Rural News April 6 2021 by Rural News Group

ANIMAL HEALTH

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

MANAGEMENT

Getting a feel for in-lamb ewes. PAGE 27

SIFD wins punters plaudits.

FEP courses prove popular. PAGE 24-25

PAGE 28

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS APRIL 6, 2021: ISSUE 723

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Farms face financial ruin SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FARMERS ARE warning that some of the proposals in the Climate Change Commission draft advice to the Government will result in financial losses for many. One-third of dairy farms could “go backwards financially with flow-on consequences for GDP”, DairyNZ says in its submission to the commission.

DairyNZ has modelled the draft proposal’s impacts on rural communities. If the recommendations are adopted, milk production could fall 7-13% by 2035. DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says farmers are concerned the commission’s economic modelling isn’t realistic and the assumptions don’t properly capture the true cost. “The commission significantly underestimates the economic impacts

and DairyNZ has forecast milk production to reduce under these proposals. However, the commission has assumed stock numbers will reduce, along with land use and methane – but milk production will stay the same. “The national cost shouldn’t be an excuse for inaction, but New Zealanders need to go into this with eyes wide open and an understanding of the true costs, to make informed decisions about where we

target our investment.” DairyNZ is also concerned the recommended carbon budget goes beyond the Zero Carbon Act – lifting the reduction of methane from 10% to 13%. “This effectively increases the scale of our challenge,” notes Mackle. “The commission’s pathway for biogenic methane also requires significant changes on farms and rapid technological breakthroughs, that we are not

She’s the boss! POUARUA FARMS is the largest single dairy platform in the Hauraki region and can also lay claim to being one of the best dairy farms in the country – as one of the finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua trophy for the top Maori dairy farm in NZ. As part of the competition, each of the three finalists have to hold a field day on their respective properties to give others the opportunity to see first-hand just why these farms have made it to the top. Tasked with organising the Pouarua Farms field day was the chief executive, Jenna Smith. She says the feedback from the day was positive with people interested in some of the wider innovations taking place on the farms. For Smith, who started life as a dairy assistant in Otago, it’s been a case of progressing through the ranks of the dairy industry. She’s had a number of roles, including a stint as a sharemilker, which have eventually led to her current role at Pouarua. – See more on the Pouarua Farms field day on pages 22-23

confident will be achieved in such a short timeframe.” Sheep and beef farmers are worried that the proposal for New Zealand to reduce its reliance on forestry offsets don’t go far enough and will lead to “swathes of New Zealand sheep and beef farmland being converted to pine trees”. Beef + Lamb NZ (BLNZ) chief executive Sam McIvor warns that it will have significant negative impacts for sheep and beef farming and for rural communities. BLNZ also opposes the recommendation for the Government to implement measures that would lead to a 13.2% reduction of biogenic methane emissions below 2017 levels by 2030. “This represents a 32% increase in the level of ambition compared to the 2030 biogenic methane target contained in the Zero Carbon Act, which is to reduce methane emissions to 10% below 2017 levels by 2030,” notes McIvor. “The commission has deemed that these reductions are achievable on the basis of further improvements in productivity, based on the gains the sector has achieved in the past,” he adds. “While it is true the sector has achieved a lot, there are limits to what the sector can continue to achieve.” There are some proposals that have the support of farmers, like the split gas approach, the He Waka Eke Noa partnership and investment for better rural digital connectivity. Consultation ended on March 31 and the commission now must deliver its final advice to the Government by end of May.

NO INTEREST NO BRAINER 1/3 1/3 1/3

Buy a KingQuad now, put it to work straight away, pay it off in 2023, all at 0% interest. Pay 1/3 up front, 1/3 next year and 1/3 in two years’ time. The KingQuad will get through a ton of work in that time, plus it’ll be under warranty the whole way. Too easy.

SUZUKI.CO.NZ

Price excludes GST. Finance offer based on new Suzuki KingQuad ATV from 20 January – 30 April 2021, or while stocks last. The offer is based on 0% interest rate over 24 months and an up-front payment of one third of the MRP, $300 documentation fee and $10.35 PPSR; a further payment of one third to be paid in 12 months; and a final payment of one third in 24 months. Normal UDC lending and credit criteria apply. Offer not available in conjunction with any other promotion.

owneD

kiwi

o w ne

100%

y all

Farming for future generations

ly oud loc

nd oper

SELECT FROM A 5 OR 6-SERIES DEPENDING ON YOUR FARM’S REQUIREMENTS CHOOSE FROM OUR RANGE OF 105-205HP CABIN TRACTORS

6135G/15-5/1S85E/20R5 HIPES

5102-/10S9/1E27RHPIES

e cabin rang

The 5 Series includes a range of tractors with unequalled efficiency suitable for a broad range of applications. All three variants utilise the FARMotion engine which has been designed specifically for agricultural applications and working conditions.

ROM TRACTORS F

1223

PER MONTH

†

The 6G Series are the perfect combination of several outstanding elements, with tried and tested Stage IIIA compliant 6 cylinder Deutz Ag engines matched with highly efficient ZF transmissions and class-beating hydraulic systems.

ROM TRACTORS F

1623

PER MONTH

ABSOLUTE ACCURACY

WARRANTY

4000 HOURS*

ON 6G SERIES TRACTORS

kverneland nz

EXACTA TL GEOSPREAD 100% ISOMATCH COMPATIBLE

†

YEAR

DEUTZ CARE

This allows the machine to automatically switch spreading on/off for headlands, along with adjusting the working width in 2m sections to suit overlap and coverage. The application rate is also automatically adjusted to account for forward speed. The centreflow spreading system accelerates the

AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION

fertiliser up to disc speed before it reaches the vane, preventing fragmentation of the granules due to the impact of the vanes. Fertiliser always contacts the vanes at the same point, and travelling the complete length of the vane, even on slopes, you are guaranteed accuracy no matter what the terrain.

1500-3900 LITRE CAPACITY WITH 12-54M WORKING WIDTH

ACCURATE APPLICATION RATES MEANS LESS WASTAGE

Power Farming NZ WHANGAREI

09 438 9163 PFNZRM_APR17

MASTERTON

06 370 8240

PUKEKOHE

0800 570 571 NELSON

03 544 5723

TAURANGA

TE AWAMUTU

MORRINSVILLE

BLENHEIM

GREYMOUTH

CHRISTCHURCH

07 543 0021 03 577 5508

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

HASTINGS

FEILDING

06 879 9998

06 323 8182

GORE

INVERCARGILL

03 208 9395

03 215 9039

Terms and conditions apply. *Warranty offer ends 30/4/2021. Warranty has two years comprehensive warranty and an additional two years power-train warranty. Offer valid on Deutz-Fahr 6G Series tractors. ** Go to deutztractors.co.nz/trydeutz for detailed terms and conditions. † Terms and conditions apply. Requires 35% deposit and full GST in month three, payment based on 1.96% interest for 48 monthly payments.

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

NEWS 3

On the same page - McBride

ISSUE 723

www.ruralnews.co.nz

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

NEWS ��1-15 MARKETS �� 16-17 HOUND, EDNA �� 18 CONTACTS �� 18 OPINION �� 18-20 MANAGEMENT ��22-25 ANIMAL HEALTH ��25-27 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS �� 28-30 RURAL TRADER �� 30-31

FONTERRA CHAIRMAN Peter McBride believes farmer shareholders’ views on capital structure changes are aligned with the board’s thinking. McBride says farmer feedback is being taken onboard as the Fonterra board shapes options for the cooperative’s capital structure. The looming capital structure review was discussed at farmer shareholders meetings around the country over the last two weeks. “It’s quite a complex process and we still have some work to do,” McBride told Rural News. “The feedback we are getting is quite aligned with the board’s thinking.” Maintaining farmer ownership and control is the top priority of Fonterra farmers. McBride says the board will present its options to farmers within the next few months.

Fonterra chair Peter McBride believes that both the board and farmers are on the same page when it come to the co-op’s capital structure.

Any changes to the capital structure will be voted at the co-op’s annual meeting in November. In January, Fonterra invited farmers to take part in a capital structure survey to gauge farmer sentiment. About 1,800 farmers took part. McBride says the survey results

confirm that there is a strong appetite for change, with 62% of respondents either strongly or slightly supporting a change. A common theme among the nearly 20% of respondents who were undecided was that they’d like to learn more about what the potential options are.

Police misfire on gun licences

HEAD OFFICE Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122

JESSICA MARSHALL

POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740

jessica@ruralnews.co.nz

POLICE HOPE to clear a backlog in the processing of new firearms licences and licence renewals ahead of the beginning of duck hunting season in May. Police Superintendent Mike McIlraith, officer in charge of arms safety and control, says there are approximately 9,700 applications sitting in the backlog. He says approximately 3,400 of these are renewals – over half of which come from applicants who

Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: Inkwise NZ Ltd CONTACTS Editorial: editor@ruralnews.co.nz Advertising material: davef@ruralnews.co.nz Rural News online: www.ruralnews.co.nz Subscriptions: subsrndn@ruralnews.co.nz ABC audited circulation 79,553 as at 31.03.2019

either applied for renewal on the expiry date or less than 31 days before the licence expired. “Duck season commences in the first weekend of May and Police are working hard to clear as many renewal applications as possible before this time,” McIlraith told Rural News. He says more staff have been brought on to help with the backlog and those who require their licences for work are being prioritised along with renewals. “We regret that some people may be in a position of not having a cur-

rent licence when the season starts but they will be able to take part in duck shooting, if accompanied by and under the immediate supervision of a current licence.” However, some say this is not enough as deer hunters are already facing the possibility of missing out on the roar which began in March and runs through April. New Zealand Deerstalkers Association chief executive, Gwyn Thurlow, says that after missing out on the 2020 roar due to the March/April Covid lockdown, hunters have been looking forward to the 2021 season.

RELIABILITY IS THE BACKBONE OF A WORTHY POUR ON. TURBO Pour-on is a world first treatment option for growing cattle. Using DMI-Sorb™ rain-resistant technology TURBO® is designed for New Zealand’s unruly weather conditions and provides the best combination for internal and external parasite control. Part of the 3-stage cattle drench programme, TURBO® Pour-on is ®

TURBO® CATTLE DRENCH PROGRAMME

“We will be laying those options out clearly when we get to that stage,” he says. Farmer ownership and control was the main priority for 82% of those who voted. A strong balance sheet and providing a good return on investment were the other top priorities. McBride says they’ve also heard that capital structure should make it easy for new farmers to join and for existing farmers to have more flexibility. “Another theme to come through was the desire for our co-op to think long term,” he says. “This was the kind of typical view expressed: ‘Take a long-term approach to decisions, we want to be a strong company for the next 100 years’. “Then there were a range of views on other matters such as flexibility, access to capital, share price, the performance of the co-op, reasons for supplying Fonterra and reasons for holding dry shares.”

the next generation in safety, efficacy and reliability. Available exclusively through veterinary practices nationwide.

He says many hunters are being side-lined because of the administrative delays. “Hunting centres around the possession and safe use of firearms and so any process related delays are disappointing,” Thurlow says. “Law abiding licenced firearms owners are, yet again, at the mercy of third parties through no fault of their own.” Police are now advising that existing firearms licence holders check the expiry date of their licence and apply four months in advance of the expiry.

PROUDLY

OWNED

PURCHASE A 5L OF TURBO® POUR ON AND RECEIVE A FOOD SAVER VACUUM SEALER*. PURCHASE A 2.5L AND RECEIVE A $40 NEW WORLD VOUCHER*. SEE YOUR LOCAL VETERINARY PRACTICE FOR DETAILS. STAGE 1 TURBO® Initial Oral Drench

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

TURBO® Advance Oral Drench

TURBO® Pour On or Injection

ALLEVA.CO.NZ | PROUDLY NZ OWNED TURBO is registered trademark of Alleva Animal Health Ltd. TURBO pour-on (A011722), TURBO Injection (A011742), TURBO Initial (A011703) and TURBO Advance (A011714) are registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997. See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. *Promotional items received may differ from advertised images and available while stocks last. Vouchers not redeemable for cash. Offer applies to BOSS and Turbo Pour on only.

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

4 NEWS

Lack of gas may derail coal plan SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FONTERRA IS on target to drop coal-fired boilers from its New Zealand manufacturing sites by 2037 as proposed by the Climate Change Commission. However, gas supply

disruptions could delay the transition, Fonterra says in its submission to the commission. In its response to the CCC’s draft proposals, Fonterra accepted the proposed pathway for decarbonisation of industrial process heating, including an end to coal

use for industrial heat by 2037, and the subsequent retirement of natural gas from 2037 onwards. However, the dairy co-op warns that the pathway to ending coal use by 2037 is ambitious and will be challenging to meet. “While we are working

Fonterra has warned that its goal to drop coal-fired boilers from its NZ manufacturing sites by 2037 could be delayed by gas supply disruptions.

to transition our manufacturing operations onto renewable energy sources and off coal by 2037, the current and forecast gas scarcity issues in the North Island pose a significant material risk to completing this transition within this timeframe,” it says. “Over the past 18 months there have been significant disruptions in the gas market. With a disruption with the Kupe gas field, the decline in the Pohokura gas field and no new significant gas fields planned, there is a significant risk of gas supply interruptions at Fonterra’s gas fuelled sites,” the submission warns. The co-op points out if there isn’t certainty of

WILSON

gas supply, it may need to start transitioning its 76 gas boilers and air heaters to renewable alternatives sooner than the commission’s pathway of 2037 onwards. It says this would “almost certainly impact the speed” at which it transitions off coal. The co-op also notes that it was unable to have too many manufacturing sites undergoing significant infrastructure changes at the same time. “Due to the nature of the New Zealand dairy curve, there is only a very short period every year when we can undertake significant changes to our manufacturing sites,” it says. Over a six to eightweek period, the co-op

SMA L FOR L TANKS TRAN IDEA WAT L SP ER A ND E ORTING ARTH EME QUA RGE KE NCY

POLYETHYLENE LIQUID STORAGE TANKS

www.wilsonplastics.co.nz

The Wilson Tank range was originally designed to replace galvanised Tanks and has now expanded to include eleven tanks. Ideal for bach’s, houses, implement and bore water.They catch the water which would otherwise be down the drain.They come with leafstrainer, 20mm outlet and 50mm overflow seal.The standard colour is Mist Green.

• Fill from town supply or water We have scheme fora produced fresh water TS260 Litre •Foodgrade Will not over balance tank •ideal Does for not require to be transporting tethered water andto a building. EARTHQUAKE!!! emergency.

