Rural News 4 May 2021 by Rural News Group

NEWS

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Maori seek more leadership in kiwifruit sector. PAGE 10-11

New models mark seventh decade. PAGE 28

AGRIBUSINESS Young banker walks the farming talk. PAGE 17

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS MAY 4, 2021: ISSUE 725

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Strong voice needed DAVID ANDERSON

NORTH OTAGO farmer Jane Smith believes continual appeasement to government by industry-good bodies is not serving the sector well and it’s time for a mega-merger of primary sector advocacy groups. She told Rural News a ‘come to Jesus moment’ is urgently needed with DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers combining into one strong, coherent farm sector group. Smith cites the recent performances of both Beef+Lamb NZ and DairyNZ over the reforms to freshwater regulations and proposed greenhouse gas rules as leaving farmer levypayers dismayed, disappointed and feeling abandoned by their representatives.

Smith acknowledges the increasingly unpalatable ‘low or no’ consultation processes in the current political environment, but sees this as a catalyst to ensure one united front for primary industry advocacy is formulated, rather than an excuse for poor outcomes. She says this has opened the door for movements like Groundswell NZ to fill the gap. She believes that movements such as Groundswell shouldn’t be seen as threatening to industry advocacy bodies, but as an opportunity for all stakeholders to air grassroots concerns and has seen first-hand opportunities presented at meetings.

That takes the cheese! Moves by the European Commission to grant exclusive use of the term ‘halloumi’ to Cyprus cheesemakers is raising concerns for New Zealand cheesemakers. Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) executive director Kimberly Crewther says an EU claw back and monopolisation of generic cheese names will limit both domestic cheese production and opportunities to further grow the value of New Zealand’s $2 billion cheese exports. See full story page 4.

“I found it enlightening to see farmers, councillors, mayors, rural servicing reps, politicians and the Rural Support Trust having the opportunity to be in the one room at the same time and chew the fat on issues at a grassroots level,” Smith told Rural News. She says the ideal journey would have been to have this dialogue long before the National Policy Statements on freshwater, biodiversity and carbon were formulated. Smith cites the delay in Wintering Rules as an example of this and congratulates the working group tasked with looking at these regulations

closer. “However, if it weren’t for two farmers standing up [Federated Farmers leaders, Geoffrey Young and Bernadette Hunt] and saying ‘enough is enough’ then the working group would have never been formed. It shouldn’t take individuals to go out on a limb to get action,” says Smith. “As an industry, we need to be crystal clear on a line of sight for both the environment and the economy and the vast difference between pragmatic policy and misaligned, misinformed, mediocre outcomes”. Farmer angst – page 6

RURAL HEALTH IS SICK PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

RURAL PEOPLE are underserviced by the current health model, according to Dr Fiona DoolanNoble from the Department of General Practice and Rural Health at Otago University. Doolan-Noble is a nurse with a PhD and who specialises in rural health issues says the focus of the reforms is really good for rural – given the large number of people who work outside urban areas. “Rural communities are the backbone of NZ,” she told Rural News. “More than 700,000 people live rurally so that makes rural NZ the second biggest city in the country and I hope going forward that they are not forgotten.” Doolan-Noble says the approach of the Government’s reforms is hard to argue with, but like others who have a vested interest in the reforms, she says the detail and who sits around the table in a given locality will ultimately shape the outcome for communities. She adds that one of the issues to be addressed is that of dental care. She says this is a significant problem in areas such as the West Coast of the South Island. Doolan-Noble Mental says the changes will take time and the proof will be in the detail. • See more on health reforms page 5

65KM/H BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE TODAY

Get more by Fahr

DEUTZ-FAHR 6135G VISTA 135 HP LOADER COMBO $ (TRIMA Q6)

119,900

+GST

IN-STOCK NOW

Deutz-Fahr 6135G Vista Loader Combo • 6.1 Litre Deutz TCD 6 cylinder stage 3A engine (no Adblue required) • 5 Gear/6 stage powershift transmission • Mechanical cab suspension • Heavy duty self-levelling Trima loader

Deutz Fahr NZ

Power Farming NZ WHANGAREI

PF 7472 NZRM_MAY21

09 438 9163 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

Offer ends 31/05/2021 or while stocks last. Offer does not include any other extended warranty promotion.

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

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

NEWS 3 ISSUE 725

www.ruralnews.co.nz

VGL receivership causes dismay SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

NEWS ��1-15 AGRIBUSINESS �� 17-19 HOUND, EDNA �� 20 CONTACTS �� 20 OPINION �� 20-22 MANAGEMENT �� 24-25 ANIMAL HEALTH ��26-27 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS �� 28-30 RURAL TRADER �� 30-31

HEAD OFFICE Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122 POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: 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

CANTERBURY FARMER and former Federated Farmers dairy leader Willy Leferink says farmers shouldn’t let banks run their businesses. His comments come in the wake of one of New Zealand’s largest dairy farm operators falling into receivership. With the milk payout at near-record levels and low interest rates, the collapse of Van Leeuwen Group (VLG) has caused dismay among farmers. Leferink points out that VLG encountered difficult days after the outbreak of M. bovis in 2017 when the payout wasn’t as high. He told Rural News that he’d heard an Australian finance company had put Van Leeuwen Group into receivership. “We think of banks as our friends. Now I’m not saying they are our enemies, because I owe lots of money to the bank and they are a good tool,” Leferink told Rural News. “But we’ve got to run our own businesses. Once we let the banks run our businesses, we are in their hands.”

VLG owners Aad and Wilma van Leeuwen.

On April 21, Calibre Partners wrote to VLG creditors saying it had been appointed receivers by Merricks Capital VLG Fund. In a letter to suppliers on the same day, receivers Brendon Gibson, Neale Jackson and Natalie Burrett, said they are now in control of the assets of businesses of VLG. They intend to continue running the business, which comprises 10 dairy

platforms and four support blocks with 8,000ha under management, milking approximately 10,000 cows. It also includes the world’s largest robotic farm. Owned by Aad and Wilma van Leeuwen, the business was among a number of other farms around New Zealand affected by Mycoplasma bovis, which hit the VLG farms in July 2017. The van Leeuwens were also

embroiled in a legal battle with Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in a dispute about compensation. They have already been paid out $6.3 million by MPI, but sought further compensation for professional consultancy fees, bank charges and assorted other costs. In late 2019, VLG refinanced its operations under a $140 million deal with Australian-based funds manager Merricks Capital, its first foray into the NZ agricultural market. Merricks described its entry into New Zealand as an opportunity for New Zealand businesses. “In an agricultural industry that is starved of capital, we provide a flexible, agile, alternative lending option for customers in New Zealand. We are here to fill the void left by banks to ensure that the New Zealand market has access to the capital it needs to thrive,” the statement said. In February this year, Merricks announced that a related entity had loaned $12.7 million to Happy Valley Nutrition, the company behind a new $280m milk processing plant in Otorohanga.

$8 payout predicted for 20-21 AT LEAST one bank is forecasting an $8 opening forecast farmgate milk price for the next season. Dairy prices are holding most of their gains from earlier in the year and remain remarkably high, a good omen for the coming season. Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny is forecasting an $8/ kgMS opening forecast and ASB has boosted its opening forecast by 20c to $7.50/kgMS. Penny now expects dairy prices to

start the 2021-22 season firmly on the front foot. Penny points out that in milk price terms, the last GDT auction and NZ dollar rate equated to a milk price of over $9/kgMS. Since March, Westpac has lowered its NZD/USD forecasts by around two cents over the season, adding further upward impetus to milk price forecasts in NZ dollar terms. “From the stronger starting point, we have built in a moderation of

global dairy prices over the New Zealand dairy season. “Specifically, we forecast for whole milk powder prices (WMP) to fall by 18% over the season. In other words, we have built in a supply response to the higher milk price.” Another factor that could keep milk prices high is a very modest supply response to the high milk price by historical standards. “As such we expect that dairy prices will remain stronger for

longer,” says Penny. He notes that in New Zealand, dairy supply is constrained for a range of reasons, including environmental constraints, limits on cow numbers, limits on fertiliser usage and higher compliance costs. “As a result, we expect modest production growth next season of 2%.” On the demand side, Penny expects robust demand to continue. – Sudesh Kissun

Why are we sorting our waterways? For these little rugrats From fencing off waterways to riparian planting, we’re cleaning up our waterways. Why? Because we’re dairy farmers, and we rise to a challenge. And it’s in these moments we shine.

Riseandshine.nz

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

4 NEWS

EU move cheeses off NZ producers “What next? If European producers have their way, we won’t be able to produce ‘squeaky’ or ‘white’ cheese anymore. The effect on cheese making in New Zealand would be chilling.”

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

MOVES BY the European Commission to grant exclusive use of the term ‘halloumi’ to Cyprus cheesemakers is raising concerns among the New Zealand cheesemaking community. But Fonterra says the decision doesn’t affect sales of its product in New Zealand and in markets outside the EU. A Fonterra spokeswoman told Rural News that the registration of halloumi as a protected term is “a EU decision that impacts sales of halloumi only in the EU market”. “It does not impact sales in the New Zealand market, where we cur-

A move by the EU to grant exclusive use of the term ‘halloumi’ to Cyprus cheesemakers is raising concerns among the New Zealand cheesemakers.

rently sell Mainland halloumi, or our exports to any markets outside of the EU,” she says. An EU statement says the registration aims at protecting the name halloumi against misuse “by exclusively authorising the marketing the cheese in the EU if it was produced on the island

according to the traditional recipe”. “The registration allows producers of this iconic Cypriot cheese, famous around the world for its characteristic texture, folded appearance, and suitability for serving grilled or pan-fried, based anywhere on the island of Cyprus to benefit from

the PDO status,” the statement explained. But New Zealand’s cheesemaking community is concerned that the European Union is continuing to protect cheese terms that are generic and in common use around the world. “Halloumi is a popular cheese for New Zealand

consumers, with a thriving and innovative community of New Zealand cheesemakers delivering this delicious product to New Zealand tables,” says Neil Willman, president of the Specialist Cheesemakers Association. “We are concerned at Europe’s continuing campaign to restrict the

National Fieldays Site: M61

SERIES 3 430

EXPANDER TERMINATOR INCLUDES COMBO • Telescopic Mast 3.1 to 5.1 Meters

INCLUDES • • • •

4.3 Meter mast 270 Kg Hammer 4 Bank Hydraulic Valve 450mm Side Shif

• • • •

$18,500 + GST RRP

Special Price

$17,600 + GST

340 Kg hammer 6 Bank Hydraulic Valve Terminator Base 950mm Side Shift 300mm Mast Shift

$33,065 + GST RRP

Special Price

MA DE

$31,400 + GST

www.kinghitter.com 09 482 0866

WILSON

SMA L FOR L TANKS TRAN IDEA WAT L SP ER A ND E ORTING A R EME T RGE HQUAK NCY E

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

pean producers have their way, we won’t be able to produce ‘squeaky’ or ‘white’ cheese anymore. The effect on cheese making in New Zealand would be chilling.” Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) executive director Kimberly Crewther says an EU clawback and monopolisation of generic cheese names will limit both domestic cheese production and opportunities to further grow the value of New Zealand’s $2 billion cheese exports. She claims the EU GIs agenda aims to limit the flexibility for New Zealand cheese exporters to participate in these new opportunities. “Maintaining maximum flexibility in terms of products and markets is important to the New Zealand dairy industry. The opportunity costs of narrowing trade options are always high,” says Crewther. DCANZ is also concerned about the lack of balance between what Europe is asking of New Zealand and what it is prepared to put on the table itself. In 2020, reports suggested that the EU’s market access offer to New Zealand equated to just 0.02% of its nearly nine million tonne cheese market.

use of common names in international cheesemaking, at the expense of producers outside of Europe.” He says in places like New Zealand cheeses such as feta, gruyere, havarti and halloumi are commonly consumed and considered generic. The EU is using an intellectual property rights system, called ‘Geographical Indications’ (GIs) to limit the use of food names to European producer groups, arguing the food’s characteristics are unique to where and how it has been produced. The move to register halloumi follows quickly behind the recent registrations of cheeses like havarti, despite significant global production outside of the EU. At the same time the EU is requesting changes to New Zealand’s regulatory settings to adopt a sweeping new intellectual property framework to protect its GIs through the ongoing EU-NZ free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. A recent decision in the European Courts that extends GIs protection to include food characteristics such as textures and colours suggests the EU has an even bigger agenda, says Willman. “What next? If Euro-

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 // MAY 4, 2021

NEWS 5

Health reforms get cautious nod Davidson says that the creation of a new Māori Health Authority will provide much needed support to rural Māori communities and involve them in decision making, design and commissioning of any new delivery structure. However, Davidson believes these changes are medium to long term in terms of potential impact and he’s concerned they could cause a major dis-

PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

RURAL MEDICAL professionals, and those with an interest in rural health, have generally welcomed the Government’s move to reform the sector. However, they say ultimately the detail will be the biggest factor for them. The thrust of the reforms is to go back to a centralised system, which includes replacing the DHBs (District Health Boards) with one organisation, Health NZ, setting up a new Public Health Agency and a new Māori Health Authority. Health Minister Andrew Little claims the aim of the changes to is to put greater emphasis on primary healthcare and ensure fairer access for all New Zealanders. “We are going to put the emphasis squarely on primary and community healthcare and will do away with duplication and unnecessary bureaucracy between regions, so that our health workers can do what they do best – keep people well,” he says. NZ Rural General Practice Network chief executive Dr Grant Davidson says they welcome the focus on improved primary and community healthcare and a simplified national structure to ensure fairer

“This was acknowledged in the Health and Disability System Review, along with recommendations that major change was needed. We wel-

come the approach of a national plan that will meet health needs of people no matter where they are, including a digital strategy to assist this.”

