Feds, banks lock horns
SUDESH KISSUN
sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
MAJOR RURAL lenders are welcoming a call by farmers for the Commerce Commission to investigate their netzero emissions target.
Federated Farmers claim the five major banks – ANZ, Westpac, BNZ, Rabobank and ASB – have aligned their lending policies and are engaged in “cartel-like behaviour” in terms of their net zero emissions targets. The farmer lobby also claims that the five banks’ policies are linked to their affiliation with the Net-Zero Banking Alliance. It has written to the Commerce Commission calling for an investigation.
Better days coming
However, the banks have hit back, saying they haven’t collaborated on a strategy together to join the Alliance and are not operating as a cartel.
Westpac head of agribusiness Tim Henshaw says they reject any allegations that Westpac engages in “cartellike behaviour”.
“Our targets are set independently and broadly align with New Zealand’s legislated 2050 net zero goals, which have been supported by successive governments,” he told Rural News
“We welcome the complaint to the Commerce Commission as an opportunity to set straight some of the misconceptions that have been raised.”
Henshaw says farmers are embracing the change to ensure New Zealand’s exports retain market access and meet customer expectations across the globe, noting this is reflected in the fact that over 43% of their agri term lending is now through the Sustainable Farm Loan.
ANZ managing director for busi-
ness and agri Lorraine Mapu told Rural News that the ANZ Group made a unilateral and independent decision to join the Alliance in 2021.
“ANZ NZ determines its own strategy, risk settings and approach to customer engagement on climate issues.
“We have not set an emissions reduction pathway and target for the agri sector at this stage. We’re committed to working alongside our farmers and farming businesses as on-farm practices and technology evolves.”
A Rabobank spokesman described Feds’ suggestion of collusion around membership of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance as baseless.
“Rabobank New Zealand itself is not a signatory to the Alliance but has made commitments towards the group’s overall emissions reduction targets as part of the Alliance.
“Rabobank is using the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTI) as the framework to set its emission reduction targets.
Export revenue for the primary sector is forecast to bounce back in the coming year – but still not back the high levels of 2022/23, according to latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report by the Ministry for Primary Industries. Export revenue from the food and fibre sector in the 2024-25 year will rise by 7% to $56.9 billion and hit $58.3 billion the following year. MPI Director General, Ray Smith, pictured at the launch last week in Wellington, says the global economic environment is showing signs of improvement and inflation is returning to target levels and interest rates are declining. Story page 3
“Rabobank has adopted ‘emissions intensity’ rather than ‘absolute emissions’ reduction targets for its global portfolio. We recognise that the world needs to produce more food to feed a growing population, so focusing on emissions intensity allows food producers to do that.”
Feds banking spokesman Richard McIntyre points out that the five major banks in New Zealand dominate 97% of the agricultural lending market, and all five of those banks are affiliated with the Net-Zero Banking Alliance.
“This raised some serious questions about the potential alignment of lending policies and anti-competitive cartel-like behaviour that we think deserve further scrutiny.
“Almost all of these banks are setting 2030 emission reduction targets for farmers that look remarkably similar, driven by their involvement in the Net-Zero Banking Alliance.
“The old saying goes that if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck – then it’s probably a duck. I think the same thing could be said about cartel-like behaviour.”
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Dairy, horticulture lead bounce back
PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
THE LATEST Ministry for Primary Industries report on the state of the primary sector shows that things are starting to look up after a rough 202324 season.
But the latest report also shows that it will be some time before export returns come back to what they were in 2022-23.
According to MPI director general Ray Smith, the global economic environment is showing signs of improvement, inflation is returning to target levels and interest rates are declining. While Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says his government is introducing several measures to support farming and the sector can be confident that they are committed to it succeeding.
In broad terms, the report says export revenue from the food and fibre sector is expected to bounce back in the 2024-25 year by 7% to $56.9 billion, rising to $58.3 billion in 2025-26.
This recovery is led by dairy up 10% to $25.5 billion and horticulture up 12% to $8 billion – a major milestone for this sector. Horticulture is the only sector that has enjoyed continuous incremental growth over the past six years, and is expected to top nearly $8.5 billion in 2025-26.
At the other end of the scale, meat and wool is just holding its own with no appreciable growth now and into the future.
The report notes that despite elevated global uncertainty, food and fibre export revenue will rebound due to better in-market prices and the tightening of global supplies of key commodities such as dairy, beef and mutton.
On the global macro-economic
for Cattle Troughs
side there are some challenges ahead, according to MPI. They point to shipping and logistic issues resulting from wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and say, “uncertainty surrounding the outlook is high”.
When it comes to uncertainty, the word China quickly comes to mind. It is after all our largest importer of primary products, taking 32% of prod-
BY THE SECTORS
LOOKING AT the main sectors, MPI predicts a rise in global dairy prices due to tight global supply and is predicting the average farmgate milk price to be $9.60/kgMS. It also believes that milk production will be up on last season.
As for the meat and wool sectors, MPI says NZ may not be able to take full advantage of higher prices for beef and mutton due to reduced home production. The report also notes that farm profitability is forecast to fall in 2024-25 because any increase in the schedule
ucts – well ahead of second placed US which takes just 12%. Others of note are Australia, the EU and Japan.
The China market remains sluggish, although the government there has introduced a series of stimulus packages to kick start their economy. The word from MPI and various businesspeople who’ve been in China of late is that things are improving – but slowly.
price will be “more than offset by higher expenses and few livestock available for slaughter”.
Horticulture’s contribution to export earnings continues to rise, led by kiwifruit and apples and pears. Nicola Grigg, the Minister responsible for horticulture, says she’s thrilled at the performance of the sector and the positive forecasts show the future is bright.
Another point highlighted in the report is the contribution of Māori in the primary sector, with an asset base
Despite its geographical isolation, NZ remains totally dependent on markets thousands of kilometers away and also the government policies of those countries. Recent free trade deals with the UK, EU and Middle East have helped, but the jury is still out on what may or may not happen in the US with the new Trump administration set to take over on January 20.
of $19 billion, three times what it was 10 years ago. Sheep and beef, dairy and horticulture make up most of the assets.
Finally, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says, now more than ever, global consumers are demanding high-quality, safe and sustainable food and fibre products and New Zealand producers are well placed to provide this.
@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
for Compartment Troughs/Tanks
Horticulture exports are expected to top nearly $8.5 billion in 2025-26.
Bird flu ‘unlikely to have trade impact’
says New Zealand has a good reputation overseas for its biosecurity system.
A MARKETING expert says it’s unlikely that the recent outbreak of avian influenza on an Otago poultry farm will have a significant impact on New Zealand’s trade relationships.
Earlier this month, Biosecurity New Zealand announced a case of H7N6 avian influenza had been found on a Mainland Poultry farm in Hillgrove, Otago.
At the time of printing, the farm was working to clear some 200,000 chickens cleared of all its chickens, including 40,000 from a rearing facility on-farm.
Damien Mather from the University of Otago’s Department of Marketing
“New Zealand enjoys a very good reputation with all our major export partners for all our products,” he told Rural News
“More broadly than that, as a country of origin for almost any food brand, we have a good reputation for biosecurity controls… and that’s come about for a couple of important reasons and one of them is that if you don’t tick every box and dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’ for all of the requirements everywhere in the world, well then, some of the markets will use it as an excuse not to let our products in to compete with their local products,” Mather says.
“From a business/ trade access perspective, New Zealand’s got this very good reputation to uphold and they’re doing it right now with this poultry bird flu out-
break,” he says.
Meanwhile, Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson says he is confident avian influenza can be stamped out. How-
ever, he says there is still work to be done.
At the time of printing, Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove property is the only chicken farm to date where avian influenza has been found.
“Along with the farmer involved and our industry partners, we’ve made strong, quick, progress,” Anderson told Rural News
He says Biosecurity New Zealand is still focused on eradicating this specific strain of avian influenza.
“Once we have achieved that, we will properly reflect on the response and adopt what we’ve learnt for the future,” he says.
“However, at this stage, acting quickly and working together with industry are key factors in helping our efforts, alongside farmers already having strong biosecurity practices in place, which is the case at Hillgrove.”
The farm remains under strict biosecurity lockdown. Testing will continue on five other Mainland Poultry properties for up to 21 days, the full incubation period for the disease.
Drought looms TRIBUTES FOR LEADER
PETER BURKE
peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
FARMERS ON the east coast of the North Island are facing a quandary as hot, dry weather and dropping soil moisture levels persist.
AgFirst’s Lochie MacGillivray, based in Hawke’s Bay, told Rural News farmers are in ‘no man’s land’ as they try to second guess what might happen with the weather in December/January. He says they are torn between acting now in anticipation of a drought or holding back in case it doesn’t happen – and no-one can say with any certainty what the outcome may be.
“The store lamb store price is slipping away and so for farmers to
unload more animals, which in some cases could be absolutely the right decision, means they are gambling that there won’t be substantial rain coming in January,” he says. “But then what happens if we get some of those tropical cyclones in between the hot weather?”
