Wairarapa Rural Outlook - March - 2020 by Wairarapa Times-Age

www.age.co.nz Thursday, March 26, 2020

WAIRARAPA

RURAL OUTLOOK

MARCH EDITION

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE DROUGHT BREAKS P20 ALTERNATIVE CROPS PROGRAMME PRODUCES INTERESTING RESULTS P26 STAY IN THE RIGHT HEADSPACE P40 Some stories in Wairarapa Rural Outlook were written prior to the most recent developments in the covid-19 pandemic.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE DROUGHT BREAKS

Article by Sara Sutherland BVSc, Vet Services Wairarapa

Farmers seem to be divided in opinion as to whether the dry this summer is just a normal Wairarapa dry summer after a couple of wet summers, or the worst drought in 50 years. It’s early March as I’m writing this and I’m hanging out for them to declare it a drought, because as soon as that happens, then the drought usually breaks. Remember though – when the drought breaks your troubles may not be over. After you celebrate your lovely long gentle rain, and jump in a few puddles (because you’re never too old to jump in puddles), start to think about a couple of other animal health issues to expect. Worms, Facial Eczema, and ˜ y strike are three to

look out for. When pastures are really dry, eggs are less likely to hatch into larvae. Many of the larvae that do hatch will dry out or be killed by UV. Larvae need a bit of moisture to climb up out of the poo, on to the grass. Once we get 10 to15 millimetres of rain, those larvae start wiggling up on to grass and getting eaten. Barber’s Pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) likes warm and wet conditions. In the Wairarapa we don’t get this worm every year. That ÿ rst ˜ ush of feed after a drought is one situation where we often see them. Because the Barber’s Pole worm sucks blood, you will not see dags or diarrhoea. We have also had some cases of Barber’s Pole during the drought because animals are eating very close to

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IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR PADDOCKS, BRING IN SOME GRASS SAMPLES FOR US TO TEST – 50-60G OF GRASS (HALF A BREAD BAG FULL) CUT FROM AS CLOSE TO THE GROUND AS YOU CAN WITHOUT PICKING UP DIRT.

the ground and picking up any larvae that are there. The good news is that Barber’s Pole worm is easy to kill. Talk to your vet to discuss which drench you should use. So once it starts raining, when should you start to drench?

We can get a rough idea of how many worms they have by counting worm eggs in faecal samples (a “worm egg count” or “faecal egg count”). Talk to your vet about when to drench and which mobs to drench for your situation, and

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disease that likes warm and wet conditions, but for a quite di˛ erent reason. The disease is caused by a toxin released by a fungus – and fungi don’t like dry conditions or wind. Once the weather turns wet in the autumn, as long as it is

bring in some poo samples for us to test for worm eggs. You should all have a parasite control plan. Call your vet to discuss this. We do dispense small volumes of drench for lifestyle block farmers. Facial Eczema is another

still warm overnight, it doesn’t take long for spore counts to skyrocket. Clinical signs are droopy ears, swollen faces and peeling skin. These are an important animal health and welfare issue but these are just the tip of the iceberg. The real economic impact of FE is caused by liver damage. These end up being dry at scanning, or dead at lambing, or get culled earlier. Once the liver has been a˛ ected there is not much that you can do. Before the liver is a˛ ected, there are things you can do – getting them onto safer pastures (dry windy areas, crops, moving to Wanaka) or getting zinc into them (zinc does nothing after the liver is damaged). If you want to know what is going on in your paddocks, bring in some grass samples for us to test – 50-60g of grass (half a bread bag full) cut from as close to the ground as you can without picking up dirt. Who else likes warm and wet weather? Our old friend Lucilia cuprina – the Aussie Green

FARMERS, DID YOU KNOW...

Blow˜ y. Flies don’t like wind and dry weather. But a bit of wet wool when it is still over 12C overnight – that’s Lucilia’s idea of heaven. By heaven I mean laying lots of eggs which will turn into lots of maggots which will eat lots of sheep. There are di˛ erent ˜ avours of ˜ ystrike prevention. Like drenches, don’t just look at the brand name but put your glasses on and look at which chemical it contains. If you think Facial Eczema is bad for making sheep not get in lamb, ˜ ystrike is worse. Talk to your vet about which chemicals are the best to use, and we do dispense small quantities for lifestyle block owners with only a couple of sheep. So if I haven’t done anything else, I might have made you feel a bit better about drought! My last word - every millimetre of rain is something to celebrate, and you’re never too old to jump in puddles!

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MARCH EDITION

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WAIRARAPA

MARCH EDITION

Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

WAIRARAPA

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WHAT TO DO WHEN THE DROUGHT BREAKS

Article by Sara Sutherland BVSc, Vet Services Wairarapa

www.age.co.nz Thursday, March 26, 2020

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MARCH EDITION

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WAIRARAPA

MARCH EDITION

Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

WAIRARAPA

• Plowing • Cultivation Work • Direct Drilling

We can help with: • • • • • • • •

Batteries Bearings Belts Nuts & Bolts Grease, Oils & Lubricants PTO shafts & Gearboxes Hydraulic Hoses & Fittings Pins & Bushes

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Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

W AIR AR APA

RURAL OUTLOOK

MARCH EDITION

QUIET RURAL REAL ESTATE MARKET IN THE WAIRARAPA

A lack of listings is one of the most noticeable features of the Wairarapa rural real estate market as we head into autumn. There are very few sheep & beef farms - or dairy farms for that matter - being listed at present, notes real estate agent Tim Falloon, of One Agency in Masterton. This has been the case for many months. Tim suspects that for sheep & beef farmers there is not a lot of incentive to sell when they are enjoying good lamb prices. Meanwhile dairy farms are struggling with a lot of debt. The lack of willingness by the major banks to lend money to the agricultural industry is having an e˜ ect, Tim says. “Banks are trying to pull back their exposure a bit to the rural sector and that’s not helping farm sales, that’s for sure.” Data released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) shows there were 57 less

farm sales (-13.6%) for the three months ended January 2020 than for the three months ended January 2019. Overall, there were 363 farm sales in the three months ended January 2020, compared to 345 farm sales for the three months ended December 2019, an increase of 5.2%, and 420 farm sales for the three months ended January 2019. One thousand two hundred and seventy-seven farms were sold in the year to January 2020, 14.7% fewer than were sold in the year to January 2019, with 40.3% less dairy farms, 3.9% less Grazing farms, 28.4% less ÿ nishing farms and 9.8% less arable farms sold over the same period. The median price per hectare for all farms sold in the three months to January 2020 was $21,221 compared to $27,087 recorded for three months ended January 2019 - down 21.7%. The median price per hectare fell 7.7% compared to

“

IN THE WAIRARAPA, FOR THE THREE MONTHS TO JANUARY 2020, THERE WERE STRONG PRICES FOR TWO SMALL FINISHING BLOCKS BUT NO ACTIVITY IN ANY OTHER CATEGORY.”

