Farmers Weekly November 11 2024

Sector braces for high cost of Trump win

Neal Wallace & Nigel Stirling POLITICS Trade

NEW Zealand primary sector exporters to the United States could be lumped with hundreds of millions of dollars in tariff charges as a result of presidentelect Donald Trump’s America First policies.

Trump was last week elected the 47th president of the US on the back of policies many consider protectionist and include the imposition of import tariffs of between 10% and 100%.

It has got to be more than a 50% chance of him following through.

Stephen Jacobi International Business Forum

The US is NZ’s biggest market for beef and wine and second biggest for lamb. Sales of beef last year were worth $2.2 billion, lamb $1.2bn, wine $800 million and dairy $1.2bn.

Sense Partners economist John Ballingall calculated the bill for importers of NZ goods with a 20% tariff could reach $1.76bn based on total exports to the US of $8.8bn.

Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva

described the tariff threat as significant, making all NZ products more expensive as importers pass on cost increases to consumers.

“In general, NZ enjoys a very good trade relationship with the US. NZ and US officials have a good working relationship, which helps to address any issues as they arise.”

Beef + Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland said what the many comments made by Trump during the campaign mean in practice, is unknown.

“What we do know is that we have a strong relationship with the US and there is strong demand for our products. These facts will stand us in good stead going forward.”

NZ Wine chief executive Philip Gregan said his members are playing a wait-and-see game.

“The US is a big market. We don’t know if there will be any tariff, when it will be imposed, what level, when or if there will be conditions.”

The tariffs are part of Trump’s America First economic policy, which specifically mentions protection of US farmers from what he calls unfair foreign competition.

“We will prioritise domestic production and ensure national independence in essential goods and services,” the Republican Party policy states.

Continued page 5

SECTORFOCUS

Leaning in to cows for 40-plus years

Veteran dairy vet Bill Teague, pictured with daughter Sarah Beaven and granddaughter Sophie, 4, has practised for decades, and these days he’s training the next generation too.

DAIRY 22-32

Improved migrant visa application processing won’t address all issues.

NEWS 7

Archie’s needle nose in high demand

Sniffing out nuisance weeds has New Zealand’s only pest-hunting dog, Archie, clocking up the miles.

NZ’s ram breeders spot new signs of confidence in a reviving market.

NEWS 9

Today’s mechanical solution is not your granny’s weeder –nor robotic.

OPINION 21

Photo: Tim Cuff

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News in brief Ruralco loss

For the second year running, Ruralco has posted a loss in its end-of-year financial results.

This year’s $7 million loss comes after the Mid Canterbury-based farm supplies cooperative recorded a financial loss for the previous year of $2.12m. Ruralco chair Sir David Carter said they knew at the start of this financial year it would be tough.

Change of venue

The South Island Dairy Event, SIDE, will head to Timaru for the first time and will be held in April instead of its traditional date of June.

The upcoming conference on April 7-9 marks a departure from last year’s event at Lincoln University. This year’s focus pivots towards showcasing tangible achievements within dairy farming communities across the South Island.

Favourable weather and pasture conditions through September have caused milk production to lift 5.2% on milk solids basis.

For the 12 months to September, production was up 0.8% on the previous comparable period, according to Fonterra’s latest Global Dairy Update. Fonterra’s New Zealand collections for September were 174.2 million kg MS, 4.9% above September last season, and season-to-date collections are 307.2 million kg MS, 6.1% above last season.

Production lift Campaign launch

The red meat sector’s Taste Pure Nature campaign has been launched in China. The marketing campaign will focus on key markets in China through a three-year proof of concept programme promoting New Zealand beef and lamb’s attributes of nutrition, grass-fed verification and attributes and traceability.

‘GE choice up to farmers, not activists’

Annette Scott TECHNOLOGY Genetics

N OVERHAUL of

Agene technology regulation is a must to give farmers all the tools in their toolbox to allow New Zealand to maintain competitiveness.

That was the takeaway message from William Rolleston in his address as chair of Genomics Aotearoa Life Sciences Network to the NZ grain and seed industry conference in Christchurch.

“We are at the dawn of a genetic revolution. NZ has strength in biology. Put choice in the hands of farmers, not the activists – as a country we need to,” he said.

“Farmers need all the tools in their toolbox, including choice, for environmental, economic and agronomic benefit, to add value to our product, to support environmental aspirations and to maintain our competitiveness.”

Opportunities abound in gene editing, deer, cattle, sheep, kiwifruit, in animal welfare, vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, he said.

“Also in forestry, plantations. Trees with no pollen, then farmers in the high country can plant

Continued from page 1

One of his drivers is addressing the US’s trade deficit, but Trump has also said he is seeking ways to fund tax cuts.

“As tariffs on foreign producers go up, taxes on American workers, families, and businesses can come down,” the policy states.

The extent those costs could be passed onto US customers or through lower prices to NZ exporters, depends on the relative bargaining power of each party along the supply chain, business leaders spoken to by Farmers Weekly said.

The executive director of the

shelter belts without the threat of spreading wilding pines.”

Rolleston advocated deregulation of gene editing where outcomes are within conventional breeding parameters.

“We import from jurisdictions who have deregulated gene editing.

“In NZ we use genetic technologies every day in insulin, covid vaccine, cancer therapy, crime investigation, imported food – soy latte. So step up, GE.”

New technology can be touted as being scary, delaying or resisting innovations and this is where debates with science count.

“Of all the genetic modifications [GM] safety concerns, not one has stood up to scientific scrutiny.

“Attitudes are changing, we are in a biological revolution trying to build capability in NZ not only in medicine but importantly, agriculture as well.”

Gene editing (GE) is precise, much more accessible, less expensive and largely undetectable, he said. It’s precision breeding.

Uptake is high in agriculture where there is choice.

“NZ regulation is changing and must change. Co-existence works, we see it in action in the USA.

“How do we get co-existence? It’s about tolerance. All our major

International Business Forum, Stephen Jacobi, who represents exporters including Silver Fern Farms, ANZCO and Zespri, said speculation that Trump will not follow through on his tariff threats could be wishful thinking.

During his last term Trump imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of imports from China, spent tens of billions on subsidies to buffer US farmers from retaliatory Chinese tariffs, and applied acrossthe-board tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, including from NZ.

“It has got to be more than a 50%

We import from jurisdictions who have deregulated gene editing.

William Rolleston Genomics Aotearoa Life Sciences Network

markets allow the importation of GM food. Yes, some with limitation regulation.

“Governments have to work out a balance of rights for GM.

“Opportunities exist to benefit NZ’s economy, health and environment.

“In the US where GM is allowed,

chance of him following through because last time he did things we didn’t expect he would be able to do.”

However, ANZCO general manager of sales Rick Walker said the potential for significant hikes in the cost of living for Americans from Trump’s tariff plans, estimated by one think tank to be as high as US$3900 a year, would end up ruling out tariffs on food imports.

“Slapping a tariff on food I suspect would be down his list of priorities.”

Nick Clark, a senior fellow with the NZ Initiative think tank, said it is significant that the Republicans

90% of farmers have taken it up. They are not stupid, they use it because they see some advantage.

“Put the choice in the hands of the farmers.”

Legislation around regulation of genetic technologies, modelled on Australian rules taking in health and environment, and with risk management tiered based on risk, is set to be introduced in Parliament next month and in place by the end of 2025.

In her address to the conference,

Associate Minister of Agriculture

Nicola Grigg said there are big opportunities for seed.

“But to grow bigger and better faster we need to clear

also control the Senate and Lower House.

“Trump has got the trifecta which gives him a stronger hand than if he had a divided legislature.”

He said regardless of who won, the US was becoming more protectionist, but Trump’s victory will be more harmful for exporters.

Likely heightened tensions between the US and China mean NZ diplomacy will need to tread a fine line, balancing our export and security interests, and he said that should encourage exporters to diversify to new markets.

Lisa McNeill, an Associate Dean

the regulatory barriers. Our government is moving at pace to lift productivity, open new markets and remove the regulation that has been holding agriculture back.”

She singled out genetic technologies as a “powerful tool to deliver some very beneficial outcomes”.

“We are working hard to get access to technologies that will allow you to keep up with global uptake of new and emerging technologies.”

Grigg encouraged farmers to get involved.

“You are the end user of these regulations so it is important you have a say from the initial output.”

at the University of Otago Business School, agreed, saying exporters face an uncertain time and should be looking to develop markets away from the US and China where tensions could escalate.

“You do not want to be caught in a trade war between the US and China, two very big economies,” she said.

Historically, the imposition of import tariffs has failed and she said Trump’s intention is likely to follow suit.

Given the scope of his agenda, McNeill said social issues could have a higher priority than trade, which could give NZ officials time to make their case.

OUTCOMES: William Rolleston told the NZ grain and seed industry conference he is advocating deregulation of gene editing where outcomes are within conventional breeding parameters.

Photo: Paul Petch

Supply set to tighten on carbon credits

Richard Rennie NEWS Carbon farming

FORESTERS and traders are hoping for some stability to emerge in the Emissions Trading Scheme as the final ETS auction of the year looms and supply starts to tighten.

Of the three New Zealand carbon unit auctions held to date, the last two have failed to clear, while the first in March sold 80% of its units. Should the final auction on December 1 fail to clear units, the government risks facing a $700 million shortfall of lost ETS income.

But Ollie Belton, director of Carbon Forest Services, said he is anticipating at least a partial clearance of December’s units, due to future ETS unit supplies tapering off in coming years.

“The Climate Change Commission recommended that the supply of NZ Units needed to be tightened and the government did so, effectively halving the units available by 2030 to deal

with an estimated 68 million surplus.”

The shortening of supply has the government estimating carbon unit prices will hit about $96 by 2029.

Belton said his company’s own

STABILITY:

Carbon Forest Services director

Ollie Belton says an emerging shortfall in carbon credits is an inevitability in coming months.

“My guess would be the price can be expected to go up, but be tempered a bit. I would not be surprised if we got to the $80 mark in the next six to 12 months.”

Forest360 director Marcus Musson said he suspects it is the likely tightening of rules and unit supply that may be prompting increased inquiry from farmer landowners wanting to put parts of their farm into trees.

“With carbon averaging payments it’s a good option for those farmers, particularly given how tight sheep and beef incomes are right now,” he said.

But total planting is still estimated to be back by one-third next year on this year. Earlier policy changes have already been blamed for scaring investors off.

“A lot of institutional investors are still worried about where policy settings may go.”

modelling also confirms that – against an annual demand of about 33 million tonnes, with supply contained in 9 million tonnes of forestry units and 9 million elsewhere – an engineered shortfall is inevitable.

Archie’s needle nose in demand

Annette Scott NEWS Skills

SNIFFING out nuisance weeds has pest-hunting dog Archie travelling the country.

The four-year-old border collie hails from Canterbury and is currently the only dog in New Zealand to be certified through the Department of Conservation for sniffing out the pest weed Chilean needle grass.

His owner and handler Lauren Piket, a biosecurity officer with Environment Canterbury, said Archie has been in demand, clocking up a busy a year since becoming fully certified for pest detection.

His skills mean the weed can now be hunted all year round, rather than having to wait for it to seed and display its distinctive purple colouring.

Piket spent more than two years training Archie herself, outside of her usual work hours.

He passed his full certification test in November 2023 and will be sitting his first-year recertification this month, when it’s hoped he will also become qualified to hunt for great willowherb.

Willowherb is an invasive flowering weed that prefers wet or damp environments such as wetlands. It has been found at several locations in Canterbury, and with Archie’s help, Piket is hoping to target areas outside of the usual hotspots.

After his one-year recertification, Archie will need to sit a test every three years to remain certified in the Conservation Dogs programme.

Archie not only needs to show he can find the target species but that he can ignore distractions such as birds, stock and people.

IN A HAYSTACK: Environment Canterbury biosecurity officer Lauren Piket and Archie have clocked up a busy year since becoming fully certified for pest detection.

Photo: Supplied

“The tests also check that he can come on command, do emergency stops; things like that. There’s a whole range of skills the dogs are assessed for.”

Archie has been assisting other councils around the country having spent a week in Blenheim in August helping the Marlborough District Council staff hunt for Chilean needle grass.

Before that he had a stint in Auckland earlier in the year.

Marlborough District Council senior biosecurity officer Brent Holms was grateful for Archie’s visit.

“Having Archie here to sniff out the invasive weed was especially useful at that time of year, when

the plants were difficult to detect with the naked eye.”

Now amid the growing season, the duo has some busy weeks ahead nabbing pest plants before they flower, seed, and spread.

A lot of their surveillance is done in North Canterbury.

Piket is incredibly proud of Archie’s progress.

“It’s very satisfying when you’ve put so much time into training and then he gets out there and finds very tiny plants.

“Sometimes they’re so small that I have to get them tested to verify it’s the right plant.

“His skills mean I can now add dog handler to my job title. It is a dream role.”

also likely to further add value to those already planted. Government ministers remain adamant they will keep to their election promise to limit what land classes can be planted in trees.

My guess would be the price can be expected to go up, but be tempered a bit. I would not be surprised if we got to the $80 mark in the next 6-12 months.

Ollie Belton Carbon Forest Services

Belton said the government’s ban on anyone other than farmers planting Land Use Capability (LUC) 1-5 in trees offers a chance for foresters and farmers to work together more closely.

ETS units had reached a peak of $86 in early 2023 before the last government’s policy stance on forests change caused the value to plummet to below $55.

Limitations on ETS forest that can be planted in coming years is

Meantime LUC 6 is likely to be restricted to only 15,000 hectares of planting a year. LUC 7 and 8 will be left open.

“It strikes me as quite a good balance, but the devil is in how it is implemented.”

Relief at legislative rescue on discharge

Neal Wallace NEWS Regulations

GOVERNMENT changes to discharge rules in the Resource Management Act have widespread support, including from a group that works with the country’s 16 regional and unitary authorities.

Al Cross, the director of resource management reform and climate adaption for Te Uru Kahika, said the consequences of a Court of Appeal ruling that would require farmers and growers to get resource consent to operate are far reaching and need addressing.

He was responding to a Court of Appeal ruling in favour of a case brought by Forest & Bird and Fish & Game Southland against Environment Southland’s land and water plan.

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds said amendments the government has introduced include allowing discharge or coastal permits where consent conditions can reduce significant adverse effects.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said recently that the court decision would restrict councils’ ability to issue or reissue consent for discharges from activities by industry, farming, meat processing, as well as waste water.

McClay said the changes will enable permitted discharge activities to be managed in a practical way and restore certainty for councils who risk having a significant increase in their consenting workload.

The court found that diffuse discharges, such as animal urine, required resource consent – which Environment Southland warned had implications for all farmers. Cross, who works for an entity that assists the 16 regional and unitary authorities on specific work programmes, said the ruling might have impacted all councils.

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds.

“The decision could have had implications for farmers and growers, making it harder for them to go about their day-today activities.”

The changes were included in the government’s RMA Amendment Bill, which also included action on regional freshwater rules, Significant Natural Areas and biodiversity.

Beef + Lamb NZ chair, Kate Acland welcomed the changes, describing them as a pragmatic and sensible approach to rules, many of which she said were unworkable.

Pausing regional councils’ work on freshwater plans and Significant Natural Areas meant farmers, councils and communities can work together to get the new national policy frameworks right, she said.

Simplify and stream visa slog, farmers urge

AFARMING leader says pending improvements to relieve delays in processing migrant visa applications will not address current issues.

Federated Farmers board member Richard McIntyre said getting visa approval for an accredited employer to recruit a migrant dairy farm worker is taking up to six months.

However, he describes as positive discussions with the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), of which Immigration NZ (INZ) is part.

DairyNZ estimates that 25% of all dairy farm employees last year (about 8000 people) were born overseas with another 1500 here on working holiday visas.

FarmSource currently has 360 jobs advertised, slight fewer than is usual for this time of the year.

McIntyre said the crux of the problem is the type and format of information required by INZ

and the time officials are taking to process applications.

“Some stuff INZ asks farmers for is not what they normally have or it is in a format that differs to what INZ is looking for.”

He said the process needs to be simpler and more recognition given to those deemed accredited employers, bearing in mind that nearly every application they make is approved.

Some stuff INZ asks farmers for is not what they normally have or it is in a format that differs to what INZ is looking for.

Richard

McIntyre

Federated Farmers

Rural Contractors NZ chief executive Andrew Olsen said recruiting staff in rural communities is challenging given that many have no unemployed.

“It just doesn’t make sense, this one size fits all,” he told the Farmers Weekly InFocus podcast.

He said it also makes checking worker availability with Work and Income NZ irrelevant while advertising for staff needs to be appropriate and reflect where staff are looking for jobs.

He believes officials are listening.

“We think the antenna is up enough from the government agencies to hear from us.

“Federated Farmers, HortNZ and the other cohorts we have across the sector all say that seasonal agricultural visas need to be better thought through.”

The industry is going to be reliant on migrant workers for some time as the education system is not identifying those with the skill and aptitude to work in the agricultural sector.

“It’s very hit and miss in trying to determine who might end up becoming very good at working in agriculture.”

MBIE deputy chief operating officer Jeannie Melville said the efficient processing of applications is a priority and the department has reduced the number of applications in progress.

In May the government made

a one-off, temporary change to reduce the job check advertising requirement for dairy farm roles prior to the start of calving.

Melville said from May to September it prioritised both job check and work visa applications for dairy farm workers and there was a reduction in the time dairy employers were required to advertise from 21 to 14 days.

For the dairy sector, average job check and accredited employer work visa applications are processed within three weeks.

For primary industries more widely, job check applications are processed on average within five weeks and accredited employer work visas are processed on average within seven weeks. She said incomplete applications significantly impact processing times.

“The best thing people can do to help with faster processing of visa applications is make sure all the information we need is included when submitting your application.”

GDT jump may push up milk price forecasts

Hugh Stringleman MARKETS Dairy

HIGHER Global Dairy Trade prices and lower values for the NZ dollar cross rate with the US dollar bode well for the farmgate milk price forecasts, dairy analysts say.

The GDP index rose a healthy 4.8% at the first November auction, led by 8.3% for butter, 4.6% for anhydrous milk fat and 4.4% for whole milk powder.

Prices for seven of the eight traded dairy commodities rose,

with lactose alone falling, by 6%.

ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown said that highside risk is growing for his $9.20/ kg milk price forecast and that Fonterra probably has the bulk

of its season’s forward sales with currency hedges around US61c.

The NZD is easing and below US60c, which will help hedging for the rest of the season and into next season.

Westpac industry economist Paul Clark said the bank’s milk price forecast of $9 assumes sustained demand over the current season and a pickup in global production.

“Milk production here for the first four months of the current season is 6.3% higher than the corresponding period last year.

“Add to that an increase in US supply and an existing oversupply of milk in China, and it’s likely that prices will soften,” Clark wrote before the latest GDT jump.

NZX dairy analyst Rosalind

Crickett said the big increase in butter prices included 18% in the first (December) contract period.

The US and Europe have produced less butter this year, she said.

“Market conditions beforehand had pointed to prices lifting, including milk powders on Pulse, as well as the rest on the SGX-NZX Futures market.

“With Christmas around the corner, and the US election results pending, it’s no surprise to see heightened activity.”

Neal Wallace NEWS Employment

VISAS: DairyNZ estimates that about 25% of all dairy farm employees last year – some 8000 people – were born overseas, with another 1500 here on working holiday visas. Photo: File

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Positive start to spring mating

Staff reporter NEWS Livestock

EARLY data from LIC shows a promising submission rate for spring mating this season.

The national average currently sits at 81.3%, a 2.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

The lift reflects improvements in herd fertility and reproductive performance across New Zealand dairy farms.

