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$3b windfall?
SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
FONTERRA’S PROPOSED sale of its global consumer business could fetch over $3 billion but not all proceeds will end up in the pockets of farmer shareholders.
An independent report prepared by Northington Partners – based on information released by Fonterra to date on the proposed divestment – states that a full sale of the coop’s consumer business could reap between $3b to $3.4b or about $2/ share.
While the report says most of any sale proceeds could be returned to shareholders, it will be influenced by a wide range of factors, including seasonal working capital requirements and expected capital expenditure.
Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson told Dairy News that it’s still early days and the sale could take several shapes.
Stevenson says the decision on any capital return would rest with the Fonterra board and, like the Soprole divestment and subsequent capital return, would depend on key financial factors.
“Fonterra has indicated that there could be a significant financial return, but I would caution farmers to count their chickens around the $3b figure.”
Any sale of the consumer business – including household name brands such as Anchor and Mainland and Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka – would require shareholder approval.
Stevenson says the council plans to keep farmers fully informed as and when the co-op releases more information.
“There’s a long way to go and farmers will need to vote and approve, it’s a significant decision.”
The council plans to provide farmer shareholders more independent reports from Northington Partners as more information is publicly available.
Fonterra announced back in May that the consumer businesses were being put on the block and said it was looking at a timeframe of 12-18 months to achieve a sale.
In a strategy update issued by Fonterra in late September, the co-op pledged a “significant capital return” if it achieves the planned
asset sale. However, it has not quantified in dollar terms what the return might be. But Northington Partners, in its review, has given some clear indications.
Given the value of the businesses potentially for sale, the implications of the divestment for Fonterra and its shareholders “are significant”, Northington Partners says.
“We estimate that Fonterra could return up to $3 billion of capital to shareholders assuming a full exit.”
Northington points out that the potential sale of the businesses may result in an upward “re-rating” of the Fonterra share price depending on the price achieved and level of capital returned to shareholders.
“This is largely due to the potential scale of the capital return com-
pared to the current share price (~50% of the farmers-only market price) while a sale would have less impact on earnings, only reducing by ~20% (based on FY24 pro-forma estimates).”
Northington notes that Fonterra has committed to engage in further consultation with shareholders in relation to any potential divestment.
“We therefore expect that more information will be provided in due course including details on transaction structure, transaction value, use of sale proceeds (including the level of capital return to shareholders), implications for the brands, manufacturing and people and the ongoing relationship between Fonterra and the purchaser (e.g. milk supply arrangements).”
DWN
Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says the consumer business sale could take several shapes.
Weak supply keeping prices high
“We
WEAKER MILK produc-
tion in the Northern Hemisphere is keeping dairy prices high.
Following last week’s Global Dairy Trade (GDT) results, milk powders are now sitting at their highest prices since late 2022.
NZX dairy analyst Rosalind Crickett noted that bullish sentiment showed up in last week’s GDT with all product prices heading north, except lactose.
Crickett says despite milk production booming in the Southern Hemisphere for Australia and New Zealand, the Northern Hemisphere has seen flat to bearish production.
“China has also recently printed consecutive year-on-year milk production declines
through August (-4%) and September (-1.9%), and consecutive declines in the monthly ending stocks of dairy inventory, which could well be the driver behind this increased demand for milk powders we’ve seen of late.”
Milk fats were the star of the show, butter
skyrocketing 8.3% overnight, while anhydrous milk fat (AMF) jumped 4.6%, setting a new price record on the GDT platform. Whole milk powder prices gained 4.4%, with an average winning price of US$3,713/ MT. Skim milk powder prices gained 4% with an average winning price of US$2,850/MT.
Cheddar prices were up 4% with an average winning price of US$4,973/MT. Prices also rose for anhydrous milkfat (+4.6%), mozzarella (+0.9%), butter (+8.3%).
Lactose prices declined again, down 6.1% to US$843/MT.
Crickett believes constrained milk supply in other regions is a
key factor in the keen demand for milk fat products, with many regions such as the US and Europe producing less butterfat products in the year-to-date.
“Overall, there are many factors at play as we round out the final three trading events of 2024, with stockpiling for Christmas and the Chi-
nese Lunar New Year well underway.
“The US election was also making many traders nervous about the implications either result will have on trade policy and commodity markets as a whole.
“While production is booming in New Zealand and the NZX milk production predic-
tor anticipating a 3.6% YoY increase for October milksolids, concern regarding animal health in the US and EU, and weak domestic raw milk prices in China continues to be a driver of lowered production.”
ASB senior economist
Chris Tennent-Brown believes there are upside risks to the season’s milk price and NZ dollar hedging is paying off for Fonterra.
“We estimate that the lion’s share of this season’s NZD hedging will be in place now, and by our estimates it should be close to, or a tad lower than last season’s US$0.6120 effective rate.
“The current NZD level is still helpful however for the remainder of this season’s hedging and into the following year. The risks surrounding our current $9.20 milk price forecast are building to the upside.”
ORGANIC SECTOR BACKTRACKS ON GE
JESSICA MARSHALL
jessica@ruralnews.co.nz
ORGANICS AOTEAROA New Zealand (OANZ) says the Government’s new gene editing and genetic modification reforms could leave New Zealand as an outlier on the global stage.
The policy, an election promise from National in 2023, would see an end to what has been labelled an ‘effective ban’ on gene editing and genetic modification.
In August, the Government stated it would review current legislation on
gene editing rules.
At the time, OANZ welcomed the review, saying that while progress was steady on the regulations, it believed genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be a non-permitted activity.
However, following a series of meetings in Wellington late last month, the organisation has backtracked on its stance, claiming that, so far, they haven’t been consulted with on the policy.
At a meeting with the Primary Production Select Committee hearing, OANZ chief executive Tiffany Tomp-
kins said the organisation had been left out of discussions on the reforms.
“When we are looking at the changes to regulation around gene technology, we have been talked a lot about, we have been included in conversations with other people, but we have not actually had direct conversations with government about these regulations,” Tompkins told the committee.
As a result, she says, OANZ came to government to learn about the potential new regulations and how the regulations will impact the organics sector.
“We’re keen to understand the risk assessment that is the baseline for the regulations that will be read through Parliament,” she says.
