Fieldaily by Waikato Times

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Innovators earn awards T

he Innovation Centre, powered by Waikato University , is the showcase for the best industry developments and inventions, improving New Zealand farming practices. The winners of the Innovation Competition were announced at the Innovations Awards Breakfast yesterday morning, attended by university chancellor Jim Bolger, vice-chancellor Professor Roy Crawford and representatives from Fieldaily publisher Straight Furrow. Guest speaker Dr Jacqueline Rowarth from Waikato University gave a rousing speech which mentioned the infamous Kiwi No 8 wire ingenuity and the fact that New Zealand was fifth in the world for research and development. Rowarth said that Fieldays was the ideal place for people to exchange ideas and it was great to see people making a difference. Judges gave enormous consideration to the Innovations entrants and who should receive the awards. The prestigious Golden Standard award, which recognises excellence in innovation, was awarded to Vernon Suckling of Ag Tech Industries for the invention of the ‘‘LifeGuard’’ ATV Rollframe. Designed to help prevent injury and save lives, the LifeGuard was recognised as a large improvement to all industry. The award title is accompanied by $5000 cash, a certificate and a trophy. The Premier Feature Merit Award, which reflects the Changing Face in Farming, was given to Janet Brooker of BioFert for a proven natural farm method of composting animal waste resulting in a high nutrient soil conditioner. A James & Wells Intellectual Property attorneys $3000 voucher for professional patent advice was awarded to Jody Scorer for her highly innovate project the De Budder. Her invention approaches a simple but highly labour-intensive task and is a

nature-based piece of equipment for bud removal, mimicking the fitting of the human hand around a trunk. The equipment category winner was Marty Richards for his eFeeder; an exciting new exit feed system designed to be simple yet effective with even food distribution and only 5 per cent wastage. Richards won $5000 worth of advertising with Straight Furrow, a trophy and a certificate. It was noted that he had worked his way through the award system over the years with prizes taken for previous entries. The standard of entries in the equipment category was very high this year and there

Rowarth said that Fieldays was the ideal place for people to exchange ideas and it was great to see people making a difference. were two equipment merit awards given; Gallagher Animal Management for its M2800i Fence Energiser System with remote fence monitoring technology and multiple means of fault notification, and, TracMap with its TackLink and TM465 – an effective fertiliser and spray ordering system, which has web interface allowing farmers to see paddock history on line and easily order products to be applied by paddock. Jasmine Creighton, 12, was given the Young Inventor of the Year award for the Pigtail Transporter which she designed for her science fair project last year. The transporter carries 50 pigtail standards and up to four electric fence reels and is designed to be pulled along manually. She said she invented it for herself because she could not carry many standards and had to put them all down

Rousing: Guest speaker Dr Jacqueline Rowarth from the Waikato University at the Innovation Centre. while she pushed one into the ground. The judges were extremely impressed with her clever approach to a simple problem and the impressive research she had undertaken. The Innovation Competition showcases inventions from New Zealand to the world

and it also establishes their success in the marketplace by educating the entrants on how to take the next step to achieving commercial success. The Innovation Centre is supported by the Waikato University, Dairy Automation Ltd, Straight Furrow and James & Wells.

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What’s on Friday All Day Events Fieldays Innovation Centre powered by the University of Waikato Fieldays NZ Wire / Wiremark Fencing Championships PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre Tractor Pull Competitions Miniature Horses STIHL NZ Festival of Logging Skills STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Waikato Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club SPCA Waikato Crèche available

Event Timetable 8am 9am 9.00am 9am 9.30am 9.45am 10am 10am 10.30am 10.30am 11am 11am 11am 11am 11am 11.30am 11.45am 12noon 12noon 12.15pm 12.30pm 1pm 1pm 1pm 1pm

