Watching over your brassica crop so you don’t have to.
Delivering a complete suite of crop protection solutions for today’s forage brassica growers.
Samuel Whitelock – Plant Science Graduate, Lincoln University.
Our portfolio of powerful, proven products has helped farmers from one end of the country to the other create and maintain thriving businesses, and has earned us a reputation as New Zealand’s brassica protection specialists. With every product suitable for ground or aerial application, our suite of herbicides and insecticides provides local farmers with everything they need to win the war on pests and weeds. Visit corteva.co.nz to view our range of online brassica resources.
CROP PROTECTION
Supplier and retailer team up to play hard-ball with Calis
PRODUCT UPDATE
Make a meal of it – dense new grass ready in no time
AGRIBUSINESS
The changing landscape of rural advertising media in NZ
Combining our powers of innovation
ADAMA are always looking for ways to innovate new crop protection solutions for farmers and growers in New Zealand and around the world. So we are proud to announce the acquisition of a like minded local company, Grochem. This will allow us to continue to deliver you all the great products we are both already known for, as well as combining our inventive thinking to develop new product solutions that best serve farmers and growers in the future. For more information contact your local ADAMA or Grochem representative.
Editor Kathy Davis 03 577 5640 kathy@thelastword.net.nz
Advertising Manager Lisa Phelan 021 782 228 lisa@agrimedia.co.nz
Production & Design Amanda Vroombout 027 7788 274 production@agrimedia.co.nz
Printed by Blueprint Ltd 03 348 0538 michael@blueprintmedia.co.nz
Ltd PO Box 36753, Merivale, Christchurch 8146 agrimedia.co.nz | novachem.co.nz
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily that of the publisher and suggest independent advice be sought before acting on information or suggestions contained herein.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Editorial and photographic contributions are welcomed and should be sent directly to the editor, Kathy Davis. Editing of submissions is at the sole discretion of the editor and will accept no responsibility for unsolicited material.
Hi everyone.
Welcome to the final issue of Agribusiness and Agrivet for 2024!
This time last year we were waiting for a change of Government. And while things are still pretty tough out there 12 months on, particularly for sheep farmers, ideological, heavy-handed regulation that has so crippled the primary sector is getting pruned and that can only be good going forward.
Spare a thought however for those in Otago and Southland, who have had a season to forget and are now facing cascading complications as a result of weeks of bad weather and subsequent feed shortages.
It’s going to be a grind getting back to ‘normal’ for a lot of these folks and they deserve all the moral and physical support they can get.
Meantime it’s business as usual in other parts of the country. And that means
(among other things) crop protection is to the fore.
For the latest industry news as well as expert advice on key issues like herbicide resistance, helping your clients grow high yielding, profitable summer forage crops and keeping pastures clean and productive, head to our bumper annual focus on all things agchem, starting on page 8.
We also had a good catch up with a crop protection expert from Australia who brings new meaning to the term ‘full immersion’ in our local horticultural sector – see page 13 for more.
There’s a big update on another ambitious and ongoing Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund project in our product section on page 25. And while it’s being run by one of the fertiliser companies it has what
may be intriguing implications for animals health too, so well worth a read.
For Agrivet, I headed north to the Rangitikei this time to check out a local practice which has just opened a high end clinic in a fast-growing rural town, reaffirming its commitment to the community here in no uncertain style. Thanks again to everyone who has shared their stories, advice, insights and support with us this past year. We couldn’t do it without you! If you do get a break over the holiday season, have a wonderful time, and if you’re working through, here’s to a good spell of R&R after the rush is over.
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Winners all round for red meat sector
High flyers in the New Zealand red meat sector were celebrated at the 2024 Beef + Lamb NZ Awards last month, with eight groups and individuals acknowledged for their contribution to the industry.
The Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award was won by AgResearch plant scientist Dr David Hume. He was instrumental in the development and commercialisation of the novel endophyte AR37.
Judges described his work as worldleading and of immense benefit to NZ’s pastoral farming industry.
Hs robust and complex science, years of commitment, leadership and focus on commercialisation to benefit the farmer and grow export value had contributed massively to this country’s primary sector, they said.
The Datamars Livestock Technology Award was won by FarmIQ Freshwater Farm Plan Tool, which judges said is a great tool to help farmers with compliance requirements and make their businesses more efficient.
The Gallagher Innovative Farming Award was won by Wairarapa-based Fernglen Farm, owned by the Ravenwood family. They have incorporated a 1300-strong milking ewe herd into their sheep and beef operation and in doing so, have enabled all members of the family to be part of the business.
The Ravenwoods have combined courage with science and talent to develop a new business and diversify within Fernglen Farm, judges said.
Diversifying into sheep milking, processing and marketing addressed the issues of adding value, succession and financial security to their family farming business.
Fernglen Farm is a shining example of innovative farming in NZ, they said, and they also complemented the family for keeping animal well being at the forefront of their management.
The Silver Fern Farms Market Leader Award was won by Headwaters, which judges said has led from the front in obtaining premiums in the marketplace.
Headwaters has incorporated genetics, feeding, finishing and processor input in adding value to red meat, created a plan and proved they could execute it at scale, providing real financial benefit to farmers.
Headwaters has also worked directly with chefs to understand specifications which added value and was striving to meet them through a combination of genetics and pasture systems.
The Rabobank People and Development Award was won by Growing Future Farmers, a well-structured programme that has grown significantly and is turning out great cadets, judges said.
The BLNZ Regional Leadership Award, which recognises an outstanding individual, organisation or business in the sheep, beef and dairy beef sector, went to
was recognised for his exceptional commitment to the region’s farming industry through his farmer advocacy and involvement in industrygood activities.
He has been particularly focused on helping farmers remain productive and profitable while understanding and mitigating their environmental impacts.
The Alliance Significant Contribution Award was won by Ian McIvor, whose science and research has contributed to farm production and resilience, particularly in sheep and beef.
This has been through his extensive work around the use of poplar and willow trees for soil stabilisation and erosion control on NZ hill country.
The FMG Rural Champion Award was won by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, which has brought brought regulators and farmers together to celebrate the work farmers were doing to protect their natural resources while running productive and profitable businesses.
The AgResearch Emerging Achiever Award was won by Te Kuiti farmer Mitchel Hoare, who is actively working towards farm ownership with many irons in the fire to make it happen.
Pukeatua farmer Graeme Gleeson. Gleeson
Govt pulls handbrake on runaway councils
Federated Farmers says the Government stepping in to stop regional councils from notifying new freshwater regulations is a win for both farmers and common sense.
Vice president Colin Hurst says this means no more unworkable rules or regulations will be imposed on farmers by regional councils until the Government has clarified the law.
The announcement came just in time to stop Otago Regional Council voting on a controversial new land and water plan.
“Regional councils have been totally out of control pushing ahead with expensive and impractical new freshwater rules,” he says.
“It has never made any sense for councils to rush through these rules before the new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) has been put in place.
“The Government stepping in and intervening is a pragmatic move that will be welcome news for farmers and ratepayers across the country.”
Hurst says Federated Farmers has been incredibly vocal in calling for the Government to stop councils notifying these new rules, and the move is a huge win for its members across the country.
“Councils have been pouring ratepayers’ money down the drain working on these new rules when they know all too well there are changes coming.
“It makes much more sense to wait for changes to both the NPS-FM and the Resource Management Act to be finalised.
“Last month we wrote to Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and recommended that Section 80A of the RMA should be amended to prevent councils from notifying new freshwater regional regulations and policy statements.
“Farmers up and down the country will be
breathing a deep sigh of relief, because the Government have done just that.”
Last month the Government announced it will move to add an amendment to the Resource Management Act Amendment Bill, currently before Parliament, which will restrict councils’ ability to notify freshwater plans before the gazettal of the replacement NPS-FM.
Sticky label sets a new standard
Zespri and global label manufacturer Sinclair have announced what they say is the most innovative compostable fruit sticker for kiwifruit.
“Exploring more sustainable fruit label options has been an area of considerable focus for Zespri over a number of years with our labels providing an important assurance to consumers that the fruit they are purchasing is authentic, safe and highquality Zespri Kiwifruit,” says CEO Jason Te Brake.
“We intend to change all of our fruit to this fully home compostable label with the transition to take place over the next year.”
Jiunn Shih, chief marketing, innovation and sustainability officer at Zespri says the organisation knows its customers want to see it progress towards more environmentally friendly labels.
“This compostable sticker not only meets their expectations but supports our sustainability goals by reducing plastic waste. We’re proud to have worked closely with Sinclair on this innovative development.”
Developed to be safely compostable, breaking down and biodegrading
completely without leaving harmful residues in the environment, the sticker can be disposed of in home compost bins along with fruit peels and other organic waste, simplifying consumer waste management.
At the same time its application performance is the same as conventional plastic stickers both via automated, highspeed application in the packinghouse and throughout the supply chain, Zespri and Sinclair say.
It provides ‘exceptional conformity’ to adhere securely to fruits and vegetables, allowing essential product information— origin, variety, PLU and barcodes—to be displayed with branding.
Sinclair CEO Colin Woodward says its certification for both industrial and home composting is a unique achievement, showcasing the company’s commitment to supporting the fresh produce industry with environmentally conscious solutions.
“We believe this compostable label sets
a new standard in produce packaging, reducing plastic waste and helping create a more sustainable future.”
Minister overhauls EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has announced a major refresh of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board with five new appointments and one reappointment.
The new board members are deputy chair Barry O’Neil, Jennifer Scoular, Alison Stewart, Brett O’Riley and Nancy Tuaine, who have been appointed for a three-year term ending in August 2027.
They replace past chairman Colin Dawson, and former board members Tipene Wilson, Andrea Byrom and Heather Simpson.
“I would like to welcome the new members joining the EPA board.
“They bring a wealth of experience in the horticultural and agricultural science fields, as well as sound governance experience,” Simmonds says.
Paul Connell, who has served as a board member since August 2021, has been reappointed as both a board member and
as acting interim chair, following Colin Dawson’s term ending.
“I want to thank Paul for his continued service. His extensive industry experience and strong commercial insight are invaluable to the EPA board,” Simmonds says.
“I intend to make one further appointment later in the month.”
The EPA is New Zealand’s national environmental regulator, playing a vital role across the entire economy.
“It’s critical to have timely decision making for the agriculture and horticulture sector, alongside ensuring positive environmental outcomes. EPA decisions impact the daily lives of all New Zealanders,” Simmonds says.
