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TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS AUGUST 24, 2021: ISSUE 733
www.ruralnews.co.nz
Over regulated! PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
NEW ZELAND is adopting a top-heavy regulatory approach similar to the European Union, according to former High Commissioner and Trade Minister Sir Lockwood Smith. He told Rural News that EU regulations are top-down heavy, expensive and don’t work. He says the present government is following a similar philosophy to the EU with its regulatory approach. “That is one of the reasons why the UK left the EU. They wanted to get into world’s best practice for regulations and NZ, Australia and Amer-
ica were seen to be leading the way in this, with the focus on outcomes and a light-handed approach that produces good outcomes that are basically riskmanaged.” Smith says at the recent Red Meat Sector Conference there were claims that farmers did not understand the environmental issues and there was criticism of the Groundswell protests. He says the reality is that most farmers want to improve the quality of freshwater, improve biodiversity and make progress on carbon emissions. “The problem is the way the Gov-
ernment is going about it. Theirs is an intractable, unworkable, heavy-handed, top down way,” he says. “The freshwater regulations are a disaster because NZ catchments and soil types and its environment changes so much across the country and one set of regulations will never work. They are just killing off some of the excellent fresh water work going on around our regions.” Smith also rejected claims by a speaker at the conference who claimed that NZ agriculture was not innovating enough. He says the agriculture sector has made huge gains over the
years through quality, science-based research and is continuing to do this. “The only period when NZ agriculture didn’t innovate was the period from 1973 through to 1984 when we had the big subsidies. Subsidies kill innovation but agriculture has been hugely innovative since then,” he says. Finally, Smith – who before entering Parliament spent 13 years in universities, including lecturing at Massey University and as Commonwealth Scholar at the Waite Research Institute in Adelaide – says he’s a concerned that NZ’s universities are becoming a little “side tracked”.
The Government recognised the importance of print to rural communities and expanded its ‘essential media’ guidance to cover news publications that “serve a need for hard to reach rural communities, with reduced connectivity”. To ensure we don’t add undue risk to anyone working to publish, print and distribute Rural News to you, we’ve taken all necessary measures to protect our team, and we’ve worked with our printers and distributors to keep the news flowing safely while they run reduced shifts to protect their own people. Daily news updates are also available on www.ruralnewsgroup. co.nz
Herbicide resistance in New Zealand agriculture is a far more serious problem than previously realised. Scientists conducting the first systematic nationwide survey on resistance have found more than 50% of the arable farms and vineyards surveyed have weed strains resistant to commonly used herbicides. AgResearch senior scientist Dr Trevor James (pictured inspecting some resistant ryegrass in a Marlborough vineyard) has described the results as “very surprising”. He thought the worst-case scenario would be finding resistant weeds on just 5% of farms. Common resistant weed species include pasture-related grasses such as ryegrass, wild oats, and chickweed. New resistant strains have also been identified including sow thistle (puha), summer grass, prairie grass and lesser canary grass. The full story will run in the next issue of Rural News – September 7.
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He says NZ needs to be doing work on things like regenerative agriculture, but making sure that if we do go down that track, it is backed by sound science. “If it is just a marketing thing, one day the bubble will burst,” Smith told Rural News. “If you have not based your productive system on sound science it will collapse and NZ cannot afford that.” He says we have to ensure, as we have up until now, that sound science underpins our productive systems.
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
NEWS 3
All Over(seer) the place!
ISSUE 733
www.ruralnews.co.nz
PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
NEWS ��������������������������������������1-13 HOUND, EDNA ����������������������� 14 CONTACTS ������������������������������ 14 OPINION �����������������������������14-16 MANAGEMENT ���������������������� 18 ANIMAL HEALTH ������������������� 19 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS ���������������������� 20-22 RURAL TRADER ��������������22-23
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
THE FUTURE of Overseer as a legal tool to regulate nutrient loss from farms is up in the air following the release of a report by a science advisory panel. The report is damning of the tool, which is now legally enshrined in the Horizons Regional Council One plan and in Environment Canterbury’s plan. This could open the possibility of legal challenges to both these plans. In its report, the Science Advisory Panel refers to the regulatory value of Overseer and notes that its “structure, data, and behaviour suggest predictions of absolute and relative nutrient losses are likely inaccurate”. It concludes by saying “As a result of these concerns, we do not have confidence that Overseer’s modelled outputs tell us whether changes in farm management reduce or increase the losses of nutrients, or what the magnitude or error of these losses might be”. Overseer’s review had its genesis in a report in 2018 by Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton who questioned the veracity of Overseer, especially as a legal tool. In his 2018 report, Upton noted “it was hard to tell whether the nutrient loss estimates the model produced were accurate” and…”that the model had never been subjected to rigorous peer review and evaluation”. Speaking after the release of the review of Overseer, Upton described the findings as devastating for the Government who he said was now placed in a very difficult position. “While the four options outlined by the Government for further consideration are encouraging, I remain concerned about the continued use of Overseer,” he told Rural News. “An amended version may have a limited application in specific parts of the country, but it can no longer be a central pillar of freshwater quality management.”
In 2018, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton questioned the veracity of Overseer, especially as a legal tool.
REACTION THERE’S BEEN generally favourable reaction to the Science Advisory Panel report – the exception being the chief executive of the company that owns Overseer. Caroline Read says she remains confident in the tool and claims it’s “doing what it’s designed to do”. “We do not agree with the panel’s suggestion that only a precision measuring tool operating in real time will deliver effective freshwater management for New Zealand,” she says. Federated Farmers environment
spokesman Chris Allen describes the report as scathing of Overseer. He says his organisation has been fighting against the use of Overseer as a regulatory tool for more than a decade and that farmers have spent millions of dollars in the courts and at councils doing this. Beef+Lamb NZ CEO Sam McIvor believes Overseer is an important tool, but there is room for immediate improvement. “We know there have been questions raised by some around the accuracy and suitability of it for certain applications, particularly for
It appears that the Government has been caught on the hop with the report – especially given that Overseer was the tool to support its freshwater plans. Ministers David Parker and Damien O’Connor have welcomed the review, saying it will lead to the “development of improved tools for farmers and regulators to meet essential fresh water regulations”. Environment Minister Parker says,
despite its shortcomings, Overseer has been a useful tool to build awareness and influence practices to manage nutrient loss at the farm and catchment level. “We’ve spoken with councils, and they can proceed with developing plans on the basis that nutrient loss estimation and risk assessment tools will be available for the preparation of those new plans by the end of 2024,”
regulatory purposes,” he says DairyNZ says it endorses the further redevelopment of Overseer. Its strategy and investment leader David Burger says falling back on input controls or reliance on risk factors is not an adequate substitute for output modelling. HortNZ’s environmental manager Michele Sands says the way that Overseer has been used in local government plans has disadvantaged vegetable growers, who have been left unable to gain a consent for their activities in some regions.
he says. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister O’Connor says it’s essential that farmers and councils using Overseer have some certainty on how to proceed. For this reason, he says the Government will support work on a next generation Overseer. “We need to build on the progress that farmers have already made,” he says.
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
4 NEWS
GDT slump finally ends remain under pressure, reflecting the ongoing effects of record high production in the New Zealand autumn. “New Zealand production jumped a whopping 10% over the autumn months compared to autumn 2020, with production also setting a record high for the season as a whole,” says Penny. By contrast, SMP and cream (butter and AMF)
SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
THE RUN of eight consecutive falls in the Global Dairy Trade price index has finally ended. Last week’s GDT auction price index recorded a 0.3% lift. Prices remain around 13% lower than the recent peak in March, but 27% up on year ago levels. However, the benchmark whole milk powder (WMP) price slid 1.5% and is now down 18% over the last seven auctions on the back of strong milk production in New Zealand. Other prices fared better. Butter prices jumped 4%, while skim milk powder (SMP) and anhydrous milk fat (AMF) prices both recorded gains of more than 1%.
Westpac’s Nathan Penny says the GDT firming reflects dry weather in Europe and softer European production.
Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny says the result was in line with expectations. For the second consecutive auction, global dairy
prices have continued to reflect recent divergent trends, he notes. With New Zealand the dominant global WMP exporter, WMP prices
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prices have moved in the opposite direction, firming over the last two auctions. “This firming may reflect dry weather in Europe and, in turn, softer recent European production. In the short term and with stable global dairy demand, we expect the fortunes of New Zealand and European production will drive WMP, and SMP and cream prices,
respectively,” Penny adds. “For WMP, the strength or otherwise of New Zealand spring production will begin to provide fresh impetus for prices in either direction, with official spring production data first becoming available in mid to late October.” ASB economist Nat Keall agrees that the NZ spring will be the real test for prices as we enter the
peak production months. “Now that we are entering the peak months, the strength of NZ production will only grow in importance as a swing factor and could drive a bit of further volatility.” NZ’s recent move to Covid alert level 4 adds a bit of uncertainty into this environment, particularly if prolonged. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
ACTIVIST REMAINS UNSATISFIED ANTI WINTER grazing activist Angus Robson says regional councils aren’t doing enough to rope in “laggards” who he claims continue to breach winter grazing rules in the South Island. He claims that during a recent visit to Southland, where Robson says he drove 500km and past 150 properties, he had “no difficulty finding calves born in mud and stock wandering in muddy paddocks”. He’s accused regional councils of deliberately avoiding surveillance at peak problem times – during and after rain when all the damage is done. “I also see that their responses to even the worst environmental abuses are weak and ineffective, and they try to cover it with super positive PR, or blame others for not reporting,” Robson told Rural News. “Instead of protecting the good farmers by keeping standards high, which good farmers are already achieving, they reward the cheats and laggards by looking the other way or by refusing to be firm with them.” However, Environment Southland chief executive Rob Phillips told Rural News that determining
breaches of rules is balanced both on what is seen and found on a property and applying the various plan rules and National Environmental Standards to the situation. “This usually involves a desktop application of the various rules after a farm visit by our officers,” he says. “Further investigation based on the circumstances may be required.” Phillips points out that what may appear to be a breach to a person driving past a property is not necessarily a breach, and council is required to manage these situations based on the rules that are in place. “There are times when a rule is not breached, but management practice could be improved, and we work with farmers to support them to do this.” Environment Southland recently carried out aerial surveillance of farms in Southland and is happy with what they saw. Phillips says this season the council has seen that good preparation by Southland farmers has led to improved environmental practice. “We want to encourage all farmers to continue to look at
their practices from this season and think about what could be improved or what more they could be doing.” Environment Southland carries out three intensive winter grazing aerial inspections each year. These flights are planned well in advance, but the weather ultimately determines whether it’s safe and practical to fly on the day. There is no intention to avoid wet periods, says Phillips. But Robson believes there remains a very clear difference now between those who are stepping up and those who are not. “The enlightened farmers who are trying are obvious. The laggards who have made no changes from two years ago are now even more obvious as they stand out even worse,” he says. “The sheep are covered in mud, eating mud, living in mud, and will be soaked through. “What consumer would buy sheepmeat knowing this is how it was raised?” Robson says it is absolutely essential there is improvement of the bottom end because they are now really dragging down the farmers who have improved. – Sudesh Kissun
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
NEWS 5
They’re stealing our water! Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta is trying to ram through massive reforms in the way drinking, storm and waste water (three waters) is managed in NZ. However, many rural councils and residents are not sold on her ‘one-size-fits-all’ plan, with many believing it will remove both their assets and control over local water supplies. David Anderson reports. “THEY’RE STEALING our water!” That was the cry from the floor during a recent meeting held in Waimate, South Canterbury, on the proposed three waters reform. Many of the more than 350 people who turned out to the public forum on a cold Monday night, organised by the Waimate District Council to address the public’s concerns around the reforms, voiced similar concerns. The majority expressed unease about the four new planned water entities and their governance as “undemocratic”. “The turnout shows the obvious public interest in this reform process and it was very clear from the meeting that Waimate ratepayers have great concerns around any loss of local control,” Waimate district mayor Craig Rowley says. The two major bones of contention at the Waimate meeting appear to be around the formation of the four new super water entities. All the current water assets owned by individual councils around the country will be taken over by of these four new enti-
3 WATERS REFORM – WHAT IS IT? ‘THREE WATERS’ refers to drinking water, waste water and storm water. Under the Government’s proposal, 67 councils nationwide would be amalgamated into four water entities – three in the North Island and one in the South Island. On announcing the proposed reform, the Government offered $761 million to councils to help fix water issues. The money was only available if councils opted into consultation on the Three Waters’ proposal to hand over control of their water assets. All councils signed up to entering into consultation and received initial incentive payments for doing so, but this did not commit them to any changes. At July’s Local Government NZ conference, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a further $2.5 billion incentive for councils to opt into the scheme. Councils have until the end of September 2021 to advise whether they are in or out of Three Waters. The Government aims to have its Three Waters programme operating by July 1, 2024.
