Rural News 2 August 2022 by Rural News Group

MANAGEMENT

ANIMAL HEALTH

King Country’s hidden jewel.

Farmers and public need to be vigilent about FMD. PAGE 25

PAGE 22-23

NEWS Are NZ farmers missing a trick on goat meat? PAGE 14

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS AUGUST 2, 2022: ISSUE 756

www.ruralnews.co.nz

FMD high alert! PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

BEEF+LAMB NZ is gearing-up to keep farmers informed about the potential risk of foot and mouth disease (FMD). Will Halliday, B+LNZ’s senior advisor on biosecurity and animal welfare, told Rural News the organisation is working closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), DairyNZ, NZ Pork, Federated Farmers, the deer industry and other groups to ensure the messaging across the farm sector is aligned and that everyone singing from the same song sheet. “As well, we are working with MPI on its planning to determine what a response to FMD might look like should it arrive on our shores.” Halliday says B+LNZ is satisfied with the various measures that MPI has put in place at the border to keep the disease out. He believes the NZ border is well managed and the risk of FMD getting into the country is low. Crucial to dealing to any outbreak of FMD, says Halliday, is ensuring that farmers have their NAIT records completely up-to-date. He says this allows authorities to trace the movement of stock and to track down where an infection is likely to be. Halliday adds that with a fast-moving disease such as FMD, having these records from the start will be invaluable. He adds that the value of good farmer records has been highlighted in the recent M. bovis outbreak.

B+LNZ is also looking at what other measures can be taken, such as the feeding of waste to pigs, which is a major pathway for the disease to get out of control. “This event is a good reminder for farmers to have a look at their on-farm biosecurity practices and consider who

and what is coming on to their farm,” Halliday adds. “Why are they there and where they are going and what are they doing?” He also advises farmers to look up what the symptoms of FMD are and be aware of what to look for, as well as knowing what to do if they see some-

On the so-called Forgotten Highway between Taumaranui and Stratford lies Paparata Station, near the settlement of Tokirima. Owned by Trevor Johnson (pictured) the 7,000 hectare property has been creatively transformed and managed over the years to bring it up to its present state. See the full story pages 22-23.

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tant to ensure that all farm staff, and anyone involved in handling livestock, are fully briefed about FMD. “They should be able to recognise the symptoms and what they need to do if they believe there’s a potential outbreak on the farm,” he says. “In this situation, vigilance is key.”

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thing out of the ordinary. Halliday adds if a farmer discovers something suspicious, the first port of call should be their vet, who has the expertise and knowledge to deal with any problem. He says it’s critical for farmers to have close relationships with their vets. Halliday adds that it’s also impor-

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

NEWS 3

Shipping jam bites exports

ISSUE 756

www.ruralnews.co.nz

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

GLOBAL SHIPPING disruption is continuing, with two out of every three ships caught in a ‘traffic jam’. Kotahi chief executive David Ross says the shipping sector remains “very much in the middle of global disruption”. Speaking at the NZ Primary Industries Conference in Auckland last month, Ross pointed out that some NZ trade lanes had lost 30% of capacity due to ships being caught in this traffic jam. One of the key measures of global shipping is schedule integrity – how many container ships are arriving and departing on time against their published schedule. Normally, shipping schedule integrity is around 80%, meaning four out of every five ships call in at the right time. However, disruptions over the past three years have seen it drop below 30%, says Ross. “It has picked up fractionally today and is sitting around 35%. “So, it means two out of three ships globally are not on time. They are in a big shipping traffic jam at ports waiting to get serviced and get away and we lose capacity.” Ross says ships have a rotation, going around in a loop of 40- 49 day

NEWS ��1-16 AGRIBUSINESS �� 17 HOUND, EDNA �� 18 CONTACTS �� 18 OPINION �� 18-21 MANAGEMENT ��22-23 ANIMAL HEALTH �� 24-25 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS �� 26-30 RURAL TRADER �� 30-31

HEAD OFFICE Lower Ground 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

The shipping sector remains in the middle of a global disruption, and this is impacting on NZ exporters.

cycles, but if they are caught up in this traffic jam they don’t do as many cycles in a year. “Some of our trade lanes out of NZ have seen 25 to 30% of capacity disappear due to the ship being in the traffic jam.” This impacts delivery of containers back into NZ and feeding services to mainline vessels from places like Nelson where a lot of small horticulture exporters are based.

Ross says the situation remains tricky and hasn’t got much better. T&G group shipping manager and chair NZ Council of Cargo Owners, Simon Beale, told the conference that the shipping traffic jam is affecting major port cities around the world. In the US, ships are waiting for 40 days before getting a berth at Los Angeles Port. Fortnightly sailings from NZ to Seattle Port have now stretched to six-weekly sailings.

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KOTAHI, FOUNDED by Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms, works with exporters and shipping companies to ensure an efficient supply chain. The company has 10-year partnership with Maersk Shipping. Kotahi chief executive David Ross says the agreement comes with a commitment to each other “to ensure capacity is there for exporters on our platform”. “We realised last year was tough with the constant slippage, so the plan going into this year was to do

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something different,” he says. “This is to ensure we would get the schedule integrity and the capacity. Kotahi chief We need to executive David Ross. not put the stress on the supply chain that we’ve seen in the previous 12 months.” Ross says Maersk has committed

to increase capacity to New Zealand this year. He says while the port congestion doesn’t go away, the new schedule will be able to handle that congestion and be on time. He adds that over the last few months, the schedule integrity of key Maersk services in NZ is back to over 80%. “That just changes everything. The boxes [containers] are coming in when you need them, you are booking the vessels you want and whole flow starts to come back.”

He says getting empty containers to regional ports like Nelson where there is a huge pipfruit industry gets challenging. “People are carting products down to Lyttelton. They are moving product all around the country just to get product out.” Zespri’s head of NZ supply Jason Te Brake expects the shipping challenges to remain for the next 12 to 18 months. “There may be cautious optimism but the next season will be another challenge,” he says. He says Zespri managed to get all its fruit shipped this season. Te Brake puts this down to its partnerships with charter vessels. About 50% of Zespri kiwifruit are shipped on chartered vessels. Te Brake says charter vessels also face challenges like labour shortages to discharge cargo at some ports. “It’s a tough environment but we leverage off a resilient team and our partnerships with long term charter providers and container vessel lines. “We got all our fruits shipped this season.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

4 NEWS

NAIT will play key role in NZ averting foot and mouth PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE SPEED of dealing with any outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) would rely on traceability and NAIT record keeping by NZ farmers, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Damien O’Connor. There is growing concern about the risk of FMD spreading to NZ, following its discovery in nearby Indonesia. O’Connor says FMD is the “doomsday disease” for NZ and if it got here it could see animals slaughtered and the loss of more than 100,000 jobs in the primary sector. O’Connor says the risk has increased and notes there is the possibility of it coming to NZ via Australia, because Bali is a popular holiday destination for many Australians. “We have been aware of FMD’s threats for decades and some of us may remember the horrific scenes from the UK some years ago when hundreds of thousands of animals had to be slaughtered,” he says. “We have strong and multi-layered biosecurity systems and these are arguably some of the strongest in the world, but we are constantly improving these to deal with FMD.” O’Connor says vigilance about the disease is absolutely crucial for farmers and the general

“Every container from Indonesia is being inspected with someone there on site when it’s opened, to look for any risk products,”

public alike. He adds that a range of checks and assessments are being made on all cargo coming from Indonesia, which includes checking on PKE imports to ensure there is no risk to the country. “Every container from Indonesia is being inspected with someone there on site when it’s opened, to look for any risk products,” O’Connor adds. “Clearly some of those containers may have come from rural areas, so it’s not just their contents but also the outside of these containers that are being checked to ensure there is no trace of FMD.” O’Connor believes farmers are generally adhering to a very high standard of NAIT record keeping, but says they are also being asked to check their cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, alpacas and llamas for any symptoms of FMD. “If they see any sign of

The FMD threat is on the radar at the highest level in government, with both PM Jacinda Ardern and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor asking all New Zealanders to play their part in keeping the disease out of the country.

high fever, mouth blisters, or lameness they should call their vet immediately. They should also make sure their staff are fully briefed and to be on the lookout for signs of the disease.” O’Connor says NZ is liaising closely with counterparts in Australia and he is having regular briefings from MPI as well as industry groups. He says in the event of FMD ever reaching here, NZ has access to a vaccine bank in the UK which can be called upon within a

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MPI LEADS FMD RESPONSE IF BY chance there is an outbreak of FMD in NZ, MPI will have the lead role in confirming the outbreak and offering technical advice to the Government on how to deal with the event. However, other government departments such as the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, MFAT, Police, MFE will all be part of the decision making process. Industry groups will also be involved. Under the Biosecurity Act of 1993, it is the chief technical officer from MPI who will initially provide advice on the nature of the outbreak and this information will be elevated to key government officials and

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ministers to make calls on what action is to be taken. Before the 1993 Biosecurity Act, the power to run the FMD response was vested in the then Chief Veterinarian Officer, employed at the time by MAF. In 1981, a suspected outbreak of FMD was found on a pig farm at Temuka in South Canterbury and all the animals on that property were slaughtered and cremated on the farm. However, under the new act, any decision to slaughter animals would not be taken unless there is absolute scientific proof of an outbreak of FMD on a farm and at a much higher level than in the past.

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matter of days “With vigilance and all the systems that we have put in place, hopefully we won’t have to face FMD in NZ.” The threat of FMD is on the radar at the highest level in government. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says while there are no direct flights between NZ and Indonesia, strict screening measures are in place for people from that country coming to NZ. She says this includes special chemical mats that passengers from Indonesia are required to walk on as they enter NZ. “We have also supplied Indonesia with PPE, disinfectant sprayers and other tools as well as technical expertise to help them manage their outbreak,” Ardern says. “I also want to also acknowledge the primary sector groups who have been running awareness campaigns and echo what they have been saying to spread that message to as many New Zealanders as possible.” She is imploring all New Zealanders to follow good biosecurity practices and be honest and thorough in their biosecurity declarations when they return from overseas travel. “If you have interacted with animals in a country known to have FMD then you must stay away from farms for a week and that includes lifestyle blocks,” she says.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

NEWS 5

Major ‘GAP’ in understanding PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE HORTICULTURE sector is facing a blockade of modern day Sir Humphrey Applebys as it attempts to get some sanity into achieving quality environmental outcomes. Horticulture NZ chair Barry O’Neil – a former high-ranking government bureaucrat – told Rural News that the sector is facing layer-upon-layer of officials and bureaucrats and they don’t seem to be talking the same language as the industry. He says the hort sector already has good systems in place to give assurance over environmental outcomes with NZGAP. This stands for good agricultural practice and was established in 1998 to provide assur-

PRESERVING THE VEGGIE SECTOR BARRY O’NEIL believes another concern for commercial growers is the need to protect highly-productive land from being gobbled up for urban development. He says it’s pleasing that the Government appears to have picked up on the risk of not preserving this highlyproductive land. O’Neil says such land is becoming harder to find. He says the sector is advocating for NZ to have a domestic food security policy and for the Government to implement policies that support ongoing vegetable production in NZ. “It would be a travesty if our fresh vegetables were imported from offshore and our consumers had to rely more on frozen rather than fresh,” O’Neil told Rural

ance about the safe and sustainable production of fruit and vegetables in New Zealand. NZGAP certification provides growers with a credible assurance framework, which enables

News. “We have got to be very careful with our policy settings otherwise we could drive domestic vegetable production out of business.” O’Neil says it was a particularly difficult year for the country’s commercial growers who were not only hit by labour shortages but also got hit by atrocious weather events. There was a drought in Pukekohe and floods in the Horowhenua and Gisborne areas that saw crops destroyed. About 80% of the vegetables grown in NZ are sold on the domestic market with the remaining 20% consisting mainly of buttercup squash exported. Due to weather conditions there were supply shortages of some lines and higher prices for others.

them to meet multiple supermarket and regulatory obligations. However, O’Neil says instead of recognising this reputable system, officials are forcing a new issuing process into the

system with additional compliance costs and fees. He says the bureaucracy seems to have got progressively worse over the years, since he worked in government. O’Neil claims that

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Horticulture NZ chair Barry O’Neil says the sector is facing layer-upon-layer of bureaucracy.

during his time in officialdom he was aware that there was too much bureaucracy and had hopes of trying to help reduce it. “But it’s a big machine and is hard to unwind,” he told Rural News. “I feel

that since I left (working for government) they have just layered and layered and layered it with additional compliance costs.” O’Neil believes that “risk adversity” has got to a level where no one

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is prepared to make decisions because they are scared they will get their “head chopped off”. “We seem to be making decisions on outcomes by process rather true leadership,” he adds. “We are using a process to achieve a result when we don’t even know whether that will be the best for the country and people of NZ.” O’Neil says the raft of compliance issues growers have to deal with is increasing and makes it challenging and difficult for the sector. “It’s reached the stage where our growers seem to spend as much time meeting compliance requirements, filling out forms and getting permission as they do actually growing,” he says. “We seem to have got the ratio a bit wrong.”

