NZFarmer South Island - 4 February 2025

Why you are paying more for dairy P5

Honours for agricultural leaders P10

Positive outlook for agricultural industries

Industries is

The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries is forecasting export revenue will bounce back after bottoming out in 2023-2024. P6

JOHN HAWKINS

DAVID WHITE/STUFF

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Why

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Several

A

20 Central Districts

The best days off the farm are back – bigger and

31 A pest in south Auckland

Monitoring and the search for more oriental fruit fly continues

NZ

Sonita Chandar 027 446 6221 sonita.chandar@stuff.co.nz

DESIGN

Kwok Yi Lee

Sam Davenport

COVER

John Hawkins

HEAD OF REGIONAL & RURAL MARKETS

Kate Boreham 021 279 5361 kate.boreham@stuff.co.nz

Agriculture is doing great, New Zealand

There is no disputing the fact that farming is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. It is what the country was built on, and what the sector earns in food and fibre export revenue is nothing to be sneezed at.

It props up this country and is forecast to hit $56.9 billion in the year to June 30, 2025. This is expected to rise even further to a record $58.3b in the year to June 2026. That is significant

The December 2024 Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report shows that the sector accounted for more than 81.1% of the country’s goods exports in the year to June 30, 2024 Over the past decade, it has increased by 3.2% on average each year – more than double than the rest of the country’s exports

And at the heart of the primary sector are our farmers We have some of the best farmers in the world, and we’re at the forefront of science and technology. Scientists and researchers are always looking at new ways of doing things so the industry continues to be robust and sustainable.

Our agricultural products, including meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, seafood, arable crops and forestry logs, are some of the best in the world and are sought-after by discerning consumers in overseas markets – notably China, our largest export market.

And it only gets better thanks to the people working in the sector; whether it be the farmers who pull on their gumboots each morning and head out day in, day out, rain or shine, to put food on the nation’s tables as well as globally; or whether it be the scientists, government ministers, trade delegations and industry leaders working around the clock to ensure international markets are secure and giving us the best deal.

Internationally, we have a reputation for food production that can only be described as amazing, in my opinion. Domestically, maybe not so much. You will always get the trolls, the do-gooders and activists who want to kick farming and farmers to the kerb. The message I have to them is ‘get real’.

We know the industry is not perfect and time and education is key, not people demanding things be banned or outlawed. Instead, they could engage in conversation with the Government and industry leaders and help find solutions.

I could name a few of these organisations and what they are doing, but I don’t want to give them any publicity. While not everything the critics say or do is wrong, there are better ways to improve the sector.

There are plenty of people out there who understand the importance of the agricultural sector, and public sentiment is beginning to turn.

DOES YOURFARMHAVE

Latest research by Primary Purpose indicates a growing appreciation among New Zealanders for our food-producing industries, particularly for contributions to economic activity and food security across all sectors.

Results indicate two-thirds (66%) of respondents were positive about sheep and beef farming, up eight percentage points, dairy farming 63% positive, up 8 points and deer farming at 52% positive, up 9 points since 2021

Over time, this will rise and who knows, one day, we might have a nation that backs the agriculture sector 100%. Even 99% will do, as there will always be the occasional ill-informed naysayer.

... who knows one day we might have a nation that backs agriculture 100%.

The Kiwi dollar and why dairy prices are slowly creeping up

Retail

Brianna McIlraith

Paying almost $7 for a 3L bottle of milk, $10 for a block of butter and $10 for yoghurt is becoming the norm – but why have our dairy products got so expensive?

New Zealand consumer prices for dairy are bound by global forces. In the last Global Dairy Trade in January auction there was a 1.4% increase across all categories.

Whole milk powder increased 5.0%, to an average of US$3988/MT, which was good news for local farmers as it impacted Fonterra’s farmgate milk price the most.

In December, Fonterra increased the farmgate milk price forecast for 2024/25 up to $10.50 per kgMS.

Michael Harvey, Rabobank senior analyst for consumer foods and dairy, said since mid-2024 there had a been a strong rally in dairy prices in global markets.

“Global demand for dairy is picking up and at the same time, while global supply is improving it is not overly strong, and inventory levels are not excessive.

“Of course, the rally has been in USD terms and a weaker New Zealand dollar puts upward pressure on consumer prices also.”

This meant the price of milk, and dairy ingredients used to make dairy products, had increased and the food and beverage companies were needing to pass through some of these higher prices to consumers.

“The most notable product is cream/ fat component of milk. Global bulk butter prices have been the strongest and recently reached record highs. Again, this is largely driven by market forces outside New Zealand.

“This also means the cream price has been strong and would be contributing to higher yoghurt prices.”

According to Stats NZ, the price for a 2L bottle of milk was $3.84 in December 2023 and was $4.25 in December 2024.

A 1kg block of mild cheddar had increased in price from $10.12 to $11.01, and 500g of butter had risen to $6.66 from $4.48. The price of a six pack of yoghurt was $7.69, but this was down from $7.74 the year prior. It was still the highest price in the past 11 months.

Some good news for New Zealand households is that Rabobank sees a more neutral price outlook in 2025, so the upward pressure should be somewhat contained.

Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon said general inflation had also

made it harder to mentally adjust for what was a reasonable price level.

“For instance, $7 today for a 3L milk would be equivalent to $5.68 five years ago. Fresh milk prices have actually risen by less than general inflation over that time,” he said.

Milk prices are slowly rising.

KAI SCHWOERER/THE PRESS

Bouncing back to record highs

Exports

Sonita Chandar

The food and fibre sector continues to make a significant contribution to the economy.

The December 2024 edition of the Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) forecasts an increase in revenue for the agriculture industry in 2025 and 2026.

This SOPI forecasts food and fibre export revenue to bounce back by 7% to $56.9 billion in the year to June 30, 2025, after bottoming out in 2023-24, lifting to a record $58.3b in the following year.

The rebound in 2024-25 is expected to be driven by stronger global demand and tighter global supplies for key commodities, including dairy, beef, mutton and seafood products.

The sector accounted for more than 81.1% of goods exports in the year to June 30, 2024. Over the last 10 years, food and fibre exports have grown on average by 3.2% a year whereas other goods exports have grown by 1.5%.

The Government has an ambitious plan to double exports in 10 years and in the report, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said to support this, it has built momentum in cutting red tape and creating the right foundations to help drive the sector forward.

“Our work to foster new comprehensive and commercially meaningful trade agreements continues at pace. In September, we concluded negotiations on our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which were completed in four months.

“This agreement delivers 98.5% tariff elimination on New Zealand exports on entry into force, rising to 99% after three years.”

In October, the Government completed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and in November, it signed the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS).

“The GCC agreement includes provisions that will make doing business easier, with preferential access for our food and fibre sector exporters, streamlined customs procedures, reduced trade barriers and commitments to level the playing field for Kiwi services businesses entering the market,” the minister said.

“These two agreements secure access in a highly competitive market for beef, lamb, dairy, mānuka honey, fish, and many, many other goods and contribute towards the ambitious goal of doubling exports by value over 10 years.”

Also in the report, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director-general Ray Smith said it was backing the sector to help deliver the Government’s goal.

“The global economic environment is showing signs of improvement. Inflation is returning towards target levels, interest rates are declining, which is reducing debtservicing expenditure, global shipping costs have weakened over the last four months and, while still elevated, farm input costs have started to decrease,” Smith said.

“Many of these, along with our sector’s strong performance, are driving growth in food and fibre sector export revenue.”

New Zealand’s 10 largest markets are China at $16.815m, followed by the US $6.517m, Australia $4.498m, the EU (excluding the UK) $3.374m, Japan $2.471m, South Korea on $1.465m, Taiwan $1.432m, Indonesia $1.385m, Malaysia $1.246m, and the United Kingdom $1.175m, rounds out the group.

Dairy had the highest percentage of exports on 44% which equated to $23,231m, with China our biggest dairy market.

Right: Dairy products are New Zealand’s largest export, with China our biggest dairy market.

Below: Meat and wool export revenue is forecast to rise to $11.4 billion in the year to June 30, 2025, with rising prices offsetting declines in export volumes.

Meat and wool, on 21%, was $11.336m with China again the largest market. These were followed by horticulture at 13%, $7.116m, forestry 11%, $5.748m, seafood 4%, $2.141m, processed food 6%, $3.416mm and arable 1% at $345m.

Export revenue for 2024-25 is expected to be supported by higher export volumes of dairy, forestry, seafood and horticulture products.

Despite elevated global uncertainty, food and fibre sector export revenue is expected to increase in 2024-25 as good production conditions, rising commodity prices and a slightly lower NZ dollar against the US dollar outweigh global headwinds.

Dairy

Dairy export revenue is forecast to increase 10% to $25.5 billion in the year to June 30, 2025. The increase comes off the back of a drop in export revenue in 2023-24. Global dairy prices are expected to be

Early signs of increased building activity in China could lead to higher demand for logs and some processed wood products, but globally demand remains low for wood products.

higher in 2024-25 due to tight global supply from key dairy exporting regions such as the US and the EU. Global import demand has also strengthened.

Milk production and export volumes are expected to increase due to favourable weather conditions. Higher global dairy prices are likely to result in an increase in the all-company average farmgate milk price to $9.60 per kilogram of milksolids. This higher milk price, combined with moderating farm expenses, is expected to lift profitability this season.

Meat and wool

Meat and wool export revenue is forecast to increase slightly to $11.4 billion in the year to June 30, 2025, with rising prices offsetting declines in export volumes. Higher prices are being driven by tighter global beef and mutton supplies as well as robust demand from Europe and the US. The sector may not fully capitalise on

higher prices due to lower production volumes from a smaller flock, lower lambing rates and post-drought herd rebuilding.

Sheep and beef farm profit is expected to decline in 2024-25 due to lower farmgate revenue and elevated expenses.

Forestry

Forestry export revenue is expected to rebound by 4% to $6.0 billion in the year to June 30, 2025, recovering from domestic supply-side disruptions and slow global demand over the previous two years.

Early signs of increased building activity in China could lead to higher demand for logs and some processed wood products, but overall global demand remains low for wood products.

On the supply side, closure of some wood processing plants will lead to lower production capacity in the near term. Uncertainty remains due to the instability of global economic recovery, potential

trade

Brighter days for agricultural exports are forecast in the December 2024 edition of the Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries, with increased revenues. LOUISE RAWLINSON

ELI HILL

barriers, and continued high input costs.

Horticulture

Horticulture export revenue is forecast to increase by 12% to $8.0 billion in the year to June 30, 2025.

This growth is primarily driven by the kiwifruit industry, attributed to a record 2024 crop and increased production volumes of gold kiwifruit in the 2025 season. Wine export revenue is also projected to recover from a challenging 2023-24, supported by strong consumer demand for New Zealand wine.

Apple and pear export revenue is forecast to exceed $1.0 billion, spurred by recovering export volumes after the cyclone-affected 2023 season. Fresh and processed vegetable export revenue is also expected to recover, increasing by 7%.

Kate Scott, chief executive of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ), said the report was positive and excellent news for growers, who had demonstrated remarkable resilience, particularly following the extreme weather challenges of 2023.

“However, it is important to remember that greater export revenue for the horticulture sector does not necessarily translate into greater profitability for growers because they are facing increased costs of production,” Scott said.

“This report reinforces our confidence in the sector’s potential to double farmgate revenue by 2035, in line with the Aotearoa

Horticulture Action Plan.

To achieve this, we need the Government to support our industry by fostering resilience to climate change, protecting vital vegetable-growing areas, investing in sustainable land and water use, and accelerating research and development.”

Seafood

Seafood export revenue is forecast to increase 3% to reach $2.2 billion, driven by continued high prices from sustained demand and tight global supply along with rebounding aquaculture production and export volumes. However, increased competition in the rock lobster export market in China poses downside risks to this forecast.

Recent declines in fuel costs have eased margin pressures for fish farmers, fishers and processors and contribute to the industry’s positive outlook.

Arable

Arable export revenue is expected to grow by 4% to $360 million in the year to June 30, 2025.

production categories, offsetting a decrease in export revenue from inedible oils being exported for use as biofuel feedstock in the US.

Across the food and fibre sector, 360,000 people were employed in the year to March 31, 2023, representing 12.4 % of the total workforce. Primary production employment is distributed across the country, but processing and commercialisation activities are concentrated in Auckland and other major population centres.

The minister said other work to boost export growth included a new export plan that provided continued access for New Zealand onions into Indonesia. New access for Kiwi blueberries into Korea and India remained a strategic focus for the Government. McClay has visited several times to drive a step-up in the relationship.

This increase builds on a 27% lift in revenue in 2023-24, driven by significantly higher vegetable, ryegrass and clover seed exports.

Strong global demand, New Zealand’s reputation for high-quality products and market diversification are driving growth in arable export revenue despite soft domestic demand and volatile spot markets. Also supporting this forecast is a positive harvest outlook due to no major pest issues and favourable weather conditions.

Processed food and other products

Export revenue for the processed food and other products sector is forecast to increase 1% to $3.5 billion in the year to June 30, 2025, driven by modest growth across

“We’re also taking steps to maximise the value of dairy export quota administered by New Zealand for the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan and the Dominican Republic,” the minister said.

Domestically, the Government had moved swiftly to remove regulations hampering the sector’s success.

“We’re rolling out a comprehensive package of changes to drive food and fibre sector growth and productivity. This includes national-level policy directives that impact our farmers and growers.

“The Government has made major strides in our efforts to create the longterm foundations for our food and fibre sector to flourish.

“The sector can be confident knowing the Government is committed to backing its success.”

Horticulture revenue continues to rise due to more favourable growing conditions.

Seafood export revenue is forecast to increase, driven by continued high prices from sustained demand and tight global supply. MONIQUE FORD/THE POST

Arable farming has the potential to increase export revenue through higher vegetable, ryegrass and clover seed exports.

Animal and plant health innovation Turning the tide in 2025

They say a rising tide lifts all boats. In 2025, we hope that unblocking the pipeline of animal and plant health innovation will help the tide rise for New Zealand.

The latest data indicates economic recovery beginning in 2025/26, but at a slower pace than previously expected.

Agriculture’s role in that is clear, as new trade opportunities open up and our food and fibre export revenue is forecast to lift to a record $58.3 billion in the year to June 30, 2026.

But standing in the gumboots of our farmers and growers, their boats are sinking under the weight of challenges to their productivity. Without meaningful wealth generation, including from our primary sector, New Zealand faces doing the basics on finite funding for some time.

Our biosecurity and ecosystems are also under enormous pressure.

A broad toolkit is needed of new, safe, innovative options – natural and synthetic pest and insect controls, global vaccine advancements and methane inhibitors –to address the challenges and enable New Zealanders to rise to the opportunities. Currently, we’re hampered by delays in

This year offers the possibility of improvements from the Ministry of Regulation review of the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory approval process. Cabinet is due to consider the review findings this month.

Regulating products is about finding the right balance. There is no such thing as zero risk, only degrees of risk. Without access to products, we run the risk of unwell animals, plants and native species being decimated by pests and disease.

It’s critical this review delivers real change and a clear action plan to reduce the current backlog because, north to south, people are feeling the impacts.

Maize farmers in Northland need alternatives for Fall armyworm, which feeds on more than 350 plant species.

First detected here in 2022, it is extremely difficult to manage, with a track record of developing resistance to treatments. New Zealand currently has one main option but needs alternatives in use overseas, including biologicals.

For Hawke’s Bay apple growers, the same issue – a lack of options – is their number one barrier to trade. On-orchard levels of diseases like blackspot can sit between

points for markets like China.

Registrants say newer options for preventing blackspot have been sitting in the approval queue for the past 3½ years. In that time, Australia has approved the same product and had label extensions, so their growers are way out in front of us.

Those returning from California, Basel and other global innovation forums see hundreds of options for new biological controls that would change the face of agriculture here, but say our regulatory barriers to entry are too high.

Our border biosecurity teams are at their busiest time, and need more options for

bug. Options like dinotefuran are sitting in the queue, already widely used overseas. This pest would likely devastate our fruit and vegetable industry, dropping horticulture export value between $2 billion and $4.2b by 2038, and dropping GDP between $1.8b and $3.6b (2021 NZIER report).

Innovation will replace and reduce our reliance on traditional options and reduce use of critical medicines such as antibiotics to minimise the threat of resistance.

