The Farmlander - April 2021 by Farmlands

SPECIAL OFFERS AND INFORMATION FOR FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

APRIL 2021

Valid from 1 — 30 April 2021

The FARMLANDER GAME CHANGER FOR SHEEP PAGE 6

WEATHERING THE STORM PAGE 22

KNOWING YOUR EMISSIONS PAGE 27

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

APRIL

INTEREST

PLAN365

3 Farmlands staff profile

Plan365 Nutrition

3 From the Acting CEO

33 Grain processing for horse health

4 5 minutes with Dave Maslen

35 Using magnesium oxide wisely

6 Special Feature – Game changer for sheep

37 The new chicks on the block

12 More than just a game

39 It pays to read the feed label

14 Delighting in the details

Plan365 Animal Management

16 Buying Power Promise

41 Simple weighing is easier than ever

17 Leading by example 18 Greenhouse gas numbers — it's all about the plan 20 Action group ready and wooling

43 An answer to fertiliser restrictions 44 A better way to breed 49 Hoggets need a good feed

22 Weathering the storm 27 Knowing your emissions

Plan365 Forage and Arable

29 Connecting rural New Zealand

53 A more environmental and profitable phosphorus

31 The future won’t take care of itself

Plan365 Rural Infrastructure

63 Century Farms — Days of wine and roses

55 Safe and effective predator control

64 Property Brokers update

56 Smart culvert tactics to meet stronger water regulations 59 Productivity on the fence line 61 A lifetime of innovative thinking 59 Power to the people

SPECIAL OFFERS AND INFORMATION FOR

FARMLANDS SHAREHOLDERS

APRIL 2021

Valid from 1 — 30 April 2021

The FARMLANDER GAME CHANGER FOR SHEEP PAGE 6

WEATHERING THE STORM

PAGE 22

KNOWING YOUR EMISSIONS

PAGE 27

ON THE COVER Hugh and Jo Robinson have been farming at Mt Palm on the eastern side of the Amuri Valley in North Canterbury for more than 30 years and during most of that time, Hugh wondered why no one has ever developed a pour-on drench treatment for sheep? Images by Elise Rutherford Photography

The information contained in this publication is given in good faith and has been derived from sources perceived to be reliable and accurate. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information, Farmlands gives no warranties, express or implied, regarding the information nor does it accept any liability for any opinion or information (including the accuracy or completeness thereof) or for any consequences flowing from its use. The information and views expressed in

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this publication are not necessarily the views or opinion of Farmlands, its editorial contributors, freelancers, associates or information providers. Independent advice is recommended before acting on information or suggestions contained herein. Readers who rely on this information do so at their own risk. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service whether by trade name, trademark, manufacture, or otherwise does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Farmlands.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. Prices and offers apply only in the month stated on the front cover of this publication and while stocks last. Not all products are available at all Farmlands stores. All prices include GST unless otherwise stated.

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FARMLANDS STAFF PROFILE Vince Curle

Welcome to the April edition of The Farmlander. This is my first introduction to you in my role as Acting Chief Executive, following Peter Reidie’s departure on 31st March.

Salesperson, Farmlands Hastings

Q: How long have you been with Farmlands? A: 36 years in all. Back when I started in 1985 the co-operative had about 20 stores and only covered four regions, Manawatu, Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty and Wairarapa. Q: How are things looking for farmers in your patch this year after the drought last year? A: We’ve had a good spring, probably the best we’ve had in 15 years, which is great because last year was a tough one for most of our customers. The good spring rain will help but autumn is the time when they really need that rain. If that happens we will be looking at a good outlook for winter and winter drought is the toughest of the lot. Most of our sheep and beef farmers are looking to get their Body Count Scores up now. With pre-lambing in full swing, many are looking at pre lambing treatments and if the 5-in-1 vaccination is required. Q: How did it feel to win Farmlander of the Year at the National Conference? A: It was the highlight of my career. To be acknowledged by the company and my peers is something that I will never forget. I just feel very honoured. I love coming to work and this award has just motivated me even more. I also owe gratitude to Arnie Haydon who was my first store manager in Hastings in the 1980s and Tracey Burtenshaw who came into that role after him and who I ran the store for on two occasions, while she was on maternity leave. Also the current store manager Jacques Theron who nominated me for the effort that I put in and for helping me develop even further. Q: How do you spend your spare time? A: I do a bit of wood sculpting. I’m basically self-taught and it’s something that I really enjoy. I’ve sculpted all sorts of things from Korus to Manta Rays. I’m also a keen surfer so I try to get to Cape Kidnappers when I can, Te Awanga has a break that has pretty consistent surf.

ncevege’s salad Vigo-to Method 1. Add a dollop of olive oil to a pan and fry kumara on a low heat with a sprinkle of Ingredients all-purpose seasoning and a sprinkle of • Kale leaves (finely chopped) curry powder until it has has softened. • Carrot (grated) • Tomato (sliced or diced) • 1/3 red onion (finely sliced) • 1/3 beetroot (grated) • Celery (finely chopped) • Kumara (cubed) • Boiled egg (optional) • All-purpose seasoning • Curry powder • Olive oil • Chicken or tuna (optional)

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FROM THE ACTING CEO

2. Remove kumara from heat and allow to cool. 3. Toss kumara, kale, carrot, tomato, red onion, beetroot and celery together in a bowl. Add a boiled egg or two if you feel like it! 4. Gently mix another dollop of olive oil through the salad or alternatively, leave out the oil and add a salad dressing of choice on the side. 5. Optional: serve with any type of meat – my preference is roast chicken or tuna but this salad also goes well with a steak.

Our Board has a process underway to find our new Chief Executive. In the meantime, it’s my privilege and honour to step in and lead the co-operative alongside our management team. The Board’s process will build on the foundations created over the past 5 years. Our strategy, systems, processes and people are those foundations and together will continue to support our shareholders in successfully navigating the profound change we face as an industry. Adapting and positioning to be the best and most valuable partner to our shareholders remains a core priority. I am mindful that this type of change can be unsettling. I want to assure you that we have strong direction and momentum in the business and my focus will be keeping us on track in that regard. While leadership is important, clarity and alignment of Purpose is critical. I will also be prioritising ongoing clarity throughout the organisation about how each of us in our roles contributes to delivering our Purpose - no matter who we are or where we sit. I appreciate too that not many of you will know me. My role as Chief Financial Officer is typically a more behind-the-scenes one. While I have overseen our traditional finance, reporting and risk functions, I’ve also had responsibility for our strategy work. That has entailed having to identify and understand the key changes and trends impacting our industry and to develop our strategy in response. Before this I ran the Rural Corporate division in one of the banks and was part of a leadership team that oversaw nearly 20 percent of New Zealand’s rural lending. This included establishing a specialist Agri Capital team delivering strategic insights and specialised capital solutions for food and agri businesses across the value chain. Farming and agri are deeply engrained. I was raised on a sheep and beef farm in Southland in a small farming district called Brydone near Gore. My family have owned and farmed there for more than a 100 years over four generations. Growing up on this land I recall all too well the challenges of the late 80s / early 90s following removal of subsidies exposing sheep and beef farming particularly to the harsh winds of the market. Indeed, I liken the magnitude of those challenges to what we face today. We adapted then by converting to dairy. The industry itself adapted and thrived. For this reason I see huge opportunity in the changes we face. Like then I believe we will grow stronger and thrive. While I am unsure how long I will be Acting Chief Executive, I am sure that your co-operative has a strong and capable Leadership Team in place to continue driving our commitment to improving our performance and service. Change is here. While climate-change, sustainable farming, COVID-19, low-emission and precision ag, transparency and provenance, consumer-led and land-use change are challenges, they are also great opportunities. We are committed to having the right solutions, and to earning the right to support you and your success. All the best for the month ahead.

Kevin Cooney Acting Chief Executive Ofiicer Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

THE FARMLANDER | 3

5 minutes with Dave Maslen General Manager Markets and Sustainability The New Zealand Merino Company

with pragmatism on-farm. Equally it’s essential that we listen and react to these consumer messages, in order for us to remain in step and relevant. What do you think the biggest drawcard for NZM products are? Brands work with NZM because they value authentic and deep relationships.

What is your background and how did your involvement with The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) come about?

They want to be connected to the

After studying Natural Resource Management and Forestry at Massey University, I spent 6 years working in regional councils in the Waikato and Canterbury. I was particularly interested in supporting farmers in achieving positive environmental and social outcomes within their businesses, so when the opportunity at NZM came up, I leapt at it. I recognised NZM was a leader in connecting growers to markets and supporting long-term positive outcomes through market incentivisation.

the wool will meet their consumers

What has been the biggest challenge for you since coming on board?

consumer/social license to operate

Keeping up with the rapid increase in awareness and expectation with regard to social licence to operate. It’s essential that we balance the values and requests of our markets

both domestically and internationally

growers who supply their wool and to partner with them long-term. They are also seeking confidence that expectations with regard to animal welfare, environmental integrity, social responsibility and fibre quality. Our ZQ programme provides this confidence. They also work with us because we are able to offer forward contracts that provide visibility, price stability and certainty with regard to quality, season after season. What are some of the challenges facing the New Zealand merino industry in the current landscape? We’re seeing a lot of regulatory and pressure being applied to growers, from a market access and consumerexpectation expectation perspective. This makes our certification programme ZQ and notably our newly launched

Over and above supplying the world’s best wool, this means providing leadership, advocacy and collaboration around innovation.”

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ZQRX regenerative programme so important, to ensure our growers remain ahead of the legislative curve and extract market rewards by being able to deliver to consumer's increasing expectations. The current price of strong wool also presents a significant challenge. A core focus of NZM is working with our global markets to demonstrate the exceptional work our grower suppliers do and leverage this to achieve long-term contracts at premiums to the volatile commodity market. Which international market has seen the most rapid increase in demand over the last 5 years and what is driving this in your view? A large portion of our market is North America and this is only continuing to grow. We also have strong demand in Asia and Scandinavia. Perhaps more interesting is demand by market sector and sales channel. We have seen strong demand within the active outdoor markets as people are really starting to rediscover their backyards and perhaps now starting to move toward more relaxed attire, as a result of working from home. Correspondingly, we have seen more formal and luxury markets suffering. We’ve also seen a really significant shift to ecommerce and digital platforms, with sales being up across nearly all markets in this regard. How is NZM contributing to the messages New Zealand is telling the world about our produce? We work with our brand partners and with other leaders across the sector, to ensure the product and message we

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FARMLANDS 5 MINUTES

are selling positions New Zealand in the premium space globally. This means a focus on value over volume, environmental sustainability (and now regeneration), animal welfare and social responsibility. Over and above supplying the world’s best wool, this means providing leadership, advocacy and collaboration around innovation and continued disruption of the status quo.

I recognised NZM was a leader in connecting growers to markets.” What is NZM doing in terms of sustainability initiatives, any future goals or target in this regard? We have just launched ZQRX, the world’s first fully regenerative wool supply platform that celebrates and acknowledges all that our growers are doing to deeply understand the complex interactions between their livestock, soil, climate, ecology and community, while helping to set goals for the future. Continuing to on board our growers to this programme is a key priority for us. This helps ensure our products keep up with the growing market demand for regenerative products. Has NZM and your growers felt the impact of falling wool prices, or is premium merino holding strong? We have been through a hugely volatile 12 months, with customers and brands

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experiencing an extraordinary amount of uncertainty and supply chain disruption. Despite this and as a result of the deep and long-term relationships that we have forged between growers and brands, all our brand partners have honoured their contracts. COVID-19 has been tough for everyone and we’re in awe of the resilience and grit shown by our growers and brand partners alike. We continue to actively pursue new business, write new contracts and bring on board new brands in both merino and strong wool, despite all that COVID-19 and 2020 threw (and continues to throw) at us. What advice would you give Kiwis producing other premium farm products that might help them reach their sustainability targets?

to drive change. When a grower is disconnected from their market or selling

Be very attuned to your markets, listen to them and customise your offerings specifically to delight them.

via commodity routes these signals and

For farmers and growers wanting to produce wool for NZM, where do they start?

in the events and knowledge

With a conversation. We work with merino wool, mid-micron and strong wool farms and would love to talk to growers who share a similar passion and vision for wool and its place in the market. Please get in touch with any of the NZM team and we can connect you to your local area manager. What is the biggest barrier for NZ farm produce exporters that may be holding them back from making the shift to sustainable practices? Recognition from the market and reflection of this in pricing and market access represents a high opportunity

ability for recognition are lost. What is coming up for NZM sharing space? Usually we would have just come back from a busy season on the winter shows in Europe and the USA, but this year is a bit different! Keep an eye out on our Instagram pages (@nzmerinoco and @discoverzq) to stay in the loop on latest news and events. You will also be seeing a lot more about ZQRX in the media over coming months as our growers and markets lean into this programme. We have a full roster of grower events on during the year, just reach out to your area manager for more information on what we might have coming up.

THE FARMLANDER | 5

SPECIAL FEATURE

GAME CHANGER FOR SHEEP

| Jeremy Silva, Donaghys Managing Director (left), Hugh Robinson and Jason Usmar.

6 | THE FARMLANDER

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| Hugh's property runs 4,700 Romney and Romney Texcel crossbred ewes and an additional 1,000 hoggets are also lambed.

A chance conversation on the sideline of a netball game led to a major animal health game-changer for sheep farmers. Hugh Robinson and his wife Jo have been farming at Mt Palm on the eastern side of the Amuri Valley in North Canterbury for more than 30 years and during most of that time, Hugh wondered why no one has ever developed a pour-on drench treatment for sheep?

There’s the physical side, which includes yard injuries, plus

In a meant-to-be moment, around 8 years ago, Hugh was on the sideline watching his daughter play netball and chatting to Donaghys’ Managing Director Jeremy Silva.

blown away by his response because I knew if Donaghys

quicker drenching saves time and labour and gets the sheep back onto pasture more quickly. “To my surprise Jeremy picked up the idea and ran with it, leaving me hoping I hadn’t sold him down the creek. I was could pull this off it would be a game-changer for sheep farmers, not just in New Zealand, but globally.

