Muster Autumn 2018 I Future of Farming

MAGAZINE OF NZ YOUNG FARMERS

ISSUE 13 | AUTUMN 2018 $7.99 NZ

FUTURE OF FARMING

MAGIC MILESTONE

100 SCHOOLS TO VISIT SHEEP AND BEEF FARMS

CONQUERING CALIFORNIA TECH TRAILBLAZER COLIN BROWN ON TRACMAP’S EXPANSION

BEE BUSINESS

THE NEW PRODUCT BOOSTING HONEY PRODUCTION

WIN $1,500 FOR YOUR YOUNG FARMERS CLUB

18NH009

The next round of applications for the Future Farmers Support Packages will be open from 1st – 31st May. Keep an eye on the New Holland Facebook page for details.

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newholland.co.nz

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MESSAGE From the CEO Terry Copeland Welcome to the autumn issue of Muster. We’re proud to bring you a magazine full of powerful stories focusing on our high-achieving members and the future of farming. It’s an inspiring read when you can see what NZ Young Farmers is achieving, and how many people we influence when it comes to choosing successful pathways to primary industry careers.

As an organisation, NZ Young Farmers has multiple focus areas, which when combined, provide our members, the community, and the wider industry with a real sense of value. These can be summed up in four key categories. Firstly, there’s membership. Our legacy is providing a nurturing and supportive network that goes back over 90 years. Back then, connecting people with a common interest in developing skills, leadership, and confidence was crucial for continuing the vitality of the industry, but also to enhance personal well-being and a sense of community. This is still true today!

In recent times, the second category school engagement, is helping to funnel a larger pool of talent into the industry, which will also expand our membership along the way. Our secondary school-aged network, TeenAg, has ballooned to nearly 2,400 members from 107 schools, which is double what it was 18 months ago. In addition, we have been developing curriculum resources for teachers in maths, science, english, and economics that use agricultural topics. These are now being utilised in 150 secondary schools and we will see more than 2,000 students gain an understanding of our industry this year alone. This is especially important in urban parts of the country where there is little or no connection to food production.

The iconic FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest is hitting a milestone this year, reaching its 50th anniversary. This forms one of the key platforms for our organisation to be able to showcase excellence to wider New Zealand, as well demonstrating the future of our industry through innovation, depth of knowledge, and acumen.

This third area of our organisation is very visible and continues to go from strength to strength. The Grand Final, in Invercargill, in July is shaping up to be one of the best events of its type ever.

Lastly, we have the Donald Pearson Farm, which we will be developing into a demonstration farm aimed at young Auckland students. We hope it will demonstrate the benefits of producing food sustainably, showcase agri-tech innovation and promote careers across the value chain. Very much in its infancy, this project will be revolutionary and an amazing asset to the wider industry.

When combined, these aspects of NZ Young Farmers offer a unique opportunity to connect our ability to attract and develop talent, showcase positive messaging and imagery of the primary industries, and demonstrate pathways to rewarding careers. The organisation is nothing however, without a core of motivated, passionate and dedicated people - both from our membership base and our staff.

Together the future of farming is in good hands.

Cheers

Terry Copeland

MESSAGE From the Chairperson Jason Te Brake Hi all, The year has got off to a cracking start, with the first of the regional finals completed and plenty of club events taking place. It’s hard to believe we’re already a quarter of the way through 2018. It often amazes me how quickly time flies.

But I’m sure you’d agree with me that the rate of change in our industry, and also in the wider world, is moving at a quicker pace than any of us have ever experienced, and it could be argued than has ever happened before in our history. New technologies are disrupting how we do everyday things (Uber & UberEats, AirBnB). As well as this, there are new technologies creating new food trends with consumers, such as the increase in plant-based diets and the use of alternative protein products.

All these rapid changes mean we need to be prepared to understand new trends, be able to adapt quickly, and be prepared to always challenge our own thinking on what we think is normal. This applies to our industry, and of course this applies to NZ Young Farmers – our clubs, our regional and district committees, and of course our national organisation.

All the best, look forward to seeing you throughout the year.

Regards,

Jason Te Brake

Terry Copeland and Jason Te Brake

FUTURE OF FARMING CONTENTS

Sophia Clark Making Every Cow Count

02 Magic Milestone A major project has kicked off which gets kids from 100 schools onto kiwi sheep and beef farms.

05 Conquering California Growers in America’s salad bowl have enlisted kiwi technology trailblazer Colin Brown to help them produce food more efficiently.

09 Making Every Cow Count Dairy farmer Sophia Clark examines ways for 50:50 sharemilkers to maximise the value of their biggest asset.

12 Radical Rebrand There is a call for NZ’s red meat sector to be rebranded to get more high school students pursuing a career in agri-foods.

15 Bee Business A young Taranaki beekeeper has developed a game-changing product which could play a pivotal role in boosting honey production.

Answer to kids’ section Refer to page 51

19 Feeding the World Creativity and passion combine at a Hackathon to devise sustainable solutions to feed the world’s ballooning population.

21 Educating the Educators NZ Young Farmers expands its popular field trips which are changing teachers’ perceptions of the agri-food sector.

25 Future Farms The primary industry’s ability to survive and thrive will hinge on its willingness to change.

27 Modern Medicine Advances in technology are changing the way New Zealanders living in remote rural areas access healthcare.

33 Young Achievers Celebrating success among young players in the primary industries.

42 Regional Pages NZ Young Farmers members get naked to raise money for charity.

49 Farm to Fork Fun-filled pages for TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ members.

53 What’s Happening Our easy go-to guide to help you plan your calendar.

55 One Pot Wonders Want a quick fix for dinner?

Try the latest great recipe from Beef+Lamb NZ!

34 New Beginnings Meet the woman leading the transformation of the Donald Pearson Farm.

35 Board Elections NZ Young Farmers’ eight-member board is on the lookout for new members. Have you got what it takes?

37 Grand Final Countdown Get the lowdown on what’s planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

41 Unsung Hero Roger Dettling receives a Lifetime Membership for his years of dedicated service to NZ Young Farmers.

mn

Happy Autu

PO Box 23141 Hornby 8441 03 344 2473 www.youngfarmers.co.nz CONTEST www.fmgyoungfarmercontest.co.nz FACEBOOK New Zealand Young Farmers FMG Young Farmer of the Year TWITTER & INSTAGRAM @nzyoungfarmers @FMG_YFoftheYear EDITOR Brad Markham 021 214 0703 brad.markham@youngfarmers.co.nz PRODUCTION DESIGNER Lydia Ahn lydia.ahn@youngfarmers.co.nz ADVERTISING Hannah Falconer hannah.falconer@youngfarmers.co.nz

MAGIC MILESTONE NZ Young Farmers is driving a major project to put children from 100 schools onto kiwi farms. The visits are opening students’ eyes to career opportunities in the agri-food sector.

Story Brad Markham

02

FUTURE FOOD PRODUCERS | OPENING STUDENTS’ EYES

T

he loud buzz of a shearing handpiece echoes through Bryan Hocken’s Taranaki woolshed.

Curious students watch as a shearer glides the vibrating handpiece across the back of a sheep.

Moments later, the warm fleece of the freshly-shorn ewe is pushed across the floorboards.

Waiting hands grab the wool; tiny fingers stroke the soft, crinkled fibres.

“It was a magic day for us. We didn’t anticipate it’d be as good as it was and the kids were so well–behaved,” said Bryan Hocken.

For most of the Highlands Intermediate pupils, it was the first time they had set foot on a farm.

Their visit marked a milestone in a major project putting students from 100 primary schools onto sheep and beef farms across New Zealand.

It’s being funded by the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) and delivered by NZ Young Farmers’ school engagement team.

“CORE Education has developed a resource which teaches students about how science and genetics are being used to boost productivity and profitability in the red meat sector,” said Leeann Morgan, who manages the school engagement team.

As part of the course, students visit a farm.

“The aim is to encourage and support the next generation of top talent into the red meat sector,” said project manager Deb Kingma.

“I always thought that being a farmer only involved cows and lots of cow muck, but the trip to Matarata Downs changed that.”

“It also helps them understand the wealth of career opportunities available in the agri-food sector.”

The first-hand experience ignited the imagination of the Year 7–8 pupils.

New Plymouth-based Highlands Intermediate was the first school to visit a farm as part of the initiative.

Six classes went to Matarata Downs, a 460-hectare sheep and beef farm at Tarata co-owned by Jarred and Sarah Coogan and her parents Bryan and Helen Hocken.

Laura Francis hadn’t considered agriculture as a career option, but she changed her mind after the trip.

on the farm “ Being made me realise that I would love to be outdoors, and feeding and working with animals as a future career.

”

“When they physically experience a working farm, and understand all the different occupations involved with a productive farming business, they get really excited,” said Highlands Intermediate teacher Tracey McCook.

“Sarah from Matarata Downs got the students to draw a mind map of all the jobs involved with running a farm, and they came up with over 15 separate roles.”

“It definitely gets them thinking,” she said.

It’s a sentiment echoed by Leeann Morgan.

“When the students got back to school the head teacher asked them who’d consider a career in agriculture. Half put their hands up. Prior to the trip only two had shown an interest,” she said.

The joint project runs until July. The huge logistical undertaking will see hundreds of school children visiting farms.

Ten per cent of the schools must be bilingual or Māori language immersion schools.

NZ Young Farmers’ school engagement team is highly-regarded across the primary industry and education sectors.

That reputation meant 99 eager schools had already signed up to be involved within three months of the programme starting.

“Under the funding proposal a third of the schools must be from big urban areas, a third from smaller towns and the other third must be rural schools,” said Leeann.

“So, we’ve got a real cross-section of kids.”

Demand has been highest from Auckland schools and from the dairydominant Taranaki region.

“We’ve had some lovely emails from schools which feel incredibly fortunate to be involved,” said Leeann.

