Rural News 6 May 2014

ANIMAL HEALTH

NEWS

Dutch scholarship for Massey student advances artificial insemination study. PAGE 39

Sheep and beef man stays loyal to the industry. PAGE 15

RURALNEWS

MANAGEMENT Running deer with sheep and cattle is the challenge laid down for Anawai managers.

PAGE 30

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

MAY 6, 2014: ISSUE 560

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Less talk, more action SUD ES H K I SSU N sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

SHEEP AND beef farming leader James Parsons wants an end to the debate on structural reforms in the sector. Parsons, the newly elected chairman of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, says the matter “must come to a head and be sorted out one way or another”. Apart from grabbing news headlines, the negative focus is undermining confidence. Now the sector must move on and

reclaim its mojo, he says. “It would be great if the sheep and beef sector could sort out the structural debate one way or the other,” Parsons told Rural News. “If we agree on some structural reforms, that will be fantastic; if not, let’s just park it. But let’s not keep going like this for the next five years because that would be unhealthy.” Parsons, a Beef + Lamb director for five years, was elected chairman two months ago after the annual

meeting, replacing Mike Petersen. He wants the sector to stand tall again. “We should be proud to be sheep and beef farmers; we used to have that a few years ago, now its looked down on in pity by dairy farmers. There’s no need for that. “The sector has many great stories to tell: we have world class processors and world class farmers, and we’re the envy of most countries about how we farm. “Yes we have some challenges

we’re working on but they seem to be all we’re focused on. We have lost our mojo a bit.” If there’s a better structure the sector should grab it with both hands, Parsons says. However it is the role of farmer shareholders and processor owners to resolve. Beef + Lamb is happy to play a supporting role if analysis and information is needed. Sheep and beef farmers are watching helplessly as more productive farm TO PAGE 4

A POPULAR BOSS! Federated Farmers Whanganui provincial president Brian Doughty pictured with one of the 70 milking goats that he and wife Rae run on their farm, just north east of Whanganui. The couple has built up a nice little business combining the goats with a small herd of cows which they also run. The Doughtys are among a growing number of farmers who have developed their own branded product, The Lonely Goat, and are genuine ‘farmgate to consumer plate’ producers. More details about their unique farming operation on pages 34-35

Better prospects P ET ER BUR K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

GOOD NEWS on the economic front for sheep and beef farmers. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s latest forecast predicts better prices and strong demand for sheepmeat and beef products from key markets. Its latest report says improved product prices are expected to drive average sheep and beef farm profit up by 35% on the drought-affected level of last season. It estimates farm profit before tax for the 201314 season will rise to an average of $113,700 per farm. BLNZ chief economist Andrew Burtt says total gross farm revenue is expected to increase 9.2% to $460,200, reflecting a 12% increase in sheep revenue. Total farm expenditure is estimated to be up 2.8%, to $346,500, on the back of increases in repairs and maintenance spending. Interest costs dropped by 2.6%, thanks to a slight decrease in farm debt and lower rates. “This season’s forecast average lamb price is $100 per head – up 18% on last year, and 2.5% higher than the average for the previous five seasons. Reduced lamb availability in New Zealand and Europe, combined with strong demand for lamb from Asia and the Middle East, is expected to support lamb prices,” says Burtt According to BLNZ, about 25.6 million lambs were tailed last spring TO PAGE 3

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

NEWS 3 ISSUE 560

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Rotting rain hits seed and grain PE TER BUR K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

MID CANTERBURY seed and grain producers say the wet autumn is unprecedented and like nothing they have ever experienced. The final straw came about a week ago when Canterbury got 60-100mm of rain. Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury provincial president Chris Allen says many farmers’ incomes will take a big hit from the soaking. “In the last month, we have had four times our average rain – 200mm when normally we would have had 50mm. And we’ve lacked sunshine: it’s been damp and overcast and not good drying conditions.” Some farmers have managed to get their grain into silos, but they are spending a lot of money on fuel to dry their crops. One farmer told Rural News he would normally expect to get the bulk of his wheat crop harvested ‘fit’ or with 14.5% moisture content. But in February he

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HEAD OFFICE Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122 POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 3855, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140 Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: PMP Print CONTACTS Editorial: editor@ruralnews.co.nz Advertising material: davef@ruralnews.co.nz Rural News online: www.ruralnews.co.nz Subscriptions: subsrndn@ruralnews.co.nz ABC audited circulation 81,232 as at 31.12.2013

April’s wet weather has all but throttled harvest in Canterbury.

got only one paddock in ‘fit’. In early March the moisture level was 16.5%, by late March it had risen to 19.5%. Problems from the rain have been compounded by heavy dews, keeping soils wet for most of the day. Northwest winds are largely absent. The April wet has all but throttled harvesting in the region. Among the worst affected are carrot seed growers. These crops are normally dried off for five-seven days in windrows, then the seeds can be shaken out easily. But the poor drying conditions have seen some of the seed starting to sprout. The crops have to be sent away to be tested and this can take up to two months. Only then will farmers know whether their seed will meet the required specifications. One farmer rated the chances of his seed being accepted as less than 50/50 and pointed out this formed nearly 25% of his income. As the rain continues, small springs are appearing in paddocks, impeding farmers’ work on the land. Combine harvesters are getting stuck.

Sheep and beef incomes on the up FROM PAGE 1

2013 – down 1.9% on the previous year. Breeding ewe numbers remain static reflecting a stable national ewe flock. Burtt says overall export lamb production to September 30 2014 is expected to be down 3.5% to 362,900 tonnes carcase weight. “In 2013-14, export lamb slaughter is expected to decrease 5.3% compared with a high slaughter in 2012-13, which was pushed up by widespread drought. This season’s decline in numbers is expected to be partially offset by a 1.9% estimated rise in the average carcase weight to 18.3kg, the second highest average carcase weight.”

The season’s total export cattle production is estimated to decrease 1.1% to 573,000t carcase weight, following last year’s high processing numbers, which were driven by the North Island drought. “Internationally, the US total cattle herd is about 88 million head, the lowest January inventory since 1951. US exports are expected to drop by about 8% while beef imports should increase about 1%,” Burtt says. Meanwhile, total Chinese beef imports are predicted to grow by at least 15% in 2014. But the US is expected to remain New Zealand’s largest market for beef and veal exports.

Average sheep and beef farm profits are expected to increase 35% on last season’s drought-affected returns.

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

4 NEWS

Westland opens China office P E TE R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

WESTLAND MILK Products is in the process of opening an office in Beijing, China. Chief executive Rod Quin told Rural News its subsidiary company Westland Milk Products China will have a full time Chinese employee and a senior Kiwi executive based there to run the Chinese team. “We know you have got to commit to the market and have your own relationships. Our person is already transitioning up there now for a couple of weeks each month. It’s part of our plans to commit to China.” The move coincides with China imposing ‘new registration’ requirements on companies supplying infant formula products. China now accounts for about 20% of Westland’s sales and investments in the infant formula market and Quin expects this to increase to about 30%. “It’s an important market for us to maintain access to and we are working with MPI and the Chinese authorities to understand what these

regulations mean. “The Chinese authorities want to [be sure] that if you are importing infant formula you can control the supply chain from the milk to the market. Westland… always expected to be seen as the sort of… supplier the Chinese government wants and that’s how we have positioned ourselves.” The company is waiting to hear from MPI whether its registration has been finalised in Beijing, and is confident it will be. Westland expects to resume production of these products in the next two weeks. “Registration gives us the right to supply these products, but our customers need to make sure… the products will be cleared by their customs and that the specifications are approved. We are confident… the customers will be placing orders.” Quin says the appointment of a senior MPI official, Roger Smith, to its office in Beijing is the right response, albeit limited. When it’s business as usual everything is fine, he says, but when things go wrong you have to call on a lot of relationships.

Stop bickering, regain mojo FROM PAGE 1

land is converted to dairying and dairy support on the back of record milk prices. The farmer lobby Meat Industry Excellence (MIE) warns that New Zealand could become one large dairy farm if the sheep and beef sector is not salvaged. MIE wants farmers to gain more control of the red meat industry by having one large farmer-owned cooperative processing stock and marketing meat. Parsons affirms MIE but notes it must garner enough support in the sector to achieve its aims. “MIE is a group of passionate farmers who have got off their backsides; they are not happy with the status quo and are trying to do something about that. You can’t knock them for that. But how are they going to get there? They have a long road ahead of them to be successful.” The challenge for MIE is to take enough people with them. “At the moment I’m not picking real engagement from the processing sector, even though there’s a strong wave of farmer sentiment for structural change.” Rod Quin

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

NEWS 5

$20k for MIE ity Levies Act and why we can’t just wade into this one. The act is clear about some sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz of the things we can and can’t do.” “We’re not going to fund them to stand BEEF + LAMB New Zealand is forking out $20,000 to help MIE prepare a business candidates in co-op elections… that would be completely wrong. If plan but has ruled out fundsomething arises that ticks ing farmer candidates in meat the box on informing the company elections. sector, we are open to lookAt the BLNZ annual meeting at that.” ing in March a motion seeking As “a goodwill gesture”, funding for MIE was passed BLNZ allocated $20,000 to by 61.5% of farmers. BLNZ help MIE draw up a busichairman James Parsons says ness plan. the vote represents a good “We appreciate these cross-section of farmers and James Parsons guys don’t have day jobs discussions are underway on putting together funding applications, so funding options. But the Commodity Levies Act is clear $20,000 has been set aside to help them about what BLNZ can and cannot fund. contract the expertise to shape up a busiParsons met with MIE leadership late last ness plan,” Parsons says. The MIE funding application and plan is year to discuss this. “It’s great to see they understand where expected to be presented to the next BLNZ Beef + Lamb is coming from, how we oper- board meeting on May 21. Failing that it will ate as an organisation under the Commod- be presented to the July meeting. SUD ES H K I SSU N

More dam hui before any likely ‘doey’ PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

HAWKES BAY Regional Council (HBRC) is to spend five weeks assessing public support for spending $80 million of ratepayers’ money on the Ruataniwha water storage dam. Though consent has been gained to build the dam, a Government board of inquiry has placed major restrictions on land use in the Tukituki catchment which the dam would serve. This is known as Plan Change 6. Already the pundits are saying Plan Change 6 will not allow many, if any, new dairy farm conversions and could limit cropping opportunities, which requires large quantities of nitrogen fertiliser. HBRC chairman Fenton Wilson

Blow to hammer culling SUBMISSIONS ON plans to outlaw the killing of bobby calves with a hammer – ‘blunt force’ – are flowing into MPI. MPI is now ‘collating’ the submissions and sampling them, and the chairman of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), Dr John Hellstrom, told Rural News he hopes to see them in a week or so. Earlier this year Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy instructed NAWAC to review the practice with the aim of amending the Animal Welfare (Dairy Cattle) Code of Welfare 2010, which would

see the practice banned except in ‘emergency’ circumstances. NAWAC went to the public about the proposal. Hellstrom has said “he didn’t think using a heavy hammer as the standard way of dispatching bobby calves in the shed to be ‘very desirable’.” He says ‘captive bolt’ shooting is “more acceptable”. The public condemned ‘blunt force’ when film showing calves being killed this way was shown on television. Farmers generally support a review of the practice. – Peter Burke

says the consultation shows the council is still in support and is moving forward on the project. It now wants to gauge only the level of public support for spending ratepayers’ money. “We want to discuss it with our community to see the levels of comfort and get questions… about whether or not we should invest. We want them to challenge us on the views expressed in the statement of proposal.” Wilson reports strong support from the farming community. A recent public meeting in Waipawa attracted about 240 people who endorsed the dam proposal. A flyer about the proposal will be delivered to homes throughout the region. It will outline the benefits and

HBRC chair Fenton Wilson

risks of the scheme. As well, 17 lunchtime and after-work public meetings will be held regionwide. June 3 is the deadline for public written submissions. Verbal submissions will be heard from June 16.

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

6 NEWS

First five infant formula makers get the OK PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

FIVE NEW Zealand companies reached the approved register of infant formula manufacturers exporting to China by the May 1 deadline set one week before by Chinese authorities. They were Fonterra, Westland, GMP, Dairy Goat Company and Danone-owned Nutricia. Sutton and Gardian were also on the approved list, but Nutricia announced on May 1 that it was buying them subject to Overseas Investment Office approval. Another on the approved list is Canpac, owned by Fonterra. Food Minister Nikki Kaye told Rural News that 50 officials from MPI and Mfat had been working around the clock to get clarification and get manufacturers approved. The five manufacturers represent about 90% of New Zealand’s

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infant formula production. Work was underway to try to get a further eight manufacturers on the list. China also now requires brand exporters to prove a “close association” with the manufacturer. “The positive news is those five manufacturers have been registered. There are still some technical issues but it’s great they are on that register. “They are cleared to export, there has been some good faith here [on the part of Chinese authorities].” The work by the New Zealand officials with the Chinese authority, CNCA, had enabled them to get registration even though some corrective actions were required at manufacturing plants. Kaye and Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy issued the other manufacturers with the Overseas Market Access Requirement (OMAR) last week and held

a conference call. “We told them ‘as soon as you are in a position to indicate you can comply with that OMAR we have a team of people at MPI ready to come and verify that’. We will then send through to CNCA a report that indicates those manufacturers can comply and we are hopeful we will get Nikki Kaye those manufacturers over the line.” Kaye says they are “reasonably positive” about the progress made in the week since China announced the new regulations. “It is significant that 90% of our infant formula volume is registered at this point. But obviously we feel for those brand companies that are affected in having to prove a ‘close relationship’.” A draft definition of that has

been drawn up in association with Chinese agencies and supplied to industry. That was being formalised late last week with feedback from industry and liaison with Chinese agencies. “For brand owners we recognised the bar is pretty high because there has to be a strong involvement in the manufacturing process. We recognise for some companies and some brand owners that’s not something they will choose to continue with because the bar is so high. “Those who do seek to get registered need to contact MPI and demonstrate how they will establish that close relationship. We will work with them to try to get them on the registration list,” Kaye says.

China forces worldwide changes CHINA SIGNALLED changes in infant formula processes last year and the industry knew it was being audited, says Nikki Kaye. “It is going to be pretty challenging for those small companies who have no association between the brand and the manufacturer. “Just like China we change our rules, we do what we think is right for our country. This is not happening just to New Zealand in particular, it’s all countries producing infant formula for China.” They changed their domestic rules and they could have taken a very strict interpretation of their domestic rules and applied that to the rest of the world. “They haven’t, which is positive because I think they understood other countries can meet food safety requirements and have a slightly different model.” Kaye says we need to understand why they are doing this. “It is to ensure greater responsibility of the brand owner for the product from a food safety perspective. “They can have confidence that if something goes wrong there will be proper recall, they will have traceability. We need to remember this is for infants, so in terms of the world of food safety we are dealing with our most vulnerable.” China has been lifting its food safety requirements for 12 months. “That’s right across dairy, infant formula and meat. “They also signalled infant formula changes before the [Fonterra] WPC stuff happened.” – Pam Tipa

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

NEWS 7

Storm-hit Coasters soldier on P E TE R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

WESTLAND MILK Products will honour all its contracts for supply of its products despite the severe storm that damaged many dairy farms in the region. Chief executive Rod Quin says earlier reports that it will not be able to honour contracts were incorrect. “We will work with what we have in terms of production left to go and the contract book is not finalised,” he says. “We might not have as many contracts as we thought we might have three weeks ago, but there won’t be [contracts we don’t honour].” In the wake of the storm things are changing fast in respect of milk flows. A rapid decline in production has now begun to stabilise. “Season to date we are still running over 20% ahead of supply over last season, but remember the drought [hit hard] last season. So it is still relatively positive.

