leon said. Snacking is now about healthy options and making them occasions that are different from normal meals. Consumers want ethical products sourced sustainably in containers that are less wasteful. “It’s an extension of the grass to glass to become grass to glass to bin and beyond,” she said. Eating has increasingly become a showcase of how people want to live, along with the experiences of doing so. The trends here are towards authenticity, higher quality, unique and differentiated foods. “Adding an element of surprise through packaging and activating the senses with hybrid flavours, smells and tastes taps into these trends,” she said.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

SFF links its payout to supply goals SILVER Fern Farms Co-operative will use its patronage reward payout to build committed livestock supply to its 50%-owned operating business. That should contribute to creating enduring value in the group, chairman Rob Hewett says. “We recognise the need to grow long-term value in the investment for all shareholders and to encourage suppliers of livestock to become shareholders so shareholders can realise the value of their shares if they wish,” he wrote in the annual report. The co-operative received an $874,000 dividend from the operating company, Silver Fern Farms, which Hewett said was not enough to enable both the payment of a dividend on all shares as well as a reward payout of any meaningful value. A payment to all shareholders would have amounted to only 0.4c a share. The co-operative board had considered keeping the cash but doesn’t need the money. At the December 31 balance date it had just over $18 million in cash and no debt. So, it was to make the patronage payment on April 26 to supplier/ shareholders as at December 31 who qualify under the shares/ supply criteria. It amounted to a payment of 3c (without tax credits) a share on the qualifying shares. The annual report said the co-operative had 179 new

shareholders in 2018, up from 104 in 2017 and 70 in 2016. Hewett said that is a positive trend and, importantly, there is growth in shareholders who are also livestock suppliers. Of the new shareholders, 84% had supplied sufficient stock numbers to qualify for the payment. The rewards programme also gives fully-shared suppliers preference for processing space and access to supply programmes.

We recognise the need to grow long-term value in the investment for all shareholders. Rob Hewett SFF

Hewett said shareholder supply was broadly consistent with the previous year, with an 84.2% shareholder commitment for volumes year-on-year, up from 82.9%. The co-operative’s $874,000 is half of the full dividend of $1.7m paid out by SFF, the other half going to China-based shareholder Shanghai Maling. Both shareholders have five directors on the SFF board but Shanghai Maling has a casting vote in the event of a deadlock. The co-op paid a fully-imputed

GOOD SIGN: Growth in the number of supplier shareholders is a positive trend, SFF Co-op chairman Rob Hewett says.

dividend of 2.8c a share to all shareholders on the 2017 result and qualifying shareholders also received a patronage reward of 2.9c a share in spite a co-op bottom-line loss of $5.6m and was paid from a $6m dividend received from SFF. Co-op after-tax profit in 2018 was $904,000. A dividend of 34.1c a share was paid during the 2017 year out of the funds Shanghai Maling paid the co-op for the half-share in SFF. The annual report notes that under the agreement between the co-operative, Shanghai Maling and the operating company, SFF provides administration services to the co-op and pays all reasonable costs of the co-op, excluding director fees, up to a maximum $500,000 a year. In 2018 the co-op’s costs were $706,000 so its own share was $206,000. SFF paid the balance, compared to a $454,000 contribution a year earlier. The co-op pays the fees of the five directors it appoints to the operating company board. They amounted to $500,500 and co-op director fees totalled $203,455. Hewett, Trevor Burt, Dan-Jex Blake, Jane Taylor and Richard Young are directors of both entities. Tony Balfour, Fiona Hancox and Tony O’Boyle are directors of the co-op only.

Primary sector goods lead record exports rise This rise was led by milk EXPORTS hit an all-time high powder, up $22m on a year in March, driven by dairy, earlier. There were contrasting meat and forestry products, movements in other dairy especially to China. The value of all goods exports commodities. The value of cheese exports rose $42m while in March rose $899 million or butter exports fell, also by 19% from March 2018 to reach $42m. $5.7 billion, Statistics New The rise was quantity-led but Zealand international manager unit values also rose, up 6.5% Tehseen Islam said. on March 2018. It was a new record for any Other main contributors were month, beating December meat and edible offal, food 2017. preparations including infant And the value of goods formula, forestry products and imports in March fell $174m or fruit. 3.5% to $4.8b, leaving a trade China had the largest surplus of $922m, the highest increase, up $522m or 52% to since the April 2011 record $1.5b. $1.2b. “Exports to China were the “Despite March 2019 being leading contributor to increases a strong month for exports, in several primary sector imports have been generally commodities including dairy rising faster than exports in products, beef, lamb recent months,” Islam said. and forestry products,” Islam But the annual goods trade said. deficit remains at high levels. It was $5.6b for the year to March 31. MORE: Dairy products led the rise in stats.govt.nz/information-releases/ exports, up $264 million or 22% overseas-merchandise-tradeto $1.4b in March. march-2019

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Wine talks turn sour Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com WINE producers are the latest primary industry group to throw European Union demands over so-called Geographic Indications back in the faces of their trade negotiators. In trade talks with New Zealand the EU wants recognition and protection for 1760 wine names associated with European place names.

The system of Geographic Indications (GIs) being proposed would restrict the use of those names in the NZ market for everybody but European producers. In an unusual move the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade earlier this year, some eight months after negotiations started, asked for NZ producer groups to notify it of any objections to the EU proposals.

Dollar priced for OCR-cut A CUT to the official cash rate on May 8 is priced in at a 50:50 call by markets and would have just a slight and brief impact on the dollar, BNZ currency strategist Jason Wong says. The RBNZ’s decision will be a close call and the BNZ does not think a cut is warranted but it is probably in the minority among OCR-watchers, he said. Beyond the immediate impact he expects the kiwi to strengthen in response to a more positive mood in the world economy with China recovering and the US still robust and both offsetting a weaker Euro-zone picture.

“Equity markets are forwardlooking and are on a tear and volatility is low so that is positive for investor risk appetite and for the NZ dollar.” The kiwi slipped on weak Australian inflation figures that raised the odds of an RBA interest-rate cut on May 7 and with it the odds of a NZ cut. It is still trading in the US$0.66 to 0.70 range tagged by the BNZ for several months, though at the bottom end of the range. Wong forecasts a 0.67 rate at the end of June and the BNZ’s call is for a lift to 0.70 by yearend. - Alan Williams

NZ Winegrowers has identified 339 of the wine names put forward by negotiators from the European Commission for which there is a potential problem. The wine body’s objections follow those of the dairy industry, which opposed 29 of the 59 dairy products (56 cheese names and one cream and two types of butter) the EU claims as GIs in the trade talks.

Some of them include really common names like hill or village. Jeffrey Clark NZ Winegrowers

It also comes just weeks after EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan’s visit here, during which he encouraged the NZ dairy industry to follow the wine industry’s lead and embrace the use of GIs. NZ Winegrowers advocacy general manager and general counsel Jeffrey Clarke said the industry backs GIs where they give

legal protections to wines and spirits linked to specific regions such as Central Otago pinot noir or Marlborough sauvignon blanc. However, the list submitted by the EU had potentially gone beyond that by claiming exclusive use of varieties of grapes. “Some of them, for example, have a region name and a grape name and what we do not want is for them to protect the grape name so we cannot use the grape name.” Clarke said the EU list also includes common terms used in compound wine names. “Some of them include really common names like hill or village and obviously we do not want a situation where the fact that the GI contains the word hill means the word hill can’t be used. “If all that is being protected is the geographical name of the French place or the Italian place or whatever it is then that is fine and nobody is going to have a problem with that but it is not clear from the list what is going to be protected. “You would like to hope that we would reach a sensible solution on that but the fact that they have submitted the entire list without having agreed in advance on the scope of the protections

NO WAY: European demands for exclusive use of words like hill and village in wine names are not on New Zealand trade negotiators say.

to be granted just means that we have to raise these as problems because if we don’t then we might accidentally concede them.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Worm your way to good pasture allows easier transfer of water and air. At Ballantrae the number of earthworm species has increased from two in 1979 to nine in 2014, the result of both accidental and deliberate anthropogenic earthworm introductions. The research focus is now shifting to the roles of each variety and there appear to be benefits from having a variety, Schon says. Some are deeper burrowing,

Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz DATA from 35 years of research shows fertiliser is crucial to enhance and sustain earthworms. A paper published in the Journal of Agricultural Research based on data collected from AgResearch’s Ballantrae Hill Country Research Station in Manawatu shows earthworms thrive and proliferate in soil treated with phosphorus and sulphur fertilisers. Areas not treated with those elements had less than half the number of earthworms as those that did, showing there was less food available to sustain the population.

Zespri signals higher prices coming for growers

There’s a very strong correlation between pasture performance and earthworm abundance. Nicole Schon AgResearch scientist and paper co-author Nicole Schon says earthworms are a sign of good soil health and have long been considered a barometer for healthy soil biology. In short, fertiliser stimulates pasture production, which generates food for soil and earthworms. The earthworm population in the trial that has not received fertiliser since 1979 was about 219 a square metre, about half the number found in areas getting an annual application of superphosphate. Worm numbers increased with higher application rates. The populations at the sites treated annually with 125kg/ ha were 384/sq m and 428/ sq m where 375kg/ha of

which has obvious benefits to a plant’s root structure but could also play a role in taking carbon deeper into the soil profile. The 35-years of research gave confidence in the accuracy of the findings but that could all be about to come to an end. A proposed new road bypassing the slip-prone Manawatu Gorge road will dissect the Ballantrae farm, leaving its future up in the air.

THEY LIKE IT: Earthworm specialist and AgResearch scientist Nicole Schon says earthworms thrive in land treated with superphosphate.

superphosphate was applied. Schon says some farming critics contend fertiliser is too toxic for earthworms but 35 years of research shows that is not true. If the fertility is kept within the appropriate range for the geography and soil type the worms will flourish. The study also found a greater abundance of worms in soil at the foot of slopes compared to steeper gradient, reflecting better pasture quality and quantity. Poor pasture had low worm counts. Across all areas measured worm abundance was closely

associated with greater pasture production and improved soil health, especially at the foot of slopes where sheep camped and transferred manure and urine. “There’s a very strong correlation between pasture performance and earthworm abundance.” A greater density of worms increases pasture production but it is also stimulated by the action of worms in the soil improving both nutrient availability and soil physical structure. The more worms the better the soil structure and their burrowing

KIWIFRUIT marketer Zespri is forecasting a lift of up to 6% in payments to growers this season. The firm, which markets kiwifruit on behalf of 2500 New Zealand growers and another 1200 in Italy, Japan, Korea and France, expects total fruit and service payments of $1.775 billion to $1.875b in the year ending March 2020. Zespri is yet to publish its March 2019 year results but in February forecast a total payment of almost $1.77b. That figure, which excludes loyalty payments, compares with $1.43b in the year ended March 2018. Kiwifruit is NZ’s biggest horticultural export. Export earnings reached almost $1.7b in the June 2017 year, a third of the sector’s total. The next largest contributors were wine at $1.54b and apples at $691 million. Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron reminded growers and shareholders the forecasts are the first for the 2019-20 season and still subject to significant uncertainty. In February the company

forecast a net profit range of $177-$180m for the March 2019 year, up from the initial $170$175m it estimated this time last year and the $101.8m net profit Zespri reported for the 2018 year. For the March 2020 year it is forecasting net profit of $180$195m, including increased gross revenue from the 2019 licensing of its Sungold or Gold3 variety. Compared with this time last year, Zespri is picking significantly better prices for growers of Green14 fruit and slightly better prices for gold fruit and organic green fruit. Traditional green fruit is expected to deliver growers $5.20-$6.20 a tray this year, against the 2018-19 payout of $5.36 that Zespri signalled in February. Organic green fruit might achieve $8-$9 a tray, against the $8.88 signalled for 2019, gold fruit might bring in $9.70$10.70 a tray, against the $10.80 signalled for 2019 and Green14 fruit might bring in $7-$8.50 a tray, against the $7.21 signalled in February for the year just ended. - BusinessDesk

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Big goals on order for ag The absence of a big, hairy, audacious goal for New Zealand’s agricultural future compelled Central Otago resource management planner Kate Scott to invest her Nuffield Scholarship year finding out how the country can reverse engineer the work done so far so the industry achieves more through a unified approach. She spoke to Richard Rennie. DESPITE spending countless hours navigating the labyrinth of environmental planning and consents Kate Scott’s farming clients have not always succeeded in achieving environmental outcomes those rules were supposed to deliver. The plethora of changes coming down the line relating to nutrient losses, water quality, land use changes and, most recently, greenhouse gases have her calling for the Government and industry to have a more unifying, overarching vision for agriculture and, ultimately, New Zealand Inc. “We have attempted to be more consultative in how we go about delivering on all these requirements but we have also generated uncertainty around what the ultimate outcome may be. “That, in turn, drives people to try and preserve what they already have, whether it is a certain level of nutrient allowance or land use right.” With the multiple changes being forced on NZ agriculture, usually in a regulatory fashion, the industry faces an increasingly urgent need to drop the silo approach to dealing with the

SCHOLAR: Kate Scott says Ireland is showing the way in dealing with social issues.

problems forcing those regulatory changes on it. In the course of her year’s study Scott was struck by the Irish approach to dealing with looming social issues through the Irish Citizens Assembly. The Assembly was established in 2016 to consider big issues of abortion, fixed term parliaments, population aging and climate change. “The beauty of it is that politicians are largely sideline players. It is purely a forum for the people, who get to have their say and politicians are required to receive and consider what people have offered as solutions.” The assembly has had two meetings specific to climate change with 80% of members recommending a greenhouse gas tax, increases in electric vehicles, more organic farming

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and preservation of wetlands in the national dialogue on climate change. Scott sees a version of the assembly being applicable in NZ’s where the relatively short three-year political term tends to see policy shift frequently as governments change, with little bipartisan fortitude to hold a solid, unifying policy across changes in government. The Resource Management Act has provided a somewhat flawed platform to provide a broader social, economic and environmental metric for NZ’s development. She maintains any changes to improve it will be better than throwing the entire act out, particularly when compared to the lack of similar legislation other countries have. “It is more about finding a

better way to do what we are already doing to try and address all these impending changes. “The RMA is an effects-based framework and the faults come out of the way it is interpreted and applied. That’s where the change needs to come from. “It feels a bit like we are throwing darts in the dark at present at all these problems, driven largely by the threat of regulation but no vision.” A typical challenge a broader goal would help address relates to genetically modified organisms. “Sooner or later we will have to decide are we GMO free or not. You can’t be half in half out.” Scott also looked at Origin Green, an Irish initiative that has gained a high profile in that country and beyond for its sustainability vision. While also imperfect, it as

a good start at least driven by a larger goal to lift Ireland’s sustainability, she says. It is also one NZ has snipped pieces from, like Beef + Lamb’s campaign around red meat. “But we need to be broader, set the goal and decide what are the standards we are going to hold ourselves to account to as an entire industry.” Greater adoption of low-tech tech to identify and help farmers meet those standards would sit within that goal, helping reduce the knee-jerk, reactionary nature of much of the policy that farmers have to comply with. “The potential for that is there too. Despite our relative low research and development spend NZ is doing well in this area.” Her overseas studies also led her to believe NZ agri is doing well trying to grapple with issues like gas emissions and water quality despite any lack of overarching plan and should not feel as down on itself as it often does. But with time frames tightening around issues like global warming it is beholden on agriculture’s leaders to devise a plan that goes beyond a feel-good talk fest and to do it fast. “It offers the opportunity for us to develop NZ’s strategic plan for agriculture that meets our social, environmental and economic needs. “We could own this space, given we are a single state country, and our farm systems are already commercial. “They are not subsidised and having to grapple with how to separate those issues from subsidies. Our competitive advantage is that our farms make a profit. “We also have the farmers who have the smarts to work to such a vision and they are interested in change.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Gas tax won’t cut farming emissions A CAPITAL gains tax is off the agenda but farming leaders are warning the imposition a suite of new taxes and regulations is pending. In addition to farmers paying a greenhouse gas emissions tax of $50 million a year the Government is expected to impose tougher regulations on freshwater quality, aerial cropping, winter grazing and feedlots. “When you look at everything else coming down the pipeline, if I was asked to pick one we were prepared to lose it would be this one, the one we have won,” Federated Farmers vice-president Andrew Hoggard said of the capital gains tax. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also ruled out water and fertiliser taxes as suggested by the Tax Working Group. The Government has made improved management and quality of fresh water a priority and new policies are likely to follow the release of papers on water quality and climate change, which are likely to include changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Hoggard fears a revamped ETS will be more damaging than a CGT and new rules for water, aerial cropping, winter grazing and feedlots might have a national perspective while ignoring regional and catchment issues. The sector will learn on April 30 the likely charge for greenhouse gas emissions when the Interim Committee on Climate Change (ICCC) reports to the Government. The ICCC is considering annual charges of 1c/kg MS, $4.60/cattle beast, 3c/kg of sheep meat, 43c/ sheep, 1c/kg beef and $2.92/tonne of urea. They will initially be levied on processors from as early as next year to raise awareness among farmers ahead of measuring of emissions at farm level, which is at least five years away. Dairy and meat processors oppose the tax, saying it will not make any difference to climate change. The cost of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions is calculated at $1 billion but the Government will allocate the sector units equivalent to 90% of emissions. It is understood the allocation will be gradually lowered every five years. Hoggard welcomed the CGT back-down as the Government putting well-reasoned and practical considerations in front of ideology and acknowledging significant administration costs had the potential to put a handbrake on small and medium businesses. National agriculture spokesman Nathan Guy said “I am pleased the Government caved but we must be mindful of the fact more taxes and regulations are coming.” He warns Environment Minister David Parker will introduce measures to address water quality, winter grazing, cropping on hill country and feedlots. Hoggard fears new regulations will ignore recent progress in water quality and methane reduction. “I hope they look at what has happened in recent times and not focus on 20 years ago.” A big issue will be what constitutes a feedlot and Hoggard says his farm is a case in point. During calving his springer mob spends the morning on pasture but afternoons and nights on a sandy, woodlot paddock and is fed supplementary feed. The area provides shelter, dry footing and prevents pasture damage but could be termed a feedlot. Equally, his community is working hard to improve the Oroua River in Manawatu, the efforts recently receiving national recognition. Meat Industry Association chief executive Tim Ritchie says the proposed emissions charge is untargeted and a tax on processors.

“There would be no penalty for farmers who emit more or incentive for farmers to emit less. “Processors would pay for the number of livestock processed, irrespective of the actual emissions from the farm.” Ritchie says the tax will distract from and undermine efforts to develop practical on-farm solutions to lower greenhouse gas. The Dairy Companies Association wants to see details of the proposal before commenting.

NOT ON: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has rule out capital gains, water and fertiliser taxes.

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12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Revamp for region’s pest control Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A NEW biosecurity plan for pest management in Canterbury will better help landowners deal with future biosecurity threats, Environment Canterbury councillor Tom Lambie says. The regional council identified an opportunity to review its biosecurity plan and pest management strategies under the Government’s biosecurity law changes. The timing of the pest management review aligned with the adoption of the new Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan and changes to the rating mechanisms for biosecurity funding. “It was all timely for a fresh look at how we do biosecurity in the region,” Lambie said. A lot had changed since ECan was formed and over the past 30 years pest management had changed. “Pest management in the past has very much focused on production pests, often with very significant biodiversity costs and the old system was very inflexible. “Flexibility is needed to help farmer-landowners respond to not only legacy pests but also to be part of biosecurity efforts to prevent new pests from arriving and becoming established. “There are some big legacy pest issues such as rabbits, wallabies, gorse and broom in the hill and high country, nassella tussock, which we have been managing since the 1920s and the more recent Chilean needle grass but we need to have good biosecurity systems in place to be dealing with new and sometimes now much bigger threats around biosecurity.” Some pest management is tackled across all levels – community, regional and national.