LIC chief executive David Chin said the figure is a positive start for mating across the country and shows that farmers’ focus on fertility and herd management is yielding results.

“The data so far mostly reflects our North Island AB, which starts in late September/ early October. We look forward to getting more data over coming weeks as South Island AB ramps up.

“Our Southland farmers

have been doing it tough in challenging weather conditions lately, and our agri managers and FarmWise consultants have been supporting them where possible to prepare their herds for mating.”

The data is based on LIC farmers whose herds produce a Fertility Focus Report through LIC’s reproduction statistics –a total of 977,399 cows. Final submission rates are determined in May/June 2025. Submission rates indicate the proportion of cows that have been inseminated or mated within the first three weeks of the mating season.

A high submission rate is desirable as it suggests that more cows are cycling and ready for mating early on. Achieving a strong submission rate can lead to a more compact calving period in the following season, which has benefits for herd management, feed planning, and overall productivity.

Ram breeders spot signs of farmer confidence

REDUCED sheep numbers and good lamb schedule prices are two countering factors in the demand for rams and the prices sheep farmers will pay, New Zealand Romney Council president Eric Laurenson says.

“As sheep numbers declined the demand for rams dropped but this selling season the $8 lamb schedule is making breeders more hopeful.”

After years of private ram sales, Laurenson is auctioning for the first time on December 5 at Lammerlaw Stud, Fairlie, with 30 Romneys and 20 Romdales.

He admitted the battle with shedding sheep is raising concerns for the Romney breed but said producing clean, bright wool is still a priority for him.

“It takes 50 years to build a topquality wool type but only five years to lose it,” he said.

“The job of the breeders is to deliver what farmers deem important in their sheep.”

Breeding for worm resistance is a high priority without the use of drench capsules.

Paki-iti principal Stewart

Morton, Rangitīkei, said sheep and beef farmer confidence is better this ram selling season than last.

Something of a crisis of confidence hit ram buyers last October-November when they reduced their purchasing numbers between advising their orders and turning up to buy.

Morton put that own to widespread fears of drought and lower forecast prices of lambs and cull ewes.

He had unsold rams left over for the first time in 10 years.

This year he has reduced numbers of Romney, Suffolk, Romtex and Suftex rams for sale and he has kept the price brackets steady.

“This year there is more positivity and those buyers who cut back last year are back to buying their normal numbers,” he said.

Raupuha Perendale breeder Russell Proffit, Mahoenui, said sheep farmers are more optimistic than 12 months ago and demand for rams feels better.

“It’s a combination of lower interest rates, lower inflation and higher lamb prices, along with some political stability that wasn’t there this time last year right after the general election.”

On auction day, November 12,

Proffit will put up 50 each of twotooth Perendales and Romdales, 55 Suftex, 25 Suffolk and 20 Harre Suftex.

Raupuha has Ram Guard tested for 25 years and is able to use the FE Gold brand. The offering includes 10 FE-tested Perendales and five Romdales.

FE and worm tolerance are top of the offering from ARDG member Jenny Savannah, partner in Glenbrook Romneys in the hills of North Auckland.

“We are seeing a big move towards shedding sheep and they are going to need FE tolerance.

“After ARDG ram judging and swapping next week we will be offering reduced numbers of hightolerance rams this year, at the members’ agreed minimum price of $1500.”

Beltex breeder Blair Gallagher, Mt Somers, said ram buying interest has perked up this year after the drought problems affecting sheep farmers last summer, particularly in Canterbury.

With Hamish Gallagher and John Tavendale, he will put up 90 twotooth purebred and Beltex crosses on November 21.

“Our clients seem happy with the results they are getting and Beltex has a good following,” he said.

RESULTS: LIC chief executive David Chin says farmers’ focus on fertility and herd management is yielding results. Photo: File

CONFIDENCE: Paki-iti principal Stewart Morton, Rangitīkei, says sheep and beef farmer confidence is better this ram selling season than the last.

Photo: Paki-iti

Hugh Stringleman NEWS Sheep and beef

Fast talking gets the nod for auctioneer

Annette Scott PEOPLE Skills

PERSEVERANCE has paid off for Karl Chitham from Carrfields Waikato, who was gunning for more than the bid in the New Zealand Young Auctioneer Contest.

Winning the coveted title is mission accomplished for the fourth-time entrant who had been eyeing the winner’s podium for a few years.

Chitham grew up in a dairy farming family, his father later becoming a chicken farmer.

Not so sure about the chooks, Chitham followed his grandfather around at the Tuakau saleyards in north Waikato and caught the bug for auctioneering.

“When you are 12 years old, hanging out at the saleyards in school holidays – Grandad was a yardy – is a bit different to what most young kids might be doing.

“I got to know the agents and in time a few took me under their wing and I enjoyed the life and it started my career,” Chitham said.

“It does feel real good to win this year after having a couple of cracks as a younger fella and both

times coming second, then last year, after a break, another go for third.

“This year I said, I’ll do one more year.”

Chitham now looks forward to heading to Sydney where he hopes to learn more about his job.

“The industry and auctioneering system are a bit different in Aussie so I’m keen to see what I can learn.”

Just to be the best I can be for my clients will do me.

Karl Chitham Carrfields

As well as the NZ Stock and Station Agent’s Association (NZSTAA) trophy and the Denis Hazlett Medal, as the New Zealand champion Chitham gets the opportunity to exhibit his skills at the Sydney Royal Easter Show 2025.

On his return he’s not looking at anything “outrageous in the future”.

“Just to be the best I can be for my clients will do me.”

Young Auctioneer competition

founder and co-ordinator Mick Withers said the nine-strong lineup from across the country had a lot of talent.

The competition aims to showcase and develop up and coming young auctioneers to improve the standard of NZ’s next generation of livestock auctioneers.

“It gives them a reason to work towards getting themselves out there doing it and improving their skills, everyone likes a bit of competition and that builds confidence and improvement,” Withers said.

“The standard of auctioneering over the 13 years of the competition has seen notable improvement.”

Contestants must be under the age of 30 and are required to demonstrate ability, first in an interview to test communication skills and knowledge of the terms and conditions relating to livestock auctioneering, then in a practical live auction.

In the live auction the contestants tested their skills selling prime cattle.

“I was really impressed with the theory of these young blokes; they had really learnt the protocols of the job.

Breast cancer caravan Pinkie up for sale

Annette Scott PEOPLE Health

THE Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand’s iconic pink caravan, Pinkie, is on the lookout for a new adventure.

Pinkie has spent the past 10 years delivering life-saving breast health education throughout regional NZ. Now the vehicle has been retired.

The foundation launched Pinkie in 2014 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The goal was to visit small towns across NZ to spread awareness about breast cancer and how early detection provides the best protection.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ head of research and strategic programmes Adèle Gautier said

Pinkie has enjoyed an illustrious 10-year career, travelling the country with expert breast nurse

educators on board, visiting communities that lack specialist health services. On average, they stopped in 60 regional towns a year from Kaitaia to Bluff, having vital conversations with 4000 people about breast health.

“In the past year, the foundation has been able to upgrade to two new self-drive campervans thanks to donations from generous New Zealanders, so Pinkie is now up for sale.”

Gautier said Pinkie is more than just a caravan.

“She has been a crucial part of the charity’s mission to stop deaths from breast cancer and her success has been thanks to a real community effort.

“The impact we’ve had in

educating rural New Zealanders about breast cancer wouldn’t have been possible without Pinkie and volunteers from the NZ Motor Caravan Association, who gave up their time to tow the caravan around the country.”

Pinkie was purpose-built for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ by Kevin Redshaw of Timeless Caravans in Palmerston North, who said building the caravan is “the best thing I’ve ever done”.

Pinkie is up for auction on Trade Me, closing on November 18, with a $7500 reserve. All proceeds raised from the sale will go towards Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s work in early detection education, patient support and research.

“They were also fortunate to have good cattle to auction with prime sales making an impressive $3.90-$4 a kilo.”

Lars Hardy from PGG Wrightson Dannevirke took out second place with Cameron Gray PGW South Canterbury finishing third.

TITLE: Winning the coveted NZ Young Auctioneer title is mission accomplished for fourth-time entrant Karl Chitham.

Photo: Supplied

CRUCIAL: Pinkie has been a crucial part of the charity’s rural mission to stop deaths from breast cancer. Photo: Supplied

Firearms register passes the 300,000 milestone

Neal Wallace NEWS Firearms

THE number of firearms registered with the Police has passed the 300,000 mark.

Angela Brazier, executive director of the Firearms Safety Authority, said after 16 months of operation, as of October 24 62,536 licence holders, or 27% of active licence holders, had registered 301,463 firearms and 11,605 firearms parts.

“We are continuing to experience good engagement from licence holders with the registry, after 16 months of its operation,” she told Farmers Weekly.

Police are advising of further changes in store, with dealers and sellers of ammunition from next June required to provide police with ammunition sales records for inclusion in the registry.

They will also activate a signal for licence holders to check and record all their firearms and arms items in the registry.

Brazier said firearms licence holders were given five years to register their details, and that expires in August 2028.

“To date, there have been high levels of compliance and we anticipate this will continue,” said Brazier.

“I know from firsthand experience that the vast majority of firearms licence holders are practical and law-abiding people and have no trouble meeting their legal obligations.”

She said renewing a firearm licence requires a licence holder to complete their details in the registry along with other events like changing address or the purchase or sale of a firearm.

A large number of people renewing their 10-year firearm licences that expire between 2025 and 2027 will create an influx of work over the period, Brazier said.

Purchases of ammunition do not need to be registered but the law has obligations for licence holders who purchase ammunition from June 24 next year.

“From that date, the purchase of ammunition will be an activating circumstance for a licence holder.

“An activating circumstance means a

TIME: Angela Brazier says firearms licence holders were given five years to register their details, and that expires in August 2028.

licence holder is required to record all their firearms and arms items in the registry and check their licence holder details are complete and up to date, within 30 days.”

Brazier said ammunition sellers and dealers are already required to keep details of sales, such as the name and licence number of the purchaser, and the quantity and type of ammunition that is sold.

This is currently a paper-based process but from June 24 2025 dealers and sellers will be required to provide police with ammunition sales records for inclusion in the registry.

“The authority is supporting ammunition dealers and sellers with this work by trialling and testing improvements to online forms and website functionality to make sure the system continues to be easy to use.”

Done with the gun?

Please lock it away

no matter how tired or busy you are, it is important that they are properly locked away in the safe each night.

Ben & Samantha Tippins

Sharemilking 950 cows in Tokoroa

Par tnering wit h farmers like t he Tippins to reach milk quality targets.

Dairy farmers like Ben and Samantha know that being proactive with udder health from the star t of calving is crucial for a successful season

With 950 cows and a switch to once-a-day, maintaining a consistently low somatic cell count was always going to be a challenge. But by teaming up with FIL and implementing a 10-step milking routine, they ’ve seen significant results: fewer mastitis cases, lower SCC, and more milk in the vat.

They ’ve also shaved an hour and a half off milking time, giving them and their team more family moments.

Now that ’s what we call a successful par tnership.

THE Firearms Safety Authority is reminding gun owners to be vigilant when it comes to security.

Whether you take it with you on the farm every day or out only once a year for a hunting trip, your firearm must be secured after every use.

When they aren’t being used, firearms are safest in a safe.

Partnerships director Mike McIlraith said the authority has launched the campaign to “remind all licence holders that they must secure their firearms and ammunition properly after every use”.

“We know that many farmers use their firearms regularly at this time of year, but

“Firearms are an important tool. But when firearms get into the hands of people who might misuse or make a mistake with them, we know they can cause great harm.

“Rural people are busy people, and we know that most licence holders try hard to follow the rules.

“After you use a firearm you must always secure it. Don’t leave it on the front of the bike or in the farm office to sort out later. Make sure that it’s unloaded and then lock it away.”

When you step through the door at night, follow this quick checklist:

• Firearms unloaded and locked away

• Ammunition in locked storage

• Keys separate and secure.

Learn more about Ben and Samantha’s success by scanning the QR code or visiting FIL.co.nz.

Staff reporter NEWS Firearms

Regs risk inflating veggie prices: report

Gerald Piddock NEWS Horticulture

THE price of fresh vegetables could dramatically increase unless there is a more workable regulatory pathway for freshwater management for growers, a new report says.

Proposed regulations aimed at reducing nitrogen run-off could result in vegetables such as broccoli jumping to $27 a kilogram or $9 a head, it warns.

The report by NZIER was commissioned by Horticulture New Zealand.

It examines the regulatory framework required for commercial vegetable production to thrive in New Zealand, given that the government is rethinking the approach to managing freshwater.

NZIER was asked to consider the economic implications of proposed regional regulations.

The report draws on research estimating that a 20% reduction in vegetable supply would push vegetable prices up by at least 20% and potentially 100%.

NZIER’s Chris Nixon said the report shows that the way the National Policy Statement for Freshwater (NPS-FM) is being interpreted and translated into freshwater regulations by councils could severely impact vegetable

Water rules rock the boat for growers

A SOUTH Auckland vegetable grower is warning that current freshwater regulations threaten the financial sustainability of their businesses unless there are changes.

Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association president Simon Wilcox said the way the National Policy Statement for Freshwater is being interpreted and translated into freshwater regulations by councils makes it impossible for growers to plan.

“Growers are living in a world of uncertainty at this point and how do you set up your business for the future when you don’t know what your future systems and processes are going to be?”

This is a huge concern for growers when they consider future

production, leading to sharp price increases for consumers.

“Without swift adjustments, key crops like broccoli could become significantly more expensive, underlining the need for targeted reforms that support both environmental freshwater goals and the affordability of healthy food in New Zealand.”

HortNZ general manager of strategy and policy Michelle Sands said to avoid this, the government must prioritise commercial vegetable growing because the supply of healthy vegetables for New Zealanders should be a national priority and not be put in jeopardy.

Vegetable production differed from the rest of the primary sector because it mostly operates in the domestic market where the price is set mostly by supply and demand. Vegetable supply is also spread across the country because of the requirements for growing.

“The situation we’re facing at the moment is that in the RMA there’s no recognition to enable the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables as a matter of national importance and there isn’t that recognition in the NPS for freshwater management.”

When regional councils had tried to make regional plans, these plans inadvertently ended up threatening vegetable production, Sands said.

“It’s little – 50,000ha for the whole of NZ and what tends to

happen is that regional councils see it as niche and they make some rules that are about right and what happens is they don’t work for vegetable production.

“They don’t allow rotations, or they do require reductions in N losses that are too ambitious and would require vegetable growers to reduce the amount of crop they grow and they’re not thinking about the implications of preventing growers from rotating or requiring growers to contract and not allowing them to expand.

“They are not thinking about that in terms of its relationship on vegetable availability and price in NZ.”

The sector was not asking for a trade-off between it and other farming practices but so councils pay attention to it and allow for it to operate.

It would require adding into the RMA amendment bill currently going through parliament a provision stating that supplying fresh fruit and vegetables was a matter of national importance.

“It’s one sentence and it’s totally possible.”

The NPS on freshwater, which helps guide regional plans also had to have a provision identifying vegetable production as a national compulsory value.

This will mean councils will need to consider this when making decisions around freshwater.

Sands also called on the

government to honour its promise to make a national environmental standard for making vegetable production permitted. This would override regional planning rules.

Vegetable farming should also not need a resource consent, she said.

The nutrient load for farming vegetables is small even in catchments known for growing, such as Lake Horowhenua. Provided good management practices are followed, water quality will improve if vegetable production is allowed to continue because industry expansion is so small.

Sands

“We seek national freshwater policy and national direction for vegetables that seeks to achieve freshwater outcomes alongside outcomes for national priorities such as enabling the supply of vegetables.

“It is essential to take a nationally consistent approach because while only some areas have the specific combination of soil, climate and resources that vegetables need to grow, these areas supply the whole country.”

Cantabrian named Young Horticulturist

ANNA England has been named the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year (Kaiahuone rangatahi o te tau).

Winning the title after competing over two days in the finals at Karaka, England said her feeling of disbelief quickly turned to “great excitement”.

She represents the Young Plant Producer sector and works as a sales co-ordinator for Elliott’s Wholesale Nursery in Amberley, North Canterbury.

Kyla Mathewson of Dunedin was awarded second place. Mathewson, a curator of the geographic collection at Dunedin Botanic Gardens, represented the Young Amenity sector.

Third place went to Craig Scott of Motueka, representing the New Arborist sector.

Young Horticulturist chair Shaun Trevan said the finalists represented the best in young horticultural talent in New Zealand.

investments or improvements to their businesses such as irrigation or around plant nutrients.

“Our industry is capital hungry and when you’re looking at an investment, how do you make good quality decisions for the future?”

The uncertainty also makes forward planning around planting decisions and crop rotations extremely difficult, he said.

“In terms of soil sustainability, crop rotation is a critical element in terms of the sustainability of growing vegetable crops. Part of these changes could affect the ability to run a sustainable crop rotation, and that rotation is also based on economics as well.”

Growers run the risk of disease if their rotations are too tight, which impacts their crop yield and income, he said.

“The outcome of that is New Zealand’s society losing the opportunity for good-valued, nutrient-dense fresh vegetables. It’s a health issue for New Zealanders as well as a farming issue.”

The concerns reflect the findings of an NZIER report that warns fresh vegetable prices could increase, possibly dramatically, unless the regulations are changed by the government. It is one of the biggest issues facing growers and they want to work alongside central government to find a collective solution.

“Like all of the rural sector, we’re not there to abuse our land and environment. We want to have a sustainable future and building that together is key and the outcome being is a more plentiful supply of fresh vegetables.”

She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Information Systems, a Diploma in Horticulture and is only seven months from completing her part-time studies towards a diploma in Primary Industry Business Management.

The judges were impressed with how England applies her knowledge in business and IT, as well as horticulture, to a diverse role. They said her approach of continuous learning and working with different people to get great results is sure to see her continue to thrive.

England was up against four other finalists representing different sectors within horticulture.

The competition is renowned for its rigor and finalists are judged on several challenges including practical skills, industry expertise, leadership ability, business knowledge and communication.

“They are highly competent and forward-thinking young people seeding the country’s horticultural future.”

England’s first prize includes $7500 cash and a $7500 professional development package, including travel and accommodation.

RISK: A NZIER report warns vegetables such as broccoli could increase to $27 a kilogram if regulations around freshwater management don’t change.

Gerald Piddock NEWS Water

BARRIERS: Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association president Simon Wilcox says the way the National Policy Statement for Freshwater is being interpreted and translated into freshwater regulations by councils makes it impossible for growers to plan. Photo: HortNZ

stressed that HortNZ does not want to see freshwater outcomes undermined.

SALES: Young Horticulturist of the Year winner Anna England works as a sales co-ordinator for Elliott’s Wholesale Nursery in Amberley, North Canterbury.

Firearms locked away

Firearms unloaded

Locked in a safe, gun rack or other approved storage

Secured away from people who shouldn’t have access to them

Secure ammunition

Stored separately to firearms

Locked in approved storage

Keys

Firearms and ammunition security keys stored separately

Keys hidden or secured

MyOSPRI knocked on its costly head

Richard Rennie TECHNOLOGY

Livestock

HE multimillion-dollar

TMyOSPRI project has been declared dead by the agency’s CEO as it opts to double down on improving the NAIT system instead.

Farmers Weekly revealed in September that a review of the MyOSPRI project which aimed to integrate disease control and NAIT animal ID systems had crashed and burnt, with cost overruns and major delays in implementation.

In announcing the agency’s decision to ditch the endeavour entirely, CEO Sam McIvor has revealed that the hole left in MyOSPRI’s wake amounts to a $16.6 million write-down in the platform’s value.

“We recognise this is a substantial amount, and we sincerely apologise to our stakeholders for this,” he said.

