SCALE SYSTEM THAT TRACKS YOUR NUMBERS
Digital Feed Management tool for daily use.
INTELLIGENT FEEDING
• Ability to split your herd into different groups and create a specific feed mix based on each feed source for each group based on their nutritional requirements.
• Visual display of remaining quantity required for each feed source, mixing order and mixing time for each feed source.
• Visual display of remaining feed mix quantity to be fed out.
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
• Track on farm inventory to ensure you never run out.
• Preset inventory list or tailor the list to your own feed sources.
• Easily adjust dry matter and cost for each feed source.
REPORTING
• Ability to run multiple reports e.g.
» Feed cost per group
» Total inventory used
» Feeding accuracy
» Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE)
• Ability to integrate with other farm management software.
USER MANAGEMENT
• Ability to set up user permissions and system setup for individual users eg Farm Manager, Farm Worker, Nutritionist or Vet.
Honour your promise
SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
YOUNG WAIKATO farmer Carla de
Wet has a message for the Government – change KiwiSaver rules to help young farmers get a foot on the property ladder, sooner rather than later.
She says the Government cannot afford to let it become a broken promise.
“We don’t want to see young farmers going into the next dairy season unable to access their KiwiSaver for their deposit,” de Wet told Dairy News.
“The quicker we can become herd owners, the quicker we can get into farm ownership. That’s what New Zealand and our dairy sector really needs.”
Her comments come after Federated Farmers launched a petition last week asking the Government to honour its promise to relax KiwiSaver rules so young farmers could access KiwiSaver funds to buy a first farm, flock, herd or home.
Current KiwiSaver rules mean a person can only use their KiwiSaver to purchase a house to live in. Federated Farmers want the rules changed so farm staff in service tenancies (living on farm) can use KiwiSaver to purchase a house.
Feds also want a rule change so that KiwiSaver can help young farmers who have some savings but aren’t quite able to get the bank’s backing to invest in their first herd or property.
Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre says accessing KiwiSaver to buy the first farm, flock, herd or home has been an incredibly hot topic for farmers.
“On the campaign trail of the 2023 election, (now Agriculture Minister) Todd McClay stood up in front of young farmers in Morrinsville and made a promise that he would make it happen.
“I’m sure he had the best of intentions, but unfortunately farmers have been bitterly disappointed by the lack of action from the Government on the issue to date.”
De Wet says she was excited when the announcement was made 18 months ago.
“It’s a commonsense idea that would help so many young farmers progress much more quickly through their farming careers – particularly those looking to get into sharemilking.
“A lot of younger farmers really
struggle to make that leap up from management to business ownership because of the cost of taking that first step. Having your KiwiSaver to help with your deposit would make it so much easier.”
De Wet migrated from South Africa five years ago. She’s a shareholder and manager of their family business sharemilking 150 cows at Te Aroha. The family also milk 600 cows on two farms at Paeroa.
While de Wet hasn’t bought her first house or farm, she’s heard from plenty of friends that farm ownership still feels out of reach for many of them.
“Most young farmers can’t buy a house because we’re unable to meet the KiwiSaver requirement to live in the home for six months. It
just doesn’t work for farm staff, who generally live in accommodation on the farm.
“If the rules were to change, I think it would be a huge incentive for young farmers to start putting money in their KiwiSaver. Now there’s a general feeling that KiwiSaver contributions just lock your capital away at the time you’ll need it the most.”
De Wet is backing the Fed’s petition and is urging farmers sign petition online at kiwisaverforkiwifarmers.co.nz or at Federated Farmers Fieldays site D70.
She says young farmers are looking forward to the Government acting on the petition.
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Waikato farmer Carla de Wet says the Government cannot afford to let KiwiSaver changes become a broken promise.
MILK PROCESSORS are either matching or beating Fonterra’s record $10/ kgMS opening forecast milk price as the 2025-26 season gets underway.
The country’s second largest milk processor Open Country Dairy will pay its farmer suppliers between $10.30/ kgMS and $10.70/kgMS for milk supplied for the September period – milk supplied from June to September.
Open Country doesn’t announce an opening forecast milk price; it pays its farmer suppliers in full over four periods every season.
The company’s November period milk price is currently forecast to be between $10.20 and $10.60.
Taupo-based Miraka has announced an opening farmgate milk price forecast range of $8.85 to 10.85/kgMS, with a midpoint of $9.85/kgMS. Miraka also offers its suppliers the opportunity to earn up to 20c/kgMS in additional premium payments through its Te Ara Miraka farming excellence programme, now in its tenth year.
When the average Te Ara Miraka premium is included, the total forecast payout for 2025/26
rises to $10.02/kgMS.
The low-carbon dairy processor says its forecast reflects confidence in strong global dairy demand and reinforces Miraka’s focus on delivering transparent, reliable value to its suppliers.
“While others in the sector have announced a $10.00 headline price, it’s important to understand the full picture,” says acting chief executive, Richard Harding.
“At Miraka, we believe in being transparent — our $9.85/kgMS midpoint is clearly stated and grounded in market fundamentals.”
Harding says that clar-
ity in pricing is critical for on-farm planning and financial confidence.
“We’re taking a disciplined approach — optimistic, but grounded.”
Last month Fonterra announced a wide forecast range of $8-$11/kgMS for the new season. The co-op settled for an opening forecast of $10/kgMS.
“Looking at the season ahead, we expect this demand to continue for now, but we acknowledge the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and the potential for a wider series of outcomes across the season,” says Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell.
“Therefore, our opening forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2025/26 season of $10/kgMS sits within a wide forecast range.”
Fonterra is paying farmers an advance rate of $7.50/kgMS for the next four months.
Westpac industry economist Paul Clark notes that global milk supply remains broadly flat despite high milk prices.
Both the European Union and Australia have seen a fall in production, while in New Zealand, output has dropped back to normal levels with dry weather in the North
Clark says Westpac is also forecasting $10/kgMS milk price for the 2025-26 season.
“While we expect global production to lift somewhat, prices are still likely to be supported by ongoing growth in demand. We note that futures market pricing for next season currently sits at around $9.90/kgMS,” he says.
“That said, it is early in the season and much can change, as evident in the wide $3/kg range seen in Fonterra’s opening forecast. Amongst the various uncertainties, it is
not clear how demand in China will play out given a lack of transparency on the rebuild of its dairy inventories.
“It’s also not clear how tariffs on dairy products into the US might affect trade flows, and what tariffs more generally might mean for global demand and thus dairy prices.
“What also matters is the performance of the exchange rate. While a firmer NZ dollar would ordinarily hurt returns, further broad-based US dollar weakness could see US dollar denominated prices move higher over the coming year.”
“But
“The
“It’s
Island affecting pasture growth.
Fonterra eyes next generation of health, wellbeing products
RESEARCH LEADING to the production of dairy products that benefit the elderly and improves the overall wellbeing of all people is a key focus of Fonterra’s Research and Development centre, based in Palmerston North.
The director of the centre Dr Pierre Venter says, as part of this, they are also focusing on what he calls the “next generation dairy solutions”. He says it’s about making sure that Fonterra has the ability and the right products to meet the needs of the world’s aging population, and wellbeing, which is about the general fitness of everyone else.
Venter says, with an ageing global population, healthy aging is an important product category; with this comes the issue of frailty – a challenge in its own right.
“The way we see the trend globally is, if you consume more of the right protein at the right time, you typically postpone or change the health outcome from a frailty perspective, so you become frail later in life,” he told Dairy News.
Venter says this issue is taken very seriously in Japan where there are online tools that can predict when a person is likely to get frail. At that point, the issue of dietary requirements comes into play and, in particular, ensuring that people get sufficient protein.
He says Fonterradeveloped proteins are used in different ways by customers. He says at some point, taste become a factor with a cohort of consumers wanting what they eat to taste like the food they are used to, while others are up for a complete change.
“We are producing ingredients that go into those final products for consumers. We have got
such an array of customers; many of them could be targeting convenience for, say, busy couples, while others will be targeting medical foods. Our job is to make sure we have the proteins and other ingredients that are fit for purpose for those very specific applications, and sometimes we will produce a unique application for a product,” he says.
Venter says one of the scientific challenges in the development of proteins is retaining a low viscosity or thickness in each product. He says sometimes if you have more protein, the product can be more viscous.
“Fonterra has unique offerings in that some of
our products will have high concentrations of protein but without dramatically increasing the viscosity of them.”
An integral part of the R&D programme at Palmerston North is food safety. Venter is personally an expert in this area and says when they create a new process or product, they automatically innovate safety and quality into it.
“It not only has to taste well and have good functionality, but it also needs to be safe, and we need to be able to stand behind the quality of that product over its shelf life, so we are quite proud of what we do,” he says.
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ALL ABOUT MILK QUALITY
FONTERRA’S RESEARCH and development programme is naturally guided by ‘market insights’.
That is, information gathered by Fonterra teams around the world and then fed back to the 350 staff at the Palmerston North R&D centre for them to design ingredients and products to meet the needs of customers and consumers.
What the world is looking for, says Dr Pierre Venter, is increased high quality protein and a need for more calcium in products. He thinks Fonterra has got this issue sorted.
“If you look at the projections… we are going to have a huge deficit with a growing world population who need to have enough of the right calcium for healthy bones,” he says.
Looking to the future, Venter says the work at the R&D centre will continue to focus mostly on ingredients and food service. He says it’s about developing different ingredients and generating IP and protecting their innovations. He
says they must stay one step ahead of competitors.
“I think we are still world leading in many of the areas. When it comes to innovation, NZ dairy is the best and unique. If you look at our protein portfolios, we are fundamentally world leading, and in the food service area, we have some unique offerings which give us a competitive advantage in the markets,” he says.
Finally, Venter says he’s full of praise for the work and efforts of NZ’s dairy farmers. He says they do an awesome job, not only by the putting in the hours to produce milk, but also for producing quality milk.
“The better the quality of the milk that goes into the vat, the more we can do with it at the back end at the R&D centre and right now they are doing a stella job in that space,” he says.
Venter says he’d like to share with farmers all the amazing products that are in demand around the world that originate from their farms.
Sarah Glyn-Jones, Fonterra’s general manager advanced nutrition with a high protein coffee drink.
Dr Pierre Venter, Fonterra.
Two-way battle for Feds dairy chairmanship
THE COVETED post of Federated Farmers’ national dairy chair will see a two-way contest at the Federated Farmers annual meeting later this month.
Two Federated Farmers provincial presidents have thrown their hats in the ring: newly-elected Waikato president Philip Sherwood and North Canterbury president Karl Dean.
