Farmers Weekly NZ September 29 2025

More of the same to come, Fonterra says

Gerald Piddock & Hugh Stringleman NEWS

Fonterra

FONTERRA has delivered record revenue, dividends and earnings in the 2025 financial year and has forecast that those numbers will be matched within three years after the intended sale of Mainland Group.

Farmer-shareholders will vote on the divestment on October 30. If approval is gained the cooperative says it will pay $2 a share capital return to farmers and unit holders in 2026.

Meantime it will pay 35c final dividend fully imputed on October 15 along with the last wash-up payments from the $10.16/kg milk solids farmgate milk price for 2024-25.

The forecast milk price range for 2025-26 remains $9- $11/kg MS and the earnings range 45c to 65c a share.

Fonterra chair Peter McBride said it is one of Fonterra’s best years in terms of farmer returns.

“I’m proud of the results our teams here and globally have delivered this year,” Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell said.

Hurrell said to support its ingredients business, the cooperative plans to invest in new manufacturing capacity in its plants in New Zealand as well as $1 billion in further growth projects.

“These projects include growing the value of our existing protein portfolio, adding value to our milkfat through new cream and butter investments and improving site operations through data and [artificial intelligence] automation.”

This new manufacturing capacity will be in value-added products such as butter and cream cheese rather than investing in new plant and steel to support increased milk production, which had been the case in the past, he said.

Fonterra CFO Andrew Murray said the three-year earnings target post-sale will be achieved by executing its strategy and driving the performance of its ingredients and food service businesses, which will offset the Mainland earnings.

“It means our co-op will be a more focused business, with a lower cost base, delivering a better return.”

Group revenue last financial year to July 31 was a record $26 billion, up 15%, and total cash returns to shareholders were $16bn, including $15bn for milk and $916 million in dividends, being 57c a share fully imputed, up from 55c unimputed.

Dividend payment is 80% of the 71c share normalised earnings. Return on capital was 10.9% in line with the target range 10-12%.

Total cash return to farmershareholders will be $10.73/kg,

page 5

City

school farm gets back to business

Feathers ruffled by the government’s short-lived curriculum blunder, Mount Albert Grammar School farm gets on with fostering the next generation to keep the primary sector engine room running.

Photo: Mount Albert Grammar School

SECTORFOCUS

the land

Diversification and innovation are hallmarks of Kate and Jill Kellick’s intergenerational family farming business, from shedding sheep to the use of drones for mustering.

SHEEP & BEEF 18-20

Daniel Eb is concerned about NZ’s

Dear fellow Alliance Group Limited (AGL) shareholders (4300 of us), e l w t d (AG ) sha eholders

Please consider this letter and the alternative finance proposal below, which should be read in full. P e onsider th s

We, as a group of shareholders, would like to table the proposal outlined herein Our wish is to retain AGL as a 100% NZ farmer owned co-operative. Our goal is to recapitalise the business to ensure the capital structure going forward is fit for purpose and successful at all levels, thereby maximising returns to its NZ farmer shareholders/suppliers.

There are several factors that lead us to believe that a farmer driven recapitalisation of AGL will be successful including:

• The financial state of the farmer shareholders has improved dramatically since earlier recapitalisation proposals were first raised

• We have been informed that significant initiatives have been undertaken by AGL in “right sizing” the business It has now returned to profit.

• There is a strong desire from farmers to retain AGL’s proud legacy and history as 100% farmer owned co-operative

The “offer” on the table from Dawn Meats, placing a value of $250m (this includes $40m loyalty carrot for continued future suppliers) for 65% of AGL, appears to significantly undervalue the business, wiping out circa $150m of shareholder equity (based on equity at the last balance date). This raises the question: Is a credible shareholder recapitalisation plan a better option than the proposed sale to Dawn Meats, both from a shareholders and community point of view?

We have not ot received the Information Memorandum that has informed and supports the Dawn Meats proposal. We have modelled “Best of Industry” advice in terms of performance which suggests the following profitability numbers are credibly attainable by AGL:

We accept that AGL needs to be recapitalised. We believe the following scenario can work with your support. r p rt.

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Farmers Weekly is Published by AgriHQ PO Box 529, Feilding 4740, New Zealand Phone: 0800 85 25 80 Website: www.farmersweekly.co.nz

ISSN 2463-6002 (Print) ISSN 2463-6010 (Online)

Contents

News in brief Health hub

16-17

18-20

33-36

EXTENDED: The long-awaited decision on Port of Tauranga’s expansion has been further delayed, prompting an application to have Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop review it.

P15

The country’s first training hub aimed at attracting and retaining frontline health workers in remote rural areas will be set up in south Taranaki.

The hub will be one of four initially set up in each Health NZ region across the country: Northern, Midland (Te Manawa Taki), Central (Te Ikaroa), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu). Each will have a dedicated programme lead working alongside local partners to provide a supportive learning environment.

Record production

Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand data shows another record-breaking production month for August, with just under 127 million kilograms of milk solids going into the vat.

This is a 2.5% lift compared to milk collected in the same month last year – and the fourth consecutive monthly record. The record production comes on the heels of farmer confidence sitting at its second highest reading at any stage across the past decade, according to the Rabobank Rural Confidence survey.

Berry expansion

T&G Fresh and Ngāpuhi-owned Kaikohe Berryfruit have announced a joint venture to expand the growing of blueberries and strawberries in Northland for domestic and export markets.

T&G will contribute some blueberry cultivars, including a jumbo variety available during the winter months. Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company chair Nick Wells said the partnership arises from the need to bring in horticulture expertise and scale.

Pork appointment

Paul Bucknell is the new chair of NZPork. He replaces Eric Roy, who stepped down in August. Bucknell, who has been involved in the meat industry for over 45 years, is the pork procurement manager for New Zealand red meat company Wilson Hellaby, which operates in domestic and export markets.

Dodgy links still plague rural internet

Richard Rennie NEWS Communication

THE risk of rural connectivity

decaying due to a lack of continuing infrastructure investment is a key concern identified by Technology Users Association of NZ CEO Craig Young in the latest Federated Farmers connectivity report.

The report says New Zealand’s much touted rural connectivity has become patchier, with quality of connection now an even greater issue than the breadth of coverage across rural NZ.

“The survey identifies that 99% of NZ now has internet access. But the quality of the service across the board seems to have decayed regardless of the service users have access to,” Young said.

In the report, 26% of respondents said they had seen a decline in their rural internet connectivity, with 60% reporting no change and only 13% reporting an improvement.

Wireless broadband leads as the key source of rural internet for 44% of users, with satellite close at 36%, a jump from 19% at the last survey in 2022.

Young said it could be that usage demands are outstripping

Continued from page 1

well more than the previous record payout $9.50 in the 2021-22 dairy season.

Operating profit was $1.732bn, up 13%, and the profit after tax $1bn, down 4% but up 13% tax adjusted for the imputation credits.

Fonterra’s net debt on balance date was $2.6bn, unchanged on the previous year.

Hurrell said this is a robust position and provides optionality for the future.

Fonterra has increased its

CONNECTED: TUANZ CEO Craig Young says it is concerning that rural users are noting a decline in the quality of their connectivity across almost every type of delivery.

We

cannot stand still on this stuff. It is not a one-off investment and has to be continually upgraded.

Craig Young TUANZ

the technology in place in certain sites.

“We have seen this before in certain parts of the country. We cannot stand still on this stuff.

forecast milk collection for the current season from 1490m kg milk solids to 1525m, an increase of 2.3%.

“Favourable weather conditions experienced during the previous season are forecast to continue through spring, supporting pasture growth,” Hurrell said. He is also confident of the milk price forecast holding up, despite a recent lift in northern hemisphere production.

“We’re still confident of $10/kg MS. There’s no questions there’s some uncertainty out there in the international market.

“It is not a one-off investment and has to be continually upgraded.”

Young also noted with concern that 12% of rural users are still using 3G services, despite the technology being due to be shut off at the end of this year.

“This suggests to me that ... the message may still not be getting out there.” Its use has, however, declined from 34% at the last survey.

The survey also found mobile coverage across the rural highway network is still vulnerable to drop-

“We know there’s additional milk coming through in places like North America, less so in Europe, but we’re still seeing strong demand in those countries. Yes there might be more milk in the international market, but at the same time, strong demand for dairy products.”

McBride said there is still plenty to do, despite the strong result.

“While we celebrate today’s result, we still have a lot to do and if you think you have reached the destination, then it’s time to hang up your boots.”

outs, with 86% of respondents confirming problems.

“You can understand if the level of coverage on farm is a bit patchy at times, but it is concerning we have this issue on the highway network when funding was set aside to deal with this.”

The $50 million Mobile Black Spot Fund was established in 2016 to improve coverage across 1400km of state highways, alongside the Rural Broadband Phase 2 initiative.

“But we still seem to have these areas where it remains an issue.”

Rural users appear to welcome the Starlink satellite network’s impact on connectivity, with over a third relying on the tech.

But Young cautioned about the reliance on one provider.

There were promises made over a year ago by Amazon that NZ would be the first country in the world to benefit from its Project Kuiper low level satellite network.

The project intended to launch 3200 low Earth orbit satellites with NZ early in the launch window.

As of this month it has reportedly launched only102 satellites.

“We have not been part of the discussions the company has had in private about the project.”

Young said it is also essential that if there is going to be greater reliance on satellites then more

than just text capability using it has to exist.

Fibre remains the gold standard for high-speed connectivity, but is an elusive optimum for many rural users with only 3% having it. That is up from 1% three years ago. While it is costly, Young said it could be possible for a collaborative, nationally focused effort to see more fibre in rural areas. But the government does not appear to be focused on such a major project.

“However, it is election year next year, and we will be taking this information to the government for them to take on board.”

This week’s poll question:

Is your internet connection better than it was two years ago?

Have your say at farmersweekly.co.nz/poll

GROWTH: Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says to support its ingredients business, the co-operative plans to invest in new manufacturing capacity within its plants.

Growers fear Rockit may be falling to earth

Annette Scott & Richard Rennie NEWS Horticulture

THE operators of a newly planted Canterbury Superfund apple orchard remain upbeat about the future of its Rockit apple crop –but in the North Island orchardists are ringing alarm bells.

FarmRight, the company commissioned to operate the fund’s Torea orchard at Pendarves, has planting well underway for a 150 hectare orchard, of which 125ha is the licensed Rockit apple variety.

This time next year 900,000 trees will have been planted, with 70,000 bins of apples heading to Nelson for packing amid plans to ultimately include a packhouse on the Ashburton site.

FarmRight chief operating officer Gavin Tayles is confident, despite some apparent hiccoughs with Rockit up north.

“Our take is Rockit has potentially underestimated the capital required to build market channels before the supply has come on after the early successes in the market, and additional capital will be required to

invest into market growth, for which there is a plan in place,” Tayles said.

“We have confidence in the plan, and we will be monitoring progress to the execution of it.”

He acknowledged significant growing challenges over the past two years resulting in volumes of poor fruit quality, exacerbating downward pressure on grower returns.

“We will need to focus on what we can influence on our revenue line, which is size and quality that aligns with the market specifications.

We will be relying on Rockit to build market demand as our supply matures in 2029-2030.

Gavin Tayles FarmRight

“We will then be relying on Rockit to build market demand as our supply matures in 2029-2030.”

Tayles said the modern trellis growing systems used on Torea gives increased ability to execute and to meet fruit specifications.

“We see that Rockit is acutely aware of the situation and what

they need to do, and they are taking steps in the right direction to deliver value to the brand.”

But established Hawke’s Bay Rockit growers are not feeling as optimistic about the variety’s future in their orchards, with several expressing concerns to Farmers Weekly.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, they said their concerns centred on continued low returns, oversupply of future Rockit apples to market, and challenges in maintaining the high margin needed to grow the specialty brand.

Orchardists growing Rockit apples have paid licence fees of $100,000 a hectare. Some have claimed the company has focused too much on growing supply with its ensuing licence revenue, rather than incrementally building demand and matching supply to that.

Despite major losses from Cyclone Gabrielle, the company has almost tripled its apple volume since then, aiming to export over 200 million apples this season.

Growers need to make over $1.00 for each five-apple Rockit “tube” to break even, and Rockit earlier forecast it would pay growers $1.80 a tube at the start of this

March-February season.

But growers have since been told to anticipate a return from this season’s crop of only about 60c a tube.

One grower anticipated next year may be closer to 50c per tube.

“And that would be the third low year in a row, meaning I just can’t afford to keep going with the variety,” he said.

In late August Rockit CEO Grant McBeath told NBR the company’s plan to lift payment included selling this year’s harvest successfully. Growers claim only 60% of this year’s crop has been sold to date.

Other improvements he listed were supply chain improvements to reduce costs, and simplifying the business by reducing the

number of product lines offered at retail.

The plastic tubes containing five Rockit apples each are retailed in Chinese retail outlets for about US$7 a tube, or five times the average apple per-kilogram price. But key markets including China have faced tough headwinds due to depressed consumer demand postcovid and are only now starting to recover.

McBeath was not available by publication time to speak to Farmers Weekly about the issues growers have raised.

One industry insider said he anticipates Rockit will face a “wall of apples” to come from maturing orchards in the next three years, possibly with a tripling of supply as a result.

Fish & Game and Game Council are not set to merge

Gerhard Uys NEWS Conservation

THE Game Animal Council and Fish & Game will not merge, despite currently sharing a CEO, says Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager. In early September the Game Animal Council announced that Corina Jordan will be joint CEO of the Game Animal Council and Fish

& Game New Zealand for a year. Meager told Farmers Weekly he will not be merging the Game Animal Council and Fish & Game.

“Any rumours or speculation about this are just that.

“My role as minister is legally separate from the appointment of staff at Fish & Game and at the Game Animal Council.

“The minister appoints the Game Animal Council board and the chair, while Fish & Game regions

appoint the New Zealand Fish and Game Council.

“For both organisations, employment decisions, including at chief executive level, are for the board and council to make, in line with my expectations as minister.

“I have also made it clear that the government’s expectation is that both organisations find efficiencies and reduce costs, and to avoid new layers of management and bureaucracy,” Meager said.

Chair of the NZ Fish & Game Council Barrie Barnes confirmed it and Fish & Game won’t merge in future.

He said at this time there is only a 12-month secondment, though he is unsure how long it will take to get through current legislative changes.

Barnes said Jordan’s secondment was needed because Fish & Game needed someone with highlevel political experience to help

navigate coming changes.

Chair of the Game Animal Council Grant Dodson confirmed the two organisations will not merge, and said that although the contract to share a CEO is for a year, there is the ability to extend it by mutual agreement.

Dodson said there are lots of areas of commonality between the two organisations and he hopes to continue collaborating with Fish & Game on some fronts.

OPTIMISM: Established growers in Hawke’s Bay fail to share the optimism about the Rockit apple variety’s future, in contrast to the views of operators of the newly planted Torea orchard in Canterbury.

Alliance farmers fight to keep co-op

Neal Wallace NEWS Production

ALLIANCE Group’s return to profitability and improved farmer incomes mean retaining ownership of the meat company as a co-operative is a possibility, say a group of shareholders.

They have put together what they said is an alternative proposal to recapitalise the co-operative instead of the current option of selling 65% of the business to Irish company Dawn Meats for $250 million.

“We thought that if we did not ask the question now, in two months’ time it would definitely be too late,” said Michael Wilkins, a shareholder and Southland farmer.

Shareholders will vote on October 20 whether to accept the Dawn Meats proposal, which will enable Alliance to settle bank debt that must be repaid by the end the year.