“Some of their students have never travelled beyond their immediate surroundings and they’re being offered a farm field trip. It’s just amazing for them.”

The idea grew out of a successful pilot project in 2016 involving 10 schools.

NZ Young Farmers’ school engagement team then put together a proposal and sought funding from RMPP to target a further 100 schools.

“Every farmer who has been approached to be involved in the programme is more than willing to help us. Without their support this wouldn’t be possible, we’re very lucky,” said Deb Kingma.

The support of farmers to develop a pipeline of youth talent is vital to the future of farming in New Zealand.

“These programmes are all about creating a sustainable sheep and beef sector where not just rural youth, but kids in urban areas are exposed to the diverse career opportunities the industry offers,” said RMPP project manager Di Falconer.

Bryan Hocken, who’s also a member of the Western North Island Farmer Council of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, wants the project to continue beyond July.

would be silly to “ Itstop it. It would be great value for money to keep it running.

”

04

CONQUERING

CALIFORNIA A kiwi company founded by technology trailblazer Colin Brown is being enlisted by growers in America’s salad bowl to help produce food more efficiently.

Story Brad Markham

05

TECHNOLOGY TRAILBLAZER | COLIN BROWN

C

olin Brown still remembers with pride the night he won the Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final.

It was 1982 and only the second year the prestigious agricultural contest had been televised.

The South Otago sheep and beef farmer had travelled to Christchurch, where he faced a tough line-up of competitors.

Then, a chance discovery saw him turn his mind to using GPS technology to revolutionise farming.

“They were all highly capable people, who were competing to win,” recalled Colin, who’d placed second-to-last the previous year.

“I was filling in time while I waited for my car to get serviced in Dunedin and I wandered into a small shop called Thomas Electronics,” said Colin.

But by the end of a heart-racing question and answer session, the coveted title would be his.

“It sold GPS gear to fishermen, among other things.”

The winner’s lucrative prize pool included a 60-horsepower tractor and trip to the U.S.A.

“I looked at what it was doing with GPS and thought ‘there’s an opportunity to put this equipment into fertiliser trucks’,” he said.

“At the time, my wife and I were on a developing farm with a high debt loading and money was tight,” said Colin.

As luck would have it, the business was for sale. He bought it.

Colin knew New Zealand was facing a looming problem, as European countries demanded greater traceability across the food supply chain.

opportunity “The to travel to the

United States was fantastic and opened our eyes to the vast scale of agriculture there.

“I saw the potential to use GPS technology to help prove fertilisers and sprays were being applied sustainably to farms,” he said.

”

Colin Brown went on to become one of New Zealand’s leading farm consultants, a job he held until 2004.

By October 2006, his company TracMap was installing purpose-built GPS guidance systems into fertiliser trucks.

“It just met a need at the time,” said Colin. “No one else in the world had built a system like that.”

06

With its sights set on cracking the highvalue food crop market in the United States, TracMap began four years of trials there.

Those trials helped lay the foundations for entering the untapped market on a commercial scale.

“We didn’t want to enter the U.S. until we were ready and until we’d refined our technology based on what we’d learned in Australia,” said Colin.

TracMap CEO David Glen and Colin Brown

unusual “ Itforwasn’t trucks fitted

with the technology to report a 20 per cent improvement in the amount of hectares they could spread in a day.

”

The fledgling business took off.

TracMap quickly grew to become the largest agricultural GPS provider in New Zealand.

It now markets truck, tractor, bike, effluent management, live fleet tracking and aviation GPS guidance systems.

07

In 2010, the company diversified further, installing its technology onto mechanical wine grape harvesters in Marlborough.

“It was purely to avoid them missing rows when they were harvesting at night,” said Colin.

That led to modifications for use in vineyard spray units and propelled TracMap into South Australia Australia’s wine-making capital.

“Australia had the scale, so that’s where we logically went,” he said.

“Until we came along, people were relying on manual systems - such as rocks on top of posts or cones - to identify rows which had been sprayed or harvested.”

That same year TracMap won the New Zealand Hi-Tech Emerging Company Award.

In April 2017, Colin and his wife relocated to the Salinas Valley in California, which is known as “the nation’s salad bowl”.

It grows 70 per cent of the nation’s lettuce and Golden State produces more than 80 per cent of the world’s almonds.

The area also grows grapes, pistachios, strawberries, olives and citrus crops.

“We’re currently only focused on California. Things are going incredibly well. We already have four staff and we’ll be hiring more soon,” said Colin.

For the growers who’ve adopted GPS-based job management systems, TracMap has 90 per cent market share.

“That sounds great, but in actual fact it’s incredibly small because most people still use old paper-based manual systems,” he said. “But the potential is huge.”

The bigger players have focused on sprawling broadacre cropping in the Midwest and ignored the high-value food crop sector. It’s considered “too small and too different”.

“The only reason we can succeed in the market is that we’ve taken six years to develop a system that suits the needs of the sector,” said Colin.

He credits the company’s rapid U.S. expansion to its ability to keep its products simple and easy to operate.

“We have a system that is generic enough to apply to anyone who wants to get drivers to take tractors up and down rows every couple of weeks,” he said.

“For most of our customers we only achieve 80 per cent of the things they would really like our system to do. But 100 per cent of their staff can use it 100 per cent of the time.”

California’s a long way from the rolling coastal hills of South Otago.

Colin Brown believes his win that night back in 1982 was truly life-changing.

“It gave me the confidence and vision to think differently about farming, and my ability to succeed at challenges I otherwise may not have bothered trying,” said Colin.

MAKING EVERY

COW COUNT For 50:50 sharemilker Sophia Clark, cows are her biggest asset. Maximising their value is the focus of her latest project.

Story Brad Markham

09

KELLOGG RURAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME | SOPHIA CLARK

A

column of steam rises out of a manhole in the side of Sophia Clark’s aluminium milk vat.

It’s a humid January morning and the Waikato dairy farmer is putting a wash through.

Before long, she’s sliding a waterproof apron over her blue overalls as the milking machines whir into life.

Her 270-cow herd is beginning to make its way up the rows of the 20-aside herringbone shed to be milked.

The cows are the largest and most valuable asset owned by Sophia and her partner Aaron Mills, who’re in their second season 50:50 sharemilking at Waharoa.

“Maximising the value of that asset is our core focus,” said Sophia.

Exploring strategies to cost-effectively improve the herd was the key driver of a recent Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme report by the 29-year-old.

biggest “ The surprise was

finding out how much our herd would be worth, if we had to sell it tomorrow. It was a huge wake–up call.

”

“Even though we have some great cows, we realised our herd probably wasn’t worth what we thought it was,” said Sophia.

At current bank values, the couple’s mixed-age cows are worth $1,649 on paper.

“But any cows older than eight-yearsold - or ones which don’t have a perfect udder or four working quarters - are valued at cull price,” she said.

The difference between a sale cow and a cull cow is about $1,049.

The report’s findings have triggered several policy changes on the couple’s farm, especially in the area of animal health.

In 2016 they had five cases of clinical mastitis in heifers.

“Last winter, we used teat sealant on our heifers for the first time,” said Sophia.

“It’s made a huge difference.”

“We have not had a single case of mastitis in any of the 50 heifers which calved this season,” she said.

Teat sealant stops bacteria getting into a cow’s teat canals and causing infections around calving.

Not only is mastitis costly to treat, but it can devalue a herd when cows end up with light quarters.

Sophia found herd-owning sharemilkers could make the biggest genetic and financial gains by doing the basics right.

Improving a herd’s six-week in-calf rate and reducing the number of cows which are not pregnant, gives more flexibility to cull animals with undesirable traits.

Mating early-calving cows with low genetic worth to beef bulls can generate extra cash from calf sales and reduce the temptation of keeping a heifer from those animals.

She concluded that artificially inseminating heifers at a runoff, using sexed semen and rearing surplus heifer calves to sell can be risky and timeconsuming, for little financial gain.

The Piarere Young Farmers member beams with pride when she talks about being accepted onto the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.

“The most valuable part of the project was having an excuse to phone people I look up to and respect to pick their brains,” said Sophia, who has a Bachelor of Commerce and Agriculture from Lincoln University.

so much. “ IItlearned was an awesome

experience. The networking opportunities were amazing.

”

Sophia made the most of the long list of scholarships available within the agricultural industry.

Her course was paid for with generous scholarships received through NZ Young Farmers and the Waikato Federated Farmers Charitable Trust.

“The Trust paid for a trip to Wellington where we learned about how government works, and policy is made,” she said.

“It’s not an area I’d given much thought to before the course, but it was fascinating. Helping write policy would be a really interesting job.”

Sophia, who also works part-time for Cropmark Seeds, now has her sights set on securing a Nuffield Scholarship within the next five years.

“Agriculture can take you as far as you want to go because there are so many opportunities,” she said.

11

Sophia Clark’s full report is available online at www.kellogg.org.nz/projects/

RADICAL

REBRAND Olivia Ross has pinpointed why high school students aren’t pursuing careers in the red meat sector. She’s proposing a major change to help solve the potential crisis.

Story Brad Markham

12

KELLOGG RURAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME | OLIVIA ROSS

A

new report is calling for a radical overhaul of the way New Zealand’s internationally-renowned red meat sector is branded to make it more appealing to school leavers.

It’s a key recommendation of a Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme research project by NZ Young Farmers member Olivia Ross.

The 30-year-old lives on a 700-hectare sheep and beef farm in Southland, where her partner William Weatherburn is an assistant manager. Olivia is a Gore-based extension manager for Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

The Lincoln University graduate set out to identify why there is a shortage of young people entering the primary sector, and whether it’s caused by a lack of understanding by high school education providers.

Olivia interviewed 70 people, from industry experts to teachers and students, as part of her research. She was astounded by the findings.

“Just over half of the teachers I spoke with did not actively promote or encourage a career in the sector,” said Olivia. “Almost a quarter of students voiced concerns that agricultural classes were considered a drop-out subject.”

