Rural News July 5 2011

wellers winners

new gear, please

National Ballance Farm Environment Award winners share their philosophy. page 12

A key lesson for Wairarapa contractor Paddy Buckley was don’t show up on farms with old gear. page 37

Rural NEWS

worm challenge Why aren’t we using genetics to combat our endemic parasite problems?

page 29

to all farmers, for all farmers

July 5, 2011: Issue 495

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Feds’ first lady P E T E R BU R K E

HISTORY WAS made at Federated Farmers’ annual conference with the election of the first woman to the board.

Mt Hutt farmer Jeanette Maxwell (44) joins the board by virtue of being elected chair of the federation’s meat and fibre section, replacing Bruce Wills who ends a three-year term.

Maxwell, born at Paekakariki, near Wellington, says she hasn’t thought of herself as the first woman on the board; she’s simply looking forward to it.

“Hopefully we can see some changes about who has what portfolios, so people who have a passion for something get it, rather than it going to the person who had it before.

“I don’t see sweeping changes coming, just the opportunity to pick up people’s changes and work with them.”

Maxwell says she was surprised to find herself the first woman to chair an industry group, having assumed someone from the dairy section would have been the first. But she notes a lot more women are gaining higher office in the federation at sector and provincial levels.

Maxwell’s election was one of many changes at the conference. President Don Nicholson bowed out after three years on the board, as did Phil York and John Hartnell, paving the way for newcomers including Maxwell. (See p7 for exit interviews with Nicolson and Hartnell).

The other new confirmed board member is Ashburton dairy farmer Willy Leferink who, as expected, was

Jeanette Maxwell

elected chair of the dairy section, replacing Lachlan McKenzie who stepped down and stood for president.

As Rural News went to press the ballot for president was still underway. Result and a report on the outcome were posted Friday on www.ruralnews. co.nz.

The dairy group elected Robin Barkla and Andrew Hoggard as vicechairs, with Michelle Riley and Kevin Robinson rounding out the industry group’s executive.

Ciaran Tully returns as the sharemilker section chair.

The meat and fibre industry group’s new vice-chair is Dugald McLean, with Tim Mackintosh, Wil Foley and Lyn Neeson elected to the executive.

The conference attracted 200 delegates from around the country. Guest speakers included Finance Minister Bill English, Opposition leader Phil Goff, Act leader Don Brash and emminent scientist Sir Paul Callaghan.

More from Feds AGM: pages 4-5

Chinese investment negligible – English FEARS ABOUT rampant Chinese investment in New Zealand are incorrect, says Finance Minister Bill English.

He last week told Federated Farmers annual conference in Rotorua that China’s footprint in the country is negligible.

“I’ve been trying to find out if the Chinese have bought one farm. As far as we know, no Chinese company has bought a single farm in New Zealand. You’d think they’d bought half the South Island. Well DOC has and China hasn’t.”

English says if New Zealanders want to own more of their country they should stop spending, save some money and buy it back.

“That’s the only solution. If you to page 4

Signing for SIDE

All Blacks coach Graham Henry last week told the South Island Dairy Event’s 600 delegates he spends hours getting on the same wavelength as his players, and stressed the importance of brand New Zealand to both rugby and dairy.

More from SIDE pages 3, 6 & 9.

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Rural News // July 5, 2011

news 3 issue 495

www.ruralnews.co.nz

‘Too many cost overruns’ off by two bank officials.

Speaking at the SIDE 2011 conferTHE COUNTRY’S largest rural lender ence at Lincoln last week, Wilks said has sharpened its loan policy to tackle too many conversion loans “were done on the back of cigarette the sector’s indebtedness. packets; there were too And the Government is many cost overruns.” worried, as evidenced by Concerns about Finance Minister Bill Engballooning rural debt lish telling dairy farmers prompted the bank to they are over-capitalised. review its dairy loan ANZ Bank, which holds book in 2009. It found 40% of rural loans, is no 1100 farmers carrying longer lending money to $6 billion debt. farmers on asset valuation The concern was but on earning capacity. about 100 farmers in Some farmers are Richard Wilks, ANZ “dire circumstances” interpreting its review as shutting the door on the farming sector struggling to service interest bills of 8% but the ANZ Group’s chief risk officer at a milk payout of $5.40/kgMS. Another Richard Wilks says it’s open for “the 370 farmers were found in the “high risk category”. right kind of business”.

Wilks says based on ANZ’s market Loans for dairy conversions have been cut back and all loans are signed share, its figures translate into 250 SUD ESH KI SSUN

News ���������������������������� 1-15 World ���������������������������� 16 Agribusiness ��������� 18-19 Markets ������������������ 20-21 Hound, Edna �����������������22 Contacts �����������������������22 Opinion ��������������������� 22-25 Management ��������� 26-28 Animal Health ������29-33 Machinery and Products ��������������� 34-38 Rural Trader ��������������39

Head Office Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122 Postal Address PO Box 3855, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140 Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: PMP Print Contacts Editorial: editor@ruralnews.co.nz Advertising material: davef@ruralnews.co.nz Rural News online: www.ruralnews.co.nz Subscriptions: fionas@ruralnews.co.nz ABC audited circulation 80,488 as at 30.12.2010

farmers in dire situations throughout the industry. Another 1000 are high risk.

“The farmers in trouble made excessive use of leverage and over-reliance on capital gains.”

In his address to SIDE delegates, English expressed worry at the level of farm debt. The extra investment in farming was not producing proportionate output.

“The farming sector is over-capitalised and over-indebted,” he told delegates. “The world will not lend us money to grow our debt 4-5 times faster than our economy.”

The good news is that the industry “dodged the bullet”, he says. If the payout had remained at $4.50/kgMS, the country would have been in trouble.

English singled out the dairy and sheep-and-beef sectors as having helped avert a crisis by boosting farmer returns.

But farmers are not the only guilty

party. The banks also played a role by watering down loan terms and conditions to win business. Borrowers took comfort in banks’ readiness to lend them money. Inexperienced customer managers were vouching for their farmer clients’ ability to repay.

Wilks says banks were also wary of would-be borrowers taking the attitude that if a loan was not approved “the bank down the road would take it.” The bank now has corporate bankers managing corporate-style loans. And it stays in touch with farmers to ensure their businesses are going well.

Loan sizes depend on underlying earning capacity and ability to service, says Wilks. “We are open for business but we’re now conducting business in a responsible way,” he says. “We want to prevent problems repeating in the long term interest of banks, employees and customers.”

Learn to share your milk says English FONTERRA SHAREHOLDERS have been told to learn to share raw milk with rival processors.

Finance Minister Bill English made the comment at SIDE 2011 last week while answering a shareholder’s concerns about Dairy Industry Restructuring (raw milk) regulations.

English says Fonterra will never be allowed to process 100% of its raw milk.

“Processing 90% of its own milk, yes; processing 100%, no,” English told 600 SIDE delegates.

The co-op is unhappy about supplying up to 600 million L of raw milk to rival processors, some of which are overseas owned and compete with Fonterra products. But English says the regulations don’t talk about ownership of processing plants. He admits as long as the dairy industry is governed by an Act of Parliament, there will be arguments.

“If we don’t want arguments, then we can remove DIRA and put the industry under the Commerce Commission,” he says. “But as long as you have bureau-

Fonterra will never process 100% of its milk, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English told SIDE delegates.

crats setting the rules, there will always be arguments for and against it.

“There will always be some stuff Fonterra shareholders won’t like.”

English also touched on Fonterra’s trading among farmers (TAF) proposal before the Government for parliamentary approval. He admits there are “tense” discussions with the co-op to

get TAF right.

The co-op will allow farmer shareholders to trade among themselves, removing its redemption risk. Farmers can also sell the value added or dividend benefits of shares but retain voting and milk payment rights.

English says Fonterra needs capital for growth and its new capital structure

is about benefitting ‘New Zealand Inc’.

“There will always be tensions about what suits and benefits Fonterra shareholders and what’s beneficial to the New Zealand economy.”

A Government decision on TAF has been delayed until early next year. Fonterra’s board and shareholders were keen to launch TAF in September.

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

4 news

Confusion on ATV ability, Feds hear THE ‘AT’ of ATV does not mean ‘all terrain’; it actually means “a lot of terrain”, says a scientist who’s just a completed a PhD on quad bike fatalities and injuries.

ATVs cannot be taken everywhere, said Dr Dave Moore, a human factors scientist at Scion Research, speaking last week at Federated Farmers annual conference at Rotorua.

Moore says there is confusion in the rural community about what ATVs can and should be used for and what modifications may be made or accessories fitted.

Moore’s address attracted huge interest from delegates, prompting chair Bruce Wills to extend the session time to allow further questions.

Moore says a coroner’s inquiry into quad deaths in Australia led to the formation of an Australian-New Zealand

Warnings for one third ALMOST 33% of farms visited AprilJune by the Department of Labour got warnings about using quad bikes safely.

Inspectors visited 376 farms.

Written warnings or improvement notices were issued to 117.

task force to look at what could be done to reduce the accident rate in both countries.

“We’re looking at everything: selection of the machine in the first place [so that] people choose the right machine for the job; and feeding information back to the manufacturers about certain design features that don’t appear

The department says it’s impressed with the level of quad bike safety. Most warnings were about farmers not wearing safety helmets.

On average five people die and 850 are injured each year while riding quad bikes on farms.

to work for the particular things we use them for here. We’re also looking at training, protective equipment and communications in the event of an incident.”

Moore says modifications to quad bikes is an issue; some modifications don’t necessarily prevent injuries.

“For example the original concept of the quad bike is for big, soft,

Farmers are more safety conscious than is supposed, says Scion Research’s Dave Moore.

squishy tyres and big rounded deformable [machine components] so if you do come off you’re hit by something round and blunt as opposed to sharp and pointy. But we put all sorts of modifications on a machine, making it more likely to hurt us.

“For example some of the bars contradict the concept put forward by the manufacturers. Their advice is ‘generally, don’t modify your machine’.”

Moore says his work has driven

in brief

Chinese investment negligible – English from page 1

don’t like foreign investment there is no other way.”

Foreign firms aren’t sitting there looking to plunder New Zealand, he adds.

“They are saying ‘how can we invest in the country?’ [New Zealand is] cooperatives, small businesses and a tiny stock market. We’re hard for foreigners to invest in – not too easy for them to invest in.”

To develop New Zealand is going to need more capital and this is evident in all farming sectors, especially meat and wool.

“We’re going to have quite a discussion about this traditional trade-off

PGW calls time on WPC

which we’ve grappled with for many years. In the last 15 years there have not been a lot of opportunities, but in the next 15 years we need to develop a broader view about what it means to invest in agriculture.”

English also touched on tax, warning farmers may be paying more this year.

“The IRD does know the difference between turnover and costs. I also need to tell you there’s no statutory limit on how much tax you can pay. There is a legal minimum.

“If you’re feeling patriotic, as we all will with the rugby world cup, and if you feel the urge, you can write out a bigger cheque than is necessary and you won’t be prosecuted!”

Primary Wool correction The Primary Wool Cooperative is wholly owned by farmer shareholders with no co-ownership by Elders, as was incorrectly stated in Rural News June 21.

Elders Primary Wool is a joint venture between the two companies. Stuart Chapman is chairman of this joint venture, and managing director of Elders New Zealand.

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many safety changes in New Zealand.

“The message from that was – quads are used in lots of different ways, so no single bullet is going to make you safe.

But there are lots of things you can chose from to stack the odds in your favour,” he says.

Since publishing his PhD Moore has noted greater enthusiasm by regulators for looking at the matter more seriously.

And farmers are more safety conscious than is supposed.

Thanks Bro’: Federated Farmers’ chief executive Conor English (right) thanks brother and Finance Minister Bill English for his speech to Feds’ AGM in Rotorua.

PGG WRIGHTSON has taken direct control of Wool Partners International.

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Rural News // July 5, 2011

news 5

Over capacity overplayed peter burke

OVER-CAPACITY IN the meat industry is a ‘red herring’ says the managing director of Progressive Meats, Craig Hickson.

He told delegates at Federated Farmers annual conference in Rotorua to forget about this and concentrate on other things.

Talking about overcapacity diverts attention from getting on with things that can improve the industry, he says – all industries need a degree of overcapacity to work.

“How else can you deal with seasonal peaks? How else can you let market forces spur the performance of the sector?

“We can expect overcapacity in our industry.

All other industries have it and in fact you need to have a degree of it to function because you’ve got to have the ability catch up if you get behind with a breakdown or such like.”

Hickson says overcapacity can and will be corrected in a commercial sense in that it allows for those relatively more efficient to grow and those inefficient to reconfigure and change in good time.

“Every company that still exists in the meat sector has substantially improved performance from the mid-1980s when the subsidies came

Wills’ warning on price projections FEDS’ RETIRING meat and fibre chairman says current strong prices for lamb do not mean mission accomplished.

Bruce Wills told his group’s annual meeting at Rotorua that the strong commodity returns and supply shortages are merely offering some breathing space.

Wills says now is a good time to focus on bringing about behavioural changes in the meat sector as outlined in the Red Meat Sector Strategy.

The RMSS is the most important document the sector has seen for decades and he hopes that farmers will read and digest it.

“We all know that where the meat and fibre sector has been in recent years has not been a good place to be.

The RMSS highlights the ‘behavioural changes’ we all need to make, to ensure a better future for all. My big hope is that farmers will actively engage with this report.”

off. All are much improved and leaner.”

Hickson says it is neither his nor Beef+Lamb’s prerogative to tell the owners of a business what they should do. Personally he’d be happy for the two big cooperatives to get together.

Referring to the goals of the Red

Craig Hickson, Progressive Meats.

Meat Sector Strategy, Hickson says people shouldn’t expect that the Government, Feds, Beef+Lamb, the MIA or anyone else to fix the problems.

“The answer... will come from the sum of the behaviours of all the... participants in the industry now.” Each doing their bit will move the industry forward, he says.

Good examples abound of market collaboration by companies, especially in North America, with Alliance, Silver Fern Farms and ANZCO working together.

“There is opportunity for further collaboration over the sale of commod-

ity-type lamb legs into the UK where strong, disciplined, well-organised, ruthless [buyers] seem to be much better at negotiating than we are from this side of the world.”

Hickson used a rugby theme to sum up what has to happen with the RMSS. He says people have got to get out of the grandstand and onto the playing field.

“It’s easy to criticise..., carp and blame someone else, and wait for someone else to do it. What we need to do is get up off our seats, walk down the stairs onto the field and become a player again, lending weight to the scrum. If we each do our bit the whole thing will change.”