Alliance chair Mark Wynne revealed last week that debt and banking covenants had limited Alliance’s ability to pay competitive prices for livestock this season.

The shareholders’ plan would raise $188m over three years with $90m from shareholders paying $5/SU for stock

Off to take the market’s temperature

Neal Wallace NEWS Markets

NO ONE could have predicted a year ago that the world would have changed as rapidly and to the extent it has.

The emergence of geopolitical tensions, growing nationalism, the re-emergence of trade tariffs and the further dismantling of international rules-based trade are issues that New Zealand’s food producers and exporters could not have foreseen, let alone avoided.

In tandem with all this upheaval, consumer trends and expectations continue to evolve as they have for the past century and will do so for the next.

It is against this backdrop that I head to the United States, United Kingdom and Europe this week to report on consumer and market trends and the state of some of our most important dairy, meat, wool, kiwifruit and agritech markets.

Richard Rennie is providing an Asian perspective, having already visited Taiwan and Japan this year and heading to China soon.

In the next seven weeks I will meet some of our key dairy, meat and fibre customers, the in-market staff of New Zealand companies, and political and industry leaders.

I will seek answers to some pivotal questions confronting NZ farmers: what would be the impact of NZ leaving the Paris Accord? How will international consumers react to NZ easing rules around the use of genetic modification? Does consuming animal protein have a future?

A highlight will be attending the Anuga Food Fair in Germany, where some 8000 food and beverage exhibitors will display their wares for 140,000 visitors from nearly 200 countries.

The fair will feature established and new food and beverage products alongside

supplied for part of this season and then kill sheet reductions of $2/lamb equivalent for the next two years.

The sale of non-core assets and debt repayment from company profits would raise the balance.

We thought that if we did not ask the question now, in two months’ time it would definitely be too late.

Michael Wilkins Southland

Wilkins said last year shareholders rejected Alliance increasing livestock retentions to raise capital, but farmer finances have since dramatically improved, the company has become leaner, earlier investments are paying dividends and the co-op will be profitable this year.

Alliance has also renewed its strategy and focus on its core business.

Documentation prepared by independent assessors Northington Partners for shareholders forecasts Alliance earning $2.066 billion in revenue for the year ended September 30, ($1.77bn in 2024) and

GLOBAL REACH: Farmers Weekly senior journalist Neal Wallace will report on the state of New Zealand’s export markets.

TARIFFS, TRUMP AND THE NEW AMERICA

seminars on topics such as food trends and taste innovations.

In Brussels I will meet with European Union officials to discuss our free trade agreement and to get a sense of the direction in which their agricultural and food regulations are headed.

Rabobank staff will provide a briefing on markets and trends and I will visit the Lely demonstration farm.

Another highlight will be seeing NZ Merino wool being used by Ikea and John Smedley, carpets being woven for Wools of NZ in Portugal and a Zespri kiwifruit orchard and packhouse in Greece.

The trip will wrap up with a timely visit to Lactalis, the French dairy giant seeking to buy Fonterra’s consumer brands business.

Last year’s Meeting the Market trip attracted six funders. This year 11 have signed up to bring Farmers Weekly readers an international perspective on the global food industry.

• Wallace’s Meeting the Market tour has been made possible with grants from Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms, Rabobank, Zespri, Alliance Group, Meat Industry Association, Wools of NZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, NZ Merino, the European Union and Gallagher. https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/ meeting-the-market/

earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $83m ($1m in 2024).

Wilkins said the report calculates EBITDA of $75m is needed for Alliance to be viable, a benchmark he said his group, using best industry knowledge, is forecasting for at least the next five years.

Alliance has accumulated tax losses up to the last financial year of $191m, which Wilkins said will benefit Dawn Meats and make the meat co-op a relatively cheap purchase.

The Northington report warns that if shareholders do not approve the sale, Alliance would not have funding facilities in place from December 20.

But Wilkins said banks have supported the

DEBT:  Shareholders will vote on October 20 whether to accept the Dawn Meats proposal, which will enable Alliance to settle bank debt that must be repaid by the end the year.

co-op since 1948 and that could continue if the company is profitable and the proposal has the support from shareholders, the board and management.

“We have worked together for many years, why would the banks drop the ball now?” Wynne rejected the proposal as creating false hope.

He said the bank debt has to be repaid by someone in full by the end of the year, but the plan has no multi-year funding commitment by farmers and no approval by banks to extend their timeline.

“It’s not credible and it is painting a picture of false hope that this is an option. It is not.”

Wilding claim felled by foresters

Richard Rennie NEWS Forestry

THE forestry sector has moved to correct media claims that commercial pine trees are the main source of the country’s burgeoning wilding pine problem now claiming over 2 million hectares of land area.

In a recent talk radio broadcast, questions were raised about the value of the $6 billion forestry export sector on grounds of the supposed costs Pinus radiata incurs.

Mention was made of the industry’s unintended consequences, including slash and wilding pine spread, and whether these costs did not erode the value of export earnings.

This has prompted a swift response from the New Zealand Institute of Forestry.

President James Treadwell told Farmers Weekly there is a level of misunderstanding over what variety of pine constitutes the bulk of NZ’s wilding pine population.

He described the on-air comments as an “anti-radiata rant”.

“The main issues with wilding pines stem from the Pinus contorta variety, or lodgepole pine, and not from the commercial Pinus radiata.

“Contorta were bought into NZ back in the early days when the Forest Service was tasked with both commercial forestry and conservation, and they trialled P contorta for use in erosion control.”

The tree was given to numerous farmers in Otago and MacKenzie Country to trial.

Treadwell pointed to some significant differences between the two varieties, which contribute to the prolific spread of P contorta.

“The P contorta seed is very

fine, it spreads easily over many kilometres, compared to very limited spread by P radiata.”

Unlike radiata, contorta can withstand high wind conditions, drier climates, and grows well at 500m-plus above sea level.

“And P radiata is far more attractive to livestock than P contorta.”

He said foresters are also averse to the presence of contorta in the wilding population. If grown adjacent to radiata contorta often outcompetes and eliminates the commercial pine.

“They are one of those things that, like any pest, are bloody hard to get rid of.”

The trees impact on foresters’ economic returns and their social licence by being confused with radiata trees.

Treadwell said a more constructive conversation could be had over how NZ is going to deal with its growing pest problem in a more integrated manner.

For wilding pines this at the minimum could be on a catchment- by-catchment basis, rather than the ad hoc, piecemeal funding approach currently used.

“At present farmers and landowners are left to deal with their pest issues on an individual basis and it is hard to appreciate just how far beyond your own property the problem often extends.”

He also refuted claims that damage from slash is another reason forestry’s value to the economy is questionable.

“It is important to note after Cyclone Gabrielle, more than half of the woody debris found on beaches was not pine at all. It came from riverbank protection plantings, erosion control plantings on farms, and even native forests torn out by unprecedented flooding.

“Blaming pine plantations alone oversimplifies the problem.”

MATURE: Forestry Institute president James Treadwell says a more constructive conversation could be had over how NZ is going to deal with its growing pest problem.

The main issues with wilding pines stem from the ... lodgepole pine, and not from the commercial Pinus radiata.

James Treadwell Forestry Institute

BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE: The variety of pine tree contributing to NZ’s growing wilding pine problem is not the commercial Pinus radiata, says the Forestry Institute.

Young Hereford bulls up the ante this year

YEARLING bull sale prices for Herefords are consistently $1000 or more on average this spring compared with the 2024 market.

Morrison Farming Ezicalve, Marton, sold 102 out of 105 yearling bulls with an average price of $4360 compared with $3400 last year.

Morrison Farming also had

a complete clearance of 34 two-year-olds averaging $4570 compared with $2750, vendor

William Morrison said.

The top price for yearlings was Lot 61 at $7500 paid by Maui Herefords, Onewhero, and for the older bull lot 213 at $5800 to Neville Blakely, Marton.

Transfers were two bulls each to Silverado, Riverton, Maui and Hain Herefords, and one to Limehills Polled Herefords.

Riverton Herefords Ezicalve, Whanganui, had a complete clearance of 40 two-year-olds

averaging $5205 and all 103 yearling bulls averaging $5219.

Last year’s averages were $3630 and $4360 respectively.

Vendor Mike Cranstone said Lot 98 was purchased for $11,000 by Geoff and Gill Hall, long-time clients and dairy farmers who finish all dairy-cross progeny, and Lot 59 went for $10,200 to Peter Harper, Wairua Herefords, Otorohanga. Transfers also went to Craigmore and Luna Herefords.

The inaugural on-farm sale for Kaipara Herefords, Te Kopuru, Northland, resulted in a full clearance of 77 bulls, and vendors Sam and Kate Biddles achieved an average price of $4190 with a top of $5300 made twice.

Argyle Angus, Kaikohe, sold all 26 of its 20-month bulls, averaging $3926 for vendor Murray Quinn and reaching a top price of $8000 paid for Argyle Panza.

The McKenzie family at Maungahina Stud, Masterton, sold all 20 Herefords averaging $4090 with a top price of $5000 and all 19 Speckle Parks averaging $5137 with a top of $9500 for Lot 20, bought by Mark Grace of Rathmoy Farms.

Mahuta Herefords, Tuakau, had a full clearance of 68, an average

of $4383 and a top price of $7000. There were transfers to Wilencote at $5200, to Richie at $6800, Beechwood at $5100 and Kaipara Herefords, $5800.

Red Hill Herefords, Ohope, sold all 14 bulls, averaging $3907 with a top price of $8200.

Ratanui Herefords, Cambridge, sold all 48 bulls with a range of $3500 to $4500 and had a top price of $4800 for Lot 2.

Rolling Heights Farm, Huntly, sold all the two-year-old Herefords with an average price of $4900 and a top of $5100, along with 30 out of 40 yearlings averaging $2800 and a top of $4000.

Vendor Cory Norman also raised $30,000 with a charity auction to benefit the Waikato newborn intensive care unit.

SUPERIOR DISEASE MANAGEMENT STARTS HERE

Black Bear Angus, Rotorua, sold 38 of 42 offered, averaged $3342 and had a top of $6200.

The Glenridge service bull auction at Inglewood made prices in the range of $2600 to $4400 for two-year-old Herefords, $2000 to $4400 for Angus, $2000 to $3000 for Jerseys and tops of $4200 for Shorthorn, $4100 for Murray Greys and $3700 for Red Devons.

In the yearlings the Angus range was $2400 to $2500 and the Herefords $2000 to $2600.

The Megaw family service bull sale at Tikorangi produced an average of $3760 for two-year-old Herefords and $2711 across 175 Jerseys. Yearling Jerseys sold for $1729 average price over 24 lots. The Herefords were up $800 on last year and the Jerseys $200.

• The “must-have”

• Highly flexible

STEADFAST: The top priced Speckle Park yearling bull, Maungahina V229, is headed to the Grace family’s Rathmoy Farms, Feilding. Photo: Andrea Mansfield

Hugh Stringleman MARKETS Livestock

ATTENTIVE: The benches were full and the competition keen for Hereford bulls sold by the Cranstone family, Riverton Herefords Ezicalve, Whanganui. Photo: Riverton

Auckland school farm gets back to business

MOUNT Albert Grammar School’s farm is fostering the next generation of people who will play a key role in keeping the engine room of the primary sector running.

The 8.1 hectare farm in the heart of Auckland teaches ag and hort science as well as agribusiness to more than 200 students in Years 10-13.

MAGS Head of Agriculture

Coadette Low said the school has had to establish three more classes because of increased demand since she started the role in 2023.

“The majority of them are looking to probably not be necessarily working as shepherds, on farm or on orchard. They are looking to do ag science, hort science, animal science, or ag commerce at either Massey or Lincoln university.

“They are looking at going into other parts of that chain,” Low said.

Some of the school’s boarding students study ag to be farmers and often go on to cadet training farms such as Otiwhiti or Pukemiro Station.

“There’s a handful that choose that, but the vast majority of our students do it because they want to go into marketing, animal nutrition, or agronomy.”

Some of her agribusiness

students are eyeing careers in accounting or economics and have realised the importance of understanding the primary sector if they wish to succeed, she said.

“One of my students, he’s done both ag science and agribusiness for the last couple of years and he wants to be an accountant, but he wants to be an accountant with one of the big primary sector firms.”

Studying agribusiness will help him achieve that, Low said.

Looking back at the events that roiled agricultural education earlier this month, Low said that while the government’s removal of ag-hort sciences and agribusiness as subjects came as a shock, their speedy re-inclusion was indicative of the pressure that educators, primary industry and the community are able to put on the government.

She doubted the U-turn would have happened as fast if not for that pressure.

“There was a huge backlash. I had people contact me asking what it means.”

Had the downgrading of the subjects gone ahead, MAGS would have had to switch its Ag/Hort Science Programme to a vocational pathway. And the agribusiness programme would not exist.

The school has the advantage of having the farm at its disposal, but schools that do not have that resource would have had to fold their programmes or outsource them, which can be challenging.

Nor is the fight over, as agribusiness educators would still like to see that subject taught as a stand-alone subject, Low said.

The school works closely with Massey University, with the university’s head of the School of Agriculture and Environment Paul Kenyon regularly speaking with students about the importance of

There was a huge backlash. I had people contact me asking what it means.

food and fibre production in New Zealand.

Low has observed a changing perception of the primary sector among students in the three years she has been at MAGS.

“The classes – they are all so supportive and engaged. There’s no thoughts of ‘This is the dropout subject’. Rather, ‘This is quite cool, look what we’re learning’.”

Low believes perceptions are slowly changing among the wider community too, as they begin to see the importance of studying the primary sector in their children’s education, particularly if their child excels in that subject.

The school farm was established

in 1932, when the Auckland Institute of Horticulture decided that city children were losing knowledge of farming practices and asked Mount Albert Grammar to teach agriculture and horticulture.

ASB became involved on a charitable basis, and legislation was passed to allow the bank to buy land from a neighbouring farm and lease it back to the school at a peppercorn rental.

In 2013, a new lease agreement was signed between ASB and the Mount Albert Grammar School Board of Trustees, with ASB leasing the land to the school for a 99-year term.

This was superseded in 2022 when ASB gifted the farm to the school via the MAGS Foundation. Looking ahead, Low believes not too much will change on the farm and how it is run. But she is interested in introducing more technology to the farm to reflect the latest innovations in the primary sector and ensure it remains relevant to students.

Specialty rural nursing programme in the works

requires a significant breadth of knowledge.

AN ASHBURTON nurse with more than 20 years’ experience is developing a specialist training programme for rural nurses.

Karly Smith, who practices in Ashburton, said there is a knowledge gap in what is required to be a rural nurse and she has joined the University of Otago’s Rural Health Academic Centre Ashburton (RHACA) as a lecturer to develop a relevant programme.

Components of the course will parallel training for rural doctors and equip them with the skills required by rural practises.

“The advantage of creating this programme is that rural nursing would be seen as a specialty in itself, much like a cardiac nurse,” said Smith.

“It would elevate the status of this demanding role, which

“The programme would also offer the contextual and specialist knowledge needed to better support local rural communities,” she said.

The advantage of creating this programme is that rural nursing would be seen as a specialty in itself, much like a cardiac nurse.

Karly Smith Ashburton nurse

Smith is still exploring potential training options but envisions shorter courses providing a wide range of study options that reflect the breadth of skills required.

“The pathway needs to recognise the sometimes isolating

experience and lack of physical and digital infrastructure that some rural nurses experience.”

RHACA director Dr Chris Hill welcomes the fact that rural nursing is now getting the research and dedicated education it needs through a programme designed from within.

Smith’s position is supported by funding from Advance Ashburton and the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation.

