Dairy News 28 November 2023 by Rural News Group

Synlait’s play in China’s cream market. PAGE 4 WEATHER WOES Beating the flood Page 12

NOVEMBER 28, 2023 ISSUE 532

// www.dairynews.co.nz

DON’T TELL US HOW TO FARM Farmers don’t like being told how to farm by milk processors, says Canterbury farmer Willy Leferink . PAGE 3

I IS

T TIME TO

Make sure that your valuable milk is protected with the best cooling and tanks. Designed to work everywhere from Africa to Finland - whatever is happening outside, your milk is safe with us. Talk to the

UPGRADE YOUR MILK PROTECTION?

Upgrade Specialists 0800 222 228 delaval.com

Email: info@hecton.co.nz Visit our website www.hecton.co.nz for a full list of products CALL IN & SEE US | 73 PRESTON STREET INVERCARGILL PHONE: 03 215 8558

FULLY GALVANISED SILOS • NOW AVAILABLE •

H 5-40 tonne H 10 year warranty H Available assembled and installed or kitset H Book in now for winter We supply, install and service new and existing meal and molasses feed systems and also roller mill systems.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

NEWS // 3

‘Let farmers run their farms’ SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

Synlait’s move into cream. PG.04

Milk plant inauguration. PG.11

Re-fencing campaign. PG.20

NEWS �� 3-14 OPINION ��16-17 AGRIBUSINESS ��18 MANAGEMENT �� 19-20 ANIMAL HEALTH ��21 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS ��22-23

A FORMER farming leader believes that farmers should be wary that milk processors don’t take over management of dairy farms under the guise of scope 3 emissions target. Willy Leferink, who has a sharemilker on his 200ha Canterbury farm and supplies Synlait, says if applied correctly, scope 3 targets might deliver some easy wins, like tidying up particularly those farmers who drag the chain on sustainability. However, he warns that if reducing emissions intensity on farm becomes a box ticking exercise, then it won’t mean anything. “For instance, in Northland the proposed regulations are so strict, that it drives people out of business,” he told Dairy News. “Half the farmers in Northland don’t meet the regulations.” Leferink agrees that, in the end, it’s the democratic right of regional councils to set regulations. But on top of this, Fonterra has its own expectation of what is right and wrong and Leferink wonders if the co-op can apply the same rules in every region. Leferink, who stepped down as Federated Farmers dairy chair in 2014, also holds some Fonterra shares from previous farms he had ownership in. “The implementation is the trick.

Canterbury farm owner Willy Leferink and sharemilker Rick Butler.

I said in 2010 that most environmental regulations can be net positive on the bottom line in the long run, but as long as they don’t cash strap management. “Fonterra should not be looking to run management on dairy farms – that should be left to farmers. “If Fonterra starts telling flash restaurant owners that they must run their businesses like a McDonalds outfit, those restaurant owners and chefs will get very upset. It’s the same for farmers – we don’t like to be told.” Fonterra recently announced that they plan to reduce their onfarm emissions intensity 30% by 2030. It’s a co-op wide target. On Leferink’s farm, for the past five years they’ve been part of Syn-

lait’s ‘Lead with Pride’ programme that recognises and financially rewards suppliers who achieve dairy farming best practice. The four pillars are environment, animal health and welfare, milk quality, and social responsibility. Leferink notes that some scope 3 emissions targets announced recently by Fonterra are already part of Lead with Pride. But it hasn’t been all plain sailing. There have been meetings between farmers and Synlait. “We’ve had some serious discussions with Synlait after they interfered in the social aspects on things,” he says. “Three quarters of the programme is very good and keeps you on your toes. But when it comes to

employing staff, the expectations were so high that if we compete with a Fonterra farm, the employee would be long gone before we even employ him.” Lead with Pride has meant a lot of work, mainly for sharemilkers, he adds. The sharemilker on Leferink’s farm, Rick Butler, says at a recent meeting, they discussed the cost benefit of Lead with Pride with Synlait. Butler says the processor has come to the realisation that if they ask us to do something, it has to be paid for. “Anything you do above your normal regulatory and business things, it needs to be paid for because for some things, cost-benefit wise, our thinking is: it doesn’t make us any money so why we should even do that? “Why do you want me to spend a dollar to get 50c back?” Leferink says Lead with Pride isn’t only reflected in the payout they get for their milk. Instead, it has massively improved processes on farm. “It has made us look much harder on what is good for our farm, our people, and our animals; makes us far more professional with our people. “We even have performance reviews with the cows once a month if they not performing – they go to a course (saleyards) and don’t come back.”

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

4 // NEWS

Synlait eyes a slice of China’s cream market SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

CANTERBURY PROCESSOR Synlait is eyeing a

slice of China’s lucrative cream market. Late last year, the company launched its Joyhana branded UHT cream product with customer Savencia Group, the 12th largest dairy company globally. Within five years, it hopes to be selling 22,000 metric tonnes of cream in China and making a gross margin of $24 million. Synlait chief executive Grant Watson told Dairy News that the Synlait and Savencia relationship is very complimentary. “They are responsible for distribution, branding, and marketing and

“We were thrilled to see our Joyhana UHT Whipping Cream win the ‘New Product Innovation Award’ at the prestigious China International Bakery Exhibition in May this year.”

Synlait is responsible for high-performance product development and manufacturing,” says Watson. “Savencia’s local division, Sinodis, sells it to our Chinese hospitality

Synalit hopes that sales of Joyhana branded cream in China will bring the company joy.

partners who turn it into finished products for outof-home consumption at bakeries, cafes, beverage chains and restaurants

for example. “This is a high growth market of around 250,000MT overall, with market segments, such as

bakeries, growing at 10% year on year. That gives a good idea of the opportunity available to us. “Synlait’s ambition

is for sales volumes of 22,000MT and a gross margin of $24 million in FY28 as we ramp up volumes across FY24 to cater to increased demand.” Watson says Joyhana has been extremely well received in China. “We were thrilled to see our Joyhana UHT Whipping Cream win the ‘New Product Innovation Award’ at the prestigious China International Bakery Exhibition in May this year,” he says. When it comes exporting cream to China, no one does it better than New Zealand dairy companies. NZ accounts for 58% of all China’s cream imports. For comparison, Australia accounts for just 2% of China’s cream imports. In 2022, China needed 250,000 metric

tonnes of cream. NZ cream is popular in a growing food service sector. China’s bakery sector is growing at nearly 10% and the beverage sector at 13.5%. Fonterra and Westland also export cream to China. Exports to the Greater China region have also benefitted from the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement. Since 1 January 2022, products such as liquid milk and cream, butter, anhydrous milkfat, and cheeses have been entitled to duty free access to China without volume restrictions. From 1 January 2024, this will also be extended to whole milk powder and skim milk powder, at which point all dairy exports from New Zealand to China will be entitled to duty free access.

MORE MILK KEEPS PRICES SOFT A BETTER than expected start to milk production in New Zealand has softened global dairy prices, says Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny. He noted that prices have softened a touch over November, after strong results over September and October. For example, whole milk powder, which rose 1.9% on Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction last week, fell 0.9% over the month from the end of October. “Dairy markets previously had

been factoring in drought risk on the back of the El Nino weather pattern,” he says. “In our view, this has been overdone and may explain the pullback in prices over November. New Zealand water tables are generally very high and most farmers have ample feed on hand. “This will help mitigate or dampen any drought impact.” Penny also notes that New Zealand spring production has started

on a firm note, with September production up 1.3% compared to September 2022. A similar lift over October is on the cards. Last week’s GDT auction price index remained unchanged. In contrast, WMP prices lifted 1.9%. By product, the result was mixed. Three price rises were matched by three price falls. Lactose prices led the way, jumping 6.4%, while anhydrous milk fat prices also rose (0.9%). Cheese prices headed the other way,

slipping 9.7%. Skim milk powder and butter prices also dipped, 3.8% and 1.1%, respectively. Penny says the WMP price result was weaker than market expectations. Meanwhile, Penny notes that Chinese demand is hinting at a pickup but it’s too early to start celebrating. “Recent economic data have been more positive so this may translate into higher demand over time. However, on balance, we remain cautious. There have been both positive and

negative developments since we lifted our milk price forecast on 18 October, and these have largely cancelled each other out,” he says. Westpac is sticking to its milk price forecast for this season at $7.25/ kgMS. Last month Fonterra raised its 3023-24 season forecast farmgate milk price range to $6.50-$8/kgMS, with a new midpoint of $7.25/kgMS, up 50 cents. – Sudesh Kissun @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

RANGER 570 HD EPS ADC

RANGER XP 1000 HD EPS ADC

$22,895

$30,995

INC GST

FREE ROOF, GLASS SCREEN & REAL POLY PANEL

FREE FARM KIT (VALUED AT $5,000)

4.99% FINANCE P.A+

FARM PACK INCLUDES A ROOF, GLASS SCREEN, WIPER KIT, REAR PANEL & A TOW HITCH VALUED AT $5,000^^

4.99% FINANCE P.A+

44 HP

ON DEMAND TRUE ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD)

DUMP BOX CAPACITY - 227KG

VERSATRAC TURF MODE

SEAT BELT INTERLOCK

IRS WITH 25.4CM OF TRAVEL

82 HP

HIGH PERFORMANCE ON DEMAND TRUE ALLWHEEL-DRIVE (AWD)

DUMP BOX CAPACITY - 454KG

VERSATRAC TURF MODE

HEAVY DUTY FEATURES

ENGINE BRAKING SYSTEM & ACTIVE DESCENT CONTROL (ADC)

*Offer ends 31/12/23 or while stocks last. Offer only available at participating Polaris Dealers. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes fleet clients. ^^The free farm pack includes a roof, glass screen, wiper kit, rear panel & tow hitch valued at $5,000 inc GST. Must be claimed at time of purchase. +Finance offer is only available on selected models. GST registered customers only. 24-month term contract. 20% Deposit required. Deposit may include Trade (Trade conditions apply). Fees and conditions apply (normal lending criteria applies) Finance is provided by Polaris Finance, a program operated by De Lage Landen Limited Company No 135515. DN

0800 440 290 | www.polarisnewzealand.com |

/PolarisNZ |

/polarisorv_nz

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

NEWS // 5

Happy with ofi milk supply deal “It was also the right partner for our farming system and to help us achieve our goals in the future.”

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FARMERS WHO have switched their milk supply to the country’s newest processor says they are happy with the deal they have been offered. Thomas Scheres, who milks 420 cows at Putaruru and produces 270,000 kgMS/year, says Olam food ingredients (ofi) is the right partner for the business. The new milk plant was officially opened this month. It’s owned by ofi, an offshoot of Singapore-based conglomerate Olam Group. Scheres told Dairy News that they looked at several processors and decided ofi was the right

Happy ofi farmer suppliers – from left, Aaron Pascoe, Jack Scheres, Peter Scheres and Thomas Scheres.

partner for their business. “It was also the right partner for our farming system and to help us achieve our goals in the

future,” he says. Planning for the new plant started three years ago and ofi held focus groups with farmers to

gauge their expectations. “I was part of a series of focus groups ofi held early on to listen to farmers about what they want

from their milk supply partner, so they could develop their partnership offer in the Waikato,” says Scheres.

