Rural News 18 January 2022 by Rural News Group

NEWS

ANIMAL HEALTH

MANAGEMENT

Young farmer outstanding in her field. PAGE 8-9

Low methane livestock a reality. PAGE 18

Sir Ian Taylor: Listen to the land PAGE 17

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS JANUARY 18, 2022: ISSUE 742

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Govt killing meat sector? PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE MEAT Industry Association (MIA) has launched a stinging attack on the Government for failing to allow the industry to bring in sufficient overseas halal slaughtermen. “There is a strong prospect of killing chains shutting down, export dollars lost – along with jobs for New Zealanders working in the country’s meat processing plants if we don’t let these people into NZ,” MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva told Rural News. The MIA has been trying since about the middle of last year to get the Government to allow in more overseas halal slaughtermen. Nearly half the red meat processed in NZ is done in accordance with halal rituals. Karapeeva says the issue with halal slaughter is that the NZ labour market is incredibly tight because of the small population of workers they can tap into. This means they cannot recruit sufficient numbers of people locally. “We only need about 50 migrant workers to keep our sector processing in the halal manner and adding value to our exports, but that means that we need to source overseas workers,” she explains. “Yet the Government has approved only 15 and that is a serious challenge for us going forward. This is an appalling outcome for the country’s second largest export earner.” Karapeeva says this all comes at a time when the country needs strong exports to help NZ through the Covid recovery.

The meat industry says unless the Government allows more overseas workers into the country there’s a real risk of killing chains shutting down, export dollars lost – along with jobs for New Zealanders.

“I don’t think the Government should be feeling too proud of themselves at the moment,” she says. When the question of the MIA pre-

dicament was put to Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, he said he understood the industry would like to have some backup. But O’Connor

claimed the reality is, “everyone is working to adjust in the present time”. “I think the number we have let in will address the issue for the meat

industry and allow them to get on. But we [the Government] will work with them [the meat industry] to have more as necessary through the season.”

THE RURAL INSURER WITH MORE RUBBER ON THE ROAD. AND ON OUR FEET. At FMG, we like to do business face to face whenever we can. Which is why we’ll often come to the farm to give you the advice and specialised insurance you need. And if we can’t, we’re always here to chat things over on the phone, person to person. It’s the kind of personalised service we’ve been providing for farmers all over New Zealand for over 110 years. And it’s something we’ll continue to do for many years to come. If that sounds like the kind of insurer you’d like to deal with, ask around about us. Or better still, call us now on 0800 366 466.

We’re here for the good of the country. FMG0195RNFPS_R

Groundswell NZ’s position

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

NEWS 3 ISSUE 742

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Critical worker shortages “The border closure, as well as the limited managed isolation spots, have prevented us from employing seasonal workers from overseas to help make up the shortfall in numbers we can recruit locally.”

DAVID ANDERSON

NEWS ��1-11 AGRIBUSINESS �� 12 HOUND, EDNA �� 14 CONTACTS �� 14 OPINION ��14-16 MANAGEMENT �� 17 ANIMAL HEALTH ��18-19 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS �� 20-21 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

A CRITICAL lack of workers in New Zealand is pushing the meat industry to plead with the Government to urgently allow in more overseas staff. Major meat processor and exporter Silver Fern Farms says it’s one of the most challenging years to date for accessing skilled labour. It says that the company’s plants are not fully manned and warns that livestock may not be able to be killed – especially if it gets dry – risking hard-fought international markets and valuable export revenue for the country. “We are presently about 550 people short across our processing network. We have a number of initiatives underway to help address this, including raising our minimum productive rate by 10%,” SFF chief executive Simon Limmer told Rural News. “However, we are constrained by the historic low unemployment rate here and the reality is that bringing in overseas workers is going to need to be part of the solution. In particular, we’ve been asking the Government to allow us to bring in AIP workers from the Pacific Islands. We’ve had this successful arrangement for 12 years, and it has increased production levels here as well as providing these workers and their family excellent earnings.” Limmer says current labour shortages mean that SFF’s chains will not be able to operate at full capacity this season, and in some instances the company will need to prioritise throughput versus value capture. “Shortages are already impacting South Island lamb processing with wait times around 10-15 % more than last season,” he says. “We can be thankful that feed covers have been favourable to date this season, with this additional feed on farm helping to alleviate the pressure of any processing delays for farmers.” However, Limmer warns that the recent hot weather across the country

SFF chief executive Simon Limmer says current labour shortages mean that company’s processing plants will not be able to operate at full capacity this season.

NO JAB, NO JOB? MEANWHILE, THE meat industry is also currently working through the ramifications of mandating Covid-19 vaccinations for its workforce. A SFF spokesman told Rural News that the company is consulting with its workforce on the issue, but as yet no decision had been made. Alliance Group says it too is yet to make a final decision on mandatory vaccinations for staff. Group communications manager Renee Walker told Rural News that the health and wellbeing of its people is paramount to the co-operative. “Like other processors, Alliance Group is implementing protocols, which define a strict set of rules and requirements to ensure the sector’s continuing operations do not contribute to the spread of Covid-19,” she says. “Currently, all visitors to Alliance Group’s premises and staff travelling between sites must be fully vaccinated.”

is quickly undoing these favourable feed conditions and pressure to move animals off farm is growing. “The kill profile is late this season and any significant dry period from this point on, coupled with labourrelated capacity reductions, will create livestock pressure on farm.” Alliance Group’s general manager of manufacturing Willie Wiese told Rural News that NZ’s meat processing and exporting sector has a chronic labour shortage and this has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. “Without sufficient labour, we

cannot run our plants at the desired capacity,” he says. “The border closure, as well as the limited managed isolation spots, have prevented us from employing seasonal workers from overseas to help make up the shortfall in numbers we can recruit locally.” Wiese says Alliance Group is currently between 200-300 workers short during what is an extremely busy processing period, in particular for the Easter chilled programme for the UK and Europe. “Importantly, we require additional halal butchers. Over 90% of animals

are processed in the halal manner because that provides far greater flexibility to send different parts of the same carcass to various markets. That means fewer opportunities for hardworking Kiwis and fewer value-add products going to our markets.” Wiese says Alliance is currently providing priority processing to shareholders and encouraging suppliers who aren’t shareholders to become shareholders. Limmer says while global demand for red meat is generating healthy farmgate pricing at present, there are medium-to-long term risks from the current worker shortage. “Building valuable relationships with customers takes time and is underlined by consistently delivering on a commitment to supply product to customer specifications. These relationships are hard won but easily lost when customers have many global choices for supply, and when we don’t have the labour capacity to enable us to deliver to customers’ needs and return greater value to farmers.” Limmer says Halal processing in particular is an important part of SFF’s business. “It gives us the optionality to match cuts to customer needs worldwide. As this is ultimately a religious consideration, it’s not something you can simply upskill other workers to undertake.”

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

4 NEWS

1500 workers within six months! SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

DAIRY FARMERS say they urgently need 1,500 overseas workers within the next six months. While farmers are happy with changes announced last month to

the existing class border exception for 200 dairy workers, they desperately need more skilled workers from overseas. Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson Chris Lewis says the dairy sector cannot afford another calving season

“Thank you for listening to us, we did a lot of hard lobbying behind the scenes and we are very happy with the outcome.”

without skilled staff. “We urgently need reinforcements,” he told Rural News. “We have managed two calving seasons by cutting corners. Staff are burnt out, stress levels are very high and another calving season like the past two years

MAKE SHEARING SAFE

option for much of the primary industries at the moment.” DairyNZ strategy and investment leader farm performance Nick Robinson says there has been much stronger demand from dairy farmers for farm assistant positions, and all of these applications were filled quickly. “We know there are more farmers who have vacant farm assistant positions that they can’t find Kiwis to fill.” Robinson says while the decision is good news, it’s critical that the Government support the dairy sector’s request to allow a further 1,500 international dairy workers into New Zealand in 2022, and DairyNZ pressed this point home to the Government at this meeting. “We currently have the lowest unemployment rate we have seen since 2007 at 3.4% and we know the rate is even lower in many dairying regions. With our borders closed, many of New Zealand’s core sectors are facing staff shortages, and we are seeing a significant labour shortage on farms too.”

WITH

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

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

EVO Shearing Plant • • • •

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

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

WILSON

Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson Chris Lewis says the dairy sector cannot afford another calving season without skilled staff.

will result in some sad statistics.” Securing MIQ spots remain the biggest hurdle to get workers into the country. Of the 200 border exceptions for dairy workers issued last year, only a handful arrived in the country. Lewis suggested that the Government attach MIQ spots to every border exception granted to the agriculture sector. Last month the Government approved border class exceptions for 200 mobile plant machinery operators, 40 shearers and 50 wool handlers. The Government has also altered the existing class border exception

for 200 dairy workers to remove the previous split of 150 assistant dairy farm managers and 50 dairy farm assistants. Lewis thanked Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and the Government for listening to farmers. “Thank you for listening to us, we did a lot of hard lobbying behind the scenes and we are very happy with the outcome,” he told Rural News. However, Lewis says border exceptions are useless unless the overseas workers can secure MIQ spots. “I suspect the electric driverless tractor would make a appear-

ance quicker than a MIQ outcome. Border exception is just the first part of the process of getting the overseas workers in,” says Lewis. Employers and their workers are still faced with a complex and lengthy process to get employees into New Zealand and working on farms. “Employers and their workers will need to work closely with their respective industry groups to sort MIQ, flights and all the associated paperwork. “This is not an easy or cheap task for either party, but with unemployment at such low levels this is really the only

POLYETHYLENE LIQUID STORAGE TANKS

IDEA FO L WAT R TRANS ER A P ND E ORTING ART EME RGE HQUAK NCY E

www.wilsonplastics.co.nz

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

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

EARTHQUAKE

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

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL FARM OR IRRIGATION STOCKIST

