Farmers Weekly NZ March 30 2020 by AgriHQ

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Vol 19 No 12, March 30, 2020

Covid rules strangle farmers

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Keep calm, carry on Colin Williscroft

colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz

HE Government is well aware of farming’s importance and is doing everything it can to ensure the primary sector continues to operate as close to normal as possible, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says. “Farming has been the backbone of New Zealand and that will that continue long into the future,” O’Connor says. Cabinet understands the role farming plays in the economy, along with the need to maintain farming systems subject to seasonal and biological cycles, including the lifecycle of animals and grass growth, restrictions other businesses around the country are not subject to. “We need agriculture and food production. “They are essential services, not just to feed NZ but also to supply the rest of the world.” He is aware it has recently been a tough time for many farmers dealing with events like drought and flooding while some have been under pressure from banks and dealing with covid-19 has made life even harder. “But to have the opportunity to continue to do business is a privilege many other businesses do not have. “While continuing food supply is important the most crucial thing facing us right now is to stop the spread of the virus, which could decimate communities and

the economy if it is not brought under control.” Everyone involved in food production, including meat processing plants, has an obligation to keep their staff safe and he is sure proper mitigation measures are being put in place.

We need agriculture and food production. Damien O’Connor Agriculture Minister Some freezing works briefly suspended operations as they worked through ways to reconfigure chains to meet staff spacing requirements but O’Connor is confident the companies are innovative enough to get back operating quickly though there could be effects on volume processed as they keep staff safe. He was unaware of petitions circulating on social media calling on meat companies to suspend operations for two to three weeks to ensure workers’ safety, which could paint farmers as villains wanting to put meat workers at risk, potentially putting more pressure on farmers and creating a significant mental health issue among many already struggling to deal with the situation. Anyone pointing the finger at others at this time is disappointing, O’Connor says. “We all need to work together if

DELIVERING: Jo Campbell says rural communities are showing huge support and respect for the ongoing NZ Rural Post service during the Covid-19 lockdown. Photo: Annette Scott

we’re going to beat this.” Times are particularly tough for farmers dealing with drought, such as in Hawke’s Bay, where there is not enough feed in the North Island, let alone the region itself, to feed stock on farms where there is none, especially with sale yards closed and space limited at freezing works. O’Connor hopes farmers will work together to ensure stock are fed and works are supplied in an orderly and organised manner.

The temporary closure of sale yards does not mean stock cannot be bought and sold and there needs to be a greater understanding about how online sales platforms work. Though there have been some initial problems at ports O’Connor says the smooth movement of agricultural and horticultural produce to overseas markets must continue and everything is being done to ensure that happens. Dealing with covid-19, the

shutdown of many parts of the economy and working through details of what are and are not essential businesses is an ongoing challenge for everyone from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to every part of the community. It’s unknown territory and mistakes will be made but the Government is doing its best to make sure every decision taken is in the country’s best interest. “We have to err on the side of caution,” he said.

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22 Facing her fears and challenges

Waikato dairy farmer and Dairy Women’s Network regional leader Chelsea Smith is not afraid to take on new challenges that not only test her both mentally and physically but help in her leadership role.

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40 Agri markets trade on

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NZX capital markets used by farmers have been active through the covid-19 uncertainties and the early days of nationwide lock-down.

Editorial �� 18 Pulpit �� 19 Opinion �� 20 Real Estate �� 25-32 Employment �� 33 Classifieds �� 33-34 Livestock �� 35 Weather �� 37

8 Rules, gouging strangle

12 Rural businesses band

Establishing protocols for self-isolation and staying safe from covid-19 for Woodville farmer Ben Allomes and his staff is pretty simple.

Rural businesses Farmlands, PGG Wrightson and FarmSource have pledged to work together during the covid-19 response.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Keep on keeping on Photos: Annette Scott JEREMY MCLAUGHLIN – dairy worker on Letham Farms Ashburton, pictured at Ruralco getting some essential foot bath chemical for the calves. “It’s all been a positive approach to how we work and keep safe. Staff have been kept well informed and prepared. We have staff meetings, we all know what we have to do and what is expected. “We have been designated a vehicle each so it’s one person one vehicle, we each have our own designated lunch space area, our own wash basin, soap and paper towels. “We are keeping our distance and getting on with our business so really there’s no issue there.”

GAVIN BRIGGS – Rainer Irrigation Canterbury where just six of 75 staff are working over the lock-down. “We have shut down pretty much just providing essential services for stock water, house water, effluent and keeping machinery going. “We haven’t put anyone off. That’s the last bloody thing we want to do. “We’ll need these skilled staff when we get through this. “Everyone has to stomach this pain, ride it out and get on with the new norm.”

ANDREW BROWN – working on getting the spuds out of the ground. “It will be inconvenient but it won’t be the end of the world. “I’ll keep digging the spuds and ride it out.”

Many rural businesses are carrying on Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz BEING there for farmers is what Ruralco is about, chief executive Rob Sharkie says. “And that means through all times where at all possible, the good and the not so good. “It’s about looking after our backyarders. That’s what we are set up to do.” On the first day of the level three covid-19 Ruralco had 900 people through the doors. “Nine hundred customers in one day is very busy but it wasn’t panic buying, it was the uncertainty. “The $100,000 crop of carrots still has to be harvested, the cows will still calve in July and crops still have to go in the ground. “No one knew for sure who was going to be open as an essential

service and so farmers had to look at what they would need to do in the lock-down period and get the necessary requirements. “I expected we would be but I couldn’t give assurance until we knew for sure. “Now confirmed an essential service we want to stay open and support our members’ farming businesses. “We are working very hard to ensure everyone can get what they need. If we all work together, the members stay kind to us and treat us with respect as we adapt to these changing times we will stay open right through the lock-down period,” Sharkie said. As covid-19 level four kicked in Ashburton-based Ruralco’s backend staff moved to work from home, on-farm visits by account managers and sale representatives came to a standstill but a handful

of customer service staff were on hand and farmers were lining up for all manner of essential products. It was two customers in the store at a time, a guard on the door and a patient and understanding queue of farmers. Online and phone orders are also available with pick-up and farm delivery options. “It seems to be working pretty well,” Sharkie said. “It’s well signed and set up to meet the safety of our staff and our customers. “They come in the door no more than two at a time, they tell our staff behind the bungy what they want, the staff member shops for them, it’s self-collection, they take it to their vehicle themselves, the trolley is disinfected on its return. “It’s all going to plan at this

stage and we are open to tweaking things as we get into it.” Fertiliser, seed and bulk fuel sales will continue. “Our fuel suppliers are confident of continuity of their supply. At this stage there is no shortage of supply in New Zealand. “We’ve had assurance from our suppliers that they have resources in place to meet all on-farm deliveries,” Sharkie said. Rural Post is an essential service and rural delivery driver Jo Campbell said the week has been hectic. “The workload is like the leadup to Christmas.” Campbell has her own plan to keep safe. “I treat it like I’ve got the virus and everyone has to stay away from me.” Rural communities are showing

great respect and gratitude for the service. “It’s quite amazing. There’s huge support and respect. “We’ve no idea when it is likely to end so we take each day as it comes.” Deemed an essential service is Cochranes on farm delivery and with Farm Source and Farmlands his two major clients, John Campbell is experiencing a heavy than usual workload. “Farmlands and FarmSource are doing online and phone orders and still offering on-farm delivery but with their reps off the road all the deliveries are coming my way so it’s been quite busy, there’s been a bit of stocking up this past couple of days. “It’s a whole unknown for everyone so I’m keeping an open mind with a wait and see approach.”

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Feed supplies tight over country Staff reporters FEED levels remain tight across the North Island as farmers continue to use their winter reserves because of the drought. Supplementary feed can still be bought in many areas. Widespread rain over the last week did little to ease the pressure. In Waikato showers remained localised with some northern districts getting as much as 50mm and others only 10-15mm, the region’s Federated Farmers president Andrew McGiven said. “It’s been very patchy and nothing much has changed. Even if we get good rain it’s still three weeks before we start growing anything.” On farm feed supplies are running low in some areas but some maize crops are yet to be harvested and farmers should be able to get supplementary feed if they are running low, he said. “I think supply is all right but most guys with their on-farm feed sources are probably getting very low at the moment.” The group’s Waikato arable chairman John Hodge said maize harvest yields are back 10-25% for silage because of the lack of rain in January and February. Wrapped grass silage is selling for $80-$120 a tonne. Waikato maize grower and exFAR field officer Mike Parker said yields in central Waikato are down considerably this summer. “We are talking yields of about 18t a hectare compared to 2021t and they are quite variable, depending on where rain has fallen.” Peat country has delivered better yields but in many areas no rain over the key growing period means crops have not developed to their full potential. It is fortunate last spring delivered such good grass surpluses, with good silage supply. However, many farmers have

I think supply is all right but most guys with their on-farm feed sources are probably getting very low at the moment. Andrew McGiven Federated Farmers

GOOD HARVEST: Bill Webb of Bill Webb Feed Solutions near Te Puke said crops on lower, wetter country performed better this year than last season.

used those supplies and the next few weeks will swing on whether grass growth can pick up before cooler temperatures predominate. Maize silage supply has shaped up better than might have been expected in Bay of Plenty, despite one of the driest summers on record stifling production. Bill Webb of Bill Webb Feed Solutions near Te Puke said crops on lower, wetter country performed better this year than last season when heavy rain washed out many crops on the same land. “But on the higher, drier country the yields have proved to be quite variable. Average block yields would still be 22t/ha but there are some on that lower country that would be up to 26t.” He is confident there is a good supply of maize for silage across

the region and he has supplied all farmers’s orders. “We have been able to send a memo out to farmers saying we are in a position to provide more if required.” However, supplies of quality baled grass silage are starting to get low after a good spring surplus. “We have sold the last of our square hay bales and are just about out of baled silage. Transport costs are a big part of the cost now too.” To truck 42 big bales to Manawatu costs about $2000 a unit and the economics of doing so have to be carefully compared to other options like drying off cows or quitting stock. The rain largely missed Hawke’s Bay. Maize grain has yet to be harvested and yields are expected

to be well back. There is a small amount of maize silage available after the crop was bypassed for sweetcorn because it did make the specified grade, the federation’s Hawke’s Bay president Jim Galloway said. He knows of some sheep farmers who are feeding their tupping ewes South Island grain but it takes time to safely transition stock onto that type of feed. “People are doing what they can but it’s pretty tight,” he said. The window of opportunity for farmers near the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges to recover is also rapidly closing because the area usually has an early winter, he said. The federation’s arable vicechairman Dion Fleming said there is still maize grain available from

Manawatu and Gisborne and barley from the South Island. “In what is normally a slower time of year for our silo complex/ feed mill we have seen a large number of dry stock farmers turning to maize as a solution to help fill their feed gap.” In Northland livestock farmers remain very short of feed, having fed out most of their spring and summer crops in advance of winter, Rural Support Trust coordinator Julie Jonker said. Northland Federated Farmers and other agencies continue to press for Government-backed feed shipments from the South Island but without result so far. “We have a definite and ongoing feed shortage that will persist for months. “On the brighter side, farmers are used to self-isolation and having food stores at home.” Planned RST community events have been postponed and advice is given only by phone or computer now that face-to-face meetings have been prohibited. A virtual support network on the internet is being built and rural assistance payments are being made, she said. J Swap spokesman Ken Leatham said palm kernel prices have rebounded, particularly in Malaysia where it has ceased all operations across the country. Its prices are $375 a tonne spot, $345/t for a three-month contract and $342 for a six-month contract.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

What to do, who to call The Farmers Weekly team has pulled together this information sheet that has the information you need to help keep things ticking over for the next four weeks. Subscribe to our daily digest at farmersweekly.co.nz to get updated information each afternoon. Essential services in the primary industries THE types of primary sector businesses regarded as essential services and permitted to operate during the next four weeks include but are not limited to: • Livestock and primary produce transporters • Veterinary service providers • Feed/Fodder transporters • Feed and supplement manufacturers, processors, suppliers and stores • Manufacturers and distributors of animal medicines • Pet shops and services • Animal control • Workers caring for animals in containment • Rural contractors providing services that cannot be deferred over the next four weeks, especially for animal welfare purposes (artificial insemination technicians; stock agents managing and directing stock movements; winter re-grassing for feed; fertiliser supply and application; shearing where necessary for animal welfare) • Fertiliser manufacture and distribution Key contacts: • Go to mpi.govt.nz to register as an essential primary sector business • Go to covid19.govt.nz for everything you need to know about the response • If you have a query about essential services you can put you questions directly on: p: 0508 377388 (toll free) e: essential@mbie.govt.nz

DAIRYNZ says medical experts believe covid-19 stays on surfaces for two hours and is transferred via droplets. That means being extra vigilant with the hygiene of shared work surfaces and maintaining a twometre distance from others to minimise its spread over the next four weeks. Dairy farmers usually work closely together on milking platforms and changes will need to be made with how milking is done. • In herringbone and rotary sheds milk with one person in the pit where possible. • In a herringbone when two or more people are required to milk set up the dairy with a set section for each milker. For example, in a 40-aside one person milks cups 1-20, the other 21-40 and milkers keep two metres apart. • In a rotary shed some larger rotaries require two people for cups on and if that needs to be maintained then the milkers must always stand two metres apart. Where rotaries have two people present for herd change-overs or one person at cups off then it is essential staff always keep two metres apart. • Wearing gloves during milking should be compulsory. Ensure gloves are removed once people are leaving the dairy to go home or to other areas of the farm. • After gloves are removed, wash

hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. • If two metre physical distance cannot be achieved during milking then staff must wear masks. Staff communication • Tell staff about the importance of hygiene when touching surfaces and maintain a gloveson rule. • Reiterate to staff about the need to refrain from touching their faces and ensure thorough hand washing happens after gloves have been removed. • Coughing must be directed somewhere safe. If directed towards another person or surface, grab the soap/ disinfectant and get cleaning. • Consider allocating ownership of kitchen items or get staff to bring their own utensils. • Ensure all staff adhere to the home isolation rules and are not socialising with other isolated team members or anyone else. Rostering tips • Try to minimise how many staff are in contact with one another when planning the roster. • If possible have the same groups of staff working in shifts together over the four weeks to reduce the social contact points. • If the staff size does not allow for that, consider ways of splitting tasks or stagger staff breaks to minimise contact.

MAKE RULES: Chris Lewis has established a set of on farm rules he and his staff will stick to, to prevent the spread of covid-19.

Farmers must play their part FEDERATED Farmers dairy chairman Chris Lewis has this advice for farmers working through the covid-19 lockdown. • Those working on the land must do their bit on the farm and off for New Zealand to beat covid-19. • On my own farm we have made a set of rules everyone must abide by. My staff are on a 6/2 roster so that leaves me with fewer staff operating daily. • Sickness is just that. If you are not well you stay home, no soldiering on for anyone. Wash all clothing every night and a clean set on every day. No sharing drink bottles, cups or eating lunch together. Sanitiser and antibacterial soap are provided by the farm for everyone for hand washing before meals, smoking or drinking. • All farm briefings and meetings are now by phone, such as the viber messaging

Federation gives guidance for farm visitors FEDERATED Farmers says farmers should supply all employees and contractors such as sharemilkers, contract milkers and other independent contractors working for them with a letter for them to carry with them when travelling to and from the farm. They need to also ensure they have their driver’s licence on them. That will minimise disruption to their travel if stopped by the police. People should attend only for essential work. Visit fedfarm.org.nz for a template

app or video message. Socialising is a remote activity, if you want to catch up with someone, message, text or give them a call. • Do this for contractors. If there is an issue, photograph or video the issue and send it to them electronically. We’ve done this for many years as I live many miles away from town and don’t like paying extra mileage rate or hours billed going multiple times to town and back to get the right parts. The service team love it too, they get to see the problem first on their phone and can grab what they need before heading to us. The tractor mechanic said to me on the way out to a job the other day that he was already thinking about how o fix it after watching the video and by the time he got here he had a plan in his head. • For essential services coming

Fert companies remain open THE country’s two biggest fertiliser co-operatives, Ballance Agri-nutrients and Ravensdown are open. Fertiliser is an essential service for farmers. After widespread rain across large parts of the country many farmers are anxious to get fertiliser on the ground to ensure autumn pasture growth. Ballance chief executive Mark Wynne said the co-op is taking every precaution to keep members, families and communities safe and healthy while helping keep the agricultural sector running. “We are and have been following a very strict set of protocols. Operating when the rest of the country is being shut down is a privilege and comes with huge responsibility. If we breach any of the strict Government protocols we will have the privilege withdrawn.”

onto the farm all staff are instructed to keep their distance. Wave to the tanker drivers and leave them to it. Farm supplies can be delivered, the driver goes and we pick up the items afterwards. Remember to text or email people ahead of time if you need parts and use your gloves to pick up delivered goods. • Vehicles: No sharing vehicles, one vehicle one person. Everyone is allocated their own motorbike and gloves are an essential in the tractor where a different person might operate it. Wear gloves when fueling up, don’t leave rubbish or drink bottles in vehicles. • The dairy shed: Wash hands, put gloves on, keep aprons washed. Maintain isolation distances at all times; wait and let someone past and organise jobs so you are not standing near each other.