The current chair Richard McIntyre is stepping down after three years in the role.
It’s not uncommon for the national dairy chair to
go onto become the Feds’ national president. Current Assistant Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard served as national dairy chair before taking over the presidency. Current president Wayne Langford, a Golden Bay dairy farmer, also served as dairy chair. However, McIntyre, who also serves on DairyNZ board and Wellington Fish and Game Wellington Council, has decided to step down.
Dean has previously served as the provincial dairy chair and has been provincial president for two-and-a-half years.
Farming at Leeston by the shores of Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere, Dean was
last year given the title of the Feds’ “Advocate of the Year” in recognition of the work he has put in as a public face of farming, putting farmers’ concerns out in the national media.
Dean says he is standing for the national dairy chair because he has
enjoyed giving back to the dairy industry group and giving a voice to dairy farmers.
He says it would require him to step down as provincial president as well as a couple of other smaller positions, due to the time commitment required for the national role.
Dean sees the role as being the representative for all the country’s dairy farmers and he’s not just standing because he feels the south has been underrepresented.
“It comes with the ebbs and flows. Five or six years ago there were
very few sitting around that board table that were from the South Island.”
Sherwood is a thirdgeneration farmer, milking 550 Jersey cows in Matamata. He has also served as the deputy chair on Rabobank’s Upper North Island Client Council.
Federated Farmers is not commenting on the contest.
However, Dairy News believes that it’s not the first time there has been a contest for dairy chair, but it is the first time in a very long time.
The Feds’ annual meeting will take place at the Primary Industries NZ (PINZ) Summit in Christchurch on June 24
and 25.
The summit includes the seventh annual Primary Industries NZ Awards, with eight categories.
“With tariff tit-fortat sparking disruption and uncertainty in export markets, more than ever New Zealand needs the primary sector to be innovative and enterprising,” Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland says.
“The PINZ Awards celebrate our primary industry movers and shakers – the science and food production teams delivering a market edge for our exported goods, the leaders who go the extra mile.”
Karl Dean
Philip Sherwood SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
From sharemilker to matchmaker
SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
WAIKATO SHARE-
MILKER Matthew Zonderop had no inkling that one day he would become a matchmaker for cows.
Using artificial intelligence and publicly available data, Zonderop has set up Perfect Cow Breeding Solutions –which he describes as “a Tinder for cows”.
PCBS is a herd management system that combines genomic insights, herd test data, and advanced AI to deliver tailored breeding recommendations and optimise herd efficiency for farmers. It can matchmake a bull to each cow in Zonderop’s 400-strong herd in 37 seconds. Zonderop is a finalist in the National Fieldays Innovation Awards – in the ‘Early Stage Award’ category.
He told Dairy News that some friends persuaded him into entering the awards after watching how he’s using AI to find the right bull for his cows.
“They told me that this product is worth entering for the awards and that I’m a disrupter now.
“This is really a disrupter because I’ve put a lot more effort than just putting everything on a spreadsheet: I’ve honed
Waikato sharemilker
Matthew Zonderop has set up a business he describes as “a Tinder for cows”.
it down and fine-tuned it into a really good product.”
For Zonderop it all began around 10.30pm –on a weekend off – two years ago, when he was planning mating for his herd using spreadsheets.
“I had one spreadsheet with like five workbooks, and I was linking all the workbooks together –this is three weeks out the start of mating. I made an error at 10.30 in the night on my weekend off; with your eyes
DEBATING WITH PEERS
AT THE Fieldays this week, Matthew Zonderop expects some interesting discussions with his peers.
He admits that not every farmer thinks the same when it comes to mating their herds. Zonderop’s company focuses on breeding worth (BW).
“Everybody’s got different breeding goals,” he says.
“I know a lot of people aren’t in favour of the BW system. But that’s okay.
“It doesn’t reflect anything on the
“I had heard about
farmer or his herd or his method of farming. He just has different objectives.
“But we can still help those farmers achieve those breeding goals, because the data that we’re accessing, thanks to the fantastic industry that we’re in, is publicly available.
“And we’ve got such fantastic breeders at the top end of the scale who are delivering incredible animals that are not all BW focused, they focus on other components.”
ChatGPT and decided to play around with it. I copied the code into ChatGPT, and it’s very humanised, and it told me that I had made a simple spelling mistake, and that it was easy to make such a mistake at that time of the night.”
Zonderop says he then decided to upload the spreadsheets on ChatGPT for fun and typed in a few commands he used on spreadsheets. AI instantly found him the best bulls for each cow, and he was hooked. The programme is costing him US$20/month.
“Then I thought, hang on a minute if I can do this for my herd, I can do this for anyone. I spoke to a mate of mine and he was amazed with what I had done.
“I got it well-honed down for our herd, so I use it on our herd this year and the expected results are very good in terms breeding worth (BW) and production worth (PW).
“And all the industry professionals that I have spoken to about have gone, ‘yeah, this blows us out of the water’.”
Zonderop points out that he’s using publicly available data and there are no legal or copyright issues to worry about.
He claims that he’s doing the same thing as herd improvement companies “but this is on
steroids because I can input a lot more data into that”.
“I can do across the entire spectrum of a cow breeding value, and the bull breeding value. So literally, it’s Tinder for cows.
“For example, I can ask that I would like a bull, who’s going to give my cows big udder conformation, but I want those big udders to have nice teat placements, I can do that.
“I also want to have a low somatic cell count, I can grab that, I can give them a wider rump angle, I can do all of that and hone it down into a specific group of bulls, but without compromising the BW gain. So, essentially, what we’re doing is improving on traits, or enhancing on traits.
“So, if you’ve got a cow - one of your better cows - we can improve on her traits dramatically, but if you’ve got your average cows, we can continue enhancing that.
“Things like her shed temperament, for example, could be really high, and she’s placid, nice, easy cow, no fuss, never gets mastitis, so they’re the ones you want to keep, right, so we can enhance that bottom quartile; building those up, so you’ve got an efficient herd along the way, without forgetting the ones at the top.”
glazed over at that time of the night, it was just a simple spelling mistake, and obviously, that broke
the link.
Dairy’s tariff dilemma
agreements, would be in excess of 100%,” he says.
NEW ZEALAND’S top trade official has told dairy farmers that their sector faces the most trade barriers internationally.
Vangelis Vitalis, the deputy secretary for trade, told the DairyNZ Farmers Forum in Hamilton last month that the average agricultural tariff now is about 24%. However, the average tariff for dairy is more than 47%. He points out that the situation would have been worse if NZ didn’t have free trade deals in place in key export markets.
“And the tariff equivalent in a number of the big markets that we export to, if we didn’t have free trade
“So, the European Union, luckily, we’ve got an FTA, but the European Union tariff equivalent would have been 132%.
“With Japan, we also have a trade agreement through CPTPP, but the tariff equivalent there, if we didn’t have the FTA, is 180%.
“These are colossal figures, and there’s no sign of them coming down unless you’ve got these free trade agreements in place. Thats how we’re trying to manage, push down, give us some resilience, and give us some options.”
According to Vitalis, it’s not just the tariffs that are the problem for dairy exporters. It’s also the subsidies that other countries provide from
taxpayer money to support their own farmers.
Back in 1995, two major economies— the US and the EU— accounted for about 78% of all subsidies. At the time, estimates suggested this lowered global prices
by up to 7%.
Vitalis points out that in 2024, four economies—the US, European Union, China, and India—accounted for 80% of all international subsidies that distort prices.
“And the distortion—the lowering of prices—was about 14%. So, you’re getting lower prices because these four economies are subsidising their farmers to produce product that gets sold more cheaply, not at the market rate, but subsidised, and therefore depresses your prices.”
Vitalis says these subsidies can only be negotiated at the World Trade Organisation, which itself is facing challenges.
“But it is one of the places we do need to focus our attention on and not forget about. Tariffs are one thing. Tariffs, at least, are transparent. But the subsidies, those are the really challenging ones, and those are making a much greater impact on your bottom line as farmers.”
ENVIRONMENT FOCUS
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES are now an integral part of free trade deals.
In 2018, the World Trade Organisation estimated there were just under 1,000 new environmental measures affecting trade.
Vangelis Vitalis says in 2023, more than 3,200 new measures were imposed for environmental reasons that impact trade.
“And the environment does matter. And it matters in a way that we need to understand the trade agreements that we’re negotiating. It’s important to remember we negotiate these trade agreements, but they don’t stand still. They get reviewed.”
He noted that in three years, NZ will be reviewing the FTA with Britain- where dairy access will be tarifffree within three years. In five years, the EU FTA comes up for renewal. Vitalis expects more questions around the environment.
Vitalis estimates that 85% of the questions that they were asked by British MPs during the ratification of the FTA were about food miles. In the EU, there were seven separate hearings, and of the nearly 900 questions that they were asked, 92% of those were either about the environment or sustainability.
“I do not think that in three and five years time, when these agreements come up for renewal, there will be fewer questions about the environment and about sustainability. “
Vangelis Vitalis says the average tariff for dairy is nearly double the average agricultural tariff.
Dairy conversions put into context
as of May 27.
THE REPORTED surge in interest in dairy conversions should be put into the context of falling overall cow numbers and improving environmental performance, says DairyNZ.
The surge has apparently been prompted by the bumper $10/kgMS payout and the window of opportunity afforded by the recent repeal of the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater animal intensification regulations.
Although not confined to Canterbury, the surge has been confirmed by Environment Canterbury which has issued five effluent discharge permits for new dairy conversions since the start of the year and had another two under consideration
DairyNZ says it supports inquiry about sustainable dairy growth within environmental limits and local catchment context and based on the highest standards of farm management and animal care.
“We are aware of some dairy conversion inquiries occurring, within the wider context of 20 years of environmental improvements and an appreciation of the significance of dairy to the New Zealand economy,” said DairyNZ general manager farm solutions & policy Dr David Burger.
“We understand that these conversions are happening with strict consenting controls in place as set by each regional council,” he told Dairy News.
Burger said market signals were strong for
pasture-based, sustainably produced milk – which provides opportunity for the sector to continue leading with solutions and science to solve and stay ahead of environmental challenges.
But looking at the “big picture,” Burger noted that over the past decade, land in dairy has reduced by about 40,000 hect-
ares and the number of dairy cows and herds has decreased, from 11,970 herds and 5 million cows in 2014/15 to 10,485 and 4.7 million cows in 2023/24.
