Dairy News 8 March 2022

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MARCH 8, 2022 ISSUE 489 // www.dairynews.co.nz

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR AG New Zealand National Fieldays Society president, James Allen believes the next three to five years will be a time of opportunity .

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

NEWS // 3

UK trade deal ‘tough to beat’ PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

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THE NEW Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and the United Kingdom is being hailed as being so good and comprehensive that it’s unlikely to be surpassed by any future deals.

That’s how Export Growth and Trade Minister, Damien O’Connor, described the deal when he spoke to Dairy News from London just after signing the deal last week with his counterpart, the UK’s Secretary for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

O’Connor says the FTA is a “spectacular” agreement, which sees the phasing out of all tariffs on all NZ’s core export goods and opens the door for services and all other areas of trade between the two countries.

“Primary producers should be very happy with this deal and the chances of taking up all of that free quota in the transitional period is probably low, and then beyond the phase-out period, we have unlimited access so it doesn’t get much better than that,” he says.

“It would be hard to think that we would get other FTA’s to that standard, but we will keep trying,” he says.

O’Connor says while the phase out periods might extend out for beef and sheepmeat, it’s unlikely NZ will meet the initial thresholds. So

Trade Minister Damien O’Connor and UK Secretary for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan after signing the free trade deal.

effectively it’s tariff free access into this market when the FTA comes into force – hopefully by the end of this year.

Part of the success of putting the deal together, says O’Connor, was due to the strong traditional links with the UK. Also their enthusiasm to be a part of CPTTP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) and to engage in the Pacific meant they were keen to get this deal over the line.

“My counterpart Anne-Marie Trevelyan has been an enthusiastic advocate and supporter of the deal. She sees the value of this and the UK reconnecting with the rest of the world, especially NZ and Australia, who are long-time loyal partners in many things.”

NOW TO THE EU AS DAIRY News spoke to Damien O’Connor, he was heading off to Brussels to try and persuade the European Union to produce an equally good FTA. He says while they are two separate agreements, obviously the EU one is much more complex, given the fact that it needs the approval of all 27 member states.

“But we are still hoping that like the UK they will have the enthusiasm to connect with likeminded countries in a challenging geopolitical world. And to have secure trade links with countries that share our aspirations around climate change, reduction of emissions, animal welfare standards, labour standards. We hope that they see the value in connecting with us even though we are a relatively small player,” he says.

O’Connor admits the Ukraine crisis may somewhat overshadow the FTA talks, but points out that even in times like these, other business still goes ahead as it has done through the Covid pandemic.

He says trade liberalisation is one way of solving some of the world’s problems.

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

4 // NEWS

Weather, war, rising costs keeping milk yield down SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

DON’T EXPECT record dairy prices to cool down anytime soon, according to market analysts.

High milk prices eventually trigger a supply response that in turn helps to push dairy prices back down again, but that isn’t happening.

ASB economist Nat Keall says adverse weather conditions locally and constraints on production overseas mean that the supply response has failed to materialise thus far.

New Zealand milk production fell another 6.1% over January and while weather conditions have improved since then it

will take some time for local production to make up ground, he says.

Then there is the Ukraine conflict. Keall believes the conflict will tighten global supply conditions further in the near term.

“Given Russia and Ukraine’s statuses as major energy and grain producers, a prolonged stoush threatens to seriously disrupt the flow of key agribusiness inputs – be it feed, fuel or fertiliser.

“This will constrain overseas agricultural production, particularly for non-pasture-based producers. That suggests that, in line with futures pricing, there is scope for

dairy prices to advance further in the near term and to stay supported for longer.”

Westpac industry analyst Paul Clark agrees that bad weather conditions and rising input costs are suppressing milk production in other key exporters such as the EU and the US. He also notes that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is not expected to weigh on world dairy prices, and if anything could push them higher.

“That’s a notable contrast to the Crimean invasion in 2014, when Russia placed a ban on food imports from countries that had placed sanc-

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tions on it.

“While New Zealand wasn’t included in that group, it meant that other major food exporters had to find other markets for their product, pushing down prices.

“Russia has never removed that import ban, which means that ASB economist Nat Keall says a supply response has failed to materialise so far.

it lacks any additional leverage over foodexporting nations this time.”

$9.20/KGMS OPENING FORECAST FOR 2022-23 ASB HAS lifted its opening forecast for the next season to $9.20/kgMS. Nat Keall says this is done in light of the likelihood supply stays tighter for longer.

“We now see next season commencing from an even higher starting price point.

“While dairy prices will almost certainly ease over the course of the season, a gradual correction seems more likely than having the rug being pulled from under the market by a rapid supply response.”

The bank has also added another 25c to take the current season forecast milk price to $9.50/ kgMS. Fonterra recently lifted its forecast price range by 40c to a new mid-point of $9.60/ kgMS. Keall notes that the remaining unknown at this point is what kind of trade Fonterra has been doing outside of the auction platform.

“By all accounts it has sold a decent volume of product at presumably similarly strong prices.”

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

NEWS // 5

Processors hail free trade deal DAIRY PROCESSORS

says New Zealand’s historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK is an excellent outcome.

Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ) chairman Malcolm Bailey told Dairy News it’s got the shape of what a quality trade deal should really look like and, in the case of dairy and other primary products, there is genuine trade liberalisation.

The agreement was signed in London last week by Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien

O’Connor and the UK Secretary for State AnneMarie Trevelyan. The deal has been put together in about 18 months, which is seen as extremely quick given the complex nature of such agreements and the fact that most of the negotiations took place virtually, not face-to-face.

The key points of the FTA are: UK to eliminate all tariffs on New Zealand exports, with duties removed on 99.5% of current trade from when the FTA takes effect.

Significant new dutyfree quota access for beef, sheep meat, butter and cheese – with all quotas and tariffs removed after 5-15 years.

NZ exporters to save approximately $37 million New Zealand cheese exporters are one of the big winners under the new trade deal with UK. Above left: DCANZ chairman Malcom Bailey

UK FARMERS UNIMPRESSED REACTION FROM British farmers to the FTA deal appears less than positive.

The National Farmers Union President Minette Batters says there appears to be little in this trade deal to benefit British farmers.

She claims the deal takes the same approach as the UK-Australia deal in eliminating tariffs for agricultural products, meaning that even for sensitive sectors like beef and lamb, dairy and horticulture, in time there will be no limit to the amount of goods New Zealand can export to the UK. In a press release on the NFU website, Batters says the real risk to UK farmers, and longer term for people wanting to buy British food, is not this and other deals, but the cumulative impact of each deal when

added together.

“UK farm businesses face significantly higher costs of production than farmers in NZ, and margins are likely to tighten further in the face of rising input costs, higher energy bills and labour shortages. The UK Government is now asking British farmers to go toe-to-toe with some of the most export-orientated farmers in the world, without the serious, long-term and properly funded investment in UK agriculture that can enable us to do so,” she says.

Batters says the UK government needs to make the sort of strategic investment in farming and exports that the NZ Government has made in recent decades. She says at a time when food security is becoming increasingly important there is a lack of support for UK farmers.

per year on tariff elimination alone from day one.

In terms of dairy, 60% of NZ’s current dairy trade will enter the UK duty free once the FTA is passed into law and 99.5% within 5 years, and 100% within 7 years.

Bailey says the dairy industry is very happy at the outcome and says having the world’s number two dairy market opening up to NZ is really quite significant and gives us options to develop trade over time.

He says he’s not unhappy about the timeframe for the quotas because it is

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a transition and it will take time to develop new market opportunities.

“We know there are some UK firms that want to import our stuff but we are not looking at great volumes.

“This is what we have told the farmers lobby group in the UK – that we are not going to swamp their market. The other thing to remember is that they have been open to 27 other European countries for dairy exports for a long, long time so it’s hard to see us making a particular difference overall in that market

anyway,” he says.

WELL DONE! MALCOLM BAILEY says the speed at which the FTA has been successfully negotiated is a credit to the NZ Government and its officials and the UK politicians and negotiators. He says wasn’t easy for the negotiators having to conduct most of the talks via zoom and other electronic media.

Malcolm Bailey says the UK/NZ FTA is a good model for future such deals including the one currently be negotiated between NZ and the EU. “From our point of view, we think it sets a very helpful precedent that you can do high quality trade deals where market access is opened up.

When we think of the EU it is the largest dairy exporter in the world, so they are very competitive with product they want to send out from their part of the world; so the quid pro quo way of thinking should see them open up their market to others such as NZ,” he says.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

NEWS // 7

A time of opportunity MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

JUST AROUND half way through his three year tenure as New Zealand National Fieldays Society president, James Allen is picking that the next three to five years for NZ agriculture will be a time of opportunity.

This is, he says, is based on the ongoing issue of global supply shortages that in turn, will lead to good prices.

Alongside the chains of office at Mystery Creek, Allen is also the managing director of the Agfirst consultancy group, based out of Hamilton.

Originally brought up on a beef and sheep farm near Raetahi in the King Country, Allen studied at Lincoln University, came to the Waikato and got involved in Young Farmers Organisation, including a couple of nudges at the NZ Young Farmer of the Year Competition.

Around twenty years ago, his YF connections saw him “doing time’ in the Fieldays car parks, then fast forward to around six years ago joined the board and being appointed president in November 2019 “It was certainly a baptism of fire after being elected president, as by March 2020 we were in the thick of Covid-19 and quickly realised that we probably wouldn’t be able to run the June Fieldays event,” he told Dairy News.

