Top South Farming - December 2023

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Changing challenges for orchardists ELOISE MARTYN

Rachel, Andrew, and Sue Lowe whose family have been growing fruit at their Waimea West orchard for almost 88 years. Photo: Supplied.

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The Lowe family have been growing fruit at their Waimea West orchard, in Brightwater, since 1935 and Andrew and Sue Lowe, alongside their daughter Rachel, say orchardists’ challenges have certainly changed over the years.

Andrew Lowe is a third-generation grower, born and raised on the orchard which has expanded to a total of 20 hectares over time.

They still have some heritage apple varieties such as Cox Orange and Golden Delicious which have, in the past, been family favourites.

“The demand for heritage apples has started diminishing. It has been strong and steady, but just the past few years you can

tell it’s changing,” says Andrew.

A variety of fruits, some from the original planting, such as peaches, nectarines, plums, pears and strawberries are also grown alongside their apples.

Change and challenge are something the Lowes have experienced a lot of, and they accept that adapting to change is critical to any sustainable business.

“The apple export has its challenges and, after consideration, we have decided to focus on offering more to our local markets,” Sue says.

Another challenge the orchard has adapted to is dealing with the increased presence of the Carpophilus Beetle.

“The Carpophilus has been

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Editor’s Corner BARBARA STUART

lucination! We think it came up the creek, frighted by the fireworks and then, disorientated made its way up to our house.

Before we could do anything, it took off over the bank down to the creek again. Instructions from the Department of Conservation were: “We don’t interfere, mothers wean young seals at this time of year just guide it back down the creek if you can.” Well, our seal went up the creek and eventually once

Fortunately, after a windy spring there’s been regular rain, grass is running to seed, and I note tractors are busy making hay and silage. I’m enjoying this El Nino summer after the floods of last year and the devastation many faced.

This month something odd occurred early one morning after beach goers held Guy Fawkes celebrations. Hubby called to me to get up because he reckoned he must be hallucinating. There on our doorstep, among all the boots was a baby seal, it was not a hal-

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Technology the answer for methane emissions We now have ground-breaking new portable technology which measures methane emissions from cattle on farm. We’ve been doing this for many years with sheep. Now there is a system to measure cattle on farms around New Zealand, and we’ve been able to prove that it’s an accurate” This will bolster efforts to reduce the climate change impacts from livestock in NZ and overseas. Crown Research Institute, Ag-Research have created a portable chamber which, Dr Suzanne Rowe says, “animals stand inside the chamber for one hour while oxygen is breathed in, recorded and then the Co2 and Methane are measured as they breath out.” This means rather than cut the nations income by dropping stock numbers there is an answer. “This is a first, portable system to measure methane emissions from cattle,” says AgResearch senior scientist Dr Suzanne Rowe. “We’ve built a relatively simple chamber which can go where the animals are.

her out with the truck. If it’s possible for a cow to be embarrassed, then she was. She turned her back and walked off with a flick of her tail as if to say, “that never happened!”

Planning for Christmas is on my agenda. It’s time to put aside all the aggravations of farming and make sure we enjoy happy times with friends, family and especially those little people. I plan to set up the Christmas tree and fill the pantry with goodies.

Wishing you all a wonderful festive, Holiday Season from the Team at Top of the South Farming Monthly.

We then use this data to rank animals according to their emissions.”

Calls continue to allow Young Farmers to use their Kiwi saver

Perth commercial camel milk operation expanding A 4.8-million-dollar grant has been given to Australian commercial camel milk producer, Good Earth Dairy, to develop a powdered camel milk processing facility in Perth.The facility would be the first of its kind and the project is expected to cost US $12.7 million.

Completion of the project is expected in 2026 allowing Good Earth Dairy to increase its production capacity to 60 thousand litres per day, 21.9 million litres per annum, as well as enter the infant formula market.

The Australian outback’s wild camel’s milk is referred to as ‘white gold’ and apparently tastes just like milk but with a slightly sweetish odour and salty taste.

Letting young farmers use KiwiSaver to buy their first home, farm, herd or flock would help them fast-track their way through the sector, says a Waikato sharemilker. Danielle Hovmand, 27, is keen to see National follow through on a KiwiSaver rule change policy announced on their final day of campaigning. “Make it happen – show New Zealand that the farming sector is the place to be, that farming is sustainable for the future, and that New Zealand farmers feel valued,” Hovmand urged the new Government. Currently, young farmers like Hovmand cannot withdraw their KiwiSaver for a deposit to get on the ownership ladder.

Federated Farmers has been calling for a change to this rule as one of its 12 key priorities for Marcel Steingiesser, chief executive of Good Earth Dairy.

Photo: Supplied. the next Government.

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the busy beach was clear one of the blokes put the cute wee seal in the tide for us later in the day. It was delighted to be in the sea again, flipped its tail and swam off. A seal on the doorstep was a first for us. Rural life is like that; there’s always something surprising happening, especially with animals.

I remember on one occasion we found Grandma’s milking cow upside down in her water trough. We had to get a strop under her and gently pull

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Changing challenges for orchardists FROM PAGE 1 around for years but it’s only recently we have started to have problems with them,” Andrew says.

The Carpophilus beetle, a worldwide pest to fruit growers, is a serious pest of ripening fruit.

They have the potential to cause heavy fruit losses when the beetles bore into ripening fruit, causing breakdown and spreading brown rot.

The Lowes manage the pest with beetle trapping which involves using a mix of both pheromone and feeding attractants to attract both male and female beetles into a funnel trap, where the beetle is exposed to an insecticide pest strip that kills and contains it within the trap.

“Unfortunately, the frost doesn’t seem to make any difference to them,” Andrew adds.

Last season was particularly challenging with hard frosts delivered via cold blasts in later months of the year that

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Alternative ocean freight solution between North and South Islands scrapped

caused major damage to stone fruit, such as Apricots and Nectarines.

The wet weather which delivered constant rain from August to November resulted in many split or cracked, unsellable stone fruit heavily impacting the volumes of stone fruit available last season.

The cost-of-living crisis also impacted last season and isn’t likely to change this season.

“People’s spending habits have changed. People have been buying smaller amounts of our fruit compared to last season,” Sue says.

All orchardists, including the Lowes, will be hoping for a kinder season this time round.

The Lowes say that they are keen to investigate ways to minimise the effects of the unpredictable weather on their fruits, as they continue to implement simple and easy operating systems and enjoy the additional fruit coming from young trees planted four years ago.

In June 2022 transport and logistics group, MOVE Logistics Group Limited, and Waka Kotahi, NZ Transport Agency, announced a 10-million-dollar plan to establish an alternative ocean freight solution between the North and South Islands of New Zealand, creating a new gateway via Nelson and New Plymouth. The new service was to be capable of calling into at least thirteen New Zealand ports, without the need for any new port infrastructure to be built.

The benefits of the driveon, drive-off truck service would have helped reduce the number of trucks on New Zealand roads, as well as dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the freight movements concerned, provide a solution to the current truck driver labour shortage, and provide quicker delivery time frames for freight to reach its destination. The first sailing was expected to be in 2023.

Due to tidal issues, the plan has been scrapped.

MOVE Logistics Group Limited has confirmed that they have cancelled their

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order for a purpose-built coastal cargo vessel. This leaves freight trucks and companies who are rolling stock between the North and South Islands with the only option of going via the Cook Strait on ferries that operate between Wellington and Picton. These vessels require linkspan/ramp operations for loading and unloading cargo and the vessel ramp configurations mean that these ships cannot berth at standard cargo wharves.

Late frosts rattle Tasman grape growers A series of late frosts received in the first week of November has Tasman grape growers questioning the impact. A spring frost can cause devastation to grapevine buds that are starting to emerge in the warm weather before turning into flower clusters. Some grower’s vines are planted in more frostprone areas as others which has some growers saying they have been unaffected by the late frost, while others say there is visible damage already.

Last year in Oct 2022 a similar series of late rosts impacted the growers.

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Muller Station takes top prize The winner of the Westpac Osgro Seeds Marlborough Farmer of the Year 2023 is a high-country business that produces merino wool and meat, stud rams and Angus and Angus Charolais cross cattle.

Muller Station, owned and run by Steve and Mary Satterthwaite, together with their daughter Alice and son Ben, have won the prestigious title in the latest competition.

The Marlborough Farmer of the Year competition for 2023 attracted excellent entrants and was highly competitive, says Simon Harvey, competition chair.

Muller Station won due to a combination of top financial performance from a very productive sheep and beef flock, careful land management and good governance, said Simon.

“Their attention to appropriate genetics has shaped a high-producing Merino, suited to their environment and top commercial cattle herd.

One of the key strengths of the business is that all members of the family are actively involved in running the farming operation.” The Satterthwaite’s utilise off-farm finishing, protecting capital stock performance. They have a grazing management plan to suit both the stock while protecting their fragile environment.”

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The Satterwaite family, winners of Marlborough Farmer of the Year. Photo: Supplied.

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Hop legend still at it after half a century ELOISE MARTYN Half a century on and Motueka-based ‘hop-legend’ scientist Dr Ron Beatson is still creating new hop flavours and aromas.

Ron recently retired from his 38year role in the research and development of hop breeding and genetics under the umbrella of Plant & Food Research Riwaka, which is now led by his successor Kerry Templeton.

He hasn’t retired fully - instead he has stepped into a part time role for NZ Hops Ltd Grower cooperative, as their Brand Ambassador where he is currently involved in a joint breeding programme between Plant & Food Research – NZ Hops Cooperative.

“As a scientist, my work involved developing hops for the New Zealand industry. Since our country has very few pests and disease issues, it enabled the breeding programme to concentrate mainly on developing new flavours and aromas for use in a wide range of beer types,” Ron says.

Flavour and aroma are what allow brewers to craft a beer that is unique with each variety of hop providing its own flavour profile.

“Our flavours are recognised as being particularly good for

‘hop-forward’ beer styles such as IPAs, Pale Ales, and Pilsners which means craft brewers are particularly fond of our hops and this has proven to be an advantage to the industry,” Ron says.

It’s a complicated process to create a new flavour and once a ‘cross’ is completed it usually takes around 10 years of rigorous selection and testing before a selection can be released to the industry.

It’s Ron’s job to ensure any new varieties have all the critical properties.

“It needs to have a good yield and be a plant that grows well in the spring. Machine harvest properties are important as well as harvest maturity, and what date it will be ready for harvest,” Ron says.

To start with, female hop flowers are placed inside a large pollen-proof bag, to exclude any ‘foreign’ pollen from getting in. Just before they flower, pollen from a hand-selected male plant is introduced into the bag.

By early March, the female flowers have developed into the characteristic ‘cones’ when they can be hand-harvested and dried at a low ambient temperature so as not to kill the seeds inside. From this, the seeds are extracted, ger-

Motueka-based hop legend Dr Ron Beatson. Photo: Supplied. minated and raised in a glass house, and then placed in nursery pots.

After this stage, the seedling plants are transferred to the field and once they are established, the selection process commences on 2-year-old plants.

Ron simply explains it as: “Essentially, we cross the chosen parents and keep the seeds from the cross for growing on.”

Once a selected individual from a seedling population has been made, further trials are necessary to determine their commercial

prospects.

The chosen plants are cloned, and larger-scale trials begin for a range of factors including yield, plant chemistry, harvest maturity timing, machine harvest properties, and most importantly, the performance of the selection in beer to determine its flavour characteristics.

Next, a process decides if the new selection should be trialled by the brewing industry. Both domestic and international brewers are helping with this vital stage to test the brewing properties of each

selection. Once the brewing trials are completed for each selection which usually takes at least two to three years, it is ‘decision time’ for which selection or selections have merit for commercial release as a new cultivar or variety.

“Since 2010 we have produced six new cultivars, so that will give you an idea of how in-depth the process is,” says Ron. Two of these cultivars were the recently released, ‘Nectaron’ in 2020 and ‘Superdelic’ in 2023.

