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Golden Bay Fruit happy with this year’s crop BARBARA STUART This year’s crop looks fantastic. Apart from being a wet season, the crop is looking relatively clean and sizing well. There was late frost during blossom which reduced the crop load on a few blocks but nothing to compare to the 2020 hail, reports managing director of Golden Bay Fruit, Heath Wilkins.

“Export shipping has not improved so far this season. There is an issue getting supply of containers which is impacting our ability to get enough containers out through the port each week. This means there’s is a knock-on effect for supplying our customers globally due to omissions and schedule changes because of weather disruption.”

“We are working with four different shipping lines to maintain scheduled shipments but we’re at the whim of the weather,” he adds.

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Heath and Rhys Wilkinson “This year’s crop fantastic.”

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Editor’s corner BARBARA STUART

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This week I listened to an interview of Federated Farmers Chair, Andrew Hoggard as he was interviewed by Corin Dann about the latest from the Ministry for the Environment.

Climate Change figures which show a decline of 0.7% in emissions for all New Zealand.

While agricultures reduction is 1.5%, good news. “Why are kiwi farmers dragging the chain?” Corin Dann asked.

The response from Andrew Hoggard went like the following. Historically dairy has been making efficiencies of 1.2% annually. The industry is coming off peak numbers. He thinks there’s less fertiliser going on and there has been a drop in

animal numbers.

“There’s the loss of land to carbon farming,” he said. “Sheep and beef farmers continue to be upset by the loss of good productive land to pine plantations. These efficiency gains are slowly working their way through to the numbers,” he said.

Farmers don’t want additional climate warming but the challenge of 20% reductions for sheep and beef farming is a tough call.

“How can NZ be credible in our existing trade deals and keep our ability to upgrade our trade conditions without meeting these goals?” Corin asked.

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My most recent anger is with the absurd increase in gun licences. Statistics show that after the mass waste of taxpayer money spent on the gun buy back we saw increased fun related crimes and killings. The old adage – when guns are outlawed only outlaws will have them!

Surely all farmers are not oblivious to what is taking place worldwide. You only have to look at the World Economic Forums website and it doesn’t take much see the connection between it and other organisation such as WHO, UN etc. People take a long time to realise they are being consistently lied to. I am not a farmer but took part in a ‘Groundswell’ convoy into Nelson in support of ongoing and unscientific attack being made on farmers including unjust taxes. The groundswell convoy had me asking questions. “Where are the farmers?” Yes, it was badly timed.

Were the persons organising not farmers? I know many supporters were not. The two tractors leading the convoy were contractors one coming from Golden Bay. As usual the mainstream media were nowhere to be seen. If they did report the protest, quite likely to portray those involved as hayseed-NAZI’s. We need a bold and decisive move to not see either major party re-elected. They have both failed us miserably for years.

Don Ammon, Wakefield

“No other country is doing this. Other WTO countries raise their eyebrows at our government’s goals. What we should be saying is; here are our Co2 long lived figures and goals and here are our short-term goals.

Federated Farmers preference is the split gas approach,” said Andrew.

“Surely trade deals put a focus on our performance?”

Andrew’s response: “My understanding is, there’s nothing in these deals to that effect. Other countries can’t expect of us what they are not doing themselves. For example, the Indian government intends to increase

their dairy production from 23% to 46% of the worlds milk supply while having a much greater footprint than NZ.” The question that is begging; while farmers strive to meet these demands and our global competitors don’t, where is the real gain in terms of reducing intense weather events that are affecting everyone?

Can someone answer this?

There seems to be no clear plan for reducing the climate impacts that we all buy into. Is producing food efficiently to feed a proportion of the world’s population to be encouraged or dismissed to the detriment of the NZ economy?

Meanwhile, well done to the kiwi ag-sector for nevertheless reducing emissions and propping up our economy.

Golden Bay Fruit happy with this year’s crop FROM PAGE 1 The company reports early apple varieties have arrived in market with Sassy and Royal Gala leading the charge into Guangzhou.

Sass cemented its position as an early season variety with harvest one week ahead of other varieties.

This year Sassy’s volume out of New Zealand is up to twenty containers from just two containers last year.

The sweet candy pink Cherish is looking gorgeous this year and

has a refreshed look, brand story and video to bring the romance and sweetness of Cherish to life.

This season’s Cherish is looking as pink as ever and is in great condition.

This season, Golden Bay Fruit has teamed up with local juicer Tasman Bay Food Co. to press their apples, kiwis and pears into pure apple and pure apple and kiwi juice.

Beautiful fresh apple juice with no added sugars, no preservatives, in fact nothing but fruit and a pinch of vitamin C.

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Fonterra revises season forecast

Greg Hart says that community and regenerative farming systems will become more important with time. Photo: Supplied.

Regenerative farming in the Moutere STAFF REPORTER Cyclone Gabrielle reminded Hawkes Bay farmer Greg Hart that community and regenerative farming systems will only become more important with time.

“The key thing has been community. It’s when you have got people around you who can pick you up.”

The heavy rains and wind in February caused some hillside erosion on his 600-hectare family farm south of Hastings.

“There’s lots of fences to fix.

The local bridge is out for trucks.”

Hart will speak about his regenerative Mangarara Station at the Moutere Hills Community Centre in Upper Moutere, 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, May 25.

Regenerative farming can be broadly interpreted, but for Hart it is about putting life at the center of his decisions.

“We’re talking about permaculture thinking and going a step beyond where most people are at.”

Hart, who is from a conven-

tional farming background, effect on livestock production extracted in North Africa and has been slowly transitioning but it does provide shade and is not sustainable long term. his beef farm to a regenerative shelter and drought fodder Hart also believes his tighter model that will better with- as well as different miner- management systems around stand extreme weather events. als in the animals’ diet. This holistic planned grazing re“I’m looking further down the Silvopasture system also en- duces the need for fertilizer track. We’re energy blind. Our hances nutrient cycling and inputs. growth has been based on a increases biodiversity. About “We can see that the planet massive fossil-fuel subsidy. 85,000 of the native trees were is suffering water issues and We change by funded by Air climate issues. We can make disaster or deNew Zealand, a difference by building carsign.” he says. which would bon in our soil and improvHart started send its staff ing its water holding capacity. planting trees You don’t have to twice a year You don’t have to believe in 20 years ago. to help with climate change to care about believe in climate planting at the this.”

Now, 120,000 trees in, he can change to care station.

For farmers who are just enjoy a view about this While Hart starting on the regenerative across his land supplies beef path, Hart recommends conof pastures diproducts to necting with other like-mindvided by rows Greg Hart buyers in New ed farmers looking to change and groupings Zealand, he course. It’s also important to of native bush and trees. sees the value of supplying in- design the changes you make “It’s more beautiful, and the ternational market. so, if it doesn’t go well, it can insects and birds have given it “New Zealand could be trust- be an affordable fix, he says. more life,” he says. ed as a regenerative food pro- The eco-lodge at Mangarara The trees are planted in a ducer worldwide,” he says. draws 1500 to 2000 tourspace that qualifies for the The local bridge, weakened by ists per year, and Hart is also ETS and earning carbon cred- Gabrielle, will be fixed evenplanning a subdivision of Attn: Jedi Linton its. At current carbon price of tually but for now it cannot nine or 10 sections to form a NZ Van Spares limited around $60 this will treble the bear the weight of trucks.Company: This community around the land. income earned from this area tipped Hart to decide to forgo “The future seeing 2021 is goPlanner: HRL RuralI’m Ag Planner in the next 10 years. The ex- applying fertilizer this year. ing to need a lot more people Region: North pectation is that it will have The use of fertilizer has been a living onCanterbury the land, getting minimal, if any, detrimental question for Hart becausePrice: it is closer to their food.” $995.00+GST

The Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd revised its 2022/23 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price range from NZ$8.20 - $8.80 per kgMS to NZ$8.00 - $8.60. This reduces the midpoint of the range by 20 cents from $8.50 to $8.30 per kgMS. Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the change reflects short-term demand for products that inform the Co-op’s Farmgate Milk Price being softer than expected.

“Since our last update in February, prices for our products on Global Dairy Trade have either declined or remained flat. Skim milk powder prices have fallen 7% since February, and whole milk powder prices have not lifted to the levels assumed in the previous forecast.”

Miles Hurrell reports that there are two main drivers behind this. The first is demand from China for whole milk powder has not yet returned to expected levels. The second is northern hemisphere milk production, and therefore skim milk powder stocks, are increasing as they head into their spring flush.

With these factors weighing on demand, prices have not increased to the levels required to sustain a higher forecast Farmgate Milk Price for this season. We recognise this change has an impact on our farmers’ businesses, at a time when many are facing increasing costs.

“It’s a blow for farmers, normally at this time of the year overdrafts have dropped but with costs increasing and inflation out of control, the situation is very uncomfortable for many farmers,” Stephen Todd, Nelson Federated Farmers said.

“To assist on-farm cash flow, we are adjusting the Advance Rate schedule, which is the proportion of the season’s Farmgate Milk Price paid to farmers each month, to get cash to our farmers earlier. We have increased the March paid April payment and plan to hold payments at that level until June. We are able to do this because of the strength of the Co-op’s balance sheet, which is further supported by our strong Date: 03/09/2020 full-year earnings forecast. Our full year foreNo. of pages: 1 of 55-75 cents per cast normalised earnings share remains remain posFrom: unchanged.

KevinWe Quinn itive about the outlook for next season and 022 639 Farmgate 2655 will share Phone: our opening 2023/24 Milk Price forecast in May,” says Mr Hurrell.

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Tasman Young Farmer of the Year competition ELOISE MARTYN Members from the Tasman Valley Young Farmers Club have had a blast competing in the Tasman Young Farmer of the Year competition, held at Amuri A&P Showgrounds in Rotherham.

The competition saw contestants from Tasman, Canterbury and the West Coast go head-to-head and battle it out for a place in the Grand Final.

The competition showcases the level of skill and knowledge of young people in our food and fibre sector.

The contestants competed in a range of theoretical and practical challenges, yet the two head-

to-head contests were a major highlight.

The first head-to-head saw contestants work side-by-side with only thirty minutes on the clock to install a strainer post, identify six native plants, strop down a large truck load of hay and complete it all by blowing up a balloon and then popping it.

The second, and last, head-tohead involved making your own wooden sheep gate and hanging it.

Contestants were given the timber to measure and cut, the nails, nuts and bolts plus a picture of the gate with measurements.

The gates were judged on how close to completed they were in

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the thirty-minute time frame, as “It was really interesting to be on the other side of it, I really enwell as the workmanship. joyed it.”

“It was full on, and The contestants not many gates were completed,” had a range of othexplains Blair Anger tests such as a lesey, a sheep farmprimary industries quiz, modules such er from the Sherry as bee keeping, River and committee member of the butchery and tractor driving.

Young Farmer conBryce Win, a young test. “It was great sheep farmer from fun and awesome Dovedale, picked to have all the clubs come together, up 4th place. “The Bryce Win Tasman region put which doesn’t hapfrom Dovedale on a great contest. pen often.”

Last year Blair was a contestant, Everyone was competitive but at this year he was on the commit- the end of the day we all had fun, I loved being part of it and hope tee.

National commits to game changers MAUREEN PUGH National List MP

Farming is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy with agricultural exports making up 63 per cent of our goods exports to the tune of $41billion.

When farmers succeed, New Zealand succeeds.

However, since coming to power in 2017, Labour has waged war on farmers by burying them under a mountain of red tape: more than 20 amended regulations that directly affect the ability of businesses in the agricultural sector to operate successfully. For example, wetlands are so poorly defined that farmers are having to go through a court process to determine whether land is a ‘paddock’ that can be farmed, or a protected wetland that can’t.

Because farmers end up spending more of their time

and money grappling with Labour’s new rules, they have less to invest in their farms, risking lower productivity. Costs get passed on to consumers so, actually, we all end up paying for Labour’s over-regulation.

Let’s be honest: Labour does not understand the rural sector. It has run rough-shod over local communities and imposed ‘one-size-fits-all’ rules with massive compliance costs for farmers, often for limited or no environmental gain, and using rules and regulations to try to run farms from Wellington.

That ends under National.

National’s ‘Getting back to Farming’ package will cut the mountain of red tape and help farmers get on with earning the income on which their livelihoods, New Zealand’s economy, and New Zealanders’ standard of living, depend. National will get Wellington

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to return next year.”

Amelia Marsden, a nutrient specialist for Balance Agri-Nutrients from Mapua, took 5th place as well as the award for being the highest-scoring female in the regional contest.

“It was a great day with a wide variety of challenges that tested us all,” Amelia says.

“My favourite part of the day was the butchery module where we boned out a piece of pork, something I had never done before.”

Nick O’Connor, who grew up on a dairy farm in Westport, was the overall winner for the Tasman region.

He will compete in the Grand Final, being held in Timaru in July.

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out of farming. We’ll ensure farming regulations are fit for purpose, for example, that they actually protect our environment, as domestic and overseas consumers expect.

National will return the management of local issues to local councils. And we’ll ensure rural communities have the tools they need to continue to provide New Zealand, and the world, with high-quality, low-carbon food and fibre.

In contrast to Labour’s heavy-handed centralisation, National supports practical environmentalism.

We are committed to a carefully balanced approach, integrating both environmental and economic goals.

National will deliver a professional, competent regulatory system that targets environmental outcomes without telling farmers how to run their businesses, and

while imposing the minimum compliance costs on them.

National is committed to New Zealand meeting its climate change goals, but we understand that shutting down some of the world’s most carbon-efficient farmers only sends production to less efficient farms overseas and could raise global emissions.

We can protect the environment and allow farmers to get on with business by reining in the bureaucracy and using clear, well-targeted rules instead.

This is only the start. This country does not need more rules. It needs better regulation. National will be announcing more policy on agriculture – and many other things – in the coming weeks and months. And in government, National will deliver results so that all New Zealanders get ahead.

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May 2023

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May 2023

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Helping our fish survive and thrive The Tasman Jobs for Nature Fish Passage Project assesses and fixes in-stream structures on private land to help fish get upstream.

This work is free to landowners. It involves a small field team visiting to visually check waterway crossings and in-stream structures, such as culverts, for any barriers to fish moving through.

Barriers can include if a structure is perched, undercut, too steep or blocking water flow, if water is too fast or flow is lost through a structure.

If a barrier is found, the team can carry out work to make it easier for fish to pass through. Each fix takes around 15 to 30 minutes, with the use of materials such as rubber aprons, mussel spat rope and baffles.

These low impact fixes for existing structures may require more permanent solutions at a later time.

However, it will certainly make life easier for the fish for the foreseeable future.

The field team (Kūmanū Environmental) is currently visiting properties in the Moutere and Tākaka areas this autumn.

With the support of landowners across the District, the project aims

to complete 4,350 assessments and 1,655 fixes between July 2021 and June 2026. A key aim of the project is to complete whole catchments to better connect waterways for fish.

This Tasman Jobs for Nature Project is funded by Ministry for the Environment and Tasman District Council.

If you are keen to know more or would like advice on installing new or existing structures, contact: fresh waterimprovement@tasman.govt.nz Auctioneer Craig Taylor and Emma Harwood from PGG Wrightson working up towards the nearly $50,000 raised from the Golden Bay community for those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Photo: Supplied.

Golden Bay raises $50k for flood regions STAFF REPORTER

Ellie and Reann, part of the Tasman Jobs for Nature Fish Passage Project, finish up a culvert remediation. Photo: Supplied.

The organisers of a community effort in Golden Bay which raised nearly $50,000 to assist those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle are now encouraging other rural communities to adopt their model.

Rural contractors Stacey Strange and her husband Tristan brought The Farmers Bull fundraising event together in three weeks with a local farming friend Phil Smith after a camping holiday.

Phil does a lot of work on mental health issues and had been talking to some Hawkes Bay/Tairāwhiti farmers.

“It was horrendous hearing some of the stresses emerging,” says Stacey. “We’ve had our own flooding issues here and we felt we had to do something to help. Our initial aim

was to make $5,000.”

The community pitched in with donated auction goods including firewood, digger hours, outdoor clothing, scenic flights, outdoor furniture and a gold nugget which a local gold miner had found 30 years ago and chose to give to the cause.

The final item was a vasectomy which reportedly went for a snip.

PGG Wrightson helped gather the donations and ran the auction attended by nearly 100 people, raising just short of $50,000.

“It blew our initial goal out of the water,” says Stacey.

The funds are still rolling in.

Her daughter’s pre-school was about to run a gold coin donation dress-up day. Stacey says they’re now being contacted by other rural communities to

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learn about how the event was organised.

“Someone’s been in touch from Rail Valley and they’re going to do similar.” She’s encouraging other communities to follow suit to support the affected regions.

“It’s about the whole community getting involved. New Zealand is a small nation, and everything is just up the road.”

Stacey says the Takaka event was so appreciated by those who attended that they are going to make it an annual event.