EARTHQUAKE

Fonterra produces 20% of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions: 90% come from farms, 9% from manufacturing sites and 1% from transporting products to consumers around the world. Meanwhile, Fonterra’s submission says it is supportive of developing a long-term plan for research and development, working with government and industry on the methane challenge. However, the co-op warns that some of the productivity assumptions underpinning the CCC’s modelling, that shows a maintenance of current milk production, “are very ambitious and will be difficult to meet”.

goes from collecting around four million litres of milk a day to around 82 million litres a day. “All of our sites must be working close to full capacity to cope with this volume,” it says. “We carefully plan this maintenance to account for possible project delays and the impact natural disasters such as severe flooding can have on our operations.” Fonterra wants the commission to focus on the interdependency of coal and gas and the impact that the scarcity of gas could have on the dependence on coal for security of supply. It says it is willing to work with the Government and the commission on the issue.

The height of the TT 1200 makes it ideally suited for gravity fed soaker hose.

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL FARM OR IRRIGATION STOCKIST

PHONE

06 357 8562

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

NEWS 5

Farming limits concern departing fert boss STRAIGHT SHOOTERS

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

OUTGOING RAVENSDOWN chief executive Greg Campbell is worried that state-imposed regulations will limit on farm innovation. He says this could bring the best performers to “mediocracy” and the sector will be left without pioneers. “I think the biggest issue farmers face is that the Government will decree certain rules and regulations or limits on the way they can farm,” he told Rural News. “By doing that, it actually limits the innovation that Kiwi farmers are really good at…I do worry about that.” Campbell leaves Ravensdown in June after eight years at the helm. The conversation around climate change and mitigating emissions has changed since he joined the co-operative. Even if companies don’t believe in climate change, they accept that better sustainability makes good business sense anyway. “It has the opportunity of lowering my costs and positioning my com-

GREG CAMPBELL says he has absolute confidence in New Zealand farmers. “They are straight shooters, they are smart and can see through shiny gold,” he told Rural News. “You’ve got to be upfront and honest. If you do that, they will give you the time of the day,” he says. Campbell says he has come to know many of the co-op’s 20,000 shareholders over the past nine years. “I’ve got a huge amount of respect for the food producers of New Zealand; the way they go about it. “They are stewards of the environment, the land and for our business and quality of life we enjoy in NZ – contrary to what others may say.”

Outgoing Ravensdown chief executive Greg Campbell is worried that stateimposed regulations will limit on farm innovation.

pany, whether attracting new staff or marketing of products. People are happy with that,” he says. However, Campbell points out that there is a level of unease among farmers about what this will do to their production. “If my production falls

away and my revenue drops, how do I maintain a sustainable economic business unit? That is the challenge,” he says. Campbell notes that technologies to help farmers reduce emissions haven’t yet landed. He backs greater dialogue between the Gov-

ernment and farmers on how to reduce carbon emissions, but they must “make sure they’re not talking past each other.” Campbell says it’s a tough gig living on farm and a little bit more empathy would be helpful. He says while Covid-

19 has helped New Zealanders recognise how important farmers are, many are under immense stress. “I worry about the wellbeing and mental health of some farmers,” Campbell adds. “They are under a lot of pressure to deliver on

all of this, and I think some farmers will be struggling on what’s their priority and how they deliver. “I’d like to see more support for farmers and more positive comments about the role they play.” He believes a vast majority of people appreciate what farmers do for NZ and recognise that we built our economy around farming, and that’s never been more important given Covid-19. On the agriculture sector’s response to Covid19, Campbell praised the Government and Ministry of Primary Industries for giving it the license to continue to operate during the lockdowns. “I think the agricul-

ture sector did a particularly good job at keeping people safe and keeping the wheels of industry turning, ensuring customers overseas continued to enjoy products they like to buy from us.” For Ravensdown, the lockdowns helped build resilience. Co-op staff fielded a record number of calls from farmers and provided continuous service. “We empowered our staff to get on with the job and provided as much guidance and security as we could. They took it on the chin rolled up their sleeves, as they do in the agriculture sector and got on with the job.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

NEW

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

6 NEWS

Irish farmers confront similar conundrum DAVID ANDERSON

IRISH FARMERS are facing similar concerns to their NZ counterparts about how they can reduce the agriculture sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) contributions without severely restrict-

sions. The paper says Ireland’s new Climate Bill – published late last month – aims to reduce the country’s GHG levels to net zero by 2030. Ireland’s 51% target of reductions in GHGs by 2030, means the country’s farming sector is

ing their future production and profitability. The Irish Farmers Journal reports that “massive cuts” to Ireland’s cattle herd are on the cards unless alternatives can be found to agriculture’s contribution to that country’s GHG emis-

Currently, the Irish agriculture sector accounts for 34% of that country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

facing significant challenges. Currently, the Irish agriculture sector accounts for 34% of the country’s total emissions. The paper says that unless new technologies are found or emissions calculations introduced, hugely reducing the number of livestock in the country will be the deciding factor in meeting the new targets for the agriculture sector. Specific GHG reduction targets for each sector of the Irish economy – including agriculture – are expected to be set by the Climate Change advisory Council and Government in the next few months. The Journal reports that the council had previously suggested that up to 53% of the country’s suckler herd – some 536,000 cattle – would have to be culled from the national herd by 2030 to meet the emis-

570 HEAVY DUTY EPS ADC

$17,995

INC GST

0% FINANCE P.A.

$26,995

2 9

SAVE $1,000 $1,000 FREE ACCESSORIES^

XP 1000 HD EPS ADC

6 10

INC GST

1 5 6

FREE FARM KIT VALUED AT $3,250 INC GST

2 7

0% FINANCE P.A.+ FARM KIT INCLUDES: Poly Roof (#2882911), Fixed Glass Screen (#2889030), Wiper Kit (#2883974), Rear Poly Panel (#2883773) and Draw Bar (#2875320)

8 9

3 4

ACCESSORY IDEAS 1. Steel half doors #AUST510 2. Tip out front screen #2881784 3. Matte black six’r alloy rims #1521507-521 4. Pro Armor attack tyres #5415613 5. Canvas seat covers #P772Q 6. Front brushguard #2879973 7. Polysport roof #2883236

8. Cargo max system #2882177 9. Rear poly panel #2879812 10. Rear brushguard #2879972 11. Pro Armor 25cm dual row light bar #2882075 12. Work beacon led light #2883265

ACCESSORY IDEAS 1. Poly Sport Roof #2882911 2. Tip Out Windscreen #2889031 3. Front Hood Storage Rack #2882690 4. 33” Single Row Light Bar - 6300 Lumens #2882077 5. Windscreen Wiper Kit #2883974

6. Glass Rear Panel #2879013 7. Poly Doors Crank Window #2882561 8. 2,041Kg Pro Hd Winch #2882711 9. Rock Sliders With Step #2882530

sions targets. However, it also has promoted the idea of more forestry and improved fertiliser use as possible solutions as well. However, at the moment, the reality for the Irish farm sector is that without new technologies the Climate Bill means an end to increasing herd sizes and a big reduction in cattle numbers. Environment Minister Eamon Ryan highlighted, at the launch of the bill, the importance of biodiversity. He promised farmers they would be “paid properly for looking after nature.” The Irish farm sector says the next decade will be crucial in shaping how future generations will farm in Ireland. It is now waiting on how Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue responds to the targets and what support he will offer farmers to meet them.

IT’S WORTH THE WAIT FOR A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST! NEW ZEALAND’S FASTEST GROWING SXS BRAND IS IN HIGH DEMAND# Avoid disappointment and delays

SEE YOUR POLARIS DEALER AND ORDER TODAY

*Offer ends 30/4/21 or while stocks last. Offer only available at participating Polaris Dealers. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes fleet clients. ^Accessories offer only valid with the purchase of a new Ranger 570 HD EPS ADC. +Finance offer is only available on selected models. GST registered customers only. 24-month term contract. 20% Deposit required. Deposit may include Trade (Trade conditions apply). Fees and conditions apply (normal lending criteria applies) Finance is provided by Polaris Finance, a program operated by De Lage Landen Limited Company No 135515. **Models shown with optional extra accessories.

0800 440 290 | www.polarisnewzealand.com |

#Industry Data 2020

/PolarisNZ |

/polarisorv_nz

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

NEWS 7

New website aims to give good oil on NZ red meat DAVID ANDERSON

IN AN effort to counter misinformation about, and to promote the benefits of, NZ red meat, a new website was launched last week. The www. makingmeatbetter. nz website, developed by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) and the Meat Industry Association, brings together independently-

biodiversity loss and water quality. “NZ red meat production already has some great environmental stories to tell. Our sheep and beef sector has a goal of net carbon neutrality by 2050 and is already a long way towards achieving this.” He points out that greenhouse gas emissions from NZ sheep and beef farming have decreased by 30% since 1990, while

“The reality is grass-fed red meat, like we produce in New Zealand, plays an important part in a healthy and balanced diet.” verified facts and insights about beef and lamb from a health, nutrition and environmental perspective. BLNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says the motivation behind the website is to make it easier for New Zealanders to find the facts about the production and consumption of beef and lamb. “New Zealand’s farming methods are different and more sustainable,” he says. “However, a lot of what people hear about red meat production is based on international research and overseas farming systems.” McIvor says it’s important that New Zealanders have access to the facts about how meat is produced in this country and what that means for their health and the environment. He adds that NZ’s farming is a model for how to produce healthy red meat in a sustainable way. “The way we farm is better for animals, better for you, better for the planet and better for communities.” McIvor says the website allows sheep and beef farmers to share the concerns of many of their customers about issues such as climate change,

production levels have remained stable – and during the same time, the sector has more than doubled its export receipts. “The carbon footprint of sheep and beef production is around half the average figure globally.” The website also includes facts about the health benefits of NZ red meat. Fiona Windle, a registered nutritionist at BLNZ, said consumers are also looking for reliable sources of information about diet and health. “Like everyone, we hear a lot of polarising and confusing views out there about what’s good for us. The reality is grass-fed red meat, like we produce in New Zealand, plays an important part in a healthy and balanced diet.” Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, says NZ’s red meat sector supports wider rural communities including schools, local businesses and community facilities. She says the sector accounts for nearly 5% of total employment in New Zealand – more than 92,000 people, on-farm and in processing and support services “The NZ meat sector

contributes income of $3,300 per year to every household in NZ and generates $12 billion in

income per year for the country.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

A new website has been launched which brings together independently-verified facts and insights about NZ beef and lamb from a health, nutrition and environmental perspective.

THE MOST POTENT MOLECULE EVER DEVELOPED… ...NOW IN COMBINATION Eprinomectin. It’s the most potent molecule ever developed for worm control in cattle(1). Now we have combined it with levamisole to create new TURBO® Pour-on. It’s the future of worm control offering the potency and productivity you would expect from an eprinomectin pour-on with the resistance fighting power of a combination. And thanks to Alleva’s patented DMI-sorb™ technology rain won’t affect efficacy. Available exclusively from leading veterinary practices nationwide.

motional Giveaway 10 Year Anniversary Pro

CELEBRATE OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY AND RECEIVE A HIKOKI BRUSHLESS 2PC DRILL & IMPACT DRIVER KIT WITH 2 X LI-ION BATTERIES & CHARGER WITH EVERY 5L OF TURBO POUR-ON PURCHASED*

ALLEVA.CO.NZ | PROUDLY NZ OWNED PROUDLY

OWNED

® TURBO is registered trademark of Alleva Animal Health Ltd. TURBO pour-on (A011722) is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997. See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. *Promotional items received may differ from advertised images and available while stocks last. Offer applies to Turbo Pour-on only.(1) Shoop W, Michael B, Egerton J, Mrozik H, Fisher M. ‘Titration of subcutaneously administered eprinomectin against mature and immature nematodes in cattle’. Journal of Parasitology. 2001 87(6): pp1466-9.

NEW Poly Pipe Fittings

MD Fits 15 – 90mm Medium Density Pipe

Fits 15 – 40mm Low Density Pipe

Fits 15 – 50mm High Density Pipe

Hansen Products NEW Easy Fit Compression Fittings can now be used on Medium Density Pipe, Low Density Pipe, and High Density Pipe.

Talk to your local stockist

Time Tested and Trusted for over 60 years

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

NEWS 9

‘No choice’ in reducing emissions PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE HEAD of the Climate Change Commission, Dr Rod Carr says all New Zealanders have a responsibility to begin reducing emissions if we are to rise to the climate challenge. He told about 40 representatives of the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) Forum meeting in Wellington recently that human beings have a carbon footprint, no matter what they do, and says it’s about containing it and how we contain it. Carr says the climate waits for no one and as a nation we can choose what we do, but we can’t choose not to reduce emissions. “So, it’s about our share of the responsibility. The science is now so clear that we have to act because greenhouse gases are causing the climate to change,” Carr says. “The needle on the dial is moving toward doing what we can; when we can. There is technical feasibility, economic effects and social acceptance we need to address. I think the journey is underway, we just have to configure how we do it. Long-term, we will need a technological breakthrough.” As part of its meeting, the participants attended at parliament to recog-

nise their work at both a national and local level. At the function, DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel praised the work of the DEL and says by coming to Wellington to meet politicians and other leaders in the agrisector they now need to take these messages back to their communities and farms and put them into practice. The DEL was formed by DairyNZ in 2013 to ‘empower leadership’ and help farmers support other farmers making change to reduce environmental footprint. In the initial stages, members were hand-picked by the sector. However, van der Poel claims the organisation now has a life of its own and runs its own affairs, but is still funded by DairyNZ. He says while the sector can make policy and propose change, ultimately this has to be led by farmers themselves. Van der Poel says DEL members are selected because they are passionate about the environment and are keen to do the right thing on their farms and in the community. “They come together in these forums to share information and understand the issues and then go back to their communities and down on farms and promote good environmental practices both

on their own farms and in their communities,” he says. “These are people who live the good values and are proud of what they are doing in respect of the environment such as looking after the waterways, fencing them and carrying out riparian planting.” Van der Poel says many New Zealanders don’t understand what is

being done on farms. “But that message is always more powerful when it’s coming directly from farmers who are doing the hard yards rather than information put out by sector groups,” he says. Van der Poel admits the dairy sector still suffers from rogue farmers who engage in poor animal welfare or environmental practices. But he says there are bad people in every facet of society and says the majority of dairy farmers do not condone actions which ultimately damage the industry and their business.

Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr says all New Zealanders have a responsibility to begin reducing emissions.

RULES NEED TO BE PRACTICAL THE CHAIR of the DEL is north Waikato dairy farmer Melissa Slattery. She and her husband Justin own and operate a 300 cow, 106ha dairy farm near Te Aroha. She’s an associate with a local chartered accountant firm and is a former regional leader for both the Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Industry Awards and the North Canterbury Rural Business Network. Slattery says farmers are committed to playing their part to solve environmental challenges and have a lot of great work underway already. But she adds that regulations need to be practical behind the farm gate and have pragmatic timeframes. “Dairy Environment Leaders Forum is an opportunity for environmentally-minded farmers to get together and discuss the opportunities we see, the challenges we face, and the support that we will need to succeed.” She says DEL members are showing leadership either on their own farms or in the community as part of catchment groups or other collective groups and then on up to regional or national policy level. Slattery says at a local level they participate in farm discussion groups and share their insights with other farmers. “This is part of farmers’ culture and the culture of Dairy Environment Leaders,” Slattery says.

For Higher Productivity + Lower Servicing Costs TORNADO RANGE

• UDOR ceramic plunger pump & gear-box • Genuine Honda petrol engine • 10 models from 1800 to 5000 psi • Made in NZ

HURRICANE WATERBLASTER/ SPRAYER • Tough 600 litre tank, Cat 2 mounts • New Udor 3000 psi pump with massive 35 L/min flow • Blast/spray/clean drains • Made in NZ

ELECTROBLAST RANGE

FREEPHONE 0508 78 78 78

www.aesblasters.co.nz

Sales & Service dealers throughout New Zealand

• UDOR Italian Plunger Pump • 230 or 400 Volt 1440 RPM electric motors • 8 models from 1600 to 5000 psi • Made in NZ

GET SOME HEAT ON THIS SUMMER & AUTUMN WITH LEADING BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM CATTLE DRENCHES Boehringer Ingelheim products have been carefully developed for New Zealand cattle farms, and right now, when you purchase qualifying products, you’ll receive either a Ziegler & Brown twin burner BBQ, a bluetooth speaker, or a BBQ carving knife set. PROMOTIONAL OFFER ENDS 30 APRIL 2021 WHILE STOCKS LAST *QUALIFYING PRODUCTS: ZIEGLER & BROWN BBQ: ECLIPSE® Pour-On 12.5L x 1, ECLIPSE® E Injection with B12 + Se x 3L x 2, Ivomec EPRINEX® Pour-On for Cattle & Deer 25L x1. BLUETOOTH SPEAKER: ECLIPSE® Pour-On 5L x 1, MATRIX-C Hi-Mineral 10L x 1, MATRIX-C Hi-Mineral 20L x 1, SWITCH® C Hi-Mineral 10L x 2, SWITCH® C Hi-Min 20L x 1. SWITCH® FLUKE 10 x 10L x 1. BBQ STAINLESS STEEL CARVING SET: ECLIPSE® Pour-On 2.5L x 1, ECLIPSE® E Injection x 500mL x 2, ECLIPSE® E Injection with B12 + SE x 500mL x 2, EXODUS® Pour-On 5L x 1, GENESIS® Injection + B12 + SE 500mL x 2, GENESIS® POUR ON 10L x 1, GENESIS® ULTRA POUR ON 5L x1, IVOMEC® Plus Injection x 500mL x 4, SWITCH® FLUKE 10 x 5L x 1. NZ-CAP-0058-2020

PROMOTIONAL OFFER ENDS 30 APRIL 2021, WHILE STOCKS LAST

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

10 NEWS

Can the latest working group find real solutions? PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

CLIMATE CHANGE and a labour shortage are two of the big issues being faced by NZ’s primary sector at present. That’s the view of Mike Peterson, former NZ special trade envoy and now the independent chair of the Food and

Fibre Partnership Group (FFPG) working group. The group, which was set up about nine months ago, has been tasked with finding practical solutions to matters that arose from the Primary Sector Council’s ‘Fit for a Better World’ strategy, which had its genesis at MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries).

The FFPG’s membership includes the chief executives of MPI, Ministry for the Environment (MfE), NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Ministry of Business Innovation & Enterprise (MBIE), representing the key government agencies. The industry is represented by the chairs of HortNZ,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY ROLE Agriculture is the mainstay of New Zealand’s economy and the rural contracting industry provides a wide range of services to farmers to ensure the industry remains a major income earner for the country. The industry is also involved in agrichemical application on farms and in public places. The membership of Rural Contractors New Zealand seeks a full-time Chief Executive who can represent the industry to the government, local bodies, public and other industry groups. Reporting to an industry representative Board, the Chief Executive will provide a range of services to members including accreditation programmes, as well as representing the industry on a number of organisations and to local and central government The successful candidate will have excellent advocacy and communication skills and experience across policy, agriculture or similar disciplines. Experience of the agriculture sector is desirable but not essential. If you are ready for the challenge of representing this essential industry at all levels, you can obtain a detailed Position Description from office@ ruralcontractors.org.nz

Applications addressed to the President, Rural Contractors New Zealand close at 4pm on 27 April 2021

DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, Winegrowers, Forest Owners, SeafoodNZ, the Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA) and a director of Whakatu Incorporation. Petersen says his role as independent chair is to ensure there is alignment between the primary sector and government agencies and develop a partnerships approach. “There probably has been some concern in the past that sector initiatives were not being linked with government efforts,” he told Rural News. “The first piece of work that we have done

Mike Petersen says his role is to ensure there is alignment between the primary sector and government agencies and develop a partnerships approach.

is to bring the CRI’s together and sit down alongside them.” Petersen says the

goal is to make sure that R&D and science efforts matched the strategies for the meat, dairy, wine

and horticulture to name a few. “We wanted to make sure that they were not doing science that was unrelated to the efforts of the particular sectors.” He says a key science issue that was discussed was the need to get greater traction is in relation to decarbonising agriculture and how NZ gets to a lower carbon economy. Petersen says the day spent with the CRI’s was really good and while he acknowledges the problems are not fixed, he believes there is certainly the intent to do that.

THE LABOUR ISSUE MIKE PETERSEN says Covid-19 has highlighted the fact that every group in the primary sector has relied on being able to bring in people from overseas for seasonal work. He says this wasn’t possible this year and there is no guarantee that it will be possible in the future. Petersen says no one wants a repeat of what has happened this year and plans need to be put in place to prevent this happening. He says having enough seasonal workers is always going to be a challenge, as is the transition to getting more Kiwis to take up such employment opportunities. “None of us have all the answers – neither the sector nor the Government – and that’s why the FFPG is doing a deep dive on labour issues to find a solution,” Petersen told Rural News. “What we can do as a group

is coordinate this right across all the sectors because we have the benefit of having the people with the knowledge to do this.” He believes the immigration settings that are in place now are not going to change, so it’s a matter of finding solutions for the future based on these. Petersen says this all points to the need to transition into greater use of automation and robotics. “It’s about what sort of investment is going to be required if we are going to have less reliance on people and more on robotics and automation in some of these areas,” he explains. “It’s about transitioning to provide more robotics and automation so that we need fewer people doing physical work and getting more higher paid jobs in the sector as a result of this.” There has been much debate and

criticism around the primary sector about the Government’s policies on who is allowed to enter NZ in the Covid environment. Many people have questioned, for example, why the Wiggles or rich yachties should be allowed into the country at the expense of workers to pick apples. However, Petersen says the FFPG will not head down that track of commenting on this subject, stating this is a policy matter and they are just a ‘working group’. However, he notes that even within the group, there will likely be different views on this subject. For his part, Petersen reckons having a high-level group of people sitting around the table is beneficial to the primary sector. He believes in the past there was fragmentation in the sector and between government, which he says creates differences.

It’s time to and secure your delivery

your machine and get the specification you want for the right price

NORTH ISLAND www.gaz.co.nz Call our Imports Specialist 027 203 5022 CAMBRIDGE | OTOROHANGA | ROTORUA

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

NEWS 11

The beginning – not end! JESSICA MARSHALL jessica@ruralnews.co.nz

AFTER SEVEN years, the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) came to an end on 31 March, yet chair Malcolm Bailey says it’s work is “continuous”. “It’s not the end, it’s more like the beginning,” Bailey told Rural News. The RMPP was set up in 2013 with the overarching goal of improving the red meat sector’s productivity and profitability. Bailey says the partnership has been successful in that goal. The RMPP engaged Scarlatti, an independent business management consultancy firm, who Bailey claims have confirmed that success. “Scarlatti said that for every $1 we’re putting in, we’re getting a $17 to $18 return,” he says. “That’s a very pleasing result.” The Scarlatti analysis also revealed the total farm profit (after tax) forecast is likely to be lifted by $96.4 million by 2025. Bailey says many of the programmes and investments made by the RMPP have seen significant success. He believes one important aspect of the work the RMPP has done is an investment in programmes to engage with women within the sector. He says that while women make up approximately

50% of the farm sector in some form, it needs to be bringing more women forward. “They needed to gain the confidence to step forward,” Bailey told Rural News. He adds that another important aspects of the partnership’s work is the moves made to encourage younger people into the sector. These efforts include work with intermediate schools to match kids with a local beef and sheep farm. At the secondary school level, the RMPP have also created resources and programmes to put agriculture on their radar as a potential career, including funding for TeenAg Clubs, and creating resources matched to the high school curriculum. Bailey says that while we won’t see the results of these efforts for a while, “we felt it was something we had to do.” He says that while many of the RMPP’s programmes, such as its Action Network and the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme (NZFAP), are being integrated into other organisations, it won’t change the fundamentals. He says farmers have been kept abreast of the changes but that the people involved “…remain

the same”. Bailey believes that if the RMPP has been successful during its sevenyear tenure, the work will continue and the sector won’t require a second programme.

RMPP chair Malcolm Bailey says many of its programmes and investments have seen significant success.

NEW INTRODUCTORY OFFER

9,990

EX GST RIDE AWAY

SAVE $1,000

Check out our websites www.ruralnews.co.nz www.dairynews.co.nz

THE NEXT GENERATION IN CFMOTO ATVS CFMOTO NORTH ISLAND

MAKE SHEARING SAFE WITH

heiniger.co.nz/shed-safety

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 Powerhead Motorcycles, Manurewa (09) 297 7145 RevTech Powersports, Stratford (06) 765 7712 Rob Titter Farm Services, Kaikohe (09) 401 1774 Tahuna Motorcycles & Atvs, Tahuna (07) 887 5790

AVAILABLE FROM

$51.04 PER WEEK

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

CFMOTO FINANCE

T&E Motorcycles, Gore (03) 208 8114 Tru Moto, Christchurch 0800 878 6686 Vallance Machinery, Fernside (03) 313 6465

*Ride away prices quoted exclude GST. CFORCE 625 EPS offer at $9,990 is valid until 30th June 2021 or until stocks last. 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. Offer valid until 30th June 2021.

ON SELECTED CFMOTO ATV’S & UTV’S www.cfmoto.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

12 NEWS

Deer farmer’s roaring success DAVID ANDERSON

SOUTHLAND ELK farmer Tom May is no stranger to producing top quality velvet and believes that his Mayfield Elk Farm, just south of Winton, may have just set a world record.

May’s Wapiti stag Eureka has lived up to his name, yielding 16kg of velvet as a three-year-old – simultaneously setting a Mayfield, New Zealand and, what May understands to be, a world record as well. Eureka was born and

bred at Mayfield Elk. May says the stag will be joining the farm’s AI programme, with semen available both nationally and internationally next season. “We already have semen straws available from his sire

Potential velvet world record holder, three-year old Wapiti stag Eureka from Mayfield Elk Farm in Southland.

TR ROTOWIPER

Trailing model towed by a 4 wheel bike

FANTASTIC NEW FEATURES! • Single height adjustment • Roller drive disengagement • Fold-up drawbar • Tank leveller adjustment

• New strong design frame • New stub axle hub arrangement • All covers now stainless steel

Savannah,” he says. Meanwhile, another Mayfield bred bull Savannah, with Korean Gold heritage in his bloodlines, is now seven-years-old. “His hard-antler spread this year reached 54 inches – an inch on the Duke’s (another Mayfield bull) 53 inches at the same age.”

It appears that Southland, as a region, is conducive to producing high quality Wapiti genetics and velvet. Amanda Nally, who has worked with May for the past 15 years, believes Mayfield Elk Farm, along with fellow local Wapiti stud breeder Dave Lawrence from Te Kana Stud,

are part of the reason why Southland does so well in an Elk Wapiti sense. “It has a lot to do with the friendly rivalry between Tom and Dave,” she told Rural News. “Both are excellent farmers whose strive to outdo each other and this has resulted in huge improve-

ments in the NZ Elk Wapiti bloodlines.” May’s 100ha property at Thomson’s Crossing was one of the first New Zealand sheep farms to be converted to suit the giant deer – he also has a 37ha block at Earnscleugh, Central Otago. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

HOOKED ON DEER

Rotovacuum: 350lt bin, Stihl BG86 blower motor. Great suction to clean your paddock or garden.

Rotocart: RC270, RC300 & RC500. 3 sizes, super strong rotationally moulded in our factory.

48 Bremners Road PO Box 333 Ashburton www.rotowiper.com P: 03-308 4497 M: 027-311 9471 E: rotowipersales1@gmail.com

A FOURTH-GENERATION farmer, Tom May began his career farming sheep and fattening lambs on his 100ha property at Thomson’s Crossing in 1980. Not long afterwards, he bought his first Wapiti straight off the chopper from a live deer recovery operator and says he became “hooked” on the big beasts. Within five years the fences on his Southland farm had doubled in height and the sheep had gone, replaced by majestic Wapiti captured from the wilds of Fiordland National Park. “I am a great believer that big is beautiful,” May says.

The General was a cornerstone of the Mayfield Elk bloodlines. Bred at Mayfield, then sold in utero before being brought back as spiker. May says the stag was a magnificent animal containing the best of the bloodlines of the free Fiordland Wapiti of a by-gone age. The 12.7kg he cut as a nine-year-old – although long since eclipsed – was impressive in its day. However, May says the animal’s heavy beam and body have been passed down through the years. Mayfield Elk is a state-of-theart Wapiti unit, with central lanes, generous yards and deer shed, which includes a purpose-built sales ring.