RHACA is a collaboration between the University of Otago, Health New Zealand, Advance Ashburton Community Foundation, and Mackenzie Charitable Foundation. It is part of the University of Otago’s Centre for Rural Health.

Located within Ashburton Hospital, RHACA is a physical and virtual hub for interprofessional rural-health training and research, focused on education, research, clinical skills,

Funding

and simulation which is relevant to rural health.

from the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation

and the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation is helping support academic posts and student training within the centre.

SPECIALIST ROLE: Karly Smith is developing a specialist course for rural nurses.

CLASSES: The Mount Albert Grammar School farm teaches ag and hort science as well as agribusiness to more than 200 students in Years 10-13.

Gerald Piddock NEWS Education

DEMAND: MAGS Head of Agriculture Coadette Low says the school has had to establish three more classes because of increased demand since she started the role in 2023.

Coadette Low Mount Albert Grammar School

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Curiosity drives us to ask questions, to read deeply, and to find out not just what is happening, but why.

It’s a word we use often within the Farmers Weekly editorial team.

So often people bring their existing beliefs and values to an issue, but good journalism demands that we leave those things at the door and start afresh with each new story.

Information needs to be continually updated to reflect the new ideas, information and ideologies that shape society.

In that vein, I’m working to update our understanding of our audience.

What value do our readers place on farming news and how do they access it?

Could we do things differently and reach more people through the channels they prefer?

As part of my Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, I’m undertaking a research project that I hope will shape our strategy.

If you’d like to have your say, please take five minutes to fill out the survey.

Copy this link to your browser, www.bit.ly/4nJJsdP or scan the QR code.

Because I’m curious to know your thoughts.

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Port asks minister to step in on extension

Richard Rennie NEWS Infrastructure

THE heads of two of the country’s largest freight and logistics companies are welcoming the move by Port of Tauranga to seek ministerial power to move its long-delayed port expansion plans along.

PoT announced recently it would be seeking a “ministerial referral” to Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop for fast-tracking its port expansion, after its original application under the fast-track infrastructure programme was delayed following a High Court judicial review.

The Court ruled the Environmental Protection Authority should not have accepted PoT’s application as the project’s description in the application was not exactly as it should have been.

A PoT spokesperson confirmed the port will be running the application in parallel with the listed project application while the

mistake in the description is being corrected.

“Everything is the same in the application, this is just a different pathway,” the spokesperson said.

Ken Harris, director of ContainerCo, welcomed the move, and said anything the minister could do to assist the project would be welcomed by industry, and by New Zealand.

Port of Tauranga is just one example of strategically important projects that have been delayed for years.

Ken Harris ContainerCo

“It is really important for NZ Inc to see the expansion proceed, and strategically important to ensure NZ can continue to pay its way in the world through the efficient, cost-effective movement of exports,” he said.

Emma Parsons, CEO of Kotahi, said current berth constraints at

Tauranga mean in some cases there is significant impact on operations.

“While export cargo does move in these conditions it is often delayed, inefficient and costly.

“Ongoing delays in the consenting process drives fragmented decision-making as the industry is forced to find short term, costly and suboptimal solutions,” she said.

The so-called Stella Passage development requires extending the Sulphur Point container berth by 385 metres in two stages, and the Mount Maunganui wharves by 315m. It also requires further dredging of the harbour to enable large ships to turn around.

The project has been delayed for over six years and with it has come growing pressure on port land area and access, particularly for container storage.

“The lack of further investment in our country’s largest port continues to delay the productivity and efficiency gains required to keep New Zealand exporters’ competitive on the world stage,” Parsons said.

Southland Fish & Game pulls out of freshwater case

Gerhard Uys NEWS Environment

SOUTHLAND Fish & Game

Council has withdrawn from the Environment Court proceedings regarding Rule 24 of the Southland Land and Water Plan.

Southland Fish & Game regional chair Dave MacGregor said this will bring its involvement in the case to a close.

“Since the case began the government has significantly changed the law around freshwater management. It’s time to draw a line under this extended legal process and focus on the future,” MacGregor said.

Southland Fish & Game and Forest and Bird initially took the case to the Environment Court in 2016, arguing that Rule 24 breached Section 70 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

A subsequent ruling determined that discharges from farming activities, such as animal urine, require resource consent, with Environment Southland warning that the ruling had implications for all livestock farmers, not just the 3000 in Southland.

The case ended up before the Court of Appeal, which ruled in Fish & Game and Forest and Bird’s favour.

MacGregor said the legal proceedings will continue with or without Fish & Game’s involvement.

“Southland Fish & Game remains concerned about degraded water quality in

IMPLICATIONS: Federated Farmers has said that discharges from farming activities, such as animal urine, would require resource consent, with implications countrywide, if Southland Fish & Game and Forest and Bird’s approach was adopted.

the region and wants to see Environment Southland take decisive action to ensure genuine improvements are achieved,” he said.

MacGregor said withdrawal from court proceedings does not diminish Southland Fish & Game’s commitment to having healthy waterways.

“We believe a targeted focus on high-intensity land uses where there is demonstrated detrimental environmental impact is necessary.

“There also needs to be practical and workable rules that deliver better water quality outcomes for communities.”

Southland Federated Farmers

president Jason Herrick, who had been critical of Southland Fish &

EXTENDED: The long-awaited decision on Port of Tauranga’s expansion has been further delayed, prompting an application to have Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop review it.

Harris said for an exportfocused port, storage of containers on wharf areas is always most efficient.

However, in recent years there has been a growing stockpile of containers within and around Tauranga, with Harris’s company compelled to extend storage areas, investing $30 million in a facility at Tauriko.

“Port of Tauranga is just one example of strategically important projects that have been delayed for years. For some projects that are given more priority the rationale seems unclear, but the rationale

for Tauranga is clear and is self-funding.”

Port of Tauranga chief executive Leonard Sampson said the company has been assured that the mistake in the Schedule 2 description was a legislative drafting error.

“We’re very grateful for the support from Ministry for the Environment officials and government ministers to resolve the situation. The Stella Passage resource consent application has always included the Sulphur Point and Mount Maunganui wharves,” said Sampson.

Tariff hit for wine but others bounce back

Nigel Stirling MARKETS Exports

NEW data shows the fallout for dairy and meat exporters to the United States from President Donald Trump’s first round of tariffs lasted between one and two months before exports bounced back.

But analysis of four months of trade data by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade shows the hangover from Trump’s tariffs for wine exporters has been much worse.

There is clear evidence of US importers of NZ wine and red meat stocking up in March and April before the 10% tariff took effect on April 5.

Game over the case, said he was shocked, but also pleased, when he saw the announcement.

It is, however, a case of too little too late.

“It didn’t have to go down the path it did,” he said.

Herrick said with numerous structural changes at both national and Southland Fish & Game, and Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager actively involved in setting a new direction for Fish & Game, it will be easier to collaborate with the organisation in future.

Communication manager at Forest and Bird Edd Brooksbank said Forest and Bird’s appeal is before the Court and it would not be appropriate to comment.

Red meat exports to the US surged 66.5% in March compared to the same month the year before, and were up 30.4% in April, before falling by 7.8% in May and 8.1% in June.

“There was a considerable bounce-back in July, with growth of 15%,” MFAT said.

Overall annual meat exports in the full-tariff July quarter were only down 2% on the previous year.

Wine exports to the US surged 21.9% in March and 11.5% in April before falling in May (again by 7.8%) and June (-10.5%).

Unlike its red meat counterparts, however, the wine sector was unable to pull out of its nosedive in July with a thumping 40.8% drop in exports to the US recorded for the month.

“Wine is one area where we see stronger evidence of permanent moves away from the more highly priced post-tariff NZ exports,” MFAT said.

For dairy, NZ’s second largest export to the US after red meat, March sales to the US fell 23.3% for the month, before rebounding 39% in April.

Dairy exports had appeared to have shrugged off the April tariff announcements with sales rising 6.8% in May before a slump in June when exports fell by 21.5%.

Sales rebounded 16.4% in July, however, for exports to be 0.1% higher for the July quarter overall compared to the same quarter in 2024.

MFAT said overall NZ exports to the US fell 3% in the July quarter. This reflected both US importers working through inventories built up ahead of the tariffs and a permanent reduction in demand as US buyers faced higher prices for imports.

“However, we cannot establish the relative mix of permanent and temporary effects,” the ministry said.

More positively, MFAT said the reduction in US demand was countered by a 10.8% increase in exports to non-US markets in the July quarter. The European Union (up 33.6%) and South Korean markets (up 21.9%) being the strongest performers.

MFAT said it will update its analysis to gauge the impact of Trump’s August 7 hike in tariffs on NZ exports from 10% to 15% as new trade data becomes available.

From the Editor

Having a say in Alliance’s future

Craig Page Deputy editor

THE next few weeks will be crucial for Alliance as it works to convince shareholders of the need to partner with Irish company Dawn Meats.

It has been labelled by Alliance chair Mark Wynne as the most important decision in the company’s 77-year history.

Wynne and chief executive Willie Wiese will hit the road from today for a whirlwind roadshow of 24 shareholder meetings to be held throughout the country, 20 in the South Island and four in the North.

The meetings start in Tuatapere, Southland, and head as far north as Dannevirke before ending in Middlemarch in Otago on October 14.

D-Day will be October 20 at a special general meeting in Invercargill, at which the final vote will be held and results unveiled.

The upcoming meetings will be crucial for

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULT

Alliance as the company looks to allay any concerns shareholders might have about the partnership, in terms of which Dawn Meats would pay $250 million for a 65% stake in the co-operative.

Alliance’s financial difficulties have been well documented in this publication.

The potential deal with Dawn Meats was announced in August and shareholders spoken to at the time said they had few options but to support the proposal.

Earlier this month Alliance released a Northington Partners independent report, which found the Dawn Meats offer was the best and only option to meet Alliance’s strategic and financial requirements. The alternative could be insolvency for the co-operative.

Given Alliance’s precarious situation, the deal with Dawn Meats looked like a done deal. But just last week a spanner in the works emerged.

A group of shareholders put together what they consider to be an alternative proposal to recapitalise the co-operative instead of selling.

Shareholder and Southland farmer Michael Wilkins said the group wanted to put their proposal forward now, rather than wait until it was too late.

The plan would raise $188m over three years with $90m from shareholders paying $5/SU for stock supplied for part of this season and then kill sheet reductions of $2/

MORE than 88% of voters thought it was getting harder to get resource consent for farming activities.

“Not only harder in terms of the information required, but also the cost and need for significant external help from consultants etcetera,” one said. “You are starting with a clean sheet of paper despite whatever your past performance and requirements were. It seems you are guilty until you can prove that you are innocent and capable.”

Another voter thought regional councils needed to be reformed to fix the issue. “Regional councils are no longer fit for purpose. They show no desire to facilitate the consent process and their understanding of individual farms’ uniqueness and requirements is negligible. Their methodology is to make it so hard and then threaten litigation if you don’t comply knowing they have bigger pockets (ratepayers) than the farmer has.”

However, some thought it was no harder than before. “The system appears to be greatly relaxed since change of government.”

lamb equivalent for the next two years. The sale of non-core assets and debt repayment from company profits would raise the balance.

Wilkins said banks have supported the coop since 1948 and that could continue if the company is profitable and the proposal has the support of shareholders, the board and management.

The shareholders’ proposal is likely to pique the interest of some farmers.

Wynne was quick to dismiss the proposal, saying it offered false hope.

“It’s not credible and it is painting a picture of false hope that this is an option. It is not,” he said.

The shareholders’ proposal is likely to pique the interest of some farmers, which further illustrates the importance of the upcoming shareholder meetings, where probing questions can be asked of Alliance.

Voter turnout for elections, or votes such as this, can be fickle.

You only have to look at the dwindling interest in local body or national elections to see that.

But, given how important this vote is to Alliance’s future, it is vital everyone makes the effort to have their say.

Last week’s question: Is getting a resource consent harder than it used to be?

Letters of the week Extermination is poor policy

Laurie Collins

Sporting Hunters Outdoor Trust

IT IS interesting to read the strong anti-wild animal views that are common at present.

In the September 8 issue of Farmers Weekly, Federated Farmers was pushing for a “national pest plan”. It does seem strange – in these days of technological advances such as helicopters, highly accurate rifles, scope sights, thermal scopes and drones –that farmers cannot harvest deer and wild pig on their properties themselves or allow genuine recreational hunters access to harvest animals.

Farmers can sell harvested animals to game depots to cover costs and give added income. Or stock their deep freezes with prime organic meat.

What is concerning is the wording “national pest plan”. But deer are not necessarily a pest. They are a wild animal resource that needs management, not extermination policies.

Management embraces reducing numbers to within the carrying capacity of habitat. It would be far better and more realistic to term it “a national wild animal resource plan”.

The statement in the September 8 issue had some good points. I couldn’t agree more with Richard Dawkins about the folly of “carbon forestry speculators”.

The John Key National government’s brainchild of carbon farming is ludicrous, a cop-out for gross polluters. Jacinda Ardern’s Labour government opened the door even wider for foreign carbon forestry speculators. Environmental and economic folly.

The article emotionally referred to deer “smashing our native forests, regenerating scrub and grasslands”. Deer selectively browse. There’s a section of scientists who believe the browsing of deer “is not dissimilar” to that of moa. Would moa be viewed as a pest?

True, the Labour government’s hamfisted handling of covid stopped recreational hunters from harvesting deer, thus leading to some increase in numbers.

But that should be easily remedied by increasing the harvest. It should be management of numbers not emotionally charged extermination, which is impossible anyhow. Learn to live with wildlife.

Best letter WINS a quality hiking knife

Send your letter to the Editor at Farmers Weekly P.0. Box 529, Feilding or email us at farmers.weekly@agrihq.co.nz

This week’s poll question (see page 5):

Is your internet connection better than it was two years ago?

Food security is national security

Eating the elephant

Daniel Eb

Daniel Eb helps Kiwis connect with farming through his agency Dirt Road Comms and Open Farms. His family farms in Kaipara. eating.the.elephant.nz@gmail.com

THIS next sentence may come as a bit of a shock:

New Zealand is not selfsufficient in food.

According to a study in Nature Food, we rank 27th on the selfsufficiency scale.

The study judges countries by domestic production across seven food groups (fruit, vegetables, pulses, starchy staples, meat, fish and dairy) as stacked against domestic demand. The country that took out the top spot – and the only one meeting or exceeding domestic demand across all seven food groups – was Guyana.

New Zealand came in with five of the seven food groups met, two by absolutely stonking margins.

STRUGGLES: Despite growing some of the best wheat in the world, South Island growers struggle to cost-effectively ship across Cook Strait, says Daniel Eb.

027

Compared to our domestic demand (100%), we produce 388% of fruits, 120% of veggies, 32% of pulses, 61% of starchy staples, 1500% of meat, 312% of fish and a whopping 6100% of dairy demand. The likely closure of several peach orchards in the Hawke’s Bay will notch a few points off that fruit total.

On those figures, you could argue that we would be food selfsufficient in a geopolitical pinch – the kind where the boats stop –although we might get a bit tired of mutton, mince and milk.

But the fact that we fall far short of meeting domestic supply for pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas and the like) and starches (grains and potatoes) – and barely limp over the domestic demand line for veggies – should give us pause.

Something just isn’t right when New Zealand – with our temperate climate, great soils and worldleading farmers – lacks genuine national food security.

A deeper look into the grains sector explains how we find ourselves here. The numbers just don’t add up. Despite growing some of the best wheat in the world, South Island growers struggle to cost-effectively ship across Cook Strait.