“To emphasize the timeframe to breed a new cultivar, it took 16 years to develop Nectaron after it was ‘crossed’ in 2004.”

Each year 2,000 seedlings are created from several crosses made.

Usually less than 5 per cent of these seedlings are selected and after further extensive trialling, sometimes none make the final cut. It’s a high attrition rate, but it is a necessary process to undertake, laughs Ron. “It takes time but it’s a good process. It involves growers, brewers, and science and it’s a tried-andtrue process. I have loved my science work, I’m passionate about hops, and enjoy the selection process amongst the unknown seedlings each year, it really is fascinating.”

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Live deer capture in the 70’s BARBARA STUART Our first foray into deer farming was in the late seventies. There was a sizeable feral mob on our coastal, North Nelson property in those days due to the fact my father-in-law Fred Stuart loved knowing they were there.

Not only was Fred an avid hunter, but from his father, David Stuart, and through their Scots ancestry there was a natural affinity and respect for deer. He would never let anyone shoot hinds, only shooting the odd young stag for meat.

David Stuart had his first encounter with a mob of deer on the Pelorus Sound property at Te Towaka, where he was raised as a boy. His family were the third pioneer family to settle in the Pelorus Sounds during the early 1860’s and remained there until 1920’s when it was sold to the Leov family.

While out fishing with his little foxy dog, Davie Stuart came across a mob of deer swimming out in the Sounds in the 1880’s somewhere near ‘Sheep Point.’ He had no idea what they were and on telling the story to his father James, learned they were wild deer released by the Acclimatisa-

and three’s.

The downside was Ian had to creep up and pull the fence down behind them late at night.

This was best done in a sou’west breeze when they couldn’t smell him or hear his vehicle.

Meanwhile, at home I waited anxiously for him to get back about 1 o’clock in the morning.

There was always excitement when the deer traps went off.

Whoever was around would be pulled in to help catch the deer in the pen, blind fold them and treat them with drugs to reduce the risk of stress. I once heard our eldest son tell someone, “My Dad can stop a stag.” He could too.

While the deer boom was on we sold a good number, as our steep hill country was not good for farming deer and in-laws John Rose McDonald and Barbara Stuart holding a captured feral hind. and Rose McDonald were able Photo: Ian Stuart. set themselves up deer farming

tion Society for the gentlemanly sport of hunting.

During the 1970’s stories of the late Tim Wallace emerged about wild deer recovery to set up deer farms, and supply the German venison market, plus the Chinese and Korean market for velvet.

My husband Ian, along with his sister Rose and her husband John McDonald began to plan how to launch themselves into deer farming by capturing our own feral red deer. They fenced off a couple of paddocks

in deer fencing and built a set of yards with a dark room to reduce stress during handling. Plus, they set up several traps planted in turnips to attract them.

They used a trip wire set well inside the gate to allow for a small mob to enter the trap. This took quite a lot of tweaking to get the right system as deer are very nervous about gateways. Our best trap was the most uncomplicated. It was a lifted the fence which deer, could slip under in two’s

Ian Stuart and son Hamish with velvet from a feral farmed stag.

Photo: Supplied. out at 88 Valley.

They were exciting times when crews hunted the back-country in helicopters. Brave men who jumped out of helicopters to bulldog deer, drugging and blind folding each one for hoisting into hovering choppers.

They were skilled pilots who were much sought after to fight fires in Europe and Australia, because of their fearlessness and skill when flying close to mountains.

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What is happening to our DOC estate?

MAUREEN PUGH

West Coast – Tasman MP

QUALITY SERVICE | COMPETITIVE RATES | PROFESSIONAL RESULTS

The DOC estate is a huge part of the South Island and it’s important that we all know what is going on there. It ultimately affects us all and the news coming from this huge tract of land doesn’t appear to be that great.

‘Jobs for Nature’ was a much vaunted $1.2 billion initiative of the Labour Government involving 460 projects nationwide. But despite billions of dollars’ worth of investment the basics have been ignored and the DOC estates are now being overrun with goats and deer. There have been confirmed sightings of herds of more than 100 deer devouring grazing land and fouling the good grass that farmers are now not able to use. This has been particularly noticeable over the winter where cattle could be turned out for the winter grazing but that land is now not available because deer and goats have destroyed it.

What has always been clear to the majority of us who live close to DOC land is that sensible use of it to benefit the land, communities, and the economy of the region is the way we need to be moving. Once, high country leases sustained

Maureen Pugh MP. Photo: Supplied. families but now that those leases have been withdrawn or reduced in size beyond what is a sustainable farm, pests and weeds are taking over and no one wins. The current pest destruction on the DOC estate is in a downward trajectory.

Rather than spend $150,000 eliminating each wallaby as a Jobs For Nature project in Otago, better use of taxpayers’ money could have been found.

As the Taxpayers’ Union stated, it would have been cheaper to charter a private jet and fly each wallaby back to Australia!

The same applies to wilding pines and possums. Unless a long-term solution is found, these projects are big black

holes where we continually throw taxes because there is no end game.

Getting back to basics and looking for local partnerships to help with maintenance of pests and allowing contractors to value-add to the carcasses is incentivising innovation.

Everyone wins and it makes good common sense. Thinking ahead, we now have the door open to look at genetic solutions for pest and weed eradication and, for me, it can’t come fast enough.

Maureen Pugh is the National MP for West Coast – Tasman and can be contacted on 0800 MAUREEN.

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STUART SMITH Kaikoura MP

At the time of writing, we are still waiting for a Government to be formed; nevertheless, next year promises a much-needed shift in political direction that the public overwhelmingly voted for. The shortcomings of the electoral processes are a topic for another day, but suffice it to say that changes will have to be made in the processes that led to the drawn-out interregnum period with all the associated costs to our economy.

The promised dry conditions expected from El Nino have started to bite just at a time when many farmers feel the financial pinch from lower prices and rising costs. The New Zealand economy has always relied on agriculture to help pay our way in the world, and climatic challenges are part

and parcel of agriculture, but there is no doubt we are all in this together.

In Parliament, I look forward to continuing with my Members Bill, the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Cellar Door Tasting) Amendment Bill. The bill seeks to address anomalies in the law that make it difficult and expensive for cellar doors to charge for the samples of their wine to their visitors. Reflecting current industry practice, a sample will be defined under the Act and limited to 40 millilitres. That is approximately 18 samples per 750-millilitre bottle.

Second, limited categories of off-licence are available to a winery under the Act by adding a category of off-licence general to wineries holding an on-licence, such as a winery or a cafe. Definitions of “winery” and “winery cellar door”, which reflect the current use of

those terms, are in the bill.

The objectives of the current Act are that the sale, supply, and consumption of alcohol should be undertaken safely and responsibly and that the harm caused by the excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol should be minimised. This bill will further advance those objectives.

The bill passed its ‘First Reading’ with 105 votes out of 120, which is unprecedented for a ‘Conscience Vote’. Alcohol legislation is usually treated as a conscience matter and left to individual MPs to decide.

The Justice Select Committee will hear submissions and report to the House early in the New Year, where it will progress (or not) through the remaining stages.

Next year will be exciting and challenging. New Zealanders voted for change, and change is coming.

Farming TOP SOUTH

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Dame Lynda Topp behind new campaign Fish & Game New Zealand has launched a public awareness campaign to hook New Zealanders on the experience of freshwater fishing and hunting.

The Rewild campaign, launched in Christchurch today by Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan, alongside keen angler and hunter Dame Lynda Topp, highlights the many benefits of fishing and hunting, including environmental stewardship and conservation, food-gathering and improving mental health and wellbeing.

The campaign, which will feature stories, social media content, billboards and advertising across the country, will include events and resources to support people wanting to have a go at fishing and hunting.

Last year approximately 120,000 people purchased fishing and hunting licences from Fish & Game.

“We created the Rewild campaign to share our passion with New Zealanders and encourage them to get out in nature and enjoy the benefits nature and wild spaces provide,” says Jordan.

“We want Kiwis to ‘rewild’ themselves by connecting with the nat-

Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan with Dame Lynda Topp at the ReWild campaign launch. Photo: Supplied. ural world and all the benefits it offers.

“We know New Zealanders love our natural environment and care about protecting it. We want that knowledge to be based on experience, on getting out into the wild and putting the routine of daily life aside for a time.

“Fishing and hunting are great for physical and mental well-being, you can’t focus on problems

when you are focused on a trout at the end of your line.

“Fishing and hunting are also great ways to connect with whānau and friends, to teach children skills, instil a desire to protect the environment and help them learn independence.

“Women are also increasingly getting out and having a go, and my experience is that it’s liberating. It’s time to yourself, but it

also means you can bring back something delicious and healthy for dinner.

“Fishing and hunting are ways of being part of nature and its cycle.

So, part of our focus is ensuring our wild places stay wild. And more than that, we must ensure that the life that survives there thrives there.

“Fish & Game’s journey has always been about protecting, re-

storing and rewilding Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural freshwater habitats and species. And that means safeguarding indigenous species and the management of valued introduced ones for the benefit of people and whenua.

“By building our affinity for the wild, we can all participate in the tikanga or practice of protecting the incredible things that make our country so special.”

Dame Lynda Topp, an angler and hunter since childhood, is supporting the campaign and encouraging Kiwis to rewild themselves.

“All Kiwis should have a chance to get out and connect with nature and have the chance to come together with whānau and friends to shake off their worries, have some fun, catch some kai and connect with what it means to be part of Aotearoa.”

Go to rewild.fishandgame.org.nz to find out more.

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

Tasman Report

EXCLUSIVE

I suppose I am not out of order wishing all our clients and customers a Merry Xmas as we farewell 2023. Will a good Xmas gift be a workable coalition government, which at the time of writing we were still waiting on?

– Even if we do get something agreed it is going to be an interesting 3 years trying to keep all the egos in line.

UPPER MOUTERE Quality Lifestyle and Grazing Property A rarity in the district, 22.4 Hectares with two titles. A flat grazing block of 20.2 Hectares and a second title being 2.24 Hectares containing the house.

A spacious 310sqm five-bedroom homestead over three levels is set in an elevated position overlooking the farm, facing north for all-day sun and enjoying stunning views of the valley and Western ranges. A large deck and solar heated pool provides for entertainment and relaxation. The property provides a wonderful opportunity for a family to enjoy the Moutere Lifestyle and a property that offers grazing income and a variety of options for the future. * The vendors will consider selling the bare block separately. pggwre.co.nz/NEL38263 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

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ENQUIRIES OVER $1,800,000 GST Inclusive

VIEW By Appointment Only

Doug Smith M 027 543 2280 E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

mand for lifestyle blocks is patchy however some blocks are creating great interest and some none - you have to be on the market to reach potential buyers and we have seen a lift in prices on the properties we have sold while others have sat on the market for some time.

Getting finance is a real issue and banks are I have looked at the policies around agrirelying heavily on lending criteria being fully culture that are common met before they will look at to all parties, and they a deal - Then they are likely certainly align with what I subject to a valuation which think will be good for the is also causing problems for a rural communities so we lot of agreements at previous will hold our collective price levels not making the breaths. It is certain that grade. things need to change as As buyers get used to doing we are at the bottom of a budgets at 6 or 7 % interest product value cycle largely rates that will likely contindue to our reliance on China ue to be the bank’s main being a strong economy fall-back position – is the Joe Blakiston and they are showing signs purchase economic?

027 434 4069 of stress in their middle class especially.

So we will have achieved some good rural sales prior to Xmas but the Spring and early summer have been amount of property on the market means favourable in the region with plenty of grass that buyers are taking their time to do due around for early December and the baleage diligence, and will not be rushed into makcontractors will be busy. Horticultural ing decisions. As always a comprehensive clients are reporting the busiest days as far marketing package with drone videos and as product sales go so there is confidence photography is the best investment you there- despite the same headwinds in can make to promote your property, and global markets. of course, appointing PGG Wrightson Real So where does that leave us all? From a real Estate as your selling agent is the other key estate perspective, there are plenty of great decision. listings coming to market and the choice Have a great Xmas and New Year, enjoy for buyers is exceptional. In general, the defamily and friends, and watch out 2024.