ties, while the governance of these will have little or no real local input. Under Mahuta’s reforms, of the 23 councils water assets that will make up the new South Island water authority, there will only be six representatives from all of these councils on it – with the other six coming from iwi representatives. However, this group won’t even directly appoint the board of the authority – it will just appoint another group, which will then appoint the board. Currently, every local council has 100 per cent control over its water, sewer and stormwater assets. This would no longer be the case under
the proposed reforms. “With more than $70 million of water infrastructure and assets on the line within the Waimate district, these reforms have a significant impact on us all,” Rowley told the meeting. Waimate is a predominately rural district, with its drinking water supply split 86/14 between rural and urban users. The majority of this water (more than 70%) is consumed by livestock rather than humans – most other regional water supplies around NZ would be similar. Federated Farmers says its worst fears about the definition of a water supplier have been realised after it was left
unchanged from the first reading of the Water Services Bill. The farming lobby group estimates up to 75,000 drinking water suppliers could be affected, including most farms. Feds, and others, argued at the select committee hearings that tens of thousands of rural and farm supply arrangements should not fall within the scope of the new water regulator. However, the Government has not backed down from requiring every water supplier to become registered and meet new requirements under its legislation. “We asked for anyone supplying less than 50 people to be exempted,
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta is pushing the three waters reform.
but in the end we were not heard,” Fed president Andrew Hoggard says. “If water suppliers were able to treat water at the end-point by attaching treatment units to homes, it would not be so daunting. But that will not be an acceptable solution under the legislation.” Rowley believes this will lead to a break-
“These water reforms are the largest issue facing local government in 30 years and, as such, it requires all consumers’ collective voice and feedback,” Rowley adds. There is now less than six weeks left before councils around the country have to make a decision on whether they opt in or out of the proposed new model.
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down of good rural relationships that are time-honoured and intergenerational in many parts of the country. He says his council’s review of the proposed reforms has shown there are huge differences between rural and urban water and the Government’s preferred model is “too coarse” to reflect rural water supplies.
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
6 NEWS ONLY THE CHOSEN FEW OF THE 600 people who attended a recent sheep milking field day run by Spring Sheep Dairy, 45 applied to be suppliers, but only five were accepted. According to the chief executive and founder of the company, Scottie Chapman, they only needed an additional five suppliers to meet their market needs this year. Consequently, they were able to ‘cherry pick’ those he felt were best aligned with his company’s values and objectives. Chapman says the company is all about branded products and taking these through to market. With new suppliers it is also about them having sheep with the right genetics to make sure they can run a profitable operation. He says many of the farms that are converting to sheep milking are farms that are too small to make a living on bovine, he told Rural News. To that end, Spring Sheep Dairy is producing products at the top end of the range. Their flagship product is the infant formula follow-on, which is aimed at infants aged 6-12 months. They also have other infant formulas and a range of nutritional products. “Our target market is Asian mothers who have children up to 10 years of age.”
Chapman says the market is challenging in the Covid environment. He says for business as usual, Zoom is fine, but when it comes to new products and innovation, face-to-face meetings are important. The company’s sales manager is now based in China. In terms of the market, he says demand for high value sheep and goats milk products is booming, but there is pressure on the cheaper products. “There is growth in the premium and super premium infant formula products, which is where we are positioned, and so we are pretty happy,” Chapman told Rural News. “But some of the cheap sheep milk products coming out of Europe are inconsistent and some don’t even live up to the infant formula standard grade.” He says in the case of infant formula, customers know when they buy Spring Sheep Dairy product that it is absolutely going to be up to spec. “While people don’t like paying more, it’s very simple – you pay for quality or you deal with the repercussions and with something like infant formula you don’t take that risk.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
Veggie grower exemption ‘not easy’ SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
ENVIRONMENT MINISTER David Parker says exempting some vegetable growers from the Government’s freshwater reforms wasn’t easy. He told the recent HortNZ conference in Hamilton that not everyone supported exempting vegetable growers in Horowhenua and Pukekohe. “It was important to me that we do that,” Parker said. “It took some compromise from people who sat on the other side of the transaction, but that’s our job as politicians to make the sort of decisions that we did.” Parker says he personally pushed for exemp-
David Parker says exempting some vegetable growers from the Government’s freshwater reforms wasn’t easy.
tions to those nutrient rules once there was an understanding about how hard they were to achieve. He added that fresh vegetable producers play an extremely important role in the health of New Zealanders. “We expect the next generation of plans to give due recognition to the benefits and importance of horticulture, but that doesn’t mean to say everything today will stay as it is.” Parker claims that by exempting these two regions, the Government “displayed our understanding of the importance of vegetable growers”.
It found that in Horowhenua, even with a 40% reduction in dairy and horticulture farming, nutrient bottom lines wouldn’t be met. A report published in 2019 found that over 19 months, 37 tonnes of sediment per hectare was being lost from sloping land used for vegetable production in Pukekohe. Parker says this is unsustainable for both growers and the environment. He says a six-year study report released this year found that nitrogen leaching rates were up as high as 193kg N/ha in Pukekohe. He says a great deal of work needs to still
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be done at Pukekohe and Horowhenua, but that it’s “fantastic to see the sector standing up”. On farm environment plans, Parker says the Government is happy to expand HortNZ’s New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice (NZGAP) to cover farm plans. “The NZGAP programme was developed as a food safety tool. It’s a very good system and we are working with that as a basis for farm plans for the hort sector. “It may require some modifications, but we see that as a vehicle to deliver farm plans with much change to your processes.”
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
NEWS 7
Rural services company rebounds DAVID ANDERSON
THE DAYS of poor returns and results by rural services company PGG Wrightson (PGW) are over – for now. The company has just reported a gross profit of $56 million, a 33% rise over the previous year for the year ending June 30, 2021. Net profit for the year jumped $15m to $22m. PGW’s chief executive Stephen Guerin told Rural News that the company’s retail, horticulture, livestock, wool and real estate businesses all contributed strongly to the results. “Firstly, I want to acknowledge the support and work of our staff in achieving this result,” he says. “It was a challenging year to deal with lockdowns and Covid, and our team responded mag-
“The real estate business has seen particularly strong demand across all sectors of the rural property market, which has also been fuelled by low interest rates.” nificently.” Guerin says low interest rates and strong demand have fuelled the rural property market, which delivered this division the best profits in over a decade. He says PGW’s agency business, which includes commissions from its livestock, wool and real estate businesses, quadrupled net profit to $15.1m in the year to June 30. “The real estate business has seen particularly strong demand across all sectors of the rural property market, which has
also been fuelled by low interest rates,” Guerin said. “This resulted in the real estate business experiencing its best returns in over a decade.” He put the good real estate result down to buoyant agricultural commodity prices and record low interest rates. Meanwhile, Guerin describes results for PGW’s livestock business as mixed, which he says was greatly influenced by the weather. “The South Island achieved a solid result, especially within the
PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin.
sheep and beef sector,” he says. “The good rains in December 2020 saw
good grass growth and buoyant livestock trading.”
However, Guerin says the North Island was a lot tougher – with fewer
animals around due to drought. Meanwhile, Guerin believes the outlook is positive in the rural sector with strong farmgate and commodity prices. “Notwithstanding the fact that many of our farmer clients are challenged by the regulatory changes they are facing, the confidence is there,” he told Rural News. “Demand is expected to continue for lamb and sheep meat, and cattle prices are anticipated to remain high. “There is also confidence in dairy with a positive outlook into next year and a solid payout predicted,” he says. The PGW board has declared a fully imputed final dividend of 16c/ share, to be paid in October. This takes the fullyear dividend to 28c.
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
8 NEWS
Covid stresses export sector PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
IT’S BEEN a terrible 18 months for exporters, according to international trade consultant Charles
Finny. He says the Covid-19 pandemic has put incredible pressure on New Zealand’s supply chain managers trying to ensure that exports make it to
critical markets on time, in good condition. Finny says it’s hard to imagine the toll this has taken on such people. “They can have all the documentation prepared
for a particular vessel calling to a particular port, on a particular day and time, and then all of sudden the vessel doesn’t turn up,” he told Rural News.
Charles Finny says the Covid-19 pandemic has put incredible pressure on New Zealand’s supply chain.
“It just sails past the port and the supply chain people have to redo all that documentation again at short notice. This is just an example that long term planning goes out the door and people have to do things by the seat of their pants.” Finny says exporting companies are being very innovative in the way that they are handling the logistical problems caused by Covid. He says some are increasingly turning to air freight to meet commitments to get products to market. He says they are looking at creative ways of using shipping, with some companies such as Zespri chartering their own vessels. Finny says there is also a trend by some companies to lease more storage space in certain markets to ensure continuity of supply. He told Rural News that back in NZ there is a huge amount of cooperation taking place between companies to share coolstore space. “We have been really lucky in keeping our markets open, but that is because we have had people who have been thinking outside the square, innovating and working incredible hours to find solutions.” Finny says while it would be wrong to describe the present chal-
lenges with Covid as similar to war, the fact is, there are people on alert 24/7, 365-days-a-year – not dissimilar to people on a war footing. “There are a lot of people who are under enormous stress and we should not forget that.” Finny jokes that he would like to make the supply chain boring again when everything is working well, ships are arriving on time and things like documentation are done on a routine basis. He’d like to see a return to the days when people can turn up to a store and buy a refrigerator and it is delivered the next day, instead of in six months. Logistics are not the only problem facing exporters, according to Finny. He says the inability to travel due to Covid is a major issue when it comes to developing new market opportunities. “I think the challenge in the short term is maintaining relationships, and we can do that by lots of phone calls, Zoom meetings and using agents in markets more than before. “But it is incredibly difficult to build the type of close relationship that is so essential to doing business in Asia remotely, so we are going to have to travel to develop those relationships.”