This year, we’re looking for action from the Government to get innovations out of the queue and into the hands of farmers, growers, biosecurity and conservation

Dr Liz Shackleton, chief executive of Animal and Plant Health NZ, says food and fibre export revenue is forecast to lift to a record

$58.3 billion in the year to June 30, 2026.

Regenerative and organic farming – a way foward?

Soil scientist Doug Edmeades ponders the way forward in agricultural sustainability.

Among my reading over the festive season, I came across an excellent essay in the New York Times by the journalist Michael Grunwald. It got me thinking.

He was wrestling with our modern conundrum: We need to produce an increasing amount of food to feed the world, but our current farming practices create an environmental problem.

He suggests that in coming to terms with this dilemma we make the mistake of assuming that there are green, environmentally benign and sustainable, agricultural systems that we should be focusing on, such as regenerative

agriculture and organic farming. Indeed, it is suggested by some environmental lobbyists that we should aim to replace evil industrial farming completely, with these more benign alternatives.

Both of these New Age approaches rely on perpetuating the seductive, romantic, idea of working in harmony with nature.

I’m afraid that that linkage was first broken 10 to 12,000 years ago when mankind discovered that industrial agriculture, as we call it today, was a more secure method of gathering food than life as wandering nomads.

One of the aspirations of both regenerative and organic farming is that these farming methods can sequester tonnes of atmospheric carbon into the soil, transforming environmentally risky, dirty farming, from a problem into a climate solution.

This may be so on some already very depleted cropping soils in New Zealand, but it is not the case for clover-based pastoral farming in New Zealand, a system which

Let’s make NZ great again

already returns large amounts of organic material (ie carbon) to the soil.

There is another hurdle. We can define sustainability in terms of three principles: is the activity productive (economic),

environmentally safe, and socially acceptable? The evidence is accumulating.

Sri Lanka just about went broke recently because the government introduced policies to make organic practices compulsory.

Furthermore, the science gathered over the last 20 years has established that the productivity of organic farming is about 60% of that which can be achieved using conventional.

It fails the economic test.

And, although it is early days, there is recent data showing that regenerative farming is less profitable than conventional farming, and that many of the claims being made on behalf of regenerative agriculture are predictable from known science. Take from this realisation that it is unlikely that regenerative agriculture will be the pathway to an agricultural nirvana. If these new age fads are not tomorrow’s sustainable future, where does this direct us in terms of the way forward for agriculture and agricultural science?

Chaperon Financial service economist Gordon Stuart looks at things to do in 2025 to make progress.

Let’s crush 2025. As I pen this article on Inauguration Day, let’s make New Zealand great again!

Sail GP, Luke Combs, football and other events had Auckland buzzing again.

■ What disappointed?

■ What and where are your big opportunities in 2025?

■ What are the key risks going forward in your business to manage tightly?

■ How has your role changed last year?

“It’s been a long time, been a long time. Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time.”

Imagine if we could work out how to fund the America’s Cup back in NZ, and attract other events (eg LED Zeppelin) or golf and game fishing around the Cup to make NZ a must/great summer tourist destination again.

We need to share our why, be aspirational and positive. Let’s do it. Increased productivity and prosperity for NZ Inc will be driven by farmers and SMEs, not corporates, who are slow to move, and certainly not Central or Local Government bureaucrats who loathe decision making, and accountability.

The macro-economy is important, as may be the impact of Trump tari s, but individually we as business owners or farmers can only control the micro.

YES, 2024 was a very tough year, and business owners were forced to wear many hats (shareholder, director, CEO, arbitrator, farm manager, chief salesman or quality controller), leading to many being mentally depleted by Christmas.

Holidays are rest and recovery time, but make sure you take time to learn from the past.

Confucius summed it up well, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

YES – The holiday season is an excellent time for reflection.

Christmas 2024 came and finally the shareholder’s hat comes out – Is there any gas – I mean cash left in the tank for me? How did we perform? Do I still want to own this business or farm? What do I/we need to do di erent?

Seven questions to answer and ponder over the break

■ How did last year go?

■ What delivered improvement over the year?

■ How would you like it to be di erent this year?

For many businesses December/January equals one month’s trading, and at best February is like a car in second or third gear as many corporates don’t return fully until about Valentine’s Day. When you return in January (as an owner, or farmer, if you had a break) fresh from rest with a clear head – this is the time to plan and put your director’s hat on. A pilot always has a flight plan and destination. A ship without a rudder goes nowhere or in NZ’s case with autopilot goes straight into the rocks. Consider what risk adjustments you need to make to the farm plan due to changes in commodity prices, or a weakening dollar negatively impacting input costs, or simply indi erent weather.

We are in unusual times. Last week the NZ 10-year bond rate was lower than the USD 10-year bond (also known as the long-term risk free rate) for the first time that I can remember. Normally there is a larger country risk premium, yesterday it was only three basis points NZ 10yr 4.66% v USD 10yr 4.63%.

US Equities could be in for a volatile ride if the risk free rate gets near to 5% having peaked a week ago at 4.78%.

Now is the time you can work on the business with your team. Review your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and reset or revise your company or farm goals, strategies and tactics. It is also when you can think how to imitate the best, or to make vital changes to avoid bitter experience again.

A clear focus on people, culture, strategy and cash will help you achieve your goals. Cash will be king in the first quarter.

For the well capitalised, like a cheetah, there will be weak antelopes there for the picking, acquisitions at the bottom of the economic cycle make the best buys.

By mid-February and into March you need to be back into CEO hat mode – executing the revised or new strategy with the help of your team. Best wishes for 2025.

Soil scientist Doug Edmeades

Economist Gordon Stuart from financial service company Chaperon.

Agricultural leaders given New Year honours

Across the agricultural sector, a number of people have been recognised for their service. By

Sonita Chandar.

The agriculture sector has been honoured with several recipients being named in the New Year honours list.

New Zealand’s newest knight is Sir Peter Skelton of Christchurch who has been made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to environmental law. In the 2001 New Year Honours, he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Skelton was an Environment Canterbury commissioner for nine years and had been a key player in the development of Christchurch’s postearthquake Land Use Recovery Plan. He has been heavily involved in the development and implementation of the Canterbury Water Strategy and was instrumental in establishing the Resource Management Law Association in New Zealand in 2002.

An academic, he was associate professor of resource management law in the Environment, Society, and Design Division at Lincoln University, and served as a judge of the Environment Court and was appointed as inaugural chief freshwater commissioner in 2020.

Central Otago farming couple Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie have been recognised for their contributions to the food and rural industries.

The celebrity couple, who own Royalburn Station, a 485-hectare alpine station, were made O cers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in this year’s New Year honours for services to the food and rural industries.

A “super surprised and humbled” Bagrie received an email notifying him of his appointment several hours before his wife received hers.

Learning they were both being recognised was even more of a surprise, they said.

“For the last 14 or 15 years we have worked together so it is extra special that it is both of us,” Lim said. Lim has published 12 cookbooks since 2012, including some international award winners.

During the Covid-19 pandemic the couple launched the television programme Nadia’s Comfort Kitchen, which focused on cooking during the New Zealand lockdown.

They later published the show’s recipes into a cookbook, which raised more than $400,000 for Youthline and Women’s Refuge.

In 2013 the couple co-founded My Food Bag, a New Zealand-based food kit delivery service supporting home cooking.

Bagrie is an entrepreneur and in 2024, received a Nu eld Farming Scholarship and spent six months travelling the world to study innovative agricultural systems and explore how New Zealand exporters could position themselves for success in global markets.

At Royalburn, he focuses on ensuring it is a regenerative paddock-to-plate farm that is committed to ethical and sustainable farming practices. Royalburn Station focuses on restoring the land, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring the wellbeing of animals.

In 2023, the station received the Primary Sector Award at The New Zealand Food Awards for their Royalburn Fine Lamb which is supplied to restaurants across the country.

Royalburn Station produces eggs, vegetables, honey, oils, seeds, grain, wool and beer. Yielded from its high-grade barley, the beer is created by the station in partnership with Wellington brewery Garage Project.

The couple recently opened McKibbon’s by Royalburn, a supermarket showcasing high-quality, ethically farmed produce, in Queenstown.

They have starred in three seasons of the television series Nadia’s Farm (2022), showcasing the challenges and successes of rural farming on Royalburn Station.

Robert Campbell of Invercargill has been made an O cer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to farming and governance.

Campbell has provided more than 40 years of service to his community through farming and governance.

He was the founding chairperson of the Sheep Council which established the Focus Farm programme, monitoring and lifting sheep productivity using new technologies.

In 1996 he served as inaugural chairperson of the Sheep Research Foundation, where representatives from agricultural research, meat and wool industries took responsibility for prioritising the industries’ research needs.

As chairperson he created a united voice upholding the industries’ case for research funding.

He was a Board member of AgResearch, serving two terms, and was a founding director of Ovita which managed funding to increase New Zealand’s sheep production using genomic technologies.

He was a founding director of Sheep Improvement Limited, the national animal performance recording programme.

In 2000 he was voted Agriculture Communicator of the Year.

Professor Cyril McIlwraith of Colorado, US, has been made an O cer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to veterinary medicine and the equine industry.

McIlwraith is considered a globally renowned veterinary scholar and practitioner, particularly in equine veterinary surgery and joint disease.

He is a life member of the New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association and he has retained strong links to New Zealand including as a visiting fellow and adjunct professor at Massey University’s Veterinary School.

Bryan Guy of Feilding has been awarded the King’s Service Medal for services to the community. A retired dairy farmer, Guy has volunteered in his community through church, farming and other

Professor Peter Skelton is New Zealand’s newest knight. IAIN MCGREGOR/THE PRESS

Sir Peter Skelton and his wife, Lady Kathleen. IAIN MCGREGOR/THE PRESS

“ It was really most unexpected – it felt quite humbling.

Brian Guy

organisations. Guy is the father of slain farmer Scott Guy, who was shot dead at his front gate while on the way to work on the family farm. He is a leader in the Anglican Parish of Oroua, holding several roles in governance and administration, organising working bees, and undertaking maintenance.

He has held a number of roles in the agricultural industry including being elected as the Wellington Hawke’s Bay Board member of the Livestock Improvement Corporation in 1986 and spent 28 years working at regional and national levels.

He became an area representative of the Manawatū-Rangitīkei Rural Support Trust in 2015 and was involved with Farmstrong at its inception the same year. He is chairperson of the Coach House Museum Board and was a trustee of the Eastern and Central Community Trust from 2016 to 2020.

Guy previously served six years as

chairperson of the Taonui School Board of Trustees.

Celebrity farming couple Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie have been made O icers of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the food and rural industries.

of the Ruapehu Federated Farmers Province in 1990, serving three terms and remaining as an executive member since being appointed a life member.

The Ruapehu Federated Farmers Province was formed to ensure voices of the rural community from the Ruapehu region were heard, particularly on issues such as bovine TB outbreaks. Steele provided information to farmers on the need to understand controls on TB outbreaks and advocated for them to receive compensation for the loss of cattle due to the outbreak. He served on the Regional Animal Health Committee working on education and eradication of TB through possum control. In 2008 he helped form the Rural Support Trust with others, to provide mental wellbeing support due to the drought-like conditions farmers were facing and served as chairperson for several years.

Guy said he was quite overwhelmed when he received the email informing him of the honour. “It was really most unexpected – it felt quite humbling.”

A self-confessed work addict, Guy said he found purpose in volunteering.

Richard Steele, JP of Ōwhango has been awarded the King’s Service Medal for services to the rural community.

A retired dairy farmer, Bryan Guy of Feilding has been awarded the King’s Service Medal for services to the community. Pictured, Bryan and his wife Jo Guy.

DAVID UNWIN/THE POST

Steele has been supporting his rural community of Whanganui and Ruapehu for more than 40 years. He helped establish and was inaugural president

Grahame Webber of Cambridge has been awarded the King’s Service medal for services to local government and farming governance. He has contributed to farming and local government in the Waikato region since the 1980s. Webber was a member of Cambridge Federated Farmers for nearly 40 years and was chairperson of the Dairy Section of Waikato Federated Farmers and a director of the New Zealand Dairy Group from 1991 to 1994. He was elected to the Waipā District Council from 2001 to 2022. He served on numerous council committees as well as sitting on the Cambridge Community Board where he implemented an annual tour of the urban-based board to visit rural communities to learn of their local issues.

Boostsummerpasture performancewit hmaizesilage

With summer in full swing, soil moisture levels and hot climatic conditions can prove challenging for perennial ryegrass pastures. Pasturegrowthoften faltersunderhigher temperatures and reduced rainfall.

Overgrazing dur ingdry spells can compromise regrowthand reduce pasture persistence in the long ter m, so farmers usually tur nto supplementar yfeeds to protect theirpastures whilemaintaining feed supply,but not all supplements are equally effective.For instance, concentrate feeds like palm kernel have lowerpasture substitution rates and are less effectiveatreducingpasture pressure compared toforages.Maize silage,when fedstrategically, can suppor tgrazing rotations,prevent overgrazing, and set pastures up fora strong autumn recovery

Lengthengrazingrotations

Oneofthe most effectivewaystomanage summer pastures is by extendinggrazing rotation. Ryegrass leaf emergence slows significantly during summer,taking 8-13 days per leaf stage, depending on temperature.Extending rotation dur ing summer allows theplantsmore time to recoverand maximises growth potential. Introducingmaize silagedur ing per iods of declining pasturegrowth enables farmers to meet herd nutr itional needs without overgrazing. This strategy ensures that pastures remain resilient and productive in dr yconditions.

Prevent overgrazing

Overgrazing posesasignificant threat to pasture sur vival dur ing summer.When residuals fall below1,500 kg DM/ha(or 4cm compressed height), ryegrass plantsare forcedtodrawonstored energy reserves,compromisingregrowthand persistence.Bare patches can lead to weed invasion and slowerrecovery –evenwhen moisture levels improve

Feeding maizesilageasasupplement preventsovergrazing by maintaining healthyresidualsand protecting plant reser ves. This ensures faster recovery and sustained growth throughout summer

Overcome protein challenges

Some farmersworr ythat maizesilage’s8%crude protein content maynot pair well withlower-protein summer pasture. However, monthly pasture analysis collected from Waikatofar ms over thepast decade shows that cr ude proteinlevel consistently exceeds 20%. Farmers can feed up to one-thirdofthe diet as maizesilage while maintaining a14-16%CPdiet suitablefor typical mid-lactation cows In situationswhereadditional protein is needed, small amountsof high-protein supplements such as wheat DDG (22%), canola (38% CP) or soybeanmeal (48-50%CP) can help balance thediet By using maizesilage to extend grazing rotation, prevent overgrazing, and maintain optimal pasture covers,far mers can protect ryegrass pastures dur ing these dr ysummermonths –suppor ting pasture persistence and setting thestage forhealthy, productivegrowthinthe seasons ahead.

PASTURE’S

More positivity in food production Regional Round-up

Survey

Sonita Chandar

New research by Primary Purpose shows significant growth in positive sentiment towards New Zealand’s key food-production industries.

The online survey of a nationally representative sample of 1050 was conducted from November 19 to 29 last year and shows greater appreciation for New Zealand’s food-producing industries since the last poll, conducted in 2021.

The growing appreciation is shown particularly for contributions to economic activity and food security across all sectors.

New Zealanders are showing an increasingly positive outlook toward livestock industries compared with 2021. Survey results indicate two-thirds, or 66%, of respondents were positive about sheep and beef farming, up 8 points, dairy farming was at 63% positive, up 8 points, and deer farming at 52% positive, up 9 points.

In new questions asked in this survey, the non-livestock sectors received the highest levels of positivity among respondents.

Vegetable growing garnered the top positive response at 81%, followed by kiwifruit growing on 76% positivity, arable farming at 73%, and grape growing and winemaking on 72%.

The reports showed the main reasons for positive sentiment were economic benefits – local food-production industries foster self-sufficiency and generate jobs, making

a significant economic impact – and food security.

New Zealanders also valued the country’s ability to feed its own population through a stable and abundant local food supply.

It wasn’t all good news, however, as concerns persist about the industries’ perceived negative environmental impacts – especially in the areas of water and land degradation, which some New Zealanders link to an overuse of pesticides – and concerns about the high costs of local produce.