Promotion of careers across the sector - from paddock to plate - is constrained by low overall career awareness at high school level.

“Awareness of the red meat sector is primarily focused around what happens behind the farm gate and not on the big picture,” she said.

“There needs to be more emphasis on telling our story and creating clearer progression pathways through apprentice programmes to highlight the diverse range of jobs on offer across the sector.”

“Twenty per cent of teachers believed this was a factor missing from the current models,” said Olivia.

than 80 per “ More cent of industry

leaders I spoke with believe informing students, and the wider public, about how their food is produced will enable opportunities within the sector to be more clearly understood. Telling our story is vital.

”

Olivia believes teachers and students would also benefit from more industry employees attending career days.

As part of telling the farm-to-fork story more effectively, the passionate rural advocate has recommended a rebranding of the term ‘red meat sector’ to ‘agri-foods production’.

She concedes creating a mentality for change is going to require “educating the educators”.

“I recommend that a mentoring programme is put in place between farmers, industry, and high school teachers to tell our story and promote the positives of our sector,” she said.

“This would be from a practical grassroots level, through to technical, to incorporate all subjects into the overall big picture.”

New Zealand has a lot riding on its ability to entice young blood into the red meat sector, which has an ageing population of employees.

It’s the country’s largest manufacturing employer and provides jobs for 25,000 people. In 2016, it generated $6.7 billion in export revenue.

“We have to be able to promote our industry in a positive light. If we don’t, why is anyone else going to want to work in it in,” she said.

Olivia Ross is a NZ Young Farmers success story.

She’s been heavily involved with the TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ programmes, which are run by NZ Young Farmers to promote the fun side of a career in agriculture and food production. The 30-year-old now works in the red meat sector.

Her attendance on the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme was paid for by ANZ Bank and NZ Young Farmers as part of the 2016 ANZ Future Leaders Scholarship.

“The overall experience was amazing.

The course helped open my eyes and I thoroughly recommend it,” said Olivia.

“You meet some fascinating people.

I now have a network of connections across the country which I can call upon whenever I need to.”

The course has two intakes a year and helps participants build their knowledge, confidence and critical thinking.

“If you’ve ever had a desire to explore an issue or investigate ways to solve a problem, this programme allows you to do that,” she said.

In 2019, the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme will mark its 40th anniversary of developing leaders within the rural and agri-food sector.

KELLOGG RURAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

Preferred selection criteria: Aged between 26 - 50 years old, employed for at least four years and been in a team leadership role

History: The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme began in 1979. It went through a major refresh in 2014, when it became part of a partnership with Nuffield Scholarships.

Course dates: There are two course dates each year.

Purpose: To develop leaders for the rural and agri-food sector.

Cost: Course fees $4,999 + GST. Travel and accommodation are extra, but halls accommodation is available.

Course 1: January – June/July Course 2: June - November

Contact: www.kellogg.org.nz 14

BEE

BUSINESS

New Zealand’s mānuka honey industry is forecast to be worth $1.2 billion by 2028. A young beekeeper’s game-changing product could play a pivotal role in achieving this target.

Story Brad Markham

15

BEE BUSINESS | SHANDY GIBBSㄴ

T

he Canadian port town of Stewart isn’t your typical destination for a couple of kiwis doing their OE.

Hungry bears stalk the banks of the aptly-named Fish Creek, where icy-cold waters teem with salmon.

For kiwi-born beekeeper Shandy Gibbs, it was a world away from her family’s farm in north Taranaki.

“It proves how determined we were to give it a go.”

The couple had an idea they believed would be a game-changer for New Zealand’s $315-million export honey industry.

It was another milestone for the couple, who’d earlier teamed up with two industrial designers, Nick Eaton and Nick Couch, to help progress their plans.

“The border with the United States was a 10-minute ride from my house,” she said.

They formed agritech startup Ceratech.

That remoteness made applying to be part of an agri–tech accelerator in New Zealand challenging.

“To submit the application online we had to drive four hours to Smithers, which was the nearest town with internet, and stay overnight,” recalls Shandy.

The budding entrepreneurs were accepted onto the Sprout Agritech Accelerator in Palmerston North.

Their last-minute application made it through to the next stage of the competitive process.

Shandy would bravely peddle past the roaming bears on daily bike rides to Alaska.

The isolated town, population 500, didn’t have the internet when Shandy and her partner Marty Fry lived there.

“I was working as a geotechnician for a First Nations community, which has a gold mine being built on its land,” she said.

Securing a Skype interview to pitch their idea got the company another step closer to the development phase.

“My business partners had to do the dragon’s den-style pitch without me,” said Shandy.

“I was away scaling mountains, taking rock samples and measurements for mine engineers.”

Nick Eaton, Shandy Gibbs, Marty Fry

Shandy resigned as a geotechnician and Marty quit his job as a pilot for Mustang Helicopters.

Two days after arriving back in New Zealand they started their 20-week journey through the Sprout Agritech Accelerator.

“It was a massive, sudden change,” recalls Shandy.

“But we decided we wanted to work on this full-time and we wanted to be in New Zealand to do it.”

The core of their business idea is to reduce a bee’s workload, dramatically increasing honey production.

When a beekeeper sets up hives at the start of the season, they attempt to provide bees with everything they’ll need.

They want a bee’s sole focus to be on honey production because the season is so short, especially for mānuka honey.

“The only thing bees don’t get given are pre-drawn frames,” said Shandy.

“The reason for that is nobody’s invented them yet.”

“We decided we should give it a go because we realised it’d make a huge difference to their productivity,” she said.

Since entering Sprout in 2016, Ceratech has developed the pre-built frames, which are made from beeswax.

use 7kgs of “Bees honey to make 1kg

of wax to go onto a normal frame so they can store their honey in it.

”

“You can see the massive efficiencies if we can recycle beeswax and make the frames for them,” said Shandy.

As it turns out, the frames are difficult to make, which is why Shandy believes no one else is doing it.

Trials of the product in Canada and New Zealand are delivering promising results.

“The hives with our frames make 2.3 times more honey,” said Shandy.

Investors are showing interest in the fledgling start-up, with financial backers knocking on Ceratech’s door.

Final trials are expected in New Zealand soon.

The company’s also investigating ways to sterilise the beeswax before it’s used to construct the frames.

This would help to stem the spread of fatal bee diseases American Foulbrood (AFB) and Nosema.

“AFB spores are easily spread between hives because beekeepers reuse their frames for several years,” said Shandy.

“The sterilisation process can remove the spores, meaning the gear that goes back into the hives isn’t spreading the disease.”

The company is also developing a way of removing chemical residues from the use of pesticides and miticides, which is expected to be tested this season.

“

The result is more pure, clean honey that meets medicalgrade standards, which significantly increases the value of the crop.

”

Honey, especially high-quality pharmaceutical-grade honey, is big business in New Zealand.

In 2016, honey exports were worth $315 million, a jump of 35 per cent on the previous year.

The number of registered beehives climbed to 684,000.

Last year that figure topped 800,000, according to the American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan.

Strong market demand for mānuka honey is fuelling the increase in hive numbers, with corporate and iwi investors driving the expansion.

The annual value of New Zealand’s mānuka honey industry is forecast to quadruple to $1.2 billion by 2028.

That projected growth provides enormous opportunities for Ceratech and its chief executive Shandy Gibbs.

As part of its time in Sprout, the company was introduced to business networks made up of angel investors, venture capitalists, and experienced entrepreneurs, including Peter Meyer.

“The biggest thing we got through Sprout was access to those networks and support from people who were interested in seeing us succeed,” said Shandy.

Up to eight companies are selected to participate in the Sprout Agritech Accelerator each year.

It’s fuelled by Building Clever Companies (BCC) and supported by more than a dozen companies, including AGMARDT, Massey University, PGG Wrightson and NZ Young Farmers.

He was brought onboard to help with the investment round and business model development.

“That’s been fantastic,” she said.

The journey from an idea to a marketable product can be a long one.

WHAT IS SPROUT? Sprout is a business accelerator designed to fund the next generation of agri–tech start-ups.

Up to eight New Zealand companies are selected to take part in the accelerator each year.

Participants receive five months’ training and world-class mentoring from leaders in technology, research and business growth.

Nick Eaton

Funding is provided throughout the programme.

The start-ups will have an opportunity to pitch to a hand-picked group of investors, corporate partners and potential customers.

Further information is available at: www.sproutagritech.com

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FEEDING THE WORLD

Creativity and passion have combined at a two-day Hackathon to produce commercial solutions to issues facing the agri-food sector.

T

he world’s population has ballooned by approximately one billion people over the last 12 years.

The event attracted farmers, food technologists, scientists, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, chefs and business leaders.

It’s projected to reach about 8.6 billion people in 2030, according to the United Nations.

“We had an unusual mix of people. Half the participants were scientists. The age profile of the group ranged from 20 to 70 years of age,” said Toni.

Devising ways to sustainably feed everyone poses a huge challenge for scientists and food producers.

This challenge was the focus of a Hackathon at the Lincoln Hub in Canterbury.

About 80 people converged on the precinct for a two-day session to hatch and develop ideas, and pitch solutions.

“It’s semi–competitive, but there’s an enormous amount of collaboration and sharing that goes on,” said Lincoln Hub’s chief executive Toni Laming.

An important part of the process involved testing and quantifying each idea.

“Part of the methodology is teaching people to link their ideas to real needs and to validate them and get feedback,” she said.

The group was supported by 30 mentors.

One of the solutions pitched focused on vertical farming in the Pacific Islands, which are under threat from rising sea levels.

“It looked at using a ship with containers to grow food for that region,” said Toni.

“It could be used as a training school to teach people how to use land, water and space more efficiently.”

“Vertical farming could also provide high–quality fresh produce for resorts in that region,” she said.