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
NEWS 9
Kudos for the hort sector
HONEST, HARDWORKING, NZ MADE LEGENDS
SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
THE HORTICULTURE sector has been praised for its “extraordinary achievements” in the face of Covid-19-related challenges. Environment Minister David Parker told the recent HortNZ conference in Hamilton that the sector’s export revenues are forecast to rise 2.3% for year ending June 2021. Parker noted that like other sectors, fruit and vegetable farmers and exporters have been dealing with local port congestion, labour shortages, global shipping delays and disruption to supply chains – all knock-on consequences of Covid. However, for some fruit and vegetable growers, especially in parts of the South Island, hail and floods caused further misery. “And yet despite that, you have a success story and you continued to feed the country,” Parker told 700 delegates at the two-day conference. He noted that avocado and kiwifruit farmers have had record seasons with avocado exports set to lift 40% on the season prior and kiwifruit marketer Zespri’s revenues up 14% on the 19-20 season. “These are extraordinary achievements,” said Parker. He claims the Government is trying to play its part to help exporters. “We think our elimination strategy has made
Environment Minister David Parker praised the hort sector for its “extraordinary achievements” in the face of Covid-19-related challenges.
things easier than they otherwise would have been. We’ve had a degree of normality that isn’t being experienced in many places in the world at the moment.” Parker noted that the Government’s airfreight subsidy scheme has supported 7,000 flights, which so far has carried 136,000 tonnes of freight, worth $10 billion in export revenue. Keeping the airfreight lines open with key nations like Singapore and the United Arab Emirates required a lot of “ministerial work”. “Through yours and our efforts, we avoided the worst economic disruptions as well.” While Parker acknowledged that some sectors had been badly impacted by Covid, he says success should be celebrated. “We acknowledge how tough it has been for some growers, with hail problems faced by apple and cherry growers in Central Otago. “The Government thanks the horticulture
sector for your efforts.” He noted that the sector has a good future with Ministry for Primary Industries projecting exports revenue to reach $8b by 2025, up from $4.2b in 2018-19. “This provides economic benefits and positive environmental outcomes.” Parker pointed out that the sector has lower greenhouse gas emissions than some other sectors. He added that its nutrient discharges to lakes and rivers are also lower. He says New Zealand’s success starts with what farmers do on the land. “If we don’t have your productivity, we have nothing to sell.” Parker also repeated the Government’s mantra that, if we want to sell our products at the highest price to the most discerning consumers in the world, we’ve got to meet their expectations. “We’ve got to bolster NZ’s reputation, not just in food quality but in environmental standards.”
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
10 NEWS
More trees, less farms – report NOT TRUE – FORESTERS
DAVID ANDERSON
NEW ZEALAND risks losing increasing areas of good sheep and beef farmland to forestry unless the Government acts to limit carbon offsetting. That’s the message from Beef+Lamb NZ following a study which reveals a significant increase in the amount of farmland sold into forestry, driven in large part by an increase in the carbon price. The study by BakerAg, commissioned by B+LNZ, shows that in 2017, 3,965 hectares of whole sheep and beef farms were sold into forestry. This increased to 20,227ha in 2018 and to 36,824ha in 2019. While this declined to 16,764ha in 2020 (most likely as a result of Covid19), B+LNZ thinks this has regathered momentum this year and moved into new regions – threat-
BLNZ’s Sam McIvor says rural communities are concerned about the impacts of large-scale conversion of sheep and beef farms into forestry, particularly carbon farming, which undermines these communities.
ening rural communities. “While B+LNZ does see a role for forestry in addressing climate change, we are calling for urgent discussions and government action on
mechanisms to ensure that too much does not happen,” says BLNZ chief executive Sam McIvor. “They’ve repeated a mantra of ‘right tree, right purpose, right place’
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“The amount of land intended to change into forestry on average already exceeds the levels of afforestation recently recommended by the Climate Change Commission for meeting our Zero Carbon Act targets,” McIvor adds. He says with the Climate Change Commission suggesting the carbon price will rapidly increase, the sector is calling on the Government to work with it, and the forestry sector, on how forestry offsetting can be managed. “The Climate Change Commission and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment have also both recently suggested the need for policy changes to limit forestry
offsetting,” McIvor explains. “Without urgent action, the sale of sheep and beef farms into forestry will only accelerate as the carbon price increases, and fossil fuel emitters will continue to receive a ‘get out of jail free’ card and not change their behaviour.” The report was unable to identify exactly how much of the sheep and beef farmland sold into forestry was intended for pure carbon farming. However, B+LNZ says, based on examination
of the land titles, about 26,550ha of the 77,800ha of whole farms sold into forestry since 2017 were to carbon-only entities (about 34% of the whole farm sales). “This is important to our rural communities who are concerned about the wider impacts of large-scale conversion of sheep and beef farms into forestry, particularly carbon farming, which does not support the same number of regional jobs – in fact, it undermines these communities,” McIvor adds.
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,--_
but frankly the evidence shows that’s not happening – it’s threatening rural communities and undermining New Zealand’s future economic viability.” B+LNZ estimate that transitioning productive land to exotic forestry over the last three years has resulted in a reduction of up to 700,000 stock units (or 700,000 sheep) with downstream implications for processing companies and supplying services. The report also busts myths about trees going on ‘unproductive’ land and B+LNZ says this reinforces its view that the integration of forestry on farms is a better way of managing our landscapes and meeting climate change targets.
FORESTRY INTERESTS says the survey is nowhere near robust nor detailed enough for the Government to impose controls over the rate of forest planting. Forest Owners Association President Phil Taylor says the Beef+Lamb NZ report is a worthy contribution to the land use debate, but it raises more questions than it answers. “Official figures clearly point to a decline in the area of the exotic plantation forest estate, and so new planting is not keeping pace with the land area going out of forestry.” He claims the plantation forest estate has shrunk by 162,000 hectares in the past 18 years, mostly to dairy farms. The president of the Farm Forestry Association, Graham West, says farmers should be free to continue to make economic decisions on whether they want to use their own land to plant trees and on what land classes. West says the report is actually positive about the integrated use of trees on farms and that land sales to forestry are giving better capital gain, which allows movement up the farming ladder or retirement. Taylor says the report shows that very little is known about the extent of carbon-only forest planting in recent times. “The Beef+Lamb report estimates this non-harvest forest planting is about 30% of the total planting. But nobody has any real idea at the moment,” he says. “If this carbon planting is on land which could be productive for timber or livestock – then we would have concerns that the land should be used better.”
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GROUNDSWELL NZ organisers say a lack of response from the Government has led it to plan another major nationwide protest event later in the year. It says while a date in November is yet to be set, the expectation is the next protest action will be of a “scale and impact that will be significant in New Zealand’s history”. Spokesman Bryce McKenzie says there is widespread concern among both rural and urban people, councils and the business sector about the direction the Government is taking our country and the tsunami of unworkable regulations being rammed through.
McKenzie says in the lead up to November’s nationwide protest, several actions will be undertaken. The first is for the next three Fridays at 12.30 pm, under the banner “CAN YOU HEAR US”, Groundswell is calling for 2 minutes of support by every car, bike, truck, train – anything with a horn – tooting in support of its campaign. The group is also writing to all councils around NZ calling for a halt to all RMA planning processes. In tandem with writing to councils, Groundswell NZ is calling for all landowners to decline access for councils or their agents want-
ing to undertake mapping or information gathering on private land. “We are not against the need for regulation or the need to care for the environment,” McKenzie says. “Nor are we calling for a halt to addressing environmental issues. We are saying there are much better, proven solutions to addressing environmental issues than the one-size-fits-all approach being legislated by the Government.” He adds that the group has recently added the Three Waters reform and the Water Services Bill to its growing list of unworkable regulations.
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
NEWS 11
NZ/UK FTA there for the taking PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
NEW ZEALAND’S former Trade Minister and High Commissioner to London, Sir Lockwood Smith, says a free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK is there for the taking. However, he warns if the present government is unable to do such a deal it would be a massive failure on its part. During his recent trip to Europe and the UK, Trade and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor made great play of the fact that NZ and the UK had pledged to reach an agreement in principle on an FTA by the end of August. However, O’Connor also warned that it may take several months to get such an agreement ratified. Smith says the Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC), an advisory body on agricultural trade to the UK Department of International Trade, has done a lot of work getting all the farmer organisations in the UK to agree
to unrestricted access for agricultural products from trading partners that can meet equivalent standards to theirs. He says this is not about having identical regulations to the UK, but equivalent standards in terms of animal welfare, the environment, climate change and ethical trade. “Of course, NZ does meet those standards,” he told Rural News. According to Smith, there is a fundamental agreement that NZ should get direct access to the UK market. He says it is also important to note that in return for us having access for agricultural products, the UK wants better access for its services to NZ. “Things like digital services and legal services. That should be opened up because NZ has such a protected legal system,” he told Rural News. “The UK also wants better access around overseas investment. Why wouldn’t they and we need foreign investment. The Australians have
already got access over a period of time and NZ is actually in a better position to get a better agreement.” Smith says he has huge
confidence in the man leading the trade negotiations, MFAT’s deputy secretary, Vangelis Vitalis. “He is a very capable trade negotiator. As
long as the Government doesn’t tie his hands too much, he should be able to get the UK FTA because the deal is there to be had.”
Lockwood Smith says if the Government is unable to do a FTA deal with the UK it would be a massive failure on its part.
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EU TOUGHER ASK GETTING AN FTA from the EU that would match that of the UK is problematic, according to Sir Lockwood. He says the EU is a different kettle of fish. He hopes that NZ can get free access to the EU, but he would be surprised if that happened. Smith points to the EU dealing with a group of South American countries under the umbrella name of MERCOSUR will hinder the chances of a quality FTA with Europe. He says the EU’s recent deal with Canada gave that nation greater access for its agricultural products. “So, the EU is struggling a bit on this whole issue of agricultural access and the first offer to NZ was risible, to say the least. But they also want to be able to be seen to do trade agreements and a trade agreement should be had,” he told Rural News. “After all, NZ is one of only six developed countries in the world that doesn’t have an agreement with the EU, which is incredible.” Smith agrees that negotiating an FTA is much harder now that it was in the 1970s and ‘80s when the EU had fewer members. He says the fact the EU has 27 members changes the dynamics of the negotiations. He says when the Canadian agreement was reached by the EU Commission, the deal had to be ratified by each of the 278 member states and in some cases regional governments within these countries also insisted on certain specific conditions in the agreement. “So that does make it harder, but NZ has done a lot of preparatory work in trying to achieve a trade agreement with the EU and we will get one. But it just won’t be as good as the one we will get with the UK.”