December 2019. Numerous issues continue to impact the rural sector, says Brian Peacocke, Rural Spokesman at REINZ, “with the well-publicised restrictions emanating from some members of the banking sector now being trumped by market restrictions resulting from coronavirus to shortage of killing space at a critical time of the year to the onset of extraordinarily dry conditions bordering on drought throughout the North Island and the top of the South.” In the Wairarapa, for the three months to January 2020, there were strong prices for two small ÿ nishing blocks but no activity in any other category. However, there has been more activity in lifestyle properties.

Nationally, the number of lifestyle properties sold fell over the three months to January 2020 but prices remained buoyant. The median price for all lifestyle properties sold in the three months to January 2020 was $725,500, up $35,500 compared to the three months ended January 2019 for a 5.1% increase. Brian Peacocke notes that lifestyle properties in the south Wairarapa remain resilient, recording a slight increase in the median price. Tim Falloon agrees that the lifestyle market in the Wairarapa remains pretty strong, especially for properties that are closer to Wellington, making them an easier commute. But listings are quite tight at the moment.

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BEEF & LAMB POSTPONES EVENTS

Beef & Lamb NZ is postponing all events for the present. “It is paramount we protect our food producers and the rest of the red meat supply chain to keep this crucial part of the New Zealand economy going,” it says. “Ours is one of the industries that has so far been able to continue, and it is vital for our farmers and all New Zealanders that we take all measures to protect our second largest export sector and largest manufacturing employer. “We are conscious, for example, that if a farmer gets infected, they will have few options for getting assistance on their farm. “We will be increasing other ways that farmers can stay in touch with each other and get the tools and information needed: such as social media; potential delivery of workshops online; webinars; and emails.” Beef & Lamb NZ encourages farmers to reach out to their neighbours and discuss ways they could support each other, if for example, someone were to become sick or need to self-isolate.

It suggests contractors and visitors only enter your farm by pre-phone approval IF you have not got symptoms and have not travelled overseas. Federated Farmers (www.fedfarm.org.nz) suggests employers: • Ensure you meet your obligations under the HSWA to mitigate health and safety risks and protect their workers from them, so far as is reasonably practicable. • Develop a plan with your employees for likely scenarios in respect to COVID-19 in your workplace. • If an employee is sick with COVID-19, ensure they do not pose a threat to other employees. • If an employee can not work or is required to self isolate, work with them on matters like working from home, sick leave and special leave, in line with individual employment agreements. • Consider the type of work an employee is undertaking, including whether sta˜ can isolate themselves or work on their own, safely.

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ABOVE AVERAGE TEMPERATURES, NORMAL RAINFALL AND SOIL MOISTURE PREDICTED FOR WAIRARAPA Warmer than average ocean waters in the Coral Sea and west-central Paciÿ c Ocean are expected to have an in˛ uence on New Zealand’s climate during March to May, according to NIWA. Northerly air ˛ ows could bring an increase in humidity, moisture, and rainfall to New Zealand, it says in its “Seasonal climate outlook March May 2020.” New Zealand’s air temperatures are expected to be pushed in a warmer direction by above average sea surface temperatures near the North Island and in the Tasman Sea over the upcoming three months. Temperatures are most likely to be above average in the North Island, while rainfall is expected to be near normal. Air temperatures are most

likely to be above average (50-55% chance) in the North Island. During periodic northeasterly quarter air ˛ ow patterns, the country will be exposed to moist and humid conditions from the sub-tropics. This may be associated with heavy rainfall events. Soil moisture and river ˛ ows are about equally likely to be near normal or below normal in the east of the North Island (35-40% chance). For Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and the Wairarapa NIWA says temperatures are most likely to be above average (50% chance), rainfall totals are most likely to be near normal (45% chance), and soil moisture levels and river ˛ ows are about equally likely to be near normal (40% chance) or below normal (35% chance).

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Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

CONSTRUCTED WETLAND TRIAL

A Wairarapa trial to measure the e˜ ectiveness of a constructed wetland in reducing nutrient loss and enhancing biodiversity is reaching a milestone this year. The trial at Kaiwaiwai Dairies near Lake Wairarapa has proven that a constructed wetland can reduce farm nitrogen losses by over 10 per cent, as well as providing other beneÿ ts. In September 2014, 0.75 ha of rushes and pasture was converted to a wetland as part of the Fresh Start initiative of the Ministry for the Environment. The project has been administered by Sustainable Wairarapa with shared funding at di˜ erent stages from the Ministry of Primary Industry, DairyNZ, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Landcorp. The trial has been brought to fruition by Groundtruth Ltd, a New Zealand company using science, technology and community engagement in innovative ways to enhance the management of ecosystems and productive landscapes. The wetland was constructed as three side-by-side “cells”, collecting water from a permanently ˛ owing peat drain, from around 50 hectares of farmland. The water ˛ ows from one cell into the next and ÿ nally back into the same drain, eventually making

Lifting the net in a farm drain its way into Lake Wairarapa. Natural wetlands were a common feature of the Ruamahanga River basin prior to European settlement. They provided a system for cleaning water on its way to Lake Wairarapa by removing sediment and some dissolved nutrients. Most of the wetlands have been drained and few now remain on farms, but the sediment and dissolved nutrients remain. Instead, pipe and open drains carry water away from the soil when it is saturated. The drainage water typically has elevated levels of Nitrate-Nitrogen