“Jeremy asked me – what is it that farmers need? It was just an off-the-cuff question,” Hugh says.

“Around 6 months later, Jeremy confirmed he had started

“What about a pour-on drench for sheep? We’ve got it for cattle, why not sheep?

working on it.”

developing a spot-on sheep drench and already had scientists

“As farmers are getting older, they have to get smarter and that includes being less physical in the way they run their farms. Yard work is very physically demanding and a spot-on treatment for sheep has benefits for the farmer and the stock.

A long road

“To me there were so many reasons to support a spot-on drench for internal parasite control for sheep.

“It has taken years to get this world first technology patented

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While Hugh provided the impetus for Scorpius Elite Spot-On he said it was Jeremy’s commitment that had resulted in the development of the product. and to market," Hugh says.

THE FARMLANDER | 7

| Time for a quick tour before drenching. Hugh Robinson (left), Jeremy Silva, Donaghys Managing Director, Sean Daly, Donaghys Business Development Manager – Animal Health and Jason Usmar, Stock Manager.

“From what I understand, it is a very long process of

“Settled weaned lambs just wandered through the race and

registration and controlled testing, to develop a completely

were squirted as they walked by.

new product, which has to meet regulatory standards.”

“That’s a massive time saving and a lot less physical work.

Extensive trial work has been carried out across New Zealand

"This has the potential to change sheep farming, as less yard

covering a number of environments, wool lengths and worm

time will help attract people to work on farms and taking

species, as part of the development.

a chunk of the physicality away will hopefully mean older

Hugh says Donaghys really took his point about making

farmers can hang in there for longer.

farming easier on board, while not compromising drench

“The spot-on treatment is so easy to use and it could also

efficacy and farm productivity.

contribute to different applications of pre-lamb drenching

“They have nailed the whole point, which is about making

and vaccination, which could save time and money.

drenching quick and easy with less stress on the animals and

“A lot of farmers use a combination vaccine/drench

reducing yarding time.

which can cost more, but reduces the number of times

“We are pretty fortunate Jeremy had the get up and go to

stock has to be bought in. This new spot-on treatment is

invest in something new and ultimately I will be a beneficiary, and hopefully other farmers too.” Hugh was one of the first to try Scorpius following its official

so easy to use it can be combined with other treatments, giving farmers a new range of treatment options and combinations.”

launch and says the end result has been as good, if not better,

Always learning

than expected.

Hugh is no stranger to innovative techniques that create

“We ran sheep through and timed how long it took with the

efficiencies and he is always reviewing his farm’s physical and

traditional oral drench and compared that with the time taken

financial performance.

for the spot-on treatment, with Scorpius taking a fraction of

Mt Palm comprises 1,950ha and receives an annual rainfall of

the time.

around 700mm.

8 | THE FARMLANDER

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SPECIAL FEATURE

| Hugh rounding up his flock.

Drought protection and ultimately drought proofing is always high on the agenda. “We literally have a drought every year and farm to ensure we are as protected as possible.” When Hugh returned home to Mt Palm in his early 20s, around 90ha of the farm was irrigated using border dyke irrigation, which involved a gravity water diversion system where the diverted water floods over paddocks. Hugh established a spray irrigation system and has tripled the irrigation area with 220ha of flat to rolling downs now irrigated, comprising 70 paddocks that are 3-to-5 hectares in size. Varying soil types, power lines through the flat, surface drains and very good shelter belts meant a centre pivot irrigation would have been a scorched earth approach, so hard hose gun travelling irrigation is used. Mt Palm has eight 300m guns servicing the 220ha of irrigation via a mainline pipe and an additional 50ha that can be watered in the shoulder season of autumn, by extending the mainline with portable pipes.

This has the potential to change sheep farming, as less yard time will help attract people to work on farms and taking a chunk of the physicality away will hopefully mean older farmers can hang in there for longer.”

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| The spot-on application means less stress for livestock and less time spent in the yard.

THE FARMLANDER | 9

Water is sourced from the Waiau irrigation scheme and

The regular summer dry also means any spring surplus is

consented ground water.

conserved as bulk silage, usually around 1,000 tonne on hand

Trough water supply is from pumped artesian water and

going into summer/winter. Round bales, around 50 tonne of

gravity-fed from a joint water supply.

barley, 15ha of kale and the same in rape are also part of the

Summer safe

The supplementary feed, combined with the irrigation, makes

The 300ha of strong western-facing hill country has been

Mt Palm close to drought safe.

developed and comprises nine blocks, with water via troughs

Hugh’s aim is to run a simple and productive operation.

summer safe plan.

or summer safe spring supply.

Mt Palm runs 4,700 Romney and Romney Texcel crossbred

The remaining 1,350ha is on the eastern side of the Lowry

ewes and an additional 1,000 hoggets are also lambed.

Range facing towards Cheviot and is comprised of 15 blocks.

“We aim for a lambing percentage of around 145 percent.

Hugh says all the hill blocks are summer safe and do not run

We don’t want to scan higher than 170 percent because we

out of water, even in very dry summer conditions, so long as

want to avoid multiple triplets and instead our goal is mid-

stocking numbers are set accordingly.

performance range, mid-size strong open-faced ewes.”

| Jason Usmar (Stock Manager), Jacob Milne (Shepherd) and Hugh Robinson. On the cattle front, around 330 to 350 cows calve each year including 60 R2 first calvers.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Good stock Mt Palm buy rams from Sam Holland in Culverden, who Hugh describes as a go-getter sheep breeder with tough breeding criteria for Romney Texel maternal rams and Suffolk Texel terminal rams.

On the cattle front, around 330 to 350 cows calve each year

Straight Romney rams are sourced from Richard Warren in Wairarapa, selected for their remarkable maternal values, which has contributed to the Mt Palm lambing percentage – without having too many triplets.

medium size calf without dropping too much body condition.

“We want easy-care, good mothers rearing two good lambs unattended on tussock country.” Ewes receive minimal animal health products and until the Scorpius launch, would receive a 5 in 1 drench pre-lamb and electro-dip for fly at weaning pre-Christmas. Through summer, finishing lambs had been traditionally drenched for internal parasites on a monthly basis, with a double or triple combination drench. Hugh takes advantage of his flat’s west-facing aspect, early spring country selling up to 2,000 terminal sire lambs preChristmas, which frees up the same land post-Christmas to finish around 5,000 tussock lambs. Terminal sire lambs are sent to the works down to 16kg carcass weight and the remainder up to 19kg carcass weight. Ideally 70 percent of the lambs are off farm by the end of May, with the remainder sold through until July.

including 60 R2 first calvers. Hereford Genepool polled bulls from Haldon Station are used, with the aim of being mid-size fleshy cows able to maintain condition on dry hill country, get in-calf annually and wean a Up to 160 yearling bulls are sold in November to dairy operations. Replacement heifers are fed well to grow out as much as possible pre-calving and the remaining heifers are put on the truck as local trade at 18 to 20 months, or kept as replacements. Hugh has witnessed massive changes in his 30 plus years of farming and can see Scorpius Elite Spot-On revolutionising sheep farming. “Modern sheep are a vigorous, physical breed and anything that limits the yard time that farmers have to spend with them must be good. “With Scorpius it is just a matter of walking along a race giving them a squirt as opposed to being in the yards and race and physically giving them a down the throat drench. “I know some farmers will be sceptical of a sheep spot-on, but I have a lot of confidence this is going to revolutionise sheep drenching with savings across a lot of levels.

Hugh says 5,000 lambs is a comfortable number on hand to finish during the early summer period, utilising the irrigation and dryland rape.

“Like anything new, it will take a bit of adapting-to, but from

Around 2,200 good ewe lambs suitable for breeding are kept as ewe lamb mobs.

combination spot-on sheep drench and I look forward to

what I have seen, it’s a win-win situation. “It’s certainly been great to be a catalyst in a world-first watching the results roll out.”

| Mt Palm comprises 1,950ha and receives an annual rainfall of around 700mm.

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THE FARMLANDER | 11

More than just a game The community came together to witness the Crusaders snatch the Farmlands Cup from a determined Highlanders side in the final minutes (28-26), in front of a rapturous sold-out audience at the Temuka Rugby Club on Friday, 12th February. It’s a rare occasion for the town to host such a big game and the event was treated as such by locals and visitors alike – the district playing host to a wide range of associated activities – aimed at benefiting the local community socially and economically. Farmlands shareholders travelled to Temuka from all around New Zealand ahead of the game and were shown good hospitality in and around the Farmlands marquee, alongside current and former-All Blacks. The Highlanders set themselves up well in the first half, only for the Crusaders to make a courageous comeback from a daunting 26-0 deficit. The atmosphere was vibrant, as an early drizzle dissipated into dazzling sunshine. Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson says there is always a lot of

| Farmlands shareholders enjoyed the game in the late afternoon sunshine.

12 | THE FARMLANDER

anticipation leading in to the first game of the season. The chance to engage with the community and represent the wider Crusaders region in front of a full crowd at Temuka Rugby Club and to snatch the win from the jaws of defeat, was rewarding and exciting for the Crusaders squad.

A boost for the town

Brett Cameron was awarded Man of the Match for his stellar performance on the day, converting four tries in the second stanza to help his team grab what was looking like an unlikely win. Crusader Timoci Tavatavanawai and Highlander Liam Coltman also had a big part to play, scoring two tries a piece. Farmstrong was awarded a $5,000 cheque thanks to a Crusader win, as their nominated charity and the funds will be put to good use in supporting the wellbeing of people living in rural communities.

short trip from his fully irrigated 250ha

Outgoing Farmlands Chief Executive Peter Reidie says it was a wonderful occasion for the town and was proud that Farmlands could play a role in bringing the community together and hoped that the younger generation would be inspired by meeting their sporting heroes.

wider district, drew people in who were

The Farmlander spoke to a number of shareholders on the day, all of whom were rapt to be there, enjoying the game and catching up with old mates from around the district. One such was Otaio sheep and beef farmer Stuart Bowie, making the property 24km south-west of Timaru. “I’ve honestly never seen the town of Temuka so busy,” Stuart says. “This is a great event for the town that doesn’t happen very often. I’ve caught up with some old friends from around the area, some who I haven’t seen for a very long time, the atmosphere is fantastic.” Venture Timaru Chief Executive Nigel Davenport agreed, saying the event had been the talk of the town and spending locally and put a spotlight on the calibre of events the area is now hosting. “It’s been magic to be honest, we had a huge influx of people who were spending locally and I’ve had a number of parents tell me how thrilled they were with the skills and drills event and school visits.

| Farmstrong Ambassador Sam Whitelock receives the winning cheque from Farmlands CEO Peter Reidie and Director Chris Dennison.

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CO-OPERATIVE NEWS

“A lot of hard and collaborative work has gone into this by the local organising groups and it’s been great to work alongside them all to showcase the Timaru District as a destination. “This is a real example of how provincial New Zealand can come together to put on great events.” Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge spoke to more than 50 local business leaders at a business breakfast on game day, sharing his insights on leadership and was elated at the success of and support shown, for the event.

| The skills and drills event and school visits were a highlight for many.

“This is a great way to start our 2021 campaign and it's testament to the incredible support of Farmlands and the wider South Canterbury community, that we've been able to sell out this fixture 3 weeks ahead of the match,” Colin says. Temuka Rugby Club Temuka Rugby Club was the place to be the night before the big match, as former All Black personalities Kees Meeuws, Andrew Hore and Corey Flynn entertained with candid stories of their playing days at the Temuka Rugby Club Gala Evening. Over $20,000 was raised for the club during the charity auction, which will be put to good use locally. Kees Meews told some entertaining tales and Andrew Hore won the crowd over with his understated nature and quick wit.

| A local lifts the cup.

the club rooms and grounds in shape and it was a great effort from our Groundkeeper Ken Darby, who had the field looking superb. “The Gala Evening was fantastic and we are very pleased with the funds raised, everyone commented on what a fantastic occasion it was and about all the events really – including the school visits. “We haven’t decided exactly how that

Although Temuka sits in South Canterbury, there was no shortage of Highlanders supporters and a number of ex-Temuka Rugby Club members travelled back to show their support for the event.

will be used, but the building does need

Temuka Rugby Club organising committee chairman David Fisher says that people came from far and wide, including ex-club members from all around the South Island and that he was grateful to all the local volunteers who helped in the lead up to the game.

across Thursday and Friday (including

“We had a great turn out of volunteers in the week before, who helped get

some serious thought (and more than a

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| The team were flying high thanks to Helicopters South Canterbury.

earthquake strengthening and we have our 150th anniversary in 2025.” Someone to look up to Hundreds of school kids from around the district were treated to visits students in Fairlie and Twizel, thanks to shareholders Helicopters South Canterbury), their bright smiles saying it all as they met their heroes face-to-face. Their Q&A sessions with the players were nothing short of hilarious, with sprinkle of fun) put into their questions.

Some got to have a game of hockey with visiting players, but mostly it served as a chance for the kids to get an insight into how and why they pursued their professional sporting dreams and how it changed their lives. Many players said they felt lucky and honoured to be paid to play and help promote the sport they love. They also thanked Farmlands Cup supporter, Temuka Transport 1967 Ltd, for the opportunity to connect with and inspire the children.There were hundreds of happy kids at the skills and drills session, where young people got the chance to train with the professionals. Splitting off into groups, there was tug of war, games of touch and more than a few laughs, as the kids picked up a few tips on how to outmanoeuvre their opponents! There were even more kids at the rugby itself the following day and those wearing red jerseys got to see their team make one heck of a comeback, on what was a memorable occasion for the whole community.