Professor Jack Heinemann told the committee that the proposed reforms would make New Zealand an outlier in its regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
“There’s the potential here to radically under-regulate GMOs even compared to the major GMO exporting countries, including the US and Australia,” Heinemann says.
He says the reforms will provide a “hack” which will allow industry to
use deregulated processes to make products that would have otherwise been classified as higher risk, erodes traceability and “opens the door to intentional or unintentional industrial sabotage”.
Currently, Heinemann says, only 15 countries have deregulated or changed their regulations regarding GMOS.
“Over half of those are the major GMO exporters, not countries like New Zealand. There’s only another 20 countries who are in the process that we are in of discussing changes,” he says.
Organic dairying – a natural fit for Maori
DRIVING DOWN Broadlands Road, northeast of Taupo there’s a cluster of 19 Pāmu dairy farms around what is known as the Wairakei Estate.
Collectively, they produce 7.2 million kgMS/ year which they supply to both Fonterra and the Māori-owned Miraka, based in Taupo.
All the farms except one – Broadlands – are conventional dairy farms, but the Broadlands farm is different, although looking at the sign at the gate, you wouldn’t think so – it’s identical in style to all the other farms.
It’s on the left-hand side of the road heading north to Reporoa and therefore backs on to the Waikato River which was one of the reasons that four years ago, Pāmu began the three-year process to convert it to an organic farm. It’s now done its first season as a fully certified organic farm and is now into its second season.
The farm is part of the wider organics cluster of Pāmu organic farms, the majority which are located at Moutoua on the banks of the Manawatu River near the township of Foxton.
At 561ha, Broadlands is the largest of Pāmu’s organic farms, running 1150 kiwi cross cows with a target of producing 380,000 kgMS/year. The farms at Moutoua are all run in accordance with
the conventions around organics, but what sets Broadlands apart is that this is overlayed with unique Māori values such as kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga – essentially caring for the land and people, physically and spiritually.
Jacob Ratu was born in Whakatane 48 years ago and spent his early life in the township of Kawerau where his father worked for the railways. After leaving school he headed for Waikato where he studied law and where he met his wife Mere who was studying accountancy.
“I did three years of law but also decided I liked the outdoors and, with a family on the way, decided I needed a real job and got a job as a dairy assistant on a farm at Te Pahu in the Waikato,” he says.
That was the start of Ratu’s progression through the dairy industry. In 2007 he was offered a job as a dairy assistant on a new Pāmu farm, Resolution which was just being developed. He quickly rose through the Pāmu ranks becoming third-in-charge (3IC) at the Pinta farm, then 2IC at Broadlands and finally
became the farm manager there in 2011. His next challenge came in 2020 when it was decided that Broadlands should convert to organics.
Since taking on the manager’s role at Broadlands, Ratu has employed all Māori staff, partly because he wanted to see more Māori in dairy farming which is a good career. He says some staff have been there for about nine years, while others have joined more recently. He believes there’s a natural fit for Māori becoming involved in organic farming.
“Organic farming has
A TIGHT-KNIT TEAM
FOR A start, let’s not forget the role of Jacob Ratu’s wife Mere.
She is the compliance analyst for all the dairy farms in the Wairakei cluster. Her role is to ensure that all the farms, including Broadlands, are meeting the expectations of the assurance programmes that underpin the Pāmu brand.
So in effect she must keep a close eye on her husband as well as the other farm managers, but it’s fair to say he has a slight advantage and maybe sneaks some more time on the farm that he likes.
The Māori team at Broadlands is tight knit and they socialise a lot together.
Touch rugby, netball and trips to the gym in Taupo feature a lot – as do the families, sharing kai together on special occasions. Mere Ratu says manaakitanga – meaning the process of showing respect, generosity and care for the people who use services – is a priority for those at Broadlands.
“We do a lot with our whole farm whanau; we include the partners and kids of all our workers and that is really important. We make a special point of welcoming new workers and introducing them to the rest of the farm whanau
a lot of values similar to Māoritanga. Understanding that everything — whether it be a plant, water, animal — has a mauri and that each thing can have an impact on things around it. We at Broadlands act as kaitiaki or guardians to farm in a way that limits the negative effects of farming,” he told Dairy News In line with that, only natural fertilisers are used on the property, thus reducing nitrogen leaching into the Waikato River. No antibiotics are used and Jacob has also reduced the stocking rate and introduc-
because it can be quite isolating living rurally and being away from your actual whanau,” she says.
On the farming side, Jacob Ratu and his two key assistants meet every day and there’s a general staff meeting every week at which Māori protocols such as karakia are performed. Being all Māori means that Māori values are taken for granted.
“I take great pride in having a team that are all Māori. I think by staff being part of the solution and being able to have a say, it gives them a lot of ownership and pride in the farm. If you care for your staff, they will return the favour and care for you as an employer and friend and in turn care for the farm. This may be why we have such a low [staff] turnover,” he says.
Right now, Broadlands is unique and a venture that has worked well both for Pāmu and Jacob and Mere and the staff.
“To me, organic farming is like our kaumātua, kuia used to farm – low inputs, no fertiliser, no antibiotics, lower stocking rates. As we all know, there is a lot of attention to detail on organic farms; you cannot take your finger off the pulse,” concludes Jacob Ratu.
ing mixed grass species such as plantain, lucerne, cocksfoot different kinds of clover and chicory. He says cows like the variety of pasture.
“A lot the grasses have healing properties so the cow can self-medicate. That’s part of the way we manage, and this also improves soil health.
When we first started here you couldn’t find any worms – now you can go into pretty much any paddock and there are worms,” he says.
They source organic maize grain from Hastings and this year are planting their own maize
silage and as well have a run-off block.
While Ratu and his team have the flexibility to manage the farm in ‘the Māori way’, they have to comply with the KPI’s and rules of Pāmu. In the end it’s about meeting defined outcomes but there is flexibility about how these can be met.
Profitability is one of these and because Broadlands is a new conversion, it is still a little way off the performance of other well established Pāmu organic farms. But, in terms of the Wairakei cluster, it’s performing well and above others.
Cows coming in for miking with Mount Tauhara in the background.
Freedom Carson tail painting cows on the farm.
Ospri’s costly software upgrade
ANIMAL DISEASE management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of a major software project.
It has also put a price on the failure, OSPRI’s latest annual report revealing a $16.6 million write-down in the agency’s balance sheet.
