AGRIBUSINESS
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
ANIMAL HEALTH
Wiltshire trial shows promise.
Faster and more accurate planting. PAGE 21
New boss takes over at sheep measles body. PAGE 19
PAGE 17
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS MARCH 29, 2022: ISSUE 747
www.ruralnews.co.nz
Predetermined outcome? SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
QUESTIONS ARE being raised about the integrity of the recent consultation process around farm emissions. Farmers claim an email, sent last week by DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle, makes a mockery of their sub-
A fine example! NORWEGIAN WOOLLEN garment company Devold will pay its New Zealand growers a fixed premium. This contrasts with the current wool contract system, where growers are paid a fluctuating rate – depending on the market average. Under the new fixed contract, growers will receive a fixed price per kilogram (higher than the market average) for one year. The company will also offer a bonus payment of $2/ kg above the new contracted base rate, should the wool meet certain criteria. Craig Smith, general manager of Devold Wool Direct (centre), claims the move will funnel $9 million dollars into the local wool industry. He says by increasing the current contract price and fixing it for one year the company is giving certainty and showing loyalty to its growers. Stew Perriam (R) who co-owns and operates Bendigo Station with brother Dan (L) says the new contract rewards them as growers, and gives them certainty moving forward.
missions and the authenticity of the recent consultation. The charge has been led by lobby group Groundswell and raised criticism of DairyNZ – a key member of the HWEN (He Waka Eke Noa) partnership that ran the farmer consultation process. Mackle’s email says proposals put
forward by farmers during the consultation process “miss a lot of detail”. He claims there are “strict confines” that need to be worked within and any proposal that is going to get over the line with government “needs to be credible”. Mackle states the two options – farm-level and processor-level – put forward by the HWEN partnership
have the best chance of success. But Groundswell claims DairyNZ “has dismissed all alternative emissions proposals the day before the group was due to present its emissions plan to the He Waka Eke Noa secretariat”. “We are deeply disappointed with this pre-emptive action by DairyNZ,
which has now cast doubt on the integrity of the entire HWEN consultation process,” it says. “This is unacceptable conduct by DairyNZ, farmers deserve much better from our representatives.” ACT rural spokesman Mark Cameron says he shares farmers’ disappointment. “DairyNZ has fallen victim to the Government’s fear mongering,” he told Rural News. “Arguably it could have said to the Government that both options as they currently sit are nonstarters.” Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard says Mackle’s message could have been “better worded”. He says farmers made submissions to the HWEN consultation in good faith and expect changes to the farmlevel and processor-level options. “I think there should be changes if the industry groups want to bring farmers on the journey,” Hoggard told Rural News. He says Mackle’s message seems to say that changes unacceptable to the Government won’t be included, when in fact DairyNZ should be pushing for changes sought by farmers. “Consultations have to be genuine. If there are no changes to the proposals then farmers would be disappointed.” Mackle told Rural News that Groundswell’s statement is misleading and inaccurate. “We’re really disappointed that these claims do not reflect the fair and transparent consultation process that has been undertaken for He Waka Eke Noa,” he told Rural News. TO PAGE 3
RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
NEWS 3 ISSUE 747
www.ruralnews.co.nz
NEWS ��������������������������������������1-13 HOUND, EDNA ����������������������� 14 CONTACTS ������������������������������ 14 OPINION �����������������������������14-16 AGRIBUSINESS ���������������������� 17 MANAGEMENT ���������������������� 18 ANIMAL HEALTH ������������ 19-20 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS ����������������������� 21-22 RURAL TRADER �������������������� 23
Silver Fern Farms says the recent arrival of some much-needed overseas workers will help ease growing pressure on the company.
Few here, but welcome! DAVID ANDERSON
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
MAJOR MEAT processor and exporter Silver Fern Farms (SFF) says the recent arrival of some much-needed overseas workers will help ease growing pressure on the company. However, despite needing a tsunami of international staff to help fully man its plants – due to existing chronic shortages of available locals and heavy absenteeism due to Covid – SFF has only seen a trickle of workers arrive from the Pacific Islands. SFF’s chief people officer Matt Ballard told Rural News that it has been one of the most challenging years to
date for accessing skilled labour. “Our challenges accessing skilled labour are well known and going into Omicron we were around 550 workers short across our site network,” he says. “While employing New Zealanders is a big focus, ultimately we are constrained by the historic low unemployment rate.” Ballard says Covid has exacerbated those shortages. The virus has impacted some of the communities around the company’s sites, forcing staff to home isolate. However, SFF has just welcomed 15 workers from Samoa and expects
another 18 in the next few weeks. “These are experienced, skilled workers who are going back to sites they’ve previously worked at – including Finegand (Balclutha), Pareora (Timaru), Pacific (Hastings) and Hawera (Taranaki),” Ballard says. SFF also got five workers from the Cook Islands and says it is working hard to see if they can get more approved. “We’ve been working directly with the Government to enable any seasonal workers that may be made available to our industry to support us,” Ballard explains. “We’re grateful that we’ve been
HWEN – CLAYTON’S CONSULTATION OR GENUINE? FROM PAGE 1
“There are certainly no pre-determined outcomes, and no pre-emptive actions have been undertaken by DairyNZ,” Mackle says. “We want to reassure all dairy farmers once again that this is an authentic consultation
process and we are listening. “We are reviewing all feedback and proposals for alternative options and will capture the key themes in the existing options, which we believe remain our best chance of success. “DairyNZ and the partnership
(HWEN) want to get farmers the best deal possible, so it’s important we get this right. Farmers deserve a better deal than the ETS, so we can maintain profitable businesses while we work to reduce our emissions.” The HWEN’s recommendation to
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given permission to bring some [overseas workers] in and appreciate the work of the Ministry for Primary Industries in advocating for the sector through this process.” However, he concedes these few additional workers aren’t going to be a silver bullet for the company’s current capacity issues or our processing wait-times. “They are incredibly welcome and will help,” Ballard adds. “We’ve run a successful arrangement employing workers from Samoa for around 12 years and these team members have a significantly positive impact in our sites.”
government is due on May 31. Rural News understands Groundswell plans to put a “fourth option” on the table; it will include submissions made by other farmer groups. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
4 NEWS
Ukraine conflict will impact NZ EU FTA STILL MONTHS AWAY
PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
TRADE AND Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor has issued a warning about the negative impacts on NZ resulting from the Russian/Ukraine conflict. O’Connor says it will have a massive flow-on effect, the consequences of which we still don’t fully understand. He says Russia, like NZ, is a big exporter of food and that country’s inability to produce the food it normally does will impact on international food markets. “It might see a shortterm uplift in prices, but NZ won’t gain anything long term from this conflict and the kind of disruption that we will see is harmful to international trade and relations,” he told Rural News. “The impact on costs across
ON HIS recent overseas trip, Damien O’Connor had talks with EU politicians and officials to try and breathe some oxygen into the FTA currently being negotiated. However, progress to date has been slow – compared with the speedy resolution of the UK/NZ FTA. Internal EU politics is complicated and while the trade talks are seen as important, things such as the French elections and more especially the Russian/Ukraine conflict are distracting factors for the talks. It seems that a deal will not be agreed to anytime soon with O’Connor conceding it will be the latter part of the year before any progress will be seen. He notes that both sides are reluctant to put a deadline on when a deal may be reached. However, he still remains optimistic that agreement can be reached on some of the harder issues such as agriculture. Trade Minister Damien O’Connor is warning about the negative impacts on NZ resulting from the Russian/Ukraine conflict.
the latest outbreak of Covid in China is also a worry given that it is our single biggest market. There are reports of ports being closed and this is likely to cause disruption
the globe – through supply chain disruption and shortage of raw materials – means that we are in for some volatile times.” O’Connor adds that
have on food prices in NZ. Prices in NZ are closely linked to international prices and there are fears that some food prices to consumers may rise further.
to NZ exports. He says the other consequence of the Russia/ Ukraine conflict and the possible short-term upsurge in export prices is the impact this may
O’Connor admits this is an issue. “It’s a challenge for all of us in the food production sector that all New Zealanders have access to affordable food that is one of our primary responsibilities even at time of record returns.
“We can’t have NZ going hungry when the vast majority of food we produce is sent off shore. Everyone is going to have to exercise social responsibility and work creatively and innovatively to deal with this issue.”
