ELECTION 2017
MANAGEMENT
Putting the hard questions to our main political parties.
Laid back and loving it. PAGE 17
PAGE 14-19
AGRIBUSINESS Young Grower of the Year says the hort industry is at a critical time of change. PAGE 28
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS SEPTEMBER 19, 2017: ISSUE 638
www.ruralnews.co.nz
Nat’s bank on ballot PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
THE LEASE and sale of Landcorp farms could help young farmers buy their first farm under a National government. Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy revealed this new dimension to National’s primary industry policy last week in Gisborne. The policy somewhat resembles the ballot scheme which offered returned WWII ex-servicemen the opportunity to buy farms. The Department of Lands ran the scheme. Guy says National would direct Landcorp to lease farms to young farmers, with the opportunity to buy them at market rates when they had built up enough capital. But to qualify they would have to work the land for five to ten years, or longer if they needed, to get the cash to buy. Guy says the farms would be
awarded on a lease-to-buy arrangement, with leases awarded by a panel and ballot. It would be prioritised towards young farmers experienced at running a farm but not having already been sole owner of a farm. “The Government owns a large number of commercial farms through Landcorp, but there is no clear public good from Crown ownership and little
financial return to taxpayers. “We think some of these farms would be better off in the hands of hard-working young farming families committed to modern farming and environmental best practice. “Many farming families got their start through the old Lands and Survey ballot process and we want to give that opportunity to more New Zealanders.” Guy says he would expect about 100
Dumped! One-term director Leonie Guiney, pictured in happier times with Fonterra chair John Wilson, is crying foul after the co-op’s board blocked her from standing in the upcoming director election. The Fairlie farmer, a staunch supporter of 100% farmer control and ownership, was not recommended as one of three candidates by Fonterra’s independent selection panel and board nominations sub-committee. Full story page 4.
young farming families to benefit from the scheme. Not all Landcorp’s 140 farms would be sold. Some larger farms would be divided into smaller units more appropriate for first-time owners. He notes that many Landcorp farms are subject to Treaty claims and others to a right-of-first-refusal by iwi; these rights would be respected. • More on page 3
PLANTAIN THE ANSWER? THE COMMON herb plantain could take a lot of heat off the dairy industry. Ecotain, a specific plantain genotype bred by the seed company Agricom, has been found to reduce nitrogen leaching from a urine patch, according to research results unveiled in Christchurch last week. Agricom, owned by PGG Wrightson, says this could markedly reduce dairy nitrogen leaching -- mostly out of urine patches and into groundwater. Agricom working with researchers at Lincoln and Massey universities and Plant & Food Research have shown how Ecotain can function in pasture systems to reduce nitrogen leaching. Plantain, deemed a herb, is a common flat weed (Plantago lanceloata) which Agricom bred and commercialised as a forage cultivar. Ecotain works in various ways on paddocks to address the nitrogen problem, says Agricom sales and marketing manager Mark Brown. “It is a simple and effective tool to help combat the complex issue of nitrogen leaching, and it’s a solution developed by industry for industry.” Ngāi Tahu Farming already uses the plant on its Te Whenua Hou and Balmoral farms in the South Island. Lincoln University’s professor of dairy production, Grant Edwards, says the research indicates that feeding Ecotain addresses the urine problem. – Sudesh Kissun
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
NEWS 3 ISSUE 638 www.ruralnews.co.nz
Tax not answer – English PETER BURKE
Bill English and Nathan Guy on the election campaign last week.
peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
NEWS ������������������������������������� 1-25 MARKETS ��������������������������26-27 AGRIBUSINESS �������������� 28-29 HOUND, EDNA ���������������������� 30 CONTACTS ����������������������������� 30 OPINION ��������������������������� 30-33 MANAGEMENT �������������� 34-38 ANIMAL HEALTH ������������ 39-41 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS ���������������������� 42-46 RURAL TRADER ������������� 46-47
HEAD OFFICE Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122 POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 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 80,580 as at 31.09.2016
TECHNOLOGY, NOT taxes, is the way to deal with water related issues. So said Prime Minister Bill English last week at a launch of the National Party’s agriculture policy at a large horticulture property in Horowhenua. Woodhaven, a family business for 38 years, employs 205 local people. Water is a major issue for the business, especially for cleaning vegetables ready for freighting to markets in Wellington and other regions. The company strongly opposes Labour’s proposed water tax. English, with local MP and Minister for Primary industry Nathan Guy, told Woodhaven staff and guests that National would rename the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF), calling it the Future Farming Fund (FFF). He says a National government would boost funding from the present $7 million to $20m a year to grow the agritech sector. The new fund would have a crosssector panel of industry, science and
environmental groups plus other stakeholders to assess applications for funding. “It would be aimed at getting farmers, growers and scientists to suggest effective and practical proposals. “The water taxes and other taxes [would] suck cash out of the productive sector send it off to bureaucracies in Wellington where they [would] try
Turning back the clock LANDCORP BECAME a state-owned enterprise in 1987 as part of the fourth Labour Government’s massive economic transformation. Before that, the Department of Lands and Survey managed Crown land left over from the post-WWII ballot scheme for ex-servicemen. This new proposal has a similar goal, although in 1946 not all men who got land had farming experience; they relied on help from nearby farmers and the Department of Agricul-
ture. Today, Landcorp, according to its website, owns 140 farms – mostly well run and modern, using modern technology to maximise efficiency and production. It runs 1.5 million stock units. On 59 dairy farms it runs 55,000 cows producing about 20m kilograms of milk solids. Many farms are in clusters in the central North Island, Manawatu and the West Coast. It runs large sheep and beef, and
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to decide what [would] work best. “Actually it is the people in the environment making the practical day-today decisions about plants, animals, water and effluent who know best what will work. “We can produce more high quality food for the world and still have high environmental standards. We believe in working with you, the people who
make the decisions, the people out on the tractors or wherever on the land. We want to work with you, not punish you like the opposition parties.” English hopes the new FFF would see new apps developed for mobile phones, new genetics and better ways of propagating plants, and tools that would help farmers and growers improve production but reduce their environmental footprint. “It’s not a matter of more production or a better environment; we are smart enough to do both. No one would say ‘to have a better environment I need to lose my job’ or ‘to have a better environment we need to have a business that is losing money’,” English says. “The Greens say to have a better environment you have to stop doing what you are doing and you lose your job and go home.” English also launched a stinging attack on Labour’s proposed taxes, saying they were using rural businesses like an ATM to suck cash out of the regions by way of a whole range of taxes.
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deer, farms and a breeding operation. Recently it launched a large scale sheep milking farm near Taupo, a joint venture with a private sector partner. It has its own brand, Pamu, under which it markets high value products. Landcorp has already sold some farms, and the news of the new ballot proposal seems in line with these recent sales – with the twist that its farms would be sold to young people. Landcorp staff are thought likely
to see the new scheme as their opportunity to own farms, given their qualifications, knowledge and experience. But it seems unlikely that any ‘flagship’ Landcorp operations and farms would be touched as some involve joint ventures and other commitments. Previous calls to sell Landcorp prompted Prime Minister Bill English to say within the last year that, while Landcorp is a poor investment, the Government has no plans to sell it.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
4 NEWS LOOK UP THE WEB! UNLIKE NATIONAL, Labour has decided not to formally launch its agricultural and rural affairs policies. Instead it has quietly posted both on its website. Labour spokesman on rural affairs Damien O’Connor says a key proposal for agriculture would be to set up a primary industry council and appoint a chief agricultural
advisor to ministers and the government on all aspects of primary production. This council would strategise on all primary industries, including agriculture, and give strong, credible and independent advice. O’Connor says Labour would re-establish an independent food safety authority to regulate, monitor and enforce food safety standards.
The party supports country of origin labelling and re-establishing an independent biosecurity authority. It calls for baseline environmental standards and a plan to attract and retain talented people in the agri sector. Its rural affairs policy focuses on social issues in rural NZ and it would appoint a rural affairs minister. – Peter Burke
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Guiney dumped by Fonterra board SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
FONTERRA DIRECTOR Leonie Guiney is crying foul after the board blocked her from the upcoming director election. The Fairlie farmer, a staunch supporter of 100% farmer control and ownership, was not recommended as one of three candidates by the independent selection panel and a board nominations sub-committee. And changes last year to Fonterra’s governance and representation prevent Guiney from nominating herself as a candidate for election. Guiney told Rural News there seems to be confusion about options to self-nominate. “I was available for re-election via the independent nomination process; the board’s view is that once you start in their process for endorsement, you can’t then go directly to shareholders even if you have been eliminated early in the independent nomination panel process.” Guiney says she’s disappointed to miss out. “I think I was a necessary antidote to ‘group think’ on that board; I was a constant reminder of who the cooperative owners are and the supply strength that could come from trusting them more. I believe some on the board found this uncomfortable.” Fonterra refuse to comment on Guiney’s claims, saying it respects the integrity and confidential nature of the election process. Guiney was voted in by Fonterra shareholders in 2014, replacing retiring Jim van der Poel. Last October, Fonterra shareholders voted in new rules on the nomination and election of directors. The independent selection panel -Alison Paterson, chair; John Spencer, board nominee; and Tony Carter, share-
Leonie Guiney
holders council nominee – made recommendations to the board and council after interviewing candidates. The panel this month nominated as its candidates the sitting director John Monaghan, agribusiness leader Andy Macfarlane and PricewaterhouseCoopers partner Brent Goldsack. Three directors retired by rotation this year, and Taranaki Regional Council chairman David MacLeod decided to retire after serving six years. The self-nomination process, whereby a farmer may stand as a candidate with the support of 35 shareholders, is now open; nominations close Thursday (September 21). The full list of candidates will be announced on September 25.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
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THE PASTORAL sector is reacting to negative news reporting and comment, rather than being proactive and talking about its vision for water quality in New Zealand, claims Beef + Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons. He says NZ has some of the highest water quality in the world and could be a global leader in how to mitigate and handle these issues. “When you are always reacting it is always coming across as defensive when you are trying to bat off accusations. NZ has not always heard the aspirations we have for water quality. This is true for the pastoral sector in general, not just beef and lamb.” Parsons was commenting on the thinking behind the swimmable rivers pledge by farming leaders, including himself. The public has heard a lot of defensive comments and “that comes across as almost like we are trying to deny there is an issue”. “We also aspire to superb water quality and it is important we come out in a proactive way and share our vision and our aspiration,” he says. “That was what the pledge was about – talking to the public of NZ, not just the farming community, the majority of whom are well aware of the great work going on to try to improve water quality, but the public of NZ don’t hear that because they don’t read the farming papers. “What they hear is the stuff coming from environmental groups saying ‘the waterways are terrible and we must do something about it and the farmers are the problem’. “The pledge was really to start having a dialogue with the public of NZ and let them hear our
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Beef + Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons says the pastoral sector needs to be more proactive in talking about its environmental achievements and ambitions.
vision; we are very much on the same page as the public of NZ.” A lot of debate has been heard on water quality and “quite a bit of criticism pointed at the pastoral sector,” Parsons says. “Whilst dairy has borne the brunt of that I think there is no question that the sheep and beef sector are bigger landholders: about 35% of land is in sheep and beef production -significantly more than dairy. So we are conscious of the impacts we have as well.” NZ has high water standards in terms of what farmers aspire to, so we could be global leaders in how to mitigate and handle these issues, he says. “Globally we’ve got pretty good water quality – some of the best in the world. “NZ farmers aspire to high standards and the NZ public expect these of us. These are global problems, not just NZ problems in water quality and intensification.
Key Responsibilities Include: “So what a wonderful opportunity for us to pioneer and lead the world in how we mitigate and handle these issues, be it through science, R&D, management practices right through to the right policy and regulatory settings.” International brand strategist and policy adviser Simon Anholt has said NZ should aspire not only to be the best country in the world, but the best country for the world in its approach to water quality. “This is about us being global leaders in the way we tackle these challenges, which are global problems. NZ has often led the world in many areas in the way we do things so here is another great opportunity.” The farming leaders’ pledge was an opportunity to go on the front foot and “do something fantastic and this is not just for NZ”. “This is a bigger issue than just NZ so we want to be on that journey; we want to partner with the
NZ public in how we do this stuff.” Much of the reaction to the swimmable rivers pledge was predictable, Parsons says. “A lot of people said ‘show us the plan; words are cheap, we want to see some action and what’s your plan to actually deliver on it?’ That’s a reasonable request and we have quite a bit in the pipeline.” Several initiatives are underway but in some areas the sector needs more science and tools. Parsons says all the groups represented in the farmers’ group are confident they will get there. “This is about being worldleading in tackling water quality issues while still having a vibrant agricultural sector.” He adds that Beef + Lamb NZ is doing joint research with DairyNZ on greenhouse gas emissions and water quality through the Pasture 21 programme. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
6 NEWS
Ireland’s Brexit problem could be NZ’s Brexit dominates the Irish media: every day every paper carries stories about it. It causes great anxiety to Irish politicians, especially those in the agri sector. Rural News reporter Peter Burke, just back from Ireland, reports. IRISH FARMERS Association (IFA) president Joe Healy says Ireland will closely watch what might happen to New Zealand’s lamb quota exports to the EU in the light of Brexit. He says most of this lamb goes to Britain via the EU and what happens in future will be of interest to Ireland. A big issue for Irish producers is the drop in the value of the British pound against the Euro. The situation is not helped by the perceived arrogance of the British Brexit negotiating team. UK Brexit Minister David Davis is described as “thick as mince” by one of his own colleagues.
Irish European parliamentarian Mairead McGuinness claims “Britain is wanting its own cake and trying to eat ours”. He believes Brexit is as critical for Ireland as was the 1921 treaty which sealed Irish Independence. Joe Healy says the good news for Ireland is that the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, is a former French Minister of Agriculture. “He has a good concept of agriculture and at least knows the difference between a cow and a sheep.” Healy says the problems for Ireland are immense. The IFA has
Irish European parliamentarian Mairead McGuinness claims “Britain is wanting its own cake and trying to eat ours”. been lobbying other European farming groups and politicians to try to get them to understand the huge impact Brexit will have on Ireland and by default the EU. The big issue is to try to retain a ‘soft’ border between Northern Ireland, a part of Britain, and Eire (Republic of Ireland) which is in the EU. “There are 300 official border crossings and many, many more unofficial crossings which will
come back into operation as soon as a ‘hard’ border is set up,” he told Rural News. “That could lead to smuggling which we don’t want.” He says the border issue is bizarre. “We actually took a group of EU politicians to one of the numerous farms that straddle the border. Almost 1 billion litres of milk cross the border for further processing, up to 400,000 northern UK
Brexit news dominates Irish media every day at present.
lambs come into Eire for processing and as many pigs go from the south to Northern Ireland for further processing.” Healy says Baileys Irish Cream goes back and forth across the border five times for vari-
ous stages of processing before it is ready for the consumer. Despite centuries of political tension with Britain, Ireland remains dependent on the British market. Healy points out that up to 60% of Ire-
land’s dairy products are exported to the UK, and about 50% of its beef. And 90% of Ireland’s mushroom exports cross the Irish Sea; that commodity is very badly hit by the fall in the British pound.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
NEWS 7
Everyone’s problem
Irish Farmers Association president Joe Healy.