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(NO3-N) caused by urine patches from sheep and cattle. NO3-N is an important plant fertiliser, but it is highly soluble and leaches through soils, particularly after heavy rainfall. Dairy cows deposit large quantities of urine on to pasture, equating to 700 to 1000 kg N/ha under a urine patch. Reducing nitrogen in the feed and/or removing cows from grazing when the soil is wet reduces the risk to waterways. However these options are not always available, practical or economic. However, the constructed

wetland at Kaiwaiwai Dairies has shown that a well-designed wetland can signiÿ cantly reduce farm loss of nitrogen. The hard work is done by the microbes that live in the anaerobic environment at the bottom of the wetland, converting the nitrogen into nitrogen gas. Monthly water sampling has been done at Kaiwaiwai wetland since January 2015. On average, 665kg of nitrogen is removed from the total farm output of 6024 per year. So the wetland e˜ ectively reduces nitrogen loss from the farm by more than 10 per

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cent, which is higher than most constructed wetlands in New Zealand, according to NIWA. Results for total phosphorus were similar in that 14.3 per cent was removed, again above the 10 per cent removal normally expected. In summer, when heat makes the microbes more active, the results were even better. Data from monthly monitoring showed in summer all nitrate was removed from the incoming drainage water. Over the Ăż rst three summer months, on average the Ăż rst

wetland cell removed 52 per cent of the nitrate from the drainage water. The second removed 22 per cent and the third 26 per cent. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;bio blitzâ&#x20AC;? was carried out in May 2018 to evaluate the increased biodiversity provided by a constructed wetland as compared with the neighbouring pasture. It found 160 species across both sides. There were 136 species on the wetland and 60 species on the paddock site. A number of species, particularly invertebrates, have yet to be identiĂż ed. The Ăż shing found both long and short Ăż n tuna eels, the long

Ăż n being classiĂż ed as at risk and declining by the Department of Conservation. Sustainable Wairarapa has published a guide on constructing a wetland, advising farmers to choose a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wetâ&#x20AC;? area, usually dominated by rushes. Pasture production is relatively poor in these wet areas, and they are often the most expensive areas to drain on the farm. Alternatively farmers could construct a wetland at the bottom end of a farm drainage system, either where a permanent waterway exits the property or even at the end of a tile

MARCH EDITION

OUTLOOK RURAL

The wetland at Kaiwaiwai Dairies

drainage system. The guide says to avoid areas prone to Â° ooding as this will disturb the ecosystem and disrupt nitrogen removal. A wetland that has water Â° owing into it all year round provides the best results and the bigger the wetland, the more eË&#x203A; ective it is. As long as the water directed through the wetland eventually Â° ows back into the original waterway, a resource consent is not normally required. Groundtruth director John-Paul Praat points out that a constructed wetland is only an option for some farms in the Wairarapa, usually on the plain but sometimes in hill country too. He adds that it is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;hands-onâ&#x20AC;? project and fortunately one of the owners of Kaiwaiwai Dairies Ltd, Vern Brasell, has been very active in getting the best out of the wetland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Establishing and maintaining the wetland has been a real team eË&#x203A; ort.â&#x20AC;? The current funding comes to an end in July this year. Some monitoring and data collection will continue with the support of GWRC and DairyNZ and the project team is hopeful further funding can be found to further study and hopefully replicate the beneĂż ts found at Kaiwaiwai.

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MARCH EDITION

ALTERNATIVE CROPS PROGRAMME

They say it is an ill wind that blows provide them with food early in no good, and this applies to the the season before manuka starts recently lifted ban on growing ˛ owering. peas in the Wairarapa. “We got some fantastic The ban revealed the ˛ owering crops,” says Ivan, “but vulnerability of Wairarapa crop that didn’t lead to anything as farmers to unpredictable events. there wasn’t the interest from The need for diversiÿ cation apiarists to pay for the service. sparked the trial of a variety of “In saying that, we learned a alternative crops with the harvest lot from the project that will be of one of them about to be tested useful for introducing cover crops by artisan bakers around the in our systems to improve soil lower North Island. quality.” Eradicating pea weevils in the The programme also trialled Wairarapa is a real success story, red and white lentils to meet the says Ivan Lawrie, General Manager increasing consumer demand for Business & Operations at the plant-based protein. Foundation for Arable There were problems with Research (FAR), who the establishment of was involved in that the crops, especially process from the as beginning. niche crops For the past like lentils two years have limited FAR has been herbicide involved with options. the programme For lentils to Alternative Crops be an economic for the Wairarapa cropping option, with funding from the Ivan Lawrie with crop of yields would need to be Ministry for Primary irrigated durum wheat well above those of the Industries. trial, Ivan says. near Carterton Initially eight di° erent “We could grow these crops were investigated, although in the Wairarapa but the demand not all of them were grown is not strong and they are not a successfully. high value product competing One early and novel idea was with cheap imports.” to grow annual legume species Spelt, also trialled, is a niche as ˛ owering crops for bees, to cereal, often used in baked

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goods. With changes in consumer demands towards ancient grains in baked goods it has been identiÿ ed as a possible cropping option. The problem with this crop is that the available varieties need to be planted in autumn but in the Wairarapa the winters are too wet for most growers, says Ivan. Also trialled was high grade milling wheat which currently is not commonly grown in the Wairarapa.

The Arable Food Industry Council (AFIC) has recently set a goal of milling wheat selfsu˝ ciency in New Zealand by 2025. This is an ambitious target, requiring an estimated increase of 25,000-30,000 ha in production area. In light of this, high grade milling wheat is seen as an option worth exploring further in the Wairarapa. Ivan notes that Wairarapa company Breadcraft wants to