THE FARMLANDER | 13

SHAREHOLDER STORY

Delighting in the details Sharing their lifetime of dairy learnings is part of the journey to farm ownership for Canterbury dairy farmers Brent and Rebecca Miller. The contract dairy farmers attribute their success to their 'Farmily', acknowledging the calibre of the people around them who support their journey. With a dairy farming knowledge spanning the North and South Islands and experiencing family-run and corporate-owned farms, the Millers have consolidated their skill base through their consultancy business Milk IQ – and are committed to authentic performance through solidarity.

While they now milk 1,150 cows, the Millers began at River Terrace in its first year as a dairy conversion farm.

Last season River Terrace produced 565,845kg MS and Ealing Pasture Holdings 732,460kg MS.

2 years ago, they also took on the Morris’s second farm, Ealing Pasture Holdings, a larger block of 435ha a few kilometres down the road with a 394ha milking platform and 1,450 cows.

The daughter of dairy farmers, Rebecca grew up immersed in farm life. Her parents worked their way up the career ladder through contract milking, sharemilking and eventually farm ownership in Whangarei.

Their first-year milking at Ealing Pasture Holdings saw them increase production by 12 percent and decrease costs by 15 percent.

“We are able to apply the knowledge we’ve gathered over more than 20 years and put that against what farmers are trying to achieve,” Rebecca says.

The couple pride themselves on running a tight ship, focussing on cost control and doing the small things well. This was a contributing factor to their award wins with River Terrace Dairy having the lowest cost of production at $3.84/kg MS, operating expenses are contained to 40 percent of gross revenue and a very good pasture harvest of 15.5 tonnes of dry matter a hectare, with pasture being 78 percent of all consumed.

“We have seen lot of different systems, no one system fits every farm and every farm has different goals.”

They achieved an impressive 495kg MS a cow, based on data from the 201718 season.

The Millers have spent the past seven seasons at River Terrace Dairy farm, near Carew, south of Ashburton in mid-Canterbury

Attention to detail, by both management and staff, is a key focus and they actively involve their team in management decisions.

The 362ha farm, along with a 75ha support block, is owned by Andrew and Rachele Morris.

They are also vigilant record keepers with collected data giving them a large bank of information to draw from.

They look holistically at the whole business, crunching strategies, systems and applications for farmers.

Brent started dairying while a student in Telford, where he did relief milking to get some money and enjoyed it. He describes dairying as a way to make good money and progress, with people, stock and machinery adding lots of variety. The couple currently employ 11 full-time equivalent staff, plus relief milkers and extra helpers over calving. Brent and Rebecca want to raise up the people in their business, so they can keep the talent and those staff members can take on management roles. “It’s a full circle. For us the whole reason why we’re here is for our people and to have a positive impact, not just profit. If we have a positive impact with our people, profit will come anyway. “We have worked hard to create a good team culture and our staff turnover is zero.” They say that with the help of their staff they are able to run the two farming operations effectively and efficiently. “We are still working with the same staff we brought with us from our previous job. Andy and Rachele are the same, two of their staff members, who now work for us, have been on the farm for 16 years.”

| Brent and Rebecca Miller

14 | THE FARMLANDER

This season the Morris’s have offered the Millers a 10 percent equity in River Terrace.

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“Farm ownership is our ultimate goal. Having great staff means we can get out of the cowshed and away from day-today operations and focus more on the business and strategies. Developing the consultancy side gives us another income stream, which supports our farm ownership journey.

Programme. This relates to staff turnover

“We have a high level of trust with our staff but it’s a two-way street.

more hours and the impact that has with

“As we moved from farm to farm and worked for various people, each with their own management style, we learned the importance of treating others how you would want to be treated yourself. “We carry that philosophy through everything we do.” Rebecca is passionate about growing their off-farm business in the corporate farming arena, delivering practical functional systems to create a stable and resilient whole team environment. The Millers have three children, Blake, 16, Blair, 13, and Rhianna, 10. “When the kids were younger, they saw us very much hands-on milking, but now they are seeing a different side and it is good for them to witness how a business can grow.”

and what it costs a business to lose an employee and retrain someone new. He says losing a staff member is not just a cost from a monetary perspective. It’s also about loss of milk production and intangibles like other staff, management or owners having to step in and work stress and on families. Rebecca also hit the road as part of the Dairy Women’s Network ‘Make time for your people', speaking tour, which involves six face-to-face workshops which were held throughout the country from 8th March to 1st April 2021. “At the end of the day, our farming business operates around people and the need to look after people and provide an excellent working environment so they can do their job safely and well. “It’s a philosophy we enjoy sharing and even if we only help one person, that is one more person who can make a difference.” The award-winning couple have been recognised within the dairy industry and say their achievements give them a

There is a strong synergy between their off-farm consultancy work and on-farm operations for the passionate dairy farmers.

chance to benchmark and be involved at

In line with this, Rebecca is writing a book with the working title ‘Embrace the Intangible’.

award and also took home the Best

“It’s about everything you can’t buy. So it's behaviour, the way we are with people and the way we treat each other. Basically, it is about relationships and being an employer of choice and trust.”

awards. Last year they again won the

She and Brent have trademarked their ‘Farmily’ word, which they say encapsulates their management philosophy.

Rebecca is also entering the MPI

Brent is also working on a publication, ‘The true cost of transience in the dairy industry', which he is undertaking as part of the Kelloggs Rural Leadership

connection enables us apply pressure

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PASTURE YIELD AND DENSITY A PAIN IN THE NECK?

a strategic level. They were joint runners-up in the 2019 Dairy Business of the Year supreme Canterbury Farm Performance, Business Resilience and Best People Leadership Farm Performance, Business Resilience and Best People Leadership awards. This year they will enter the Dairy Business awards again and

Head in-store or talk to your TFO about growing more dry matter.

Good Employer Awards. “Entering gives us a performance measurement and that clarity and where we need to,” Rebecca says. Images supplied by Natwick and Dairy Farmer

THE FARMLANDER | 15

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Leading by example Former World Young Shepherd Champion Mitchel Hoare says ‘walking the talk’ is critical to a good health and safety culture on the farm. Mitchel, who was Waikato Bay of Plenty 2020 FMG Young Farmer of the Year winner, was raised on a sheep and beef farm at Te Kuiti and is now second in charge at Moketenui Station in the King Country. “Reminding people about things like wearing a helmet, planning ahead to take the safe approach and always doing so yourself is important,” he says. “We’ve also got strong systems in place around staying in contact and being able to raise the alarm if needed.” Mitchel is a graduate of the Waipaoa Station cadet programme and Lincoln University. He worked at Puketiti station at Waitomo and Arohiwi Station in Hawke’s Bay, before moving to Moketenui in 2019. “Puketiti was a very good introduction to a good health and safety culture,” Mitchel says. “The team would be brought together at the end of the day to discuss things that had happened, such as near misses and anything the manager and others might need to know. It was in a relaxed, unhurried environment and reporting a near miss didn’t mean paperwork for you. For me, good leadership around health and safety comes down to that kind of good communication.” Mitchel says that also extends to talking about the safest ways to do a job.

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FENCING SHORTAGES ON YOUR MIND?

“In my role now, we catch up at the start of the day and discuss what we are going to do and any potential hazards and the best tools and vehicles for the job. An example is talking about the best routes to take, especially if you are going out with stock or mustering and what the best tools and vehicles to use in order to do that safely are. “There may be three or four ways to go, but there is only one best way and that may change according to the seasons. It’s important to know about that beforehand and not find out when you are dealing with stock out of step and out of position.” Mitchel says a daily list is also drawn up, detailing what everyone is due to be doing and where they will be. “Everyone gets a copy of that, so you know where everyone is meant to be. We all have radios and check in during the day and we all carry personal locator beacons on our belts, but the list adds that extra layer. If you haven’t seen someone, or you see something that hasn’t been done, then you check in on them. Vehicle safety is a strong focus. The farm has a ute, four quad bikes, a side-by-side and two tractors. “We have very good lanes on the farm, so access is very good for the vehicles,” Mitchel says. “The basic rule here is that if you have to go off the track, in hill country, then you get off the vehicle and "take the waewae express (start walking).”

Head in-store or talk to your TFO about securing your supply.

Article supplied WorkSafe

THE FARMLANDER | 17

INDUSTRY NEWS

Greenhouse gas numbers − it's all about the plan Points from He Waka Eke Noa Farm Planning on Greenhouse Gases. Farm planning is a useful tool to support farmers

Developing a greenhouse gas module in a farm plan will help

and growers in managing the different parts of their

farmers and growers build:

farm business and for providing assurance of good practice to consumers and other interested parties. Many farmers and growers already have some form

• A clear understanding of their farm greenhouse gas emissions. • The knowledge to make informed decisions on actions to

of farm plan, often as part of Industry Assurance

reduce emissions appropriate to their farm business, while

Programmes (such as Fonterra’s Tiaki programme,

considering effects on other aspects of the farm business.

the red meat sector’s NZ Farm Assurance Programme or Horticulture’s GAP assurance programmes).

The farm plan approach recognises the individual nature of each farm and that choices about how to reduce farm

The He Waka Eke Noa Farm Planning guidance is intended

emissions are for each farmer and grower to make. Similarly,

to help farmers and growers incorporate a greenhouse

a collective approach to farm planning by Māori as kaitiaki is

gas module into their farm planning. It is designed to

being developed by the Te Aukaha workstream. By 2025 there

integrate with existing programmes and become part of an

is expected to be an emissions pricing mechanism, which will

integrated farm plan. It is likely that existing programmes will

further inform individual farmer and grower decisions about

provide additional information drawing on this guidance.

the costs and benefits of actions to reduce emissions.

Good Farming Practice Principles for reducing greenhouse gas emissions The Good Farming Practice Principles guide each farmer and grower to understand their emissions profile and what contributes to it, explore opportunities to reduce it and keep good farm records. 1. Know your farm’s greenhouse gas emissions Knowing what your greenhouse gas emissions are and where they come from is the first step towards reducing them. He Waka Eke Noa has a target of all farms knowing their emissions levels by December 2022. A list of recognised methods for calculating your farm emissions will be on the He Waka Eke Noa website.

18 | THE FARMLANDER

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2. Identify opportunities to reduce your farm’s greenhouse emissions and capture carbon There are many opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and capture carbon. What works for you will depend on the type of farming operation and current practices. The broad opportunities include: • Improving the efficiency of pasture and crop production. • Matching feed demand with pasture growth and utilisation. • Improving the management of livestock effluent. • Capturing and storing carbon in indigenous and exotic trees. 3. Choose your actions Each farmer or grower will know which

• Livestock numbers by stock type, either using monthly values or, for simple tools, a weighted annual average. • A mount of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertiliser applied annually. Additional information that can support a more detailed understanding of farm emissions and reduction opportunities includes: • Farm total and effective area. • Farm topography (slope). • Livestock class, age, number and movements. • N fertiliser or lime applications including product type, rate and timing. • Crop residues. • P roduction data such as milk solids, liveweight or crop yield.

of the opportunities to reduce emissions

• Woody vegetation planting records.

are appropriate for their operation and

Planning to succeed

whether they will involve simple changes

Farmlands is right behind the He Waka Eke Noa Programme. As part of the programme, Farmlands industry partner Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) have launched their new farm planning resource in March, to replace and build on its existing Land and Environment Plans. The farm plan includes a chapter on Responding to Climate Change and enables farmers to both record their on-farm emissions and consider options to manage these. Further guidance from He Waka Eke Noa will be added to the farm plan as it becomes available.

to current farm management practices, or more significant action. Based on this knowledge, each farmer and grower will choose which actions to take, as part of optimising their farming operation. By 2025 it is expected there will be a pricing mechanism for emissions. This will inform decisions about the costs and benefits of actions. Farmers and growers will be involved in developing the emissions pricing mechanism, through the He Waka Eke Noa partnership. There is no fixed amount by which each farmer has to reduce emissions and choices will depend on farm-specific opportunities and costs. 4. Keep records, monitor and review Record keeping is essential to inform future decision-making and allow easy verification of farm emissions, which

Dairy NZ, Horticulture NZ and other industry partners also have farm planning resources available or in development. He Waka Eke Noa will consolidate this information as it becomes available and Farmlands will be standing beside our shareholders to ensure the right information is available at the right time and in the right way.

Minimum information to record for the

For more information visit www.hewakaekenoa.nz/resources

calculation of farm emissions includes:

Article written with support from He Waka Eke Noa

will likely be a future requirement.

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KILLING SPACE A CONCERN?

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THE FARMLANDER | 19

Action group ready and wooling Strong Wool Action Group Chairman, Rob Hewett says the group is confident of achieving its goals by the end of the year. Rob, who is also Chairman of Farmlands Co-operative, says the group was created following the release of the ministerially-sponsored Project Action Group (PAG) report into strong wool. He says when commissioning the report, the Ministry for Primary Industries had identified there was a chronic longstanding issue in strong wool in terms of profitability – a cycle that needed to be broken. “Two objectives came out of the PAG Report – how do we create consumerfocused product opportunities – and how do we bring those to life,” he says. “We know broadly what is going on inside the farm gate, although there is certainly opportunity to improve things there as well. We need to know where we can lend support, increase standards and training – and put someone over the top of this.” The special interest group has been given the ability to operate for up to 2 years, meaning by the end of this year

20 | THE FARMLANDER

it is expected to be completing its role in implementing change. Rob says the group includes a variety of related industries and sectors interested in strong wool. “The members work in the wider sector and rely on sheep to deliver results. For example, meat companies – which is where I come into it through my involvement with Silver Fern Farms. If farmers don’t have a compelling, strong wool offer as part of an overall sheep programme and if sheep meat prices fluctuate significantly in the future and wool isn’t pulling its weight, it gives sheep farmers another reason to plant their land in trees and once a farmer plants their farm in trees, it stays in trees. “The meat sector’s support of SWAG is purely a defensive measure to ensure sheep meat remains relevant for pastoral farming and relevant for the meat sector.” SWAG aims to bring the PAG Report to life through identifying opportunity around consumer-focused product offers. Given SWAG is not an industry group body, SWAG will consult stakeholders but still has the

independence to make decisions and act on them. “We’re acting in the best interests of the strong wool sector – we’ll get on with it. We want to take people with us but the time for sitting round and waiting for everyone to agree has gone,” Rob says. “The wide endorsement of SWAG activity through industry funding from meat companies and participants from all of the wool value chain, from farms, scours, test houses, exporters and research centres indicate the time for change has come. MPI is backing this up with a significant investment in SWAG activity as well.” SWAG has engaged with San Francisco based consumer insights company, Ideo to work directly with consumers in the United States to provide insights and research. Results from this research are due back at the end of March. “We are also investigating what is going on in the world of manufacturing innovative strong wool products right here in New Zealand,” Rob says. “What we want is a group of up to 20 consumer focused projects that have the potential to be developed further. We will use a rigorous

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process to whittle them down to

interest in wool, as have retailers,”

half a dozen and take them to MPI

Rob says.

with our commercial partners.