May was quick to see the advantage of artificial insemination techniques for deer – developed by Dr Mike Brigand from his Central Southland Veterinary practice in the early 1990s. “Biotechnology advances made it easy for Mayfield Elk to add pedigree Canadian Elk bloodlines to our wild Wapiti strain,” he explains. “And, in turn, export the semen of our top bulls back to the USA and Canada.” May is a founding member of the Elk Wapiti Society of New Zealand, formed in 1984 to help both promote the breed and learn more about it, and was president in 2003.

Pelletised Lime Fertiliser Fine particle lime pellets Add S, P, Mg, Humates + TE Blend DAP, Urea, SOP All in one application!

m th e gro und up ! Hel pin g gro w a h ea l th i er wo rld - fro CP Lime Solutions Ltd - Fine Lime Solutions Since 2000

Proudly made in NZ

www.cplimesolutions.net.nz | 0508 678 464

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

NEWS 13

Tools now available to help farmers calculate their GHG numbers DAVID ANDERSON

TWO NEW information sources to help farmers understand their agricultural greenhouse gas emissions are now available. Developed under the auspices of He Waka Eke Noa: The Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership, the two resources are the Farm Planning Guidance for Greenhouse Gases and a report on the current tools and calculators that can be used. Kelly Forster, programme director for He Waka Eke Noa, says knowing a farm’s nitrous Kelly Forster says by knowing their numbers means farmers are in a position to decide how to make changes.

oxide and methane numbers is the first step towards managing – and knowing how to reduce – on-farm emissions. “The message is, know your numbers and have a plan.” By the end of 2022, all NZ farms will need to know their greenhouse gas numbers. “There are now a range of tools that have been assessed as suitable for calculating a farm’s biological greenhouse gases, and more are in development and will be assessed soon,” Forster explains. “Measurement is key,” Forster explains. “Farmers knowing their numbers means they

HELP AVAILABLE SO FAR, seven different greenhouse gas calculation methods have been assessed and classified: HortNZ, MfE, Alltech, E2M, Fonterra/AIM, Farmax and Overseer. Meanwhile, other tools are in development and will be assessed and added to the list. “All farmers knowing their numbers by December 2022 is an ambitious target,” says Forster. She adds that the He Waka Eke Noa’s partners are committed to supporting their farmers – including developing new calculators to support farmers across sectors to know their GHG footprint and how to reduce it. Forster encourages farmers wanting advice to talk to their industry representative, supply company, or other advisors, about knowing their numbers and incorporating GHG into Farm Environment Plans.

are in a position to decide how to make changes to their farming practices to mitigate or reduce emissions.” She adds that every farm is different and not every farmer is expected

to reduce their farm’s emissions. “However, the choices each farmer makes to optimise their operation will have a collective impact on NZ’s climate change efforts.”

Farmers need to know their numbers by the end of 2022 if they farm 80ha or more or have a dairy supply number – or are a cattle feedlot as defined in freshwater policy. Since December last

year, when the first Farm Planning Guidance was released, industry bodies have been incorporating information relevant to their levy payers into their Farm Environment Plans.

The guidance sets out basic principles to guide farmers, growers, and advisors, with practical information on opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to capture carbon.

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

14 NEWS

Synlait falters as Chinese channel sellers disappear CANTERBURY MILK processor Synlait has suffered a 76% drop in half-year net profit as it battles Covid-related vol-

atility and rising dairy prices. The company, last week, reported a net profit of $6.4 million for

enant ratios were met, Synlait has increased its leverage ratios with lenders to manage any risk for the financial year.

six months ending January 31, 2021 – compared with $26.2m for the same period last year. While all banking cov-

NEW FROM

Ten Basic Fertiliser Facts You Mus Dr Bert Quin

Fact 1. The overuse of soluble P fertiliser is by far the largest Fact 2. Once you have Olsen P levels that are more than a thi Synlait is facing headwinds on several fronts. environment. Fact 3. If you want to build up your soil P in an environmenta costs and capacity and combined with rapidly revenue rose in Total a sustained fashion for plants. pull forward value crerising Global Dairy Trade 19% to $664m but gross Fact 4.dropped There29% is tonothing lose and everything to to gain. ation initiatives accel-RPR-b prices, to foreign exchange, earnings erate the execution of our in s and a efficient changing prod$48m. Packaged (sulphur 90)infant is far more than the excess sulphate strategy. uct mix, creates volatility formula sales were down Fact 5. Following 1-4 above will greatly reduce P run-off and “We will need time to which limits returns. 16%. huge amounts of money! get through this, but we Another issue facing Last month, the listed Fact 6.withdrew It is nonsensical give to pressure to install remain confident about expen Synlait to is the slowin arrival company its our future.” and departure of goods in full-year guidance update idea of their long-term effectiveness and maintenance costs, Clement says the comas it battles headwinds on and out of ports globally. Fact 7. in any case simple fenced-off 3-metre wide grass ripa pany’s investment phase While this is a timing several fronts. bacterial and sediment Neither have any significa is now complete. issue, losses. it expects delays to will Synlait’s key infant “We have the continue for some time formula customer and strips can be harvested in summer to be fed out, tocapacimprove and this will likely impact ity, capability, and cuscornerstone shareholder, Fact 8. In a nutshell,thefor maintenance oftomer P levels any genuine base to generate full year result fura2 Milk Company is situations ordrop lowin rainfall, RPR and high-analysi value. Covidther. use a blend ofsignificant facing a dramatic 19 hit us late, but will spr Synlait chair Graeme sales following travel disFact 9. For N, rather than granular urea, use prilledweurea, emerge from the panMilne says the first half of ruptions between Austracut in half with big savings. demic a stronger, more the year was challenging. lia and mainland China. Fact Potash and must lessSynlait.” likely to caus sustainable “Weefficient, continue to find Daigou 10. channel sales – is more annual amount youourselves are using now. mixowns with a2 Milk justyour pri in a period of Easy to personal shoppers in Ausunder 20% of shares in significant uncertainty tralia sending products For more info, email Bert Quin on bert.quin@quinfe

Bert Quin DrDrBert Quin

Ten Basic Fertiliser Facts You Must Know and Adopt to Meet 2025 Wate

Fact 1. The overuse of soluble P fertiliser is by far the largest cause of P run-off and leaching, and therefore of the decline in the Fact 2. Once you have Olsen P levels that are more than a third of the P retention (ASC), application of additional soluble P is ve environment. Fact 3. If you want to build up your soil P in an environmentally-protective way, simply apply RPR. It does not get leached or lost in a sustained fashion for plants. Fact 4. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain. RPR-based fertilisers are even cheaper than super-based products as we (sulphur 90) is far more efficient than the excess sulphate in super. Fact 5. Following 1-4 above will greatly reduce P run-off and leaching. This should be done before anything else, and the situat huge amounts of money! Fact 6. It is nonsensical to give in to pressure to install expensive mitigations riparian strips, excessively large wetlands and ‘ph idea of their long-term effectiveness and maintenance costs, and before you have established whether changing to sustained-r Fact 7. in any case simple fenced-off 3-metre wide grass riparian strips are essentially as effective and vastly cheaper than more bacterial and sediment losses. Neither will have any significant long-term beneficial effect (on a whole -farm basis) on soluble P strips can be harvested in summer to be fed out, to improve P and N cycling. Fact 8. In a nutshell, for maintenance of P levels any genuine RPR (not an RPR/Boucraa mix please!) can be used. Just check the situations or low rainfall, use a blend of RPR and high-analysis soluble P. Fact 9. For N, rather than granular urea, use prilled urea, sprayed immediately prior to, or during, the spreading with urease in cut in half with big savings. Fact 10. Potash is more efficient, and must less likely to cause metabolic problems, if applied in small doses 4 times a year, addi annual amount you are using now. Easy to mix with your prilled urea. Leaching of anions like nitrate will be minimised as well. For more info, email Bert Quin on bert.quin@quinfert.co.nz, or phone 021 427 572, or visit www.quinfert.co.n

Quinfert Hi-Lime RPRV2 0-10-0-3 NPKS plus 36% Ca

Only $345+gst/tonne ex Waikato depot, $385+gst ex Canterbury • Contains 100 kg P/tonne, all present as Algerian RPR V2

• Minimal P leaching or runoff, no Boucraa waste or manufacturing rock present • 70% liming value, similar to many commercial limes! • Only one annual application required

• Suitable for aerial and surface spreading – max 2% moisture

• To maintain soil pH and soil P supply, apply annually at 25 kg/ ha per stock unit (drystock) or 40 kg/ha per 100 kg milksolids/ha dairy

• Up to 45% cheaper applied than alternative lime, P and S maintenance options Quinfert Hi-Lime RPR V2 – the regenerative farming solution

Call Quinfert on 0800 784 633 or Bert Quin direct on 021 427 572 www.quinfert.co.nz

YOUR SPRAYING NEEDS, SORTED. Buy now to save 5% on

S A V E Croplands full range of

RRP*

AgriPak, TrayPak and 300L TrailPak sprayers.*

Freecall 0800 106 898 Email sales@croplands.co.nz croplands.co.nz

Save 5% valid until 31st May 2021. All prices exclude GST and shipping.

800L AGRIPAK

8m boom | LA800/MAX800

WAS $7,418RRP SAVE $371

NOW

$7,047

LK0106170©

• Add any additional S required as highly efficient S90 or as pHneutral S90/lime mix

to China – have dried up since the beginning of last year The company says the resulting impact of this on its business is twofold: demand for consumer packaged infant formula remains uncertain, which in turn impacts forward infant base powder production and asset use. The sudden drop in consumer-packaged infant formula demand,

300L TRAYPAK

and volatility as Synlait faces into several headwinds. “This is impacting our short-term operations and will impact our full year 2021 financial result.” Chief executive Leon Clement says it will take the company time to weather the storm. “Our focus is now to mitigate the impact Covid-19 has had on our customers, as we manage

30m manual reel | US30F/30/HR30TG WAS $4,929RRP SAVE $246

NOW

$4,683

Synlait – with China’s Bright Dairy the biggest shareholder with a 39% stake. Synlait share prices have taken a hit in the past year – dropping from over $10/share in early 2019 to around $3.40 last week. Before the first Covid lockdown in NZ in March last year, its share price was hovering around $7.30/share. – Sudesh Kissun

300L TRAILPAK

4m boom | UA300B/20S/4BX WAS $4,801RRP SAVE $240

NOW

$4,561

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

NEWS 15

Passion for environment leads to title win SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

NEWLY-CROWNED NATIONAL ambassadors for sustainable farming, Evan and Linda Potter say they are very humbled to win this year’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The Potters, who farm 5,000 stock on their 720 hectare hill country property at Waipapa, Central Hawke’s Bay, plan to continue their good work on biodiversity. About 22% of their farm is retired into mainly QEII National Trust covenants. Evan Potter told Rural News that they plan to continue fencing and retiring more land in partnership with QEII and under council covenant. “That’s the way we think…it makes sense to be good custodians of the land,” he says. Other initiatives on the Potter farm include an annual pole planting programme for shade and erosion control, planting of natives, regular possum, cat and pest control, and wetland and riparian planting. The Potters, 2020 East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) winners, were chosen national ambassadors and winners of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy. The announcement was made recently at the National Sustainability Showcase at Te Papa in Wellington, attended by all of the regional supreme winners. Their focus on solutions and their understanding of the need to maintain sound financial performance to fund environmental projects was a stand out for the national judging panel. The judges noted that the Potter’s presented well-articulated, positive and holistic views about New Zealand and its future as a food and fibre producer on the international stage. They both have an excellent understanding of on and off farm challenges faced by

the sector. Along with impressive biodiversity they have also diversified their income stream from livestock across sheep, beef and deer, farmed for velvet. The Potters purchased Waipapa in 1997 and set to work on transforming what they describe as a blank canvas, into an aesthetically pleasing and productive business producing venison, velvet, wool, sheep and beef. The 5,000 stock units are divided into thirds of sheep, beef cattle and deer. Evan says this diversity mitigates risk. With wool prices at record lows, wool prices are now “an animal health cost”. Venison sales remain the most profitable part of the business. The Potters chose to enter the awards because of their passion for the environment and to share their story. “We want to get around the table and have an impact and not just be by-standers. We realised we have a story to share and hope that it can inspire others on their journey,” said Evan. Both Linda and Evan have been heavily involved with their local community and have developed a strong partnership with their regional council. Chair of the national judging panel, Dianne Kidd, says the Potter’s demonstrate a sound understanding of industry metrics around key topics of climate change and reducing greenhouse gases. “They certainly ‘walk the talk’ with their environmental projects and sustainability initiatives. They are role models as early adopters of change. “Evan & Linda have an obvious love of farming and a pride in the successful business they have built together over the last 23 years. They are practical and sustainable and tell a very good story that many others will learn from. “We wish them well in the year ahead as the national ambassadors for

Central Hawkes Bay farmers Linda and Evan Potter say they are humbled to be named this year’s Ballance Farm Environment Award winners.

cated to promoting leadership in environmental excellence and encouraging the uptake of management practices which both protect and enhance the environment and add value to farming businesses and communities.

sustainable farming and growing and as recipients of the prestigious Gordon Stephenson Trophy.” The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, a charity dedi-

YAMAHA

WOLVERINE X2 “IT’S TIME TO GO YAMAHA”

LOW COST OF ENTRY

ZERO TO PAY

FOR 12 MONTHS 4.95% P.A FIXED RATE

BULLET PROOF ENGINE

PROVEN RELIABILITY

847CC

3 YEAR

PARALLEL TWIN LIQUID COOLED, 4-STROKE, DOHC

GENUINE FULL FACTORY WARRANTY

FIELDAYS SPECIAL

GET FREE

YAMAHA ACCESSORIES WORTH

1000*

EX GST

36 MONTH LOAN TERM

ON ATV & ROV

LIMITED TIME ONLY

COMMERCIAL APPLICANTS ONLY ANNUAL REPAYMENTS ONLY

WOLVERINE X2 NOW ONLY

19,999 + GST

FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT:

www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

*Promotion available between 1/03/21 to 30/04/21 on new Wolverine X2 units (YXE850PB) through participating authorised Yamaha dealers while stocks last. Each eligible unit sold will receive a $1,000 ex GST Yamaha accessories credit, on units warranty registered on or before 30/04/21. See your participating authorised Yamaha dealership for details. *FINANCE DISCLAIMER: Promotion available between 1/01/21 to 31/03/21 on new farm vehicles (AG125, AG200, TTR230/A, TW200, XT250, YFM350FA, YFM450FB, YFM450FB/P, YFM700FA, YFM700FB/P, YXC700P, YXE850PBL, YXE850PK, YXF850, YXM700, YXE1000PSEM, YXF1000PSEM), through participating authorised Yamaha dealers while stocks last. Offer available for specified models, and warranty registered on or before 31/03/21. Zero deposit; zero repayments for the first 12 months and 4.95% p.a. fixed interest rate on a 36 month loan term. Asset backed commercial applicants only with NZBN registered for minimum of 1 year. Maximum amount financed is $35,000 and applies to AG125, AG200, TTR230/A, TW200, XT250, YFM350FA, YFM450FB, YFM450FB/P, YFM700FA, YFM700FB/P, YXC700P, YXE850PBL, YXE850PK, YXF850, YXM700, YXE1000PSEM, YXF1000PSEM. Offer available from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021 with final settlement date of April 30, 2021. 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. Information provided is general only and does not take into account your particular objectives, financial situation and needs.