IRD advice for businesses INLAND Revenue says businesses unable to pay taxes on time because of covid-19 don’t need to contact it right now. Get in touch when you can and it will write off any penalties and interest. IRD says it will help if businesses continue to file because the information is used to make correct payments to people and to help the Government continue responding to what is happening in the economy.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has advice for those working in the primary sectors here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-andresponse/responding/alerts/coronavirus/ General information on the Government’s response can be found at covid19.govt.nz The Rural Support Trust has information for farming communities here: http://www.rural-support.org.nz/Currentevents

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Rules, gouging strangle farmers Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz ESTABLISHING protocols for selfisolation and staying safe from covid-19 for Woodville farmer Ben Allomes and his staff is pretty simple. What isn’t so straightforward are the wider effects the pandemic is having as he struggles to get farm supplies on his drought-stricken dairy farm near Woodville. The former DairyNZ board member believes the wider primary industry has not yet grasped the implications and magnitude of what could happen in the next four weeks. “Stock sales are cancelled, autumn weaner fairs aren’t going ahead, no one is buying animals, no one has water in their dams, I can’t get a digger in to dig a hole to bury the animals I may have to shoot. This is where it is at the moment.” While he doesn’t want to create panic he believes this is now a potential reality because the covid-19 rules have exacerbated an already stressful situation. “We have to get up every day and do a job that’s actually pretty important. We have the responsibility of hundreds of animals in our care and in our area and in a lot of other areas there’s still a major drought.” Over 48 hours Allomes had a fertiliser delivery postponed and a trucker pull out of picking up his cull cows. He has also seen palm kernel prices and the transport costs for delivering it shoot up as he desperately tries to get feed for his stock. Other feeds such as balage are difficult to find and he believes some sellers are now price gouging. “We’re getting gouged to buggery at the moment for stock

TOUGH TIMES: Ben Allomes says the wider effects of covid-19 are another layer of stress for him as he farms through the drought.

No matter what happens we have still got to get on and do our job. If I get sick I still have to make sure my cows are all right. Ben Allomes Farmer feed – if I can find it. Last week it was about getting it for a fair price now it’s about can I get anything on-farm if there is anything left.

“Staffing was one thing but it’s all of these other stresses that are going up in a business that can’t be stopped.” The transport issues mean Allomes cannot rely on that feed coming for his cows, which is critical because he has a 200-tonne gap in his feed budget between now and August. “If it’s two days late that’s quite monumental.” Such a delay has a big impact on how farmers run their businesses. “Right now I have no ability to understand what it’s going to be like doing business in the next month and that’s terrible because it’s not an engineering shop where

I have to wait a couple of days for a part. “I’ve got 1250 cows here who have been sent home from grazing over the past month because of the drought who I have to feed every single day with a team who are freaking out because they might get coronavirus.” Farmers don’t have the luxury of being able to close down their businesses, he said. “No matter what happens we have still got to get on and do our job. If I get sick I still have to make sure my cows are all right.” He is comfortable he can keep himself and staff safe from the virus thanks to a large supply of

sanitary wipes and other products used for when his milking herd dries off. He hopes farmers have had that conversation with staff asking them if they will stay and help run the farm or return to their families during the next four weeks while the country is in lockdown. Ensuring his eight staff maintain a safe distance while they work is the least of his worries on his dairy farm. “If keeping distances and wiping down steering wheels and maintaining adequate hygiene was my biggest worry this would be a walk in the park.”

Farmers: Don’t abuse privilege Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz FARMERS are fortunate to be allowed to work and must realise that’s a huge privilege, Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president David Clark says. “We are able to operate our farms to produce food but if we take exemptions for granted and flout them and the disease escalates, we will lose them. “As farmers, while we are an essential service, we are not superheroes that wear red capes and we are not immune to this bug so we need to be very careful. “We are living in unpredictable and unprecedented times. “Three months back to most of us corona was an imported beer or a Toyota from the 80s. Now it’s the reason for lockdowns of millions globally, the cause of travel and tourism chaos, financial carnage and

seemingly a run on bog rolls. “Seriously, I doubt we have ever seen worldwide panic like this, contrived or real. “This is not over-reaction. It is something we need to be really concerned about and something that as farmers we play a very important role in.” Self-isolating in his combine harvester cab, Clark spent day one of the lock-down harvesting a hemp crop. With a significant amount of crop yet to harvest he’s grateful he’s classified an essential service so he can get on with his job of feeding people, not just this year but next and many more to come. “We’ve got this hemp to do, carrots and they are destined for seed to Europe for next year’s food production. There’s also potatoes to be harvested off here. “We are mindful, too, that we have to replant crops for next year’s food so wheat crops need to go in the ground for next year.

“We have winter stock coming onto the farm and the rams are about to go out in the breeding ewe flock. “It’s a very, very busy time in the farming calendar. “We are very mindful of the protocols of our exemption to operate our business and we are being very cautious as we go about all this.” Clark’s lock-down bubble is his family and his staff and their families, who live on the farm. All precautions are being taken to ensure nobody’s health is compromised with all work being done with utmost safety. “We all have plenty of space to keep our distance.” Amid it all Clark is mindful of the distraction. “Somehow we have to shut out the noise and chaos and focus on getting stuff done. “Its very easy to get consumed but we are all tasked with looking after each other and carefully getting on with it.”

LUCKY: Farmers are privileged to be able to work their farms under the covid-19 lockdown and must respect that, Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury president David Clark says.

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Docs want rural travel stopped Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz RURAL medical professionals aligned to Otago University want travel to rural areas restricted to protect residents from covid-19. “It is now time for the Government to implement travel restrictions of non-essential travel to rural, remote areas as this will maximise the one protection rural communities might have – their isolation,” Rural GP Network chairwoman Dr Fiona Bolden said. She wants more consideration for rural areas, where already stretched medical services could be overwhelmed by people going to their holiday homes. Bolden says rural practices do not have the resources of those in urban centres and the practice workforce is generally older and potentially more susceptible to the virus.

Associate Professor Garry Nixon from Otago University’s rural health section said in a joint statement with six rural GPs that rural towns are home to many of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

We do not currently have capacity to manage our own populations. Dr Fiona Bolden Rural GP Network They fear rural health services will be overlooked as health and clinical leaders focus on base hospitals and their immediate patients. “Geographic equity will be

important in the coming weeks and months.” Nixon says rural medical practices are driven by acute need and can’t accommodate a sudden increase in demand from something like a pandemic. “Residents of rural towns are overall poorer, older, more likely to be Maori and have poorer health outcomes than the cities. “These communities rely on rural health services, both primary and secondary, the majority of which are chronically understaffed, with limited specialist services and equipment.” They are asking district health boards to develop plans for rural practices, ensure equitable access to specialist and intensive care services and provide a single point of contact to specialists for rural clinicians. They also seek a staffing boost should rural practices be

overwhelmed, more intensive care resources for transferring patients and community trust hospitals to be treated the same as those run by health boards. Bolden wants help to establish strategically placed rural testing stations so those needing testing do not have to go far and risk spreading the virus, which will also reduce the risk to medical practitioners. “We especially need testing stations in low-decile areas and areas with high elderly populations in rural areas.” Feedback from her members is that there has been an influx of people self-isolating in holiday homes in rural areas, potentially spreading the virus and increasing the risk health services will be swamped. Bolden, a Raglan GP, says the rural health workforce is generally older, practices are understaffed but expected to provide both

Kiwifruit taste test goes south Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz KIWIFRUIT growers will not be paid for their fruit’s taste profile this season after the country’s only testing facility dropped the test. Eurofins Bay of Plenty is the country’s only testing facility for the drymatter component of kiwifruit, which gives growers and Zespri a direct indication of the fruit’s taste profile. The lab now tests only for residues in fruit, leaving postharvest processors grappling with how to evaluate fruit quality. In recent years Zespri has made much of the taste component being marketed and linked it to grower payments. The taste incentive is the most significant incentive component of Zespri’s payment, accounting for 90% of incentive value. The taste component can form a significant part of a SunGold grower’s income. In 2017-18 the Taste Zespri component was $5.28 a tray and for Green $2.37. Based on this year’s estimated harvest of 80 million SunGold and 70m trays of Green it could account for $590m or a third of total export value. A Eurofins spokesman confirmed it is no longer testing for taste becausse of difficulties complying with the Primary Industry Ministry’s covid-19 protocols. Industry sources maintain growers will still get expected market returns with the taste money allocated to total fruit payments rather than being credited to specific growers. Those most likely to be out of pocket are growers hoping to capitalise on the KiwiStart early marketed fruit, which has already been sent. Their fruit payment comprises

routine and round-the-clock care. “We do not currently have capacity to manage our own populations, particularly as our staff become unwell, let alone being able to manage this extra influx of people who may well be bringing covid-19 with them. “We need people to understand that this is an isolation period not a holiday period.” If rural health professionals get sick there is often no back-up. “These are smaller teams, which makes it more difficult. “We know that for at least 54 practices there is just one GP or one key nurse.” The Government has committed a further $15 million for frontline response and while Bolden is uncertain how that will boost rural services she urges quick action before the nation’s health services are swamped.

TB testing carries on OSPRI’S response to the TB outbreak in Hawke’s Bay is continuing, with TB testing considered an essential service under the all-ofgovernment response. Ospri, which is working with AsureQuality to manage testing procedures, has closed its offices with staff working from home.

No additional herds have tested positive during the past week.

BAD: Eurofins’ decision to stop taste testing kiwifruit has let the industry down, Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says.

a large component of taste money to compensate for early harvest compromising taste. But one grower said removing the taste testing samples from postharvest might smooth out fruit flow, with the sampling process often slowing down processing. In an effort to streamline processes in light of covid-19 and the loss of the test, growers have been told there will be no payment for the poorest quality, small fruit. Apata has told growers a panindustry group has developed

a simplified clearance test, comprising of brix, colour and seed. One grower described the move as a back-to-the-future step. Brix was once used as a crude measure of taste. Seeka chief executive Michael Franks said Eurofin’s decision has let the industry down. Eurofins has had a challenging couple of years with the significant growth in SunGold plantings putting increased pressure on its resources. The company’s start in kiwifruit

The taste component can form a significant part of a SunGold grower’s income.

testing in 2016 was blighted by a quad bike accident that killed an AgFirst employee in an orchard when AgFirst was in the process of selling the testing business to Eurofins.

Dedicated case management of infected herds in Hawke’s Bay is continuing via phone and email. However, as pest control is not considered an essential service, ground control operations in Waitara Valley, Tarawera, Opouahi, Tutira, Waipatiki, Willowflat and Mohaka Forest are being shut down. Recovery plans are being developed to resume work once the lockdown ends, including aerial control operations in Te AwahohonuAhimanawa and Waitara Valley. No additional herds have tested positive during the past week. There are 12 herds currently infected, nine beef and three dairy. A further nine herds are being investigated.

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

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Spark fires up data debate priorities but this has been their commercial decision.” He dismissed the move as a public relations stunt. BIG telecommunication providers A better move would have been have delivered a mistimed public to shore up the industry’s capacity relations stunt by removing data to manage the unprecedented caps, digital consultant Ernie load surge. The second was Newman says. finding ways children without Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees broadband can be connected have united to remove data rapidly as schools close. caps on all residential, small Vodafone has lifted data caps and medium business plans in on its fixed line internet services. response to a surge in demand for Data caps remain on its RBI at-home connections as workers retreat to home offices throughout cellular services but have been lifted from 120GB a month to New Zealand. 200GB a month for rural clients. Spark has also removed the cap A Vodafone spokeswoman said on its wireless network. the company is being challenged But Newman said Spark’s move by capacity issues and users need threatens rural users in particular to keep in mind the impact their by making the entire network demand has on the entire wireless more vulnerable to surges in network, such as when watching demand for bandwidth. high-definition videos. Newman also supplies advice “And customers should find to the Wireless Internet Service having 200GB a month will be Providers Association. more than adequate for most “We are not particularly thrilled households but high-definition about this. video 24/7 means it would not “We do not want exploding data be.” caps and thousands watching In a letter Netflix, putting pressure on the FARMERS WEEKLY HALF PAGE 265W X 200H MM to customers the company said there is congestion network. There should be higher Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

NOT HAPPY; Small internet service providers are concerned Spark will cook the network by removing data caps, digital consultant Ernie Newman says.

on many parts of its Rural Broadband Initiative mobile sites and options are being worked on to alleviate those issues. Spark has defended its decision to take the caps off. A Spark spokesman said access and affordability are issues for many New Zealanders and it has a role to play in helping people stay connected during this unprecedented situation when the vast majority of people will be working and learning from home. “We wouldn’t have made these changes if we weren’t confident in the strength of our network and after sustained investment for a

number of years we have sufficient capacity to manage the increased traffic, naturally allowing for some slower performance at peak times,” he said. Spark expects to see loads shift to throughout the day. “We don’t expect to see the overall traffic during the day exceed the traditional evening peak load. This is supported by recent experience of global operators in countries currently in mass isolation situations. We can manage traffic to reduce congestion.” WISPA chairman Mike Smith said he has some sympathy

for what Spark has done. “But I think it will lead to a negative experience for many rural users. We are already seeing a 20-30% jump in use at this early stage and a lot of rural customers are serviced by wireless. We have had customers wanting a bigger pipe but we have to be careful how we allocate it to them.” He said the impact of Spark’s decision is also feeding through to the cellular voice network. “And I do wonder if they will pull back on it and put some more conditions around it. We are glad Vodafone didn’t do it as well – it is better to slow the network down than to crash it entirely. Despite this issue Smith and Newman maintain NZ’s internet infrastructure appears very robust and they attribute that to preparation for last year’s Rugby World Cup. “I think the level of investment would have been a fair bit less if not for the World Cup. There was a real push to get stuff done,” Smith said. Work on capacity and getting ultrafast fibre to smaller towns is still under way. Newman said cross-party collaboration and a series of good telecommunications ministers have delivered a rare level of continuity on broadband investment, something Australia has fallen behind on. “They started a national broad band network a year before us and have fallen way behind.”

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12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Rural businesses band together RURAL businesses Farmlands, PGG Wrightson and FarmSource have pledged to work together during the covid-19 response. The companies’ chief executives said they will harness their collective supply chains to maintain productivity. “It is time for us all to do what we can to try and continue to support you through these challenging times,” an open letter says. “We are working closely together to ensure that all farmers and growers across New Zealand have the necessary products and supplies to keep your businesses operating. “As we move through alert level three and into alert level four we will need to change the way we operate. We are preparing to do this and will take the necessary steps to ensure we can all get through this together as safely as we can. “To ensure there’s enough for everyone it’s important to not panic and overstock. We are confident that we have ample products across our businesses to meet your essential needs and

there is no need to buy more than your regular requirements.” Farmlands chief executive Peter Reidie says covid-19 is bigger than business. “It’s about the wellbeing of our entire country.

It’s about the wellbeing of our entire country. Peter Reidie Farmlands “We have seen an increase in purchases this week and, just like the supermarkets, our message is that we will be open, we will have supplies and we will ensure that people get what they need to keep their businesses running.” Farmlands customers need to email or call their local store to organise supplies. Reidie says staff are aware of the behaviour needed to protect each other, their families and

Farmlands’ 70,000 shareholders. “Each of our people recognises the importance of their role, both as a service to shareholders and as a team trying to play their part in combatting the spread of covid-19. “We have implemented strict protocols that eliminate physical interactions while still providing the primary sector with the goods and services they need to continue feeding our country and contributing to the world’s food needs.” PGG Wrightson stores are open but with a different operating model during the enforced closedown. All FarmSource customers can place orders online and account holders can order over the phone. FarmSource on-farm deliveries will continue where possible and there will be a new collection service available outside the stores. It is stopping all on-farm visits by its technical teams – but help will still be available by local teams over the phone. It is not expecting any stock problems.

CALL US: Farmlands customers will have to call or email stores to get supplies, chief executive Peter Reidie says.

LIC still operating LIC has suspended on-farm visits by its agri manager team and automation sales staff but other services, including its call centre, continue but with reduced hours. Chief executive Wayne McNee says LIC has been told by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and MPI director general Ray Smith it is considered an essential business but that could change. That means on-farm visits by its field technicians, automation service staff and FarmWise consultants are continuing but only after calls to farmers to make sure they are comfortable with solely outdoor meetings at a

distance of at least two metres. Post-visit meeting notes will be sent electronically and staff will have hand sanitiser in their vehicles to minimise risks, along with disposable gloves if appropriate. LIC’s herd testing service is still operating and farmers will be updated if that changes. Any equipment used by staff onfarm will be cleaned and sanitised before and after each visit. To look after the health and wellbeing of call centre staff, who get about 2500 calls and 700 emails a week, the centre’s hours have been shortened to 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

RELIEF: The Government has extended the temporary work visas for foreign workers to September.

Government extends visas for some foreign workers Gerald Piddock gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz SOME temporary work visas are being extended to the relief of Federated Farmers. It means about 4000 dairy workers will not have to go home for a year before applying to return. Federated Farmers had lobbied the Government for the extension to ensure continuity of labour supply to maintain exports.

It is a big relief for his for Filipino staff, federation dairy chairman Chris Lewis said. It also gives employers certainty with calving. The dairy industry is also working in conjunction with the Government on a Go Dairy campaign to recruit New Zealanders who have lost their jobs as a result of covid-19. It will be launched in the next few months to plug worker shortages.

“We’ve plugged up the short term, now for the long term,” he said. The extension applies only to visas expiring between April 2 and July 9. Those with visas expiring on or before April 1 must apply for a new one before the expiry date and will be given a six-month extension. The federations advice to members doesn’t say what will happen to people whose visas expire after July 9.

STILL WORKING: LIC chief executive Wayne McNee says it is an essential business but that could change.

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14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

MPs say limit Fonterra milk rule Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz THE Primary Production Select Committee has recommended softening the requirement for Fonterra to buy milk from any farmer who wants to supply it. And that has cross-party support so it is likely to be approved. “We believe the cost of open entry on Fonterra is too high,” the committee reported back to Parliament after considering the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (No3). “We heard many submitters talk about the importance of loyalty. “They believe that the right for farmers to return to Fonterra once they have left should be removed.” Fonterra chairman John Monaghan welcomed the move, calling it a unanimous cross-party recommendation to Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, the bill’s sponsor. “It will help to create a more level playing field for our co-op and ultimately keep more of the value created by dairy farmers back here in New Zealand.” In future open entry would apply only to farms that have not previously supplied Fonterra or another processor, Monaghan said. The legislation needs to go

Minister O’Connor gave us room to come to a common view. Mark Patterson NZ First

PRAISE: National’s agriculture spokesman Todd Muller has given the Government credit for allowing a cross-party consensus on the Dira Amendment Bill.

through a few more steps before it becomes law but the adjournment of Parliament until April 28 now makes the timing uncertain. O’Connor’s office said his reply might be delayed by covid-19 and timetable for further progress through Parliament is unknown. Committee member and National’s primary production spokesman Todd Muller said bi-partisan agreement was reached on the need for some amendments, including the open entry provisions. “It is to the credit of the

Government members that we all essentially got to the same position on removal of the right to return to Fonterra. “It is relatively unusual that the Government should shift its position on a fundamental principle during a select committee process. “All the key players moved a bit and found a common landing.” Committee member and NZ First agriculture spokesman Mark Patterson commended O’Connor for allowing a consensus view to form.