He says farmer suppliers are happy. “ofi have shown a willingness to work with us, support us, develop solutions and deliver. They have understood what we needed in our business and their contract terms support this. “We are happy that the pricing, cashflow, achievable incentives and partnership solutions add value to our business.” One of ofi’s high profile farmer suppliers is

Colin Armer, a former Fonterra director. ofi general manager milk supply manager Paul Johnson says the company is pleased with the number of farmers who have signed on to supply milk. All suppliers are based within 60km from the factory in Tokoroa. ofi plans to introduce a scope 3 emissions target for farmer suppliers in the coming weeks. Johnson says the company is getting to know their farmers and what their farm emissions baselines are. “Once we understand this, then we’ll have the opportunity to invest in programmes to help them achieve scope 3 target,” he told Dairy News. More on ofi factory opening on Page 11.

DCANZ’S WISH LIST FOR NEW GOVT PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND dairy companies say their policy priorities for the incoming government are the same as they were for the previous Labour administration. Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ) executive director Kimberly Crewther says the focus must be in the areas of trade, food safety, biosecurity and climate. She says they strongly support NZ having a broad and ambitious trade

strategy that creates opportunities for exporters to grow the value of their trade. She says this means continuing to engage with trading partners after free trade agreements (FTAs) are in place to ensure the agreements deliver on their intent. Crewther says it includes making good use of the working mechanisms under the agreements to advance resolution of non-tariff barriers to trade and where these aren’t part of the FTA utilising other review mechanisms to complete tariff elimination. DCANZ says they also want new doors opened into markets which are

COMBAT Parasites + Coccidiosis in a single dose

currently not covered by FTAs. According to Crewther, NZ is far from “peak FTA”. “There are obvious gaps in its bilateral and regional trade agreement coverage in relation to Middle East and Africa, South Asia, and the US. Working towards new high-quality agreements with these geographies will be of significant benefit to the economy,” she says. Crewther says growing NZ’s relationship with India is strategically important. She says it’s important to ‘future proof’ NZ’s trade by continuing to invest in evolving the global

rules-based system. She points out that the OECD recently highlighted that agricultural subsidy payments have reached $851 billion globally and the majority remains market distorting, with negative price outcomes for unsubsidised producers and for the environment. “The work that MFAT and MPI officials are undertaking to seek new subsidy disciplines is important to us. It is also important that the NZ government works to ensure sustainability comparisons produced by inter-governmental bodies, like the FAO, to provide a fair reflection of

our performance,” she says. On the home front, DCANZ wants the incoming government to resolve impediments to exports arising from our own domestic policy settings. Crewther says DCANZ has been seeking alleviation of the trade barrier imposed upon our exporters by NZ’s own requirement for an exemption to export a product which does not fully adhere to this country’s Food Code requirements. She says this even though the product does meet the legal requirements of the importing country or international Codex standards.

PROUDLY

OWNED

INITIAL THE PROVEN WAY TO WEAN. Stage one of the TURBO 3-stage Cattle Drench Programme. Exclusive to veterinary practices nationwide. TURBO® is a registered trademark of Alleva Animal Health Ltd. TURBO Initial (A011703) is a registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997. See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions.

alleva.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

6 // NEWS

Expo attracts strong exhibitor interest MORE VISITORS EXPECTED

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

NEARLY HALF of the

available sites in the inaugural New Zealand Dairy Expo have been taken, says organiser Amanda Hodgson. She told Dairy News that they’ve had an incredible response since event details were released to potential exhibitors earlier this month. “Nearly half of the available sites have already been spoken for with room for expansion. Many exhibitors who have been with us for the Effluent Expo over the years are back, showing the tremendous value they find in this evolving event,” says Hodgson. “We are looking for a broader scope of exhibitors other than those directly related to effluent, so if you’re keen to get in front of some proactive dairy farmers then this is the place you need to be. We often host exhibitors who haven’t participated in larger field

Organisers says the decision to transition from the Effluent Expo to the NZ Dairy Expo was driven by the changing landscape in the dairy industry.

days, giving the event a distinctive atmosphere.” The NZ Dairy Expo will be held at Bedford Park, Matamata over two days – February 20-21 next year. The event has previously been held as the NZ Effluent & Environment Expo. Hodgson says the decision to transition from the Effluent Expo to the NZ Dairy Expo was driven by the changing landscape in the dairy industry. “Farmers are adopting complete system changes,

incorporating new infrastructure like feed pads and herd barns to address challenges posed by varying weather conditions. “This evolution opens opportunities to showcase not only effluent solutions and infrastructure upgrades but also the latest in technology, machinery, and innovations supporting these system changes.” The event is dedicated to dairy farmers only and organisers are promising them “a grassroots experience”.

Hodgson says the Expo is where on-farm challenges find practical solutions. “Whether you’re grappling with effluent management, seeking improved cow drafting methods, interested in new technology to help simplify your system, need irrigation, or facing challenges with feeding out, the Expo brings together a diverse range of exhibitors, all deeply embedded in the dairy sector. “Every exhibitor

shares a common goal – to assist dairy farmers like you in finding the right solutions for your on-farm needs. It’s a collaborative environment where expertise, innovation, and practical insights come together. “We believe that by connecting farmers with industry experts in the one location over a couple of days, between milkings, farmers can chew the fat, and we hope we can connect farmers to industry experts where together

ECO SILAGE COVERS

ENT PONDS

ich

one

• Nationwide Firestone trained and accredited ORDER installation contractors. NOW BEFORE • Future proof - dependable performance, 50 year life SOLD OUT expectancy evenAGAIN! when exposed, 20 year Firestone material warranty. • Over 120 million square meters installed worldwide. • 30 years in the NZ lining business.

• MINIMAL SPOILAGE (0.27%)

• ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

• HIGHLY RESISTANT TO DAMAGE AND TEARING

• SUPERIOR AIRTIGHTNESS

• LABOUR AND TIME SAVING – MINIMAL TYRES REQUIRED

• REUSABLE: GUARANTEED FOR 10 YEARS, GEOSMART EPDM GREATLY REDUCES THE PRODUCTION OF PLASTIC WASTE

• QUICK INSTALLATION

093 Contact us for more information 0800 109 093

.nz

Authorised importer and distributor of Firestone Building Products

or 021 280 7266

Email: vaughan@cosio.co.nz • www.cosio.co.nz

• EASY TO REPAIR

ORGANISERS HOPE that holding the NZ Dairy Expo in Matamata will attract more visitors. Over the years, organisers welcomed between 600 and 1000 farmers through the doors each day at Mystery Creek Event Centre. Amanda Hodgson says with the move to Matamata, they’re optimistic about gaining even more support for the event. “While our goal isn’t solely focused on quantity of people through the gates for exhibitors, we value the proactive nature and concentrated audience of the farmers who attend. The farmers are there for a reason, and that’s what we want.” She points out that NZ Dairy Expo intentionally takes a different approach from the grand scale of the Mystery Creek Fieldays. “It’s not about size, it’s about purpose. It’s a comprehensive and focused platform, purpose-built for dairy farmers to discover and learn everything they need to stay abreast of daily challenges on the farm and master the best approaches to handle them. “Our Expo stands as a true one-stop-shop, offering a wealth of resources and solutions. In the past, we’ve had groups attend from the South Island, Victoria in Australia, and even Tasmania, generating significant interest. We’re excited about building on this momentum and would obviously welcome any proactive NZ dairy farmer.”

they can find solutions to some on farm problems to enhance their farm operations. “Also having it at Bedford Park where we have ability to grow the event over 2ha, supports the local United Matamata Sports rugby club, which is what we love about it. Keeping it simple, grassroots and having a sausage; that’s going back to junior rugby, back to the community.” Like previous effluent expos, there is no entry fee for this event. Organisers want to make sure everyone has access to the valuable information and opportunities available at the Expo. “Bringing the Expo to Matamata also helps to keep costs down for exhibitors. We know the expense it takes to have a couple of days out of the business, the travel and accommodation, the staff and also the kids at home that need to be managed,” says Hodgson. She points out that the event is run by “a couple of individuals passionate about the dairy industry”. “The proactive interaction we’ve missed

throughout Covid has fuelled our commitment to running this event. Our goal isn’t to make a profit, but it does make ends meet; it’s to bring the industry together, provide a platform for continuous education, and contribute to uplifting the New Zealand dairy sector. “It just so happens that I like organising things and we have some awesome farmers supporting us on the way through – they also love this simple rural roots approach.” The NZ Dairy Expo will run without sponsorship. According to Hodgson, changes in roles, role disestablishment, and evolving policies have made sponsorship coordination challenging. “With the effluent space no longer receiving the same support, and the NZ Freshwater Policy taking precedence, it’s become a complex landscape to navigate. Our focus remains on providing valuable information and opportunities, ensuring everyone can benefit from this collective knowledge-sharing experience.”

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

NEWS // 7

BVD cases on the rise THE WAIKATO region is currently experiencing a concerning surge in Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) cases within dairy herds, with the highly contagious disease potentially causing significant economic losses for farmers, according to vet and CRV national sales and marketing manager Julia Baynes. Bulk milk testing, conducted by herd improvement companies before the mating season to assess herd health, has revealed a significantly higher number of Waikato herds testing positive for the BVD virus compared to the previous season. Baynes says while typically only two or three herds test positive each year, this year, the number has risen into the tens within Waikato. This is particularly alarming considering The Ministry for Primary Industries’ figures show widespread

“Given that in most cases, last season’s milk tests from affected farms did not identify any BVD virus, it is likely that the virus has been introduced to herds since the last testing cycle.” BVD costs New Zealand farmers an estimated $150 million annually. “With dairy farmers already grappling with a challenging economic environment, the last thing they need is a BVD outbreak,” she says. “Given that in most cases, last season’s milk tests from affected farms did not identify any BVD virus, it is likely that the virus has been introduced to herds since the last testing cycle. Therefore, farmers must remain vigilant, especially as bulls are brought onto the farm for mating.” BVD can result in embryonic loss in cows, leading to increased

empty rates and significant financial losses for farmers. It can also lead to the birth of more persistently infected (PI) calves if not managed correctly, exacerbating the problem. PI animals, especially heifers, are the primary carriers of BVD. These animals were exposed to the virus during fetal development in the first two trimesters. If they survive to birth, they harbour a persistent infection until they join the milking herd. In the current economic climate, Julia acknowledges the temptation to reduce testing for diseases like BVD

Helping farmers reach N targets A DAIRYNZ programme to help farmers in two Canterbury catchments to reduce N loss has proved highly successful. The programme involved 40 dairy farmers in the Selwyn and Hinds catchments started five years ago and the data shows that at least one farming couple have already met the target of reducing their N losses by 25%. That’s seven years ahead of the time frame set by government. Overseer information shows N loss reductions of 29% from the 2017/18 season to 2021/22, and a report just released shows a continued downward trend in mean N loss per hectare from dairy farms across Canterbury – a 27.5% decrease over five years to 2021-22. The Selwyn and Hinds programme aimed to support dairy farmers in the two catchments to meet Environment Canterbury and central government N loss reduction targets, while optimising profit and resilience. DairyNZ general manager for sustainable dairy, Dr David Burger, says the amount of change in both catchments is encouraging and shows the sector is moving in the right direction. He says the programme has supported dairy farmers to reduce N losses by implementing solutions that work at a farm level, complementing the positive work already being done by farmers and rural professionals.

