Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, May 2024

The Taranaki Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.

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Getting serious about wool

by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country.

The government’s Woolshed Roadshow, which visited Taranaki and King Country last month at the start of a nationwide tour, is not just a well-defined and meticulously planned initiative but a beacon of hope for our economy.

It represents our best chance to restore wool as a significant export earner and contributor to New Zealand’s Gross National Product, paving the way for a brighter future.

The government has invested heavily in the roadshow, a three-month-long tour that covers the entire country, including key wool production areas, both big and small, from Northland to Southland. The participation of all three senior agriculture ministers, Todd McClay, Andrew Hoggard and Mark Patterson, underscores the importance of this programme.

The ministers’ unwavering commitment to engaging with the grassroots, actively listening to their concerns, and discussing practical solutions, is a testament to the government’s dedication to addressing the issues of sheep farmers and the agricultural sector. Todd McClay said the wool sector makes a critically important contribution to the fabric of our rural and regional communities.

“New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is the backbone of our economy, contributing

over 80 per cent of our goods exports. A robust and thriving agricultural sector is vital to the New Zealand economy.”

As the minister responsible for wool, Mark Patterson is working with farmers to rebuild a more robust and resilient wool industry. “It has been a challenging period for farmers, so we will interact with people from Northland to Southland, meeting in woolsheds to discuss grassroots solutions.”

Minister Hoggard said addressing unworkable and overly prescriptive regulations will enable farmers to focus on being the most efficient food and fibre producers globally.

The good news for these ministers and our country is that wool is an incredibly resilient and agile industry. Despite economic and market pressures and fragmentation, our farmers and manufacturers retain the core ability, critical mass and technical skill to take wool in new directions and open untapped markets. The Woolshed Roadshow is the first step on the road to making it happen.

Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country

Methane-reducing tech to be showcased

Regional development agency, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, is hosting an industry-first event to discuss the science, research and emerging technologies that could support efforts to reduce methane emissions on New Zealand’s dairy farms.

As global customers are increasingly committing to more ambitious environmental standards, New Zealand’s farming practices and products are coming under more scrutiny.

Just over half of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from the agricultural industry with methane accounting for 43.1% of that figure. The dairy sector accounts for around 22.4% of the country’s agricultural livestock emissions.

“There is a huge opportunity for the country to demonstrate global leadership in the adoption and development of methane-reducing innovations,” said Venture Taranaki strategic and sector partnerships director Anne Probert.

“By doing so, it provides an opportunity for not only improving our GHG emission profile but distinguishing ourselves in the marketplace. It makes sense that we should support and ensure that our farmers remain the best in the world and at the forefront of competitiveness, production and technology.”

The inaugural event will showcase the latest methane reduction investments and technological developments, along with their timeline to market.

“It also presents an opportunity for hard questions to be explored. We have a proactive farming community and a region, which is very future-focussed.

“The event is an opportunity to get key players in the same room, have a fastpaced solution-focussed discussion, and catalyse the pathway forward.”

A unique project, aiming to create the nation’s first net zero carbon emissions dairy farm, is already based in Whareroa, near Hāwera in south Taranaki. This project, which is a partnership between Nestle, Fonterra and Dairy Trust Taranaki, will contribute to Nestle’s goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, including reducing emissions by 20% by 2025 and 50% by 2030.

Various solutions are being tested and trialled until 2027 with all aspects of farm operations examined.

A visit to the pilot farm is on offer as an additional extra for event attendees.

Moving on Methane: Our Opportunity for Technology, Climate and Trade is aimed at farmers, rural advisors, dairy companies, agencies, private companies, entrepreneurs and technology specialists, government, iwi and community. A range of solutions and technologies will be explored.

Speakers will cover innovations such as seaweed-based cattle feed, breeding programmes, vaccine research and probiotics.

The Moving on Methane event will be held at the Devon Hotel, New Plymouth, on Tuesday, May 28,

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Anne Probert, Venture Taranaki strategic and sector partnerships director

Growing from the ground up

by Denise Gunn

Time spent growing food during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 saw Aydan and Morgan Kane eventually develop their market garden in Brixton.

The couple were travelling when the first lockdown began and had to move back in with Morgan’s parents.

“While in lockdown, we spent a lot of time in the garden,” said Morgan.