“So what we need is a structure that allows these to all come together to find ways where communities can do things together on a collaborative and cost-effective basis across the whole system from community right through to national level.” Lambie said while effective in their time, the 11 pest management liaison committees are outdated. What is now proposed are four advisory groups covering north, central, south and Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. Each group will have a mixed membership of regional and district councillors, runanga and community representatives. Community members will apply for membership through an application process and selection will be done by a panel. Community members will be financially reimbursed for their input. Being part of biosecurity efforts to prevent new pests arriving and becoming established, including incursion response, will be a key role for the advisory groups. The new groups will also be tasked with supporting the biosecurity programme including both production pests and pests that threaten biodiversity. Lambie said the key aim is to provide a forum for overall pest management. “We want to include local groups and organisations with an interest in biosecurity, biodiversity and pest management to share information. “This is to increase the alignment of pest management in the community and enable opportunities to work together.” Research institutions will be invited to share information on research and trials relevant to the biosecurity programme. ECan has acknowledged getting the right people will be critical

CAN’T WAIT: Tom Lambie is excited about the impact new biosecurity advisory groups will have on agriculture.

to the success of the biosecurity advisory groups. “We are looking for people who have a range of biosecuritybiodiversity interests, skills, knowledge and experience who have good networks in the community, work collaboratively and are solution-focused and want to help achieve good outcomes for biosecurity in Canterbury.”

Feedback on the proposed changes is being collated now with the council to review and approve the proposed changes with consultation though public meetings, yet to be notified. The groups will be established in July. “It is absolutely critical we work together in a collective strength as landowners, council and right through to national organisations such as DOC, Land Information

and the Ministry for Primary Industries. “We need to look at the solution now that will give permanent success for farmers in managing biosecurity risk and pest management that will ultimately make the difference in the future,” Lambie said. “I am really excited about the positive impact it will have on agriculture.”

More farming families to be honoured FORTY farming families will be honoured for their farming achievements at the New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards next month. Hosted in Lawrence, Central Otago, where the awards were

initiated, the 15th annual event will this year recognise seven families who have been faming their own land for more than 150 years. A further 33 families will be honoured for their farming of 100 years or more on May 24-26. Awards chairwoman Karen Roughan said the committee is

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delighted interest in the awards continues to grow. “Our application numbers actually reached 50 this year but for various reasons some families have decided to hold off receiving their award until next year. “The last time we reached this number was in our inaugural year in 2005.” Roughan, who has been involved in the awards programme since its beginning, said the committee and Lawrence locals are immensely proud of the important annual event in the agricultural calendar. “We feel very privileged to be able to recognise the contributions these families and their forebears have made to NZ’s agricultural industry and economy.” The programme’s aim is to LK0094219©

Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

ORIGINAL: Karen Roughan has been involved in the Century Farm awards since they began 15 years ago.

capture and preserve the family history that might otherwise be lost. Families submit narratives of their farm history together with copies of related photographs and supporting documents that are then archived at the Alexander

Turnbull Library in Wellington, ensuring all records are kept in perpetuity. Applications are now open for 2019 and any families that have owned and farmed their land since 1919 or earlier are encouraged to apply.

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News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Crickets fans out for dukka Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz BUGGING: Sky Blackburn, a director of the Edible Bug Shop in Sydney.

NOVEL USE: Cricket tortilla chips made from cricket powder.

SKYE Blackburn confidently says she’s the only person in the world with university degrees in entomology and food science. The combination, which stemmed from a love of bugs and food, was totally unplanned but fortuitously led to the creation in 2007 of the Australia’s first edible insect farm, the Edible Bug Shop. Such is the growth in demand for edible insects Blackburn is scaling up weekly production from 200kg of finished product to 10 tonnes with eyes on exports to Asia. Finished product ranges from fresh or roasted crickets, ants and mealworms to ground powder, dukka, seasoned salt and snack packs. Prices are NZ$5 for a 2ml vial of dehydrated ants, containing about 35 ants, $16 for 20g of roasted crickets, $37 for 200g of cricket protein powder and $68 for 80g of roasted mealworms. The business happened by accident, in part from the necessity for the new graduate to get a job. She saw the growth of edible insects and was aware they are widely eaten in Asia and that Thailand has 20,000 community-owned cricket farms where insects are served daily in school lunches.

It will become the norm and you will start seeing it in supermarkets. Skye Blackburn Bug farmer

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So she did some investigating and ended up developing a business. The Edible Bug Shop had products on display at the recent Rabobank Farm2Fork summit in Sydney and Blackburn says a bug farm is very much like a laboratory complete with a quarantine area. Inside a disused warehouse the bugs are farmed in large bins in a temperature and humiditycontrolled environment and fed food waste. The company employs five people. It is a six-week process from breeding to harvesting before the insects are killed by reducing the temperature. The company sells added-value and raw products to food manufacturers for use in baking, chocolate, sweets, tortilla chips, granola, yoghurt and salt. She raises ants, mealworms and crickets and says they have a slightly nutty taste. The cricket powder is 69% protein and contains micronutrients, vitamins, fatty acids and Omega 3. Her stand provided samples of banana bread cooked with cricket powder, which tasted just like banana bread made with traditional ingredients. Blackburn says her immediate focus is growing export markets but she sees the eating of bugs in the west as similar to sushi, something that will become an acceptable daily experience. “It will become the norm and you will start seeing it in supermarkets but people will have to become educated in how to use it.” However, people allergic to shellfish can have a similar reaction to edible insects.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Course aims for future leaders NORTHLAND student Devlin Gurr wants to land a coveted cadetship at Smedley Station in Hawke’s Bay. “It’s quite prestigious. They accept only 11 cadets each year so it’s really hard to get into,” Gurr said. The 16-year-old has spent the start of the school holidays honing skills he’ll need to help land the two-year cadetship. He was one of 15 students, half from Northland, selected to attend a three-day leadership programme in Rotorua. “I found it extremely rewarding and beneficial,” the Whangarei Boys’ High School student said. “The sessions on sharpening your interview skills and building an eye-catching curriculum vitae were really useful. “Making your CV stand out is more than just listing your skills and experience,” he said. Students were taught how to set goals, communicate confidently, manage their time and think critically. The course, called Raising the Standards, was run by Young Farmers and funded by DairyNZ. It was designed to enhance the skills of emerging leaders in high school TeenAg clubs. “The aim is to increase students’ awareness of opportunities in the primary industries while helping

to hone their leadership skills,” Young Farmers spokeswoman Mary Holmes said. “They learned about different graduate programmes, the wide range of agri-related scholarships on offer and how some agribusinesses encourage secondments overseas.” Students heard from numerous speakers, including agribusiness bankers and consultants, an agronomist, a dairy farmer and a vet. The group toured Fonterra’s dairy factory in Reporoa, which produces a highly nutritious product, sodium caseinate, used in hospitals for sick patients. “It was really interesting. It was eye-opening to see that there’s more to the dairy industry than milking cows,” he said. “I knew there were other jobs in processing and research but not on the scale we saw.” A highlight of the course for Gurr was developing new networks and meeting students from other TeenAg clubs. “I met a guy who lives 20 minutes down the road from me. We go to different schools and didn’t know each other before the course,” he said. “We’re already discussing how we might be able to help each other out.”

DRIVER’S SEAT: Devlin Gurr knows where he wants to steer his career and is making the moves to get started.

Gurr lives on an eight hectare lifestyle block with his family and works part-time on a dairy farm and Angus cattle stud at Waiotira. He plans to start breeding his own easy-calving Angus herd. “I’m focusing on Angus cattle which are short gestation with low birth weights,” he said.

“I already own a heifer and I plan to buy another eight to 12 animals from the stud where I work over the next few weeks.” Gurr, who’s in year 12, will attend one of the open days at Smedley in June The leadership course was attended by students from

Whangarei Girls’ High School, Dargaville High School, Okaihau College and Huanui College. It is the first of three planned for this year. TeenAg clubs are a key part of the work being done by Young Farmers to attract students into the agri-food sector.

News

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

FINALISTS: The four finalists for the Dairy Woman of the Year award are, from left, Emma Hammond, Kylie Leonard, Julie Pirie and Trish Rankin.

Leading women fill many roles Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz WOMEN on farms are not just farmers’ wives and that is highlighted by the four finalists in the 2019 Dairy Woman of the Year award. “They all juggle multiple roles from being a vet and mechanic to a financial planner and strategic thinker,” Dairy Women’s Network trustee and awards judge Alison Gibb said. “There’s no doubt the role women play in dairy farming now completely breaks the old-fashioned mould of public perception about what a farmer’s wife is. “They’re all farming partners, farming in their own right, playing a major role in running a milliondollar business,” Gibb said. “They are a chief executive,

health and safety manager, environmental watchdog, farm labourer and policy writer but at the end of the day tuck the kids into bed at night and send them off to school with a packed lunch.” Gibb said this year’s finalists highlight the importance of women, not just in their family farm businesses but also in the dairy industry. Trish Rankin, Kylie Leonard, Julie Pirie and Emma Hammond are all dairy farmers actively contributing in the industry. Farmer and Dairy Enviro leader Trish Rankin from Taranaki balances teaching part time at Opunake primary school with working as a farm assistant and chief executive in their farming business. A passionate environmentalist, Rankin completed the Kellogg

Leadership Programme this year with her research project focusing on how a circular economy model can be developed on a New Zealand dairy farm. Waikato farmer Julie Pirie is no stranger to the industry, having grown up in a family that has been dairy farming for many generations. The Fonterra Shareholders Council member and former DairyNZ consulting officer takes every opportunity to promote the dairy industry and particularly loves sharing farming with young people, most recently as chairwoman of the Donald Pearson Farm in Brookby, Auckland. Hailing from Taupo, dairying has been a part of Kylie Leonard’s family for six generations and she’s been involved in a wide range of areas in her community and the

dairy industry including being a Fonterra Shareholders Council member, a DWN regional leader and an ambassador for the Dairy Industry Awards. She is on the rural education activities programme board in Taupo and recently completed a three-year term on the Tongariro Community Organisation’s grant scheme committee. Southlander Emma Hammond is single-handedly waving the South Island flag in the final. The former sheep farmer has been dairy farming for 10 years in the family equity partnership business milking 475 cows in eastern Southland and for the past four years has served on various committees on the Fonterra Shareholders Council and recently completed the Institute of Director’s governance development course.

Gibb said the strong message from this year’s finalists is though each is very passionate about their own farming operation they all have an inner drive to go beyond and make the dairy industry a better place for all and future generations. All four women are heavily involved in business and community networks while finding time to work on professional development and spend time with family. “They all want to make their mark in the dairy industry and feel a real need to get out beyond the gate to make a difference and to do their bit to leave the dairy industry better than it was before.” The award will be announced at the Allflex Dairy Women’s Network conference in Christchurch on May 1.

Rain helps dry Otago farms Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz RAIN has transformed pasture cover in parched areas of south Otago from short and brown to short and green, Otago Federated Farmers meat and fibre chairman Simon McAtamney says. In the last two weeks most of

Otago has had up to 40mm of rain, which has encouraged some grass and winter crop growth, with more forecast. While it has provided a reprieve, farmers in the driest parts of the province are not out of the woods. “Grass is growing again but covers are still very low and farmers are still selling stock, feeding out

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supplements and applying urea. “We’ve gone from no hope to a little bit of hope.” The rain came with some mild weather, which, McAtamney hopes, will continue into May. The district has so far been free of frost but some farmers further south have been less fortunate. Autumn frosts have arrived in some parts of Southland, halving soil temperatures and slashing grass growth. However, grass growth in 2018-19 has been exceptional. McAtamney’s Clydevale sheep and beef farm is in the heart of one of hardest hit areas of south Otago and he sold the last of his lambs two weeks ago. But the market for store cattle is slow as buyers have the choice of weaners or, being short of feed, not looking for extra mouths to feed. Killing space is also tight with the cow cull and stock being slaughtered to control

STILL TIME: There could yet be flush of growth before winter, Otago Federated Farmers president Simon Davies says.

Mycoplasma bovis. MP Hamish Walker has suggested south Otago be declared in drought but McAtamney says that would achieve little. Most farmers have had a profitable year so the financial schemes triggered by such a declaration are not relevant. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is continuing to monitor Clutha and is aware it is still very dry despite recent rain. “There is more rain forecast in the coming days and I will continue to monitor this area.” Officials have advised the event is localised and farmers are coping. “There is ample supplementary

feed and grazing in surrounding districts. Meanwhile, farmers are taking sensible steps to manage their individual needs,” he says. Otago Federated Farmers president Simon Davies says his coastal farm has enjoyed a flush of new growth encouraged by fertiliser before the rain then a run of mild warm weather. “It is still very dry but we have some moisture on top and it is encouraging the grass to grow.” Davies’ pasture cover is better than most others in south Otago but provided the weather stays mild and there is more rain there is still time for a flush of feed before winter.

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News

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Mataura Valley considers expansion plans Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz THE board of the country’s newest milk processor, Mataura Valley Milk, is considering expansion plans after just one season of operation. Chief executive Bernard May says its 20-farmer supply base from last season is stable and it is considering applications from new suppliers. Mataura Valley is looking to grow its supplier base rather than rely on milk supplied under the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act or contracting surplus processing capacity at its Gore plant to other companies. The terms and conditions being offered to new suppliers are still being confirmed by the board and are unlikely to suit everybody, May says. Some potential suppliers are disappointed the company is not seeking greater volumes of winter milk. “We are committed to our existing winter milk suppliers and looking for a bit more but not a major expansion next season. “We will do so in the long term, possibly in seasons three or four.” Many southern farmers have loafing barns and stand-off pads and May says they are keen to secure winter milk contracts

BASE: Mataura Valley Milk wants to grow its supplier base rather than rely on buying in milk from Fonterra, chief executive Bernard May says.

to improve returns on those investments. Shareholders were supportive of the strategy at a recent meeting. The company operated at capacity within three months of opening, handling a season peak flow of 1.1 million litres a day and the board is now

considering expansion plans. He declined to provide further details. The company’s initial focus has been on whole milk powder while it completed commissioning but in recent weeks successfully produced its first batch of nutritional formula.

May says feedback and analysis shows it to be of high quality and all the product has been sold. Following that success, production of nutritional products will increase. “We are very pleased where the season has ended up,” he said.

Processing began at the $240 million plant last August, 20 months after construction started at McNab, north of Gore. Its cornerstone shareholder is China Animal Husbandry Group along with local investors including founding suppliers.

Farm forestry sets new direction agrievents Tuesday 30/04/2019 Lely Astronaut Robotic Milking Open Day Where: 603 Campbell Road, Bunnythorpe, Manawatu Time: 10.30am - 2pm. BBQ lunch provided. For more information contact Steve Bromley, Lely Center in Manawatu - 0275 410 132 AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business & Wahine Maia, Wahine Whenua 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run over four months. Equips and supports women involved in sheep and beef farming to lift business performance. Registrations for 2019 programmes are now open, visit the website for more information and to register. Locations and dates (3 modules & graduation): Tuatapere: 22 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul & 14 Aug Winton: 23 May, 20 Jun, 18 Jul & 15 Aug Taihape: 22 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul & 14 Aug Geraldine: 30 May, 27 Jun, 25 Jul & 22 Aug Opotiki (WMWW): 29 May, 26 Jun, 24 Jul & 21 Aug Blenheim: 5 Jun, 3 Jul, 31 Jul & 28 Aug Christchurch (WMWW): 5 Jun, 3 Jul, 31 Jul & 28 Aug Little River: 6 Jun, 4 Jul, 1 Aug & 29 Aug Website: To register visit www.awdt.org.nz/programmes. Contact: keri@awdt.org.nz or 06 375 8180 for more information Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) – facilitation training workshops For rural professionals looking to facilitate an RMPP Action Network Action Group. Lead Facilitator 2019 workshop dates: Gore 11-12 June Havelock North 24-25 June Christchurch 9-10 July

For more information or to register go to www.rmpp.co.nz or email training@rmpp.co.nz

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Action Network Fundamentals and Extension Design 2019 workshop dates: Gore 10-11 July Havelock North 24-25 July Christchurch 20-21 August

THE next Farm Forestry Association conference in Rotorua on May 16-20 will begin to chart a reformation for new and existing members. Small scale forestry is likely to have a major role in sustainable land use for New Zealand’s future, organising chairman Graham West says. “Many issues are aligning and giving a clear indication the future economic model for land use will need to integrate more tree crops.” Rising market demand for environmental stewardship and sustainable products has accelerated Government policy toward a trend that will incentivise or regulate for change to land use that has better strategic positioning for future generations. Small and medium scale forests less than 1000 hectares have about 14,000 owners. A 2015 survey found 36% or 5000 are farmers but many are urban investors involved in syndicates or joint ventures. They are New Zealanders, not overseas corporates, and many have a passion for investing is something that feels right. They enjoy visiting forests and seeing a tree crop rapidly grow. Their connection to the land is no different to other rural interests, he said. However, like all primary sectors, the group faces issues and decisions.

TREES: Lake Rotorua with a small forestry block being harvested in foreground.

The rules signalled around the Emissions Trading Scheme will impact significantly on recent plantings and future species options. The National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forests is about to be reviewed and possibly tightened. Regional councils are introducing regulations and incentives schemes that frequently change the rules for forestry land owners and the rules around fumigation

of export logs are about to change. All those matters indicate small-scale forest investors need to have their business and political interests managed and protected by an effective professional lobby group. That group is the association but as an organisation run largely on a voluntary basis it will have an increasing load to bear, West said. “Our conference theme, Fast

Forward, is to encourage all to seize the opportunity and to engage in the many decisions.” This year the association aims to engage young people by funding the attendance of 15 to 20 young rural people. “Small-scale forestry in NZ is at a watershed moment. “The combination of timber demand, carbon credits and incentives create fresh business models to positively structure forestry cashflows,” he said.

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News

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Red apples put Scales in black Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz PREMIUM varieties could make up the biggest proportion of Scales Corporation’s own apple exports this year and certainly will next year. The replacement of traditional varieties, especially Braeburn, with the new, redder apples is a response to market signals, managing director Andy Borland said. As the new planting strategy is implemented there will be a fall in total production volumes for three to four years before returning to current levels in 2023. The group also exports apples on behalf of other growers. Scales subsidiary Mr Apple has two new premium varieties, Dazzle and Posy, in the market for the first time, in small volumes selling well in China. The new varieties were developed by the industry and Scales has opened up plantings to as many independent growers as it can. Planting levels have been meaningful, Borland said. “We want this to be successful and that means you need big volumes and each year there will significant production increases.” Dazzle has been 20 years in development, Scales said in its annual report. With its high colour, sweet taste and big size it is aimed at the Asian market. Posy is pinky red, sweet, harvested at the start of the season and also aimed at Asia. Mr Apple has 50ha of productive Dazzle on its own orchards, with another 41ha last year out of 68ha of total new plantings and another 85ha will be planted this year and next. They will replace about 70ha of Braeburn apples as well as lowperforming orchard blocks. Braeburn used to be the biggest volume variety for Mr Apple but has been replaced by Royal Gala varieties in recent years.

In the push for redder apples the demand for Braeburn has fallen but remains substantial with 742,000 trays produced last year compared to 758,000 in 2017 and there will always be reasonable production levels.