“It has also presented good opportunities for dairy farmers to share ideas and work with scientists and sector experts. Farmers have been using the information available to them to implement the best options for their farms,” he says. Dr Burger says dairy farmers across Canterbury are improving effluent and irrigation management, reducing fertiliser use and increasing their focus on overall efficiency of farm systems, which helps reduce nitrogen being lost into groundwater. Throughout the Selwyn and Hinds programme, different options for reducing N loss were trialled across individual farms, depending on the needs of specific farm systems. The results and lessons were shared with other local farmers through field days and events. Examples of effective options include crops, which are grown to contain excess nitrogen in soils that may otherwise be lost through leaching, and plantain, a low-cost, high-impact mitigation many farmers have incorporated. The Selwyn and Hinds programme was an extension of previous DairyNZled N loss farm systems research, such as Pastoral 21 and Forage for Reduce N leaching. Many partner farms implemented several of the options identified by this previous research.

Julia Baynes, CRV, says bulk milk testing has revealed a significantly higher number of Waikato herds testing positive for the BVD virus compared to the previous season.

to save costs. However, the potential devastation it can cause is reason enough to maintain testing. PI animals do not always exhibit classic BVD signs, such

as poor growth and a scruffy appearance. In many cases, they appear healthy, making it challenging to identify them based on outward appearance alone. “The consequences of

a BVD outbreak during mating season can be devastating for farms, and it’s not always the scruffy-looking calves, heifers, or cows,” says Julia. “BVD can be a silent weapon. It’s not until cows are cycling well and farmers start experiencing a surge in returns from aborted foetuses that they realise something is amiss.” Farmers are strongly encouraged to follow best practices to mitigate the risk of BVD, including annual bulk milk testing, ear notching of calves, and vaccination. Monitoring herds for early signs of the disease is crucial since early detection can prevent the virus from spreading. “Ear notching for calves is an effective way to test for the presence of the virus at a young age,” says Julia. “This enables farmers to identify and remove PI animals from the herd as quickly as

possible and prevent further spread of the disease.” Vaccination is another crucial tool in the fight against BVD. It provides protection for young stock and reduces the risk of infection during the critical period when heifers are most vulnerable, and a further premating shot can give 6 months of protection to the foetus. To further safeguard the herd, it is important to ensure that any bulls brought into the herd are tested for BVD and vaccinated. “Farmers should maintain strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of the virus from external sources, particularly through bulls brought onto the farm for mating.” For more information about BVD and best prevention practices, farmers are encouraged to consult with their local veterinarians.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

8 // NEWS

Wish list ready for incoming Govt PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

DAIRYNZ CHAIR Jim van der Poel says they are waiting patiently for the new government to be formed so they can discuss with them key issues of particular concern to the dairy industry. He says one of these is the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), which is saying that agriculture will be a part of this scheme come 1 January 2025. Van der Poel says they want this legislation changed to take that pressure off farmers and so DairyNZ can work constructively on what NZ contribution will look like. “We are keen to have a constructive discussion with the new government on that,” he says. Van der Poel says his

WAITING FOR FONTERRA DAIRYNZ CHAIR Jim van der Poel says the organisation has asked Fonterra to give it a special presentation so it has a good grasp of the details of Fonterra’s Scope 3 emissions target announced recently. Under Scope 3, dairy farmers will have to reduce their on-farm emissions by 30% by 2030, based on a start date of 2018. Fonterra says the target they have set has been driven by the ‘sustainability ambitions’ from its customers and financial institutions along with market access, legal and other regulatory requirements it’s facing. Van der Poel says DairyNZ wants to

organisation wants a change to the immigration settings which don’t work well for the dairy sector. He says the present freshwater reforms are also a big problem and says a lot of pressure is on regional councils to get these done by the end of next year.

have a very clear understanding of what Scope 3 will involve in practical terms for farmers. He says anecdotal evidence suggests that farmers don’t fully understand what Fonterra is proposing. “Farmers are obviously going to come to DairyNZ for information at events that we hold, so we need to make sure we fully understand what this means so that we can give some clarity to farmers. At that point, we will produce resources that can steer farmers in the right direction and give them clarity about potentially what they can do,” he says. Van der Poel says farmers are keen to know what the benefits are from Scope 3.

“Already we can see that councils are under so much pressure from a timeline point of view, and this is an issue. “There is the potential risk that in their haste to get these completed, some of their decisions won’t necessarily be science based and in the

end may have to be relitigated in the future. We are seeking to get a longer time frame so that we’ll end up with better plans,” he says. DairyNZ says it fully supports the commitment of the incoming government to abolish the present RMA. But van

DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says they want ETS legislation changed to take that pressure off farmers.

der Poel says DairyNZ would like to get a headsup on what the replacement legislation might look like and to have a constructive discussion with the incoming gov-

ernment on the shape of any new law. With NZ signing the Paris Accord, van der Poel says we have to meet certain obligations, but DNZ want to be sure

they will end up with things that they agreed to in the past. He says they want the ETS expanded to include other forms of vegetation that are sequestering carbon. He also says farmers need to know their number at a farm level; once they get that, there will be behavioural change. The other issue that remains uncertain for farmers is the outcome of the Climate Change Commissions review of targets. Van der Poel says getting clarity on that would be good so that farmers know what’s ahead of them. In the meantime, it’s a case of waiting for a new government to be formed, portfolios allocated and then ministers getting briefings from their departments and industry organisations such as DairyNZ.

FOR MORE GROUND-BREAKING FARM MACHINERY STORIES...

NOW READ IT ONLINE WWW.DAIRYNEWS.CO.NZ

We’ve got your back

Worried about finances, feed, budgeting, compliance or staffing issues? Behind every FarmWise® consultant is a team across NZ, sharing their knowledge to help you improve and achieve your goals faster. So, while you may be shaking hands with your local consultant, you’re actually connecting with a team that totally has your back. Talk to your local FarmWise Consultant today.

LIC_2070_DN_A

lic.co.nz/farmwise

Leptospirosis is a devastating disease. And a newly discovered strain, called Pacifica, has now further increased the risk. Lepto 4-Way™ is a new vaccine for cattle that offers the most Advanced Protection for your family and farm.

Ask your vet for Lepto 4-Way™ | Lepto.co.nz Restricted Veterinary Medicine. Available only under a veterinary authorisation. ACVM Registration No. A012030. Copyright © 2023 Virbac New Zealand Limited. All rights reserved. Virbac New Zealand Limited, 26-30 Maui Street, Pukete, Hamilton 3200.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

NEWS // 11

New plant first step in a long journey – ofi SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

THE SINGAPOREAN

conglomerate behind New Zealand’s newest milk processing plant says this is the first step in a long journey. Olam food ingredients (ofi) managing director dairy Sandeep Jain told the opening of ofi’s new milk plant in Tokoroa this month that they were a “very growth-oriented company”. “We are already committed to doubling our footprint in Tokoroa; we are committed to the community, our farmer suppliers and employees,” he says. Three years ago, ofi, a new operating group of Olam, decided to build a milk plant in New Zealand. Jain says they were encouraged by the confidence shown in them by the South Waikato District Council and farmers. “This made us realise that we were doing the right thing,” he says. The new plant is producing whole milk powder to meet growing demand, targeting key

PM THANKS OFI

ofi managing director dairy Sandeep Jain and ofi NZ general manager milk supply Paul Johnson at the new plant in Tokoroa.

THE NEW ofi milk plant was opened by National’s Taupo MP Louise Upston and ofi chief financial officer Rishi Karla. Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon was busy with coalition negotiations and sent a video message, thanking ofi for their confidence in the NZ dairy industry. South Waikato Mayor Gary Petley, who 14 months ago was employed as a Fonterra tanker driver, says he would have never imagined speaking at the opening of the new plant. Petley says he’s honoured that ofi chose Tokoroa as the site for their new plant. He says the council is involved in discussions with ofi around stages two and three of its plans for Tokoroa.

global customer applications in dessert, bakery, beverage, and confectionery categories. Jain says the new plant will become part of a global network that spans major milk consumption markets, such as South-East Asia, China, the Middle East, and Africa. “Opening our new plant in the heart of New Zealand’s dairy region allows us to meet growing demand from our global customer base for high quality, New Zealand-made dairy ingredients and shows our commitment to exploring

growth opportunities in our dairy product offerings, focused on valueadded capabilities within our portfolio,” Jain says. “The plant will become part of our global network that spans major milk consumption markets including South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, complementing our existing global footprint, driving greater collaboration with our customers and helping us achieve our purpose to be the change for good food and a healthy future.” The company has signed farmers based within 60km of the fac-

The new plant at Tokoroa took two years to complete.

SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY SUSTAINABILITY IS a core focus for ofi and is at the heart of everything it does, the company says. A biomass boiler fuelled by sustainably sourced wood residue expected to be commissioned in Q1 2024 will power the plant enabling milk processing to be energy efficient and low impact. In October, ofi published its first sustainability strategy for its dairy business, Dairy Tracks, which outlines the detailed approach the company is taking with sustainability efforts across its value chain. The report shares how the company will meet industry challenges head on, providing direct support to its farmer partners to help them meet their goals to become more socially and environmentally sustainable by 2030. AtSource, ofi’s sustainability insights platform, links ofi farmers’ environmental plans, greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient reports to its global customers to provide transparency across the supply chain. ofi is pioneering a new animal feed trial that could help dairy farmers replace

costlier and environmentally intensive feeds with a sustainable, forwardthinking alternative. It aims to repurpose almond hulls and shells – a by-product from its Australian orchards into a nutritious feed for dairy cows – to help cut farmers’ methane emissions and lower their input costs and reduce waste in ofi’s almond business. Paul Rennie, ofi operations director, says all aspects of ofi’s new plant are designed to maximise renewable energy use, minimise pollution and water use and ensure waste is handled in the most sustainable way possible. “We will invest in a biomass boiler fuelled by wood residue sourced from local forests to power the factory, ensuring milk processing is energy efficient and with a low environmental impact,” he says. “Treated waste-water from milk processing operations will be re-purposed in an on-site nursery to grow cost-price native plants to help our farmers with riparian planting.”

tory. Paul Rennie, ofi operations director, says the positive response from local farmers and the community has been a humbling experience. “The enthusiastic response we’ve received from local farmers tells us our partnership approach, and ofi’s global reputation as a leading dairy ingredients provider and innovator, has struck a chord with them,” Rennie says. “Right from the start, our approach has always been to listen to what farmers want in a milk supply partner so we could tailor our offer accordingly. They told

us they want a business partner who brings them confidence, certainty and cash flow, and hands-on solutions to the everyday challenges they face.” Alongside an attractive milk price offer, ofi has also found innovative ways to support its farmer partners, with a focus on sustainability. This includes coinvestment in advanced tools and technology to help ofi farmers actively monitor their environmental impact and achieve meaningful onfarm emissions reductions. Construction of ofi’s state-of-the-art milk pro-

cessing plant in Tokoroa, South Waikato, took two years and was completed in August. The first milk powder was produced at the new Tokoroa plant in August and the first shipment was exported in September. The plant employs 60 people, with 80% from Tokoroa. Olam is no stranger to the NZ dairy industry. Olam held a cornerstone stake in the country’s second largest milk processor, Open Country Dairy, before offloading it to Talley’s Group, who now own Open Country. The company says the new facility also complements ofi’s existing global

footprint, driving stronger partnerships with its customers and strengthening its co-creation capabilities across the region. The next stage of investment will see further capability added to the facility to develop high value dairy ingredients, expanding the range of ofi’s offering. It will also enable ofi to look at ways to grow the value of its milk, generating better returns for its farmer partners while delivering on its ambition to produce ingredients in a way that is socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

12 // NEWS

From left, Diane, Robbie, Macey, Rylee and Gareth Parkes.