The Information Systems Strategic Programme (ISSP) was supposed to deliver an online portal for farmers, eventually integrating a replacement NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing) and other disease management programmes including bovine TB and Mycoplasma bovis, with the existing MyOSPRI portal.
The project has been scrapped following reviews that identified significant issues with its governance and technology management practices, complexity, and likely ongoing costs.
The reviews were requested by OSPRI shareholders Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ, and Deer Industry New Zealand.
Retiring DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel told the recent DairyNZ AGM that the shareholders had had concerns about the project for some time.
“We pushed hard to get that review done and even helped draft the terms of reference for it, and that highlighted the key issues.”
Van der Poel said they took the issue very seriously because the project was a cost on “farmers’ money”.
“We also at the same time commissioned a governance review to make sure the governance structure and framework in reporting was fit for purpose because we had concerns about that as well,” said van der Poel.
A new OSPRI governance structure has now been implemented including a new Shareholders and Funders Group made up of senior representatives from B+LNZ, DairyNZ, DINZ and MPI, with direct oversight of the OSPRI board’s performance and director selection.
A Stakeholder Forum, replacing the old Stakeholders’ Council, will meet at least every six months to facilitate deeper engagement between OSPRI and its stakeholders.
In changes to the
OSPRI board, chair Dr Paul Reynolds has resigned and three new directors have been appointed, effective November 1. They are DairyNZ director Mark Todd, B+LNZ director Alex Guilleux, and Hugh Martyn, formerly a Board
Observer.
Tony Cleland and Louise Cullen will replace two outgoing directors, James Parsons and Fenton Wilson, following the Annual General Meeting on November 22.
Wilson, who is interim chair until the AGM,
says the changes to the governance structure mean there will now be more direct shareholder and funder oversight of OSPRI.
“These governance changes will ensure stronger leadership, greater accountability, and closer oversight of decision making, and financial performance.”
Fenton says the $16.6 million write-down is a substantial amount.
“We sincerely apologise to our stakeholders for this.
“While this represents a financial setback, the $16.6 million impairment will not affect OSPRI’s operational cash flow.
“OSPRI remains financially stable and fully capable of delivering its services. The impairment is an accounting adjustment, and our core programmes,
including TBfree and NAIT, will continue to operate effectively within their current funding agreements. No additional funding is required at this time.”
The ISSP would have added functionality to the existing MyOSPRI farmer’s portal, which has provided electronic Animal Status Declarations (eASDs) since 2022 and remains in place.
OSPRI’s new chief executive Sam McIvor says the hope had been to get a “one plus one plus one equals five” benefit of sharing data across all OSPRI’s programmes.
“What we have missed out on is the benefits promised from integration and NAIT’s replacement,” said McIvor.
“It’s gutting for our farmers, the third parties we work with and our own people.”
NIGEL MALTHUS
Ospri chief executive Sam McIvor.
LCAs tackle false narratives
THE QUEST to measure, report and make sense of the energy that goes into food production has come a long way in the past 25 years.
Andrew Fletcher is Fonterra’s programme leader, Sustainable Food Systems. Over the course of more than 20 years he has seen NZ primary industry go from talking mainly about “food miles” to now trying to assess the nutritional value of different types of dairy products.
When all the talk was about food miles, there was a strongly-held view among some of New Zealand’s competitors that the further product travelled, the worse it must be for the environment.
The New Zealand Government supported a study into the carbon footprint of selected New Zealand dairy products.
Using Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) initiated by Fonterra in 2008, New Zealand agriculture used to examine individual value chains, like the cost to the environment of New Zealand shipping goods to the other side of the world.
“And when we started doing LCAs, we could see that’s not actually true,” Fletcher told the International Dairy Federation (IDF) conference.
New Zealand dairy was now comfortable doing LCAs in a variety of areas - and offering them to international regulators and customers as a form of assurance. The standard methodology was now embedded into
systems like the European Union’s product and environmental footprint approach, for example.
The dairy industry recognised the value of LCAs for maintaining consistent, credible standards for showing the environmental impact of products.
Fletcher said 46 members of the IDF, representing more than 75% of world milk production, had created a guide to LCAs “because it has become evident that the wide range of figures resulting from differing methodologies and data is leading to inconsistencies”.
The guide says this uncertainty “poses a danger of confusion and contradiction, which in turn could create a false impression that the industry is failing to
engage with the issue of climate change”.
Creating consistency and a clear message was important for the reputation of the industry globally “to highlight the high level of engagement that
is already taking place in relation to climate change, and to identify practices that will further reduce GHG emissions,” the guide says.
Fletcher said in the course of his career, the
conversation about LCAs had moved on from once only comparing the carbon footprint and GGG emissions of certain dairy-producing countries. Now the comparisons were also between different types of dairy foods, for instance.
There were growing calls for LCA researchers to compare foods that might be nutritionally quite different. “They might have quite different health benefits - and that’s a challenge.”
There was an international body of work on the concept of ‘nutritional LCA’. The conclusion, Fletcher told the IDF conference “is that, if you’ll pardon my use of colloquial English, ‘it is bloody difficult’”.
It wasn’t easy to go from comparing single supply chains, to now
“looking at two supply chains essentially producing the same thing - what’s the difference between them and what one is better? And how might the one that is not so good improve?”
There were growing calls for LCA researchers to compare foods that might be nutritionally quite different. “They might have quite different health benefits, and that’s a challenge.”
Fletcher said when it comes to nutritional benefit, it might be worth considering the basis for a comparison of different types of food. “Are they similar enough that it is a fair comparison to compare the footprints of those foods?” he asked. *Tim received support for his travel from the NZ Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators.
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Samuel Whitelock, on his farm in the Hawkes Bay.
TIM FULTON IDF conference, Paris
Andrew Fletcher, Fonterra
ASB joins NZ Dairy Awards’ national sponsor family
THE NEW Zealand Dairy Industry Awards has added ASB Bank to its national sponsor family.
NZDIA general manager Robin Congdon says ASB’s sponsorship could not have come at a better time.
“More importantly, their resources and expertise in the dairy industry will help us achieve our goals of educating and driving what’s important for the sustainability of dairy farming in New Zealand,” says Congdon.
