NEWS
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
AGRIBUSINESS
Hort exports top $6.2 billion.
Made in NZ – Pluck’s Engineering. PAGE 26
New AgResearch boss keen to make NZ Ag great again PAGE 18-19
PAGE 12
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS AUGUST 25, 2020: ISSUE 708
www.ruralnews.co.nz
What a cluster! PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
FARMING LEADERS have hit out at the Ministry of Health’s handling of the Level 3 lockdown in the Auckland region and the chaos and frustration that it’s creating.
Farmers, commercial growers, rural professionals and a whole raft of businesses have been thrown into disarray with the inept way the Ministry of Health (MoH) has run the lockdown. It appears the MoH also ignored the advice of the Ministry for Primary industry on how the matter should
be handled as rural people needlessly queued for hours to get through police checkpoints. HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman has described the location of the border and the way it is policed as absurd. Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard says the regional
lockdown was actually harder for farmers in Auckland than when the whole country was in Level 4 lockdown. Meanwhile, Feds Auckland president Alan Cole says the MoH bungle is creating an animal welfare issue. Hoggard says his organisation raised a number of issues with MPI, in
LOW WOOL PRICES STING! White Rock Station is way out on the isolated south Wairarapa Coast. Co-owner Tim Ritchie says the price they get for wool now doesn’t even pay for the cost of shearing. Thankfully for Ritchie and the other owners, the station is not just a cattle and sheep farm. Large areas of mānuka on the property have been used to establish a lucrative mānuka honey operation. There are over 500 hives on the property, which provide White Rock with a significant income – especially since wool prices have fallen sharply. Read more about how Ritchie, who earlier this year retired as the chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, and other family members have revived the historic station’s fortunes. See full story pages 20-21.
particular trying to get exemptions for essential workers, such as vets whose main base is at Pukekohe but who have clients on the other side of the lockdown. These were some of the people subjected five hour waits. “If an animal is sick you need a vet immediately otherwise it will die,” Hoggard told Rural News. “The MoH lacks an understanding of the supply chain. They just look through a health lens and everything else is subsidiary to that. On the other hand, MPI have been very good and have put our case forward.” Hoggard says farmers have complained about not being allowed to visit their farms and check stock on the other side of border, which he says has been distressing for them. He says Feds have been advising farmers to drive around with two rates demands – one for the farm and one for the run-off. “Hopefully, and in theory, the police will understand and they will be able to get through.” Hoggard says if lockdown is going to happen again the process needs to be streamlined, with some sort of scan or sticker, which allows essential workers to get though checkpoints quickly. “Trucks should have fast lanes and be waved through and not be forced to sit in a queue for five hours like the people who are heading to the beach or their holiday homes,” he says. The frustration in the voice of Auckland Feds president Alan Cole was clearly evident when he spoke to Rural News. He says this is one of the busiest TO PAGE 3
SAVE OVER $1,000 *
KINGQUAD LT-A400F #FIRST ON 4 WHEELS
$11,300
+GST
*Price excludes GST, saving shown includes GST. Offer not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Promotion period runs until 31 October 2020 or while stocks last.
owneD
ed
da
2
kiwi
at
pr
o w ne
100%
y all
ly oud loc
nd oper
SP R I N G MOW-AWAY
YEAR WARRANTY
MOUNTED DISC MOWERS (2628-2632-2832-2836-2840): Non-stop break-back device, easy lift on headlands, low maintenance cutter-bar with round discs, even weight distribution means easy transportation ...... From $13,550+GST
FINANCE
MOWERS FROM
OPTIONS
NO DEPOSIT
REAR MOUNTED CONDITIONER (3332-3336): Non-stop break-back device, easy lift on headlands, low maintenance cutter-bar with round discs, even weight distribution means easy transportation .......................................From $29,990+GST
13,550
$
MOW-AWAY
VALUE
+GST
PROFI-LINE BUTTERFLY MOWERS AND CONDITIONERS: Combine 3.2-3.6m front mounted mowers with 9.2-10.2m rear mounted mowers to get the best cut. Contact us about the Profi-Line Performance Promise and enjoy Spring mowing.
POWER HARROWS
Multi speed gearboxes
OUR DEALS
s
Side cam PTO shafts
on
Heavy duty barrel race bearings
FI
Floating System Wings can fold upward
SPECIFICATIONS DEPENDING ON MODEL
JUMBO
a fu
AQUILA
f
FALCO
• Robust and reliable, Maschio is ideally suited for New Zealand conditions • Ranging in size from 4-8 metres and 130-550Hp • Quick fit blades and cage or packer roller options • Match soil breaking and aerating with ll range o clod breaking T and levelling ASK ABOU • Up to a 30cm working depth and frames that NA N C E o p ti fold and float
Power Farming NZ WHANGAREI
09 438 9163 MASTERTON
FA5079RN
06 370 8240
PUKEKOHE
0800 570 571 NELSON
03 544 5723
TAURANGA
TE AWAMUTU
MORRINSVILLE
BLENHEIM
GREYMOUTH
CHRISTCHURCH
07 543 0021 03 544 5723
07 870 2411
03 768 4370
07 889 5059
03 349 5975
ROTORUA
07 349 6528 ASHBURTON
03 307 7153
GISBORNE
06 868 8908 TIMARU
03 687 4127
HAWERA
0800 480 309 DUNEDIN
03 489 3489
Terms and conditions apply. While stocks last. Normal lending criteria applies. Offer ends 31.9.20. Contact your local dealership for more information. Two year warranty available on selected products only.
HASTINGS
FEILDING
06 879 9998
06 323 8182
GORE
INVERCARGILL
03 208 9395
03 215 9039
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
NEWS 3 ISSUE 708
www.ruralnews.co.nz
Major beef with lockdown rules exemption for sheep and beef farmers, like some other agricultural industries have achieved,” he told Rural News. “This would provide absolute clarity for farmers and those managing the border.” McIvor says there are about 500 sheep and beef farmers within and just outside the Auckland region. He says while they completely understand the challenge the Government is facing, it is a particularly critical time of the year for farmers with lambing and calving in full swing. “Often farmers have worked for 364 days of the year to get a live lamb or calf on the ground on day 365, and
PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
NEWS ��������������������������������������1-12 HOUND, EDNA ����������������������� 14 CONTACTS ������������������������������ 14 OPINION �����������������������������14-16 AGRIBUSINESS ���������������� 17-19 MANAGEMENT ��������������� 20-21 ANIMAL HEALTH ������������22-23 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS ���������������������� 24-26 RURAL TRADER ��������������26-27
HEAD OFFICE Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122 POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: Ovato Print
BEEF+LAMB NZ chief executive Sam McIvor says there are inconsistencies in how the Auckland border rules are being applied, with some farmers allowed to visit a block of land that could be on the other side of the border, while others cannot. He says B+LNZ has heard from frustrated farmers north and south of the border, because workers and providers are not able to get on-farm. “We know the impacts on individual farms are significant and we have raised with MPI the need for a class
ISSUES IGNORED HORTNZ’S MIKE Chapman says his organisation wrote to the Prime Minister when the lockdown was first announced asking for independent retailers to be allowed to open during Alert Level 3. He says in Auckland independent retailers account for 60% of sales to the public and also sell culturally significant fresh fruit and vegetables to their communities, which aren’t readily available in supermarkets. In the letter, HortNZ tells the PM that in Auckland a large number of households in the poorer outer suburbs have lost the ability to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from their local retailers at affordable prices. They also warned the PM about the financial effect on growers. As Rural News went to press, Chapman says they have not received a response from Ardern – only notice that the matter had been handed on to Minister Phil Twyford for his consideration. “They need to get their act together because the longer the delay, the more food that is wasted and that is absolutely absurd.” Chapman says it’s clear the MoH don’t understand the supply chain. He says the border is based on the Auckland super city boundaries, but a more sensible approach would have been to consider the actual commercial growing production areas. Chapman told Rural News that the MoH never asked for any advice and they seem to be controlling it in their own way.
BLNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says there are inconsistencies in how the Auckland border rules are being applied.
having access to their staff, farm supplies and – in some cases veterinary support – to ensure animal welfare, is critical,” he says. MPI says it has supported the primary sector throughout the Covid19 response to continue operating safely. It says in the past week it’s successfully worked with MoH to secure class exemptions for essential workers to travel across the Auckland
border. MPI says these include those involved in horticulture, dairying, poultry production and the distribution of goods. It says it has also sought class exemptions for vets and some forestry activities. MPI says its senior leadership have met with sector leaders frequently and is committed to helping the sector continue operating during alert level restrictions.
CONTACTS
What a cluster!
Editorial: editor@ruralnews.co.nz Advertising material: davef@ruralnews.co.nz Rural News online: www.ruralnews.co.nz
FROM PAGE 1
times of the year for farmers with calving and lambing. “But the MoH has deemed that farming is not an essential industry and that is the problem. Their actions are causing a whole lot of grief that doesn’t need to happen.”
Subscriptions: subsrndn@ruralnews.co.nz ABC audited circulation 79,553 as at 31.03.2019
MOWERS, TEDDERS
AND MORE...
Cole says two months ago the country was warned about the prospect of regional lockdowns, but says there has clearly been no planning on this issue at all. He says there is a lack of consistent documentation to allow people to get exemptions to cross the border to their farms.
“Dr Ashley Bloomfield says applications for exemption are being processed fast by his department, but this is not the case. We do understand about the regional lockdown, but there needs to be systems in place to deal with it and there aren’t,” he told Rural News.
******
MOWERS
COME STANDARD
UNIQUE
HOOKED
TINE
WITH QUICK
CHANGE
BLADES
******
www.malonefm.co.nz/ NATIONWIDE
DELIVERY
Cole says farmers need to be able to get to their farms to feed and care for stock and if they don’t the animals will suffer. He says some farmers can’t even get to supply stores to buy items they need for their stock and farm infrastructure.
gaz.co.nz | malonefm.co.nz Call Jarred L’Amie | 07 823 3765 | 027 203 5022 CAMBRIDGE | OTOROHANGA | ROTORUA
Country Machinery (Palmerston North) Dean Booth 027 550 7986 | 0508 762 574
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
4 NEWS
Second Covid waves hit dairy prices SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
SECOND WAVES of Covid-19 around the world continue to weigh on dairy prices, according to Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny. He says the steep price fall over August comes as several countries battle renewed outbreaks of Covid and as total global case numbers continue to increase rapidly. “Indeed, some dairy markets and trade hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam that were successfully containing Covid have seen cases spike over August,” says Penny. “With this in mind, it appears that dairy mar-
NZ MILK SUPPLY ALL EYES will be on New Zealand milk production as the southern hemisphere production ramps up. From a supply perspective and with spring around the corner, the normal lift in NZ dairy production will begin to weigh on prices. Westpac’s Nathan Penny says the other dynamic in play will be spring weather and growing conditions. “As this plays out, we will look to NZ production growth versus a year ago for additional direction to dairy prices. “At this early stage and anecdotally, a mild winter has set up farmers well for a strong start to spring.” Westpac is maintaining its $6.50/kgMS forecast payout for the season.
kets are acting on this renewed risk and have pushed prices lower.” He made these comments after last week’s Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction recorded
Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny says the steep dairy price falls over August comes as several countries battle renewed outbreaks of Covid.
tions this month, WMP prices have slipped 9.5%, while overall prices have fallen nearly 7%. Prices are back below their preCovid levels after having wiped those price losses
its third straight drop in dairy prices. The key whole milk powder prices posted a 2.2% drop, while overall auction prices slipped 1.7%. Over the two auc-
LA
N
ZE
A
IN
EW
MA DE
SPECIALS
ND
Postdriver
over July. Penny told Rural News that things have changed since the Covid sweet spot over early July. “At that stage, by-andlarge, key dairy markets
SERIES 1 430
Includes • 230 kg hammer • 4.3m mast • 5 bank hydraulic valve • Terminator base 950mm side shift • Hydraulic hinge
17,500+GST
Normal RRP $18,900
Includes • 4 bank valve hydraulic top link and angle adjustment • 4.25m 150UC beam • 270kg hammer • Adjustable legs • Rock spike kit with 90mm spike
16,750+GST
$
Normal RRP $19,030
NZ MADE FOR OVER 40 YEARS
www.kinghitter.com •
THE HEAVYWEIGHT INPOSTDRIVERS
0800 476 868
increase followed by a 40% decline since April. “This level of extreme volatility may be behind us at this stage, but it is a reminder of the magnitude of volatility we have seen this year, and higher than normal market volatility is expected for months to come,” he says. At last week’s auction demand from North Asia (primarily China) increased while other key buying regions stepped back their purchases considerably. Bailey thinks while the Chinese national strategy might be to maintain larger inventories of dairy powders for food security purposes. The same is unclear for other markets such as South East Asia where such financing may not be an option or a focus within national programs.
A1 RESULT FOR A2
$
SERIES 2 WITH ROCK SPIKE
such as China and SouthEast Asia were seeing low and relatively stable case numbers, with lockdown restrictions generally easing as a result.” He expects outbreaks to wax and wane but says, generally, most key dairy markets (notably China) continue to manage Covid well. As countries get on top of virus flare-ups some of the August price falls may prove temporary. On the flipside, if the virus continues to surge in key markets, then prices are likely to fall further. RaboResearch dairy analyst Thomas Bailey notes that the dairy market is in a period of high uncertainty. Bailey points out that US spot cheese prices have seen a 100%
MILK COMPANY A2 has announced a net profit of $386 million, a 34% increase over the previous financial year. The maker of A2 milk products says it has made significant gains in revenue and earnings, with strong performances in all key product segments, and across all core markets. Total revenue for year ending June 2020 was $1.7 billion, a 33% increase over the previous year. The company’s flagship A2 infant formula nutrition products contributed $1.4b. Unlike many companies that were impacted by Covid-19 disruptions, A2 says its performance was robust throughout the year. “We demonstrated significant resilience in the second half, managing the business in the face of the Covid-19 global pandemic,” it says. “We estimate that Covid-19 had a modest positive impact on revenue and earnings for the year.” The company says revenues in the third quarter, as Covid-19 was setting in, was well above expectations due to the impact of changes in consumer purchase behaviour. – Sudesh Kissun
• sales@kinghitter.com
WILSON www.wilsonplastics.co.nz
WT 200
BREAK-FEEDING...