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

6 NEWS

Beef up pork import controls! SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

THERE ARE calls to strengthen biosecurity controls around imported pork as NZ works to keep foot and mouth disease (FMD) out. Federated Farmers vice president and biosecurity spokesman Wayne Langford says it is a good time to relook at meat imports – especially pork. “It’s time to realise what great, safe and nutritious pork is produced by our farmers,” he told Rural News. Langford made the comments after Australian authorities confirmed that viral fragments of FMD and African swine fever were detected in pork products at a Melbourne retailer. The products, believed to be imported from China,

were detected in the Melbourne CBD as part of routine surveillance and have been seized. Viral fragments are not infectious and cannot transfer live virus to another animal. Both Australia and New Zealand remain free of the disease, but a recent outbreak of FMD in Bali has put both countries on heightened alert. NZPork chief executive Brent Kleiss told Rural News that New Zealand’s commercial pig farming industry is internationally recognised for its high-health status. “Good biosecurity practices are at the heart of every pig farm. Our commercial pig farmers take stringent measures around movement of animals, people and vehicles.” Although the risk of

FMD entering New Zealand is considered low, Kleiss says we cannot be complacent as the disease would have a devastating impact on our pig industry. The steps the Government has taken so far, including banning travelers to New Zealand from bringing in any meat products from Indonesia, are welcome by pork farmers. However, Kleiss says the NZ pork sector’s concerns go much wider than FMD. He points out that much of the pork imported into New Zealand comes from countries where they are dealing with very serious pig diseases that are not currently present in this country – including African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and

Brent Kleiss says the NZ pork sector’s concerns go much wider than just FMD.

Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). “There is a risk that diseases could enter New Zealand in imported meat, and while harmless

to humans, could spread to non-commercial pigs and into the wild pig population through feeding of meat scraps that have not been properly

treated prior to feeding,” he explains. “This is despite New Zealand’s regulations banning the feeding of untreated meat to pigs,

which to NZ Pork’s disappointment, are not well enforced.” Kleiss adds that while importing standards to manage potential disease incursions via imported meats are in place, NZ Pork’s view is that these settings should be updated. “New Zealand still allows fresh pork meat to be imported from countries with ASF, so long as it is accompanied by documentation stating it is from an area or region certified free of ASF. Other importers of pork, including Australia, do not allow this to happen,” he told Rural News. “We want the Government to strengthen the biosecurity controls around imported pork to prevent diseases entering the country that could devastate Kiwi pigs.”

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

NEWS 7

Fonterra rivals claim DIRA changes anti-competitive SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FONTERRA’S BID to gain parliamentary approval for its new capital structure is fiercely opposed by rival milk processors. Most independent processors want the Government to shelve its plan to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA), which will accommodate capital structure changes voted for by Fonterra shareholders late last year. Submissions made to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on Cabinet’s plan to approve the DIRA changes were made public last month. The country’s second

largest milk processor, Open Country Dairy, submitted that it had “serious concerns”. “The Fonterra capital restructure will damage competition and innovation in the New Zealand dairy sector, harm productivity and leave Fonterra vulnerable,” says Open Country chief executive Steve Koekemoer. He refers to an analysis of the restructure and proposed DIRA changes from Castalia, a global economics and regulatory advisory firm hired by Open Country for the exercise. Koekemoer claims it highlights the major risks for competition and productivity from granting Fonterra even greater

Most independent processors want the Government to shelve its plan to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act.

ability to manipulate the milk price. “We urge the Government to reject the capital restructure and not to proceed with these DIRA amendments. “The Government committed in April 2022 to review DIRA more fundamentally, in response to the Productivity Com-

mission’s concerns about 2020 changes to DIRA. “Not even one month later it is now considering even greater relief and favouritism for Fonterra.” But Koekemoer concedes that the restructure is likely to proceed as hinted by the Government.

In a joint submissions three smaller processors – Synlait, Miraka and Westland Milk – claim the Government has taken an “anti-investment and anti-competition position” by proceeding with the DIRA amendments. “Government proposals have not fully taken

into account the impact this will have on competition in the raw milk market and dairy processing in New Zealand,” they say. A key aspect of the original pro-competition provisions of the DIRA was to assure the unimpeded “free exit” of Fonterra members should they choose to supply milk to other parties. However, the three processors claim this included provisions that ensured Fonterra could not discourage members from leaving by preventing them from accessing the full value of their investment on departure. “In the original DIRA, Fonterra was required to redeem shares of exist-

ing members on the basis of a (presumably independently) assessed fair market value.” They claim Fonterra is now seeking further changes to DIRA to facilitate another change in its capital structure. “Fonterra members will no longer be able to exit Fonterra and receive fair market value for their shares.” Fonterra chairman Peter McBride says he doesn’t know why other processors are concerned with the co-op’s capital structure. “I find it quite intriguing; we have no interest in their capital structure,” he told Rural News. “Why’s our capital structure is so important to them?”

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8 NEWS

Consumers growing wool demand JESSICA MARSHALL jessica@ruralnews.co.nz

IN A bid to meet growing demand for its three ingredient products, Allwool limited has recently purchased a wool plant at Te Poi, in the Waikato. The company, owned and run by the Hansen family, has its origins in 1890s Gisborne when William Henry Smith set up the area’s first wool scour and formed W H Smith Ltd. The company has not been without its challenges, between two world wars, low strong wool prices and the Covid-19 pandemic. It has weathered its fair share of storms – as well as going through multiple name changes along the way. During the pandemic, the company turned towards using wool to engineer a new fibre –

Wisewool. The product is engineered by using the wool from farmer suppliers in Tairawhiti, Gisborne, to intertwine wool fibres together to make small buds and blankets. Chief executive Henry Hansen says the purchase of the Waikato plant is well-timed for the company. “We are planning a large new factory and new machinery for our company base in Gisborne. However, that project is realistically two to three years away,” he told Rural News. “The Te Poi plant will enable Wisewool to immediately start supplying our ingredient products to the New Zealand furniture market and affiliated industries, satisfying the growing demand for our new products,” Hansen says. He adds that the

market appears ready to start replacing synthetic ingredient products with wool products. Harry Urquhart-Hay, who manages the company’s sales and marketing, says the demand for the product is bigger than anticipated. “The demand for wool seems to be growing by the month,” he told Rural News. He believes the demand continues to increase, particularly within the last year. Urquhart-Hay says large businesses like Bremworth have helped to fuel the growth by getting the word out about wool and its benefits. “I think people are realising the damage synthetics and plastic does to the planet,” he says. “Returning to natural fibres is making more and more sense in consumer eyes.”

Allwool Ltd’s Harry Urquhart-Hay (left) and Angus Hansen.

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NEWS 9 LIC chair Murray King says production efficiency of every cow in our national dairy herd has never been more important.

$26m dividend for LIC shareholders SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

HERD IMPROVEMENT co-operative LIC will pay farmer shareholders $26 million this month as a dividend. The payment on August 19 equates to 18.43c/share with an 18.5% gross yield on the current share price. The company says this comes on the back of a solid financial result for 202122, driven by increased farmer spend on premium genetics and herd improvement services to breed more efficient cows with a lighter environmental footprint. Total revenue rose 5.7% to $263 million and net profit was up 16.5% to $27m. The farmer-owned co-operative finished the year debt free and with total assets of $386m, slightly up on the previous year. LIC’s spend on R&D topped $18.2m, nearly 7% of total revenue. Board chair Murray King says the result was pleasing, particularly after a year hampered by Covid-19, inflationary pressures and supply challenges. “Delivering value for our farmers is at the centre of everything we do and it’s results like this that enable us to do just that – through our herd improvement products and services, a solid dividend, and, importantly, the right R&D investment to keep their herds profitable and sustainable into the future.” On sustainability, King says the dairy industry needs to keep evolving to meet the challenges posed by climate change. “The production efficiency of every cow in our national dairy herd has never been more important; farmers know that all cows aren’t created equal and they are

investing in solutions to breed the best cows, faster. “These breeding decisions will serve them well into the future to build a more profitable and sustainable dairy sector and meet climate goals.” During the 2021-22 year, 71% of fresh semen straws used for breeding replacements were from LIC’s premium bull teams (2.1 million straws), up from 60% the year prior (1.8 million straws). King says the co-op has invested heavily into genomics over the last 30 years and new research has confirmed farmers are reaping the rewards of this now. “Long term users of LIC genetics have almost doubled the speed of improvement in their herds over the last decade. “They are not only breeding genetically superior cows which are more emissions efficient, they’re also breeding them at a much faster rate and genomics is the key contributor to this. “We don’t need to milk more cows, we just need to milk the best cows and we’re really pleased that our farmers are making solid progress in this space.” LIC’s orders for sexed semen almost doubled from the previous year, exceeding 200,000 straws for the first time. International exports also saw an increased demand for sexed semen, while overall straws numbers sent offshore remained steady on the year prior. DNA verification tests increased (up 15%), as did LIC’s range of animal health tests (up 21%), with a notable increase in Johne’s disease testing with close to one million samples tested (up 28%). The number of animals recorded in MINDA, LIC’s herd management system, also remained steady.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

10 NEWS

Methane measure misleading? DAVID ANDERSON

THE STANDARD Global Warming Potential (GWP) measure can be misleading when applied to livestock methane emissions, particularly when these are being reduced. That’s the conclusion of updated research, recently published by the Oxford Martin Programme on Climate Pollutants. Authored by Myles Allen and John Lynch of the University of Oxford, along with Michelle Cain of Cranfield University and David Frame from Canterbury University, this latest paper follows up on the finding these scientists made back in 2018. Their research found that a revised usage of GWP – GWP* which uses the same metric values interpreted in a new way,

provides a more accurate indication of the impact of short-lived pollutants on global temperature. The updated research also shows that per molecule in the atmosphere, methane has a stronger global warming impact than CO2. “That is why methane from ruminant livestock has a warming impact on climate –a even though it is part of a natural carbon cycle,” the paper explains. However, the research found that emission comparisons are often based on GWP100 (the 100-year Global Warming Potential), which equates one tonne of methane (tCH4) with 28 tonnes of CO2 (tCO2). It adds that GWP20 is sometimes used, which equates 1 tCH4 with 84 tCO2. “However, neither GWP100 nor GWP20

Oxford University research has found that GWP* provides a more accurate indication of the impact of short-lived pollutants on global temperature.

accounts for the very different behaviour of methane and CO2,” it explains. The paper highlights how GWP* was developed to accurately represent the increased warming impact of each methane molecule, while taking into account its short lifespan.

“To calculate CO2warming-equivalent emissions using GWP*, current methane emissions are multiplied by a factor of 8 and added to any net methane emissions increase or decrease over the previous 20 years multiplied by 120,” it says.

“Expressing methane emissions as CO2-equivalent using the GWP100 metric, which equates one tonne of methane with 28 tonnes of CO2, overstates the impact of a constant methane source on global temperature by a factor of 3 to 4 and understates the impact of

a new methane source by a factor of 4 to 5 over the 20 years.” The research says socalled “warming-equivalent” metrics, such as GWP* or CGTP (Combined Global Temperature change Potential), can overcome this problem.

“Comparing greenhouse gases as ‘CO2equivalent’ using the 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP100) misrepresents the warming impact of methane,” the paper adds. “Expressing methane emissions as “CO2-warming-equivalent” reflects the actual impact of cattle and sheep farming on global temperatures much more accurately.” The research confirms that increasing methane emissions does cause substantial warming. However, it adds that by reducing methane emissions faster than 3% per decade acts to reduce global temperatures. The paper argues setting a separate target for methane emissions will help clarify the implications of emission goals for global temperature.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

NEWS 11

More support needed for rural communities for Covid medication LEO ARGENT

THE HAUORA Taiwhenua Rural Health Network is welcoming a government announcement to widen the prescription criteria for the Covid-19 antiviral medication Paxlovid. In a recent press release, network chair Dr Fiona Bolden said that it was an important step forward as New Zealand comes into the next surge of Covid-19, including the emergence of subvariant BA.5. In rural areas, many people have antiviral medications like Paxlovid prescribed from many kilometres away and then couriered from urban pharmacies, which tend to be better supplied. However, the distances and individual pharmacies’ policies involved can cause delays. Bolden says the decision to allow community pharmacists to supply this medication without a prescription has raised some serious questions regarding patient safety. This concern relates to “back pocket” prescriptions – prescriptions

which do not need to be used immediately. She adds that Paxlovid is a complex medication, with many interactions with other medications, and can’t be used without a person having adequate kidney or liver function. It can cause side effects, which need explanation and management and for Paxlovid to be safely supplied, access to this information is a necessity. Bolden claims this information is currently not available in a universal way across the country. “Pharmacists are an essential part of our rural healthcare team who have already had a very positive role in helping with the care of Covid in the community,” she explains. “Supplying this medication without adequate training and proper support will place additional unnecessary pressure on them. Rural pharmacies shouldn’t be prescribing Paxlovid at all, but some rural pharmacists who have had appropriate training, and up-to-date medical records of the patient and the means to provide feedback to the

main prescriber, may be able to do so.” Bolden adds that clinical assessment is always

Rural Health Network chair Dr Fiona Bolden says Paxlovid is a complex medication that can cause side effects, which need explanation and management.