PHONE

06 357 8562

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

NEWS 5

Vaccination critical – MPI boss PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

VACCINATION AGAINST Covid-19 is absolutely critical to the success of whole primary sector. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith told Rural News that he’s encouraging every business in the primary sector to get their people vaccinated and have strong supporting policies

“I think we could go further to try and develop inhibitors; a vaccine will be a bit further out and there will be a range of farm management practice changes that can help us along the way.”

around this. “It underpins our mobility as individuals and for firms to prosper without having sick-

ness,” he says. “My own organisation with 4,000 staff has a 97% vaccination rate and now, unless you have been vaccinated,

LABOUR PAINS ANOTHER ISSUE that MPI will be focused on in 2022 is the labour shortages in the sector. Smith says the market is very competitive and MPI is promoting its ‘Opportunity Grows Here’ programme and going out to all New Zealanders to let them know about the type of jobs available in the primary sector, and where those opportunities exist. He claims that so far 8,000 people have found their way to work in the sector by accessing the ‘Opportunity Grows Here’ website. “There is no doubt that the labour market is very challenging,” Smith told Rural News. “In the past, employers have been able to rely on people such as backpackers just walking up to the front gate asking for a job. But now employers have to be much more planned and deliberate about finding labour sources. It’s not easy but you can do it.” Smith says the orchard that he visited

in Cromwell a few weeks ago was a good example of a family run business that was well planned and had got their labour sorted fine. Meanwhile, he says all those involved in the primary sector should feel very proud of their achievements since Covid arrived two years ago. He says they have done a great job generating wealth for all Kiwis. Smith believes the future outlook is also good with consumers being prepared to pay high prices for our products. “We have got great market access around the world and we have got products that are underpinned by strong biosecurity and food safety systems,” he adds. “The challenges are around global logistics, the cost of freight and the reliability of freight. There will be various pressure points. But overall, there is strong demand for NZ products in a world that is after more protein – so we are in a very positive place.”

N W O D L I NA R A E G R U YO on getting th Don’t miss out g e a r yo u n e e d .

R SPRING

ORDER NOW FO

MPI director general Ray Smith is encouraging every business in the primary sector to get their people vaccinated.

you can’t come into work here.” Smith admits one of the big challenges for MPI in 2022 will be bedding in the environmental changes, which he claims are needed to improve NZ’s sustainability and farming practices. He says the country is starting in a good place but it has more to do. Smith adds that MPI

will also be looking hard at climate related issues and how to address that methane gas issue from our livestock production. Smith and all sector business leaders will be meeting to try and figure out how they can address that issue, he says. “It’s a big one for the sector and we are all committed to do it, and [to] solving those sustainability

e specification Ensure you get th on new gear package you need order now for by securing your spring delivery.

CK AGES FINANCE PA OM FR AVAIL ABLE *

issues, as they will underpin the future of NZ’s primary sector.” Smith believes the world will look at trade through a lens of greenhouse gas emissions, and governments and consumers will want to want to buy goods that have a lower carbon footprint. He says the challenge for the primary sector is to rise to that and get ahead

JCB LOADALL

CLAAS VOLTO TEDDER

For your local dealer go to: claasharvestcentre.com | 0800 4 CLAAS 0800 4 2 5 2 2 7 *Terms and conditions apply.

CLAAS JAGUAR

of the rest of market. “We can do that as we have a great investment in the Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Centre,” Smith claims. “I think we could go further to try and develop inhibitors; a vaccine will be a bit further out and there will be a range of farm management practice changes that can help us along the way,” he says

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

6 NEWS

How long will the good times last? contained in MPI’s Situation and Outlook (SOPI) report on the primary sector, released at the end of last year. The SOPI report shows that by June this year the primary sector’s earning will hit $50.8 billion – an increase of 6% on the previous year. It will be the first time the sector has cracked the $50 billion mark.

PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE AMBITIOUS goals of each of the primary sectors have come together in the past year to produce an outstanding result. That’s how Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is describing the latest predictions

O’Connor told Rural News it shows the tremendous effort the food and fibre sector has done to meet the demand for NZ products – despite the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up. “Everyone, MPI and the thousands of dedicated people in the sector who have worked long

hours and been incredibly innovative, have made this happen,” he says. “They have navigated the challenges of Covid and got on with the job. It’s an amazing achievement.” The big mover in terms of export returns is dairy – predicted to be up almost $2 billion on the previous year to $20.9 billion. Meat and wool also scores highly, up 6% to just on $11 billion, forestry is up by 3% and horticulture up 5.1% to $6.9 billion. Horticulture is expected to eclipse the $7 billion dollar mark in 2023, due mainly to the ongoing rise of kiwifruit. However, the other sectors are predicted to drop

Channel 81

The SOPI report shows that by June this year the primary sector’s earning will hit $50.8 billion.

the economic recovery in our major trading partners. It says while the outlook is still positive, it warns that China – a major home for our exports – is losing eco-

slightly in 2023 or remain static. While the numbers for 2022 look good, there are warnings in the report that NZ’s export growth is heavily dependent on

UNCERTAINTY THE ONLY CERTAINTY!

PRO BULL AUSTRALIA PREMIERES EVERY SUNDAY @ 8.30PM The PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) Monster Energy Tour is bringing the greatest rivalry in Australian sport. This is a competition of state vs state, mate vs mate, in the biggest bull riding competition of the year. It is the ultimate battle for bragging rights and the toughest 8 seconds in sports.

*Conditions apply. Only available to SKY direct customers with at least SKY Starter and a SKY box in the home. Country TV costs $18.40 per month in addition to your standard monthly subscription and is subject to SKY’s standard terms and conditions. Prices are correct as of 1 October 2021, are payable in advance and subject to change. For full terms and conditions visit countrytv.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/.

DAMIEN O’CONNOR says people want certainty, which is crucial in businesses. However, he admits it’s actually hard to offer and says people have to adapt and adjust systems to cope with supply chain and labour shortages. O’Connor says NZ has done really well in terms of production on farm and through its processing systems. At the launch of the SOPI report late last year, O’Connor said NZ needs to be aware of the demands of consumers and buyers of our products, who he claims are requiring foods that are genuinely sustainably produced and meet a host of environmental standards – including commitments to climate change and a

reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. He says he got this message loud and clear from the TESCO supermarket chain in the UK recently. O’Connor also called on the primary sector to do all it can to attract the smartest and most motivated people to join the profession of food production. “The problem is they don’t know enough about us and that’s our job to get on and do it,” he added. “The sectors need to get out and explain who they are, what they do and what the jobs might entail. There is a gap in understanding and if we can fill that gap, we will attract the best and brightest into the sector.”

nomic momentum. The report also signals the uncertainty of supply chains with backlogs in major overseas ports, such as Los Angeles and Long Beach in the USA, and also the congestion at the NZ ports of Tauranga and Auckland. It also notes the huge rise in shipping freight rates. O’Connor concedes that logistics remains a major issue for the sector. “It’s a nightmare and is not going to go away,” he says. “This is a global challenge and we are trying to work together. There are new ships being built; we need to make sure the ports are operating efficiently.” O’Connor adds that there is cooperation between countries and also within countries, including NZ, to get through this.

The tried and true management aid; ram harnesses used at tupping is cheap insurance to check ewes are cycling and rams are working. With harnessed rams, mated ewes can be taken off high quality “flushing” feed and onto maintenance rations. They can also be used to

NEW

NO MATE Teaser Harnesses are for use with MATINGMARK Harnesses to physically prevent mating. Rams can be temporarily made into teasers before being used for mating. Save on the cost of vasectomies and feed, and get the benefits of earlier and/or condensed lambing and higher lambing percentage*.

identify non-pregnant ewes and enable ewes to be split into lambing groups for savings in pasture/ feed costs and improved lambing management.

*As shown by Vet Services Hawkes Bay trial work.

Insist on the World’s Best! Available from

View the NOMATE and MATINGMARK videos all leading vet/farm supply stores on the Rurtec youtube channel for more info

View the “NO MATE” and “MATINGMARK Harness” Insist theinfo, World’s Best!how Available videos for on more including to fit from all leading

vet/farm stores and at the Rurtec.com webstore

The tried and true management aid; ram harnesses RURTEC.COM RURTEC.COM used at tupping is cheap insurance to check 0800 RURTEC

0800are RURTEC ewes cycling and rams are working. With harnessed rams, mated ewes can be taken

off high quality “flushing” feed and onto

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

NEWS 7

Hort heads for new heights PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

PRETTY IMPRESSIVE – that’s how Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor describes MPI’s latest prediction that horticulture exports will hit the record $7 billion mark in 2023. IN ITS Situation and Outlook report on the primary sector, published late last year, MPI stated that hort exports for 2022

the overall hort sector. MPI is forecasting a 13% increase in production for the 2021/22 season, which will see 184 million trays produced. Gold kiwifruit production is expected to rise by 15% this season and next season MPI says red kiwifruit will make a greater contribution. The net result of this is that kiwifruit exports will reach $2.9 billion this season and hit $3 billion in 2023.