RURAL WOMEN SPEAK OUT DR GRANT Davidson’s view is echoed by Rural Women NZ (RWNZ), which says that while they are not averse to having a national health service, it looks forward to seeing the detail. National president of Rural Women Gill Naylor says they want to be sure that by abolishing DHBs, the kind of treatment people get will no longer be determined by where they live. “RWNZ expects to see a rural health and wellbeing strategy which is fully resourced and funded to ensure rural post codes aren’t in the losing lottery,” she told Rural News. “It is our expecta-

Call the experts:

,--_

tion that the detail will also include a solid mechanism for including the voice of rural women, children and communities in decision-making by the new national health service. At the very least, there should be both a rural and gender impact analysis done on the affects of a national health service, before too much further work is done, to test if there will be any adverse impact on rural communities and women and girls in particular.” Naylor says RWNZ is looking forward to seeing the detail and hoping that rural women and children will not lose out on the health services.

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

Cnr Robinson & McNally Sts, Ashburton Phone 307 9049 Email admin@rainer.co.nz www.rainer.co.nz

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

people and communities as a priority population. He says the ability for the proposed major system changes to have positive impact on rural communities will now be in the detail of implementation. “Our concern is that without rural being identified alongside Māori, Pasifika and disabled people as priority populations, our voice risks being lost in those implementation discussions.”

NEED IRRIGATION? WANT EFFICIENCY?

NZ Rural General Practice Network chief executive Dr Grant Davidson says the current health system is not servicing people in rural communities.

access to healthcare for New Zealanders. “Our current health system is not servicing people in rural communities,” he told Rural News.

traction from the current crisis in workforce and funding that exists throughout rural New Zealand. “The workforce is stressed, burnt out, and under-capacity. “We need action to deal with that now until these changes come into effect,” he says. The one reservation Davidson has about the changes is in the lack of specific reference to rural

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

RAINER

IRRIGATION LIMITED

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 // MAY 4, 2021

6 NEWS

Groundswell of farmer angst DAVID ANDERSON

ENVIRONMENTALIST AND North Otago farmer Jane Smith says her alliance with Groundswell NZ and the Rural Advocacy Network during a recent South Island tour is not some type of underground gangster movement. “This couldn’t be further from the truth,” Smith told Rural News. “I fully support these groups and what they stand for. They are quite simply ensuring that farmers, councils and rural communities have full, unsanitised narratives on all matters that will affect both them and future generations”. Smith, along with the Rural Advocacy Network’s Jamie McFadden, were the key speak-

Outspoken North Otago farmer Jane Smith believes farmers, councils and rural communities are very worried about proposed regulations changes.

ers at a recent round of Groundswell-hosted public meetings. “There are no hidden agendas here, in fact, quite the opposite,” she says.

tables, boundary fences and country halls up and down the country.” Smith says farmers, councils and rural communities are worried about proposed regula-

“Groundswell is not spending time in Wellington reshuffling the appeasement deckchairs. These issues come straight from discussions around kitchen

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

FREEPHONE 0508 78 78 78

Sales & Service dealers throughout New Zealand

www.aesblasters.co.nz

ALBERTI HOT CLEANERS • UDOR ceramic plunger pump • Heavy duty 1440 RPM motor • 230 & 400 Volt • User friendly

ELECTROBLAST RANGE • 230 or 400 Volt 1440 RPM electric motors • 8 models from 1600 to 5000 psi

SA-R2600 SLURRY TANKER www.hispec.net.nz

tions changes – such as the new freshwater and greenhouse gas rules. “In many cases, they are more concerned about what they don’t know,” she adds. “Farmers are owed the respect of ensuring that the representation they have on these issues is fit-for-purpose and reflects genuine long term win - win outcomes for both the environment and rural communities.” Smith points to the confusion between the Government-developed farm environment plan (FEP) verses a genuine farmer-driven plan, along with the gross misunderstanding of the magnitude of a Significant Natural Area policy as the rationale for her to support these farmer-led groups in speaking out. “Both of these issues should be top of mind for all primary sector play-

ers. A Crown-generated, generic template served with a $50 million sweetener is RMA driven, not market-led and will be admin heavy and innovation light” she told Rural News. “Anything driven and audited by the Crown can be sought as public information and will never encourage a catchment-wide collaborative approach that is already working so well.” Smith says claims that these farm plans are an alternative to resource consents is bending the truth. “By any other name, these will simply be a lengthy form of resource consent. “There are a myriad of fit for purpose farm environment plan templates already being utilised that actually result in farmer pride and better outcomes.” Meanwhile, Smith describes the Significant Natural Area (SNA) issue as “the most pressing issue for farmers and district councils to understand the implications of immediately”. She believes this makes the proposed water and carbon regulations look like child’s-play and should be keeping every landowner and district councillor awake at night. “It will impose impossible burdens on district councils, severe restrictions on land use, weed and pest control issues beyond any landowner’s

MUCK SPREADER

ROTARY MUCK SPREADER

STANDARD FEATURES Autofill | 11600 ltr capacity Exhaust silencer Full length sight glass Stone trap Hydraulic brakes Brackets for dribble bar

FROM

$22,900+GST

XCEL 1250 MUCK SPREADER

WILL SPREAD ALL TYPES OF MATERIALS!

(options available)

Splash plate

SA-R2600

$59,900

+GST

Dribble bar not included

capability and have implications for farmer equity and land value”. She says, as an environmentalist, the thing that makes her sad – similar to the generic freshwater and wintering regulations – is that this SNA policy is poorly thought out. “It is a sledgehammer to do the job of a scalpel and will not lead to better environmental outcomes. It detracts from the global-leading intergenerational template that the QE II trust has in place – covenants that secure land stewardship in perpetuity, without putting at risk the viability of farming surrounding land.” Smith reckons rural banks should also be right at the forefront on this issue. “Forget the feel-good environmental loans – this policy has the capability to make many farmers insolvent”. Smith believes that the wealth of information that Groundswell and Rural Advocacy Network’s Jamie McFadden has aired is important – not to heighten fears, but instead to give clarity. “The ability to shoot from the hip and expose issues for what they are is a crucial asset to the industry at this point in time” She says heightening awareness, working as one and coming up with concise plans of action is what farmers are looking for.

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

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

NEWS 7

Making wool great again NIGEL MALTHUS

IN A world where a vast range of everyday items are made of injectionmoulded plastic, Christchurch inventor Logan Williams wants to put New Zealand wool in “pretty much everything.” Williams, who’s already had several successful inventions to his name, joined New Zealand Merino as its director of technology and innovation in late 2019. His brief is to find new markets for wool, especially low-value coarse wools. He has now developed a process to combine wool fibres with various polymers for use in injection-moulding manufacturing. NZ Merino has launched a subsidiary

Logan Williams has come up with a way to use NZ wool as the fibre reinforcing in a range of injection-moulding polymers. SUPPLIED/NZ Merino

company, Keravos, with a purpose-built full-scale plant in Hamilton producing the wool-polymer mix in the form of small pellets. This is the standard form of raw material for injectionmould manufacturing around the world. It has

a capacity of four tonnes a day. Williams says it will put wool into industries where it was never thought possible. “So now you can have a woollen catamaran or a woollen kayak or a woollen cooler bin,”

he told Rural News. Keravos is partnering with 17 companies so far to produce a range of items. The pellets can also be converted into 3D-printing filaments for an even wider potential market.

MAKE SHEARING SAFE

Named in the Forbes magazine’s “30 under 30” list for 2020, Williams has previously developed a method of producing biodegradable materials from didymo, polarized contact lenses for people with photosensitive epilepsy, a medical nebulizer and a methane-handling system taken up by Fonterra. Williams is scheduled to speak on the wool/polymer development at a major agribusiness event, E Tipu 2021: The Boma NZ Agri Summit, to be held in Christchurch next week. Though not giving too much away, he is promising to have a major new wool-polymer product on display at the event. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

$5/KG FOR PIECES! THE COMPANY has also developed a biodegradable version by using a corn-starch derivative as the polymer component. However, Williams says wool could be mixed with whatever polymer a customer wants. “We can pretty much mix it with any polymer on the planet.” Williams says extensive independent testing has shown that the wool mix is about 20% stronger in both impact and tensile strength and between 10% to 30% lighter than polymer alone. If it’s biodegradable, it will biodegrade faster with wool in it. It also has what he calls a “very cool” veneer. The product is about 20% wool on weight but 70% on volume. “Wool’s quite light so that 20% weight sounds like nothing,” he explains. “But when you’re looking at the product and looking what’s going in, it’s actually a huge amount of wool.” The product was developed primarily in search of a way to use coarse wool, which otherwise has a very low value, and pay a good price for it. “Our aim is to try and make it profitable and not just like scraping the barrel. It’s actually making a decent profit from wool.” Williams says they could use any type of wool. “Ideally we take the cheapest wool off the farmer because we’re fixing the price at $3/kg for the first two years and $5/kg after that. And we take any type of wool – so dags, bellies, side pieces,” he told Rural News.

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 // MAY 4, 2021

8 NEWS

Aussies expect to cash in on NZ’s loss SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

AUSTRALIAN LIVESTOCK exporters are optimistic of securing more business as New Zealand winds down its trade over the next two years. Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton told Rural News that while it’s a bit simplistic to expect NZ’s $500m business to land on their laps, they will see some growth. Harvey-Sutton says livestock exporting is a very competitive business; Australia and NZ competes with South American countries. He says demand for livestock, especially from China, remains very high. Last month, the NZ Government announced a ban on live cattle exports,

AUSTRALIAN ANNUAL LIVESTOCK REPORTS ●● ●● ●● ●●

Beef cattle – A$1.35 billion Dairy cattle- A$170m Sheep- A$250m Goats – A$10m

with a two-year period to phase out the trade. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor claimed, while the trade had benefits for some farmers, it was not universally supported in the industry. O’Connor did not expect a direct hit to the GDP as a result of halting the trade. “Those animals will stay here in New Zealand and our reputation is to be the most ethical producers of livestock protein in the world is something we are working to build value from.

I think this will actually play positively into our international reputation,” he claims. In its review submission, the independent National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee

(NAWAC), which advises ministers on animal welfare issues, advised that the practice should stop. Harvey-Sutton was surprised by the NZ decision and says it will be hard on farmers involved

in livestock exports. “This is understandably disappointing news, particularly for New Zealand producers that rely on the trade for competition in their livestock markets as well as their

international trading partners,” he told Rural News. Australia’s beef cattle exports are worth A$1.35 billion annually; dairy cattle exports are worth about A$170 million. Economic modelling has found that Australian livestock exports generate about 10,000 jobs across Australia. A cessation of the trade would impose a net cost of about $300 million annually on Australian livestock producers. Australia also exports cattle for slaughter and feedlots and exporters are constantly under attack from animal rights groups over animal welfare issues. But Harvey-Sutton says Australia has an Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) that ensures livestock exported for feeder and slaughter pur-

poses are handled in accordance with international animal welfare standards. It also provides a mechanism to deal with animal welfare issues when they occur—preventing the need for trade suspensions. “It is important to note that the Australian and New Zealand industries are very different in terms of their scale, market dynamics, and regulatory processes,” says Harvey-Sutton. He says there is no plan to curtail Australian livestock export trade. “We have full confidence in the standards the Australian industry upholds and expect the impacts of the New Zealand decision to have limited bearing on the strength of the Australian industry and its continuing growth.”

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

SZM0600

Not using interest-free money makes no sense. Buy a Suzuki KingQuad now, put it to work straight away, pay it off in 2023, all at 0% interest. Ask the boss, ask your accountant, ask the bank manager – it’s too good a deal to miss. 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.

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.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

NEWS 9

HOW DO WE DEFINE A

True Triple WITH A WINNING HAND

Horizons Regional Council chair Rachel Keedwell.

