Farmers Weekly NZ January 28 2019

3 Big bucks for stag Vol 18 No 3, January 28, 2019

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Ewe prices rocket Annette Scott

I

annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

T WAS a sale agents predicted where demand driven by industry confidence pushed prices at the Temuka annual two-tooth ewe fair on Wednesday.

“There’s plenty of confidence to buy today, there’s stability in the market and there’s confidence in the red meat industry from both farmers and processors alike,” PGG Wrightson auctioneer Jonty Hyslop said.

“With a good past 12 months following on from some years of drought and industry uncertainty I expect we will see some good confidence that will drive what farmers are prepared to pay and that’s likely to be getting up there,” industry stalwart Peter Walsh said.

And he was right on the mark with the top price of the sale being $320 for Border Romneys offered by breeder Bruce McDonald of Peel Forest in South Canterbury.

Holding on as traditionally topping the sale the Border Romneys not only fetched the top price, all but two lines of the breed made more than $300.

Capital stock Romneys sold from $252-$290 with other smaller lines selling from $234-$266 while Romney-Texel made $230-$263.

Coopworths sold from $208$274, Coopdales $274-$279, Coopworth-Romney $279 and Coopworth-Texel $272.

The best of the Perendales fetched $245 with others selling from $228-$240.

PLEASED: Nick Bird, right, with father Alan, is happy with the Romneys he bought.

We are happy with our buy and we know we are getting good genetics and very good stock.

Hayley Moorhead Moorpark Farm

Bruce McDonald is a long time vendor at the fair and his stock are always keenly sought.

This year his top two lines were bought by David and Hayley Moorhead of Moorpark Farm

at Southbridge, just south of Christchurch.

“We are happy with our buy and we know we are getting good genetics and very good stock.

“The price is as we expected this year – hoping not to be but expecting to be. We have had them before and we know we got good sheep,” Hayley Moorhead said.

Buoyed by confidence in lamb prices Moorhead said it is a matter of keeping their flock strong.

“We need to keep the flock going despite what might be happening three years out and this year we had to part out more to get what we wanted but that’s a positive signal of confidence in the industry.”

Modest about his stock fetching

top price McDonald said he was happy with the ewes he offered this year.

“It’s been a good year for sheep farming. They were looking reasonable and they made a reasonable price.”

McDonald has been breeding for as long as he can remember, taking over from his father before him.

“You have got to be optimistic, it’s an industry that has its ups and downs and at the moment we are looking pretty good. It would be good to see wool doing a bit better though.”

Nick Bird is a young farmer keen on sheep and building his flock and he had to dig deep to get good young ewes but he’s happy.

Running 450 breeding ewes, Bird is looking to push his flock number out to 1500-2000 ewes over the next three to four years as he develops his mixed sheep, bull beef and cropping operation in the Hakataramea Valley in South Canterbury.

“This is the first sale I have bought at but I have been following the prices and knew what I was in for if I wanted to get good sheep that will take my flock forward.

“Lamb prices are clearly pushing the ewe price up but I have plenty of feed and confidence in the sheep to push ahead with plans to grow my flock.

“Everything will go to the maternal ram this year and I will keep my own ewe lamb replacements from now on.

For self-confessed old timers, Ashburton farmers Norman Carr and John Miles said the industry needs to get more ewes on the ground and while they were just looking they agreed the industry is in good shape and what farmers are prepared to pay for good stock reflects that.

“It’s said that you can double the price of a fat lamb and that will always benchmark the value of a good two-tooth ewe,” Miles said.

So true, with top prime lambs at recent on-farm lambs sales fetching $160 against the fair’s top price of $320.

But the pair of Suffolk breeders, while suggesting the Suffolk is still a popular terminal sire, said the prices are not necessarily flowing through to the ram prices yet.

“But with the confidence we are seeing in buying ewes, that will come,” Carr said.

NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW This week kicks off with high pressure and heat. A number of regions will be hotter than average with highs in some pockets making it into the low 30s, even the low to mid 30s. It’s connected to the Australian heatwave and will likely bring high temperatures to a number of northern, inland and eastern areas of both islands. Not everyone will get the heat, though. Parts of coastal Otago and Southland and the West Coast might still be affected by cold fronts and some rain. In fact, a cold front on Thursday is likely to bring another burst of rain.

However, high pressure looks likely to dominate as February kicks off, keeping this weather pattern going.

4 Bovis eradication is still the plan Testing and surveillance of Mycoplasma bovis is in for the long haul as eradication continues to be the priority.

Newsmaker ������������������������������������������������������26 New Thinking ��������������������������������������������������27 Opinion ������������������������������������������������������������28

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

Wind

Rain Some showers on the West Coast this week but the next main rain band arrives in Fiordland and Southland on Thursday afternoon.

There might also be some heavy downpours in the central North Island on Thursday and Otago on Friday.

Not a lot of wind this week but generally a lot of sea breezes in the north and westerly quarter winds further south. There might be some coastal northeasters in the east too.

High pressure is mostly dominating this week.

Highlights/ Extremes

World �����������������������������������������������������������������33

ON FARM STORY

Temperature It’s going to be a hot week for some but not all. Some cooler areas will be coastal Southland, coastal Otago and the West Coast. In the North Island some western coastal areas might be 10C cooler than eastern regions.

A heatwave is coming this week and some regions will be consistently above normal with highs in the low 30s. There is also a drier-than-normal weather pattern emerging across many parts of New Zealand with no major rainmaker in sight.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

NZ is starting to dry out. Some regions are worse than others and some do have a little relief coming in the two weeks ahead. However, things might get drier before they get better.

Here are the driest places now soil-wise: Northland, coastal Taranaki, Nelson, parts of Waikato and Auckland. And here are the areas with least rain coming: Upper North Island, central NZ and North Canterbury. Some isolated downpours are likely for the central North Island.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 25/01/2019

34 Sheep farming: it’s in our nature Northwest Waikato sheep and beef farmers Tom and Nicole Whitford never planned on working in the primary sector but today the couple are dedicated to the intergenerational transfer of a farming business.

REGULARS Real Estate �������������������������������������������������36-48 Employment ����������������������������������������������������49 Classifieds ��������������������������������������������������������49 Livestock ����������������������������������������������������50-51 Markets �������������������������������������������������������52-56 GlobalHQ is a farming family owned business that donates 1% of advertising revenue to the Rural Support Trust. Thanks to our Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer advertisers this week: $892.

Need help now? You can talk to someone who understands the pressures of farming by phoning your local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

This product is powered by NIWA Data

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

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Stag line makes big bucks

UNEXPECTED: A severe storm in Canterbury last week caused surprisingly little damage, Federated Farmers arable vice-president Brian Leadley says.

Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz

Storm has little impact on crops Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz CROPPING farmers escaped largely unscathed from a southerly storm that hammered Canterbury last Wednesday but watching it for an hour wasn’t pleasant, Federated Farmers arable vice-president Brian Leadley says.

It was a case of waiting for it to blow through then assessing the damage.

Fortunately and surprisingly, given the severity of the blast that included heavy rain and wind gusts up to 130kmh there was minimal damage, he said.

“There’s a bit of lodging in wheat and some wind damage in grass crops cut and crops waiting to be cut have been shaken a bit but really it’s quite surprising that the damage is very minimal and thank goodness there was no hail with it.”

Harvest is just starting with early wheat and barley dryland crops coming off the paddock better than expected in many cases.

Grass crops are proving a mixed bag with the wet, early start pushing crops ahead of time for

3

optimal pollination combined with the lack of sunshine taking the real potential off many grass seed crops.

“There’s no real disasters at this stage. Pretty much right across cropping regions harvest is just getting under way and as arable farmers we are looking for a few good sunshine weeks ahead.”

While crops benefited from the early rain the wet start has delayed harvest and disease, particularly in cereal crops, has been a problem.

“Disease pressure looks as though it will just hold the real top off some crops, especially in wheat, but hopefully with a few weeks of good sunshine now and extra crop management it won’t be too bad in the end result.

“We need a good, positive year after a couple of tough ones and the forecasts are suggesting we should be in for some pretty warm harvest weather in the coming days at least.”

The Foundation for Arable Research has widespread reports of fusarium head blight in wheat crops throughout Canterbury.

This disease can cause significant yield losses. Grain

from affected crops might be less palatable to stock than healthy grain and might contain mycotoxins.

Fusarium head blight of wheat, also known as head scab, is generally buoyed by wet weather and most easily recognised on immature heads where one or more spikelets in each head look prematurely bleached.

Sometimes large areas of heads can be affected and where infection is severe, pink or orange spore masses can be seen on diseased spikelets. Damaged grains are pink or chalky white and shrivelled.

The reports of the disease highlight the need for farmers to check crops regularly and manage accordingly, Leadley said.

He urged farmers to be vigilant with storage, keeping contaminated grain separate.

Good farm practice will minimise the risk of mycotoxins.

Damp grain needs to be dried to minimise risk.

MORE:

Harvest and storage advice is available from FAR at www.far.org.nz

NIXON has certainly paid his way.

The exceptional velvet and trophy stag owned by Crowley Deer from Waikato sold for $300,000 three years ago but his influence is still felt today with a son fetching a season-high of $155,000 this year and another son making $128,000 two years ago.

All have been bought for breeding, with the $155,000 five-year-old stag and its set of antlers estimated at 25kg going to Mt Cecil Trophy Deer Stud in South Canterbury.

Vendor Todd Crowley said the family’s breeding motto, designing antlers, underpins the breeding philosophy.

“In my mind I have an idea of what I want to breed.”

When Nixon was sold he had

the world’s largest orthodox Red stag head with a reading of 810 inches of antler.

Crowley’s father Joe was an early participant in deer farming who learnt his skills from helping his father as a boy then working alongside him and eventually managing his family’s Tower Farms property.

“I learnt to read by reading catalogues,” he said.

He has been farming on his own account near Hamilton for the last eight years.

Crowley has kept two impressive three-old breeding sires from new bloodlines.

The deer industry’s genetic pool is limited so it is important to have new bloodlines available.

It is enjoying a golden patch with stable, high venison and velvet prices but that is also being reflected in the prices for trophy stags, Crowley said.

BIG BOY: This Red stag bred by Crowley Deer, Hamilton, fetched $155,000 at this season’s stag sales.

Waireres can take the pressure Lyndon Chittock farms 158 hectares near Gore. “We run a grass factory. Our 1900 ewes and 500 hoggets are behind wires for nine months of the year. The winter stocking rate is over 18 per hectare.

“The 2017 lambing was 157 percent. The percentage has been lifting steadily over the three years that I’ve used the Wairere Multiplier over a Wairere Romney base.

Carcass weights have lifted to an average of 22kg this year, including a thousand trade lambs that we buy in for the summer.”

“The Wairere Multiplier has turbocharged my flock.”

www.wairererams.co.nz | 0800 924 7373

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS Last chance CHILDREN of Alliance farmer shareholders are being encouraged to apply for one of the co-operative’s undergraduate bursaries. The $1500 a year shareholder undergraduate bursary is open to the children studying in areas relating to the meat industry, associated industries or primary production. The recipients will be selected from candidates enrolled for fulltime study at a university or other agreed establishment in New Zealand. Applications close on Monday February 11.

Top chefs named

CERTAINTY: Primary Industries Ministry Mycoplasma bovis programme director Geoff Gwyn says testing and surveillance for the disease will continue until there’s absolute certainty it’s eradicated.

Photo: Annette Scott

Bovis eradication is still plan TESTING and surveillance of Mycoplasma bovis is in for the long haul as eradication continues to be the priority.

It will continue until there’s absolute certainty of its eradication, Primary Industry Ministry Mycoplasma bovis programme director Geoff Gwyn says.

The ministry’s priorities are identifying, tracing and removing infection while supporting affected farmers.

Gwyn acknowledged 2018 was a big year “with a lot of heavy lifting by farmers”.

“I expect momentum to continue through 2019.

“The vast majority of work towards eradication is expected to take place over the next couple of years and

MPI and industry partners are working on that common purpose and together we are tracking well towards eradication.”

The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is finalising its next report, to be released in coming weeks.

“The TAG has indicated that it is optimistic around the likelihood of eradication and while the eradication programme is still at a very early stage it is satisfied with the progress made so far.

“While this is good news for all, my focus and top concern continues to be farmer welfare,” Gwyn said.

“There are many farmers doing the hard yards to achieve eradication.

“Our team is continuing to try and improve the process and to give more options to

To be clear, eradication is absolutely our focus.

But being prepared for anything is always a part of farming.

Geoff Gwyn MPI farmers experiencing high levels of stress.”

In the past couple of months the agencies and groups involved in the eradication programme have responded to feedback and have been shoring up support to affected communities and are also doing more detailed planning

for a range of possible future scenarios.

“To be clear, eradication is absolutely our focus. But being prepared for anything is always a part of farming.”

More than 52,000 animals have now been culled with $39.4 million paid in compensation.

Of the 622 claims received, 386 have been completed or had partial payments made.

MPI is working closely with OSPRI to educate farmers about NAIT obligations and enforce compliance.

There’s been 20% increase in the number of animal movements recorded last year compared to the previous year, which MPI believes is a good step in the right direction to make the livestock sector more resilient to future incursions.

Difficult cross THE Aussie cross is the most difficult for New Zealand exporters as other currencies trade at reasonable levels, ASB institutional currency dealer Tim Kelleher says. The Aussie has been under pressure because it is traded as a proxy for Asian economies and is bearing the brunt about concerns over China. “There’s been heavy selling in the Aussie and that means the kiwi can’t go lower against it. With the fears about the global economic weakness the kiwi is weaker but not as weak as the Aussie.”

The kiwi is trading at the upper end of an A$0.92 to 0.96 range and not expected to vary much from there in the short term.

ASB is staying with its forecast of the kiwi being at US$0.66 at the end of March, within the 0.65 to 0.68 range expected to apply. A lot will depend on the path of US interest rates this year. In the meantime, trading in the kiwi is washing round the edges. The Reserve Bank’s first MPS of the year is in February and in spite of its recent dovishness the economic data is good enough to suggest a cut in interest rates is hard to justify.

– Alan Williams

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Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz

BEEF + Lamb New Zealand has named five ambassador chefs for 2019. They are Andrew May (Amayjen the Restaurant, Feilding) Freddie Ponder (Tables Restaurant, New Plymouth), Jarrod McGregor (Rothko at Sculptureum, Matakana), Pablo Tacchini (Cucina, Oamaru) and Scott Buckler (No 31 Restaurant, Hanmer Springs). Kiwi food fanatics looking to sample the best the ambassadors have to offer can attend an Ambassador Series Dinner, hosted at each of the chefs’ restaurants, with each chef being paired with a Platinum Ambassador Chef to create a unique beef and lamb dining experience.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

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Taratahi liquidation only option Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz AFTER struggling financially for several years Taratahi faced two more years of operating deficits despite cutting costs and selling a farm, a financial appraisal by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) found.

Taratahi’s financial position was worsening as enrollments fell and reached a point where a November 2018 report by financial services company PWC said none of five possible changes to Taratahi’s operating model would arrest a sequence of losses despite a 1.5% cut in costs, a small increase in funding, the sale of Mangarata farm and higher enrollments.

Continuing operations this year and next would erode Taratahi’s asset base and generate further liabilities, it said.

“Without confirmed financial support Taratahi is unlikely to be in a position to continue operating.”

In December the board of the Masterton-based Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre called in liquidators.

PWC said Taratahi needed $28.5 million over two years to clear debt and fund deficits and capital expenditure but that would balloon out to $32.6m if cost savings were not achieved.

The PWC financial appraisals for October and November were prepared for the Tertiary Education Commission, the Secretary for Education and Education Minister Chris Hipkins and released, with parts redacted, under the Official Information Act. The appraisals said Taratahi’s financial position, a lack of enrollments and an inflexible structure left the board with little choice.

Recent further deterioration in financial performance because of fewer effective full-time students (efts) for 2018 and 2019 meant incremental structural change to

NOT ENOUGH: Taratahi had investigated selling its Mangarata farm, where students learned things like crutching, but that would not have solved its financial problems.

Without confirmed financial support, Taratahi is unlikely to be in a position to continue operating.

PWC financial appraisal Taratahi might not be sufficient to achieve a viable and sustainable organisation.

“More radical change may be required.”

PWC describes Taratahi as having a complex corporate and legislative structure that creates a major constraint for future options.

“We are advised that having assets and operating models

1 ⁄3 1 ⁄3 1 ⁄3 DEPOSIT

IN 2020

IN 2021

structured around multiple trusts (Telford and Taratahi) creates duplicate and unnecessary costs.”

For the 2018 year Taratahi initially forecast 633 efts and a deficit of $4.6m but that was later amended to 555 efts and $7m deficit.

Financial modelling calculated 663 efts for 2019 and a $1.1m deficit but with some dramatic change and increased funding it could financially break even in 2021.

Successive years of falling enrollments were reflected in ongoing cashflow management issues that made month to month management complicated.

For example, last October Taratahi forecast it had underdelivered courses to the value of $7m to $8m, which would have to be repaid to the TEC.

That was in addition to legacy debt to the TEC of $4m for underdelivery and $12.6m to Westpac for term debt and overdraft.

That debt has been transferred to the bank’s loan administration group, which deals with underperforming loans.

By November its forecast year-end cashflow position had improved to a $1.3m surplus because of TEC funding and $410,000 in stock sales brought forward from 2019.

But it couldn’t make any TEC repayments or invest in capital, such as $1m to upgrade information and computer technology and infrastructure and a further $2.3m required over the next two years.

PWC said stock sales reflected normal stock trading patterns, were made at projected market

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rates and did not include capital stock.

Taratahi has assets with a September book value of $42m.

The board has investigated selling the Mangarata farm, mortgaged to Westpac, to reduce debt and provide working capital but PWC said the proceeds would not resolve its accumulating financial issues.

Even with the land sale factored in, PWC described projections for 2019 as providing Taratahi with limited options to manage the cash requirements.

“Educational delivery of 550 efts is not at a sufficient level to cover the cost base despite significant savings forecast to be achieved and further funding of approximately $7.5m will be required to cover the operating deficit.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

7

Change to have only little impact FARMERS in the upper Waikato catchment are welcoming news one of the district’s largest land owners will have to publicly notify its plans to increase dairying land.

But Wairakei Pastoral maintains the proposed change in land use prompted by the notification will have little, if any, impact on the catchment.

Wairakei leases central North Island properties to Pamu (Landcorp) and has converted 17,000ha of its 25,700ha forestry estate to pasture since 2004.

The company applied in November 2017 to Waikato Regional Council to convert a further 1300ha from trees to pasture (Farmers Weekly, April 13 2018).

The council has required the company to reapply under Plan Change 1, also known as Health Rivers, conditions. The PC1 conditions now class the conversion from trees to pastoral farming as non-complying, requiring a resource consent.

In its revised consent application Wairakei said the area was lawfully established as farmland through the consents process it applied through in 2016. It said the land use change being sought is for a nominally small change on 5% of the Wairakei estate.

The group questioned if the same percentage applied to an average sized Waikato dairy farm would have attracted the same level of interest by external parties.

It also proposes to convert 6% of its farmland to forestry, meaning more than a third of the estate will be held as forestry.

Because the areas to be authorised by the consent are already being farmed by Pamu, Wairakei maintains there are no new effects expected from future land use changes.

When the move was revealed last autumn, farmer and environmental groups were concerned about the potential extra nitrogen losses the conversion might bring should the land be put into dairying.

Pressure was put on the council to make the application a publicly notifiable one.

But Wairakei’s assessment is there will be an overall reduction in farming related effects from the move in terms of nitrogen losses and contaminant run-off. Federated Farmers Waikato president Andrew McGiven said given the size of the proposed conversion and the corporate nature of the operator, a publicly notified hearing is the most appropriate process.

“They are a large operator and have a number of neighbours.”

The proposed land use change comes in the shadow of Healthy Rivers, aiming to cap nitrogen losses in the Waikato catchment.

Opponents to the conversion say it might drop another 60 tonnes of nitrogen a year into the catchment if stocked for dairying.

But McGiven said his understanding is Wairakei has done some comprehensive water study analysis to show the impact will be minimal.

Wairakei confirmed considerable time and resources have been spent to provide the council with an updated response.

McGiven said if PC1 moves to more of a subcatchment approach of allocated nitrogen, as supported by the Feds, an increase in nitrogen losses could affect what existing farmers can have allocated, raising issues of fairness.

Pamu leases half the 25,000ha estate and aims to increase to 14,000ha running deer, beef, sheep milking and 20,500 cows.

A Pamu spokesman said the consent should be publicly notified to ensure all parties have a chance to be heard on its environmental implications.

With the Healthy Rivers plan now notified and receiving submissions, Pamu said it makes sense to have more clarity on how the plan will be implemented before proceeding with the

application. Pamu is committed to keeping nitrate leaching as low as possible and definitely within agreed limits.

It understands the application is not a new conversion and does not involve an increase of its dairy activities above those earlier indicated The council has not received any indication from Wairakei Pastoral about whether it will proceed with the application now it is required to be public.

RIGHT CALL: Though Wairakei Pastoral’s proposed land use change will have little environmental impact a public hearing of the application is the most appropriate way to deal with it, Waikato Federated Farmers president Andrew McGiven says.

The Connollys are aiming for 100% accuracy.

But 96% is a good start.

LIC has worked with the Connollys for over 5 years to improve herd recording accuracy and make faster genetic gains.

When Deb and Reuben Connolly started sharemilking on the 110ha dairy farm in Otorohanga, there were a few unknowns. Literally.

The 300-odd herd had big gaps in the recorded ancestry. The only way to make improvements was to breed out the half-recorded cows and ensure replacements were fully recorded with no uncertain sires.

By using MINDA® they built up all the herd detail with ancestry, herd testing, health and production, weights and SCC. And by installing Protrack®, they can now log every cow movement and event, and drafting is so much easier.

Deb and Reuben now have all the information needed to make better herd decisions.

We think 100% RA accuracy is very achievable. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

At LIC results like this just raise the bar, because there’s always room for improvement.

KingSt_703_FW_BRAND_A

Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

Learn more at lic.co.nz/alwaysimproving

There's always room for improvement

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Deal not enough to stop delays Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com THE meat industry is welcoming agreements signed in front of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in London last week though they won’t be enough by themselves to protect exporters from the worstcase Brexit scenario of chaos at British ports.

Ardern was on hand for the signing of agreements ensuring British port authorities continue to accept European Union documentation accompanying imports of New Zealand animal products after the Britain leaves the EU. “They help to ensure NZ exporters will not be worse off in the immediate aftermath of Brexit and there will be a continuity of the existing rules.

“This is a very important arrangement for our exporters,” Ardern said.

Meat Industry Association chief executive Tim Ritchie said the EU has long accepted the equivalence to its own standards of veterinary inspections at NZ meat plants and the new agreement means Britain will do the same.

Such is the EU’s confidence in NZ standards it inspects just 2% of containers passing through its ports, something expected to continue under the agreement with Britain.

But while the agreements pre-empted difficulties NZ exporters could have faced with documentation it will not be enough to side-step bottlenecks

There are so many variables it is very hard to plan anything.

John Maylon Oceanic

FAVOURABLE: Containers of New Zealand meat are not unloaded at Dover, the British port nearest Europe, where the biggest post-Brexit bottlenecks are expected if there is a no-deal exit, industry London representative Jeff Grant says.

now being planned for at British ports should the UK leave the EU at the end of March without a deal.

The British government is preparing for gridlock at the border as customs officials on both sides of the English Channel move from decades of free trade with a minimum of paperwork to a formal system of border checks and accompanying documentation.

Ritchie said shipping lines are under pressure to keep to their schedules at the best of times and delays created by a no-deal Brexit could see containers of NZ meat for Britain ending up on

the continent if they cannot be unloaded in time.

“Because the container lines have very little flexibility if there is any sign of congestion or they are not able to discharge in the time allotted to their berth they are going be moving on to the next port and that is going to be a continental port.”

Auckland shipping broker Oceanic’s chief executive John Maylon said delays at British ports mean knock-ons for European ports, which could make it difficult for exporters to get containers back to their intended destination in Britain.

“You could find that you have

cargo that was to have been dropped off at a British port suddenly being dropped off at Rotterdam and then Rotterdam becomes a very congested port to operate out of.”

This could all come as NZ meat exporters strive to meet deadlines for UK supermarkets wanting chilled lamb in time for Easter, which this year falls on April 21.

Shipping normally accounts for 38-42 of the 65 days Tesco, for example, deems to be the lifespan of chilled meat.

Chilled meat stranded at European ports could be diverted to customers on the continent but that depends on the wording of

contracts with British retailers.

And while exporters are likely to have updated contracts to take account of Brexit uncertainty they will still be careful not to jeopardise relationships with supermarkets built up over years.

“There are so many variables it is very hard to plan anything and I would imagine that exporters will be trying to get as much product into the United Kingdom prior to March 29 to the extent that they can,” Maylon said.

The largest bottlenecks are expected at Dover, the port closest to the continent, where trucks are unloaded from roll-on, roll-off ferries but containers are not handled.

The meat industry’s Brexit representative in London, Southland farmer Jeff Grant, said containers of NZ meat are unloaded at ports further up the coast, mainly Portsmouth, Felixstowe and Tilbury, and might face less disruption.

“We are not going to be landing at Dover and parking up on the M10 or wherever but the product still has to be cleared entry and moved into distribution but that certainly is in our favour.”

High standards vital for NZ not guaranteed Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com NEW Zealand will continue to push for the gold standard from newcomers to the Trans Pacific Partnership but other members might not share that enthusiasm if it means further opening of their own markets to agricultural

imports, Trade Minister David Parker says.

The trade deal is still in the early stages of implementation with six of the 11 signatories having ratified the agreement and instigated initial tariff cuts and other regulatory changes between themselves on December 31.

Parker has just attended a

Held at the New Zealand Meat Board offices, Level 4, Wellington Chambers, 154 Featherston Street, Wellington Tuesday 12 February 2019 at 4.30pm Refeshments to follow.

Meeting business includes: • Updates from the Chairman and Chief Executive • Brexit and quota administration

meeting of TPP trade ministers in Tokyo where protocols for admitting new members were agreed.

“It was agreed the most important provision is that the design of the agreement as intended should accept new applicants so long as they can meet the high standards that are provided for in the existing agreement.”

While the TPP countries talked a good game on dismantling barriers to agricultural trade during the decade or more of negotiations the reality of the final deal was more mixed.