MacGillivray says part of the problem is that it is neither a strong El Nino or a strong La Nina which makes modelling the outcome very difficult so at present the position could be described as ‘neutral’. He says what the weather does in the next few weeks will be crucial. He points out that in the past few weeks temperatures have been in the 30’s and winds have been strong.
But while livestock farmers are
concerned about the weather, most of those in the horticulture sector are more than happy with the hot dry spell. Gordon McPhail of Leaderbrand based in Gisborne says the weather has resulted in one of their best years in a long time.
He says their sweet corn crop is nearly two weeks ahead of normal and they are planning to sell two million cobs of corn in the next few weeks. He says they are hoping the weather will stay as it is especially with their 350 hectares of grapes due for harvest in February.
McPhail says summer crops such as corn and watermelons are important for his company and they have hopes for good sales in the coming months.
TRIBUTES HAVE flowed in from around the country for mid-Canterbury farming leader Chris Allen who died in a tragic accident on his farm near Ashburton.
Allen served on the board of Federated Farmers for more than eight years and took on the challenging portfolio of water and biodiversity.
Feds national president Wayne Langford says there were a few tears in the organisation’s national office when the news came through.
“I have been flooded with messages from right across the country from people who Chris has worked with or had been a part of their lives,” he says.
Langford says Allen will be remembered for his collaborative nature, his ability to get on with people from all
walks of life and to come up with workable solutions – not only for farmers but also the environment as well.
“He had a quote which I will always remember and one that really defines him. It was, ‘Things need to be sensible, practical and affordable’. This is a quote that can be applied across a lot of issues,” he says.
Allen and his wife Ann-Maree farmed an irrigated sheep and beef property near Mt Somers. Neighbour and Feds mid-Canterbury president, David Acland says people are just gutted and shaken at his sudden death.
“He had incredible mana and was widely respected by politicians of all political parties. He was a person who could work across groups and parties and find a way forward,” he says.
JESSICA MARSHALL
The avian influenza won’t impact New Zealand’s trade ties as we have a good reputation overseas for our biosecurity system.
Trade barriers costing hort exporters $135m –
PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
NON-TARIFF TRADE
measures (NTM) remain a problem for NZ exporters, according to Horticulture Export Authority (HEA) chief executive Simon Hegarty.
The HEA released its latest report on ‘Barriers to NZ’s Horticulture’ trade. The 235-page report, produced by the HEA every two years, is effectively an encyclopaedia of what has happened and is likely to happen in the sector.
The HEA report shows that horticulture exports for 2024 were worth $4.9 billion – up just 2% on 2022.
Hegarty says while existing trade barriers cost the sector around $135 million a year, it’s the NTMs that are causing NZ real grief on a
PROPOSED CUTS TO RURAL POST DELIVERIES TO HIT COMMUNITIES
RURAL WOMEN New Zealand (RWNZ) says proposed changes to rural deliveries mean NZ Post is putting commercial viability ahead of the needs of rural communities.
Earlier in the year, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) started seeking feedback on changes to NZ Post’s minimum obligations as a mail service under its Deed of Understanding.
Included in those changes were a reduction in delivery frequency from five days to three days per week in rural areas; a reduction in the minimum number of post offices from 880 to 500 across the country with consideration to shrink that number further to 400; and an allowance for NZ Post to convert existing delivery points into communal points at a rate of up to 5% per year.
When the proposed changes were announced, MBIE general manager, communications infrastructure and trade, James Hart-
ley said the changes were due to a decline in usage over the past 11 years since the Deed of Understanding was last amended.
“New Zealanders are sending less mail than ever before,” Hartley says.
“Compared to 20 years ago, we send around 813 million fewer mail items, and this is expected to further decline to around 100 million items by 2028.
“We recognise the importance of the mail service, particularly to rural and older New Zealanders, and would like to hear feedback about how people are currently using the mail service and how the proposed changes would work for our communities.”
However, in a submission on the proposed changes, Rural Women New Zealand says the changes are “concerning”.
“NZ Post is abandoning any quality of service and putting commercial viability ahead of the need for rural communities to access basic postal services,” the submission states.
The organisation argues the
proposals will severely impact rural communities, the elderly and disabled people, saying they will be forced to wait longer and travel greater distances to clear their mailboxes or send a parcel as a result of the changes.
The organisation argues that the changes need to be scaled back and alternative options need to be considered.
“No consideration has been given to alternative options, such as a different model for postal services.”
The organisation also states that geographic criteria for setting the placement of postal services needs to be included in the Deed of Understanding. This, they argue, would allow for the cost of getting to and from a postal service and the physical distance to be factored into decision-making.
“This would help ensure a minimum level of service for rural communities and avoid NZ Post making decisions that are detrimental to rural communities.”
Consultation on the Deed of Understanding closed last week.
daily basis.
Hegarty says these include overly complex regulations and the lengthy time taken by some countries to process an application for a new product to enter their market. Other barriers include compliance around phytosanitary requirements, product labelling, pre-shipment inspections and just getting goods cleared through customs, to name a few.
He says there are other headwinds facing the sector.10-15 days longer to get to Europe and that is disrupting the whole global shipping
schedules,” he says.
Hegarty says NZ is an isolated nation which struggles to attract freight providers because some of the routes to and from Asia to Europe and the USA are more lucrative.
On the other hand, he says NZ is benefiting from the recent NZ/ EU FTA which came into force this year; the removal of tariffs resulted in a $27 million dollar benefit. Other FTAs in the Middle East also had a positive impact, he says.
The HEA report shows that horticulture exports for 2024 were worth $4.9 billion – up just 2% on 2022. But the
report notes that this growth in dollar terms came at a time when the actual volume of exports declined by 11%.
Hegarty says kiwifruit and apples make up 77% of horticulture’s export revenue with onions coming in third place. He says China is the biggest buyer of our products, followed by the EU, Japan and Australia.
Meanwhile, like other sectors, horticulture is also finding it a challenge to secure a trade deal with India.
NZ hort exports to India amount to just over $78 million – mainly apples but also some kiwifruit. The trouble is apple exports attract a 50% tariff and kiwifruit 30% which cuts into profit margins
In the past week, a delegation of horticulture exporters (no politicians) representing kiwifruit, apples and pears, onions, avocados the HEA and others have been in India. Their objective is a reconnaissance mission to get a better handle on the opportunities there, the logistics of increasing our market share and getting a first-hand understanding of how India does business.
JESSICA MARSHALL
The Horticulture Export Authority says non-tariff trade measures continue to remain a problem for exporters.
A proposal to reduce postal delivery frequency from five days to three days per week in rural areas has irked farmers.
Farmer confidence flowing back
CONFIDENCE IS flowing back into the farming sector on the back of higher dairy and meat prices, easing interest rates and a more farmerfriendly regulatory environment.
Farming leaders agree that while farm profitability remains under pressure, there are signs of cautions optimism as we enter 2025.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland notes that it’s been a tough year for many in the industry, and the upcoming season is also shaping up to be challenging with profitability under pressure and extreme dry conditions affecting parts of the country.
However, there are
mism, she told Rural News
“The North Island has enjoyed excellent lambing conditions, leading to strong lamb growth. In the South Island, farmers faced prolonged cold, wet weather and snowstorms during lambing but worked hard to minimise potential losses.
“Early-season farmgate prices for sheepmeat are
and cattle prices remain strong. Combined with recent interest rate cuts, this has eased pressure on some farmers.
“These factors, alongside recent policy announcement such as the move to curb farm conversions into carbon farming and new independent advice on methane targets - following advocacy by B+LNZ and
Because
some certainty and lifted sector confidence.”
Rabobank’s final quarter Rural Confidence Survey of the year found another lift in farmer confidence – with net confidence reading now sits at +34% (from +3%) – its highest level since mid-2017.
The latest survey, completed late last month, found 47% of farmers (30% previously) were now expecting the performance of the broader agri economy to improve in the year
Watch
ahead, while the number expecting conditions to worsen had halved to 13% (from 27%). The remaining 38% of farmers expected conditions to stay the same (41% previously).
Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir says it is fantastic to see confidence flowing back into the sector after a difficult last 18 months.
“Having battled through a really tough period, farmers are now seeing some light at the
end of the tunnel and their mood has noticeably lifted from earlier in the year,” Weir says.
“This is great to see as we move into the holiday season and bodes well for a strong year for the sector in 2025.”
Federated Farmers dairy section chair Richard McIntyre says restoring farmer confidence has been Federated Farmers main focus for the last two years.
“So, it’s really encouraging to see it start to lift from the record lows we’ve seen in recent years.
“Things hit rock bottom about a year ago and it has taken a little while for that confidence to invest in our businesses to rebound.”
McIntyre told Rural News that their confidence surveys have been telling them is that there are some very clear drivers of low farmer confidence: banking issues, reduced commodity prices, regulation and compliance costs and rising input costs.
“Essentially it comes down to costs, costs, and more costs. Farmer confidence takes a real knock when there is more money going out the door then they have coming in,” he says.
McIntyre says his organisation has focused on cutting some of the cost and frustration out of farming by pushing back on some of the expensive and unworkable regulation affecting farmers.
“Before the election we released a roadmap for restoring farmer confidence that included 12 policy priorities for the Government.