Helping grow the country

Farming TOP SOUTH

December 2023

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MONTHLY

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

EXCLUSIVE

SEDDON 83 Richmond Brook Road

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any)

Awatere Viticulture or Farming Opportunity!

'Breach Oak' is one of the few remaining properties in Marlborough with over 100 years of continuous family ownership. This is a unique opportunity to purchase a property of scale with huge potential for viticultural development or to further develop into a well-located breeding and finishing property.

Located just 35km from Blenheim and 10km from Seddon township, the Awatere Valley is well recognised as a proven viticulture performer in Marlborough and this property is positioned between existing and development viticulture properties.

faces well suited to water storage options. A key feature is the 100 shares in the Awatere Irrigation Limited scheme (A.I.L) providing 'B Class' water. Currently, a 3500 stock unit sheep and beef farm which includes a full range of farm infrastructure including a threestand woolshed, covered yards, and numerous other sheds complete a desirable farming package.

The property has three homes in total with the main upmarket 234sqm homestead consisting of four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Set on an elevated landscaped site for stunning rural views over the farm. Extensively renovated to a very high standard, this attractive homestead has all the modern features and inspection will impress.

On three titles this 401 ha (995 acre) property provides a good balance of clean flats to medium hill country with some steeper

(Unless Sold Prior) Closes 1.00pm, Thursday 14 December, 20 Westwood Ave

VIEW By Appointment Only

Greg Lyons M 027 579 1233 E greg.lyons@pggwrightson.co.nz Joe Blakiston M 027 434 4069 E jblakiston@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/BLE37828

NEW LISTING

TAPAWERA Quality Finishing Property • • • • • •

Quality Finishing Property 200.5325 Hectares, 160 effective hectares in grass Two Homes Quality Farm Improvements 20ha of Pine trees registered in the ETS Contour a mix of flats, easy terraces, and medium hill

NEW LISTING

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$3.2M

Plus GST (if any)

VIEW By Appointment Only

Doug Smith M 027 543 2280 E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz pggwre.co.nz/NEL38510 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

TAPAWERA Peaceful Country Living..

Easy comfortable living here on this 14.5 Hectare lifestyle property. Approximately just 4km to the Tapawera Village, this flat fertile grazing block runs along the edge of the Motueka River. The centrepiece is a four bedroom home centrally placed and set amongst expansive lawns and established easy care gardens.

The living areas and deck face north for all day sun.

Farm improvements include a three bay implement shed, stables and tack shed, plus excellent sheep and cattle yards. A bonus is an irrigation consent to irrigate the property. Stroll across the paddock to a swimming hole or cast a line for dinner.

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$1.23M GST Inclusive VIEW By Appointment Only

Doug Smith M 027 543 2280 E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/NEL38596 Helping grow the country

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December 2023

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OPINION

How to be thankful GARRICK BATTEN

Why Aspect?

“Aspect are aligned with our values of providing value for money for our clients.

They stand by their work and will ensure that expectations are met.”

Sam Nuske – Branch Manager, PF Olsen Nelson

At Aspect we’d love to hear your story. We can offer an all-inclusive service whether it be a forestry operation or land development. In this economic climate, we know costs must come down and value needs to increase. Where do you have hidden value in your forest or land? Work smart, create certainty, and build resilience.

Start by giving us a call and we’ll put the jug on.

Earthworks Services

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• Land Development

• Forest Harvest Planning

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• Resource Consents

• Dam Construction

• Road and Skid Site Construction

• Effluent Ponds

• Debris/Slash Management

• River Protection

• Forest Fire Protection

Support local and give Mitch a call to see how we can help you!

021 502 429 | info@aspectforestry.co.nz

Got a story? Contact us: news@nmf.co.nz

This is the time of the year for goodwill to all and giving is part of that. Rural people know about that as they constantly help their neighbours and fellow farmers as part of being in a rural community. Earlier this month, Gabrielle showed a clear example as farmers reeling from her effects got time, skill, money, animal feed and other gifts from their fellows throughout the country.

Gabrielle still has widespread and continuing visual and emotive coverage in the media. What you don’t see or hear about is an adverse event affecting only one farm, family or person with the same influence as a district event, but more significant with no wider support. The locals know and step in. It may be to milk the cows because lepto has struck, the loan of a tractor at hay time with a long delay for a vital spare part, inevitable comfort food, or a quiet chat over a bottle of whisky. All part of supporting fellows in the fabric of the farming family.

You also see little about the global farming family such as in the Sahel region of Africa which needs $85B a year to adapt to climate change, apart from dealing with refugees and violence from the current drought. And you think we have climate change effects? Everyone can help them with donations to aid organisations instead of spending on personal and family Christmas gifts; a generous gift but do

you wonder where the money goes? How about not only a double whammy but one that is specific to product, person and place with short links to the recipient? A microcredit loan gift that keeps on giving.

When repaid, it can be re-lent and re-lent and re-lent for ever.

Microcredit is for very small loans from small local “banks” to people with no collateral. It is part of microfinance in broader financial support services in over 30 poorer countries. One organisation that feeds donor money to microcredit sources in developing countries is KIVA, after assessing and accrediting them with an established and monitored network of over 300 field partners. So far it has channelled US$2B to 4.8m borrowers. Repayment rate has been 96.3% despite risks from borrowers’ business, ability or health, or the lenders’ operations, potential theft and fraud.

With a specific interest in the goat industry, the GOGOATS team had given $25 annually for ten years. So far, repayments have funded 103 loans worth $3,350 in 18 countries including the Sahel. Farmers in developing countries have more crises, disasters and needs than in NZ, but their neighbours cannot help them. Perhaps you can at www.kiva.org. You can join the GOGOATS TEAM, or choose another NZ TEAM when you get to the payment stage on the KIVA site. Or choose your own loan. But in this spirit of seasonal giving, consider KIVA for ongoing personalised gifts – for ever.

Farming TOP SOUTH

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December 2023

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December 2023

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Ideas on dealing with magpies ELOISE MARTYN A magpie has a lifespan of 25-30 years and each season a female magpie raises 5-8 fledglings meaning in a lifetime a single female can produce anywhere from 125-240 offspring.

The black-and-white bird was introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the 1860s mainly to control insect pests. There were different species; however, crossbreeding has occurred, and they are now considered one species.

Many farmers and growers find magpies to be aggressive and well known for their ‘dive bomb attacks’. This is because they are territorial birds so they will attack anything they consider to be a threat – from a sparrow to a dog to a human. They often attack cyclists and children during their nesting season.

They are responsible for contributing to our native bird decline by raiding nests and eating eggs and young birds.

The magpie is classified as a pest, but landowners are responsible for their control. There are a range of tools available for magpie control including trapping, shooting, poising (usually a paste) and a mixture of these methods apparently get

the best results.

Because they are a territorial bird you can use this to your advantage by capturing another magpie from a different area and putting it in your trap (depending on the trap style). This newcomer will attract resident birds.

Another effective method is using a recording of a distressed magpie to lure them in, they can’t help but come and investigate.

You used to be able to buy a magpie distress tape from hunting stores, now days you download one on youtube for free.

Everyone I spoke to about this said to put a mirror in the trap. Due to their territorial nature, they will enter the trap to investigate the bird in the mirror.

Tin foil in traps is also another attraction as they like shiny things.

Smearing dog roll, mutton, or raw egg in traps seems to be the most effective bait.

Someone else said they had good results with a relatively affordable bird scarer (bird cannon) which was effective up to 6,000 square meters (1.5 acres approx.)

Another suggestion was to soak bread in alcohol and let them feed on it. Once intoxicated wear some protective gloves and scoop them up with a fishing net.

Fifteen-year-old, Finn Dallas is a keen hunter. He practices the skill of hunting using an old-fashioned traditional Bow. Finn says, “Its instinctive hunting and takes more practice than a compound Bow as I have to quietly stalk within 10-15 metres to get a clean kill.” Finn uses a Rika Bow and carefully select an animal that will be good eating, he says, “a smelly old male is not good for eating.” Recently while on a hunt he took a young female for meat and for the skin which he plans to tan himself. Finn says, “goat meat curry is a favourite in my family.” Photo: Supplied.

Beef+Lamb Engaging with Chinese foodie’s “We dished out close to 500 samples over the four weeks during an in-store promotion,” says Michael Wan, Global Manager – New Zealand Red Meat Story. Last month, B+LNZ partnered with Sanlian Life, a weekly magazine to produce a series encouraging readers to discover New Zealand beef and

lamb by learning about the original story and how to make New Zealand grass-fed beef and lamb part of a healthy lifestyle. New Zealand grassfed beef and lamb was a popular topic during the campaign.

Michelle Huang, China Marketing Manager says, “there were 42 million impressions and over 44,000 engagements.”

GBD Advertorial

CORRECT YOUR CALCIUM MAGNESIUM with Golden Bay Dolomite for a healthier system

Dryland cropping farmer Tom Rudge farms on the fertile mid-Canterbury plains between Rakaia and Methven. There are two predominant soil types on the property, a well-draining deep Templeton silt loam and a Lismore shallow silt loam. Nestled between the foothills of Mount Hutt and the coast, the annual temperature is 9.2 degrees with an annual rainfall of 967mm. The area experiences dramatic extremities with short, cold winters and occasional snowfall, switching to drought-prone conditions in the early summer months.

Tom specialises in an intensive crop rotation that consists of consecutive cereal crops, wheat, and barley, followed by a grass fallow period before returning to the cereal rotation, a cycle that is reliant on high nutrient inputs. Seven years ago, Tom become frustrated with their traditional NPKS approach as they were seeing the same issues paired with underperforming crop yields year-on-year.

Production was suffering in key areas:

Crops were failing to establish quickly with strong growth

High prevalence of pest and disease burdens

Trace element deficiency correction had minimal improvement

The turning point came after Tom attended Neal Kinsey’s introductory soils course, summarising American scientist William Albrecht’s work. This was revolutionary as it not only focused on the volume of different elements present in the soil profile, but the relationship between them. The research resonated with Tom’s willingness to try an alternative soil science, and they haven’t looked back. Over the seven years since switching approaches, they have observed: 1. Seeds establish a strong root system early

2. Seedlings experience less disease/pest pressure

With these results, Tom “wouldn’t hesitate to recommend switching to Golden Bay Dolomite for other farmers to improve their crop health and production. GBD is easy to engage with, and there have been no problems ordering GBD products or delivery timeframes. Incorporating GBD into our cropping program is seamless and it goes on paddocks without any issues.”

3. Greater resistance to extremities like summer dry or wet downpours

Learn how Tom lessened the pests and diseases plaguing his farm.

To find out more about the benefits of balancing your soil elements contact GBD on 03 525 9843 | sales@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz | www.goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

SCAN HERE

Farming TOP SOUTH

December 2023

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MONTHLY

Accelerating success.

Upton Fells Station

Work, Life, Balance

For Sale

For Sale

1007 Medway Road, Awatere Valley, Marlborough

5301 State Highway 6, Havelock, Marlborough

For Sale By Negotiation

For Sale By Negotiation

7857ha freehold, offering substantial scale and a seldom available opportunity to acquire a working high country station with significant hunting, tourism, recreation, and development potential. Located in the Awatere Valley, 55km from Blenheim CBD. The well balanced property ranges from irrigated workable downs, strong clean productive limestone tussock country to elevated peaks. Majority of the property ranges between 390 MASL to 850 MASL. Approx 1500ha of indigenous native has been identified as potentially eligible for the Emission Trading Scheme and awaiting MPI approval. Well supported with farming infrastructure, numerous stock facilities and huts strategically located throughout the property. Well-formed tracks provide good access and ease of stock movement.