“Outcomes to changes in care need to be monitored carefully for unintended consequences.”

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IN BRIEF UK FTA MAKES PROGRESS NZ’s free trade deal with the United Kingdom is a step closer, with the legislation enacting the deal having its first reading in Parliament in late July. Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor says steady progress is being made toward ratifying the UK FTA. “The elimination of tariffs, almost all when the agreement comes into force makes the UK FTA a gold-standard agreement,” he claims. “It’s one of the best deals we’ve ever negotiated and will boost our economy by up to $1 billion and provide us further economic security.” Negotiations were launched on the UK FTA in June 2020 and reached agreement-in-principle in October last year. Once both New Zealand and the United Kingdom have completed their ratification processes, the FTA can enter into force. O’Connor says the Government aims to complete New Zealand’s ratification processes by the end of this year.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

12 NEWS

Big win for scientist NIGEL MALTHUS

AGRESEARCH SENIOR scientist Sue McCoard has been named 2022 winner of the prestigious McMeekan Memorial Award from the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. “I am truly honoured to receive the McMeekan Memorial Award,” said McCoard, who is the first female recipient in its 47-year history. “It is an even greater honour to be placed in such distinguished ranks as those of the past honourees. “Science is a team effort and I have been very lucky to work with a whole bunch of wonderful people, both within AgResearch and around New Zealand and the world”. In a 20-year career at AgResearch, McCoard

has conducted both fundamental and applied research, mainly in the area of early life nutrition and its impact on lifetime performance of ruminants – including their survival, growth, health and meat/milk production. McCoard believes the award also recognised the strong working relationships she has developed with stakeholders and end-users, including farmers. She told Rural News that partnerships between industry and science are particularly important to enable robust relevant science to be undertaken, and to support its uptake on working farms. For example, the development of a range of lamb rearing system options for both the dairy and meat

Sue McCoard has been named 2022 winner of the prestigious McMeekan Memorial Award.

sheep industries. For the future, McCoard says her research interests fall into four key areas: 1) Improving lamb survival and growth so that farmers can capital-

ise on the genetic and management-based gains in fecundity (scanning percentage) to maintain production while simultaneously reducing environmental footprint.

2) Continuing to improve rearing practices for young ruminants (lambs, calves and kids) to improve lifetime productivity and reduce wastage.

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3) Identifying early life biomarkers that can be used to predict future performance to support selection of animals at an early age for different production end-points

(e.g., meat vs. milk production). 4) Development of novel nutritional intervention technologies based to improve whole of life productivity (e.g., lamb survival, growth, milk/meat production and product quality) and animal wellbeing while caring for the environment. The NZSAP, recognised as New Zealand’s major forum for the presentation of research results on farmed animals. The award is to honour an outstanding recent individual or joint contribution to animal production or to the Society. It’s named after society foundation member Campbell Percy “Mac” McMeekan (1908-1972), who was instrumental in the development of Ruakura.

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Foot-and-mouth disease: Work ramped up to keep it out of NZ Biosecurity NZ has ramped up its readiness work – and introduced new measures – to protect New Zealand farmers from foot-andmouth disease. While FMD exists in many countries, and the risk from Indonesia’s recent and fast-spreading outbreak is low for New Zealand, Biosecurity NZ deputy director-general Stuart Anderson is urging all travellers and farmers to be vigilant and play their part. “We already have a very thorough biosecurity network in place, and we’re adding several layers and elements to lower our risk even more,” says Mr Anderson. “Our multi-layered biosecurity system includes risk assessment, visual inspections, X-ray screening, scanning technology, and detector dogs to prevent risk goods from being carried into New Zealand by travellers or arriving by mail. All shipping containers and imported goods are assessed for biosecurity risk.” The additional measures introduced since the FMD detection in Indonesia in May, include: Extra biosecurity questioning and checks at airports for passengers who visited Indonesia Foot mats with disinfecting chemicals are being used for arrivals from Indonesia, to ensure footwear is clean of the virus An FMD readiness and response taskforce is operational to ensure all preparedness work is refreshed and up to date A ban on bringing in personal consignments of meat – even if

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE VISITED INDONESIA • Clean footwear and clothing before arrival in NZ • Do not bring any animal products or meat • Declare your visit to biosecurity staff at the airport • Declare if you have had any contact with livestock • Allow time for additional biosecurity questions and bag searches • Footwear may be disinfected at airport • If you had contact with livestock, stay away from farms and susceptible animals in NZ for one week. Extra biosecurity questioning and checks have been introduced at airports for passengers who visit Indonesia.

cooked or processed – from Indonesia Raising awareness among farmers of the disease, its symptoms and crucial precautions they can take A wide-ranging awareness campaign for travellers An on-the-ground audit in Indonesia was completed to assess New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements for palm kernel imports. Close cooperation with our Australian counterparts to regularly assess the situation Assisting Indonesia with tools and technical help in their fight against FMD Providing regular updates to primary sector partners and the veterinary network “We’re appealing to travellers coming from Indonesia to play their part, and to be patient during the

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR TRAVELLERS

The wide-reaching campaign is targeting travellers at the planning stage of any travel to Indonesia, as well as in-flight and on arrival in New Zealand. Online digital messaging via Google and Facebook is warning travellers of the risks of FMD, when they enter key search terms such as ‘hotels’ and ‘flights’. On flights from Australia to New Zealand, in-flight announcements are stressing the importance of passengers fully declaring their itineraries, any contact with livestock in Indonesia, as well as the ban on bringing any animal products or meat into New Zealand. These messages are being reinforced at our international airports via digital noticeboards, banners and flyers, and by biosecurity officers. Travellers coming in from Indonesia are also subject to additional biosecurity checks, which include extensive bag searches and the disinfecting of footwear.

very thorough checks happening at the points of arrival,” Mr Anderson says. “New Zealand is free from foot-and-mouth disease, and we are committed to maintaining vigilance against FMD.”

ADVICE FOR FARMERS Farmers should have an on-farm biosecurity plan and know what to do in case of a suspected outbreak.

DO • Buy stock from reputable suppliers • Maintain accurate and up-to-date NAIT records • Minimise contact between your stock and other animals (for example, on neighbouring properties) • Quarantine new stock away from existing stock until you’re sure they are healthy – at least for one week but preferably two • Check feed labels to make sure they are suitable • Minimise contamination risks of people, vehicles and equipment entering and moving throughout the farm through thorough biosecurity protocols • Anyone concerned about their animals’ health, especially for symptoms including high fever, mouth and feet blisters or erosions and lameness, should call their veterinarian or MPI’s exotic pest and disease hotline (0800 80 99 66).

DO NOT

Digital tiles will warn of the FMD risk when online searches are made for Indonesia travel options.

• Feed ruminant protein to ruminants • Feed pigs food that could contain (or have contacted) meat, unless it has been cooked for 1 hour at 100 deg Celsius • Allow overseas visitors near stock for a week after they were last near animals or infected places overseas • Let overseas visitors bring contaminated shoes or clothes on to your farm.

FMD FOUND IN AUSTRALIA NOT LIVE VIRUS Live foot-and-mouth disease virus has not been found on food in Australia, despite some news reports suggesting it had been detected in Melbourne. Australian officials confirmed that viral fragments had been found on some ‘pork floss’ product, but such fragments are not infectious and cannot transfer live virus to another animal. It is not unusual for non-infectious viral fragments to be found in food. Biosecurity NZ deputy director-general Stuart Anderson says there is no heightened risk to New Zealand. “Pork floss can be legally imported to countries like New Zealand and Australia if it follows strict import health standards, such as the use of heat treatment. “As an extra precaution, Biosecurity New Zealand will undertake market surveillance to double check product available here is legally imported,” Mr Anderson said. Travellers to New Zealand are not allowed to bring in any meat products.

PALM KERNEL AUDIT SATISFIES An on-the-ground audit of Indonesia’s palm kernel supply chain has shown it is meeting New Zealand’s strict biosecurity requirements for FMD. Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson says experts were sent to Indonesia to check that the palm kernel supply chain is meeting requirements. “The risk of PKE (Palm Kernel Extract) carrying FMD is low because of the heat processes used to produce it and there are strong import health standards in place for products coming from Indonesia, especially PKE. “We did a virtual audit of Indonesia’s PKE supply chain last year and it showed producers were following our import health standards, but we wanted to carry out an on-the-ground-audit as an extra layer of assurance. “Our auditors were able to see all stages of the supply chain and found that suppliers are meeting our strict import health standards.”

RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

14 NEWS

Are NZ farmers missing a trick on goat meat? Do hill country farmers have a short-term option to improve labour, capital and feed efficiencies and bottom lines to face increasing input costs and a flood of costly regulations? The answer could be goat meat. With a career helping farmers including as former MAF regional adviser and agricultural diplomat, Garrick Batten builds on his 40 years of goat industry experience to discuss this answer. In a three-part series, he summarises information using NZ$ to make his points. “ADDING PASTORAL goats with suitable management is the production base to develop a niche in an existing market,” Batten claims. Production and consumption in the Asia-

Pacific region alone are now over 4 million tonnes with annual growth of 1 to 2% in the last 15 years, according to an IndexBox report. “Surprisingly, we have not applied our skills and

expertise to producing, processing and marketing meat to this goat meat opportunity,” he says. “But Australia has capitalised on this regional goat meat market, exporting 19,000 tonnes in

Batten is surprised the NZ meat sector has not applied our skills and expertise to producing, processing and marketing meat to the growing goat meat opportunity – especially in Asia.

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2021 for $270m, to South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the Caribbean and North America.” Batten says the Asian market usually prefers skin-on carcases, often with tail hair to show preferred black colour for medicinal as well as food value. “But New Zealand does not include this product in its small 1,000-plus tonnes annual export.” He told Rural News that Australia does supply this market and provided 94% of Korean imported goat meat. Australia also exports live slaughter goats by air, with often weekly shipments to Malaysia and Singapore. However, numbers have dropped from 88,000 tonnes to 12,000 tonnes in the last six years, and Covid-19 has now dramatically reduced this trade. Australia also supplied 85% of USA imports last year with 60% of their exports. “Meat and Livestock Australia report the range-land harvest has now reduced to 70% of supply but is still affected by seasonal conditions, fire and predators,” Batten explains. “So, exports fluctuated between 14,000 and 35,000 tonnes in the last 10 years.” He says frozen whole

Garrick Batten reckons hill country farmers have a short-term option to improve labour, capital and feed efficiencies and bottom lines by producing goat meat.

carcases comprise 98.5% of this trade and carcase weights have also fluctuated between 14 and 17kg. “But the most marked change has been the gradual increase in the price paid to farmers,” Batten adds. “On the hooks (OTH) payments from 2015-2021 rose from $4.85 to $9 per kg. That is now $10 for 8-10kg carcase weight with a slight discount for heavier weights,” he says. One leading exporter supplying a New Jersey marketing plant quotes $10.35 per kg for 6.2kg (14kg LW) and heavier carcases. “Those prices should intrigue NZ farmers,” he says. “While our current lamb prices are encouraging, Australian light lamb – similar to goat meat

– shows their schedule dropping while the goat schedule increases, with a current 10% premium,” Batten claims. He says that comparison and improving prices in the market has increased Australian farmers’ interest in producing goat meat. He also noted that MLA has commenced a $5m five-year research package into improved reproductive rate and reduced kid losses. Batten believes that the USA market is of particular interest, which will be covered in the next article. “The fluctuating Australian supply is not helpful to market development and provides opportunities for our small supply of a different and better product.” www.caprinexnz.com

RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

NEWS 15

Call for ‘sensible change’ PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

NEWLY ELECTED chair of Federated Farmers’ dairy section, Horowhenua sharemilker Richard McIntyre says he’s looking forward to his role. He says it will give him an opportunity to put for-

change in a way and at a pace that brings everyone with us,” McIntrye told Rural News. “I think there is danger at the moment – with some of the policy that is out there and way it is being implemented – it is going to make it hard for some farmers to come on the journey. My goal is

for the Government to change the immigration settings. He says such is the competition for staff that when you hire someone, you are effec-

tively stealing them from someone in your industry or someone in another sector. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Fed Farmers new dairy chair Richard McIntyre says his goal is about advocating for sensible change.