CHANGE IS RESETTING IRISH FARMING WHILE MUCH of the talk on Brexit is focused on the Irish/ British problem, Joe Healy is pointing out to other European farming leaders that it is their problem – and potentially NZ’s, depending on the how the negotiations go. He says initially the EU farm leaders were unsympathetic, but quickly changed their minds. “We started highlighting the fact that if the 4 billion euros (NZ$6 billion) of agri food products that we put into the UK were blocked, the next best market would be the EU,” Healy told Rural News. “Add to that the 45b euros of agri food products the rest of the EU sends to the UK and there is potential for mayhem, not to mention how this may affect global markets. They quickly realised this just isn’t an Irish problem,” he says.
AS THE reality of Brexit takes hold in Ireland, major structural changes are taking place. Joe Healy says these were starting to happen before Britain decided to leave the EU. Ireland has traditionally been a nation of small, full-time farmers living a subsistence existence. In the last 40 years most small farmers have taken jobs off-farm and are part-time. But many of the sons and daughters of these farmers have acquired a good education and have little interest in farming as such. Those who have remained farming are keen to expand. Large beef producers on good land are now converting to dairying as beef prices fall and the restrictions on milk production in the EU
have lifted. “You will see more people examining the prospect of becoming a dairy farmer if they have
a block of land that can carry 100 - 150 cows minimum.” Healy told Rural News. As for how this may
affect NZ, Healy says Ireland’s widely admired environmental programme Origin Green will give it a competitive
advantage in the market. It’s possible Ireland and NZ will be fighting each other for global market share.
Irish lamb could be competing with NZ product in UK and EU post Brexit.
28/08/17 4:11 PM
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
NEWS 9
Lamb does have a rosy future – report PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
GROWING MORE lambs in the shoulder season is among proposals for maximising the value of New Zealand lamb in a new report from Rabobank. Animal proteins analyst Blake Holgate says there is likely an oversupply of product during
He says the value-add journey has started and will continue and farmers need to understand better how they can engage. Farmers can discuss with their processor what products or strategies they have or are developing and whether they can align themselves with those products. Whether it is current
uct quality is important “to ensure our consumers around the world are getting the same eating experience every time they go into a restaurant or supermarket. “If we want to [sell]
premium product and expect people to pay a lot more for it, we don’t want them to go in there, try it, have a bad experience and not come back. “So we must ensure our farming systems
and measurements meet quality at the processing stage, or relay information up and down the chain to ensure we can move towards a more consistent product.” • More on page 10
Rabobank analyst Blake Holgate.
“Farmers need to buy into some of those schemes, get their house in order and be proactive on that front.” some months of the year, while supply is unable to meet demand in other months. Farmers who are prepared to produce lambs in the shoulders of the season have an opportunity to capitalise on the increased export of higher-value chilled meat products during the offpeak times. In 2016, the average value of chilled lamb exports was $11,697/ tonne versus $6096/t for frozen lamb exports. Holgate told Rural News there is a lot of rhetoric these days about value-add. The report, released late last week, headed ‘Maximising the Value of NZ Lamb’, was produced to provide a better understanding of how to add value to lamb, what is involved and the roles different industry players have.
products, something on the horizon or general strategy, farmers can look at how they align their farming systems and adjust to the future. Producing more lambs in the shoulder season is just one proposal. Firstly, farmers can start to work with processors and discuss incentives to meet the higher costs of changing systems. “Secondly [farmers need to] understand accreditation schemes and traceability requirements; if we want to add value we need to get those nailed,” Holgate says. “Farmers need to buy into some of those schemes, get their house in order and be proactive on that front.” Consistency of prod-
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
10 NEWS FALLING FLOCK A SYMPTOM THE REDUCING national lamb flock is an indication that what the sheep industry has been doing isn’t sustainable and isn’t getting the returns, says Holgate So there has been a move to other land uses. “It indicates that things aren’t as good as they need to be for long term sustainability,” he told Rural News. And there are concerns about overcapacity of infrastructure and processing facilities across the country. “We’ve built up infrastructure to process so much stock, but now that stock isn’t
there so that creates inefficiencies in the system. You need some kind of realignment with where we are.” But Beef + Lamb NZ’s latest outlook indicates stabilisation, Holgate says. “I think capital stock dropped 1% versus 5% the season before so hopefully that has stabilised. “Once you get that stabilising you get a lot more certainty for all the processors and everyone involved in the industry. They see this is the level they are working with and based on that what is the best way forward.”
If you measure it, you can make more TOOLS SUCH as Farm IQ and other farming data collection tools are increasingly important to sheep producers, Blair Holgate believes. “We can use that information to under-
stand our system better, understand how we are producing our lambs and then we are able to manipulate it accordingly,” the Rabobank analyst told Rural News. He says once farmers
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get more understanding of, for example, particular generic traits or productions systems they can start to tinker with it at that level. Holgate believes a key take-out of the report is that farmers have started on this journey, but more investment and focus on adding value is required. Three points are important to positioning NZ lamb as a premium
tation of NZ lamb. “Competition is greater globally, both from other lamb producers starting to do this storytelling themselves, and with the rise and greater worldwide availability of low cost proteins like poultry or pork. “There is also a pending threat of synthetic proteins and their messaging about traditional livestock production – the
“We must also have strong, robust traceability programmes and accreditation schemes so we become a trusted supplier to consumers overseas.”
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high quality protein. It starts with having a consistent, high quality product. “We can’t take for granted the quality of products; we must ensure we give consumers a high quality eating experience,” Holgate explains. “But on top of that, if you want a premium high-value product you must also give consumers the story behind it. They want to know how and when it was produced [and what contributed to its] sustainable, ethical production. “The grass-fed story will be an important aspect of that. Some attributes of 100% grassfed tick some boxes for consumers so we must make them aware of that. “But we must also have strong, robust traceability programmes and accreditation schemes so we become a trusted supplier to consumers overseas, so that what we say they believe and see as credible.” Holgate says we can no longer rely on the good, longstanding repu-
ethical and environmental sustainability aspects. We need to start countering that with positive messaging and correcting some of those stories.” He says lamb sits well in targeting premium consumers because it is a reasonably scarce protein worldwide. “If you tried to do the same with chicken it would be a lot harder; we are able to differentiate and articulate a premium story about lamb and we can do that because of the scarcity. “It probably feeds well into the greenhouse gases story about a low carbon footprint.” Also, health and the 100% grass-fed message sits well with its perceived benefits. “Our processors over the last five years have done good work starting to develop these valueadded lines in products and are doing more consumer research.” Much outlined in the Rabobank report is a continuation or extension of work already underway, Holgate says.
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
NEWS 11
Farmers feel like lepers NIGEL MALTHUS
FARMERS HAVING trouble selling stock because of fears over Mycoplasma bovis are unlikely to see any compensation unless they are directly affected by Ministry for Primary Industries controls. Federated Farmers North Otago dairy chairman Lyndon Strang claims the region is being treated “like the leper colony of the South Island” over the outbreak. Even beef farmers and others with no trace of the disease are being affected, with reports of stock sale contracts being broken and stock buyers looking outside the region. Strang said he knows of a local dairy farmer who usually sources 20-30 Jersey mating bulls from a local rearer, but this year has specifically asked his agent to source bulls from outside the area. “I think there is a real stigma, purely based on our location,” Strang says. “It’s unfair on breeders and other people who have no connection with those affected
Beef farmers with no trace of m.bovis are having stock sales contracts broken.
farms and are running good biosecurity systems.” Under section 162A of the Biosecurity Act, compensation is limited to losses directly incurred from MPI’s exercising its powers under the act. MPI said in a statement that it would cover property damaged or destroyed under its orders or when it imposed movement controls preventing a farmer from moving or selling stock. However, compensation is not available for animals diseased prior to MPI imposing controls on a farm. Also ineligible are losses
arising from any voluntary action not “a result of the exercise of MPI’s powers”. “The ministry recognises there could be farmers or others who will not be eligible for compensation due to their losses resulting from the disease itself rather than powers exercised by MPI. “A key reason for MPI’s emphasis on identifying farms with Mycoplasma bovis and trying to eliminate it is to minimise losses to all farmers and supporting business who could be affected.” One local stock agent, who asked not to be named, said buyers
getting cold feet over North Otago stock is “not really happening too much” but he agreed it is a concern for some. John Cheesman, director of Whitestone Livestock, Oamaru, said everyone in the district is trying to get through the incident with as little affect as possible. “Everyone’s holding their breath, really. When we talk to the North Island about lines of bulls and bits and pieces, most people ask ‘Well, how far away from the infected area are you?’ I think if you sent some next door-neighbour bulls to some of those dairies up there they might take a dim view of it.” Cheesman confirmed that the movement ban had caused cancellation of a contract for supply of animals from an infected farm. The contract, worth $45,000 to $50,000, was for 100kg calves for forward sale in November to a fattening farm in North Otago. “We will find other 100kg cattle to replace them at some stage but there might be a bit of cost involved.”
WHERE ARE THINGS UP TO? MYCOPLASMA BOVIS, common overseas, was detected for the first time in New Zealand in midJuly on one of the 16-farm Van Leeuwen Dairy Group properties near Oamaru. As of mid-September the disease had been confirmed on six properties, most of them VLDG farms. However, a lifestyle block near Rangiora, which received animals from North Otago before the MPI containment response began, has also been infected. MPI has released more details of the Rangiora block described as IP6 (the sixth confirmed infected place) but has not named the owners. The property had received animals from a North Otago farm which had itself received animals from one of the original VLDG farms before the disease was identified. MPI says all 10 calves on the property had been euthanized so the animals could be sampled and tested for research purposes. “MPI veterinarians collected samples from individual animals to improve our understanding of how Mycoplasma bovis behaves under New Zealand conditions.” Stock movement restrictions will remain in place on the farm for at least a further 60 days and the paddock that held the calves had to remain ungrazed for 60 days. MPI says people are allowed on and off the farm during this time as long as strict cleaning and disinfection protocols are followed.
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
12 NEWS
Rural business woman award for Fonterra director MAKE SURE you get the necessary qualifications or credentials in considering challenging for leadership or governance roles, says the winner of the rural section of the Women of Influence awards, Nicola Shadbolt.
A Fonterra director and Massey University professor of farm and agribusiness management, Shadbolt says “just stepping up” to leadership roles is the way forward for women who feel able to make a difference.
But they must be suitably qualified; there are courses or other opportunities to upskill to the right credentials – “then go for it”. “I don’t think there are any limitations other than people finding the
time and inclination,” Shadbolt told Rural News. “No one stops you and says ‘you can’t do it anymore’. You can, but you’ve got to be able to fit it in with everything else you do. And it has to be something you
believe in.” In the past she served on school boards or similar and believes you should choose groups or organisations “where you think you can add value”. “If you feel you have skills and knowledge and
Nicola Shadbolt
energy to contribute then go for it. Society needs everyone to contribute.” Shadbolt says winning the rural award in Women of Influence is an honour. “I am very thank-
experience and support, she says. Rural women often don’t step up to outside leadership roles because they are very busy in their own businesses, she says. They will underestimate
“If you feel you have skills and knowledge and energy to contribute then go for it. Society needs everyone to contribute.”
Tow and Fert
ful to those who have, in turn, influenced me over the years, and grateful to those who have allowed me to influence them,” she says. The award citation says “For more than 30 years Professor Nicola Shadbolt has taken a strategic perspective on global agribusiness”. Shadbolt has been on the Fonterra board for nine years and says it is definitely a time-consuming role. She was the only woman on the board for some time and that was challenging. But you make sure you keep rising to the challenge and get the necessary extra training,
their involvement in a farm business “at their peril”: the involvement is acute because a woman is ‘living’ in her business. Shadbolt says the term ‘rural women’ now applies to many more than those with onfarm roles. Many young women are now in rural servicing roles, e.g. farm consultants, bankers and many others. They are no longer a minority in these fields and at least 50% of Massey students are now women. This contrasts sharply with Shadbolt’s start in farm consultancy when there were only one or two other women.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
NEWS 13 Win a new ride! RURAL NEWS Group is pleased to announce a mid-winter pick-me-up for loyal readers. Rural News and Dairy News have teamed up with the good folk at Yamaha and put a brand new Yamaha AG125 up for grabs. Get your entry in now and keep reading over the next few weeks for further chances to win this great prize. • Go to www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/win-a-new-ride
More myrtle rust infections found TWO PROPERTIES in Otorohanga, King Country, have been found infected with the fungal plant disease myrtle rust. In both cases the disease has been detected on a single ramarama tree; these are new finds outside the known infected areas in Taranaki and Te Puke. The two properties are under legal restrictions to prevent any movement of plant material off the sites; the Ministry for Primary Industries was going to remove and destroy the affected plants last week. MPI’s rust response incident controller Dr Catherine Duthie says the properties have no connection with nurseries or other infected properties in Taranaki. She believes the cause is wind dispersal from Australia, like the infections in other regions. “We located these infected plants through our ongoing checks of areas we’d identified as at-risk due to prevailing wind direction, the presence of host species and climate,” says Duthie. “Along with the Department of Conservation, we’ve been doing surveillance for the disease throughout the winter, even though myrtle rust is generally inactive in colder weather and the symptoms are less obvious. “We had known that a reappearance of obvious myrtle rust symptoms was likely in spring, so while this is disappointing, it’s not unexpected.” MPI is encouraging people to check
HARD TO ERADICATE MYRTLE RUST is a fungal disease that affects plants in the myrtle family, such as pōhutukawa, mānuka, kānuka, guava, feijoa and eucalyptus. No country has eradicated the disease. Myrtle rust spores are microscopic and can easily spread large distances by wind or via insects, birds, people or machinery. It appears as bright yellow and powdery eruptions on the underside of a leaf if it’s a young infection, and then on both sides of a leaf if it’s more mature. Other symptoms include brown/grey rust pustules on older lesions.
myrtle species plants, e.g. pohutukawa, ramarama, mānuka, feijoa and bottlebrush. “If you believe you’ve seen the disease, don’t touch it, take photos if possible, note the location and contact us on 0800 80 99 66,” Duthie says. “We need to keep hearing where the disease is to help build a picture of its distribution and to enable us to best plan how to manage it in future.”
Protect your farm from disease You can keep out Mycoplasma bovis and other diseases by employing simple on-farm biosecurity measures.
Fence off buffer zones at your property’s boundaries
Clean then disinfect Work with your neighbours on a grazing plan
Avoid unnecessary animal and equipment movement on and off your farm
Find out more: www.mpi.govt.nz
and click on the Mycoplasma bovis “cow” link.
@rural_news September 2017
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
14 NEWS
ELECTION 2017
Your vote, your choice WITH THIS year’s general election less than a week away – on Saturday September 23 – Rural News publishes the political parties’ responses to a questionnaire asking them how they propose to tackle issues we see as important to rural people and primary industries. We quizzed four political parties – National, Labour, NZ First and the Greens – on a range of issues including freshwater management, irrigation, trade, tax, science, employment and biosecurity (see box for all the questions). National, Labour and NZ First all gave considered replies; unfortunately the Greens did not respond. We also asked the four key primary sector industry bodies Federated Farmers, Horticulture NZ, Beef + Lamb NZ and DairyNZ what they consider must be the priorities in the primary sector for a newly elected government. Feds’ and HortNZ’s responses were run in our Sept 2 issue, while DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ’s run in this issue. This is all outlined in this special Rural News Election 2017 feature over the next five pages.
➠
Questions
A good start goes a long way.