A well-oiled machine ANNE BOSWELL

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS dairy farmer

Gareth Parkes is a busy man. Not only is he the owner of Parlan Holstein Friesian Stud with wife Diane, but the owner of a contracting business that has played a key part in keeping agriculture afloat in the area since major flooding closed main roads in 2021. “Last year, I did 62 trips carting stock in and out of the Sounds by barge,” Gareth says. At the same time, Gareth keeps a close eye on the farm that he grew up on and has since purchased with brothers Ashley and Bradley. Gareth and Diane, and children Rylee (16), Macey (11) and Robbie (8) milk 330 cows on a 100ha milking platform at Linkwater, under the name Parlan Holsteins. 300 of the 330 cows are purebred Holstein Friesian cattle, with the herd producing 500-535 kgMS/ year. Gareth’s family has an extensive history of

breeding Holstein Friesians, with his grandparents on both sides of the family establishing studs in 1937 and 1942 – Paroa Stud of Whakatane and Windermere Stud of Blenheim. Gareth’s parents bought the Linkwater farm in 1982, and Parlan was established. Diane grew up on a sheep and beef farm, but started working on a dairy farm after she left school. Both Gareth and his brother Ashley’s (Paroa Stud, Rakaia) herds have genetics from the original studs of their grandparents. For Gareth, his spring calving herd sees the first calves on the ground on July 25. They keep all the pedigree Holstein Friesian bulls born on farm, with numbers building up over the past five years, Gareth says. “We were also keeping all the heifers sired by our pedigree bulls as replacements, but we have slowed that practice down a little now as numbers are looking good,” he says.

FLOOD DAMAGE IN THE 2021 floods, the Parkes’ own farm got “knocked around a bit”. “We lost hay and feed off the paddocks,” Gareth says. “The paddocks were covered in feed, dirt and silt. The main road out to Havelock was closed and we had to travel via Picton. “That event took awhile to recover from; the flooding in August 2022 had a lesser impact, thankfully.” Happily, the Parkes family entered the 2023 HFNZ Semex On-Farm Competition with outstanding results: they placed first and second in the two-yearold class with Parlan Sidekick Connie and Parlan Ardor Cora respectively; first in the three-year-old class with Parlan Rambo Shill; first in the four-year-old class with Parlan Reginald Tort; first and second in the five-year-old class with Parlan Control Cleo and Parlan Control Lilly S1F respectively; and second in the

Diane rears all the calves on farm. Mating starts October 15, with the herd undertaking six weeks of AI followed by six week of bulls. “We do use the odd Hereford,” Gareth says. Gareth says he and Ashley have four Semex bulls they use over both of their herds: Progenesis Puertorico, Westcoast Redcarpet

FARM FACTS Mature Cow Class with Parlan Lemust Penelopie. “That was just out the gate for us,” Gareth says. Gareth says the Parkes kids are all great helpers on the farm, and all keen on cattle and showing. Rylee in particular has a strong interest in showing cattle, attending local shows and the 2023 World Wide Sires National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp. “Diane showed horses as a youngster so she has really enjoyed helping the kids show calves,” Gareth says. In the future, Gareth says their focus is to secure a great group of core staff, a better fertility line and good production from the herd. “You’ve got to walk before you run,” he says. “I don’t spend too much of my time with the cows, but there is still the passion there to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

(great for heifers as he is easy calving), FlyHigher Sugarhigh-ET and Westcoast RocknRoll. Gareth also has some Gillette Stanleycup and Walnutlawn Sidekick daughters coming through very strongly, which are to his liking and “not too leggy”. The traits Gareth wants to incorporate into the herd include great udders and medium

stature. “We like a good, solid compact cow that produces well and is a nice-looking dairy cow; something that ticks all the boxes.” He says they are also using high fertility bulls to counteract some fertility issues they’ve had in recent years. Although Gareth is very involved in decisionmaking on-farm, he

OWNERS: Parkes Family trading as Parkes Brothers Farming Limited LOCATION: Linkwater, Marlborough Sounds FARM SIZE: 100ha effective COWS: 330 (300 registered Holstein Friesians) PRODUCTION: 535 kgMS/cow STUD NAME: Parlan

spends most of his time off farm running his contracting business GW Parkes Contracting. A core team of three staff keep the farm running. Gareth does contracting such as baling, silage and tractor work, but a big portion of his time is taken up with running a stock truck and trailer throughout the country, carting stock in and out of the Marlborough Sounds weekly. Gareth and Diane purchased their first truck in 2016 and their first new truck in 2020, a Kenworth K200 Aerodyne. Gareth has transported stock in and out of the Sounds for several years but following major flood damage to local roads in July 2021

he had to bring his truck and trailer unit in by barge. The Parkes family is involved in the barge business in the Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. Previously, Gareth would drive into the Sounds at night and spend the day collecting stock and drive out to the sale yards or plant. Now, he has to barge in and spend the following day gathering stock from different farms, mobbing them up at yards near the barge site. He then has to load them all again and barge out, taking a day longer than the previous method. The road into the Sounds is now open to cars and trailers, but not heavy trucks and trailers yet.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

WORLD NEWS // 13

Political turmoil hits Dutch farm buy-out scheme MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WHILE NEW Zealand seems to be treading water on the subject of pricing emissions and the future of He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN), pending a new government, the Netherlands has been clearer on its proposed farm buy-out scheme, as part of its effort to reduce nitrogen emissions by at least 55% by 2030. However, negotiations to reach an overall agreement on the future of the Dutch agricultural sector broke down in mid-2023. The government spearheading the process has since dissolved, so while

the voluntary buy-out scheme is now available for farmers, it will be up to a future government to devise new, additional measures should this not be enough to meet reduction targets. Under the buy-out scheme, the government will buy the businesses of Dutch livestock farmers who are categorised as ‘regular’ or ‘peak’ polluters. The purchase price will be between 100 to 120% of the value of their business, with the farmer still able to retain the land. In return, those farmers must permanently reduce nitrogen emissions on the land by up to 85% and are not

Under the buy-out scheme, the Government will buy the businesses of Dutch livestock farmers who are categorised as ‘regular’ or ‘peak’ polluters.

permitted to continue the farming business in the Netherlands or elsewhere within the European Uni on. Looking at the scheme in more detail, following

approval from the European Commission, the plan is to buy out livestock farms near protected nature areas, targeting two categories for farmers volunteering

Watching over your pastures so you don’t have to. Delivering a complete suite of pasture protection and brushweed control products for New Zealand farmers.

to be bought out. “Peak polluters” are set to receive 120% of the value of their business’ while “regular polluters” will receive 100% of the value of their business.

There is a technical calculation to determine what category a farm falls into that includes total nitrogen leakage as well as proximity to protected nature areas. There is no published list as such, although it is understood that there are about 3000 farms in the ‘peak polluter’ category and approximately 8000 farms in the ‘regular polluter’ classification. In parallel to the farm buy out scheme, the government was also negotiating an Agricultural Agreement with the farming sector on its future in the Netherlands. A key sticking point concerned a proposed regulation to increase extensification

of farming operations, in particular, the limit on the number of livestock per hectare. Extensification refers to the process in which the same number of livestock is spread over a larger area of land, reducing the pressure on the farmland. That pressure is driven by the amount of fertiliser used on the land, that in turn might leach into nearby rivers and creeks and have adverse effects. When launched in June 2023, Dutch Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Christianne van der Wal warned farmers that “there will be no better offer hereafter”.

Preside™

Tordon™

HERBICIDE

Tordon™

Tordon™ 2G GOLD

PASTUREBOSS™ HERBICIDE

Grazon™ HERBICIDE

BRUSHKILLER XT

GRANULAR HERBICIDE

Vigilant™ II HERBICIDE

Versatill™ POWERFLO™

HERBICIDE

Our portfolio of powerful, proven products has helped farmers from one end of the country to the other create and maintain thriving businesses, and has earned us an excellent reputation as pasture protection and brushweed specialists. Our extensive suite of herbicides provides farmers everything they need to win the war against weeds and brushweeds.

Samuel Whitelock – Plant Science Graduate, Lincoln University.

Visit corteva.co.nz to view our online pasture and brushweed resources.

Visit us at corteva.co.nz ®, ™ Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and their affiliated companies. COR-CTA0053HP

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

14 // WORLD NEWS

Danish co-op steps up sustainability efforts DANISH DAIRY co-operative Arla Foods is accelerating sustainability efforts on farm to help customers achieve their reduction targets for scope 3 emissions targets. The programme will be launched in the UK first where commercial agreements covering more than 1 billion kilograms of milk are already in place, Arla says. More and more of Arla’s retail and foodservice customers are getting their climate ambitions approved by The Science Based Targets Initiative, which means an increasing focus on reducing their scope 3 emissions. And for some customers, dairy constitutes a significant part of their scope 3, notes Arla. Arla chief operating officer Peter GiortzCarlsen says driving down scope 3 emissions is another way of bringing value to its customers. “We want to be a strategic partner for them in that journey. Dairy is an important category for

Arla says more and more of its retail and foodservice customers are increasing focus on reducing their scope 3 emissions.

our retail and foodservice customers, and for some of them, emissions from dairy constitute a significant part of their scope 3 emissions. “Currently, this translates into increased interest in entering into partnerships, which we welcome. Our scope 3 leadership also provides us with new commercial and strategic opportuni-

ties for our milk pool,” says Giortz-Carlsen. Customers who have signed up to the Customer Sustainability Programme will partner with Arla, seeing extra money go into the cooperative’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions on-farm. Arla will also run projects with the participating customers and their aligned Arla farmers that look to

reduce on-farm emissions through new research and testing new innovations for potential scaling within areas such as feed additives, herd genetics, biodiversity and fertiliser use. The Sustainability Customer Programme will be launched firstly in the UK where the first contracts with customers Aldi, Asda, Morrisons and

Starbucks covering more than 1 billion kilos of milk is already in place. The programme will be rolled out across Arla’s core European markets during 2024. “In our strategy we focus extensively on driving down our on-farm scope 3 emissions as they make up the vast majority of our emissions,” says Giortz-Carlsen.

“In Arla, the breakthroughs are happening now. We believe we have found an impactful route and levers to drive down scope 3 emissions, and we are strongly committed to this effort as it benefits the planet and brings value to our customers. But we do it for dairy too – dairy provides significant nutritional benefits to human diet,

which must not be jeopardized due to its impact on climate and the environment.” The milk pool available to the customers in the programme is covered by Arla’s Climate Check programme and is also part of the new Sustainability Incentive Model which was developed in close collaboration with the 8500 farmer owners in Arla. In the model, Arla has earmarked up to 500m Euro annually until 2030 to reward and incentivise climate initiatives on farm via a new pointbased supplement to the monthly milk price. Arla’s scope 3 emissions constitute about 96% of total emissions and if isolating emissions from the dairy farms, these constitute 81% of Arla’s total emissions. In 2019, Arla was among the first dairy companies globally to set an SBTi scope 3 emissions reduction with a target of 30% per kg of milk towards 2030 against a 2015 baseline.