During that time, average milksolids per cow increased from 377 to 400kgMS, and overall total milksolids produced each year has held relatively steady at around
RAIN OR SHINE...
1.8b.
“It is important to note that we farm differently to how we did previously, with significant investments in science and research underpinning improved environmental performance,” said Burger.
Examples include:
■ Dairy has significantly reduced its on-farm nitrogen footprint
across several catchments (e.g. Selwyn Hinds, down 25%) and modelling also shows a significant reduction in N load across the region based on Overseer modelling.
■ 84% of dairy farms are implementing and reporting under a farm environment plan, compared to 32% in 2021.
■ Significantly more nitrogen (+45%) and phosphorus (+98%) would have entered rivers from dairyfarmed land between 1995 and 2015 if farmers had not adopted better practises.
■ Data from the Fertiliser Association shows a 22% decrease in synthetic nitrogen use from 2020 to 2023.
■ Methane emissions from dairy cattle have decreased by 4.1%
since 2017. The Plantain Potency and Practice programme led by DairyNZ has measured an average reduction in nitrogen leaching of 26% over four years at Massey University and 23% over two years at Lincoln University from ryegrass/clover-based pastures with 20-30% plantain compared with standard ryegrass/clover pasture.
Dairy farming is a good career and business proposition, says Burger.
“Those who enter understand the importance of meeting all necessary consents and we work to support them with sciencebased solutions and advocate on their behalf for government policies that are practical and enduring, so farmers have confidence and certainty.”
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NIGEL MALTHUS
Dr David Burger, DairyNZ
Govt moots radical changes to rectify ‘a broken RMA’
DAIRY FARMERS are set
to benefit from the radical sweeping changes the Government is planning to make to the regulations that form part of the Resource Management Act (RMA).
The focus is on three packages: infrastructure and development, the primary sector and freshwater – and there’s widespread support across the sector for these moves.
The changes, which are out for consultation for the next two months, will see many of the rules that have irked farmers and growers removed or severely modified to give them certainty, clarity and provide a commonsense pathway for managing the environment.
According to the Minister for RMA reform, Chris Bishop, the planning system is broken and is a handbrake on the economic growth and the cause of many challenges across the economy.
“The RMA as it stands embeds a culture of ‘no’, and as a country we have to say yes more, and reforming the RMA is a key part of this puzzle,” he says.
The proposals would include seeing changes to the National Policy State-
ment for Freshwater, with regional councils given greater flexibility to balance environmental goals with economic impacts and allow longer timeframes to reach targets where needed, but within strict national guidelines. The changes would also see the removal of unnecessary consents for practices such as crop rotation and enable commercial domestic vegetable growing, and support long-term water security by enabling water storage.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay describes the changes as a key step
toward, restoring balance in how freshwater is managed across the country and ensuring the interests of all water users, including farmers, growers and rural communities, are properly reflected.
“We’re putting outcomes ahead of process and backing rural New Zealand to be part of the solution. Farmers aren’t asking for a free pass, they are asking for a fair go,” he says.
Clearly in the cross hairs of the Government is the existing concept of Te Mana o Te Wai (the
health and wellbeing of water) which places the need for pristine water overriding economic and other considerations.
The proposed changes would see the pre-eminence of Te Mana o Te Wai reduced and there is even a hint that it could be scrapped altogether. Such a change would mean, among other things, the removal of stock exclusion regulation for sheep, beef and deer.
The Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard says the current system’s
Te Mana o Te Wai has caused frustration across rural New Zealand, with some councils applying it in a way that sidelines the very people working to improve water outcomes.
“We won’t stand by while councils weaponise Te Mana o te Wai, to push ideology over common sense. It must reflect the importance of freshwater to all New Zealanders,” he says
Hoggard says the old system was a one size fits all approach, which doesn’t work. He says the system needs to be flexible and deal sensibly with local conditions. But at the same time, the new national standards being proposed will put something of a handbrake on councils both – district and regional.
“Councils will not be able to run around and say you need to have consent for anything and everything because they will have to abide by the national standards and their role will just be to monitor what farmers do,” he says.
Hoggard says the changes will provide more certainty and confidence for farmers and also give banks confidence that they can loan for a decent time and allow farmers to make those investments.
“That will be of huge benefit,” he says.
CURRENT RULES ‘UNWORKABLE’
DAIRYNZ SAYS they welcome the chance to shape a hugely important policy for farmers and will be seeking farmers’ views to inform their feedback to the Government in the next two months.
In a statement, DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown and chief executive Campbell Parker say the current rules are impractical and unworkable, and welcome the commitment towards a more balanced and inclusive approach. They say the rules should be focused on delivering on outcomes, not just input controls, and aimed at specific ecosystem and human health outcomes, not just numerical targets, to best deliver on catchment objectives.
“Catchment groups have demonstrated success in delivering on-the-ground environmental improvements and sharing the actions farmers can take, and we support them. We’re working with scientists from dairy companies and regional councils to ensure we reduce complexity and unrealistic compliance burdens,” they say.
Brown and Campbell say they believe in sciencebased regulation which is practical and enduring and delivers on outcomes.
They say farmers need certainty about the rules and clear, measurable outcomes.
Federated Farmers says it applauds the proposed changes and says the previous government’s freshwater rules were completely unworkable for farmers and that the changes herald steps towards a more sensible national direction to local authorities.
Feds spokesperson Colin Hurst says they particularly welcome the news that government wants a more balanced approach to Te Mana o Te Wai.
“That concept, as pursued by the previous government, has been unworkable and highly problematic. It was unclear how councils should interpret and apply what was a vague concept of protecting the mana and mauri of water under Labour’s rules, and what that might mean for our farms and rural communities,” he says.
Hurst says under Te Mana o te Wai, the health and wellbeing of water is put ahead of all other considerations, including human health, and social, cultural and economic wellbeing.
“That seems wildly imbalanced. The Government’s announcements recognise such a strict hierarchy is flawed,” he says.
Andrew Hoggard says the RMA changes will provide more certainty and confidence for farmers.
GEA’s DairyRobot makes NZ debut
NEW ZEALAND farmers
get their first opportunity to experience the future of pasture-based dairy automation in action this week at the National Fieldays.
GEA Farm Technologies’ DairyRobot milking system combines highperformance automation with traditional dairy farming practices and makes its debut at the Fieldays.
A demonstration unit has been specially shipped to New Zealand for the event, alongside a virtual reality experience that allows farmers to explore the system in both voluntary and batch milking environments.
Craig Lowry, head of sales & service, GEA Farm Technologies NZ says DairyRobot is now available in New Zealand and combines high-performance automation
“You really need to see it to fully understand the difference this system could make to your milking routine.”
with traditional dairy farming practices.
Designed specifically for Kiwi conditions, the system supports both batch and voluntary milking systems. Offering flexibility, efficiency, and control. With a compact footprint, it can be retrofitted into existing infrastructure with minimal disruption, he says.
“You really need to see it to fully understand
“We really liked the idea of a pit and the ability to manually put cups on a cow. We can go in behind the cow safely, press a button, and manually put the cups on if we have to,” says Krichauff.
Designed specifically for Kiwi conditions, the DairyRobot system supports both batch and voluntary milking systems.
the difference this system could make to your milking routine. It is fast, efficient and clean, creating a more sustainable milking system for your farm,” says Lowry.
The DairyRobot also provides easy access behind the cow at any
time, allowing farmers to manually cup, check, treat or dry off cows.
At the core of the DairyRobot is GEA’s InLiner Everything technology, which completes every step of the milking process, including stimulation, cleaning, milking,
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teat spraying, and rinsing, all in one seamless cup attachment.
The system also offers individual quarter milking, somatic cell count management, and realtime data collection, giving farmers better visibility and control over
herd health and productivity.
Australian dairy farmer Michael Krichauff, who milks 210 cows at Three Bridges Robotic Dairy in South Australia, has been using GEA’s R9500 voluntary system with three robot boxes.
through winter and into next season ready to perform at their peak!
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“Aside from some pipework and a little concreting, we managed to use all our existing facilities. A highlight with GEA was the option of multisized cows in the one box – we’ve got three different sizes we can use.
“The ability to manage cell count with individual quarter management is far better than anything I’ve seen elsewhere. And GEA was the only provider that offered a good herd testing system. We just plug it in, press ‘herd test,’ go home for the night, and the next day all the samples are ready to go.”
Kiwi virtual fencing technology set for growth across the ditch
MORE AUSTRALIAN
states are embracing virtual fencing technology, opening growth opportunities for Kiwi companies like Halter.
The company, a leader in NZ virtual fencing and herding technology company, says it sees a significant opportunity for growth.
In recent months there’s been a trend of announcements from state governments in Australia announcing a change to regulations to embrace virtual fencing as soon as possible. From South Australia in February, to New South Wales in April, and now Victoria in May – these states have historically prohibited vir-
TRIALS TO CONTINUE
THE VICTORIAN government’s decision follows engagement with industry, manufacturers, and researchers on virtual fencing to understand the animal welfare impacts of the technology that will create better and more efficient farms. This includes a trial of Halter virtual fencing technology at Agriculture Victoria’s Ellinbank SmartFarm in Gippsland.
Since July 2024, dairy cattle at the SmartFarm have been fitted with solar powered smart collars that use electronic cues to contain animals within a virtual fence and guide them to areas of the farm via a mobile phone app. It also allows farmers to monitor their cows’ location, health and reproductive status.
The Victorian government will continue conducting research until June 30 – giving Victorian farmers the chance to experience first-hand this new technology close to home. Further engagement will occur with relevant stakeholders, including animal welfare groups with the regulations to be finalised by the end of the year.
tual fencing of cattle but are now embracing this modern technology. Virtual fencing technology has already been widely adopted by farmers in other states of Australia including Tasmania,
the state’s dairy herd.
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“These state governments have responded to a groundswell of demand from farmers calling out for this technology and the increased productivity it unlocks,” Halter spokesman Charlie Baker says.
NSW, Victoria, and South Australia are states with significant dairy and beef industries, collectively with 12 million cattle - more than New Zealand’s herd (10 million) - so this presents a major growth opportunity for Halter. For example, Victoria is the heartland of dairy farming in Australia, producing twothirds of national milk production.
“We’re excited to see a surge in demand from farmers for Halter in these states off the back of these announcements,
and we’re looking forward to supporting farmers in these states. We’re starting a hiring spree for roles in these states,” Baker says.