1 What is your party’s policy on freshwater management and the agriculture sector’s role in this? 2 Do you support a water tax on irrigation users? - If so, would other commercial water users also be charged? - How much would this water tax be? - Does your party support irrigation projects and what support, if any, would you give these? 3 Biosecurity: how would your party improve our border systems? 4 Trade: do you support free trade deals and why / why not? 5 Overseas investment: what measures, if any, would you implement to restrict foreign ownership of land? If not, why not? 6 Science funding: do we spend enough on primary industry research? 7 What is your party’s attitude to the Primary Growth Partnership programme? 8 Human resources: the primary industries are crying out for more and better trained people at all levels. What incentives, if any, is your party willing to offer to encourage more people into agriculture?
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
NEWS 15
ELECTION 2017 LABOUR 1
Labour would make plans to clean up waterways within a generation. While agriculture is not the sole reason for freshwater degradation, it must play a part in the clean-up process. There are wonderful examples of good farm management that must be used as models. 2 We support the implementation of a water royalty of 1 - 2 cents/cm3 of water. That money would help pay for cleanup, research and better monitoring of waterways nationwide. All commercial water users would have to contribute. Currently, users who source water from urban supply schemes pay a volumetric charge. They would also have to contribute to the clean-up of urban waterways. Labour supports storage of water where it is appropriate and viable for land under irrigation. Support for irrigation projects would depend on the mix of environmental, social and economic outcomes from any project. 3 Labour would split off responsibility for biosecurity and food safety from MPI and pass those to a new, independent and appropriately resourced agency (or agencies). The current level of biosecurity and border protection is failing to protect NZ from incursions and these tasks must be done better. 4 Labour supports and would pursue high quality trade agreements. We negotiated the free trade agreement with China, but require protection of sovereign rights and NZ’s independence in future free trade agreements. We would re-engage on the TPP11, but have bottom-line requirements to protect NZers’ rights before we would sign future agreements. 5 Labour would restrict the ability of foreigners to buy homes and farmland. NZers must be able to own a home and aspire to land ownership to ensure the future of farming. Foreigners can access capital at much lower rates of interest and so will outbid NZers for rural assets unless restrictions are placed on them. 6 Labour would ensure more money and security for front line agricultural research. 7 The $700 million spent via primary growth partnerships projects (PGP) is not giving security to scientists in core research such as soil and water. We would review PGP and redirect money for busi-
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ness-as-usual projects. Agriculture needs ambitious, bright young NZers to ensure its future. Labour would offer free tertiary education in a student’s first year, beginning January 2018, and would move towards three years of free tertiary education and training in all sectors. Labour would begin looking at incentivised training and education for the primary sector. We would offer the equivalent of the unemployment benefit to employers prepared to train young NZers. Labour would change the focus of immigration, reducing the number of foreign students on low value courses in city institutions. Labour set up the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme and acknowledges the need for skills and seasonal labour in regions for some agricultural and horticultural sectors. We are committed to encouraging more NZers into sustainable training and employment.
8
9
10 Landcorp would be retained as a state-
owned company taking a leadership role in innovation and environmental management in all farming sectors. Its expertise and knowledge must be made available to as many taxpayer farmers as possible. 11 Labour supports the emission trading system with changes to abolish access to cheap, low value carbon credits. The commitment made in the original Kyoto agreement to bring agriculture into the ETS would be honoured by a Labour government. That would occur over time, an initial 10% obligation being imposed after recommendations from the independent climate change commission. 12 Labour would set up an independent taxation panel to review the whole tax system; it would put in place the right incentives to improve housing affordability and productivity.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
16 NEWS NATIONAL 1
We have set a goal of having 90% of rivers swimmable by 2040 and we would do this by working with farmers in a realistic and sustainable way that didn’t ruin our economy at the same time. National recognises the massive environmental improvements farmers have made in recent times. In the last five years it’s estimated dairy farmers have spent at least $1 billion of their own money on environmental measures, fencing off 98% of waterways. 2 No. We would tackle environment challenges by partnering with farmers, not hammering them with new taxes. Yes. We are proud to support irrigation and water storage projects because of the economic and environmental benefits they bring. The Government has committed $280 million towards these projects which would be a massive boost to the regions, giving growers and farmers reliable sources of water. 3 National would update and modernise the Biosecurity Act. We have already boosted biosecurity funding to $248m, a record high. In the last few years MPI
has employed 50 new biosecurity staff and 20 extra biosecurity detector dog teams, brought in new x-ray scanning machines, a dedicated border clearance levy, an inflight video for arriving passengers and a new animal health laboratory is under construction. 4 Yes. Unlike other political parties, we are proud to support free trade and better market access for our farmers. Work has started on the updated Trans-Pacific Partnership 11 and negotiations on an upgrade to the China FTA are underway. We are progressing opportunities with Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Peru through the Pacific Alliance, and the EU and UK are also important priorities. 5 We have robust and thorough processes in place to ensure foreign investment in sensitive New Zealand land would be of substantial benefit to NZers. This investment is critical to NZ’s economy and overseas investment helps create jobs and grow incomes for NZers. To get Overseas Investment Office approval, an overseas investor must show his/her money will give greater
ELECTION 2017
Prrimary Industries spokesman Nathan Guy.
benefit to NZ than would money from a NZ investor. Foreigners own only a fraction of NZ land and this has remained constant for ten years. 6 We spend heavily on primary sector research -- about $428m was committed last year and there is scope to spend more by ‘turbo-charging’ the Sustainable Farming Fund. We would rename it the Future of Farming Fund and boost its funding to $25m per year. 7 We are strong supporters of the Primary Growth Partnership and it would be a key path towards
our goal of doubling the value of primary sector exports. It is delivering real results, like the new Te Mana lamb and Tiaki seafood, adding value for producers and using science research to move us up the value chain. Independent research by NZIER estimates that PGP programmes will contribute $6.4b to NZ’s GDP from 2025, and potentially up to $11b. 8 MPI is working with industry and the training sector on new ways to raise awareness of primary sector careers and attract talented workers. A few examples include ‘champions’ and ‘ambassadors’ who are working directly with students in schools, and a new set of online resources for teachers. Earlier this year we announced a further $7m over four years to support industry training on top of the additional Budget 2016 funding of $14.4m. 9 National believes the current level of immigration is about right to meet the needs of NZ’s growing economy. Unlike Opposition parties, National would not arbitrarily cut immigration. Migrants make a valuable contribution to
the economy and help fill genuine labour shortages when there aren’t enough Kiwis available to do the work. Restricting the number of migrants would have negative effects on industries like agriculture and would decimate some regions. 10 We see a limited role for Landcorp. 11 Yes. Our position is that agricultural emissions will not be included in the ETS unless practical technologies are available to farmers to reduce their emissions, and more progress is made by our trading partners on tackling their emissions. Adding a carbon tax to agriculture before then would hammer these industries which are the backbone of NZ’s economy. It would drive up the cost of farming and mean, ironically, that consumers would buy more products from overseas farmers who are not as environmentally efficient as ours. 12 If re-elected we would cut income tax on April 1 2018. Our family incomes package would give $2b to families, including major support for housing costs.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
NEWS 17
ELECTION 2017 NZ FIRST 1
Please look up our water policy. 2 No. As per our water policy: royalty only, we would charge only on the export of water – in the form of water only. We are opposed to any form of volumetric charge being applied to any properly consented water take, for any purpose, within New Zealand. Water is a ‘commons’ and access to it must be without impost, along with the creation of much greater storage of water to ensure continuity of supply and to enable the maintenance of river flows and the health of waterways and the ecosystems they support, during times of reduced flow. 3 NZ First would firstly provide a 100% inspection and x-ray service covering all freight, cabin and in-hold luggage and mail. We would fully resource the biosecurity team so
that our borders are protected. 4 We support trade that is fair and beneficial to the New Zealand economy and food producers. So-called ‘free trade’ deals are seldom free at all. New Zealand First’s preference is for mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreements. 5 New Zealand First is against foreign ownership of land. We would restrict foreign ownership of land and property to NZ citizens and permanent residents exercising their right [contained in] residency. 6 No, we need to spend more and ensure the research is also done with and for farmers (extension). New Zealand First would move to increase spending on R&D to 2% of GDP over time, along with tax and other incentives intended to encourage industry to match that level of
NZ First primary industries spokesman Richard Prosser.
investment. New Zealand First supports the PGP where it benefits NZ producers, and would like to see the IP stay in NZ and that the partners are NZ-owned businesses/entities. 8 We have a comprehensive tertiary education policy whereby graduates could write off their loan by working in the regions for the same duration as their tertiary study. We support the Primary ITO,
7
particularly with its schemes that
are similar to the original farm cadet scheme. We would work with secondary schools to ensure career advisers are giving the correct advice on careers in the primary sector; We would break down the rural/ urban disconnect. 9 Our policy is that jobs for NZers must come first and one way to do this is to extend the RSE scheme to include NZers. We would incentivise job seekers to work in the primary sector with
a relocation and mobility grant. 10 Yes, however with the complete understanding of the social good of such farming. The state should be using that farming to try future-thinking and sustainable farming methods to ensure we are world leaders and that we continue to provide high value food products to the most discerning buyers. The state should also be involved in succession planning by supporting young
NZ farmers onto the land 11 New Zealand First opposes trading schemes as a climate mitigation mechanism because they are all about trading and have little to no effect on emissions. We propose to follow the examples set by Norway and the United Kingdom, in instituting domestic schemes in order to meet such targets as NZ has committed to. 12 Please look up our taxation policy.
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18 NEWS
ELECTION 2017
Red meat sector looks to government for action THE RED meat sector has eight key priorities and believes the next government can play a key role in bringing about positive change. ENVIRONMENT • Continuing to improve the sustainability of our production is a top priority. We are committed to improving our water quality and further reducing the sector’s GHG emissions. Our leaders recently committed to bringing New Zealand’s rivers back to swimmable levels and we are working on further ambitious targets for the environment. The incoming government can help by: o Working with the sector to develop environmental policies focused on the outcomes we want to achieve and that recognise different farming systems can meet these outcomes in different ways. o We need government support with research and the tools to give us answers on the best way to build productive, sustainable environment. TRADE • We are an export-focused sector: 90% of NZ’s sheepmeat production and 83% of beef production is exported. We continue to face major tariff and non-tariff barriers around the world that affect our competitiveness. The incoming government can help by: o Continued leadership on trade liberalisation, including negotiating high quality FTAs and putting resources into tackling non-tariff barriers.
FOOD SAFETY • Food safety is critical to the meat industry and for maintaining consumer confidence. NZ is recognised as a world leading in its industry and regulatory systems. The incoming government can help by: o Continuing to provide government services in an efficient
standards. Farmers and meat processors work hard to ensure their animals are well cared for and treated humanely. The incoming government can help by: o Continuing to partner with the sector to enhance the animal welfare systems in NZ and promote NZ’s good reputation in
and cost-effective way and to maintain the high performance of NZ’s regulatory system for food safety, market access and reputational reasons. BIOSECURITY • Incursions of pests and diseases are among the biggest risks to the sector and could be catastrophic to the NZ economy. The incoming government can help by: o Continuing to invest in a strong biosecurity system aimed at keeping pests and diseases out and working with industry to improve capability and systems to respond to those which arrive. ANIMAL WELFARE • NZ has high animal welfare
this area. INNOVATION • Huge innovation and productivity improvements have occurred in the sheep and beef sector, onfarm and in processing. The sector is committed to striving for further improvements. The incoming government can help by: o Continuing to partner with the sector and ensuring its investment strategies include long-term support for sheep and beef sector innovation and growth. EMPLOYMENT • We represent NZ’s largest manufacturing industry and our processing companies employ some 25,000 people nationwide.
We strive to employ NZers first. Every year, however, we need to bring in about 100 Halal slaughterers to support a fundamental component of the industry’s business model and to meet Halal regulatory requirements. The processes for this are lengthy and complex and expose the industry to significant risk. The incoming government can help by: o Putting Halal slaughterers on the long-term skills shortage list or finding other practical solutions to provide a secure pathway to source necessary workers from overseas. HEALTH & SAFETY AND TRAINING • Working with livestock and machinery means the sector has health and safety hazards that need to be well managed. Industry leaders are committed to improving the sector’s health and safety performance and creating a safer work place. • Having a skilled workforce is extremely important to the sector and we are investing in training systems to upskill workers, promulgate industry standards and promote the sector as a career pathway. The incoming government can help by: o Supporting a strong partnership between WorkSafe NZ and industry; and o Supporting the sector in developing new qualifications to accelerate career pathways and maintaining and expanding the funding model with the Primary ITO.
DairyNZ’s top three issues WATER QUALITY Looking after the land and waterways is a fundamental part of any farm practice. Dairy farmers know this and they are committed to environmental responsibility and farming within environmental limits. Much has already been done voluntarily by dairy farmers under the Sustainable Dairying Water Accord which covers 11,400 dairy farms, and farmers are committed to meeting Water Accord targets. To support farmers in playing their part in improving water quality, DairyNZ asks that the government, councils and agriculture sector groups together assess, at a catchment level, what mix of land use and initiatives will maintain community vitality and farming in the long term.
CLIMATE CHANGE While dairy farmers can be proud of being amongst the most emissions-efficient producers in the world, we know dairy has an integral part to play in helping New Zealand achieve its greenhouse gas reduction 2030 target. Rather than focus on the ETS, however, we want to see a shift to what our farmers can do over the longer term to address biological emissions. We want to see a government that: • Will develop an economy-wide plan in consultation with the dairy sector, and other industries, outlining the emission reduction expectations of each sector over the longer term to transition NZ to a low-carbon economy. This is a complex challenge which requires a wellthought-out approach.
• Will set in place carbon budgets, as proposed by the outgoing Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, to act as stepping stones towards NZ meeting its greenhouse gas targets. This would provide certainty for dairy and other sectors. • Will introduce a risk management framework to incorporate all the greenhouse gas, water, animal welfare and biodiversity objectives the dairy sector is striving to achieve. DairyNZ launched the Dairy Action for Climate Change in June. The plan is in partnership with Fonterra and has the support of Government (MPI and MfE). It aims to lay the foundation for dairy to lower emissions, and begins with increasing education and awareness of the available emission reduction options
for farmers. As well as this initiative, the biological emissions reference group is ensuring the right science is in place to achieve reductions. WORKFORCE DairyNZ wants working conditions in the dairy sector to be attractive to good quality candidates. We are committed to working with the government towards upskilling Kiwi candidates wanting careers in farming. To help achieve this, we want to see: • Government partner with dairy to explore innovative training models for developing skills for those already in work • Sufficient funding to deliver training in geographically dispersed locations • Better alignment of governTO PAGE 19
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
NEWS 19
ELECTION 2017 DairyNZ’s issues FROM PAGE 18
ment spending in formal training with the significant spending by dairy on formal training and extension • A cost-effective means of assessing and recognising prior learning to strengthen the pathway for skills development • Greater awareness
among talented youth and career changers of the job opportunities in the primary sectors • Farmers committed to lifting the quality of the work environment, as expressed in the Sustainable Dairying: Workplace Action Plan. Balanced and productive working hours,
fair remuneration, wellness, well-being and health and safety are paramount in achieving effective team cultures and rewarding careers • Less stringent work visa conditions for people from overseas when there have been long-term difficulties in attracting Kiwis to dairy jobs.