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
12 NEWS
Conference focuses on future PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
LAST MONTH’S Red Meat Sector Conference was very much orientated to looking to the future – especially in the new pandemic environment. Labour shortages, supply chain disruptions and repositioning NZ to take advantage of the new environment were some of the topics canvassed. There was a special session for women and a panel of young people who gave their take on the future. Celebrity farmer and Hawea Station owner Geoff Ross spoke of how excited he was for the future and put in a plug for regenerative agriculture. He also suggested the term ‘red meat’ should be replaced by ‘nutrient rich meat’. MIA chairman John
“Farming can be part of restoring the planet and move from being part of the problem to being part of the solution.” Loughlin spoke of the new wave of collaboration in the sector – this was marked at the conference with the holding of a joint MIA and Beef+Lamb NZ board meeting to thrash out strategic issues for the future. Loughlin says the conference was good because the speakers challenged some of the delegates’ thinking. “Farming can be part of restoring the planet
MIA chairman John Loughlin spoke of the new wave of collaboration in the sector.
and move from being part of the problem to being part of the solution,” he says. “We need to work out how best we articulate that message and take
control of the narrative and define our own measured outcomes. We are looking at finding intelligent ways to find better outcomes rather than the unintelligent processes
presently coming out of the bureaucracy.” Meanwhile, Beef+Lamb NZ chairman Andrew Morrison told delegates that farming is being challenged in a way
that it hasn’t since the economic resets of the 1980s. He says the sheep and beef sector has a history of innovation that has led to continuous productivity gains over
the decades. Morrison says in the recent Covid crisis the industry has again shown its agility and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. He added that the issue of sustainability is a global one – not a local one. “A lot of people think this is the Government doing something but the Government is simply reflecting the messages coming back from the consumers,” Morrison says. “If you want to position your products in the market… people are going to be asking about your impact on climate change, water and people, and we need to just get ahead of these issues.” Morrison says it’s up to all those in the primary sector, including farmers, to be articulating these messages.
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
NEWS 13
Meat women discuss sector challenges JESSICA MARSHALL jessica@ruralnews.co.nz
FIFTY WOMEN from NZ’s meat sector came together at last month’s Red Meat Sector Conference to discuss how to support more women into the sector. The discussion happened at a luncheon hosted by Meat Business Women New Zealand (MBW NZ) where Minister of Rural Women’s Affairs, Meka Whaitiri, was keynote speaker. Whaitiri told the crowd she was there to ensure the Government was contributing to the progression of gender and ethnic inclusivity. “We know that women have the skills and the talent to succeed,” she said, adding that it is incumbent on everyone to support future generations of female leaders in New Zealand, “to ensure women have everything they need to move forward, with confidence and certainty, as they progress through their careers.” Later on, a panel discussion saw Kristin Akehurst, chief financial officer at AFFCO; Sarah Brown, board director at Alliance Group; and
Nicola Johnston, group marketing manager for Silver Fern Farms shared their experiences. Akehurst said she has tried to make conscious decisions to step out of her comfort zone throughout her career. “My initial perception of the meat industry was blown out of the water. It is incredibly dynamic and full of inspiring and passionate people. I’ve thrived in the environment and progressed by being courageous,” she said. Johnston added to Akehurst’s point by saying “It’s easy for people to get caught into one course of work within their career.” The event comes after MBW, a global networking group, commissioned an international report into the gender make-up of the global meat industry. The report found that while women make up 36% of the meat industry’s global workforce, only 5% of chief executive roles in the industry, globally, are held by women. The Meat Industry Association (MIA) is a territory partner of MBW NZ and chief executive
Sirma Karapeeva said that events like the luncheon are one of the ways women in the sector can support each other. “It’s been incredibly inspiring to hear from our speakers today. Mentoring and
profiling the successes of other women, including learning from opportunities grasped and challenges overcome, helps to build both business and personal transformation within our community,” she said.
Speaker line up: Kristin Akehurst, Sarah Brown, Nicola Johnston, Meka Whaitiri and Sirma Karapeeva
IN BRIEF POSITIVE VIBE EXPERIENCED TRADE negotiator Charles Finny believes reports relating to a free trade agreement with the UK are positive. Finny says full credit should go to Agriculture and Trade Minister Damien O’Connor for this development. “He has pretty much secured a really good deal with the UK off the back of what Australia has secured. As long as New Zealand can deliver a really good outcome on services and investment, then I think we are there.” Finny says the UK is looking like it could be a very exciting market for NZ companies that want to reinvest in that market. But he’s not sure it is going to be as dominant as it was in the past. He would like to see a really good deal with the EU as well. Finny doesn’t want companies to focus entirely on the UK and forget about the EU. However, he concedes that the EU is “a longer term burn”. That aside, he believes NZ should be trying very hard to get a deal done this year. “What will be interesting is the quality of that deal compared with the UK deal, which – if it happens – will be very good for the NZ ag sector. - Peter Burke
RURAL NEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
14 OPINION EDITORIAL
EDNA
Upton was right! THE INFALLIBILITY of Overseer – the tool farmers have been required to use to measure nutrient loss – has come crashing down following a report by a special science advisory panel. The panel managed to get access to the base data that supports this software model, which is owned jointly by MPI, AgResearch and the Fertiliser Association of NZ. For a long time, farmers and many others have been questioning the veracity of Overseer. Horticulturalists in particular have pleaded with councils and the courts that the tool does not suit their needs. Their pleas have been ignored. Credit must go to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, who in 2018 conducted his own review into Overseer. He didn’t have the benefit of the data the science advisory panel had this time, but clearly saw the weaknesses in Overseer and drew it to the attention of the Government and the public. There is no doubt that Overseer is a useful tool, but clearly its scientific value has been over-estimated by all and sundry. The company which owns it says Overseer still says it is doing what it is designed to do. The answer to that is probably yes – it helps some farmers estimate nutrient loss – but to use it as a legal tool is a bridge too far. Farmers rightly argue that they have spent millions of dollars trying to stop Overseer being used as a regulatory tool and have got nowhere. They should rightly feel aggrieved. But the problems don’t end there. What are the alternatives? Will an upgraded Overseer be ready in time to legally monitor the essential freshwater reforms? Will the Government revert to putting in rules such as the EU has, which are input rather than outcome-based? The report, which is excellent, has now just added to the uncertainty that farmers and councils face in trying to implement all the changes in the pipeline. Will we see legal challenges to Horizons’ One Plan and how will the courts now deal with future plans? It seems that, for the moment at least, Overseer’s days as a regulatory tool are over. Thank you Simon Upton for your persistence!
RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS
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“I’ve just re-located your portrait of Taxinda!”
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THE HOUND Value for money?
Woke joke!
Your old mate is always sceptical about claims made by government, especially when it comes to spending our money and the value of said spending. This justifiable cynicism is reinforced by figures recently released about the much-vaunted ‘Jobs for Nature’ programme announced in this year’s budget. According to budget documents, it is costing the taxpayer – that’s you and me – $685,000 per person hired to control wallabies under this latest government programme. Now your old mate knows that wallabies are expensive pests and that it takes a skilled hunter to exterminate them, but $685k per person is an expensive way to do this. Meanwhile, a report by the Primary Production Committee has found that the ‘Jobs for Nature’ programme is costing $200,000 per full time job created.
Speaking of wasting taxpayer money, your canine crusader almost choked on his dog tucker when he read a recent report by the NZ Taxpayers Union on spending by the Health Research Council. Examples of grants approved in 2021 include: • $1.2 million examining the lived experiences of intersectional ethnic minority youth • $1.1 million using the lunar calendar to help Māori connect with their environment • $387,000 providing gay teenagers with “decolonising and mātauranga Māori-informed bodies of knowledge” Your old mate tends to agree with Williams’ claim that “New Zealanders stuck in surgery wait lists or seeking access to lifesaving drugs, will be insulted by this waste of crucial health funding dollars”.
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
Wood for the trees?
Forget Greta!
The Hound wonders when the powers-that-be will take a serious look at how their infatuation with pleasing the UN and implementing crazy policies to mitigate (not reduce) the country’s carbon footprint is doing severe damage to our economy. Recent research by Beef+Lamb NZ reveals the disturbing scale of the loss of pasture-based farming land to forestry over the past few years, with some 36,824ha productive farming land lost to forestry in 2019 alone and that 700,000 stock units have disappeared over the past three years. Much of this land has gone to carbon sinks, where huge carbon emitters – such as airlines, power and petrol companies – are buying up swathes of NZ farmland and turning it into forests (which are never harvested) to offset their growing carbon output while they keep on polluting.
There was a lot of gnashing of teeth, wailing and tears (including our PM) when celebrity teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg had a crack at NZ’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This was all brought to a head when Thunberg ‘tweeted’ her displeasure at NZ’s climate change performance, citing a Guardian article. This old mutt reckons people shouldn’t get upset with little Greta as he believes she’s an over-exposed child who is being used by climate change calamitists to promote their ‘the world is ending’ agenda. The real villain is the Christchurch-based ‘journalist’ behind the Guardian story (a publication that is so left wing and woke that it makes Stuff look middle-of-the-road) who gave one sentence in her article to Feds Andrew Hoggard and then devoted the rest of her ‘story’ to unsubstantiated claims made by Greenpeace spokesman Steve Able.