Japan went further than expected when it agreed to cut tariffs on imported beef from 38.5% to 9% during the next 15 years.

But Canada opened a mere 3% of its highly-protected dairy market to imported competition.

Parker said while ministers again talked up the virtues of free trade that is no guarantee countries joining the agreement will be required to open up their markets for agricultural imports to the standard demanded by NZ.

“We do not control that totally but our view is that it has to be a high quality offer.

“They would have to agree to all of the terms of the agreement but also they would have to agree to decent market access including for agricultural products.”

They would have to agree to decent market access including for agricultural products.

David Parker Trade Minister

Parker is reluctant to define “decent” for fear of giving away NZ’s negotiating position.

“The wording in the accession agreement that the existing parties have agreed is high quality but it does not specify what that means.”

Just one country, Colombia, has so far formally signalled its intention to apply to join the trade deal.

Others, including Thailand and

Britain, have shown an interest in joining.

British Prime Minister Theresa May last week reiterated its interest in a free-trade deal with NZ once it leaves the European Union.

Even if the UK is part of the next TPP intake NZ will continue bilateral negotiations in parallel for a separate NZ-UK deal, Parker said.

“Partly because we are in a position to rely upon the historical relationship, so it might be a less complicated negotiation than the TPP one which involves 11 other countries.

“And also because although these agreements sometimes overlap they are each a separate insurance policy if one of the other agreements goes awry in the future.”

Just when negotiations can begin is up in the air with Britain unable to negotiate deals till it leaves the EU, which is itself still uncertain.

With four of the TPP originals – Peru, Chile, Brunei and Malaysia – also still to ratify the agreement Parker said it could be another six months before existing members turn their attention to formal talks with new entrants.

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News

10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Surplus research farm gets chop Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz MORE than 70 years of agriculture history will go under the hammer when AgResearch sells its Mid Canterbury research farm next month.

Bought in 1946 to provide local research into the use of borderdyke irrigation with long-term fertiliser trials started in the 1950s, the Winchmore research farm has contributed to more than 500 science publications.

But AgResearch has called time on its 72 years.

National farms manager Ron Pellow said no substantial research has been done there for 15 years.

The last permanent scientist left in 2003 and the buildings and associated infrastructure were abandoned.

A change in how research is

done these days is behind the sale, Pellow said.

Projects and priorities have changed with more research on commercial farms or in smallscale, intensive projects.

It’s another example of the Government pulling funding and resources from regional areas like ours to instead focus on the big cities.

Andrew Falloon MP “The plan is to make sure we have facilities able to determine research that will develop and

enhance agricultural prosperity in New Zealand.

“The focus now is the redevelopment of campuses at Lincoln and Massey Universities to ensure we have the right team of people and the right facilities to achieve the agricultural research needs for NZ,” Pellow said.

“We need to make sure we put our limited resources in the right place and that doesn’t necessarily mean the picture now will be the right picture in the future.”

AgResearch has invested with DairyNZ and southern farmers in the Southern Dairy Hub. Winchmore has primarily focused on long-term fertiliser trials and the 4.1 hectare fertiliser test in place since the 1950s and signed up last year with the Fertiliser Association for a further 35 years, will continue.

Association chief executive Vera Power said the site has provided

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ABANDONED: Once a hive of agricultural research, the buildings on AgResearch’s Winchmore farm stand desolate as the farm goes on the market.

Photo: Annette Scott

extremely useful information for almost 70 years.

“This has allowed us to track changes to pastoral land as agriculture evolves and supports our evidence base for sustainable management.”

Those trials, which complement the others on North Island hill country near the Manawatu Gorge, are NZ’s longest running fertiliser trials under pasture.

Pellow said the sale won’t compromise research work.

“Depending on how you determine parcels of land we currently have 12 farms from Southland to Waikato used for livestock and cropping research.

“We will also have the greater focus now on research hubs in Lincoln, Massey and Southland that are focused on key research areas as determined by demand in the industry.”

Ultimately AgResearch investment is influenced by how and where it can best contribute to industry outcomes of transforming agriculture.

While supportive of the Lincoln Hub proposal, Rangitata MP Andrew Falloon is concerned

about the consequences of losing both irrigation and fertiliser research in Ashburton District.

“The sale of the farm is effectively the end of research at a time when fertiliser use and the effects of irrigation are two of the biggest environmental issues facing farming in NZ. “There’s no guarantee of research once current contracts have run their time and now more than ever does agriculture need assurance of good irrigation and fertiliser research.

“The sale of the farm in a key district hub for that research will mean there won’t be the ability for research to the level of need.”

“It’s another example of the Government pulling funding and resources from regional areas like ours to instead focus on the big cities,” Falloon said.

The 308ha farm is leased in two parcels, one to a dairy farmer and the other to a cropping farmer.

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CONCERNED: While supportive of the Lincoln Hub proposal National MP Andrew Falloon has concerns over losing agricultural research from a key farming region.

Photo: Annette Scott

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

11

China watchers cautious for 2019 Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

GOING DOWN: Slowing growth and a drop in retail spending in China are causing some concern.

2018, including a fourth quarter of 6.4%.

“Even so the amount of additional consumption added in the last quarter was US$1.2 trillion.

“China is slowing down but from some extraordinary growth rates and its numbers remain high.

“Chinese consumers increasingly want to buy the products we have to sell – high quality, natural, quite expensive foodstuffs.

“We are not supplying the whole of China. We are only skimming the top.”

Jacobi said the parrying in trade between the United States and China poses very significant risks to NZ in 2019, up to and including a peaceful resolution.

“They will strike a deal at some point and the risk is that China will buy more agricultural products from the US, which does produce some of the world’s largest tonnages of dairy and beef.”

NZ foreign policy is swinging back to traditional ally the US and that would leave China disinclined to offer concessions in the proposed free-trade agreement upgrade.

While on holiday he noted reports the US administration is willing to suspend some of the threatened $US200 billion of tariffs on Chinese goods due to come into force on March 1.

President Donald Trump would do so to secure a trade deal with China, Washington sources said.

Initially he signed tariff increases from 10% to 25% on a wide range of Chinese goods but then agreed to a 90-day truce from December 1.

New high-level talks were proposed for January 30 and 31, at which a new deal might be possible.

In mid-January China’s trade figures disclosed a $US324b surplus with the US in 2018, up 17% on the year before.

While China’s exports to the world fell in 2018 its imports fell even more and thus the trade surplus grew.

December’s exports were down 4.4% compared with the year before while imports were down 7.6%.

The BBC said that signals a deeper concern for China, its economy and the rest of the world – that Chinese consumers have stopped buying and prices have begun to stagnate.

“The evidence is mounting that China’s economy is slowing faster than either its rulers or the rest of the world anticipated.

“China’s generally competent officials are aware of the problem and have already taken some modest measures to counter it by stimulating demand.

“For example, the People’s Bank of China has eased the capital requirements that decide how much its banks have to set aside for every loan they make.”

The Chinese trade surplus is not the only issue between the world’s two largest economies.

Market access, intellectual property protection, cyber theft and government backing for key companies also need addressing.

Penny also mentioned the US-China trade tensions and the Brexit concerns in Britain and Europe.

But he drew attention to positive offsets such as relatively firm household demand in China, a favourable NZ exchange rate and good starting levels for commodity prices.

“Our meat, dairy and fruit are more exposed to Chinese household demand and less directly exposed to slowing Chinese industrial demand.

“With the starting price buffer in mind, we maintain a glass half full 2019 view for overall NZ commodity prices, just not as rosy as what we saw over 2018.”

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ANALYSTS and commentators are concerned an economic slowdown in China and collateral damage from its trade war with the United States could hurt New Zealand’s major export commodities in 2019.

The related threats have featured in predictions for the coming year and processors and exporters should have included the risks in their budgets and forecast prices.

“We expect the economic slowdown in China to lead to more modest demand for NZ commodities,” ASB senior rural economist Nathan Penny said.

“China accounts for around a fifth of NZ’s overall goods exports and larger amounts for the log, dairy and sheep meat sectors.

“Moreover, our agricultural production is booming, with the extra supply also weighing on commodity prices.”

The 50% increase in NZ lamb sales to China last year can not be expected to persist this year, Westpac senior economist Anne Boniface said.

“To date Chinese demand for lamb appears to have been little affected by the economic slowdown.

“However, with trade wars likely to remain a downside risk to the growth outlook and a weaker Chinese currency we don’t expect the pace of growth for NZ lamb to be quite as strong over the year ahead.”

Boniface thinks record log prices will also come under pressure because construction activity in China is slowing down.

NZ China Council executive director Stephen Jacobi agrees China’s economy is certainly slowing while being restructured away from investment-led growth into consumption-led growth.

He was commenting on the Chinese GDP growth of 6.6% in

News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Livestock farmers sign up to GIA Luke Chivers

WELCOME: The arrival of DairyNZ and B+LNZ is an important milestone for GIA, Jen Scoular says.

INDUSTRY organisations DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ consulted with their farmers more than a year ago to join the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA). The final step in the process is the signing of the GIA Deed.

The new arrivals join the GIA partnership made up of 21 industry sectors that have agreed to work with Government, and each other, to deal with pests or pathogens specific to their primary industry sectors. This includes the livestock processing sectors, represented by Dairy Companies Association of NZ and the Meat Industry Association of NZ.

2019 N Z

TOU R

DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel said formally joining the GIA gave New Zealand dairy farmers an important seat around the table when decisions were being made on biosecurity issues.

“Making decisions in partnership with Government provides the opportunity to influence how our industry is impacted in the event of a biosecurity response and it also ensures that we deliver the best outcomes for our farmers.

“The recent Mycoplasma bovis outbreak has put a spotlight on the importance of industry and Government working closely together to deliver better biosecurity outcomes for our farmers.

“This [partnership] will give us the best chance of eradication,” van der Poel said.

It is a sentiment echoed by B+LNZ general manager of policy and advocacy Dave Harrison.

“Biosecurity is central to our farmers’ businesses and their success,” he said.

“Pest and disease control not only protects their operations but also grants them license to offshore markets to sell premium, high-quality products.

“Committing to the GIA enables us to have closer, more informed interactions with the Ministry for Primary Industries and other GIA industry partners around biosecurity.

“It also means we’re no longer solely relying on Government to make decisions related to biosecurity. It gives our farmers much greater control of their industry’s future.”

Harrison said a primary area focus would remain the eradication of M bovis and compensation payouts for farmers.

Under GIA, industry organisations and MPI, as the government’s representative, share the decision-making, responsibilities and costs of preparing for – and responding to – biosecurity incursions.

DairyNZ and B+LNZ join a number of other GIA signatories, including Potatoes NZ, Vegetables NZ, TomatoesNZ, Kiwifruit Vine Health, and others, as well as the Crown representative, MPI.

The recent Mycoplasma bovis outbreak has put a spotlight on the importance of industry and Government working closely together to deliver better biosecurity outcomes for our farmers.

Jim van der Poel DairyNZ In the lead-up to joining the partnership, the two industry groups have been involved in a number of biosecurity activities carried out under GIA, including an overhaul of preparedness for their industry’s biggest risk – foot and mouth disease.

GIA Deed Governance Group chairwoman Jen Scoular welcomed DairyNZ and B+LNZ to the partnership, saying they will be a significant addition.

“This marks an important milestone for the GIA. “This means New Zealand’s largest primary sector producers are now directly represented in the partnership.

“It also means that we now have almost every major primary industry group sitting around the decision-making table with Government and the GIA partnership is truly representative of the primary sector. This will allow for better industry skills and information sharing and a co-ordinated approach to biosecurity.”

The GIA provides a unique forum where the Crown and livestock and horticultural sector industries can deliver better outcomes for biosecurity, Scoular said.

“We look forward to working in partnership together.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

13

Training to retain workforce Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz ALLIANCE is putting about 1000 staff through meat processing certificate courses this year as part of its effort to attract and retain workers.

The number is a substantial increase on past formal training levels, the group’s general manager of people and safety Chris Selbie said.

A lot of our people have started with seasonal work and moved their way into supervisory roles over time.

By lifting the capacity of employees and giving them career opportunities Alliance will become more flexible, efficient and effective in its operations.

The move is one answer to the problem of filling vacancies for skilled workers at plants, Selbie said.

In the short term Alliance is bringing skilled workers in

from overseas with 100 due next month for work at the biggest plant, Lorneville in Invercargill. An application for 40 staff for the Mataura works is being considered by Immigration New Zealand.

All companies are involved in staff training but Alliance has been open about its issues in getting enough staff for its processing plants and general absenteeism among the work force through the season.

Restrictions they put-on work flow cost the cooperative about $20 million a year, chief executive David Surveyor said.

Having staff qualified with externally recognised qualifications encourages them to stay in the industry and have a career path.

“A lot of our people have started with seasonal work and moved their way into supervisory roles over time and we hope we can build that up for others as well,” Selbie said.

“People have to want to do the qualifications programme and we’re hoping that when they see others in training they will show an interest as well.”

Alliance has appointed

SMART MOVE: Alliance, which is bringing in 100 overseas workers for its Lorneville plant, hopes offering training will help retain staff.

a group training manager and increased training staff numbers so people can be trained while they work on the processing line.

Selbie said training group sizes will be proportionate to the processing plant sizes.

Alliance is working though the process of getting the approved 100 staff from overseas for work at Lorneville as it moves into the peak processing period and it hopes they will arrive in February.

The Mataura season is slightly later but the group needs to know the results of its application in the next few weeks.

Local people are being employed around the country for the peak season but there is still a gap in the skilled worker area.

Selbie expects the shortage to apply for unskilled staff as the season goes on.

There have been no positive changes in absenteeism rates.

You can’t lift the price.

But you can lift the numbers.

New PGW chairman stepping down

Joo Hai Lee

3.6% of PGW in its own right.

PGW’s independent directors’ chairman Bruce Irvine said his committee has continued to monitor matters relating to the OIO investigation and settlement and assess the implications for PGW. In January last year the OIO confirmed it had started an investigation into Agria and Lai’s good

character status, a condition of its PGW ownership.

It forced the share selldown in December after Agria and Lai reached a settlement with US regulators relating to fraudulent accounting and market manipulation.

Agria was fined US$3 million and Lai US$400,000 as well as accepting a five-year management ban by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The OIO is now seeking financial penalties here.

PGW’s statement didn’t mention the proposed $434m sale of the company’s seeds business to Danish co-operative DLF Seeds, which is expected to deliver PGW a $120m capital gain, but PGW has confirmed there has been no change to the sale’s status.

The Commerce Commission has expressed concerns about the

potential concentration of power in the ryegrass seeds market, which, it said, might allow DLF to raise prices or reduce the quality to customers.

Its decision is due by February 14.

The New Zealand Shareholders’ Association has said the seeds sale is clearly driven by Agria’s need to reduce debt rather than by what is in shareholders’ best interests.

Last month PGW said its seeds business will make a loss after tax in the six months ended December and it has had to bail out its joint venture partner in Uruguay.

However, it said that won’t affect the seeds sale because DLF has assumed all the seeds business risks and rewards since June 30 last year, assuming the sale proceeds.

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PGG Wrightson chairman Joo Hai Lee will step down before June 28 but the board will continue its governance review in the meantime.

Lee represents PGW’s former majority shareholder, Singaporeregistered Agria, and took over as chairman in early November after Agria principal Alan Lai abruptly resigned the day before the scheduled annual shareholders’ meeting.

PGW said in a statement the board will provide an update in the near future regarding the outcomes of the review and the chairman’s appointment.

Agria now owns 46.6% of PGW after it was forced to sell down its previous 50.2% stake by the Overseas Investment Office.

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News

14 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Honey price fall hurts producers Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz

NOT SWEET: Honey prices have fallen to less than they were two years ago and some collectors have been offered less than half the break-even price, Downunder Honey owner Jason Prior says.

BEEKEEPERS are smarting at lower returns on all honey types, including the much touted manuka variety, despite reports it continues to sell strongly in overseas markets.

Downunder Honey owner Jason Prior, of Cheltenham, said honey producers face the prospect of being paid 20-25% less than 2017 by processors as the market reshapes after a

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shakedown in numbers over the past two years.

“The smaller, second-tier honey buyers have disappeared and then the next tier down, the flyby-night operators, have gone too. Between these guys they would account for 30% of the market.

They were often small individually but combined were quite a portion of that buying market.”

Some sources claim operators have tonnes of honey stored from last season, with one central North Island operator holding 200t of honey in drums.

“We have seen a slide in all honey types’ prices while those that are processing it are also reduced in numbers, down to about three major processors including Comvita now.”

The new manuka honey standards had some effect on what some producers can expect to be paid because lower-grade, blended manuka honey does not always meet the Primary Industries Ministry standard, making that grade worth less.

Typical prices are now were $16 a kilo for UMF5 manuka, down from $27/kg and UMF7 at $22/kg, down from $30/kg.

“And for a UMF10 we would have been offered $37/kg in March. We were recently offered $27,” Prior said.

“These prices are lower than they were two years ago when the product was on the shelf at $200/kg.”

Prior estimates beekeepers need about $7/kg to break even on honey.

Waikato beekeeper Chris Patterson said he had heard of some beekeepers being offered prices as low as $3/kg for multi-floral bush honey.

He is concerned the MPI standards are adding significant compliance costs to smaller operators, making them even more marginal.

But despite the slide in prices, indications are the honey continues to sell well in overseas markets.

UMF Honey Association spokesman John Rawcliffe was in China and from there said there is no indication the product is falling out of favour.

“There is no softening of demand for manuka but we have seen it for other types.”

He suspects that might in part be because of the MPI standards struggling to define multifloral manuka, but is also attributable to greater competition from the rest of the world to NZ honey types.

Australian honey producers, in particular, are avidly pursuing manuka branding despite British authorities ruling it is a Maori word specific to NZ. That also plays out through other honey types specific to NZ and it is a key industry focus to try to protect all varieties through more robust regulations.

“This is something you cannot just market yourself out of,” Rawcliffe said.

Clover prices are also down to about $7/kg, from $12 earlier this year, Prior said.

More processors are holding minimal stock inventories, instead dipping into beekeepers’ stocks as required.

Prior challenged the MPI standards, which have proved controversial.

“There is nothing to stop honey importers buying in bulk NZ manuka and blending it down with other types once they have it and selling it as NZ manuka.”

Apiculture NZ chief executive Karin Kos said such activity requires government-to-government action to stop.

“People do talk about how NZ manuka can be adulterated but 80% of it is being exported as retail packed.”

She acknowledges the concerns about MPI standards but said the industry needs more time and data to better understand any shortcomings in the standards.

“We have not even been going for a year. We need a good database of samples so we can better understand regionality and seasonality of the product’s standards and have an industry science group working on it.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

17

SOCIAL ANIMAL: Cheyenne Wilson needs to be around people so makes sure to get off the farm when she’s not working.

Photo: John Cowpland, Alphapix

Getting an off-farm life vital Moving away from friends and family can be challenging for people starting a career in farming.

Dairy farm manager Cheyenne Wilson passes on her tips for dealing with isolation.

CHEYENNE Wilson is making great strides in the dairy industry.

After just five seasons the 25-year-old manages a 550-cow dairy conversion in Culverden.

This year she was also a finalist in the Ahuwhenua Trophy Young Maori farmer of the year competition and she’s keen to encourage more Maori into the industry.

Wilson, of Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa descent, was raised on farms in Southland then tried her hand at different jobs including painting and working in shearing sheds before finding her feet in dairying.

“Farming’s an awesome job,” she said.

“I like working outside and being around stock and no two days are the same. You learn something new every day. I’m passionate about what I do and I like to feel proud of how I farm.”

Life as a farm manager carries a

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lot of responsibility but Wilson is aware of the need to manage that pressure and find a good balance between work and life outside farming.

“This is my first season as manager so it’s been a big learning curve.

“I’m pretty driven about what I do and work as many hours as anyone else in the industry but I’ve learnt to recognise the signs of when I need to get off farm and have a break – the sense that things are getting to me.”

One of the biggest challenges for young farmers is moving to a new area for work and leaving behind friends and family.

“Managing the isolation is the toughest thing – moving to places where you know no one.

“That’s why I went along to a Young Farmers meeting the first week I moved to Canterbury.

That’s why I leave the farm when I’m not working.

“I need to be around people and I need to be around noise because it’s quiet on a farm. On my days off I always get off farm, whether it’s to catch up with friends or go hunting.”

It’s about giving back too, she says.

In her previous assistant

manager role in Ashburton Wilson regularly whipped up Sunday dinners for fellow workers who hailed from all parts of the globe.

“Those Sunday dinners were a great opportunity to catch up about life not work. Traditional Maori values like manaakitanga – making everyone feel like family and feel welcome – are really important to me.”

Seeking out new connections and local farm networks is something Wilson’s got good at.

It’s no accident she’s been a leading light in the local Young Farmers club and Dairy Women’s Network wherever she has worked.

“It’s good to meet women in dairying in your region.

Developing supportive relationships and being able to talk things through with others in the industry is a big help when you need advice.”

“It’s so easy to become isolated in farming and withdraw.

“I’ve noticed that happening to myself a couple of times.

“It’s about recognising that and putting in place strategies to cope.

“I’ve got a good network of people around me – dairy managers, rural professionals, Dairy Women, the Rural Support Trust.

“I’ve made sure I’ve established a network of people I can reach out to when I need to – people

who are dealing with the same issues I am.

“And one thing I’ve learnt about this industry is that everyone is willing to share knowledge and provide feedback if they can. But first you’ve got to talk.”

Wilson has also headed outside her comfort zone to grow her leadership skills.

For example, signing up to be a regional leader for Dairy Women’s Network and accepting opportunities to speak publicly at industry gatherings.

“I recently spoke to around 40 women at a combined Dairy Women’s Network and Rural Women network in Culverden.

Things like that are a huge boost to your confidence and how you see yourself.”

Being a woman in a

traditionally male-dominated industry is not always easy but Wilson has kept learning (level 5 production management with the Primary ITO) and let her skills do the talking.

“Sometimes, as women, we are our own worst critics.

“I’ve learnt that it’s important sometimes to just step back and acknowledge what you’ve achieved and value your skills.

“One of the things I’ve learnt is to enjoy the small wins in the industry, the little achievements throughout the season. It’s all those moments that add up to the big production target at the end of the season.”

is the official media partner of Farmstrong

Wilson’s wellbeing tips • Talk – Surround yourself with a network of people you can reach out to. It can be as simple as having a conversation in the pub.

• Keep active – I want to get back to netball fitness so I can play premier grade again comfortably. I’m a competitive person but a huge part of it is getting off the farm and socialising as well.

• Enjoy the small stuff – Sometimes when I’m working I just stop the bike and take a moment to enjoy our amazing landscape.

• Eat well – It’s important to have enough fuel in the tank to keep your energy levels up. I’ve learnt it takes more than just a couple of pieces of toast a day to get through calving.

• Look after yourself, look after your staff – As an industry we should all be thinking more about how we look after people. People are the most important part of the dairy industry. Without good people you are really screwed.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

19

Farmer takes to people industry Tim Fulton timfulton050@gmail.com PEEL back to 1988 and Rodger Letham is scrambling to establish himself in real estate after selling the family’s sheep and crop farm.

The Letham family started farming around Ashburton in 1862 and Letham was part of the heritage, working a 199ha farm his parents Selwyn and Ida bought in 1951.

His new boss at local realtor Hastings McLeod warned him to expect a tough transition to the new game.

“I picked myself off the floor several times in the first two or three years.

“I went from working by myself, working with dogs and the back end of sheep to a people industry.

“Colin McLeod said to me ‘It’ll take at least two or three years before people see you with a real estate hat on’.”

But Letham had flair.

After just a few days as an agent he was at the Ashburton A&P Show where be ran into a salesman for a new business, Personalised Plates. He grabbed the RURAL plate and it wasn’t long before he had a catchphrase: If it’s rural, it’s Rodger.

Those who know him best weren’t surprised by the streak of showmanship – he’s an experienced auctioneer who has performed in so many amateur theatre productions around the district that his wife Vonnie calls him Ham. Now, aged 75, Letham is tracing family and farming memories, including those of Selwyn, a long-serving Ashburton County councillor with whom he worked on the farm for about 20 years.

The Lethams ran traditional mixed sheep and crops:1000 ewes and about 80ha of crop.

Like so many of his peers Letham finished school and did what was expected of an eldest farming son – he ultimately succeeded his parents.

In the mid 1970s he bought the first half of the property and by 1981 he owned it all.

But by the mid 1980s farming in dryland Mid Canterbury was beset by some of the worst economic and climatic conditions in living memory.

Letham’s parents moved to town around that time and it wasn’t long before he was forced to lay off his only staff member.

“As the profitability of farming diminished we started trying to carry more stock and we pushed it a bit more and we tried to get another cash crop in between the rotation and, of course, it didn’t work because old Mother Nature doesn’t like that.

“You’ve just got to tickle Mother Nature and she’ll bloom for you but you try and push her too hard, she’ll come back and bite you in the bum every time.”

Between 1984 and 1988 it became impossible to survive.

High interest rates compounded the pain from drought, a floating dollar and the removal of farm subsidies.

THAT’S ME: Rodger Letham’s number plate led to his catchphrase: If it’s rural, it’s Rodger.

“We ended up paying 19% on the first mortgage; 24% on the overdraft and I had three droughts in eight years.”

In 1986 Letham and Vonnie took their first holiday in 11 years, spending three weeks at the family crib in Queenstown.

We ended up paying 19% on the first mortgage; 24% on the overdraft and I had three droughts in eight years.

Rodger Letham Farmer After mulling all the options they decided to put the farm on the market.

“We had to do something else because it was just physically impossible to keep going.”

The property went to market at $375,000 and didn’t get a bite.

“I think we had 10 parties over the property and no-one was game enough to make an offer.

“It is very much like the market is now.

“There are people out there who would like to buy and people who would like to sell and banks are not enthusiastic about much so everybody’s waiting for someone to make a move, to see where the market is.”

Faced with the impasse the family took the farm off the market and tried to battle on into 1987.

By then the Government was offering discounted mortgages to struggling farmers through its ownership of Rural Bank.

Farmers wanting to access the scheme sat down with mediators and creditors to discuss an adjustment in the mortgage rate.

“I was quite embarrassed about asking for a mortgage discount.

“I saw it as a show I couldn’t make it by myself.

“But I went through that and I was treated with the greatest respect.

“I’ll be forever grateful to the likes of a Mr Bill Hart who was county chairman after my father.

He was one of the mediators and we had our mortgage discounted by 21%.”