“They do an extraordinary job in terms of marketing and connecting to the consumers and that is a lesson for other producers. The development of the new red variety is also an exciting opportunity.” would be up by 5% on last year and go up a further 4% the following year to reach $7.5 billion. The report attributes much of this growth to increased plantings of kiwifruit and apples coming on stream, plus continued consumer demand in overseas markets for quality fresh fruit. However, it does cite warning signs that there will be lower prices for avocados in the coming year and that the grape harvest will be down. Export returns from wine will be modest over the coming two years and socalled ‘other’ fresh fruit exports, which includes avocados, cherries and blueberries will drop over the next couple of years. MPI says volumes from the apple sector were better than originally forecast – although export earnings were $831 million to 31 December, which is 10% down on the previous year. A significant hail event in NelsonTasman, small fruit size and labour shortages all contributed to the drop. However, export returns for 2023 are expected to be just over the $1 billion dollar mark. Not surprisingly, kiwifruit exports form the backbone of increases in

O’Connor has praised Zespri for the growth it has generated in the industry, saying it has introduced new varieties and worked hard to overcome the logistical disruptions of getting fruit to market. “They do an extraordinary job in terms of marketing and connecting to the consumers and that is a lesson for other producers,” he told Rural News. “The development of the new red variety is also an exciting opportunity.” He says another lesson for other sectors is the way the kiwifruit sector – particularly Zespri – collaborate in the science area. He points to their work with Plant and Food Research and the new plant breeding joint venture. “I think collaboration is crucial and we have to do better to align our capability to make sure that our CRIs are working together,” he says. According to O’Connor, the Government has made a significant investment in a new quarantine facility, which will allow NZ to bring in new varieties of plants. “There is lot going on in that space but I don’t think we can rest on our laurels as the world is a

very competitive place,” he adds. “People are looking at NZ, seeing its success and trying to replicate that so we have got to be ahead of the

market.” O’Connor point out that gold kiwifruit is grown in many other countries, but the Zespri brand attracts a premium.

Impressive is how Damien O’Connor describes MPI’s latest prediction that horticulture exports will hit the record $7 billion mark in 2023.

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

8 NEWS

Young farmer outstanding in her field Katie Watson reckons she has always been a bit of an animal mad person. Sharon Cain reports. GROWING UP on a lifestyle property at Otorohanga with pet lambs, calves and goats and spending time on the family farm in the school holidays, has given her a great love for farming and the outdoors. Watson’s first on farm working experience came in 2011 at the age of 15. She was in year 11 at school and while her friends were getting parttime jobs in cafes and

supermarkets, being quite shy she was freaked out at the thought of working with people. With the help from her livestock agent Dad, Owen, she got a job with a nearby dairy farmer who taught her how to milk cows. During her last year of school, Watson did not have a clue what she wanted to do for a career. Following a discussion with a career advisor, she chose to study an Agri-

1990

S DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED IN NEW ZEALAND

2020

S NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE FARM BIKE

cultural Science degree at Lincoln University. For the next four years, she surrounded herself with like-minded people who had the same interests. In the second year of her degree, her mum, Jo, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given 6-12 months to live. “It was probably the darkest time of my life,” she says “There was a point where I thought should I give up my

degree and come home. But mum was very encouraging and said: ‘you keep on with university and do not worry about me.’ She loved farming and was an incredible woman.” During the summer breaks, Watson worked at Waitoru Station, a dry stock property at Piopio. She fell in love with the place and got on well with the people there. After completing her

Katie Watson reckons after she comes home from a day on the farm, she feels like she has achieved something. PHOTO: SUE MCKEE.

2000

2010

S NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE FARM BIKE

2021 NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE FARM BIKE

WITH A FREE CHAINSAW

THE EVOLUTION OF NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE FARM BIKE SUZUKI DR200SE

$5,750

+GST

www.suzuki.co.nz T&C's: Promotion available between 1/2/22 to 30/4/22 on new DR200SE, through participating Suzuki dealers while stocks last. Price excludes GST. Free Husqvarna 120 Mark II chainsaw is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and valued at $319. Offer is not in conjunction with any other offer.

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

NEWS 9

On the Fence right now ?

“A lot of people now are commenting on how well I am doing which is amazing and such a relief.” degree, and still not 100% sure what she wanted to do next, Watson was fortunate to be offered a job back at Waitoru while she figured out what she wanted to do. Her initial thoughts were that she would not be able to farm and accepted an administration position at Te Awamutu Farm Source, where she worked for the next nine months. However, missing the outdoors and while visiting friends at Waitoru Station, she got offered the opportunity to go back and be a part of the team. In May 2020, aged 24, the opportunity came for her to take over the lease of a 225 hectare farm at Piopio, which has been in the Watson family for five generations. She never thought she would be on the farm so soon and thought she’d come back to the family farm after gaining more experience. “It was terrifying and stressful at the time and there were a lot of people who doubted me. I was probably one of the biggest doubters of them all.” The farm carries 300 dairy grazers from May to May, along with Wat-

son’s own stock including 120 beefies, 650 breeding ewes and 908 lambs this year. She knew the first year would be quite hard with lots learning but believes she has learned a lot and is doing quite well. Being by herself, she does not have the pressure of people watching and waiting for her and is able to figure things out in her own time. “My neighbour, Jess, is great and whenever I have any questions or if I am unsure about something on the farm, I can call her. I am also fortunate that Waitoru Station is just five minutes down the road and my old boss, Colin, checks in from time to time,” Watson explains. “A lot of people now are commenting on how well I am doing which is amazing and such a relief.” She is proud of what she is achieving and says it is very satisfying seeing the results of healthy stock doing so well. “When I come home from a day on the farm, I feel like I have achieved something, whether it be drenching or drafting some animals, I feel like I am making a difference.

Even just moving animals, I am feeding them and it is essential and important.” When Watson is not working on the farm, horse riding takes up most of her spare time. She enjoys playing squash in the winter and is Treasurer of the North King Country Young Farmers. She says she’s extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity. “It is very difficult to find a lease farm as it is so expensive and with drystock property, it is almost impossible to own land unless it is in your family.” Watson says she was fortunate to have a great relationship with her former boss who helped get her set up and work mates, Christin and Megan who helped her find her dogs. Unsure of what the future holds, Watson appreciates where she is currently. “Obviously, I have skipped a few steps. Even though I am young and should have come in with more experience, I seem to be pulling it off all right and I am loving where I am at the moment.”

Boehringer Ingelheim and your vet are providing drench options to have your stock looking good again this season. And we’ll help you look good as well with the latest Degree shirts. Purchase qualifying Boehringer Ingelheim sheep drench products for your stock this season and you’ll receive a FREE * Degree Horizon Shirt.

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

futureproducers.co.nz PROUDLY AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTICIPATING VETERINARY CLINIC. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Zealand Limited. Level 3, 2 Osterley Way, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand. MATRIX®, POLERIZE®, TRIMOX®, are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997. No’s A009970, A009390, A010132, A010734, A011616. © Copyright 2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Zealand Limited. All rights reserved. NZ-OVI-0048-2021. *Promo runs from 1st January to 30th April 2022. Shirts avalible in Black or Navy, While stocks last.

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

10 NEWS

New guide on how to plant for bees PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

A HANDBOOK offering practical guidance on how to plant strategically to feed bees is now available free to New Zealand farmers. The handbook – produced by the NZ Trees for Bees Research Trust, with significant financial support from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other funders – is designed to help farmers incorporate species of plants into

their on-farm planting for biodiversity that support bees. Dr Angus McPherson, Trees for Bees farm planting adviser and trustee, says bees all around the world are facing a number of threats – including pests, disease and pesticides. He says the best weapon against these threats is to provide bees with a steady supply of forage to help them stay healthy and strong. “That includes ensuring a wide range of flowering plants in spring

and autumn when bees are most at risk of pollen and nectar shortages. The beauty of our approach is that farmers don’t need to set aside land specially for this planting,” he says. McPherson says the handbook shows farmers how to incorporate a low-maintenance bee forage planting plan into plantings they’re already establishing, to increase production and improve their farmland. The handbook covers ten different types of plantations: riparian pro-

Email: info@hecton.co.nz Visit our website www.hecton.co.nz for a full list of products CALL IN & SEE US | 73 PRESTON STREET INVERCARGILL PHONE: 03 215 8558

SHEEP HANDLER AND LEAD UP RACE Providing bees with a steady supply of forage will help them stay healthy and strong.

• Fastest handler on the market • Ideal for dagging, crutching & foot trimming

CRUTCHING TRAILER Hecton Contractors – Tandem covered crutching trailer

tection; land stabilisation; shelterbelts; paddock shade and shelter; native bush biodiversity; roads, avenues and laneways; amenity; edible plantations; apiaries and beekeeper yards; and mānuka plantations. Each plantation type is described with examples, illustrations, advice and plant lists. “We aim to help build more resilient and sus-

AQUA TANKS PROVIDES ALL YOUR WATER STORAGE SOLUTIONS PHONE: 0800 370 007 | EMAIL: tcs@aquatanks.co.nz

WEBSITE: www.aquatanks.co.nz

tainable farms by taking the best possible care of our star performer – the honeybee. “The handbook’s principles and guidelines can be adapted to any type of farm, from pastoral to arable and horticultural farms.” McPherson says the same principles can also be applied when deciding what to plant in public parks, on lifestyle blocks

and in home gardens.” Steve Penno, MPI’s director of investment programmes, says honeybee health is crucial because bees are the foundation of agricultural production in the New Zealand economy. “Planting essential bee forage as part of farm management will ensure a viable and sustainable future for our bees, beekeepers, and farmers,” he

says.” Since 2011, Trees for Bees has planted over 75,000 bee forage plants in 32 demonstration farms throughout New Zealand. The Handbook for Planting Trees for Bees on Farms is available as a free PDF on the Trees for Bees website at treesforbeesnz.org/handbook. Limited softcover print copies are also available.

ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT Certiﬁed AS/NZS1546.1 2008 & AS/NZS 1547:2012 PHONE: 021 654 717 | EMAIL: sam@biorock.co.nz

WEBSITE: www.biorock.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

NEWS 11

Rising costs cutting into farm profits SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FARM COSTS are rising rapidly and farmers are being urged to manage cows, staff and finance efficiently to stay profitable. A record forecast milk price is helping buffer rising input costs, but DairyNZ warns that high cost pressures are expected to continue for at least the next couple of years. Last month, Statistics

since August 2020, due to greater global demand for nitrogen. FAO figures suggest nitrogen use has only increased by 1.33% since 2020, but higher seasonal demand, coupled with international supply issues, have pushed up urea prices globally. “In New Zealand, China is our largest supplier of urea for fertiliser and there is huge competition with other industries for shipping containers,” Doole says.

“The current economic climate is unique and reflects a combination of forces that seldom come together.” New Zealand released its latest farm expense price index. It showed large inflation costs for farmers over the past two years. Four key farming costs have experienced inflation of more than 10% between 2019 and 2021. These include fertiliser with a 15.9% increase; cultivation, harvesting and animal feed with an 18.9% increase; electricity with a 21% increase; and stock grazing costs which are 36.9% higher this year than they were in 2019. “The current economic climate is unique and reflects a combination of forces that seldom come together,” says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle. “International demand for food, especially dairy products, remains strong, but poor production and high input prices worldwide have limited supply. This means world food prices are currently around a third higher than the same time last year.” DairyNZ principal economist Dr Graeme Doole says shipping prices, on average, are around 600% higher than two years ago due to port delays and closures related to Covid-19. The prices of ocean freight out of Asia have grown substantially, increasing by 15 times between March and August last year. Urea prices alone have jumped by 67%

“China has also tightened exports of urea to assure supplies in its domestic market, so this is having a real impact on international markets, and of course our dairy farmers are also grappling with those extra costs.” Domestic PKE prices are currently at their highest since the start of 2020 at $391 per tonne. New Zealand is also seeing higher fuel prices due to less crude oil production and exports. Doole says New Zealand can expect to see strong global demand and a high price for farming inputs, especially feed and fertiliser, for some time. “While the payout may fall in the near to midterm compared to where forecasts are now, it will likely stay above its longterm average of $6.50 next season,” he adds. Only two farm cost categories have deflated since 2019, these are lime, down 4.5%, and interest rates down 13.4%. Lower interest rates between June 2019 and November 2021, coupled with higher payouts, have helped to reduce debt in the dairy sector by $3.58 billion. However, business lending interest rates are starting to increase as the Reserve Bank seeks to control inflation across the economy, making debt more expensive to issue. Farmers will start facing more scrutiny from

banks over the next few years as environmental policies start to affect profitability and banks introduce tighter lending criteria to meet new legislative requirements. “While we do have

challenges ahead, efficiency is the low hanging fruit, and we know that at least 50% of farmers can produce the same amount of milk with fewer inputs like feed, nitrogen and fertiliser,” he says.

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says the current global economic climate is unique.

6,490

EX GST RIDE AWAY

10,990

EX GST RIDE AWAY

15,490

EX GST RIDE AWAY

*Shown with optional roof cage, light bar & half windscreen.

CFMOTO NORTH

Andys Moto Services, Waiuku (027) 944 5442 Brown Brothers Bikes, Whanganui (027) 572 7696 Country Engineering, Tauranga (07) 552 0071 Country Machinery, Sanson (06) 825 6400 Dr Moto, Tauranga (07) 578 9902 DP Williams, Gisborne (06) 863 2612 Gatmans Mowers, Silverdale (09) 426 5612 Hamilton Motorcycle Centre, Hamilton (07) 849 1919 JC Motorcycles, Waitara (06) 754 6420 Maungaturoto Motorcycles, Maungaturoto (09) 431 8555

CFMOTO SOUTH ISLAND Ag & Auto Direct, Balclutha (03) 418 0555 Dan’s Motor Centre, Geraldine (03) 693 8536 Diesel Tech Machinery, Methven (03) 302 8946 Franks Motorcycles. Mataura (03) 203 7309

Motorcycle HQ, Pahiatua (06) 376 7163 Northland Powersports, Whangarei (09) 437 5451 Outdoor Power, Hastings (06) 878 2369 Peninsula Motorcycles, Thames (07) 868 6104 Powerhead Motorcycles, Manurewa (09) 297 7145 RevTech Powersports, Stratford (06) 765 7712 Rob Titter Farm Services, Kaikohe (09) 401 1774 Rouse Motorcycles, Hikurangi (09) 4338 471 Tahuna Motorcycles & Atvs, Tahuna (07) 887 5790

CFMOTO FINANCE AVAILABLE FROM

47.18

PER WEEK

Ian Day Lifestyles, Alexandra (03) 448 9007 Marlborough Motorcycles, Blenheim (03) 579 2500 Remarkable Motorcycles, Queenstown (03) 441 4653 Vallance Machinery, Fernside (03) 313 6465

* Ride away prices quoted exclude GST. See www.cfmoto.co.nz for more information. Any promotions are not to be used

in conjunction with any other offer. The weekly amount of $47.18 is based on purchase price of CFMOTO CFORCE 400 for $7463.50 including GST. This is calculated on a four (4) year term plus a $95 booking fee plus interest costs calculated at a rate of 12.50% per annum. Normal lending criteria apply. Offer valid until 31st January 2022.

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

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

12 NEWS

Maori punching above their weight PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

MEKA WHAITIRI says Māori agribusiness is yet to realise its full potential. The Associate Agriculture Minister told Rural News there’s Māoriowned land that is still underutilised. However, she believes there are significant opportunities for Māori to be an even more significant contributor to the NZ economy. Her comments come in the wake of a special section on Māori contribution to the economy contained in the latest

Quinn Morgan winner of the 2021 Young Māori Dairy farmer of the year is an example of the success Māori are having in the agri sector. He is seen here with his wife Samantha at the presentation of the award last year.

SHEEP JETTER

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

7685

$ Innovative Agriculture Equipment

Serving NZ Farmers since 1962

+ GST

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

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

TOTALLY GAME CHANGING

MPI Situation and Outlook (SOPI) report on the primary sector. The report notes the asset base of Māori in agriculture, forestry and fishing is $23.4 billion. Sheep and beef is the largest contributor at $8.6b, with dairy at $4.9b, forestry and $4.3b and fishing at $2.9b. Kiwifruit is $0.7b and other horticulture at $0.5b. Other points of interest in the report include the fact that Māori agribusiness contributes $2.4b to NZ’s GDP and that 32% of all Māori businesses are in the primary industries space. It also reveals that 22,500 Māori work in agriculture, forestry and fishing. The report describes Māori as being significant participants in the primary industry, as landowners, asset holders, innovators and leaders. It says Māori agribusiness is also increasingly recognised for the leadership it provides around the issue of sustainability. In a global context, the report says that Māoriproduced goods are underpinned by strong cultural and environmental values and, as such, are highly regarded by consumers. The report goes on to say that a characteristic of Māori businesses is that they have lower debt and higher profit levels. It also states that these iwiowned businesses provide good employment opportunities for whanau and are key drivers in regional economic development.

Whaitiri says Māori agribusiness is growing at an exponential rate. She also claims that many of the ‘wiser’ sector leaders recognise the role that Māori is playing in the agri space and in her travels around the country she is seeing some very positive signs. “I am encouraged by the willingness of people to collaborate with the Māori agribusiness sector. To see the Māori land blocks that are combining their capabilities and exploring other uses of their land. For example, Ngai Tahu leaning towards more regenerative agriculture and other places up north looking at doing the same,” Whaitiri told Rural News. “Wherever I go, iwi and Māori landowners are looking to not only make getting greater use out of their lands but also make to more sustainable use and that is leading to healthier balance sheets at the end of the day.” Whaitiri says people tend to forget that Māori have been operating in the agri space for a very long time. She says Māori have a formidable record as innovators and traders. “There are stories of many iwi owning schooners to trade not only within NZ but also Australia – so we have got that in our DNA. There are some learnings that Māori have that will benefit all New Zealanders. I want to put my efforts into showing what is good for Māori is good for all,” she says.

TAKING POWER, STRENGTH AND CONTROL TO THE NEXT LEVEL - 225 HORSEPOWER - NATURALLY ASPIRATED 2.0 LITRE ENGINE - FOUR CYLINDER DOHC INLINE - 74” STANCE - 32” TYRES

EXPLORE PRO R

SEE YOUR POLARIS DEALER FOR PRE-ORDER DETAILS TODAY! www.polarisnewzealand.com |

/PolarisNZ |

/polarisorv_nz

Protecting your ewes against abortion storms takes two vaccines.

CONTROL THE RISK OF TOXOPLASMA

CONTROL THE RISK OF CAMPYLOBACTER

Toxoplasma and Campylobacter are widespread on New Zealand farms1. These diseases can cause abortion storms with losses up to 30%, or more, of lambs2,3. Preventing them takes two vaccines. Maiden ewes require 1 dose of Toxovax® and 2 doses of Campyvax®4 ahead of mating. Mixed age ewes require an annual booster of Campyvax4 prior to mating. Protect against abortion storms, and improve flock performance.