Freight disruption looms! SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
ONE OF the country’s big fertiliser co-operatives is warning of looming disruptions to the transport sector. Ravensdown says the national trucking network could be facing the full brunt of Omicron in the next few months. Chief executive Garry Diack says farmers late in ordering fertiliser and nutrients must act now. “Those who are late in ordering their supplies need to speed up and get going while there is some integ-
rity in the trucking fleet,” he told Rural News. “That will come under a lot of threat in a month or two. Right now, based on a rating out of 10, I would say it’s a three or four – so things could get much worse.” Diack says Omicron seems to be peaking in Auckland and the rest of the country will follow in the next few months, putting the trucking network and drivers under pressure. “Of all the things happening right now, this is my biggest concern.” Transport New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett says the impact of
Omicron has not yet had a significant impact on freight and transport services to rural areas and farms. Transporting New Zealand participates in the twice-weekly Animal Sector Stakeholder Covid Roundtable, which is hosted by the Ministry for Primary Industries. No major issues have been raised at that forum, he told Rural News. “What has been most noticeable is the loss of capacity at processing plants as a result of Omicron and, as a consequence, we have had trucks loaded with stock turned away on arrival. We have worked to address
Ravensdown chief executive Garry Diack.
that issue.” Leggett is also calling for farmers to plan ahead but advises against stockpiling. “It’s very important that anyone engaged in the supply chain plans ahead and recognises that delays are possible at any time. “We recommend checking in with your road transport operators in advance to ensure they are tracking well and don’t have staff absences or cost impediments that may delay or disrupt your freight movement.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
NEWS 5
Tough times navigating Covid in meat processing plants PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
IT’S TIGHT and challenging keeping the country’s meat processing plants operating. Meat Industry Association (MIA) chief executive Sirma Karapeeva told Rural News that all plants are experiencing a level of absenteeism due to Covid: workers either have the virus or are selfisolating because they are close contacts of people with Covid. Karapeeva says the degree to which plants are affected and coping is related to their locality. She says all the country’s plants are currently open, but she’s aware that some had to close for a couple of days because they were short-staffed. “We saw early on that plants in the north of the North Island were more severely impacted than those in the south. But now Omicron is moving south, so everyone is grappling with the situation and trying to do the best they can to keep processing going,” Karapeeva explains. “The fact is with people away the plants can’t run at full capacity and there are delays. These vary but we are talking of delays in
the region of three plus weeks and in some areas much more than that.” As cull cows start to come in for processing, this is creating a challenge. Karapeeva says meat companies are doing their best to combine shifts or reconfigure shifts to enable them to take the stock and process it. She believes they have been incredibly proactive in communicating these matters to farmer supplies so everyone knows where things are and they can plan appropriately. She adds that while some farmers are better than others at planning to get stock off their properties, the majority do appreciate that this is not of anyone’s making and it is what it is. “Fortunately, at the moment, most farmers have got contingency plans around feed provision. They have got grass so they can continue to hold on to stock for little bit longer,” Karapeeva told Rural News. “But there are some pockets down in Southland starting to experience drier conditions. However, some have anticipated this and sent stock to other regions
All meat processing plants around the country are experiencing a level of absenteeism due to Covid.
such as Canterbury where there is grazing available.” Karapeeva believes meat companies are doing an excellent job managing a very complex problem. She says they are dealing with labour shortages, health issues and the worsening problem of logistics. @rural_news
CHILLED MEAT EXPORTS HIT ONE OF the victims of the uncertain logistical situation is chilled meat. Sirma Karapeeva says the export statistics for February will almost certainly show a drop in chilled meat exports due to unreliable shipping. “The risk of sending this sort of perishable product and it not making it through the various steps of the supply chain before its gets to market is quite high. NZ prides itself on its
chilled meat exports and we want to make sure the consumers get this in the best possible condition,” she told Rural News. “Shipping delays are certainly not helping, so we are seeing quite a lot more frozen product being exported.” Karapeeva adds that while a few companies might have used air freight to top up the certain orders, air freight is prohibitively expensive for
the volumes of chilled product likely to be exported and there is no real substitute for sea freight. The logistics problem is expected to be around for at least another year and is being compounded by the Russian/Ukraine conflict. There is also currently an issue in China following another Covid outbreak, which has seen various lockdowns imposed at ports such as Shanghai.
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
6 NEWS
Covid taking its toll on rural GPs and health services PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
RURAL DOCTORS are under pressure and juggling unrelenting workloads. That’s how the chair of the Rural GPs Network describes how she and her colleagues are finding dealing with Covid and other medical situations in rural practices. Dr Fiona Bolden says the situation is very tricky for rural GPs because they have to continue dealing with their normal workload plus deal with Covid-related issues. She says the fact that a good proportion of rural doctors are over 65 – and are at increased risk themselves – means it’s a case of having to juggle workloads. She adds that there are some rural areas where GP services
no longer exist because of the pressure of Covid According to Bolden, there appears to be a general level of frustration within communities over Covid and says healthcare workers are often on the receiving end of that. “People might not like the rules but we don’t make them and yet, sometimes, we can be held responsible,” she told Rural News. “It really depends on where you are and who you are within the team. I know that some people have talked about the aggressive behaviours being directed at receptionist staff.” Bolden says people are just a worn out as Covid has been going on for a such a long time and Omicron is only just getting to the spike. She adds that the lead in to this has been huge.
OTHER EFFECTS
Chair of the Rural GP Network Dr Fiona Bolden.
“We have all been working in this way to accommodate Covid for over a couple of years now and that has had all sorts of impacts on the way we work,” she explains. “The whole job satisfaction is another inter-
esting thing because we have less patient contact and then there is all this heightened awareness about the risk and making sure no infections are transmitted. So, it changes the whole way you work and impacts on your enjoyment on what
DR FIONA Bolden says GPs are having to fight illness and acknowledges that while they are aware of potential problems around mental health, there are other matters of concern. She points to the issue of longterm health management. This is about people who have had operations cancelled or delayed because of staff shortages at hospitals. Bolden says if these people can’t have operations they inevitably come back to their GPs to help them manage their way through the constant delays and the ongoing health problems. She believes the problem is compounded by the fact that people have not been able to see GPs in person because of Covid. One GP told Rural News that one particular DHB had closed its waiting list for elective surgery, but before that a wait of up to six months to see a
you are doing.” Bolden says some areas of the country have been hit worse by Covid – making it too hard to
specialist was not uncommon. However, those with medical insurance are effectively able to queue jump and get elective surgery very quickly. With the focus on Covid, Bolden says another concern is that with winter coming, immunisation rates for other diseases may falter – especially for children. “That is partly because people haven’t wanted to bring their children in to get vaccinated during Covid times,” she explains. “We have got people coming into the country too and therefore flu is going to be a problem.” Bolden warns that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection – which affects babies – will come back in force and other infectious diseases such as measles may also be a problem because of decreased immunisation rates.
generalise. She says there are even significant differences within the various DHB regions.
“In some areas Omicron appears to have peaked, while other places are still yet to get to that stage.”
FARMERS SEEM TO BE COPING WITH OMICRON RURAL SUPPORT Trust chair Neil Bateup says it has had very few calls from farmers wanting help to deal with Covid. He says the trust had geared itself up to be able to provide support for farmers. However, the phones lines have been largely silent and Bateup reckons it appears that farmers are managing their own situations on farm.
He believes the difference is that when the trust started gearing up, the Delta variant was around and isolation periods were 14 days. They were looking to move people off farm into managed isolation or quarantine facilities. “The possibility of taking some or all staff off farm to MIQ for 14 days and potentially 28 days – if it spread within a family – could have caused
major problems,” Bateup told Rural News. “But as time has gone on, the isolation periods have shortened, and with Omicron not being the same beast as Delta, most people seem able to manage through any outbreak on farm.” Bateup says he accepts Neil Bateup
that most farmers can work – even if they have Covid – or take the odd day off just to relax and just do the important things. He says they can normally get other staff, family or neighbours to cover for them for a couple of days to make sure their businesses carry on. According to Bateup,
other rural service industries have also been affected with trucking companies down on staff and some of the meat works operating on shorter hours. He believes the situation is being managed, but reckons farmers are lucky that the Omicron outbreak has not occurred at a crucial and pressured time – such as lambing or calving. – Peter Burke
RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
NEWS 7
Fonterra’s nyet to Russia SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
THE DAYS of enjoying fine European cheese and New Zealand butter are over for Russians. Major dairy companies are either pulling out of Russia or reducing their
people,” Nestle says. However, it has halted all advertising activities and also suspended all capital investment. Finnish dairy processor Valio, which operates a cheese factory near Moscow and sold $200 million of products to
The co-op exports a small amount of product to Russia – primarily butter – totalling about 1% of its annual exports. manufacturing footprint in the country as a result of the Ukraine war. Fonterra last week announced that it would exit its businesses in Russia, just weeks after suspending shipments of product to that country. The world’s largest dairy company, Danone is also suspending all investment projects in Russia. However, it will maintain production and distribution of fresh dairy products and infant nutrition “to still meet the essential food needs of the local population,” the French company says. Nestle, the second largest dairy processor in the world, says it will continue to provide “essential food products” to people where it operates. “In Russia, we continue to focus on meeting the needs of the local
Russia, is also pulling out. Meanwhile, Arla Foods says it has initiated preparations to suspend its business in Russia. Fonterra’s decision ends its 40-year butter trade in Russia. The co-op exports a small amount of product to Russia – primarily butter – totalling about 1% of its annual exports. Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says their first step following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was to establish the safety of its team in Russia. “Our priority through this process continues to be doing the right thing by our people. “We then suspended shipment of product to Russia while we assessed the impact of economic sanctions and discussed our long-term plans with our customers and joint venture partner.”