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
OPINION 15
Being holistic is not so wholesome DOUG EDMEADS
THERE IS one word that greenies love to use – ‘holistic.’ I was provoked to think about this when the Climate Change Commission report was released. The commission is recommending to the Government that New Zealand must reduce stock numbers by 15% by 2030 as part of the plan to reduce GHG emissions, at last bringing farming into the GHG net. Very holistic, yes? A predictable consequence is that the remaining 85% of animals will be better fed. Given that animal methane emissions are proportional to feed intake, then total emissions will stay the same! Alternatively, farmers could retire 15% of their land and maybe plant it in trees. If they choose this option, animal production in New Zealand will decline by 15%. If this occurs, New Zealand will be in breach of the intention of the Paris Accord, which at Clause 1b requires that policies should be directed to: “Increasing the ability to adapt to adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production.” There are many other examples which demonstrate that holism is not always whole. The greenies understand the importance of
zero tillage. They, I am sure, accept the scientific position that disturbing soils is not good for soil quality. Historically, this was unavoidable because farmers had no option – ploughing and cultivation was necessary to control weeds and pests. That was the situation until glyphosate arrived. It enabled a revolution; zero tillage was now possible, with all its benefits. You would think that greenies would totally embrace this wonder chemical, glyphosate. No, they say: glyphosate is a product of the industrial-chemical and by implication it must be carcinogenic. While they embrace zero tillage, they reject the very technology which makes it possible! Another perversion inherent in green holism appears in their attitude towards fertiliser nitrogen. They want it banned because it results in intensification and hence declining water quality. That’s holistic, is it not, with no collateral downside? Sorry. One likely consequence is that in the absence of fertiliser N, more clover will grow replacing the fertiliser N with ‘natural’ N and furthermore animal production will increase – you get more animal production per kg clover eaten. The net effect is that reducing fertiliser N will do little to reduce intensification and hence improve water quality. This ‘holier than thou’,
so-called holistic thinking, fails the first muster. It fails because those who preach its message, those who claim its credibility, those who claim its righteousness, do not understand the biological system that they are trying to change. Holism, it seems to me, as a philosophical theme, is a failure
“
Doug Edmeades
because no one can predict the future. History is littered with examples of scientists who explored and studied things at a reductionist level, which in turn gave rise to technologies with far reaching beneficial consequences. Humans are clever. We develop, via reductionist thinking, new science
we press on to develop the new science and technologies to solve these emerging problems? • Doug Edmeades has more than 40 years’ experience as a soil scientist. He established his own science consulting business in 1997, which has evolved into agKnowledge.
and hence new technologies which greatly benefit society. But we find, given time, that this progress sometimes brings with it unintended and unpredictable down sides. What do we do? Throw away science and technology and go back to a ‘safe haven’ of the past – organic or regenerative agriculture? Or do
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
16 OPINION
Will you help, Andrew? Te Kauwhata farmer David Lloyd has penned the following open letter to Beef +Lamb NZ chair Andrew Morrison asking for his help… DEAR ANDREW, My objective is to stop the western world from feeling guilty when eating pastoral red meat and to stop New Zealand pastoral farmers feeling guilty when they produce it. I need your help. I am sure you would agree with my objectives. I also want to show New Zealand how badly things can go when you create zombie jobs. Under pressure from the king of common sense, Neil Henderson from Gisborne, you broke cover and admitted that you understand the ruminant
methane issue, admitting that you knew it was not increasing in the atmosphere. On the July 5 under the heading ‘Beef and Lamb NZ launches emissions calculator, your chief executive Sam McIvor said: “knowing and managing farm greenhouse gas emissions is critical for our future as a trusted provider of sustainable food”. How, sir, do you reconcile these two statements? There are not many scientists in politics. When the Government produced the absurd sug-
gestion that almost half of NZ greenhouse gas was produced by pastoral animals, no scientist was prepared to say, ‘wait a minute that’s a gross figure, methane breaks down quickly and a net figure from a constant level of production is zero’. Methane levels in the atmosphere only increase with more production (from more animals). It’s like steam coming out of a boiling kettle, the steam cloud only gets bigger if you turn up the heat and boil the water faster.
The Helen Clark led Labour government, fuelled by a potent cocktail of ignorance, territorial envy and wishful thinking, created the world ruminant methane research unit in Palmerston North. Every person employed in that unit has put their salaries ahead of the science and have spent the last 15 years telling the world that 48% of greenhouse gases in NZ come from agriculture and that ruminant methane is a big player in global warming worldwide. In May 2010, I vis-
ited the methane research unit in Palmerston North with the express purpose of explaining that there had been a mistake and that methane produced at a constant level didn’t increase the amount of methane in the air at all. I got a hostile reception. John Key’s National Party, elected in 2008 with political antennae finely tuned, said we would follow not lead on a methane tax. In 2017, in came the Winston-appointed Labour-NZ First government, and the political momentum built rapidly. All around the world, our world-leading methane research unit has been telling people that biogenic methane is cooking the planet. I hope you can see just how badly things can go when you pay good
money to solve a problem that does not exist. The most recent people to succumb to this irrational political momentum are the Climate Change Commission. They advised the Government to shrink pastoral agriculture by 13%. This will cost the country $3 billion dollars a year, half of it will come out of levy paying farmers pockets. It is hard to get your head around the damage this advice is doing and will do to the NZ economy. It is all based on foolishness and zombie jobs all started in 2005. Zombie jobs are jobs that do more harm than good. We need your help on this. Please get DairyNZ on board with you. Please ask the Climate Change Commission to explain the science behind their advice as step one. Do
they believe that 48% of NZ greenhouse gases come from ruminant biogenic methane or do they understand that is a gross figure and the net figure is zero? Or are they taking a face saving position advising the Government to shrink pastoral farming by 13% and therefore the NZ economy by $3 billion a year or $8 million a day – based on political momentum developed by zombie jobs in Palmerston North. Does any country rely more for its wealth on pastoral farming, will any other country follow us down this absurd path of taxing cows for belching? Will you please help me Mr Morrison to redirect the methane research unit in Palmerston North, the zombie jobs champion of the world.
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
18 MANAGEMENT
New grass claims to take less effort to eat for more benefit SEED COMPANY Barenbrug reckons its new tetraploid perennial ryegrass will benefit both farmers their animals. Known as 4front, it is described as a palatable and high yielding variety, which grazes well. The company says the new grass encourages increased intakes for higher per head performance and perhaps, most importantly, can improve environmental outcomes. Barenbrug marketing manager Graham Kerr says 4front offers an exciting opportunity for farmers to reach new heights of efficiency. “Tetraploids are fan-
tastic nutrition for grazing animals, because they are so palatable and easy to eat, with more ME per mouthful than diploid ryegrass,” he explains. “The average lactating dairy cow takes about 25,000 bites of pasture each day, while a ewe might take 35,000 bites. That’s a lot of work!” Kerr says that 4front makes it easier for animals to take each bite, reducing the amount of effort required for grazing – thus improving their daily lives. As well as being more palatable than diploid perennial ryegrass, tetraploids are also proving
The company says the new grass encourages increased intakes for higher per head performance.
very valuable for producing milk and meat from fewer stock, he explains. “This is the way we have to start thinking for future New Zealand farming,” Kerr says following the
Climate Change Commission’s recent recommendations for reducing GHG emissions in NZ, tetraploids like 4front have much to offer farmers in adapting their systems.
“Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) is a dramatic example of what can be achieved here,” he adds. “It has reduced cow numbers, cut N fertiliser applications, and sharply limited N leaching and
GHG, but has similar profitability. It’s done this by becoming more efficient, growing more pasture for the same N, and producing more milk per cow, coupled with significant cost savings.” Kerr believes a key element of LUDF’s successful change is use of tetraploid ryegrass, which has now been sown in all but one paddock, because it remains palatable at higher covers. “This doesn’t sound much, but it means more photosynthesis, so the farm is growing over 1.2t DM/ha/year more – with just this one change.” With the highest DM
yield of any tetraploid Barenbrug has bred previously, 4front answers farmers’ need for reliable year-round growth, Kerr claims. “Its cool season growth also has the advantage of utilising soil N at the riskiest time of the year for N leaching,” he adds. “It also has more tillers than other tetraploids, for improved persistence.” Barenbrug says 4front is legume friendly and can be sown with Captain CS plantain to further reduce the risk of N leaching. • For more details visit: www.barenbrug.co.nz
Change of guard for Deer QA THE DEER industry says it is reinforcing its commitment to animal welfare with the appointment of a leading specialist in farm animal welfare. Rob Gregory will assumed the role of general manager, quality assurance, at the end of July. He replaces John ‘JT’ Tacon who is retiring after working for Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) and its predecessor organisations for more than 30 years. Tacon, who was awarded the prestigious
Deer Industry Award in May, has overseen the establishment of rigorous animal welfare standards across the deer industry – on-farm, velvet removal, deer transport and deer processing. Gregory has extensive international experience in animal welfare and quality systems. His most recent position was with the RNZSPCA, where he assisted with the launch of SPCA Certified, the RNZSPCA’s flagship welfare assurance programme.
New deer industry quality assurance manager Rob Gregory.
From 2012 to late2019, Gregory was based
in Thailand working first as Asia-Pacific pro-
gramme director for World Animal Protection, an animal welfare NGO, and then as an international animal welfare consultant. While working for WAP, he led the development of the first National Code of Practice for Dairy Welfare in India. He also facilitated the creation of the first pre-stun slaughter facility for local cattle in Indonesia. Previously, Gregory worked for MPI and DairyNZ, and from 20032006 worked for DINZ on deer welfare matters.
DINZ chief executive Innes Moffat says quality assurance, including high standards of animal welfare, are becoming ever more important to consumers of premium animal products. “The deer industry has a long history of investing in leading QA programmes, including New Zealand’s first on-farm and transport quality assurance programmes,” he says. “Under JT’s leadership, farmers and transport operators have at times made hard calls to
ensure the welfare of the deer in their care. We have much to be proud of.” Innes says meeting the expectations of consumers, as well as the requirements of regulatory authorities in New Zealand and in overseas markets, is an ongoing challenge for which Gregory is very well qualified. Gregory, who is working from a home office in Auckland, began his employment with DINZ on 1 July and Tacon retired on 31 July.
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
ANIMAL HEALTH 19
Triple active oral drench for deer A TRIPLE active oral drench for deer is now available. Made in New Zealand – with proven efficacy on both North and South Island deer farms – new Cervidae Oral is possibly the first deer-specific drench in the world. Veterinarian Dave Lawrence reckons it will enable farmers to optimise performance and farm deer more efficiently. “The drench story has frustrated deer farmers for many years, with no deer-specific treatment available,” explains Lawrence. “Parasites are the number one animal health problem on every deer farm in New Zealand. To get an effective treatment, of sorts, we’ve resorted to ‘cocktail’ mixes,” he adds. With none of these mixes registered for deer, it has also meant a 91-day meat withholding period. Not only was this inconvenient, but it also put the whole venison industry at risk – if the 91 days not observed. There has never been a parasite treatment for deer with real science behind it. In the past, products registered for sheep were considered workable. However, Lawrence says deer are completely different to cows or sheep and the way the animals metabolise chemicals in the anthelmintic is different. Furthermore, he adds that using sheep products
LESS IS MORE! DAVE LAWRENCE emphasises that farmers need to use the product responsibly. “The more often we use a product, the quicker resistance will develop,” he explains. “Take on board the advice on how to protect the efficacy of Cervidae Oral because the chances of getting another drench developed for us is nigh on impossible.” In short, his advice is to practice cross grazing, refugia, ensuring deer do not graze down to low residuals. Lawrence adds that farmers should always use a triple combination drench, dose to the weight of the animals and do not use a pour-on. “Finally, we have an effective tool to treat the underlying parasite problem, the world’s first triple active for deer. Cervidae Oral will enable our deer industry to fly,” he concludes.