• Centrally located at Canvastown, 57km from Blenheim and 65km from Nelson

Andy Poswillo 027 420 4202

Andy Poswillo 027 420 4202

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67025961

Marlborough Rural Realty Limited Colliers Licensed REAA 2008

• 68.05ha in two titles, ideal for intensive beef grazing, dairy support, calf rearing or continue the current milking operation without any staff issues.

The perfect one person property • Currently milking 140 cows, 14 ASHB shed, wintering barn, numerous sheds and outbuildings, 30ha k-line irrigation, historical fertiliser and regrassing history, reliable 1880mm rainfall • Exceptionally well presented five bedroom residence, recent part refurbishment, positioned on an elevated setting with unobstructed views

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67026210

Marlborough Rural Realty Limited Colliers Licensed REAA 2008

Affordable, Productive, Fertile

Productive Beef Finishing or Dairy Support

For Sale

For Sale

99 Opouri Road, Rai Valley, Marlborough

103 Opouri Road, Rai Valley, Marlborough

For Sale $2,600,000 + GST (if any)

For Sale $1,400,000 + GST (if any)

• Conveniently located within close proximity to Rai Valley township, 52km from Nelson and 74km from Blenheim via State Highway 6

• Conveniently located within close proximity to Rai Valley township, 52km from Nelson and 74km from Blenheim via State Highway 6

• 66.26ha in five (5) titles subdivided into 28 paddocks

• 64.80ha in two titles

• Ideal 180 - 200 cow dairy unit, beef finishing, intensive calf rearing or dairy support, 32 bail rotary shed, De Laval Plant, ACR, in-shed feed system and mineral dispenser

• Currently part of a larger productive dairy farm

• Productive fertile pastures with extensive regrassing and fertiliser history in a reliable rainfall area. Well supported with infrastructure including a three bedroom dwelling, self-contained sleepout, numerous sheds and outbuildings

Andy Poswillo 027 420 4202 colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67021785

• Strong fertiliser and regrassing history with fertile pastures • Subdivided into 35 paddocks with reliable reticulated trough water to each paddock • Ideal beef finishing or dairy support

Andy Poswillo 027 420 4202 Marlborough Rural Realty Limited Colliers Licensed REAA 2008

colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67026218

Marlborough Rural Realty Limited Colliers Licensed REAA 2008

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Farming TOP SOUTH

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MONTHLY

Westland poised to repeat record result Westland Milk Products looks set to repeat its record financial performance of 2022 this financial year.

Not only is is it performing strongly, financially, it has been named a finalist in the Deloitte Top 200 Awards for the Most Improved Performance NZ Business award, being one of three finalists, with the winner to be announced at a gala dinner on December 6.

Westland CEO Richard Wyeth said reaching the finals of the prestigious award recognised the significant achievements of Westland’s staff and suppliers in staging a remarkable company-wide turnaround.

“Great things are happening at Westland, and this is all due to the hard work, dedication and teamwork of our staff and the commitment to quality and professionalism day in and day from our suppliers,’’ Mr Wyeth said.

“Across the company, we are extremely grateful for everyone’s efforts but it’s also im-

portant that we maintain our focus to ensure we continue to play a major role in the economy and the community of the West Coast.’’

In 2022, Westland Milk Products staged a significant financial turnaround, posting record sales and a $NZ120 million rebound in profit compared to the previous year.

“The 2022 result definitely provided us with a lot of incentive and now we’re focused on maintaining that momentum as much as possible,’’ Mr Wyeth said.

“Despite the challenges of 2023, including a sluggish global economy and volatile trading conditions, we’re expecting Westland will deliver another billion-dollar revenue financial year and a similar profit to 2022.

“This expected result is even more meaningful for us. It means we’ve improved the business to the point that we have a healthy, growing business, year-on-year,’’ Mr Wyeth

said.

Revenue for 2022 for Westland increased 27 per cent year-on-year to $NZ1.04 billion, enabling a profit of $NZ39 million, or 69c per kilo of milk solids - a $NZ120m turnaround over 2021.

This was on the back of record milk prices in 2022, hitting $NZ9.40 per kilogram of milk solids (KgMS) during the year.

Westland continues to pay farmers a 10c premium above the forecast Fonterra KgMS price, contributing $NZ535 million into the West Coast and Canterbury economies in 2022 through milk payments to farmers. The result was also the first time in the company’s 85-year history that Westland surpassed the $1 billion dollar revenue mark.

Mr Wyeth said major investments in people and infrastructure by parent company Yili had played a major role in the turnaround as well as the company’s focus on a high-value product strategy.

Sustainable Development Award winner Te Whare Nui o Tuteata. Photo: Patrick Reynolds.

Scion recognised at Timber Design Awards Scion’s award-winning timber innovation hub, Te Whare Nui o Tuteata, has been given another ‘tip of the hat’, this time at the New Zealand Timber Design Awards.

Te Whare Nui o Tuteata won the Sustainable Development Award and was highly commended in the Innovation Timber Engineering Award category won by Nelson Airport.

The Sustainable Development Award celebrates buildings that have achieved low environmental impact and enhance New Zealand’s unique society and environment, while the Innovation Timber Engineering Award honours engineering and construction innovation that maximises the use of timber with exciting solutions.

The prestigious awards, now in their 48th year, are run by Timber Unlimited and highlight the latest advances

in New Zealand’s timber construction capability.

Scion chief executive Dr. Julian Elder said Scion was very proud of Te Whare Nui o Tuteata.

“Not only is it a beautiful building that is fantastic to work in, it is a great example of the innovative engineering and sustainable low-carbon construction that the Timber Design Awards are celebrating,” he says.

“New Zealand needs to build more buildings like this so we can reduce embodied carbon in our built environment and meet our 2050 net-zero climate change commitment.”

The building’s name means the great house of Tuteata and was gifted to Scion by the three hapū who are tangata whenua here - Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu and Ngāti Te Kahu. Tuteata is their ancestor.

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December 2023

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December 2023

Rivers, lakes and coastline, public space for all ANNA BENSEMANN The right of access to and along the margins of rivers, lakes and the coastline by the public, is embedded in the Resource Management Act (RMA).

District and Regional Councils are encouraged to provide and promote general public access to these spaces, for the amenity and wellbeing of all of our communities.

There is tension when an individual seeks to have sole occupancy of parts of this space for structures like boatsheds, jetties or whitebait stands, with the potential to create conflict between these users and the wider public.

Further conflict can occur where erosion protection structures such as rip rap rock, or groynes are installed to protect private land from flooding or adverse weather, and this also restricts access to and along waterbodies.

Where individuals wish to have sole occupation of these public spaces, a resource consent is usually

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News

required to examine how much of the public space is sought to be occupied, the methods of construction and if use of the space is acceptable.

In the case of jetties, often these are granted on the basis the presence of the str uc ture does not restrict use by the wider public, although the owner remains responsible for the safety and maintenance of the jetties.

For people seeking to occupy public space the process of seeking a resource consent may seem onerous and is likely to include public notification of the application.

For the wider public however, the removal of an inherent right of access to and along the margins of a waterbody has the potential to reduce the public

enjoyment of these spaces, and the wider sense of community wellbeing by restricting access.

Without the process of notification, access to a waterbody might be restricted in a manner which decision makers were not aware would impact parts of the community.

The process of public notification enables those who utilise the space currently to have their say on the impact to them.

In many cases the occupancy of public space is unlikely to impact anyone, in which case the notification process may conclude with no submissions received.

However, there are cases where access may be restricted through a proposed occupation of public space which is not

otherwise known to decision makers. This might include the use of a river a good fishing spot and a new structure preventing access to this spot.

The submission process enables those users to express their concerns and often times leads to changes to the design or construction of structures in a manner which reduces the impact, or completely avoids it. This can result in a better outcome, ensuring the right of access is not diminished, and in some cases is enhanced.

For applicants, understanding use of public space is a privilege and not a right, enables practical solutions to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved for both the applicant and the wider public.

Anna Bensemann, Senior Planner Baseline Group Marlborough, Ph:0800 254 123 E:info@blg.nz

MONTHLY

Books for youngsters TONY ORMAN With urbanisation and a number of other influences such as sub-standard tv reality programmes etc., youngsters can grow up unappreciative of the countryside, outdoors and the natural world.

So why not sow the seeds to germinate an appreciation of wildlife and outdoors by reading them stories?

Here’s some new books for youngsters from just a couple of years of age to twelve year olds.

“Kereru” written by Glenda Kane, illustrated by Lisa Allen.

Bateman Books - $24.99 This is a good topic of study in primary schools for reading to the toddler at bedtime. This is a beautifully illustrated by Lisa Allen and with an informative story

by Glenda Kane.

“Where is it in Town?” by Ned Barraud Potton and Burton - $21.99 The talented Nick Barraud - both writer and artist - and classy publishers Potton and Burton have produced a revealing book on urban wildlife. Ideal for 4 to 7 year olds. Top notch!

“Mia and Leo Go Wild”, written by Gillian Candler, illustrated by Gavin Mouldey Potton and Burton - $24.99 A great book to encourage youngsters to go outdoors with parents. It entails an adventure story with safety and bushcraft hints interwoven and fun activities for young readers.

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NETW ING LIS

NETW ING

Country charmer with two titles

Prime ex dairy farm with character and diversity

Embrace history and elegance with one of the original homesteads on Win Valley Road. This flat and productive 16.2 Ha block has so much to offer buyers, and with the addition of a second title options up options for a second dwelling, dual ownership, or a potential boundary adjustment, and create two lifestyle blocks?

The former dairy farm boasts exceptional productivity and fertility. Spanning 581 hectares, the property features approximately 166 hectares of well-subdivided and tracked predominantly flat to rolling land, with some gentle hills. Additionally, around 30 hectares are dedicated to established mixed-age pines and Redwoods, presenting potential opportunities for exploring carbon credit options.

It’s not just the 4 bedroom home that oozes character, the land has a wide variety of established trees throughout; natives, fruit trees, and exotics that have been continually added to over the years by the current owners. Boasting a reliable water supply, excellent farm infrastructure including wool shed and storage sheds.

The primary 3 bedroom , plus office home has been recently renovated with added accommodation, a fully self-contained cottage is also included.

LIS

237 Win Valley Road

726 Tunakino Valley Road, Rai Valley

Rare finds like this are few and far between, so get in touch quick to organise a private viewing – it will not disappoint.

Price By Negotiation Over $1,270,000

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Toby Randall

Elisha Shefford

M 027 233 9170 toby.randall@harcourts.co.nz

M 021 354 742 elisha.shefford@harcourts.co.nz

When it comes to the farm improvements there really are too many to list, including a 105-head Te Pari cattle yards with a crush and loading race on a concrete pad, a 16-aside herringbone milking shed, a woolshed, multiple implement and hay sheds, as well as a workshop and garaging facilities.

Comprising five titles, the property holds future development potential.

Price By Negotiations Over $4,300,000 + GST (if any)

Toby Randall M 027 233 9170 toby.randall@harcourts.co.nz

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

PLATINUM BLUE LIMITED LICENSED AGENT REA 2008

Your Local Rural and Lifesty le Experts Merry Christmas Wishing all our clients a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Years We’ve had a busy lead up to the Holiday Season with lots of interest in the Rural and Lifestyle sector and looking forward to an exciting start to 2024.

Thanks to everyone for all their support and business this year.

We’ll see you after the break.

Iconic Farm – Picturesque Port Ligar 1777 Te Towaka -Port Ligar Road, Port Ligar

It’s rare for such a significant and captivating property to come to market in the Marlborough Sounds – but here it is, a total of 467Ha, made up of around 390 Ha effective with the balance being three small stands of pines, and some stunning native bush and scrub, traditionally running sheep and beef.

Improvements on the land include new fencing, as well as a new solar stock water reticulation system, good tracks running over the entire block, great shedding and workshop and a substantial 3 stand shearing shed, cattle yards, sheep yards and airstrip.