NORCO BOUNCES BACK FROM FLOOD SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST dairy cooperative Norco is back making ice cream, 18 months after a catastrophic flood destroyed its manufacturing plant. Norco, which is also Australia’s oldest dairy co-op, has announced it will be launching two new ranges this summer, including the much-anticipated return of Norco Cape Byron, a premium ice cream brand from the mid 1990s. While the co-op has not commented on the final cost of the rebuild, Australian media reports say that it would be in the vicinity of A$60m–$70m. Norco was awarded a $34.7m anchor business support grant from the federal and NSW governments to assist with the rebuild, with $21.38m received and accounted for during the 2022-23 year. Chief executive Michael Hampson told ABC Rural that a significant

Australia’s largest dairy co-operative Norco is back making ice cream, 18 months after a catastrophic flood destroyed its manufacturing plant.

level of flood mitigation works have been done and a significant amount of automation. He says the resilience measures built into the site were up to a 15-metre level, higher than the 2022 record floods. “Previously that site, if it had a 12.2m flood, which is 1974 flood height, you would be down for a couple of days while you clean up the yards,” he says. “Our ambition is, if we end up

having a flood like what we had last time, that we might be down for a week whilst we tidy a few things up, and as soon as power and services are restored to the region, we’ll be able to back up and operate.” To relaunch its new ice cream range, Norco roped in cookbook author and Northern Rivers food aficionado, Magdalena Roze. “Living in the Northern Rivers, partnering with Norco just made sense as we both hold a deep connec-

tion with our local communities, and are always looking for ways to give back to the region. That’s what farmer owned, Australian owned and Australian made is all about,” says Roze. “We are surrounded by dairy farms here, so Norco is a big part of the Northern Rivers fabric. It’s a heritage brand that we know and love, so I’m excited and honoured to be a part of this delicious next chapter.” Also being launched into supermarket freezers is Norco’s 100%

Australian Farmer Owned range, a celebration of Norco’s milestone of over 70 years of making ice cream in the heart of Lismore. Ben Menzies, Norco general manager of commercial and strategy explains the connection between dairy quality and ice cream craftsmanship: “We are proud of our ability to combine the rich and creamy milk produced by a co-operative of passionate Norco dairy farmers, with our expertise in crafting the tastiest ice cream on the market,” says Menzies. “With over 128 years of expertise in dairy, we understand the simple pleasures derived from sharing good quality ice cream with family and friends, and pride ourselves on our ability to deliver products that put a smile on the faces of all those who enjoy dairy,” he says. Established in Byron Bay, New South Wales in 1895 Norco is owned by 281 active members on 188 dairy farms in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland. Annual milk production is 226 million litres.

Earlybird

SALE

Since 1993

Bonded Fully Escorted Tours Specifically Designed for the 60+ Traveller

SALE ON 2024/25 INTERNATIONAL TOURS*

$500 off the second traveller Based on 2 people travelling together in the same room

$200 off for single travellers SALE ON ALL 2024/25 NEW ZEALAND TOURS

$100 off per person

! 3 2 0 2 ec D 15 e or ef b ce Secure your pla Tours are subject to availability and must be booked and deposited by 15 December 2023. Offers are combinable with our Past Guest Discount. $500 off 2nd person offer; 2 travellers must be booked together on the same tour and share the same room. $200 off single travellers for International Tours. $100 off per person for New Zealand Tours - the discount is applied per person to the total tour cost. *International Tours excluded from the sale - Japan Blossoms Explorer & Adelaide/Melbourne River & Rail Experience.

0800 11 60 60 www.travelwiseholidays.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

16 // OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

Start of a new era

MILKING IT... More hot air

ODH in trouble?

Stick to whales

Plant-based joke

IF WE have a confirmed government by the time you’re reading this, we should know who will be flying to Dubai on our behalf to this year’s climate change gabfest – COP28. It will be a good junket for a newly minted MP plus a platoon of extras to jet to: it is in Dubai, so expect a lavish affair with a buffet (locally sourced food, no doubt) to die for. Whoever goes, they will emit a ¼ tonne of CO2 per flying hour, per passenger. From Auckland to Dubai, that’s 4.25t of CO2 per person. The UK and most EU member countries will no doubt send an army. From London to Dubai, each person will produce 1.75t of CO2. Washington DC to Dubai is 3.25t of CO2. Canberra, 4.25t. Ex-Climate Change Minister James Shaw will be disappointed he isn’t going. In 2021 he got a bit prickly defending his trip to COP26 in Glasgow when Jamie McKay accused him of taking “a rugby team” with him (he took 15) – 68t of CO2 all up. By way of excuse, Shaw said at the time that Fiji was sending 50 people. It’s a 21hr flight from Fiji, so 50 people would have emitted 262.5t of CO2.

WHAT IS happening with Organic Dairy Hub? According to its website, ODH has ceased its retail operations. The website says a farmer log-in feature is still alive but it doesn’t seem to be working. In early 2021, ODH – made up of a small group of North Island organic farmers – launched a new dairy brand, hopeful that one day it would become a household name. Called ‘Ours Truly’, its first product is ‘A3’ – fresh, full cream milk, delivered via doorto-door subscription. It seems this strategy has backfired. ODH collects milk daily from its farmer base, stretching from Northland to Wairarapa. About 20% of the milk is turned into milk powders and nutritional products, which are processed at Waikato Innovation Park in Ruakura. These were generally exported to Australia and Asia. Fonterra paid its organic suppliers a record $10.80/ kgMS last season.

WHEN FONTERRA announced its Scope 3 emissions target this month, you might have thought that would please Greenpeace. But it seems whatever dairy farmers do, it won’t be enough for the lobby. Greenpeace rubbished Fonterra’s plan and again called for fewer cows and less fertiliser use. So, Feds president Wayne Langford has rightly put the boot into Greenpeace. Nothing Fonterra could have announced would have been good enough for Greenpeace because they’re anti-farmer and anti-science, he says. “They’re totally fixated on an impractical plan to halve the herd and to ban fertiliser, but that’s completely out of touch with what most Kiwis want. New Zealanders liked Greenpeace a lot more when they stuck to saving whales. They should get back to that and stop slagging off our worldleading farmers,” Langford said. We agree!

SOME USERS of social media website X, formerly Twitter, are hard to understand. Here’s one. This user, describing himself as a campaigner, storyteller and gardener erroneously claims Fonterra is responsible for the death of 2890 people. He bases this slanderous claim on Fonterra’s 12.8m tonnes of CO2 emissions and using a “conservative mortality cost formula of 226 deaths per million tonnes of carbon”. When asked, what’s the alternative to closing NZ’s dairy production on the economy, this joker suggests shifting to plantbased diets. This lead one farmer to chip in – “You’re proof a plant-based diet is lacking in essential fats for brain function”.

Head Office: Lower Ground Floor, 29 Northcroft St, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone 09-307 0399. Postal Address: PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: Inkwise NZ Ltd Contacts: Editorial: sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz Advertising material: davef@ruralnews.co.nz Rural News on-line: www.ruralnews.co.nz Subscriptions: subsrndn@ruralnews.co.nz • Printed by Inkwise • Distributed by Reachmedia

AS WE were going to print, National, ACT and New Zealand First MPs were preparing to converge in Wellington. Hopefully, by the time you are reading this, a stable National/ ACT/NZ First Government is in place. For the country’s farmers, a significant change in government was what they were after. The majority of farmers will be happy to see the change. Also, the three parties now in government have farmers as MPs. In ACT’s case, the former president of Federated Farmers, Andrew Hoggard, will be expected to spearhead its push for a better deal for farmers on all fronts. For the dairy sector, on-farm emissions charges will be a major one. Labour wanted to charge farmers for on-farm emissions by 2025. National has said it will push that out to 2030. Meanwhile, Act does not think farmers should pay unless our key trading partners are enforcing similar taxes. The farming sector believes that National’s timeframe will enable the sector to get its numbers in order and for mitigating technologies to advance further. For dairy manufacturers, the focus will be on areas of trade, food safety, biosecurity and climate. Existing free trade agreements will need to be fine-tuned to ensure they deliver on their intent. Farmers would also want new doors opened into markets which are currently not covered by FTAs. An efficient and effective risk-based food regulatory system, a sound national infrastructure strategy that prioritises efficiency and therefore productivity in export supply chains, and a focus on biosecurity to retain NZ’s relative freedom from many livestock pests and diseases are also high on the agenda for dairy processors. DCANZ members, like Fonterra, will hope that any domestic policy approaches for methane and nitrous oxide are effective. Farmer representatives are ready to get to work with the new government to get the rural sector cranking again. Many will be hoping that a new era begins this week for the all-important agriculture sector.

Publisher: Brian Hight ...................... Ph 09-307 0399 General Manager: Adam Fricker ................... Ph 021-842 226 Editor: Sudesh Kissun ................ Ph 021-963 177 Machinery Editor: Mark Daniel...................... Ph 021-906 723 markd@ruralnews.co.nz Reporters: Peter Burke.....................Ph 021-224 2184 peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

AUCKLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Stephen Pollard............................................. Ph 021-963 166 stephenp@ruralnews.co.nz

Subscriptions: Julie Beech ....................Ph 021-190 3144 Production: Dave Ferguson .............Ph 027-272 5372 Becky Williams ..............Ph 021-100 4831 Digital Strategist: Jessica Marshall ..........Ph 021 0232 6446

SOUTH ISLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Kaye Sutherland .........................................Ph 021-221 1994 kayes@ruralnews.co.nz

Dairy News is published by Rural News Group Limited. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the staff, management or directors of Rural News Group Limited.