“Sometimes you only see people at things like funerals so it’s great to be at a positive event that can also raise funds.

There’s always something in the community that needs money.”

In future, that might be Golden Bay causes or supporting other NZ communities.

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Four Mayors on Three Waters The government recently announced a revised version of their three waters policy aiming to improve the quality of the country’s waste, storm and drinking water systems. As part of the changes announced there will be 10 regionally owned and led public water entities, instead of the four originally proposed to take over management of those systems. The Three Waters name has also been dropped in favour of Affordable Water Reform.

Here’s what our four local Mayor’s say on the subject.

Mayor Nadine Taylor, Marlborough

Mayor Tim King, Tasman

Nadine Taylor, Mayor of Marlborough, said she would be discussing the latest proposal with the rest of the Council and would also be talking to Nelson Mayor Nick Smith and Tasman Mayor Tim King. “I’m disappointed the Government has not taken the opportunity to review the decision to use the Ngai Tahu Takiwa boundary in its proposals, meaning South Marlborough’s water assets will still be split from the rest of Marlborough. We’ve consistently said the boundary of the water entities should reflect council boundaries.

Marlborough ratepayers have invested heavily in our water infrastructure, particularly in recent years, and our communities feel a very strong sense of ownership of those assets.”

Mayor Jamie Cleine, Buller Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine said, it all came back to affordability. Whether it was the current model of reform, a different model, or a different government with a different model - but Buller District Council was prepared to work with it. “The reality is we’re already sending people in Westport a bill for over $1000 for drinking water and close to $1000 for wastewater, so they’re paying $2000 a year now for those services and think within a relatively short time, within five years they’ll be paying closer to $4000 for water services. Ultimately, we have a big problem here in Buller that needs to be solved somehow. I don’t see how that will happen without a reform or external support of some sort.”

Tasman Mayor Tim King says, There’s positives and negatives. The latest announcement on Three Waters gives Tasman a greater level of regional influence under the new scheme but costs are likely to be greater than if the South Island is one entity. For Rural households there’s minimal potential for extra cost, most are not paying for wastewater. Mayor King said, “Do not confuse Three Waters with the Water Services Act of 2021, Taumata Arowai, which aims to ensure reliable access to safe drinking water to rural and remote communities.”

Hon Dr Nick Smith, Nelson City Hon Dr Nick Smith, Mayor of Nelson, explains that the recent changes to the Three Waters proposal now puts Nelson in a Te Tauihu Water Entity with Nelson, Marlborough, and Tasman. The result of this will mean that Nelson will have a much more effective say than previously, under the earlier Entity C model, when only allocated 1 representative in 18.

“There are still significant problems with the reforms: I do not support the inclusion of stormwater. This will unnecessarily complicate storm management and climate change adaption work. There has been no shift yet on the Government’s proposal to dismember Nelmac, this will cost jobs, undermine its viability, and cost ratepayers. I don’t support the Co-Governance with 50/50 on the Regional Representation Group between Councils and Iwi. We have a good working relationship with our 8 Te Tauihu Iwi, it is important they are included, but 50/50 representation is disproportionate for billions worth of water assets that have been built up by all people equally. More changes are needed if this reform is to deliver benefits for Nelson in management of our water infrastructure.”

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May 2023

It’s that time of year JACOB LUCAS It’s that special time of year again, a weekend hunters hold dear to their hearts – the start of the game bird season.

On the first Saturday in May, around 40,000 hunters will be up well before dawn, and in quiet excitement, will find their way to their maimai awaiting the magic moment when the clock ticks 6.30am.

In reality for most hunters, preparations for this grand day begins a long time beforehand.

Hopefully, they have visited their hunting spot some time over summer, replacing vegetation on the maimai where required, and checking on the bird population.

They have likely returned before the first April to officially claim their spot, and perhaps put some feed out. Ideally though, disturbance is kept till a minimum until Opening Day.

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The buildup is almost as important as the hunting. Visit’s to your local sports shop to grab your licence and some ammo; checking your hunting gear is in order, and running some drills with the Labrador to blow the cobwebs out.

Many regions will hold duck nights before the season, a chance to learn hunting tips from top hunters who are there speaking, take a look at the latest and greatest gear (and trust me there are plenty of innovative gadgets that will have you reaching for your wallet), participate in calling competitions, and socialize with fellow hunters.

Phone calls and group chat will be buzzing in the weeks leading into May; talk of logistics, bird numbers and tactics.

All of this adds to the excitement and allure of game bird hunting.

Many kiwi’s make their annual pilgrimage to other parts of the country, some leaving duck filled

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Opening Day is a kiwi tradition and great family day out. Photo: Supplied. regions to hunt in destinations where smaller bags are the norm, all in the name of reuniting with mates and family, all in the name of tradition.

Some hunt just the weekend, others will take a time off work and make a week of it.

The South Island game season is a long one though, and opportunities abound in every corner of Aotearoa from start to season close.

Duck behaviour, and the style of your hunting will also change from May through to July; dedicated hunters will hunt throughout the season, adapt to the always changing conditions, and will be dutifully rewarded with plenty of free range roast dinners.

But, without doubt, one of the most special moments for duck hunters are the few minutes before dawn, when decoys are out and everyone is ready, chat in the

maimai fades to quiet, a few seconds in the stillness to compose yourself, then look to the skies as the dawn light appears.

102nd Annual Dog Trials ELOISE MARTYN The Waimea Sheep Dog Trial club, which has been operating for over a century in the area, has just held a very successful 102nd annual trial. The trial was held at their trial grounds located at the end of Higgins Road in Wakefield.

New Zealand currently has 68 dog trial clubs in the South Island and 157 Sheep Dog Trial Clubs spread throughout the country.

This year the Waimea club ran two separate Huntaway courses and Hunt events. The trials began, on day one of two, with heading dog only events. The second and final day was a combination of

both Huntaway and heading dog events.

“We started with a very soggy day on Friday,” says club secretary Sally Powell. “But the sun come out and we had a brilliant day on Saturday.”

A total of 75 dogs ran in each heading event and 44 in each of the hunt events.

Competitors are required to worm their dogs for the tapeworm that causes sheep measles before competing in any dog trial. They must provide a signed certificate for inspection before any dog is allowed out of the vehicle and on to the club grounds.

Sheep Measles doesn’t kill dogs, or sheep, but has a major eco-

Will Harley with Heading dog Lou and Huntaway Kane. Photo: Supplied. nomic impact on farmers, as infected sheep meat is downgraded because of spots in the meat.

Sheep measles can also infect goats and it can be also spread by dogs belonging to pig hunters and duck shooters.

The club was also fundraising by selling woollen dishcloths. “We wanted a fundraiser that provid-

ed a useful product, supported the coarse wool industry and was sustainable,” Sally explains. “The cloths are made in NZ completely from NZ wool, they are also fully compostable when you are finished with them. Feedback is that they don’t get smelly either!”

Forsyth Barr put on a well-received sausage sizzle and the

competitors that were chasing points in the final trial of the season came from as far away as Cheviot, Kaikoura and Wairau Valley.

Anyone interested in supporting the club via the woollen dishcloth fundraiser, or anyone keen to connect with the club, can contact Sally on at sally@tcvet.co.nz

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May 2023

Brand power will increase wool demand ELOISE MARTYN New Zealand’s wool market, both export and domestic, has been declining for the past forty years, so why are we seeing news about wool making a comeback with headlines like; ‘a huge rise in strong-wool demand’ and ‘strong wool growth.’ What is changing and why?

According to Wool Impact Chief Executive Andy Caughey there are a number of reasons the wool demand pattern is changing.

“We are seeing consumers habits change as they look for sustainable materials. A number of big brands are seeking natural fibres and have huge ‘brand’ power which is an advantage to our wool industry. There’s also a growing trend as overseas buyers seek a safer, healthier fibre than synthetics.”

Wool Impact is a collaboration between the government and sheep sector partners under the Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures fund to grow demand and value for wool. The threeyear programme, started in June 2022, has $6.9m investment from sector partners and a government investment of $4.5m.

Wool Impact has been researching brands to understand where new, sustainable, opportunities sit for increasing the use of New Zealand’s strong wool. Traditionally strong wool has been commonly used in rugs and carpets. New Zealand’s leading carpet brands report they have increased domestic demand, which is welcome news.

Andy explains they are also

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Honest Wolf bags made with local leather and New Zealand wool. Photo: Supplied. seeing projected growth come from fresh, innovative categories including acoustic tiles for walls and ceilings, insulation, furniture, clothing, hygiene products including nappies, sanitary items and bandages, as well as deconstructing the fibre into particles, powders and pigments that can then be used in paints, skin care, printer inks and dyes for garment printing. Strong wool is also being used in apparel outer wear, as insulation in garments as well as in the toes and heels of socks. Companies are also using wool in duvets, pillows, and bedding.

“We’re seeing brands like Big Save, Honest Wolf, Wisewool and FLOC using wool in innovative ways. Big Save Furniture are now putting it into bedding and furniture to move away from plastics and foam. There’s also a company in Timaru that use wool in a geo tech application for earth works.” says Andy.

“As a nation we have an abundance of opportunities. If the predictions of domestic brands actively advocating for wool in their product ranges are realised, then we will see a significant impact on wool demand

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and price with the added benefit of reducing our reliance on some of our volatile export markets.”

A number of companies have been doing research and trials on blending wool with different fibres, including natural fibres harakeke, hemp, cashmere and possum, and these results have been encouraging. “It can be beneficial blending wool with fibres like hemp, due to hemps fire resistant properties.

Wool Impact is watching with interest the work in other natural fibres and can see opportunities for natural, sustainable fibre blends that will have a demand,” says Andy.

As domestic strong wool demand grows, Wool Impact is forecasting a doubling of strong wool use in New Zealand over the next two years.

“Moving to an annual domestic production of products using New Zealand strong wool to around 40,000 tonnes of clean wool by 2028, of a total 100,000 tonnes of clean wool produced annually,” says Andy.

Representing wool as a responsible and sustainable fibre for consumers is crucial to increasing the demand for strong wool and generating greater returns for New Zealand farmers. Advocating the current high standards of environmental care and animal welfare amongst New Zealand farmers was made possible via the extension of the Farm Assurance Programme to include wool late last year. Wool Impact has funded and supported the establishment of this assurance programme as a lever that will build brand trust and value in New Zealand wool globally.

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Protecting future export growth DAMIEN O’CONNOR

Biosecurity and Agriculture Minister

A couple of significant milestones are occurring this autumn. The last export of livestock by sea sailed from New Plymouth, with the end of the trade entering into force on 30 April. We made a decision that on balance, the animal welfare issues inherent in voyages to the Northern Hemisphere risked the reputation of our annual $53 billion primary exports. While live exports have been lucrative for some farmers, it has represented only 0.3 per cent of our sector exports since 2015.

Consultation on the review that was initiated in 2019 revealed mixed views on the trade across the sector.

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee supported the call to end it.

Furthermore the images and accounts from voyages raised serious questions that in the internet age could spread quickly through our markets. This is the way the world is going, and we are in step with our likeminded partners on the importance of animal welfare. Australia has moved to phase-out live export of sheep, and animal welfare standards are bedded into our FTAs with the UK and the EU. Recent talk of restarting live exports by sea simply ignores the reality that our consumers overseas take issues of sustainability, climate and animal welfare seriously, which is why they’re reflected in our recent FTAs. This decision is part of a number of moves by our government to protect future export growth. We announced the decision in April 2021 and gave farmers, businesses and trading partners a two years to transition. That seemed reasonable.

Another significant milestone is on the Mycoplasma bovis front. In early May it will be 60 days since the last known farms to have the debilitating disease were destocked.

It should mean that we have no

known cases of the M.bovis in New Zealand for the first time since 2017. That doesn’t mean we’ve fully eradicated it, but it’s a huge step toward it on the back of huge sacrifice and real personal hardship for affected farmers. I want to acknowledge them on behalf of all New Zealanders.

All going well, we will move into surveillance mode and continue what we anticipated to be a ten year programme that we are now five years into. We have allocated nearly $900 million to get the job done.

I can’t overstate how important it is that all farmers follow NAIT requirements. It is indispensable for tracing diseases like M.bovis.

Should we ever be faced with a footand-mouth outbreak, where speed of response is everything, it will be what saves or breaks our economy.

Finally, as I write, I am in Australia with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins for an ANZAC visit where we are celebrating 40 years of CER (Closer Economic Relations) – our free trade agreement (FTA) with the Aussies. CER was a world-leading agreement in 1983 and is still world-renowned today. In fact, the World Trade Organization has called it the world’s most comprehensive, effective and mutually compatible free trade agreement.

The FTA represents 15 per cent of our exports and our government has overseen a 12 per cent increase in two-way trade with Australia from $26 billion in 2017 to $29 billion in 2022 – an increase that occurred through COVID. This has delivered jobs for Kiwis and prosperity for all. We know that one in four jobs in New Zealand depend on exports.

In a world of increasing protectionism, one of my key tasks as Trade Minister is to ensure Kiwis understand that simple figure about the benefits of trade.

As farmers we think it’s a no-brainer, but our Trade for All agenda is the programme to make sure we take everyone along.

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“All I know is dairy farming” BARBARA STUART “All I know is dairy farming,” Mark Zillwood says. He was raised on dairy farms in the Waikato and regularly shifted farm with his family who managed and share milked throughout his childhood.

As a school-leaver he was already accustomed to growing grass for cows and milking them. The dairy life is in

his blood, plus he really likes working with cows and knows each one in his herd. He says putting dry cows and under performers on the truck is stressful for him.

After he and Simone were married the couple spent seven years in southland. Mainly working for one farmer where he worked his way through the system tractor driving, managing and share milking

seven hundred cows. Eventually, they had enough to look for a small property of their own. In 2008 Mark and Simone purchased their Canvastown property and settled there with their five children.

“It’s only a small herd but it’s given us the lifestyle we wanted to raise our family. Our children have all gone to a small school in our local community at Canvastown which

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Mark Zillwood on his Canvastown property. Photo: Supplied. we’ve enjoyed,” Mark says.

They now range between thirteen years and twenty in age.

Financially they would be better off if they’d remained in Southland share milking but Mark has no regrets with their choice of lifestyle and the freedom they have - to milk three times in two days and to go once a day from Christmas.

“We’ve been able to do things

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off-farm with our kids.”

In 2011 Mark and Simone made the decision to invest in a cow barn.

“It’s given us options,” he says. “On this farm we had nowhere to stand cows off for more than two nights in wet weather. They were making a mess and a cow barn has definitely been a cost, but it’s also given us peace of mind knowing they are under-cover in big storm events.”

The couple also invested in a modern effluent system. This enables them to capture and store the cow barn effluent and return it to land in drier conditions. They started out wintering off-farm and calved in the barn but these days winter in the barn.

“This works well, I can also put weight on the cows, which is another benefit of the cow barn; we’ve added a whole-body score in June before calving at the end of July,” Mark says.

The Zillwood’s generally produce 1000ms per Ha from their 130 cows and life is good with the current pay-out.

“It will be a struggle if the payout drops for long with costs rising as they are currently.”

These days Simone works off-farm three days a week nursing, the kids are becoming more independent.

“I’m pleased how they’ve all worked and saved to pay for their own interests and toy’s. We love the area and I see no major changes in the future ahead,” says Mark.

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NIWA’s new AI tool STAFF REPORTER NIWA and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are working together to develop a new drought forecasting tool, with each organisation investing $100,000 in the project.

The new artificial intelligence tool uses innovative climate modelling, the latest in machine learning and other data-driven techniques. It will help farmers and growers better prepare for periods of dryness and drought.

The tool updates daily to provide forecasts at a much higher

spatial resolution than previously available. This will enable the provision of district-level predictions of dryness and drought.

The system was developed to identify approaching dry spells - to be able to predict drought it is necessary to accurately predict rainfall. The artificial intelligence tool has been successful at identifying some of the extreme rain events two to three weeks in advance. However, it was not able to predict the volume of rainfall, but it could recognise those extreme events were coming.

The tool, named NIWA35, has a range of features with one being the ability to provide an indication of the expected rainfall up to five weeks into the future.

A trial version of the tool was trialled over the summer period starting November 2023 and NIWA reports that they are pleased with its performance.

The tool is based on solid science and has a paper outlining the methodology of the model having been peer-reviewed and published. The final product is expected to be made available publicly around summer 2023/24.

Floral animal skulls ELOISE MARTYN

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It wouldn’t be a kiwi property without a show of deer antlers, pig jaws or animal skulls however in the past five years there has been a growing trend to have these animal parts beautified and brought into the house to be displayed in an artistic way which is referred to as ‘floral skulls’.

In rural America floral skulls have been the rage for some time and with the help of social media it hasn’t taken long for it to catch on here in New Zealand.