The floating farm had the potential to easily deliver emergency relief during natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones.

Another group tapped into strong global themes around food miles and eating locally.

“They looked at how you could set up a global online farmers’ market,” said Toni.

about trying “ It’s to make that food more accessible for people.

”

“We’re also starting to see the inclusion of virtual reality, so consumers can see where their food is grown,” she said.

The winning team focused on feeding our ageing population.

“They looked at the value of proteins and how online nutrition and dietary advice could be used to help create meal plans for the elderly,” said Toni.

“It was about understanding the different sources of protein and how they help in a diet.”

“Most people don’t understand these different sources. They think of protein as meat, but there’s a whole range of things we get protein from,” she said.

Ultimately, the group wants to make it easier for nutritionists and individuals to put together a good diet.

The winning idea is being progressed further.

New Zealand is the only developed country that relies so heavily on agriculture for economic development.

“As the world changes, the question for New Zealand is ‘what are we going to do next?’ The purpose of this event was to start the discussion.”

“The connections and conversations that happened over the two days were incredibly powerful,” said Toni.

The event would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors and partners from across the agri-food sector.

They include Lincoln Hub, AGMARDT, the Foundation for Arable Research, Foodstuffs, Lincoln University, Callaghan Innovation and Plant & Food Research. Creative HQ facilitated the Hackathon.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW GRAND FINAL 2018

fmgyoungfarmercontest.co.nz

EDUCATING THE

EDUCATORS

NZ Young Farmers is using field trips to help change teachers’ perceptions of the agri-food sector.

Story Brad Markham

21

TEACHERS’ DAY OUT | EDUCATING THE EDUCATORS

A

“They loved it. They absolutely loved it. Some of the teachers didn’t want to get back on the bus at the dairy farm,” laughed team manager Leeann Morgan.

As she eats, a high-tech robotic arm extends towards her bulging udder.

“Demand for places on the trip was crazy.”

Soft rotating bushes gently clean each teat, before lasers carefully guide individual milking cups onto each one.

“There were teachers in that group who’d never seen a dairy cow before or been to a dairy farm,” she said.

It’s a predictable, solitary process that the cow usually does without an audience. But this day is different.

The 57-hectare farm milking 180 cows is owned by Ken Lay.

friesian cow calmly wanders into a stall next to a shiny, state-of-the-art robotic milking machine.

Leaning against the pipe fences surrounding the covered yards are two busloads of Auckland school teachers.

They’ve come to the Kumeu dairy farm, west of Auckland, as part of a Teachers’ Day Out. The event is a professional development day for secondary school teachers to showcase careers in the agri-food sector.

Held each November, the trips are organised by the NZ Young Farmers’ school engagement team.

It was fitted with three Lely Astronaut robotic milking machines several years ago.

“They run 24 hours a day,” said the farm’s 50:50 sharemilker Paul Tyacke.

of milking “ Instead cows for five hours

a day, we now sit in front of a computer for an hour a day analysing data collected during the milking process.

”

“A common phrase among farmers with robots is that ‘we know when a cow is sick before she does’,” he laughed.

Teachers’ Day Out events target educators from across the secondary school curriculum — everything from science, to business studies, mathematics and technology.

“We had a number of food technology teachers take part, which we weren’t expecting,” said Leeann.

The aim is to fully integrate the agri-food sector into the entire teaching curriculum.

“We want teachers to learn about the innovation, science and technology used in New Zealand’s globallyrecognised food production industry,” said Christel Chapman, who’s a project manager with the school engagement team.

The five groups visited honey producers, a vineyard, robotic dairy farm, a 9,000-cow dairy farm, market garden, mushroom farm, sheep and beef farm and berry, kiwifruit and avocado orchards.

They also toured the Port of Tauranga, Plant & Food Research and the Marcel’s Pancakes factory.

The development days have to be squeezed into a narrow window in teachers’ calendars after senior students have started their exams.

They play a massive role in changing perceptions of the agri-food sector.

“Traditionally, a lot of teachers have a 1970s image in their minds when they think of the primary industries,” said Leeann Morgan.

“We’re trying to update that image.”

NZ Young Farmers organised events in Auckland, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Whanganui and Christchurch last year.

Four were funded by DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

“Encouraging students to be a part of the primary industries doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to wear gumboots and live on a dairy farm,” she said.

It’s the largest number ever held.

Kaye McKean teaches commerce at Albany Senior High School on Auckland’s rapidly-expanding North Shore.

“I love Teachers’ Day Out because it refreshes my understanding of where agriculture is at the moment,” she said.

certainly made “ It’s a difference to

the way I talk about agriculture in the classroom.

”

“Farming’s not just about gumboots and a pair of stubbies. It’s so much more. It’s science, business, technology, and our Auckland students really need to know that,” she said.

A highlight of the day for many teachers is making new connections with food producers.

“As part of the business studies curriculum we have to teach case studies, which students are examined on,” said Kaye.

“But we are often desperate for businesses to visit.”

“Our students need to know about agriculture’s importance because it’s such a driving force in the New Zealand economy,” she said.

Cecilia co-founded grocery delivery business My Food Bag with celebrity chef Nadia Lim and prominent business leader Theresa Gattung.

Kaye was fortunate to visit Gellerts Nurseries at Karaka, south of Auckland, on a Teachers’ Day Out in 2015.

The growing company delivers 1.4 million meals a month - or 16 million in the 2017 calendar year - to towns and cities across New Zealand.

The nursery business has three hectares of glasshouses, growing high-quality houseplants and vegetable seedlings.

“I couldn’t believe how high-tech it was,” she said.

“Computers controlled the heating and humidity in the glasshouses.”

Paul and Leanne Tyacke enjoy being ambassadors for the dairy industry.

“I don’t mind spending an hour or two once a month talking to students about opportunities within the dairy sector, because without them the industry isn’t going to survive,” said Paul.

Cecilia spoke to the teachers about her journey as an entrepreneur and about the importance of supporting local growers and food producers.

“My Food Bag buy on a scale that makes it financially viable for farmers and growers to transition to the newer way of food production being demanded by consumers,” said Christel Chapman.

“Their menus only use fresh seasonal produce, and free-range and sustainably farmed products whenever possible.”

Teachers don’t just visit farms; they get a full paddock-to-plate experience.

The Teachers’ Day Out is part of NZ Young Farmers’ successful Get Ahead programme, which promotes careers in agribusiness and science.

The Auckland teachers got to hear from 2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Cecilia Robinson.

In 2017, the programme engaged with almost 150 schools. The majority were from urban areas.

24

FUTURE FARMS | TERRY COPELAND

N

ew Zealand’s export-driven agri-food sector is at an important crossroads.

The country’s focused on becoming a global leader in the production of premium, high-value food.

But the industry’s ability to survive and thrive will hinge on its willingness to change.

Producers will need to evolve to meet shifts in consumer food preferences, environmental sustainability concerns and a rapidly-changing climate.

As the sector grows, attracting and investing in innovative people will be vital.

In 2012, it was estimated that 44 per cent of employees in the primary industries had formal post-school qualifications.

It’s anticipated that will need to increase to 62 per cent by 2025.

Harnessing the talents of people skilled in IT, engineering, robotics, science, marketing and animal health will ensure that the sector maintains its competitive edge.

The potential of farming and food was the focus of the NZ Future Farms conference in Palmerston North this month.

The chief executive of NZ Young Farmers, Terry Copeland, was a keynote speaker at the event.

He believes the agri-food sector needs to overhaul its messaging to make it easier to recruit workers.

“It’s imperative we become more attractive to an urban audience,” said Terry.

“About 80 per cent of New Zealand’s population lives in urban areas.”

“If we can’t make our sector an enticing career prospect to those people, we’re not going to have a big enough workforce.”

Accelerating the country’s transition from commodity to high-value production will help the sector’s image.

The value of our horticulture, dairy, meat, wool, forestry, seafood and arable exports are poised to grow 8.5 per cent in 2018, to $41.4 billion, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Satisfying rapidly-changing consumer needs must be a focus.

“Most farmers don’t consider what the consumer is going to be eating. They delegate that task to a processor,” he said.

“Whereas in the wine industry, the average grape grower understands consumer tastes in London or Tokyo and grows their grapes accordingly.”

He praised Zespri’s SunGold kiwifruit range, which is popular with Asian consumers who prefer the sweeter taste.

“We shouldn’t be focusing on what we produce, but instead on what food we can create,” said Terry.

In 2014, a report examining future capability needs for the primary industries in New Zealand projected the number of people employed in the sector could top 400,000 by 2025.

“I think we have to stop using the words primary industries, agriculture, and even farming to a certain degree.”

Stemming the flow of workers exiting the industry will help achieve that target.

“We need to start talking about food creation and food production because everybody eats.”

“Every year the primary industries loses 15,000 workers to churn,” said Terry.

Growing and producing food is the cornerstone of the New Zealand economy.

“Unfortunately, not all farmers are good employers. They don’t know how to operate good HR practices because they haven’t had to in the past.”

“Consequently, young people who don’t have a great experience leave the industry.”

The dairy sector employs over 40,000 workers, with 27,500 on farm and a further 13,000 in dairy processing, according to an NZIER report published in February 2017.

“But about 3,000 dairy workers leave the industry each year,” said Terry.

With land ownership beyond the next generation’s reach, valid career paths within the industry need to be promoted.

“We have to validate the employee pathway.”

a machine fit for every generation

since 1865

“Large corporate and iwi-owned farms need good managers with strong financial and people skills who can oversee complex operations.”

“I don’t think farm ownership is a goal for a lot of young people in the industry anymore.”

Food producers are also being urged to recognise and respect changing food preferences and diets of consumers, such as veganism.

“We need to embrace those changes and not try and repel against it,” said Terry.

“It could be to our advantage to incorporate some of those consumer preferences into our future planning and thinking.”