He said it was “extremely gutting” to have to face such a cost, but the decision to drop the programme entirely – though difficult – was the right one.

Consideration had been given to re-working the system developed so far, but there were simply too many unknowns about its future costs.

“There was every possibility that

the maintenance and servicing costs of the system can prove to be bigger than the capital cost of building it.”

Heading into the future, McIvor is overseeing a review of a NAIT upgrade. He said he will be doing all he can to ensure farmers and shareholders do not see a repeat.

He expects that by February next year the full requirements for a redesign, and the costs to achieve it, will be known.

A joint statement from OSPRI stakeholders Beef + Lamb NZ, DairyNZ and Deer Industry NZ’s chairs expressed their disappointment in the project’s failure.

Dropping My OSPRI has also included major board changes at the agency.

Chair Dr Paul Reynolds has resigned, with Fenton Wilson acting as interim chair, while three new directors have been appointed to beef up the stakeholder presence on the OSPRI board.

They included DairyNZ director Mark Todd, BLNZ director Alexandre Guilleux, and Hugh Martyn.

Boosted accountability has also come through a new shareholders and funders group from the three industry groups with direct oversight of board performance and director selection. A stakeholder forum will meet every six months to oversee agency performance.

GUTTED: OSPRI CEO Sam McIvor says he was gutted at the outcome on MyOSPRI, but burying the project is the best approach to avoid further heavy losses.

The joint statement from stakeholder chairs maintains the improvements provide confidence shareholders and funders will keep OSPRI accountable, providing greater transparency into the future.

McIvor said OSPRI has sought farmer feedback on improvements that can be made to the NAIT system, including making the system compatible with a smart phone app, and capable of operating in areas poorly serviced by internet.

“MyOSPRI had some admirable goals in integration and is still the right thing to do for efficiency gains, but the issue clearly articulated was what had been built was not fit for purpose.”

Council accepts Tukituki trust deed

Richard Rennie NEWS Water

THE Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s decision to accept a trust deed for the Tukituki Water Security Scheme has been welcomed as a natural next step by scheme supporters.

Councillors’ endorsement of the trust deed means a community trust will hold the intellectual property and consents currently owned by Water Holdings Hawke’s Bay, the owners of the original Ruataniwha project consents bought from the government after that scheme failed to get off the ground.

Tukituki scheme chair Mike Petersen said having the consents in the hands of the community rather than the original owners ensures it remains a community-led project

that considers all environmental, cultural, social and economic factors in its development.

“It is about the overall aspects of water security and resilience for the region, and this includes ensuring the remediation of waterways, including Lake Whatuna, a significant lake that has been degraded over time.”

The trust deed excludes the trust from being able to be involved in any commercial development or operation of water infrastructure.

The acceptance by the council of the trust deed has not been without controversy.

The group Wise Water Use Hawke’s Bay opposed the project, challenging the likelihood of water shortfalls in years to come.

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has estimated that by 2040 the region could experience a shortfall of almost 25 million cubic metres

a year, increasing by 33 million by 2060.

Mike Petersen said Wise Water is scaremongering over council involvement in the project and the ratepayer costs incurred.

“This is not happening. No ratepayer money is being sought for investment in the project. I am not 100% sure what their argument really is.”

He said he found the group’s title ironic.

“What is not wise is the 7.2 billion cubic meters of water a year that goes out to sea in Hawke’s Bay. We are looking to hold up 104 million cubic metres ...”

Petersen said sentiment about the project has been positive, with good feedback from ExportNZ on its potential.

The Tukituki group is hoping to have a full understanding of the project’s cost in the new year.

Soggy spring breaks 50-year records

Neal Wallace NEWS Weather

SOUTHLAND has had its wettest spring in over 50 years, with some areas having almost twice the average rainfall.

For October alone, northern Southland had 188% of its longterm average, northeast Southland 173%, northwestern districts 169%, central Southland 168% and coastal areas 138%.

A horrendously wet spring caused some dairy farmers to cut back to once-a-day milking, and 170,000 slink skins were collected this season.

A statement from Environment Southland says the Southland Rural Support Trust, DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, Fonterra and Open Country Dairy have been working with farmers and rural communities.

While conditions have finally started to dry, farmers are counting

the cost of below-average milk production, light stock condition and cultivation work that is six weeks behind schedule.

Environment Southland’s compliance manager, Donna Ferguson, said NIWA is forecasting better weather ahead.

Its seasonal climate outlook for November to January forecasts a 60% chance that temperatures are likely to be above average with rainfall totals likely to be below or near normal.

Rewards await other side of Gulf tensions

ENigel Stirling MARKETS Trade

XCITEMENT among meat exporters about a tariff-busting free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council is being tempered by rising tensions in the region.

New Zealand has finally reached agreement with the club of six oilrich states after beginning negotiations nearly two decades ago. When it commences, the agreement will immediately eliminate tariffs on 51% of NZ’s current exports to the GCC, which in the year to June totalled $2.4 billion.

Red meat, which accounted for $260 million of exports to the region, is among the biggest beneficiaries, with existing tariffs of 5% gone completely within five years. Based on current trade those tariffs currently cost $7.5m annually.

Silver Fern Farms chief customer officer Dave Courtney said the company’s Middle Eastern sales currently total $100m a year. Most of this is to the GCC

countries and mostly sheepmeat, the largest market for which is Saudi Arabia.

The largest competitors to NZ exporters are Australian, British and domestic suppliers of the Awassi breed of sheep.

Some sheepmeat is imported from India and Pakistan to service the lower end of the market.

Scrapping the tariff will edge NZ exporters ahead of competitors that lack similar market access while levelling the playing field with domestic producers.

It also adds to pricing tension in the global sheepmeat market, helping to lift returns both in the GCC as well as other markets such as China that compete for similar cuts.

“Removal of the tariff as well as other changes at the border reduces our costs of doing business there and that will impact at any given moment our decisions to put product in there versus elsewhere,” Courtney said.

Alliance Group global sales manager James McWilliam said the GCC has played a vital role in underpinning prices amid lacklustre demand from larger markets in recent times.

“It is a forequarter-driven market so it competes with North America and China and certainly in the last 12 to 18 months the Middle East has been critical for lamb forequarter returns while China has been sluggish.”

McWilliam anticipated further growth in demand over the medium to longer term.

“When you couple [the tariff reduction] with the fact that you have got a consumer base that is predisposed to eating the product and that there are significant pockets of wealth then you would say the stars are aligning to continue to strengthen this region.”

However in the short term the GCC faces some challenges, most notably its close proximity to recent global hotspots.

Servicing the large Saudi Arabian market through the preferred Port of Jeddah has become next to impossible due to rocket attacks by pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yeman on shipping passing through the Red Sea over the past 12 months.

Exporters are having to land containers at eastern ports via the Persian Gulf and truck them

Winning moves on from Irrigation New Zealand

Annette Scott PEOPLE Irrigation

IRRIGATION New Zealand chief executive Vanessa Winning is moving on after leading the organisation for four years.

The organisation’s annual meeting and awards evening in Wellington on November 6 was Winning’s last official duty before she heads to the Ministry for Primary Industries at the end of the month.

“The awards evening gave me an opportunity to personally thank people for their support and encouragement over the last four years as I head to MPI, hopefully to make a difference within the ministry to help support you [Irrigation NZ members] further,” Winning said.

IrrigationNZ represents more than 4500 members taking in individual irrigators, schemes and the wider service sector across all sectors of primary industries and as well including councils and recreational and sporting facilities.

“It’s been a great role for me to fill. I’ve learnt a lot and hopefully I’ve demonstrated the value IrrigationNZ provides to our members,” Winning said.

“IrrigationNZ is in a much better place financially and strategically, having built trusted relationships across the sector and government that can continue to be built upon.

“I’m confident the next chief

DUTY: IrrigationNZ’s annual meeting and awards evening in Wellington on November 6 will be Winning’s last official duty before she heads to the Ministry for Primary Industries at the end of the month.

executive will add even more value to our loyal and committed membership.”

Over the coming months

IrrigationNZ’s principal technical adviser Stephen McNally will take over the acting chief executive role while the board works through a recruitment process.

McNally, an irrigation system design engineer and a water resources infrastructure consultant working across NZ and Australia, has more than 35 years’ experience in the horticultural

You would say the stars are aligning to continue to strengthen this region.

James McWilliam Alliance Group

overland to their final destinations in the west of the kingdom.

As well as adding cost this has the effect of shortening the shelf life of higher-valued chilled lamb, McWilliam said.

“We have had to default to

frozen alternatives or in some cases missing that market altogether.”

Once shipping routes are restored, however, the Gulf States could be expected to account for a larger share of NZ’s red meat exports, McWilliam believes.

“If we continue to look globally at how we get our products to market as quickly as we possibly can then their proximity to us relative to other markets is an advantage.

“Once this short-term position is sorted then it is going to be closer than Europe.”

Agreement on frozen velvet now finalised

Annette Scott MARKETS Deer

NEW Zealand frozen deer velvet exports are set to resume with agreement now finalised between the Ministry for Primary Industries and China’s customs authorities.

This is a good result for the NZ deer industry’s $80 million market, Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) chief executive Rhys Griffiths said.

“With this comes certainty that trade can continue for our largest velvet export market this season.

enable clearance at their end. Negotiations between New Zealand and Chinese authorities have been ongoing since November 2023, when China informed the MPI that alignment to regulations governing traditional Chinese medicine meant that frozen velvet would no longer qualify for importation.

At the time, the China market for NZ velvet was worth $88 million, or 71% of NZ’s velvet exports, and growing.

and agricultural sectors.

He served 14 years on the board of IrrigationNZ and was made an honorary life member of the organisation in 2018 for his services in developing technical standards and industry training., His personal focus is on supporting the food and fibre sectors to make robust and defendable decisions on natural resources management through effective communication of sound science and engineering knowledge to a diverse audience.

“Our farmers and exporters can now get about their work knowing that NZ velvet has a pathway to the Chinese market.” Griffiths and Deer Velvet Access Group (DVAG) project manager Damon Paling are currently in China meeting with importers about their operational readiness, including relevant government approvals, to

Renegotiating international trade agreements are often complex, but both the NZ and Chinese sides worked constructively in search of a resolution in a timely manner, Griffiths said.

“DINZ now looks ahead to the long-term sustainability of our trade with China and opening doors to new opportunities for value-added deer velvet products, a wider range of sales channels, and an expanded customer base.”

QUALIFY: Negotiations between New Zealand and China have been ongoing since November 2023, when China informed the MPI that alignment to regulations governing traditional Chinese medicine meant that frozen velvet would no longer qualify for importation.

DEMAND: Silver Fern Farms chief customer officer Dave Courtney says the company’s Middle Eastern sales currently total $100m a year.

Photo: File

The biggest job requires the best solutions

To love and succeed at farming, you have to enjoy solving problems. The next potential setback is never far away The entire farming community must work together to hit new heights in order to overcome the biggest challenge of all: feeding a growing population with reduced access to farmland.

Fortunately, we now have better solutions than ever before to help you to continue to make great decisions, while doing what you love.

The challenge is big, but so too is the appetite for success.

Next year’s NZ Nuffield scholars named

is the Contemporary Scholars Conference.

FOUR food and fibre sector leaders were awarded 2025 Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarships in Wellington at an event hosted by Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg and the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust.

The 2025 Nuffield Scholars are Dani Darke, a King Country farmer; Alan McDermott, a Golden Bay business owner and entrepreneur; Jon Pemberton, a Southland dairy farmer and councillor; and Lisa Portas, a Wairarapa agribusiness professional.

They will each receive $50,000 to undertake research and international travel. Scholarship recipients take time away from their work to observe, reflect, and learn about global agricultural practices and their operating contexts, gaining new insights and ideas to bring back to New Zealand to positively influence decisions that affect the Food and Fibre sector.

The Nuffield Scholarships are funded by Rural Leaders’ Strategic Partners DairyNZ, FMG, Mackenzie Charitable Foundation, AGMARDT, and programme partners Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Farmlands, LIC, Rabobank, the Foundation for Arable Research, Horticulture NZ and Zespri.

Rural Leaders CEO Lisa Rogers said 2025 will be a busy year for the scholars.

The first international event on the scholarship calendar

“Last year the CSC was in Brazil. In 2025 it is in Auckland. Our four new scholars will join over 100 international Nuffield Scholarship recipients for an ideal opportunity to get to know each other and learn at the start of their Nuffield journeys.

“The CSC is followed by the Global Focus Programme (GFP), where scholars split into groups to travel around the globe, visit multiple countries, businesses, institutions, and research organisations. On the GFP, scholars begin to dig deeper into their topics of interest, they gather information and explore solutions and ideas on some of our biggest challenges.”

Introducing the 2025 Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholars:

Dani Darke, King Country. Farmer, governance.

Dani Darke, her husband Anthony and their three daughters farm a 630ha sheep and beef operation in Aria, Waitomo.

“In a great rural community farms grow many things. One of the most important is growing great humans,” Darke said.

She is passionate about promoting sustainable and profitable farm businesses that support vibrant rural communities.

“Rural communities make up the heart of New Zealand and I want to be part of ensuring this way of life continues for generations to come.”

After earning a degree in agriculture, Darke embarked on a career in agri-banking and later was livestock manager for a meat

exporter. An AWDT Escalator graduate, Darke has also held leadership roles including chair of Beef + Lamb Mid-Northern Farmer Council, and in 2019 served as associate director with OSPRI. Darke is a partner at Rural Coach and a director with Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

She is interested in organisations supporting rural people and their communities and enjoys spending time with rural folk, and the “doers in our communities who make stuff happen. In my downtime, I enjoy tramping, horse riding, boating and skiing.”

Alan McDermott, Golden Bay. Business owner, entrepreneur.

Alan McDermott is founder of Pearl Pastures, which works with dairy farmers and finishers to produce rose veal from surplus dairy calves.

Pearl Veal is marketed to premier restaurants in New Zealand and internationally.

The business brings together many strands that are core to McDermott – sustainability, human and animal wellbeing, and creating delicious food.

McDermott is also a partner in AgriFood Strategy, a consultancy working with businesses and the wider sector on significant strategic issues such as sustainability, value chain performance, and establishing premium end-to-end value chains. McDermott led the collaboration

that brought together farm assurance for the red meat sector and the development of the sector’s sustainability assurance programme. He recently worked with Headwaters on Lumina lamb, was a director of Red Meat Profit Partnership and has been involved in, and chaired, advisory boards for several other entities.

McDermott grew up on a sheep and beef farm in the hills of Hawke’s Bay and studied at Massey University and now thrives in Golden Bay.

Jon Pemberton, Southland. Farmer, governance.

Jon Pemberton, his wife Birgit and their three school-aged children operate two dairy farms either side of Edendale, Southland.

Pemberton currently holds roles including, Environment Southland Southern Ward Councillor, Ag Proud NZ chair, National Lamb Day steering group chair and committee member of Three Rivers Catchment and Edendale Aquifer groups.

Pemberton and his family try to make the most of any spare time they have by getting out and enjoying Southland. That can be doing anything from sea fishing and camping through to hunting and skiing.

Pemberton was highly motivated to apply for a Nuffield because of the engagement he has had with Nuffield alumni over the last few years.

SUCCESS:

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with 2025 Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarships recipients Alan McDermott, Dani Darke, Lisa Portas and Jon Pemberton.

“They are often such critical and analytical thinkers – I’ve found this refreshing. The discussions I have had around the big challenges facing the sector that we need to address now and, in the future,” Pemberton said.

Lisa Portas, South Wairarapa. Agribusiness.

Lisa Portas is a south Wairarapa regenerative sheep and beef farmer with her husband Kurt and their two boys. They have called the area home for 16 years.

At Palliser Ridge, Portas wears many hats, as director, shareholder, and expansion manager. Portas oversees diversification ventures, such as agri-tourism, exports, manufacturing, and managing both B2C and B2B relationships. A key part of her role is the creation and protection of the farm’s brand. Portas is passionate about sharing the farm’s natural fibres with the world, and a recent highlight has been securing contracts for their entire 40 tonne wool clip at prices that cover shearing costs.

Portas is interested in taking a deeper dive into the strong wool space and to explore the international landscape.

Outside Palliser Ridge, Portas also holds three directorships in tourism and manufacturing and delivers guest lectures on strong wool at Auckland University of Technology.

Photo: Mark Coote

Real forestry training on virtual trees

ATRAINING programme where new forestry recruits learn to make crucial thinning decisions through immersive virtual reality simulations of forests could be just around the corner.

And the technology to get us there could also be used for training across the forestry processing chain and to refresh experienced workers’ skills.

Scion recently developed an interactive, 3D virtual reality training tool to supplement forestry worker training on site. The prototype has caught the attention of industry players who are exploring how it can be customised to depict their own forests.

Trainees who put on the virtual reality headset find themselves in the middle of a computergenerated model reflecting a realistic production forest in New Zealand. The trees are based on physiological-based models of Pinus radiata.

Scion developed the tool as part of the Virtual Thinning project funded by Forest Growers Research’s Precision Silviculture Programme.

Scion portfolio leader Grant Evans said the tool combines science, technology and gamification.

“We’re using fundamental science – what we know about the physiology of the trees – with VR technology and gamification, which is making it more engaging,” he said.

“This simulation is based on real-world attributes and we’re able to generate scenarios that really enhance first stage training or decision making.”

Using the tool also makes training logistically easier given travel is not needed, and mistakes made in virtual reality aren’t reflected in real forestry blocks.

A trainer watching on screen can guide the trainee.

“VR has been around a long time in entertainment. Now people have started to see the real applications,” Evans said.

Options for the tool are limitless. “Levels” can be created to make choosing which tree to thin easier or harder. Variables can be changed to adjust stocking rate, tree species and age. There are decades of tree bioinformatics available to draw on and more than 70 potential variables. The current focus is on variables that impact log quality and forest value such as sweep, branching and broken tops.

Evans said industry leaders engaging with the initial prototype have already identified further applications and extensions such as connecting it to other software like geographic information system operator ArcGIS.

Scion forest management scientist Lania Holt said Scion is now working with industry to ensure the tool can reflect their forests.

“Companies are looking for realistic scenarios. Ultimately where they want to go is to take the prototype and combine assets with industry in a way that depicts the forest based on their data.”

Holt said the work through the Precision Silviculture Programme

has led to a prototype that’s allowed synthetic data to be created and used.

Holt, who has been involved in thinning research for the programme, said a tool like this could improve thinning processes and health and safety. It could also allow training in a broader range of scenarios than the conditions in accessible forests on any given day.

VR has been around a long time in entertainment. Now people have started to see the real applications.

Grant Evans Scion

FGR’s Precision Silviculture Programme manager, Claire Stewart, said the tool fits with the programme’s aims of digitising, mechanising and automating forestry tasks to make them more efficient and safer.

She said the tool could help trainees understand complexities without the immense pressure of a forest environment and help them understand the economic value in forests. The technology also paves the way for teleoperation of the future and sets the foundation for how these technologies will need to work, she said.

FRESH EYES: Precision Silviculture Programme manager Claire Stewart uses the headset while Scion portfolio leader Grant Evans observes.

Photo: Scion

From the Editor

Something in the water

TNeal Wallace Senior reporter

HE government is having another attempt at writing workable freshwater management rules that allow its use while protecting values, a significant challenge given how politicised the topic has become.

Everyone wants clean, healthy water, but more than any other natural resource it seems to bring out the most heightened of emotions in people: users are polluters and conservationists are anti-economic growth.

The coalition government has made no secret of its intention to replace the current National Policy Statement (NPS), which has been widely condemned as overly bureaucratic and unworkable.

It has also signalled it wants more community involvement in managing catchments and a simplified process for building water storage and irrigation, surely a no-brainer with predictions future rainfall could become less evenly spread.