Aidan Gent, ASB general manager rural banking, says the next generation of farmers is crucial to the future prosperity of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, and the NZ Dairy Industry Awards are a fantastic recognition of
dairy farmers.
“We are excited to be supporting them on their mission to celebrate the breadth of talent coming through the dairy industry as an integral part of New Zealand’s economy.
“ASB has a proud history of supporting some of New Zealand’s largest farmers, from the first steps of their farming career to where they are today – helping them to grow, diversify and future-proof their businesses, and we look forward to continuing to be a part of the journey for the next generation.”
strengthening its support for entrants in the awards programme.
Long-term national sponsor Ecolab has agreed to continue its sponsorship for the next three years, solidifying its commitment to the dairy industry. They have been a highly-engaged sponsor since 1986, actively participating in all regional committees.
Ecolab’s support has grown consistently over the years, with a special interest in the dairy trainee programme.
the Year, New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year and Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award categories and is supported by national sponsors ASB, CowManager, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Honda, LIC, and Trelleborg, along with industry partners DairyNZ, Fonterra and MediaWorks.
NZDIA Trust chair Paulette Johns says they are looking forward to the value ASB will bring to regional and national events “through discussions with entrants about what is important to them when lending to dairy farmers, through the tailored feedback they provide following individual on farm judging observations and through amplifying our efforts to share the great stories from our exceptional finalists with a wider audience”.
driving excellence in one of New Zealand’s most vital industries.
The partnership also highlights ASB’s ongoing commitment to supporting the dairy sector and
In addition to ASB, NZDIA welcomes training provider, Dairy Training Limited (DTL), who joins as an all-region sponsor,
DeLaval returns as an all-region sponsor, further bolstering the awards programme and experience for entrants.
The awards programme includes New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Dairy Manager of
Entries for the 2025 NZ Dairy Industry Awards opened on 7 October and will close on 8 December. Dairy farmers at all levels are encouraged to enter to benefit from the learning experience, grow their careers and businesses, and connect with others in the industry. More information can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.
@dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews
SHAREMILKER COMPLETES THE TRIFECTA
THE MAJOR winners in the 2024 West Coast/Top of the South Share Farmer of the Year award, Michael and Cheryl Shearer was happy to complete the trifecta.
He was named 2014 Taranaki Farm Manager of the Year and in 2012 he placed third in the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competition after
winning the West Coast Top of the South regional title.
Michael says he “really wanted to tick the box of winning all three categories”.
“Success in the awards has definitely provided us with opportunities we otherwise would not have had.
“We also really enjoy the network-
ing it provides, and it really does give you confidence both personally and in what you are doing on farm.”
The Shearers cite their financial discipline and low-input, once-aday system as their business’ greatest strengths. They run a tight ship that is sustainable and profitable in all payouts and say the once-a-day
system allows for time out of the shed and off the farm. “It’s important to be able to give your mind a rest from the farm as this helps to keep your head and thoughts clear and remind you what is really important.”
The Shearers are 50/50 sharemilkers on Russell Andrews’ 225ha Reefton farm milking 500 cows. They
won $8,000 in prizes and four merit awards. Entries for the 2025 NZDIA are now open.
West Coast Top of the South Regional Manager Anna Derks says all entrants eligible to win a trip to the Bay of Plenty for the National Final Gala dinner in May 2025. For more information visit the NZDIA website.
2024 West Coast/Top of the South regional winners.
DWN inks dual partnership deals
DAIRY WOMEN’S Network (DWN) is partnering with two agribusinesses to deliver better management tools for its members.
Last month, DWN has announced that it will collaborate with workforce management software provider, AgriSmart and insurance specialist Finance House Group Limited.
DWN says AgriSmart’s integrated approach to efficient farming and its commitment to the rural sector make it an ideal partner in supporting its members with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in their farm businesses.
Since its inception, AgriSmart says it has been known for its simple and reliable payroll and time-recording solutions tailored to New Zealand farmers. The company’s
“AgriSmart is proud to partner with DWN – our roots are in farming, most of our customers are farmers and we’ll always be committed to serving such a vital sector.”
award-winning software also delivers accurate annual leave entitlements for employees on variable roster patterns.
Building on these achievements, AgriSmart says it now offers a comprehensive workforce management solution, including employee onboarding & contracts, scheduling & tasks, and health & safety manage-
ment.
“AgriSmart is proud to partner with DWN –our roots are in farming, most of our customers are farmers and we’ll always be committed to serving such a vital sector. We look forward to working with – and learning from the farm CFO’s – the dairy women who are the administrators and decision
makers within rural businesses,” said Imran Raza, AgriSmart’s chief executive and founder.
DWN chief executive Jules Benton says their partnership with AgriSmart represents an exciting opportunity for members to access cutting-edge agricultural technology.
“Not only are we aiming to enhance our
members’ farm operations but also helping them save time, reduce stress in their daily operations, and make a meaningful impact on their farm businesses,” she says.
The partnership will kick off with an exclusive offer for all DWN members, followed by a series of webinars that explores AgriSmarts’ technology
and sees them in practice.
Additionally, the partnership will bring new opportunities for farm administrators and business decision-makers to engage with AgriSmart at regional DWN events and workshops.
This partnership between DWN and Finance House Group aims to ensure rural families and businesses have access to expert insurance solutions that protect their livelihoods, shared through webinars and workshops.
Their first webinar, held last week, focused on everything farmers need to know about ACC, its products, limitations, and benefits.
As a family-owned and operated business, Finance House Group says it prides itself on its commitment to its clients.
The company says that with deep roots in the farming community, it provides first-hand insight into the specific needs and risks associated with rural life.
“We are excited to partner with DWN,” said Greg Banicevich, director of finance House Group.
“At Finance House Group, we understand the unique challenges faced by those in the rural sector. By partnering with DWN, we can continue to aid rural families and businesses in protecting what they have worked their entire lives to build, and ensure they are looked after when they most need it.”
Benton notes that Finance House Group’s dedication to the rural sector and their extensive experience in insurance make them an ideal partner.
THE DAIRY industry will be a major beneficiary of a new free trade deal between NZ and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).
The council, comprising some of the world’s wealthiest countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – already buy $1.8 billion worth of NZ dairy products. This makes the GCC region our second-largest dairy market after China. New Zealand and GCC trade is worth over $3 billion annually, with New Zealand exporting $2.6 billion in the year to June 2024.