“Full credit to the Government, just a year on they’ve already picked up 10/12 of those policies and ran with them, and I think that will have had a huge impact on farmer confidence.”
Evo Shearing Plant
DAIRY BUOYANT
THE RABOBANK survey found farmers’ expectations for their own farm business operations had also improved, with the net reading on this measure lifting to +37% from +19% previously.
As with headline confidence, this is the strongest reading on this measure since mid-2017.
Hoist
Not surprisingly, dairy farmers continue to be the most optimistic of all the sector groupings, with close to 7 in 10 now expecting an improved performance from their own operation across the next 12 months.
Sheep and beef farmers were also markedly more upbeat about the prospects for their own businesses, with 3 in 10 expecting improved
performance and only 1 in 10 now expecting performance to worsen.
Rabobank’s Bruce Weir says horticulturalists bucked the upwards trend, recording a lower reading on this measure.
“Growers are still broadly positive about the year ahead for their own operations – with more expecting their own farm business performance to improve than those expecting it to worsen – but they are less optimistic than in September and are now the most pessimistic of all the sector groupings,” he said.
“Horticulturalists haven’t seen the same recent price revival as their counterparts in the pastoral sectors, and lingering concerns over farm
input prices and the outlook for overseas markets appear to be holding sentiment back.”
The survey found farmers’ investment intentions increased with the net reading on this measure lifting to +18% from +2% previously.
Dairy farmers recorded the strongest investment intentions, increasing to a net reading of +39% (from +21% previously) while investment intentions among sheep and beef farmers also rose (net reading of +2% from -17% last quarter). Horticulturalists’ investment intentions were marginally weaker falling to a net reading of -5% (-3% previously).
SUDESH KISSUN
Beef + Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland says there are signs of cautious optimism.
Rabobank’s Bruce Weir says not surprisingly, dairy farmers continue to be the most optimistic of all the sector groupings.
Farmers support, foresters oppose conversions ban
THE GOVERNMENT’S latest decision to put the brakes on farms being converted to forestry to enter the emission trading scheme (ETS) has won support from many primary sector groups.
The changes include a moratorium on exotic forestry registrations for Land Use Classification (LUC) 1-5 actively farmed land, an annual registration cap of 15,000 hectares for exotic forestry registrations on LUC 6 farmland and allowing up to 25% of a farm’s LUC 1-6 land to be planted in forestry for the ETS, ensuring farmers retain flexibility and choice.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay says the new measures address the previous government’s failed ETS policies that incentivised large-scale conversions, created ETS complexity, and undermined our world-best primary producers.
“The new policy will help to protect our most productive farmland while allowing room for sustainable forestry growth. Landowners will retain the ability to make
smart land use decisions, enhancing both profitability and environmental outcomes,” he says.
In welcoming the changes, Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says the meat processing and exporting sector has been concerned for some time about the lack of limits on fossil fuel emitters offsetting their emissions by planting trees on productive land.
“The current carbon pricing and incentives favour forestry over other land uses, creating an economic imbalance,” she says.
Beef + Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland says the changes are something her organisation has sought for some time. She says they’ve consistently been asking for action, alongside concerned farming groups, since 2019.
“We’ve lost so much productive land to carbon farming – more than 260,000 hectares between 2017 and 30 June 2024 – and that means stock number losses and ultimately negative impacts on rural communities and New Zealand’s export earnings,” she says.
“The announcement essentially devalues farms in that land use will become limited to farming only.”
Federated Farmers spokesman Toby Williams says the move will stop the march of pine trees across farmland and is great news for farmers.
“Rural communities are bearing the brunt of misguided climate change targets. We’re seeing schools close, rural bus runs stop, and local clubs fail as jobs are lost from communities across rural New Zealand,” he says.
Unhappy about the changes is the Forest Owners Association. Its chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says forest owners are being persecuted and adds that it’s a misconception that forest conversions limit food production.
“The announcement essentially devalues farms in that land use will become limited to farming only,” she says.
Lamb crop drop
THERE’S BEEN A dramatic and larger than expected drop in the number of lambs produced in New Zealand this year.
A new report by Beef + Lamb NZ indicates a drop of 1.1 million (5.2%) in the number of lambs tailed/docked this year compared to last year. This means that this year the total lamb crop will be 19.2 million.
B+LNZ says the drop is due to a declining ewe flock and worse lambing rates in the South Island, which was hit by wet weather and snowstorms, affecting lamb survival. However, the report is only preliminary, with the final figures for the South Island not due until closer to Christmas. While things
were bad in the south, the North Island had excellent lambing conditions.
The lower lamb drop has significant impacts for the meat processing companies with a shortfall in the supply of stock in the South Island in the lead-up to Christmas. B+LNZ says in the South Island, export lamb processing for the first quarter of the season is expected to be down by 22%, but up 2.4% in the North Island.
A lower lamb crop means that export lamb numbers are forecast to decrease 6.5% across the whole season. Australian lamb production is expected to be lower too, which tightens global supply and may lead to stronger prices in
international markets.
B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says despite these challenges, there are signs of cautious optimism for the sheep and beef sector. She says early-season farmgate prices for sheepmeat have been higher than last spring and cattle prices remain strong.
“This, coupled with the recent reductions in interest rates, has alleviated some financial pressure,” she says.
The issue of declining sheep numbers was raised at the recent agricultural climate change conference, with some delegates blaming this on the increase in productive land going into forestry.
– Peter Burke
PETER BURKE
NZ Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says forest owners are being persecuted.
Pricing ag emissions ‘is wrong’
PRICING AGRICULTURAL emissions is wrong and there are better ways, says chair of Beef+Lamb NZ, Kate Acland.
A report commissioned by B+LNZ shows that New Zealand is out of step with global climate change policies. The report produced by New Zealander Macauly Jones, an independent agricultural and sustainability consultant based in Berlin, surveyed sixteen jurisdictions internationally to see how they are dealing with reducing agricultural emissions.
Acland says only one other country besides NZ – Denmark – is considering pricing agricultural emissions and their scheme is heavily subsidised.
She says B+LNZ is not saying that it doesn’t have a part to play in reducing agricultural emissions, but says she wants the Government to consider alternatives to pricing. She says there is also a myth that agriculture is being let off the hook by excluding ruminant emissions from the ETS.
“This report is about prompting the conversation that there is a better
way and that we need to reconsider how we are looking at the best way to address agricultural emissions. All pricing will achieve is a further reduction in stock numbers and that’s a worry,” she says.
Acland says the report shows that there are examples of other countries around the world who are addressing their agricultural emissions in
a better way.
Meanwhile the issue of agricultural emissions was in the spotlight this month with a twoday agricultural and climate change conference held in Wellington. This attracted more than 400 people – a mixture of scientists, politicians, policy makers and others.
Among the keynote speakers was Agriculture Minister Todd McClay
who reiterated that his government is committed to farming – noting that this was why they took agriculture out of the ETS. He says it makes no sense to have a punitive tax that says farmers must change emissions on farm.
McClay says there has been significant investment in finding solutions for climate change mitigation.
“Those investments are coming out of the laboratory and being tested around the world and in NZ, and over the next handful of years I think these will become available. The approach we are taking is not to tax farmers, which will see less food produced. Rather, we want to collaborate with them and find technological innovations that mean NZ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
ASSISTANT AGRICULTURE Minister Andrew Hoggard refers to shipboard concerns during live animal transport but he fails to address a fundamental argument against live export that cannot be refuted or mitigated against.
Once live animals leave New Zealand’s jurisdiction and enter that of the country of destination, those animals are subject to the laws of their new location. Countries like China, the Middle East and the Pacific Islands, among others, have low welfare standards with minimal or no animal welfare legislation or laws against animal cruelty. Hoggard and those he
gets to lead the world in food production. We are not about closing farms,” he says. As regards setting up a pricing system for agriculture by 2030, McClay to some degree played this down, saying any consideration of a price would be done later on after many other things are done, and the bottom line was they would not send jobs and production overseas.
represents who support and supply livestock for export are knowingly complicit in condoning and supporting animal cruelty, mistreatment and suffering once animals reach their destination.
Many practices carried out in countries of destination, if practiced in New Zealand, would be subject to criminal prosecution. If these practices are illegal under New Zealand law and unacceptable to the general public of New Zealand, how is it ethical to send animals to destinations where these practices will occur? Claire Valpy Papakura
LIVE EXPORTS WORRY GM TECH NEEDED
I AM rather pleased to have got my first copy of your August journal.
I am an old chemist with a scientific bent. Whatever the question, hydrogen is not the answer, and anytime someone mentions carbon capture technology, remember that we have billions of carbon capturing things called plants!
GM tech is needed if we can pay our way by feeding the world; the golden rice debacle starved millions.
Andrew Hoggard’s article on ETS is good, but the whole concept was faulty from the start and just was a system to enable people to clip the ticket.
The concept of millions of acres of unharvested pines is dreadful, but if MBIE likes the idea, why does DOC remove wilding pines? Let’s just finish the experiment and withdraw from the Paris Agreement. No sane person wants to see our
farming infrastructure destroyed and replaced by vast areas of trees that will never be harvested.