We want this to be successful and that means you need big volumes and each year there will significant production increases. Andy Borland Scales Corp In 2018 premium apples New Zealand Queen, Pink Lady, Fuji and red Royal Gala provided 1.9m trays (116 apples a tray) for export, up from 1.6m trays a year earlier, for an impressive 18% growth rate for Mr Apple’s owned and leased orchards. The group believes using the latest planting techniques, including tree spacing, will improve yields with earlier crops and easier picking. Traditional varieties, mainly Braeburn and standard Royal Gala, provided 1.966m trays, up from 1.928m, a growth rate of 2%. The numbers highlight the change in the export balance and the premium uptick helped achieve an average 7% increase in export prices. About 590 million apples were picked on Mr Apple orchards last year, a record for the business. The group provides about 18.7% of the national crop and with its post-harvest and export activities is the biggest apple business in NZ. Borland reported a good quality apple harvest in this season though fruit size is variable, with

JOSHUA OWEN When Joshua Owen found an advertisement during his last year of high school offering work in a cheese-making factory he decided to give it a go. Since then he’s come a long way and is now the factory manager for Clevedon Valley Buffalo Company and gets involved in most aspects of the company’s supply chain. WATCH NOW farmersweekly.co.nz/farmers-voice

ACTION: Traditional apple varieties are being replaced by new ones in response to market signals, Scales Corp managing director Andy Borland says.

a good outlook for the pack-out rate. On export numbers, the annual report forecasts a total of 3.62 million trays from the group’s own orchards (1.73m traditional and 1.88m premium) in the 2019 year, down from a 3.87m tray total in 2018, as the varietal replantings are made. Further out, forecasts are for 3.598m in 2020, 3.59m in 2021 and 3.74m in 2022 before surpassing the 2018 figure in 2023 with a forecast 3.9m trays. Over this period, premium exports will increase by an estimated 23.4% from 2018 levels while traditional variety exports will be about 21% lower. During the period of reduced volumes the Scales team expects a return to long-run average pack-out rates (after reduced 2018 levels) and an increase in average

pricing, assuming positive market conditions continue. As well as producing redder premium apples for the Asia markets Mr Apple is working on a more consumer-centric brand in China, working with its Chinabased shareholder and strategic partner, China Resources Ng Fung and working through the Primary Collaboration NZ group. There will be more focus on social media and in-store promotions and exhibitions and e-commerce sale channels will be extended. Asia and Middle East are the biggest markets for Mr Apple, taking 53% of exports in 2018, though that was lower than the 54% in 2017. European sales increased to 34% from 31% of the total after a decision to send fruit to that market earlier than usual. Britain took 9% of exports in the

latest year and North America 4%. Horticulture is the biggest of Scales’ operating divisions, providing $42.6m of underlying operating earnings (Ebitda) out of a group total of $67m in the 2018 year. The Scales directors believe the underlying measure is the best guide to group performance because it is based purely on the operating business and excludes non-operating measures such as fair-value gains required by international accounting standards. Group underlying Ebitda has increased 68% since 2014, the year it listed on the NZX, for an average growth rate of 14%. The share price has risen 77% over the last three years. Horticulture revenues were $254.5m, making up 54% of group revenues of $464.7m.

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Newsmaker

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

BUZZY: Former city girl Ariel Kururangi ensures the success of a large part of the primary sector by breeding queen bees.

Queen guardian happy with title Queen rearer is an enigmatic title but Ariel Kururangi is proud to claim it. She breeds new generations of queen bees critical to the success of beekeeping and the country’s entire bee population. The 19-year-old former Auckland Girls Grammar student is equally proud to be the inaugural recipient of the Apiculture New Zealand Ron Mossop Youth Scholarship, awarded to encourage youngsters to train to support their beekeeping career. She spoke to Richard Rennie.

ANUKA honey’s soaring values two years ago drew more interest and attention to beekeeping than the quiet, almost gentlemanly practice has ever been accustomed to. Like bees to honey, newcomers were drawn to the lure of the highpaying product. But Ariel Kururangi, who was a student at inner city Auckland Girls Grammar, beekeeping held appeal well beyond any potential payments. Thanks to some excellent guidance from her year 13 sustainability teacher, good parental support and a love of the outdoors she decided beekeeping was to be her career. “Coming from a central Auckland girls’ school it was definitely pretty unique and I don’t think anyone else in my year

ended up choosing something that was in the primary sector. “For me, I was not that keen to go to university straight off and was feeling a bit lost about where to next but to be honest I have not looked back after starting here. I have always had an interest in nature and in animals so it was a good fit.” Kururangi has worked as a specialist queen bee rearer for Waikato apiary company Coast to Coast Bees at Te Kowhai since finishing school 18 months ago. She found herself part of the company’s queen team and was tasked with grafting cells of queen bees into commercial quantities for customer hive companies to buy. It is delicate, precise work requiring a light touch and almost intuitive feel for how the queens will respond to bee numbers, temperature and weather while

the grafting process is in play. And it is one Ariel appears to have developed a deft hand at. “Queen rearing is a challenging role but one I seem to have picked up quite well and enjoy success in. “It could be that as a female you do tend to have a subtle touch. That helps.” Beekeeping is not an industry necessarily defined by male dominance but being one of the precious few females in the job was an initial concern. However, she was welcomed universally into the craft. “I would love to see more females in the industry. The opportunities are definitely there. I have worked only once with an older female beekeeper and it would be good to see some younger women here.” The queen rearing process requires close attention to the

LET’S GO: Ariel Kururangi would love to see more females in the industry.

exacting process taught by a particular beekeeper and no one beekeeper uses the same procedures. Kururangi is keen to build her knowledge of as many techniques as possible and is not afraid to reach for some modern tools to boost that knowledge.

Coming from a central Auckland girls’ school it was definitely pretty unique and I don’t think anyone else in my year ended up choosing something that was in the primary sector. Ariel Kururangi Coast to Coast Bees

“Social media is really good for keeping in contact with other beekeepers, putting up images of your work. You can learn a lot in a short period. “Ultimately, I would be keen to help put together some videos on methods that can be shared,

particularly given that there are now no courses specifically on queen rearing.” Winning the inaugural scholarship provides Kururangi with the money to do her levels 3 and 4 apiculture papers through the Primary ITO via correspondence while employed with her hands-on work experience playing a key part in completing the qualifications. Tauranga scholarship donor and founder Neil Mossop started beekeeping at 15 with his father Ron, the scholarship’s namesake. Mossop said he was highly impressed by the calibre of applicants and ultimately Kururangi’s enthusiasm for self-improvement and for the industry’s future made her a stand-out candidate. She is looking forward to eventually running her own queen team and playing a mentoring role in helping get other young people started in the industry. Meantime, she has already built a good understanding of the industry’s big challenges including the impact of manuka’s lure on increased hive numbers and stocking rates in the sector. “Some areas are overpopulated and bees can be quite underfed. “The courtesies around who puts hives where are not as strong as they used to be.”

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Robots harvest apple orchards Robots are taking big strides in their ability to pick fruit without damaging it but it will still be some time before automatic pickers gain scale. Richard Rennie found out about the progress developers are making. manager Gary Wellwood said the company aims to have 80% of its special canopy picked by robots. He expects at least 20% of its canopy grown to fit robotic harvesters within five years. A number of complex technical problems present themselves when developing robotic harvesters. They include identifying fruit ready for harvest and physically manipulating that fruit to pick it without bruising and safely navigating around the orchard’s footprint.

New Zealand is short on people and funds to develop those ideas. Professor Mike Duke Waikato University

Wellwood said the one machine T and G is using this season picks fruit to a standard equal to a human picker and can pick 20 bins a day against a human’s 4.5 bins. “And we anticipate this could increase to 40 bins a day over time.” The machine is not completely autonomous yet but is having modules added to it regularly to make it so. Ultimately, one human could oversee six robots. While welcoming the work T and G has done with its robotic technology, Pipfruit NZ chief

NO HANDS: The Abundant Robotics apple picker in action in Hawke’s Bay.

executive Alan Pollard maintains it will be at least a decade before robotics can make a marked difference to the sector’s labour issues. “You have to have orchards planted and configured for robots. “The industry is re-planting about 8-10% a year in that configuration so it is going to take time.” Last year Tauranga based Robotics Plus received almost $12 million of capital from Japanese company Yamaha to help develop its workhorse autonomous robotic platform, which can be adapted for kiwifruit picking and pollinating. As SunGold fruit have surged in volume to account for almost half the 130 million trays harvested this season, pressure to pick it in a timely fashion has also lifted as labour has become scarcer. But chief executive Steve Saunders said last year the company realised at an early

stage that being kiwifruit-centric is not scalable and it has pivoted to more of a platform approach, capable of operating in grape and apple orchards as well. Some United States grape plantations, for example, can comprise tens of thousands of hectares. Waikato University robotics expert Professor Mike Duke is excited by the developments in the past two years from NZ’s primary sector robotics. They include a robotic platform that measures, sorts and grades logs, the kiwifruit pickers and apple harvesting/sorting automation in both orchards and pack houses. “We are not short on ideas. “However, NZ is short on people and funds to develop those ideas. “It is a similar problem in the US but the US has set up a special taskforce focusing on 12 particular crops to examine ways to use more robotics for harvesting.

“Their labour issues are significant, to the point some food is not on the shelf because it has not been harvested in time.” NZ still has a head start even on the US in terms of the standard of robotics developed here but Duke warns it will only take such a bigger country to allocate a billion dollars and a specific laboratory project to pull ahead. He remains optimistic Waikato University will leverage off its work with Robotics Plus and develop a robotics lab at its new campus in Tauranga. “There is definitely a need for it and a lot of people want it but it does need a champion to make it happen.” He finds it ironic some claim robots will take jobs from people. “Yet everyone we know who needs them needs them because they simply cannot get enough people to do the jobs.”

May 2019

KEEP AN EYE OUT

The latest Dairy Farmer will hit letterboxes on May 6.

Our On Farm Story this month features Auckland farmer Brian Yates who sharemilks on his parents’ farm where milking robots play a big part. With the season coming to an end, now is a good time to showcase automation and new technology helping farmers farm smarter not harder.

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Diversity in Northland Irrigation a lifeline Research centre fizzles

Day and Night the An Auckland farmer’s robots milk herd round the clock DAIRY FARMER

May 2019

Get the full story at farmersweekly.co.nz

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S THE new harvest season for some of the country’s highest-value crops continues some orchards are experiencing the quiet efficiency of robotic harvesters at work for the first time as manufacturers hone their machines’ capacity to meet surges in crop volumes. Two firms in recent years have become prominent in the robotic harvesting sector. In Bay of Plenty Robotics Plus has had development staff finetuning an autonomous platform capable of harvesting kiwifruit as a prelude to full commercial production. Their work comes in a climate of severe labour shortages being reported in their respective crops of kiwifruit and apples, with kiwifruit short of 3800 workers in the season’s peak in mid-April. In Hawke’s Bay Turners and Growers Global has partnered up with Abundant Robotics, revealing the companies’ first run at robotic apple harvesters in commercial application. T and G chief operating officer Peter Landon-Lane said automation enables the company to continue to meet demand for its product while facing labour market challenges. “We have been actively driving towards this for the past few years, including preparing our orchards to be robot ready,” he said. A robot-ready orchard has trees in high-density plantings, pruned in a manner developed by T and G to fit the robot’s picking patterns. Since 2017 the company has worked on developing orchards with specific canopy patterns for automation to better fit. T and G global innovation

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

EDITORIAL

Doing more with our milk

N THE never-ending debate about Fonterra’s follies and future, adding value is the constant theme. The co-operative claims it now adds value (over the prices of standard dairy commodities) to 45% of external sales by volume, thus earning more than half of total revenue from such goods. The added-value split is about one quarter each in consumer-ready products and food service products and half in advanced ingredients, which have added functionalities. The external sales volume is more than 22 billion litres of milk annually, equivalent to 27 hours of water out of Lake Taupo and over the Huka Falls. Debate centres around Fonterra’s alleged lack of willingness or capital funds to turn this prodigious milk flow into ice cream or yoghurt or varieties of cheese. How fast is fast enough when you are in danger of going over the falls – every day during the spring production peak? Dairy nutrition commentator Julian Mellentin (page 4) says even multinationals like Fonterra ignore key consumer trends at their peril. But within the beast there are researchers, marketers, trend spotters and decision makers who spend their working lives on these matters. New Zealand Milk Products publicised some of its higher-margin products to the food industry and media last year. Lactoferrin, called pink gold, sells for $250,000 a kilo but that takes 10,000 litres of milk to produce. Sports drinks and paediatric nutrition are now anchored on whey protein concentrate, a by-product of cheese manufacture. Consumer trends by their nature are not secrets and NZ has many dairy companies developing and marketing foods and beverages that respond to one or more of Mellentin’s eight trends. Nonetheless, Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has signalled a theme rather than trend that needs addressing. It is the NZ dairy story of pasture, provenance, quality, family farming and cooperative ownership. Many customers pay and will pay more for that quality assurance, he says. Fonterra farmers will hear a great deal more about what Fonterra calls the Co-operative Difference in the future.

Hugh Stringleman

LETTERS

Putting the boot on the other foot THE horse boots might well have been unclean and the Primary Industries Ministry should have sprayed them but Craig Wiggins misses the obvious and most pertinent point. He was, of course, going to thoroughly clean and sterilise the high-risk equipment he imported. As farmers we are the ones with most to lose and should be the most diligent in protecting our border. Boisecurity is the responsibility of all New Zealanders, not just MPI. Personally, the only person I trust to clean items I bring across the border is me. Wade Hunkin Kiwifruit grower Te Puke

your articles in the Farmers Weekly paper. I teach chemistry and senior agriculture in Oamaru and often use your articles with the girls as starters for a topic. They are just the right length and give them ideas about what areas they might investigate further. Particularly useful was the dung beetles article as we were looking for an organism to study for an assessment and this fits perfectly. So, thanks again and I look forward to reading more in the future. Jen Howden Waitaki Girls High School Oamaru

Farmers can help

Teacher’s pet HELLO Steve, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading

YOUR correspondent Robbie Cullen (February 4) of Northland prompted perhaps by two university political science faculty descriptions

of what divides us – town v country and Auckland v the rest, advocates fencing off Auckland’s beaches to prevent the citizens of the isthmus despoiling their playgrounds and therefore doing their bit to reduce pollution as do their country cousins with their own waterways. Tongue in cheek perhaps but there is a precedent. When in 1942 my parents chose to move to Takapuna, then a seaside suburb with even a few empty sections along the main road, this five-year-old with great excitement ran down to that splendid beach to be confronted with not one but two coils of barbed wire three metres high spread from the Mon Desir end, so recently the scene of a visit by a dysfunctional family of English tourists, to Clifton where a gun emplacement was conveniently nestled on the cliff’s edge at the bottom of

Hauraki Road and overlooking the secret passage which had to be carefully navigated by local swimmers intending to access the water. Those precautions were made as a deterrent when an uninvited visit from a nation nowadays one of our most valued trading partners was a distinct possibility. Although the wire rolls were removed early in 1945 the wooden battens submerged in the sand with short wire ends attached were for some years afterwards a constant danger to unwary feet. Perhaps the good farmers of Northland with expertise in fencing procedures and access to supply could, in a spirit of co-operation, assist their town cousins to once again so adorn the 48 beaches in question declared as unsafe for aquatic activities. Ian Lackey Rotherham

Letterof theWeek EDITOR Bryan Gibson 06 323 1519 bryan.gibson@globalhq.co.nz EDITORIAL Stephen Bell 06 323 0769 editorial@globalhq.co.nz Neal Wallace 03 474 9240 neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz Annette Scott 03 308 4001 annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz Hugh Stringleman 09 432 8594 hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz Alan Williams 03 359 3511 alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz Richard Rennie 07 552 6176 richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz Nigel Stirling 021 136 5570 nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

OUR FUTURE: Dairy farmers must support co-operatives and not sell themselves down the road to corporate processors, Fonterra Shareholders Council chairman Duncan Coull says.

Don’t give away provenance value Duncan Coull

THE past month has been one of reflection as I contemplate the ramifications for the wider industry of the potential sale of Westland Dairy Products to a corporate entity. Clearly, given the gap in performance over the past four to five years something had to change but it will be a sad day for farmers on the West Coast if their only choice is for the co-op’s ownership to move into someone else’s hands. If this occurs then responsibility for the fortunes of these farmers clearly transfers to the 10,000 farming families who own Fonterra because, for the next 10 years, the milk price Westland farmers will receive will be pegged to Fonterra’s farmgate milk price. This further amplifies the reality that Fonterra farmers are not only guardians for their own co-op but are also guardians for the entire New Zealand dairy industry. As the largest co-op and through its transparent milk price regime Fonterra sets the base milk price for the entire industry. Failure as farmers to recognise this will result in ultimate failure for this industry over the longer term if we continue to allow industry fragmentation. This isn’t on my part being anti competition or xenophobic to overseas investment. It is merely recognising the reality of the situation we will ultimately find ourselves in if we choose this path. There are many case studies in

The

Pulpit

history that show this around the world in many sectors outside dairy. Competition leads firstly to overcapacity and in the short term over-paying for milk. This leads to poor return on investment for the processor, which translates to lack of investment for the future, which leads to players dropping out which corrects the overcapacity and results in the appearance of a key player that determines the milk price paid. It’s imperative that key player is a co-operative processor owned by its supplying farmers if that price is going to reflect the full value of our milk. Co-operatives are price makers not price takers – they maximise the price paid to their farmer suppliers for their milk. Corporate processors on the

other hand will always seek to maximise their return on investment in processing. The easiest way to do that is to pay the least amount possible for milk. We, as farmers, often talk with pride about our role as guardians of the land and that we are merely caretakers for the next generation. As guardians of the land we take care of the land so it takes care of us. This must extend beyond the land to caretakers of the industry that supports the land because failure to look after the industry that supports the land gives no stable future for the next generation to continue. Our forefathers have provided us this opportunity for close to 150 years so it’s imperative we do the same. The Westland situation also highlights that the co-op structure alone doesn’t protect its shareholders. As co-ops we operate in the commercial world and the expectations of shareholders of a co-op are the same as shareholders of any other company. Clarity around strategy, an appropriate capital structure, strong governance and management capably executing strategy to deliver sustainable returns are all as important as having the right culture to continually challenge the status quo and having the courage and agility to change tack when needed. Fonterra, as a co-op, is at that point in time where we need to

take a close look at ourselves, take stock of where we are at and continue to evolve because, clearly, the status quo won’t suffice. The milk price model delivers us an internationally competitive and transparent milk price but the strategy needs to evolve and performance must lift to ensure sustainable returns on our invested capital over time. There has been a shift in culture to create the environment to challenge the status quo to ensure we get this right moving forward. But, in my view, there is more we as farmers can do. The landscape we operate in is changing rapidly, compliance and standards are lifting because of societal and consumer demands and to keep ahead of this the imperative to create maximum value from what we do has never been greater. The most undervalued component of what we do comes naturally to us every day. As I scan the world we are the only country producing milk naturally off the grass curve at scale, with the lowest footprint. But we have yet to realise the real value of this. This is the primary attraction for investment in dairy in this country yet we, by selling ourselves down the road to corporate processors, are gifting this provenance to them for no reward beyond the commodity price for milk. This, in my view, is a travesty and lost opportunity as an industry. We must do more in this space and it starts on farms.

We will only be as good as and attract the value of the lowest performing farmer – and frankly that is not good enough. If we are serious about our role as guardians of our land and our industry then some need to lift their game. Failure to do so is detraction in value creation for us all.

This, in my view, is a travesty and lost opportunity as an industry.

It’s time we all reflected on what we want for ourselves, our children and grandchildren. It’s time to save us from ourselves and start to value what we have. It’s time to recognise the responsibility we have to ensure the continuation of a strong co-op model in New Zealand as it is the only model that will look after the long-term interests of our families and communities and allow us to be true to who we are as guardians of the land. The future’s in our hands, let’s take this responsibility seriously.