Wills says farmers need to understand the interdependence of those in the sector, and to build a relationship with parties on the next steps on the value chain and finally, focus on best practice.

“Our current and improved profitability helps, but one season doesn’t make a trend.

“To those extrapolating the gains we’re yet to make, I ask you to temper your enthusiasm until we know this is sustained and enduring.”

Wills is convinced wool’s time has come and that it must play its part in New Zealand’s sheep industry’s future.

“For 120 years we’ve relied on a dualpurpose animal and this is not about to change soon.”

Wills congratulated the Campaign for Wool launched recently, saying this is truly something different and positive because it’s from the farm up.

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

6 news

Regulation call riles dairy delegates the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) that regulation should not be used to enforce cuts to cow numbers.

Farmers would instead work willingly on the issue with regional councils, crown research

SUD ES H K ISSU N

A POLITICIAN’S call to regulate stocking rates on dairy farms has been slammed by the industry.

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle last week told Rural News at

mental footprint while boosting milk production is wrong, he says. It should instead be reducing capacity.

“We’ve overshot our dairy capacity. We have to develop other parts of the economy so we don’t rely

Russel Norman said nitrate leaching is killing biodiversity in pastoral catchments. Dairying is bringing money and jobs but at a cost to the environment, he says.

Dairying’s focus on maintaining its environ-

institutes and other stakeholders.

Mackle says farmers may agree to reduce cow numbers on some farms but there is no need for a “blanket” restriction.

In a panel discussion, Greens co-leader

DairyNZ strategy and investment leader Rick Pridmore makes a point to Greens co-leader Russel Norman at SIDE 2011.

on dairy.”

Mackle disagrees. He says the focus should be on how dairy can contribute to the economy while dealing with sustainability responsibly. The industry is ready to look at options rather than being forced by regulation.

“We’re willing to look at fewer stock on more land,” Mackle told Rural News. He urged Norman to work with the industry

SIDE bombarded Norman with questions on his antifarming views, the science behind pollution in pastoral catchments and the condition of urban rivers.

Norman replied farmers should feel free to challenge the science behind his claims. He agreed there are many responsible dairy farmers but says regulations are needed to rein in the small group of delinquents.

“We’ve overshot our dairy capacity. We have to develop other parts of the economy so we don’t rely on dairy.”

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“I know you get annoyed every time you see me on tv,” he told farmers.

Environment Canterbury deputy chairman David Caygill, also a member of the discussion panel, believes regulation should not decide land use. “Leave land use to landowners,” he says.

But he cautioned farmers against a blame game on water quality. He says EC is also targeting urban rivers in its water management strategy.

“All rivers and waterways are being targeted.

In saying ‘you go first’ and ‘I’m not a bigger part of the problem’ is not right.”

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to lift sustainability rather than pushing for regulation to curb dairying.

“We’re willing to work with other stakeholders.

New Zealand is a small country and we all should work together to form a plan.”

Mackle concedes some farmers need to get things right on their farms – especially effluent compliance.

The industry also needs to address the perception urban New Zealanders have of dairying.

“Unfortunately some people think there’s widespread effluent breach in the dairy industry,” he says.

Farmers taking part in

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THE DAYS of long court battles over water allocation should go, says Environment Canterbury deputy chairman David Caygill.

He says the water management strategy (WMS) being developed by EC represents the views of all communities including dairy farmers.

Caygill last week told 600 farmers at SIDE 2011 that there is a better way than hiring lawyers.

Preparing WMS has been time consuming but Caygill is confident everyone will agree on the rules and practices around water allocation in the province.

Answering a question from the floor, Caygill ruled out giving priority to dairy farms, which mostly rely on irrigation.

Rural News // July 5, 2011

news 7

Unfinished business on property rights P E T E R BU R K E

DON NICOLSON last week effectively ended a 20-year career in Federated Farmers when he stepped down as the 27th president.

Nicolson, from Southland, worked his way for years through the outfit, then three years ago succeeded Charlie Pedersen. He got the top job unchallenged.

Nicolson trod in Pedersen’s footsteps in strongly advocating farmers’ property rights. He also took issue with compliance mechanisms and costs of central and local government.

He took aim at the RMA and many rules and regulations of local government, seeing these as unnecessary and costly to farmers. The ETS, NAIT were also in his sights He sees the move by former Local

Government Minister Rodney Hide to reform local government as reward for his hard work. “I saw this as a big-ticket win for Federated Farmers, one I’d been pushing for at least 15 years.”

Property rights has been big for Nicolson, yet the job is still not done, he says.

“This is going to be ongoing because no matter how much effort I put into it, the takings-without-compensation concept keeps happening.

It’s been doing so since 1990 because the RMA doesn’t have a compensation clause in it – a huge, huge problem.”

He sought and achieved via the Federation’s public relations machine a high profile for the organization – a move not all farmers and stakeholders applaud. But Nicolson

Departing Feds president Don Nicolson says local government reforms were a big win.

The president Feds missed?

JOHN HARTNELL last week stepped down as a Federated Farmers national board member after only three years in office. Many in the Federation wish he was staying on and moving up.

Hartnell (55) is unusual in that he’s not a farmer. He joined the board as a representative of the ‘bee group’, fronting for those and other members including grain producers.

He’s Christchurch born-and-bred, educated at Christchurch Boys High School. No university for him; instead the meat processor-exporter C. S. Stevens was his ‘university’.

He joined Stevens aged 21, revelling in one of the most innovative meat processors and exporters of the 1970s and ‘80s – “an exciting time to be in the meat industry, when things were flying pretty high and C. S. Stevens was innovating with furtherJohn Hartnell processed products into Japan.

“Then they expanded into the Middle East where I spent a lot of time from 1980 to 1983.”

He recalls first arriving in the region in 1977 to see the aircraft surrounded by men with machine guns: “Pretty daunting for a young fellow.”

Ten years later he entered the honey industry, after seeing it from C. S. Stevens which represented an apiarist later known as Airborne Honey. “I got passionate about honey and the opportunity, believing it to be the last of

the untapped primary sectors.”

He became a beekeeper, packer and exporter which he is today. And so in 2007 to Federated Farmers as chair of the ‘bee group’, then three years later joining the board.

He’s enjoyed his time at Feds, especially the advocacy work – “fighting for farmers and agriculture as a whole to ensure respect for what people do” and resisting “unrealistic, unwarranted controls and compliance costs.”

In biosecurity Hartnell has made a difference for the Federation and the rural sector in general, working in NAIT and other facets of biosecurity including issues relating to honey imports.

“I’ve enjoyed [resulting] collaboration with other industry groups, driving to a positive end.” For example, NAIT need not have become a compulsory system, “but ultimately the sway of other industries going in that direction meant we had to protect farmers’ interests as best we could.”

Hartnell will now devote more time to his business which has suffered some neglect during his Feds tenure.

But he has no regrets: “I’ve loved it. It can get under your skin, you can do it seven days a week if you want to. I’ve certainly spent a lot of time at my responsibilities.” to page 9

is unapologetic.

“It’s important we’re very public, with people willing to front intelligently. For three years we’ve done it well.”

His watch included some undoubted successes: changes to the Horizons Regional Council ‘One Plan’, the brilliant Farmy Army helping to clean up after the Christchurch earthquakes, strong advocacy on biosecurity, and an effective role in the Land and Water Forum.

Nicolson says membership has increased 5% during his watch, whereas it had dipped in previous years when Feds field reps were abolished, so the growth is, in fact, a regaining of lost ground.

Of course, he rejects Labour leader Phil Goff ’s labeling of Feds as ‘National in Gumboots,’ but also hints

at unhappiness with the Nats. “Before the last general election, this government stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Feds over a number of issues. Feds’ position hasn’t changed but when National came to power they seemed to think we should have changed with them.”

Frustration with central and local government marks the low points of Nicolson’s time with the Federation.

Simple things could easily be fixed, but aren’t….

Now he’s looking for a job, perhaps in politics, and he’s open to offers from ACT and the National Party. No firm offers were on the table as Rural News went to press.

People label him ‘right-of-centre’, he says, but he sees himself as the ‘ultimate socialist’ because he believes in equality. Where that leaves him politically remains to be seen.

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Rural News // July 5, 2011

news 9

India opportunity for dairy SUD ES H K I SSU N

A FREE trade agreement (FTA) with India may prove a billion dollar windfall for the dairy industry.

New Zealand’s annual dairy exports to India are now only $50 million, so a FTA would put this emerging super-power market’s potential on par with China, which annually buys $1.5 billion of NZ dairy products, ANZ chief economist Cameron Bagrie last week told the SIDE 2011 conference in Christchurch.

The Indian market has potential similar to China, Bagrie says. India is the world’s largest producer of milk but still imports dairy products for local consumption.

Prime Minister John Key last week visited India officially, discussing a FTA. Bagrie says a FTA should be in place within a year – another opportunity for dairying to boost earnings.

“You’re in the best space opportunity-wise in 40 years.”

But he gave a word of caution on China, whose economy is slowing down – a victim of its own success.

“They have an inflation problem and whether the landing will be hard or soft, I don’t know.”

But China’s economic slowdown should not affect dairy; demand remains high as supply has been hit by drought in EU dairy states.

With global milk powder prices at $US4000/t, Bagrie says dairy farmers have “the bullseye on [their] buttocks”.

Other dairy countries are ramping up production to take advantage, “but the weather in EU has not been good, so supply constraints will remain.”

Bagrie predicts three years from now global dairy prices will not be as high as $US4000/t, but

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The Indian market has potential similar to China. about $US3400/t. Volatility in dairy prices is also here to stay, he says.

“Plan for uncertainty, but there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The future still looks very good.”

A joint statement from

Key and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh commits to early conclusion of the FTA, noting that the ongoing negotiations were proceeding well.

Successful conclusion of a high quality and com-

prehensive FTA would provide the platform for stronger economic interaction to the benefit of both economies, they say.

The two Prime Ministers acknowledged the complementary nature of the key exports from each country and noted the role that bilateral trade and sharing of expertise between them.

Cameron Bagrie

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Feds’ freeloaders from page 7

He sees the Federation challenged over membership.

Too many farmers ‘free-ride’ on the coat tails of the work Feds does. Successful advocacy requires a strong organization, which is costly.

John Hartnell will most recently be remembered for mobilising the ‘farmy army’ to help clean up after the Christchurch earthquakes, attracting huge positive publicity for farmers when some sectors, notably dairying, were under siege by townies.

Hartnell has stood out for ten years as one of the most successful Federation leaders: a man of reason and moderation, yet unafraid to stand his ground on important issues; respected by Government ministers, officials and other stakeholders, and his farmer constituents.

His huge ability could have fitted him to be a truly great Federation president, but that’s not to be. At least the Federation has enjoyed his skills and persona in a season of great need.

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

10 news

Soil nutrient deficiency alert A ND R EW SWA L LOW

MANY, MANY sheep and beef farms are under-fertilised, and mixed, if not misleading, messages about soil fertility are confusing and undermining farmer confidence in correcting the problem, says AgKnowledge’s Doug Edmeades.

“Last year, of the farms I went on, something like 70% were presenting with sulphur deficiency, potash deficiency or molybdenum deficiency,” he told Beef + Lamb’s Lincoln Seminar. “You have to ask why that is.”

The two main fertiliser companies are so focussed on their battle for market

share that they’ve “taken their eye off the technical ball,” he maintains.

Meanwhile many minor companies peddling products with doubtful credentials are filling the void.

“I’m sick and tired of all the nonsense being pushed out there in the press at the moment.”

Long-term trials, such

as the Broadbalk Plot at Rothamsted Research, UK, show it doesn’t matter what the nutrient source is, organic or mineral, the plant response is the same, providing the nutrients are available.

The problem now in some parts of New Zealand, such as Canterbury, is key nutrients tradition-

ally assumed to be in plentiful reserve in the soil, such as potash, no longer are.

“In the past there were reserves but we’ve been farming these areas for a hundred years and we’ve sucked it all out, hence the need for fertiliser.”

Sulphur is similarly in short supply, and organic

Doug Edmeades

sulphur tests should be used to check soil status.

“When you do, most farms are going to find they need to apply a maintenance level.”

Molybdenum is the “forgotten about” nutrient on many farms, and wasn’t used historically for fear of creating copper deficiency problems in stock owing to the lock-up potential.

But modern soil tests make monitoring molybdenum easy so deficiency can be identified and corrected without risk of a copper problem.

With phosphate being the most expensive major nutrient, Edmeades says

bring other nutrients up to non-limiting levels, then apply phosphate at a rate determined by the return on every kg of drymatter grown.

The economic optimum Olsen P under pasture will depend on soil type, sedimentary being middle of the range, pumice and peats having a higher economic optimum for a certain level of return, and podzol’s the lowest optimum.

“If we’re to meet the challenge of feeding 9 billion people we’re going to need fertilisers and we don’t need all that rubbish about damaging soils.”

Legumes the sustainable N NEW ZEALAND needs to rediscover legumes to break its growing dependency on nitrogen fertiliser, says Lincoln University Professor Derrick Moot.

“My suggestion to you is that as a nation this is unsustainable. We need to find a different way of farming,” he told the BLNZ seminar.

While ryegrass and nitrogen fertiliser may produce more drymatter than a ryegrass/clover mix, in practice stock performance on the latter is better.

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Rural News // July 5, 2011

news 11

Turbo pasture proves worthwhile A ND R EW SWA L LOW

PASTURE MIXES with higher feed value than New Zealand’s standard ryegrass/white clover sward could be the key to lifting profits from lamb, judging by the results of research at Massey University.

A team led by Steve Morris has shown ewes and lambs grazing a mix of chicory, plantain and red-and-white clover from 10 days pre-lambing through lactation lifts ewe liveweight, milk production, lamb survival and weaning weight.

“It’s been quite startling to us,” Morris told Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s recent Lincoln seminar. “It’s the biggest jump we’ve ever seen and these mixes we think are medium- to long-term. We’ve had them in for three or four years now.”

Such ‘turbo’ mixes might be a little more difficult to manage than pasture to ensure they last, hence avoiding costly reseeding too often, but the benefits are worth the effort, it seems.

“There are three or four months a year when you can’t graze them but they will grow lambs in the summer. You just need to spell [the turbo pasture] before lambing.”

Ewes on such pastures can wean 10kg more lamb than ewes on ryegrass clover, which at 10 ewes/ha and $4-5/kg cwt for lamb is “not bad money,” suggests Morris.

Massey has also looked at feeding concentrate to increase the quality of the diet in late pregnancy and lactation. On poor pasture, concentrate during the last third of pregnancy had a small positive effect but Morris questions whether it’s enough to pay.