IN BRIEF BLNZ DIRECTORS RETURNED Beef + Lamb New Zealand farmer director Nicky Hyslop has been re-elected for another threeyear term. In the election as part of the 2022 annual meeting process, Timaru sheep, beef and arable farmer Nicky Hyslop received 4,113 votes, while opposing candidate Simon Davies from Milton received 2,250 – a winning margin of 1,863 – for the Central South Island region. For 2022, two directors retired by rotation, in Central South Island and Western North Island. However, only one election was needed as incumbent Scott Gower was the only nomination received in Western North Island and he was re-elected unopposed.
He says the co-op will now close its office in Moscow, re-deploying staff where possible, and withdrawing from its joint venture Unifood.
Hurrell believes given the current strong demand for New Zealand dairy, the co-op will easily re-allocate this product to other markets.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the co-op will now close its office in Moscow.
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
8 NEWS
Fonterra gets tick of approval SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
FONTERRA FARMER shareholders say the cooperative is finally developing a habit of hitting its financial targets. Shareholders’ council chairman James Barron says the half-year results delivered this month are pleasing. Fonterra reported a half year net profit of $364 million and announced an interim dividend of 5 cents/ share while maintaining a record high forecast milk price range of $9.30 to $9.90/kgMS and 25-35c range/share earnings for unit holders. “Fonterra farmers want to see their co-op hitting its targets, and it’s great to see Miles Hurrell and his team starting to make a habit of that,” Barron says. “It’s good to see the forecast farmgate milk price and normalised earnings per share ranges maintained, other results largely in line with expectations, debt continuing to decrease, no normalisations and a 5-cent interim dividend,” he says. Barron adds that as farmer owners they continue to see the bene-
Fonterra interim results... ❱❱ Total group revenue: $10,797 million, up 9% ❱❱ Reported profit after tax $364 million, down 7% ❱❱ Total group normalised EBIT: $607 million, down 11% ❱❱ Net debt: $5.6 billion, down 8%
fits of joining together to form a co-operative of scale with a diverse range of products and markets. “Management continues to fully utilise that scale and diversification by shifting milk into the markets, categories and product lines that are the most profitable in what continues to be a challenging environment.” Baron notes that the record forecast milk price is good news for farmers and the wider New Zealand economy. “Farmers, like all New Zealand business owners, are facing high inflationary pressures,” he adds. “The high export earnings from our milk mean that this year the co-op anticipates injecting over $14 billion into our local communities through milk price payments alone.”
Fonterra Co-op Council chair James Barron says the 2022 half-year results are pleasing.
However, the high milk price eroded margins for Fonterra’s food service and consumer businesses globally. Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the co-op’s earnings have been achieved at a time when input costs have been significantly higher with the average cost of milk up almost 30% on
the same time last year. “This shows we’re performing well even with a high farmgate milk price,” he adds. “The board’s decision to pay an interim dividend will be welcome news for our unit holders and farmer owners.” Wealth management and investment consultant Jarden expects Fon-
terra to deliver total earnings of 33c/share this financial year. Jarden Head of Research Arie Dekker notes that this would be a good result against the backdrop of record high milk prices. “Not surprisingly, margins in Foodservice and Consumer are well down but Ingredients has
performed well and, critically, the outlook for nonreference product pricing in second half is good with them keeping up with the strong performing whole milk powder,” Dekker says. Fonterra also remains on track to distribute $1 billion to shareholders and unit holders by 2024. It plans to divest
overseas businesses like Soprole in Chile and review the ownership structure of its Australian business. Dekker notes that while no meaningful update on divestments was made this month, the market is encouraged by the strong results in the half from both Chile and Australia.
RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
NEWS 9
Contractors establish training council LEO ARGENT
AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS are taking steps to attract and train more local talent. However, the industry says it will still need to rely on experienced overseas workers to help with peak season workloads for some time yet. A newly formed National Training Council (NTC) for rural contracting was recently established. Rural Con-
Hanzon Mentor program (funded by RCNZ) which this season enrolled nearly 100 locals in its app-based record of learning – with most under 24 years old,” he adds. “We then discussed if contractors could connect that pool of resources into more formal training.” Olsen adds that there’s acceptance by the NTC that classroom-based learning is necessary but this needs to be more
RCNZ chief executive Andrew Olsen says bringing together a comprehensive regime and qualification will take some time.
“We need the Government to recognise that you can’t whistle up a new qualification and deliver it in a few months.” than balanced by on job practical experience. He says more centres of learning equipped to deal with agricultural training would help deliver the necessary classroom components around health & safety, pastoral care, fatigue management and skills and licences in heavy traffic and machinery. Olsen says bringing together a comprehensive regime and qualification will take some time. “We need the Government to recognise that you can’t whistle up a new qualification and deliver it in a few months,” he adds. “Meantime, our contractors and country will require skilled overseas workers for the foreseeable future.” Olsen says the NTC will also look to MPI and other government agencies for support – including to research a labour exchange program with overseas rural contractors and a mentoring program. “There’s also a wish to explore wider employment options for trainees to continue their learning, reduce the burden on employers in the off season and to design a call to action to get more contractors involved in training.”
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tractors NZ (RCNZ) chief executive Andrew Olsen, who was confirmed as the inaugural NTC chair, says it has gotten off to a flying start. “We’ve confirmed our membership and objectives, set priorities and made a start to defining all the issues we need to work through to get a new, higher-level training regime in place for rural contracting.” Olsen says they had a good roundtable on all the factors necessary to get more and better trained people into the critically labour-short sector at its first meeting. He says there were a slew of contributions on how to improve training in the industry. “A lot of our businesses are quite small and can’t easily afford to carry trainees through the offseason. Balancing that is the fact that employers large and small need to find a way to make more provision for on-the-job training.” Olsen says while some contractors have been able to recruit more New Zealanders it’s accepted that continuing to attract people to the industry will be improved by having good qualifications available. “We looked at the
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
10 NEWS
Feds call on Govt to stop dragging heels on methane tech SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
FARMERS CLAIM the Government is dragging its feet in approving a feed additive with potential to slash methane emissions by up to 30%. Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard says farmers are deeply frustrated to see the European Union has approved the methane-reduction feed tool Bovaer for use by its farmers ahead of New Zealand. “Despite consulting on the issue two years ago, there is still no sign of our government stepping up and getting on with approving this technology for us to use as well, and therefore help to keep our ‘world leading’ title,” says Hoggard. Bovaer, developed by global science company
Royal DSM, is a synthetic chemical compound called 3-NOP. Recently the European Union approved Bovaer for marketing to the bloc’s farmers after the product went through a stringent scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority. The product has already been approved for use in Brazil and Chile. A commercial launch in Australia is also expected this year. In New Zealand, Fonterra is trialling Bovaer under a joint partnership with DSM. Fonterra wants to know whether it would also work in New Zealand’s pasture-based farming systems. Hoggard says NZ farmers are world leaders in producing food with low agricultural emissions.
Fed Farmers national president Andrew Hoggard says farmers are deeply frustrated to see the EU has approved the methane-reduction feed tool Bovaer for use by its farmers ahead of NZ.
to use tools such as Bovaer. “While Bovaer is still not quite there for being in a formulation that will provide the gains that will be seen in a barn feeding situation, we need the legislation ready so that the only thing we are waiting on is getting
“We won’t be saying that for much longer if the government doesn’t start throwing its support behind tools to reduce emissions. “The 2020 declaration of a climate emergency should have been accompanied with regulations for farmers
the product formulation right. “The rest of the world is embracing technology and we’re busy discussing targets and a tax system to reduce New Zealand’s ag emissions without the tools to back them, likely forcing farmers to cut production and
profitability.” Hoggard says people are looking to handle the climate change crisis by offsetting emissions overseas or through drastic land-use change via carbon farming. The problem could be solved by simply cutting the red tape and giving farmers the opportunity to safely invest in science-backed tools that are ready, he points out. “Consumers want to buy products with low emissions, they don’t care how you get there. Overseas competitors having Bovaer approved could give them a significant leg-up on products from New Zealand, despite the effort farmers go to create high quality products at a lower emissions rate,” he adds. “Federated Farmers asks government to put some serious prior-
ity around agricultural emissions reduction tools now. We need more ag tech and less ag taxes.” DSM says the dairy industry has an important role to play as enteric methane from dairy cows is responsible for up to 60% of the global greenhouse gas emissions from milk production. It claims Bovaer consistently reduces these methane emissions by around 30%. “EU market authorisation therefore represents a ground-breaking step toward more sustainable milk production, giving farmers, dairy companies and retailers a trusted and safe product with proven efficacy that will substantially lower dairy’s carbon footprint. “And ultimately it enables the consumer to purchase sustainable dairy.”