“I’m very optimistic. As farmers, we

MPI are interested in potentially

can’t sit back and moan about how

investing alongside commercial

people around the world can’t see

entities in these opportunities.

how good a product strong wool is

“We want wool to be worth more to

and that they should just buy it. Until

the farmers who produce this great

the industry re-frames the story to one

product. SWAG is not an owner of

of where the consumers’ problems

any IP, we are just a catalyst looking

and concerns around health, safety,

to identify and turbocharge the right

pollutants and sustainability are solved

strong wool opportunities for the

by consumer-driven products that just

betterment of the sector.

happen to be based upon strong wool

“SWAG is here for a good time,

ingredients, we’re not going to crack

not a long time. Interestingly, wool

this. However, COVID-19 has opened

is showing potential for a bit of a

the door for this discussion and we

consumer renaissance at the moment.

need to take the opportunity and work

With COVID-19 and the inability to

together in a co-ordinated, responsive

travel offshore, there are a lot of home

way to make it happen.

renovations going on and many of

“Together, we’re confident we can pull

these consumers have increased their

all of this together.”

CONCERNED YOUR SOIL’S NOT READY FOR A NEW CROP?

Head in-store or talk to your TFO about the right fertiliser for your farm.

| SWAG is looking to identify the right strong wool opportunities for the betterment of the sector.

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THE FARMLANDER | 21

INDUSTRY NEWS

Weathering the storm Total export revenue from New Zealand’s primary sector exceeded revenue from the previous year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Some farm produce exporters have even expanded into new markets as a result. The cost of shipping has skyrocketed, however and the logistics of getting products to international markets remain challenging in 2021. Decreased international demand for some farm exports such as New Zealand venison, especially demand from hotel restaurants in Europe and America due to COVID-19 closures, is also having an impact. A new study by AgResearch and its partners revealed that 47 percent of New Zealanders viewed the effect of the pandemic on their farms or businesses as negative. A further 37 percent said the effect was neutral, in the period through to June 2020, which included national lockdowns. It is fair to say that the tone of this report is one of surprise and that AgResearch was not expecting such findings, describing the pandemic and lockdowns as having “relatively little impact”. Much of New Zealand’s primary sector was able to continue working through the COVID-19 lockdowns and unlike some other nations, its performance held up well. “It’s clear from our analysis that the in-built ability to cope with adversity,

22 | THE FARMLANDER

find new ways of doing things and get on with the job, were important in how farmers and their supporting industries performed so well,” AgResearch Senior Scientist Dr Val Snow says. “Many farmers were already dealing with drought conditions but were able to manage through the extra difficulties. We’ve seen those in other countries not fare as well. Some Kiwi farmers found being required to stay on their farms through COVID-19 restrictions meant they were actually more focused on their core tasks and their family life.” Some respondents noticed a change in attitude among the public around how they value the security of food production and therefore the important role farmers play, at the top of the supply chain. While the majority of Kiwi farmers remain upbeat despite the challenges of 2020, it isn’t all peaches and cream. While agriculture was not directly affected, the reduction in tourist arrivals substantially affected demand for agricultural products through the restaurant and fast food trade, both of which were shut down. The main non-labour issues for farm produce exporters were air freight challenges of high-value products and the loss of key markets. More broadly, some sectors were concerned with impending shortages of some animal feed components, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries. The Government intervened by providing NZD $303 million of financial support for international air-freight

carriers to ensure high-value exports could reach global markets and essential imports could arrive in New Zealand. Initially, 53 weekly flights were scheduled to main export destinations and at the beginning of August 2020, the schedule was increased to 70 flights per week. Animal feed availability was a key concern for livestock farmers, particularly because the pandemic coincided with a widespread autumn drought. COVID-19 and related measures resulted in some farmers having to hold stock on-farm through the 2020 autumn, when slaughter was delayed due to processing constraints. The Government worked to ensure that critical services and essential imports (e.g. animal feed, farm machinery) to farms and food production systems were provided. “Although the outlook is more positive now with access to vaccines, many of those we heard from expect impacts of the pandemic to linger for some time,” Dr Val says. Looking more closely at the revenue side of things, if we dive deeper into New Zealand export performance by farming sector in 2020 vs 2019, a positive picture also emerges. Dairy remains strong Dairy has a long-term trend of export value growth, growing by around 7 percent on average per year since 1989. Despite the pandemic presenting some logistical challenges, momentum did

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not slow markedly for New Zealand dairy exports during 2020, according to the Sense Partners Dairy’s Economic Contribution 2020 report, produced for DairyNZ and Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).

factor in the country’s COVID-19

DairyNZ Chief Executive Dr Tim Mackle says that while some of New Zealand’s key sectors have been hit hard by COVID-19, the dairy sector has proven extremely resilient through this period of uncertainty and is well-positioned to continue playing a key role in contributing to New Zealand’s economy.

New Zealand dairy export value has

“There have been many challenges for dairy farmers during the pandemic, however they stepped up and continued to produce food for Kiwis and our global customers and much-needed export income for New Zealand,” Dr Tim says.

dairy exports was roughly the same as

“Recent Sense Partners analysis shows the sector is delivering $20 billion in export value. Dairy also provides longterm stability for our communities and regional economies. Export earnings translate to well-paying jobs, but also support farmers and dairy companies to purchase more than $22.5b worth of goods and services from other industries.

seafood ($1.7 billion).

“Dairy’s sustained economic contribution is proving to be a key

farmers achieved a near record

The dairy sector has proven extremely resilient through this period of uncertainty.”

recovery, with every dollar dairy brings into our country being critical as New Zealand rebuilds its economy and communities after the impact of the global pandemic.” grown from more than $2 billion per year in 1990 to $19.7 billion in the year to June 2020. While a significant

WORRYING ABOUT INCREASING GROWTH WITH REDUCED ‘N’?

proportion comes from milk powder products, almost half of the export value comes from other products. In the year to June 2020 the value of that from meat, wood, fruit, wine and seafood combined. It’s also interesting to note that New Zealand exports more cheese ($2.1 billion) than wine ($1.9 billion) or It seems that even a global pandemic cannot stop the growth of the New Zealand dairy sector. Beef and lamb stand firm Despite COVID-19 related processing restrictions and a widespread drought in the first half of 2020, sheep and beef 130.3 percent lambing percentage.

Head in-store or talk to your TFO about low cost, high yield solutions.

| DairyNZ Chief Executive Dr Tim Mackle

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THE FARMLANDER | 23

Lamb and sheep export volumes, however, are expected to be more significantly impacted by the follow-on impacts of the drought, due to lower animal weights and the retention of sheep for breeding to rebuild stock numbers. These are the main findings of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Lamb Crop Outlook report for 2020 that measures lambing performance and forecasts lamb and sheep exports for 2021. New Zealand prime meat exports are suffering due to ongoing restaurant closures across the globe, which was a key source of demand. Export results are expected to be a mixed bag, with lambs processed for export looking to increase but sheep exports to fall. The number of lambs processed for export in 2020-21 is estimated to decrease 4.5 percent to 18.25 million head. The number of adult sheep processed for export is estimated to decline 10.8 percent to 3.15 million head in 2020-21. “Despite the challenges of 2020 including drought and COVID-19, sheep farmers demonstrated why they are the world’s best, their resilience and the agility of their farming systems has meant they’ve performed outstandingly and this should be a real point of pride for our sector,” B+LNZ’s Chief Executive Sam McIvor says. “The severity of the impact of the autumn drought on the lamb crop in the North Island was partially offset, by excellent climatic conditions at lambing.” From a market perspective, early season pricing has been warmly received by farmers and though there is uncertainty related to international economic conditions, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and more latterly shipping logistics, the underlying fundamentals remain solid, according to B+LNZ’s New Season Outlook 2020-21.

24 | THE FARMLANDER

“The average export values are expected to be supported by the positive market fundamentals – there’s strong underlying demand for meat – and meat from safe and natural farming sources like New Zealand. Prices are forecast at similar levels, or slightly above, 5 year averages.” Fruit still flying Horticulture export growth continued its upward trend with 6.5 percent growth in the latest year since 2019 – and 2 year growth of 25 percent in export earnings since 2018 – according to the New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority (HEA) New Zealand Horticulture – Barriers to Our Export Trade report. New Zealand’s horticultural exports were worth $4.52 billion in 2020 and about 65 percent of New Zealand’s total horticultural production of fruit and vegetables is exported.

2020. Kiwifruit accounts for over $2.5 billion (56 percent) of the value of the horticultural economy," Simon says. Kiwifruit exports exceeded $2.5 billion in 2020, representing a 36 percent increase in value from 2018. Much of the growth is due to a 69 percent increase in export value to Japan, which has replaced the EU as the number one export market for kiwifruit. Apple exports were $881 million in 2020, this is a 20 percent increase. Most of the growth has been to China, which increased 104 percent and to Vietnam, which increased 117 percent.

Key export markets • Regional free trade agreements have removed tariffs in many of New Zealand’s key markets such

“The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted trade from early 2020 on a scale not previously encountered,” Horticulture Export Authority Chief Executive Simon Hegarty says. “In the timeframe of this report the actual horticultural trade figures for the year ended 30th June, 2020 were up year on year by 7 percent. This could have been significantly higher had there not been trade disruption from March 2020. “While COVID-19 has resulted in no formal restrictions on market access for the majority of exported and imported goods, it is placing significant pressure on global supply chains.

as China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam and the total cost of tariffs on horticultural exports decreased 29 percent in 2020. • The EU remains New Zealand’s most valuable export market ahead of Japan and China. Export earnings between 2018 and 2020 rose 13.6 percent. • In 2019 and 2020 Japan was the second largest market, moving above China into third place. • Australia and Taiwan are placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

“With some countries turning inward as a result of the pandemic disruption, it is important not to back-track on progress made. “Maintaining access to existing markets while also opening up new markets and removing tariffs are essential to the continued export growth that drives New Zealand’s economy," Simon says.

Vietnam is showing steady growth, with export value doubling between 2018 and 2020. • Over the longer 10 year timeframe,

"Kiwifruit and apples are the dominant horticultural crops accounting for 75 percent of the total export value in

China and Vietnam have been the big upward movers, while exports to Japan and Taiwan have doubled. The EU market has increased by more than 50 percent however, Australia has only shown modest growth.

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WHATEVER’S ON YOUR MIND THIS AUTUMN, WE’RE HERE TO HELP.

From one day to the next autumn can bring different challenges to your farm, but together we can help you face them. Our team of highly knowledgeable experts and partners stand behind your local Farmlands team with the expertise they need to help with whatever autumn throws at you.

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THE FARMLANDER | 25

WHO’D HAVE THOUGHT SHOVING PLASTIC INTO A HOLE IN THE GROUND WAS PROGRESS.

In truth, turning plastic waste into fence posts is nothing short of ingenious. It’s a clever idea that Jerome Wenzlick has turned into a thriving business through dogged perseverance. Not only do the plastic posts he now produces outperform their wooden counterparts, they’re helping to solve a big environmental problem. Each post uses around 400 plastic bottles and 1,500 plastic bags that would otherwise end up in a landfill. It’s a really good example of the progressive nature of New Zealand’s farmers. As more and more rural businesses take on challenges like this, FMG is right alongside them to help manage the risks and move forward. When you do things differently, it’s great to know someone like FMG has got your back. To hear the full story of FuturePost’s journey, go to fmg.co.nz/futurepost

We’re here for the good of the country.

26 | THE FARMLANDER

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Knowing your emissions Thought leadership by Farmlands' Head of Nutrition and Animal Health Dr Rob Derrick. Global warming is arguably the largest single threat facing humankind. It’s not going away and with the Climate Change Commission’s draft emission target report being released in January 2021, the call has been put out to New Zealanders to create fewer emissions than we do now. It is the Farmlands’ Growth and Innovation team’s responsibility to understand the challenges these targets will impose and what solutions are available to actively create positive outcomes for both producers and consumers. With greenhouse gases, methane and carbon being the number one topic across the boardroom and over the farm gate, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with what it all means and what the difference is. The basics Greenhouse gases (GHG) warm the earth by absorbing energy and slowing the rate at which energy escapes to space. GHG differ in their ability to absorb energy and how long they stay in the atmosphere and are compared by Global Warming Potential (GWP)1. 1 tonne of carbon dioxide has a GWP score of 1, methane is at 28-36 and nitrous oxide hits 265-298 times that of carbon dioxide within a 100-year timeframe. Methane is 75 times more potent than carbon dioxide, but typically lasts just 12 years in the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide emitted today remains in the atmosphere for more than 100 years on average so its potential to cause global warming is greater.