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THE LABOUR Party’s water tax policy is “pretty short on details,” and the farming sector needs to have input into a final plan, says Beef + Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons. “If Labour is in government we would want to work with them to work out how we could best deliver on swimmable rivers, while making sure we don’t ‘crucify’ the primary sector at the same time.” Parsons says Labour leader Jacinda Ardern had been clear that the party would not lay out all the detail until a decent conversation had been held with those who would be affected if they were in government. “On one hand, you can say it is not fair because people want to know what they are voting for, rather than just these vague policies. “But on the other hand, you can also say she has been open about the fact that it would be wrong to work up policies without consulting with the people affected, so if you take it at face value it is probably a positive way to go about it. That’s if they get into government. “We would have to cohabit and everyone would have to make some adjustments; that’s the journey we are on. But what we don’t want are policies which are well intended but actually work against us – poorly constructed policies that are a disincentive to progress.” For example, mandatory fencing of waterways in hill country would be a very poor policy as it may not be the best way a farmer can spend money. “If they [had only limited money to spend on] mitigation work to improve water quality, fencing off waterways may not be the best way to achieve really good water quality outcomes.”
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20 NEWS
Aussie red meat marketers won’t repent SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
AUSTRALIA’S RED meat industry will not repent about new television advertising for lamb that has some Christians and Hindus up in arms. And the Indian government weighed in on the side of Hindus. But Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is unrepentant, saying it never intended to offend anyone with its campaign launched this month. The ads have actors portraying Jesus, the Hindu god Ganesh, scientology founder Ron Hubbard, Buddha and others sitting at a table and tucking into Australian lamb. One scene depicts Jesus turning the Greek goddess of love Aphro-
dite’s glass of wine back into water after she tells him she will be driving. Australian Anglicans have joined Hindu organisations in Australia in criticising the advertising. Even the theologically expansive head of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, Bishop Philip Huggins, says the MLA campaign is “cleverly disrespectful” and that many Anglicans share the disappointment and anger of the Hindu community. “[The ad draws on the narrative of] Jesus at the last supper before his crucifixion and then resurrection; it seems to be using that wonderful, deep and mystical event as something they are just appropriating to their sell their sheep,” he told SBS World News. Huggins says he’d
A clip from the MLA advert featuring various religious figures has caused upset in some communities.
had extensive feedback from the community that people were “hurt” and that the ad was ready to ridicule people’s religion just to make a profit and promote eating more lamb than cows, pigs or
chickens. “The advertisement is cleverly disrespectful. It seems that for an ad to stand out there has to be some bizarre or shocking component. Otherwise the fear is it will not be
noticed,” he says. Hindu Council of Australia spokesperson Balesh Dhankhar said they were “very hurt and angry about this ad campaign because the Hindu community cannot imag-
ine their deity, Lord Ganesh in this case, eating meat,” he told SBS World News. Dhankhar said most people who follow Hinduism were vegetarians and seeing Lord Ganesh
in this manner was “very insulting”. But Meat and Livestock Australia said it had never intended to offend anyone with its new campaign. “Lamb is the meat that brings people together. Our ‘You Never Lamb Alone’ campaigns have promoted the value of unity and inclusivity. This latest campaign instalment is no different,” MLA group marketing manager Andrew Howie says. Howie says the new campaign continues under the ‘You Never Lamb Alone’ banner and this time around shows that no matter what your beliefs, background or persuasion are, the one thing we can all come together and unite over is lamb.
Wagons round-up on glyphosphates
renewal of the product licence for a further ten years, with a member state vote scheduled for early Octo-
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THE ONGOING battle for the right to keep using glyphosate, the active ingredient in products such as Monsanto’s Roundup, seems to be in the doldrums yet again, particularly in Europe. The World Health Organisation is seeking a ban, saying the chemical is “likely” to be carcinogenic to humans. This is at odds with the European Union’s Food Safety Authority that has deemed the product safe to use. The EU is proposing to grant a
1.
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environmental voter and in doing so block the majority required for a licence renewal. In Germany the outcome is subject to the September general election results, particularly if the Green Party gets more traction. This is despite Chancellor Merkel and Agriculture Minister Schmidt recommending a licence renewal. Commenting on the potential removal of the licence, the UK’s Crop Protection Association says if it goes,
food will get more expensive to produce, and there will be ongoing environmental consequences, e.g. limiting farmers’ abilities to follow current notill practices. The financial impact is also described as colossal, with Foundation Concord in France calculating it could cut France’s GDP by Euro 930 million, while Oxford Economic in the UK predicts a reduction in GDP of GBP 856m and a reduction in tax take of GBP 193m. – Mark Daniel
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
22 NEWS
Rare sheep rustlers in for the chop NIGEL MALTHUS
RARE BREEDS sheep farmer Daniel Wheeler is hoping someone will dob in the thieves responsible for slaughtering five of his rare Campbell Island
ewes in their grazing paddock on the outskirts of Christchurch. “We have some good leads and vehicle descriptions and we know when it occurred. We are just waiting for someone
to ring up and say they know someone,” he told Rural News. Campbell Island sheep are the remnants of an ill-fated attempt to farm the remote sub-Antarctic island during the early
Rare breeds sheep farmer Daniel Wheeler’s five pregnant ewes were slaughtered by thieves on a paddock in a Christchurch City Council reserve, where he grazes the world’s only mob of Campbell Island sheep. The loss leaves him with just 30 breeding ewes.
years of the 20th century. Wheeler owns the only flock of the type, which now numbers just 30 breeding ewes after the loss of the five. They were grazing on paddocks he manages within the Styx Mill Conservation Reserve, which is nestled among lifestyle blocks, upmarket subdivisions and the Willowbank Nature Reserve, all inside the Christchurch city boundary.
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The sheep, all pregnant and due to lamb within about two weeks, were slaughtered in a small holding pen, where only their entrails, including foetuses, were left behind. Wheeler believes more than one person was responsible as the carcases would have had to be carried out over three locked gates to the road.
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dine through a seven-daya-week scanning season from mid-May to early September. In addition to the pregnant ewes, he also has six Campbell Island rams and about 18 last
The sheep, all pregnant and due to lamb within about two weeks, were slaughtered in a small holding pen, where only their entrails, including foetuses, were left behind. Wheeler believes more than one person was responsible as the carcases would have had to be carried out over three locked gates to the road. He thinks it “a little peculiar” that they took the heads, with their identifying eartags. The incident is thought to have happened on Sunday night, August 27, but was not discovered until nearly a week later. Wheeler said he would usually check the flock mid-week. However, he had not done so because, instead of being on tight winter rations, the sheep had had the run of three paddocks, with plenty of feed and good weather. Wheeler is well known to South Island sheep farmers, having run a scanning business for the last 25 years. He takes his ultrasound scanner and handling crate as far north as Farewell Spit and as far south as Geral-
season’s hoggets, which were grazing elsewhere at the time of the slaughter. Describing himself as “a bit of a collector of sheep,” Wheeler has owned the flock since taking them over from AgResearch in 2004. He also has about 100 – possibly New Zealand’s largest single flock -- of Finns, about 20 Mohakas, a “wee flock” of Meatmasters, and some Texels, which he describes as his only “real” sheep. The flocks are spread around his recently bought 36ha farm at Amberley, North Canterbury, and several small leased blocks between Amberley and the city. Wheeler says the Campbell Island sheep came from an attempt to farm the island starting about 1895 and abandoned about 1930. The flock was originally Merinos and various crossbreeds, but evolved rapidly once left to their fate. The current flock is descended from 10 ewes and four rams retrieved when eradication efforts began on the island in the mid-1970s.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
NEWS 25
Kiwifruit mascot paying dividends in Japan PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
REJECTING THE standard use of celebrities for marketing and instead introducing ‘mascots’ has boosted kiwifruit sales in Japan. The idea was the brainchild of Kanako Inomata, head of marketing for Zespri in Japan, winner of the New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry Innovation Trophy for her novel solution to Japan’s marketing challenges. Inomata faced the challenge of how to sell more kiwifruit in Zespri’s longstanding number-one market against all trends, in a country where people are bombarded by 18,000 television commercials a year and where sales of fruit have fallen for ten years. Zespri general manager global marketing Jiunn Shih explains that Inomata’s achievement has been to challenge convention and introduce a marketing approach in Japan that makes Zespri kiwifruit the hero, putting it front and centre in consumers’ minds. “For many years, our marketing relied on using well-known celebrities to promote the product,” says Shih. “Through her work in consumer
The idea was the brainchild of Kanako Inomata, head of marketing for Zespri in Japan. research and insights, Kanako recognised that while this had positive short-term impact, it failed to build the Zespri brand toward its potential, with consumers remembering the celebrity more than the product they’re promoting.” Working with celebrities can also be relatively costly, while marketing budgets have limits. Responding to consumer insights, Inomata came up with an entirely new approach – two mascots called the ‘Kiwifruit Brothers’. These award-winning characters have proved enormously popular with consumers and helped increase brand awareness and resonance for Zespri in Japan. Inomata also faced the challenge of getting Zespri’s sales partners on board
Zespri says the introducing mascots has boosted kiwifruit sales in Japan.
with the new programme, involving instore displays across Japan using 13,000 sets of the mascots. It was supported with an integrated animation-based television commercial, plus communication via digital media, fruit sampling and packaging, to establish the loveable mascots as enduring, iconic characters in Japan. “The execution of the programme has been excellent, supported by new ways of understanding consumer insights that we are now sharing with
other Zespri markets. By breaking a long-standing marketing approach, Kanako has found a way to engage with younger consumers in Japan and open up significant new potential to grow Zespri sales,” says Shih. Japan is regarded as a mature market and has been Zespri’s longstanding number-one market globally. Yet Zespri succeeded in growing sales by 30% in this important market between 2015 and 2017 and has plans to further increase sales by 25% over the
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next five years. This shows that innovative marketing approaches based on consumer insights can unlock further growth potential. The NZ Kiwifruit Industry Innovation Trophy, set up in 2015 by former chairman of Kiwifruit NZ Sir Brian Elwood, recognises outstanding innovation achievements and this is the first year it has been presented. The trophy judging panel were Zespri chairman Peter McBride, industry regulator Kiwifruit NZ chair Kristy McDonald and NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc president Doug Brown. Commenting on behalf of the judges, McBride says the panel reviewed some excellent nominations, showcasing a wide variety of innovation across the industry. “Whether the innovation involves science and technology, investment models, marketing or other initiatives, the application of new ideas underpins the long-term viability of our industry. “We are delighted to recognise Kanako for her excellent contribution which can create enduring value and we thank all those who have been nominated for the trophy this year,” says McBride.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
26 MARKETS & TRENDS L amb - PM 17.0kg
LAMB PRICES n/c
Last Week 5.60
M 2 B ull - 300kg
n/c
5.50
5.50
5.40
Change
c/kgCWT NI
P 2 Steer - 300kg
2 Wks A go 5.60
Last Year 5.65
S te e r - P2 300kg
n/c
5 .6 0
n/c
5 .3 0
P 2 Co w - 230kg
n/c
4.40
4.40
4.35
B u ll - M2 300kg
n/c
5 .5 0
n/c
5 .0 0
M Co w - 200kg
n/c
4.40
4.40
4.35
Ve n is o n - AP 60kg
+10
9 .7 0
+10
9 .7 0
Lo cal Trade - 230kg
+10
6.00
5.90
5.90
n/c
5.30
5.30
5.50
M 2 B ull - 300kg
n/c
5.00
5.00
5.05
P 2 Co w - 230kg
n/c
4.20
4.20
4.25
M Co w - 200kg
n/c
4.20
4.20
4.25
Lo cal Trade - 230kg
n/c
5.70
5.70
5.60
North Island 17kg M lamb price
6.0
Slaughter
5.0
7.0
9-A ug
9-O ct
9-Dec
4.0 9-Jun
9-A ug
6.0
9-O ct
9-Dec
Last Ye ar
5yr Ave
North Island 300kg bull price
9-O ct
South Island 300kg steer price
250 $3.00
5yr Ave
9-O ct Last Ye ar
$/kg
9-O ct
9-Dec
South Island 60kg stag price
220 692
9-A ug 5yr Ave
9-O ct Last Ye ar
This Ye ar
9-Dec
-2.1 -2.6
2Wks A go 80.5 73.1
3 Wks A go 82.5 75.8
Last Year 84.3 80.4
5yr A ve 74.5 67.8
Beef & venison prices are reported as gross (before normal levies & charges are deducted). Lamb & mutton prices are reported nett (after levies & charges are deducted).
RURAL GOVERNANCE ESSENTIALS
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10 Oct
13 Jul
13 Sep Last Ye ar
10 Nov
13 Nov This Ye ar
n/c
Last Week 5.80
2 Wks A go 5.80
Last Year 5.40
+0 .0
9.65
9.62
8.23
5yr A ve 5.36 8.64
Export demand indicator - UK CKT leg
450
350 12 Aug
12 Oct
12 Dec
Procurement Indicator
Procurement Indicator - South Island
7.0
550
Our one day Rural Governance Essentials course* provides you with insider information and real world practical examples of how to direct an agri-business. To find out more call 0800 846 369 or go to iod.org.nz/rural
% Returned NI
n/c
2Wks A go 74.1
% Returned SI
+0 .5
73.0
Change
This Year
90 P rocu rement Indicator - South I. 85% 80% 75% 70 70% 65% Last Year 60% This Year 50 9-A ug 9-O ct 9-Dec 55%9-Jun 19-Jun 26-Jun 3-Jul 10-Jul 17-Jul 24-Jul 31-Jul 7-Aug 14-Aug 21-Aug 28-Aug 4-Sep 11-Sep 18-Sep 25-Sep 16-Oct 23-Oct 30-Oct 6-Nov 13-Nov 20-Nov 0-Jan 5yr ave Last Ye ar 9-Oct This Ye ar
8.0
10 Sep
5yr Ave
Change
5yr A ve
% of export returns
$/kg
Last Year 218 649
P rocu rement Indicator Procurement Indicator -- North North I.Island 95 90% 85% 80% 75 75% Last Year 70% This Year 65% 60% 55 0… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 3… 3… 3… 2… 3… 3… 9-Jun 9-A ug 9-O ct 9-Dec
9.0
6.0 9-Jun
3 Wks A go 217 665
% of export returns
9-A ug
k 10 0Aug
250 12 Jun
% Returned NI % Returned SI
7.0
10.0
2 Wks A go 217 661
Export indicator - US 95CL D edemand mand Indicator - US 95CL Beefbeef
Change
8.0
6.0 9-Jun
n/c -4
North Island 60kg stag price
9.0
200
NZc/kg
Procurement Indicator
This Ye ar
200k 300
Export Market Demand
This Year
150 $1.50 12-Jun 12-A ug 12-O ct 12-Dec 5-Jun 12-Jun 19-Jun 26-Jun 3-Jul 10-Jul 17-Jul 24-Jul 31-Jul 7-Aug 14-Aug 21-Aug 28-Aug 4-Sep 11-Sep 18-Sep 25-Sep 9-Oct 16-Oct 23-Oct 30-Oct 6-Nov 13-Nov 20-Nov 5yr ave Last Ye ar This Ye ar
9-Dec
10 Nov 13 Nov
S outh Island Weekly Lamb Kill
UK Leg p/kg
Last Year
9-A ug 5yr Ave
This Year
10 Oct 13 Sep
South Island w eekly lamb kill
400 250k
10-Oct 13-Sep10-Nov 13-Nov Last Ye ar This Ye ar
USc/lb
$/kg
10.0
Last Year
13-Jul 10-Sep 5yr Ave
$2.00
4.5
Last Year
10 Sep 13 Jul
13 May
$2.50 200
5.0
5yr Ave
k 0 1013 Aug May
100 50k
95CL USc/lb NZc/kg
9-Dec
200
100k
Change
9-A ug
300
150k
Export Market Demand
5.5
4.0 9-Jun
10-Dec 13-Nov
South Island Weekly Cattle Kill
4.5
6.0
This Year
10-Nov 13-Sep
S outh Island Weekly Cattle Kill
0 k 13-May 10-Aug
5.0
4.0 9-Jun
Last Year
10-Sep 10-Oct 13-Jul
5k20 10
5.5
$/kg
20
10k40 30
This Ye ar
North eekly lamb N ort hIsland Islandw Weekly Lambkill Kill
100 50k
15k60 50
5yr Ave
Last Year 5.86 5.88 5.90 5.91 2.80 5.43 5.43 5.43 5.43 2.70
100k
Thousand head
$/kg
5.0
2 Wks A go 6.86 6.88 6.90 6.91 4.20 6.88 6.88 6.88 6.88 4.05
150k
50
10 k 0 10-Aug 13-May
6.0
+10 +10 +10 +10 n/c +5 +5 +5 +5 n/c
Last Week 6.96 6.98 7.00 7.01 4.20 6.93 6.93 6.93 6.93 4.05
200k
40 20k30
South Island 17kg M lamb price
Change
Slaughter 250k 400
North N ort hIsland IslandWeekly Weekly Cattle Cattle Kill Kill
40k60
Thousand head
4.0 9-Jun
P 2 Steer - 300kg
Thousand head
$/kg
7.0
SI
c/kgCWT NI Lamb YM - 13.5kg P M - 17.0kg P X - 19.0kg P H - 22.0kg M utto n M X1 - 21kg SI Lamb YM - 13.5kg P M - 16.0kg P X - 19.0kg P H - 22.0kg M utto n M X1- 21kg
Thousand head
c /kgCWT
BEEF PRICES
S o u th Is lan d C h an g e L as t c /kg We e k +5 6 .9 3
UKp/kg
No rth Is lan d C h an g e L as t c /kg We e k +10 6 .9 8
LAMB MARKET TRENDS
85 80%
3 Wks A go 74.1
Last Year 75.0
72.5
68.1
5yr A ve 71.3 68.6
Procurement P rocu rementindicator Indicator-- North North Island I.