Local kiwifruit pickers needed LEO ARGENT
NEW ZEALAND’S borders are opening again and kiwifruit grower organisation NZKGI wants backpackers coming into the country to help with this year’s harvest. From 12 April, those with temporary work
visas and 5,000 international students will be able to travel to New Zealand – assuming they are fully vaccinated – just in time for the beginning of kiwifruit harvest. NZ’s kiwifruit industry requires 24,000 seasonal workers for picking and packing roles. Backpackers traditionally make up
around one-quarter of the workforce. This year a record crop of over 190 million trays are forecast to be picked. Before Covid, working holidaymakers accounted for 50,000 of the country’s annual international visitors. In comparison, 2019 saw a record tray count of
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NZ’s kiwifruit industry requires 24,000 seasonal workers for picking and packing roles.
more pickers will be needed to harvest the fruit. Typically, the NZ kiwifruit picking season runs from March until August – with peak harvest from May to July. NZKGI chief Colin Bond is also encouraging local people to roll up their sleeves. “Picking (kiwifruit) is a great opportunity for those who like to be in the outdoors, while the packhouse is suited to those who like to have fun in larger
teams indoors.” He says with orchards running from the tip of the North Island all the way down the country to the top of the South Island, kiwifruit picking makes a great opportunity for those who want to work and travel. It is also a fairly lucrative job; almost all NZKGI affiliated packhouses are paying at least $22.75 an hour, while kiwifruit picking is expected to exceed the living wage of $27/ hour.
Bond says at a time when cost of living is going up and international travel seems untenable to many, this is a strong incentive for locals to work in orchards. In 2021, the kiwifruit sector was worth $3.96 billion against NZ’s total GDP of $314.929 billion – or roughly 1.26% of the country’s economy; the largest horticultural earner and rivalling many other primary sectors. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
NEWS 11
Covid support for rural health LEO ARGENT
A PROGRAMME has been announced to provide rural practices and community-owned hospitals with support to manage Covid-19 outbreaks in their communities. Launched by the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network (NZRGPN), the Tautoko Rural initiative aims to help rural general practices and hospitals that could be at risk of closure or having to significantly reduce services if their staff need to isolate due to Covid-19, putting extra strain on the communities that rely on them. Both NZRGNP and the Ministry of Health acknowledge that rural practices and hospitals are under immense pressure to manage Covid-19 in their communities. “We surveyed rural practices and hospitals for their greatest concerns as Omicron circulates in the community,” says NZRGPN chief executive Grant Davidson. “Overwhelmingly, the message was that their community’s health would be compromised if any of their staff went down sick. We are pleased to announce that the Ministry reacted to this message by funding this new initiative.”
The initiative will help fill short-term staffing gaps in rural practices and hospitals due to Covid-19 illness, isolation requirements or work stressors caused by managing Covid-19. Many doctors have expressed difficulties in keeping up with demand over the last two years due to burnout and overexertion due to short staffing. A 2021 Royal New Zealand College survey showed that 49% of doctors were thinking of leaving the profession in 10 years, with 31% experiencing burnout. Tautoko replaces NZRGPN’s Pandemic Emergency Roving Locums initiative, with funding available for all roles that support the healthcare response – including clinical, nonclinical, administration and support staff as well as cleaning and kitchen staff. To source people available to support the Tautoko Rural initiative, NZRGPN has been granted access to the Ministry of Health’s Covid-19 Hands Up Database in which people across New Zealand registered to offer help earlier on in the pandemic. The aim is to match practices and hospitals that apply for support
with suitable people from the Tautoko Rural Database for the roles that are required. “We believe this (initiative) will provide some
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
12 NEWS
Ute tax here – no joke! MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
YOU CAN thank Jacinda Ardern for the latest price increase of any new ute you now buy. Having passed its final reading on February 17, the Government’s Land Transport (Clean Vehi-
cles) Amendment Bill, and the so-called feebate system, commences on April 1 – April Fool’s Day. The scheme now expands on the 2021 teaser that saw the cleanest battery electric vehicles (BEV) being awarded a rebate of up to $8,625 on the purchase price.
This resulted in a marked increase in sales of these vehicles. However, at the same time there was also a significant rise in sales of the so called ‘gas guzzlers’ – namely utes and SUVs – as owners tried to beat the proposed penalties scheduled to be
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The humble ute is the mainstay of NZ rural sector, with users now being penalised when there are no real alternatives available.
introduced on 1 January 2022. The Government’s proposal to reduce the average CO2 output of all vehicles to 171 g/km was condemned by most of the country’s vehicle importers and distributors – not because of the intent, but the accelerated timescale to hit the magic 171 number as early as 2025. It was explained to government that this timescale would be difficult to meet, given the stage of development of such vehicles, the fact that NZ is a small market globally and largely takes vehicles that are Australian-spec – where there is no accelerated timescale. At the same time, concerns were
also raised about a much higher purchase price. The latter point, the car industry suggested, would likely mean that users would hang onto ‘dirty’ vehicles for much longer. Meanwhile, multiple trade and industry bodies – operating in both urban and rural areas – pointed out that the humble ute was the mainstay of NZ industry, with their users the very people who were keeping the country afloat during Covid. They pointed out that users were going to be penalised, when there are no real alternatives available before the 2025 deadline. Government claims that electric utes were
just around the corner, was quickly contradicted by multiple manufacturers. Now with most farm input costs – including fertiliser, fuel, agrochemicals and machinery – rising almost daily, get ready for a hike in price for the humble ute or SUV. A range of likely penalties, to be added at the time of purchase, was listed on the Ministry of Transport website in June 2021 but these might have changed by the April 1 introduction. According to that website, market leaders like the Ford Ranger could be hit with penalties, depending on CO2 outputs, ranging from $1,090
for and XLT 4x2, with an XLT 4x Dual picking up a hefty $4,370 penalty. Likewise, an entry level Hilux Workmate, 2.7 litre petrol will see a penalty of $5,175, with the popular SR 4WD DC variants, emitting 248g/km incurring a $3,280 charge. Meanwhile, the popular Mitsubishi Triton gets hit by $2,760, a Mazda BT50 4WD DC gets a $2,990 add-on, while a VW Amarok Adventura, pushing out 285g/km will be charged an extra $5,175. Thankfully, agricultural vehicles, including tractors and harvesters, are exempt from the cost, as are vehicles over 40 years of age.
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
NEWS 13
Pain for world grain from the war in Ukraine DAVID ANDERSON
EXPECT BIG jumps in both international grain and fertiliser prices. That’s the conclusion of the United Nations in the wake of the current war in Ukraine. A recent briefing – given to a meeting of G7 agriculture ministers – by Qu Dongyu, director general of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), outlined the potential costs of the war, over and above the huge loss of infrastructure and human life. Ag ministers from the world’s seven largest economies were told by Dongyu to expect big hikes in international grain and fertiliser prices due to the conflict, with
both having huge ramifications for farmers and food supply around the globe. “The Russian Federation and Ukraine are prominent players in global trade of food and agricultural products,” he explained. “In 2021, wheat exports by the Russian Federation and Ukraine accounted for about 30% of the global market. Combined, sunflower oil exports represented 55%.” Dongyu also added that both countries featured prominently in the global markets and trade of maize, barley and rapeseed oil. In terms of wheat, the G7 ministers were told that both Ukraine and Russia are key suppliers
FERT PRICES EXPECTED TO RAMP UP IT IS not just global grain production and trade that is impact by the Ukrainian crisis. The FAO says 25 countries around the world rely on the Russian Federation for fertilisers – with an import dependency of 30% or more for N, P, and K fertiliser. “The Russian Federation is a key exporter of fertilisers,” FAO boss Qu Dongyu explains. “In 2020, it ranked as the top exporter of nitrogen fertilisers, the second leading supplier of potassium, and the third largest exporter of phosphorous fertiliser.”