Our bureaucracy seems to be a tragic leftover from two terms of Labour. If you want to get an idea of how bad things are, go for a ride on SH2 and admire the millions of cones, thousands of ‘follow me’ vehicles and lollypop people, all paid for by us.
I note that Simon Bastion left the Westland District Council with a severance package worth $190,000 and then joined the Buller District Council. [That’s] $20 for every man, woman and child in the WDC.
The salaries for our civil servants came out today. The head of KiwiRail was the winner; No, I don’t understand either. Please keep up the good work.
Neville Cameron Coromandel
Red meat farmers want the Government to consider alternatives to emissions pricing.
Dairy-beef offering potential for savings
BEEF PRODUCED from cattle from New Zealand’s dairy sector could provide reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 48, compared to the average for beef cattle, a new study by AgResearch has found.
The Life Cycle Assessment analysis by AgResearch scientists, supported by the Bioresource Processing Alliance and in partnership with organisations such as Fonterra and Alps 2 Ocean Foods, shows using fast-finishing systems with dairy-beef animals results in a carbon footprint that is 32-48% lower than the average for traditional beef systems in New Zealand.
Farm data from the beef and dairy industries was used in the analysis, which was based on kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per kilogram of finished liveweight of the animals. Scenarios were analysed for dairy-beef steers processed between 10 and 18 months of age and include emissions from animal production, input generation, transportation, and background processes.
“There are many issues at play in determining those emissions and the differences between the dairy and beef animals,” says
AgResearch senior scientist Andre Mazzetto.
“These include how emissions are allocated between milk and liveweight, and issues such as growth rates, feed efficiency and the finishing period/time to slaughter of the animals,” he says.
“This work points to tangible ways that farmers can reduce the carbon footprint of their beef herds.
“Emissions reductions can be achieved simply by integrating dairy-beef animals into the herd, but the scope of this reduction can be significantly increased with fast-finishing beef systems. There would be few tools or management strategies available which can have such significant climate impact.
“Sourcing calves from the dairy industry presents an opportunity for the beef industry to significantly reduce its emissions, as well as a providing an alternative use for calves from the dairy industry. There are efforts underway to find new avenues for use of these young dairy-beef animals, such as Alps 2 Ocean Food’s Mīti product made from the meat. However, we recognise there are also management and logistical challenges for the industries to overcome, including
VAST POTENTIAL
DANIEL CARSON, founder of Alps2Ocean Foods, says the study highlights the vast potential of low-carbon beef protein derived from non-replacement dairy calves.
“Mīti is just the beginning — a proof of concept for how surplus dairy calves can be transformed into highvalue, low-carbon products. We’re excited about the possibilities this protein unlocks for other use cases, as innovators step up to add value and create impactful brands right here in Aotearoa.”
Pāmu also contributed to the study, and chief executive Mark Leslie says Mīti is an example of an innovative end-to-end approach driving New Zealand’s methane reduction goals.
“The benefits of processing the animals within one year avoids challenges associated with wintering and significantly contributes to a lower emissions profile and farming more sustainably. This aligns with our dairy beef strategy to find new markets for surplus calves and meets our goals of lowering methane emissions and supporting a more efficient and sustainable agricultural sector.”
The full study, “Carbon footprint of 10–18 monthold dairy beef production systems”, can be viewed at: https://www.agresearch.
the finishing and processing of these animals.”
Fonterra’s director of sustainability Charlotte Rutherford says Fonterra’s focus in this space is on creating more options for dairy-beef calves.
Alliance Group gen-
eral manager livestock and shareholder services, Murray Behrent says the study findings make a significant contribution to the New Zealand red meat sector’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
AgResearch senior scientist Andre Mazzetto.
A challenging year but better days are coming
For the primary sector, 2024 would go down as one of the toughest years on record. Peter Burke reports.
WHILE THE year started with a new farmerfriendly coalition Government in office, the rural sector – and indeed the whole country – was overwhelmed by high interest rates, rising inflation and record input costs.
Commentators oozed pessimism while farmers clung onto the belief that their old mate, the National Party, would deliver better times.
The promise of reducing the power of Wellington bureaucrats, bringing back live animal exports and undoing the plethora of regulations imposed by the previous government remains a work in progress.
The Government, to their credit, did however tick a few boxes: initiating an inquiry into banking, disbanding He Waka Eke Noa, canning regulations for intensive winter grazing and stock exclusion, and pausing the rollout of Freshwater Farm Plans.
On the geopolitical front there were challenges aplenty with the realisation that the golden era of international trade is over, thus making it nigh impossible for NZ to now secure the pretty amazing FTAs it got with the UK and the EU. Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine added to the chaos and uncertainty.
But by the end of the year, the light at the end of the tunnel grew and by December things are looking much brighter for a sector that has really been through the mill. The new government
The coalition came bearing gifts to farmers with their onslaught on the tsunami of regulations that had plagued the rural sector. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay ably led the
large team of new ministers appointed to various roles in the coalition.
Mark Patterson, Andrew Hoggard and Nicola Grigg quickly came to grips with their respective portfolios. As far as the opposition were concerned, they were virtually unsighted in the agri-space throughout the year.
Live animal exports
The coalition indicated early on they would abolish the ban imposed by Labour on the exports of live animals by sea. Andrew Hoggard led the charge, shrugging off widespread opposition to the proposal, including a 50,000-signature petition.
Slashing regulations
One of the new Government’s most successful ministers, Chris Bishop began reforming key pieces of legislation, including the controversial RMA and pausing the introduction of others, including freshwater farm plans. The latter has been described by one farmer as a bureaucratic bird’s nest. The reforms are seen as music to the ears of the primary sector.
Land use also came under scrutiny with the Government signalling a new law to limit productive farmland being converted to forestry.
Commercial growers remain fearful of productive land being gobbled up by urban sprawl. One of the reasons given for recent closing the Smithfield freezing works in Timaru was lack of stock caused by such land change.
Another big issue was the removal of agriculture from the emissions trading scheme. Trade deals
New Minister of Agriculture and Trade Todd McClay clocked up the air miles throughout the year to deliver on the
promise of securing new trade deals, which he did in terms of the UAE and later the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), made up of six of world’s richest countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – all lucrative markets for NZ. Science scores well Ag-science tends to happen quietly behind the scenes and 2024 was no exception. Big news was the landmark application by AgResearch to apply to use gene editing that could lead to the development of a species of ryegrass that offers better protection from pests and has no harmful effects on animals.
Another major development was the successful work that MPI has done to eradicate Mycoplasma. bovis. Also, a
shout out to the work of Massey and Lincoln universities for the field days they have run during the year. Of special note is Massey’s trial to get quality data on the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep.
Disaster hangover
Farmers and growers – especially those in Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti – are still in recovery mode following Cyclone Gabrielle. What has angered the Mayor of Wairoa, Craig Little, most has been the lack of progress in repairing the section of SH2 between Napier and his town. He told Rural News that he was 100% frustrated with the transport agency NZTA for failing to deal with the repairs to the road.
China
If there was one word that dominated conversations in the dairy and
red meat sectors, it was China. Internal economic problems there have led to a slower recovery than expected and consumers are being cautious with their purchases.
As the year ended, the MIA, supported by B+LNZ and the Government, launched a major initiative in China to retain and increase NZ’s meat exports there. Dairy It’s been a rollercoaster year for the country’s 11,000 dairy herd owners and workers.
The year started with many farmers struggling to make a profit, thanks to high input costs and interest rates. However, by the end of the year, the mood in milking sheds had changed. The 2024-25 season milk price will be the highest on record and a double-digit payout is on the cards.
For many dairy farm-
ers, reducing debt, clearing overdrafts and carrying out muchneeded repairs on farm infrastructure will now start in earnest. 2025 will be a big year for the co-op as farmer shareholders vote on the sale of its consumer businesses in NZ, Australia and Sri Lanka. The potential sale could fetch $3.5 billion and farmer shareholders and unit holders could be in line for a bumper capital return.
DairyNZ
The farmer lobby board elected its first woman chair. Tracy Brown of Matamata has a great track record working with farmers and is popular with farmers. With DairyNZ’s new chief executive Campbell Parker, Brown and her board are working hard to erase an operating deficit at the industry-good organisation.
Horticulture
The news for horticulture was positive after two awful years dominated by the impacts of a series of adverse weather events. Zespri delivered a record 190 million trays to its more than 50 markets. Fruit quality was the best it’s been for five years and returns to growers were also good. It was a huge season in China for the sector with the volume of fruit delivered there up 40% on last year. Europe and the USA also delivered good returns.
The outlook for the
coming season is also looking positive.
For the apple sector, conditions over the past four years haven’t been ideal with growers struggling to access labour due to Covid-19 border closures, and Cyclone Gabrielle decimating the 2023 crop. As a result, industry revenue has declined by around 0.5% per year from 2020 to 2023. However, things are looking up and a new report shows that the apples and pears sector employs more than 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees and contributed $1.96b of total revenue impact to New Zealand’s economy in 2023.