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The future New Zealand farmers do have the wherewithal to meet the food needs of a global population while also reducing net greenhouse gas emissions. With strong targets and solutions in place, such as building farm plans and managing land use, together we can all make a difference. 1) United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Understanding Global Warming Potentials. https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding-global-warming-potentials 2) Ministry for the Environment. (2018). New Zealand’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory. https://www.mfe.govt.nz// files/media/Climate%20Change/new-zealands-greenhouse-gas-inventory-1990-2018-vol-1.pdf

Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect: Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas — accounting for over 80 percent of all US greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, compared to 45 percent of NZ emissions in 20172. Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels, solid waste and trees and from some chemical reactions like making cement. Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere — often referred to as sequestration — when it is absorbed by plants, soil and the ocean. Sequestration is one way of helping slow climate change. Nitrous oxide (N2O) Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is emitted from soil when urine, faeces and fertilisers are broken down by microbes in the soil. This occurs more often when the soil is waterlogged. In 2017, nitrous oxide accounted for approximately 11 percent2 of New Zealand’s GHG emissions (in terms of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents). Of all the nitrous oxide emissions, over 94 percent2 came from agricultural soils, mainly due to urine and dung deposited by grazing animals. Although it does not contain carbon, nitrous oxide is considered within the carbon footprint of an operation. Methane (CH4 ) Methane is a by-product of rumen fermentation and is classed as enteric (coming from the digestive tract) as opposed to the methane created in peat bogs. Methane was estimated to contribute 42 percent2 of New Zealand GHG emissions in 2017 (in terms of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents). In the rumen, methane plays an important role as a hydrogen sink — it helps to mop up harmful hydrogen which lowers rumen pH. A low rumen pH can cause rumen acidosis if unchecked.

THE FARMLANDER | 27

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PARTNERSHIP NEWS

Connecting rural New Zealand New Zealand has some of the best broadband infrastructure in the developed world, but connecting rural areas presents significant challenges for both fixed and wireless broadband operators, due to the country’s mountainous terrain and dispersed populations, which massively drives up the cost of deploying telecommunications infrastructure. To help overcome this challenge, in 2011 the NZ Government set up the Rural Broadband Initiative, which gave 300,000 rural households improved broadband. Now, as part of phase two of the initiative, New Zealand’s three mobile network operators (MNOs) have come together to form a worldfirst operation – the Rural Connectivity Group (RCG). Through this partnership, at least 34,000 rural homes and businesses, 1,400km of State Highway and over 160

tourist destinations will gain wireless broadband and 4G mobile coverage by December 2022 – something MNOs could not have undertaken on their own. Through operators sharing the cost of infrastructure, wireless broadband has already proven to be a great solution for connecting rural New Zealand. While laying several kilometres of cable to reach one household may be unfeasible, wireless broadband works by connecting several customers to the nearest cell tower. Spark’s Technology Director, Mark Beder says Spark has approximately 165,000 customers on wireless broadband already, which demonstrates the scale and popularity of this product across New Zealand. “Wireless broadband is a great product for customers with moderate data needs, who typically use broadband for things like watching Netflix and surfing the web. Currently, only about

2 percent of our broadband customers are high data users, using broadband for things like online gaming, ultrahigh def streaming and downloading multiple large files. "Also because Spark owns the network, customers can get end-to-end support, rather than dealing with multiple parties if they have a fault.” Because each cell tower has a certain amount of capacity available, which is shared by wireless broadband and mobile customers, data caps are put in place to ensure customers have a great experience and to prevent the cell tower becoming overloaded. Mark says that while Spark already offers the highest caps for wireless broadband of all MNO’s for rural customers, it has a long-term goal of offering unconstrained capacity for all New Zealanders. “It’s a challenge Spark can’t solve on its own overnight, but by working collaboratively with Government and the broader industry, we will continue to move toward better access and affordability for rural NZ.” Spark recently expanded its ‘urban priced’ Unplan wireless broadband plan into parts of rural New Zealand. Now 30,000 rural addresses are eligible for the more affordable plan, reducing costs for residents by up to $71 a month, if their usage stays the same. Mark says Spark isn't able to offer the cheaper plan to all of rural NZ at this stage due to capacity restraints, but that it is a positive step forward in improving internet affordability for rural NZ.

| Wireless broadband and 4G mobile coverage in remote parts of New Zealand is one step closer, thanks to the combined efforts of the Rural Connectivity Group.

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Article supplied by Spark Image supplied by Andy Madill, Connect 8

THE FARMLANDER | 29

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PARTNERSHIP NEWS

The future won’t take care of itself Succession planning and asset protection are important to agricultural families. Valuable assets are passed down through generations and protecting the family legacy is vital. In any family there can be tension over who gets what, but in farming families the stakes can be high and the issues difficult.

their parent’s will, although claims

A common misconception is that leaving a will and holding assets in a trust, prevents claims against estates. Even with a well-devised and well-intentioned succession plan, claims against estates (and trusts) can be made. Avenues include: the Family Protection Act (FPA), the Law Reform Act (TPA), the Property

implicitly or explicitly promised them

are open to partners, grandchildren, stepchildren and occasionally parents. In an agricultural context, often claims are made by the child who left the family farm to live in the city, with the farm left solely to the child who stayed and worked on the farm. Under the TPA, anyone can claim against your estate on the basis that you compensation from your estate for work or services provided. These claims are common in farming families, where someone has agreed to provide work for free, often based on a verbal promise that they’ll be ‘sorted out’ when

(Relationships) Act (PRA) and the Wills Act.

someone passes away. While there are

The FPA enables family members to make claims against an estate on the basis that a moral duty was breached, in failing to provide for them in the distribution of your estate. The extent of the moral duty is dependent on the nature and degree of the relationship. The most common claim is by children who have not been provided for in

can be costly to litigate and delay the

often evidential limits to TPA claims, they distribution of the estate. For those married, or in a de facto relationship, a partner has an option under the PRA to seek an equal division of relationship property, or to take their entitlement under the will. It is not uncommon for disputes to arise in subsequent relationships. Care needs

The future won't take care of itself. WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

to be taken to ensure that succession planning allows for the possibility of the PRA being invoked. Arguments over invalidity arise where an allegation is made that the person who made the will did not have the capacity to do so, or that the will does not meet the legal requirements (normally the onerous execution and witnessing requirements). Section 14 of the Wills Act can be invoked by a family member, or executor, to validate a will that would not otherwise meet the requirements. This includes informal wills, notes recording 'testamentary intention' and wills that weren’t signed or witnessed correctly. Most of the above can be avoided with a well-considered succession plan. For complex company, partnership and trust structures, it is essential to consider these matters early on to avoid disputes or issues that may arise. Wynn Williams regularly advises on succession planning and disputes relating to estates. If you’d like to know more or to discuss your situation get in touch. Article supplied by Shane Campbell, Partner and Matt Rhodes, Solicitor, Wynn Williams

We are delighted to partner with Farmlands in offering all Shareholders 15 minutes free advice over the phone and a 7.5% discount on all legal fees. Simply call us on 09 300 2600 (North Island) or 03 379 7622 (South Island) or visit www.wynnwilliams.co.nz/farmlands for more details.

THE FARMLANDER | 31

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Articles in the Plan365 section allow Farmlands suppliers to share best practice and the latest advances in rural technology, to help shareholders with their farming needs all year round.

Grain processing for horse health While forage is the most important part of any equine diet, the increased calorie needs of performing and breeding horses often means that pasture and hay alone probably will not provide enough energy for work and weight maintenance. Typically, this energy deficit is met through the inclusion of grains. Grains provide starch and are a great energy source for working horses, however there are numerous considerations regarding how they are fed. Every grain requires processing before being fed to horses, with the exception of oats. The purpose of any type of grain processing is to improve digestibility for the horse, increase convenience for the owner and extend the shelf life of the product. This occurs through exposing the starch within the grain seed to enzymatic breakdown in the small intestine and cooking the starch to improve digestion. Steam flaking is one of the most popular grain processing methods, as it enables the grains to still be visible in

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textured, or muesli style feeds. Steam flaking is where grains are heated and exposed to steam, before being rolled and dried. The amount of gelatinisation, and therefore digestibility, depends on correct heat, moisture and roll pressure being applied. When this ‘perfect storm’ is achieved and all three factors are correct, gelatinisation is high and the grains will have become highly digestible to the horse. Steam flaking can also be more palatable than other processing techniques and makes textured feeds aesthetically pleasing for the consumer.

When made to a high standard,

Pelletising is another popular form of grain processing and creates a digestible and convenient feed type. With pelletising, the ingredients are ground to a uniform size before being steam heated, pushed through a pellet die and left to cool and dry. This leads to a high level of consistency, as every pellet contains the same ratio of ingredients. High quality pellets will have good colour, uniformity, a dull surface and very few ‘fines’. Pellets should be durable and able to be handled repeatedly without falling apart. Shiny pellets can indicate partial gelatinisation and should be discarded.

While there are individual benefits of each

pelletising provides the same nutrition as any other processing technique. Each of these processing methods utilises heat, moisture and pressure. Studies have found that with most grains, heat is required to increase pre-caecal starch digestibility, particularly in corn. Grain processing carried out by a reputable manufacturer such as NRM and McMillan Equine, results in little nutrient-loss, due to minerals being very stable to heat and vitamins being protected from oxidation by a gel-coating. method, the ultimate goal of all grain processing is to create a more beneficial feed for the horse. The minimal difference between digestibility of processing techniques means that often the choice between processed feeds comes down to personal preference of both the owner and the horse. For further advice on grain processing and selecting the correct diet for your horse, consult a reputable equine nutritionist. Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutritionist

THE FARMLANDER | 33

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NUTRITION

Using magnesium oxide wisely Salmonellosis in dairy animals is recognised by vets as a notifiable disease, because it can affect the safety of milk products. MPI issued guidance on the use of magnesium for milking cows in June 2020, after reports from both New Zealand and Australia of salmonellosis occurring in dairy cows that were receiving magnesium supplements. NZ Food Safety (NZFS) has received adverse event reports in association with prill and granulated magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate products. Halting magnesium supplementation and/or replacement with an alternative formulation-type and vaccination against salmonella typically resulted in the prevention of cases within days. NZFS now considers it mandatory for all insoluble and poorly soluble prill or granulated magnesium supplements to include a statement along the lines of: “The feeding of this product to dairy cows may increase their risk of clinical salmonellosis. It is recommended that veterinary advice is obtained to ascertain potential risks associated with the use of this product in your environment before product is used.” The inclusion of a similar statement on the labels of other more soluble magnesium supplements is not mandatory at this time, but should be considered. Magnesium oxide prills and granules are widely-used with a massive net gain for the dairy sector, safeguarding the health of many cows from magnesium

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| Being wary of over-supplementing magnesium and potentially increasing the risk of salmonella is vital in protecting the health of the herd.

deficiency and relatively few

of the rumen and lift the pH in the

adverse events are reported.

abomasum – which is normally very

Magnesium oxide dusting has not

acidic and a deadly environment

been associated with salmonellosis, in

for most pathogens. If magnesium

the reports triggering the MPI advice.

does have a role in salmonellosis

Herds on pasture-only report fewer

it is likely to be rate-dependant.

multiple cases per outbreak. Now that

MPI recommends that farmers

we all understand the importance of

adhere to the elemental magnesium

social distancing, it is even clearer

supplementation levels indicated

that animals that share feed troughs

by DairyNZ which range from 12g/

are at more risk of spreading diseases

dry Jersey/cow/day to 20g/lactating

ingested whilst eating, compared

Friesian/cow/day. When mixing with

to pasture-only fed animals.

feed and dusting on paddocks, these

Salmonella is spread through infected

rates can be doubled – even tripled

wild animals, birds and other cows,

when dusting to account for field

so farms popular with migratory

losses. How much magnesium to

wildfowl may benefit from a regular

supplement lactating cows can be

salmonella vaccination programme.

difficult, as it will depend on many

Supplementary feeding could increase

factors. Emphasis should be placed on

the concentration of shed salmonella,

protecting the health of the herd, whilst

compared to pasture only-systems

being wary of over-supplementing

where feeding is more spread, reducing

magnesium and potentially

the chance that individual cows are

increasing the risk of salmonella.

consuming a high salmonella load. if used at high rates; it may increase

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local

the pH to a degree where salmonella

Farmlands store.

Magnesium oxide is a rumen-buffer so

is better able to multiply. Alternatively, insoluble magnesium may pass out

Article supplied by Dr. Rob Derrick, Head of Nutrition and Animal Health

THE FARMLANDER | 35

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NUTRITION

The new chicks on the block Laying chickens are popping up in urban areas all over New Zealand, as people realise that keeping a small flock of chickens does not require a huge outdoor space or a large time commitment. Becoming an advocate for poultry amongst your urban family and friends can help to break down the rural-urban divide. At the Farmlands Support Office in Christchurch there are many avid chicken owners and we picked the brains of a few of them, to get some inside knowledge on keeping city slicker chickens. Jane Kemp (Campaign Analyst, Marketing) What are some benefits you get out of your chickens? Besides the fresh eggs for breakfast and less food waste, our chickens come with some pretty awesome community feels. The Somerfield Junior Youth Group started an initiative to build chicken coops as a way to give back to their community. The youth group seek willing hosts to take on the care of a few chickens, which are provided by a local egg farmer, the youth group then builds and installs the coops at the hosts property — in

| Jane's dog Riley hanging out with one of the gals.

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return for half of the eggs the chickens produce. The eggs are then given back to the community, such as the local food pantry, or schools to feed to children in need.

kitchen scraps and we get an egg a day

What is your top tip for keeping chickens? Invest in a bird feeder that keeps the wild birds out. Chickens are great at self-regulating their food intake, so a chicken feeder that stops wild birds getting in is a great investment.

use a feed designed for laying

from each chicken. “Feeding just barley and scraps isn’t balanced to support optimum egg production. It’s important to chickens as the main part of their diet and use scraps as a top-up treat for them," Stacey says. What are some benefits you get out of your chickens? We have three chickens, HENrietta,

“Jane is right here. There are some great automatic feeders available that only open when a chicken steps on them — an ingenious way to keep wild birds out and minimise wastage of chicken feed," Nutritionist Stacey Cosnett says.