Letham couldn’t quite believe the offer, which seemed good enough to save the farm if they could only get a couple of reasonable seasons in a row.

“Well, 1988 came along and we

had the biggest drought in living memory.”

His old farm diary records that in October 1988, 26 days out of 31 blew gale force northwest winds with warm to hot temperatures.

“The grass seed’s a write-off, the wheat’s dying off in strips, the peas are holding on but just and the barley’s struggling to get through the ground,” he wrote.

The Lethams weaned lambs and sold them in October that year rather than the usual December.

“And I personally could see that unless we had some major changes in the farming environment I was not going to make it.”

A few months earlier Letham had been talking to McLeod, who had offered him a job “So, all through lambing I did my exams and passed my papers with the object of starting in November.

“I was going to lease the farm and go sell the real estate.”

He started selling property but couldn’t nail a lease on the farm.

A neighbour offered nearenough the going rate of $75/ha a year but it wasn’t enough.

It was only the new government’s New Start grant that broke the impasse.

If he sold the farm and paid off

creditors or got creditors to write off the debt, the Government would pay him $45,000 to start again.

“It was a clean cut. You couldn’t carry losses forward. It was like all that’s behind you, turn around, that’s it.”

Letham decided that at 45 it was time to bite the bullet.

Accepting the grant, he and Vonnie sold the farm to a neighbour for $275,000 right at the depth of the market.

To this day Letham is grateful for his parents’ support, not least Selwyn who was a lifelong farming mentor.

“I was very fortunate in my choice of father,” he says.

Letham is with Property Brokers these days and has been a successful agent but he’s bemused at the idea of competing with colleagues for sales.

Million-dollar clubs and top 10% seller rewards simply don’t jingle his bells.

“You don’t do the right job for your vendor or your buyer.

“If all you’re concentrating on is beating the guy at the next desk you won’t make the sale. I’ve got to look after you as the vendor and then after him as the buyer of your place and then all the money you need will follow along behind.”

QUIN’S

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Belief

RPR, ONEsystem prilled urea, and other nutrients

to protecting the quality of NZ’s waterways and groundwater

in the future of New Zealand farming

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Dr Bert Quin

QUINFERT NEWSLETTER – SUMMER 2019

Dr Bert Quin, Managing Director, Quin Environmentals (NZ) Ltd feasible must continue unabated. More attention must be given to increasing the storage capacity of effluent on dairy farms, so that it does not have to be applied to already-saturated soil, and distributing and efficiently irrigating the effluent over all suitable land area on the farm.

But none of these physical mitigations will reduce the huge leaching of soluble P from peat soils and in fact the unacceptably high leaching from all soils with P retentions (ASCs) of less than 50. Only RPR will do this. Likewise, loss in run-off of both soluble P and particulate P from large areas of most hill country farms simply cannot be stopped unless we change to RPR. This is scientific fact. So why don’t we just do it!

I believe that there needs to be an absolute limit placed on the ratio of Olsen P divided by the P retention (ASC) of about 0.3, or 0.35 at the most, on all paddocks on all farms. For example, a maximum Olsen P of 30-35 on soils with very high ASCs. I have never in my life seen a pasture response to P where the Olsen P is over 30.

But the industry’s reps keep encouraging dairy farmers to keep putting super on when they have Olsen P levels in the 40s, 50s and even 60s! This is environmentally irresponsible. With RPR, Olsen Ps rarely get above 25 even at very high production. If they do, just reduce the application rate; production will not suffer at all.

There also seems to be far too much sulphur-super being recommended on hill country farms even where soil and herbage sulphur levels are showing perfectly adequate levels. It might be a more profitable product to sell, but excess S simply accelerates leaching of cations like calcium, magnesium and potassium.

This in turn exacerbates the increasing acidity of the soil. I continually see farmers with pH levels of 5.1-5.3 being advised to put on sulphur-super, when the first priority by far in these situation is to get lime on to control aluminium toxicity. Never be afraid to question the scientific basis for what someone is trying to sell to you.

All the best Dr Bert Quin 021 427 572 bert.quin@gmail.com www.quinfert@xtra.co.nz

QUINFERT PRICE LIST NORTH ISLAND Quinfert RPR range:

N

P

K

S Ca Mg price/t

Quinfert RPR (V1, with 7% dolomite)* 0.0 12.7 0.0 1.3 35 0.75 $319 Quinfert RPR (V2, with 4% dolomite) 0.0 12.7 0.0 1.3 35 0.4 $319 Quinfert RPR/EG (eco-gypsum) 0.0 10.0 0.0 3.5 32 0.6 $289 Quinfert RPR/low S 0.0 12.3 0.0 4.0 34 0.7 $387 Quinfert RPR/med SB 0.0 11.7 0.0 8.4 33 0.65 $399 Quinfert RPR/hi SB 0.0 11.3 0.0 11.1 31 0.6 $427 SB is sulphur bentonite, containing 90% fine elemental S in water-dispersable miniprills. *BioGro certification is in process. Ask for ‘CM’ RPR (controlled moisture) to get zero dust.Specs will be reduced 3%.

Quinfert RMA range for dairy and intensive beef farms: N Quinfert RMA GP 1 (general purpose) 6.9 Quinfert RMA Autumn 1 5.1 Quinfert RMA Summer 1 3.6 Quinfert RMA Spring 1 10.1

P

K

6.0 5.0 8.4 6.0

6.4 10.1 5.5 4.2

S Ca Mg price/t 6.9 4.0 5.1 8.0

15 15 20 14

2.0 2.9 1.9 1.4

$424 $424 $424 $424

JAN 2019 (prices excl GST)

Quinfert QSR range (quick and sustained-release P combo): N

P

K

S Ca Mg price/t

Quinfert QSR ‘N-vig’ low S 1.9 14.0 0.0 1.0 27 0.65 $454 Quinfert QSR ‘N-vig’ med S 1.7 12.7 0.0 9.0 25 0.6 $476 Quinfert QSR ‘N-boost’ med S 6.0 11.0 0.0 7.5 21 0.55 $458 Quinfert QSR ‘N-blast’ med-S 9.0 9.7 0.0 7.0 19 0.4 $464 Additional N in N-boost and N-blast comes from a combination of ONEsystem prilled urea and SOA. Other nutrients and all trace elements can be added to both the Quinfert RPR and Quinfert QSR ranges..

The Quinfert Real Mitigation Action (RMA) range is designed to maximise healthy pasture production under intensive grazing while minimising P leaching and run-off, nitrate leaching and gaseous losses, and cation leaching caused by excess nitrate and sulphate levels. Quinfert RMA products are fine but very low dust. Their narrower application spread (12m) with a sharp cut-off minimises direct entry to drains and streams.

✁ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR MORE, FILL THIS REPLY SLIP OUT AND MAIL TO: Quin Environmentals (NZ) Ltd, PO BOX 125-122, St Heliers 1740, Auckland, or ALTERNATIVELY: Scan it and email it to quinfert@xtra.co.nz Name:........................................................................................................................ Phone: ................................................ Mobile: ...........................................................

Address: ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Email address: ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Farm type: ........................... Hectares (effective).....................................

Soil tests available:

Yes

No

Used RPR before:

Yes

Fertiliser applied: No

Looking for:

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Autumn

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Best time to phone: ................................................... Best date/time to visit farm: ..............................................................................................

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LK0096156©

It has been a warm and reasonably wet summer, and with OK meat and dairy prices, there’s a fair bit of optimism on the farm. One of my hill country clients was very pleased with the $128 he got for his lambs!

Quinfert RPR (mainly as RPR/S) has been trucked from Tauranga all over the North Island, from north of Kaikohe to Martinborough, in the 5 months since early September. A few loads have even gone across on the ferry to Marlborough! The smaller operation in Timaru is now picking up a head of steam as well.

Many clients have expressed their relief that a true RPR, with low cadmium and uranium to boot, is now available to farmers again. For years they have had to put up with offerings described as RPR but which actually contain high-cadmium RPR blended with either the waste slimes from the Boucraa manufacturing rock beneficiation plant (PB3) or Moroccan manufacturing rock (some of which can contain over 550 ppm uranium, believe it or not). Why would anyone do that? The only reasons are can think of seem too dark to be possible, but there has to be a reason.

I am really excited about the opportunity RPR presents to demonstrate that intensively grazed pasture can co-exist with low P run-off and leaching and therefore far lower eutrophication of waterways and lakes.

The Waikato Regional Authority is leading the way in prioritising, on a catchment by catchment basis, the need to mitigate P and N loses to the environment, as well as sediment and bacterial enrichment.

For far too long, councils have been prevented from looking seriously at what improvements in water quality can be achieved simply by farmers changing to more efficient forms of nutrient, because the industry just wants to keep making and selling superphosphate and granular urea. The Councils have been told rubbish like ‘we have to sell superphosphate sorry; RPR is far too hard to get’ (I’ve proved it isn’t), ‘it’s too dusty’ (Quinfert RPR has less dust than much super has, and unlike super you can totally remove dust simply by wetting it with 3% water. This has no adverse effect on its spreadability) . And ONEsystem nbpt-treated prilled urea is here, allowing feed requirements to be reached with 50% less N because environmental losses are minimised.

Obviously, fencing off waterways, replanting areas of farms susceptible to sediment loss with trees and native vegetation, and installing wetlands where

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

21

It’s green but maybe not for long Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz IT MIGHT be the middle of summer but most of the country is still under an open fire season though Fire and Emergency is warning abundant vegetation growth could very quickly become potential fire fuel.

Usually, by mid-January dry conditions mean most of the country has fire controls, Fire and Emergency rural operations manager John Rasmussen said.

This year half the country can still light fires in the open without a permit because regular rain has kept vegetation green.

But Rasmussen said those conditions can change very quickly as summer gets drier.

“I can virtually guarantee somewhere in the country will get really dry.”

Following ample summer growth there is plenty of potential fuel.

Northland and parts of coastal Manawatu and Taranaki are dry but

traditional dry areas of the South Island at Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and Central Otago are wetter than usual.

Farmers should cut back vegetation, create fire breaks around buildings and be careful with machinery that could ignite a fire.

I can virtually guarantee somewhere in the country will get really dry.

“It’s not dire at the moment but we could get there pretty quickly if the tap is turned off.”

Rasmussen says the website www.checkitsalright.nz provides updated information on the fire season status and allows permits to be applied for online while up-todate weather observations, forecasts and information on the fire danger can be found at www.fireweather.niwa.co.nz.

TAKE CARE: Check before lighting fires and take precautions.

Tutor hopes wool course will resume Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz WOOL industry tutor Laurie Boniface hopes his class from last year will have a second-year programme to start next month after all.

The odds looked bleak for the 29 students in the Certificate of Wool Technology, level four, course when Telford training institute was put into liquidation along with Taratahi.

Boniface’s post has ended but now it looks like Southern

Institute of Technology (SIT) might be able to rescue some of the agriculture courses provided

by Telford and Taratahi.

He hopes the SIT plan will be approved quickly by the Government.

“I’ve got 29 very good students who will be very good value to the industry in the various jobs they’re doing and they were due to start the second year of their course on February 18.

“I’m hoping now that if it does not start on time it will

start at some point and if the course needs to go into 2020 to be finished then that is by-theby.”

Boniface said his students were gutted by the ending of the Taratahi model and the uncertainty it created but he had spoken to SIT and been able to give them some confidence their course will not be lost.

His post was suspended from January 11 but after 54 years in the industry “I’m one of those people who’s always optimistic”, he said.

The group completed the first two stages of the level-four course last year and has two stages to do this year to get the full certificate.

Boniface is based at Massey in Manawatu and the course is taught on a distant learning basis with a one-week block course for South Island students in Christchurch in May and for North Island students in Napier in August.

“This course is an integral part of the industry and must be kept going at all costs,” he said.

The 29 students are all working in the industry – wool classing, scours, stores and merchants – and the programme is designed to extend their knowledge and practical skills, including sheep farming systems.

A new class had been expected to start this year as well but won’t go ahead because of the Telford/Taratahi situation, Boniface said.

But he hopes SIT will pick that up as well at some point if it completes the rescue plan.

News

22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Pioneer works to settle its maize claims Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz THE country’s largest maize seed supplier is working with an insurance company to settle losses incurred after seed treatment failure in some hybrid varieties this season.

Early in the maize planting season late last year a number of growers in Waikato and Northland reported stunted crops postgermination, prompting some to replant crops before mid December.

Pioneer’s investigation team head Raewyn Densley said a number of growers have been identified with the afflicted maize seed and it has been isolated to a seed treatment issue.

“But at this point in time everything is pending an insurance claim so it is difficult for us to add anything further,” she said.

Given the scattered nature of the crop failures it is difficult to quantify the area of crop affected.

Kaipara farmer Jason Smith said his crop failure was almost 70ha with some parts of the plantings emerging then failing to grow any further.

“We considered replanting but we got outside the planting window and it simply was going to be too much risk if we were to try and do that.

“This is maize for grain so the length of time between planting and harvest is long, as late as June, and there is a lot of water to go under the bridge yet with this crop.”

He estimates his loss could be as great as 30% but it will be at the flowering stage the extent of the failure will be seen.

“The yield is likely to be very variable within the crop with flowering happening at different times so it is going to be difficult

INCONSISTENT: Maize growing on Jason Smith’s Kaipara farm.

to know exactly what our yield will be.

“It’s like having a crop within a crop and we won’t really know the full cost until harvest time.”

Smith said Pioneer has been very forthcoming over the problem with company representatives spending a significant amount of time trying

to understand the issue affecting specific hybrids.

Rural contractors have indicated the issue has not been a major one for many clients.

Densley hopes that despite the problems some had the exceptional growing conditions this summer will go some way to counter the losses.

“What we do know is maize is quite capable of adjusting to crop density and the season will only help that.”

The issue was a unique one for the company but Pioneer is investing a significant amount of time and agronomy expertise to fully understand the problem.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

23

US adventure for TeenAg members SOUTHLAND Girls’ High School has produced two of the six students selected for the trip of a lifetime to the United States.

Sarah Humphries, 17, and Kayla Calder, 16, have both been chosen to attend the 4-H Congress in Bozeman, Montana in July.

They’re among six TeenAg members from across New Zealand picked to take part in the sought-after exchange.

“I’m really excited and a bit shocked. It’s going to be such an amazing opportunity,” Sarah said.

Her parents have a 570 hectare farm at Five Rivers, which runs sheep and grazes dairy heifers.

“The United States has large ranches and feedlots and I can’t wait to learn more about their style of farming,” she said.

Students will stay with host families and explore Yellowstone National Park as part of the three-week exchange.

“A highlight will be spending four days attending the 4-H Congress,” Bridget Huddleston from NZ Young Farmers, who will chaperone the students, said.

“The girls will participate in educational workshops, hear from professional speakers and mingle with 400 other

delegates. It will be an amazing opportunity.”

Tyla Bishop, 17, from St Kevin’s College in Oamaru hopes the trip will help broaden her understanding of global food production.

“Being selected was a big surprise,” the Year 13 student who lives on a 700-cow dairy farm in the Waitaki Valley said.

“I’ve never been to Montana, so I’m really looking forward to the experience.”

Tyla has spent the summer holidays working on another dairy farm to help pay for the trip.

The three other students taking part are Olivia Mackenzie from Ashburton, Rhiannon Simpson from Timaru, and Mikayla McClennan from Te Awamutu.

It’s hoped the inaugural exchange will become a biennial event.

Sarah, Tyla and Kayla have all completed the Leadership Pathway Programme, which is a unique leadership course run by NZ Young Farmers and funded by the Red Meat Profit Partnership.

It’s been developed to identify emerging leaders and ensure they’re entering career pathways in the primary industries.

SELF-FUNDING: Tyla Bishop, from Oamaru, has been working on a nearby dairy farm to pay for her trip.

LARGE-SCALE: Invercargill student Sarah Humphries is looking forward to learning about the scale of farming in the US.

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News

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Breeders want more protection Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz STRONGER legislation is needed for New Zealand plant breeders to stay on a level playing field with the rest of the world.

The Plant Breeders’ Association has been lobbying governments for the last 20 years to tighten protection, claiming it will foster a positive business environment for investing in plant breeding.

Association general manager Thomas Chin said the latest commercial seed lines cost millions of dollars and typically take 10 years to develop.

Plant breeders believe the protection of their intellectual property is inadequate and does not give them confidence to develop or import new cultivars.

The maximum fine for breaches of plant protection is ineffective at $1000.

Plant breeders are also keen to have royalties paid on any protected seed varieties farmers save for their own re-sowing use, as happens in the European Union, Britain and Australia.

How that could be implemented is yet to be determined with some farmers in favour of directing royalties towards variety

NEW LAW: Plant Breeders Association general manager Thomas Chin expects a new law to give members more protection to be passed next year.

development and many of them willing to pay more for innovative seed products.

Chin said the association is in consulting farmers about the possible royalties and how a collection system could work.

NZ has the 1987 Plant Variety Rights Act while other countries are in line with UPOV 91 international standards.

But as part of the Comprehensive and Progressive

Trans Pacific Partnership NZ needs to update the law to meet international obligations.

So growers do not always have access to the latest most productive and profitable seed types as plant breeders are not convinced NZ law is strong enough to protect their intellectual property.

“Downstream of this, food and beverage processors are not getting the top-quality, highest-

yielding cultivars and neither are consumers.

“Since 1991 plant breeders have wanted the government to align the legislation with international standards and now because of our legal obligations as a partner in CPTPP, processes to renew the legislation are under way.”

Chin said modernising of the law under UPOV91 rules means NZ becomes a more attractive place for companies to invest and to complement research and development work done locally.

“Moreover, it’s important to view the modernisation as bringing positive economic benefits to the wider production and supply chains, people who eat and NZ as a whole rather than viewing it as a penalty or a disincentive.”

Chin said strengthened breeder protections will foster a positive business environment for investing in plant breeding in NZ and consistency at an international level will encourage foreign breeders to release new and improved varieties into NZ. It will result in increased choice for farmers in sourcing the best varieties with desirable characteristics and ensure breeders can be

Food and beverage processors are not getting the top quality, highest yielding cultivars and neither are consumers.

Thomas Chin Plant Breeders’ Association fairly compensated for their development.

There will be no negative impacts on farmers who have obtained seed legitimately and farmers saving seed for their own use on their own farm is a longheld tradition and should not change so long as royalties are payable on protected varieties that are saved, Chin said.

Chin said the association submitted its views for a ministerial issues document before Christmas.

An options paper is likely to be released this year and will be open to public submissions with draft legislation expected to go before Parliament next year.

Tractor sales set new record

HELP AT HAND: Forestry New Zealand has set aside $36 million for erosion control for the next four years.

Money given to combat erosion MILLIONS more will be spent by the forestry agency to tackle regional erosion, officials say.

Te Uru Rakau Forestry New Zealand) has $36 million in its hill country erosion fund this year to be shared by 12 regional councils, four of which have not accessed the fund before.

The interest from local government shows the importance it puts on sustainable land management and treating erosion, agency head Julie Collins said.

“The loss of productive land through erosion has a significant impact on the environment and the sustainability of NZ land.”

Hill country erosion is estimated to cost the economy $100m to $150m a year through loss of soil, nutrients and production and damaged infrastructure and waterways.

The money is for programmes from July this year to June 2023.

They include building regional capacity and

capability to planting trees, farm planning and land treatments including planting poplars, willows and other indigenous and exotic species.

“We estimate that over four years, these programmes will result in more than 13m trees being planted and treatment of more than 21,000ha of land.

“These will contribute to the Government’s One Billion Trees Programme and deliver environmental and a range of other benefits across the country,” Collins said.

SALES of tractors and farm machinery hit a new record in last year and there are no signs of a slow down, Tractor and Machinery Association president John Tulloch says.

There were 4640 retail sales across all horsepower categories compared to 4079 in 2017 and 4062 in the boom dairy year of 2014.

Tulloch expects the strong sales trend to continue unless there is a global event with a sudden impact.

“Of course, we never know what the weather will throw at us but most of our customers are used to dealing with climate variations, even extreme ones. We’ve had a wet season but that could well be followed by a dry season.”

The dairy industry, which accounts for a large proportion of the sales, is looking to improve based on the last four global dairy trade auctions. The January 15 auction resulted in a GDT price index increase of 4.2%.

The increases reflected the flowon impacts of the European summer drought on dairy production there, Tulloch said.

And the Australian drought will affect production across the Tasman.

“When global supplies are tight and demand is good then prices have to go up.

“This would be a welcome relief to our industry after recent difficulties for dairying.”

The improving outlook combined with new environmental restrictions being introduced here might see

GO ON: Tractor and Machinery Association president John Tulloch expects record sales to continue.

more dairy farmers, especially those in the South Island, move to wintering cows inside.

Under-roof wintering causes less damage to pastures and results in less effluent run-off. It also boosts the condition of dairy cows.

“As profit returns to dairy we expect that farmers will look at the benefits of wintering inside.

“These cows are in better condition because they don’t have to walk in the cold and are fed a more balanced diet rather than just grass.”

A move to inside wintering would be a positive trend for the dairy industry, Tulloch said.

“It benefits farmland and surrounding environs as well as ensuring the cows receive good care.

It requires substantial investment but the benefits are clear.”

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

25

Mt Difficulty rounds it out for wine firm Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz BUYING the Mt Difficulty Wines assets fills in the missing link for United States-backed Foley Wines, chief executive Mark Turnbull says.

It adds Central Otago production to the existing portfolio of vineyard assets in Marlborough and Martinborough.

The $55 million deal was completed on January 3 after being in the Overseas Investment office (OIO) system for more than a year, getting caught up in the change of Government and the tighter rules for overseas investment in New Zealand.

The deal to buy the business was made in November 2017, and the OIO process effectively started in February, Turnbull said. The OIO recommended to Government ministers in

September that the sale be allowed, but the Government added new conditions, including greater investment in the existing Foley businesses, including new jobs, as well expanding the Mt Difficulty cellar door and restaurant, before approving the sale in late December.

The process was incredibly difficult as more barriers to overseas investment were going up, he said.

About 900 New Zealanders own shares in the NZX-listed Foley Wines, but it is about 66% owned by the California-based Foley wine-producing family.

“I’m a New Zealander and owning land is a privilege not a right, and it has to be good for NZ, so overseas investment needs to add a lot more value to it.”

He had no issues with the process but it wasn’t fast by any means.

GRAPE DEAL: Foley Wines has purchased Central Otago’s Mt Difficulty Wines.

Mt Difficulty was seen as a high-profile application and the Government wanted to get it right, he said.

The new business will increase total Foley Wines assets by about 14%. The group already has two brands produced in Marlborough and two in Martinborough in the Wairarapa.

“It’s not a huge increase in value for us but it is critical in that it rounds out our portfolio.”

Foley Wines had “high-end, high-quality brands”.

The acquisition was part-

funded by a $20m capital-raising underwritten by the Foley family.

As part of this, the group’s distribution partner Lion NZ has subscribed for just over two million shares (a 3.7% stake) at the issue price of $1.48 a share.

Foley Wines sold 471,000 cases of wine in the year-ended June 30, a 21% increase over a year earlier, with revenues up 25% to $38m.

Turnbull said that in the first quarter of the current year, export shipments – largely to the US

I’m a New Zealander and owning land is a privilege not a right, and it has to be good for NZ. Mark Turnbull Foley Wines and Australia – were up 35% on last year, followed by record permonth shipments in October.

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Newsmaker

Elers’ life wrapped up in wool Tina Elers is working seven days a week but is still finding time to improve her fitness ahead of the World Shearing Championship in France later this year. She also found time to talk to Alan Williams about her busy life.

T

HIRTY years into her wool-classing career Tina Elers is as busy as ever and very motivated.

When some might think it is time to slow down she’s working a seven-day week around Southland, weather permitting, and doing extra fitness work.

It’s all about the shearing world championships in France in July.

Elers and her team, including daughter Maiden, surprised everyone by finishing third in the teams’ event at the 2017 Golden Shears world championships in Invercargill, getting onto the podium to receive their medals.

For good measure Elers was third in the individual woolclassing section. She’s still thrilled about that.

We just worked the hardest we could to do the best we could.

“We just worked the hardest we could to do the best we could.”

Mataura-based Elers is a born and bred New Zealander but represented the Cook Islands in that tournament, qualifying through her Dad, Bill Elers, the biggest influence in her wool industry life. The same team will go to France – shearers Marley Waihape, her nephew, and Aaron Bell, and her daughter Maiden also doing wool handling.

They will take the same approach to France, though there are some differences in northern hemisphere wool handling.

“We’ll have a day’s training before the championships . . .

COMPETITIVE: Tina Elers in action at a past event.

Photo: Barbara Newton

it’s like the northern hemisphere people when they come here so it all evens out.”

Maiden will be in the team again though a young family takes up a lot of her time. Younger daughter Lucy is also going but not competing.

She is involved with her mother in judging wool competitions, with Elers getting her started through her role on the Gore Southern Shears.

For Elers the next few competitions are all action . . . notable events are the Southern Shears in Gore in mid February and the Golden Shears in Masterton in March.

A good confidence-booster was winning a New Zealand Wool Classers Association Merino commendation last year for her classing of a quarter-bred clip at Omakau in Central Otago.

She has contracted to individual farmers in the region for the last five shearing seasons, classing the world-class clips.

For most of the year Elers puts her Q-stencil and wool-classing qualifications to work in the crossbred sector, working for her parents who started in business more than 40 years ago.

Bill encouraged the shearing bug when she was a youngster and mum Gloria has made everything possible, looking after seven children and a lot of grandchildren over the years to allow the business to flourish.

With two or three teams on the go – a dozen shearers including husband Murray and 15 or so handlers and pressers – they do just over 30 farms across a wide area based on eastern Southland.

“We’re a small team and it’s a good-sized run.”

She’s serious about working seven days a week – they cover

WINNER: Tina Elers being presented with her Yield Award by Bill Dowle.

a wide area so if one area is wet there’s often some dry sheep somewhere else.

“Dad’s on the phone continually sorting that out.”

When the crossbred pre-lamb shear ends she heads to Central Otago in August with her Merinoclassing stencil before heading back in October for the new crossbred season in Southland.

The high value of Merino wool means a big focus on preparation in the woolshed to make sure of getting the very best returns and she really enjoys that challenge.

Conversely, low crossbred wool prices led to her biggest frustration, that wool is not always prepared to the highest standards

as some farmers look to cut costs.

“I understand the farmers’ point of view because it is disheartening with the wool price where it is.