“After the first reading and the expressions of concern from NZ First and the Green Party about continued open entry he realised that not everyone agreed with the original proposals in the bill. “Rather than battling it out on the floor of the House he gave us the room to come to a common view.” Muller thinks Fonterra will not refuse re-entry without good reason when milk supply nationally is not growing. But it is possible Fonterra might have reason to pay different milk prices, which the new legislation would allow. He disagreed other processors are disadvantaged by the amended rules. “In the present climate I just can’t see large numbers of suppliers ditching their processers and coming back to Fonterra while open entry still applies.” The committee said the

establishment of large dairy processors since Fonterra’s formation in 2001 makes it appropriate to remove some of the extra burden that was put on the co-op. Open exit from Fonterra without penalties should be retained to allow continued contestability in the market for farmers’ milk. The committee said open entry should be retained for farmers who were previously sharemilkers or contract milkers and have progressed to more than 50% equity in a supply farm. It suggested the new provisions apply from June 1 2022 and noted farmers intending to return to Fonterra would need to decide to do so before December 2021. “Shareholders who have left will have a fair window to head back to the co-op should they choose. It is no longer tenable for that provision to be open-ended,” Patterson said. “A strong Fonterra is not only important for the dairy industry but for the economy as a whole and never before has this reality been on full display as we face these exceptional times.” Other dairy processors approached for comment said the revised form of the DIRA is not a priority.

New green rules for farming could be put off Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz PROPOSED new environmental laws could be delayed indefinitely with coalition partner NZ First refusing to consider them. Regional Economic Development Minister and NZ First member Shane Jones was unequivocal amid calls for the Government to delay introducing new laws that add costs to the

primary sector as the economy weakens. “NZ First MPs are operating from home and caucus will be in regular contact but it is not planning to deal with any new environmental regulation proposals for provincial NZ,” he told Farmers Weekly in a onesentence statement. A Government spokesman says its sole focus at present is the covid-19 pandemic which

is absorbing much of the public service’s resources. “Once we move through our response to covid-19 the Government will need to consider the wider priorities and the timing of work streams at an appropriate time. “The primary sector’s environmental credentials are an important part of overall sector resilience and play a valuable role in ensuring global demand for our

exports.” Economist Cameron Bagrie, Federated Farmers president Katie Milne and the National Party’s agriculture spokesman Todd Muller have all called for new laws and regulations to be delayed as the economy becomes even more reliant on the primary sector. Milne says introducing laws on freshwater management, climate change, biodiversity, Resource Management Act reform,

minimum wages, immigration and the Emissions Trading Scheme Amendment Bill, which could double the price of greenhouse gas emissions, could not come at worse time. “What’s needed is policy certainty to give the primary sector and the business community generally a much-needed boost in confidence to keep operating, keep staff employed and keep investing,” she says.

There are three ways you can read us:

1. Own a farm. If farming is your main income, you register with NZ Post to have Farmers Weekly delivered free to your mailbox. This is how around 80,000 farmers receive theirs. 2. Read the virtual paper online at farmersweekly.co.nz/topic/virtual-publication. Our online eNewsletters have the paper before it hits mailboxes and you can sign up to recieve them at farmersweekly.co.nz/e-newsletter. 3. Subscribe - a great gift for retired farmers and town dwellers. This is for people in town who want a hard copy of the paper each week. Farmers Weekly is just under $4 per issue ($16/month, $192 incl GST per year). and Dairy Farmer is $8.95 per issue ($98.45 incl GST / year). Pay by credit card or Farmlands card. Your copy will arrive on Thursdays (give or take a day). www.farmersweekly.co.nz/subscribe or freephone 0800 85 25 80

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production is not jeopardised. “We need food Neal Wallace so other sectors need to do better. neal.wallace@globalhq .co.nz “This is a breath of someone to finally fresh air for HE red meat industry say Rankin says while that.” hopes to ramp up its reports have been previous Taste Pure Nature scathing of farming, this one brand campaign is less so. on “I felt like this the back of the report has helped latest international climate us turn a corner, that change report. affected by climate farmers are change but we The Intergovernmental also really need them.” Panel on Climate Change The report found (IPCC) report global food is being welcomed systems account by New for a quarter of Zealand farming greenhouse gas leaders as an emissions and endorsement of agricultural emissions our low impact of nitrous systems and the oxide and methane importance of are increasing. maintaining food But land also has a role production. as a The IPCC says carbon sink, absorbing land on which 30% of the we rely for food, planet’s greenhou water, se gas emissions health and wellbeing energy, between 2008 and 2017. is already under pressure Crop productio and climate n is being change will exacerbat affected by higher temperatures, through desertifica e that changing rain patterns tion degradation potentiall and land frequency of extreme and greater y affecting events. food security. The report warns consump tion The report’s advocacy patterns, land management and balanced diet including of a population growth will determine animal protein sourced the planet’s future from resilient, in a changing sustainable, low climate. greenhou systems is an endorsem se gas “Pathways with higher demand ent for NZ, for Beef + Lamb chief food, feed, and insight officer water, more ON-FARM training Jeremy Baker says. resource-intensive courses have an consumption important role to “This is the NZ She said there should and productio play n and more limited red always future, Feilding High in agriculture’s be an opportunity production system. meat technological improvem Reesby said the to role that form Meaghan Reesby School student ents training because do practical of training plays “It is definitely in agriculture yields, says. trained staff have in increasing the not saying that The year 13 pupil result in a better understand skills of people in we all need to higher risks from ing of how their agriculture should become vegetarian agri-commerce at plans study water scarcity workplaces, such not be overlooked Massey University or vegan.” in drylands, land as farms, function, and any future next year but said degradation and which is good for changes in how not everyone employers and It is an opportun food insecurity training course are interested in agriculture employees. .” ity to ramp delivered needs wants to go up promotion to remember that. Report contribut to university. of the Taste Pure Feilding High School The daughter of or Associate Himatangi dairy Nature brand, Professor Anita Some people prefer can build their practicalpupils farmers, Meaghan’s to tell Wreford, of farming brother global meat eaters 40 million on approach, whether a more handsLincoln University works experience while on the family farm, about NZ’s low’s Agribusiness that is through at school by complementing a cadetship or beginning carbon footprint, and Economic taking courses offered what he learns at he says. Research Unit, work with building their knowledge a job and Gateway, a programme through DairyNZ climate says it shows the practical courses, through change importance of for young while her sister courses offered people in their last ambassador Trish also is also full time not implemen by workplace year of school ting contradictory Rankin is training providers that allows them fitting her Massey on the farm, heartened the policies. such as Primary to report says some course work ITO. training made up complete around that. sectors need to “The report is of theory and reduce their highly practical unit standards. emissions faster for NZ as we grapple relevant to ensure food MORE: trade-offs involved with the greenhouse gas P3 emissions, with reducing adapting to the change, managing impacts of climate the we value and maintainiareas supporting our communities and ng and societies in this process.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Deer sales disrupted by covid-19 Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz DEER processors and exporters are digging deep as they explore all options available to reach consumers, Deer Industry NZ chief executive Innes Moffat says. The spread of covid-19 from Asia to Europe, North America and New Zealand and the closure of food service and hospitality establishments is causing significant issues. Programmes to promote venison to restaurants in the United States and Europe are taking a significant hit. “We produce high-quality, valued and safe food and consumers still need our products but for now few of them are able to consume them in restaurants and cafes,” Moffat said. Disruption to shipping routes, a drop in air-freight capacity a shortage of containers and space on wharves are further impeding business flow. Marketers are now working with partners on the logistics and timing of shipments. “Our export marketers have deep and diverse relationships

with importers across a range of markets and they are examining all the options they have for reaching consumers. “They are also placing a heavier emphasis on existing retail options.” Moffat said DINZ has suspended all events and meetings. “We know that some of the networks we have helped create are important for your connection and motivation.” He encouraged farmer networks to continue to share news, views and support. “This is clearly not business as usual but we are open for business and we will continue to support your work and our industry to the best of our ability,” Moffat said. DINZ market manager Rhys Griffiths said the escalation of covid-19 infections globally is having a serious impact on demand for NZ’s deer products. China and Korea, NZ’s key velvet markets, were the first to feel the impact. While some Korean velvet importers said velvet consumption increased during the SARS outbreak in 2003

TROUBLING: DINZ market manager Rhys Griffiths said the escalation of covid-19 infections globally is having a serious impact on demand for NZ’s deer products.

We are deeply concerned about potential supply chain disruptions and the medium-term impact on demand. Rhys Griffiths Griffiths is not getting excited. “Overall, we can’t expect to see anything positive coming out of this. “We are deeply concerned about potential supply chain disruptions and the mediumterm impact on demand from the predicted major downturn in economic activity.” Griffiths said the industry’s focus has now moved to demand

for NZ venison in Europe with the main impact not likely to be felt until next season. Venison marketing manager Nick Taylor said sales to wholesalers are down. With European Union borders, venues, restaurants and even non-essential shops closed the summer Cervena programme will be affected. Venison marketers are looking for innovative ways to work around the changes in demand and reduction in restaurant sales and are using their international networks to find other customers, Taylor said. “But with conditions changing so rapidly it is very difficult to place all venison being produced.” DINZ is developing new recipes and resources for importers and wholesalers ready to support their promotional activities, Taylor said.

ABNORMAL: Deer Industry New Zealand is open for business though it’s clearly not business as usual chief executive Innes Moffat says.

Deer hunters go deaf to the roar Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz HUNTERS, anglers and trampers are being asked to stay home to avoid exposing emergency services to covid-19 should they have an accident. For deer stalkers it means avoiding the highlight of the year, the annual roar hunt, which has just started but will ramp up in the next two weeks. Hunting and outdoor organisations have combined to plead for people to stay home because search and rescue and medical teams could be exposing themselves to the virus if someone gets lost or injured. Game Animal Council general managere Tim Gale says health services and facilities expect to be stretched in coming weeks so do not need to also deal with injured hunters and those who have been in the outdoors. “The risk is that something goes wrong which means it will bring emergency services out, which means they come out of their selfisolation.”

The council, Conservation Department, Mountain Safety Council, Search and Rescue, Deer Stalkers Association, Tahr Foundation and Fish and Game have all backed the call for people to stay home.

The risk is that something goes wrong which means it will bring emergency services out, which means they come out of their self-isolation. Tim Gale Game Animal Council DOC huts and campsites have been closed because they do not meet the minimum separation distancing guidelines. Search and Rescue is also asking people to stick to simple outdoor exercise and avoid areas where they could get lost or hurt.

Gale acknowledged the annual roar hunt is the annual highlight for many and while people cannot be compelled to stay at home he is appealing to common sense. Fiordland Wapiti have started bugling and Gale says some hunters already in the bush have voluntarily returned home. Red deer were close to starting to roar with the peak activity expected early next month. Gale says the deer will still be there once the lock-down is over and there are alternative hunting opportunities with Sika, which roar a bit later, and Tahr with the season starting in May. Duck shooting starts on May 4, outside the initial four-week shutdown. Controls to address the covid-19 outbreak have hit the guided hunting industry, worth about $50 million a year. The three to four-month season starts in late February early-March and Gale says some international hunters were already in the country when the restrictions started to bite but many more couldn’t get here.

SHOW CONSIDERATION: Hunters, anglers and hunters are being asked to stay home so no one has to look for them if they get lost or hurt.

16 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Newsmaker

Meat matters to sector stalwart Tim Ritchie retires as Meat Industry Association chief executive on April 7 after a career in primary sector roles that began in the 1970s. Colin Williscroft reports.

HE meat industry has come a long way since Tim Ritchie got involved and a decision made on the far side of the world about then that has provided the biggest advantage to the sector here in the years since. Though it might not have seemed like it at the time, in retrospect Britain joining the then European Economic Community in 1973 was the best thing that could have happened for New Zealand farmers. It meant NZ could no longer just sit back and send its sheep meat to the United Kingdom so exporters had to look further afield. “It forced us to look at the world as a global market rather than concentrate on one or two narrow areas like the United Kingdom and North America.” The challenge that’s followed has been getting as many countries’ front doors open to NZ agricultural exporters as possible. One of the real pluses for the industry as it broadened its horizons was that rather than continuing to rely on a traditional focus of exporting whole carcases, processors, marketers and exporters had to learn how to take them apart then export the parts to different markets that would pay the most for them. Despite his many years in primary sector roles Ritchie did not come from a farming background though he had links to rural life through his father working in the stock and station industry and his mother being from a Canterbury farming family. His mother’s side of the family also had connections to White Rock Station in Wairarapa and Ritchie is still a major shareholder there today. After graduating from Lincoln with an agricultural science degree majoring in marketing and economics he joined the Treasury in 1974, working in agricultural and trade policy areas before moving to the Freezing Companies Association and

the Meat Exporters Council as secretary/economist. It was the start of a long career in the NZ meat industry, based in NZ and Europe, which has included spells with Waitaki, Towers International and Advanced Foods along with a number of roles at Meat NZ, the NZ Meat Producers Board and Meat and Wool NZ. Ritchie was Meat NZ’s general manager for Europe, based in Brussels, during the foot and mouth outbreak in the UK in 2001 that led to more than six million cows and sheep being slaughtered in what was an eventually successful attempt to halt the disease. Not only did that job involve working closely with the European and particularly UK farming industries as they dealt with the crisis, he also helped lead the NZ meat industry’s approach of quietly capitalising on opportunities created without overstepping the mark and being accused of benefitting from the misfortune of the UK domestic industry. He says his earlier time in Europe in the 1980s managing Waitaki’s interests was an electrifying few years, with boat after boat of meat arriving at a time when demand from traditional butchers, who broke down the frozen lamb carcases for their customers, was reducing, requiring a switch in focus to developing relationships with supermarkets that wanted the packaged cuts directly from NZ, frozen and chilled. His role as Meat Industry Association chief executive, which began in 2007, was initially for 18 months, the contract designed to facilitate the merging of meat-related, whole of industry organisations, something that in the end did not happen. He stayed on and these days the association is a voluntary membership organisation for NZ’s red meat processors, marketers and exporters. Given more than 99% of those involved in the industry are paid up members he thinks it

must be doing something right. The industry is in good heart, he says, despite global uncertainty over coronavirus and a few sticking points around international trade, including continued uncertainty over what Brexit will look like. “There’s some really good collaboration going on and a recognition that competitors are not themselves but other proteins.” In an industry that has traditionally involved some big egos there’s now an understanding that, rather than looking at other red meat processors the real competition is coming from industrial-produced proteins like pork and poultry. “It makes sense for companies to collaborate rather than focus on each other. The industry has matured in that sense.” It is, however, a tough industry where margins are slim so, despite a diverse ownership structure involving co-ops, overseas and family groups, there is very little public ownership. “It’s not like the dairy industry where the tanker comes up the drive every day, reinforcing the relationship between supplier and processor.” The highly competitive nature of the industry, which can resemble a rollercoaster at times, is exacerbated by the climate. “It’s dictated by the colour of the grass. “When it’s green farmers have the leverage and when it’s yellow it’s the meat company. “You have to look at both sides of the farm gate to get the real picture of industry profitability. “But there is absolute interdependence and the more we realise that and work together, the better.” He says the meat industry, especially when it comes to lamb, is sometimes too critical of itself. “While it’s good to think that you can always do better we need to remember that we are world class and the rest of the world recognises that.” The dynamics of the industry are constantly changing and

LONGSERVING: Tim Ritchie has been working in meat industry roles since the 1970s.

There’s some really good collaboration going on and a recognition that competitors are not themselves but other proteins. Tim Ritchie Meat Industry Assn international meat trade can be affected by adverse events in different countries, such as covid-19 or African swine fever. It’s times like that when having trade open with a variety of other countries is important because it can offer a plan B. “Sure, that might be at a lower price but at least it’s moving (product). “The industry now has more resilience and agility built into it.” Ritchie will look for other opportunities, such as in governance, where he will be able to apply his skills and experience though those roles won’t be full time. “I’d like to give back in some

way and it’s important to keep using your brain.” He will, however, miss an industry he has enjoyed being a part of for many years. “Every day is different and you never know what is around the corner. If you enjoy that sort of working environment it’s hard to leave.” Stepping down will mean he can spend more time maintaining his 4.5ha lifestyle block in Wairarapa where he and wife Deb have lived for the past three years, running a few cattle. He also has an interest in manuka honey and has hives both at home and in bush blocks at White Rock Station. He leaves the association in good hands, he says. “It’s a small team but one that’s very focused on delivering outcomes for members.” He’s pleased his replacement Sirma Karapeeva, the trade and economic manager who has been with the association since 2015, has a thorough understanding of the meat industry. “Sirma will bring different strengths and she has a strong background in trade. “She will take things to new heights.”

German food market worth cracking Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz GERMAN consumers know a lot about New Zealand and its place in the world but live in a tough market to crack with food products shipped from so far away. New Zealand Story research provides the insights to Germans’ perceptions and makes

suggestions for exporters to penetrate further into our 15th largest trading partner. Germans perceive their country as peak Europe and see NZ as a distant Eden many aspire to visit, NZ Story director Rebecca Smith said. Export trade to Germany amounts to $1.7 billion a year with $4.3b of imports coming here.