From overseeing the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme to ensuring the safety of chemicals used in a range of industries across the country, the EPA fosters confidence in investing in NZ.
The EPA has also announced 38 job cuts to meet its commitments to break even in 2024.
These roles are in engagement; finance and systems; legal, and Kaupapa Kura Taiao, which supports and advises iwi and applicants during the engagement process.
There are no job cuts in hazardous substances and new organisms or the other two core operational business groups – climate, land and oceans; and compliance, monitoring and enforcement.
Community rallies behind Smithfield staff
A local taskforce has been stood up to help those affected by last month’s announcement of the closure of Alliance Smithfield.
The group has been formed to coordinate support services for those being made redundant, and identify opportunities with local employers.
Smithfield typically employs about 600 workers at the peak of the season.
Alliance chief executive Willie Wiese says closing the plant has been a very difficult decision but the reality of falling sheep
processing numbers caused by land use change must be faced.
“We cannot maintain excess processing capacity when livestock numbers don’t support it.”
Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen says the closure is a significant blow not only to the hundreds of families directly affected, but the whole community.
“It’s really important that the community now wraps itself round the people affected and ensures we help them every way we can,” he said.
“We’re a district of opportunities, and our economic development body, Venture Timaru, will be working closely with the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce to identify local businesses needing staff and linking them with those seeking employment.
“It will be a really challenging time for people, and it’s important they have trusted people to walk alongside them and connect them to, advocate for and help them navigate through their options going ahead.”
Rangitata MP James Meager says it’s been great to see so many agencies have stepped up to the plate following the initial announcement.
“We’ve got a strong community here, and one of those major strengths is that we have people who want to pitch in and help with those facing a tough time,” he said.
“Everyone who works at Smithfield is a major part of our community and we value them hugely. We want to make sure that we can offer them every opportunity to stay here and ensure they and their families continue to contribute to our community.”
this month we look at...
CROP PROTECTION
ADAMA and Grochem join forces
ADAMA New Zealand CEO Lester Deighton says its acquisition of Grochem will benefit not only both companies but strengthen the agriculture and horticulture sectors in NZ.
“We saw an opportunity to build on our horticulture offering here in NZ and also deliver advantages to the businesses we work with including broadacre customers across NZ. Grochem’s unique formulations and their drive to solve issues no matter how big or small for growers is the core reason we invested in this business.”
While the acquisition agreement occurred in 2022, transition and integration has been part of a carefully timed and planned process, Deighton says.
“January 2025 is the official launch of the new business model. For our valued customers, it will be business as usual, with our teams looking to add further
value to the strong relationships they currently have.”
Grochem pioneered sustainable crop solutions for NZ’s local market, specialising in pipfruit, kiwifruit, and vineyards, all cornerstones of the country’s exports and our economy.
The company develops, manufactures, and sells products, with a portfolio which includes plant growth regulators, biosolutions and plant nutritionals.
Grochem has 150 years of experience in the current Grochem team supporting technical sales and grower fruit and crop health.
Deighton says ADAMA is a leading global crop protection company, providing solutions
in a wide range of crops to combat weeds, insects and disease, so farmers can get on with what they do best: feeding the world.
It is based in Nelson, with a specialist team working throughout NZ, while Grochem has its NZ headquarters in Porirua.
Deighton says the two companies coming together is logical.
“Joining with Grochem is in line with ADAMA’s aim to increase its activities in the emerging market of biological products, and to increase an offering that supports sustainable food production.
“Grochem’s reputation in NZ is built on exceptional products, strong brand, and close relationships with local growers and distribution partners.”
George McHardy, managing director of Grochem, also sees clear benefits.
“Joining forces with ADAMA gives us a larger global reach and allows our products to reach a wider audience.
“We are pleased to become part of ADAMA who have the same value system and care for customers that has always been part of the Grochem brand.”
ADAMA intends to maintain and nurture the Grochem brand and culture and the Grochem team and their focus will not change –continuing to offer dedicated technical support to customers and growers.
ADAMA is committed to this approach.
“Grochem has a proud history and have played a pivotal role in the NZ horticulture sector. This is an exciting, and positive time for all involved, and signals a bright future for ADAMA in NZ,” Deighton says.
For more detail contact Lester Deighton at lester.deighton@adama.com or phone 03 354 8275.
The combined team.
Fence-line herbicide resistance warning
The inclination of farmers to be ‘tidy Kiwis’ by repeatedly spraying the vegetation along fence-lines is increasing the risk of herbicide resistance, says Foundation for Arable Research senior field researcher Charles Merfield.
FAR has received a report of a suspected population of glyphosate-resistant ryegrass on an arable farm in the South Island.
After repeatedly spraying a fence-line using only glyphosate over many years, weeds now appear to be surviving applications and spreading into the adjacent crop.
This is a good reminder that herbicide resistance should be considered when planning fence-line maintenance, says Charles Merfield, more commonly known as Merf.
The viticulture industry has widespread glyphosate resistance in ryegrass, and some other species, after years of repeated applications along grapevine rows.
Herbicide resistance is now an issue in 30 per cent of vineyards nationally and in 50 per cent of Marlborough vineyards.
As glyphosate (Group 9) is a key herbicide in arable crop production, it is vital that growers manage its use to prevent
resistance occurring, Merfield says.
“Repeated herbicide sprays of the same Mode of Action are the highest risk factor for developing resistance.
“Once resistant weeds get into fencelines, the lack of competition means they reproduce and spread very quickly.”
Fence-lines are also an under-utilised resource for ecosystem services, such as supporting beneficial insects like pollinators and natural enemies.
Alternative approaches to fence-line management include physical techniques such as mowing and cultivation/tillage; biological approaches of using beneficial plants to out-compete weeds; and chemical/herbicide options that have a lower resistance risk.
These can be mixed and matched.
To encourage growers to re-evaluate their existing practices, a three-year FAR trial is underway at its Kowhai Farm research site near Lincoln to investigate the effectiveness of alternative strategies for fence-line weed control.
“Biological approaches such as using good plants to force out weeds are viewed as the best overall tactic in terms of simplicity, cost and co-benefits such as beneficial insect habitat. The big challenge is to find plant species that do the job well,” Merfield says.
Considerations when choosing suitable fence-line species include:
• it must not be a seed crop,
• must not be harmful to stock,
• needs to be highly competitive to outcompete weeds,
• should remain competitive in winter, and
• grow lower than fence height, or be suitable for mechanical trimming.
Three contrasting species have been chosen for the Kowhai Farm trial: alyssum (Lobularia maritima), browntop (Agrostis capillaris) and broom (Cytisus scoparius). A potential controversial option, to provoke debate, was the woody weed, gorse (Ulex europaeus)
“In some areas gorse is considered a weed, but it is still common in fence-lines and a valuable early nectar source.”
Physical fence-line management techniques include using vineyard equipment designed to work around posts and vine trunks, such as mowers and cultivators.
Mowing can be undertaken on a regular basis, or used strategically to stop pollen and seed production. Grazing is a substitute for mowing.
Physical techniques, particularly mowing, can integrate with biological approaches, such as browntop.
In terms of a chemical approach, using pre-emergence residual herbicides as alternatives to post-emergence herbicides is an important overall resistance management strategy. Using residuals also applies to fence-lines, with the additional benefit that herbicides that cannot be used in crops are options, allowing more Mode of Action groups to be used.
Avoid using Groups 1 and 2 and to a lesser extent Group 15 in fence-lines, as resistance to these groups already exists on arable farms, Merfield says.
A range of herbicide options is being demonstrated in the trial.
“There is no one perfect solution. Every farm needs to work out their best approach.”
FAR senior field researcher Charles Merfield with sprayed and non-sprayed sections along the southern fence-line at Kowhai Farm where a weed control trial is being carried out.
Supplier and retailer team up to play hard-ball with Calis
Corteva AgriScience and PGG Wrightson have joined forces this season to help farmers get the better of one of New Zealand agriculture’s most expensive and persistent weeds, permanently.
Together they’re setting up sites on 10 dairy and red meat farms across the country to demonstrate best practice control and elimination of Californian thistles.
“We know the issue is getting worse; Californian thistles are spreading and the feedback we’ve been getting is that farmers are becoming disillusioned and losing confidence in their ability to stay on top of this problem,” says Corteva marketing manager Glen Surgenor.
“We also realise one of the best ways to promote what can be achieved with a programmed approach control is through using demo sites, and sharing farm case studies.
“But we’re a small team, and we alone don’t have the resources to do this type of extension work at scale, so it made perfect sense to partner with PGG Wrightson on a multi-year national initiative we believe will make a real difference to farmers.”
Corteva technical specialist Nicole Morris is spearheading the company’s involvement, and is excited about the opportunity to combine Corteva’s expertise and product knowledge with PGG Wrightson’s wide outreach.
“This is the first time we’ve done something like this.
“Their technical field representatives are on the ground across the country, already working with clients who face the challenge of managing Californian thistle, so they’ve been able to help find farmers who want to participate, and we aim to have the programme up and running very shortly.”
By ‘programme’, Morris means a minimum of 18 months’ collaboration between the two companies and demo site farmers.
Expensive, persistent and frustrating – Calis are spreading.
This will start with an initial application of Tordon PastureBoss this summer at hardball stage, followed by MCPA phenoxy herbicide in autumn, and spot spraying of new emerging thistle shoots in summer 2025 with Tordon PastureBoss again.
A critical part of the partnership is a digital portal where farmers can easily record their herbicide applications and access technical information.
Equally importantly, Corteva territory managers and PGG Wrightson TFRs can use the portal to record any observations about key metrics like pasture composition and animal health throughout the programme.
“We want to document and share what happens on these farms as they go through the programme, to show that Californian thistle can be effectively managed with multiple herbicide applications and other tools like mowing,” Morris says.
Tordon PastureBoss is the premium herbicide to use at the front end of a control programme, especially for dense infestations.
The withholding periods are relatively short (three days for milk; seven days for meat) and although it will damage clover, pasture production and grazing is already much reduced where thistle populations are high, and that ground will be re-gained at the completion of the programme, she says.
Now is an ideal time to start a multi-spray programme, because of the plant’s natural growth cycle.
“The reason we recommend spraying in early summer, after flower bud formation but before flowering, is that this hard-ball stage coincides with the time that sugars
within the plant are still actively being sent down into the root system, helping deliver the herbicide throughout the plant.
“Once flowering occurs, the movement of sugars stays within the upper part of the plant, for flower and seed development, limiting distribution of herbicide into the root zone, and significantly reducing the effectiveness of the spray application,” Morris explains.