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

Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Co-op model not ideal for all Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

CO-OPERATIVES emerged in the 19th century as an important business structure designed to protect the interests of a group of members, based on the principle of equitable distribution of benefits related to use or supply. The first New Zealand cooperative was formed in 1871 by eight cheese making settlers on the Otago Peninsula. By 1890 40% of dairy factories were cooperatives and by 1925 there were about 500, of which only three remained after the formation of Fonterra in 2001. The co-operative model has continued to flourish throughout the world and in NZ and in 2017 the top 40 co-operatives represented 16% of this country’s GDP. Fonterra’s turnover outstripped the rest by a wide margin, its revenue equal to the combined turnover of the other companies making up the top 10. The rest of this group consisted of retail grocery groups Foodstuffs North and South Island, Zespri, Farmlands, Silver Fern Farms, Alliance, Southern Cross, Market Gardeners and Mitre 10, while next came fertiliser companies Ballance and Ravensdown then Westland Milk Products and Rabobank. That list gives a good idea of the industry types best suited to the co-operative model: agricultural production (dairy, meat and horticulture), agricultural inputs (fertiliser and farm supplies), financial services (health insurance and rural banking) and retail (grocery and hardware). From small beginnings, cooperatives have expanded to much larger groups of buyers and suppliers to take advantage of scale. Recent trends suggest the dairy and red meat sectors supplierbased as distinct from purchaser-

DEAD END? Cop-operatives might not be the best vehicle for maximising returns for farmers.

based co-operatives might struggle to realise that advantage because of highly capital-intensive operations, a failure to retain or generate sufficient capital for reinvestment, returning too high a proportion of the product margin to members and decisions to step outside their core business activity, which have ultimately proved to be an unwise use of scarce capital. None of this contradicts the intended benefits of the cooperative model or the validity of its primary objective, which is to ensure an equitable distribution of profits to members based on use or supply. However, the problems facing Fonterra and Westland suggest the co-operative model might no longer be the best fit for the dairy industry, founded and conducted on co-operative principles for nearly 150 years. Equally, the red meat industry has experienced difficulties with

Affco converting from a cooperative with no shareholder funds in 1994 to a listed then privately owned company, SFF having no option but to sell half the company to a Chinese investor and Alliance surviving as the only 100% co-operative though its return on assets remains disappointing. The stronger performance of privately owned companies in both dairy and meat industries during the past decade, if not longer, has put further pressure on the co-operative side of the industry. Lower or barely competitive product payments combined with the need to buy shares in a cooperative have made it attractive for suppliers to choose one of the growing number of private processors. Co-operatives work best for those farmers who have already shared up and farm in a region where the co-operative is the main

or only option, particularly when a guarantee of processing capacity is critical. Competition from newer, more efficient processors means there is a danger of the large co-operatives becoming processors of last resort, which then necessitates paying over the odds for livestock, as the only means of filling up available capacity. The exception to this is during drought or peak livestock flows, normally in the autumn and in the South Island, which might partly explain why lamb prices there are as much as 50 cents and prime beef 30 cents a kilo below North Island schedules. Milk payouts are a very obvious way of measuring processing and marketing gaps between dairy companies, which doesn’t provide very good reading for co-operatives Fonterra and, more particularly, Westland. The smaller Tatua traditionally makes a superior payout, which,

clearly, has much to do with its relative size and specialised focus. However, dairy farmers have less flexibility than sheep and beef farmers in choosing their processor and have little option but to remain for a minimum of a season. To my certain knowledge the meat industry paid too much for livestock throughout the 1990s and 2000s, relative to the market return, because of an excess of capacity. SFF’s attempt to extricate itself from low-end commodities and create added value was compromised by high debt, aging and inefficient capacity and procurement competition. The substantial investment by Shanghai Maling rescued the business and removed the crippling debt but the 2018 result provides no evidence of an improvement in operating performance. SFF and Alliance have closed capacity in recent years but the annual maintenance bill and capital expenditure needed to ensure the competitiveness of the remaining capacity remain substantial. Both companies have put great emphasis on moving up the value chain to try to capture a greater share of the final product price. But the cost of doing this, at the same time as spending scarce dollars on plant maintenance and upgrades, is significant. In conclusion, it appears supplier-owned co-operatives might not be the best structure for large-scale commodity processing and international marketing. There is an inherent tension between essential investment in operations, product development and brand development on the one hand and competitive payments to the shareholder suppliers on the other. Fonterra, Westland, Alliance and SFF have all found it tough to satisfy both priorities and two of these co-operatives have already chosen an outside investment solution.

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

Today’s farmers are borrowing from the future Theona Blom

OVER the coming weeks we will see some big developments in the climate change space. The Zero Carbon Bill is likely to be introduced to Parliament in the next month, which will set in place 2050 targets for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.

This affects all New Zealanders because it requires lifestyle shifts to mitigate our contribution on global warming. It’s hugely challenging. Every time you or I drive to buy something, even if it is just food, we all contribute to climate change. Our consumption is, at the end of the day, the big culprit. The past year has been a huge learning curve for me. I became a climate change ambassador for the dairy sector in May last year. A year in and I am ready to do what I can to progress on the low-emissions journey NZ and the world have

started. We have achieved a huge amount over the past 10 years as we focused on water quality and now it is time to bring greenhouse gases into the mix. Although the emissions intensity of milksolids has decreased over the last 25 years we need to focus on reducing our total emissions. This means making a choice not to increase production as our efficiency improves. Most options right now to improve the way we farm are through farm management changes. We can reduce supplementary

feed and fertiliser use and we can improve the productivity of our herd over time. And the partnership farm results from DairyNZ indicate reducing stock numbers can sometimes improve profitability alongside reducing greenhouse gases and nitrogen loss to waterways. The biggest obstacles facing dairy farmers are knowledge and time. The key to making these changes is ensuring we understand the individual situation on our farms and where the opportunities exist for making changes that are suitable for the farm and region. Overseer can

help with this. Many farmers are still getting up to speed on the changes they can make and they aren’t simple changes. But right now we are borrowing from the future. We have a responsibility to do what is realistic and sustainable for NZ – and the first step is to look closely at how we manage our farms. A few small changes could be a first step to starting a lowemissions journey. Theona Blom is a Canterbury dairy farmer and DairyNZ climate change ambassador

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Farmers step up to the challenge Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I FOUND the Environment Aotearoa 2019 report interesting reading. My view is somewhat different from the anti-farming cacophony from Greenpeace, Forest and Bird and Fish and Game. The report identifies nine issues including urban growth reducing versatile land and native biodiversity, that our waterways are polluted in farming areas, our environment is polluted in urban areas and that taking water from rivers for hydro dams changes flows, which affects our freshwater ecosystems. Other issues include our native plants, animals and ecosystems being under threat, our greenhouse gas emissions being too high and climate change already affecting us. As you can see there are a considerable number of issues in the report that have nothing to do with farming. Mind you, that didn’t stop Greenpeace claiming it as a

withering expose of dairy’s part in trashing the planet. It isn’t but I’d expect nothing factual from the highly charged emotion of what is increasingly becoming a one-dimensional, single-issue protest group. Environment secretary Vicky Robertson, launching the report, said the primary sector is stepping up. I agree. There’s more we can do and we’re doing it, which I’ll come to. Robertson also said there is a huge increase in momentum, not just around environmental awareness but also communities and sectors taking action. I found that positive and shows we’re all in this together and all sectors can do their part. There’s little the farming sector can do to reduce the country’s greenhouse gases per person and absolutely nothing regarding the environmental pollution in urban areas. Unsurprisingly, we’re not involved in deep sea fishing either. I’d also love to reduce lifestyle blocks on productive land. So, everyone is in this together and farming is but a bit player in the greater scheme of events, albeit an important bit player. The report itself is interesting but I found some of the conclusions a little hard to follow. It talks of water quality at source in native forests then compares it

with quality at the mouth, where the river hits the sea. That’s fine except the river can start in pristine condition in a native forest then run for 400km through a variety of conditions, some entirely unrelated to farming. Concluding agriculture is the only problem is simplistic. I also found the reporting of the document simplistic. Much was made of the removal of forest cover and I agree that is an issue. The reality, however, is that from when Maori arrived to when Europeans came here forest cover declined from 85% of land area to just 53%. The figure in 2010 was 40% land coverage so the majority of forest removal and the inevitable loss of biodiversity happened before the Europeans arrived, certainly before any cows were milked. Much is made of the threats to our native plants, animals and ecosystems and I accept we have to take more care. The question I have is how much is to do with human activity and how much is from natural evolution. I suspect both but again it is not simply a farming issue. In the previous week there was a report from the Primary Industries Ministry on Nielsen research it commissioned on farmer attitudes

JOIN US: Farmers are already committed to environmental responsibility and want urban people to pull their weight.

to climate change. The findings were really interesting. For a start, it wasn’t a quick poll or telephone survey. Correspondents were given a booklet containing the questionnaire. The fieldwork was completed late last year with 707 farmers interviewed with a margin of error of just 3.7%. The questions, unlike a Fish and Game survey, were professionally written and did not attempt to lead the correspondent. For a start, 92% of farmers were actively involved making their farms more sustainable. That’s up from 78% in 2009. The initiatives farmers took included riparian and shelter planting, effluent management, waterway control, improved fertiliser management and more efficient irrigation. That is a major step forward from our sector. Farmers are working hard to improve the environment, as

witnessed by reputable research. In addition, 63% of farmers agree human activity is contributing to climate change, up from 54% in 2009. So, our critics who say we’re climate change deniers are wrong. With climate change farmers want to know more, they want to know what they can do. There is little practical, credible information to assist them. So, two weeks, two research documents and one lesson coming from both. Farmers are committed to the environment, we want to know more and we need timely, credible information to assist and we need it now. That’s not too much to ask.

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

Winning couple an example for city folk ANOTHER week, another fielday. But rest assured I do work reasonably hard when on the farm. Last week’s event was the field day on the supreme award winner’s property for the East Coast region of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. I’m the chairman of this region and there are 10 other regions around the country, which, like us, have completed their judging process, held their award evenings and now a progression of fieldays on the various regional winners’ properties is being held. The Ballance Farm Environment Awards recognise and celebrate good farm practices that promote sustainable land management. They also must be financially sustainable and contribute to their communities. We had three great finalists this year. Pete Swinburn and Suzanne Hoyt from Watergreen partnership in Central Hawke’s Bay are not far from here as the crow flies. The partnership is a combination of their property joined up with the neighbouring farm of a non-farming family who live elsewhere, for the benefit of both parties given the scale they have achieved. They have planted 130ha of

From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

forestry and have 16ha in a QEII National Trust covenant. The family have been planting poplar poles for 60 years for erosion control. They have already fenced 15km of stream edge and have their nitrogen nutrient losses well within the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council limits that those of us in this area are dealing with. Dave Read and Judy Bogaard farm steep east coast hill country near Frasertown. They have a 20ha QEII National Trust covenant, 38ha of fenced bush, 20ha of regenerating manuka and 15ha of woodlots. They have planted 4000 poplars and willows for shade, shelter and erosion control. The field day was at the other finalists, who came out as supreme winners. It was on the property of Nick and Nicky Dawson who are dairy farmers. We are probably

WINNERS: Nicky and Nick Dawson have won the East Coast region of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

the region with the fewest dairy farmers, about 85 in total, but the Dawsons are our second dairy winners in a row. And after going to their property I can see why. It is a well-managed and greatly loved farm. A fifth of it is fully retired from grazing and stock have been excluded from all waterways.

Quite a lot of planting has been going on in those areas. Five years ago they were milking 500 cows on the milking platform of 150ha. Then they dropped that to 360 cows and moved to once a day around Christmas. Production is still 514kg of milksolids a cow and 1230kg a hectare – more from less.

They use only 27 litres of water a cow in the shed. The industry average is 70 litres. Their nitrogen leaching rate is a low 24kg a hectare. Nick is fixated on pest control with traps everywhere and his appetency for an increase in biodiversity in both flora and fauna is showing dividends. They included their current and past staff in the day and are obviously very good at attracting and retaining good staff. They began on this property 20 years ago as 50:50 sharemilkers when it was converted from sheep and beef. Then in 2004 when the property was sold they went into an equity partnership which grew to 50:50 and recently they bought the other partners out and own the property outright, which is a great story in itself. The Dawsons are excellent examples that you can be good environmentalists but at the same time run a profitable and sustainable business. These are the stories our city friends need to hear.

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

On Farm Story

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

High life on top of the world Setting up a tourism venture on a farm not only provides a second income but also acts as a public relations exercise to help bridge the rural-urban divide. And when it includes luxury glamping and breathtaking views the visitors can fail to be impressed. Andrew Stewart took a look.

N TERMS of spectacular views, Angus and Sarah Gilbertson’s farm is up there with the best. Rising to 600 metres above sea level at the highest point, the panorama on a clear day encompasses all the mountain peaks of the central plateau, Mount Taranaki to the west and the clear blue waters of the Tasman Sea far to the south. Between these stunning landmarks are great swathes of some of the most productive farming country in New Zealand that connect the landscape in various shades of green. It’s the sort of view you can’t help but stop and enjoy and this is part of the reason the Gilbertsons created their glamping business five years ago. The farm, Tapuae, has been in Angus’ family since 1921 and is up a quiet country road north of the sleepy little village of Waituna West. The couple have farmed it in their own right since 1998 and it is about 600 hectares of mainly

hill country though there is a proportion of cultivable land used for cropping. Angus runs the farming side of the business with 3500 sheep and 300 cattle wintered but is happy to help out with the tourists when he is needed. Sarah used to work for Farmers Weekly in Feilding but once the couple started a family she wanted to start a home-based business to work in more with the demands of small children. In 2014 glamping was in its infancy and the promise of setting up a unique experience under canvas was what drew them to investigate it further. Sarah did extensive research and found a company, Canopy Camping Escapes, that was looking for landowners to partner with its glamping business. The partnership is relatively simple, Canopy handles the sales and marketing in return for a percentage of the income. Sarah spent the best part of a year wandering around the farm looking for the perfect site. She

paid close attention to where the sun rose and set, which way the predominant winds blow and access across the farm.

By opening up our farms you certainly see the delight on people’s faces when they come here. They also appreciate more the work that’s involved with a farming operation. Sarah Gilbertson Farmer

One day Angus casually suggested using their bull paddock and once Sarah had a closer look she realised it was the perfect site. It also meant access has to

be past their homestead, which makes meeting guests and showing them the site much easier. Another key was using existing farm buildings or upcycling them. An old shearer’s quarters and stables were given a new lease of life in the glamping site as were huge power poles and beams from around the farm. But the star of the show is the purposebuilt canvas tent complete with timber floor, wood-burning stove and custom furniture. For Sarah sleeping under canvas is a special experience like no other and that is the main reason she opted for a tent, albeit a pretty flash one. A number of things to do fall outside what many city folk would describe as normal activities, especially for children. There is the three-hole golf pitch and putt nestled into a gully beside the site and plastic sleds are readily available to drag each other around on. Board games and books are provided for less active periods. Angus is happy to take the

adults clay bird shooting or show them how to shear a sheep if they are interested. And after a busy day doing as much or as little as you want there are two old bath tubs on a raised platform outside with killer views to the south. A dedicated cooking area has a gas barbecue or open fire for those looking for more authenticity. For Sarah, a self-confessed foodie, cooking for guests just adds to the experience. She prepares meals so they are 80% ready and takes them to the glampsite for guests to finish cooking at their leisure. Most of their guests hail from Wellington and about 80% are Kiwis. Sarah believes one of the main attractions is the fact they take only one booking at a time so guests have exclusive use of the site. Though she is very much committed to the financial side of the business Sarah admits the most rewarding returns are non-monetary. She sees the looks of disbelief as her guests take in their new surroundings with many

On Farm Story

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

LUXURY: It’s a tent, but it’s a bit flash.

BLISS: Stairway to heaven: the two outdoor baths.

FAMILY: Angus and Sarah Gilbertson with children Pippa, Tom and George. Photos: Andrew Stewart

unable to believe the wide open spaces. She hears the laughter as they enjoy each other’s company with the only visible neighbours being farm animals grazing the green hills. And she listens to the stories of departing guests who have reconnected with a rural experience that might have been missing from their lives. Sarah believes her clients normally come prepared for camping so they are reasonably practical and fit in easily with the glamping concept. The fact it is off the grid is pointed out clearly on the website so there are no expectations of being able to plug devices in. Sarah has also started a farm walk website offering guests the chance to explore theirs and neighbouring farms at their own leisure. She offers both day walks and multi-day, fully catered options. “The reason for setting up the farm walks is to try to fill the gaps during the week days when the

glampsite is empty. It totally sells itself for the weekends but we would like to get more weekday bookings if we can,” she said. It has worked this season and Sarah believes it will grow as demand continues to increase. She also has her eyes on the corporate market with Manawatu’s nearby towns and cities within easy range for day trip, team building or relaxing activities. When they started they took guests all year. Though that worked well they recognised the need to give themselves some time out over winter when farming and family take up a lot of time. So they now run the glampsite over the busier summer months and use the colder months to enjoy winter sports, family time and plan for the next season ahead. Since the early years Sarah has worked out a number of ways to work smarter, not harder. She

now has signs that clearly show guests the way to the site so many visitors can self-check in. Like any business that has diversified, Ridge Top Farm’s glamping has had its challenges. There is the nonstop preparing, hosting and cleaning that must be done and Sarah sets her own high standards. Juggling the demands of a young family, farming life and the needs of tourists does have its moments. Keeping hungry stock out of the glampsite area also provides a few testing conversations between Angus and his wife. But the ability to operate a home-based business that Sarah loves far outweighs any negative aspects. When asked what advice she might have for others looking to jump on the tourism bandwagon, Sarah is very positive. “If you are happy to open up your farm and you have a piece of paradise you want to share with

people I think it’s a great way to have a work/life balance and a second income stream on the farm. “I also think it’s really important to have a connection between rural and urban. By opening up our farms you certainly see the delight on people’s faces when they come here. They also appreciate more the work that’s involved with a farming operation.” While that might sound appealing to many looking to give tourism a go, Sarah also warns you have to be a special type of person. “You have to be the sort of person who likes people and talking to them as well as being comfortable with people coming onto your property.” It seems the Gilbertsons are just those sort of people and they relish the experience of running their own glamping site. Like the stunning setting, this hard working couple is on top of the world.

>> Video link: bit.ly/OFSgilbertson

Kiwi glamping really takes off CANOPY Camping Escapes was created by friends Liz Henderson and Sonia Minnaar in 2012. “We wanted to escape with our families – somewhere unique and outdoorsy. We loved the idea of arriving at a beautiful location with a luxury canvas tent, fully set up and waiting. Somewhere private and secluded. A place where even though it’s in the middle of nowhere has hot water, decent loos, comfy beds and warmth,” they said. Though Sarah and Angus Gilbertson were one of only three sites when they started in 2014, Canopy has expanded rapidly as demand increased. They now have more than 50 sites all around New Zealand but not all of them are the traditional canvas tent. Some offers caravans, huts, sheds and sleep-outs as accommodation options.

Dargaville Surrounds 455 Paradise Road, Tangiteroria

407ha of farming history

On offer is a faithfully farmed 407ha beef and sheep property that has been in the same family since 1906. Boasting in excess of 55ha of fertile flats the property is in 5 titles and has extensive road frontage, currently run with the assistance of a farm manager, the farm is equally suited to farming families or investment groups. Capable of carrying in excess of 4000su, traditionally farmed, vendors operate conservatively with minimum feed brought in or any form of electric tape techno system. With good water and renowned for its warm valleys and winter grass growth, regular fertiliser applications ensure that this profitable unit will benefit our new owners in the years and decades to come. Stock handling is a breeze with well laid out paddocks, concrete cattle yards and sheep handling facilities for 1200 ewes. Call for a prospectus. Viewing by appointment only.