The main food exports are sheep meat and venison. Nature, landscapes and agriculture are the leading perceptions Germans hold of NZ alongside our way of life and Maori culture. However, less positive associations including isolation, slowness and strict immigration standards also colour their perceptions.

“The people we surveyed were concerned about us, about how lonely it must be this far away from the rest of the world.” Perhaps surprisingly, there was a strong universal appreciation of NZ in Germany where many appear to put NZ on a pedestal and feel a sense of connection with this country. Their environmental sensibilities also mean they have

a growing concern on the impact of fruit and vegetable purchases grown so far from home.

The New Zealand Story has also done research on China, Dubai, the United States west coat and Australia. It is at www.nzstory.govt.nz/ resource/market-research/

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 23, 2020

Raw milk rings alarm bells The increasingly popular and often controversial choice to drink raw milk has had alarm bells ringing among public health officials in recent years. Richard Rennie spoke to veterinarian and researcher Genevieve Davys about her work with Massey University disease experts on the link between raw milk and campylobacter.

ESEARCH has revealed children under 10 are most likely to contract campylobacter disease by drinking raw milk and account for 29% of the raw milk-related cases notified in the MidCentral Health district from 2012 to 2017. The study collected data on all cases of campylobacter notified in that period. It then dug deeper into raw milk campylobacteriosis cases, comparing the demographics of them to other campylobacter cases where raw milk was not drunk. Raw milk was linked to almost 8% of the notified cases. There was a peak in cases among children from both rural and urban homes. Among the raw milk cases, 17% were rural children and 8% were urban children. Two-thirds of all raw milk cases were urban, the rest rural. Campylobacter is far from the worst bacteria that can be contracted from raw milk. However, it is the most common, typically resulting in stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Once diagnosed it must be notified to the health authority for further investigation. The findings indicate raw milkrelated cases are more likely to be associated with outbreaks of campylobacter than non-raw milk cases. Raw milk provides an ideal culture for the likes of campylobacter bacteria because it is a good food source, in an environment naturally close to the livestock source. Previous Ministry for Primary

Industries studies have found almost two-thirds of dairy farmers drink raw milk but there are associated factors that can influence the rate of disease in rural children. “There has not been a lot of work done but it appears milk consumption may decline with age so children might be drinking more. “Children may also be more susceptible to raw milk associated disease organisms in general.” The seasonal potential for cows to shed campylobacter bacteria cells in greater numbers at certain times can also come into play. “It could be they are shedding more bacteria at a time when milk production is starting to increase after calving, often when contact with cattle is starting to increase on a daily basis.” Adding to the multiple factors is some evidence exposure to campylobacter can deliver a level of resistance that fades after weeks or months. For rural families who consume milk from the farm dairy during the year then switch to pasteurised purchased milk over the dry period of lactation that resistance may fade, leaving them more at risk at a higher risk period of the year when they start using farm-sourced milk again. “So you have a bit of a double header there with increased bacteria shedding and a lift in consumption of the farm-sourced milk.” The survey held some surprises about why people do or don’t choose to drink raw milk. Overseas work has indicated consumer choices are based on a

SICK OF MILK: Researcher Genevieve Davys says children appear to have greater disease susceptibility to bacteria organisms in raw milk.

desire to support local farmers, a belief in better animal welfare and for perceived health reasons. However, there is no strong consensus among raw milk cases about their motivation for choosing the product. The most common motivation reported was health reasons but that was for only about a third of the cases. Other popular reasons were taste and convenience. She said it would have been interesting to also better understand what the behaviour change was, if any, in people who drank raw milk and became sick. While not intending to take the work any further herself Davys said there are some interesting

areas researchers might want to examine. They include a better understanding of the spatial link between raw milk supply points and disease outbreaks. Further exploration of data from the sequence typing of the campylobacter organisms could determine if there is a statistical difference between the types seen in raw milk cases and general campylobacteriosis cases. Davys said she won’t drink raw milk knowing the infections that can come from it, of which campylobacter is only one. “So you need to be aware if you do choose it there is a higher risk of becoming sick and children are most at risk.”

Kane Brisco, Taranaki Taranaki dairy farmer Kane Brisco has always had a passion for keeping fit and healthy and understood the positive effects it can have both physically and mentally. Driven by this passion, Kane set up and outdoor training class where he endeavors to inspire the rural community about the importance of exercise in a rural lifestyle.

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There has not been a lot of work done but it appears milk consumption may decline with age so children might be drinking more. Children may also be more susceptible to raw milk associated disease organisms in general. Genevieve Davys Massey University

Opinion

18 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

EDITORIAL Count to ten

’M FRUSTRATED, I’m angry, I’m scared, I think I’m in the dark, I’m powerless. And I’m entitled to feel all those things. But I need to recognise those feelings and emotions for what they are. I need to experience them, deal with them then get on with it. I have to vent my exasperation and I should do so as long as I don’t vent it onto other people and make it their problem. And just as I shouldn’t expect to load my issues onto others I have to be careful not to make their problems mine. I can by sympathetic and understanding but I shouldn’t overload myself with things that are other people’s business. After all the last time anything on this scale happened was the flu epidemic following World War I. None of our leaders can call on personal experience. Dame Vera Lynn survived that flu epidemic and helped hold people together in World War II but she’s now 103 so even she won’t remember the flu epidemic. Before that we have to go back to the Black Death, the plague, so we can see these things don’t happen often. So, while all this is new to me and I want decisive leadership guiding me through this I must remember this is new to all those politicians and officials trying to see a way out of this. They’ve never done it before either. Therefore, I can’t expect them to have all the answers immediately. I can’t expect all the other people I might have to deal with during the next few weeks or months to know all the answers either. Farmers have more to deal with than most of us. They have to keep working while trying to protect themselves and their families and many will have the added responsibility of having children at home full time. Farmers have to keep producing and coronavirus aside they have much to cope with because of dry weather, feed problems, cancelled stock sales. Some are also dealing with Mycoplasma bovis. So, it’s time to take a deep breath while counting to 10 and turning and walking away from a situation if necessary. I must control what I can control. Along the way we might find out a few things about ourselves. It might not all be comfortable but we’ll be better for it.

Stephen Bell

LETTERS

Bay industry’s lessons learned Farmers Weekly has staff around the country adjusting to new ways of living. So they will be giving observations and anecdotes of life under lock-down. First is Richard Rennie, based in Te Puna, Bay of Plenty. IT IS no exaggeration to say the Bay of Plenty agri-sector is no stranger to biosecurity disasters. On a warm Friday afternoon in November 2010 the three little letters Psa came into our language. With them went an entire region’s highest-earning crop, the much lauded Hort 16-A gold kiwifruit. Covering that event for Farmers Weekly was a ground zero affair with weeks spent watching neighbours slice out vines nursed from root stock, piles of contaminated plants burnt and banks hovering over orchard loan books. But I also saw some memorable leadership and huge generosity of spirit. Many growers will recall then Zespri boss Lain Jager in

a Te Puke church hall telling growers they must vote on putting $25 million into a fighting fund immediately. Their choice? “There simply will be no industry to debate this in a year’s time.” They promptly did it and today the sector has a text book example of successful recovery from a biosecurity incursion. It is more robust, healthier and co-operative then every before. Many of those lessons learned are holding it in good form today as contractors and packers adapt to another, even more existential biosecurity threat. The efforts of all parties to co-ordinate the safe picking, packing and shipping of this year’s crop even at this

early stage are delivered with calmness, practicality and leadership – all might once again set an example for the

entire primary sector to follow as farmers and growers lead our country’s future recovery, whenever that might be.

Letterof theWeek EDITOR Bryan Gibson 06 323 1519 bryan.gibson@globalhq.co.nz EDITORIAL Stephen Bell 06 323 0769 editorial@globalhq.co.nz Neal Wallace 03 474 9240 neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz Colin Williscroft 06 323 1561 colin.williscroft@globalhq.co.nz Annette Scott 03 308 4001 annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz Hugh Stringleman 09 432 8594 hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz Gerald Piddock 027 486 8346 gerald.piddock@globalhq.co.nz Richard Rennie 07 552 6176 richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz Nigel Stirling 021 136 5570 nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com Riley Kennedy 027 518 2508 Cadet journalist riley.kennedy@globalhq.co.nz

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Only two men to tackle possums Craig Smith

HIS is a farmer’s viewpoint on Ospri’s ineffective management of bovine tuberculosis in the Waitara Valley. Oh man, what a shitty night’s sleep. I woke up twice, tossed and turned … my mind just won’t shut off. TB test reading today and I’m pretty concerned with the potential result. I guess it’s pointless to worry but when your livelihood depends on the health of your stock it’s hard not to. When I arrived in the Waitara Valley, midway between Napier and Taupo, about eight years ago there wasn’t a possum to be seen. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never been in an area with so much bush and trees and not a furry critter on the horizon. Owen Harris was the man in charge of possum control with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and he did a fantastic job destroying the Aussie imports. About six years ago Ospri took over the job and the possums started to appear. Each year from then to now possum numbers have increased to the point where they are regularly seen on the road at night. Over my eight years here the only work that has been done in the valley was a possum survey and a 1080 drop on a small Conservation Department bush block … and this valley is the buffer zone. For those of you who don’t know, Ospri defines a buffer zone as a zone of low possum numbers to stop infection from spreading. Ospri states it manages/ monitors the buffer zones to close gaps to prevent possum migration using ground and targeted aerial control because possums spread TB. In March 2019 the first TBinfected herd was discovered in the valley. The first we locals knew of it was at a meeting organised by Ospri at Te Pohue School on August 29.

The

Pulpit

Kevin Crews was the main speaker supported by Jane Sinclair, Phil Dawson and Nick Dawson. The purpose of the meeting was to let us know what was happening with TB in the area. Crews was quick to say Ospri had dropped the ball in our area and the problem was its fault. He then followed that statement with “no one will be disadvantaged in any way should their herds contract the disease”. I think we were all surprised and relieved by these statements and were keen to know where to from here. The Ospri response that possum trappers will be in the valley in two weeks was also reassuring to hear. We left the meeting thinking that at least they are trying to put things right. How wrong we were. Three months went by, more herds were infected and no possum trappers were to be seen. A call was made to the pest control company to find out what the hold-up was. Its response was Ospri hadn’t sent out the contracts and they couldn’t do a thing till they got them. I asked who do I needed to talk to at Ospri who manages the contracts. I called the contracts man in Palmerston North who made several feeble excuses as to why it hadn’t been done. He was told that if he didn’t get them through to

QUESTIONS: Farmer Craig Smith, with partner Ilana Burt, reckons farmers must hold Ospri to account to protect their livelihoods.

About six years ago Ospri took over the job and the possums started to appear.

the contractor ASAP he was going to receive a visit from a very irate farmer. Magically, the contracts were received that very afternoon. I can detail many more conversations with bureaucrats who don’t seem to understand the gravity of the situation or the consequences of their incompetence. Back in the good old days if you couldn’t do your job you would resign with dignity and allow

your employer to seek a better candidate. We farmers pay both in our taxes and levies to fund Ospri. We should be getting the best people to do the job. There are two possum trappers as sub-contractors responsible for poisoning, trapping and monitoring the entire valley. That’s two men having to deal with challenging terrain in excess of 12,000 hectares. To me that doesn’t seem to show Ospri is going hard out to fix the problem. These two guys are expected to cover this entire area with strategically placed bait stations and traps 75-100 metres apart and also to monitor the kill rates and regularly refill the stations. It is not possible for two men to do. In last week’s Farmers Weekly

Nick Dawson urged us “here and now to have some form of unity rather than finger-pointing”. I’m not so sure farmers holding hands sitting around a campfire singing Kumbaya is going to make this problem go away. It is going to get worse if we don’t hold Ospri to account. This is about our livelihood.

Who am I? Craig Smith is a farmer and farm stay operator from Te Haroto.

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

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Opinion

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Living in a surreal landscape Alternative View

Alan Emerson

WHAT a week it’s been for all of us. From watching the development of coronavirus from afar it’s all suddenly become very real, surreal in fact. From living on what was quite a busy rural road it is now anything but. From being part of a vibrant rural community, everyone is now in isolation. The phone is the only method of communication and it’s being used a lot. I think the Government and the bureaucracy has done an excellent job of both action and communication. They’ve been timely, direct and honest with their communications. I have no doubt as to the actual situation at any one time. I also believe Ag Minister Damien O’Connor has been really solid for our sector. The good news is the country is supporting the policies the Government has adopted. That means most people will play by the rules. I don’t care what happens to those who don’t. I’m proud of what New Zealand

has achieved in a variety of ways and I’m really pleased I live in the provinces. In this situation we’re really lucky. For a start, we have a good garden that will see us through. The apples are coming on and the feijoas are about to. The freezers have enough to keep us comfortable. We have plenty of firewood and solar water heating. Being on the end of the power grid we’re used to cuts and have a generator. Going out in the morning we go for a long walk and see noone. We’re not about to get cabin fever. Going up the back you can hear the stags roaring, which is comforting. Life is as normal for them. I’ve done some jobs I’ve never done before like cleaning the trailer. We’re fine, we’re lucky. We’re also fortunate with the support from our local community. We’ve been phoned by neighbours going into Masterton to see if we wanted anything. The community has organised itself to support those over 70 and anyone else needing help. Sharon, our mail person phoned to say the delivery will be continuing as normal and if we want anything to call. The local Riversdale Beach store has also stepped up in a big way. Co-owner Hayden Meads told me he is sticking to the

TOP JOB: Alan Emereson is glad he has a leader called Jacinda and not one called Donald, Boris or Scott.

Government protocols over health and safety and has shut down the takeaway and coffee business. The latter is a tragedy as the store makes great coffee and I’ll miss the interaction with locals. The store is also looking at distributing a general necessity list that would be collated and delivered. “There’s no need for anyone to go into Masterton,” Meads said. “Our supply chain is robust.” That’s reassuring. Local business has also stepped up. We recently bought a new Triton and yesterday we received an email from Wairarapa Mitsubishi telling us the company is shutting shop for the month and if we ran over the service protocols

we shouldn’t worry. The company will still honour all warranties. Our internet provider Wizwireless sent an email telling us no matter what happens the service will be maintained and explained how they are going to do it. The world’s best bookstore, Hedleys, is in Masterton. They sent an email saying they will send books to us throughout the crisis, which will certainly keep me sane. At a local level we’re fine and at a national level it certainly appears the same. I believe both Federated Farmers and Rural Women have excelled with their communications. Their statements have been factual,

without smiling photos and free of hype, which is appreciated. Beef + Lamb could take a lesson from both. As I’ve said, the communications from the Government and the bureaucracy have been timely, informative and focused. So, my position is that at a local, provincial and national level we’re in as good a position as we can be. There will be massive headwinds coming, which we’re just going to have to weather. No-one really knows what is going to happen, how long the crisis will last or how our economy will hold up. I’m as concerned as the next person about our future. Some of those I’ve spoken to consider the problem will be over in a month while others put the figure at two to three. Whatever happens it is vital that we continue as we have started – caring at community level, supportive at provincial and decisive at national. Look after yourselves and look after your neighbours. I honestly believe we can get through this and am really grateful we have a leader named Jacinda and not one named Donald, Boris or Scott.

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

Rural blokes call in the fuzz for covid close-down From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

HERE are some questions for you. What happened to all that news we used to listen to before covid-19? For example, heard about Harry and Meghan or Shane Jones lately? Did all those things just suddenly stop happening? And would there be less of an essential industry than sports commentators and tipsters right now? Crikey. I’d usually use stronger language for what we have just seen over the last week but doubt it would get past my vigilant sub editor. If a month ago I’d predicted the share market would see massive falls and now rises as well as the New Zealand dollar bouncing all over the place, Grant Robertson announcing a $12 billion infrastructure spend then going on to shovel a $12b rescue package into the economy and talking of soon writing another similar cheque, that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern would close the borders to anyone not a Kiwi then a few days later say even

Kiwis were about to be shut out then order us all to go home and stay home for a month and follow up with a state of emergency you’d think I was bonkers. Those latter moves by the Government are what you would normally expect of a totalitarian state run under martial law and yet as each one happened we all said, “yeah, that sounds like a good plan”. Even the most ardent libertarians have been silent. It appears there are no such things as libertarians in a pandemic. Big government intervention is perfectly fine if it’s going to save your own arse. The wagons have been circled and the hatches battened down. There is a subset of the 7.8 billion humans who actually have a bigger problem than the virus. This drought with all that goes with it has become very serious but we will leave that for another time. I sent my three sons, who are scattered around the globe, Steve’s tips for the day and it goes thus. Be a role model for those around you. We are going to see the best behaviour in some people and the worst in others. It might be surprising that some of the ones you might expect to be in one camp will appear in the other. Keep yourself safe. Like everyone else I’ve had a few huge days racing around on my drought-plagued farm, answering

numerous phone calls and texts and having to duck back to the house to do a few video calls to companies I’m a director of. Then I realised the racing on the bike was just downright dangerous as I was getting swept up in the madness of the event. Slow down. Though for many now there is little choice. Limit your news intake. You don’t have to hear every news bulletin or read every item on the internet. Several studies show the people most affected by traumatic events are those who sit on the couch all day following it blow by blow. Surprisingly, much more so than those actually involved. They included studies on posttraumatic stress disorder of events like the Twin Towers collapse and our own mosque shootings. Limit your social media intake. Be cynical about much of the content and advice. Well-meaning they might be but they are often frightened and ignorant advisers and scaremongers. Don’t panic, be calm. Good advice in World War II remains good advice. I thought the Government’s mantra of Be Kind was a bit naff. I’ve now decided it is entirely appropriate advice given the circumstances. Civil society is a thin veneer. We’ve seen how thin with the scenes of people fighting over toilet paper for goodness sake

or the muppet in a Waipukurau supermarket last week dressed in a full hazmat suit panic buying. Not a lot separates civil society from anarchy other than respect for others, manners and yes, kindness. Hopefully, the lads take some of that on board. Last week’s column had some fanciful scenarios. Well I have a story where life is now imitating art.