Halter was pioneered in New Zealand and has supported hundreds of Kiwi farmers to run more productive, efficient and more sustainable farms. It is now New Zealand’s fastest growing company - recognised by the Deloitte Fast50 index - a reflection of the significant demand for Halter throughout NZ, Australia, and the US.
“New Zealand can be proud of this announcement with hundreds of Kiwi farmers blazing a trail with virtual fencing for years – these farmers have been such an influential reference for change in Australia,” Baker says.
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Queensland and Western Australia, as well as throughout New Zealand and the US. Halter’s technology
is used by dairy and beef farmers throughout Australia, New Zealand and the US. In Tasmania, Halter is used by 25% of
Halter’s technology is used by dairy and beef farmers throughout Australia, New Zealand and the US.
DairyNZ revamps workplace tool
SUPPORTING FARMERS to build great workplaces is a focus for DairyNZ, which is why they say they have relaunched the self-assessment tool, Workplace 360.
The fresh, streamlined design and content is said to make it easier for dairy farmers to assess and improve their workplace practices.
DairyNZ says the tool helps farmers reflect on their current people management and health and safety approaches, identify strengths and gaps, learn what good looks like, and take meaningful action to build thriving farm workplaces.
DairyNZ senior people specialist Jane Muir says the updated Workplace 360 is about giving farmers more control and clarity.
into selected topics that the farmer themselves chooses.
Farmers receive a customised report highlighting what’s working well, areas to improve, and links to practical tools to support change.
The Workplace 360 tool is part of
DairyNZ’s Increasing Workplace Productivity programme, which is focused on research that highlights great practices, approaches, and technology that increase productivity and profitability whilst improving job conditions for all people on farm.
is not just a checklist, but a resource that encourages learning, reflection and action,” says Muir.
“It’s about supporting farmers to be proud of their workplaces – for themselves, their teams, and the future of the sector.”
Fonterra suppliers can also use Workplace 360 to meet the requirements of the Co-operative Difference programme, with the option to share assessment completion with the cooperative.
“The redesigned Workplace 360 delivers an improved experience and focuses on learning rather than compliance. Whether you have a team or run a solo operation, Workplace 360
“We know farmers want practical, straightforward tools to help them create better workplaces,” says Muir.
guides you through best practice and helps you stay on top of employment and health and safety responsibilities.”
The assessment takes around 25–30 minutes and features two sections: a checklist of critical workplace practices, followed by a deeper exploration
It is just one of the initiatives
DairyNZ says it is undertaking to support the dairy workforce to deliver great people in great jobs in great workplaces.
“We’ve built this tool with farmer testing and have made sure the tool
Workplace 360 is an online tool that can be completed at any time; however, it is recommend farmers complete it at least one week prior to their Co-operative Difference audit.
Workplace 360 is free to use and available now at dairynz.co.nz/workplace360
FALL ARMYWORM BEATS THE COLD
MAIZE AND sweetcorn pest fall armyworm has defied initial assessments regarding its ability to survive over winter in some parts of New Zealand.
First detected in March 2022, it has persisted in warmer parts of New Zealand ever since.
While its ability to overwinter in Northland was anticipated, consistent populations on the West Coast of the South Island have surprised researchers.
Lincoln AgResearch scientist Craig Phillips says that while fall armyworm (FAW) is a tropical species, it is surprisingly cold hardy.
“It is easy to forget that continental places like Florida and the southern United States can get much colder in winter than many parts of New Zealand. It is that intense cold in mid-winter, even in tropical areas, that kills FAW.”
In contrast, New Zealand has a temperate, oceanic climate. “So, it survives here fairly easily.”
Phillips told a May FAW research workshop, which brought together scientists working on a range of projects involving the pest, that an isotherm distribution model indicates FAW can overwinter where the mean annual temperature doesn’t drop below 10degC.
Modelling shows that the further south, and the
further inland, the less likely FAW can survive year-round. As New Zealand gets warmer, FAW’s year-round distribution will move southwards, inland, and to higher altitude areas.
Anomalies include the Grey Valley and some other parts of Westland where FAW has been found regularly, despite modelling suggesting it shouldn’t survive yearround.
“It may be climate change and unmeasured microclimates as we have few New Zealand records of FAW during winter.”
Lincoln AgResearch scientist Scott Hardwick says that over the last three years there have been consistent populations of FAW in Westland throughout the growing season.
“There is definitely overwintering there; either that or there is a constant flow into that region and I don’t think that is the case.
“However, as it is not as warm as more northern regions, larvae are not growing as quickly, only getting to two generations over the growing season, with potentially a third generation lasting over winter.”
Tasman is also an interesting case, with moderate infestations throughout the growing season. Infestation of FAW starts early in the season and is ongoing. The region grows a limited amount of sweet-
corn, along with maize for the dairy platform and for grain.
In Northland in the 2024-25 season, FAW likely reached four generations, the most since it was first detected. As well as early season FAW damage to young sweetcorn and maize crops, requiring replanting in some cases, late finishing grain crops were also impacted.
In Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki there were few reports of crops being impacted. Gisborne recorded significant
damage to late finishing sweetcorn.
More research is needed on FAW’s dispersal and on its overwintering hosts, Hardwick says.
As there is little or no maize or sweetcorn during winter in most parts of New Zealand, apart from volunteer plants, FAW may feed on other C4 grasses but has a wide host range.
On the West Coast, some farmers are growing fodder maize over winter; high densities of maize which are grazed while still a young plant. This is
likely to assist with overwintering of FAW, Scott Hardwick says.
FAR biosecurity officer Ash Mills says volunteer maize and sweetcorn plants hosting FAW larvae are being observed across New Zealand. These plants could act as a “green bridge” and support a FAW population through the cooler season into the next growing period in spring.
“Keep being observant. Please reach out with any FAW reports and speak with your local advisor if you need any assistance,” he says.
The Workplace 360 tool is part of DairyNZ’s increasing workplace productivity programme.
Maize and sweetcorn pest, fall armyworm.
Time to flip the levy-payer industry-good body model
INDUSTRY
GOOD
organisations have long played a key role in supporting New Zealand’s primary industries.
For decades, they’ve delivered research, promoted best practices, and advocated on behalf of producers. But the operating environment has changed — sharply. And the way we fund these organisations needs to change with it.
Today’s farmers and growers face a very different landscape than even a generation ago. Farming has become more commercial, more corporate, and more
“The rise of integrated corporates has rendered many industrygood functions obsolete.”
self-sufficient. Many services once provided by industry good organisations — technical advice, compliance tools, policy updates, or market intelligence — are now delivered in-house by large agribusinesses or directly by marketing companies to their suppliers.
With professional
staff, digital tools, and vertically integrated supply chains, corporate and contract-based producers have far less reliance on industry good organisations.
At the same time, smaller producers — who are expected to pay the same compulsory levies— often already receive similar services from their packhouses, cooperatives, or marketing groups. These businesses provide technical support, updates on regulatory changes, benchmarking data, and even R&D access. For many, the value from industry good bodies has become marginal — if not redundant.
Corporate evolution, diminished need
The rise of integrated corporates has rendered many industry good functions obsolete. When your operation has its own R&D unit, compliance team, or market development capability, you don’t need a central body duplicating that work.
Yet the funding model hasn’t adapted — every producer, regardless of size or circumstance, is still expected to fund these organisations through compulsory
levies.
This creates an imbalance. Large players benefit from scale and internal capacity while still drawing on industry good outputs. Meanwhile, smaller producers — with fewer resources and less influence — effectively cross-subsidise them. It’s outdated, inequitable, and no longer aligned with how modern agribusiness actually operates.
The value question
There’s also a broader cultural shift underway. Today’s producers, like all business owners, are focused on value. They want a clear return on investment, especially in the current tough economic times. More are asking tough but fair questions: Does this organisation represent me? Is it adding value I can’t get elsewhere? Is it agile enough to deal with the next policy shift, technology disruption, or market swing?
Too often, the answers are unclear. If the answer is genuinely yes — if the organisation delivers high-impact industry services or collective benefits that can’t be done elsewhere — then there may still be a case for partial levy funding for that work. But the rest should be up for scrutiny.
KPMG and AGMARDT, in their 2023 think piece Are Industry Good Organisations Good for Industry? noted that:
“The need to demonstrate value is more immediate for voluntary membership organisations, requiring a constant display of value to ensure members renew their annual subscription... In market conditions where profitability is uncertain, membership bodies face a disadvantage compared to CLA levy-funded bodies, as they are often viewed as a discretionary expense.”
That’s the point. The levy-funded model shelters organisations from the reality every
other service provider faces: prove your value or lose support.
From entitlement to earned support
The solution isn’t to scrap industry good organisations. It’s to make them earn their place. That means shifting from levy entitlement to voluntary membership — where producers choose to support what works and walk away from what doesn’t.
A voluntary model puts the power where it belongs: with the producers. If an organisation is delivering real value, it will attract support. If not, it won’t. That’s fair. That’s transparent. And that’s how nearly every other service provider operates. Voluntary support would drive better engagement, clearer communication, and sharper priorities. Organisations would need to define their niche, avoid duplication, and prove their relevance year after year. That’s not a risk—it’s a reset. And it would lead to better-performing, leaner, and more effective institutions. The case for change is clear
Compulsory levies may have made sense in the past. But in 2025, they’ve become a crutch—propping up legacy structures that no longer reflect how the industry works. In a modern, commercially driven sector where producers have options and expect value, industry good organisations must adapt.
It’s time to flip the model. Let these organisations stand on their own feet. Let them compete for support, not assume it. That’s how we’ll get industry good organisations that are truly fit for purpose. Not because they were mandated — but because producers chose them.
• Mike Chapman is a former chief executive of HortNZ.
MIKE CHAPMAN
Mike Chapman believes the way industry-good organisations are funded must change.
Biosecurity, climate top priorities for agri leaders
BIOSECURITY REMAINS
the top priority for agribusiness leaders, according to KPMG’s 2025 Agribusiness Agenda released last week.
For the 15th year running, agribusiness leaders continue to view world-class biosecurity as the cornerstone of New Zealand’s agrifood reputation, particularly considering the incursions experienced in the last 12 months.
The leaders want ongoing investment and innovation in biosecurity systems to protect the sector’s long-term viability.
Now in its 16th year, the Agribusiness Agenda, titled ‘Turning talk into tasks’, draws on insights from almost 200 industry leaders, including farmers, growers, innovators,
sustainability professionals, and emerging voices. It lists the top 10 priorities for leaders.
Ian Proudfoot, KPMG global head of agribusiness, says this year’s report is intended to be a provocation to the food and fibre sector around imagining what its potential could be in the future.