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

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

bayleys.co.nz/1020314

Nuhaka 331 Kokohu Road

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

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

bayleys.co.nz/2751328

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

bayleys.co.nz

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 29, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

“ARDALE”

A stunning 1.4690ha (more or less) picturesque property in all respects awaits the most discerning buyer who wishes to secure a special place to live or holiday. With spectacular harbour views and beach access immediately below to launch the boat, this property is out on its own. Nestled in a quiet, sheltered, rural setting in a gated estate, the peace and privacy shall be a big attraction. A portacom with power supply is located adjacent to the superb flat building site. A few large boulders as a feature, along with those on the surrounding hillside, add a special ambiance to the property. Only 1.1km to the Taurikura Store and walking distance to the Whangarei Heads Primary School. 30kms to Whangarei.

bayleys.co.nz/1050332

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

Waitahora Road, Dannevirke

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

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

FOR SALE BY TENDER

LK0097179©

Rock solid real estate

145 HECTARES

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

ID FF2817 LK0068450©

Whangarei Heads 39 Castle Rock Way

Property ID FF1299

For Sale

Aokautere | Fitzherbert East Road

Deadline Sale

114 Hectares

Closing 4pm, Friday 14 June 2019 (unless sold prior)

Well-located Grazing/Finishing Block. Located only 3km from Aokautere and on the fringe of Palmerston North city. Contour comprises flats through to easy hill with some steeper sidelings. Water is from an artesian bore on the property. The block is welltracked and fencing is post and batten with some multi-wire electric. There are plenty of specimen trees, shelter around the property and a stunning pond and wetland planted with natives. Established maturing pine plantations of approximately 24 hectares. 2-stand wool-shed, 10 aside Herringbone dairy, extensive calf shedding and cattle and sheep yards with load-out. Being close to the city, future options could include some subdivision (subject to survey and issue of title). | Property ID RX1858528 Licensed under REAA 2008

Inspection By appointment

Contact Bill Milham 027 443 3324 Yvonne Forlong 021 456 565

0800 200 600 | farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 29, 2019

Licensed under the REAA 2008

Boundaries Indicative Only

The Ultimate Avocado Production Block

Coastal Lifestyle with Avos and Views

KATIKATI 50 WRIGHT ROAD

KATIKATI 11B STOKES ROAD

This is one of the largest, quality avocado production blocks to be offered to the market for some time in Katikati. Situated on over 6.7ha (approx.) in the heart of the avocado capital of NZ. Benefits include prime coastal location sitting at 18-30AMSL, 5.9 ca/ha (approx.) of Hass avocado trees with 41 pollinisers, 10 x 10m tree spacing, significant income from consistent production, up to 18,000 trays a season, a healthy and robust production orchard well managed by experienced owners, new bore (consented to 2031), frost and irrigation system with weather station. Predominantly flat and north facing, telecommunications tower for added income. Sold + GST if any.

This idyllic property boasts breath taking country and harbour views, all while being completely quiet and private. Set on 2.9ha (approx.) of gently contoured and sheltered land where you can reap the benefits from the 230 Hass avocado trees. The three bedroom home oozes character of the 1940s mixed tastefully with the conveniences and interior design of today, including double glazing and generous outdoor living areas. Encased by stunning grounds and gardens, outdoor enthusiasts will love this property. Stunning home, income and views - it’s all here!

16 May , From 1pm (unless sold prior)

Durrelle Green

HELD 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga WEB www.eves.co.nz/ektc2057 VIEW Sunday 11.00am-12.00pm

M 027 949 3725

E durrelle.green@eves.co.nz Web durrellegreen.eves.co.nz

Tenders close:

Wed, 29 May 2019

16 May , From 1pm (unless sold prior)

Durrelle Green M 027 949 3725

E durrelle.green@eves.co.nz Web durrellegreen.eves.co.nz

HELD 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga WEB www.eves.co.nz/ektc2060 VIEW Sunday 1.00-2.00pm

Open Day: Thurs, 2 May 2019

12 noon to 2.00pm

Quality and Location An excellent opportunity has arisen with the availability of a top quality block of land situated in the prime location of Mystery Creek & Kaipaki, central to Cambridge, Te Awamutu & Hamilton

 408 Mystery Creek Road, Kaipaki

 water supply from Pukerimu District Water Scheme

 41.02 hectares more or less - 1 title

 a variety of general use shedding; 1 x fertiliser bunker

 elite soil type - predominantly sandy loam - flat contour

 very good cattle handling facilities, concrete base, galvanised rails & load-out race

 utilized for asparagus last 9 years, now sown with quality annual ryegrass

 no dwelling but excellent building sites available

 multiple land use applications:-

- dairy

- finishing

- cropping

 an outstanding block in a top quality location

web ref R1297

- horticulture

- cattle stud

- equine stud

phone

07 870 2112

Licensed Real Estate Agent - REAA2008

Brian Peacocke 021 373 113

office@pastoralrealty.co.nz

MREINZ

OUTSTANDING DAIRY FARM WITH GREAT MIX OF SOILS AND RECENT INFRASTRUCTURE 988 Tangimoana Road, Ohakea, Manawatu This well presented unit, located in a strong dairying district, is less than 10km south of Sanson. "Standing out from the crowd" for a number of reasons, including the mix of soil types - while the property includes Ohakea silt loam soils that predominate in the locality, the areas of Carnarvon black sandy loam and Kairanga peaty loam provide strong maize country, with a small area of lighter sand supplying a winter balance. At its heart is a 10 year old 40AS dairy, with ACRs, auto-drafting and in-shed feeding, it works nicely as a one person shed with the current 30 clusters. The balance of the on-farm infrastructure is virtually all less than ten years old, having been re-fenced with new water reticulation system installed. Pastures are young with the majority of the farm re-grassed in 2017 and 38 hectares of new pasture sown this Autumn. Run as part of a larger business, the farm has typically milked the younger cows, with peak production close to 150,000kgMS from 350 cows. Overlooking the farm and district, is a spacious four bedroom 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home set on a unique high point, that has been tastefully re-decorated. Open days 11am, Tue 30th April & Tue 7th May 2019, or call for a private inspection.

NICELY BALANCED MIX OF COUNTRY 256 Reu Reu Road, Halcombe, Manawatu Only 24km from Feilding, this property offers a blend of country currently used for livestock finishing and cropping, with breeding and forestry potential. In-dispersed with bush covered gullies and the Waituna Stream, finishing country makes up an est. 60% of the effective, including some free draining flats. Improvements include bore water reticulated to troughs through-out, a smart four stand woolshed with lane access through a large portion and a refreshed cottage. Buses handy to both primary and secondary schooling. Currently being subdivided off a larger block, exact area subj to final survey.

291.40 hectares (sts) Video on website

nzr.nz/RX1680712

Asking Price $2,675,000 (+gst, if any) Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

129.60 hectares Video on website

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

ON FEILDINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DOORSTEP 234 Sandon Road, Feilding, Manawatu Located 2km from the edge of Feilding, this 158 acre farm is superbly positioned. Outstanding stock handling facilities include a three stand woolshed, with adjoining hayshed and combination sheep/cattle yards, all on concrete. Trough water is reticulated throughout from a high-point tank sourced from two dams. Our vendor is non-GST registered so the property is offered for sale on an inclusive of GST basis. Currently in four titles, this is a quality address. Open days 2pm, Tues 30 Apr, 10am, Sun 5 May, 2pm, Tue 7 May, or call for an inspection.

64 hectares Video on website

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

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 29, 2019

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 29, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

Attractive 34ha Farm & Home

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

DEADLINE SALE

Situated less than 20 minutes from the heart of Cambridge is this attractive 34.5ha (approx. 85 acres) plus small DOC lease with an impressive five bedroom Golden Home, all of which enjoy the stunning rural vista of the Te Miro Scenic Reserve. Perfect as a dairy support and or beef fattening, the farm has excellent buildings including 2 large sheds over 250m², ½ round hay shed & Versatile garage. Contour is flat to gentle rolling, well raced & fenced making management a breeze. The warm and inviting brick home is move-in ready, with plenty of room for extended family to come and stay. DEADLINE SALE: Closes 16 May 2019 at 4.00pm (unless sold prior)

Internet ID: CRR2170 Address: 429 Te Miro Road, Cambridge Open Day: Wed 8th 11-12noon & Sat 11th 2.30-3.30pm Contact David Soar 027 284 9755

colliers.co.nz TRANSFORMING REAL ESTATE INTO REAL ADVANTAGE FOR SALE

FOR SALE

MANDEVILLE VILLAGE 468 MANDEVILLE ROAD, CANTERBURY

WAIRAKEI ESTATE FORESTRY TAUPO, CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

TROPHY ASSET LOCATED IN THE HEART OF A THRIVING COMMUNITY Mandeville Village is underpinned by excellent cashflow security with the key tenants being on 15 and 20 year leases. The enviable tenant mix, anchored by SuperValue and NPD, is serviced well by a strong local economy with high potential growth prospects. The asset was completed in 2018 with its architectural design being inspired by the affluent surrounding residential and rural catchment. Additionally, guaranteed rental growth up to the greater of CPI or 3% p.a. will provide confidence for excellent returns in the years to come.

7,000HA+ FORESTRY RIGHT OPPORTUNITY

+ Net Rental: c.$575,000p.a. + Outstanding WALT of c.11.75 years + Enviable tenant mix including a supermarket, service station and childcare centre + Large underlying land holding of 6,670sqm + High profile frontage to Tram Road (with vehicle movements in excess of 6,000 per day) DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Thursday 23 May 2019 at 4pm (unless sold prior) TIM ROOKES 027 562 3700

CAMERON DARBY 027 450 7902

Offered for sale by CBRE Agribusiness is a single rotation Forestry Right comprising some 3,506ha of established young age class crop (together with 286ha being established this winter), together with the opportunity to plant 2,201ha that will be available as cutover land as existing forestry rights terminate and a further 1,334ha currently utilised for drystock grazing which will shortly be available for forestry.

+ Outstanding Central North Island location

TWO STAGE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Stage One closing Thursday 23 May 2019 at 4pm

JEREMY KEATING 021 461 210

+ 7,326ha* Forestry Right Opportunity + Predominantly 4th rotation forestry land with a comprehensive roading network + Multiple competing destinations for forest products including export via Napier or Tauranga + Tenure by way of simple single rotation registered Forestry Right

WYATT JOHNSTON 027 8151 303

*Approximate areas only www.cbre.co.nz/63298322

www.cbre.co.nz/218323Q29

CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

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

Employment

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 29, 2019

SHEPHERD GENERAL We are looking for an experienced Shepherd General to join our team. We are a deer only farm located in the Rerewhakaaitu, between Murupara and Rotorua. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person, preferably with previous experience working with deer. Ideally, you will have tractor, fencing and chainsaw experience.

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

On occasion you will be required to work on two other Company farms to help out and cover periods of leave. No dogs are required.

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

A 3 bedroom house is available, so could suit a couple or family.

This is a unique opportunity to manage a long standing family farming operation with size and scale. The applicant must show initiative, take pride in their work and create a good team environment.

Success in this role may lead to a management position, in time. For more information please contact Mike Ramsey on 07 878 7077

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

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Please apply with your CV and cover letter to: hra@crusadermeats.co.nz Applicants must have NZ residency or valid NZ work visa.

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

For a copy of the job description, or to apply, send a cv and a cover letter to Bridget – wharecreekstation@gmail.com. Applications close 5pm, Friday 10th May. Applicants for this position should have NZ Residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Station Manager – Northland 1200 Effective Hectares

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

NEED

STAFF? Advertise your vacancy in Farmers Weekly

Training will be provided.

LK0097354©

For more details please contact suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

Call Debbie

0800 85 25 80

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

A Farm Manager is required for Kauri Station situated in the magnificent Matauri Bay (30 minutes north of Kerikeri). The farming system includes sheep and beef breeding and finishing, bull finishing and lamb finishing. This is a unique opportunity to run a commercially focused farming unit that has interaction with a wider hospitality business.

Station Manager We are seeking a manager for a 2600ha property carrying 18,500su consisting of 4000 ewes, 2000 hinds 780 cows plus replacements. The property has been leased as a breeding property for the transfer of store stock back to the home farm.

We are in search of a Manager who can lead a team of valued farm staff with professionalism and experience, to optimise farm profitability whilst managing key external relationships.

This position would suit someone who is in the early stages of their farm management career as the successful applicant would report to the general manager.

The successful applicant will have proven farm management and farm business skills and a desire to be part of a business looking to go to the next stage. They will work with the farm supervisor to set strategy and farm budgets, design and implement a development programme and monitor farm performance with computer software. Experience with intensive beef finishing systems would be useful.

Key attributes required are: • Good communication skills and reporting • Excellent stockmanship • A team of dogs under good control • The ability to plan and monitor all aspects of the farming operation, including feed budgeting, crop and pasture establishment and working within the financial budget as set by the general manager, consultant and farm manager

The cattle enterprise is made up of 300 breeding cows with all progeny finished along with an additional 500 bulls and steers finished. The sheep enterprise consists of 2000 ewes and 600 hoggets with additional lamb finishing.

An iconic high country station, The Grampians is located in the McKenzie Basin of South Canterbury and has been in the ownership of the same family for over 100 years. With a farming area of 20,000 hectares, The Grampians has capacity for 23,000 stock units, with further development planned. The current livestock policy includes fine wool Merino, terminal cross halfbreds, a beef breeding herd and a Merino wether flock.

Email – waihipukawa@xtra.co.nz

We are running a mixed livestock farm about 25 minutes away from Wellsford. We have 600 deer and 350 beef cattle and cropping as required. We are looking for an experienced Mixed Livestock Farm Manager to join our team. The successful candidate needs to be able to take control and responsibility for the development of the beef and the deer units on the farm in the absence of the farm owner. As a result, you will need to have at least five years of full-time farming experience, with relevant types of stock. Preferably you will hold a relevant agricultural qualification. You will need a proven understanding of animal husbandry and a high degree of stock management and finishing skills, and in-depth knowledge of Health and Safety requirements, awareness of animal welfare practices and artificial insemination, self-motivation, initiative and an ability to work independently.

Key attributes required include: • Financial acumen, including budgeting and reporting • The ability to develop and implement sustainable and profitable farm systems • To be able to contribute, and demonstrate farming/business initiative • Manage and lead an effective team • Provide timely reporting to the Board • Work with regulatory authorities and other external service providers The position offers a competitive remuneration package including a modern 4-bedroom house. The property is located at 2115 Haldon Road and is in close proximity to the resort town of Tekapo (33km). Both primary and secondary schooling is provided at Fairlie (41km), with a school bus 20km from the station houses. Timaru is approximately 85km away.

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Agribusiness farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz Assistant Manager Contract Milker •Farm 2019 Trainee Programme - Livestock Manager Representative General Hand Manager •Livestock Agribusiness •Manager Agronomy •Operations Analyst Manager Other • Dairy •Shepherd General Maintenance General •Shepherd Livestock Specialist Station Manager • Manager Stock Manager • Pasture and Grazing Specialist StockPerson •Tractor/Truck/Machinery Sharemilker Operator

• Shepherd • Shepherd/General Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the

We require a clear police history, no drug history and no health issues that will affect your ability to perform active farm work. A clean drivers licence is required. On-farm accommodation is available. Please email a CV with at least two independent referees to Bryan and Kiyomi Bingley at bingleybryan@gmail.com

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The Grampians Station Manager, C/- Macfarlane Rural Business, PO Box 418, Ashburton, 7770

JOBS BOARD RURAL SECTOR

JOBS BOARD

The role requires the ability to keep accurate records and reports and to do stock reconciliations on a regular basis. You would be required to attend to maintenance and development of the farm, have fencing experience and knows how to use a chainsaw. Your duties will include pasture management, herd management, and staff management. Tractor skills are required.

If you are a progressive, forward thinking Farm Manager and would like to be part of an exciting future with The Grampians, please send your application and curriculum vitae to:

There is a school bus to the gate for primary school at National Park. A recently renovated three bedroom home is available to the successful applicant as well. Applications in writing to Colin Gates and should include a cover letter, CV and a minimum of two work references.

EXPERIENCED LIVESTOCK FARM MANAGER

With the recent retirement of the current Manager, The Grampians wish to appoint a progressive and proven Farm Manager. The position will report to the Board, with regular contact with the Board Chair and Farm Adviser, but will be responsible for delivering on agreed strategies and programmes as well as managing all aspects of the farming business. The Manager will be responsible for employing and managing up to six full-time staff and is expected to continue to implement a positive and productive team environment.

Applications close on the 6th May 2019

The property is located at National Park where skiing is literally at your back door as is fishing, hunting and mountain biking. LK0097410©

For more details and to submit applications, please apply via our careers page: https://www.robertsonlodges.com/careers before 10th May 2019

Haldon Road, Tekapo

or by email to: jamie@mrb.co.nz

This property will be undergoing a significant development program and the farm manager would oversee a lot of this.

There is a well-maintained family home on the Station. This is a coastal property with exceptional recreational opportunities and aesthetic values.

Station Manager

Whare Creek is in a beautiful location, with a primary/secondary bus at the gate. A good remuneration package will be offered to the right person and to accommodate this new position a house will be constructed.

LK0097401©

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

LK0097404©

– Feilding sale yards, casual basis

employment section of the Farmers Weekly and as added value it will be uploaded to Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or close of application. employment section of the Farmers Weekly LK0096815©

Weigh crate operator

FARM MANAGER Whare Creek is a 18,500su sheep/beef and dairy support property, located 38km from Te Anau. It lies at the base of the Takitimu Mountains on a developing, rolling to flat 2400ha property. It has good infrastructure and employs three shepherd/generals and a handyman.

andContact as added value it will be0765 uploaded to Debbie Brown 06 323 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or close of application.

Classifieds

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

ATTENTION FARMERS BUILDER AVAILABLE. South Island. Shed /barn, deer shed and yards. 15 years experience. Phone 027 436 8372. DAGS .30c PER KG. Replacement woolpacks. PV Weber Wools. Kawakawa Road, Feilding. Phone 06 323 9550.

FARM SERVICES /SUPPLIES

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT $5.85 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 brianmace@xtra.co.nz

BORDER COLLIE pedigree. Strong eyed, working pups. Working lambs at 8 weeks. Bred from the finest international working lines. 25 years of breeding. Phone Somerton Park Kennels. 03 342 8488 or 021 264 250. FIVE HEAD X Hunt pups for sale. Approx 9 weeks old. $100 ono. Phone 021 877 879. HUNTAWAY AND HEADING dogs. Deliver South and North Islands, trial, guaranteed. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos – 07 315 5553.

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

BEEF SHORTHORN BULLS, R1 and 2yrs. Sired by Saskvalley Taskforce and Glenrossie Dazzler. Rough Ridge Primo semen available. Phone Bill 021 556 806 Takaka South Island.

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

DEERLAND TRADING LTD

DOGS WANTED

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

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

DOGS FOR SALE BORDER COLLIE, BORN 24/11/18, needs a working home. A natural. Siblings already working. Forever home required. $1500 ono. Phone 09 408 1772 or 021 101 772.

FOR SALE HUSTLER 2000 CHAINLESS bale feeder. Slight deck damage. $3000+GST. Phone 027 246 5976.