Locally grown foods are seen as more expensive than some imported alternatives, creating affordability

So AuntyDot showed up out

AT LEAST YOUR AUTUMN PASTURE SEED ISUNDER CONTROL

issues for local consumers and a sense of missing out on what their own country has to offer.

Primary Purpose founding partner Scott Champion said the research showed some key differences between food-production industries and survey-respondent age groups.

“Plant sectors saw higher levels of positivity than the animal sectors, although the animal industries saw substantial lifts in support since the last survey in 2021.

“The other difference of note was between age groups surveyed, with older New Zealanders more positive towards all food-producing industries, compared to younger age groups.”

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From left: Results from an online poll conducted by Primary Purpose show an increase in positive sentiment towards food-producing industries in New Zealand. Vegetable growing had the highest positive response, at 81%. VANESSA LAURIE/STUFF, BELLA CLEARY

Dr Scott Champion, of Primary Purpose, says the research shows some key differences between food-production industries and survey-respondent age groups.

Wings over Whanganui 75 years of topdressing history

Aerowork has celebrated 75 years of topdressing in New Zealand at the Whanganui Airport, with an airshow from the family who started it all back in 1949.

By Eve Hyslop

You’d often find Aerowork’s topdressing planes flying over the back country blocks of rural New Zealand. But last December you would have found many of their aircraft gathered at Whanganui Airport to celebrate

75 years of service. It all began back in 1949 when Wally Harding established Wanganui Aero Work by converting his original Tiger Moth to distribute fertiliser on his high-country station.

Wanganui Aero Work was owned and operated by the Harding family up until 2004 when it was sold to Ravensdown and renamed Aerowork.

“Our team serves rural communities across the country. They fly tirelessly to help maintain farms in the most remote parts of New Zealand, so it’s fantastic to have the full team in one place,” Harald Hendel, chief executive of Aerowork, says.

On the sidelines while his father Wally started the business, was Richmond or “Ditch” Harding, who has seen the business grow from the age of 12.

By the time he was 16, he was learning to fly and when he turned 19 he received a special telegram from Civil Aviation.

“I got a telegram from Civil Aviation on

my birthday, the 22nd of February, 1957, to say ‘Your commercial pilot’s licence number 78 is now valid. Happy Birthday’. Which I thought was quite nice of Civil Aviation to add Happy Birthday,” Harding joked.

Harding soon took over the business from his father alongside his brother John, working seven days a week alongside a group of committed pilots.

The topdressing technology has evolved drastically since Harding owned the business.

“The need for the number of airplanes has drastically reduced, but those few are doing a lot more tonnes per hour.”

The GPS system Aerowork uses to ensure accurate application of fertiliser has also evolved from a system which Harding helped design in 1993 through Comtell and Trimble.

Harding knew it was worth investing his time in.

“You’re not going to get any better, but the GPS will.”

Seventy-five years since Wally modified his original Tiger Moth, Harding says he is “terribly proud” to see the work of his father live on.

“It was all because of Wally. He was an incredibly hard worker and had great vision.”

One thing he particularly admires about his father was his courage to take risks for the betterment of the business.

On a visit to New Zealand, American Wendell Fletcher of Fletcher Aviation wanted to produce a fleet of 50 Fletcher aircraft in the country.

The 1993 system was di cult to operate with few satellites in that period, but

Fletcher approached Wally with just 45 planes ordered, so Wally bought the remaining five at £5700 each, so Fletcher could start production.

“Now, that would cost you a million

Animal lover providing for others and

A Northland diary farmer does things di erently through the use of a portable milking plant.

By Steve Macmillan.

On a small block 20 minutes north of Whangārei, a Northland woman has turned back the clock to bygone days to make a living o the land.

For the past six years, Sue-Ellen Roskam has milked between 12 and 18 dairy cows daily on her mum’s Whakapara property to rear about 50-70 calves annually – and she has never missed a milking.

Using a petrol-powered two-cup portable milking machine, she milks daily, meaning there is never time o from looking after her babies on the 13-hectare block, with some adjacent lease land topping up her grazing.

The stainless unit was purchased for $1000 at the PGG Wrightson farm machinery sale at the Kauri saleyards in 2018 –a great score Roskam reckons, given a

new unit is closer to $4k. She also has a six-aside milking plant waiting to be installed and may well build a shed to increase capacity in the future.

A murray grey bull is run across her cows and she raises the o spring, separate to the dairy-beef calves raised. They are sold in the best condition possible at six to 12 months.

On average, her supplementary feed totals 500-800 conventional bales and 24 big rounds which she makes on farm.

She was one of 14 children, four to her dad’s previous marriage and 10 who grew up on two dairy farms at Maromaku and Hikurangi, so is well used to the hard work that goes into calving, milking and raising calves.

She always knew she wanted to go farming as a career and took on a job working at a Titoki farm after high school.

But after badly damaging her knee twice, and finding the physical work di cult, she turned her hand to training as an automotive engineer before falling pregnant with her now 17-year-old son Ardie.

She spent the next five years being a full-time mum, before returning to the Maromaku family farm to milk cows for the next three years.

Aerowork pilot Shane Wareham flies his Fletcher FU-24 past spectators on their 75-year celebration on December 7 last year.

BRAD HENSON

Sue-Ellen Roskam milks between 12 and 18 cows daily on her mum’s Whakapara property in Northland using a portable milking plant.

dollars. But he took a far bigger risk because there was no money around those days.”

The Fletcher aircraft were underpowered, so they were di cult to operate in the rugged high country of Whanganui due to high climbs from airstrips at the bottom of valleys.

Despite that, it was a risk that paid o as it allowed the company to expand, Harding says.

At the celebration, rural pilots gave a public display of their aerial expertise, flying currently used aircraft and aircraft that dated back to three generations, flown by members of the Harding family.

“We also had an original Tiger Moth and a 1950s Fletcher aircraft do a flyby alongside a modern Cresco.

“Seeing the three generations of aircraft together was something special,” Hendel says.

Before the Phillips Search and Rescue Trust came along, Harding was one of many Wanganui Aero Work pilots flying helicopters in and out of farm accidents to the Whanganui Hospital.

Since Ravensdown had bought the

company from the Harding family, Hendel says that they had delivered on the promise to develop Aerowork’s aviation and spreading technology through its science.

“We now use a world-class GPS system to achieve far greater fertiliser application accuracy, avoid environmentally sensitive areas, and seamlessly interact with farm innovations like Ravensdown’s HawkEye software.

“This gives customers a detailed overview of their nutrient plan, from calculating nitrogen use e ciency, to ordering fertiliser, to proof-of-placement,” Hendel says.

Topdressing was intrinsically tied to the ups and downs of the agricultural industry, Hendel said, so the event was a wholesome way to round out a challenging year for the company and its customers.

“We’ve been serving some farms for decades, so they’re more than clients –many are friends. Today was a great way to celebrate 75 years of success with them and look forward to the blue skies and fair winds ahead.”

nurturing the land

From there she moved to Kaitaia and studied computer administration (levels two, three and four) at Northtec, before transferring to the Whangārei campus where she studied accountancy – that is until the call of the land came again and she moved to her mum’s place and began her farming career again.

“I just love animals. I get my cows from my brother, who leases the Hikurangi dairy farm. My sister bought the Maromaku farm in 2018 and I get the calves o her as 4-day olds,” she says.

“I get the calves as I need them when

Lessons from a rural adviser after 35 years

Farm advice

Eve Hyslop

For Marise James, the only place that luck comes before work is in the dictionary. That is certainly true when looking back on her career wearing many hats as a rural business adviser, accountant and dairy farmer.

“I would say to anybody, a farmer or someone in my profession, that if you want it, you can have it. But the only place that luck comes before work, is in the dictionary. It takes commitment and sometimes sacrifice, but it’s worth it.”

Her career began when she completed high school. University didn’t pique her interest, so she got a job at the Post O ce Savings Bank or PostBank in New Plymouth, a former bank owned by the Government as a postal savings system.

James’ parents encouraged her to join the bank as it allowed their sta to attend part-time lectures at the local polytechnic where she studied accounting.

She soon met her husband when she transferred to PostBank in Wellington. They started a family and decided to take the road toward self-employment. That road led to dairy farming in Taranaki.

“After looking at all sorts of di erent opportunities, we decided that farming was probably going to be the best opportunity.”

While her husband had no farming experience, James had grown up on a dairy farm herself, which allowed the couple to get a head-start. By 1988 they progressed into sharemilking and then purchased a small dairy farm in 1995.

“Having grown up on a farm, thinking that I would never marry a farmer, I ended up being a farmer myself and married to a farmer. It was a great lifestyle for a young family,” she says.

well as their capital. The positives haven’t come without the challenges for James, one of those being the negative emphasis on farmers’ role in climate change.

“They are investing heavily and trying to do the right thing, but with very little recognition. If it hadn’t been for farming, particularly during Covid and even now as we got through an economic crisis, New Zealand would have been in a pretty bad place.”

The di culties around climate change have had an impact on her line of work in a sense where banks’ policy changes could impact farmers’ ability to borrow and, therefore, operate.

“Banks are saying they will only lend to positive climatic businesses. If they can’t get their fuel from a local garage, that’ll just be the end of some farming businesses.”

my cows calve down, usually between September and November.”

Roskam also has 50-odd chooks laying and she generously gives the eggs away to friends and family to help them out.

Then there are a number of free-range ducks waddling around with 20 ducklings following on.

“When the chooks stop laying, I have duck eggs, so I have eggs year-round, which is great. The only thing is, I have to wander around the paddocks to find them.”

Her self-su ciency extends to butchering her own home kill and providing a ham from her pig for the family Christmas gathering.

She is also into gardening and has an array of fruit trees, using the produce to fill her freezer and make plenty of preserves.

“I like to put back into the land with the money I make from the cattle, which gets put into fertiliser to feed my animals and meal for the calves to ensure they are always thriving.”

For a self-confessed hobby farmer, she is a hard worker – inspiration for her boys Ardie and Alexander, 11, and testament to the upbringing and work ethic passed on from her late father John Roskam and her mother Jenny Roskam.

A lot had changed in the agricultural sector since she began her career, James says, particularly the scale of operations in order for businesses to be viable.

“We thought we were large sharemilkers when we got into our first year, milking 170 cows. But you would not even contemplate thinking that was going to be a viable proposition these days.”

James’ rural business advisory career began in 1986 with Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in Taranaki. She also got back into accounting upon purchasing the farm and got more than just crunching numbers out of it.

“A lot of my clients have become personal friends and a lot of personal friends became clients, so it just reinforces for me the value of relationships.

“It’s not just about tax returns and compliance. It’s often about counselling, encouraging, being positive and getting the best out of people so they can be the best they can be.”

The most satisfying part of her career has been working with families who work together to grow their business and leverage o of each other’s skills, as

“It is that response to climate change that is having a huge impact on all of farming and it can be quite disheartening for a sector of the economy that really is the heart and soul of the New Zealand economy.”

As a rural business adviser, accountant and farmer, a lot of the lessons James has learnt have come from hard work, positive relationships and investing time into herself.

“Surround yourself with positive people because it rubs o . And lastly, take time out for yourself because you’ll be tired, you work hard and sometimes you’ll make mistakes.”

She also encourages businesses to gain support from advisers and mentors as it not only would strengthen their decision making, but also challenge their thinking and test their ideas.

“Businesses that succeed often gather a group of advisers around them and some of the bigger ones have formal advisory boards.

“The value of being able to discuss ideas and options among a group of experts or professionals is huge.”

As the sun sets on her time as rural business adviser, James intends on following her own lessons and taking time for herself, her family, travel and starting a new garden.

Rural business adviser, accountant and dairy farmer Marise James is retiring after 35 years of supporting farmers and rural businesses.

BAKER TILLY STAPLES RODWAY

Alexander Roskam loves helping his mum Sue-Ellen rear calves.

Above: Tiger Moth ZK-AXT operating from Bourck’s Airstrip, Te Whakere near Taumarunui in either 1954 or 1955. This is one of three Tiger Moths that Wanganui Aero Work Ltd operated at the time.

Right: Richmond or “Ditch” Harding was the previous chief executive of Wanganui Aero Work before it was sold to Ravensdown. He began learning to fly when he was 16 years old.

16 NZ FarmerScience and Research

New fertiliser in development to beat parasite resistance

Science

Eve Hyslop

The effects of pasture larvae cost the agricultural sector tens of millions of dollars every year.

To mitigate that, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is in its final stages of developing a sector-leading fertiliser technology.

Typically, farmers would target pasture larvae, such as worms, through the likes of grazing management and triple drenching; however, drench resistance has become a growing challenge and other treatment methods are needed to complement it.

“Where drench resistance arises, that can undermine the sustainability of a farm system. Farmers may have to change how they manage their whole management system to overcome drench resistance,” says Warwick Catto, science strategy manager at Ballance.

Developed in collaboration with AgResearch, the innovation would be a specially formulated fertiliser that could reduce the amount of parasite larvae in pasture. Parasite resistance is a growing challenge for Kiwi farmers and Ballance’s new innovation aims to address that.

“By reducing the larval challenge that migrates from animal waste and infects young stock, this technology could provide a significant breakthrough for farmers struggling with parasite management,” says Catto.

“The technology has the potential to target all pasture-based ruminant larval species, addressing an issue costing the sector millions of dollars.”

The research began more than a decade ago when interest arose about what other attributes fertilisers could have, in a way which could mitigate the impacts of pasture-based issues on animal health.

“It could be facial eczema or fungal pathogens and obviously intestinal parasites, L3 larvae. The core part of [livestock’s] life

cycle is actually on pasture,” Catto says.

The interest was taken to AgResearch, where many tests in petri dishes found a fertiliser that could kill more than 90% of parasites that were present on pastures.

“So for the last five or six years, we’ve been really trying to take it from the petri dish and validate it in the real world with a grazing animal on real pasture in a paddock,” Catto says.

Extensive ‘in-vitro’ testing was

Ballance and AgResearch are in the final stages of developing a fertiliser technology that could reduce the impact of pasture larvae on livestock.

KATE JUDSON/ STUFF

The fertiliser showed a strong efficacy against the parasite species in the paddock and in glasshouse testing within a controlled environment.

“Traditional parasite control using drenches is failing on many farms, so we deliberately took a different approach by trying to target parasites on pasture. This product is a result of that work. If we can get the fine-tuning right, it will be a boon for farmers struggling with resistant worms,” Leathwick says.

Small-scale animal and on-farm trials provided further validation for these results, where three separate grazing pastures were treated with the fertiliser.

Lambs which had grazed one set of pasture showed a substantial reduction in parasite burden, while two separate farms saw similar results with a reduction in worm burdens after just 14 days of grazing.

As parasite resistance increased in the sheep and beef sector, Catto says that the fertiliser will be an important tool to supplement their current management plans.

“I’ve come from a sheep and beef farm and I’ve spent hours and hours dagging sheep in the races and drenching lambs … this could offer up a tool that could reduce the amount of time that ewes and lambs are required to be handled.”

undertaken alongside AgResearch’s parasitologist Dave Leathwick and soil scientist Alex Mackay.

In-vitro testing is a “back and forth process”, Catto says, where the fertiliser is taken away from its usual environment and tested against parasite species.

“It’s like a game of tennis, you learn something in the paddock, you go back and test it in the glasshouse and you go back to the paddock again.”

The project has also brought to light just how difficult larvae are to control, as they could persist in soil and faeces and gradually migrate back to the pasture over time. “While early lab and farm trials have shown great promise, we’re continuing to refine the formulation and its application to make sure it works effectively across the wide range of conditions farmers encounter,” Catto says.

When the fertiliser would be available for on-farm use was not known yet, Catto says, as it was important that every aspect of the fertiliser was fit for market and added value to farmers’ practices.

Warwick Catto, science strategy manager at Ballance, says it was rewarding when they could prove the fertiliser’s effectiveness.

Ballance and AgResearch undertook extensive trials in labs and on farm to test the efficacy of the technology.

AGRESEARCH

Blending livestock and forestry brings benefits

Silvopasture

Rural reporter

When livestock and forestry come together, they can build resilience against climate change, enhance productive landscapes into the future and improve animal welfare.

Scion researchers and partners are on a mission to demonstrate the environmental, economic, cultural and social benefits of an integrated system during the three-year Taking Risk Out Of Next Generation Silvopastoral Systems research programme.