“Autumn is a very busy time of year on

the property, and I fell in love with growing food, especially when the world is full of uncertainty.”

When the lockdown ended, the couple moved to Wellington, and Morgan returned to her job, working in technology. The following year, Aydan and Morgan decided to move back to Taranaki with the intention of looking into creating a market garden. Morgan said as they couldn’t afford to buy land, they moved back to her parents’ lifestyle block, converting the garage space into another house, which they rent.

In January 2023, the couple married in the garden. Morgan also completed a level three horticulture course at Land Based Training to further her knowledge.

“Shortly after this, I was made redundant from my job, which gave me the push I needed to finally start the market garden.”

After returning from a four-month honeymoon holiday, Morgan got stuck into building the garden and began growing summer vegetables.

The market garden, Clarty Produce, includes an avocado orchard, which was planted two years ago. There is also a small established fruit tree orchard where poultry free-range, a food forest with blueberries, citrus trees and vegetables.

“I was lucky to be starting from an existing home garden that my mum had set up several years ago. So, I started with

Morgan in the market garden she developed with her husband Aydan

Aydan and Morgan at the Taranaki Farmers’ Market

this small kitchen garden and expanded it into half a paddock.”

Before heading off on their honeymoon, Morgan placed black plastic heavy silage cover on the grass to combat weeds.

“We, unfortunately, have kikuyu, which is a real problem, so this needed to be killed off and removed before the beds were created.”

Morgan placed weed mat directly on the grass for the larger, longer-term crops. She then cut a hole for the plants, which were positioned directly into the ground with some compost. Weed mat also provided extra warmth for heatloving plants.

“This has worked really well for our courgettes and pumpkins.”

When the crops have finished, Morgan pulls up the weed mat and reuses it in a new area to convert that space to garden beds, too. The growing area

continues to expand, and the couple is currently in the process of converting another paddock into vegetable gardens. A small greenhouse, made from recycled materials, is used to start seedlings.

“We grow everything from seed and buy a mixture of heirloom organic and standard seeds. We do try to grow mostly from organic seed.”

Seed is also saved from several different plants. The daily routine begins with Morgan walking around the garden, taking note of the chores required. Some vegetables require daily harvesting.

“Seasonally, I will sow new crops and prepare new beds. There is always a huge to-do list.”

Morgan continues to work part-time as a digital project manager while running Clarty Produce. Aydan works full-time off

the property but helps out when he can. He is also the main harvester.

“My mum maintains the avocado orchard and the rest of the gardens on the property, as well as managing the livestock. My dad helps me with infrastructure and big jobs that require power tools, like tree removal. He kindly built our farm stall.”

Aydan and Morgan sell their vegetables together at the Taranaki Farmers’ Market and online from the Clarty Produce website. A trial vegetable box subscription began recently for customers to receive

produce weekly to their door. At this stage, the box includes summer vegetables, but Morgan hopes to extend this offer allyear-round.

“I love growing from seed and seeing how something so tiny can grow into a plant that produces so much food,” she said.

“It’s awesome to be able to know where your food comes from. We also grow in a way where we are regenerating instead of depleting the land but constantly giving back after taking. I am very grateful for all the earth gives us.”

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Some of the varieties grown at Clarty Produce

The Clarty Produce farm stall at Brixton

Potatoes harvested and ready for market

Restoring native species

by Denise Gunn

Buying an eastern Taranaki bush block in 2013, and discovering kiwi on the land, spurred Daryl Egarr, Miranda Wells and Bjorn Doherty to take action.

Although the trio bought the property, known as the 800 Block, with the view to restoring its natural biodiversity, discovering kiwi was an added bonus.

“We realised early on that there were kiwi still remaining on the block,” said Miranda.

“The organisation, Save the Kiwi, after many nights listening and triangulating

locations, thought that there were only about seven pairs of kiwi left. This made us realise that we needed to act to prevent kiwi becoming extinct in the area.”

The group also wondered what other species were near extinction on the property.

“We have since learned that there are native bats living on the 800 Block and that low numbers are present in many

eastern Taranaki farms. They are close to being lost if farmers don’t take steps to eradicate predators.”