“At 400g [of sheep pellets] that’s the equivalent of $1-2/ day... and we struggled to get the sheep to start to eat the concentrate.”

Morris also talked about Massey’s work on management to minimise lamb mortality from multiple-bearing ewes, in particular triplets.

In both twin- and triplet-bearing ewes, provided ewes are in average-to-good condition, they’ve found there’s no benefit in feeding ewes above maintenance in early pregnancy to try to compensate for what often becomes an energy shortfall in late pregnancy.

However, maintenance feeding through pregnancy needs to take account of the pregnancy requirement. By the last week, a single-bearing ewe needs 19.5 megajoules of metabolisable energy per day (MJ ME/day); a twin bearer, 25MJ ME/day; and a triplet bearer 29 MJ ME/day.

Hence a triplet-bearing ewe needs to eat 12kg of 20% drymatter ryegrass with an ME of 12MJ/kgDM. “If you go out and cut 12kg of grass one day you can just see the problem that ewe has in eating that.”

If ewes are on swedes, an even bigger ‘mountain’ of feed would be needed to provide their maintenance requirement – 20-25kg, due to the lower % drymatter, he points out.

This is where the turbo pasture comes in. By offering extra-high-quality, easy-grazing feed, multiple-bear-

ing ewes have a much better chance of meeting their late pregnancy and lactation requirements.

Morris says they put their ewes onto the herb mix prelambing, September 10th to 15th, when the sward is about 15cm tall.

“It’s really about protecting the chicory content. The plantain is like ryegrass, it just survives. Never take the chicory below 5-6cm at any time of the year. That’s when you’ll start to kill it.”

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MASSEY’S WORK shows no real advantage from offering multible-bearing ewes anything more than 1200kgDM/ha pre-grazing, or about 4cm of pasture, during days 90-133 of pregnancy. That sward can be taken down to 2cm, or 800kgDM/ha, but no lower.

“The point is that’s when you should move those ewes, not the next morning. Never go below that [2cm],” stresses Morris.

Beyond day 133 of pregnancy, covers shouldn’t go below 1200kgDM/ha or 4cm.

“If you use a sward stick, it’s the height of the green leaf. It’s not a bad measure of the ability of a ewe to harvest that grass.”

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

12 news

Southlanders win national BFEA P E T E R BU R K E

THE NATIONAL winners of the inaugural Ballance Farm Environment Awards, Grant and Bernadette Weller, say the win has not yet sunk in.

Farming sheep and beef in Waimea Valley, Southland, Wellers were in late June, at Hastings, chosen

from among nine regional supreme award winners to claim the Gordon Stephenson Trophy, named after the Waotu farmer who started the Farm Environment Awards.

Bernadette told Rural News they were pleased to have won the trophy and excited about heading overseas to an interna-

which they winter 3400 Texel ewes and 200 Hereford and Angus breeding cows. Her father got the farm in 1954 by ballot, doing a lot of great work to develop the block, she says.

Grant says they’re determined and dedicated to running a sustainable and profitable farming

tional trade show, part of their prize.

“It was an awesome three days at the awards, meeting the other winners as well. We spent quite a bit of time together and we’ve made friends all around the country.”

Wellers have just bought her family’s 890ha farm (850ha effective) on

operation, and demonstrating that to others in the industry.

“We’re predominantly silver and red tussock with a small fattening block down the bottom of the farm. So we have a lot of native areas on the hill block and we’ve also put some areas into QE II covenants.”

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Grant and Bernadette Weller.

They’ve also planted a lot of trees and fenced off waterways.

“We run higher grass covers so instead of the animals having to eat the silver tussock they can get the better grasses. It’s just running everything in harmony.”

Grant says while their stocking rate may be lower than some, in profitability they are in the top 10% of sheep-and-beef farmers.

Their concept of farming sustainably has evolved from the day they started farming 14 years ago. Now they have a strategic plan, a mission statement and get help from a business coach.

“Our mission is to breed healthy animals that thrive in a natural environment based on biological farming methods – a farm business financially rewarding with the flexibility to cream it in good times and be comfortable in bad,” says Bernadette.

Grant adds that while they use biological methods, they are not organic.

“About 10 years ago we started using seaweed- and fish-based products, more as a tonic for stock at pres-

sure times of the year. But as it went along we noticed such great results with stock health that it must be improving the soil biology as well, so we headed down that path.

“To us biological farming means we still have full control of our business.

Whereas we see organic farming as unfortunately being run by bureaucrats and we see that as losing control.”

Very little chemical is used on the farm – mainly gorse and broome spray.

No adult stock have been drenched for at least 10 years.

Wellers are not yet sure what the year holds for them, but they’re excited about it. Besides the overseas trip, there will be presentations to make, and more tree planting given trees are part of their prize.

But they stress their entry “wasn’t for the money – it was the prestige title.”

“We are just honoured by winning an award named after Gordon Stephenson who has left such a legacy for the industry,” says Bernadette.

Feds laud winners THE WELLERS were among those recognised by Federated Farmers Cream of the Crop awards made last week at Feds’ national conference at Rotorua.

“It’s important we celebrate success in agriculture and acknowledge those who display excellence in their custodianship of land, water and other resources,” said chief executive Conor English.

“On sustainability the Wellers certainly walk the walk. Crosshill – their 890ha sheep-and-beef operation in northern Southland – is a showcase of farming in an environmentally sensitive manner in a profitable way....

“We hope the addition of an overall winner each year, celebrating the achievements of Farm Environment Awards founder Gordon Stephenson, will inspire even more farmers to enter in coming years.”

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

14 news

Effluent can eliminate fert bill for maize FAR is mid-way through it’s annual series of winter seminars. Vivienne Haldene relays a flavour of the North Island content.

‘WASTE NOT, want not’: there could be some truth in this old saying for dairy farmers weighing up whether to use effluent on maize crops.

A three year project funded by FAR, Dairy NZ, Environment Waikato (EW), Genetic Technologies and MAF Sustainable Farming Fund confirms the benefits of dairy shed effluent (DSE) as a fertiliser source for maize.

Though a second project is examining the finer details, the initial message is clear, FAR says.

“This is a win-win situation for farmers and the environment as the crop effectively mops up the accumulated nutrients with a saving of $350/ha for fertilisers.”

If it’s necessary to transport DSE to crops off-farm, it’s not as cost effective, but there’s still an upside.

“It utilises a waste resource back on a farm to grow a crop, and promotes a productive dialogue between a cropping farmer and a dairy farmer,” says Diana Mather from FAR. Any cropping paddock, not just those destined for maize, may benefit, she adds.

While recent trials show DSE can replace bagged fertiliser to produce equivalent maize yields, only 20-40% of the total nitrogen in the effluent is being released.

FAR’s trials aim to

identify what’s happening to the rest, using low and high effluent rates, delivering 150kg/ha and 300kg/ ha of nitrogen respectively.

Nitrogen recovery results indicate 125kg N/ha and 207kg N/ha was unaccounted for in the soil at the end of the first season.

A second year’s crop on the same site grown without extra effluent found the first season’s yield response didn’t persist, suggesting minimal nitrogen release from the effluent in the second season.

No significant difference in soil mineral N was found between effluent and control plots at the beginning or end of the season.

FAR says the result suggests effluent applications need to be made regularly to reduce bagged N use.

A second trial found high effluent application at the start of the season maximised yield, control plots doing 12.9tDM/ha, fertiliser plots 17.9tDM/ha and high effluent 22.2tDM/ ha.

Plant populations in effluent plots were significantly lower than other treatments, possibly due to the effect of the high effluent loading on biological, physical or chemical properties of the soil.

In this trial, N recovery from applied effluent was estimated at 145kg N/ha or 24% of the total amount applied, hence about

470kg N/ha should remain in effluent plots.

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New funding secures AIMI’s future GRAIN STOCK and planting surveys as part of the Arable Industry Marketing Initiative (AIMI) seem set to continue for at least three years thanks to a new MAF Sustainable Farming Fund grant, says FAR. Farmers are surveyed quarterly in the aim of better informing the whole sector to aid crop marketing.

The initiative is joint-funded by FAR, the Arable Food Industry Council, Federated Farmers and United Wheat Growers.

ent rate resulted in higher mineral N levels at depth at the end of the summer.

FAR says regular soil fertility tests should be made to track changes and take advantage of other nutrients (P, K, Mg and S) added with effluent.

STAGE TWO

Rural News // July 5, 2011

news 15

Watch for weed build-up A CLEARLY defined management plan and ongoing support is the key to controlling weeds for maize growers, says FAR. “You guys are our eyes and ears,” Diana Mathers, maize research co-ordinator, recently told a FAR Winter Roadshow at Waipukurau, Central Hawkes Bay. “If you have a weed

resistant to herbicide, please let us know so we can contain those problems before they get out of control.”

Discovery of the noxious weed velvet leaf in two crops in Waikato earlier this year highlights the need for vigilance, says Mathers.

“It caused a lot of worry because it’s one of

the ten worst weeds in the USA.” FAR, MAF Biosecurity, AgResearch and Environment Waikato scouting hasn’t found any more populations, though one infestation was so widespread it signalled its presence in the paddock for several years.

“It was far too big a job to pull it out, so we’re

tracking where the maize silage crop [in which velvet leaf was first found] has gone and Trevor James from AgResearch has buried some weeds in the silage pit to see how long they live. We’re watching this weed because it grows as tall as maize.”

Imported chicken feed may have been the source of the plant.

Seek advice about weeds you don’t recognise, urges FAR.

Sustainable weed control strategies for maize growers are part of a 4-year plan funded by FAR and MAF Sustainable Farming Fund.

In some soils, weeds are not responding to the first herbicide, so one aim of the plan is to manage the loss of efficiency of pre-emergence herbicides by applying a post-

emergent herbicide.

Weed cover of 20% or more on the ground means a reduction in crop yield.

“A lot of farmers ask, what is the cost benefit of a second spray? We found a second, post- emergent spray gave an average increase of 0.9 tonnes/ha of grain.

“At $400/tonne of grain, you’re better off by $254/ha. Plus [there isn’t] a

heap of weeds to control,” says Mathers.

“And cultivation for weed control, as an alternative to herbicide, is a good thing too.

“We’ve had herbicides for 50 years and we don’t want to lose them.

We [want to avoid the antibiotics problem] where through misuse they’re often no longer as effective.”

Nick Pyke

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FAR vote seeks wider levy-base CROPPING FARMERS are about to have their say on FAR’s future, as the foundation faces its fourth levy-payer referendum since its formation 16 years ago.

“Farmers have the opportunity this year to vote on three things: arable crops - everything harvested with a combine harvester except maize; maize for maize growers; and for cereal/silage growers a vote on the hectares of cereal/silage they grow,” says FAR chief executive Nick Pyke.

“The reason for including cereal/silage growers is many of the practises used are the same as for growing cereals.

There are questions from farmers who grow both, who say they need help in the areas that are difficult, particularly at harvest time and about some issues of canopy management plans for those yields.”

The previous referendum found 80% support for FAR. Voting papers go out early August and need to be returned online, by post or fax, by September 2.

Pyke encourages growers to spread the word to vote, and vote ‘yes’.

“If we don’t have support FAR can’t continue, or if we only get support in some areas we’ll have to drop one of the other areas we’re involved in.”

Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

16 world

Live sheep exports next ban? a l a n h a rm a n

ANIMAL WELFARE campaigners have taken aim at live sheep exports following Australia’s suspension of its live-cattle trade to Indonesia.

Animals Australia says cruelty to sheep in the Middle East is as bad, releasing film of exported merinos being crammed into a car boot, dragged along on their bellies and/or forced to walk on broken legs.

Independent politicians Nick Xenophon and Andrew Wilkie have proposed legislation in Australia’s Parliament and

Senate to end all live exports by 2014.

The move is “a momentous day,” says RSPCA Australia chief executive Heather Neil.

“Our political representatives now have the opportunity to end the cruellest trade in Australia’s history.

“Though the cruelty inherent in the live trade merits an immediate ban, this three-year phase-out period should overcome all political concerns, as it provides producers time to move away from live exports.”

Neil says the legislation would ensure that during

the phase-out period animals can only be exported to facilities that meet appropriate welfare standards. But the legislation is unlikely to become law without government support and Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig says he does not favour a permanent ban.

“We should not have that…. We should have this industry for the longer term.

“How we do that and what it would look like will depend on how industry responds to requirements for supply-chain assurance.”

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average annual value of live exports was around $A1 billion; 74% of this went to buy livestock from farmers.

The RSPCA says 160 million Australian animals have been exported during three decades to countries with no laws to protect them from cruelty. Some 2.6 million animals died en route; the survivors faced brutal handling and slaughter practices illegal in Australia.

Animal welfare campaigners are targeting the abolition of live sheep exports from Australia.

Moves to resume Indonesian trade Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has outlined a $9 million animal welfare plan to progressively reopen cattle trade to Indonesia.

Managing director David Palmer says it would test the effectiveness of the new systems being implemented for the welfare of Australian cattle.

“The industry has told us clearly they don’t want contingency funds – they want an export industry. There are three objectives: welfare of our animals, welfare of our people in northern Australia, and the food security needs of our neighbour.”

The plan is to export cattle held

in Northern Australian quarantine facilities as part of the reopening, to address immediate welfare concerns over the cattle. The plan focuses on the independent assessment and accreditation of abattoirs against World Organisation for Animal Health animal welfare standards at a minimum.

“As requested by Indonesia, a programme to review abattoir infrastructure and design has begun,” MLA says.

An MLA team is urgently developing a port-to-feedlot-to-abattoir traceability system for cattle in Indonesia but critics say it won’t help

prevent animal cruelty.

After a visit to Jakarta, Australian Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig said an agreement to set up mutual standards for the live animal export trade had been reached.

“These standards will give practical effect to the current World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) international guidelines.”

Critics were less than impressed, saying the OIE guidelines do not require stunning before slaughter, but Ludwig said Australia could not demand higher standards of another signatory than are in the OIE agreement.

Korea considers Canadian beef THE CANADIAN Government says agreement has been reached to finalise terms for a resumption of beef exports to South Korea.

Canada’s beef was nine years ago banned by Korea and many other Asian importers due to a case of BSE, then two more cases in 2005. The bans opened the door to increased trade from New Zealand and Australia but Korea is now the only country with a ban still in place.

Canada’s deal will be for beef from under-30-monthold beasts and could mean $C30 million for Canada’s 90,000 beef producers by 2015, says the Canadian Beef Export Federation.