200 litres specially designed for break-feeding. They can be towed when full and also can reel in metres of alkathene.
RDT 200 WT 75
PORTABLE TROUGHS...
AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL FARM OR IRRIGATION STOCKIST
PHONE
06 357 8562
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
NEWS 5
Online livestock sales the way of the future PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
ONLINE STOCK sales are not just a Covid-19 thing, but the way of the future. That’s the view of Bill Sweeney, general manager of NZ Farmers Livestock, whose company has been running online sales now for several months. Sweeney says they started looking at the idea before the arrival of Covid-19 when they launched a new website, but rapidly accelerated the process when pandemic arrived in New Zealand. The present system could be described as a low technology approach – mixing a web based system with some handson work at an actual sale. Rural News saw this in action at the Rongotea saleyards a couple of months ago. The sale is live streamed from four cameras around the inside sale ring. “People register in advance and then link on to the website and can place a bid online. “We have a person monitoring the website and when a bid is made, that person signals the bid to the auctioneer,” Sweeny explains. “There is about a four or five second delay in the system, but the incoming bids are put up on the screen as they come to hand so that the
THREE SALES A DAY! BILL SWEENEY says given the success of the online system to date, they are planning a major upgrade to increase the use of online selling. He says at a sale in the future they will take photos of all the cattle in advance – or at the very least just before the sale begins – so that farmers can see the offering. According to Sweeney, dairy farmers – as opposed to sheep and beef farmers – are the ones that seem to have embraced the online system, which he says surprises him a bit. He adds that dairy clearing sales can also be more complex, but they have processes in place to deal with that. They are also looking to livestream sheep sales, with a person with a camera roaming the pens, enabling people to bid on these stock. At present sales are quiet, but in a few weeks’ time the first of the weaner sales will begin, followed by the store market and the clearing sales and this will run through well into December. Sweeney says during this busy period, online sales will effectively enable people to be at three sales in one day wherever they are in the country.
person bidding online is not disadvantaged.” He says the online system allows people who are either too far away from the saleyards, or who simply don’t want to come, to participate and bid on certain animals. For some, it means that they may only have to spend about 20 minutes at the sale. “From our point of view, this is a great way of supporting our clients with the sale of their cattle. “The more buyers we can get at a sale, be it physically or online, that is better for our vendor,” Sweeney told Rural News. “We’ve had guys from the South Island buying
cows from clearing sales in the North Island. “They said they wouldn’t have gone to the sale but they were definitely interested in the cows on sale, so that was a win-win for both parties.” As well as running the online sales at their various yards in the North Island, NZ Farmers Livestock have conducted clearing sales on farm and in some remote locations. Sweeney says this is a complex process from a technology perspective. He says if there is no WiFi, there is no sale. “We were working in some places where we had a direct line of sight
Bill Sweeney, general manager of NZ Farmers Livestock, says his company has been running online sales now for several months and their popularity is growing.
to a tower or somebody’s WiFi that we could connect to and could beam that down to the yards. But we needed a direct line of sight and no longer than 1.5km. “We’ve done this in a couple of remote places and it worked well. “It is a challenge at the moment, but as the technology and coverage improve that will make it easier.” Sweeney says in some instances where there has been no coverage, they have gone out beforehand and videoed the animals and played this on the web and run it as a normal sale. He describes this system as simply a virtual sale. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
6 NEWS
New water rules are coming – ready or not! DAVID ANDERSON
FARMING GROUPS are greeting the Government’s newly imposed freshwater regulations with trepidation, but acceptance. The new essential freshwater requirements were legislated earlier this month. These set out rules across a range of regulations covering stock exclusion from water bodies. They also impose regulations around managing perceived “at-risk farming practices” – such as winter grazing, land use change and new limits for water bodies.
The new rules will be implemented by both central government and regional councils, with those pertaining to the National Environmental Standards for winter grazing, stock exclusion and land-use change applying from 3 September 2020. Beef+Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers say they have been working with the Government over the last year, when the new regulations were proposed, in an effort to get more workable solutions. “While the outcome is far from perfect, we did achieve improvements on
A N
what was originally proposed in areas like grandparenting (where the freshwater module to the farm plan was removed and narrowing the limitations on land-use change) and improved rules around stock exclusion.” Both organisations say there are still areas where they have significant issues. These include: • The stringent permitted activity standards for winter cropping and grazing, and grandparenting of this activity for those that need a consent is problematic. • The accuracy of the national-scale map which
O F F E R
The new water regulations that come into force on September 3 focus on managing perceived “at-risk farming practices” – such as winter grazing.
identifies the parts of a farm that require stock exclusion, or not, from rivers or lakes. • The significant changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) which will impact on the way regional councils manage farming and freshwater health moving forward. However, both Feds and B+LNZ say the confirmation of the new regulations does bring some certainty for farmers who can now start to plan.
T H AT
“Over the coming months, our organisations will be engaging both nationally and regionally with a focus on the implementation of the rules that apply from 3 September.” The farmer lobbies says they want to ensure that the new regulations are consistent across the country and aim to help farmers with the practical implementation of the new rules. Both organisations are warning farmers that there will now be new
P U T S
rules, which apply to farming and freshwater across the country from 3 September. “These are broadranging and will impact almost every farm business,” they explain. “These will be especially important for farmers who farm on lower slope properties, have feed pads or other stock holding areas, want to intensify their land uses, graze stock over winter on forage crops (particularly on slopes), or apply significant amounts of nitro-
YO U
I N
gen fertiliser.” Feds and Beef+Lamb NZ say, over the next couple of months, they will be providing advice to farmers on the new rules, what changes they need to make and when. “This includes a strong focus on developing farm plan templates, guidance, and implementation processes.” All details on the Government’s policy announcements can be found at: www.mfe.govt.nz/ fresh-water/national-policystatement/ about-nps
T H E
DRIVER’S SEAT 0%
FINANCE*
OVER 36 MONT HS
1.69%
OR
FINANCE^
W ITH NO R EPAYMENTS UNT IL 2021
FENDT 700, 800, 900, 1000 SERIES | 144 – 517 H P Driving a Fendt is more than just driving a tractor. It’s driving your business forward with a machine that is truly forward thinking - think intelligent engine technology, industry leading operator’s console and record-breaking fuel efficiency. And if that’s not enough to pique your interest then our two special finance rate offers across the 700, 800, 900 & 1000 Series sure will. Pick the tractor along with the finance rate that works for you and put yourself in a tractor that says you’re serious.
Contact your local Fendt dealer for more information.
Visit fendt.com.au Fendt is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation.
says you’re serious.
*Finance available with an interest rate of 0% p.a. on a Hire Purchase agreement based on minimum 30% cash deposit, the GST component repaid in the 4th month and Monthly repayments in Arrears over a 36 months term. ^SPECIAL offer of 1.69% p.a. available on a Hire Purchase agreement based on minimum 30% cash deposit, the GST component repaid in the 4th month, a 10 months payment holiday with 36 monthly repayments starting in March 2021 with a total 46 months term. Both offers available until 31st October 2020, while stocks last to approved purchasers for hire purchase finance who use the equipment for business purposes only. Subject to terms and conditions and credit approval by AGCO Finance Limited GST No: 88-831-861. Fees and charges may apply.
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
NEWS 7
PGW’s game of two halves SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
PGG WRIGHTSON’S annual result for 201920 reflects a game of two halves: a first half net profit of $12.8 million followed by a loss of $5m in the second. The rural service trader last week announced a full-year net profit of $7.8m. That compared to a profit of $131.8m in the previous year, which was boosted by a $134.3m gain after the sale of its seeds business. PGW says this year’s second half loss and global uncertainty around Covid-19 means it will not pay a final dividend. However, chairman Rodger Finlay says the board intends to resume the payment of regular dividends when the market stabilises. For the year ending June 30, 2020, PGW’s operating earnings before interest and tax reached $45.2m. Its retail & water group’s operating earnings topped $35m on the back of solid performances by rural supplies business and Fruitfed supplies. PGW chief executive Stephen Guerin says a booming horticulture sector helped the company’s sales. “The horticultural sector has experienced good returns and yields and maintains a positive outlook. “Our business is diversified across a variety of crops and continues to adapt to market needs with Fruitfed Supplies maintaining a strong share in grapes, pipfruit, stone fruit and kiwifruit, and we are increasing our presence in avocados and cherries which continue to see investment.” Guerin says PGW’s livestock, wool and real estate business – known as the Agency Group – was hit hard by the Covid-19 lockdown between March and May. Operating earnings for the Agency Group were
only $8.4m compared to $15.9m for the previous year’s comparative period. “Our livestock business experienced a strong first six months, underpinned by buoyant livestock trading volumes and values,” Guerin explains. “In the second half of the year, widespread drought conditions resulted in high demand and a shortage of processing capacity.” Guerin says Covid-19 impacted international market supply chains and further restrictions on processing capacity were implemented when the country went into Level 4 lockdown. “These events, together with the significant impact caused through the temporary closure of saleyards under Level 4 and 3 lockdowns, had a significant impact.” PGW continued to operate during the lockdown as an essential service. The company received $4.1m through the government wage subsidy scheme. Finlay claims while the 2019-20 result “was not what we had targeted at the start of the year”, it nevertheless reflected well on the resilience of the business. “To deliver a trading performance similar to last year, after the level of disruption that we have experienced, is heartening and demonstrates that the business is in good health.” Finlay praised PGW staff for stepping up and continuing to serve customers through the various stages of lockdowns. “Our team adapted quickly and a number of our business units traded right through this demanding period and as a group, PGW has recorded a very credible operating result.” He believes for the company to be trading in line with the prior year is positive when PGW’s real estate, water and wool businesses, along with its livestock saleyards, were effectively unable to oper-
ate for the duration of the lockdown. Commenting on the outlook, Finlay says while there is scope for optimism with good demand
and commodity pricing for New Zealand export produce, there remains a degree of caution with continuing volatility in global markets.
PGW chief executive Stephen Guerin has blamed the rural services company’s poor second half year result on the impact of Covid 19.
NZ’s calf milk replacer, guaranteed to curd WHY ANCALF? •
High casein component for a strong curd, like nature intended
•
26% protein primarily from whole milk powder, providing essential nutrition for growth
•
20% fat from high quality dairy sources, the only fat to contain butyrate which is important for rumen and gut development
•
Contains Actigen® prebiotic to support calf health by preventing some bad bacteria, such as E.Coli and Salmonella populating the intestine
•
Coccistop® to help combat the effects of Coccidiosis. Safe for dogs and horses
•
NZ sourced dairy ingredients and manufactured locally
•
Easy to use. Easy to mix
REQUEST YOUR QUOTE TODAY 0800 809 011 | NZAGBIZ.CO.NZ Ancalf™ is a trade mark of the Fonterra group of companies.
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
8 NEWS
Farmers worried about ‘economic situation’ FARMERS REMAIN cautious and even wary – despite the sector having done reasonably well during the Covid pandemic – according to the latest rural report from the BNZ. The bank’s Rural Wrap report, published earlier this month, says this should not really surprise anyone. “A global pandemic simply demands vigilance from a sector that sells the bulk of its produce into offshore markets.” Report author and BNZ economist Doug Steel says farmers the ‘eco-
nomic situation’ has been catapulted up the list of farmer worries – after being well down the list in previous surveys. In the latest survey, a net 15.6% of respondents put the economic situation as their single greatest concern – up sharply from 1.9% back in January. “Disruption caused by the impact of Covid-19 on the world economy and fears of recession, trade wars, and protectionism is likely to be a large factor weighing on farmer sentiment. This stands to reason,” Steel says. According to the report, the economic situation
has overtaken the individual policy-related concerns among farmers – such as regulation and compliance costs, climate change policy and the emissions trading scheme and freshwater policy. “However, all these areas still loom large for farmers as they occupy three out of the top six spots on the greatest concerns list,” the report notes. On the positive, farmer responses on current profitability remain slanted to the better. Of those farmers surveyed, 57.3% reported making a profit, while 10.6% reported making a loss.
While the net result of 46.7% is down from January’s net result of 55.8%, it’s a touch higher than the net 44.0% recorded a year ago. Meanwhile, according to the report, worries about debt, interest, and banks have decreased to seventh place on farmers’ greatest concerns list (at just over 4% in the latest survey, down from 8.2% in January and 9.6% a year ago). “This may reflect generally low interest rates that will be helping debt serviceability and profitability for many,” Steel adds. He adds that easing
Every generation builds on the legacy.
BNZ’s latest report says farmers remain cautious despite the agri-sector having done reasonably well during the Covid pandemic.
farmer concerns in this area come despite a recent RBNZ survey showing tighter agriculture credit conditions. This survey also recorded variable credit demand over the first half of 2020 with weakness in dairy, strength in horticulture, and more demand for working capital from sheep and beef farmers experiencing drought conditions and delays to livestock processing.