“Obviously in the last 10 days we have seen a rapid decline and now it’s stabilised. We think we will see a reduction of about 12 % on a daily basis for the rest of the season.” Quin says some farmers immediately moved to once-aday milking because of cow condition resulting from the storm. “Some shareholders say even though it was mostly wind damage, pasture has been hit and cows are taking time adjusting to the changed pasture conditions. Cow condition going into this event was very good. There is plenty of feed but the cows are not responding as farmers thought they might. “We expect the cows will settle in the next few days and milk flows from then will better indicate the rest of the season.” Overall, Quin believes the final production figure will be similar to last season. Some areas took huge hits from the storm, especially Karamea in the north and Whataroa and Harihari in the

The West Coast wasn’t the only place to get hit badly by the recent storm. This calf rearing shed on a dairy farm south of Levin also fell victim. Parts of the Horowhenua were badly hit by the winds, which brought down trees, cut electricity and damaged many farm buildings.

south. Grey Valley and Hokitika did not fare as badly. And many farmers were better prepared. “Many, but not all, had access to a generator. Following last year’s Harihari bridge washout

we went and talked directly to farmers about alternative power. There is now a lot more generator capacity on the Coast. Overall we were much better prepared, but you can’t plan for every eventuality. You also work out quickly

that once power goes down communications and other things also become strained.” As bad as the storm was it wasn’t as bad as last year’s drought which lasted longer and hit harder.

Mess stress ONE OF the major concerns for West Coast farmers is cleaning up from the storm which ripped hay barns apart and blew down thousands of trees on farm tracks. Rod Quin says the clean-up phase is one of real concern. “On a nice fine day farmers want to get into clean-up mode. But there’s a lot of trees down and farmers are tired and have been through a stressful situation and our concern is that is when accidents can happen,” he says. “There have been messages from the company around working with contactors who will do the felling of trees because we know it’s extremely dangerous.” Quin says there are lots of wind-damaged trees with some stuck up on each other and it’s inherently dangerous. On some farms the clean-up could take several months.

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

8 NEWS

Dirty dairy claims hijacking water debate GA RE T H G I LLAT T

‘DIRTY DAIRYING’ campaigns are hijacking the further improvement of national water quality, says Federated Farmers water spokesman Ian Mackenzie. News media, public and lawmakers have zeroed in on the effects of dairy

conversions and nitrate leaching on freshwater quality, but this is far from the full story, he says. Nitrate is the central issue where intensive land use is highest – Southland, South Otago, South Canterbury, Wairarapa and Hauraki-Piako Plains. Mackenzie told the Northland Federated Farmers

annual meeting in Whangarei late last month that though dealing with nitrate leaching was necessary in these regions, it wasn’t nearly as big an issue as sediment and phosphate loss in the rest of the country. “Where nitrates are the issue it is appropriate for policies and regulations

to be put in place to limit nitrate loss. But it won’t improve water quality for the whole of New Zealand and we need to make sure regional law makers get that.” The national policy statement for freshwater management allows councils to set limits for sediment and nitrate loss

depending on each circumstance. While some councils have a good grasp on their regions’ environmental limitations and potential, Mackenzie is not sure this is so for all. He says if regional lawmakers focused on nitrates when setting limits for their regions there was a danger water

Are you prepared to take a hit?

Fed Farmers water spokesman Ian Mackenzie.

collected. However, Mackenzie supports nitrate controls in regions like Canterbury where he expects more animal shelters to be built.

$10 million gain from tariff removal

ELE-00790-RN

THE RED meat sector has an extra $10 million to share among stakeholders, thanks to a recent export tariff reduction in China and Taiwan. Tariff on beef to Taiwan was halved last month under a 2013 economic cooperation agreement. Beef + Lamb chairman James Parsons says this cuts 40c/kg off the beef tariff, saving $3 million. Tariff on bone-in sheepmeat to China was reduced from 4% to 2.5% under the free trade agreement, saving $7m. “I reckon two thirds of the savings will be captured by farmers; processors will also get a portion,” Parsons told Rural News. “So that’s $10m in savings and it happened only in the past four months. For the 12,500 farmers this means an extra $800 a farm. These sorts of little wins are incremental and significant, going to farmers’ bottom line.” But though there is good news from the China and Taiwan markets, the other key Asian markets – Japan and Korea – have become tougher for our beef exporters. The US enjoys an 8% tariff advantage over New Zealand in Korea now. Similarly major beef exporters Australia and Canada, under recent free trade agreements with Korea, enjoy lower tariffs now though still behind the USA. Parsons says the Korean market and shortly Japan, with its Australian FTA, if TPP is not concluded will get tough for New Zealand because we are not competitive against other major exporters. He hopes the Trans Pacific Partnership, which includes Japan, will be finalised soon. The political unrest in Crimea and Ukraine has put New Zealand’s FTA negotiations with Russia on hold. Parsons cannot see negotiations resuming until the crisis is resolved. New Zealand beef exporters pay $115/head in tariffs for each animal slaughtered; sheep exporters pay only $2.52 per head. Parsons says Europe is great for sheepmeat exports, enjoying zero tariffs within the quota. But tariffs on beef remain high. “If we can get market access to Europe for our beef, it will be a big boost. It’s a high value market and being counter seasonal there is some complimentarity with their domestic supply.”

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quality wouldn’t improve but farmers’ productivity would be limited. “Farmers respond to messages that are important to them and if nitrate loss is the only trigger it won’t help most New Zealand rivers. If we lose the plot there will be no effect on water quality.” Large gains had already made to prevent sediment and phosphate loss, especially in the dairy sector where the clean streams accord meant farmers who hadn’t fenced waterways wouldn’t have their milk

1/05/13 2:10 PM

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

NEWS 9

Red meat farmers to invest in environmental policy GA RE T H G I L LAT T

BEEF + Lamb New Zealand will invest in a new water quality policy over the next 12 months, according to chairman James Parson. Parsons told 40 people at the Northland Federated Farmers annual meeting in Whangarei late last month that it will develop an environmental policy to meet market demands. With 65% of New Zealand pastoral farming land being sheep and beef (as of 2007), Parsons says a drystock water quality policy

needs to be developed sooner rather than later. The work will mark a new direction for BLNZ, which Parsons says has largely stayed out of the environment debate until now. Though its representatives and staff took part in the Land and Water Forum, its funding and research have chiefly been to improve the profitability and productivity of sheep and beef farms and to improve market access overseas. But international customers are increasingly

requesting evidence of environmental and water quality protection policies, leading the organisation to divert funds from its market research budget, Parsons says. BLNZ is likely to assign $1 million of its funds to the project, but will take care to avoid replicating the efforts of other agencies. “It’s important [Beef and Lamb NZ] doesn’t reinvent the wheel.” The work is likely to be contracted to Federated Farmers’ policy staff, Parsons says. “They work in the same building as us

and have already worked on this topic.” The work will focus on hill country farming, until now largely ignored by media and policy makers, but certain to be the home of more beef farming. Erosion will be a hot topic because phosphate leaching is a larger concern than nitrate leaching on most hill country properties.

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

NEWS 11

Inspectors to target migrant farm workers PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

DAIRY FARMS with migrant workers are next on the government’s list for inspection of employment conditions. And farmers are being warned of a “strong enforcement response” by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Fines for breaking employment laws can be $10,000 for

individuals and $20,000 for companies. Farmers need to lift their game in complying with minimum employment rights, says MBIE labour inspectorate central region manager Kris Metcalf. At least 50% of farms inspected recently were breaking the laws, mostly by insufficient record keeping. Farmers must keep accurate time and wage records to meet their obligations for minimum wage and holiday payments,

Metcalf says. Federated Farmers is also urging employers to get their affairs in order. “The law is the law so there’s no excuse for deficient time recording or having no employment agreement,” says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers employment spokesperson. A positive was that 36 of the 44 farms inspected had adequate employment contracts, which tallied with the 83.5%

Plenty of help available ESSENTIAL INFORMATION about legal responsibilities as an employer will be covered at a workshop at the DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum on Thursday afternoon this week. Mark Paine, DairyNZ’s strategy and investment leader for people and business, says the first step to getting best performance out of people is providing a workplace that meets all legal responsibilities. “The dairy industry as a whole is in agreement that this is critical and needs addressing. This is why providing a

world-class work environment onfarm is one of ten objectives in the industry strategy launched by Prime Minister John Key in July last year.” The workshop will clarify what farmers’ obligations are as employers and why. Hot topics will include timesheets, minimum wages and health and safety. Available resources and support are listed on the websites of DairyNZ, Federated Farmers, IRD and MBIE. (Editorial page 26 – No excuse)

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found in the 2012 Rabobank/Federated Farmers farm renumeration report. “It must of course get to 100% but the biggest concern is that MBIE found there was widespread failure to adequately record time and holidays,” Milne says. “Failure here can quickly put your business into employment law quicksand. “If you are a Federated Farmers member, our industry standard employment contract costs just $60 ($300 for non-members). This includes comprehensive notes on the minimum wage, holidays act, seasonal averaging, accommodation and the like. It is written in plain English.” Meanwhile, Metcalf says the labour inspectorate has moved against farms, giving them 28 days to comply, and it will follow up the notices. Thirteen labour inspectors visited

Katie Milne

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

12 NEWS

Irrigation overhaul for Overseer VIVIE NN E H A L DA N E

THE IRRIGATION submodel in Overseer nutrient budgets is under review to see how it could be aligned with the most recent advances in irrigation technology and practice. “There’s been a lot of

technological development in the agricultural sector in precision irrigation,” says Overseer general manager Caroline Read. “Consequently, we are looking at what is happening in the irrigation part of the Overseer model and if necessary we would make improve-

ments so it will help farmers who use it to make better decisions.” Read says the science behind Overseer is robust and was originally developed for the pastoral sector, particularly the dairy industry. The last big change in Overseer occurred in 2012

with Version 6. “In that version they changed how the modeling worked so they could better understand and model the leaching of nitrogen off farmland.” Version 6.1.2 is being released now. Overseer software is available online as a web version or

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a download version. The web version updates automatically. AgResearch scientist David Wheeler says they don’t have enough irrigation management ‘rules’ in Overseer to cater for the range of management options that currently happen on farm. “Consequently we think we should broaden the range of rules in Overseer.” He says the goals are two-fold. “One is bringing the model up a level to reflect the wider range of irrigation practices that actually exist. And we need to be capturing the new management and technology options that are out there. “What we are proposing is to run a check

against established irrigation software by July. It is likely the irrigation management routine within Overseer will need to be updated to reflect [current] practices.” AgResearch is likely to be involved in integrating changes into the existing model. Once the irrigation model has been reviewed and any potential changes identified they will decide whether all the issues have been resolved. “Engagement with users, including irrigators, and technical experts will continue to inform the development programme for Overseer,” Read says. “Once the outcomes are available from the irrigation study they will inform this engagement.”

What is Overseer? OVERSEER NUTRIENT budgets are a farm-scale model that estimates nutrient transfers in, around and out of a farm including nitrogen (N) leaching losses long-term. In pastoral farms, the two major drivers of N leaching are animal nutrient intake and the corresponding excrement and drainage. Irrigation increases dry matter production, hence animal feed, hence nutrient intake. Irrigation may also increase drainage. Overseer includes an irrigation sub-model so that the effect of irrigation applications on drainage and hence N leaching losses can be estimated.

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IN BRIEF FONTERRA HITS YOUTUBE FONTERRA HAS put dairy farm water and environmental conservation in the spotlight with the launch of a series of YouTube videos focusing on responsible dairying initiatives taking place on New Zealand farms. The dairy co-op’s Farm Focus series began last week and features a new farm each Wednesday for the next four weeks on Fonterra’s YouTube channel. The videos are also posted on both the co-op’s Facebook and Twitter pages under the hashtag #farmfocus. The four farms featured are from the central and eastern North Island of New Zealand. Each video accounts for one farm and the activities undertaken to protect waterways and natural resources while enhancing the economic viability of a farm.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

NEWS 13

Nats pick dairywoman for true-blue seat PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

HIGH PROFILE dairywoman and agribusiness leader Barbara Kuriger will be out for all the blue ticks she can get when she campaigns as National Party candidate in the Taranaki-King Country electorate. The party vote is critical for this election, says the inaugural Dairy Woman of the Year 2012, who has held governance roles in agriculture for 20 years. The sitting National MP Shane Ardern is retiring from politics. “Critical for this election is not to take anything for granted because the party vote is extremely important,” she says. “I need to campaign hard between now and the election because those two ticks for National will be extremely important for forming a third term government.” A director in three family-

owned farming businesses and 20 years in agricultural leadership, including her current directorship of DairyNZ, Kuriger says she has long desired to stand for Parliament. “As I worked my way through the industry we were always talking about representation in Wel-

Barbara Kuriger

lington, how the rural sector does not have enough people there. “We are not overly represented in the world of Wellington and it’s important to have a good cross-section of society. It is about farming, but not only. It is about rural communities of New Zealand, rural schools, places where we all grew up, just having people in Parliament with that background knowledge. We’ve got to have a cross section of people.” Economic growth drives her candidacy, says Kuriger. “I have a connection with the idea of doubling exports by the year 2025; some will be agricultural and some creating a diversity

of other industry that can supplement that. “I want to see a strong New Zealand.” Kuriger has also worked in tertiary education, with roles in industry training and Taratahi, and has a strong interest in trade, having been to China four times in various representative roles. Her campaign strategy is to get out and listen to people in the large electorate stretching from Stratford in the south to Hamilton Airport in the north. Many people in all sectors have aired to her their concerns about the red tape resulting from the Resource Management Act. “Then each community has its own things going on that are important to that community. “My whole campaign is to be really listening, understanding the issues in Taranaki-King Country so I can be the best representative they can have in Wellington.”

Passion to lead A DIRECTOR OF three family-owned farming businesses, Kuriger says succession planning has enabled her to follow her passion for the agribusiness industry into the roles of governance, coaching and leadership. Kuriger is a director of DairyNZ, Dairy Training Ltd, Primary ITO, New Zealand Young Farmers, Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, Te Kauta and the Dairy Women’s Network. She is chair of the Primary Industries Capability Alliance. She chaired the governance and ethics committee of the Fonterra Shareholder’s Council 2003-05. In 2012 she was named inaugural Dairy Woman of the Year which came with a Fonterra scholarship to participate in the Global Women’s Breakthrough Leadership Programme, from which she graduated in September 2013. In 2005-06 she attended Rabobank Executive Development Programme for Primary Producers and in 2006 she was awarded the Wellington Institute of Directors Aspiring Director Award. In 2006 she was awarded a scholarship by AGMARDT to FAME - Food and Agribusiness Market Experience which gave her an insight from farm to plate in Europe, Asia, China and Japan. She was a member of the ANZ agribusiness tour to World Expo in Shanghai 2010 and a delegate to APEC Women Leaders Forum 2013. As inaugural Dairy Woman of the Year, Kuriger is asked regularly to mentor people on how to take their next steps.

Andrew Wood, ANZ Manawatu Agri Manager. It’s hard to leave what you love.