Before the BSE crisis South Korea was Canada’s fourthbiggest beef market at 12,000t or 4% of imports. After

failing many times to get its beef back into South Korea, Canada in 2009 asked that a WTO panel be set up.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz twice travelled to South Korea, warning the WTO would back Canada’s case because it has a “controlled BSE risk” status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), which allows the trade in beef.

Canada’s cause has been helped by a foot-and-mouth outbreak in Korea, causing a cull of 5% of its herd. That spiked beef prices, prompting consumer calls for alternative supplies.

Canada says it will formally request a suspension of the WTO panel proceedings once South Korea submits the import health requirements for public consultation.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand is running meetings near you where you can catch up with your local Director.

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Visit www.beeflambnz.com, freephone 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 353) or email enquiries@beeflambnz.com to find the meeting nearest you.

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

18 agribusiness

Web promo draws millions of poms UK MEAT lovers hungry for culinary inspiration are turning in droves to a new Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) website – www.loveourlamb.co.uk – says the levy body.

The interactive website is the hub of a digital media campaign said to be stoking the nation’s appetite for Kiwi lamb.

“Grabbing the attention of consumers [delving into] huge volumes of media becomes more difficult each year,

but by concentrating on digital media we have reached millions through webcasts, the website and online competitions,” says John Mabb, UK market manager for BLNZ. “The mediums of print and radio, though, are still important for our PR messages, and will continue.”

The campaign underpins BLNZ’s joint work with export companies, aimed at encouraging consumer preference for New Zealand lamb closer to

the point of purchase.

The site is styled to look like a glossy food magazine, with an updated ‘edition’ each month.

A click of the mouse turns the web pages like those of a paper publication.

Drawing users to the site is a new series of webcasts starring Wanganuiborn chef Peter Gordon.

First launched in 2008, the short online videos are a proven crowd-

pleaser, generating millions of hits from locals looking for lamb recipes, techniques and cooking tips, says BLNZ. In the new webcasts Gordon explains various lamb cuts, cooks a recipe for roast shoulder, gives tips on carving, and makes three barbecue marinades.

The webcasts have been shared on at least 20 websites this year, notching up combined monthly visitor numbers of at least 150 million.

Gordon’s high profile in the UK helped boost strong Easter sales, with 21 radio stations broadcasting interviews telling listeners how easy it is to cook roast lamb – and how good New Zealand lamb tastes.

BLNZ says now the northern hemisphere is into mid summer, the focus is on lamb as a versatile barbecue staple.

It’s the third tranche of marketing activity in a promotional push which began early in the new year.

Te Pari buys Racewell handlers OAMARU-BASED Te Pari Products has bought Racewell’s livestock handling equipment division.

“The main advantage for us is it gives us probably the best range of sheep handling equipment,” Te Pari director Jeremy Blampied told Rural News.

“We already have very good cattle epuipment.”

The Racewell brand is well respected and widely known so will be retained by Te Pari, running alongside its Cattlemaster range.

Racewell was founded in the early 1980s by the previous owners, Te Kuiti farming couple Robin and Carol Fagan, but was in receivership prior to the Te Pari buyout.

Manufacture of the Racewell range is to be moved to Te Pari’s Oamaru plant, with all Racewell products and stock management systems integrated into Te Pari’s product range.

“The addition of the Racewell brand further strengthens our offering to clients and is an excellent complement to our existing portfolio.”

A stronger offering for export is also part of the attraction, acknowledges Blampied.

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Rural News // July 5, 2011

agribusiness 19

Fine wool growers buy PGW stake MERINO GROWERS have voted to accept PGW’s offer to sell its 50% stake in New Zealand Merino for $7.6m.

“They’ve been telling us they wanted control of this company for some time and we’ve managed to get into a position to achieve that,” Bob Brown, chairman of NZM parent

ing will be, or the split between grower and management equity.

As for the valuation, suggestions it is on the high side are interesting considering the figure was mutually agreed by MGI and PGW following an independent valuation a little over a year ago.

“The value was based

“The value was based on sustainable earnings... I wouldn’t like to go out and get the business valued now to do the deal.” company Merino Grower Investments, told Rural News.

The acquisition could be funded from MGI reserves and bank borrowing, with no need to call on the 630 shareholders to complete the deal, but Brown says it “may be that we look to increase the capital in the business in the short-term.”

The deal will see management profit-sharing agreements converted to equity in the company as they were “costing us quite a lot of money.”

“Except for chief executive [John Brackenridge] they will be restricted by the same shareholder cap as growers – in other words 5%.”

Brown would not say what Brackenridge’s hold-

on sustainable earnings... I wouldn’t like to go out and get the business valued now to do the deal.”

Brown points out the assessment took no account of NZM’s PGP joint venture with Silver Fern Farms to market merino meat, or other initiatives now in the pipeline.

A constitutional change means mid-micron producers can now buy into MGI, but no share issue is planned nor will shareholding be a requirement to sell mid-micron through MGI’s trading subsidiary NZM. “They’ll have to approach a merino grower exiting and do a deal.

“It is our intention to facilitate a share trading mechanism.”

Trade surplus dips AFTER A record trade surplus of $1.1bn in April, (Rural News, June 7), New Zealand exports in May still surpassed imports by $605 million. And but for the one-off import of aircraft parts the surplus would have been $819 million – 18% of the value of exports, says Statistics New Zealand.

Average surplus for May 2006 to 2010 was 6.7% of the value of exports. At $4.6bn, May 2011’s exports were up $429m on 2010, with ships, boats and floating structures pipping dairy in the increase stakes – up $99million.

Milk powder, butter and cheese exports were up $73m or 8% on May 2010, with meat and edible offal adding $72m or 12%, led by frozen lamb.

Log and wood export values continued their run, up $59m or 22%, increased radiata log shipments offsetting a decline in sawn and chipped radiata. Imports were up by $594m year-on-year, driven by fuel and aircraft.

christchurch appeal $45k richer

FARMERS LARGE and progressive have been digging deep to help people caught up in the Christchurch earthquake. Attendees at the Platinum Primary Producers (PPP) Conference, Masterton, stumped up $45,000 in a Farming Show auction of a unique no.8 All Black jersey worn by Colin Meads in 1957 against Canterbury. Only once before had the legendary lock packed down at the back of a scrum, and only once against a provincial side. All the money, believed a record for an AB jersey, went to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

Market Snapshot North Island c/kgCWT

Lamb - PM 16.0kg Steer - P2 300kg Bull - M2 300kg Venison - AP 60kg

Lamb Market Trends

Meat South Island

Change c/kg

Last Week

Change c/kg

Last Week

+5

7.53

+5

-3

4.40

n/c

Lamb Prices 4.93

P2 Steer - 300kg

-3

4.40

4.43

3.97

7.53

5.15

M2 Bull - 300kg

-3

4.32

4.35

3.95

4.20

PX - 19.0kg

+5

7.55

7.50

5.16

P2 Cow - 230kg

-3

3.72

3.75

3.25

PH - 22.0kg

+5

7.56

7.51

5.16

M Cow - 200kg

-3

3.57

3.60

3.15

MX1 - 21kg

n/c

4.70

4.70

3.08

Local Trade - 230kg

-3

4.40

4.43

4.00

YM - 13.5kg

7.95

+5

8.15

Mutton SI Lamb

Mutton

+5

7.53

7.48

4.63

P2 Steer - 300kg

n/c

4.20

4.20

3.60

+5

7.53

7.48

5.18

M2 Bull - 300kg

n/c

4.15

4.15

3.45

PX - 19.0kg

+5

7.53

7.48

5.19

P2 Cow - 230kg

n/c

3.30

3.30

2.55

PH - 22.0kg

+5

7.53

7.48

5.19

M Cow - 200kg

n/c

3.15

3.15

2.47

MX1 - 21kg

n/c

4.18

4.18

2.85

Local Trade - 230kg

n/c

4.25

4.25

3.72

1000s

$4.5

Sep

$6.5 $5.5 $4.5

NZ Slaughter

Estimated Weekly Kill

Change

2Wks Ago

3 Wks Ago

Last Year

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

3 Wks Ago

Last Year

5yr Ave

117

106

139

219

Cattle NI

-1%

34.7

35.1

37.7

41.4

97

85

104

156

Cattle SI

-13%

12.5

14.3

11.6

14.3

Lamb NZ

+12%

215

192

243

375

Cattle NZ

-4%

47.2

49.4

49.3

55.8

Mutton NZ

+42%

27

19

25

52

Bull NI

-7%

6.5

7.0

6.5

9.3

Bull SI

+15%

1.5

1.3

1.0

2.0

Str & Hfr NI

+16%

17.3

14.9

19.8

18.7

Str & Hfr SI

-21%

3.8

4.8

5.9

6.5

Cows NI

-17%

10.9

13.2

11.4

13.4

Cows SI

-12%

7.2

8.2

4.7

5.9

NZ Weekly Lamb Kill

900 750 600 450 300 150 0 Mar

Last Year This Year

NZ Weekly Beef Kill

100

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Last Year

80

This Year

60

Export Market Demand

$4.5

NZ$/kg

$4.0

40

Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year

5yr Ave

n/c

2.51

2.51

1.80

1.41

-19

10.89

11.08

8.41

7.91

20 0 Mar

Apr

Jun

Jul

Aug

This Year

Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year

5yr Ave

+5

1.87

1.82

1.59

1.49

+9

5.07

4.98

4.97

4.72

Change

Last Year

£2.50

May

Export Market Demand

Demand Indicator - UK Leg Price

£3.00

$3.0

2Wks Ago

+14%

UK Leg £/lb

5yr Ave Last Year This Year

Change

+11%

Change

$3.5

Estimated Weekly Kill

Lamb SI

North Island 300kg Bull Price

$5.0

1000s

5yr Ave

$3.5 Apr

SI

Lamb NI

South Island 16.0kg M Lamb Price 5yr Ave Last Year This Year

NI

PM - 16.0kg

NZ Slaughter

$5.5

$7.5

Last Year

7.48

5yr Ave Last Year This Year

$8.5

2 Wks Ago

7.46

n/c

Aug

Last Week

7.53

4.15

Jul

Change

7.51

n/c

Jun

c/kgCWT

+5

$8.5

May

Last Year

YM - 13.5kg

North Island 16.0kg M Lamb Price

$3.5 Apr

2 Wks Ago

+5

4.32

$6.5

Change

Last Week

PM - 16.0kg

-3

$7.5

Beef Prices

c/kgCWT NI Lamb

Beef Market Trends

95CL US$/lb NZ$/kg

£2.00

$2.5 Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

$4.5

Demand Indicator - US 95CL Beef

$2.20

£1.50

South Island 300kg Steer Price

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

$2.00 $1.80

Procurement Indicator

$4.0

Change

$3.5 5yr Ave Last Year This Year

$3.0 $2.5 Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

$1.60

2Wks Ago

3 Wks Ago

Last Year

5yr Ave

% Returned NI

+1%

69.8%

68.3%

62.7%

44.0%

% Returned SI

+2%

68.9%

66.8%

62.5%

55.5%

75%

Last Year

$1.40

This Year

$1.20 Apr

May

$8.5

Change

5yr Ave Last Year This Year

$5.5 Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

South Island 60kg Stag Price $8.5

74.1%

60%

% Returned SI

-1%

81.9%

83.3%

69.4%

68.5%

Last Year This Year

75%

Jun

Aug

Procurement Indicator - South I.

65%

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Procurement Indicator - North I.

90% 85% 80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55%

Last Year This Year Apr

Jun

Aug

Last Year

Jun

Change

May

5yr Ave

65%

Aug

90%

Procurement Indicator - South I.

80% 70%

Venison Prices

Apr

Last Year 80.52%

This Year

$6.5

3 Wks Ago 88.0%

45% Apr

$7.5

2Wks Ago 85.8%

55%

5yr Ave Last Year This Year

Sep

-2%

50% Apr

$6.5

Aug

% Returned NI

55% $7.5

Jul

Procurement Indicator

Procurement Indicator - North I.

70%

North Island 60kg Stag Price

Jun

Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year

5yr Ave

NI Stag - 60kg

n/c

7.95

7.95

6.45

6.26

SI Stag - 60kg

+5

8.15

8.10

6.95

6.61

Last Year This Year

60% 50% Apr

Jun

Aug

Beef & venison prices are reported as gross (before normal levies & charges are deducted). Lamb & mutton prices are reported nett (after levies & charges are deducted). Note: Freight is paid in the North Island but not by all companies in the South Island.

Check out our new websites BREAKING NEWS MANAGEMENT STORIES MARKETS & TRENDS MACHINERY REVIEWS COMPETITIONS AND MUCH MORE...

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Rural News // July 5, 2011

Beef Wool Price Watch North Island prices under pressure Export cattle prices in the North Island took a backward step last week with prices falling slightly.

300kg cwt bull prices eased to $4.32/kg while 300kg cwt steer prices are back to $4.40/kg. The strong New Zealand dollar is the catalyst for the downward price movements with the dollar hovering around US80c.

Margins are tight for processors and some have adopted a take it or leave it attitude. Export cattle prices in the South Island held steady last week. Prices for 300kg cwt bulls averaged $4.15/kg while 300kg cwt steer prices held at $4.20/kg. Prices have been under pressure to ease given the high dollar and erratic overseas markets but dwindling supplies are underpinning returns for now. Current South Island weekly slaughter rates have dropped to 12,500 head, 8% below five year average levels for this time of year.

US imported beef prices rebound After weeks of falling US imported beef prices, the market is looking slightly more positive. Market activity on imported beef is moderate with prices firm.

Improved demand, firmer domestic prices and tighter supplies supported the market for imported beef. US end users are being forced to pay up to secure product from Australia as New Zealand supplies seasonally drop off. Despite the change of pace, reports out of the US note the market still remains volatile and beef demand could easily wane again after the 4th July.

Cow kill underpins higher export volumes New Zealand exported just on 50,000 tonnes of beef last month, 6,200t more than in April, but 4% less than the record volumes sent in May 2010. The seasonal spike in the cow kill underpinned the higher exports with the US manufacturing beef market absorbing the majority of the increase.

Lamb

Dairy Price Watch Last 2 Wks

Prev. 2 Last Year Wks

Change

23-Jun

Coarse Xbred Indic.

+8

6.45

6.37

3.36

Butter

-9

5806

5815

5740

Fine Xbred Indicator

+21

6.93

6.72

4.08

Skim Milk Powder

-174

4792

4967

4606

Lamb Indicator

+13

6.36

6.23

4.23

Whole Milk Powder

+99

4854

4755

5456

Mid Micron Indic.