Less positive is the marked increase in farmer concerns around farmgate and commodity prices. Some 11% of farmers cited this as their biggest concern, up from 3% six months ago. “For sure, some prices like venison and wool have weakened materially and to below averages over recent years, but other prices have held up reasonably well in the circumstances,” the report notes.
“Indeed, prices for many of NZ’s major primary export products are still in touch with – even above – their respective five-year averages.” Meanwhile, the report finds that farmers do expect some decline in their own farm’s profitability over the next 12 months. Overall a net 35.5% expect profitability to fall, with 12.1% expecting improvement and 47.6% expecting deterioration.
It’s the surfactant that makes it stand out from the rest. Since its introduction 5 decades ago, generations of farmers across the globe have turned to Roundup® to control weeds and pave the way for cleaner, higher-yielding crops. Now, the latest generation Roundup Ultra®MAX, containing the proprietary surfactant Transorb II, will ensure the legacy of powerful and fast-acting weed control is available to the meet the demands of the latest generation of farmer.
Ask for
Roundup Ultra®MAX
at your rural supplies merchant
We’re with you in the field Now with added support and technical ʻknow-howʼ from Bayer Crop Science New Zealand. cropscience.bayer.co.nz Roundup Ultra®MAX is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. P8725 and approved pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996, No. HSR100587. Roundup Ultra® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group © Bayer New Zealand 2020.
BAC 1906
DAVID ANDERSON
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
NEWS 9
Fert hits fan in court case ADAM FRICKER
BOTH SIDES have claimed a victory of sorts in a recent High Court case that tested the criteria for labelling phosphate rock as reactive phosphate rock (RPR) in the New Zealand market. The case was between fertiliser companies Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Quin Environmentals. The former claimed the
breached the Fair Trading Act. It ruled that the code is currently the industryaccepted standard and that Quin had breached the act with some of its advertising. Ballance sees this as a win for certification standards, saying it brought proceedings in a bid to “maintain the integrity of the Fertmark Code”. So, what is the Citsol Test and why did the
that it passes the Citsol Test. He therefore dismissed the counterclaim, making this observation: “The Hi P RPR example does, however, show the
The court noted it could only rule on the central issue at hand, which was whether or not Quin had failed to meet the Fertmark Code as it stands and therefore breached the Fair Trading Act. latter had breached the Fair Trading Act by marketing its Algerian RPR as an RPR product when it hadn’t met the necessary Citsol Test standard required in the Fertmark Code. While the court clearly ruled that Quin had in fact breached the act and that it could not market its Algerian RPR without a clear qualifying disclaimer about it not meeting the Citsol Test, it did allow Quin to continue to market the product as an RPR (subject to the qualifier), because it otherwise has the physical properties of an RPR. Quin sees this part of the ruling as a “win for science”. The court also noted in passing that the Citsol Test used as the Fertmark Code criteria for defining what an RPR is in the NZ context is somewhat “arbitrary” and that the Fertiliser Quality Council appears to be moving towards an alternative test – the Watkinson Dissolution Test – which the Algerian phosphate rock scores well in. However, the court noted it could only rule on the central issue at hand, which was whether or not Quin had failed to meet the Fertmark Code as it stands and therefore
court accept, at least in passing, that it may not be the most relevant measure of a RPR? In brief, the test measures the amount of phosphate that can be extracted from a solution of 2% citric acid mixed with a fixed quantity of phosphate rock (not ground up). To meet the Fertmark product classification as RPR, the rock must be shown to contain 30% P by the 30-minute Citsol Test. While Quin’s Algerian ‘V2’ RPR product – with reduced dolomite to ensure it meets the Citsol standard – passed this test, its other Algerian phosphate rock produced results below 30% P – 27.28% and 28% in tests done by Marsden Agri: 25.20% and 26.19% in tests done by Ballance. The judge’s comments about the Citsol Test came partly in response to the counterclaim brought by Quin, which claimed Ballance’s Hi P RPR is not a natural RPR product because it is a blend of Sechura RPR and ‘PB3’, which is derived from a phosphate rock but is not an RPR. Even though the Hi P RPR product is a blend, the judge accepted it was still a phosphate rock and
rather arbitrary nature of the reliance on the Citsol Test for determining what is RPR in New Zealand.”
Both side have claimed victory in a recent High Court case that tested the criteria for labelling phosphate rock as reactive phosphate rock (RPR) in the New Zealand market.
@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
TIRED OF HIGH FARM
VEHICLE COSTS? IT’S TIME TO GO YAMAHA.
COMPETITIVE FINANCE RATES AVAILABLE TAILORED FINANCE SOLUTION
ASSET PROTECTION
PROVEN RELIABILITY
LOW COST OF OWNERSHIP
SECURE YOUR
3 YEAR
150 HR
GENUINE FULL FACTORY WARRANTY
SERVICE INTERVALS
ON ATV & ROV
ON ATV & ROV
FARM
YAMAHA MOTOR FINANCE
ASSETS
WITH OFF-ROAD RIDER INSURANCE AND YMI
LENDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
AVAILABLE FOR ALL MODELS
AG200
$
4,999 + GST
WOLVERINE X2
KODIAK 450 EPS
$
11,999
$
19,996 + GST
+ GST
FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT:
www.yamaha-motor.co.nz
Credit criteria, fees, charges and conditions apply including an application fee of $325, $10 PPSR fee and a dealer administration fee. Finance to approved applicants by Yamaha Motor Finance New Zealand Ltd. (YMF) NZBN 9429036270798 FSP 9622. At participating. Yamaha dealerships while stocks last.
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
10 NEWS
Locals only will just not ‘cut the mustard’ – agricultural contractors SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
AN ESTIMATED 28 million tonnes of crop worth $110 million will be at risk if overseas machinery operators are not allowed into the country, according to a latest survey. Rural Contractors of NZ says the survey conducted earlier this month of members found that 57 members, who provide harvesting services for 8200 farmer clients, need skilled agricultural machinery operators from overseas. RCNZ executive director Roger Parton says 206 operators is the “the absolute minimum number” required for the contractors to service
their clients. These overseas workers will supplement the numbers of New Zealanders employed in these specialised, skilled roles. Parton told Rural News that a new proposal has been submitted to the Government. “I remain hopeful, and the three-week extension of Parliament will help us, as politicians will be in Wellington rather than campaigning,” he says. He says suggestions by the Government that the agriculture sector will have to do without overseas operators “just won’t cut the mustard”. Rural contractors bring in overseas operators every spring from Europe, UK and the US
NZ rural contractors bring in overseas operators every spring from Europe, UK and the US to supplement local operators in harvesting crops and silage.
to supplement local operators in harvesting crops and silage. The onset of Covid-19 has closed borders. This year, the overseas workers are required for October 2020 through
to March 2021, although a few will cover the September to April period. If the workers are not allowed in, the 57 rural contractors estimate a 32% downturn in their business worth just under
$65 million, with flow-on effects on employment in the sector and jobs for New Zealanders. “The value of crop which is at risk if these workers are not allowed in is estimated at 28 mil-
lion tonnes with a value of $110 million,” says Parton. He says the long-term implication for the agriculture sector is a possible shortage of feed next winter. “And if a drought or another climatic condition affects us, there won’t be enough feed to meet demand: we could end up importing more PKE.” Rural Contractors NZ is also asking the Government to allow an extended visa to cover the 14-day isolation period. Not including the quarantine period in the visa would reduce the “the effective period” of the visa by 8%. Parton says rural contractors are employing more than 1100 New Zealanders including many with the skills to operate
large machinery. “This includes more than 500 New Zealanders recruited in the last year and many more in the last few weeks. “Our members have also indicated in the survey that they can provide lesser skilled jobs for nearly another 250 New Zealanders, including those now taking part in training supported by Rural Contractors NZ.” Meanwhile around 90 people attended an open day at Bluegrass Contractors’ site at Te Poi, Waikato. Federated Farmers Waikato dairy chair Ben Moore says about 40 people left with information packs. The event was organised to raise awareness among local machinery operators of jobs in the ag sector.
PAY US MORE A RETIRED Northland farmer and machinery driver says rural contractors must take some blame for the current shortage of skilled operators. The Bay of Island farmer, who preferred his name not to be used with this article, says contractors should stop moaning and reflect on what they have done to encourage and train local operators. “These contractors want to pay minimum hourly rates and expect staff to work over a standard 13-hour day as the crop has to be harvested,” he told Rural News. “I am available but I am not succumbing to slave labour or feeling guilty for asking for a fair and reasonable pay rate.” Rural Contractors NZ executive director Roger Parton says if contractors charge farmers more, they end up looking for cheaper contractors. Parton says recruiting and training young people for driving jobs in agriculture hasn’t been easy. “Working in rural areas doesn’t appeal to young people; there is no broadband, they can’t use their phones and there’s no corner dairy for them to buy their lunch.”
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
NEWS 11
Government refuses to act DAVID ANDERSON
AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS are still struggling to fill the huge hole of workers it needs, despite recruiting 300 locals to the industry, and the Government is refusing to allow more operators from overseas into the country. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has dashed any hopes of this happening, saying there will not be any special accommodation made for overseas agriculture contractor workers. “The door won’t be open in time for the new season,” he concedes. However, Rural Contractors of NZ (RCNZ) chief executive Roger Parton says agricultural contractors cannot get overseas workers visas unless our borders are open, or the Government makes some accommodation to allow them into NZ. Parton says contractors around the country are “pulling out all the stops” to find New Zealanders who can help fill a critical shortage of skilled machinery operators. He says, in late June, an RCNZ delegation arranged an urgent meeting with O’Connor. “We outlined the growing concern among our members and he [O’Connor] pointed us to the closed border and encouraged us to work to do all we can to find New Zealanders.” Parton says, since that time, RCNZ has been exhorting rural contractors to turn over every stone to find suitable New Zealand candidates. “Our members have responded magnificently. We’ve managed to find 300 people who either have the capacity to operate complex machinery or sufficient existing skills to upgrade,” he says. “We are now down to needing around 400 imports to work alongside the 4000 New Zealanders our members employ.” Parton says that number includes more
than 500 recruited in the last year. “More are still being employed as they come off various training initiatives that Rural Contractors NZ has been supporting.” In the past, RCNZ have had government approval to bring in 300 experienced machinery operators from Ireland, the UK, Europe, Canada and the US every year. Many other machinery operators come under the working holiday visa scheme. Waikato contractor Brooke Nettleton, Bluegrass Contractors, told Rural News he needs 15 more operators from overseas this season. He says the Government has allowed movie makers into the country but is reluctant to do the same for the agriculture sector that is keeping the country going. “I have nothing against hiring Kiwis, but we aren’t talking about driving cars here, this is expensive machinery requiring expertise. “There aren’t experienced operators just floating around out there.” Parton says RCNZ is trying a number of avenues to fill the huge worker gap. “We worked initially with SIT, at its Telford campus, which is pumping through six, 6-week induction courses for people to work for rural contractors or farmers.” He adds that the Telford course has since been adapted at the reopened Taratahi campus in the Wairarapa by UCOL/EIT with the first course commencing August 10. RCNZ has also been working with Waikato providers and a machinery operator to provide training. “Most of these people may learn the skills to drive a tractor – and that’s very useful to contractors as it may free up existing staff with a capacity to step up into operating more complex machinery. However, six
weeks is not generally sufficient time to develop the skills to safely operate machines which have a whole array of technology to master,” Parton
explains. RCNZ estimates rural contractors still need to find nearly 400 skilled machinery operators for the current season.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has dashed any hopes of any special accommodation being made for overseas agriculture contractor workers this coming season.
8,490
$
EX GST RIDE AWAY
CFMOTO NORTH ISLAND
Andys Moto Services, Waiuku (027) 944 5442 Brown Brothers Bikes, Whanganui (027) 572 7696 Country Engineering, Tauranga (07) 552 0071 Country Machinery, Sanson (06) 825 6400 Gatmans Mowers, Silverdale (09) 426 5612 JC Motorcycles, Waitara (06) 754 6420 Maungaturoto Motorcycles, Maungaturoto (09) 431 8555 Motorcycle HQ, Pahiatua (06) 376 7163 Northland Powersports, Whangarei (09) 437 5451 Outdoor Power, Hastings (06) 878 2369 Peninsula Motorcycles, Thames (07) 868 6104 Rob Titter Farm Services, Kaikohe (09) 401 1774 Tahuna Motorcycles & Atvs, Tahuna (07) 887 5790
CFMOTO SOUTH ISLAND Ag & Auto Direct, Balclutha (03) 418 0555 Dan’s Motor Centre, Geraldine (03) 693 8536 Ian Day Lifestyles, Alexandra (03) 448 9007 T&E Motorcycles, Gore (03) 208 8114 Tru Moto, Christchurch 0800 878 447 Vallance Machinery, Fernside (03) 313 6465
CFMOTO FINANCE AVAILABLE FROM
$51.04 PER WEEK
ON SELECTED CFMOTO ATV’S & UTV’S
*Ride away prices quoted exclude GST. See www.cfmoto.co.nz for more information. Any promotions are not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. The weekly amount of $51.04 is based on purchase price of CFMoto CForce 400 EPS for $8038.50 including GST. This is calculated on a four (4) year term plus a $150 booking fee plus interest costs calculated at a rate of 12.50% per annum. Normal lending criteria apply. Offers valid until 30th September 2020.
www.cfmoto.co.nz
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
12 NEWS
Hort exports top $6.2 billion SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
HORTICULTURE EXPORTS hit a record breaking $6.2 billion in the year ending June 2019 – up $720 million over the previous year. The sector accounted for more than 10% of New Zealand’s total merchandise export income. According to the latest edition of Fresh Facts, published annually by Plant & Food Research and Horticulture New Zealand, the total New Zealand horticulture industry was valued at $9.5 billion in 2019. A significant $3.4 billion of this was fresh fruit exports, which grew by $54 million since 2018. Kiwifruit continues to be New Zealand’s largest fresh fruit export, valued
at $2.3 billion in 2019. A whopping 545,800 tonnes of kiwifruit exports were sent overseas, two thirds of this to Asian countries. Apples were the second largest fresh fruit export, earning $829 million. New Zealand-bred varieties such as Jazz, Envy and Pacific brand apples are popular with overseas consumers and made up a quarter of apple exports. Wine exports to 100 countries in 2019 earned more than $1.8 billion. The US, UK, Australia and Canada were the main markets – more than 80% of wine exports went to these countries. Notable vegetable exports include onions, which had a $170.3 million export value in 2019, more than half supplied to European markets.