Fieldays NZ Wire / Wiremark Doubles Fencing Championships - M Road Tractor Pull - Tractor Pull Area PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural Living area Kid’s Mini Digger – I Road Sheep Dog Trials – L Road PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural Living area Vintage Tractor Parade Lamb Boning Demos – Lamb Boning Demo Area, Intersection of A Street & B Street Chelsea & the Dog Stars - Village Green Tractor Pull - Tractor Pull Area Ag Art Wear - Wearable Rural Art Showcase - Ag Art Wear Pavilion NZ Cutting Horse Association Demonstration Equidays Equine Area near Livestock Alley Suzuki Extreme Air - Demonstration Area PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural Living area Kid’s Tractor Pull competition – Steel & Tube Tractor Pull area Hoofball – Demonstration Area PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural Living area What a Woman Wants – Ag Art Wear Pavilion Lamb Boning Demos – Lamb Boning Demo Area, Intersection of A Street & B Street Western Riding Demonstrations – Equidays Equine Area near Livestock Alley Tractor Pull - Tractor Pull Area Sheep Dog Trials – Daily competition finals – Sheep Dog Trial Area on L Road Suzuki Extreme Air - Demonstration Area PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural Living area Kid’s Tractor Pull competition – Tractor Pull area

1.30pm 1.30pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 3pm 3.30pm 3.45pm 4pm

BRIGHT IDEAS

Chelsea & the Dog Stars - Village Green Hoofball – Demonstration Area Ag Art Wear - Wearable Rural Art Showcase & Prize Giving - Ag Art Wear Pavilion PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural Living area Lamb Boning Demos – Lamb Boning Demo Area, Intersection of A Street & B Street Vintage Tractor Parade NZ Cutting Horse Association Demonstration Equidays Equine Area near Livestock Alley PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural Living area Suzuki Extreme Air - Demonstration Area Tractor Pull - Tractor Pull Area What a Woman Wants – Ag Art Wear Pavilion STIHL Chainsaw Carving Challenge auction – STIHL site J14-J16 PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre - Rural Living area Fieldays NZ Wire / Wiremark Fencing Championships Prize Giving - Village Green

Inventions are part of Fieldays flavour. Creations range from the sheer practical to the sometimes exotic. Here we showcase three entries from Innovation Centre.

Seminar Series 9.00am 10.00am 11.00am 11.00am 12 noon 1.00pm 2.00pm 3.00pm 4.00pm

Waikato Regional Council - Changing land use rules to improve water quality University of Waikato - The right to farm Naylor Lawrence & Associates - Risk Management: Insurance/ACC Stretton & Co. (NZ Chartered Accountants) Succession Planning University of Waikato - Watch out for advice on another engaging University of Waikato Seminar FoMA (Federation of Maori Authorities) Innovation in Maori Agribusiness Rural Women New Zealand - The changing face of rural women in business University of Waikato - Opportunity or a death knell Govett Quilliam - Relationship property rights and the rights of all involved

For a more detailed list of events and seminars as well as site maps and full product and exhibitor listings, purchase a copy of the Fieldays programme which is on sale at all entrances for only $5.00

Budding inventors: Spending last summer de-budding vines by hand inspired Lincoln viticulture student Jody Scorer, at left, with Stacey Lowther, to design this clever bud remover and enter it in the inventors’ competition. Already tested on vines with maturity of over 12 years, according to Scorer the device makes de-budding vines and fruit trees ‘‘a lot quicker and less painful’’.

Pipe dream: The problem of algae buildup in down and feed pipes that then washes into water tanks during rain is solved by catching the first 500 litres in a second tank, according to Lindsay Lewis. Lewis’ invention operates using a float valve that automatically switches off once the tank is full to redirect water to the main tank. This helps significantly reduce the potential for contaminants to enter the main water supply and also reduces the maintenance costs in keeping the inside of the main tank clean.The water entering the secondary tank is used for watering gardens and lawns.

Good tip: Murray Sneddon and William Ellis, from Ngatea, entered their flatbed tipping converter into the invention competition. Requiring no mechanical components, this unit can be bolted on to any flatbed or ute, making the unloading of loads an easy and safe proposition. At around half the cost of a hydraulic tipper, Sneddon said the cost and ease of use was what impressed the people he spoke to at Fieldays.