It appears there are no such things as libertarians in a pandemic.

Garth, the now idle schoolteacher, came out with his brand-new chainsaw and furiously cut rings of firewood. He kindly left tomatoes, grapes and green peppers on our back step. And now some fun because humour is good in times of stress. I mentioned to Dean Williamson, the publisher of this excellent paper, that I hadn’t got around to shaving for a couple of days and decided to go feral. After all, no one is going to see me for the next month. Except Jane and she has stated that might be the end of any hanky panky. I’m prepared to take the risk as I was a hippy with a full beard when

we were courting 40 years ago and that was the last time I was hirsute. I’m interested to see what I’ll look like with a white beard. Maybe Father Christmas. About 2% of men look very cool unshaven, the rest look like Steptoe. I’m definitely in the latter group. Dean laughed because he had that very same conversation with his 92-year-old dad. Dean told me he is unshaven for the first time ever. No point his dad said, no one’s visiting and he’s visiting no one. He told Dean he’s interested in seeing what it looks like and wondering if he will look like his grandfather did. His grandfather always had a beard apparently. Cracked Dean up that his dad was testing a beard when he’s 92. I challenged Dean to follow his dad’s and my examples along with before and after photos and he accepted the challenge. My nearly before picture is a long overdue update of my byline. Perhaps a few readers might join us? We thought we might call it Cobeard-19 but settled on Beard Flu. Remember; Keep calm and carry on.

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

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

WHY? New Zealand exports so much to China because Chinese customers are the ones who come knocking on the door.

Ag is now fundamental to economy The Braided Trail

Keith Woodford

WITH covid-19 now dominating all of our lives it was easy to decide it would determine the focus of this week’s article. However, in choosing covid-19 and agricultural trade I want to focus primarily on the world beyond the lock-down and explore where we might be heading in the months thereafter. The starting point is that in times like these export markets choose New Zealand rather than NZ choosing its export markets. In this environment all we can do is hang out our shingle and help potential buyers manage the logistics. In NZ there has been an increasing belief in recent years that we have become too dependent on China. To those who have said we must diversify to be less reliant on China my response has always been to ask specifically where we should focus. I have yet to get a specific answer that aligns with macro prospects. At the micro level there are always options but at the macro level it is not so easy. We have been exporting so much to China because Chinese businesses are the ones knocking at our door, wanting our product, particularly as it relates to dairy,

beef and sheep meats, but also more broadly for all of our landbased products. Some of the keyboard warriors are unwilling to accept China has to a large extent managed to stamp out covid-19 and is opening up for business. My own KiwiChina networks all confirm China really is getting back to work, albeit not yet fully there. There is also scepticism whether China can handle any rebound of the virus once its society gets fully back into action. My own judgement is very clear on this. They will manage any outbreaks with great rapidity and stamp hard before it gets a hold. They have all the mechanisms in place to do this. In contrast, nowhere else in the world shows evidence of having covid-19 under control. It is going to be a long journey. Apart from China, and arguably some other north Asian countries, we in NZ are in as good a position as any. Our lock-down has come close to 10 days too late and that surely has increased the challenges we now face. But most places are in a much worse situation. My expectation in light of the above is that, like it or not, China is going to become even more important as an export destination over the next few months. The movement is going to be major and not just at the margins. The other overarching factor that will determine market demand for our land-based products in coming months is whether specific items are

discretionary or essential. People do still have to eat but they don’t have to eat out at restaurants. So, let’s first deal with the worst of the bad news. Unfortunately, wine is going to struggle greatly. Australia, the United States and Britain are all key markets and there won’t be many sauvignon blanc parties there for quite some time. There are also going to be big constraints this year in managing the grape harvest. I see zero evidence of good news for wine beyond the benefit of a low exchange rate. Kiwifruit is going to face similar challenges but for many of us kiwifruit is now regarded as an essential. It comes at the top of the supermarket list in our family. The Chinese regard it very highly and the kiwifruit market there has been growing rapidly. The Japanese market might also, hopefully, hold up. The two big questions are whether the crop can be fully harvested and whether north Asian growth can balance the challenges from elsewhere in the northern hemisphere. We are fortunate China has already become the most important market for NZ beef, followed by the US. We are also fortunate that for many Americans there is no culinary alternative to the burger. Sheep meats are more complex. China is by far the largest market for mutton and I expect it will continue to give good returns. China is also important for lamb but so are Europe, Britain and the US. I see only bad news for lamb

meat to the US for at least the next six months. For Europe and Britain I also see very challenging times but I hope to be surprised. Our dairy products are exported widely to many parts of the world. Alas, I see only bad news for everywhere except China.

In times like these export markets choose New Zealand rather than NZ choosing its export markets. Traditionally, there has always been a strong relationship between oil prices and dairy prices with a lot of the demand for NZ milk products coming from oil-producing countries. That link is not as strong as in the past but the crash of oil prices will leave some potential buyers with no money to pay. Conversely, I see China’s own milk production being adversely affected for multiple reasons, not all related to covid-19 and so Chinese demand for milk powder is likely to increase. My expectation is the combination of Chinese demand plus a weak NZ dollar will give a good milk price for the 202021 season based on whole milk powder the Chinese can then reconstitute. Though I have some confidence about the milk price I have less confidence about Fonterra’s profit, which depends more on valueadd products and overseas-based

operations in China, Australia and Chile. Fonterra has made some good progress in the last six months and has built somewhat of a cushion but coming through the full year with a profit looks highly challenging. There is an old saying that making predictions is tricky, particularly when they relate to the future. And right now the future is more opaque than it has ever been. Accordingly, all of the above comes with a big caveat that nothing is certain. Also, freight logistics have the potential to mess things up, particularly in the next few weeks. Nevertheless, that is the way I read the evidence and hence the indications as to how things are likely to pan out. I also expect to see increasing but at times grudging acknowledgement over the next six months that agriculture and food are the fundamentals of the economy that provide the funds for most of the items we have to import. Further, within agriculture, it is our pastoral products that are the products with most reliable international demand. Unfortunately, there will still be some who remain unwilling to acknowledge that reality.

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

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

On Farm Story

Facing her fears and challenges Waikato dairy farmer and Dairy Women’s Network regional leader Chelsea Smith is not afraid to take on new challenges that not only test her mentally and physically but help in her leadership role. Samantha Tennent reports.

EING flipped upside down in freezing cold water led Waikato dairy farmer Chelsea Smith to understand there is more to leadership than organising meetings and overseeing workloads. She is the operations manager on a 260-hectare farm at Honikiwi near Te Awamutu, Waikato, milking 800 cows and is also a Dairy Women’s Network regional leader. She was the recipient of a scholarship from the network of chartered accounting firms NZCA, which recently partnered with Dairy Women’s Network. The support included sending a network regional leader to join nine accountants on The Edge leadership programme with Outward Bound in the Marlborough Sounds last year. “There’s a lot of things that you fear in life and that fear stops you from doing certain things. The course helped my comfort zone grow by pushing the fear out,” she says. The course is a unique experience. The group spent six nights there in late July and early August then went home for three months before returning for another four nights in November. During the second trip they wrote a letter to themselves to be posted six months down the track, reminding them of their goals and what they learnt. She took over managing a farm this season after the previous manager took time off for health reasons. And she had hired a new team the week before she was due to leave. It all felt a bit much but she made it work and knows it was the best thing for her. She had left the first course motivated and with lofty goals. But they were too ambitious and were parked and forgotten about. The second course grounded her. She set realistic goals and expectations of herself and had more confidence. On the course there were numerous activities that revealed everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. Smith had a fear of cold water and struggled with an activity in a kayak where they had to flip over and trust their partner would get them out of trouble if needed. It was a light-bulb moment. The activity showed her what happens when she lets fear take over, that she focused on her own feelings and forgot to pay attention to those around her. It was the opposite during a high ropes activity that she enjoyed. She encouraged others and was looking out for other people, not just thinking about herself. “When you’re put in situations where it’s sink or swim, you tend to default back to thinking about yourself. “But that’s when you need to take a step back and make sure

WINE TASTING: Chelsea came from a farming family in Canterbury and after leaving school dabbled in the wine-making industry but missed the cows and working with stock so decided to give full time dairy farming a crack. Photos: Chelsea Millar

There’s a lot of things that you fear in life and that fear stops you from doing certain things. Chelsea Smith Farmer everyone else is okay. That’s what leadership is about.” She has learnt a lot about herself, her natural instincts and how to be a better leader. And these are all valuable skills to have in her regional leader role in the King Country with the network. The role entails event organising and liaising between stakeholders, particularly the local dairying community. She also put her hand up to help organise the network conference in May in Hamilton. “Helping with conference has been a real eye-opener as well. It’s the first time I’ve been part of the committee and its interesting seeing what goes on behind the scenes,” she says. “You’re getting so much of out a conference compared to what you actually pay for. That’s the amazing thing about all these dairy industry bodies. “It costs a lot to get some of these people or speakers or information. If you were paying for it off your own back to hear some of these people it would be really expensive.” She moved to live off-farm in Otorohanga this season, which has opened further opportunity in her network patch.

TAKING A TURN: Chelsea heads to the milking shed at least two or three times during the week to let someone have an extra sleep in and keep an eye on what is happening.

There are two other regional leaders in King Country and they use each other’s strengths to engage with their community. This year they are focusing on creating new evening events to try capture a larger crowed of women. They want to provide a safe, familiar place for people to go. She grew up in a dairy farming family. Her parents sharemilked on a family farm in Wairarapa till she was 12 when they bought a farm in Canterbury. It was split calving 1000 cows and had only a

36-aside herringbone shed. She had nothing to compare it to at the time so she had no idea how crazy her parents were milking that many cows through that size shed. Milking took 10 hours every day. “That was my weekend job. I’d get 20 hours of milking in,” she says. When she left school she dabbled in the wine-making industry but missed the cows and working with stock so decided to give full time dairy farming a

crack. She worked on the family farm and did an AI run for LIC. After a couple of seasons she wanted to spread her wings further but her brother was managing the home farm, leaving limited progression opportunities for her. She started looking for another job and a farm on her AI run snapped her up. She spent two seasons there. It was spring calving 420 cows through a 26-aside herringbone. She then landed a job with the van der Poel family, which

On Farm Story

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

MEETING: In between working on the farm alongside the team Chelsea has been helping organise the Dairy Women’s Network 2020 conference.

has given her some great opportunities to grow. “When I was living in Canterbury it was home and I had my friends, family and a great support network so I never got out of my comfort zone. Everything was quite accessible. “Moving up here with a new job and new area there was so much to learn and so many people to meet. I really had to put myself out there.” She flew up for her initial interview in February 2017 and recalls it was a dry summer. She had never seen dry before. She drove to an astonishingly green Honikiwi where the farm was. “It was summer safe for a Waikato farm. I had also been naive that all Waikato farms were small so was surprised to find this one with 1100 cows.” She had applied for a 2IC

position but between her interview and the end of the season the manager role became available and she was offered that instead. The following season she moved to an exciting new challenge of an 800-cow contract milking position on a farm at Ngahinapouri that was also owned by the van der Poels. Her 2IC and farm assistant from Honikiwi moved with her and helped the transition. She had spent 18 months in the North Island but had been so focused on the farm she had not had a chance to build a support network. She considered moving back to Canterbury to be closer to her family but the van der Poels created a role that would give her more time to look after her own wellbeing. She could take a year off the front line and see how she felt after that. She took two months off and had a real holiday. When she got back she stepped into an overseer role supporting the four dairy farms though it quickly changed when the operations manager of the Honikiwi farm became unwell. Fortunately, she was familiar with the farm and stepped in to

TOO DRY: The Honikiwi farm is usually summer safe but over the past three seasons has found the weather can vary greatly. This year they have gone beyond the usual six-week dry period.

cover but he ended up handing in his notice so she stayed on as the Honikiwi operations manager. It is 260 effective hectares milking 800 cows this season. They sold the autumn calvers and are heading to be a solely spring calving system next season. The farm has rolling to moderate terrain and the cows walk long distances. “When I was managing that first season I found the staff didn’t get a break, the cows didn’t get a break and we didn’t get any maintenance done on farm. There wasn’t time for anything other than the day-to-day feeding and milking cows. It was constantly busy. And because there are long walks and we get a lot more rainfall in the winter we were dealing with a lot of lame cows.” She wanted to simplify the system and discussed with the van der Poels the benefits of having one farm as an autumn farm and allowing the others to have a break over the winter. “Now we can focus on feed and days in milk and we have fewer passenger cows as it gives us options for culling,” she says. In her short time in Waikato she

FEED: About 40ha of maize is grown on the runoff and harvested in spring and early summer. Chelsea checks out the maize stack during this extended dry period.

has discovered every season is very different. “That’s why people either love or hate farming in Waikato. When I turned up three years ago they said we only get six weeks dry guaranteed but we are way past that this season,” she laughs.

You’re getting so much of out a conference compared to what you actually pay for. That’s the amazing thing about all these dairy industry bodies. Chelsea Smith Farmer “Every season is so variable. And with the changes with palm kernel and feed has changed the way we think about farming as well. “A lot of us want a less intensive system and not have to rely on bought-in feed as much.” The lower stocking rate has allowed them to harvest enough feed in spring and early summer to feed out during the dry spell. She targets feeding a tonne per cow with most made from maize and palm kernel or another feed in the shoulders. The farm has a support block where they grow the maize, planting 40ha every year then planting an annual pasture. The herd grazes on the support block for 30 days during winter before returning to the platform to get ready for calving. The young stock are grazed on the support block too. The other farms use another support block at Te Kuiti. On the platform they grow small amounts of chicory, usually to feed the autumn calvers. They have 10ha this year but it has not been enough to make a difference, she says. They have grazed it three times since October. “We lost opportunity not having those paddocks in pasture. We could have taken three or four cuts off it before the summer dry. “If we keep our stocking rate low and stay at a System 3 to 4 I

don’t see a benefit of crops. For regrassing we could look at under sowing or direct drilling or putting in hybrids to get a couple more years out of the grass.” The chicory gives them an eight-year turn around on the pastures. “I think the ryegrasses last a lot longer than that and it’s a waste of money when you aren’t building up the establishment.” Next season they will calve 960 and peak milk just over 900 cows. The farm targets 340,000kg MS, averaging 420kg MS/cow. When they were milking 1100 cows they were getting 380kg MS with a higher input of supplement. Calving starts July 20 in Waikato. They keep about 200 replacements each year, rear them on-farm and send them to the support block in December. The herd is DNA tested which gives them certainty of which they are breeding and keeping. Their sixweek in-calf rate this year is 75%. The basis of the herd is Friesian but they are trying to bring the size down with Kiwicross. They are aiming to breed a smaller, more efficient cow that leaves a smaller footprint. Mating starts on October 10 and they do five and a half weeks of AI followed by four weeks with the bulls. They tail off with a week of short gestation semen to finish on Christmas Eve. The shed is a 60-bale Waikato rotary that was built nearly 10 years ago with all the gizmos and gadgets, making milking a breeze. “You can smash out 800 cows by yourself and it’s quite enjoyable and not too stressful,” she says. On-farm she leaves the manager to organise the day-to-day team and milking rosters but will head to the milking shed at least two or three times during the week to let someone have an extra sleep in and keep an eye on what is happening. She is a little nervous to receive the letter she wrote herself in November but is working hard to keep on track for her goals and knows the opportunity with Outward Bound has set her up with good skills and knowledge to handle anything thrown her way.

>> Video link: bit.ly/OFSsmith

Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

There’s no map for the path ahead Cameron Bagrie THEY say when the going gets tough, the tough get going. That looks a farmer’s world though we need to put the testosterone aside and be realistic. New Zealand and the world face one hell of a challenge. The world, NZ included, is entering a recession. For some sectors such as agriculture, already hit by adverse developments including Government policy shifts, pressure, particularly on dairying, from banks and drought conditions it’s shrug-of-theshoulders material. That’s not to downplay recent events but it’s been batten down the hatches for some for a while. On some levels we shouldn’t be surprised. A downturn happens every 10 or so years. NZ and the global economy were due. A downturn typically hits demand, commodity prices, the NZ dollar and creates uncertainty. This one has also thrown the global supply chain into disarray. It’s one of the most uncertain environments I have ever seen. The shock absorbers have kicked in. We’ve seen a massive response globally and locally. Interest rates are now basically zero. The Reserve Bank has committed to keeping them low and is buying bonds to ensure that. We are engaging in what is called quantitative easing (QE). The Government is on one of the biggest spending packages in our history. Money is being put in people’s pockets to stem the negativity from job losses and hits to business income. The Government is backing

Pragmatism needs to prevail over political ideology. That means increases in the minimum wage must be temporarily parked and the path to environmental sustainability slowed. As a parent and investor I’m glad I’m in NZ. Owning or working on a farm is be a great place to be, a degree of isolation business as usual.

Pragmatism needs to prevail over political ideology.

CARRY ON: Owning or working on a farm is be a great place to be, a degree of isolation business as usual.

banks via a business lending facility to make loans and keep the credit lines open. The Reserve Bank has relaxed rules the banks operate under to help them provide liquidity and loans. NZ can do this because we’ve taken steps to save for that rainy day. It’s now pouring. Net debt for the Government

is about 20% of gross domestic product. We can take it a lot higher. Making the banks safer in the past decade means we are now in position for banks to step up and put more liquidity into the economy. The NZ dollar has fallen – a lot. Declines in global dairy trade prices have been smaller. China,

by moving aggressively and early, is starting to open back up. Some groups have been noticeable by their silence. Where is local government in offering support? It has big balance sheets. Councils should not be raising rates this year. That would be ridiculous. It’s time for them to step up and play a role like central government is doing.