In 2019, New Zealand exported $170 million worth of onions alone.
Protecting Kiwi Waterways Dr Bert Quin
QUINFERT ALGERIAN RPR V.2 Reactive Phosphate Rock 12.5% P*, 34% Ca, 1.3% S, 0.6% Mg (*slightly reduced because of ‘CM’ controlled-moisture anti-dust addition)
Some $129.4 million of potatoes were exported, mostly in processed form for the Australian market. Potatoes remain a New Zealand favourite too, with Kiwi consumers spending the most on them out of all vegetables purchased. New Zealand horticultural produce was exported to 130 countries in 2019. The top five markets are Continental Europe, Australia, the US, China and Japan. Exports to Asia were $2.6 billion, 42% of total NZ horticulture exports. Plant & Food Research chief executive David
SMARTRIGGER
Low cadmium level of 18ppm (140 mg Cg/kg P) - half the industry maximum
Optimise production; minimise P run-off and leaching
$358/t + GST ex Waharoa, + $22/t for other NI depots $374/t + GST ex Timaru, + $22/t for other SI depots Blends with sulphur90 and other nutrients available
ALL NEW FENCE OUTRIGGER EXCLUSIVELY FROM TARAGATE • • • • • • •
•
0800 QUINFERT or Bert Quin 021 427 572
“At the same time, Covid-19 will offer our industry opportunities, particularly in terms of likely increased export demand for our fresh, healthy produce,” he says. “With that in mind, I remain positive about the future prosperity of our industry on the basis that container supply, regular shipping and markets remain open to our produce,” Chapman adds. “The re-opening of restaurants in New Zealand and in our overseas markets is needed to ensure that we have all outlets that use our produce open and operating.” TM
Scores very well in the Watkinson Dissolution Test Fine (but low-dust) particle size means maximum neutralisation of soil acid
Hughes says a reputation for high quality fruits and vegetables produced using environmentally sustainable practices, in addition to well established trade routes, are vital for the New Zealand horticulture industry. He says innovation – in the form of new varieties and constantly improved production systems – will ensure New Zealand’s success into the future. Hort NZ chief executive Mike Chapman says innovation and expertise will enable the industry to adapt successfully to the challenges that Covid19 is bringing.
•
The only outrigger that does it all – fits wood, concrete or metal posts – mounts top or side Indestructible under normal use - flexes if hit by vehicle or animal Safety with style – discrete slim line design Super tough double shield insulator – great tracking Entire body is live – nothing to snap, crack or pop off Easy secure install – insulator locked down with industrial screw Available in 150mm or 230mm lengths - Packs of 20 complete with all componentry Warranty – 10 years – best on the market See our website for installation videos. ™
TARAGATE LTD RD2 Hamilton
Ph 0800 82 72 42 info@taragate.co.nz • www.taragate.co.nz
NZ PATENT: 747855 755631
New Zealand’s leading 5-in-1 vaccine*
Now with an optimum 2mg dose of selenium for supplementation of lambs from tailing.
For nearly 80 years we’ve been making world leading sheep vaccines, right here in New Zealand. Kiwi farmers rely on our vaccines because they trust them to protect their stock, help increase productivity and boost farm income. And now New Zealand’s leading 5-in-1 vaccine* just got better. Multine® B12 Selenised. With an optimum 2mg dose of selenium for supplementation of lambs from tailing. Made in New Zealand, specifically for New Zealand lambs and New Zealand conditions. Available from leading veterinary clinics & retailers.
ASK FOR MULTINE B12 SELENISED. ACVM No: A11766 Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz NZ-MUL-200500001 © 2020 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved. *Baron Audit Data, March 2020
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
14 OPINION EDITORIAL
EDNA
Dad’s Army antics NO ONE can doubt the great job that Dr Ashley Bloomfield has done in protecting New Zealanders from Covid 19. It hasn’t been perfect, but we are one of the luckiest countries in the world thanks to him and his team. However, in the last few weeks, some cracks have appeared with all sorts of problems in the isolation facilities and the disconnect between the politicians’ expectations and what the Ministry of Health and the others managing the isolation facilities have been doing. The ministry is great when it comes to straight health but is woefully out its depth when it comes to managing things out in the field. The classic example is their dealing with Auckland’s latest lockdown. It has been an unmitigated shambles of the highest order. Dad’s Army would have done a much better job! Farmers and a whole range of people who work in the rural area around the border of the super city are rightly frustrated, enraged, dumbstruck and in a state of despair at the incompetence of the MoH’s management of the border. In Auckland it seems a trip to Waiheke Island was okay – no penalty, just the usual slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket. But trying to look after your calves or other stock, get a vet to sick animals or move your produce to other parts of the country was taboo. The penalty for trying to do your job – a five hour wait in a queue. The inconvenience inflicted on the rural sector in Auckland at the border checkpoints was unforgivable. Yet Dr Bloomfield and the PM at the daily Jacinda/Ashley pantomime proclaimed that the exemptions were being processed quickly. Really? So, a farmer who calls a vet has to wait for five days until the vet gets permission to travel! Excuse us, but by the time he arrives the animal will likely be “dead, buried and cremated” – to pinch a phrase coined by former Australia Prime Minister, Tony Abbot. It seems that agriculture – let’s call it food production – is not a priority for the MoH or the politicians running the Covid campaign. One feels for Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and MPI who seem to be bystanders in this whole fiasco. MoH policy wonks are not experts in supply chain and food production. Come on Ashley – take the advice from MPI and the rural community and get it right. Aren’t we all in this together and wasn’t agriculture supposed to lead the economic recovery?
RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS
HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 PUBLISHER: Brian Hight ......................................... Ph 09 307 0399 GENERAL MANAGER: Adam Fricker ....................................... Ph 021-842 226 CONSULTING EDITOR: David Anderson .................................. Ph 09 307 0399 davida@ruralnews.co.nz
“He must be working from home!”
Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz
THE HOUND Charity case?
P*ss weak!
Burn!
Why?
THE HOUND was not surprised, but disappointed, to see that some lefty-liberal judge has ruled in favour of multi-national, tax dodging, professional fundraising organisation Greenpeace being reinstated as a charity. One would wonder just how this judge came to this ruling; Greenpeace is little more than an international political advocacy and fundraiser so why should it have tax-free status as a charity? Meanwhile, avowed communist, former Green Party coleader and highly paid head of the NZ arm of the international lobby, Russel Norman, was tickled pink (what other colour could he be?) at the ruling. “The High Court ruling in favour of Greenpeace is also a win for democracy in Aotearoa,” he crowed. “Groups like Greenpeace which challenge undue corporate influence and stand up for nature on behalf of future generations and the natural world, play a vital role in a healthy democracy. Protest and public good go hand in hand.”
YOUR OLD mate reckons if you ever needed proof of just how little influence Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has, just look at his inability to get a dispensation for much needed overseas machinery operators for agricultural contractors for this season. Meanwhile, overseasbased, synthetic horse racetrack layers are deemed essential and have been allowed entry into NZ? Could this have anything to do with a certain senior (in more than one sense of the word) cabinet minister’s passion for the gee-gees and bottom-line demands? Meanwhile, the current Government has also allowed international America’s Cup sailors and even movie makers dispensation to come to NZ – but not agricultural contractors. It’s apparent that the current Government, and its friends, see more value in horse racing, sailing and movies than our vital agricultural sector.
THIS OLD mutt had to have a giggle at the dig Feds recently made at the Green Party in the run up to this year’s election. President Andrew Hoggard issued a media release saying Feds “couldn’t agree more with the call from the Green Party that science should guide the policies and decisions of MPs.” Hoggard added, while the Greens issued the challenge in relation to the recent positive COVID-19 cases in Auckland, he looked forward to the party also applying this principle to issues such as genetic engineering technologies and methane emissions. Hoggard then went on to criticise the Greens and its coalition partners in government for introducing climate change legislation that has a “non-science based target which will only add extra significant economic costs and undermine the competitiveness of our meat and dairy in the international market.”
YOUR CANINE crusader was aghast to read that the prices of zucchini and cucumbers rose more than 30% in July – because imports from Australia continuing to be banned due to a plant virus. According to Stats NZ data, prices for zucchini, also known as courgettes, rose 38% to a weighted average price of $29.60 per kilogram, up from a previous record high of $21.42/kg in June. “In July, courgettes cost almost as much as a kilo of either sirloin steak or fresh fish,” Stats NZ said. Meanwhile, cucumber prices rose almost 32% in July to a record high of $18.63/kg – a $6.54 increase from the same time last year. Now, the Hound understands the importance of eating your greens, however, he reckons when a kilo of courgettes costs the same as a kilo of succulent, delicious, mouth-watering sirloin steak – then something is seriously out of whack!
PRODUCTION: Dave Ferguson ...................... Ph 027 272 5372 davef@ruralnews.co.nz Becky Williams .......................Ph 021 100 4381 beckyw@ruralnews.co.nz REPORTERS: Sudesh Kissun ........................ Ph 021 963 177 sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz Peter Burke ........................... Ph 021 224 2184 peterb@ruralnews.co.nz MACHINERY EDITOR: Mark Daniel ............................. Ph 021 906 723 markd@ruralnews.co.nz
AUCKLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Stephen Pollard .......................... Ph 021 963 166 stephenp@ruralnews.co.nz
WELLINGTON SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Ron Mackay ................................. Ph 021 453 914 ronm@ruralnews.co.nz
WAIKATO SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Ted Darley .................................. Ph 021 832 505 ted@ruralnews.co.nz
SOUTH ISLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Kaye Sutherland ....................... Ph 021 221 1994 kayes@ruralnews.co.nz
ABC audited circulation 79,553 as at 31/03/2019
DIGITAL STRATEGIST: Jessica Wilson ......................Ph 027 535 2534
Rural News is published by Rural News Group Ltd. 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 staff, management or directors of Rural News Group Ltd.
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
OPINION 15
Butchers, bakers and decision makers Industry groups have been lobbying for independent greengrocers, butchers and bakers to be allowed to operate under COVID-19 Alert Level 3. If those calls fall on deaf political ears, what legal options are available? Lawyer Andy Glenie explains the options. BETWEEN 28 April 2020 and 14 May 2020, New Zealand was at Alert Level 3. Supermarkets and dairies operated with relative freedom. Independent food retailers, on the other hand, were told they couldn’t allow customers into their premises. Large quantities of meat, fruit and vegetables struggled to find their way to market. In a nasty case of déjà vu, Auckland was put back at Alert Level 3 on 12 August 2020. Supermarkets and dairies were again treated as “Category B businesses”, meaning that they could trade with some restrictions (e.g. the 2-metre rule applied inside their premises). All other food retailers were treated as “Category C businesses”. They could trade on a contactless basis, but once again could not allow customers into their premises. Many have under-
standably called for independent food retailers to be allowed to operate in the same way as supermarkets and dairies at Alert Level 3. Legally, that could be achieved easily. The rules for the Auckland lockdown were set out in an Order issued by the Minister of Health, Chris Hipkins. That Order was issued under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020. The Act requires the Minister to keep such an Order “under review” and allows him to amend or extend or revoke it at any time. To change the settings for the Auckland lockdown all he needed to do was issue an amended Order, adding some or all independent food retailers to the list of “Category B businesses”. Going forward, the Minister could draft any future Orders to include independent food retailers as “Category B businesses”. If necessary,
tailored restrictions could be applied. There is no rule in the legislation itself which prevents the Minister from taking that more flexible approach. That all depends on political will, which may be lacking. The Government of course holds the steering-wheel at times of national crisis like this. But it still needs to drive between the white lines. Especially with Parliament now limping towards a delayed dissolution, the courts have an important role to play in ensuring that public decision-makers play by the rules. The main mechanism used is a special type of court proceeding known as judicial review. Industry groups often use this tool to force scrutiny of important ministerial decisions. Here, the High Court could be asked to examine the relevant Order and determine whether it complies with
As during the first lockdown, Auckland-based butchers and green grocers are not allowed to operate in the same way as supermarkets and dairies during the current Covid restrictions in this region. However, lawyer Andy Glenie argues that , legally, this could be achieved reasonably easily.
the law. If it doesn’t, elements of the Order could be quashed. A few key questions would arise: Did the Minister make the Order in accordance with the Act? As well as making sure that the Order prevented the spread of COVID-19, he must consider relevant social and economic and other factors. He must ensure that the Order was proportionate (meaning that he isn’t using a sledge-hammer to crack a nut), and economically sustainable. He also
needs to make sure it is consistent (meaning that like cases are being treated alike). Each of those points would support an argument that the Minister has to give careful attention to the economic impact of the lockdown on independent food retailers. The Court would determine whether the Minister did so by reviewing the papers which record the advice he was given, and the decision he made before issuing the Order. Does the Order
impose an unjustified limit on one of the rights and freedoms protected in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990? The Minister is explicitly obliged to consider this issue before making the Order. Several key rights could be at play here – for instance, preventing customers from accessing independent retailers could be said to limit New Zealanders’ freedom of movement. All going well, Auckland will emerge from the current lockdown shortly.