Or they choose to supply demand for feed wheat (usually for dairy cattle), meaning 75% of wheat grown in NZ goes down an animal’s throat. As a result, almost every bun, pie, biscuit or bite of bread that North Islanders eat comes from Australia-grown grain.

As a nation, this system leaves

us with a 40% national shortfall of the crop that has underpinned every major society in history. Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t much like being an energy crisis, failed Australian harvest or war in the South China Sea away from empty bread aisles.

Free markets just aren’t designed for crisis. When push comes to shove, the state always steps up.

This is the crux of the problem – localising and diversifying food production for national security isn’t cost-effective. Until it is.

For any number of reasons – cost-of-living-squeezed consumers, decades of underdevelopment in local food economy infrastructure, the scale of our competitors, cheap

shipping, reliable trade systems – national food security hasn’t been a priority in a place like New Zealand. Until it is.

Through 80 years of economic growth and peace, a hands-off, free-market approach to feeding New Zealanders worked just fine (assuming we ignore the 25% of Kiwis who might go hungry tonight).

Now don’t get me wrong, I back free markets. They are genuinely the best resource allocation system we’ve come up with – so far.

I’m always quick to recall an old anecdote about free-market efficiency. The one about the Soviet delegation visiting England during a food shortage back home. Surprised by the abundance of bread in the shops, they asked to meet the “Minister of Bread” – to which their bemused hosts reply that there isn’t one.

But free markets just aren’t designed for crisis. When push comes to shove, the state always steps up. Rationing, centralised planning and strategic privatepublic partnerships are the systems that get nations through dark days. Covid and world wars being cases in point.

I’ve written before that I think we are heading into a time of profound crisis.

The ecological, political and economic orders we have relied on for generations are fracturing. Things are going to get hard for a while.

What we need is a third way on national food security. A middle

TREASURE AISLES: Call me oldfashioned, says Daniel Eb, but ‘I don’t much like being an energy crisis, failed Australian harvest or war in the South China Sea away from empty bread aisles’.

ground between the free-market food system and our increasing need to prioritise national security. This could start with the government – informed by a robust national food strategy that all Kiwis have a say in – setting minimum requirements for a food-secure New Zealand. Meeting 100%-plus of our domestic demand for all seven food groups is a good place to start. From there, let’s work at the edges of the food system to build the kind of infrastructure, food businesses and local food economies that can foot it in the market AND serve as our backup in crisis.

Investments might include a coastal shipping network, local food procurement mandates (like our trading partners have), streamlined regulatory frameworks for direct-to-customer food businesses, teaching a new generation of farmers and incentivising food production in peri-urban and urban landscapes. I value security and stability. That’s why I pay $500 a month for house and life insurances to manage risks I know exist. It’s a boring, pragmatic, conservative approach to life – but my responsibility to my family compels me to do it. It’s time we start treating our food system the same way. Because food security is national security.

Sector Focus Sheep & Beef Stepping lightly on the land

DIVERSIFICATION

and innovation are hallmarks of the intergenerational Kellick family farming business, from shedding sheep to the use of drones for mustering.

This forward-thinking family, who farm Tokorangi Farm near Whanganui, are striving for a sustainable business that offers opportunities for the next generation and provides worklife balance, with plenty of family time.

Kate Kellick is the fifth generation to farm Tokorangi, taking over the reins from her father Leslie when he suddenly passed away just over nine years ago. She is raising her three

children, Elsie, 10, Acton, 8, and Heath, 5, on the farm.

With support from her mum Jill, Kate has looked for ways to enhance the environment, make the workload easier and diversify income streams on the 700 hectare hill country farm.

Kate and Jill were 2025 finalists in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the Horizons region, and took home the Innovation Award.

The farm has a good balance of flat land and some is contracted out for maize for grain, which mostly goes into poultry feed. They have a lot of mānuka, which is used for both honey and carbon income. The country is erosion prone and to combat this they have allowed large swathes of mānuka to regenerate naturally.

They run 160 breeding cattle, Angus and Red Devon. The Angus

are the original bloodlines from a stud started by Kate’s grandfather in the late 1960s. As well, they operate a shedding sheep stud, eSheep, running 1400 Wiltshire and Exlana cross breeding ewes, with semen imported from the United Kingdom.

“We started the stud because friends and locals were inquiring and it naturally evolved from that. We haven’t shorn for seven years. My kids don’t even know what shearing or docking is, which is weird for a farming family.”

Leslie, who was a shearer himself and suffered from a bad back, had started dabbling in shedding sheep due to the poor wool market and workload. Kate has also had a bad back from a young age and, when her dad passed away, she decided to go all in on shedding sheep.

“Elsie was only six months old when my husband passed away. It was a real juggling act for Kate stepping up and running the farm. I’m very proud,” Jill says.

For Kate, the connection she feels with the land is something special, and hard to articulate.

“There’s so much hard work that’s gone into it, and preserving it. You feel like you want to carry it on for future generations. It’s a huge opportunity, as well as being scary. We all know farming is very fickle, that’s where the mindset of diversification has come in.

“It seems clearly obvious to me that the more you diversify, the more opportunity it gives the next generation.”

They entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards at the suggestion of friends, hoping to validate what they were already doing, and to learn more about what was possible from a sustainability perspective.

The mānuka regeneration has been successful and they also have a poplar and willow planting programme. They have plans to fence off and retire native pockets in gnarly areas of the farm.

The Kellicks are constantly looking for ways to lighten their footprint on the land, carrying smaller, lighter animals on the erodible hills. They try to farm as organically as possible, minimising the use of chemicals and fertiliser.

Kate says the drone is an underrated tool when it comes to enhancing environmental outcomes. They use it for mustering, checking stock and checking water. As well as saving time, it reduces vehicle and fuel use. “Everything comes under an environmental lens.”

With the eSheep they have also significantly reduced inputs. There’s no drenching or dipping

here, and little mustering. Kate says the breed has reduced their workload by 61% and had a positive impact on the environment.

“We basically do nothing with them apart from let them breed and bringing them in to wean them.”

It’s clear that it’s a team effort at Tokorangi, and Kate and Jill have a close working relationship.

“I’m less and less involved, I’m at retirement age now,” Jill says.

“I’m just a spare hand and help out, do the accounts. Kate and I discuss things all the time. I suppose you could call me a parttime general hand.”

For her part, Kate says Jill is a huge motivator and supporter.

“She’s the head honcho. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of the things I’ve done without her.”

Both say that success looks like happiness, being able to pay the bills, and carving out time for family.

“We want to live on the farm and have that lifestyle. I feel like we are heading in the right direction,” Kate sums up.

Rebecca Greaves ON FARM Sheep and Beef

TECH: Kate and Jill put tech to use on farm. Kate says the drone is an underrated tool when it comes to enhancing environmental outcomes.

AWARD: Kate and Jill Kellick were 2025 finalists in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the Horizons region, and took home the Innovation Award.

Photos: Supplied

Join the final season of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Sheep Poo Study and help tackle facial eczema together

Across New Zealand, our sheep poo collectors come in all shapes and sizes

SCAN THIS QR CODE

Get involved:

You don’t need a history of FE on your farm to take part in the study Collect 10 poo samples every 2 weeks from October to May from one mob of sheep

For more information visit www beeflambnz com and search “Sheep poo study” or contact research@beeflambnz.com

As a thank you for being a poo collector you will get:

• results to get an understanding of your FE risk

• a $40 subsidy on faecal egg counts tested by Awanui Veterinary

• the chance to have detailed faecal egg count testing on your farm – and the knowledge that you’re helping improve all farmers’ productivity and profitability.

Dawn option will deliver capital and certainty

perspective

Mark Wynne Wynne is chair of the Alliance Group Sector

ALLIANCE farmershareholders are facing the most important decision in the company’s 77-year history.

Over the past two years, Alliance has lifted its performance on the back of a refreshed strategy and a return to a back-to-basics approach.

Alliance is now a leaner, fitter, stronger business, and on track to return to profitability this year – a testament to the resilience of our farmers and the hard work of our team.

But progress alone is not enough. At this critical juncture, Alliance must re-capitalise its balance sheet. The Dawn Meats proposal provides that opportunity – not simply to survive, but to thrive.

The Scheme Booklet now with farmer-shareholders sets out the full details, including Northington Partners’ independent adviser’s report. It analyses the proposal’s structure, financial implications and alternatives. I urge every shareholder to read it carefully.

The Dawn Meats proposal delivers clear and immediate benefits: $250 million of immediate cash injection, a stronger balance sheet, restored confidence from our banks and a platform for sustainable growth.

Importantly, Dawn brings much more than debt repayment. Dawn adds balance sheet strength, global market access, processing expertise in beef and complementary customer channels.

Combined with Alliance’s leadership in lamb and established access into China, wider Asia and North America, this partnership will unlock significant commercial and operational synergies. It will enable us to extract more value in the market while protecting the jobs of our 4300 employees.

This partnership will enable us to extract more value in the market while protecting the jobs of our 4300 employees.

The independent adviser reinforces the value of the Dawn proposal. Northington Partners’ midpoint valuation of Dawn’s investment is $1.18 per share – a 93% premium over the current Alliance equity valuation. That is an attractive price and a strong endorsement of Alliance’s potential.

Equally important are the governance protections built in.

The co-operative, through its 35% retained stake, would hold two of five directorships on the new Alliance board and have veto rights over a number of key decisions.

Some farmers have suggested what they believe are alternatives, such as asking shareholders

once again to make capital contributions, sell company assets or retain profits to repay debt.

These ideas are not credible in the repayment time frame our banking partners have provided us, and in my view, they also give farmers false hope.

These farmers do not have access to the full financial picture, much of which is commercially sensitive and subject to bank confidentiality.

To illustrate, to meet today’s requirements, farmer-shareholders would have to immediately pay cash to Alliance. A shareholder with 50,000 shares would need to contribute approximately $100,000 right now.

Few can afford this or are willing to commit to it. The fewer farmers who contribute, the larger the commitment required from each participating farmer.

When farmers were invited to provide new capital last year, uptake was limited, which is why the board had to look externally.

Over the past 12-18 months we have exhausted every option. We engaged with banks, other food companies, sovereign wealth funds, private equity and farmers.

None could deliver the capital required within the time frame set by our banks. The banks have been unequivocal: our $188m-$220m working capital facility must be repaid in full, in cash, by the end of the year.

No extensions will be granted.

Northington Partners’ assessment is clear: the Dawn Meats proposal is the best option available. It addresses our immediate capital need,

strengthens the company, enhances operational capability and positions Alliance for future growth.

Just as clearly, the report highlights the risks of a “No” vote – including the real possibility of insolvency.

Some may point to rising livestock prices as a reason to delay. While welcome, stronger markets do not repair the balance sheet or satisfy the banks. Two difficult seasons have left Alliance exposed, and profit alone cannot repay a facility of this scale by the end of the year.

The Dawn Meats proposal delivers the capital and certainty Alliance needs to thrive with a complementary partner that shares our values and brings operational excellence.

It secures our banking relation-

WYNNE-WIN: Alliance chair

Mark Wynne says Dawn Meats brings much more than debt repayment – adding ‘balance sheet strength, global market access, processing expertise in beef and complementary customer channels’.

ships, protects thousands of jobs, keeps Alliance globally competitive and gives farmershareholders the opportunity to grow the value of their 35% stake over time.

At the beginning of this process, it was the board’s strong preference to remain 100% farmerowned, but without $200m-plus of shareholder cash investment, we had no choice but to seek external investment.

The alternative is stark: a bankled process involving forced asset sales, site closures and widespread job losses. There is no middle ground.

I urge every shareholder to read the Scheme Booklet, consider the independent adviser’s report, attend one of the upcoming roadshow meetings and take part in this crucial decision.

Lamb survival rate rewards close attention

MARLBOROUGH farmers Chris and Richard Dawkins’ move to an indoor lambing system in a bid to minimise lamb and ewe wastage is paying dividends.

They have reduced farm-wide losses between scanning and weaning from a long-term average of 24% down to around 15% and continue to tweak what is a simple indoor lambing system to minimise both costs and losses.

Concerned about both the financial and animal welfare implication of lamb wastage, particularly in their triplet lambs, Chris and Richard set up the indoor lambing system in 2017, as part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand Innovation Farm programme.

Drawing on the experiences of other farmers and the expertise made available to them through the programme, the father and son team set out to develop a system that saw them transition triplet ewes into the indoor shed where they lambed.

At the end of July this year, the family had 200 ewes in the shed.

This was the maximum number of ewes they would have indoors at any one time, all identified as being either single or tripletbearing. They also had a ram harness mark, with the raddles changed every six days through mating, indicating when they were due to lamb.

The at-drop ewes are held in pens with deep straw bedding, and fresh straw is laid down

daily. While in the shed, the ewes have ad-lib access to lucerne hay and are fed peas several times throughout the day. Richard said peas are a low-cost, high-protein feed that the ewes find very palatable.

After a ewe has lambed, she is removed from the other ewes and, along with her lambs, is put into a “bonding pen” by herself until the lambs are fully bonded and

are strong enough to be moved outside.

After years of running the lambing shed themselves, last year the family employed lambing shepherd Laura Inglis.

Her ability to mother-on lambs has virtually eliminated orphan lambs.

When the timing allows for it, Inglis will physically lamb singlebearing ewes and in the process add a struggling triplet lamb to the birth fluids, so when the ewe gets up, she has two lambs to take care of – and she is none the wiser.

In 2017, when the family first set up the indoor system, they followed “by the book” best practice.

This included feeding the tripletbearing ewes supplement three weeks out from lambing, changing the straw in the lambing shed frequently, using disinfectant and iodine and continuing to feed supplement one week after lambing.

The following year, they refined the system and fed the ewes supplement only five days out from lambing and fed peas and lucerne hay instead of more expensive chaff.

They put fresh straw on top of the old straw and stopped using disinfectant and iodine. They didn’t feed supplements to the ewes after lambing.

These efficiency gains saved time and money without compromising the health or survival rate of the ewes and lambs.

These efficiency gains save time and money without compromising the health or survival rate of the ewes and lambs.

Richard said while they are confident that they have greatly reduced preventable deaths, the lambing percentage of the entire triplet mob, from birth to weaning, has ranged from 220% to 248%.

The most common cause of death is abortion or stillbirth, most of which must occur soon after scanning.

Once the Dawkinses are sure the ewes and lambs have bonded, and the lambs are drinking well, they are run out onto high quality annual ryegrass pastures or lucerne.

Staff reporter NEWS

Sheep and beef

SUCCESS: Richard Dawkins says he is confident they have greatly reduced preventable deaths. The lambing percentage of the entire triplet mob, from birth to weaning, has ranged from 220% to 248%.

Photo: BLNZ

Wonderful Wool

From hi-tech to tradition, a celebration of wool

Craig Page MARKETS

Food and fibre

THOSE involved in New Zealand’s wool industry are always on the lookout for new opportunities to boost demand, and prices, for the product.

In this edition of Farmers Weekly we celebrate Wonderful Wool, and the many positive stories coming from those in the industry as they search for

innovative ways to use and market the much-loved product.

Last month industry partners gathered in Southland to discuss where wool is headed and what opportunities are available.

Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand wants to build a million-kilogram wool deconstruction plant.

Wool Source is piloting wool deconstruction and turning it into pigments and other products.

The first container of deconstructed wool products in particle form will be shipped offshore by Christmas.

Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister for Agriculture Mark Patterson says wool has a future as manufacturers move away from petrochemical materials and into natural fibres.

He has recently been in China attending the 36th Nanjing Wool Market Conference, where he

was helping to promote wool in New Zealand’s premium market.