Time to reset
NEW ZEALAND needs a rethink about how banks allocate capital. The founding director of NZ Agri Brokers, Andrew Laming, reckons the banking structure massively favours lending to housing, at the expense of the productive sectors, particularly agribusiness. Between 20182024, lending to housing grew 45.54% while lending to agri grew 3.44%. He says, put plainly, over the last 6 years, the main banks collectively advanced an extra $111 billion to housing and just $2 billion to agri. “These structural issues also make lending to agri (& business) more expensive (the margins are almost double in agri on average and in some cases can be higher), even though agri lending losses are actually very low. This is a massive fiscal drag on the NZ productive sectors.” A shake-up of the banking sector’s priorities is long overdue!
Virtual
fence probe SHOULD THERE be an inquiry into virtual fencing technology for cows?
The decision will be in the Government’s court once hearings and submissions are completed by the Parliament’s petitions committee and a recommendation presented to the House of Representatives.
Over the past few weeks, stakeholders have been presenting to the committee following a petition from Golden Bay farmer Tim Rhodes calling for an inquiry into virtual fencing and its impact on animal welfare.
Federated Farmers opposes the petition, but SPCA is throwing its support behind it. Halter, which is marketing the technology, said in its submission that the system had safeguards in place to protect animal welfare, such as an automatic deactivation feature if cows failed to respond to cues.
Rhodes claims that the public need to be actively engaged with the good and the bad stories of virtual fencing.
Not fair
THE LISTENER’S latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.
It presents an unfair reflection of many hardworking Southland farmers who work tirelessly to keep animals safe and dry during winter.
The article claims intensive farming in the cold Deep South could damage the image of the dairy industry.
Southland dairy industry leaders admit that a handful of farmers are still not getting winter grazing right but painting every dairy farmer in the region with the same brush isn’t fair.
The article unfairly claims that most Southland cattle spend winter on paddocks that are often bare soil. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Chinese strategy FONTERRA MAY have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
Last week Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell was at the 2024 China International Import Expo in Shanghai, his second trip the annual trade show.
He says CIIE provides a platform for Fonterra to further collaborate with its partners in China.
Fonterra continues to invest in innovation in China’s dairy sector – it has six Fonterra application centres in China, focusing on developing new applications for dairy products and helping customers adapt to market trends.
Hurrell reiterates Fonterra’s commitment to partnering with local players to grow with China’s dairy industry. After all, the Chinese dairy market is worth $6 billion to NZ.
The New Zealand Government – in particular Trade Minister Todd McClay –deserves a pat in the back for this achievement. Previous NZ governments must also be acknowledged for laying the foundation for the trade deal. It delivers on an 18 yearlong ambition for New Zealand to bag this high-quality trade deal in the Middle East. This is the highest quality deal the GCC has done to date and its first with a major agricultural exporter. It delivers duty-free access for 99% of New Zealand’s exports over 10 years and when combined with our recently concluded NZ-UAE CEPA, 51% of our exports to the region will be tariff-free from day one.
Dairy processors welcome this deal along with the other recent deal between NZ and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Locking in elimination of the already low tariffs on key dairy products into this highly valuable market provides important commercial certainty for dairy exporters, according to the Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ).
It wants the Government to maintain momentum and ambition to bring down barriers with other negotiating partners, including upgrading existing trade agreements that have not yet secured dairy tariff elimination. This will ensure continuing high quality and high value markets for our world-class dairy products.
SOUTH ISLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Kaye Sutherland Ph 021-221 1994 kayes@ruralnews.co.nz
Not respectful
I THOUGHT your story on Theo Spierings (October 29 issue) was not that respectful of someone who has passed.
To quote one unnamed director who had nothing good to say should have been left out. When you think that half the things that Fonterra have been able to sell was only because of what Theo did – DFE pharma was one.
Yes, China farms never made money on their own right, but they allowed Fonterra to develop a $4.5 billion dollar business in China that is keeping plenty of our farmers afloat today. There is plenty more, like how he led the environmental charge
for dairy farming. No one talks of fencing off the streams and rivers today but Theo was the driver of that seeing the need to get ahead of the game.
Beingmate did not work out and, yes, that also cost hundreds of millions, but you could well ask those directors that are so quick to rubbish Theo why we still had a branded business that required a Chinawide retail marketing partner.
Who is really to blame for the lost billions? I think one or two directors past and present on the Fonterra board are more culpable.
If Fonterra was able to break out the brands business at formation or
Well done PAMU
IT AMAZES me that in a free enterprise, capitalist country like ours, that the central Government is the biggest rural land owner in New Zealand, perhaps a residual hangover effect of it having the monopoly right to purchase land from Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi.
I congratulate Will Burrett and the Pāmu Farms board on establishing sharemilking opportunities on their dairy farms. This is one of the most progressive moves Pāmu have made this century. It will drive innovation, modernisation, enterprise and opportunities for staff to progress and no doubt returns to the public.
Four down Will, just 44 to go!
Dave Stanton Geraldine
even when Henry Van der Heyden tried to float Fonterra, management might not have had to grapple with conflicting business in a capital structure that was never designed to cope long term.
Theo Spierings deserved better.
Garry Reymer Cambridge
Wise Ph 027-369 9218
Christchurch Kaye Sutherland Ph 021-221 1994
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The spread pattern can easily be adjusted depending on the feed quantity and moisture. The hydraulic steering allows the tedder to be angled, to spread the forage away from fence lines or water ways, and the hinged single rotor sections allows the tedder to adapt to the ground contours.
2:
Robust Construction:
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The SIP Spider range of Tedders come standard with a full Two-Year Warranty, plus an additional third year of warranty subject to regular dealer servicing, resulting in worry free operation.
The late Theo Spierings
SIDE 2025’s new schedule, venue
ANNUAL FARMER gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.
The event is also breaking tradition by moving its annual gathering from June to April, a move that organisers say promises a fresh perspective and invigorated approach.
“Timaru isn’t just another stop, it’s the heartbeat of dairy farming in the South Island,” says Myfanwy Alexander, Duntroon contract milker and co-chair of SIDE. “In
an industry where change is constant and adaptation essential, choosing this location reflects our commitment not just to discuss success but to manifest it.”