Californian thistle has an aggressive rhizomatous root system, capable of extending more than two metres deep, and adventitious buds produce new above ground shoots, so the importance of getting chemical to this part of the plant cannot be under-stated, she says.
Nicole Morris.
Help farmers grow great brassicas this season
Words: Syngenta
Insect pests, left uncontrolled, can reduce the dry matter of a forage brassica crop by as much as three tonnes per hectare.
There are a range of sucking and chewing pests that attack forage brassica crops at various stages of crop development, including springtails, Nysius, cutworm, diamondback moth, cabbage white butterfly, soybean looper, European leaf miner and aphids.
Syngenta has the ground covered when it comes to forage brassica insecticides, with four products controlling almost the complete spectrum of pests that can attack crops from emergence to grazing.
The range includes MINECTO Star, which contains two active ingredients designed to control a wide range of insect pests without disrupting beneficial insect populations.
This means it is compatible in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme.
Retaining beneficial insects in the crop helps to provide ongoing control of insect pests and reduce the need for follow-up insecticides.
Treated pests stop feeding almost immediately, protecting the crop and providing extended residual control to maximise brassica quality and yield.
PIRIMOR is also an IPM compatible product, providing specific control of aphids.
It can be used alone or added to MINECTO Star to bolster control of aphids when a knock-down insecticide is also needed.
Early season KARATE ZEON can be applied for the control of cutworm in establishing crops.
Once crops get established, AMPLIGO is also a useful tool for farmers as it controls a wide range of insect pests.
Early season use will minimise any impact on beneficial insects as they are still establishing in the crop.
These four products, supplemented with other products where necessary (in the establishment period), provide growers a full range of options to help manage the pest threat to a forage brassica crop from end-to-end.
For more detail contact your local Syngenta territory sales manager.
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Alliance offers fertile ground for bio-based agricultural chemicals
The sustainable manufacture of bio-based herbicides is the target of a $1.3 million international collaboration initiated by the Global Bioeconomy Alliance (GBA).
The University of Queensland is one of the founding members of the GBA, alongside the Technical University of Munich, the Danish Technical University and the Sao Paulo State University in Brazil.
Professor Robert Henry from UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation says the aim is to produce agricultural chemicals from biological sources.
“At the moment agricultural chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides and fungicides, are produced predominantly from non-renewable starting materials, adding considerably to the carbon footprint of the sector,” he says
“We want to make them from renewable, biological sources instead.
“Sugarcane bagasse, for instance, is the pulp left behind after the juice of the sugarcane plant is harvested.
“It is an excellent renewable raw material for the production of chemicals.
“Part of the decarbonisation strategy for agriculture is to replace fossil carbon with carbon produced in plants as a source of herbicides and other chemicals.”
Biochemist Professor Gary Schenk from UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences will work with colleagues in Munich to establish a process to convert sugarcane bagasse to a recently discovered natural herbicide.
This herbicide, a carbohydrate, was shown to have herbicidal properties similar to those of the commercial herbicide glyphosate.
“The idea is to establish a sustainable manufacturing platform for such compounds,” Schenk says.
“We want to make bio-based molecules with bio-based processes.
“Specifically, in this project, we will use synthetic biology tools to produce this natural herbicide as a proof-of-concept.”
Robert Henry and Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa will identify novel naturally occurring molecules with herbicidal activity.
In partnership with Bushtukka and Botanicals Indigenous Enterprise Cooperative, Sultanbawa will identify native plants that have known pesticidal properties and develop screening assays for bioactivity.
“We will screen Queensland biodiversity for naturally occurring bioactives that we can find in plants,” Henry says.
“Our partners in Germany will then help us define the active ingredients in our biological resources.
“The new bioactives that we discover will then be produced using the same manufacturing platform established in our proof-of-concept test system.
“It’s a real circular economy opportunity for agriculture fulfilling UQ’s and the GBA’s objective of creating impact.”
The project is funded by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Sugar Research Australia, Bushtukka and Botanicals
Indigenous Enterprise Cooperative and The University of Queensland.
Professor Robert Henry.
Professor Gary Schenk.
SCAN ME
Cost-effective and convenient Conquest ticks the boxes
If your customers are looking for ways to get more out of their existing land and pasture this season, without breaking the bank, a reliable, grass-friendly herbicide from Nufarm might be just what they need.
Conquest contains the active ingredients picloram and triclopyr, and was originally developed as a brushweed herbicide, for controlling several economically important weed species such as blackberry, gorse,manuka, matagouri and tutu. Nufarm technical specialist Paul Addison says it is still widely used for this purpose, and is very effective.
Unlike some other products containing the same active ingredients, however, Conquest is also registered for spot spraying large pasture weeds, and is increasingly helping farmers reclaim good grazing from paddocks where pasture dry matter productivity has been compromised by broadleaf weed infestation.
“One of the advantages of using it as a spot spray is that it is very good on broadleaf weeds like docks, thistles and ragwort, including large, multi-crown and difficult to kill species, as well as barberry, blackberry, gorse, manuka and other brush weeds,” Addison says.
In effect, Conquest gives dairy and red meat farmers the ability to do two important jobs with one product.
Rather than having to buy, store and apply two different types of herbicide for two different types of weed, with Conquest farmers only need one.
That’s less packaging to dispose of, too, Addison points out.
It’s fast acting and grass friendly, so it won’t leave brown patches in pasture, and it has a nil stock grazing withholding period.
“It is also very cost effective and it takes out awkward weeds that other herbicides struggle to control, including alligator weed, horehound, inkweed, cape weed, goats rue, fennel, hemlock, docks and sorrel.”
It can also be a useful broadcast spray in pastures where clovers or other legumes are either not present, or not desirable. Conquest can be applied year-round, although avoid spraying gorse and manuka when flowering.
If your farmers want to use it for brushweed control, especially gorse, Addison says it’s important to remind them to combine it with Pulse Penetrant for the best result.
“Gorse has a very thick cuticle inhibiting the uptake of herbicides, so by adding Pulse Penetrant it allows uptake through the stomata ensuring sufficient herbicide gets into the gorse plants.”
Addison also advises leaving stock out of sprayed pastures for a few days after application, if possible, to allow Conquest time to be absorbed and translocated within target weeds and brushweeds. Sprayed weeds rapidly show signs of herbicide application, and full brownout can occur within weeks, so farmers can see results fast.
Conquest also has short term residual soil activity which will suppress weeds that try to germinate around the area that has been treated.
When it comes to handling and mixing, this formulation has low odour, and it’s easy to remember the right rate for knapsack application to pasture weeds because all weeds on the label have the same knapsack rate, namely 60 mL Conquest per 10 L of water.
Target weeds should be sprayed when actively growing.
Most common techniques for pasture weed control are knapsack and high volume gun and hose; it can also be applied with a weed wiper or as a broadcast application, although broadcast spraying is only recommended where problem weeds such as docks, ragwort, and thistles are very dense.
Conquest should not be used in areas where susceptible crops, especially legumes, are to be sown soon after application.
For more detail contact your local Nufarm territory manager.
Paul Addison.
Lengthy stint on the ground in NZ time well spent
If the New Zealand horticulture and viticulture sectors ever needed confirmation they really matter to one major crop protection supplier, a recent visit by Australia-based Syngenta veteran Scott Mathew should have allayed any doubts.
Product lead for the Syngenta viticulture and fruit portfolio across both Australia and NZ, Mathew spent eight weeks here during August and September, criss-crossing the country to cover all our main growing regions from Southland to Pukekohe.
As much of that time as possible was spent in orchards, vineyards and crops, talking to growers and finding out first-hand what challenges and opportunities they face.
Mathew’s been with Syngenta for nearly 30 years, and has held his current senior role since 2019.
Taking two months out of his schedule to focus exclusively on NZ might seem a bit extravagant, but as far as he’s concerned, it was time and money well spent.
“For a start, NZ represents 40 per cent of my portfolio value, so it’s a very important region for us.
“And while the crops themselves are the same here as they are in Australia, every market has its own nuances that you need to be aware of to make really informed decisions about both new product development and new opportunities for existing products.
“What might be an issue in Australia is not always the same in NZ, and vice versa.
“And you can’t understand those intricacies if you just fly in and fly out. You need to be on the ground for a long time, and immerse yourself in the industry, so people can see you’re committed, and you genuinely want to know what’s important to them.”
Also, it never hurts to have a key decision maker immediately on hand when a brand new pipfruit fungicide takes off straight after launch.
The Syngenta NZ release of APTIVIS was the original prompt for Mathew’s trip here, and when it became apparent demand from local growers this season would exceed the initial market allocation, he acted accordingly and without delay.
“I could feel the excitement building and as product manager, on the ground, I could make a decision virtually then and there to organise increased supply, which was then sold out in a few days.”
APTIVIS is registered for control of black spot and powdery mildew on both apples
and pears, and for alternaria leaf blotch on apples.
While it was a big talking point during his trip, Mathew says he also sought grower and merchant comments about a wide range of subjects to do with protecting many different crops from pests and disease.
Biologicals were a common theme of interest raised by both distributors and producers, and he’s taking away some ideas to discuss with the Syngenta global R&D team as a result.
Overall, he says NZ producers are really challenged with a lack of alternative options for insecticides and fungicides in a number of crops.
“Brassica insecticide programmes here, for example, are lacking some alternative modes of action, and heavily reliant on a small number of products.”
Tight fungicide resistance management programmes are also having much more of an impact on certain NZ crops than he realised.
“These are much more restricted than most countries, including Australia. And they tend to restrict options that NZ growers have in terms of spray timings, and chemical modes of action.
“In viticulture in Australia, for example, we follow the global Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) guidelines, which say you can use three DMI (Group 3) fungicides in vines per growing season.
“But due to the onset of resistance in NZ, growers are restricted to one DMI application per growing season in wine grapes. Group 3 fungicides are lower cost chemistry, and highly effective if you don’t have resistance; this is an example of the extra layer of complexity NZ growers have to deal with. This is one example of a difference between the two countries.”
Another example is a fungicide mode of action that has been removed entirely from approved disease control programmes because of resistance in one pathogen, while it still retains activity against two other labelled pathogens.
Mathew also spent quite a bit of time talking about powdery mildew control in grapevines with growers and merchants.
From Pukekohe to Southland, Scott Mathew covered all our main growing regions.
“It was interesting to see the different approach wine grape growers take to managing this disease challenge. Typically, Australian growers start fighting powdery infections with synthetic fungicides earlier in the season.