HortNZ, the organisation that represents growers, this year acquired a new chief executive, Kate Scott. While she has pledged to listen, learn and lead in her first year in the job, she is also very focused on getting ‘regulatory consistency’ for the sector – something that is sadly lacking. What’s in store for 2025?
It’s the ‘doing year’ for the new coalition, so watch for that tsunami of deregulation and new farmer-friendly legislation, and pressure on local government to get its act together and work more positively with rural communities.
Also, resumption of live animal exports by sea and more moves on the gene editing front are likely.
Trade will be high on the agenda with Todd McClay probably spending more time out of the country than in it to secure better access for our primary exports. The meat industry will be battling to retain its place in the Chinese market, but the dairy and hort sectors look to continue to bounce back.
In a world dominated by geopolitical uncertainty and climate change, be prepared to expect the unexpected.
A new report shows that the apples and pears sector contributed $1.96b of total revenue impact to New Zealand’s economy in 2023.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has been leading a team of ministers to make life easier for farmers.
Securing the elusive India FTA
been counterproductive in our efforts to secure an FTA with India.
NEW ZEALAND’S support for India during its current global security crisis could be key to securing a free trade agreement with the nation, according to the head of one of the country’s largest independent accounting firms.
Jay Changlani, a chartered accountant, chief executive of Orb360 and an executive board member of the India New Zealand Business Council, says NZ support in addressing areas such as India’s international security concerns and providing work opportunities for their population can be leveraged to help gain access for many other products.
He believes the focus on including agricultural exports such as dairy has
“India is the world’s largest milk producer; they do not need or want New Zealand’s dairy products anymore than we need theirs.
“We need to accept this reality and move beyond a transactional trade agreement by taking dairy off the negotiating table to focus on how we can provide solutions to systemic problems faced by this nation.
“Right now, India is currently grappling with the Khalistan movement, a separatist group seeking to create a separate homeland for Sikhs by establishing an ethnoreligious sovereign state called Khalistan.
“We know that India prefers partnerships that reflect broader bilateral cooperation rather
than purely economic deals. Their trade agreement with Australia was an outcome of their geopolitical support and investment in supporting India’s transition to clean energy technologies.
“The first thing NZ can do is to follow the lead of Australia and publicly back India in all security alliance matters between Canada, the US, the UK, Japan and Aus-
tralia,” he says.
In addition to a new trade deal signed with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), New Zealand currently has free trade agreements (FTAs) covering over 70 countries.
These agreements support trade and economic partnerships
LABOUR SOURCE
JAY CHANGLANI says New Zealand also needs to look at ways to utilise India’s workforce to improve the productivity of both nations.
He says his accounting practice has developed a model for services firms that allows New Zealand based professionals to segment their roles and delegate administrative and process-driven tasks to counterparts in India.
Changlani says they have acquired six accounting practices over the past six years with each firm adopting the trans-national service model to improve efficiency and support their expansion programme.
“There are around 20 million unemployed people in India’s labour force of 580 million. Their unemployment rate has averaged 8% over the past six years.
“With labour utilisation a key issue for India, there is a significant opportunity to look at how we can create mutually beneficial growth opportunities for both nations.”
ing out all the stops to enhance a trade deal with India.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has visited India three times this year, and engaged with his Indian counter-part, Piyush Goyal, another three times abroad. The horticulture sector is also doing its bit for a trade deal, with a delegation made up representatives from kiwifruit, onion, avocado and stonefruit sectors visiting New Delhi and Mumbai this month.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has promised an FTA with India in this term.
across various regions, offering market access and reduced tariffs for New Zealand’s goods and services however, a FTA with India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, has eluded New Zealand since it was first mooted in 2007.
The coalition Government has been pull-
Two-way trade with India was valued at $2.93 billion in the year to June.
To put that in perspective, India ranks 12th in terms of trading partners. New Zealand’s two-way trade with China, NZ’s largest trading partner, was valued at $37.84b.
Jay Changlani
EDITORIAL
Goodbye 2024
IN TWO weeks we’ll bid farewell to 2024. Dubbed by some as the toughest season in a generation, many farmers would be happy to put the year behind them.
While some – like dairy farmers – enjoyed a reasonable milk price, others like sheep farmers suffered a double whammy. They faced soaring fertiliser and diesel prices, and interest rates, with subdued returns for lamb.
However, NZ farmers are a resilient lot. This isn’t the first downturn they’ve faced. The fact that they are still farming is a testament to their tenacity.
The silver lining to a tumultuous 2024 is that next year is looking better – on several fronts.
For dairy farmers, a record $10/kgMS milk price is on the cards this season and milk production is up. While not all parts of New Zealand have enjoyed good conditions for pasture growth, the majority of the dairy regions are well ahead of last season in terms of production.
DairyNZ expects the average breakeven milk price will be $8.15/kgMS this season, so a $10 milk price means the profit margin this season will be the largest seen in the past decade.
For the red meat sector, there are signs of cautious optimism. B+LNZ reports the North Island has enjoyed excellent lambing conditions, leading to strong lamb growth.
In the South Island, farmers faced prolonged cold, wet weather and snowstorms during lambing but worked hard to minimise potential losses.
Early-season farmgate prices for sheepmeat are higher than last spring, and cattle prices remain strong. Combined with recent interest rate cuts, this has eased pressure on some farmers.
Farmer confidence is also flowing back as Rabobank’s latest survey shows net confidence reading now at +34% (from +3%) – its highest level since mid-2017.
Recent policy announcements by the Government, such as the move to curb farm conversions into carbon farming and new independent advice on methane targets, have brought some certainty and lifted sector confidence. The Government has promised to do more.
No one is predicting a bumper 2025 for the ag sector but all indications are that it will be nothing like 2024. Let’s hope so.
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THE HOUND
Middle finger
KĀINGA ORA’S decision to categorically rule out use of woollen carpets in social housing is a total slap in the face for struggling Kiwi sheep farmers. The NationalNZ First coalition agreement said government agencies would be directed, where appropriate, to prioritise the use of woollen rather than artificial fibres in government buildings. Wools of New Zealand said it was “disappointing” wool carpet was excluded from the new tender. KO is NZ’s largest landlord, owning or managing over 75,000 homes and a contract to supply this many homes would equate to over a million lineal metres of carpet – a vital shot in the arm for the wool sector. The Hound has to wonder, how much longer is Luxon’s government going to allow unelected officials to give the middle finger to clear directives?
Waste not
JUDITH COLLINS, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, has upset the more woke members of the science community by announcing a regulation change to narrow the scope of the $83.5 million/year Marsden Fund. This means that the money will go to science with measurable outcomes, unwinding Grant Robertson’s wider scope which included humanities and social sciences. As Collins says, “Real impact on our economy will come from areas such as physics, chemistry, maths, engineering and biomedical sciences”. Examples of the type of research Dr Siouxsie Wiles and her woke mates are upset about losing include: ‘Linking the celestial spheres to end-of-life experiences: The research hopes to rekindle the ancient connection to the stars and re-imagine the meaning of death.’ Cost: $861,000! And there (used to be) plenty more where that nonsense came from.
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Nigel Malthus Ph 021-164 4258
MACHINERY EDITOR: Mark Daniel Ph 021 906 723 markd@ruralnews.co.nz
Rhymes with?
THE FEDS’ latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be, despite falling interest rates, and the report still paints a damning picture of rural lending. The survey of more than 600 farmers conducted in November shows only 53% of respondents are currently satisfied with their banking relationship. “That’s a huge drop from 80% in 2017 and raises some serious questions about their behaviour,” Feds’ Richard McIntyre says. Alarmingly, almost a quarter of farmers feel their bank doesn’t allow them to structure their debt efficiently with 11% report being asked to use overdrafts for capital projects. Forcing farmers to use their overdrafts for capital spending drives up interest costs for farmers and, surprising no one, it also drives up profit for the banks.
AUCKLAND SALES CONTACT: Stephen Pollard Ph 021 963 166 stephenp@ruralnews.co.nz
WAIKATO & WELLINGTON SALES
CONTACT: Lisa Wise Ph 027 369 9218 lisaw@ruralnews.co.nz
Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz
Dark ages
BEFORE WE all let The Green Party have at it with their ‘bold’ emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought it wise to run the numbers through the old Casio. Their cunning plan is to cut net emissions 35% by 2030 and 47% by 2035, relative to 2020 levels. NZ currently runs 99% of its transport on fossil fuels. Forcing us into electric vehicles would overload the creaky power grid. 55% of power generation is hydro, 25% is fossil fuels, more when the lake levels are low as they were this year, which along with a gas shortage, forced up power prices, closing mills and factories. Of course, the Green plan also includes knee-capping farming. In short, their ‘plan’ is to drive NZ back to the dark ages, all in the name of lower emissions.
SOUTH ISLAND SALES CONTACT: Kaye Sutherland Ph 021 221 1994 kayes@ruralnews.co.nz
DIGITAL STRATEGIST: Jessica Marshall Ph 021 0232 6446
“I’m following the Christmas Cake recipe – after mixing the fruit in a bowl, it said, stand overnight!”
Reflecting the true spirit of Christmas
I TRUST all is well at your place. It’s obvious the Christmas season is upon us, as I sit at my keyboard today. I’m looking forward to a bit of a breather and catching up with friends and family again.