With that in mind there will be much

interest in the Tukituki Water Security Scheme in Hawke’s Bay, which has the added status of inclusion in the government’s list of fast-track development projects.

Adding to the intrigue are Hawke’s Bay Regional Council estimates that by 2040 the region could experience a shortfall in water of almost 25 million cubic metres a year, increasing by 33 million by 2060.

There are legitimate questions to be answered about the impact on ecology and water quality of such projects and management in general, but such concerns can be addressed.

There has also been another significant change.

There are now 250 community-led catchment groups around the country, grassroots organisations of people who live in and care for their communities and who together help manage 6 million hectares.

Many of these groups were only recently formed.

Kate Scott, the chair of NZ Rural Leadership Trust, recently said: “If we want change to be a long and enduring change, I strongly believe that change needs to be led from the ground up, rather than the top down.”

That is exactly what is happening with these grassroots organisations. The changes they achieve will be more enduring than decrees coming out of the Wellington beltway.

An example of how politicised freshwater

management has become was provided recently by the Otago Regional Council.

Multiple messages from the government advising the council to delay implementing its water plan until a new NPS was completed were ignored by a majority of councillors.

They decided to proceed and notify a plan that would soon become largely irrelevant.

Multiple messages advising the council to delay implementing its water plan were ignored.

It was only an 11th hour government law change that stopped them, prompting those councillors to say the move was an attack on democracy and that the $18 million spent on developing the plan would be wasted.

In reality, had the plan been notified the council would have had to revisit it once the new NPS was released. Also, much of the information and data it uses will be transferable to the new plan.

No one denies that safe, high-quality water is crucial to society, but its use is also needed to underpin our economic survival.

Unfortunately freshwater management has become so emotive and so political that consensus remains elusive and even though details of the new NPS are still to be released, it is unlikely that trend will end.

Letters of the week

How’s

the weather on your planet?

Marie Lepper Morere

I QUITE agree with the article regarding weather forecasting, “Farmers plead for better drought calls” (October 28).

Once, not so very long ago, you could get a fairly accurate forecast simply by listening to the radio. Now, in addition, you need to go online, read the paper, look up the weather for your area, then look out the window and make your own mind up.

Too often the official forecast and the actual weather are so different I cannot help wondering if the meteorologists are on a whole other planet ... or is it just me?

I was taught from a young age how to observe nature. Snow on a distant mountain, mist rolling in on the hills, red sky in the morning, seagulls seen inland, what trees and plants flowered when, the type and colour of the clouds, the direction of the wind.

The list went on and on and on, added to by older neighbours and new horizons. Where the birds nested, how many daisies heralded spring and most important how to listen for the eerie sounds of silence, heralding an earthquake.

What astounds me most is that modern scientists, armed with increasingly complex technology, can predict the size and path of a hurricane yet (if what I heard on radio recently is correct) struggle to know when and where a thunderstorm will strike. Was no one else taught how to observe the lightning, then count the seconds before the clap of thunder? A simple calculation told how many miles away the storm was and a few repeats of the process enabled my sisters, brother and myself to know if the storm was getting closer or moving away. I have long forgotten the mathematics involved and miles are well and truly consigned to the history of our country.

If nothing else, thunderstorms were a source of fun and excitement for a bunch of small children, rather than something to hide from under the blankets until they passed. And when the lights went out, candles were lit and no one suffered from an anxiety attack because the internet had gone down.

So by all means listen to the science, but don’t dismiss the old wives tales as superstitious nonsense.

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

Lessons from elephant eaters: Jenni Vernon

In this series, the regular Eating the Elephant contributors hand the pen to four farming New Zealanders with a history of taking on big challenges.

JENNI Vernon was the first woman to receive a Nuffield Scholarship and to chair the Waikato Regional Council and NZ National Fieldays Trust. She is a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and was awarded the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993 and 1990 NZ Commemorative Medal. She has held governance roles with the Agri-Women’s Development Trust, Rural Leaders Trust, Waikato Medical Research Foundation, National Lottery Youth Committee, University of Waikato Council, Waikato River Authority and the NZ Geographic Board. She has chaired Resource Management Act hearings for 29 years and lives on a familyoperated Waikato dairy grazing and beef unit.

Why did you choose a life in farming/ food and fibre?

My passion for sector was sparked by my grandparents. I spent a lot of time on their Manawatū farm when I was younger. It inspired me to join NZ Young Farmers, which opened the door to countless leadership opportunities in the food and fibre sector.

What are you most proud of and why?

The diversity of organisations that I have been privileged to

be part of, either as the chair or team member. I have met and worked alongside some truly talented New Zealanders involved with the farming and wider rural community sector.

These leaders have encouraged me not to be afraid of stepping outside my comfort zone to seize opportunities that may only happen once in a lifetime.

What is something unusual about yourself that you love?

I have discovered my “creative side” and really enjoy restoring old pieces of furniture, including the upholstery.

What is the best investment you have ever made (time, money, energy, product etcetera)?

I believe my best investment has been through spending quality time with family and friends. They are the ones that support you through all your failures, successes, and help keep you “grounded”.

What book changed your life and why?

I enjoy non-fiction books about our pioneering women, such as the one edited by Caroline Fitzgerald, Letters from the Bay of Islands: The story of Marianne Williams. My life has been shaped by the book of lived experiences,

including losing both my parents in the Mount Erebus disaster, or having to make my first public speech in front of an audience of 1200 people with the prime minister in the front row. There is nothing better than learning from giving something a go.

What advice would you give to a young person today?

If you are interested in working in the food and fibre sector, don’t be afraid to take the opportunity to investigate where you could become involved. The variety of roles are extensive and there are farmers, fishers, foresters, growers and other rural businesses which are willing to help the next generation be successful.

What is the biggest thing that makes you optimistic for the future?

I’m optimistic about the innovation happening to help us adapt to new challenges on farms, orchards, vineyards and in forestry blocks. Who would have thought that New Zealand would have its own Rocket Lab or can produce more lamb products from fewer animals?

What is the biggest thing that makes you pessimistic for the future?

I have two concerns. One is the

Farming as a family is more than just productivity. It is about a deep passion for the land.

potential demise of the family farm, and the other is the world’s geopolitical stability. The family farm is so important for its contribution to rural communities and sharing a unique way of life through the generations. Farming as a family is more than just productivity. It is about a deep passion for the land, how it functions and provides for its people. You and your family are the boss and have the freedom to innovate and be educated on how to meet the challenges that are inherent when operating a complex multimilliondollar business.

A stable geopolitical world is good for New Zealand’s future prosperity as an exporter of quality food and fibre products.

What will the food and fibre sector of 2040 look like?

2040 is only 15 years away, so I think there will be a continuation of innovation in the types of food crops we grow and where this occurs in the different regions. We will have improved our livestock feed and the genetics of our animals to help reduce methane emissions. Other new technology products will be used to assist sector businesses in the daily operations. Equally, we will have a new generation of leaders who are passionate about the future of our rural communities and businesses and are willing to become involved in leadership opportunities beyond the farm gate.

Interrow hoes are back for the long haul

In my view ...

Charles Merfield

Dr Merfield is head of the BHU Future Farming Centre

AREVOLUTION is happening in annual cropping weed management: mechanical weeding is making a comeback in the form of interrow hoes. This is a response to the ever-increasing problems facing herbicides, among them resistance and the withdrawal of active ingredients.

Such is the size of this resurgence that the biggest names in ag machinery – Lemken, Kverneland and Väderstad – have bought mechanical weeding companies and rebranded them. John Deere never got out of mechanical weeding, even if it did not shout about it.

In Europe, sandwiched between herbicide resistance, legislative withdrawal and a drip of new chemistry, farmers are returning to mechanical weeding – for good. But these are not the weeders of our grandparents’ generation.

Mechanical weeders have been evolving over the past 50 years,

with something of an arms race among different approaches and manufacturers to achieve ever better weeding outcomes.

The main winner of this race are what are now called “rowhoes”. Unlike their predecessors, interrow hoes, these machines weed both the interrow – between the crop row; and the intrarow – in the crop row, meaning that

they can control all weeds in the paddock.

Such are the technological advances, these modern machines are like a self-driving electric vehicle compared to the horse and cart of their predecessors.

Row-hoe design has also consolidated around a modular parallelogram-based “weeding unit”. These are now more of a

technology platform onto which a diverse range of interrow and intrarow weeding tools can be mounted. This means any crop, from delicate direct-sown vegetables such as carrots and onions through cereals like wheat and barley, to wide row crops such as maize, can be weeded by the same machine design.

The two key breakthroughs that have revolutionised row-hoes are computer guidance systems and intrarow weeding tools. Computer guidance systems using GPS or cameras have turned rowhoeing from a task that required specialised tool carrier tractors and extra staff to steer along with the highest driving skills, into an everyday rear three-point linkage job any driver can do.

After nearly three decades of development and use, vision systems are now the clear winner.

The second breakthrough is tools that weed the crop row –intrarow weeders.

The Achilles heel of interrow hoes was they only weeded the interrow, leaving the weeds in the crop row, which are the most important as they are going to be the most competitive with the crop as they are growing among the crop plants.

There are now a whole bunch of intrarow weeders including finger weeders, mini-ridgers, torsion weeders and vertical wire weeders, which can work in a wide range of arable and vegetable crops and achieve high levels of in-row weed control.

They are also complementary, so they can be “stacked” and used at the same time or in sequence over multiple weeding, further increasing the weed kill.

Row-hoes can therefore achieve exceptional whole-ofpaddock weed control, and with machines reaching 30m in width with operating speeds in excess of 20kph, they can approach herbicides for clean fields and work rates.

However, they are not getting the recognition they deserve. Often it is the robotic weeders using hi-tech tools such as lasers that are getting all the limelight. However, robotic solutions are often vastly more expensive to buy and with far lower work rates a good row-hoe with computer guidance will beat robotic weeders any day.

INNOVATION: Jenni Vernon says she’s optimistic about the innovation happening ‘to help us adapt to new challenges on farms, orchards, vineyards and in forestry blocks’.

EVOLUTION: Dr Merf Merfield says mechanical weeders have been evolving over the past 50 years, with something of an arms race among different approaches and manufacturers. A clear winner has emerged.

Sector Focus

Leaning in to cows for more than 40 years

Fiona Terry PEOPLE Veterinary

DAIRY vet Bill Teague has had some pretty unusual requests during callouts in his 43 years of practice. He vividly remembers the day one of his farm visits involved helping to fix a client’s wooden leg.

It’d taken Teague half an hour to drive to the war veteran’s farm in Waikato to inspect a cow.

“When I got there he told me there wasn’t actually much wrong with the cow, and that ordinarily he wouldn’t have called me out, but what he really needed was for me take his wooden leg to town because the strap was broken and he couldn’t leave the house,” said Teague.

The reliance on vets often extended beyond just clients who’d requested a call-out.

“In those days properties had shared telephone lines and if someone overheard that the vet was coming from town you could end up with a whole load of items that needed to be ferried in or out.”

From a very young age Teague knew he wanted to work with cows.

“My grandfather, Ralph Birdsall, grew up on a farm with bullocks and had been a school principal. He was employed as an agricultural advisor to the education department and his job was to engage children more with farming.

“It was him that set up the Calf Club movement in the Waikato in the late 1940s. That turned into a

big thing and the schools still have agricultural days even now.

“He was also secretary of the Friesian Breeders Association and would take me off to the shows. I’d be roped in to lead his mates’ cows around the show ring and I have fond memories of the experiences and smells.

“As kids at those we’d all be leaning against cows while we sat and ate our lunches.”

On one occasion when he was about eight, he remembers his grandfather giving him the lead rope for a bull twice his size and probably 40 times his weight. His father had a fit when he spotted his young son in the ring.

“I always wanted to work with cows and from about 11 decided that being a vet would be pretty cool because I thought then the hours would be nine to five. Of course, as a vet it didn’t work out like that because three or four o’clock in the morning is often the best time to get contact with animals being milked.”

The deal sealer for his career choice was when at 15 he visited a friend’s farm and helped the vet deliver a calf during a caesarean.

“We got a live calf out of it and the cow was just fine. I thought I’ve got to do this!”

On qualifying from Massey University’s veterinarian course in 1981, he secured a job in Galatea, an hour south of Rotorua on the edge of the Urewera National Park, where he instantly became a dairy expert.

“My boss was a pet vet who didn’t know much more than me about cattle so we learnt together.

Industry people talked to me, which wouldn’t have happened

When I first started, farms had 100 cows and they all had names.

Bill Teague Veterinarian

in a more established practice, so the isolation was good for my development. Back then you’d never ask your boss to come out and help, for example with a calving, you just got on and did it.”

In 1983 Teague shifted to a practice in Tokoroa, becoming a partner and shareholder there in 2001. The practice was sold to Vetora in 2017, with final handover 2019, and he’s now employed there to train new vets.

Among the career highlights are friendships and client relationships, but Teague also helped in pioneering research.

“Back in the ’90s neospora emerged, which was causing a lot of abortions. We blood tested about 600 cows four times a year, in conjunction with Massey University. We were doing leading-edge research which made breakthroughs that had implications around the world. It felt amazing to have been able to contribute.”

Over the years, changes in dairy farming practices altered his work.

“The bigger herds completely changed our jobs,” said Teague, who also kept a small number of beef cattle of his own for many years.

“When I first started, farms had 100 cows and they all had names. I’d do 15 jobs a day and see 15 different animals.

“Now farms have got 1000 cows and although you still cover individual sicknesses, it’s far more about herd medicine.”

Father of two Teague was president of the Dairy Cattle Vets branch of the New Zealand Vets Association and cows are very much still in the family’s blood. His daughter Sarah, who used to attend call-outs with him from the age of two, was managing a dairy farm with a herd of 900 by the age of 22. His grandchildren are now also involved in Calf Club.

One aspect of his job he’s always enjoyed, he said, is the variety.

“Every year’s different. Sometimes everybody wants to do more production because the payout’s up but the next year the payout might be low so they want to spend as little as possible. The year after there might be a drought, then something new’s discovered and you need to launch a whole new field of endeavour. It’s awesome, you never know what’s going to happen.”

BOVINE CALLING: As a small boy, Bill Teague knew he wanted to spend his life working with cows, and he has.

Photo: Tim Cuff

Activator ingredient the key to success

BPEOPLE Agribusiness

EING chosen to take part in Rural Women New Zealand’s business Activator Programme not only helped Kate Torrens develop her own company, it also gave her the confidence to buy a complementary one that’s expanding her scope in the world of eco-friendly home products. It was eczema that first led Te Aroha dairy farmer Torrens to run what she calls her “side hustle”. She’d been purchasing a toxin-free, sensitive-skin-friendly laundry powder that had the added bonus of being good for the environment, too. When it came up for sale, her mother-in-law Jenni Torrens encouraged her to take it on.

Having mastered formulating and packaging the sought-after product in between farm duties, the busy mum of three was keen to develop the business – The Innocent Ant – further and help others on their journey to rid their homes of unnecessary chemicals.

“Rural Women New Zealand’s

Activator Programme was really inspirational, and helped focus my thoughts on where the business was at and where I wanted to go with it,” said Kate, who is also the farm’s relief milker and coordinates the herd’s NAIT records.

Buying new business Haven & Co, which sells a range of eco-friendly kitchenware, was the result of her new-found confidence.

It was great to see the growth of people through the process and the sharing of knowledge.

Her mother-in-law is delighted that RWNZ, an organisation she’s been active with for the last 16 years, is helping women achieve their full potential.

“This is a strong part of what Rural Women New Zealand is about – giving back to your community,” said Jenni, who was first encouraged to go along to the local Elstow group AGM by a friend

to enjoy the social environment. She left that first meeting having been voted in as president, a role she relished for eight years.

She’s since gone on to become president and secretary of the Piako Waikato Provincial division, and is now also a member of the Greater Waikato region’s committee.

“I’ve learnt so much,” said Jenni, who was a bank teller when she met her dairy farmer husband Ross 48 years ago. After marrying and having children she focused her career on the farm.

“Being involved in Rural Women has helped me believe in myself and how I can help people at a greater level.

“For our group’s 80th birthday we produced a cookbook and donated the money to the hospital. It was great to see the growth of people through the process and the sharing of knowledge.”

Last year she was able to assist a widow whose husband had worked on a nearby farm, securing a Rural Women Adverse Events Relief Fund grant for his wife and family to relocate.

“Being able to help people gives me a lot of joy,” said Jenni, who attributes the success of the organisation locally to those who welcomed her to Rural Woman all those years ago.

“We’ve been lucky to have had strong and inspirational figures like Lesley Berry and Margaret Osborne and it all comes back to these ladies that 50 years ago, in this community, were so strong, caring and supportive. I admire all of them.”

Another highlight for Jenni of being a member of RWNZ is having been able to help a local girl studying medicine.

“I heard about what she was doing and wrote up a recommendation for a bursary for her. For two years she got the bursary, she’s now a doctor, and is training to be a paediatrician. I’m really proud that Rural Women could help her.”

Earlier this year, when the call came from the national office to see whether anyone in Waikato could host an international

group of rural women from South Korea on their farm, Jenni –with encouragement from Ross – obliged.

It was expected there’d be a group of around 13 people but Jenni, who’d laid on catering for the group, coped admirably when instead a coachload of people arrived, including kids, husbands, an interpreter and a journalist.

“Ross and I have travelled extensively to farms all over the world so for us to give back felt wonderful,” she said.

The visit included a tour of the cowshed, which had been prepared for the event by Kate’s husband Sam (Jenni and Ross’s youngest son) as well as a slideshow about Torrens Farms by eldest son Nicholas. All three families are involved in the running of the property through an equity partnership.

“It was something exciting and we got feedback that they gave us 200% for the experience,” recalled Jenni.

Kate’s now continuing the family’s contribution to RWNZ. Being selected for the Activator Programme entitled her to her first

year’s membership free, as well as listing her enterprises on the organisation’s Country Women’s Collective – a directory of rural women’s businesses.

“It’s a really beneficial resource to be listed on and I’ve picked up some good orders from it,” said Kate, who’s keen to use the confidence she gained on the programme to help further develop her entrepreneurship.

The sustainability angle of Kate’s business aligns well with the family farm, which in 2023 and 2021 was acknowledged with a Synlait Lead with Pride Supreme Award, part of which includes aspects of sustainability.

And just as Kate’s two side hustles dovetail well, so does her relationship with Jenni, including their role sharing the calf-rearing on the farm.

With 600 cows on 206 hectares the two have their techniques down to a fine art.

“We’re both very big on systems and that’s where Kate and I get on so well,” said Jenni. “It feels very special to have such a wonderful relationship and have that connection.”

Fiona Terry

SYSTEMS: Jenni Torrens and her daughter-in-law Kate Torrens share an appreciation for systems – and for Rural Women New Zealand.

Photos: Tim Cuff

TEAM: Kate Torrens’ relationship with her mother-in-law Jenni Torrens includes sharing the calf-rearing on the farm.

Jenni Torrens Waikato

Bid to extract value from waste milk

Uys TECHNOLOGY Dairy

RESEARCHERS are looking into how they can recover the millions of litres of milk lost in wastewater every year and extract value from it by turning it into fuel, bioplastics or feedstocks.

Milk in wastewater comes from washing systems that are in direct contact with milk or dairy products.

Wastewaters consist of fractions of milk equivalent to approximately 2% of total milk processed, a European study showed.

If compared to New Zealand systems, where about 21 billion litres of milk is produced annually, the loss equates to 420 million litres of milk, or the equivalent annual production of approximately 98,000 cows.

AgResearch senior scientist Mariza Gomes Reis said to extract milk from wastewater, a method

called the Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) System is used.

The method is proven and is in widespread use in dairy processing in New Zealand.