“Over in America it’s a big thing! They have huge ranches and big bull skulls artistically decorated with dried flowers, it’s actually all over the world now,” explains Tayla Pearless, a self-taught florist from Wakefield, who has been taking requested from people for floral skulls.

“Sometimes people have a sentimental piece that they want done, other times people who don’t have an animal part at all, and in that case, I can usually find something suitable for them,” says Tayla.

Tayla has always lived in the country surrounded by sheep, beef, hops and grapes. In her childhood she hunted often with her grandad and enjoyed catching deer, pigs and possums. When Tayla left school, she had a desire to be a florist but with a slight twist. “I’m not just chucking flowers together into bouquets, I didn’t train in a traditional way instead I have explored all kinds of native plants and what I make is art.”

Her rural background mixed with her love for plants and flowers have made her passionate about floral skulls.

The art of flower pressing

A floral skull and antlers created by Tayla Pearless.

Photos: Supplied.

and drying flowers has been around since early human civilization. Pressed laurels and garlands were found in a 3,000-year-old coffin in Egypt.

They were also popular here in the 70’s and 80’s and over the last five years have been making a comeback. Dried flowers are used in floral skulls which mean that pieces will last years. “They are really great for

weddings as not only can you keep the pieces forever, but it’s a great way to bring the groom into the flower side of things.”

Floral skulls aren’t for everyone, but they are a great way to bring masculine and feminine together, they can also make skulls and jaws more tolerable for those who don’t appreciate them lining the walls of the house or carport.

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Memories of working on high country farms BARBARA STUART Born at the old Havelock nursing home in 1934, Paul Kissane was the youngest of seven boys and three girls.

He was brought up on a small farmlet at Cullinesville, near Linkwater, which was largely self-sufficient.

“We never went hungry and we didn’t have much but I was always happy,” he says.

He started work at the age of fifteen, following along with his brother mustering on Upton Fells Station, Blairich, and also Blue Mountain in the Ure Valley.

Thus began his career as a farm worker, shearer and musterer on many of the South Island high country farms. A subject he delights in chatting about now, in his 90th year.

“I’ve had some good dogs,” smiles Paul. “But not because I was good. We didn’t have time to put much effort into training like the real experts do. We always got the job done though and I witnessed some good runs out on the hills. A fella called Ray Holdaway cast

his old dog out, what a mar- miss. Some very good and vellous run that was. Back others terrible,” Paul chuckthen distemper could wipe les. “One cook, Jimmy out your whole team and, if Wallis had been the Mayor they were lucky to survive, of Motueka. On Blairich, it left them with the shakes, we landed a real chef one it was devastating when time, he wore all white and that happened to a stock- our food was very good. I man. I only lost one dog. remember the manager That was went to before vacBlenheim cination to pick up program we a new cowhave nowa- We had them over m an - g ardays.” a barrel, the sheep d e n e r .

One inciThe bloke were shorn and dent that hit arrived the head- waiting in the yards drunk, he lines during was sitting the 1950’s on a stool was the strike of shepherds in front of the fire, others during the years of the high were in their rooms chatwool prices. ting and I was watching him “We were earning thir- wobbling there in front of ty bob a day,” relates Paul. the fire. I yelled he’s going “The meeting decided to to fall in the fire. Suddenly, make Lands and Survey he fell, and the others came aware of our stance for a rushing to help pull him pay increase.” out. What a sight, burns to “We had them over a barrel, his face and hair but all the the sheep were shorn and new cowman-gardener was waiting in the yards, ready worried about was his pipe! to go back onto their blocks. The manager took him Management agreed to pay back to town the next day.” us four pounds. It was good Paul shifted down to North money back then.”

Otago and worked on “Station cooks were hit and properties such as Cas-

tle Hill, Craigieburn and Brooksdale.

While working at Awakino and Kurow he met Jennifer, the love of his life. At sixteen she’d caught polio and spent three months in an iron lung. The disease paralysed her left arm.

“I was amazed by what Jenny managed to do, she was a wonderful person,” Paul says.

The couple did a stint at Prices Valley on Banks Peninsula then moved to Oxford where Paul shore for a few years.

Now with a family of three change was needed. He and Jenny purchased a dairy. Paul soon found himself baking pies and fish and chips while Jenny baked cakes and served in the shop.

They did that for four years before moving to Nelson where he found work at the Honda car plant until his redundancy. Then he took on gardening around Marybank while he cared for Jenny, after she developed post-polio syndrome.

Sadly, Jenny passed away six years ago.

89 year old Paul Kissane, enjoys yarning about farms he’s mustered. Photo: Barbara Stuart.

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Meet your local expert Karyn Tollison Hose, Fittings and Hydraulics We are an independently owned hydraulics company who began in 2017.

Joel Scott has been a part of the hydraulics industry for 14 years.

We are excited to be based in the Wakefield village with our workshop on Whitby Road.

JVS are an approved Farmlands supplier for all products and services.

I grew up in a small rural town on the east coast of the North Island. An artist and animal lover, my former education had included a Diploma in Art and Creativity and a Certificate in Pet Care, with work in catteries and dog kennels.

In 2017 I decided I needed a change and happened upon rural property valuation. The ability to work in an office as well as on farms, meeting a variety of people and the desirable work/life

balance really appealed to me. The industry is largely male populated, so I also saw an opportunity to promote and advocate for women in the role. In 2021 I completed study via distance learning through Massey University with a Bachelor in Agri-Business, majoring in rural property valuation.

Shortly after this I made the big move south as I was fortunate to be granted the opportunity to work and continue my

training with the team at Duke and Cooke located in Nelson. Duke and Cooke have a team of residential, rural and commercial valuers and have serviced the greater Tasman and Nelson region, and as far south as Westport, for over 60 years. The diversity of the rural industries in Nelson/ Tasman provides excellent learning opportunities as I continue towards becoming a registered valuer. No two days are the same!

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joel@jvsltd.co.nz Rachel Fraser grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Appleby which developed her passion for the rural sector. From a young age, Rachel was good at maths and loved animals but didn’t like early starts, so when it came to choosing a career, working in accounting and specialising in Agri Business was the perfect solution.

Pursuing this career Rachel moved to Christchurch attending University of Canterbury, then worked in the chartered accounting environment gaining a broad range of knowledge across a variety of industries.

After 14 years in Christchurch, she returned to her roots in the Nelson region and is now an associate partner at Findex. Combining her own expertise with being part of the Findex family, Rachel can meet clients’ needs by drawing on specialists across a range of areas including tax, lending, investment, risk and personal insurance.

One of Rachel’s favourite aspects of her work is helping people. She goes above and beyond to ensure clients have a better understanding of the financial side of their business, empowering them to make informed business decisions.

Outside of work Rachel is the treasurer of Nelson Federated Farmers and involved in Waimea Rural Connections, a charitable organisation focused on the wellbeing of people in the rural community.

Rachel is a mum of two active primary schoolers, with weekends consumed managing their sports teams and on-call backup farm worker for her parents.

As a local member of your community, Findex helps ensure your agribusiness gets the service and advice it needs to thrive. Contact our team today on 03 548 2139 or visit Rachel and the team at 20 Oxford Street, Richmond.

03 548 2139 20 Oxford St, Richmond

I’ve been working for Federated Farmers for four and a half years now. My job title is a mouthful- Provincial Sales & Engagement Advisor – which simply means that I try and engage with rural communities and farmers on the virtues of becoming a Federated Farmers member.

Eighteen months ago, the area I cover was extended, to include Marlborough, Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay, since then I have been visiting these areas every six weeks. Alongside this I continue to cover North Canterbury and the rest of Top Of South Island.

Federated Farmers are 90% funded through their membership fees with currently 12,500 members nationwide, 400 of those being spread out amongst the Top of the South provinces.

One of the great parts of my job is the feedback - some of it can be colourful, to say the least. With so much been thrown at farmers and the farming way of life these days, Federated Farmers and its members have a very important role to play in the future direction of New Zealand farming.

If you have any questions about Federated Farmers, the work we do or what benefits you gain from being a member then get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.

Harry Matthews Golden Bay, Nelson, Marlborough & North Canterbury T: 0800 327 646 M: 027 507 8901

18

May 2023

News

Rivers and Marginal Strips under the Conservation Act 1987 ADREIN TURNAGE In general, where land adjoins a river the landowner owns all of the land up to the centre line of the river. However, where Crown land that adjoins the foreshore, a lake, or a river or stream that has an average width of 3 metres or more is sold or disposed of by the Crown, a strip of land 20 metres wide extending along the landward margin of the foreshore, or the bed of the lake, river or stream is reserved to the Crown.

This means that if you own former Crown land that adjoins a river then you may not own the first 20 metres of the land from the bed of the river.

The 20 metre wide marginal strip remains in Crown ownership and is administered by the Department of Conservation. Marginal strips serve particular conservation purposes relating to land along the margins of rivers and to water quality and enable public access to the marginal strip and the river for recreation purposes.

Since 1990 marginal strips have been created under part 4A of the Conservation Act 1987 and are deemed to be created automatically on disposal of Crown land. Prior to 1990 marginal strips were created under section 58 of the Land Act 1948. If a marginal strip has been reserved from the land, then the title to the land must record that the title is subject to the Conservation Act 1987 (or earlier legislation).

To qualify for a marginal strip, the bed of a river must be more than 3 me-

tres in width. A river bed is defined by the Conservation Act as the space of land which the waters of the river cover at its fullest flow without overtopping the banks. The definition of a river includes streams and means any continually or intermittently flowing body of fresh water.

In some places rivers may have been channelled through pipes and drains and may have been modified by being straightened.

The river bed for the purposes of the Conservation Act can therefore be wider than the area actually covered by water at a particular time and the river does not need to be continuously or steadily flowing. The width of the river bed can also be averaged such that a river can qualify for a marginal strip despite the fact that some sections of the bed may be less than 3 metres wide.

The location of a marginal strip created under the Conservation Act can move over time if the physical bed of the river adjoining the land moves. Where for any reason the course of a river is altered and the alteration affects an existing marginal strip created under the Conservation Act, a new marginal strip is deemed to be reserved from the new location of the river bed. Older marginal strips created under section 58 of the Land Act 1948 are fixed and do not move with any alteration of the course of the adjoining river or stream.

Land can also be added to the adjoining land due to accretion where water recedes gradually from the land or where water gradually deposits sand, shingle and silt, or by avulsion where the change in the water boundary occurs suddenly as when a river breaks its banks and forms a new channel. Likewise, land can be lost from the adjacent land due to erosion where water gradually encroaches on the land or washes away land from the river bank.

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine where the land stops and a river begins, and where the boundary between the marginal strip and your adjacent land actually lies. Prior to 2007 marginal strips were not required to be surveyed or otherwise noted on a survey plan and there may be no record of the location of the marginal strip or the river that it applies to. Marginal strips created after 2007 will have been surveyed and the location of the marginal strip will appear on the title plan for the land.

The existence of a marginal strip adjoining your land could potentially impact future development of the land and may create a right of public access to the adjoining river. Your solicitor can check if the title to your property is subject to part 4A of the Conservation Act 1987 or section 58 of the Land Act 1948 and whether the location of any marginal strip is shown on the title plan.

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Farming TOP SOUTH

MONTHLY

Fine wool leader leaves industry transformed STAFF REPORTER

ment of Te Hono – a partnership between the leaders of NZ’s food and fibre sector The man who has been the driving force companies, iwi, and government agencies behind transforming the New Zealand – Brakenridge said this was the melting fine wool industry says his passion is such pot of discussion that brought strategic that while he is stepping down, he is not leadership from outside New Zealand. stepping out. After 27 years as chief exec- “It is the intersection of natural capital, utive with the New Zealand Merino Com- the ability to grow wool, grow animals, pany (NZM), John Brakenridge is calling and grow horticulture. We have set ourselves a mission to capture more value for it a day at the helm.

He said his time in the industry has felt NZ from our primary sector products, like a 27-year sprint, but he has no regrets leading the charge to transform the way and is confident the time is right to take the sector operates from being predomia step back. In his last few weeks transi- nantly focused on export volume under a tioning out and preparing to hand over commodity-based trading model, to a valthe reins he has a lot to reflect on, but as ue-based model producing and exporting much, he said, also to look ahead to for products of higher consumer value.”

“Looking to the future technology, and the NZ wool industry in general.

“It’s been a career of passion for me,” the investment around that, is going to be Brakenridge said. The fine wool industry the driver. Key to that, Brakenridge said is the importance of people. has completely transformed “Often missed in this counover the past three decades. try is the behavioural sciThe story, he said, is how can ence. Our primary sector that be relevant to others missed the understanding leading the industry over the of the importance of people, next five years. the important third leg of the “Go back to the beginning of stool. Where NZM has stood NZM and applaud the growout is on the human side, one ers,” he said. “It takes a phoethat I see as very important nix approach; a coat of paint in the future. The gap will would have been failure.” be about human connecThe biggest change has been tion and the story we wrap the move to contracts versus John Brakenridge around that.” auction.

Photo: NZ Merino.

“Wool has an incredible ori“How we shifted from commodity into longer-term transactions gin story but there is a need to recognise that, for the likes of Icebreaker, go out for the value of connecting consumers,” he said.

10 years.

“It’s been a game-changer for growers “The more we can build an understanding who had the confidence in the model to on how to connect with people, whether fine wool or strong wool, it needs a sotake it on.”

Contracts helped lift prices and keep phisticated approach to connect with the them stable, so farmers had certainty right global consumers, marketers, and around the returns they were going to get. the right brands. We must champion our For growers, NZM put solid ground over growers; there are incredible men and ofthe rising and falling tide of commodity ten unsung women producing these inprices, creating a sexy sales story around credible fibres.”

Kiwi Merino wool as forward contracts There needs to be empathy coming right replaced auctions with clothing brands through the value chain from growers to like Icebreaker and designer textiles consumers.

Smartwool in the United States and John “At NZM we have always had a constant Smedley in Europe. Moving into active sense of urgency to be at the front of the and outdoor wear the farmer-established curve to be the best, protecting growers organisation Merino NZ was set up there and capturing opportunity.” was no market for merino active and out- As he hands over the business, Brakenridge acknowledged a significant change door wear.

“Look at it now, it’s worth millions. Not in more recent years in the quality of talent in the industry. only that, but it’s also still growing.”

NZM brought about transformation by “We’ve had three record years, we’ve got blowing open the merino industry’s se- an incredible platform and an amazing cretive supply chain from farmers and team, so from my perspective it’s time to wool buyers to processors, manufacturers step aside and allow new talent to come in and take the industry forward. There’s and retailers.

“Success and sustainability are about the a bright future. We can produce the wool people. The lessons we have learnt could but it’s what you wrap around the wool be very relevant for different pockets of that brings returns to growers. It’s all growers not only for strong wool but also about people and we are losing sight of wider industry in NZ very much in need that. If we can turn that around and embrace and understand that we can really of transformational change.”

Having been involved with the establish- stand out.”

Farming TOP SOUTH

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May 2023

Hope for dairy farmers STAFF REPORTER

to global benchmark prices, and we are expecting to see improved com“There may be a small silver lining modity prices come through in the coming up later this year and into second half of this year,” she says. next year,” reports senior agri ana- Higgins says there are signs of demand coming from China, and the lyst Emma Higgins.

It’s a glimmer of hope for the coun- hope is that overall demand for try’s dairy farmers who are current- dairy products will increase as well. ly under siege from a range of neg- But she adds that there are still some potential challenges ative challenges which ahead with NZ, Europe include rising input and the USA increascosts, interest rates, ing their milk producstate-sponsored regution. lations on top of falling “What we are seeing commodity prices. out of the northern Her remarks breathe hemisphere is that they some hope into a sitare moving towards uation where a recent their season milk survey by the bank curve so they are realshows that dairy farmly starting to hit their ers are more pessimisstraps over the coming tic than ever about the Emma Higgins weeks. As a result, we broader agri economy.

Higgins says it’s not just the are seeing some improved milk prohigh-level issues that are affected duction come out of the EU and the dairy farmer morale, but also the US and any surplus milk could add problems they are encountering on pressures on global dairy prices,” she their farms such as labour and ad- says.

The other side of the equation is that verse weather event problems.

But she says there are signs of better grain prices may continue to rise due to the war in Ukraine and that things to come.

“I think what we are potentially go- will affect input costs in Europe. But ing to see is more positive margins while there is potentially some good for dairy farmers in the new season, news on the horizon, dairy farmsuch as respite on the farm input ers are likely to remain down in the cost side of things. We are seeing, dumps, and it will take more good fertiliser prices lower in response news to lift their morale.

Stuart Smith MP for Kaikōura Electorate

Let’s talk – I’m listening

Authorised by Stuart Smith, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

Farming TOP SOUTH

News

Blenheim Electorate Office 22 Scott Street, Blenheim 03 579 3204 - 0800 STUART stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz

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Having a rural affair GARRICK BATTEN Even if you do not read Mills and Boon you will know that an affair can be socially, emotionally, physically and practically all-encompassing. People constantly thinking of each other to enhance their affair with frequent contact, surprise benefits, presence and presents. So you would expect a Minister of Rural Affairs to be doing all that with his rural partners – farmers. Especially when that now extends to Rural Communities.