“We’ll have the first synthetic chemistry applications on well before the beginning of flowering. Overall, I think growers on both sides of the Tasman Sea have things they can learn from each other.
“I look forward to future visits to New Zealand to further these discussions and see if we can help improve disease control outcomes for growers.”
Apples were a big focus with the launch of APTIVIS.
Ironmax Pro®: Powerful. But gentle on the earth.
Ironmax Pro is next gen science that’s building on the toughness of Metarex® Inov. And it’s a great fit for all farming and growing practices – conventional, sustainable, regenerative, and organic.
They can’t run. And, now, they can’t hide
Metarex Inov is irresistible. End of slugs’ story.
But the exceptional palatability isn’t the bait’s only advantage as Ash Pace, UPL NZ. Regional manager, central South Island explains.
“Unlike coated slug baits, which only have active on the outside, with Metarex Inov the active (metaldehyde) goes right to its core. Not a crumb is wasted.
“The gap between these kinds of baits is significant. 40 grams of active per kg for Metarex Inov, compared with just 18 grams for coated granules. The edible rate for Metarex Inov is also superior.”
Colzactive technology is responsible for Metarex Invo’s exceptional palatability and that of BioGro certified Ironmax Pro, which gives farmers another option without loss of efficacy. Created by the research and development team from French company De Sangosse, the global leaders in slug and snail bait technology, Colzactive comprises specially selected oil seed rape extracts.
The De Sangosse R&D team evaluated 20 different plant species, identifying 50 potential molecules for their attractiveness to slugs, and ultimately selecting two molecules slugs found irresistible.
Pace says the company’s research shows that slugs actively prefer feeding on Metarex Inov to feeding on seedings.
Money is tight on farms and Pace says Metarex Invo can help.
“With Metarex Inov the application rate is 3-5 kg per ha. Compare that to coated bait at 10-15 kg per ha. That’s a lot of extra refills and fuel.”
And, he says, the advantages of Metarex Inov go further.
“Reliable deliverability of the product is essential – minimising waste.
“Metarex Inov is a consistent shape, unlike coated bait which is irregular. With Metarex Inov spread is regular and predictable.
“For those choosing a ‘greener’ option there’s also Ironmax® Pro, which stands on the shoulders of Metarex. It’s BioGro certified, IPM friendly and treads more gently on the earth without losing any efficacy.”
Slugs are an often underestimated but major pest in brassicas, maize, cereals, forage crops and pasture with the potential to cost the economy millions of dollars.
“There is a lot at stake. No-one can afford to have a spring or autumn sowing fail. Slugs are right up there in their ability to cause serious crop damage - just a little bit behind grass grub. And slugs can decimate high value crops like brassicas,” Pace says.
“Any slug, or slug damage,
EPA further limits DCPA
weedkiller; Aussies ban it
The Environmental Protection Authority has significantly restricted use of chlorthal-dimethyl (also known as DCPA) out of concern about its effects on foetal development.
The new rules come after the EPA’s red alert in August urging people to stop using weedkillers that contain the chemical. This followed the United States Environmental Protection Agency banning the substance.
US data found it can affect fetal development and cause low birth weight
and irreversible, life-long impacts, such as impaired brain development and motor skills.
The EPA has introduced restrictions to New Zealand so the weedkiller can only be used on soil where specific crops are grown, pregnant individuals or individuals who may be pregnant are prevented from
Slugs actively prefer feeding on Metarex Inov over seedlings
you see is just the tip of the iceberg.
“Slugs are active year-round though population pressure and damage typically peak in autumn and spring - the persistence of their life cycle makes them a constant threat.
“UPL’s slug baits give your farmers that critical protection, especially when they have seedlings coming out of the ground, and they’re looking to get them off to the best start.”
Metarex Inov and Ironmax Pro are manufactured with the finest durum wheat using a unique wet manufacturing process. All-weather bait, they are very rainfast, so they continue to perform in the damp conditions that the slugs thrive in without deterioration.
And, importantly for those at the business end of application, like contractors, there’s less dust and both products are much easier on the gear.
For more detail contact your local technical representative or phone Ash Pace, 021 987 735.
using the substance or entering a site where it’s been used, and wide buffer zones further protect the public from spray.
All restrictions took effect from 13 September.
“Putting these restrictions in place now is the quickest and most effective way for us to protect people’s health and safety,” says Dr Shaun Presow, hazardous substances reassessments manager.
“We have consulted with organisations that use this herbicide, and we have found that it’s not widely used in NZ, especially compared with the US.”
DCPA is mainly used here for controlling a specific weed in onion, garlic, and shallot crops before the vegetables emerge from the soil.
Credit where credit is due for unsung heroes
Adjuvants have an increasing role to play in optimising application efficiency, minimising risk and extracting every last dollar of value from spray programmes.
That’s the message from supplier UPL New Zealand, which says the result is optimal return on investment (ROI) combined with enhanced environmental safety.
While actives usually get the credit for crop protection success, adjuvants are the unsung heroes, ensuring actives get to, on, and into the target plants.
Leading contractor Graham Greer of Greer Groundspraying, Manawatu, says clients occasionally baulk at what they see as additional inputs, but he says adjuvants are “well worth it”.
They make sense operationally, too.
Greer says his company uses Li-1000 from UPL to manage drift and help actives’ penetration. “Where we are, it can get pretty windy. Using Li-1000 can be the difference between being able to do the job and not.”
Li-1000 dramatically reduces off-target drift and significantly increases leaf penetration (through the cuticle) and translocation throughout the plant, improving product performance.
The increasing use of drones for spraying, and sensitivity to, and restrictions on, water use have meant it has come under increasing scrutiny.
Greer says using super-spreader Du- Wett means they can use lower water rates while getting better coverage.
“You can actually even see the difference Du-Wett coverage makes on the leaves. It’s especially good with insecticides in brassicas, which are really hard to wet.”
UPL’s All Clear 2X is also very important to Greer Groundspraying when it comes to cleaning and decontaminating gear between crops and applications.
“It’s a critical part of the process. You get less residuals and fewer blockages,” he says.
All Clear 2X removes even notoriously sticky products, such as carfentrazone, and cleans everything from the tank to the spray lines to the nozzles.
It also has the benefit of increasing gear longevity and performance.
Greer is meticulous and says it’s important to stand by the company’s workmanship, timely delivery, and good client and supplier communication.
That’s a result of decades of experience.
His father was a farmer and a hay and silage contractor, and Greer followed in his footsteps, working on farms and driving trucks and diggers, then for a contracting business.
Twenty years later, in 2002, he went out on his own.
His business serves the wider Manawat ūWhanganui area, with clients mostly involved in mixed cropping, beef, dairy and sheep.
The company works across a broad range of crops and pastures.
“It’s a real mixed bag.”
Working year-round, they have four fulltime staff and five at peak time, which is September through February.
Greer says the company has both trucks and self-propelling machines, so the team can work with a larger variety of crops and taller crops as well.
The next generation of Greer contractors, his sons Issac and Hamish Greer, who work with him, are gaining their CAA drone certification.
For more information talk to your local technical specialist or phone David Lingan, UPL NZ adjuvant product manager, 021 804 450.
“These crops aren’t sprayed directly, and the substance breaks down before harvest, so we can assure people there is no risk through exposure from vegetables,” says Presow.
The EPA’s next steps are to gather and analyse all information on how these weedkillers are used in NZ, before carrying out a full review that may lead to further restrictions or a ban.
Meantime the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has cancelled all 12 products containing the herbicide chlorthal dimethyl.
APVMA chief executive officer Scott Hansen says the APVMA identified an
immediate risk of serious injury or serious illness which could result from use of these products.
“The APVMA has the power to act swiftly where we identify an imminent risk to human health and we are exercising that authority today with the cancellation of all products containing chlorthal dimethyl.
“We haven’t taken this decision lightly and are exercising a high degree of caution in cancelling these products and ask those who hold them to cease use immediately. We will issue information on the product recall requirements shortly.”
Hansen said this decision brings Australia into alignment with international
counterparts and reiterated that there is no phase out period for the products due to the risk to human health.
“The APVMA considers the risk of continued use to be unacceptable as the risk of exposure cannot be effectively mitigated.
“The primary risk is to pregnant people’s unborn babies, particularly where those people have handled the chemical or reentered areas where the product has been used within the last five days.
“We understand the impact that this regulatory decision will have on industry, but the safety of people is of paramount importance.”
From left, Hamish, Isaac, and Graham Greer from Greer Groundspray.
Make a meal of it – dense new grass ready in no time
Here’s a timely tip for any of your farmers who sowed Array NEA2 perennial ryegrass this season: Be prepared for more growth than you expect!
That’s the advice from Barenbrug, which launched the advanced new pasture cultivar 18 months ago.
Offering a host of standout performance gains, Array NEA2 is a great example of the old adage that looks can deceive if your eye is not yet tuned into its unique structure and growth habit, says Barenbrug pasture specialist Graham Kerr. In other words, it’s often ready for grazing early.
“The feedback we’ve had from farmers is that ‘there was more feed in the paddock than I thought’.
“Either it takes their animals a lot longer to graze paddocks of Array NEA2 than they expect, and/or they’ve found they have to go into those paddocks a couple of days sooner than they planned.”
What looks like pasture cover of 3000 kilograms of dry matter per ha in a normal diploid perennial ryegrass is more likely to be 3300 kg in
Array NEA2, Kerr says. And that means it’s always worth checking these paddocks first when it comes time to look where animals go next, rather than slotting Array NEA2 into a fixed grazing rotation.
“All ryegrass cultivars are different, whether we’re talking annuals, tetraploids or dense diploids. Assessing how much feed each has available has always been a matter of calibrating your eye,” Kerr says.
It’s all down to the new cultivar’s dense, spiky shape and fast growth.
“We have heard it described as looking like a hedgehog when it’s next to other perennial ryegrasses.
“And that’s not a bad comparison to make, because it has been deliberately bred for upright growth and high tiller density, so it does look different from other ryegrass pastures.”
In return, Array NEA2 delivers major benefits for farmers, animals and the environment alike, Kerr says.
Customised for high animal intake and good persistence, it is also top-ranked in the National Forage Variety perennial ryegrass trials for total dry matter yield, with the best cool season growth of any perennial yet developed by Barenbrug.
Critically it achieves this growth performance under the same inputs, in the same soils, as its peers.
But it really stands out when there is a significant nitrogen deficiency.
Trials comparing nitrogen in the leaves of diploid perennial cultivars grown under deliberate nitrogen deficiency showed no difference between Array NEA2 and others, Kerr says.