But as the last few days have shown, a resurgence can come out of nowhere. And importantly for the independent industry, the Government has now twice opted to shut greengrocers and butchers down at Alert Level 3. It may be that some thought should be given to whether the legality of the Order should be challenged, to reduce the likelihood of that occurring again next time the virus rears its head. • Andy Glenie is an Auckland litigation lawyer.
New Zealand’s leading 5-in-1 vaccine*
Now with an optimum 2mg dose of selenium for supplementation of lambs from tailing. New Zealand’s leading 5-in-1 vaccine* just got better. Multine B12® Selenised. Now with an optimum 2mg dose of selenium for supplementation of lambs from tailing. Made in New Zealand, specifically for New Zealand lambs and New Zealand conditions. Available from leading veterinary clinics and retailers.
ASK FOR MULTINE B12 SELENISED.
ACVM No: A11766 Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz NZ-MUL-200500002 © 2020 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved. *Baron Audit Data, March 2020
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
16 OPINION
Don’t listen to the doubters WHO SAID? Two little words that when joined together ask a very important question, or questions – questions that can have a huge impact on your life. Who said you don’t have what it takes? Who said you will never amount to anything?
Who said you are not going to make it? Who said it will always be this way with you? Who said this is just your bad luck? I could easily fill several pages of this paper with “Who said?” stories that I have in my files. And that’s not counting all the first-hand ones
“My doctor told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.” This has to be one of my all-time favourite quotes! FARMER’S CHAPLAIN
Colin Miller
from my own life, which I could use!
Here are just a couple of examples to illustrate,
SPEND OVER $10,000 (excl. GST) ON AN ITM POLE SHED AND RECEIVE
A MAKITA 18V CORDLESS CHAINSAW AND DRILL! Offer only available at participating ITM stores until September 30th, 2020*
$800 VALUE
FREE INCLUDES:
18V Cordless Chainsaw (DUC254) | 18V Cordless Brushless Drill Driver (DDF485Z) 1x 5.0Ah Battery (BL1850) | 1x Rapid Charger (DC18RC) To get your pole shed underway, contact your local ITM or email us at polesheds@itm.co.nz
itm.co.nz | 0800 FOR ITM (367 486) T&C’s: *Offer valid for quotes received between July 1st and September 30th, 2020. Offer available until September 30th, 2020.Minimum spend of $10,000 excluding GST required to qualify. Offer available at selected ITM stores only.
which is all I have space for today. Wilma Rudolph was considered the fastest woman in the world back in the early 1960s. With three gold medals at the Rome Olympics, no one else even came close. From a family of 22 children (she was the 20th), Wilma’s childhood was far from “normal” due to her frequent sicknesses. Stricken with double-pneumonia, scarlet fever and polio, she couldn’t even walk without a leg-brace! Here is a great quote from her: “My doctor told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.” This has to be one of my all-time favourite quotes! From a poor family, at 10 years of age young Enrico was told by a voice teacher: “You haven’t any voice at all.” But his mum thought he did and told him so. She encouraged him all the way and scarified much to pay for his voice lessons. Enrico Caruso, the famed Italian Operatic Tenor received many international honours during his illustrious career. Wikipedia notes he was “one of the first examples of a global media celebrity.” Hmmmmm…again, who said? I’m going to throw in one of my own examples here. It certainly is no match for the two above, it is menial in comparison! Hopefully though, it will make you smile. Our family dentist told me my teeth had 10 years left in them at most, then I would be looking at needing false teeth. The
good dentist was a man much older than I was at the time; he was actually closing in on his retirement years. He did get to enjoy some retirement years, but today is no longer with us on Earth. And my teeth? Decades later, they are still here. I still have most of them and still no false teeth! Now, let me unpack this ‘who said?’ thing a little for you. First up though, let me clearly state, I am all for getting wise counsel or seeking out advice from those with authentic miles on the clock. That certainly has its place. I’m not advocating being a loner. However, there definitely will be times in your life when you will need to look within and find the resolve and strength to push back against the ‘who saids’. When you allow others, or the words of others, to create your world they will always create your world too small. They will always “put you in a box”. They can limit you and shut down your dreams. You will settle for good instead of best; for ordinary instead of extraordinary; for grinding out your life with the brakes on. You know deep inside something is not right. Push back! When it comes to cheerleaders for your life, they surely can be hard to find. In my journey, the Good Shepherd has believed in me and encouraged me like no one else! Take care and God bless. • To contact the Farmer’s Chaplain Colin Miller email: farmerschaplain@ ruralnews.co.nz
NOW READ IT ONLINE READING THE PAPER ONLINE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER ■ BREAKING NEWS ■ MACHINERY REVIEWS ■ MARKETS & TRENDS ■ MANAGEMENT STORIES ■ COMPETITIONS ■ AND MUCH MORE...
All the latest stories and more at www.ruralnews.co.nz
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
AGRIBUSINESS 17
A glimmer of hope for NZ strong wool? WONDER WOOL?
DAVID ANDERSON
A LINCOLN-BASED wool products company believes it offers a glimmer of hope against the increasing negativity currently saturating New Zealand’s strong wool industry. Keraplast Manufacturing processes strong wool into natural keratin proteins for the booming global nutraceuticals market. Keratin is an essential component of hair, finger and toenails, and skin. The company sells its keratin products as an ingredient for use in health (wound treatment), and skin, hair and nail beauty products world-wide. Keraplast general manager Paul Sapsford says a recent innovation involves a bioactive keratin product that’s taken in tablet or drink form to “supercharge” the body’s production of collagen, promoting wrinkle reduction and supporting hair follicle and strength. 26.5 nail x 18cm
KERAPLAST MANUFACTURING claims to be the world’s leading innovator of keratin protein technology, bringing the natural benefits of keratin protein to hair, wound and skin care, and nutrition. The company is a combination of New Zealand and American research and innovation. In the United States, Mississippi plastic surgeon Dr Robert Allen Smith observed unusual properties of keratin materials, such as hair, during the course of his surgical practice. This lead to the foundation of Keraplast in 1996.
Goughs Bay sheep farmers George and Emma Masefield with wool and beauty products containing Keraplast keratin.
The company recently signed an exclusive agreement with AIDP Inc that will distribute Keraplast Natural Innovation products into United States and Canadian markets. “One of the key promotional tools we use to tell the Keraplast story is our strong connection with New Zealand wool growers, where we introduce a customer to a single farming family,” Sapsford says. “The customer can then work with that farm
for promotional purposes, showcasing real people and the natural way wool is grown on what are often very scenic properties in New Zealand.” He says the company’s farmer suppliers are on board with the idea and are great ambassadors for New Zealand wool products. “We can guarantee customers that the keratin in their specific products is made only from that farm’s wool.”
Sapsford claims this story of connectedness – from farm to end user of the health or beauty product – is a very attractive proposition and showcases New Zealand farmers to the world in a very personal way. “The link from farm to the end customer has worked very well. Nutraceutical sales are increasing, with substantial opportunity for expansion.” Sapsford believes the success of Keraplast is
good news for the New Zealand strong wool industry, which is in serious decline with record low prices for coarse wool. In July, the Government released a new plan to revitalise the struggling strong wool sector developed by the Wool Industry Project Action Group. Among other things, it called for innovative technology and research to identify high value uses for wool that reduce reliance on simply
New Zealand based research, supported by the New Zealand wool industry, identified industrial processes for the isolation of functional keratin proteins, and formed the company Keratec to commercialise these discoveries in 2001. The two companies formed a partnership in the 2000s and then merged into one entity with an international patent portfolio involving 36 patent families. All wool sourced by Keraplast is grown in New Zealand and all of the processing is done at Lincoln.
providing bulk coarse fibre for the likes of the carpet industry. “Given the amount of wool we buy each year (up to 80 tonnes), we will never be able to single-handedly rescue the New Zealand strong wool industry,” Sapsford admits. “However, our success and the scientific innovation behind it is exactly what the Government and our industry is looking for. The great thing is that we’ve been in this
INTRODUCING ORION’S MAIZE CHEMICAL RANGE
RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE AND AVAILABLE www.orionagriscience.co.nz For more information contact Orion Agriscience Ltd. Freephone: 0800 674 6627 or contact your Local Territory Manager: Northland, Auckland Waikato, B.O.P, King Country Gisborne, Marlborough, Nelson Southern North Island
Greg Chalmers Graeme Robb Bruce Gemmell Tony Polkinghorne
027 436 2337 021 337 977 022 375 9977 021 671 616
Mid/Northern Canterbury & West Coast Southern South Island
Chris Johnston Luke Holmes
021 281 3285 021 636 654
innovative space for more than 20 years and we keep finding new ways to add value to this excellent and unique wool product.” The company says it has secured more than 180 patents for its unique processes and end products. “It’s this continuous development and innovation that has seen Keraplast become one of the bright lights in the strong wool industry,” Sapsford adds.
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
18 AGRIBUSINESS
New AgResearch boss keen AgResearch’s new chief executive is promising solid evidence-based science to make New Zealand’s agriculture sector the best in the world. Nigel Malthus reports. DR SUE Bidrose recently took up the role at AgResearch’s Lincoln head office after a varied career, including policy work for the Ministry of Social Development and 15 years in local government, the last seven as chief executive of the Dunedin City Council. “We are here to do really good science, to give our agricultural community the best ammunition they’ve got to be the best in the world,” Bidrose told Rural News. “It’s a changing world and there’s changing consumer preferences and people care about things that they didn’t care
about so much 20, 30 years ago.” She says AgResearch’s job is to do the science so it can empower the whole NZ agri-sector – which is the country’s biggest international income earner again, post-Covid. “It’s a big deal getting this right. It is a big deal for this country.” Bidrose holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Otago, earned in her 30s following stints in social work and other fields, here and overseas. The AgResearch role is also something of a return to her roots, having worked as a teen-
age lab technician at the then Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Wallaceville campus, studying mercury levels in fish and metabolic diseases of dairy cattle. In a statement announcing Bidrose’s appointment, AgResearch said her science background, proven operational and strategic experience and strong understanding of local government means she is ideally placed to lead the research institute’s 700 staff across four New Zealand campuses. When Rural News visited her and 10 days into the job, Bidrose
insects on ryegrass, and improve nitrogen fixation in clover. “I’ve been going around this place for the last ten days watching these scientists hop and fizz with excitement. I must say it’s really contagious.” Bidrose says a common thread in her varied career was seeking a really good evidence base for policymaking. In an interview marking her departure from the Dunedin City Council, Bidrose lamented a rise in online abuse aimed at the council and staff. She agreed that farmers can also be the target of public vitriol. It may be related to the rise of modern social media culture, she says. “Everyone feels like they’re entitled to expressing an opinion –
The newly-appointed chief executive of AgResearch, Dr Sue Bidrose. PHOTO: NIGEL MALTHUS
had not yet visited all of AgResearch’s campuses but says she was already impressed by a number
of research projects underway – ranging from breeding grasses, brassicas and animals to reduce
HORTNEWS Introducing Hort News, a national publication serving the needs of our booming horticulture sector. Distributed with the leading national farming publication Rural News, Hort News will be delivered to all key horticulture regions nationwide.
nitrogen and methane emissions, through to using fungi and other soil microbes to help deter
HORTNEWS
New apple ‘dazzles’ Chinese consumers – Page 4
0 (print) ISSN 2624-349 4 (online) ISSN 2624-350
! d i v o C g n i m a T LNEWS.CO.NZ WWW.RURA
E 11 JULY 2020, ISSU
Sudesh Kissun
lnews.co.nz sudeshk@rura
has URE industry THE HORTICULT wn Covid-19 lockdo come out of the with better people more resilient and management skills. ble NZ Vegeta of view That’s the ra Dargaville kuma chairman and Bruin. grower Andre de way growers and He describes the lace to new workp workers adapted “fanas lockdown rules during the heradapted a “toget tastic”. Growers with apart” approach ness while being disto practice social workers asked rs farms. The worke tancing while on rose the occasion. a farm, harvestOn de Bruin’s kumar d to erecte s ed, screen ers were modifi and the s sorter , separate the driver on number of people bin person. The to reduced from eight a harvester was six. ter is normally “Being on the harves the Andre thing…but during kumara grower quite the social and rs an and Dargaville workers adapted barrie were s and Vegetable NZ chairm lockdown there es the way grower ” he de Bruin describ ’t see each other, wn as “fantastic”. workers couldn during the lockdo told Hort News. y their responsibilit d realise n’t “They normally would doing this for their Growers who each and that we were nging ideas with and food safety. talk were excha seasafety, our safety change was that fantastic.” other. One huge “The team was ng and the planti is for this hired for him sonal workers, e De Bruin says bles, had becom ble sector – how harvesting vegeta story of the vegeta e. “When there rs. to understand requir essential worke grown vegetables growers worked and attitude of workchange or close for that to be ue their businesses De Bruin says the is any potential businesses open, ments to contin d ating tically changed. es willing sfully implemente It’s about navig to their job drama ted, people are DE BRUIN believ E ers good. disrup for ANDR lockhow they succes the ess of it before half a mile e your busin driving to one from over, but “On the last day g to stand in a queue your way to ensur Covid-19 is far changes. He recalls ng meeting and greetin supered the way we ional next week on the first morni down they were long to get it from the remains funct has already chang his kumara farms were told that’s wn. each other and they markets.” and next year.” do business. of the Level 4 lockdo I lines NZ’s do that. people buy one thing est day of my life, last time they can He says this under De Bruin says He says the way and “It was the strang cer of top and everyto the challenge ed. d is that up road produ a chang the prove rose as on has has car “They ntial -19 crede Covid their food work, was the only they brought to wants safe, adapting to a d at home. I have the dedication “Growers are food. New Zealanders one had cars parke says. fantastic. it’s changing y New Zealanding like that,” he day-after-day, was er fresh and qualit new normal and never seen anyth all in this togeth g through an as other “They knew were on a weekly basis “It was like drivin growphone between was really good.” and there was heavy talking” on the wn. and that abandoned town got lockdo e.” into have I diseas went …that sibility the country spreading the feeling of respon sit“a lot of ers as operat- tors for was but people food there these all recalls people for De Bruin only to supply to do this right not vecs. er that we were ting in their house not ing in a mann responsibility, “We had a big
NEXT ISSUE PUBLISHED It is the complete solution for readers and advertisers, covering SEPTEMBER 8!