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results are very pleasing!” already being available. Now it is the turn of lower North The bigger issue is that the crops Island bakers to see what they can trialled need to o° er very good come up with, including some in returns to be competitive and the Wairarapa. markets need to be developed. “We turned the For this reason, wheat into 20kg Ivan expects bags of ˛ our and Wairarapa crop THE PEA WEEVIL have distributed farmers to return SHOWED HOW these to artisan to growing peas VULNERABLE bakers and pizza as they are a WAIRARAPA makers to get their ÿ nancially viable CROP FARMERS feedback and see option. But he if there is a general doesn’t see the ARE WHEN ONE enthusiasm for the trials as a waste of THING UPSETS THE crop. WHOLE INDUSTRY.” time. “We have “Most growers not been too will go back to prescriptive. There peas again but that are multiple applications, cous doesn’t fulÿ l the whole rotation. cous, ˛ at bread, pasta, and it They need other crops.” works very well as a component There is an interest among of artisan bread. It is a chance for some growers to try out other them to let their imagination ˛ ow.” crops such as sun˛ owers and Simultaneously, FAR is working buckwheat, he says. on the agronomy of the crop to “Some growers are more ensure yield and quality can make adventurous and keen to give it competitive. these a go.” Summing up, Ivan says most of Eradicating the pea weevil has the crops trialled can grow well in been a major success, Ivan says. the Wairarapa. “It’s a good story of collaboration There are issues around between growers, contractors, the infrastructure such as storage, industry and government. although these can be But he expects the search for overcome by farmers working alternatives to carry on. collaboratively. “The pea weevil showed how And for cereals, the Wairarapa vulnerable Wairarapa crop farmers has the advantage of a lot of are when one thing upsets the knowledge and infrastructure whole industry.”

“

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source all of its milling ˛ our from New Zealand. Milling wheat yields in Wairarapa have the potential to be as good as other regions, says Ivan. “It is a question of testing the right varieties that adapt to the region and meet the quality requirements of the industry.” Durum wheat is a cereal with a niche market, producing high quality semolina ideal for pasta making and other specialty uses. The yields in Year 1 were less than hoped for due to low plant density, but the quality was

“fantastic”, says Ivan. “The harvested crop was of excellent quality. It was processed through a stone mill in Canterbury, producing a whole durum wheat ˛ our sample which is of appealing colour and characteristics for artisan baking and potentially for fresh and dry pasta.” There is no better way of putting a product to the test than actually using it to cook and tasting the results, says Ivan. “FAR sta° had a go at pasta, pizza, and other recipes and the

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MARCH EDITION

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Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

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Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

Laura and Johnie McFadzean with sons, from left, Harry, Jack, George, and Angus

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MARCH EDITION

A MOMENT WITH JOHNIE MCFADZEAN OF MCFADZEAN CATTLE COMPANY

What is your impression on the markets at present and do you feel optimistic? The situation is changing on a daily basis. In running your business, what are the sorts of things that are weighing most heavily on your mind at the moment? Coronavirus, Drought, and proposed water plans, the long term economic consequences in

New Zealand when good meat producing farm land turns into pine trees.

meat diet. By the age of 11-13 the latter children were ahead intellectually.

What areas are you feeling positive about? The fact that people around the world are recognizing the health beneÿ ts of red meat. For example, the Taiwanese have compared children raised on a vegetarian diet versus children on a balanced red

I assume you know other local sheep & beef farmers. What sort of mood is there amongst them at the moment? Concerns over covid-19 and the e° ect it will have on the markets, and what is turning out to be a severe drought.

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MARCH EDITION

Tractor and farm machinery sales were down on 2019 compared to 2018 but hopefully 2020 will see previously deferred purchase decisions realised, says Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) president John Tulloch. TAMA statistics showed that during 2019, overall machinery sales were 4382 units compared to 4531 of all types sold in 2018. Mr Tulloch said as these units included everything from $1000 sprayers through $500,000 harvesters, it was more useful for meaningful comparisons to focus on the key machinery areas of grass and forage harvesting. These sales were 1787 units in 2018 compared to 1665 units last year: a decline of about 6.8%. In turn there were 4007 tractor sales in 2019 compared to 4640 in 2018, a drop of 13.6%. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything over 4000 tractor units is still a respectable result and showed we had a pretty

solid year. And certainly within the machinery sector, we had a better year than many were expecting considering the conditions.â&#x20AC;? These conditions included uncertainties around government policy on water quality and emissions plus challenges in obtaining Ăż nance as banks beefed up their equity reserves. 2020 is also shaping up to be another year of uncertainty with the unknown eË&#x153; ects of the coronavirus and a general election. COVID19 could aË&#x153; ect buyer conĂż dence and there may be some impact on sourcing

Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) president John Tulloch

preferred supplier. But only time will tell.â&#x20AC;? Mr Tulloch said the North Island drought conditions would have an eË&#x153; ect on farmers although contractors might have a good season as feed reserves have been used up, requiring restocking. Farmers in Westland, Southland and Otago were also suË&#x153; ering

Farmers and contractors are going to have to decide whether to make new purchases or invest in maintenance of their existing machines components from China although this had not yet occurred. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the actual impact yet. It could end up

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after a wet, cold spring followed by summer Â° ooding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reduction in value of dairy company shares is also suppressing the mood and sentiment of dairy farmers even though the predicted payout of $7+ is still quite positive.â&#x20AC;? With all these factors it was hard to forecast how the tractor and farm machinery industry would fare by year end, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to think that this coming season might give us a slight increase because some farmers and contractors have deferred purchasing so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some pent-up demand to realise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many are saying â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wait and seeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; but by the time they decide it could be too late to purchase in 2020. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Factory lead times are becoming longer as the machinery becomes more complex and technical. People need to order much earlier now to ensure their order can be imported in time so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important they make the buying decision sooner not later.â&#x20AC;? Speaking last week, Mr Tulloch said in the Wairarapa farmers have probably been budgeting for the impact of the current climate conditions. However, another signiĂż cant other event over the past couple of weeks - the fall in the value of the New Zealand dollar versus other countries - is going to put pressure on tractor and machinery suppliers to increase