Their major issue is always roads for access to their business, its products, people and resources. So subsidised local body spending on cycleways and footpaths for urban areas is unrelated to upkeep and upgrade of this prime access. Of course they can access their world in other ways - if they have an adequate internet connection, and a significant number do not. Yet rural people who are 15% of the population heard the last Budget words “people on the land need confidence they can access excellent information”. Organisations such as IRD, banks and

businesses increasingly limit communications to the internet. Now MBIE is currently promoting Digital Boost to up-skill businesses and adding to earlier funding boosts to SMEs. Farms are SMEs too whose alternative is to drive on challenged roads for their personal service with costs and emissions. Or use hard copy connections, except rural box holders have an additional parcel delivery cost of $4.80, or the proposed postal hub.

The government identified improving young peoples’ education as one key to our future. Covid negated that, and schools had to use internet-based learning, except poor connections further penalised rural children. Even when rural children can go to school, a parent often has to deliver them to a collection point. They get free transport on a school bus if they are lucky, but some only see the bus whizz past as they trudge narrow, unsafe country roads.

The parlous situation of rural health is well known but current funding and emphasis is based on population, so rural people will always get dispro-

portionately less. Government does not really recognise rural access problems to health services for emergency and medical needs, and sometimes a driver for necessary transport on substandard roads. So two people are out of the farm work force for travel, waiting and medical treatment times.

Tragic rural suicide statistics are unacceptable but the internet may also not be available for social interaction to combat loneliness, highlighted as a precursor to declining mental health.

Although the previous PM stated that the urban-rural divide does not exist, extremes of public opinion grow louder and further apart. So rural people would hope that their Minister would include access, education and health amongst many other issues when conducting a rural affair. Unfortunately that necessary commitment is now lost in the Office for Rural Communities where staff only track legislation of direct agricultural relevance and not wider rural effects, and have no assessment measure.

Affairs can end disastrously for both parties.

Fighting for our democracy STUART SMITH Kaikoura MP

Democracy in New Zealand is being challenged from within. And those who fought and died to protect our freedom would never have believed that the biggest threat to our democracy is not a foreign power, but our very own government.

The Three Waters rebranding is a strategy aimed at diverting attention from the true intent of the policy and reducing the intensity of the ongoing debate. On assuming the role of Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins sent Nanaia Mahuta overseas – and she is likely to remain there for as long as possible - due to the negative impact caused by the revelation of her family members occupying influential and profitable positions within the Three Waters initiative. Where nepotism goes, corruption soon follows. But it was the hapless Kieran McAnulty, whose honesty was a welcome change on TVNZ’s Q & A program when he conceded that the Three Waters reform moved away from a one-person, one-vote

sense of democracy. McAnulty went on to say that the Treaty of Waitangi required antidemocratic representation. Well, this will be news to most of us given that article three of the Treaty states: “In consideration thereof, Her Majesty the Queen of England extends to the Natives of New Zealand Her royal protection and imparts to them all the Rights and Privileges of British Subjects.”

For the avoidance of doubt, the Waitangi Tribunal, who are not known for their conservatism, state the meaning of article three as: “In Article 3, the Crown promised to Māori the benefits of royal protection and full citizenship. This text emphasises equality.”

Clearly, the Treaty of Waitangi does not require any antidemocratic representation, in fact, it is to the contrary: it guarantees equal citizenship - and by default, one person, one vote and each vote of the same value. McAnulty went on to claim that their reform is the only way to achieve cost savings!

Just how cost savings can be achieved, given that the res-

ervoirs, pipes, and treatment plants cannot be aggregated, is a mystery. He also claimed that the only way to achieve balance sheet separation for infrastructure is with their plan. This is errant nonsense and another attempt at distraction.

There is no doubt that some councils have managed their infrastructure very badly. Wellington City Council, for one, is a great example. They have for many years spent ratepayers’ money on vanity projects and neglected vital infrastructure. Is McAnulty saying then, that with their plan, ratepayers whose councils have managed their infrastructure wisely should have to pay to fix the likes of Wellington’s mess?

All that aside, what must be stopped is the potential loss of democracy!

If the Labour Party want to ignore the equal citizenship provision in the Treaty of Waitangi, and base voting rights on ethnicity, then they should put it to the people in a referendum.

I will fight for democracy and one person, one vote. Will you?

Farming TOP SOUTH

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May 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

News

MONTHLY

Hops, hops and more hops ELOISE MARTYN The Nelson and Tasman region has ideal climatic conditions for hop farming. The region has some of the most sought-after hops in the world, with unique flavours that brewers, with a taste for something different, look for.

Hops were first grown in the Nelson and Tasman regions in 1842 and by the 1850’s local breweries had established large hop gardens. Harvest, labour intensive work picking the hops, was done by women and children. By the 1870’s farmers started to grow hops as a cash crop to enable them to clear areas of bush or purchase more established properties. The market was volatile, and prices were poor when supply was too high. Buxton and Co. a leading Nelson merchant organised marketing and the crops were exported to Australia and Britain.

From the 1890’s until the 1970’s, the area planted in hops in New Zealand remained around 590690 hectares. Statistics from 2021 indicate that the total hop growing area in New Zealand is 1,945 acres compared with approx.

1,200 acres in 2012.

The Oldham’s are long-time hop famers in the Tadmor Valley, Tapawera.

“Grandad had a hop garden back in 1953, back then the whole region was scattered with lots of little hop and tobacco farms,” says Colin Oldham. “It wasn’t exported either just supplied to local market.”

Over time the Oldham’s purchased neighbouring raspberry properties and converted them to hops and today they have 38 hectares of hops as well as 29 hectares in Ngatimoti.

“I’m very passionate about hops, I love the fact you can grow the

The Oldham family - Hayden, Colin, Thomas and David. Photo: Supplied. plant and see it right through to the finished product,” Colin explains.

“The best part of being a grower is meeting the people who receive the hops. The American brewers come over every year, visit the farms and sniff all the hops to decide which ones they like.”

Another highlight for Colin has been having his two sons voluntarily work in the family hop business. This has made a fourth generation of Oldham’s on the hop farm.

“It’s one of the things that makes its all worth it,” he smiles.

Colin’s father was the first hop farmer in the nation to use the tipping-floor kilning system after studying it in Tasmania. It wasn’t long until others in the area saw the benefits and started to use the same system.

Colin says that the recent harvest was overall an average one.

“It was a good season for picking, the weather was good, we had some great aromas.”

He is realistic about the current imbalance with supply and demand and realises that the industry has reached a surplus of hops in the market, outpacing usage.

All over the world hop growers

have been building up a surplus of hops that has finally reached saturation.

“Hop growers are going to have to make some decisions – we have some unique varieties different to other flavours you can get overseas, however everyone is coming up with different types,” Colin says.

It was a good season for picking, the weather was good, we had some great aromas Colin Oldham There are currently four local hop groups competing for market share. The market has been in decline since the Covid epidemic and with the world hop surplus there will be cutbacks in production of hops. Growers cannot afford to produce hops without sales for long. With increased inflation costs, high interest rates

mixed with declining sales some growers could be vulnerable.

Kim McGlashen, a Motueka hop farmer with a long history of hop industry involvement, said that this season’s harvest was an easy one from the weather perspective.

“The hops were excellent quality and we had average volumes.

There are a few hops left hanging around the district that haven’t got sales. Unless buyer interest is confirmed with forward contracts there is little reason to plant more hops – brewers are spoilt for choice.”

America is currently reducing area in response to the world hop surplus.

The 2,000 tonnes of hops New Zealand produces each year only accounts for under 2% per cent of total hop volume used around the world. About 85 per cent of the harvest is exported to more than 20 countries round the world, generating almost $50 million in revenue.

Our local hops are exported in mainly pellet form. Hop pellets are simply whole cone hops that have undergone a special pelletisation process. The whole hops are stripped from the bines

during harvest, dried and then processed into firm pellets. Pelletised hops take up less space, pellets are vacuum packed, so they oxidize more slowly which means they stay fresh longer and have a better flavour for longer.

“Our region moved to pelleting hops specifically for export in the early 1980’s, pelletising made shipping more economical,” adds Kim. Economic sense of producing surplus hops is something many hop growers throughout the region will be currently weighing up as they plan for next season.

However, the market demand for some varieties from NZ is holding up relatively well.

New Zealand has a well-earned reputation for unique hop flavours and environmentally sustainable production. Growers here are very fortunate not to have to combat plant diseases that afflict most of the growing regions in the northern hemisphere.

NZ Hops Ltd growers continue to invest in plant breeding to find new and more intense hop flavours to release to brewers. Two recent examples are “Nectaron” and “Superdelic.”

One hundred years farming at Rai BARBARA STUART Brent Morrison, a third generation dairy farmer at Rimu Gulley, Rai Valley is taking a step back from full-time farming, and his sons Hamish and Justin are leading the farm.

“Our family celebrated one hundred years on the original property in 2024,” Brent says.

Brent’s grandfather, Daniel (Billy) Morrison, purchased the original property in 1924.

In 1977 Brent married Caralyn and they set about creating equity in the farm and purchasing land.

By 1980 they began share-milk-

ing and purchased a block next to Alfred stream, raising Friesian bull calves for extra income. In 1981 they bought another block in Rimu Gully enabling them to buy and milk an additional hundred cows.

In 1999 they purchased a 34ha block next to the showgrounds.

It was the old Brownlee mill site and set about developing it.

“We removed a ton of glass from the site, the remains of the single men’s life living in huts during the mill years. We still have a box of interesting old bottles,” Brent smiles.

In 2002 they bought Rose Cot-

tage and converted the Alfred loss, our son Hamish came home Stream block into a 250-cow unit, to help and has never left, Jusemploying managers. tin returned from Canterbury as “It was time to enjoy life a bit well,” Brent explains.

Since then, with supmore and travel a bit,” chuckles Brent. port from his family, and Hamish in particBy 2013 Brent undertook the task of the ular, he’s been finding a major development of new future. the Ronga and Healy The family is involved block at Kokorua. In in ongoing succession 2014 the couple replanning and Brent ceived a life changing has shown great vision.

Brent Morrison diagnosis, Caralyn had He has always been a terminal cancer, she eventually passionate about farm forestry, passed away in 2016 which was a trialling alternative species and huge blow to the whole family. throughout his life has planted “Pivotal to getting through the trees. He now has time to support

Hamish, who is share-milking with him.

“Forestry is a good asset for emission and succession planning,” Brent says. “There’s a shift happening in farming regulations, and farmer retirement from dairy to dry stock have resulted in a reduction in the number of dairy farms in the Rai. The best way to reduce farmer emissions is to reduce animal numbers, even though it will be the cause of hunger elsewhere in the world, allowing less efficient farmers to produce food with a bigger carbon footprint, exactly what the world does not need!”

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Farming TOP SOUTH

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1000R

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749 lb (341kg)

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51 in. (129.5 cm)

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34.5 in. (87.7 cm) Oxford Oxford Blue Blue / 650 /kg)/Rear: 650 / 1000R / 1000R Front: 100 lb (45 200 lb (90 kg)

Canam CanamOUTLANDER OUTLANDER650 650

Rack Capacity

CVT, P/R/N/H/L, standard engine braking

Drive Train

Selectable 2WD/4WD ENGINES ENGINES 650 650 with Visco-Lok† QE auto-locking front differential Type TypeTri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering 62(DPS) 62 hp,hp, Rotax Rotax 650650 cc cc V-twin, V-twin, liquid-cooled liquid-cooled

Storage Capacity

Towing1000R Capacity 1000R Fuel Capacity 91 91 hp,hp, Rotax Rotax 976976 cc cc V-twin, V-twin, liquid-cooled liquid-cooled FEATURES Fuel Fuel Delivery Delivery System System Electronic Electronic Fuel Fuel Injection InjectionIntelligent Intelligent Throttle Throttle Control Control Gauge (iTC™) (EFI) (EFI) (iTC™) Arched double A-arm with front sway bar with with Electronic Electronic Fuel Fuel 9.2 in. (23.3 cm) travel Injection Injection (EFI) (EFI) Oil

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(23.3 (23.3 cm) cm) travel travel 14 in. cast-aluminum Seat Front Front Shocks Shocks OilOil

Wheels

BRAKES

Rear

Protection Rear Rear Suspension Suspension Torsional Torsional Trailing Trailing arm arm Independent Independent (TTI) (TTI) 9.99.9 in. in.

(25.1 (25.1 cm)cm) travel travel Rear Rear Shocks ShocksDual 214 mm disc brakes OilOil with hydraulic twin-piston calipers WARRANTY & SERVICE Single 214 mm disc brake with Factory Warranty TYRES TYRES & WHEELS & WHEELS hydraulic twin-piston caliper Front Front Tyres Tyres ITPITP Terracross Terracross 26 26 x 8xx814 x 14 in. in.

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86 86 x 48 x 48 x 49.5 x 49.5 in. in.

(218.4 (218.4 x 121.9 x 121.9 x 126 x 126 cm)cm)

Wheelbase Wheelbase 51 51 in. in.

(129.5 (129.5 cm)cm) 4.5 in. digital display: speedometer, Ground Ground Clearance Clearance 11 11 in. in.

(27.9 (27.9 cm)cm) tachometer, odometer, trip and hour meters, Seat Seat Height Height 34.5 34.5 in. in.

(87.7 (87.7 cm)cm) gear position, 4 x 4 indicator, temperature, Rack Rack Capacity Capacity Front: Front: 100 lb (45 lb (45 kg)/Rear: kg)/Rear: 200200 lb (90 lb (90 kg)kg) engine lights, electronic fuel gauge and100 clock Storage Storage Capacity Capacity DC outlet in console, Rear: Rear: 5.75.7 galgal (21.4 (21.4 L) L) Lighter-type standard connector in the back (15 A) 1,650 Towing Towing Capacity Capacity 1,650 lb (750 lb (750 kg)kg) N/A Fuel Fuel Capacity Capacity

RF Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.™)

5.45.4 galgal (20.5 (20.5 L) L)

230 W from twin 60 W projectors FEATURES FEATURES and dual 55 W reflectors with tail light/brake light Gauge Gauge 4.54.5 in. in. digital digital display: display: speedometer, speedometer, tachometer, tachometer, odometer, odometer, triptrip andand hour hour meters, meters, 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) winch gear gear position, position, 4 x44xindicator, 4 indicator, temperature, temperature, Standard engine engine lights, lights, electronic electronic fuelfuel gauge gauge andand clock clock Heavy-duty front and rear bumpers Instrumentation Instrumentation Lighter-type Lighter-type DCDC outlet outlet in console, in console, Handlebar wind deflectors standard standard connector connector in the in the back back (15(15 A) A) Mudguards Anti-Theft Anti-Theft System System N/A N/A RFRF Digitally Digitally Encoded Encoded Security Security System System (D.E.S.S.™) (D.E.S.S.™)

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Wheels Wheels

14 14 in. in. cast-aluminum cast-aluminum

Lighting Lighting2 years/15,000 km warranty, 230230 W from W from twin twin 60 60 W projectors W projectors whichever comes and first and dual dual 55 55 W reflectors W reflectors with with tailtail light/brake light/brake light light Winch Winch

3,500 3,500 lb (1,588 lb (1,588 kg)kg) winch winch

Seat Seat

Standard Standard

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Rear: 5.7 gal (21.4 L) DIMENSIONS DIMENSIONS & & CAPACITIES CAPACITIES 1,650 lb (750 kg) 650 650 5.4 gal (20.5 L) 749749 Estimated Estimated DryDry Weight* Weight* lb (341kg) lb (341kg)

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Front

Rock Rock Oil Oil

Transmission Transmission CVT, CVT, P/R/N/H/L, P/R/N/H/L, standard standard engine engine braking braking Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI) Instrumentation Drive Drive Train Train 9.9 in. (25.1 cm) travel Selectable Selectable 2WD/4WD 2WD/4WD † † with with Visco-Lok Visco-Lok QEQE auto-locking auto-locking front front differential differential Oil Anti-Theft System Power Power Steering Steering Tri-Mode Tri-Mode Dynamic Dynamic Power Power Steering Steering (DPS) (DPS)

Canam CanamOUTLANDER OUTLANDER570 570V-Twin V-Twin TYRES & WHEELS

11 in. (27.9 cm)

Seat Height

Transmission

Power Steering

Canam 650 MAX $21,400 NOW $20,400

Canam OUTLANDER 650 $20,500 NOW $19,219

Front Front

Dual Dual 214214 mm mm disc disc brakes brakes with with hydraulic hydraulic twin-piston twin-piston calipers calipers

Rear Rear

Single Single 214214 mm mm disc disc brake brake with with hydraulic hydraulic twin-piston twin-piston caliper caliper

Heavy-duty Heavy-duty front front andand rear rear bumpers bumpers Handlebar Handlebar wind wind deflectors deflectors Mudguards Mudguards

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© 2021 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, TM and the BRP logo are registered trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., the products are distributed by BRP US Inc. *Base model dry weight shown. † Visco-Lok is a trademark of GKN Viscodrive GmbH. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For other jurisdictions, see your local dealer. Because of our ongoing commitment to product quality and innovation, BRP reserves the right at anytime to discontinue or change specifications, price, design, features, models or equipment without incurring any obligation. Ride responsibly. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or, in the U.S.A. call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. In Canada, call the Canadian Safety Council at 1-613-739-1535, ext 227. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, the operator and passenger should wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective clothing. Always remember that riding, alcohol and drugs don’t mix. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speeds and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. ATVs with engine sizes of greater than 90 cc are recommended for use only by those age 16 and older. Never carry passengers on any ATV not specifically designated for such use.