NZ provides food. The world needs food. Witness supermarkets locally and imagine if you lived overseas. Food is an imperative. That supply chain will be prioritised. Do we have a benchmark for the path ahead? I don’t think so. This is a health crisis with severe economic consequences. It’s uncharted territory. We went in hard during the global financial crisis in 2008-09 but the economy in general came out the other side as asset prices bounced on lower interest rates. But it took some sectors such as international tourism six years to recover to 2008 levels. Farming partially filled that void. We need a repeat. Bagrie Economics uses all reasonable endeavours in producing reports to ensure the information is as accurate as practicable it is not liable for any loss or damage sustained by anyone relying on such work whatever the cause of such loss or damage. The content does not constitute advice.

Embrace rather than persecute farmers Off the Cuff

Andrew Stewart

NEVER, ever in our wildest nightmares could anyone have imagined what a whirlwind this covid-19 outbreak means for our world. Borders closing, self-isolation, panic buying and business uncertainty are all now our reality even before we head into the unknown territory that is a total lock-down. It is still difficult to comprehend all that is happening during these testing times. The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions in my farming year. Firstly, there was a wave of relief as I was finally able to send some older ewes off the farm for the first time this year. Next came the calamity that is covid-19,

spreading fear and uncertainty among us all as quickly as the actual virus itself. Happiness came in the past couple of days when some gentle rain finally fell on our droughtstricken pastures. And lastly came a sense of pride, albeit a little hollow, that our farming industry has finally been recognised by our Government as being an essential service. The last feeling has outstripped all the other emotions put together. As a farmer I know we produce healthy and sustainable food, fibre and produce more efficiently than anyone else on the planet. That is a fact. We, as farmers, have been desperate to tell that story to the masses for decades. We might not have been the best storytellers at times and, sure, there are those among us who let the rest of the team down on occasion but we have all been working hard to improve our practices so we continue to achieve at the highest level. But it has taken a global pandemic for the Government to seemingly realise just how important our primary industries

are to not only our economy but the nation’s survival. Last year the same Government was happy to bombard us with proposed legislations or taxes in drag to placate themselves from unrealistic environmental goals.

It has taken a global pandemic for the Government to seemingly realise just how important our primary industries are. They polluted us with carbon chaos, drowned us with fresh water excrement and buried us with biodiversity bullshit with little consultation and no consideration for the damage they might do. In short, they lined up their own golden goose and unloaded three solid shells at spitting distance. These hideous changes to our farming lives are still simmering away behind the chaos of covid-19. I know managing this crisis is the toughest challenge this

country has ever faced and I must give Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and company credit for acting quickly and decisively thus far. But one thing it has proved without any doubt is that our path to prosperity when we come out the other side will be on the backs of our primary industries. Now is the time for the Government to publicly acknowledge it needs to hold fire on all proposed legislation until the dust settles. Much of the country is still in a drought on top of coping with covid-19 and we need the Government to urgently put moratoriums on all proposed legislation till this crisis is behind us. That needs to happen now so farmers can focus on what we do best, farming. I have heard words like war, battle and unprecedented being bandied about by many politicians. These truly are extraordinary times we live in. But these times are when true leaders recognise their strengths and weaknesses, their mistakes and how to learn from them and ultimately how to be remembered for their legacy.

Our little island nation at the bottom of the world will get through this if we all work together and co-operate. Healthy and nutritious food will be at the top of the planet’s priority list for the foreseeable future so let’s put our differences aside for the moment, acknowledge the vital importance our farming industry has and protect and enhance it at all costs. History is littered with leaders who have recognised the true importance of agriculture. I can only hope our country’s leaders have somewhat of an epiphany and resolve to embrace their farmers rather than persecute them. United State president Thomas Jefferson said “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.” Surely such wisdom from 200 years ago is as relevant today as it was then.

Your View Andrew Stewart is a sheep and beef farmer and tourism operator in Rangitikei.

IT’S ALTOGETHER BETTER IN THE

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Whangara 1542 Panikau Road

Panikau Station - an East Coast icon

Panikau Station is a sheep and beef operation situated in the renowned Whangara farming district. Renowned for its superb coastal climate and contour, the 1,093ha station property has been proudly held by the same family since the 1880s. The farm conservatively carries 6,800SU across approximately 750 effective hectares. The picturesque property has nationally significant plantings of exotic and native trees including a central park. Superb natural water sources including several springs and the adjoining Pakarae River provide further potential sources to increase production. Significant farming infrastructure includes a seven stand woolshed, laneways, cattle and sheep yards, as well as an attractive, architecturally designed homestead. The five bedroom home sits amongst celebrated landscape gardens designed by Alfred Buxton. Start your legacy, call today.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 4 Jun 2020 10 Reads Quay, Gisborne View by appointment James Bolton-Riley 027 739 1011 Simon Bousfield 027 665 8778

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Taupo Surrounds 552 Puaiti Road

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This property is made up of 777 hectares (more or less), currently being run as a Dairy Support block, located in the stunning Waikite Valley. The dwellings and farm buildings consist of one, four bedroom home with an inground swimming pool, plus a second three bedroom weatherboard home. 156 main paddocks are subdivided by conventional and electric fencing, the average paddock size is approximately 4.5 hectares. There is a breathtaking 52 hectare native bush that boundaries the property on three sides giving the property real aesthetic appeal. Rotorua is only a 35 kilometres drive away (approximately), alternatively Taupo is 55 kilometres. Seldom do opportunities like this arise, for one lucky purchaser to secure such a great block with scale, favourable contour and live and work in this vibrant community.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Tue 7 Apr 2020 44 Roberts Street, Taupo View by appointment Stan Sickler 021 275 7826 stan.sickler@bayleys.co.nz

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Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 30, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Boundary lines are indicative only

Whanganui 2719B State Highway 4 Private and tranquil 23.9800ha Set in a well-established farming district this larger lifestyle property offers so much. The spacious home enjoys great views and has character with its rimu detailing and floorboards. Bathed in sunshine, with french doors leading out to the expansive lawn area, your family will never want to leave. The fertile river flats give options for sheep, cattle, deer or dairy grazing, calf rearing, cropping, horticulture or equestrian pursuits. There are 13 paddocks and 60% is deer fenced. Numerous sheds allow for hobbies, storage and a workshop, with well-maintained cattle yards and loading race. Alongside the current income from honey and livestock, this property gives options to be self-sufficient, potential tourism opportunities and working from home.

Turakina 791 Wanganui Road 3

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (will not be sold prior)

2pm, Thu 16 Apr 2020 158 Wicksteed Street, Whanganui View by appointment Annemarie Horrocks 027 289 4228 annemarie.horrocks@bayleys.co.nz BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Nga Kowhai Farm - beef and dairy grazing (81.0037ha) Nga Kowhai Farm is located approximately eight kilometres west of Marton on the productive Bonny Glen plains. With approximately 81.0037ha of easy and flat contours this property is ideally set up for beef farming, dairy grazing or cropping. Divided into 18 paddocks with a central laneway extending to most areas. Water supply is reticulated with all troughs pressure fed from an on-farm dam. There are two well tendered pine plantations planted in 1997. Soil types are the Marton and Halcombe series. For all the information and your chance to view call today.

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (will not be sold prior)

2pm, Wed 22 Apr 2020 158 Wicksteed Street, Whanganui View by appointment Knud Bukholt 027 222 6161 knud.bukholt@bayleys.co.nz Andrew Bonnor 027 941 7630 andrew.bonnor@bayleys.co.nz BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 MID WEST REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/3001059

bayleys.co.nz/3001064

TENDER

Ongaonga 458 Wakarara Road Flat + Fertile + Water = Options An opportunity exists to purchase this 101 hectare bare land property in the heart of the Ruataniwha plains. You are just 20 kms to both Waipukarau and Waipawa and only 3 kms to Ongaonga. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently being used for dairy support. It bounds a large-scale dairy farm and pipfruit orchard. An extensive large scale horticulture development is underway nearby meaning this property has multiple land uses. It has an 80m bore with a consent to irrigate. Soils are the Takapau Silt Loam series (Class 3 LUC). A functional set of cattle yards and stock water system are in place. The disused woolshed and yard could easily be brought up to spec if intensive lamb finishing is preferred. For more information or to view this property call Paul today.

Tender

Closes 2pm, Thursday 16 April 2020, Harcourts, 207 Gloucester Street, Taradale (No Prior Sale). View Wednesday 1 April 12.30-1.30pm www.harcourts.co.nz/TL7235

Paul Evans M 027 533 3314 P 06 845 9100

paul.evans@harcourtshb.co.nz

207 Gloucester Street , Taradale - Regent Realty Ltd

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Motivated vendor prepared to meet the market Substantial Dairy Farming Portfolio An outstanding opportunity for an astute investor seeking a competitive yield to acquire a large-scale selfcontained dairy portfolio located in South Waikato, available as one lot or as individual units. • Total area 2,733 hectares including 1,937 ha dairy platform, 550 ha support block and 98 ha in trees • Four dairy units milking 5,000 cows with threeyear average production 1.578 million kgs of milksolids • Support block carries all replacement heifers plus harvests approx 150 hectares of grass silage • Excellent accommodation provided by 15 modern brick homes

• Turn-key operation, available as a going concern including livestock, plant and machinery Capitalise on the efﬁciencies created by signiﬁcant scale and the strong fundamentals of global demand for dairy products by investing at an opportune time in the property cycle. Motivated vendors prepared to meet the market with a portfolio of dairy properties that can be sold both individually or collectively as a going concern with the potential to generate very attractive returns.

These properties, adjacent to the Waikato river and State Highway 32 are in close proximity to Tokoroa and Whakamaru and offered for sale with excellent, near-new infrastructure.

For more info about these properties please contact Property Brokers sales consultants: Brian Peacocke 021 373 113 Paul O’Sullivan 027 496 4417 Dave Peacocke 0274 732 382 Doug Wakelin 027 321 1343 pb.co.nz/atarangi

Dairy Support

TENDER TOKOROA Wainui Road

WEB ID TWR02686

• 550.22 hectares (subject to title) • Taupo sandy loam soils • Easy to medium rolling contour with some sidlings • Approx. 500 ha in pasture with 150 ha mowable • Grazes all replacement heifers through for two years • Near new 250 head capacity steel cattle yards • 4-bay implement shed, covered 180t fertiliser bin • Modern 4 bedroom brick home

TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

Atiamuri

TENDER WHAKAMARU 2603 Whakamaru Road

WEB ID TWR02688

• 612.7191 hectares • Atiamuri sandy loam soils • Flat to easy to undulating contour with some sidlings • 539 hectare milking platform; 1,450 cows • 3-year average production 431,896 kgs milksolids • First-class 60 bail rotary dairy with in-shed meal feeding • 4 modern low maintenance dwellings

TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

pb.co.nz/atarangi

TOKOROA Telephone 0800 367 5263

Price expectation based on yield Tokoroa Downs

TENDER TOKOROA 726 State Highway 32

WEB ID TWR02689

• 593.1596 hectares • A mix of Tirau silty loam and Taupo sandy loam soils • Flat to easy to undulating contour with some sidlings • 548 hectare milking platform; 1,350 cows • 3-year average production 444,645 kgs milksolids • First-class 60 bail rotary dairy with in-shed meal feeding • 23 hectares in forestry deriving lease income • 4 modern low maintenance dwellings TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

Twin Lakes

TENDER WHAKAMARU 1957 Whakamaru Road

WEB ID TWR02690

• 482.8841 hectares • Atiamuri sandy loam soils • Flat to easy to undulating contour with some sidlings • 367 hectare milking platform; 950 cows • 3-year average production 305,532 kgs milksolids • 60 hectares in forestry deriving lease income • 18 ha ex-forestry suitable for pastoral development • First-class 60 bail rotary dairy with in-shed meal feeding • 3 modern low maintenance dwellings TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

Whakamaru

TENDER WHAKAMARU 2362 Whakamaru Road

WEB ID TWR02691

• 494.0799 hectares • Atiamuri sandy loam soils • Flat to easy to undulating contour with some sidlings • 478 hectare milking platform; 1,250 cows • 3-year average production 396,342 kgs milksolids • First-class 60 bail rotary dairy with in-shed meal feeding • 3 modern low maintenance dwellings

TENDER Thursday, 21st May, 2020 or other date to be advised 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

High quality gold investment

Waiau River Estate - Opportunity awaits

WEB ID TXR02672 PAENGAROA View By Appointment 2A Allport Road 9.66 canopy hectares G3 Sungold Kiwifruit showing excellent returns.

BY NEGOTIATION

Early start premiums achieved on approximately 6 ha. with crop forecast for the upcoming 2020 harvest of 16,000 trays per ha. Plenty of potential as this young orchard is only in year six of production since grafting from greenfield. Water supply from two bores. Quality brick homestead of 245 m2, with additional accommodation of a modern cottage. The orchard also comprises 19 ha of grazing running 63 Rising 2-year cattle and 14 ha 21 year Radiata pines.

3 2 Brett Ashworth

Mobile 021 0261 7488 bretta@pb.co.nz

Broomfield Road - 20 ha

WEB ID PR74690 WOODVILLE Broomfield Road An excellent first farm or add on opportunity which is well located being under 5 km to Woodville and under 30 minutes to Palmerston North. Currently utilised as replacement heifer grazing and supplement harvesting for a larger business this property is well suited to further farming practices including cropping. Farming infrastructure consists of reticulated water, cattle yards with load out facilities and a 3 bay implement shed. Excellent road access off both Broomfield and Troup Roads provides options for a larger lifestyle or development opportunity.

pb.co.nz

WEB ID RR74794 HANMER SPRINGS View By Appointment 2254 Mouse Point Road A unique opportunity awaits a discerning purchaser or purchasers. Waiau River Estate is a very aesthetically pleasing venue, from the views up and down the river, to the carefully thought out placement and construction of the buildings. There is an established restaurant and Hamish Anderson cellar door trade, catering for functions, weddings, wine Mobile 027 678 8888 tasting with casual dining. The property is 21.9145 Office 03 310 6471 hectares of which 5.2 hectares is in grapes. The home is hamisha@pb.co.nz a superior, contemporary designed four bedroom property with two modern bathrooms, two lounges, a Maurice Newell dining room and a study. Two car garage and 5-bay Mobile 027 240 1718 shed. Office 03 310 6471

$3,075,000 + GST (IF ANY)

mauricen@pb.co.nz

4 2 2

Hokio - 129 ha

TENDER

Jared Brock

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

John Arends

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

WEB ID PR74541 PONGAROA 4162 Pahiatua Pongaroa Road Situated in the Pongaroa district, this exceptionally well presented and high producing sheep and beef unit presents an affordable first farm opportunity. Featuring 17 ha of flats with substantial re-fencing, fertiliser and pasture renovation, this turn-key low input operation lends itself to free up the new owners for off farm income. A spacious 4 bedroom home has been recently renovated is well set in mature grounds and has views over the front flats and beyond. Farming infrastructure includes a 4 stand woolshed with 500 NP, 4 bay implement sheds plus comprehensive stock handling facilities.

TENDER

Jared Brock

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

John Arends

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

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 30, 2020

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

FARM GOING TO AUCTION • Situated south of Whanganui at 123 Ratana Road is this 83 hectares consented for intensive agriculture. • This farm has great soil fertility and extensive drainage has been put in place including nova flow. • There is a very good bore that supplies quality water to stock troughs and dairy. • Includes 350 cow feed pad, very good stock handling facilities, eight bay machinery shed and 20 aside dairy. • Comfortable three bedroom home on separate title. • Good layout with numerous paddocks. Internal fences are mainly two wire electric along with a good internal central laneway system and good rural fencing. • Offers diverse income stream from beef, cropping, dairy.

Your destination For Rural real Estate

Google ‘Sallan Realty’ Your Farm Sales Specialist

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Sallan Realty

• The vendors are genuine sellers and wish to sell under the hammer on the day. • Auction 16th April 2020, 1pm on site.

LES CAIN 0274 420 582

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Market your property to an audience that counts Get in touch with your agent today

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 30, 2020

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

EXCLUSIVE

KATIKATI, BAY OF PLENTY Two Roads Avocados This impressive 10 hectare avocado orchards spans the two country roads and the highway immediately north of Katikati town. 700 plus avocado trees have around 20,000 trays hanging. This is premium horticulture land that produces large volumes of high value fruit and makes a lot of money. A stunning executive styled modern villa for luxurious entertaining space and generous outdoor covered living. A huge consented bore, great shedding and rental accommodation are all awesome bonuses. Landscaped wetlands likely offer subdivision options.

pggwre.co.nz/TAR32132 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

EXCLUSIVE

PRICE BY NEGOTIATION Plus GST (if any)

Andrew Fowler M 027 275 2244 E afowler@pggwrightson.co.nz Amanda Edwards M 027 463 3502 E amanda.edwards@pggwrightson.co.nz

CAVE, SOUTH CANTERBURY 'Moa Flat' - Must Be Sold! - 150 hectares Our vendor has now sold their core farming business and to finalise family succession and retirement 'Moa Flat' now must be sold. Run as an intensive cropping, finishing and calf rearing operation that could be reinstated to a working dairy unit with the consent to milk 360 cows. Features include a large dairy barn with six Lely robots included in the sale, feed bunkers, effluent system and irrigation via two pivots and guns with a 54,000mÂł pond.The arable business has been growing a rotation of maize, wheat, barley, peas and specialist crops with excellent yields achieved.

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 1.00pm, Wednesday 29 April

Calvin Leen M 027 453 0950 E calvin.leen@pggwrightson.co.nz Simon Richards M 027 457 0990 E simon.richards@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TIM32209 Helping grow the country

Agri Job Board

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 30, 2020

RELIABLE DRY STOCK FARMER

SHEPHERD

Part time (flexible hours)

Top property in a dream location is seeking an experienced Shepherd.