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

global agribusiness research analysts sharing market outlooks

16 MARKETS & TRENDS

Rabobank supports clients from farm to fork in

COUNTRIES

100 000

12630

farmers to connect Content supplied by Rabobank - Growing New Zealand Together with worldwide , a Better

Dairy holds as northern flush approaches RABOBANK REPORTS that the future global outlook is clearer and more hopeful than it has been for months. By mid-year, it says there should be a palpable return to familiar consumer patterns. “It won’t be immediate, and it won’t be without some bumps along the way, but on balance, it should be positive for dairy markets.” Rabobank is forecasting a 1.1% increase in milk production across the Big-7 dairy-producing regions in 2021. This

is a decrease compared to the 1.6% YOY increase in 2020.

in February, which could have some lingering animal health impacts. Higher feed costs will pressure margins, with corn and soy prices remaining elevated at least until the new crop comes in September, but supplies will remain tight through Q4. However, with risk

EU LOOKING AHEAD to Q1 2021, we expect milk supply growth to come to a standstill. January figures indicate lower yearon-year milk volumes in Germany, France, and the Netherlands (-1.4% YOY). Based on preliminary February data, we also anticipate milk deliveries to decline in those countries. Tepid milk supply

growth is mainly the outcome of diminishing farm ‘cash’ margins caused by average to slightly belowaverage milk prices, high prices for feed concentrates, and the limited supply of (high quality) roughage. EU-27 average farmgate milk prices remained almost unchanged from October to an estimated average of EUR 35.04/100kg in January. Current dairy commodity prices indicate momentum for base

milk prices will increase modestly during Q1 and Q2 2021. Several large processors have already announced small improvements in milk prices for February and March.

RABOBANK FORECASTS a slight slowdown in milk production growth in Q1, to 1.6% YOY, due to cooperatives re-implementing base programs as well as a prolonged cold snap

management programs, government aid, and relatively high milk prices in most of 2020, producers are entering this year in a strong enough position to be able to withstand these pressures. Markets will experience continued volatility, though nothing like what was experienced in 2020.

Australia

AUSTRALIAN MILK production growth stalled somewhat in late 2020. Production for the season to date (July 2020 to January 2021) is up 1% YOY. However, production fell by -0.7% in Q4 2020 vs. the previous year. Growth in the quarter was confined to NSW and Tas-

usiness ysts et outlooks

Rabobank supports clients from farm to fork in

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

MARKETS & TRENDS 17

COUNTRIES

Content supplied by Rabobank - Growing a Better New Zealand Together Rabobank now forecasts a farmgate milk price of NZ$ 7.80/kgMS for the 2020/21 season. Rabobank anticipates milk collections across the 2020/21 season will marginally lift by 1% for the full season. The new season’s milk production (beginning June 1, 2021) will see

mania. In January 2021, output was quite strong, recording a 3.3% YOY gain against a low comparable. Rabobank has lowered its milk production forecast for 2020/21 and expects output to be flat with the previous season at 8.7bn litres. Rabobank’s southern export-modelled milk price for 2020/21 has been revised up to AU$ 6.60/kgMS

China

MILK PRICES in China extended the upward momentum into early February 2021, hitting a historical high of CNY 4.29/kg (US$ 0.66/kg), up

12% YOY. Meanwhile, milk production also topped a sixyear high in 2020, with indications that momentum continued into January 2021 Increased concentration of milk supplies in the hands of a few large players and a consumer shift toward the white milk category in the postCovid-19 recovery phase have supported the price and production gains. Until recently, the Oceania WMP price was at a 23% discount to the average domestic milk price, but that competitiveness has now collapsed

after narrowing import parity to 4% following the March 2 GDT event. Retail and foodservice sales recorded substantial year-on-year gains during the Chinese New Year in the absence of the major lockdowns experienced in 2020.

stronger milk volumes year on year to kick off the beginning months. Export volumes through 1H 2021 are expected to be higher compared to the prior year, due to weak 2020 shipments combined with relentless Chinese demand over the opening months of the new year playing out.

HOME OF RURAL NEW ZEALAND

PRODUCER CONFIDENCE is riding high with commodity prices leaping 24% so far in 2021. Off the back of the magnitude of the price climbs, and in anticipation of dynamics in China supporting further upside to come.

Channel 81

THE DAILY REPORT 7.00 PM WEEKDAYS

Exclusive to Country TV - The Daily Report is our rural specific news and weather programme that includes financial updates, stockyard reports, and a 10 day long range weather forecast.

*Conditions apply. Only available to SKY direct customers with at least SKY Starter and a SKY box in the home. Country TV costs $18.40 per month in addition to your standard monthly subscription and is subject to SKY’s standard terms and conditions. Prices are correct as of 1 October 2019, are payable in advance and subject to change. For full terms and conditions visit countrytv.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/.

• Ideal for Cattle Troughs • High Flow • Side/Bottom Mount • Detach to Clean • Compact/Robust

• Up to 50mm Inlet • Flows up to 600L/min • For Storage Tanks • Easy Access to Valve Seal

• Inlets Upto 50mm • Avoids Starting & Stopping of Pump When Tank is Filling

0800 JOBE VALVES jobevalves.com

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

18 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

Time to listen NOW THAT submissions have formally closed on the Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) draft recommendations, released in February, on reducing NZ’s emissions profile, will it actually listen and act on the advice it has received? It is not hard to get cynical about so-called ‘consultation’. With this Government – more often than not – it is merely a box-ticking exercise, with little or no real changes made to its overall political objective. One only has to look at its freshwater legislation and the negligible changes it made to this following ‘industry consultation’, for the country’s farmers to be rightfully nervous about what regulations will be imposed upon them in the emissions reductions space. The CCC’s draft advice recommended – among a plethora of changes across the economy – the Government should adopt measures that would hugely reduce livestock number on farms and see more good farmland planted in trees. A number of primary sector bodies made submissions, including Beef + Lamb NZ (BLNZ), DairyNZ, HortNZ and Irrigation NZ to name a few. All had a common theme: they are supportive of the CCC’s desire to reduce NZ’s emissions and say they are keen to play their part. However, they also point out that crucial changes must be made to the draft recommendations if the country’s all-important agri-sector is to survive and thrive into the future. Both BLNZ and DairyNZ have rightly questioned the CCC’s draft carbon budgets for methane reductions. The farming bodies explain that these will go further than is required in the Zero Carbon Act, effectively increasing the scale of the farm sector’s challenge without the “robust science, economic or farm system justification”. Farming organisations have also expressed major concerns about the lack of analysis of the socio-economic and distributional impacts of the CCC’s proposals – especially the impacts of land-use changes on rural communities. They also point out that “ensuring food production is not threatened” was a key consideration of the Paris Agreement. The sector has endorsed the CCC’s call for the Government to develop and invest in a “long-term, sustained research and development plan to reduce agricultural emissions and mitigate impacts on-farm”. Overall, the agri-sector has raised pertinent and practical points in its submissions. Now it is time for both the CCC and Government to take on board this advice for the benefit of the sector, the country and the planet.

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

Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz

THE HOUND Uninspiring

Lost touch?

A MATE of the Hound reckons if you ever wondered why the current Labour Government seems so far removed from rural and farming interests, one only has to look at the make-up of its supposedly ‘rural’ caucus. Apparently, this stellar group of no-names meets every month or so to discuss issues affecting rural and farming NZ. However, your old mate would have to question just how much this group is in touch with the heartland of the country when it consists of former kindergarten teacher Jo Luxton, past senior public servant Meka Whaitiri, former boss of the teachers union Angela Roberts, one-time air hostess and unionist Marja Lubeck, and ex WINZ case manager Terisa Ngobi. As the Hound’s mate opined: “I wonder how all those farmers and rural New Zealanders, who supposedly voted Labour at the last election, feel about their electoral choice’s rural representation?” Good question!

YOUR CANINE crusader was impressed to see that Beef + Lamb levypayers gave their farmer organisation a strong message at last month’s annual meeting when they rejected the board’s move for a big jump in director fees. Farmers were so enraged by the move that they not only rejected the fee hike, but also voted out one director and just re-elected the other incumbent by a very slim margin. However, despite all of this, BLNZ chair Andrew Morrison still had the chutzpah to say that the board “stood by its decision” to propose the big increase in director fees. This old mate wonders if Morrison’s off-farm life as a company director – as he is also a director of fertiliser co-op Ballance – and the $175,000-plus he pulls in annual remuneration between BLNZ and Ballance alone, is putting him out-of-touch with the economic realities that farmers are currently facing?

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

Foot in mouth – again! THIS OLD mutt reckons Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor too often suffers from ‘foot in mouth’ disease. Speaking at last month’s Central Districts field days, O’Connor told an audience of agricultural leaders and politicians that the last year has taught the tourism industry “not to be so cocky” after losing its spot as the top export earner to the dairy industry. Not a very smart thing to say when tourism operators are going broke all over the country due to his government’s policies on border control – especially when tourism businesses in his own patch on the West Coast are suffering terribly. This follows O’Connor’s dumb comment, earlier in the year, when he told the Australians to show China ‘more respect’. The Hound suggest O’Connor should practice engaging his brain a whole lot more before opening his big, fat mouth!

Blue murder YOUR OLD mate recently read an off-the-wall suggestion, by some boffin, that deliberately staining meat blue meat will lead to less of it being consumed. Oxford professor of psychology, Charles Spence, based the reasoning for his crazy idea of encouraging less meat consumption on the controversial and widely rebutted 2019 EAT-Lancet report, which claimed that current consumption of traditionally farmed animal protein was unsustainable. He argues that research has already shown that food coloured blue is less appealing to consumers. Spence goes on to argue that a similar process was used to discourage people from smoking when legislation was introduced enforcing drab olive green packaging of all tobacco products. The Hound suggests farmers steel themselves to fight against a push by a bunch of bureaucratic do-gooders to colour their beautiful, healthy, wholesome red meat products blue!

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: Lisa Wise .................................. Ph 027 369 9218 lisaw@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 Marshall ................ Ph 021 0232 6446

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 // APRIL 6, 2021

OPINION 19

HOW DO WE DEFINE A

True Triple WITH A WINNING HAND

How much would the $136 million budgeted for the next America’s Cup go to building more water storage?

No foiling in the dry TIM GILBERTSON

IF YOU ask me, climate change is here in spades. Farmers are bearing the brunt of it and it’s going to get worse. Aussie farmers are an endangered species and we are not far behind. But Aucklanders don’t seem to believe in global warming. So, it’s a good place to visit when your soil moisture dips below 18%, your dams are dry and the creeks haven’t run for two years. It’s like going to Disneyland. Reality recedes and – for a few brief hours – you live in fantasyland. I visited the city of sails for the much vaunted Americas Cup. I was almost tearful as our lads foiled their way to victory. However, I managed to control my emotions by discussing dry matter per hectare with my shipmates. A soothing practise highly recommended at tense moments. The only worry was the thousand boats watching; all powered by fossil fuel and creating perfect conditions for the next drought. Greenhouse gas – they seemed to say – who cares? At the airport, I decided to reduce my carbon footprint by sharing a shuttle – rather than taxiing alone. This worked well, until we hit the city centre. An hour of gridlock later, I saw no electric cars and dozens of stationary fossil fuelled vehicles spewing carbon. As a Nissan Leaf owner, I was unimpressed. Transport emissions make up 40% of global warming. No one seemed bothered. Next morning, I walked down to the Viaduct Basin. For 45 minutes I breathed in diesel fumes and admired scores of new concrete and steel buildings. Steel and concrete make up 20% of global emissions. Wood could replace these materials in most of these building, but no one seems interested. The Viaduct was full of bubbles. The bottled stuff was welcome. The Covid bubbles were not. Everyone talked of flying again to exotic locations. Air travel creates 7% of greenhouse gases, so when the jets crank up, my poor creeks will

never see water again. But no one seemed worried. But credit where it’s due. The cup was great. The hospitality superb. The company wonderful and the result satisfying. Yet another triumph of Kiwi ingenuity and a proud moment for one and all. Whoever thought of the foil deserves a medal – an electric car and a roof full of solar panels. I returned home a happy man, puffed up with patriotism and pride. Just in time to witness more ingenuity, admittedly of a different calibre. A local mobster shot up a crowded bar injuring two innocent bystanders and a rival gang member. Miraculously, no one was killed, but here is the clever bit. According to reliable sources, instead of an unlawful banned firearm, he used a perfectly legal semiautomatic .22 Magnum. So, the aim of reducing mayhem by rejigging the gun laws has been circumvented by Kiwi know how and a touch of ingenuity from the outlaw fraternity. That’s $200 million down the gurgler and no solution! Back on the farm, most of my poplar poles and other winter plantings had died from neglect and lack of water. The cows were generating methane and nitrates, but the thousands of trees that have survived were sequestering it flat out. The cows and sheep were also generating income that was spread throughout the community and the nation, rather than supporting the international elite. Rain was forecast, but it didn’t turn up. The children expressed a desire to be farmers one day and had to be severely chastised. I rang my MP to ask if we could have the $136 million budgeted for the next Americas Cup to build a water storage lake big enough to host the next challenge. Thereby adding some long term benefit to the investment and spreading the benefits more widely. The answer was no! The sun was shining. Rain was forecast for July – or perhaps August. It was good to be home. • Tim Gilbertson is a central Hawkes Bay farmer

Recent advertising

by Alleva Animal Health, titled

“How do you define a true triple?”

suggests the actives in a combination sheep drench should work as well together, as they would if you had time to administer them individually, to be a “true triple”.