Ten years ago, Daryl, Miranda and Bjorn formed the 800 Trust, working with others to return kiwi to the eastern Taranaki hill country. The trust now owns 3,700 acres.

possums, ferrets, stoats, feral cats and rats to protect and help their native species survive. There are so many animals on the brink of extinction, such as rare lizards and geckos found in Taranaki.”

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“Marginal farmland has been retired and the trust also traps a Department of Conservation block, known as the Waitiri Conservation Block. The Department of Conservation is not funded adequately to trap the areas it is responsible for.

“We encourage landowners to trap their own land to remove predators like

A former 575-acre forestry block is also being transformed into a permanent bird food forest through extensive tree plantation. More than 100,000 trees have, so far, been planted with the help of businesses, volunteers, Te Heru Mapara students, Tree Machine Services contractors, Ngati Tawhirikura and 800 Trust rangers. “Currently, we are focussed on working on an AI device that will record

Daryl Egarr radio tracking kiwi on the 800 Block in eastern Taranaki

Some members of the Tututawa farming community, staff and volunteers from Rotokare, the Taranaki Kiwi Trust and the 800 Trust helping out on the 800 Block

birdsong 24/7, identifying and sending this data automatically from the field to the user anywhere in the world.”

Before kiwi can be released, a minimum area of 1,000ha is required. This land area can be in conjunction with neighbours. The amount of bush and a strong trapping network checked once a month, are also part of the criteria.

“There are four landowners that work together to form our kiwi release project, overseen and organised by the Taranaki Kiwi Trust,” said Miranda. “There are lots of potential sites in the backblocks of Taranaki but a commitment from farmers is needed.”

Miranda suggests farmers chat with their neighbours and contact Taranaki Kiwi Trust or the regional council to start a trapping network. The 800 Trust began with five traps and now has hundreds.

Work undertaken by the 800 Trust was recognised at the 2023 Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards, winning the Environmental Action in Biodiversity award. Miranda said they all felt very honoured to receive the award, especially since there are so many farmers and groups stepping up to make a difference to biodiversity in the region.

“We are so pleased to be a part of the amazing projects and mahi taking place by many people who are striving for the same goal. It’s a massive encouragement and morale boost for us to continue what we are doing with confidence, knowing that TRC sees value in our achievements so far.”

Last year, trust members visited a retired couple who previously owned the 800 Block for a few decades. The couple spoke of the abundance of kiwi

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and other native birds previously found on the property.

“Already, about 50 native bird species have been made extinct since the arrival of rats, stoats and possums. There are many bird species just hanging on by a thread,” said Miranda.

“Numbers of lizards and geckos have plummeted in the last decades. If we do not all make an effort to remove the burgeoning number of predators, we will irreversibly lose more of our precious native species. We are so aware that now is the time to act, not tomorrow.”

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The 800 Trust is working with other groups to return kiwi to the eastern Taranaki hill country

Daryl working on a repeater station

The joy of cows

by Ann van Engelen

Having spent his life around cattle, and with a deep concern for their welfare, author Angus St John Galloway is honouring his much-loved bovine friends through his book, Moo.

“Moo is a celebration of the humble and inquisitive cow, which is one of the most common farm animals on earth,” says Angus.

“I grew up on farms in rural Devon, in the United Kingdom, and in those days, before farming became corporatised, people had a few cows, but rural Devon didn’t have great fencing back then and we’d often see them out on the road.”

Angus loves animals. Moo adds to a series of published adult picture books celebrating them under the Animal Happiness series with Exisle Publishing.

“With farmers having become more sensitive about animal welfare, we thought we’d produce Moo, celebrating how the world has got better with how they deal with animals.

“Exisle Publishing is an independent traditional publishing company, and, years

ago, we produced our first adult animal picture books called Meow and Woof starting our series with simple pictures and quotes. The books are about the joys of animals, including Spirit, which is about horses, Cluck for chickens, Oink for pigs and Buzz for bees. They’re very good fun, and every critter has its own enthusiast.

“The vastly increasing intolerance for any maltreatment of cows and the thousands of rescue organisations

inspired me to produce a joyful pictorial celebration of the world’s billion cows.

“New Zealand has been my home for around 30 years but the most interesting place I’ve seen cows was in New Delhi where they’re revered. You can’t harm them or eat them — you find them in the middle of traffic and can’t do a thing.”

Angus says the eight million cows around New Zealand have become a big part of the landscape.