I advise the farmer, we work in with the wool broker and together we need to come to an understanding.”

Some wool ends up being put straight into the press without being skirted or thrown over the table for cleaning.

“Luckily, more farmers go for the quality product than those who don’t.”

Elers also has a classer’s stencil in Australia, secured in 2012, and has classed wool in Queensland and Victoria during an extended time there.

She nearly made the move permanent but opportunities started coming forward in NZ and woolshed contracts built up. The recent increase in wages made this country competitive.

“We’re on a par with Australia and I’m comfortable here and I’d rather be in NZ.” When Bill is away Elers runs the family business, dealing with farmers, organising shearers and handlers and doing the bookwork.

She enjoys it but there there’s not much chance of her dad stepping down soon.

“He’s just gone 70 and he still gets in and does some shearing if there’s a gap there.”

He used to take the family to the sheds during weekends and school holidays.

“By the third run he would persuade me to do the belly and crutch for him so he could put the portable up and by the end of the day I was doing the board at one end.”

At 15 she left school to work in the sheds full time. The Q stencil qualification came quite early then, as her daughters reached an age where they did not need her full attention, she did the papers to become a NZ registered classer.

“I broaden my knowledge when I can and I like to pass than knowledge on.”

Elers is qualified for industrial work, in an office or a wool store, but still prefers the woolshed, saying she’s still passionate and fit enough.

Besides, she can’t start taking it easy.

Apart from competitions to win, she’s got her dad to keep up with.

“So, I’ve got years to go but I’d like him to slow down a bit.”

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

27

Planet-saving diet has human pitfalls Richard Rennie examines a report that suggests the world eat far more grains, nuts and beans with less of everything else.

A

REPORT from medical journal The Lancet calls for significant shifts in the types of foods people eat.

It is a shift in diet that has the planet as much as human health firmly in mind but has been challenged on grounds New Zealand is already well down the path to providing the planet with a sustainable diet.

The report, released this month after three years of research, said human diets must change as much to save the planet as ourselves as the global population continues to swell towards 10 billion by 2050.

The world farms an area the size of South America and grazes an area the size of Africa.

But failing to shift agricultural practices as the population grows will require a further expanse of land the size of Canada to meet global demand.

The report targets changes in diet and by default food production, which, it claims, will put healthy food production within the boundaries of the planet’s capabilities. It is a change that is achievable but requires major dietary adjustments.

They include cutting global consumption of red meat and sugar by more than 50% while doubling the consumption of nuts, fruits, vegetables and legumes.

It acknowledges the need for some regions to make more significant changes than others.

In North America, where 6.5 times the recommended amount of red meat is consumed, the change will be greater than, for example, southern Asia, where people eat only half the recommended amount.

The report notes there is a need for flexibility to accommodate various food types, agricultural

systems, cultural traditions and individual dietary preferences.

Beef + Lamb NZ market insights officer Jeremy Baker believes NZ has been caught in the slipstream of the report’s interpretation of intensive livestock production systems, blamed for a significant portion of the resource pressure on global food supplies.

“Most of what they are analysing are the high-intensity, highly populated grain-fed systems that often divert grain into meat production. These are often also systems that are highly subsidised and tend to place volume over value.”

We are really doing all the things they want the rest of the world to do and we have had a 30-year head start.

Jeremy Baker B+LNZ Typically, stock here are fed grass-based inputs, either as straight grass or baled as silage or hay, often on land that has little alternative use because of its contour while also having 1.4 million hectares of native bush country within its boundaries.

The Lancet report calls for greater agricultural biodiversity, something Baker maintains the sector is already achieving with the extensive native bush area on NZ dry stock farms and the work continuing to protect waterways and lift on-farm biodiversity.

He also points to NZ’s major step change in the 1980s that deregulated farming and as a

result the country now has a sheep meat sector that emits 30% less greenhouse gas than 30 years ago while producing the same amount of meat from a national flock half the size it was then.

“We are also among the lowest water users when it comes to production.

“We are really doing all the things they want the rest of the world to do and we have had a 30year head start.”

From a dietary perspective New Zealanders are already reducing their red meat consumption, even if not to the paltry levels of 15g of red meat a day recommended by the Lancet.

That reduction will make the most dedicated carnivores blanch.

Last year New Zealanders ate about 60g of red meat a day each.

As an alternative meat protein the report also recommends about 15g a day of pork or 30g of poultry.

Recommendations for dairy intake average 250g a day and fit closely with NZ’s average intake of 230g a day.

But B+LNZ nutritionist Fiona Greig maintains the Lancet’s dietary recommendations could pose real threats for some consumers.

“I am thinking groups like young women where there is a risk of iron deficiency occurring at those consumption levels.”

She said 15g a day is a significant shift from existing healthy eating guidelines, including those of the World Cancer Research Fund, which recommends consumption of about three portions a week, equivalent to about 500g cooked or 700g fresh meat.

“This has been based on all their research and all evidence there is on red meat and links to cancer and health.”

Based on NZ’s red meat

LOADED: Beans can supply protein but have 10 times as many calories as red meat, Beef + Lamb New Zealand nutritionist Fiona Greig says.

consumption of 430g a head a week, consumers here are eating close to the recommended ideal.

That figure represents a significant drop in the past decade, with overall consumption down 42%, including beef down 38%, lamb down 45% and mutton down 70%.

Greig said compiling such reports is tricky when the demands of the environment are overlaid onto human health needs and she appreciated it did acknowledge local conditions and production methods.

Her concern is too much attention will be drawn to the nuts and bolts of the Lancet protein recommendations rather than the big picture message that the planet needs to reconsider how it will feed its burgeoning population.

The report also put the spotlight on some serious nutritional issues but the recommendations risked making them worse for vulnerable consumers.

That is particularly for vitamin B12, zinc and iron in children and young females.

A more urgent need is to take stock of the population’s

nutritional status before dietary standards are reconfigured.

“The last national nutritional survey was done 10 years ago and indicated deficiencies of those vital elements but we don’t have any up-to-date information.”

Sourcing the 25g of protein a day needed for an adult is not as easily achieved through plantbased products that are not as protein dense.

“For example, beans could supply the protein but the equivalent has 10 times the calorie level.

“A largely plant-based source does require very careful planning to do it properly. We have no argument with pursuing a balanced diet, of which red meat is only part, but there is also a need there for greater knowledge about how New Zealanders are eating their protein.”

There is also a risk that if people see the recommendation of 15g a day, about half a fish finger of protein, they will simply switch off to such recommendations.

“It’s all well and good for some people to eat less but there are people in the population who could well do with eating more.”

Cut meat suggestion misguided even if well-intentioned RED meat and dairy products offer a sustainable and nutritious food source for consumers and should not be cut from diets, Britain’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board says.

Its comments were made in response to a new report from the EAT-Lancet Commission – a consortium of 37 international experts funded by the Welcome Trust. They claim global consumption of red meat and sugar needs to decrease by 50% to achieve a sustainable, healthy diet.

According to the report, published in The Lancet on January 17, food production systems threaten both human

health and the environment.

“Transformation of the global food system is urgently needed as more than three billion people are malnourished and food production is exceeding planetary boundaries – driving climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and unsustainable changes in water and land use,” it said.

Specifically, the report suggests a typical daily diet should include just 7g of beef or lamb, 7g of pork, 29g of poultry, 250g of dairy and 13g of eggs.

But the report has been dismissed by the board’s beef and lamb section as another example of well-intentioned but

potentially flawed thinking on how to reduce the impact on the environment.

Board beef and lamb strategy director Will Jackson believes dairy and red meat production is part of the solution.

“Red meat contains an efficient package of essential nutrients important for the body,” he said.

“For this reason government guidelines suggest we should have 70g of red meat a day, though average population intake in the UK is currently below this figure.”

Jackson also questioned the full environmental effect of moving to a largely plant-based diet in the UK.

“Meeting the nutritional needs of a growing UK population from plant-based proteins would likely rely much more heavily on imported food, which may be produced to lower environmental standards,” he said.

Red meat produced in the UK is sustainable, makes best use of natural resources and requires very few additional inputs.

“In addition, grazing cattle and sheep manage permanent pasture as an effective carbon sink and make use of massive swathes of agricultural land that cannot be used for growing other foods.”

Institute for Global Food Security director Professor Nigel

Scollan said the EAT Lancet Commission merely reinforces the fact that an omnivorous diet is optimal.

“Encouraging people to eat less red meat and dairy will have little impact on the environment and is potentially damaging to people’s health, with many missing out on vital nutrients such as zinc and iron,” he said.

The Sustainable Food Trust agreed prioritising reductions in beef and lamb consumption is misguided, adding that grazing animals needed to be reintroduced into many crop rotations to mitigate soil degradation and biodiversity loss.

UK Farmers Weekly

Opinion

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

EDITORIAL Let’s reassert our reputation

I

F IT wasn’t for the heat you’d be forgiven for thinking it was spring here in the lower North Island, what with the incessant gale force winds we’ve had over the past few weeks.

The green grass is another pointer to a different season. It really has been an interesting summer.

In last week’s paper we did the rounds of New Zealand and found pretty universal approval of the season to date.

The big problem is getting stock to eat the plentiful feed. As one farmer put it – when the cattle can’t keep up a baler was required.

But just getting the stock has been a bother for many. At Temuka last week ewes made $300, which just shows the confidence in the sector – and the pressing need for stock.

But the changeable weather is a reminder that the world, the markets and the industry is also changing quickly.

At the moment, a few trade issues aside, we’re enjoying a bit of a tail wind.

Prices for meat and milk are going pretty well and there’s moisture in the soil. It’s important to keep our eyes on the road and not in the rear view mirror, though.

If Brexit continues to go pearshaped we will have problems.

China is beginning to hurt because of its trade issues with the United States.

The world is a volatile place. At home, we also need to make sure the yard is in order. Water quality and animal welfare standards need to be met and surpassed.

It’s a year in which we need to reassert our reputation as quality food producers with the smarts and morals the nation can be proud of.

In the words of our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, let’s do this.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Reducing inputs benefits more than soil THE type of farming described in the recent Farmers Weekly (p24, Jan 14) does so much more than improve the bottom line by reducing, not eliminating, inputs.

Other benefits include increasing infiltration of rain resulting in less need for irrigation, less contribution to downstream flooding and elimination of the export of topsoil and absorption of urine from grazing animals into the organic sponge, giving time for the soil organisms to scavenge nutrients, thus eliminating stream pollution and so much more.

There is a template for this type of farming in Montgomery’s book, Growing a Revolution.

In the prequel to this book, Dirt, he describes what happens to civilisations that treat their soil like dirt and in

the sequel, The Hidden Half of Nature, he describes what is known, so far, on the inner workings of rich organic soil.

William Hughes-Games Waipara

Old hand YOUR readers, especially those over 70, will be pleased a member of their age group, Philip Woodward of Waikaretu, shore 453 lambs in an eighthour day.

This achievement was made on a Waikato farm in the Matahuru Valley on January 7.

As always, Philip cleanly shore the lambs, which had previously had been prepared for the event with a regulationsized button-hole crutch. A supportive crowd cheered on the inspirational 70-year-old, who proved he is still a master of the shearing board.

Philip and his family have made a distinguished

contribution to the New Zealand sport of competitive shearing and to the wider sheep and wool industry. For example, in December 1977 Philip and three others set a nine-hour unofficial record in our shed, shearing 1572 second-shear ewes. Philip had the highest tally at 406.

That four-stand total still stands unequalled for our woolshed.

The Woodward family remain our neighbours with their successful Nikau Cave and Cafe venture.

These days Philip is more often to be found guiding caving parties than shearing sheep.

He still takes a stand if needed by the younger generation Woodward team who now run a considerable contract shearing business.

Philip and his wife Anne continue to be admired by many within the widespread

Waikato west coast community.

Tom Mandeno Tuakau

Good on ya YOUR coverage of increasingly diverse farming and food issues is to be congratulated.

The January 21 issue was a case in point – from hemp farming developments, an organic farming national standard, HortNZ’s and BLNZ’s acknowledgment of and focus on the importance of food provenance to high value consumers and sheep genetics.

With all these inspiring future farming models to take in, thank heavens for Alan, anti, Emerson to bring me back down to a flat earth.

David Haynes Co-leader NZ Outdoors Party

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

29

BE BRAVE: Dairy farmer Richard Cookson has a challenging vision for his industry in 2019.

A year for constant change?

Richard Cookson

I

T IS a well-worn adage that change is the only constant, but this year that need for change in the dairy sector has never been greater.

The tumultuous global markets of the past five years, massive industry debt and controversy over industry growth and direction have left many dairy farmers feeling disconnected at best from their industry and cynical, even angry, at worst.

I myself have to admit to frequently falling into the “cynical and angry” tent.

Only with some effort and support have I managed to move out of that mindset, well most of the time, and forgive myself when I am not. I have many doubts about even writing this opinion piece as I struggle with my thoughts and feelings being important to anyone else.

But that’s a vicious cycle I have been caught in before, so bugger it here goes.

I figure by writing this I’m finally fully committing to my dairy industry, not just my dairy farm.

The dairy industry was born on the ideal of the co-operative movement, a body that unites its members for economic, social and cultural benefit.

Originally, fear that their perishable product wouldn’t be processed motivated dairy farmers to take control of their collective destinies. Co-operatives were also an opportunity for business-minded farmers to gain more for their hard work and toil for themselves.

But what now? What does a co-operative look like now in an industry going through so much change? A positive financial

The

Pulpit

outcome is a result, but not a reason for its existence.

As an industry, generations of farmers have taken the opportunities this foundation initiated and with the encouragement of politicians have created personal wealth.

That helped drive a standard of living for our communities and country through pastoral dairy farming. However, now fewer and fewer farmers feel connection and value in the co-operative model, particularly while the pace of change and the risk of reducing wealth seem to be getting greater.

Over the coming year I feel it is beholden upon all of us, not just dairy industry leaders, to re-capture that sense of unity and control that shaped our sector in the first place.

To capture the scale of change required will demand industry leadership better know their farmers - every dairy farmer matters.

If we keep losing farmers, at

what point do we not have enough players for a functional team?

We aren’t a “market-led industry” we are a peopleled industry who respond to markets, people matter. These often difficult conversations will require empathy and listening so inspiring leadership can take the industry forward with greater selfconfidence.

Talk of big sticks to beat farmers with will send the wrong message to me as a farmer, the New Zealand public and our customers.

That’s not the values I live my life by and not the industry my family committed to 90 years ago.

Rather, concrete expectations and support with pathways for improvement or exiting the industry could be a more productive strategy.

However, the speed of change must also be tempered by the physiological resilience of our farmers and communities, otherwise the ultimate cost could be lives. Some vocal commentators might contemplate that point before penning opinion pieces.

It’s not something people often now speak to, care and empathy, and I know many will read this and dismiss it as bullshit and just demand action - now!

The pent-up fear, anger and disappointment, especially in some of our co-operative performances and some environmental outcomes, needs to be heard.

But I also want to acknowledge that many dairy farmers are achieving great things both individually and by their involvement and inclusive community groups. They serve industry and the environment

without the expectation of self promotion or importance. I am hugely inspired by their commitment and love, making choices only their grandchildren will appreciate.

Many more of us though must commit to this future so we take back control of the dairy industry’s direction, or risk the government and regulators taking even more from us, if it’s not too late already.

What does a cooperative look like now in an industry going through so much change?

We are operating in a political environment where the coalition government has environmental improvements as a key electoral promise, and make no mistake they intend to get improvement.

With New Zealand’s shortterm election cycle accelerating expectations, the government wants to see runs on the board around those environmental promises. It has few votes to lose by alienating the rural sector, and dairying in particular, in getting those runs.

A positive, re-unified dairy sector injected with selfconfidence (not arrogance) and engaging (ego-free) leadership must aligned with the government’s environmental mandate. We could then have the unusual, but welcome, prospect of a Labour-led government championing our success and initiatives.

Our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern may be from the dairy

heartland of Morrinsville but I am not sure she would openly champion our sector at present.

But with some sound strategy I think we can win her and her colleagues to that point.

I know the next decade will be difficult and painful as my dairy industry deals with these huge head winds, but it is up to all of us to be brave.

Just make a plan and begin the journey. Those that can pick up environmental initiatives or land use change must do so, and quickly. Then we must strive to bring those less capable, financial or enlightened along with us, to create a culture of change and build national pride.

Taking the lead around change ourselves, we can inspire, and most importantly live up to common industry purposes and values that invest in our responsibilities to people, animals, land and water.

Farmers though should rightfully demand that any possible return on this investment must be captured by farmers.

This I feel is the future and fundamental importance and purpose of the co-operative model, to enable change and return value, be selfless.

I know I’m a little short on evidence, facts and examples, bit slack for an ex-scientist, but these are just the thoughts of dairy farmer, right or wrong, I’m committed, bring on 2019.

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. nzfarmersweekly@nzx.com Phone 06 323 1519

Opinion

30 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Poor image causes the staff shortage Alternative View

Alan Emerson

IT SEEMS 2019 will be the vanguard year for massive forestry plantings.

Forestry Minister Shane Jones announced his intention to plant one billion trees.

That will take a million hectares – just over 9% of our total farmland.

The intention is to have a carbon zero economy by 2050, which I believe is excessively ambitious.

On one hand I’m concerned about good pastoral land going to forestry and on the other I’m heartened by Jones’ statements that only land suitable for forestry and nothing else will be planted.

The reality is that I’m aware of good pastoral farms with easy contour and a reliable rainfall being planted in forestry.

That will reduce local job opportunities and put rural communities and their infrastructure at risk.

My reading of the Government’s plan is that land suitability is

a strong consideration and I support that.

Planting pine trees at the level the Government envisages will have its problems. not the least of which is the calibre of our forestry contractors and consultants.

My initial experience in Wairarapa was all bad, from outright misinformation to charging for a job and not doing it.

Other companies have promised to harvest at a certain date and not turned up.

The industry has massive image and performance problems it needs to address.

Fortunately, I found a contractor who did take the job seriously and we successfully and profitably milled a forest.

An issue with the forestry initiative is that you don’t get any income for upwards of 28 years except for the ETS and we need a lot more decisions on the intricacies of that scheme and we need them now.

The Government’s cap of $25 a tonne of carbon is unrealistically low and needs to change. We also need a floor price.

The limiting factor in the development of major forestry that Guy Farman of Farman Turkington Forestry sees is the lack of skilled workers. He says it is a massive problem.

He has 10 crews and all could use more skilled workers.

There are only two options to fix the crisis. One is to import skilled

workers from places like North America or Europe.

The second is to train locals and that is where Farman has made a strong commitment.

In Wairarapa we have YETI, the Youth Training and Employment Initiative about which I’ve written.

It’s a team approach involving the education system, local employers and central and local government.

The aim is to get school leavers work-ready.

Farman has been involved but says there are problems, mainly with the work ethic but “we’ll have to keep on trying”.

The industry has massive image and performance problems it needs to address.

“We’ll throw more resources at it. We need to get young people excited about forestry.”

He said some skilled machine operators can earn $100,000 annually operating machines that could be worth over $1 million.

His immediate fix to the skill shortage problem was to employ two qualified trainers, who also look after health and safety compliance.

They are tasked with getting

ATTRACTION: Forestry needs to start work now on improving its image so it can find workers.

people competent to work in the sector.

Another option is to employ exmilitary personnel.

It’s not the skilled harvesters who will frustrate Jones’ plans in the short term. It will be getting people to plant the trees.

Unlike harvesting, planting isn’t seen as a skilled occupation. It is hard work.

Good planters can earn $300 a day for three to four months. After that they can earn similar money pruning and thinning.

An issue for the industry, according to Farman, is the lack of planting from 2000 to 2010 when the ETS started.

That will mean a drop in wood supply, which might lead to a lot less wood available for export with the risk China will find a substitute source of pinus radiata.

Other than that Farman is confident of the future of forestry.

“China is really strong and seems to be ongoing for quite a few more years yet. I’ve been to China, met people and researched

the industry. I’m confident of our future there.

“There’s also a growing demand for clear wood in China, the United States and Europe.”

Farman believes national environmental standards for the industry are a good move but one size doesn’t fit all. They should reflect local conditions.

He’s employing an extra staffer, charged with environmental compliance.

“We’re doing okay at the moment but we have to do even better in the future.”

My view is the limiting factor to forestry is adequate staffing and that largely depends on the image of the industry.

The wider forestry industry has a long way to go to improve that image but now is the time to make a start.

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

Beetles fan says ‘Don’t let me down’ From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

I’VE just been joined by a whole bunch of workers on the farm.

They should be great.

There are hundreds of them and they will toil day and night.

All going well, they will get it on and then there will be thousands of them.

They are good for the environment and are going to make the world a better place.

I don’t have to pay them wages.

I don’t have to worry about accommodation, meals, personal grievances or annual leave.

All I must do is make sure they have a plentiful supply of fresh cattle crap in front of them, which shouldn’t be too difficult with several hundred bulls out there.

They are dung beetles, of course, and I just liberated what looked like many hundreds of two different species out onto the ranch.

I first came across the little

critters at a conference about seven years ago in Taumarunui. Dr Shaun Forgie gave an impassioned delivery about these insects and how they could help New Zealand agriculture improve its environmental game by disposing of the 100 million tonnes of dung dropped onto our pastures each year.

Incorporating the dung into the soil where it is used as food by the beetles and other soil life greatly reduces faecal runoff into waterways and benefits the soils by aeration, mixing of nutrients and helping to feed other soil life like earthworms.

The fellow was infatuated with dung beetles and his enthusiasm was infectious.

We all wanted some but at that stage Landcare had gone through the rigorous consultations then approvals and had got several species into the country and was doing trials such as making sure they would have no negative impacts.

Since then the company Dung Beetle Innovation has been formed and has been busy breeding and, over the last year or two, selling and distributing beetles around the country.

Last year our little valley set up the Upper Maharakeke Catchment

The fellow was infatuated with dung beetles and his enthusiasm was infectious.

LOVE ME DO: Steve Wyn-Harris is enamoured with his new farm workers.

Group to work together to improve the waterways that contribute to this spring fed stream that flows into the Tuki Tuki River south of Waipukurau.

The fellows on a neighbouring farm had recently heard Forgie speak and were fizzed up about the benefits the introduction of dung beetles to our valley could have on our waterways. They would certainly be one tool in the box.

They have worked diligently on getting several of us to commit to buying farm packages of these

little fellows and today mine arrived.

When dropped off by the mailman they didn’t look too energetic in their plastic boxes.

I took them directly out onto a central paddock on the farm that had bulls in it.

It must have warmed up or they sensed freedom and smelled fresh dung because they were now frantic to get on with business.

The trick is to drop them in large groups into a fresh cow pat and quickly cover them with a portion of the bucketload I’d

scrapped up from around the paddock before they flew off.

However, if they didn’t fly off from the moment they were dropped out of the container, then, when they fell onto the motherload they knew what it was and weren’t going anywhere in a hurry.

These were my first two species as part of the package with another two to follow later.

Apparently, a range of species is required to cover different seasons and day and night activity.

So, my job now is to make sure there are plenty of cattle in the vicinity as it is only the fresh stuff that attracts them by smell.

Otherwise they might fly off into oblivion.

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 – January 28, 2019

Pace of change getting quicker Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

PERHAPS it’s my advancing age but it seems as though the changes facing agriculture demand ever faster reactions and responses to stay ahead or even just to keep pace with

a whole series of challenges: public expectation, government regulation, consumer tastes, changing climate patterns and new technologies as well as the usual ones like finances, human resources and health pressures, both physical and mental.

In this age of apparently unlimited opportunity to access advice and assistance, whether from consultants, bankers, accountants, lawyers, IT experts, processors or industry bodies, there’s almost too much choice.

The main challenge is choosing between products, services and

31

LIMITED LIFE: The grass-fed story has at most five years left as a marketing tool for New Zealand produce.

advice that cover the range from the merely desirable or useful to the downright essential.

For individual farmers it is very important to keep it as simple as possible, taking care not to be distracted and diverted by all the outside noise, but remaining open to ideas and information that offer a genuine advance on current practice.

Businesses must keep up to date with trends to ensure their strategic planning is informed by the future, not just by history, but the problem here is deciding which trends will be short lived,

KEEP AN EYE OUT Dairy Farmer in your letterbox from February 4

Our On Farm Story this month features Taranaki farmers Glen and Trish Rankin who are working steadily and smartly towards farm ownership. Judges in the Dairy Industry Awards once told them they couldn’t see the Rankins ever owning their own farm, which spurred them into action to realise their dream of farm ownership.

As the season starts winding down for most, other farmers are gearing up for autumn calving.

next. Trends once measured in decades are now almost annual events which, puts huge pressure on planning.

For several years KPMG’s global head of agribusiness, Ian Proudfoot, has been spearheading the Agribusiness Agenda, which interviews industry leaders to canvas their opinion of the overriding issues affecting agriculture based on a particular theme.

Whereas the 2017 Agenda was outward-looking with a focus

therefore able to be discounted, and which will become future reality.

It doesn’t take too much foresight to predict environmental practice, healthier and higherquality food, adapting to climate change and retaining a social licence to operate as four major challenges every agriculture related business must address in the near future.

But the big question is how to meet the wishes of an increasingly strident public whose expectations appear to be more demanding from one year to the

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Join us as we take a look at preparing for autumn calving, nutrition, health and talk to a couple of farmers who milk through the long, dark days of winter.

Opinion

32 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Finding a new path for dairy The Braided Trail

Keith Woodford

I HAVE always been optimistic about the long-term future of dairy.

I think it likely dairy will remain one of the pillars that underpins the economy.

But we sure do have some challenges.

The first challenge is that urban New Zealand does not understand the extent to which our national wealth depends on the two pillars of dairy and tourism.

Yes, there are other important industries such as kiwifruit and wine and, yes, forestry, lamb and beef are also very important.

But, rightly or wrongly, our population has been growing rapidly and the export economy also has to keep growing.

There is a need for some big pillars.

Somehow, we have to create the exports to pay for all of the machinery, the computers, the electronics, the planes, the cars, the fuel and the pharmaceuticals on which we all depend.

Our horticultural industries can help and will grow further.

But most of NZ has severe limitations for horticulture.

Soils, climate and a South Pacific location do not give us an international advantage when it comes to most horticulture.

Having said that, I would like to see us put more effort into perennial crops. They have to be high value and low volume with an Asian focus.

At a big-picture level the rest of the world outside Asia either does not need us or cannot afford us.

Coming back to dairy, that is where we do have an international competitive advantage. We also have three major technical challenges.