The Nanjing Wool Market Conference is China’s leading and longest-running conference on wool and it attracts the world’s major market players.

Opportunities for wool are also being explored internationally and there have been some interesting developments.

A paper published in Advanced Science last month revealed

wool-derived keratin can be used to help battle tooth decay.

For the study, researchers extracted keratin from wool and manufactured films from it. Keratin films were used to attempt to repair teeth lesions, and early results have been a success.

The study further illustrates what a versatile product wool is.

There appear to be plenty of uses for it, particularly for those prepared to think outside the box.

Strong wool is coming back: Patterson

Annette Scott NEWS Food and fibre

WOOL could be one of the great turnaround stories of New Zealand agriculture, with China looking set to play a key role in helping to swing the dial for the strong-wool sector.

Speaking following a major wool conference he and Wool Impact chief executive Andy Caughey attended in Nanjing, Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson said with 40% of NZ wool traded through this Chinese city, it was important to get the temperature about what is happening in the international wool trade.

“The message is clear: with the shortage of supply, all are wondering where the wool is.

“NZ wool is constrained, auction prices are rising and only just getting started so there are better times ahead for our wool growers.”

China is NZ’s largest wool market. In the year ending June

30, 2025, NZ exported almost $450 million worth of wool, with about $176m going to China.

People are searching for natural, healthy and safe products.

NZ has a great story around the innovation, sustainability, integrity and quality of its premium strong wool.

“We’re well placed to meet consumer demand in China for our premium strong wool. Wool is coming back,” Patterson said.

VALUE: PGG Wrightson North Island procurement co-ordinator Annabel Busby says the upward price trend reflects the value international buyers continue to place on NZ strong wool.

Industry leaders suggest that as the United States tariffs come into effect, the losses in some export markets will be matched by increases in others, such as China.

To achieve this, NZ’s strong wool sector needs to move away from trading as a commodity to make its offering special, premium and customised to meet evolving market needs.

Caughey said premium positioning starts by engaging

with influential international brands, helping them recognise and value the care and attention farmers put in to producing the highest quality of strong wool in the world.

“This is achieved while working in harmony with nature, respecting the wellbeing of animals, communities, and the biodiversity of natural systems.

“Demand is growing, now’s the time to ensure it flows back to the farm gate,” Caughey said.

Speaking at wool meetings earlier this month, Wool Research of NZ chair Andrew Morrison said the sector has a history of reinvention.

The needle that enabled the mechanical production of tufted carpets was invented in NZ; 95% of the world’s wool scours were made in NZ; the yarn setting technology that meant cut pile carpets retained their shape was conceived here.

“The NZ wool sector has a history of reinvention and that reinvention is happening again now.

“Never have we seen this level

of innovation with wool – new customers, new uses, new value systems.”

Caughey said the future of strong wool isn’t just about selling a commodity, “it’s about celebrating NZ’s wool story, building integrity into the systems that underpin that story, and positioning our strong wool as a premium performance fibre with deep roots in our land, people and rural communities”.

Meanwhile strong wool prices continued an upward trend at the Napier auction sale on September 18 with the market indicator lifting 9% and fleece prices rising by up to 12%, pushing average values over the $4 mark.

PGG Wrightson North Island appraisal and procurement coordinator Annabel Busby said the upward trend was driven by broadbased gains across all types and style, with many lines hitting well into the 400 cents a kilogram clean range.

“This is a positive step for growers and reflects the value international buyers continue to place on NZ strong wool.”

S P U N F RO M WO O L: A par tnership for the future

Two heritage brands work together to grow New Zealand ’s wool sec tor.

For generations, wool was at the hear t of New Zealand farming

From shearing shed to sale day, it suppor ted families and rural communities

But in recent years, wool returns have struggled to cover the rising costs of farming, leaving many growers questioning the future of their flocks

PGG Wrightson and Norsewear are work ing to change that

Their par tnership, built around the Wool Integrity NZ™ programme, connects some of New Zealand’s best wool growers directly with local manufacturing, creating a fully traceable and ethical supply chain that rewards quality, gives back to rural communities and provides more cer tainty at the farm gate

From the farm gate, it is scoured and spun offshore before returning home to Norsewood, Hawke’s Bay

At the Norsewear factor y in the hear t of the Tararua District, sk illed technicians k nit the fibre into durable socks and outdoor wear, sold through PGG Wrightson’s 89 retail stores, online shop, and other outlets

For farmers, the impact is clear

For ward contracts provide greater cer tainty when planning the season, helping to balance the upfront cost of shearing with clearer demand and more predictable cashflow from the clip

Wool Integrity cer tification ensures those who meet high standards are recognised, while the connection to the end product means growers can walk into a local PGG Wrightson store and see garments made with their own wool

Rachel Shearer, General Manager of PGG Wrightson Wool, says the par tnership is designed to strengthen the industr y from the ground up

“Shearing comes with big upfront costs, and farmers often wait months to see returns

“ B y link ing lo cal growers with lo cal manufac turers, we’re helping to provide more securit y and b etter- qualit y outcomes

R achel Shearer

PGG Wrightson Wool

For Norsewear owner Tim Deane, it ’s about more than just socks

“ We grow the best wool in the world

By committing to 100% New Zealand wool and full traceability, we’re showing consumers the difference and building value that flows right back to farmers ”

He says the aim is simple: “to bring goodness back home by tak ing Norsewear to the world We’re tr ying to grow our local economy, create local jobs, and add value to the wool so that we can pay farmers a bit more ”

The par tnership is a reminder that wool can still deliver

By doing things differently, connecting growers with trusted manufacturers, ensuring traceability, retaining high quality, and keeping woollen products, 100% New Zealand grown and made, these two heritage New Zealand brands are demonstrating their belief in a local solution for a pathway to stronger returns and renewed pride in the fibre

Another focus is cutting through consumer confusion As Shearer explains, “Despite perception, not all woollen products are equal or even made from 100% New Zealand wool.

“O verseas manufacturing often dilutes quality by blending in cheaper fibre to save costs

“ This par tnership changes the game with a fully integrated value chain that delivers fully traceable, New Zealand, Wool Integrity fibre back to the consumer ”

For farmers, that means recognition for the work they put in, while consumers can be confident they are buying top - quality wool grown under world-leading best practice standards

As Rachel Shearer puts it, “ Wool has always been par t of who we are as a farming nation If we keep strengthening the value chain, there’s ever y reason to believe wool will be par t of our future too ”

For PGG Wrightson and Norsewear, that ’s one of many reasons to continue back ing New Zealand wool

QUALIT Y: Norsewear owner Tim Deane and Marlborough grower Sam Murray weigh and inspect a fleece at Brookbourne near Ward.

TEAMWORK: Brook bourne grower Sam Murray of Ward, with PGW Wool Rep Peter McCusker Connec ting wool growers with the wider value chain

PARTNERSHIP: Norsewear owner Tim Deane, PGW Wool Representative Peter McCusker and growers Heidi and Andrew Jamison of Meikleburn Station near Fairlie

From the woolshed to the laboratory and local and global markets, good news stories about wool have made their mark on farmersweekly.co.nz recently.

One wool lady who didn’t stick to her knitting

FOR years Philippa Wright was known as the wool lady, the sole female in a maledominated wool industry.

In the 1980s Wright began working for what was then the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Co-op stock and station company. Most viewed her skill and knowledge of wool favourably, but some could not see past her gender, she said –but she was undeterred by the pressure.

“It was a difficult few years but I was really determined not to show it.

“It was good in that I developed a tough exterior, learnt how to deal with it by not allowing it to have an effect on me and in the end I think that earned me a lot of respect,” Wright said.

Those lessons were transferred into her business life as owner for 28 years of Waipukurau-based Wright Wool, which she has just sold to WoolWorks.

Initially she wasn’t interested in owning a wool store but saw the potential.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to do things

the way I wanted to do it, treat staff the way I wanted to treat them and treat clients on a more personal level.”

When Wright was growing up, her father Bryan was a wool buyer in the South Island. Wright saw a job in the sheds as a quick way

Years of commercial effort paying off for wool exporters

COMMERCIAL efforts seem to be paying off for a number of wool companies – and their success could trickle down to farmers.

Speaking at a wool event in Waimahaka, Southland, Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand chair Andrew Morrison said WRONZ wants to build a million-kilogram wool deconstruction plant.

He said machinery to deconstruct wool has just landed at Christchurch wharf.

Deconstruction is the process of deconstructing wool fibres into their cellular components. These components are used to develop new materials with new uses, such as commercial dyes or medical products.

As soon as WRONZ hits the KPIs it set for the business case and “can pay our bills”, it will start building the plant.

Muffled cheers: wool acoustic panels ship out

ANOTHER step has been taken to improve strong wool returns with a Wellington company about to export its first container load of acoustic panels made from New Zealand wool to Australia.

This is T&R Interior Systems’ first foray into the Australian market for its soundproofing acoustic panels. Ultimately, it wants to secure a portion of the $27 billion global acoustic panel market.

Tom O’Sullivan, a wool advocate, former farmer and now business development

manager for T & R’s FLOC wool acoustic brand, said its acoustic products have just received an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) endorsement. It is the first solely wool-based building product in NZ to achieve that recognition. The independently verified EPD shows it meets ISO standards, provides third-party assessment of its environmental footprint and confirms its full life cycle impact from manufacturing to end of life.

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/4pKzfjl

to make money for her activities such as travel.

Working in a shed in the Mackenzie Basin, she realised there was even more money to be made as a wool classer, so sat her Diploma in Wool at Massey University.

Wool became her career.

For the next 15 years she worked for Hawke’s Bay Farmers in almost every facet of its wool business, from the store to shipping and as a field representative.

“That gave me a great profile as people remembered me as the wool lady.”

When she bought the wool store it led to involvement in industry activities, including the New Zealand Campaign for Wool and its global arm. The bodies aim to educate and promote the attributes of wool.

“Suddenly I was exposed to the global wool industry and connected to everybody after wool had left our shore, manufacturers and retailers.

“It opened my eyes understanding an industry that was so global but also so small.” It made her even more passionate to promote the attributes of wool and its value for humanity.

WOOL-derived keratin can help fight tooth decay, a study has shown.

A paper, Biomimetic Mineralization of Keratin Scaffolds for Enamel Regeneration, published in Advanced Science last month, says tooth decay is one of the most widespread diseases globally, with over 2 billion people affected by it.

The challenge with tooth decay is that it destroys tooth enamel.

“If left untreated, the disease progresses with adverse impacts on the patient, leading to eventual irreversible destruction of the dental tissues,” the paper says.

According to the paper, keratin has been grabbing attention for its potential biomedical applications.

country tennis ball wool served at US Open

NEW Zealand wool will be bouncing around the courts of the 2025 United States Open tennis tournament when the final Grand Slam of the year takes centre stage in New York.

Tennis balls made with wool sourced from farms throughout the country will be served up by the world’s top-ranked players when they play at Flushing Meadows as the two-week long tournament gets underway.

New Zealand’s largest scourer, WoolWorks, is supplier to a specialist textiles

manufacturer in Thailand, a key cog in the global tennis ball supply chain. The company, TTI Sports, weaves the eyecatching yellow felt for the maker of the official Wilson match tennis ball.

New Zealand Wool Services trading manager Nathan Watt said it’s one of the more unusual uses of New Zealand wool beamed into living rooms on nearly every continent.

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/46l5jCK

Wool keratin may help nip tooth decay

Hill

Strong wool, strong women celebrated in Hunterville

HONEST Wolf founders Sophie and Sam Hurley are certainly playing their part to revive the natural fibre industry and promote wool. The pair recently hosted an event at their flagship store for women championing business in the region.

The Hurleys launched Honest Wolf as an online store in 2020, motivated to make the most of the wool from their farm at a time when the market return on the natural fibre was continuing to degrade. Sourcing wool from their Papanui Station farm near Hunterville, they’ve created a brand that delivers a range of high-end everyday products, and they’ve just celebrated three years operating out of their Hunterville store.

The event saw female business owners come together to connect and share their stories.

“We hosted an amazing group of rural women in our flagship store – all doing awesome things in business, creating jobs in our local area, and leading the way in all sorts of industries,” Sophie said.

The event brought together a range of

skills, from finance and hospitality and agritourism to education, communication and animal welfare.

Guests included Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne.

Speaking at the event, Luxon said the country needs a new generation to come

We should be selling wool like fine wine

FORWARD contracts and relationships with brands are a way for farmers to secure better prices for their wool.

Speaking at an industry event held in Waimahaka, Southland, director of Glerups NZ Hadleigh Smith said Glerups has been buying wool from local growers through forward contracts with NZ Merino for 11 years.

Glerups is a Danish company that sources strong wool from New Zealand to make highend slippers.

The contracts have made it possible for growers to get about 48% above market price for their wool.

Contracts are set for two years.

Smith said a forward contract makes it possible for farmers to plan ahead and keep growing wool.

A contract gives Glerups a fundamental base price to work with and it can control inputs.

Sector players work on industry model for wool

A FURTHER step in the resurrection of the strong wool industry is underway with moves to establish an industry structure to continue driving its recovery.

The Wool Research Organisation of NZ, Wool Impact and Campaign for Wool have agreed to create what they call “an enduring industry model for wool”.

“There has been good work going on within organisations, but they are not co-ordinating delivery and at scale,” said Wool Impact senior executive Ross McIsaac.

Campaign for Wool manager Kara Biggs hosted a stand at Fieldays, seeking input and

solutions from growers on issues facing the sector.

These include the need for strong leadership, for a New Zealand story to support brands, diverse selling methods, government support, a funding mechanism and to arrest industry decline before it reaches a point beyond which it cannot be rescued.

The industry has become siloed, Biggs said, and all of these points need to be answered for the industry to be transformed.

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/3W5KV2i

through the rural sector with a vision for a positive life in rural communities across NZ.

“The rural women in this room have built on Hunterville’s strong sense of community. They support each other and their families. They are resourceful, entrepreneurial and

innovative. They are the heart and soul of Hunterville,” he said.

Sophie said having the PM at their store was “such a cool moment”, adding it was refreshing to see how easy it was to have a conversation with him.

“It was such a cool moment for our little town, and a great chance to share what we’re doing with NZ wool and the hope we have for the future of this beautiful fibre.”

Honest Wolf employs 15 people from Hunterville, creating jobs for women living on the farm with their partners.

Reflecting on the early days of his own career as a marketing graduate, Luxon quizzed Sophie on her vision for their business in 10 years.

“Honest Wolf’s vision is to get NZ wool on a huge export scale, not just using their farm’s wool but other local wool and get the farmgate wool price to where it should be. Wool is currently well undervalued yet the quality of fibre is amazing,” she said.

CHINESE textile company Saibosi has signed a premium strategic brand partnership agreement with Wools of New Zealand to sell NZ wool and wool blended rugs to Chinese consumers.

The Shanghai-based company has been filming with South Island wool-producing farmers to compile footage telling the authentic “farm to floor” story of NZ wool rugs on screen for its customers.

Wools of NZ chief executive John McWhirter

said the two companies are “a very good fit”. Residential rugs represent a new growth market in China and Saibosi is a well-known Chinese brand that is consumer oriented and strives for quality and authenticity.

It has ranked first in national online rug retail sales for five consecutive years from 2020 to 2024 and won multiple international awards in product design for residential rugs.

http://bit.ly/4gDuq6Y

Wool Impact granted extension

WOOL Impact, the entity tasked with driving export growth for the New Zealand strong wool sector, has been extended a lifeline on its initial three-year runway to get projects off the ground and in operation.