ORDER TOXOVAX AND CAMPYVAX4 FROM YOUR VET TODAY. AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ACVM No’s: A4769, A9535. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz NZ-CVX-211100003 ©2021 Intervet International B.V. All Rights Reserved. 1. Dempster et al (2011), NZ Veterinary Journal , 59:4 155-159. 2. Wilkins et al (1992) Surveillance, 19:4, 20-23. 3. Sahin et al (2017) The Annual Review of Animal Biosciences. 5: 9.1-9.22

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

14 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

Not just hot air! OVER THE next couple of months, farmers will be invited to have their say on He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) – the agreement between the Government and primary sector to tackle farm emissions – which could well be the most important thing they do in 2022. Late last year, the sponsors of HWEN – DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers – released two options for pricing farm emissions. These will be taken out to farmers next month. The two options are either an ‘at the farm levy’ or a ‘processor/hybrid levy’. As explained by Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, over on the next page (page 15), agriculture is already slated to join the ETS. However, the sector has been given 100% free allocation up until 2025. After that, it will be included at 95%, decreasing 1% per year until 2030 and then be entirely included by 2050. The only alternative to this is what has been proposed through HWEN. If the industry can agree on a system that encourages a reduction in farm emissions (methane, nitrous oxide and carbon), the Government says it will consider it. However, if there is no agreement, then the backstop is the Government fully including agriculture in the ETS. That will be costly. The ETS is linked to the carbon price determined by other sectors of the economy, which is already starting to soar. So just how will farmers react to HWEN and its proposals to tackle looming carbon emissions regulation and targets for the agricultural sector? Already the likes of Greenpeace, Forest and Bird and Green Party activists (many of whom are the very same people) are already labelling HWEN too weak and claiming that it lets the farm sector ‘off the hook’. That’s absolute rubbish. But this is what the industry is up against; puritanical climate zealots who falsely believe that destroying agriculture will save the planet. Industry leaders take plenty of stick, but advocating for the split-gas approach (treating methane separately to long-lived gases) and the opportunity to develop a sector solution via HWEN is not all bad in today’s political climate. The consultation process over this is not hot air – it is vital. Ensure you take part, listen to all the options, then have your say!

RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Phone 09-307 0399 PUBLISHER: Brian Hight ......................................... Ph 09 307 0399 GENERAL MANAGER: Adam Fricker ....................................... Ph 021-842 226 CONSULTING EDITOR: David Anderson .................................. Ph 09 307 0399 davida@ruralnews.co.nz

“Shut the gate!”

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

THE HOUND That Guy!

Do the maths!

DJ friends?

Your old mate had a bit of giggle at current Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor’s effusive praise of the primary sector, when releasing the latest MPI SOPI report late last year. O’Connor couldn’t get in fast enough to welcome MPI’s predictions that the country’s primary sector would earn NZ more than $50 billion in export earnings by June 2022. He even went on to say this figure would grow even more in the years ahead as NZ farmers and growers kept producing the very products the world wants. Funny thing is that this is the same Damien O’Connor who poured scorn on his predecessor Nathan Guy when the former ag minister outlined his goal for the primary sector to double the value of its 2012 export figures of $32 billion to $64 billion by 2025. It seems Guy’s 2025 target may not be as fanciful as O’Connor claimed at the time!

The Hound sees Greenpeace is still demanding the demise of farming in this country. It’s now calling on the NZ Government to follow its Dutch counterpart and cull our country’s livestock numbers by one third. Greenpeace claims it would ‘only’ cost $12 billion to buy out what it describes as ‘industrial’ dairy farms. This comes hot on the heels of a recent MPI report showing that the dairy and sheep & beef sectors alone will earn NZ well in excess of $30 billion next year. So, going by this old mutt’s back of the envelope calculation, Greenpeace’s dream of killing 33% of NZ’s livestock would cost a mere $22 billion in year 1 – in actual costs plus the lost export earnings – and at least $10 billion (and growing) every year after that! How do these masterminds expect the country to pay its $100 billion of debt without every possible dollar of export revenue coming from our farming sector?

Your canine crusader wants to know just what drugs the politicians and bureaucrats are on in Wellington. The reason for asking this is that team Jacinda and her half-baked bureaucrats have allowed in 564 ‘entertainers’ to enter NZ on the basis they are essential workers. Really? Yet they have only managed to allow in 15 – yes, 15 – overseas halal slaughtermen to service the meat export sector – the heart of our export economy. It seems under team Jacinda, ‘entertainers’ are more essential than doctors, nurses, vets and other people who service the health and primary sector. The present system has the making of a pantomime, which would be funny if the whole issue wasn’t so serious. Maybe if Jacinda had a few friends in the meat, dairy, shearing, veterinary and ag contracting sector – rather than DJs and entertainers – things might be different!

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

Woof, woof! This old mutt has been pointing out forever just what a dog with fleas – as both a business model and a return on capital investment – state farmer Landcorp is. This has again been evidenced by a review carried out last March by James Morrison Consulting – and sneakily released over the Xmas break following an OIA request. The damning review criticises Landcorp’s failure to meet financial forecasts, its high corporate costs and its investments in unprofitable off-farm ventures. “Landcorp should be seeking excellence in pastoral farming,” the report states. “However, the evidence indicates that Landcorp is not an excellent farmer yet.” Ouch! As the Hound has said many time before in regard to the state farmer and its continuing poor performance, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then chances are it is actually a duck!

AUCKLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Stephen Pollard .......................... Ph 021 963 166 stephenp@ruralnews.co.nz

WELLINGTON SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Ron Mackay ................................. Ph 021 453 914 ronm@ruralnews.co.nz

WAIKATO SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa Wise .................................. Ph 027 369 9218 lisaw@ruralnews.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Kaye Sutherland ....................... Ph 021 221 1994 kayes@ruralnews.co.nz

ABC audited circulation 79,553 as at 31/03/2019

DIGITAL STRATEGIST: Jessica Marshall ................ Ph 021 0232 6446

Rural News is published by Rural News Group Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of staff, management or directors of Rural News Group Ltd.

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

OPINION 15

Time to do the math! CONFUSION ABOUNDS in the discussion about agricultural greenhouse gases (GHG) and misinformation is rife. Well-meaning people are muddling metrics, targets, reporting, science and policy. The result is that a conversation about a particular component becomes a conclusion about another. The outcome could be extremely detrimental for the agricultural community. What is at stake is the way we are taxed for biogenic emissions – the emissions to do with animals. Fuel use is already taxed through the emissions trading scheme (ETS). Fertiliser will be brought in. What is sometimes overlooked is that agriculture is already in the ETS but has been given 100% free allocation until 2025. After that, we will be included at 95%, decreasing 1% a year until 2030, and by 2050 we will be entirely included. The ETS is linked to the carbon price determined by demand for NZU’s from other sectors of the economy. This means costs for farmers will continue to increase each year despite progress made towards agriculture reduction targets. Estimating what might happen by 2050 is not easy, statements that agriculture would be better off in the ETS than any alternative are difficult to understand. The alternative is what agriculture has been offered through what is now known as He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN). If the industry can agree on a system that will encourage a reduction in methane, be equitable across different sectors and allow businesses to be financially viable, the Government will consider it. What is already in law is the fall back of the ETS. Also in law, but not part of the ETS, is the split-gas approach which allows short-lived (methane) and long-lived gases (carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides) to have separate targets and be reported separately. The split gas approach was the result of consid-

The ETS is linked to the carbon price determined by demand for NZU’s from other sectors of the economy.

COMMENT

Jacqueline Rowarth erable work from levy bodies and Federated Farmers. Similarly, acceptance of a target of 10% reduction by 2030 was a claw back from what might have been imposed. The agreement allowed time for more research and included government re-assessments of progress at regular intervals through the Climate Change Commission. Anybody making statements about ‘giving in’ and ‘not fighting hard enough’ doesn’t understand the alternative. Another muddle in the discussion is the metric for reporting. The Zero Carbon Act stipulates that the GHG budgets have to be reported in GWP100. This is in line with the global agreement. Countries can choose to report gases in other ways as well, but GWP100 is the global standard for the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The ETS is based on the quantity of carbon dioxide equivalents produced in GWP100. There is increasing global interest in the GWP* metric but the calculation requires a time series and GWP* isn’t suitable where the time series fluctuate – where animal numbers change, for instance. This means that it isn’t yet appropriate for farm-scale reporting; more research and development is necessary. The split-gas approach renders debate about metric unnecessary because the reporting and targets are different for different gases. The real argument for farmers should be on the economics. What would the ETS mean for your business? If you ‘know your number’ (the GHG in carbon dioxide equivalents for your farm), you can multiply it by the current carbon price ($68.50

per unit at the end of 2021). When you’ve recovered, you can consider the alternative being

proposed by the industry bodies. The HWEN proposal enables methane

to be treated differently and allows more offsets through trees and riparian planting than the ETS. It means money collected can be invested for R&D or used as rewards to encourage further reduction in methane. And it is under industry control.

Exactly how it could work is the focus of discussions in the consultative process where feedback is incorporated, and more calculations are done. Check the websites of the industry bodies for workshop dates and for more information. And do the calculations for

your business. Government needs to know the impact. • Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Adjunct Professor Lincoln University, is a farmerelected director of DairyNZ and Ravensdown. The analysis and conclusions above are her own. jsrowarth@gmail.com

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

16 OPINION

China’s energy restrictions will strain supply MARK ROSS

THE GLOBAL market will be caught in the crossfire of China’s measures to reduce its environmental footprint, with ambitious goals to be carbon neutral by 2060.

Although noble in cause, the spin-off will be further price hikes for goods on top of an already strained supply chain. With pressure to meet environmental targets, China had to redefine its

reliance on coal. In 2020, approximately 57% of China’s total energy consumption came from this most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, according to a report commissioned by CropLife Asia. According to reported data,

the country commissioned over three times the 11.9GW of new coalderived energy capacity commissioned in the rest of the world. In September 2020, China announced plans to peak its carbon emis-

Chinese targets to reduce carbon emissions is expected to have wide-ranging impacts on the price and supply of glyphosate.

Nature does her part

when nurture happens first Caring for your crop at key times ensures its future takes care of itself. Exirel® uses clever chemistry to protect fodder brassicas from destructive pests like Diamond back moth, Leaf miner, Cabbage white butterfly and Aphid at the key stages of growth. It’s gentle on key beneficial insects. And a healthier crop can lead to quality stock. So protect your crop with Exirel® and give Mother Nature the head start she needs.