Agroforestry blends agriculture and forestry in a way that addresses environmental, economic and social pressures. Silvopastoral systems are the form of agroforestry involving livestock grazing on pasture.

There has been little new research on silvopastoral systems in New Zealand for more than 30 years so there is a gap in current knowledge and lack of demonstrated systems. This project aims to change that.

Engagement with landowners occurred pre-proposal and will continue throughout to ensure research, infrastructure and project objectives are collaboratively developed, programme lead Peter Clinton says.

“Co-design is a key requirement to ensure objectives are met and research is relevant to the needs and aspirations of landowners.”

Animal welfare and climate change are at the project’s core.

Clinton, a microbial ecology and soil systems principal researcher, says that trees on farms create more natural shelter for animals from the elements.

Other benefits include less erosion, potentially more biodiversity and increased carbon sequestration.

He hopes the trials can continue beyond the life of the research project.

Simon van Haandel, a forestry business manager at Pāmu, one of Scion’s research partners, says deciduous silvopastoral systems could be a viable land use option on vulnerable land types across New Zealand.

“

It is a win-win for animals and farmers.

AgResearch

senior scientist Karin Schutz

viable; however, other values such as erosion control, animal health, shade and shelter, timber and carbon are becoming increasingly important for farm resilience in the face of climate change,” van Haandel says.

perspective – the concept that animal welfare depends on and influences human wellbeing, biodiversity and the environment, and is therefore interconnected.

“Cows and sheep are very good at seeking out microclimates that help them thermoregulate and stay comfortable so it is good for their welfare,” she says.

“It is also good for the farmer because animals that do not have to spend energy to thermoregulate produce more, so it is good for the wallet as well. It is a win-win for animals and farmers.”

Short-term, the project aims to develop new systems infrastructure to promote changes in farming practice.

In the medium-term, it aims to develop methods for quantifying the benefits of silvopastoral systems.

During the research programme, which started in August 2024, the team will hold co-design workshops with research partners and landowners to identify sites where trees can either be planted into established farms or existing stands of trees can be modified.

Animal and plant monitoring will ideally be done across trials on sheep, beef and dairy farms.

Scion researchers and partners are undertaking a three-year project to demonstrate the environmental, economic, cultural and social benefits of silvopastoral systems – a form of agroforestry involving livestock grazing on pasture.

GRACE PRIOR

“Climate modelling shows extreme weather events will worsen over time, which will reduce productivity and increase the risks to stock and the land.”

Trees can help mitigate the e ects of erosion and minimise the impacts of extreme weather by cooling air and regulating water flows.

“Historical silvopastoral trials under radiata pine were not economically

“Pāmu hopes that, through the project, we can show the conditions under which silvopastoral systems can work in New Zealand to provide farmers with another option for their toolkit.”

Senior scientist Karin Schutz, of AgResearch’s animal behaviour and welfare team, is excited about the project as it incorporates a One Welfare

Long-term, the aim is for local communities to have increased confidence in the future of silvopastoral systems, for the public to have greater confidence in intergenerational sustainability of New Zealand’s agriculture and the Government to have greater confidence in the farming community’s ability to adapt to climate change and other global pressures.

The project is funded through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change fund. Scion’s research partners include Pāmu, Orete No 2 and Other Blocks Incorporation, and AgResearch.

18 NZ Farmer

Innovation and Tech

Last year was one of the driest that Wairarapa farmer Aidan Bichan had ever experienced.

Local farms were parched after a summer drought, dry winter and a significantly rainless November.

Of course, nothing is certain in the new weather normal: “In December, which is usually the driest month of the year, we had 112ml of rain and it’s kept raining since, which is great.”

A wetter summer has meant Bichan’s irrigation system needed turning on in January easing his farm’s energy consumption that is, like most farmers, heavy over summer.

But dry winters mean largely power-grid and hydro-fuelled irrigation systems are under the pump year-round, creating pressure on the grid when the draw is highest overall and threatening a national energy crisis like last year.

This year there is some good news, with Niwa predicting a near-normal or slightly above-average rainfall until March. But it may not be enough to head o another dry winter and more energy price hikes.

Irrigation NZ principal technical adviser Stephen McNally says last winter, areas like North Canterbury, Tasman and Marlborough were hit with low reservoir levels, raising farmers’ concerns about potential water restrictions and poor hydropower supply.

He confirms a strong summer of rainfall has allayed these fears so far, but any hint of a return to dry conditions creates urgency around irrigation.

“We can’t stop food being made and getting to consumers,” McNally says.

Some farmers turn to diesel irrigation pumps to breach the gap, adding significant cost. But for Rewiring Aotearoa chief executive Mike Casey, there is a better way.

“Farmers could have a huge positive influence on New Zealand’s electricity system by generating power themselves and putting it into the grid for everybody else to be able to heat their homes, heat their water and charge their electric vehicles,” he says.

“We can treat our hydropower scheme

Powering up the farm with climate -friendly generation

More farmers are jumping on to electric power, but they are still struggling to get financing, fair prices from power companies and a ordable technology. Alka Prasad reports.

“Farmers could have a huge positive influence on New Zealand’s electricity system by generating power themselves and putting it into the grid for everybody else to be able to heat their homes, heat their water and charge their electric vehicles.

Rewiring Aotearoa

chief executive Mike Casey

more like a battery which could power our homes and businesses at night-time and solar can do a lot of the grunt work during the day.”

More farmers are jumping on electricpowered farming, including Bichan, whose irrigation system runs on solar energy.

But overall, Casey and others say, there aren’t enough incentives for farmers to generate their own power; not enough financing options, nor a ordable and robust technologies available in New Zealand to help farmers cut back on fossil fuels yet.

Business and community resilience

Ranfurly farmer Becks Smith says the solution for farmers, and the rest of the energy-strapped country, is to “layer” energy sources.

She says farmers can make the most of dry and wet weather and reduce their input costs.

“It’s not an either-or situation from

hydro-generated electricity to solargenerated electricity. It’s about having a renewable electricity grid and shifting as far from fossil-fuel energy as we can.

“For business resilience, the energy you can generate and use yourself is the cheapest energy you’ll ever get.”

Smith says locally-generated power will build resilience for rural communities in natural disasters and severe weather events, like 2023’s Cyclone Gabrielle, when towns in the North Island lost power, communications and road access, limiting petrol deliveries for fuelpowered generators.

“If you can generate power on-site, you will have energy sources within your community [during disasters], whether that’s just for communications or essential services,” Smith says.

That inspired her to start Solayer, which works with farmers to figure out e cient and cost-e ective solutions to install reliable, farm-generated energy.

“Farmers are really busy people, so we meet them where they’re at, show them the opportunity and support them to make it easy.”

Solayer works with farmers to assess their individual farming system, organise sustainable energy sources, sort out the logistics for installation and maintenance and, most importantly, how to finance the project.

“We talk about the cost of electricity per unit you can generate and use yourself and if it’s worth it,” Smith says.

But she says farmers are still struggling to manage high interest rates and a lack of access to a ordable financing from banks, especially after the pandemic and a tough few years for agriculture.

“It’s not that farmers don’t have an interest in doing these projects but sometimes the access to the capital to be able to do them is hard. Which is a shame, because you can save money [on energy], which ultimately frees up more

Ranfurley farmer Becks Smith started Solayer to help farmers install reliable, farm-generated energy.

The first electric cherry harvest at Mike Casey’s Forest Lodge Orchard.

capital within a business.”

Farming loans often come with many more strings attached than urban residential property loans, she

“It’s not as easy as it sounds. It’s definitely much easier as a residential home owner to access finance, but not for the rural farm business.”

Smith is pushing for a “level playing field” for farmers to access financing to make sustainable, cost-effective technology investments.

“That will really shift the dial because the scale at which farmers will [generate energy] and distribute it back to the local communities has the potential to make a huge impact.”

Cost savings

For agricultural businesses, Smith says diesel is at about 75 cents a kilowatt hour. while energy on the grid costs about 25 to 39c per kilowatt hour.

“If you are generating your own electricity from a solar array, the cost is around 7 to 8c a kilowatt hour for that unit of energy. It is an immediate cost saving.”

Smith says many farms can take electricity off the national grid and put power back onto a grid, but the incentives for farmers to sell energy back are low.

Getting a fairer export price for the power being returned to the grid will amplify the number of farmers who jump on board. But at the moment, it “doesn’t always make financial sense” to generate extra power.

Bichan, who has adopted solar solutions, says his farm spends about $100,000 a year on electricity, with about $15,000 of that in solar power costs. The business’ first step towards electrification was the installation of 50 solar panels at about $110,000 all up, with plans to install another solar array.

“The return on investment is heading up around 18% to 20% now as energy prices have spiked. It’s been a good investment.”

This time of year, he says the farm uses all the energy produced on-site, with irrigation as a major power draw. “But we only irrigate five months of the year. What do you do with all that energy for the other seven months?”

Bichan says it isn’t profitable to sell the power surplus back to electricity companies considering the massive buy-back cost.

He says the farm gets 12c per kw/ hour for sending power onto the national grid, “but when we buy it, we’re now 33c a kw/hour”.

Rewiring Aotearoa’s Casey says it’s a battle for farmers to work with some power providers, which change between regions, to get a fair price.

“The power grid hasn’t been designed with customer generation in its best interest,” Casey says. “We’ve got 21 different utility companies around New Zealand, each with their own sets of rules and regulations.”

Shamubeel Eaqub to Keynote Research & Insights Forum

Joinleading economistShamubeel Eaqub at Food and FibreCoVE’s Research& Insights Forum, where he will sharehis thinking on the importance on howthe food and fibresector can harness newresearch, technology, and vocational education tomeet thegovernment’s ambitiousgoals forthe future.

Hosted by AgriHQ’sSamantha Tennent,the event will showcase crucial projectsthathelp address the challenges our sector faces and provides plentyofopportunities to leverage our collectivevoice.

Technology needs to be affordable and fit for purpose Bichan uses an electric side-by-side at Kaiwaiwai Dairies, which replaced a traditional fossil fuel-powered four-wheeler. The machine is charged at off-peak energy grid hours overnight, when nationally generated energy is cleaner compared to power produced in the day.

He also switched to battery chainsaws, hand tools and electric fencing gear.

“We’ve trialled electric motorbikes, but that technology is developing.”

The business is now looking at tractor technology and other key farming tools, but Bichan says the tractors available at the moment aren’t big enough for what they need. “The issue with the tractors at the moment is that I can buy a replacement tractor for around $100,000 to $120,000.”

Meanwhile, a less robust electric tractor is double that amount, between $200,000 and $230,000. “That’s too big a gap to ever recover the savings of electricity versus diesel,” Bichan says.

Smith says sheep and beef farming is yet to identify electric machinery that is robust, fit for purpose and affordable enough for farmers.

But she’s committed to improving access for Kiwi farmers and is working to find a range of affordable, efficient electric options.

“I’m convinced we have that electric machinery in New Zealand at the moment, but I’d love to try some of those, put them through their paces and come up with a suite of options to present to more New Zealand farmers who can use farm-generated energy to power and shift away from fossil fuel.”

Whattoexpect:

>Fresh perspectives on workforce development and sector skills.

>Insights intohow emerging tech is transformingour industry

>Interactive workshopsand discussions on navigating vocational education and training reforms.

Kaiwaiwai Dairies co-owner Aidan Bichan says the business plans to install more solar panels to further electrify the farm.

Central Districts Field Daysit’s a big deal

Field Days Rural reporter

The best days o the farm are back and will be bigger and better than ever.

New Zealand’s largest regional agriculture event Central Districts Field Days is known for its deals – and early birds can get their first one with online tickets, now on sale.

Central Districts Field Days, powered by Brandt, returns to Feilding from March 13 to 15 –showcasing the latest in primary industries’ agriculture and rural innovations, alongside lifestyle products and family entertainment, including a kids’ zone and helicopter rides.

The first bargain on o er is online tickets that are cheaper than gate sales, that bypass the entry queues and straight to the express lane of what is the highlight of the region’s rural calendar.

“This is a must-do agri-event for industry and Manawatū alike, with more than 25,000 people flocking to Manfeild across the three days.

“Last year, it generated $40 million in sales and spend – and provided an invaluable opportunity to have a yarn o the farm,” says Jonathan Paul, Central Districts Field Days event manager.

“Attendees tell us they truly appreciate the local feel – they get to talk to their local dealers with the security that they know the region as much as their products.”

Central Districts Field Days is central to business, central to rural connections, central to supporting local and has been

More than 25,000 attended the last Central

ADELE RYCROFT/MANAWATŪ STANDARD

bringing Kiwi communities and industries together for the past 30-plus years.

The event sprawls across more than 33 hectares at Manfeild, boasting more than 500 exhibitors with cutting-edge machinery and equipment, the latest developments in rural innovation and lifestyle trends with top-notch regional food, local brews and entertainment.

Attendees can also watch the iconic CCNZ CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition, and this year

Central Districts Field Days will also be home to the Southern North Island Wood

The country’s top excavator operators will be on show at Central Districts Field Days once again.

Council Golden

Central Districts Field

is proudly powered by Brandt – the leading agricultural business has been an exhibitor at this event for 15-plus years, with several brands in its stable, including John

Brandt will host both the Construction Zone and Agriculture Zone this year, o ering an exclusive opportunity to

experience its powerful equipment up close, with the value of specialists providing personalised consultations to ensure customers find the equipment best suited to their operational needs.

Central District Field Days March 13-15 For tickets and visitor information, go to: cdfielddays.co.nz

Loader Championships.

Days

Deere on the North Island.

The Central Districts Field Days at Manfield has more than 500 exhibitors showcasing all the latest in innovations, technology and machinery.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon takes a ride-on lawn mower for a blast in a race against his MPs at last year’s event.

Districts Field Days over its three days.

What’s on

● February 11: Beef + Lamb NZ

Growing Great Lambs workshop, Wyndham

An interactive workshop to help you understand the complexities of lamb production, including pre-lamb drivers, birth to weaning and post-weaning management.

Info at beeflambnz.com/events

● February 11-12: DairyNZ

NZ Dairy Expo, Matamata

The NZ Dairy Expo is the premier event for New Zealand dairy farmers, featuring more than 100 businesses from across the industry. The expo showcases the latest innovations in technology, equipment and services tailored to dairy farming only.

Info at nzdairyexpo.co.nz

● February 11: DairyNZ

Calf Rearing workshop, Northland

Despite only working with calves for the first three to four months of their life, as calf rearers, you have the greatest opportunity to influence the lifetime productivity of these animals.

Info at dairynz.co.nz/events/

● February 12: Rural Support Trust

Howdy Rural Partners: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Taranaki

This lunch event is to give thanks to the many wonderful Taranaki rural professionals and to engage in continuing their support of Taranaki Rural Support Trust (RST). The guest speaker will be Hawke’s Bay RST co-ordinator Jonathan Bell, talking about his experiences in Cyclone Gabrielle.

Info at rural-support.org.nz

● February 12

Dairy Women’s Network

Software Simplified, webinar

Switching from your trusty paper records to digital systems can feel like trying to milk a stubborn cow –challenging and potentially messy. This webinar is your roadmap from tech frustration to smooth sailing.

Info at dwn.co.nz/events/

● February 12: B+LNZ

Ewe Body Condition Scoring workshop, Wairarapa

With ram date fast approaching, now’s a great time to make sure that your ewes are in the best possible condition to maximise results.

Info at beeflambnz.com/events

● February 14: DairyNZ

Feed For Profit, Canterbury

This course will cover analysing pasture and feed components of profitable and sustainable dairy farms, planning strategies and targets to optimise pasture growth and utilisation, feed budgeting and more.

Info at dairynz.co.nz/events/

● February 15: New Zealand Young Farmers

Tararua Young Farmers Club, Pahīatua

New Zealand Young Farmers is a place to meet new people, connect with rural communities and have some fun. The Tararua Young Farmers Club is back up and running after a hiatus. Head along for its inaugural bark-up.

Info at youngfarmers.co.nz/

● February 18: Northland Dairy Development Trust Conference

Save the date – more information coming soon so keep an eye on the Northland Dairy Development website. Info at nddt.nz

● February 18 and 21: B+LNZ

Wormwise workshop: Cattle, Lake Wairarapa and Tararua

This workshop is tailored to help you manage drench resistance in your cattle. It will cover key strategies and the latest research on internal parasite control for cattle farming.