But Array NEA2 yielded significantly higher, meaning it is able to extract more nitrogen from the same soil.
This is a notable benefit, because it can help even out pasture supply.
“All farms go through periods of low available soil nitrogen, largely weather-related, which reduce pasture growth. Array’s ability to ‘find’ more nitrogen helps it keep growing and evening out pasture supply during these times. That’s a win for productivity.
“Array’s higher nitrogen response is also a win environmentally, because you’re growing significantly more feed from the same amount of nitrogen.
For more detail contact your local Barenbrug area manager.
Array left too long before grazing.
Array with Kotuku clover.
Norsewear steps up to help the homeless
They’re durable, ward off bacteria, promote foot health, are odour resistant and they’re super warm and comfortable.
But for those facing homelessness and transiency, decent woollen socks are a luxury – and are rarely donated to charity.
Tim Deane, owner of heritage woollen apparel business Norsewear, saw a need and last month, he helped fill it by celebrating Socktober – a buy one, donate one scheme he ran via the Norsewear website throughout the month of October.
For every pair of Norsewear socks purchased on the official
website ( www.norsewear.co.nz) between 1 and 31 October, Norsewear donated an equally cosy pair of quality merino socks to Auckland City Mission.
“Some of our Norsewear people were reading about the issues facing those experiencing homelessness overseas, and how socks are one of those items we either wear out and bin, or just don’t consider donating to others,” Deane explains.
“We got in touch with the Mission who confirmed that
Setting a high bar
New Zealand has pioneered endophyte technologies, allowing farmers to select ryegrasses that control certain pasture pests while enhancing livestock performance.
Without these endophytes, RAGT NZ says, many perennial ryegrass pastures
would struggle to persist.
“RGT18, the latest novel endophyte from RAGT, sets the
the issue is just as relevant here as it is abroad, and that high quality socks are simply not donated in large enough quantities to meet the need.
“On the flip side, people experiencing homelessness often end up with their feet in bad shape because of shoes and socks getting wet and not able to be dried or changed out. It’s a situation we feel we can really help change.”
Norsewear socks are hard-
wearing, he says, and crafted in Hawke’s Bay from merino and mid-micron wool.
Some customers claim their Norsewear socks have lasted decades, he adds.
“Our customers are busy people working hard in their businesses or out on the land and they know the value of decent socks. They’re also inherently generous, so I have high hopes that they’ll dig deep to improve the lives of others.”
bar higher than ever before.
“While anyone can make claims, we back ours up with evidence from extensive internal and external trials.
“RGT18’s benefits have also been verified by industry group the Endophyte Technical Committee (ETC) ensuring that you and your farmers can trust the data.”
RGT18, available in Hustle perennial ryegrass, enhances ryegrass tolerance to Argentine stem weevil and porina, two major pests that affect productivity.
It also helps mitigate the impact of black beetle, another significant pest primarily affecting certain regions of the North Island.
“Ongoing research will further validate these findings for other pests, such as pasture mealybug and root aphid,” RAGT says.
Stock health is crucial for onfarm productivity and is always top of mind for farmers.
RGT18 represents a new
breed of novel endophytes that not only enhances insect tolerance but also significantly reduces negative impacts on animals compared to previous endophytes with similar tolerances.
“AR1 has long been regarded as the gold standard for animal safety among novel endophytes.
“Extensive research reviewed by the ETC has confirmed that RGT18 is equally safe for grazing livestock.”
It is important to note that RGT18 is not suitable where deer or horses may graze.
AgResearch, world leaders in this field, have reached similar conclusions from their trials:
- RGT Hustle RGT18 is very unlikely to cause ryegrass staggers in sheep, beef, or dairy cattle.
- RGT Hustle RGT18 has significantly less ryegrass staggers than AR37 and Standard Endophyte.
- RGT Hustle RGT18 shows a similar trend to AR1 regarding staggers risk.
Sharon Doreen at Norsewear.
Seed ordering on the go
Farmlands has launched a new FarmlandPRO feature that it says makes it extremely easy for farmers and growers to manage their seed requirements, when and where suits them the most.
Customers can now use the app to buy straight, pre-mixed or custom seed mixes in whatever quantity is required.
Orders can be placed paddock-bypaddock, with the ability to select the size of the paddock (in hectares), the name of the paddock and the date of delivery. Developed jointly by Farmlands’ digital team and end users, the new seed ordering system is designed to meet the needs of those on the ground.
Users can also be confident that they’re getting the best price from Farmlands on every order, eliminating the need for quoting, Farmlands says.
As with all purchases in FarmlandsPRO, delivery direct to farm for orders greater than $500 is free.
This feature has been released three months after the initial launch of the app, which Farmlands says is fast becoming the
convenient, always on, channel of choice for NZ farmers and growers.
The retailer is seeing an increasing trend of customers self-serving through FarmlandsPRO as they discover how useful the tool is.
CEO Tanya Houghton says FarmlandsPRO is an extremely convenient and streamlined way to order seed from Farmlands, and it’s a channel that benefits both customers and the co-op alike.
“Precision and convenience are crucial in modern farming. Our new seed ordering feature in FarmlandsPRO is a great example of us designing solutions to give farmers and growers greater control and flexibility.
“Selecting the right seed mix and ensuring it’s planted in the right conditions can significantly impact crop yield and farm profitability. Giving customers the ability
to specify paddock-level details through FarmlandsPRO is a major advance,” she says.
Beyond the new seed ordering feature, FarmlandsPRO offers numerous benefits. It lets farmers and growers order, track and manage their rural supplies anywhere, anytime, and frees up Farmlands technical experts to spend more time supporting customers with on-farm or orchard challenges and less time processing orders.
NZ made insulator changes the game
Strainrite Fencing Systems has just launched its innovative Durashield, a new snap-on insulator designed to offer exceptional on-farm performance at an affordable price.
One of the key advantages of the Durashield is its ultimate electrical retention in wet conditions, the company says.
“Through extensive testing and refinement, the Durashield has been designed to ensure outstanding operation in New Zealand’s unpredictable and challenging weather.
“Early prototypes tested onsite confirmed the impressive results seen in the test lab.”
The Durashield is compatible with Strainrite’s Cliplock and XT1 wire strainers and can be purchased pre-fitted with Strainrite’s Cliplock permanent wire strainers or separately for use with new or existing wire strainers.
This means your farmers don’t
need to replace their current wire strainers— instead they can just snap on the Durashield and they’re ready to go.
In line with Strainrite’s commitment to sustainability, the Durashield is made from 60 per cent postconsumer materials.
“This Ecoblend ASA ensures the insulator is strong, durable and UV-stabilised providing long-lasting performance,” Strainrite says.
Because the Durashield is retrofittable to existing wire strainers, if an insulator is damaged farmers can easily replace it with another rather than replace the whole wire strainer, helping to reduce future waste.
The Durashield is 100 per cent NZ designed and manufactured, ensuring premium craftsmanship in every insulator. With a focus on product development, innovation and market feedback, Strainrite Fencing Systems is renowned for high-quality fencing products
that withstand the tough and demanding farming elements.
Strainrite’s Durashield offers a cost-effective, user-friendly option that enhances on-farm performance while supporting sustainability.
For more detail visit strainrite.co.nz.
Research shows novel crop protection opportunities in wheat
Researchers are excited about the potential for Epichloë fungal endophytes to protect cereal crops such as wheat from pests and disease, while also reducing chemical use — building on the proven success of endophytes in New Zealand pastures.
Scientists at AgResearch and its subsidiary Grasslanz Technology have been trialling the application of these fungi, which live inside certain plants and can provide protective qualities to the plant, in wheat.
Modern wheat does not naturally host these endophytes, but some wild grass relatives of modern cereal crops do.
The success of selected endophytes in ryegrass has already been welldocumented, with the commercialised AR37 endophyte strain estimated to contribute $3.6 billion to the economy over the life of its 20-year patent.
“The continued use of synthetic chemicals to protect crops against pests and diseases is becoming a more difficult proposition as concerns mount about risks to human health, as regulations change and as some of these chemicals become less effective,” says senior researcher and Grasslanz Technology chief executive, John Caradus.
“The benefit of selected Epichloë endophytes in ryegrass has gone some way to addressing this challenge of chemical use, and it has also given us insights into opportunities to provide similar protection for wheat and other cereal crops.”
Caradus says when it comes to wheat, there are challenges in introducing suitable endophytes due to issues of genetic compatibility between the endophyte and the host wheat plant.
“However, we have been able to work around that through plant breeding techniques that have given us good matches between the wheat and endophyte.”
In experiments done with wheat containing suitable endophytes, the results seen are quite impressive, he says.
“We have seen improved resistance to infection by Septoria leaf blotch, Fusarium head blight and wheat leaf rust compared with equivalent endophyte-free wheat.
“Improved resistance to insect pests Argentine stem weevil, hessian fly and wheat sheath miner has also been observed in field trials.
“We have evidence in pasture grasses that endophytes can help the plant adapt to some environmental challenges resulting from climate change, and there may be potential for this in cereal crops too, but we are yet to prove this.”
Trials are continuing to better understand and optimise the use of these endophytes in wheat.
Research is also continuing into opportunities to enhance endophytes in ryegrass.
One approach in ryegrass is use of gene editing technology to maximise the protective benefit of the endophyte, while reducing or eliminating the potential toxic effects on animals that can occur in some instances, leading to heat stress or illness such as ryegrass staggers.
“With the use of gene editing, we are seeing that we can address some of those negative impacts in animals from the toxins produced in the plant by the endophyte,” Caradus says.
“Trials of ryegrass containing this geneedited endophyte are underway in Australia, and with change looming to legislation around use of genetic technologies in NZ, we think there could be opportunities in future to carry out trials in NZ.
“If proven to be safe and effective, ultimately we want to see these enhanced endophytes made available to farmers and benefitting NZ.”
NZ is scheduled to host the 11th International Endophyte Symposium in Hamilton in November 2025.
This will be the third time the gathering has been hosted here since these symposia began in 1990.
Researchers are also working to enhance endophytes in ryegrass.
Results of experiments with wheat and endophyte have been impressive.
New forage on the menu
This spring, Cropmark Seeds is introducing what it describes as three exceptional new forage brassicas, specifically bred for New Zealand farmers.
Kea kale, Rifleman forage rape, and Saddleback swede were developed right here in NZ, thoroughly trialled in local conditions, and are set to make a real difference on your customers’ farms, the company says.