“We are now in an era when greater change is being demanded by society.” ward some of his own ideas as he takes over the role previously held by the Waikato’s Chris Lewis. McIntyre says there’s a lot of discussion around the changes taking place in the dairy industry and there are many farmers who are uncomfortable about some aspects of this. He believes change is a feature of the evolution of the dairy industry, which has been driven by farmers and largely supported by society. He says change has occurred because of the need to feed the global population, as well as supporting the NZ economy. “We are now in an era when greater change is being demanded by society. I see my role and the role of the dairy section within Feds to advocate for and to lead this

about advocating for sensible change.” One of the big issues McIntyre says the dairy industry has to solve is attracting more people to work on farm. He says some of the narrative around the dairy industry is negative, with claims that it is contributing to climate change and the degradation of waterways. He reckons such comments can even get down the best of dairy farmers. “I was at the dairy industry awards some months ago and a Government minister came up to me and said,: ‘We don’t say this enough but thank you so much for what you do’. That was really nice but I wish it was said more often,” he says. McIntyre believe that as well as encouraging more New Zealanders to go farming there is a need

THE SHAREMILKER RICHARD MCINTYRE and his wife Emma are sharemilkers on a 200 hectare property on State Highway one, just north of Levin, where they milk 450 cows and rear 600 calves and run beef on a block they lease nearby. They have been sharemilking for 14 years and are working towards buying their own farm in the future. The couple employ three staff and McIntyre says growing the business to the point when they could employ staff was part of a ‘de-risking’ strategy. “We wanted to add a bit of diversification so if the milk price was low we had other income streams from the calf rearing and beef side of it.”told Rural News McIntyre is a strong advocate of the sharemilking system and is confident that it will survive – despite the many changes taking place in the dairy industry. He says sharemilking offers an excellent pathway to farm ownership and also benefits farm owners who take on sharemilkers.

PLAN FOR THE SEASON AHEAD WITH CERTAINTY There are few things in farming that are certain. But a great, reliable price for your farm supplies is now one thing you can be certain of. We’ve worked with our suppliers and leading brands to introduce the Farm Source Certainty Guarantee. It means you can be certain that our everyday low pricing won’t increase on a wide range of products and supplies until October. Which means you can budget with certainty. It’s another way we’re working to strengthen your bottom line.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

16 NEWS

Tackling issues will help to keep farmers fit for purpose With his new book Tools for the Top Paddock being released on August 3, Kane Brisco talks to Leo Argent about his experiences on farm, the establishment of Farm Fit, and what led him to writing a book about it. AT HIS lowest ebb, Kane Brisco could barely even look at his stock. Consumed by a myriad of problems, he’d completely lost confidence in his own abilities and future. Interacting with other farmers and community members led him to realise that these problems were not unique to him. To lift himself and others, Brisco set up a workout/wellness group, which he called Farm Fit. A friendly atmosphere and strong social media presence has led to Farm Fit becoming a national hit, with thousands of followers, invitations to speak at events and a new sense of purpose for many involved. What do you think has led to Farm Fit’s success? “I think it’s the fact that I’m a real farmer talking about and doing things with fitness that is really relatable, genuine and honest.” What do you think has been the biggest surprise of Farm Fit? “Probably its success so far, that people engaged with it as well as they have. For a book to come out of it, I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams I’d accomplish something like that in my life.” What inspired you to write a book?

“I felt like what I’ve been through in life had a lot of value to give, and to really dive into the stories behind the lessons so people can get a really good understanding of it to digest.” Did the process of writing help you come to discoveries about yourself that you wouldn’t have come to before? “It was a really cathartic experience, almost like therapy in a way. I had to think about my thoughts, attitude and my mindset towards things and how I dealt with it, so it was quite a healing journey in a way. I’m a typical rural male, I guess; I don’t often talk about my emotions and to put it into a story that made sense and was relatable, I found it really challenging.” If there was only one thing that people

take away from Tools from the Top Paddock, what would it be? “Ooh, that’s a hard one… not letting the negatives in life define you into a negative person, so being able to find the positives in the challenge. I think that’s a really important thing to be able to do.” You weren’t born on a farm; you were a town boy gone rural, so to speak. With farm kids moving into city jobs and little urban-to-farm transition, what do you think the industry should do to change this exodus? “You’re always going to need to be tough to do it, but we can adapt to that new lifestyle and make it more enjoyable and give people that balance of working hard but playing hard at the same time.”

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THE KIWI farmer is a uniquely practical sort. With a hardworking, pragmatic attitude and no-nonsense approach to life, New Zealand farmers have an established reputation as “tough”. However, in recent years, financial uncertainty, unprecedented upheavals in farm life and negative public image has exposed a more vulnerable, stressed-out farmer underneath that macho image. In Kane Brisco’s story, Tools for the Top Paddock, we have a worthy account of this duality of farm life, seemingly complete opposites, yet intrinsically linked. Starting from his early childhood as a town boy, falling in love with farming through to the present day as sharemilker and fitness trainer, Brisco presents his life – triumphs, heartaches and challenges – in a very personal and relatable manner. Even if you haven’t experienced those same challenges, his story makes it very easy to see parallels in your own. By carefully detailing his journey to self-improvement – physical and mental fitness, letting go of pain and forging his own path – Brisco gives the reader an understanding of how he got stronger, and how they can undergo the same journey. What will appeal to readers, especially fellow farmers, is Brisco’s simple, yet frank and effective off-the-cuff style. There is a generally easy, approachable feeling to the writing, which stills manages to convey great wisdom and awareness. Even when talking about some very dark and heavy topics there is warmth and optimism. This approachability makes for advice that is easy to take on board, yet deeply impactful. At 277 pages it’s not

a long read, but there’s a lot of value in that page count. Presentation is also simple yet effective, with certain passages of interest being highlighted in bold that directs the reader’s attention to the most important information. By exposing how his vulnerabilities have made him stronger instead of weaker, and the joy found in opening up, Brisco presents his journey through self-discovery and his subsequent success in helping others in the community in a warm, insightful manner. It is an inspiring, practical book that may not be the most advanced out there – but you’d be surprised how often the simplest guidance is the advice people need. – Leo Argent

TOOLS FOR THE TOP PADDOCK Kane Brisco, 277 pages, Well-being/memoir Available in bookstores HarperCollins NZ, RRP $37.99

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

AGRIBUSINESS 17

Sweet boost for mānuka honey NIGEL MALTHUS

THE NEW Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and the European Union has given a major boost to the New Zealand honey industry’s claim to exclusive rights to the name ‘mānuka’ honey. In a chapter on Māori Trade and Economic Cooperation, the FTA specifically defines mānuka as the Māori word used exclusively for the Leptospermum scoparium tree grown in Aotearoa New Zealand, and derivative products such as honey and oil. It also describes mānuka as culturally important to Māori as a tāonga and traditional medicine. “The exact text that they put in there is exactly what we’re looking for to go to the next step, which is to secure geographical

indications for mānuka honey,” said mānuka advocate Tony Wright. Currently Comvita’s head of industry affairs, Wright has long been involved in the efforts to preserve the name mānuka for New Zealand producers, through Apiculture New Zealand, UMF Honey Association, Te Pitau Ltd and the Mānuka Honey Appellation Society. He says it’s a significant development. “What it means is that Europe’s basically said, ‘Yes we agree, we will recognise mānuka honey as being uniquely from New Zealand’.” The FTA signing came a couple of weeks after Wright spoke at the recent Apiculture NZ Conference in Christchurch, outlining progress in the multi-pronged effort to secure the rights

Tony Wright says The EU FTA has given a major boost to the NZ honey industry’s claim to exclusive rights to the name ‘mānuka’ honey.

to ‘mānuka ’ internationally. He revealed at the conference two findings from new research, not yet formally published, that indicate significant differences between New Zealand mānuka trees and honey and their

Australian rivals. One used Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry (REIMS) to analyse honey’s chemical composition, and the other used something called an FST score to analyse the genetics of the trees.

Wright said the FST analysis showed some variation within New Zealand “but nowhere near the significant difference between here and Tasmania”. He said it will be evidence to support future applications.

“The Australians can’t say that their leptospermum honey is the same as ours,” he told Rural News. “It’s another one of those proof points that says what’s happened here in New Zealand with our unique environment has shifted the genetics in a way that the product is different.” Wright explained to the conference there are several methods of protecting a name, including certification trademarks (CTMs), geographical indicators (GI) and protected food names. All rely on establishing a reputation for your product, he said. “For example, someone buying champagne expects it to come from France and expects it to have certain attributes and that’s a similar sort of thing that we’re trying

to get across the line here.” Wright said naming rights meant that the producer is protected but so are the consumers because they can rely on the product to be authentic and have the qualities that they want. In December, the UK Intellectual Property Office declined to register mānuka as a trademark, in a ruling welcomed by Australian interests who had opposed the application. An appeal is underway, said Wright. “We think they got that wrong. We’re quite sure that they got a lot of aspects of that decision wrong.” Wright said some places such as China would need to see a certification trademark or similar level of protection in New Zealand.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

18 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

Reinstate MIQ? NZ’S BIOSECURITY officials and services are rightly on high alert, following a recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in previously FMD-free Indonesia. Worryingly, viral FMD fragments were also recently discovered on pork imported into Australia from China. Any outbreak of Foot and Mouth in NZ would decimate our all-important agricultural trade and create a major disaster for our farmers and the entire economy. The country can ill-afford the loss of the primary sector’s annual $52 billion in export earnings, the 11.1% of GDP it creates, as well as the hundreds of thousands of people it employs. It is estimated NZ’s wider economy would take a hit of around $15 billion should a FMD outbreak occur here. Thankfully both Government and officials appear to be on the ball. NZ’s biosecurity settings have been tightened and the farming sector is increasing its vigilance, with farmers being told to up their farms’ biosecurity measures. As National’s agriculture spokesperson Barbara Kuriger says, “There can be no slip-ups in our actions to keep out Foot and Mouth Disease out of NZ. There are no second chances with FMD!” It’s reassuring to see how MPI has stepped up the requirements for those returning from countries where Foot and Mouth is present and also heightening the action taken on people and goods coming into the country from Indonesia. If we thought the country’s recent experience with Mycoplasma Bovis and the subsequent eradication programme was tough, it would pale in comparison to the devastating impact FMD would have. We need to be doing everything and anything to ensure that we keep this devastating disease from ever hitting our shores. It begs the question as to why we are still allowing people in from Indonesia or NZers holidaying from Bali back into the country without more restrictions. We shut the borders during the Covid outbreak and perhaps we should be re-opening temporary MIQ to temporarily accommodate these high risk visitors and returning holidaymakers. Wouldn’t a week’s stay in isolation for such high risk visitors and returnees be a sensible insurance policy that the country could implement until the risk is over and a reasonable precaution to protect our all-important primary sector? As mentioned previously, we won’t get a second chance to stop FMD and taking extra precautions like this seems a prudent thing to do.

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THE HOUND What a sap! THIS OLD mutt reckons with inflation at 30-year highs and interest rates on an endless upward trajectory, Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr would be singularly focused on tackling these issues. However, Orr recently delivered a speech to fellow central bankers around the world explaining why the bank has “embraced a Māori world view”. He told fellow world bankers that the NZ Reserve Bank actively looked to, “harness the knowledge of both post-colonial society and te ao Māori to establish and maintain a long-term vision in all that it did”. Orr then said the bank has adopted the legend of Tane Mahuta, the god of the forest and birds, “as a framework to describe the purpose and interconnectedness of the bank’s work”. It is hard not to disagree with Act leader David Seymour who said such a speech, amid a cost-of-living crisis, was “verging on self-parody”.

Riding shotgun!

All for show?

Fruitful change?

YOUR OLD mate reckons the farmer protests recently held in Holland makes the chaps at Groundswell look like saints. In early July, Dutch farmers took to the highways and byways around Holland, blocking supermarkets, distribution centres and roads in response to its government’s plans to cut nitrogen emissions. It even led to police firing shots at the tractor-riding farmers. Dutch farmers were protesting plans to slash fertiliser use and reduce livestock numbers, which may force some farms to shut down (sound familiar?) The Dutch government says it wants to reduce livestock emissions of nitrogen oxide and ammonia by 2030 by 70% in some areas. Imagine how the bedwetters – lefty, social media supporters of our govt – would have reacted if this protest had happened here. They got their knickers in a twist over a couple of signs criticising the PM!

THE HOUND notes that Fonterra is cashing in on the current government’s largesse with taxpayer money. The dairy co-op recently unveiled its first electric milk tanker for which it received $427,000 in co-funding from taxpayers to offset the estimated total cost of $850,000 to purchase the electric truck cab/chassis and convert it into a tanker. The tanker – apparently named ‘Milk-E’ – will be based at Fonterra’s Waitoa plant, where there’s a lot of close supplying farms on relatively flat land. This begs the question, just how realistic and sustainable are electric milk tankers if they can only do short runs with no hills to maintain battery life? Looks like more greenwashing than anything realistic. Meanwhile, speaking of greenwashing, Energy Minister Megan Woods, who was on hand to unveil the electric truck, had a V8 BMW 740 and driver waiting outside to take her to her next appointment!