“We’re asking leaders to be brave, to be curious, and to act.
“The challenges we face are complex, but complex challenges unlock significant opportunities. If we lean in together, we can shape a future that’s not just resilient but thriving.”
Climate resilience is back in focus and was the second top priority. After slipping in priority last year, the survey priority
related to climate resilience has seen its score increase by over 40% this year.
Proudfoot says lead-
ers are increasingly aware that climate volatility is not a future risk, it’s a present reality.
“There is a clear mes-
sage that now is not the time to pull back on our climate commitments as they are important to our most important customers around the world. However, the Agenda notes that difficult conversations around managed retreat and farm system transitions remain under-addressed.”
People and workforce is third and feature a range of people related topics - immigration settings, migrant worker protections and sector career opportunitieswhich has not been the case in recent years.
Proudfoot says the report highlights the urgent need to attract, retain, and support talent across the value chain, from on-farm roles to high-tech innovation, with a key focus on
ensuring that we retain a fit for purpose on the job training system.
Trade and supply chain resilience are critical for leaders.
With global markets in flux, leaders are prioritising the signing of highquality trade agreements and the development of resilient, diversified supply chains. The report notes growing interest in ASEAN and India, alongside a need to better align product offerings with evolving consumer expectations.
Innovation is essential—but adoption is lagging, the report says.
While AI, biotechnology, and digital tools are seen as vital to future competitiveness, adoption remains patchy.
Leaders cite poor data quality, integration chal-
lenges of technologies into farming systems, and unclear ROI as key barriers.
The report calls for a national food and fibre data exchange to unlock value and accelerate innovation.
Food security, sustainability, rising costs and Maori agribusiness round up the top priorities.
Proudfoot says the Agenda is a call to action.
“We’re at a crossroads; doing what we’ve always done is no longer enough. The future belongs to those who ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and act with purpose. Curiosity isn’t just a mindset—it’s a leadership imperative for the decades ahead,” says Proudfoot.
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FREE LABOUR, $5000 UP FOR GRABS
RABOBANK IS launching the 2025 Rabobank Good Deeds Competition, giving rural community groups across New Zealand a chance to win a day’s labour support and $5,000 in funding for their nominated community project.
The competition has been running annually since 2017 and aims to support and celebrate the incredible efforts of rural communities in enhancing their local areas.
“Whether it’s a community garden, a local sports facility, or an
environmental project, Rabobank wants to hear about the initiatives making a difference in rural New Zealand,” Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir says.
Entries for the competition are open throughout June, and community groups are encouraged to submit their projects for consideration. The winning group will receive a dedicated day of hands-on support from Rabobank employees as well as$5,000 to help bring their project to life.
The $5,000 of funding for the win-
ning project will be drawn from the Rabo Community Fund – a fund set up by Rabobank in 2021 and backed by an annual contribution from the Rabobank Group.
Weir says Rabobank was thrilled to continue its support for rural communities through the Good Deeds Competition.
“Rural community projects play a vital role in strengthening rural areas, and we look forward to seeing the innovative and impactful initiatives that will be entered this year.”
Weir says around 20 Rabobank staff were generally lined up to attend the labour days supporting the winning project, and they were fantastic community events.
“I’ve been lucky enough to attend several of these labour days since the inception of the competition, and the local teams always roll up their sleeves and really get stuck in,” he says.
“We encourage local community members to attend these events too, and the winning community group
has often been amazed at how much progress is made on the day towards the completion of the project.”
Recent competition winners include the Te Mata Tennis Club (2024), Beaconsfield School in South Canterbury (2023), and the Te Ranga School Bush Classroom in the Bay of Plenty (2022).
To enter the competition, visit the competition home page and complete the online application form. The winning project will be announced live in early July.
SOFT UNDERFOOT STRONG OVERHEAD
Ian Proudfoot, KPMG global head of agribusiness.
King’s Honour stuff
THE RELEASE of the King’s Birthday Honours list would normally be Milking It’s cue to moan about how agriculture, the backbone of the economy, had again been overlooked. However, this time ag got a lookin, which makes a nice change. Among the ‘gonged’ is Professor Alison Stewart, current CEO of FAR, who was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit – for services to plant science and arable. Congrats also to Peter Nation, former Fieldays CEO for getting an ONZM. Mr Nation would have been surprised if he read Stuff’s latest excuse for a farming rag though, which quoted him liberally as “Fieldays CEO” – a job he vacated 6 months ago! Shows how much of a stuff Stuff gives about farming!
Tough trade
KNOWN FOR serious trade negotiations with global politicians, top NZ trade official Vangelis Vitalis also knows how to crack jokes. He told this one at the recent DairyNZ Farmers Forum in Hamilton: A farmer found a bottle and he polished it and out pops a genie and says, “You’ve got two wishes”. The farmer asks, “don’t you normally give three”. Yeah, but budget cuts, genie replies. So, the farmer answers, “Um, what I’d really like is, I don’t like flying, and I’d like to have a motorway built all the way from New Zealand, all the way to Hawaii. The genie looks at him and says, “Look, that’s just impossible - so ridiculously impossible. What’s the second wish?”
The farmer says, “oh, okay. I’d like someone to explain to me international trade policy. And the genie looks at him and says, “Um, about that motorway, two lanes or four?”
Fieldays goes urban
ONCE UPON a time the Fieldays were for real farmers, salt of the earth, people who thrived on hard yakka.
There were rural ‘games’ in the form of the tractor pull but the organisers never went the way of the Irish and incorporated ploughing into the event. In the early days the sites were very much rural but over the years this has changed.
Now, the cry of the urbanites and life sentence block owners has been answered with the news this year there’ll be lawn mower racing.
Is this the start of an era which will see the return of sack races – the perfect event for the ‘city suit types’ to get their designer gear tucked into a dirty sack?
What about egg and spoon races, three-legged races and so on? Maybe guess how many jellybeans in the jar. For the hardy rural types, lawnmower racing and what might follow seems a far cry from the original concept of field days. The times are a changin’!
Misguided campaign
LAST WEEK, Greenpeace lit up Fonterra’s Auckland headquarters with ‘messages from the common people’ –that the sector is polluting the environment.
And probably eager to claim that people involved in the dairy sector support their misguided campaign, Greenpeace roped in a mythical ‘Gail’.
A Greenpeace statement said that these messages included that of ‘Gail’, who apparently said “With a dairy farm background I feel sad our dairy industry continues to pollute”.
Is that the best Greenpeace could muster, someone claiming ‘a dairy farm background’!
And just for the record, Fonterra farmers are one of the most environmentally efficient in the world.
EDITORIAL
Sense at last
FOR THE first time in many years, a commonsense approach is emerging to balance environmental issues with the need for the nation’s primary producers to be able to operate effectively.
Nationals’ announcement of proposed changes to regulations in the RMA, especially around freshwater management, is spot-on. For too long the primary sector has been hobbled by a plethora of impractical, ideological-driven rules that have impeded economic growth in the primary sector. Farmers have had to live in a world of unnecessary complexity and uncertainty.
Forget the weeping and wailing of the watermelon party – also known as the Greens – and some of the cries of concern from others; this move will give a muchneeded balanced approach to how the rural sector operates. Chris Bishop is on the money when he says the present RMA is broken and has embedded in it a culture of ‘no’. The changes as he sees them are about saying yes more often, sand to grow the economy and wealth of all New Zealanders.
The slogan politics of environmentalist who constantly call dairying ‘dirty’ is pretty rich. They seem to conveniently forget that beaches in some of our major cities are often closed off because of pollution from sewage or from stormwater. What about the mussel farms at Mahurangi – just out of Warkworth – severely damaged by urban sewage?
Running a farm, an orchard or growing vegetables is not easy but the task has been made nigh impossible by silly nit-picking rules dreamed up by bureaucrats and politicians, be they at a national or local level. Finally, their days may be numbered and the rules proposed by the coalition will put an end to this.
That is not to say that farmers will be off the hook – they will still have to meet strict rules to protect the environment. But the emphasis will be on clearly defined outcomes.
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Why agri-tech sector needs more women
WHEN WE talk about the future of farming, we often focus on the tools –automation, sensors, satellite data, digital models. But we rarely talk about the people shaping that future. And more importantly, who might be missing from the room.
As someone working in agri-tech, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these tools can be.
I’m a senior digital product lead, helping to design and deliver technology that supports smarter, more sustainable decision-making on farm. But I didn’t grow up on a farm. I don’t come from a traditional agricultural background.
And I’m a woman –working in an industry that, like much of tech and agriculture, is still dominated by men.
That’s starting to change, but not quickly enough.
Both tech and agriculture face persistent diversity challenges. Women remain under-represented, particularly in senior or technical roles. And in agri-tech, where those two worlds collide, the gap can be even more pronounced. We need to rewrite the narrative.
Agri-tech isn’t just about engineering or agronomy. It’s about solving real-world problems; understanding the pressures farmers face and designing solutions that fit into their everyday lives. It’s about bridging technology with empathy – and that’s something women often excel at.
In my experience, women tend to bring a strong sense of emotional intelligence into their work. They listen closely, think about how customers actually use products, and design with purpose. That customer-first mindset is invaluable in an industry where trust and usability are everything. We also need to remember that contribution to agriculture doesn’t have to begin on the land. You can make a meaningful impact in this industry
whether you’re a software developer, UX designer, environmental scientist, behavioural psychologist or strategist. Diverse skills are essential.
My own journey into the sector wasn’t typical, and I think that’s been an asset. It helped me ask different questions, empathise with a range of perspectives, and it’s shown me that non-traditional paths often lead to the most interesting careers.
I’m lucky to work at a company that sees the value in different perspectives and backgrounds.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients has made real progress in opening doors for people from all walks of life – not just in tech, but across the entire business. It’s something I see in action every day, and I’m proud to be part of that shift.
But, as a sector, we still have work to do. Bringing more women into agri-tech isn’t just about getting people in the door; it’s about ensuring they’re heard, supported, and given opportunities to lead. That means challenging assumptions – about what a “good hire” looks like, what kind of experience matters, and who gets to shape the future of farming.
It also means telling more stories: Stories of women thriving in agri-tech. Stories of innovation, impact, and leadership that look different from the status quo.
I’m optimistic though. I’ve seen encouraging signs across the sector: businesses investing in inclusive hiring, leaders actively mentoring women, teams recognising the value of diversity not as a tick-box exercise, but as a competitive advantage.