% of export returns
Me at
BEEF MARKET TRENDS
75 70% 65 60%
Last Year
This Year
50% 55 11-Aug 9-Jun 11-Sep 11-Oct 9-A ug11-Nov 11-Dec 9-O ct11-Jan 11-Feb 9-Dec 75 80%
% of export returns
MARKET SNAPSHOT
Procurement indicator - South Island P rocu rement Indicator - South I.
70% 65 60% Last Y ear
This Year
50% 55 11-Aug 9-Jun 11-Sep 11-Oct 9-A ug11-Nov 11-Dec 9-O ct 11-Jan 11-Feb 9-Dec 5yr ave Last Ye ar This Ye ar
Venison Prices NI Stag - 60kg
+10
Last Week 9.70
SI Stag - 60kg
+10
9.70
Change
2 Wks A go 9.60
Last Year 8.85
9.60
8.80
5yr A ve 7.74 7.94
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
MARKETS & TRENDS 27
market for imported beef is holding largely steady. Reports from the US market indicate that the volumes of Australian manufacturing beef are increasing and August shipments to the US are expected to reach their highest level since May 2016. This has the potential to place further downwards pressure on imported prices, particularly
WOOL PRICE WATCH Indicators in NZc/kg
07-Sep
31-Aug
Last Year
+6
305
299
481
Coarse Xbred
31-Aug
Last Year
n/c
222
222
347
Ewe - 35 micron
-
310
-
555
-
226
-
400
Ewe - 37 micron
-5
295
300
555
Ewe - 37 micron
-8
215
223
400
2nd Shear 37M
+20
265
245
475
2nd Shear 37M
+11
193
182
342
Wool indicator trends Wool Indicator Trends
850 600
500
FXI
LI
650 400 550 300
CXI
FXI
200 8-Jun
LI
- 37 micron Coarse Ewe Xbred Indicator
600
Last Year
600
This Year
8-Oct This Year
8-Dec
Ewe - 35 micron
600
550
400
500300
500 400
300
4502008-Jun Oct Dec
100%
8-Aug Last Year
700
500
The Rabobank difference
400 300
450 200 8-Sep 8-Dec 8-Mar 8-Jun WeekNo 42110 42124 42138 42152 42166 42180 42194 42208 42222 42236 42250 42264 42278 42292 42306 42320 42334 42348 42376 42390 42404 42418 42432 42446 42459
650700
Second shear - 37 micron
600 CXI
750 500
5yr ave
8-Aug Feb
Apr
Last Year
8-Oct Jun
Aug 8-Dec This Year
AgriHQ is the leading source of independent agri market analysis and advice that farmers can bank on. For the latest market reports visit agrihq.co.nz/farmer or call 0800 85 25 80.
200 8-Jun
8-Jul 5yr ave
8-Aug
8-Sep 8-Oct Last Year
8-Nov 8-Dec This Year
agriHQ.co.nz
The average time our Rural Managers have worked with us
94%
of our customers believe we are committed to their business for the long-term Kantar TNS New Zealand independent research, August 2016
of deposits fund New Zealand agribusiness
100,000 12276
07-Sep
Change
Ewe - 35 micron
OUR INSIGHT. YOUR EDGE.
years of global agricultural history
Indicators in USc/kg
c/kg
weeks ago, lamb operating prices have held relatively constant. Prime lamb sales have been seeing a lot of action in recent weeks. There is plenty of competition from both processors and those needing to top up numbers to meet supply commitments, keeping the market firm and largely well above the equivalent operating price to be found selling direct to processors. The store lamb market is well and truly in transition between old and new season lambs now. There are not many old seasons lambs left, but what are available continue to get absorbed quickly. Ewes with lambs at foot continue to attract good interest. However numbers are difficult to find through the South Island, keeping trades to a minimum there. Global markets are still performing well for lamb.
Change
Coarse Xbred
SHEEP: Following a sharp lift two
Overseas Wool Price Indicators
c/kg
INTERNATIONAL BEEF: The US
with expectations that these increased volumes are expected to continue into November, when NZ manufacturing beef production lifts. Global demand for prime beef is faring slightly better compared with manufacturing beef, however also has some weaker points
c/kg
BEEF: The export cattle slaughter space is very quiet. There are very few cattle available to kill and therefore slaughter prices can therefore be highly variable, depending on what needs to be paid on the day in order to secure them. While the new season price outlook still looks weak, low kill numbers and wet conditions may to delay finishing times for many, prolonging competitive pressure in the market. Enquiry for stock is increasing as more and more farmers try and beat the spring rush for store cattle, but there aren't enough numbers to satisfy demand. Yearling bulls are around in the biggest numbers, and this is only expected to increase as the spring season progresses. Reports suggest that there have been a lot of calves reared this spring, even more than last year.
PRICE WATCH
c/kg
NEWS
farmers to connect with worldwide
global agribusiness research analysts sharing market outlooks
Rabobank supports clients from farm to fork in
40
COUNTRIES
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
28 AGRIBUSINESS
Hort winner aiming for leadership A BIG FUTURE
PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
YOUNG GROWER of the Year Erin Atkinson (30) says the industry is at a critical time of change with many opportunities for innovations and inventions. Atkinson, a technical advisor for Apata Group, Te Puke, took the title last month, the first woman to win the award in its 11-year history. She also won Young Fruit Grower and three other titles: Countdown Best Business, SPS Best Innovation and Fruitfed Supplies Best Speech. Atkinson, who has leadership ambitions in the industry, hopes her win will encourage more young people to get involved in horticulture. She loves talking to teenagers and testing their brains about the industry.
ERIN ATKINSON believes the horticulture industry has a big future ahead. “I think of the amazing opportunities I have had, so many amazing mentors I worked with in the last couple of years and I hope someday I will be a mentor for someone and spark that passion.” She believes there are exciting times ahead for the horticulture industry. “It is just a shame that people don’t see that from the outside. How do you get people to enter the industry if they don’t
Young Grower of the Year Erin Atkinson says she has leadership ambitions in the horticultural sector.
“Most of them see horticulture as plants, dirt and picking fruit. But we also need engineers, people to do our accounts and drone pilots. There are many opportunities,” Atkinson says “The experience of Young Grower was very
rewarding, challenging. It was an amazing experience: it pushed my boundaries and limits, I met some amazing people and I got to reconnect with people in the vegetable industry. “It was a great opportunity to showcase the people we’ve got in the
industry. “But it is a nerve wracking experience to put yourself up there to do it.” Atkinson is not from a horticultural family, but was brought up in the vegetable growing area of Pukekohe. She says she was lucky to have an agriculture teacher who pushed her to look at horticulture as a career and she ended
see the excitement? The industry is working through that to make sure they are still producing high quality products without chemicals “so there are pretty cool challenges to work through as well”. Atkinson says horticulture faces the same challenges as other primary industries to “bridge the gap between primary industries and urban environments because [urban dwellers] just don’t know about what goes on in the field.”
up getting a holiday job with a company growing glasshouse tomatoes. They offered her a sponsorship deal to study. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and then worked for Enzo for two years as an assistant grower manager looking after 6.3ha of glasshouse tomatoes. She travelled for her OE, working in the same
industry -- glasshouses. She spent a year near London, working for a company growing capsicums. She ended up in the West Midlands, an hour south of Birmingham, working for a plant propagation unit that also did baby leaf greens, watercress, strawberry and vegetable propagation. Back in New Zealand she worked for a culi-
nary herb company as an assistant, helping with the growing, and did consulting work for Auckland City Council. Realising there were more job opportunities in Bay of Plenty she joined Apata Group as technical support to growers, helping them with health and safety compliance, growing, spray programmes and fertiliser. Atkinson is also in charge of the technical extension programme and runs the harvest for one of the company’s sites, among other responsibilities. “I have a broad role, helping growers achieve the best they can out of the crop they have, right through pruning to harvest.” Atkinson would like to do leadership programmes and wants to look at director training.
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
AGRIBUSINESS 29
The
One. Enermax.
Over the past decade, the deer industry has seen relatively steady returns despite variability in schedule prices.
Deer a profitable option in hill country DESPITE CHALLENGES from competing land use and a drop in the national deer herd, the industry is well positioned to fulfil New Zealand’s goal to provide high quality protein products to the world’s bestheeled consumers. An ANZ agri-report published this winter highlighted the industry’s continuing tight supply of livestock and growing global demand for venison as a red meat product. Both were pushing the sector towards returns near all-time highs in the 2017-18 year, now cracking the $9/kg schedule price. Deer Industry NZ reports the sector is enjoying a highly stable supply period, in contrast to about ten years ago when deer numbers and returns surged then plummeted, as did the farmed population. Then farmers’ returns spiked in 2008, driven by the weaker NZ dollar. Over that time the sector has managed to achieve stability rarely seen in the red-meat sector -- an average schedule price of $7.40/kg. In the past decade breeding hind numbers have declined almost every year; now they are at half their peak of 800,000. Similarly total slaughter numbers are levelling off at about 300,000 and are predicted not to reach 400,000 until 2019-20.
Bayleys rural agent Ben Turner, Canterbury, says he has a regular stream of inquirers for deer farms, but “the challenge for us is finding enough deer units to meet that interest”. Canterbury suits the industry, with its steadied, high returns justifying the cost of fencing and yards on land ideal for deer fattening, he says. “Possibly some of the hill country where sheep have typically been stocked may deliver a better return in deer.” Farmers challenged over nitrogen losses in Canterbury may find deer a useful extra land use without such challenges. Dan Coup, DeerNZ chief executive, says the industry doesn’t deserve a reputation for price volatility when the past decade has seen relatively steady returns despite variability within the year on schedule prices. “The schedule is now at $9.00/kg and that is before our usual seasonal spring price peak.” The supply-side tension coincides with growing consumption outside the traditional season and marketing has put the product in a ‘sweet spot’ for high, sustained returns. NZ marketers’ efforts overseas have helped longer term, sustain-
able returns. These include wealthier parts of Asia, Scandinavia and North America. The US has shown the strongest growth, its market volume share reaching 30%, and value share 25%, overtaking Germany. Canada and Austria have also grown well. ANZ analysts say the rise of venison matches the consumer trend towards grass fed, high quality proteins that are not genetically modified and have not been treated with hormones or antibiotics. As the largest farm source of venison, NZ is well placed to supply markets which would otherwise buy wild game -sporadic and unreliable -- during their main consumption periods. Coup says the sector’s livestock supply is likely to remain tight for a couple of seasons, as the higher prices encourage farmers to retain stock and build breeding herd numbers. “We have been through a period when land that may once have carried deer has replaced them with dairy support units.” Some farms in Canterbury and Southland hill country with deer fences have gone to sheep and beef in the past. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
30 OPINION EDITORIAL
EDNA
Make it count THIS WEEK’S election is among the most important in the history of New Zealand’s primary sector. Just over a month ago the outcome of the election seemed a forgone conclusion. However, the appointment of a new leader by Labour has seen a dramatic rise in that party’s electoral fortunes and now it’s a drag race between it and National to head up a new government after September 23. This is, in fact, a good thing: a weak and ineffectual opposition – as Labour has been during the last nine years – is not good for democracy and inevitably leads to a lazy and complacent incumbent government. A disturbing aspect of this election campaign is the deliberate targeting of the rural sector by Labour – and its possible coalition partner the Greens – and its vilifying of farming as an industry. Agriculture has been blamed as entirely responsible for destroying rivers and lakes all over NZ. Farmers have also been accused of not doing their share to deal with climate change. Labour plans to introduce a water tax, include agriculture in the ETS and set up a tax committee that may well recommend a tax on capital gains from the sale of farms. Add to this the Greens’ nitrate tax and it is understandable the rural sector feels under siege. Meanwhile, Labour’s stance of ‘trust us, we will tell you after we are elected’ about the rates of its proposed taxes is both disingenuous and outrageous, given it has had nine years in opposition to devise firm policies. Labour has rolled a dice and bet on dividing urban and rural voters for purely political purposes. It knows where political power lies -- not on NZ’s farms or in the small towns with their small populations. Labour may deny this, but it’s dog-whistle politics at its worst. Politics should be a contest of ideas, not cynical divideand-rule to try to get elected. One can only hope that after the noise of the election campaign dies down and the dust settles, whoever is the new government can set about working to heal this rural/urban divide. Sure we have problems and all New Zealanders – rural and urban – need to work together to try to resolve them. Rural and farming people around NZ will consider all this and vote accordingly.
RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS
HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 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
“If it’s any consolation Syd, there’s a few politicians I’d like to get in this polling booth.”
Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound? Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz
THE HOUND Rinsed
No shows
No teeth here
Shrinking minority
THE HOUND reckons while most in farming are focused on the election on September 23, another interesting poll is in view for the Fonterra board on October 31. Your old mate reckons there is probably as much skullduggery and dirty politics in this Fonterra contest as in the general election. With two director vacancies up for grabs, Fonterra’s ‘independent nomination process’ recently came out backing current director John Monaghan and new candidates Andy Macfarlane and Brent Goldsack. However, other current directors Leonie Guiney and David McLeod did not get the tick. Fonterra then rushed out a media release saying McLeod “had chosen to retire” and thanked him for his service. Meanwhile Guiney – a major critic of the dairy co-op before her election three years ago who seeks re-election – has been rinsed.
YOUR CANINE crusader hears that Labour candidates and MPs are failing to front farmer meetings to defend the party’s proposed water tax policy. One can only surmise the Labourites are not turning up because they don’t want, can’t or are too gutless to defend the party’s reasoning in wanting to imposing a tax on irrigators. This coincides with Damien O’Connor using intemperate social media posts to express Labour’s anti-farming sentiment, to pour scorn on farmers and others concerned about the impact of the tax and to address the issue of mental health in rural NZ. Your old mate suggests none of this bodes well for how Labour would treat the rural sector should it be in government after September 23.