The Future Farms conference is part of a week-long extravaganza dedicated to celebrating, showcasing and developing primary food production on New Zealand soil.

For further information check out http://www.nzagrifoodweek.co.nz/

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MODERN MEDICINE Advances in technology are changing the way New Zealanders access healthcare, especially those living in remote rural areas.

Story Brad Markham

27

MODERN MEDICINE | DR RUTH LARGE

D

rones could soon be delivering medical supplies to remote rural communities across New Zealand.

Medical Drones Aotearoa has started designing and testing the different components required to deliver medicines.

It’s collaborating with the University of Auckland, Massey University and the Ministry of Health.

The Civil Aviation Authority has allocated restricted airspace - dubbed Incredible Skies - for trials in the Hokianga in Northland.

The first trial flights will be conducted in the skies above the rural settlement of Mitimiti.

Road access to the coastal community was blocked more than 20 times last year by severe weather events.

Mitimiti’s nearest chemist is in Kaitaia a three-hour return trip by road.

International studies have shown some patients living in isolated locations don’t collect their medicines, or they ration them, causing increased illness and death rates compared to patients in more urban areas.

It’s hoped that drones could one day help to improve the health outcomes of New Zealanders living in rural areas.

The large unmanned aerial vehicles can quickly reach patients and deliver aid in difficult–to–access areas.

Telehealth is the supply of clinical care using safe and secure video conferencing, when the patient is in a different location to the medical specialist.

It’s becoming a greater occurrence at the Waikato District Health Board.

The DHB services a population of more than 390,000 people. About 60 per cent of them live in rural areas.

The figures make the Waikato DHB the “biggest provider of rural healthcare in the country”.

Growth of telehealth services in New Zealand has been dictated by technology, such as access to highspeed broadband.

Currently, the DHB provides a number of outpatient clinics, enabling people to talk to a Hamilton-based doctor remotely from their local hospital.

“Everybody loves it because they don’t have to spend the day travelling to Hamilton,” said Dr Large.

Recently Dr Large has been testing the use of an electronic stethoscope - a first in New Zealand.

“It was really cool,” she said.

Advances in the way patient care is delivered excite Dr Ruth Large. She’s the clinical director of Thames Hospital and an emergency physician at Waikato Hospital.

Dr Large is an expert on telehealth and is the current chair of the National Telehealth Leadership Group.

28

“

We used it on a number of elderly patients. They were in Thames and the electronic stethoscope transmitted their chest and heart sounds to a medical specialist in Hamilton.

“We’ve used it in our ongoing care of kidney transplant patients and people who’ve suffered a stroke and require speech language therapy,” said Dr Large.

“They were really enthusiastic. I find the elderly population is particularly interested in this sort of technology,” said Dr Large.

“Our oldest patient is in her late 80s,” said Dr Large.

”

It’s especially useful for patients requiring an outpatient consult with an anaesthetist prior to surgery.

The Waikato DHB has also developed an online health service which patients can access securely from their home computer.

29

The online video consults can be alternated with in-person appointments, removing the stress associated with travel and finding a carpark.

“The service is also a cost-effective use of resources for patients requiring direct observational therapy, like people with TB who we have to visually confirm are taking their medication,” she said.

Age hasn’t been a barrier in the uptake of telehealth services.

“Sometimes they need a bit of help with the technology. But a lot of people now use Skype to talk to their grandchildren, so they’re remarkably adaptable.”

Telehealth is also being used to help tackle New Zealand’s rural mental health crisis.

Research shows young male farm workers are more at risk of depression, and suicide rates are higher among rural men.

“It’s a great way to be able to provide a service where people don’t feel as if they have to take a whole day off work to go to a counselling session, and they can also do it discreetly.”

“It’s particularly suitable for people with a depressive illnesses and people who need a counselling-based service,” said Dr Large.

With a shortage of counsellors in rural areas, telehealth is helping to connect people to professionals based in larger cities.

“Currently people can access community mental health services remotely via our smaller hospitals in Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Tokoroa and Thames,” she said.

“Some people are also accessing those services from their home.”

One of the biggest issues holding telehealth back is access to reliable, high-speed internet.

“We have the opportunity to decrease inequity in the way we provide healthcare,” said Dr Large.

“But we could also increase it markedly if we provide services like this that you could only access if you’ve got a highspeed internet connection.”

“I think as a country we need to be very mindful of how we are going to address that,” she said.

There are more than 600,000 people living in rural New Zealand. Agriculture and tourism are the powerhouses of the kiwi economy.

NZ Young Farmers is one of 50 organisations which belong to the Rural Health Alliance of Aotearoa New Zealand (RHAANZ).

“The government needs to help remove barriers, so the health of rural people is considered just as important as those who live in cities,” said RHAANZ chief executive Michelle Thompson.

Mobile blackspots remain a serious issue across rural New Zealand, especially if there’s an emergency.

RHAANZ wants the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) build and the roll-out of the second phase of the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) fast-tracked.

For more information about medical drones visit: www.incredibleskies.nz www.medicaldrones.nz

The alliance has been lobbying the government to improve rural health outcomes.

STIHL is proud to sponsor the 2018 FMG Young Farmer of the Year Competition Good luck to all competitors

YOU’LL ONLY NEED ONE

Why you can’t afford to ignore IoT Technology Internet of Things (IoT) technology is on track to revolutionise the agricultural sector over the coming years, according to Vodafone.

The technology company is preparing to roll out its new Narrow Band IoT (NBIoT) Network, to support the expected surge in IoT applications.

“IoT is a collection of real-life things connected to the internet and the applications are really only limited by our imaginations,” said Vodafone IoT Country Manager Scott Pollard.

These connected things collect and exchange data, which Scott said can benefit individuals, organisations and society by helping people make better decisions, problem solve and improve productivity and efficiency.

“Farms are becoming more connected.

For example, farmers monitor the temperature and moisture content of the soil by using sensors. IoT is fast becoming an important factor for getting higher crop rates, lower livestock loses and better water utilisation.”

“Suppliers to the agricultural industry increasingly appreciate the value of the data to provide insight and information.

Instead of simply inspecting raw temperature and moisture readings, analytics can deliver outcomes such as when to irrigate or apply nitrogen. In other cases it is used to monitor the health status and location of livestock”.

The IoT can use this data to automate actions such as moving or controlling an object. Other examples include the use of sensors to open vents on shipping containers to automatically regulate the temperature – great if you’re transporting fresh produce. On the farm, an IoT system can automate the irrigation of crops, Scott said.

Connecting together different things using the internet means farmers can combine weather data with soil temperature and moisture readings, so irrigation systems are optimised to be in the right place at the right time.

“We are building a dedicated network that can cope with these millions of devices. One that’s secure and reliable.

And supports an environment where innovation can thrive.”

Scott said that’s why Vodafone is working towards rolling out a NB-IoT network in 2018.

NB-IoT is a low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) that uses dedicated bandwidth and licenced spectrum to deliver secure coverage across vast geographical areas.

“The advantage of low-power wide-area technology is that it allows small packets of data to be sent really great distances and to use less battery. It means that things that used to be previously too difficult to deploy have now become a reality.

“It’s all part of Vodafone’s commitment to rural New Zealand,” Scott said.

“We’ve been making huge improvements to rural broadband and mobile services right across New Zealand.”

And under the next phase of the Rural Broadband Initiative, the Rural Connectivity Group is working to improve rural broadband to virtually everywhere Kiwis live and work.

While more details on locations are yet to be revealed, it’s expected to lift nationwide geographic mobile coverage by 20 – 30 %.

Back on the farm, and across New Zealand, Scott said IoT has the potential to change the way New Zealanders live, work and play.

“Real-time connected sensors will play a big role in lifting productivity on our farms, enabling us to operate sustainably and differentiate our products in global markets. Ultimately IoT will deliver a better return to farmers, and in turn all New Zealanders.

“When everything is connected, the possibilities are endless.”

Challenge us to get you better connected

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YOUNG ACHIEVERS

DANNI VAN DER HEIJDEN Danni van der Heijden has been named the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower for 2018.

“It was a really tough competition and I’m glad to have won,” said Danni who placed second last year.

Danni is an avocado services manager at Trevelyan’s Pack & Coolhouse in Te Puke.

Danni impressed the judges with her speech on science and technology as disruptors to horticulture.

The competition saw six competitors put through a series of challenges, which test their skills and ability to run a successful orchard.

Her prize includes a trip to Gisborne in August to compete in the national Young Grower of the Year contest and $1,500.

The challenges were followed by a speech competition.

“There’s not a lot of women that enter these events, so women winning two years in a row is great,” she said.

JUSTIN INWOOD

Justin Inwood has won the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association’s annual scholarship.

The young farmer grew up on a 200-hectare mixed cropping farm in Canterbury.

The scholarship is open to second-year students at Lincoln or Massey Universities who are studying agriculture.

“I feel privileged to be offered the scholarship,” said Justin, who’s completing a Bachelor of Agriculture Science at Lincoln University.

COLE GROVES

Former NZ Young Farmers Board chairman Cole Groves will join DairyNZ’s Board of Directors this month.

“The associate role will allow me to continue to develop my governance skills at a board room level in a sector that I am extremely passionate about,” said Cole.

The Ashburton-based dairy farmer is currently involved in a 450-cow equity partnership.

“We need young leaders to take ownership and be a part of the sector moving forward with its new strategy.”

Cole was a member of the NZ Young Farmers Board from 2011 until 2016 and served as its chairman for two years.

Cole has been dairy farming for more than 10 years, after completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University.

He’s one of two farmers who’ve been selected to serve as associate directors.

The roles have been in place for five years and were established by DairyNZ to support the sector’s future leaders.

33

The other associate director is AnneMarie Wells, who owns a 640-cow dairy farm with her husband Duncan.

Cole and Anne-Marie will work alongside the directors for six board meetings each.