Mrs Cluck and Bob, all named by my daughters and other than the obvious of fresh eggs every day, the girls have enjoyed the responsibility of feeding them. Initially they were a bit scared of them, but over time they have learnt

Matt McIntyre (Partnership Manager, Customer Experience)

more about them and now pick them up and chat to them while walking

How challenging is keeping chickens? At first I had to learn what to feed them as back in the 90s we had chickens on our family farm and we just fed them scraps from the house, a little bit of barley and then they foraged whatever they wanted on the farm. I have learnt that to get the best out of my chickens, they need a balanced diet so we feed them NRM Peck’n’Lay. Top that up with

around the garden. The chickens are also awesome helpers around the garden. Every time I am in the garden they are out with me, helping with the weeding and getting the bugs as soon as I pull out the weeds. Few things can be as rewarding for so little effort, so spread the love if you are already a convert! Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett NRM Nutritionist

| Matt's girls are happy to help in the garden.

THE FARMLANDER | 37

38 | THE FARMLANDER

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NUTRITION

It pays to read the feed label We all know that it’s what’s inside that counts, but in respect to animal feed, taking time to look at what’s on the outside of the bag can help to avoid potentially costly animal performance or health issues. Let’s look at some of key elements given on a bag label for example, NRM Chick Starter Crumble. Feeding recommendations: Refers to what age, class of stock or species the feed has been manufactured for, as well as how much to feed, how frequently and for how long. NRM Chick Starter Crumble is an optimal feed for a growing chicken up until about 8 weeks of age, when their growth rate slows. Consequently, they need to be switched onto a lowerprotein feed with less energy, so they do not become too fat. NRM Pullet Grower is a good option here. To help prevent digestive upsets, always be sure to gradually transition them over several days onto any new feed. Typical analysis: NRM lifestyle feeds are typically declared on an ‘as-fed’ basis, whereas calf feeds are on a dry matter basis – this is worth noting when comparing brands. Each feed has a typical analysis revealing the energy and protein of the feed, but the nutritional parameters stated can differ from feed to feed. To provide peace of mind, our quality assurance program includes regular laboratory analysis to ensure a feed is of an expected quality and is nutritionally ‘in spec’ — as stated on the label. Ingredients selected from: Each feed product is specifically formulated by a Nutritionist from a range of raw ingredients to ensure that

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it is fit for purpose and provides optimal nutrition depending on the animal’s species, age, lifestyle, productive or performance requirements. Coccidiostat: Is a medicated feed additive included in some feeds to help protect against the protozoa parasite, Coccidia. Identifying that there is a coccidiostat in a feed is important as, for some nontarget species, a coccidiostat can be harmful — particularly for dogs, horses, donkeys, alpacas and llamas. Withholding period: This is the recommended time interval after an animal has consumed the feed, before any derived products can be safely consumed by people (whether that be meat, milk, or eggs). For example, NRM Chick Starter Crumble has a 10-day egg withholding period, as it contains a coccidiostat.

Chick Starter Crumble with Coccidiostat

NRM Chick Starter Crumble is a balanced feed designed to promote early bone, frame and feather development, rapid muscle deposition and a high health status in young chickens. FEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS Feed NRM Chick Starter ad lib from day old for up to eight weeks.

Feed Safe New Zealand: Is an independent organisation that sets production and quality control standards, ensuring that the feed is manufactured in a facility that produces feeds of an expected quality.

TYPICAL ANALYSIS Approximate on an ‘as fed’ basis Crude Protein

Do not feed to any animal species other than those stipulated on the label – even gamebirds have a different requirement to chickens. It is most important that you only give feed from within the bag to those species stipulated on the label, or at least check first if you are considering feeding it to an animal that is not on the label.

STORAGE Ensure product is stored in a cool, dry and vermin free environment. CHICK STARTER CRUMBLE WITH RUMENSIN® 20% MILL MIX FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY CAUTION: Do not allow dogs, horses or other equids or camelids access to feeds containing monensin. Ingestion by dogs and horses may be fatal. WITHOLDING PERIOD: Meat Chickens: Meat: Nil Replacement Pullets: Meat: Nil Eggs: 10 days

For further information refer to the label on the bag, product specification sheet, or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Tiffany Menzies Technical Product Manager

19%

INGREDIENTS SELECTED FROM Grain and grain by-products, plant proteins, vegetable oils, animal fats, enzymes, amino acids, limestone, mono- or di-calcium phosphate, salt, sodium bicarbonate, vitamins, trace minerals, organic acids and plant extracts and coccidiostat.

DO NOT FEED TO ANIMALS OTHER THAN THOSE STIPULATED ON THIS LABEL We guarantee the quality of our products. If you have any queries please contact us. |This is an abbreviated version of the bag label.

THE FARMLANDER | 39

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Simple weighing is easier than ever For Ella and Matt King, weighing is all about running an efficient and profitable business. The Kings manage a 700-cow dairy operation in Clydevale, South Otago and for the past 7 years, Ella has also been a hands-on calf-rearer. This season, the couple swapped out their trusted EziWeigh 7 indicator to trial its successor, the JR5000. The JR5000 is a new entry-level weigh scale indicator from Datamars, with improved functionality including a large colour screen, auto transfer from EID readers and a large, durable keypad for data entry. It is an ideal tool to help small to medium farming operations achieve their growth targets, sell animals at the right weight for the best price and ensure herd traceability for NAIT. Ella King knows the ins and outs of weigh scale indicators. She has used a few over the years to watch what is happening with the young stock. Even when working with calves every day, she doesn’t rely on the eye-o-meter to assess their progress. “I am regular with the weighing, every 2 to 3 weeks. I weigh my calves to see their growth rate and figure out which ones are gaining.”

| Understanding individual animal weights and gains is straightforward with a weigh indicator.

“I don’t want to spend any more milk on the calves than I need to. As soon as our calves get to 85kg they are weaned and go to the run-off. While weighing the calves, I have a look over each of them for health issues as they come over the scales, one on one. Spot them then and there and take whatever action I need before anything becomes an expensive vet problem.” The JR5000 has made it easier for Ella to record and manage groups in the yard. “I don’t want to have calves that are 120kg in the same mob as the ones that

Ella rears 170 heifer replacements and the regular weigh sessions provide useful information to better manage farm resources, keep money in their pocket and improve the overall health of their future herd.

are 85kg so I’m sending calves over to

“This year we used the JR5000 to weigh and track the weight of our spring calves. It is so straightforward.

gain history for every animal at the

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the run-off in groups. With the JR5000 we can label groups. “I can see the average weight and the

“Farmers never have a lot of time so instead of going away and thinking ‘this was this, or that, it means we can make decisions on the spot. “Being able to use the JR5000 has required minimal training and we recommend it for sure!” Ella says. The JR5000’s simplicity and ease-of use makes it a perfect weighing tool for stock and station agents, graziers, calf rearers, farmers who are solely focussed on weight and gain and staff who are new to animal management. As with all Datamars weigh indicators, the JR5000 uses Tru-Test’s proven Superdamp™ IV technology, for accurate live animal weights more quickly than any other weigh scale on the market.

crush. We’ve found it so easy looking at

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

the data on the screen.

Article supplied by Datamars

number of calves I have run through. The JR5000 also shows weight and

THE FARMLANDER | 41

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

An answer to fertiliser restrictions In 2020, the New Zealand Government announced its essential freshwater regulatory requirements, which include a cap on the application of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertiliser to pastoral land.

universities and organisations on

dissolved urea in a mixing station, or

N-Boost since 2008. The scientific

agitating in a spray tank.

pasture trials have been peer reviewed

By applying N this way we improve the

in New Zealand and internationally, the

efficiency of uptake, because it is in the

Under this new legislation all pastoral

Using results from these trials,

farmers will need to keep synthetic

Donaghys has compared what could

nitrogen fertiliser use below

happen on an average Canterbury

190kg N/ha/year from 1st July, 2021.

dairy farm, where operators have been

Meeting new synthetic fertiliser

applying 240kg N/ha/year, under pre N

cap regulations and minimising

cap regulations

environmental impacts, while

(see www.n-boost.com for details):

maintaining profitability — will be

• If the farm simply reduced its

results of which have been published in the Journal of Plant Nutrition.

challenging for many farmers. But

N application to fall under the

by changing one farming practice,

cap, we would see a reduction

Donaghys N-Boost can help farmers

in profit of around $48,000.

work within the new regulations, whilst

• If the same farm adopted the

plant-available form of ammonium. Studies show that the majority of N can be taken up into the leaf within the first 12 hours after application. Lincoln University found that N-Boost stimulates the plants mitochondria and chloroplasts, which are key for the plants energy storage and production. The reduction in nitrogen could also decrease nitrous oxide emissions, as well as increase clover levels in pasture, which can also lead to potential increases in atmospheric nitrogen-fixation. The N-Boost system can be

continuing to grow the same amount of

N-Boost system completely and

dry matter and without compromising

roughly halved their urea use, they

self-applied or applied by a contractor

pasture quality.

would meet the new standards

and incorporated with existing

The N-Boost system has been shown

and reduce N leaching by up to

spray applications — allowing

to double the nitrogen response of

15 percent, while increasing their

multiple product applications at

pasture and maintain the metabolisable

annual profit by $33,000.

once, saving time and money.

energy and other feed quality

A farm doesn’t have to adapt to the

Whether its partial or full use, the benefits

indicators, while reducing nitrogen use,

system completely to take advantage of

can be felt throughout the farm business

when compared with applying 40kg of

the benefits though. If the farm spreads

and decreasing environmental impact.

urea alone.

urea at 135kg N/ha/year, and then uses

With these results, farmers would be

the N-Boost System for 55kg N/ha/

able to maintain their stock units and

year, the profit increases by $18,500.

production under the new regulations.

The N-Boost system can be sprayed

There have been 370 pasture and crop

onto pasture with a conventional boom

trials conducted by 53 independent

sprayer or boom jet after mixing it with

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Donaghys

THE FARMLANDER | 43

A better way to breed

Farmlands Head of Enabling Technology, John Arrell, spent a day at Farmlands Chairman Rob Hewett’s farm finding out about smart collars for sheep and how the data they provide is used to optimise breeding outcomes. An early morning start in Central Otago led me to a woolshed on our Chairman, Rob Hewett’s farm. I’ve been involved with precision farming for over 20 years, starting off with satellite based control of machinery and evolving to work with data-driven information on our soils as the technology evolved – knowing what to put on and where to get maximum return on investment. This was my first time working with smart technology on sheep and working with sheep themselves was a new endeavour for me. What I learned was that precision

44 | THE FARMLANDER

farming on land and soils had exactly the same principals as precision farming on livestock. The key to both is the ability to measure. Here’s what I mean — I used to give talks to National Farmers Union groups back in the UK on precision farming. I always opened up a presentation with the question: “Who knows what precision farming is?” I used to get loads of answers from the audience and the majority mentioned satellites. I then turned the conversation around and always put up the image of a man ploughing behind a horse with a one furrow plough. I then challenged the answers with the statement that horse ploughing was the ultimate in precision farming and our goal is to get back to that. Let me explain my answer. When a farmer ploughed with a horse he

walked every inch of the soil and was deeply connected to it. When the soil type changed, he put in a fence, hedge or boundary and farmed that smaller paddock to its yield and crop potential. His farmyard manure was his finite fertiliser source and he only put it onto paddocks that he knew needed it and would get a return in-terms of a better crop or to enhance poorer land. He suppressed weeds by using rotations and knew what crops should be planted for that soil type. As agriculture across the world evolved to meet population demands – to an extent driven by World War II – it got increasingly mechanised with tractors replacing the horse and a disconnect from walking the land. As tractors got larger the smaller paddocks of similar soil type became inefficient to work and we began to

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

| Smart Shepherd collars enable breeding decisions to be made with confidence.

| Ewes are fitted with a ‘master’ receiving collar.

gradually remove the hedgerows and

What does this have to do with sheep?

and ears, understanding the traits of

fences to make way for larger and larger

Founder of Smart Shepherd NZ, Aimee

each ewe in terms of her ability to raise

machines. With larger machines and

Charteris and I had a long in-depth

quality lambs. These traits are linked

larger paddocks, we moved away from

conversation, both about my own

to her progeny intergenerationally so a

the granularity and understanding of the

experience of founding a start-up

sustainable high-performance flock can

total farm system and replaced a lot of

in the Agri-tech space and land-

be built and improved on through timely,

this knowledge with uniform treatment of

based precision farming. What was

accurate and detailed information.

artificial fertiliser and agri-chemicals, to

remarkable was the same principals

As a woolly novice, Aimee kindly

drive our food production system.

of precision farming I have been

explained to me optimal sheep

I am in no way criticising this move. It was

championing for the last 20 years, were

reproduction. The quality and long- term

right for the evolution of our industry at

exactly the same principals Aimee and

outcome of a lamb’s performance is

the time but it’s no longer fit for purpose.

her team are championing in Smart

dictated by early and late pregnancy

It’s not granular enough and we have to

Shepherd: granularity, information and

nutrition, which will influence how well

get back to understanding our soils and

using data to make more informed

the mother has raised her lamb in the

variability within our soils. We need to use

decisions. My analogy for soil was

first 6 weeks of its life. Therefore, flock

smart sensors to be the farmers feet on

replacing the farmers feet with smart

performance is dictated by how good

the ground and use technology to put in

sensors to understand the soil to

the ewes are at getting pregnant with

virtual paddock boundaries of similar soil

grow the best crops. Smart Shepherd

multiple foetuses and then how good

types and treat them as such. We need

effectively has the same philosophy of

they are at raising their lambs. It’s no

to view our artificial fertiliser as a finite

using sensors on each sheep within a

different than any other species on this

resource and put it on sparingly.

large flock, to be the shepherd’s eyes

planet including ourselves.

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THE FARMLANDER | 45

| EID tags are applied at docking to so the Smart Shepherd collars can identify each animal.