MEANWHILE, THE Hound hears that the supposedly kind, caring, friendly-to-everyone Labour leader Jacinda Ardern is showing none of these qualities towards her fellow female leader Katie Milne, Fed Farmers national president. The word is that despite many attempts by Milne to get a sit-down with Ardern to discuss issues of concern to the farming sector, the mainstream media darling is proving illusive if not impossible to nail down. Your old mate reckons this proves that Ardern’s claim that she and her colleagues are willing to sit around a table with farmers to discuss the proposed water tax seriously lacks real teeth.
THIS OLD mutt suggests that if the polls are correct in picking a change of government at the election, then the farmer voice in Parliament is likely to get even smaller. Labour’s only real ag spokesman will be Damien O’Connor, the Greens’ token lifestyle blocker from the Wairarapa is unlikely to get in in on current polling and NZ First’s sole farming voice would be former MIE mouthpiece Mark Patterson. Meanwhile, if the Nats lose it is likely the high-ranking list MP farmer David Carter will quit, Bill English will get dumped from the leadership and probably leave, and current Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy – after 12 years in Parliament and with the prospect of a long stint on the opposition benches -- may well head off to greener pastures.
PRODUCTION: Dave Ferguson ........................Ph 09 913 9633 davef@ruralnews.co.nz Becky Williams ........................Ph 09 913 9634 beckyw@ruralnews.co.nz REPORTERS: Sudesh Kissun ....................... Ph 09 913 9627 Pamela Tipa ............................. Ph 09 620 7811 Peter Burke .............................Ph 06 362 6319 Nigel Malthus ...................... Ph 021 164 4258 MACHINERY EDITOR: Mark Daniel ............................. Ph 021 906 723 or 07 824 1190 SUB-EDITOR: Neil Keating ............................Ph 09 913 9628
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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 // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
OPINION 31
The
Profit focus Unbeeten. can reduce CO2 emissions WHEN I started work 20 years ago on a system to improve farm profitability I had no idea it would lead to ways of increasing soil carbon and reducing GHG emissions. I didn’t know then that soil is the world’s largest terrestrial carbon sink and that grazing animals on pastures could be used to mop up so much atmospheric CO2. I had come to the conclusion that the farming industry was overdue for an innovative business management system that would allow farmers to evaluate procedures for producing quality food while also achieving sustainability and robust profits. In the late 1990s, as part of a large investment, we developed an innovative key performance profit indicator – the daily profit per kilo of pasture dry matter consumed -- for all classes and types of livestock. Using that, and drawing on experience and international best business practice, we established a business-driven onfarm analytical system that could identify critical success factors and determine the best daily profit windows for each class of livestock farmed. We also developed innovative computer tools, such as a herd size indicator that allows farmers to adjust stocking rates to ensure that animals receive optimum pasture and supplementary feed levels daily while minimising overgrazing and consequential soil damage. We added an IRDcompliant financial scenario analysis to determine the specific financial requirements for each profit window and to identify the best species, breeds, animal class, stocking rates, age group and size, and calving,
lambing and drying-off dates for each farming situation. These tools simplified onfarm decisions using forecasts and tactical choices to maximise daily profit. We were able to establish key performance indicators that Peter Floyd led to a series of management changes based on optimising soil security, plant agronomy and animal husbandry practices. But during development, questions arose as to why certain farms had consistently high profits even as they reduced the levels of synthetic nitrogen applied. The advice from international agricultural researchers on why this might be so was, “Measure your soil carbon”. This recommendation was timely: a number of farmers wanted to adopt management practices that were more soil friendly. They recognised that soil health and animal health are linked and are reflected in farm productivity and profitability. Rather than rely on computer modelling we chose physical sampling to give us real data to a depth of 1m. A soil corer was built to do all onfarm sampling from September 2008. Total soil carbon and bulk density testing was done to international standards by an accredited laboratory. We employed an experienced agricultural researcher and software developer to establish onfarm information gathering systems and computer programs to develop online business procedures. As a result, the farmers involved were successful in increasing soil carbon by about 5% per year. This is huge; it would offset all the emissions from a farm many
times over. So now we have the knowledge and technology that harness the carbon cycle to sequester atmospheric CO2 into soil carbon and so achieve the Paris Agreement targets as signed to by the NZ Government. It means that NZ pastoral farmers could achieve a net zero-carbon economy and avoid the need to pay any ETS taxes or buy $14 billion of carbon units from overseas. In fact, they should earn carbon credits. There is also an opportunity reduce ero-
sion and clean up waterways without spending billions on expensive mitigation options, and to enhance drought tolerance while reducing the need for irrigation. This profit-driven approach allows NZ pastoral farmers, their families and the country to benefit from a series of climate change solutions focused on soil carbon. It needs to become mainstream, and we need leaders with vision and influence to support this better farming future. • Peter Floyd is a Cambridge-based agricultural consultant and software developer for more info: peter@ecogent.biz
ag twits Rural News’ irreverent and hypothetical look at what’s happening in the farming world Top Bleats view all @justcallmejacinda: Hi peeps it’s your friend and next PM Jacinda here. You all know what my values are and just in case you don’t, I’m setting up a working group after the election – alongside the ones we’re having on taxes, water quality and youth suicide – to let you know exactly what these are. #totallytransparent @benglishpm: I will not make this election about personality, mainly because I don’t actually possess one. All I’ve done was navigate the country through the GFC and earthquakes and bring the books back into surplus. #nostardusthere #greatwithnumbers @winstonfirstandlast: Doesn’t it make you feel good that the decision on who will be the next government in NZ will not be made by the voters, but by an ego-fuelled, septic septuagenarian out to extract the premier baubles of office for himself. #gottolovemmp @gmorgantop: It’ths an abtholute dithgrace that my party wathz not given the chancth to partithipate in the minor party TV debate. Thatz about athz crathzy athz thome dipthitck wanting to kill everyonethz pet puthzy. #fairthuckofthethav @jshawgreens: Hello? Is there anyone out there? Love NZ? Not so great together? Climate change? Child poverty? Benefit fraud? Hello? Hello? Please answer, please. #thanksfornothingmetiria @kmilnefeds: Fed Farmers is looking forward to working with the next government whoever it is – as long it is not Labour, the Greens, NZ First or TOP. #apoliticallypolitical @nhyslopinz: Irrigation NZ is looking forward to working with the next government whoever it is – as long as it is not Labour, the Greens, NZ First or TOP. #godhelpus
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
32 OPINION
Facts, not fiction, in water narrative DEREK CROMBIE
GREENPEACE RECENTLY called on Cantabrians to take part in a peaceful demonstration against ‘big irrigation’. Earlier in August the lobby targeted a Central Plains Water worksite in a protest against ‘big irrigation’. Unfortunately, many facts they were espousing were incorrect or coloured. A study by Irrigation NZ shows no correlation between areas of high irrigation development and regions with poor water quality. In fact, here on our doorstep, Environment Canterbury has already identified that the restoration of Te Waihora cannot be achieved without the CPW scheme and its ability to protect the aquifers. Concern about our waterways is high and to say that irrigation and/or Central Plains Water is responsible for the condition of the Selwyn River or Te Waihora is wrong. CPW has been operating for only two years. The Te Waihora issues have been known for decades. Key to the establishment of CPW is our desire to protect and enhance Canterbury’s water quality. We want to be recognised environmentally as a world
A study by Irrigation NZ shows no correlation between areas of high irrigation development and regions with poor water quality.
leader and we will do this, over time, by protecting and enhancing the surrounding waterways. If we fail in this aspect the scheme has no future. Just like farmers, we are caretakers protecting the quality of our land. How will we do this? There are two key ways. 1) Protecting the aquifers. By taking water from the Rakaia River in a controlled way, we are protecting the aquifers so that farmers no longer need to rely on groundwa-
ter wells and artesian supplies. Stage 1 has already completed its second successful irrigation season and is showing exciting benefits such as existing groundwater irrigators only abstracting 25% of their groundwater allocation during the 2015-16-17 season, leaving 60 million m3 of water in the aquifers. Year-on-year, these quantities of water flowing through the aquifers will have a huge positive impact on Te Waihora and the surrounding waterways.
An indicator of our ambition to be a guardian of the environment is that we have recently agreed with ECan to provide a discharge of 3.5 cumecs (45m m3) per year of water into the Selwyn to replenish the flows. The claim that irrigation is all for dairy conversions is not correct. Yes, some farms will convert, but they will have to manage within acceptable nutrient levels, as already mentioned. Many farmers do not want to go dairy farming and some soils are not suitable, so cropping, sheep, beef and deer will continue to be a major land use. In our Stage 2 area, indications are that only 15% of the area will convert to dairy and the remainder will continue to be top quality cropping land. 2) Controlling and reducing use of nutrients. Nutrient levels on farms inside the CPW scheme are monitored and audited yearly and with every farm having its own management plan, the reduction in nutrient application is a key environmental pillar on which the scheme is built. In the long term, even with the completion of Stage 2, our nutrient discharge levels will be lower in
2022 than they are today because of the advancement of new management practices and consent requirements. As part of this environmental focus, we have established at least 50 monitoring points downstream of the scheme, and have established an environmental management fund of about $160,000 per year as well as the Te Waihora Enhancement Fund ($160,000/year). We also work with the Selwyn Waihora Water Zone committee, which is implementing the Canterbury Water Management Strategy in the area. Today’s water issues are the result of problems that have developed over several decades. However, with today’s greater knowledge and understanding of environmental issues, the creation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, the introduction of the Land and Water Regional Plan and the effort and desire of companies like CPW, more constructive steps are being taken to address and remedy our water issues. • Derek Crombie is chief executive of Central Plains Water Ltd. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
OPINION 33
The unpredictable world of elections, weather and rural contracting On a more billion-dollar agricultural economy. WET, WET, wet: that’s the positive note, it So it is important we ensure message I’m getting from was pleasing to agrichemicals are used responsibly contractors all around the see that RCNZ and don’t threaten the all-important country. recently donated bee population. It appears the south of This campaign is being run during at least $36,000 the country has had the raised from the September, not only to coincide with pick of the farming weather charity auction Bee Aware Month, but also with the recently, but the rest of NZ held at our annual peak sale time for agrichemicals. The – especially the North Island conference in campaign will highlight simple rules – has been inundated with for responsibly using the products. rain, making it difficult for contrac- Queenstown in June. Just over $18,000 was given to The campaign focuses on agrichemitors to even get on paddocks and get the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust, cal manufacturers making clear label key work done. However, we all know that while headquartered in Queenstown and statements on safety precautions for most of the country is currently covering the wider southwestern their products, including how to prodrenched, in six months it could be region of the South Island. This will tect bees. Meanwhile, it also emphasises go towards essential equipment for a very different story. the importance of adeSpeaking of unpredictquate training for people ability, the election is just As rural people, we believe in applying agrichemicals, around the corner and putting a little back into our as the correct application it looks to be on a knifeedge. Whatever the out- communities. is as important as using come, Rural Contractors the correct agrichemical. NZ will be looking to work con- the southern helicopter rescue ser- Of course, the best way to guaranstructively with the newly elected vice. We also donated just over tee this happens is for farmers and government on the issues important $18,000 to St John in the southern others to engage only registered to us: immigration, attracting young region. chemical applicators for spraying to The sum raised by this year’s ensure the safety of bees and people. people to work in our sector, transport issues and workplace safety reg- charity auction was among the largFinally, as we head into the busy est in recent memory. RCNZ’s pre- season, it is timely for all of us workulations, to name a few. Like many of us in the rural vious high was about $25,000, so we ing in rural contracting to do our jobs sector, I am concerned about the way were pleased to be able to split the safely. The rural contracting environsome political parties seem to be tar- proceeds between two beneficiaries ment can be challenging, especially geting farming, so further expanding for the first time. given the long and irregular hours As rural people, we believe in at certain times, so it’s important to the rural/urban divide. It seems crazy to me that any government would putting a little back into our com- take regular breaks and rests. Welllook to stifle the productivity of the munities. In St John and the rescue rested employees, contractors and primary sector when it is the coun- helicopter service, we recognise two others help make the work environtry’s key income earner. How can we organisations that give vital service ment safe. expect better education, health and to our rural communities. Safe workplace practices are an Meanwhile, this month RCNZ has essential part of doing business and community outcomes for New Zeateamed up with Agcarm and NZ Avi- are as important to the success of landers if we cannot pay for them? I hope that once the dust settles ation in Agriculture Aerial to protect rural contracting as is having the after the election campaign, who- bees from unintended exposure to right gear to do the work. ever is in government will get down agrichemicals. • Wellsford-based agricultural We all know bees are extremely contractor Steve Levet is the president to working for the benefit of all NZ, including the farming and wider good pollinators of crops and con- of the Rural Contractors New Zealand tribute substantially to NZ’s multi- (RCNZ). rural sector.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
34 MANAGEMENT
Methane inhibitors starting to take shape A TOOL that could reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture is heading steadily towards commercialisation. NZ has assured the world it will reduce its
greenhouse gas emissions to agreed levels. The two problem gases for NZ are methane and nitrous oxide. Methane inhibitors have the potential to reduce methane produc-
tion by about 30%, so their widespread use by farmers would help reach the targets. However, with NZ livestock eating grass 90% of the time, there are challenges to realising
this potential, including how the inhibitor would be given to animals and ensuring the economics stack up. To help clarify the subject of farm greenhouse gas emissions, the
farmer-supported Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGgRc) and NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC) have developed a series of fact
sheets. The most recent focuses on methane inhibitors. How is methane produced? An animal’s rumen is essentially a fermentation vat containing microbes that play a role in fermentation. One of those microbes is methanogen, but methanogens are not essential to the animal, in fact, they are opportunists. They use hydrogen gas, a by-product of fermentation, and combine it with carbon dioxide to produce methane and water. The methane is then released into the atmosphere when the animal belches. How does a methane inhibitor work? Scientists have identified chemical compounds that prevent the methanogens from working, shutting down the process of methane production. A Swiss company has developed an inhibi-
A good start goes a long way.
tor that works in a feedlot system, where it can be mixed with feed and consumed continuously. However, this isn’t practical in NZ’s pasture-based system. A practical delivery mechanism is therefore one of the challenges. Options such as bolus capsules are being investigated. How long until farmers can buy inhibitors? Conversations with potential commercial partners are underway. However, testing to rule out any impact on animals’ health, welfare and productivity needs to be done, so does ensuring there are no residue or food safety concerns. All going to plan, commercial release is expected sometime after 2023 and the technology should be applicable internationally. http://www.pggrc.co.nz
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
36 MANAGEMENT
Environmental and economic benefits from soil testing ADOPTING THE Ravensdown whole-farm soil testing (WFST) programme may enable farmers to make smarter nutrient input choices, says Dan Copland, a senior agri manager at
the fertiliser co-op. He says evidence suggests WFST has the potential to increase farming systems’ productivity and decrease the impact on the environment.
“WFST is among the most cost-effective nutrient management strategies a farmer can adopt,” Copland says. “It assesses the current soil fertility on every paddock on a farm, gathering
much more information than many other soil testing strategies. This allows us to create customised nutrient input plans.” Customised nutrient plans allow farmers to apply the correct nutri-
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land explains. He says farmers using the soil testing programme can optimise soil pH levels in every paddock through recommended rates of ag-lime, varying from several tonnes/ ha of capital lime through to maintenance lime or none depending on paddock pH. Additionally, potassium (K) fertiliser rates can be adjusted from zero to above maintenance rates of K depending on current soil K status, including soil K reserves. “WFST can be tailored to meet a farm’s specific soil fertility, environmental and budget requirements, ensuring farmers are getting the best return on their investment,” Copland says.