Live on farm doing stock work and some general maintenance. You will need a couple of working dogs and have tractor and quad bike experience.

Rimunui Station, located 7km (10 minute drive) from Gisborne CBD, is a 1000ha effective breeding and finishing property consisting of easy, medium and steep hill country, wintering 400 Angus stud breeding cows and 3200 breeding ewes.

The farm is situated in the Kawhia area, 1 hour to Te Awamutu, 50 minutes to Otorohanga. LK0101783©

Would suit someone who is ready to semi-retire.

Please call after 7pm for more details 021 871 053

Jobs

The well-known Kaharau Angus Stud has been operating at Rimunui Station for over 30 years.

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

The successful applicant must have a strong team of dogs and be able to work alone, a good sense of humour with a can-do attitude.

JOBS BOARD Bull Farmer

@farmersweeklyjobs

They will be part of a well organised, cohesive team and will answer to the Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a progressive organisation that is involved in modern farming practice

Dairy Assistant and Calf Rearer Jobs Dry Stock Farmer Farm Manager Fencer

Shepherd

Living on the farm is required and a comfort-able three bedroom Lockwood home is provided. The school bus pick up is at the gate, dropping off to a choice of local Gisborne primary, intermediate and secondary schools and with the location so close to town, enables an easy commute for employment opportunities for a partner.

Weight Crate Operator

Competitive remuneration package.

Financial Controller General Hand Home Based Telephone Interviewers Other

It’s now more important than ever to connect rural employers with job seekers. We are also working with industry good organisations to make sure relevant information is at your fingertips. That’s why the team at Farmers Weekly have launched a dedicated Farmers Weekly Jobs Facebook page.

View photos on Trade me jobs.

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

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Phone Nick Carr 021 656 023 or 06 281 0059 Applications close – 17th April, 2020

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Please e-mail applications with CV to: tracy@gisborne.net.nz

*conditions apply

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

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

WE ARE THE SOLUTION If you have an agri job listing get in touch with Debbie at classifieds@globalhq.co.nz or ph 027 705 7181 to secure your place on Farmers Weekly Jobs Facebook today!

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

GET IN TOUCH

Like and follow us @FarmersWeeklyJobs for the latest agri jobs or view our listings online at

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

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

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

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

DOGS FOR SALE DELIVERING AND BUYING dogs North Island 18/4/20. Non contact! www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553.

DOGS WANTED

GRAZING AVAILABLE

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

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

PREMIUM RIVER FLAT grazing with some hill, availlable 1st May for 140 R1 dairy heifers with the intention of also taking on weaners in October / November. Phone Brendon 021 087 92934.

WILTSHIRES-ARVIDSON. Self shearing sheep. No1 for Facial Eczema. David 027 2771 556. RED DEVON BULLS; Also in-calf cows + heifers, BVD vaccinated + weaners. Hill country stud. TB-C10 - 06 376 3966 RAMS. HILL COUNTRY Perendales. Easy care with good size and quality wool. $250-$550. Phone 06 376 4751 or 021 133 7533. RAMS. TERMINAL SIRES Southdowns and Suffolk/ Southdown X for heavy fast growing lambs. Suitable for Hogget mating. $250$550. Phone 06 357 7727 or 021 133 7533.

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

2546FW JOBS

Noticeboard

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

PERSONAL Country Lady Looking For Love! A country beauty who has a farming background. She loves horses, working on the land, meals out with friends and family and weekends away travelling. Long blonde hair and hazel eyes. To meet, please call 0800 446 332 Quote code 57

LK0101769©

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

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

www.countrycompanionship.co.nz

RAMS FOR SALE WILTSHIRE & SHIRE® Meat rams. Low input. www.wiltshire-rams.co.nz 03 225 5283. BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie Brown on 0800 85 25 80 to book in or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

TARPAULINS NZ MADE. Heavy duty covers for hay, silage, tractors, bulldozers, trucks etc. All sizes. For more info Westlorne Ohakune 06 385 8487 or email: westlorne@xtra. co.nz - Visit our website: www. westlorne.co.nz

SEE PAGE 34

FOR MORE NOTICEBOARD ADVERTISING

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0101843 Cabins High Country & Construction 63.57x50

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 30, 2020

50 TON WOOD SPLITTER

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CHILLERS & FREEZERS [For farmers and hunters]

12HP, Diesel, Electric Start

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• Farm accommodation • Horse stables • Small buildings

Noticeboard

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Available in kitset & fully build packages. Available NZ wide.

udly NZ Madew Pro Since 1975

Further information phone 027 963 5390 Highcountrycabins66@gmail.com

021 441 180 (JC)

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LAND LEASE WANTED Thinking about retiring but don’t want to sell the family farm? We would be very interested hearing from you!

When only the best will do!

We are looking to expand our current drystock property. Northland drystock / finishing farms of 250ha or more preferred.

GST Special Price $4200 INCLUSIVE Very limited stock

If bigger than 500ha then further away would be considered as well.

To find out more visit

Flexible starting date before July 1st 2020.

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

DOLOMITE

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

TOWABLE FLAIL MOWER GST $4400 INCLUSIVE

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

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

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

A full range with many features as standard.

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

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Five year lease with option to extend to 10 years preferred.

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frigidair@xtra.co.nz

Heavy duty long lasting

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Farm Refunds Limited

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Farmers, missing Farmers, areare you you missing out? back a piece the pie! ClaimClaim back a piece of theof pie!

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Act Now!

Call Debbie

027 705 7181

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

South Island - Stuart 027 435 3062

™

We need some help...

Our business is growing and we’re looking for to join our team and in Southland Oursomeone business is growing we’re looking for and Otago. someone to join our team in Southland and Otago.

Are retired farmer or keen ﬁll into fill in Are you youa a retired farmer or to keen some time? You remain your own boss, some time? You remain your own boss, with hours with hours that suit you. You’ll be talking thattalk suitwith you.farmers You’ll while be talking the talk the at the same time with farmersthem while attheir thehands sameon thousands time helping them helping get of may on not thousands be aware they’re getdollars theirthey hands of dollars they entitled to. may not be aware they’re entitled to.

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find out email more email To findToout more support@farmrefunds.co.nz support@farmrefunds.co.nz or phone Gary on 021-636969 or phone Gary on 021 636 969

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Livestock Noticeboard SALE TALK A child asked his father, “How were people born?”

CLEARING SALE

His father said, “Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies become adults, and so on.”

HIGH INDEXED CROSSBRED GENETICS On Account of: JUST ONCE MORE LIMITED Shaun & Kelly Bicknell 169 Horomanga Road, RD 1, Murupara. DN 22290 Tuesday 7th April 2020 - 12 Noon

t a d

The child went to his mother and asked her the same question.

w n r o selling After 40 years of LIC Breeding the Bicknell Family are te stock. C ayoung their entire herd and l l RA 100% Consisting of 240 Cows BW 150 PW 210 e a a (BW’s up to 268, PW’s up to 550) o h PW 207 57 x R2 YrtHeifers BWc 194 . i s225 70 x R1 Yr Heifers BW 209 PW d l i M e Cows 1, 2, 110, 210 are carrying a contract matings. n210 & 1 being t Dame& tDaughter o n R2 Yr p are e 298 dcarrying contract matings t Heifers 18-221, g(BW R1 Yr Heifer 19-104 290 PW 314) to be contract mated. r s a o produces 400kg ms/cow being PRODUCTION: The consistently f t Herd Po milked c a OAD all season on a system 2 - 3. MATING:tDTC 12/7/20 for 3 ½ weeks to LIC Frs, Crossbred & Jsy. nwith Hfd Bull. 65% Incalf to AI. Expected calf BW 217. Tailed o R2 Yr Heifers DTC 12/7/20 with 60% incalf to AI Jsy. CExpected calf BW 243. Tailed with Crossbred Recorded Bulls.

“We were monkeys then we evolved to become humans,” she said. The child ran back to his father and said, “You lied to me!”

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

Further enquiries: Agent: Michael Conwell 027 226 1611 Vendor: Shaun Bicknell 027 221 1977

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AUCTIONEERS NOTE: NZ Farmers Livestock are privileged to offer this very well bred G3 Proﬁled Herd and young stock for auction. The Bicknell family have provided a number of bulls to the LIC Premier Sires team over the years and currently have “Just Once Cooper” as the top ranked Crossbred bull for gestation length. The Herd will come forward in good condition and offers buyers a good selection of crossbred genetics.

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

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

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STOCK FOR SALE

600 R2YR Stabiliser STEERS 380 -520 kg Sell in lines to suit, very quiet, very dry!!!

170 Ang & AHX R2YR STEERS 370 – 420 kg

160 R 2&3YR VIC Ang Hfrs to Angus BULLS Store lambs, rams, wethers, ewe LAMBS 28 – 36 kgs

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LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Our STOCKNZ Device App has been UPDATED Download The Latest Version

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

His father replied, “No, your mum was talking about her side of the family.”

ANIMAL HEALTH: TB C10, Lepto Vaccinated, M. Bovis undetected

PAYMENT & DELIVERY: The buyer has the option to take immediate delivery or the vendors will retain possession until 29/5/20. The herd will be dry cowed at drying off. Payment – unless prior arrangements – 14 days from sale date.

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

SALEYARD AUCTIONS CANCELLATION NOTICE:

DAIRIES FOR SALE Great buying - Farmers want a deal 250 Top Xbred Herd BW119 PW155 RA100% DTC 21/7, 100% mated to AB, 440ms, Rotary Long walks, top cond, $1600 Kelly Higgins 027 600 2374 Ref: DH1222

DUE TO COVID19 LOCKDOWN REQUIREMENTS

60 Thumping Fsn I/C Hfrs BW111 PW104 DTC 1/9 to Jsy, capital replacements $1500 Brent Espin 027 551 3660 Ref: DH1712 71 Xbred R1yr Hfrs BW201 PW226 Well grown fully recorded $875 Paul Collins 027 304 8994 Ref: DR1744

All saleyard auctions are cancelled throughout the North and South Islands until further notice.

445 Fsn/FsnX Herd BW93 PW107 RA95% DTC 1/8-6wks LIC, low inputs, predom Fsn HB shed, tailed Hfd, young herd $1625 Richard Andrews 027 536 8693 Ref: DR1651 285 Xbred Herd BW119 BW178 RA94% DTC 5/8 to LIC, system1, TBC10, only cows Born 2013-17 from 1000 cow herd $1600 Richard Andrews 027 536 8693 Ref: DH1437

LK0101250©

FARMERS WEEKLY – March 30, 2020

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WEEKLY AUCTIONS Wednesday night – North Island Thursday night – South Island FEATURE AUCTIONS Torrisdale Murray Grey Stud Female Sale Thursday, 2 April 2020 at 3.00 pm Link Livestock Flush Cow Sale Monday, 6 April 2020 at 7.30 pm REGULAR MONTHLY AUCTION Dedicated AngusPure Cattle Sale Tuesday, 7 April 2020 at 7.30 pm

NZ’s Virtual Saleyard

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

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MARKET SNAPSHOT

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Mel Croad

Nicola Dennis

Cattle

Reece Brick

Graham Johnson

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

William Hickson

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

4.95

5.35

NI lamb (17kg)

7.00

7.05

NI Stag (60kg)

7.30

7.40

9.15

NI Bull (300kg)

4.95

NI mutton (20kg)

4.60

5.05

SI Stag (60kg)

7.30

7.40

9.15

NI Cow (200kg)

3.40

3.70

SI lamb (17kg)

6.80

6.70

SI Steer (300kg)

4.60

5.00

SI mutton (20kg)

4.10

4.80

SI Bull (300kg)

4.65

4.70

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.20

3.35

UK CKT lamb leg

10.57

10.90

8.86

US imported 95CL bull

7.76

7.29

7.16

US domestic 90CL cow

8.61

7.92

6.99

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

6.5 6.0

$/kg CW

11.5

6.0

10.5

5.0

9.5

South Island lamb slaughter price

$/kg CW

5.0

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

Apr 2018-19

Jun

Aug 2019-20

Last week

Prior week

Last year

2.95

Dec-19 Sept. 2020

Last price*

WMP

2490

2620 3070

2970

AMF

4750

5175

Butter

4000

Milk Price

7.22

7.20

321

787

833

DAP

Top 10 by Market Cap

400

Feb-19

Company

YTD High

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

28.72

30.9

21.1

The a2 Milk Company Limited

16.72

17.54

13.8

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

4.13

5.8

3.61

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.1

4.93

3.445

Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Auckland International Airport Limited

5.8

9.21

4.26

4.33

5.62

3.595 6.61

17.18

Port of Tauranga Limited

6.13

8.08

4.9

Contact Energy Limited

5.57

7.74

4.54

Ebos Group Limited

22.2

25.23

18.42

Listed Agri Shares

420 400 380

YTD Low

Mercury NZ Limited (NS) Ryman Healthcare Limited

360 320

2860

3060

625

314

5.50

vs 4 weeks ago

SMP

567

314

3.35

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

567

$/tonne

Nearby contract

Urea

30 micron lamb

Feb-20

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T)

Last year

2.80

$/tonne

6.25 Oct-19

Aug 2019-20

Prior week

2.40

7.25

Jun-19 Aug-19 Sept. 2019

Jun

Last week

2.40

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

6.75

NZ average (NZ$/t)

37 micron ewe

440

Apr-19

Apr 2018-19

Fertiliser

Aug 2019-20

Super

7.75

$/kg MS

Jun

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

5.75

Feb

FERTILISER

Coarse xbred ind.

Dairy

Dec

7.0

(NZ$/kg)

2018-19

Oct

5-yr ave

5.0

5-yr ave

8.5

6.5

8.0

WOOL

Apr

South Island stag slaughter price

7.5

5.5

Feb

8.5

7.0

6.0

Dec

9.5

6.0

South Island steer slaughter price

Oct

10.5

6.5

9.0

4.5

Last year

North Island stag slaughter price

11.5

8.0

10.0

6.5

Last week Prior week

7.5

5.5

4.5

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

9.0

5.0

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

16.72

17.54

13.8

Comvita Limited

2.16

3.25

1.66

Delegat Group Limited

7.07

12.1

6.39

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

3.8

4.06

3.62

Foley Wines Limited

1.4

1.91

1.4

360

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.78

0.82

0.75

4150

340

Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited

0.192

0.197

0.191

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.52

2.3

1.29

7.21

320

PGG Wrightson Limited

1.75

2.47

1.55

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.48

8.2

5.55

Feb-19

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

Scales Corporation Limited

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3000

300

4.1

5.17

3.3

SeaDragon Limited

0.205

0.001

Seeka Limited

3.47

4.74

3.47

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

5.28

9.1

4.36

T&G Global Limited

2.5

2.93

2.35

13733

16941

12699

2800

280

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity Index S&P/NZX 50 Index

9632

12073

8499

2600

260

S&P/NZX 10 Index

10173

12096

9100

$/tonne

US$/t

Last year

North Island lamb slaughter price

10.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

Last week Prior week

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

2400 2200

240 220

Apr

May Jun Latest price

Jul

Aug 4 weeks ago

Sep

200

Feb-19

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Apr-19

Jun-19

Aug-19

Oct-19

Dec-19

Feb-20

13733

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

9632

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

10173

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER STEER ( $/KG)

NI SLAUGHTER BULL ( $/KG)

4.95

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

6.80

PULSE REECE BRICK

Log market might be a sign of the future

HROUGHOUT the chaos and disruption there is a sign in log sales to China of what the future might hold for New Zealand’s primary industry export markets. Everything was beginning to look up for forestry before the lockdown. For various sectors the paranoia and restrictions that came with the outbreak in China caused a temporary plug in the supply chain. That left a mass of logs stuck at ports or aboard ships with big question marks around who was going to be there to pick them up. Europe continued to funnel big volumes of salvaged logs into China from beetle-infested forests, which did not help the situation. At least six million tonnes of logs were thought to be stored at Chinese ports. Export log values were cut under the over-supply, falling to a four-year low. However, the wheels had begun moving again, slowly but surely, by mid-March. The gradual relaxing of movement restrictions meant Chinese business

NZ log prices ($/t) 155

activity and, therefore, log use, was rising daily, bringing more and more buyers out of the woodwork. The cost of shipping had fallen almost a third from the end of 2019 as well. The market appeared on track for a similar recovery to the one at back end of last year. What’s thrown a spanner in the works is the NZ lockdown. Buyers in China aren’t too sure how to react given NZ has supplied almost 40% of softwood logs in the past 12 months and a lack of containers is even putting a cap on what Europe can provide. Shipping companies have a challenge because ships on their way to NZ are unlikely to be loaded and must either find business elsewhere or park up. Chinese log use fell sharply last week as they try to balance the situation but all signs point to the dial swinging from over-supply to under-supply in the next month. Let’s just hope NZ can make the most of it at the end of the four weeks.

WEATHER

Overview

Soil Moisture

This week has more high pressure but the positive is some wet weather is affecting eastern areas, mainly between Kaikoura and Masterton. High pressure will keep most other regions drier than average with only a few showers here and there. The more southern placement of recent highs and the one this week means the North Island has a developing east to southeast flow. The eastern North Island from East Cape to Wairarapa has a showery, cooler, flow coming up. But once the next high rolls through we might be in a better position for some northern and western wet weather.

26/03/2020

Source: NIWA Data

Highlights

Highlights/ Extremes

Temperature

Wind

Winds ease over the South Island while an easterly quarter flow, often east to southeast, develops over the North Island. Winds are fairly light nationwide because of more high pressure but a southerly flow is possible later in the week.

Autumn changes now, which means further ups and downs temperaturewise, however, nothing extremely hot or cold is showing up.

Soaking rain is possible for Wairarapa and eastern Marlborough. Most other places are drier than average. Nothing extreme is showing up but around April 6 to 9 we might get some northern and western rain.