So how does Smart Shepherd work? There are two requirements. Firstly, each animal needs to have an EID ear tag so the farmer can track information over the animal’s life. All lambs are tagged at docking with an EID tag to allow the Smart Shepherd collars to be linked to a unique animal identifier. The EID tag is a once-in-alifetime requirement for each animal. The second part is to put the Smart Shepherd collars on to both ewes and lambs annually, usually between docking and weaning. The ewe collars are receivers (“masters”) and the lamb collars are broadcasters (“slaves”). When a lamb continually comes into close contact with the ewe, the master collar picks up a Bluetooth signal from the lamb’s slave collar. This data is continually stored in the ewe’s collar. The collars are then removed from all sheep after a period of about 48 hours and the data retrieved from the ewe’s master collar. This data is then analysed with smart algorithms to match up ewes with lambs. This information is appended to each individual animal’s EID tag in their ear. This provides an “electronic DNA test”, linking the mother to the child and ultimately will provide a whole-of-life actual production record for each ewe and her offspring, which can be tracked intergenerationally. At weaning, the lambs are weighed and the ewe’s body condition is recorded. This data is cross-referenced with the sensor, identifying ewes that show multiples when pregnant, go on to raise multiples and wean heavy lambs. Then at pre-tup they have a sufficiently solid body condition score to enable easy conception with multiple foetuses and thus repeat the cycle. Knowing categorically the best ewes in the flock and ensuring they (and their offspring) are selected preferentially for future breeding, will raise the per-head

| Smart Shepherd enables the granularity of smaller flocks.

46 | THE FARMLANDER

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

| Smart Shepherd collars are attached to track contact between ewes and lambs.

performance of the flock and help to optimise the output of the lambs produced for the farmer.

back to the great management of

More from less The result is: more efficiency, less work, less carbon emissions per kilo of produce grown, more sustainability and a higher level of known performance. In two words – smarter farming.

granular, being able to measure lamb

Just like my own experience in landbased precision farming, Smart Shepherd enables the granularity of smaller flocks and more time spent out in the paddock to once again become a reality at scale. Just like farming with horses, farmers in the past knew their ewes better, they had smaller flocks that were easier to manage and selected the best ewes year on year to breed from.

Hewett’s farm, the Smart Shepherd

In my opinion and from my exposure to the technology, Smart Shepherd is a massive leap forward in getting

on as the company and the commercial

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

the past, that has not been possible with large commercial flocks. Being

| Measuring performance at weaning and linking to the ewe responsible is a game changer.

performance at weaning and being able to directly attribute performance to the ewe who bred the lamb – and raised it during its early life – is a game changer. From the results achieved at Rob system returned a ewe-matching figure of 94-99 percent over 3,102 lambs born to a total of 2,026 ewes. Smart Shepherd is still a young company refining the proposition to the wider market and ensuring the data they are collecting is accurate and useful. This is an exciting new technology that many sheep farmers will be keeping a close eye proposition evolves.

THE FARMLANDER | 47

CONFIDENCE GROWS HERE

Don’t wear out a single solution, mix it up Herbicide resistance is a challenge no farm advisor or grower can afford to ignore. The cost of resistance is well documented, globally impacting not only on crop output but also reducing rotational choice, income and asset value. In New Zealand since 1979, 20 different weed species have developed resistance to herbicides from one or multiple mode of action groups, including glyphosate1—perhaps our most commonly used herbicide. While on a global scale this number is low (compared to 161 in the United States, 91 in Australia and 27 in the United Kingdom1), it highlights that it is not too late for us to modify our weed management practices to maintain farming viability – ensuring essential herbicides such as glyphosate remain effective for longer. So how do we achieve this? Well we simply mix it up, ensuring our weed control strategies are diverse, and incorporate non-chemical as well as chemical control tools without reliance on any single solution.

mode of action groups and not just herbicide brand names. (Fact: New Zealand has 88 glyphosate brands registered2 to 25 registrants and they all belong to the same herbicide mode of action – Group G.) To improve control and reduce weed escapes, always target young, actively growing weeds. Make sure the correct adjuvants are used. When applying a knockdown herbicide always look at reducing weed resistance selection pressure by tank-mixing it with another herbicide. The ideal partner is one that not only represents a different mode of action but is also effective in its own right against target weeds. For me this is Sharpen®. Sharpen is a fast-acting, broad-spectrum herbicide and being the only systemic herbicide from Group E (the group that includes carfentrazone), applying it in a tank-mix with glyphosate results in far less regrowth across more weed species than alternative treatments allow. While the development of resistance can’t be totally prevented or reversed, it can be forestalled and its impact managed if we all take action now and incorporate the “mix it up” philosophy into our weed control strategies.

NON-CHEMICAL Crop rotation broadens your herbicide control options, and this is just one example of non-chemical weed control. Other non-chemical measures you can use to reduce the impact of weeds include: increasing your seeding rates to increase crop competition, especially with cereals; not over grazing to ensure you maintain highly productive and competitive pastures; spray topping to reduce weed seed set in pastures the year prior to cropping; and cultivation to deeply bury weed seeds prior to planting. CHEMICAL With herbicides it is important to not only use them at full label rates but to also ensure you rotate between herbicide

Grant Hagerty Development Manager New Zealand

To learn more about weed control strategies, visit crop-solutions.basf.co.nz or call your local area sales manager on 0800 932 273.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Hoggets need a good feed Replacement ewe hoggets will benefit from special care through late autumn and winter, whether they are in-lamb or not. Providing sufficient high-quality feed to hoggets will help ensure an acceptable lambing-rate, if they are in-lamb. This will allow them to achieve target growth rates and help them handle any stressors that come their way, as they head into winter. Allowing hoggets to graze to higher residuals, or to graze swards with higher pre-grazing covers than the older ewes; supplementing them if the autumn is dry; or using crop to ensure a higher plane of nutrition than pasture, are all options to provide nutritional support to growing replacements. These strategies will also reduce the number of worm larvae that hoggets ingest in autumn, when pasture contamination is usually highest. Hoggets are more susceptible to parasites than older ewes, as their immunity is still developing. By the time you see signs such as scouring, parasites

are already having a negative effect on growth rates. If reducing grazing pressure using the strategies mentioned above isn’t practical this autumn, then you can try to minimise this worm challenge by grazing them behind cattle, on paddocks recently cut for hay/silage, or on new grass paddocks. Continuing an effective hoggetdrenching program is also helpful, until temperatures drop. Combination drenches, like the triple combination Alliance®, delay the selection for drench-resistant parasites, if used when all the individual actives in the drench are still working on your farm. You can determine which drench actives are effective on your farm by completing a Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) at least once every few years. Forage crops present a higher clostridial disease risk than pasture, so if the hoggets will be on crop over winter, it’s a good idea to check that they have been fully vaccinated with both a sensitiser and a booster dose of a clostridial vaccine like Multine®. If you supplement

vitamin B12 to growing sheep, then Multine B12® is also an option (containing 2mg of B12 per dose). If the hoggets are in-lamb and are fully vaccinated now, then they can then receive a single booster-dose of clostridial vaccine a few weeks before lambing, as you would for mixed-age ewes. This will provide clostridial protection to both the ewe and her lamb(s) until at least docking/tailing. Providing a bit of extra care and attention to your hogget replacements now and through winter will support their future performance. Nutritional support, parasite management and clostridial disease prevention through vaccination are the main considerations. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by MSD ACVM Nos: A010249, A000934, A011311, ScheringPlough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz. NZ-SAL-210100003. © 2021 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved

| Lambing rates are higher in hoggets who have been on a pasture crop over winter than those on forage crops.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

THE FARMLANDER | 49

One thing that isn’t a pain in the arse to move. We’ll have you powered up before the cows come home. We power more than 11,000 farms and businesses just like yours, so we know you can’t afford to wait this Moving Day. Because we’ve got your back, you’ll get a $400 moving credit for your dairy shed, or a sweet deal if you don’t have one*. You’ll even get Choices Rewards Points when you pay your bill with Farmlands. There’s plenty our Agribusiness Team can do for you - call them on 0800 496 444 or visit meridian.co.nz/movefarm *Terms and conditions apply. Visit meridian.co.nz/movefarm

50 | THE FARMLANDER

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THE FARMLANDER | 51

Gold is a great investment. To protect your new pasture against broadleaf weeds this Autumn, invest in gold… Tribal® Gold.

ONF205353NF

Developed specifically for NZ pastoral farmers. It hits weeds that traditional formulations miss, without harming your valuable clover and ryegrass. It’s gold!

Visit your local Farmlands store today and ask about Tribal Gold or visit us at nufarm.co.nz/tribalgold Tribal® is a registered trademark of Nufarm Limited.

52 | THE FARMLANDER

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FORAGE AND ARABLE

A more environmental and profitable phosphorus A new tool is helping significantly reduce phosphorus (P) losses. “Phosphorus-based fertilisers are vital for farming our naturally P deficient soils but the challenge is applying this nutrient without environmental losses,” Ballance Agri-Nutrients Environmental Management Specialist Ian Power says. “Most P fertilisers contain mainly watersoluble P, which can be lost as runoff. SurePhos, a fertiliser launched in late 2019, contains mainly water-insoluble P, which minimises fertiliser P losses by up to 75 percent1.”

“The actual amount of P lost to

SurePhos is a cost-effective option,

waterways is quite low but can have a

highly compatible with other products

major impact in P-limited waterways,

and has a high P content for a reverted

by introducing just the amount needed

phosphate fertiliser, reducing cartage

for aquatic weeds and algal blooms to

and spreading costs. It can be custom

take over.”

blended with most other fertilisers,

Enter SurePhos

including nitrogen fertilisers – such as

Ballance Agri-Nutrients, with Primary Growth Partnership support, spent

SustaiN and urea – helping to minimise the number of applications and

many years formulating SurePhos,

pasture damage.

designed to provide P where and

SurePhos was runner-up for the

when it is needed, minimising

Innovation Launch Award in the

impact to the environment without

Fieldays Online Innovation Awards

effecting profit.

2020, which showcases cutting edge

The P application challenge

No more than 23 percent of the P in

ideas that benefit the primary industry.

“Minimising P losses via runoff can be tricky, with weather, timing and proximity to waterways all needing to be considered,” Ian says.

SurePhos is water-soluble (compared

Commonly used P fertilisers such as superphosphate and DAP are highly water-soluble.

water-insoluble P slowly releases

For more information and availability*, contact your Ballance Nutrient Specialist, your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

“These fertilisers work in ideal conditions, with no heavy rain (an average of 30 mm within 21 days) to remove the P. As conditions are not always predictable, it’s not uncommon to lose P in runoff, which can affect profits and waterways.

less lost to the environment.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

to 82 percent in superphosphate and 90 percent in DAP), which pasture can use straight away. The remaining into the soil over several months. The result is more P in the soil and Independent tests conducted by

1. McDowell RW, Smith C, Balvert S 2011. The environmental impact and agronomic effectiveness of four phosphorus fertilisers: Report for Ballance AgriNutrients, October 2011

superphosphate products, SurePhos

2.Dexter M, Kear M, Lucci G 2019. P leaching from SurePhos, Superten and Serpentine Super fertilisers in a laboratory evaluation: Report prepared for Ballance Agri-Nutrients by AgResearch Limited

can reduce P loss by up to 75 percent1

Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients

AgResearch show that compared to

and in a laboratory trial it was shown to reduce P leaching by up to 83 percent2.

*SurePhos is available from selected North Island stores only.

THE FARMLANDER | 53

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54 | THE FARMLANDER

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Safe and effective predator control Rodents including the Norway rat, the roof rat and house mice are common pests that infest properties and threaten public health. They can damage and destroy critical habitats, native plants, animals, crops, property and food supplies. It is also estimated 25 million native birds are lost to predators every year, so it is critical we take on the challenge to save our birds and native fauna so that future generations will hear the song of our native birds. Estimates of total rat populations vary depending on climatic and seasonal conditions, but because rats reach sexual maturity after 9 weeks a population can swell from two rats to around 1,250 in just a year.

promoting more humane traps. Two

access for daily checking of traps. Baits

traps that meet National Animal Welfare

like Pindone Possum and Rat are also a

While many see rodents as one of the main predators, possums are also capable of inflicting severe damage to bird life. Possums are considered to be mainly herbivores, however fixed camera footage has shown possums preying on both eggs and fledglings. Possums are a serious pest animal in New Zealand with their numbers estimated to be around 30 million.

Advisory Committee (NAWAC) standards

very effective method of predator control

are the Trapper T Rex and Victor

but like traps, they must always be placed

Professional with shroud (which is also

in a bait station like the Pied Piper bait

good for stoats). These are best placed

station or Philproof possum station to

in a tunnel to protect the trap from

protect the public and non-target species

non-target species and to direct the

and ensure only rodents or possums

rodent headfirst into the trap.

consume the bait.

Traps are easy to use and can be used in

Baits provide the ability to cover a large

both rural and urban environments. Being

land area at small cost and require

relatively inexpensive, a number can be

significantly less manpower to monitor

Rodents and possums are not restricted to rural areas and many of our towns and cities have high populations of both. Community groups are starting to have good success in controlling predator numbers and their success stories are found in the numbers of native bird species that are thriving in rodentcontrolled areas.

placed as a protective barrier to protect

than traps, it is always important to follow

buildings, fruit trees, native bush or areas

the label for best results.

susceptible to rodent or possum activity.

Occasionally bait and trap-resistant rats

Trapping in an urban setting can be

can become an issue, a good solution

effective with just one trap per property, if

here can be a NoPests live rat cage

enough of the community is involved. In a

which provides a level of security to trap

larger rural setting, it is important to have

shy rodents.

Public pressure for more humane pest control tools is increasing and means Government agencies, resellers and manufacturers wish to be seen to be

to gain effective control. In difficult terrain,

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

traps in lines with 50m spacings between traps to ensure adequate trap numbers it is best to set lines down ridges and spurs and along contours to achieve the necessary spacing and provide adequate

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Key Industries

THE FARMLANDER | 55

Smart culvert tactics to meet stronger water regulations A series of new freshwater regulations being phased in between now and 2025 will mean many farmers need to take additional steps to protect streams, wetlands and waterways on their land. The Government’s new freshwater regulations have been developed to address the country’s declining freshwater quality and reverse past damage. Water quality tests have shown that 94 percent of New Zealand’s urban rivers and 82 percent of pastoral rivers are unfit for swimming at different points of the year. Over three quarters

of New Zealand’s native freshwater fish (39 of 51 species) have been recorded as either threatened or at risk of extinction.