FMC New Zealand Limited Phone: 0800 658 080 www.fmccrop.nz

sions by 2030 and become carbon neutral before 2060. Under the policy, central government sets regional targets for reducing energy consumption, defined by each region’s efficiency and degree of consumption. Any company sourcing from China could be affected by a resulting lack of energy availability. Limitations on production will be supply chain wide, from mining operations to pesticide formulators. A limit on the number of days that many Chinese chemical companies and their raw materials suppliers can manufacture is expected. This will have wide-ranging impacts on the supply and price of goods from its manufacturing plants, and a profound impact on the glyphosate manufacturing locations of Jiangsu, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Anhui and Sichuan – in particular. Companies manufacturing in the East and South of China are expected to face the worst impacts of power shortages. With temporary suspensions of operation, Chinese agrichemical companies are facing shortages of raw materials and electricity supply at the same time. The ongoing lack of power availability will likely increase active ingredient prices and other farm inputs. Higher costs combined with a lack of supply may lead to fewer pest control options being used, causing dire circumstances for pest and disease management. A lack of supplies could see growers lowering application rates to increase the potential treatable areas from every bottle of product. Not using a product according to its label rates can

trigger resistance issues – where certain weeds develop resistance to products – leading to more severe weed and productivity issues. Growers may forgo certain applications in favour of non-chemical methods of pest control (e.g. ploughing in the place of pre-plant herbicides). Ironically, this will increase agricultural emissions, as ploughing releases carbon into the atmosphere and uses more fuel to power the farm machinery. The most favourable solution is to use pest control products, according to label instructions, only when necessary. Farmers and growers can adopt Integrated Pest Management plans such as crop rotation, use of locally adapted or pestresistant/tolerant varieties and manipulating planting/harvest dates to avoid pests. How to avoid supply issues Talking to merchant reps about options to solve pest problems is recommended in case a preferred brand is temporarily in short supply. Reps have a broad knowledge of the suite of alternatives and can recommend products to tackle pests and diseases. Growers should consider the substitute product’s fit with the crop programme and ensure that any alternative products meet processor, exporter or importing country requirements. Planning orders with reps for necessary supplies well ahead of time is also recommended to allow for the delay in supply. Note: Agcarm would like to acknowledge CropLife Asia for contributing to this article. • Mark Ross is chief executive of Agcarm. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

MANAGEMENT 17

Listen to the land DIANA DOBSON

SIR IAN Taylor may be a pioneer in technology and animation, but it is from the past he draws his strength and innovation. A keynote speaker for February’s East Coast Farming Expo, the lad from Raupunga brings a fresh perspective to the effect of Covid on our planet, and how to put our country on track for a sustainable future. Sir Ian’s company Animation Research created platforms that give a realtime, 3D, bird’s eye view of the America’s Cup, among other sports. It is lauded as one of the world’s leading sports graphics companies. During the pandemic, he has constantly pushed the Government on MIQ, their response to Covid

and the future of New Zealand. “We met the challenge of Covid that shut down all of our overseas events by designing a remote studio platform that means we now do all of our sports coverage globally – from our studios here in Dunedin – reducing our carbon footprint from air travel by almost 90%. We approached the pandemic as an opportunity, not a challenge, and it has changed the way we do business globally.” Sir Ian is proud of his Ngāti Kahungunu whakapapa, and while internationally lauded for his work in technology and animation, he is quick to share the credit. He says he’s no businessman and wouldn’t know what an entrepreneur is. But the tale of the tape tells a different story.

He’s connected across so many platforms, but one he is most proud of is Mātauranga, an initiative that encourages children to learn from the past to navigate the future. He struggled to raise the $1 million to produce the Mātauranga platform that would be a free tool for schools across Aotearoa to use, build their own regional stories and share with others. That was until Christchurch businessman Dennis Chapman gave him $500,000. “It wouldn’t have happened without him,” he says. Sir Ian says farmers have a big part to play in NZ’s sustainability story. He worries that not enough people are listening to the land. “Look what happened during Covid – Papatūānuku [mother Earth] is speak-

WHERE & WHEN

WHAT: East Coast Farmin g Expo WHEN: Feb ruary 23-24 , 2 022 WHERE: Wa iroa A&P Sh o w grounds MORE INFO : www.eastco astexpo.co.n z ing to us but we aren’t listening. She showed us what happens when you take cars off the road, planes out of the air, talk to your neighbours… and that as we face the next big challenge of climate change, we need to be working together. “Farmers listen – they are the closest to Papatūānuku in many ways. We are a very clever, technologyfocused country, so we need to encourage farmers to use technology to do the job better.”

LOCK IN YOUR NEW MACHINE Order your machinery and equipment for Spring 2022 and lock in the 2021 price. You’ll also receive up to $10,000 credited to your account* with Norwood’s bonus offer. Check out the catalogue online now norwood.co.nz/indent 0800 66 79 663

*Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

Sir Ian Taylor will be a keynote speaker at February’s East Coast Farming Expo.

He says instead of regulating and forcing farmers to do things, how about delving into how New Zealand could be like it once was as the farming nation of the world. “We should be leading the way. It doesn’t solve the global problem, but for New Zealand the future of farming lies in high value products from a sustainable practice.” Sir Ian will be the keynote speaker on Thursday (February 24) at the Expo.

NORWOOD BONUS OFFER UP TO

10k

CREDITED TO YOUR ACCOUNT*

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

18 ANIMAL HEALTH

Low methane livestock a reality AGRESEARCH SCIENTISTS work to successfully breed low methane emitting sheep has the potential to help all NZ livestock farmers lower their carbon footprint. The ground-breaking research took out the 2021 Supreme Award at the Science New Zealand Awards. Backed by the industry through the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGgRc) and the Government – via the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC) – the AgResearch team spent over a decade working on the science. They were able to identify genetic differences which influences how much methane an individual sheep produces. Methane is a relatively short-lived but

“Research like this is critical for the agriculture sector, which produces almost half of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions and needs practical tools to help achieve a reduction target of 24-47 per cent less methane by 2050.”

AgResearch senior scientist Suzanne Rowe has been heavily involved in the project breeding low methane-producing sheep.

potent greenhouse gas. The AgResearch project has shown that after

three generations the lowest emitting sheep produce close to 13% less

critical for the agriculture sector, which produces almost half of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions and needs practical tools to help achieve a reduction target of 24-47 per cent less methane by 2050,” says AgResearch senior scientist Suzanne Rowe. Judges at the Science New Zealand Awards referenced the major significance of AgResearch’s work within New Zealand and the “tangible contri-

World’s most powerful variable speed clipper is here!

TR ROTOWIPER

Trailing model towed by a 4 wheel bike

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

methane than the highest emitters – per kilogram of feed eaten. While the actual methane reduction on farm is expected be less, when sheep are also bred for other desirable genetic traits, it is still expected to be significant. The lower emitting sheep were also found to be otherwise healthy and productive when it comes to their meat and wool production. “Research like this is

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

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

handypiece

bution to the global issue of our time”. Rowe says the research is being shared with the sheep industry in New Zealand, with researchers globally and is also assisting research into breeding lower methane emitting cattle. The world-first AgResearch achievement also featured engineering innovation in the form of specially designed portable accumulation chambers that can be taken on to farms to measure the methane emissions of individual sheep. Rowe says it has taken well over a decade to reach this point and it has been a long journey by a dedicated team of scientists. “We have worked side by side with sheep breeders and farmers to achieve a practical outcome that can be applied on farms,” she says. “It is a fantastic feeling to know that we have achieved something that will make a difference for the livestock industry, for New Zealand, and the world when it comes to climate change.”

Rowe adds that it was great to have support from funders in PGgRc and NZAGRC, and to work closely with the sheep industry through Beef+Lamb Genetics to share these gains with sheep breeders and farmers. “We think that when this low methane breeding trait is incorporated into New Zealand’s entire sheep flock, the methane reduction could be in the area of 0.5 to 1% annually, which will be significant as it accumulates over time.” PGgRc general manager Mark Aspin described the research as “trail-blazing”, which provided NZ sheep farmers with the opportunity to lower methane in a permanent and cumulative manner “It has opened up the opportunity for all New Zealand livestock industries to follow suit,” he adds. “This is now gaining momentum as the focus shifts to extending the genetic selection across the national sheep flock and to cattle and deer.”

CRAIGCO

Dirty jobs made easy! ■ Ideal for shearing sheep, alpacas, goats and cow tails.

SHEEP JETTERS SENSOR JET

■ Variable speed from 2600-3500 rpm. ■ Latest brushless motor technology means minimal heat build up ■ 1400gms means 100-200gms lighter than standard handpiece. ■ At 2800 rpm the 12-volt lithium battery will crutch up to 300-400 sheep or 400-500 cow tails.