-19

10.09

10.28

7.01

Cheddar

-13

5468

5482

5598

Indicators in NZ$

16-Jun Last Year

Wool Indicator Trends

750

CXI

650

FXI

Indicators in NZ$/T

Change

Dairy Prices Trends

7,000 LI 6,000

550

5,000

450 350

4,000

250

3,000 Jun

Aug

Oct

Dec

Feb

Jun

Apr

Coarse Xbred Indicator

750

SMP But. Aug

Oct

Dec

WMP Ched.

Feb

Apr

Whole Milk Powder Price (NZ$)

6,500

Last Year This

Last Year

650

This Year

550

5,500

450

4,500

350 250 Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

3,500 Apr

Sep

Overseas Price Indicators Indicators in US$/kg

Change

23-Jun

16-Jun Last Year

+12

5.25

Fine Xbred Indicator

+22

5.64

5.42

Lamb Indicator

+16

5.18

5.02

-7

8.22

8.29

4.88

585

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Overseas Price Indicators

Coarse Xbred Indicator

Mid Micron Indicator

May

5.14

Indicators in US$/T

Change

Last 2 Wks

Prev. 2 Last Year Wks

Butter

-75

4725

4800

4050

2.84

Skim Milk Powder

-200

3900

4100

3250

2.95

Whole Milk Powder

+25

3950

3925

3850

Cheddar

-75

4450

4525

3950

2.34

Wool Indicator in US$

Dairy Prices in US$/Tonne

5,000

485

4,000

385

Slaughter prices continue to track up 285 CXI FXI LI Export lamb prices in the North Island continue to edge up with a 16kg cwt lamb averaging $7.53/kg 185 Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb Apr (nett) last week. Current lamb prices are nearly $2.40/kg higher than the same time last year with Coarse Xbred Indictor in US$ solid overseas demand and poor slaughter volumes 650 Last Year underpinning the stronger market. A plunging South 550 This Year Island lamb kill is keeping the pressure on lamb prices 450 despite most processing plants being on restricted 350 shifts. Prices firmed 5c/kg last week with a 16kg cwt 250 lamb averaging $7.53/kg (nett). A number of farmers 150 are holding lambs to heavier weights in an attempt to Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep offset the lower overall numbers on farm. Exceptional feed levels are not helping the cause for processors who are struggling to fill space.

Currency Watch Gaping hole in EU imported lamb market Last 2 Wks 4 Wks vs. NZ Dollar The sheer lack of lambs out of New Zealand is leaving a gaping hole Week Ago Ago in the EU imported lamb market. For the season to date New Zealand US dollar 0.814 0.806 0.818 lamb exports to the European Union are down by 21,000 tonnes. The Euro 0.571 0.568 0.574 UK is feeling it the most with New Zealand exports there down by UK pound 0.508 0.500 0.498 14,000t to date on last season. Any decline in New Zealand Aus dollar 0.773 0.764 0.764 availability has a significant impact on the EU market; given New Japan yen 65.48 64.99 66.19 Zealand is the single largest external supplier of sheep meat to the Euro EU. Indicator prices for New Zealand lamb into the UK and EU are up 0.60 by between 41-44% on this time last year, reflecting the tighter supply situation.

0.56

Wool Demand for wool remains strong Wool prices continue to defy the odds with strong overseas demand offsetting the high position of the dollar. Fine and coarse crossbred indicator prices are up by 100-125% on this time last year.

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

SMP But.

2,000 Jun

Aug

Oct

Dec

WMP Ched.

Feb

Apr

Whole Milk Powder Price in US$/T

5,000

Last Year

4,500

This Year

4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 Apr

Last Year 0.706

0.85

May

Jul

Last Year This Year

0.472

0.69

0.816

0.65 Apr

0.53

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

UK Pound Last Year This Year

0.51 0.49

Sep

Aug

0.81 0.77 0.73

63.21

Jun

US Dollar

0.573

Last Year This Year

0.52 0.48

3,000

0.47 0.45 0.43 Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

22 opinion editorial

edna

FAO doesn’t deliver AGRICULTURE MINISTER David Carter didn’t mince words last week when addressing the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Conference in Rome.

Carter welcomed the new FAO director-general José Graziano da Silva, and then opened fire on all who went before da Silva: “Sixty six years ago this organisation was formed to tackle hunger among the world’s people. To date it has failed in this task.

Rather than reducing, the number of hungry and malnourished has increased to around one billion people. Therefore, FAO needs to be fundamentally reformed to address the enormous challenges it faces.”

The career diplomats listening to Carter might have shifted uneasily in their seats at Carter’s straight talking, but that’s tough. Carter is dead right when he says da Silva “has a unique opportunity to reinvigorate FAO”.

Outgoing director-general Jacques Diouf deserves the brickbat. Addressing the FAO conference, Diouf was determined to frame his 18-year tenure as “one of the most profound and comprehensive reforms in the history of the whole United Nations system”.

Among his achievements he cited a 54% cut in headquarters staff, a 53% reduction in director-level posts, decentralisation of operations, streamlined procedures, plus significant savings and efficiency gains amounting to $US111.9 million annually since 1994.

Worthy enough, but no mention of his performance in terms of reducing the number of people starving.

As Carter said, this has blown out to one billion under Diouf’s watch.

José Graziano da Silva of Brazil will have to do better. The 61-year-old has the right track record to make it happen. As Brazil’s Extraordinary Minister of Food Security and Fight Against Hunger he was responsible for implementing the country’s highly successful ‘Zero Hunger’ (‘Fome Zero’) programme. This helped lift 24 million people out of extreme poverty in five years and reduce undernourishment in Brazil by 25%.

Achieving global food security is complex though and one of da Silva’s biggest obstacles to success will be the massive tilting of the commodity trade in favour of the US and the EU. The US Farm Bill and its ilk make it incredibly hard for developing nations to build a viable agricultural industry and achieve food self-sufficiency.

Carter made this clear to the FAO: “While it was pleasing to see the recent meeting of G20 Agriculture Ministers recognise the need to break down trade barriers to ensure food security, words are not enough. We need to see stronger endorsement of free trade from FAO and the G20. We need to see real action to end trade protectionism.”

- Adam Fricker

RuralNEWS Head office Postal address: PO Box 3855, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140 Publisher: Brian Hight...................................................... Ph 09 307 0399 General Manager: Adam Fricker.................................................... Ph 09 913 9632 Editor: Andrew Swallow............................................. Ph 03 688 2080 editor@ruralnews.co.nz................................... Ph 021 745 183

“I’ve never known The Woman’s Monthly to effect your work – you always read it at smoko time!”

the hound Poopascoopa the new Fieldays freebie?

Once upon a time giving away a carrier bag with was enough to get punters at Fieldays parading your firm’s name along the roads and streets of Mystery Creek. These days companies must be far more creative.

Even stock sticks have become standard fare, which probably accounts for this year’s must-have accessory – a bright yellow shovel. Your old mate wasn’t sure exactly what they were designed for but they are very handy around the dog box.

Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound?

Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz

Ideal holiday for Thompson?

Your old mate reckons EMA chief executive Alasdair Thompson needs a holiday after his illadvised comments about women’s pay and sick leave. A cruise on P&O’s Pacific Pearl should be just the ticket. The luxury liner’s captain is a woman, as are many of its senior officers – unusually. How about he sits at captain’s table?

Few surprises in Readers’ Digests list You can’t always believe what you read, and it seems people don’t, especially journalists reporting a real estate agent’s views.

Readers’ Digests’ annual survey ranked these ‘professions’ lowest in its rankings of trustworthiness, 25 rungs down the ladder from farmers at 14th place.

At the top? Firefighters, rescue volunteers and paramedics. No surprises there; when you need those guys chances are you’re in no position to be doubting their credentials.

Feds divided?

What’s happening at Federated Farmers?

After decades of uncontested – or at most two-way – tussles for the typically threeyear post of president, four candidates last week stood for the top job. In theory, such democracy at work should be good for the organisation, especially if it means less of an old-boy network. The danger is it increases ‘factionalisation’ within the Federation, which plays into the hands of those wishing to ‘divide and conquer’ our industry.

Rip it up and start again, Minister So Steven Joyce plans to amend the Land Transport Management Act to make transport planning simpler, more streamlined and less prescriptive. He needs to do the same to the legislative mess governing agricultural vehicles on the road. In fact, he and his minions at NZTA should go one better: rip it up and start again, and fast, before every contractor in the country decides to throw in the towel.

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ABC audited circulation 80,488 as at 30.12.2010

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

Rural News // July 5, 2011

opinion 23

More methane myths busted ide to methane would also reach equiCONCERNS AND misunderstandings librium. continue about ruminants in New Zea“However, though the GWP of the land, methane in the atmosphere and 2-5% of the C eaten each day is conthe changes humans have made, can verted to methane is raised only temmake, or need to make. porarily, it is still the case Are cows causing a that any sustained level problem when carbon of dietary intake will (C) is simply cycling? lead to a sustained (not What is the significance temporary) elevation in of the fact some of the the GWP of the atmocarbon, cycling via rumisphere.” nants, is temporarily in The problem is each the form of methane? scientifically new day’s new intake is (Methane reverts to speaking jacqueline rowarth raising the GWP of 2-5% carbon dioxide, the same of yet another ‘set’ of gas the grass took from molecules, as these too are converted the atmosphere before the cows ate from carbon dioxide to methane. the grass).

The globe could have the same daily Professor Tony Parsons, who has total intake rate by ruminants and by moved to Massey University from non-ruminants, and both could reach AgResearch, explains it like this: an equilibrium, where carbon dioxide “A ruminant system with a sus‘in’ equalled carbon dioxide ‘out’. Howtained, constant total dietary intake ever, the equilibrium level of methane rate (the product of animal numbers in the atmosphere would be higher if and intake per animal) would evenruminants are involved, and so there tually reach equilibrium in carbon ‘in’ would be a greater GWP than would and carbon ‘out’ as carbon dioxide. be the case with the non-ruminants.

“Similarly, the component of the “It is not that the system is in global warming potential (GWP) of equilibrium that is important,” says the atmosphere the ruminants affect Parsons, “but that the GWP of the by converting (in effect) carbon diox-

atmosphere under ruminants is sustained, by that equilibrium, at a higher level.”

In considering whether cows are making a difference, what matters is whether the current numbers of ruminants multiplied by the dietary intake is higher than it was in the past. Then we need to consider if that higher consequent level of methane and GWP is acceptable to society and industry, sustainable and even survivable. If not, at what point did it become unacceptable, and what efforts can we make to return to a previous lower level of atmospheric methane, or at least limit further increases? And what will the cost be?

Ruminant methane is not the only source of methane emissions on the planet, but we must answer these questions for each and all causes of sustained elevated levels of such a potent green house gas (GHG).

Many groups around the world, including here in New Zealand, are striving to analyse what measures would reduce total GHG emissions, examine which GHG would have greatest impact per unit reduction, and also what cost the reduction would have to

society (quality of life) and economy.

Society will then need to make tradeoffs.

The approach is to research all methods of mitigation (agricultural and energy), and impose social incentives/regulations to encourage first and foremost those actions that have the greatest reduction capacity, with least societal impact.

“Smaller cars, better insulation and

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limiting fossil fuel combustion are all part of the mix needed to reduce total GHG emissions,” says Parsons. “On a positive note, reducing methane emissions will have a relatively rapid effect in reducing atmospheric GWP because of the short half-life of the methane accumulated in the atmosphere. All we have to do is work out how to do it.”

• Jacqueline Rowarth is professor of pastoral agriculture, Massey University

Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

24 opinion

Freedom camping bill better than by-laws CLEANING UP rural roadsides and beauty spots has for years been high on the agenda of Rural Women New Zealand, so we’re pleased the issue is getting national recognition in the Freedom Camping Bill, which has just had its first reading.

The bill will give councils and DoC new powers to decide where camping is allowed and where it is restricted to campervans with toilets. The current system of 67 councils having their own by-laws is clearly not working, with rural roadsides and parking areas often trashed with waste and human excrement.

A survey of RWNZ members this time last year drew dozens of responses, with tales of toilet paper, dirty nappies and rubbish dumped by travellers.

The Freedom Camping Bill will allow for $200 instant fines of illegal campers or their vehicle for parking overnight in undesignated areas.

The bill will also introduce nationally consistent signs helpful to overseas tourists and Kiwi travellers. Travellers must know where they may camp, regardless of their onboard facilities.

Campervan companies

rural women liz evans

already tell people what they need to know. But many freedom campers travel in their own vehicles, so on-the-spot signs and informative websites are important.

As MP Damien O’Connor pointed out in Parliament, the issue isn’t confined to overnight camping: people need toilets and rubbish facilities during the daytime too, whether they are day trip-

pers or campers.

In the last decade freedom camping numbers have doubled to 110,000 international visitors and 40,000 New Zealanders.

As we encourage more tourism, we also need to invest in facilities – starting with more roadside toilets and frequent emptying of rubbish bins.

And we must have more areas where freedom campers can stop and use basic services. Marlborough District Council (MDC) is looking at leasing council land to a private operator for freedom camping; and one campervan company provides facilities at a campsite in the Marlborough Sounds,

a popular area for freedom camping.

MDC reserves and amenities manager Rosie Bartlett welcomes the new law. She says the Freedom Camping Forum’s education programme has achieved success and the number of freedom campers is dropping. It’s also raised public awareness.

Many rural people have been constructive and helpful, she says.

“They are the ones out there asking campers to move on, and doing it constructively, telling people where DoC camp grounds and services are.”

Bartlett says the council welcomes tourists and locals; the legislation

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will allow the council to target the few irresponsible campers. “The ability to prosecute and fine them will send out a clear message.”

RWNZ is pleased the campaign since 2008 for consistent, nationwide policies on freedom camping is bearing fruit, and we’ll be making submissions to the select committee now set to consider the bill.

The challenge will be to ensure that as the world media looks at New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup the stories our visitors have to tell are of great Kiwi hospitality and a country showing itself in its best possible light.

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Rural News // July 5, 2011

Opinion 25

Time to bridge NZ’s rural-urban divide

BY THE time this issue of Rural News hits mailboxes Federated Farmers will have elected a new president.

The farmer lobby’s much-hyped four-way contest for the top job has gained a lot of media attention. But the newlyelected Feds’ president will have more to worry about than nursing the bruised egos of the unsuccessful candidates – such as making the organisation more relevant to wider New Zealand.

This follows accountancy firm KPMG’s recent calls for urban dwellers to gain a better understanding of the rural sector. Its business advisory arm recommended this – among a raft of other suggestions – in its recently released report on New Zealand’s primary industry Agribusiness Agenda 2011.

Do a quick Google search of farming or agriculture news articles and you will quickly find that negative headlines and stories dominate.