Andrew has been a part of the local farming community all his life. He was born and bred on a dairy farm in the Manawatu and having spent ten years managing a farm here, he is well prepared to serve the needs of local farmers across the Manawatu

and Horowhenua as an ANZ Agri Manager. Andrew is part of ANZ’s dedicated Agri Business Team of 13 providing expert local service to the region. To find your local ANZ Agri Manager, visit anz.co.nz/rural or call Andrew himself on 027 228 3118.

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

14 NEWS

More talk and less squawk PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

‘THROWING ROCKS’ at urban people will not fix the urban-rural ‘divide’,

says leading dairy woman Barbara Kuriger. So-called ‘urban’ opinion is often only the views of a few, she says, and a search for common

ground will be more productive. After spending time in Auckland on a course, she says city people don’t think about the urban-

Reaching beyond the farm gate will help to breach the rural/urban divide.

rural divide. “But the more we talk about it in the rural community, the bigger it becomes,” she told Rural News. Kuriger, who has

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worked in initiatives to promote rural-urban understanding, hopes that by the year 2020 no one will speak of a ‘divide’. “We need a process of achieving common understanding: ‘we’re all in this economic development together for New Zealand’.” Not only farming but all industries that use natural resources feel under pressure. “We’ve got to use some new science or find ways of making sure we stay sustainable and economic. We often feel in rural areas that we are a target for a wide group of people. In some respects we are probably responding to a lot of noise made by a few people. “We say ‘that’s the urban people’ but it’s not necessarily the case. The noise is coming from a group of people who are concerned about sustainability.” Kuriger is standing as the National candidate in the ‘blue’ seat TaranakiKing Country; one of her central aims is to get more rural voices into Parliament. But she says rural people are flying the flag for their communities every time they go into a shop or travel. “The people from our rural communities sometimes throw rocks at the urban people – that’s not the way to fix a divide. It happens over things like water usage; rural people feel targeted but we’ve got things we need to fix just as cities do. “We tend to look in our own circles and start reinventing the wheel

whereas an urban answer might fit in a rural field and vice versa. We might find answers to other people’s problems and if we don’t talk to each other we aren’t going to know that.” Kuriger agrees it has been a “real struggle” to get rural voices into the mainstream media. But more rural stories are needed that actually resonate with the urban people reading them, not just telling a rural story for the sake of it. Kuriger also says there are ‘pasture to plate’ opportunities in farmers understanding their urban customers. “It’s about the quality food we present. We have a mindset of farming but you get a different understanding when you go into the markets and look at the supply chain and where it goes, and that applies to New Zealand consumers as well – the people eating the food. “If we watch British television programmes it is all about ‘buy British beef, buy British lamb’. We need to build pride in what we produce in New Zealand and we can start by understanding we are not just farmers, we are producing a food product.” An example is getting stories into cuisine magazines with the back-story of their food. “We are not going to win by throwing accusations at each other – it is about finding common things we are interested in.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

NEWS 15

True sheep and beef man stays loyal SUD ES H K I SSU N sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

AS A youngster, Beef + Lamb NZ Chairman James Parsons heard a great line: if you compare yourself with others you will either grow arrogant because you’re better or be crushed because you’re worse off. With many beef and sheep farmers facing challenging times and neighbouring dairy farmers laughing all the way to the banks, Parsons is not falling into the trap of comparing the two sectors. While praising dairy farmers for their good work, he is not taking anything away from sheep and beef farmers. Analysis shows many also make money and a return on capital. “I think that good story is lost,” Parsons told Rural News on his farm at Tangowahine , 30km north of Dargaville, Northland. Dairy is humming along nicely and Parsons says he is not bagging the industry for the challenges facing sheep and beef farmers. He gives credit to dairy farmers. “It’s a real credit to what they have done; some argue this is only because of the structure where Fonterra is such

a large operator. However there are other reasons, including the strong demand for dairy commodities globally. Fonterra’s dairy farming shareholders also invest significantly more beyond the farmgate through shares than most sheep and beef farmers are prepared to do.” But dairy’s hugely successful run inevitably leads to comparisons with other sectors. Parsons believes most other sectors – arable, forestry, venison and sheep and beef – struggle with confidence when they compare themselves with dairy. But most sectors are not tracking too badly, he adds. “While I’m not satisfied, sheep and beef returns are looking respectable when compared with historical trends. At the end of the day, competition for land use is not all bad, as sheep and beef can’t rest on its laurels and I’m really excited about the opportunities to do better” Parsons lives near Whangarei with wife Janine and their three young boys. Their farm, running 1100 ewes plus replacements, 300 bulls and 90 breeding cows, is managed by Willie Purvis. Until last year the Parsons had farmed in Broadwood, North Hokianga

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and beef.” As a “glass-half-full person” Parsons refuses to say the sector is broken. There is room for improvement, no question, but it requires a team effort, with “all players in the sector working as in a rugby team. Beef + Lamb is playing some positions on the team but the whole team must function well to be successful.” Parsons believes there is goodwill among sector stakeholders. “Often as a sector we talk about things we disagree on and that makes us look dysfunctional. If you boil it down you can see we agree on more things than we disagree on.” Parsons disagrees with people who say the sector is broken. “It has opportunities and challenges but I don’t know of any sector that doesn’t. “The irony is that during my travels and talks in the red meat sectors in other countries I find they look at New Zealand with a bit of envy. Yet we beat ourselves up here. “Sometimes we need to stop, smell the roses and count our blessings.”

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

18 NEWS

Crackdown to clean up honey industry P E TE R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

EXPORTERS OF high grade manuka honey should consider refrigerating their product when sending it to overseas markets such as China. Dr Karyne Rogers, an isotope specialist at GNS Science, leader of research into seeming ‘sugar adulteration’ problems with New Zealand bioactive manuka honey, says refrigeration will help the situation. “You wouldn’t send a 50 cent pot of yoghurt to Singapore unrefrigerated

and expect it to get there and still be perfect,” she says. “Well I’m afraid this highly valued bioactive manuka honey will falsely indicate sugar adulteration if it is not stabilised by refrigeration, so why are most producers not sending it in refrigerated containers?” Rogers has been in scientific discussions worldwide trying to resolve the honey contamination issue New Zealand finds itself caught up in. Many cases of fraud involving honey – originating mostly in Asia, US and Europe – have prompted the Chi-

nese in particular to implement strict testing. Chinese honey producers themselves were involved in the frauds. Now there is an international crackdown to clean up the honey industry. Rogers says at issue is the presence of C4 (cane sugar) in honey. Honey is gathered from C3 plants but sugar syrup, which originates from C4 plants, is fed to bees when nectar is not flowing. “We need to feed bees in winter to keep them alive when there is low availability of nectar sources. We need to

feed them sugar when we are going to pollinate our crops and orchards because we want to keep the bees in a specific area so they have a nectar source and can concentrate on collecting pollen, providing the pollination service desperately needed for key crops and orchards.” Just before spring bees need feeding to build up the small population which has survived winter, and the queen has to be got into laying mode to build as big a brood as possible. “Once the manuka

GNS scientist Dr Karyne Rogers.

flowers open, you need maximum bees in the hive to ensure high rates of nectar collection.” Though feeding bees in this way is an accepted practice, nature can sometimes intervene. For example, in bad weather bees may redistribute previously stored sugar from the brood boxes into collection boxes, causing ‘adulteration’. Rogers’ recent research found New Zealand beekeepers are neither feeding their bees too much sugar nor deliberately adulterating the honey. Rather, she says, the problem lies with the increasing activity of higher grade manuka honey, which falsely indicates adulteration in tests currently used. Rogers emphasises it is only the higher grade product which is prone to fail, not the lower value manuka products normally found on breakfast tables. Working with New Zealand honey producers, she is seeking a scientific

answer to the adulteration problem and is lobbying for changes to the internationally applied test. “The C4 sugar test method (AOAC 998.12) compares the honey with its extractable protein, which should have similar values when there is no sugar added. In the high antibacterial manuka honey, the chemical reaction which converts the active molecules found in the nectar (dihydroxyacetone) to the bioactive molecules found in the honey (methylglyoxal) is also changing the protein in the honey, so that it is no longer comparable to the honey and it appears the honey is adulterated.” Rogers and government and industry officials are seeking changes in international laws on honey testing. She points out this is not a food safety issue, rather a product specification issue, so in New Zealand markets there is no requirement to test for sugar adulteration. But while Rogers and

others seek international change, she urges New Zealand honey producers to take steps themselves to mitigate the problem. The best way of controlling the apparent C4 adulteration is special care in the way honey is stored and exported. “Nothing the beekeepers can do will prevent this failure, as eventually all high bioactive manuka honey will change, but it’s something they need to be aware of if they want to export their honey under the current regulations. They should not store it too long and they should not heat it too long.” Rogers says honey producers should get their honey sugar tested before export, to allow a margin for change in the event that, should it get exported and suffer such delays as sitting in a container in full sun in Shanghai or Singapore, then the honey still has ‘room to move’ before it exceeds maximum acceptable C4 sugar levels of 7%.

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

20 NEWS

Criticism over safety oversight PA M TI PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

CLAIMS THAT the new Food Safety and Assurance Advisory Council ‘reinvents the wheel’ show a lack of understanding, says Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye. Labour’s primary industries spokesman Damien O’Connor has said the Government made a big mistake merging the Food Safety Authority into the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) predecessor MAF, removing its independence in the process. The Government is now just reinventing the wheel, O’Connor says But Kaye says the New Zealand Food Safety Authority was dealing with everything operational in food safety. It was merged with MPI to enable areas like food security to be lined up with areas such as food safety and standards setting.

Rather than a sector represen“From my perspective as minister of food safety that has been tation such as horticulture and successful,” Kaye told Rural News. dairy, Kaye has proposed skills “But the Food Safety and Assur- in fields such as food regulation, ance Advisory Council will bring public health, science, business and international relations in a national and internaon the six-member council. tional overview to audit “There will be a fair our food safety systems bit of discussion with and possibly emerging the director-general [of issues at the policy iniMPI] on that and we weltiative or operational come people’s views. But level.” primarily the purpose Establishing this counis to have specialcil is one of 29 recommenist people in health, dations made last year business and sciby the government Damien O’Connor ence to tackle the inquiry into the whey protein concentrate contamina- emerging issues in food safety and take a systems overview of tion incident. “At the moment there is no our food safety system.” Kaye says two things are hapindependent group that looks at the whole of New Zealand’s food pening internationally. “One is safety and assurance system and more and more consumers are is able to provide high-level inde- interested in what’s in their food pendent advice and risk analysis,” and there’s huge consumer interest in risk communication and Ms Kaye says.

how you communicate the safety of food. Plus there are topical issues such as GM and irradiated tomatoes and there’s a need to ensure communication is good on issues of food safety. “The second thing, particularly for our country, is we have dramatically shifted our trade profile so there are issues of overseas market access rules, and how do we communicate the difference between our food safety systems and others’ food safety systems. With emerging issues in those markets, it is going to be important we pick them up early and have our best people working on them. “With the combination of what’s happening, it is time New Zealand had a specialist body able to take a system-wide view. “It is one of the positive things that came out of the WPC inquiry and will strengthen our system.”

Keeping NZ’s edge as top food producer THE NEW Food Safety and Assurance Advisory Council will report to MPI’s director-general, says Kaye, but she will get regular updates and copies of its reports. It will cover operational, policy and regulatory issues in New Zealand’s entire food safety and assurance

We need to be one step ahead if we want to maintain our edge as one of the world’s best food producers.” regime. It will report to the director-general after each quarterly meeting and provide an annual report to him. MPI has allocated $250,000 per year for the Food Safety Assurance Advisory Council. “It will provide a valuable sounding board for new ideas and contribute to raising consumer and market confidence in New Zealand’s food,” says Kaye. “It is my expectation the council will also identify current and future trends, and risks and issues that may impact our food safety and assurance system. The council will tap into the highest calibre expertise in food safety disciplines with national and international experience. “While New Zealand’s food regulatory system is considered among the best in the world, market demands and expectations are changing rapidly. We need to be one step ahead if we want to maintain our edge as one of the world’s best food producers.”

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

WORLD 21

UK farmers push local beef to consumers UK FARMERS want consumers to eat more British beef and help arrest a decline in production. A ‘Great British Beef Week’, organised last month by Ladies in Beef, was backed by the National farmers Union. NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe

says the UK is the fourthlargest producer of beef in Europe. But production has fallen by about 4% in recent times. To reverse this trend the NFU is calling for consumers, retailers and the Government to back British farming and play their part.

It wants more investment and longer term relationships in the beef supply chain, red tape strangleholds removed and British beef labelled clearly on supermarket shelves. Sercombe says consumers want to eat more British produce and provenance is important to them.

“One of the most interesting developments we’ve seen is the increased demand for native breeds of cattle such as Shorthorn, Angus and Hereford beef. “Farmers have responded to this demand and adapted their systems accordingly. Many are embracing new technology –

ultrasound and genomics in breeding, computer modelling and precision farming. “But having the long term confidence to invest is paramount to the success of our beef sector and this comes from getting a framework where British beef farmers can run profitable businesses.”

National Farmers Union’s livestock board chair Charles Sercombe.

Danes target Chinese cheese lovers HOW DO you win the hearts of dairy consumers in China? Danish dairy processor Arla Foods aims to do this by developing products that appeal to their taste preferences and food habits. Central to this project is a US$1.8 million innovation lab opened last week in Beijing. It brings together Danish and Chinese innovation to develop cheeses and other dairy products. Located in the China-Denmark Milk Technology Cooperation Centre in Beijing, the lab has Arla and Mengniu Dairy Group working to strengthen the Chinese dairy industry’s milk quality, food safety and quality control on the dairy farms. The principles applied are based on those guiding Arla’s European quality programme Arlagården.

“We are striving to be as close to the Chinese consumer as possible to create taste experiences that suit their diets and taste profiles, thereby bringing health and inspiration to China.” The Prince Consort of Denmark opened the lab which will employ four people including cheesemakers and innovation specialists with Danish or Chinese background. They will work with customers, consumer groups and Mengniu. Arla senior vice president Frede Juulsen, responsible for Arla’s business in China, says more Chinese consumers are experimenting with food, wine and tastes. “We are striving to be as close to the Chinese consumer as possible to create taste experiences that suit their diets and taste profiles, thereby bringing health and inspiration to China. “We aim to take the lead in the cheese category in China, and building a cheese lab is a key step… a place where we can co-create and innovate in an agile and dynamic manner.” Chinese have recently been gaining an appetite for cheese. Arla’s business in China is based on the export of dairy products from Europe including milk powder, UHT milk and cheese. The innovation lab in Beijing will enable Arla to launch products developed and produced exclusively for Chinese consumers. “It’s all about developing the next blockbuster product for the Chinese dairy market. Our first focus will be to create the right kind of cheese products that will make more Chinese consumers love cheese in new and different ways. “But it must be done in a way that respects and contributes to the food trends developing in China.”

Single feed, lethal dose Distributed by Bell-Booth Limited, 15 Tiki Place, Palmerston North Phone 0800 80 90 91 www.bell-booth.co.nz Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. V05099. Approved as a Maintenance Compound Type C and for dairy premises.