GOATS WANTED GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

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

HORTICULTURE NZ KELP. FRESH, wild ocean harvested giant kelp. The world’s richest source of natural iodine. Dried and milled for use in agriculture and horticulture. Growth promotant / stock health food. As seen on Country Calendar. Orders to: 03 322 6115 or info@nzkelp.co.nz

Christchurch based

• •

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

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz DE HORNER

40 FOOT CONTAINER CONVERTED TO ACCOMMODATION UNIT Double glazed windows and bi-fold doors Fully lined and insulated, LED lighting, gas califont and stove Separate kitchen/living, bathroom and bedroom Charity Auction on behalf of Hunterville Lions Club 11am, Sun 12 May 2019 – 23 Bruce Street, Hunterville Contact Peter Barnett 027 482 6835 www.nzr.nz/RX1863305

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

TOWABLE TOPPING MOWER

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER

$4400

GST INCLUSIVE

12Hp Diesel. Electric Start

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

$4200

GST INCLUSIVE

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

GST $3990 INCLUSIVE

0800 436 566

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

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

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

MOA MASTER

Taking bookings for greater Gisborne/East Coast areas

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

Stock handling solutions that you and your stock will love.

STOP BIRDS NOW!

ZON BIRDSCARER

Phone: +64 6 357 2454 HOOF TRIMMER

EARMARKERS

™

Call 0800 227 228 now!! www.combiclamp.co.nz South Island Stuart 027 435 3062

Testimonial Ezyline Homes Prebuilt have been advertising our homes in the Farmers Weekly for a few years now. It is the only form of print media we advertise in, because we continually get a good response. We enjoy dealing with farming people and providing housing solutions to them and can market directly to them through Farmers Weekly. Wallace Stewart Managing Director/ Owner

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be considered for this role, you must have: At least four years’ experience in a marketing /communications role Strong business event management experience Digital marketing experience in website management, social media advertising and mailchimp InDesign or Photoshop skills Organised – able to balance multiple demands, prioritise and multi-task to meet deadlines with accuracy and efficiency A ‘people person’ – the role involves developing relationships with scholars, presenters, stakeholders, industry and suppliers Technology-savvy – able to stay on top of changes in a fast moving environment Professional and results-driven – with a focus on delivering programmes & events of the highest quality which exceed our participants expectations Solutions-orientated – showing initiative and thinking creatively to overcome marketing challenges Passionate – about people development and ideally the agri-food (primary) sector For a more detailed Position Description please contact: admin@ruralleaders.co.nz Applications close on 12 May 2019 and must be sent to: annehindson@ruralleaders.co.nz

DOLOMITE

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

www.ezylinehomes.co.nz • 07 572 0230

“Wasn’t that a lovely salon, Flossie!”

Photography by Carys Bates

SELLING SOMETHING? LK0097414©

•

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

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

The role involves: • Providing marketing recommendations and collaborating with the team • Website content management using Wordpress • Planning and executing recruitment campaigns for each of our course intakes • Communications: writing content for newsletters, our website and press releases • Graphic design: creating on brand marketing collateral using InDesign and Photoshop • Managing and growing our image library • Digital Marketing: Social Media content planning and advertising using Facebook Ads Manager • Working with our advertising partners to promote our programmes through alumni and advertisements. • Developing effective relationships with industry partners to nurture the promotion of the programmes and attracting top talent.

•

STOCK FEED

www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

About The Role As the Marketing , Communications & Event Specialist, you will be responsible for the marketing and communications for our two prestigious Rural Leadership programmes helping us to grow our application numbers, nurture alumni and stakeholder communications collaborating with the General Manager and Programme Coordinator.

•

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

ATTENTION WINTER MILKERS. Free autumn service bulls, Hereford/ Angus/Jersey. Experienced lease bull supplier. Phone 027 739 9939. WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556.

We are looking for a committed, experienced and enthusiastic marketer to join our small Christchurch based team to replace our existing contractor who is leaving Christchurch .

• •

PROPERTY WANTED

Under Woolshed/ Cover Yards Cleaning Specialist

• Small dynamic team and great working environment • Full time role with an opportunity for working across a range of marketing activities • Two of New Zealand’s most prestigious rural leadership programmes

To • • •

LANDROVER DEFENDER wanted, pre 2000, anything considered. Phone 027 527 9497.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

Employment

Marketing, Communications & Event Specialist - Rural Leadership Programmes

MACHINERY WANTED

Charity Auction

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

DOGS FOR SALE

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FLY OR LICE problem? Electrodip - The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides. Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness. Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t r o d i p . c o m

ATTENTION FARMERS

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ANIMAL HANDLING

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

Advertise in Farmers Weekly Phone Debbie Brown 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

FO SALR E

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FARMERS WEEKLY – April 29, 2019

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

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 29, 2019

SALE TALK

The next week, John is much happier. “The vet gave him some pills, and the bull serviced all of my cows!” he told his pal. “Then he broke through the fence and bred with all my neighbor’s cows! He’s like a machine!” “What kind of pills were they?” asked the friend. “I don’t know, but they’ve got a peppermint taste.”

GOING GOING GONE!

STOCK REQUIRED

AUT-FRIES HERE BULL CALF CONTRACT (July Supply) 150 MA

SIF HINDS MA ANGUS COWS - NOV BULL R2YR BEEF STEERS 420-480kg

Bull Sale – 4th June 12 noon, On Farm Tiraumea

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

Fully Guaranteed Service & Semen Tested TB Clear C10 EBL & BVD Tested & Vaccinated Free Delivery (NI)

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

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

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

otapawa@xtra.co.nz Stuart Robbie 027 848 4408 Douglas & Dara 06 376 7765

TOP QUALITY FRIESIAN DAIRY HERD DISPERSAL

Comprising • 350 x Fsn and Fsnx dairy herd BW63 PW85 R/A90%- calv from 20th July

A/c Vaughan & Trudy Keegan Friday 3rd May 2019 East Road Stratford – Dairy No. 40708 Start 11.30am – undercover

• 50 x Frsn and Frsnx in calf hfrs BW106 PW117 - calv from 15 July • 138 Fsn and Frsnx Yearling hfrs - BW104 PW120

Comprising

Details • 347 ms/cow -1157 ms/ha – System 2 feeding • Herd tested, cows in great order – sold in milk • TB C10 - Lepto vacc – BVD and M-Bovis tested clear • HB shed, 4.8% MT rate last yr, rolling farm • Herd mated 5wks LIC PSS- tailed Jsy and Xbred bulls

• 175 Very Young Friesian Cows BW35, PW75, 98%R/A

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Various Breed bulls and bull dates

LONG ESTABLISHED CRV BRED DAIRY HERD AUCTION

TOP QUALITY – TOP PRODUCTION EARLY CALVING – DAIRY AUCTION

A/C – DR & GL Aplin Address: 318 Totman Road Tirau. D/c no. 77891 Date: 10th May 2019 Start time: 11.30am

A/C Richview Ltd Date: Monday 6th May 2019 Venue: 642 Piako Road Hamilton – Dairy no 72604 Time: 11.30am

Comprising • 150 x Fsn and Fsnx Incalf herd BW18 PW42 R/A 92%

Wanted

80 High BW MT cows in-milk BW90+ PW higher, top $$$ paid. BD Matt Hancock Ph:027 601 3787 Waikato Dairy Coordinator

Details • Herd and hfrs calving from 8th July • Herd mated 5wks to LIC Fsn – tailed Hfrd • 460ms/cow – 120,000 som cell, Rotary shed • TB C10 – Lepto vacc- BVD & M Bovis tested negative • All cattle will be in good condition – in milk

Details • Herd calv 22/7 to 5wks Nom CRV Fsn sires • Tailed off Hfrd bulls — out 22/12. • TBC10,Lepto yes, BVD and M-Bovis negative • Herd tested, HB shed, 391ms/cow — system 2 Auctioneers Note: All cows dried off and blanket treated 6th April – cows and rising yearlings are in excellent condition. Our vendors have sold their farm will offer to farmers a herd with – strong udders, 60% Friesian, Nom breeding to proven sires. Owned and bred by the family for 45 years – these are no fuss cows and have the capability to convert to any feeding system. Capacity cows – well managed and totally recommend.

For Sale 190 Xbred Herd BW 80 PW 108 DTC 26/7 $1750 36 Frsns Heifers DTC 1/8 BW 96 PW 82 $1600 32 Xbred Heifers DTC 10/7 BW 129 PW 134 $1500 30 Frsns X Heifers DTC 10/7 BW 104 PW 112 $1400 Brent Espin Ph: 027 551 3660 Taranaki Regional Manager

Auctioneers Note: John’s outstanding herd sold last year (highest priced herd) and we are now offering the complete line of in – calf hfrs from those cows – long established, high performance – BW’s up to 195. The cows are genuine cows that were mated to calv in spring. The farm is a total high-performance autumn calving property. Fully recommend to dairy farmers who want reliable performance cattle Payment: 31st May 2019 – delivery within days of sale – Farmers without access to farm can graze to end of May.

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Payment: 31st May 2019. Grazing available to end May for farmers without access to farms

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

160 F/FX, BW66 PW90, DTC 7/7, 430m/s. $1700 JD 69 F/FX Spring young C/O cows, BW50 PW75, from top herd. $1550 GR

• 125 Predom Fsn and Fsnx in calf hfrs BW 127 PW 145 – Complete replacement line

• 44 top Predom Fsn Ylg Heifers BW40 PW46

View catalogue on

For Sale 280 Fr/FrsnX BW47 PW51 DTC 1/7 Strong cows with CRV background $1750 70 KiwiX Computer Split BW80 PW103 RA90% DTC 18/7, system 3 $1720 or pick 50 for $2150 99 F/FX In-Calf Heifers BW87 PW76 DTC 15/7 CRL out of 420ms herd. Splits available $1500 Paul Kane: 027 286 9279 National Dairy Coordinator

220 Friesian and Friesian LIC bred dairies comprising: • 100 x Spring calving Content of Autumn calving herd BW 76 PW 122 R/A 97%

200 x CRV bred Dairy herd and ylgs

Enquiries to: Carrfields Agent: Kelly Higgins 027 600 2374 Vendors: David and Glenda 07 883 1599

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Contact Carrfields Livestock Agent Steve Quinnell 027 278 3837

Enquiries to Carrfields agents: Matt Hancock 027 601 3787 Brian Pearson 027 603 4477 Stewart Cruickshank 027 270 5288 Vendor John De Vieth 027 491 2950

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

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www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

View catalogue on

Note: our vendors are exiting the industry. Cows milked on hilly challenging farm – totally recommend to farmers who want high quality well bred and no fuss cows – they will shift well.

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View catalogue on

880 Comprising Cows 120 M/A Sth Devon cows C/S 35 Sth Devon heifers C/S 130 R3/R10 Angus cows C/S 60 R3/R4 Angus cows C/S 31 M/A Angus cows C/S 130 R3/R9 Hfd/Frsn x cows 30 R3/R4 Ang & Ang/Hfd x cows 100 R8 Ang & Ang/Hfd cows 10 R4 Hereford cows 35 R7 Angus cows 50 MA Ang Frsn/Hfd & beef cows 50 M/A Angus cows 43 M/A Hereford cows 20 M/A Hfd/Frsn x cows 8 M/A Limousin cows

Payment terms: 1st September 2019 – delivery from 4th May onwards farmers without access to farms can graze to end of May 2019.

Payment: 31st May 2019. Delivery next day after sale but if a farmer has no access they can stay to end of May. Contact Carrfields Agents Ben Deroles 027 702 419 or Jack Kiernan 027 823 2373 VENDORS: Peter and Jean Wilson 07 871 1691

Te Kuiti INC Cow Fair Friday 3 May 2019 Start 12pm

Details • Herd comprises three contract mated cows • Bred for type and production – great uddered herd • Herd calving from 27/7/19 to LIC 7wks tailed hfrd – vetted in calf • Tb C10, lepto vacc, M-Bovis negative • Production 450+ms/cow – best 498ms/cow • Cows sold in milk – HB shed

Auctioneers Note: Always bred by vendors to LIC PPS for 40yrs – Farm Sold. The cows have good udders, great grass converters- no fuss cows – and very quiet. A herd you will look at and think, wow, a lovely style of dairy cow that will perform. A portion of in-calf hfrs sold to Live Export.

Te Kuiti INC Heifers Fair Thursday 2 May 2019 Start 12pm 390 Comprising Heifers 155 R2/R3 Angus heifers 142 R2/R3 Hfd/Frsn heifers 52 R3 Hereford heifers 22 R3 Hfd/Frsn heifers 5 R2 ¾ Speckle Park heifers

YOUNG STRONG LIC BRED HERD AUCTION A/c Wilburn Farms Ltd Wednesday 8th May 2019 – 11.00am start 502 Te Kawa Road Te Awamutu—Dairy no. 74290

TE LIVESTOCK TEKUITI KUITI SELLING CENTRE CENTRE

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“Take him to the vet,” his friend suggested.

FOR SALE

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

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A week after John bought a bull, he complained to his friend, “All that bull does is eat grass. Won’t even look at a cow.”

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250 Frsn & Jersey X cows BW67 PW93 RA82% DTC 25/7 Good sound XBred cows $1800 190 XBred Cows BW80 PW108 DTC 25/7 Sound in udder with good conformation $1750 187 XBred Cows BW100 PW109 RA96% DTC 1/8 Long established herd milked on cold country $1900 Philip Webb Ph: 027 801 8057 Central & Southern North Island Dairy Coordinator

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 29, 2019

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

Brooklands & Hillview Simmentals Martin & Mary Taylor PH:06 8555322 E: taylors@glenbraestud.co.nz

OPEN DAY:

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Glenbrae Annual Bull Sale 1019 Mangaorapa Rd, Porangahau. Thursday 2pm. 30th May 2019

On Farm Sale

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Facilitated by

29 Powerful Poll Hereford Sires

2019 AVERAGE OF GLENBRAE SALE BULLS ‘VS’ BREED AVERAGE

Bulls for sale from this date Inquiries and Inspection Welcome Colin and Catherine Hutching Phone 06 374 1802 Karl & Louise Humphreys Phone 06 374 1786

Lot 5

View Online: www.glenbraestud.co.nz

Wednesday 8th May 2019 on the property 329 Rakaiatai Rd, Dannevirke from 10am

Monday, 20th May 2019 - 1.30pm 1775 MANGAONE VALLEY ROAD EKETAHUNA

Mark, Anthony & Diana Eagle ‘Chessfield’ 1775 Mangaone Valley Rd Eketahuna p: 06 376 8256 e: eagleeketahuna@xtra.co.nz

QUALITY

FARM

MACHINERY

SALE

Kaimoa South Devons have pleasure in putting forward 24 Bulls in 2019 We are committed to producing meaty bulls with good frame, constitution and temperament. With clients’ needs in mind we have sourced new genetics from overseas to maintain the highest qualities in our bulls.

Winners of the Steak of Origin 2018

10 MAY FROM 10.30AM AT TINWALD SALEYARDS, ASHBURTON

1447 Hereheretau Rd, RD 6, WAIROA 4196 PROFIT-A-BULL EXCELLENCE

www.kerrahsimmentals.co.nz

Jon Knauf

FOURTH ANNUAL ON-FARM SALE

at Tangiwai Station, Wairoa - 1pm Tuesday, 21st May 2019

PREDOM

INANTLY POLLED PERF BULLS FO ORMANCE R AUCTIO N

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

To view all listed items visit carrfields.co.nz

03 307 9400

CONTACT DRUMMOND & ETHERIDGE

0800 432 633

BULL SALE RESULTS 2019

CONTACT: Or catalogue

Jon Knauf 06 838 6793 E: jsknauf@gisborne.net.nz

Phil Transom 0274 420 060 PGG Wrightson

Ross Mitchell 0274 048 965 Fergus Rural

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

DON’T MISS OUT.

farmersweekly.co.nz

LK0097310©

CONTACT CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE CANTERBURY

Livestock

RANUI Bull Sale

AUSTREX NZ LTD L IV E TO CK EXPO RT E R S

BUYING NOW

• • • •

Enquiries to: Paul Tippett 027 438 1623 Colin Jordan 027 667 0903 David Kelk 027 644 1285

Machinery Clearing Sale

In conjunction with Sallan Realty and On Account of A McBeth 1312 Kellow Road, RD 7, Palmerston North

All bulls are semen and service tested Scanned for carcase Independently inspected Cow herds run under commercial conditions

• • • •

Tuesday 14th May 2019 Start time 11.00am – details to follow

Bulls displayed on concrete Hard surface in sale ring. Feet visible BVD Tested Antigen Clear & Vaccinated 3-year Guarantee for soundness & fertility

Contact: Emmet McConnell 027 443 7671 Office 06 324 8135 100% NZ Owned & Operated

“Internationally proven from sea level to snow line” Enquiries to: LK0097330©

www.austrex.com.au

PRELIMINARY NOTICE

3.00pm Thursday, 6th June Karamu, 662 Rangitatau East Rd,Wanganui

FRIESIAN Y Yearling & FRIESIAN AUTUMN Mated Yearling Heifers – F12 or Better – FOR CHINA EXPORT

or contact your Agent

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 29, 2019

Lin Johnstone Phone: 027 445 3213 DAY OPEN Lindsay Johnstone Phone: 027 445 3211 7 MAY ranui.w@farmside.co.nz PGG Wrightson Agents Callum Stewart Ph: 027 280 2688 Ken Roberts Ph: 027 591 8042

NZ Farmers Livestock working with Farmers for Farmers

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

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Sale Catalogue online: www.ranuiangus.co.nz

Auahi Charolais Pio Pio

STORE FRIESIAN BULLS IMMEDIATE DELIVERY Located Canterbury

Henderson Partners

1pm Thursday 23rd May

45 x R1 180kg approx. $3.20kg 49 x R1 250kg approx. $3.10kg 500 x R1 240-250kg approx. $3.10kg Contact Matt Sanson 027 556 9928

Located Southland

Offering: 26 R2 Bulls

600 x R1 200kg approx. $3kg

Located North Otago

2nd Rauriki Charolais Bull Sale

300 x R2 Frsn Bulls 375kg $2.60kg Contact James Perkins 027 232 8052

LK0097383©

Est. 1981

FOR SALE

25 R 2 Charolais Bulls

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‘On Farm Video Charolais Bull Sale’ is Tuesday 28th May at 2pm Viewing from 12 noon The bulls will be penned at the selling complex for inspection on sale day.

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

2ND ANNUAL IN-CALF FEMALE SALE Sterndale, Pleasant Point 3.30pm Wednesday 1st May

130 Head

www.raurikicharolais.co.nz

BULLSEYE SALE 3RD AUTUMN ON FARM SERVICE BULL SALE Undercover

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

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

Contact James Fraser 021 186 4796

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

View catalogue at

www.sternangus.co.nz

MONDAY 6TH MAY 2019 Sale CommenCeS - 12 noon

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

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

PGGW, Carrfields, PWA, HRL, RLL

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING with Farmers Weekly

230 - 2yr & 3yr Quality Service Bulls

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

Agent in charge: Bill Sweeney - 027 451 5310

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

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

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Contact: Simon P 06 858 8045 M: 027 636 3243 Wendy P: 027 280 3471 George M: 027 782 5237 email: s.collin@xtra.co.nz

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Bull Open Day: Tuesday 14th May 11am-2pm

Livestock

MANAWATU RANGITIKEI ANGUS BULL WALK

MORRINSVILLE DAIRY SALE THURSDAY 2ND MAY A/c Client

65 x Crossbred R2yr Heifers DTC 20.7.19 to Jsy Bull removed 28.12.18 BW 56 PW 80. Clients down sizing operation. Contact Michael Conwell 027 226 1611

Tuesday 7th May 9am - 9.30am Ranui 10.20am - 11am Pine Park

A/c Client

15 Ambreed Fr Heifers, well grown Scanned to calving date. Contact Wayne Robb 021 712 511

A/c Various Clients

TARANAKI CATTLE FAIR Stratford Saleyards – Wednesday 8th May 2019, noon start

GOING GOING GONE!