The upcoming conference on April 7th-9th 2025 marks a departure from last year’s intellectually charged affair at Lincoln University – an event that was steeped in science and research while celebrating SIDE’s 25th anniversary. This year’s focus will be showcasing tangible achievements within dairy farming communities
farmer from Hunter
“Our choice to highlight real achievements reflects the practical mindset shared by our participants.”
Established in 1998, SIDE’s mission is to empower people in the South Island dairy sector to adapt and manage change. The conference is useful for those invested in advancing their skills through knowledge sharing.
BrightSIDE will also be back, an innovative one-day event designed for students, young farmers, or those seeking to
Managing risk for sharemilkers, contract milkers
FREE WORKSHOPS focused on managing risk in sharefarming got underway last week.
Organised by Federated Farmers, the event is targeting contract milkers, sharemilkers and farm owners.
The ‘Managing risk in sharefarming’ events are being held in Morrinsville, Te Awamutu, Hawera, Rongotea, Dunsandel, Waimate, Balclutha and Winton. The first event at Morrinsville Rugby & Sports Club was held last week.
“There are considerable opportunities and benefits in sharefarming, but there are plenty of risks too,” says Federated Farmers national sharefarmer chair Sam Ebbett.
“Farmers need to enter into sharefarming or contract milking relationships with their eyes wide open if they want to have a successful business or farming career.”
Federated Farmers is running these events to help farmers better understand what those risks are, and more importantly, how they can be mitigated.
“This is the kind of workshop I wish I had attended before I first went sharemilking. It would have been hugely beneficial for me as a young guy starting out,” Ebbett says.
“We’ll have all the industry experts in one place offering practical advice on things like contracts, farm assessments, insurance and building strong working relationships.
“If you’re looking at getting a sharemilker on next season, or you’re thinking of going sharemilking yourself, you should definitely be attending these workshops.”
The events are conveniently timed between milkings and will run from 12.30am until 12.30pm with a free BBQ lunch provided for attendees.
“Moving from a farm manager’s role into sharemilking or contract milking means you suddenly become a self-employed business owner,” Ebbett says.
“This brings a whole lot of new responsibilities. You’re essentially now carrying all the same risks as a farm owner, just not quite on the
•Ideal for Cattle Troughs
•High Flow •Side/Bottom Mount •Detach to Clean
same scale.”
enter or advance in the dairy industry, which will take place as part of the (SIDE) conference on Tuesday, April 8th.
With anticipation building around these two days packed full of informative workshops, inspiring keynote speakers and important networking opportunities, the SIDE Event is tailored toward empowering individuals involved throughout every level of dairy farming - be they veterans or newcomers to the industry, organisers say.
He says sharemilkers are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in the milk price, while contract milkers can get stung with rising costs in a highinflation environment.
“Suddenly you’re employing staff, dealing with health and safety requirements, and navigating environmental and animal welfare responsibilities that all bring risk too.
“These workshops are all about helping people understand those risks and responsibilities, and how they can put in place a plan to manage them.
“Farm progression is so important for the future of our dairy sector, so it’s important we provide these opportunities, particularly for the next generation coming through.
“November is when people tend to start making decisions about what they might like to do next season, so these workshops couldn’t arrive at a better time.”
Workshops are free to attend. For more information, call 0800 FARMING.
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South Island.
Abby Rawcliffe, fellow cochair of SIDE and dairy
Hills.
2025 SIDE co-chairs Abby Rawcliffe (Left) and Myfanwy Alexander.
Sam Ebbett
Monitoring is the past, health management is the future
ANIMAL HEALTH com-
pany smaXtec says monitoring is a thing of the past, health management is the future.
The Austrian-based company says the key to success is preventive health management. It points out that smaXtec customers are already benefiting from the revolutionary and unique AI-driven mastitis model TruAdvice.
The company’s research, which draws on millions of data points, has now also introduced ketosis and milk fever detection. At the same time, the new digital smaXtec assistant provides automated management lists and reports that noticeably simplify life and work on dairy
farms.
“The first customers are thrilled – another breakthrough in health prevention and optimised farm operations,” it says.
It says smaXtec has really taken the guesswork out of a lot of dayto-day decisions and actions on many US farms.
“I am no longer stressed, thinking that I need to get to the barn to observe the cows for health issues,” says farmer Sheldon Luehmann from Minnesota.
Ryan Schleis, Wisconsin also appreciates the efficient health management.
“SmaXtec has helped make day-to-day life on the farm easier. You can look at the system from a
distance and see the basic alerts that it generates every day which is great, but it has so much more information that can help you make accurate dayto-day herd management decisions.”
SmaXtec says it has further developed its TruAdvice technology
with new AI features delivering precise alerts for common dairy cow diseases.
“What started with mastitis is now being expanded to include milk fever and ketosis for the first time,” it says.
“TruAdvice uses millions of data points and
BETTER ANIMAL GENETIC GAIN SYSTEM
A GOVERNANCE group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group’s (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a ‘road map’ for improving New Zealand’s animal genetic gain system.
The IWG was charged with evaluating the dairy sector’s genetic improvement progress and recently put forward recommendations to drive faster rates of genetic gain in New Zealand’s dairy herd.
The IWG report said the current system for genetic gain in New Zealand was not fit-for-purpose and that, as a result, New Zealand’s genetic herd has lagged relative to other advanced dairy industries.
Importantly, the IWG report noted its confidence that New Zealand can catch up to fully harness the benefits of genomics for faster genetic gain, unlocking increased profitability and improving environmental outcomes.
Upon the report’s release in July, DairyNZ, LIC and CRV all committed to making changes for the sector’s benefit and will each participate in a newly established governance group to take the report’s recommendations forward.
The governance group met yesterday and identified six workstreams to action the report’s recommendations, including:
■ Establish a future looking
National Breeding Objective
■ Develop a solution to have one Breeding Worth Index
■ Improve the volume and quality of phenotype collection
■ Audit and validation
■ Access international expertise
■ Communication and broader extension on genetics and animal evaluation.
The governance group has commenced a process to appoint an independent chair for a two-year term, alongside an appointed project manager.
“The report clearly outlined how New Zealand can improve the rates of genetic gain and we are fully committed to ensuring that the recommendations are actioned to benefit the entire sector,” DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says.