Certainty on the ‘Horizons’? PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

AFTER MORE than a decade of at times acrimonious wrangling, it seems that peace is breaking out on how to manage the environment in the Manawatu, Whanganui and Rangitikei districts. The infamous One Plan – proposed by Horizons Regional Council – that caused farmers in the region so much angst seems at an end with all parties agreeing to what is called Plan Change 2. The plan is designed to set out how natural resources in the region should be managed. When first proposed, it was seen as an omnibus plan that would bring all those interested in environmental issues together – instead, it provoked row after row and court hearings. However, a couple of weeks ago, the council signed off on changes to One Plan proposed by a panel of experts. HRC chair Rachel Keedwell says this will enable them to return to effective regulation of existing farm land uses through One Plan as soon as possible. “Council’s focus is to now turn to implementation of the Plan Change and to continue to improve water quality throughout the region,” she says Keedwell says the council acknowledges that this Plan Change process has created uncertainty and stress for landowners, and that their decision is an interim measure with more work needed in this area. “This includes notifying a revised One Plan by 2024,” she says. As part of the process, DairyNZ and Federated Farmers jointly submitted on the plan and both say they are pleased at the outcome. Feds president and Manawatu dairy farmer Andrew Hoggard, who has been involved in discussions on One plan for more than decade, says the outcome gives some certainty for farmers who have been in limbo. He says Plan Change 2 is an interim measure, intended to address the

pressing issue about the One Plan’s workability, while a more fundamental, regionwide work programme is completed to give effect to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020. “The council’s decision will provide a pathway for consent for intensive farming land uses located in 32 Targeted Catchments, effectively opening the door to farmers shut out from gaining consent as a result of 2017 Environment Court declarations,” says Hoggard. “We are pleased to see council and commissioners have endorsed our approach, moving away from using LUC [Land Use Capability] as a tool for nitrogen allocation. “The decision also provides for a controlled activity pathway for farms that make a considerable 20% reduction in nitrogen loss based on actual farm baselines (with those in the top 25% having to reduce to the 75th percentile for N leaching),” says Hoggard. The new plan change decision will benefit dairy farmers, the environment and local communities, according to DairyNZ’s strategy and investment leader, Dr David Burger. He says version changes to Overseer had unintentionally made it extremely difficult for some farmers in the region to gain consent to continue farming. “Both pathways will now be available for these farmers to seek consent, while looking after the environment. The first consent pathway put forward by the council is for farmers to achieve a series of nitrogen loss targets – these vary based on land use capability class of the farm. The second option put forward by DairyNZ and Feds provides a pathway for farms to make a minimum 20% reduction in nitrogen losses from their previous farm baseline numbers,” he says. Burger says the evidence from both organisations showed the new consent pathway provided balanced environmental and economic benefits.

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 // MAY 4, 2021

10 NEWS

Maori seek more leadership in kiwifruit sector PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

ANARU TIMUTIMU wants to see more Māori in leadership roles in the kiwifruit industry. Timutimu is chairman of the Māori Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (MKGI) and also a shareholder in the largest Māori kiwifruit operation in the country, Ngai Tukairangi Trust, based in Tauranga. He told Rural News it would be good

to see Māori in leadership roles throughout the industry, as well as being some of the leading growers in the country. At present, Māoriowned kiwifruit orchards produce 13.9 million trays of gold and green fruit each year or about 10% of New Zealand’s total kiwifruit exports. Māori own nearly 1,200 hectares of land devoted to kiwifruit – most of which is in the Bay of Plenty region. The largest Māori kiwifruit

growing areas are Tauranga, Te Puke and Te Kaha. Māori Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (MKGI) was formed in 2016. It is an independent lobby and advocacy group representing Māori growers in New Zealand and beyond. MKGI’s board has representatives of various Māori trusts and incorporations involved in growing kiwifruit across the country. Timutimu says the

Maori Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated chair Anaru Timutimu says it would be good to see more Māori in leadership roles throughout the industry.

TWO GREAT PRODUCTS!

• 350lt bin • Stihl BG86 blower motor • Great suction to clean your paddock or garden

• RC270, RC300 & RC500 • 3 sizes, super strong rotationally moulded in our factory

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

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

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

0800 JOBE VALVES jobevalves.com

kiwifruit industry is a great one for Māori to be involved in. “It’s a good industry be involved in because it means our people can stay close to where they are from and don’t necessarily have to move to the cities,” he told Rural News. “There are opportunities in all facets of the value chain and the opportunity to travel, learn and work overseas.” Māori’s entry into the kiwifruit industry began in the mid-1980s and early 1990s when trusts such as Ngai Tukairangi and Hineora Te Kaha 15B in the Eastern Bay of Plenty started their respective operations. In the case of Ngai Tukairangi, it involved converting a dairy farm into a kiwifruit orchard. With Hineora it was bringing into one entity, small

blocks of land growing vegetables and citrus trees that in the past had produced poor returns to whanau. Incidentally, both trusts were finalists in last year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for the Māori top horticultural property. Te Kaha 15B was eventually named the winner. Timutimu is full of praise for their efforts. “The Te Kaha Māori kiwifruit growers are an awesome exemplar of the way they have worked in the community by training their own managers and staff,” he says. “The collective also purchased the local lodge for accommodation for the local workers and they also own the local spraying business. “They are looking at ways of utilising their water for all growers in Te Kaha.”

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

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

NEWS 11

An ‘amaizing’ change THE SUCCESS of some of the early Māori adopters in the kiwifruit industry is starting to catch on. While Te Kaha may be a hub, other trusts and incorporations are also taking the plunge and moving into kiwifruit. Drive from Opotiki right up to Te Araroa, near Hicks Bay, and you will see a mix of large and small kiwifruit orchards tucked away on the coastal flats and rolling hillsides – many of them covered. In many cases, Māori trusts are incorporating kiwifruit into their overall operations. For example, Tunapahore B2A Incorporation at Hawai has 5ha of kiwifruit alongside its 385cow dairy farm. Along the east coast, maize has been a crop grown by Māori or by others on land leased to them by Māori. But now kiwifruit and other high values crops are starting to appear, says Anaru Timutimu. “It’s daylight between the type of returns you were getting,” he told Rural News. “In the case of maize, you might get $1,500 per hectare, but fully developed orchards can now attain gross returns of $200,000 plus

per hectare.” Timutimu says this means more jobs for young Māori and a cash injection for whanau and the local economy. “There is a distinct advantage in Te Kaha with their mild micro climate, which means their fruit matures earlier than other regions, attracting a premium price for early start,” he says. This change is also being observed by Peter Andrew, a director of AgFirst – based in Gisborne. He says there is a lot of change taking place around the whole East Coast, with some farmland being converted to forestr, but he’s also noticed a big shift to horticulture. Andrew says Māori are not that keen on forestry given the bad experiences they have had; horticulture seems to have more appeal. He says there is a lot more horticultural development around Gisborne itself with high value crops such as kiwifruit and apples pushing crops like maize to less productive land. He is also noticing Māori diversifying their land use. He says there is a significant blueberry operation at Tolaga Bay.

Andrew believes the other advantage with horticulture is that it is often better use of water because it is being used on high value crops. – Peter Burke

Along the east coast, maize has been a crop grown by Māori but now kiwifruit and other high values crops are starting to appear.

7,990

EX GST RIDE AWAY

SAVE $500

9,990

EX GST RIDE AWAY

SAVE $1,000

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITES BREAKING NEWS

MANAGEMENT STORIES

MARKETS & TRENDS MACHINERY REVIEWS

COMPETITIONS AND MUCH MORE...

CFMOTO NORTH ISLAND Andys Moto Services, Waiuku (027) 944 5442 Brown Brothers Bikes, Whanganui (027) 572 7696 Country Engineering, Tauranga (07) 552 0071 Country Machinery, Sanson (06) 825 6400 Gatmans Mowers, Silverdale (09) 426 5612 JC Motorcycles, Waitara (06) 754 6420 Maungaturoto Motorcycles, Maungaturoto (09) 431 8555 Motorcycle HQ, Pahiatua (06) 376 7163

Northland Powersports, Whangarei (09) 437 5451 Outdoor Power, Hastings (06) 878 2369 Peninsula Motorcycles, Thames (07) 868 6104 Powerhead Motorcycles, Manurewa (09) 297 7145 RevTech Powersports, Stratford (06) 765 7712 Rob Titter Farm Services, Kaikohe (09) 401 1774 Rouse Motorcycles, Hikurangi (09) 4338 471 Tahuna Motorcycles & Atvs, Tahuna (07) 887 5790

www.ruralnews.co.nz

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 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 www.cfmoto.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

12 NEWS

Report dismisses NZ spud growers claims SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

POTATO GROWERS aren’t giving up their fight against cheaper frozen fries imports from the European Union. This is despite a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) interim report acknowledging the dumping of EU frozen fries in New Zealand, but claiming it’s not threatening

robust enough in terms of imminent and future material threat,” he says. MBIE launched an investigation in August last year after PNZ filed an anti-dumping claim, alleging that dumped frozen potato fries and wedges from Belgium and the Netherlands caused “a threat of material injury” to the domestic industry. NZ potato growers charged that circum-

the local potato industry. Potatoes New Zealand (PNZ) chief executive Chris Claridge told Rural News that a further submission would be made to MBIE in response to their interim report. Claridge says PNZ want to ensure that imminent and future material threat is accounted for in the MBIE investigation. “PNZ contest that the interim findings are not

stances arising from the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in reduced demand for frozen potato products globally, with increased inventories in Belgium and the Netherlands. They claim that available inventories and support being received through government intervention in Belgium and the Netherlands will lead to more Belgium and the Netherlands prod-

NZ potato growers aren’t giving up their fight against cheaper frozen fries imports from the European Union.

SHEEP JETTER

Sheep dipping... made easier! • Manufactured from stainless steel • Electric Eye • 800-1000 sheep per hour • Fantastic penetration

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

ucts arriving into NZ at “dumped prices”. As part of its investigation, MBIE contacted potato processing companies in Belgium and the Netherlands and asked them to fill out a survey. That information, alongside Customs data, found there was a spike in imports from the two countries in June and July last year – and Dutch company, Lamb Weston, was in fact dumping product here. The MBIE report said dumping was likely to continue but concluded there was not a threat of material injury to the domestic industry as a result. Accordingly, it was likely that advice to the minister responsible would be to terminate the investigation. But Claridge says potato growers maintain and the evidence supports that there is dumping.

“PNZ industry and grower members are keen to keep fighting this and are concerned that it’s not just the current situation, but how it’s going to look in the next few years,” says Claridge. The MBIE report says evidence does not support this claim. “The evidence does not support the claim by the New Zealand industry that government intervention in Belgium and the Netherlands has assisted potato growers so that producers of frozen potato products can take advantage of lower raw material costs, which means they can reduce prices for exports to New Zealand.” MBIE says based on this there are no grounds to determine that dumping of frozen fries is threatening to cause material injury to the New Zealand industry.

POWER CUTS – CAN YOU AFFORD THE RISK?

INDUSTRIAL GENERATOR

• Direct PTO driven (no gear boxes or belts) • Heavy duty construction (including drive shaft) • Dials facing cab (one person operator)

Ask about our range of

SILENT DIESEL GENERATORS

Sized for: • Cow sheds • Pump sheds • House standby

• Designed and assembled locally for rugged conditions! • Three sizes to suit all sheds: 37.5KVA, 62.5KVA and 93.75KVA

TRAILER OPTIONS AVAILABLE

• Silent diesel available by pre-order only

0800 10 7006 www.corkillsystems.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

NEWS 13

Charter vessels saviour for Zespri

much the same and the So, at the moment, we are full.” he adds. returns to growers will Hulbert says while the down on container stock peterb@ruralnews.co.nz not be greatly affected. price of freight has gone and that is causing disZESPRI HAS switched However, he says by up, Zespri is somewhat ruption.” far the greatest risk would Hulbert says the other protected because it has to using mostly charbe not having continuity long-term shipping conissue is that the schedter refrigerated container of supply to consumers in tracts, so the price to the uled container services ships this year to get its major markets. consumer will remain often get delayed as conkiwifruit to major margestion builds up in ports kets, rather than relyall around the world, ing on normal scheduled meaning that these ships ships. may arrive in NZ late. He Zespri’s chief global says Zespri foresaw the supply officer Alistair problem back in SeptemHulbert told Rural News ber last year and quickly this is because of the upped the number of ongoing disruption to charter vessels. world shipping schedules “With the charter caused by the Covid-19 vessel it comes directly pandemic. He says Zespri into port on the day we normally operates a split want it, we load it with of 50% charter and 50% our fruit and it goes to schedule ships, but this year it has upped the allo- the port of destination,” Hulbert told Rural News. cation of chartered ships So, with all our major to 70%. markets – such as China, “The problem is that Japan, Europe and Korea there has been a huge – we use the chartered demand for imported ships, which makes us by PMH goods into NZ and this somewhat immune to the has meant that shipping disruption.” lines have focused on the alphabet. Three letters have he says other bringing dry as opposed nes, and build the words in the However, grid markets that aren’t big to refrigerated containd, you will be able to solve the enough to send a charter ers down to NZ in the off LOW COST OF ENTRY season,” Hulbert explains. vessel to – like the Middle East or the west coast “These containers are 9 bringing 10 LETTER of the US – so they will things such as VALUES suffer a little bit 7of dis-8 imported furniture and 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 ruption. normally those ships I S FOR 12 MONTHS “The beauty of char13 would 6 bring in refriger11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 4.95% P.A ter vessels is that we ated containers to build F FIXED RATE* up 3a stockpile for the hor- can delay its arrival for a couple of days to make ticulture industry exports 3 7 sure the boat goes out from February to June. 24/36 MONTH LOAN TERM PETER BURKE

Zespri’s Alistair Hulbert says this year the company has upped its allocation of chartered ships to 70% from the usual 50%.