meant most deer were underdosed. “By underdosing all these years, we’ve been encouraging resistance,” Lawrence explains. “Ignorance was bliss – until the proverbial hit the fan.” Cervidae has been almost five years in the making, the development cost shared by Deer Industry NZ and Nexan. Lawrence was actively involved in the development of the product, working with Vetmed chemists Garry Harrison and John Petherick. “Nexan were the only company to put their hands up for this project, none of the multinationals were interested in our very small industry,” Lawrence claims. “As it turns out, working on
something specific for NZ – with a local company – has been the best outcome.” He says Nexan have been an “exceptionally good” partner to the deer industry and believes the drench will have absolute efficacy in NZ. Trial work on Cervidae Oral has been done as a requirement of ACVM approval. To establish efficacy, trials were repeated on two properties: a South Island farm with a history of resistance and a North Island farm that had done very little drenching. According to Lawrence, lungworm and gut worm (Ostertagia) are the two parasites killing deer. He says Moxidectin the ML in Cervidae Oral
WHAT DO DO? AS LAMBING and calving get underway, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is reminding farmers to consider their carcase disposal options this spring. Will Halliday, B+LNZ’s senior advisor biosecurity and animal welfare, says in many parts of the country there are either limited or no slink collections. He says it is up to individual farmers to make their own arrangements to deal with any losses. “We are recommending farmers contact their normal service provider and if that service is still available, to make use of it. Otherwise, farmers will need to plan ahead and put procedures in place to safely dispose of any livestock losses.” Halliday is reminding farmers of the need to locate carcase and waste
disposal areas well away from paddocks, yards and sheds. These areas need to be secure and contained to prevent access by livestock, feral and domestic animals and wildlife. They should also be well away from waterways and water supplies. He says composting is an option, however, it needs to be done properly. While the resulting compost can be spread on pasture, this pasture cannot be grazed while there is still visible contamination with composted material. Halliday says rules around the burial and burning of animal waste vary between regional councils – so farmers should be aware of the regulations in their region.
has long been known to be highly effective against lungworm and on both trial farms Cervidae Oral
proved 98.5% effective against gut worm (Ostertagia). Safety was established
by double-dosing the deer and there were no issues. They also assessed tissue residues to establish withholding time. Again, this was replicated in two distinct groups of animals. “The data shows we are completely safe at 21 days.” Lawrence adds. “There was no residue in
muscle, liver, kidney or fat tissue.” The official withholding period has been set at 28 days. He says the benefits of a deer-specific drench will mean farmers are able to optimise deer performance, achieving slaughter weights faster.
Glenview Romneys Bred for high performance and ‘cast iron’ constitution
We deliberately challenge our Romneys by farming them on unfertilised native hill country in order to provide the maximum selection pressure and expose ‘soft’ sheep.
FERTILITY
Over the last 5 years ewes (including 2ths) have scanned between 190% and 216% despite droughts.
GROWTH RATE Over the same period weaning weights (adj. 100 days) have exceeded 36kg from a lambing % consistently above 150%. & SURVIVAL COMMENTS: • All sheep DNA and SIL recorded. • Ram hoggets have been eye muscle scanned since 1996. • All ewe hoggets are mated. • Breeding programme places a heavy emphasis on worm resilience – lambs drenched only once prior to autumn. • Scored for dags and feet shape. DNA rated for footrot and cold tolerance. • We take an uncompromising approach – sheep must constantly measure up.
We aim to breed superior Romneys that produce the most from the least input.
Glenview Romneys & South Suffolks GEOFF & BARB CROKER Longbush, RD 4, Masterton email: bob_barb@slingshot.co.nz www.glenviewromneys.co.nz Phone 06-372 7820
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
20 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Combo baler adds value and versatility MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
FOUNDED 22 years ago, Mabey Contracting Ltd, based near Pahiatua, services clients throughout the Tararua, Wairarapa and Manawatu regions. The business does bulk silage, baleage, full cultivation, hay, cartage, direct drilling and maize silage
operations. Alongside the contracting business, Andrew Mabey and his wife Catherine also run a dairy farm. Already well acquainted with the Krone machinery brand, Mabey has had experience with a straight Comprima baler, a Fortima baler, twin rotor rakes, mowers, a tedder, a Krone Big M
self-propelled mower, a Big X forage harvester, four rotor rakes and the first Comprima Combi baler/wrapper. “We find that all the Krone gear is built really well. It is robust and it lasts,” he says. “The first Comprima CF in the country was demoed on the farm and never left,” Mabey recalls.
Mabey Contracting’s Comprima Plus CF baler in action.
STANDARD FEEDER (C6 Pinned) • 1 x 6 foot bale • 2m diameter • 15 feed positions • 15 - 30 animals
OVAL FEEDER (S2 Pinned) • 3 x 4 foot bales • 2 x 6 foot bales • 24 feed positions • 24 - 48 animals • 4m long
“We immediately saw the benefit of a combination baler-wrapper, instead of using a baler and individual wrapper or tube wrapper, saving on a labour unit and leaving a nice, wrapped bale behind – everyone’s happy.” Having run a Krone Comprima CF 155 XC baler-wrapper for six seasons and with thoughts about upgrading to a newer model, mother
nature intervened. “Following the spring, with a combination of poor weather for silage making and excellent grass growth, we found ourselves struggling to get all the work done and we were falling behind,” Mabey explains. Being aware that Krone importers Tulloch Farm Machines had just landed the first of the latest Krone Comprima
VARIPACK PLUS BALER SERIES The KRONE Varipack is specifically designed for baling dry material. Varipack combines straightforward engineering with high throughputs and densities. • Integral rotor for maximum throughput • Auto controlled rear door and stroke end cushioned ram for fast unloading cycles • Camless EasyFlow pick-up with w-lined tines and a minimum of moving parts • Roll chute is standard for easy net refill • Precision cutting system for smooth cuts • Automatic grease applicator and oil lubricator • Variable bale diameter: 0.8 - 1.65m / 1.90m
Invest in longevity and quality. Invest in the best. Pictured: Varipack V 190 XC Plus
For more information call us on 06 370 0390 www.tulloch.nz Dealers located nationwide
CF 155 XC Plus balerwrapper models into the country, he contacted John Tulloch about availability and got to lease it on a short-term basis. “The CF 155 XC Plus is the same baler as the one we have – it’s just the latest model. We did about 3,000 bales with it, helping us to take a lot of pressure off, and it gave us a good chance to see how the new model performs. Suffice to say we didn’t want it to leave,” Mabey adds. “We ran it alongside our old Comprima most of the time. It was interesting to see the XC Plus producing 70 bales an hour, compared to the old one doing 50 bales an hour under the same conditions. “The guys didn’t want to see it go. They were so impressed with it that I asked Tulloch Farm Machines if I could buy it there and then, so it could stay for the rest of our season.” Unfortunately, the new baler-wrapper was committed to a nationwide demonstration tour, but after returning to Masterton, Mabey was invited to purchase it. “It has better technology and Krone has increased the speed of the machine throughout. It’s easy to operate and service and has a better hydraulic system,” he explains.
“We have always been impressed with the Krone’s ability to put out consistent, high quality bales, regardless of the changeable conditions where we work, but the new machine has taken this to a higher level.” A host of new features includes auto-greasing, meaning one less thing to worry about after a long day’s baling, and the ability to carry 12 rolls of wrap instead of 10, which can save a trip at night when you’re close to running out. The Comprima CF’s semi-variable chamber offers six different bale sizes, with diameters from 1.25m to 1.5m. Mabey Contracting offers clients baleage and hay, changing between a 10 bale and 14 bale equivalents, so Andrew appreciates the versatility of the machine. ISOBUS technology means connectivity and operation is easy, while the addition of a second camera lets the operator keep an eye on the net feeding in and the wrapper. “I am still going to keep my old machine, so we will be able to speed things up hugely.” Mabey is looking forward to the new season running both machines, the new unit behind a 240-hp Fendt, while the older model will be powered by a Case IH Puma.
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 21
Smart diagnostics and red leather proving a winner CASE IH diagnostics software is helping a Bay of Plenty-based Case IH dealership to support customers in their new territory on the East Coast. Case IH’s AFS Connect offers benefits for both users and their supplying dealers. In the case of the former, giving users freedom to adjust, manage, monitor and transfer data, view displays remotely and access support capabilities. In the dealer’s case, it means remote diagnostic information from the tractor is fed to the dealership headquarters, then on to the local dealership team. Gisborne-based maize corn and squash grower H Pak Ltd has taken delivery of New Zealand’s first Case IH AFS Connect Magnum 340. For owner, Henry Dods, buying the 340 signalled a return to Case IH after a 10-year break. Meanwhile, for supplying dealer Jacks Machinery, the order was a milestone in its recent expansion out of their home base of Whakatane in Bay of Plenty. H Pak runs a fleet of 20 tractors on the heavy, fertile Gisborne Plains. The arrival at Jacks of tractors of the type and horsepower required meant it was the ideal timing for Dods to return
to the Case IH camp. Working on heavy soil, the tractor was destined to spend most of its life attached to a power harrow. So, when researching a new purchase, Dods went looking for horsepower, full powershift transmission and dual wheels. The Case IH AFS Connect Magnum 340 allows Jacks to service the East Coast from afar, with the help of a newly established team based in Gisborne. Users simply log in to AFS Connect to view current field operations, fleet information, agronomic data and more. This allows them to remotely keep an eye on their operation, just as if they were present in the cab. The display is set up for intuitive navigation and optimum visibility, even on the brightest days. Remote display viewing connects operators with farm managers seamlessly, and Bluetooth capabilities pair the display with a mobile phone to bring everything onto one display. “If you are used to operating an Android phone, you’d be right at home with the AFS touch screen,” Jacks Machinery says. And, of course, driver
comfort is a top priority too. Staff immediately took a shine to the red-leather
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upholstery and were squabbling over who got to drive the new machine, Dods says.
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Gisborne-based maize corn and squash grower H Pak Ltd has taken delivery of New Zealand’s first Case IH AFS Connect Magnum 340.
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PAGE 24
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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
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JD invests in robotics MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
GLOBAL GIANT Deere and Co has acquired Silicon Valley start-up company Bear Flag Robotics, which specialises in autonomous driving technologies for existing plant and machinery. The US$250m purchase is said to support John Deere’s long-term strategy to create smaller machines incorporating advanced technology. The company has worked with Bear Flag since 2019, successfully deploying autonomous solutions on a limited number of North American farms. “Deere and Co views autonomy as an important step towards enabling farmers and growers to leverage their resources to feed the world, while at the same time creating more sustainable and profitable operations,” JD chief technology officer Jahmy Hindman says. Meanwhile, closer to home, technicians who
John Deere has recently bought Silicon Valley start-up company Bear Flag Robotics, which specialises in autonomous driving technologies, for US$250 million.
help to keep Australian and New Zealand farmers running and support the productivity of the nation’s agriculture sector will be honoured at the inaugural John Deere Technician Awards. Often seen as the quiet achievers, relied upon to deliver services integral to farmers’ and construction machinery contractors’ businesses, the awards will “celebrate their contribution to their industries and local communities”.