“We have had productive conversations about how we can
implement the recommendations and are determined to work together and overcome sector challenges to ultimately deliver benefits to our New Zealand dairy farmers – through animals that are more resilient, profitable and easier to farm into the future.”
He says the governance group parties will work together to develop outputs that meet the needs of other stakeholders in the sector to access and participate in a one genomic breeding worth index.
He says they will also ensure they have the right reporting mechanisms set up for the workstreams for transparency and consistency, and an engagement plan is being developed to ensure all interested stakeholders can participate effectively in the governance group process.
The governance group will provide regular updates.
veterinarian-verified disease data to generate accurate disease indication notifications. This enables dairy farmers to act early, before a situation becomes critical.”
Farmer Amber Horn from Wisconsin is enthusiastic.
“We are excited to
5 Reasons to choose INTRA REPIDERMA
take advantage of smaXtec’s new AI features to act even more proactively.
“SmaXtec was already great in providing real time health monitoring but with their TruAdvice technology I get an alert that identifies mastitis as the suspected problem for a specific cow.”
With the digital smaXtec assistant, farmers now have an indispensable tool for better herd control, the company chief executive Stefan Scherer says.
“The assistant generates individual management lists and dynamic reports, enabling farmers to implement optimised action plans when they intervene early, thanks to TruAdvice.
“This tool is especially helpful on large farms, improving the organisation of workflows and staff resources. The digital assistant provides pre-configured templates while also offering the flexibility to tailor reports to meet the specific needs of each individual farm.
“Our revolutionary approach, shifting from simple monitoring to preventive health management, catapults farmers worldwide to the forefront of modern dairy farming.
“These are challenging times for farmers, and I don’t know of any other system that supports our farmers so revolutionarily with AI-based technology for optimal herd health.”
SmaXtec research, which draws on millions of data points, has now also introduced ketosis and milk fever detection.
Campbell Parker, DairyNZ
Goat proof barns, pens to control curious animals
PART OF your preventative healthcare needs to focus on the safety of the physical environment, according to a dairy goat farming website.
“Goats are naturally curious so the barns and pens need to be ‘goat proofed’ just in the same way as you might childproof your home for young children. This is particularly important for any pens housing young goats,” says Dairy Goat Farming NZ.
According to the website (dairygoatfarmingnz. com), ways to goat-proof space include: Check all housing areas for any gates or boards that could fall
onto an animal if jumped on or pushed over.
Double latch (or use a latch and a chain) gates to prevent goats opening them themselves. This will not only prevent the goats from injuring themselves on items in the surrounding areas but will also save your machinery and equipment from being jumped on and chewed by any escapee goats.
Avoid hoof-sized gaps between palings and between gate hinges and posts. Any gaps must be small enough that they can’t fit their feet into the space or big enough that they can get their feet out again if they put
JOHNES DISEASE
JOHNES IS a terminal disease which causes the goat to simply waste away. The first indicator will usually be a drop in milk production but at this point it may not be recognised as Johnes. Following this the goat will lose weight regardless of the diet offered and in the late stages of the disease will typically have diarrhoea.
As there is no treatment available for these does, this disease costs farmers in terms of milk yield loss as well as the terminal loss of good animals from the herd, particularly as there seems to be a higher incident of Johnes in higher producing does.
The bacteria causing this disease is spread through infected faeces, and from mother to baby during the birthing process.
Young kids can also be exposed to the bacteria in the bedding in the postbirth period.
them in there. Spaces that narrow down to a wedge are particularly
Good barn management, selecting replacement kids from healthy dams and proactively culling goats suspected to have this disease are required in order to reduce transmission rates within herd.
The bacteria also survives for a long time in the soil and recontamination can occur if goats are fed pasture that has had contaminated effluent spread on it.
A vaccination programme for the kids which includes the Gudair vaccine can assist in the reduction of Johnes in the herd. Whilst the vaccine does not provide 100% protection against Johnes in goats, it proves a useful tool in slowing the transmission of the disease in the herd.
It is worth noting here that CLA (Cheesy Gland) can also cause wasting in goats – testing and consultation with a vet to determine the exact nature of the issues observed is needed to ensure correct diagnosis.
bad as goats will be able to get their feet into the gap as they jump up but as they come down their feet will become trapped in the smaller space. The same is true for spaces in which they might put their heads and necks. Never have a feed rail space that narrows at one end or goats will end up strangling themselves or being pushed into the wedge by other
goats. Avoid the use of gates with diagonal bracing, particularly with your kids whose heads can fit it the gaps and become wedged in the corners. Do not leave wire, rope or string (such as baling twine) in the pens or where they can reach through and pull it into the pen.
Avoid the use of chain mesh gates as eartags catch on these easily,
resulting in the loss of the tags and often torn ears.
Hoof care is also important.
The website says hooves of indoor dairy goats require ongoing management in order to prevent painful issues.
“Damp bedding material (which encourages bacterial growth) and over feeding maize concentrate (increases the
hoof growth rate) are the two main causes of foot issues.
Keeping on top of your barn maintenance and regular trimming of hooves will keep most issues under control.
“Bringing in external hoof trimming contractors three to four times per year will get the whole herd done within a day or two and additional hoof trimming can be done on farm in-between as required. The annual cost per animal is approximately $10-15 per doe depending on how many times they are trimmed. Where preventative measures aren’t enough, antibiotic and pain relief treatments may be needed.”
Being aware of the potential spread of disease from one farm to another, and putting measures in place to control this is an important but easily overlooked preventative health strategy.
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GOATS HAVE less ‘built-in’ natural immunity to worms than other species such as cows and sheep as their natural diet and browsing habits see them less exposed to worm larvae. Under intensive pasture-based systems like we have in New Zealand, the best way to reduce worm burden is to limit as much of the larvae as possible from entering
the goat’s digestive systems. This is what underpins the cut-andcarry system of feeding goats that is prevalent in commercial NZ goat farming operations. By cutting the pasture at least 2cm higher than the base, most of the worm larvae is left in the paddock and by feeding the pasture down a centre lane or on a conveyor,
the goats are not mucking back on the feed they are eating. Barber pole worm seems to be the most common type of worm affecting dairy goats. Goats with worm burden will usually look rough coated, losing weight, and have bad diarrhoea. They may also be anaemic (pale around the eyes and mucous membranes).
Part of preventative health care of goats needs to focus on the safety of the physical environment.