“After graduating, I intend to work in the grain and seed industry to extend my practical knowledge in crop management.”

“Sustainable production is one of the greatest pressures imposed on the farming industry today,” he said.

The association receives between 10 to 12 applications each year for the scholarship, which is worth $5,000.

A respected Hauraki Plains dairy farmer will lead the board overseeing the development of a new educational farm in Auckland.

“Analysing options to partner with different organisations and businesses to help achieve our plans will be a key focus.”

Julie Pirie has been elected to chair the five-member Donald Pearson Farm Board.

The farm’s location provides an unrivalled opportunity to get urban students excited about the career prospects in agri-food sector.

The 74-hectare dairy farm in South Auckland was gifted to NZ Young Farmers by the late Donald Pearson last year.

Julie, who farms 850 cows with her husband Brian at Ngatea, said she didn’t need convincing to take on the role.

Currently, 39 per cent of all high school students in New Zealand live in Auckland.

“We really want to use technology to convince secondary school students that the primary industry is a viable career path,” she said.

“I’m thrilled,” she said.

“I’m passionate about promoting farming and connecting school children with the land and where their food comes from.”

“It’s a great fit with my interests,” she said.

The property will continue to operate as a dairy farm until June 2019.

“That gives us 15 months to develop a vision and strategy of what we’d like the educational farm to look like, and to start implementing it,” she said.

Julie Pirie is a former NZ Young Farmers member who has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Massey University.

“I was a member of Tauhei Young Farmers, which was one of the largest NZ Young Farmers clubs in the country at the time,” she recalls.

Each spring, the Fonterra Shareholders Councillor opens her farm to local school children, who each raise a calf for pet day.

“For 12 weeks the children come to our farm and feed, brush and care for their calves and get them ready for calf club day,” said Julie.

gives them an “Itunderstanding of

farm life and the importance of the dairy industry to New Zealand.

”

Julie praised NZ Young Farmers for assembling a board with such a diverse range of skills.

The other four members on the board are Tiaki Hunia, who’s the general manager of Maori Strategy at Fonterra; the principal of Manurewa High School Pete Jones; a friend of the Pearson family Bryan Cartelle and the chief executive of NZ Young Farmers Terry Copeland.

The board held its first meeting at the end of February.

Funding partnerships with the Red Meat Profit Partnership and DairyNZ already enable NZ Young Farmers to work with hundreds of schools, to showcase and promote career opportunities in the agrifood sector.

Owning an educational farm will offer the organisation even greater opportunities to reach more students.

(From left to right) Bryan Cartelle, Pete Jones, Julie Pirie, Terry Copeland, Tiaki Hunia

NEW BEGINNINGS

DONALD PEARSON FARM

The eight-member NZ Young Farmers board is about to undergo a shake-up.

“Those business skills are really important,” said Jason.

Two of the four elected members will step down at the organisation’s AGM in July.

“It would be great to see members nominated with commercial experience and an understanding of how business works.”

Sam Waugh and Chelsea Millar, who’ve both served a two-year term, have decided not to seek re-election.

“It’s quite an unusual situation,” said board chairman Jason Te Brake.

“If you’ve ever considered standing for the board, this year’s a really good time to step forward.”

The departures of Sam and Chelsea will leave two big holes to fill.

Chelsea is a small business owner who specialises in digital communication and marketing, and has in-depth grassroots membership experience.

Sam is a farm consultant with considerable business and financial acumen, and has brought a youthful viewpoint to the board table.

A shift in strategy for NZ Young Farmers means educating school students about career opportunities in the agri-food sector is now a significant income-earner.

“It would be desirable to have a new board member with knowledge of the education sector,” said Jason.

“Having networks across schools throughout New Zealand would be quite useful for the direction NZ Young Farmers is heading.”

Independently-appointed directors Elaine Cook and Jeff Grant are also standing aside.

Nominations for the two elected board positions open on April 3rd and close on June 8th.

Any person seeking nomination must be a NZ Young Farmers member and be nominated by two members.

The members will vote for their preferred candidates at the AGM in July.

The board is tasked with providing governance and strategic oversight of NZ Young Farmers.

“You get experience in a senior role within an organisation and it’s wellregarded within the agri-food sector,” said Jason.

“Plus, there’s the potential to attend international conferences.”

The board meets six times a year.

Key Tips For Water Safety Around Rivers Check the strength of river current or force of water.

Check the weather report. Is there any heavy rain coming?

Stop!

Check it out before you leap in.

Don’t swim alone.

Ask locals, they know the best and safest swimming spots.

For more water safety tips visit watersafety.org.nz 36

Grand Final Countdown!

In less than four months Invercargill will be buzzing with FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final fever.

A sell-out crowd is expected at ILT Stadium Southland for the main quiz and awards night in July.

The iconic agricultural competition marks its 50th anniversary this year, a milestone worthy of celebration.

“We’re hoping to get 1,200 people, which is the maximum that the venue can seat,” said convener James Goodwin.

The last of the seven grand finalists will be decided at the Otago/Southland Regional Final in Winton on April 21st.

The first of the main events kicks off on July 5th.

Grand finalists will tackle a technical day, while NZ Young Farmers members explore Southland on a mystery bus trip.

“I love a good bus trip,” laughed Te Radar, who’s the official MC for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

“I’ve been on some great ones with NZ Young Farmers.”

Memorabilia from past winners is being sought to display at the event.

“A couple of blokes have told us they still have the vehicles that they won in the 70s and 80s, which is really cool,” said James.

The seven grand finalists will complete a gruelling day of fast-paced modules testing their skills on July 6th.

Their ability to cope will determine if they still have a shot at the title.

“When someone makes it to a regional final they’re there, everything’s good and they’re hoping to make it through to the grand final,” said Te Radar.

“But at grand final, you have a onein-seven chance of taking out the title. That pressure can make or break people,” he said.

“One of my favourite parts of grand final is the social side, where everyone gets on a bus and has a look around someone else’s neighbourhood,” he said.

All-rounders and quiet achievers who score consistently well across all modules can lead to surprises when the scores are tallied.

The rich history of the prestigious contest will be celebrated at a special 50th anniversary dinner that night.

“Will Taylor’s a prime example of that, taking out the Taranaki/Manawatu Regional Final,” said Te Radar.

“It’s a chance for past winners, finalists and people who’ve been involved with the competition to reunite,” said James.

The TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ prize-giving gets under way at 4pm.

“The event’s being held at ILT Stadium Southland and we’re expecting 600 people.”

The New Holland National Awards Dinner that night will be an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of NZ Young Farmers members.

It will have a true blue tartan theme.

“I expect we’ll see some kilts and waistcoats and possibly even a tartan suit,” said Te Radar.

The week will culminate in the crowning of the 50th FMG Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday night.

Contest MC Te Radar said the road to grand final is often an emotional one and this year will be no different.

“On a personal level, the thing I look forward to most about grand final is the finalists’ families,” he said.

“When you host seven regional finals, you get to meet them all.”

“New Zealand’s such a small place that by the time you get to grand final you sort have this investment with seven families and with seven finalists’ hopes and dreams.”

“It does become very personal,” he said.

The FMG Young Farmer of the Year helps grow and shape young people and for many, the high-pressure experience will be life-changing.

“The families and friends of contestants watch them transform in the lead-up to regionals, and particularly in the months before grand final,” said Te Radar.

“Even if a finalist doesn’t place, they will be better off simply for having been a part of the competition.”

YOUR GUIDE TO GRAND FINAL 2018 05 JULY

06 JULY

TECHNICAL DAY

PRACTICAL DAY

NZ YOUNG FARMERS BUS TRIP

AGRIKIDSNZ & TEENAG PRIZE-GIVING

THURSDAY

SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 8AM

DEPART: ASCOT PARK HOTEL 10AM (MEMBERS ONLY EVENT) $50

OPENING PARADE & CEREMONY QUEENS PARK 3:15PM

50TH YEAR CELEBRATION DINNER

ILT STADIUM SOUTHLAND DOORS OPEN: 5PM SHOW STARTS: 6PM $85 per person / $850 table (10 people)

FIND US ON

FMG YOUNG FARMER OF THE YEAR Tickets can be purchased online now.

Visit our website for more information: fmgyoungfarmercontest.co.nz

FRIDAY

DONOVAN PARK 7AM (FREE ENTRY)

SOUTHLAND BOYS HIGH SCHOOL DOORS OPEN: 4PM START: 4:45PM $5 (food and drinks provided)

NEW HOLLAND NATIONAL AWARDS DINNER ASCOT PARK HOTEL DOORS OPEN: 5PM DOORS CLOSE: 6:30PM $75 member / $85 general

07 JULY SATURDAY

AGMARDT BREAKFAST ASCOT PARK HOTEL 8AM $35

NZ YOUNG FARMERS AGM ASCOT PARK HOTEL 10:30AM

FMG YOUNG FARMER OF THE YEAR QUIZ AND AWARDS EVENING ILT STADIUM SOUTHLAND DOORS OPEN: 4:30PM SHOW STARTS: 5:30PM $140 member / $150 general / $1400 table

HISTORY OF CONTEST

1969 - Gary Frazer

1982 - Colin Brown Otago Southland 39

1987 - Leo Vollebergt East Coast

1980 - James Watt Otago/Southland

1996 - Phillip Reid Taranaki/Manawatu 1984 - Douglas Brown Aorangi

We’re looking to get in touch with previous Grand Finalists as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations.

We’d love to hear from you, if you have memorabilia including video footage, photos, and original prizes.

Contact Carolyn on 021913035 or carolyn.bennett@youngfarmers.co.nz

2000 - Andrew Finch Tasman

2013 - Tim van de Molen Waikato/Bay of Plenty

2014 - David Kid d Northern

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NAME: Roger Dettling CLUB: Central Taranaki NOMINATED BY: NZ Young Farmers National Office A stalwart of NZ Young Farmers has been recognised for his years of dedicated service.