Farm Sold • 75 x 2 ½ year hill country Angus steers • 70 x 18 month Angus heifers • 55 x 18 month Angus steers

11.10am - 11.40am Merchiston

C10. From long-established herd, using Scotts’ Mangapapa Angus, Oparau, sires.

11.50am - 12.15pm Complimentary lunch Station Hotel Hunterville

Further enquiries contact: Stephen Sutton – NZ Farmers Livestock M: 027 442 3207 E: stephen.sutton@nzfll.co.nz Jeremy Newell – NZ Farmers Livestock M: 027 664 8832 E: jeremy.newell@nzfll.co.nz Chris Hay – NZ Farmers Livestock M: 027 602 4454 E: chris.hay@nzfll.co.nz

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Comprising 1000 head approx. Including, Special Entry, a/c Marty Hagenson Kotuku Station, Waitaanga (on Taranaki/King Country boundary)

1.15pm - 1.45pm Atahua

80 Fr Frx & Jsy Incalf Heifers. Approximately 80 Empty Cows. Boner Cows Approx 11.30am.

Call Nigel

0800 85 25 80

livestock@globalhq.co.nz

2.45pm - 3.20pm Ngaputahi Catalogues will be available on the day.

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Give your local NZFL agent a call or for more details phone Darryl Houghton 027 451 5315

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

LK0097430©

FARMERS WEEKLY – April 29, 2019

Enquiries to: Ryan Shannon 027 565 0979

Helping grow the country

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

TE KUITI RWB COW FAIR LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

30 R3 Angus Cows VIC Angus 18 R4 Angus Cows VIC Angus 11 R5 Angus Cows VIC Angus 14 R6 Angus Cows VIC Angus 16 R7 Angus Cows VIC Angus 9 R8 Angus Cows VIC Angus 10 R9 Angus Cows VIC Angus 9 R10 Angus Cows VIC Angus

HAVE A SALE COMING UP?

Bull dates 24/10/18 - 15/1/19

Reaching over 78,000 rural mailboxes weekly we are the ideal space to engage with the right audience for your bull sales.

AUCTIONEERS NOTE:

Contact Agent Rod Harper 07 856 0022 - 027451 5321

FROM HERE...

Call Nigel 0800 85 25 80 livestock@globalhq.co.nz

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Cows come forward in excellent condition off Tauwhare Hill Country faithfully farmed for many years. Mainly bred from Mangapapa Stud Sires.

Hit the bulls-eye with advertising in Farmers Weekly.

Farmers Weekly also publishes a free weekly e-newsletter during autumn and spring that showcases bull sale results from around the country. Adding digital advertising options to link to your catalogue offers added benefits. To find out more, contact Nigel Ramsden on 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz

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

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

• • • • •

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

ANTIBIOTICS OR ADDED HORMONES EVER

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

...TO HERE

LK0097312©

FRIDAY 3RD MAY 12 NOON A/c NW & CC Woodcock

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

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

1 2 3 4

5 7 18 8

6 9

10 11

14 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key: Dairy

HERD AND MACHINERY SALE

ELITE INCALF HEIFER FAIR

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

Tuesday 7th May 2019 11.30AM Start Morrinsville Saleyards

Other

Monday 6th May 2019 10.30am Machinery,11.30am Cows 45 Black Rd, Te Kauwhata (Off Wattle Rd) A/C Whakapona Farms

A/C Glen Koru

Comprising: 240 Friesian In Calf Cows BW 40 PW 36 RA 91% Cows calving 10th July to LIC Friesian for 4 weeks tailed off Hereford bull, bull out 20th Dec. Cows ave 350m/s, ave SCC 180. BWs up to 122 PWs up to 149. Cows dried off 5th April, dry cow treated and teat sealed. Herd has 30yrs LIC breeding with excellent fertility history (4.5% MT rate) and dairy type, conformation TB C10, EBL Free, BVD Free, Lepto Vacc, MBovis milk tested neg, H/Bone shed.

6 Autumn Born ET Ylg Heifers (unmated) BW 175 PW 192 Calving 7th July to AB, includes 17 contract heifers.

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

A/C Ngatoka Farms 59 Frsn/XBred/Jsy Incalf Heifers BW 132 PW 141

Farm Machinery 10.30am • Farm Guard Grader Blade • Log Splitter • Strautman Vitesse 230 DO Harvest Wagon • Soft Bale Grabs • PTO Driven Effluent Pump • Buckton Pond Stira (totally reconditioned) • Near new Fella Disc Mower • Giltrap Bale Feeder (Brand New) • Claas 780 Liner Rake • 6x 25 teat Milk Bar Calf Feeder • Giltrap PTO driven Feed Out Wagon • Plus other farm Sundry Items.

Calving 20th July to AB includes 1 contract heifer. Heifers A2/A2 tested. All 3 are complete replacement lines, well grown, exceptional genetics from our vendors. Numerous bulls from these herds have used at AI companies siring thousands of daughters in national herds. Catalogues/Profiles and AI Contracts available on Agonline. Contact PGGW Agents: Andrew Reyland – 027 223 7092 Chris Ryan – 027 243 1078

Payment/Delivery: Payment 14days from sale date, delivery

100 I/C FRSN/FRSN X HEIFERS

OKARE STATION ON FARM SALE

Morrinsville Saleyards Wednesday 1st May 2019 – 11am

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

A/c TD & Y Lennox, complete replacement line comprising of: 100 I/C Frsn/Frsn X Heifers Great looking complete replacement line of a large number, these don’t come on the market often.

PGG Wrightson will offer approx 6500 lambs made up of approximately • 4000 ram lambs • 2500 ewe lambs Grand opportunity to purchase one earmarked lines of well bred Wairere lambs of hill country reknown for their shifting ability.

Further enquires to: Brad Osborne – 027 2081015

For a full schedule of sales go to pggwrightson.co.nz/calfsales2019

Sheep

FARM MACHINERY & COMPLETE FRIESIAN HERD DISPERSAL SALE

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

UPCOMING WEANER CALF SALES

Cattle

Rebate commission paid to recognised outside companies by arrangement prior to sale day. Enquiries: Ian Rissetto – 0274 449 347 or 06 838 8604 Jamie Hayward – 0274 347 586

SUPPLEMENTARY BEEF WNR & DAIRY BEEF Tuesday 30th April 2019

11.15 Beef Hfrs 12.00 Bulls/Steers Frankton Saleyard Comprising 700 Wnrs: 150 Wnr Hfrs 150 Frsn Bulls 400 Beef Bulls/Steers

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM

Tony Blackwood – 027 243 1858

Follow instagram.com/pgwlivestock

DAIRY HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE NORTH ISLAND HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE

SOUTH ISLAND

The Dairy Livestock Clearing Sale Specialists

77 Frsn/Frsn X Incalf Heifers

Even Split 200 from 330 Frsn/Frsn X, Jsy InCalf Heifers

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

BW 64

PW 83

$1,350+GST

BW 74

•

RA100% Capital Stock, CRV Ambreed Heifers, farm has just sold. Tim Pickering – 0274 469 963 Agonline ref: 3813

230 Frsn Cows BW 40

PW 36

125 M/A Frsn, Jsy, X/Bred Cows PW 88

$1,650+GST

BW 69

•

$1,550

$1,650+GST

Agonline ref: 3773

Agonline ref: 3438

PW 86

$1,650

BW 127

•

PW 139

$1,790

•

Agonline ref: 3209

Agonline ref: 3782

Agonline ref: 3596

71 Frsn/Frsn X In Calf Hfrs $1,700+GST

•

BW 120

PW 110

Agonline ref: 3295

112-2yr Frsn, Xbred Rising 2nd Calver Cows

RA98% Calving 1st Aug, Jrsy bull capital line 1st June delivery. Brook Cushion – 027 243 1816

PW 124

RA99% Even Split 200 from 330 Frsn/Frsn X, small amount of Jerseys. Two Lines: BW 105 and 92, PW 116 and 117. Murray Bain – 027 433 8678

+GST

Calving 14th July, Ambreed herd 70% A2/A2. Matt Hughes – 027 405 2824

BW 88

•

222 Jrsy Cows +GST

RA91% Calving 10th July, 30yrs one owner, will computer split. Steve Taylor – 027 648 6711

23 XBred Cows

$1,600+GST

•

Calving 15th July, will computer split. Vaughn Larsen – 027 801 4599

BW 62

•

PW 106

RA96% 45 years Breeding and milked by Owner but it’s time to retire. Rex Playle – 027 594 6512

225 Frsn/Frsn X Cows +GST

260 Frsn/Frsn X Cows

$1,250+GST

22 Frsn/Frsn X In calf Hfrs •

BW 78

PW 86

PW 116

$2,000

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

•

RA100% Capital line of rising 2nd calvers, milked on diﬃcult low input farm, dams of these animals easily doing 500 milk solids. Roddy Bridson – 027 458 2775 Agonline ref: 3249

200 Friesian Cows (500+ Milk Solids)

$1,200+GST

•

Calving 19th July, X Bred content. Dean Evans – 027 243 1092

Calving 9th July, Jrsy bull capital stock. Matt Hughes – 027 405 2824

Calving 10th July, Jrsy bull surplus Hfrs. Shaan Featherstone – 027 666 1198

Agonline ref: 3431

Agonline ref: 3547

Agonline ref: 3786

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

BW 78

+GST

BW 35/43

PW 17/65

$1,850+GST

•

RA90% DNA recorded Friesian Cows doing the production, low cell count, BVD tested, viewing will impress. Mike Van der Linden – 027 609 9187 Agonline ref: 3761

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.45

5.35

NI lamb (17kg)

7.30

7.25

7.20

NI Stag (60kg)

9.00

11.00

NI Bull (300kg)

5.15

NI mutton (20kg)

5.05

4.85

SI Stag (60kg)

9.15

11.00

NI Cow (200kg)

3.90

4.00

SI lamb (17kg)

6.85

6.75

7.05

SI Steer (300kg)

5.05

5.30

SI mutton (20kg)

4.85

SI Bull (300kg)

4.90

4.80

5.00

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.40

3.45

3.80

UK CKT lamb leg

9.25

9.21

9.31

US imported 95CL bull

7.82

7.92

6.51

US domestic 90CL cow

7.33

7.17

6.77

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 8.5 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price 6.0

North Island lamb slaughter price

$/kg CW

5.0

Feb

Apr

5-yr ave

Jun

2017-18

Dairy

6.5

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Apr 2017-18

Jun

Aug 2018-19

2018-19

Last week

Prior week

Last year

2.96

2.95

3.02

Jan-19 Sept. 2020

320

Apr-18

Jun-18

Aug-18

Oct-18

Dec-18

Feb-19

Apr-19

440

3510

420

SMP

2530

2510

2475

400

AMF

6000

5950

Milk Price

6.48

6.50

6.48

$/tonne

3315

5310

* price as at close of business on Thursday

3500

3000 May

US$/t

$/tonne Jun Jul Latest price

Aug

Sep 4 weeks ago

Oct

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

16.46

16.53

10.42

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.09

4.29

3.38

Auckland International Airport Limited

8.005

8.4

7.065

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

15.99

16.12

12.3

Spark New Zealand Limited

3.67

4.18

3.54

Ryman Healthcare Limited

12.3

12.5

10.4

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

3.865

3.95

3.51

Contact Energy Limited

6.71

7.03

5.82

Fletcher Building Limited

5.26

5.34

4.57

Port of Tauranga Limited (NS)

5.96

4.9

Listed Agri Shares

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

16.460

16.530

10.420

Comvita Limited

4.200

5.420

4.080

Delegat Group Limited

10.600

9.400

4.300

4.850

4.170

2.000

1.470

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

1.050

0.750

360

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.880

2.940

2.100

340

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.550

0.580

0.470

320

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.920

7.060

6.350

Scales Corporation Limited

5.000

5.070

4.340

SeaDragon Limited

0.003

0.002

Seeka Limited

5.350

4.200

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

10.700

11.350

8.860

T&G Global Limited

2.680

2.810

2.600

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity

17434

15063

S&P/NZX 50 Index

10072

8732

S&P/NZX 10 Index

9829

8280

380

Jun-18

Aug-18

Oct-18

Dec-18

Feb-19

Apr-19

3400

3100

Company

1.850

350

3200

775

Foley Wines Limited

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3300

833

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

Apr-18

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

833

Top 10 by Market Cap

400

3275

5350

307

DAP

WMP

5625

523

321

4.60

vs 4 weeks ago

Butter

625

321

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

625

Mar-19

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

Urea

30 micron lamb

360

Last price*

Aug 2018-19

Last year

3.10

$/tonne

6.0

Nearby contract

Jun

Prior week

440

Nov-18

Apr 2017-18

Last week

480

6.5

NZ average (NZ$/t)

37 micron ewe

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

Sep-18 Sept. 2019

Feb

FERTILISER

Grain

Data provided by

Jul-18

Dec

Fertiliser Super

7.0

May-18

Oct

5-yr ave

Coarse xbred ind.

Aug

MILK PRICE FUTURES

5.5

8.5

6.5

WOOL

Dec

9.5

7.5

(NZ$/kg)

$/kg MS

$/kg CW

$/kg CW $/kg CW

10.5

7.5

4.5

Oct

South Island stag slaughter price

5.5

4.5

8.5

11.5

8.5

South Island steer slaughter price

9.5

6.5

South Island lamb slaughter price

6.0

10.5

6.5

4.5

Last year

North Island stag slaughter price

11.5

7.5

5.0

Last week Prior week

7.5

5.5 5.5

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

300 250 200

Apr-18

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Jun-18

Aug-18

Oct-18

Dec-18

Feb-19

Apr-19

17434

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

10072

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

9829

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019 NI SLAUGHTER BULL ( $/KG)

5.15

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

6.85

SI SLAUGHTER STEER ( $/KG)

5.05

MEDIUM EWE LAMBS AT STORTFORD LODGE ( $/HD)

109

Farmers beat foresters Confident sheep and beef farmers are paying top money and have outbid foresters for land on the North Island’s east coast. In the South Island apple harvesting is almost finished in the Nelson-Motueka area.

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NORTH ISLAND

LivestockEye

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

CALVES ON SHOW: A good-sized crowd attended the Coalgate high country calf and sheep sale last week. Photo: Nicolle Hughes

10 days to run. Fuji is due to come off but some might not be picked because the fruit is small and there’s not much of a market for it. Pink Lady is also being harvested. Some people are picking the last of their fruit for juice – they need 14 or 15 cents a kilogram to make it worthwhile. Rain and mild temperatures will have given grass growth a boost. Manawatu and Rangitikei are still very dry and just 10-25mm of rain has fallen in the past week. Lots of dairy farms have moved to once-a-day milking or have pulled the pin because of a lack of grass. If it rains now it’s almost too late to build up a decent feed wedge before winter. Sheep and beef farmers are very nervous. It is mild though – a jacket wasn’t needed at Anzac commemorations. Wairarapa’s had a bit of a green drought but after rain the grass is taking off. There are a lot of very tired farmers and very tired dairy cows. People are a bit fed up with the season and cows are being dried off. On drystock farms cows are being scanned and empty rates don’t look too bad. Quite a few sheep are showing signs of facial eczema – they have thick, inflamed, droopy ears, shake their heads and run in quick bursts. Exposure to sunlight makes them very uncomfortable. SOUTH ISLAND Across Cook Strait and apple harvesting is nearly finished in the Nelson-Motueka area. The late season Envy and Pink Lady varieties should all be picked in the next two weeks. Most of the gold kiwifruit crop’s done too. Green will start coming off next week. A week ago 25-75mm of rain halted fruit picking for a day. Sheep are being transported into vineyards in Marlborough now grape harvesting is done. There was some scattered rain last week but some inland

areas are dry and could do with a good dollop. Dairy farmers are looking at drying off their cows while on sheep farms the ram’s still out but will be coming in soon on lower lying properties. A farmer up the Grey Valley on the West Coast says facial eczema in some of his cows has affected his late-season milk production. He’s looking at moving down to once-a-day milking this week. Pasture levels are good for this time of the year but cows are also getting some silage. Conditions have been mild and dry. North Canterbury is dry. A farmer up the Pyramid Valley had only 8mm of rain in the gauge last week. He needs more than that to give the winter feed crops a boost. With the ram still out ewes are getting an extra meal of balage and barley to keep them on their toes and, with the schedule holding up, lambs are still being sent to the works. Frosty conditions eased off a bit last week in Central Otago after a scattering of rain. Earlier this month temperatures got down to a chilly minus 7C. Farmers are crutching ewes, the ram’s going out and the autumn calf sales have finished. Winter feed crops are doing well. Our contact says he’ll put stock onto his brassica crops in the first week of June. The end of the dairy season is about four weeks off and it can’t come soon enough for some Southland farmers. There are hold-ups at the works because of extra processing precautions being taken since the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak. Some people are finding it’s quicker to sell their cows at sales instead. A farmer at Gore says it’s still dry but after 25mm of rain last week and some heavy dews, grass growth is still doing okay. He’s spending extra money on supplements to ensure milk production stays up until the end of the season.

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

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

Livestock Outlook

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

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AITAIA, in Northland’s north, needs a good dose of rain. The five or six millimetres a week ago didn’t help much. Where there are wet spots in paddocks new grass is germinating well. Around Pukekohe it’s been quiet in market gardens because of the school holidays and the working week being interrupted by statutory holidays. Many staff have taken time off. It’s been warmer this week than last and Monday’s 15mm of rain has been enough for most crops. Most of Waikato had rain on Sunday and Monday last week. It was patchy though and another 100-150mm is needed because the subsoil is still very dry. Most herds have been dried off and dairy farmers are now focused on building up feed going into winter. On sheep farms ewe condition isn’t as good as it was this time last year when they went to the ram. Farmers will find out at scanning time in June whether it’s had an impact on conception rates. The schedule has lifted for both lamb and beef. In Bay of Plenty the harvest of green kiwifruit is picking up and gold continues. Zespri forecasts decent prices for both. Fruit is a bit smaller that last year because of the dry summer but the taste is superior. Dairy cows are sending less milk to the factories than last year but this time last year milk production was stunning. This year it’s just good. The King Country and Ruapehu have been dry, cold overnight and hot during the day with the odd frost. Any moisture has burnt off. Farmers are busy weaning calves, pregnancy testing cows and bunching up ewes for mating. There’s bit of controversy about whether the remaining 13km of gravel road on the Forgotten World Highway should be sealed. It has become a busy tourist route. Some people fear if it’s sealed without making any improvements, it’ll just speed up traffic on a narrow road. There’s no cellphone reception and some locals think they’ll end up dealing with accidents. But, if the road is upgraded and widened others say it will destroy the ambiance. Taranaki had a very wet day on Sunday last week and didn’t need it. Stratford received 100mm. The whole region has had well above its average April rainfall. There’s been snow on the mountain. However, most days last week were nice and fine. Grass growth is moderate to good. Nearly all herds are still milking. The East Coast was really wet last week – a bit of a niggle for people picking kiwifruit. It’s as warm-as so pasture covers should lift. There have been a couple of good farm sales recently and sheep and beef farmers have outbid foresters. There’s confidence in the drystock industry. One property went for $9 million, which equates to $1285 a stock unit. Seven years ago people in the Gisborne region were paying $700 a stock unit for land. Hawke’s Bay’s apple harvest has about

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Lambs quiet but calves in numbers A short week typically means a drop off in throughput at most yards around the country, and that rang true for store lambs, with only moderate volumes found in the pens. However, calf sales and weaner fairs are still taking place, and while these will continue to mid-May with Feilding waving the last flag on the calf-selling season, most yards will be completed by the end of next week. NORTHLAND Wellsford store cattle • Hereford-Friesian steers, 451kg, returned $1240, $2.75/kg • Nine mixed age Hereford cows, 360-419kg, traded at $730-$860, $2.03-$2.05/kg • Seven vetted-in-calf Hereford-Friesian cows, 455-580kg, managed $855-$1060, $1.83-$1.88/kg. • Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 163kg, earned $530, $3.25/kg Just a smattering of cattle was on offer at WELLSFORD last Tuesday after a long weekend. Only 56 cattle were penned in total and weaner heifers made up close to half the offering.