While many people and organisations within ‘New Zealand Inc’ understand the importance of the agribusiness and rural sector to the economic

well-being of our country, many others – especially urban dwellers – do not.

Despite the importance of agribusiness to New Zealand, this has not stopped many parts of the sector from coming under sustained and frequent attack by different lobby and/or protest groups.

KPMG’s report – based on interviews with more than 80 agribusiness leaders – says the rural/urban gap is a risk to the development of the country.

The interviewees had many explanations for this disconnect, including: an ethnically mixed, urban population with little or no family link to farming; and mainstream media focussing on negative issues about the agriculture sector, such as animal welfare issues and water quality standards in dairy regions.

However, the report also points out that the agricultural sector must foot some of the blame for this divide. It says a lack of openness in the industry has led urban dwellers to believe they are not getting the full story.

This is a fair point, as is the suggestion the onus must go on the rural

sector itself to take on the job of educating and informing the rest of the population as to how the agribusiness industry operates and the economic benefits it generates for the country.

The underlying assertion of Agribusiness Agenda 2011 – although not overt in the report – is that it’s time for a new, pan-sector

rural lobby group.

New Zealand’s agribusiness sector currently has a wide and

diverse group of organisations and lobby groups – including Federated Farmers. Yet despite the sector’s size, resources and undoubted importance to the country’s economic well-being, it is unable to speak as one, unified sector voice on matters.

This is mainly due to the different, specific

interests of the various bodies that make up agribusiness. It makes the sector easy meat for opponents and critics.

Feds and its newly elected president might not like it, but there is considerable upside in having an independent, unified sector-advocate organisation. It’s time for the agribusiness sector –

including Federated Farmers, which needs to be part of it – to seriously look at forming such a body.

It would go a long way to help bridge the growing urban/rural gap that currently divides New Zealand.

• David Anderson is a former Rural News editor and an agribusiness commentator.

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ag twits Rural News’ irreverent and hypothetical look at what’s happening in the farming world Top Bleats

view all

dnicolsonexfedfarmers: Well that’s me done with Feds. I wonder if there are any other useless, hackneyed organisations I could get involved with? thedonbrash@dnicolsonexfedfarmers: Ahhhhhh Don, how about standing for Act? Other Fed luminaries have made spectacularly unsuccessful Act MPs over the years – like: Owen Jennings, Gerry Eckhoff and Penny Webster!

10 %

henryfonterra: What the hell is going on?

Why are we now auditing farms? Have we become the IRD or something? fonterrapr@henryfonterra: Mr Chair, we thought EFEY (every farm every year) would make a nice little diversion from milk price inquiries, feeding cows palm kernel and the on-going dirty dairying claims. dcarterminofag: World’s most effective agriculture minister in Rome representing New Zealand at the inaugural Global Research Alliance Ministerial Summit. This is a real privilege – for them! See more @http://tinyurl.com/9jg8kn1. sirjohnanderson: George, good job in hocking off the finance division to Heartland Bank. But isn’t that a little retro – didn’t Wrightys do that back in the 80s or 90s? goregousgeorgepgw@sirjohnanderson: You are on to it Sir John. We are so forward thinking that we’re also considering merging Dalgetys, Crown, NMA, Reid Farmers, Williams & Kettle to form one company! What do you think?

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

26 Management

Getting the best WE’RE TAKING A STAND from beef cows ACTUALLY WE’RE TAKING THREE

Sully Allsop

How do you get the best out of beef cows on a hill farm? Peter Burke reports from a Beef+Lamb New Zealand seminar in Wairarapa.

BEEF COWS’ value and role is a conundrum for many hill country farmers. Do they really enhance the performance of the

ever-precious ewe flock?

Are they truly the secondclass citizens of our pastoral system?

Wairarapa farm con-

sultant Sully Alsop has sought answers to these questions, and practical options. He’s analysed the cost benefits of an early

calving date, the opportunity cost of the feed cows eat, the effect on sheep and other factors.

He was not looking so

much at breeding-cow policy as at the profitability of these animals.

“There are two myths about breeding cows: first,

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early- or mid-to-late December, so making for an October calving when there is more and better feed around.

He says there’s probably 10-20kg weaning weight to be gained just from feeding the cow better coming into calving and in her early lactation.

The other advantage of a later calving is the cow will be in better condition when mated again.

“It’s a two-fold thing: she’s not losing as much weight coming into calving, but then there’s more grass around then so it’s easier for her to put on condition after calving and into mating.”

Sully Alsop says the takehome messages from his investigations are simple common sense. “Think about how your cows are doing on your farm. Are they really highly profitable? Often they’re not. So if they’re not highly profitable, are they enhancing your sheep performance?

“The other issue is, are they eating low value feed?”

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that they enhance sheep performance – a lot of the time they do, at other times they don’t; second, that they eat low-value, low-quality feed.

“Basically I was looking at different calving patterns to see how cows’ feed intake will affect what sort of feed they’re eating and what sort of impact they’re having on the sheep performance.”

Alsop says his focus was not so much on early or late calving, but on when suitable feed is available for the cows.

“Traditionally what we would call an early calving in Wairarapa would see the bull going out in November – too early. It doesn’t fit in with pasture growth patterns and feed covers, so through early winter-spring it’s not enhancing sheep profitability and the cows are eating a lot of valuable feed. It’s not ticking the two boxes we need cows to do.”

Alsop is suggesting, at least for Wairarapa, putting the bull out either

WORK IS underway to improve links between the dairy and beef sectors.

The programme – an AgResearch and Beef & Lamb New Zealand project – was the subject of a presentation by AgResearch Farm Systems team leader, Jason Archer, at BLNZ’s recent Science Day at Palmerston North.

“We are going to be working with Beef and Lamb to identify what needs to be done in that area. We’ve got some ideas such as looking at the value chain.

“We’ve also got some longer term ideas around being able to predict the performance of animals. We want to be able to see how a young animal such as a young calf or weaner are going to perform.”

Archer says there will also be some focus on influencing dairy farmers who are not interested in the beef industry to be part of it by encouraging them to use beef bulls.

He admits the value chain aspects of the project won’t be easy. Many New Zealand farmers treat beef cows like second class citizens and don’t feed them to their potential, which is then reflected in weaning weights.

“If we had a situation where a farmer was getting an 80% weaning rate they’d be better off dropping cow numbers and getting 90% weaning rate.

“In the end, they’ll probably have the same number calves, but they’ll be in better condition and provide farmers with a bit more flexibility.”

Rural News // July 5, 2011

management 27

Beating the 89% calving ceiling “First calves from heifers in many herds may join the mixed-age cows and life’s tough for them. So the second and third time back to the bull, farmers can end up with some disappointment if the heifers are not separated out.”

peter burke

VERY FEW beef herds in New Zealand have managed to get better than an 89% calving rate. It’s been at that rate for years, but Bob Thomson, beef expert from the Agfirst consultancy, has proved it can be increased and says any farmer can do it.

He told a recent Beef+Lamb seminar in Wairarapa the secret to his success with herds in Northland. It’s such as having them calve behind a simple, he says: monitor the herd wire, which many farmers don’t like more closely and pay attention to – the safe-paddock area. Getting that calf beside the cow alive then sheddetail.

Assuming all cows get pregnant ding them off into the hill counthe challenge is to find why 11% of try [means many] calves go missing because of misadvencalves conceived don’t ture.” make it to the weaning Animal health is also a stage, he says. standout, Thomson says.

“We’ve had that calvBVD was an issue in two ing percentage stuck at herds he’s been workabout 89% for 30 years. ing with in Northland. By To break 89% we need inoculating heifers they to find out where calves resolved it. go missing. By recording Bob Thomson Also, heifer managebasic information we can discover where they go missing and ment needs close attention. Heifers and their calves must be kept away plug the gap.”

Interestingly, he says, many calves from mixed-aged cows.

“First calves from heifers in many go missing before calving.

“In other words we pregnancy herds may join the mixed-age cows test the cows and by the time they and life’s tough for them. So the get to the calving paddock some have second and third time back to the bull,

Item

Loss

comment

Pregnancy diagnosis

1%

Wrong diagnosis or error in drafting

Cow deaths

1%

Pre- calving

Abortions

0%

Pre-calving

Cow and calf deaths

2%

During calving

Cow and calf deaths

1%

Post calving to weaning

Total loss

5%

already lost their calves. This was the biggest single loss we found in that period.

“So if we break up the loss periods from scanning to calving, the biggest loss is before the cow calves.”

How can this be changed? In two ways: “One is about management,

Resulting in 95% calving farmers can end up with some disappointment if the heifers are not separated out.”

Thomson says it’s easy getting heifers in calf the first time; the challenge is getting them in calf the second and third time. The key to this is having them at a good weight when

they are first mated.

It’s much easier to get a second mating weight, he says. The minimum weight at which to mate heifers should be 270kgLW, but the mob average should be 300kgLW because in general New Zealand cows are getting bigger.

As for feeding – especially young stock – “we let the side down,” Thomson says.

“If you think about the breeding cows, we know we can treat them pretty rough during winter, provided we feed them well post-calving. We manipulate condition score by, say, taking two condition scores off them after weaning over winter, then by piling those two scores on them by the time they get back to mating. If we do that we know we can get those cows pregnant again.”

Any farmer can achieve 95% calving, as he has on the Northland focus farms, Thomson says. There is no magic to it.

“It boils down to paying attention to detail. We got a big lift in performance in our first year by paying attention – just being there, observing, even watching the animals mate and getting rid of bulls not up to speed.”

Bulls is an issue farmers have relaxed about. “We went through phases in history where we paid a lot of attention to them, then we relaxed.

Now we need to make sure our bulls are up to scratch. A capability test is a good way to go.”

Thomson is a fan of electronic ID and says farmers should look at it and see what it can do for them.

Keep first-calving heifers and mixed-age cows apart if possible.

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

28 management

Lots of benefits in doing NMPs vivienne h a l dane

FROM BOTH an economic and environmental perspective, nutrient management is important for the sustainability of your farm. So it’s good sense to have a plan, but where do you go to find out more ?

The Foundation of Arable Research (FAR) has been giving answers at recent seminars and plans to do more. Regional councils or fertiliser companies are a good place to start, FAR says, and Fert Research has a template for creating a plan on its website.

Drawing up your own

“It’s a plan for the whole farm, an intensive document that details how the nutrient inputs into the farm will be used.” plan can be beneficial, but it should also be accepted as valid by an accredited organisation.

“It’s something FAR

will be promoting as one of our commitments through the Primary Sector Water Partnership,” says Diana Mathers.

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“We plan to have it in place for arable farmers within six months.”

Part of the process is education on what a nutrient management plan is.

“It’s a plan for the whole farm, an intensive document that details how the nutrient inputs into the farm will be used, what the amounts will be and how they are determined. It looks at how they match the crop or animal use on that farm.

“Also included are areas on the farm that are sensitive, such as around waterways, and what kind of management practises are in place to stop nutrients on the land moving into water.

“It will detail things like riparian strips along streams and cultivation practises. Part of it will be a nutrient budget for the crops: it’s a bit like a bank budget.”

Mathers says those in sensitive catchments are likely to be the first involved.

“But we would expect an increasing number of others to develop a plan.”

Winter is a good time to start on a plan, though

Nutrient management plans • Ensure nutrient management meets all legal and industry requirements.

• Budget to compare inputs from all sources with nutrient outputs.

• Minimise spending on unnecessary or unused nutrients and risk of environmental damage.

• Account for land manager’s personal objectives.

it could take two-three years to complete.

“It has to include analysis of problem points on the farm tied into action points to remediate any issues.”

The latest version of the nutrient budgeting software package Overseer has been adapted to provide nutrient budgets for what arable and vegetable crops will use.

Training will be done

by Massey University and FAR staff in workshops around the country. The one-day course is handson with your -on-farm data.

To create a nutrient management plan: • Map the farm to show land management units (LMUs)*, risk areas and environmentally sensitive areas.

• Document your farm resources.

• Assess risk according to farm practice and LMU character.

• Nutrient budget each LMU showing status (soil, herbage, and trends).

• Document and follow best practice fertiliser recommendations.

• Develop a plan to manage adverse nutrient effects that might arise.

• Set timeframes for each action.

• Communicate plan content to staff and contractors.

• Action the plan and record implementation.

• Re-evaluate and adjust as necessary and technology permits. * LMUs: Areas of land that can be farmed or managed in a similar ways because of soil type, capabilities and function, and strategic importance to the farming system.

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Rural News // July 5, 2011

animal health 29

Breeding blind spot on worm resistance

commercial flock managers are needed, so they can “better understand and validate the opportunity.”

Breeders and their societies need to take more of a lead in disseminating information on breeding for the trait, and they need to be well ahead of their commercial clients.

Meanwhile firms providing screening tests need to work more collec-

tively, and transparently, to ensure the opportunity for the industry is capitalised on.

The commercial reasons for using genetics to combat parasitism are very strong, he believes.

“The cost of undetected parasitism is significant. This autumn performance has been smashed due to the wet season and low [larval-kill-

Beware minerals marketing, prof warns BEWARE GLOWING testimonials and adverts for mineral supplements, delegates at Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s recent Lincoln Seminar were told.

It’s not because they’re wrong, it’s just that they’re unlikely to be relevant to your property, Lincoln University’s Prof Andrew Sykes warns.

“A supplementation trial on your property is the only way to find out [if something works],” he stresses.

Even a history of selenium, copper and/or cobalt deficiency, the three most frequent deficiencies in New Zealand, doesn’t necessarily mean a problem with pasture quality.

“In most cases low dry matter intake is the cause, not low mineral concentration,” he points out.

Mineral concentration of feed depends on pasture species and soil type, hence the property specific nature of mineral issues.

For example, peaty or sandy soil typically results in low-copper-content pasture, while in acidic, granitebased soils, or rhyolitic ash, cobalt is likely to be lacking.

But Sykes says: “we probably don’t have as much of a problem with these minerals as historic records would suggest, or the mineral companies would like you to believe.”

Tissue analysis, and even blood test results, can also prove misleading, because below-normal levels of a mineral may not limit production in the short term, depending on the mineral.

Consequently promotions showing a tissue-concentration response to a particular supplement don’t demonstrate need for that supplement, or that production will respond.

Sykes also warns against expecting to see a response from supplementation here just because overseas trials did.

“We do actually need data from New Zealand and from your property.”

When doing a supplementation trial on your property, it is essential to leave an untreated control so any response can be measured, he adds.

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ing] UV.” More resistant stock would reduce the substantial spend on drench by most farms, and drench resistance is continually eroding efficacy and options.

Chemical and drug use in red meat production is also a growing concern in New Zealand’s key export markets. “At the moment we can pretty much drench with what we like, when we like.