Down in Port Ligar Bay itself, you will find a charming homestead offering all you could need for day to day living, holidays or large gathering of friends and family. Boasting breathtaking views over turquoise blue water and the impressive landscape of the outer sounds, with your own private spacious wharf. This is what dreams are made of, and this dream is up for grabs.

There is far more to this property that words can explain, and it’s a property you have to feel to understand.

Tender Closing 6th December 2023, 1pm (No Prior Sale)

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Toby Randall

TOBY RANDALL

M 027 233 9170 toby.randall@harcourts.co.nz

027 233 9170 | toby.randall@harcourts.co.nz

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December 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

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Farming TOP SOUTH

MONTHLY

December 2023

Feature

Meet your local expert

FERTILISER SPREADING SOLUTIONS, NELSON, TASMAN AND MARLBOROUGH Hogarth Spreading and the Hogarth Family has been providing professional contract Fertiliser Spreading services all over the top of the South Island, for more than 35 years, and with that comes a wealth of experience and expertise.

Brent and the Team at Hogarth’s provide clients with a personal, honest, and reliable service. They are firm in their belief in saving you time and money, at the same time as ensuring that the best possible client outcomes are met, and that environmental sustainability is well protected.

Dairy Farms, Sheep, Beef and Deer farms, Lifestyle Blocks, Steep Terrain, Vineyards, Market Gardens, Parks & Sports Fields, Berries, Hops and more - no job is too big or too small with our range of specialised Spreading and Cartage Trucks and Trailers.

Visit our website www.hogarths.co.nz Ph Brent on 0274 517 134 or 0800 541 8512

Hose, Fittings and Hydraulics We are an independently owned hydraulics company who began in 2017.

Joel Scott has been a part of the hydraulics industry for 14 years.

We are excited to be based in the Wakefield village with our workshop on Whitby Road.

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December 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

Tasman

MONTHLY

TASMAN The wonderful world of walnuts ELOISE MARTYN If you want to be in a food-producing space where unpredictable weather isn’t a concern, harvest requires no additional labour, crops are low maintenance and animal welfare isn’t on your radar then you should consider the world of walnuts.

Golden Hills Walnuts owners, Neil Pomphrett and Carol Whitfield, say they both knew the 4.77-hectare property that hosts 400 walnut trees, which produce about four tonnes of walnuts per season, was suited for them.

Neil had spent 23 years working for the American giant Pepsi while Carol had, and still does, dedicate her time to work in the health sector.

“I was never going to retire fully, but I was ready for a change from the corporate work I had been in,” says Neil.

“Carol and I came to Tasman on our honeymoon and had always planned to retire here. So, when the time came, we explored avocados, berries, and hops but everything was either very expensive, very run down, or the wrong crop for various reasons.”

In 2019 the couple purchased the walnut farm, in Redwood Valley, Tasman.

“There are so many good things about the world of walnuts. The nuts drop off the trees so we don’t need to pick them, the trees are low maintenance and walnuts are so good for you and your heart,” Carol says Four years on and Neil says: “The adventure has been full of trials and learnings. We have had a tractor burst into flames, lost 700 kilos of

Get to know your rivers and creeks BARBARA STUART

Neil Pomphrett and Carol Whitfield who entered the world of walnuts four years ago. Photo: Eloise Martyn. walnuts in a flood, and then there was the tornado.”

Mowing is an essential and big job; walnuts are collected by a roller towed behind a tractor. “You can’t roll the walnuts up if the grass is long. Long grass gives you a hopeless shaggy pile rug effect,” Neil says.

Walnut blight is the only disease the couple must routinely spray for.

Blight causes black lesions on the walnut husks which can go through and rot the kernel.

“Blight affects us and the olive, grape, and pip fruit growers. It’s brought on by warm and wet conditions, so if it’s warm and it has been raining, as soon as it stops, I spray the trees with an organic copper spray,” Neil explains.

The nuts are turned into cold-press oil, walnut butter, pastilla, pickled walnuts, walnut vinegar, and walnut meal, as well as being available roasted, shelled, and unshelled.

“We also supply a few Auckland winemakers with green walnuts which they turn into a traditional Northern Italian liqueur called No-

cino,” Carol says.

Cold-pressed oil takes around 16 weeks from harvest to finished product. It starts with the harvested nuts being washed, dried, and then cracked. Once cracked, they need to be used while fresh, so they are put through the cold press immediately. The oil settles over 8-weeks before it’s filtered and bottled.

Leftover shells are used as mulch under the trees.

“There is a demand for walnut shells. We get requests all the time from high-end companies wanting to use it as walnut blasting on delicate cars and jet engines. However, we have such small volumes that it’s better for us to use them as a resource for our trees to keep the moisture in,” Neil says.

Both Neil and Carol say they are thoroughly enjoying their decision to enter the world of walnuts, Neil says: “It’s been harder than we expected, but when we are standing in the Saturday market surrounded by things we have produced, and people are rushing to see us it really is rewarding.”

Farmers and landowners in the Top of the South need to learn more about the state of their local rivers and catchments and take steps to improve run-off hotspots they discover.

That’s the opinion of Dr Roger Young, the Cawthron Institute’s, Manager of Freshwater Ecosystems, in Nelson.

He says water is important to everyone in New Zealand, particularly for those who grow food. I powers our economy and is highly valued by recreationalists. The LAWA (Land, Air, Water, Aotearoa) website is a great source of information for all major water bodies in NZ. Roger says you can just click onto the “River Quality topic,” Dr Roger Young and you can see how things are looking in your local rivers, regionally or nationally.

“There’s, certainly some challenges in our regions from south Marlborough, all of Tasman and North of Greymouth, mostly similar to what’s seen in other parts of the country, Roger says.

“It’s not a completely sad picture. The good work landowners have done fencing off streams and planting filtering vegetation has seen phosphorus concentrations trending down at many sites, however sensitive macro-invertebrate’s (mayflies, caddis, stoneflies etc) show signs of on-going degradation at sites in the region.

Most poor sites are lowland tributaries draining modified land.”

These sites have been monitored regularly for 15 years but Roger says “this is not a complete picture of why water quality is degrading.”

He acknowledges “climate and extreme weather events are some of the contributing factors.” The purpose of the LAWA site is to raise community awareness about the state of local rivers and creeks. Check it out for yourself www.lawa.org.nz

Caring for our community We are here to support you and your family following the death of a loved one, with compassion and understanding.

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Farming TOP SOUTH

December 2023

Tasman

MONTHLY

23

TASMAN Bracing for what’s next on the climatic horizon “It’s going great”, said Alice Reilly, when I asked her about returning to the fifth-generation family farm this season at Motupipi in Golden Bay. “Spring’s been drier than over the past couple of years, everything is easier but I’m watching each rain bearing front arrive, weaker from the last and bracing for what’s to come next on the climate horizon,” she adds with a smile.

Alice has a depth of experience in the dairy arena. After leaving Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Science degree she worked for Ravensdown, writing environmental and nutrient management plans for farmers before doing her OE. She then had another seven years back in Golden Bay for Dosrios in equi-

Alice Reilly, back on the Motupipi family farm this season. Photo: Barbara Stuart. ty partnership. She’s also spent some time with DairyNZ and

more recently the Golden Bay Rural Service Centre.

One of the jobs she enjoys is tutoring and utilising her business

training skills to help other farmers.

“When farmers come under stress or get busy, they will manage the animals and farm work, but it’s the business side where they can get into problems. I enjoy helping with this by running business training courses.”

The course caters to mainly dairy farmers, but she says “basic principles are the same for any business.”

Alice plans to hold a course again early in 2024 in Tasman which will explore the annual business calendar, budgeting, farm costs, Tax requirements and even some goal setting. Anyone who is interested can contact Alice to learn more. alice.reilly@ hotmail.com

Federated Farmers Golden Bay ANN THOMPSON Recently Federated Farmers Golden Bay President, Cherrie Chubb, attended a meeting tasked with setting up a Catchment Group to work on the Water Conservation Order (WCO) for Te Waikorupupu Springs, released earlier this year. While this group consists of those dairy farmers who are affected by this Order and Cherrie notes that it is not restricted to Federated Farmers’ members, it is a timely reminder of how Federated Farmers works across the country.

Federated Farmers is a membership-based organisation. Farmers and other interested people join so that, if they have an issue, it can become a ‘community’ one and can be addressed accordingly by the larger group.

In the past these issues tended to be sector based and farmers join up with the relevant sector (Dairy, Meat & Wool, Arable, High Country, Goats and Rural Butchers) to get the collective voice to represent them. More recently there are across-theboard matters that affect all farmers, like climate change, water quality, the Resource Management Act (RMA) (which dictates how people use their land) and rural rating (which has always been an issue). No longer is it just about dairy cows.

While driving tractors up the

steps of Parliament or blocking real solutions. The only business roads with big machinery gets we had to protect was the farmmedia attention and participa- ing one, and we were backed by tion in such events may feel like our members who had contribit’s helping get the farming view- uted to our submissions and ofpoint across, in reality it’s spend- fered up solutions. ing a lot of time in meetings that No, we may not get what all gets more leverage. farmers want, as Eddie Clark, Meeting with government min- a senior lecturer in the Faculty isters, mayors, officials and of Law at Victoria University of stakeholders does take time, but Wellington, wrote on November it does build relationships and 13 2023. ‘One of the inevitabilhelps ‘them’ understand ‘us’ and ities of a well-functioning, de‘we’, ‘them’. That, after all, is the mocracy is that sometimes you end game. If we understand each lose... If you always got what you other’s points of view, we may be want it’d be a signal the system able to find more workable solu- wasn’t working well, because tions that sit in the middle of the it’s serving the interests of one field, with the pros equalling the group or one person all the time.’ cons on both sides.

But meetings, formal and inforIn my past role as a policy ad- mal, do give a better shot at getvisor for Federated Farmers I ting our point of view across and sat with the Federated Farmers a better solution for farmers.

Dairy Chair at Parliamentary Federated Farmers has a long, Select Committee meetings, sub- well respected track record. I mitting on various dairy-related remember taking one of my Fedissues. At each one, we were erated Farmers’ leaders across to welcomed with a smile and a sense of relief because the politicians felt they were Apple tree planting, land development, cultivation, direct drilling, re-grassing, mulching, maize dealing planting, round and medium square baleage/ with real medium square hay production and sales. people, with real Mark: 021 454 000 Email: mark.carey@xtra.co.nz issues and 28 Holdaway Rd, RD2 Upper Moutere, Nelson, 7175 giving

Standing Grass Wanted

Parliament for a meeting with a politician. While waiting in the foyer we spotted another, who recognised my companion, and we had a couple of very precious minutes discussing the issue at hand.

Working with our local authority, Tasman District Council (TDC), Cherrie and the rest of the local Federated Farmers’ team, jointly with Nelson Federated Farmers, has worked hard to get officials and Councillors to understand what is workable for farmers in the region. The Stock Droving bylaw is a case in point, when a TDC staff member came on a stock drive

and saw what went on. It sure beats sitting in an office dreaming up a solution!

By joining the Federation, your voice can be added to the collective and help make the difference both locally and nationally. Contact us at www.fedfarm.org.nz or phone 0800 327 646.

“Golden Bay Federated Farmers” also has a Facebook page where you can check dates of upcoming provincial meetings and events.

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December 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

Marlborough

MONTHLY

marlborough Rewilding Kaipupu and Waitohi Picton ELOISE MARTYN The Kaipupu Sanctuary and restoring Picton’s native birdlife have got a boost with the merging of two community conserva-

tion groups who are now working on a collective purpose - the rewilding of Kaipupu and Waitohi Picton.

Kaipupu Sanctuary and the Picton Dawn Chorus (PDC) have

been working to protect Kaipupu and restore Picton’s native birdlife through the eradication of pests.