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

■ Tough alloy switch box with auto rest fuse for overload or lockup – clips to belt. MAKE 2022 MORE EFFICIENT

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

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

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

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

06 8356863 - 021 061 1800

www.craigcojetters.com

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

ANIMAL HEALTH 19

No crutching, dags or flies SANDRA TAYLOR

CONTINUING POOR returns for crossbred wool coupled with the emergence of triple drench resistance is driving an increasing number of sheep farmers to consider making the shift to low-input, no-shear Wiltshires. Aside from shearing, the costs of crutching, dagging and flystrike are all eliminated with these shedding sheep. Meanwhile, Wiltshires are said to be more resistant and resilient to internal parasites than their woolly counterparts. Will Pears, stud manager at North Canterbury’s Mt Cass Wiltshire stud, says last year’s inaugural sale exceeded all expectations in terms of price and interest. He is expecting the same at this year’s sale on January 19. Pears says last year more than 100 buyers from around the country competed strongly for both rams and ewes and feedback from purchasers has

Waimate farmer Tim Mehrtens says he has been pleasantly surprised at the Wiltshire’s mothering ability and pre-weaning growth rates.

been overwhelmingly positive. One of those buyers was Waimate farmer Tim Mehrtens. He admits it took a leap of faith in buying Wiltshire ewe lambs and rams at the Mt Cass’s sale but was rewarded with a good lambing percentage and very good pre-

weaning growth rates. Mehrtens, who farms 215ha of rolling hill country, says the shift to Wiltshire genetics was driven by frustration with poor returns for wool. While he has been buying very good composite ewe lambs, in 2020 the difference between shearing costs and the wool cheque left him $3,500 out of pocket. The first crop of pure Wiltshire and Wiltshire cross lambs, born last spring, exceeded expectations. Mehrtens says he was pleasantly surprised at the preweaning growth rates and their mothering ability. Forced to wean early due to limited processing space, he says 220 twin male lambs killed out at 17.5 kgCW and a line of Wiltshire cross lambs averaged 17.7 kgCW. Mehrtens has also noticed that a lot of the first cross lambs have started to shed. “I’m stoked with the results,” he says.

90% COMPLIANCE MPI SAYS its push on NAIT compliance is paying off with almost 90% of livestock farmers meeting their obligations in 2021. However, it is warning against any complacency, despite rates of compliance with the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme continuing to rise. The scheme maintains a national database of cattle and deer movements. “It’s a critical part of New Zealand’s ability to respond quickly to biosecurity threats,” says MPI national manager of animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Gray Harrison. “We take non-compliance seriously because of the potentially devastating effect these threats can have on industry and communities,” he adds. “Up to 2018, only about 60% of tagged animals were being registered before first movement. Since 2019, MPI and OSPRI, which maintains the NAIT database, have renewed efforts to improve compliance, and the compliance rate is up to 90% this year.”

Developed, trialed & proven for over 25 years, choose the NZ made Time Capsule for effective Facial Eczema prevention.

e. be found in each size rang *One golden capsule to ns. ditio Con and s Term See below for full

e found, we’ll also For ever y golden capsul ! to Rural Suppor t Trust*

donate $1,000

ge. be found in each size ran itions. *One golden capsule to for full Terms and Cond ap o.nz/The -Time-C sule e.c ad ritr ag .nz ww //w See https:

The Time Capsule® is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, Nos A6275, A7600, A7763, A7931, A9006, and A10875.

MPI prosecuted 18 people in charge of animals for failing to meet their obligations under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme in 2021. In addition, it issued 1,782 infringements, and 2,372 written warnings. “It’s having the desired effect, but we can’t afford complacency,” Harrison adds. “Our message to people with animals, which come under the NAIT scheme, is that we all need to do our part to protect New Zealand. For our part, we will continue to keep a close eye on NAIT compliance.” Harrison believes amendments to penalties in the NAIT Act, which increased the maximum penalty tenfold to $100,000 in late 2019, sends a strong message – that people need to treat this scheme very seriously. “If you are unsure about what you need to do, please reach out,” he adds. “There is plenty of information, advice and support available. Visit the OSPRI website for details.”

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

20 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Look ma – no hands! MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

ALTHOUGH THIS month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is usually associated with the “geek brigade”, global tractor manufacturer John Deere chose it to launch new technology aimed at farmers and growers. This event saw the release of the JD 8R fully autonomous tractor. The company points out that this is not a concept vehicle, but a fully commercial offering that will be

available to North American customers later in the year. While details are still a little scarce, it seems that a driver is still required to move the tractor to the paddock, but once there, it can be switched to autonomous mode – using JD’s Operations Centre App via a mobile phone or smart device. The tractor is currently limited to operations with a cultivator, but Rural News understands that there more implements suitable for autonomous opera-

tion in the wings. Once positioned in the paddock, the tractor checks its position relative to a Geofence – with a 2.5cm positional accuracy. The system features 360-degree obstacle detection and distance calculations using six pairs of stereo cameras, which deliver a feed to an integral processor. This classifies individual pixels every 100 milliseconds to determine whether the tractor should continue to move or come to a stop if an obstacle is detected. If the trac-

John Deere recently launched its JD 8R fully autonomous tractor at a trade show in Las Vegas.

Preapproval is now a lot easier with online tools that can give a definitive answer within a few minutes.

OUR LATEST FINANCE OFFER GET YOUR ORDER IN EARLY! Term

20% deposit

30% deposit

40% deposit

24 months

3.45%

2.95%

2.45%

36 months

4.45%

3.95%

3.45%

48 months

5.45%

4.95%

4.45%

Preapproval can also be granted by answering a few simple questions over the phone, which makes the process simple and straightforward. Call 06 370 0390 for more information.

Invest in longevity and quality. Invest in the best.

Period finance offer is valid for: 01/01/2022 - 31/05/2022 • Deposit is based on the GST inclusive sum • 3 months deferred payment. • Terms, conditions and lending criteria apply.

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

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

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

0800 JOBE VALVES jobevalves.com

tor is ‘unsure’, it will come to a stop then contact the ‘driver’ via the mobile app for advice and instructions. From the user’s point of view, the tractor can be monitored remotely – with access to a live video feed, images, data and Infometrics. Meanwhile, parameters like working speed and implement operating depth easily adjusted on the move. Key factors such as worked completed, work remaining and current fuel levels are also readily available.

‘PLUG-IN’ POLARIS AS THE 2021 year ended, off-road specialist Polaris released details of its highly anticipated Ranger XP Kinetic. Featuring an entirely new electric powertrain born from Polaris’ partnership with Zero Motorcycles, the new UTV is said to offer industry-leading horsepower and torque, to pull more, haul more, and get more work done. The electric powertrain offers instantaneous torque, so allows precise control when pulling or towing heavy loads. In addition, fewer moving parts deliver lower maintenance costs and more uptime for increased productivity, with the electric powertrain meaning quiet operation around animals and in noise sensitive areas. The Ranger XP Kinetic is available as a 3-seat model and will feature a Premium and Ultimate trim. The Premium trim has a single 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers an estimated range of 70 kilometres. The Ultimate trim has 29.8 kWh of battery capacity and offers an estimated range of 130 kilometres. The Ultimate trim also offers an 18cm infotainment screen powered by Ride Command technology. – Mark Daniel

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

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 21

Power Farming extends offering with JCB Industrial THE POWER Farming Group’s extensive offering has been complemented with the addition of the JCB Industrial product range. From January 1, JCB’s bright yellow and red colour scheme and cutting-edge innovation became available via the Power Farmer network. Its arrival in NZ will allow the rural, construction and industrial sectors to experience the international manufacturer’s latest technologies, backed by support from the Morrinsvilleheadquartered, familyowned business. “The addition of JCB Industrial to our product portfolio allows us to exploit the skills of our retail network that has an extensive footprint throughout New Zealand,” Thomas Campbell, Power Farming NZ chief executive told Rural News. “More importantly, it allows end users to invest in the latest technology

Power Farming is now also offering JCB Industrial product to its extensive machinery range throughout NZ.

of an industry leader, knowing they have the unwavering support of the Power Farming organisation. At the same time, they will see the benefits of working with two companies, both still under family ownership, who understand that the rural, construction and industrial sectors are time critical and never flinch at providing 24/7 support.” Alongside the local support provided by its

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

nationwide retail outlets, Power Farming has also established regional JCB Industrial hubs based in Christchurch and Auckland. The company says the aim is to be a onestop, go-to location for industrial and construction customers within those regions. The hubs will also be the home of dedicated sales, parts and service personnel to support the JCB Industrial range.

Recently appointed South Island sales manager – JCB, James Lundy, based at the Rolleston hub, says the

JCB industrial range has something for everyone. “From a large-scale construction company or developer, the industrial sector, a farmer looking for an excavator, to rural contractors looking to diversify into pond construction or road building – there’s something here to fit the bill,” he adds. The JCB Industrial range offers more than 300 different machines. The backhoe loader was pioneered and developed by JCB in 1953, which has gone on to be the largest seller of its type in the world. The company’s range includes the compact 1CX through to the 5CX, not forgetting

the 3CX, often described as “the Swiss Army Knife” of the construction industry. Tracked 360degree excavators offer versatility and output in difficult ground conditions, with operating weights from 1 to 26 tonnes, taking in the key sectors of 1.8, 4.8, 5.5 and 8.5 tonne units. Industrial telehandlers in the shape of the JCB Loadall Series offer the ability to lift, telescope and lift loads to elevated worksites. With a range that starts with the 525.60 and its 2.5 tonne/6m reach, through to the 541.18 that delivers a lift capacity of 4.1 tonnes and a working height of 18 metres.

For those working in confined spaces, skid steer and compact tracked loaders offer manoeuvrability and versatility. The JCB Teleskid is available in three models and is the world’s only compact tracked loader with a telescopic boom. The E-Tech range of electrically-driven telescopic handlers and mini-excavators offers zero emissions and low noise, using lithiumion battery packs that can deliver a full day’s work before needing a re-charge from 110, 230 and 415-volt charging systems. www.jcb-construction. co.nz

FORAGE WAGONS STRENGTH / QUALITY / PERFORMANCE

Designed to an uncompromising strength standard. McIntosh Forage Wagons have the strength, quality and performance farmers expect from their farm machinery. With rugged and unpredictable conditions in mind we continue to ensure our range are engineered to the highest quality. Every detail has been carefully thought out and designed to provide trouble free operation for years to come.