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Having grown up in a rural environment, Angus appreciates seeing animals in the countryside Angus says if you watch and observe, you will see each cow has its own unique personality

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“One very urban girl asked me recently if all cows are girls. I smiled, and was very polite in my answer, but thought — she needs to spend a little more time in the country.

“Post-Covid we’ve noticed the small farm thing is coming back, with people setting up with a few cattle here and there. People love seeing cows in the countryside, the days of them only being a source of meat are long gone.

“Many people don’t realise that these gentle creatures are uniquely inquisitive and affectionate. They’re friendly and curious about humans as well — they want to know what’s going on. They’re terrific mothers, and if you watch them carefully, you notice their playfulness.

“The book is full of quotes that I’ve sourced from around the world. Some are jokes about human and bovine characteristics being the same. One picture is of a dangerous-looking bull

and the Ronald Regan quote says ‘Trust, but verify’.

“From Thomas de Quincey to Mary Quant, cows have fascinated writers, philosophers, fashion designers, film stars and musicians for centuries. They’re hugely sociable creatures, with several strange habits, such as spending up to eight hours a day chewing.

“Moo opens your eyes to their immense variety, joyfulness and surprising tenderness. With photos of around 50 of the world’s most popular cattle breeds, it’s the perfect gift for anyone from bovine experts to folks who find cows cute.”

The publication date for Moo is set for June 19. It is available from exislepublishing.com and wherever good books are sold.

“New Zealand farming techniques aren’t as bad as some would like people to believe. Kiwi farmers are frankly pretty on to it. Often when people are around

their cows, they relax. We believe if you know your flock individually, which a good farmer will, you’re in touch with your animals. We celebrate animals and constantly explore the human-toanimal relationship.

“They have the ability to travel and walk a fair distance at a time. Fundamentally, we’re very urbanised, and think we should be aware of that. We wouldn’t exist without cows.

“In my childhood, there were particular friendly Highland cattle cows that were naughty little fellas. They always crossed over into our little garden and had a

good time with the fruit trees. They would always look at each other as if saying ‘What’s he doing now?’

“They were a part of life and they are very much valued by the farmers who could make a living out of 20 to 30 cattle. It wasn’t a grand living, and they were nearly always named after flowers. To me, animals are born as they are, they accept it and live with a greater peace than people do.”

We have a copy of Moo to give to one lucky reader. To be in to win, email comp@integrity.nz and tell us if all cows are girls by Friday, May 31.

The pages of Moo showcase the personality of cows with a word of wisdom or fun for each

Books are an important part of Angus’ life

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Service and supply covered

Eltham Farm Supplies, Eltham Timber and Supplies, and Eltham Construction have the requirements of wider Taranaki covered.

The three businesses, operated by Joe and Claire Menzies, serve the rural, commercial and residential markets.

In 2019, Eltham Farm Supplies was established, lling a void to serve the community. Following the purchase of the former Farm Source building in 2020, Eltham Farm Supplies moved to its permanent site at 179 Bridge Street, Eltham.

Claire commenced full-time work with Eltham Farm Supplies in 2021, further cementing the family business with locals helping locals.

“We are a farm store rst, independent from all the other farm stores,” said Joe. “We are solely our own animal.”

Through working with suppliers and even competitors, Eltham Farm Supplies stocks numerous brands. Eltham Farm Supplies has recently become a proud local stockist of the Fertco lifestyle range, which also supports the team in providing advice directly to customers.

Joe said initially, it was dif cult to purchase directly from some of the major suppliers. However, in recent years Eltham Farm Supplies has been a recognised part of the community, with direct supply for 90% of its stock.

“We deal directly with lots of brands,” said Joe. “We can sell you chook pellets

through to high-end sheds. We cover all the options.”

Trading for almost 40 years, the timber and supplies branch of the company was previously a wider family business, operating as Mangamingi Transport, Milling and Contracting.

Joe and Claire took equal ownership of the company in May 2017, changing the business name to Eltham Timber and Supplies.

The core activity of Eltham Timber and Supplies is to operate as a timber yard, providing general building supplies. With an indigenous species licence, Eltham Timber Supplies’ mobile dimensional sawmill operation at Mangamingi provides specialised customer milling. The site is fully WorkSafe-approved and certi ed.

roo ng, fencing, decking, digger work, general cartage and bee cartage.