Info at beeflambnz.com/events

● February 19 and 20: East Coast Farming Expo

Two days of interactive exhibits and seminars offer East Coast and Hawke’s Bay farming communities a unique chance to connect directly with industry leaders and innovators.

Info at eastcoastexpo.co.nz/

● February 20: Afimilk Afimilk on-farm open day, Waikato

Afimilk will be on-farm with Brad Gore at Glenrowan Farm in Matamata. More details to follow. Info at afimilk.com

● February 24: Dairy Women’s Network Paint and Sip, Taranaki

Whether you fancy yourself as the next Picasso or prefer drawing in stickmen, grab your friends and attend an evening of creativity whilst sipping on a tipple.

Info at dwn.co.nz/events/

● February 25 and 16: Allegro

ETS and GHG insights day, Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki

A field day in collaboration with Te Uru Rākau. This is your chance to get answers to all your questions about the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and dive into sector-specific discussions on greenhouse gas (GHG) management plans.

Info at allegrow.co.nz

● February 26:

Dairy Women’s Network Bridging The Staffing Gap, webinar

Unlock the potential of international talent from the United Kingdom and Ireland. Join Abi Swaffield, Paula Syben and Andre Syben, from AG Work, as they help inform and educate you on the benefits, process and costs of employing dairy staff from Britain and Ireland. Info at dwn.co.nz/events

● March 3:

Dairy Women’s Network Milk The Benefits: Mastering Contract Milking – Part 1, webinar This two-part webinar series is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of

how contract milking can work for your farming business and help you progress in the dairy industry.

Info at dwn.co.nz/events/

● B+LNZ

February 3-March 3:

Focus group workshops, various dates and locations

Beef + Lamb NZ will be introducing focus groups into the extension programme. These will be topic focused, and outcomes driven, with an opportunity to learn from other members and subject matter experts. The organisation says it’s keeping the attendee numbers small to ensure everyone gets a chance to share insights and learn from each other.

Info at beeflambnz.com/events

● DairyNZ

February 20-March 31: Improving Genetics and Reproductive Performance For Farm Business Success, various dates and locations

DairyNZ is collaborating with Fonterra to deliver a series of events supporting farmers to achieve good results in their herds and keep their business future-fit.

Info at dairynz.co.nz/events/

● Federated Farmers

Managing Risk In Share Farming, various dates and locations

Federated Farmers invites new and existing contract milkers, sharemilkers and farm owners to events around the country in February. Learn how to navigate business and individual risks for both share farmers and farm owners. Its industry experts will guide you through contractual changes, farm assessments, and how to build and maintain strong, enduring working relationships.

Info at fedfarm.org.nz/

Registration is essential for many events. Check out the various websites for more information.

Paper and wool a ‘natural fit’ for plant nursery

The Native Dairy Farmer plant nursery business has ditched plastic pots in favour of paper and wool.

By Madeleine Powers

AWaikato dairy farming family with a native plant nursery business have branched out further, ditching plastic pots in favour of paper and wool.

Alice Trevelyan and Dave Swney started the nursery with the help of family and friends in 2020, transforming their tennis court into a nursery. The business is now in its fourth season.

Earlier this year, they decided to take the business one step further, ditching plastic pots in favour of paper, and selling woollen ‘boxes’ and weed mat from a farm in Hawke’s Bay.

Initially the seedlings arrived from another nursery in Auckland in plastic pots, but Trevelyan says it “seemed wrong”. This led to her experimenting with alternatives. She discovered Ellepots – 60mm pots made out of paper, and hasn’t looked back since.

Typically, plants are raised in polyethylene bags before planting, which end up in landfill. But Crown Research Institute Scion has been experimenting with the use of Ellepots as a more cost-e ective and e cient way of planting natives at scale.

The Ellepot paper “Ellebags” and “Ellepots” are made using specialised machines and degradable paper to form the container shape for placing the seed or seedlings in.

Trevelyan says the pots reduce plastic, allow the plants to “keep growing”, and prevent transplant shock.

“We love the no plastic, but also the strong, healthy plant. Another positive we get from landowners is there’s no pots left at the end. When you’re time poor, that’s quite a good thing.”

The next to go were the containers they used for gifts of multiple plants. The solution was an unexpected collaboration between sheep farming and dairy.

Trevelyan discovered sheep and beef farmer Anastasia Tristram, of Floating Peaks, through Instagram, and was immediately taken with her and partner Hayden’s innovative use of dag wool to make poplar protectors. She approached Hayden to discuss whether a pot could be designed to house native plants. The result

is an attractive woollen ‘box’ which she calls the native wool box. Once the box is used, it can be cut up into pieces to be used as weed mat in the garden.

The Native Dairy Farmer also sells its woollen weed mat, which can be used in the vege garden or to protect new plantings.

Transitioning away from plastic pots is the latest in the couple’s campaign to showcase farm sustainability and help others adopt environmentally friendly farm practices.

Trevelyan comes from a background in environmental management, having worked for Waikato Regional Council as a senior catchment adviser. She also has a masters degree in hydrology, and a certificate in advanced nutrient management.

She’s used to helping farmers undertake riparian planting, and is familiar with the challenges. Buying quality plants is just one part of the equation, she says. The key part is knowing which plants thrive where.

“I’ve been to planting sites where there’s great plants but they’re in the wrong place.

“There’s so many nurseries around now but the advice piece is missed,” she says.

Site preparation, plant species, choosing the site and maintenance of plantings are all important components to consider, but it can be “overwhelming” for people, says Trevelyan.

She says in future they’d like to adapt their native plant business to o er planting plans and advice to support people with their planting. The couple say the plant nursery business is “a natural fit” for them.

“It’s great having something outside the door,” she says.

They considered other options like making sausages, but the native plant nursery was a natural fit for the couple’s skills and needs. “It complements the dairy farm really well”, Swney says.

The couple have a 124-hectare dairy farm which they own in an equity partnership with Swney’s parents. They milk 410 friesian jersey-cross cows, and grow maize and chicory for the calves.

Swney’s in charge of the farming operation while Trevelyan runs the plant nursery business.

Trevelyan grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Nelson, and says coming to live on a diary farm was “quite di erent”, but she’s come to really enjoy milking cows.

“I actually love milking, you get to know the cows and it’s quite relaxing.”

For Swney it’s the opposite, he enjoys spending time in the plant nursery in the evenings after the kids are in bed.

“Alice and I come out here after dinner and literally potter away.”

Trevelyan was working for the regional council as a farm environment adviser before starting the business, but it meant long days with lots of driving to cover farm visits between Auckland and Matamata.

After leaving her job at the regional council to start a family, starting a business that Trevelyan could run from home was a natural fit.

Trevelyan and Swney have two small children, Rex, aged 1, and Walter aged 2. The nursery is just outside the house, and means Trevelyan has the flexibility to have the children with her while working in the nursery.

The nursery is a “family a air”, and during the busy months it’s all hands on deck, with both Swney’s and Trevelyan’s mothers, who live nearby, helping in the nursery.

Swney says it’s getting harder and harder to own a farm, and farming itself is

“volatile” with prices fluctuating. It was this that led the couple to diversify their farm business.

While they have grown the farm and employ two full-time sta , Swney says they are “big campaigners” for spreading their risk.

The couple say it’s been a hard couple of seasons for farming. “Everyone’s just been in a rut, in the trenches,’ says Swney . But things are looking up, and the plant nursery business has provided a way to showcase the good things that are happening on farms.

Sick of hearing only bad news about farming, Trevelyan decided to start documenting and sharing their experiences, good and bad, on their Facebook page.

Having visited lots of farms in her previous job as a farm environment adviser, Trevelyan says there’s a lot of good things happening on farms that people don’t hear about.

Swney took some convincing, but Trevelyan says the Facebook page has been “awesome”.

It helps to show what positive things are happening on the farm and with the native plants business, and Trevelyan says it helps other farmers to hear about the challenges and successes on their farm.

Trevelyan says the Facebook page “keeps her honest”.

“We post the good, the bad, you know, it’s not always sunshine and roses. I think it’s cool just to acknowledge all the stu that goes into your milk every morning.”

Swney says it’s been a hard couple of seasons for the agriculture sector, but things are looking positive.

“I think the dairy industry itself is strong, we’re heading in the right direction with plantings and there’s a lot more chat around now about planting natives on marginal land rather than just pine trees.”

“So we feel quite excited about that and where that sort of thing is heading.”

Above: Alice Trevelyan with Rex, 1, holding a native plant in a paper Ellepot.

Left: Alice Trevelyan and her assistants, partner Dave Swney and children Walter, 2, and Rex, 1. MARK TAYLOR

Alice Trevelyan holds native seedlings in a ‘woollen’ box.

OSPRI chief executive Sam McIvor says ongoing work to eradicate TB is a success, with the lowest number of a ected farms recorded.

TB on the way out – but not there yet

Opinion

OSPRI chief executive Sam McIvor says to meet the goal of eradicating bovine tuberculosis by 2055, New Zealand must keep its foot on the pedal.

One of the below-the-radar success stories of New Zealand livestock farming is our progress towards eradicating the disease bovine tuberculosis (TB).

Currently, TB-infected herd numbers are some of the lowest ever, at 14 herds in December 2024.

But it’s vital we keep our foot on the pedal and keep working to eradicate TB completely.

New Zealand is a world leader in the control and management of bovine TB – few countries with a TB wildlife problem have had the same level of success. In New Zealand, wild possums are the main carriers of TB and we have managed to significantly reduce the land area harbouring TB-infected possums.

We can credit much of this success to our science-based approach, with an extensive research programme that informs innovation and improvements to our methods of pest control and animal testing.

Another world-leading advantage is that the TBfree programme is driven and funded by those directly a ected – farmers. In other countries, TB control sits with government agencies whereas here OSPRI is directly accountable to farmers through the levy group shareholders DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Deer Industry New Zealand, as well as the Ministry for Primary Industries.

We know from experience in the 1980s and 90s that reducing investment and e ort on possum control leads directly to an increase in TB-infected herds. By 1994, TB infection peaked

at nearly 1700 infected cattle and deer herds. Controlling possums across our forests and farmland requires a collaborative e ort involving farmers, Māori entities including iwi, hapū, and trusts, community groups, councils and government agencies such as the Department of Conservation.

This vital pest control activity not only prevents disease but also has important biodiversity benefits for our native environment and ecosystems.

We all have an interest in locking in the gains and maintaining momentum.

It’s easy for those of us who haven’t directly experienced TB to forget the dreadful impact it has.

It is a serious disease that can result in animals having open weeping abscesses, mastitis and significant loss in weight.

For farmers and their families, the impact of an infected herd can be huge. Diseased animals have to be slaughtered, and farm systems sometimes changed to cater for animal movement restrictions. It impacts our market access and reputation – massively important for a country that exports around 90% of our production.

So, while new diseases hit the headlines here and overseas, it is crucial that we don’t drop the ball on TB.

Our current goal is eradication of bovine TB from New Zealand by 2055, with a milestone target of livestock TB freedom by 2026.

A 10-yearly independent review of the TB pest management plan is under way. This winter, farmers will be asked for their input towards planning for the next 10 years – for example, can we eradicate faster, what are the cost savings and risks, should we put more focus on eradicating TB out of the vectors (possums) and less on eradicating out of herds, knowing that until we have possums free of the disease our herds will always be at risk.

Look out for the opportunity to have your say in June, and please, keep up the good work by having your herd tested when required, and keeping your NAIT records up to date.

28 NZ FarmerSheep and Beef

Battling weeds an ongoing fight

Opinion

Kate Acland is the chairperson of Beef + Lamb New Zealand and a mid-Canterbury sheep, beef and dairy farmer.

Recently I had the pleasure of attending an on-farm field day for Muller Station, winners of the Marlborough Farmer of the Year.

It’s a vast and impressive property that’s benefited from a depth of knowledge and passion from the two generations actively farming the land.

The landscape is vast, rugged and beautiful and it epitomises the image of the New Zealand high country.

What was even more impressive than their quality stock and excellent production figures was the absolute commitment and dedication to the management of this highly significant landscape and the biodiversity that sits within it.

It’s a light-touch model, but there is not a rabbit or whisker of broom or gorse in sight.

Steve and Mary Satterthwaite, who own Muller Station, estimate more than $4 million has been invested in weed and pest control over the last few decades.

They describe this investment as non-negotiable – it happens even in the tough years.

Wilding pines are the latest challenge, with seeds blowing out of historic crown plantings in catchments to the north-west and through the property.

farming operations most of us would consider ‘normal’ all without the security of long-term tenure that gives confidence to invest.

St James, the next property towards Hamner, is another historic farm that is now conservation estate again. It appears to be at risk of being over-run by exotic weeds and wilding pines.

Opinion

AWeeds blowing from Crown-owned land have to be controlled by helicopter spot spraying at a huge cost to the private landowner. This is a story that’s not unique to this property.

There have been suggestions of further planting of trees on Crown land to meet international climate obligations. The development of sterile pines may prevent wilding spread happening in future – but the burden of the cleanup from these historic plantations will be long, expensive and ongoing.

Further down the road heading south is the Crown-owned Molesworth Station leased by Pāmu (Landcorp).

I have some sympathy for Pāmu, which must run the farm under a highly restrictive management plan that sees only around

5% of the 180,000 hectares farmed.

But what a di erent picture to Muller Station. Areas are severely weed infested, with broom and hieracium dominating pastures and wilding pines taking over the balance – even through established manuka and native scrub.

This is not a criticism of the dedicated young shepherds or the longstanding manager of Molesworth, who do an admirable job of farming under some challenging conditions and in the public eye.

Nor is it a criticism of Pamu – which is operating a business that we all expect to generate a profit within the confines of a management plan that restricts the areas it can graze, limits its ability to invest, to apply fertiliser and carry out those

Good conservation outcomes require active management, not shutting the gate. New Zealand doesn’t have the means to actively manage the bow wave of weeds and pests that will inevitably engulf our high country unless they are managed.

As someone who farms a property with plenty of gorse and broom that got away during those tough years in the 90s, I know first-hand how di cult it is to conquer. I take my hat o to those hill-county farmers who have managed it. Weed control requires generational investment – we’re getting on top of it, but our children will still continue the battle.

Generational investment requires security of tenure and confidence in a strong sustainable financial performance in the long term. It requires a regulatory framework that enables conservation and profitable farming to co-exist and gives farmers freedom to make the best decisions for their land.

Let’s recognise the excellent and critical role that our hill- and high-country farmers play in protecting and maintaining our indigenous biodiversity and managing invasive weed and pests.

Let’s celebrate them for that, but also make sure that planning regimes allow appropriate flexibility so they have a strong and profitable core business to support that action.

A brighter year ahead

Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says last year was tough, but 2025 is expected to be better for farmers, meat processors and exporters.

s we reflect on 2024, it’s clear the year was one of the most challenging for the red meat sector.

Farmers and processors/exporters faced a range of pressures, including weaker global markets, fluctuating production and processing capacity rationalisation, all while navigating ongoing uncertainty in the international trading environment.

Yet despite these headwinds, there is much to celebrate and even more to look forward to as 2025 gets underway.

First and foremost, I want to pay tribute to our farmers. Amid rising costs and the unpredictability of global markets, New Zealand farmers have continued to deliver world-class red meat products.

Their dedication to producing premium, sustainable, and nutritious food is something we can all be proud of. Every bite of New Zealand beef and lamb consumed around the world is a testament to their hard work and commitment to excellence.

Our sector’s resilience and adaptability have been equally evident. While lamb prices have been weaker, our exporters have been focused on mitigating these challenges by targeting

higher-value markets where our products are in demand.

The sector’s commitment to innovation and adding value is a hallmark of our success. It is a little known fact that only 2%of our red meat exports leave New Zealand as whole carcasses.

Instead, we are exporting a wide range of value-added products tailored to meet the preferences of discerning consumers.

Our fifth-quarter products – such as edible o als, hides and pharmaceutical-grade materials – are reaching niche markets, maximising the value derived from every animal.

In the United States, a key growth market, we’ve seen tremendous progress. It is a strategically important market for our beef exports and a growing high value market for our lamb exports.

Around 95% of our exports to the US enter duty-free, and our high-quality, naturallyproduced red meat complements domestic production while o ering American consumers greater choice.