I do sense the vibes in our rural sector to be much more positive this year than they were just 12 months ago when 2023 closed out. Last I checked, the schedules were looking much more promising than this time last year.
A big shout out as the year ends for those like Groundswell who do so much for our farming communities.
Your team is doing a great job!
To wrap up ’24 for me, I thought I would share a rather cute Christmas story I came across years ago. As I recall, it was first published in the mid 1960s.
For many years now, folks from a small town in America’s mid-west still tell of this moment. One Christmas pageant stands tall for them, above all the rest.
Wally was 9 that year and most knew he had difficulty keeping up with the others in his class. Bigger and slower than the other children, he often got left out of the games 9-year-olds play. Especially the ball games where winning was involved.
As the annual Christmas pageant arrived, Wally had ideas of being one of the shepherds playing a flute. But the director, thinking he would have too many lines to learn, assigned him a ‘more important role’, that of the innkeeper.
Well, the usual audience finally gathered for the big night, their annual Christmas extravaganza. And Wally was totally caught up in the magic of it all.
The time came when Joseph appeared on stage, tenderly guiding a very pregnant Mary up to the large wooden door set in
the stage backdrop. As Joseph knocked loudly on the inn door, Wally was right on cue swinging the door open. With the required brusque gesture, he demanded from the visitors: “What do you want?”
“We seek lodging,” said Joseph. “Seek it elsewhere,” the innkeeper promptly replied.
“Sir, we have looked everywhere. We have travelled far and are very weary,” Joseph said.
“There is no room in this inn for you,” Wally replied, looking properly stern.
“Please good innkeeper, this is my wife, Mary. She is having a baby and we need a place to rest tonight. Surely you must have some small place for us?”
For the first time, the innkeeper relaxed his stern appearance and looked at Mary. A long pause followed, which started to concern some in the audience.
“No… begone,” the prompter in the wings whispered. “No. Begone!” said Wally copying the prompter.
Suddenly the play started to go off script. Wally did not shut the inn door as he had practiced. As the couple left, he just stood there with mouth wide open, and tears unmistakably filling his eyes.
And then this: “Don’t go Joseph… bring Mary back” he called to the couple. “You can have my room!”
The play continued, back on script now, to its conclusion. But somehow Wally had given the audience a moment they would never forget! Yes, a few in the crowd
thought Wally had in some way spoiled the show. However, most of the folks there that night thought this pageant topped them all. They
agreed it was the most Christmas of all the pageants they had ever seen. It had reflected the true spirit of Christmas, where others did not.
Keep well and have a blessed Christmas and holiday break.
To contact Colin: farmerschaplain@ ruralnews.co.nz
DEACTIVATE AVIAN FLU WITH STALOSAN F
Stalosan F is a fine pink powder, a natural mineral formulation, which possesses a widespread antimicrobial mode of action.
When applied weekly, it will provide sustained suppression of pathogens in poultry housing, minimising the disease spreading incidence.
Results from studies concluded that the product was able to inactivate ≥99.8% of the AI virus within five minutes.
Table 1 – Deactivation of Avian Influenza virus –subtype H5N1.
Stalosan F exhibits broad-spectrum efficacy against the most commonly observed poultry pathogens, including:
Avian Influenza virus
Aspergillus
Campylobacter
Coccidia
Clostridium
E-coli
Fusarium
Infectious Bursal Disease
Salmonella
Staphylococcus
Preventative application: Spread 50g per square metre. Initially apply once a day for 3 days. Continue treatment once a week, thereafter.
Specific application: In case of increased pathogen pressure, the frequency of applications should be elevated to 2-3 applications per week at 50g per square metre.
Prevention is our best protection against the spread of AI. Order Stalosan F from your rural reseller, or call AgriVantage on 0800 64 55 76.
FARMER’S CHAPLAIN Colin Miller
Christmas season is a time to a bit of a breather and catch up with friends and family again.
Let’s be MPI’s eyes and ears
THE RECENT detection of Avian Influenza (AI), a low pathogenicity strain
H7N6, at a free-range poultry farm in Otago has the agri sector focused on biosecurity. While the situation is cause for concern, the emphasis
is on not panicking but remaining vigilant. The key message? Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
Avian Influenza is a highly contagious exotic disease, so it’s appropriate for us to respond comprehensively. However, there’s no need to
panic. AI has been successfully managed and eradicated in other parts of the world. Why biosecurity matters
New Zealand’s poultry industry, though smaller than the dairy sector, is an essential food source and a significant con-
tributor to the economy. Exports were valued at approximately $190 million last year. However, with AI detected locally, export markets are temporarily on hold.
Historically, New Zealand has been free from major poultry diseases like AI, Newcastle Disease
Young Horticulturist
RESULTS
and Infectious Bursal Disease, making its poultry products highly sought after. Maintaining this disease-free status relies heavily on biosecurity practices.
AI is especially tricky to manage because of its 14-21 day incubation period. Birds often shed
the virus before showing clinical signs, increasing the risk of widespread transmission. This means farmers and the public must be alert to any unusual changes in bird populations – whether domestic, commercial, tame, or wild – and notify the authorities. What you can do
Taking biosecurity measures does not only apply to commercial poultry farms; it’s relevant for anyone with animals or birds, from dairy herds to pets and the chooks in the backyard.
Biosecurity is simply common sense. It’s not much different to the hygiene practices you’d adopt in a calf shed, equine environment, or a household with children.
It’s the steps you take to ensure human and animal health and welfare.
Here are some practical steps to take:
● Limit contact with wild birds as much as possible: Wild birds are known carriers of AI and other diseases which can affect poultry. At a minimum, keep food and water sources inaccessible to wild birds.
● Maintain hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling chickens or other birds.
● Clean housing regularly: Poultry housing should be kept clean, dry, and welldisinfected. Always clean out and disinfect between flocks.
● Quarantine new birds: When introducing new birds to your flock,
quarantine them for at least 14 days to prevent potential spread of disease.
● Avoid unnecessary risks: Don’t let other people visit or handle your birds and don’t visit or handle other people’s birds. If you must, adopt good biosecurity practices, washing your hands, wearing clean clothes and changing your footwear. If you’re visiting a commercial poultry operation, adopt their biosecurity measures.
Industry-wide cooperation
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has taken steps to manage the outbreak. However, everyone in the community has a role to play. We, the people on the ground, must be MPI’s eyes and ears. Reporting unexplained illnesses or sudden deaths in bird populations is extremely important for early detection and control.
Resources and reporting For detailed guidance on biosecurity and updates on the Avian Influenza outbreak visit the following websites:
● MPI: mpi.govt.nz
● Egg Producers Federation: eggfarmers.co.nz
If you observe sick or dead birds (the guideline is three or more), report them immediately to MPI’s hotline at 0800 80 99 66.
• Natalie Chrystal is an animal nutritionist and president of the World Poultry Science Association
Branch.
Natalie Chrystal
2024 finalists (L to R) Tai Nelson, (Young Viticulturist), Kyla Mathewson, (Young Amenity), Anna England, (Young Plant Producer), Craig Scott, (New Arborist), Taylor Leabourn, (Young Grower)
‘Female warriors’ to talk ag sector opportunities
THE EAST Coast Farming Expo is playing host to a quad of ‘female warriors’ (wahine toa) who will give an in-depth insight into the opportunities and successes the primary industries offer women.
Nancy Crawshaw, Mickey Trotter, Alice Anderson and Ariana Hadfield – Ngā Wahine te Pāmu – will speak on Thursday (February 20) morning at the annual Expo.
Organiser Sue Wilson says the women come from a variety of careers from within the sector and the panel discussion is a chance to understand the different opportunities available.
“Up until recently it has been a very maledominated sheep and beef farming industry, especially here on the East Coast,” says Wilson.
“Doors are now beginning to open for women who enjoy getting out on the farm and not spend the day behind a desk. Females may not have the same strength of their male counterparts but they are good at adapting and using that top 10 inches.”
And while there was always room for improvement, things were changing. “Women are definitely proving their capability. It’s great
Mickey Trotter is one of four women who will speak about opportunities for women at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo.
shaw), the current Zanda McDonald Award winner which recognises and supports future leaders in the primary sector.
Anderson is the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council catchment management lead, Hadfield an agribusiness manager for Rabobank in Gisborne, while both Crawshaw and Trotter farm.
Hadfield is looking forward to an event she sees much value in.
“It is fantastic for the Wairoa community, bringing people together to share stories, listen and learn through the seminars and demonstrations,” says Hadfield.
“It’s a chance to explore tools and technologies available to the sector too. The education aspect is great and I liked
ABOUT THE EAST COAST FARMING EXPO
THE 2025 EAST Coast Farming Expo is a two-day midweek gathering (February 19-20) for sheep and beef producers focusing on farming smarter.
The popular annual event includes exhibits, outdoor demonstrations and seminars. It’s a chance for farmers to talk one-on-one with industry innovators and leaders and has become a key go-to for the region’s farmers, as well as attracting others from further afield.