Kea kale is an intermediate kale that brings flexibility to farmers’ grazing systems.
With its high leaf-to-stem ratio, it delivers impressive dry matter yields, rivalling even giant kale types.
“Whether farmers are spring sowing for winter cattle grazing or seeking superior summer and autumn regrowth in sheep systems, Kea’s exceptional quality stands out.
“Plus, it’s proven to tolerate a wide range of diseases, ensuring reliable performance season after season.”
Rifleman forage rape is a fast-establishing, dual-purpose variety designed for quick returns.
Cropmark says its rapid maturity means farmers can graze it in summer, autumn, or winter, giving them flexibility throughout the year.
“Rifleman stays leafier for longer and regrows quickly, providing a consistent feed source when it’s needed most.”
Rounding out the new lineup is Saddleback swede, a tough, high-yielding swede with yellow flesh.
Matt Hicks, Cropmark plant breeder, says like Kea and Rifleman, it has been bred for flexibility and simplicity.
“Seasons change, situations change, and having varieties that are adaptable, flexible, and robust is critical in all farming systems.
“Saddleback’s adaptability means farmers can confidently choose one swede that is fit for purpose in many different situations.”
Selected for its robust disease tolerance,
Saddleback stands up to clubroot, dry rot, and Beet Western Yellows Virus (BWYV), while delivering uniform bulbs and excellent leaf retention.
It’s a reliable performer, especially under challenging conditions, Hicks says.
All three varieties—Kea, Rifleman and Saddleback—are ideal for beef, dairy, sheep, and deer farming systems, offering versatility and proven on-farm results. Limited stock of seed is available for spring; contact your local Cropmark representative for more detail.
Kea kale.
Bay partnership simplifies orchard scanning
A partnership between two technology companies in Hawke’s Bay is making orchard data more easily accessible to growers using new interactive online heatmaps.
Fruition Hawke’s Bay has provided Green Atlas Cartographer orchard scanners to growers in New Zealand since 2019, allowing them to precisely count buds and fruit on all their trees and vines.
Up until now the detailed data generated by these scanners hasn’t always been simple for growers to absorb at a glance.
So Fruition worked with agritech expert HortPlus to create and launch interactive digital maps on their client portal.
Fruition Hawke’s Bay managing director Jack Hughes says the new maps make it easy to see what is happening in the orchard and to decide what action needs to be taken.
“The maps bring together all the crop density information gathered by the Cartographer scanners and present it on personalised ‘heat-maps’ of growers’ orchards, allowing
them to easily see the current state of play.”
Fruition is the exclusive NZ partner for Green Atlas scanners.
Hughes says four machines covered 2,600 ha of kiwifruit and apples in 2023-2024, and Fruition is excited about the Cartographer’s ability to simultaneously collect fruit size, number and leaf area data.
“This combination provided a fundamental measure of crop load and the capacity of trees to size fruit to market requirements.
“There’s more work to do in figuring out the ‘optimums’ for different variety and growing system combinations and we’re focused on working with our clients to develop simple, practical metrics that are easily adopted on the orchard,” he says.
This isn’t the first time HortPlus
and Fruition Hawke’s Bay have collaborated.
The partnership has spanned more than 10 years, resulting in a swathe of new technology and resources for Fruition clients.
Other innovations include the Trappa app that certified scouts employed by Fruition can use to record the type and number of pest insects caught in pheromone traps placed around apple orchards.
The data recorded in the app is automatically pulled through to Fruition’s client portal, providing Fruition consultants and apple growers with data to inform pest control decisions.
The ‘hot trap’ function shows relative pest pressure throughout each orchard and guides block sub-division decision making.
HortPlus and Fruition have also worked together to make soil moisture data available on the
The Cartographer scanner counts buds and fruit on apple trees and kiwifruit vines.
New maps make it easy to view Green Atlas reports for any block.
Fruition portal by displaying data uploaded from soil moisture sensors on orchards. This data shows how much water plants are using and where in the soil profile they are taking it from.
Recommendations help growers make informed decisions around if, when and how to irrigate.
HortPlus director Mike Barley says working on leading edge technology with another business in the Hawke’s Bay, where HortPlus was founded, was a source of pride and indicative of the strength of the region as one of NZ’s agri-tech hubs.
“Over the years, Fruition Hawke’s Bay has always been open to new technology and investing in technology that will add value for NZ growers –it’s been a natural and productive partnership.”
Ambitious $25 million SFFF programme on track
After four years and $14.8 million of research, Ballance Agri-Nutrients says it’s on track to bring multiple new products and services to primary producers through its government-backed Future Ready Farms programme.
Launched October 2020, the MPI Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund project was originally due to finish next year, and had a total budget of $25 million including $10 million from the Crown.
In May, the project was extended to seven years, after delays due to COVID-19, regulatory timeframes and a shortage of research capability meant key deliverables were no longer able to be achieved within the initial five year schedule.
Future Ready Farms is highly ambitious in scope and spread. It encompasses 12 sub-projects across agriculture, horticulture, arable and forestry seeking new ways for producers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, agricultural chemical use and nutrient loss to waterways. Specifically these focus on targeted nutrient application; land use choice; carbon capture and reduction; animal health and parasite management; low carbon nitrogen; nutrient and effluent management and fertiliser decision support as well as soil health, a herbicide replacement and upgrading MitAgator to include biodiversity and greenhouse gasses.
Stuart Kay, innovation leader for Ballance, has overseen
Future Ready Farms since 2022, and says key outcomes are now nearing the finishing line.
The most immediate of these is new effluent treatment technology dubbed Project Jeddah, currently undergoing commercial dairy farm trials in Mid-Canterbury, and scheduled for market launch by June 2025. Ballance, Southwater and Plucks Engineering filed a patent application for this technology in late 2022. Precise details are still under wraps but in general terms it enables solids to be separated from effluent, capturing them as dry compost, while remaining water is clean enough to be reused for irrigation.
When this technology does become available to farmers, it will be the second outcome from Future Ready Farms to reach the market, the first being Ballance’s Soil Health Check launched spring 2022.
Recommended every three to five years to monitor biological soil activity, this measures Olsen P and soil pH like a traditional soil test.
However it also includes total carbon, total nitrogen, organic matter, hot water extractable carbon and anaerobically mineralisable nitrogen.
So far 4500 of these tests have been analysed.
Meantime Kay says two potential animal products are continuing to progress through a lengthy R&D and commercial evaluation process.
Project Vigour is described as a novel method for controlling animal parasites using a compound applied to pasture.
Project Enhancer is a novel animal feed additive based on a functional micronutrient that stimulates improved animal growth, reproduction and feed utilisation.
Work to date on Project Vigour,
including large scale farm trials, has demonstrated good efficacy against both sheep and cattle parasites.
But because it is still in technical development, no further details of its method or compounds can be shared for commercial reasons, Kay says.
“We are currently working with an independent regulatory advisor to advise on the specific regulatory requirements of this product.”
The aim is to have the product ready by autumn 2027.
Likewise Project Enhancer has been subject to significant farm trial work but has yet to reach the stage of applying for registration with the ACVM.
Other initiatives still in development include a dualpurpose liming product that captures CO2 to offset farm emissions, currently the subject of a PhD study through Waikato University and scheduled to be available in spring 2026.
Nitrogen inhibitors, slow release nitrogen and kiwifruit nutrition and plant resilience are also being investigated as part of Future Ready Farms.
Early years of the programme included widespread ‘youth and urban engagement’ work at the request of MPI, but this effort is being now scaled back,
Flower scanning robots could reshape wine industry
Introducing automated 3D scanning robots to vineyards could be the secret to unlocking the ‘Holy Grail’ of the wine industry.
A project utilising Lincoln University viticulturalists and led by the University of Canterbury aims to develop the robots and use them to get far more accurate yield estimations, which would tell growers exactly how much fruit their vines will bear.
Lincoln University Department of Wine Food and Molecular Biosciences associate professor Dr Amber Parker says being able to accurately predict yield could be a huge shift for the industry.
It affects everything, including how much fruit will be harvested, the labour and equipment needed, and what the winery will receive.
“Every step along that chain there’s a financial cost benefit.
“How many tractors do you need? How many drivers? How many people in the winery? How many tanks? Do you need to make changes?”
At present, being within 5-10 per cent yield estimation is considered very good, but still leaves a huge amount of room for variation, Parker says.
Part of the problem with determining yield estimates is that growers work on averages from other years, but the climate fluctuates annually.
The robot estimates yield by creating a 3D scan with the exact number of flower structures on the vines, called inflorescences.
The current method of estimating yield is to count these in person, whether it be visually or by removing samples from the vine.
These are expensive, time-consuming processes and can only be used to work out a rough average, as it is impossible to do every vine, she says.
The robots are being designed by a team at UC, led by Professor Richard Green.
The one metre by one metre device zips down the rows at ‘a fast walking pace’ capturing thousands of images, Green says.
It is loaded with cameras with wide-angle lenses, each taking about 10 pictures per second.
The current arrangement features 12 cameras, collecting images on both sides as it moves through the vineyard.
Those images are then fed into an AI which pieces them together into a highly accurate 3D model of the plant, including everything behind the leaves.
Developing the AI to reconstruct the images was the most difficult part of the process, but now that it worked the result could be revolutionary for the industry, Green says.
“We have access to way more information than ever before.”
The technology is groundbreaking, but it is up to Lincoln’s viticulturalists to make sure it could meet the industry’s needs.
Every few weeks the robot goes through Lincoln’s vineyard scanning the vines.
Lincoln’s viticulturalists then collect data manually to compare.
That data is used to determine the practical value the technology has, Parker says.
They are also looking at the bigger picture, as the 3D images collected provided a lot of data that was previously lacking in the field.
“How we go from flowers to fruits is not really well modelled. Part of the work is can we look at that better and understand that in a predictable power better.”
There’s potential for it to be used for other purposes, such as determining vine balance, which estimates how vegetation is growing in comparison to the fruit.
That information is useful for understanding how the vineyard setup is working and for finding vines that are struggling.
The current method of measuring balance was by weighing the pruned material from the vines, but the robot had potential to provide far more accurate measurements as part of its automated yield scans.
“We have these balance metrics, but they don’t necessarily work well. They’re also quite time-consuming to measure.”
The technology also opens the door for new innovations still to be discovered.
“This is such a high-precision technology. What are the other things that are really important other than yield that we’re scanning that could have value to growers?”
A second robot will soon be deployed in Marlborough in commercial vineyards and this year will be the first full season of testing.