WAIKATO SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa Wise ........................................................Ph 027-369 9218 lisaw@ruralnews.co.nz WELLINGTON SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Ron Mackay ................................................... Ph 021-453 914 ronm@ruralnews.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

OPINION // 17

Nurturing nutrients ing fresh water, is what good nutrient management is all about. Leaching through soil is one of the biggest nutrient loss risks. Nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur can leach with drained water. It occurs when soluble nutrients are leached through the root zone into deeper layers of the soil and they become inaccessible to plant roots. The leaching risk depends on various factors such as soil type, total rainfall, extreme weather events and the actual quantity of soluble nutrients present in the soil. Don’t oversupply the soil with such types of soluble nutrients, especially not during winter, as there is a very high risk of these getting washed

BALA TIKKISETTY

GOOD NUTRIENT management will keep nutrients cycling within the farm system and reduce losses to the environment to the bare minimum. We’re now almost at the end of spring, when nutrients are most at risk of leaving farms due to high rainfall, low pasture growth, lots of stock urine being deposited, soil compaction and pugging. That risks farm production and damaging the health of waterways and groundwater. Some nutrients are more prone to loss than others, depending on the nature of the nutrient, soil type and climatic conditions. Helping to handle those risks smartly, thereby boosting production while protect-

Leaching through soil is one of the biggest nutrient loss risks.

out through the soil and lost from farm systems. A good understanding of the processes and terminology involved with nutrient cycles is important for budgeting and management. For nitrogen, one of the key nutrients that both grows grass and can

2024 Edna Calendar

harm waterways, there are two important processes – immobilisation and its opposite, mineralisation. Immobilisation is the conversion of plant available nitrogen into organic forms, while mineralisation is the conversion of soil organic nitro-

gen into plant available forms such as nitrate and ammonium. These processes are controlled by microbes, and the degree of their activity, in the soil. This activity is influenced by soil temperature – lower the temperature, lower the activity and greater

the loss of nutrients. Another point about nitrogen is that, generally, there will be an increase in nitrate leaching with increasing rate of nitrogenous fertiliser. Phosphorus loss, on the other hand, mainly occurs from erosion and runoff. Research has revealed that phosphorus losses will be high in soils with high Olsen-P levels and also on steep to rolling country. Managing these optimum levels and controlling soil erosion are keys to helping prevent this. Intensive winter grazing by sheep, cattle and deer can have impacts on the environment, including loss of soil and associated sedimentation of waterways, nutrient loss and damage to soil structure due to pugging. Some of the miti-

gations to avoid these impacts are use of catch crops, vegetative buffers between winter grazing and waterways, reduction of grazing duration per day, strategic grazing, and the use of mixed species in forage paddocks. Overall, the ongoing challenge is to ensure our farming systems efficiently cycle nutrients. Smart nutrient management practices for all land uses and activities has the potential to bring about substantial improvements in the quality of our water resources and profits. • Bala Tikkisetty is Principal Sustainable Agricultural Advisor at Waikato Regional Council, phone 0800 800 401 or email bala.tikkisetty@waikatoregion.govt.nz @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

EDNA CALENDAR 2024

“We’re going fishing and I’ve got Edna driving the boat up and down to charge its battery.”

“Help! – someone just

JANUARY 2024 S

SUNDAY

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR

FEBRUARY 2024 TUESDAY

6 13

WEDNESDAY

7 14 SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

18 25

MARCH 2024

HORTNEWS

THURSDAY

ALL FARMERS

WAITANGI DAY

s!”

sions back ten year

to slash methane emis

RURAL NEWS

MONDAY

set Ag sector plans

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

29 NORTHLAND FIELD DAYS

SOUTHERN FIELD DAYS

EDNA!! ❱❱ $25 including post & packaging ❱❱ 12 of Edna’s best cartoons ❱❱ 330mm x 240mm, spiral bound

ORDER NOW! T: 09-307 0399 then press 1 to be put through to reception E: julieb@ruralnews.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

18 // AGRIBUSINESS

Herd improvement could help reduce emissions intensity GENETICS MAY be one

of the tools Fonterra farmers can tap into to reduce on farm emissions, according to LIC. LIC says its genetic research is leading to cows that produce less methane, are more tolerant of hotter climates, produce more kgMS of liveweight and are allround more efficient. LIC chairman Corrigan Sowman says many farmers are investing in quality, efficient pastoral genetics which will put them in good stead to reduce their emissions intensity, and LIC will continue to support them to do that. Long-term users of LIC genetics have almost doubled the rate of genetic gain in their

herds over the last 10 years – these gains are cumulative and permanent, delivering longterm benefits into the future, he says. Last month, Fonterra announced they’re targeting a 30% intensity reduction in on-farm emissions by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline). LIC is well placed to support farmers to meet this target as 7% of the target is to be achieved through farming best practice with the themes of herd improvement and cow efficiency set to be influential, says Sowman. “That’s where we come in. This announcement gives us a clear mandate to provide solutions to farmers to reduce their emissions intensity.

LIC chairman Corrigan Sowman says many farmers are investing in quality, efficient pastoral genetics which will put them in good stead to reduce their emissions intensity.

“Targeting a reduction in emissions intensity cements our focus on cow efficiency as a sustainable solution for the dairy sector, and the good news is, we have the cows

LIC has known the challenges for some time and has been focused on supporting farmers to be profitable and sustainable in the future through cow efficiency,” he says.

that will get us there – we just need more of those highly efficient cows. “We will continue the strong focus on longevity and minimising wastage as positive gains in

this area will also significantly enhance on farm profitability and enable an improved emissions profile at a herd and farm level.” Across the national herd, the top 25% of 4–8 year-old herd tested cows are producing an average of 539 kgMS which is +166 kgMS more than the bottom 25%. The top 25% are also more efficient cows – producing an average of 1.05 kgMS per kg of liveweight (kgLWT), whereas the bottom 25% are 0.73 kgMS/kgLWT. “We know the efficiencies that can be achieved on farm through herd improvement, and we are confident we can support farmers to reduce their emissions intensity,” says

Sowman. “My key message to farmers is – we have your backs. An emissions target that centres on intensity reduction is a positive step forward and there are many solutions out there to support you. LIC genetics is one of those solutions and we are ready to do our bit to support farmers to meet these targets.” Each year LIC invests around $18 million into R&D (7% of revenue), making us one of the largest private investors in R&D for the primary sector. These investments are primarily focused on improving the production efficiency of the national herd for the profitability of New Zealand’s dairy sector.

SPECIAL REPORTS

FARM DAIRIES

Dairy farmers have to make decisions now for improving their milking system for next season. Many will be considering replacing old equipment or altering their dairy sheds or improve milking efficiency. To be in this special report contact your advertising representative now to promote your products and/or service to all NZ dairy farmers and sharemilkers. Contact your closest Sales Representative

Auckland

Stephen Pollard............ Ph 021 963 166

Waikato

Lisa Wise ................... Ph 027-369 9218

Wellington

Ron Mackay ................ Ph 021-453 914

Christchurch

Kaye Sutherland ........ Ph 021-221 1994

FEATURE:

12 DECEMBER 2023

29 November 2023 MATERIAL REQUIRED: 5 December 2023 BOOKING DEADLINE:

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

MANAGEMENT // 19

Hole-in-one a lucky shot overseas ANNE BOSWELL

A CALF born at a

Waikato Holstein Friesian stud has stunned her owner with her incredibly high credentials – surpassing his hope that she was going to be one out of the box. Sharemilker Gordon Fullerton, Full-On Holstein Friesians, has sold a heifer calf descended from the ‘Doc’ cow family – of $2 million cow S-S-I Doc Have Not 8784-ET fame – for $44,000 to CRV’s US Holstein bull breeding programme. Gordon said FullOn Hole-In-One ET’s extremely high gTPI (genomic total performance index) of 3121 and PTAT 3.23 was a surprise, but not completely out of left field. “Her dam was already the highest gTPI Peak Tropic daughter in the world, also over 3.2 PTAT, so anything over parent average was going to be exciting,” he said. Hole-In-One’s dam, Full-On T Have A LookIMP-ET, was born from one of six S S I Doc Have Not 8783-ET embryos purchased by Gordon and good friends Nathan Bayne (Busybrook Holsteins) and Pete Smit (Tuhinga) while Gordon was living in the US. “When I was living

“This is a great example of how genomics at an industry good level, with good reliability, can have a positive influence for your average farmer.”

in Washington DC, Pete and I were talking and as usual, cows were the topic,” Gordon said. “We got talking about this cow, S-S-I Doc Have Not 8783-ET (sister of S S I Doc Have Not 8784-ET), and we really liked the look of her. “It turned out turned out she was only an hour’s drive from DC, so I convinced an American I was living with to take me for a drive to see some cows - far more exciting than the Super Bowl that was on that day.” Gordon says the neat thing is that he went and saw the cow before her family was a household name. “When we got the contract to flush S-S-I Doc Have-Not 8783-ET, her sire, Woodcrest King Doc, was just getting his

Gordon Fullerton with Full-On Hole-In-One ET.

proof,” he said. “And her full sister, S-S-I Doc Have Not 8784-ET, had just calved and would go onto sell for US$1.925 million.” Have A Look performed highly in Gordon’s herd, both in production and type, but unfortunately passed away recently. “Have A Look was my favourite heifer by a country mile,” Gordon said.

• High Flow • Compact/Robust • New Pilot Flow Filter • Side/Bottom Mount • Detach to Clean

CRV Manager product development genetics Jaap Veldhuisen said Hole-In-One attracted CRV’s attention primarily based on her high gTPI level. gTPI is a US bull ranking index, described as the ‘the gold standard in ranking worldwide Holstein genetics’ by Holstein USA. It is not necessarily aimed at breeding individual cows, but rather to advance the

entire genetic pool. “In addition, Hole-InOne has an outstanding type profile of +3.23 on the US base,” Jaap said. “With her pedigree this high, type is no surprise. “Hole-In-One’s sire, Siemers Rengd ParfectET, is a good type bull, and the Doc cow family has very good type as well. S-S-I Doc Have Not 8783-ET scored EX92 in the US.”

• For Water Storage Tanks • Adjustable levels from 50mm-2.5m • Minimises pump operation •Available in 20/25/32/50mm

0800 JOBE VALVES jobevalves.com

Jaap said CRV will be using Hole-in-One as a donor for its US Holstein breeding programme, with the intention of breeding appealing bulls that rank highly on US indexes like TPI and NM. “For this breeding programme, most of our animals are in the US,” Jaap said. “It is very special that there is now a donor from New Zealand for this programme.

“It’s likely she will be in our embryo program for quite some time, looking at her genetic profile. “So, a lot of credit to Gordon for importing embryos and then flushing the resulting heifers with this incredible result. “There are not many animals outside of the US and Canada that rank this high on TPI and type (PTAT).” Gordon said when it came to imported embryos leaving a big impression on the Holstein Friesian industry in New Zealand, he believed the six embryos he and his friends managed to import will be talked about for a while yet – and Hole-In-One was just getting started. “This is a great example of how genomics at an industry good level, with good reliability, can have a positive influence for your average farmer - and actually reward breeders for the investment, passion and risk that we all take when spending money on genetics,” he said. “Here in New Zealand, we do not get rewarded with the current system; bearing in mind that Hole-In-One was bought for her US numbers, not New Zealand numbers – although, they weren’t too bad either.”