“The process involves dissolved

air being released into a liquid stream that contains the milk solids (mainly fats and proteins).

This released air forms tiny bubbles that attach to the milk solids in the liquid stream and

Steam-power Southland factory takes top award

Staff reporter TECHNOLOGY Dairy

THE engineering firm behind New Zealand’s first dairy factory powered by 100% steam-generated renewable electricity has won gold at the national ACE Awards.

Aurecon worked with Mataura Valley Milk on the ambitious goal of completely electrifying its dairy processing site in Gore by replacing its coal-fired boiler with a high-pressure electrode boiler. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions of 22,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year – a significant milestone for

industrial energy transition. Called Project Recharge, the initiative plays directly into New Zealand’s Emission Reduction Plan, which aims to establish a sustainable, secure and affordable energy system for a low-emissions economy.

Aurecon should be exceptionally proud of its work with Mataura Valley Milk.

Helen Davidson ACE New Zealand

ACE New Zealand chief executive Helen Davidson said awards judges were impressed with Aurecon’s work to identify and apply the technology, develop the business case and provide project management and governance support during construction.

“Aurecon should be exceptionally proud of its work with Mataura Valley Milk, especially navigating the challenges around technology, timelines and risk.

“This was an impressive project that will have a significant environmental impact – huge congratulations to the Aurecon team.”

The ACE Awards celebrate

cause the solids to float to the surface, where they can be removed.

“Chemicals may also be added to improve the removal of the solids.”

Reis said there are a range of methods, such as chemical modification, in which food waste components can be used for different products and purposes.

“One of these is the use of components such as lipids and carbohydrates from foods to be used in producing fuels.

“At AgResearch, we have explored the potential of material extracted from dairy wastewater being used in electrical devices. Our study has been funded by the Bioresource Processing Alliance and KiwiNet, as an initial proof of concept. Therefore, our results are preliminary, and further studies are required before we can provide more information.”

Extracting milk from wastewater is necessary because like other food industries, the dairy industry has to consider the environmental impacts of effluent discharged

from its processing facilities.

“The DAF system is a standard procedure used by the dairy industry to extract the milk solids. The extracted solids have historically been disposed of on land, but more recently have been used for feed for animals such as pigs.”

Extracting milk from wastewater is necessary because the dairy industry needs to consider the environmental impacts of effluents.

Technical supervisor at Scion Alyesha Candy spoke at a recent AgResearch virtual dairy workshop about the potential to transform waste into products such as feedstock and bioplastics.

The extraction of milk solids follows the same method, DAF, but what is done with the milk solids after will differ.

New Zealand’s best consultants working in the built and natural environment. Consultants are recognised for going above and beyond “business as usual” to deliver projects and initiatives.

Gerhard

FUEL: AgResearch senior scientist Mariza Gomes Reis is looking at how milk can be recovered from wastewater and turned into fuel.

Photo: Supplied

Aotearoa

Aurecon was one of six gold award winners, 10 silver award winners and three merit award winners at the 2024 ACE Awards, which took place at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in October.

ON SITE: The high-pressure electrode boiler being installed at Mataura Valley Milk’s dairy processing site in Gore.

Sharing dairy life with a new generation

Annette Scott PEOPLE Development

ACANTERBURY dairy farming

couple are helping to create a farming future for the next generation.

Creating pathways into the dairy industry is important for Kerry and Aimee Burt. The couple farm two properties – 580 cows on their 148 hectare home farm just out of Leeston, near Lincoln, and another 450 cows on a 129ha property at Lowcliffe, south of Ashburton.

Early this year they reached Te Tihi, the highest ranking under the Fonterra Co-operative Difference Programme towards strengthening future dairy farming practices.

In between their farming operations and looking after three young children, they find time once a week to host a student from the local high school, Ellesmere College, who shadows the Burts to learn about dairy farming.

It is also a chance for the students to earn credits for the Primary ITO Gateway Programme.

So far brothers Jackson and Noah Laffey are benefiting from the valuable experience.

To see how far he has progressed in a short time, and to be part of that journey, is awesome.

Kerry Burt Canterbury

“When we first came to this farm the older brother, Jackson, came to us and said he used to do a bit of relief milking and would we be interested,” Kerry Burt said.

“We were only too happy to help.”

Jackson Laffey spent a year with the Burts as part of the Gateway course and when he finished school, the couple gave him full-time employment for 18 months.

Now Noah Laffey is following in his elder brother’s footsteps and is thriving in the farming environment.

He has moved from teat spraying the cows to cupping and also drives the tractor to give Kerry extra time for other jobs.

“He’s keen to come out to the farm as much as he can. We try to give him work outside the regular Tuesday and if he wants to do more, we pay him an hourly wage.

“To see how far he has progressed in a short time, and to be part of that journey, is awesome.”

The Burts find it a rewarding experience.

“It’s so important to try to encourage younger people in the industry. It gives us a new perspective of what we do as dairy farmers.

“Unlike Jackson and Noah, I grew up on a dairy farm, but I never wanted to be a farmer,” Aimee Burt said.

“I saw how hard my parents worked and I didn’t want that life for me. Now that I have it, I love it and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

South Island Fonterra regional head Mat Cullen said the Burts are to be commended.

“They are very humble so wouldn’t say they are doing anything particularly special, but this type of contribution is what we need to keep our industry strong for generations to come.”

Cullen said Fonterra is committed to providing stepping stones for young people interested in the industry.

“These include school and public visits to farms, internships, apprenticeships and graduate programmes and we work closely with Primary ITO and others to celebrate the successes of Kiwi dairy farmers and give young people the chance to experience life on a dairy farm and explore the wide range of roles in the industry.”

Your mating stat s are rolling in and there’s still a few weeks to go Now’s the time to consider how you can get the rest of the herd in- calf, while ma ximising income potential

Tap into the beef value chain without compromising calving ease by using dair y-beef sires. With lower-than- average bir th weight s and reduced gestation lengths, you can have easily-identif iable calves while prof iting from great beef trait s.

O r if you want a tighter calving sp read that ’s more eff icient, more prof itable, and more manageable, then choose SGL Your girls can have an easier time, recover faster, and get back to milking earlier in top condition. Shor t Gestation straws can add up to 12 more days in milk Now that ’s creaming it! Tal k to a n Agri M a nager today a b out your options or vi sit lic co.nz /ma xi mi se-mati ng

EXPERIENCE: Amiee and Kerry Burt on farm with college student Noah Laffey.

Here comes the sun – well it ’ s on its way at some point in the nex t month or so

The longer days and creeping warmth signal that it ’ s time to look ahead and plan for the summer months on farm For some across the countr y, the climbing temperatures follow some ex treme wet weather during spring, the impac ts of which will still be felt while making summer time decisions

In all forms of weather, good care of people and animal s is always the number one priorit y Careful planning and proac tive management will ensure their wellbeing throughout the nex t season The heat can be wonder ful for mind and body, an d cricket on the beach, but of cour se it al so heralds a different way of managing your farm compared to the cooler months

O ver the past decade D air yNZ has under taken science and research focused on developing tool s and advice to help farmer s with those key seasonal challenges

We have pulled together a range of Summer Smar ts tool s and resources to suppor t you and your farm business over the nex t few months

eat stress

Cows can star t to feel heat stress at temperatures above 20 degrees Cel sius, which many of us humans would find

quite comfor table, rather than excessively hot

But with the heat affec ting cows within such a common summer temperature range, ever y region in New Zealand gets hot enough to cause heat stress over summer Heat stress occur s when cows can’t get rid of excess heat, leading to discomfor t and reducing milk produc tion

You will notice your cows breathe faster, graze less, drink more, and move slower in warm weather

You can work with your farm team to ensure they recognise the signs and take ac tion to prevent heat stress, including: Providing shade

Ensuring a good water supply for drinking and cooling Adjusting milking times and routine

Managing what you feed your cows and when

Adjust nitrogen use in summer

The heat in summer isn’t just affec ting your people and animal s A dr y summer will al so affec t the work of nitrogen-based fer tiliser s

A s lower soil moisture and increasing temperatures limit grass grow th, the response to nitrogen fer tiliser is al so reduced Therefore, it ’ s impor tant to evaluate your timing and

application to get it right, helping increase efficienc y and minimising nitrogen loss from your farm

The key tip for summer nitrogen use is to remember it is a grow th multiplier Application rates and timing should coincide with paddock grow th from alternative species or increased moisture level s due to soil t ype or paddock aspec t

Considering the best milking inter val

When we say flexible milking, you may automatically think about once - a- day milking, but it refer s to varied milking schedules beyond the usual once or t wice a day

Adjust milking frequenc y according to changing conditions It can help ex tend the grazing rotation in mid-lac tation, reduce stress on cows, decrease work hour s and provide more flexibilit y for your farm team

Previous research has shown that, depending on how flexible milking is used, it can have minimal impac t on produc tion, while providing the benefits mentioned

Summer months on farm require careful planning and proactive management to ensure the wellbeing of your animals and people, the efficienc y of your operations, and a positive impact on your bot tom line

We’ve gathered our top tips, tools and summer resources together in one handy place to help you maintain a healthy, productive farm throughout the season

Discover them here: dair ynz .co.nz/summer-smar ts

Consider another milking schedule that helps achieve your milk produc tion goal s, while gaining other benefits for you, your team and your cows

Young stock management

O ne of the biggest improvements in many herds comes from an increasing focus on youngstock management from weaning to fir st calving, since well- grown heifer s are known to be more successful milking cows

Your young stock have the best genetic s in your herd Giving them the best star t to their produc tive life will unlock their potential, having a positive effec t on their future lac tation and maximising your investment

There are a range of aspec ts to consider but focus on meeting weight-for- age targets and create a plan to ensure they grow at the required rate to meet them The future of your farm star ts with your young stock – keeping a focus on weight gain, worm burden and mineral requirements gives them the best chance of high per formance in the future

Dairy dream delivers in the end

AFOREVER plan to return to her dairy farming roots has taken a different shape than expected for 60-year-old milk tanker driver Deborah Paterson.

Paterson grew up on a dairy farm in Warkworth and endeavoured to become a farmer herself, but as she eloquently explains “when life doesn’t go right, go left”.

Paterson now lives in the tiny rural Southland town of Edendale, which has a population of 610.

Her parents originated from Southland and she sees it as a homecoming of sorts, and one where she is closer to her iwi.

“After 40 years of being Pākehā I realised that being Ngāi Tahu southern Māori was just as important a part of who I am and I started my journey home.”

The twists and turns to get here haven’t been what she’d describe as glamorous.

During her life in Auckland she went to ballet school, found an office job, became a kitchen designer and eventually joined the navy. She is the queen of reinvention.

Eventually after years of hard work she and her husband bought land in 2004 in the Kaipara Hills, but her dream was short-lived as the couple separated.

“My life doesn’t go in a nice, planned trajectory, as I have worked out.”

The land was sold and in 2011 she moved to earthquake-stricken Christchurch where she knew nobody.

“Broken cities and broken people go together quite well. Everyone down there was so broken that my brokenness blended in, really.”

A year shy of her 50th, divorced and flatting with five others in a single bed, farming was out of the question.

“For me it was like being in the

I think farm managers were a bit fascinated with this mid-50s woman who wanted to come farming.

navy, being in the dorms. It didn’t matter, it just didn’t matter.”

She found a country cottage in Rangiora that she could only afford because she halved the rent through doing farm chores.

She loved the feeling of being back on the land so much that she signed up for a Diploma in Agriculture at Lincoln University.

“My class called me Mum. I did my dippy at 52.”

She was successful in an internship with Ngāi Tahu Farming and worked on minimum wage again, all the while raising two teenage sons.

“When I got to the end of the internship, the farm job I had been working towards got restructured and wasn’t there, so it was time to reinvent myself again.”

She applied for over 50 farm jobs across the South Island.

“I think farm managers were a bit fascinated with this mid50s woman who wanted to come farming.

“There was one farm I went to and mister and missus sat on either side of the table and the son, too.

“Missus turns to me and says ‘Right, I can’t do this PC bullshit.’ She asks, ‘Are you after my husband or my son?’

“I said ‘Neither, I have both, thank you.’ ”

She was unsuccessful in all applications but having got her Class 4 truck driving licence at age 15, she was hired as a freight truck driver, only to be laid off during the pandemic in 2020.

Her time in Christchurch wasn’t

Rob Anstis

all heartbreak, however. Love struck for a second time when she met her partner, Mike.

Then more luck. Her uncle called to let her know the Invercargill marae needed rebuilding. Her 15 years in the navy, which included working at the marae, meant she was hired.

Given the task of applying for government funding, she wrote an application that brought in $9 million to rebuild. She was heavily involved in the build from beginning to end.

“I was pleased to step back and let what we call ahi kā take over –the people at home who keep the fires burning.”

The couple felt a sense of belonging to the south and looked at property.

“There were two places for sale in Edendale at the time. One was a beautiful five acre block with a great garden ... but we bought what we could afford, which was the house directly beside the pub.”

Located in the heart of a rural community, she applied to be a Fonterra milk tanker driver and at 58, she landed a job back in dairying.

“I am finally at home. I have a different route every day, I never know where I am going. I get to see mountains, I get to see the ocean –you can’t get any better than that.”

In the job for two years, Paterson travels 400km a day on average, but it has its challenges for a 60-year-old woman.

“There is quite a bit of heavy lifting ... It is building muscle memory and a technique that works for you. I am not the only girl driver.”

She hopes her story can inspire other women to take up the job, too, and said it’s a privilege to be welcomed onto farms and experience the back end of their operation.

“What hopefully I am doing is normalising it for women in the future.”

Olivia Caldwell PEOPLE Dairy

Deborah Paterson Edendale

SHEPHERD: Deborah Paterson during her internship as shepherd-general at Greenstone Station in 2016.

Photo: Supplied

Bonanza beckons for Fonterra farmers

DOUBLED: In the past year Fonterra supply shares have doubled in price, from $2 to $4.30 currently, partly in anticipation of a capital return.

Hugh Stringleman NEWS Fonterra

FONTERRA could return up to $3 billion to its farmers from a full exit of its consumer brands and businesses, Northington Partners says.

While the capital return to shareholders could be influenced by seasonal working capital requirements and capital expenditure, a potential return of $2 a share is material for the share price.

In the past year Fonterra supply shares

(FCG) have doubled in price, from $2 to $4.30 currently, partly in anticipation of a capital return.

Fonterra Shareholder Fund (FSF) units have walked a similar climb, from $3 to approximately $5.

Northington said the potential value of consumer “in-scope” businesses is highly uncertain until offers are received but the book value of $3.4bn represents 12 times earnings before interest and tax (EBIT).

“Comparable consumer dairy businesses broadly trade at enterprise values of 14 times,” Northington says in its annual report to the Fonterra Co-operative Council.

“It is possible that Fonterra may divest some or all the in-scope businesses or may decide to retain a shareholding.

“In addition, ongoing milk supply arrangements or other transaction terms may impact on value.”

Fonterra said an update on the divestment process can be expected at the annual meeting in Taranaki on Thursday, November 14.

Northington listed the details required, such as transaction structure and value, use of sale proceeds, impact for brands, manufacturing and people, and the ongoing relationships with purchasers.

“The high-level rationale for the potential exit of the consumer and related businesses appears reasonable when viewed from a financial performance perspective,” the report says.

Capital employed by the in-scope businesses is $3.4bn or 30% of Fonterra’s total, while their contribution is 14% of sales volumes.

Fonterra wins global animal welfare award

Staff reporter NEWS Animal welfare

FONTERRA’S farmers have won a major international award for their animal husbandry.

The dairy co-operative received a Good Dairy Commendation from Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), a leading global animal welfare and environmental organisation.

CIWF’s annual Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards recognise food companies who work collaboratively to create more sustainable food supply chains and have policies and commitments that support animal wellbeing and the environment.

This year’s awards were held in Paris, recognising 49 winners from around the world.

Fonterra is the first pasture-based dairy company to receive a Good Dairy Commendation.

This acknowledges companies committed to implementing higher wellbeing standards ensuring cows have access to pasture, are not tethered and their welfare is monitored through key animal-based indicators.

Fonterra’s director of sustainability

Charlotte Rutherford said it reflects the work the co-op’s farmer owners do to uphold high standards of animal wellbeing.

“Dairy cows are at the heart of our coop and we are proud to help provide an environment they thrive in. Our On-Farm Excellence team works closely with farmers to illustrate our high standards to customers and consumers.”

RESULTS: Co-founder of DNAiTECH Murray Broom says their device will be used to get fast test results without the need for a laboratory. DNAiTech did not want to supply images of the device as it might give away intellectual property.

Portable diagnostic device on the way

Gerhard Uys TECHNOLOGY Animal welfare

KIWI biotechnology company

DNAiTECH says it has invented a portable diagnostics device that can identify a broad spectrum of animal diseases without the need for a laboratory.

Co-founder of DNAiTECH Murray Broom said the technology is capable of accurately identifying a broad spectrum of animal and human diseases, including Johne’s Disease and bovine viral disease.

The biotechnology company announced a $1 million raise led by Sprout Agritech, with a $750,000 repayable grant from Callaghan Innovation, to support the development of revolutionary instant diagnostic tests.

DNAiTECH uses a means of testing called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) which amplifies small segments of DNA to detect a myriad of diseases.

The tests are done with a

hand-held device made portable for point-of-care testing.

Broom said diseases like Johne’s in livestock drive significant losses. The ability to deliver instant diagnosis at the point of care “changes the game”, he said.

“It’s the difference between taking the problem to the lab, or taking science to the problem.

“Immediate diagnostics can drastically improve outcomes.

Fast detection of bovine viral disease in cattle can save millions in potential losses.

“Clinicians can get results in minutes compared to waiting days for lab tests.”

Because of the ease of the device, a “non-scientist” should be able to effectively use it, he said.

Broom said because the product is a platform for testing, the chemistry to develop a new test for detecting a specific disease could be done quickly.

A product will be available for local sale in 12 to 18 months, and beta testing will be done with selected users before 2025, he said.

‘Dairy has role in affordable diets’

Staff reporter NEWS Dairy

DAIRY can play an important role when it comes to promoting diets around the world that are affordable and nutritious, the Riddet Institute’s Dr Sylvia Chungchunlam says.

Food prices are major determinants of food choice, diet quality and nutrient security and this greatly influences dairy’s role in diets, Chungchunlam said during a presentation at the International Dairy Federation’s Global Dairy Summit in Paris.

It is one of the four lenses through which sustainability can be looked at, with the other three being cultural acceptability, healthy nutrition and the environment.

Looking at the environment dimension, Chungchunlam said animal-sourced foods have a relatively high environmental footprint compared to plant-based foods.

This has led to the development of diets that include mainly plantbased foods, limited dairy products and very little meat.

“When we look at healthy nutrition, what we found is that the Eat Lancet diet is actually inadequate for vitamin D, 12, calcium, iron and zinc.

“And when we look at affordability, what we find is that the global median cost of US$2.84 a day is actually unaffordable for 27% of the world’s population,” she said.

On a cost and affordability basis, dairy milk is less on a per unit weight, costing US$1.62 per 1000ml, which is significantly less than other plant-based beverages.

It is also less on a calcium basis, working out at US$1.30 per 1000mg of calcium compared to plant-based beverages.

Chungchunlam also studied what would be the most affordable and healthy diet and what were the minimum costs for foods to meet basic nutrient needs using a mathematical modelling approach.

In the United States, a purely plant-based diet costs 45% more than the least-cost diet that includes animals.

In the US, the least-cost nutritious diet costs US $1.98

The Eat Lancet diet is actually inadequate for vitamin D, 12, calcium, iron and zinc.

while the least-cost plant diet costs US $3.61.