WHAT: EAST Coast Farming Expo WHEN: FEBRUARY 19-20, 2025 WHERE: WAIROA Racecourse, Wairoa MORE INFO: http://www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz
last year there was the opportunity to get a free health check – something people may not make the effort to do otherwise.”
She’s originally from a sheep and beef farm in the Ruakituri Valley, Wairoa.
“As a young Māori woman, I have been lucky to have had a very positive experience working in the primary industries. I think women bring a different way of thinking and working to the sector, including different perspectives and new ideas. Often having to compete and work in male-dominated professions, women seem more determined and resilient. Women are empathetic which I think is very important as we work
through different challenges in the industry.”
Conversations around mental wellbeing are becoming louder which Hadfield feels has probably largely been facilitated by the empathy that women emulate.
“A perfect example of this would be the work that Krissy Mackintosh did in Gisborne with Hear4U,” she says. “Women are great multitaskers, balancing their home and family priorities with their voluntary and work contributions to the primary industries.”
She felt hugely supported by “a great team”
in her role of a rural banker. “The team of men and women are all appreciated for the different attributed they bring to the table. When I started in a client facing role I was nervous about client perceptions.”
But her team and a chance to prove herself as seen her grown in the role.
“Being confident and backing yourself makes a massive difference. In the short time I have worked in the industry I have seen some significant changes for the betterment of women working in the primary industries including pay equity, the addition, removal and changing of policies to support women in work as well as the ability to study/work online or from home. This has made work more accessible and fair for women in the primary industries.”
Dose all dogs who reside near sheep or goats with Praziquantel monthly or at least 48 hours before visiting sheep, to prevent
Trotter works as a sheep and beef farmer with husband Clem between properties in Ongaonga and Putere. They own and operate Woodbrook Stock Co Ltd, run 2500ha effective across three sheep and beef blocks in Hawke’s Bay.
Over the past 20 years she has worked on sheep and beef properties right along the east coast, spanning from Mahia to Wairarapa. She started her career at NZX in the New Zealand stock market, before transitioning to work as an agricultural analyst. After a short stint in rural recruitment, the couple contract mustered in the Northern Territory before heading to Montana to do horse shoeing.
“It’s great to see more women leading in the agricultural industry,” says Trotter. “They have a real ability to turn their hand to so many things and be lateral thinkers which really helps in so
many situations.”
They’re about to start an agri-tourism business Blackburn Ridge in the history-rich area of Onga Onga. It’s an all-inclusive multi-day retreat including a private farm walk and e-bike experience giving people a very unique and authentic rural experience.
“You need to diversify and adapt if you want to stay in the game in these challenging times for sheep farmers. The tourism side of things will really compliment the farm operations with the fluctuations in weather patterns.”
Trotter is looking forward to her first Expo.
“These are a great opportunity to get off farm and catch up with other farmers while also supporting the rural and local community.”
She and Hadfield felt rural people can sometimes live in very isolated areas and the wider region had faced some big challenges over the past few years.
“There is so much that has happened,” says Hadfield.
“As well as the weather events, there are Government regulations and drench resistance, among other things. A problem shared is a problem halved, and that’s where the Expo brings a lot of value to our rural communities.”
Unsung heroes under the soil
PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
MUCH OF the scientific work being carried out at the Massey Univer-
sity led regenerative agriculture project, Whenua Haumanu, is below the ground.
Recently an open day was held by Massey to
showcase the progress being made on what is said to be the most comprehensive agriculture research programme ever carried out in NZ, and
one that is attracting considerable interest from overseas.
The governmentfunded project is now into year three of a seven-
When it comes to clostridial vaccines, lamb survival is what truly matters.
Recent advertising from MSD Animal Health New Zealand suggests that choosing Ultravac® 5in1 over their 5in1 product for your lambs is a gamble. Their claim, based on a small study of 120 lambs, argues that more lambs responded to vaccination with their product at docking and weaning based on antitoxin blood titre changes.
year study. The research plots on the dairy and sheep farms bristle with new technologies to determine such things as pasture growth, nitrogen leaching and optimum grazing timeframes.
surface,” she says.
Then there are larger black-headed worms that carry out a completely different task.
At Zoetis, we’re committed to supporting your success with science-backed products and services. We consider that it’s choosing not to vaccinate which is a gamble, not whether you choose Ultravac 5in1 or another product.
Talk to your Zoetis Area Manager or Technical Vet to discuss further, or visit SheepSolutions.co.nz.
Kind regards,
VanessaMacdonald
But when it comes to clostridial vaccines, lamb survival is what truly matters. Ultravac 5in1 is the clostridial vaccine proven to reduce lamb losses under New Zealand farming conditions. A peer-reviewed trial of over 3,400 lambs showed that vaccinating with Ultravac 5in1 at docking and pre-weaning reduced lamb deaths by 23.6% in the first year of life. You can read more about it at SheepSolutions.co.nz
New Zealand
Vanessa Macdonald General Manager Zoetis
Their digestion makes nutrients more available to plants.
But for associate professor Maria Minor, whose speciality is soil ecology and zoology, a simple spade is the main tool for determining what is happening in the soil on the trial plots. Put that spade in the ground and take a sod of soil and the chances are that there will be one hundred earthworms to see.
Earthworms, to some degree like bees in orchards, are a vital but often unrecognised component in helping to produce high quality pasture.
Minor says the worms, of which there are many different species, are an important part of maintaining healthy soil. For a start, their mere presence in large numbers is an indicator of highly fertile pasture.
They act as vacuum cleaners of unwanted organic matter on the soil surface. Just below and sometimes quite deep below the ground, they cultivate and aerate the soil, improve soil structure and feed soil microbes.
When she dug up a random sod of earth, Minor noted there were four different species –some small and some much larger.
“The little one is a surface dweller, so it lives in the base of plants and in the root zone and feeds on organic material, including dung and pieces of dead plants and what this does is that it reduces the accumulation of that stuff on the soil
“They go vertically in the soil profile, so they provide channels for the water to drain quickly and for the air to get to the plant roots. They also take organic material down to the deeper soil, increasing the soil carbon pool. Finally, they take mineral-rich soil from deep down and take it up to the root zone,” she says.
Their digestion makes nutrients more available to plants. The result is the increase in pasture productivity.
Minor says on a good NZ pasture one should expect to find up to four hundred worms per square metre, which she says might sound a lot to some people, but isn’t.
While the worms on the surface are busy for most of the year, the larger worms take a long summer break. Minor says this is because they like the wet conditions.
“They burrow well down into the soil, create a small chamber and cover themselves with a layer of slime, curl up and hibernate until the autumn rains arrive,” she says.
Each individual earthworm takes 4-6 months to grow up to maturity and lives for more than a year. They reproduce relatively quickly in pastures – worm numbers build up in response to availability of food and soil moisture and decline from drought and from heavy stock treading. Although not native to NZ, the lowly worms help to maintain a healthy and productive pasture.
Associate Professor Maria Minor says on a good NZ pasture there could be up to four hundred worms per square metre.
GEA launches robotic milkers
SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
MILKING TECHNOL -
OGY provider GEA Farm Technologies is introducing its first automatic milking system (AMS) in New Zealand.
Designed for herds of all sizes, the robotic milking systems – the DairyRobot R9500, DairyProQ rotary, and the all-new DairyRobot R9600 and R9650 - offer batch and voluntary milking.
GEA Farm Technologies NZ head of sales and service, Craig Lowry, says that following the launch this month, his team are in talks with potential customers.
“We are very excited to be launching AMS in New Zealand,” he told Rural News.
“GEA has already had success with robotic milking on pasture-based farms in Australia, and we’re looking forward to replicating this locally.”
Lowry points out that GEA’s ‘In-Liner Everything’ technology is the
main difference to other robotic machines available in the country.
The technology completes the entire milking process in one attachment, he adds.
“From teat stimulation to teat spraying, and everything in between, the advanced milking solution minimises movements and maximises efficiency,” Lowry says.
“Designed to speed up milking and allow more
milkings per box per day, it also reduces operating costs. A camera detects the shape and position of the cow’s teats and precisely attaches the cups in a matter of seconds. Should the cow kick, a feedback mechanism enables the milking arm to move away and start the attachment process again.”
The system measures milk yield and quality in real time as miking pro-
gresses, allowing the farmer to monitor each cow’s production and identify health or performance issues early. After milking the system automatically applies teat spray through the same milking cluster. Once each milking is complete, the inside and outside of the teat cups are flushed and cleaned. The attachment camera is also cleaned.
Lowry points out
that GEA offers two approaches to automatic milking – batch milking and voluntary milking.
Batch milking refers to milking cows in groups at set times throughout the day. Lowry says this is a practice Kiwi dairy farmers know well.
He adds that over the past decade, GEA has added a modern twist by fusing automatic milking with a conventional daily routine and feeding man-
LC70 – A NON-NONSENSE WORK HORSE
AS MOST vehicle manufacturers are designing, producing and delivering machines with features that would take us into the next decade, it seems like the Land Cruiser design team at Toyota are working to the adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
This certainly is the case with the latest Land Cruiser 70 Wagon we have been piloting over the last week or so, that we’re sure is using parts with the same part number as those fitted to the first version that was launched in 1984.