PDC’s Administration Coordinator Zoe Aitchison says trapping has grown exponentially since starting in 2016.

“With the help of Jobs for Nature funding, we were able to expand our original target area of 400ha,” she says with pride.

“Our project now has almost 3,000 traps across 4,815ha. In seven years,

we have removed over 19,000 pests which is fantastic.”

A recent sighting of a kākā in Picton is an encouraging sign that the group’s efforts may be having an effect.

The group works closely with the Marlborough District Council, the Department of Conservation, Iwi, Port Marlborough and local businesses.

“Having a strong trapping network in place now means we can shift our focus to providing a year-round food source for our native birds,” Zoe says.

“We really need volunteers to

do things like helping out in our nursery, checking traps, and inspecting the track at Kaipupu,” explains Zoe. If you have any questions, wish to volunteer or need guidance for trapping on your property drop into the Picton Environment Centre or email administration@pictondawnchorus.nz “Biodiversity is everyone’s business. It extends into all our backyards and neighbourhoods.

Doing nothing is not an option, with your help, we can do a lot more to help our native species,” Zoe says.

Weather gods shine on royal show ANDREW RITCHIE A passionate group of residents who volunteer at the Picton Dawn Chorus with the aim of protecting Kaipupu and restoring Picton’s native bird life through the eradication of pests. Photo: Supplied

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The weather gods shone on the Marlborough A&P Show which marking the 150-year anniversary of the annual event. Show president Sam Rutherford was thrilled with the attendance, noting that it has evolved into a great family event.

Geoff Hocquard competes in the wood chopping. Photo: The fair was packed with Andrew Ritchie. youngsters queuing up for the rides whilst competitors unbridled enthusiasm. art judged the South Island took part in dancing, stock There was a display featuring Dairy Championship and judging, horse classes, sheep photographs from the past was very impressed with the dog trials, wood chopping, 150 years including one from high standard of cattle preand the annual highlight, the 1910 which illustrated how sented. terrier race. much the dress code had The committee have done an The Future Farmers compe- deteriorated over the years. outstanding job of connecttition attracted a large entry The New Zealand President ing town and country whilst of eager children who tack- of the Holstein Friesian As- keeping alive the traditions led the obstacle course with sociation, Graham Stew- of the Show.

Farming TOP SOUTH

December 2023

Marlborough

MONTHLY

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marlborough Grape over grain his preference BARBARA STUART Like most young Kiwi men, Callum Haynes really loved a good beer, but a career choice has seen him switch tastes to Marlborough’s signature product - wine. Callum grew up in Christchurch and loved drinking beer, and when it came to a career choice, he was interested in the fermentation process generally. But he chose winemaking because “it was a better degree”.

Callum says: “I quickly realised drinking wine was my preference.”

After completing his degree at Lincoln University Callum began

work as a graduate wine maker for Delegates-Oyster Bay for a few years before taking off on his overseas experience doing harvests for several seasons in Europe. He always planned to return to Marlborough and arriving back in 2020 found a job at Matua. He loves his job and the team culture at Matua.

“What isn’t there to love about this area?” Callum laughs, “grapes, hops, and amazing food. Plus, New Zealand’s white wines have been recognised internationally and are second only to France as the best in the world. It’s a great time to be involved in the NZ wine industry.”

Callum Haynes, Marlborough Young Winemaker of the year.

Photo: Supplied.

Marlborough Federated Farmers

Dramatic land use changes causing concern TONY ORMAN The rapid rate of dramatic changes to Marlborough rural landscape is causing concern, according to farmer and Marlborough District councillor Ben Minehan.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Marlborough Federated Farmers, he said “The land use change that’s happening is dramatic. I’ve never seen it like this before. It’s largely driven by vineyard expansion and mass planting of pines, particularly for carbon farming,” He said forestry and wine are the main drivers of change with conversions to carbon farming and vineyards. “Decades old shelter belts and standing trees, are being cut down.”

Ben said he was primarily concerned at the rate at which land use is changing from one land use to another.

“Farms are being replaced by vineyards and forestry at a pace never seen before in this region.

Once farms have been planted up in plantation forest, they will always be pine forest. The cost to bring them back into productive farmland to produce food in the future would be too great.”

He said it would be reassuring if there was an overall plan, but it seemed to be driven purely by economics. In the instance of climate change measures, he says the reality is that planting carbon forestry simply allows companies overseas to pollute.

“On vineyard expansion, the

world seems to have an ever-increasing thirst for wine. I have never seen so many mature trees, planted decades ago for shelter and to break the intense Marlborough winds, being felled at such a pace to make way for vineyards.

“Ironically, we all show concern about the speed that rain-forests are being felled in South America, but seem to ignore what is happening here.”

if you see signs of somebody struggling.

“If you want to raise a question about how to deal with somebody you think is struggling you can contact your local Mental Health Team or you can speak to one of us, as we will try and point you in the right direction,” he said. “All we want is our friends, family and community members to be safe and get the care when needed.”

Mental Health

Remind the incoming Government

Guest speakers were Marlborough police officers Russell Smith and Mike Porter. Mike said as police “on the rural beat” they frequently came face-toface with mental health issues.

“We work closely with the local Mental Health Crisis Teams. The lead for mental health incidents are the mental health professionals. We support and engage and help them all the time,” he said.

“For sure we know there is a lot of stress out there in our communities, and the rural community will also have the same challenges but over different things.

We have another El Nino year coming – a long hot dry summer - who knows it could be drought again.”

Mike encouraged farmers and families to watch for signs of stress in fellow farmers. He said it is important for farmers to talk to their neighbours, friends and people in the rural community.

“Males are often reluctant to talk openly, but try to talk to them

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Waihopai farmer Aiden McKenzie said it was vital that Federated Farmers NZ reminded the incoming coalition government of the 12 priority policy areas that the farmers’ organisation released during the election campaign.

“It’s important that the pressure be kept up,” he said, “and if necessary, Marlborough Federated Farmers encourage the national office to do so.”

Aiden McKenzie described the defeated government’s policies of methane tax, Three Waters and winter grazing rules as ‘ridiculous.’

“I don’t have much faith in politicians having seen a fair few elections over the years. Politicians are meant to be public servants, not our masters. Keep the pressure on,” he urged.

President Evan White assured the meeting a close watch would be kept on the new government’s policies.

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December 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

West Coast

MONTHLY

WEST COAST Freshwater Farm Plans kick off on the Coast

West Coast students from their self-led Trees for Change business, part of the Trees Māwhera project, have been on a winning streak since entering the Young Enterprise Scheme. Photo: Supplied.

Students on a winning streak ELOISE MARTYN STen students from the West Coast, who developed their own nursery, Trees for Change, are on a winning streak as they participate in the Young Enterprise Scheme Competition.

The team recently commercialised their nursery, which also means they can sell native ecosourced plants as well as continue to supply plants for planting projects. Given their success, they decided to enter the Young Enterprise Scheme.

“We were already doing all this work so we had a discussion, and all agreed we should make it into a business,” Morgan Burrows, a second-year student from Greymouth High School says.

The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme is an opportunity for students to unleash their inner entrepreneur and experience how to set up and run a real business.

“Everyone in the team felt if we

entered the Young Enterprise Scheme, we would have more opportunities to grow the business and have a great learning experience at the same time,” says Delaney Black, a student from Greymouth High School.

Finn Mitchell, also from Greymouth High School adds: “We have an opportunity to develop more and get our name out there and be more visible. It’s also really good for us to all push ourselves outside of our comfort zone.”

Recently, they won the Young Enterprise Scheme West Coast Regional Finals which means that they will be heading to Wellington this month with the hopes of winning the national competition.

They have also won a total of seven awards through the Young Enterprise Scheme.

Continuing their winning streak, the group has picked up three regional excellence awards for: The Development West Coast Excellence in Inno-

vation, The West Coast Trades Academy Best Community Focused Business Award, and The Papa Taiao Excellence in Regenerative Enterprise Award.

“We had to pitch what our idea and company is, which involved memorising a script and presenting it to other people which was a big task. The group had entrusted us to do this and represent them, so it was nerve-wracking,” Morgan says.

All involved say that the experience so far has taught them leadership, writing, and communication skills as well as how to contribute individually and work as a team.

The group is busy preparing for the finals which will involve them refining their pitch, preparing marketing materials, as well as the mammoth task of completing fundraising to get their whole team up to the event in Wellington.

To check out their progress follow them on Instagram and Facebook @treesforchangenz.

The Westcoast Farm Plan Project grew out of a pilot run with farmers at Whataroa, where the hands-on experience of farmers has shaped how the wider project will be rolled out specific to local conditions on the West Coast. Another plus is the project is led by Westland Milk Products Business Development Manager, Taane Johnsen alongside Project Manager, Lyn Carmichael and a farmer led governance team. Lyn describes “Taane as a powerhouse for helping Westcoast farmers to meet their objectives. He contributes knowledge, passion and energy to making farm planning achievable and easy for farmers.”

The West Coast Farm Plan Project has funding out to the end of 2026 and has support from a wide range of stakeholders including the Regional Council, Beef+Lamb, Westland Milk Products, NZ Landcare Trust, Ballance, Pamu and a few others. The project supports farmers to develop their own farm plans through workshops across the Westcoast for landowners from all sectors.

Lyn says, “Its exciting to see a group of farmers bring their knowledge to the planning process. The depth of farmer knowledge we gain from working in a group situation is highly relevant for developing effective farm plans.” Lyn encourages all West Coast farmers to register on the project website for updates on when workshops will be held in their area.

For more information check out www.farmplanning.nz

Waka Kotahi confirms another three years of funding

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Waka Kotahi announced that the two West Coast Special Purpose Roads (SPR) located at Jackson Bay and the Karamea Bluff will be fully funded by Waka Kotahi for the coming three years.

These two key transport links for the West Coast were sent on a pathway to move back into the responsibility of the two local councils, being the Buller District Council and Westland District Council.

This would have seen the roads lose their current SPR status, which entitles them to 100% central government funding for all maintenance, upkeep and improvements. A transition back to local councils would have placed a considerable burden on local ratepayers, who would have had to partially fund the ongoing costs.

In a joint statement, Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine and Westland Mayor Helen Lash said: “We are pleased that the Waka Kotahi board have decided to continue fully funding the SPRs for a further three years.

This critical issue has been a key concern for both communities and councils for a few years now.

This decision is a welcome step in the right direction and a big relief for the local communities in Haast and Karamea.”

The original date for this transition was set for 1 July 2024. With the announcement, funding is secured until the end of the 202427 National Land Transport Fund period.

“The recent storm events have shown the fragility of these two key roads. Both play a critical role and are the connection to the rest of New Zealand for the Karamea and Haast communities. They also are an economic enabler for the West Coast, channelling goods and people into the West Coast, creating a through-journey and opening the door to the northernmost part of the West Coast,” says Mr Cleine.

Council will work with Waka Kotahi – NZ Transport Agency in the coming years to complete any storm damage repairs and deliver an appropriate investment plan to ensure these key roads remain resilient.

Mr Cleine and Mrs Lash highlight that this excellent outcome shows the benefits of the two councils working together and collaborating to put forward a strong case for ongoing full funding support of our SPRs. Buller District Council and Westland District Council would like to thank Waka Kotahi for their constructive engagement, advice and openness to find a solution. A key part of the ongoing work will be to find a long-term solution for the future funding of these SPRs for the West Coast community beyond the next three years.