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may change for the better in six their prices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most tractors and machinery months, but we just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know.â&#x20AC;? come from northern European In lieu of buying something countries like Germany, Britain, new, another option is to spend and France. more money on parts and â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a time of crisis, those servicing over winter, he says. countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; currencies strengthen â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, machines do wear as they are out and the perceived to last thing you be more safer want is for ASK IF THERE whereas New your tractor or Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IS SOMETHING machinery to currency is small ALREADY IN break down in and seen to be STOCK THAT the middle of less safe.â&#x20AC;? the busy season, WOULD DO THE This means which will cost JOB AND AT distributors will you money PRESENT PRICES. likely need to and cause you THAT COULD BE increase their grief with your A BETTER PRICE prices, say Mr customers if you THAN LATER ON.â&#x20AC;? Tulloch. are a contractor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They could â&#x20AC;&#x153;Contractors choose to may choose to manage the loss hold oË&#x153; on their next purchases instead. That will depend on but they have a list of what they them and how they choose to want to buy next for a very good operate.â&#x20AC;? reason.â&#x20AC;? There is also the question But every cloud has a silver of how much lenders are lining and in this case, the New prepared to lend to farmers and Zealand dollar going down contractors, which will vary from means returns from exports will borrower to borrower, and what go up with the extra money sort of interest rate they apply going directly to farmers and which again varies from one their bottom line. business to another. Mr Tulloch suggests that where Given the situation Mr Tulloch possible, farmers and contractors suggests farmers and contractors conduct business as usual but be â&#x20AC;&#x153;ask if there is something already careful and responsible. in stock that would do the job â&#x20AC;&#x153;The last thing we want to see and at present prices. That could is the economy implode, and if be a better price than later on. we all stay at home, the whole It depends a little bit on how long the crisis goes on for. Things system will shut down.â&#x20AC;?

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Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) president John Tulloch

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Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

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MARCH EDITION

NOT ALL DOOM AND GLOOM FOR FORESTRY BUT IT IS TOUGH! Despite the impact of Covid-19 on the world’s economies, Stuart Orme, land use consultant with Forest360 in Masterton, is optimistic about the long-term future demand and proÿ tability for New Zealand’s plantation forests. He notes that China currently has an inventory of seven million cubic metres of harvested logs, almost double the usual

levels, with fewer logs leaving their stockpiles as their economy restarts after shutting down. It will take some time for that surplus to be reduced and ° ows to return to near normal but perhaps somewhat perversely, NZD returns are actually close to long run averages with a weaker New Zealand dollar. It is current demand

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A SIGNIFICANT UPSIDE IS THE CURRENT REDUCTION IN SHIPPING RATES DUE TO REDUCED GLOBAL DEMAND AND FUEL COSTS AND A LOWER NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR. from New Zealand mills, which make up a signiÿ cant percentage of the regional market that are currently underpinning harvest operations. Timber from these mills is largely consumed domestically. The bulk of our processed timber exports go to Australia and developed Asian countries which will recover with time, including China as long as these supply chains continue to operate. A signiÿ cant upside is the current reduction in shipping rates due to reduced global demand and fuel costs and a lower New Zealand dollar. While these factors may not lift demand, they do reduce costs and provide increased grower returns.

This was the case some years ago and is what helped push returns to growers higher after the last big hit in mid-2015. That said, “everything has changed and will not be quite the same again,” Stuart says. “I’m not convinced it will be over in a couple of months.” In the meantime, Stuart believes the raft of actions announced by the government last week to combat the impact of Covid-19 will go some way to supporting many hit hard by reduced hours or complete stand down for those companies that qualify. Speciÿ cally, the wage subsidies that will be available for businesses in all parts of the country that can show they've had a 30 percent decline

in revenue for any month between January and June 2020 compared to the year before. In the meantime, from a forest perspective, there is no urgency to harvest trees that may have been planned to be chopped down soon. They can continue to grow into perpetuity. While radiata pine tends to be harvested around the age of 25 to 30 years, the species can easily be left to grow for a good 70 years or so and still be commercially viable. Stuart noted that the company’s Harvesting division is working hard to ensure work for contractors where they can where acceptable returns to forest owners exist and that the Land Use and Silvicultural side of Forest360 are still busy preparing for upcoming planting on many farms and forests in the country, helping farmer’s apply for 1 BT grants to plant trees on farms and in the climate mitigation space with carbon related work.

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COVID-19 ALERT LEVEL 4. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN THE WAIRARAPA A State of National Emergency has been declared in response to COVID-19. The Wairarapa Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated to support the Ministry of Health’s plans to slow down the spread of the virus. Our focus is on supporting the people of Wairarapa to get through this emergency. An important part of our role is to make sure you have accurate information when you need it. Here are some key things you need to know about the Government’s measures under COVID-19. The country is now operating under a Level 4 Alert. • This means New Zealanders not working in essential services must stay at home and stop all interactions with others outside of their households. • You may go for a walk or exercise, but keep a 2 metre distance from people at all times. You can take your children outside. Wairarapa’s three district councils will continue providing essential services – things like drinking water, rubbish collection, wastewater treatment. There are also some differences in services being provided by the councils. A full list is available on the COVID-19 Wairarapa Updates Facebook page.

Here’s what you need to know about what council services will be operating over the next four weeks: Essential services to continue:

• Provision of drinking water • Wastewater treatment and disposal • Kerbside rubbish collection • Recycling - normal collection for now (may be subject to

can all ow the pread

change in coming weeks) • Animal services - this includes roaming dogs and loose stock • Burials • The sale of rubbish bags will continue through supermarkets • Emptying of roadside rubbish bins • Essential roading maintenance and repair • Building inspections related to essential services • Payments (through online banking and direct debits – no cash)

stations ther if we wantTransfer to slow the spread st the virus now. All transfer stations except Featherston and Greytown are open, but Martinborough transfer station is open for rural and commercial customers only, as they don’t have kerbside collection; no greenwaste for urban residents. Earthcare will provide a yellow hub outside Featherston for Cough or sneeze Stay home into your elbow if you are sick recycling only. Urban residents throughout Wairarapa are asked to make use of the kerbside rubbish service as a preference.

It keeps the virus off your hands, so you won’t spread it to other people and make them sick too.

Call your GP before visiting them. Or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

Non-essential council services to continue include:

• Masterton and Carterton will continue to provide LIMs, PIMs, and

the processing of building and planning consents (this service will not continue in South Wairarapa for resourcing reasons). • Environmental Health queries will be recorded and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Services not available

• Libraries • Wairarapa Archive • Pools • Rural Halls • Playgrounds (you can use public spaces, but please be mindful of physical distancing) • Building inspections not related to essential services. • Haumanu House and the food bank (Carterton)

Masterton District Council contact details. For essential service requests, call 06 370 6300 or after hours on 06 378 7752, or email: mdc@mstn.govt.nz

Carterton District Council contact details. For essential service requests, call 06 379 4030 or email: info@cdc.govt.nz

South Wairarapa District Council contact details. For essential service requests, phone 06 306 9611 or email: enquiries@swdc.govt.nz.06 378 7752, or email: mdc@mstn.govt.nz

More information is available at: www.covid19.govt.nz You can also follow the COVID-19 - Wairarapa Updates Facebook page for specific local information.

Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

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MARCH EDITION

LEPTOSPIROSIS A RISK FOR FARMERS,

South Wairarapa Veterinary Services is encouraging anyone involved with rural livestock to protect themselves against Leptospirosis. While it doesn’t get a lot of attention in the media, Leptospirosis is a very common infection throughout New Zealand and in the Wairarapa. Leptospirosis is a blood infection caused by the spirochaete bacterium Leptospira. Signs and symptoms can range from none to mild (headaches, muscle pains, and fevers) to severe (bleeding in the lungs or meningitis). The bacteria are spread to humans through animal urine, or water and soil contaminated with animal urine, coming into contact with the eyes, mouth, nose or breaks in the skin. More than 10 genetic types of Leptospira cause disease in humans. Both wild and domestic animals can spread the disease, including rodents. In New Zealand, the disease occurs most commonly among farmers. It is usually transmitted via urine and other bodily ˜ uids, but can also a° ect those involved in outdoor activities in warm and wet areas. It is a common animal infection with around half of all ewe ˜ ocks shedding it, says SWVS large

Recreational hunting carries a risk of getting leptosporosis animal veterinarian Adrian Evans. “It occurs in high levels in beef cattle as well and all unvaccinated cattle should be assumed to be infected.” In sheep and deer, lepto can cause infertility and deaths, as well as lowered growth rates. However, the biggest risk is to human health. Infected animals can excrete leptospirosis for years,

creating a signiÿ cant human health risk to anyone in direct contact with them, especially farmers, contractors, veterinarians and meat workers. Dairy workers are most at risk due to the high risk of urine splash but there are multiple risk activities on all farms such as: • Shearing and dagging

• Assisted lambings, calvings and fawnings • Replacing prolapses • Working in muddy yards • Poor e˝ uent procedures • Loading sheep for transport • Dipping and handling wet wool, especially when urine soaked • Having pigs on a farm and wallowing deer Deer are especially di˙ cult, as

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hinds have a propensity to ˜ ick urine over people working in deer yards. Vaccination of dairy cattle has been normal practice in New Zealand since the 1970s, says Adrian. “It was driven by farmers’ wives who got tired of their husbands getting infected.” Vaccinating young stock as early as practical, greatly decreases

their chances of contracting leptospirosis. Calves and lambs should be fully vaccinated before six months of age. Fawns should receive their ÿ rst shot at three months, and a booster four to six weeks later. Brought in stock should have their vaccination history certiÿ ed, and animals of unknown status should not be mixed with

risk; wear gloves and protective clothing • Take care when handling kidneys and the bladder; avoid contact with urine • E˜ uent management: Leptospires from infected stock concentrate in e˛ uent; e˛ uent ponds should be fenced o˝ ; e˛ uent sprayed pasture should dry out fully before grazing. • Rodent control: rats can transmit lepto to people and livestock; use a comprehensive rodent control programme. • Protective clothing: wear appropriate clothing to avoid contact with urine - overalls, apron, gloves and footwear/ boots • Contact with unvaccinated animals: avoid contact with unvaccinated livestock and wild pigs if possible • Waterways/surface ° ooding: water aids survival and spread of lepto; fence o˝ waterways; avoid grazing areas with surface ˜ ooding; prevent pooling of water around dairy and calf sheds and yards. It is up to the farm owner/ manager to ensure all sta˝ and contractors are adequately informed about leptospirosis and take all reasonable steps to ensure they are protected.

MARCH EDITION

OUTLOOK RURAL

Shearing and dagging are high risk activities for leptosporosis

unvaccinated young stock. Older stock of all species require an annual booster, generally given in late summer/autumn before the highest risk period. The time between vaccines should not be more than 12 months. All classes of stock should be vaccinated including bulls, rams and stags. The vaccinations are not expensive, says Adrian, and there are products that along with leptospirosis, prevent the ÿ ve major clostridial diseases of cattle and sheep in New Zealand. He says that lifestyle property residents should also consider getting their animals vaccinated. “If kids are handling farm animals or pets, it is worth considering it.” As well as vaccines, anything that minimises contact with urine or other bodily ˜ uids and moisture that may have leptospires in it, will decrease the risk for farmers, their workers, and family. Along with vaccines, there are other ways that leptospirosis can be managed. • Personal hygiene: wash and dry hands after handling stock; cover cuts, chapped skin and scratches; do not smoke or eat when handling stock; avoid rubbing eyes, nose and mouth • Meat processing: recreational hunting and home kills carry a

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REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE – FAD OR FUTURE OPPORTUNITY?

By Jules Matthews – Regenerative Agricultural Coach with Integrity Soils

As regenerative agriculture is being taken up across the globe, the practices, principles, and profitability the approach offers are increasingly up for discussion. There are welcome wellinformed projects to benchmark and measure regenerative outcomes across the country. At the same time a persistent viewpoint that New Zealand agriculture is already regenerative is emerging. In my experience this is misinformed, and defaulting to that viewpoint has us resting on our laurels rather than exploring opportunities to learn new ways that would enable farmers, rather than adjusting and evolving the current model. Clearly, New Zealand farming is facing issues; water quality, nutrient and biodiversity loss,

greenhouse gas emissions, erosion to the tune of 192 million tonnes of top soil annually – and, farmer stress, both economic and personal, impacting wellbeing - to name a few. This coupled with the pressure of looming prescriptive regulation adding cost to doing business, has many farmers wondering where to turn, and the validity of their future. Industry advice appears to be shifting its approach from using increasing inputs in the form of NPK to lowering inputs with the addition of N inhibitors, sustain N, SurePhos etc. What will the next round of unintended consequences be as today’s answer becomes tomorrow’s problem? Does this approach of addressing the parts of a system unrelated to the whole have what it takes to resolve the issues we face? Today’s statistics tell us that is unlikely. While industry,

government departments and some science has supported and promoted the current best practice model we use in farming, it is farmers that are left to address the negative results from some of these practices. A farming system which is truly regenerative captures these inefficiencies, holding water like a sponge, before

slowly releasing clean water to streams and rivers. A regenerative system draws down greenhouse gases and optimises the freely available nitrogen in the atmosphere. When we have this, New Zealand can truly proclaim is it regenerative. Until then, there is a gap between what we think we’re producing and reality. Does a regenerative approach