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Critical insight to farm succession H

ow to successfully pass the farm along to the next generation without creating a ‘‘hell of a nightmare’’ is one of the most pressing long-term issues faced by farmers, according to New Zealand’s most in-depth business survey. ‘‘Simply handing over the farm to a son or daughter and retiring from the business is becoming increasingly problematic for many farmers,’’ said Graham Turley, managing director of ANZ Commercial and Agri. ‘‘Today, like all New Zealanders, farmers are living longer so they want to continue getting an income from the business. Farms are also incredibly valuable assets, and selecting an offspring to take over can create huge rifts in families.’’ ANZ has released the Agri Insights from the Privately-Owned Business Barometer, New Zealand’s most comprehensive study of privately owned businesses. The survey provides critical insights into a key sector of the New Zealand economy. Now in its sixth year, it questioned 4870 business owners from different parts of the economy about the issues affecting them, and their views on the challenges ahead. For the first time in its six years, the barometer included a section dedicated to agribusiness. Around 750 farmers and agribusiness owners contributed to the survey. The barometer shows that issues of growth, planning, people, and change were tightly interwoven in the agri sector. Farmers spoke of the challenges of managing immediate issues, such as weather, commodity prices and exchange rates, while also addressing long-term management and ownership issues. ‘‘One of the main concerns was succession – how to keep the farm in family hands, but in a way that is fair and ensures the future viability of the business,’’ Turley said. ‘‘The stories of contested wills and family estrangements are all too common in the rural industry.’’ In some cases farmers didn’t want their children to feel obliged to take over the farm, and were having to balance their desire to keep the farm in the family while

Listen and learn: Agricultural leaders hear from Graham Turley at a Fieldays breakfast. allowing their offspring to follow their own path. ‘‘What we’re seeing is farmers exploring new models of succession that ensure the business stays strong and all involved members of the family, including themselves, derive a long-term benefit from it, and have a level of involvement they are comfortable with.’’ Family farms that have made the transition to long-term sustainable business are generally high-performing businesses that are disciplined with planning and willing to engage all stakeholders in honest discussions about the future. ‘‘These discussions have to tackle the hard issues – assets and liabilities, and the wants, needs and aspirations of each member of the family,’’ Turley said. ‘‘Farms that are in a good financial position often have fewer succession issues. Many of these owners recognise the need to involve advisers and managers in

the business to inject new ideas, maximise performance and introduce new systems.’’ Like other commercial businesses, the agribusinesses surveyed were most concerned about issues they couldn’t control. Four of the top five issues were ones over which farmers had little or no influence, such as exchange rates and the end-price of their products. The only consistent issue of concern between agri and non-agri businesses was balancing family and business interests. Almost a third of farmers say government regulations and processes are of concern. As with non-agri businesses they said the time and cost required to comply detracted them from their core business. Policies such as the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Resource Management Act (RMA) and the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA) were seen as skewed against the agri sector.

Podium: Graham Turley, managing director of ANZ Commercial and Agri, speaks at an agri business gathering at Fieldays.

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THE DAY IN PICTURES Solid ground: Natural Paving manager Barrie Russek from Thames has had plenty of visitors checking out his new permeable matting, which locks in pebbles and stones for driveways and paths. ‘‘It’s only been in New Zealand since last spring and we’ve had really positive reaction to it. Lots of people wanting to do DIY projects at home are keen, especially since the system allows minimum maintenance.’’

The Fieldaily team caught up with some exhibitors at the second day of Fieldays.

Versatile: The growth of lifestyle blocks in New Zealand is evident from the enquiries Versatile Building have been receiving. Jon-Paul Ferris says there’s been a pick-up in the number of lifestyler’s looking for multi-purpose buildings. ‘‘The market out there is a little flat at the moment and we’re making good inroads into that market.’’

Crowds flock: The Swanndri tent was packed with keen customers hoping for a piece of this iconic brand. Swanndri chief executive Mark Nevin was enjoying being on hand to talk to customers. ’’It’s always a mammoth effort setting up but well worth it for the chance to meet our end users. It has definitely been busier so far this year than last.’’