For milk to drop out of those least-cost nutrition, nutrientadequate diets, the price of milk would have to be increased eight times, she said.

“So how does milk really place within those two diets? When dairy milk is present, it’s actually contributing 26% of a food cost. But when you get replaced by soy milk, soy milk is actually contributing more of the cost, and dairy milk actually contributes more protein compared to soy milk.”

A similar study in New Zealand found that a plant-based diet cost 26% more than a least-cost diet that includes animals.

Preliminary data looking at a developing country such as Indonesia shows that dairy milk contributes 12% in diet costs. Similar results are also seen in Tanzania, she said.

DECISIONS: Food prices are major determinants of food choice, diet quality and nutrient security and this greatly influences dairy’s role in diets, says Dr Sylvia Chungchunlam.

Photo: Files

Dr Sylvia Chungchunlam Riddet Institute

Dialling it in on the details, cow by cow

Why do you think you did so well in the dairy industry awards?

We were able to present our farm business clearly to judges and showcase how we maximise e ciencies. Our cows produce 130% of their live weight in production, which is fairly unheard of. Production per hectare is about 2450 milk solids and we are working on our conversion from kilograms dry matter to kilograms of milk solids. Currently we are achieving 11kg

of dry matter per kg of milk solids produced but as we continue to dial it in, we think we could get it down close to 9kg. This, in combination with our disciplined lower cost structure approach, is the key to our success.

What helps you be e cient?

I’ve developed tools on spreadsheets to ne-tune details around every facet of our system.

I use it to run the details in the background while in the foreground we have a simple management tool the team uses. The tools encompass reporting, monitoring, delegation and rosters.

Because of this system, we can ensure every cow in the herd is consistently fed a well-balanced diet, every single day of the year.

I allocate down to the gram what they’re eating and measure how much production comes from the overall diet. This helps ensure we only spend money in places with the highest returns.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Except for our ve kids, I

thoroughly enjoy the variety of the work we do. I love being able to see the fruit of our labour.

Every day we get to see and work with the animals we love. Watching our team on the farm develop as farmers within our system gives me a kick.

I also know that it’s providing for our family, and creating a sustainable future for the general farming generations to come.

What does your day-to-day role look like?

That changes with seasonal demand. I essentially do planning, monitoring, training, organising sta and contractors, cropping, mating and calving, record keeping and reporting. I spend a lot of time keeping up to date with genetics, feed prices and big-picture stu .

What’s your favourite part of the job?

I enjoy meeting people that are doing a similar thing, being able to compare ideas and build strong relationships. I enjoy us and our friends being able to sharpen each other up.

How does your farm look?

We have 213 hectares on the milking platform, and a 50ha lease block. We milk 900 Friesian Jersey crossbred cows.

We calve three times a year, so we milk all year round. It’s a System 5 high-input system.

We can ensure every cow in the herd is consistently fed a well-balanced diet, every single day of the year.

What got you into this role?

I was born on a farm and enjoyed farming with my grandfather and father. I went full-time dairying when I left school.

I worked myself up from a farm assistant to a 2IC, to lower order sharemilking, then contract milking. We are now in a sharemilking equity partnership.

What does life look like when you’re not at work?

We’ve got ve kids that keep us pretty busy. Family time is pretty high up on our priority list.

The feeling’s mutual. FMG was set up in 1905 to give farmers a better deal and that’s something we’re still doing today. We have a set of values we stand by that make FMG a mutual. You’ll probably nd you share these values too.

fmg.co.nz

We go to church, get out into nature together and I enjoy hunting.

Why would you recommend people join the primary sector?

The lifestyle, for ourselves and family. Being able to come home and have lunch with my kids is a privilege.

It’s satisfying spending time on the land with the animals. Being able to feed good healthy whole foods like milk, meat and cheese to the world – there’s a heap of value in that.

What are your hopes for the future of the industry?

I can see the industry sharpening up a lot in the next decade.

There’s a lot of technology that’s just being tapped into now, especially around wearables and automation. Farm system development and genetics will have a huge role to play.

I can see a lot of advancement in these areas made over the next decade.

The industry will need a lot of young people that are really clued up with technology.

Logan Dawson, pictured with Sian Dawson, says the dairy industry will rely on more technology in the future and it will need to recruit more young, tech-savvy people.

Logan and Sian Dawson were nominated by FMG rural manager Jen Stokes as Agristars after they walked away with the Waikato Dairy Industry Awards Sharemilker of the Year this year and came second in nationals.

LOGAN & SIAN DAWSON

Waikato Dairy Industry Awards Sharemilker of the Year winners

Dutch dairy’s steaming cowpat issues remain

SIMILAR production but from fewer cows is the trend of the Netherlands dairy industry as the government tackles environmental issues, according to Rabobank Dutch dairy and veal sector manager Danielle Duijndam.

While there is much for Dutch farmers to celebrate in being innovative and productive, they face significant challenges, which she thinks will result in the dairy sector shrinking.

She told Farmers Weekly that she expects stocking rates will reduce from about three livestock/ hectare to about 2.2, due to government measures to reduce nitrate issues from livestock manure.

Applications are limited to 230kg/ha of nitrogen.

This will see some farms cease trading with predictions the country’s 1.6 million cow herd could shrink by 10-15%.

Duijndam said the average dairy herd is about 110 cows and average production is about 9000 litres/cow.

The Dutch government dairy sector body ZuivelN reports that milk production in 2023 totalled 13.9 million tonnes.

A year ago thousands of farmers protested at the manure restrictions with a new government subsequently elected at recent elections.

Attempts by the new administration to negotiate a workable solution have failed and recently it announced it would start formulating a completely new policy, but no details have been released.

With every trade, the dairy industry shrinks a little bit.

The manure is produced from housing cows; farmers have to pay someone to take it away or to use it.

Cropping farmers are one market. Some is dried and sold to neighbouring countries.

To control nutrient loading, the government has introduced a capand-trade process.

Duijndam said if farmers wish to expand their herd, they must buy nutrient rights or units from someone exiting or who has excess, but the total volume of these rights is subject to a shrinking lid.

Whenever rights are surrendered, the amount available to sell is reduced by 10%, soon to be 30%.

“With every trade, the dairy industry shrinks a little bit,” said Duijndam.

The nutrient issue has resulted in restrictions on crop rotations of potatoes and the Netherlands national symbol, tulips.

The government has also adopted a farm-buyout scheme for those with nitrate issues.

Duijndam said so far less than 2.8% of dairy farmers have shown interest in the offer, but it has been greater for other sectors, with 13% of veal farms, 18% of pork farms and 13% of poultry showing an interest.

“Showing interest does not mean that all those farms will actually stop farming,” she said.

“Some farmers are not certain what to do or will change their minds. Also some do not meet the requirements and will not be approved to participate.”

Farmers in the Netherlands also

have an issue with urban people choosing to move to rural areas and questioning farm practices such as the use of chemicals, with clashes ending up in court.

“We have a lot of pressure from being a small country with a lot of people,” said Duijndam.

Flashpoints between farmers and the European Union differ across the bloc.

In Germany the issue is animal welfare, in Denmark it’s climate change with the government proposing to price agricultural emissions, and in the Netherlands it’s to do with nature.

Dutch dairy production will also be impacted by the European Union’s Green Deal, a suite of environmental policies designed to address sustainability issues.

They include 2030 targets of a 20% reduction in fertiliser, a halving in nutrient losses, 50% less use of antimicrobials and a 25% increase in organic farming.

Animal rights groups wield significant influence in Europe.

Duijndam said they recently mounted a publicity campaign naming and shaming supermarkets that stocked fast-finished

CHALLENGING TIMES: Rabobank

Dutch dairy and veal sector manager Danielle Duijndam says Dutch dairy farmers feel unappreciated.

chickens, considered to have been saturated with growth stimulants to encourage rapid growth.

Such was the backlash, supermarkets banded together and decided to stop stocking them, which lifted the price of all chicken meat.

The focus of animal rights activists has now shifted to dairy farmers with the claim cows are being made to produce more milk than is biologically and naturally possible.

If successful, Duijndam said, the overall impact could push milk prices higher.

She said the mood among Dutch dairy farmers is mostly negative, of not being appreciated, not helped by policy uncertainty.

The daughter of dairy farmers, Duijndam still milks cows several days each week on her family farm, which sits 7m below sea level.

• Wallace visited seven countries in six weeks to report on market sentiment, a trip made possible with grants from Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms, Alliance, Beef + Lamb NZ, NZ Meat Industry Association and Rabobank.

earliest possible disease detection precise heat detection & calving alerts optimised feeding

Neal Wallace MARKETS Dairy

MARKET FOR MANURE: European Union cropping farmers are a key outlet for manure produced by the livestock industry.

Photo: EU Commission.

Danielle Duijndam Rabobank

New trade prospects and robust production

Sector perspective

OCTOBER has been a bustling month for the dairy industry, highlighted by our joint hosting of the SGX-NZX Global Dairy Seminar in Singapore alongside SGX. This event not only brought together many key players from the market but also allowed us to share insights and connect with current and potential customers

while maintaining our usual business operations.

Throughout the month, we observed a mix of trends in milk production, trade dynamics, and Global Dairy Trade (GDT) event outcomes.

In New Zealand, milk production remains robust. September recorded a 5.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase in milk solids, aligning closely with our NZX milk production forecast of 5.4%. In terms of tonnage, this translates to a significant 4.1% YoY growth, amounting to 2.6 million tonnes – the highest figure for September since 2020.

Looking ahead, our NZX milk production predictor suggests a midpoint YoY increase of 3.6% for October, coinciding with the peak of the season. This will be followed by a tapering off, with expected increases of 2.4% in November and 1.8% in December, and declining midpoint figures starting in February 2025.

Across the globe, the United States has reported a marginal YoY increase in milk production of 0.1% for September. Australia also posted a positive figure with a 1.4% rise. In contrast, Europe is beginning to show declines, with

August’s milk production down by -1.0%.

Argentina and Uruguay continue to face challenges, reporting decreases for September milk production of -1.9% and -1.0%, respectively.

The landscape of milk availability and the resulting product mix have led to constraints in key regions, particularly in Europe, where butter production has felt the pinch. These production challenges, combined with varying demand across regions, resulted in mixed outcomes at the GDT events in October.

The first event, Event 365, saw a 1.2% increase in the GDT Price Index, driven primarily by a 3% rise in whole milk powder (WMP) prices. However, Event 366 experienced a slight dip of -0.3%, influenced by a -1.8% decline in skim milk powder (SMP) prices.

New Zealand’s dairy exports for September showed promising YoY growth in both volumes and values, with increases of 2.7% and 12.7%, respectively. The disparity between these figures is largely due to significantly higher global dairy prices compared to last year. Notably, anhydrous milk fat

GROWTH: New Zealand’s dairy exports for September showed promising YoY growth in both volumes and values, with increases of 2.7% and 12.7%, respectively.

(AMF) stood out with a remarkable 37% YoY increase in export volumes. Other regions also reported strong export figures: the US saw a 3.5% increase, Europe 3.3%, and Australia 9.7% in August. Meanwhile, Argentina experienced an 8.7% rise in September exports, while China’s imports fell by -8.9%.

Despite China’s slower recovery, we are seeing a positive trend in export numbers across all key regions. The tight production environment in many areas, paired with rising demand from southeast Asia and the Middle East, bodes well for New Zealand’s dairy products as we navigate the tail end of our peak season.

The conclusion of trade negotiations between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in late September, followed by agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

in October, is expected to enhance trade value in both directions.

Notably, the GCC is New Zealand’s second-largest dairy market after China, with the UAE alone purchasing over $707 million worth of dairy products in the past 12 months (October 2023 to September 2024).

It is crucial to keep an eye on evolving factors such as avian flu and heifer availability in the US, along with the blue tongue virus and weather issues in Europe. These challenges could shape future milk supply constraints and impact dairy product availability worldwide.

While we face some global production hurdles, the overall outlook for New Zealand dairy remains strong. By leveraging trade opportunities and adapting to market demands, we can effectively navigate this dynamic landscape.

Cristina Alvarado Alvarado is commercial manager, data and insight at NZX

FEDERATED FARMERS

Tour launched to boost farmer confidence

Federated Farmers have launched a three-stop tour with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon that has one aim and one aim only: restoring Kiwi farmers’ confidence.

Together they will be hosting large public meetings in the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland that are being pitched as a not-to-be-missed celebration of New Zealand farming.

“Farmer confidence has been far too low for far too long – and we wanted to do something about it,” says Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford.

“It’s been a really tough few years for many of our farming families, with challenging weather, high interest rates, rampant inflation, and falling incomes. My family have felt that ourselves.

“There have also been challenges with impractical farming rules that haven’t always been fair or affordable, and that’s left a lot of farmers feeling frustrated and disillusioned with the system.

“These public meetings are Federated Farmers’ way of trying to reset that mood and finish the year with something really positive for our rural communities heading into Christmas.”

The tour will kick off in the Waikato on Tuesday, 26 November, with a rally at the Mystery Creek Events Centre near Hamilton – home of the national agricultural Fieldays.

The group will then head further south to Canterbury for a public meeting at the Ashburton Event Centre on Friday, 29 November.

The tour will wrap up in Southland on Wednesday, 4 December, with a final meeting at the Southern Field Days site in Waimumu, just outside of Gore.

“We want to see as many local farmers as possible pull on their gumboots, jump in the ute, and come on down to join us for these events,” Langford says.

We want to see as many local farmers as possible pull on their gumboots, jump in the ute, and come on down to join us for these events.

Wayne Langford

Federated Farmers national president

“The Prime Minister is coming to town with the sole purpose of speaking with farmers, listening to our concerns, and understanding our rural communities at a much deeper level.

“That’s not something that happens every day; in fact, it’s not something I can ever recall happening on this scale in my lifetime.

“This is very much intended to be

a two-way conversation, with plenty of opportunities for farmers to ask fair questions and connect with the leader of our country too.

“We really want to make the most of this opportunity and make sure we pack these rooms to the rafters with real grassroots farmers.”

Langford says the events are family-friendly and the kids are more than welcome to attend – but you should probably leave the dog at home on the farm!

“I think it’s really important for our next generation of farmers to see that we’ve got a Prime Minister who is proud of what we do, proud of our country, and is really backing us as a sector.”

Federated Farmers’ six-monthly surveys show farmer confidence remains at record-low levels, with increased costs, reduced incomes, and red tape weighing farmers down.

That’s why, in the lead-up to the 2023 general election, Federated Farmers released a roadmap for restoring farmer confidence with 12 policy priorities for the next Government.

“Those policy priorities landed really well with farmers and it’s great to see so many of the ideas we put forward have been picked up by the coalition government,” Langford says.

“We’ve seen a lot of action quite quickly on those really big issues

After a tough few years for Kiwi farmers, the tour will be a

to finish the year with something positive heading into

that have a material effect on a farmer’s business and confidence to make longer-term investment decisions.

“Methane reduction targets are being reviewed, the ‘ute tax’ got the axe, freshwater rules are being rewritten, and the Resource Management Act is being replaced.

“That’s not to say farmers aren’t still making environmental improvements, but we’re certainly feeling a lot more empowered to make positive changes with much more practical rules.”

Langford says he’s optimistic Federated Farmers will see a lift in farmer confidence levels when the next survey results are released in late January 2025.

“It really does feel like we’ve started to turn a corner and that the mood of rural New Zealand is becoming more positive – we just need to keep this momentum up.

“I’m hoping we can finish 2024 on a real high note with record crowds turning out for the Restoring Farmer Confidence tour – so make sure you get off the farm and join us!”

RESET:

chance

Christmas, Wayne Langford says.

THE RESTORING FARMER CONFIDENCE TOUR

Farmers and rural communities are invited to join Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford for a public meeting about how we can restore farmer confidence

Tuesday 26 November

Mystery Creek Events Centre, Waikato, 12pm – 2pm

Friday 29 November

Ashburton Event Centre, Canterbury, 12pm – 2pm

Wednesday 4 December

Southern Field Days Site, Southland, 12pm – 2pm

T hr ow on your gumboots, jump in the ute, and we’ ll see you ther e.

Events to help navigate the sharefarming risks

Financial growth and greater flexibility are just a few benefits on offer when you go sharemilking or contract milking, but there are plenty of risks to consider too, Sam Ebbett says.

Federated Farmers is running a nationwide event roadshow throughout November, pitched at helping new and existing contract milkers, sharemilkers and farm owners.

Ebbett, the organisation’s national sharefarmer chair, says the main purpose of the free events is to talk about all the risks involved in going share farming – and how to manage them.

“Sharefarming is a risk, plain and simple, and you need to know how to mitigate those risks as much as possible if you’re going to have a successful business.

“When you move from being a farm manager into sharemilking or contract milking, you suddenly become a self-employed business owner.

“This brings a whole lot of new responsibilities. You’re essentially now carrying all the same risks as a farm owner, just not quite on the same scale.”

He says sharemilkers are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in the milk price, while contract milkers can get stung with rising costs in a high-inflation environment.

Employing staff is another area that presents a lot of risk, he says.

“If you’ve always been an employee, you’ve never had to think about everything involved with having people work for you – and there’s a lot to think about.

“You need to understand basic employment law and know what your rights and responsibilities are as a boss, just the same as any other business you see that employs staff in town.

“If things go sour with an

employee, it can leave you very vulnerable if you haven’t followed the letter of the law.”

You’ll also now need to shoulder health and safety requirements, environmental regulations, and animal welfare responsibilities, Ebbett says.

“Animal welfare is a big one.

When you’re contract milking and sharemilking, you’re in charge of the animals, so it’s on you to deal with NAIT compliance and all that sort of stuff.

If things go sour with an employee, it can leave you very vulnerable if you haven’t followed the letter of the law.

Sam Ebbett

Federated Farmers national sharefarmer chair

“A lot of managers may have been in charge of NAIT recording in the past, but they won’t have been the Person in Charge of Animals (PICA).

“Now, that role and all the weight falls on you.”

Ebbett admits talking about risk sounds a bit negative but says it’s just about going in with eyes wide open.

“Don’t get me wrong: there’s also really exciting parts of being selfemployed in the dairy sector.

“You get all the benefits of it, like having more freedom to choose how you spend your time, and being able to put a whole lot of stuff through the business and claim back taxes and GST.

“There are more positives than negatives, but you just really need to fully understand both sides.”

One important way to mitigate the risks is by using Federated Farmers’ industry-leading sharemilking and contract milking agreements, Ebbett says.

“Those agreements have been put together and reviewed regularly by both experienced sharefarmers and farm owners to make sure they’re fair for both sides. They’re the best you can get.”

Using the agreements is the first step, but the next is to actually fill them out completely, he says.

“It sounds easy to fill out the whole contract, but it often doesn’t happen.

“The number of contracts I come across where we see empty boxes, or where both parties haven’t signed, is phenomenal – and not in a good way.

“I strongly encourage people to fully complete those agreements to prevent any issues later in the season.”

New sharemilkers and contract milkers should also make sure they get everything in writing, Ebbett says.

“Outside of the agreement, make sure all the farm policies and procedures – like health and safety, animal welfare and environmental –are written down and not just verbal.

“All that stuff should be covered off, so both parties have a clear understanding of who’s responsible for what.

“A handshake deal feels nice and informal, but it won’t stand up if you have a dispute further down the track – and unfortunately it does happen.

“Getting everything on paper and signed by both parties will help prevent any nasty surprises.”

Federated Farmers ‘Managing risk in share farming’ events are running throughout the month, free for both members and non-members.

Head along to hear industry experts sharing advice on contractual changes, farm assessments, and how to build and main strong, enduring working relationships.

MORE: Details at fedfarm.org.nz/events.

8 0 0 3 2 7 6 4 6

Sam Ebbett says.