Alleva also claims older triple drenches never had to prove they meet that standard. We may have “older” triple drenches, but most farmers know with age comes wisdom. When MATRIX® HI-MINERAL was registered in NZ in 2005, the regulator was provided with studies that showed all 3 of the main actives were individually safe and

effective when combined in the product. As you would expect with registration of the pioneer triple active sheep drench in NZ.

That’s why we stand proudly behind the MATRIX® brand and why we call MATRIX® the TRUSTED TRIPLE.

MATRIX® HI-MINERAL and the MATRIX® family of products remain the most popular triple active mineralised oral drenches for sheep in the NZ market today. FACT.

MATRIX® the TRUSTED TRIPLE since 2005. MATRIX® Hi-Mineral, MATRIX® Mini-Dose Hi-Mineral, Iver MATRIX® Mini-Dose Hi-Mineral, Iver MATRIX® Tape Hi-Mineral and MATRIX® TAPE Hi-Mineral represent the MATRIX® Sheep family made here in New Zealand for New Zealand sheep farmers.

PROUDLY AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTICIPATING VETERINARY CLINIC Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Zealand Limited. Level 3, 2 Osterley Way, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand. MATRIX® is a registered trademarks of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No’s. A009390, A010132, A009418, A011065 & A010120. © Copyright 2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Zealand Limited. All rights reserved. NZ-OVI-0002-2021.

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

20 OPINION

We just can’t leave it to beaver! THE LUCKY country is New Zealand. We have water in abundance. It falls out of the sky and flows out to the sea. It is termed ‘renewable’. A series of reports from Berl (Business Economics and Research Ltd) make the abundance clear: New Zealand has

about twice the quantity of freshwater on its area than United Kingdom, and about four times that of China and the United States of America. On average, New Zealand receives about twenty times the volume of freshwater per square kilometre of area than does ‘unlucky’ Australia.

Access to water in periods of drought enables plants to grow, animals (including humans) to be fed and soil organic matter (including all the soil organisms it supports) to be maintained. Per head of population, the figures indicate luxury – far more water per person than is needed

COMMENT

Jacqueline Rowarth

to support a population with a mixed economy and a relatively high standard of living. Berl

e v a S

BIG ON FUEL UP TO

OFF

Per Litre

EVERY DAY

ACCESS DISCOUNTS HERE...

Get your SuperCard now and start saving Visit nzfarmsource.co.nz/fuel or call us on 0800 731 266 *T&C’s apply. 16c per litre applies to the discount at Mobil on the SuperCard. For all discounts please visit nzfarmsource.co.nz/fuel

has calculated that New Zealand receives over 24 times the amount of water per person than France, for instance. This abundance might be the reason that we are amongst the highest global users of household water. Basic needs (cooking, cleaning, washing) are 50 litres. Half the world’s population is estimated to use approximately 95 litres per day. New Zealanders use, on average, 227 litres, with more than 70% of the consumption in the bathroom. Household use counts as consumption because the water requires treatment before it is returned to the environment. The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) estimates that total annual allocation for consumptive use is approximately 27 billion cubic metres per year (Bm3/year). Sixty per cent (approximately 16 Bm3) is for the hydro generation consent in Southland. Manapouri takes water from the Waiau River and discharges it out to sea, thereby preventing other water users from using the resource. But 27 Bm3/year is only 6-8% of the estimated 320 to over 440 Bm3/year that we have (total rainfall minus 20% for evaporation). Remove the Manapouri allocation and people are using 2.4 to 3.2%. Of this, 70% is used for irrigation. That is less than 2% of New Zealand’s water. This 2% is used on less than 3% of New Zealand’s land area. Yes the area has increased, almost doubled in fact between 2002 and 2017 (current latest data) to almost 750,000 ha. Yes the biggest area is in Canterbury – but even there, irrigation is on only approximately 10% of the area available. It seems like more because the irrigated land is often in areas that are also suitable for houses and roads – skirting the mountains,

for instance. A look at Google Maps of the Canterbury region shows the realities. Access to water in periods of drought enables plants to grow, animals (including humans) to be fed and soil organic matter (including all the soil organisms it supports) to be maintained. Access to water during periods of drought also allows household activities to continue. Most people will remember the challenges for Northland last summer, and Auckland through the winter period. Napier was put on level 3 restrictions in January, and other regions will probably follow. Yet, New Zealand has some of the largest resources per capita in the world. The problem is uneven distribution over the country and during the year – and the fact that we don’t store during periods of excess. While environmentalists are vocal about capture of water not being natural, and argue for prescriptive regulation, there should be no argument that capture and storage allows environmental flow. The 2020 OECD report on Nature-Based Solutions (to mitigate climate change) suggests increasing and maximising water storage capacities, and thus slowing the release of water. An innovative solution in the USA is to encourage beavers to dam rivers… In the absence of beavers, we need to think. How do we best manage our renewable water for environment and human use? Thinking will help turn luck into a valuable resource. It’s what Kiwis have done in the past and can do again – as long as regulations enable innovation. • Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Adjunct Professor Lincoln University, has a PhD in soil science and is a farmerelected director of DairyNZ and Ravensdown. The analysis and conclusions above are her own. jsrowarth@gmail.com @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

22 MANAGEMENT

Ahuwhenua finalist showcases farms POUARUA FARMS is the largest, single dairy platform in the Hauraki region and it can also lay claim to be one of the best Maori dairy farms in the country. The farm is one of the finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua trophy for the top Maori dairy farm. As part of the competition, each of the three finalist have to hold a field day on their respective properties to give other farmers, and all those with an interest in the dairy sector, the opportunity to see first-hand just why these farms have made it to the top. Pouarua’s 2,200ha platform comprises ten farms: nine dairy units and one drystock unit. A total of 4,600 cows are milked across 1,775ha and produce approximately 1.65M kgMS.

The farms are typical of the region – flat and featureless with peaty soils, which dry out in summer and require careful management.

The Pouarua Farms team all dressed up for the field day. PHOTO CREDIT: www.alphapix.co.nz

The farms are jointly owned by Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Tara Tokanui and Te Patukirikiri and were

bought back from the Government as part of a treaty settlement buyback scheme. The farms were initially in a 50/50 sharemilking agreement

with Landcorp from 2013 – 2019. Now Pouarua Farms is now fully-operated by the iwi owners under a limited partnership arrange-

ment. The board is independently chaired by John Luxton along with iwi representative directors Paul Majurey, John McEnteer, and Rick Brad-

dock, who have all served from the outset on the return of Pouarua Farms to the iwi. The farms are typical of the region – flat and featureless with peaty soils, which dry out in summer and require careful management. There has been considerable capital investment on the farms with an emphasis on both the milking platform and the environment. A forever planting programme sees 7,500 harakeke and other native species planted each year, with riparian planting of the drains being

the main priority. On Farm A, where the field day took place, a new 54 bale rotary dairy shed has been built in the past two years. This property, and the other farms, look well cared for and there is a sense of pride in the staff who work them. As well as building up the farm asset, Pouarua Farms has created employment opportunities for local, produced commercial dividends to shareholders, worked with schools to highlight employment opportunities and donated food to vulnerable whanau and kaumatua.

MAORI FARMING GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH RICK BRADDOCK has been a foundation director of the company. He’s an experienced director with wide farming interests. He enjoys working for the company and says it’s great to see Maori farming in such a responsible way and adopting high sustainable practices – including caring for staff. Braddock notes the pleasure and love that shareholders have in their lands, which have only just been returned to them. He says knowing that they will never

sell the land means that there is real value in upgrading the dairy platform and enhancing the farm itself. He says there is a good culture in the company and they have done things to make the business attractive for staff. “We want a list of people wanting to work for us, not people wanting to leave us,” he

Pouarua Farms director Rick Braddock says the company has come a long way in a short time.

told Rural News. Braddock says the company is looking at diversification and with this goes a focus on the customer. He believes consumers are concerned about the food from a nutritional point of view and also the provenance of that food. “To that end, we have set aside an area of the platform to

supply Lewis Road Creamery with A2 Jersey milk. This is currently produced in our own bottles and on supermarket shelves in Auckland.” He says Pouarua Farms has come a long way in a short time and by being a finalist in the Ahuwhenua competition is an example of what can be done. Chairman of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee, Kingi Smiler, says field days offer an outstanding example of the achievements of Māori farming and highlights the growing

contribution of Māori to the wider NZ economy. He says more needs to be done to showcase Maori achievements as many people still do not understand the value of the Māori economy. Field days for the other two farms was held on April 1 at Tataiwhetu Trust while Tunapahore B2A Incorporation will hold its field day on April 8. The winner of the competition will be announced at the Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards Dinner, which is being held in New Plymouth on Friday May 14.

BOE1154 (A)

INTRODUCING THE LATEST TOOL IN THE TOOLBOX FOR YOUR HOGGETS…

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

MANAGEMENT 23

Good communication the key AS THE autumn sun rose in the east, the first of more than 100 people from around the district started arriving for the field day. There was the traditional welcome and the Ahuwhenua trophy, donated by former Governor General Lord Bledisloe, was ceremoniously brought onto the farm. Guests would hear presentations from the directors and staff of Pouarua farms in a large marquee set up near the farm office. Another marquee was set up nearby for the catered morning tea and lunch. It was then a chance to do a brief farm tour on foot – the first stop being near the new dairy shed and a chance to get out in the paddocks and to get up close with the herd of Farm A. The event ran like clockwork, albeit a little behind time. Tasked with organising the day was the chief executive of Pouarua Farms, Jenna Smith. She admits it was a huge task to pull the day together, but says everyone from directors, senior managers and farm staff worked well together. She puts the success of the day down to good communication. “They say that good

Chief executive of Pouarua Farms, Jenna Smith addresses the field day crowd.

communication is not what you say, but what people have received and judging by today our communication has been successful,” she told Rural News. Smith says the feedback from the day was positive with people interested in some of the wider innovations taking place on the farms. She says the land is very delicate and susceptible to environmental pressure. They have come up with a vision – healthier food for a better life. “That is that not necessarily all dairy because it may not be right to continue in dairy and so we are looking at other options for the land,” Smith explains. “For

example, we are pretty heavily down the line on a blueberry orchard and have retired some land that we will use to graze beef cattle on when we have the feed to spare. We are also growing maize to sell.” A big issue for Pouarua and other farms on the Hauraki plains is the summer dry. The peat soil dries out quickly and last season they had to deal with a six month drought. This year they are four months into a drought. Smith says the answer is to focus on growing grasses and crops that can best cope with the dry conditions. “We are using those Italian ryegrasses and

conserving that in the spring when we can and having that there for summer,” she explains. “We go then go into a good summer cropping programme so we are using an early maturing turnip, which allows us get into that in November and set our rotation out a little bit further.” She says they then get into later maturing turnip, which takes them past Christmas and follow that with a sorghum, which has been drilled in behind the early maturing turnips. Smith says Sorghum is bit unusual, but it likes the high temperatures – a bit like maize – and she says its works for them. Smith adds that their approach is not prescriptive, because the farms are not a text book operation. For Smith, who started life as a dairy assistant in Otago, it’s been a case of progressing through the ranks of dairy industry. Sadly, she had a farm bike accident early in her career which ended her on farm working days. However, with support from Landcorp, she’s had a number of roles – including a stint as a sharemilker, which have eventually led to her role at Pouarua.

More than 100 people turned up for the Pouarua Farms field day held late last month.

DRAINAGE AND SOIL AERATION PAY BIG DIVIDENDS Don’t put good fertiliser on compacted soil which can’t absorb it. If your soil can’t support 15cm root growth and good worm population check for compaction. You could need aeration. In dollar terms, what would 20% production increase mean to your yearly turnover?

AERATORS

HEAVY DUTY AUTO RESET

NOW AVAILABLE, 5, 6 OR 7 LEG MODELS

MOLEPLOUGH

YOUR GREATEST ASSET IS THE SOIL YOU FARM. DON’T DESTROY IT!

• SOIL AERATION SPECIALISTS •

PRE RIPPERS

MAITLAND RD5, GORE. PH/FAX 03-207 1837 OR 027-628 5695 www.james-engineering.co.nz

BIONIC PLUS HOGGET – HELPING TO PUT THEM RIGHT WHERE YOU WANT THEM AT MATING

This new controlled release combination capsule releases abamectin and albendazole plus selenium and cobalt continuously for 100 days. By using a combination capsule in conjunction with management techniques such as refugia, the threat of parasite resistance developing can be significantly reduced.

BOE1154 (B)

AVAILABLE FROM YOUR PARTICIPATING VETERINARY CLINIC Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Zealand Limited. Level 3, 2 Osterley Way, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. A011826. © Copyright 2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Zealand Limited. All rights reserved. NZ-OVI-0005-2021.

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

24 MANAGEMENT

Farm Environment Plan course Massey University is leading the charge to train rural professionals to help farmers to produce Farm Environment Plans (FEP’s). It is running a series of courses ranging from introductory through to an advanced course. Peter Burke caught up with the participants at the advanced course at Massey recently… THE SCENE is Massey University’s number 4 dairy farm on the outskirts of the Palmerston North.

Dr Mike Bretherton and Dr Lucy Burkitt, along with farm manager Josh Mitchell, start off by briefing the five mem-

bers of the course and then it’s on to a tour of the property. No 4 dairy is a 250ha farm, divided into 90 paddocks where

NEED IRRIGATION? WANT EFFICIENCY? Call the experts:

,--_

& Effluent ► Irrigation Design accredited ► Centre Pivots ► RotoRainers ► Guns ► Pumps ► Electrical ► Repairs & Maintenance ► Stock water...and morel

Dr Lucy Birkett says there is strong demand for all of Massey University’s FEP courses.

600 cows are run. The farm is run both commercially and for research purposes. On this day, the five highly-qualified farm consultants are doing the advanced FEP course. There is an introductory and intermediate course, both of which are run online. There is a significant element of on-line work for the advanced course as well, but the main difference is that there is a

four day practical session on farm. The advanced course last for 10 weeks Burkitt says normally people going on the advanced course would have done the intermediate course, but – in this case – all the participants are highly qualified rural professionals who meet the entry criteria for the advanced course. “The advanced course is where the rubber hits the road. The four days

are taken up by visiting three different farm types – dairy, sheep and beef and arable,” she told Rural News. “At the end of it, they are required to complete FEP’s on all three farm types. We have given them some guidance on some of the farms and devised a staged strategy for them to complete their plans.” The courses have been run with the support and input from industry

groups such as DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb, MPI and fertiliser companies. There is a reference group set up to provide input into the courses. Burkitt says there is strong demand for all the courses with the intermediate courses fully subscribed to the end of May and a June course is now being offered. The intermediate course, she says, acts a feeder course to the advanced one.