The best way to reduce worm burden is to limit as much of the larvae as possible from entering the goat’s digestive systems.
Mounting kit helps with accurate metering, spreading
STOCKSAG HAS intro-
duced a mounting kit to fit its Turbo Jet 8 or 10 units to pneumatic trailed SKY EasyDrills, allowing separate metering and accurate application of products like Avadex through an additional set of outlets behind the drill’s press wheel.
The mounting kit features a loading platform, steps, and guardrail that meet all safety regulations and maintain a safe working environment.
“The new mounting kit will meet the needs of EasyDrill owners looking for an applicator that will precisely meter and accurately spread Avadex granules through a separate distribution circuit,” says Greg Moore, Norwood brand manager –equipment.
The 240-litre hopper includes an Avadex feed block metering roller, 32mm seed hoses, and ten outlet spreader plates for an even application. Granules are applied directly to the seed bed behind the drill allowing for a consistent, even spread pattern.
A Turbo Jet Avadex applicator fitting kit is also available for the 4m and 8m EasyDrills: the 4m with a Turbo Jet 8 (8 outlets); the 8m EasyDrill with the Turbo Jet 10 (20 outlets) and the option of a 400-litre hopper.
For ease of operation, the Turbo Jet is fitted with the intuitive i-CON Control, which allows for rates to be automatically controlled in proportion to forward speed for ultimate accuracy.
When the Turbo Jet is not being used for applying Avadex, it can be used as an additional applica-
tor, enabling a fully specified drill to apply five products at once through three different outlets at variable rates of product with mapping data using a GPS based touch screen.
“Although an ideal applicator for Avadex, the unit can also be used for applying clover seed, full-rate grass reseeds or cover crops if mounted to a wide variety of machines, including grass
Entries open for innovation awards
tions for the industry.
FIELDAYS AND its renowned Innovation Awards are celebrating their 57th year, marking a longstanding tradition in the agricultural calendar, with the latter delivering a platform for problem-solvers to showcase their innovation to the primary industries.
The call for entries is now open, inviting participation by innovators from the primary sector in areas such as dairy, meat, wool, forestry, horticulture - including viticulture, seafood, aquaculture, fishing, arable farming, alongside agri-tech -including food and green tech, and supporting activities like machinery, processing, and manufacturing.
With over $75,000 in cash, support, and promotion—including expert advice, product design, development, and marketing and media support—these awards aim to help grow and develop the winners’ products and services and provide solu-
A diverse judging panel from across the industry includes the new members Emma Poole, Michelle Good, Justin White and Oliver McDermott, who will start judging starting at the end of April when applications close. The awards will be presented during an exclusive evening event at Fieldays.
Fieldays programme manager Steve Chappell said, “We are so lucky to have this calibre of judges year after year, and these new judges will only add to that skill set. Wool and natural fibres were highlighted at the 2024 Awards, and it is exciting to see which trends we’ll see in 2025 for entries and winners”.
On-farm solutions continue to gain recognition, including 2024 winner Penny Ranger, who won the Young Innovator Award for her invention, Mark-It. Competing in the Early-Stage category, the St. Peter’s School student developed a drench gun attachment that marks sheep to easily see which animals have been treated.
In 2024, the competition saw the highest number of entries in a decade, a reflection of the growing demand for innovation in the market, particularly in precision farming techniques and robotics.
Offering three entry categories, Prototype is suitable for yet-forsale NZ-based innovations, EarlyStage highlights innovations that have moved beyond the conceptual phase and have launched commercially within the last year, and the Growth & Scale category must have achieved market entry with a product or service in New Zealand and at least one other country within the last four years. The popular People’s Choice Award will also return in 2025, allowing visitors to select their favourite entry.
The Fieldays Innovation Awards are supported by sponsors Map of Ag, Gait International, King St. Advertising, NZME, Sprout Agritech, and Blender Design. Details including entry criteria can be viewed on the Fieldays website at fieldays.co.nz/ innovation.
harrows and cultivators,” says Moore. In news from Sky Agriculture, with a capacity from 2200 to 2400l, the Progress TF is claimed to be the first front hopper capable of
managing up to four hoppers, via a single ISOBUS interface. Allowing the simultaneous delivery of four distinct products, through two independent air circuits, flow rate from the pressurised
pneumatic circuit is up to 60 kg/min, while the wide opening cover is said to simplify filling and maintenance.
A single attachment point to the tractor, as well as keeping things simple, also maintains a constant angle between the TF and the side pipe. Fitted with work lights as standard, options include a twin-wheel front packer, and the EDrive system.
The latter allows in-cab control of the opening and closing of each row, for simplified and universal tramlining management, regardless of sprayer width, while it is also possible to seed every other row. Additionally, with the new CCI console paired with a guidance system, automatic tramlining is possible.
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BA PUMPS EXPAND
CAMBRIDGE BASED BA Pumps & Sprayers, specialists in New Zealandmade spraying equipment, has acquired Tokoroa Engineering’s product range, including the iconic Milk Bar mobile calf feeder products, alongside calf and feed trailers.
The purchase further expands BA Pump’s comprehensive product offerings. While the manufacturing of the new product range has already been relocated to BA’s modern manufacturing plant located in Hautapu, Cambridge, contact details for Tokoroa Engineering products remain unchanged, to ensure a smooth transition for existing customers.
The move marks another milestone for BA Pumps & Sprayers, the company says, reinforcing its commitment to top-quality, locally-made solutions for New Zealand’s agricultural sector.
“We are very excited to add this product range to our stable,” says Mark
Harris, general manager of BA Pumps & Sprayers.
“The acquisition allows us to leverage our top-class New Zealand-made manufacturing capabilities and offer our reseller and end-user customers an even wider range of products.
“We are also excited about joining forces with McInnes Manufacturing who pioneered the Milk Bar teat and the associated product range and will manufacture the rest of the Milk Bar product range alongside us. McInnis really understands calf rearing, and operate a professional global company from NZ, while sharing the same family values as BA.”
Warwick Felton of Tokoroa Engineering added, “Our customers can continue to expect the same great products, now backed by BA’s extensive industry experience and production expertise”. www.tokoroaengineering.co.nz
MARK DANIEL
A 1.6m EasyDrill fitted with Stock Turbo Jet 10 i-Con Avadex Applicator.