14-day outlook

7-day rainfall 7-DAY RAINforecast MAP

The next 14 days are autumnal but not severe. We had a cold snap fade this past weekend and now another big high will track over the South Island bringing more easterly winds further north. After this high has moved through it might start to encourage sub-tropical weather into the area. The positive with this forecast is that it leans towards bringing some further wet weather into northern drought zones from April 6 onwards. It is not locked in but is a set-up to monitor.

Over the next week the eastern North Island will be the wettest and looks likely to be wetter than average for this time of year. It will also be a little cooler. Most of the wet weather is over the first half of the week. As we go through the week more places become dry with another cooler surge of showers moving over the North Island, possibly again from the southeast, at the end of the week. Drier than average for most others.

NZ log prices ($/t)

145 135 125 115 105 95 85 Mar-15

Mar-16

Mar-17

S1 S1 log log (domestic) (domestic)

Mar-18

Mar-19

Mar-20

A-grade A-grade log log (export) (export)

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

For more maps and insights go to farmersweekly.co.nz/weather

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

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

High store lamb tallies at South Island sales Both Canterbury Park and Temuka were able to hold sales before the yards had to shut the gates for the next four weeks. Store lamb tallies at both sales were higher than usual for the time of year, though Temuka was significantly up at 8800 head. While orders were adequate to absorb the number, sellers did have to meet a softer market than seen of late, with prices on average $5-$15 down on the previous week. NORTHLAND Wellsford store cattle • R2 Angus steers, 328-337kg, returned $2.40-$2.44/kg • R2 Red Devon steers, 301-361kg, ranged from $2.21/kg to $2.40/ kg • R2 beef-dairy heifers, 323-338kg, were consistent at $2.28/kg • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 159kg, were well received at $600 • Weaner Angus-cross heifers, 178kg, held at $500, as did Hereford, 202kg, $575 WELLSFORD penned 291 cattle last Monday. A smattering of R3 cattle were on offer and Hereford-dairy steers, 366kg, managed $2.51/kg, and heavier Friesiancross, 447kg, traded at $2.01/kg. R2 cattle throughput lifted to 128 head and beef-dairy steers, 331-371kg, eased to $2.49-$2.55/kg, while Hereford-dairy, 270-271kg, returned $2.18-$2.20/kg. R2 Friesian heifers, 288kg, could only muster $1.81/kg, whilst all R2 bulls, 328-374kg, managed $2.29-$2.32/kg regardless of breed. Weaners made up close to 50% of the yarding. Hereford-dairy steers, 188-233kg, traded at $430-$615, and Angus-cross, 151-173kg, eased to $495-$500. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 124kg, held at $445. Angus and Angus-Hereford bulls, 195-227kg, fetched $445$475. Thirteen empty Hereford cows, 395-523kg, sold over a range of $1.41/kg to $1.52/kg.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep • Prime Angus-cross steers, 726kg, achieved $2.49/kg • Prime Hereford and Hereford-cross steers, 473-540kg, made $2.17-$2.27/kg • The best weaner Hereford steers, 129-196kg, made $530-$630 The cancellation of a sale in Waikato boosted the tally at RANGIURU last Tuesday. They were met by a small gallery that grew as the sale progressed, with many astute enough to recognise a good opportunity to buy. The boner market proved to be quite resilient and one good yielding line of Friesian & Friesiancross, cows, 456kg, managed $1.54/kg. Most lines however were Friesian-cross, 450-487kg, that earned $1.13-$1.21/ kg with straight Friesian, 473-529kg, down 18c/kg to sell for similar amounts at $1.15-$1.25/kg. Results were mixed in the store pens, but quality cattle were chased, and this was reflected in prices of $2.49-$2.51/kg for R2 369kg Angus and 382-408kg Hereford-Friesian steers. The second cut of the steer pens earned $2.22/kg to $2.35/kg. The heifer section was mostly filled with HerefordFriesian and the top pen, 268kg, made $2.46/kg while most others, 327- 443kg, traded at $2.24-$2.34/kg. Prime lambs varied from $85 to $132, and store lambs $50 up to $108. Ewes made $70-$84.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero cattle fair • The top end of R2 traditional steers, 320-395kg, held at $2.66$2.74/kg • R2 exotic bulls, 360kg, earned $2.28/kg • Mixed age traditional cows, 695kg, fetched $1220, $1.76/kg There was just a small volume of mixed-quality cattle at the MATAWHERO cattle fair last Tuesday. Despite the uncertainty of the coming weeks, or perhaps because of it, nearly everything was able to find homes and good lines of cattle sold accordingly. R3 Angus steers, 465-510kg, made $2.59/kg, while same breed bulls, 530kg, made $2.36/kg and exotic heifers, 345kg, $1.94/kg. The bulk of the yarding was R2 heifers where the majority sold in a range of $2.06-$2.15/kg, with Hereford, 335kg, able to achieve $2.39/kg. Weaner Angus and AngusHereford steers and bulls fetched $600-$650 for those at 260-265kg, while lighter steers earned $490 and exotic bulls, $370.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime cattle and sheep • Very-heavy ewes improved to $125.50-$135.50 • Very-good ewes softened to $87.50-$94.50 • Top mixed-sex lambs eased to $135-$154 • Heavy mixed-sex lambs also eased to $107-$114 • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 539-575kg, softened to $2.20-$2.23/kg Just under 950 sheep were penned at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday, with almost an even split of lambs and ewes. The top end traded at steady to improved levels, and some heavy ewes lifted to $121.50, while the balance was mainly steady at $111-$117. Good types came back to $80.50-$85, with medium at $70.50-$76. In the lamb section a small very-heavy top end comprised 19 cryptorchid and managed $174. Good types eased to $107-$114 while ewe lambs held value and heavy lines earned $136-$159. Cattle throughput lowered with just 65 penned and cows made up over 50% of that tally. A small gallery of buyers and agent orders meant all found new homes, though most traded on a softer market. Five Angus steers, 504kg, eased to $2.40/ kg, as did a consignment of Angus cows, 537-608kg, back to $1.52-$1.60/kg.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep • Hereford bulls, 706kg, fetched $2.57/kg • Angus steers, 646kg, held at $2.40/kg • The top ewe pens peaked at $160-$178 Over 4800 sheep made the journey to the yards at FEILDING last Monday, but the gallery was small as

LAST CALL: One of the last sales to take place was the Matawhero cattle fair.

social-distancing practices were heeded. Very heavy lambs had been missing from the past few sales, but a few made $162-$195, followed by the bulk of the tally at $140-$160. Lighter lambs returned $115-$138. Ewe buyers paid a little less than a week ago with the majority $85-$139. Dairy cows still made up the bulk of the cattle section and volume nearly doubled. Heavy Friesian, 560-605kg, were sought after and prices remained steady at an average of $1.26/ kg, while a second cut, 430-545kg, dropped 7c/kg to sell at $1.15-$1.24/kg. Buyers from around the lower North Island attended a solid autumn calf sale. Good condition bulls sold well, with the top Friesian pens $200-$230, and the best Hereford-Friesian traded at $225-$250, including the top red coloured and heifer pens.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park prime cattle and sheep • Traditional steers, 435-840kg, earned $2.08-$2.18/kg • Angus-Hereford, 504kg, were the top heifers at $2.14/kg • Angus heifers, 495-568kg, fetched $2.05-$2.12/kg • A small heavy prime lamb line-up remained sought after at $140$163 Changes to New Zealand’s COVID-19 response came the day before the CANTERBURY PARK sale last Tuesday, just as sheep were being taken off trucks and sorted into pens. A big effort communicating that the sale was going ahead resulted in a similar sized gallery to the previous week, though the market eased overall. The quality of cattle offered was generally excellent, but prices dropped 15-20c/kg. The prime sheep market was hit hard, and lambs came back $5-$15, with the majority sold for $110-$137, while a much bigger proportion of lighter types made $84-$99. Of the 900 prime ewes penned only a small portion of the tally sold above $100, all in the range of $104-$161. The bulk of the ewes were medium-good types that made $49-$98, though a large portion of light lines were below that level. Most store lambs were mixed-sex and prices dropped. The lion’s share of the yarding were midrange and heavy types that earned $65-$104, with lighter types $54-$78.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka Prime cattle and all sheep • Hereford bulls, 676-740kg, returned $2.35-$2.38/kg • Friesian bulls, 590-602kg, made $2.35-$2.36/kg • Hereford-Friesian steers, 555-765kg, earned $2.23/kg to $2.38/kg • Most prime ewes made $80-$98 with a few heavy pens $130$160 High store lamb tallies continued at TEMUKA last Monday with over 8700 yarded. Prices fell, but quality was not the issue as most lines were well-presented. Prices dropped $5-$15 per head across the store lambs. Lesser lines recorded bids of $65 or less, with mid-range to heavy types $70-$107. Prime lambs made a consistent $100-$129, with a larger lighter end at $80-$98, while a few heavy pens made $130-$160. Auctioneers were kept busy selling cull dairy cows in the cattle pens, although numbers were lower than usual for this time of year. The boner market provided two-thirds of the tally and was softer as better cows eased 5c/kg to trade at $1.14-$1.23/kg, with second cuts $1.10-$1.20/kg. HELP: Farmers are working out ways to move stock off farm in dry Hawke’s Bay.

Markets

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020

Alternative livestock selling options

ALE yards have been a lifeline for selling stock since the 1870s but farming is now cut off from this vital selling

Online auctions bidr – virtual sale yard www.bidr.co.nz or 0800 TO BIDR TO SELL on bidr vendors must engage with an accredited agency and their livestock agent, as they normally would for other methods of selling. Auctions are scheduled for a day and time and bidding is done on the website in real time. Agents will assess the livestock where possible, upload information and photos or videos and help arrange transport after the sale. Payments are made via the vendor’s livestock agency. A list of bidr accredited agencies and agents is on the website.

channel. While necessary, the reality of how to work around the move is extremely hard for many to get their heads around when there is also so much other change in all lives. This comes at a time when many regions are also dealing with a crippling drought, making the need to offload stock at short notice even more vital than in a typical autumn. Fortunately, there are options available that do not involve any direct person-to-person contact. These channels will, for the next four weeks at least, provide farmers with a lifeline. While each option is designed to sell livestock, the procedures vary and therefore different options will suit different farmers’ needs and requirements. Livestock agents AS LONG as the agents or companies are registered essential services they are deemed rural contractors. They can go onto properties to manage and direct stock movements, under strict guidelines set by the Ministry for Primary Industries and where the movement cannot be deferred for four weeks, especially for animal welfare purposes. That means they can hold paddock sales as they have done in the past, though under the guidelines set. StockX www.stockx.co.nz STOCKX is an independent digital marketplace connecting farmers, livestock agents and processors that has been trading for over four years. The selling and listing process is completed online, where there are step-by-step instructions, If you know your livestock it’s a quick, easy, twominute job you can do anytime, anywhere. Buying livestock on StockX is also very simple. You can bid on an auction, set up an auto-bid or use the buy-now function. Payment is made through the StockX trust account or via your agent.

Tips for listing livestock Of the whole line of THE key to listing livestock livestock on offer take a video is to ensure the photos and if necessary. descriptions are factual As per photos: and give the most accurate • The person videoing should representation of the stock on be standing still and allow offer. the animals to move past Photos should be: them rather than moving • Taken from a standing the camera; position at the same level as • keep the videos short and the stock; relevant. More than one • Stock should be on a flat video can accompany surface, preferably with a listing as long as they a standard fence in the are short, 30-60 seconds background to help as a maximum and; gauge on their size; • take videos in landscape not • Show different angles of the portrait, camera or phone livestock – side and rear are horizontal not vertical. the most important; Additionally, if the stock • Standing as still as possible have been weighed send your otherwise the photo will agent a picture of the statistics blur; on your weigh system showing • Taken using a wide angle the maximum and minimum or other setting on your weights as well as average camera; weight. • Taken in good, natural When sending the photos light – not too dark nor too the higher the resolution bright. Avoid using a flash; the better – photos sent via • In colour, not grayscale; facebook, messenger and • Unobstructed – it is easy to text might be automatically put a finger over the lens reduced in size and therefore and; of low resolution. It is best to • Not altered in size – email photos if possible. cropping is acceptable.

Trademe www.trademe.co.nz LIVESTOCK can be listed at $29 a listing, plus extras. There is no auction process for livestock – sellers list an asking price and interested parties contact them directly. However, new covid-19 rules say only some trades will be completed as normal. It will depend on whether the seller is an essential business, professional seller or casual seller and, therefore, it may not be possible to list.

Noticeboards NOTICEBOARDS provide a place to list livestock once you register with the host. A number of the livestock agency companies will list livestock on their websites and through apps where buyers can view the listings and contact an agent. They include: • PGG Wrightson AgOnline www.pggwrightson.co.nz/Livestock/Buyingand-Selling/Agonline • NZ Farmers Livestock My Livestock https://mylivestock.co.nz/ StockNZ http://www.stocknz.com/ • Hazlett https://www.hazlett.nz/for-sale-livestock/ • Rural Livestock https://www.rurallivestock.co.nz/livestock/ • Carrfields https://www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz/our-divisions/ livestock/buy-sell-listings/for-sale • Peter Walsh and Associates http://www.peterwalsh.co.nz/livestock-salewanted/livestock-for-sale-2/ Other noticeboards available are: • Cloudyards https://cloudyards.co.nz/ • Stocky http://stocky.co.nz/ • My Loading Ramp https://myloadingramp.nz/ • Livestock Exchange http://www.livestockexchange.co.nz/

Markets

40 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – March 30, 2020 NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER COW

SI SLAUGHTER MUTTON

($/KG)

GOOD MIXED-SEX LAMBS AT TEMUKA

($/KG)

($/HD LW)

7.00

3.20

4.10

high $2.08-$2.16/kg $1.13/kg Boner Friesian cows, lights Prime traditional 525kg average, at steers, 435-545kg, at Canterbury Park

Agri markets trade on Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

ZX capital markets used by farmers have been active through the covid-19 uncertainties and the early days of nationwide lock-down. The electronic markets continue to be fully operational, supervised by staff working in split teams over recent weeks. Trading and settlement of all activity has performed well, including under the pressure of heavy trading volumes, NZX chief executive Mark Peterson said. Apart from equities the main markets used by farmers are the Fonterra Shareholders Market and the Dairy Derivatives market for futures and options contracts. After an extended period of stability at $4 Fonterra supply shares and their matching Shareholders Fund units have bounced around in a 25c band below that level over the past three months. At any time the share/unit price loss was a maximum of 6%, attributable to the covid-19 virus disruption. The relatively mild reaction has probably been because of Fonterra’s financial recovery and incident-free exporting. Fonterra’s share compliance date has been extended from December 1 to April 20 as a response to its lower share value and more stringent bank loan requirements. The application period for cease notifications ended on February 29. The S&P NZX primary sector equity index has dropped about 20% since the beginning of the year and its present level around 9000 is where it was in September 2017. The parent NZX50 index is down 25%, giving some indication primary sector companies are faring better in the covid-19 bear market. The primary index includes all NZ listed companies involved in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, aquaculture and forestry. Market leader by capitalisation, A2 Milk Company, has remained above $15 a share since January as demand in China for infant formula remained strong.

DOING WELL: Agribusiness companies are faring better than those in other sectors, NZX analytics head Julia Jones says.

Global Dairy Trade prices haven’t dropped as much as feared. Julia Jones NZX At $16.30 at the time of writing it was 15% up on March 2019. By contrast, major wine company Delegats dropped 40% from $12 at the start of the year to $7 today though most of its sales are made in export markets such as Britain, Australia and the United States. It is down 30% on a year ago. Fisheries leader Sanford’s share price has dropped the NZX50 average of 25%, from $8 to $6, some 8% lower than one year ago. At about $3.50 a share horticultural producer and processor Seeka is also down 25% over the past three months and the past 12 months. Rural services provider PGG Wrightson

dropped 30% from January’s level of $2.50 to $1.75 now. Its latest market announcement confirmed a scheduled interim dividend of 9c will be paid on April 3 but the board’s guidance of earnings about $30 million for the full year will be reviewed. NZX analytics head Julia Jones said continued use of the markets shows farmers are habitual traders and agribusiness companies have been less hurt by covid-19 than other sectors. “Global Dairy Trade prices haven’t dropped as much as feared,” she said. Heightened world trade risks had renewed interest in dairy derivatives, NZX reported. In the first quarter of 2020 NZ milk price futures and options trades were 86% higher than in Q1 2019. In the bigger dairy supply chain, ingredients (whole milk powder, skim milk powder, butter, anhydrous milk fat) futures and options year-to-date trades were 12% higher. The futures market for milk price is at $7.22 for this season and $6.35 for next season.

Temuka

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

The week the sale yards closed WHAT was supposed to be another busy week of sales was cut short by Wednesday as yards shut their gates against covid-19. The past week has rewritten New Zealand’s history books and it is the first time sale yards, which have been an essential part of Kiwi farming since the 1870s, have no activity nationwide, aside from the standard two weeks off over Christmas each year. It was hoped the yards would be deemed an essential service, especially in areas where drought means farmers need to offload stock but as the week progressed it became evident that would not be the case. It left a sense of disbelief throughout the farming community as it feels a little like we have lost a right arm. It has also left livestock agents with a huge task to try to move livestock so spare a thought for them. We are, however, fortunate to have technology giving us a virtual world that can be used to sell stock. While for many it will not be the same as getting in among it at the yards and being able to view and put a hand on animals personally, it has created an avenue of selling that wouldn’t have been there had this happened 30 years ago. Alongside livestock agents doing plenty of work ringing, texting, sending photos and so on, there are a growing number of online trading platforms accessible to farmers. Life as we know it has changed. We won’t be going to the sale yard cafe in the near future for a catch-up and a quick cuppa before heading out to the sheep pens. But once we have kicked covid-19 to the curb we will be back on the rails, chatting about the weather and solving the world’s problems. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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Farmers Weekly NZ March 30 2020

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