Agriculture ministers from the world’s seven largest economies have been told to expect big hikes in international grain and fertiliser prices due to the Ukrainian conflict.
of wheat to many countries around the world. “Nearly 50 countries depend on the Russian Federation and Ukraine for at least 30% of their wheat import needs,” they were told. “Of these, 26 countries source over 50% on their wheat imports from these two countries.” The FAO pointed out that wheat is a staple food for over 35% of the world’s population, and the lack of a substitute is
likely to compound the pressure on wheat prices. It adds that sourcing wheat from different origins will increase shipping and other operational costs for many importers. According to UN figures, prior to the conflict it was expected that Ukraine would export around 6 million tonnes of wheat between March and June 2022, and the Russian Federation 8 million
tonnes during this period. “This represents about 7% of total world wheat trade in 2021/22, which is forecast by FAO at 194 million tonnes.” It is not just wheat that is impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with global maize production and trade also hit hard. “Ukraine was expected to export approximately 14 million tonnes of maize, and the Russian Federation 2.5 million
tonnes,” according to the FAO. “Ukraine’s expected exports would have represented 18% of global maize trade this season.” This would have made Ukraine the world’s third largest maize exporter in 2021/22. More than 75% of global sunflower oil trade in the world is produced in Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The UN says disruptions to the sunflower oil trade will
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lead to substitution with other vegetable oils, likely causing spill over effects on the prices of other vegetable oils such as palm, soy and rapeseed oils. Models done by the FAO predict the war will see global wheat prices rise between 8.7% and 21.5% in the short term and between 10.3% and 19.4% in the medium term, with similar increases expected for world maize prices.
RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
14 OPINION EDITORIAL
EDNA
Out of gas? SOON NZ’s farming sector will be lumbered with more costs as it begins paying for the agricultural emissions. To most observers, the work done by groups involved with the He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) has been all about the way farmers will eventually pay (i.e. be taxed) for their emissions. Precious little seems to have been progressed about how agricultural emissions can actually be reduced. Serious questions need to be asked of the HWEN proponents – ag sector leaders and the Government – about the woeful lack of action in developing workable technologies that help lower NZ’s agricultural emissions. According to its own publicity, the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGgRc) exists to ‘provide knowledge and tools for New Zealand farmers so they can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector’. Despite this organisation being funded by the very same agricultural sector partners and Government as HWEN, no mention was of made of tools to help farmers mitigate their emissions in the recent round of ‘consultation’ meetings held by the latter. In fact, HWEN’s 31-page discussion document outlining its proposals, released late last year, makes only a very scant reference to mitigation tools. That’s an appalling dereliction of duty by ag industry leaders, regulators and the Government, who seem only too happy to burden the country’s key export earner with a new tax but have done nothing tangible to provide farmers with tools to reduce their emissions. This is made worse by that the fact adoption of methane inhibitors in other parts of the world has significantly reduced agricultural emissions of methane. Recently the EU approved the methane-reduction feed tool Bovaer for use by its farmers. This product has the potential to slash methane emissions by up to 30%. The product has also been approved for use in Brazil and Chile and a commercial launch in Australia is also expected this year. Meanwhile, Rural News understand the NZ trial of another product, which offers similar reductions in livestock methane emissions, had to be abandoned – and the product destroyed – due to the failure of regulators and MPI to have the necessary rules in place so it could go ahead. Surely if NZ’s ag industry leadership were actually leaders, they would have done something about this abject failure by regulators and government to help farmers mitigate their emissions?
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The recent tightening of the political polls must be having a similar effect on the sphincters of the current leadership in the Beehive. Isn’t it funny that after two years of snubbing, chiding and dismissing the leaders of the Groundswell movement – who both the PM and Minster of Agriculture have refused to meet with – Jacinda Ardern is now suddenly willing to sit down and talk with this so-called bunch of ‘racists and anti-vaxxers’! However, this old mutt suggests Groundswell are being played as there is no chance that the Labour Government are hastily going to change their anti-farming policies after the PM sits down (mainly for the TV cameras) to have a cup of tea and scones with them. There is more chance of Vladimir Putin admitting he’s wrong and pulling out of Ukraine than Ardern, O’Connor and Parker having any change of heart over ag emissions and freshwater regulations.
The Hound suggests that former All Black legend and King Country farmer, the late, great Sir Colin Meads, will be turning in his grave at the antics of current AB halfback TJ Perenara. The Hurricane – and let’s face it, overly woke – player recently decreed that he is a vegan because “animal farming is destroying the planet”. Meads, who once famously suggested that modern-day players would be better off eating more steak than poncing around with fancy diets, would no doubt be rolling his eyes about Perenara’s claim. The great Pinetree would probably point out how flying around the world to play a game of footy is doing infinitely more damage to the planet than eating a lamb chop every couple of days. Mind you, Meads was a legend and a colossus of our national game, something Perenara will never be!
This old mutt has to giggle when organisations try to jump on bandwagons. A recent example is when Fonterra decided it would get in on the International Women’s Day trend. However, its attempt to show just how woke it is turned out to be PR fiasco. Firstly, the dairy co-op announced it would hold a special panel to mark International Women’s Day with a discussion on ‘breaking the bias’. Problem was all the members of its discussion panel discussion were men. Predictably, social media – i.e. people with too much time on their hands – took umbrage and outrage about the gaff. Fonterra was then forced to quickly backtrack and include a couple of women in the panel, as well as apologise for being such a terrible, sexist, unthinking monstrosity. Maybe the dairy co-op should just stick to collecting, manufacturing and selling milk and leave the PC, woke claptrap to others.
Your canine crusader was a little taken aback by the recent ruminations of Feds national president Andrew Hoggard about the Ukraine/Russian conflict. Hoggard recently strayed into international diplomacy advice by suggesting that Fonterra should exit its Russian business because that country was now regarded as a “pariah” in international politics. He then went on to say, “If they want to be part of this planet, they need to get rid of the little dickhead of a dictator of theirs” in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. All well and good, but if Hoggard is suggesting NZ should base who it trades with on a country’s ethics, then what does he think about China and its treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority, where it is estimated that more than 1 million Uyghur people have been detained in camps where they have been subjected to torture, forced labour, religious restrictions.
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
OPINION 15
A Bugger’s Muddle! JOCK ALLISON
JACQUELINE ROWARTH opined in Rural News, January 19, “Confusion abounds about agricultural greenhouse gases (GHGs) and misinformation is rife”. Correct, but unfortunately the explanations given re the inclusion of agriculture in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), the ‘split-gas approach’ and the confusion about the appropriate metric for methane, GWP 100 or GWP, do little to stem the flow of confusion. The basis of the global warming mantra is not based on fact. Similarly, the alarm about methane and nitrous oxide is also not based on fact. To be fair, there has been a huge agricultural press about methane and the ETS. However, the industry is totally confused, not that this will be acknowledged by industry leaders in Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb, Fonterra and many others. Rowarth notes that, “Agriculture is already in the ETS but has been given a 100% free allocation until 2025. After that, it will be included at 95%, decreasing 1% per year until 2030 – and by 2050 will be entirely included”. I am not sure what this actually means. But it
Much has been written about the split-gas approach, which allows the short-lived gas methane to be treated differently from longlived gases, CO2 and nitrous oxide. The problem is that CO2 is a short-lived gas also, although this is not accepted by the IPCC. is pretty clear the Climate Change Minister James Shaw is not enthralled by the suggestions made by the working group on agricultural emissions (HWEN), which have been reported as delivering less than 1% reductions in GHG emissions. The very suggestion of such a “lukewarm” response apparently has the Greens rank and file up in arms. However, I believe that agricultural GHGs should not be taxed/ levied at all. Much has been written about the split-gas approach, which allows the short-lived gas methane to be treated differently from long-lived gases, CO2 and nitrous oxide. The problem is that CO2 is a short-lived gas also, although this is not accepted by the IPCC. Much has been written in the farming press and the scientific literature about methane’s
effectiveness as a GHG. Professor David Frame from Victoria University has consulted widely with industry about a new metric GWP* to replace GWP (the Global Warming Potential) for methane, stated by the IPCC to be about 28 times as effective as a GHG than CO2. Our work published in 2017 in the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management Journal) based on the work of two American Professors is still correct – although no one seems interested? See http://bit.ly/2TgPMLA; the contribution of methane and nitrous oxide to warming is negligible. Water vapour (as noted by the IPCC) is the main GHG, and CO2 has a minor effect only. The GWP* metric, widely promoted to industry, although through questionable science, if adopted would assess the effect of methane probably as a quarter
Jock Allison claims the proposed ag emissions pricing schemes will leg-rope agriculture and have no effect other than reducing NZ’s standard of living.
or one fifth of the present estimates. However, the metric is unsuitable anyway, for on-farm estimates of methane effects. My efforts to get a simple figure, say 20 or 25%, from the proponents Myles Allen and Professor Frame have been ignored. NZ officials and Minister James Shaw have no intention of promoting the new metric to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change anyway, so all of this discussion is moot. Meanwhile, Article 2b) of the Paris Agreement states it aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, “(b) Increasing the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions develop-
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ment, in a manner that does not threaten food production”. Our COP climate negotiators, our government and our industry leaders all seem totally deaf to this definition. Yes, our agriculture is producing food for the world, Government policies are reducing food production, while the effect of methane on climate is negligible, and CO2 is a short-term gas.