In July 2022, the government invested $4.5 million to back the new venture. Under new industry body Wool Impact, the $11.4m programme was designed to facilitate innovation and support growth to enable a unified voice for strong wool in NZ while growing existing and generating new demand for strong wool consumer brands, products and services.

Wool Impact is a collaboration between the government and industry sector partners

under the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.

The three-year programme, designed to last until June 30 2025, included sector partners WoolWorks and sheepmeat processing entities contributing $6.9m on top of the government’s $4.5m investment.

“It’s been a three-year sprint, we have evolved as an organisation with knowledge and maturity.

“Wool Impact will remain active for the next 12-24 months to build on initiatives currently underway,” Wool Impact chief executive Andy Caughey said.

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/46k92jW

Wools of NZ signs with major China rug company

Architec tural uptake. New demand for strong wool.

Government creates tailwind by preferencing wool.

Wool is seeing some tailwinds since it was prioritised for government buildings

Making it easy for brands, manufacturers, and specifiers to access procurement opportunities is a key focus for Wool Impact To support them in navigating this space, Wool Impact recently developed Procurement Explainers, practical guides that help position wool products for specification in government builds These resources outline procurement requirements, product standards, and real-world case studies of successful public sector partnerships

The guides are available online: www woolimpact com/specifier- directory Momentum as architectural projects turn to wool.

The range of wool products suitable for commercial spaces is expanding and a growing number of commercial projects are using them Wool products are already in use across government projects and agencies, from housing to the Beehive offices to various state highway and local council landscaping projects

Insulation company Terra Lana has been contracted to supply wool insulation for the new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth. Some of the wool used is sourced from Waipuna Farms, one of the last significant sheep farms on the West Coast, highlighting how public sector projects can directly benefit local farming communities While the Terra Lana contract was secured prior to the Government’s recent procurement directive, it demonstrates the kind of opportunities now open to New Zealand wool businesses

From 1 July 2025, all government construction and refurbishment projects must consider woollen fibres where practical and appropriate, opening the door for more contracts like this one

“ The Government’s continued investment , including prioritising wool in public buildings and housing sends a strong signal. If we’re not prepared to use our own wool, how can we expect others to? ”

-

Hon Minister Mark Patterson at recent Southland wool grower meetings

Ministerial Offices refurbushment, New Zealand Parliament (Studio Pacific Architecture, 2025): Insulation by Terra Lana, acoustics by Floc, carpet by Godfrey Hirst and Bremworth

Lincoln University’s Ivey West Redevelopment (TEAM architects, 2025): Acoustic panels by Floc, Terra Lana insulation, Godfrey Hirst custom designed axminster carpet, Wools of New Zealand carpet tiles, Camira wool upholstery fabric by Textilia

Brands need to meet specifications.

Supplying products tough enough for high-traffic commercial interiors is only one part of the equation for brands wanting to tap into the Government’s growing preference for wool

Today, winning contracts increasingly depends on demonstrating strong environmental credentials across the full product lifecycle from creation, use, and disposal, alongside impacts on people communities, and animal welfare

Rather than assuming decisionmakers understand the benefits of wool, New Zealand’s leading brands are backing it up with proof They’re investing in product innovation, performance data, and environmental reporting to make sure wool can compete head- on in this highvolume procurement market

In recent months Autex has released their Nature Positive certified Embrace™ wool acoustic product, nested in an Abodo wood frame, with a climate positive impact Bremworth has announced its supply partnership with Kāinga Ora Floc has published its Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), a document that helps specifiers navigate environmental metrics Brands have noted a significant lif t in interest and specification for wool since the Government announced their preference for wool products for government buildings

As brands across the New Zealand wool sector explore the best ways to measure and communicate the sustainability merits of their wool products, Wool Impact is working on providing guidance for common information requirements and certifications like life cycle assessment and environmental product declarations

A carbon footprint for wool has been completed and work is underway with the Planetary Accounting Network to understand wool’s impact, beyond carbon, compared to other fibre choices In November Wool Impact will release a sector sustainability snapshot for wool that makes it easier for brands to understand and communicate wool’s sustainability impacts For too long wool rested on the laurels of natural and renewable while synthetic fibre makers set the pace for environmental impact measurement

Wool is uniquely placed to both meet the reporting needs of the commercial sector today, and claim a nature positive, human positive position for the future

Wool Impact’s monthly newsletter shares new resources, brand partnerships and industry news This month, a summary of key messages from recent Southland wool grower meetings.

90 Devonport Road, Tauranga (Warren and Mahoney, 2025) - A 6 star green star rating building: Embrace™ acoustic solutions by Autex.

Content supplied by Wool Impact Limited

Why WoolWorks Grower Direct?

 Adding value to your wool clips here in New Zealand makes real sense.

 Selling greasy wool unprocessed off-shore is a loss for New Zealand farmers and ultimately, NZ Textile Inc. This can be evidenced by the demise of the wool industry in other countries such as Australia, UK and South Africa.

 6,000 sheep and beef farmers now own a share of WoolWorks New Zealand Limited

 WoolWorks is working hard to add value to all wool grower’s wool clips.

 Over the coming months there will be substantial announcements to come regarding WoolWorks initiatives to further improve the returns from wool We see a great future for wool, and that’s why we are advocating for change. Be part of the revolution.

Highlighting shed’s role in Sheep to Shop

Annette Scott NEWS Food and fibre

IT’S time to put the spotlight on the entire wool harvesting team and the vital role it has in producing quality wool, a leading brand manager says.

“We are so reliant on what happens in the woolshed yet we have a communication breakdown in acknowledging the importance of the shearing shed,” Devold New Zealand general manager Craig Smith said.

Since 2017, Smith has been Devold’s wool guy on the ground in NZ, building direct relationships with growers.

Devold is one of the few fully vertical brands in the industry, controlling every step from the sheep’s back to the finished garment in its own European mill.

“We wanted to know exactly

where our wool came from because we were not getting the quality we needed,” Smith said.

Growers, in turn, wanted to know where their wool was going.

“I am exceptionally proud of our Sheep to Shop quality strategy and the strong, committed relationships we have built with our wool growers.”

Since the start of prelamb shearing this year, I have visited every wool grower’s shed.

Craig

Smith

Devold

Smith concedes that for most of his career as a wool buyer his focus has been almost entirely on the fibre, its characteristics and preparation.

“I walk into a shed, greet the grower and wool classers, then head straight to the table to the woolhandlers.

“It has taken me too long to realise that in doing so, Devold and I have overlooked others who are vital to wool quality: shearers, shepherds, pressers. That without them the best wool would never reach the mill in its best condition.”

Brands often speak of traceability as the foundation of quality.

“Traceability alone does not make better wool. People do. The skill of the entire wool harvesting team is what ensures the finest wool reaches our mill ready to become the garments we are proud to make.

“It is time we put the spotlight on the entire harvesting team. We must also recognise the skill and significant daily effort of all shearers, wool handlers and pressers.

“They are the athletes who perform day in, day out, with speed, precision and under physical pressure.”

At a recent Sheep to Shop education programme, Smith made a commitment to building collaboration between all parties – Devold as the brand, the wool growers, and the shearing teams.

“I realise that was a big statement and since asked myself what true collaboration really means.

“I still don’t know what good collaboration in this wool industry space looks like, or exactly how it will be achieved, but we are starting.”

Devold began by inviting contractors into its Sheep to

Shop programme to talk openly about the goals and how they can achieve them together.

“I have attended contractor training sessions to speak directly with their teams.

“Since the start of pre-lamb shearing this year, I have visited every wool grower’s shed, starting the day by bringing together the grower, the shepherds, and the entire wool harvesting team to open lines of communication, share information, and encourage feedback from all directions.”

Members of the Norwegian management team have sat down with wool handlers and wool

classers to learn about their trade. For many, this was the first time a brand had shown such interest.

Creating orderly, well-equipped sheds where shearing teams can work at their best is as vital as breeding programmes or milling processes.

“Every hand that cares for the animals or handles the fibre shapes the story of our wool.

“For too long we have undervalued the harvesting teams and their critical part in our quality strategy. Hopefully, industry-wide we can reverse that.”

Look beyond methane for wool’s eco metrics

THE environmental footprint of crossbred wool stacks up best when measured across a variety of metrics other than just carbon, a new study has determined.

Measured against 2030 climate change targets, methane emissions mean 1kg of wool has a marginally larger environmental footprint than nylon and polyester.

As climate change goals tighten, crossbred wool becomes more favourable for uses such as construction, its footprint placing it marginally second behind nylon in 2040 but well ahead of all fossilbased competitors by 2050.

Accounting for methane is the biggest issue for wool while for the fossil-fuel products it is variably waste, carbon and the impact on the ozone and forest land. Further research shows that the pecking order dramatically changes in favour of wool when quantifiable on-farm natureenhancing initiatives are included

such as wetland and biodiversity restoration – elements missing from the initial data.

The study, by the Planetary Accounting Network, was completed for advocacy and resource body Wool Impact.

Gretchen Foster, a brand support

executive with Wool Impact, said the construction sector, the final destination for most products using New Zealand strong wool, accounts for around 40% of total global emissions.

The carbon footprint of products used in the construction industry

attracts the most attention and is the reason Wool Impact has sought to determine the wool’s actual impact using other metrics alongside carbon.

Kate Meyer, a sustainable scientist with the Planetary Accounting Network, told a webinar the study provides users with assurance of wool’s attributes.

“Wool is the fibre of the future and these results show that it is.”

She has calculated 450 eco-labels on consumer products and said such promotion is cluttered and confusing because such claims fail to provide context or allow consumers to determine if those figures are favourable or not.

“It is becoming very confusing because there is no single source of truth, no way to measure its performance.”

Because of that, the market tends to default to rates of carbon emissions.

The world is increasingly concerned about nature and its boundaries and Meyer said that is where wool excels.

Foster said international

Wool is the fibre of the future and these results show that it is.

Kate Meyer Planetary Accounting Network

businesses want to use wool but need assurance about its sustainability – and that must go wider than just carbon emissions.

She said an environmental product declaration by wool acoustics company Autex found wool actually improves the environment.

“Wool is the fibre of the future.

“Farmers as custodians of the land are having a positive impact on farm through planting, restoration, caring for existing vegetation and new planting, and using practices that do not disturb the soil.”

Foster said Wool Impact wants to encourage brands to work closely with farmers who have aligned values, which will unlock the financial rewarding of natureenhancing projects.

IT STARTS HERE: Simons Pass Lake Tekapo stock manager Jake Scully, leading wool handler Renee Tarrant, head shearer Bruce (Goz) Mason and Devold’s Craig (Smithy) Smith, who says providing orderly, wellequipped sheds where shearing teams can work at their best is as vital as breeding programmes or milling processes.

Neal Wallace NEWS Food and fibre

BUILDING A CASE: The carbon footprint of products used in construction attracts the most attention, say industry leaders.

RECOGNITION: Devold’s Craig Smith says the skill and daily effort of all shearers, wool handlers and pressers should be recognised.

Thanks

to our supportive wool growers for your voluntar y contributions to our industr y work, and to our Funding Partners for making it possible.

Together, we’re building a br ighter future for strong wool.

nzwool.co.nz

FEDERATED FARMERS

Connectivity frustrations deepen

Connectivity remains a major issue for rural New Zealand, with farmers frustrated by poor mobile service, unreliable internet, high costs and growing safety risks.

Federated Farmers’ 2025 Rural Connectivity Survey, completed by more than 600 farmers in August and September, highlights the ongoing challenges.

Mobile coverage remains patchy on farms and rural highways, with more than a third of farmers saying their mobile coverage has worsened over the past year.

“Many of our members are telling us loud and clear that mobile coverage has deteriorated, both on-farm and on rural roads,” says Mark Hooper, Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson.

“Farmers need telcos to step up and provide solutions that ensure reliable service across the country.

“These survey numbers give us a baseline, and we’ll be watching closely as 3G networks are switched off in the months ahead.”

Mobile coverage currently averages just 57% of farmland, unchanged since 2022.

While more farmers have connected to 4G and 5G, dropouts remain widespread, causing major issues for everyday operations and health and safety.

“For example, farmers are required to comply with NAIT – a digital livestock recording system – but unreliable mobile connections are obstructing that.

“And what happens if a farmer rolls

their side-by-side or tractor on the farm and can’t get a signal to call for help?” Hooper says.

The survey also confirms that internet access, while nearly universal, remains variable in quality and cost.

A quarter of farmers say their internet service has declined in the past year, and more than half have experienced weather-related outages.

Wireless broadband use has slipped to 44%, while satellite services such as Starlink have grown to 36% of respondents, up from 19% in 2022.

What happens if a farmer rolls their side-by-side or tractor on the farm and can’t get a signal to call for help?

Mark Hooper Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson

“Farmers are increasingly reliant on services like Starlink, but simply relying on an overseas provider isn’t in the best interests of the country,” Hooper says.

“That’s not a sustainable solution for us.”

The survey found only 40% of farmers now use a landline, down from 64% in 2022.

Copper still made up most of those connections, but more than a third

of copper users had already received disconnection notices.

“It’s really concerning that the vast majority of rural people about to lose their copper landline still haven’t found a replacement,” Hooper says.

“Farmers consistently raise concerns that landlines are their only reliable link to emergency services during storms, blackouts or medical incidents.

“VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) doesn’t work in a power cut and mobile isn’t available on large areas of farmland.

“That leaves people feeling dangerously exposed.”

Hooper says the results highlight the lack of a national strategy for rural connectivity.

“Farmers need investment in an independent information service that connects them to the full range of local ISPs and options for both internet and retaining a landline number.

“They also need clear advice on backup power and uninterruptible power supply to cover emergencies.”

He says policy and investment measures are urgently needed to reduce the barriers and costs holding back fibre rollout.

“Fibre expansion in rural areas remains extremely limited, reaching just 3% of households.

“Access to reliable fibre could transform rural connectivity, but right now it’s beyond reach for most farmers,” he says.

Value for money was another recurring frustration in the survey.

Farmers consistently report paying high prices for services that are unreliable or patchy.

“Our members are clearly telling us they feel treated like second-rate customers.

“Rural communities feel they’re being overlooked and, in many cases, abandoned,” Hooper says.

Respondents described the situation as “rural discrimination,” with one noting that mobile coverage is “worse now than 30 years ago”.

Another commented, “Rural areas don’t matter to the urban boffins who make the decisions”.

Others highlighted the stress and danger of not being able to reach

help in an emergency, with one farmer recalling, “We had a fire … no power means no way to call the fire brigade”.

“These stories should be a wake-up call,” Hooper says.

“Farmers feel the telcos don’t care when they complain about poor coverage or copper switch-offs. That must change. Rural communities keep this country going, and they deserve connectivity that’s reliable and fair value for money.

“We need clearer information, better options, and real investment to ensure mobile, internet, and landline services meet the needs of rural New Zealand now and into the future.”

WAKE-UP CALL: Mark Hooper says the survey results highlight the need for a national strategy for rural connectivity.

ECan ‘emergency’ just a shameless political stunt

Environment Canterbury’s decision to declare a ‘nitrate emergency’ is a shameless political stunt that won’t help anyone, Federated Farmers says.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see Environment Canterbury (ECan) playing these kinds of petty political games,” Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst says.

“Declaring a nitrate emergency isn’t helpful or constructive. All it does is create unnecessary panic and drive a wedge between our urban and rural communities.

“I think most reasonable Cantabrians will see the declaration for what it is: a cynical and alarmist stunt from a group of councillors trying to score points during the local body elections.”

Hurst says ECan’s decision on September 17 risks undermining the good work done by farmers, councils, iwi and the wider community over the last few decades.