“With the help of an

amazing team, we quickly changed tack created the Fieldays Online format, that looking, back worked extremely well.

“Indeed, we took what we learned and ran the format parallel with the 2021 physical event. Not surprisingly, Fieldays 2021 saw the biggest event in our Society’s history with near 133,000 people heading through the turnstiles.

“We realised at the event, that while people relished the ability to see and touch new technology, it also offered visitors to catch up with commercial contacts and friends and in some cases, just get off the farm for a day,” he says.

For 2022, Fieldays is pushing ahead with plans for another physical offering in June, on the basis that by then the Omicron outbreak will be past its peak and hopefully, we shall be heading towards normality “As you can imagine, we have been planning how to deliver the event over the last few weeks, being acutely aware that at under Covid Red regulations, it won’t happen, but at Covid Orange we can go ahead. That means we have to make sure that we have fool-proof logistics to get exhibitors into the event safely.”

Looking at the broader agricultural picture, Allen, wearing his consultancy hat, says there is ongoing pressure of labour shortages, environmental issues and rising input costs.

“Thankfully, the latter is being is being offset by

ANXIOUS FARMERS JAMES ALLEN says the ongoing issues of clean water and emissions are also causing many farmers some anxiety, but in general they believe there must be changes, but are concerned by the accelerated time frames being set out by government.

“On emissions, rural businesses realise that the need to choose between an individual farmbased or producer-levy type system, or they will be forced to join the ETS. I also get the impression that farmers are getting a little frustrated, by the industry bodies they fund appearing to be getting too close to the government departments who are driving the proposed changes.”

Looking at the coming months, Allen suggests that the situation playing out in the Ukrainian conflict will undoubtably lead to increased grain prices, meaning there will likely be a reduction in supplementary feeding in Europe and North America, meaning reduced production and prices staying high.

good commodity prices, but many farmers are concerned about where the future is heading.”

He says the problem of attracting new entrants to agriculture and indeed, retaining existing workers, is certainly something that needs to be addressed.

“Over the last decade

we have certainly seen rates of pay increase, so that with benefits such as subsidised housing, the gross wage is far in excess of the national average.”

He also suggests that there has also been a marked improvement in the standard of housing alongside reduced working hours driven by better

rostering.

“I do believe that farm workers are definitely enjoying a better lifestyle, but we still need to address the misconception in some quarters that farm work is still about cow muck and 4am starts.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

NZ National Fieldays Society president James Allen.

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

8 // NEWS

Sector wary of internet plan JESSICA MARSHALL jessica@ruralnews.co.nz

THE GOVERNMENT’S

announcement of a connectivity upgrade is being met with cautious optimism.

Last month, Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications, David Clark, announced that the Government’s Rural Capacity Upgrade would see existing cell towers upgraded and new towers built in rural areas experiencing poor performance.

“By the end of 2024 around 47,000 rural households and businesses should experience faster internet speeds and better reception than they do right now,” says Clark.

“With these upgrades, rural businesses will have the tools to be more inno-

vative and productive. We can also improve health and safety for New Zealanders and their families through remote health consultations, facilitate remote learning and help maintain social and family connections.

“For those businesses, farms, marae, and households that aren’t captured by current rural broadband initiatives, such as the Ultra-Fast Broadband programme, the initiative launched today will be of great benefit,” he says.

While some are celebrating the announcement, Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) technology spokesperson and board member Claire Williamson says the Upgrade won’t solve the problem for everyone.

“If the upgrade improves speed and capacity, it will be great

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) technology spokesperson Claire Williamson (inset) says the rural internet upgrade won’t solve the problem for everyone.

for those existing connections,” Williamson told Dairy News.

She says it is her understanding that most of the new cell towers are planned for state highways and tourist spots.

“We would like to see internet and cellular access to every NZ household and farm.”

Meanwhile, rural internet providers say they are

ready for the upgrade.

Rural internet provider Primo is welcoming the news, with managing director Matt Harrison saying it will help the wireless broadband side of the company provide better service to its rural customers.

“We pioneered getting broadband into Taranaki’s rural communities and this will mean we have

more resources to lift capacity,” Harrison says.

“We have already worked closely with the Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) to roll out broadband to isolated farms and communities. It’s been a great programme that’s benefited many of our farmers, marae and rural workers.”

Primo is one of 13 pri-

vate sector contractors set to carry out the work, which is funded by the Government’s Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

Also pleased with the announcement is Federated Farmers president and telecommunications spokesperson Andrew Hoggard.

“Every year Feds surveys members on broad-

band and cellphone coverage in rural areas, to gather data on the worst blackspots and inform our advocacy to government,” Hoggard says.

“The frustration of farming families whose businesses, distance education and everyday activities are hampered by poor or sometimes nonexistent services comes through loud and clear.

“So news that upgrades to existing cell towers and construction of new towers should see 47,000 rural households and businesses experience faster internet speeds and better reception by the end of 2024 will come as a relief.”

When the work is completed, the Government claims 99.8% of New Zealanders will have seen an improvement to their broadband services.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

NEWS // 9

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Environment Southland recently took to the skies to support improvements to winter grazing practices in the region.

Eye in the sky scans winter grazing JESSICA MARSHALL jessica@ruralnews.co.nz

ENVIRONMENT SOUTHLAND (ES)

recently took to the skies to support improvements to winter grazing practices in the region.

ES principal land sustainability officer Karl Erikson says the work was part of the council’s educational approach to winter grazing.

“The aerial and roadsides assessment work is an education approach rather than part of our compliance function,” Erikson told Dairy News.

“Our land sustainability team are looking for paddocks that might pose a risk when animals graze them in winter.

“This includes areas like critical source areas that have crop in them, where crop is close to waterways,” he says.

These include areas that lack buffer zones and steep paddocks with waterways around them.

Erikson says there are approximately 20 paddocks of interest that require following up.

“The farmers will be offered assistance in the form of a strategic grazing plan for these pad-

docks if they haven’t got one already, and any other advice for their winter grazing that might be needed.”

As Dairy News went to print, ES was following up with farmers.

“However, previously farmers have been more than happy to receive our help,” says Erikson.

“They are often keen to have another set of eyes look over their paddocks to see if they are on the right track or to go over their winter plan.”

Winter grazing regulations came into effect in Southland in May 2019.

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GRASS GROWTH is fantastic in the last October when there wasn’t the Manawatū but production remains absolute flush that one would expect at that time of the year, so milk producstatic.

That’s the message from DairyNZ tion didn’t peak as expected. He says the heavy rain in December regional leader for the didn’t help the situation, Lower North Island, Mark causing a loss of pasture Laurence. quality.

While the recent rains “But in January and and storm caused some February the situation stadamage, the rain and warm bilised and, in fact, Janutemperatures have seen ary was amazing with the covers jump away. small amount of rain which For those that didn’t get set pastures going again,” damaged, growth has been Mark Laurence fantastic and production is holding up he says. By and large the maize crop in the region has been good, although well.

“But this is still down by between some has been damaged by the recent 4% and 5% for the region, which is winds. But Laurence says his gut feeling much the same as it is right across the is that crops are in good shape.

He says the other issue is facial country. The reality is, the peak was nowhere near as good at it was last eczema and he warns that farmers need to closely monitor spore counts year,” he says.

Laurence says the problem started as autumn approaches. – Peter Burke

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

10 // NEWS

Farmer input vital to shaping pricing SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

DAIRYNZ IS advocat-

ing for farmers to get a fair deal when agricultural emissions are priced by 2025, says chief executive Tim Mackle.

He points out that emissions pricing is one of the most important issues Kiwi farmers will

face in a generation.

DairyNZ is a partner of the Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership, He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) and is currently consulting farmers. An extra 15 regional online meetings have been added this month.

Mackle says this consultation is important for the sector – playing a part in how emissions are

priced, and ensuring dairy maintains a degree of control, is vital.

“Two options put up

by HWEN are backed by science and we want farmers to understand the pros and cons, and input into the outcome,” Mackle told Dairy News.

The Government has legislated to put agriculture into the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme [ETS] if

WHAT WILL THE OPTIONS COST? TIM MACKLE says the HWEN options do cost to run, and leaders have acknowledged that.

“We are working hard to manage this aspect and reduce unnecessary operating costs. Unfortunately, the ETS would be much more expensive for farmers,” he says.

Under the ETS, the cost would be at least $600m by 2030, says Mackle. “On-farm sequestration wouldn’t be recognised unless it met the ETS criteria. This requires specific plantings of a certain shape and size, and the money would go into the Government’s consolidated account,

instead of supporting farmers.”

Under the HWEN farm level levy option, the cost to farmers will be less than the ETS. In this option, sequestration and emissions reductions by farmers are calculated and reduce the cost.

Mackle says under the processor level levy option, between $137 and $590 million could be raised (through collection). Up to $520 million of that will go back to farmers.

“This option acknowledges uptake of new technology and sequestration, and R&D investment in options to further reduce emissions.”

CARBON CREDITS

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says emissions pricing is one of the most important issues Kiwi farmers will face in a generation.

the sector doesn’t come up with a better option.

“This is our chance to influence – because, frankly, the ETS as it stands now would be the worst outcome for farmers and New Zealand,” says Mackle.

The ETS would be a broad-based tax increasing every year and wouldn’t recognise or reward on-farm actions to reduce emissions. HWEN options will invest in onfarm actions and R&D. “The HWEN options

are one part of the puzzle.