We are monitoring closely the risks posed by any tari on all imports into the US. This would make New Zealand products more expensive, and ultimately leave the consumer worse o as importers seek to pass on these cost increases. That said, as an export-facing economy, we are experienced in maintaining strong commercial relationships and keeping our options open so we can be flexible in line with developments. Agility, clear communication and being alert to context will be key.

There are promising signs in China as lamb prices appear to have bottomed out, and early signs of recovery are emerging.

Our campaigns – such as Taste Pure Nature – which showcase the unique attributes of New Zealand red meat, are helping us connect with Chinese consumers who value health, quality and the provenance of their food.

Kate Acland, of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, says good conservation outcomes require active and careful management to stop weeds engulfing farms. CLARE TOIA

Sirma Karapeeva, of the Meat Industry Association, is optimistic about the coming year.

Low sheep numbers raise fears for the future of rare heritage breeds

Breeding

Eve Hyslop

Declining sheep numbers have proved to be a problem for meat processors and the wool industry, but most will forget the risks posed to the heritage breeds of New Zealand.

The fall in the country’s sheep population has raised concern with the New Zealand Sheep Breeders Association (NZSBA) as their registered flock has declined in response.

Sheep breeder and founding member of the Rare Breeds Conservation Society, Helen McKenzie is concerned that the importance of the heritage breeds will be forgotten and their genetic resource will lessen.

The romney sheep breed has made a steady decline with just 32 flocks registered with the New Zealand Sheep Breeders Association, down from 723

RICKY WILSON/STUFF

“As with our historic buildings that have made an aesthetic contribution to New Zealand over the years, some of our sheep breeds made large contributions to the founding of the agricultural industry as we know it and formed the basis of the New Zealand economy for many generations,” McKenzie says.

The merino is a true heritage breed, being the first sheep to reach New Zealand shores in 1814.

There is not as much concern for the merino breed due to the profitability of their wool and commercial interest, although the registered flock number has decreased to 37 in 2023 from 48 in 1940. The population of registered merino ewes sat at around 15,961 in 2023, up from 10,989 in 1940.

The lincoln ram arrived in 1840 and dominated sheep breeding in the North

Island until the 1890s with their heavy, long-woolled coat.

The registered population saw a boom and bust throughout the 1900s, with 122 registered flocks in 1901 which soon dropped to 18 in 1940, only to shoot back up to 112 in 1988.

The boom was thanks to a breeder

The ryeland breed was also once popular in New Zealand, arriving into the country in 1903. In 1982, there were around 700 registered ewes, but now there are only seven flocks in the country with just 292 registered ewes.

The shropshire breed are a mediumframed breed and hold their condition well in a drought, but are down to just 10 flocks in New Zealand with about 300 registered ewes.

Dorset downs originate from the United Kingdom and are on its Rare Breeds Survival Trust Priority List; however, there is a strong population in New Zealand with 43 flocks and 4327 ewes.

There are a number of cornerstone dorset down flocks in the country with larger numbers of up to 650 ewes, though should they all disperse, the population could decline to 1900 ewes overnight.

English leicester is another breed which McKenzie says is in need of support, with just seven flocks in New Zealand. The breed was brought here from Britain in 1843 and by 2017, there were just 12 studs on our shores.

Since a steady decline of its population began in 1990, there are now about 320 registered english leicester ewes here.

The romney breed registered with the NZSBA has also made a steady decline, with just 32 registered flocks this year with 4541 ewes, down from 723 registered flocks in 1977, with 168,358 ewes.

Aside from their heritage to New Zealand agriculture, McKenzie says these sheep are useful for both wool and meat. While wool prices are not strong at current, it’s promising to see the new uses for strong wool adding value to the clip.

mating a lincoln with romney and perendale flocks to increase fleece weights. Many breeders jumped on the bandwagon until they found that it didn’t meet the quality expectations, McKenzie says.

The lincoln flocks soon declined again and by 2023, there were just four flocks with 113 ewes.

Dose alldogswho reside near sheepwith Praziquantel monthlyoratleast 48 hoursbefore visitingsheep,toprevent sheepmeasles.

While the community of sheep breeders was still strong, McKenzie says it’s difficult nowadays for some members to sustain a registered flock, so she suggests that Pāmu step in.

“I’d like to see Pāmu, especially with all of the regenerative farming, to devote one of their bigger properties to the heritage breeds and find out what they can offer in the way of resources.”

Merino sheep are a strong breed due to the profitability and commercial interest in their wool.

Helen McKenzie, right, is concerned for the country’s heritage sheep breeds and its genetic resource.

flocks in 1977.

Shropshire sheep are farmed across the high country as they are well suited to drought conditions.

Avoidingbaldspots in paddocks

Howtaking ahard(‘soft’) approach is keepingslugs undercontrol

Farmers anddistributorsalike hate seeing apaddock with thebaldspots typical of slug damage

Methven-basedPGG WrightsonArable Representative TomAdams sums it up “It’snofun lookingatpatchycrops where seedlingshavefailedtoestablish because ofthe slugs.”

Tomsaysmultiplefactors influencethe pest population. “The waypaddocksare managedaffects slug pressure.There’s no doubtthatcultivation,and heavystockingwherethe animals’ hooves arecompacting the soil helps, buta lotofthe risk comes downtomoisture, dew, rainfall, and irrigation.You also need to thinkabout the trash from previous cropsinthe paddock.” It pays,hesays, to monitorand have a robustcontrol programmeinplace

BioGro certifiedIronmax® Proslugbait isa producthehas confidence in.“All farmers want to look aftertheir land while controlling slugseffectively”

IronmaxPro is notattractive to stock, beneficials, andcompanion animalsbut,for slugs it is theequivalentofcat-nip.“Slugs will actively seek it out,”Tom says Attractiveness andedibility arekey in how effectivea bait will be.Ironmax Prohas thatedgethankstoexhaustiveresearch. ItsColzactive® technology,created by theR & Dteamatmolluscicideworld-leaders De Sangosse,comprises speciallyselectedoil seed rape extracts.The team evaluated20

Apaddock with baldspots, causedbyslugdamage.Ironmax Proslugbaitprovides safeand effectivecontrol of slugs

differentplant species, ultimately selecting twomolecules slugsfound irresistible

AshPace, UPLNZLtd.RegionalManager, Central SouthIsland, says there’sstill abit ofa misconceptionthatanythingBioGro certifiedis‘soft’. “That’sdefinitelynot the case here.It’salsoa backstop if agateisleft open,there’s astock breakout,oryou have afamilylabrador. No harm done.”

AshsaysbothIronmax Proand industry leaderMetarex Inov ® (alsofromDe

Sangosse)havesignificant advantages over old-school coated baits. “Coatedbaits only have alickofthe active on theoutside.With thesebaits,activeisall theway through. Nota bite is wasted.”

He says IronmaxPro’s superior spreading abilityalsomeans savingsfor growersand farmersbyenablinggoodcover in fewer passes, usinglessfuel, andsavingonlabour.

“Itsaves alot of extrarefills.Ifyou canget things done more effectivelyand in less

time,why wouldn’t you?”

IronmaxPro is manufactured with the finest durumwheat usinga unique wet manufacturingprocess, whichmakes the bait very rainfast,unlikesomebaits which dissolveinthe wet.

Thebaitcontainsthe optimizedactive ingredient 24.2g/kgferricphosphate anhydrous, referred to as IPMax. This is a naturalcomponent of soil butinIronmax Pro, it worksasa stomachpoisononslugs andisfatal once ingested

Ashsaysslugpressure monitoring should startevenbeforethe crop is drilled.

“Monitoringcan be as simple as putting down adamphessian sack overnightand checking it in themorning.Evena couple of slugscan mean there’sa problem.”

Slugscan chew up to 50% of theirown body weight everynight.(Comparethat with just 2%-4%ofbodyweightdaily for sheep andcattle.)

IronmaxPro hasa recommended applicationraterange of 5to7 kg/ha. With 60,000 baitsper kilogram,the uniform pelletsizeand innovative IronmaxPro manufacturingprocess mean bait canbe spread at widths of up to 24 m.

Talk to your localtechnical specialist formoredetails on IronmaxPro or MetarexInovorcontact AshPace, UPLNZ Regional ManagerCentral SouthIsland, on 021 987 735.

Controls to remain for now

Biosecurity NZ is continuing its search for oriental fruit flies after the discovery of a single male fly in January.

By Sonita Chandar.

Legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the south Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe will remain as a precautionary measure to ensure the oriental fruit fly does not establish in New Zealand. The restrictions are expected to stay in place for now. Specialist teams will continue to inspect traps and examine fruit and vegetables collected in the area. There is no change to the current movement rules. The A and B zone areas in Papatoetoe remain the same, and legal controls prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the controlled area.

An update from Horticulture NZ said Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) had not found any further oriental fruit flies in surveillance traps.

A male oriental fruit fly was found in a suburban backyard in Papatoetoe, as part of routine surveillance in early January, though no further oriental fruit flies have been detected in surveillance traps, which is very encouraging.

However, BNZ wants to be absolutely certain that it is not dealing with a breeding population.

“New Zealand’s horticulture industry is a vital economic contributor, valued at more than $7 billion annually,” HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott said.

“ We understand that growers will be deeply concerned

by this discovery.

Kate Scott HortNZ chief

executive

The oriental fruit fly was found in a Papatoetoe backyard during routine surveillance. MPI

“The restrictions are critical to protecting New Zealand’s horticulture sector and export markets from biosecurity threats like the fruit fly. This is critical to the country’s economy and reputation as a producer of high-quality produce.

“Its establishment in New Zealand could have severe economic consequences for the horticulture industry. It will also impact those Kiwis growing fruit and vegetables in their gardens at home,” Scott added.

The oriental fruit fly is native to Asia, but has now spread to other countries, especially as the climate warms. Adult flies lay eggs into fruit. The young stages (maggots) feed inside the fruit, causing it

to rot and become unmarketable. Maggots can feed on 300 different fruit and vegetables. The fly’s favourite hosts are apple, guava, mango, peach and pear.

“We understand that growers will be deeply concerned by this discovery.

“We are encouraged by Biosecurity New Zealand’s swift action, including increased trapping and testing in the area.

Biosecurity New Zealand regional commissioner (North) Mike Inglis said extra traps were in place, they had stepped up checks, legal controls have been introduced, special bins delivered for fruit and vegetable waste disposal, and a mobile lab was also in place.

“There were already 187 surveillance

traps in the Papatoetoe/Māngere area, and an extra 105 are now in place within a 1500-metre area of the original find.”

Information has been delivered to residential letterboxes about the two zones affected by restrictions and BNZ had provided special disposal bins for fruit and vegetable waste to every household in zone A, which covers a 200m area with 198 properties, and bins placed in and around zone B, which covers a 1500m area with 5470 properties.

Signs are also in place notifying people of the restrictions and marking the controlled area boundaries.

“Instead of putting waste in rubbish bins to be disposed of normally, residents in the two zones are being asked to put fruit and vegetable waste into the special response bins for Biosecurity New Zealand to dispose of securely,” Inglis said.

New Zealand is no stranger to the oriental fruit fly.

“There have been 12 incursions of different fruit fly in Auckland and Northland since 1996 and all have been successfully eradicated thanks to the work of Biosecurity New Zealand, our horticulture partners and local communities that have stepped up to help.”

The trapping network involves 7878 traps set nationwide, and these are checked regularly. “By setting traps for these pest insects, we are able to find them early, know exactly where the problem is, and respond quickly and effectively.”

Inglis said Biosecurity New Zealand has among the strictest controls in the world for the importation of fruit and checks at the border. The most likely way that fruit flies could arrive in New Zealand was on fresh fruit and vegetables.

Not just surviving, but thriving

Opinion

The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report says export revenue is projected to reach a record $8 billion – a 12% increase – by June 30.

By Kate Scott.

As I spent time in Bannockburn this summer and saw my neighbours working long hours in their own vineyards and orchards, it gave me a renewed appreciation for the dedication that growers across New Zealand pour into their work every day.

Talking with growers over the summer, I heard stories of perseverance, innovation and an enduring passion for growing nutritious food that feeds our country and the world. Despite the challenges of recent years, there’s a shared optimism in our community, an understanding that New Zealand horticulture is not just surviving but thriving.

The numbers tell the story. According to the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report, export revenue is projected to reach a record $8 billion, a 12% increase, by June 30.

The report predicts kiwifruit exports are set to exceed $3b for the first time and apples and pear exports are set to exceed

$1b, reflecting strong international demand for New Zealand’s premium produce.

Fresh and processed vegetable export revenue is expected to rebound and increase by 7%, reaching $770 millionm while cherries are forecast to increase 7% to $98m.

A forecast rebound for avocados will see export revenue increasing 147% to $91m.

Our industry consistently punches above its weight on the global stage. As consumers worldwide seek healthier, more sustainable choices, New Zealand horticulture is poised to deliver.

We’re a low-emissions, plant-based industry with the capability and reputation to meet this growing demand.

Looking ahead in 2025, the forecast for horticulture is strong, but we know that strength and resilience don’t come by chance. They are the result of continuous improvement, innovation, and advocacy for sensible regulation.

Programmes like A Lighter Touch are helping growers reduce agrichemical use and adopt agroecological practices. Initiatives such as Growing Change support environmental planning to improve water quality in horticultural catchments. These efforts ensure that our industry meets the highest standards, because in a global market, our reputation is everything.

But our growers can’t do it alone. We’ve welcomed the coalition Government’s interest in reforming processes that hinder our progress – from the review of the EPA approvals process to an overhaul of the Resource Management Act.

Sensible regulation is essential if we are to safeguard domestic food supply and maintain New Zealand’s global competitiveness.

Since the formation of Horticulture New Zealand in 2005, the strength of our industry has come from unity. Whether it’s apples bound for export markets or vegetables nourishing our domestic tables, fruit and vegetable growers depend on each other.

This unity led to the launch of the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan in 2023, with the ambitious goal of doubling horticultural production by 2035. It’s a goal that reflects the shared vision of growers, government, iwi, and researchers.

Twenty years from now, I hope we’ll look back and see this plan as a turning point – a milestone that set us on the path to greater prosperity and sustainability.

Of course, there are challenges ahead. Access to reliable water, the impacts of climate change, labour shortages and unworkable regulations are ever-present concerns.

career. The talent and energy of our next generation are key to our continued success.

The opportunities for growth are significant. Supporting Māori horticulture, diversifying land use and fostering collaboration within and beyond our sector will be crucial.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says continuous improvement, innovation and advocacy for sensible regulation is needed to ensure the sector thrives.

Water storage solutions, sensible freshwater rules and support for climate adaptation are not optional; they are essential if we want to secure the future of fresh fruit and vegetables for all New Zealanders.

Our industry’s future also relies on people – on supporting young growers through initiatives like Young Grower of the Year and encouraging more young people to see horticulture as a rewarding

New Zealand horticulture covers just 0.1% of our land area yet contributes more than $7.4b in value and only 1.1% of greenhouse gas emissions.

We’re an essential part of New Zealand’s strategy to meet climate goals while increasing export revenue.

As we step into 2025, I’m optimistic about the future. Being in Bannockburn this summer reminded me that, at its core, horticulture is about nurturing growth – not just in the land, but in our people, our practices and our potential.

By working together, we can ensure that New Zealand horticulture continues to thrive, delivering fresh produce to our tables and premium products to the world.

Let’s make 2025 a year of strength, resilience and opportunity.

Kate Scott is the chief executive of Horticulture New Zealand.

32 NZ FarmerOn the Farm

Improving biodiversity on farm for the next generation

Environment

Madeleine Powers

AWaikato dairy farm has found improving biodiversity has flow-on e ects for the wider community.

John Hayward and Susan O’Regan are showing that profitability and biodiversity can go hand in hand, but for them, it’s not about the money.

Their 245-hectare farm includes a 140ha dairy platform, with the remainder made up of support land for grazing, native and riparian areas, or pine and manuka plantings.

They milk 360 cows, with split calving. With friesian cows, there’s no waste from the calves which can be sold as beef calves.

The couple founded Judge Valley Dairies in 2008 and bought the property soon after. Hayward and O’Regan have been early adopters of environmental initiatives on their farm. They’ve done riparian planting and pest control, and fenced o waterways and gullies. The work has paid dividends.

They have fenced o an area of Class 7 land that’s been turned into a manuka plantation.