The five-year $6.1 million project is supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Endeavour Fund.
$13.5 million boost for methane vaccine
Two key players working to provide Kiwi farmers with tools to reduce emissions are stepping up their support of a methane vaccine with multimillion-dollar funding for new company, Lucidome Bio.
AgriZero and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centreare providing $13.5 million to the company, which is spearheading the next phase in the country’s pioneering methane vaccine research.
AgriZero chief executive Wayne McNee says it is pleased to boost its support for the research, following prior funding to set up the entity to attract international investors and accelerate development.
“A vaccine that reduces methane from ruminant animals
would be a transformational tool for NZ’s agricultural sector and for farmers worldwide.
“It’s widely recognised as the holy grail to reduce emissions, as it’s a low cost, high-impact solution which has the potential to be adopted into all farming systems,” says McNee.
“We’re really pleased to be backing Lucidome Bio, alongside the NZAGRC, in a shared effort to get a vaccine to farmers sooner.”
A successful vaccine would trigger an animal’s immune system to generate antibodies
in saliva that suppress the growth and function of methane-producing microbes (methanogens) in the rumen, significantly reducing the quantity of the potent greenhouse gas it burps out.
NZAGRC executive director Naomi Parker says the reliance on antibody production in saliva and the complex nature of the rumen makes this
work incredibly challenging, however the progress to date gives confidence it can achieve success.
“This is no easy task, but the research team has made significant progress over the years and achieved many groundbreaking advancements which provide critical foundations to support future success.”
Without predator control, these habitats and the native wildlife that depends on them will continue to decline — even with stock exclusion. Our toolbox will guide you through how to manage pests in these unique spaces.
We’re here for the good of the country.
Sponsorship supports a worthy mission
PGG Wrightson has extended its sponsorship of Land Search and Rescue for another year.
The rural supplies and services business began supporting the organisation in 2021, and Land Search and Rescue CEO Carl McOnie says this has helped maintain a high level of readiness and response.
“As a nationwide organisation in the agricultural sector, we understand the importance of preparedness and safety, especially with staff and clients working in remote areas in rural New Zealand,” says PGW CEO Stephen Guerin.
“That makes this partnership particularly important to us.”
In addition to sponsorship, the company aims to ensure staff who volunteer for the organisation can attend call outs.
Technical horticultural representative Aaron Thompson is a Land Search and Rescue volunteer in Marlborough, and has been involved for about eight years.
“I’m really pleased PGW is supporting Land Search and Rescue on a national level, as there are many synergies between the two organisations, especially the rural aspect.
“PGW has always been supportive towards my involvement with Land Search and Rescue.
“The timings of call outs can be a bit tricky since I’m in a sales role— it’s just a case of keeping up good comms with my manager Nick and letting him know what’s going on. Sometimes I just can’t go on a call out due to work timings and other commitments, but that’s fine as I know there are awesome people in our local group good to go.”
Thompson is one of over 3300 Land Search and Rescue volunteers, operating in challenging environments including forests and mountains, alongside urban areas supporting the needs of cognitively divergent people.
In the past 12 months, over 150,000 hours were invested by volunteers with 495 search and rescue operations, saving the lives of 41 people and bringing a further 428 people home to their families.
Land Search and Rescue is a vital service that helps everyone in New Zealand, providing assistance to the lost, missing, injured and their communities.
Researchers funded to make more of wool
A new five-year, $10.4 million research project aims to grow a new wool-based manufacturing export sector.
Lincoln Agritech has just been awarded MBIE Endeavour Research funding for the project, Smart, functional, high-performing keratin structures for new biologically derived export products.
The aim is to develop keratin biopolymer products that capitalise on wool keratin’s unique structure, including reversible shape and volume changes and controlled breakdown.
“We aim to develop products for diverse market areas, such as products that control
the release of microbes in soil, textile fibres superior to silk and associated garments, and ruminant boluses for controlling greenhouse gas emissions,” says project leader, Lincoln Agritech’s Dr Rob Kelly. Project research collaborators include Harvard University, the University of Auckland and AgResearch.
The project has been established with the strong support of the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ).
This builds on Lincoln Agritech’s growing
wool-science capability, developed while working with WRONZ over the past nine years to establish new, profitable markets for the wool industry.
“Developing new, innovative uses for New Zealand crossbred wool through rigorous research programmes with commercial applications is consistent with WRONZ’s strategy to support growers,” says Andy Fox, WRONZ chairman.
“It also adds a long-term product pipeline to the first generation of new wool-based
Aaron Thompson, left, on a Land Search and Rescue mission in Kahurangi National Park.
Branch network grows to boost customer service
Carrfields’ ability to provide superior service to its current and future customers across the South Island has been boosted with the recent opening of two new branches.
The Ashburton-based family agribusiness group is expanding to a new location in Gore and re-establishing the Carrfields brand into its Templeton branch.
Craig Carr, group managing director of Carrfields, says the new locations bring the company’s sales, service and parts teams, as well as other core business divisions including seed and livestock, closer to more customers in Southland and Canterbury.
These are key regions with a strong customer base for the business.
“It makes sense for us as a group to ensure these valued customers are receiving the service and consumables they
need from our experts in a timely manner. We are delighted to open these two locations and will now be able to fulfil more of our customers’ requirements.”
Carrfields’ premises in Gore will be fitted out as a company-branded machinery distribution, sales, service and parts hub. It will offer the full range of premium global machinery brands, plus a highly trained service team ready to travel to meet customers across Southland, as well as being a seed and chemical distribution hub,
Carr says.
“Southland has been a strong customer base for our machinery division for years,
with strong sales of our key machinery brands HORSCH, MacDon and Novag. Putting down roots in Gore cements our commitment to the region and we look forward to opening this new site over the coming months,” he said.
“Re-opening our Templeton site as a Carrfields hub will also further expand and complement our service, parts, seed and ag-chem operations which are currently based out of Ashburton.”
As with Gore, the Templeton site will provide a local base for the full range of brands offered by Carrfields, with the site also supporting an on-farm service team.
products currently being introduced to the market by WRONZ subsidiary Wool Source,” he says.
“Developing innovative new uses for wool, alongside the increasing popularity of woolbased products like carpets, will provide a much-needed boost to farmers and the industry.”
Kelly says the project brings together the world’s leading scientists in the field to focus on solving industry challenges and creating export opportunities for NZ.
“Establishing a substantial and rigorous science-based programme to develop long-term market opportunities is one step towards establishing a secure long-term future for the sector,” he says.
Photo Kathy Davis.
Southland is a key region for the business.
Craig Carr.
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Use genuine products and alert authorities of counterfeit or illegal pesticides as they have unknown impacts on wildlife.
Orcharding beats engineering for title winner
Grace Fulford has won the 2024 Young Grower national title, competing in her hometown.
Fulford, who is quality and compliance manager for T&G Global, is also the Hawke’s Bay regional champion.
She competed against five other regional winners in a series of challenges at the Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings last month.
Runner up was Jamie Wells, the Pukekohe regional winner, who is an agronomist with Balle Brothers in Pukekohe.
Fulford, aged 27, grew up around her family’s Omahuri Orchard in Hastings.
She initially headed to university to study engineering but decided that wasn’t for her.
She worked in the family business before joining T&G three years ago.
“I came back from university and did some work around the orchard and just fell in love with it,” she says.
“It’s just such a cool industry to work in. I have learned so much. I love the variety, there are so many different career opportunities and the people are such a big part of it, there are just great people across the sector.”
The competition celebrates the success of young people in the industry as well
as encouraging others to consider a career in horticulture.
The six finalists competed a series of practical and theoretical horticulture modules, testing their vegetable and fruitgrowing knowledge and skills needed to be successful growers.
These include excavator operation, nutrition and fertigation, innovation, integrated pest management, agrichemical stewardship, horticulture biosecurity and fencing and repairs.
Fulford won the practical category of the competition and was also named as Young Fruit Grower of the Year.
“All the modules were pretty challenging – and it was incredibly windy on the day too,” she says.
“You don’t know what’s going to be thrown at you so it’s quite hard to prepare. But I really enjoyed all of it and getting to know the other contestants. They were a fantastic group of talented people to be competing against and it was a very close competition.
“It’s such a great event at regional and national level. From the judges and sponsors to those taking part, it is so well
organised and so enjoyable to be part of.”
The winners were announced at the awards gala dinner held in Hastings, where finalists also participated in the Ballance Leadership panel event and FMG speech competition.
The speech winner was Pip Terekia the Gisborne regional champion, who is a trainee orchard manager with Apata Group.
HortNZ incoming board chair Bernadine Guilleux said the regional and national competitions played an important part in the sector’s strong focus on highlighting the scope of careers in the industry and the opportunities and support provided to nurture the next generation of horticultural sector leaders.
“We are very proud to host the awards in a different region each year. Once again, we saw a very high calibre of entrants showing great skill and knowledge throughout the challenges and their passion for the sector really shone through in their speeches.”
HortNZ acting chief executive Michelle Sands said the dedication of those who organise the regional events drives the success of the competition.
“We are so fortunate to have so many passionate and talented young leaders pursuing careers in our sector and experienced industry professionals committed to supporting that.”
The other 2024 finalists were:
• Bay of Plenty: Lilah Rosenfeldt, a trials specialist for Zespri International,
• Gisborne: Pip Terekia, a trainee orchard manager at Apata Group,
• Nelson: Farrah Richards, packhouse packaging and inputs with Fairfield Orchards,
• Otago: Luke St John, packhouse manager, Fortune Fruit Company.
Finalists, from left, Grace Fulford, Jamie Wells, Farrah Richards, Luke St John, Lilah Rosenfeldt, and Pip Terekia.
Grace Fulford.
Industry-wide approach helps farmers succeed
New Zealand farmers may be faced with increasing business challenges but at least one sector has their back when it comes to collaborating for the greater good of pastoral agriculture in this country.
After 14 years in the seed industry, Barenbrug’s outgoing managing director
Michael Hales says he’s been impressed by how well all those involved in the forage value chain work together to add value to NZ farming.
As well as leading one of the country’s best-known seed companies for the past seven years, Hales has also been closely involved with the NZ Plant Breeding and Research Association, the national Grain and Seed Trading Association and the NZ Seed Authority.
“In those situations, which often entail working with different external groups like Federated Farmers and regulators at MPI and Asure Quality, you get to see how well industry participants collaborate for the overall good of the NZ farmer.
“It’s really useful to sit down and build relationships with people from across different areas of the pastoral industry as a whole, instead of just focussing on our own role as plant breeders and suppliers of proprietary seed. We all have a common interest in helping farmers succeed.”