“The nitrate issue in Canterbury is a longstanding challenge our community has been aware of, and working on, for some time now.

“To suddenly come out and call it an emergency is just political theatre.”

He says the situation hasn’t been helped by extreme anti-farming activist groups like Greenpeace spreading harmful misinformation about nitrates.

“Greenpeace have made a lot of false claims trying to link nitrates in drinking water to colon cancer.

“It’s outright scaremongering and

simply doesn’t line up with what the credible experts are saying on this issue.”

Federated Farmers says New Zealanders should take their health advice from medical professionals, not environmental activists with an anti-farming agenda.

“The nitrate situation in Canterbury is incredibly complex, hasn’t arisen overnight, and won’t be solved overnight either,” Hurst says.

“Despite a huge amount of work already done to improve the situation, it takes a long time for nitrate-rich water to work its way through the groundwater system.

“Farmers are stepping up and showing real leadership on this issue. It’s just a shame we aren’t seeing the same kind of leadership

Colin Hurst says ECan’s decision achieves nothing apart from creating unnecessary panic and driving a wedge between urban and rural communities.

from our elected councillors.” Hurst says the political stunt comes on top of significant problems with ECan’s impracticality on consents and river management.

“We’ll be welcoming the conversation on the future model of governance for Canterbury after the elections.”

To suddenly come out and call it an emergency is just political theatre.

Strong returns create opportunities for farm succession

As New Zealand’s primary sector enjoys some of its best returns in years, Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean says now is the time for farm owners to think about succession.

“Over the next 15 to 20 years there’s a huge amount of land and assets that will need to change hands, and higher profits now will help make that possible,” Dean

It’s about finding a way to transfer knowledge, assets and opportunity while the business is strong, rather than waiting until retirement is at your doorstep.

Karl Dean Farmers dairy chair

said on the Federated Farmers Podcast.

“Good returns for dairy, sheep and beef, combined with lower interest rates, make it a great time to look at putting the next generation in charge.”

Equity partnerships are one option, he says, and not just in dairying.

“We’ve recently seen Pāmu offering an equity partnership for livestock, similar to sharemilking, which I hadn’t come across before in sheep farming.

“It’s potentially something we could see more of in that sector.

“But you do need a highly profitable business to make it work, because you’re sharing part of your profit to help the next generation buy you out over 15 to 20 years.”

Dean also stresses that succession doesn’t need to stay within the family.

“Plenty of farm owners won’t have a family member ready to take over, but there are many first-generation farmers who want to get into ownership and build a secure future for their families.

“New platforms like Landify are helping connect landowners with

aspiring farm owners, bridging that gap between being an employee or manager and owning the business.”

He says starting these conversations early is key.

“It’s about finding a way to transfer knowledge, assets and opportunity while the business is strong, rather



than waiting until retirement is at your doorstep.”

Dean says making the most of today’s high returns begins with talking to your accountant.

“Sudden jumps in milk, beef and lamb prices can create big tax bills within a year, so you need to plan carefully.”

Once the tax is set aside, his advice is to reduce debt or reinvest in the business.

That could mean labour-saving technology in the dairy shed, water storage for sheep and beef farms, or setting aside cash reserves to carry you through the next downturn.

“There’s nothing wrong with rewarding yourself, whether that’s a holiday or a new ute, but the bulk of today’s gains should go into strengthening your business for tomorrow.”

DIVISIVE:

Colin Hurst Federated Farmers vice president

TALK: Karl Dean says starting conversations about farm succession early is key.

Shots fired on the pest problem have sparked positive action

Acall to arms from Federated Farmers on New Zealand’s worsening feral animal and weed pest problems is hitting the target.

Our drive for a national pest strategy is gaining traction with the government and across the primary sector.

Federated Farmers is working with the Department of Conservation, Ministry for Primary Industries and the Forest Owners Association on new approaches to the growing pressure from wild animals and pest plants.

This problem is real, and like any weed and pest issue, it will worsen if left unaddressed.

Federated Farmers are hearing reports of feral animals invading productive farmland more frequently. Ungulates are the primary concern, with large mobs of deer reported.

More and more farmers are telling us that wild pigs are causing significant losses to livestock, particularly among young and vulnerable lambs.

As this plays out nationwide, it’s clear too many landowners are not meeting their social responsibilities. That needs to change.

It’s also true that a few bad actors do not speak for an entire sector, and many neighbours are doing the right thing. The task now is to set clear expectations, both socially and legally, and hold people to them, while backing those who are already stepping up.

Hunting competitions and coordination services, such as those offered by the NZ Deerstalkers Association, are useful and should be supported where possible – but they’re a tool, not a solution.

Everyone with land has

responsibilities. ‘Good neighbour’ rules refer to pest boundary obligations outlined in regional pest management plans under the Biosecurity Act.

In plain terms, the occupier must take reasonable and practicable steps to prevent a named pest on their side of the fence from spreading to the adjoining property.

Too often this doesn’t happen, and currently, councils have limited capacity to enforce it.

The fragmented pest control model is holding back progress – but our concerns are being heard.

Landowner priorities also differ.

Most farmers want wild animal numbers kept at a very low level to prevent damage to pastures, fences, and livestock. Forestry tends to invest in control during

establishment, then scale back once trees are old enough to resist browsing.

DOC must prioritise biodiversity outcomes, which are not always aligned with protecting productive farmland. Hunting blocks have their own objectives again.

This range of priorities often has a high financial impact on farmers. First, there’s the damage to pasture, livestock and fencing.

Second, the expense in time and ammunition for controlling pest species on farm and, where permission is granted, on neighbours’ land. Third, the biosecurity levies paid at the processor level to OSPRI - over $35 million a year directly from farmers.

The fragmented pest control model is holding back progress – but our concerns are being heard. Feds are in active discussions across the industry, as well as with ministers and senior officials.

The goal is to develop a comprehensive and durable strategy for managing pest animals and weeds with cross-party support.

Federated Farmers, MPI, and DOC

are working together to shape a national feral deer management programme.

The work includes building a reliable picture and measurement of deer pressure, reducing bureaucratic hurdles so Wild Animal Recovery Operations can function more effectively, and piloting pest management through regionally led catchment groups.

We’re also advancing practical ideas, such as technology trials, reviews of key tools, and a programme called “Value for Venison” so that more recovered animals can become food for New Zealanders in need.

These joint efforts aim to protect productive land, biodiversity and community resilience through coordinated, effective and forwardlooking pest management.

Alongside this, we are working with the Forest Owners Association on ‘Good Neighbour’ guidelines and a memorandum of understanding

that outlines best practices for landowners. Guidelines will not fix every dispute, but they are a constructive step.

The challenge is urgent, and it is not only wild animals. Weeds are surging too – a prime example is the expansion of wilding pines across the high country, where low-input grazing and farmer management once held them in check.

While Government support is welcome, it will not solve this on its own.

The machinery of government bureaucracy moves slowly, so we urge farmers to work with neighbours and local stakeholders to get ahead of problems.

When something needs to be done, farmers have always been the ones who roll up their sleeves and drive successful outcomes.

That can only go so far, so Federated Farmers will continue advocating on farmers’ behalf to get co-ordinated national action.

Richard Dawkins Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair

Richard Dawkins Federated Farmers pest and weed spokesperson

GOOD NEIGHBOUR: Everyone with land has responsibilities for pest control – and that includes farmers, DOC and foresters, Richard Dawkins says.

PEST: More and more farmers say wild pigs are causing significant losses to livestock, particularly among young and vulnerable lambs.

Southern farmers warned of being overlooked in TB fight

Farmers in southern provinces are being urged to speak up to make sure they get a fair share of resources in the fight against bovine tuberculosis.

With the national TB plan currently under review, Federated Farmers North Otago president Otto Dogterom warns farmers in Otago could be overlooked.

“We need to put our case forward strongly because there’s a real feeling we’re being left behind in the ‘too hard basket’.

“Recent slips in vigilance show how quickly the situation can get out of control when possums – the main disease vector – aren’t managed properly.

“Livestock sales and movement are seriously disrupted, and farmers face uncertainty and extra costs until the problem is under control.”

Earlier this year calves from the Lindis Pass area were sold at an Omarama calf sale, and the vendor later advised the calves had reactors in TB testing.

Dogterom says OSPRI, which manages the TB-free national programme, has dropped the ball in Otago.

“There was a known problem in the Lindis area but OSPRI were too slow communicating with farmers and failed to set up movement control early enough covering the surrounding area.

“Farmers felt let down.”

OSPRI is from 1 October bringing in a new Movement Control Area (MCA) covering Tarras, Lindis Valley, the upper Manuherekia and the top end of Ida Valley.

About 110 farms and lifestyle blocks with deer or cattle will be affected.

Being in an MCA means all cattle and deer over three months old

must be TB tested within 60 days of being moved off a property, and only animals going straight to slaughter don’t need testing.

Herds that stay on farm are tested every year.

Dogterom says all responsible farmers are committed to checks and testing so they’re not selling on infected animals.

“For high country guys in particular, calf sales are an important part of their income.

“They can be up against it climatewise and feed availability-wise so any delays can have a big impact.”

At a public meeting in Omarama in July, farmers criticised OSPRI –a partnership between primary industries and government – for being too slow to put the Lindis area under movement control and not

doing enough to control possums.    OSPRI countered that criticism, saying control programmes had been increased, including “significant” ground control (traps, toxins) in the Lindis area.

It said the largest portion of the South Island vector control budget is spent in Otago, but Dogterom says it’s not enough given herd infection rates.

TB in Central Otago has proven to be stubborn problem to get on top of..

“It’s a very extensive area and I’ve read that even experts have been surprised by evidence of how many possums are living in tussock country.

“We’ve had a reasonably highish level of infected herds here for a long time.”

C a n r u r a l m e d i a s u r v i ve ?

As of 4 September this year there were 15 TB-infected dairy, beef or deer herds in New Zealand – one third of them in Otago.

That’s just 0.01% of the nation’s herds, down from 1650 TB-infected herds in 1993.

OSPRI says TB cannot be eradicated from livestock unless it’s eliminated from possums, and its goal is no infected herds by 2040.

Over the next 5-10 years, the focus will be possum control in hot spots, including aerial 1080 on hard-toreach land, plus targeted TB testing on higher-risk farms.

With OSPRI in the process of taking over TB testing after AsureQuality’s withdrawal, Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane says it’s vital the agency has enough boots on the ground.

“Even now it’s a struggle to get out-of-season testing. Bull sales are coming up and we want to give buyers assurance over TB status but it’s really difficult finding people to do it.”

Kane says the proposed 5-10 year strategy, particularly the emphasis on aerial 1080, suggests TB-infected possum hotspots near Taupō will get the early attention and resources.

OSPRI consultation documents

We need to put our case forward strongly because there’s a real feeling we’re being left behind in the ‘too hard basket’.

Otto Dogterom Federated Farmers North Canterbury president

talk about the focused eradication approach involving a shift in operational focus of vector control activities to the Central North Island and slower clearance of the South Island.

“We’d want to see justification for that and get assurance that vector control is also robust in Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

“Fighting bovine TB and keeping it out of our herds is a huge priority, so we’re urging farmers to get on OSPRI’s website, get informed and have their say.”

Submissions on the TB review close Sunday 12 October.

Public meetings coming up include Hokitika (2 October), Omarama (6 October), Wedderburn (7 October) and Otautau (8 October).

Dean W illiamson, CEO of Ag riHQ and publisher of

POSSUM PERSISTENCE: Even the experts have been surprised by evidence of how many possums are living in central Otago tussock country.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

SUPPORT: Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane says it’s vital OSPRI has enough boots on the ground.

Roberts Line, Bunnythorpe

AKA AKA, AUCKLAND 701 Aka Aka Road

Pukekohe Potential

After two generations, this outstanding 130-hectare dairy unit is ready for its next chapter. Rarely does a property of this scale, location, and potential come to market. Whether you're an experienced operator or looking to enter the industry, this is a golden opportunity to secure a farm with room to grow.

• 130 hectares of flat, fertile land spread across 6 freehold titles.

• Milking 350 cows on average, with scope to increase production through strategic investment and management.

32-bale Rotary dairy shed – designed for efficient milking operations.

Two homes – ideal for owner-occupiers, farm managers, or staff accommodation.

Excellent location – just minutes from town, combining rural tranquillity with urban convenience.

• Livestock optional – cows can be included in the sale, allowing for a seamless transition.

This property presents a unique chance to take a proven operation and elevate it to its full potential. With strong bones and a desirable location, it's perfectly positioned for growth.

pggwre.co.nz/PUK41758

PUNI, AUCKLAND 229 Wily Road

35 Hectares - Pukekohe Grazing

An exceptional opportunity to secure 35 hectares (approx. 86 acres) of flat, fertile land ideal for dairy support or cropping. This productive block currently grows maize, hay and grass silage, offering excellent versatility for a range of agricultural uses

Predominately flat contour, ideal for maize or grazing

Old three bedroom cottage - perfect for renovation or temporary accommodation

• Original cowshed with power

• Functional stock yards

• Hay barn for storage

Just minutes from Pukekohe town, offering the perfect blend of rural lifestyle and urban convenience

Whether you're expanding your existing operation or seeking a lifestyle change with income potential, this property offers a rare combination of location, scale, and infrastructure.

4 2

TENDER

Plus GST (if any)

Closes 3.00pm, Thursday 30 October

219 Manukau Road, Pukekohe

VIEW By Appointment Only

M 027 473 3632

E avanmil@pggwrightson.co.nz

3 1

TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior)

Closes 3.00pm, Thursday 30 October

219 Manukau Road, Pukekohe VIEW By Appointment Only

Adrian van Mil

M 027 473 3632

Adrian van Mil pggwre.co.nz/PUK41492

E avanmil@pggwrightson.co.nz

Quality farm, so many options

First time on the market since 1918 Braemar is a 313 4ha property offering class one soils scale and versatility in the Ruataniwha Basin, just 10 2km west of Waipukurau Seismic electric surveys have identified potential groundwater sources, creating opportunities for horticulture and other land uses A consented 27ha feedlot provides excellent wintering options while laneways tile draining and strong fertiliser history compliment the farm Improvements include a five-bedroom home, three-bedroom cottage, 2018 woolshed, workshop, Te Pari cattle yards and sheep yards Reticulated water from bores services both farm and houses A rare opportunity to secure premium Hastings silt loam soils with proven performance bayleys co nz/2871084

Auction (un ess sold prior) 12pm Thu 6 Nov 2025

Harley Manion 021 149 8050 harley manion@bayleys co nz

Charlotte McGuire 027 872 2573

charlotte mcguire@bayleys co nz

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD BAYLEYS LICENSED REAA 2008

Luxurious forest haven

This exquisite four-bedroom four-ensuite residence enjoys a prime position overlooking Squirrel

Tender (will not be sold prior)

Closing 12pm, Wed 29 Oct 2025 26 Takapau Road, Waipukurau View by appointment

Andy Hunter 027 449 5827 andy hunter@bayleys co nz EASTERN REALTY

North Otago 594 Tokarahi-Ngapara Road

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Arable Operator

We

AGRICULTURAL HELICOPTER

• Aerial Spraying

• Bulk or Bagged Fertiliser

• Weed Spraying

• Lifting building materials & water tanks

• Aerial Survey

• Gorse & Blackberry Spraying

435 424

TAUPO VACANCIES

YOU CHOOSE

Drive your own 4WD and experience the majestic West Coast scenery.