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

BEEF MARKET TRENDS

MARKET SNAPSHOT 







 

 

 

BEEF PRICES

 









































NI

Change

P2 Steer - 300kg

n/c

M2 Bull - 300kg

Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year

4.35

4.35

4.08

4.45

n/c

4.45

4.10

















 



+10

YM - 13.5kg

2 Wks Ago

Last Year

5.58

4.45

5.66

PM - 16.0kg

+10

5.68

5.56

4.43

n/c

3.60

3.60

3.20

PX - 19.0kg

+10

5.70

5.60

4.47

n/c

3.50

3.50

3.05

PH - 22.0kg

+10

5.71

5.61

4.48

Local Trade - 230kg

n/c

4.45

4.45

4.12

Mutton

MX1 - 21kg

n/c

3.50

3.50

2.67

P2 Steer - 300kg

+5

4.05

4.00

3.75

SI Lamb

YM - 13.5kg

n/c

5.53

5.53

4.26

M2 Bull - 300kg

n/c

3.80

3.80

3.68

PM - 16.0kg

n/c

5.53

5.53

4.28

P2 Cow - 230kg

n/c

2.90

2.90

2.70

PX - 19.0kg

n/c

5.53

5.53

4.30

M Cow - 200kg

-2

2.83

2.85

2.55

PH - 22.0kg

n/c

5.53

5.53

4.31

Local Trade - 230kg

n/c

4.10

4.10

3.85

n/c

3.13

3.13

2.50

Mutton

MX1 - 21kg

Slaughter 

        



NI Lamb

Last Week

M Cow - 200kg

Slaughter



Change

c/kgCWT

P2 Cow - 230kg

SI



 

LAMB PRICES

c/kgCWT



LAMB MARKET TRENDS



  

 









  





 























 



















 



 



 





















Export Market Demand   

Change

 











2 Wks Ago

Last Year

5yr Ave

n/c

2.16

2.16

2.15

1.90

NZ$/kg

n/c

5.52

5.52

5.57

5.59



Export Market Demand



 

















  







n/c

2.09

2.09

1.51

1.83

8.98

8.98

6.04

8.45

      

 





Procurement Indicator Change



2Wks Ago

3 Wks Ago

2Wks Ago

Last Year

5yr Ave

% Returned NI

+1%

78.8%

77.9%

72.68%

69.3%

% Returned SI

-2%

68.8%

70.7%

66.0%

64.0%



Last Year 5yr Ave

% Returned NI

0%

69.3%

69.3%

68.2%

67.2%

% Returned SI

0%

67.4%

67.4%

66.4%

67.8%

   









 3 Wks Ago

Change





Procurement Indicator







Last Year 5yr Ave

n/c



 

2 Wks Ago



NZ$/kg







Last Week



UK Leg £/lb



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

Last Week

95CL US$/lb



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Change

 

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

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 

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

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

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Venison Prices

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Change

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 Beef  & venison prices are reported as gross (before normal levies & charges are deducted). Lamb & mutton prices are reported nett (after levies & charges are deducted).

Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year 5yr Ave

NI Stag - 60kg

n/c

6.15

6.15

6.25

7.10

SI Stag - 60kg

n/c

6.20

6.20

6.45

7.43



Give them lifetime traceability

– register your cattle with NAIT

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

NEWS

PRICE WATCH

BEEF

WOOL PRICE WATCH



Change

24-Apr

16-Apr

Last Year

Coarse Xbred Indic.

+9

4.91

4.82

3.89

Fine Xbred Indicator

+10

5.18

5.08

4.76

Lamb Indicator

+16

5.09

4.93

5.08

-

-

-

-

North Island short of cattle

Indicators in NZ$

There is little doubt that processors are struggling for numbers when plants can’t be filled for a 3 day week, as was the case in the NI last week. Capacity is likely to be wound back as there are no expectations of streams of cattle to come forward in the next few weeks. It is not surprising that export prices are firm. Export bull earnt around $4.35/kg in the NI last week and steer was $4.45/kg. Local trade was putting pressure on export pricing at $4.45$4.50/kg. Cow prices are around the $3.50-$3.60/kg range, which place them around 60-70cpk above historic levels. In the SI a good flow of dairy cows is keeping plants full and subsequently prices lower. A run of wet and cooler weather has dairy farms dropping numbers quickly. Export prime is around $4.05/kg and bull at $3.80/kg. Cow is more like $2.85/kg in the SI, explaining why there is a bit of stock movement for slaughter from south to north.

Mid Micron Indic.



       



Whole Milk Powder Cheddar

Prev. 2 Wks

Last Year

-102

4698

4800

5467

-232

4872

5104

6143

-14

5032

5046

6584

-157

5568

5726

5408



 

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  

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Overseas Price Indicators Indicators in US$/kg Coarse Xbred Indicator Lamb Indicator



Similar to beef, while the two short weeks have been welcomed by processors in the NI, lamb killing space was still available even over the three day week. Lambs are not yielding as well and given the strength of the store market this has become a more lucrative option. In the SI the short weeks have filled up plants, but there is a degree of uncertainty around the numbers to come out in May. Export prices in the NI lifted last week to $5.80/kg gross to entice a few more lambs out, while in the SI prices have held steady over the last two weeks at $5.55/kg gross. With winter contracts kicking in from May onwards the spot price will not be too far away from what contracts are offering.



24-Apr

Last Year

16-Apr

+8

4.24

4.16

+8

4.47

4.39

4.03

+14

4.39

4.26

4.30

-

-

-

-

3.30

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

Butter

Prev. 2 Wks

Last Year

-213

4200

4413

5225

-25

4338

4363

5600

-150

4800

4950

4600

-100

Skim Milk Powder Whole Milk Powder Cheddar

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4050

4150

4650

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vs. NZ Dollar

Last Week 2 Wks Ago 4 Wks Ago Last Year





0.863

0.869

0.851

Euro

0.623

0.624

0.632

0.654

UK pound

0.513

0.513

0.523

0.551



Aus dollar

0.927

0.922

0.936

0.826

Japan yen

88.19

88.05

88.76

84.53

 



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Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

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US Dollar



0.862





 

 

US dollar

Euro

 



       

CURRENCY WATCH





Last 2 Wks

Change

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

The store lamb market continues to lift in both islands fuelled by autumn growth, firm winter contracts and a realisation that numbers are going to be a bit shorter this year. In the NI paddock prices are around $2.85-$2.90/kg for anything 32kg and over and $3.00/kg for 30kg and under. Reports indicate that in the NI the number of male lambs coming out is starting to taper off, and demand is beginning to outstrip supply. In the SI paddock prices are around $2.75-$2.80/kg for 32kg plus lines, both male and female. $2.85-$2.90/kg is the money for 30kg and under. It is expected that prices will settle around this higher level, as with winter contracts placing a peg in the sand, buyers will have confidence to pay up to a certain level before resistance kicks in, no matter how limited the availability.

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Indicators in US$/T





Store lambs hot property in both islands



Overseas Price Indicators

Change

Fine Xbred Indicator

Lamb numbers drop off in NI

 



Mid Micron Indicator

Dairy prices have continued to weaken over recent weeks, but the rate of the decline has slowed from the large drops seen through March and early April. Demand for both whole milk powder (WMP) and skim milk powder (SMP) has increased as the recent price declines have prompted buyers back into the market, and there has been a slight decline in WMP production from Australia. Cheese and butter prices continue to decrease on the back of weaker export demand.

Skim Milk Powder



While the shortage of beef supplies has been a contributing factor to recent price spikes in the US beef market, Steiner Consulting believe it was not enough to justify such prices. They believe the driver has been a shift towards end-users booking an increasing share of sales on a formula basis, as opposed to purchasing via the spot market. This is supported by prices and sales in the pork industry also. Volumes of both pork and beef on the spot market have been very low as an increasing volume of product is being sold directly to end-users on a formula basis. This has led to regular spot buyers having to pay record prices to secure their product requirements. These high spot prices are sending incorrect market signals on supply to the market and have led to the recent price volatility seen in the beef industry.

WMP demand picks up on back of lower prices

Butter





Last 2 Wks

Change





DAIRY



Indicators in NZ$/T



Buying behaviour a cause in US market volatility

LAMB

DAIRY PRICE WATCH



       

 

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UK Pound

 



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

7 days

Register your cattle in the NAIT system within 7 days of being tagged

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To find out more go to www.nait.co.nz | info@nait.co.nz | 0800 624 843

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

24 AGRIBUSINESS

Fewer lambs, but higher earnings – report peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

FEWER LAMBS and more money: that’s the equation for meat exports in the past six months. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (BLNZ) chief economist Andrew Burt says the drop in sheep numbers is not a problem. In the first half of the 2013-14 season, lamb exports were down by 2.5% -158,200t. But a price increase lifted the value of lamb exports to $1.33 billion – an increase of 11%. Burt attributes the drop in lamb numbers mainly to last season’s widespread drought. The European Union remains the largest market for our lamb ,taking 42% worth $675 million. Asia is second in value, taking 33% worth $311 million. China buys the most, but comes second in value. Burt says this simply reflects where China is, but notes there is big growth in

food service leading to the sale of more high value cuts to that market. “We often talk about the US being focused on racks, the UK on legs and middle cuts, and China on lower value cuts. But there is evidence of some of those high value cuts going to China.” Burt says people still tend to focus on sheep numbers when looking at the sector, rather than the export dollars the industry is generating. “I keep reflecting [on the period after] de-regulation and the fact that we have dropped sheep numbers by 50%. But we are producing only about 5% fewer lambs; the difference is not that [great]. People still tend to think the drop in sheep numbers and ewe numbers are the basis for the demise of the industry. But if you look at the volume produced and exported it’s not that different and we are seeing much better prices for it now in export markets.” Burt also notes lamb weights are up

In the first half of the 2013-14 season, the value of lamb exports was $1.33 billion an increase of 11%.

this season compared with last season. “Last season they averaged bang-on 18kg for lambs, but they have come back up this season to 18.3 kg.” Mutton exports rose by 26% over the

first six months of the season, reaching a record high of 61,700t. But the mutton kill is expected to taper off in the second half of the season, resulting in an end-of-year total Burt says will be lower

than last season. China remains the rising dominant buyer of our mutton, taking 72% compared with 52% for the same period in the previous season. In dollar terms, the value of mutton exports increased by 44% to $330 million. Beef and veal exports have remained virtually unchanged from the previous season at 189,600t. There was a decline in exports to North America, North Asia and the European Union, but this was offset partly by increases to South East Asia and the Middle East. Of note was the surge in exports of beef to Indonesia – up 400% and now accouting for 4.7% of New Zealand’s beef and veal exports. Burt says despite increasing demand from China, New Zealand must not neglect the high value, developed markets we have traditionally supplied. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

AGRIBUSINESS 25 Goodman faces ‘opportunistic’ takeover bid NEW ZEALAND’S second largest dairy retailer is facing a hostile takeover bid from an Asian conglomerate. Goodman Fielder, makers of Meadow Fresh milk and yoghurt, Puhoi Cheese and Tararua cream, has described the takeover bid by Wilmar International as “opportunistic”. Goodman Fielder, listed on Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges, says the offer of A65c/ share undervalues the company. Singapore-listed Wilmar, one of the biggest agribusiness groups in Asia, already owns 10.1% of Goodman Fielder. Its bid is supported by First Pacific, a Hong Kong-listed investment company. In a statement to NZX, Goodman Fielder revealed it had received “a non-binding, highly conditional proposal” takeover bid. The proposed scheme is conditional on, among other things, due diligence, unanimous recommendation by Goodman Fielder board, and approval by

the boards of Wilmar and First Pacific. Both bidders have requested exclusivity in relation to the proposal. Goodman Fielder says its board carefully considered the proposal, together with its advisers, and met representatives of Wilmar and First Pacific late last month. “The board believes the current proposal materially undervalues Goodman Fielder and is opportunistic. The board has advised Wilmar and First Pacific accordingly.” It says the board remains focused on maximising shareholder value. It also remains committed to Project Renaissance, a plan to cut annual costs by A$100 million by 2015. The company says staff reduction over the next few months will save the company A$25m. It says a strategic review maximising the value of its New Zealand Dairy business is underway. In a trading update filed with NZX last month, Goodman Fielder says the high farmgate milk price of $8.65/kgMS

will impact earnings in the short term. The company says it has notified customers of price increases, however there is a time lag between the increase in the raw milk price and cost recovery. Goodman Fielder buys 250 million of litres of milk from Fonterra

Brands Puhoi Cheese and Meadow Fresh milk are part of the Goodman Fielder Stable.

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A WOOL levy will make life much easier for the sector, says Beef + Lamb chairman James Parsons, a sheep farmer. The wool sector is a standout among commodity groups in having no group that represents wool producers on wool issueshe says. “Of the 30-odd commodity groups in New Zealand, each one collects a levy and has a group that represents it. Wool is an exception – a $700m industry with no group mandated to speak for the sector and growers.” A proposal for a new wool levy won 68.5% farmer support at Beef + Lamb’s annual meeting, allowing a levy referendum to be held later this year Farmers pay levies on the beef and sheepmeat they produce to fund the work of BLNZ, but five years ago voted to stop paying a wool levy to then Meat and Wool New Zealand. A wool levy review group of grower and wool industry representatives says there’s a strong case for renewing grower investment in such key areas as research, extension, information, leadership, market access and marketing. Parsons says the review group is independent; a new levy would not be promoted or administered by BLNZ. “The independent wool levy review group is keen to push this along… and we are not opposed to growers having this option put to them to vote on later this year.”

annually under the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA). It competes with Fonterra’s Anchor brand fresh and UHT milk in the local market. Fonterra also does business with Wilmar, a major supplier of PKE. Fonterra subsidiary RD1 buys all its PKE from Wilmar.

That’s what works out here.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

26 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

No excuses! THEY SAY farmers are their own worst enemy and news that nearly three out of four dairy farmers have been caught breaking basic employment laws does little to dispel this notion. They were caught during a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) labour inspectorate audit of 44 farms, of which 31 were found breaching minimum employment rights. In one case a farmer was ordered to pay $6000 arrears to an employee for breaching the Minimum Wage Act. Other cases remain, with the possibility of more serious enforcement action threatened. MBIE said last November it would visit dairy farms nationwide between December 2013 and April 2014 to check their compliance with minimum employment rights. The visits were part of a plan to look at employers’ seasonal averaging of salaries and failure to keep accurate time and wage records. Despite MBIE’s timely warning, about 75% of farms visited were found wanting. This sort of news is mud in the eye of dairy farmers, in fact all farmers. Dairy farmers are already fighting the perception they are ‘milking it’, because of record high milk prices. And they face constant accusations of damaging the environment for personal financial gain. Stinginess toward employees, whom they treat as glorified slaves, will not enhance the industry’s reputation. It is hard enough now to attract youngsters to work on dairy farms; this report will make it harder. Moreover, claims by Federated Farmers Dairy chairman Willy Leferink that, “farmers are poor keepers of paperwork,” are not helpful, presenting as a defence of the indefensible. Better he had stuck to the words spoken by his colleague Katie Milne, Feds’ employment spokeswoman: “The law is the law and there’s no excuse for deficient time recording or having no employment agreement.” MBIE has rightly warned dairy farmers to lift their game by complying with minimum employment rights. It is way past time dairy farmers stopped paying lip service to the truism about a business being only as good as the people who work in it. If the sector wants to attract excellent people it must treat them as such.

RURAL NEWS HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3855, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140 PUBLISHER: Brian Hight .............................................. Ph 09 307 0399 GENERAL MANAGER: Adam Fricker ........................................... Ph 09 913 9632 CONSULTING EDITOR: David Anderson .......................................Ph 09 307 0399 davida@ruralnews.co.nz

“Well I’m blowed if I know – it worked well in the roar!”