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FONTERRA’S PUSH for more winter milk is paying off. Milk collected during the first two months of the 2017-18 season -- June and July – reached 29 million kgMS, 10% ahead of the same period last season. In July, the co-op collected 17m kgMS -- 5% up on the same month last season. “Although collections through early July were higher, they have now eased as incentives to boost winter production finish,” says Fonterra in its August Global Dairy Update. Daily collections are now in line with last season. This year, Fonterra had a new 60-day contract tailor-made for winter milkers: farmers were paid a premium if they decided to calve in autumn and supply milk during the winter. Fonterra’s expansion of its mozzarella plant at Clandeboye and the UHT cream plant in Waikato are raising demand for milk in winter. The usual milking season goes from about October to May. In July, North Island milk collection reached 16m kgMS -- 5% higher than July last year; South Island collection was up 16% to 2m kgMS. Fonterra says onfarm conditions remain challenging for farmers. “Spring calving is now underway and farmers will be hoping for drier weather as the season progresses.” A few farms were flooded in the central and lower South Island during heavy rain in late July. While New Zealand farmers lifted milk production in June and July, EU production in May was flat compared to the same month last year. US production in June increased 2% on the same month last year. Monthly volumes have increased by about 2% for each of the past 12 months. – Sudesh Kissun
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
MANAGEMENT 37
Laid back and loving it MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
THE IRWIN family -- Geoff, Lee and son Steve -- milk 330 cows on 83ha at Kiwitahi, near Morrinsville, in what Geoff describes as “a relaxed farming system”. A grass regime had served them well for many years: the Irwins achieved annual production typically of 85,000kgMS, rising to 110,000kgMS with careful use of PKE. But wanting more production, and wanting to keep the cows in tip-top condition, the family in 2014 embarked on a major change in the way they worked, in part prompted by pressure on pastures in wet seasons and the layout of the farm that saw cows having to walk 1.8km to the furthest paddocks. They decided to build two herd homes for 320 cows – 53 x 12m, each with slatted floors and underground tanks to hold effluent, a central feed area with troughs and a move to TMR feeding. The all-up cost was about $1 million. It looks to have been a shrewd move: 2016-17 production was 175,000kgMS and the current season target is 185,000kgMS. Says Irwin, “If we had stayed with a grass-based system, we would have needed more land for more cows to hit the numbers. [Buying] 66ha of adjoining land would have given our bank manager a $6m headache.” The Irwins’ ‘relaxed system’ allows the use of the herd home to keep cows off the ground in poor conditions and out of the weather during storms -regular occurrences in Waikato in the last few months, with rain gauges hitting a 40-year high. The change in the system allows effective use of the effluent on maize and grass ground. Fertiliser use is
Left to right: Annie Inglis, Steve Irwin, Geoff Irwin, Lee Irwin are the team that Geoff Irwin says help run a ‘relaxed’ farming system at Kiwitahi, near Morrinsville.
down by 70%, with only 15 tonnes of ents, the machine blends maize silage, empty out completely, removes the urea used on the farm in 2016. Nitrate straw, PKE, DDG, bread mix and water need to spread in the paddock.” Using the Pace system is also seen leaching during that time was down into a light consistent mix the cows are to offer benefits. It 35%. makes for easy ration Total mixed rations (TMR) provide the cows Wanting more production, and wanting formulation, with the help of Keenan nutriwith 11kgDM/day, prepared to keep the cows in tip-top condition, tionist Seamus Callain a Keenan MechFibre 360 nan, with the order machine with horizontal the family in 2014 embarked on a and weights of ingremixing and the company’s major change in the way they worked. dients being dislatest Pace technology. played; rations can be Irwin chose Keenan in tweaked as, say, grass supply increases the belief that it sets the benchmark eager to eat. Says Steve Irwin, “The inclusion of or cow numbers change. for this type of machine, and the comAt the end of each day, an intepany can show 30 years of quantifiable water improves palatability, allowing data. The national distributor, based in cows to take their fill in one attempt; gral Sim card transmits machine data and the machine’s ability to incor- back to a central server, which overMorrinsville, offers 24/7 service. Using a range of contracted ingredi- porate fine mineral powders, and to night produces a report of the ration
fed the previous day. Irwin and Callanan both say too much tweaking is to be avoided, because trials show the rumen of the modern dairy cow can take 90 days to adapt to major changes in diet. Has the changed to ‘relaxed dairying’ been worth it? “We say relaxed, but attention to detail is paramount, in the ingredients and the amounts we feed the cows,” Geoff Irwin says. “Compared to the allgrass system we left behind, we now spend about $130k on bought-in feeds, but we have seen milksolids rise by around 90,000kg. You do the maths.” @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
38 MANAGEMENT
Awards help farmers benchmark BENCHMARKING THEMSELVES against other farmers was a big plus in entering the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, say Wairarapa farmers Mike and Liz McCreary. Entering in the Greater Wellington region, they won the Massey University Innovation Award, WaterForce Integrated Management, Beef + Lamb NZ Livestock Award and the Farm Stewardship Award sponsored by the QEII National Trust and the NZ Farm Environment Trust. The McCrearys annually finish about 30,000 lambs and up to 1500 bulls and crop on their 618ha (540ha eff) property on the south-eastern shores of Lake Wairarapa. They bought the farm with Mike’s parents Rob and Heather in
2008. They also own and run McCreary Machinery, doing minimum tillage ground and arable work and baleage. McCreary says the feedback and comments of the awards judges, during the first and final rounds, opened their eyes to some things they were unsure of, such as technology systems and plantings. “We have an intensive farm. Our ability to back-fence efficiently and spread nutrients evenly across the whole farm has been a credit to our farm design, which was built by Tom Chisholm. Our nutrient footprint on the land is light for an intensive system.” McCreary says the judging included a lot of conversation. “It was a fairly rounded process, not tedious or something to
ABOUT THE AWARDS The Ballance Farm Environment Awards recognises and celebrates good farm practice which promotes sustainable land management. The annual awards is now run in 11 regions, following the geographic boundaries of regional councils. www.bfea.org.nz.
fear. They kept us being ourselves as we went around so we could share our farm with them. “It was a neat thing to involve our staff; involving them in the judging has given them more insight and appreciation of the environmental reasons behind what we’re doing.” The McCrearys took the whole team to the awards dinner. “It was good team building and the recognition was rewarding for them.” McCreary says they had entered a few times before, but had not fol-
lowed through. “It’s a busy time of year and we’re usually running thin on the ground. But this year we had the right headspace and the right staff and even though we were still busy at the time we made it fit.” Entering again is on the cards, he adds. McCreary says the farm had no stock water reticulation when they started but now they have only 60ha to finish. “We want to finish the stop-banks and fencing and planting around the lake edge. We’ve moved
Liz and Mike McCreary.
60,000 tonnes of dirt out there. We’ll split off the lake edge and take our stock out of the waterways and I think we’ll have another shot [at the awards]. “We understand the process better now and will present our business to the judges better next time. Financially we were under the pump and we’re getting on top of that as well. In three years we’ll be in a totally
different space.” Greater Wellington Regional Council, a supporter of the awards programme, plays a big part in the success of their business, McCreary says. “We all have to be aware of the environment and our effect on it. Our council is doing a great job to help, particularly Richard Parkes and Tony Faulknor and their crews. We’ve planted 29,000 trees and fenced water-
ways and never could have done it by ourselves. They help with releasing and planting and organising everything. They’re breaking down the barriers between council and farming.” McCreary also recognised the work they do with Louise McCormick from Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Stephanie Sloan from PGG Wrightson in matching soil types and nutrient requirements.
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AGRESEARCH SCIENTISTS tackling a costly farm pest have tracked down and used DNA from decades-old museum collections to advance their work. Research associate Nicky Richards and her colleagues were recently confronted with a Porina (Wiseana) caterpillar found in Southland and in line with broader efforts to better understand this pasture pest they needed to establish which species of Porina they were looking at. Some species of Porina pose a much greater threat to pasture than others. Although seven Porina species are recognised, and the species can be identified by sight at the adult moth stage, it is impossible to do the same with the caterpillars as they look identical, Richards says. “We suspected the caterpillar found in Southland was from an elusive Porina species known as Wiseana (W.) fuliginea, but to confirm it we needed to analyse an adult moth of that same species. “Unfortunately, no adult W. fuliginea had been found by us in our previous 20 years of field collections. So we had to find another way. Our connections
led us to museum specimens held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection hosted by Landcare Research. There we found dried adult W. fuliginea specimens that had been identified and preserved after their deaths 33 years ago. “We took legs from these long-dead moths to generate genetic sequences, which takes more work when the DNA has broken down over time. It’s basically like putting together pieces of overlapping Lego to build what you need. “What we generated from these specimens proved identical to the sequence from the caterpillar found in Southland. In other words we had a DNA match.” This work has helped them develop a new DNA-based method to identify Porina caterpillars. “By building our understanding of this pest, we can learn how best to help farmers prevent the hundreds of millions of dollars of damage it can do to pasture on NZ farms each year. “We can now explore environmentally friendly treatments for Porina outbreaks and target the species that are the key pasture annihilators and are giving all Porina species a bad name.”
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
ANIMAL HEALTH 39
New bobby calf rules now in place FEDERATED FARMERS dairy chairman Chris Lewis believes most farmers are now compliant with new rules on handling bobby calves. He says farmers have worked for years on setting up proper bobby calf handling facilities. “The industry expects all farmers to be compliant but we know human behavior… there are always one or two who won’t be compliant,” he told Rural News. “There was a media report about some farmers choosing to shoot calves on-farm instead of putting them in a pen. Let’s hope only one or two are doing this, for whatever reasons.” From his farm at Pukeatua, south of Hamilton, Lewis sends about 500 bobby calves to the works every year. A sheltered pen, from where calves are picked up by trucks, has been in place for several years. He built the shelter after seeing them on farms in the South Island. “Initially it had no
roof, but a lot of work has gone into it over the years, and we now have trucks backing right up to the shelter and calves climbing in.” Lewis says the industry is rightly expected to humanely despatch bobby calves to the works. The Ministry of Primary Industries’ new rules on loading and unloading bobby calves took effect on August 1. Loading and unloading facilities must be provided when young calves are trucked for sale or slaughter. Calves must be able to walk onto and off vehicles unaided, and truckers must take all reasonable steps to use these facilities. Suitable shelter must be provided for young calves before, during and after trucking. Lewis says the industry has done much to get the new rules in place on farms. “Some farmers will think they’re a waste of time and stupid; with any rule change there’s always
a bit of push-back. Farmers don’t like extra costs lumped onto them. “From my perspective, the truck drivers turning up here in the last two years think [the rules are]
Bobby calves being loaded on to a truck at Chris Lewis’s Waikato dairy farm.
wonderful.” Lewis uses an old deer shed to keep bobby calves in pens; they walk up a ramp to the pick-up shelter on the day the trucks arrive.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
40 ANIMAL HEALTH
Pasture and feed issues from wet season SODDEN PASTURES could become a major feed issue for many lower North Island farmers even after the rain stops and growing conditions improve. That’s according to Manawatu agronomist Laura Akers, of Agriseeds, who says paddocks damaged by constant wet
by all the rain, the faster they will get back on track feed-wise.” Damage has been widespread and unavoidable during the wettest season many farmers have ever experienced. “In some cases it won’t be possible to fix everything straight away; the key will be to work
weather will not grow as much grass as normal during summer and autumn if they are not repaired. “The good news is that there are recovery options available,” she says. “The sooner farmers take stock of their situation and make a plan to restore paddocks affected
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out what can be repaired in the short term and what your feed needs are for the rest of the season so you can get organised and be ready to act as soon as conditions improve.” Akers says the main concern is filling the gaps left after pugging or treading damage before pastures become overrun with weeds and/or unproductive grasses like poa annua. Remaining ryegrass will not fill those gaps, because ryegrass is not a spreading plant. Repair options vary depending on how badly each paddock has been damaged so it’s important to prioritise them according to their condition. Where whole paddocks have been severely pugged, the best option is to consider full pasture renewal, either through a summer crop like 501 Chicory or in summer wet/irrigated areas, through grass to grass. On farms with several distinct areas of damage, she encourages farmers to mark all these areas on a
farm map and get a contractor to undersow them with hybrid ryegrass such as Shogun as soon as soil temperatures rise above 8oC. “Shogun has the advantage of establishing quickly at cooler temperatures because it is winter active. That and its high dry matter yield makes it valuable for undersowing in these conditions.” To fix small patches of damage, she recommends farmers oversow ryegrass and clover seed to keep weeds at bay. Soil temperatures need to be above 10oC for this to be successful. Another wet weather issue is that many farmers have not been able to graze paddocks down to correct residuals during spring, Akers adds. This would reduce pasture quality and growth if it continued. “The best thing to do now is to make a conscious effort to get on top of this in the second grazing round, to set pastures up well for the rest of the season.”
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CRV AMBREED has been meeting with its artificial insemination technicians ahead of a busy season in October. They recently met in Te Awamutu; the company has about 200 AI technicians who in an average season inseminate 500,000 straws. AI services manager Cara O’Connor says new staff have been employed for a busy season. “We’ve recruited and trained excellent new people. It’s important we have top technicians as they are integral to the success of our farmers’ businesses.” Topics covered at AI seminars nationwide include health and safety and bio-security requirements, O’Connor says. “Obviously we’re working with the Ministry for Primary Industries after the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak down south, and we’re playing our part in bringing extra bio-security aspects to our work. Our technicians move between farms so they’ll have extra hygiene practices this season.” The company is reminding farmers to get ready for the technicians arriving onfarm. Farmers need to provide clean and safe insemination areas, have herd records up to date, have on-heat cows drafted separately, and monitor the liquid nitrogen banks the frozen straws of semen are stored in. The technicians capture all relevant data on PortaBull: they record the cow number, the bull used and the date of insemination; it provides information to monitor conception rates and the technician’s performance through the return or repeat matings of animals. PortaBull can also directly transfer data to a farmer’s herd recording programme, saving time.
RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
ANIMAL HEALTH 41
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• Ear infections in calves, the first sign typically being one droopy ear, progressing to ear discharges and in some cases a head tilt. • Abortions • Swollen joints and lameness (severe arthritis/synovitis) in cattle of all ages. Advice • Contact your vet if stock show unusual levels of mastitis or abortions, or if they present with arthritis or pneumonia. • Call MPI on 0800 80 99 66 if you have concerns. • Check the MPI website. Biosecurity Measures MPI is empowered to issue various notices to control the movement of animals and people on and off farms. Two notices are now in effect: Restricted Place Notice (RPN) issued under section 130 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 • RPNs are issued to properties believed to be harbouring Mycoplasma bovis. • The RPN prohibits all unauthorised movements of stock and other risk goods onto and off the farm to minimise the likelihood of the disease spreading beyond the property. •Any movement of cattle requires a permit from MPI. • Transport vehicles are required
to follow a cleaning and disinfection process when they leave a restricted place. • AsureQuality staff ensure adherence to cleaning and disinfecting and permit protocols. • All incidents of non-compliance are followed up by MPI. Notice of Direction (NoD) issued under section 122 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 • An NoD is issued to a farm when an inspector or authorised person decides that the movement of stock and other risk goods from that farm poses a risk of spreading Mycoplasma bovis, for example, when animals from infected properties have been moved to the suspected property but testing is yet to be done or results of testing are pending. • The NoD is aimed at preventing further spread and does not restrict movement of stock or goods onto the farm. • Cattle may only be moved off the farm with a permit. • Other steps such as cleaning and disinfection of vehicles may be required. • All incidents of non-compliance are followed up by MPI. • Reprinted from the DairyNZ website
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
42 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS The new tedder range are said to be particularly suited to small, awkwardly shaped paddo ks or hilly terrain.