OD
CHANGE FOR GO
every aspect of the wider horticulture industry – news, agribusiness, management, markets, machinery and technology.
YOUR E? PROUD OHFER ITAG FAMILY L.
MUTUA be a mutual. what it means to remained true to instead of Since 1905, we’ve into the business around ng profits back ask putti ple, exam ds good to you, For ets. If that soun 466. shareholders’ pock still, call us now on 0800 366 r about us. Or bette country. the good of the We’re here for
THE FEELING’S
FMG0862HNFPS_H
To book your advert contact your local sales rep
• It’s the one-stop way to reach the horticultural sector • News and information for all types of growers • 10,000 nationwide distribution • Sent out with the trusted and established publication Rural News
Publishers of
RURAL NEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS
Contact: STEPHEN POLLARD Auckland Sales Representative Ph 021 963 166 TED DARLEY Waikato Sales Representative Ph 021 832 505 RON MACKAY Wellington Sales Representative Ph 021 453 914 KAYE SUTHERLAND Christchurch Sales Representative Ph 021 221 1994
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
AGRIBUSINESS 19
to make NZ Ag great again which can be completely uncorrelated by how well the evidence speaks. “Our job is to make sure that the evidence is there.” Bidrose diplomatically declines to say if she is for or against controversial technologies such as genetic modification. She says her job, as a public servant, is to give the very best evidence on the pros and the cons so that New Zealand can make the best decision. Bidrose told Rural News that being a public servant is what “drives my ethics.” “Our job is to provide the best scientific evidence so that the choice the government makes balances everything up. “They’ve got to balance out public opinion, risk, benefit. Our job is to give them the infor-
mation to better inform them on risk and benefit and then they get the political decision to make. On the latest buzzword, regenerative agriculture, Bidrose says it is “a fluid term” but farmers are interested in looking after their environment. AgResearch’s job is to identify the things that assist farms to function better, to be better for the animals, more profitable and better for the environment. There is a lot going on around te ao Māori (the Māori world view) and how Māori ways of farming relate to regenerative agriculture, crop rotation and diversity. “There’s some really fascinating stuff in there and we’ve got people working on that with some of our key Iwi partners,” she says.
NEW BUILDING SHAPES UP A MAJOR early project in Bidrose’s tenure at AgResearch will be overseeing its new building on the Lincoln Campus. Described as a “fit-forfuture” scientific research facility and corporate headquarters, the $97 million, 8000m2 building is expected to begin construction next year and be complete by the end of 2023. It will be built on a 15,000 square metre parcel of land bought from Lincoln University earlier this year – part of the site originally earmarked for the ambitious Lincoln/AgResearch Joint Facility project, which was abandoned after repeated failures to satisfy the Government of a workable business case. Both institutions later announced plans for their own separate buildings. Bidrose is confident they will still be able
Architect’s concept drawings for the new AgResearch building expected to be built on the Lincoln campus, starting next year. SUPPLIED
to foster the close co-operation with Lincoln that the joint facility was hoped to provide. In June, Research, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Megan Woods announced a $45 million capital injection towards the project, from the COVID-19 Recovery Plan. AgResearch chairman Dr Paul Reynolds called it a huge boost for the land-based science sector’s contribution
to New Zealand’s recovery. Reynolds said AgResearch is the leading source of landbased science in New Zealand. “And the agriculture sector has a hugely important leadership role to play in New Zealand’s long-term recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic. “New Zealand needs research facilities to help generate innovative science that ensures our export products remain
internationally sought after. “This funding means we can continue to build stateof-the-art infrastructure that we can share with our partners in the commercial and tertiary education sectors. “The build will be a significant boost to the Canterbury economy, land-based science and the farming sectors, and we are very grateful and determined to make good on this investment.”
CHICO CHICORY - THE PERFECT SUMMER FEED
Chico is the perfect summer feed. Chico’s metre long tap root is able to mine soil moisture and minerals from deep within the soil profile, providing insurance against summer drought. Its leaf is succulent, high in energy and minerals, and is very palatable. And Chico is tolerant of diamond back moth and white butterfly. AGRONOMIC TRAITS PERSISTENCE*
STOCK PERFORMANCE POTENTIAL
SOWING RATE (KGS/HA)
1 – 3 YEARS
VERY HIGH
8 – 10
DIAMONDBACK MOTH RESISTANCE**
WINTER ACTIVITY
GROWTH PEAK
9
MODERATE
SPRING – AUTUMN
*Subject to management and climatic conditions **1 = Susceptible, 9 = Tolerant
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION FREEPHONE 0800 427 676 OR CONTACT OUR LOCAL AGRONOMY STAFF North Island: James Bryan Tel. 0272 354 989 South Island: Liam Martin Tel. 0275 556 813 www.cropmarkseeds.com
freephone 0800 427 676
CHICO IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL FARM MERCHANDISE OUTLETS AND SEED RETAILERS THE ONLY 100% NEW ZEALAND OWNED FORAGE GRASS AND CROP BREEDING AND MARKETING COMPANY
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
20 MANAGEMENT
White Rock Station’s revival One of New Zealand’s most historic sheep stations – White Rock – has a new lease of life thanks to family members who wanted to preserve the property for future generations. Peter Burke reports. WHITE ROCK Station, way out on the isolated south Wairarapa Coast, is the epitome of rugged beauty that typifies much of NZ’s East Coast. It’s named after a stunning white rock formation, which dominates the shoreline where the hills rise steeply from the relentlessly pounding surf. The property is about an hour’s drive from Martinborough, along a winding – mainly gravel – road. Tim Ritchie, who earlier this year retired as the chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, is the great, great grandson of the original owner, Richard Barton who acquired the land in 1843. Ritchie, along with two other descendants of Barton, have combined to restore the property to its former glory after it was allowed to be run down over the years. Unlike many iconic stations, White Rock does not have an historic homestead. The reason, Ritchie says, is that none of the owners – including himself – have ever lived permanently on the property. It has been, and still
“The other reason for not having a homestead there was the isolation and there wasn’t a properly formed road through to the coast until the 1930s – almost a century after White Rock was first farmed.”
is, run by a manager. Most of its owners, who’ve had other professions or farming and business interests, were scattered around the world. Today, the farm has a manager’s house, farm buildings and a few modest cottages for owners such as Tim and Deb Ritchie and their family. “The other reason for not having a homestead there was the isolation and there wasn’t a properly formed road through to the coast until the 1930s – almost a century after White Rock was first farmed,” Ritchie told Rural News. The history of White Rock is linked to other early settlers in the Wairarapa – such as the Riddifords and Camerons.
Ritchie says it original owner Richard Barton was the superintendent of estates of the Duke of Sutherland. Sutherland was a controversial individual, who forcibly removed tenant farmers from his lands, and his infamous actions were known as the ‘Sutherland clearances’. Barton was asked to come to NZ and take with him some of the people cleared from his lands. He did and when he first arrived in 1840 established himself on a farm in the Hutt Valley, calling it Trentham. “Then Barton, along with two others – Riddiford and Cameron – walked around the coast from Wellington to Wairarapa and drew lots for
Tim Ritchie with one of the many books written about White Rock. He is keen to pen one himself at some stage.
A REAL FAMILY AFFAIR TIM RITCHIE’S motivation to restore White Rock Station is truly altruistic. He sees the preservation of the station as something that he can do for his children and future generations. He was a very small shareholder in the original property but was prepared to invest to achieve his objective. “I have had pretty reasonable jobs over the years, so I haven’t tried to realise an income from the property. My other jobs have supported my involvement in development of White Rock,” he told Rural News. “It is one of the one the earliest stations around the country and I want to preserve it for the families’ sake. My whole objective has been to do whatever is necessary to leave
it standing on its own two feet and not be a noose around the neck of future generations.” Ritchie and wife Deb have now settled in Gladstone and hope to spend more time in their simple cottage at White Rock. The farm cottage, like their new house, is full of memorabilia about White Rock. He says when they lived in Wellington, the family made frequent visits to the farm and his now grownup children regard White Rock as their home. Like the previous owners, they have no desire to personally farm the property. One daughter lives in London, another is married to a farmer in Marlborough and their son is winemaker. “But when the daughter in
London comes back, White Rock is the one place she wants to go to because it’s part of her upbringing, it’s the constant in her life,” Ritchie adds. “My daughter in Blenheim has three little boys and they love it for the riding, fishing, hunting and surfing. It’s a great place for holidays.” Many books have been written about White Rock and Ritchie wants to add one of his own to this collection. He says it’s not about producing a book for sale, but about recording the history of the farm from a family perspective. “After all, White Rock is one of the few, early historic stations that still has ownership of the original family,” he says.
TO PAGE 21
1 2 0 2 R A D N E E D N A CA L
2021 Edna Calendar ❱❱ $20 including post & packaging ❱❱ 12 of Edna’s best cartoons ❱❱ 330mm x 240mm, spiral bound
EDNA!!
ORDER NOW! T: 09-307 0399 E: julieb@ruralnews.co.nz
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
MANAGEMENT 21
Getting things back on track AS WELL as the family reorganisation, Tim Ritchie and his cousin later invited well-known Wairarapa farmer and Romney breeder Derek Daniell to take a shareholding in White Rock to get it back to a state where it was a profitable and sustainable business. Daniel’s Wairere Romney rams played a big part in lifting the station’s lambing percentage from just over 80% to the present 130%-plus. Today, the 3800-ha farm runs 12,000 stock units, which is mix of sheep and cattle – the latter mainly Angus with a bit of Hereford in the mix. The farm is summer dry, so there is an imperative to get the lambs off early to the store market and preserve the feed for the capital stock. Even the ewe lambs are grazed away from the farm and returned later for tupping. The same applies to grazing cattle off farm when there is a feed deficit. “Having the capital stock – some 7000 breed-
ing ewes and 400 cows – in good condition is the absolute focus of our business,” Ritchie says. Another feature of White Rock is its allweather airstrip. Ritchie says when Derek Daniell came on board they undertook a major development programme to tackle scrub reversion – and the farm was in desperate need of lime, fertiliser and new grass seed. So, they constructed an all-weather concrete airstrip on one of the ridges above the farm. It must surely rank as one of the seven wonders of the aviation world. It’s a downhill strip and the aircraft flies off the end of the ridge into the valley below. It would terrify most city types, but Ritchie says it means they are able to apply fertiliser at any time of the year. It’s not just cattle and sheep, but advantage has been taken of the large areas of mānuka on the property to establish a lucrative mānuka honey operation. There are over
White Rock revival FROM PAGE 20
the land,” Ritchie explains. “Richard Barton drew the first lot and took the land he called White Rock. He had three sons and the youngest, William, took over White Rock. He was a lawyer and built a homestead called Fareham House at Featherston which is still there today. He also had other farming interests around Lake Wairarapa.” In the early days, wool was the main source of income. However, the property quickly became a large cattle run. Today it is a mix of sheep and cattle. Ritchie’s involvement with the property began in 1989 when he returned from Europe, where he’d held various senior management roles in the meat industry. He says, at that stage, there were about 30 family shareholders of various generations and the farm had been used as a quasi-bank – it was badly in need of capital to return it to its former glory. “The place needed a good kick in the pants and, in the end, three of us decided to buy everyone else out and to do it, so we borrowed a lot of money,” he told Rural News. “So, three of us did a family reorganisation and cut the property in two. An English cousin took the inland part of the farm and me and another cousin, of my mother’s generation, took the coastal half, kept the name White Rock, and that was the settlement.”
500 hives on the property, which provide White Rock with a significant income – especially since wool prices have fallen sharply. Ritchie says the price
they get for wool doesn’t even pay for the cost of shearing. He says in terms of income, sheep are number one followed by cattle and mānuka honey.
The stunning white rock formation that dominates the shoreline of White Rock Station, which the property is named after.