TIRED OF HIGH FARM

VEHICLE COSTS? IT’S TIME TO GO YAMAHA.

18 (December 19)

ZERO TO PAY

16 16

PROVEN RELIABILITY

LOW COST OF OWNERSHIP

3 YEAR

150 HR

GENUINE FULL FACTORY WARRANTY

SERVICE INTERVALS

ON ATV & ROV

ASSET BACKED COMMERCIAL APPLICANTS ONLY ANNUAL REPAYMENTS AVAILABLE

8 (December 19) 16 8

by PMH

ESCORTED TOURS 2021

he alphabet. Three letters have “For mature 18 16 s, and build the words in the travellers” grid CHATEAU you will• be able to MID-WINTER solve the CHRISTMAS

2 4 days, depart 05 August. Enjoy rail travel to National Park,‘Mid-Winter’ Christmas 3 15 dinner at Chateau Tongariro & Wairakei 9 10 Resort plus Taupo & Rotorua sightseeing. LETTER VALUES

AG125

• SOUTH SLAND WINTER MAGIC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 6 days, depart 15 August. Experience the I S TranzAlpine rail journey through the Southern 6 11 ‘Mid-Winter’ 12 13 14Christmas 15 16dinner 17 18 19 17 Alps 9 and 10 13 13 7 14 at 7 the16 F Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook. 3

16 2

+ GST

KODIAK 700 EPS

19,303 + GST

14,173

FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT:

www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

LETTER VALUES For full details

Phone 0800 11 60 60 2

P I L O W G E S H www.travelwiseholidays.co.nz

3,999

+ GST

• WEST COAST & CENTRAL OTAGO 10 days, depart 24 October. Highlights include the TranzApline rail, Franz Josef, Wanaka, heartland Central Otago & Queenstown. 1

• CHATHAM ISLANDS DISCOVERY 8 days, depart 21 October. A special place for a safe and relaxing 16 close-to-home all inclusive holiday.

7 18

Pam Hutton 2019 | www.puzzlebeetle.co.nz

VIKING EPS

B X N V F R T U Y C

Promotion available between 1/04/21 to 30/09/21 on new farm vehicles (AG125, AG200, TTR230/A, TW200, XT250, YFM350FA, YFM450FB, YFM450FB/P, YFM700FA, YFM700FB/P, YXC700P, YXE850PBL, YXE850PK, YXF850, YXM700, YXM700S SE, YXE1000PSEM, YXF1000PSEM), through participating authorised Yamaha dealers while stocks last. Offer available for specified models, and warranty registered on or before 30/09/21. *FINANCE DISCLAIMER: Zero deposit; annual repayments only with first repayment due after 12 months and 4.95% p.a. fixed interest rate on a 24 or 36 month loan term. Asset backed commercial applicants only with NZBN registered for minimum of 1 year. Monthly payment option available to non-asset backed commercial applicants. Maximum amount financed is $35,000 and applies to the new farm vehicle models listed for this promotion. Offer available from April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021 with final settlement date of October 31, 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

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

14 NEWS

Happy Valley dairy plant finally gets off the ground SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

CONSTRUCTION OF Waikato’s newest milk processing plant will finally start later this year. A 6ha site is being prepared at Otorohanga for the $280 million Happy Valley Nutrition Ltd plant that will produce highvalue specialty dairy ingredient powders for export markets. The project has been in the pipeline for several years as Happy Valley sought resource consents and funding. Covid-19 has also delayed the project by a few years. In February, Happy Valley announced that it had taken out a $13m

Construction of Happy Valley’s milk processing plant at Otorohanga will finally start later this year.

loan and secured $7.4m through secured private placement of convertible notes. The money was used to buy strategic farmland to irrigate wastewater from the plant. The ASX-listed company plans to develop a single dryer facility with the site master-planned

to allow for the addition of an extra drier as well as a blending and canning plant. The company says $7 million has been budgeted for earthworks. The factory is expected to be commissioned in 2023. Happy Valley chief executive Greg Wood says the start of earth-

works is a “very notable milestone” for shareholders and investors. “Our earthworks contractors are making solid progress, weather conditions have been favourable and critical works are advancing safely,” he told Rural News. “It is very satisfying to witness this proj-

NEW FROM

ect finally emerging from what was until recently a paddock, and these earthworks are confirmation that Happy Valley is well into the physical devel-

opment of what will be one of the most advanced nutritional grade processing facilities in the world.” Site works include implementing access roads, drainage works, public road realignments and ground improvements for the spray dryer building. “Performing earthworks now enables an efficient commencement of the construction phase of the facility,” Wood adds. He says the recent

funding Happy Valley has secured gives the company the necessary financial flexibility to ensure it meets immediate project delivery milestones. Wood claims the company is also making “excellent progress” with respect to securing customers. “Engagement is advancing with groups locally and from Europe, and Asia, which validates the strong demand for the speciality dairy products Happy Valley is targeting.”

FARM DEAL HAPPY VALLEY Nutrition has bought two lots of farmland – Waipa Meadows Farm and Lot 2 on Redlands Road – covering 166ha. As part of the purchase agreement for Waipa Meadows, the fledgling dairy processor will enter into a 100-year leaseback agreement with the vendor who will continue to use the property as a dry stock farm to generate revenue. The deal allows Happy Valley to irrigate wastewater from its proposed factory without relying on third party service providers.

Happy Valley says it will also improve the ecology of the waterways leading into the Waipa River through extensive tree planting and fencing along waterways. Happy Valley chief executive Greg Wood told Rural News the settlement of the farm purchases marks another important milestone. He says the company aims to deliver its first nutritional grade products in less than two years. “It is also further evidence of Happy Valley deploying recently secured capital and senior debt to advance the facility’s development.”

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 environment. Fact 3. If you want to build up your soil P in an environmenta in a sustained fashion for plants. Fact 4. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain. RPR-b (sulphur 90) is far more efficient than the excess sulphate in s AERATORS Fact 5. Following 1-4 above will greatly reduce P run-off and huge amounts of money! Fact 6. It is nonsensical to give in to pressure to install expen idea of their long-term effectiveness and maintenance costs, Fact 7. in any case simple fenced-off 3-metre wide grass ripa bacterial and sediment losses. Neither will have any significa Y DUTY AUTO strips can be harvested in summerHE toAV fed out, to improve T SEbe RE Fact 8. In a nutshell, for maintenance of P levels any genuine situations or low rainfall, use a blend of RPR and high-analysi NOW Don’t fertiliser on granular urea, use prilled Fact 9. put Forgood N, rather than urea, spr AVAILABLE, 5, 6 OR 7 LEG compacted soil which can’t absorb cut in half with big savings. MODELS it. If10. yourPotash soil can’t 15cm Fact is support more efficient, and must less likely to cause root growth and good annual amount you worm are using now. Easy to mix with your pri population check for compaction. For more info, email Bert Quin on bert.quin@quinfer You could need aeration. In dollar terms, what would 20% production increase mean to your yearly turnover? MOLEPLOUGH

Bert Quin DrDrBert Quin

Ten Basic Fertiliser Facts You Must Know and

Fact 1. The overuse of soluble P fertiliser is by far the largest cause of P run-off an Fact 2. Once you have Olsen P levels that are more than a third of the P retention environment. Fact 3. If you want to build up your soil P in an environmentally-protective way, in a sustained fashion for plants. Fact 4. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain. RPR-based fertilisers are (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 shou huge amounts of money! Fact 6. It is nonsensical to give in to pressure to install expensive mitigations rip idea of their long-term effectiveness and maintenance costs, and before you hav Fact 7. in any case simple fenced-off 3-metre wide grass riparian strips are essen bacterial and sediment losses. Neither will have any significant long-term benefi 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/Bo 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 p cut in half with big savings. Fact 10. Potash is more efficient, and must less likely to cause metabolic problem annual amount you are using now. Easy to mix with your prilled urea. Leaching o For more info, email Bert Quin on bert.quin@quinfert.co.nz, or phone

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

DRAINAGE AND SOIL AERATION PAY BIG DIVIDENDS

Only $355+gst/tonne ex Waikato depot, $395+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 • Add any additional S required as highly efficient S90 or as pHneutral S90/lime mix

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

LK0106170©

• Up to 45% cheaper applied than alternative lime, P and S maintenance options

• SOIL AERATION SPECIALISTS •

PRE RIPPERS

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

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

NEWS 15

Farmers fight back on new rules DAVID ANDERSON

MORE THAN 400 farmers attended a recent series of Groundswell NZ meetings around Canterbury and the West Coast to discuss new freshwater and biodiversity rules being imposed on the farming sector. “We have been blown away by the farmer engagement at our meetings,” says Groundswell spokesman and Otago farmer Bryce McKenzie. Farmer and environmentalist Jane Smith, a former Ballance Farm Environment Award winner, was one of the key speakers at the meetings. She told farmers to not just accept everything that is put in front of them. “Once regulations are enshrined in law, they will be with us forever – while those who enact

More than 400 farmers attended a recent series of Groundswell NZ meetings around Canterbury and the West Coast.

them will come and go,” Smith told the meetings. She also believes that

the farming sector needs one, strong voice. “Our advocacy spokes-

CLEANER, CLEARER, EASIER TO READ. THE SHARPEST PRINTING BY A COUNTRY MILE. TO ALL FARMERS FOR ALL FARMERS

people need to be listening to grassroots farmers and not simply appeasing

idealistic lawmakers.” Smith also questioned why the Government

regulations are “unworkable” and would deliver outcomes that will be worse for the country’s natural environment and waterways. He told the meetings there are more simple solutions available to NZ’s environmental issues – such as operating under one, integrated legislation. Following these meetings, McKenzie says Groundswell is looking at implementing a range of actions to put a stop to the regulations. “We are currently looking for regional coordinators to help us share information and keep farmers informed as more protest actions unfold,” he says. “Groundswell is already well established in Southland/Otago and coordinators for the West Coast are now underway.”

Farmers welcome sale of loss-making China Farms. PAGE 3

AGRIBUSINESS

MANAGEMENT

NEWS

Sheep milk demand soars.

Precision tech helps farmer get it right. PAGE 31

State of the art accommodation opens at BoP kiwifruit orchard. PAGE 7

PAGE 21

seemed hell-bent on destroying the NZ farming sector when NZ farmers are the most efficient sustainable food producers in the world. She says a more pragmatic pathway to good environmental outcomes, without destroying the fabric of NZ’s rural society, included working alongside regional councils to ensure commonsense prevails and the inter-generational, communal work underway – driven by catchment groups – is not undermined by an “outlandish generic consent process”. The other key speaker, Jamie McFadden, of the Rural Advocacy Network based in Canterbury, explained the implications of the proposed freshwater and indigenous biodiversity regulations. McFadden says these

NEW CHAIR COMPACT ALLR0UNDER Coull takes reigns PAGE 16

Krone baler PAGE 32

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS OCTOBER 20, 2020: ISSUE 712

www.ruralnews.co.nz OCTOBER 13, 2020

Payout lifts

ISSUE 457 // www.dairynews.co.nz

GOOD NEWS PETER BURKE

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

THE FORECAST milk payout for this season has gone up by 40c and Fonterra farmers can thank Chinese consumers. The co-operative last week announced a new range of $6.30 to $7.30/kgMS with a new midpoint of $6.80/kgMS. The revised forecast comes just a month after Fonterra announced its annual results. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel told Rural News that he’s not surprised by Fonterra’s announcement, as “underlying tones” in the dairy markets have been improving in recent weeks. In the latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, the price of flagship whole milk powder price topped US$3,000/metric tonne. The New Zea-

land dollar has also stabilised. Steel says a stable NZ dollar and strong demand for WMP normally provides upward pressure on the payout. However, he says the wide range of Fonterra’s forecast payout means “anything could still happen”. “There’s a wide range of possible outcomes, we are seeing so much

Crisis looms Growers are warning of looming “significant price rises” for fruits and vegetables thanks to the Government’s refusal to allow overseas workers into the country for harvesting and packhouse duties. Pukekohe’s Hira Bhana and Co Ltd say their business grows a lot of spring crops and needs overseas labour to supplement permanent workers like Taniela Vaioleti, (pictured) who was helping harvest lettuce on one of their farms last week. Growers fear that unharvested crops will lead to shortages and price hikes. Full story page 6.