The first technical challenge is Continued from page 31 on world trade opportunities, the 2018 edition called on the sector to tell honest stories about how New Zealand’s food products are grown, processed and distributed, highlighting the many positive attributes in the products we grow and sell to the world.

That theme ties in with Beef + Lamb NZ’s Taste Pure Nature origin brand programme, which tells the story of NZ grass-fed beef, initially in two key markets, California and Shanghai.

While the programme is a great example of communicating the sustainability of our growing practices and high product quality to the world there will also be concern it might be too little too late.

how to deal with urinary nitrogen leaching. We have the science to solve that. More of that below.

The second challenge is greenhouse gases. This one is tricky.

The starting point is to go back to the system dynamics of short versus long-lived gases. As long as we focus on the greatly flawed notion of carbon dioxide equivalence we will not find the path. I have written of that before and at some time will do so again.

The third challenge is finance.

Our dairy industry has been built on debt.

In the new world, where the value of dairy land is tanking, where farmers are required to repay principal and where many farmers simply want to get out then the old cliche of a rock and a hard place comes to mind.

First, let’s focus on the good news of how we can solve the urinary nitrogen leaching. The starting point is to recognise the science tells us it is all about what happens in the second half of autumn and throughout winter.

The cow piddle that occurs at other times of the year is not a problem. There is enough time before winter for the grass to soak up the excess nitrogen before it can leach.

Winter grazing can also be okay in many situations as long as the cows do their grazing and are then off-paddock for the rest of the day and night.

If cows are to be off-paddock for most of the day and night they have to be on a soft surface. That means some form of soft bedding that stays reasonably dry.

Most forms of off-paddock wintering are either animal unfriendly or too expensive.

Concrete stand-off pads or other hard surfaces come into the first category. Free-stall barns typically come into the second category though all of the free-stall farmers I meet say they would not be without their barn.

I do agree that free-stall barns can be an economic proposition for the good farmers who get things right.

The new technologies that open

B+LNZ deserves great credit for its tenacity, which has resulted in a solution to the perennial problem of convincing farmers and processors to commit to a programme but it runs the risk of being overtaken by other trends and events.

Wool provides a cautionary tale – a natural product with relevant properties for the modern world has lost all promotional support and, consequently, awareness to the detriment of farmers, processors and the economy.

If wool had maintained a 20% share of sheep farming income it is quite possible dairy production wouldn’t have taken over the amount of land it has, there wouldn’t have been the degree of milk price volatility in recent years and dairy wouldn’t have received so much bad

INSIDE TRACK: Composting barns present the best chance for reducing urinary nitrogen.

The essential feature of a composting barn is an open structure where the cows wander around at leisure and lie in the deep bedding. The bedding provides a medium with which the effluent combines and turns to warm compost. All the liquid evaporates. The cows love it.

Of course, nothing is ever quite as simple as it might sound.

There are key design features, which, combined with daily tilling,

are essential to make the system work.

If farmers do things right, with both infrastructure and management, then it does work.

Do things wrong and it does not work. I know of barns in both categories.

For the last 18 months I have been observing and monitoring the Allcock composting Mootel in south Waikato. Tony, Fran and Lucas Allcock are now into their fifth year with the barn and it certainly does work for them. The Allcock Mootel is the best of the NZ barns I have seen.

If lots of people build composting barns there will be an issue with a supply of suitable bedding. The Allcocks have found sawdust the best of the options they have tried but if we end up with thousands of composting barns across NZ there will not be enough sawdust.

Last winter we trialled miscanthus in the Allcock Mootel as an alternative bedding system.

Miscanthus is a woody, perennial grass that grows to about four metres high and is harvested once a year.

We learned a lot. The miscanthus composted beautifully

press over water pollution.

Before Christmas Proudfoot identified three major agribusiness challenges: if we want to target the 40 million most sophisticated consumers worldwide we must learn to feed our own population with highquality food instead of gaining a reputation for obesity; change is continuous so there will not be a transition to a new state of stability; and we have already used up a large proportion of the time advantage to own the grass-fed market position which mighty have only five years maximum left.

Our next challenge is to identify new opportunities to get ahead of the rest of the world in areas such as carbon zero or environmental restoration.

Others might not agree

with this shortlist and I have a problem with agriculture being asked to assume a public health and social welfare responsibility for people’s eating habits but it’s difficult to argue with the speed of change and the need to identify new points of difference.

The biggest battle for agricultural production, especially dairy and meat in the next five years, will be maintaining share of expenditure against alternative and plantbased protein options.

The sector has to find a way to counteract the claimed health and environmental benefits and probably comparable, if not cheaper, price of the competition.

There is no doubt a growing proportion of first world consumers are reducing their

up great new possibilities are composting barns.

The composting barn technologies have been developed overseas – mainly in the United States but also in Europe.

Fortuitously, there seems to be nowhere they work better than in NZ, linked to our climate and farming systems.

The rest of the world outside Asia either does not need us or cannot afford us.

and the cows loved it.

But the tilling system does needs to be different than for sawdust, which the Allcocks still prefer.

It is clear we still have more to learn about the miscanthus system but I am very optimistic about it as a long-term solution.

Another exciting effort has been an honours project at Lincoln University by Rachel Durie with Guy Trafford and myself as the supervision team. Durie’s research was to investigate how a composting barn might work at the Lincoln University dairy farm.

A key result is that Overseer modelling indicates that urinary nitrogen losses can be reduced from 42kg a hectare to 3k a ha hectare duration-controlled grazing. That leaves the main source of nitrogen leaching as being from cultivation for winter crops.

And that is a reminder that cultivation for cropping of any type leads to nitrogen leaching from mineralisation.

Durie will present her results at the Fertiliser and Lime Conference at Massey in February. I am looking forward to the discussion.

To me, it is self-evident that composting barns provide the pathway to the future.

However, though I am confident about all of the science, the farm systems and the economics I am less confident about where, for highly indebted farmers, the finance to build the barns might come from. I think there are ways it could be financed but it they won’t be straightforward.

So that brings us back to a fundamental issue: we have too much debt right across the dairy industry.

It is this debt that will make the necessary transformation of dairy systems so problematic.

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

animal protein consumption or becoming vegetarian while the third world is less financially able to eat meat and dairy or buy premium products.

Therefore, the only viable option is to sell as much of our production as possible to the world’s highest-paying consumers and to do this successfully we first have to convince them of its quality, sustainability, environmental credentials and animal welfare standards.

But we must also recognise they may not want the same things in five years.

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

World

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

33

Kiwi wine an example to follow

Smith warns of veg peril A TAX on meat, scaled to recognise the most and least intensive production systems, should be introduced Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas suggested.

But Kiwi farmer Sir Lockwood Smith, pictured, warned against the idea.

Lucas told the conference the levy would go some way to reduce British agriculture’s emissions.

Smith, a former New Zealand Trade Minister, highlighted the health implications and associated healthcare costs of reducing consumption of red meat.

NZ had an increase in anemia cases that correlated with a rise in vegetarian diets and a decline in red meat consumption, he said.

global trade negotiator told the Oxford Farming Conference the United Kingdom industry has an unhelpful preoccupation with standards.

And that took the focus off the big prize of increasing global trade.

“The NZ wine industry has soared not because of legislative standards but because it has massively and unilaterally increased quality since the days of protected agriculture when there was a 40% tariff to protect our home market,” he said.

The setting of food and farming standards will be absolutely critical in a post-Brexit world but there was massive disagreement at the conference as to how they will be set.

Shadow Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner had noted that within days of United States President Donald Trump saying the UK will have to change its standards if there is to be a transatlantic trade deal, European Union negotiator Michel Barnier said the UK will need to align with EU standards if there is to be a cross-channel trade deal.

“At the same time, (Trade Secretary) Liam Fox is saying we can use the US default level handbook, which allows much lower standards.

“The danger is that (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary) Michael Gove might not allow UK standards to slip but allow in US products that have allowances for minimum levels for substances such as rat hair or rat droppings.

“The UK and EU level for both is zero.”

He fears the Government will use the so-called Henry VIII legislative powers to set food standards rather than allowing Parliament to decide.

Farming Minister George

GET ON WITH IT: Farmers at Britain’s Oxford Farming Conference have told politicians to stop talking and legislate to protect farmers and consumers from imports.

Eustice insisted Henry VIII powers cannot be used in that way.

Although they can be used to retain EU laws, any trade deal seen as unacceptable could effectively be blocked by Parliament.

“We have to insist that the standards are not lower than ours,” Eustice said.

And the battle lines have now been drawn in the fight to retain high food and farming standards post-brexit, with sector chiefs calling on the government to legislate against lower quality imports and environmentalists suggesting it fines farmers who fail to meet minimum standards of production.

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove was told to stop talking and start legislating to protect farmers and consumers from imports of food with lower production and environmental values.

National Farmers Union president Minette Batters said British food producers have heard enough warm words and comfort and now is the time for concrete commitments.

“If you believe it, write it down,” she told Gove.

“We have had commitment from various ministers saying we would not want a trade deal which imported food produced to lower standards but the real challenge is how.”

Gove said the government has no intention of lowering standards, adding it will use all the tools available when deciding

pay for the new regulator but what the best protection should suggested processors and retailers be. could provide any necessary top“I have been clear we do not up cash because they get most of intend to lower our standards as the return from food sales. this would lead to uncertainty for Leaf chief executive Caroline the consumer and undermine Drummond said the Leaf Marque, the strength of our domestic recognised as a leading global production and the reputation it environmental assurance system, enjoys.” should be the standard used To uphold standards of industry-wide in the UK and domestic production, the Nature abroad.

Friendly Farming Network UK Farmers Guardian suggested producers could be fined if they do not achieve targets on water, air and soil quality, wildlife protection and animal health when the UK leaves the EU. AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business & Network Wahine Maia, Wahine Whenua chairman Martin 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation Lines said he ceremony run over four months. Equips and supports wants fines to women involved in sheep and beef farming to lift be a last resort business performance. but they will Registrations for 2019 programmes are now open, visit be necessary the website for more information and to register. to ensure the Locations and dates (3 modules & graduation): standards are Whangamomona: 4 Feb, 6 Mar, 3 Apr & 1 May universally met.

Whanganui: 5 Feb, 7 Mar, 4 Apr & 2 May “We must engage the Mt.Bruce: 13 Feb, 13 Mar, 10 Apr & 8 May standard they are Omarama: 20 Feb, 20 Mar, 17 Apr & 15 May falling short on,” Waimate: 21 Feb, 21 Mar, 18 Apr & 16 May he said.

Paparoa (Northland): 20 Feb, 20 Mar, 17 Apr & 15 May A new regulator Kaikohe (WMWW): 21 Feb, 21 Mar, 18 Apr & 16 May would police Millers Flat: 27 Feb, 27 Mar, 23 Apr & 22 May compliance with Gisborne (WMWW): 27 Feb, 27 Mar, 23 Apr & 22 May the standards.

Wairoa: 28 Feb, 28 Mar, 24 Apr & 23 May The network Website: To register visit www.awdt.org.nz/programmes wants the Contact: keri@awdt.org.nz or 06 375 8180 for more government to information

Kiwi to build abattoir on his English farm FORMER world shearing champion Matt Smith has received a grant and planning permission to build his own on-farm abattoir to process deer in England.

New Zealand-born Smith, who once sheared 731 sheep in nine hours averaging one every 44 seconds, runs 1100 NZ Romneys on an upland unit near Launceston, Cornwall.

Smith and his wife Pip run 330 hinds and their followers over 73 hectares.

After recent closures the nearest abattoir is an eight-hour drive from the farm.

The couple recently gained Leader funding and planning permission for a new on-farm abattoir capable of processing and butchering up to 50 deer a week.

Construction is due to begin within weeks, he told the Oxford Farming Conference.

The new enterprise has required bank support to pay for fences and good handling facilities.

“We also invested heavily in chasing the best genetics.

“Carcase yield, temperament and fertility are all important,” Smith said.

The aim is to produce the sort of consistent product that chefs demand.

The British venison market is worth £100 million a year, showing 10% yearon-year growth, The United Kingdom is 70% selfsufficient but 70% of the meat comes from wild deer and 25% from imports, with only 5% from farm production.

The deadweight price for deer finished at 15-18 months is between £5 and £6 a kilogram.

The target is a carcase yield of 110kg/ hectare.

UK Farmers Guardian

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BRITISH farmers should follow the example of the New Zealand wine industry and raise their own standards rather than using standards as a tool to ban imports, Sir Lockwood Smith has told them.

The former Kiwi diplomat, politician, farmer and seasoned

34 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

On Farm Story

SEE VIEWS: Tom Whitford and his dogs patrol the farm that is now an 870ha effective property made up of rolling coastal country that is typically summer dry.

Photos: Peter Drury

Sheep farming: it’s in our nature Northwest Waikato sheep and beef farmers Tom and Nicole Whitford never planned on working in the primary sector but today the couple are dedicated to the intergenerational transfer of a farming business. Luke Chivers explains.

I

BUSY: As well as being on the farm with Mac, 2, and Margo, six months, Nicole Whitford runs a fashion accessories import business in Auckland and has started a website company selling local goods.

T WAS Gypsy Day 2016.

Waikaretu Valley farmers Tom and Nicole Whitford’s succession agreement with Tom’s parents for a well-nurtured and developed, panoramic coastal slice of rural New Zealand kicked in – coincidentally the same day their son Mac was born.

But that wasn’t their initial plan.

At age 18 Tom finished school, left the family farm and became a builder, working on construction sites in Hamilton and Palmerston North.

“I most definitely didn’t grow up wanting to be a farmer,” he says.

“But not long after I got off the land, lived in town and got a taste of urban life I came to realise that I’d much rather be on the farm where I grew up, working outside with animals and maintaining our family’s roots in the region.

“I think I needed to have a break to appreciate what I once had.

Nowadays our farm is something I’m really proud of.”

Anyone who knows the Whitford family – neighbour Nikau Coopworth stud owner Kate Broadbent for instance – will know it’s not usual for them to stay away from the farm for long, if at all.

Sheep farming is in the Whitford blood.

“I’m the third generation of Whitfords to farm in Waikaretu,” Tom said.

“My grandfather and then my dad and his brother and now me.”

Tom’s grandparents Jack and Alice settled the original 348-hectare block in 1938, running a Romney flock. Twenty years later, when Tom’s uncle David and father Richard began farming in their early 20s, a neighbouring block was bought and then a property across the road was added.

The brothers and their wives farmed the property together for nearly 40 years. David and his wife Lynne retired in 2016 and Tom, Nicole and his parents bought out their share.

“It gave us an opportunity to buy into the business and form a new company with my parents,” Tom says.

While the 31-year-olds are now in the driving seat, Tom’s parents Richard and Elizabeth still live and work on the property and provide much-needed support.

“We’re very fortunate because mum and dad have been willing to step back and let us take the reins.

“At the same time, they’ve given us plenty of guidance. It’s a team effort,” he says.

And Tom and Nicole have

certainly had a good start.

“We’ve had three really good seasons with our financial and stock performance.

“We haven’t had a drought, interest rates have been low and we’ve maintained our target kill weight of 17.5kg for lambs and 320kg for bulls.

“It’s meant we’re in really good shape to pay back as much debt as possible. It’s going really well.

We couldn’t have asked for a better start in terms of our farm ownership,” Tom says.

The farm is now an 870ha effective property made up of rolling coastal country that is typically summer dry.

It is home to 2700 mixed-age ewes, 800 ewe hoggets, 60 stud Suffolk ewes, 30 stud Suftex rams and 10 stud Coopworth rams.

The Whitford business has responded to their reduction in labour units – from five to three – from when David and Lynne retired by reducing ewe numbers by 800 and increasing the beef head count. Cattle numbers in 2018 were 130 Friesian-Hereford breeding cows, 330 R1 bulls and 400 R2 bulls.

The property spans both sides of Waikaretu Valley Road and includes 90ha of leased land and 20ha of pine forest.

On Farm Story

“One of the best things about farming here is that we’re coastal so we have least 3km of beautiful beach to enjoy.

“It also offers us a good contour and kind weather. We barely get a winter and have reasonably good grass-growing conditions yearround.”

The farm has progressively moved lambing forward from August to the last week in June to take advantage of the northwest coast’s comparative warm winter conditions.

The aim is to get lambs on the truck for processing in October to capture what farmers have come to see as a five-minute optimum price window for the export season, Tom says.

This season the Whitfords had killed 800 lambs by mid November, processing 4300 throughout the whole season.

Lambs are supplied to Coastal Spring Lamb and processed through Ovation at an average carcase weight of 18kg.

“To know my grandfather, uncle and father have worked this land is really special.

“And, now I’m here, hopefully, one day at least one of our kids will be here as well.

“It’s exciting to know the farm is being passed through the generations and that the Whitfords are making their mark in Waikaretu.”

Tom and Nicole have two children – Mac, 2, and Margo, six months.

“Any chance Mac gets to head out on the farm or on the bike or on the tractor he goes for it.

“It’s really great to see,” Tom says.

Nicole was raised on a lifestyle block at Pukekohe and owns The Product Room – an Auckland business importing fashion accessories for major retailers.

She has also founded Society NZ, which is an online platform selling local brands and locally made clothing.

The couple count themselves lucky that in recent years they

have been able to switch livestock class to meet the market, unlike dairy farmers. However, they enjoy sheep farming and want to keep doing it.

“Hogget lambing is a passion I’ve inherited from my parents and the potential excites me,” Tom says.

“We have scanned over 150% for the last seven years with our best being 161% (hoggets to ram) and have consistently docked over 120%. It still baffles me when farmers aren’t lambing their hoggets when they do have suitable country.”

In 2017 Tom won the Coopworth section of the national ewe hogget competition for the second consecutive year and was fourth overall.

He scored well in the flock objectives category thanks to a pretty simple regime in place for the past 17 years.

It calls for every hogget to get in lamb and the running of A and B flocks.

Replacements are sourced only from the A flock, which carries only ewes that have reared a lamb as a hogget. To stay in the A flock they need to have three lambs in their first two years.

The result is genetic strength growth in the A flock and the farm improving its performance at lambing hoggets.

Whitford Farms has bought rams from Nikau Coopworth stud for more than 30 years.

Beef + Lamb NZ’s Taste Pure Nature is heading in the right direction but it seems five years late.

Tom Whitford Farmer “In the early days we focused a lot on fertility but now, as we consistently scan around 200%, we can concentrate on worm tolerance, growth and sheep that have clean points and a nice, open breach,” Tom says.

“I believe that a lot of stud owners have a lot to answer for when it comes to selling their rams.

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

35

IN THE SHED: Tom Whitford leads the team keeping the sheep in top condition.

“Are they selling the right ram or do they just want to make a sale?

“Farmers have to ask themselves ‘why am I buying their rams?’ and ‘are these the best genetics for my farm?’”

Since returning to the farm in 2011 Tom has electronically identified every age group to build reproduction records.

“We’re starting to reap the rewards now, keeping on top of bad feet, bad dags or poor composition.”

Meanwhile, calving is in midSeptember, he says.

This season, 350 Friesian weaners were bought in to be carried through to two years. They will be killed at weights of 310320kg.

Tom has developed a cell grazing system for bulls, which they start in as weaners. Homebred bulls are fast-tracked and are off the farm by winter.

The farm branched into bull finishing four years ago to create more cashflow year-round, he says.

“NZ lamb needed to turn a corner and thankfully it did.

“On this year’s lamb market and with a high lambing rate, our lamb system is matching our bull system. And the outlook looks promising. Lambs need to be

ADJUSTMENT: In response to a drop in labour units from five to three the farm now carries nearly 800 cattle and 800 fewer sheep.

making $120/head to match the much higher labour demands.”

Tom thinks crunch time will be in the next 10 years when aging sheep farmers pass the baton to young family members – family members just like him.

“A lot of the new generation are going to be starting with mortgages. If the next generation is going to continue to farm sheep we need to be getting paid for it.”

He says he’s disappointed NZ is so far behind the likes of Ireland when it comes to demanding a premium for primary products.

“We are the most innovative farmers in the world but I feel we are being let down by what’s happening outside the farm gate.

“Beef + Lamb NZ’s Taste Pure Nature is heading in the right direction but it seems five years late.

“We need to establish a brand that’s behind all our primary products, a brand that we can all support, a brand that attracts affluent consumers in years to come.”

In 2017 Tom formed a Red Meat Profit Partnership action network group in Waikaretu Valley in partnership with AgFirst Hamilton to finding local solutions for some the industry’s greatest challenges.

“I’m hoping we can collectively

shed some light on how to improve because we’ve got such a vast group of guys and girls in there who are at different stages in their farming career and at different levels of production and productivity.

“There’s a lot of brainpower in the group for challenging the old while coming up with the new.”

Looking ahead, Tom believes NZ lamb has turned a corner but wool is what concerns him the most.

“We’ll shear our ewes in the next month but we’re currently looking at under $2/kg which, for the first time ever, will not cover shearing costs.

“In this day and age where sustainability is constantly talked about what NZ-made product is more sustainable than wool?”

>> Video link: bit.ly/OFSwhitford

VARIETY: The farm carrying 3600 ewes and rams also has 20ha of pine forest and a 3km beach.

NEW LISTING

Papamoa 502 Te Puke Highway

The good life farming Located 5 minutes out of Papamoa an attractive holiday location, this 70.786 hectare dairy unit has served its owner well. With the sharemilker handing in his notice the decision has been made to also vacate the property, 16 years of ownership is coming to an end. The improvements include a 30 aside straight rail dairy shed, two threebedroom homes, a very good half round barn, implement shed and fertilizer bin. The farm has a five year-average of 107,000 milksolids with room to improve, neighboring land is leased of approximately 40 hectares that supports this production. The flat rectangular property is in three titles well subdivided with electric fencing and receiving regular fertilizer dressings it is a very simple operation. If dairying isn’t your thing then surrounding land use sees berries, kiwifruit and maize thriving in the Bay of Plenty climate.

bayleys.co.nz/2450049

bayleys.co.nz

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 28 Feb 2019 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga View 12-1pm Tue 5 Feb & Tue 12 Feb Ben Hickson 021 433 283 ben.hickson@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Pikowai 166 Airstrip Road

Award winning 452ha farm

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Lovingly nurtured for 44 years, this rare and prestigious offering provides options for the discerning purchaser.

452ha (more or less) of mixed contoured land that includes approximately 100ha of forestry. A first class infrastructure with a secluded three bedroom home; plus two other great staff homes, woolshed, sheep yards and an excellent cattle facility. There are well-subdivided and fenced paddocks with a spring water supply.

Prospects here include continuing one of the region’s finest beef bull and sheep breeding blocks, a large support block for existing dairy operations or progressing your current farming business. Consistently inside the top 10% with regards to economic performance - recognised in 2010, winning The Ballance Farm Environment award.

Handy to Whakatane and the Rotorua lakes, with Tauranga CBD a short 65km via the Eastern Link.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Tue 26 Feb 2019 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga Phone for viewing times Mark Spitz 027 442 1295 mark.spitz@bayleys.co.nz

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SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2500061

bayleys.co.nz

Taupo Tram Road

Multiple grazing blocks Four titles subject to survey are being offered to the market as one or separate from 90 hectares, two of approx.

140 hectares and 250 hectares. Located 20 minutes from Taupo this land has had no expense spared in its development. Large laneways, top quality fencing throughout with paddocks subdivided to approx. 2.5 hectares, two sets of cattle yards with weigh facilities and concrete floor and an impressive water supply.

Flanked by forestry those looking for a top-quality lifestyle / large runoff will be impressed with what they find here. The prestige in owning one or all of these properties will be evident once viewed. Currently running dairy graziers the land lends itself to all stock types with strong wintering and soil characteristics. Rare offering finished to a high standard, this property will be one all buyers large scale or not, should be giving serious consideration.

bayleys.co.nz/2450033

bayleys.co.nz

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Fri 8 Feb 2019 1092 Fenton Street, Rotorua View 10am-2pm Thu 31 Jan Ben Hickson 021 433 283 ben.hickson@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Taranaki 110 Horoi Road, Eltham

Well presented 150ha dairy Located only seven kilometres east of Eltham this well-presented 150 hectare dairy farm has been developed to high standards and comes with high quality improvements and laneways providing access across the property.

Infrastructure includes a 40 a-side HB dairy shed, stand off pad, three implement sheds and two hay/calf sheds.

Housing consists of the main five bedroom split level homestead, four bedroom home and two bedroom modern cottage. Laneways are in excellent condition and pastures have undergone a renewal program in conjunction with any on farm development in recent years. Mostly flat with some rolling hill the property on average milks approximately 350 – 360 cows. Close to town, well appointed and presented to a high standard the farm is ready to change hands.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 1pm, Thu 21 Feb 2019 15 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth View 11am-12pm Thu 31 Jan, Thu 7 Feb & Thu 14 Feb Mark Monckton 021 724 833 mark.monckton@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2600104

SUCCESS REALTY TARANAKI LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

NEW LISTING

Morrinsville 1071 Morrinsville-Tahuna Road

Dairy or grazing

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This 57ha (more or less) dairy unit, north of Morrinsville, is a real first farm opportunity or a well set-up grazing or cropping block. The property is in two titles and mostly flat with a small amount gentle rolling. Currently 180 cows are milked with four year production average of 58,768ms. The centrally located 20ASHB has an in-shed meal feeding system. Maize is grown on farm and three hectares of chicory grown. A very good central race runs both ways from the dairy to 43 paddocks. The water system consists of one main bore with submersible pumped through a Magnum filtration system then pressure reticulated through mainly 32 and 25mm mainlines. Support buildings include a 5 bay gable shed, 4 bay half round barn, old dairy plus a three bedroom home with outside room and double garage. A very easy one person unit in a great location with the overseas owner cashing up.

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Tue 26 Feb 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Tue 29 Jan Mike Fraser-Jones 027 475 9680 mike.fraserjones@bayleys.co.nz

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SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2310240

Otorohanga Lees Block Road

First class facilities Converted to dairy in 2013, this 114ha (more or less) farm has first class farm facilities, flat to easy rolling contour and sustainable production. The 40 ASHB dairy shed has in-shed meal feeders, automated cup removers and teat sprayer.

The average production is 95,247kgMS with this year’s projected production to be an improvement on that. The farm is managed under a once a day low input system with 280 cows. Good bore water and consent for 368 cows. The effluent system includes weeping walls and a fully lined pond with an estimated 120 day storage capacity. The hard work of conversion and establishment is now over and the farm is primed for the next exciting stage of its evolution. The current owners have already bought elsewhere and are committed to moving on!