• Stainless steel bracket and Shaft • Fits plastic and concrete tanks • Rugged and long lasting

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

20 // MANAGEMENT

Two new Case IH and New Holland tractors, and Kinghitter post rammers, are allowing fencing crews to operate as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Team effort to rebuild fences MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

NINE MONTHS after Cyclone Gabrielle struck, affected farmers are slowly getting back on their feet, and many have the CNH Industrial initiative ‘Commence the Re-Fence’ to thank for helping relieve some of the pain of the massive rebuild. The initiative saw CNHI donate a Case IH JX100 and a New Holland TD5.90, while dealer Stevenson & Taylor loaned two Kinghitter post rammers. Federated Farmers has also involved fencing contractors and ‘Farmy Army’ volunteers who worked to rebuild fencing on more than 40 farms in the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne regions since June. As an example, Greg and Mark Morice, who farm 88ha in the Hawke’s Bay area, operated an apple orchard and livestock operation, losing 2ha of the orchard after 200 tonnes of timber from the neighbouring Tutaekuri River came through the apple orchard, with the remainder of the trees removed in subsequent weeks due to damage. Ewes and cows were able to be moved to higher ground on the property, and the family’s home was also safe

Commence the Re-Fence initiative plans to help with fencing on at least 100 properties.

on high ground, but hundreds of metres of fencing, water pumps and other infrastructure was washed away. “Federated Farmers got in touch with us some time later and the ‘Commence the ReFence’ work started from there, starting in July,” Greg said. “They were able to re-fence our 1.2km boundary in three days. It was brilliant – they were a very professional fencing crew, with a new tractor and rammer.” With the prospect of a six-figure sum to replant the orchard, the current plan was to plant a vegetable crop this year, followed by winter grass for the next two to three years, before developing a new orchard with new

apple trees. “With all the other jobs we had to do around the place, it would have taken us ages to get onto that fencing job, so in terms of labour it saved us thousands of dollars. We provided the materials for the work, but with a significantly reduced income from the farm; to save that much money is significant for us,” says Greg. John Kilmister runs JK Fencing and Construction, based in the Hawke’s Bay area, and is the face of Commence the Re-Fence. He has two teams on the project who spend three days on each farm. “It’s been really satisfying to be involved with this, as farmers

are so glad to see you, and so appreciative. On some places we’ve been to, there are still people living in caravans because they can’t go back to their homes. As well as the financial impact, there’s a mental health impact, too, so for some people I think it’s just been good for them to see a new face and have someone new to talk to.” Kilmister says the two new Case IH and New Holland tractors, and post rammers, had allowed the fencing crews to operate as quickly and efficiently as possible, and negotiate some tricky terrain. “The hardest thing when we started was access onto the farms, particularly the hillier

country, while in recent months ongoing rain has made access difficult, so having the best machinery and equipment available has been even more critical,” he says. Matt Truebridge and his family live at Brooklands Station, a sheep and beef finishing farm of 800ha near Puketapu. The property suffered extensive flooding, uprooting fences, carving channels through roads and depositing enormous amounts of silt and debris. “It is a situation where you find yourself unable to comprehend and not knowing where to start the clean-up. Our local school community leaped into action with support and recovery agencies

enlisted,” he says. “It was through the school we learned about Commence the Re-Fence. It’s a fantastic scheme to be able to tap into when stock-proofing our farms was such a high priority. It was a real boost to our recovery and meant one less job to worry about.” The efforts of Commence the Re-Fence continue, with plans to help with fencing on at least 100 properties by the time it wraps up. At the end of the project, Federated Farmers in conjunction with CNH Industrial will donate the two tractors to two cycloneaffected farmers who have been part of the initiative. “To know that this re-building program is

making such a difference where it’s needed most is very gratifying and CNH Industrial, in conjunction with Stevenson & Taylor, are proud to be a part of it. We look forward to giving away the Case IH and New Holland tractors that were donated to this cause once Commence the Re-Fence is concluded, and know they’ll go to two very deserving farm businesses that have been through so much this year,” said Murray Grant, CNH Industrial commercial business manager – New Zealand. To nominate a deserving farmer for one of the tractors, go to the website www.commencetherefence. co.nz. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

ANIMAL HEALTH // 21

Work with vets to reduce AMR-related infections FARMERS ARE being

urged to work with their veterinarian to keep animals healthy and help prevent drug-resistant infections developing. Owners are being urged to vaccinate their animals against preventable diseases and keep these up-to-date; isolate sick and potentially infectious animals away from healthy ones; and provide a well-balanced diet and continued access to shade and shelter, to help stop animals becoming unwell. The calls come as the veterinary profession marked World AMR Awareness Week this month, a global campaign to address the issue of

antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that threatens human and animal health. AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats and occurs when bacteria, viruses and parasites no longer respond to medicine, making them difficult or impossible to treat. The World Health Organisation lists AMR as a top 10 global health threat to people, animals and the environment. New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) head of veterinary services - companion animal Sally Cory says for farmers, having an effective and comprehensive vaccination programme is key to preventing illness,

AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats and occurs when bacteria, viruses and parasites no longer respond to medicine, making them difficult or impossible to treat.

as many diseases can be effectively vaccinated against. Owners should also let their veterinarian know if their animal isn’t responding to antibiotics,

Prepare your summer essentials Plan early for the heat and all the stress it brings to your herd. Boost nutrient intake and prevent Facial Eczema with supplements, minerals, and solutions from SealesWinslow.

SEAWIN_2230_DN_B

Order yours today!

sealeswinslow.co.nz | 0800 287 325

as they may need more investigations and a different approach. “This doesn’t necessarily mean they need another antibiotic or a bigger dose, but a dif-

ferent course of action might be needed,” Cory says. Total antibiotic use in all New Zealand animals has fallen in recent years. These efforts are con-

tributing to the NZVA’s aspirational goal that by 2030, New Zealand will not need antibiotics for the maintenance of animal health and wellness. According to the World Health Organisation, within the next 30 years, resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial products is anticipated to kill more people around the world than cancer. The Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ), which regulates veterinarians and sets standards to support responsible antimicrobial use among veterinarians, is about to begin developing a new strategy to

minimise the risk of AMR in animals in Aotearoa. VCNZ chief executive and registrar Iain McLachlan says the strategy will complement initiatives in other parts of the sector, including the New Zealand Veterinary Association and Ministry for Primary Industries. “Veterinarians, as stewards of antimicrobial products and the sole authoriser of their use in animals, have a critical role to play in managing the risks of AMR,” Iain says. “We’re looking forward to getting this work underway and will be consulting right across the sector to ensure a wide range of perspectives are captured.”

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

22 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

New disc mower, rakes unveiled MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

SLOVENIAN MANUFACTURER SIP has released

details of a new 10.2m disc mower conditioner combi, alongside two new ranges of twin rotor rakes. Integral to the DiscHD1000DFS (10.2m) disc mower combi, is the inclusion of cross conveyor belts that allows it to mow, condition and merge swaths in one operation, while 515mm of side-shift on each side of the cutter is useful when working on tight curves, field corners and across slopes. Each disc assembly is fitted with the company’s DDSS (Disc Drive Safety System), dating back to 2007, that if subjected to an immovable object, breaks a shear pin integrated into a double flange layout. As part of the package, Hydro Pneumatic Suspension is said to significantly reduce cutter-bar wear and fuel costs, while the aerodynamic shape of the newly designed skids and 409mm-diameter cutting-discs are said to prevent already cut material from accumulating in the cutter bar area. In addition, an Overload Monitoring System delivers an early alert to

SIP centre delivery rake.

operators as it monitors any rotation speed drops throughout the driveline. On the rake/swather front, the Star R860/26TS (side delivery) and Star R930/28TC (centre delivery) are aimed at users looking for ease of use, transport and simplified routine maintenance.

Likely to be of more interest in New Zealand, with a working width from 8.15 - 9.25m and said to offer a capacity of up to 13 ha/hr, the Star R930/28TC sits between the existing Star 1000/30T and theR870/26TC. The side delivery

R860/26TS offers a maximum working width of 7.2m when creating a single side swath, or can pull together up to 15m of grass in just two passes, and offer raking capacities of up to 12.5 ha/hr. Sequential Rotor Lift (SLR), standard on the R860/26TS, allows oper-

ators to customise the delay in partial lifting of the rear rotor. Both ranges are available in standard or advanced ‘H’ specification, the former offering mechanical working height and swath curtain adjustments, while the latter is

equipped with hydropneumatic rotor protection and hydraulic rotor height adjustment. Other features of both ranges include the 155degree turning angle of the pivoting linkage, integrated with a steering mechanism connected to the rear wheels of

the transport frame, the design is said to result in maximum stability on the road with the 9.3m transport frame of the R860/26TS and 6.75m frame of the R930/28TC. Both units offer sub-3 metre transport widths. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

QUICKE WAY TO MANAGE SILAGE SWEDISH MANUFACTURER Quicke has released the new range of Silocut implements for increased efficiency and safety when managing silage. Norwood imported brands manager Greg Moore says, “Operators can efficiently remove silage from the silage clamp with less power and safely split and cut wrapped silage bales.” Silocut M+ is offered in two versions, with the forged tine option featuring high-quality, replaceable bolt on tines, while the profiled tine format has hardened cut “tuff tines” welded in the carriage to provide excellent wear properties. The Silocut M+ offers a width and capacity to suit front-end loaders, compact wheel loaders, and mid-sized telehandlers use. Accessories include bolt-on back screens, to allow end users to customise the implement. The Silocut L+ is available with the same tine options, while the bucket version is particularly versatile for also handling loose material. It is also said to be capable of splitting bales, alongside dealing with different silage types and loose fodder, so removing the need for a second implement.

The Silocut XL+ model is a high-capacity shear grab that can be used for cutting pit silage and splitting bales, offered in the same three versions as the smaller L+. Both the Silocut L+ and XL+ are available with a bale wrap handler and a push out mechanism. The optional bale wrap handler helps improves operator safety by grabbing the wrap and retaining it after the bale is split, removing the need to deal with the debris by hand. Bales can be unwrapped, split, and placed into two separate feed portions or directly into the feed wagon or mixer in one process delivering substantial time savings. Profile-cut “tuff tine” versions can be equipped with an optional push-out mechanism option that helps unloads into diet feeders or in areas with limited space. In addition, a new sequencer valve combines the work of two independent hydraulic functions on the implement with only a third hydraulic service. By diverting oil to the bale wrap handler when the cut is completed, the sequencer ensures the bale is completely split and the claws kick at the right moment. – Mark Daniel

Quicke Silocut helps safely split and cut wrapped silage bales.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 23

Treating cows safer, faster JESSICA MARSHALL jessica@ruralnews.co.nz

A NEW Zealand dairy farmer who

was recently in Ireland says the two countries are facing similar challenges. Kieran Bourke, a South Taranaki dairy farmer farming at Bourke Clonlara in Pihama, was recently on a family holiday in Ireland with his wife Claire and their three children, Sienna, Fergus, and Declan. Bourke says the market challenges faced by Kiwi farmers are like those faced by Irish farmers on both the market side and the environmental side. “Their fertiliser use is a lot higher than a typical kiwi farm, but that is currently being squeezed downward,” he told Dairy News. He says Irish farmers produce at a higher cost than New Zealand farmers, with a heavy reliance on government, subsidies and grants. “With milk prices affected by high inflation in both New Zealand and Ireland, farmers need competitive advantage to remain as productive as possible.” Bourke says that prior to leaving New Zealand, he had spotted an Ekochute online and had contacted the owner Francis Burns in County Donegal intending to purchase it. “So, one morning the whole family set off on a six-hour journey from Cork to the factory of Eko Hoofcare, the manufacturers of the Ekochute,” he says. Having brought the Ekochute back to New Zealand, Bourke says

the biggest difference is that he’s able to treat cows safer and faster on-farm as it’s user friendly. The chute has automated shutting, a self-locking head bar, double belly bands to support the cow, and front and rear leg supports that are safer for the operator and cow. It also has a fully enclosed base. “Like most farms in New Zealand, we used to just treat the lameness when it happened,” he says. “We would mark the cows with overgrown hooves or repeated lameness before the professional trimmer would come in and do up to 100 cows. “However, now that we have easy to use, safe equipment, we can do hoof trimming ourselves and we are slowly adopting preventative trimming as the norm. It’s become a pleasure rather than a chore.” He says it’s difficult to carry out effective treatment if you don’t have the right equipment to do it. “If you’re wanting to be able to trim hooves comfortably and safely, then invest in an Ekochute manual crush,” Bourke says. “Unlike other chutes, it wasn’t designed by an engineering company, but by a professional hooftrimmer, Francis, who could see better equipment would make the job a lot easier and more efficient.” Bourke will be hosting a Zoom webinar on preventative hoof trimming for NZ farmers at 7.30pn on 4 December. To express interest, head to: https://form.jotform.com/Francis_Burns/PreventingLamenessWebinar.