Roger Dettling has been awarded a Life Membership with Central Taranaki Young Farmers.

Roger joined the organisation in 2007 and has been an active member ever since. He convened the organising committee for the Taranaki/Manawatu Regional Final in Hawera last year.

The 30-year-old is “the brains” behind the club’s popular comedy night, which raised several thousand dollars for charity.

“Roger’s made a massive contribution to NZ Young Farmers,” said Central Taranaki Young Farmers chairman Nick Brown.

“He’s great at organising crucial details behind the scenes that people forget about.”

“Roger’s a guy who just gets on with it and always goes above and beyond what’s expected of him,” he said.

The father of two taught club members how to assemble and operate a chainsaw at a recent Skills Day in Toko.

The speedway enthusiast is also instrumental in organising a club dinner to welcome new farmers and rural professionals to the area each June.

NZ Young Farmers National Office

Well done Roger for all of your efforts. You have won a craft beer prize pack.

If you want to nominate someone to be an Unsung Hero please email brad.markham@youngfarmers.co.nz and tell us why.

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OTAG O/ S O U T H L A N D T

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SCOOP  FACEBOOK Otago/Southland Region Young Farmers

 MOTTO Proud to be South

 CLUBS Balfour, Clinton/South Otago, Nightcaps, Strath Taieri, Tarras, Te Anau, Teviot Valley, Thornbury, Tokomairiro, Upper Manuherikia, Waitane, West Otago, Wyndham

If you want to join a NZ Young Farmers Club in the Otago/Southland Region call Territory Manager Leanne Woodhead on 021949061 or email otagosouthland.tm@ youngfarmers.co.nz

The Otago/Southland Region is gearing up to host the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Invercargill.

“Federated Farmers president Katie Milne, former National leader Bill English and previous Young Farmer of the Year Tim van de Molen all had a go.”

The region used February’s popular Southern Field Days at Waimumu to promote the highly-anticipated event.

“It was great to see them all straining on the other end of the rope,” laughed Leanne.

Otago/Southland teamed up with contest sponsor FMG and Federated Farmers to share one site.

The Otago/Southland Region won.

“It worked really well. We had several old contest trophies on display,” said Otago/Southland territory manager Leanne Woodhead.

“The silverware generated a lot of interest and helped us promote the 50th anniversary of the iconic contest.”

During the field days, the Otago/ Southland Region flexed its muscle in a highly-publicised tug of war.

A team featuring 2017 FMG Young Farmer of the Year Nigel Woodhead went up against some well-known faces.

The fencing competition at the field days featured a ‘Give It A Go’ section, which encouraged TeenAg members to take part.

“Four TeenAg teams picked up the wire strainers and wire cutters and had a go,” said Leanne.

“That was awesome because we don’t usually have any TeenAg entries at that level.”

Fencing competition winners Ryan Pigou and Taylor Hilston from Tokomairiro Young Farmers have secured a place in the grand final in July.

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NORTHERN T

The Northern Region’s newest NZ Young Farmers club has elected its first Executive Committee.

The Tokatoka-based club called Northern Wairoa held its first AGM last November.

Monique Flood, who works for cargo logistics company ISO, has been elected the club’s chair.

“Members have hosted interclub challenges, kids’ events, wheeled out the dunk tank and raised money for both our clubs and the Rural Support Trust.”

Logan Scott has taken on the role of vice-chair.

A variety of club events have been taking place to entertain and help upskill members.

“There was a real need for the club in our area,” said Monique.

They’ve included everything from high ropes courses to chainsaw skills days.

“Young people now have a place to meet like-minded people and socialise.”

The Northern Naked Calendar, featuring NZ Young Farmers members, has been selling like hotcakes.

“Our members are a mix of dairy farmers and fencing contractors, but young people from any sector are welcome,” she said.

It’s been a busy summer across the Northern Region, with the festive season kicking off with club AGMs. The region saw the year out with an epic Gumboot Ball in Whangarei.

“Everyone donned their finery and cleaned their gumboots for a night of dancing to the Monkey Assassins,” said Northern Region secretary Natalie Lynch.

The region’s six clubs have been hot on the summer show circuit too.

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“Clubs have made appearances at the Whangarei, Paparoa, Arapohue, Kaikohe, Waimate North and Pukekohe A&P shows,” said Natalie.

Profits go towards providing more opportunities for members.

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SCOOP  FACEBOOK Northern Region Young Farmers

 MOTTO Miles above the rest

 CLUBS Auckland City, Bay of Islands, Franklin, Kaipara, Northern Wairoa, Whangarei If you want to join a NZ Young Farmers Club in the Northern Region call Territory Manager Pip Beauchamp on 027 668 8036 or email northern.tm@ youngfarmers.co.nz

AORANGI T

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SCOOP  FACEBOOK Aorangi Region Young Farmers

 MOTTO

It’s been all go in the Aorangi Region, with new member drives, speed dating, farm tours and much more.

Sparks were flying at a Valentine’s Speed Dating event run by the Hinds Young Farmers Club.

It’s chalked up a significant amount of match-making success over the years.

The Aorangi Regional Final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year on April 14th in Waimate is shaping up to be a big one.

“One happy couple who met at the last event are currently travelling overseas together,” said Aorangi Region chair Cameron Black.

“The organising committee has been working overtime to pull it all together, so hop along and check out the competition,” said Cameron.

Heart of Mainland

 CLUBS Five Forks, Foothills, Glenavy/Waimate, Hinds, Mackenzie, Methven, Milford/Clandeboye, Pendarves, Timaru, Upper Waitaki If you want to join a NZ Young Farmers Club in the Aorangi Region call Territory Manager Biddy Huddleston on 0276677259 or email aorangi.tm@youngfarmers.co.nz

“There have been a number of new member meetings and it’s great to see clubs being proactive in trying to get new faces along to meetings and events,” said Cameron.

“So watch this space to see if it was as successful again this year.”

The evening was made up of a series of two-minute speed dates, packed with plenty of laughs and banter.

With mental health a growing concern in rural areas, the event provided an opportunity for people to get off the farm and socialise.

As the days get shorter, this time of year is always a great chance to make the most of the sun, with social events and BBQs being held across the region.

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WA I K AT O / B AY O F P L E N T Y T

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SCOOP  FACEBOOK Wai/Bop Regional Young Farmers

 MOTTO From Coast to Coast we have the most

 CLUBS Cambridge, Eastern Bay, Hamilton City, Hauraki, Ngarua, North King Country, North Waikato, Piarere, Reporoa, South Waikato, Taumarunui, Te Kawa West, Te Puke, Tihoi, Waihi If you want to join a NZ Young Farmers Club in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Region call Senior Territory Manager Casey Huffstutler on 0272130043 or email waibop.tm@youngfarmers.co.nz

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A headline-grabbing fundraiser by Te Kawa West Young Farmers has raised $1,700 for local volunteer firefighters.

The NZ Young Farmers club won a competition run by Australian radio stars Hamish and Andy.

The comic duo asked listeners to compete for the opportunity to have them perform at an international event.

Club member Regan McCorquindale - a massive Hamish and Andy fan – came up with the idea for a fundraiser for the Pirongia Volunteer Fire Service.

The club won and at the end of November, Hamish and Andy were guests of honour at a sold-out show in Pirongia.

“It was pretty cool for a bunch of farmers from Pirongia to have someone like Hamish and Andy come along and put on a show for us,” club chair Rachael Phillips told the Waikato Times.

There was standing room only as a massive crowd of 350 people attended the event.

The crowd chanted “skull, skull, skull” as the radio stars both took part in a NZ Young Farmers tradition, skulling a pint of milk fresh from a cow.

A donation of $1,700 was made by Te Kawa West Young Farmers to the Pirongia Volunteer Fire Service following the fundraiser.

TA S M A N T

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SCOOP  FACEBOOK Tasman Young Farmers

 MOTTO Top of the South

 CLUBS Amuri Basin, Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City, Dunsandel, Golden Bay, Grey Valley, Hurunui, Lincoln, Renwick, Waimakariri, West Melton

If you want to join a NZ Young Farmers Club in the Tasman Region call National Office on 03 3442473 or email info@youngfarmers.co.nz

West Melton Young Farmers received national media attention after club members bared all for charity.

The club joined forces with mental health group Daisy Chain Trust to produce a fundraising calendar.

Keep an eye out for it at upcoming regional events.

A final pat on the back goes to Andrew Wiffen, who donated his Meridian Energy prize pack from the 2017 FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final to the charity KidsCan.

Proceeds will help fund a community retreat planned for a four-hectare block of land at West Melton.

The trust’s founder told the Sunday Star Times that people would be able to access counsellors through the venue.

Clubs across the Tasman region have been hard at work fundraising in their local communities over the summer.

Countless silage stacks have been covered and bales of hay picked up and stacked in barns.

Outgoing club executive teams were thanked for their hard work at a special dinner at the end of 2017.

Incoming chairs also attended the night out.

“We had a great turnout and it was a good chance for executive members from different clubs to mix and mingle,” said Tasman Region vice-chair Vanessa Robinson.

The region’s got a new teardrop flag, which has been kindly sponsored

by Displayworks.

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EAST COAST T

About 180 school students have taken part in the East Coast TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ regional finals in Masterton.

The fast-paced events were held in February as part of the East Coast Regional Final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

“The aim of the competitions is to get kids excited about a career in the primary industries,” said competition co-ordinator David Highsted.

“Students tackled fun challenges which put their practical and theoretical skills to the test.”

The events saw 24 TeenAg teams go head-to-head and 43 AgriKidsNZ teams clash in front of a large crowd.

TeenAg results: 1st: Finnigan Beamish and Matthew Halford. Napier Boys’ High School.

2nd: Trudy Barrow and Kate Lund.

Dannevirke High School.

AgriKidsNZ results: 1st: Leah Bibby, Sophie Beamish and Hamish Dunderdale. Ongaonga School.