YOUR CANINE crusader notes that meat company Silver Fern Farms has undergone quite a refresh over the last few years. Once renowned as the bastion of dour, gruff, stern and stubborn types – like Robbie Burnside, Jim Pringle, Stewart Barnett and Keith Cooper – a changing of the guard has seen it embrace trends like ‘sustainability’, ‘net carbon zero’ and ‘regen ag’. Many of SFF’s new executives have come from outside the meat industry, with current boss Simon Limmer bringing a number of his former Zespri colleagues into the fold. Many of SFF’s old guard would be rolling their eyes – and some in their graves – at these changes. It will be interesting to see how things go if meat returns start turning south or the industry hits tough times again and if the new-look ‘fruity’ SFF still remains a hit with suppliers and shareholders.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

OPINION 19

Is it time for a change? JANE SMITH

FARMER MORALE is at a low – unseen since the dark days of the 1980s. Mental health pressure, regulatory fatigue and anxiety is rife. Exiting the industry is high on the list for many and may be the only economicallyviable option for some. Ironic given that product returns and opportunities to shine as an efficient, pasture-raised, freerange, protein-producing country have never been better. A lot of time and energy has been spent blaming the current government’s agenda for an irrational regulatory modus operandi. This was somewhat confirmed by a recent review showing the Minister for the Environment’s overreach into the flawed, impractical Intensive Winter Grazing regime. However, farmers, ministers and the opposition are often confused by what our sector stance is on issues – caused, in part, by a tendency by some at the top of the advocacy food chain to run with the hares and hunt with the hounds. Too often there is no united, mandated stance on issues or even a clear sector-by-sector position. Instead, there’s a raft of different opinions and a pool of compromised selfinterest. I am often told by

industry leaders that I do not represent farmers and they do. Valid point. I am not funded nor entrusted with farmer’s futures, unlike the $100 million of farmer levy money. I acknowledge that much of the levy bodies’ work has been valuable and on-point. Unfortunately, not so for the ‘Big 3’: freshwater, biodiversity and emissions. How can you represent a position while refusing to open your doors to unsanitised farmer feedback? At times, farmers have been paying levies to a myriad of organisations, just to fight each other in the primary sector pulpit. When it came to emissions, our sector leaders decided that presenting a united front in the name of collaboration was more important than fairness and fearlessness. The ‘bespoke’ HWEN plan (or its supposedly evil alternative cousin, the ETS) is guided by overbearing political emission reduction targets that will result in the sheep, beef and deer sectors being used as both an offset and scapegoat. After gaining a valuable (science-based) acknowledgement of split gases, our levy groups – instead of continuing to ask for evidence on the rationale behind a livestock emissions tax – delved into the what, when, how and who? – instead of coming back

Jane Smith believes that current farmer advocacy channels are failing and require a total revamp.

to first principals and asking, ‘why?’ The logical process would be to agree on the science, agree on the

size, nature and mode of reductions targets – if any – then analyse both sides of the emissions ledger, before launching into

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a punishing emissions scheme that will instead drive up the cost of food production, is at odds with the NPS Freshwater and will increase global emissions. The immediate fall out of an emissions tax (whether generic or hand-holdingly bespoke) will be immediate, large scale land use change. Beef + Lamb NZ knew this when designing and signing HWEN, yet it chose to wait until after it was signed to declare the frightening impacts of unknown pricing in perpetuity. Behind the scenes modeling of HWEN requires at least

4.4% of existing sheep, beef and deer farms to be planted in a monoculture of pine trees just to get to the start line. This will be further escalated through the cunning ‘emissions intensity’ concept – which will see deer, beef, sheep, low-input dairying – along with organic and regen farming taxed at an economically unpalatable rate. This is punishment for their supposed inefficient ‘emissions per kg of product’ compared with the highest-intensity dairy systems. Our current advocacy channels are failing us and require a total

revamp – starting with the development of a pan-industry strategy by the sector itself, not in partnership with the Crown. This is an opportunity, not a threat. This strategy needs to identify the sector goals, a clear route to get there and what our ‘not-negotiables’ are – regardless of the shape or form of future governments. NZ farmers, we deserve better. We owe it to both our forebears and our future generations. • Jane Smith is a North Otago farmer @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

20 OPINION

100 years and still going strong! ANDREW MORRISON

THIS YEAR we’re marking the centenary of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB) and this represents a good opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the role of the board. Many farmers I talk to are unaware the NZMB is the custodian of $81.1 million (as of March 2022) in reserves on behalf of sheep and beef farmers. That’s understandable. Farmers have a lot of other things to think about and the board’s activities are more visible at processor and exporter rather than farmer level. For the past 100 years, the NZMB has been a foundation stone of one of our country’s most valuable export industries – and its work continues to benefit New Zealand-

ers and sheep and beef farmers on a daily basis. The NZMB was originally established in 1922, after a price collapse severely impacted farmers. Its role has evolved over time as industry, regulatory and consumer requirements have changed and it has played a key role in building and maintaining our strong and successful red meat export industry. Today, the NZMB has three key work strands. Firstly, it manages quotas into the EU, the UK and the US markets that earn over $2 billion annually for New Zealand’s economy. It’s a voice for farmers to ensure the best possible results for the red meat industry, with a positive impact on export revenues and on the bottom line for farm businesses. Secondly, it man-

NZ Meat Board chair Andrew Morrison.

ages that significant pool of reserves, originating from funds left over from New Zealand’s bulk red meat purchase agreement with the UK government during World War Two. This is held as a ‘contingency fund’ to help New Zealand re-enter export markets in the event of a biosecurity incursion or disruption in quota markets. The current outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Indonesia throws the

importance of this into sharp relief. Thirdly, the NZMB oversees the use of the interest from these reserves, facilitating the process to make this available to industry-good projects. Since 2004, a total of $79 million of interest has been invested in the sheep and beef sector. Farmers will be familiar with many of these programmes. They include the

major investment in sheep genetics, which has helped transform productivity, the pastoral genomics programme, market development in Germany and the UK, early funding of the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme and meat processing efficiency and meat product quality and latterly the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP). Current initiatives include investing up to $1m this year in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) beef genetics programme. Some farmers may be thinking “Doesn’t Beef + Lamb New Zealand do this?” The confusion is understandable because the work of the two organisations is closely aligned and, over time, B+LNZ Ltd has taken

on some of the NZMB’s functions, but they each have their own very specific roles. The NZMB does not undertake market access work or negotiate meat quotas. That is done by B+LNZ Ltd, the export industry and government. The NZMB is entrusted with implementing and managing the quotas once they are in place. This tight focus on managing quotas enables farmers to get the best possible returns and the NZMB’s very effective work has built international trust in New Zealand to reliably deliver high quality products in line with these international trade agreements. The NZMB’s role in industry-good programmes is not to identify or to administer them. It is purely as a funder. B+LNZ Ltd, as the

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industry good organisation, takes potential projects to the NZMB, which considers them and consults with farmers. It’s a very effective process that allows interest from the reserves to be used, with farmers’ agreement, to enhance the levy-dollar in B+LNZ’s industry-good programmes. The NZMB work is a very good example of the collaborative approach that has seen New Zealand’s primary producers continue to thrive and contribute to New Zealand’s economy. As it heads into its second century, the NZMB is well placed to continue to help the sector achieve the best possible returns for red meat. • Andrew Morrison is chairman of the New Zealand Meat Board

RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

OPINION 21

He waka what? DOUG EDMEADES

“WE ARE all in this waka together” which, when translated, becomes “He Waka Eke Noa”. What is in this waka is not immediately obvious, but I think it is to do with the gas methane. This fact, it seems to me, is easily lost in the tangle of words that surround the issue. So, let’s clarify. Ruminants emit methane. Methane is a potent green house gas (GHG) which contributes to human-induced global

New Zealand, expressed as stock units, has been effectively static; and as trends go, is likely to decline into the future. In any case, New Zealand has about 1% of the world’s cattle and produces less than 3% of the world’s methane emissions from which it can be estimated that NZ’s agricultural industry produces 0.5% of the world’s methane. Trivial? That’s at the macro, biological level. What about the micro, physical-chemistry level?

In other words, its brief was directional – they were not asked to identify all the reason(s) why the climate on earth fluctuated. warming (GW). New Zealand’s GHG emissions profile is dominated by methane coming from ruminants. In order to show that it is a good global citizen, NZ must do its best to curb the methane footprint. Therefore, we must make the polluter – the farmer – pay. The costs are straightforward. Assuming that methane costs 11 cents per kg, then dairy farmers will need to cough about $6,200 per year and sheep/beef farmers $7,200. Should the cost of methane increase to say 35 cents then it will cost dairy farmers $20,000 and sheep & beef farmers $24,000 per year. Sounds fair and logical, yes? But animals are carbon neutral. Indeed, if you were picky, you would say that they sequester (store) carbon in their leather and bones, but let’s leave that detail behind us. The carbon they emit as methane is balanced by the carbon they consume as carbohydrate from the pasture. Thus, if farmers are to be charged for their carbon emissions, they should be credited for the carbon they consume. He waka indeed! And it gets worse. The amount of methane in the atmosphere derived from ruminants can only increase if the number of animals increases, but over the last 20-odd years the number of animals in

The GHG effect arises because certain molecules (namely water, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) absorb and emit energy. It just so happens that water vapour makes up about 90% of the GHG effect. Carbon dioxide is a bit player and methane and nitrous oxide are not even in the spectral orchestra!! At this mechanistic level, methane, when considered as a gas mixed with water and CO2, cannot have a significant GHG effect. Period? So how come we are all in THIS waka? How come NZ farmers are about to be lumbered with a tax which will not make a jot of difference to NZ GHG emissions and hence man-induced global warming? The United Nations launched this waka in 1988. They called it the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). They were specifically asked to explore the “scientific basis of the risks of human induced climate change.” In other words, its brief was directional – they were not asked to identify all the reason(s) why the climate on earth fluctuated. Thus, it was that the waka set course, but as we are now realising, it has been headed off in the wrong direction! Meanwhile, back on (Disney)land it was realised that the waka

was headed for ETS rocks, so groups of otherwise ‘farmer-friendly’ sailors leapt on board. They made a world of difference – rather than a straight-out tax on farmers via the ETS we now have a straight-out tax on farmers called He Waka Eke Noa!

What can be done to change the direction of the waka? Personally, I think this waka is doomed. At some time in the future, it will be wrecked on the rocks of sound science and logic. This will occur when the overwhelming cost of fiddling

with human emissions of carbon dioxide and methane is fully realised and people start asking; what are we getting for this crippling tax? • Doug Edmeades is managing director of independent and scientific advice company to farmers agKnowledge Ltd

Doug Edmeades asks why NZ farmers are about to be lumbered with a tax which he claims will not make a jot of difference to NZ GHG emissions.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

22 MANAGEMENT

King Country’s hidden jewel The so-called Forgotten Highway, between Taumaranui and Stratford, has many surprises to offer – if you care to stop and look. In farming terms, one of these is Paparata Station, near the settlement of Tokirima, owned by Trevor Johnson. Peter Burke recently paid a visit to this magnificent property. WHERE ELSE in the world can you drive peacefully along a highway where the bush and the farms meet the tar seal and, for a few kilometres, a gravel road? In 1961, Johnny Cash extolled the beauty of

Ireland with his song – Forty Shades of Green. If he’d been on the Forgotten Highway he may well have added a few more shades of green – such is the lushness, beauty and colour of the countryside. About 50 kilometres

from Taumaranui you’ll come across one of the few signs along the road. The somewhat inconspicuous sign – Paparata Station – gives little insight to lies beyond the gate. The owner of 7,000 hectare Paparata Sta-

About 50 kilometres from Taumaranui you’ll come across a hidden jewel that is the 7,000 hectare Paparata Station.

tion is Trevor Johnson – a man whose passion for farming has creatively transformed and managed the farming operation and set a model that other farmers could easily emulate. He has built up the property over many years to bring it to its present state. In order to understand where Paparata is today, it’s important to track the history of its development. Trevor Johnson boarded at New Plymouth Boys high school for five years and was head boy. After finishing school, he returned to the

With less water and higher temperatures, Johnson says they’ve had to change their farming systems.

family farm at Tokirima. Then, at the age of just 21, he bought the 1,600ha Paparata sheep station, which at the time was in a rundown state and he developed it with his two brothers. Then at the age of 30, and married to Trish with three young children, Johnson decided to take a complete break from farm life. The family moved to Palmerston North where they lived for three years, while Johnson completed a business studies degree. This then led to him moving to Hamilton and

working for an accountancy firm. While he was doing that, he bought and managed a farm at nearby Te Awamutu, while still having an interest in the family farm and Paparata Station. To cut a long story short, Johnson eventually bought out his siblings at the family farm at Tokirima and Paparata, then bought additional adjacent farms to create the present 7,000 ha property known as Paparata Station. This now runs a total of 65,000 stock units with a mix of 55% sheep and 45% cattle.