Got a story? Contact us: news@nmf.co.nz

Farming TOP SOUTH

December 2023

Motoring

MONTHLY

27

motoring be seen as an ideal rural of the love affair with the elec- second largest car company ToyElectrons or hydrocarbons might vehicle. It seats 5, plus two small tron revolution so loved by the ota’s absence from the EV maradults or children has a near Greens, who still can’t show a way ket to date. Yes, they have plen400km range. It tips the scales at for end of life highly toxic battery ty of Hybrids but have dropped - A puzzling choice KEN STRUNGNELL

2600kgs of which 568kgs is battery. In perspective that’s north of 20% just to transport the electrons. Claiming a tow rating of 2500kgs that would leave just 150kgs for passengers and cargo once the 250kg towbar loading has been factored in for a GVM of 3000kgs. So a car for the family holiday it is severely compromised, let alone the $100k+ hefty price tag. Though it is cheaper than the 7 seat European competitors like the Volvo Merc and American Tesla Y. Let’s also consider the lack of a proper spare tyre with most EV’s opting for an aerosol can. Out in potholed or shingled back roads this is hardly adequate.

US media report Ford and GM have pressed the pause button on some EV production with GMs Yukon and Suburban SUV’s production ‘halted’ at present and Ford having thousands of unsold Lightning’s languishing in dealerships. Are we seeing the end

pack disposal?

The untold truth on battery manufacture are the carbon miles raked up from mining in Australia, and other countries to manufacture in Korea then shipped to America, put into vehicle then exported around the world, means some vehicles need 3-4 years just to break even with an equivalent ICE car. Consider Rio Tinto, the massive mining conglomerate at a conference recently said of all the known reerves of Lithium there is only see 20% of the need available.

EV’s often mount their batteries low or under the vehicle where they are susceptible to damage from ‘break over angle’ and unsealed roads or tracks. Mitsubishi’s otherwise excellent Outlander is one such example with many Govt. Departments heeding the electron call only to find they can’t use them off-road or on poorly maintained roads.

Of greater moment is the worlds

the one PHEV, the Prius Prime, some years ago. Toyota, it appears, seems to see hydrogen as a fuel source for the future.

EV’s work best in terms of energy consumption in urban stopgo, low-speed environments, while ICE propulsion is best at highway speed and are significantly higher outputers of carbon in the cities. Costs increase soon as EV’s pay their way. The previous Labour govt. mandated RUC’s like diesels from April 1 2024.

Now, I like the driving dynamics of EV’s, though for the time being Hybrids would be my choice for the rural sector as for most travelling in the country Hydrocarbons will beat Electrons. The most popular cars in the country Fords Ranger, Toyota’s Hilux and their ilk may well be your best option, and they’ve just got cheaper as a new years present.

Drive safely and enjoy the festive season.

From the end of this year the absurdly draconian Ute tax will disappear, as will the bonus payment for luxury Tesla’s. This will return the car market to ‘normal’ so that EV buyers will do so because they like the EV or Hybrid on its own merits and hard-working Kiwi’s who need a ute for their business will not be penalised for driving an internal combustion engine [ICE] vehicle.

I’ve received 37 questions recently from readers of this column asking in different ways about the viability of EVs or Hybrids in the rural sector.

The major challenge seems to be range and time to recharge. Range has been addressed with larger batteries, while the new govt. is promising to install charging stations every 150km on our state highways.

Hmm! Most farms are not on

state highways and anyway those are not the issues you should need to be uppermost in your thoughts.

Let’s look at fire. Lithium batteries are highly flammable and worse still, burn incredibly hot at around 2000°C. FENZ tells me they are almost impossible to put out. Petrol burns at 600-800°C. The Luton airport London carpark fire (though not started by an EV) burned so hot because the EV’s that caught alight melted the steel in the concrete columns. Jaguar Land Rover NZ has recalled the I-Pace due to the Traction Battery Modules safety issue having caught fire overseas. Worse still, JLR NZ is recommending not charging beyond 75% and parking it away from structures.

Another issue the weight penalty from bigger batteries. Kia EV 9 GT, the much hyped, awarded and tech loaded with AWD and 227mm of ground clearance

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Farming TOP SOUTH

Fertilizer

MONTHLY

fertilizer www.hogarths.co.nz

Why grazing intervals over summer are important

Short grazing intervals markedly reduce total pasture cover over summer as well as limiting the amount of pasture grown between now and the end of autumn.

Just as the amount of feed on hand going into winter dictates pasture covers in spring, the amount of feed at Christmas largely determines growth prior to winter.

The earliest work undertaken measuring the difference in total growth between rotationally grazed pastures compared to those set stocked indicated that with well managed grazing intervals, total yield could be more than doubled.

This is particularly the situation over summer when heat and a lack of moisture can negatively impact pasture performance.

As a rule of thumb for intensive dairy operations, and the same applies to any highly stocked enterprise, a genuine 30-day grazing interval by the end of December provides the best safeguard against tough summer growing conditions.

December, as mentioned in the last article, is the most reliable growing month in the year and a 30-day rotation means that pastures are grazed once in

Clover can be beneficial to paddocks. Photo: Supplied.

January, once in February, with half the property grazed in March prior to autumn rain arriving.

Over that time there will almost certainly be some rain to stimulate growth especially where pasture covers are sufficient to protect against the worst of the heat and wind.

The alternative to this approach is to shorten the grazing intervals to grab what is available now with the consequence of shorter intervals and lower covers and a sense of chasing one’s own tail. Not a pleasant experience over summer.

Longer intervals and covers also ensure maximising growing conditions that do occur over summer. Should a genuine long dry spell occur and some of the feed stored ahead is lost there’s the knowledge that best possible grazing management has been followed.

Initial regrowth after grazing is slow as there is little leaf surface area to generate the energy necessary for optimum growth.

Over summer it is only during the last 10 days of the cycle that plant growth reaches its maximum and grazing prior to simply means less total pasture grown.

Farmers maximising clover growth find this philosophy and practise highly effective.

Tall clover dense pastures retain quality where grass dominated pastures become stalky, lose digestibility and are increasingly unpalatable.

Should strong summer

growth occur due to sufficient moisture, and that is possible, dropping an area out of the round and making top quality hay or baleage provides extra feed that can be utilised in autumn to further the increase grazing interval prior to winter.

Clover is also a prolific seeder and a large drop of seed, a portion of which will remain viable over time, ensures that expensive seed in the future is unnecessary, just the soil conditions and grazing management is necessary for the system to be truly sustainable.

Creating the soil conditions that stimulate clover growth starts with application of extra calcium. Clover often contains 2.5% calcium compared to 0.7% for grasses. This doesn’t necessarily mean a large input of lime is necessary, however this often desirable and the amount can be calculated from a soil test.

Functional Fertiliser has CalciZest available that contains calcium in the form of lime. It also contains soft carbons to which a proprietary mix of beneficial fungi and bacteria have been added.

These microbes are important because it is only through the action of microbes that nutrient is taken up by plants. An increase in numbers speeds the rate at which nutrient is cycled and an increase in clover vigour is often obvious within 3 weeks after application.

CalciZest is available nationwide and spread through conventional groundspread equipment with the added benefit of stimulating earthworm activity thereby improving soil moisture holding capacity.

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Farming TOP SOUTH

December 2023

Horticulture

MONTHLY

29

horticulture Government must prepare the ground HortNZ Horticulture has a vital role to play in building an economy which is sustainable both environmentally and economically.

To facilitate this, our new government must ‘prepare the ground’ to create and maintain the conditions our industry needs to thrive and to continue to supply nutritious fruit and vegetables to New Zealand and the world.

After the October election, on behalf of growers Horticulture New Zealand presented a briefing document to the new government. It focused on the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan, a partnership between industry, government, Māori and science, which doubles farmgate value by 2035 in a way that improves prosperity for our people and protects our environment.

HortNZ is recommending that the new government develop its work programme based on that

strategy. Within the action plan there are five immediate priorities under which the government can quickly make a significant difference, we focused on these in our briefing. These priorities are: water storage, reliable supply of healthy locally grown fruit and vegetables for New Zealanders, streamlined assurance processes, employment flexibility, certainty for Pacific workers and employers.

There is also a big work programme for our industry, in partnership with the government, to increase resilience to climate change and tackle labour shortages and spiralling costs.

Predicted drier-than-normal conditions from the El Nino weather pattern will bring water availability and storage into even sharper focus. We are encouraging the government to move rapidly to remove resource consent obstacles to new water storage and to support investment.

As part of planning for resilience and adaptation to climate change, we are advocating that future water needs are modelled by region, crop, and growing systems (including on Māori land and isolated rural communities) and maps for strategic water infrastructure investments are evidence-based.

Many New Zealanders are struggling with the cost of living which is putting pressure on food budgets. With the right policy and regulatory settings, growers can provide a reliable and resilient supply of fresh fruit and vegetables and contribute positively to New Zealand’s food security.

That’s why HortNZ is encouraging the government to move quickly to signal the importance of horticulture in national and regional policies, so that central and regional government agencies are directed to reduce regulatory costs and constraints on growers.

We also want the government to keep pressure on supermarkets

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and the grocery sector through the Grocery Commissioner who should hold supermarkets to account for their role in food waste and food insecurity.

One quick, easy, and highly effective way to reduce the regulatory costs for growers is for government to recognise our current GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) certification framework as adequate proof that growers are meeting regulatory standards.

We are also urging the government to extend the legal recognition provided in the RMA to other domains, so GAP industry standards can be recognised as meeting regulatory requirements for: Food safety, social practice, The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Horticulture employs 40,000+ people but faces a labour shortage. There is much to be done in immigration and vocational training to grow a larger base of people with the skills needed.

The first, most significant step the government can take is to give the industry more flexibility in how it employs and rewards people by removing Fair Pay Agreements and other legislative barriers.

Workers coming to New Zealand through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme are a vital part of our workforce. Without this scheme, we would be unable to harvest many crops. We want to ensure the RSE scheme is sustainable for both the Pacific and the horticulture industry.

To provide certainty, it is essential to rapidly conclude work on policies relating to accommodation standards, recognising industry assurance schemes, and keeping costs of compliance affordable.

HortNZ is looking forward to working with our new Government to realise, for growers and all New Zealanders, HortNZ’s vision: Oranga kai, oranga tangata, haere ake nei, Healthy food for all, forever.

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local

Farming TOP SOUTH

Forestry

MONTHLY

forestryupdate

Effectively managing slash ELOISE MARTYN Slash is a dirty word these days, but in the Top of the South forestry companies are taking postive action on the potential damanage slash can cause.

Local forestry workers are aware

of the devastation slash can cause and they are not just concerned they’re doing something about it with various methods of effective slash management.

Crews have been talking and working hard, examining and implementing ways to improve their

slash practises so that the damaging slash that was thrown around in Cyclone Gabrielle, damaging infrastructure and communities, is never a reality in our region should we be unfortunate enough to experience such a major storm.

Slash is a waste product from

commercial forestry and can be branches, stumps, or whole trees.

Wood in this form takes a long time to break down meaning that slash can sit around for years, therefore to remove any risk it poses the slash needs to be managed effectively.We were pleas-

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Farming TOP SOUTH

Forestry

MONTHLY

local

December 2023

31

forestryupdate

Optimism for forestry’s future ELOISE MARTYN While the forestry industry - like many others - is in a challenging space at the moment, the industry will be a major beneficiary once demand lifts from China.

That’s the assessment from Shaun Truelock, who in August was appointed General Manager at OneFortyOne, a major timber player in the Top of the South.

“It’s a challenging space at the moment. It’s not just us who’s affected its contractors, drivers and workers. We all have to work together to get through,” says Shaun.

He says the upcoming months look tough for the forestry sector, however he’s quick to point out that all in the sector need to remember that New Zealand is China’s main supplier of timber which means it’s when, not if, demand lifts, we will all be ‘back with front row seats’.

Forestry is nothing new to Shaun,

he was born and raised on a South African plantation. And like his father and grandfather Shaun has continued family tradition by having a career in forestry.

“My eldest boy, who is 19, is an aspiring fourth-generation forester up in Gisborne,” he says.

His forestry careeer includes establishing a harvesting company and working as a forestry optimisation consultant in South Africa.

He also took on the task of saving 12,000 hectares of sub-tropical trees from being burnt by teaching locals to fell it. He then helped them start up a sawmill and furniture factory to turn the trees into locally used school desks and office desks in the Zambia region with no electricity. On moving to New Zealand he took up a role running and developing forestry operations.