Yes, it is time to do the math, but the assumptions for that math need to be credible. We seem to be in a complete ‘Buggers Muddle’ intent on leg-roping agriculture, and spending billions of dollars which will have no effect other than reducing our standard of living. • Dr Jock Allison, ONZM, FNZIPM, was previously director of the Invermay Research Centre.
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
16 OPINION
Leadership more than leading THERE’S LEADERSHIP the caricature, the looka-like, the poser and then there’s leadership, the real thing. It may take more careful thought to discern the
difference, but really, it’s not that difficult! Explaining it in as few words as possible, at its very core leadership is influence. How that leadership influence is exer-
cised or used is the key issue. Perhaps I should use the word enforced here, to open things up more. The bottom rung on the leadership ladder,
if I can use that term, is what I will call The Positional Leader. The person holds a leadership position. They may have come to that position by fair means or foul – legit-
Former US vice president Al Gore and president Bill Clinton were not the stars of the show when Mother Teresa spoke at an event they both attended in 1994.
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imately or illegitimately. My point here is somehow they got themselves into a leadership position. Now they can demand people follow them; after all, they hold that leadership position. Or they can inspire people to follow them. That’s the great leadership test right there! In today’s world the first option is by far the most common. Sadly, the second option seems to be getting ever harder to find! Back in the late 1990s, I was fortunate enough, might I say privileged, to obtain a video copy from the US of their National Prayer Breakfast at the Hilton Hotel in Washington DC, 1994. By tradition, the president and first lady always attend, as do a whole bunch of other wannabes and people who rate themselves much higher than they should! The Clintons and the Gores, of course, were seated up on the dais in full view. As usual, much of official Washington were in attendance that morning. A little strangely though, some thought, their special speaker for the morning was not seated up with all the top brass – in fact she couldn’t even be sighted! To help me try and capture for you what happened, I quote from one of President Reagan’s former speech writers, Peggy Noonan, who was at the breakfast that morning” “Then she was introduced and came from behind a parted curtain to walk slowly to the podium… She wore a white, blue-edged, floor-length habit and looked weathered, frail, and tough as wire. As she stepped up onto a little platform that had been placed beneath the podium there was great applause… No thank
FARMER’S CHAPLAIN
Colin Miller
you, no smile… For the next twenty-five minutes she never said anything designed to elicit applause.” Yes, the “she” in my story was Mother Teresa. She did nothing, as some would put it today, to suck up to the company she was in, nor was she impressed or intimidated by all the political heavies in attendance. As Noonan said, “She softened nothing… She came with a sword.” During her speech, at one point people stood and applauded for something like five to six minutes! Someone referred to her as “carpet bombing” the place! One noted US Senator turned to his wife and asked, “Is my jaw up yet?” She finished to another standing ovation and left as she had entered, silently and without fuss. It was very obvious that morning who ‘the adult in the room’ was! It was also without question who the great human being was, and who the truly great leader was. People followed her because of who she was; she inspired them to follow. No intimidation or threats, no allurements or bribes, no fines or job losses for not complying. She led with love, not fear – a truly great leader. Reminds me of another truly great Leader who, like some of you readers, I also follow! Enjoy the autumn and God bless. • To contact Colin Millar email: farmerschaplain@ ruralnews.co.nz
RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
AGRIBUSINESS 17
Wiltshire trial shows promise PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
RESEARCH BY Massey University scientists shows that a change to self-shedding sheep will be profitable in the longterm. Trials have been running at Massey’s Riverside farm in the Wairarapa since 2020. The aim has been to breed up a flock of selfshedding Wiltshire sheep by crossing Romney ewes with a Wiltshire ram. The project, funded by the L.A. Alexander Trust and the Massey University Foundation, comes in part as a response to falling strong wool prices and the rising cost of shearing sheep. Professor Steve Morris says few coarse wool sheep farmers today are recovering the costs of shearing and many are not. He says one alternative option is to breed a “no wool” or “self-shedding” sheep. “Some farmers have (or are already) gradedup to a Wiltshire flock, but what’s lacking is quantified, researched results that show the potential impacts and to provide a way forward for other sheep farmers who might be contemplating a move to a self-shedding sheep,” Morris told
Last May, a field day at Riverside farm attracted over 100 farmers all keen to learn more about the trial.
INTEREST HIGH
Steve Morris says the research hopes to give quantified, researched results that show the potential benefits and impacts to farmers contemplating a move to a self-shedding sheep.
Rural News. “The aim of the project at Riverside is about gathering the information to do this and quantify the benefits and costs of the change from a Romney to a self-shedding Wiltshire flock.” Morris says the project has two aspects. Firstly, to model the profitability of such a change and secondly to undertake a multi-year flock study, recording production and performance as the flock progresses to a Wiltshire flock. He says the modelling undertaken so far suggests that the strong wool greasy price would have to exceed $4.15/ kg greasy to break even on the costs of shear-
ing in many farming scenarios. However, Morris concedes that the data is limited and the trial aims to come up with some answers that will help farmers make quality decisions. The project started in March 2020 with 400 Romney ewes bred to either Wiltshire rams or Romney rams. The resulting ewe lambs from this first breeding – that is half-bred Wiltshires – were then bred as hoggets to Wiltshire rams late April 2021 to generate three-quarter Wiltshire lambs, which were born in October 2021. The project continues with seven-eighths Wiltshire lambs to be born in
2022 and 15/16 lambs to be born in 2023. At each lambing, the progeny are compared to the base Romney flock at Riverside farm Morris says the lambing of half Wiltshire-cross ewe hoggets started in late September 2021 and the lambs were weaned on 17 December. He says the three-quarter Wiltshire cross lambs grew at 270 grams/day to average 24.6kg at weaning (at an average age of 75 days). Meanwhile, the Romney lambs grew at 260 grams/ day to weigh 23.7kg at weaning. Lamb losses recorded from birth to weaning were 13% in the three-quarter Wiltshire cross and 25% in the
Romney bred lambs. “Growth of the threequarter Wiltshire-cross ewe lambs from weaning on 17 December to 26 January was 188 g/day to reach a liveweight of 31.0kg – hence they are on target for mating liveweights of 40kg in late April,” Morris says. “The comparable group of Romneys weighed 30.7kg. The three-quarter Wiltshire cross ewe lambs were given a shedding score on a scale of 1 (no shedding) to 5 (fully shed) on 26 January and 90% showed some shedding. At the same date in 2021, 40% of the half Wiltshire cross lambs showed some shedding.”
FARMER INTEREST in the trial has been huge. Last May, a field day at Riverside farm attracted over 100 farmers all keen to learn more about the trial. At the time Massey’s School of Agriculture and Environment head Professor Paul Kenyon said the turnout to the field day exceeded their expectations – given that the project was in its very early stages and there was not a lot of data to share. Kenyon doesn’t think the interest in self-shedding Wiltshires is just because farmers are necessarily over wool. He believes many still regard wool as a good quality product they are very proud of. “But it just comes down to the economic sense of it at the moment, because of the costs of dealing with wool, including the price of shearing,” he adds. “Also, it’s the extra labour costs over the summer autumn period – including crutching, dipping and fly control. With less labour on farm, you can do other things such as improving the performance of the farms or go to the beach.” Kenyon says Massey is not suggesting that farmers should all go to Wiltshires, but it wants to provide quality information so that farmers can make informed decisions. Massey University is planning to hold another field day at their Riverside Farm once NZ emerges from the present ‘red settings’.
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
18 MANAGEMENT
Trial shows CSAs prevent soil damage FARMERS ARE being reminded of the importance of leaving critical source areas in winter forage paddocks ungrazed over winter to prevent soil losses and water contamination. Beef+Lamb New Zealand’s Jane Chrystal says the interim results of a Landcare Trust/ AgResearch study ‘Understanding the impacts of sheep wintering’ reinforced the value of leaving critical source areas (CSA) ungrazed. The CSAs help trap and retain sediment and contaminant run-off resulting from winter grazing. Under good practice winter grazing management, CSAs – which are low-lying areas within a paddock such as depressions, gullies and swales – should be fenced off and left ungrazed until spring or summer. Ideally, these areas should be
“This plan will help farmers identify their risks and plan how they will make the best use of their winter feed resources, while protecting their environment and animal welfare.”