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have something to offer? It’s often stated that there is no clear definition of “regenerative” agriculture. The same can be said that there is no one definition or formula to raising a child. Regenerative farming is a principle based, whole system approach to managing and measuring the outcomes of our actions in the ecosystems

we manage. It is not prescriptive, it is context dependent and needs to be applied in local situations. Based in the understanding of the interconnected relationships of all the parts of a living system, it is by nature adaptive and syntropic. A regenerative approach requires farmers to develop their knowledge, understanding, and observational skills as they seek to close loops in their production systems. Becoming less dependent on inputs from off-farm as they improve the ecological function, profitability, and social outcomes they are committed to. Optimising photosynthesis through more diverse pastures and adapting our already welldeveloped grazing systems to allow adequate recovery times for optimal plant, soil and animal health, and productivity is a key component. Addressing limiting factors - whether they be mineral, microbial, management, or the often overlook factor of mindset - are also fundamental to taking a whole system approach. A regenerative system is not restricted to any particular model of farming, nor does it limit itself to any particular scientific silo, although it is based in, and is increasingly

being researched through various scientific lenses. We need science to catch up with what is being discovered by a growing number of farmers, who have the evidence, both observational and through measurement of their improving systems.

“

THESE OUTCOMES INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCTIVITY, PROFITABILITY, ANIMAL HEALTH, WATER INFILTRATION AND RETENTION, BIODIVERSITY, RESILIENCE, PRODUCT SHELF LIFE AND QUALITY, AND PERSONAL WELLBEING.

These outcomes include improvements in productivity, profitability, animal health, water infiltration and retention, biodiversity, resilience, product shelf life and quality, and personal wellbeing. It is innovative, independentthinking farmers who will continue to lead the way. The Oxford dictionary defines

science as; the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Regenerative farmers are doing this in the field, this takes courage and a willingness to learn newly. I salute the growing number of farmers who, without extensive support of government and industry are providing the leadership in this arena. Their commitment to resolving the many issues we face both on farm and societally through a regenerative approach and a holistic mindset is gaining air time because of the results being produced. Jules Matthews brings a lifetime of experience in farming in a diverse number of sectors; extensive and intensive sheep and beef, large and small scale organic produce, dairy farming, multi-enterprise farming, and diverse, direct marketing farming. Jules has been managing and leading programmes in the educational sector in the field of ontological and performance coaching for the past eight years. Phone: 021 681 220 or 06 7627 823 Email: jules@integritysoils.co.nz

MARCH EDITION

OUTLOOK RURAL OUTLOOK

WAIRARAPA

OUTLOOK RURAL OUTLOOK

MARCH EDITION

Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

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REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE – FAD OR FUTURE OPPORTUNITY?

By Jules Matthews – Regenerative Agricultural Coach with Integrity Soils

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“

THESE OUTCOMES INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCTIVITY, PROFITABILITY, ANIMAL HEALTH, WATER INFILTRATION AND RETENTION, BIODIVERSITY, RESILIENCE, PRODUCT SHELF LIFE AND QUALITY, AND PERSONAL WELLBEING.

MARCH EDITION

OUTLOOK RURAL OUTLOOK

WAIRARAPA

OUTLOOK RURAL OUTLOOK

MARCH EDITION

Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

WAIRARAPA

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Thursday, March 26, 2020 Wairarapa Times-Age

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MARCH EDITION

THE FARM DEBT MEDIATION ACT 2019

This new legislation has now been conÿ rmed as operational from 1 July 2020. Purpose of the Act "The purpose of this Act is to provide parties to farm debt with the opportunity to use mediation to reach an agreement on the present arrangements and future conduct of ÿ nancial relations between them before an enforcement action is taken in relation to farm property.

Select Committee: "The intent of the bill is to provide for fair, equitable, and timely resolution of farm debt problems. It aims to have farmers and lenders explore solutions constructively. Where options are limited, it aims to allow arrangements to be concluded in a timely and digniÿ ed way." Deÿ nition of Farmer Farmer – means a person who is engaged in a primary production business primary production business – means a business undertaking that primarily produces unprocessed materials (including, without limitation,

agriculture, horticulture, and aquaculture); and includes – (i) sharemilking; and (ii) any business or class of business speciÿ ed in regulations; but (c) does not include – a business undertaking that primarily provides materials or labour to perform a service for a business undertaking of a kind set out in paragraph (a); or a business undertaking that primarily involves mining; or any business or class of business speciÿ ed in regulations.

Deÿ nition of Farm debt Farm debt means a debt incurred by a farmer (whether as principal debtor or guarantor) that, – at the time it is incurred, is incurred solely or principally for the purpose of conducting a primary production business or any related activities; and is secured wholly or partly by a security interest in farm property (whether granted by the farmer or a guarantor) farm property means any property that is used for or in connection with the primary production business or related activities of

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the farmer How will FDMA mediations arise? A farmer can request a FDMA mediation at any time in respect of a farm debt (unless there is an enforcement certiÿ cate in place) – The farm debt does not need to be in default if it is the farmer requesting. A creditor can request a FDMA mediation at any time after the farmer is in "default" of a farm debt (unless there is a prohibition certiÿ cate in place) – "Default" is anything that gives the creditor the right to take enforcement action. Might not, under many loans, just be missing payments. Mediation requests must be in writing, and replied to within 20 days . Enforcement Certiÿ cates A creditor cannot take enforcement action arising from a security interest in farm property without an enforcement certiÿ cate). A creditor can only get an enforcement certiÿ cate if: The farmer has declined to mediate; or The creditor participated in a mediation in good faith. An enforcement certiÿ cate lasts for three years.