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 21 Feb 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 11am-12pm Tue 29 Jan Sharon Evans AREINZ 027 235 4771 sharon.evans@bayleys.co.nz Stuart Gudsell AREINZ 021 951 737 stuart.gudsell@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/2310225

bayleys.co.nz

UNDER CONTRACT

Pongakawa 1050 Maniatutu Road

Multiple opportunity

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An appealing well-established dairy farm and young kiwifruit orchard located in the Pongakawa area, providing options for those wishing to continue with the dairy farm, acquire a support block for existing farming operation and those looking for income diversification with kiwifruit. 5.6 can/ha of young green kiwifruit on Ag Beam structures situated on flat land, with great improvements and infrastructure. There is further land that is suitable for horticulture, providing the ability for further development and production. In a picturesque setting key attributes include a tidy home, a well-presented 30 ASHB milking shed, a compliant effluent system and a range of shedding options. Only a 45 minute drive to both Whakatane and Tauranga CBD, via the Eastern Link. An enviable chance to own some prime real estate.

Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 27 Feb 2019 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga View by appointment Mark Spitz 027 442 1295 mark.spitz@bayleys.co.nz Snow Williams 027 275 5500 snow.williams@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2500130

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SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

NEW LISTING

Wairoa Te Puna Station, 2775 Mangapoike Road

Scale, rainfall and multiple income opportunities An opportunity to purchase significant scale in a high rainfall environment, at very affordable levels. Te Puna Station is 1,594 hectares located 37 kilometres north of Wairoa. Carrying approximately 9,500 stock units, the farm has 80 hectares of high UMF manuka due for honey production in 2019, forecasting strong returns.

Development has resulted in excellent access throughout the farm, improved subdivision, weed control and currently under construction is a new main homestead. An excellent farming climate, annual rainfall over 2 metres whilst also benefitting from early seasons, a good mix of aspect, with the majority of the farm lying below 450 metres. The farm is ideally positioned as a breeding block to support a finishing operation or expand on the planting projects. The vendors are focusing on other projects and want this property sold. Call to inspect.

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Thu 7 Mar 2019 17 Napier Road, Havelock North Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Simon Bousfield 027 665 8778 simon.bousfield@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/2851503

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

bayleys.co.nz

MANY HANDS MAKE

A helping hand is always welcome on the farm or lifestyle block and likewise, if you’re looking to sell your rural property.

The autumn 2019 edition of Bayleys’ Country magazine will be the practical support you need.

It’s an altogether better plan because when you list with Bayleys, the nationwide rural team gets right behind you to find the best buyer and that’s where grit and determination comes into play.

Our rural band of workers gets stuck in to get the job done – and we all know how vital teamwork is when it comes to efficiency and results both on-farm and off.

For 20 years, Country magazine has provided rural New Zealand property owners with the opportunity to unearth buyers.

We have the tools to dig deep and get your farm or lifestyle block in front of active and passive local, national and international buyers. Then we have the proven skills to complete the circle on a sale – that’s why Bayleys is recognised as New Zealand’s number one rural brand.

Talk to your local Bayleys office today about Country magazine and share the workload.

Let us lend a hand.

More value from trees a big challenge Interest in forestry and wood processing from government is welcome, but adding value to logs can be a tough job.

The show must go on

The traditional A&P Show is holding its own in a changing society and continues to unite rural and urban communities.

FEATURING

125 FARM, SPECIALTY AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE ISSUE 2 – 2018

#1

RURAL REAL ESTATE BRAND

To learn more about Country magazine, call 0800 BAYLEYS or visit bayleys.co.nz/country.

LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

RURAL 129 Main Street PAHIATUA pahiatua@pb.co.nz 06 376 8486

Property Brokers Pahiatua Ltd Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Maharahara - Block 1

Maharahara - Block 2

TENDER WEB ID PR65417 DANNEVIRKE 495 Graham Road 64 ha of flat to undulating contoured land situated 16km south of Dannevirke in a highly regarded farming area. This property is currently utilised as a sheep breeding & finishing unit but could suit numerous farming practices including beef finishing, dairy support & cropping. Farming infrastructure includes reticulated water, steel cattle yards, three stand woolshed and implement shed. The property has a four bedroom brick home featuring two living areas, billiard room & double garage, all set in well-kept grounds. An adjoining 29 ha is offered for sale WEB ID PR65418.

TENDER

TENDER View By Appointment TENDER closes Friday 1st March, 2019 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Lloyd Dodson & Pringle, 9 Ward Street Dannevirke

Jared Brock

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

Maharahara - Block 3

WEB ID PR65418 DANNEVIRKE Graham Road 29 ha of predominately flat contoured land situated 15km south of Dannevirke, complete with space planted trees throughout the block on highly desirable soils.

This property is currently utilised as a sheep breeding and finishing unit but could suit numerous farming practices including beef finishing, dairy support and arable. Subdivided into six paddocks, complete with reliable reticulated water supply and troughs in every paddock. An adjoining 64 ha is offered for sale WEB ID PR65417.

pb.co.nz

Jared Brock

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

Maharahara - Block 4

TENDER WEB ID PR65415 DANNEVIRKE 431 Heretaunga Road 40 ha of flat to undulating/easy hill contoured land, subdivided into six paddocks + two holding paddocks & located 16km from Dannevirke township. Currently utilized for running replacement stock with the foundation soil predominately Maharahara sandy loam, this property has the underpinning for numerous farm practices. Farm infrastructure includes reticulated water, two bay hayshed, three bay shed (2 open, 1 lock-up workshop) and two bay car garage. Perfectly positioned for Ruahine Range views, the property is complemented by a four bedroom home including two livings areas.

TENDER View By Appointment TENDER closes Friday 1st March, 2019 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Lloyd Dodson & Pringle, 9 Ward Street Dannevirke

TENDER

TENDER View By Appointment TENDER closes Friday 1st March, 2019 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Lloyd Dodson & Pringle, 9 Ward Street Dannevirke

Jared Brock

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

WEB ID PR65416 DANNEVIRKE Maharahara Road Renowned as a summer safe area, this 99 ha picturesque property of flat to undulating contoured land is situated only 17km from the Dannevirke township. With 90% of the block containing Dannevirke silt loam, coupled with mature shelter belts throughout and good internal fencing, subdivided into approximately 30 paddocks. Farm infrastructure includes two stand woolshed with sheep yards and covered drenching race, reticulated water, cattle yards with two concreted force pens and load-out facilities, combined fertiliser bin complete with adjoining shed space.

TENDER View By Appointment TENDER closes Friday 1st March, 2019 at 2.00pm, to be submitted to Lloyd Dodson & Pringle, 9 Ward Street Dannevirke

Jared Brock

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

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Golden opportunity

AUCTION WEB ID DR65750

NORSEWOOD 378 Jens Andersen Road Situated in the summer safe region of Norsewood, this dairy unit is on premium land with great infrastructure.

The dairy shed is a modern 70 bail rotary, situated centrally on farm. With great access tracks including underpass allowing for ease of stock movement. Fencing and subdivision is to an excellent standard. The farm has a sound fertiliser history producing excellent pasture growth. Water is drawn by consent from the Manawatu river. Another feature of the farm is its shedding complex located on a large metaled area allowing parking and storing of implements and large farm

vehicles. Two modern large implement sheds with workshop, a large calf rearing shed with four small nearby paddocks with calve shelter sheds. The farm has a modern superior four bedroom main home with an additional three workers homes.

AUCTION

VIEW By Appointment AUCTION 2.00pm, Thu 14th Mar, 2019, (unless sold prior), Hovding Hall, Lower Norsewood

Jim Crispin

Mobile 027 717 8862 Office 06 374 8102 Home 06 374 6768 jimc@pb.co.nz

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Tuscan Hills - 1186 ha

TENDER WEB ID PR65383

PAHIATUA 1501 Pahiatua - Pongoroa Road Large scale breeding and finishing, Tuscan Hills is renowned for producing quality stock to the market.

Just 15km east of Pahiatua and SH 2, Tuscan Hills is centrally located to the Manawatu, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay markets. Carrying over 8,500 quality su on an effective area of 1,020 ha with the remaining area being a mix of Manuka scrub and native bush. This well fertilised medium to steeper hill country property is well subdivided into 50+ main paddocks with excellent tracking and laneways providing access and ease of stock movement.

pb.co.nz

Two woolsheds (1 x 6, 1 x 4 stand) with covered yards at each end of the property are complemented by two sets of cattle yards, 8 sets of satellite sheep yards and airstrip providing an excellent level of farming infrastructure.

Three homes provide ample accommodation with the homestead featuring 4 bedrooms and set in mature grounds. Tuscan Hills has been faithfully farmed for the last 35+ years and is ready to be passed on to the incoming purchaser.

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 28th February, 2019 at 2.00pm, To be submitted to Property Brokers Limited, 129 Main Street Pahiatua

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

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Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – January 28, 2019

RURAL Hastings McLeod Limited Licensed REAA 2008

217 West Street, Ashburton

Office 03 307 9176

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

45

06 323 3363 Farm & Lifestyle Massey-Side Finishing Farm

AUCTION

Jewel in the crown - 246.58 ha

DEADLINE SALE

WEB ID AR66066 WINCHMORE 670 Dromore Methven Road View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Friday 1st March, 2019 at 4.00pm, Winchmore Research Station is an iconic property (unless sold prior) known worldwide as the former centre of irrigation Paul Cunneen research in New Zealand. New centre pivot and lateral Mobile 0274 323 382 move spray irrigation with low cost pressurised supply.

Office 03 307 9190 Quality cattle yards and 4 stand woolshed with covered Home 03 302 6751 yards ideal for stock finishing. Four staff houses and ex paulc@pb.co.nz research complex. Also available as; •174 ha ex Research Station Toby O'Donnell •72 ha irrigated bareland.

Mobile 027 322 6256 Office 03 307 9176 Currently leased until end of harvest 2019.

DEADLINE SALE

toby@pb.co.nz

559 Tennent Drive, Linton, Manawatu  Farms of this scale within 7km of the Palmerston North CBD rarely come to the market - also just a couple of kilometres to Massey University and the Fonterra Research Centre.  Of the 106ha around 90 hectares is flat; centrally-laned for easy access.  Over 21.4km of Novaflo drains have been installed since 2013.  Excellent near new cattle yards with good off-road hardstand parking.  The majority of the pasture has been renewed over the past five years.  Used for beef production and dairy heifer grazing, carrying over 450 head of mixed age cattle.  Town water supply reticulated to troughs.  Attractive building sites and in this prime location it will be difficult to over-capitalise.

OPEN FARM - Wednesday 30 January from 1.00pm to 2.00pm To be sold by AUCTION at 11.00am Thursday 28 February 2019 at our office.

Robert Dabb Richard Anderson

027 255 3992 027 543 1610

Web ID: RAL636

www.ruralandlifestylesales.com

pb.co.nz

‘Mirembeek’

101 Glynns Road KONGORONG SA AUSTRALIA

HA 380.3

ACRE 939.74

RECOGNISED HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE LAND

THE DESTINATION FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE

Continue to run as a Dairy or utilise for Prime Beef Cattle, Fat Lambs or Irrigated Cropping.

Located in the south east of South Australia, Australia.

• • • •

Land is the biggest asset to any farming business so it pays to stay up to date with the market.

•

Connect with the right audience at

•

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

• • •

3x Centre Pivots driven by turbine pumps 30 a side swing over dairy 500 cow concrete holding yard Large 36m x 8m calf shed, undercover AI & vet shed, multiple hay sheds, 2 sets cattle yards incl ramps, chemical shed & storage shed Extensive network of laneways White clover & rye grass currently under irrigation Dry land sown to lucerne & perennial grasses 2x 3 bedroom stone homes 913.3 Meg Water Licence Expression of Interest close 3pm Thursday 7th March 2019 if not sold prior (Australian Central Daylight Savings Time)

Henry Mould +61 418 811 028 henry@ottoson.com.au RLA 179363

www.ottoson.com.au

PUKEKAKA STATION - 1,103 HECTARES OF HIGHLY DEVELOPED, QUALITY HILL COUNTRY 919 Pukeokahu Road, Taihape Re-investment over a long period of time is clearly evident at Pukekaka, making it one of the best presented hill country farms we have been involved with. Strong country, a significant portion is medium hill with around 100 hectares of flat to undulating country that is regularly cultivated. With a 6 km Rangitikei River boundary, in the main free draining ash soils overlay a papa base, with a strong fertiliser history. Stock water is a mix of local scheme, natural and tapped springs. The standard of fencing overall is of a high standard, with many new fences, all conventional other than a 80 hectare deer block. Access is excellent with very good tracks and various laneways radiating from the central stock handling facilities, although the property is also well served with 4 sets of quality satellite yards. Other recent capital injections include a woolshed upgrade with covered yards and lots of concrete added, alterations to the spacious 1980’s main home with great garaging, sheds and outlook. Impressive results from the 10,000su forward store operation has seen the last 5 years lambing averaging 150%, with the Wairere bred lambs leaving the farm at 35-38kg average (incl. over 2,000 killed last year) and cattle at 18 months. The well bred stock is well regarded and sought after. Video on website.

Tender closes 11am, Thu 14 Feb 2019, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding.

PRIME FINISHING CLOSE TO FEILDING Ngaio Road, Mount Biggs, Feilding Situated only 11km from Feilding, this well set up property will suit those looking for quality lamb finishing or dairy support in a great location. For sale due to the owners purchase of a larger property, it is currently utilised as a lamb and cattle finishing unit. Comprising a high proportion of flat and easy contoured country, an annual re-grassing programme and strong fertiliser history, mean pasture quality is high. With quality conventional fencing, centrally located is an excellent set of sheep and cattle yards. Other improvements include a fertiliser bin, haysheds and reticulated trough water with frontage to two roads.

112.8 hectares Video on website nzr.nz/RX1753380 Tender Closes 11am, Tue 5 Feb 2019, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding.

Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

1,103 hectares Tender nzr.nz/RX1734212 Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | 06 323 4434 peter@nzr.nz Jamie Proude AREINZ 027 448 5162 | 06 385 4789 jamie@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – January 28, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

47

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

NEW LISTING

Opportunity of a Lifetime!

PGG Wrightson Real Estate are very privileged to offer for sale at 230 Koi Road Waikoikoi, the prestigious 365ha "Greenbank" property owned by the Chittock family for two generations and is simply one of the best you will find!

• Four stand RB woolshed and covered yards • Numerous sheds/workshops • Outstanding lane system and fences • Majestic two storied homestead nestled in park-like surrounds • Own private water scheme.

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pggwre.co.nz/GOR29422

Gore Surrounds $7.65M Plus GST (if any)

Derek Ayson M 027 667 9601 derek.ayson@pggwrightson.co.nz Bill McDonald B 03 209 0303 M 027 434 1928

wmcdonald@pggwrightson.co.nz

The Terraces - Waimumu 331 Glendhu Road • 304ha quality land in a reliable farming area • Can be sold as one lot or four separate lots • Suitable to run sheep, beef, dairy support, partially deer fenced, good array of farm buldings • Magnificent duck pond with a first class mai-mai • Private water scheme with two bores • Approximately 15ha of pruned mature pine plantations • Comfortable four bedroom home.

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Gore Surrounds $6.25M Plus GST (if any)

Derek Ayson M 027 667 9601 derek.ayson@pggwrightson.co.nz

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pggwre.co.nz/GOR29733

Darrell Duncan and Bill McDonald M Darrell 027 432 5767, Bill 027 434 1928

pggwre.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

colliers.co.nz

Accelerating Success

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

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LIFESTYLE

|

RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

Good Summer Location 682 Thornton Road • All flat - approximately 63 hectares STT due to Reid Central Canal upgrade - titles are being re-issued • Four-year production average 74,648kgMS, milking 210 cows • 20 ASHB, calf rearing and storage sheds, half round barn • Newly commissioned above ground Kliptank effluent system • Three bedroom open plan home • Four bedroom family home is also available by separate tender • Lease land support blocks in close proximity are available by negotiation • Multiple titles - possible lifestyle subdivision in the future • Only 12.6km to Whakatane and only 2.5km to Thornton Beach and boat ramp for fishing and white baiting. pggwre.co.nz/WHK29701

Whakatane TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 28 February

Phil Goldsmith B 07 307 1620 | M 027 494 1844 pgoldsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

NEW LISTING

A Serious Consideration - 86.3498 Hectares 592 Troutbeck Road

Galatea

• All flat gently sloping land • Best production of 100,292kgMS -2015/16 season with herd wintered on farm • Three year average production - 96,569kgMS • One person milks 220 cows through a 28 bail rotary with MCR's • Spacious family home with four bedrooms and separate lounge, plus one bedroom cottage • Multiple support buildings including 1/2 round barn, four bay implement shed and two bay barn with lean-to • The Urerewa National Park lies on the boundary, attracting any summer rainfall to the property.

PRICE BY NEGOTIATION

If you are looking for great return on investment, Galatea has to be a serious consideration - give Phil a call today!

Phil Goldsmith B 07 307 1620 | M 027 494 1844 pgoldsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/WHK29695

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Plus GST (if any)

pggwre.co.nz

Classifieds

Call: 021 035 6619

ANIMAL HEALTH

EARLY DEADLINE

FW

JOBS BOARD BOARD farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

• 2019 Trainee Programme - Livestock RepresentativeMining Labourer Agricultural • Agribusiness AgriHQ casual positions • Agronomy • Agronomy Analyst Milker • Contract Dairy • Dairy General Maintenance Manager • Farm Livestock Specialist • General Manager Manager • Livestock Pasture andManager Grazing Specialist • Rural Sharemilker Cadetship • Shepherd Sharemilker • Shepherd/General

FW

Shepherd Stock Manager Employers: AdvertiseWorkers your vacancy in the USA Harvest

LK0096053©

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

LK0092630©

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

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, GARLIC & MANUKA HONEY. 20L - $54.95, 200L $495 or 1000L - $2,200 plus GST with FREE SHIPPING from Black Type Minerals Ltd www. blacktypeminerals. co.nz

www.farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

FW

RURAL SECTOR RURAL SECTOR

Ag jobs at your fingertips

FW

Contact Debbie Brown DDI: 06 323 0765 0800 85 25 80 classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

and as addedDebbie value itBrown will be06 uploaded to Contact 323 0765 farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz close of application.

ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS

LK0096234©

Get your February 11 Farmers Weekly bookings in by midday Tuesday February 5

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

CONTRACTORS GORSE SPRAYING SCRUB CUTTING. 30 years experience.

Blowers, gun and hose.

No job too big. Camp out teams.

Travel anywhere if job big enough. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

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

DOGS FOR SALE BEARDIE BORDER COLLIE X heading dogs, x 3, 14 weeks. $250. Good working parents, sheep and beef. Clevedon. Phone 021 051 790.

HUNTAWAYS, HEADING DOGS. Deliver South and North Islands, Trial, Guaranteed. www. youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553.

BRASS DOG WHISTLES. Superior sound. Contact Art Eastham 027 419 8768. www.talla.co.nz BEARDIE HEADING pups, will be good handy dogs from excellent working parents. 4 boys. Phone Claire 021 622 071 or 06 328 6723.

2IC – Sheep & Beef Whenuanui – South Kaipara/Helensville Whenuanui is a sheep and beef farming operation owned and actively farmed by Richard and Dianne Kidd. They are seeking a 2IC to join their 376ha, family farming business, located just 5 minutes from Helensville.

DOGS WANTED

Encompassing all aspects of farm work this role will enable you to demonstrate your strong stockmanship, general farm experience and skills. Stock work includes a full lambing beat over winter, calving, shearing, crutching and animal health. You will work closely with Richard to share the load on general tasks such as water reticulation, cropping and pasture renewal, fencing, tractor work and pest control. Key to your success will be your open and honest communication skills, attention to detail and willingness to learn.

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

BUYING 350 DOGS, Annually South and North Islands. No trial or breeding required.

No one Buys or pays more! www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553, 021 030 003.

This is an opportunity to become a part of a small team of conscientious farmers who take pride in their farming environment and quality produce. Their lamb is marketed under the Kaipara Lamb brand which they have developed. These employers support individual development and get satisfaction from watching others grow, take ownership and responsibility.

FOR SALE

To view a Job Information Pack or to apply, please visit www. ruraldirections.co.nz or phone the Rural Directions team in confidence on 06 871 0450 (Reference #7024).

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

LK0096205©

Accommodation is a well-appointed 3 bedroom home, recently renovated with new carpet, ensuite and a modern kitchen.

Furthermore, the property is close to Auckland and Muriwai beach giving easy access to a wide range of recreational activities.

RECRUITMENT & HR Register to receive job alerts on www.ruraldirections.co.nz

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING

Do you have something to sell?

FOR SALE DOG/PET FOOD. Lamb/ Beef and chicken products.

All natural - raw - no preservatives or additives.

NOSLOC PRODUCTS. Ex-freezer Te Kuiti. For information and prices www.nosloc.com or phone 07 878 6868.

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

FORESTRY WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide.

We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase.

NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 04 293 2097 Richard.

GOATS WANTED GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds.

Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten.

Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

GRAZING AVAILABLE 79HA OF GRAZING land available for grazing at exceptional cheap price.

Please call George on 021 137 0038 to get further information.

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 WANTED, COOK, HOUSEKEEPER, live-in.

Top of the South Island.

Phone 027 391 1626.

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

0800 436 566

STOCK FEED MOISTURE METERS Hay, Silage dry matter, grain. www.moisturemeters.co.nz 0800 213 343.

TO ADVERTISE in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Debbie on 0800 85 25 80.

TRACTOR PARTS JOHN DEERE 6410, 6600, 6610, 6800, 6900, dismantling Andquiparts.

Phone 027 524 3356.

UNDERGROUND LOCATORS PATHFINDER LOCATES underground services and assets. Lower North Island. www.pathfinder.kiwi.nz Or call Brendan 021 089 59158. Email: pathfinder@ inspire.net.nz

JOHNNY GRAY Specialists in mustering Wild Goats, Cattle, Horses and Sheep across New Zealand Check out our website and let results speak for themselves www.aotearoastockman.com

Ph: 027 959 4166 johnnyanderin2017@gmail.com maiexperiencejohnnygray

Working alongside Crusader Meats

4X4 TAGALONG TOURS Bring your own 4X4 on a guided tour to discover more of the South Island.

Tour 1: Molesworth Station, St James, and Rainbow Stations Dates – 2019: March 3-6, Oct 21-24, Dec 30-Jan 2, 2020 Tour 2: D’Urville Island and Marlborough High Country Dates – 2019: March 24-28 Other dates available for either tour for groups on request.

PUMPS HIGH PRESSURE WATER PUMPS, suitable on high headlifts.

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

Ph: 03 314 7220 Mob: 0274 351 955 Email info@southislandtoursnz.com www.southislandtoursnz.com

T H IN K PRE B U I L T

NEW HOMES

SOLID – PRACTICAL WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE Our homes are built using the same materials & quality as an onsite build.

Easily transported to almost anywhere in the North Island. Plans range from one bedroom to four bedroom First Home – Farm House Investment – Beach Bach

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

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET • Robust construction • Auto shut gate • Total 20 jets • Lambs only 5 jets • Side jets for lice

• Adjustable V panels • Davey Twin Impellor Pump • 6.5 or 10hp motors

Save time and money – flystrike and lice cost $$$ Guaranteed performance Quick to set up – easy to use – job done SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992

Ph 06 835 6863 Mob 021 061 1800 Jetter video: www.craigcojetters.co.nz

Between 40% to 75% off storewide (T&C’s online only and for a limited time)

Including our luxury Pure Merino range

Call Debbie

0800 85 25 80 classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

LK0096068©

LK0096199©

8km south of Oamaru. 450 cows, 170 ha irrigated. Self- contained, grain feeding 2 houses

HOUSE FOR REMOVAL wanted.

North Island.

Phone 021 0274 5654.

DOLOMITE

LK0095993©

2019/ 2020 season

YOUR FARM MAPPED showing paddock sizes.

Priced from $600 for 100ha. Phone 0800 433 855. farmmapping.co.nz

PROPERTY WANTED

GOATS WANTED

FERAL GOATS WANTED. All head counted, payment on pick-up, pick-up within 24 hours. Prices based on works schedule.

Experienced musterers available.

Phone Bill and Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916.

LK0096210©

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

FARM MAPPING

LK0095832©

ANIMAL HANDLING

Lower Order Sharemilker or Contract Milker

LK0096187©

Employment

www.nurturedbynature.co.nz

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

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – January 28, 2019

DAIRY SHEEP GENETICS

STOCK REQUIRED

STORE LAMBS FRIES BULL CALVES 120-180kg 330-400kg 15 MTH FRIES BULLS 15MTH ANG & AHX STEERS 320-450kg 300-400kg 15MTH BEEF HEIFERS 2YR STEERS 400-550kg

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

High yielding imported bloodlines

Wiltshire On Farm Auction

REARING CONTRACT

Are you looking in the right direction?

Contact Art & Jill Eastham 027 419 8768 www.talla.co.nz

AUTUMN FRIES HERE BULL CALVES

SALE TALK

The guy’s confused so he asks, “What are you doing?”

12th Feb at 12pm

JULY Supply Required

Light Luncheon provided

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

Approximately

The old man replies, “Fishing for idiots.”

Martin, Mary & Daniel Taylor 1019 Mangaorapa Rd. Porangahau

“Sounds good,” says the guy. “Can I join you?”

700 ewe lambs, 150 cast for age ewes, 65 2th ewes, 5 2th rams, 25 ram lambs.

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

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

Ph: 06 8555 322 Email: taylors@glenbraestud.co.nz www.glenbraestud.co.nz

Terms: Cash on the day unless PGG Wrightsons current a/c holders. Eftpos available

Upcoming on-farm Sales Autumn 2019

Simon Smith, Genetics Specialist - 027 444 0733 Callum Stewart, National Genetics Manager - 027 280 2688 Sam Wright, Livestock Representative - 027 247 9035

Ram Private Sales

So the guy sits down and casts an imaginary rod out.

Jan/Feb – 2th Rams available now – all breeds Including Hogget mating options

Autumn Ram Sale

March 15th – Selected 2th Rams Including hogget mating options

Forest Range Merinos offers 1500 5-shear ultra-fine Merino Ewes

3rd Annual Angus Female In-Calf Sale – May 1st

Approx. – 80 fully recorded Stud Females – 50 Meadowslea bred commercial R2yr Heifers

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

TAWHAI SUFFOLK STUD

Available end of January off shears.