Emissions targets, climate metrics and the science of warming also play a part in ensuring agriculture emissions are being treated fairly. DairyNZ will continue advocating strongly on farmers’ behalf for the best outcomes.”

Emissions targets sit outside HWEN but the Government’s emissions target review in 2024 gives opportunity to advocate for targets that are science-based, work for

GETTING GREATER recognition for the sequestration happening on farms was a major priority for DairyNZ in HWEN. Farmers will get recognition for far more types of vegetation than under the ETS, including pre-1990 natives, shelterbelts and riparian strips.

The 2008 baseline was chosen for a number of reasons, but mainly to make the process of getting recognition as simple and straight-forward for farmers as possible. Earlier baselines are very difficult to verify, due to limited or poorquality satellite imagery.

“Under the ETS people have really struggled to be able to provide enough information to get their natives trees into the ETS. “That said, it’s a theme that has popped up through consultation, so we’ll be looking at this closer with our partners,” says Mackle.

farmers and enable dairy to remain internationally competitive.

Mackle says the options developed by HWEN recognise the split gas approach – unique levy prices will be used for short-lived and longlived gases. The ETS doesn’t recognise split gas – another reason to keep

ag out of the ETS. In 2019, the sector won a hard-fought science-based agreement to have a split gas approach in the Zero Carbon Act. This recognises biogenic methane (from animals and plants) only needs to reduce and stabilise, not go to net-zero like longlived gases.

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

NEWS // 11

Brace for delays PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

DAIRY FARMERS

are being urged to start planning, if they haven’t already done so, for delays in getting their cull cows into meat processing plants.

The chair of the Animal Welfare Forum, Dr Lindsay Burton, says the expectation of some farmers that they can ring up a buyer at short notice and have animals collected quickly is unrealistic at the moment.

The forum is a multiorganisational group comprising industry good organisations including DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb NZ, the Meat Industry Association, DCANZ, Federated Farmers, the Veterinary Association and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Its goal is to identify issues and take initiatives to ensure compliance around animal welfare.

Burton says with Omicron in the community, there is much uncertainty around the availability of labour in processing plants. He says even before the recent Omicron outbreak, the industry was 5,500 workers short and the situation has the potential to get worse.

“Typically the waiting time for killing space would be about two

weeks, but in the present environment it could be anywhere between six and eight weeks, so farmers have to have contingency plans in place.

“The processors don’t know what number of their workforce will be unable to work at any given time and that is where the concern is – uncertainty,” he says.

Burton says some farmers don’t have a direct ongoing relationship with a processor, but they now need to make contact with whoever they sell their animals to, make sure they understand the potential extent of the problems that may lie ahead and put robust arrangements in place.

He says they are putting this message out to farmers though the various member organisations of the Forum and notes the meat processing companies are getting in contact with farmer clients to plan their placement of stock at the works.

“I think the majority of farmers are planning – we are just reinforcing that message, but we are also making sure that those who haven’t thought about it too hard… engage quickly, so they know what the situation is and get regular updates from their processors,” he says.

The delays of getting animals to works has the potential to cause animal welfare issues – especially

having adequate feed if animals have to be held on farm longer than originally planned. Burton says the good news at present is that the feed situation on-farm is good, with recent rains over much of the country and warmer weather, which has resulted in better pasture covers.

“We are not that concerned about the feed situation at present but we are monitoring the situation.

“People need to make sure they have feed on hand and recognise that, if stock are to be picked up, they must be fed and kept in good condition,” he says.

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Waiting time for killing space at meatworks has jumped from two weeks to nearly eight weeks, says Dr Lindsay Burton (inset).

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

12 // NEWS

Joint dairy facility for research AN UPGRADE of Massey University’s Dairy 4 Farm is close to completion.

The university has partnered with AgResearch to boost

on-farm research capability and facilities, enabling greater interaction between staff and students of Massey and AgResearch, while also providing scope for a

range of independent trials to operate at any one time.

The Dairy 4 Farm, adjacent to Massey’s Manawatū campus, has 600 spring calving cows

and is the larger of the university’s two farms.

Professor Paul Kenyon, head of Massey’s school of agriculture and environment, says the new facilities will enable

The new animal handling faciity at Massey University Dairy 4 Farm.

detailed research projects on the farm to be carried out at the same time as usual operations.

“The new facilities will boast two rotary milking platforms which will allow detailed research projects to take place alongside the farm’s daily operations,” he says.

Other new facilities include a covered veterinary area for individual cow measurements and a multi-lane feed pad to enable differential feeding to various groups of cows.

There will also be an effluent treating system, a data centre within the shed to store and manage research data, a teaching room and a biosecurity station.

“The partnership with AgResearch will help Massey build on its reputation of contributing world-leading pure and applied research, in partnership with industry, on matters that are of national and international interest including environmental impacts of climate change, biosecurity issues, animal welfare issues and

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“The new facilities will boast two rotary milking platforms which will allow detailed research projects to take place alongside the farm’s daily operations.” economic threats posed by innovations in food production,” Kenyon adds.

AgResearch science objective leader and principal scientist Dr David Pacheco says it is rewarding to see the progress at the farm after the decision several years ago to invest with Massey in its development.

“With the expanded facilities available to us at the Dairy 4 Farm, we will be able to grow our science in critical areas such as greenhouse gas research, animal nutrition and health, through to finding ways to increase the value of New Zealand’s dairy products,” Dr Pacheco says.

“Our partnership with Massey means we can make the most out of combining our resources and expertise, while the close physical

proximity of the farm to our respective facilities in Palmerston North makes everything simpler and more efficient. That close collaboration also means together we can develop the next generation of researchers to tackle the complex issues that New Zealand and the globe is facing.

“All of this benefits our dairy industry in New Zealand, and ultimately New Zealand as a leading international dairy producer.”

The Dairy 4 Farm is well known for its research into nutrient losses on heavy soils and recent collaborative work on partial housing systems for dairy cows. It has been operating for approximately 46 years and complements Massey’s Dairy 1 Farm – a 260 cow farm beside the Manawatū River.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

NEWS // 13

Spierings launches global consultancy SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FORMER FONTERRA

chief executive Theo Spierings has launched a consultancy to help global companies meet their sustainability goals while lifting profits.

The Purpose Factory, based in Netherland, has been set up by Spierings and marketing expert Paul Roedig.

The company’s website says it helps companies change and “achieve healthy people and a healthy planet, alongside delivering on the bottom line”.

When contacted by Dairy News via email, The Purpose Factory said Sperings is not doing any media interviews at the moment and he hasn’t for a while now.

“But should that change he will reach out for a chat,” it said.

Spierings left Fonterra in August 2018 after seven years in the role.

His final pay of $4.6 million raised eyebrows as the co-operative later reported a loss of $600m for the year.

The Purpose Factory website says as he stepped down from his last CEO role, Sperings announced that his next move would be about “a better world, not a bigger job”.

“So here he is, continuing to build a better world with The Purpose Factory.

“By founding The Purpose Factory, Theo offers

the benefit of his life’s work so your organisation can transform into a purpose-led operation and thrive, while creating value for all stakeholders, and building a better world,” the website says.

According to the website, The Purpose Factory recently provided “game changing insights and solutions” to Latin American food and beverage company Gloria Alimentos, which has a turnover of US$2 billion.

“Gloria approached us to dive deep into their operations and provide solutions to transform them from a local leader to regional powerhouse.

“And that’s exactly what we delivered. We identified significant opportunities to create additional value and cash flow for Gloria and provided the roadmap to bring these opportunities to fruition.”

Spierings’ profile on the website says he operates from a “deep personal why” and always has.

“As CEO of two of the world’s leading dairy organizations - most recently, Fonterra, responsible for 30% of world’s dairy exports, revenue exceeding US $15 billion, prior to that Friesland Foods, which had an annual revenue of US$5 billion – Theo has led with a life changing vision.

“In line with this vision, he has consistently brought about strong business performance alongside creating shifts

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towards a better world.

“Shifts that started at the local level within communities and grew to country level; then at Fonterra, he made positive change at a global level, reaching 2 billion con-

sumers with good nutrition. He also made an impact at industry level as Chair of the Global Dairy Platform, the sustainability initiative for the world’s biggest dairy companies.”

Former Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings is now helping global companies meet their sustainabilty goals while improving profit.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

14 // NEWS

Electric milk tanker to hit Waitoa roads in May NEW ZEALAND’S

first electric milk tanker (E-tanker) will hit roads around Fonterra’s Waitoa factory in May. The E-tanker is part of the Fonterra’s Electric Vehicle (EV) strategy that will see a third of the co-op’s light vehicle fleet converted to EV’s by the end of 2023.

The co-operative is trialling the first E-tanker to understand what the future of electric milk collection and rural heavy

transport looks like.

Fonterra chief operating officer Fraser Whineray says the first E-tanker is very much a trial.

“We’ll be looking at a number of factors including; how far it can go, how easy it is to charge, milk collection, maintenance, efficiency, cost, and driver comfort and safety.

“This is very much a trial and we’re looking forward to learning more about heavy vehicle

“The global technology investment in sustainable land, air and sea transport is phenomenal.”

Fonterra’s first electric milk tanker (right) being fitted out at its Morrinsville garage.

E-Transport in a rural setting.”

The cab and chassis are from XMCG – a Chinese construction

machinery group: Fonterra’s team will fit the ‘tank’ part of the tanker to it.