Prohibition certiÿ cates A farmer who owes a farm debt to a creditor can obtain a prohibition certiÿ cate if: The creditor declined to mediate; or The creditor did not participate in the mediation process in good faith. A creditor cannot take enforcement action if there is a prohibition certiÿ cate in force. A prohibition certiÿ cate lasts for six months. Appointment of the Mediator The farmer must nominate a panel of three authorised mediators. The creditor must accept one of those mediators. Procedure Agreement Once a mediator is appointed, the parties and the mediator must enter into a procedure agreement. The procedure agreement must include agreement on costs (but nb $2k GST Inclusive limit for farmer – s23). The procedure agreement may include: • Who has authority to represent and bind the parties; • Who may attend the mediation; • Requirements as to conÿ dentiality and privilege; and "whether the mediator may engage an expert assessor

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other lenders. Collectively, non-creditor parties cannot be required to pay more than $2k for the mediator's costs. Mediation Agreement Form Mediation Agreements are what the FDM Act calls settlement agreements. Any agreement reached between the parties must be recorded in a mediation agreement. The mediator must prepare a draft mediation agreement)). Any draft mediation agreement must comply with any requirements published by the Chief Executive Mediation Agreements Cancellation The FDM Act has a "cool o° " regime. A farmer may cancel a mediation agreement by giving written notice of the cancellation to the creditor within 10 working days after the date on which the mediation agreement is signed by the parties.If a mediation agreement is cancelled the agreement is treated as if it had never been entered into. In a multiparty – any non-creditor can exercise the cancellation right. Cancellation of a mediation agreement does not, by itself, demonstrate that the creditor did not participate in the mediation process in good faith.

Mediation Report At the end of the mediation, the mediator must give a report to the chief executive. The report must include – A summary of the mediation process; The names of the parties to the farm debt; The address for service nominated by each party; and Any other information speciÿ ed in published requirements. The chief executive may require a mediator to give any further information that the chief executive considers reasonably necessary. The mediator must give the parties a copy of the mediation report. The contents of a mediation report may be used as evidence that a party has not participated in the mediation process in good faith. Exclusion of Liability Unless a mediator has acted in bad faith, the mediator has no criminal or civil liability in respect of – Any act done or omitted in the course of performing any of their functions under the FDM Act; or Any words spoken or written at, or for the purposes of, a mediation; or Anything in any mediation report. Brett Gould Partner and Alex Morressey Solcitor GibsonSheat solicitors.

MARCH EDITION

RURAL OUTLOOK

of a multi-party mediation with the creditor and farmer if the mediator considers it appropriate. A mediator does not have power to determine any matter, even if the mediator is required to do so by the parties. Duration of the Mediation No prescribed time limit for the mediation itself. The parties must proceed to mediation as soon as is reasonably practicable after a procedure agreement is entered into. The mediation process may not continue beyond 60 working days after the date of a mediation request, except with agreement of the parties. Good Faith Express sanctions on creditors those who do not mediate in good faith will not get enforcement certiÿ cates/will be susceptible to prohibition certiÿ cates. Conÿ dentiality and Without Prejudice Conÿ dentiality prevails unless disclosure is: necessary for reporting/enforcement/ certiÿ cates, as agreed, or authorised by the Court. Multi-party mediations The Act provides for multiparty mediations. Probably particularly pertinent for guarantors, related parties,

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• for a stated or any other purpose". A failure to: enter into a procedure agreement within a reasonable time; or comply with the provisions of a procedure agreement without a good reason, may be treated as evidence that a party has not participated in the mediation process in good faith. Costs of the Mediation A farmer must not be required to pay more than $2,000 GST Inclusive towards the costs and related expenses of the mediator – The select committee stated that: "We were advised that the mediator's total costs are likely to be less than $6,000 for most two-party mediations." Creditors cannot contract out of the requirements of the FDM Act – so will not be able to recoup mediation costs via "costs of default" terms. Conduct of the Mediation A mediator may, "having regard to the purpose of this Act and the needs of the parties", follow any procedures, or do any things, that the mediator considers appropriate to resolve the issues between the parties. A mediator must discuss the advantages and disadvantages

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RURAL OUTLOOK

MARCH EDITION

STAY IN THE RIGHT HEAD SPACE

Controlling how you react to situations when things get tough helps you maintain perspective, says Farmstrong Ambassador SAM WHITELOCK.

Just like in rugby, there are always going to be things in farming you can’t control. In rugby it’s the

ref. In farming it might be the weather, commodity prices or new legislation. What you can control, however, is how you choose to react and think about a situation. This can have a big impact on your stress levels. Healthy thinking is about catching negative thoughts and then thinking about a situation in a more helpful way. An example would be, ‘Yes, it’s been a tough year with drought, but the long range forecast is more promising,

we have been through this di˜ erence? Focus on the before and we will get top two things and park everything else. Once through it again.’ you are feeling back Thinking like this in charge, your stress helps give you levels will go down. balance and manage Farmstrong is a rural your stress. wellbeing programme Focus on the things that helps farmers and you can control on a day to day basis. Ask yourself Sam Whitelock farming families live well to farm well. To ÿ nd out what are the one or two top what works for you and “lock things I need to work on right it in”, check out our farmer-tonow? Is it de-stocking, fertiliser, farmer videos, stories and tips on getting extra sta˜ on – what’s www.farmstrong.co.nz going to make the biggest

Here are a few tips on how other farmers look after the ‘top paddock’.

“I was pretty good at waking up at three in the morning and thinking about the things I could do the next day. Now I’m big on planning. That’s something I’ve learnt with experience. Making sure I have a clear direction on where we’re heading. So many things are out of our hands as farmers. So if I can manage what I can control then I’ll be in a far better space. It’s also good to get on the phone to neighbours and have a good chat about things. If you’re having a tough season, they probably are too.” Richard Tosswill – sheep and beef farmer Gladstone.

‘Maintaining a positive frame of mind really helps when the going gets tough. You can’t just focus on the problems in farming, you’ve got to stay positive and decide how you’re going to deal with challenges and keep moving forward. There’s no point dwelling on things that have happened. That’s a real trap.” Abbi Ayre – Contract Milker, North Canterbury

‘Sometimes one thing goes wrong in a day and people will automatically think the whole day’s written o˜ . I think knowing how to frame stu˜ in your head when you’re under pressure really helps.’ ‘Often there’s an event on farm you can’t control - that’s like the ÿ rst kick and you can’t change that. But you can stop yourself getting kicked twice – getting stressed all over again by having a good response to it.” Blake Marshall – Dairy Farmer, Canterbury

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