Are you hitting your target market?

GEOSMART

Stephen Pollard ....... Ph 021-963 166

Waikato

Lisa Wise ............... Ph 027-369 9218

Wellington

Ron Mackay ............ Ph 021-453 914

EFFLUENT PONDS

Lining for life™

Contact your local sales representative for more information Auckland

Kieran Bourke with the Ekochute he brought from Ireland.

8000m3

Christchurch Kaye Sutherland .... Ph 021-221 1994 ■ BREAKING NEWS

• Rolls up to 15m wide, therefore fewer joins which means less risk, faster installation and shorter good weather window required. • Design assistance and volume calculations available. • Material warranty from global company - Elevate, a brand of Holcim (formerly Firestone Building Products).

• Nationwide trained and accredited installation contractors. • Future proof - dependable performance, 50 year life expectancy even when exposed, 20 year material warranty. • Over 120 million square meters installed worldwide. • 30 years in the NZ lining business.

For your nearest installation contractor call

■ MACHINERY REVIEWS ■ MANAGEMENT STORIES

www.dairynews.co.nz ■ AND MUCH MORE...

0800 109 093 or 021 280 7266

Email: vaughan@cosio.co.nz

7400m3

www.cosio.co.nz

Authorised importer and distributor of Elevate, a brand of Holcim.

RUMINATING CALENDAR 2024

RUMINATING 2024 CALENDAR ❱❱ $25 including post & packaging ❱❱ 12 of the best Ruminating cartoons ❱❱ 330mm x 240mm, spiral bound S

DECEMBER T

ORDER NOW! T: 09-307 0399

then press 1 to be put through to reception

E: julieb@ruralnews.co.nz

2023

3 17 24

18 25

SUNDAY

1 7 14 21 28

MONDAY

JANUARY 20 24 TUESDAY

NEW YEARS DAY

22 29

, FOR ALL FARMERS

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY M

10 17 24 31

2024 T

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

OBSERVED

ANNIVERSAR Y

AUCKLAND ANNIV ERSARY NELSON ANNIV ERSARY

HORTNEWS

TO ALL FARMERS

NEW YEARS DAY

WELLINGTON

RURAL NEWS

$4 0, 0

1 Available, located in Feilding

GILTRAP 2501 ORCHARD SPREADER

7 Available, North Island wide

GILTRAP T49-10 TIP TRAILER 8 Available, North Island wide

ST $3 A RT 5, I N 60 G 0 + FR GS OM T 30

GS T

4 Available, North Island wide

$4 3,

ST $2 A RT 4, I N 10 G 0+ FR GS OM T

GILTRAP RF13 FORAGE WAGON

GILTRAP T60-12 TIP TRAILER

GILTRAP RF9 FORAGE WAGON 1 Available, located in Feilding

GILTRAP RF11 FORAGE WAGON 13 Available, North Island wide

1 Available, located in Whangarei

3 Available, North Island wide

ST $4 ART 7, IN 90 G 0 + FR GS OM T

GILTRAP T23-06 TIP TRAILER

GILTRAP T37-08 TIP TRAILER

ST $5 ART 7, IN 00 G 0 + FR GS OM T

$2 1,

GS T

3 Available, North Island wide

ST $2 ART 3, IN 90 G 0 + FR GS OM T

ST $4 A RT 9, I N 40 G 0 + FR GS OM T

GILTRAP 6T WIDETRAC SPREADER

GILTRAP G2 BALE FEEDER

28 Available, North Island Wide *T&Cs Apply Images listed are not representative of all equipment. Equipment may vary in condition. Only available on selected stock while stock lasts. Not all stock available in all locations.

Find us at brandt.ca/nz 0800 TRACTOR

1 Available, located in Rotorua

LEMKEN KRISTALL 9/350 U COMPACT CULTIVATOR

1 Ex-demo Available, located in Feilding

LEMKEN RUBIN 10/400 KUA COMPACT DISC HARROWS 2 Available, North Island wide

GS T $1 96 ,5 00 + S

$2 TAR 9, TIN 70 G 0 + FR O GS M T

LEMKEN RUBIN 10/300 U COMPACT DISC HARROWS

GS T

4 Available, North Island wide

7, 50

0+ 80 1, $1

0+ 50 1,

1 Available, located in Hastings

$8 TAR 0, TIN 00 G 0 + FR O GS M T

T GS

GS 0+ 80 6, $2

LEMKEN KRISTALL 9/300 U COMPACT CULTIVATOR

LEMKEN KARAT 9/600 KUA CULTIVATOR

3 Available, North Island wide

T GS

T 1 Available, located in Feilding

LEMKEN DOLOMIT 9/300 PRE-LOOSENER

1 Available, located in Feilding

0+ 30 2, $7

LEMKEN JUWEL 7 MT 4+1 L90 REVERSIBLE PLOUGH

1 Available, located in Waipukurau

$2 9, 20 0+

LEMKEN EUROPAL 5 3+1 N90 MOUNTED PLOUGH

GS 0+ 90 7, $5

LEMKEN JUWEL 7 MT 4+1 L100 REVERSIBLE PLOUGH

1 Available, located in Feilding

$1 TAR 0, TIN 60 G 0 + FR O GS M T

2 Available, North Island wide

T 1 Available, located in Waipukurau

LEMKEN AZURIT 9 8 ROW MOUNTED SEED DRILL W/ SOLITAIRE 12-5800

LEMKEN HELIODOR 9/600 KA COMPACT DISC HARROW

GS $3 0, 50 0+

LEMKEN EUROPAL 4 3+1 N90 MOUNTED PLOUGH

1 Available, located in Waipukurau

1 Available, located in Rotorua

GS $9 9, 40 0+

LEMKEN DIAMANT 16 VT PLOUGH - EX-DEMO

$6 TAR 6, TIN 00 G 0 + FR O GS M T

T GS

LEMKEN HELIODOR 9/500 KA COMPACT DISC HARROW

3 Available, North Island wide

$5 9, 70 0+

$2 TAR 4, TIN 70 G 0 + FR O GS M T

LEMKEN HELIODOR 9/300 COMPACT DISC HARROW

LEMKEN RUBIN 10/600 KUA COMPACT DISC HARROWS 1 Ex-demo Available, located in Rotorua

*T&Cs Apply Images listed are not representative of all equipment. Equipment may vary in condition. Only available on selected stock while stock lasts. Free freight on Lemken North Island Wide.

Find us at brandt.ca/nz 0800 TRACTOR

FREE FREIGHT ON ALL LEMKEN.

1 Available, located in Feilding

LEMKEN RUBIN 12/600 KUA COMPACT DISC HARROWS

3 Available, North Island wide

T $7 6, 90 0+ 1 Available, located in Hastings

LEMKEN SOLITAIR 9/600 K-DS 125 MOUNTED SEED DRILL

$2 TAR 2, TIN 30 G 0 + FR O GS M T

$6 TAR 9, TIN 90 G 0 + FR O GS M T

1 Available, located in Feilding

GS $1 47 ,8 00 +

LEMKEN SOLITAIR 9/500 MOUNTED SEED DRILL W/ ZIRKON 12/500

LEMKEN ZIRKON 12/600 POWER HARROW

LEMKEN ZIRKON 8/300 (POWER HARROW ONLY)

R E N BAN

LEMKEN ZIRKON 12/500K POWER HARROW 3 Available, North Island wide

ADD

LEMKEN SOLITAIR 9/300 MOUNTED SEED DRILL

1 Available, located in Rotorua

T GS 15 3, 45 0+

LEMKEN TOOTHED PACKER ROLLERS, SUITS ZIRKON 12/600

1 Available, located in Feilding

LEMKEN SOLITAIR 9/500 MOUNTED SEED DRILL W/ ZIRKON 12/500K

$7 TAR 1, TIN 35 G 0 + FR O GS M T

LEMKEN SOLITAIR 9/400 K-DS 125 MOUNTED SEED DRILL ONLY

$4 TAR 9, TIN 90 G 0 + FR O GS M T

$1 31 ,0 00 +

1 Available, located in Rotorua

GS $6 9, 20 0+

GS T

T GS

LEMKEN RUBIN 12/500 KUA COMPACT DISC HARROWS

3 Available, North Island wide

$8 9, 30 0+

$3 TAR 5, TIN 80 G 0 + FR O GS M T

LEMKEN RUBIN 12/300 KUA COMPACT DISC HARROWS

4 Available, North Island wide

3 Available, North Island wide

*T&Cs Apply Images listed are not representative of all equipment. Equipment may vary in condition. Only available on selected stock while stock lasts. Free freight on Lemken North Island Wide.

Find us at brandt.ca/nz 0800 TRACTOR

SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE MORE DEALS ONLINE.

POTTINGER NOVACAT 301 MOWER

POTTINGER NOVACAT 302 DISC MOWER

3 available, Waikato only

POTTINGER 842C TOP RAKE

MODEL NAME | NUMBER

POTTINGER NOVACAT 352V DISC MOWER 3 available, Waikato only

KRAMER KT357 TELEHANDLER

2 available, North Island wide

MODEL NAME |6.69 NUMBER POTTINGER MOUNTED

1 available, Waikato only

TEDDER

$1 STAR 19 TI ,5 NG 00 FR + OM GS T

HAY MOWER

$1 STAR 56 TI ,5 NG 00 FR + OM GS T

$2 TAR 1, TIN 60 G 0 + FR O GS M T

1 available, Waikato only

MODEL NAME |NOVACAT NUMBER 302 POTTINGER

1 available, Waikato only

GASCON 4.05 DISC HARROW

$2 0, 00 0+

SO LD !

3 available, Waikato only

2 available, Waikato only

$5 9, 00 0+

$6 2, 50 0+

2 available, Waikato only

$2 TAR 2, TIN 50 G 0 + FR O GS M T

SO LD !

$2 TAR 5, TIN 70 G 0 + FR O GS M T

$3 TIN 1, G F 50 RO 0 M

POTTINGER NOVACAT 301 ALPHA MOTION PRO

ST AR

GASCON 3.05M DISC HARROW

KRAMER KT276 TELEHANDLER

1 available, located in Pukekohe

KRAMER KT407 TELEHANDLER

7 available, North Island wide

*T&Cs Apply Images listed are not representative of all equipment. Equipment may vary in condition. Only available on selected stock while stock lasts.

Find us at brandt.ca/nz 0800 TRACTOR

Waipapa 1 Kilnac Ln 09 407 0666

Whangarei Silverdale 115 Kioreroa Rd 2 Emerali Rd 09 438 7228 09 427 9137

Pukekohe 7 Comrie Pl 09 237 0043

Cambridge 169 Victoria Rd 07 827 5184

Hamilton 7 Kells Pl 07 847 0425

Gisborne 67 Awapuni Rd 06 869 0006

Hastings Waipukurau 1318 Omahu Rd 21 Peel St 06 879 9907 06 858 8822

Masterton 315 High St 06 377 3009

Stratford 57-63 Juliet St 06 765 5690

Feilding 15 Darragh Rd 06 350 0042

Te Puke 575 Jellicoe St 07 282 7235

Rotorua 52 Vaughan Rd 07 345 5490