A PARTICIPANT’S PERSPECTIVE Cnr Robinson & McNally Sts, Ashburton Phone 307 9049 Email admin@rainer.co.nz www.rainer.co.nz

RAINER

IRRIGATION LIMITED

RICHARD PARKES works for the Catalyst Group, which specialises in environmental management. Previously he’s worked Greater Wellington Regional Council and Beef + Lamb NZ. Parkes is doing the advanced

course to get himself current in the FEP space and to get an insight into what training opportunities there are for staff they may bring through their organisation “What really stood out for me

was Massey recognising that freshwater farm plans need to be different for different land uses,” he told Rural News. “So, on this course, we will TO PAGE 25

Why do we claim we’re the most sustainable dairy producers in the world? Because we are Our milk has the lowest emissions of anywhere in the world. Yep, we’ve taken on the challenge of sustainability, and we’re winning. Why? Because we’re dairy farmers, and we rise to a challenge. And it’s in these moments we shine.

Riseandshine.nz

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

MANAGEMENT / ANIMAL HEALTH 25

proves attractive A PARTICIPANT’S PERSPECTIVE FROM PAGE 24

complete a freshwater farm plan for a dairy farm, a different one for a hill country sheep and beef farm another for arable farm. I think what is great is that Massey is taking a lead around these freshwater farm plans. Their material is academic and science driven so whatever ends up in the plan will have that solid base to it as opposed to being quite politically driven.” Parkes says the focus has to be on peer reviewed science and making sure that when they put a farmer’s plan together everything is referenced correctly. He says a lot of farmers are being proactive around environmental issues but are looking for some certainty around what a freshwater farm plan looks like. “My advice is when they do a plan, take it beyond what a regulatory minimum might be,” he says. Rebecca Robertson came up from Southland to do the course. She works for Southern Land and Water Planning, which is based in that province and have with a small office in Invercargill. She says they do primarily resource consents and bit of policy advice but are now starting to get a bit more into farm planning and budgets. “I was keen to come on the course just to make sure that what we are doing is correct and get more knowledge around the farm planning process,” she says. “Also, to see how Massey sees the issues and to bench-

mark myself to make sure that the advice I am giving to people is the correct advice.” Robertson says the field trip is an excellent idea because down in Southland they have different property types. She says although the climate may be different to the Manawatu, where the field trips are being held, the principles of putting a FEP together is the same. James Livingston, who works for Ravensdown in Taranaki, was another of the course attendees. He says his company has spent a lot of money on getting farmers to have the correct nutrient recommendations. Livingston says anything that affects that, given the problems the industry faces means that people like himself need to keep themselves up skilled. “I have recently been on the intermediate course and now I am on the second version of it,” he told Rural News. “Most Ravensdown staff will go to this sort of course or a Massey or Lincoln course every year because we are all university graduates and the company recognises that you need to keep your skills up to date. “We have got certain standards we have to meet and how we do that is the question and that is why we go to Massey because they done the research and we have the task take that message out to the farmers,” he says

MAKE SHEARING SAFE

Ravensdown’s James Livingston believes that by keeping his skills up-todate, farmers will get the best advice and farm in such a way that they are not going to create any undue environmental problems.

Livingston believes the goal is that by keeping their skills up-to-date farmers will get the best advice and farm in such a way that they are not going to create in any undue way environmental problems.

THE CONVENIENCE OF TWO TREATMENTS IN ONE INJECTION

WITH

Join thousands of farmers, contractors and shearers who have switched to the world’s #1 selling and most trusted shearing plant and woolpress. Make your shearing shed a whole lot safer, without compromising on performance and reliability.

TPW Xpress Woolpress • Safety screen guard with automatic return • Presses more weight into less packs • Automatic bale pinning and bale ejection • Contamination-free short square bales • Fast pack locking system

The world’s first dual action, broad spectrum injectable parasite control, with the addition of B12 and selenium to support growth and energy in young cattle.

EVO Shearing Plant Winner of 2 Worksafe Industry Awards Unique electronic safety switch Designed to eliminate handpiece lockups Proven choice for commercial shearing contractors in Australia and New Zealand

Heiniger New Zealand | (03) 349 8282 | heiniger.co.nz

Ensure young stock become future high producers, through improved health, growth and energy at: BOE 1035

• • • •

futureproducers.co.nz

PROUDLY AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTICIPATING VETERINARY CLINIC

 

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Zealand Limited. Level 3, 2 Osterley Way, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand. ECLIPSE® is a registered trademark of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. A011151. © Copyright 2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Zealand Limited. All rights reserved. NZ-BOV-0060-2020.

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

26 ANIMAL HEALTH

Animal welfare always front of mind for truckers NICK LEGGETT

LIVE ANIMALS trapped in a truck for six hours in Auckland’s summer heat is not acceptable in anyone’s view. Sadly, this is what happened in the most recent Covid-19 Level 3 lockdown when the road border crossing could only be described as a shemozzle. This has highlighted a

number of things for the Road Transport Forum (RTF), and the livestock transport companies we represent. Firstly, we cannot understand how, one year on from Covid19 becoming a global pandemic, the Government still can’t organise an efficient lockdown road border. It should be playbook by now. As a consequence of all the people going into

Auckland at the start of the Level 3 lockdown being stopped and questioned, traffic built up south of the Bombay Hills for many hours. No one can understand why people were being stopped going into Auckland when they had A: been told to go home and B: would be unlikely to want to go into a Level 3 lockdown if they could stay outside that zone.

Any situation where animals are trapped on a truck creates problems for the driver, says the Road Transport Forum’s Nick Leggett.

Any situation where animals are trapped on a

truck creates problems for the driver. They are covered by a number of laws, rules and regulations; more so than many other truck drivers who carry freight that is not alive and/or perishable. The Auckland border delays caused considerable stress for drivers and animals and the RTF believes this should not be allowed to happen again, ever. Stress for drivers comes not only from seeing animals suffer, but also in trying to be compliant with all the rules and regulations that cover the transporting of animals. The things drivers need to consider are: • The animals’ health

NZ’s most innovative range of on-ground stations for diesel, diesel exhaust fluids (AdBlue®, GoClear®, Alliedblue®, Z DEC®), and waste oil.

THE LAST DIESEL TANK YOU’LL EVER NEED!

• Bunded design - contains spills • Polyethylene construction - won’t rot or rust • NZ WorkSafe and EPA Compliant • Kiwi made for kiwi conditions

SHEEP JETTER

Sheep dipping... made easier!

and welfare – they should not be hurt in any way during transport and should have adequate air, food and water, and rest (if needed) • Disposal of effluent from the animals going to the toilet on the truck – there are tanks on the trucks and places to take care of emptying those tanks, but not if you are stuck in traffic for six hours • Driver health and safety – drivers are only allowed to work a certain number of hours to ensure road safety standards are maintained, but if they bust those hours when they are sitting in a truck in traffic they can’t just walk away and leave the animals. In the Auckland border situation, there was no way to get relief drivers to sub-out those stuck in trucks. The truck driver is just one part of the chain of responsibility for ensuring animal welfare. The animal’s welfare journey starts on the farm,

and if they are sold, then through the sales chain which may include going to sale yards to be sold. Truck drivers are to some degree, the meat in the sandwich. They are not farmers, livestock sales people, or vets. Yet they are held to very high standards regarding the condition of the animals they transport. There are a lot of checks for the truck drivers to ensure the animals they are taking on the truck are in good condition when they start the journey. But there are also a lot of situations where they rely on the farmer, or whoever is transporting the stock, to ensure that if loading happens when it is dark, or the animal has a condition that is not visible and would only be picked up by a farmer/vet. This is one area of the supply chain the RTF is turning its resources to as we want to ensure all parts take responsibility and it is not transport operators alone who wear the costs if it fails. Unfortunately, it is usually the truck driver or operator who is fined, but so often it can be for actions that were beyond their control. • Nick Leggett is chief executive of the Road Transport Forum

CRAIGCO

@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

SHEEP JETTERS SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET

• Manufactured from stainless steel • Electric Eye • 800-1000 sheep per hour • Fantastic penetration

As seen at the CD Field Day s

Innovative Agriculture Equipment

Serving NZ Farmers since 1962

7685

+ GST

Price includes Jetter, Hose Kit, Pump/Motor and freight

www.pppindustries.co.nz / sales@pppindustries.co.nz / 0800 901 902

Guaranteed Performance Save time and Money . Flystrike and Lice cost $$$ Quick to Set up . Easy to use . Job Done Robust construction. Auto shut gate. Adjustable V panels Total 20 Jets. Lambs 5 jets. Side jets for Lice. Davey Twin Impeller Pump. 6.5 or 9.0 Hp motors

06 8356863 . 021 061 1800

www.craigcojetters.com

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

ANIMAL HEALTH 27

Getting a feel for in-lamb ewes EWES THAT gain condition before and during mating have higher lambing percentages than ewes that lose weight or simply stand still. Most farmers are aware of this and try to manage their flocks accordingly. The challenge they face is working out what the condition of the flock is. The best way to do this is by condition scoring. When a sheep is newly-shorn most farmers can easily tell if it is skinny or fat. But it is very difficult to judge the fatness or condition of woolly sheep by eye. Even the use of scales can be misleading, with small fat ewes the same weight as large-framed skinny ewes. Condition scoring by hand overcomes these problems and is also

quicker than weighing. A very simple scale of 0 to 5, increasing with level of fatness, from extremely emaciated (0) to overfat (5) is generally used. Condition scoring assesses the amount of body fat or condition by feeling the vertical (spine) and horizontal (lumbar) processes along the loin area as shown in the following diagrams. The technique measures condition regardless of body weight (for example, at 55kg liveweight, a small-framed ewe may have a condition score of 4, and a large-framed ewe a condition score of 2). As a rule, there is about 5kg difference in liveweight between condition scores for a given sheep. Score 1: Very poor condition The vertical and hor-

Heavier ewes in good condition invariably have better lambing performances than lighter, skinnier ewes.

izontal processes are prominent and sharp. The fingers can be pushed easily below the horizontals and each process can be felt. The loin muscle is thin with no fat cover. Score 2: Store condition The vertical processes are prominent but smooth, individual pro-

cesses being felt only as corrugations. The horizontal processes are smooth and rounded, but it is still possible to press the fingers under them. The loin muscle is of moderate depth but with little fat cover. Score 3: Forward store condition The vertical processes

are smooth and rounded; the bone is only felt with pressure. The horizontal processes are also smooth and well covered; hard pressure with the fingers is needed to find the ends. The loin muscle is full, with moderate fat cover. Score 4: Fat The vertical processes

are only detectable as a line; the ends of the horizontal processes cannot be felt. The loin muscles are full and have a thick covering of fat. Score 5: Over-fat The vertical processes cannot be detected even with pressure; there is a dimple in the fat layers where the processes should be. The horizontal processes cannot be detected. The loin muscles are very full and covered with very thick fat. The higher ovulation rates and lambing percentages associated with ewes that have been wellfed before and during mating. These are influenced by liveweight and whether or not the ewe has been gaining condition (flushing) during this period. Heavier ewes in good condition invari-

Protect your farm and your family from Salmonella

Salmonella is widespread on New Zealand dairy farms and cases are increasing nationwide1. Striking without warning and spreading quickly, Salmonella can pass from your stock to the ones you care about most. Vaccinate today to reduce the destructive impact of an outbreak.

SALVEXIN®+B. NEW ZEALAND’S ONLY SALMONELLA VACCINE FOR SHEEP AND CATTLE AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ACVM No: A7886. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Ph: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz NZ-SAL-201200001 ©2020 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved. 1. Surveillance. Vols 41-47, No. 3, September 2014-2020

ably have better lambing performances than lighter skinnier ewes. Scientists estimate lambing percentages increase by 6–10% for every extra unit of body condition score at tupping. The flushing effect may provide an additional 5–10%. To maximise lambing percentages, ewes should not lose condition during mating and should ideally have a condition score of 3 or 4. They should be the high priority mob, but on many farms they will be competing for the best paddocks with lambs that remain to be finished. If so, it will pay to consider whether this is the best use of feed – your lamb growing and marketing policy may need adjusting. Source: https://beeflambnz. com/knowledge-hub

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

28 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

SIAFD wins punters’ plaudits MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

AFTER CELEBRATING its 70th year last month, it looks like the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) has hit its heights – with most exhibitors spoken to considering it to now be the ‘best’ field day of any sort in the country. Exhibitors spoke of the ease of getting things done at SIAFD, with the event organisers taking a ‘what can we do to help’ attitude and nothing being too much trouble. Blessed with good weather, this year’s threeday event saw over 600 exhibitors, the majority with direct links to the rural sector, focusing on engagement with farmers

or rural dwellers – rather than focusing on numbers through the gate. Getting to the event, located at its permanent home at Kirwee, west of Christchurch, was made easy with a good traffic plan and easy parking. Entry was swift using a recently launched online ticketing system, leading to 32,000-plus visitors passing through the turnstiles over the three days. During the show, a highlight for many farmers or contractors, were the working demonstrations. These covered around 11ha and are said to be the largest display of working machinery of any field day in the country. Visitors were able to see the latest tractors and implements tackling stub-

ble cultivation, mowing, raking, baling – in round or square formats – wrapping and harvesting. “This part of the event just keeps getting better and better,” Class Harvest Centre’s Roger Nehoff told Rural News. “It is organised by a committee of farmers and nothing is too much trouble. “Even to the point of being asked way before the event what crops we wanted planted and in what direction. It certainly gives us a great shop window to display our products, making SIAFD a standout for us in the annual round of field days.” Exhibitors also reported that visitors were in a buoyant mood,

with deals being done and on-farm demos being organised. The only ‘fly in the ointment’ appeared to be a longer lead time for overseas products to

arrive, due to severely disrupted worldwide shipping, and reduced production caused by disrupted component supply and social distancing rules.

The message to buyers from most exhibitors is: “If you need spring delivery, get your orders in now!” It is expected that things are likely to get

worse before they get better, with Europe in particular seemingly entering a third wave of Covid-19 infections. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

A highlight for the 32,000 visitors at this year’s SIAFD were the working demonstrations held on each day of the event.