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
22 ANIMAL HEALTH
The importance of managing ewes in late pregnancy and early lactation PAUL KENYON
THE EWE is under her greatest nutritional and metabolic stress in late pregnancy and in early lactation. Therefore this is the period where her nutrition can have the greatest impact on lamb survival and growth to weaning. It can also affect the ewe’s condition at weaning, which can have flow-on effects into next year’s performance. It is important to remember that ewes are generally bred over a twoto-three-cycle period. So, when the first ewe to lamb is three weeks away from lambing, the last ewe to lamb can be seven to ten weeks away. Thus, the nutritional needs of the two ewes differ greatly. This indicates the power of using either ram harnesses during breeding, or at pregnancy scanning identifying early and late lambing ewes, from an overall flock optimal nutritional management perspective. In late pregnancy and in early lactation, the ability of the ewe to buffer against suboptimal nutrition is dependent on her body condition. The ideal ewe’s body condition score is 3.0 to 3.5. Total weight of lamb weaned per ewe drives profitability of most New Zealand sheep farms. Once a lamb is born, its survival and weaning weight is driven by the amount of milk the ewe produces. So, sheep farmers in New Zealand should consider themselves as dairy farmers, as the money they make from selling lambs, either prime or store, comes from milk. Like any good dairy farmer, they should know the importance of ewe condition
Ewes are under the greatest nutritional and metabolic stress in late pregnancy and in early lactation.
and nutrition. They need to make management decisions based on this in late pregnancy and lactation. Four to three weeks out from lambing, ewes should be offered 1.7 to 2.4kg DM/ewe/day. Ideally, post grazing covers would not go below 900kg DM/ha (2cm to 3cm sward heights). In the last two weeks of pregnancy, intake should not be restricted, with allowances offered above 3kg DM/d and pasture covers not going below 1200kg
DM/ha (or 4cm). On many of our farms in late winter/early spring, there is never enough feed to meet the needs of all ewes, so farmers must prioritise based on need. It’s the first cycle, multiplebearing ewes – especially those in poor body condition – that must be offered the most, followed by better condition first cycle multiples. When feed is short, singleton bearing ewes and second/third cycle
ewes can be offered lower levels of feed in the late pregnancy period. Remember, by the time later-lambing ewes lamb, the feed will likely be lifting below them. If farmers can offer twins their nutritional needs, then there is no need to separate triplets from them. While they have a greater nutritional requirement, triplet-bearing ewes can’t physically consume any more than a well-fed twin.
Due to the nutritional stress ewes are under in late pregnancy, it is important to limit their time off feed when undertaking activities such as vaccine. This limits the risk of ewes getting sleepy sickness. Farmers need to use the information they have in front of them when deciding which ewes should be set stocked in which paddocks. Farmers should use information such as each paddock’s pasture cover, the paddock’s lamb survival history and the paddock’s ability to grow feed. Multiple bearing ewes, again, especially those in poor condition, should be prioritised into paddocks with the highest covers – which have a history of good lamb survival and pasture growth. Singletons can be put in those paddocks with lower covers, which is likely those that were used later in the winter rotation. This is why thinking about paddock grazing order is important when designing a winter rotation. Stocking rate at set stocking should ideally be set at a level to ensure pasture covers in individual paddocks stay within the optimal pasture mass of 1200 to 1800kgDM/ha. Late lambing ewes do not need to be set stocked at the same time as early lambing ewes. From a nutritional management perspective, these later ewes are often best left in a rotation to allow those early lambing ewes to be set stocked at a lighter rate with higher allowances. • Professor Paul Kenyon is deputy head of School of Agriculture & Environment/ Professor in Sheep Husbandry at Massey University
ADDED B12 FOR OPTIMAL GROWTH. Vaccinating your lambs with Ultravac® 5+1 B12 provides protection against clostridial diseases, plus the added benefit of vitamin B12 to get your lambs off to a flying start. It’s also available with added selenium for extra immune support. Don’t take chances with your lambs. Give them the best start with the name you can trust.
GET YOUR LAMBS OFF TO A FLYING START.
LOOK OUT FOR THE ORANGE PACKS, ONLY AVAILABLE FROM YOUR VET. Zoetis New Zealand Limited Tel: 0800 963 847, www.zoetis.co.nz. ULTRAVAC is a registered trade mark of Zoetis. ACVM No. A3585, A11606 and A11607.
Zoetis New Zealand Limited Tel: 0800 963 847, www.zoetis.co.nz. ULTRAVAC is a registered trade mark of Zoetis. ACVM No. A3585, A11606 and A11607.
2481LAM_RN1808
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
ANIMAL HEALTH 23
Shelter key to lamb survival WITH LAMBING and calving about to start, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is reminding farmers of the importance of providing ewes and cows with suitable, well-sheltered areas for lambing and calving. Will Halliday, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s senior advisor for animal welfare, says giving birth can be a challenging time for the dam, offspring and the farmer. He adds that potential compromises to animal welfare include disturbance from people, other animals, weather and lack of shelter. “Shelter is particularly important at this time of the year and will help prevent deaths through starvation and exposure as new-born lambs are very susceptible to wind chill.” Halliday says it has been a tough year in many regions. While it might be tempting to run pregnant ewes or cows on forage crops right up to the point of lambing or calving, Halliday recommends farmers allow enough
time for pregnant stock to settle into their lambing or calving areas before they give birth. “In an ideal situation, ewes can be identified according to their lambing cycle, so later lambing ewes can be left on forage crops for longer,” he explains. “But it has been a difficult winter and this has made standard management practices challenging.” Halliday suggests farmers keep a close eye on ewes and cows and try and move them to a dry, sheltered area so they can calve or lamb with minimal disturbance. “While it might be tempting to leave them on the forage crop for just a few more days, this can compromise the health of both the ewe or cow and her progeny.” He says the Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle 2018 clearly states that lambing and calving paddocks should be chosen to mitigate animal welfare challenges such as adverse weather or natural hazards and
SPRING ALERT! THE WINTER and early spring period can give rise to a number of disease challenges for livestock. This is especially the case in years when feed is tight and body condition is not as high as it could be. Pregnant animals have increased metabolic demand that continues beyond birth and into lactation. The energy required to sustain pregnancy and lactation has to come from somewhere and may require an animal to divert energy spent on its immune system to other parts of its physiology. Two broad categories of such disease are metabolic and infectious/contagious. Metabolic diseases include such conditions as hypocalcaemia (milk fever), hypomagnesaemia (staggers), pregnancy toxaemia (sleepy sickness), and ketosis. These are generally prevented through diet or supplementation and can be treated with over-thecounter remedies. Infectious and contagious diseases can include conditions like abortion storms caused by Toxoplasma or Campylobacter, and outbreaks of diarrhoea caused by Salmonella or Rotavirus. All of the diseases mentioned here can be prevented by effective vaccination. It is highly recommended that abortions or clusters of sick or dead animals are investigated by a veterinarian as early as possible in order to identify the cause and prevent any outbreak from worsening.
lambing and calving sites should be disturbed as little as possible. “We know farmers are always striving to do the best by their livestock,
but this year they are having to balance up feed resources with maternal behaviour and it is not always easy to get that balance right.”
The Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle 2018 clearly states that lambing paddocks should be chosen to mitigate animal welfare challenges such as adverse weather.
NAIT ready for calving? Help build lifetime animal traceability Make sure you can tick off the following: Selling calves: All my calves are NAIT tagged correctly I have registered the calves in my NAIT account – after tagging them first I have recorded a movement in NAIT for the calves I sold – within 48 hours of them leaving. Note: This is not required when selling to a saleyard. I’ve filled out an ASD form and have a Declaration to Livestock Transporter (DLT) form ready – if required
Buying calves: I’ve checked the calves I bought are tagged and NAIT registered I received an Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form from the seller I have recorded a movement in NAIT for the calves I bought – within 48 hours of them arriving I’ve updated the calves’ production type to beef – if brought in from a dairy farm. Bobby calves moved direct to slaughter are exempt from all NAIT requirements. Check with your meat processor about their requirements for accepting bobby calves.
Failure to comply with NAIT obligations may result in fines or prosecution issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Need help? Call OSPRI on 0800 482 463 NAIT is an OSPRI programme
J1505 NAIT Checklist for Calving_Ad_FA3.indd 1
info@ospri.co.nz | ospri.co.nz
9/07/2020 2:51:59 PM
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
24 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Big machine rips into it MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
MACHINERY IMPORTER and distributor Power Farming has introduced a new weapon to its extensive cultivation arsenal in the shape of the Kverneland Turbo T. Offered in 6.5 and 8 metre working widths, both trailed machines carry five banks of tines which fold to a manageable 3-metre transport width. Aimed at cropping farmers and vegetable growers, the Turbo T is said to be particularly useful for dealing with maize stubbles or fodder beet residues, by offering 725mm of under-frame clearance, combined with a 190mm leg spacing. Carrying 31 or 44 tines respectively, the 6500 and 8000 machines are equipped with the wellknown Kverneland Triflex 400 tines with the
instantly recognisable green, maintenance-free, leaf spring configuration. Offering up to 400kg resistance, the layout can operate at working depths of 3 to 20cm. “The Turbo T is designed to operate at high speed, while maintaining a consistent depth, opening up the soil profile to encourage drainage and air flow,” says product managercultivation and seeding at Power Farming, JP Chapman. “During testing, we’ve found the machine to be very versatile in the spring ahead of maize planting, going deeper to promote root growth. Likewise, post cereal harvesting, it can be use at high speed at shallower depths to promote weed and volunteer germination, with very impressive work rates.” These machines offer a “full cut” across the whole working width, a
The Kverneland Turbo T is offered in 6.5 and 8 metre working widths.
combination of forward speed and resonance within the leg delivers good mixing of trash and organic matter, with the added benefit of a level finish. Power requirement is low at around 35-40hp per working metre. Routine maintenance is also kept low with the
use of high-grade steel and sealed bearing assemblies. For very high daily outputs, the machines have a maximum horsepower rating of 450hp The standard point, a 60mm knock-on fitment, is suitable for working at depth to ensure full soil movement through the
profile, while also offering time saving during replacement. For shallower operations or lighter soil types, options include a 150mm point or the “Tiger” point – specifically designed for stony soils. Rear of the tines, a levelling element consists
of a revolving disc configuration, which is suited to all conditions – particularly heavy land and high straw volumes. Final consolidation and finishing is carried out by the rear-mounted, 565mm diameter Actipacker. Ease of use is taken
care of with hydraulic cylinders and spacers for depth control, with a separate manually-adjusted crank handle for the levelling element. If working depth is adjusted, a clever parallelogram linkage ensures the levelling system is also adjusted to maintain the quality of work. In addition, the Automatic Load Transfer (ALT) system sees the front depth wheels linked to sensors that detect increasing load. From here, the system adjusts to transfer up to 1800kg of force to the drawbar, helping to reduce wheel-slip by up to 10%. The main transport wheels are mounted within the machine’s main frame. This helps to deliver a sub-10 metre turn at headland, while also creating good weight transfer to the tractor during reversing manoeuvres.
HI-SPEC TANKERS HAVE THE RIGHT SPECS IMPORTED AND distributed by Giltrap Agrizone in Cambridge, Hi-Spec slurry tankers and manure spreaders are offered in several ranges to suit farmers and contractors. The premium SA-S and SA-R range single axle tankers offer capacities of 3600 to 9100 litres and 6100 and 13,800 litres respectively. These machines have a unique lowprofile spreading system and downward directed plate, which is said to improve control and also reduce air pollution. The SA-S range is constructed with
an A-frame drawbar that allows for tight turning circles. Its wheels are located on the outside of the barrel, making it a suitable machine for farmers who need to get on the road or carry smaller quantities. The SA-R range also has additional features – including a sprung drawbar, with swivel hitch for maximum operator comfort and stability. Meanwhile, the recessed large diameter radial tyres provide a lower rolling resistance and a larger footprint to lessen soil damage. – Mark Daniel
Higher Productivity + Lower Servicing Costs
= AES Waterblasters TORNADO RANGE
• UDOR ceramic plunger pump & gear-box • Genuine Honda petrol engine • 10 models from 1800 to 5000 psi
ALBERTI HOT CLEANERS • UDOR ceramic plunger pump • Heavy duty 1440 RPM motor • 230 & 400 Volt • User friendly
STANDARD FEEDER (C6 Pinned)
FREEPHONE 0508 78 78 78
www.aesblasters.co.nz
Sales & Service dealers throughout New Zealand
ELECTROBLAST RANGE • 230 or 400 Volt 1440 RPM electric motors • 8 models from 1600 to 5000 psi
• 1 x 6 foot bale • 2m diameter • 15 feed positions • 15 - 30 animals
OVAL FEEDER (S2 Pinned) • 3 x 4 foot bales • 2 x 6 foot bales • 24 feed positions • 24 - 48 animals • 4m long
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 25
Hybrid harvesters launched MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
NEW HOLLAND has entered the world of hybrid headers, launching a new machine that blends its conventional threshing drum and twinrotor separation technologies. The CH (Crossover Harvesting) 7.70, claimed by NH to be fitting in between its CX and flagship CR ranges, is aimed at those looking for high daily outputs, with reduced maintenance costs. The machine is claimed to deliver up to 25% more output than a conventional CX equivalent. The two drum, threshing system features a 600mm main drum that works in conjunction with a sectional concave element. The layout incorporates the NH Opti-Thresh system that adapts to changing conditions by repositioning the rear part of the concave.
At the rear, twin 21-inch diameter, 3.45metre long rotors offer 2.9 square metres of separation area. This in turn feeds the Triple Clean cascaded cleaning system, featuring an additional step, which is said to increase capacity by around 15%. Meanwhile, a double flight cross auger layout transfers grain to the elevator feeder. On slopes, the SmartDrive sieve system offers automatic compensation at angles of up to 25 degrees on side slopes. The calibrating of the sieve action is based on forward speed and grain size to determine the optimal throwing angle. For sustained hilly conditions, the dedicated “Laterale” version can deal with transversal slope corrections of up to 18 degrees on both sides. Power is provided by an FPT Cursor 9 engine delivering 374hp. This is up 34hp on the conventional CX6.90, meeting
Stage V emission regulations using SCR technology. Header choices include VariFeed units up to 9.15 metre working width, with an 8.53 metre
model developed especially for the CH7.70 Initially destined for the European harvests from July 2020, global markets will follow later in the year.