AERATORS

HEAVY DUTY AUTO RESET

NOW AVAILABLE, 5, 6 OR 7 LEG MODELS

MOLEPLOUGH

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

• SOIL AERATION SPECIALISTS •

PRE RIPPERS

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

www.mcintosh.net.nz FREEPHONE: 0800 622 276

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

22 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER

New look for MF brand MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

An integral spring in the float arm of the Springarm ballcock deflects, rather than breaks, when nudged by livestock.

SOLUTION TO ROWDY LIVESTOCK AFTER WALKING away with a Fieldays Innovation Award back in June 2021, Springarm Products has now signed a sole marketing agreement with Dannevirkebased Metalform. Probably best known for its Tow and Fert system, Metalform will sell the clever product to farmers, landowners and lifestylers, many of whom will recount tales of dealing with water trough valves broken by livestock. In the case of the Springarm, as the name suggests,

an integral spring in the float arm deflects rather than breaking – saving water, time, money and frustration. It was conceived by farm manager Ric Awburn when he was standing at an empty trough one evening watching the cows nudging the ballcock until the arm snapped. He thought, “if only the arm could give a little”. Fast forward to two years later, a durable and reliable ballcock arm, that is easy to install for all types of valves, is now ready to roll out. – Mark Daniel

Stay protected this summer with TRAX Equipment

MASSEY FERGUSON has a new look for its iconic triple triangle logo, as well a completely new ‘Born to Farm’ brand identity for 2022. These changes tie in with MF’s 175year anniversary this year. Said to be one of very few global brands that can claim 175 years of history, Massey Ferguson’s story started in 1847 when Daniel Massey turned his attention to labour-saving machinery. With no blacksmiths in the vicinity, he opened a workshop where he would repair his own farm machinery and those of his neighbours. Massey then started to produce innovative machinery – such as ploughs, wood safe-rake reapers and mowers. In 1857, Alanson Harris started the production of a “flop-over” hay rake, before the two companies merged in 1891. MasseyHarris continued to innovate, achieving its next key milestone and devel-

oping the first self-propelled combine in 1938. At the same time, Harry Ferguson revolutionised agriculture by creating the first 3-point linkage tractor in 1939 for farmers across the globe. This is still represented on all tractors today as

standard. Over the years, Massey Ferguson developed numerous on-board technologies, including the MF 3000 Datatronic in 1986 and the use of GPS in a non-military application with Fieldstar yield mapping on a combine harvester in 1991. Massey Ferguson says it now plans to pivot from being a pure farm machinery manufacturer into a provider of straightforward and dependable experiences, “providing the best value for farmers, making their business more profitable and sustainable”. “This globally consis-

tent, farmer-first vision allows customers to experience the transformation of the brand in a unique way all over the world,” says Luis Felli, senior vice president, general manager for Massey Ferguson. “Providing the brand with a synchronized global organisation, it was only natural to launch a new logo during this unprecedented moment in our history.” The instantly recognisable MF triple triangle shape was first introduced in 1958, with the triangles said to represent the mutually beneficial and sustainable relationship and trust, between farmers, dealers and the brand. The new logo is said to stand for inclusiveness, accessibility, openness, transparency, sustainability and clarity. The company claims the flat design is reflective of the current digital world, allowing the logo to bring those qualities to life on MF websites, applications, smart devices, or even the screens inside the machines.

Happy Birthday

With another La Nina system hitting the country, we’ve got the gear to protect you from the rain and heat in the north and the dry heat in the south.

To mark a birthday, retirement or any milestone, give that special someone, something special - a personal cartoon portrait by Edna cartoonist Malcolm Evans - $200 plus GST

Now is the perfect time to kit out your ATV or UTV to make life (and work) on NZ’s farms easier - and safer. Our entire range is available through your local motorcycle dealer.

Send no money - just email a few up-to-date photos of subject, with a note of details you’d like included, to; malcolm@evanscartoons.com

0800 782 376 www.traxequipment.co.nz Orpost postyour yourinquiries inquiriesto;to:M. M.Evans, 17 Vista Auckland 1071, Or Evans, 39J Cape Crescent, Horn Road,Glendowie, Hillsborough, Auckland 1041 . and return address. anddon’t don’tforget forgettotoinclude includeyour your return address.

BUFFALO BOOTS & RAINWEAR 175% more crack resistant

BIB OVERALLS

$99 JACKET

$109

valued at $230

100% Waterproof Fleece Collar Hood Visor Flexible PHONE

9am-5pm

0800 16 00 24

valued at $160

Acid Resistant Durable Seams

LEGGINGS

$88 valued at $140

earthwalk.co.nz

in stock now

ZIP STRIP quick lacing

$20

LACE UP

SLIP ON

$170

$165

valued at $320

valued at $280

STEEL TOE X (with Scuff Guard) PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard) Colour = Dark Brown Buffalo Leather Stitched On Soles 175% more crack resistant than normal leather

free shipping

sizes: BOOTS 5 - 13 (NZ)

STEEL TOE X (with Scuff Guard) STEEL TOE (without Scuff Guard) PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard)

SIZES SELLING OUT FAST

RAINWEAR XS - 4XL

RURAL NEWS // JANUARY 18, 2022

RURAL TRADER 23

SINGLE DOG BOX

DOLOMITE

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

YOUR ADVERT HERE For details contact: JULIE BEECH Ph 09-307 0399 •

Quadbar introduces the new

TOP DOG BOX • Accommodates up to 4 dogs

• In-house drainage

• 6 individual air vents

• Tie down lugs on each side

• Removable centre board

• Fits all wellside & flatdeck utes (2 models)

• 2 lockable galvanised gates

• Raised floor for insulation

FLEXIBAR

735

+GST

Flexibar includes all the safety and convenience features of the Quadbar with the added advantages of: • A flexible joint that allows the bar to flex rearwards in the event of contact with an overhead obstacle

Single without tow ball mount ................... $625 Single with tow ball mount ........................ $699 Wellside .................................................... $985 Flatdeck ................................................... $985

• The joint facilitates some sideways flexibility before locking and becoming more of a traditional crush protection device

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

• In the event of a rearwards flip there is negligible movement from the flexible joint

Recommended by Worksafe. ACC subsidy available

• The top section of the Flexibar can also be easily removed for transportation inside a vehicle.

For a Quadbar, call me, Stuart Davidson, owner of Quadbar NZ. Phone: 021-182 8115 Email: sales@quadbar.co.nz or for more info go to www.quadbar.co.nz

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

julieb@ruralnews.co.nz

LASER FF95

DIESEL HEATER

FLY OR LICE PROBLEMS? The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989

Quality construction and options • Get the contractors choice

ESCORTED TOURS 2022 "Hassle-free travel for mature travellers’’

• FORGOTTEN HIGHWAY & TARANAKI 6 days, depart 8 February. Travel into the Forgotten World. Sightseeing, activities and Northern Explorer on return. • SOUTH ISLAND RAIL EXPERIENCEE 12 days, depart 10 March. Experience NZ’s three great rail journeys and the Interislander from Auckland to Invercargill. • RAROTONGA ‘RELAXER’ 7 days, depart 24 March & 10 May & 23 August. A leisurely South Pacific escape with great sightseeing, food & entertainment.

Featuring...

Read us until the cows come home!

ü Huge 9.5kW output. ü Made in Japan since 1991.

www.ruralnews.co.nz

• CHATHAM ISLANDS DISCOVERY 8 days, depart 7 & 28 April & 20 October. A special place for a safe and relaxing close-to-home all inclusive holiday. For full details

Phone 0800 11 60 60 www.travelwiseholidays.co.nz

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

SHIRE RAMS

ü As easy to use as a light switch.

RAMS AND EWES FOR SALE HARDY, LOW INPUT EASY CARE MEAT SHEEP • No dagging • No shearing • No dip, drench or chemicals since 1989

0800 379 247 www.avonheating.co.nz

Discover

h c r u h c t s i r Ch roup Tour E s co r t e d Sm

Also Tufty (polled Highland) bulls, cows and calves available Ph 03-225 5283

Shire® Stud Ram Sire “Gladiator” progeny for sale

• Nest boxes - manual or automated • Feed & Drinking • Plastic egg trays

A trusted name in Poultry Industry for over 50 years

all G

https://bidr.co.nz/auction/1029

www.organic-rams.co.nz • tim@organic-rams.co.nz

SUPPLIERS OF:

QUALITY PRODUCTS MADE IN EUROPE OR BY PPP

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

ü No mess, NO indoor diesel odours.

Free Range & Barn Eggs

❖

• 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

ZON BIRDSCARER

STOP BIRDS NOW!

From

$685.00

7 Days, 2–8 March 2022 • Comfortable Central City Hotel • TranzAlpine train trip to Arthur’s Pass • Akaroa Nature Cruise • Antarctic Centre and Vintage Tram Tour • Free time for shopping • Local guide

❖

ONE STOP WATER SHOP 300mm x 6 metre .......................... $410 400mm x 6 metre .......................... $515 500mm x 6 metre .......................... $735 600mm x 6 metre .......................... $989 800mm x 6 metre ........................ $1496 1000mm x 6 metre ...................... $2325 1200mm x 6 metre ...................... $3699 ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.

BOOK ONLINE www.kiwitravelclub.co.nz

CULVERT PIPES

New Zealand’s CHEAPEST Culvert Pipes! FREE joiners supplied on request. • Lightweight, easy to install • Made from polyethylene

Check out our NEW website www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

Phone

06 323 4181

0800 625 826 for your nearest stockist

Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes

East Coast

Farming Expo 23-24 February 2022 Wairoa A&P Showgrounds

Sa ve t he Dat e!

Two days of exhibits, demonstrations & seminars for East Coast & Hawke’s Bay sheep & beef farmers Tickets available online or at the gate

eastcoastexpo.co.nz