• “Wild West Coast Wanderer” Visit Mt White Station and then travel over the Arthurs Pass and explore the majestic scenery and hidden gems of “the coast” including the Denniston Plateau, Blackball, Napolean Hill and finishing in the Haast area.

is too

making

or

be

the

In

Live in Housekeeper OR rental accommodation. 2 x large bedrooms, each furnished with TV, heat pump and own ensuite.

This is a rural home in Taupo, with many amenities. 10 minutes from town.

This would suit someone with their own vehicle looking for a home, someone who has a bright happy nature and enjoys company.

Applicants

or alternately contact Geoff Roberts on 027 487 9867

Phone 027 494 5660 or email down890@hotmail.com with your phone number for more details and inspection.

Thanks, awaiting your interest.

FARM MANAGER

BROWN LAND HOLDINGS LTD

Kimbolton (Manawatu)

Ready to lead an impressive breeding and finishing farm operation? We’re seeking a hands-on, motivated Farm Manager for our 730 ha sheep and beef property, plus 80 ha lease block. With diverse contours and excellent infrastructure this is an exciting role.

Stock includes:

• 2700 breeding ewes • 790 head Angus cattle

The ideal applicant will have:

• Strong stock/pasture management skills

• Experience with fencing, tractor skills, water systems knowledge, shearing

• A reliable dog team

• Strong communication, self-motivation, a solid work ethic

• Computer literacy for accurate collection and management of essential farm performance data

• Eligibility, residence and experience working in NZ

You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the farm, while also working alongside the owner on long-term planning and development including organising our casual team members. Ideal for a skilled Farm Manager or proven Stock Manager looking for next career step up.

You’ll enjoy:

• School/pre-school/café/bus to high school - 3km drive to Kimbolton

• 5-bedroom home and gardens located 25minutes from Feilding

• Competitive remuneration

JEH Grazing and Livestock Ltd

• Successful and lasting grazing management.

• Selling all classes of Livestock.

• Efficient and timely farm to farm transactions.

• Competitive and prompt processor procurement.

or email india@xtra.co.nz or call Craig on 021 193 0091 for details.

TREES FOR FARMS ADDITIONAL INCOME. Stock shelter, erosion control, Truffle income, animal fodder, fireproof cork and Natives. 021garden.co.nz Litherland Truffles 021 327 637.

BOOK AN AD in Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Ph 0800 85 25 80 or email wordads@agrihq.co.nz

SAWN SHED TIMBER including Black Maire. Matai, Totara and Rimu etc. Also buying salvaged native logs. Phone Richard Uren. NZ Native Timber Supplies. Phone 027 688 2954.

WHAT’S SITTING IN your barn? Ford, Ferguson, Hitachi, Komatsu, JD. Be it an excavator, loader or tractor, wherever it is in NZ. Don’t let it rust. We may trade in and return you a brand new bucket for your digger or cash for your pocket. Email admin@loaderparts.co.nz or phone Colin 0274 426 936.

WANTED TO BUY WANTED

WILD DEER WANTED –North Island (Reds) for venison recovery. Paying competitive rates. For more information contact Scotty 021 135 0737.

SALE TALK

A Spanish captain is walking on the deck of his ship when a soldier rushes to him and exclaims, “An enemy ship is approaching us!” The captain replies calmly, “Go get my red shirt.” The soldier gets the shirt for the captain. The enemy ship comes in and heavy rounds of fire are exchanged. Finally, the Spaniards win. The next day they encounter three ships and once again the captain says to the soldier, “Go get my red shirt.” After a mighty battle, the enemy ships are vanquished with only minor injuries among the Spanish crew. The soldier says, “Congrats sir, but why the red shirt?” The captain replies, “If I am injured, my blood shouldn’t be seen, as I don’t want my men to lose hope.” Just then, another soldier runs up and says, “Sir, we just spotted another 20 enemy ships!” The captain calmly replies, “Go bring me my brown pants.” Here at Farmers Weekly we get some pretty funny

and we’re

SILVERSTREAM CHAROLAIS

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook nzsheep.co.nz/poll-dorset-breeders

STOCK REQUIRED

Fries/Here Bull Calves Nov/Dec del

1YR Angus Heifers 250 – 300 kg 1YR Fries Bulls 200 – 260kg

2YR Heifers 380–460kg

1 or 2YR Angus Ax Steers >420kg

2YR Beef & Fries Bulls 400–500kg FOR SALE

Lines 320kg very tidy Friesian Bulls info@dyerlivestock co nz www dyerlivestock co nz Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

EXPANDING OR CONVERTING?

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED Dairy Herd Solutions to suit your operation

Whether you’re expanding, converting, or planning ahead, Carrfields Livestock is your trusted partner in a fast-moving dairy market where quality herds are in hot demand and often selling before they officially go on the market.

It’s a hot market, don’t miss out! With buyers moving quickly, Carrfields has already contracted herds and heifers for delivery to the South Island in May and June next year.

Carrfields has a strong nationwide agent network with trusted local knowledge and dedicated dairy coordinators with proven results in sourcing, negotiating, and settling dairy transactions of all sizes. Contact your local Carrfields agent today or speak with one of our Dairy Coordinators.

OUR COORDINATORS

National – Paul Kane

Ph 027 286 9279

South Island – Richard Andrews

Ph 027 536 8693

Manawatu – Hamish Manthel

Ph 027 432 0298

Waikato Bop – Matt Hancock

Ph 027 601 3787

Taranaki – Daniel Hornby

Ph 027 636 2090

Northland – Craig Couling

Ph 027 292 6828

A/C TROY STEVENSON

Date: Friday 3rd October 2025

Address: 437 Patiki Road, Pihama, South Taranaki

Start Time: 11.30am (undercover, Gourmet BBQ lunch provided) will be available for online bidding

COMPRISING:

144 young Friesian / Friesian Cross In-Milk Cows – BW144, PW211, LW445, SCC 60, RA 100%

DETAILS:

Strict selection policy all young cows mainly 2–4-year-olds,

All cows in-milk, milked twice daily in rotary shed

Herd Tested (incl Johnes test) on 17th Sept

• Per cow averages 27.24 ltrs, 2.49 M/S, SCC 60, TB C10, BVD negative

AUCTIONEERS NOTE:

This 10th annual offering presents a top-quality lineup, the result of a rigorous selection process. Each cow is personally guaranteed by our trusted vendors and comes with a one-week soundness trial. These cows will be presented in strong condition, ready for mating. All are young, sound, and well-prepared. We highly recommend this offering.

PAYMENT TERMS:

Deferred Payment, Due 20th January 2026

Immediate Delivery

CARRFIELDS AGENT: Brent Espin M: 027 551 3660

OUR VENDOR: Troy Stevenson M: 027 469 7636

SOUTH TARANAKI HIGH QUALITY IN MILK COW AUCTION

Date: MONDAY 6th October 2025

Carrfields Saleyards, Lower Duthie Road

Start Time: 11.30am

Online bidding via KILLARNEY PASTORAL TRUST

68 x Friesian/Friesian Cross In-Milk Heifers/Cows, BW93, PW115, RA100% Herd Tested 23rd Sept (results posted pre auction)

Includes full replacement line of in-milk heifers from long-established herd. All-grass system, top condition, ready for mating.

Ben & Belinda Price A/C Pastures of Price Ltd

20 x Friesian/Friesian Cross In-Milk Cows BW178, PW249, RA 100%

Herd Tested 15 th Sept, 2.09ms, SCC15

Handpicked DNA profiled 3- 4-year olds

From system 3, rotary shed.

Genuine, tidy cows selected from larger herd Crecer farms

50 x Friesian/Friesian Cross In-Milk Cows, BW 116, PW165

Herd Tested 25 th Sept (results posted pre auction)

Strong-boned, tidy-uddered cows milked through herringbone shed. Presented in top condition, ready for mating. More entries to be confirmed.

PAYMENT TERMS:

Payment 14 days after sale. Cows can be milked until transport is arranged for out-of-region buyers.

CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK AGENTS:

Brent Espin M: 027 551 3660

Daniel Crowley M: 027 215 3609

Daniel Hornby M: 027 636 2090

Tim Hurley M: 027 414 6756

Jack Kienan M: 027 823 2373 JW0122316©

Hand-selected by respected local dairy farmers, these cows present a rare opportunity to secure some of the best Northland has to offer.

COMPRISING:

24 top end Northland Cows from five Vendors DETAILS: A/C Rajesh:

• Jersey OAD, spring calved.

• Elite 3–4-year-olds from a 350-cow herd.

• BW243, PW410, LW966, 2.0Kg/MS, SCC 56,000 A/C N & A Porteus: Friesian & Friesian-cross, autumn calved.

• High-output cows from a System 4, TAD rotary herd.

• BW101, PW332, LW743, 2.73Kg/MS, SCC 69,000 A/C Marmac Ltd: Friesian-cross, autumn calved. OAD herd, top retained cows post land lease sale.

• BW147, PW325, LW733, 1.73Kg/MS A/C A & Fleming Ltd:

• Fresh Spring calved cows. Handpicked from a 430-cow split calving herd. Herd test results available 28/09/25 A/C Ahipara Agri Ltd:

• Top 8 autumn calved, in-milk empty cows.

• From a 1150-cow crossbred herd.

• BW165, PW369, LW734, 2.19Kg/MS, SCC 34,000 Visit: www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz to view the catalogue For more information contact: CARRFIELDS AGENT: Craig Couling Ph: 027 292 6828 Northland Dairy Coordinator

Markets

Chilly spring blows through saleyards, too

Cool soil temperatures and the lack of grass are keeping a lid on returns.

PFiona Quarrie MARKETS Livestock

EOPLE often think of September 1 as the start of spring, but the spring equinox is the real transition of seasons, and this occurred just last week, on September 23.

You would have been forgiven for thinking spring had arrived early, though, as the windy westerlies, which so often accompany the equinox, have been persistent for some weeks now already.

Weather Watch weather analyst Phil Duncan has commented that “this late winter/early spring has been windier, and in some parts colder, than previous years.

“We have been fortunate to experience a lot of calmer and milder than usual springs over the past decade but what we have now is more textbook.”

Given the experiences of the past decade, it is understandable that the current situation has caused some concern in those with shorter memories.

Hawke’s Bay is one of the areas feeling the feed pinch currently.

Duncan explains that “historically, Hawke’s Bay leans a bit drier than much of New Zealand in early spring.

The area isn’t much drier than usual for September, but they have been in a rainfall deficit all this year.”

We have seen the impacts of this at Stortford Lodge over recent weeks, but any ease in markets has been limited and instead it is more a case of different destinations.

From the large yarding of cattle on September 17, a Manawatūbased buyer secured the entire 2-year Friesian bull section, which averaged 440kg and $5.05/kg.

Outside on the same day, a Manawatū buyer was also active in the 40-43kg range of male lambs in larger tallies.

There were some discounts when the race to finish them before teeth cut was riskier, but returns were otherwise steady.

Ewes with lambs-at-foot did experience some downside and most traded from $132 to $140.

This class of stock is a common relief valve on farm when feed gets tight and at this point there are countless quotes out and narrowing demand.

The following week, a range of Waikato, central Hawke’s Bay and Manawatū buyers provided enough competition for another strong store cattle sale, and local vendors were rewarded.

Just a month ago the hot topic was the strength of the South Island store cattle market. Much

The beauty of farming in New Zealand is that when some areas are feeling the pinch, there are others having more luck with the weather.

of this was driven by excess winter crop and those wanting to get a head start before the grass market hit.

This was short-lived, though.

The lack of grass and cool soil temperatures as we approach the end of September are keeping a lid on returns.

The Temuka store cattle

sale on September 18 offered 1268-head and the lion’s share were yearlings. Local interest was focused on the heavier 2-year steers and heifers, usually 440kg and above. This made for steady returns on these types, but the market faltered as weights decreased.

Southland-based buyers were more active on the yearling cattle but only the true-to-type pens earned a ticket on those trucks.

This meant that the lesser types were significantly discounted. In the end, yearling steers traded 15-20c/kg behind the previous sale and the downside was easily double that for heifers.

The hope is that the early arrival of the windy westerlies

will also mean they make an early departure.

“This is not always the case though,” Duncan made note to mention.

The beauty of farming in New Zealand is that when some areas are feeling the pinch, there are others having more luck with the weather.

Dry conditions on the east coast aren’t new, and the more experienced operators will state the best way to handle it is to set thresholds for making changes in response to the conditions.

It is still early days yet and it is looking as though the start of October will be calmer “thanks to an uptick in high pressure”, Duncan said.

STILL CAUTIOUS: This pen of yearling Hereford-Friesian steers from Herbert sold at the Temuka store cattle sale on September 25. At 258kg, they made $1335, which translated to $5.17/kg on a steady market.

Cattle Sheep Deer

Weekly saleyard results

These weekly saleyard results are collated by the AgriHQ LivestockEye team. Cattle weights and prices are averages and sheep prices are ranges. For more detailed results and analysis subscribe to your selection of LivestockEye reports. Scan the QR code or visit www.agrihq.co.nz/livestock-reports

Rangiuru

LATE LAMBS WIN: The later born fine wool lambs are having their time in the spotlight thanks to having more time to finish before they risk cutting their adult teeth. These halfbred wether lambs from Ward sold at Canterbury Park on September 23 for $201. Photo: Stu Uren, PGG Wrightson

Photo: bidr.co.nz

Philip Duncan NEWS Weather

NE month down. Two more to go. Spring is so far proving to be colder and windier across New Zealand, with a recent uptick in complaints after many months of very few grizzles from around the country.

However, despite the often cold and stormy spring weather, we’ve so far avoided too many extreme cold events with only one brief southerly (this entire year) actually coming from Antarctica and frosts (while more of them) not as intense as they could be, with few severe frosts.

The upper North Island has also avoided frosts – and many over the North Island have been light. Spring is obviously a tough season for many – or at least it can be – and so we’re always scanning the weather maps for wind chill events, snow storms and, of course, nationwide frosts. Now is the time a lot of this stuff matters, maybe more so than it does in winter for many.

As we kick off this week and say goodbye to September we do have a cold, polar pool of air returning to many regions.

While not off Antarctica, it does come near it – so the South Island in particular will be cold to kick off this week, and a bit windy.

The good is that we don’t see anything too especially harsh –although wind chill will be tough for some newborn livestock for a time this week and by Wednesday October 1, high pressure just north of New Zealand will bring a short window of calm and dry.

Wind chill will be tough for some newborn livestock for a time this week.

But there are more days with warmer airflows entering into the mix – and while its not summer-like yet, many of you may start to notice more moments of mild.

The bad is that we’re also not done with the cold blasts – and we have more windy westerlies

coming later this week and into the weekend with western driven rain and showers and yet another polar southerly one week from now on Monday October 6.

Next week high pressure again remains north of the country, which continues our spring-like westerly flow.

Cold fronts continually come in from the west, and plenty of westerly gales, making western and southern New Zealand wet, along with western parts of the North Island (already quite wet) while eastern parts remain drier (and they’re already quite dry).

This windy set-up is not ideal for eastern areas, like parts of Hawke’s Bay, as it dries out the ground further – and limits how much rain can even fall there.

The ugly is probably for Southland and Hawke’s Bay. By that I mean more cold, windy, sometimes wet weather for Southland – and more dry, sometimes windy, weather for Hawke’s Bay.

While parts of the West Coast have 300-400mm coming over the next two weeks, Hawke’s Bay has only a few millimetres. Those

TWO HALVES: Rainfall accumulation over seven days starting from 7am Sunday September 28, through to 7am Sunday October 5. In a nutshell: West Coast rain, east coast dry.

severe westerly gales appear off and on, too.

Silver lining: if this is a textbook

spring then late October is usually when we start to get some warmer, even hotter, days in the mix.