THE HOUND

Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz

Milk problems Tough job IF YOU think Fonterra had problems over false botulism, your old mate suggests it has nothing on a Siberian dairy company. A recent report on Huffington Post explained how a Siberian dairy plant had been temporarily closed after photos appeared of workers bathing in milk. The unusual cleaning routine is alleged to have happened on New Year’s Eve. After the footage was played on a federal television network, residents of the town boycotted the factory’s produce. A Russian consumer service expert says such events are commonplace in the country as sanitary oversight has virtually ceased.

THE HOUND reckons Labour primary industries spokesman Damien O’Connor faces a tough job trying to convince farmers to vote for his party at election time. Not only has he lost a good mate in Shane Jones – but he is also having to fight off his party’s longstanding anti-farming sentiment that pops up regularly. O’Connor’s leader David Cunliffe recently told a mainly urban radio audience that “The dairy industry is making money hand over fist at the moment, but not paying any tax.” Good luck with selling that message!

TECHNICAL EDITOR: Andrew Swallow ................... Ph 03 688 2080 PRODUCTION: Dave Ferguson ........................Ph 09 913 9633 Becky Williams ........................Ph 09 913 9634 REPORTERS: Sudesh Kissun ....................... Ph 09 913 9627 Pamela Tipa ............................ Ph 09 913 9630 Peter Burke .............................Ph 06 362 6319 Tony Hopkinson ......................Ph 07 579 1010 SUB-EDITOR: Neil Keating ............................Ph 09 913 9628 WEBSITE PRODUCER: James Anderson .................... Ph 09 913 9621

Woolly thinking

Conflict of interest?

YOUR CANINE crusader was staggered to read in the last issue of Rural News that the vote to see if woolgrowers want to impose a new levy to fund promotion of the fibre is likely to cost a cool $500k and soak up any residual funds left over from when the wool levy was axed back in 2009. As a mate said: “Farmers are their own worst enemies.” It was only a few years ago that the general opinion in the wool sector was the levy was a waste of money and should go. Now – not even a decade later – the general consensus is a wool levy is needed.

THE HOUND reckons the sanctimonious Greens are as dodgy as other MPs when it comes to conflicts of interest. Stefan Browning – the Green’s primary industries spokesman – recently criticised AgResearch for the amount it was spending on GE research. “We should be concentrating on supplying high-value, clean, green and safe food our markets desire.” What Browning failed to declare is that prior to his parliamentary career he was the paid mouthpiece for Soil and Health NZ – now known as Organic NZ – long time opponents of GE. Surely a conflict of interest if there was ever one.

Seriously? YOUR OLD mate nearly choked on his dog biscuit when he heard that the latest publicity stunt by serial whingers and antifarming critics Bitch & Complain (Fish & Game) is their call for a public enquiry to examine the future of agriculture in New Zealand. Catch & Kill’s chief whinger Bryce Johnson had the gall to claim, “The present debate on [water quality] has simply become too politicised...” The Hound suggests the issue has become ‘too politicised’ because Johnson and his cronies keep making outrageous slurs against the farming sector.

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER: Ted Darley .......... Ph 07 854 6292/021 832 505 ted@ruralnews.co.nz

WELLINGTON SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Mark Macfarlane .Ph 04 234 6239/021 453 914 markm@ruralnews.co.nz

AUCKLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Stephen Pollard ....Ph 09 913 9637/021 963 166 stephenp@ruralnews.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Kaye Sutherland Ph 03 337 3828/021 221 1994 kayes@ruralnews.co.nz

ABC audited circulation 81,232 as at 31.12.2013 Rural News is published by Rural News Group Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of staff, management or directors of Rural News Group Ltd.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

OPINION 27

Rain brings gain and relieves 5 years of pain THE AUTUMN break has arrived in Australia – a rarity in the past five years. Rain began falling early April and saleyard prices lifted as a result, bringing joy to all farmers. Those who didn’t get rain can now offload stock into more buoyant markets with prices for some cattle $100 the day after the rain. Beef and dairy chopper cow prices jumped literally the day after the rain and have sustained those gains, and confident grain growers have started planting. Some producers have also been able to plant winter crops, which will assist carrying capacities, particularly towards the end of winter. The good autumn break in most areas of SA, Victoria and NSW will reduce the numbers of cattle yarded in these areas, boosting prices for those who sell.

Whereas Labor turned off the live export trade to Indonesia overnight when it was in power – a move from which it has not fully recovered –

– as restockers and feeders look to secure cattle moving into winter. Northern NSW saw its first widespread rain in about 15 months. People are planning oats to provide winter feed, going from barely surviving to capitalising overnight. If you pause to reflect, which you can when rain is falling, it can still amaze that an industry worth $155 billion to the Australian economy, depends on an act of nature as simple as rain. Best not pause too long though, there’s work to be done. Some farmers, normally those winding down and who own their farm

Saudi Arabia is refusing to sign up to Australia’s live export welfare regulations, including guidelines about how livestock can be slaughtered.

He’s already copping flak from ‘green’ and ‘animal welfare’ groups but he will do what’s best for the farm, as any good farmer would.

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outright, will watch their pastures soak up the rain and open fresh paddocks for their stock. They may even buy a few more head to capitalise. Others will maximise the opportunity, immediately acting on plans laid for just such an event. They want to ensure every kilogram of dry matter grown will be turned into kilograms of beef, lamb or milk solids. To me, our former Labor Government was the farmer with the easyas-she-goes attitude (Actually, this is probably unfair: they are more like the farmer who inherits the best property in town and sends it broke). Our current agriculture minister, Barnaby Joyce, is the farmer seeking new opportunities to bring in cash and expand the farm.

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Rainfall through Central Queensland and northern NSW has pushed up the value of young beef cattle. Those who hang onto cattle – and some are now supplementary feeding – will benefit come winter, as southern markets come into a traditional short production period in the south from April to July, when numbers are harder to find. This will be exacerbated by a shortage of cattle in Northern Australia, where a lot of cattle have already been sold because of the drought. One of the biggest cattle sales in living memory happened at Roma on April 29: 13,000 cattle were sold at the weekly store sale. This sale has to be seen to be believed. Rainfall through Central Queensland and northern NSW has pushed up the value of young beef cattle – albeit from a low base

Joyce announced late last month he wants to restart live sheep exports to Saudi Arabia, worth possibly $100 million a year. He knows that the

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

28 OPINION

Flies buzzing around biosecurity critic’s views N ATHA N GU Y

I WELCOME debate and constructive criticism of New Zealand’s biosecurity system. But unfortunately, as with John Lancashire’s opinion article (page 29),

occasionally misinformation gets in the way of a good healthy debate. The fruit fly detections this year remind us that we need to be vigilant at borders. But no incursion has occurred, as Mr Lan-

cashire asserts, because MPI’s response has confirmed there is no established breeding population in New Zealand. This is accepted as international best practice and shows the biose-

curity system working as it should. Both flies this year were caught in MPI biosecurity traps, just as detector dogs at airports detect people carrying fruit. The Government is proud of its push for free

trade agreements. Growing exports helps underpin rural communities and the economy. Primary producers now have major advantages over competitors in markets like China, Taiwan, and the Asean

Nathan Guy

nations. But this is not a choice between more trade access or stronger biosecurity. We need to do both: pursue more trade opportunities for exporters, and ensure industries are protected from biological threat. This is why MPI’s focus is to ‘Grow and Protect’ the New Zealand primary industries, and why biosecurity has been and will continue to be my highest priority. It’s also why biosecurity spending is higher now than at any time during the last 15 years at least, especially during the past 18 months when we added more resources directly to the ‘front line’, including 125 new quarantine inspectors nationwide, and 12 new x-ray machines at international airports. But an effective biosecurity system requires more than just spending extra money and adding more staff. It also requires working smarter in all parts of the system – pre-border, at the border, and post border. That is why I got Cabinet’s agreement to a deed for government-industry agreements, to get industry and government officials working together, on preparedness and response, sharing knowledge and expertise to better protect borders. It’s also why MPI is working on an 18-month intensive action plan for

foot and mouth disease (FMD) preparedness, to scrutinise and remedy any gaps in the system. Finally, I’d like to clear up some misconceptions reported about the ‘green lane’ (direct exit) scheme in our airports. New Zealand is not alone in doing this. Australia operates the exact same system and actually goes further than we do. They control their border like this is because it’s best practice. Every international passenger who comes through New Zealand airports undergoes a form of biosecurity screening. This allows MPI staff to focus their resources on the high risk, rather than the low risk, passengers. Consider the context: 175,000 items come across New Zealand’s border each day, and about 10 million travellers cross our border a year. Even if we closed our border to all trade and travel – which no one wants – there is still a risk of an unwanted organism making it to our shores. We need to focus on where the biosecurity risks are and manage them, while working with all primary sector industries. • Nathan Guy is the Minister of Primary Industries

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

OPINION 29

Government policies undermining our biosecurity? J O HN L A NCAS H I R E

IT’S “UNBELIEVABLE and unexpected,” said Peter Silcock, Horticulture New Zealand’s chief executive, on hearing of the third detection of fruit fly in this country in less than two years. It may well be unbelievable considering the huge amount of resource being put into biosecurity and the prevention of pest and weed incursions; but unexpected, certainly not. Most of our many serious pest incursions come from Australia, either carried by humans or occasionally blown over. The former comes via formal tourist and visitor routes, typically through airports or informal arrivals via private yachts, which have been suggested as a possible source of the recent fruit fly incursion near Whangarei. Indeed, the present massive epidemic of Queensland fruit fly

in Australia made such an incur- cers believe screening shortcuts at the border have increased the sion almost inevitable. The Prime Minster has rightly chances of pests getting through. said that questions should be Such undermining of our bioseasked about whether there are curity is illustrated by gung-ho faults in our biosecurity system and whether fumigation of private yachts should be considered. Unfortunately, Mr Key presides over a government whose policies are clearly putting our biosecurity at risk and undermine the strenuous efforts by the Ministry of Primary Industry to keep us pest free. Is our biosecurity screening at airports and ports up-to-scratch? As Minister of Tourism, Mr Key has pushed hard for a seamless border for travel- statements from the chief execlers between Australia and New utive of the Airports AuthorZealand which has reduced visi- ity that we are pushing visitors tor screening for possible insect through our airports faster than incursions, for example, replac- Australia. Impressive, but at ing 100% X-rays scanning with what cost to biosecurity? Pushing on with free trade random checks. Two former biosecurity offi- agreements is a major policy

plank of the Key government and to this effect the Ministry of Primary Industry has been instructed to consider international trade arrangements when

making biosecurity risk assessments. In fact, the Government has taken six years of litigation against NZ Pork to force through the importation of raw pig meat. The industry insists this poses a risk of importing a nasty virus

disease known as PRRS, but the ministry believes there is only a “slight’ risk of this happening. In the meantime, the honey industry is similarly fighting to restrict the importation of honey from Australia which they believe poses unacceptable disease risks. This case is pending. Irrespective, both examples are costing the taxpayer a lot of money, and the NZ Pork industry itself spent $1.5 million in a forlorn bid to protect itself . Another Government initiative that must have adverse effects on our biosecurity performance has involved the massive and seemingly continual restructuring of departments and ministries. The current Ministry for Primary Industries (formerly MAF), rightly responsible for biosecurity, has been restruc-

tured almost annually for ten years, supposedly to increase ‘efficiency’. Furthermore, the widely recognised and criticised conflict of interest remains whereby the ministry maintains policy functions (food safety, animal welfare and trade issues) and regulatory functions (biosecurity). It is extraordinary that in such a tiny country the Government and the bureaucracy seem to be disconnected from what is going on in our major industries. A collapse of our horticultural exports ($4 billion per year) or even an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (up to $15 billion per year) through a biosecurity breach would destroy our economy for a generation. What is going on? • John Lancashire is a former president of the NZ Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science.

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30 MANAGEMENT

Monitor farm targets better deer tor Phil Tither. “Though it does create a complexity that makes farming more RUNNING DEER alongdifficult.” side sheep and cattle is a Plenty of potenchallenge the managers of tial exists with the deer, Anawai monitor farm are but to date they haven’t been earning much of a margin, he says, “partly because of the current venison market, but • Red breeding hinds (wapiti influenced) primarily because of • Red eastern sire stag animal performance • Breeding replacements and finishing all other progeny. and we want to lift • Typically wintered on a self-fed silage pad. that. We’ve culled, • Stag out with MA Hinds March 1. focusing on repro• First fawners mated with spikers – mating date March 17 ductive perforand April 1. mance, so we see • Pre-rut weaning deer numbers • Deer are bred on the hill country and finished on the easing a little or Maraetotara platform at best holding, until those per• Use of experts in the field to boost deer performance formance levels includes Tony Pearse and Tim Aitken, DINZ; Gerard come up.” Hickey, Firstlight Foods; Ian Walker, Vet Services The target is a Hawke’s Bay 25% ratio of deer • Anawai monitor farm personnel includes: Owners Craig breeding and finand Penny Hickson; Managers Colin and Denise Davis; ishing (now 24%) to Management group Hugh Pearse, Ian Walker, Richard sheep 50% and cattle Hilson, Rob Buddo, Chris Chesterman, Charles Pattison, 25%. Chris Guillemot, John Pearce Ten years ago VIVIE N NE H A LDA N E

determined to surmount. “Three species breed and finish here and they are all here for a reason,” says Hawke’s Bay monitor farm programme facilita-

DEER AT ANAWAI

Anawai ran 1850 breeding hinds. That is now much reduced, says farm manager Colin Davis. “Five years ago we moved away from the wapiti as terminal sires because we were struggling to get our R2s or mature herd hinds to perform. We now have eastern red stags to try to lower that sexual maturity rate: the eastern reds tend to conceive more in the first cycle.” The spikers are joined with R1 hinds early January for social reasons. “We haven’t always achieved it, but last year we achieved virtually 100% weaning pre–rut. The stag went out on March 14 this year, later than we would have liked. We’ll target March 1 next year.” Fawns are weaned in paddocks using Tim Aitken’s weaning policy where they go back into

the paddocks they were reared in (Aitken technique) then once settled are moved to the Maraetotara platform for finishing. Last year’s drought proved a challenge for all areas on the farm and the deer were no exception. Feed demand was high during this time and the decision was made to put 760 hinds into the forestry block with 600 tonnes of dry matter in a self-feed silage pit towards the end of the rut. “In hindsight that was a mistake,” says Tither. “We won’t do it again. The stags dominated and kept the hinds from going to the pit. Selffeed works fantastically in the winter and is not a bad policy, but not in autumn.” During the drought they also fed maize to deer – expensive but important for deer health and it kept them going until pastures recovered. This year R1 and R2 hinds will be wintered on a kale crop and 50% of mixed-age hinds will be grass rotated. Another 50% will go onto the silage pit in the forestry block in

winter. Finishing in late summer and autumn will be done on crops of Lucerne, plantain and clover. Stock control has

Phil Tither

been improved by putting in strengthened internal deer fencing to create an ideal fawning environment. And 1900m of seven-wire electric deer fence have enabled cross species grazing on the lucerne. Speaking at a field

day in April, Tony Pearse, producer manager for Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) says the most important time to get young stock up to their threshold weights is during lactation and in early autumn. “We recommend mon-

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

MANAGEMENT 31

among stock itoring the fawn’s growth profile during lactation,” he explained. “One thing the industry has learned is the weight of the young animal on June 1 determines the subsequent slaughter pattern. It is hard to change and expensive to feed for limited gain during winter by luxury feeding and once you have hit spring the growth pattern is pretty much determined. Adequate winter feeding is however still important to reduce stress and maintain animal health and wellbeing.” The deer industry produces young animals 12 months of the year for a consumption season of just four months – October to January in most of our markets. “Deer are such seasonal animals: they normally hit their 15-month weight and don’t grow for the next six months,” Pearse adds. “That is slightly out of phase with the market requirements, so the big push has been for more deer on the ground heavier

and earlier for flexibility in the first 12 months of life. Now, as the yield and carcase traits are starting to be assessed, we also want them better as well as heavier and earlier.” Anawai’s farming operation, land type and mix of breeding and finishing country is similar to a focus farm in North Canterbury owned by Sam and Mark Zino. Pearse suggested some of the methods used there could be applied at Anawai to help them capture the lucrative chilled venison market and therefore lift profit margins. Extending the fawning season and weaning and growing deer to their optimum weights before June 1 would help them achieve this. “The key areas in lifting liveweight gains and carcase weights and therefore advancing the kill are the improved autumn liveweight gains by means of a focus on quality feed,” Pearse says. Modern technology offers various means of

monitoring and managing animals but, overall, feed levels drive production. “That’s no secret to anyone,” he explains. “Our advice to deer farmers is to also take up the technology about monitoring pasture covers, do feed budgeting and understand the seasonality of your animals.”