If we want to build an agri-tech industry that truly reflects the world it serves, we need a wider range of voices at the table. We need to make space for those who’ve never considered agriculture a natural fit, and we need to back them when
they arrive.
Innovation doesn’t come from doing what we’ve always done, it comes from new perspectives, new questions, and new approaches. And I believe more women in
agri-tech means a better, stronger future – for farmers and growers, for our land, and for the industry as a whole.
• Danusia Bathgate is senior digital product lead at Ballance Agri-Nutrients
DANUSIA BATHGATE
Danusia Bathgate, Ballance
Team tactics help produce a new cultivar of ryegrass
IT TAKES a team approach to produce a new cultivar of ryegrass, match-fit to meet the future challenges of pastoral farming.
Plant breeder Richard George leads a team of 13 staff working on the grass breeding pipeline for New Zealand, Australia and some parts of South America at PGG Wrightson Seeds, a member of the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (PBRA).
He says pooling his team’s individual strengths and collaborating helps create better outcomes than working in isolation.
His pathway into plant breeding was typical of
“I’d argue with the changes in legislation and changes in the climate, there’s actually more opportunity than ever for plant breeders to deliver new options for farmers.”
many of his peers. Growing up on dairy, beef and deer farms, he was naturally drawn to the sector.
While studying for his degree in Agricultural Science at Lincoln University, he joined the plant breeding team at Crop-
mark Seeds for a summer internship. After returning for another stint the following summer, he was offered a full-time graduate role in the company’s plant breeding team.
“My interest really grew around what the role was. It ticked my boxes, mainly for its connection to agriculture and genetics but also its career opportunities,” he says.
“I quickly learned that plant breeding connects you from the farmgate right through to applied science, and that really interested me because you’re working in a number of disciplines that you might not get exposed too in other roles.”
Richard was encouraged to return to university to complete further study specialising in plant breeding. He credits his early positive experiences in the forage seed industry, coupled with the encouragement of Dr Rainer Hoffman at Lincoln University and the opportunity at PGG Wrightson Seeds to undertake further study.
Richard completed his PhD with the backing of a scholarship from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, that required him to work alongside industry. The configuration of
the scholarship meant Richard had the opportunity to work alongside mentors and teams at Lincoln University, Crown Research Institute AgResearch and industry sponsor, PGG Wrightson Seeds.
During his final year of study, he accepted an offer to work as a plant breeder at PGG Wrightson Seeds, where he has been for the past 12 years.
Richard continues to receive ongoing mentoring from his local managers but also his global research colleagues in PGG Wrightson Seeds’ parent company, DLF.
He still spends some time working in the field but says managing staff has provided surprising rewards for himself after initially thinking he would focus more on the technical side of plant breeding.
“I have realised that to be effective, you do need a bigger team than just yourself and so it’s developing those skills to manage people, projects and a team, that’s really important,” he says.
“Relationship management is one of the key attributes to make a successful plant breeder along with having a technically competent, but empowered team.”
He says anyone keen on a career as a forage
plant breeder must have strong affinity with agriculture and, in particular, a good understanding of how farm systems work.
“You don’t need a PhD but it can certainly help with career progression in a field underpinned by science.
“For me personally, I think it’s given me a good foundation in genetics and the ability to understand and critique science pipelines and proposals. But you don’t necessarily need to have all these skills yourself, you just need to have a team that does,” he says.
The ability to collaborate is critical he says, especially when it comes to plant breeding strategy and setting goals for what the company will have ready for commercial release in 10-15 years.
“You are crystal ball gazing, so this is where we heavily lean on some of our external partnerships with science providers like AgResearch or Plant & Food, because they can help guide our decision making.”
Plant breeders are always working with many diverse lines of germplasm that could ultimately deliver a new set of cultivars for the farm systems of the future. Eliminating germplasm that fails to perform is all part of the process.
Looking ahead, Richard says the opportunity and motivation is still there to breed and release new cultivars that will create better returns for farmers. “I’d argue with the changes in legislation and changes in the climate, there’s actually more opportunity than ever for plant breeders to deliver new options for farmers,” he says.
“We still need the sort of incremental gain in the performance of our grasses that we’ve been delivering for a long period, but with new tools and technology there’s actually opportunity to do some exciting stuff that we’ve never been able to do before.”
Richard George, a plant breeder with PGG Wrightson Seeds, says breeding new and better cultivars is hugely motivating.
Targeting genetic gains for farmers
NEW ZEALAND’S dairy sector has long been a global leader in productivity and efficiency, but to stay competitive, it’s crucial that the sector keeps pace with advancements in genetic gain.
That’s the challenge being tackled by the Future Focused Animal Evaluation Work Programme, a new initiative led by a Governance Group formed in 2024.
At the helm is independent chair and fifthgeneration dairy farmer Rebecca Keoghan, who brings a practical, futurefocused lens to the work.
Keoghan is chairing a group made up of DairyNZ, its subsidiary NZ Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL), LIC, and CRV.
“These are key players in New Zealand’s animal evaluation system, and we’re working both together and individually to help lift our rates of genetic gain by modernising how we evaluate breeding animals,” she says.
The formation of the group was driven by findings from an independent Industry Working Group (IWG) that found that New Zealand is falling behind international counterparts in adopting genomic technologies to accelerate genetic progress. The IWG recommended a more collaborative, future-proofed approach to ensure the system remains relevant and effective.
“As farmers know, genetics has been a cor-
nerstone of our productivity,” says Keoghan. “But we need tools and information that help farmers keep improving. That means developing a better animal evaluation system, one that is simple, reliable, and built for the future and freely available to all.”
This year, the Governance Group is focusing on three core areas:
• Developing a forward-looking National Breeding Objective (NBO):
“We need to be breeding animals today that will meet the needs of farmers and the sector tomorrow,” says Keoghan. “That requires strong engagement throughout the sector to define what we want our future herd to look like.”
To support this work,
a new – and separate to the Governance Group that Keoghan leads –NBO Committee has been established, comprising DairyNZ, NZAEL, LIC, CRV, Fonterra, genetics experts and farmer representatives. This collaboration is a significant shift in how breeding objective recommendations are formed, bringing some of the sector’s largest players together around the table to help shape the traits that will matter most. It’s a direct response to the IWG’s call for more strategic collaboration.
Following industry consultation, the group’s feedback is fed through to NZAEL as the industry-good body for decision making. The NBO Committee’s task is to help define the traits
that will be in a futurefocused NBO that reflects both farmer needs and emerging sector challenges.
Lactose is expected to be incorporated next, with the potential for additional traits in the future, such as those relating to environmental outcomes and climate adaptability.
“We’ve got the heavy hitters working on this big challenge,” Keoghan says.
• Creating an industry-wide, trusted Breeding Worth (BW): Farmers often face conflicting information when making breeding decisions.
“If you’re at the kitchen table with three pieces of paper and three different BWs, it’s confusing,” she says. The goal
is an industry-wide, consistent BW assessment against the NBO that everyone, farmers, breeders, and sector players, can rely on. It’s a complex job, but the early work suggests it’s achievable.”
• Improving phenotypic data quality: Any successful evaluation model depends on the quality of the data it uses. The group is assessing gaps and exploring how to better capture the performance traits needed to feed future genetic models.
A major shift from past approaches is the level of collaboration.
While DairyNZ, NZAEL, LIC and CRV have always played roles in animal evaluation, this is the first time they’ve all collaborated in a structured way
GOVERNANCE GROUP MEMBERS
FFAE Governance Group members:
Rebecca Keoghan – independent chair (appointed for a two-year term in 2025)
Cam Henderson – DairyNZ deputy chair
Corrigan Sowman – LIC chair
James Smallwood – CRV chief executive
Steve Howse – NZAEL chair
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
NBO Committee Members:
Adrian Young – chair (Canterbury farmer)
Jo Sheridan – farmer representative
Mark Slee – farmer representative
Malcolm Ellis – Fonterra
Peter Van Elzakker – CRV
Ric Sherlock – LIC
Dr. Peter Amer – geneticist, AbacusBio
Dr. Rhiannon Handcock – NZAEL
Dr. Paul Edwards – DairyNZ
to tackle these problems for the sector.
“There’s a real spirit of cooperation,” says Keoghan. “It’s clear no single organisation can solve this on its own. The commitment I’ve seen in the room, from all three partners on the Governance Group, is really encouraging,” she says. Engagement with farmers and stakeholders is also a priority. “We’ve been meeting with Breed Associations, Federated Farmers, and other breeding companies. This isn’t just a technical exercise – it must work for those using the system every day.”
Since taking up the Chair role, Keoghan has led the Future Focused Animal Evaluation Governance Group, set up key technical workstreams, and built strong align-
ment around the project’s milestones and direction.
“Our goal is to have the improved system in place, tested, and operating by the end of 2026.”
“But the work won’t stop there. Genetic improvement is never ‘done’,” Keoghan says. “This programme lays the foundation, but we’ll keep refining and improving beyond the two-year horizon.
Farmers need systems that evolve as fast as the science does.”
With strong leadership, sector-wide collaboration, meaningful stakeholder engagement and a clear vision for the future, the Future Focused Animal Evaluation Work Programme is set to deliver enduring value for New Zealand’s dairy farmers, and the country.
Fifth-generation dairy farmer Rebecca Keoghan is heading a committee targeting genetic gains for farmers.
Keeping cows stress free during transition period
Transition stress
IT’S COMMON to look at reproductive challenges through the lens of the mating season. If cows aren’t cycling, if submission rates are low, or if too many come up empty, most farmers will dig into their mating programme to figure out what went wrong. But reproductive performance starts long before the AB technician shows up or the bull goes out. One of the most overlooked drivers of poor in-calf rates is what happens during the transition period (the three weeks before and after calving).
We always look at the transition period as one of the most metabolically stressful stages of a cow’s lactation. At calving, her demand for calcium spikes, her dry matter intake lags behind her energy requirements, and her immune system is under pressure. Most farmers are familiar with the risks of milk fever and ketosis, but even when cows don’t show obvious signs of trouble, subclinical issues often take a toll on reproductive systems.
A cow dealing with negative energy balance in early lactation will start mobilising fat reserves. This releases
non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) into the bloodstream, which puts pressure on the liver. High NEFA levels are associated with fatty liver and impaired liver function, and that matters because the liver plays a vital role
in hormone metabolism and immune function.