Whilst the industry is awash with the term SUV, it is something the LC 70 is not. What we have is a true utility build, supported on a hefty ladder chassis and aimed at the mining, military, agriculture and rescue services, who need something that’s easy to drive and service – and tougher than John Wayne.
Still featuring an instantly recognisable boxy outline, with vital statistics of 4875mm long, 1870mm wide and 1950mm high, it wouldn’t be rude to suggest that the LC70 has the aerodynamics of small house.
Tipping the scales at 2345kg and offering a braked towing capacity
the biggest benefits of batch milking is that it saves labour in the shed, allowing staff to focus on others farm tasks.
“Conventional milking has proven its worth over the years, but it can be hard work and requires skilled staff. Automated batch milking offers a solution to these challenges, ensuring the job is always done right but with less effort.”
Lowry says with the current labour issues faced on farm, GEA is confident that farmers would welcome the DairyRobot.
agement.
“Batch milking combines the predictability of traditional methods with the efficiency of automation, aligning with New Zealand’s pasture-based farming principles. It’s about giving farmers the best of both worlds: the timesaving and lifestyle perks of modern technology, while staying in control with a fixed milking routine.”
Lowry says one of
of 3500kg, standard spec is lots of ground clearance, short overhangs, narrow A, B and C-pillars, just like
its predecessors, with a hint to the present with retro-style round headlights, complemented by a highlevel, snorkel air intake on the offside A-pillar. LC purists will be heaving a big sigh when they find the Wagon is fitted with a 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged lump, stolen
straight from the Hilux to deliver the same 150kW/500Nm output. And even more sighs when they find it mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. What on Earth is the world coming to?
Interestingly, while only sporting half the cylinders of the lugubrious V8, engine output is the same, while torque is 70Nm greater and fuel consumption is reduced by 11%. The only thing really missing is that glorious
He says events are being planned in the new year to showcase the technology around the country.
The GEA robotic machines are designed to integrate into any farm setup and current infrastructure.
“Whether you are milking a small herd or running a large operation, we have got a robot layout and option to match,” says Lowry.
exhaust rumble, because in all other aspects the LC pulls hard and drives well in all conditions.
There is a little of that new fangled technology with Toyota’s Safety Sense package that includes the likes of lane departure warning, autonomous braking, pedestrian and cycle warning, downhill assistance, and a rear-view camera without parking sensors.
In the cabin, the seats are clothed covered and 1984-spec’ with forward and aft and backrest adjustment only. The purists are covered with a selection of knobs and buttons and a slider for the heater controls – ideal for fat fingers, cold, wet or gloved hands, as is often the case in the intended markets. Meanwhile, rear barn doors and tipping rear seats offer greater access and a huge load area.
On the road, coils springs on the rigid front and leaf springs on the rigid rear axle delivers a “floaty” ride, made greater by the elevated seating position, with steering that is slow and about as accurate as the NZ Navy’s HMNZS Manawanui, which they mislaid off Samoa, with a minimum turning circle of 12.6 metres.
Given that it’s built to work, it brings back the thought of the saying, “if you want to go bush, buy a competitor’s SUV. If you want to get home too, buy a Toyota LC Series”.
– Mark Daniel
The GEA robotic milkers offer batch and voluntary milking.
Toyota’s Safety Sense package include lane departure warning, autonomous braking, pedestrian and cycle warning, downhill assistance, and a rear-view camera.
Left: Rear barn doors and tipping rear seats offer greater access and a huge load area.
18 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
U10 Pro Highland a step up
ADAM FRICKER
A FEW weeks after driving the CF MOTO U10
Pro ‘entry level’ model, we’ve had a chance to test the range-topping U10 Pro Highland, with fully enclosed cabin and an impressive specification sheet.
We’ve already established that the new U10 Pro seems like a wellsorted platform, solid and stable enough to impress Waikato dairy farmer Dan Hinton, especially at the price point. All U10 Pro models come with a 998cc 3-cylinder, 90hp engine and CVT transmission, a power-train capable of towing 1134kg and tray payload of 454kg. Dan was surprised at
how well it towed things like his large mobile calf feeder and effluent spreaders.
“It is a lot sturdier and more stable than I was expecting,” says Dan. “It towed everything, no trouble, especially in low range 4WD.”
He also noted the very tight turning circle, with the U10 turning in nearly the same space as his quad, and the fact that the tow hitch wasn’t tucked right under the back of vehicle, making it easier to lower drawbars onto.
The premium Highland model is mechanically the same as the ‘standard’ U10 Pro but comes with all the fruit, and some. All U10s have
as standard, 29-inch tyres, the 8-inch MMI screen with Apple Play, proximity key, front and rear diff locks, auto-hold, audio system with roof
mounted speakers, and an electric tilting tray.
The Highland adds a fully enclosed cabin, electric tilt-up windscreen, wiper/washer system,
BATTEN BUDDY – CLEVERLY SIMPLE
his past career of engineering and the fastener industry.
STOPPING LIVESTOCK from escaping their environment is a “must do” for any farmers or landowners and at times can seem like an endless task.
The somewhat unique format in New Zealand of seven or eight high tensile wires, used in combination with wooden battens, leads to its own unique problems. Firstly, the battens coming loose, and then animals pushing them laterally, mean that the gaps between the wires are not maintained, with the risk of animal liberation.
The typical solution is the timeconsuming repositioning of the battens, followed by re-stapling, a task that Kaukapakapa lifestyler Lloyd Altham sought to improve, calling on
Setting out to develop a solution that was cost effective and easy to install without specialised tools, the Batten Buddy addresses the problem of ‘batten slip’. The clever clip that fits over the high tensile wire without damaging the plating is then secured to the batten with a screw.
Easily fitted with a cordless battery drill or impact driver, the clips and fixing screws are manufactured from zinc plated steel to AN/NZS 1397 standards and said to deliver up to 20 times the typical grip of a standard staple, as with aggressive points digging into the timber.
Compared to the conventional method of repair, initially sliding the batten back into position and rehammering the original staple, which
rear glass windshield with ‘trucker’ style slider window, colour-matched doors with glass power windows, heating and air conditioning, premium
undoubtedly loosen again over time, Batten Buddy is a long-lasting solution that ultimately saves time.
Not a replacement for staples, as the clips cost a little more, Altham suggests that they should be fitted to the second wire down from the top of the batten and the second wire up from the bottom. In areas where sheep are prone to ‘burrowing’ under the bottom wire, they can be beneficial in being used here too. In situations where warning signs need displaying on wires, they also offer a solution for mounting plywood mounted displays.
Available in a variety of pack sizes, including a 50-piece starter pack including a magnetic drive socket, or 100, 250 or 800-piece Jumbo packs, Batten Buddys are available via mail order from www.battenbuddy.co.nz
head-lining and audio system, Highland embroidery and badging.
Some buyers might feel the $6,000 upgrade to the Highland to get those extra features is unnecessary, given how well spec’d the standard U10 is. However, if you want to have the extra comfort and convenience, $29,990 (ex GST) is very competitive – so, why not have it all? The full weather protection may also have added appeal to buyers in more extreme climates.
CF MOTO’S Anton Giacon says a major selling point for the U10 Pro range is the electric push-button gear selection. Mechanical shift levers can be hard to
move if the drivetrain is loaded up, such as when on a slope, he says. The push button system easily selects gears under such loads.
Rural News was also impressed with the strong engine braking of the U10, with none of the ‘letting go’ on steep slopes that you often experience in side-bysides. As in the lower spec’ U10, fit and finish, and quality of materials in the Highland feels premium. The U10 Pro we tested recently retailed at $23,990 plus GST. The U10 Pro Highland with all the fruit costs just $29,990 plus GST.
MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
The batten buddy is easily fitted with a cordless battery drill or impact driver.
The U10 Pro Highland comes with fully enclosed cabin and an impressive specification sheet.
Kubota joins forces with Hurricanes
JAPANESE AGRICULTURAL equipment maker Kubota will have its stamp on the home jersey for the Hurricanes.
The two-year sponsorship deal, for 2025 and 2026, includes both the men’s and women’s teams.
Kubota NZ marketing and business development manager Ian Massicks sees the deal as an opportunity to continue to build on Kubota’s growing brand awareness, and further immerse itself in the social fabric of New Zealand.
“Partnering with the Hurricanes presents a tremendous opportunity for the Kubota brand, not only in
New Zealand but on a global scale,” says Massicks. “As one of the world’s most celebrated sports, rugby offers Kubota a unique chance to connect with audiences worldwide, week after week, while showcasing our commitment to excellence.”
Kubota’s range in New Zealand includes tractors, utility vehicles and mowers.
Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee was delighted with the new partnership and had nothing but praise for his early interactions with the Kubota team.
“We’re proud to have a globally recognised brand like Kubota join
our extended Hurricanes whānau,” says Lee.
“Although they’re a truly global brand, we’ve already developed a great connection with the local team in Palmerston North, and we see that as a testament to how much they know and genuinely care about their customers in the community too.
“We felt this mirrored our own values around connection and care for our people and fans.”
years.
Kubota will be the home jersey sponsor for Hurricanes for the next two