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© 2021 © 2021 Bombardier Bombardier Recreational Recreational Products Products Inc (BRP).

Inc (BRP).

All rights All rights reserved. reserved. ®, TM ®, TM and and the BRP the BRP logologo are registered are registered trademarks trademarks of Bombardier of Bombardier Recreational Recreational Products Products Inc. Inc. or itsoraffiliates. its affiliates.

In the In U.S.A., the U.S.A., the the products products are distributed are distributed

by BRP

by BRP US Inc. US Inc. *Base *Base model model dry weight dry weight shown. shown. † Visco-Lok † Visco-Lok is a is trademark a trademark of GKN of GKN Viscodrive Viscodrive GmbH. GmbH. All other All other trademarks trademarks are the are property the property of their of their respective respective owners. owners.

For other For other jurisdictions, jurisdictions, see see youryour locallocal dealer. dealer.

Because Because of our of our ongoing ongoing commitment commitment to product to product quality quality and and innovation, innovation, BRPBRP reserves reserves the right the right at anytime at anytime to discontinue to discontinue or change or change specifications, specifications, price, price, design, design, features, features, models models or equipment or equipment without without incurring incurring any any obligation. obligation.

RideRide responsibly. responsibly.

BRPBRP highly highly recommends recommends thatthat all ATV all ATV drivers drivers taketake a training a training course. course.

For safety For safety and and training training information, information, see see youryour dealer dealer or, inor, in the U.S.A. the U.S.A. call call the ATV the ATV Safety Safety Institute Institute at 1-800-887-2887. at 1-800-887-2887.

In Canada, In Canada, call call the Canadian the Canadian Safety Safety Council Council at 1-613-739-1535, at 1-613-739-1535, ext 227. ext 227.

ATVs ATVs can can be hazardous be hazardous to operate. to operate.

For For youryour safety, safety, the operator the operator andand passenger passenger should should wear wear a helmet, a helmet, eye eye protection protection andand other other protective protective clothing. clothing.

Always Always remember remember thatthat riding, riding, alcohol alcohol andand drugs drugs don’t don’t mix.mix.

Never Never rideride on paved on paved surfaces surfaces or public or public roads. roads.

Never Never engage engage in stunt in stunt driving. driving.

Avoid Avoid excessive excessive speeds speeds andand be particularly be particularly careful careful on difficult on difficult terrain. terrain.

ATVs ATVs withwith engine engine sizes sizes of greater of greater thanthan 90 cc 90are cc recommended are recommended for use for use onlyonly by those by those age age 16 and 16 and older. older.

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May 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

News

MONTHLY

Book Review Milking at Riverside STAFF REPORTER

Food for Thought - A NZ-grown cookbook from the BearLion Kitchen by Alesha Bilbrough-Collins.

Published by Bateman Books. $55.

TONY ORMAN “Food for Thought” is “an original collection of honest, seasonal recipes with flavour and the BearLion philosophy” says the advertorial accompanying the book. BearLion?

BearLion is an organic eaterie catering and private chef business in Tasman’s Upper Moutere district. The author suffered some ill health due to exposure to agricultural chemicals, an experience that convinced her to advocate for chemical-free planet. Alesha honed her culinary skills in London before coming back to New Zealand to open BearLion Foods with her husband John - “The Bear.”

Food for Thought recipes feature the BearLion philosophy and features pickling and preserving, dip,

cheese and jam recipes, hearty fish and meat recipes and a dessert section. In amongst the many intriguing recipes I was particularly interested in smoked kahawai hash browns and duck schnitzel.

Alesha’s photographs are quite outstanding. The recipes are tantalising and not too complicated.

However I did frown at some of the uncouth language that every now and again taints a recipe. You have been warned, but cast that aside if you can, this recipe book is very good.

MARLBOROUGH PLANNING | SURVEYING | ENGINEERING

Get in touch about your next project, and with their experience and expert knowledge they’ll save you time and unnecessary cost in preparing your resource consent, giving it the best chance of being approved without delays.

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to the regulations around selling raw milk on a small scale.

Riverside Milk complied with the regulations and invested in a vending machine with a 200-litre tank. The cows are regularly cell count tested and they have a separate vat for the raw milk.

“We really believe in supplying locals first, people can connect with us and know where their milk has come from,” Tristan explains. “There is no transport involved so it’s a low carbon footprint.”

It’s also very profitable, Fonterra pay round $1 per litre of milk they supply, while at the vending machine the cost is $3 per litre.

With lots of families at the community involved in the dairy operation, the fact they are not contributing to topical nitrogen problems by not using fertilizing the future looks strong.

“New regulations are tough, but we love our cows and appreciate the milk they supply us with,” Tristan adds.

The impact of highly productive land legislation ANNA BENSEMANN

Anna and the team are land development experts and can help with all your resource consent needs around the farm.

P. 03 578 7299

Tristan Vincent grandparents were founding members of the Riverside Community in Lower Moutere, which started in1941.

Tristan travelled to Europe, where he studied environmental engineering and renewable energy, as well as start a family of his own. The desire to raise his family where he grew up saw him move back to the community in 2015.

“I had always intended on returning home and as the kids got older, we thought it’s now or never, so we did it.” Tristan says.

Upon his return Tristan’s uncle was running the dairy farm and needed help, Tristan started to give him a hand.

“I learnt heaps and really loved it, I grew up with horses and a love of animals so it was a nice connection to animals again,” he says, “because we are a small dairy farm we can look after our cows well, they have all been hand reared, so

they know us and are really friendly.”

Riverside consists of 200 HA of land however the dairy operation uses 55 HA, the rest is beef and run off, and milks 220 cows twice a day.

“By having decent run off land, we don’t need to buy feed,” Tristan explains. “Due to our regenerative farming system we don’t need fertilizer. In early spring our paddocks are 90% clover, which is high protein and results in good milking and great animal health.”

The workload for the dairy farm is split between families at the community, as well as paid help from people not part of the community which makes days off and a work-life balance achievable. “I milk three days per week, I do the weekend shift, every week, which I enjoy,” states Tristan.

The milk produced is supplied to Fonterra and a small amount is sold at the gate of their community as raw milk.

In 2017 there were big changes

The New Zealand government released a National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land (NPS – HPL) in an effort to protect and preserve productive rural and resources into the future. The NPS – HPL sets out rules and regulations for local councils to follow when making decisions about land use and development on land meeting the criteria, including subdivision decisions. This has the potential to impact how farmers manage their land resources.

Firstly, it is important to understand what is meant by Highly Productive Land. This land containing soils that have a high capability for producing crops, pasture, or forestry.

They are typically found in areas with a moderate to high rainfall and moderate temperatures, and are often associated with flat or gently rolling land. In New Zealand, around 15% of the land area is classified as highly productive soils.

The new NPS requires local councils to identify and map land meeting the criteria in their regions, and to consider the potential impact of

land use changes on these soils when making decisions about subdivision. Until this finer grain mapping of soils has been undertaken the NPS – HPL directs that all rural zoned land is captured by the provisions.

One of the main effects of the NPS on farmers looking to subdivide is it will increase the level of scrutiny and regulation around land use change.

Councils will be required to consider the impact of subdivision on productive land at the time of subdividing, constructing additional dwelling which have the potential to be subdivided off at a later stage, or undertaking a non-rural use of their land.

The provisions will make it more difficult or costly for farmers to subdivide land below minimum allotment thresholds, as it will trigger a more in-depth assessment of the effect on the productive value of soils, if it will create fragmentation of larger areas of productive soils, and if and land uses will be affected by rural activities in the surrounding area, known as reverse sensitivity effects.

However, it is important to

note that the NPS is not intended to prevent subdivision on HPS altogether. Rather, it seeks to balance the need for development with the need to protect this valuable resource.

Farmers who can demonstrate that their proposed development will not significantly impact productive soils may still be able to subdivide their land.

Overall, the new National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Soils is likely to have a significant impact on farmers when thinking of subdividing their land. It will increase the level of scrutiny and regulation around land use change, and may make it more difficult or costly for farmers to subdivide their land. The NPS HPL is designed to protect and preserve productive soils for future generations, and there may still be opportunities for farmers to subdivide their land if they can demonstrate their proposed development will not significantly degrade the soil quality or reduce the productivity of the land.

Anna Bensemann, Senior Planner, Baseline Group Marlborough Ph 03 578 7299, Email anna@blg.nz

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2023

Advert

MONTHLY

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26

May 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

Advert

MONTHLY

Meet our new Catchment Facilitators The Soils and Land Use team at Tasman District Council has grown. Through external government funding we have filled three Catchment Facilitator roles. Kat, Helen and Brigid each bring a diverse skill set with them, and collectively provide a solid broad base to support the delivery of Essential Freshwater outcomes.

Here’s a brief introduction;

Kat Bunting – Mohua/ Golden Bay A local of Mohua/Golden Bay, Kat has worked closely with Tasman’s dairy farmers over the past 20 years guiding them through the fastchanging regulatory environment relating to on-farm management practices, including the many iterations of the Clean Stream Accord.

She has extensive knowledge of the design and management of Farm Dairy Effluent Systems, and nutrient and riparian management.

Helen Forsey – Motueka/ Moutere Helen is a Motueka local, previously working with DOC as the Motueka Community Ranger.

Prior to that Helen owned an Abel Tasman tourism business and managed an environmental education charity. She has recently brought her own ex-forestry block and is currently battling gorse to restore 2 ha in native bush. She has a wealth of knowledge of the key groups and people in the Motueka area and a passion for supporting her community.

Brigid Graney - Waimea Brigid was raised and worked on a sheep and beef farm in the King Country and Northland where family still farm. She has worked within TDC as a Senior Resource Consent Planner for the Natural Resources team for the past few years, working with the national and local regulatory framework on a daily basis. She is known as being approachable and pragmatic, and is looking forward to working in a supportive role to farmers and growers.

Finished irrigating?

Let us know!

We have managed to enjoy a summer growing season of minimal water restrictions and sufficient rainfall to enable some decent crops, come harvest time.

As we move beyond the drier months and into winter, we want to send out a small reminder for water users to notify us when you have finished irrigating for the season. This will ensure you avoid any follow ups or audits being carried out with possible costs being charged to the user.

Contact us on 03 543 8400, or email us at WaterMeter.Returns@tasman.govt.nz

Our new Catchment Facilitators Brigid Graney (Waimea), Kat Bunting (Mohua/ Golden Bay) and Helen Forsey (Motueka/ Moutere) You will note that the Buller Catchment is not yet included, we anticipate having someone covering this catchment later this year.

The use of the word facilitator in the job title indicates the key function each of the Catchment Facilitators will play in supporting the catchment wide outcomes sought by the Essential Freshwater Package. A facilitator is a person who makes an action or process easier. Our focus is supporting the implementation of the Freshwater Farm Plan Regulations.

This involves establishing internal processes to ensure Council is ready, including collating catchment information that will help you to complete your farm plan when the time comes. Of relevance to you will

be our role in providing support, information, and collective approaches for the successful development of these plans by each farmer/grower for the land they operate on.

our gumboots in our new roles, so will be connecting with these groups in the coming months.

We will also work with individual farmers and growers if this works better for you.

We appreciate that you already have a huge workload, lots of connections to your community and industry, and a tangle of regulations to interpret and implement. We are not intending to complicate this or add extra people to liaise with. Instead, we anticipate using your existing networks where these are established.

We’re waiting on the Government to finalise the Regulations, and they have recently advised this will be in the next month or so. Watch this space for further updates.

This may be in the form of catchment groups, NZ Landcare Trust, sector representatives, grower groups, etc.

We’ve only just put our feet in

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the ruralinfo@tasman.govt.nz email.

The Tasman Rural Hub website is a great place to start, and we’ll be keeping the site updated as things progress. www.tasman. govt.nz/my-region/tasman-ruralhub/

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2023

West Coast

MONTHLY

WEST COAST

STONEYFIELD LTD CLEARING SALE Friday 19th May Viewing from 10am | Auction Starting at 12pm 25 Mackay Pass Road, Rockville, Golden Bay COMPRISING: • 2017 John Deere 6140M with FEL (5500hrs) • 2010 John Deere 6430 with FEL (4400hrs) • Case 595 with FEL (3500hrs) • 2019 Kverneland Optima V 7 Row Planter • 2018 Jen Debru 4.15m offset discs • 2021 Taege 6m Tine Cultivator • 2016 4AG Titan CVH6300 Roller Drill • 2018 Herron Low Bed Transport Trailer • 2018 McIntosh 18 tonne trailer • 2017 Claas Disco 3600 Contour Mower • 2016 Claas Disco 3600 Contour Mower • 2016 Bergmann Repex 33k Loader Wagon • 2015 Tow & Fert Multi 1200 Sprayer • 2017 Hustler Katipo 890 Sprayer • King Hitter Post Driver with Rock Spike • Robertson Combi Feeder Wagon • SAM 4.25 Tonne Spreader • Hustler SX360 Round Bale Feeder • Kuhn HR3020 Power Harrow • 2018 Honda TRX500 Auto (2000hrs) • Dommett offroad 8m Bale Trailer • 20ft Shipping Container • 2 x pair of Hustler Mega Soft hands

ASSORTED SUNDRIES: Tools, Calf Rearing Equipment, Electric Fencing gear, rims, tyres, general fencing equipment, troughs etc.

DETAILS: List of equipment and specs available at: carrfieldslivestock.co.nz FURTHER ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Dara Duigan 027 252 1161 Alf Kinzett 027 241 8919 Jake Garrett 027 787 6007

Phil and Jackie O’Connor, daughter-in-law Sharnie, son Syd with baby Charlee, Reece and daughter Casey. Photo: Supplied.

Partnership important for family and farm BARBARA STUART “I don’t run a hi-tech operation, but I know what a hungry cow sounds like and how much feed they require every day to maintain production,” Phil O’Connor says.

Phil and Jackie O’Connor took over their farm from Phil’s parents in 1991. Back then they ran 120 cows and since then they’ve increased the herd to 260 cows averaging 470kg milk solids per cow. They also purchased adjoining land when it came on the market which has allowed them to bring their daughter Casey and son Syd into the family partnership.

Phil chuckles that he doesn’t know what a kilo of dry matter looks like.

“I farm by the seat of my pants.”

He credits Jackie with being an integral part of their partnership bringing computer skills and handling most of the farm business while he gets on with the work.

“If I ever get lost or over ex-

tended, its Jackie who get us back on track again.”

Over the years that work has been significant, developing land, humping and hollowing on some blocks and flipping 40ha of another block while milking and carrying out the usual farm jobs. They winter their own stock on farm.

When asked how he thinks they will cope with next year’s lower pay out and rising costs, Phil responds: “In the past we weathered hard times with debt and higher interest rates, albeit with more stable costs. This type of situation is not new to older farmers who hopefully now carry less debt than many young farmers just starting out. It will be hard for them, and they just need to do their best to ride it out and hope the banks are helpful.”

Last season the O’Connor’s used sexed semen to produce more heifer calves. This has worked well with ninety-one heifer calves born.

The benefit of this is they’ve

been able to select a top-line for replacements and sell off a nice line of fourteen. They plan to continue using sexed semen.

The family partnership has noticed LIC and Ambreed semen is now becoming more closely related with potential for in-breeding if they’re not very careful.

Last mating they decided to inseminate with Viking Red semen from Samen, a Nordic breed, to introduce hardiness into their cross bred herd. Phil thinks this bloodline will be helpful for Westcoast conditions.

Recently the O’Connor’s came first in the Westport heifer competition, winning the ‘Tobias King, Memorial Trophy.’

Phil says their family partnership lets everyone do their bit.

The kids’ milk during the week and he and Jackie do weekends.

They now have more opportunity to get off-farm where he and Jackie do some of their best planning.