Of his new role, Shaun says: “I’m really looking forward to getting into the forest more and working with others to improve our field

connections within communities lenging there are a lot of compaand working together.” nies coming through with innoAgriculture is a sector Shaun vative ways to get through this knows well, as alongside his for- tough period which is encouragestry career he has grown and ing, and worth exploring.” harvested his own arable crops.

Shaun says that with his past experience, innovative approach, Independent and genuine passion Log Buyers for building long-l ast ing Forest Managers relationships Harvesting there are many opportunities for the Top of Marketing & the South forEstablishment estry sector that he wants to explore.

“While the road ahead stuartforestry@outlook.co.nz looks chal-

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He’s realistic that the sector has a lot of ‘noise’ around it regarding forestry’s potential impact on communities.

“Managing expectations of the public is something we are continuing to work on,” he says.

“Agriculture, horticulture, and forestry would all achieve a lot more if we worked together, so I’m enthusiastic about making

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December 2023

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Farming TOP SOUTH

News

MONTHLY

OPINION

Better than expected MARCUS MUSSON Director Forest 360

Rugby world cup aside, there’s a bit of good news starting to stir some fizziness amongst us tree huggers and, while not at shaken beer can levels, it is enough to improve the fettle and shelve the navel gazing for a while.

This has come in the form of an increase in export log prices which has seen November offerings in the $123-125/m3 range for A grade, up around $10/m3 on October and $30/ m3 on June.

A few years ago, this price level wouldn’t have been anything to get excited about but after the lows of the past six months, it’s a welcome relief.

There’s a bit of caution in this however as the increase is not specifically demand driven and is due as much to lower shipping costs and Forex (which has since bounced) as actual sales price increases.

Real demand hasn’t really changed in terms of volume, and offtake from Chinese ports is still sitting around the 60Km3 per day. NZ supply has decreased with the lower prices and unfortunately this supply reduction is courtesy of logging contractors being slowed down, parked up or at worst going to the wall.

This current Chinese demand level isn’t likely to lift, especially with the well documented housing oversupply and litany of other economic woes that are starting to surface.

It is thought that previously, construction accounted for around 70% of the softwood demand in China, however this is more likely now reduced to around 40%.

Quick Marlboro packet numbers would tell you that demand for construction-based

logs has dropped 60% from pre covid times. Luckily our radiata is a very universal product and is used for a multitude of end uses.

Reduced global log supply has also helped the China supply and demand balance with logs from Europe and Russia dropping significantly in recent months.

European harvesting has receded back to normal levels as bark beetle infestation has reduced resulting in less requirement for log exports while the Russians are facing weather related issues with their seasonal harvest.

Chinese log inventory is sitting at around 2.7 million m3 which is the lowest point in years and not unexpected given the reduced overall demand.

The chances of a strong China led rebound are about as likely as David Seymour becoming a socialist The world has looked to China as the global economic powerhouse for decades, but it appears that India is now emerging as credible player. While India lags behind China with a $US3.5 trillion economy compared to China’s $US15 trillion, early signs are showing foreign investment pulling out of China at rapid pace and reinvesting in India. China’s official growth target of 5% will be surpassed by India in 2023 with the IMF projecting a growth rate in the world’s most populated country of 6.3%.

India is embarking on a largescale infrastructure build with

around 50,000km of new roads built in the eight years between 2014 and 2022.

Unfortunately, NZ has been locked out of the Indian log market for a number of years as the EPA put ideology ahead of common sense with the effective banning (through unachievable recapture targets) of the use of the only India approved fumigant, Methyl Bromide in 2022.

The recent concession by India to allow fumigation at port has seen the first vessel from NZ head to India in a few years.

Understandably, we are watching this with anticipation as it’s always risky to be the first to send $NZ7 million worth of cargo across the globe to test a new process, however, all going well this will relieve some supply pressure from China.

After a rally in August, the NZU price has very slowly been heading in the positive direction with current spot fixtures around $70/NZU. This is good news if you’re in the ETS as that price level represents an annual return of around $2,100/ha.

In summary, we’re heading into the end of the year in better shape than many expected. There’s talk of larger forest companies taking a month out over Christmas and the windthrow salvage in Taupo, which has been running at around 15,000 tonnes per day, will start to slow leading to a lower supply and inventory position in Q1 2024.

The chances of a strong China led rebound are about as likely as David Seymour becoming a socialist, but if we can keep a lid on supply levels, we should see some price stability over the summer months. However, like the Winston factor, you never know what will come from left field…

Farming TOP SOUTH

December 2023

News

MONTHLY

33

FARMERS DIRECTORY

Cushla Moir, known as Mum to the logging crew. Photo: Barbara Stuart

Tough times in the logging business BARBARA STUART

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lenging and even though it’s a short trip to the port, trucking logs out through the Glenduan settlement causes anxiety for all parties.

“We focus on sticking to our safety plan and doing the best job we can for our forest owners. Our team did a great job at Ligar Bay after the 2011 flood and our aim is to repeat that. We can’t control the market however and if the market puts us all out of business there will be a crisis with no benefit to anyone. I just wish the market understood the true cost of production.”

Cushla says other crews are grappling with the same business challenges.

“We are fortunate to be contracted by IFS because they work on a fixed price model which takes some of the pain out of the peaks and troughs of logging these days.”

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Cushla Moir is an important part of the Moir Logging business handling all matters from wages, accounts, health and safety to dealing with the bank while husband Jason works on site with his crew felling trees.

Jason is a man undaunted by his partner’s capability. He states with pride: “Cushla’s the real boss of the business. Nobody really knows how much I rely on her and what she deals with.

The whole crew appreciates how she looks out for them - they call her ‘Mum’.”

Jason has been in the business of logging since he first began work in 1990. He worked for Charles logging before he and Cushla set up Moir Logging in 2011.

“The current situation is harsh,” says Jason, “largely, due to the downturn in

logging returns as exports markets have slowed. Companies have laid off crews and margins are slim. Recently we have been doing jobs and not making a profit to keep our crew in work.

“We have a skilled, loyal team built over many years. A couple of guys have worked with us since the beginning and laying people off, then having to rebuild doesn’t make sense.

Right now, the industry feels like a race to the bottom,” says Jason.”

Jason says 10 years ago the on-site challenge was health and safety everyone invested in good machinery to make the workplace safer.

Nowdays it’s environmental with a greater emphasis on compliance.

Currently working above Mackay’s’ Bluffs at the end of the Nelson Boulder bank, Jason says the Spring winds have been cold and chal-

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December 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

Livestock

MONTHLY

livestock New agent on the block “Arranging the buying and selling of livestock is something enjoyable to me,” livestock agent Mike Quinn says.

Mike stepped into the Tasman-based Alliance livestock role 18 months ago, taking over from long-serving and well-known agent Dave Millar.

Growing up, Mike’s parents ran around 130 acres of sheep, beef, and dairy grazers, so Mike knew he enjoyed working with animals.

“I liked farming so, when I finished school, I did two years of dairying before heading to Lincoln Uni and doing a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture,” Mike says.

From there he spent time exploring various agricultural roles and subjects including working on a research farm in a hands-on role breeding grasses and brassicas, a technical field rep and a grain and seed agent.

In his 20’s and armed with an A change in family circumstancIrish passport, he set off on his es saw Mike explore the option of O.E. where, unsurprisingly, he leaving the Oxford area and when spent his time working on an a Tasman-based livestock role Irish dairy farm as well as helping came up he had to investigate. local builders as a hammer hand. “When I came up to visit the area I thought ‘This is an Two years later he awesome place.” missed home, so returned to New ZeaThe role covers a wide area. All of Tasman, land and a newly purincluding Murchison chased family farm in Oxford, Canterbury. and Golden Bay as “We had around 170 well as Nelson and hectares there and had Rai Valley. Mike says that he has learned a a real mix of sheep, lot already and is indairy grazers Jersey bulls, beefies and terested to see what lies ahead. some arable which I Mike Quinn “The land, climate, enjoyed all of; especially the variety,” Mike explains. and soils up here are so different.

Alongside this, he began work- I’ve learned a lot about differing for an independent livestock ent farming styles and met some company based on the West Coast great people. I also really enjoy that covered the Canterbury area. working for Alliance since they “I liked this role. I know stock and are completely owned by Kiwi I like building relationships with farmers; which is good for everypeople, and this brought those one. I’m looking forward to what the next 18 months bring.” two things together.”

Sale Date: Sale Number: Movement compared with sale:

15/11/2023 C20 26/10/2023

Next South Island Sale Date:

30/11/2023

87%

↓20c

0.6012

SOLD

NZD/USD

South Is. SWI

South Island Strong Wool Indicator (SWI)

Clean cents kg

ELOISE MARTYN

400 380 360 340 320 300 280 260 240 220 200

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

2021-22

Crossbred Fleece BEST STYLE GOOD STYLE AVERAGE STYLE POOR STYLE

↓ 5% ↓ 5% ↓ 5% ↓ 5%

$3.80 $3.67 $3.22 $2.65

Crossbred Second Shear 50-100mm Length - GOOD STYLE 50-100mm Length - AVERAGE STYLE 50-100mm Length - POOR STYLE

↓ 5% ↓ 6% ↓ 6%

$3.40 $3.05 $2.70

Crossbred Oddments

↓ 7%

$1.40

Avg Price Kg Cln

Jan 2022-23

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

2023-24

Mid-Micron Hbd Fleece (28 mic) Hbd Hog (23 Mic)

$3.93 $9.37

Merino Merino Fleece (16 mic) Best Style Merino Fleece (16 mic) Avg Style Merino Fleece (18 mic) Best Style Merino Fleece (18 mic) Avg Style Merino Fleece (20 mic)

$22.30 $20.40 $17.20 $16.40 $14.00

NC = No Change N/A = Not Available

The sale saw a comprehensive offering of mainly fine wool types, resulting with an excellent clearance from the floor. Having significant interest from one of the major Australian fine wool exporters sitting on the bench further underpinned the buying strength in the room.

Mid-micron growers were supported by the wider competition in the room ending up with values being in sellers’ favour. Competition for the crossbred market was more subdued, after a period of rising prices in recent sales.

Dave Burridge, South Island Auction Manager

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Farming TOP SOUTH

December 2023

Noticeboard

MONTHLY

Rural Community Noticeboard www.tas man hon da.c o.nz

New Year’s Eve at Picton

When: Sun 31 Dec, 7:00 pm - 12:15 am Venue: Picton Foreshore Additional Info: All Ages

The Rural Noticeboard is for local not-f or-profit community groups and organisations to advertise community events or projects that will be of interest to our 35,000 rural readers over the top of the south. Thanks to the team at Tasman Honda for making this noticeboard possible. If you have an up-and-coming project or event that you wish to place on this noticeboard, please contact eloise@t opsouthmedia.co.nz

Foreshore

New Zealand sees the dawn of a New Year before anybo dy else in the world, as a na we’re quite literally getting tion the party started! Pure Eve nts Marlborough are deligh be bringing back Marlboro ted to ugh’s New Year’s Eve Celeb ration to the Picton Foresho Sunday 31st December. re on We all know Marlborough is brilliant every day but com e New Year’s Eve it’s also go ignite at night with a huge ing to party for the community an d visitors to our region! Eve name is on the guest list! rybody’s Buses will be operating be tween Blenheim and Picton this year. For mo re details, including how to book con tact events@ pureeventsmarlborough.nz or visit Pure Events Marlborough Faceb ook page.

2023 9th & 10th December

Rat Track, access via 297 Cent

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and best wishes for the everyone a Merry Christmas h wis to like uld wo m tea t over the year.

“The Tasman Honda ers for their loyalty and suppor tom cus our all nk tha to like Holidays.”

New Year ahead. We would this festive season and Happy Keep safe on the roads during

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35

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December 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

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