Mt Greba 36 Christians Road, Hawarden North Canterbury

This is a unique opportunity to acquire superior guaranteed footrot-free ewes.

Suffolk Female Sale 28th February 2019 – 1.30pm start 11.30 viewing on farm

Inquiries to 03 445 2833 demmerson@xtra.co.nz or www.forestrange.co.nz

LK0096101©

LK0096203©

CALL NIGEL 0800 85 25 80

Then he asks the old man, “So, how many idiots have you caught today, then?”

The old man replies, “You’re the third this morning.”

STRATHCLYDE SHEEP STUD

Approximate tallies: 15 1-shear ewes 250 ewe lambs

Matt & Tracey Jones 2817 West Coast Road RD 1, Darfield

This is a great opportunity to buy from large Suffolk flock run under commercial conditions.

East Friesian Rams 2nd February 2019 11am Viewing – On Farm 1:00pm Start LK0096004©

Phone Carrfields – Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131 PGG – Simon Eddington 027 590 8612 Vendor – Penni Loffhagen 03 314 4551, 021 149 4413

Approximate tallies: 30 1shr East Friesian Rams After 8 years of breeding Strathclyde will start milking in 2019 and are pleased to announce the first on site Ram fair.

Phone Carrfields – Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131 Vendor – Matt Jones 021 502 480

Spring Calving Herds 120 Xbred OAD Herd BW89 PW127 DTC 15/7 325ms, system 1, 9yrs OAD, Farm Sold $1600 150 Jersey JX Cows BW57 PW 69 DTC 20/7 Tidy uddered young herd, Samen history $1650

LK0096003©

• Romney • Romdale • Perendale x Tex x Romney • Texel x Romney • Kelso x Romney • Kelso Maternal • Kelso Terminal (Black Face)

Contact: David Giddings – Meadowslea 03 685 8027 PGGW: Keith Willson 027 412 5766 Greg Uren 027 4314051 Carrfields: Callum Dunnett 027 587 0131 PWA: Hamish Zuppicich 027 403 3025 RLL: Anthony Cox 027 208 3071

The old man says, “Of course you can.

Sit down here next to me, son.”

Autumn Calvers Northland 25 F/FX C/O 3yr olds BW110 PW101 $Neg 38 F C/O Cows AB mated tailed Xbred $1500 48 Genuine Frsn Cows G3 Herd tested $1500 180 m/a C/O Cows BW115 PW168 $1550 50 F Cows BW81 PW131 big cows 500ms $1950 Pick 50/70 F Genuine Cows AB mated $1500 129 Genuine Cows BW73 PW55 6 wks AB $1600 Paul Kane: 027 286 9279 National Dairy Coordinator

Piquet Hill Inaugural Steer and Heifer Sale 12pm – 14th February 2019 887 Te Akau Road, Ngaruawahia

Spring Calving Herds

• • • •

All weights available prior Rebate to all pre-registered agents 14 day payment terms Light lunch provided prior to sale commencing

All inquiries to Will Jackson Phone 07 825 4480 or 027 739 9939

LK0096185©

170 Autumn-born WF R1 Heifers 300 18-month Angus and WF Heifers 200 18-month Angus and WF Steers

Autumn Calvers 275 F/FX C/O cows BW110 PW150 RA99% DTC 1/3 $1750 Philip Webb: 027 801 8057

LK0099103©

220 F CRV Herd BW38 PW59 RA82% DTC 1/8 Web Ref DH1205 Very Tidy herd, Great udders, System 1 $2000.

420 Xbred Cows BW66 PW87, DTC 25/7 Web Ref DH1228, low SCC, Hawkes Bay $1800.

170 XBred Cows BW98 PW104 RA98% DTC 1/8.

Web Ref DH1238 Closed Herd for 40 years. Can be purchased in-milk 1st March Del. $2000.

220 F/FX Herd BW73 PW65 RA89% DTC 24/7 Web Ref DH1250 Well-bred herd on rolling/steep farm, great production with low SCC $1950.

Wanted for January 2020 delivery Autumn calving Frsn & FrsnX Complete Autumn Herds In-calf carry over cows In-calf heifers (2018 born) All stock must be well grown with good records (single herd codes preferred).

Our purchaser would like to nominate a calving date with the option to supply their own bulls at mating.

A Carrfields Forward Sale Contract will be completed for a January 2020 delivery.

Contact: Philip Webb 027 801 8057 Central & Sothern NI Dairy Coordinator

or: Richard Andrews 027 5368693

LK0096116©

50

Central & Southern North Island Dairy Coordinator

Dairy Agent Canterbury

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – January 28, 2019

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

51

KIKITANGEO ROMNEY STUD IN CALF AUTUMN COW SALE

DAIRY HERDS WANTED URGENTLY

THURSDAY 31ST JANUARY 2019 80 In Calf Cows BW 65/41 PW 65/77 RA 84% In calf to LIC Fr & XB Bulls calving from 10/3/19 to 19/4/19. Tailed with Hfd Bull calving no later than 20/5/19.

This herd has been 8 years in winter milk.

Typical Kikitangeo Romney rams

The vendors are selling the xbred line of

THANKS….

cows. Consistently doing 500+ M/S a cow.

We would like to thank our long time and many new clients who made our annual ram sale an outstanding success. Our Romneys averaged over $1600 – an increase of $300 on last year, with a total clearance of the 125 catalogued rams. Prominent on the buyers bench were a number of other ram breeders.

SCC Avg 160 TB C10

RAMS STILL AVAILABLE

EBL Free, Bovis Free Report available

DAIRY HERDS/STOCK FOR SALE

Contact Don Allison 0274515318

• 155 x Rising 2nd calver Fr/FrX cows in-calf to LIC. BW92; PW100; RA97%. $1875 Listing # ANY65853.

Contact Grant Hobbs 027 477 7406 • 210 Hard-working Fr herd, good proportion young cows. BW94; PW111; RA100% DTC 19/7. $1900. Listing # WAI66115.

Contact Wayne Robb 021 712 511 • 230 x Quality Fr. to Xbd herd producing very well on System 1 – 2. On target for 455ms/cow. Motivated vendor $1800. Listing # TAR66181.

Contact Simon Payne 027 241 4585 • Two lots of autumn-calving cows in the Waikato: 175 x Fr/Xbd BW103/44; PW162/55; RA98%. 62 are A2A2, can be sold separately.

180 x Xbd/Jsy BW116/45; PW168/56 RA99%. 90 are A2A2. Calving for 4 wks from 12/3. Contact Ollie Carruthers 027 451 5312

A/c D J Van Bysterveldt Family Trust

As we keep a ‘reserve’ group of rams as back-up for the auctioned rams, a limited number of these rams are still available for sale at reasonable prices.

45 XBred In Calf Cows BW 103/44 PW 162/55 RA 98%

• All have F.E tolerance and a high degree of resistance to worms.

• Kikitangeo sheep have always been bred for structural soundness having particularly good feet and breed quality.

In calf to Fr x AB 5/3/19, Tight 3 week calving spread.

Cows purchased as elite empties and

LK0096186©

milked right through producing 360 M/S Milk tested - Bovis Free

There is only one permanent solution to the worm challenges and drench resistance – the genetic solution

Contact Ollie Carruthers 0274515312

LK0096204©

Contact me for further details.

Further enquiries, contact John Watson ph 027 494 1975 or check out other listings on www.mylivestock.co.nz

Gordon Levet |Tel 09 423 7034 |Email glevet5192@gmail.com Website www.kikitangeo.co.nz

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings MATAWHERO SALE

WAIROA CATTLE FAIR

Annual 15 Milk Heifer Four Tuakau Saleyards, Friday 22nd Feb 12.30pm

A/C Waipuna Valley Farms 1200 - 15 month old Beef Hefiers Contact: Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858

DAIRY HERDS & INCALF HEIFERS FOR SALE

Cattle

Sheep

Other

TUAKAU SALEYARDS Friday 22nd February,12.30pm Waipuna Valley Farms 1200 - 15mth old Beef Heifers Comprising: 500 - Angus & Ang/Hfd x 400 - Char/Ang x 300 - Sim x, Dev x, & Exotic x This seasons draft come foward in excellent condition and showing good frame.

Farmed in large mobs on genuine hill country.

Cattle in hand several days before sale day, weighed dead empty.

100% purchased from North Island herds Ideal weights for early winter trade est 300-370kg

Tuesday 12th February Tuakau Saleyards 12 Noon 70 2th Wiltshire Rams, 200 Wiltshire Ram Lambs, 350 Wiltshire Ewe Lambs, 200 Wiltshire Coopworth X Ewe Lambs.

Sheep bred for their shedding ability, farmed on an exposed coastal property.

Enquiries to PGG Wrightson Cam Heggie 027 5018182, Dave Munro 027 5904825, vendor Brook Johnstone 09 232 9875

Contact: Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858 Vendor: David Short 07 826 7763

NORTH ISLAND HERDS & INCALF HEIFERS FOR SALE 254 Kiwi X Cows BW 101

`

PW 117

245 Jersey Cows $1,890+GST

•

BW 97

PW 85

210 Fri/Fri X/Jrsy X Cows $1,995+GST

BW 121

•

PW 137

150 Fri/Fri X Aut Carry Over Cows

$2,150+GST

•

BW 104

PW 156

$1,795+GST

•

RA96% Calving 20th July, 50 years one family, 400mls.

Shaan Featherstone – 027 666 1198

RA100% Calving 20th July, 366 mls, Top 1% on SCC, closed herd.

Allan Jones – 027 224 0768

RA 100% Calving 19th July, young herd, 380mls.

Andrew Reyland – 027 223 7092

3YR to 5YR calving 15th March Hereford & Frisian Bulls. Sell any number.

Dean Evans – 027 243 1092

Agonline ref: 2184

Agonline ref: 2041

Agonline ref: 2556

Agonline ref: 2551

68 Fri/Fri X Aut Carry Over Cows

92 Xbreed Heifers

66 Jersey Heifers

BW 91

pggwrightson.co.nz/dairyherdsales

PURIRI WILTSHIRES

31/01/2019 at 11am.

PGG Wrightson will offer approx 1295 cattle: 70 2.5yr Steers 200 2.5yr Heifers 740 1.5yr Steers 160 1.5yr Heifers 65 1.5yr Hereford Bulls 60 1.5yr Hereford Hfrs A/c Cricklewood Stn 100 1.5yr Angus Strs A/c Okare Stn 150 1.5yr Angus Strs A/c Te Tiki Stn 80 1.5yr Angus Strs A/c Mahurangi Stn 70 2.5yr Angus Strs 200 1.5yr Strs 200 2.5yr Heifers 140 1.5yr Heifers 60 1.5yr Hereford Heifers 50 1.5yr Hereford Bulls Enquires: Ian Rissetto 06 838 8604, 0274 449 347 Mason Birrell 06 838 7091, 0274 967 253 Hamish Forrester 0276 012 351

Tuesday, 12th Febuary 2019 A/C Morunga Station - Matawai 500 - 2 1/2 yr Steers Traditional and Exotic Steers farmed on genuine hill country.

Good forward store condition.

Contact: Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858 or Jamie Hayward 027 434 7586

Lock it in!

List your dairy herd now.

Key: Dairy

PW 114

$1,750+GST •

BW 131

PW 136

$1,600+GST

BW 135

•

PW 24

60 Friesian InCalf Heifers $1,650+GST

BW 118

•

PW 105

$1,800+GST

•

Calving 10th March.

Hereford Bull, one owner.

Chris Leuthart – 027 493 6594

Calving 17th July, Jrsy Bulls, well grown capital stock line.

Allan Jones – 027 224 0768

Calving 18th July Jersey Bulls capital stock line.

Allan Jones – 027 224 0768

RA97% Outstanding Line of Friesian InCalf Heifers, Extremely Well Grown Craig Murray – 027 322 0063

Agonline ref: 2131

Agonline ref: 2121

Agonline ref: 2356

Agonline ref: 1974

180 MA Frsn to Frsn X Cows BW 80

PW 95

$1,800+GST •

230 M/A Friesian, X/Bred Cows BW 80

PW 95

63 Frsn, Frsn/Jsy X, Jsy InCalf Hfrs

$1,800+GST

BW 141

•

PW 145

$1,675+GST

•

216 M/A Frsn, Jsy, X/Bred Cows BW 92

PW 111

$1,900+GST

•

RA 88% Producing well at altitude. A very young herd that is appealing to the eye.

Kim Harrison – 027 501 0013

RA 97% Cows bred to produce, 402 Kgs MS/Cow last season in drought.

Allan Jones – 027 224 0768

RA 99% Outstanding figures, will come Forward in Top Condition.

Jamie Cunninghame – 027 583 3533

RA 97% 3.71 yrs avg, clean well uddered Herd with the figures & production.

Jamie Cunninghame – 027 583 3533

Agonline ref: 2451

Agonline ref: 2121

Agonline ref: 2021

Agonline ref: 2020

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

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

Helping grow the country

LK0096172©

• 170 Top-indexed Frs/Xbd/JsyX cows, plus 350 Xbd/JsyX cows with good indexes from hill country. All with 10-15 July onwards calving date. Contact Don Allison 027 451 5318 • 280 Xbd/Jsy cows calving July 27 onwards, with BW90+, plus 90 Xbd/ Jsy i-c heifers with good index figures.

Contact Michael Conwell 027 226 1611 • 200 Fr/FrX i-c heifers (to Jsy bull). LIC or CRV preferred, plus 150 Fr/ FrX well-grown i-c heifers calving 25 July onwards.

Contact Harry Stanway 027 556 9948 • 180 Fr/FrX cows with reasonable figures and good production. 1 herd code. Contact Jeremy Newell 027 664 8832 • 180 Jsy/JsyX cows and hfrs plus 60 young Friesian cows that can produce the goods. Contact Emmet McConnell 027 443 7671 • Also, large numbers of straight Friesian recorded weaner/R1 heifers for immediate delivery. Contact Donald McKenzie 021 754 174; Ollie Carruthers 027 451 5312; John Watson 027 494 1975

MORRINSVILLE DAIRY COMPLEX

MARKET SNAPSHOT

52

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Nicola Dennis

Mel Croad

Cattle

Reece Brick

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.50

5.50

5.45

NI lamb (17kg)

7.10

7.10

6.85

NI Stag (60kg)

10.20

10.20

10.70

NI Bull (300kg)

5.00

5.00

5.25

NI mutton (20kg)

5.00

5.00

4.50

SI Stag (60kg)

10.20

10.20

10.70

NI Cow (200kg)

4.00

4.00

4.00

SI lamb (17kg)

7.10

7.10

6.75

SI Steer (300kg)

5.15

5.20

5.30

SI mutton (20kg)

4.95

4.95

4.45

SI Bull (300kg)

5.00

5.00

5.10

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.90

3.90

4.15

UK CKT lamb leg

8.81

8.69

8.82

US imported 95CL bull

6.53

6.79

6.56

US domestic 90CL cow

6.58

6.52

6.52

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

6.0

North Island lamb slaughter price

10

6.0

$/kg CW

South Island steer slaughter price

South Island lamb slaughter price

7.0

6

6.0

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

5-yr ave

Apr

Jun

2017-18

Aug 2018-19

Jun

Aug 2018-19

Prior week

Last year

Coarse xbred ind.

2.86

2.89

2.86

37 micron ewe

2.70

2.30

$/tonne

6.5 6.0

Apr-18

Jun-18 Sept. 2019

Aug-18

Oct-18 Sept. 2020

Last price*

-

-

650

520

2.90

Super

321

319

303

5.50

DAP

843

835

752

vs 4 weeks ago

0.00

0.00

420

SMP

0.00

0.00

0.00

400

AMF

0.00

0.00

0.00

Butter

0.00

0.00

0.00

Milk Price

0.00

0.00

$/tonne

0.00

Mar-18

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

380 360 340

0.00

320

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Jan-18

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Mar-18

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3100

350

$/tonne

US$/t

3000 2900 2800 2700

Feb

Mar Apr Latest price

May Jun 4 weeks ago

Jul

Company

Close

YTD High

The a2 Milk Company Limited

12.35

12.71

10.42

7.5

7.5

7.065

Auckland International Airport Limited

440

WMP

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap

370

Jan-18

Fertiliser 650

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

Aug 2018-19

Urea

420

320

Dec-18

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Jun

Last year

470

Feb-18

Apr 2017-18

Prior week

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

7.0

5.5

Feb

Last week

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

$/kg MS

Apr 2017-18

Last week

30 micron lamb

Dairy

Dec

FERTILISER

(NZ$/kg) Feb

Oct

5-yr ave

WOOL

Dec

8

5.0

5.0

Oct

9 7

5.5

4.5

10

8.0

4.0 $/kg CW

11 $/kg CW

$/kg CW

6.0

South Island stag slaughter price

12

9.0

4.5

8 6

7.0

4.0

5.0

9 7

5.0 5.5

Last year

North Island stag slaughter price

12

8.0 $/kg CW

North Island steer slaughter price

Last week Prior week

11

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 9.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

300

YTD Low

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

3.52

3.61

3.38

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

13.82

14.16

12.74

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.13

4.18

3.96

Ryman Healthcare Limited

11.11

11.5

10.68

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

3.525

3.64

3.51

Contact Energy Limited

6

6.2

5.82

Fletcher Building Limited

5.03

5.1

4.78

Air New Zealand Limited (NS)

3.28

3.315

3.04

Listed Agri Shares

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

Close

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

12.350

12.710

10.420

Comvita Limited

4.660

4.830

4.500

Delegat Group Limited

9.690

9.960

9.690

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.730

4.850

4.610

Foley Wines Limited Livestock Improvement Corporation Limited (NS) New Zealand King Salmon Investments Limited PGG Wrightson Limited

1.520

1.520

1.470

0.750

0.750

0.750

2.220

2.280

2.170

0.485

0.510

0.485

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.900

6.950

6.600

Scales Corporation Limited

4.400

4.500

4.370

SeaDragon Limited

0.002

0.003

0.002

Seeka Limited

4.250

4.320

4.200

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

9.920

10.150

8.860

T&G Global Limited

2.800

2.800

2.800

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity

15686

15806

15063

S&P/NZX 50 Index

9109

9149

8732

S&P/NZX 10 Index

8708

8740

8280

250 200

Jan-18

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

Mar-18

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

15686

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

9109

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

8708

NI STEER

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

NI SLAUGHTER MUTTON

$/KG

$/KG

YEARLING FRIESIAN BULLS, 335400KG, AT RANGIURU

$/KG

$/KG LW

5.50

7.10

5.00

2.82

Most enjoy decent weather NORTH ISLAND

T

HE east of Northland is looking very dry and desperately needs rain. It’s nearly looking at a drought but rain’s clipped the western side a bit more and farms there are okay. The cattle and sheep markets are both still holding up price-wise for the sellers. They are similar to pre-Christmas levels and there is good demand from buyers further south.

In South Auckland there have been two main rain events in the past month, before and on Christmas Day, at least 150mm of rain fell and in mid-January a further dump of 25mm was received.

At other times the weather has been dry and the winds made it near impossible to evenly apply water. Prices of many green vegetables have lifted. That’s mainly because growers ploughed earlier crops into the ground when there was no demand for them and now there’s a shorter supply. The weather has been good for potatoes, yields are pleasing and it’s similar for the main onion crops that are either curing in dry paddocks or already in the packing sheds. Growers are quietly optimistic the main export markets for onions will get better prices than for many years.

In Waikato it has been hot and dry since Christmas though a week ago much of the region got 20mm to 30mm of rain.

Pasture-wise most farms are looking good but they’re starting to dry out rapidly. Milk production is dropping because animals are too hot and bothered to eat. Many farms now have overhead sprinklers where cows wait to go into the dairy shed and the cows love having a shower in the heat. Maize crops have had a great season and recent rain would have been brilliant for filling out the cobs. Sheep farmers are disgusted at the amount they’re getting for their wool – one farmer reports he received $1.69/kg.

King Country has heaps of grass but it is quite rank now so not the best for lambs. Stock condition is good though.

At the recent Ongarue sale a top line of four-tooth ewes sold for $270 a head and there was another offering of an entire farm lot of 1400 four-tooths ewes that went for $261 a head. Six-year-olds sold for $140 to $170. You have to pity the farmer looking for replacement stock. It’s a seller’s market.

Taranaki is having one of its best times ever. A farmers says from the end of last autumn when the drought broke until now rain has come just when it’s been needed. Cows are milking well and all crops are growing very strongly.

In Hawke’s Bay it’s unusually green.

Rain in December resulted in pasture growth rates 45% above normal and the highest growth rates in 15 years.

Unfortunately, there have not been many opportunities to buy in stock to eat it all – there is feed right across the country but animals are expensive so margins are slim. Mutton prices are very good. A farmer says his fat, old ewes fetched $165 each at the works. They would have been worth $100 a couple of years ago and $50 or $60 10 years ago. If farmers have feed to fatten old animals, it’s worth it.

BLUE SKIES: PGG Wrightson auctioneers look for bids at Temuka last week.

Hawke’s Bay stone fruit has had a real thrashing. It has been an appalling summer fruit season with lots of rain, which can lead to brown rot, and when there’s a sniff of brown rot buyers don’t want to pay for the fruit. Plums, though, seem to have handled the season better.

Apples are looking pretty good. It looks like the best crop for a few years by volume. Growers have been getting good incomes so they have been able to put money back into their orchards and pay for workers to help look after their crops.

Wairarapa has started to dry out. It’s being pummeled by northwest winds but animals and humans have been enjoying a beautifully warm summer. There is plenty of grass but some of it is rank. A lot of shearing is being done but farmers are hugely frustrated about the poor prices, especially because everyone’s ditching plastic bags but no one’s thinking about using more sustainable fibres.

There was fantastic rain in Manawatu on Christmas Day and another lot between then and New Year so the region is looking fantastic. Now a week of very strong, drying winds and no rain means the region’s settling into a more normal summer. Maize and barley are still looking great. Lots of silage has been made and there’s no immediate market for it. Taranaki normally takes it but doesn’t need it this year.

With no rain in the past week Horowhenua is starting to dry out at last.

It’s been a remarkable spring and summer with surplus silage starting to be fed out in small volumes. Maize is looking great here too. Farmers are well placed for a good year. There are large volumes of high quality fruit and vegetables from Horowhenua, which means prices for seasonal crops like apricots and sweet corn are low. It will be hard for growers to make money. Corn cobs were wholesaling this week for 20 cents a cob, which doesn’t cover the cost of production.

SOUTH ISLAND There’s been no major rain in Nelson or Motueka region since Christmas and hot winds have doubled evaporation rates.

Soil moisture levels are down to 23% of normal and, as a result, irrigation systems are going full bore. Water restrictions mean a 35% reduction in horticultural

and agricultural water allocations.

Townsfolk are under water restrictions too as flows in the Waimea and Motueka Rivers are getting low. In commercial orchards people are completing thinning on later variety apples and pears.

Marlborough has been hot.

Temperatures reached 35C last week and it’s dry too. Our contact who has a hill farm near Blenheim says his farm was green at Christmas but now it’s brown. It’s a relatively quiet time for farmers. Most lambs and finishing cattle have gone to the works. Prices are good at $7.20/kg for finishing lambs and farmers are getting an average of $110 for store lambs. Grapes in the province are having a good run. The sauvignon blanc grapes are heading into the veraison stage when the grapes soften and spraying for e Farmbotrytis and powdery mildew continues.

A farmer at Franz Josef on the West Coast in south Westland has had enough of the wet stuff. There’s 318mm in the rain gauge from just six days. On the other hand a farmer up the Grey Valley recorded a modest 40mm. That’s just what he needs, he says, to keep the grass ticking along. There’s plenty of silage being made.

Milking is going well and the vet will be coming soon to do pregnancy testing on cows.

Summer finally arrived in Canterbury in the new year. The rain stopped, sun came out and temperatures warmed up.

Feed levels are still very good with large amounts of silage and balage being made.

Autumn-sown barley crops have been harvested. Lambs are now growing better with improved conditions.

Central Otago’s stone fruit harvesting is in full swing. A grower in Roxburgh says the peach and apricot crop is not as big as last year but quality is excellent because of the hot summer and regular spots of rain. Most of the apricots are exported to Australia. There are plenty of students, locals and backpackers available too to help with the picking.

After a period of warm, dry conditions our contact at Waimakaha in Southland says he’s had a good dose of rain – 62 millimeters last week and temperatures have cooled off too. Milk production dropped off a bit because it’s been dry.

The cows are getting silage and a feed of rape to supplement their diet and to let the paddocks recover.

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

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

54

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

Kind summer brings caution To date summer has been very kind and all store markets have been driven by grassderived demand. However recent hot, dry winds and forecast high temperatures to come are likely to bring more caution to the marketplace in the coming weeks, with demand expected to taper off for lesser cattle in particular.

NORTHLAND Wellsford store cattle sale • Two-year beef-dairy steers, 463-512kg, were steady at $2.76$2.81/kg • Two-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 490kg, lifted to $2.81/kg • Yearling Hereford-cross heifers, 283-312kg, were solid at $2.78$2.88/kg • Weaner Hereford-cross steers, 105-147kg, lifted to $505-$550 • Weaner Devon-cross heifers, 163-191kg, sold well at $610-$630 A smaller yarding of 430 cattle was penned at WELLSFORD last Monday, with a moderate buying bench in place.

Yearling beef-dairy steers, 336-410kg, eased to $2.91$2.99/kg, while Kiwi-cross, 410-460kg, varied from $2.47/kg to $2.78/kg.

Yearling heifers were steady to lifting with HerefordFriesian, 380-409kg, on par at $2.84-$2.87/kg, while lighter 296-337kg lifted to $3.01-$3.06/kg.

Returns were varied in the weaner pens as beef-dairy steers, 107-151kg, earned $500-$590, while HerefordFriesian heifers, 114-176kg, managed steady returns at $525-$590. Hereford-cross bulls, 117kg, strengthened to $520 and Friesian, 123-198kg, returned $495-$620.

Kaikohe cattle sale • Good two-year beef-cross steers and heifers sold for $2.80-$2.85/ kg • Lesser bred kiwi-cross steers earned $2.50-$2.60/kg • 18-month beef and beef-cross steers readily made $3.00-$3.10/kg • 18-month beef and Friesian bulls sold freely at $2.70-$2.85/kg Paddocks are browning off fast and two-thirds of the 500 head sale at KAIKOHE last Wednesday were kiwi-cross and crossbred type cattle as vendors offload. Better bred cattle sold on a positive note though the lesser bred lines proved harder work, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. Yearling crossbred steers sold for $2.20-$2.40/kg, while good 18-month beef heifers made $2.80-$2.90/kg.