Party time: Andy MacDonald and Lhea Taylor from Black Dog Furniture have been inundated with visitors, keen on their handmade furniture. ‘‘We’ve had orders from all over the country.’’ This year they set up the Black Dog Bar in Entertainment Boulevard, with seating for 200 people. ‘‘Feedback has been fantastic with people telling us how wonderful the bar area is, set up like an old woolshed.’’

Strong sales: It was a smashing start to Fieldays for the Milk Bar team, with first day sales figures smashing any of the previous 23 years they have been involved. Manager Ross McInnes said so far the event has been ‘‘absolutely fantastic’’ with the sunshine keeping people upbeat and positive.

Steady enquiries: The expanding range from Kea Trailers is drawing ‘‘plenty of interest from a competitive market’’, according to Kea Trailer’s Tony Head. ‘‘We’ve had a wide range of people through from commercial and industrial enquiries to builders and lifestyle block owners.’’

Fencing contest tests competitors By Anne Boswell

lenty of veterans and newbies are showcasing their fencing skills at the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays NZ Wire/ Wiremark Fencing Championships this week. Running from Tuesday to Friday, each day promises to find the best fencers across several categories. Fencing has been part of Fieldays since the event’s inception 44 years ago and the NZ Wire/Wiremark Fencing Championships are the premier competition in the country. Fencers can compete in the various categories as either an individual or as a team of two. Competitors erect the fences as fast as possible without impeding the quality of the fence. In the heats competitors can take up to six hours to

FIELDAILY, FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2012

construct the fence, demanding a high level of physical activity. The heats took place on Tuesday, with the Bill Schuler Trophy up for grabs on Wednesday. The Golden Pliers final took place yesterday, with the solo finalists having to complete a 50-metre wire post and batten fence. The Silver Spades doubles competition will take place today. The requirements of the fence to be erected are altered annually to make for a challenging and relevant competition. The Fieldays Fencing Championships is also sponsored by Strainrite, STIHL and Goldpine. anne.boswell@ruralpress.com Taking a fence: A competitor takes part on the second day of the Fieldays fencing competition. The event finishes today.

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Machinery, food big attractions WILLIAM SKERMAN

MICHAEL D’ESPOSITO

SHAUN STEWART

STUDENT, OF HAWKE’S BAY

MECHANIC, OF TOKOROA

Why do you come to Fieldays? We’re on a school trip with our Ag Corp group. How many times have you been here? This is my first time. What is the best thing about the event for you? Just walking around and having a look at everything. The whips and the whip cracking was cool. Anything missing in your view? Maybe some rides and a roller coaster! How long do you come for? Spend all day here.

Why do you come to Fieldays? On a school field trip from Lindisfarne College, just here to check out all the stuff. How many times have you been here? This is my second time, came three years ago. What is the best thing about the event for you? The exposure to all of the farming equipment and stuff. Anything missing in your view? Nope, it’s pretty busy. How long do you come for? All day.

Why do you come to Fieldays? Dragged along with a mate. Just to have a good day out and get some socks. How many times have you been here? Four times. What is the best thing about the event for you? The wide variety of things that are here, all the machinery and tools. Anything missing in your view? No not really. How long do you spend here? All day.

BEN MCLENNAN

SHAYLA CHAN

SAM TAI

FARMER, OF TOKOROA

STUDENT, OF ROTORUA

STUDENT, OF TAUMARANUI

Why do you come to Fieldays? Because I am a farmer. How many times have you been here? Since I was a kid, probably more than 15 times. What is the best thing about the event for you? All of the farming equipment here, seeing the new gear. Anything missing in your view? No. How long do you spend here? All day.

Why do you come to Fieldays? My dad made me! How many times have you been here? Just twice. What is the best thing about the event for you? The food. I liked the horse exhibition area and seeing what they were doing. Just going over to the food hall now. Anything missing in your view? An animal petting area. How long do you spend here? All day.