WAIKATO Frankton cattle Two consecutive short weeks meant it was a small offering at FRANKTON last Wednesday. R2 steers made up the majority, with 410-470kg HerefordFriesian improving to $2.64-$2.70/kg, while Herefordcross, 440-475kg, trading at $2.60-$2.70/kg, though lighter 370-380kg, could only muster $2.31-$2.37/kg. Nine 410kg Friesian-cross made a premium on their smaller counterparts at $2.04/kg. Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers sold to per head budgets with 155-185kg earning $605-$640, as did their sisters, 150165kg, at $450-$500. Boner cows held with Friesian and Friesian-cross, 560605kg, at $1.58-$1.73/kg.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Prime beef-Friesian steers, 541-587kg, held at $2.75-$2.81/kg • Boner dairy cows, 426-465kg, eased to $1.48-$1.49/kg • Two pens of weaner Hereford heifers, 202-235kg, sold for $530$588 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 116kg, made $515 • Medium store lambs sold for $81-$91 The cattle sale at RANGIURU last Tuesday was over within the hour, with volume low due to the short week. There was a range of quality within the pens, from wellpresented weaner Hereford heifers through to lesser quality R2 cattle, such as Hereford-Jersey steers, 325-330kg, which made just $1.97-$2.05/kg. Prime volume was also low, though featured a line of five South Devon cows, 766kg, which sold for $2.01/kg, though were bettered by good yielding Friesian & Friesian-cross, 622kg, at $2.17/kg.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle sale • R2 Hereford-Friesian and Murray Grey-Friesian, 410-470kg, made$2.65-$2.71/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 417-422kg, sold for $2.50-$2.57/kg • Dairy-beef weaner calves, 211-230kg, were bought for $680-$700 At last week’s TARANAKI cattle sale the lack of rain hindering pasture growth in some areas has kept cattle coming in but reduced the demand for buyers. R2 cattle were limited and steers sold on a steady to firmer market, with Hereford-cross making $2.49-$2.55/kg while heifers also lifted. Autumn-born one-year steers were good buying with all selling for $455-$520. Weaner calves were lighter which reflected in prices and lesser quality made $500$605.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sale • Medium to heavy lambs sold for $121-$141 • Medium wether lambs made $122 • Heavy ewe lambs were bought for $125

Last week’s MATAWHERO sheep sale had a tidy yarding of lambs that were bought by local buyers keen to secure lambs after recent rain. Male lambs held mostly steady with a large number of medium lambs which made $119$128, which was similar money for medium to heavy cryptorchids which sold for $126-$134. Ewe lambs sold well with mediums at $92-$110 and lighter weights making $82.50-$99. A number of five-year run-with-ram Romney ewes were on offer and these fetched $171.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • R2 Friesian-cross, 372-391kg, made $2.12-$2.15/kg • Good to heavy cryptorchid lambs firmed to $124-$130 • Medium wether lambs sold well at $109.50-$117.50 • Medium ewe lambs made $109-$110 Lambs from Wairoa and the Chatham Islands helped boost tallies at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, though they were still moderate at 2300 head. Rain in the local gauges and the small volume contributed to a firm market, with all classes showing improvement. Just one line of ewe lambs dropped below $100 in the bigger pens, with half of all pens making $120-$132, and the balance, $105$117. R2 bulls were the only cattle that ventured to the yards as a typical post-Easter sale played out, and the three pens sold to one vendor. Crossbred, 439kg, made $2.23/kg.

MANAWATU Feilding prime The short week meant next to nothing was on offer at the FEILDING prime sale. Almost all the cattle were found in only two pens of in-calf Friesian cows. From these 465kg were $1.54/kg and 575kg made $1.69/kg. The top-half of the prime lambs went for $156-$168, the

remainder usually $143-$149. Only 140 prime ewes were sold, not enough to see any trends. Sue Brothers weaner fair • Traditional weaner steers, 260-285kg, were $3.70-$3.83/kg • Traditional weaner steers, 245-250kg, made $3.62-$3.69/kg • Traditional weaner heifers, 230-290kg, went for $3.22-$3.30/kg The annual Sue Bros weaner fair offered up 840 calves in the FEILDING yards. As a whole the sale followed similar trends as past fairs; good interest in the better-quality, soft selling on the lighter cuts. Almost all weaners were AngusHereford. Steers made as much as $1100-$1190, $3.58$3.60/kg on some 305-330kg pens, whereas a 290kg line of heifers climbed to $960. On average steers made $3.75/kg, $935 at 250kg and heifers were $3.25/kg, $760 and 235kg. Feilding store • Traditional R2 steers, 385-410kg, made $3.02-$3.09/kg • Beef-Friesian R2 steers, 370-450kg, were $2.70-$2.75/kg • R2 Friesian bulls, 435-460kg, went for $2.54/kg • Good male lambs lifted to $127-$139 • Medium ewe lambs rose to $102-$113 Only 470 cattle came forward to the FEILDING store sale, with mixed quality dairy-cross cattle the majority. Some 500-565kg R3 exotic steers began the day by making $2.91$3.05/kg. All R2 heifers were 365-420kg, selling for $2.50$2.57/kg. Quite a few autumn-born cattle were available, with 360-415kg Hereford-Friesian steers at $2.82-$2.90/ kg, easing to $2.60/kg for 290kg heifers of the same breed. Two pens of 180-205kg weaner Hereford-Friesian steers did quite well at $3.45-$3.63/kg, $660-$710. A little less than 6000 store lambs weren’t enough to go around, lifting the average price $9/hd on similar weights to the week prior. The better ewe lambs were quite strong, up to $122.50-$130, with a single, small line of Suffolk ewe lambs taking the top price of $150, though they wouldn’t have looked out of place at the Monday prime sale. Medium-to-lighter male lambs were a talking point too, up at $119.50-$127. No ewes were sold. Rongotea sale • Two-year cross-bred steers, 500kg, sold for $1320 • Charolais-cross two-year heifers, 635kg, made $1705 • Shorthord weaner steers, 263kg, were bought for $745 • Friesian bull calves, sold for $250-$310 At last week’s RONGOTEA sale the short week meant there was a limited offering. Heavier cattle proved popular, while 410kg two-year Galloway bulls made $2.04/kg and lighter crossbred bulls traded at $1.65-$2.29/kg. Heifers sold well with Hereford-cross, 417-585kg making $1070$1570 while Belted Galloway, 345kg, were discounted at $500. Weaner Hereford-Friesian weaner bulls, 165kg, made $450 while Murray Grey-cross and Angus-cross sold for $590. Competition was good in the calf pens with bull calves in a range of $180-$415 while Speckle Park-cross and Anguscross heifers made $150-$290.

High-country steers the stars Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz WEANER steers sold very strongly at the annual Coalgate highcountry calf sale in Canterbury on Wednesday. A lot of calves sold for moe than $3.70/kg and up to just over $4 as buyers sought high-quality offerings from farm stations that have built excellent reputations. “It’s our best steer sale so far,” Hazlett Rural general manager Ed Marfell said. It was also one of the last sales of the weaner season in Canterbury and buyers decided they were better to pay up rather than risk missing out. “We’ve got these renowned stations, great reputations and repeat buyers keep coming back,” Marfell said. Prices have edged higher as the sale season has progressed though they are still below last year’s levels, by $100 to $150 a head, which were too much in sellers’ favour and cut into buyer margins. “Everyone has to get a return and

all are getting a bit this year and the breeders are still happy,” he said. Calves are also quite a bit lighter this year, affecting the per-head prices. Spring and early summer were cool and wet and the summer heat came later than usual. Glenthorne Station sold a pen of 26 lighter Angus steer calves at an average $4.10/kg and a range of other pens at between $3.66/kg and $3.88/kg. One happy vendor was Flockhill Station manager Richard Hill who averaged $3.72/kg for his Angus steer calves, up from $3.52 last year. Bottom-line prices were lower because the calves were typically 15kg to 18kg lighter because of the season. “We had snow in October and it was cold through November and December but they’ve done well since January and looked really good in their coats. “The people who wanted our steer calves really wanted them. I was very pleased with our prices.’’ Marfell said buyers came from the lower West Coast region to buy at Coalgate as well as buyers from

throughout Canterbury. “The sales have strengthened since the first sales at the end of March, helped by a bit more moisture in parts of Canterbury.” He reported very good confidence levels among both buyers and sellers for the year ahead for both sheep meat and beef prices. “On supply and demand the next couple years look good.” Just over 1000 steer calves and about 430 heifers were sold. They were a bit harder to sell than the steers, with signs a good number were struggling to add weight in the last 10 days or so in the high country. The heifers are predominantly sold for finishing rather than breeding. The big farms keep their best heifers as herd replacements or to build up numbers and those being sold are second-line stock. Prices ranged from less than $3/ kg to $3.54/kg for a pen of goodweighted Charolais heifers offered by Lees Valley farmers C and M Dalzell. They sold other pens at $3.07/kg to $3.48/kg after earlier selling Charolais steers at $4.13/kg to $3.55/kg.

SALE YARD WRAP

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019

Studs join in for bull walk Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

BULL buyers are being promised value, variety and volume at next week’s King Country Big Bull Walk. “That’s our tagline. We’re a big area and we’re telling buyers from outside King Country that if they come to our sales they will find something that suits them,” co-ordinator Tracey Neal said. The walk is a series of open days on stud farms on May 6, 7 and 9 ahead of the on-farm sales in the last week of May. Neal reports good interest. About 500 rising twoyear bulls will be shown at18 studs taking part and about 330 of them will be offered at the onfarm sales held by 13 of the studs. The other studs will sell their bulls in the paddock or through sale yards. Seven breeds including Angus at nine studs, Hereford at three studs, Charolais at three studs and Simmental, Speckle Park, Shorthorn and South Devon will be

shown. A couple of the studs are showing more than one breed. There’s a big area involved from Te Awamutu down through Otorohanga and Te Kuiti to Taumarunui, and across to Oparau, Pio Pio, Mahoenui and Aria in the west. Tracey and Andrew Neal are staging the first open day at their Potawa Simmental Stud at Pio Pio on May 6, with six studs showing that day, seven on May 7 and five on May 9. The Neals will have 22 Simmentals and three Speckle Park bulls on show. The walk began a few years ago as a northern King Country event by stud stock agents Brent Bougen from NZ Farmers Livestock and Cam Heggie from PGG Wrightson. Neal said it has now been extended as an excellent way to have the various breeders, buyers and agents working together. Some breeders will also have sire bulls, weaner calves and stud cows on display.

medium to good mixed sex, $110-$115. Heavy mixed sex made $120-$125. In contrast prime volume was low, though lambs were in good order and most traded at $121-$159. Ewes were variable and prices ranged from $80 up to $184, with most trading at $100-$145. Boner cows were resilient, with prices only easing slightly despite two short kill weeks and around 240 yarded. Top cuts, 535-680kg, eased to $1.43/kg, while Friesian heifers, 396kg, firmed to $1.96-$2.00/kg. Most of the prime cattle were found in the heifer pens, where Angus & Angus-Hereford, 468-506kg, earned $2.38$2.46/kg. Dairy and traditional bulls with good weight traded at $2.28-$2.32/kg, with Angus making a premium. RARE: There were more cattle than sheep at the Coalgate yards last week.

CANTERBURY Coalgate high country calf and sheep sale • Traditional steers, 240-275kg, were $3.75-$3.92/kg • Traditional steers, 170-215kg, made $3.46-$3.67/kg • Exotic heifers, 225-245kg, lifted to $3.28-$3.54/kg • Traditional heifers, 160-220kg, claimed $2.89-$3.11/kg • Good store lambs remained steady at $104-$120 It was a rare situation where there were more cattle than sheep at the COALGATE yards. A good-sized crowd arrived for the 1570 calves, all mainly selling to levels set at recent auctions. Top-cuts of steers made a per kilo premium on the rest, while mid-and-lighter pens often varied depending on the vendor and breed. Only a hundred Charolais-cross steers calves were sold, with 210-255kg consistently $3.54-$3.78/ kg. Exotic and heavy traditional heifers were in demand. The 225-245kg exotics were especially strong at $3.28$3.54/kg, $760-$870, while the few 225-255kg traditional made $3.11-$3.26/kg, $730-$810. All other heifers were mainly $2.85-$3.15/kg. The better the store lambs were steady, with a clear premium on shorn lines. Very little sold outside the $104$120 range. Prime ewes and lambs were scarce, mainly selling to a steady market. Canterbury Park sale

Photo: Nicolle Hughes

• Medium lambs, softened to $90 • Prime steers, 465-550kg, made $2.56-$2.58/kg • Prime Hereford-cross heifers, 483kg, sold for $2.54/kg At last week’s CANTERBURY PARK sale numbers were very small with just 13 head of cattle and few sheep to speak of. Prime steers were mostly Hereford, 465-510kg, which sold for $2.56-$2.58/kg. Heifers varied as Herefordcross, 484kg, strengthened to $2.53/ kg, while Hereford, 715kg, made $2.38/kg and 365kg, $2.04/kg for 365kg. This was similar money to a single 440kg Friesian-cross bull. Lamb numbers were also very low, and no market indicators could be taken. Light mixed sex made just $27, while ewe lambs, 28kg, softened to $80- $83, $2.79-$2.88/kg

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka prime and boner cows; all sheep • Medium to good cryptorchid lambs made $114-$119 • Similar ewe lambs sold for $108-$113 • Prime Simmental-cross heifers, 552-577kg, sold for $2.50/kg • Boner Friesian cows, 485-535kg, eased 2c/kg to $1.40/kg • Boner Friesian cows, 440-480kg, eased 7c/kg to $1.37/kg A consignment of 3400 Romdale lambs boosted volume at TEMUKA last Tuesday, making for a busy day in the sheep pens. They helped push the total store lambs to 4800, and the market was firm to lifting. Only one main line fell below $100, with medium ewe lambs at $104-$106, and

Temuka calf sale – Geraldine section • Angus weaner steers, 275-300kg, earnt $1015-$1080. • Murray Grey weaner steers, 332kg, reached $1070. • Charolais-Hereford weaner heifers, 310kg, sold for $890 The GERALDINE section calf sale was held at Temuka last week. Buyers came from Southland to North Canterbury and prices were on par with the previous week’s sale although down on last year. Most of the steers were straight Angus and 200-267kg were mainly split into two price ranges - with the better quality making $895-975 and the lesser quality at $730-870. Angus-Hereford, 216-254kg, were bought for $835-965, while 159-216kg were $610-$790. The majority of the heifers were straight Angus and AngusHereford and better types above 210kg made $700-850, while the rest were bought for mostly $465-700. Hereford bulls sold well with the top end earning $930-1250.

OTAGO Balclutha sale • Heavy prime lambs, made $140-$150 • Heavy store lambs, sold for $105-$112 A reasonable yarding of prime lambs were on offer at BALCLUTHA and light lambs made $105-$115 while mediums fetched $120-$130. Prime ewes also sold well with the higher quality making $130-$150 and lesser quality at $100-$140. Store lambs were also sold with good competition thanks to a few new buyers to the market and medium lambs made $90-$100 while lights were still good buying at $60-$80.

Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 29, 2019 NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER BULL

NI SLAUGHTER STEER

($/KG)

TRADITIONAL STEERS AT TEMUKA CALF SALE - GERALDINE SECTION

($/KG)

($/HD)

4.90

7.30

5.45

810

high $3.75-$3.92/kg $127-$139 Good male store lambs steer calves, lights Angus 240-275kg, at Coalgate at Feilding High Country Calf Sale

Ewe prices heading up Annette Scott

annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

HE lowest mutton kill in eight years has livestock representatives predicting soaring in-lamb ewe prices come winter. The AgriHQ Livestock Insight reports the season-to-date mutton kill is the lowest since 2011-12, a signal to the industry that supply versus demand will dictate breeding ewe prices again this season. Latest slaughter statistics show the mutton kill is 19.5% behind last year. The North Island kill is down 9% on last year and 17% on the five-year average while the South Island is down 29% from last year and 21% on the fiveyear average. Data shows the mutton kill this season is not totally out of proportion with the estimated number of ewes. In the data available to date about 14% of the estimated number of breeding ewes have been culled. The key driver of this lower kill rate is the lower number of breeding ewes on hand. Beef + Lamb NZ estimates indicate the number of breeding ewes has dropped by almost 800,000 head in the past two seasons. Manawatu PGG Wrightson livestock agent Maurice Stewart said high prices paid for breeding ewes early in the season, coupled with drought conditions had motivated farmers to send ewes away to the works early. “A lot of ewes have gone to the works because of the drought conditions here and the good money being paid for ewes

OUTLOOK: Geoff Wright, left, expects buoyant breeding ewe prices to hold up for some time yet. Photo: Annette Scott

early in the year so I think the scanning rate will be back.” Stewart also predicted a greater number of dry ewes because of the drought, suggesting winter in-lamb ewe prices will soar to align with supply versus demand. “Lesser numbers will push prices up at in-lamb ewe fairs following scanning. “I expect, given the low number of ewes around together with the good mutton schedule and lamb schedules looking to hold up, that it will take $200 plus to buy a good in-lamb ewe come June.” Hazlett Canterbury livestock agent Geoff Wright said “I wouldn’t think you will buy good breeding ewes for anything less than $200. “That’s if we even get them to sell. “I only know of small numbers likely

to come forward for the June-July ewe fairs down here.” Fewer farmers want to lamb ewes. “Young people are not wanting to lamb ewes these days so that’s also a factor in the number of breeding ewes around. “Pricing has got to a situation of supply and demand and I can’t see that changing anytime soon,” Wright said. AgriHQ senior livestock analyst Suz Bremner is a little more conservative. “There are very few surplus ewes and despite the mutton and lamb schedules underpinning the potential, I don’t think it will see any records broken.” Looking back to 2011 when the winter in-lamb ewe fair prices hit tops of $220, Bremner expects the exceptionally high prices paid for breeding ewes at the start of the year to hold prices about equal to the $200-$220 of 2011. “Vendors will be rewarded,” she said.

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Calf sales go on despite short week A COMBINATION of Easter, Anzac Day and school holidays made for a few mucky weeks on the sales calendar. With just three days to hold sales last week they were busy ones as some sales shift days, though they tend to be a bit of a non-event as do many of the sales held on normal days. At yards such as Coalgate, Temuka and Feilding, calf sales and weaner fairs are still being tidied up with all holding them last Wednesday. That meant both Temuka and Feilding held sales every working day last week and numbers were certainly not low with 840 calves at Feilding and 1700 at Temuka. With just two weeks left to buy from big volumes of calves, buyers slipped out of holiday mode and made their presence known. Coalgate had close to 1600 high-country calves. Two-thirds of the traditional and exotic offering represented just five properties and there was no noted discount for these laterborn calves from those offered earlier in the season. Temuka followed a similar trend and any concerns a clash of date would influence the markets were quickly put to rest. Temuka posted steady results and concluded its calf selling season with a single vendor sale on Friday. The quality offered at the Sue Bros fair at Feilding had a big buying bench ensuring prices were good. The end of the calf sales and weaner fairs in May will herald the start of the wind-down to winter with most yards having smaller lines of both cattle and sheep. Breeding stock also take more of a focus with in-calf and in-lamb fairs the next big events. The likes of Feilding will continue to put through big volumes of lambs and outside of the yards those in the market for breeding bulls have plenty of bull walks to attend. Find out more about AgriHQ at agrihq.co.nz

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