On-the-go mow now a cut above the rest
Claas’s tedder range knocked into shape MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
FORAGE SPECIALIST Claas will introduce three new tedders next season, aimed specifically at smallto-medium operations. The linkage-mounted Volto 65, 55 and 45 have operating widths of 6.4, 5.2 and 4.5m, respectively. The tedders are said to be particularly suited to small, awkwardly shaped paddocks or hilly terrain. The Volto 55 has rotors of 1.7m diameter, while the Volto 45 and 65 have a rotor diameter of 1.5m, and like their larger counterparts use the proven Max Spread crop flow concept. Compared to conventional tedding systems, Max Spread is said to cause the spreading arms to work much longer in the
direction of travel, so increasing crop pick-up. Tines distribute the crop evenly across the full working width, regardless of the working speed, allowing higher travel speeds and performance, and a lower engine speed helps to reduce fuel consumption. Crop is said to flow between the rotors in almost straight lines, which means the machines are gentle, allowing leafy crops such as lucerne to be tedded without leaf shatter. The three models incorporate the patented Permalink finger clutch system in the transmission drivelines, which transfer full power; these are maintenance-free and allow folding movements of up to 180 degrees for a compact transport position. A power drawbar, with adjustable
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output by up to 10% as the maximum cut is exploited on each pass. The system achieves this by constantly monitoring the tractor’s path, which in effect tells it the precise position of the front mower. This allows it to adjust the overlap of the rear units to compensate. The mower system is said to be particularly useful in curves, corners, or on sidling land where crabbing might occur. Meanwhile, if the automated adjustment cannot deal with the line of travel, the driver gets an audible warning to take corrective action. At the headland, a ‘section control’ format lifts the mowers as already worked areas are approached and, in contrast, as uncut areas are approached, units are lowered at just the right moment, allowing operators to focus on the turning manoeuvre, rather than the mowers. – Mark Daniel
sensitivity, allows smooth trailing when turning and prevents machine overrun when travelling downhill, as well as automatically centring when the power drawbar is raised, so ensuring clean and safe working on difficult, hilly terrain. The drawbar remains active during road transport and transfers the weight of the machine to the lower linkage, taking the weight off the carrier frame and fixing the machine in position. All models have a lift function via a single-acting hydraulic ram, a wire cable for transport locking, integrated holders for the PTO shaft and hydraulic hose, and flexible protective frame brackets. Options include a night swathing gearbox, a guide wheel and an edgetedding crop guard for clean field edges.
FOLDING GRASS FORKS • • • •
WITH AGRITECHNICA just around the corner, manufacturers are giving potential visitors a sneak peek at likely displays. Kverneland, known for grass harvest products, has released details of its Geomow option for its triple/butterfly mowers. The premise is maximum output from minimal operator input, by full automation of the mower via the tractor’s on-board GPS and ISOBUS systems. Making adjustments for the overlap between the front and rear mowing units, the system can also automatically raise and lower mowers on the headland. The manufacturer says triple setups are rarely used to their full capacity, as operators will err on the side of caution without matching, as they don’t want to leave uncut strips. The Geomow option is said to increase
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 43
New quad works hard, rides easy care of things proficiently. Test machines on the markd@ruralnews.co.nz day were fitted with the optional, variable rate, FOR TEN years quads electric power steering have been getting bigger system that reduces effort and piling on cubic capacand it was adept at pointity: it’s no surprise now ing the machine in the to see machines of 750, intended direction. 800 or even 1000cc. Rural News sees this is This size and power, a must-have for anyone pulling heavy loads, is planning to use this probably the domain of machine a small tractor, but that’s The company line ‘work hard, regularly. Helpanother story. ride easy’ draws on the four ing with Yamaha has rider comrecently pub‘Cs’ of the new machine – fort is a relished details of control, comfort, confidence modelled its new Kodiak seat, longer 450, which and convenience. than the replaces the Grizzly’s ageing Grizand narrower in the nose; tle position and takes the zly 450. Several design machine quickly to its top it helps promote active changes are intended to riding with smooth body speed of 80km/h. Rubtarget the agricultural movement. ber-mounting absorbs market that makes up Likewise the wider vibrations and promotes 70% of purchasers. track allows longer and comfort over a long day, The company line wider footwells, a real while the well-known ‘work hard, ride easy’ plus for riders living in Ultramatic CVT drive draws on the four ‘Cs’ of gumboots during a typical system benefits from allthe new machine – conNZ winter. wheel downhill braking, trol, comfort, confidence Controls fall easily to which inspired excepand convenience. hand, with a redesigned tional confidence in Described as an entrythumb throttle control tricky sections during the level machine, but still said to reduce fatigue, test ride, particularly in extremely capable, it a gear selection lever proved its mettle in tough the low-range mode. pushed forwards and Safe stopping is a pretrails around the Cotton requisite for an ATV and Hill region southwest of upwards on the left-hand the Kodiak doesn’t disthe city. fender and out of the way appoint there, with twin Structural changes of the rider’s knees, and discs up front and a to the Grizzly chassis a 2WD/4WD push button maintenance-free, inteinclude more space for system available on the gral disc brake pack ahead fly. the fitment of a new EFI of the final drive taking engine, but more imporOther standard equipMARK DANIEL
tantly include longer seat rails to allow more comfort for the operator. Stability is improved by increasing the wheelbase and an increased track width, while longer gas shocks soak up the rough stuff. The 421cc fuel injected engine delivers power smoothly from any throt-
ment includes a fulllength bash plate with access to all drain points, 12V power supply to power phones or pumps, and pre-wiring for owners looking to fit a winch front and rear; racks offer 40kg and 80kg capacities respectively. This combines with a towing capacity rated at 600kg to make the Kodiak a very useful machine. Indeed, those four ‘Cs’ can probably be pushed out to a stellar six with the addition of ‘capable’ and ‘classic’. We eagerly await our extended test on NZ soil.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
44 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
High-tech and high-spec MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
MATT WALKER, of Barrhill Dairy Ltd in MidCanterbury, runs a mixed operation that focuses on 2200 cows milked through two dairies, producing 1.3 million kgMS per annum. The business leases properties for rearing young stock and overwintering cows, finishes about a 1000 beef-cattle and has a cropping regime that includes 100ha of fodder beet, 50ha of maize and 60ha of barley. Choosing to keep all the work in-house, when
the time came to change tractor Walker was looking for a high power, multi-tasking machine. It also had to handle a fullymounted 6-furrow reversible plough, pull a 6m disc cultivator used with a 6.5m roller drill, yet be mobile enough to handle a triple mower combination. Having settled on one of the first Deutz Fahr 9340 TTVs to arrive in New Zealand, Walker, who admits to being a fan of “high tech, high spec” is already singing the praises of the new arrival. “Although we are getting an extra 60hp over the tractor the 9340
replaced, we’re using no more fuel.” He also says the tractor is simple to operate, particularly the headland management system, when headland sequencing comes up for mention. “You can either use it in full auto mode where actions can be prompted by distance or time, or you can interrupt the sequence at any time,” Walker explains. “This is useful on awkward shaped headlands, or when you just make a mess of a turn this helps save a lot of time.” With its looks the Deutz Fahr 9340 turns
Matt Walker was looking for a high-power, multi-tasking machine, which – among other things – also had to handle a fully-mounted, 6-furrow reversible plough.
heads: its styling is by the Italian design firm Giugiaro. The tractor weighs 12 tonnes and has maximum output of 340hp. Power comes from a 6-cylinder
twin-turbocharged 7.8L TTCD 7.8 L06 engine with maximum torque of over 1000Nm seen at 1600 -1200rpm. At least 90% is still available at engine speeds as low as
1000rpm. The ZF-sourced, heavy duty TTV unit offers four mechanical ranges, up to 80% mechanical drive at field speeds of 7 - 15km/h and nearly 90% mechan-
POWERING ON INTO THE FUTURE THE NAME Maber Motors is synonymous with the supply of tractors and machinery in the dairy heartlands of Waikato. Founded in 1946 by Laurie Maber, the business spawned the Australasian Power Farming Group, said to be the largest privately owned business of its type in the southern hemisphere. Now the company is about to start a major expansion, starting with a name change to Power Farming Morrinsville. This also coincides with the arrival of a new dealer principal -- Richard Clarke, of the famous Clarke rugby dynasty -- and
a plan to redevelop its site at the start of 2018. “The rebranding to Power Farming Morrinsville will build on the Maber Motors legacy, by taking the business forward under the Power Farming Group umbrella,” Clarke says. “This will create efficiencies derived from synergies already being delivered nationwide. “The redevelopment of the site, with the addition of a new modern building, will be a symbol of the changing needs of agriculture and help us deliver levels of service that will exceed all expectations.”
Richard Clarke (left) and Geoff Maber at Power Farming’s Morrinsville base.
ical content at typical roading speeds. Up front, a suspended axle gives comfort and manoeuvrability, with a novel frame design that swings freely by +/- 45mm and offers a 50-degree steering angle. Integrated into the front axle, an external dry disc braking system provides serious stopping power. This includes anti-dive and anti-rise technology and is complemented by an electronic park brake system. The 3-pt linkage can lift 12,000kg and works with a 5000kg capacity front linkage; hydraulic oil flow is up to 210L/ min through up to eight remote valves.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 45
Pottinger delivers the numbers MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
ALTHOUGH CONDITIONS in the agricultural machinery sector continue to be difficult, the family-owned Austrian firm of Pöttinger was still able to increase sales by 2% to Eur 308 million in the 2016-17 financial year. The company puts this down to an innovative product range and steady expansion of its international activities. With 58% of sales, grassland is the most important sales sector, followed by tillage and seed drill technology delivering about 27%. Grassland and spare parts increased 5% over the previous year; tillage and seed drills recorded a
Heinz Pottinger says despite tough trading conditions his company managed to increase sales by 2% to €308 million in the 2016-17 financial year
slight fall due to difficult global grain pricing. The top five countries where company’s machinery sales increased in monetary values were Ukraine, Britain, Sweden, Australia and the Czech Republic. Pottinger says Sweden,
Belarus, Denmark, Ukraine and Australia all recorded above average increases in market shares. Export markets remain central to Pöttinger’s success, these sales accounting for 88% of annual production and
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earning Eur 270 million. About 60% of these sales are made in Germany, France, Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Ukraine. The company has spent “vast sums” on its facilities in recent years, upgrading the seed drill plant in Bernburg, the machinery plant in Vodnany and building new offices at its headquarters. Prompt supply of spare parts is central to the success of the business, hence its €14m new logistics centre for spare parts in Taufkirchen. The centre carries 50,000 spare and wear parts, every day processes up to 800 customer orders and ships 3.5m items worldwide every year.
CLAAS HAS introduced a new terminal said to seamlessly combine the three operator-assistance systems found in the Lexion 700/600 combine harvesters into a single, easy-to-use touchscreen. Available for 2018 delivery machines, the Cebis Mobile allows the operator to control the maker’s Cruise Pilot, Cemos Dialog and Cemos Automatic using a standardised interface. The 300mm high-resolution colour touchscreen has a silhouette of the combine harvester that continuously displays the settings for all the main functions, such as rotor and fan speed, grain moisture and grain tank fill level. The screen also shows images from the grain quality camera, enabling the operator to monitor crop quality and from where data is fed into the Cemos auto cleaning system to optimise grain cleanliness. The lower area of the screen displays the harvester’s dashboard and Cruise Pilot status, including forward speed, throughput and engine load. The Cemos Dialog function permanently monitors all machine functions and processes, and alerts the driver if
The Cebis Mobile allows the operator to control Lexion 700/600 combine harvesters with a single, easy-to-use touchscreen.
the machine’s potential is not being used to the full. In this case a message appears on the screen suggesting optimum settings; these can be accepted or rejected by touching the screen. Alternatively, the operator can engage Cemos Automatic, which continuously monitors key functions such as auto separation, auto cleaning and auto slope and then adjusts the machine settings to optimise performance according to the operating conditions.
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
46 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER
Is it time for a change? THE SUBJECT of quad safety is never far from the news media, but recent recommendations by Wellington coroner Brigitte Windley following the death of a 56-year-old Otago worker in 2014 do nothing to advance a solution. Applauding the work of WorkSafe and ACC, and support from industry organisations, Windley said 14 deaths in 2016 and several in 2017 indicate a need for “further work”. She urged the Government to consider mandating roll-over protection structures (ROPS) for quads, a rebate or subsidy for rider training, the fitment of ROPS devices or the use of alternative vehicles. She also drew attention to a study by the Transport and Road Safety (TARS) organisation at the University of NSW, Sydney, looking at the efficacy of two operator protection devices (OPD). The quad industry consensus was that they were likely to cause as many injuries as they prevent, suggesting a need for a much wider study to achieve worthwhile results. TARS said the same about the use of safety helmets, which is puzzling considering their use by motorcyclists. Hobart, Tasmania, coroner Simon Cooper said the wearing of a suitable helmet should be the most important safety message. He cited industry research that showed 30% of Australian quad fatalities could have been avoided if riders had been wearing helmets. Cooper also said the Australian Government should mandate formal rider training for all, a message already promoted by quad and side-by-side
vehicle manufacturers. And he recommended banning riders aged less than 16 from riding full-size machines; these riders are in 20% of all Australian quad deaths. Cooper asked for a star-rating system designed to help wouldbe quad buyers select the correct machine for their task. And of OPDs the coroner said it was impossible to recommend their fitment to quads, as urged by the proponents of such devices. Industry experts suggest OPDs alter the centre of gravity of a quad
Because quads look easy to use, overconfidence comes quickly and can get novice riders into situations they are not prepared for and quickly lead to accidents.
5-Point safety check ❱❱ Select the right vehicle - task, rider, load and terrain ❱❱ Protect yourself - physically fit and able to ride actively, protective gear, no alcohol ❱❱ Get trained - understand the vehicle and controls, develop safe strategies for riding ❱❱ Safe riders and loads - no children on adult quads, no passengers, never overload on difficult areas or terrain ❱❱ Manufacturers recommendations vehicle, warning labels, maintain and service regularly.
and can restrict active riding, which is an inherent part of their operation and control. Problem: quads look easy to use -- select drive, hit the throttle and off you go. Confidence, indeed over-confidence, comes quickly with this and it
can get novice riders into situations they are not prepared for and can quickly lead to accidents. There must be a case for formal training on these vehicles, to cover all aspects of operation with a focus on changing terrain, plus its effects on traction, balance and safety, plus
an action plan to followed if things go pear-shaped. Unfortunately, the fitment of a ROPS or OPD device resembles a Band-Aid on a severed artery, and until we see a substantial change in attitude towards operating these machines the carnage will continue.
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Surely helmets and sensible clothing at all times should be the norm – much like reaching for the seatbelt when getting into a car. Helmets and no riders younger than 16 on full-size machines could prevent 50% of all quad-derived deaths. Is it really too much to ask?
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RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
RURAL TRADER 47
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