Eltham Construction has undertaken maintenance and development work for Anzco for the past ve years, too. At least two employees from Eltham Construction are now provided weekly to Anzco for general maintenance.

In March, a health and safety assessment by SiteWise saw Eltham Construction earn a gold status certi cate with a score of 91%. Joe said service to customers comes rst.

“Service is number one. It’s all about service, whether it’s the farm store or my boys out on a job.”

The third branch of the business, Eltham Construction, supports the building needs of the rural and residential communities

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Claire and Joe Menzies are committed to serving the rural, residential and commercial markets through Eltham Farm Supplies, Eltham Timber and Supplies, and Eltham Construction

Hard-hitting changes to resource consent

by Andy Bryenton

Recently the coalition government made its first move toward replacing the

the now-deposed Labour government.

The so-called RM Bill 1 is packed with good news for farmers. It includes urgent changes to amend stock exclusion regulations relating to sloped land, repeal intensive winter grazing regulations and remove the requirement for councils to chart Significant Natural Areas.

“RM Bill 1 focusses on targeted changes that can take effect quickly and give certainty to councils and consent applicants while new legislation to replace the RMA is developed,” says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop.

“This bill will reduce the regulatory burden on resource consent applicants and support development in key sectors, including farming, mining and other primary industries. These

sectors are critical to rebuilding the New Zealand economy.”

The ministers involved say the bill will clarify that, while the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management is being reviewed and replaced, resource consent applicants no longer need to demonstrate their proposed activities follow the Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations, as set out in the NPS-FM.

“Removing the need for resource consent applicants to demonstrate that their activities follow the hierarchy of obligations will better reflect the interests of all water users,” said Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.

“Cabinet has agreed upon changes to stock exclusion and winter grazing regulations representing a move to a more risk-based, catchment-focussed approach.

“We’re proposing to remove the problematic and contentious low slope map and for regional councils and farmers

to determine where stock needs to be excluded, based on risk. The focus is on farm-level and regionally suitable solutions. This will reduce costs for farmers.”

“This announcement will be a relief for many farmers who were faced with an unnecessary regulatory burden and significant onfarm compliance costs. As always, details matter, and we are eager to see the details that follow this announcement,” says Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland.

“Farmers need clarity and certainty to make on-farm investments and changes to their farming systems safe in the knowledge that regulations will be science-based, practical and enduring.

“Farmers have made significant environmental improvements in the last few years by excluding stock from waterways and better managing the risks of winter grazing.”

RM Bill 1 is expected to be introduced to parliament in May and passed into law later this year. In the interim, regulations based on Labour-era National Policy Statements may still apply — consult your local council.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has found his RMA 1 Bill favourably received by many in the rural community

Horticulture New Zealand’s existential question

by Andy Bryenton

It’s a time of transition for Horticulture New Zealand, the advocacy group which speaks out for growers in the nation’s $4.6 billion crop and orchard industries.

Not only is a new government taking a new line on important issues in the sector, such as water use and the Resource Management Act’s replacement, but HNZ’s long-term CEO is also departing.

“You have continued to inspire me with your commitment and determination, even when the chips are down, and it has been a pleasure and a privilege to support you,” said Nadine Tunley, announcing her retirement from the role. I look forward to continuing to connect with as many of you as possible before I leave.”

Horticulture New Zealand board chair Barry O’Neil says the board is disappointed to see Nadine go.

“While the timing of a valued CEO’s departure is never ideal, the board and Nadine feel it is important that with a new commodity levy proposal about to be voted on, HNZ is able to recruit a replacement CEO that can lead the organisation and deliver strategic outcomes for the next six years, with the full energy required.”

Ms Tunley will be out-of-office by August when HNZ delegates meet for the organisation’s annual conference. Before then, however, the matter of the levy proposal mentioned by Mr O’Neill must be addressed. During this month,

more than 4,200 growers nationwide will receive voting packs to have their say on the continued existence of HNZ in its current form. Official communications from the organisation suggest that if the levy vote fails, it could be the end of organised advocacy in horticulture.

“A yes majority vote will mean HortNZ continues to promote and protect your interests in an ever-changing environment.