High-quality farming operation THE FARM itself is a mix of steep and medium hill country with some flats. Driving around the property is easy due to the heavy investment in developing wide laneways and excellent gravel roads, one of which leads to a magnificent airstrip overlooking the whole farm. The airstrip has three separate runways, making it easy for pilots to cope with different wind directions. The scenery driving up to the tops, and from the high point on the farm, is quite breathtaking with Mt Ruapehu visible in the distance. Yet, the highest point on the farm is only about 1,200 feet above sea level. The views aside, Paparata Station under

As the overall owner and manager, Trevor Johnson takes care of the financial side of the business, while letting his managers do the day-to-day running of the farms.

Trevor Johnson’s astute stewardship is a highquality working farm. The cattle are Angus/ Hereford cross and there are a total of 2,700 breeding cows, which are run on all the blocks. Their role is to groom the pastures for the various ewe flocks. About 500 steers are finished on the sta-

tion with the remainder sold to traders. “Initially we had a three way cross of Friesian/Hereford and Angus but we dropped the Friesian out because they produced too much milk and the udders got too big,” Johnson told Rural News. “They also didn’t really carry enough sur-

plus on them, so when it got dry they were fairly hard to feed and their offspring were hard to sell.” Of the 24,000 ewes on the four properties, 1,500 are part of an elite recorded flock on the Heao block. This flock has been built up over the years and its main feature is that is the stock have a high tolerance to facial eczema, which was initially a significant problem on the property. Today, Paparata rams and ewe lambs command a premium because of their FE resistance. Apart from the stock from the elite flock, Paparata sells about 30,000 lambs – half of which are finished on farm and the remainder sold as stores.

RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

MANAGEMENT 23 The climate challenge

FOUR INTO ONE GOES NICELY INSTEAD OF running Paparata as one station, Trevor Johnson has divided it into four separately managed blocks – each designed to complement the other and run by four separate managers. The blocks have their own name – Paparata, Te Moata, Tokirima and Heao. Two of the blocks (Te Moata and Tokirima) are set up for a terminal sire to be put over their respective ewe flocks. Meanwhile, Paparata runs a standard breeding programme and Heao is where an elite Romney ewe recorded flock is run, with the express purpose of breeding rams for sale. DNA testing is used to select animals for this flock. Most of the hoggets on the properties are put to the ram, assuming they are up to weight. However, those that don’t lamb are put onto the farms with the terminal sires. Those that do lamb go into the breeding blocks. Each unit has its own manager and staff, while there is a repairs and maintenance group which

Paparata is divided into four separately managed blocks – each designed to complement the other.

works across all four properties. “I could have one manager I suppose, instead I’ve divided it up into units of roughly 1,500ha,” Johnson told Rural News. “This allows for good management and each manager can cope comfortably with that quantity of stock units. They don’t do any financial management, but instead focus on the management of the stock, which works for them. As the overall owner and manager, I take care of the financial issues.”

Today, Johnson and his wife Trish live on a small block just outside Hamilton. Johnson says he’s lucky because he has had great loyal staff who have stayed. “One manager, John Manning, has been working for me for 32 years, another 25 years and another for 15,” he says. “The latest one – Rachel Hall – has been with me for five years and she has won the Te Kuiti meat processing supplier of the year three out of

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four years.” Johnson says three of his managers started with him as shepherds or junior shepherds, and they have grown up thought the operation. “The key is what I do for them, in terms of caring for them and providing good housing and generally being very supportive,” he explains. “As a result, I get a lot of satisfaction seeing people grow in their jobs and go onto the next level.”

ONE of the recent challenges facing Trevor Johnson and his team at Paparata has been the changing climate. It’s something that has happened quicker than they’d expected. Johnson says they used to lamb late, with the idea of taking stock through on the farms after Christmas. “But we got into a situation where the feed supply in January did not match the demand,” he explains. “So, we are lambing earlier with the idea of getting as many stock off the properties in the November December period.” Johnson says, in the past, they relied almost entirely on natural water for stock but less rainfall now means the natural water sources are not giving 12 months cover. As a result, they have installed a large water system with 50 troughs and more will be installed. He says having trough water also means stock are not encouraged to get into natural sources and damage the water quality. Johnson says with less water and higher temperatures, they’ve also had to change their farming systems. More research has been done on which legumes will grow where, and to find out what species might grow on the hills without the fertilisers they are using. Johnson is committed to a sustainable farming system and is investigating ways of reducing methane emissions in sheep by way of a breeding programme. “As a third generation farmer, my goal is have a happy farm team and to ensure that the property is sustainable for the next generation,” he told Rural News. To that end, Paparata is an innovative, practical model farm. It is led by a man who constantly has an eye on the future and who is willing to share his knowledge and experience.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

24 ANIMAL HEALTH

Careful when feeding grain with ice cream, given the opportunity, sheep will often gorge themselves if they are introduced suddenly to grain feeding. Rumen acidosis is a two-stage process: - The grain overload causes the excess production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen - This then causes the rumen pH to drop below 5.5 at which point, around six to eight hours, naturally occurring lactobacilli in the rumen start converting the grain to lactic acid which drives the rumen pH even lower

Sufficiently severe grain overload will eventually produce metabolic acidosis which results in toxic shock and death.

It is important to both train and transition sheep to give them time to adjust to grain feeding.

to 5.0. The lactic acid, as well bacteria and some other

toxins, are then absorbed into the bloodstream causing many of the clini-

cal signs. The high concentration of lactic acid in the rumen also kills

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RUMEN ACIDOSIS usually occurs in sheep that are introduced rapidly to grain feeding or have been grazed on stubble paddocks where there is a lot of grain left after harvest. This disorder is also called lactic acidosis or grain overload. It is caused when grain is often used in the late summer and autumn months as a supplement to fill feed shortages in dryland situations, as well as to put condition on ewes pre-tupping. However, just like kids

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off many of the beneficial microbial species and as a result the rumen stops working. Sufficiently severe grain overload will eventually produce metabolic acidosis which results in toxic shock and death. The smaller the grain particle, the more rapidly this occurs, so farmers must be careful with smaller and crushed grains. Some sheep are more likely to gorge themselves on grain than others in the flock. It is these sheep that are likely to be affected first. Prevention is most certainly the best medicine. With the lack of success in effectively treating severe acidosis, it is important to be aware of how to feed grain to sheep to minimise the chance of acidosis. It is important to both train (get sheep to eat a novel feed) and transition (ensure their gut can digest it) to feed on grain before they are expected. Offer the animals only a small amount of grain to begin with and then slowly increase the daily amount. The rumen and its bacteria can take a long time to adjust to grain feeding. Slowly increase the amount of grain offered to the flock over 10-14 days to adjust to a grain

diet. The feeding regime should start off at about 50g/sheep/day and gradually increase to the final allowance. Note these rates are only for mature sheep, and it is important they have access to other feed, especially roughage material such as hay or standing pasture whilst the grain diet is introduced. This ensures the sheep continue to chew their cud and acid does not build-up in the rumen. Farmer discretion is advised and regular observation is required during this adjustment period. Feed out the grain so all sheep have access to it; this reduces the chance of a few sheep gorging themselves on the grain. This can either be done in long troughs or dribbled in a long line all over the paddock. There are some buffers which can be added to the grain as a preventative strategy to prevent acidosis from occurring, e.g. bentonite clay or sodium bicarbonate can be added to grain based rations during the introductory phase. This will hasten the rate of acceptance and reduce the risk of acidosis but is probably only practised in trough feeding situations. • Source Beef + Lamb New Zealand

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

ANIMAL HEALTH 25

Farmers and public need to be vigilant about foot and mouth FARMERS ARE being reminded to be particularly stringent with their on-farm biosecurity as foot and mouth disease spreads through popular tourist destination Bali and other parts of Indonesia. Will Halliday, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s senior advisor biosecurity and animal welfare, says if the highly infectious disease of cloven-hoofed animals were to reach New Zealand, the result would be catastrophic for our livestock industries and the wider economy. He points out that infected cattle wandering through popular tourist resorts in Indonesia pose a real risk as tourists can unwittingly bring infected material back on their footwear or sports equipment. “While there are good biosecurity measures in place at airports, we strongly suggest farmers don’t allow overseas visitors who have been near animals, particularly those from Indonesia, onto their farm for at least a week after their

“While there are good biosecurity measures in place at airports, we strongly suggest farmers don’t allow overseas visitors who have been near animals.” drooling, smacking the lips, shivering, depression/dullness, reluctance to eat and walk, sudden drop in milk yield and blisters in the mouth and between hooves. The symptoms in sheep are more subtle and include mild to moderate lameness, tendency to lie down and stop grazing, blisters between the hooves and in the mouth In pigs, FMD shows up as sudden lameness and a tendency to lie down, loss of appetite and blisters on snout and hooves.

FMD symptoms in cattle blisters in the mouth and between hooves. Photo credit: European Commission for the control of foot and mouth disease.

arrival.” Halliday says with an outbreak relatively close to home, it is a good time to review farm biosecurity plans and practices to ensure everyone on the farm knows what they need to do the protect

the farm business and the wider industry from FMD and other diseases. This includes ensuring all cattle and deer movements on and off the farm are recorded through NAIT and that ASD forms are readily

available. Ask visitors to sign in when they arrive on the farm and make sure all footwear, tyres and equipment is cleaned when they arrive and when they leave. Ensure boundary fences are well main-

INDONESIAN MEAT BAN TRAVELLERS ARE no longer allowed to bring personal consignments of any meat products from Indonesia into New Zealand. This is the latest step to protect against Foot-and-Mouth Disease, says Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director general Stuart Anderson. “Previously travellers from

Indonesia could bring in declared cooked or treated meat, with the highest risk uncooked meat products already prohibited,” he explains. “Now any personal consignments of meat from Indonesia, including cooked, will not be allowed in and we will reassess the suspension at the appropri-

ate time.” Anderson says any meat products brought in by travellers from Indonesia will be destroyed. The rule change does not affect commercial products, which already face strict import standards.

tained and follow quarantine protocols when new stock arrives on-farm. “It is also crucial farmers do not feed uncooked food waste to pigs as this can be a pathway for transmission.” Halliday adds that farmers should know what FMD symptoms to look out for as these can vary between species. In cattle, the symptoms include excessive

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Halliday says it is important to note that in most cases, multiple animals will be affected simultaneously. He says if farmers notice any of these symptoms, they should inform their veterinarian or call Ministry for Primary Industries on 0800 80 99 66 immediately. “Farmers should not hesitate to call their vet or the 0800 number. We would much rather a false alarm than an outbreak made worse by a hesitancy to make a call.”

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

26 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Coast contractor favours Fendt “The Fendts are really user friendly, easy to drive and make most jobs very easy to complete. If you dig deeper into the operating system, the technology includes things like the ability to have operating profiles set up for each of the implements we use.”

MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

THE NAME Von Ah Contracting gives a clue to its origins. It all started when Marty von Ah’s father emigrated from Switzerland to New Zealand in 1976 and started sharemilking at Waitara, Taranaki. After Marty was born in Taranaki, the family moved to the South Island’s West Coast region in the early ‘80s to milk cows. Unfortunately, they were hit by the tragedy when Marty’s father was killed in an accident, meaning he and brother Werner took over the running of the farm. Over the ensuing years, von Ah did some local contracting work before setting up the business in 2009. In 2020, he moved

Von Ah Contracting’s trio of German-built 720 and 724 Fendts are reliable and productive tractors and play a key component in the business’s ongoing success.

away from the farming side of the business to concentrate on contracting operation with his wife, Nicky. They have built up an extensive

operation that specialises in feed production, mainly for the dairy farmers in the region. The business leases around 500ha, while also owning

30ha adjoining their operating base in Kokatahi, near Hokitika. Operating over a 30km radius from their base, the businesses focuses on

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feed production – including cut and carry operations, grass and maize silages and baleage for the region’s herds. It also overwinters dairy cows and followers. Additionally, the operation also offers cartage, ploughing, cultivation, crop establishment, slurry and manure spreading, track maintenance and land clearing. As one would expect of such an extensive operation, reliable and productive prime movers are a key requirement. In the case of Von Ah Contracting, this is a trio of German-built 720 and 724 Fendts. Marty von Ah praises the functionality of the brand, particularly in the area of the transmission and engine. The former offers stepless control, allowing the operator to match the

speed precisely to the job and “tweak” that speed as conditions change. “The Fendts are really user friendly, easy to drive and make most jobs very easy to complete,” he says. “If you dig deeper into the operating system, the technology includes things like the ability to have operating profiles set up for each of the implements we use.” Von Ah says this means jobs commence more quickly, leading to better operational efficiency. With the three tractors each clocking up between 1,200 and 1,400 hours every season, fuel efficiency is also a major consideration. The tractors’ ability to operate at set speeds with minimal engine revs sees the Deutz-engine machines take a wide berth of the local fuel pumps. Von Ah also likes the fact that if there are any problems with electronics, most functions can still be operated manually. He says this means a job can be finished, the tractor then taken home

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and a repair organised. On the safety side, all the tractors are fitted with air braking systems. This is a must for the slurry tanker, trailers and loader wagons – all used extensively throughout the year. Additionally, the tractors ISOBUS systems mean that machine functions are immediately visible in the Varioterminal. This means adjustments can be easily made, while also removing the need for multiple control boxes in the cabin When it comes to servicing, the majority of this is carried out inhouse. The only need to call the supplying dealer is to clear or interpret error codes. What about the future? Probably more Fendts joining the fleet, but in the short-term more efficiency and accuracy and a job well done. “Despite rising costs for most inputs, dairy farmers are looking like they are in a good space,” von Ah says. “So, they are happy to pay for a job well done with modern equipment.”