He says this year’s launch of the new world-class Seed Certification Information System is a good example of what can be achieved with such an approach.
Hales first joined Barenbrug NZ in 2010 as
marketing manager, following senior roles with Syngenta and Rabobank.
His time with the company has coincided with rapid advances in science and technology available to plant breeders, including technologies which have enabled faster, more accurate identification of promising new pastures and endophytes.
There have also been important advances in the way seed is managed before it reaches the farm, he says.
“There’s much more emphasis now on just-in-time delivery, so that seed is held in ideal conditions until it is required for sowing on-farm. That’s led to us investing in a new facility in the North Island to put us closer and make us more responsive to our customers and farmers in autumn.”
Product-wise, he says the launch of Shogun hybrid ryegrass in 2012 is one of the highlights of his time with Barenbrug, not only because it rapidly became such a commercial success but also because it significantly grew the NZ hybrid ryegrass segment.
As for farming itself: “It’s a difficult business, and I don’t think the rest of the country realises the value that farmers and farming bring to our economy.”
But the ability to produce sustainable, high quality, nutritious human food
New face at RAGT
RAGT New Zealand is excited to announce that Shane Brownlie has joined their team as the lower North Island field solutions specialist and is thrilled to have secured such a highly skilled individual to manage this region.
Brownlie brings a wealth of experience, having most recently worked as an agronomist with Farmlands in the Manawatu/Taranaki area, the company says.
His background also includes time with MPI and over 12 years at Ravensdown as part of their agronomy team, in addition to running his own farming operation.
Residing in Palmerston North with his family, Brownlie is strategically positioned to oversee operations in the Lower North Island, supporting resellers in delivering the best solutions for NZ farmers utilising RAGT products.
Shane Brownie can be reached at 027 700 9482 or SBrownlie@ragt.nz.
remains as important as ever despite regulatory challenges and the vagaries of consumer trends.
“We should focus on what we’re good at; celebrate what we’re good at, and continue to improve the way we do things without getting side-tracked by things that distract us from what we are good at.”
Hales has now been appointed managing director of Barenbrug UK, and moved to Bury St Edmunds in West Suffolk in October.
He’s looking forward to the challenge of working in a completely different agricultural economy, and says much of his initial focus will be learning about the market and the people.
Jaime Heywood has been appointed as his successor at Barenbrug NZ, and comes to the job after 15 years in the Barenbrug executive team. Heywood has held key roles, including finance director and, since 2020, finance and operations director.
Michael Hales.
Seed leader steps down
After twelve years of service to the seed industry, Thomas Chin has retired from his role as general manager of the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA).
“Thomas has seen the evolution of the seed industry office over his 12 years of tenure with the association, from a small two-person administration through to the current day with a busy office providing services for many of the key industry bodies that make up the seed and grain industries of New Zealand,” the association says.
Chin, who also managed the NZ Plant Breeding and Research Association (NZPBRA), describes his time with the industry as an honour and a privilege, and has returned to Auckland to pursue travel and family commitments.
NZGSTA president Charlotte Connoley and NZPBRA chairman John Caradus say Chin spent the past 12 years advancing the associations and supporting the interests of seed, grain and plant breeding in this country.
“During his tenure, Thomas has been a driving force in advocating for our industry to enable the effective import and export of seed, enhancing collaboration among industry stakeholders and providing value for our membership.
“His leadership and professionalism have played a pivotal role in building relationships within government, public service agencies and throughout the membership, navigating the challenges and opportunities within our sector, leaving a lasting impact on the association and its members,” they say.
“While we will greatly miss his vision and guidance, we wish him all the best in this new chapter of his life.
“We know he will be disappointed not to have been able to achieve the reinstatement of brassica seed exports to China, but on behalf of the NZGSTA and
NZPBRA, we would like to thank Thomas for his extensive contribution and service to the seed and grain industry.”
NZ brassica seed exports to China were stopped by Chinese regulatory authorities in 2011 because of a one-off discovery of black leg fungus, which is common in China.
Return of a seasoned professional
Chris Binns, Farmlands head of sales and strategy – horticulture, says he’s thrilled to welcome Andy Davis to the co-op’s expanding horticulture team.
“Andy brings over 30 years of experience in the primary sector, including many years in apple and stonefruit production,” he says.
“Andy’s impressive career includes roles at Fruitfed Supplies, Nufarm, and now he is back with us at Farmlands Horticulture as our new technical manager.
“Andy’s arrival is a big win for our horticultural team and the final piece in building a team that supports our growers in a meaningful and knowledgeable way.
“Over the past year, we’ve focused on building strong relationships and Andy’s deep connections with technical teams across our suppliers will help us to provide the best advice and knowledge to our growers,” Binns says.
Andy Davis himself is excited to be back at Farmlands.
“I chose to return because of the positive culture and the opportunity to contribute to its success,” he explains.
He values the company’s extensive network of horticultural specialists and the ability to offer comprehensive advice and support to growers.
Davis’ expertise spans apples, stone fruit, and wine grapes, and he is dedicated to helping customers overcome challenges and achieve their horticultural goals.
“We aim to remain at the forefront of the industry,” Chris Binns emphasises.
“Andy’s dedication to the primary sector is evident in his passion for his work and his commitment to helping others succeed.”
Thomas Chin.
Andy Davis.
Connection to the land prompts career in agriculture
Rhys Dawson will join Perrin Ag in 2025 as the firm’s newest graduate recruit, bringing a passion for inter-generational agribusiness and sustainable farming.
The 21-year-old Bachelor of Agricultural Science graduate from Massey University may have grown up in the urban sprawl of Auckland, but his heart has always been rooted in rural New Zealand.
His connection to the land runs deep, thanks to his family’s dairy farm in Te Poi near Matamata, where his ancestors have farmed for over 100 years.
“I spent every holiday on the farm, getting stuck in and learning the ins and
outs of farming,” he says.
“That connection to the land, and to my family’s heritage, has always been a huge part of my life, and it’s what drove me to study at Massey. My time on my family’s farm and working at Te Paenga are both examples of successful intergenerational farming while protecting the land for years to come.”
Te Paenga is a sheep and beef station under Atihau Whanganui Incorporation.
Dawson says his time there
opened his eyes to the vital role Maori agribusiness plays in the rural sector.
Perrin Ag’s Empower Graduate Programme, launched in 2021, offers young graduates hands-on experience across multiple primary industry sectors and mentorship from seasoned consultants.
“Rhys is confident, yet selfaware,” managing director Lee Matheson says.
“It was clear that he knows himself well and what he wants
to achieve in the industry. That kind of clarity and focus is exactly what we look for in our Empower graduates.
“What really impressed us was how genuine Rhys is. He has a natural ability to connect with people, which I think will resonate well with farmers.”
Dawson says he is eager to contribute his experience and learn from Perrin Ag’s experts, especially in the fields of environmental management and farm systems.
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Rhys Dawson.
Agri high flyers celebrated
AgFirst consultant Louis Batley has been named as the FarmIQ Systems Emerging Rural Professional of the Year for 2024, the top contender in a field of highly impressive and talented nominees.
Batley is based in the lower North Island, with expertise in climate change modelling, carbon accounting and farm systems analysis.
He works alongside farmers, industry bodies and local and central government, and is very passionate about furthering the success of New Zealand’s agricultural industry.
Dan Smith of Lincoln University is the Rural Professional of the Year for 2024.
Smith is an agribusiness and farm management lecturer and head of the
agricultural diplomas programme at Lincoln. He works alongside Farmstrong as a mental health champion for his students and is eager to inspire and nurture students’ affinity for the primary industries.
Smith has picked up a wealth of knowledge through his agribusiness career, including at Ravensdown as an agri-manager and ANZ bank as a senior business banking manager, and he is now passing his wisdom onto the next generation.
Laura Cookson of Fonterra, and Imogen Brankin of Silver Fern Farms were highly
commended for the Emerging Rural Professional Award.
The judges commented that Cookson is a highly capable emerging leader, who is passionate about guiding dairy farmers towards a profitable and sustainable future by finding practical and scalable solutions.
Brankin impressed the judges as an excellent communicator who is making a real difference in the red meat sector to help NZ produce world leading, nature positive food.
Ginny Dodunski of Wormwise (Beef + Lamb New Zealand) and Sheep Geek was highly commended for the Rural Professional Award, recognised for her strong dedication and passion for the future success of our livestock sector, and her exceptional talent in combining science and extension to meet one of NZ’s most significant animal production challenges.
The awards were announced at the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management’s recent national conference.
The Emerging Rural Professional Award celebrates innovative young people who have industry experience of five years or less, while the Rural Professional Award recognises those at the peak of their careers, with more than five years spent in the agricultural industry.
Each award includes $3000 prize money towards professional development, such as a research project, an overseas study tour, professional development or research equipment.
FarmIQ executive general manager Gavin McEwen says the agricultural knowledge that the award winners have is very impressive.
“Every year it is great to see the high calibre of young professionals applying for the award, but this year it was extremely apparent to see the long-term and wide lens view that these rural professionals are applying in their everyday jobs. Not only can Dan and Louis support farmers one-onone, but they deeply understand the NZ ag industry as a whole and how that plays out on the world stage, which is very important in these complex times.”
Jo Finer, chief executive of NZIPIM, says, once again, the institute has been thrilled to partner with FarmIQ to recognise emerging and established talent in our sector and support their professional development.
“The integrity, collaborative approach and innovation shown by both Dan and Louis prove just how strong our industry is, especially when it is supported by rural professionals who are striving for and achieving excellence themselves.”
The judges were highly impressed with the calibre of all the candidates for both awards and congratulated three highly commended individuals.
From left, Ginny Dodunski, Dan Smith, Imogen Brankin and Laura Cookson.
Louis Batley, with Gavin McEwen, FarmIQ.
Watching over your horticulture crops so you don’t have to.
Delivering a complete suite of crop protection solutions
horticulturists. Samuel Whitelock – Plant Science Graduate, Lincoln University.
Our portfolio of powerful, proven products has helped growers from one end of New Zealand to the other create and maintain thriving businesses, and has earned us an excellent reputation in horticultural crop protection.
Our suite of insecticides and fungicides provide growers with everything they need in the war against pests and diseases. Visit corteva.co.nz to view our range of products and online horticultural resources.
Helping farmers do the biggest job on earth
All over the country more and more growers and agronomists are turning to the trusted performers and the ever-growing range of crop protection and production solutions from BASF