Why do you come to Fieldays? To see what’s new. I’m interested in everything. How many times have you been here? Three times. What is the best thing about the event for you? The hot food and the meat stalls. I’ve just been over to see the new Suzuki Swifts. Anything missing in your view? Everything is as it should be How long do you spend here? All day.

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FIELDAILY, FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2012

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Family gets a kick out of new game

Hoofing it: Horse and rider work to control the ball.

he crowds at the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays flocked to watch the unusual spectacle of horses playing what looked like soccer. The four horses and riders attracted widespread interest, as they demonstrated the relatively new game of hoofball. Played with a giant inflatable ball, covered in a durable fabric, the horses kick the ball around a field with their legs (think soccer players replaced by horses). The Torok family of Waikato are used to people looking puzzled when they first glimpse them in their paddock riding horses and chasing an enormous soccerstyle ball. Hoofball is still relatively new to New Zealand and the Torok family are responsible for introducing it. The family are keen advocates of the sport, citing it as fun for both riders and horses. ‘‘If you leave the hoofball in the paddock with horses, they kick it around and play with it. Some of them even pick it up with their teeth and swing it around. ‘‘It’s great for desensitising young horses

Goal time: Waikato’s Torok family wows the crowds with hoofball. and giving horses something to play with to make their environment more interesting.’’ Mary and Jozef Torok first saw the gigantic balls when they travelled to the United States about 10 years ago. ‘‘The mounted police there use the ball to teach the horses to push, as training for pushing through crowds,’’ Jozef said. When the family returned to New Zealand and got horses on their property, they decided to research the ball and ended up importing some from America. ‘‘However, the balls arrived with no instructions or rules for the game of hoofball, so we developed our own rules and set about promoting the sport.’’ The pair have since developed their own version of the hoofball, which they have

made in China. ‘‘The cost was proving prohibitive to people trying out the game,’’ Mary said. ‘‘By manufacturing our own hoofballs, we can supply them at about half the cost that importing them from America involved.’’ Originally when the hoofball was imported from America it cost almost $400, but the Toroks’ version starts from $150. The bladder of the ball is built to withstand more than 800kg and the exterior is sturdy enough to withstand the efforts of a paso fino stallion in Wanaka that carries out tests on the design models. The couple send the hoofball prototypes to Wanaka for the stallion to try out. ‘‘We finally found a material strong enough to withstand even his best efforts!’’

WHAT IS HOOFBALL? Hoofball is soccer on horseback and like any other soccer game, the objective is to get the ball between the opposition’s goal posts. The optimum speed is a trot, the pace best suited for horses kicking the balls. The emphasis of the game is fun and communication with the horse. Hoofball can be played with by any size and type of horse. Participating riders vary from children to 75 years. While Mary and daughters Katarina and Samantha are often seen playing hoofball on their horses, son Kristoff prefers playing on the ride-on lawn mower to horseback.

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“Whoever takes issue against the farmer will be opposed by Straight Furrow” W.W. Mulholland, Straight Furrow, Nov 1941

Read. Valued. Trusted. 2011 1941 –

New Zealand’s Rural Weekly FIELDAILY, FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2012

Fieldaily THE

YOUR FREE DAILY FIELDAYS® NEWSPAPER

Lamb cut skills on display Anne Boswell

Dog gone: Graham Strawbridge and his dog, Rock, herd three lambs through a series of hurdles.

Dogs cool under pressure Anne Boswell

ce was removed from seats by the easiest means available before it melted into cold puddles. One of National Fieldays most popular demonstrations – the sheepdog trials – got off to a frosty start on day one but visitors and dogs were unperturbed by the wintry weather. Once the ice was smashed off the seats by a few willing boots, visitors settled down in the sun to watch a number of dogs

attempt to complete a set course within 10 minutes. Clean lines and good control, rather than just the time it took to complete the course, were some of the areas dogs and handlers were marked on. The first set of three lambs, herded through a number of obstacles and hurdles, weren’t very co-operative but the rest of the flock proved to be more helpful to the dogs, rather than a hindrance. Competition heats are held daily at the sheepdog trial area on L Road. anne.boswell@ruralpress.com