Leaving critical source areas (CSAs) in winter forage paddocks ungrazed over winter helps prevent soil losses and water contamination.
left in grass, which acts as an ideal filter and sediment trap. Chrystal – B+LNZ’s principal science advisor, farm systems & environment – says early results from the trial comparing contaminant loss and sediment trapped on similar paddocks, one where the CSAs were grazed while the other was
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ungrazed, were consistent and significant. While both paddocks were sown in kale and under a similar management regime of top-down grazing and two breaks of five days, there was a marked difference in the amount of suspended sediment in the water samples collected from each paddock after rainfall events. Even before analysing the suspended sediment data, the scientists found visually striking evidence of the immediate effectiveness of the CSA on reducing the loss of soils from the paddocks. The report states that “these visually striking differences provided an immediate indicator that the CSA was having a
demonstrable impact on retaining soil and sediments eroded from the uphill portions of the paddock”. Subsequent analysis of the suspended sediments from all rainfall events throughout the winter of 2021 supported these results. Chrystal explains that the trial, which started in the winter of 2020, is being run on a commercial farm in Waitahuna, West Otago. The goal is understanding the impacts of winter sheep grazing management on several environmental indicators. “These results highlight the importance of keeping stock away from CSAs during winter and valuing these
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areas for their ability to prevent soil and
contaminant losses.” She encourages all farmers growing winter forage crops to work through the Forage Cropping Management Plan, which is a chapter in B+LNZ’s Farm Plan or available as a stand-alone
resource. “This plan will help farmers identify their risks and plan how they will make the best use of their winter feed resources, while protecting their environment and animal welfare.”
BEEF PROGRAMME ON SEARCH FOR NORTH ISLAND FARM WITH THE first calves born into the Informing New Zealand Beef Programme now on the ground on Pamu’s Kepler Farm near Te Anau, attention has turned to finding a North Island farm to expand the project. The seven-year programme is designed to generate more income for beef producers with an across-breed evaluation of bulls. The aim is to produce more efficient beef animals that generate less greenhouse gas and are more profitable. B+LNZ Genetics specialist Jason Archer says the purpose of the progeny test is to gather the information to rank bulls across breed; mainly Angus and Hereford – but also Simmental, the third largest beef breed in New Zealand. “Right now we can rank Angus bulls against Angus bulls and Herefords against Herefords because those herds are all interconnected and use common bulls. But we don’t have a great handle on being able to rank a Hereford bull against a Simmental bull, for example,” Archer explains. “It’s not picking winners because some cattle will be outstanding for some traits and other cattle will trump them in other aspects of beef production. There is no such thing as the perfect bull – although there are very good bulls.” The programme is funded 60% by B+LNZ and 40% by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. Work has started with a progeny test at Pamu’s Kepler Farm and now a North Island beef operation is also being sought for the sevenyear long programme. “The right place from our point of view would ideally have 400 to 600 mixed age cows that we can mate with an AI programme and those cows ideally would be a reasonably even line of cattle,” Archer says. “It’s important the cows are reasonably even so when we put the bulls over
them, we’re getting a fair evaluation without big breed differences coming in from the cow side.” However, he says the most important thing is the people involved and the stability of the business. “We’re looking for probably a 6–7year commitment and we want someone who has a passion for cattle and is interested in genetics and recording,” he adds. “B+LNZ will provide a lot of support along the way, including assistance with recording, and pay for all costs which are over and above normal farm management.” Archer explains that the AI sires used will be selected from the top bulls nominated by breeders from around New Zealand, which will add quality genetics into the herd during the project. “In previous projects, some farm managers were wary about the potential extra work-load, particularly with an AI programme, but all were surprised how much could be achieved and how well the project fitted in with normal work.” The programme is designed so it fits in with the farm calendar, doesn’t disrupt things too much. “We don’t need intensive calving beats or animals tagged and weighed at birth.” Archer says for the farm personnel involved, there are important upsides including access to a range of experts in breeding and genetics and options to be involved in some off-farm activities too. “We always make an effort to involve staff as well as managers in the professional development opportunities that come with being part of a project like this,” he explains. “This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project which will benefit farmers, the industry and New Zealand.” For more information, or expressions of interest, contact: Jason. Archer@blnzgenetics.com
RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
ANIMAL HEALTH 19
New boss to take over at sheep measles body THE OVIS Management programme, which works to promote control of sheep measles across New Zealand, has appointed a new project manager. Michelle Simpson replaces Dan Lynch, who has retired after heading the programme for 28 years. Simpson has a background in laboratory science, was formerly manager of the large animal department for Southern Rangitikei Veterinary Service and is married to a sheep and beef farmer. They live in Halcombe in the Manawatū. “Sheep measles poses no risk to human health
but causes blemishes in sheep meat, which is undesirable for consumers – particularly for the export market,” she explains. “It costs farmers a lot of money due to condemned stock, so it is an important issue for the primary sector.” C. ovis (sheep measles) is caused by the Taenia ovis tapeworm. Dogs can become infected by eating untreated meat or offal infected with live cysts. It is then spread to sheep through tapeworm eggs in dog faeces left in grazing areas. Eggs can also be spread from dog faeces over large areas, predominantly by flies.
Michelle Simpson believes an important part of her role is helping spread the word about Ovis and that everyone has a part to play in protecting the sheep meat market.
The best practice for dog health and sheep measles is for all farm dogs to be treated monthly with cestocidal (tapeworm) drugs con-
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taining the ingredient Praziquantel – a cheap and effective treatment – and an All Wormer every three months. “A frequent issue with
Ovis is that if a farmer is not sending in lambs for processing, they may not know that they are passing the problem on,” Simpson explains. “Then,
when a farmer ends up with issues with their product, they don’t know who to turn to.” She believes that an important part of her role is helping those farmers to spread the word, that everyone has a part to play in protecting the sheep meat market. “It is important to get the message out there that all dog owners who take their dogs near farmland, or where sheep graze, must dose their dogs every month.” Simpson says this is essential because the tapeworm has a short life cycle and dosing threemonthly is not enough to stop the parasite from spreading.
“Farmers and landowners can control who is coming onto their property with their dogs. It’s your land, your livelihood, and your rules and if a dog does not need to come onto the property, then it is best not to have it there.” Simpson says she will be working with urban vet clinics, as well as rural ones, to further raise awareness of the importance of dosing dogs before they go into rural areas. “Most urban dog owners are unlikely to know about the risk of Ovis, so it’s about getting the message out that we all have a part to play.” www.sheepmeasles.co.nz/
RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
20 ANIMAL HEALTH
New thinking needed on worm resistance with genetics as the answer Gordon Levet is a Northland sheep farmer and ram breeder who has spent a lifetime breeding sheep for worm resistance and facial eczema (FE) tolerance. He began breeding for worm resistance in 1987, recognising that there was a genetic component to a sheep’s ability to tolerate worms and this has shaped his thinking on the issue… AFTER 34 years of breeding for the worm resistant trait there have been no guidelines to follow. So far as I know, no individual or scientific establishment has succeeded in breeding sheep that have a moderate to high resistance to worm challenges. For me it has been a fascinating journey into the unknown with some unexpected and pleasing results. My thinking has evolved with the study of the data from about 25,000 faecal samples taken for a laboratory to count worm eggs. We have taken two or three samplings each year, a month apart, over the peak of the worm challenge. Since 2007, these ram lambs were never drenched. About 400 ram lambs by 10 sires
were involved. This provided valuable information on how the progeny of each sire were performing under a high challenge. In nature, the immune system of animals evolves to a level where it would control diseases, infection resulting from injury and internal parasites. The health issues of sheep and goats would have been minimal where they roamed in small groups over vast areas of mountainous, arid regions of southern Europe and Asia. Their immune system evolved to meet these low challenges. And then man became involved, reprogramming domestic animals by selective breeding to produce increased volumes of quality food and fibre. In doing so, large mobs were grazed on confined areas creating the ideal
environment for diseases and worms to profligate. Scientists had two options for a solution. Reducing worms via drenching with chemicals or breeding for a stronger immune system to control the greater challenge. They chose the former option as it was more readily achievable. Selective breeding for worm resistance would take at least 25 years parasitologists believed. The chemical solution worked well over the past seven decades. However, it had a downside in two respects. The over-use of drenching decreases the effectiveness of each chemical used and super worms evolved able to resist all chemicals and combinations. Another negative was that the most susceptible animals survived and were indistinguish-
SHEEP JETTER
While the chemical solution for worm control has worked well over the decades, it does have its downsides.