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MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 27

Flexible front hopper MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

SUITABLE FOR applying all types of seeds and fertiliser, Kverneland’s f-drill front hopper can also be paired with a range of implements over a range of working widths. The set-up is ideal for seed and fertiliser application in one pass, but also lends itself to the combined application of seeds and companion crops. As an example, during the spring the f-drill can be used as a fertiliser hopper with the Optima F or in combination with the Kultistrip strip tillage unit. When paired with a power harrow drill combination, it can be used as an additional

Kverneland’s f-drill front hopper is suitable for applying all types of seeds and fertiliser.

seed hopper for sowing companion or spring crops. In summer and autumn, the hopper can be combined with a power harrow, offering working widths from 3-6 metres, with the potential

rate of material delivery to the rear from 25kg per minute to 32kg per minute. Available in two sizes, the f-drill compact has a capacity of 1,600 litres and the f-drill maxi up to 2,200 litres.

Optional specifications see the standard versions equipped with a single Eldos metering unit, while the Duo unit offers higher application rates. The Eldos units each distribute up to 400 kg/ha of one type of fertiliser or

seed. The company says that high volumes are ensured by the venturi system, with no need for a pressurised system. The delivery pipes on the new hopper are of a smaller bore than previously fitted and are

built-in rigidly up to the point where they descend to the coulters. The configuration is said to ensure that the material is carried in a faster flow of air with reduced loss of kinetic energy due to friction

with the pipe wall. A modular construction featuring a steel frame and moulded plastic hopper results in an even weight distribution, while also offering the driver an unrestricted view over the entire machine setup. The wheel packer system is fitted with a lifting function that is designed to relieve front axle loading, while the self-steering packer reduces the power requirement and fuel consumption. The f-drill can be connected to any ISObus compatible tractor for use by the tractor’s own terminal. Alternatively, it can use Kverneland’s IsoMatch Tellus Pro or Tellus GO+ terminals – both are fully ISObus compatible.

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

28 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

JD unlocks its digital system MARK DANIEL

claims that by allowing the integration of other systems with its own, shows that an openness to other manufacturers plays an important role

markd@ruralnews.co.nz

AS A long-term advocate of digital technology, John Deere has taken the route of mass data capture, rather than concentrating on direct driver aids – such as TIM (tractor implement management). With most drivers typically preferring the latter, there might be some change of heart in the dark green camp. JD recently announced that it will open up its AutoTrac self-steering system to all TIM systems certified by the Agricultural Engineers Foundation (AEF). John Deere is moving rapidly away from isolation towards full digital integration with other manufacturers. Farmers and contractors running multi-brand

in the application of digital technology. The move might also suggest that JD has realised that trying to maintain a closed shop is counter-productive,

while a universal system is far more likely to gain acceptance within day-today farming and encourage greater acceptance of digital technology.

JD recently announced that it will open up its AutoTrac selfsteering arrangement to all TIM systems.

tractor fleets can now use AutoTrac TIM activation for the Gen4 Universal Displays. This means that the guidance system can be used on all tractors with TIM guidance capability, irrespective of the manufacturer. The new AutoTrac TIM is a complementary system that is fully integrated with these other products, the key bene-

fit being that no further steering wheel or controller components are needed. This is claimed to be a simple solution for farmers and contractors with mixed fleets who want to use a universal guidance system. However, to run AutoTrac TIM they will need the AEF-certified Gen4 Universal Display (4240 or 4640) with

AutoTrac activation and a StarFireTM 6000 or 7000 receiver. Details on machine compatibility to fit John Deere AutoTrac TIM can be found on the AEF database. In the past, John Deere has expressed a desire to use its own digital architecture in a bid to keep customers locked into buying green. The company now

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Claas has integrated the Terranimo application into its CEMOS control system for tractors.

TRACTOR TECH DOES THE THINKING GERMAN MANUFACTURER Claas has integrated the Terranimo application into its CEMOS control system for tractors. While CEMOS is still the only selflearning, interactive driver assistance and process optimization system, the Terranimo application will enable the tractor-implement setting to be even more focused on soil protection. Terranimo is a simulation model. It was developed by the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH-HAFL) in cooperation with the Agroscope Reckenholz Research Institute, Aarhus University in Denmark and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and calculates and visualizes the risk of compaction. The model’s algorithms are based, among other things, on decades of accumulated best expertise. In CEMOS for tractors, these are combined with the other information –

such as soil type and condition, working depth, field condition (uncultivated, shallowly tilled or deep tilled), attachment, tyre type and ballasting. Based on this combined information and the technical data calculated by CEMOS, such as static or dynamic axle loads, Terranimo calculates the compaction risks for three soil layers. Based on the assessment, CEMOS can then provide the driver with further recommendations for ballasting and optimizing the tire pressure to create the least damage to the soil structure. If any changes are made to the tractor or implement settings, any changes in the risk of compaction flows directly into the current risk assessment of the Terranimo function. As a result, the driver will receive direct feedback on the effect that changing the settings will have on the soil structure. – Mark Daniel

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 29

Farm plastics recyclers join forces THE TWO main plastic collection programmes in New Zealand’s primary sector have agreed to work together to improve the services they provide farmers and growers. Agrecovery and Plasback have signed a memorandum of understanding, which aims to provide the most efficient and cost-effective means to collect and recycle used farm plastic. “Our focus is on finding the best ways to meet the needs of primary producers,” Ag Recovery chief executive Tony Wilson says. “Agrecovery and Plasback have different and complementary strengths and areas of expertise. By working together, we will target our future investments to take farm plastic recycling to the next level.” The two companies have been collecting and facilitating the recycling of farm plastic in New Zealand for more than 15 years. Both are accredited voluntary product stewardship schemes, under the Waste Minimisation Act. “Plasback has developed an on-farm collection service for silage wrap and pit covers, while Agrecovery has established a nation-wide drop-off service to recycle agrichemical containers and large drums,” Plasback commercial manager Neal Shaw explains. “Now our aim is to develop a service that can collect all agricultural and

horticultural plastics for recycling. The two organisations have decided to cooperate at a time when the Government has announced its intention to establish a mandatory, industrywide product stewardship scheme for farm plastics. This is expected to commence in July 2024. “We want to set up a simple entry point for everyone to get on board, whether they are consumers, other recyclers or suppliers who sell products in plastic packaging,” Wilson says. This proposed product stewardship scheme will include an up-front stewardship fee on designated farm plastic products, including packaging. AgRecovery and Plasback says they are working with the Environment Ministry to develop a scheme that costs the industry as little as possible, but is still comprehensive enough to collect, process and ship all used farm plastic to domestic and overseas recyclers. Currently farmers and growers need to deal with some plastics that are not catered for under the current schemes. This is because some businesses supplying these products are not contributing to the cost of their recycling. “Some companies are working with Plasback and Agrecovery to cover the costs of disposing of their waste responsibly, but others are not,” Shaw says. “The door is

open to everyone in the industry to work with us to improve the service we provide.” He adds that, ultimately, all New Zealand agriculture will benefit from responsible product

stewardship. “If farmers and growers are to attract top dollar for their commodities in the global economy, they will have to prove they farm sustainably,” Shaw adds.

Plasback’s Neal Shaw (L) and Agrecovery’s Tony Wilson want to provide the most efficient and costeffective means to collect and recycle used farm plastic.

ANTHONY GOODWRIGHT ..was considering purchasing another tractor for moving feed. We challenged him to see what he could do in a new JCB SERIES III. Here’s what he said...

“REALLY SURPRISED HOW EFFICIENT IT IS; SO MUCH QUICKER THAN A TRACTOR.”

15 YEARS OF GOOD WORK When it comes to purchasing an additional utility for moving feed around the farm, most farmers consider getting another tractor. Anthony Goodwright of Goodwright farms in Southland was no exception. We dropped off a brand new JCB SERIES III AGRI SUPER to show him how much more efficient, versatile, manoeuvrable and fast the JCB is. With vast amounts of baleage across three family farms to load and stack, Anthony, a proficient operator in any machine, was easily convinced. By the end of the second day with the JCB, he was a committed fan.

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AGRECOVERY IS celebrating 15 years in operation, with launch of the first container recycling programme back in mid-2007. Since its inception, it has recycled nearly 3.5 million kg of plastic containers and over 165,000 kg of expired or unwanted agrichemical. The anniversary was recently celebrated with a special evening at the Grand Hall, Parliament, hosted by Minister for the Environment David Parker. “We now over 100 brands signed up to our programmes with more joining every month,” says chief executive Tony Wilson. “It’s great to see these brands take responsibility for their products and their packaging and ensure a free service for our 16,000-plus members.”

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RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

30 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER

New disc cultivator launched MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

VÄDERSTAD HAS introduced a new disc cultivator – the Carrier XT 425-625 – featuring rotating disc axles, that optimizes results over a range of working depths with easy machine setting. Designed for highspeed primary tillage and seedbed preparation, the machine offers ultra-shallow working or deeper incorporation. The Carrier XT is available in 4.25 metres, 5.25 metres

or 6.25 metre working widths, in a choice of mounted or trailed configurations. A main feature of Carrier XT is its hydraulically rotating disc axles. This allows the machine to optimize the cut-out performance at a shallower depth, while increasing the depth precision at deeper working levels. By increasing the disc angle towards the soil, the disc will increase its penetration ability. Meanwhile, changing the tilting angle of the disc

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Invest in your safety The world’s first flexible roll bar

means the cut-out surface is shifted. As a result, the Carrier XT offers the ability to optimize the disc angles to its working depth. For the farmer, this means a full cut – even at shallower working depth, as well keeping and reducing soil flow at deeper working depths. These factors are said to contribute to a lower diesel consumption. The cultivators come with the choice of the 450mm disc, 470mm TrueCut disc or the ultrashallow CrossCutter Disc. Each disc is built from Swedish V-55 steel at Väderstad’s own components factory, while All XT models can be equipped with a range of both single and double packer options. The Carrier XT had its official premiere at the German DLG Field Days in June and will be available to order from October 2022.

DOLOMITE

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

ACC te Reba le b a il a v A

LASER FF95

DIESEL HEATER

1440

+ GST & Freight

traxequipment.co.nz

ü Huge 9.5kW output. ü Made in Japan since 1991. ü Energy Eﬃcient - 92% certiﬁed

ü DIY Install or we can arrange. ü No wood to cut, cart or store. ü N O indoor diesel odours.

0800 379 247 www.avonheating.co.nz

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.

SNIPPETS Record revenue

EUROPEAN TRACTOR manufacturer SDF saw its revenue reach an all-time high of €1.48b in 2021. This was a rise of around 30% on the €1.14b result in 2020, and 17% higher than the pre-Covid 2019 year that recorded of €1.26b. Net profit, at 4.2% of turnover, was €62.6m, up 3.4% on 2020 and 3.5% on 2019. Meanwhile, the company also reports that it reduced its debt by €55m to €122m. SDF’s Italian workforce increased by around 300 during the year, bringing the total global number to around 4,200 people. The company’s European market share rose to 11.4%, up on the 10.7% of 2020.

RIP

REINHOLD CLAAS, a long-standing member of the supervisory board of the CLAAS Group, passed away earlier this month at the age of 91. Reinhold Claas was the third child of company founder August Claas, who together with his brother Helmut, played a sizeable role in building up the company after WW2. Reinhold graduated as an industrial engineer in 1958. After joining the company in 1957, he focused on the development of balers and forage harvesters. Among other things, he set up baler production at the newly built factory in Metz, France. Reinhold Claas was also the driving force behind the takeover of Josef Bautz GmbH in Bad Saulgau, the renowned specialist for forage harvesting machines. Outside the family business: in 1958 he took over two ball bearing companies – one in Fribourg, Switzerland, with 250 employees, and another in Munderkingen, Swabia, with 550 employees – managing both companies until the 1990s.

Paint jobs

ü Safe, convenient and easy to use no mess, no fuss.

0800 782 376

The Carrier XT 425-625 features rotating disc axles, which optimizes results over a range of working depths.