A compromised liver delays uterine recovery and ovulation, as well as affecting milk production. That’s why cows that have a rough transition, even if they don’t show
are undertaken to tighten the calving spread. It’s not just the sick cows
One of the most frustrating things for farmers is when healthy-looking cows fail to get in-calf. No lameness, no milk fever, no mastitis, but they don’t cycle in time, or they keep coming back empty.
signs of metabolic disease, will often cycle late and have a lower chance of holding to first service. Mineral status matters more than you think Trace minerals are another piece of the puzzle. Low selenium and zinc levels impact immune function and uterine repair. Copper is essential for hormone production. If cows calve down with borderline or deficient levels, their ability to clean out, fight infection, and return to cycling is compromised, often without any clear outward signs.
In a seasonal calving system like New Zealand’s, timing is everything. Cows that don’t cycle within the first 30 to 40 days post-calving are unlikely to conceive early. That means fewer first or second-round pregnancies, making for more late-calving cows next season. These issues can just keep flowing on unless drastic measures
The issue is often subclinical. These cows might be running on marginal mineral levels. They may have struggled with mild ketosis or liver stress that didn’t show clinically. If we could look under the bonnet, we would see that their systems aren’t quite firing, and by the time it comes to mating, the window to fix the problem has passed. That’s why a proactive approach to transition is important. It’s not about putting out fires after calving. It’s about setting up every cow, especially those in their first and second lactation, to glide through early lactation without compromising fertility.
Supporting cows with the right mineral plan
A successful transition programme starts with the right pre-calving minerals. A negative DCAD supplement helps cows mobilise calcium efficiently at calving, reducing the risk of subclinical milk fever and supporting metabolic balance. That sets the foundation for
good intake and energy status post-calving. After calving, cows need a mineral blend that supports liver function, maintains trace mineral balance, and aids immune recovery. This helps cows get back on track quickly, reducing the risk of delayed heats and silent ovulation.
It’s also important to keep the programme going for an adequate amount of time. Transition minerals should be in place for at least 21 days pre-calving and continued post-calving through the early stages of lactation. This supports mineral availability during the peak stress window and helps the liver recover from the load of fat mobilisation and hormone cycling. Reproductive gains start earlier than you think When transition is done well, cows bounce back faster, cycle sooner, and hold better to first service.
Good reproductive performance is always a result of multiple factors, but transition is one of the few that you can lock in ahead of time. You don’t need to wait for problems to show up. With the right nutrition plan and the right minerals, you can improve your odds before the season even starts.
• Chris Balemi is Agvance Nutrition founder and managing director.
CHRIS BALEMI
Reproductive performance starts long before the AB technician shows up or the
End in sight for PC1 litigation?
Chris McLay says PC1 is a complex plan change which has been in development for 12 years.
FOLLOWING TWELVE
years of litigation, a conclusion could be in sight of Waikato’s controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1).
The Environment Court has given Waikato Regional Council until 25 July to respond to its interim decision on the plan, which the council has argued would improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipa rivers.
The court has indicated that it will likely reconvene the hearing in September to consider any proposed amendments.
Work on Waikato Plan Change 1 began in 2012 and it was formally notified in 2016.
Waikato Regional Council chief executive
He says council staff will need time to digest the interim decision and address the court’s 35 directions.
“The policies and rules are still not operative, but this interim decision takes the plan change one step closer,” McLay says.
“For farmers and growers, it means there’s no action required right now until a final determination by the court,” he adds.
However, Waikato Federated Farmers president Phil Sherwood says concerns remain.
“Farmers have engaged constructively in the process for over a decade now, but the plan has been stuck in an endless cycle of hearings, appeals and Environment
Court processes,” Sherwood says.
“When it comes to farming rules, Waikato farmers are looking for some certainty, but we
through to farm environmental plan standards.”
He says PC1 would be the most significant change to Waikato farming rules in more than a generation.
“Under these rules, almost all farmers are going to need a farm environment plan and some will now require a resource consent to continue farming.
also need to know rules will be practical, affordable and fair.”
Sherwood says that farmers have been subject to an “incredibly long and
expensive process”.
“We’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs, and countless volunteer hours,” he says.
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“This plan change will have a huge impact on farming families and businesses. It will cover everything from fencing requirements right
“This is largely in line with where national regulation has been heading for a while now and some farmers will already have a farm plan of some description in place.
“Our team are now working through the detail to understand what additional requirements, if any, might be put in place for Waikato farmers over and above existing requirements.”
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JESSICA MARSHALL jessica@ruralnews.co.nz
Waikato Regional Council chief executive Chris McLay (inset) says the plan change is one step closer.
Hi-Spec tankers suitable for all operational types, sizes
DAIRY FARM effluent
has a part to play in complementing inorganic fertilisers, particularly as prices have risen over the last few years as a result of global conflicts.
Distributed by Giltrap
AgriZone, the Hi-Spec range of tankers, built at a family-owned business in County Carlow Ireland, offers a wide choice for all types and sizes of operation.
At the utility end, the
single axle SA-S range has capacities of 3,600 to 9,500l, while SA-R models feature axles recessed into the tank and stepped to reduce height and increase stability, with sizes from 6,100 to 13,700
litres.
For larger farmers and contractors, the TD-S range is fitted with highspeed, commercial-grade tandem axles, in some cases with rear axle steering, and offering capacities of 9,500 to 18,000 litres. The complementary TD-R Series features recessed wheels to help reduce overall width.
For large farmers or contractors, the triaxle TRI-S Series offers impressive capacities of 18,000 to 22,500 litres, front and rear pas-
sively steered axles, a larger tank diameter to reduce overall length and a 11,000 l/min Jurop vacuum pump.
Looking at key features in general, 6mm British steel is used throughout, with tank internals, including antiimplosion rings and baffles to stop surging.
Models over 11,00 litre capacity are equipped with Auto-Fill systems, while the tankers are protected by relief valves at the pump and within the tank.
All models offer hydraulic braking, wideangle PTO shafts and exhaust silencers as standard fitment. Dependent
on model, specification can include sprung drawbars, with all units offering swivel ring hitches. With an eye to improved access and emerging technologies, tankers are supplied with multiple filling points, while the dished rear ends feature access doors and a modular mounting system for the subsequent fitment of dribble bars, trailing shoe units or disc injection systems for more accurate placement of material.
www.gaz.co.nz
LINER SYSTEMS FOR DAIRY EFFLUENT AND IRRIGATION PONDS
The Hi-Spec range of tankers offers a wide choice for all types and sizes of operation.
RainWave set to cause a splash
TRADITIONAL SPREAD-
ING via tankers or umbilical systems have typically discharged effluent onto splash-plates, resulting in small droplet sizes, which in turn lead to odours, but probably more importantly, the loss of nitrogen by volatilisation.
The Nevada RainWave, originally developed by a German farmer in response to the banning of conventional splashplates in Europe, is said to result in a larger droplet size and the ability to spread wide, despite running low pressures and high flow rates.
The oscillating spreading head, not unlike the design of a traditional garden sprinkler, moves left to right as effluent hits the plate, creating large droplets that fall gently to the ground, in what is described as a “rain-like” manner. The action is said to reduce wind-drift and evaporation, so is particularly useful near watercourses or urban developments.
Spreading width can be adjusted from 6 to 18 metres, with a range of spreader heads, and the ability to deals with outputs of up to 200 cubic metres per hour. The
benefits of a widespread allows application depths to be cut to as low as 1mm, for rapid absorption and reduced ponding, while also allowing operators to reduce speeds to less than 7km/h.
The option, said to deliver more than double the output of a conventional splash plate, is “driven” by the flow of effluent, has minimal maintenance requirements other than a regular greasing and is said to create very little contamination to the grass sward, allowing re-grazing over a shorter cycle.
Available for use with most makes of tankers or umbilical systems and able to deal with solids content up
to 20%, the use of stainless steel throughout, is said to offer low mainte-
nance and an extended service life. www.nevadagroup.co.nz
MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
The Nevada RainWave can spread large droplets far and wide.
Spreading width can be adjusted from 6 to 18 metres.
Right system, good application
GOOD EFFLUENT man-
agement on a dairy farm
combines a well-designed system with proper processes to ensure the right amount of effluent gets applied to pasture at the right time.
This not only saves on fertiliser costs and enhances soil health but also helps prevent animal health problems and ensures compliance with local rules. Understanding soil water deficit is crucial to prevent run-off and applying effluent to saturated soils.
There are tools available, such as the DairyNZ Farm Dairy Effluent Spreading Calculator, to help manage the application of effluent nutrients with precision. Finally, regular maintenance of your irrigation application equipment is vital for optimal performance.
Good effluent management is a combination of having a well-designed effluent system and processes for people that make sure the effluent
the system collects is applied to pasture in the right amount at the right time.
On-farm benefits of good effluent management include:
■ Fertiliser savings
■ Improved soil condition
■ Prevention of animalhealth issues
■ Compliance with council rules or
Making good effluent irrigation decisions
The key to good decision making is understanding the soil water deficit. It is essential to prevent ponding and runoff and to avoid applying effluent to saturated soils.
Soil water deficit is the amount of water (i.e. effluent) which can be applied to the soil before
it reaches field capacity (which refers to the amount of water held in the soil after excess water has drained away). If effluent is added at field capacity it will likely result in ponding, runoff or leaching.
Effluent spreading New Zealand’s dairy farm systems produce large quantities of nutrient-rich effluent which
Inlet: The drum screen can handle large amounts of solid material without the need for upstream coarse screening.
Automatic drum cleaning: A rotating brush and spray nozzles keep the drum screen clean.
Belt drive for reduced maintenance
are captured from milking sheds, holding yards, feed pads, standoff pads, and animal shelters. The average dairy cow produces about $25 worth of nutrients annually as farm dairy effluent (FDE). For a 400-cow dairy herd this represents about $10,000 of nutrients annually. Using effluent to supplement fertiliser presents
an opportunity to capitalise on a cost-effective nutrient resource while improving whole farm nutrient use efficiency. Effluent is commonly grouped into three broad categories based on dry matter (DM) content: liquids (0–5%), slurries (5–15%) and solids (>15%).
Application of effluents is typically via land.
Effluent application to pasture
To get good value out of effluent and reduce environmental risk consider:
■ Timing of application – The best way to ensure that plants can take up nutrients from effluent is to only spread it when there is sufficient soil moisture deficit/capacity available in the soil. If the soil is too wet there will be leaching or run off.
■ Rate of application/ depth of application – Good practice involves ensuring the effluent is applied at a rate that can infiltrate the soil and not pond or run off, drainage beyond the plant roots is avoided and it is spread evenly. Where possible, leave a buffer strip next to waterways and farm boundaries and know your consent conditions and/or regional rules
Article - DairyNZ
Large service hatches: Facilitates preventive maintenance. 5) Perforated drum screen : Pressurefree flow through circular perforations provides the most efficient separation of fibres
Solids Outlet: For separated material.