Anawhai farm field day group on a crop of plantain.

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Time to look beyond Europe IT’S TIME for a big change in the commercial venison sector says Gerard Hickey, managing director and owner of Firstlight Foods. Diversifying out of Europe and looking for other international markets should be one of those changes, he says. “With venison sales in European markets down from 75% to 50% in the last two years, we’ll look to markets that want to eat venison year-round rather than the seasonal bias of just four months of the year.” Likely markets are the new food service opportunities, for example Moscow and United Arab Emirates. “Our target is to see venison returns at a clear $2/kg above lamb, recognising that a lot of our deer farmers have the option of sheep and beef and also dairy support. Firmly in our sights in the next 12 months is an $8.50/kg price and that’s not just a spring peak – we are talking yearround price levels.” He says there is also a need to differentiate product. “We know there are markets which will pay a premium for young venison.” Hickey says the venison market needs to find “our China”. “We’ve talked about the importance of China boosting lamb returns. That [brought] a two-fold improvement: it was a new market segment for parts of the lamb carcase and it gave existing markets a wake-up call in supply and demand. “That ‘China’ is coming, but for the deer industry it’s about the fifth quarter – deer parts sold to Asia as co-products. That makes up about 20% of the value of the deer and is unique compared to sheep and beef. We see that market as being exceptionally strong and adding value.” DINZ, Primary Growth Partnerships (PGP) and the five main venison processing companies working together should set the sector on fire, he says.

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

MANAGEMENT 33

Pasture under attack by ‘benign’ moth PLANTAIN CROP in the North Island is under attack by a normally benign New Zealand native. Farmers are reporting to AgResearch that the Epyaxa rosearia – a widespread native moth – is causing damage. The moth feeds on a range of plants including plantain. Its recent appearance in large numbers in plantain crops has earned it the name ‘plantain moth’. Reports first appeared early December from farmers concerned about the number of plantain moth caterpillars visible in their fields and their damage to plantain crops, says AgResearch scientist Colin Ferguson. “Some farmers reported up to 90% of their crop being decimated by the insect.” Until recently the plantain moth has caused little concern to farmers. “It is a native of which we know virtually nothing, but its activities this summer have put it firmly on our radar,” says Ferguson. “Plantain used to be planted within a mixture of ryegrass, chicory and clover. Due to its drought resistant properties we are seeing more farmers using plantain as a monoculture – single source pasture. These plantain crops should last a number of years but it looks as though populations of the moth build up in the first year and, assuming conditions are right, it is those second-year crops that are getting hit by moth populations which increase exponentially.” Ferguson says the effects

of the move to plantain as a single source forage crop was compounded by the mild conditions last winter. “The mild conditions allowed a greater number of moth eggs to hatch and more of the caterpillars and moths survived the winter. Warm, dry summers, like the one we are having now, are perfect insect breeding conditions and as a result the plantain moth population has exploded in some areas.” Normally the growth of plantain is so great that feeding by these caterpillars has little impact on plant production. But occasionally severe damage is reported, the result of high caterpillar numbers; this may be concentrated in some paddocks while others close by are unaffected. Why and how this situation arises is unknown but is being investigated. Crop health, plant stress and growing conditions are suspected in the severity of damage observed. Despite signs the moth is spread nationwide, Ferguson knows of no damage to plantain south of Manawatu. “This may be because weather conditions do not allow the moth to breed as many times as it does in northern areas.” There are no registered insecticides to kill plantain moth caterpillars but broad spectrum insecticides with good activity against other caterpillars may kill them. AgResearch scientists recommend consulting agrichemical firms before ‘off-label’ use of these insecticides. “Treatment in early summer,

ABOUT PLANTATION MOTH THE MOTH is small – no more than 20mm across – and light brown with darker spots and a distinct darker brown band towards the end of its wings. It belongs to a group commonly called carpet moths. The moths will often fly up from a crop in front of people, stock or vehicles, sometimes in large numbers, particularly in autumn. Caterpillars are brown and small, no more than 20mm long. They are known as loopers as they raise part of their body off the ground or plant when moving. Little is known about their biology. www.pestweb.co.nz

if moths are present then, would knock back the season’s first generation, leading to less pressure on autumn pastures,” says Ferguson. “Further investigation into this and grazing management practices

is underway. As a general guide a healthy crop will tolerate more insect damage than an unhealthy one.” The plantain moth is causing concern for North Island farmers.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

34 MANAGEMENT

The greatness of Brian and Rae Doughty, Whanganui, have a ‘mixed farm’, but not in the traditional sense. The mix they have created works well for them. Peter Burke reports. picturesque setting on the banks of the Whanganui River. The river steamer is getting up steam as it prepares to take passengers

ON SATURDAY mornings you won’t find Brian and Rae Doughty at their farm. Rather they will be busy at their stall at the Whanganui farmers’ market at a

Goats are intelligent and will do anything for food, says Rae Doughty.

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up the river and people are leisurely shopping among a huge range of food and other goods on sale at the market. Amidst it all Brian and Rae Doughty, dairy goat and dairy cow farmers, from a gazebo at their car boot, are busy selling the specialty cheeses they have made that week. Not all their product is sold here, but it’s good promotion and catchup with regular customers. Their goat cheeses are popular and people drop by to taste and buy. Their product might aptly be called ‘Lonely Goat’, but they are not short of buyers. They bought their farm in the Brunswick area of Whanganui in 1991 while Brian was working as a livestock officer for AsureQuality and Rae for the local vet club. She was also an AI technician. “The way we came to find the farm was because I knew the guy who owned it and I often used to look at the house and think ‘I’d love that house’,” says Rae. “Then his marriage broke up and he had to sell. He rang us on the Wednesday and said ‘if you are still interested in the farm I am listing it on Friday’. We sat up all night doing the sums to see if we could afford it because at that stage I was living on 50 acres and Brian was living in town. We had to decide whether to sell up and make the figures work, and they did eventually.”

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They started off with just 53 cows and built the herd up to 140 in 200102. Despite the demands of the farm, the couple kept their off-farm jobs – by their own admission ‘pushing it’ or perhaps slightly mad. These were the days before Fonterra, so the local dairy company, Kiwi, was happy to take their milk. Before long, Brian and Rae decided to get rid of most of their cows and go to drystock, keeping just a few cows to help them rear calves. Meanwhile Rae had a hankering for goats – having milked them in a previous life. They saw some at a sale and another lot advertised in Waikato but the person selling them “wanted big money,” says Rae. “While we were away she rang and said we could have them for $60 each or they would go to the works so we bought 24. That was in May and they were supposed to kid in August. The first one kidded the next day and we had no sheds or milking plant – nothing, so it was a mad panic.” They converted the dairy shed to milk the cows on one side and the goats on the other. Each has its own systems, with less vacuum for the goats. With the arrival of the goats, Brian decided to go back to cows, eventually settling on 60 which work in well with the 70 goats on the 88ha property. Incidentally, Brian

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

lonely goats sells his milk to Open Country which is happy to have a small supplier. The cows produce about 12,000kgMS a year. The first day the Doughtys milked the goats and cows together was one to remember, says Rae. Things didn’t quite go according to plan. “I took the grain in for the goats and they all rushed into the shed and we milked them and it was wonderful. Brian was milking cows on the other side and the cows had grain too but they dropped it on the ground as cows do. “When I let the first row of goats out and they saw the grain around the cows they were onto it. The cows crapped everywhere, they kicked their cups off and he was yelling at me to get the b…. goats out and they wouldn’t go. It was so funny… but it

wasn’t funny at the time.” Now they have a system which stops the goats getting at any spilled feed, instead offering the goats extra grain from a trough when they finish milking. Goats are intelligent and will do anything for food, Rae says. The goats were bought for cheesemaking and by her own admission Rae didn’t do her homework; she thought she could just make cheese in the kitchen and sell it. For about a year she practised making cheese in the kitchen until they built a proper cheesemaking room which met all MPI’s stringent requirements. While the cheese house is new, much of the equipment is second-hand, but it works fine, Rae says. “I love going into the cheese room and shutting the door. There is no tele-

phone or radio in there. It’s my space. But since I hurt my knees Brian comes in and helps to pasteurise the milk.” The goats produce about 120L of milk a day; about 80L is used for cheesemaking, the remainder goes to feed kids taken from the does about four days after they are born in August. The Doughtys also sell a small amount of goat milk at the farmgate. Production is seasonal, from August when they kid to March when the does are dried off. This means from about now on no new cheese can be made and only a limited supply is kept in stock. “We sell the cheese at the market, through two outlets in Auckland and one in Wellington, and a local delicatessen,” Rae explains.

MANAGEMENT 35 Brian Doughty sells his products at the Whanganui farmers market.

The Doughtys started with the Saanen milking goats (the Friesian of the goat world); now they also have Anglo-Nubian (the Jersey) and have a Toggenburg buck to add to the mix. The two herds milk well together, the cows twice a day and the goats once. While Rae would like

both to be on OAD, the reality is the dollars, says Brian. “I know OAD is alright, but by Christmas time I’d produced as much milksolids this year as I had for the whole of the season last year and I will stick to TAD,” he says. The only caveat on that is this year Brian went to OAD with

the other day because all I was doing was compromising next season. I was making as much money as I was spending, so I decided to stop and dry the cows off.” The Doughtys are past the traditional retirement age, but will not quit their unusual farming operation any time soon.

his cows in February as the dry spell set in. The Doughtys have an all pasture system with just the odd bit of grain fed to get the animals through tough patches. Says Brian, “We had hoped the cows would go through till the end of May, but because of our dry spell I pulled the plug

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

Ensure your production is no fluke Treatment of liver fluke should utilise a product which provides control over all stages of liver fluke, particularly early immature, those less than 4 weeks old. Effective removal of these early immature fluke stops eggs laying for an extended period of time. The younger the fluke are killed, the longer it is until there are adult fluke contaminating pastures with eggs, which means your production is no fluke.

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36 ANIMAL HEALTH

Cold snap reduces FE risk THE RECENT rain and cold snap has reduced the risk of facial eczema, says AsureQuality’s national co-coordinator for FE, Leo Cooney. Since early March FE levels, particularly in the North Island, had been high and farmers were warned to monitor spore counts or follow developments on AsureQuality’s web site. But rain and a sharp drop in temperatures have cut the risk, Cooney says. But they are still watching for any district reporting mushrooms, a sign of conditions in which FE levels may rise. The worst outbreaks of FE usually occur after droughts when rains come and soil temperatures are still high. Cooney, in Horowhenua, Horowhenua monitors regular sites himself and gets data from other sites nationwide to build up a national picture. When checking for FE he uses the ‘dry count’ method as opposed to the ‘wash down’ method. Experience has shown him the dry count method is the most reliable. “With the washdown method you are getting a grass sample, bringing it back – usually about

Leo Cooney says soil temperatures play a part in determining the presence of FE. Inset: FE spores damage the liver of animals.

200g of grass – and that is washed in a sample of 600ml of water and shaken for about three minutes. Drops of water are then taken out and put on a blood slide and read under the microscope at a different magnification from what we use on the dry count method.” The microscope shows the FE spores looking like minia-

ture hand-grenades. FE is caused by a toxin, sporidesmin, produced by the fungus Pithomyces chartarum which grows rapidly in warm wet pastures mainly from January to April although cases of FE have been known to occur in May. The sporidesmin damages the liver of an animal and makes the animals sensitive to

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the disease showing up in stock, often as late as May. When I started taking the soil temperatures I found the warm soil was acting like an electric blanket under the base of the pasture and producing a medium ideal for fungi to keep ticking away and producing spores.” While the FE risk appears to be diminishing, Cooney is advising farmers to monitor soil temperatures: 18-19oC is probably still dangerous. But he is expecting soil temperatures in Horowhenua to drop to 14-15oC – “getting into safe territory”.

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light, causing severe inflammation on parts of the skin, especially around ears, eyes and udder. Cooney says over the years he has discovered the part soil temperature plays in determining the presence of FE. As well as collecting the spore samples he also records the temperature of the soil. “I have come to the conclusion that soil temperatures are very important. I found this out about 10 years ago because I used to wonder why later in the season when the ambient temperatures were getting low we were still getting

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

ANIMAL HEALTH 37

Poison drop planned for winter TBFREE NEW Zealand is planning an aerial drop of 1080 this winter in Waipunga, near the TaupoNapier highway. The target is about 1659ha of Whirinaki Forest, home to North

Island brown kiwi, whio, kaka and threatened native bats. The area includes private, government and Maori-owned land. TBfree NZ quotes DOC senior ranger Dave Wills as saying some of New Zea-

efit from the knockback of predators like possums, rats and stoats.” TBfree Hawke’s Bay committee chairman Dennis Mitchell says the “battle against bovine TB has been waged in Hawke’s Bay for 25 years and currently there are no infected cattle or deer herds in the region”.

land’s rarest bird and plant species will benefit from the pest kill, chiefly of possums, rats and stoats. “DOC is working with TBfree New Zealand to ensure the best results possible for native wildlife,” says Wills. “A wide range of other forest birds, trees and wildlife also stand to ben-

“When you look at the practicalities of 1080 in improving the quality of life of our native species, it’s a no-brainer,” Ward says. “People don’t appreciate that possums, stoats, ferrets and rats… decimate our native bird populations.” Research shows 1080

“We seek to methodically [kill] pests, especially possums, which can sustain the disease in wildlife. “Effective pest [killing] in our rugged bush is vital to protect farmed livestock and export markets.” Dennis Ward, of Ngatapu Station, a farmer and hunter, also favours the operation.

benefits native birds and forests, he says. “The evidence has convinced me that it is the best method, particularly in rugged terrain like the Waipunga area, where ground [kills are] impractical.” “It is amazing to see the bush come alive with native birds following a 1080 operation.”