A no-majority vote will mean an end to HortNZ. The organisation would be wound up; there would no longer be an advocacy body dedicated to working on behalf of growers,” says the group in the lead-up to the vote.

It’s also indicated that events like the Young Grower of the Year and programmes such as Growing Change will end and the sector will lose capability and vital relationships.

All growers will have their say about the levy through their vote during the polling period, which lasts until June 14. Like many industry advocacy groups supported by a levy, there’s a requirement for the practice and the levels of payment involved to be consulted every six years. The current levy order would otherwise expire in March 2025.

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Departing Horticulture New Zealand CEO Nadine Tunley; the organisation she helped to lead is facing a crucial vote this month

by Amy Fifita

Moving day checklist

It can be stressful for farmers on the move for the approaching Gypsy Day on June 1, and while many of the preparation tasks are completed, some simple steps can help lessen the load.

While many travelling agriculturalists have their stock trucks and accommodation sorted, there are other considerations to prepare for. Sometimes, the best plan is to achieve them bit by bit so there is an easy transition. Refresh yourself by rereading the contract, so you know what the landowner expects when you leave. There will

be details on how things like houses and effluent infrastructure should look like when vacating the property.

Washing and disinfecting tools used on animals, vehicles and machinery can help prevent biosecurity risks and contamination. While cleaning the machinery, ensure everything is in working order and check what needs to be repaired. Get rid of items like empty plastic containers, agrichemicals and other unnecessary waste. The less rubbish to clean up in the final week, the smoother the move will be.

Agrecovery has collection sites throughout the Taranaki region. The company has dropoff points at the Farmlands in Hāwera, Ōpunake and Stratford and NZ Farm Source in Hāwera, Inglewood, Kaponga, Ōkato, Ōpunake, Stratford, Waitara and Waverley. There are also locations at Coastal Wrapping Limited in Ōkato and the Waitara Transfer Station. Before the big move, it pays to do a stocktake of supplies, machinery and other equipment. It can help determine

what is required for the contract on the new farm and is good for insurance purposes. Stocktaking early can give farmers time to budget for what is needed and sell unwanted equipment or supplies.

Check that all National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT)

records are up to date and that the stocks are tagged. Confirming livestock transportation can help relieve stress, too and provide time to make alternative arrangements. For those droving cattle or sheep, it is beneficial to plan with other droving farmers for a clear run to the next property.

Whether you are droving, using a stock vehicle or selling your herd, ensuring everything is in order will make for a smoother moving day on June 1

From farming backgrounds

by Amy Fifita

Despite being the second largest hub in the Taranaki region, Hāwera originated from strong rural roots for dairy farming and processing plants.

Originally a settlement built around a government military base in the 1870s, it became a hub for farmers to get their supplies. The township still acts as a rural service centre today. The name Hāwera comes from the Māori settlement Te Hāwera, which once stood three kilometres from the township.

Dairy farming has been one of the community focal points since the settlement was established. By the late 1800s, the locale was a milk industry and processing hub. It is reflected in the district as a whole, with the main rural properties being for dairy and sheep farms in the mid-1900s.

Not far from Hāwera, in Whareroa, is the largest dairy plant in the Southern Hemisphere, the Fonterra dairy factory. Kiwi Co-operative Dairies originally owned the factory. The industry giant owes its origins to small local creameries that continued to amalgamate with each other.

For Taranaki, the enterprises continued to merge until, by 1992, only one company remained — Kiwi Co-operative Dairies. In 2001, the co-operative joined the New Zealand Dairy Group to form Fonterra. Last year, the Whareroa factory celebrated its 50th year. It is a landmark to the local industry about the region’s rural roots. A similar process happened in the local meat industry. In its heyday, the prosperous town had seven butcher shops. Butchers would cut from the carcass themselves but the Hāwera Borough Council put a stop to that in 1903 and built an abattoir.

All cattle, pigs and sheep would go through the abattoir and then be sent to town for sale. The idea was to improve health standards and meat quality. These days, Silver Fern Farms has a 24-hour meat processing plant in Hāwera to cater to beef, sheep and pig farmers.

Kiwi Co-operative Dairies owned the dairy factory near Hāwera before merging with the New Zealand Dairy Group to form Fonterra

New Zealand farming’s red-letter

by Andy Bryenton

The scene is set and the anticipation is building, as 2024’s National Fieldays prepares to transform Mystery Creek into the biggest rural event on the Kiwi calendar.