e Kuiti Meat Processors head knife hand Garnet Rapana will bring all his blade skills to bear in a demonstration of how to break down a lamb carcass into favourite cuts. Those interested in butchery and those who have an interest in the lamb industry are invited to see the skilled knife hand in action at the Te Kuiti Meat Processors Ltd site on the intersection of A and B streets. With three daily demonstrations at 10am, 12pm and 2pm, visitors can experience a slowed-down version of the process of breaking down a lamb carcass into their favourite cuts. Te Kuiti Meat Processors livestock manager Steve Hesp talks viewers through the actions of Rapana as he marks then breaks down the carcass using a knife and bandsaw. Hesp points out which cuts of lamb are popular in which countries – such as oyster cut shoulders exported to Spain, tubed shoulders to Japan, and frozen brisket to China – as Rapana slices and rolls to export standard. ‘‘The utilisation of every skerrick of meat on the bone is an unprofitable practice in New Zealand, but can be done overseas,’’ he said. A favourite meat in New Zealand, lamb lovers will be salivating as their favourite cuts come straight off the beast.

Sharp blade: Te Kuiti Meat Processors Ltd head knife hand Garnet Rapana shows off his skills in breaking down a lamb carcass into favourite cuts. Rapana prepares the cuts of meat to export standards.

June 13-16

2012

Acknowledgements $

MEDIA PARTNERS NZ Rural Press is proud to be the publisher of the Fieldays Programme/Buyers Guide and Fieldays Focus publications as well as sponsors of the Inventions at the Innovation Centre and the AgTrader E Sculpture Competition. Rural Press’s network AMM ROGR E&P GUID G of agricultural publications, headed by the IN Y BU nationally distributed, weekly newspaper, Straight Furrow and the monthly specialist publications AgTrader, The Dairyman and Lifestyle Farmer, have a clear synergy with this event in that our readers are National Fieldays visitors and our advertisers are National Fieldays exhibitors. We are more than just another publishing company, New Zealand Rural Press is part of the farming and agribusiness community providing unique and valuable information to those involved in agriculture, as well as a platform for their opinions to be voiced. AL FIE CULTUR L AGRI ALAND TIONA ZE , NEW AND NA W ZEAL K, HAMILTON 44 NE CREE RY TE z MYS s.co.n ﬁelday www.

LDAYS

SPONSORS • 4 Seasons Home & Leisure • Big Brand Leisure • Black Dog Furniture • Club Raro • Cyclone (NZ Wire) • DAL • Exhibition Hire • Giltrap Farm Machinery • Goldpine • HRV • Hyundai FIELDAILY, FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2012

The Radio Network (TRN) is a major player in the NZ radio market. With 6 brands in the Waikato (Classic Hits, ZM, Newstalk ZB, Hauraki, Radio Sport and Coast), we work closely with local businesses to achieve their marketing goals whilst also providing informative and entertaining radio for our listeners. As sponsor of the National Agricultural Fieldays for over 20 years, we are proud to present Fieldays Radio on Newstalk ZB (97FM & 1296AM) each day of Fieldays from 8.30am to midday.

EVENT PARTNER Suzuki are proud partners of the NZ National Fieldays and are committed to supporting the agricultural industry in New Zealand. Suzuki New Zealand are the national distributors for Suzuki motorcycles, ATV's and motor vehicles. On site you will find a full range from New Zealand's number one selling brand of motorcycle and ATV along with New Zealand's favourite super mini the Suzuki Swift, and the rest of the automotive range.