Whineray says improving emissions across the

entire supply chain is part of the co-operative’s overall commitment to sustainability.

“The global technology

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investment in sustainable land, air and sea transport is phenomenal,” says Whineray.

“Our teams are constantly screening the possibilities to see what could work across our supply chain.”

The Waitoa plant has been chosen to host the first E-tanker because close supplying farms are mostly on relatively flat land.

Whineray says this will allow Fonterra to do shorter runs where battery consumption be reduced with less hills.

“Since Waitoa was home to the biggest fleet of electric milk trucks, it is also fitting that in New Zealand it becomes home

to the first modern milk collection electric tanker in New Zealand,” he says.

The E-tanker can carry 28,000 litres of milk – the same as a regular tanker. However, because the ‘truck’ part of the tanker is a bit heavier with the battery it will carry around 2,300 litres of milk less.

This is so we can operate within our permitted weight, says Whineray.

Each tanker takes about three hours to charge: however E-tankers will operate on a ‘battery swap system’ so tankers won’t be lying idle while charging.

Fonterra expects its team to swap the battery out in about six minutes.

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THE COUNTRY’S first electric milk tanker project is receiving co-funding from the Government’s new-look Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF).

Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods says the LETF is all about finding replicable solutions through innovative transport and infrastructure.

“The projects included in this round show the potential for electric and low-emissions transport across a wide range of sectors: from all-terrain farm vehicles to heavy freight.

“Some of these are hard to decarbonise, so this is great progress towards reducing our transport emissions,” says Woods.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

16 // NEWS

Feed additive gets EU green light A FEED additive that

claims to reduce methane emissions in ruminants has been approved for marketing in Europe.

Bovaer, developed by global science company Royal DSM, was evaluated

under Australian feedlot conditions and found to reduce methane emissions by up to 90%. The additive is a synthetic chemical compound called 3-NOP. In New Zealand, Fon-

terra is trialling Bovaer under a joint partnership with DSM. Trials overseas have shown Bovaer reduces methane emissions by up to 30% in non-pasture raised cows.

Fonterra wants to know whether it would also work in New Zealand’s pasture-based farming systems.

Last month, the European Union approved marketing of Bovaer in

DSM claims Bovaer, soon to be available to EU farmers, consistently reduces these methane emissions by around 30%.

WHAT IS BOVAER? ACCORDING TO DSM, Bovaer is a feed additive for cows and other cattle and ruminants, such as sheep and goats.

The production has been researched and developed over ten years by DSM. The company claims that just a quarter teaspoon of Bovaer per cow per day reduces enteric methane emission by approximately 30%.

DSM has filed the feed ingredient for commercial registration under the trade name Bovaer around the world.

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It is useful in the transition period in dairy cows 2 – 4 weeks pre & post calving, and can be used as an anionic salt to counteract the effects that high potassium & sodium concentrations have on increasing hypocalcemia.

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the bloc after Bovaer went through a stringent scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority.

The authority concluded that Bovaer is “efficacious” in reducing methane emissions by cows for milk production.

Once the decision is adopted by the European Commission, expected in the coming months, the feed additive will be the first of its kind available on the EU market.

Bovaer has already been approved for use in Brazil and Chile. A commercial launch in Australia is also expected this year.

DSM says the dairy industry has an important role to play as enteric methane from dairy cows is responsible for up to 60% of the global greenhouse gas emissions from milk production. It says Bovaer consistently reduces these methane emissions by around 30%.

“EU market authorisation therefore represents a ground-breaking step toward more sustainable milk production, giving

farmers, dairy companies and retailers a trusted and safe product with proven efficacy that will substantially lower dairy’s carbon footprint.

“And ultimately it enables the consumer to purchase sustainable dairy.”

DSM co-chief executive Geraldine Matchett says Bovaer has the power to truly revolutionise the global dairy industry.

“We are extremely proud that, after a decade of research, trials, and value chain collaboration, its potential has been recognised with this historic market approval.”

Dimitri de Vreeze, also co-chief executive of DSM warns that there is no time to lose when it comes to tackling climate change.

“We look forward to introducing Bovaer to the European market where we know farmers and dairy companies share our eagerness to act.

“This solution enables us to work together to offer consumers dairy products with a greatly reduced climate impact.”

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

NEWS // 17

Andrew and Jenny McGiven hosted a discussion group on their farm last month to look at the positive impact of Biozest pasture spray on milk production.

Pasture spray ‘has potential to help reduce emissions’ WAIKATO FARMER

Andrew McGiven believes products like the pasture spray Biozest can help farmers reduce ruminate emissions.

McGiven says such products can help farmers claim carbon credits and defuse the furore around charging farmers for emissions.

He made the comments after a discussion group met on his farm last month to see the results on his farm.

Andrew and Jenny McGiven milk 500 cows on 182 hectares near Te Aroha.

“I have begun using Biozest this season, and my contract milker and I have been impressed with how our pasture base has thickened, and the plants retained palatability for longer during seed head emergence,” he told Dairy News.

He pointed out that scientific papers have been published and peer reviewed showing that it can reduce methane and nitrate excretion significantly and make a more efficient milk and meat producing animal.

“We have seen a 3% increase in MS production this season compared to last year which was a record for us.

“I would like to see this research officially recognised, because if we can reduce ruminate nitrate and methane emissions

INEFFICIENT RUMINANTS NATHAN BALASINGHAM says the Kiwi farming system is very efficient, but ruminants are woefully inefficient – only converting 25% of pasture protein to milk or meat 75% is wasted as urea nitrate and methane.

In the rumen pasture protein is rapidly broken down to amino acids then further to ammonia in the rumen.

Bacteria can only use ammonia to make protein.

He says bacteria can’t use up the ammonia as fast as it is being produced, so most of it is wasted as urea.

Ammonia production process

with this product by up to 40-50% as claimed, then this would be a huge step towards defusing the whole He Waka Noa problem and should enable farmers to claim credits.”

DairyNZ is consulting farmers on whether they should be part of the Government’s Emissions Trading Scheme or a separate levy-paying scheme.

McGiven says he hasn’t been to any DairyNZ consultation.

“I almost feel like it’s a fait accompli that it will be a levy paying system because the ETS is worse and doesn’t recognise the difference between the GHG’s.

“That’s why I’m keen to see technology like Biozest to be better recognised for improved pasture production,

also produces the byproducts, carbon and hydrogen that are converted to methane and wasted.

“When cows graze Biozesttreated pasture the higher content of phenylpropanoids attaches to more protein and protects it from digestion in the rumen.

“The protected protein ends up in the intestine (the true gut) where it is more efficiently digested to amino acids and converted to milk and meat protein.

“Less protein is broken down into ammonia therefore less building blocks for methane are generated – so less urea is excreted, and less methane is emitted.”

carbon sequestration, and reduced nitrate and by extension methane outputs.”

Meanwhile speaking at the discussion group on McGiven’s farm, Biozest inventor Nathan Balasingham pointed out that when livestock graze Biozest-treated pasture, more pasture is converted to milk and meat, therefore less is wasted as urea and methane.

“Biozest treated pasture must double its photosynthesis and in the process absorb twice as much atmospheric carbon compared to untreated pasture. This means Biozest treated pasture could sequester more carbon than an equivalent area of forestry.

“When we examined how productivity could be

doubled, we pushed aside blades of grass and other pasture species, and discovered significant areas of bare earth between the crowns of pasture species.”

He says Biozest-treated pasture produces more tillers to cover this bare land. This increase in pasture cover results in more efficient utilisation of water, land and fertlisers.

Balasingham says the benefit is more profit and less leaching of nitrate and other nutrients.

“Unlike nitrogen, Biozest treatment enables clover to flourish.

“Unlike gibberellic acid, you don’t see rampant growth but the Biozest-treated pasture becomes denser and the improvements are sustainable.”

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

18 // OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

Let the good times roll!

MILKING IT...

Let down by Govt!

ANOTHER EXAMPLE of the Government paying lip service to the dairy sector: Last month the Government informed dairy sector bodies that it will allow just 300 more international dairy farm workers into New Zealand.

In November, the dairy sector requested the Government allow 1,500 dairy workers into New Zealand in 2022 – but only 300 spots have been granted.

The Government decision will be a bitter disappointment for many under-pressure dairy farmers who are anxiously facing yet another season critically short-staffed.

So much for Government supporting a sector that has been the backbone of NZ’s economy during the pandemic.

Stop lying

Cow-free milk?

EU pain

GREENPEACE IS back doing what it does best – spreading misinformation about the dairy sector.

In its latest tirade, it wants the Government to slap on regulations to reduce agricultural emissions.

What the Greenpeace media release deliberately fails to acknowledge is what the industry is already doing in this space: He Waka Eke Noa consultations are underway, farm environment plans are in place on many farms and sustainable milk production is the number one priority of all processors.

Greenpeace’s narrowminded view of the dairy sector is out-of-date.

A NEW kind of milk will soon hit US shelves but it isn’t some plant-based product designed to resemble dairy milk.

Instead it is made from whey proteins produced by microflora engineered to spit out exactly the same proteins found in milk from a cow.

Manufacturer Betterland Foods says it is working on the cow-free milk with Perfect Day, a company formed in 2014 by two vegans looking to find a way to produce tastier animal-free ‘milk’ products.

The proof will be in the tasting, but this ‘milk’ is said to have the same “cooking, whipping, steaming, frothing and baking functionality” as regular milk, but with a smaller environmental impact.