Raw Overflow outlet
Good effluent management is having a well-designed system and processes to apply the right amount at the right time.
Kubota to unveil three new models at Fieldays
contemporary design.”
KUBOTA IS thrilled to unveil three new models at National Fieldays this week.
“We’re thrilled to bring three brand-new models to the event, including, for farmers, the rugged RTV-X rough terrain vehicle, now with modern upgrades. The RTV-X retains the trusted three-cylinder diesel engine and VHT-X transmission,” says Kubota New Zealand marketing and business development manager, Ian Massicks.
“But we’ve added LED headlights, multipurpose tyres, black alloy wheels, and a redesigned cargo box to meet today’s demands, combining durability with a fresh,
Construction workers will have a chance to cast their eyes over a new compact zero tail swing excavator, the U17-5 premium.
The U17-5 excavator offers 30mm more operator foot space than the previous model, said to enhance comfort and manoeuvrability, while a new auto-shift system adapts to terrain for smoother operation, with thumb-operated auxiliary controls offering greater versatility without the need for foot pedals.
On the operational front, an energy-efficient auto-idle feature reduces engine RPM when full power isn’t required, cutting fuel use and emissions. Safety is a key focus, with LED boom and work lights improving visibility for night
shifts, and an emergency stop switch allowing operators to shut down the machine quickly, if required.
Massicks said, “Safety features like the emergency stop and enhanced lighting give operators greater control, especially
in challenging conditions. Our goal is to create equipment that performs well but keeps the worksite as safe as possible.”
The third machine is the SVL97-3 compact tracked loader, designed for tasks like digging, dumping, grading, and
material handling. Featuring high-flow hydraulics and an auto-shift system to deliver strong pushing power and smooth travel on slopes, the loader arm’s 3.26m reach and self-levelling function make loading easy and precise.
A fully sealed, pressurised cabin reduces noise and blocks out dust and water, so enhancing operator comfort, with the Kubota Shockless Ride (KSR) suspension, minimising spills over rough terrain, and a seven-inch LCD touchscreen and integrated reverse camera improving site security.
“The SVL97-3 is our most advanced compact track loader yet, delivering a 17 per cent productivity boost over the previous model. Its improved features help operators work faster, longer, and more efficiently,” Massicks said. “With a spacious cab entrance, enhanced air conditioning for hot summers, and a heated air suspension seat for colder mornings.” Kubota NZ will also
introduce Topcon products to its dealerships for the first time, such as the MC-Mobile 2D and 3D systems.
Massicks says the Topcon products align with Kubota New Zealand’s commitment to streamlining the experience of its customers.
“Designed for use with mini-excavators, compact track loaders and final trim attachments, the MC Mobile systems are a cost-effective solution for compact construction equipment.
“Using one interface, the technology improves resource management and allows operators to undertake jobs that previously required up to three people, while reducing the need for site visits and downtime.”
Visit site number G42 or www.kubota.co.nz
JOHN DEERE’S TOUGH RUN IN 2024
RECENT RESULTS from its 2024 financial year has seen global farm machinery player John Deere record a significant slump in the profits of its agricultural division over the last year, with a 64% drop in the last quarter of the year, compared to that of 2023.
Revenue was down 28% in the same period, underlining the difficult trading conditions experienced recently. The final quarter was particularly difficult, dragging the annual
results down to 38% fall in revenue and a subsequent 35% lowering of profit over the company’s 2024 trading year.
The company’s response was to note that the results “demonstrate solid execution despite ongoing market challenges,” which in farmerspeak means, “blimey, that could have been a lot worse”.
Looking forwards, the business doesn’t appear to be expecting much improvement any time soon, suggest-
ing it expects overall net income for the 2025 year to be in the $5.0 to $5.5 billion range, compared to a figure of $7.1 billion for the just ended 2024.
On a more positive note, JD topped the league table in the French tractor market in 2024, while also topping the rankings in nine other European tractor markets.
The brand delivered around 19,600 of the 140,000 new 50hp+ tractors registered in Europe last year, of which 11,760, were in the
three key markets of France, Germany and Italy.
Breaking the numbers down, 6,059 units were registered in France for the 18.2% share of the total 33,225unit market. This compared with 7,179 units and a 20.1% share of the 2023 market.
JD also held onto second place in the second most important European market of Germany but registered 21% fewer new tractors; down from 5,899 and a 19.4% share of 2023
market to 4,659 units and a 15.9% share in 2024. The company lost even more ground in Italy where it registered 37% fewer new tractors; down from 1,666 in 2023 to 1,048 in 2024. Elsewhere, the global giant topped the tractor charts in Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Spain, while achieving second places in Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands and Switzerland, and third places in Portugal and Slovenia. – Mark Daniel
MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
The RTV-X retains the trusted three-cylinder diesel engine and VHT-X transmission.
Fencing smarts from the Emerald Isle
WHILE A leading New Zealand brand seems to have a stranglehold on the local electric fencing market, a company from the Green Isle seems to be making significant inroads, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
Hailing from County Clare in Ireland, Forcefield began as a manufacturer of mains and battery energisers in the 1980s.
Since then, they have expanded their range of electric fence systems to include a variety of electric fence testers, solar energisers and a broad range of accessories.
With a head office in Ireland, Forcefield manufacturers most of their products in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, following the acquisition of Zapper Labs in 2017. They have expanded this state-of-the-art fac-
tory to facilitate orders for their electric fencing systems from all over the world. A s well as manufacturing their own branded units, the company also manufacture under private label for many of the leading electric fencing brands in Europe & North America.
Forcefield added a further strand to their business in 2023
with the acquisition of Irish company, Boundary Blade; a start-up company that had developed a very clever but simple fence tester which doubles as a pocket-knife, winning many innovation awards. Forcefield will be showcasing its range of electric fencing energisers and accessories on the Enterprise Ireland stand at Site D67-73.
CNH business manager touts tax incentive
CNH CONTINUES
force its position in the New Zealand agricultural machin ery market with the appoint ment of John Gilbert, previously New Zea land sales manager for CNH Capital, to the new role of business manager for its NZ operations. The announcement comes as the New Zealand Gov ernment unveiled a new round of tax incentives for busi nesses, including a tax deduction of 20% of the value of new assets.
John Gilbert says, for farm ers, the opportunity to fully deduct 20% of the purchase price of new machinery was an attractive incentive and CNH stood ready to assist farmers should they choose to take advantage of it.
“These are certainly exciting times for our agriculture industry, which continues to grow and evolve, and this announcement from the Government will make additional investment in farm businesses more attractive.”
In terms of other incentives for upgrading machinery fleets, Gilbert says New Holland has a finance deal from 0.25% per annum until the end of June, and for those in the market for a new Case IH tractor, there is the chance to win a RAM Laramie truck with any new tractor purchased and delivered before August 31.
“Our New Holland and Case IH dealers are wellplaced to help customers choose a tractor that best suits their needs, and there’s no doubt it’s a good time to move ahead with new machinery purchases.
“I look forward to working with farmers and industry stakeholders in my new role. For CNH, along with our Case IH and New Holland dealers, this is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to farm businesses and the broader agricultural industry.”
John Gilbert
Forcefield’s range of electric fence systems include electric fence testers and solar energisers.
Farming smarter with technology
ing risk.
THE NATIONAL Fieldays
is an annual fixture in the farming calendar: it draws in thousands of farmers, contractors, and industry professionals from across the country.
As the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere, Fieldays has long been the place where the sector comes together to share ideas, tackle challenges, and explore the innovations shaping the future of farming. For anyone serious about staying ahead in this industry, it’s not a matter of if you’ll attend, but how you’ll make the most of it.
So, what should you expect at this year’s event, and where should you spend your time?
Smarter farming through agtech
If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that agtech continues to move from the fringe to the mainstream. This year’s Fieldays program has a strong focus on technology that helps farmers work smarter, not harder; From on-farm automation and precision machinery to remote monitoring solutions that put actionable insights at your fingertips.
I’ll be paying close attention to the new Tent Talks, a fresh collaboration between Fieldays and the University of Waikato, offering a range of sessions on the role of tech in New Zealand farming. These discussions are a great opportunity to hear from people in the thick of it, farmers, innovators, and researchers, each sharing real-world insights on what’s working and where the challenges lie.
Why on-farm surveillance matters
One area of tech that’s gaining serious momentum is on-farm surveillance and for good reason. With rural crime on the rise, having eyes on your property is no longer a nice to have; it’s a critical part of manag-
At Land Watch New Zealand, we’ve been working alongside farmers for over a decade, delivering rugged, farmtough security systems designed for the realities of rural life. Our systems are already trusted by thousands of farms across New Zealand and Australia.
Whether it’s surveillance cameras that cover remote gates, laneways, and sheds, or number plate recognition systems that track vehicles coming and going, our solutions give farmers the visibility they need to stay ahead of potential threats. It’s about knowing who’s on your farm, when they’re there, and having the ability to act quickly when something’s not right.
We know how busy life on the land is, the long days, rising costs, and constant pressures. That’s why our systems are designed to be simple, durable, and tailored to fit into any operation. We make technology that works for farmers, because it’s built with farmers.
If you’re curious about how on-farm surveillance could work for you, Fieldays is the perfect time to come and see us. We’ll be at Site F28, ready to demonstrate how our systems work, answer your questions, and help you explore the right solution for your business.
Beyond the exhibits: make time for connection
The four-day calendar is packed with social events, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with other farmers, contractors, and rural professionals. Whether it’s catching a demo in the main arena, joining a discussion panel, or having a yarn over a coffee, the value of Fieldays often lies in the conversations you have along the way.
It’s a great opportunity to get off the farm, step back from the day-to-day, and think bigger about where the industry is heading. You’ll find ideas
to help you improve productivity, manage labour shortages, reduce costs, and build a more resilient business—whether that’s through technology, better practices, or fresh thinking.
MATT DANIEL
• Matt Daniel is head of Land Watch New Zealand Site F28
Matt Daniel, Head of Land Watch New Zealand.
The Hansen Full Flow Ball Valve’s reputation for holding up in frosty weather is quite simply unsurpassed! The extraordinarily high quality design coupled with a host of practical features makes it the ultimate user experience. What’s more it’s the only NZ made Ball Valve with a 100% replacement warranty.