• James & Wells • NZ Landcare Trust • Pacific Wire (Wiremark) • PlaceMakers • SBI Productions • Snapshot Cameras • STIHL • Strainrite • Steel & Tube • The Farmers Trading Co. • Waikato Times

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • Agility • Coca-Cola • Deveraux & Villiger • EFTPOS NZ • Exhibition Hire • Flare Fireplaces • Hamilton Party Hire • NZL Group • WINTEC

Fieldaily THE

YOUR FREE DAILY FIELDAYS速 NEWSPAPER

OPINION POLL Ian Proudfoot

Partner, Audit, KPMG

Chris Kelly

Each day of FIELDAYS速 our panel of experts will tackle the big issues affecting agriculture in New Zealand

Robin Grieve

CEO, Landcorp

Columnist, Straight Furrow

Rob Storey

Anne Boswell

Chief Reporter, The Dairyman

Columnist, The Dairyman

What is the greatest challenge facing our farmers today?

Farmers receive a huge amount of information making recommendations on how they can improve their farming systems. The challenge for farmers, given they have finite resources, is determining which innovations will have the most significant return on investment in their farming system. As a consequence, many of the best ideas are not adopted and significant value is left behind the farm gate.

In my view, the single greatest challenge currently is revenue volatility. The combination of extremely volatile in-market prices for red meat and dairy products combined with a very volatile exchange rate, make year-on-year planning and budgeting very difficult. For example, a one cent swing in the US$/NZ$ exchange rate represents a 10 cent change in the dairy payout.

Farmers are being invaded by a pest that threatens their business more than a plague of locusts. Compliance imposts enforced upon them by central and local government threaten to drain the productive life source of our farms. The costs of complying with initiatives dreamt up by the sustainability departments of our processors will have a similarly chilling impact on the industry. The farmers' challenge is to survive or repel this pest.

Training enough workers and potential farm owners to meet the needs of an increasingly technology based industry. Special courses such as those that are run by Dairy NZ aimed specifically at large dairy farms is a step in the right direction.

I still believe the biggest issue facing our farmers is breaking through negative public perception. I hope that we as agricultural journalists can continue to bring the good news stories of successful, hardworking environmentally-conscious farmers to the fore and that mainstream media learn to recognise the majority that are doing a good job and boosting our economy.

What excites you about the future of agriculture? The opportunities for New Zealand's primary sector are huge and it is really positive that so many people in the industry are recognising that by working together better outcomes could be achieved for farmers, the primary sector and for the wider New Zealand economy. The opportunity to create a pan-industry vision and strategy is available and has the potential to be transformational to the industry.

What excites you about the future of agriculture? A number of things, including the Government's renewed interest in agriculture in recognition that small productivity gains make major differences to the economic fortune of New Zealand. This is manifested in such areas as increased spending on R&D (e.g the Primary Growth Partnership Programme) and the interest in and funding of major water projects. Also, of course, is the increasing global demand for safe, quality red meat and dairy products.

What excites you about the future of agriculture? I am increasingly aware that a new generation is taking the reins. Being in my 50s, I see my contemporaries handing the management of their farms to their sons and daughters. Watching these young people who are filled with energy, enthusiasm and the determination to do better than their parents gives me reason to be excited about the future of the industry.

Your our thoughts on climate change? Your our thoughts on climate change?

Your our thoughts on climate change?

The market reality is that consumers in the markets that we supply are becoming increasingly focusing on how food is produced. Consumers want certainty that food is being produced sustainably thus we need to ensure that our whole supply chain consistently delivers safe, sustainable, high quality food produced in a manner that is acceptable to both customers and the wider community in New Zealand.

We must remember that although 50 per cent of New Zealand's emissions come from agriculture, we are a "drop in the bucket" in terms of global emissions. Further, no other industrialised country has yet to impose emission charges on agriculture. Since New Zealand exports in excess of 90 per cent of its agricultural products, we must not let responses to climate change put us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors around the world.

What is the top must-see place you would take a first-time visitor to New Zealand? As a Brit who has lived in New Zealand for the last 16 years, I have had the top of my list of places to take visitors, whenever possible, is Queenstown. The awesome beauty of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu were my introduction to New Zealand. Combine this with the opportunities to ski, luge, raft, jet boat etc, it is one of the world's ultimate tourist experiences.