More than 1,000 exhibitors will come together for a four-day exposition of farming technology, and a celebration of the biggest sector of the Kiwi economy. Fieldays has been a pivotal event in New Zealand’s agricultural life for 56 years now, and it’s getting stronger each time it’s held. Once again, the big event will unfold this year at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek Events Centre, from June 12 to June 15.

Regional buses from Raglan, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Morrinsville, Huntly, Taumarunui, Te

and Tokoroa will be free of charge for Fieldays patrons to reach Hamilton. From there, another free bus will take them to the immense site with all its attractions.

“Fieldays is more than just an exhibition. It’s a vital connection point that strengthens the bonds within our agricultural community,” says New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO

Peter Nation. For more than half a century, this four-day event has played a pivotal role in fostering relationships, creating connections, facilitating knowledge transfer and driving progress in our primary industries.”

It’s so big that the Feildays has been divided into six distinct hubs, Innovation, Hauora Taiwhenua Health &

The sheer scale of the National Fieldays means that planning a visit in advance is a must Kuiti

Fieldays

Wellbeing, Forestry, Careers & Education, Sustainability and Digital Futures. New this year is a Rural Advocacy Hub.

The Advocacy Hub will bring together many rural organisations that advocate for farmers on a national level. Exhibitors include Federated Farmers, Young Farmers, Groundswell, Rural Women, Future Farmers NZ and many more. It will be the first time so many of the groups providing a voice for the farming community are all together under one roof, and it may be a great opportunity to foster further unity.

The hub is also planned to be a lively forum for discussions, announcements and initiatives to amplify the voices and concerns of the country’s farmers and rural communities. Peter Nation is enthusiastic about working alongside Federated Farmers to deliver a dedicated advocacy space like this.

“This new hub delivers on Fieldays’ purpose of advancing agriculture through both education and collaboration,” said Mr Nation.

“We know it’s incredibly tough out there this year. It’s never been more important for farmers to be heard and to have advocates amplifying their voices.

“Federated Farmers is New Zealand’s leading rural advocacy organisation, so they were a natural fit for us to partner with to bring the hub to life. Fieldays

provide the opportunity for connection and collaboration, and this hub will live those values.”

Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the hub builds on its vision to unite rural advocacy groups as one team supporting farmers.

“Farmers want to see the different advocacy groups that represent them working together constructively to get the best outcomes we can for our rural communities,” Mr Langford said.

“If we work as a team, with everyone playing in the right position, we can achieve a lot more for farmers than any one organisation can by working alone.

“We’ve all got our own positions and roles to play in the team, but we need to be working together and communicating well or we risk knocking the ball on. This hub will bring all of those players together under one roof for the first time and we look forward to continuing to build on the concept in future years.”

As well as plenty to listen to and plenty to learn through the hub structure of Fieldays, there will be a showcase of innovations in the agricultural sector to browse, and plenty of machinery and hardware in all its glory. One of the biggest drawcards will, once again, be the competition to secure two very coveted national-level titles.

Tony Bouskill won the Fieldays Fencing Competitions Golden Pliers Singles Championship by Wiremark for the fifth year in a row in 2023, cementing a place in the history books. We can expect some tough competition for this year’s contest, as top fencers from around New Zealand step up to display speed, determination and skill. Mr Bouskill says the key to his winning formula is the ability to keep calm and focus on the task in front of him. No easy feat when you witness the ferocious pace these rural athletes set themselves.

Also lighting up the competitive field will be the ace drivers of the tractor pull, with three days of heats pitting the

monsters of farming diesel against the sledge, before the finals on June 15. Just around the corner, other top operators will be at the controls of competitive excavators. With a scorecard comprising 10 precision tasks, this year’s excavator pros will battle to exceed the benchmark set by 2023 victors Michael Brown, Aaron Maguire and Zahnn Hedges.

There’s so much to see and do at New Zealand’s biggest rural event. It’s a good idea to visit the official website at fieldays.co.nz, check out the range of products, ideas, flavours, discussions and innovations on offer, and make a four-day adventure of it. Tickets are on sale now.

by Andy Bryenton

Salute to the innovators

The Fieldays Innovation Awards has proven to be an exciting incubator for fresh ideas in farming in previous years, and 2024 looks set to be a landmark for the competition.