All farms will need to be compliant with these wetland stock exclusions by mid-2025.

Lakes are also being impacted with almost half of the country’s larger lakes (those measuring over a hectare) categorised as being in “poor” or “very poor” ecological health.

By mid-2023, dairy cattle and pigs must be excluded from lakes and rivers that are more than a metre wide (bank-to-bank) and dairy support cattle must also be excluded by mid-2025.

The first of the freshwater regulations took effect in September last year, with all farmers now required to keep stock out of any natural wetlands identified in council plans. For new farms, this protection applies to any natural wetlands that are 0.05ha or more and wetlands that support threatened species.

Other regulatory changes taking effect in the short-term include the need to obtain a resource consent before intensifying land use. For example converting land to dairy, keeping synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use at acceptable levels and complying with new standards for intensive winter grazing.

| Large diameter 1950mm EUROFLO ready for installation.

56 | THE FARMLANDER

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Culverts for compliance Alongside fencing solutions, farmers considering their options for the protection of waterways should be looking at culverts. Properly constructed crossings prevent damage to the stream bed, reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients and bacteria getting into waterways and can have significant payoffs for productivity. Culverts can improve efficiencies on the farm, making it easier, faster and safer for people and stock to move around the farm particularly in the event of high water levels and flooding. Installation of well-designed culverts can also help farmers comply with regulations around fish passage, which require that culverts and fords do not impede — delay or prevent by obstructing — fish passage unless they have been approved or exempted by the Department of Conservation. One of the simplest solutions for an instream structure that can meet the guidelines for fish passage — as well as provide a sturdy crossing — is the installation of a large culvert that is buried to a sufficient depth so it simulates the stream environment around it in terms of the channel width, depth and slope. P&F Global’s EUROFLO pipes are a smart choice for culvert crossings and instream structures. Made from high density polyethelene (HDPE), the pipes are maintenance and rust free, robust and come in a range of sizes up to 2,100mm in diameter. Ministry for the Environment has developed a range of resources to help people navigate the new freshwater regulations. For more information visit: https://www.mfe.govt.nz/fresh-water/ freshwater-guidance-and-guidelines For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

| Large bore EUROFLO culvert buried to a sufficient depth, simulates the stream environment and aid fish passage.

Article supplied by P&F Global

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THE FARMLANDER | 57

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Productivity on the fence line

| John Blake believes customer support is as important as the products he is using.

Few brands take their customer relationships as seriously as the team at Delfast, according to John Blake of Blake Fencing.

"By using Delfast's Staplers, we know

Having worked with their products for

John says.

10 years, there is no doubt in his mind

Delfast was started in 1992 by brothers

that when it comes to productivity

Andrew and Ian and the family legacy

on the fence line, he wants a Delfast

of sheer hard work has remained its

Stapler in his hand.

commitment ever since.

“It's not just the reliability of the product

“John and his team don't have time to

that is important to us,” John says.

mess around when it comes to their

“If something goes wrong, we know

tools,” a Delfast spokesperson says.

that the support team at Delfast is

“Being able to phone at any time and

there to help.

speak to one of the Delfast technicians

“It's not just that they will fix the

means they can stay on the job and

problem, they have a passion for

get the help they need and this is the

coming up with solutions that we

platform we have used to build our

might not have thought of and that

client base.

makes the difference to us.”

“With New Zealand's varied climate

John has been fencing in the

and unique challenges, supporting

Wanganui region since the late

the industries at our country's

70s. Completing all types of farm

core has been our family's focus

fencing, from hill country and forestry

for generations.

fencing to stockyard design and

“From the beginning, we've worked

build — covering both residential

hard to create relationships with our

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

and commercial projects.

customers and a reputation of providing

Article supplied by Delfast

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that productivity will be high and that makes the job more efficient for the customer and more profitable for us,”

every Delfast user with the best service for their products. “We're committed to creating a better experience for our end users. “When we are working with John and his team, we want them to know that we are just as committed to them as they are to their customers. “With a working relationship like this, we know we can trust that all parties will get the best outcome — no matter which of our products they are using. “We know that our reputation is why customers come back time after time, and they stick around. Many of our customers are long-standing as they know that we are right there with them when they are on a project.” If you are looking to have the Delfast team by your side on your next project, visit www.delfast.com

THE FARMLANDER | 59

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RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

A lifetime of innovative thinking Maurice Wooster received two pieces of advice from the legendary Sir Len Southward, of Southward

Robertson Engineering factory in Upper Hutt and they’re part of the reason Strainrite was formed in the first place.

Then one day, while fencing his own

Engineering years ago.

Innovation wasn’t the buzzword it is now during his farming childhood, but he says it was a highly innovative and creative environment to grow up in, where finding ways to improve something and make it easier to use was part and parcel of everyday life.

– robust, reliable fencing essentials

Such an approach has not only underpinned Strainrite’s growth, but continues to drive the success of NZ’s primary sector as a whole, “We need to value our know-how and innovation,” Maurice says.

wire strainer is still going strong,

Maurice and his team had already cemented their reputation nationwide, manufacturing high quality running gear for meat processors and spring steel blades for agricultural machinery.

the 1980s, is internationally known

“He said you need to concentrate on making the hinge, not the door. He also said if you can manufacture something a little bit better than someone else, you won’t spend a fortune trying to market it.” Maurice was a former schoolboy fencer, raised to turn his hand to anything on mid—Canterbury farms. He was a production engineering cadet and became the head of his own manufacturing workshop by his early 20s and he remains guided by this lifetime of knowledge and experience to this day. They’re behind every piece of Strainrite fencing equipment that comes out of the

farm, he realised the company’s next diversification was right in front of him designed to work better and make the job easier for farmers and contractors in any way possible. “We started with a wire strainer and went from there,” Maurice says. Fast forward to 2021 and the but is just one of hundreds of products in the Strainrite range. The company remains among the few New Zealand manufacturers to survive import deregulation in and has just invested over $1 million in new plant and equipment to keep up with demand. Maurice did briefly dip a toe into offshore manufacturing for one line of products many years ago. However, the result was so inconsistent with Strainrite’s quality reputation that it only confirmed what he believed all along – that reliable New Zealand-made equipment, designed in collaboration with Kiwi fencers and farmers is the only way to go. Today more than 60 people, including six designers and product developers, work at Strainrite, focusing on continual improvement of its fencing equipment range. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

| Maurice Wooster places a lot of emphasis on valuing the know-how and innovation of his team.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

Article supplied by Strainrite

THE FARMLANDER | 61

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The New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards aim to capture and preserve the history of our country’s farming families. Each month we will share stories from Farmlands shareholders who have worked their land for 100 years or more.

Days of wine and roses From Nottingham to the Wairau Plains, six generations of one family is taking viticulture to new heights. In the heart of the Wairau Plains in Marlborough, John Rose bought land he would call “Kegworth” in 1870 – named after his family farm in Nottinghamshire, England.

| Working the land, 1925.

The farm was called “Kai-iwi” for a

– Chardonnay, which subsequently

period by Noel after visiting and liking

needed to be replanted due to

Adjacent properties were acquired in

the place Kai-iwi on his honeymoon.

phylloxera. The whole property is now

1903 to comprise 379 acres in all, of the

However, it was changed back to

planted in a range of Sauvignon Blanc,

richest agricultural land in Marlborough.

Kegworth by David, as no other

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

Ownership of the farm changed to

Roses in the district were using that

Contracting was always a big part of

his son, John Wallis and grandson,

name and the original Kegworth

the farming life, firstly with the horses

Ernest Sinclair in 1908. Ernest

farm had now been split up.

and then mechanised. NES Rose

had a son, Noel Ernest and a

Back in the 1900s the farm grew wheat,

Contracting was around from the 1930s,

daughter Lois (known as Joan).

barley, root crops and peas. Clydesdale

doing grain harvesting, hay baling

Noel had a son, David William Noel (an

horses were bred to work the farm.

and ground work. David took over the

only child) with his wife, Mona who died

In 1977, David and Val took over the farm

business in 1968 and had one of the

in childbirth. David and his wife, Valerie

and irrigation was installed, enabling

first medium square baling machines

had three children – Tim, Tracy and

crops such as peas and corn to be

locally and operated silage equipment.

Vaughan – who are now are the sixth

grown for Talley’s, alongside sheep.

Rose Ag now specialises in fertiliser

generation of Roses to farm the land.

The first grapes were planted in 1981

spreading and grape harvesting.

| David Rose along with the first grape harvest.

WWW.FARMLANDS.CO.NZ

| John Rose Senior.

THE FARMLANDER | 63

Rural market update This last year has seen a significant turnaround in our Rural Property market — a game of two halves ln a nutshell, it’s really been a game of two halves; the first half to June 2020 was initially impacted by a slow rural real estate market, followed by COVlD operating restrictions. The second half of 2020, through into this current selling season, has seen a significant turnaround in rural real estate, reflecting the broader confidence in support of our primary sector and the role it continues to play in NZ’s economic recovery. National rural sales for 20 ha+ annualized continues to track at $2.4 billion year-on-year from 1100 + sales. This REINZ sourced data excludes private sales. The January-2020 to-January 2021 reporting period has seen two significant swings, the first being a $450 million negative variance on prior year sales to 30th June 2020 now entirely reversed as of January 2021 with $523 million in additional sales value, generated from 787 property sales, up 38 percent on last year’s selling season. Horticulture sales at $431 million are remarkably similar to the prior year ($434 million), despite record export returns. Noting this year’s results included a $105 million favourable swing in the second half of the year that got things back to square again, year on year. Dairy sales 20 ha and over is the big mover in rural real estate at 157 sales for $663 million, up from 101 sales for $436 million the prior year. Dairy sales last autumn were actually back $91 million at the end of June 2020, however, dairy real estate this current season has benefited from a $308 million recovery to the end of January 2021, on the prior year. Albeit off a 3 year low in dairy farm sales. ln summary, our rural real estate sector shows positive signs of recovery, admittedly nothing quite like the pace of the residential market; however, that market is influenced by a significant housing supply shortage and excess demand driven off the fear of missing out and expectations of future capital gains. The rural real estate drivers, by contrast, are very different. Farms and orchard valuations are underpinned by expectations of future earnings and the factors influencing them. Supply and demand for rural real estate is now evenly balanced, particularly in the pastoral sector, with return on capital now ahead of financing costs. Alternative land use,

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specifically the demand for permanent forests, is now a real factor in the market. However, to date, there continues to be resistance to sell into this option. These views will continue to come under pressure as future offers present under the current central government policy settings. Horticulture is showing robust valuation growth and capturing category premiums for its produce. Horticulture real estate sales are expected to grow both by value and volume in 2021. Horticulture investment continues to be fuelled by outside investors care of third-party investor syndications that have significantly less reliance on debt markets to fund transactions. Nationally, small pastoral rural holdings under 40ha prove good buying, particularly when compared to the significant prices being paid for smaller lifestyle properties (4ha or less) currently capturing residential premiums. So, for those lifestyler’s looking for more land to run livestock and own a farm, the opportunity to trade up has never been better, particularly on current interest rates. These smaller rural holdings are often close enough to town to maintain current employment in the more prominent provincial centres whilst offering the opportunity for true country life without forfeiting off-farm incomes. We take this opportunity to thank our vendors for placing their properties for sale with Property Brokers this autumn, a significant period in the rural real estate calendar. When you choose to work with Property Brokers, you don’t just have access to one sales consultant; you have a national team of equally committed salespeople, marketing experts and support staff from right across heartland New Zealand collectively working to get you the best result. This is our True Team promise.

Conrad Wilkshire, GM Rural for Property Brokers Ltd

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | 0800 367 5263 | pb.co.nz

National Rural Sales 20 ha +

12 months to January 2021 (Excluding Forestry and Horticulture) Period

No of Sales

Prior Year

Total Sales Volume

Prior Year

Year on Year Change

Jan 20

$146,323,450

$188,361,400

-$42,037,950

Feb 20

$152,394,885

$237,323,300

-$84,928,415

Mar 20

103

$152,913,977

$226,339,822

-$73,425,845

Apr 20

$101,562,324

$211,053,449

-$109,491,125

May-20

$111,305,407

$226,412,060

-$115,106,653

Jun 20

$136,133,260

$160,222,885

-$24,089,625

Jul 20

108

$238,553,107

$129,713,458

$108,839,649

Aug 20

$145,601,250

$123,495,384

$22,105,866

Sep 20

$153,049,892

$139,750,070

$13,299,822

Oct 20

105

$251,329,431

$130,097,950

$121,231,481

Nov 20

156

102

$400,635,214

$294,090,549

$106,544,665

Dec 20

186

132

$456,681,969

$312,956,133

$143,725,836

Jan 21

$153,401,600

$146,323,450

$7,078,150

Total

1,198

1,069

$2,599,885,766

$2,526,139,910

The turnaround in rural real estate is massive over the last 12 months

PropertyBrokers Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA | 0800 367 5263 | pb.co.nz Property Ltd Licensed REAA 20082008 | 0800 367 5263 | pb.co.nz

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The Farmlander - April 2021

Articles inside

A more environmental and profitable phosphorus

A lifetime of innovative thinking

Safe and effective predator control

Hoggets need a good feed

A better way to breed

The new chicks on the block

Simple weighing is easier than ever

The future won’t take care of itself

An answer to fertiliser restrictions

Grain processing for horse health

It pays to read the feed label

Connecting rural New Zealand

Knowing your emissions

Action group ready and wooling

Weathering the storm

Special Feature – Game changer for sheep

5 minutes with Dave Maslen

Leading by example

Delighting in the details

More than just a game