27

28

May 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

Tasman

MONTHLY

TASMAN Trial apples In Tapawera ELOISE MARTYN

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Contact us: sales@nmf.co.nz Farming TOP SOUTH

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Dave McGaveston has done it all. He has farmed sheep, beef, dairy, grains and now he is trialling some unique varieties of apples on his 600ha farm in Tapawera.

With 120ha of irrigated horticulture land on his farm Dave and his son Aaron made the decision in 2016 to plant some apples.

Apples might have been new to the farm, but they weren’t new to Dave.

“I had planted apples in the early 90’s in Ngatimoti but moved out of them in the early 2000’s in line with the deregulation of the apple industry.”

The decision to renter the industry recently stemmed from Dave’s desire to implement a profitable succession plan for his children.

“The land needs a better cashflow than traditional farming can provide, we started slowly by planting 12ha of apples.”

There are no other apples grown in Tapawera currently, the McGavestons are the first.

“Perhaps we are the only one’s game enough to give it a go,” he laughs. “We very fertile soil here it only lacks water without irrigation.”

Tapawera has a very different climate and soil to the Waimea Plains which gives them the opportunity to grow some unique varieties as well as trial some new apple varieties.

“We currently grow Koru, Royal Honey Crisp, some trial apples and Pink Lady,” says

Aaron and Dave McGaveston, the first to grow apples in Tapawera. Photo: Supplied.

Dave.

The other trial variety, which There is a worldwide over currently has no name, is supply of Pink Lady apples the red-fleshed apple. These in the market currently and striking apples have a sweet in response to this Dave ex- flavor with brix levels over plains that he is deciding 15, they have beautiful red what variety he will use to and gold coloured skin on replace the 5,500 Pink Lady the outside and are naturally apples trees red on the they curinside when rently mature. have.

The fruit’s Two trial red flesh is v ar ie t ie s We are moving into caused by the red fleshed apples c u r r e nt a high conly on the and testing markets centration prop er ty with them this season of anthoare meetcyanin, an ing exantioxidant pectations Dave McGaveston known to and Dave offer health says there is great demand for benefits. They are crisp and these unique varieties. juicy and are ideal for eat“Honey Crisp is an absolute ing, using in salads or baking winner,” Dave adds. without added sugar.

Honeycrisp is new to New “They are a beautiful apple Zealand but established as very sweet and really juicy,” a super-premium apple in Dave explains.

USA and Europe, yielding “We are moving into the red high grower returns current- fleshed apples and testing ly two to three times the retail markets with them this seaprice of other varieties. Their son.” sweet-tart flavour paired with Harvest is completed by a unrivalled crispness makes it group of RSE workers that an exceptional eating apple. come from a larger orchard

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when they have quite patches.

“The guys earn good money and it gives them employment during the quiet times,” Dave says. “Our apples are trucked to Thomas Bros Riwaka where they are packed, graded and stored in the cool store before going on to be exported.”

Dave and Aaron have plans to continue their orchard expansion, as well as explore some other fruits that have potential. To enable expansion to happen in a cost effective and timely manner they have decided to sell 80ha of prime horticultural land with water rights.

“Developing costs are high and we need to be realistic hence the decision to sell off prime hort or viticulture land that also will benefit the person who buys it. There is a real shortage of land with water consent out here which is what makes our land parcel unique.”

In the year ending June 2021, the revenue from apple and pear exports from New Zealand amounted to around 831 million New Zealand dollars. The export value of apples and pears is forecast to increase to around 1.01 billion New Zealand dollars this year – 2023. The Tapawera soil, mixed with the current apple demand provides a promising apple future.

“People need to realise there are opportunities in other parts of the district for all fruits, we are proving it can be good,” Dave says.

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2023

Tasman

MONTHLY

29

TASMAN Federated Farmers Golden Bay report ANN THOMPSON Innovation has almost always sparked debate as to whether it is progress or not. Think of the controversy over putting man on the moon all those years ago, and even further back, to the invention of the automobile.

Then think of the spin-offs that came from the technology used: non-stick frypans, lightweight tramping packs, accurate measurements without a tape measure using laser technology, ariel photography without a plane and fishing without a boat, both thanks to drones.

Searching for lost people, mustering stock and measuring rivers can now all be done without getting feet wet or putting lives at danger, all with this drone technology too.

When any innovation is delivered to the public there has been debate, even uproar, over loss of jobs and safety aspects. These

debates have been countered by further refinements and new job openings. Those that weren’t right fell along the wayside and probably no-one remembers what they were now.

Agriculture is a sector that has taken innovation by the horns.

Think about steam engines, which provided the power to plough, harvest and thresh grain.

These were closely followed by a trail of increasingly sophisticated tractors and all manner of things which could be hooked on to these machines to make them safer, more efficient and more helpful.

The debate then, as now, would have been about loss of jobs and income, and perceived (and real) health and safety risks, countered by efficiency, economics and evidence-based data supporting the innovations.

The dairy industry has seen a lot of innovation, with the added debate on animal welfare, especial-

ly in modern times. I guess the conversations around farm dinner tables when the first milking machines made their way into a community went along the lines of how it wouldn’t work, it would hurt the cows, it would destroy the udder, it would cost too much and ‘it’s only a fad therefore I won’t invest in it’.

Then the electric fence: it will hurt the stock, it won’t work, stock will become so frightened they won’t eat, it will kill someone.

The likely arguments laid out here led to better milking machines that were kinder to the teat (and cow) and more efficient than hand milking. Understanding how electricity worked led to refinements of the electric fencing units.

Seeing is believing, and farmers learn from others. They saw that stock could quickly learn to graze withing the electric fenceline and that cows gave as much milk, if not more, when milked using a

vacuum pump. They also saw the profit that could be made – electric fences are portable, traditional fencing is very expensive, and cows that produce more milk make more money.

And of course, costs came down as demand led to more supply.

The current debate about cow collars is yet another example of healthy conversations farmers are having.

For some, the benefits of the collar bring increased knowledge of what is happening to each cow.

How much milk she’s producing, the quality of her milk, her heat status, her health status and how much she’s eating are just some of the facts farmers get back from the data collected.

The addition to the technology to allow virtual fencing is intriguing, where the cow learns to respond to sound and vibration signals and shift herself around the farm without the farmer having to open gates or shift the electric

fence. As more farmers take up this technology, it will be refined.

If it doesn’t work, farmers won’t use it.

For some farmers this will be an advantage to their farming systems and they will adopt new technology, while others won’t.

Both groups of farmers are correct as they farm for themselves, their own situations and their own animals.

Some people will never be first adaptors but will piggy back on those who have been brave enough to give new ideas and technology a chance to succeed.

Belonging to groups such as Federated Farmers and going to discussion groups organised by DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb NZ and other farmer groups is a way to get an understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of new ways of doing things.

Debate is good, as standing still is not an option when it comes to agriculture in today’s world.

Federated Farmers Nelson report On-farm inflation is affecting all the rural sectors. Meat and Fibre chair Kerry Irvine, at the last Board meeting, echoed that input costs are high and returns in the dry stock sector are low. Prices are on the move up but it’s slow going and the indicated climb will take four to five years before farmers see any real beneficial changes.

Kerry explains that the wool sector is continuing to struggle, and with current shearing costs just over $3 per sheep, mixed with a wool return of $1.37/kg creates a financial loss shearing sheep.

However, shearing is essential for good animal health, so needs to remain a priority for all sheep farmers.

A campaign called Kiwi’s Backing Farmers has been launched to highlight the overwhelming wave of polices threatening the future of sheep and beef farms, rural communities and our country’s economic position The campaign asks people to get in behind the red meat sector and calls on the government to reassess its policy plans. Campaign details can be found on-line under Kiwis Backing Farmers. Federated Farmers supports this campaign and know how complex and hard it can be to work in the policy space. Federated Farmers works

daily, lobbying on farming issues both nationally and within each region of New Zealand, on behalf of all farmers including arable, fruit and vegetables, rural butchers, goats, dairy and sheep. The work that our organisation does benefits every farmer and grower nationwide, regardless of whether they are a member or not. The campaign needs all farmers’ support You might recall some of the findings from our Rural Connectivity survey last year. Just on 68% of farmers and farm staff regularly work alone with no connectivity (it’s very common for substantially less than half of a farm property to have mobile coverage). Personal Locator Beacons are a very useful safety system, but really an option of last resort that brings all the emergency services to the user’s location.

Most times, less extreme assistance is all that’s needed while out on the farm, so the ability for two-way texts would be game changer. It looks likely that total communications blackout on more remote parts of farms, bush, high country and even off our coast in fishing boats could soon be a thing of the past with both One NZ (formerly Vodafone) and 2Degrees announcing

they’ve inked deals with satellite publicly acceptable. Last year 1.8 ly-friendly dinner that will focus services. 2Degrees said it would million bobby calves were pro- less on AGM talk and more on soon start trials with global low- cessed and the dairy industry has social time. The province is payearth orbit satellite provider Lynk a goal to reduce that figure to 0 by ing for the meal, with self-fundthat would enable clients to send 2030. The big questions around ed drinks. Doors open at 4pm, texts by cell phone, no matter how this will happen and if it’s AGM will be starting 5pm sharp, where they were. Ultimately, actually workable are currently and dinner will be served at 6pm. that would be extended to voice being discussed and there will be, All members and non-members I have been living locally since 2008. calls and basic data services. The undoubtedly, more to and comeworking on all welcome but you must register company would allow emergency Use this subject. for catering purposes. my experience, honesty, integrity and work ethic to messages to be sent by anyone, The Province AGM is being held To register email numbers and youon the value your number one asset. not just customers. Federated deliver this month thehighest 17th May, at thefordetails to: nelsonfedfarm@gmail.

Farmers have been working in Competitive Murchison Reccommission Centre. A famicom and marketing tailor made to the Rural Connectivity your individual requirements. space and are pleased to I welcome your call for a no obligation appraisal hear that things are progressing. However, costs and any advice I can give you. are unknown.

Professionalism Bobby calves are a hot Knowledge I have been living and working since 2008.

I have been living and locally working locally since 2008. topic with any dairy farmUse my Use experience, honesty, integrity and work and ethicwork to ethic to er currently as Fonterra’s Competitive Pricing my experience, honesty, integrity deliver you the highest value for your number one asset. new regulations, coming deliver you the highest value for your number one asset. into effect June 2023, reCompetitive commission and marketing tailor made to made to Competitive commission and marketing tailor quire they are no longer your individual requirements. your individual requirements. allowed to be killed on I welcome your callyour for a call no obligation appraisal appraisal I welcome for a no obligation farm. This cannot remain and any and advice I can give you. any advice I can give you. unchallenged. One of the Professionalism Professionalism | Knowledge | Competitive Pricing main reasons for FonKnowledge terra imposing this new Competitive Pricing regulation is that com-

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30

May 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

Marlborough

MONTHLY

marlborough Marlborough Federated Farmers

Manuka honey once booming now busted TONY ORMAN Manuka honey that a few years ago sold for $3700 at Harrods in London is in a trough at the bottom end of a “boom and bust” cycle. With honey in the doldrums, Marlborough beekeeper Will Trollope told the monthly meeting of Marlborough Federated Farmers that the current season had been a “diabolical one.”

While increasing compliance costs allied with general inflationary costs were a factor, the weather with an erratic summer, had not been kind to bees and apiarists. The only positive reports have come from Southland which had comparatively better weather.

“All in all, costs have gone through the roof, returns have fallen to a level about $2 below the costs of production,” said Will Trollope and then wryly added, “The only consolation is prices have stabilised.”

Manuka honey epitomises the honey industry’s struggles with an oversupply and low, low returns compared to the heady days of Harrod’s $3,700 a jar. Beekeepers were struggling to cover soaring production costs as export demand dwindle and prices plunge.

Reports indicate beekeepers are striving to just stay afloat financially. A few stoically remain but a considerable number are going out of business. Beekeepers are quitting the industry, with many of those, beginner beekeepers who were attracted by the boom prices. The number of hives has

fallen 20% from the 2019 peak down to 730,000.

The boom years attracted speculators and with a cut-throat competitive industry resulting with hive thefts and counterfeit manuka honey being pushed by the unscrupulous. The high prices attracted newcomers. During the covid pandemic prices were further boosted as consumers became focused on health benefits.

Prices peaked at above $60 a kg but have now fallen to about $13 a kg. Costs, such as tests to grade the honey, disease control measures and fees to landowners, are now barely covered, if at all, by the low returns.

Wilding Pines In his forestry report Chris Dawkins who had just attended the NZ Farm Forestry Associations 65th Annual Conference hosted by the South Canterbury branch, said wilding pines were a particularly big problem in the Mackenzie Basin.

“Of the $100 million ‘Jobs for Nature’ funding for wilding control, $50million went into Canterbury. Mt Cook Station - a 2,600 ha property has an overwhelming problem with 2000ha covered by wilding pines.

It took two years and well north of $100k to get the resource consent to clear the trees back into pasture. ETS obligations are astronomical involving multi-millions of dollars.” he said.

In the Mackenzie Basin, mainly due to rainfall, tree growth rates vary greatly, e.g 10m3/ha/ pa at Omarama and near Teka-

po where annual rainfall is 400600mm annually to 25m3 at Mt Cook Station on the northern side of Lake Pukaki. There rainfall is 1500-2000mm annually and in this area recorded Douglas Fir growth rates are reputed to be the highest in the world.

Forestry may do better economically through 2023 than other sectors of primary industry said Chris Dawkins. While forestry expansion is needed, but land use change (i.e.pastoral farm conversion to pines) is not acceptable to many.

“It’s a matter of right tree, right place, right scale, right purpose,” he said.

There is potential for essential oil extraction from Douglas Fir.

Farm Open Days Meat and Wool section chairman Richard Dawkins said the Farm Open Day recently held at The Pyramid farm, geared toward get-

ting townsfolk out onto the farm to gain an understanding and appreciation of the agricultural sector, was a successful event.

“The event was well supported with over 200 attendees and will look to do things bigger and better again next year. Thank you also to Rural Women, Rural Support Trust, Osgro Seeds and Renwick Automotive for their support,” he said.

Another event was the Farming 4 Profit Field Day at Manaroa Farm in the Kenepuru Sound. The event titled ‘Farming in the Marlborough Sounds: Challenges and Opportunities’ was sold out with 80 people catching the mailboat out to Manaroa and a further 30 Sounds locals attending.

Speakers included locals Josh Jamieson and Mike Gerard, Ginny Dodunski (Wormwise), Ants Roberts (Ravensdown), Barbara Faulls (MDC) and Murray Behrent (Alliance).

Alliance sponsored the meat, with Rural Women providing salads, snacks and refreshments.

“The day was a success not only in terms of knowledge transfer but also as a social event where people took the time to socialise and see a unique environment and special place to farm,” said Dawkins.

“Given the challenges our industry is facing at the moment, these stories of collaboration bring success and foster positivity at a time when it is much needed.”

Chamber of Commerce Peter Coldwell of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the organisation’s pro-active advocacy and invited farmers to get involved. While the Chamber has “a few farmers’ as members, there are more vineyard owners.

“We’d welcome more farmers coming along,” he said.

Winner of the PGG Wrightson-VetMed National Shearing Circuit, Angus Moore from Ward, was presented with a Hyundai Santa Fe at PGG Wrightson recently. He has the use of the Hyundai Santa Fe for one year. This is the second year Angus has won the vehicle which he said, “is a very useful prize.” Photo: Supplied.

9.30am MONDAY 19TH June 2023

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT FARM MANAGER: GREG CROMBIE PH 0275 511 011 EMAIL greg@leefieldstation.co.nz LEEFIELD STATION 1171 WAIHOPAI VALLEY ROAD, MARLBOROUGH

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2023

Marlborough

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31

marlborough Science is evidence based ANDREW RITCHIE Avon Valley Catchment Group recently held a workshop at The Pyramid.

Among the informative speakers was Professor Derrick Moot.

Derrick has spent the past 30 years interested in climate change. He has conducted scientific trials enabling sheep and beef farmers to create resilient systems to cope with the variability of climate.

“There is no doubt that winters are becoming warmer and the rest is just weather,” says Derrick.

He argues that science is evidence based and one of his major challenges is convincing politicians that facts are facts.

Scientists who know how systems operate are often at the bottom of the chain in major decision making bodies and find it difficult to combat the plethora of “alternative facts” that abound.

In Japan and Germany major organisations have scientists at the top of the tree.

“Typically politicians talk to lobbyists and scientific qualifications around the cabinet table are few if any. Our own minister of agriculture does not have an agricultural qualification,” he said.

Decisions such as chlorinating the water supply in Christchurch were not based on science. The city’s wells are 90 metres deep and it is impossible for them to be polluted by anything from the surface.

The decision to ban Glyphosate is based on the theory that it can cause cancer. “It functions by taking out a plant protein only. The reason there was successful litigation in the US was because the production company decided it was the best way to make it all go away.”

Professor Moot suggests that the only way to challenge information from idealists, media, social media and politicians is to ask them on what evidence do they base their theories.