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John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler says the awards are an opportunity to recognise the hard work and skill offered by these individuals. “Who are not celebrated enough for the fundamental role they play in assisting both their customers, communities, and their industry reach full potential.” Dealerships have been asked to put forward their top technicians, with
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• Great for calving WE’RE KNOCKING •THE GST OFF steel Stainless ALL OUR OUTBACK • OIL 4-1SKINS ratio AND STANLEY PRODUCTS • Rope included • Available in 2 sizes: 1) breaking strain of 1000kg 2) 2000kg breaking strain
The Stanley Food Jar keeps food hot all day and the insulated lid doubles as a handy bowl.
207 High Street, Solway, Masterton • 06 378 9964 www.stockwhips.co.nz Solway, Masterton • 027-444 0323 www.stockwhips.co.nz • stockwhips@xtra.co.nz
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.
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
more than 110 nominations received from across both Australia and NZ, in four different categories. These cover Ag & Turf Service Technician of the Year, Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Parts Technician of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. “These awards will not
only recognise individuals, but also celebrate the important contribution technicians make to the farm and construction sectors and demonstrate to those considering moving into this field just how rewarding and varied a career with John Deere as a technician can be,” says Chandler.
SNIPPETS Burel Group acquires Frandent
THE FRENCH headquartered Burel Group has strengthened its European presence, acquiring a majority shareholding in Italian power harrow manufacturer Frandent. The companies have already collaborated over the last 20 years, with the Italian manufacturer supplying power harrows for Sulky drill combinations since 2001. The move aims to ensure the continued long-term supply of power harrows for Sulky’s Tramline, Master, Progress and TF drills.
Gallagher sells fuel division
GALLAGHER GROUP has sold its Gallagher Fuel Systems business to managing director Richard Coxon, who is keen to explore hydrogen-related opportunities. Part of Gallagher since 1999, Fuel Systems supplies fuel dispensers into New Zealand and Australia. The business and its 100-strong team will remain in Marton. Under Coxon’s ownership, a transition phase will see the company being renamed.
Phone
06 323 4181
or
0800 625 826 for your nearest stockist
Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes
RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 24, 2021
RURAL TRADER 23 DOLOMITE
NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call... 0800 436 566
VETMARKER Docking Chute
CONTROL FLYSTRIKE & LICE
CRAIGCO SENSOR JET • Robust construction • Auto shut gate • Total 20 jets • Lambs only 5 jets • Side jets for lice • Adjustable V panels • Davey Twin Impellor Pump • 6.5 or 9.0hp motors
FLY OR LICE PROBLEMS? The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989
INCLUDES:
SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992
• Jetter unit • Pump & Hose kit • Delivery to nearest main centre
Quality construction and options • Get the contractors choice Featuring...
7680
$
• 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
+GST
GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE QUICK TO SETUP – EASY TO USE – JOB DONE
0800 DOCKER
SUPPLYING FARMERS SINCE 1962
PH 06-835 6863 • MOB 021-061 1800 JETTER VIDEO: www.craigcojetters.com
(362 537)
07 573 8512 | dipping@electrodip.co.nz – www.electrodip.com
www.vetmarker.co.nz LASER FF95
DIESEL HEATER
Call for delivery options
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
ü Huge 9.5kW output. ü Made in Japan since 1991. ü Diesel is approx. 30-50% less than “on demand” Electricity or Gas. ü DIY Install or we can arrange.
Phone: 0800 80 8570
ü No wood to cut, cart or store.
www.burgessmatting.co.nz
ü No mess, NO indoor diesel odours. ü As easy to use as a light switch.
0800 379 247 www.avonheating.co.nz
QUADBAR
595
$
+GST delivered
“The Quadbar saved our employee from significant injuries.” – Colin van der Geest
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
SINGLE DOG BOX
BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE
BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION
WATER TANKS, PUMPS FILTRATION DEVAN CALPEDA • PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •• PROMAX PROMAX • •CALPEDA • PURETEC •& OASIS CLEARWATER DEVAN •TANKS, RX • CALPEDA • AQUA • OASIS CLEARWATER WATER PUMPS & FILTRATION
DEVAN • PROMAX • CALPEDA • •PURETEC • OASIS CLEARWATER P: 326 8888 www.thetankguy.co.nz P:0508 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz A: A: 30 30 Turners RoadRoad – Feilding Turners – Feilding
Proven beyo nd do ubt! “I have no doubt that if I did not have a Quadbar fitted, my accident would have been fatal!” – Rozel Farms
BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE
P: 0508 326 8888 • www.thetankguy.co.nz A: 30 Turners Road – Feilding
BEFORE EPOXY RESIN APPLIED
600 500 400 300 200 100 0
QUADBAR 5 YEAR SURVEY
At Not Just Coatings, our experience and professionalism is demonstrated in every job we undertake With our office in Kaiapoi we offer free quotes in the Canterbury area
ROLLOVERS
NUMBER OF QUADBARS 479
61
NUMBER OF DEATHS 0
Some of the services we offer... • Grouting/Sealants • Waterproofing • Concrete repairs/Crack injections • Concrete grinding • Internal tank cleaning
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
• Waterblasting from 5000 psi up to 40,000 psi • Hydro Demolition • Abrasive blasting • Polyurea Coatings
If you would like more information or arrange a time to meet please contact:
Mike 027-236 4133 • Chris 027-427 5004 • Sales 027-626 2117
AFTER EPOXY RESIN APPLIED
sales@notjustcoatings.nz
WATERBLASTING (HYDRO DEMOLITION)
FLAKE FLOORING
Single without tow ball mount .........................$585 Single with tow ball mount ..............................$655 Wellside ........................................................$920 Flatdeck ........................................................$920 ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST
Phone 0800 625 826 • www.mckeeplastics.co.nz
RAINWEAR! FLEXISKIN MAX
ENDS 15 SEPTEMBER
ZIP STRIP quick lacing
BIB OVERALLS
$88
JACKET
$99
$20
valued at $160
valued at $230
100% Waterproof Fleece Collar Hood Visor
Acid Resistant Durable Seams LEGGINGS
0800 16 00 24
ONLINE
earthwalk.co.nz
$155
$150
STEEL TOE X (with Scuff Guard)
STEEL TOE X (with Scuff Guard)
valued at $280
STEEL TOE (without Scuff Guard)
PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard) Colour = Dark Brown Buffalo Leather
$77
9am-5pm
SLIP ON
LACE UP
sold out of size 8
PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard)
sold out of size 5
Stitched On Soles
valued at $140 PHONE
175% more water &
in stock now crack resistant
valued at $320
FLEXISKIN MAX
Flexible
BUFFALO BOOTS!
FREE SHIPPING! 175% more crack resistant
175% more crack resistant than normal leather ONLINE BANKING
EARTHWALK 06 0746 0177988 02 (ANZ)
New Zealand owned & operated
sizes: BOOTS 5 - 13 (NZ)
RAINWEAR XS - 4XL
GREAT DEALS ON KUBOTA EQUIPMENT AGRICULTURE | 2021
spring
COVERING NEW GROUND VIEW THE FULL 28 PAGE SPRING CATALOGUE
| KUBOTA.CO.NZ
UTILIT Y VEHICLES
Kubota’s powerful RTV range will put a Spring in your step. Ready to tackle any task or terrain, our RTVs are engineered for optimum performance and reliability. Combining confidence and comfort, each model is equipped with the latest safety equipment and ergonomic driver set-up. You’ll be ready for any season or situation as our range offers ROPS, CAB models, as well as a four-seater model. If you need to put your to-do list in the rear view mirror, check out the RTV-XG850 Sidekick, our fastest RTV yet.
VIEW OUR RTV RANGE
GEARED TO GET AHEAD
500
750
$
NEW
$
C U S T O M E R I N S TA N T R E B AT E ^
C U S T O M E R I N S TA N T R E B AT E ^
RT V520
RT V-X1140
RTV-X1140
RT V-X SERIES UTILIT Y VEHICLES Heavy-duty Kubota diesel engines VHT-X 2-range hydrostatic transmission Safety of dynamic braking FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ALL-NEW RTV520
Ergonomically designed Two and Four seat options Responsive hydrostatic power sterring
RTV520
NEW RT V520 Quiet, smooth and reliable Kubota liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder petrol engine
Hydrostatic transmission that keeps you in control during descents with engine-assisted deceleration
Plenty of payload and towing capacity to get the job done
The new 5-link rear suspension system makes travelling over uneven terrain simple by improving handling and comfort
Selectable 2WD or 4WD with diff lock
Customise your RTV520 with a host of accessories available to order
RT V-XG850 SIDEKICK UTILIT Y VEHICLES HIGHER SPEED Fast acceleration and higher transport speed (up to 64km/h) come from a powerful 48hp petrol engine KUBOTA’S CVT-PLUS TRANSMISSION Featuring a centrifugal clutch designed to keep the thick, double-cogged belt tight, ensuring fast response and excellent belt durability SPEED-SENSITIVE EPS Light at low-speed and firm at high-speed, EPS (Electronic Power Steering) offers exceptional handling and stability INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION Even at high speeds, the front and rear independent suspension delivers a smooth ride and offers plenty of clearance TOWING CAPACITY 907kg towing capacity for a wide range of jobs
RTV-XG850
^Customer Instant Rebate is subtracted from dealer’s selling price as a discount at a time of sales and not redeemable for cash. The offer ends 31/10/21.
GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY
M 7-2 S ERI E S
For your first choice in the field, look no further than the M7-2 Series - the most advanced tractor Kubota has ever built. The M7-2 range now offers 12 models, each with a huge variety of customisable options. Specifically designed for the farming professional who wants a versatile and hard-working tractor, the M7-2 is powered by a next-generation 6.1 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, incorporating Kubota’s clean-air technology and available in 130hp, 150hp or 175hp with boost and industry-leading constant power and torque.
M O R E C O M F O R T, L E S S L I M I TAT I O N S
0.9
% FINANCE PA U P T O 3 6 M O N T H S*
ACROSS THE M7 SERIES
FINANCE PROVIDED BY
UDC FINANCE LIMITED
M7172
M7-2 SERIES 130-170 HP PROFESSIONAL TRACTOR SERIES KUBOTA’S MOST POWERFUL ENGINE 130 to 175hp with boost and industry-leading constant power and torque NEVER IN THE WRONG GEAR Choice of 30-speed powershift or KVT variable driving to suit any operation
SIMPLE AND SOPHISTICATED High-end components with electro-hydraulics, monitor control and GPS readiness in the premium models BIG MUSCLE 9,400kg lift capacity, up to 110L/min hydraulic flow for all-round performance
GOOD CONNECTIONS The M7-2 is a multitalent and caters for a myriad of implements through 4 PTO speeds, optional Front Linkage & PTO, and up to 6 remote valves (depending on the model)
M7-2 CABIN Operators of the M7-2 series will enjoy a spacious four post suspended cab with virtually unobstructed views. To further increase operator comfort, decibel levels have been reduced and our new deluxe seat with more cushioning and armrest have a wider range of adjustments and has been redesigned with your comfort in mind Greater visibility Better cooling capacity Deluxe fully adjustable seat Greater view with new 7” monitor M7 CABIN *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 M7 Series models. UDC Finance credit criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. The finance offer is valid to 31/10/2021.