Buy a kids bike

get $200 FREE!

uncertainty lingering around...anything could still happen, but for now we are seeing better prices.” Steel says New Zealand’s close attachment to China, especially in terms of selling them dairy products, is paying dividends. “They were first in, first out of Covid and the strong demand for

WMP there gives us hope going forward.” Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the stronger 2020-21 milk price forecast is largely being driven by improved demand in China. He says at a $6.80 milk price, more than $10 billion would flow into regional New Zealand.

peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND’S sheep and beef farms are already close to being carbon neutral and Beef+Lamb NZ believes this strengthens calls for the formal recognition of on-farm sequestration. A study led by Dr Bradley Case at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) estimates the woody vegetation on New Zealand sheep and beef farms is offsetting between 63 and 118% of their on-farm agricultural emissions. B+LNZ chief insight officer Jeremy Baker says the study was initiated as a result of a report last year, which showed that there were about 1.4 million hectares of woody vegetation on sheep and beef farms. He says they wanted to understand how much of that was still sequestering carbon and at what level. “The problem with the ETS scheme is that it is based on planting pines and is very much for the short term and gives a quick hit for carbon sequestration,” he says. “Whereas natives take a lot longer to sequester because they are slower growing but they are there for a longer period and they are also biologically and ecologically more secure.” Report author Bradley Case says there is a strong case for farmers to get credit for the sequestration happening on their farms. – See more page 5

SUZUKI.CO.NZ

$200 FREE DEALER DOLLARS on selected kids bikes Purchase any kids bike and score $200 Dealer Dollars to spend on anything you like in-store. A good reason

DREAM TEAM, DREAM RESULTS Tatua chairman Stephen Allen, chief executive Brendhan Greaney attribute record result in a challenging year to hardworking staff. PAGE 4

0.9%

P.A.

KUBOTA’S MGX

T H E TA S K MASTER

FINANCE FOR 36 MONTHS* across the MGX Series FINANCE PROVIDED BY

UDC FINANCE LIMITED

to get the kids outdoors or buy early for Xmas.

SEE YOUR NEAREST DEALER TODAY! Offer applies to JR80, DR-Z125L, LT-Z50 and LT-Z90.

*This finance offer from UDC Finance Limited is only available to eligible business applicants on loans with a term of up to 36 months. The 0.9% p.a. interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan and is only available with a minimum 20% deposit and applies to new MGX Series models UDC Finance credit criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. The finance offer are valid to 31/102020.

kubota.co.nz

Offer ends 31 December 2020, or while stocks last.

www.ruralnews.co.nz www.dairynews.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

NEWS 17

Young banker walks farming talk tions to high schools and those school leavers.” He also believes that because university is not for everyone there is much better value in school leavers entering the workforce into ag roles – rather than going to uni because it’s the ‘done thing’ and then dropping out. “If they are more informed of opportunities in Year 12 and 13, then they can make better decisions. This is much more important in urban schools where kids may

DAVID ANDERSON

JAKE JARMAN believes the agri-sector offers young people massive career opportunities. And now the 23-yearold Lincoln and Massey University graduate is walking the talk, becoming an agri-banker with ANZ in Ashburton. However, Jarman has not only done the academic side of the things, he’s also proven he knows a thing or two about the practical side of farming and is a finalist in this year’s Young Farmer of the Year contest. In January, he took out this year’s Taranaki Manawatu regional final, blitzing the competition in every field, in his first year of competing. Jarman will now compete in the 2021 FMG Young Farmers Contest Grand Final in Christchurch, in July. He told Rural News that an agri-sector career was always on his agenda. Born and raised on a Taranaki dairy farm, after finishing school he went to Lincoln to study a Bachelor of Agri-Commerce. This was followed by Masters in Agricultural Science (Dairy Systems) at Massey. “My long term goal, when I reach the age and stage of family and kids, I would like to be farming,” Jarman says. “But until then, I want to make a contribution in the rural professional space and save my pennies for farm ownership.” Hailing from a farming background, Jarman was brought up on a

Jake Jarman believes the agrisector offers young people fantastic career opportunities.

dairy farm in Inglewood, Taranaki. The 420 cow family farm has been in his mum’s family for 100plus years, and he is the fifth generation. However, despite Jarman’s strong rural background, he could have been lost to the sector as a weather forecaster. He says while he always enjoyed ag classes at high school, he was planning to study meteorology at Victoria, as he enjoyed science and maths. “But I enjoyed my Year 13/Scholarship Ag class more and we had an awesome ag teacher who constantly encouraged us to look at tertiary Ag study. I was – and still am – curious about the intersection of biophysical science, business/economics, and people that come together to make food and fibre. After finishing high school, Jarman attended Lincoln for three years from 2016 to 2018, completing a

we were exposed to the cutting edge of NZ ag science.” Jarman strongly believes that the primary sector poses an attractive career option to other young people “It has so many interlinked areas, which means there are so many opportunities to work in agriculture – these aren’t just on-farm jobs,” he told Rural News. “The sector is screaming out for intelligent, curious and diligent young people who have energy to continue pushing NZ ag forward and maintain our competitive advantage. “ However, Jarman does think the sector could do more to attract more young people to work in it. “I experienced a great connection between ag businesses at uni, by them coming to speak to us or getting involved in our courses,” he explains. “This connection was not evident at high school though, so the industry could improve its connec-

Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture). He then started at Massey at the start of 2019 and spent 18 months doing his Master of Science (Agricultural Science) – handing in his thesis in June 2020. Jarman believes one of the best things he gained from his time attending both Lincoln and Massey was networking. “I was able to meet and form great connections with a wide group of people who had common passion,” he told Rural News. “Now those friends are all over the country – so the network is rather widespread.” He says his education at both universities was industry focused saying the courses had a strong practical component. “We visited a lot of farms and were given lectures from a variety of people directly involved in agribusiness,” Jarman adds. “A lot of my lecturers at both Lincoln and Massey were leaders/ experts in their field – so

not have any exposure to ag.” Earlier this year, Jarman started a new role with ANZ as a relationship associate – to see the other side of farming. “I’ve always had an interest in finance and how it plays out in the agricultural sector,” he says. Jarman sees Ashburton as the perfect place to base himself, due to a diversity of agricultural businesses not available in other parts of the country.

“Ashburton is a critical town for the surrounding agricultural industries, and there are so many businesses supporting those farms – you’ve got machinery dealers, seed merchants, livestock companies, banks, accountants, lawyers – a whole developed industry.” With learning the ropes in his new job and preparing for the YFC grand final in July, there will be plenty to keep Jake Jarman busy over the next few months.

Much mor fun o e f the f f arm!

Annual Farmers Golf Tournament Tuesday 18th May Rangitikei Golf Club Raumai Road, Bulls

Sponsored holes, great prizes, BBQs, and afternoon tea

All for just $25

Enquiries: Geoff Ingram 027 323 1277 Kevin Taylor 027 440 2721 Bruce Kinloch 027 243 0050

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

300L TRAYPAK

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

NOW

$4,683

300L TRAILPAK

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

NOW

$4,561

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

18 AGRIBUSINESS

Amazing travels in Ag sector JESSICA MARSHALL jessica@ruralnews.co.nz

THE 2021 Dairy Woman of the Year says her win is “pretty amazing”. Whanganui sharemilker Belinda Price was named winner of the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award at a gala event in Taupo in early April. “It’s still sinking in, I must say. It’s a bit of an honour and a privilege to be nominated and to be successful against the other amazing finalists as well,” Price told Rural News of her win. She says she started in the industry when she started having children. “My husband wanted to buy a dairy farm and I was a travel agent,” she says of her beginnings in the industry. She says she followed this start by doing a course in agribusiness management so she could understand the industry and how to run a business within it. “It’s such an amazing industry

and we’ve just grown hugely, and there’s so many opportunities to access, to grow yourself and to network and to meet amazing people.” She says that women looking to get into the industry should “100% do it.” “The women in the industry are totally amazing,” she says, adding that a lot of the women she’s worked

with on her farm have come from other industries and have done well. “They have all gone so well, they all still keep in touch with me,” she says. She says they have gone from never touching a cow to becoming farm managers in a short period of time. Looking ahead to the future, Price says she will “soak up the opportunity” she’s been given. “I really want to help people, continue on my journey to mentor and to guide and to develop people. So, I think that’s… where my passion lies and where I’d like to continue to head.” As the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, Price receives a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake a development programme, professional and business coaching, a learning experience, or a combination of all three. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

ARRIVEDERCI NIKKI! IN A matter of days, kiwifruit growers organisation (NZKGI) chief executive Nikki Johnson will leave her role at NZKGI. Johnson is moving to Zespri to take up the role of strategic projects manager, based in the company’s office in Bologna, Italy. She’s been with NZKGI since 2016. Johnson says the new role is an opportunity for her to stay in kiwifruit. “It’s also a good opportunity to take my knowledge of kiwifruit and do something different with it. The role is looking across the northern hemisphere business – Japan, Korea, France, Greece, Italy and the north Americas, where there are trials or full production taking place under the Zespri brands,” she told Hort News. “I’ve always wanted to live overseas and in Italy so it’s two good outcomes,” she says. – Peter Burke

Nikki Johnson is off to take up a new role with Zespri in Italy.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

AGRIBUSINESS 19

Primary sector exports defy challenges SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

PRIMARY SECTOR exporters, take a bow. Despite major challenges, New Zealand primary sector exports are holding up well. And it’s not just dairy products leaving our ports in droves – beef, apples, kiwifruit, wine and sheepmeat are also being shipped out. According to BNZ’s latest Rural Wrap, NZ primary sector exports have been impressively resilient to the massive global economic shock over the past 12 months. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel points out that exporters have been facing considerable chal-

lenges – many of which are ongoing. “Difficulty finding labour and logistical issues immediately spring to mind. No one has been immune,” he says. “But the sector, by and large, has found ways to minimise disruption, switch markets, and alter sales channels to continue trading as best as possible.” While export revenue does not necessarily equate to profitability, but it can be a useful barometer, noted Steel. Wine exports to February 2021 were 4% higher than a year earlier, entirely driven by volume expansion, with prices marginally lower over the period. Annual wine exports are now valued at

$2 billion. Steel says the past year’s growth – in obviously difficult circumstances from harvesting through to logistics – continues a period of persistent expansion that now extends back more than quarter of a century. Sheepmeat exports topped $3.8 billion. This is a historically high level, although 3% lower than in the previous year. Steel says prior price declines, a firmer NZ dollar and a smaller lamb crop this season will likely see annual exports ease further in the near term. “Demand from China has been strong of late which we expect to continue.” Around half of NZ

Despite challenges such as labour shortages and logistics around shipping, primary sector exports are holding up.

exports are now destined for China. Kiwifruit continues to go from strength to strength, with exports nearing $2.7 billion in the year to February 2021, a hefty 18% higher than a year earlier. Steel says buoyant growth is the result of

overall record volumes in combination with higher prices, both underpinned by strong demand. Beef exports eased back 2% in the year to February 2021, but Steel says this should be seen in the context of the 34% cumulative increase in the three years prior to

that. NZ’s beef export share to China has eased from a recent African Swine Fever-induced peak but remains high by historical standards. Apple exports pushed above $900 million, up nearly 6% on a year earlier. Steel says the increase

reflected a moderate increase in volumes, following a good harvest and a push higher in average prices. However, things are looking dire for apple growers this season: poor weather and labour shortages could drop export volumes by 14%.