But the market is going to start to push back on what we can do on-farm.”

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WHY AREN’T more stud breeders selecting for parasite resistance? And come to that, why aren’t more of their customers demanding to see resistance records before buying?

Those are the questions independent parasite specialist Greg Mirams is asking in the wake of a survey of both parties.

“It’s one of the most heritable traits we have,” he told a recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand seminar at Lincoln. “And relative to the value of the ram, it’s actually cheap [to test].”

Miram’s survey found high awareness of how breeding can minimise the impact of parasites, yet a much lower level of action on the matter.

While all commercial farmers said they “would” or “probably would” pay more for sires with

improved parasite resistance, only one in five said they look at or request parasite resistance data when buying rams.

However, only 41% of breeders believed their customers would pay more, and only 45% of breeders do any screening or selection for parasite resistance.

“And much of this is by default through other bundled DNA testing,” notes Mirams.

The main reasons given were “too many things to select for” or “lack of understanding of the process and outcome.

“We’re way behind the 8-ball on this one,” Mirams told the 300strong Lincoln audience.

“The world is moving fast on this stuff.”

Mirams says to get the industry using genetics as a tool against parasitism, clear and concise resources for breeders and

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Greg Mirams: “It’s actually cheap to test rams for parasite resistance.”

Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

30 animal health

Antibiotic use responsible says MAF a nd rew swa llow

FARM ANTIBIOTIC management has the thumbsup by MAF following a year-long study of microbial resistance to commonly used actives.

But the report was slammed as misleading by the Greens, who in turn faced flak from Federated Farmers for “politicking and scaremongering.”

MAF public health principal adviser Donald

Campbell says the survey indicates responsible antibiotic use in agriculture, in compliance with veterinary advice.

“Although the survey detected some resistance to certain antimi-

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crobials from particular bacteria found in the targeted foods, it is pleasing to see the resistance has no direct implications for human health.”

The work looked at E. Coli, Enterococcus, Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria found in freshly dressed carcasses of calves, pigs and broiler poultry from New Zealand abattoirs and processing plants.

The findings showed no increased incidence of resistance compared to previous studies, although MAF acknowledges the extent of previous work was limited. They also show the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) status of bugs in New Zealand compares favourably with international standards.

For example, compared with 2009 data from Denmark’s DANMAP surveillance system, which uses a similar methodology to MAF’s survey, AMR in pig and poultry was either lower or not significantly different.

“Denmark is seen as a world leader in controlling antimicrobial resistance so that’s a good benchmark to measure ourselves against,” says Campbell.

Use of antibiotics in New Zealand dropped nearly 20% from 2005/6 to 2007/8 but climbed 5% in 2008/9, the most recent year MAF has published data on.

MAF says little antibiotic resistance was found at processing plants, but Green MP Sue Kedgely says its report is misleading.

The survey’s findings prompted Federated Farmers to call for an apology from Green MP Sue Kedgely for saying farm antibiotic use causes drugresistant bugs which then

affects the livelihoods of thousands of New Zealanders....

“Ms Kedgley gave the false impression farmers were using antibiotics with abandon and that’s

“Denmark is seen as a world leader in controlling antimicrobial resistance so that’s a good benchmark to measure ourselves against.” spread to humans.

“Food safety is simply no place for politicking or scaremongering,” fumed Feds’ president Don Nicolson, who says MPs have a responsibility for accuracy.

“Her comments in April had potential to impact New Zealand’s reputation as a quality food exporter. It also directly affects people’s livelihoods and indirectly

also wrong. The latest statistics show 11.25% fewer antibiotics were used onfarm in the 2008/9 season than in 2005/6.

“I personally think Ms Kedgley owes agriculture an apology,” says Nicolson.

As Rural News went to press, no such apology, or response from The Green Party or Kedgely had been issued, despite a spokesman saying a week earlier

a response was being formulated.

Previously Kedgely had labelled MAF’s report of the survey results misleading, and said it was astonishing it did not recommend prohibiting livestock feed use of antibiotics significant in human medicine.

“The MAF report confirms our pig, poultry and dairy industries use a ‘significant mass of antibiotics’, and that the pig and poultry industries routinely administer antibiotics to animals in their feed and water.

“The report also confirms many antibiotics important in human medicine are administered routinely to animals, including macrolides and streptogramins.

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Rural News // July 5, 2011

animal health 31

Drench resistance rife, too few testing a nd rew swallow

ARE WE in denial over drench resistance? Or simply throwing money at the problem, rather than working out the most sustainable way to manage it?

Wormwise spokesman Trevor Cooke, of Totally Vets, Feilding, told Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Lincoln seminar nearly every farm in the country will be carrying some drenchresistant parasites yet only 7% of farmers really know which products are effective on their properties.

“I’ve not found a farm that’s not got some drench resistance for well over five years,” he told delegates, before ramming home the consequences of not testing and acting to combat the problem.

At low levels of resistance, reduced drench efficacy may well go undetected, yet the productivity consequences are still substantial, he warns.

Comparing lamb performance where a fully effective drench is used, to where a product achieves 92% kill, Cooke says growth rates following the less- effective treatment would be reduced 20%, making for a 14% lower return if summer finished, or a 9kg lighter animal if taken through to autumnwinter finishing.

“The biggest way they reduce production is by reducing appetite. So obese people should have ostertagia,” he quips.

Resistance in cattle parasites is often overlooked, but the consequences are still severe, cutting weight gain and

potentially making all the difference in time of marketing.

Cooke says better prices for stock have “almost had a negative effect on behaviour” when it comes to managing resistance, with unthinking blanket use of the more powerful products.

Best practice is to use a combination, but tests

Trevor Cooke

should be done to know which will be most effective.

Whole-flock drenching should be avoided, targeting light, young and/ or hungry animals only. In turn that will help create refugia.

Persistent-acting products will exert more selection pressure on the parasites, so use should be minimised.

Either of the new products Zolvix or Startect should be used as an exit drench in mid autumn to mop up any survivors from previous treatments, as these survivors may well be resistant to those previous treatments. Incoming stock should similarly be treated with one of the new products, or a triple, and kept off grass for 24 hours.

Avoid under-dosing by treating to the weight of the heaviest 10%, and regularly checking gun operation.

Faecal egg counts should be used to monitor when to drench, and grazing planned to avoid high pasture contamination.

Synchro breeding tops in Oz dairy FIXED-TIME artificial insemination (FTAI) offers the greatest gains in reproductive efficiency, yet only 8% of Australian dairy farmers use them, say specialists in the subject.

At seminars in Victoria, run by Bayer Animal Health and Bioniche Animal Health, David Beggs – a local cattle vet, lecturer and researcher – showed oestrus-synchronised FTAI achieved a 68% six-week in-calf rate, well ahead of all

other breeding protocols including natural mating.

Dr Gabriel Bo, a prominent Argentinean vet specialising in bovine reproduction, lead the seminars.

He said predictable breeding programmes improve conception rates, tighten pregnancy and calving patterns, and save time and money. “Dairy producers today want predictable results from their breeding programmes,” says Bo.

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Farm buyer beware IF YOU’RE thinking of buying a sheep-and-beef farm, check the drench-resistance status of the stock before signing on the dotted line.

Cooke says he’s been working with a farmer who has found a horrendous drench resistance problem on a farm he bought two years previously.

The problem is so bad there’s no way it could have arisen just under the current owner’s management, and the productivity impact is so severe the farm is back on the market.

“I told him he’s obliged to pass on that [resistance] information if asked but no-one has asked to date.”

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

32 animal health

Wet season and larger herds causing headaches in Oz Difficult season across the ditch: Australian herds have faced new disease pressures.

AUSTRALIAN DAIRY herds are under pressure from four emerging diseases, Australian Cattle Veterinarian Association president Rob Bonanno says.

Writing in Rural News Group’s Dairy News Australia, Bonanno says the ailments have come to the fore follow-

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ing the extremely wet season experienced throughout the eastern half of Australia.

“A trend towards larger herd sizes is also correlated with many emerging diseases of importance,” he notes.

The four diseases Bonanno flags are: Acute Bovine Liver Disease (ABLD), a fatal cattle liver disease thought to be caused by an annual grass and a plant fungus; lameness caused by hairy heel warts; Haemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome and the growing issue of zinc toxicity.

Acute Bovine Liver Disease (ABLD) The cause of ABLD, which has been recorded in WA, SA, Tasmania and Victoria, is not clear. However, it is associated with warm humid conditions and the presence of an annual grass called Rough Dog’s Tail, which has a specific fungal growth.

Bonanno says symptoms of ABLD can include sudden death, severe milk drop, acute abdominal pain and sensitivity to sunlight with marked photosensitisation (sunburn).

He says removal of animals from affected paddocks when the first signs appear is critical to prevent new cases and limit the toxic damage to mildly affected animals and aggressive early treatment can save many cows.

Digital Dermatitis (Hairy Heel Warts) “This disease has become one of the leading causes of lameness in confinement dairy herds in North America

“A trend towards larger herd sizes is also correlated with many emerging diseases of importance.” and Europe and is being diagnosed increasingly in Australia,” Bonanno says.

The disease is especially prevalent on farms that have adopted intensive systems of production. It is caused by exposing feet to a slurry of manure from poor drainage or poor hygiene protocols. Damage to the feet may be caused by rough flooring or poor pathways, damage due to sand or poor tracks and maceration of the skin due to wet muddy conditions.

“With the particularly wet weather in recent months and a move away from drought conditions, the presence of muddy laneways, loafing areas or feed pads, Digital Dermatitis has become a more frequent issue,” Bonanno adds.

“Other risk factors also include large herd sizes especially over 500 head, newly introduced cattle, and larger breeds of cattle such as Holsteins.”

Haemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS) Bonanno says this is being reported with increasing frequency in lactating dairy cattle in recent years.

This sometimes presents as a cause of sudden death, but also sudden milk drop, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.

“The exact cause of HBS is not known but risk factors may include rumen and post rumen acidosis, fungal infections such as aspergillus or clostridial bacterial infections.”

Zinc toxicity Although rarely seen in Australia, Bonanno says zinc toxicity can be a symptom of use of excessive supplementation in the diet to prevent Facial Eczema or zinc sulphate contamination of feed.

“Signs can include anorexia, diarrhoea, chronic constipation, and reduced milk yields.” More severe signs are heart problems and seizures, ill thrift and death.

“Young stock often get a relatively higher dose and may be the group that is worst affected,” he adds.

more animal health at www.ruralnews.co.nz

Rural News // July 5, 2011

animal health 33

Better returns despite drench cost sue e dm o n ds

JUST HOW much more profitable would treating a mob of 1000 lambs with an effective drench be compared to using a cheap-and-cheerful single mode of action product with impaired efficacy?

It’s a question Pfizer’s vet adviser beef and sheep, Tom Watson, set about answering at the recent New Zealand veterinary conference.

“Knowing your farm’s drench resistance and using the right anthelmintic can make a big difference to lamb profitability,” he told delegates. And Watson has the figures to prove it, though the detail is still under wraps because it has been submitted to an international veterinary journal.

He did, however, give delegates at Hamilton a sneak preview.

“We discovered that scientists working at Flock House near Bulls had been recording drench resistance in animals and pastures over about three years.

“We were offered an opportunity to use their range of GPS-measured paddocks for some lamb trials to test whether using a fully effective drench could increase profitability.”

There were four spe-

cies of worm on the pasture, Trichostrongylus, Ostertagia (Teladorsagia), Nematodirus and Haemonchus. The first three were known to be resistant to treatment with albendazole, hence a trial was set up to compare that with Pfizer’s Startect, containing new active derquantel and abamectin.

Multiple mobs of 30 lambs were drenched at the start and every four weeks for 20 weeks, half with Startect, the other half with albendazole. Differences started to emerge quite early, those dosed with the new compound gaining weight faster and having no dags, whereas the albendazole mobs went daggy quite quickly.

Lambs on the new drench hit the target weight of 38kg a full month before the others.

Lambs were shorn before being sent to the works and wool weights recorded, the Startect treated mobs averaging 360g more fleece than their standard counterparts.

Despite the new drench being costed at 10c/ml against albendazole at 4c/ ml, overall profitability was substantially better for several reasons: lambs sent off a month earlier gave opportunity for one extra month of grazing for cattle; and the wool har-

vest was also greater, and meat grade and quality higher.

Overall, financial calculations based on 1000 lambs with no worms and after 3-4 doses of the new drench would, at the time of the sale, have produced an extra $26,700 in profit or about 21.8% more than could have been achieved

Responses in liveweight, fleece weight, and dagginess were all seen, says Pfizer’s Tom Watson.

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AGRESEARCH SUBSIDIARY Paraco Technology and University of South Australian spin-off company Ceridia are to work together to develop new animal health drugs.

The agreement will combine Ceridia’s novel formulation techniques with Paraco’s expertise in anthelmintic resistance, ruminant immunology and molecular biology.

“Partnering with Ceridia will create a win-win for all,” says Paraco acting chief executive and sole director Ian Boddy.

The intent is to develop and market new and improved formulations of existing approved drugs for farm and domestic animals, including new uses.

“We know our unique technology has significant advantages over existing technologies and it is pleasing to see it gaining traction in different market places,” says Ceridia chief executive Gregor Rozenberg.

Paraco is described by AgResearch as an animal health drug discovery and development company that identifies and develops new molecules and formulations.

To date it has focused on finding new anthelmintics, as this is the largest single animal health market by value, and it has two programmes running innovative early stage product development in partnerships with multinational companies.

with a less effective drench.

The fleece value improvement would have added $1500, and R1 cattle grazing $6000, bringing the overall revenue advantage up to $35,789 or 28%, Watson calculated.

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Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

34 machinery & products

Two-way drafter needs only 12V Graeme Ward TO N Y HO P K I N SO N

RELEASED AT National Fieldays, Prattley Industries has designed a new electric two-way drafter, powered by electric motors and driven by a 12V battery or by connection to a 12V outlet on a utility vehicle.

“Previously the drafters were powered by air from a nearby compressor and generator,” says Prattley managing director Graeme Ward. “In contrast, direct 12V connection minimises noise and logistics problems.”

The unit can be programmed for fully automatic or manual drafting or for auto

operation with override by a remote.

With the new design (patented), back gates eliminate the slide rails making the crate universally operable without the need for right- or left-hand operation. When the machine recognises a weight on the platform the rear gates close automatically. These rear

gates have vertical rollers which allow the gates to roll in around the sheep as they close or allow the following sheep to pull back without getting caught.

“Our technology is well proven and accurate, and this is another advance to improve the process of drafting sheep,”

says Ward.