0800 582 682 | KUBOTA.CO.NZ
P.03
MGX S ERI E S
Start Spring strong with the new generation MGX Series, which delivers class leading power and reliability, all while reducing environmental impact. You’ll have room to grow with one of the largest cabs in its class, offering unmatched operator comfort and visibility. Built for maximum power and torque output with intelligent technology, the MGX Series is equipped to efficiently handle the most demanding jobs in the field or around the farm.
POWER PL ANTED
0.9
% FINANCE PA F O R 3 6 M O N T H S *
ACROSS THE MGX SERIES
FINANCE PROVIDED BY
UDC FINANCE LIMITED
M135GX
MGX SERIES 100-135HP Common rail engine with massive torque 24-speed powershift transmission with auto shift Super-quiet deluxe cab Bi-speed turn that speeds up front wheels for tight turns Available with narrow vineyard kit 5-year Powertrain warranty
MGX CABIN FEATURES The Kubota Grand X cabin does justice to its name. Every inch is designed with operator comfort and ergonomics in mind. Nothing is out of place, every component is easy to identify and within reach. Invite a passenger into the cabin and share the experience Visibility is paramount for a safe and efficient working environment. The Grand X cabin offers an unsurpassed field of view from every angle; and the roof panel allows improved sight of a raised front end loader M135GX CABIN *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 M Series models. UDC Finance credit criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. The finance offer is valid to 31/10/2021.
GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY
0.9
M40 S ERI E S
% FINANCE PA F O R 3 6 M O N T H S *
ACROSS THE M SERIES
FINANCE PROVIDED BY
UDC FINANCE LIMITED
M ID -S IZED MOV ER
5,500
$
Make this Spring a sight to see with the M40 Series, offering even more room and greater visibility. Performance is on demand with a reliable and efficient Kubota diesel engine that is simple to use, yet flexible in many applications. The M40 Series tractor is proven tough as nails and is a go-to tractor for professional farming. The range is ideal for a wide variety of applications from livestock, horticulture, as well as property management and council applications.
C U S T O M E R I N S TA N T R E B AT E ^
M7040SUHD TRACTOR + LOADER
M7040SUHD
M40 SERIES MID-SIZED UTILIT Y TRACTORS KUBOTA DIESEL ENGINE Models from 60 to 95hp, smooth powerful and quiet diesel engines
STRONG LINKAGE Capacities from 1900kg (M6040) to 3900kg (M9540)
TRANSMISSION Choices of 8 to 36 synchronised speeds, depending on the model, with powershuttle and efficient PTO
HYDRAULICS Dedicated flow rates to linkage and remotes from 41.6 to 64.3 l/min with added choice of remote valve configurations
COMPLETE THE PACKAGE Kubota loaders offer ample lifting height and capacity, ideal for demanding livestock farming
M 5 -1 S ERI E S
Serving you season after season, the dependable M5-1 Series Standard Model tractors are known for their outstanding performance and comfort. The driving force behind this dependability is the reliable and efficient Kubota engine, powering you through even the toughest tasks. There’s plenty of power for PTO-driven implements, as well as convenient electronic speed control to keep those implements operating at optimum efficiency. A fully synchronized transmission and an advanced hydraulic shuttle for shifting between forward and reverse, simplifies tractor operations.
A L L- D A Y D E P E N D A B I L I T Y M5-1 SERIES 93-110.5 HP PROFESSIONAL TRACTOR SERIES
M5111
KUBOTA DIESEL ENGINE Features a 3.8L engine that produces 93, 105 and 110.5hp, depending on the model, and includes constant engine RPM and engine rev memory TRANSMISSION 6 synchronised gears in 3 ranges with dual speed splitter (5-111 DS and Narrow Models). This enables 36 gear options. Power Shuttle ensures a smooth change of direction ULTRA GRAND CAB II (STANDARD MODELS) Sets the standard in comfort and control with unparalleled visibility and ergonomic design MODEL CHOICE Standard and narrow tractor models available
M5-1 ROPS PROFESSIONAL TRACTOR SERIES KUBOTA DIESEL ENGINE Features a 3.8L engine that produces 93 and 103hp on Standard and Narrow models at the economical engine speed of 2400rpm M5111
MODEL CHOICE Standard and narrow tractor models available
*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 M Series models. UDC Finance credit criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. The finance offer is valid to 31/10/2021. ^Customer Instant Rebate is subtracted from dealer’s selling price as a discount at a time of sales and not redeemable for cash. The offer ends 31/10/21.
0800 582 682 | KUBOTA.CO.NZ
P.05
BX S ERI E S T R ACTORS
2,750
$
C U S T O M E R I N S TA N T R E B AT E ^
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BX SERIES
BX2380 & BX2680 TRACTORS + FRONT END LOADER
C A N - D O AT T I T U D E BX SERIES 18-25.5HP SUB-COMPACT TRACTOR KUBOTA POWERED Equipped with 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engines and 2-range hydrostatic transmission controlled by a single foot pedal, for simple operation OPERATOR AREA Deluxe reclining high-back seat, spacious operator area, cruise control and easy to reach controls BX23S The most versatile compact tractor yet. Complete with quick attach/detach front end loader and backhoe ATTACHMENTS Switching between mowing lawns and front- end loader work has never been easier. The BX loader can be attached without leaving the driver’s seat BX2680 & LAND PRIDE PD10 POST HOLE DIGGER
B S ERI E S T R ACTORS PERFO RM AN CE PACK AG ED Stay on top of the field with our B Series tractors. Powered by Kubota’s world class diesel engines, your productivity will be set to soar. Equipped for any task around the farm or property, the B Series offers a 3-range speed for full range results. Compatible with a huge range of implements and attachments, the B Series will become your plan A.
B SERIES 23-31HP PREMIUM COMPACT TRACTOR
B2601HD WITH LA434 LOADER & BH70 BACKHOE
KUBOTA DIESEL ENGINE Smooth running 3 or 4-cylinder diesel engines TRANSMISSION Proven Kubota hydrostatic transmission with 3-range speed shifting to provide the right speed to suit your task ATTACHMENTS Quick attach front-end loader, mower deck and backhoe available to tackle almost any job
4,500
$
C U S T O M E R I N S TA N T R E B AT E ^
B3150HD ROPS AND B3150HDCC CAB TRACTORS + FRONT END LOADER
B3150HDCC WITH LAND PRIDE BB0548 BOX SCRAPER & QH10 QUICK HITCH ^Customer Instant Rebate is subtracted from dealer’s selling price as a discount at a time of sales and not redeemable for cash. The offer ends 31/10/21.
GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY
Z SERIES M OW E R S
Cut Spring down to size this year with Kubota’s high performance residential and commercial mowers. Every mower is engineered to reduce workloads, increase productivity and keep you comfortable day in, day out. With the extensive range of ride-ons and zero-turns, out-front and walk-behind mowers, you’ll find one to take on any task this season.
A CUT ABOVE Z200 SERIES RESIDENTIAL ZERO-TURN MOWER ZERO-TURN MANOEUVRABILITY Mow around garden beds, trees and obstacles with ease FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE Z200 SERIES
HIGH QUALITY MOWER DECK Heavy-duty 42", 48" or 54" fabricated mower decks deliver performance and reliability CUTTING HEIGHT DIAL Simple changes to cutting height with the turn of a dial OPERATOR AREA Comfortable seating position with plenty of legroom, adjustable handles, storage boxes and cup holders
ZD SERIES PROFESSIONAL ZERO-TURN MOWERS Equipped with high quality Kubota 3-cylinder diesel engines Kubota’s original hydrostatic transmission offers faster, smoother response under all loading conditions. Except for an occasional fluid change, the hermetically sealed structure requires no maintenance, with no belts to change Comfortable bucket seats with suspension, ergonomic controls, large foot platform and LCD digital display Choose from 54”, 60” or 72” fabricated mower decks - side or rear discharge. The Aerodynamic Cutting System pro decks are designed to maximize cutting performance with smoother airflow and more powerful rotation, reducing fuel consumption, while improving productivity
Z231KW
Simple changes to cutting height with the turn of a dial. Raise and lower the mower deck with hydraulic pedals, and steer with levers requiring minimal operator force, keeping you comfortable all day
Z400 SERIES - SEMIPROFESSIONAL ZERO-TURN MOWERS Features rugged, commercial grade transmissions and powerful engines, designed to stand up in heavy duty applications Adjustable dual levers provide smooth, precise control and ensure optimum comfort for every operator’s needs Soft and roomy, the high-back suspension seat keeps you comfortable during long mowing jobs, and there’s plenty of legroom up front, thanks to a wide foot pan All controls are ergonomically arranged for quick identification and simple operation Steel welded mower decks provide outstanding, professional-level cutting performance, while the reinforced spindle mount area ensures durability. Available with 48” or 54” mower decks and grass catchers
Z412
0800 582 682 | KUBOTA.CO.NZ
P.07
U SERIES EXCAVATORS Built on a foundation of performance and manoeuvrability, Kubota’s U Series is the most extensive line up of sub 5-tonne, zero-tail swing excavators available in today’s market. With unmatched cycle times, best-in-class breakout performance, superior comfort and all round versatility, the U Series has your groundwork covered.
F U N C T I O N A L F O U N D AT I O N U SERIES – 1.7 TONNE TO 5.5 TONNE ZEROTAIL SWING EXCAVATORS KUBOTA ENGINE All Kubota excavators are driven by the world-renowned powerful Kubota engine OPERATOR COMFORT Available in canopy and cab models with enhanced ergonomics designed for operator comfort
0.9
% FINANCE PA F O R 3 6 M O N T H S *
ZERO-TAIL SWING Amazing manoeuvrability with zero-tail swing to meet every operator’s needs
ACROSS THE U & KX SERIES
PERFORMANCE Best-in-class breakout performance while maintaining fast and smooth operation
FINANCE PROVIDED BY
UDC FINANCE LIMITED U55-4
KX SERIES EXCAVATORS P L AT F O R M F O R P O W E R Sun up or sun down, Kubota’s KX Series is at the forefront of innovation and development. The KX range offers high performance conventional swing excavators ranging from 0.8 to 8.2 tonnes, designed to meet every operator’s needs whilst providing luxurious comfort.
KX SERIES CONVENTIONAL SWING EXCAVATORS Extensive KX Series lineup with models from 0.8 tonne all the way to 8.2 tonne Conventional swing ensures excellent stability and safety Spacious cab models with enhanced ergonomics designed for operator comfort All-round versatility with exceptional breakout force
KX080-3S
SVL & SSV SERIES
PERFORMANCE PUSHED UP
NEW
SSV65
SVL97-2
*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 Construction models. UDC Finance credit criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. The finance offer is valid to 31/10/2021.
| 0800 582 682 | KUBOTA.CO.NZ