SPONSORED BY

LUISETTI SEEDS

CATCH CROPS FOR CLEANER FRESHWATER WORKSHOP WHERE: WHEN: TIME:

DARFIELD REC CENTRE, NORTH TERRACE, DARFIELD TUESDAY MAY 18, 2021 11AM– 1PM, FOLLOWED BY REFRESHMENTS

• CAN CEREAL “CATCH CROPS” REDUCE ENVIRONMENT IMPACTS FROM WINTER FORAGE CROP GRAZING • HOW CAN I MAKE CATCH CROPS WORK IN MY SYSTEM? • WHAT QUESTIONS DO FARMERS HAVE ABOUT CATCH CROPS? Plant & Food Research, Lincoln Agritech and AgResearch scientists will share latest research results For more info: https://www.facebook.com/catchcrops/ or contact Brendon Malcolm, Plant & Food Research p: 021-895 126 e: Brendon.Malcolm@plantandfood.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

20 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

One voice? “WHERE THE bloody hell are you?” This was once the infamous catch-cry of an Australian tourism advertisement from a few years ago. However, it could now equally used by NZ farmers to question the performance (or lack of it) by their industry representatives – especially when advocating on their behalf at a governmental level. Two of the sector’s largest agri-sector industry-good bodies – DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb NZ – take multi-millions of dollars in farmer levies each year, yet levypayers are fairly asking what they are actually getting in return. No doubt, both organisations would use their highly-paid communications staff and contractors to run off a myriad of actions claiming they do a wonderful job in representing their respective farmers on the advocacy, trade and on-farm front. One could debate their effectiveness or not on the two latter topics, but most farmers would say they have been hopelessly woeful on the former. In the last couple of years alone, we have seen government either propose or impose carbon charges, freshwater regulations, winter grazing rules, farm environment plans and ban live exports – to name just a few. All of these have either been greeted by muted acceptance or actually welcomed by the supposed farmer bodies. Both DairyNZ and B+LNZ argue that it’s no use jumping up and down and they “have to be at the table” for the Government to hear them. However, many of their levypayers would argue all this has done is help the Government serve farmers on the menu! As farmer Jane Smith argues, “continual appeasement to government by industry-good bodies is not serving the sector well and it’s time for a mega-merger of primary sector advocacy groups”. All this has opened the door for movements like Groundswell NZ to fill the gap. Smith cites the recent performances of both B+LNZ and DairyNZ over the reforms to freshwater regulations and proposed greenhouse gas rules as leaving farmer levypayers dismayed, disappointed and feeling abandoned by their representatives. Is it now time to scrap the old model of farmer representation – which the Government seems to play divide and rule with – and for the primary sector to form one, powerful, united voice for industry advocacy that would have to be listened to rather than dictated at? It is worth serious consideration.

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

“Tell the Vicar his drought relief prayers worked Edna – I’ve got a large trough stationary over an area of low pressure!”

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

THE HOUND MIA!

Quitters?

WHILE YOUR old mate was not surprised by the Government’s decision to impose a ban on the live cattle exports, as it has previous form in pushing antifarming polices. However, he – along with many in the sector – was highly disappointed by the muted response from the supposed industry ‘good’ bodies. Beef + Lamb NZ (BLNZ) and DairyNZ were both very much missing in action on the live export ban. Their deafening silence about the Government’s move only adds to the argument that both BLNZ and DairyNZ are more worried about placating the incumbent administration than fighting for their farmer levypayers. The word ‘quislings’ has been used often to describe the performance of both levy organisations since the election of the Ardern-led government back in 2017. Their gutless (non) performance over the loss of this multi-million dollar income stream does little to dispel that notion.

THIS OLD mutt wonders what it is about tall, balding, ex-Fonterra executives and their (non) ability to handle life once they leave the safety of the big dairy co-op. First we saw Todd (Puddle) Muller plotting and scheming his way to controversially taking over the leadership of the National Party last year, then melting like an ice cream on a summer’s day when the going got tough and quitting. The latest example is recentlydeparted Synlait chief executive Leon Clement who took over as boss of the Canterbury-based, Chinese-owned dairy company in late 2018. Since then, the former darling of the NZ dairy industry has hit a few speed bumps along the way with things not going so swimmingly and lo and behold… Clement is gone burger! Perhaps the executive training programme at Fonterra needs to add a bit more resilience guidance and instructions in dealing with adversity? Just a thought…

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

God help us

Bad company THE HOUND is among many in the agriculture sector, including many of our top scientists, who are somewhat cynical about the over-the-top, unproven claims made about the latest farming fad – regenerative agriculture. Of course, the current Government – and its highly paid lap dog, the Primary Sector Council – well and truly drank from the Regen Kool Aide by pumping millions of taxpayer dollars into the hands of a few self-promoters who are pimping this practice. Meanwhile, the alarm bells of government funders should have been loudly ringing when one of Regen’s greatest fans is anti-farming lobby group Greenpeace – let alone the bunch of kooks, pseudoscientists, weirdos and Hollywood vegans who are already backing it. As a mate of yours truly says: “With friends like that, who needs enemies or credibility!”

YOUR CANINE crusader was amused to read about a vegan student doing a farm animal management course in the UK complaining about having to visit a farm as a course requirement. The whinging millennial whined that undertaking the farming unit as part of her qualification was “incompatible with her beliefs”. While she understood that she’d have to attend a farm as part of an animal husbandry unit on the course, the student claims she took that to mean “learning how to care for animals…” When later told by tutors that students may be required to “watch bull castration or visit an abattoir” as part of the mandatory unit, she claims to have felt “really uncomfortable about the idea of having to attend a farm and help in exploiting the animals.” So, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College said the student did not need to complete the unit if she was “uncomfortable” with it. Give me strength!

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 // MAY 4, 2021

OPINION 21

Shape up or ship out! TIM GILBERTSON

DAMIEN! WHAT were you thinking, banning the live export trade? You looked earnest and deeply concerned. A worthy graduate of ‘Sincerity School’. But it is an irrational proposal, designed to appeal to urban voters, swayed by a lunatic fringe. Live exports, you say, threaten our trading reputation. From 1915 to 1918, the NZ Mounted Rifle Brigade shipped 10,000 horses to Egypt to fight

When do numbers involved, distance of travel and assumed quality of care become relevant factors that swing approval from sea to sky? The distinction is nonsense. The manner of travel is irrelevant. No MPI officials went on the ships or to farms in China. None of them flew with animals to verify Damien’s airborne assertions. Nor did they ask the expert opinion of anyone involved in the trade. The review was designed to give the

So be sincere and good, Damien. Abandon the dark side. Ban cigarettes. Ban Rio Tinto zinc. Ban Mike Hosking. Ban Auckland from stealing Waikato water and Pukekohe potato fields. Allow live exports and police them. Shape up or ship out. If you ship out, make sure

the engines are working and check the weather report. Good luck, Damien. All the best from all of us here in drought land. • Tim Gilbertson is a Central Hawkes Bay Farmer @rural_news

Damien O’Connor’s recent ban on live exports is an “irrational proposal, designed to appeal to urban voters, swayed by a lunatic fringe”, according to Tim Gilbertson.

facebook.com/ruralnews

From 1915 to 1918, the NZ Mounted Rifle Brigade shipped 10,000 horses to Egypt to fight the Turks. The loss rate was a miniscule 3%. So, we have been shipping successfully for years. The survival rate on shipments to China is 99.9%. answer Cabinet wanted. Cabinet, apart from you Damien, doesn’t know the difference between a heifer and a hyena, so they signed off a travesty. So, a major $300 - $500 million export industry is wiped out to please a minuscule, illinformed minority. Who else gets the same treatment? Once more the message from the top is that rural NZ is insignificant, immaterial and irrelevant. But don’t fret. Because Damien says we now have an opportunity to boost trade through our cutting-edge scientific work into dairy cow genetics and germplasm use. So, there you go, all you thwarted live export wannabees. Sell your babies as bobby calves, set up a laboratory in the cowshed and whack out some cutting-edge scientific discoveries. Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy. The real tragedy is that Damien is a nice, well-meaning bloke. I’ve met him, shaken his paw and held an amiable discourse. Many of them (politicians) are. They just get caught up in the game and forget that their foolish, thoughtless actions have grave consequences in the real world.

Ask any boatie who’s switched to drive-by-wire technology (SPC known as Suzuki Precision Control) and they’ll tell you the same thing – they’ll never go back to mechanical control cables. Once you’ve experienced the improved manoeuvrability, silky smooth shifting, instant throttle response and enhanced performance it offers, you’ll be a raving fan too.

To find out more about this world-first technology in 4-stroke, visit marine.suzuki.co.nz

DF140BTG

OFFER APPLIES TO DF140BTG ONLY UNTIL 30 JUNE 2021, OR WHILE STOCKS LAST.

TRACTA_SUZ63780_DF140BTG_RN

the Turks. The loss rate was a miniscule 3%. So, we have been shipping successfully for years. The survival rate on shipments to China is 99.9%. How can that be a threat to our trading reputation, rather than a glowing endorsement? Compared to most nations, we are shining stars. How many highlevel complaints have you had (apart from Turkey in 1916 requesting we send our horses home and fight on foot) about our live export trade? None. The tragic consequences were bought home, says Damien, by the loss of 41 crew and 7,000 cattle last year when a ship went down in a typhoon. It sank because the engines failed and the boat went beam on to the waves and tipped over. Which, while indubitably tragic, was about cleaning the spark plugs rather than the rights and wrongs of the live export trade. Once animals leave our shores, we have little ability to ensure their wellbeing. That is unacceptable to us, says the Minister. Air export is okay because travel times are shorter, the animals are better looked after and the numbers are miniscule.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

22 OPINION

Over-the-top, state control Rural Advocacy Network chairman Jamie McFadden was a key speaker at the recent round of Groundswell NZ meetings. He spoke about the push for Farm Environment Plans (FEPs) and why these may not be the great cure-all many are claiming. Here is an edited version of his speech… THERE ARE many different approaches to farm plans. Taranaki Regional

Council has, over the past 25 years, continued the catchment board approach to voluntary

farm plans working in partnership with farmers. In Canterbury, ECan has taken a one-size-fits

all, tick box regulatory approach to farm plans. There are also a myriad of industry farm plan

templates. An actionsfocused, empowering farm plan is very different to the one the Government is mandating through the Resource Management Act (RMA). Under New Zealand law we are supposed to be protected from unjustified state control. The Jamie McFadden believes the Government’s policy on FEPs is unprecedented state control over ordinary citizens.

Government is enforcing mandatory, certified, audited FEPs on every farmer – regardless of whether there is a freshwater issue in your catchment or whether your activity is having a more than minor effect on the environment. The only group of people being subject to mandatory environment plans are farmers. If the Government were being consistent then they would require everyone (including urban landowners) to do an Environment Plan as we all affect freshwater. But imagine the howls of protest against state control. The Government claims that farmers need to do these FEPs to reassure our overseas markets. However, the RMA is related to environmental effects, not issues of market assurance. The Government is using this argument because it insufficient justification under the RMA. Market assurance should be progressed through our industry and exporters, which is already happening with meat companies, Fonterra and industry groups. The Government has attempted to sell their mandatory FEP policy with a $50 million sweetener and the promise ( just prior to the election) of reducing compliance for every farmer. This misleading claim of reducing compliance ignores some facts. 1) A farm plan audit is compliance and a cost to farmers. 2) The new freshwater legislation (and impending NPS Indigenous Biodiversity) increases regulatory requirements on all farmers. 3) Many of the regulatory requirements cannot

be covered by a FEP and will require processing through a consent process. 4) Consents will be more complex, difficult to obtain and cost more. 5) Much of the dryland hill country farming sector do not trigger any consents because they are low environmental impact farming systems. Certified, audited FEPs will significantly increase the compliance burden on these farmers. 6) An audited FEP on a 200 hectare, flat land intensive farm is a completely different scenario to a 1,000 hectare hill country farm with extensive waterways, wetlands, native bush, erosion and the difficulty of getting access around these farms. A market assurance farm plan through your meat or milk company or industry group like Beef+Lamb NZ is confidential. None of your private property information is available to the public unless you require a consent or get caught in a compliance issue or for mapping the likes of Significant Natural Area’s (SNA), but it is only information related to that specific issue. However, when an FEP becomes compliance under the RMA it becomes public information. So, all that information on a dryland farm that was previously not accessible to the public now becomes public. This represents a major breach of people’s privacy rights. It is for all these reasons we should reject the Government’s legislation on RMA-mandated FEPs and call on all farmers to refuse to comply until such time the issues outlined above are resolved.

Do You Have Tank Problems? HIGH PERFORMANCE TANK / RESERVOIR VALVE

Protect Your Pump ✔ Adjustable Minimum & Maximum on/off control ✔ Lengthen your pumps life with less on/off cycles ✔ Delivers high volumes of water (1275 lpm @ 12 bar)

HEAVY DUTY TANK LEVEL INDICATOR

Monitor Water Levels ✔ See at a glance your tank water level ✔ Protect your system from water loss damage ✔ Suitable for any type or size tank ✔ 50% STRONGER - 16mm stainless steel tubes offer 50% more strength than 12mm tubes

Valve Closes at Maximum Level

Valve Opens at Minimum Level

www.hansenproducts.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

24 MANAGEMENT

Capturing the benefits of catch crops PETER CAREY

WINTER FORAGE grazing is used extensively in the South Island as a lowcost system to feed dairy cows and build body condition prior to calving in late winter. However, the practice is recognised as having a large potential for nitrate

leaching loss from heavy urine deposition, especially in the free-draining soils of Canterbury. Most winter forage paddocks are left bare or fallow prior to pasture renewal or sowing of another fodder crop in late spring/ summer. But with nitrate leaching losses from these wintering sys-

tems – measured at anything from 50-180kg N/ ha annually – reducing leaching is important for ground and surface water quality. Sowing a catch crop after winter forage grazing is one way to take up some of this deposited urinary-N and can reduce N leaching losses

by as much as 40-50%. Now in the third year of a three-year MPI Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) project, researchers from Lincoln Agritech and Plant and Food Research have shown that sowing catch crops on commercial dairy farms during winter is not only possi-

HOME OF RURAL NEW ZEALAND

Channel 81

RURAL DELIVERY MONDAYS AT 9.30 PM

An agricultural business show, showcasing the latest innovations and technology in the New Zealand rural sector, plus interviews with industry leaders, news headlines, market data, and weather. The show provides news and information for all farmers.