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2007 2012

TALKS HAVE begun on the direction of the dairy herd improvement industry. MPI is leading a study of the need to regulate LIC after it transfers the dairy core database to DairyNZ. MPI acting director sector policy Marianne Lukkien says the Government wants to ensure New Zealand’s dairy industry can benefit from genetic gain in the national dairy herd. “This supports the national breeding objective to identify animals whose progeny will be the most efficient converters of feed into farmer profit. “To achieve this we need to ensure the dairy core database is fit for purpose, that services are accessible at competitive prices and above all farmers’ interests are protected.” The dairy industry is preparing for the transfer of the database from LIC to DairyNZ. LIC has asked MPI to consider removing the legislative requirements imposed on it that will be unaffected by the transfer. These requirements relate to herd testing provision and pricing, and LIC’s corporate form and constitutional change. “We recognise there is a need to ensure regulation is fit for purpose for the direction of the industry,” says Lukkien. “This is an opportunity for LIC, farmers and other stakeholders to identify issues relating to these requirements on LIC. This process will help the Government decide [whether or not to] regulate Livestock Improvement Corporation after the transfer of the dairy core database to DairyNZ.” Consultation closes 5pm May 23.

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

38 ANIMAL HEALTH LETTER IS THIS MONEY WELL SPENT? Rural News (April 8) reported on the new DIVA TB tests soon to be trialled by TBFreeNZ. If successful, the originating company, Polybatics, is set to make a handsome profit. Tracy Thompson, chief executive of Polybatics, stated that by testing 38,000 cattle they would expect

to find 200 infected beasts – one infection in every 200 cattle tested. After testing 38,000 possums they might not find a single infected possum. After testing 380,000 possums they still could not guarantee they’d find a single infected possum.

The more such revealing figures are released the harder it is to understand why AHB, OSPRI, TBFreeNZ or any other agency would persist in the unsuccessful chase to find the elusive TB-infected possum. It is even harder not to get angry at the weekly cost of more than a

million dollars. It would be cheaper to slaughter all 38,000 possibly infected cattle every year, just to be sure, than to fund this extraordinary possum chase. John Veysey RD 1 Coromandel

Ensure your production is no fluke Treatment of liver fluke should utilise a product which provides control over all stages of liver fluke, particularly early immature, those less than 4 weeks old. Effective removal of these early immature fluke stops eggs laying for an extended period of time. The younger the fluke are killed, the longer it is until there are adult fluke contaminating pastures with eggs, which means your production is no fluke.

Sheep showing weight loss typical of OJD. (Western Australian Dept. of Agriculture photo)

Johne’s test results turn up faster A L A N HA R M A N

A NEW test for Johne’s disease in sheep and cattle that gets results in one week instead of three months has been launched in Australia. It offers the prospect of limiting the spread of the disease. Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) says the new diagnostic test, about ten years in developing, is called the High-Throughput-Johne’s assay (HT-J). It is the work of the University of Sydney and NSW Department of Primary Industries as part of a five-year, A$6.4-million project led by the university’s chair of farm animal health, Prof. Richard Whittington, and funded by MLA and Animal Health Australia. Whittington says the test is the culmination of at least 10 years of difficult research in Australia and elsewhere. The contagious disease, discovered by German bacteriologist and veterinarian Heinrich Johne in 1905, is caused by a bacterium named Mycobacterium avium.

“The more quickly you can get a Johne’s disease diagnosis, the more quickly you can stop further spread of the disease.” – Johann Schröder

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In cattle, the main signs of paratuberculosis are diarrhea and wasting. Most cases are seen in two- to six-yearold animals. The clinical signs in sheep and goats are similar. The wool or hair is often damaged and easily shed. Most animals become infected with Johne’s disease in the first one to 12 months of life, but don’t show signs of disease for years. They shed minuscule amounts of bacteria in their faeces, which makes it hard to detect, and can infect other animals and other properties if sold. “The challenge for us has been to try to detect the smallest quantity of Johne’s disease bacteria in faecal samples,” Whittington says. After being approved by the sub-committee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards, the HT-J test underwent a trial by fire when bovine Johne’s disease was discovered in North Queensland in November 2012. Intensive use of the new test revealed weaknesses, including the delivery of inconclusive results, which prompted industry-wide collaboration by researchers and laboratory technicians to quickly refine the HT-J. MLA animal health and biosecurity project manager Johann Schröder says the test allows affected producers to more quickly adopt corrective/remedial management strategies. “The more quickly you can get a Johne’s disease diagnosis, the more quickly you can stop further spread of the disease,” Schröder says. “It also reduces stress on producers: they no longer have to wait three months to find out if their property is affected.” But though it shortens test times it is not foolproof, Whittington says. “Producers must work with their relevant veterinary services to interpret test results at a herd/ flock level.”

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

ANIMAL HEALTH 39

Vanessa Robinson

Dutch scholarship advances AI study MASSEY UNIVERSITY masters student Vanessa Robinson, researching dairy cow production, is back from a trip to Holland where she learned about the artificial insemination (AI) industry there. Her expenses were covered by a scholarship from CRV Ambreed. Robinson’s career goal is to advise farmers on cow reproduction and how they can improve it in their herds. She applied for a CRV Ambreed scholarship including overseas study to liaise with researchers and scientists in the AI industry. “I knew it could help advance my career,” says Robinson (21). The company offers two $10,000 scholarships annually in March to one undergraduate biological science student from both Massey and Lincoln Universities. They include a trip to a CRV international business unit of the students’ choice in Czech Republic, Brazil, USA or Holland, and $3000 towards to the cost of the students’ tertiary studies. CRV Ambreed’s genetic development strategist Phil Beatson says in the four years the company has been offering the scholarships, the eight

to further investigate what is actually happening to the cow’s estrus during that time so farmers can ensure they don’t miss those critical timeframes during the mating season.” Beatson says CRV Ambreed is proud to support students such as Robinson. “We are evaluating the next round of applicants now…. We get about six applications from each of the universities each year. We’re looking for people who are motivated to develop a career in dairy genetics, with the right attitude and intellect to contribute to the dairy industry as a whole,” says Beatson. To support her studies during term time, Robinson works on a Massey University dairy farm milking cows and doing general farm duties. Most of her relatives are farmers, and growing up she spent a lot of time on a Taumarunui sheep and beef farm and a Taranaki dairy farm. She was schooled at Rosehill College, Papakura, and did her Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences degree at Massey University. Her master’s degree studies will take two years.

successful recipients have all chosen to visit its Holland head office. Robinson says the highlights of her Holland trip included meeting a CRV scientist doing similar research to her own about the effects of colder climates on a bull’s fertility and getting hands-on experience on farms alongside dairy farmers and AI and embryo transplant technicians. “In Holland I got to experience a lot of things that you don’t necessarily get to see in New Zealand because of differences in the sizes of our operations and industries, such as commercial embryo collection facilities and technologies, and visiting a large semen sexing lab.” Her master’s research in New Zealand won’t require research trials. She will use data from CRV’s general herd reproductive database and match it to climate data. She will work with DairyNZ to get some data she needs to complete her research. Little research is done in New Zealand on how cold weather affects cow fertility. “Farmers believe our bad winter weather prevents cows cycling and therefore mating stops. But we want

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

40 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Mixer helps get most out of supplements GA RE T H G I LLAT T

A JAY-LOR mixer wagon is enabling a Wairarapa dairy farmer to make maximum use of supplements. Bruce Patrick and his partner Tina run a 200ha 650 cow high-input farm (system 4) at Gladstone, southeast of Carterton. They feed out 300 tonnes of maize silage, 100t grass silage, 300t PKE, a bit of barley and extra supplements yearround. Though about 10% of the cows’ dietary requirements are being bought in it didn’t start out that way, says Patrick. They first ran the farm as a system 2, using a silage wagon to feed only grass silage grown on the property. Feeding silage on the ground struck Patrick as wasteful as “the cost of buying or making grass silage means it was too expensive to put on the paddock.” They built a feedpad to cut wastage, adding meal and maize silage to supplementary feed to increase the herd size. Patrick first fed out with his silage wagon, laying down grass silage, palm kernel and maize silage in three separate passes but found the stock weren’t get-

ting an even choice of food. “I wasn’t convinced all the cows were getting the same rations. The silage layers were a bit haphazard.” He bought a secondhand 15m3 Jay-Lor mixer wagon through James Trucks and Machinery, Masterton, and says he saw an immediate improvement in usage. The wagon distributes mixed supplements especially well on shoulders and because of this, Patrick says, the herd’s production has risen from 1000kgMS/ha to 1400kgMS/ ha. When it came time to replace the second-hand unit, size wasn’t the ‘main thing’. He The Jaylor 4850 is easily able to handle decided on another Jay-Lor. baleage and other supplements. “When it comes down to it it’s a different matter on another of his there’s not much difference in price between a silage wagon with scales properties where baleage is an integral part of the mix. and a mixer wagon.” The mixers are easily able to handle “I tried out the Jay-Lor on this farm and another and found it to be durable, baleage, says Patrick, who gets six to seven years use out of the blades. reliable and effective.” The new mixer has halved the time While most of the supplement doesn’t need chopping before feeding, needed to prepare feed for cows, halving

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the number of loads. “We’re only feeding out one lot at the moment, but it has been two or three whereas before it was four or more.” Most feed is bought in, says Patrick, who prefers to get pasture to cows while it’s fresh rather than locking it up. Supplementary rations being fed

to stock amount to 25-50% of their diet depending on the pasture growth curve. Patrick says during a period between October and November stock don’t get any supplementary feed. The couple work with consultants to improve the volume of pasture consumed and Patrick says weekly pasture walks with pasture meters give him a good handle on available feed. Supplement is used with pasture, with Patrick increasing the amount of supplement fed now to build up reserves for winter. As the property is on heavy silt, and not far from the Ruamahanga River, Patrick says at least a quarter of the farm is prone to flooding, which can affect pasture quality. The 15 tonne (loaded) wagon is hauled by a 110hp John Deere 6610, also used to drive the mixer. Jay-Lor wagons are distributed in New Zealand by Power Farming Group. Tel. 07 902 2200 www.powerfarming.co.nz

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 41

Quiet but powerful SUV ticks all the boxes be heard working. The vehicle manages power flow, deciding when extra engine assistance is needed. However, there is a host of switches for drivers who want input into the driving experience. If you wish you can charge the batteries while driving or save the battery capacity you have for later in the journey. You can also choose how much resistance is put into regenerative braking or leave it in the default which aims at a more comfortable drive. Mitsubishi has it just right with the default settings though: a good mix of economy and comfort. Talking about comfort, the specs are as good inside as under the bonnet. The hybrid Outland-

ers are available in XLS trim at $59,900 and VRX at $66,990, which adds leather, a more comprehensive trip computer with a larger 7-inch screen and an electric tail gate. It also adds Mitsubishi Assist safety aids which include radar cruise and forward collision mitigation which warns of, then acts to prevent, frontal impact if you are distracted. The information screens, one in the instrument cluster and one on the dash centre, tell you lots. Both XLS and VRX spec come only in a five-seat specification. In a concession to the hybrid’s need for batteries there is no third row of seats and the floor is slightly raised. The 45L tank, though smaller than usual, will still offer

the usual range due to the increase in fuel economy. Performance is great. Acceleration is brisk: 0-100km/h taking about ten seconds and the huge torque available from the electric motors means you can put the vehicle where you want it without much fuss.

Handling is similar to the petrol driven models as despite carrying extra weight the batteries are low in the vehicle so don’t contribute much to body roll. Try the Mitsubishi PHEV if you are looking at a hybrid car or any SUV, though how you drive and

www.mmnz.co.nz

Made In New Zealand

DIRECT S EED DRILL Standard Unique 100mm or ing 150mm Row Spac

• 500 litre seed & fertiliser hopper standard • Stainless agitator shaft for optimum corrosion protection • Durable spring tine with tungsten point provides excellent penetration characteristics

• Heavy duty galvanised frame • Calibration is made simple with the variable speed gearbox & seed collection tray Mitsubishi’s new petrol/ electric hybrid SUV has the looks and the goods for a nice ride.

how far you drive may decide which Outlander is best for you. Those doing serious mileage may be better off with the excellent (and cheaper) 2.2L diesel version. A five year or 100,000km new vehicle warranty applies.

4 INCH SPACING Includes Front Disc

39,990

$

+GST

SO THIS is the future? It looks quite normal – attractive even. Mitsubishi’s new petrol-electric hybrid has gone mainstream in looks, but its performance and economy are like no other. While it has the usual hybrid technology, making the most of braking and deceleration to charge the batteries, it is also a true plug-in hybrid. You simply plug the lead into a standard power point in your garage and in five-six hours you have power for 40-50km for no more than a couple of dollars. A small, smooth and economical 2.0L petrol engine helps out when needed to supply power to

the batteries or, if under heavy load, power to the wheels also. The numbers would be outstanding for any vehicle, let alone a large SUV. The maker’s figure of just 1.9L/100km reflects the electric power usage, but even at highway speeds the efficient petrol engine is using less than most rivals. Behind the wheel it is hard to get used to the lack of noise at first. As you would expect there is a definite electric hum as the motors push you eerily forward – no fuss, no delay. Mitsubishi actually had to build in some external noise to make it safer for pedestrians. This doesn’t intrude into the cabin, which is quiet at all but maximum acceleration when the petrol engine can

FINANCE

FROM

MA RK M AC FA R LA N E

1.95%*

* Normal lending criteria and conditions apply.

Contact your local Power Farming Dealer for more information www.powerfarming.co.nz

CROPLANDS 1300 LINKAGE SPRAYER HEAVY DUTY LINKAGE Options include:

» 12m or 15m galvanised hydraulic-fold boom

» 135 L/min pump

» 1600 litre tank

» Large flush tank

» Guidance and mapping

» Self-locking self-leveller

» 30 litre chemical mixer

» 3-section electric controls

» Hydraulic height adjuster with accumulator suspension

» Handwash tank and clothes locker

Priced from $22,360 + GST plus freight. Order now for delivery by July 2014. Contact your Croplands sales representative today. Email sales@croplands.co.nz www.croplands.co.nz

North Island, Upper North Island, Lower South Island

Greg Small Vic Barlow Rob Marshall

0276 879 010 0274 752 322 0272 486 822

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Standard with:

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

42 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Spray benefits beet crops BAYER CROPSCIENCE has gained registration for its new four-way herbicide Betanal Quattro. This brings together, for the first time, all four of the main active ingredients in a single product for killing broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses in fodder beet crops. Bayer herbicides Betanal Forte and Nortron have been used in New Zealand beet crops for many years, says marketing manager Chris Miln. The new product combines the active ingredients of these two products with the active metamitron. The result is an easy-to-use, convenient spray for beet growers. “Betanal Quattro provides knockdown contact and pre-emergent activity against many broadleaf and grass weeds,” he says. “Previously farmers have had to mix herbicides together to get effective contact and residual action [kills] of most common weeds, but Betanal Quattro combines these into one con-

venient product. It utilises Bayer’s SE (suspo-emulsion) formulation technology… tough on weeds but not on crops. “Its main application in New Zealand will be in fodder beet crops and beetroot crops, and we think it’ll be more economic, convenient and easier than mixing products together.” Fodder beet are said to have shown high tolerance of the product. Miln says early season weed kills are critical to the success of the fodder beet crops now widely grown in New Zealand as a winter feed for dairy cows. The product was trialled in the South Island and North Island for three years. Betanal Quattro will be available on the New Zealand market in time for spring sowing this year.

Fencing contest promises more at Fieldays GARE TH G I L L AT T

Chris Miln

Tel. 09 441 8532 www.cropscience.bayer.co.nz @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

We’ve engineered a workhorse Our Tip Trailers will take the weight off you. The different volumes, hydraulic tipping, and high ground clearance make them very handy. They’ll carry more than their weight on the farm.