EUROPEAN FARMERS are being told to brace for tough times and it’s all thanks to Valdimir Putin.

The Russian strongman’s decision to invade Ukraine will have serious knock-on effects for EU farmers because much of the EU’s meat and dairy industry relies on imported feed crops from Ukraine, and the bloc is also hooked on Russian gas and fertilisers.

Russia and Ukraine jointly account for more than 30% of the world’s trade in wheat and barley, 17% of corn and over 50% of sunflower oil, seeds and cakes for feeding animal.

So, while the EU’s sanctions will cause grief to the Kremlin, the pain will also be felt across the European farming sector.

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LAST WEEK New Zealand dairy farmers woke up to fantastic news on two consecutive days.

The first was the early morning signing of a free trade deal between New Zealand and the United Kingdom in London.

The second was the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) price index rising for the fifth straight time; more importantly whole milk powder and skim milk powder, used by processors to set the milk price, posted solid gains.

The two doses of good news come as farmers grapple with issues including rising costs, a pandemic and a looming levy/ tax on greenhouse gas emissions.

With the world the way it is right now, the trade deal and a strong forecast milk price give farmers reason to be reassured good things do still happen.

The FTA with the UK will result in close to full liberalisation of all trade. About 60% of NZ’s current dairy trade will enter the UK duty free at the start of the FTA, 99.5% within 5 years, and 100% within 7 years.

Tariffs will be eliminated over 5 years for butter (export value $1.6 million) and cheese (export value $500,000), with significant new duty-free quotas that will allow trade to grow during the transition period, until all tariffs and quotas are eliminated.

Many other dairy products will also become tariff free at entry into force, with the remainder eliminated over 3 or 7 years. This opens a significant dairy market that New Zealand exporters have long been effectively locked out of due to high tariffs.

Farmers will be looking forward to the deal pumping more money through the farm gate. Right now a record milk price is on the cards for all NZ dairy farmers.

Dwindling milk production in NZ and around the world is pushing prices up; the fallout from the war in Ukraine is also causing jittery buyers to pay higher prices and stockpile dairy products.

However, the global sanctions against Russia, a major producer of oil and gas, are also pushing fuel prices up. Farmers are facing steep prices increases for fertiliser and other inputs.

Interest rates are also rising.

Farmers are astute business people: through careful planning they will get through.

The good news is that milk prices are holding up well. Our new FTA with the UK lays the foundation for higher prices in the years ahead. And when dairy farmers do well, New Zealand does well.

Fonterra’s midpoint of $9.60/kgMS represents a cash injection of over $14 billion into NZ’s economy through milk price payments alone.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

OPINION // 19

Ketosis is the failure of the cow to consume adequate glucose in early lactation and the liberation of excessive body fats.

Winter milk and ketosis – the handbrake is on JOE McGRATH

ONE OF the attractions of shifting from spring calving to autumn calving is perceived reduction in down cows, or milk fever.

Our analysis of herds that go through this process suggest that this is certainly the case. However, our team has identified something else going on in winter milk herds in early lactation.

The best way to put it is it is like the handbrake is on. Cows won’t fire.

More specifically, cows are failing to peak, losing excessive BCS and don’t seem to have much of an appetite. In some cases, this is in sub sections of the herd and in other cases it’s the whole herd.

It would appear that in many of these cases ketosis is occurring and driving the poor performance in these otherwise high performing herds. What is ketosis? It is the failure of the cow to consume adequate glucose in early lactation and the liberation of excessive body fats resulting in excessive levels of ketone bodies in the blood. The worst outcome is intake suppres-

sion, eventually leading to death.

In general, NZ has a relatively low incidence of ketosis in the dairy herd.

There are a couple of reasons for this: * In general, NZ cows don’t produce very much milk, meaning that there is not a huge drawdown of glucose in the cow during early lactation. * NZ cows do not tend to be excessively fat. * Green pastures with good levels of sugar (or water-soluble carbohydrates) are often linked with low levels of ketosis.

However, in wintermilk herds there are many reasons for an increased incidence of ketosis. Cows tend to be much higher producers, are often higher in BCS and may not have access to sufficient levels of green pastures post calving. Then there is the milk fever conundrum.

The major driver of ketosis is periods without feed intake. Milk fever causes cows not to eat, resulting in a period of increased fat breakdown potentially initiating a ketotic spiral (fat breakdown – ketone production – intake inhibition – short

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glucose – fat breakdown – then repeat).

Furthermore, winter milk herds tend to consume a higher proportion of maize silage and often a higher proportion of blends. Both products are low in dietary calcium. Winter growing pastures are also lower in dietary calcium and there is drastically less vitamin D available from natural sources during winter.

All these factors point towards an inability of cows to utilise and store calcium for future use.

Our team has identified a transition cow problem in winter milk herds that often goes unnoticed. While cows may not have classical milk fever, the suspected

incidence of sub-clinical milk fever appears to be high, resulting in a large amount of cows displaying ketotic type conditions. An effective transition program concentrating on maintaining proper vitamin, calcium and magnesium proportions has alleviated these conditions. The HyD in Tranzsol has been demonstrated to increase feed intake post calving, allowing for cows to get a better start to early lactation.

Avoiding feed intake suppression is the key to removing the handbrake and letting these winter milk cows roar off the start line.

• Dr Joe McGrath is head nutritionist for Sollus

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

20 // AGRIBUSINESS

Humates miner scores patent IT ALL started when a

small group of soil scientists and farmers considered the potential of humates to improve the quality of soil and the possible flow-on effects on pasture growth.

The group came with the belief that the majority of New Zealand soils have been leached of their nutrients over the years through applications of superphosphates, intensive farming and compaction of the upper soil layer.

Business adviser to Southern Humates, Janet Brooker, says understanding the importance of stimulating microbial activity to improve pasture growth and combining the significance of two bioactive stimulants, humic and fulvic acid, resulted in a move

by Southern Humates to investigate the response to pasture growth when humates are included with urea and across a range of other fertiliser compositions.

A four-year field trial commenced in Southland in October 2014 to evaluate the effect on pasture growth through the addition of Southern Humates to urea and was assessed every month until March 2015.

Brooker claims humate addition consistently increased pasture production compared to urea throughout the 2014 – 2015 growing season.

She says in November, one month after initial fertiliser application, 20%

humate addition to urea gave the greatest increase in pasture production, 20% more than in unfertilised pasture.

Urea, (3% increase) and other rates of humate had little effect (between 1–3%). In December, urea increased production by 39%, with maximum yield occurring with 5% humate, 45% greater than unfertilised pasture.

In January, urea increased production by 22%, with maximum yield occurring with 10% humate, 60% greater than unfertilised pasture. In February, urea increased production by 39%, with maximum yield occurring with 20% humate, 68% greater than unfertilised pasture.

In March, a similar response, urea increased production by 39%, with maximum yield occurring with 20% humate, 68% greater than unfertilised pasture. Brooker says the reason for altering the rates was to increase the number of comparison points to determine the optimum rate of humate application. The effectiveness of a fertiliser is measured by how it increases pasture yield compared with pasture without any fertiliser application.

“It was these positive results which promoted, Malcolm Sinclair of Southern Humates, to continue investing in the field trials over an extended period and at the same time to look to the opportunity to apply

Malcolm Sinclair, Southern Humates, at the mine.

ONGOING FIELD TRIALS SOUTHERN HUMATES continues to be heavily involved in field trials, including: A field trial examining the effectiveness for reducing soil aluminium toxicity in the high country commenced on Glenbrook Station, near Twizel in November 2018 A field trial examining the impact of reducing soil copper levels in Kiwi

for a patent on the composition of humate and urea to increase pasture production.

“Simultaneously, further pasture growth trials were established in both shallow soil and deep soil types on irrigated high fertility dairy pasture in Rakaia, Canterbury.”

The results were assessed during late autumn - early winter 2017. Ten per cent humate with urea gave the greatest seasonal increase

Fruit orchard in Bay of Plenty commenced May 2021.

A 3-year field trial was established in December 2021 in Southland to determine if new scientific research demonstrating microbial bio-stimulation will have an effect on reducing the acidic levels of whey to develop a whey bio-fertiliser.

in pasture yield on the shallow soil phase, 37% compared with 25% from urea alone. On the deep soil phase urea 6% yield increase whereas urea and 10% humate resulted in 9% yield increase.

The residual effect of humate plus urea applied from Nov 2015 to April 2018 on soil chemistry, earthworms and nutrient leaching was assessed in spring 2019.

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humate increased earthworms by 60% and 67% respectively whilst urea alone increased earthworm numbers by 39%.

This is apparently consistent with previous results showing that both humate and urea increased pasture production and that urea plus humate increased production more than urea alone. This is also consistent with fertiliser effects on soil microbiological populations.

The company says high productivity would result in more organic residues, the primary food source for organic feeding worms and more microbial biomass for soil feeding earthworms. Increased aeration, drainage, organic matter incorporation, nutrient turn over and mobilisation are said to be effects of enhanced earthworm activity which are beneficial for pasture production.

Brooker says a patent application was submitted in June 2017 under the case title of ‘Fertiliser compositions and uses thereof’. The application has been through a rigorous review process over the past four-and-a-half years resulting in patent acceptance in February 2022. The results have also been published in Nature Scientific Journal.