*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/.

ble, but profitable – with few downsides. Lincoln Agritech and Plant and Food Research conducted six research trials in Canterbury from 2018-2019 – across three commercial dairy farms in winter forage paddocks at Te Pirita, Hororata and Mt Somers. Trials compared tillage method (direct drill vs. minimum till), crop species selection (Italian ryegrass, triticale or oats) and crop mixes (oats vs. oats/Italian ryegrass). The oats drilled at Te Pirita trial (Intimidator Luisetti Seeds) produced a high-yielding 12t DM/ ha green chop silage crop after only five months, but importantly, took up over 200kg N/ha. Indeed, most catch crops of oats in Canterbury yielded 8-10t DM/ha if sown by early August, with N uptakes ranging from 100-200kg N/ha. This nitrogen resource might otherwise have been lost and farmers could use it more efficiently, having already effectively paid for it. Gross profit margins (before harvest costs) typically ranged from $1400-$2550/ha (at $0.25 c/kg DM standing feed). This more than compen-

Sowing a catch crop after winter forage grazing can reduce N leaching losses by as much as 40-50%, according to Lincoln Agritech field research scientist Peter Carey.

sates for the small loss in crop yield if sowing another fodder crop like kale. However, a note of warning, catch crops need monitoring and a judicious application of N fertiliser (40kg N/ha) in late spring might still be required to achieve optimum silage quality and quantity if the crop starts to show the first signs of N deficiency. Catch crops aren’t limited to oats. Triticale, for example, was an option for those looking at whole crop silage but oats, being more winter active, tended to get away quicker. Italian ryegrass was also trialled alone but wasn’t as high-yielding as the cereals. However, an oats/Italian mix, was found to be

a good option for speedy pasture renewal of a winter forage paddock after the main oats crop has been harvested – providing further grazing or baleage over the summer. Importantly, soil mineral N was significantly reduced by the catch crops. Catch crops, as expected, reduced available soil mineral-N but the soil under the fallow (bare soil/no crop-red circle) increased by 50% over the same period. We can also assume that some of the mineral N under fallow or bare sol is likely to have moved below this depth so the true increase may well be more than 50%. • Dr Peter Carey is a field research scientist at Lincoln Agritech Ltd

KEY MESSAGES EARLY ESTABLISHMENT of a cereal catch crop, even in winter, is the key to success. Oats has proved the most robust and reliable catch crop for Canterbury with DM yields in late November (green-chop silage) ranging from 8-12t DM/ha. Direct drilling the catch crop is preferred but minimum tillage may be required on badly pugged paddocks to help prepare a suitable seed bed Soil mineral-N can be variable after

grazing so monitor the N status of the catch crop to ensure maximum yield and quality. Mixes with Italian ryegrass (using oats) have been found to be a good combination for those wanting to speedily re-grass paddocks after harvest. Give it a go! – Everybody’s farm is different but somewhere in your winter forage rotation there is likely an opportunity for you to experiment and introduce a catch crop into your system.

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 // MAY 4, 2021

MANAGEMENT 25

Support and resources available for farmers impacted by dry FARMERS IN regions facing dry or extremely dry conditions are being urged to tap into the resources available to them through their industry good organisations and MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries). The feed planning service is open to all livestock owners and helps farmers complete a feed plan. The feed coordination service connects farmers who are short of feed with available sources of supplement, such as silage and hay. Mark Harris, Beef + Lamb NZ’s (BLNZ) lead extension manager, says there is no significant rain in the forecast so it is unlikely farmers in affected areas will be able to build pasture covers going into winter. “I really encourage anyone affected by on-going dry conditions to make use of the feed planning and feed coordination services. Having a third party discuss your options with you can often help clarify your thinking and help with the critical decisions that need to be made going into the colder months.” Harris says experience from the Hawkes’ Bay drought shows that seemingly dire situations can be turned around by proactive management

Farmers facing regions facing dry or extremely dry conditions are being urged to tap into the resources available through industry good organisations and MPI.

INFO SERVICES INFORMATION ON all drought management related tools and resources: https://beeflambnz.com/newsviews/extreme-dry-management. • The feed planning service can be accessed by phoning 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352) or 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 432 479 69). • Farm debt mediation information can be found at: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/funding-rural-support/ farming-funds-and-programmes/the-farm-debt-mediation-scheme-2. • Rural Support Trusts: 0800 RURAL HELP or 0800 78 72 54. • Farm Business Advice Support Fund: http://www.ruralsupport.org.nz/what-we-do/Financial.

decisions. “There are case studies on the BLNZ website, which show the power of having a third party cast an eye over the situation and guide decision making,” he says. “It is important to try and limit the impact of these extremely dry conditions to this year and try and protect the performance of capital stock next spring.” Harris adds that there are a range of drought support tools and resources on the BLNZ website, including a simple feed budget and experiences of farmers who have got through drought in recent years. For farmers who need financial help, or extra wellbeing support, the Government has allocated $200,000 for the Farm Business Advice Support Fund, which is managed

by Rural Support Trusts. Banks are jointly funding the initiative. Qualifying farmers can receive up to $6,000 to seek independent financial or business advice. Farmers and growers can also access the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme, should they need help working through debt issues with their bank. MPI can assist with the costs of mediation through the scheme’s hardship fund. Rural Support Trusts are there to help rural people during tough times. They offer a free, confidential service to rural farming communities. Farmers and farming families who need help are encouraged to call for confidential advice and support.

FARM MACHINERY STRENGTH / QUALITY / PERFORMANCE

Tip Trailers

Manure Spreaders

Bale Feeders Forage Wagons

McIntosh FarM MachInery

@rural_news

www.mcintosh.net.nz

facebook.com/ruralnews

| 0800 622 276

FIELD DAY SPECIALS ON NOW 500

INC $13,995 GST

570 HEAVY DUTY EPS ADC 7

1.99% FINANCE P.A.

5 10

1 4

0% FINANCE P.A.

HD EPS ADC

INC $27,995 GST

5 6

$2,000 FREE ACCESSORIES^

3 5

$1,000 FREE ACCESSORIES^

1.99% FINANCE P.A.+

7. Polysport Poly sportroof roof#2883236 #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

SAVE $1,000

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

INC $17,995 GST

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

ACCESSORY IDEAS 1. Sport roof #2883236 2. Glass windscreen #2881783 3. Wiper kit #2879968

4. Poly rear panel #2879812 5. Poly doors #2882247 6. Tow hitch receiver #2875320

ACCESSORY IDEAS 1. Glass tip out screen #2889031 2. Bull bar and side rail kit #AUST548 3. Poly half door #2882559 4. Tip down Headache rack #2881531

5. Premium poly sport roof #2882912 6. Poly rear panel #2883773 7. Pro Armor 81cm single-row light bar #2884299

*Offer ends 31/7/21 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 500, Ranger 570 HD EPS ADC and Ranger Diesel 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 |

/PolarisNZ |

/polarisorv_nz

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

26 ANIMAL HEALTH

Plan for hogget breeding Hogget breeding can be used to increase the total number of lambs weaned on a farm each year and potentially lifetime performance, if they are managed correctly. However, a large proportion of hoggets are not bred on farms due to concerns regarding the ability to achieve suitable performance levels and the economic viability of the practise. Massey University’s Professor Paul Kenyon reports on recent research on the topic. BIOECONOMIC MODELLING, published by Massey University PhD student Lydia Farrell in 2020 and more recent work by the team, has shown that adding hogget breeding to a North Island hill country property would increase cash operating surplus. This is if the farm is already achieving a lambing percentage of 132 with their mixed aged ewes – as long as the hoggets achieved at least 26%. This low figure not only signals how easy it can be for many farmers to be profitable with hogget breeding. It also shows that farmers can focus only on a small percentage of their overall hogget flock and aim to achieve high levels of performance in only these sheep and still be profitable. This targeted approach is likely to suit for many farmers, who are con-

cerned about the risk of putting a large proportion of their hoggets to the ram. Interestingly, the modelling also showed that for a farm achieving 132% in its mixed aged ewes, to have the same cash operating surplus as a farm which did not breed hoggets, but had a mixed age flock achieving 152 percent, hogget breeding would need to be at above 100%.

Hogget breeding can be used to increase the total number of lambs weaned on a farm each year if managed correctly. Inset: Massey University’s Paul Kenyon.

This is an unlikely scenario and many farmers would argue it would be easier to increase the performance of their mixed age ewes to 152%, than to achieve 100% lambing performance levels in hoggets. There are a few simple rules that farmers should follow in the April/May period if hogget breeding is to be successful. Hoggets can be exposed to teasers to increase the percentage successfully bred in the

first 17 days of breeding. If teasers are to be used, it should be for 17 days only, and at a minimum ratio of 1:100 – although they can still be effect at ratios of 1:200. Recent research suggests that hoggets need to be a minimum of 43 kg at breeding, for a flock with a mature ewe breeding weight of 65 kg. This minimum is an individual minimum, and not a flock average. There is also a suggestion that this minimum could be raised, and research funded by Beef

+ Lamb NZ is examining the potential impacts of heavier breeding weights. Farmers need to be brave enough to not breed those hoggets that present too light at ram introduction, as breeding light hoggets increases the risk that they will not last five to six years within the flock. Alternatively, if farmers use body condition scoring as a tool to select hoggets suitable for breeding, they need to be a minimum of 2.5. Hoggets are shy breeders, therefore an ideal

mature ram to hogget ratio is 1:50. Hogget rams are far from ideal, but if used the ratios need to be even lower. When choosing a ram, farmers need to consider the potential impact on birth weight and frame size and therefore dystocia. Sires or breeds that are likely to produce large heavy lambs at birth are not ideal. Hoggets need to gain approximately 20kg in total weight during pregnancy, which includes the weight of the placenta, foetus and associated

fluids. This is a significant amount and equates to 130 g/d total gain throughout the breeding period and in pregnancy. This allows for the hogget, herself, to grow and for the appropriate level of development for the foetus(es). Therefore, farmers need to have a plan for feeding their ewe hoggets appropriately throughout the mating and pregnancy period. This needs to have begun by April. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Help prevent calf scours caused by bovine rotavirus, coronavirus & E.Coli 3 One shot for all cows 3 Competitive cost 3 8 years in New Zealand 3 Easy subcut route 3 Well tolerated site administration Contact your veterinarian for more information Phoenix Pharm Distributors Ltd www.phoenixpharm.co.nz 0800 10 55 66

AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION Restricted Veterinary Medicine - Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 No. A010777 - see www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

ANIMAL HEALTH 27

New rules for on-farm procedures New animal welfare regulations come into effect on 9 May. These will affect many common procedures carried out on farms, such as tail docking and treatment of bearings. BEEF + LAMB New Zealand’s senior advisor, biosecurity and animal welfare, Will Halliday, says the Significant Surgical Procedures regulations cover a range of procedures undertaken on animals – from specialist veterinary-only operations to routine onfarm procedures. Bearings Under the new regulations, a bearing in a sheep may be treated by any competent person with the appropriate knowledge, experience, and equipment to do so. This includes treatment of a

complete prolapse of the uterus. Halliday says treatment of a bearing in a cow is a more difficult procedure, and this is reflected in the regulations. “A competent person may replace a vaginal prolapse in a cattle beast provided the animal is under the influence of pain relief provided by a veterinarian.” He says failure to comply can mean a fine of up to $3,000 for an individual and $15,000 for a body corporate. “Treatment of a pro-

Lambs under the age of six months can be docked by a competent person using either a hot iron or rubber ring and the length of the docked tail must be no shorter than the end of the caudal fold.

lapsed uterus in a cattle beast can only be undertaken by a veterinarian.” Tail-docking The new regulations stipulate that lambs under the age of six months can be docked by a competent person using either a hot iron or

rubber ring. No other methods of tail docking are permitted. Failure to comply can mean a fine of up to $1,500. “There is also a new requirement that the length of the docked tail must be no shorter than

the end of the caudal fold – the fold of skin that runs from the underside of the tail to either side of the anus,” Halliday explains. He says the new regulations brings New Zealand’s rules into line with those of our major

trading partners, which require the docked tail to entirely cover the vulva in ewe lambs and an equivalent length in males. “Failure to comply can mean an infringement fee of $500, with fines on conviction for repeat

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

offences of up to $1,500 for an individual and $7,500 for a body corporate. Tail length will be assessed at the slaughter plant.” Docking lamb’s tails which are older than six months is now a veterinary-only procedure.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

28 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

New models mark seventh decade MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

CELEBRATING ITS 70th year – and having already released the fifth generation A Series in January – Valtra has just announced upgrades to its N and T series tractors. With new models already rolling off the production line, expect to see redesigned cabins alongside new transmission and engine features. Undoubtedly the standout in the cabin is a new right-hand A-pillar display that replaces the traditional instrument