The electric two-way drafter is made from alloy, making the crate strong and easy to handle.

EID tag readers can be fitted for drafting by tag.

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“The new 500 is better than ever,” Wylie says. “It’s stronger, more powerful, more reliable, more economical and harder working on farm.”

This because of ‘programmed fuel injection’ (PGMFI), he says, in addition to the machine’s 4WD and “innovative” electric power steering.

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Design and engineering features include: • New liquid-cooled 475cc 1-cyl. OHV 4-stroke engine with a higher compression ratio.

• New fuel injection system with 36mm throttle body; instant throttle response, consistent performance at high altitude and hassle-free cold-weather starting.

• New rear suspension combines a new steel swing-arm design with a single high-quality shock absorber; 175mm of supple, well-controlled travel.

• New, larger 196mm dual front hydraulic disc brakes.

“It’s p r good m etty ate!”

$10,990 +gst

www.scartt.co.nz

09 912 2555

CALL US NOW FOR FIELDAYS DEAL

Rural News // July 5, 2011

machinery & products 35

‘Funny thing happened to that old grandstand’ TWO novelties have appeared on the electric fence marketing horizon thanks to Tru-Test Group.

One is funny video clips, the other an offer to help pay for make-overs of three rural rugby clubs’ grandstands.

Re the video clips: the company’s Speedrite energiser brand includes the world’s most powerful – “seriously powerful,” the company muses.

with your “funnier side”.

The company’s new website www.funnystuff.co.nz is offered as a venue for “seriously funny videos clips”. Register there to be updated when new videos are uploaded.

Says Owen, “We’re sourcing videos from around the world. There’s certain to be serious humour.”

Sign up to www.funnystuff.co.nz before July

to spend on grandstand do-ups. Clubs are invited to make their best case for the cash – entry deadline July 8.

Owen says he sees a “natural fit between Stafix and rural rugby”.

“Club rugby is the heart

and soul of rural communities. And those communities are the heart and soul of our business.

“Every club has its own story; we want to hear them and help... because of the incredible support we get from the rural com-

munity.”

Listen to the Jamie Mackay Farming Show on Radio Sport weekdays noon to 1pm, or see Rural News and Dairy News to learn more.

Nominations close July 8.

GREAT PRICES 603 COMMANDO 4x4, 60Hp, tyres: 11.2x20 14.9x 14.9x28, 12 speed F/3R Transmission, fitt tted Euro Series N S-L Loader.

$36,990++GST

PRICE INCLUDES LOADER

TIGER 75.4 4x4, 75 75Hp, best tyres: 11.2x24 16.9x30, 12 speed, F/3R F Transmission, n, independent PTO, unique indepen 4 wheel braking, fitted with Eur Euro Series II Loader.r.

$45,880 $45 ,880+GST EXPLORER 95 31 to enter a draw to win $2500 of Speedrite prizes.

And re rugby grandstands: Tru-Test Stafix is the name behind the company’s offer of $5000 “for each of the three most deserving rural rugby clubs in New Zealand”

4x4, 95Hp, tyres:: 380/85R24 420/85R34, 85R34, full spec Italian tractor, ractor, unique 4 wheel braking, fitted with Seriess II Euro loader, NZ best ROPS buy.

Features: 170Hp, 170 7.2 litre Deutz engine, 40x40 Powershift Pow c/w automatic with creeper range, ran 120L hydraulic load sensing, mechanical mech cab suspension, models also aavailable with front linkage PTO.

IRON 130 140 120L hydraulic load sensing, 140Hp, tyres: tyre 540/65R24 600/65R38, 40x40 Powershift Pow c/w automatic, c/w trailer brakes, bra mechanical cab suspension.

Exceptional price +GST

$63,530+GST

PRICE IN NC CLLU UD DEES S LOADER

$135,000

EXPLORER3 85 GS CABIN 85Hp Deutz Engine, ne, 4x4 power shuttle/shift, wet clutch, tyres: 420/70x24 0/70x24 480/70-34, 480/70-34 fully spec’d, spec’d fitted with latest Euro III 360HD loader, you won’t buy better for the 85-90Hp class!

$79,990

+GST

PRICE INCLUDES LOADER

See your SAME dealer or call Graeme Rogers on 027 221 1212

Some photos may show optional extras.

FIELDAYS DEALS S

No payments

until November 2011

Normal lending criteria & conditions apply.

FINANCE FROM 4.95%

WHANGAREI Bryant Tractors 09 438 1319

TAURANGA Capital Tractor Services 07 543 0021

GISBORNE Wilson Farm Services 06 837 0095

SILVERDALE Gatmans Mowers & More 09 426 5612

WHAKATANE Jacks Machinery 07 308 7299

HASTINGS Stortford Machinery Ltd 06 876 6012

HAMILTON Agrilife 07 847 2195

ROTORUA Truck & Tractor 07 349 6528

NEW PLYMOUTH Ag Traction Taranaki 06 759 8432

FEILDING Central Tractors & Machinery 06 323 4858 BLENHEIM Marlborough Tractor Services 03 572 8787 NELSON Brian Millar Truck and Tractor 03 544 5723 WEST COAST Colin Redpath - 0292 001 202

NORTH CANTERBURY Northern Tractor Services 027 431 3404 CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND 0272 810 042 GORE Peter Thompson Machinery 03 208 9179

PF9033

Touch a fence powered by a Speedrite 63000R and you’ll know how ‘serious’ it is, says Shaun Owen, marketing manager.

But, seriousness aside, Owen wants to lighten your load by encouraging you to get in touch

IRON 165.7

PRICE INCLUDES LOADER

Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

36 machinery & products

Rats get flick from power cables RAT DAMAGE to electrical cabling has recently been thwarted on a New Zealand dairy farm by a commercial model of the Australian-made Plug In Pest Free device.

The Pest Free was installed late last month to deter rats from chewing cables in ducting under a rotary milking platform. Early signs are it is working, one of many instances of this technology achieving its designed purpose, says Pest Free commercial distributor Rushton Direct, Auckland.

“Many owners of these devices – once at their wits’ end to stop rat damage of buildings and plant – say they are effective,” the company says. “We offer many reports of building owners or managers clearing out rats.”

For example, a prison at Cessnock, NSW, in March this year said a three-year trial (2008-2011) had satisfied them “rodent damage to integral systems had been eliminated.”

“Until then the centre was suffering major rodent

damage to mains power and security cables, resulting in failure of some systems, not to mention expensive fault tracking and repair expenses.”

Rats chew cable insulation and plastic conduits for two simple reasons: 1) their teeth grow ceaselessly and they have to ‘grind’ them down; 2) many plastics contain some soy product.

Pest Free electromagnetic technology (patented in Australia and USA, launched 1995) was the subject of a trial (1996-97) at The University of New England, Armidale, NSW, led by then emeritus professor of zoology W. Danthanarayana and professor of botany John Milburn.

Their key finding, as reiterated to the Pest Free maker in 2005, was that the pulsing of the devices “reduces food consumption in rats… shown to be statistically significant and consistent.” They also found “statistically significant increases in the consumption of water by rats and mice”.

In summary, this causes “loss of appetite and increased thirst, disrupting their normal behavior and reproduction.” They therefore learn to leave a building, and stay out.

Pest Free works by switching a coil across the active and neutral leads of the power supply. This sends 50Hz pulses along the cabling, modulating the existing electromagnetic field as the coil switches on and off. The on/off phases are each about 3 minutes duration, so pests do not develop immunity.

They plugs into a power point and runs 24/7.

One commercial Plug In Pest Free suits premises 1000 sq.m. One domestic unit serves a house about 100 sq.m.

The devices carry a 60-day money-back guarantee (invoked by virtually nobody), a 2-year warranty, and 10-year life expectancy.

Prices: commercial model $1800 incl. GST; domestic model $159.90 incl. GST).

Tel. 09 833 1931 rushtondirect@clear.net.nz

Correction The White Heron Lodge was in Parnell, not Mt Wellington, Auckland, as reported in Rural News, June 21, page 34.

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Multi-Terrain Vehicle

Rural News // July 5, 2011

machinery & products 37

Wairarapa contractor Paddy Buckley.

‘And yer gear had better be new’

TTop Spec S Utility Utilit TTractors ctors t Aggrolux 4.775

NICHE AGRICULTURAL contractor Paddy Buckley, of Wairarapa, has for nine years thought hard how best to stay in business.

One tactic has been to choose equipment known for quality and reliability, says his tractor supplier Agco.

He bought Fendt from TRC Tractors, Feilding. But his brand choice stemmed from dealers’ tips, Buckley says.

“Every dealer I talk to says Fendt is best, even when they’re selling a different brand. I’m the only person driving it, so I decided to pay more interest – the Fendt is slightly dearer – and spend less down time.” Now his first Fendt has clocked 9500 hours and is going strong.

He bought this Fendt, a new 120hp 411, six years ago. Its dual wheels, suspension and Vario transmission serve him well on the hills: “You never run out of gears”.

• • • • • • •

“It has electronic engine management. I don’t even touch the throttle. It’s always in the right gear and the right revs for whatever it’s pulling.”

Tel. 0272 708 027 peter.scott@agco.com.au. www.fendt.com.au

$45,880 ,880

$63,530

+gst

+gst

Agr A gro rolux ux 9955 • • • • • • • •

• Deutz 4 cylinder 4 litre engine, 100hp • Modern spacious cabin c/w a/c.

Arm rest control • Wet clutch 60x60 speedshift trans • 4 Rear aux remotes independent oil pump 93 litre ECO • Braking on all 4 wheels – unique to Deutz • 480/65R24 540/65/34

$91,250

+gst

Cabin m

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*Conditions apply. Photos shown here may include optional extras.

WHANGAREI WELLSFORD PUKEKOHE MORRINSVILLE TE AWAMUTU PUTARURU TAURANGA WHAKATANE ROTORUA GISBORNE HASTINGS HAWERA

Ag & Earth Power Farming Wellsford The Tractor Centre Maber Motors Power Farming Te Awamutu Maber Motors Capital Tractors Jacks Machinery Truck & Tractor Services Power Farming Gisborne Power Farming Hawke’s Bay Power Farming Taranaki

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4 cylinder SDF engine 20x20 transmission c/w creeper range 2 Auxiliary valves Independent Hyd pump 4 Wheel braking Hydrostatic steering independent pump 380/85/R24 420/85/R34 Euroloader c/w HD360 Euroloa ader inc 3rd service.

HI-SPEC TRACTOR

Agrrofarm 420P.LL Cabin

PF9029

Now his gear is bigger. Seeing the 411 struggling with new discs, in 2009 he added a Fendt 714 (150hp), finding it unfazed by bigger implements and easy to drive – “a lazy man’s tractor you set up so you just steer.”

He can’t stall it on hills and its fuel economy is great because of the transmission. “It has electronic engine management. I don’t even touch the throttle. It’s always in the right gear and the right revs for whatever it’s pulling.”

Buckley works 35km out from Pahiatua, from Eketahuna to Woodville, ranging from ploughing flats to discing hills. He does ploughing, direct drilling, discing, regrassing summer crops and aeration. Aeration is becoming more popular as farmers realise compaction is holding back production and as heavier cows create more problems.

Buckley Contracting is a partnership of Paddy and his wife Julie, she doing accounts, banking and “telling me off for buying new equipment.”

They plan to upgrade one piece of equipment every year, usually buying new, for the warranty and reliability.

Also because farmers don’t like you turning up with old gear, Buckley says.

4 litre 4 cylinder SDF engine 12x3 manual trans 540 PTO Hydrostatic steering Hydrostatic 4 wheel braking Folding safety frame 11.2x24 15.9x30.

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Serious about Fencing!

More electric fence options, it just gets easier!

Rural News // JUly 5, 2011

38 motoring RWC Land Rovers heading north RWC 2011 livery adorns 75 Land Rovers, most of which arrived late June at Auckland by sea.

Land Rover is official vehicle partner of the Rugby World Cup 2011, keeping wheels under organisers, teams and officials.

The vehicles are mostly Range Rover Sports and Land Rover Discovery.

Gary Upson, brand

manager Land Rover NZ, says the vehicles will be put to good use between now and October by the

IRB representatives, teams and officials.

The Land Rover team will hit the road with the

Webb Ellis Cup as part of the RWC 2011 Roadshow that started yesterday at Invercargill and is now

heading north via all 23 of the RWC 2011 host regions, finishing in Auckland on July 31.

‘Legendary’ off-roader upgraded

Multi Wire Tread-In Posts * Unique angled clip prevents unintentional tape detachment * Unique foot wedge design provides superior holding performance * Heavy duty, UV resistant polymer

Contact your local rural supplies merchant or phone 0800 266 258

TracMap - Accurate spreading and spraying Made Easy.

30cm Accuracy Now Available

UPGRADING THE interior of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Renegade has given the “legendary off-roader rich styling with better touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility,” says Sime Darby Automobiles Chrysler divisional manager Todd Groves.

“It’s fair to say the 2011 Jeep Wrangler is now even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside.”

The Jeep Wrangler comes with solid axles, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable and convertible tops.

It’s all about “freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity,” with room for five adults.

Features include: new interior ergonomics and materials; power-heated mirrors; new steering-wheel controls for the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone, etc; electronic stability control, hill-start assist; trailer-sway control; larger rear windows; and reduced interior noise.

The suspension is a five-link coil setup with

tuned shock absorbers with Dana 30 front and Dana 44 rear axles.

Off-road enthusiasts will enjoy an approach angle of 38.4 degrees, breakover angle of 25.1 degrees and departure angle of 31.4 degrees.

Underbody skid plates protect the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan.

Power comes from a 3.8L V6 engine (146 kW power @ 5000 rpm and 315 Nm torque @ 4000 rpm. Transmission is 4-speed automatic with Command-Trac NV241 GII part-time, twospeed transfer case with shift-on-the-fly 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.

Connectivity and infotainment include… lots of goodies.

Fertiliser Spreading Screen View

TracMap provides a complete agricultural GPS guidance solution for New Zealand Farmers.

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, our award winning units are proven to make operating vehicles and managing staff on the farm easier and more profitable.

TracMap Provides: • 15 - 20% Savings on fertiliser and spray • Increased efficiency of pod irrigation • Reduced errors on farm • Country wide back-up and support • More effective staff management • Developed for NZ conditions • Easy to use

GPS MADE EASY Phone: +64 3 489 2952

www.tracmap.co.nz

MS1219

Rural News // July 5, 2011

rural trader 39 DOLOMITE

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Apple Cider Vinegar - High Quality Proven livestock supplement blends Buy Direct 200L from $340 + GST delivered

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