able from their resistant sisters and entered the breeding flock. Ditto rams in ram breeding flocks. The net result, a much more worm-susceptible flock having to face increased challenges from super worms. Over my lifetime, the lethal Barbers’ Pole worm has become more of a problem in my area. Seventy years ago this worm was a problem in the late summer-autumn period, or the months of February until April. However, this worm has now evolved to be a problem all the year. My Down breeds, adults
and lambs, have to be drenched every six weeks otherwise there are losses. Why has this happened? Warmer winters haven’t helped. It could be the result of super worms evolving, or it could be the natural result of the huge increase in worm populations due to our modern farming methods, where deviants occur, as is presently happening with Covid. Or more likely, a combination of factors, known or unknown. The immune system is the key to breeding for worm resistance and I now believe it is quite
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different to all the other traits we breed for, be they production traits, physical, survival, breed type or behavioural. All these we need to continually breed for, otherwise they will regress and eventually be lost. On the other hand, the immune system in nature evolves to a level it can control disease and internal parasite challenges. It then fluctuates up or down, according to the normal environmental changes in challenge. It is a normal, natural process. However, the huge increase of worm challenges with modern farming is way beyond the normal variation and the immune system fails. Sheep that have been bred to have a high degree of resistance will then fluctuate according to seasonal variation, as happens in nature at the lower level. At this point, there would be no point in continuing to breed for the worm resistant trait, as the immune system would stabilise at this higher level. I have taken into account what had happened to sheep when they escaped from the early
French settlers of Louisiana in the US several hundred years ago. These feral sheep adapted to the sub-tropical climate – whereas the farmed Suffolk sheep are severely challenged by the Barbers’ Pole worm to the extent that unweaned lambs need to be drenched to keep them alive. The feral sheep are completely immune to all worm species and self-regulate according to challenge variations. When worm resistance becomes more established in New Zealand, I believe the immune system will adjust to the level of worm challenge present in a specific region. In effect, the immune system would be much stronger in regions in the north and considerably less so in southern areas. Much of what I have written are my opinions based on practical experience, but there are some facts that are not disputed: Triple drench resistance is an increasing problem that will challenge sheep farming. Climate change and particularly warmer winters will be favourable for the Barbers’ Pole worm to become more dominant in southern areas. This also applies to fungi that produce toxins and other health issues that have plagued sheep farmers in the north. A new effective drench is unlikely to be produced for economic regions. The good news is that when the genetic option is chosen to control worm challenges, it is permanent with no costs and a winner for consumers. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 21
Electric options for John Deere MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
EAUTOPOWR IS described as a significant step in John Deere’s journey towards electrification. An electric CVT with electro-mechanical power split, it is now available as an option on all three versions of the flagships; the 8R410, 8RT410 and 8RX410. While JD claims the technology is a durable solution for its tractors putting out more than 400hp, the new transmission also won over the judges at Agritechnica 2019, where it won an innovation award gold medal. The new transmission sees hydraulic com-
ponents ditched for an electric power path, using two brushless electric motors that are said to be virtually wear-free. Benefits are said to include improved gearbox efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, lower in-cab sound levels, while the driver also benefits from fine speed control and improved acceleration. As speeds of up to 5km/h are now driven purely electrically, the changes of direction are said to be faster and smoother. The other claimed benefits of the electro-mechanical EAutoPowr transmission and intelligent e8wd system are also said to include increased traction and significantly reduced
JD looks to be progressing with its fully electric, battery powered concept tractor – the SESAM 2.
wheel slip. With the help of the E-Drive, the electric drive is activated to prevent any wheel slip from occurring, using slip limits that are pre-set by the operator. This allows the system to support the tractor permanently or only in certain situations, such as travelling uphill. The electric driveline is also configured to
provide up to 100kW of external electrical power via an E-port, offering a 480v variable-frequency three-phase AC supply for implements. Working with effluent tanker Joskin during the development stage, the duo demonstrated how this power can be put to good use, in the form of a slurry tanker with two electrically powered
axles. Still on the electrical theme, JD looks to be progressing with its fully electric, battery powered concept tractor. The Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery, SESAM 2 tractor was first shown in 2017, based on a 6R chassis and fitted with a 130kWH battery pack mated to a modified
Direct Drive transmission that offered up to 4 hours mixed work capacity. Fast forward to 2022, the tractor takes on a new more robotic look. Power is provided by a 1,000kWh battery pack that can deliver 500kW to the powertrain and 1,000kW available to power implements. Range is said to be around 10 hours at an 80% bat-
tery load. With the battery housed along the full length of the chassis, rather than the conventional engine location as seen in SESAM 1, the total weight of the unit is now around 18 tonnes. A further design change sees the additional of a new detachable cabin, mounted low and forward on the front linkage. This allows the machine to be moved manually between sites, then removed for autonomous use. Interestingly, a recently released company video shows the cabin positioned in a paddock, offering the control technician one of the most prestigious workman’s huts in existence.
Faster and more accurate planting MONOSEM HAS offered electrically-powered (FEP) planters since late 2017. However, a sneak peep of what’s in the pipeline is pointing towards increased accuracy, faster set up times and improved ease of use. The new ValoTerra precision planter is equipped with its own 56-volt, on-board power system, with electricity to the planter’s motors supplied via a PTO-driven, 5.6kW generator – thus removing the need for any battery packs. The result of several years of R&D, the main development goal was not only to make the planter easier to adjust, but also ensure precise seed spacing, planting depth and singulation to always get a more uniform emergence, says the French manufacturer. A newly developed and patented
The Monosem Precision planter in action.
metering system on the ValoTerra is described as an improved version of the Monoshox system. This results in consistent accuracy while operating at speeds of up to 2km/h faster.
An example of improvements to ease of use is switching between crops when only the seed disc needs changing. The company suggests that this task takes less than a minute per
row to complete the changeover. Equipped with variable rate and section control, further new developments include the FertiSmart fertiliser dosage system. This is configured
to use a single motor for each individual dosing unit. The system is claimed to distribute a wide range of fertilisers, including bio pellets, even when working on slopes. The MicroSmart micro-granule applicator works using one metering unit and two fall/drop pipes per row, while the new Monosem Plus app allows users to control individual metering units via a mobile device or tablet. Available in models from 6-12 rows, offering working widths from 4.2m to 6.0m, individual row hoppers hold 70 litres-equivalent to 160,000 maize seeds, while the pressure of the 450mm diameter double-disc openers can be increased in three steps of 30kg. Look out for the commercial release at the SIMA Event to be held in Paris during November. – Mark Daniel
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RURAL NEWS // MARCH 29, 2022
22 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Will the rescheduled Fieldays work and who will attend? MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
IT’S GOING to be a case of pack your teeshirts, shorts and thongs – rather than raincoat, umbrella and gumboots – with National Fieldays Society rescheduling the 2022 event from its usual June timeframe, in favour of a late Nov/early Dec timeslot. Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation claims the revised timing will allow the event to operate to its full potential, “giving all attendees, exhibitors and stakeholders some breathing room and confidence during these uncertain times”. Nation says that feedback from customers is that they really want the event to run but he points out that there were several factors that might have stopped the event going ahead in June as scheduled. These include the current Omicron situation, putting resources under pressure, particularly with stand-down periods in an already tight labour market and some exhibitors struggling to get stock because of global shipping and local logistics problems. “While we could assume, or hope, that an orange traffic light setting would be in place by the
time the event arrived in June,” Nation told Rural News, “the fact is that the Fieldays build starts in April, so that would just not be possible under the current red light strategy.” Fieldays says that it considered a range of rural sector seasonal timings before coming to its decision. However, the immediate response from some in the sector suggests that they may have missed the mark. November is considered a busy time of the year for dairy farmers, with mating, twice daily milking and grass harvesting all in full swing. Some were saying Fieldays would be a “no-go” this year, while others said it would have to be a very early start to the day or hiring in replacement staff to take a day off. Talking to potential exhibitors, some suggested that the new timing might be a case of tyre kickers and children aplenty, but those looking to do business in short supply. One large importer/distributor told Rural News, “The timing is terrible as we are right in the thick of silage harvesting. It is a complete disconnect to the farming industry on the part of the Fieldays’ board with absolutely no consulta-
Will the crowds and exhibitors turn up to the newly announced late November/early December dates for the 2022 National Fieldays?
tion. We will most likely not attend.” Conor Leahy, marketing manager for the Landpower Group, said they had not had any consultation, just an advisory e-mail on February 11. “For us, the new timing raises several questions, such as, will customers attend at such a busy time of the year and, as its the start of the summer season, will there be easy access to tents and marquees?” he
told Rural News. “Then there is the issue of the 2023 event, as it makes absolutely no sense to have the same event within six months of each other, while also having to fit the regional field days in between. We will have to have a lot of internal discussion before we can commit to the new timing.” John Tulloch of Tulloch Farm Machines said they were not consulted about Fieldays being in November/December. “It
doesn’t work for us, and I can’t imagine it working for anyone else either.” Meanwhile Peter Scott, Fendt national manager for AGCO, noted it was not a great time. “But, I guess, the success or failure of the timing change will need to be gauged by the number of customers that come onto our site. We will just have to make the most of it.” The 2021 event was deemed a huge success – following the cancella-
tion of Fieldays 2020 and a switch to an online-only format that year – with around 132,000 people through the gate. The question is, if the 2020 Online Fieldays format was so good, as the Fieldays PR machine suggests, why they don’t take this route in 2022, before a return to ‘normality’ in 2023? Nation says he isn’t expecting this year’s event to be any different to the last and reckons it might be even bigger.
Only time will tell, but with the borders opening to tourists, Omicron passing its peak in Auckland already and the likelihood of vaccine passports disappearing in the very near future, has Fieldays has shut the gate on the June event a little too soon? By delaying to November, it might give exhibitors a chance to take a closer look at whether attending the event is really good use of their marketing budget.
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