ELECTRIC OR COMBUSTION? INTERNAL COMBUSTION

ELECTRIC

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

Powerful 1000cc, 3cyl, engine, 69hp All steel construction Manual 5 x speed transmission Electrophoresis anti-corrosion treatment Equipped with 2WD/4WD, diff locks Huge towing & carrying capacity

ENQUIRE NOW!

Ph 027-477 0070

www.tuataraatv.com info@tuataraatv.com

World’s most powerful variable speed clipper is here!

SWADRO RAKE The low maintenance and nimble KRONE Swadro produces exceptionally consistent windrows while working at high rates and offers great lift-out heights. • The swaged tine arms show no signs of wear even after prolonged use. • Working width from 6.4m to 9.3m.

handypiece Dirty jobs made easy!

■ Ideal for shearing sheep, alpacas, goats and cow tails. ■ Variable speed from 2400-3500 rpm. ■ Latest brushless motor technology means minimal heat build up

Invest in longevity and quality. Invest in the best. Pictured: Swadro TC 880

■ 1400gms means 100-200gms lighter than standard handpiece. ■ At 2700 rpm the 12-volt lithium battery will crutch up to 300-400 sheep, 400-500 cow tails. ■ Tough alloy switch box with auto rest fuse for overload or lockup – clips to belt. MAKE 2021 MORE EFFICIENT

For more information call us on 06 370 0390 www.tulloch.nz Dealers located nationwide

View in action go to www.handypiece.co.nz

Freephone 0800 474 327 email: dave@handypiece.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 29

Wide wonderful wiper has all the weeds covered MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WELL KNOWN for its capability in dealing to weeds in growing crops, the New Zealanddesigned and built Rotowiper, has proven itself by increasing production on farms around the world. Available in a range of operating widths, in either mounted or trailed formats, the Ashburtonbased company chose the South Island Field Days (SIAFD) at Kirwee to roll out its latest version – a 24-metre wide behemoth that was built for Canterbury spraying business Windwhistle Contracting. Featuring a trailed 3m centre section and six 3.5m wing sections, the machine allows owner Rick Daly to operate in 12m tramlines tackling thistle infestations and ‘bolters’ in the increasing popular fodder beet crops in the area. During development, the latter created a problem, given the height of the growing crop and that of the bolters. Roller height is controlled by six forward mounted, adjustable, swivel wheel assemblies that offer operating heights from 200 to 950mm. A float function

across the roller sections allows ground following that, in turn, sees operating speeds of 7 to 10km/h. Daly says this makes the machine easily capable of covering over 100ha each day – pulled by a 150hp tractor. The big wiper is said to be the largest machine of its type in NZ. The centre section carries twin, 600-litre chemical reservoirs, along with a dedicated 11 litre/min pump for each of the seven machine sections. Electro-hydraulic control is used to fold (to a 3.3m transport width) and unfold the machine. Meanwhile, it also adjusts the operating height, with a separate control system for application rates. Already a convert to the Rotowiper system, Daly particularly likes the low chemical usage – effectively giving it ‘green’ credentials when compared to blanket spraying techniques. He adds that the machine’s roller/carpet based design means it can be lifted out of work without any chemical dripping onto the base crop and be fully primed to return to work. Daly is also impressed by the

impressive acreages it covers each day. All that’s left to do is to give the machine a very large coat of spray paint!

Are you hitting your target market? Auckland

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

Waikato

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

Wellington

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

DRIVERS CAN DO LONG DAYS AND FEEL FRESH THE NEXT DAY ” GERALD MCKERCHAR Ashburton

I COULDN’T IMAGINE FARMING WITHOUT MY CLAAS TRACTOR ”

To watch the full testimonials of CLAAS tractor owners and operators, or for more information about how a CLAAS tractor can make your life easier, visit our website.

■ MACHINERY REVIEWS ■ MANAGEMENT HEADER ■ AND MUCH MORE... HEADER Ferist et quati aut pedici te vollab imod quamet atur soleniet quiatibu. PAGE 23

RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

JAMES COCHRANE Wanaka

When discussing their CLAAS tractors, farmers across New Zealand all agreed that the features in their tractors increased production and reduced the time to get jobs done. This ultimately led to ‘freeing up their time’ to get on with other important things.

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

Ferist et quati aut pedici te vollab imod quamet atur soleniet quiatibu. PAGE 15

THE LONGER WHEELBASE AND STABILITY OF CLAAS TRACTORS MAKE THE JOB EASY ”

TIM GORTON Feilding

For advice, contact your local sales consultant

■ BREAKING NEWS ■ AGRIBUSINESS HEADER ■ MARKETS & TRENDS

L to R: Rick Daly – Windwhistle Contracting and Rotowiper’s Dougal Lamont with the 24-metre wide weed wiper at the SIAFD at Kirwee.

Ferist et quati aut pedici te vollab imod quamet atur soleniet quiatibu.

PAGE 24

*CLAAS Harvest Centre warranty service terms and conditions apply. Full cover factory warranty with no excess valid for 3 years or 3,000 hours; whichever comes first. Offer valid until 30/06/2021.

For your local dealer go to: claasharvestcentre.com 0800 4 CLAAS

POWER, TECHNOLOGY AND COMFORT TO MAKE LIFE EASIER

Competitive finance available

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

30 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER

Warlock offers a touch of magic MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

HAVING PREVIOUSLY reviewed the RAM 1500 in 2020, we recently took the chance to get behind the wheel of the latest addition to the series – the RAM 1500 Warlock. Far from a nod to Harry Potter, the Warlock is described by importer Ateco as “coming with some extra menace”. For this, read darker shades of grey and black on the

front grille, front and rear bumpers, fender flares and semi-gloss black wheels – rounded off with smoked headlight lenses. The suspension gets a 25mm lift, not enough to increase ground clearance, but said to improve entry and departure angles, and making for a higher climb into the cabin – so thank goodness for the side-steps and grab handles. As usual, the 5.7litre V8 Hemi engine is

FLY OR LICE PROBLEMS? The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989

Quality construction and options • Get the contractors choice Featuring...

• 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

07 573 8512 | dipping@electrodip.co.nz – www.electrodip.com

STANDARD FEEDER (C6 Pinned) • 1 x 6 foot bale • 2m diameter • 15 feed positions • 15 - 30 animals

The Warlock’s 5.7-litre V8 Hemi engine is a peach, pumping out 291kW and 556 Nm of torque – mated to an 8-speed auto.

a peach, pumping out 291kW and 556 Nm of torque, and mated to an 8-speed auto. It has an 820kg payload in the tray and a tow capacity of up to 4,500kg. The Warlock comes standard with the RamBox set-up – integrated lockers

OVAL FEEDER (S2 Pinned) • 3 x 4 foot bales • 2 x 6 foot bales • 24 feed positions • 24 - 48 animals • 4m long

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.

built into the side walls of the wellside. Offering 210 litres of watertight, lock-

able storage, these proved ideal for a “horsey” event in the North Waikato.

Also brought into play was the storage delivered by the tray itself, with everything kept secure and dry under a trifold tonneau cover. Interestingly, a 200km round trip to said horse show really brought home just what the RAM 1500 series is all about. With the dark blue brute tipping the scales at close to three tonnes, pulling a horse float of around a tonne and shifting two nags weighing around 1.6 tonnes, the whole entourage weighed in at about 6 tonnes. One also needs “a lot of gear” to show horses, so I’m told. Running solo, the big RAM delivered consumption figures of 12.8

litres/100km. However, adding the equine caravan – and taking on rural A roads and the Waikato Expressway – the numbers only climbed to 14l/100km. By contrast our large SUV delivers 10.2l/100km in solo format and 19l/100km towing the float. What really makes the Warlock so endearing is the relaxed manner in which it deals with big loads. Be that trailer, float or boat, it lopes along at low engine revs, eating up the kilometres in armchair comfort. And, of course, there is that addictive V8 burble. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

LOCAL COMPANY PICKS UP SIAFD INNOVATION AWARD LOCAL COMPANY Frizzell Agricultural Electronics of Kirwee scooped the 2021 Innovation Award at the recent South Island field days. The Smart Paddock Weigher combines the company’s weighing and solar power experience to offer real-time weighing of mobs of up to 250 head, without the need to bring them into the yards or central weighing set-up. “Farmers know that significant labour is required to move stock to a central area for manual weighing, not always at the optimal time, as well as a great deal of time,” says product designer Alistair Frizzell. “Not weighing in a timely or regular manner may lead to a loss of production, delayed notifications of diseases or poor pasture management, so we believe the Smart Paddock Weigher will help counter

these issues.” In practice, the towable, solarpowered unit is placed in the paddock, where it entices animals onto the platform with the promise of a once daily feed of grains or nuts using an automated feeder, which identifies the animal by way of an RFID tag. Automatically weighed, the animal’s weight is recorded in real-time with data transmitted to an office computer or smart device using the mobile phone networks. Frizzell suggests that the unit will be particularly useful for graziers who take on animals, usually with an expected weight gain minimum built into the contract. The SPW will allow such operations to have an up-to-date report on individual and group weights. Allowing graziers to adjust feeding regimes in a timely manner, while also removing the stress placed on live-

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

stock and farm staff in bringing the animals into the yards. The three-person panel of industry experts who judged the awards were impressed by the technology of the product, which allows farmers to weigh livestock in the paddock and better manage the individual animal needs. “Taking animals away from the paddock stops them doing what you need them to do, which is growing. “With the Smart Paddock Weigher in situ, the animals continue to put on weight in a relatively stress-free manor, while the farmer can gain all the information they need,” judge Neil Baxter said. “There’s no doubt this product can have a positive impact on the animal’s health and well-being, as well as labour and cost saving for the farmer.” – Mark Daniel

Phone

06 323 4181

0800 625 826 for your nearest stockist

Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes

RURAL NEWS // APRIL 6, 2021

Avoid Disappointment - order your Calf Trailer NOW for June / July Delivery

RURAL TRADER 31 DOLOMITE

Specialists in ATV Bullbars, ATV Trailers, Ute Decks & Ute Lids

tunnel houses

NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call... 0800 436 566

LATEST STORIES ON www.ruralnews.co.nz BREAKING NEWS MARKETS & TRENDS COMPETITIONS MANAGEMENT STORIES MACHINERY REVIEWS AND MUCH MORE...

Ask us about our Alpine Adventurer Canvas Tent & Fire

t/f

03 214 4262 |

DIESEL HEATER

“I have no doubt that if I did not have a Quadbar fitted, my accident would have been fatal!” – Rozel Farms

NZ MADE BOOTS

“The Quadbar saved our employee from significant injuries.” – Colin van der Geest

ü Made in Japan since 1991. ü Diesel is approx. 30-50% less than “on demand” Electricity or Gas. ü No wood to cut, cart or store. ü No mess, NO indoor diesel odours. ü As easy to use as a light switch.

HUNTER BOOTS Comfortable, durable and stylish.

0800 379 247 www.avonheating.co.nz

The heavy duty sole construction makes this a robust boot designed for climbing over rugged ground. This boot has a soft toe and is made from a thick Mad Dog Nubuck Leather, stitched and screwed construction with a rubber, replaceable sole, that is glued and screwed. Soft padding for ankle support and D-Rings for your laces are an added advantage. Great fitting boots full of comfort, ideal for those long hunting and tramping trips.

Rubber Safety Matting • ATV Carrier Mats • Exit/Entry Areas • Calf Trailers • Horse Floats & Trucks • Weigh Platforms • Bale Mats • Comfort Mats for Wet & Dry Areas • Utility Deck Matting

FARMER BOOTS Lastrite’s Farmer boots are made for comfort. Constructed from Reverse kip leather they are an ideal farmers, fencers and builders boot. Very sturdy and made to last this boot is robust with a heavy duty construction. It has a leather insole and midsole that is stitched and screwed construction with a rubber, replaceable sole, that is glued and screwed. Update your old boots now and you will never look back.

+GST delivered

Recommended by Worksafe. ACC subsidy available

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

ü Huge 9.5kW output.

ü DIY Install or we can arrange.

Visit www.lastrite.co.nz for more quality products

595

Proven beyo nd do ubt!

working with farmers over 40 years

FOOTWEAR LTD

www.morrifield.com

info@morrifield.com

QUADBAR

LASER FF95

T T T T T

Grow vegetables all year round Very affordable and easy to install New Zealand designed and made 40 years producing tunnel houses Range of models sized from 2m - 10m

Phone: 0800 80 8570

600 500 400 300 200 100 0

QUADBAR 5 YEAR SURVEY

NUMBER OF QUADBARS 479

ROLLOVERS 61

NUMBER OF DEATHS 0

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

PH 06-835 6863 • MOB 021-061 1800 JETTER VIDEO: www.craigcojetters.com

www.burgessmatting.co.nz

Call for delivery options

10 HALL ROAD, RD5, WHANGAREI Phone 09-436 2794 or 027-436 2793

SINGLE DOG BOX

TOP DOG BOX • Accommodates up to 4 dogs • 6 individual air vents • Removable centre board • 2 lockable galvanised gates

• In-house drainage • Tie down lugs on each side • Fits all wellside & flatdeck utes (2 models) • Raised floor for insulation

Single without tow ball mount .........................$585 Single with tow ball mount ..............................$655 Wellside ........................................................$920 Flatdeck ........................................................$920 ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE

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

Phone 0800 625 826 • www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

more water & BUFFALO BOOTS! 175% crack resistant

175% more crack resistant

ZIP STRIP quick lacing

$20

P: 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz A: 30 Turners Road – Feilding FREE SHIPPING!

RAINWEAR!

SLIP ON

LACE UP

$155

$150

STEEL TOE X (with Scuff Guard)

PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard) Colour = Dark Brown Buffalo Leather

STEEL TOE (without Scuff Guard)

valued at $280

valued at $320

PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard)

Stitched On Soles PHONE

9am-5pm

0800 16 00 24

175% more crack resistant than normal leather

ONLINE

earthwalk.co.nz

BANK TRANSFER

FLEXISKIN MAX

JACKET

$99

valued at $230

100% Waterproof

in stock ENDS 10now MAY

BIB OVERALLS

$88

valued at $160 M, L, XL, XXL sizes arrive June

Acid Resistant Durable Seams

Fleece Collar Hood Visor Flexible

FLEXISKIN MAX

S, XXL, 3XL sizes arrive June

$77

valued at $140

New Zealand owned & operated

EARTHWALK 06 0746 0177988 02 (ANZ)

LEGGINGS

S, M, L, XL, XXL sizes arrive June

sizes: BOOTS 5 - 13 (NZ)

RAINWEAR XS - 4XL