Currently farmers are under fire from all directions, pollution of waterways is a major concern and there are a large list of costly and complicated regulations coming their way. At the same time, it has been proven that our cities are the major sources of pollution in the country. Methane production from livestock is another stick with which to beat famers over the head, Moot says that despite

much investment in research there is no ‘widget’ available to fix the problem. His solution is to produce high quality pastures to finish lambs earlier.

“If a lamb is weaned at 25kgs and the target is 35kgs and it is only gaining 100gms/day it will take 100 days, consume 1300 megajoules of energy and produce 303gms/kg of methane. On quality pasture a lamb will gain 300gms /day and be ready one month earlier, producing half the amount of methane before slaughter.”

Professor Moot is a renowned advocate of legumes and has conducted many practical trials in commercial situations. On Bog Roy Station which has a rainfall of only 350mls/annum the use of lucerne has doubled the tonnage of lamb produced off the same area of land.

Lambs are averaging 330gms/day weight gain, this has reduced the weaning date from 120 days to 85. Unimproved pasture was producing 6.5 tonnes/dry matter and it now achieving up to 31tonnes/ DM. Satellite farming has been utilised to take grazing pressure off hill country.

At Omarama Station 20 ha of lucerne services 150 ha of hill country.

The lactation period is very important, lucerne provides quality feed during this time. At weaning lambs can remain on lucerne to be finished and the ewes can be retired to the hill country which has been growing additional cover during this period.

Nitrates in water courses is another bone of contention but Moot argues that legumes are safe providers of nitrogen by storing N in their roots during autumn and winter and utilising it in the spring.

Lucerne will come away earlier in the spring if planted on a Northerly slope as it responds when the air temperature is over 4 degrees. This is in preference to the valley floors where the cold air drains.

“Everything we eat and grow requires nitrogen.”

Trials with cocksfoot on dryland have produced 6.3 tonnes of dry matter but with the addition of nitrogen the same pasture produces 16 tonnes of DM, without the addition of irrigation. Professor Moot is convinced sustainable intensification is the way to unlock millions of dollars from behind the farm gate.

Dung beatles a no brainer ANDREW RITCHIE The introduction of dung beetles is a no brainer according to Dr Shaun Forgie.

Forgie says beetles have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, however the 15 native species in New Zealand are largely confined to the forest floor. The imported beetles specifically feed on bovine and ovine manure.

The beetles are attracted by the smell of dung and can dispose of a cow pat within 48 hours. One of the major advantages is the eradication of repugnant herbage and the loss of grazing area caused by the proliferation of dung patches. The beetle buries its larvae in sausages of manure 45 to 60cms underground where they then lay their eggs.

The burrowing action aerates the soil and improves soil structure, fertiliser and drainage, enabling pasture plant roots to penetrate deeper into the soil. Forgie claims a 76% reduction in parasites on herbage due to the action of the beetles. His

Dr. Shaun Forgie holds a dung beetle capsule in which the beetle lays an egg. Photo Andrew Ritchie. organisation has conducted field trials to measure the runoff reduction. On a slope of 11% it was found there was an 81% reduction in pollution runoff after a 150mm rain event.

In the Waikato riparian planting and fencing has been carried out for 30 years and there has been no improvement in water quality.

In Pukekohe district it is estimated that the fencing of all waterways will cost 20 billion dollars, obviously unaffordable.

In comparison the cost of a

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beetle programme is $10 to $40 per hectare. In addition, a severe flood event is likely to carry much of the fencing away.

The introduction of beetles would mean less land loss due to riparian planting.

Dr Forgie estimates that buffer zones could be reduced by 2m. Despite the obvious advantages of the beetle programme Forgie’s programme has met resistance from DairyNZ who suggest environmentally unfriendly polystyrene floats planted with herbage for waterways.

These are likely to disappear in a flood and have to be dug out of the riverbed in a drought, not to mention their limited lifespan.

Opposition by a small group to the importation of beetles was found to be funded by drench supplier Pfizer, says Forgie.

In Western Australia, famous for the Aussie wave, it has been estimated that the reduction in the fly population has made a saving of 1 billion dollars in the local economy with the introduction of the dung beetle.

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local

Farming TOP SOUTH

Forestry

MONTHLY

forestryupdate

A story of a lifelong passion for forestry ELOISE MARTYN

“It might be a bit of a hole, but “I had a mate who was working in course, in 1996, Willie was in- a conversation popped up about you don’t often get scenery like a logging crew, and I would just volved in a serious car accident him becoming a contractor.

You would be forgiven if you had you see there, it’s a privilege to log hop in the wagon and go to work where he was catapulted through “That idea appealed and stuck to read this next line twice, “It’s a up the dart – yes the job is harder, with them when I could, I liked the windscreen which resulted in with me,” says Willie. privilege to log up the Dart,” says more technical and environmen- the physical nature of the work, a large piece of glass becoming However, the opportunity didn’t Willie Waldron, owner of CW tally sensitive but logging like this and the people were real charac- embedded in one eye. The eye come about for some years. doesn’t happen much anymore.” ters.” became infected and required “A good friend, who had logging Logging.

The Dart has a reputation being Willies love for forestry and the An advertised falling job in Ran- multiple operations which were gear, suggested we put a price in on a job.” challenging, however Willie says, outdoors came from growing giora saw Willie apply. “The guy unsuccessful. up in Hammer, gave me a day trial, I didn’t have “It wasn’t a great time, I spent Which they did - “It wasn’t easy Please carefully and approve submit corrections by the Fin to go from regular wages coming a small com- a clue what I wascheck doing your but heproof weeks lying in hospital with bothit or munity full of liked how I worked and saw that my eyes bandaged up. One thing in, to being a contractor with no Youforestchanges to your ad within can now approve at work, a time that suits guaranteed especially when you. farmers, I wanted to beorinsubmit the industry so that was amazing was the howATOL my system inryyour ad proof email to view your ad, then click the APPROVE or CORRECTIONS button right from a workers and gave me a job on the skid,” Willie other senses kick in, my hearing you have a young family andthere mortgage,” Willie says seriously high voltage smiles, “I do remember there was was heightened it was unreal.” customer PF OLSEN & CO LTD (RMD) publishing 06/24/21 booked size C linesmen. It was a lot of gorse.”

The accident left Willie with “we had a few months’ work then advert (100%)in the industry publication Adv Supp NEM dimensions 1 whileID CH-8994297AA work- Keen to continue permanent damage to one eye we had nothing.”

Independent section 9 appreing on a sheep Willie decided to gain some qual- and while heCUSTOM adjusted toSQUARE this, he Willie explains he is still proofed and grain farm ifications. returned to the Rangiora based ciative to a local logging company Log Buyers in Amberley, “The only place you could do a crew and discovered that, thank- that stepped in and hired out their where Willie forestry course was in Richmond, fully, he could competently oper- machinery during that time “This Forest Managers kept uscorrections afloat and by fortunately spent most of so I came up and committed to your ate machinery andand chainsaws.

Please check proof carefully approve it or submit the Final we Proof Alt were able to secure some work.” his time grubthe nine-month course. ” The next few years saw Willie Harvesting You can now approve or submit changes to your ad within the ATOL system at a time that suits you. Just follow t bing thistles inThe course consisted of book and gain further experience in differ- The two men were the first new your ad proof email to view your ad, then click the APPROVE or CORRECTIONS button right from there - no new ema and cutting fire- practical work and getting up ent areas of the industry, includ- harvesting contractors that NFL PF OLSEN & CO LTDon (RMD) publishing 06/24/21 booked size QUART V Marketing & hadCSQ taken wood, that he customer early each morning to be site ing Heli-Logging of Beech and (now OneFortyOne) advert ID CH-8994297AA (100%) publication Adv Supp NEM dimensions 12.3X12.4, cm on in more than a decade. recognised he in all-weather elements.

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Establishment section CUSTOM SQUARE proofed 9/06/2021 12:2 liked chainsaws “It was a great course, we learnt “I didn’t want to do anything else Future loggers are something and wood. a lot of good practical forestry logging was for me,” exclaims Willie is passionate about.

“I’ve always been keen to create He moved on to skills and made lots of contacts Willie. silviculture and within the industry,” adds Willie. While working, and living in loggers. I’m open to starting peoenjoyed it.

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Farming TOP SOUTH

local

May 2023

Forestry

MONTHLY

33

forestryupdate Funding open for South Island STAFF REPORTER

Paige Waldron, Willie Waldron, Amy Hendy and Bob Hendy. Photo: Supplied. the industry is a benefit to the whole industry,” he explains.

“It can be expensive and yeah it takes time, but someone needs to give them the opportunity.”

While logging is Willie’s passion, he acknowledges that by being a contactor achieving a work, life balance can be tricky. He’s found that time away from logging can be hugely beneficial in many ways. “I’m an active relaxer, I enjoy hunt-

ing and fishing and I love getting out on my block of land with my family,” adds Willie.

Willie tells me honestly that some days he thinks of expanding and other days he thinks of retiring early, and I think we can all relate to that. For the time being Willie says, “Things are good, the crew has neat people in it, we have fresh air and awesome views, you can’t ask for much more than that.”

A new fund has just been opened for forestry companies, contractors, biofuel aggregators through to those producing boiler ready fuel like wood pellets.

The EECA GIDI (Energy Efficient Conservation Authority - Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry) has a new fund.

The fund was expanded in May 2022, as part of the government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund. The programme will see around $650M of capital grants co-investment made available to support valuable decarbonisation projects.

The funding aims to help

New Zealand secure its long-term energy future, meet its first emissions budget (2022-2025) and achieve longer-term climate targets through decarbonisation projects.

The EECA’s GIDI fund is aimed at transitioning medium to large commercial and industrial process heat users from fossil fuels towards electricity or biomass.

It is there to support businesses that are looking to convert their boilers away from coal.

With demand now ramping up the logical next step is to provide assistance to those looking to extract and supply woody biomass.

The fund could be useful

for those who are wanting to make a start in the biomass business, or currently in the industry and want to increase their production.

There is now a new fund open (Biomass Supply Chain Investment Fund) to deal with the supply side of biomass.

This fund is designed to assist any organisation that can contribute to increasing the supply of biomass (chip, hog fuel, pellets).

The fund can provide assistance, via grants, throughout the value chain from forestry companies, contractors, aggregators to those producing boiler fuel pellets.

The fund for the South Island is now open.

DISCOVER WHY AT www.ifsgrowth.co.nz

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34

May 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

Livestock

MONTHLY

livestock RAT on horizon to manage facial eczema on- farm A rapid antigen test (RAT) aimed at early detection of facial eczema (FE) in ruminants will help manage a disease that costs the New Zealand economy more than $200 million each year.

The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund is investing more than $35,000 in a project with Tokaora Diagnostics to develop a prototype facial eczema RAT and undertake field testing. The test could be used with sheep, cattle, and deer but initial trials will focus on dairy cattle.

“FE is a disease of the liver and often doesn’t show physical symptoms until it’s too late to save the animal,” says Steve Penno, MPI’s Director of Investment Programmes.

“Currently there’s no cheap, onfarm diagnostic on the market, so we’re supporting Tokaora Diagnostics to take their proof-ofconcept test to the next stage.”

Tokaora Diagnostics is a family-owned research company headed by chief researcher Frey Livingston and his mother Pam, who is the managing director.

The company conducted initial research and development through start-up grants from Callaghan Innovation.

It also won the Venture Taranaki Power Up Awards in 2022 and received mentoring through the Sprout Agritech Accelerator programme.

“We’re grateful to have received so much support to make an ‘invisible’ problem visible,” says Frey

Livingston.

“Right now, farmers can test for the disease through blood samples taken by vets but it is

It will enable farmers to surveillance test, which will facilitate timely treatment Pam Livingston expensive and time consuming.

With our solution, farmers will be able to do the testing themselves quickly and easily via nasal mucus or saliva.”

Financial losses from FE in New Zealand have been estimated as high as $274 million per year from lost production, and the cost of labour, treatment, and deceased animals.

“By detecting facial eczema accurately we’d expect to see significant cost savings on farms in affected areas,” says Pam Livingston.

“It will enable farmers to surveillance test, which will facilitate timely treatment. It will also allow more informed purchasing, breeding, and culling decisions.

For vets, it will be a quick diagnostic tool when called to a poorly animal, and for researchers it will give a timely answer to the ‘who has it and how badly’ question. And, of course, improved

animal welfare is a high priority.”

“FE is a long-standing issue for our agricultural sector, and with climate change it’s expected to get worse as the toxic spores that cause the disease are more likely to grow in warm and humid conditions,” says Steve Penno.

“MPI has invested in a range of projects aimed at combating FE, including breeding spore-resistant grass, and working with vets, dairy farmers, and rural professionals to raise awareness about how to take preventative action.

This project is another step towards better managing this disease.”

For further information on the project contact Pam Livingston at pam@tokaoradiagnostics.nz

Wool auction bale volumes exceed expectation Throughout the past few weeks wool quantities catalogued for every auction at the Christchurch wool selling centre, exceeded expectation despite there being five auction dates scheduled between 2nd March and 20th April (time of writing), with a further auction scheduled for 28th April also attracting higher bale numbers than earlier predicted.

A substantial percentage of bales catalogued during the aforementioned period had either been offered at previous auctions and passed-in due to failing to reach grower reserve, or had been held in farm wool sheds or in broker

stores by growers awaiting market improvement. With climatic conditions, during the previous more than twelve months, conducive to discolouration of most coarse wool types, as well as many mid-micron types, whilst on the sheeps’ backs, grower resistance to an obvious difficult market was, realistically, never going to pay dividends but more likely deliver disappointment.

Wool exporters affected by damage to and/or loss of scoured wool stocks due to flooding and subsequent closure of the Awatoto wool scour facility in Napier following the catastrophe of cyclone Gabrielle, no doubt needed to replace significant quantities to meet their forward-sold commitments to processors around the globe, once insurance claims assessors had finalized their investigations.

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As a result, several exporters who had lost stocks of, in particular, very good colour wools, competed vigorously within the auction room to secure their requirements, however with most of the auction offerings containing high levels of discolouration (yellowness), as earlier eluded, price gaps between very good colour and poor colour wool types widened significantly.

Those growers fortunate enough to have very good colour crossbred second-shear ewe wool for sale during the mid-March through mid-April time frame, commanded strong trade support as did those offering similar good colour crossbred lamb’s fleece wool with low vm readings and, preferably, testing finer than approximately 31 microns. A reasonable quantity of average-to-good colour wools

also improved slightly in value during the period.

Very few mid-micron or merino wool types were offered for sale in Christchurch during the March/ April period. A smattering of mid-micron types drew limited support whilst a few well-prepared merino fleece types and a handful of second-shear types were keenly sought, receiving healthy prices Australian brokers reported their March/April market as erratic with most interest in wool carrying non-mulesed declarations.

Despite there being the odd bright spot at local wool sales lately, in my view driven by disaster rather than genuine demand, market depth in the short-to-medium future is likely to remain limited, especially for the quantities of poorer colour wools which are still to come to, or return to, the

marketplace having been withheld or passed-in previously. One of the major influencers (if not the most influential) to the New Zealand wool market for several decades, China, has yet to show any significant renewed interest, although statistics have shown a slightly improved trend of wool exports to that country from New Zealand over the past few months.

European woolen carpet yarn manufacturers have recently reported increased interest from hospitality sectors including hotel and cruise ship industries, which will certainly help under-pin our crossbred values but with production, harvesting, transport and marketing costs still out-weighing financial return, raw wool volumes are unlikely to increase in the foreseeable future That’s my view.

Results of the Westport Heifer Competition Best Line -Tobias King Memorial Trophy First place Phil and Jackie O’çonnor, Second place Jimmy and Michelle Stevenson, Third Place Mark and Becky Hateley - Grazier Colleen Soares, VHC Bede and Ange Oçonnor, HC Pamu - Tram 21-64 - Grazing Manager - Johan Roos Most Outstanding Dairy Heifer - Neville Keoghan Cup First Place Nathan and Rebecca Keoghan 21-7, Second Place Jimmy and Michelle Stevenson 21-6, third Bede and Ange O’Çonnor 21-11, VHC Phil and Jackie O’Çonnor 21-19, HC Pamu - Tram 21-64 - Grazing Manager - Johan Roos.

Best Jersey Heifer- Stephen’s Family Cup First Place Nathan and Rebecca Keoghan 21-

7, Second Place Phil and Jackie Oçonnor 21-1, Third Place Mark and Becky Hateley - Grazier Colleen Soares 21-7, VHC Judges Award Pamu Dairy D Best presented runoff (that needed a cowshed) Manager - Johan Roos Firth Beardsley and Peter Reedy - The grazier, the judge wish he had met 20 years ago Best Photo - George King 21-59 Winner fancy Dress award - Alex King (wearing a Samen Hat) Judges Comment The Judge, (Malcolm Ellis) Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Animals and farms all looking great.