She says during the

patent review, field trial results continued to confirm the importance of Southern Humates to improving pasture growth through stimulating microbial activity to increase bacteria and fungi levels improving nutrient uptake at the root zone. It must be acknowledged that not all humates are equal in their humic and fulvic levels, carbon content or mineral composition.

“Therefore, the results of field trials relate specifically to the product sourced from Southern Humates site which is situated in Waituna, Southland. Regular lab testing continues to support the composition level of humate being extracted.

The screening process delivers a range of material sizes suitable for various agriculture and horticulture operations.”

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

MANAGEMENT // 21

Every blade of grass can help reduce rising costs EVERY BLADE of grass holds the power to dilute rising costs It might sound too good to be true. But the answer lies in virtually all your paddocks, claims Barenbrug pasture systems manager Blair Cotching.

“The more pasture you grow and utilise on-farm, the better your return from every dollar spent on inputs, and that’s a fact. It all comes down to

management.

“It doesn’t have to be complicated or disruptive – sometimes even a small change can lead to a big improvement. And we can help make it happen.”

DairyNZ has highlighted grazing management as one of three key levers in coping with runaway farm input costs this season, along with strong financial and people management.

Unlike fertiliser, feed

and fuel prices, deciding when and how to graze is something farmers have complete control over, Cotching says.

Grazing has been exhaustively researched in New Zealand, and the results are clear.

“Look after your pastures, and in return they will look after you, your cows and your wallet.”

Cotching claims you don’t have look far to find expert advice on good

pasture management.

“Even better, it’s available on demand, round the clock, free of charge, so you can get answers when it suits you.

“Our website is chockfull of everything we know about getting the best out of pastures on NZ farms.

“It’s based on 30 years of our own experience, as well as decades of pasture science and research.”

Every dairy system is

Barenbrug pasture systems manager Blair Cotching.

The more pasture you grow and utilise on-farm, the better your return from every dollar spent on inputs, according to Barenbrug.

different, Cotching says, and finding the right way to grow and utilise more pasture per hectare is not always evident from a hands-on daily farm-

ing perspective, especially when labour is short and time even shorter.

“But the core principles apply no matter where or how you farm.

Every blade of grass holds the power to dilute the rising costs of essential farm inputs, and we’re here to help you find out how.”

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

22 // MANAGEMENT

Meet NZ’s coolest cows!

AS TEMPERATURES

rise globally, heat stress is becoming more common among cows too.

According to LIC, fortunately, Kiwi scientists are one step closer to enabling farmers to breed more heat tolerant cows after a trial found that dairy cows with the ‘slick’ gene are less affected by heat stress compared to their non-slick counterparts.

Back in 2014, the farmer-owned co-operative was the first to discover the slick gene in cattle, which produces a short hair coat and improves heat tolerance.

Ironically, this gene to keep cows cool was only discovered after LIC scientists first identified a genetic variation that made cows very hairy.

improving the overall wellbeing of New Zealand dairy cows.

“Heat stress has significant welfare implications for animals. For dairy cows it can also impact feed intake, milk production, fertility and calf birthweight.

“The aim of the breeding programme is to provide New Zealand farmers the opportunity to have high genetic merit dairy cows with improved heat tolerance.”

As the slick gene was originally found in a Caribbean-based beef breed named Senepol, Spelman says LIC has been working on a breeding programme to incorporate it into elite New Zealand dairy animals.

“Over the past seven years we’ve been crossing

slick gene in dairy cows.

She monitored 18 dairy cows, nine with the slick gene and nine without, at LIC’s dairy farm on the outskirts of Hamilton.

The trial found cows with the slick gene had lower rumen temperatures (0.5-1.0°C) compared to their non-slick counterparts when the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) exceeds 73 (around an ambient temperature of 26ºC and a humidity of 60%). THI is a commonly used metric used for heat stress and combines both temperature and humidity.

“In cattle the rumen generates a lot of heat when processing food and adds to their internal heat load. Although a one-degree temperature decrease doesn’t sound LIC Chief Scientist, Richard Spelman, inspects dairy cows with the ‘slick’ gene.

Below left: Dairy cows with the ‘slick gene’ at LIC’s dairy farm in Hamilton – if the programme to breed ‘cool cows’ continues to progress as expected, Kiwi farmers will be able to breed heat tolerant cows by 2029.

Realising the likelihood that an opposite gene might exist resulted in the eventual discovery of the slick gene.

LIC chief scientist Richard Spelman says the slick gene could be a hugely valuable tool for

Senepol beef sires with New Zealand dairy cows to breed slick bulls that could potentially produce a more heat tolerant dairy herd in the future.”

LIC scientist Esther Donkersloot led the trial to see the impact of the

significant, it goes a long way to helping cows feel cooler overall.”

Donkersloot says the value of the slick gene to New Zealand dairy farmers is only going to increase.

“Temperatures in

parts of New Zealand already reach uncomfortable peaks for cows in the summer and they’re going to increase if we keep up with current global warming.”

Modelling by NIWA has shown that by 2040 the Waikato can expect

to have around 38 days a year which reach over 25 degrees, compared to the current 24.

“Farmers want their cows to be healthy and happy - and being more comfortable in the heat is an important part of that.

“Introducing the slick gene into New Zealand’s dairy herd could allow for a significant improvement in dairy cow performance in hotter temperatures in the long term,” says Donkersloot.

Spelman says the trial findings are a step in the right direction but increasing the slick ani-

mals’ genetic merit and milk production will take time; the trial showed slick heifers (which are 87.5% dairy) produced around 18% less milk than high genetic merit dairy heifers without the slick variation.

“Genetics is a longterm game.

“Before we offer heat tolerant genetics to farmers we want to make sure cows that have the slick coat also have high genetic merit and milk production expected of New Zealand dairy cows.

If the breeding programme continues to pro-

gress as expected, Kiwi farmers will be able to breed heat tolerant cows by 2029.”

Spelman says the good news is that genomic technology has enabled the co-op to speed up the process as they can simply screen an animal’s DNA at birth to find out whether it possesses the slick gene.

“Instead of requiring years of back-crossing and progeny testing, with genomics we can generate animals on the ground, evaluate them quickly and utilise them once they reach maturity.”

R

Patent No. 733403

Grow more Grass with less Nitrogen 20% Southern Humates

Steady N s�mulates microbial ac�vity - Improves nitrogen efficiency Be�er Yields - Greater Produc�vity Proven Results - As published in Nature Science Research Journal

Read the full ar�cle on our website R

Available in 1 Tonne Bags or Bulk from Licensed Manufacturers

Phone Steve Brooker - 021 1506 050 to place your order

www.southernhumates.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

24 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Undersowing helps pasture quality WHETHER YOUR pastures are starting to open up due to insect pressure, hard grazing or dry conditions, undersowing into existing pasture is a cost-effective method, according to Agricom product development manager, Allister Moorhead.

He says as a result of climate change, farmers are seeing intensified seasonal weather trends, where summers are getting hotter and droughts are becoming more intense.

“When pasture gets put under stress from hot, dry conditions this leaves it vulnerable to insect pressure and the risk of pasture opening up, which can create an opportunity for weed grasses and hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds to emerge and impact pasture quality,” says Moorhead.

Weed grasses are more common in the North Island. Summer C4 grasses are one of the biggest threats to open pastures, as these grasses often have extremely low palatability in summer and result in lower animal performance. In addition, most of these grasses often die after the first frost.

In a dairy system, summer grasses don’t convert to milk production well and are a risk to the farm’s overall output, he says.

Undersowing is the ideal solution to increase plant density, lengthen the life of the pasture and provide additional productive life to a declining pasture. The practice of undersowing, where ryegrass seed is drilled directly into damaged, old or declining pastures without spraying, is now a common practice on many dairy farms.

The choice of species and endophyte for

undersowing is crucial to achieve both strong gains to production over winter and spring, and also have these effects last for more than eight months. A tetraploid hybrid ryegrass with endophyte, such as Mohaka AR37, is a premium option because it offers affordable undersowing and is rapid to establish in pastures with other existing species growing.

Perennial ryegrasses may not always be as suitable because of their slower establishment.

“Mohaka has performed extremely well in the National Forage Variety Trials and there’s enough data now to provide a lot of confidence,” says Moorhead.

“With the endophyte AR37, it’s well suited to the widest range of environments and insect pests. Tetraploid grasses are quite susceptible to insects as they’re highly preferred and AR37 supports resilience really well in these conditions.”

The key to this variety’s success is its combination of fast-establishment, strong early autumn and early winter growth, and enough broadness of leaf to be very clearly seen in amongst an existing perennial pasture. It will contribute to the growth cycle at a time when existing pasture struggles, mostly winter and early spring.

Moorhead says there are currently good supplies of Mohaka, though the success of the variety over the last 12 months has added to unusually early demand, and anyone considering undersowing is urged to plan and order sooner rather than later. It will also be available with AR1 endophyte, post-harvest 2022.

Undersowing into existing pasture is a cost-effective method, says Agricom product development manager, Allister Moorhead.

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

ANIMAL HEALTH // 25

World leading sexed semen tech to lift genetic gains of herds CRV IS introducing new sexed semen technology to New Zealand, claiming it will help farmers accelerate the genetic gains of their herd.

The company’s sexed semen processing facility, housed at its Bellevue facility in Waikato, is equipped with IntelliGen Technology, the only commercial laser-ablation¹ semen sexing technology available in key global markets.

CRV claims this cutting-edge technology has successfully inseminated millions of cattle around the world.