Flood ‘hiding’ compounds tough spring

It wasn’t long ago that Otago farmer Simon Davies rebuilt six kilometres of fencing on his lease block.

But when the devastating weather bomb hit his home of Toko Mouth last month, much of this good work was undone.

About a kilometre of fencing was badly damaged and access to the area has been destroyed.

All up, Davies estimates the costs to his farming operation from flooding, slips and stock losses from 280mm of rain in 72 hours will top $100,000.

“Most of that rain hit us in only 24 hours and we took a hiding,” the former Federated Farmers Otago president says.

A big chunk of his 400-hectare lease block was hit hardest.

“Of a 45-hectare steeper area, probably 90% has slipped. All of the soil to the hard has gone – it’s just slid off.

“It’s likely we’ll basically restore fencing along the ridge top, then replant and retire it.”

Of 30 to 35 fences damaged,

at least eight will require total rebuilding.

The Davies’ 650ha farm block, which had a much higher proportion of east-facing slopes planted in

exotics and natives, held together better.

Nevertheless, it’s taken a huge amount of work to restore order over the last five weeks, including a week

Feds push for Gore District Council plan hearing pause

Federated Farmers Southland has called for Gore District Council to delay its next hearing of the proposed district plan until farmers have the headspace to take part.

“Farmers in Southland are going through an incredibly challenging time right now, which is why the Government announced a mediumscale adverse event classification for the region,” says Bernadette Hunt, executive member of Federated Farmers Southland.

“The weather has had a negative impact on grass growth, there’s a lot of damage to be repaired on farms, and planting of crops has been

significantly delayed. That’s going to be the immediate priority for most farmers.”

Hunt says it’s vital that farmers are engaged in the hearing process, but they need more time to prepare their evidence with clear headspace.

“We simply don’t have the time or capacity to put enough thought into the hearing scheduled for December or to fully participate in the process.

“That’s why Federated Farmers have written to the district council with an urgent request to delay the hearing until at least April 2025.

“That would give Gore’s farmers

time to recover and get through what will likely be a challenging harvest season.”

She says rural communities in Gore are particularly concerned about the Sites and Areas of Significance to Māori (SASMs) chapter within the proposed plan.

Farmers are looking for an approach to SASMs that allows them to get on with farming in the vast majority of cases, with a clear understanding of which areas require protection, why, and what that protection looks like, Hunt says.

“Farmers must also have a clear and transparent process that’s easy

with a hired digger and driver to clear tracks and repair fences.

As part of the recovery, Davies and other farmers in the Inch Clutha and Strath Taieri area were delighted that Lincoln University students pitched to help while on study break.

Davies says the three ‘Handy Landy’ volunteers came to his place one morning, and seven at lunchtime, and got stuck into fence repairs and other work.

“All I had to do was supply materials. They had enough nous to work out what was required and they got into it.

“Just as soon as one job was done, they were looking for the next thing to do,” Davies says.

“I really, really appreciated it.”

One aspect of the flooding Davies hasn’t seen much coverage on is stock losses.

“I was only lambing my hoggets at the time but I probably lost half of them. For example, I picked up 35 dead lambs in a mob of 60 hoggets.

“Even more disappointing – and this is more widespread than just my

district – we’ve lost three- and fourweek-old lambs from infection in muddy conditions.

“I know that’s been a problem further south, and in Southland too.”

It’s likely we’ll basically restore fencing along the ridge top, then replant and retire it.

It’s a bitter blow for sheep and beef farmers already doing it hard, he says.

Even though the flooding is the worst he’s seen in his 15 years in the district, Davies says there’s no point talking to the council about flood protection.

“It was simply the volume of localised rainfall in that short period of time. You could spend huge amounts of money and still not protect yourself from that sort of event, so why bother?”

to navigate when extra protection is required, and they can’t be financially penalised when they’re protecting an area for the greater good.

“We’re working this through with

Hokonui Rūnanga and we want the council to engage with us in the process too by giving us more time to see it through to what we hope will be a positive conclusion for everyone involved.”

CLEAN-UP: Otago farmers hit by last month’s floods were delighted that Lincoln University students pitched in with the recovery work.

Simon Davies Toko Mouth farmer

WORK TO DO: Bernadette Hunt says farmers need more time to prepare their evidence for Gore District Council’s hearing on its proposed district plan.

Te Aroha 407 Rawhiti Road

143 ha (more or less) dairy farm located minutes North of Te Aroha township. This dairy farm milks around 470 cows spring calving OAD milking from Christmas and consistently produces around 125,000 kgMS on a mainly grass feed system. The property is flat to undulating contour and subdivided into approximately 86 paddocks serviced by well formed and maintained internal race system Farm infrastructure is well maintained and includes a 44 ASHB shed, 300 cow capacity rectangle yard, 300 cow feedpad with adjacent large feed bunker and fully lined effluent storage facility. There are numerous implement/calf sheds and haybarns located on the farm The property is fully compliant in every aspect. Homes consist of a large four bedroom Hinuera Stone managers residence and two other well maintained staff homes. The property is in five titles and is being sold with two lifestyle lots included.

257 ha (more or less) farm with approximately a 127 ha dairy platform, 40 ha of Pines and the balance native bush. Waitoki farm produces around 85,000 kgMS from 375 cows with 120 calves reared year on year on a mainly grass input system. Infrastructure is very good and includes two homes, a 36 ASHB shed, 180 cow capacity feedpad, fully lined storage pond with weeping wall, large calf sheds, haybarns and implement sheds The property is subdivided into approximately 54 paddocks and is serviced by a well formed and maintained race system The property is fully compliant in every respect and is nicely presented The farm will be sold in three titles (subject to final survey) including one lifestyle lot. There is plenty of upside here and you will not be disappointed

Tender closes 2.00pm, Wed 20th Nov 2024 (unless sold prior), Property Brokers, 78 Studholme Street, Morrinsville View Tue 12 Nov 11.00 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/MAR188363

Ian Morgan M 027 492 5878 E ian.morgan@pb.co.nz

Chelly Aitchison M 022 697 8779 E chelly@pb.co.nz

Tender closes 2.00pm, Wed 20th Nov, 2024 (unless sold prior), Property Brokers - 78 Studholme Street, Morrinsville

View Tue 12 Nov 11.00 - 1.00pm

Web pb.co.nz/MAR188364

Ian Morgan M 027 492 5878 E ian.morgan@pb.co.nz

Chelly Aitchison M 022 697 8779 E chelly@pb.co.nz

Rawhiti Dairies

Scan for more

Te Aroha 386 Rawhiti Road

Waitoki Dairies

Te Aroha 298 Rawhiti Road

Te Aroha Dairies

Here is a fantastic opportunity to secure a farm with location and scale minutes away from the Te Aroha township. This 242 ha (more or less) dairy unit has it all with cow numbers around 670 and production from a low input farming model being around 170,000 kgMS with OAD milking from Christmas. Farm buildings and infrastructure is significant and includes four homes, a state of art 70 bail rotary dairy, 700 cow feed pad, large concrete bunker, fully lined effluent storage facility, implement sheds, calf sheds and numerous other farm support buildings The property is subdivided into approximately 86 paddocks and serviced by well formed and maintained race system Contour of the property varies between flat to undulating with some sidlings. Compliance is all ticked off with this farm The property is in twelve titles and is being sold including five lifestyle lots. If it is scale and location that you are looking for this farm presents a real opportunity.

Taumarunui opportunities await

204.48 ha (more or less)

A rare opportunity to increase your farming operations or future forestry investment. Located in the Ruapehu District, renowned for its outstanding tree growth and agriculture. Comprising 204.48 ha (more or less, subject to title council consent has been approved). An attractive rural property with a natural water source, ease of access, well tracked, skid site options 14 paddocks cattle yards, 12 ha (approx) of bush and a

Tender closes 2.00pm, Wed 20th Nov, 2024 (unless sold prior), Property Brokers - 78 Studholme Street, Morrinsville View Tue 12 Nov 11.00 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/MAR188366

Ian Morgan M 027 492 5878 E ian.morgan@pb.co.nz

Chelly Aitchison M 022 697 8779 E chelly@pb.co.nz

Ngakuru 589 Whirinaki Valley Road Final

Rare offering - Ngakuru dairy farm

Located just 23 km from the centre of Rotorua is this immaculately presented 144.46 ha property, made up of approximately 100 ha of milking platform (97 ha effective) and the remainder being an attached support unit of approximately 34 ha effective. The milking platform is flat to gently undulating with the support unit being mostly moderate hill with approximately 3.5 ha being mowable. Significant work has been carried out during the current ownership to fence off sensitive areas and a full upgrade of the effluent system has been undertaken to meet present and future requirements. Farm infrastructure includes a 22 ASHB shed complete with in-shed feeding, AB facility as well as a full range of other farm buildings, all presented in good condition, as is the four bedroom home plus office, complete with garaging. This property is the pick of dairy farms in this locality and the milking platform has some of the best contour in the district.

Rerewhakaaitu 219 State Highway 38

Retiring vendors seek new adventures

On offer is this 120 ha dairy farm of flat to easy rolling contour and located on fertile Rotomahana soils. Most of the farm infrastructure is located on 89 ha comprised of two titles, with a 31 ha title accessed via a stock underpass 320 cows milked for a three year average of 136,000 kgMS with the best production being 147,000 kgMS under System 3 management. Farm infrastructure includes a modern 20 ASHB shed with in-shed feeding. The range of support buildings includes multiple barns/implement sheds/calf sheds. A modern effluent storage and dispersal system is fully consented until 2031. The main home is a four bedroom unit with open-plan living and north facing deck The second house has three bedrooms with separate lounge The farm is situated in a superb rural community and is a well regarded farming district, with proximity to major centers, offering convenient access to supplies, services, schooling and recreational activities.

4 1

Tender closes 12.00pm, Fri 15th Nov 2024, Rotorua Office, Redwood Shopping Centre, 5 Tarawera Road, Rotorua View Wed 13 Nov 10.30 - 12.00pm Web pb.co.nz/WTR167807

Phillip Berry M 027 478 8892 E phillip.berry@pb.co.nz

Phil Badger M 027 357 5704 E phil.badger@pb.co.nz

Tender closes 11.00am, Wed 20th Nov, 2024 (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Rotorua, Redwood Shopping Centre - 5 Tarawera Road, Rotorua

View Thu 14 Nov 12.30 - 2.00pm Thu 21 Nov 12.30 - 2.00pm

Web pb.co.nz/WTR193158

Phillip Berry M 027 478 8892 E phillip.berry@pb.co.nz

Phil Badger M 027 357 5704 E phil.badger@pb.co.nz

Dannevirke 651 Top Grass Road

One

of the best

Located on Top Grass Road, Dannevirke, in the sought-after Tararua District, Ruahine Range Views Farm offers a well developed 144.5 ha dairy operation featuring top tier dairy infrastructure and a strong history of performance

A milking herd of approximately 350 cows supplies Fonterra with around 190,000 kgMS annually The contour is predominantly flat, with rich, fertile soils and strong, clean pastures that reflect a well executed and sustainable fertilisation regime. The farm showcases an impressive array of modern, high quality infrastructure, including a 40 ASHB shed equipped with cup removers, swing arms, and in-shed feeding, along with a fully compliant 1,200,000-litre clip-tank effluent system designed for both efficiency and sustainability.

Other improvements include multiple sheds, covered feed bins, concrete silage pit and reliable reticulated water. Accommodation needs are well provided for with two dwellings.

Te Uri 1410 Ngapaeruru Road

Glen Elgin - 255 ha

Glen Elgin, the ultimate first farm or expansion opportunity, located just 25 km east of Dannevirke in the highly soughtafter Te Uri farming district.

Highly productive, the property has wintered in excess of 2,200 high performing stock units, with 235 ha considered effective. The vendors have consistently invested in fencing, fertility, and improvements ensuring a high standard of operation. Benefit from a four stand woolshed, multiple sets of sheep yards, cattle yards and ample shedding, making it a true turn-key operation. A partially renovated three bedroom home in good condition, featuring two spacious living areas, a new wood burner, and an outdoor office, is perfect for both family living or work from home opportunities Glen Elgin is competitively priced below the latest Rateable Value of $3,145,000, providing an exceptional opportunity for the discerning buyer.

Purchase price is plus GST (If any).

Tender closes 2.00pm, Tue 3rd Dec, 2024, Property Brokers Dannevirke, 4 Stanley Street Dannevirke View By appointment

Web pb.co.nz/DR194004

Sam McNair M 027 264 0002 E sam.mcnair@pb.co.nz

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 E jared@pb.co.nz

For Sale $2,450,000 View By appointment

Web pb.co.nz/PR192774

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 E jared@pb.co.nz

Sam McNair M 027 264 0002 E sam.mcnair@pb.co.nz

Kumeroa 730 Otawhao Road

Rangiwiu Station - 1,102 ha

Tender

A rare opportunity to secure a piece of rural paradise for the astute farmer, Rangiwiu is presented to the market for the first time in 119 years.

Nestled in a picturesque valley in the sought-after Kumeroa farming district, this station presents a rare opportunity for lifestyle, farming and investment. With well maintained infrastructure, including a centrally located five stand woolshed with covered yards, two sets of cattle yards, an airstrip and reticulated water providing a turn key operation. Two dwellings and a single shepherd's cottage are well presented, allowing options for both owner and staff accommodation alike. The main homestead is a real feature of the property which has been beautifully renovated and is situated in picturesque grounds

With nearly all the property considered effective and 100 ha of cultivatable land this expansive hill country farm is ideal for multiple uses including grazing, cropping and eco-tourism.

Pongaroa 79 Range Road

Range Road - 251 ha

A well developed sheep breeding and cattle finishing property located on Range Road, just 7 km west of Pongaroa, and within commuting distance to Pahiatua and Dannevirke. Well subdivided and presented, the property has been run in conjunction with the vendor's other properties, focusing mainly on breeding and finishing lambs to good weights. The property has also grazed a handful of cattle at various times of the year The contour of the property is a mix of easy to medium hill, complemented by reliable rainfall provides favourable growing conditions. A single person quarters provides accommodation on the property, while infrastructure includes a four stand woolshed, complete with sheep and cattle yards, and is supported by satellite yards in the centre of the property.

Range Road provides an excellent entry property opportunity or an additional add on to an existing business

Tender closes 2.00pm, Tue 10th Dec, 2024, Property Brokers Pahiatua, 129 Main Street Pahiatua. View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR192023

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 E jared@pb.co.nz

John Arends M 027 444 7380 E johna@pb.co.nz

Jamie Smith M 027 220 8311 E jamie.smith@pb.co.nz

Tender closes 2.00pm, Wed 11th Dec, 2024, Property Brokers129 Main Street, Pahiatua

View By appointment

Web pb.co.nz/PR117225

Jamie Smith M 027 220 8311 E jamie.smith@pb.co.nz

Jared Brock M 027 449 5496 E jared@pb.co.nz

Finishing, contour, scale and potential

Located in the renowned Kereru farming district an easy 35 kilometres west of Hastings is this exceptional 957 hectare landholding An amalgamation of four parcels of flat and easy contoured land this property has the ability to finish large numbers of bulls and lambs There has been very good investment in fertiliser pasture renewal reticulated water and extensive laneway systems providing excellent access and workability At the hub of the farm we have a near new four stand woolshed, sheep and cattle yards complex and a refurbished four bedroom home set in established gardens Other improvements include a three bedroom stock manager’s home, two bedroom shepherds' accommodation, and an extra four stand woolshed, sheep and cattle yards complex Suitable as an additional finishing unit to a breeding operation or as a standalone finishing property bayleys co nz/2853746

Tender Closing 4pm, Tue 26 Nov 2024

17 Napier Road, Havelock North

View by appointment

Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253

tony rasmussen@bayleys co nz

Chris Heenan 027 599 3527

chris heenan@bayleys co nz

An ideal first farm or run-off in the highly regarded Ashley Clinton district presents itself to the market for the first time since the late 1800s The 193 82ha property is situated 29 9km west of Waipukurau and is held in nine titles A feature of the farm is the numerous dams and wetlands which have been aesthetically planted and have created a duck shooters dream Currently under a lease arrangement the stock policy has been breeding ewes, bull beef and dairy grazers, along with some cash cropping with Barley A three-bedroom dwelling built in the 1940s, with two large storage/lock-up sheds, complements the buildings The property with its flat easy contour, rainfall and recreational dams, gives a purchaser many options bayleys co nz/2853755

Medway Hills

Medway Hills is a stand-out property located in the Northern Manawatu only 11 kilometres East of Kimbolton With 632 hectares on offer, the farm benefits from having quality improvements including the main fourbedroom homestead with open plan kitchen, dining, living areas with stunning views overlooking the farm and an additional four bedroom dwelling built in 2000 further down Ridge Road Stock facilities include a six-stand woolshed plus covered yards, four-stand woolshed, two load-out yards and additional satellite yards The farm is a mix of easy to medium and some steeper hill and a consistent performer wintering rising 1 & 2 year store cattle and lambing Ewes and Hoggets A great opportunity to secure a well-located farm with good scale and quality improvements bayleys co nz/3100687

The future of dairying

and environmental compliance bayleys co nz/5525584

(unless sold prior)

1pm, Wed 4 Dec 2024

Manchester Street, Feilding Phone for viewing times

Monckton 021 724 833 mark monckton@bayleys co nz

Monckton 027 394 3705

monckton@bayleys co nz

• 515 Candy Road, Pokuru district, Te Awamutu

• 129 6 hectares

• contour varies from easy rolling country, to strong fertile flats: some sidlings

• soil types include mairoa ash and Puniu silt loam

• very well subdivided with an extensive network of well -maintained races

• very good water reticulation system provided from 2 deepwell bores

• 380 cows calved; 2 year average of 169,000 kgs milk solids

• 24 a/s farm dairy, doubled up with 48 sets of cups; extensive areas of concrete with an adjoining feed-pad; large concrete silage bunker; substantial calf -rearing shedding

• very good 4 brm homestead with ensuite off master brm and attached double garagelovely north-facing outlook across the farm to Mount Pirongia; additional 3 brm dwelling, extensively renovated

• very good options for schooling both within the Pokuru district and the nearby bustling town of Te Awamutu

Class Dairy Unit

•

• 24 a/s herringbone dairy shed; external vat; in -shed feed system with 16 tonne silo

• quality 5-bay implement shed / workshop - 3-bays lockable

• well-maintained 3 bedroom homestead plus adjoining 2 bedroom sleepout

• good options for Primary and Secondary Schooling

• great road appeal enhanced with attractive specimen trees

The availability of a well -developed & well-managed kiwifruit orchard provides a unique opportunity to acquire a significant inc ome-producing investment with potential for growth, situated in a great location 11 k ms from Te Awamutu - available as a stand-alone entity or can be purchased with the adjoining Mangahana dairy unit

• 150 Cruickshank Road, Tokanui district, Te Awamutu

• 26 7 hectare land area; 19 24 canopy hectares of green kiwifru it

• attractive flat to gen tle contour; free -draining mairoa ash soil

• significant production currently; potential for increase as newer plantings come to full production

Brian Peacocke 021 373 113

• 2024 harvest - 201,107 class 1 trays - 814,822 to tal kgs of kiwifruit

• 2 x deepwell bores supply an extensive irrigation system throughout the orchard

• large packhouse / workshop building

• an attractive 2 storied 5 brm homestead, nicely positioned with lovely north -facing views

Following two generations of diligent ownership, a once -in-a-lifetime opportunity is now presented with the availability of an e specially good, larger scale dairy unit, situated in a great location, 11 kms from Te Awamutu

• 130 Cruickshank Road, Tokanui district, Te Awamutu

• 269 2 hectares (s t s) - free-draining mairoa ash soil

• high percentage of easy rolling country suitable for hay, silage or maize

• very attractive presentation with deciduous trees producing shade and shelter and native plantings occupying some less productive areas

• well subdivided & raced; extensive water reticulation system supplied by several bores

Brian Peacocke 021 373 113

• buildings and amenities include a 50 bail rotary dairy shed; adjoining feed -pad; extensive areas of concrete; su bstantial calf-rearing shedding; 2 additional disused h b cowsheds utilised for vet work and stand-off areas

• quality 5 brm brick homestead in a prominent site with spectacular panoramic views; 3 additional 3 brm homes

• excellent lo cation, a very good district, well -situated for a variety of schooling options

TradeMe / Realestate.co.nz - search # R1431

Ph

PAPAMOA, BAY OF PLENTY

Fishing or Surfing Minutes After Milking!