2nd: Patrick Wellbrock, Jock Johnson and Max Williams. Tinui School.

3rd: Lucy Allomes, Lilly McLeod and Jorja Fountaine. Kumeroa-Hopelands School.

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Five teams have qualified for places in their respective grand finals in Invercargill in July.

Both events will take place alongside the prestigious FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final.

Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer Patrick Crawshaw will represent the East Coast after winning the East Coast Regional Final.

His workmate Hugh Abbiss placed second.

Independent soil consultant Robbie Hill, who lives on his family’s 650-hectare property west of Hastings, came third.

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SCO OP  FACEBOOK East Coast Young Farmers

 MOTTO #ECPunching

 CLUBS Ashley Clinton/Norsewood Ballance, Dannevirke, Eskview, Gisborne, Puketoi, South Wairarapa, Taratahi, Tikokino, Wairarapa

If you want to join a NZ Young Farmers Club in the East Coast Region call Territory Manager Kim Shaw on 027 213 0029 or email eastcoast.tm@youngfarmers.co.nz

TA R A N A K I / M A N AWAT U T

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SCO OP  FACEBOOK Taranaki/Manawatu Region Young Farmers

 MOTTO Best in the West

 CLUBS Central Taranaki, Coastal, Fitzherbert, Hunterville, Inglewood, Marton, Massey University, Opiki, Ruapehu, South Taranaki, Urenui, Whanganui, Wellington City

If you want to join a NZ Young Farmers Club in the Taranaki/Manawatu Region call Territory Manager Megan Bates on 021646671 or email taraman.tm@youngfarmers.co.nz

Hundreds of adventure-seeking trail bike riders have helped raise $16,000 for Urenui Young Farmers.

Riders from across the North Island descended on Urenui in north Taranaki in January to take part in a ride organised by the club.

“The ride’s a massive fundraiser for our club,” said Lilly.

“The money will be used to subsidise trips for members, buy club t-shirts and help us host the Taranaki District Young Farmers ball in May.”

It’s the second time that the club’s run the popular event.

The $7,000 raised on the second action-filled weekend will cover track costs.

Dirt was flying as riders made their way around a 32-kilometre course on Matt Newton’s rugged dry stock farm.

“A bulldozer had to be hired and it took about 200 hours of work to get the track perfect,” said Lilly.

“The event was so popular, we had to hold it over two weekends,” said Urenui Young Farmers’ chair Lilly Newton.

Riders came from across Taranaki, the Waikato and Whanganui.

“We had 300 riders turn up on the first weekend, and 300 people took to the course again a week later.”

“A few were new faces, but many were repeat riders,” said Lilly.

About $9,000 was raised on the first weekend.

“We have a really well-groomed track, that’s why a lot of riders take part in our trail bike ride.”

“Many wish they could ride here every weekend,” laughed Lilly.

The ride would not have been possible without support from Precision Helicopters, JNS Motorcycles and Dirt Works.

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FARM TO FORK FUN FACTS

Cattle only have teeth on their bottom jaw.

New Zealand exports kiwifruit to 59 countries.

16.4 million adults in the U.S.A. believe brown cows produce chocolate milk.

Red meat is rich in protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12.

Kiwis consumed approximately 23kg of potatoes each in 2016.

Onions are NZ’s biggest export vegetable crop.

90% of the entire crop is sold overseas.

In 2016/17 NZ dairy companies processed 20.7 billion litres of milk.

There were 23.7 million lambs produced in NZ in 2017.

Milk from NZ dairy cows is used to produce high-quality pharmaceutical-grade lactose. The lactose is used to supply many of the dry powder inhalers around the world, treating things like asthma.

New Zealanders eat 1,800 tonnes of fruit and vegetables per day.

Wheat flour can be used to make disposable cups, golf tees, insulation, biodegradable eating utensils, medical swabs and paper strengthener.

HEY ALL! If you are from Tasman, Aorangi or Otago/ Southland make sure you don’t miss out on your Regional Final. We have some awesome modules in store for you. The famous and funny Te Radar is back for another year too.

07 APR 2018

CHRISTCHURCH / INNOVATION PARK, TEMPLETON

14 APR 2018

WAIMATE / WAIMATE RACECOURSE

21 APR 2018

WINTON / BROWNS DOMAIN, WINTON

TeenAg competitions are proudly supported by

for TeenAg websites Visit AgriKidsNZ & more information: .co.nz .nz or www.teenag www.agrikidsnz.co

AgriKidsNZ competitions are proudly supported by

FIND 10 DIFFERENCES

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What do you think farming would look like in 2050?

Express your creativity on this page.

Go wild a be creati nd ve!

Drawing contest Great Prizes to be Won!

Name: Age: School:

Competition closes 01 May, 2018 Send to NZ Young Farmers, PO BOX 231 41, Hornby 8441

Parent Signature:

What’s happening?

Rural Ambassador of the Year awards Entries close 31st March These awards recognise excellence among people aged 20 to 30, who are active within the A&P showing movement.

For more information visit: www.ras.org.nz/

Young Grower of the Year

21st-22nd August, Napier Conference Centre, Hawke’s Bay Five finalists will go head-to-head in Napier to find New Zealand’s best fruit or vegetable grower.

If you work in the horticulture sector, step out of your comfort zone and give your regional competition a go.

For more information visit: www.younggroweroftheyear.co.nz/

NZ Grain & Seed Trade Association Centenary Conference 17th-18th October, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch There will be a range of informative and thoughtprovoking presentations from industry leaders and experts. It will be a valuable opportunity to network and examine current issues critical to the seed industry.

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National Ploughing Championships 14th-15th April, Southland A handful of NZ Young Farmers members are vying for entry to the world champs.

Tasman Region Clay Target Competition 28th April, Ellesmere Clay Target Club

Waikato/Bay of Plenty Fight Night

19th May, Don Rowlands Centre, Lake Karapiro NZ Young Farmers members in Waikato/Bay of Plenty will put their good looks on the line to support charity. All proceeds from the event are being donated to the Waikato Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) charity.

Keep and eye on the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Fight Night Facebook page for further details. Get in early so you don’t miss out.

NZ Young Farmers Photography Competition

Entries close June 1st Calling all NZ Young Farmers members - help create a digital record of our people, our animals and the beautiful landscape that we live.

Competition categories: 1. People/Animals 2. NZ Young Farmers Activities 3. Landscape/Scenic 4. Mobile Images 5. People’s Choice Award Photo size must be a minimum of 1MB and in jpeg format. Other formats not accepted.

For more information visit: www.youngfarmers.co.nz/activities/nzyf-nationalphoto-competition/

NZ Young Farmers 100 schools project 28th March Primary school students from Benneydale School, Argyll East School and Ngakuru School will all visit local sheep and beef farms as part of an RMPPfunded initiative.

FMG Young Farmer of the Year

Tasman Regional Final 7th April, Innovation Park, Templeton Aorangi Regional Final 14th April, Waimate Showgrounds Otago/Southland Regional Final 21st April, Browns Domain, Winton Grand Final 50th anniversary celebration Invercargill, 5th-7th July For more information visit: www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz

Certified Quality

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The Best Lasagne Ingredients - 1kg Quality Mark beef mince - 2 onions, finely chopped - 5 cloves garlic, crushed - 1 large carrot, grated - 2 sticks celery, finely chopped - ½ cup tomato paste - 2 cups Campbell’s Real Stock - Beef - 1 cup red or white wine (or use stock) - 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes - 2 tablespoons dried oregano - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 2 anchovies, very finely chopped (optional) - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 2 cups spinach, chopped - 400g packet of lasagne sheets Cheese sauce - 100g butter - ½ cup flour - 3 ½ cups milk, warmed - 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated plus extra for topping - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Method Preheat the oven to 180°C conventional bake.

Mince In your largest frying pan, heat a little oil over a high heat. When the pan is hot, add half the mince, breaking up the big lumps quickly with a wooden spoon. Leave the mince to sizzle until the underside is browned, then stir and brown the other side. Set aside and repeat with the remaining mince.

Discard any excess fat from the pan, replace over a medium heat and add a dash of oil. Add the onions, garlic, carrot and celery, and cook, stirring for about 10 minutes until soft. Add the mince back into the pan with the tomato paste, stock, wine, tomatoes, oregano, sugar, anchovies (if using), and balsamic vinegar. Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes or until reduced to a thick sauce. Add the spinach with 5 minutes to go. Season to taste.

Cheese sauce Melt butter in a large saucepan over a medium-low heat. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 3-5 minutes (don’t let it brown). Remove from heat and slowly add all the warmed milk in a thin stream, whisking all the time, until smooth. Return to heat and cook, stirring, until thickened. Add the cheese and mustard, stirring until smooth.

Season to taste and remove from heat.

To assemble Grease your largest baking dish (or two small). Add a layer of lasagne sheets to the bottom and spread over a third of the meat sauce followed by a third of the cheese sauce. Repeat until ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of white sauce. Sprinkle with extra cheese. Cover with tinfoil with a couple of steam holes, and bake for 35 minutes.

Remove the foil and cook a further 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling (you can grill it at the end to help it along). Transfer to a wooden board and rest for at least 10 minutes before you cut and serve it.

Serve with a fresh crunchy salad and tangy vinaigrette.

ONE POT WONDERS

PREP—TIME 45 mins

COOK—TIME 45 mins

SERVES 8-10 people

BENEFITS Excellent source of iron Low Sodium

RECOMMENDED CUT

Beef or lamb mince

RECIPE PROVIDED BY BEEF + LAMB NZ For more recipes visit recipes.co.nz

GRAND FINAL

5-7 JULY 2018 INVERCARGILL

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Tickets available on lin e I f m g y ou n g f ar m e r con te s t.co.n z Fin d u s on Fac ebook ‘ FMG You n g Far m e r of th e Ye ar ’