70 YEARS IN THE MAKING ORIGINALLY NAMED Valmet, Valtra started building tractors in 1951 with the Model 15. Over the years, it evolved into a manufacturer that offered a point of difference by working very closely with its customers. Today this sees the company with its Unlimited Studio customising 1 in 3 of all tractors that come off its production line. To mark the 70th Anniversary, a specially-equipped limited edition of the T series models is being offered worldwide. Featuring a deep red, metallic paint finish, reminiscent of the original Valmets of 70 years ago, the red theme is carried into details like the stitching of the leather upholstery and the interior lighting.

cluster found behind the steering wheel. The new full colour display

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

offers default information such as forward and engine speeds in is upper

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

Valtra recently announced upgrades to its N and T series tractors, with new models already rolling off the production line. Inset: The interior of the new N5 Series.

section, while the lower portion is reserved for menus for the tractor and implement control. The same display can also be used on HiTech and Active models to control engine, hydraulic and transmission settings. On Versu and Direct models, it can work in conjunction with the SmartTouch system to divide tasks to the driver’s preferred location. Elsewhere in the cabin, a new steering column – with easier height and rake adjustment – supports a larger steering wheel. The forward/reverse shuttle lever has been redesigned to make directional changes easier and also incor-

porates the park brake system. The new system also makes it easier to switch between using the standard shuttle and the SmartTouch control lever. In the case of the SmartTouch models, the right-hand side of the cabin has been redesigned, allowing the seat to swivel to a greater angle. The Evolution seat also incorporates a swivelling backrest to offer better support when the operator is looking at rear-mounted implements. On the engine front, the N5 models (N135, N155 ECO or STD, N175) and the T5’s (T145, T155, T175 ECO, T195, T215, T235, T235D, T255) fea-

ture a new engine-boost mode to aid start off when in ranges B and C, which should be useful when moving heavy loads from a standstill. Gear range changes are also quicker and smoother and ideally suited to travelling at high speeds on the highway. Offering the latest technology, both the

N5 and T5 models can be specified with Valtra Guide auto-guidance, Task Doc and Section Control management options. A new Auto U-Pilot function combines with Valtra Guide to take control of the implement during headland turns, freeing up the driver for other duties.

World’s most powerful variable speed clipper is here!

KRONE TEDDERS The KRONE series of rotary tedders use high build quality to provide dependable machines in a full range of sizes and dimensions. They deliver an exemplary level of standard specification and boast a host of innovative features. • Maintenance-free Octolink finger clutches and liquid grease rotor drives. • Working width from 4.6m to 11m.

Invest in longevity and quality. Invest in the best.

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 ■ 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 // MAY 4, 2021

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 29

Rising material costs putting pressure on machinery pricing MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

THE WORLD economy is recovering, but a surge in raw material prices is pushing production costs to all-time highs. This is likely to have serious consequences for the agricultural machinery sector, which largely uses ferrous and plastic materials. The latest data on the world economy sees experts forecasting a jump in GDP from -3.9% in 2020 to +5.2% in 2021. Meanwhile, a robust recovery in world trade is expected to go from -6.9% last year to a substantial +8.6% this year. Already dealing with logistics issues – such as soaring container

A surge in raw material prices is pushing production costs to all-time highs and is likely to have serious consequences for the agricultural machinery sector.

costs and significant delays in shipping, alongside reduced production because of Covid-19 safe distancing strategies – now shortages of raw materials and their rising costs is also becoming a

major issue. The average price of materials for industry was up 22% in March compared to January 2020. This is particularly acute in the mechanical engineering sector, with price

increases of more than 40%. In Europe, steel prices reached an all-time high in March, with particularly high prices for rolled products (HRC and CRC) up 70-80% compared to pre-Covid levels.

As for plastics, Europe recorded a 45% increase in the cost of ethylene and 121% increase in the cost of polyethylene in the first quarter of the year. This looks like creat-

ing a major headache for tractor and machinery manufacturers, given – in the case of a tractor – ferrous components make up 75% of the total materials. FederUnacoma, the federation of Italian manufacturers, says in tractor manufacturing there are an average of 1,700 components – 75% of which are derived from iron (cast iron, steel, metal tubes), plus 5% of other metals such as copper. “This means the metal components account for around 80% of the total materials used in the manufacture,” it states. “Of the remainder, more than 10% is covered by plastic materials such as cabin linings, guards and covers – with a further

5% in rubber polymers such as tubes, seals and gaskets.” Speaking with New Zealand importers and distributors, they report good results from the recent regional field day events. This means that forward or indent orders with their supplier factories are in place for spring deliveries at current pricing. However, they warn that suppliers are starting to open discussions about price rises at a much earlier stage than in previous years. The narrative is around reduced availability because of lower output, component availability and increasing raw material costs. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

0% FINANCE*

ZERO IN ON A GREAT TRACTOR AT A GREAT INTEREST RATE. MF GLOBAL SERIES MF 4700, MF 5700 AND MF 6700 I 74 – 132 HP Get it done with a super versatile Massey Ferguson Global Series tractor at a super low 0% interest rate.* These range of tractors are purpose built in the latest state-of-the-art facilities, combining the very best of today’s technologies with comfort, simplicity, reliability and quality. With up to 5,200 kg 3-point lift capacity, reliable AGCO Power engines and high capacity hydraulics with up to 98 l/min flow, now is the time to secure a tractor that is out of this world with the MF Global Series.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER TODAY *Offer ends 30th June 2021, while stocks last. Finance with an interest rate of 0% p.a. available on Hire Purchase agreement based on minimum 30% deposit, the GST component repaid after 4 months and monthly repayments in arrears over a 36 month term. Fees and lending conditions apply to approved GST number holders who use the equipment for business purposes. Finance is approved by AGCO Finance Limited. GST number 88-831-861.

MASSEYFERGUSON.CO.NZ | FREECALL 0800 825 914

A world of experience. Working with you.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

30 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER Made in NZ...

Hansen Products

Businesses MADE IN NZ

A LOOK AT HOME-GROWN COMPANIES

Made in New Zealand looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in this country, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Hansen Products, catching up with managing director Steve Sharpe. products – alongside our international and North Island distribution hubs are located in Whangarei, Northland. We also have a South Island distribution centre in Christchurch. Our sales team are based throughout New Zealand, we also have a market manager in Australia. Hansen currently employs 75 people. Q – What are your key products and which markets do they serve? Our key products can

Q – When was the company founded, by whom and why? The foundation of Hansen Products goes back to 1953, when Bert and Dawn Hansen were building a house. They were unable to find a reliable toilet valve on the market, so Bert set about and invented one. Q – Where are you located and how many people do you employ? The Hansen Factory, where we produce our

WIRE WANTED Rusty plain No. 8 wire and rusty barbed wire required Please ph 021-1299 439 • info@wireart.co.nz

be broken down into three main areas: • Fittings (polyethylene pipe fittings, threaded, compression and tank fittings. • Valves of all types including ball, check and foot, tank and trough valves. We also offer a range of other products including the Irripod portable irrigation system, washdown nozzles and a broad range of accessories. We serve a broad array of markets including the agricultural, horticultural and rural sectors, alongside the irrigation, commercial, marine and domestic arenas.

Hansen Products produces a range of fittings, valves and other products including the Irripod portable irrigation system, washdown nozzles.

Q – Are your products unique; if so, what are the four key benefits? Most certainly, our products are unique with one of the key points of difference that they are made by Kiwis for Kiwis and designed to solve Kiwi problems. They are also available in every town in New Zealand, cost effective and – importantly – easy to use. Q – Looking at an everevolving market, what changes have you made over the last few years? We’ve added more items to the range to ensure people do less rework when maintaining their water systems.

Going forward, we have several exciting projects in R & D at present, some of which we will showcase at regional and national field days over the next year. Q— What has been the company’s greatest success since its formation? Without a doubt our previous, current and ongoing success centres around listening to the customer, then designing and manufacturing innovative products that solve their problems. Q – In contrast, what has been the biggest “Oh Bugger” moment or the steepest learning curve? If we were being critical

Call for delivery options

of ourselves, I think there may have been times when things were going well that we didn’t look forward early enough and just didn’t evolve into new products or areas quickly enough. Q – If you were approached by someone looking to start a business, what would be your three key pieces of advice? That can be summed up easily – firstly make products that people are likely to use every day, be sure those products are profitable – profit is not a dirty word. Then keep going back to your customers to confirm the products are what they want and need.

Q – Where do you see the company in the next three, five and ten years. What changes do you foresee to keep relevant and grow your business? Our growth and the future will be focussed on being in more markets, both here in NZ and internationally. We will also retain our key point of difference by staying in NZ and employing more Kiwis and continue to develop and introduce more products into the water sector each year. We will explore and develop new ideas to get our products into customers’ hands and on to their sites more easily.

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

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

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

Ask us about our Alpine Adventurer Canvas Tent & Fire

WATER TANKS, PUMPS FILTRATION DEVAN CALPEDA • PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •• PROMAX PROMAX • •CALPEDA • PURETEC •& OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •TANKS, RX • CALPEDA • AQUA • OASIS CLEARWATER WATER PUMPS & FILTRATION

DEVAN • PROMAX • CALPEDA • •PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER P: 326 8888 www.thetankguy.co.nz P:0508 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz A: A: 30 30 Turners RoadRoad – Feilding Turners – Feilding

P: 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz FREE SHIPPING! A: 30 Turners Road – Feilding ENDS 30 JUNE 175% more crack resistant

RAINWEAR! FLEXISKIN MAX

BUFFALO BOOTS! ZIP STRIP quick lacing

BIB OVERALLS

$88

JACKET

$99

valued at $230

100% Waterproof Fleece Collar Hood Visor

$20

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

Flexible

Acid Resistant Durable Seams LEGGINGS

$77

0800 16 00 24

ONLINE

earthwalk.co.nz

$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

175% more crack resistant than normal leather

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

9am-5pm

SLIP ON

LACE UP

PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard)

Stitched On Soles

valued at $140 PHONE

175% more water &

in stock now crack resistant

valued at $320

FLEXISKIN MAX

S, XXL, 3XL sizes arrive June

working with farmers over 40 years

BANK TRANSFER

EARTHWALK 06 0746 0177988 02 (ANZ)

New Zealand owned & operated

sizes: BOOTS 5 - 13 (NZ)

RAINWEAR XS - 4XL

RURAL NEWS // MAY 4, 2021

RURAL TRADER 31 DOLOMITE

tunnel houses

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

www.ruralnews.co.nz

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

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 t/f

03 214 4262 |

T T T T T

SINGLE DOG BOX

Phone: 0800 80 8570 www.burgessmatting.co.nz

www.morrifield.com

info@morrifield.com

TOP DOG BOX

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

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

Single without tow ball mount .........................$585 Single with tow ball mount ..............................$655 Wellside ........................................................$920 Flatdeck ........................................................$920

EARMARKERS

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

BIRDSCARER DE HORNER

FLY OR LICE PROBLEMS?

HOOF TRIMMER

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

The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET

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

• 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

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

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

– www.electrodip.com

QUADBAR

595

HUNTER BOOTS Comfortable, durable and stylish.

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.

+GST delivered

LASER FF95

DIESEL HEATER

Proven beyo nd do ubt! “The Quadbar saved our employee from significant injuries.” – Colin van der Geest

NZ MADE BOOTS

GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE QUICK TO SETUP – EASY TO USE – JOB DONE

07 573 8512 | dipping@electrodip.co.nz

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

FOOTWEAR LTD

SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992

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

FARMER BOOTS Lastrite’s Farmer boots are made for ü Huge 9.5kW output. ü Made in Japan since 1991. 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

QUADBAR 5 YEAR SURVEY

ü Diesel is approx. 30-50% less than “on demand” Electricity or Gas. ü DIY Install or we can arrange. ü No wood to cut, cart or store.

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.

ü No mess, NO indoor diesel odours.

NUMBER OF QUADBARS 479

ROLLOVERS 61

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.

NUMBER OF DEATHS 0

ü As easy to use as a light switch.

0800 379 247 www.avonheating.co.nz

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

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

Phone

06 323 4181

0800 625 826 for your nearest stockist

Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes

SKP1660 FW

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Nine New Zealanders are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, a third of which live outside the main centres. Working in partnership with Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand, Skellerup has created Pink Band gumboots to raise money and show our support for those affected by the disease, particularly in rural communities. Five dollars from every pair of boots sold will go directly to the foundation. Designed and hand-crafted in exactly the same way as the traditional Red Band, these limited-edition gumboots feature pink detailing and a pink ribbon printed on the calf. Sizes range from 3-9 for Women/Youths, and 4-13 for Men.

Pink Bands are available in store and online exclusively from Farm Source, Farmlands and PGG Wrightson.