What is your go to meal when hosting a dinner party? Having married an Italian New Zealander, our go to options normally revolve around pasta. The opportunity to combine fresh New Zealand ingredients in classic Italian combinations always delivers for our guests and makes us look far more accomplished in the kitchen than we actually are.

What is the top must-see place you would take a first-time visitor to New Zealand? I would drive them through Molesworth Station - but I am biased of course.

What is your go to meal when hosting a dinner party? A hind-leg roast of six-month-old lamb when the father is a terminal sire, with gravy and mint sauce.

What excites you about the future of agriculture? The farming industry of the future has the exciting challenge of feeding and clothing an expanding world population in the most resource sufficient and sustainable way possible. Wise use of soil and water will be the catch cry for the future.

Your our thoughts on climate change? Although some of the early proponents of climate change may have overstated their case, the issue is not going to go away. In a few weeks time representatives of practically all nations will attend a conference at Rio de Janeiro where they will revisit progress or lack of it made since the inaugural Earth Summit held 20 years ago.

Like any religion, it should be voluntary, especially any financial contributions.

What is the top must-see place you would take a first-time visitor to New Zealand? New Zealand is blessed with many wonderful places; choosing one over the other is a daunting task. As a Northlander, I am biased towards the Bay of Islands. Its views are breathtaking and there are endless activities to choose from. The town of Pahia is always buzzing with excitement; the town of Russel is historic and peaceful. Waitangi is just up the road also and is worth a visit so that you can show your visitor where it all went wrong.

What is the top must-see place you would take a first-time visitor to New Zealand? The Coromandel Peninsula is a must stop for any tourist wanting to have a taste of the things Kiwis like best. With a steep mountain range dropping down to numerous beaches and fishing spots, the choice of bush walks, hot springs and the unique bush railway with its very special "Eyeful Tower" - there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a variety of entertainment. With great seafood and a raft of restaurants, the visitor is spoilt for choice but it's hard to drive past Luke's Kitchen in Kuaotunu for superb pizza on the beachfront.

What is your go to meal when hosting a dinner party?

What is your go to meal when hosting a dinner party? I have only ever hosted dinner parties where the meal has been cooked by my wife. It is a personal goal of mine to prepare the meal for a dinner party. My goal is still a goal because I have not yet decided what I want to cook. What I do know is that it will have to be impressive, so a "go to" meal will not do at all.

While my culinary skills are limited to boiling eggs - fortunately I have a granddaughter with "Masterchef" potential. She is a dab hand in the kitchen and specialties of the house include lamb curry, chicken breast in filo - and my favourite roast leg of lamb with veg.

What excites you about the future for agriculture? What excites me about the future of agriculture is the sheer possibilities in production volume, quality and technology. There is no ceiling to potential successes and the dairy industry is something all New Zealanders should be proud of. As long as all farmers continue to use sustainability measures and treat hard working staff with the respect they deserve, the dairy industry will continue to thrive and uphold its reputation as the best in the world.

Your our thoughts on climate change? There are many conflicting reports on climate change that we are exposed to so it takes some research and time to form your own opinions. I think there is definitely much weight behind the concerns of climate change, but I think we have to keep it in perspective. An all-guns-blazing approach is not ideal - small but sustainable changes are more realistic for people to accept and get on board with.

What is the top must see place you would take a first time visitor to New Zealand? I would take a first-time visitor to my hometown of Whakatane, and the surrounding areas. Nothing beats the Bay of Plenty for lifestyle - fishing, water sports, boating, cafes, shopping - it is a real slice of real New Zealand. It is also beautiful to boot with its beaches, lakes, forest and pohutukawa trees blooming at Christmas time.

What is your go to meal when hosting a dinner party? Our go-to meal when hosting a dinner party is a good old-fashioned roast - my husband is a butcher so we are quite lucky to have that expertise at our fingertips. Pork roast with crackling, whole roasted eye fillet or roast lamb are equally appreciated by our guests, as are all the traditional trimmings. In summer, we replace the roast veges with fresh salads and a summery dessert.

FIELDAILY, FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2012

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