FENDT IS investing around €18m in a new paint shop and logistics centre at its Hohenmölsen plant, near Leipzig in Germany. The factory will make parts and components for Fendt tractors, round balers, combine harvesters and forage wagons. It will also be the home of Katana forage harvesters and Rogator 600 selfpropelled sprayers. Expected to be up and running by summer 2023, the new paint shop will consist of both cathodic dip coating and powder coating for thin and thick sheet metal parts. Components will be primed without heavy metals in an immersion bath containing 80% water, while paints will be water-based and contain no heavy metals, solvents or volatile compounds. Meanwhile, residues from powder coating will be recycled.

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

RURAL NEWS // AUGUST 2, 2022

RURAL TRADER 31 FLY OR LICE PROBLEMS? The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989

Quality construction and options • Get the contractors choice

Fantastic for drying wet clothes of... ¥ Farmers ¥ Hunters ¥ Fishermen ¥ Housewives

Featuring...

• Incredible chemical economy • Amazing ease 1500+ per hour • Unique self adjusting sides • Environmentally and user friendly • Automatically activated • Proven effective on lice as well as fly • Compatible with all dip chemicals • Accurate, effective application

❱❱ Used for 30 years with great success. ❱❱ 100% NZ made – steel and design. ❱❱ Hanger fits 150mm flue in conjunction with a full flue shield.

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

199

Email: info@highcountryhangers.co.nz Website: www.highcountryhangers.co.nz

Free Range & Barn Eggs

(incl GST) Courier charges extra

SUPPLIERS OF:

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

Quadbar introduces the new

QUALITY PRODUCTS MADE IN EUROPE OR BY PPP

FLEXIBAR

735

+GST

❖

A trusted name in Poultry Industry for over 50 years ❖

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

HAIR SHIRE MATED EWES & RAMS FOR SALE

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

HARDY, LOW INPUT EASY CARE

• 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.

ESCORTED TOURS 2022

"Hassle-free travel for mature travellers’’

• NO DAGGING • NO SHEARING • NO DIP, DRENCH OR CHEMICALS SINCE 1989 ®

Also Tufty (polled Highland) bulls, cows and calves available

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

• PORT DOUGLAS & CAIRNS EXPLORER 10 days, depart 05 August. A winter holiday with a variety of sightseeing including a Great Barrier Outer Reef Cruise. • RAROTONGA ‘RELAXER’ 7 days, depart 23 August. A leisurely South Pacific escape with great sightseeing, food & entertainment. • PERTH WILDFLOWERS 11 days, depart 15 September. A spectacular tour of Perth’s wildflowers and the magical Margaret River region. • FAR NORTH & BAY OF ISLANDS 7 days, depart 17 September. A leisurely coach tour of the Far North including the new Hundertwasser Art Centre and day trip to Cape Reinga. • EAST COAST & NAPIER 8 days, depart 21 September. A unique and exciting tour around the East Cape and return via the Northern Explorer train. • FORGOTTEN HIGHWAY & TARANAKI 6 days, depart 08 November. Travel by Rail Cart into the Forgotten World. Visit Hobbiton on route and Cruise on the Wanganui river. • BEST OF THE SOUTH ISLAND 15 days, depart 22 November. A spectacular trip around the many highlights of the South Island taking in the wonders of Tekapo, Twizel, Stewart Island day excursion, the Milford Sound and Queenstown. Overnight cruise on the Milford Sound. • CORAL PRINCESS 'CHRISTMAS CRUISE' 14 days, depart 15 December. Cruise from Auckland to Auckland via Brisbane and around NZ. A close to home ‘festive cruise’ experience. • NORFOLK ISLAND 'ÇHRISTMAS SPECIAL' 8 days, depart 22 December. Join us for a hassle free Christmas holiday and experience the very best of Norfolk Island. For full details

Phone 0800 11 60 60

Quality Greenhouses

www.travelwiseholidays.co.nz

Ph 027-225 5283 • tim@organicstud.nz

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

Range of models sized 2 metres - 10 metres

Call for delivery options

morrifield

BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE

CELEBRATING

40 YEARS

BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE

IN BUSINESS 1980-2020

BEST QUALITY | BEST Price | BEST ADVICE WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION WATER TANKS, PUMPS & FILTRATION

MORRIFIELD GREENHOUSES

Thank you to our Valued Customers for • Easy assembly • NZ made since 1980 your continued support over the years ! ! • Strong Win and durable • Grow all year round

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

PROUD TO BE NEW ZEALAND MADE

Greenhouses

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

www.morrifield.com

T/F 03 214 4262 E info@morrifield.com

www.morrifield.com

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

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

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)

STEEL TOE (without Scuff Guard)

Colour = Dark Brown Buffalo Leather Stitched On Soles 175% more crack resistant than normal leather

free shipping

PLAIN TOE (without Scuff Guard)

SIZES SELLING OUT FAST New Zealand owned & operated

sizes: BOOTS 5 - 13 (NZ)

RAINWEAR XS - 4XL

Meet the newest members of the Hustler Equipment family

BALESLICE Bale Cutters • Remove net wrap without leaving your tractor • Handles round or square

bale or even silage

SWIFTBLADE Manure Scrapers

REGENER8R Chain Harrows

• Save time • Clean environment for herd • Maximise manure value

• Revitalise pastures

• Improve manure uptake • Lower fertiliser costs

... and don’t forget about our

Chainsaw Promo

Purchase ANY Hustler machine & get in the draw to win a Stihl MS 291 Farm Boss® chainsaw, worth $1295. A new winner in New Zealand will be drawn each & every month from May through September 2022. Find our more at hustlerequipment.com/chainsaw.

UNROLLA LX105

> Toughest Bars & Chains > Connect from either end > Tough dual latching system FROM

$11,700

+GST

CHAINLESS LX104

FROM

$15,990

Feed Silage, Bales, Beet Feedpad & Scale ready Unbeatable visibility Huge drawbar clearance 11-15m3 Capacities

FROM

$72,900+GST

COMBI RX RANGE THE FUTURE OF FEED WAGONS > A fraction of the moving parts compared to other forage wagons > Feeds any type of feed > Indestructable Puck-Board floors > Class-leading ground clearance, maneuverability & versatility > 14-21m3 Capacities FROM

> Patented Total Control loading system > Feeds Round & Square Bales (Shown with optional extras)

+GST

COMBI CM RANGE

> > > > >

CHAINLESS TE205

> Feeds Round & Square Bales > No trouble-some feed chains or bushes > Dual latching system

$85,600+GST

Call our friendly team today! All prices shown are base prices, without any extras and options. Deals valid until 30/9/22.

FROM

$24,290+GST

SWIFTHITCH RANGE

> Class-leading visibility > Replacable wearpad & pin > Self-aligning latch Heavy Duty FROM

$1,795+GST

RAVEN CR7 GPS

> Cut fertiliser & Spray costs by up to 30%! > Easy to use touch screen > Scalable to ISO compatible FROM

$6,550+GST

Super Duty

ISOBUS with Swath Control

FROM

$2,750+GST

SOFTHANDS RANGE

> Euro Hitch & Hoses Standard > No pinching or tearing of wrap > 4 Year Warranty

Farmers Round Bale Handler

LM100 FROM $3,990+GST Contractors Round & Square Bale Handler

LX200 FROM $4,990+GST HUSTLEREQUIPMENT.COM 0800 487 853

$10,400+GST

COLD MORNINGS,

HOT DEALS RUN OUT SPECIALS ON A HUGE RANGE OF TRACTORS

New name, same great local team. Same people, different shirt. It’s business as usual across our 9 North Island locations with the same great team ready to support you.

whatever it takes to help you build your own success. 'Powerful Value, Delivered.' is much more than a tagline at Brandt. It is our company-wide promise to help As a private, family-run business, Brandt has the freedom to make investments necessary to you succeed by empowering you with uncompromising quality of our deliver powerful value for you, our customers. products and services. It’s what we’ve built our reputation on for 90 years! Tim Ormrod Our success is built on understanding your needs better than anyone else and doing

Senior Vice President New Zealand & Australia

TALK TO YOUR LOCAL TEAM TODAY 0800 333 734

Until 31 October, we have run out specials on a huge range of tractors.

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY. JOHN DEERE 5055E ROPS • 55HP diesel engine • Tight turning radius combined with 4WD provides excellent manoeuvrability • 9 forward / 3 reverse transmission • Rear Selective Control Valve (SCV)

OUR STOCK RUNOUT IS ON NOW!

TALK TO US TODAY

Waipapa 09 438 7228

Whangarei 07 345 5490

Rotorua 07 282 7235

Te Puke 06 869 0006

Hastings 06 879 9907

Waipukurau 06 858 8822

Fielding 06 350 0042

Stratford 06 765 5690

Gisborne 06 869 0006

Offers expire 31 October 2022

SMALL BUT MIGHTY. GREAT FOR TOWING, TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR NEEDS

1 SERIES

JOHN DEERE 1023E • 23HP diesel engine • Great manoeuvrability & easy operation with 4WD & power steering • 3-point hitch

TRACTOR ONLY

19,559

+ GST

CHOOSE TO UPGRADE JOHN DEERE 1025R • • • •

25HP diesel engine Premium seat Cruise control Fender-mounted work lights

UPGRADE FOR AN EXTRA

2,310

+ GST

COMPLIMENT YOUR TRACTOR

SILVAN HEAVY DUTY SLASHER, 131RS7G100- *$7,435EXCL GST

SILVAN 400L SPRAYER WITH 6M BOOM, KBC400 - *$4,560 EXCL GST

SILVAN 500L FERTILISER SPREADER, *$1,395 EXCL GST

SILVAN NOBILI MULCHER, BNG230/01 - *$16,000 EXCL GST

3 SERIES

JOHN DEERE 3038E • 38HP, 4WD • Easy-to-use hydrostatic transmission increases tractor performance • Optional iMatch™ Quick-Hitch feature allows for easy implement hookup • 6 year powertrain warranty**

TRACTOR ONLY

26,685

+ GST

CELEBRATING OUR CUSTOMERS

We recently gave away a John Deere 1023E to our lucky winner, Simon! With the purchase of any Giltrap product, customers were automatically entered into the draw. Simon came away with a brand new Giltrap wagon and was very happy to receive another John Deere to add to his fleet! Keep up to date with what's happening at Brandt by following us on Facebook or Instagram. We love to share your stories at #BrandtNZ

Discover peace of mind with John Deere's Powertrain Warranty.

Valid on 1-4 Series Lifestyle Tractors. 6 year/2000 hrours (whichever comes first)

ADD H240 LOADER FOR

18,350

+ GST

ONLY 16 AVAILABLE!

5 SERIES JOHN DEERE 5055E ROPS • 55HP diesel engine • Tight turning radius combined with 4WD provides excellent manoeuvrability • 9 forward / 3 reverse transmission • Rear Selective Control Valve (SCV)

NEED EXTRA GRUNT? UPGRADE TO 5075E ROPS FOR ONLY

TRACTOR ONLY

34,750

+ GST

9,250

5 SERIES JOHN DEERE 5076EN • 76 HP diesel engine • Cab provides excellent visibility, climate control, and reduced noise and vibration • 12 forward / 12 reverse transmission with PowrReverser™. • Rear and mid-mount values

MORE POWER? UPGRADE TO 5090EN FOR ONLY

TRACTOR ONLY

78,350

+ GST

8,200

FIXED PRICE SERVICING

Keep your 5 Series in top condition, starting from $870*

THE 6M.

YOU WILL NEVER LOOK BACK. When you own a John Deere 6M, it's the type of thing you'll be recommending to your family and friends.

JOHN DEERE 6M • 90HP to195HP • Updated cab and improved visibility • Technology as standard - AutoTrac™ and JDLink™ telematics • Full frame design • Unrivalled payload capacity in this class

MEET SAM Husband and wife team, Sam and Emma have been climbing the dairy ladder since starting out in the industry 10 years ago. This is their first season sharemilking which meant investing in their own equipment. Here’s what Sam had to say about their recent purchase. “I’m the first to admit I’m not a machinery person so reliability was key. I would rather be focusing on animal health and pasture management, not whether the tractor is going to start. The 6M ticked all our boxes and even the untrained eye appreciates the build quality. Our staff find it easy to operate and once we took into account the 500 hour service intervals and resale value, the John Deere 6140M was a no brainer.”

SAM AND EMMA TEXT GOES HERE xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Offers expire 31 October 2022

KEEP ON MOVING. 133 INSPECTION

199

+ GST

A 133 Inspection is a high-level review of the critical operating systems on your machine. Have our factorytrained technicians review your machine to provide insights into any required repairs to reduce downtime. Ideal for tractors 50HP - 500HP+

BOOK NOW! *CONDITIONS APPLY. Travel above 100 km is not included in the above price and will be an additional cost.

Unless amended or withdrawn early, offers expire 31 October 2022. **Warranty term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first and varies by model. Conditions apply. 6 year/2000 hours (whichever comes first). Contact us for more information on the Limited Warranty for New John Deere Turf & Utility Equipment. *5 Series fixed price servicing exclude travel and GST. Applies to 5055E, 5065E and 5075E only

Visit us online at: brandt.ca/nz