In total, 40ha of their 240ha farm has been fenced o for wetland restoration, native plantings and QE11 covenants.

Hayward says they haven’t lost income from the farm by doing this, but it’s not about making money anyway, it’s about the non-material benefits.

In 2016 they won the Ballance Farm Environment Award, and they have become ambassadors for farm environmental sustainability.

Profitability and animal health are top priorities for Hayward and O’Regan, but since having children and owning their own farm, increasing biodiversity and improving water quality for the benefit of the wider community and future generations has become a top priority too.

A school trip about freshwater conservation in Australia with their children got the couple thinking more seriously about making changes on the farm. These days, it’s not uncommon for children to be teaching their parents about the environment, and it was no di erent for Hayward and O’Regan. After the trip, they decided to commit to improving the biodiversity on their farm.

Riparian planting was one of the first restorative actions they took.

The couple aspire to have “productive land amongst ribbons of biodiversity” on their farm. When you view the farm from a vantage point, that’s what you see.

In the valleys between the rolling hillsides the streams and waterways are covered over with native bush.

Hayward says at this time of the year, the farm feels more like a park than a working dairy farm. “I drive around the farm and it looks like gardens, and that’s rewarding.”

He enjoys seeing tūī feeding on the flax, and knowing there are several species of freshwater fish in their streams.

But his latest thing is that what they’re doing on the farm benefits the wider community, not just them.

“We knew if we did things on our farm it’d benefit the whole community. I truly believe that if we aren’t looking after them up here, then they’ll never get down to where

somebody else can appreciate it.”

And the science says it’s working. Recent eDNA testing on the farm found six di erent native fish species, as well as the freshwater mussel, kākahi, and freshwater crayfish.

Waikato Regional Council scientist Josh Wheeler says this is a good sign. Kākahi depend on native fish. For part of their lifecycle, their larvae are fish parasites, attaching themselves to the gills and fins of fish.

Wheeler says the number of native fish species present indicates “really good connectivity”. Most native fish species are not good at climbing over culverts, and if there’s a barrier to fish passage in place, won’t be able to get past it.

Wheeler was able to catch six eels using electric fishing equipment on the farm at a recent DairyNZ open day – both the long-finned eel and short varieties.

Hayward’s son was the enthusiastic

“ We knew that if we did things on our farm it’d benefit the whole community.

John Hayward

assistant for the electric fishing. He says seeing his son’s enthusiasm and passion for the native biodiversity is why they’re doing the work. “That’s why we’re doing it, it’s a generational thing.”

Riparian planting on the farm has helped to cool down the water, soak up nutrients and stop sediment loss. All of this helps to attract and provide habitat for native species.

DairyNZ principal scientist Craig Depree says “the more habitat you create, the more occupancy of fish”.

Depree says there’s too much focus on contaminants such as nitrogen, phosphorous, E.coli and sediment when it comes to waterway health, but the focus should be more on biodiversity outcomes.

Talking about the biodiversity helps farmers to connect to the waterways, and want to do more “restorative action”.

“We just try and do what’s best,” says Hayward.

Waikato’s John Hayward and his partner Susan O’Regan are advocates for increasing biodiversity on farms.

KELLY HODEL/ WAIKATO TIMES

Josh Wheeler measures the length of one of the resident eels on the farm. The Waikato Regional Council scientist demonstrated electric fishing at a recent DairyNZ open day.

After fencing o and planting their waterways, the couple are now enjoying the rewards of their work.

Targeting landscape ‘hot spots’

Conservation

Steve Macmillan

Kaipara Moana Remediation’s team of dedicated field advisers are looking forward to further strong progress in 2025 following a review of their substantial achievements in 2024 – including overseeing the planting of more than 700,000 natives last winter alone.

Kaipara Moana Remediation’s Catchment Remediation manager Lisette Rawson says there are now more than 20 KMR field advisers working with hundreds of landowners and groups right across the Kaipara Moana catchment.

“KMR’s field advisers have been trained to design projects that deliver the best environmental outcomes. They work closely with our many landowners and groups to identify priorities for reducing erosion and sediment losses into waterways,” Rawson says.

“KMR is also continuing to back a pool of professionals that provide expert services to KMR projects. We have accredited over 50 local businesses to ensure that projects are successfully delivered.

“Our advisers draw on scientific information and use smart digital tools to look at the landscape risks and opportunities and then walk the land with the landowner or group to discuss restoration priorities.”

KMR’s larger planting projects in 2024 involved more than 25,000 trees, with almost 20% of KMR projects planting between 10,000 and 20,000 natives. KMR still welcomes smaller projects, particularly where they can make a real difference to on-farm biodiversity once stock are excluded. Many of KMR’s planting projects involve about 2500 stems per project.

KMR pou tātaki Justine Daw says that every project funded makes a difference.

“Our investment in projects to restore wetlands, fence off rivers and streams, plant trees and regenerate forest on erosion-prone land bring wider benefits,” says Daw.

“These include helping valued species to thrive, reducing climate change risks and increasing resilience to storms and other extreme weather.”

Daw says that as the year begins KMR is celebrating the role of field advisers and their contribution to KMR’s success.

“Their work has been pivotal to KMR being nominated for the globally prestigious 2025 Earthshot Prize.”

The Earthshot Prize is an initiative inspired by President John F Kennedy’s ‘Moonshot’ challenge in 1962 which aimed to land a man on the moon within a decade. Launched by Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize aims to search for and scale the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges.

About 20,600 native trees and grasses (mānuka, kānuka, tī kōuka and kāramuramu) were planted in only two weeks at Ōruawharo Incorporation farms to help stop erosion.

STEVE MACMILLAN

field advisers are ready for a busy 2025.

The 10-year global initiative aims to identify and support programmes and initiatives that can accelerate and scale the environmental innovations needed to repair and regenerate our planet across five categories.

Every year, the winners with the best chance of helping achieve the identified ‘Earthshots’ are awarded significant funding to scale their solutions, with all finalists

receiving tailored support from a global alliance of partners.

Daw says on-the-ground advice and guidance from the KMR’s field advisers over the past three years has been key to ensuring that KMR projects are delivered successfully, and that landowners and groups have the knowledge they need to take action right away.

“Our experts co-design your project with you, targeting ‘hot spots’ in the landscape. Through the project, KMR specialists collaborate with you to ensure your project achieves the best environmental outcomes on the ground.”

KMR is also a strong supporter of Tūhono Taiao, a national digital platform created for environmental projects and programmes to share their resources.

“Through the platform, we have made available many of our underpinning documents (such as KMR’s popular planting guide) and other information of value to communities, landowners and groups taking environmental action across New Zealand,” says Daw.

“If you are outside the Kaipara Moana catchment, KMR freely shares our resources, in line with our role as a national exemplar for best practice in environmental restoration.”

The significance of KMR’s positive impact on the environment – in partnership with farmers, professionals, experts and more –is making a visible and positive difference in the Kaipara Moana catchment.

Taupaki’s Shona Oliver says that as a KMR field adviser she is privileged to work with people in the Auckland region who want to protect Kaipara Moana and the soils, eroding hillsides, waterways and wetlands that flow into it.

“Sediment reduction is key, stabilising the whenua, excluding stock, reducing run-off, removing weeds and providing filtration through riparian margins along our waterways. All these actions help protect and restore the Kaipara Moana,” Oliver says.

“It is uplifting, knowing we are all helping the restoration of land, waterways and ultimately the harbour. I have an overwhelming sense of privilege when people share their special slice of paradise with me and, together, we work out how we can restore it and make it more resilient into the future.

“The key to restoring the health and mauri of the Kaipara Moana is respect for the land, respect for the people who came before, those doing their best now and for those we will leave it for.

“The KMR kaupapa is about looking and listening to what the environment around us is saying, what’s there, what’s not there but should be, what could be there in the future if we give it a hand.

“If you are in the Kaipara Moana catchment, the best support you will ever get to achieve land restoration, protection of waterways and coastal margins (both financial and practical) is by partnering with KMR. A healthy thriving Kaipara Moana is what we all need.”

Oliver has no doubt 2025 will be another highly productive and successful year for KMR’s field advisers and everyone they collaborate with.

Kaipara Moana Remediation

STEVE MACMILLAN

Kaipara Moana Remediation pou tātaki Justine Daw says erosion on farms is a concern and encourages landowners in Kaipara, Northland, to get in touch.

34 NZ Farmer

Harvest samples sought from growers for crop nutrient project

Research

Heather Chalmers

Arable growers are being invited to supply samples of their harvested crops as part of a project which uses an alternative approach to determining how well they are managing their biggest input – fertiliser.

This follows a successful pilot for the 2024 harvest, initiated by the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).

The idea started with a FAR grower group wanting to learn more about measuring and managing micro-nutrients to improve crop health and nutrient use efficiency, says FAR regional facilitator Donna Lill.

While growers regularly measure nutrient inputs, such as nutrient levels in the soil to decide how much fertiliser to apply, they rarely measure nutrient outputs, Lill says.

Nutrient concentrations in harvested grain and seed show whether crops captured insufficient, adequate or excess amounts of each nutrient. This enables growers to identify fertiliser over-use, potential savings and diagnose deficiencies.

“Growers who submitted samples were interested to understand how effective their existing fertiliser programmes were, as well as learning about nutrient uptake.

“It is not intended to replace soil or other

tests, but is another piece of the puzzle. It’s a post-mortem that provides results of previous management to influence future management.”

Last year, 50 growers from throughout New Zealand submitted 126 grain samples which were analysed by Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) in the United Kingdom. Through YEN, crop samples are analysed for 12 macro and micro nutrients. As well as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, these include magnesium, calcium and boron.

Growers receive two reports, a nutrient off-take report and a nutrient

benchmarking report.

The nutrient off-take report gives an accurate assessment of nutrients removed from the paddock, allowing growers to manage soil nutrient status and applications for following crops.

whether the crop had sufficient or a deficit in relation to yield.

Samples from the 2024 harvest showed very few deficiencies.

“This is only one year of data and we do expect seasonal variations,” Lill says.

“The benefit of working with YEN UK is they have the systems and database.

They also have the knowledge around benchmarking and the critical levels for different nutrients.

“There may be differences between the UK and New Zealand, but it is a starting point.”

To be involved, growers need to collect a grain or seed sample at harvest and provide some paddock information. Growers can submit samples of cereals, oilseed rape, linseed and peas.

This year, these will be analysed in New Zealand at Hill Laboratories, rather than being shipped to the UK. The results will then be sent to YEN for nutrient analysis and benchmarking.

The benchmarking report compares grain nutrient concentrations against thresholds for each nutrient, indicating

Testing of other crops may be possible if there is enough interest from growers. Hill Labs’ samples submitted via the YEN-NZ programme will cost growers $102 a sample.

Arable growers can send samples of harvested oilseed rape, cereals, linseed and peas for sampling as part of the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) project.

FAR regional facilitator Donna Lill says the pilot programme to determine how well growers are managing their fertiliser was successful and will continue.

This year’s Northland Field Days set to be even bigger and better

Events

Steve Macmillan

The 2025 Northland Field Days is shaping up to be bigger than the record 2024 event.

Spokesperson Luciana Schwarz says there are already record numbers of stalls booked for the three-day event in late February as businesses look to bounce back from a challenging 2024.

Last year’s event attracted well over 19,000 people and 300 stallholders, but more than 350 stallholders had already booked for 2025. More sites were available for the 39th annual event.

Schwarz expects visitor numbers will grow this year, especially with the entry prices of $13 per adult and $30 for a family pass remaining and a $20,000 gate prize pool added to the mix. Everyone who fills out a ticket at the gate will be in a draw to win daily prizes.

“There will be plenty of activities for people to enjoy, including something new –the Kauri Coast 4WD competition being run on the final day alongside our new ‘Outdoor Zone’, which incorporates off-roading and all things hunting, fishing and outdoors,” she says.

“Members of the 4WD clubs involved will compete against each other to find the one with the most skill and agility on the tracks, and the Kauri Coast crew will also be running a ‘Show and Shine’ competition.”

The New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association will also be involved in the Outdoor Zone, so anyone wanting to start four-wheel driving can catch up, along with finding out from exhibitors about safety, recovery and dos and don’ts of the sport.

The Northland Rescue Helicopter, which completed almost 1000 missions in 2024 and was a major drawcard last year, will again be on display next to the main car park, with pilots and paramedics on hand to chat to.

Another highlight will be the Dargaville

Motocross Club holding drags over the three days.

Northland Field Days Radio will be keeping people informed of activities throughout the event, while the ‘maze in the maize’, the sunflower field and ‘Mini Mack Truck and Trailer Rides’ will be back.

A community-oriented Fosters Home Decor Silage Bale Painting Competition for individuals, pairs and groups will result in a prize for each category winner.

Even with extra ticket booths at the venue, Schwarz says to avoid being stuck in queues, online bookings ahead of the event

are encouraged, along with the purchase of entry tickets via QR codes in the car park.

A portion of funds raised during the Field Days will be given to charities, Dargaville Rotary and study grants.

Opening hours are 9am to 4pm on February 27 and 28 (with gates closing at 3pm), while on March 1, the timing is 9am to 2.30pm (with the event wrapping up at 3.30pm to allow exhibitors to pack down).

For more information, visit: northlandfielddays.co.nz and facebook.com/northlandfieldddays

The 2025 Northland Field Days will be held in Dargaville from February 27 to March 1.

36 NZ Farmer

Health and Safety

Caution: Live power lines above

Alerts Rural reporter

Safety Alerts are real-life documented incidents and key lessons provided by farmers and condensed into one-page handouts that managers can use in safety discussions with their teams.

What happened?

A 400-metre to 500m three-wire electric fence was being put up on rolling hill country. The contractor got to the end of the run, and realised that one reel was two metres short to tie off. To try to bridge the gap, he pulled the wires, which raised the short wire 8m to 10m upwards, making contact with overhead power lines which were out of his field of vision, over from the ridge he was working on. The contractor sustained an electric shock.

Key lessons

Pre-start planning: As with any task, plan the job ahead. Identify the hazards in the area before you start the job and plan to work around them.

Stop, think and then do. Consider the following points to reduce the risks when working around power lines:

■ See the danger before you start the job. Overhead power lines can become part of the scenery, so it can be easy to forget the power lines are there. LOOK OUT – LOOK UP

■ Keep your distance – when working close to overhead power lines, it is important to maintain a safe working distance of a minimum of 4m. You don’t even need to

contact the lines, as high-voltage electricity can arc over to you.

■ Fencing wire – fence wire flicking upwards and touching or close to overhead power lines has the potential to injure or kill. If you can’t avoid working near overhead power lines or passing under them, be on your guard.

■ Parking – park machinery or trucks away from overhead power lines. Consider putting no parking signs or barriers under lines in yards or around buildings.

■ Travelling – plan a route that keeps you clear of power lines. Tractors with raised drills or implements may contact overhead power lines.

■ Handling equipment -- when you are loading/unloading pipes, using ladders or trimming trees/hedges, make sure you know what’s above you.

■ Safety switches – properly installed Residual Current Devices (RCD) can help protect by ‘tripping’ the current if something goes wrong.

■ Brief all contractors about hazards before they start a job.

■ Tipping trucks and trailers, mobile augers, front-end loaders and livestock trucks (loading and unloading under power wires) are at risk.

To view the Safety Alerts, please visit farmwithoutharm.org.nz/safety-alerts. Alerts can be printed out for use in training and discussions and there is an option to be emailed when new Safety Alerts are added.

Great care should be taken when working near live power lines.

PETER ROBBINS

Kids working on the farm? What you need to know

The team at Peninsula take a look at what the rules and regulations are for farmers employing youngsters.

Farming is a way of life for many children in New Zealand thanks to the abundance of family-owned and operated farms – many of which have been around for generations.

It’s common for kids to start helping on the family farm from a very young age, supporting their parents while learning practical skills or earning money.

However, there are regulations that employers and business owners need to follow if they’ve got young people working on their farm, whether they’re family or not.

We spoke to the Peninsula New Zealand advice team to learn more.

Is there a minimum age for farmwork?

There’s no minimum working age specified in New Zealand employment relations legislation, but there are provisions that apply to employees younger than 18.

Employees under the age of 16 can’t work within school hours, or between 10pm and 6am, unless they’ve got a certificate of exemption.