• 113ha dairy farm on one title

TENDER Plus GST (if any)

(Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm

Thursday, 12 December

• 38ASHB shed with GEA plant (replaced 2018) Currently milking 750 cows utilising additional lease land, 5yr avg production 334,146kg MS

• 450 cow feedpad with concrete supplement bunkers

• Modern effluent system, spread via travelling irrigators

Three dwellings plus numerous sheds

Only minutes away from beaches, boat ramps, shops and cafes

pggwre.co.nz/TEP40496

VIEW By Appointment Only

Tim Gallagher

M 027 801 2888

E tim.gallagher@pggwrightson.co nz

David McLaren

M 027 223 3366

E dmclaren@pggwrightson.co nz

Prime Beef Unit

Strong performing 161ha beef unit consisting of predominantly easy contour boasting an excellent reticulated stock water supply. The pastures are in great heart reflecting the renovation programme, drainage and consistent fertiliser applications over many years. Plenty of room for supplements. Well subdivided and with great infrastructure the property boasts a well appointed home situated in an established and sheltered environment With its presentation and performance this property is hard to beat and would suit alternate farming practices including dairy support or sheep breeding/finishing.

pggwre.co.nz/DAN40495

Geoff Waterworth

M 027 437 8063

E geoff waterworth@pggwrightson.co.nz

Tuma Mullins

M 021 0857 1913

tuma.mullins@pggwrightson.co.nz

NEW LISTING

PUTARURU, SOUTH WAIKATO

384 Overdale Road - Drystock Cropping Gem

For the first time in nearly 50 years this beautifully presented dry stock/cropping block of 236 hectares (503 acres more or less) is coming to the market.

Located within a short drive to Putaruru, this oftenadmired property has a mix of 1/3 cropping 1/3 easy hill and 1/3 medium to steeper contour Currently cropping approximately 70 hectares maize/chicory, as well as beef fattening, some dairy support and balance of sheep. The property is maintained to a very high level, with lanes, fences and sheds in great presentation, as are the two established homes Ring Trevor for more information.

pggwre.co.nz/MAT40506

LEASE

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

Plus GST (if any)

(Unless Sold Prior)

Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 5 December

VIEW 11.00-1.00pm Thursday 14 & 21 November

E trevor.kenny@pggwrightson.co.nz

NORTH CANTERBURY

It Can All Start Here!

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any)

Closes 2.00pm, 4 December

Start your farming career here at Glenlachlan by securing the lease to this productive 104.2103 hectare property, or an opportunity to add more scope and scale to your existing farm. The property has a history of being leased for a number of years with long term tenants. In previous years it has had a history of growing grain and seed crops There is an array of outbuildings and an older three bedroom home.

VIEW By Appointment Only

Bruce Hoban

M 027 588 8889

E bhoban@pggwrightson.co.nz

WHARETOA, OTAGO 191 Chapman Road

Exceptional Lamb Finishing and Stud

Sheep Property

413.2263ha, situated in the Wharetoa district of South Otago is this exceptional property faithfully farmed by the Shaw family since 1966 and home to the renowned Wharetoa Genetics.

An easy contoured versatile property including excellent fertility with impeccable livestock performance and production.

Well subdivided into 90 main paddocks with excellent access by county road and extensive internal lane system, stock water supplied via trough network from rural water scheme.

Quality improvements feature a spacious four bedroom brick homestead surrounded by a very appealing lawn and garden setting

A second three bedroom home built in 2014 is fully double glazed and insulated, situated on a separate title comprising 2.4704 hectares. There is excellent stock handling facilities including a three stand woolshed, combined covered yards, numerous quality supporting farm buildings and three satellite sheep yards.

Excellent farming practice, superior sheep genetics and stockmanship has provided an outstanding level of livestock performance and production over the years and is a credit to the Shaw family Wharetoa farm is truly a quality offering and a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure an easy contoured property in a historically summer safe location.

OAMARU, NORTH OTAGO

'The Dasher' Station - Leasehold and Freehold

A substantial breeding and finishing property extensively developed and improved over the past 12 years. 6,224ha is Crown Leasehold, on a perpetual 33 year Lease and 74ha is Freehold on a separate title. 2024 the vendors wintered 5,777 MA ewes, 2,500 hoggets, 65 rams, 267 I/C MA cows, 83 I/C heifers, 284 Mixed sex calves, and 11 breeding bulls Extensively developed with impressive covered yards, over 60km of new tracks, 30km of new fencing, extensive capital fertiliser and lime applied re-grassing and stock water reticulation. Endless potential (subject to LINZ approval)

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 12.00pm, Friday 13 December VIEW By Appointment Only E jrutter@pggwrightson.co.nz

GST (if any)

446 Pirongia Road, Te Awamutu

Saturday November 16th 2024 at 11.30am

a/c Milton Wheeler, 110 Cloverlea Road, Palmerston North

Comprising: David Brown 990 x 2 (non-runners); TEA x 2 (non-runners); Fordson; Massey Harris; tractor forks; Forklift forks; fuel tank & stand; Cooling tanks x 2; Complete stationary Engines – Closed Crank; Wolsley; Lister; Waterloo; Anderson; Boothmac. Incomplete engines: Tangye x 3; Blackstone x 2; Melvin & Son; Wolsley x 3; Lister x 5; Waterloo x 3; Anderson x 1; Cooper x 2; International x 5; Massey Harris; Boothmac x 3; Horricks Roxburgh; Electra; Hornsby x 3; Iowa; Twigg; Fowler; Warwick; LKG; Nova; Stova; ChoreBoy; Mogul; Type BW; Associate; Famous IH; Masport; boat engine; crosscut, cut-off & hack saws; water pumps; shearing gear; laminated planks; knives; tools; closed crank; horse gear; scales; bolts & miscellaneous hardware.

Terms: Purchases are to be cash/EFTPOS only (unless a client of NZ Farmers Livestock).

Further enquiries: Darryl Harwood NZFL agent 027 449 1174 or E: darryl.harwood@nzfll.co.nz

■ Ideal for shearing sheep, alpacas, goats and cow tails

■ Variable speed from 2600-3500rpm

■ Latest brushless motor technology means minimal heat build up

■ 1400gms means 100-200gms lighter than standard handpiece

■ At 2800rpm the 12v lithium battery will crutch 300-400 sheep or trim up to 400-500 cows tails

■ Tough alloy switch box with auto reset se for overload or lockup – clips to belt

View in action go to www.handypiece.co.nz

Earthmoving Equipment

Viewing: 10.00am onwards day of sale or prior by appointment, items will be live online for bidding from 8.00am Monday 11th November

Stock Includes: Excavators, Compact Tracked Loaders, Rollers, Buckets, Rams, Excavator Under carriage, Parts and more.

This is an opportunity not to be missed!

Live Auction will be held onsite at Garland St, Matamata Items are in Auckland, Matamata, Christchurch, Gore

Email: dave@handypiece.co.nz

Farm Manager – Drive Innovation and Lead at Arkley Farm

Arkley Farm is a story of growth and innovation, owned by Pete and Esther Gardyne, the Farm continues to benefit from its strong foundations of family values, an improvement mindset and dedication to forward-thinking and progressive farming. The whole business consists of three farms, a team of six, 7500 ewes, 2200 hoggets, a well reputed sheep stud, 300 cattle and a cropping operation.

The Farm Manager role is integral for Arkley Farm. This opportunity will see you with responsibility for one farm (Bracken Hill) and also lead the commercial and livestock performance across all three farms. With the tools at your finger tips and the opportunity to drive performance, this role is both challenging and rewarding. You will bring a number of great qualities, including:

• Leadership experience with an understanding of how to get the best out of yourself, your team and know that communication & collaboration is key.

• Knowledge of various farms systems, effective stock and pasture management and high attention to detail when dealing with animal health and utilising the resources and infrastructure available.

• Knowing the value of measuring, managing and reporting the critical data that links to farm performance with competency in different farm technology.

• Having held experience in a similar role for 2-3 years with a team of dogs that will get the job done.

To register and apply now, follow the link https://no8hr.vincere.io/careers/apply/32507/ farm-manager or visit website at www.no8hr.co.nz.

For more information about Arkley Farm visit www.arkleyfarm.com. For more information about the opportunity or the Job Description reach out to Nick at nick@no8hr.com or call him for a confidential discussion on 029 222 0019.

Service Manager

Stockyards / Livestock and Site Environs

Auckland Meat Processors is a large manufacturing business located in Mount Wellington, Auckland and is the processing arm of the Wilson Hellaby group of companies. Our core business is centred on providing a quality platform for the processing/further processing of red meat. Our vision is “Great Meat Delivered with Pride”

As a key member of the management team and reporting to the operations manager the appointee will work closely with a number of stakeholders within the operation and will be responsible for the following:

Providing leadership to a group of 18 livestock staff who receive and handle beef, lamb and goats over both day and night operations.

• Ensure continuous improvement within the department/process is achieved along with being a key member in facilitating the commissioning of the livestock side of our new processing site.

• Ensure all obligations and responsibilities under the Health and Safety legislation are met.

• Be responsible for our Animal Welfare program as the welfare officer.

• Facilitate the daily logistics plan with our key customers / suppliers.

Oversee aspects of the site Environs which includes grounds maintenance.

The position would suit someone with livestock experience and is a full time role however should some flexibility be required along with areas the successful candidate needs to grow in, they will be fully supported to gain those skills.

If you think this role sounds like something you would be keen to be part of, apply now by sending your CV and Cover Letter to shane.baty@auckmeat.co.nz

Applications must be in by: 29 November 2024

Check out Poll Dorset NZ on Facebook nzsheep.co.nz/poll-dorset-breeders

NU GEN TEXEL AND SUFBELT AUCTION

10TH DECEMBER 2024 – 2PM ON FARM, 363 CATHERWOODS ROAD, CUST and AGENTS: RURAL LIVESTOCK LTD

WILLOWHAUGH SOUTHDOWNS BLENHEIM

Ultimate low input, short tailed, shedding, meat maternals, closed flock. 20 years performance recording for net profit (no UK genetics). Fertility, Survival, Weaning Wgt, EMA, Carla, FE. 30 TEXEL RAMS 9 SUFBELT Terminals 10 SUFBELT EWES

Contact: Brent Macaulay, RLL 021 220 0850 Robbie Ried, RLL 027 473 0868 Mel McCormack, Vendor 021 050 3130

Join the winners

Make your sheepfarming easier and more profitable

— Want sheep that look af ter themselves? Wairere has mated all ewe hoggets since 1966 and lambed them unshepherded

— Want innovation? Buy Wairere Nudies

— Want rapid genetic progress? Wairere has around 10,000 ewes and hoggets on SIL.

— Want constitution? Buy Wairere

— Want a premium brand? Wairere Romneys, Challengers (FEtested at 0.6), Composites, Dominators

(0800 924 7373)

Two tooth rams prior to sale

Romney - Romdale - K Maternal (high-per formance composite) - K . x Romney

Building Better Bloodlines

Piquet Hill Rams are:

• Moderately framed and structurally sound

• Extremely hardy

On-farm at Meadowslea Mt Cook Road, Fairlie 300 Rams - Kiki South worm-resistant Romneys

• Prolific and vigorous

• FE tolerant

• Worm resistant

• DNA profiled and parent verified

Maternal composite (FE testing @ 6.7)

Sheddmaster (FE testing @ 4.0)

Romney (FE testing @ 7.2)

Blackface terminal composite

Enquiries and viewings welcome Will Jackson 027 739 9939 william@piquethillfarms.co.nz www.piquethillfarms.co.nz

Perendale x Texel x Romney - Texel x Romney - Terminator (hill-bred blackface)

Advertise

David Giddings 027 229 9760 giddingsfamily@xtra co nz George Giddings 027 656 3323 george@yourbid org

•

• Lease with Link-A-Bull

SALE TALK

A Cowboy rode into town and stopped at a saloon for a drink.

Unfortunately, the locals always had a habit of picking on strangers, which he was. When he finished his drink, he found his horse had been stolen. He went back into the bar, handily flipped his gun into the air, caught it above his head without even looking and fired a shot into the ceiling.

“Which one of you sidewinders stole my horse?!” he yelled with surprising forcefulness. No one answered.

“Alright, I’m gonna have another beer, and if my horse ain’t back outside by the time I finish, I’m gonna do what I dun in Texas! And I don’t like to have to do what I dun in Texas!”

Some of the locals shifted restlessly. The man, true to his word, had another beer, walked outside, and his horse has been returned to the post. He saddled up and started to ride out of town. The bartender wandered out of the bar and asked, “Say partner, before you go... what happened in Texas?” The cowboy turned back and said, “I had to walk home.”

• FUTURE FOCUSED - 30 Years of Performance Recording Shedding Sheep.

• FIRST for FACIAL ECZEMA - Ramguard™ since 2006, 0.55.

• FIRST for PARASITES - Carla™ antibody test since 2012.

• FIRST for MEAT, FERTILITY - AnimalPlan/SIL recording since 1995.

• TOP MEAT YIELDING RAMS - Low Input Trial Results.

• HOOF SCORING - Every Ewe and Ram Hogget.

• Longevity – For 13 of the last 15 years, all ram hoggets have been wintered on the steep hill country of Paki-iti for two months.

Rams that cannot handle this regime are culled

• Performance – Fully performance recorded. Growth, Meat Yield, Survival and Meat Quality Traits

• Reputation – Over 500 Suffolk and Suftex rams sold and leased every year

Markets

Proudly sponsored by

Demand-supply seesaw tilts for lamb

Just as prices pick up, so fuller pens –due in part to dry conditions – begin to weigh on market.

ALL the talk about the improvement of the lamb export markets is finally translating into more dollars in the pockets of the country’s sheep breeders. This has been especially noticeable in the first rounds of new season lamb sales in the North Island.

A year ago 28kgLW store lambs were averaging only $2.90/kg via paddock and on-farm sales. Fastforward to a week ago, and that was more like $3.70/kg, effectively adding an extra $22/head to returns, which adds up quickly over a few thousand lambs. And that doesn’t factor in growth rates tracking well ahead of last year’s lows, either.

Unfortunately, this market is starting to track downwards as the numbers available start to outweigh demand. With dry conditions building in Hawke’s Bay, some vendors in all regions are opting to cash out of lambs early on the chance that drought develops.

Others are simply selling store to inject a bit of cash back into bank accounts as the financial pressures caused by last season linger. But this recent change hasn’t affected the wider state of play for the industry. For instance, a big improvement in the number of lambs up to finished weights in the North Island’s first drafts

Some vendors are opting to cash out of lambs early on the chance that drought develops.

can’t be ignored. And any lambs that made it to processing plants last week usually returned a gross price of $7.80-$8.10/kg in both islands, up approximately $23/ head versus the same time last year on a 17kgCW lamb. Anyone who will miss the boat on these early sales shouldn’t be too concerned, as long-term forecasts are more optimistic than at the start of spring, weather depending.

Not only are export markets slowly on the rise, but procurement competition between processors should also be stronger than usual. The North Island lamb

crop is forecast to have dropped to a new low, but there’s yet to be any change in processing capacity levels.

The closure of the Alliance Smithfield plant may have had some impact on competition in the South Island in previous years, but that’s unlikely this season between the lower forecast lamb crop before lambing, and the significant losses recorded in Otago, Southland and some Canterbury high country since. Forecasts for AgriHQ’s Outlook report will be released soon, but it’s now widely expected that lamb slaughter prices will settle roughly around $6.70-$7.00/kg through late-January and February, about 30c/kg higher than what was being discussed only two months ago.

Store markets are never easy to predict given how quickly a dry/ wet spell can swing the market at short notice. However, crop

Nov-18 Nov-19 Nov-20 Nov-21 Nov-22 Nov-23 Nov-24

farmers are looking to buy in more stock this year given maize and squash contracts have been harder to come by and cereal prices are down on last year, especially in the North Island. Not to mention more people have reduced ewe numbers and are opting to buy in lambs instead.

The reduced lamb crop may limit

the number available on the store market too, which could support prices.

However, this may be balanced out by more hill country farmers considering selling store this year given drench resistance is making it increasingly difficult to get lambs up to finished weights on harder country.

DOWN: The store lamb market is starting to track downwards as the numbers available start to outweigh demand, says Reece Brick.

NZ lamb & mutton slaughter price ($/kgCW)

Reece Brick MARKETS Livestock

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

Keeping an eye on the high and the dry

Philip Duncan NEWS Weather

EVERY November is basically the same.

From a big-picture point of view our weather patterns across New Zealand tend to slow down more during this month, with often an uptick in high pressure and a downtick in rainfall.

Now that we’re into the second week already the long-range forecast shows three things:

1. New Zealand still has most of our weather being westerly driven.

2. We still see regular cold fronts coming into the country.

3. The most important thing to note of all – NZ is going to get more high pressure.

An increase in high-pressure zones will limit those cold fronts, and coupled with a westerly flow overall this means most regions that are dry now will likely become even drier.

From a soil moisture point of view we’ve already sounded the alarm for Hawke’s Bay. Now we’re ready to add

Gisborne/Tairāwhiti into the same “needs rain” camp, along with parts of Northland and the Far North.

I suspect it won’t be long until we add parts of Waikato and King Country to this list, although being westerly driven weather at the moment there’s a chance places like Waikato and Northland may still get downpours.

There are several fronts coming into the NZ area but most of them don’t have the power to go nationwide, which limits rainfall the further north you are.

High pressure looks to be exiting Australia and crossing the Tasman Sea on a fairly frequent basis in the next couple of weeks, dragging warmer air our way – and drier air too.

Not every weather forecast map shows drought conditions setting in – spring variety still continues in November – but the chances of a low suddenly forming over us is reduced due to the increase in high pressure.

Long-range rainfall data does still suggest northern and western parts of the country are most exposed to rain or afternoon downpours.

Personally choose the opportunity and the security asset to lend against

Fixed return of 10-11%p a paid monthly

Minimum investment of $100,000

a paid quarterly

Minimum investment of $10,000

Eastern areas look driest, with Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Canterbury and Marlborough all likely to receive the least amount of rain.

If you’re in Southland and Otago and are sick of the wet, there look to be longer stretches of dry. But sorry, West Coasters, despite more days with dry weather you still have plenty of wet weather days to contend with. Locations south of Hokitika are in the 200mm-plus camp over the next two weeks. That tapers off to a more respectable 100mm from Greymouth to Westport.

Well to the north of New Zealand all the hallmarks of the wet season, the cyclone season and the risk of a La Niña season are all showing up – but until that invisible brick wall in the sky (high-pressure zones) clear away, all that tropical moisture and rainfall will remain up there.

NZ’s spring pattern is now becoming gluggy – more high pressure is in the mix and fewer low pressure zones are expected over us. But until major storms over the Southern Ocean weaken, we’ll still be getting a lot of westerly driven weather here in NZ.

MEASURE: The Standardised Precipitation Index is a simple measure of drought (and also of very wet conditions) and is based solely on the accumulated precipitation over the time period.