CRV managing director James Smallwood says IntelliGen Technology’s process for developing sexed bovine genetics is gentler on the sperm cells than traditional sexed semen processes.

“This cutting-edge technology does not subject semen cells to the high pressures, electric currents and shear forces that are used in the traditional sexed semen technology, which reduces stress on the cells as they are processed.

“The innovative technology we’ll be using at Bellevue means we can provide farmers with a high-quality sexed product to help them maximise their profitability and achieve genetic gains faster and in a more efficient way.”

The bulls available are the company’s highest indexing bulls, recognising that farmers want quality

replacements from their best cows.

“If farmers make the decision to use sexed

semen, they’re actually committing to those genetics being in the herd for eight years.

CRV’s sexed semen processing facility in Waikato.

The new facility will enable CRV to meet the growing demand from New Zealand farmers and overseas markets for its sexed semen, which has tripled since last season.

The rise in demand is a result of dairy farmers looking to accelerate their herds’ genetic gain and reduce bobby calf numbers, which is an increasingly important factor as they consider animal welfare.

Smallwood says

dairy farmers need tailored genetic solutions to unlock the potential of their farm business and maximise profitability.

“We call it ‘precision breeding’,” he says.

“This approach means we are helping farmers select the right mix of sexed semen, conventional semen and dairy beef sires to breed better replacements, higher value dairy beef calves and reduce the number of bobby calves.

“We’ve seen demand for sexed straws continue to grow year on year.

“For herds with good fertility management, using sexed semen from the very best bulls on your best cows is the most effective and fastest way to get ahead.”

Sexed semen is available from a selection of CRV’s best New Zealand and imported bulls, including the company’s stars, such as Scotch, Koromiko and Nucleus.

Raising the standard of hoof care.

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HOW DOES IT WORK? THE SEMEN is put through a preliminary quality control process to make sure it is viable and motile.

The cells are then stained and loaded onto the technology platform where we identify the sex skew in the sample.

A sperm cell containing female DNA is heavier and more dense than male DNA. When cells are passing by detection laser, the software can then detect the difference in DNA content.

The system will then identify the female cells that we’re interested in and use another laser to inactivate the unwanted cells. The desired cells and the inactivated cells are combined and included in the straw. Cells are prepared with the right buffers for freezing and packaged at the right concentration.

The straws are then frozen. Each batch must pass stringent quality control criteria and is then ready for transport to customers on farm.

Raising the standard of hoof care.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

26 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Plug-in truck from Pickman MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WHILE BATTERY or

hybrid has become the buzzword in motoring circles, electrification is certainly not high on the radar in rural environments.

That might be about to change with Christchurchbased MyFleet Rural Ltd showing the first versions of the Pickman EV. Built in China by Kaiyun Motors, with design and component input from the US, this 100% electric truck is available in two key versions, offering a choice of 2WD, 4WD and 2 or 4 door configurations.

Built around a galvanised ladder chassis and offered in a myriad of

colours, the 2WD Classic version has a basic rear wellside body and uses a 5kW AC motor with a choice of 72 volt/100aH, lead-acid or lithiumion batteries, both said to offer a useful 110km range. Recharging from a standard 240-voly socket is said to take 3-4 hours for the lithium-ion version and 8-10 hours for the lead-acid set-up.

Measuring in at around 3,500mm long, a 2,445mm wheelbase, 150mm ground clearance and 710kg kerbweight, the Classic offers a 600kg bed capacity, a 1,800kg tow capacity and 40kph maximum speed.

Suspension up front is independent McPherson struts, complemented by rear leaf springs, front discs and rear drums and 145-65R12 tyres.

the vehicle shod on 15565R15 wheel equipment.

Standard equipment over the Classic runs to bumper guards, extended wheel arch flares, side steps, roof racks, a LED lightbar and extensive

Pickman EV- 1005 electric truck built in China with deisgn and component input from the US.

Standard equipment is comprehensive with two seats, three-point seat belts, electrically assisted power steering, Towbar, LED lighting and a rearview camera.

The higher specification XR versions offer selectable 2 or 4WD with a choice of high/low in 4WD mode. The layout features dual motors, with a 3kW unit in front and a 7.5kw at the rear. Power is provided by a choice of

200aH or 300aH lithiumion batteries.

Slightly longer at 3,600mm and offering a 200mm ground clearance by way of an upgraded offroad suspension layout, the XR delivers a 600kg bed, 2,700kg towing capacity and 40kph. In 2WD mode the XR is capable of a top speed of 80kph.

Once again, braking is taken care of by forward discs and rear drums, with

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skid plates.

Obviously offering near silent and emissionfree operation, the Pickman EV should prove popular with the likes of vineyards, orchards, packhouses or enclosed envi-

ronments, as well as out on the farm, without the need to store increasingly expensive and volatile petrol on site. www.pickmanev.nz @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

TYRESHIFT – A LABOUR SAVER WITH THE maize harvesting season

just starting, there will be lots of farmers and their workforces getting enthused about putting old tyres up onto the clamp to keep the sheet weighted down. Only joking! There really can’t be anyone out there who likes throwing heavy, dirty tyres, no doubt filled with cold dirty water since they were taken off the clamp last winter.

A clever inventor from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland named Albert O’Neill was recently crowned runner-up in the UK’s Farmers Weekly Inventions Competition with his clever device for lifting used tyres up onto silage clamps.

The TyreShift mounts onto pallet tines and features a heavy-duty boom that incorporates a hydraulically driven chain with specially made links that grip the tyres, or increasingly popu-

lar sidewalls, and flicks them onto the sheet. The system works a little like a large chainsaw, with what would be the cutters replaced by the gripping lugs. Although originally designed to work with lorry tyres and sidewalls, the designer says it can also handle car and tractor tyres if needed.

Operators just pick up a row of tyres, drive onto the clamp and then use the third hydraulic service to wind them off in the desired location.

As well as depositing tyres on the clamp, the unit can be run in reverse to pick tyres up and collect them on the arm. The machine also features a tray/cradle for carrying a roll of plastic up onto the clamp. O’Neill says the invention has halved the time it takes to cover the farm’s clamps and it has dramatically reduced the amount of manual labour required to complete a very unpopular job. – Mark Daniel

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 27

Tedder stays wide, folds smarter MACHINES WITH

wider working widths have become a lot more common on the farm, particularly in the grass and hay production arena, where oversized rakes and tedders have helped to increase daily output dramatically.

In many cases the size of the machines dictate that they have complex hydraulic and mechanical systems to fold the machines from transport to work and back, while also eating up a surprising amount of time.

Grassland specialist Kuhn has addressed this latter issue with a redesign of its latest 13m wide tedder, allowing it to be ready for transport in 25 seconds – said to be about half the time taken by its predecessor.

The machine features a new single-movement folding mechanism

Kuhn claims its latest 13m wide tedder can be folded and ready for transport in 25 seconds – about half the time taken by its predecessor.

which works directly off a tractor spool valve without needing any control box or electronic sensors.

Transport and storage are also improved thanks to a reduction in length to 6m, while a reversible drawbar allows it to

be hitched to a greater variety of tractors.

The GF 13003T replaces the outgoing GF 1301 and offers operators

improvements centred around new rotors, tines and the fast-fold system.

Still equipped with 12 rotors like the previous

machine, internal upgrades are said to reduce wear, while the mounting system and improved contour

following characteristics is said to reduce the risk of soil contamination.

New 10mm diameter tines are equipped with springs that have increased from 70mm to 80mm diameter, that work in conjunction with an anti-tine loss system and hydraulic tine height adjustment to effectively double the expected lifespan of the previous tine format.

In operation, the weight of the chassis is supported by large transport wheels, while the small diameter rotors are suspended separately on individual wheel equipment, enabling each rotor to adapt to the ground contours, meaning soil contamination is reduced and tine tip wear is less severe. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

28 // FARM BIKES & ATV’S

Bigfoot comes up trumps MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

CALL THEM what you will, but UTV’s, side by sides or ROV’s have certainly found a place in much of New Zealand’s rural sector.

With a range of engine sizes from 400 to 1,000cc and a myriad of specifications, many farmers are finding the genre much more useful than a basic quad or ATV. Kawasaki reports that its Mule SX-XC Bigfoot is finding favour with many dairy operations around the country for its nononsense specifications, ease of use and low running costs.

Taking much of its design detail from the larger Pro Series, the SX centres around a tubular, ladder-style chassis which offers rigidity and a comfortable ride.

That ride quality has also been improved by increasing the pre-load on the springs up front for a more level ride, with a softening of the rear to improve user comfort. At the rear of the machine, the swingarm carries the engine and rear wheels on a separate subframe/ cradle, pivoted centrally to remove vibration.

Power comes from a 400cc single cylinder, aircooled unit with standard carburetion and whilst not offering stun-

ning power delivery, it is certainly enough for the normal fetch, carry and move on a typical dairy farm.

In use, the engine starts and comes to a constant idle quickly, before selecting the choice of high, low, neutral or reverse via the central dash-mounted lever. Drive is taken from the engine by the belt-driven automatic unit, with a heavyduty transfer case taking care of 2 or 4-wheel drive selection. Maximum speed is limited to 40km/h and it’s interesting to note that the machine can be started in-gear, if the brake pedal is depressed.