This is to prevent their employment from interfering with their studies or schoolwork, and it’s an important rule to follow, otherwise, both the employer and parents can be fined up to $1,000. It’s particularly relevant to remember in terms of farmwork, which can start very early in the day.

Employers must keep an employee’s age on all records if they’re under 20 years old, including on wage and time sheets.

Industry-specific regulations outline what workers of certain ages can and can’t do, including on farms. These mostly refer to health and safety.

Are there di erent health and safety regulations for young people on farms?

PCBUs, or persons conducting a business or undertaking, must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health and safety of young persons at work. This is outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 2016, which define a young person as anyone under the age of 15. Such steps include providing adequate training, ensuring suitable levels of supervision, and regularly identifying, assessing and controlling hazards.

Generally, no one younger than 15 can legally operate a tractor, although a limited exception applies if they live on a farm or work as an independent contractor.

If either situation is the case, then a child over 12 years of age can drive or ride tractors for agricultural work, provided they’re fully trained – or being trained – in the safe operation of the tractor and any implement being towed.

Does the adult minimum wage apply to farm workers under the age of 18?

The adult minimum wage applies to all employees in New Zealand aged 16 and over, including those working on a farm. An exception to this is starting-out wages. Employees aged 16 and 17 who have been with their current employer for less than six months are classified as starting-out workers. So too are employees aged 16 to 19 with an employment agreement that

obligates them to do at least 40 hours of industry training a week to become qualified in their field.

When an employee on the starting-out wage completes six months of continuous employment with a single employer, they must then be paid at least the adult minimum wage rate.

What are the benefits of employing children to work on farms?

Many family-run farming businesses in New Zealand continue to operate today thanks to the passionate young people who work on farms, honing the skills they need to eventually take the reins one day. By nurturing the next generation of farmers, keeping them safe and compensating them properly, employers and business owners can facilitate the continued success of agriculture and horticulture in New Zealand.

38 NZ FarmerTravel

Forget about the beach over summer –

Summer secrets of Queenstown

Brook Sabin heads to the mountains to see what’s on o er.

Many Kiwis go to the beach in summer, but what if you traded the coast for the mountains instead? To find out, I headed to Queenstown in December.

One of the things I love about this part of the world is the unpredictability of the seasons.

I came to do a summer story, but we flew through blizzard-like conditions on the approach to Queenstown Airport, with fresh snow dusting the peaks.

By the next day, the sun was out, and we set o on a summer sojourn.

Here are 10 things that are great all year round, but made my summer break even more special.

1. Lunch at Mora

The best way to start your Queenstown adventure? A long, lazy lunch at Mora, set in the ‘Valley of Vines’ at Gibbston, less than 20 minutes’ drive from the airport.

We opted for the chef’s selection, a feast of the restaurant’s best dishes. Think seared halloumi with watermelon and pomegranate molasses, free-range pork belly with ponzu and pu ed crackling, and South Island blue cod with crushed peas and crisp leeks.

We’re o to an excellent start.

2. Stay at Millbrook Queenstown has no shortage of stunning stays, and we checked out two on this trip.

The first was Millbrook Resort, the famous 263-hectare alpine retreat just outside Arrowtown.

The resort has award-winning restaurants, luxury accommodation from suites to resort homes, and a world- renowned golf course framed by the mountains.

Don’t miss the on-site spa, where you can unwind with an indulgent treatment. Guests also get free access to a 25-metre heated indoor lap pool, two outdoor spa pools and a hot tub.

3. Stay at Kamana

The second part of our trip was at Kamana Lakehouse, perched above Lake Wakatipu with million-dollar views of The Remarkables – thanks to it being the highest-altitude hotel in town.

We tried the Tahuna Lakeview rooms, with uninterrupted lake and mountain vistas, an ultra-cosy bed and modern, boutique-style amenities.

The hotel has hot tubs, which guests can book throughout the day. I’d recommend

securing a booking early so you get to experience sunset from the tubs.

There’s currently significant construction in front of the hot tubs, so during the day, there might be a bit of noise.

Kamana is also home to Nest Kitchen & Bar, serving a refined take on Central Otago cuisine.

For an in-house restaurant, this is easily one of the best in town – and, as you’d expect, there are stunning views to match.

4. Cruise to Walter Peak

The TSS Earnslaw is famous for its lake cruises, with the 112-year-old steamship taking passengers on a scenic tour of Lake Wakatipu.

But you can make the experience even better by combining it with a visit to Walter Peak Station, a high-country farm that almost feels like you’re stepping back in time.

Once at Walter Peak, you can opt for a barbecue lunch, a farm tour or an eco-experience, where you get a beautiful lunch full of homegrown fare, much of it harvested from the farm.

Fact file

Getting there:

5. Paddle the Dart River

For a day you’ll never forget, venture into Mt Aspiring National Park by Funyak – a inflatable canoe that lets you glide along the glacial waters of the Dart River.

The adventure begins with a high-speed jet-boat ride, whisking you from Glenorchy into the national park. From there, you switch to a Funyak, paddling downstream and, if the weather allows, into a magical chasm, with lunch along the way.

Best of all, you don’t need any experience; there are plenty of guides to help you navigate the river. If water levels are too high (from recent rain), the Funyaks are rafted together in threes, with a guide directing for added safety.

6. Explore Glenorchy

After the Funyaks, don’t forget to spend a little time exploring Glenorchy. This charming lakeside town – a 45-minute drive from central Queenstown – feels like a hidden world at the edge of the map, with its famous red boat shed, stunning mountain backdrops and a laidback way of life that instantly slows you down.

7. Ride Coronet Peak

Queenstown’s most famous skifield isn’t just for winter. In summer, Coronet Peak’s chairlift keeps running, o ering unbeatable views over the Wakatipu Basin.

■ Air New Zealand has direct flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. See: airnz.co.nz

Playing there:

■ Jetstar has direct flights from Auckland. See: jetstar.co.nz

■ Walter Peak Eco Tours from $149 per adult. See: realnz.com

■ Moke Lake Paddle Experience from $169 per adult. See: paddlequeenstown.co.nz

■ Coronet Peak Gondola Pass from $39 per adult.

See: coronetpeak.co.nz/summer

■ Funyak Adventures from $429 per adult. See: dartriver.co.nz

Staying there:

■ Kamana Lakehouse from $418 a night. See: kamana.co.nz

■ Millbrook Resort from $432 per night. See: millbrook.co.nz

Carbon footprint:

Flying generates carbon emissions. To reduce your impact, consider other ways of travelling, amalgamate your trips, and when you need to fly, consider o setting emissions.

At the top, take your pick of scenic hikes or fast-paced downhill mountain-biking. There’s also a cafe up the mountain, where you can have co ee and lunch with a view.

8. Paddle Moke Lake

Moke Lake is a hidden gem just a short drive from Queenstown. Here, you can hire a paddleboard or kayak from Watersport Queenstown and glide across the glass-like water, surrounded by jagged peaks.

With little reception, you’ll want to ditch your phone and just enjoy the scenery.

9. Brunch at The Bathhouse

For Queenstown’s best brunch with a view, head to The Bathhouse, set right on the lakefront. The historic cafe was built in 1911 as the Coronation Bathhouse, celebrating the coronation of King George V. Today, it’s a lakeside institution, serving classic brunch favourites with a British twist – like a British bacon butty with HP sauce and tomato relish, or poached eggs on an English mu n with hollandaise.

10. Walk Sawpit Gully

If you’re after a moderate hike with maximum payo , the Sawpit Gully Track in Arrowtown is a great choice. This loop track winds through rugged gorges, native bush and tussock-covered hills, o ering excellent views at the top. If you’re looking to get o the beaten track, this is a great two- to three-hour option.

The TSS Earnslaw docked at Walter Peak Station. BROOK SABIN/STUFF

Paddling a Funyak on the Dart River.

Millbrook serves up stunning resort grounds.

The Bathhouse o ers excellent food and views.

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Consolidation of meat-processing sites sought as lamb availability plummets

Union calls for fewer plants

Employment

Louisa Steyl

As lamb-processing numbers plummet, the New Zealand Meat Workers Union is calling for industry consolidation to keep workers in fulltime jobs. Shutting plants and redeploying workers would result in fewer workers being stuck on short-time schedules, the union said, but there needed to be industry agreement to share the burden of costs associated with closures.

In Southland and Otago, lamb processing for the first quarter was down 32% year-on-year. While some lambs would be processed later in the season, it was expected the number of lambs processed in the region during the 202425 season would be down 12%. And when

Rural Louisa Steyl

Waikaia farmers James Anderson and David Pinckney have made an impassioned plea to farmers to help keep Alliance Group 100% farmer-owned.

The two addressed farmers at the co-operative’s annual general meeting in Gore, imploring all shareholders to supply Alliance, rather than sending livestock to competing meat processors.

This would give the group a wider base to pull capital raise deductions from, rather than seeking external investment, they argued.

And it would be a better option than asking shareholders to contribute more than $50,000 each.

“We’re deeply concerned by the prospect of external investment,” Pinckney said, warning that equity partners would put maximising profits ahead of getting the best value for farmers.

“That change won’t be overnight. It’ll creep up on us like a drought.”

Alliance has posted two big losses in a row: $95.8 million after-tax for the year ending September 2024, and a $97.9m loss in the year ending September 2023. It needs to come up with more than $200m to keep the banks happy and while it has been taking capital raise deductions from shareholder suppliers, it’s also appointed an investment bank to explore more capital raise options.

Currently, about 65 to 75% of Alliance’s roughly 4500 shareholders supply the co-operative, chief executive Willie Wiese said.

There had been disgruntlement among farmers about the deductions that were set at $4 per lamb before dropping to $2.

These have now been paused until the group can provide shareholders with more clarity about the future.

“At times, we must all put capital into our businesses, so why is it so daunting to put capital into Alliance?” Anderson asked those at the meeting.

Speaking after the AGM, he said he’d had both negative and positive feedback from farmers, but was disappointed by the “narrowness of thinking”.

Shareholders would need to invest $58,000 each to make up the capital Alliance needed, “but it’s not fair, that

there’s no meat to process, workers face two choices: work part-time, to spread out the processing, or don’t work at all.

As Southland-based senior organiser Bob Blackie said: “Once the chains are engaged, they keep operating. If they lay the chains o , the workers aren’t covered.”

While he acknowledged the closure of Alliance’s Smithfield plant in Timaru last October, Blackie said: “There are still too many processing chains. There still needs to be more rationalising.”

Workers would easily be absorbed into other processing plants, which had been the case for Smithfield workers, and it would ease worker shortages, he said.

“There’s still a lot of immigration in the meat industry.”

Beef + Lamb New Zealand reported that processing for the first quarter of the 2024-25 season was down 22% across the South Island, largely due to feed supply

constraints. Apart from the availability of livestock, farmers also told the industry body they were worried about lambs meeting appropriate weights.

Overall, Beef + Lamb NZ expected 3.9 million lambs to be processed nationally between October and December 2024 – a decrease of 11.1% on the previous year.

Many farmers had fewer hoggets in hand at the beginning of the season, and in Southland, lambs born to ewe hoggets were fewer than estimated, Beef + Lamb NZ reported.

According to the body’s lamb crop report, some Southern South Island farmers su ered losses in the wake of persistent rain and cold fronts, while Southland and Otago farmers said saturated soils and cool temperatures dampened pasture growth.

The number of lambs born in Southland

and Otago in spring decreased by 3.8% or about 229,000 lambs to 5.81 million, when compared with the previous spring.

A large portion of this drop was in Otago, where dry summer and autumn conditions saw farmers reduce flocks alongside many farm forestry conversions in the region.

Southland, meanwhile, had “excellent” pasture growth in summer, encouraging farmers to mate more ewe hoggets.

But with persistent rain and sparse sunshine impacting spring pasture growth, most Southland farmers reported slower lamb growth.

Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese said this would have a knock-on e ect on the rest of the season.

A drop in lamb numbers created excess capacity, which made plant closures inevitable, he said.

Call for support to keep Alliance farmer-owned

scenario”, Anderson said, because not all farmers would be able to.

Deductions from more suppliers would spread contributions, he added.

“The whole figure looks big, but if you spread it out, it doesn’t look like it.

“We’re asking people who’ve gone to the opposition to come back to keep the company afloat.”

Farmers generally shifted loyalties season to season, but they would be

getting the same price from Alliance, he said.

Anderson stressed that Alliance’s position was the result of rapidly changing political, economic and regulatory changes that were di cult for most agriculture businesses to keep up with. “You can’t react fast enough.”

He and Pinckney had made it their personal challenge to make sure farmers understood the value of a 100%

farmer-owner meat processor.

They cited points like the fact that it was the only company o ering advanced payment for livestock, its store stock network with zero investment, the flexibility its plant network provided and the direct access it gave farmers to executives and board members.

“Once you’ve lost this company, you’ll never have a farmer-led co-operative like it,” Anderson said.

Fewer lambs are making it to meat processors this year. STUFF

Waikaia farmers David Pinckney and James Anderson with the handouts they passed out to Alliance shareholders at the group’s annual general meeting.

GERHARD UYS

42 NZ Farmer

Real estate

Breathtaking section north of Queenstown

Aspectacular freehold parcel of land overlooking the Shotover River in Skippers Canyon is being presented to the market for sale and offers prospective purchasers the chance to acquire a bare land site in an area steeped in history.

Located approximately 30km from Queenstown, the 7.2540ha property has been owned by the same family for many decades and was primarily populated by rams during the summer months to assist with their farming operations, earning it the moniker of The Old Rams Paddock.

Now the time is right for a new custodian of the land to take over.

Sitting on The Branches Road, the site provides panoramic views of rugged landscapes and serene valleys that present a daily dose of unparalleled natural beauty.

The property is the perfect spot for both relaxation and outdoor adventure activities.

The sense of seclusion is a rare find, providing a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle, yet still within convenient reach of Queenstown’s amenities, which are only an hour and 10 minutes away.

This expansive piece of land offers a unique canvas to create a private retreat or tourism offering, although the section does not have any services provided meaning off-grid living will be the key focus should the buyer decide to construct any dwelling.

Colliers Rural Sales Advisors Ruth Hodges and Mike Eyles have been exclusively appointed to market the property for sale via deadline private treaty closing at 4pm on Wednesday 5 February, unless sold prior.

Once a busy goldmining area, Skippers Canyon is accessed via Skippers Road, a well-known scenic route that is carved into the cliffside. While it offers unrivalled views, the narrow, winding road isn’t for the fainthearted.

Although the heady days of the gold rush era are long gone, the remains of the gold miners’ water races, holding dams, sluicings, and tailings of the established claims are still evident today.

Hodges, Director of Colliers Rural & Agribusiness in Otago and Southland, says it is the ideal spot to spend time watching adventurers who seek thrills down the Shotover River or listen to the ever-present birdsong.

“This is a truly unique bolthole and one that will appeal to those seeking something with both adventure and quietude attributes. This site offers buyers the chance to acquire land in a part of the country that is seldom, if ever, available on the open market,” Hodges says.

“This property is more than just land; it’s an opportunity to build a legacy, a place to bring a vision to life.”

Skippers is part of the 9,100ha Mount

Aurum Recreation Reserve and offers opportunities to walk, tramp, camp, kayak, mountain bike, picnic, and raft.

Nearby amenities are an hour away in Arthurs Point, which boasts a vibrant local dining scene, wellness centres, and access to popular outdoor activities like jet boating and whitewater rafting.

Queenstown, one of the world’s top holiday destinations, is the ultimate in adventure or relaxation depending on your taste and is in comfortable driving distance. It also has an international airport.

Arrowtown is 33.5km away and takes visitors on a historic journey through its picturesque lanes and nearby vineyards.

Eyles, Rural Sales Advisor at Colliers Queenstown, says this is an opportunity that is not to be missed given a similar offering might not be available again.

“This property will give someone the opportunity to create an off-the-grid living space or explore potential tourism ventures, all while being just over an hour away from the popular hub of Queenstown,” Eyles says.

“We encourage all interested parties to reach out to us to explore their options.”

Located approximately 30km from Queenstown, the 7.2540ha property has been owned by the same family for many decades and was primarily populated by rams during the summer months to assist with their farming operations, earning it the moniker of The Old Rams Paddock.

Sitting on The Branches Road, the site provides panoramic views of rugged landscapes and serene valleys that present a daily dose of unparalleled natural beauty.

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