In the weaner pens good beef-cross and beef-Friesian steers made $570, and heifers, $420-$460. Bulls sold for $3.00/kg and better, but Kiwi-cross, 130-220kg, only made $300-$450 with heifers of same breeding at $200-$270.

Charolais-cross cows realised $1.75-$1.78/kg, and Friesian, $1.65-$1.70/kg.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • Good Angus steers, 353kg, reached $3.40/kg, $1200 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers fetched $515-$600 • Heavy prime steers returned $2.82-$2.88/kg • Top prime ewes sold up to $120-$180.

Prices for a yarding of 470 store cattle were firm at TUAKAU last Thursday, with lighter lots selling particularly well, Chris Elliott of PGG Wrightson reported.

Heavy steers, 517-540kg, traded at $2.91-$2.95/kg, with 400-500kg making $2.98-$3.03/kg and 300-400kg, $2.90$3.40/kg. Good Hereford-Friesian weaners, 247-252kg, sold for $905, and 129-171kg, $730-$750. Exotic bulls, 388kg, made $2.82/kg, with 275kg fetching $3.07/kg. Autumn-born Friesian bulls, 184kg, made $620, and spring-born, 136kg, $500, while lighter crossbreds made $390. Most heavy heifers, 370-420kg, returned $2.79-$2.82/kg and yearlings, 280-331kg, $2.80-$3.17/kg.

Medium prime steers fetched $2.76-$2.81/kg last Wednesday. A good line-up of heifers was offered with heavier types selling at $2.75-$2.81/kg, good-medium $2.70-$2.75/kg and lighter $2.60-$2.70/kg. Heavy cows made $1.87-$2.00/kg, medium boners, $1.68-$1.87/kg, and light, $1.40/kg. Hereford bulls fetched $2.75/kg and Jersey, $2.40-$2.60/kg.

Heavy prime lambs earned $140-$170, and medium $128-$140. Forward-store sold for $115-$125 and store $60-$115. Medium prime ewes made $60-$120, and light, $30-$50.

WAIKATO Frankton dairy beef weaner fair • Red Hereford-Friesian steers, 104-121kg, eased to $400-$480 • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 125-130kg, improved to $515-$530 • Hereford-Friesian bulls, 109-134kg, maintained levels of $560$660 • Red Hereford-Friesian bulls, 101-140kg were steady at $370-$522 • Autumn-born Friesian bulls, 155-175kg, sold well at $605-$650 Weaner numbers dropped to just over 1000 at

FRANKTON last Tuesday, with bulls once again making up the lion’s share and returns varied throughout the yarding.

Hereford-Friesian steers, 140kg, were steady at $675.

Heifers traded at softer levels for most and HerefordFriesian, 99-100kg, returned $400-$410, with Angus-cross, 102-115kg, back to $360-$395.

Hereford-Friesian bulls, 96kg, were strong at $550, while Angus-cross, 96-100kg, eased to $375-$420. Heavier Friesian lines were steady with 130-139kg earning $500$565, though lighter 96-129kg eased to $310-$490.

Frankton prime and store cattle • Two-year Angus and Angus-cross steers, 507-546kg, traded at $2.72-$2.84/kg • Two-year Hereford and Hereford-cross heifers, 401-415kg, traded at $2.70-$2.71/kg • Yearling Angus steers, 215-289kg, sold well at $3.30-$3.54/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 236-361kg, lifted to $2.89$3.05/kg • Prime Angus bulls, 589-678kg, were solid at $2.60-$2.80/kg A moderate yarding at Frankton had varied results based on quality and type throughout.

Two-year Hereford bulls, 545kg, returned $2.90/kg.

Yearling beef-cross steers, 261-352kg, eased for the majority, to $3.03-$3.22/kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 376kg, were also back to $3.02/kg. Hereford-cross heifers, 226355kg improved to $2.65-$2.93/kg, and quality lines pushed further to $3.08-$3.13/kg.

Yearling beef-cross bulls, 251-378kg, traded at $2.71$2.83/kg, with dairy bred lines, 298-378kg, at $2.79/kg.

All prime steers, 572-630kg, traded at softer levels of $2.76-$2.83/kg. Both Hereford heifers, 488-538kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 473-533kg managed steady returns at $2.73-$2.84/kg, while Hereford, 593-820kg, eased to $2.57$2.79/kg.

Friesian boner cows, 535-640kg, improved to trade at $1.85-$2.13/kg.

KING COUNTRY Taupo cattle sale • A line of 62 Hereford-Friesian steers, 343kg, reached $3.40/kg • Weaner Beef-Friesian bulls, 135-160kg, returned $595-$690 • Weaner Friesian bulls, 130-152kg, sold well at $550-$600 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian heifers, 105-124kg, mainly sold for $417-$455 Plenty of regions converged on TAUPO last Thursday for an 850 head yarding of cattle. The top lines were well-contested, with just yearling heifers not selling to expectations.

Yearling Angus steers, 280-358kg, sold for $3.16-$3.25kg, and 363kg Hereford-Friesian, $3.24/kg. Heifers softened and Hereford-Friesian, 324kg, made $2.85/kg, but Devoncross and also Hereford-Friesian, 300-377kg, eased to $2.70$2.71/kg. Lesser lines of Hereford-Friesian and crossbred, 223-310kg, returned $2.56-$2.61/kg.

Quality weaners were paid for, but lesser lines were discounted accordingly. Lighter Friesian bulls, 119-123kg, earned $550-$555. Good heifers Hereford-Friesian, 156218kg, reached $555-$630, but Angus-Friesian, 110-129kg, fell to $400-$445. Crossbred were variable with most 103126kg and selling for $305-$320.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle and sheep sale • Store lambs sold for $100-$130 • Prime beef-Friesian steers and heifers, 480-560kg, were steady at $2.72-$2.75/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 365-417kg, firmed to $3.02$3.06/kg • Yearling Friesian bulls, 317-399kg, firmed to $2.78-$2.93/kg • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 98-117kg, firmed to $505-$585.

Fewer numbers and better quality at RANGIURU last Tuesday rewarded vendors, with prices steady for prime cattle and firm for stores.

Boner Friesian cows, 512-553kg, firmed to $1.86-$1.90/ kg, while ex-service Hereford bulls, 544-633kg, were steady at $2.67-$2.70/kg.

A good line-up of store cattle was led by Friesian bulls on offer due to a farm sale. Quality was also found in the steer and heifer pens and Angus-Friesian heifers, 326-352kg, sold well at $2.79-$2.84/kg, and 10 Hereford-Friesian, 305kg, $3.15/kg. Angus-Friesian steers, 362-447kg, earned $2.85$2.95/kg.

Weaners had a solid sale and Hereford-Friesian heifers,

103-115kg, traded at $460-$500, and 112-119kg Friesian bulls returned $475-$490.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle sale • Two-year Angus and Hereford bulls, 570-777kg, sold for $2.89$2.98/kg • Top lines of Jersey bulls, 435-532kg, made $2.52-$2.60/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian steers, 408-447kg, eased to $3.04/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 372-463kg, firmed to $2.71$2.81/kg Ex-service bulls moved to the Wednesday sale at TARANAKI, and made up the largest portion of the sale.

The balance were small lines of mainly yearling cattle, with quality mixed.

Yearling Hereford-Jersey steers sold at similar levels to the heifers as 370-393kg returned $2.76-$2.85/kg, while most heifers traded at $2.72-$2.85/kg.

Bulls were a big feature and Murray Grey, 560-616kg, made $2.86-$2.93/kg. Yearling Jersey, 335-398kg, made good returns as the lighter line earned $2.81/kg and heavier, $2.64-$2.68/kg. One line of yearling Hereford bulls, 403kg, were picked up for breeding at $1530.

Taranaki dairy beef weaner fair • Hereford-Friesian bulls, 125-150kg, held at $630-$675 • Friesian bulls, 130-163kg, eased to $500-$590 • Friesian bulls, 165-190kg, also held at $625-$655 • Hereford-Friesian steers, 120-132kg, earned $600-$670 • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 115-120kg, were steady at $515-$540 Outside buyers had a big influence on the TARANAKI Dairy Beef Weaner Fair last Thursday. Just over 1200 were penned and featured a larger entry of steers but less bulls.

Very few Hereford-Friesian steers fell below $600, and one line at 157kg reached $700. Angus-Friesian, 200-214kg, also made $705-$760, and 133-167kg, $610-$625. HerefordJersey were discounted with 122-147kg making $500-$590.

Bull prices were mixed and Friesian, 100-120kg, traded at $470-$485. Bidding was selective in the heifer pens too where good types were steady but pens up to 100kg proved harder work, making $410-$450. Those 100-105kg varied from $430 to $530.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero sheep sale and ewe fair • Two-tooth Coopworth ewes sold to $226-$261 • Four-tooth East Friesian ewes made $200 • Good mixed age Romney ewes sold for $195-$197 • Medium to medium-good male lambs made $104.50-$121 • Medium ewe lambs firmed to $86-$106.75 A combined ewe fair and sheep sale at MATAWHERO last Friday meant close on 3800 sheep were penned, of which just over 2000 were breeding ewes. A feature was FE tolerant Coopworth, Romney-Coopworth and Romney, and though they sold in small lines interest was high. A small line of Romney two-tooths made $260, and East Friesian, $150$180. Very good mixed age Romney-Coopworth reached $230.

Just over 1500 store lambs were also penned with prices mainly firm. Much of the yarding were medium types, though a few lines of good mixed sex made $106-$124.

Medium-light ewe lambs sold for $93.50-$94.50 and light mixed sex $90.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime sale • Very heavy lambs were steady at $163.50-$170.50 • Heavy ewes improved to $149-$169 • Medium-good ewes lifted to $124-$133.50 • Light-medium ewes maintained levels of $110-$115 With the current grass levels farmers are in no hurry to offload, and there were no cattle at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday. Sheep volume was low and what was penned sold on a mainly strong market.

Just on 135 lambs were yarded and the market was steady to lifting. Heavy lambs strengthened to $138-$160.50, while good types sold on par at $136-$140.

The 750 prime ewes on offer were quickly absorbed with a small number of very heavy ewes topping the sale at $187.50, and good types improving to $135-$136. However very good and medium ewes eased to $137-$139 and $119$121 respectively.

Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep • Good to heavy whiteface Romney rams made $122-$151 • Good wether lambs sold for $122-$123 • Texel ewe lambs sold for $115-$135 • Friesian cows, 491-563kg, sold well at $2.04-$2.10/kg • Four Devon bulls, 428kg, returned $2.73/kg New faces appeared in the sheep pens at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, with more seeking mouths to eat growing pastures.

Two vendors kept lambs in the pens and the market was steady to firm, with light to medium Romdale wethers making $100.50-$119.50, and light ewe lambs, $77-$95.

SALE YARD WRAP

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019

THOUGHTFUL: Hayley, centre, and David Moorhead, right, contemplate their bid on a line of Border Romneys at Temuka last week.

55

• Heavy prime lambs eased to $150-$169 • Prime beef bulls, 616-699kg, lifted to $2.70-$2.71/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 360-423kg, eased to $2.61$2.65/kg Store lamb volume was boosted by big consignments at COALGATE last Thursday.

Quality was mixed and there was a clear divide in interest, with good mixed sex firm but medium and light eased.

Prime lambs were susceptible to easing schedules, though medium lines held at $120-$147. The ewe market was as stable and heavy lines earned $170-$205, and medium, $130-$149.

There were pockets of strength in the cattle sale, though the store market was flatter than recent times.

Each section of the store sale had its highlights, and a line of six 15-month Angus steers, 473kg, made $1525, $3.22/ kg, and their sisters, 394kg, $1130, $2.87/kg. Friesian steers, 378-415kg, made up the bulk of their section and sold for $2.38-$2.42/kg. Medium Hereford-Friesian heifers, 325350kg, dropped to $2.49/kg.

Ex-service bulls featured and 15-month Hereford, 416525kg, sold for $2.72-$2.93/kg, and Murray Grey, 376-392kg, $3.16-$3.19/kg.

Prime steers softened as 500-670kg earned $2.67-$2.83/ kg, while 485-493kg made $2.84-$2.93/kg. Heifers, 440493kg, firmed to $2.60-$2.68/kg.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY

Cattle numbers were limited at 84 head with most of dairy origin. Angus bulls, 325kg, sold for $650, $2.00/kg, while eight Jersey, 448kg, returned $2.46/kg.

Friesian-cross made up most of the steers and two-year, 428-565kg, sold for $2.61-$2.72/kg, while 329kg yearlings made $3.04/kg.

Wairoa ewe fair • Top pen of five-year Romney ewes made $205 • Very good and good Romney ewes sold for $183-$186 and $180 A small yarding of breeding ewes at WAIROA last Thursday lifted $22-$45 on 2018 levels. All bar one line was five-year Romney from three properties and most traded at $180-$205, with two small lighter lines at $142-$160.

Stortford Lodge ewe fair • Top price was $248 for capital stock six-tooth Romney • Very good to heavy two-tooths traded at $202-$226 • Very heavy five-year Romney made $191-$215 The third round of ewe fairs at STORTFORD LODGE last Friday featured nearly 4000 breeding ewes. These were a second run to the earlier fairs with quality not as high, which was reflected in the prices, but the market still gained $20-$40 on comparative 2018 levels.

Capital stock Romney ewes made a premium, taking top and second spot as four-five year earned $224. Very good Romney two-tooths sold to $202-$210, and the balance, $152-$172.

The $200 market was not hit as frequently in the five-year pens. Good to heavy types traded at $152-$178, while the top mixed age price was $191 for heavy Romney.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep sale • Medium mixed sex lambs remained steady at $130-$142 • Medium-good to good ewes also stayed steady at $119-$148 • Ex-service Hereford bulls, 780-820kg, eased to $2.83-$2.89/kg • Boner Friesian cows, 497-572kg, firmed to $1.86/kg5 The change of sale day at FEILDING last Tuesday meant a reduction in cattle volume, though there were plenty of sheep to go around. Throughput was up in both the lamb and ewe pens and lambs sold on a slightly softer market.

Heavy ewe lambs made $141, and very heavy males, $167$168. Very heavy mixed sex sold for $163.50-$166.50 and heavy, $144-$157. Ewe’s were steady as top cuts sold for $150-$171, and most others exceeded $100.

A small cattle section featured ex-service bulls and cows.

Beef-cross cows, 604-707kg, firmed to $2.11-$2.15/kg.

Feilding store cattle and sheep sale • Heavy blackface ewes made $118 • Heavy whiteface cryptorchid lambs sold for $127-$129.50 • Friesian two-year bulls, 465-501kg, softened to $2.59-$2.72/kg • Traditional-Friesian two-year heifers, 390-465kg sold for $2.68$2.79/kg • Yearling Angus-Friesian steers, 295-329kg, made $3.20-$3.51/kg A large crowd came to this week’s store cattle and sheep sale at Feilding. Decent rain in the Hawkes Bay meant this area was well represented with buyers wanting to make the most of the boost in pasture growth. Store lambs still sold with high demand. White faced cryptorchid lambs sold well with heavy and light lines strengthening and medium lines

holding steady. Heavy black faced mixed sex lines sold for $111-$121 while heavy ewe lambs made $118. In the cattle pens two-year Friesian bulls softened to make $2.59-$2.72/ kg. Two-year traditional/Friesian heifers sold well at $2.68$2.79/kg. Yearling Angus/Friesian steers also sold well at $3.20-$3.51/kg.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park cattle and sheep • Medium to good mixed sex lambs firmed to $110-$119 • Light-medium mixed sex lambs lifted to $94-$109 • Prime beef-cross heifers, 495-625kg, eased to $2.76/kg • Yearling Hereford-cross steers, 294-372kg, earned $3.01-$3.13/kg • Yearling Murray Grey heifers, 364-379kg, returned $3.02-$3.03/kg Just 1800 store lambs were offered at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday, while the grass market drew in a larger entry of mainly lesser bred store cattle.

Store lambs sold on a firm to lifting market with medium male lambs at $100-$115.

Prime lambs held value with most making $120-$149, and tops, $150-$186. Two-tooth ewes sold for $147-$152, while a robust market for mixed age ewes meant good to heavy ewes made $170-$188. Most ewes were medium to medium-good and returned $130-$159.

Vendors were rewarded for a 450 head store cattle yarding of mainly yearling beef-dairy. Charolais-cross and Hereford-cross steers, 442-447kg, sold well for $3.30$3.57/kg. Second cuts of Hereford-cross, 323-435kg, eased to $2.90-$2.99/kg. Heifers of same breed and 267-308kg returned $3.11-$3.13/kg, while 317-423kg were steady at $2.84-$2.87/kg.

Prime quality was mixed and prices varied. Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 493-521kg, were rewarded with $3.13-3.16/kg, and exotic heifers sold to $2.91/kg. Good beef cows made $1.82-$1.90/kg, and medium, $1.69-$1.70/ kg.

Coalgate weaned calf sale • Hereford-Friesian steers, 116-166kg, lifted to $510-$650 • Speckle Park heifers, 169kg, sold well at $645 • Hereford-Friesian bulls, 137-159kg, steady at $560-$595 • Friesian bulls, 95-117kg, eased to $350-$435 • Speckle Park bulls, 144kg, returned $620 A solid yarding of just under 900 weaners were on offer at Coalgate, with a moderate buying bench looking for bigger calves and smaller types less popular.

Murray-Grey steers, 100kg, returned $435.

In the heifer pens Angus, 107-120kg, traded at $380$395, while Murray-Grey 103-105kg, returned $400-$420, with 143kg, at $530. Hereford-Friesian heifers lifted for the majority and 118kg-130kg, earned $525-$550, with 165kg at $630.

Hereford-Friesian bulls, 104-125kg, eased to $445-$480, while most Friesian, 125-171kg, maintained levels of $430$515. Cross-bred, 125-166kg, traded at $275-$330, and Murray-Grey, 103-133kg, at $400-$480.

Mixed sex Murray-Grey, 141kg, earned $530, with Hereford-Friesian, 95-132kg, making $300-$370.

Coalgate cattle and sheep sale • Good mixed sex lambs firmed to $112-$119 • Medium mixed sex lambs eased to $91-$109

Temuka prime and boner cattle and sheep • Good mixed sex lambs were steady to firm at $114-$120 • Medium-good mixed sex was steady at $111-$114 • Prime Angus steers, 594-599kg, earned $2.80-$2.86/kg • Prime Hereford-cross heifers, 530-605kg, firmed to $2.75/kg • Prime traditional bulls, 571-735kg, firmed to $2.77-$2.87/kg With store lambs throughput well down on 2018 and a grass market continuing, prices sustained a strong market at TEMUKA last Monday. The top mixed sex sold for $121$133, while two lines of good halfbred lambs made $126$133.

Prime ewes were strong and top cuts sold for $180-$210, and second, $132-$178. No extra competition in the prime lamb pens and easing schedules meant a softer tone to the market and most made $120-$138, with top cuts at $140$170.

Ex-service bull prices matched steer and heifer, with the majority in all sections trading at $2.70-$2.80/kg, and up to $2.87/kg. Hereford-cross steers, 520-706kg, were steady at $2.70-$2.82/kg, while Angus and Charolais heifers, 515662kg, reached $2.80-$2.87/kg.

Friesian bulls, 615-616kg, also made $2.76-$2.80/kg, with the balance at $2.68-$2.78/kg. Jersey, 535-605kg firmed to $2.73/kg, and 491-516kg made $2.60-$2.66/kg. Lighter types earned $2.26-$2.50/kg.

Boner cows eased and Friesian, 456-664kg, traded at $1.68-$1.76/kg.

Temuka two-tooth ewe fair • Top line of Border Leicester-Romney sold for $320 • Coopworth ewes reached $283 • Capital stock Romney sold up to $272-$290 Strong breeding ewe results continued at TEMUKA last Wednesday, with two-tooth’s in the spotlight. Expectations were high but founded as all bar two lines of Border Leicester-Romney made $302-$320, with prices up $50$75 on 2018. Coopworth ewes traded at $208-$283, and Perendale, $228-$245. The top Romney lines sold for $266-$290, with the balance making $234-$258. RomneyTexel cross returned $218-$263, and a big line of RomneyCoopworth, $279.

Temuka store cattle • Yearling Angus steers, 338-364kg, earned $3.55-$3.60/kg • Yearling Murray Grey-Friesian steers, 314-348kg, fetched $3.25$3.33/kg • Yearling Charolais-cross heifers, 331-363kg, traded at $3.11$3.17/kg • Yearling Hereford-Friesian heifers, 395-430kg, eased to $2.90/kg • Yearling Jersey bulls, 285-344kg, traded at $600-$700 A small buying bench at TEMUKA last Thursday managed to absorb the 780 head store cattle offered, and the market was buoyant.

Two-year volume was limited and Hereford-Friesian steers, 399-409kg, made $2.85-$2.89/kg, and heifers, 392442kg, $2.73-$2.81/kg.

Autumn-born traditional cattle sold well as steers, 351364kg, returned $3.65-$3.63/kg, and heifers, 308-335kg, $3.28/kg.

Results for yearling Hereford-Friesian were variable as steers held but heavy heifers lost ground. Steers, 405-430kg, earned $3.07/kg while lighter but better quality reached $3.20/kg. Heifers mostly eased but clean lines at 317-349kg managed $3.00-$3.11/kg.

A small entry of weaners had mixed reviews and Friesian, 145-204kg, earned $350-$450.

Markets

56 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 28, 2019 NI BULL

SI STEER

COARSE WOOL INDICATOR

($/KG)

($/KG)

WEANER FRIESIAN BULLS, 165190KG, AT TARANAKI WEANER FAIR

($/KG)

($/HD LW)

5.00

5.15

2.86

640

high lights

Export lamb down sharply Alan Williams

E

alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

XPORT lamb prices have come quite sharply off their highs of last year, by more and at a faster rate than in a typical season.

After a stellar 18 months early signs are that the market is running out of steam, ASB rural economist Nathan Penny said.

The price fall is steeper but coming off much higher highs than previously, AgriHQ senior livestock analyst Nicola Dennis said.

From a 2018 year-end figure of $7.65/ kg the schedule average across the country fell to $7.10 last week.

Going into the latest weekend the schedule was clinging close to that figure after earlier expectations it might hit $7kg.

Dennis expects a price somewhere between those two marks.

“The processors have been paying a lot for limited supply and their margins have been squeezed.

“They are keen to get those back and have been trying to get the schedule to $7.”

Processors have already said inmarket price justify a schedule below $7kg.

Plenty of on-farm feed coupled with slower finishing in some areas because of lack of sunshine mean farmers have held lambs back from processing.

Penny notes the year opened at a $7.20 average, down $1.23kg or 15% from the price peak of $8.43/kg in September.

“This was a little more than we expected at this stage,” Penny said in an ASB commodities report.

“The average fall over the last five years from the spring peak to the autumn low is about $1.20/kg.”

The fall so far this year has exceeded the average fall with another two months or so before prices usually bottom out.

Penny believes the price fall has further to run with potential to reach a low in the $6.50/kg to $6.75/kg level.

BIG DIPPER: High prices for works lambs last year have driven a faster and steeper fall in schedules this year, AgriHQ analyst Nicola Dennis says.

At $6.50 it’s still a pretty darn good price.

Nathan Penny ASB That would put prices below last season’s low of $6.80.

“At $6.50 it’s still a pretty darn good price.”

Many markets are in wait-andsee mode because of economic and trade tensions, notably China, where recent growth figures are okay but with questions on how the year might unfold. The Brexit impact on the British/ European market will also be important.

British demand has fallen away over the last 18 months and is unlikely to return to its former glory but Germany has bought more lamb at good prices and other European markets have also stepped up, even though the growth

outlook there has deteriorated.

Dennis highlighted the November 30 prices as a guide to how strong the market has been.

From the 2017 level of $7.20/kg in the North Island and $7.25 in the South Island the 2018 levels had jumped to $8.10 and $7.90 respectively. That drove the steep fall since then. So far, store lamb prices have not fallen to match the schedule trend and that is a surprise.

Looking ahead, overseas demand is still good and the market feel is that there is a lack of supply, largely through the extended drought impacts in Australia.

The later Easter this year, Good Friday is on April 19 compared to March 30 last year, will potentially help maintain prices as processors look to fill the valuable chilled Easter market.

That could coincide with greater volumes being killed as more lambs finally reach good processing weights but it is hard to say if supply will be strong enough to push prices lower, Dennis said.

$302-$320

$3.11-$3.17

Border LeicesterRomney ewes at Temuka Two-Tooth Fair

Yearling Charolais-cross heifers, 331-362kg, at Temuka

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

Grass growth is a doubleedged sword THE supply-demand equation is out of whack for store lambs this season as grass continues to grow in many areas. The grass is a doubleedged sword – it is bringing more buyers to the market but in the same breath is keeping more lambs at home as farmers look to either put on more weight or finish.

The store pens at most sale yards covered by LivestockEye have had slim pickings so far this year, relative to last year and five-year averages.

South Island yards have dropped significantly in volume for the first three weeks of the year.

Compared to last year’s levels Temuka has traded 62% fewer lambs with 41% less on the five-year average. Canterbury Park is sitting at 42% less and 25% for the five-year average.

A boost in store numbers for last week’s sale meant Coalgate is trailing 2018 levels by only 25% and is up 8% on the five-year average.

Feilding and Stortford Lodge figures are more consistent, compared to last year’s levels at least, with both yards down 21% on 2018 though Feilding is well up on the five-year average while Stortford Lodge is down 16%.

Lambs are also trading in the paddock and at on-farm sales but, even then, tallies available at these outlets are down on recent years.

So, what has this all meant for prices? With the flow of lambs to processors increasing to some extent they have been able to pull schedules back and that is the only area having a negative impact on the store lamb market but in most cases it is being offset by grassdriven demand. Store lambs are still selling on a firm market and average prices calculated from the sale yards this week have 27-30kg lambs averaging $105-$115. There is variance on that relative to sex and type but that is a general rule of thumb. Store lambs at auction are trading 45c/kg LW up on 2018 results in the North Island while South Island yards are posting lifts of 65-75c/kg LW. The real growth, though, can be seen when comparing to fiveyear averages, with all yards $1.20-$1.30/kg LW up. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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