Buckton Engineering T +64 7 533 1259 E sales@bucktonag.co.nz www.bucktonag.co.nz

THE WORLD Record Speed Fencing Competition scheduled for Fieldays will have more events and competitors, the organisers say. The first event was held last year at the Grasslandz expo. Organiser Jo Beddows says a singles event – a time trial – will have the contestants compete in nailing a predetermined number of battens to a nine wire fence. Solo fencers will have to staple 15 batons to a 9-wire fence; doubles must staple 30 batons. Prizes are $1000 for singles and doubles. World records for speed are often set at the event: Taumarunui fencers Bill Brewer and Simon Green last year set a

world record of 11m, 38s. Beddows says the event last year was intended to highlight the skill involved in fencing. “We understand fencing within farming communities is an essential element and a skill to be nurtured and celebrated. That’s why we want contractors and farmers to share their techniques with others while having fun and the chance to win cash prizes.” Competition starts on June 12 (doubles) June 13 (singles). Entry is open to anyone aged over 16. Entries received before June 6 go in a draw for spot prizes. Tel. 09 482 0866 www.fairbrotherind.com/speedfencing

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 43

Muck spread wide and evenly

Adding a spinning deck to the manure spreader results in a more even and wide spread of material.

A SPINNING deck can now be fitted to any Pichon solid manure spreader model 12-24m3, reports the importer, CB Norwood Distributors. This new system, built on the idea of deflectors, fits onto the rear frame of all the Muck Master range. It enables an even and wide spreading and minimises wind resistance on manure. The spinning deck is designed especially to spread light materials at low rates (less than 10t/ha) such as dry manure and compost. Made in two parts hydraulically controlled, each side deflector can be used independently while spreading near hedges or roads. It’s also used as a full rear protection on the road. Two small left and right deflectors located at the bottom part adjust spreading width. The manure is crushed and crumbled by 1035mm diameter beaters and drops onto the spinning discs. Blades are fitted to the discs (1077mm diameter) to get an accurate application from 15-20m wide.

A N E W A P P R OAC H T O E N G I N ES

Tel. 06 356 4920 www.norwood.co.nz

Electric expeller keeps rats outside FARM HOUSES and buildings, dairy sheds, seed and grain stores, and even machinery sheds, are protected nationwide in their thousands by Australian-made, electromagnetic Pest Free rat expellers. Units are also working under rotary dairy platforms, livestock feed mills and piggeries. About 9000 of the now operate in New Zealand. They are sold in a dozen other countries. Three sizes are available: domestic for up to 200m2 , Pro (400m2) and commercial (1000m2). The Pest Free plugs into a standard 230V power point from where it send a 50Hz pulse around the building’s wiring. The pulsing occurs in the 1m diameter electromagnetic field that occurs naturally around any live electrical wiring. It emits no sound and causes no harm to humans, pets or electronic gear such as computers and controllers. The pulse switches on/off every three minutes, so rodents do not get used to it. The pulsing stresses rodents, causing them to lose body moisture, drink more and eat less, so upsetting their nutrition and reproductive patterns. They ‘learn’ that they must exit the building or dangerously dehydrate. The Pest Free maker stresses that nothing can prevent pests entering a building, but electromagnetic pulsing discourages them from setting up nests and colonies. The Pest Free concept was trialled for two years (1996-97) at the University of New England, NSW. Australian Government funding helped to develop and commercialise the devices. The domestic unit costs $159.90, the Pro $399. They carry a 60-day moneyback guarantee and a twoyear warranty.

0800 801 888 www.powerfarming.co.nz B&POW0377

Tel. 09 833 1931 keating@orcon.net.nz

At the heart of any Deutz-Fahr tractor is its engine. It’s therefore reassuring to know that Deutz is one of the largest independent manufacturers of diesel engines in the world. Our modern high torque, low emission and fuel-efficient engines are supplied to many of the world’s leading automotive companies and are performing tirelessly in every corner of the globe. To join the record number of farmers benefiting from the power and efficiency of a Deutz engine, contact your Deutz-Fahr dealer today.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

44 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS Handy utility has many uses Landmaster 2-wheel drive LM400.

A POWERFUL and fun utility capable of handling just about any chore: that’s how distributor Bruce Henderson describes the Landmaster range of vehicles. Henderson’s company Simplicity Imports has been selling the Landmaster range in New Zealand It includes utility vehicles ranging from ‘light’ (150cc) to mid-size 2WD and 4WD models and 4-seater crew vehicles with optional 6-seat configurations. The Landmaster range was designed with every need in mind – work or play, he says. “The LM200 runabout is a quick, 2WD, lighter duty vehicle perfect for adding to the enjoyment of land while helping to maintain residential, holiday or small commercial property.” Jobs such as moving mulch, logs or towing a mower or trailer are easily han-

dled by the 2WD LM300 or LM400. The more powerful 4WD LM500, LM650 and LM700 suit heavy chores or more rugged terrain. The Landmaster range also includes the electric LM48V. Henderseon describes this as quiet and powerful, good for offroad chores or for just getting around a property. “`The electric LMLSV is a street legal version of the LM48V. All of the Landmaster models (except the LM200) come with a ‘poly’ (structural foam) dump bed, but can be ordered as a steel bed model with a rear-facing flip seat that folds down to create the dump bed. The LM500 petrol 4WD costs $11,949 (incl. GST); the LM48V electric 2WD costs $12,857.

Honda’s work horses remain popular THE 2014 range of Honda quads are now available at Honda dealers nationwide, including a 420cc model with design features similar to those on a bigger machine. As with the Honda quads custom-made for New Zealand conditions for at least 40 years, the new range is no different, the company says. The range extends from the TRX250 to the “awesome” TRX680. In between sit the 420cc and 500cc workhorses that are “unwaver-

ing favourites in the New Zealand market”. The 500cc Forman range comes in automatic or manual and with the option of power steering. These models are the “power performers” of the range – the manual versions can tow 250kg. The manual versions also have front diff-lock enabling them to pull through deep mud. Big news in the 2014 offering is the 420cc Rancher range, says Blue Wing Honda.

The 420s now the same heavy duty frame as the 500cc machines. The 420FM has a solid rear swing-arm with durability similar to the 500cc design. And the automatic models have revised transmission mapping. Other features include new styling, stronger headlights, thicker seat foam, enclosed rear axles and better CV boots. www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Honda’s new 420cc model.

Tel. 0800 384 450

Form an orderly queue! Strainrite Pigtail Standards Featuring: • Galvanised, bend resistant spring steel shaft • Unique pressed steel foot for superior ground holding and strength • Proudly New Zealand made

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RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 45

Tours help farmers connect the dots ROSS Ma cM I L LA N

A GREAT thing about New Zealand is our being surrounded by ocean, isolated from most pest and diseases, avoiding conflict with neighbouring countries, and having a buoyant economy, a fair society and stable governance. We are pretty much a world in miniature, a paradise in the South Pacific – or so it seems most of the time. However, we should not become complacent, especially in farming as the driving force of our economy. It is prudent to know what your fellow farmers and competitors are up to elsewhere around the world, be aware of changing technologies, trends in agricultural production and consumption and market opportunities. That great body of surrounding ocean can be a barrier to knowing what’s going on unless you make

the effort to get out and see for yourself. Farm-To-Farm Tours annual tour to the United States provides a terrific opportunity to hear and see what is happening in this vast continent, whose influence is felt beyond its shores affecting our farm businesses and lifestyle. At the same time, you can have a relaxing break away from the New Zealand winter enjoying all the wonderful educational, cultural, hospitality and scenic experiences that America can offer. The guided tour in June-July takes in the diverse western states of Arizona, California and Oregon, followed by a jaunt through the agricultural powerhouse of the mid-west states. Then, finally, an opportunity to visit Washington DC and New York cities. New Zealand shrinks to a seemingly insignificant dot on globe when you travel in the United States,

but there is no doubt it is a very influential country and huge international player in just about everything. What happens in the US can adversely affect our ‘little dot’. But it can also provide terrific opportunities if we embrace what we see and learn from an educational

trip such as this. Some farmers make things happen, some watch things happen and others wonder what happened. Don’t be in the last category. • Ross Macmillan is the principal of Farm-To-Farm Tours. Tel. 0800 3838 747 www.farmtofarm.co.nz

Jersey cows in California – 7000 cows are run on this feed lot.

Checking how the lettuces are growing on a Californian farm.

Customer-centric NEW HOLLAND Agriculture recently opened a new customer centre at its Jesi plant in Italy. Jesi is the NH global centre for speciality tractor production; the T4F/N/V series, TK crawler tractor and the T4, TD5 and T5 ranges are produced at the plant. “We are looking forward to welcoming many New Holland customers from across the world to the home of speciality and mid-range tractor production here at Jesi,” says Carlo Lambro, brand president of New Holland Agriculture. “Speciality farming is of growing global importance [and the centre] celebrates the outstanding work going on inside the Jesi plant.” The 800m2 centre is adorned with New Holland prints, has a 50 seat conference room, mezzanine lounge, meeting room and a merchandising shop. An indoor display area shows Jesi’s current production: T4, T4F, TD5, T5 models are all present. The centre will open to the public this year and a full programme of customer visits is scheduled. New Holland is imported in New Zealand by C B Norwood Distributors Ltd.

ANYONE CAN BE A FARMER ON A GOOD DAY. BUT THERE AREN’T MANY OF THOSE.

LEGENDARY RELIABILITY BEST IN-CLASS POWER

That’s why there’s Can-Am®. Best-in-class torque for more hauling and towing. Better stability to get over those bad patches. Advanced suspension for superior comfort. It’s made for farming. No matter what day it is.

SPEED-LIMITING WORK KEY

^

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TRI-MODE DYNAMIC POWER STEERING TTI INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION

FOR PRICING & TEST RIDE

0800 020 074

View offers at www.brppromo.com

^3 Year Warranty covers MY12/13/14 Can-Am Outlander & Renegade ATV’s. Always wear protective gear & approved helmet. Use proper riding techniques to avoid vehicle overturns on hills, rough terrain & in turns. Never operate without proper training, contact BRP for riding skill courses (02-9355-2700). For full terms and conditions please contact your local participating Can-Am dealership.

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

46 RURAL TRADER NewSINGLE TOP DOG BOX Accommodates up to 4 dogs 6 individual air vents Removable centre board 2 lockable galvanised gates In-house drainage Tie down lugs on each side Fits all wellside & flatdeck utes (2 models) ❱❱ Raised floor for insulation ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱

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GST $495 incl

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For details contact: JULIE BEECH Ph 09-307 0399 • julieb@ruralnews.co.nz

Phone 0800 625 826 www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

Or post your inquiries to; M. Evans, 39J Cape Horn Road, Hillsborough, Auckland 1041 . and don’t forget to include your return address.

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Please add $10 Freight per order

Drive Rats Out!

Electromagnetic Plug-In Pest Free Expellers Drive Out Rats and Mice. They Won’t Return.

LASTRITE IS CLOSING DOWN ITS FACTORY IN WHANGAREI Nev is relocating to his home in Pataua North. Just making 3 products: Yardmate (also known as the Farmer), Hunter and the Hob Nail. Check out our web site. We will do steel toes if you provide the steel toe (external) only. We also make a high end fashion boot for men, which is not on the web site as of yet. For those of you who have ordered from us before, we will still have your records. Those of you who have bought off the shelf or field day’s, take note of your size for future purchases. So business as usual – just a better view. Contact details as usual until further notice. New address and phone number pending. Keep an eye on our website.

• Pest Free puts 50Hz pulse along power cables 100% 60-DAY • Rats and mice stress, dehydrate, exit MONEY-BACK • No harm to humans, pets, computers, etc. GUARANTEE • Models to suit buildings/plant 200sq.m to 1000sq.m • NSW-made, patented, science proven • Used in ten countries • 2-year warranty BUY WITH confidence from authorised rural sales agent N + J Keating, 70 Rimu Street, New Lynn,

Auckland 0600. Tel. 09 833 1931 (cell 021 230 1863); email keating@orcon.net.nz

TWO WAYS TO ORDER/PAY: 1) POST: cheque to N. Keating telling us the product(s) you want, plus your name, address and telephone number. 2) INTERNET: direct credit ASB 12 3039 0893559 00 (your surname as reference) PLUS telephone or email us, saying which product(s) you want.

Culvert Pipes New Zealand’s CHEAPEST Culvert Pipes! FREE joiners supplied on request.

ONE STOP WATER SHOP 300mm x 6 metre ................................ $410 400mm x 6 metre ................................ $515 500mm x 6 metre ................................ $690 600mm x 6 metre ................................ $925 800mm x 6 metre .............................. $1399 1000mm x 6 metre ............................ $2175 1200mm x 6 metre ............................ $3475 ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.

• Lightweight, easy to install • Made from polyethylene

McKee Plastics, Mahinui Street, Feilding Phone 06 323 4181 Fax 06 323 4183 McKee Plastics, 231 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton. Ph 07 847 7788 sales@mckeeplastics.co.nz www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

NEW OFFER

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For your large home, office or factory (400m2) $399.90 incl. GST and post And get a domestic model FREE The original Pest Free domestic has thousands of satisfied owners throughout New Zealand.

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Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes

RURAL NEWS // MAY 6, 2014

RURAL TRADER 47 Chicken Litter

DOLOMITE

• Available to south Waikato dairy farmers to be picked up from site • About 3000 tonnes per year • Just over 480 tonnes available approximately every six weeks • Available for long term contract

FLY OR LICE PROBLEM?

NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call... 0800 436 566

Be ahead of the scramble for natural fertilisers “The world is finally waking up to the long term damages of artificial fertilisers and the resulting loss of topsoil.” Secure a long term Email your interest for discussion to supply contract now. Lucyann45@yahoo.com.au

• The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 Unique • Quality construction and options self adjusting • Get the contractors choice sides • Direct from the manufacturer • Efficient application and unequalled cost savings

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Phone: 0800 80 8570

• Sheep & Beef Farms • Is drought a problem? • PPP have a cost effective solution for you • Storage silos from 6 tonnes upwards • Contact PPP • A trusted name in farming • Serving rural NZ for over 50 yrs

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Order your Dual Axle or Tandem Trailer NOW for July / August Delivery

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MOBILE FEED TROUGHS 4.5M (3 Wheel) Jumbo Culvert PK Feeder $3499.00 inc

6M Culvert (mobile) $1375.00 inc

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MF GC1700 SERIES 22.5 – 24.5 hp For both residential and professional operations. 3-cylinder liquid cooled diesel engine. 2 range hydrostatic transmission. Rear and mid independent PTO. Uncluttered operator’s area, with new ergonomic seat. Optional 60” mowing deck.

MF4600 SERIES 3 models ranging from 80 – 100 hp.

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Take on every task around the farm with the manoeuvrable MF4600 Series.

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140 – 235 hp Fuel efficient and powerful 6 cylinder, 6.6 litre AGCO POWER engine. Adaptable class leading Dyna-VT, Continuously Variable Transmission or Dyna-6 Transmission. Unique left-hand forward reverse shuttle with speed increase/decrease function. Comfortable cabin with right hand armrest controls developed with over 55 years experience.

82 – 107 hp Powerful Perkins engine. Dyna 4 semi-powershift transmission (16F/16R). Superb power to weight ratio. Unique styling enhances visibility for loader work. New design delivers exceptional ground clearance.

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