The front axle incor-

Kawasaki reports that its Mule SX-XC Bigfoot is finding favour with many dairy operations around the country for its no-nonsense specifications, ease of use and low running costs.

porates a limited slip differential, while the rear utilises a lock-up unit activated by the dash-

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Bigfoot can tow up to 500kg at the trailer hitch, while the well laid out cargo tray has a capacity of 180kg.

board control and aimed at pushing through tough conditions.

Bigfoot is easy to live with, offering good access because of a slightly higher stance, delivered by the 26-inch rubber mounted on 12-inch rims.

This set-up also helps deliver a big tyre footprint, offering improved stability, greater traction and increased ground clearance.

The machines can tow up to 500kg at the trailer hitch, while the well laid out cargo tray has a capacity of 180kg.

Wellington Ron Mackay Ph 021-453 914 Christchurch Kaye Sutherland Ph 021-221 1994

manoeuvrability with a tight, 3.6 metre turning radius. Bringing things to a stop is the job of drum units on all four wheels, each protected from ingress of water and mud by triple lipped labyrinth seals.

Creature comforts include a glovebox, radio mounting position, halogen headlights, DC power socket and not forgetting a pair of cup-holders. Add to that the current special offer of a glass windscreen, with wiper and a moulded roof, then Bigfoot offers good value.

ELECTRIC OR COMBUSTION? NZ’S LOWEST EMISSION COMBUSTION ENGINED SIDE

BY SIDE

THE MARKET LEADING EV SIDE BY SIDE

Auckland Stephen Pollard Ph 021-963 166 Waikato Lisa Wise Ph 027-369 9218

Equipped with a dropdown tailgate, the tipping tray incorporates a 1.5mm diamond plate floor for strength and a 25mm tie-down rail around its upper edge.

Dual seats with inertia reel seat belts offer comfort and safety, while ahead of the driver the dashboard offers comprehensive information, accompanied by easily understood controls for gearshift, 4WD and difflock selection.

Rack and pinion steering delivers precision with low effort, with good

ELECTRIC Powerful 15kW electric motor; Up to 220kms on a single charge; Huge 1.6m x 1.4m of deck space; Low, low, low running costs; Equipped with 2WD/4WD, diff locks; Regenerative braking for control on steep inclines & battery repowering;

INTERNAL COMBUSTION Powerful 1,000cc, 69hp,3cyl., engine; All steel construction; Manual 5 x speed transmission; Electophoresis anti-corrosion treatment; Equipped with 2WD/4WD, diff locks; Huge towing & carrying capacity; Equipped with a catalytic converter for low emission operation;

Tel. 027 477 0070 Machinery Limited

ENQUIRE NOW!

www.tuataraatv.com info@tuataraatv.com

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

FARM BIKES & ATV’S // 29

Connecting farmer to the world MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WHEN COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, Edwin Douglass decided to leave his residence in Switzerland and come home to his family run property, Glen Alton Forrest, in the Clarence River Valley.

Best described as remote, the property is isolated further following a bridge connection to the local town falling in the last earthquake, the lack of phone reception and poor wireless internet connectivity on the property.

It’s no surprise then that property’s Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick is more than just a side by side to get from A to B, helping Edwin and his family to stay connected to the community around them.

“My Kubota RTVXG850 Sidekick has been a game changer. It’s light, easy to operate, zips around forests and the narrow profile means it’s small and can go anywhere,” Edwin said.

Living on such an isolated property brought with it challenges, not least the lack of consistent mobile phone coverage or Wi-Fi that Edwin needed to manage his team across the other side of the world.

The solution was to install an internet repeater station on a hill next door to his property.

“Even then, the repeater would cut out in the middle of the night, often with the system needing a reboot, so I had to drive up the hill to repair whatever needed fixing. Navigating the uneven terrain is so much easier and quicker with a side-by-side than a heavy four-wheel drive,” Edwin said.

“We bought the Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick in early 2021, having noticed that my neighbours all had side-bysides for their properties, usually preferring the format to heavier four -wheel drive vehicles, so I thought I’d also give it a go.”

Equipped with a CVT Plus transmission, the rugged, liquid-cooled engine of the Kubota RTV-XG850 provides plenty of torque for a quick and smooth takeoff, perfect for the type of terrain found in the Clarence River valley.

The type of landscape Edwin’s property sits on means that he needs a durable and reliable vehicle, especially when he needs to visit his partner at the end of the road and the other side of a river crossing.

“Getting there on my Kubota Sidekick means the journey is simpler and easier, while the purchase and service support offered by local dealer Norwood Blenheim, means everything is convenient and perfect for fitting into my lifestyle.”

SIDE SPECIFICATIONS ■

■

■

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Twin cylinder Subaru liquid cooled - 48hp CVT transmission with downhill braking-top speed 64kph

The Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick has been a game changer for farmer Edwin Douglass.

CT125 A NEW ERA FOR

A HONDA CLASSIC

FEATURES MADE FOR FARMING Proven 4-Stroke

Farm Ready

Easy Access

Twist & Go

Honda’s proven 4-stroke single cylinder engine delivers great performance, fuel-efficiency and lower emissions. The programmed fuel injection system ensures the great performance continues both at altitude and at a range of temperatures.

The CT125 comes with impressive gravel road performance and large rear carry rack, to help you transport more. The optional farm kit adds the essentials for a reliable workhorse that delivers in tough NZ farming conditions.

The combination of the low 800mm seat height and step through design make the CT125 easy to mount/dismount for all riders. Providing a safer riding experience, regardless of height.

The centrifugal clutch system on the CT125 means it’s easy for anyone to conquer riding without the risk of stalling. Simply twist and go to begin your riding adventures.

Independent suspension using dual A-arms and coil springs

FIND OUT MORE AT

hondamotorbikes.co.nz

Selectable 2 or 4WD and diff lock 799kg kerb weight with 907kg towing capacity

Available while stocks last at participating Honda dealers.

Electrically assisted power steering CT125_Dairy News Ad_ Mar 22.indd 1

1/03/22 12:44 PM

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 8, 2022

30 // FARM BIKES & ATV’S

Pioneer stands out in a crowded market MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

HONDA’S PIONEER

UTV has a huge following on the farms and back blocks of New Zealand, no doubt driven by its reliability, but also by a host of technical features that makes it stand out from a crowded market.

At the heart of the Pioneer 1000 and 10005, a purpose-built 999cc parallel-twin engine is mounted longitudinally, a feature unique to Honda, that removes right-angles in the driveline and, it says, delivers more power to the ground.

The engine delivers its power to the indus-

try’s first fully automated Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) that also incorporates a Sport Mode switch and manual paddle-type shifters for ultimate control.

Complementing the main transmission, a lowrange sub-trans doubles the number of gears from six to twelve, while difflock and turf mode functions help to increase climbing ability and reduce terrain damage respectively.

Underpinning the unique design and helping to improve durability, the all gear design, with no belts, provides a direct, connected feel between the accelerator and the wheels, as well as

Pioneer 1000’s cabin, a wide, comfortable bench seat offers accommodation for up to three passengers.

reducing maintenance and transferring power efficiently.

Taking a closer look

at the chassis, a purposebuilt, dual A-arm design and fully independent suspension front and rear,

offers 10.5 inches of travel up front, 10.0 inches at the rear back for a controlled comfortable ride.

On the five-person models, an automatic self-levelling rear suspension system maintains the appropriate ride height when fully loaded, using a series of hydraulic chambers to maximise ride comfort and maintain consistent vehicle handling.

At the rear, a large tilting cargo bed adds to the massive one tonne towing capacity.

As a bonus, the 5P model features the QuickFlip function, allowing users to quickly configure the machine for personnel or cargo.

In the Pioneer 1000’s cabin, a wide, comfortable bench seat offers accommodation for up to three

passengers, with handhold straps and a shoulder belt for the centre occupant, while hard doors with nets on all models keep occupants safe from foreign objects. Ahead of the driver, large, easy-toreach transmission and drive levers with positive detents make it easy to choose the selected gear and drive mode by sight or feel. The LCD multifunction display has a large screen, showing speed, odometer, tachometer, gear selection and a range of other key machine statuses The Pioneer 1000 joins the well-established Pioneer 520, and 700 series. www.hondamotorbikes. co.nz

suzuki.co.nz

1990

S DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED IN NEW ZEALAND

2010

2000

S NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE FARM BIKE

S NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE FARM BIKE

2020 NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE FARM BIKE

2021 NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE FARM BIKE

WITH A FREE CHAINSAW

THE EVOLUTION OF NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE FARM BIKE SUZUKI DR200SE

$5,750

+GST

T&Cs: Promotion available 1 February 2022 to 30 April 2022 on new DR200SE, through participating Suzuki dealers while stocks last. Price excludes GST. Free Husqvarna 120 Mark II chainsaw is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and valued at $319. Offer is not in conjunction with any other offer.

TRACTA_SUZ64554_DR200SE_DN

“We trialled them because of Tru-Test’s reputation.

We’re now running with them across the herd because of the results.”

Barry Flynn | Farm Manager 620 Friesians on 195Ha, Methven, Canterbury

HEAT AND HEALTH MONITORING YOU CAN TRUST. TRACTA64641_TRU-TEST_DN

Let Tru-Test Active Tag keep an eye on the girls while you get on with your day. Receive accurate, timely updates to your mobile device about changes in behaviour which can signal anything from a silent heat to a potential health concern. They’re easy to set up, easy to use, with training and 24/7 support available every step of the way.

Find out more at dairy.farmingmadebetter.com

Lets talk. 0800 243 282