Well done to all the rearers.

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2023

Livestock

MONTHLY

35

livestock Gearing up for this year’s bull sale After 45 years of farming, Martin Farming owner Richard Martin still finds great enjoyment every single day running his Angus and Hereford Stud operation.

Located 30 minutes south of Nelson in Wakefield’s countryside, 330 hectares of predominantly steep hill country is home to 200 registered cows (150 Angus and 50 Hereford), heifers and sale bulls.

Richard says the stud has a strong and uncompromising focus on producing cattle that are structurally sound, have good constitution and conformation, and high levels of fertility- attributes that will ultimately add value to their clients progressive breeding programs.

Richard, along with his wife Denise and family, are gearing up for its annual rising two-year-old sale on Monday June 12, at a new time of 1pm, where it will offer 32 Angus and 7 Hereford stud bulls.

There is considerable selection

pressure when it comes to deciding on the line up of bulls to offer prospective buyers. Key tools are used in Richard’s process.

All lots have genomically enhanced EBVs and are independently structurally assessed for soundness, including docility scored. They undergo a compre-

hensive fertility test, and are ultrasound scanned for EMA, IMF, and Rib & Rump Fat. Buyers can be assured that all bulls come to the sale fit and ready for service.

The Martin’s are proud of the fact that many of their clients have been purchasing bulls from

them for more than 30 years, with typically over 50% sold out of the district. To attract such farmers, Martin Farming covers the freight component for all purchases and if approached, can discuss delayed delivery.

This year’s line-up of bulls features some exciting new AI sires,

as well as top home bred sons used as part of their progeny testing policy as yearlings.

“There will be a bull for every budget on sale day and we are very pleased with the consistent group of thick, moderate framed bulls throughout the entire catalogue” says Richard. “We like our clients to take home a bull that is well suited to their own individual herd requirements and believe that with our bulls being bred and raised on steep hill country, they adapt well to their different environments.”

A bull walk will be held on Friday May 26th for potential purchasers to get a glimpse, and if that day doesn’t suit, you can contact the family for a private viewing.

Catalogues will be available at the end of May, if you wish to receive one by mail, please email richard@ martinfarming.com. Alternatively, head to their Facebook page to view a digital version and keep up to date with sale information.

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36

May 2023

fertilizer

Farming TOP SOUTH

Fertilizer

MONTHLY

Farming profitability JOHN BARNES

Managing Director Fertilizer New Zealand

Something we can all relate to is food. We all need it and while diets change, food is what everyone requires, often three times a day.

Almost all our food originates from the land and is grown by farmers who take pride in what they do and have spent their lifetime producing good sustainable produce for people. It is up to the farmer to find ways to grow their produce in a sustainable and efficient way.

Part of this is making sure what we put on our land is the best quality and that the nutrient status of our land is maintained but not over full.

What do we mean by that? We mean taking good care of how we measure the nutrients in our soils.

The standard soil tests which have been the gold standard since 1950’s are useful to measure available nutrients like phosphate, potash, sulphur, magnesium and calcium, but these tests only tell part of the story.

The rest is about how much of the phosphate, potash, sulphur, magnesium and calcium is being stored in the soil and doesn’t show up on the existing tests.

In almost all situations there is quite a lot of these nutrients sitting in the soil, hidden from the standard MAF tests.

What I would like to point out is that for many years soil laboratories like Hill Laboratories have had soil tests available that quite easily and effectively provide this information for farmers which could ultimately save farmers a lot of money.

There is another consideration to be made here also. Farmers apply a substantial amount of nitrogen on their land each year but never or seldom measure the nitrogen content in their soil. Hill Laboratories can measure this as part of their soil testing program, which is something we at Fertilizer New Zealand would suggest farmers should monitor. The work that we have seen shows that some farmers have up to 250kg of potentially available Nitrogen per hectare. If nitrogen is about $1.20 per kg, this would be $300 of nitrogen per hectare.

Part of what we do at Fertilizer New Zealand is keeping farming profitable. Profitability is farming sustainably. We all need food so farmers will always be needed to produce it. The service our company is founded on is supplying fertiliser plans for an efficient way of growing food.

To find out more, contact us on 0800 337 869.

Got something to buy, sell or promote?

Contact us: sales@nmf.co.nz

Farming TOP SOUTH

MONTHLY

Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2023

Horticulture

MONTHLY

37

horticulture Growers still under the pump Thumbs-Up NADINE TURLEY HortNZ

The pictures of silt covered orchards may no longer dominate the 6 o’clock News, but for those affected – the growers, their employees and their whanau – the aftereffects of Cyclone Gabrielle still hit hard and will continue to hit hard for several years.

Many growers still do not know the timeframe for getting their land back into production or the next crop to market. Northland, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti and Hawkes Bay are the fruit bowl of New Zealand for good reason. Their soil is, or at least was, rich with the necessary nutrients to support the nearly $7 billion New Zealand horticulture industry.

However, silt has not only destroyed the plants that were growing on that land when the cyclone struck, it has suffocated the soil structures which means many crops may never be able to be grown on this land again.

Experts predict it will take 50 to 100 years to get the soil back to what it was.

To add insult to injury, the minimum wage increased on 1 April, and a 10 percent increase is scheduled on top of that for the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme - effective 1 October.

All this has come at a time when growers are already under immense pressure. RSE workers, who have come here every season for the past 15 years from our Pacific neigh-

bours, fill shortfalls in domestic employment and help keep our successful horticulture industry alive.

Growers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle are grateful for the government’s financial support, but one-off grants or loans only offer temporary relief.

Price takers Approximately one-third of our horticulture yield is sold domestically. The rest is exported. Internationally, we are price takers meaning we can only get the price the world market sets.

Domestically, where they can, growers will need to factor into their prices the increased cost of production. This will put further inflationary pressure on households when they can least afford it.

I have spoken with growers who are contemplating their future in a post-Gabrielle world. The latest round of wage cost increases is likely to mean they either do not rebuild and replant, or if they do it, it will be on a reduced scale.

This is not about wanting to pay RSE workers less. They are an important part of the ecosystem, not only in our domestic economy but for the Pacific Islands, where the money they earn in New Zealand provides an important lifeline. The RSE scheme is not perfect – no

scheme is. There are a few bad actors, which is why the horticulture and viticulture industries are working closely with the government and the Pacific on a review to address the issues.

The forced increase in RSE wages will hurt the good actors – by far the majority – the most.

These are the growers who have already invested significantly in their RSE workforce. They travel to the Pacific Island communities from where their workers come, to nurture long lasting and trusted relationships. They build practical and culturally appropriate accommodation for the workers when they are in New Zealand. It is their slimmer margins that cannot sustain an inflexible wage environment.

The horticulture industry is not asking for special favours. We are just asking for the opportunity to get ourselves back on the trajectory we were on before the myriad of extreme weather events.

Paying workers from overseas more It is always challenging when the government forces employers to pay workers from overseas more than they would pay New Zealanders for the same work.

The cyclone-affected horticulture industry is facing increased

costs across almost every aspect of growing.

Insurance helps, but it doesn’t cover everything. It doesn’t provide for increased supply chain costs because it is now harder to get produce to market. It doesn’t accommodate additional employee flexibility because they need to be able to clean and rebuild their own homes.

Our industry is closely working with the government to collect information on the extent of the devastation: what has been affected, what is needed to rebuild and how long this will take.

The government has stated it is committed to the rebuild but announcements like the minimum and RSE wage increases undermine this commitment.

The government may have delayed the additional 10 percent increase for RSE workers by six months, but we are two months post-Cyclone Gabrielle now, and affected growers still have no certainty around where they can even begin to rebuild, let alone how.

In the immediate aftermath, local communities were deeply grateful for RSE workers’ support for cleaning up orchards and homes. But these RSE workers rely on there being a vibrant horticulture industry for them to participate in, year in and year out.

The government needs to support the horticulture industry to ensure there are jobs for these vitally important employees to return to next season.

for NZKGI STAFF REPORTER

New Zealand Kiwifruit Gowers Incorporated (NZKGI), the grower advocacy body for New Zealand’s kiwifruit growers, have been given the thumbs-up from kiwifruit growers to continue in its role.

A recent referendum saw 54% of growers turn out to vote on NZKGI’s future, compared to the levy vote held in 2017 which saw 49% of growers turn out.

The 54% turnout figure compares favourably to other sector groups’ voter turnout. DairyNZ reported a 57% turnout from DairyNZ levy payers in 2020, and 35% turned out for Beef + Lamb NZ in 2021.

A large majority of those voting, voted in favour of keeping the industry levy in place (91%) and the voter turnout representing 68% of total production.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers’ Incorporated (NZKGI) is proposing to keep the 1.1c a tray levy charge unchanged, with the option to increase it to 1.5c a tray if required in the future.

Kiwifruit growers first voted to establish a kiwifruit commodity levy to fund the operation of NZKGI in 2011. Since then, they have advocated for growers in national and local government decision-making, succession planning for the industry, promotion of seasonal jobs, representation of the industry at an international level and communication to growers on business-critical issues.

The next levy vote will be held in six years’ time- 2029.

38

May 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

Motoring

MONTHLY

motoring One of the best Country MOTORING with Ken Strungnell

It’s no secret, the hottest sector of the market is the medium SUV. Three of the top ten sellers occupy this segment. The CX 5, which is now more than a decade old, is still a go-to choice for many. While Mitsubishi’s recently released Outlander and the 4 year old RAV 4 outsell it, the ‘5’ backed by Mazda’s 5 year free servicing and unlimited km five year warranty and roadside assist, is very attractive.

But that’s not the reason people buy it.

I drove the base AWD GSX, retailing at $49,990, with three other models that range up to the ‘Takami’ at $66,890. There are FWD versions the GSX sav-

ing $3000. If you’re looking for a 360 view monitor, heated leather electric seats, power tailgate, TFT multi-info display in front of the driver, that’s further up the food chain. However, the great optics on the reverse camera and ‘Tom Tom’ nav are standard, as is the clear Heads Up, showing speed, speed limit and Nav details. That said, all the safety acronyms and City Smart safety are included as is the 5 Star ANCAP rating.

Bringing up 100km in 7.9 seconds, claimed fuel use is 7.8l/100km though we averaged a smidgeon better at 7.6. My right foot is usually weighed down with steel capped work boots, so expect to improve on that if

you drive mostly in the country and use the wonderful seamless torque sparingly.

The bi–xenon headlights are seriously bright on narrow dusty metal roads. With Bluetooth and Mp3 USB and radio functions the entertainment centre screen opening sunroof. Parking sensors front and rear and push button start with start-stop fuel saving.

Also useful is the tyre pressure monitoring allowing instant view of pressures from the drivers seat.

Mazda has promoted widely its “Sky active” technology In a nutshell it encompasses weight saving friction reduction and fuel saving measures to ensure maximum efficiency.

On the road

The quiet effortless 2,5 litre 140kW/252Nm petrol engine is capable of towing 2000kg yet handles more like a sports saloon.

Blurring the line between SUV and sedan the performance and ride are exceptional and with the ease of access and generous space for 5 adults.

My wife drove the twisty lowered speed limit Hunderlees in it and found the sheer ease of driving and placement on the road very appealing. She liked the easy access and boot space. Maybe not scientific or comparison based, the comments were echoed by other we spoke to.

Recently I recommended the

CX5 to a widowed friend. Her husband had one and she had a ‘shopping basket.’ She rang me to say how much she enjoys driving it, as she only ever sat in the front left seat of her husbands one.

Off the road

The front overhang and only 150mm ground clearance means some care needs to be taken and, ultimately, the reasons it’s so good on-road hamper it off. That said, the AWD felt solid and easily coped with long wet grass and muddy tracks.

With a new model coming later this year, the present CX5, which Mazda won accolades and awards for, represents great value.

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Farming TOP SOUTH

May 2023

Noticeboard

MONTHLY

39

Rural Community Noticeboard

1/4 Page (18 x 3) - Waimea Weekly and Nelson Weekly

www.tas man hon da.c o.nz

Know your Mindset.

Do what Matters

Soil Health Field Day Date: Friday, 12 May 2023 Time: 9am-12pm Location: Park Orchard Vineyard, 132 Dillons Point Road, Blenheim Why: Because organic matter, matters

‘Know your Mindset. Do what Matters’ is a short, practical training programme to help you manage multiple pressures, calmly and clearly.

It’s a chance for rural people to connect with each other and expert facilitators who know farming and bring the science of psychology to life in a way you’ll totally relate to.

You’ll learn how to press pause under stress, focus on what matters most, and gain some simple, practical tools that bolster wellbeing in times of change.

Like the trucks and tractors that we use to run our farming businesses, sometimes we need a little maintenance too. Bring your partner or team and join the online programme.

Coffee & nibbles included Plus, networking opportunities We’ll hear from the vineyard manager of Park Orchard Vineyards on applying compost on a smaller scale. We’ll also hear from Hortex contracting on application spreading.

Hear from the soil experts at Soil Matters on how to improve soil structure and increase vine health & performance.

Wholesale Landscapes by Azwood will also be sharing insights into sustainable practices of repurposing grape marc at your vineyards.

To Register head to: https://resources.azwood. co.nz/2023-viticulture-soil-health-field-day

Online: Thu 11 and Thu 18 May Free but registration essential Learn more and register at www.awdt.org.nz/ know-your-mindset-do-what-matters/

tor’s Tūpoupou / Conservation Kids Hec Hector’s Dolphin Day!

Director – Network Tasman Ltd • Future industry challenges • Independent & innovative thinking • Strong commercial acumen Network Tasman is a consumer-owned and operated electricity distribution network servicing more than 42,200 customers across the wider Nelson and Tasman areas. They are also the largest independent regional supplier of highspeed fibre broadband services. Network Tasman is wholly owned by Network Tasman Trust.

It is expected there will be a lift in electricity demand across the region due to buoyant regional growth and transition to a low carbon economy. Emerging technologies may impact upon the future of the core electrical network, presenting both threats of disruption and opportunities for future innovation.

The Company’s mission is to own and operate efficient, reliable and safe electricity networks and other complementary businesses while increasing consumer value.

By rotation, there are two director positions open for appointment with new applicants being considered. The Trust is looking for Directors who will add to the strong diverse skill set of the current Board, and demonstrate strategic leadership and governance, strong commercial acumen, independent and innovative thinking as well as engagement and relationship building skills with iwi, consumers, NTT and other stakeholders.

To be successful for a directorship you will have the necessary personal attributes for a director and preferably governance and/or senior management experience.

Being based within the region is a preference.

Directors will be appointed for a three-year term and eligible for re-appointment.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a role in Network Tasman’s future success.

Applications close Friday 2nd June 2023.

To apply please visit www.intepeople.co.nz.

For further enquiries please contact Odette Shearer 021 270 8657 or odette@intepeople.co.nz.

YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHTER WITH INTEPEOPLE

am - 12:00pm When: Sun 28 May, 10:00 nt Centre Venue: Picton Environme / Free event Additional Info: All Ages

YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHTER WITH INTEPEOPLE

NZ) has Conservation Kids NZ (CK h’s ug oro rlb Ma ub oh vir En event ies’ programme with an ec Sp r Ou ve ‘Sa ir the d launche ! happening each month in Day! lph Do r’s cto May is Tūpoupou / He tdoor t speaker, indoor and ou Event will include a gues d games, arts & crafts an components, activities, so much more! ren, ed at primary aged child All of our events are aim d! ite inv au event, so all are however, this is a whān

The Rural Noticeboard is for local not-f or-profit community groups and organisations to advertise community events or projects that will be of interest to our 35,000 rural readers over the top of the south. Thanks to the team at Tasman Honda for making this noticeboard possible. If you have an up-and-coming project or event that you wish to place on this noticeboard, please contact eloise@t opsouthmedia.co.nz

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May 2023

Farming TOP SOUTH

Advert

MONTHLY

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Wolverine X2 Ute Powerful 850cc, 4WD, larger tip deck, high profile suspension.

AG125

Specialised farm bike a reliable little worker

$4,434

excl

Kodiak 450

$15,086

Kodiak 700

$17,477

Power steering, 4WD

excl

$28,607

excl

Kodiak 450

$13,912

excl

Non power steering (blue)

KVF 300

KL250 STOCKMAN A fond farewell to this top farm bike, limited stock so be quick. Once they’re gone, no more!

$6,604

GREAT PRICE AT

2WD, 4 Wheeler solid performer on flats and roaded hills.

$8,257

excl

$23,039

excl

excl

MULE PRO MX

RELIABLE AND TOUGH

excl

KAF Mule Bigfoot 4x4

Kawasaki Mule SX 2x4

$15,213

Power steering, 4WD

$17,822

excl

excl

If you need to upgrade your Yamaha workhorse it is vital you back order now.

FILCO FARM & SPORT

SOLUTIONS ANNESBROOK NELSON

Rod Payne & Dave Filer

www.filco.co.nz