New Holland claims its new hybrid CH 7.70 can deliver up to 25% more output than a conventional CX equivalent.
STEP UP A
CLAAS FROM
CLAA S
TRACT
ORS
SPECIA L OFFE R
0%
FINANCE*
3
YEARS OR 3000 HRS
WARRANTY
SNIPPETS Mercedes to change retail model
FROM JANUARY 2022, Mercedes-Benz Cars is moving to an agency sales model in New Zealand. In an agency model, the distributor retains ownership of the vehicle stock, which reduces the financial risks for dealerships and sets the retail price of the vehicles, then pays the dealership a set fee for each vehicle sold. M-B expects 25% of its global passenger car sales to be made online by 2025, up from the current rate of less than 5%. The company adds that dealers will still play a vital role, with interaction between dealers and customers expected in at least 80% of sales and service cases.
St. Dizier to close
NEWS FROM France suggests that the Chinese YTO Group is closing its tractor transmission and component facility at Saint-Dizier, citing Covid-19 as the prime reason. Until recently, the plant produced transmissions that were sent to China, but a downturn in the home market meant they were no longer required. This led to the launch, at the 2019 SIMA show, of the Mancel brand, that was to be sold into the European market with models from 110 to 145hp and a suggested investment of €60million into the plant. The manufacturer indicated that production would start in 2020 and ramp up to 8000 tractors per year by 2025. The Saint-Dizier plant, the town’s main employer for decades, was established by International Harvester in 1949, came under Case-IH control in 1984 and was acquired by Argo Tractors (McCormick) in 2001. Argo sold the 20ha facility to YTO in 2011.
CLAAS ARION 400
CLAAS ARION 600c
CLAAS ARION 600
100 - 130 hp
140 - 165 hp
145 - 205 hp
f 4.5 L DPS engine
f Six cylinder 6.8 L DPS engine
f Six cylinder 6.8 L DPS engine
f QUADSHIFT transmission f Long wheelbase design for optimised weight distribution, stability and comfort
f QUADRISHIFT 16 forward/16 reverse gears
f 4-point cab suspension for unrivaled driver comfort
f 4-point cab suspension for maximum all day comfort
f HEXASHIFT transmission & SMART STOP make driving easy
f Multiple factory-fitted joystick options with CLAAS front loaders
f Long wheel base for a better ride and stability
f CIS+ and CEBIS touch allow greater flexibility and control
*Terms and conditions: Standard CLAAS Financial Services lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees apply. 0% p.a. on CLAAS tractors requires minimum 30% deposit followed by monthly repayments in arrears over 12 months. CLAAS Harvest Centre Warranty service Terms & Conditions apply. Offer valid until 30/09/2020 or while stocks last. Offer applies to in stock and on-order new CLAAS AXOS, ARION and AXION tractors only.
For your local dealer go to: claasharvestcentre.com
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
26 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER Made in NZ...
Pluck’s Engineering Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and costeffective products for the agricultural sector. This week machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Pluck’s Engineering Ltd in Rakaia, catching up with managing director, Neil Pluck. Q - When was the company founded, by whom and why (was it to solve a problem or market a product)? The company dates back over 100 years. However, it has been owned by the Pluck family, who
purchased it off Gaylor & Grigg Blacksmiths, since 1966. Originally, my father carried out repairs and maintenance, but also developed his own products that customers were asking about. In the early
CONTROL FLYSTRIKE & LICE INCLUDES:
• Jetter unit • Pump & Hose kit • Delivery to nearest main centre
7680
$
+GST
SUPPLYING FARMERS SINCE 1962
SAVE LIVES! Invest in your safety NEW
The QuadGuard
®
FLEXIBLE CRUSH PROTECTION
648
$
+GST and Freight
SEE IN ACTION Google ‘ATV QuadGuard’
Leaders in Quad Bike Safety 0800 782 3763 • info@atvlifeguard.co.nz
1990s, with the increase of dairy farms in the area, Pluck’s supplied a small effluent irrigator and other related products. Embracing the big swing to dairy in Canterbury, we went on to develop products such as irrigators, pump walkway rafts, pond stirrers, screening systems and the supporting infrastructure. We also continue to manufacture a range of Heavy Water Ballast Rollers, which began back at the start in 1966. Q - Where are you located – is it single or multiple sites and how many people are employed? We are located on a site at Rakaia, near Ashburton in the South Island, employing 15 people, with resellers and distributors throughout NZ. Q - What are your key products and which markets do they serve? Our key products are dairy effluent equipment and design, heavy rollers and cultivators. Recently, we’ve added the specialised Benic calf carrying trailer, which we make under license here in New Zealand. Q - Are your products unique? If so, what are the four key benefits? If not unique, what are the four unique selling points? We think all our products are unique in some
$145
$140
STEEL TOE X (with Scuff Guard)
STEEL TOE X (with Scuff Guard)
valued at $280
STEEL TOE (without Scuff Guard)
PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard)
PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard)
Buffalo Leather Stitched On Soles
9am-5pm
0800 16 00 24
175% more crack resistant than normal leather
ONLINE
earthwalk.co.nz
CHEQUES
A LOOK AT been the biggest HOME-GROWN “Oh Bugger” COMPANIES moment or the steepest learning curve? There have been lots – most of these have been cut up and can sold to the scrap metal man! On a business front, for one-off or bigger jobs before you start workwe have seen changes ing on them. Make sure coming, done nothing you’re not sacrificing about it, then regretfamily time and energy, ted not being part of the just to make a dollar, action as sales grow. when all your kids want Q- If you were approached for dinner is YOU!!! by someone looking to start Q - Where do you see the a business, what would company in the next three, be your three key pieces of five and ten years? What advice? changes do you foresee to Make sure you can keep relevant and grow make a real profit from your business? what you are intending We will keep adapting to do, not just creating and try to drive some of yourself a job. Most NZ the farming practices as SME’s start off with their we develop new machines point of difference being and systems. We also – “often I’m cheaper than plan on keeping a good the opposition” – then number of apprentices don’t realise its unprofgoing through our workitable until it is too late. shop. In doing so, we are Cash flow is King, so playing a part of feeding make a solid plan to get good trades people out paid on time and get into NZ industry. deposits whenever you
RAINWEAR! selling out fast
SLIP ON
LACE UP
valued at $320
PHONE
have never needed repair. Q - Looking at an everevolving market, what changes do you envisage moving forwards? We have already seen environmental pressure building in the dairy sector and can see it also getting tougher from a political perspective. So, we will continue to design and evolve our effluent related products. We also see animal health as becoming a greater concern, hence the move into this area with the new calf trailer. Q - What has been the company’s greatest success since its formation? Our ability to adapt and meet the needs of changing farming practices over the last five decades. Q - In contrast, what has
way. Often because of our attention to detail, the skill of our tradesmen and the way they are manufactured. Our pond stirrers are built around research that found stirring a dairy pond should be slow and powerful to promote the correct biology. Our screen plant and infrastructure for effluent is unique, based around our own, in-house Enviro Saucer. This acts as the blending vessel for the effluent, ensuring an even mix is pumped to the screen. It’s also self-cleaning, using angled sides and a swirling motion, so nothing sticks to the sides. In the case of our heavy rollers, our attention to detail means some units are still being used by the third generation, on the same farm and
175% more crack resistant
$20
MADE IN NZ
“Make sure you’re not sacrificing family time and energy, just to make a dollar, when all your kids want for dinner is YOU!!!’
more water & BUFFALO BOOTS! 175% crack resistant ZIP STRIP quick lacing
Businesses
Pluck’s Engineering managing director, Neil Pluck.
FLEXISKIN MAX
JACKET
$88
valued at $230
in stock now
BIB OVERALLS
$77
valued at $160 sold out of size: XXL
Flexible Acid Resistant Durable Seams
100% Waterproof Fleece Collar Hood Visor sold out of size: XXL, 3XL
FLEXISKIN MAX
- prices are likely to increase - prices valid for 4 weeks - Boots arrive late September
earthwalk, r d 2, palmerston north please add $12 freight per order
LEGGINGS
$66
valued at $140
sold out of size: S, M, L, XXL
sizes: BOOTS 5 - 13 (NZ)
RAINWEAR XS - 4XL
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 25, 2020
RURAL TRADER 27 LASER FF95
DIESEL HEATER
DOLOMITE
YOUR ADVERT HERE
Rubber Safety Matting
Phone: 0800 80 8570
(362 537)
For details contact: JULIE BEECH Ph 09-307 0399 •
www.vetmarker.co.nz
julieb@ruralnews.co.nz
NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call... 0800 436 566
VETMARKER
ü Huge 9.5kW output. ü Made in Japan since 1991. ü Diesel is approx. 30-50% less than “on demand” Electricity or Gas. ü DIY Install or we can arrange. ü No wood to cut, cart or store. ü No mess, NO indoor diesel odours.
Docking Chute
0800 DOCKER
ü As easy to use as a light switch.
0800 379 247 www.avonheating.co.nz
QUADBAR
595
$
+GST delivered
Proven beyo nd do ubt! “I have no doubt that if I did not have a Quadbar fitted, my accident would have been fatal!” – Rozel Farms “The Quadbar saved our employee from significant injuries.” – Colin van der Geest
For a Quadbar, call me, Stuart Davidson, owner of Quadbar NZ, on 021-182 8115. Email sales@quadbar.co.nz or for more info go to www.quadbar.co.nz
• ATV Carrier Mats • Exit/Entry Areas • Calf Trailers • Horse Floats & Trucks • Weigh Platforms • Bale Mats • Comfort Mats for Wet & Dry Areas • Utility Deck Matting www.burgessmatting.co.nz
SUPPLIERS OF:
• Nest boxes - manual or automated • Feed & Drinking • Plastic egg trays QUALITY PRODUCTS MADE IN EUROPE OR BY PPP
❖
A trusted name in Poultry Industry for over 50 years ❖
CRAIGCO SENSOR JET • Robust construction • Auto shut gate • Total 20 jets • Lambs only 5 jets • Side jets for lice • Adjustable V panels • Davey Twin Impellor Pump • 6.5 or 9.0hp motors
SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992
GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE QUICK TO SETUP – EASY TO USE – JOB DONE
Recommended by Worksafe. ACC subsidy available
Free Range & Barn Eggs
PH 06-835 6863 • MOB 021-061 1800 JETTER VIDEO: www.craigcojetters.com
Heli-Hire can cover all your agricultural needs including Gorse and Blackberry Spraying, Thistles, Crop Work, Roundup, Forestry Work, Aerial Seeding, Bulk Fertiliser Spreading
FREE QUOTES 0800 435 444
FLY OR LICE PROBLEMS? The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989
600 500 400 300 200 100 0
Quality construction and options • Get the contractors choice
QUADBAR 5 YEAR SURVEY
Featuring...
NUMBER OF QUADBARS 479
ROLLOVERS
• Incredible chemical economy • Amazing ease 1500+ per hour • Unique self adjusting sides • Environmentally and user friendly • Automatically activated • Proven effective on lice as well as fly • Compatible with all dip chemicals • Accurate, effective application
NUMBER OF DEATHS 0
61
Quality Greenhouses
07 573 8512 | dipping@electrodip.co.nz – www.electrodip.com
Range of models sized 2 metres - 10 metres
We also carry out hunting trips, aerial lifting, scenic flights and photography.
Freephone 0800 435 444 | www.helihire.co.nz
FREE
morrifield
nationwide delivery
CELEBRATING
40 YEARS IN BUSINESS 1980-2020
MORRIFIELD GREENHOUSES
Greenhouses
Win!!
Thank you to our Valued Customers for your continued support over the years PROUD TO BE NEW ZEALAND MADE
www.morrifield.com
BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE
• Easy assembly • Strong and durable
• NZ made since 1980 • Grow all year round T/F 03 214 4262 E info@morrifield.com
www.morrifield.com
ONE STOP WATER SHOP 300mm x 6 metre .......................... $410 400mm x 6 metre .......................... $515 500mm x 6 metre .......................... $690 600mm x 6 metre .......................... $925 800mm x 6 metre ........................ $1399 1000mm x 6 metre ...................... $2175 1200mm x 6 metre ...................... $3475 ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.
BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION
WATER TANKS, PUMPS FILTRATION DEVAN CALPEDA • PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •• PROMAX PROMAX • •CALPEDA • PURETEC •& OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •TANKS, RX • CALPEDA • AQUA • OASIS CLEARWATER WATER PUMPS & FILTRATION
DEVAN • PROMAX • CALPEDA • •PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER P: 326 8888 www.thetankguy.co.nz P:0508 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz A: A: 30 30 Turners RoadRoad – Feilding Turners – Feilding
P: 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz A: 30 Turners Road – Feilding Phone
CULVERT PIPES
New Zealand’s CHEAPEST Culvert Pipes! FREE joiners supplied on request. • Lightweight, easy to install • Made from polyethylene
Check out our NEW website www.mckeeplastics.co.nz
06 323 4181
or
0800 625 826 for your nearest stockist
Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes
Get our adjuvant advantage
Designed to improve agrichemical performance and increase application efficiency, your spraying needs are covered when you choose from the Nufarm SprayWise range.
ONF204656NF
Contact your local Nufarm Territory Manager for information on the new adjuvant range.
Pulse is a registered trademark of Nufarm Technologies USA Pty Ltd, ®Bonza is a registered trademark of Nufarm Limited ™Contact is a trademark of Nufarm Limited, ®Amigo and Flume are registered trademarks of Nufarm Australia Limited
®