Entries flooded in when the competition was announced, with 64 participants selected to proceed to the final round and meet the judges at Fieldays. There’s a prize pool of cash, services and products totalling more than $70,000, but as usual, it’s the kudos and positive exposure of winning the top prize motivating many of New Zealand’s rural inventors.

“This year, we had the most entries we’ve had in the last 10 years,” says Fieldays programme manager Steve Chappell. “It’s superb to see so many great entries of such a high calibre again, and in the award’s 56th year, it really is inspiring to see. I’m really impressed with the ideas coming through this year, and I’m sure the visitors and investors will be too.”

This year’s Fieldays Innovation Awards span three categories. Twenty-seven entrants have put their ideas forward for the prototype category, 21 for the earlystage category and a further 16 for the growth and scale category. Inventions span the range of vision from a woolbased plaster to a fully autonomous

robotic grape vine pruning machine. There will also be a special award for the 2024 Young Innovator of the Year for teenage inventors.

“This year, we’re also adding a special twist to our innovation awards: a people’s choice award,” says Mr Chappell. “All participants are in the running for this award. The innovator with the most votes will take home a $2,000 cash prize from Fieldays, while one lucky voter will win a voucher for $500. Visitors can vote by tapping their Fieldays smart band at the kiosk located inside the Innovation Hub during the event.”

The smart bands are an innovation of their own. It’s an interactive wristband that unlocks new Fieldays features and will be issued to patrons at the gate.

The full list of ideas is proof that innovation is alive and well in the rural sector. There are concepts for kiwifruit

Fieldays

will

competition between rural inventors and forward-thinking

orchardists, blueberry cultivators, excavator operators, sheep and dairy farmers, and beekeepers to name just a few. Educational establishments such as the University of Waikato’s school of engineering, Saint Paul’s Collegiate

School and Saint Peter’s Cambridge have all made the final cut and the top 64. Victory at Fieldays can change the way farmers tackle problems and rise to challenges, and it’s also a big boost for entrepreneurs and innovative companies.

The

Innovation Hub

be the scene of fierce

visionaries

Winter maintenance — stop rust with lanolin

Prolan, a New Zealand-made lanolin-based lubricant and corrosion inhibitor, is becoming increasingly popular with farmers, engineers, panel beaters, motorhomers and boaties for its unique ability to adhere to metal and stop rust in its tracks.

Now, Prolan has just launched a new product called Prolan Extreme that it was due to promote at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek.

Prolan director Murray Shaw says this product is the Rolls Royce of the lanolin products. “Not only is it environmentallyfriendly, it leaves a clean waxy coating and provides longer rust protection.

“Prolan Extreme is attracting much interest for those with machinery and equipment exposed to harsh environments, such as salt, sand and mud,” says Murray.

“The results are excellent. We’ve trialled it within industries throughout NZ from mussel spat farmers to Great Barrier Island engineers.”

Prolan manufactures several different grades of Prolan to suit varying needs. A coating of Prolan Lanolin Enduro Heavy Grade on a vehicle chassis will provide a long-term, environmentally friendly protective coating that will help it pass WOF and COF checks.

“Many vehicle stations are now recommending a coating of Prolan to cover existing rust and seal it off from air and moisture. Prolan cannot be removed by cold-water blasting — this

allows vehicle chassis to be cleaned without removing the rust protection.”

Prolan Enduro Medium Grade is excellent as a general workshop lubricant and corrosion inhibitor for coating quadbikes and farm machinery.

“Many farmers nd Prolan so versatile as a general workshop lubricant they use it to sort out seized locks, bolts, chains and squeaky door hinges.

“Also, as an environmentallyfriendly corrosion inhibitor, you can spray it over existing rust on machinery or coat a quadbike or farm mule to prevent the chassis from rusting out.”

As a result, Prolan saves time on maintenance and component replacement and long-term will increase machinery life and resale value.

“It is hard to believe it is off the sheep’s back – taken from nature to protect nature! With the added bonus, it is made in NZ by Kiwis,” Murray said.

See the Prolan Team at the National Fieldays Mystery Creek Hamilton, site F11, June 12–15 2024.